South Africa: Government withdraws support from Miss SA pageant

Government has withdrawn its support and that of South Africa for the Miss South Africa pageant after unsuccessful consultations on persuading the pageant to reconsider its decision to partake in the Miss Universe event scheduled to be held in Israel.

In a statement on Sunday, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, said while he appreciates the likely impact on the individual interest of the current Miss South Africa, he strongly believes that the reasons that require her withdrawal from Miss Universe far outweigh individual interests.

If anything, by withdrawing, Miss South Africas reputation and overall standing will be far more advanced in South Africa and internationally in comparison to a once-off event that can prove disastrous to her future and public standing as a young, black woman, the Minister said.

Government withdrew its support after consultations with the Miss South Africa pageant organisers failed.

What appeared like engaging, constructive and progressive discussions during initial consultations was later met with an unpleasant demeanour that is intransigent and lacking appreciation of the potential negative impact of such a decision on the reputation and future of a young black woman.

The atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians are well documented and government, as the legitimate representative of the people of South Africa, cannot in good conscience associate itself with such, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said.

Mthethwa said governments first preference was to try to find common ground with the pageant organisers, and to issue a joint media statement.

This has regrettably been unsuccessful, hence the decision now to publicly distance government and the people of South Africa from Miss SA pageant organisers stance on this matter.

But even so, we still hope some common sense will prevail in the interest of the reigning queen, Lalela Mswane, and we remain open for discussions in that regard, the Minister said. SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-11-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Households urged to apply for free set-top boxes

The South African Post Office (SAPO) has reiterated its call for qualifying households to apply for free set-top boxes as the country prepares to migrate to digital broadcasting by 31 March 2022.

In a statement on Monday the Post Office said almost 60 000 households applied for a government subsidised television decoder in October 2021.

Households that missed the registration deadline of 31 October may receive their decoder only after 31 March 2022. Households that applied earlier should receive their decoder before 31 March next year, when the old analogue television transmission will be switched off in all provinces. After that all television transmissions will be digital, and television sets will need a decoder to work, SAPO said.

Last months provincial statistics show that the Eastern Cape is in the lead with 10 261 registrations, followed by the Northwest with 8 452 households registered, KwaZulu-Natal at 7 783, the Western Cape 7 561, Gauteng 6 994, Limpopo 6 867 and Mpumalanga 6 375.

The switch to digital television transmissions is almost complete in the Free State, where 3 309 households registered and in the Northern Cape, where the conversion is practically complete, 1 300 households registered. Qualifying households are still welcome to apply at their local Post Office.

Visit your local Post Office with your identity document, proof of address and proof that you earn R3500 per month or less. If you do not have proof of income or address, your post office will help you to complete an affidavit to confirm your address and income, said the SAPO.SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Eskom, police, community join hands to fight crime

At least eight people have been arrested in relation to theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Gauteng over the past two months.

That is according to state power utility Eskom.

The entity said the arrests are the fruits of a collaborative effort between itself and the South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the community.

The arrests follow Eskoms efforts to address the increasing incidents of illegal electricity-related activities in the province. Sadly, two suspects lost their lives due to electrocution as they tampered with the electricity equipment in separate incidents, the utility said in a statement.

Eskom said acts such as the theft of cables and vandalism of equipment hampers its ability to deliver on services.

Copper [cable] theft costs the economy between R5 and R7 billion a year, and Eskom spends about R2 billion a year replacing stolen cables. Eskom in Gauteng continues to heighten security in hot spot areas across its areas of supply as cable theft often leads to prolonged power outages and compromises the quality of supply, which affects businesses, essential services, as well as the day-to-day lives of society.

Such acts of criminality result in loss of revenue for Eskom, are unsustainable for the economy and endanger the lives of innocent people, including those of perpetrators, the utility said.

Eskom said the prevalent types of electricity-related criminal acts are:

Fraud;

Stealing of electricity;

Theft and vandalism of equipment;

Unpaid bills and buying electricity from ghost vendors;

Stealing electricity for personal use or third party consumption; and

Conducting illegal connections and/or using electricity in an unregistered meter.

Eskom Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Security Manager Kith Maitisa said the utility is working towards finding solutions to keep the utilitys infrastructure safe.

We are investigating and implementing alternative measures that will assist us to prevent the theft and vandalism of our equipment. We also would like to thank communities that report such acts to Eskom and to the SAPS. With the collaboration with the law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that these criminals are arrested and brought to book.

Report criminal activities such as illegal connections, theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure to law authorities or contact the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722.  SAnews.gov.za

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RTHK: US journalist freed days after sentenced in Myanmar

A US journalist imprisoned in Myanmar since May has been released and deported from the country days after being sentenced to 11 years in jail.

Danny Fenster was being taken to the capital Naypyidaw from Yangon where he was jailed and would be deported, a government source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He had been working at local outlet Frontier Myanmar for around a year and was arrested as he headed home to see his family in May.

"We can confirm that he has been released and will be deported. Detail will be released later," junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said.

An official source at Naypyidaw airport, requesting anonymity, confirmed that Fenster had departed but did not reveal the flight's destination.

Fenster, who spent 176 days in detention, was sentenced to 11 years in prison last week for encouraging dissent against the military, unlawful association and breaching immigration law.

The 37-year-old was due to go on trial on Tuesday on charges of terrorism and sedition, which could have seen him jailed for life.

"It's wonderful news for all of his friends and family," his colleague at Frontier Myanmar Andrew Nachemson told AFP.

"But of course he never should have spent six months in jail... and all the local journalists who remain imprisoned should also be released immediately."

Former US ambassador to the UN Bill Richardson said in a statement that Fenster had been handed over to him in Myanmar and would return to the US via Qatar over the next day and a half.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson said in a statement emailed from his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Richardson said he negotiated Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face meetings with General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler. (AP & AFP)

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Hong Kong: HK sees 6 more COVID-19 cases

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating six additional imported COVID-19 cases, five of them coming from high-risk places while the remaining one arrived from a medium-risk place.

Four of the cases involve the L452R mutant strain, one linked to the N501Y mutant strain and the remaining case's mutation test result is pending.

The case linked to N501Y involves a 36-year-old man living at Block 5, Rambler Crest in Tsing Yi.

The patient tested negative in Hong Kong on October 22 and travelled to South Africa on the next day. He returned to Hong Kong on November 11 by flight QR818. His specimen collected upon arrival at the airport tested negative for COVID-19.

His sample tested positive during quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel and carries the N501Y mutant strain.

The place where the patient resided in Hong Kong during the incubation period has been included in a compulsory testing notice.

Separately, the centre continues to follow up on the three imported cases involving local cargo crew who carry the L452R mutant strain.

Cases 12376 and 12378 arrived in Hong Kong from Germany on November 6 and their samples collected on November 8 tested positive while case 12387 arrived in Hong Kong from Germany on November 7 and his sample collected on November 12 tested positive.

The centre discovered from its epidemiological investigations and contact tracing that cases 12376 and 12378 both arrived in Frankfurt in Germany on November 1 and checked into the same hotel, Hyatt Regency Mainz, as arranged by their company Cathay Pacific Airways.

Both of them said that they did not leave their rooms during their stay in the hotel and did not participate in any gatherings.

Case 12387 arrived in Frankfurt on November 3 and also stayed in that hotel and he said that he did not leave his room during his stay in the hotel and did not have contact with cases 12376 and 12378.

Epidemiological investigations revealed that the three patients might have acquired the infection during their stay in that hotel and that a cluster outbreak may have occurred.

The centre informed the health authority of Germany to follow up on the situation. It also informed Cathay Pacific of the preliminary investigation findings.

The centre arranged compulsory quarantine in a quarantine centre for all crew members of the airline who had stayed in that hotel in Germany on or after November 1. Other inbound travellers arriving in Hong Kong who had stayed in that hotel on or after November 1 will also be arranged for compulsory quarantine in a quarantine centre.

All these people have to undergo the quarantine until the 21st day since the day they left the hotel.

The centre reminded specified people in relation to Harbour Pinnacle in Tsim Sha Tsui as well as Tower 1, 2 and 3, Hampton Place in Tai Kok Tsui to undergo testing tomorrow in accordance with the compulsory testing notice.

A total of 35 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days, all of which are imported.

For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage.

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South Africa: Gauteng water shutdown, a result of planned maintenance work

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says the three-day (54-hour) water shutdown in Gauteng is a result of planned maintenance work on the pipelines.

Mchunu assured Gauteng residents that during the shutdown, there will be water supply.

Last week, Rand Water announced that it had notified affected municipalities of the planned maintenance of B11 and B19 pipelines to allow them to execute their appropriate contingency plans during the maintenance period and ensure continued supply, though reduced.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Mchunu said the maintenance will affect a number of municipalities resulting in a low supply of water.

The term shutdown was not in the literal sense, but was rather a technical term used in the industry  and did not mean that there will be no water coming out of the taps, Mchunu said.

In addition to the planned maintenance work by Rand Water, there are a number of other areas in the country which have been, and are currently experiencing water shortages in the form of intermittent supply or areas where projects are underway with little to no progress.

The eThekwini Metro water situation in Durban is fairly stable, except for some areas that are known to experience intermittent supply. Supply interruptions in these areas are mainly due to demand exceeding supply as is the case throughout the country.

Overall, eThekwini Metro has a challenge of aging infrastructure. This is resulting in frequent failures in some areas, Mchunu said.

Mchunu commended Umgeni and eThekwini Metro on their efforts in ensuring the maintenance of infrastructure and pledged support to them.

Mchunu also mentioned Ggeberha in the Eastern Cape as one of the provinces experiencing water problems.

We have been informed of the challenges in Gqeberha, as a result of the decreasing dam levels caused by an increase in demand. In order to address this, we need to realise the completion of the Nooitgedacht Water Scheme which we are attending to, Mchunu said.

Mchunu said in order to avert Day Zero and work towards water security in the area and country as a whole, compliance to water restrictions needs to be emphasised and adhered to.

In the meantime, the affected areas in the western side of the metro will be supported by tanks and tankers as there will be a reduced water supply of about 25% as and when needed.

We are working tirelessly to ensure that we deliver quality water and sanitation services to all the citizens of the country and this will require the concerted efforts of government, the private sector, civil organisations and citizens, Mchunu said.

The Minister also called on citizens to use water sparingly.

The water that we have now is less but that does not mean there is a water crisis, Mchunu said.

Rand Water's three-day shutdown came into effect this morning.

The water utility said it is doing maintenance on pipes supplying the Vereeniging purification plant.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Auditors urged to act in the best interest of the public

Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke has called on auditors and accounting professionals to monitor public finance in order to ensure that wasteful expenditure that does not benefit the public is highlighted.

I believe we ought to build that data and we need to start by restoring trust in our country. We, therefore, need to act in the public interest and we need not abandon our golden goal of living up to that noble aspiration. We need to live up to the expectation that society has on us, Maluleke said on Monday.

Addressing auditors and accounting professionals at the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) virtual conference, she said she strongly believes that the auditing and accounting professionals have to be key role players in ensuring the effective and efficient use of public funds.

We need to be central to the journey of building the capability of the State and need to ensure that public institutions systematically build strong systems that consistently build their ability to deliver on their mandate, Maluleke said.

She said the world is looking at the auditing and accounting professionals to improve accounting mechanisms in government.

In fact, to better enable accountability, Auditor General South Africa (AGSA) was granted the highest powers through the amendment of the Public Audit Act in 2019. Many people expect this to translate into stronger accountability for transgressions and misuse of public funds, and I think this is a reasonable expectation, Maluleke said.

SAIGAs virtual conference, which is currently underway in Centurion, north of Johannesburg, is taking place under the theme, Citizens Come First. It will conclude on 17 November.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: SIU dismisses reports of Diko report

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has denied a report that it has sent a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly informing him about allegations that former Presidential spokesperson Khusela Diko received at least R1 million from controversial communications company Digital Vibes.

This is allegedly related to the R150 million COVID-19 and National Health Insurance communications tender that the company received which the SIU found to have been allegedly fraudulently and irregularly awarded.

TheSIU noted the publication/tweetregarding the ongoing SIU investigation into the allegations of procurement irregularities relating to Digital Vibes and in particular to the allegations relating to...Diko.

The SIU would like to put it on record that we have not sent any letter or report to the Presidents office, in relation to this matter, as alleged in the report. The reportis misleading the public as the investigation on this matter is ongoing and the SIU will submit the report to the President once the investigation is concluded, the corruption busting unit said.

Since the uncovering of the alleged tender corruption related to the Digital Vibes contracts, several high ranking government officials  including former Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize  have either left the public service, been suspended or are under investigation by the departments they serve.

Transnet, SIU tender review application

Meanwhile, the review application involving the SIU and controversial locomotive supplier CRRC E-Loco Supply has been postponed in the Special Tribunal.

The application seeks a review of Transnets R25 billion tender contracts with CRRC E-Loco Supply to provide the rail service with locomotives between 2011 and 2014.

The firm was paid at least R4.2 billion through three contracts which are alleged to have been improperly won by CRRC E-Loco through the payment of kickbacks.

The date was initially set for Fridayhowever there were further Supplementary Affidavits which, in terms of Special Tribunal Rules, require that there be sufficient time to allow for the filing of pleadings. The heads of argument will be filed by the 15th December 2021.

The matter will be ripe for hearing only in March 2022. The respondents to the main application are the Standard Bank of South Africa, Bank of China Limited, China Construction Bank, the SA Reserve Bank and the Commissioner of the SA Revenue Service, the Special Tribunal said in a statement.

Earlier this year, the SIU was granted a preservation order on CRRC E-Loco Supply's bank accounts; preventing the firm from utilising any proceeds or assets garnered through the Transnet contracts.  SAnews.gov.za

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RTHK: Poland to start building border wall in December

Poland will start building a wall along its border with Belarus in December and complete the work in the first half of next year, the interior ministry said in a statement on Monday.

"The undertaking which we must carry out is absolutely strategic and priority investment for security of the nation and its citizens," Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said.

The ministry said the contracts would be signed by December 15 and work on the border wall itself would begin later in the month, with builders working 24 hours a day on three shifts.

The wall will cost an estimated US$407 million and is planned to stretch 180 kilometres  around half the total length of the Poland-Belarus border.

Parliament gave its go-ahead for the wall last month.

Thousands of migrants  most from the Middle East  have crossed or tried to cross the Poland-Belarus border since the summer.

Poland has responded to the influx by sending thousands of soldiers to the border and implementing a state of emergency there, as well as hastily building a razor-wire fence.

Warsaw has drawn sharp criticism for its hardline approach to the crisis that has seen guards routinely push back migrants and refugees on the border. Non-governmental organisations have warned of increasingly dangerous conditions. (AFP)

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RTHK: UK raises terror threat level after taxi blast

Britain raised its terrorism threat level on Monday after a deadly explosion outside a hospital in Liverpool in an attack involving a homemade bomb that was reportedly foiled by a quick-thinking taxi driver.

Interior minister Priti Patel said intelligence officials had increased the threat from "substantial" to "severe"  the second-highest level meaning an attack is highly likely.

Patel said the decision was made because Sunday's blast, which destroyed a taxi and killed a passenger outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital, was the second incident in a month.

Last month, veteran British MP David Amess was stabbed to death as he met constituents in southeast England, in an attack that prosecutors said had a "terrorist connection".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Liverpool attack was a "stark reminder of the need for us all to remain utterly vigilant".

"But what yesterday showed us all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism. We will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts," he added.

Russ Jackson, in charge of counter-terrorism policing in northwest England, said the motive for the Liverpool attack was unclear.

But he told reporters that the improvised explosive device, which ignited in the cab, turning it into a fireball, was "built by the passenger" who died. Jackson added that it was being treated as a "terrorist incident".

The explosion came just minutes before a Remembrance Sunday service at nearby Liverpool Cathedral, prompting speculation the event was the intended target.

"We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry, which we are pursuing," said Jackson.

Three men aged 21, 26 and 29 were arrested under the Terrorism Act soon after the explosion in the nearby Kensington area of the city and were taken for questioning.

A fourth man, aged 20, was detained earlier on Monday, Jackson said, adding that "significant items" had been found at a second address in Sefton Park, near Kensington. (AFP)

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RTHK: US, EU vow new sanctions against Belarus

The European Union and the United States vowed on Monday to press ahead with fresh sanctions against the regime of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, as migrants massed at the Polish border despite Minsk claiming it was trying to repatriate them.

"Attention, attention: illegal border crossing is forbidden. You will face criminal charges," blared out from Polish loudspeakers, as hundreds of mainly Middle Eastern travellers set up tents at the Bruzgi border post.

Belarus forces had channelled the crowd towards the last line of Polish razor wire, but they were brought up short by the police cordon before they could cross onto EU soil, and the stand-off continued.

In Brussels, EU foreign ministers met and agreed that their existing sanctions regime targeting Lukashenko and his allies will be expanded to include individuals or companies found to have encouraged border crossings.

No new names were added to the sanctions list, but EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this would be done in the "coming days".

After meeting the ministers, Borrell said the new sanctions would hit "quite an important number" of individuals and entities.

"By expanding the scope of the sanctions, we will be able to target those responsible for exploiting vulnerable migrants," Borrell said.

Diplomats said the new penalties are expected to target around 30 Belarusian officials, the state airline and travel agencies.

In coordination with the EU, the United States said it was preparing new sanctions that would "continue to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy and human rights and international norms".

Migrants have been trying to cross from Belarus into EU member Poland for months, but tensions soared last week as coordinated efforts to cross were turned back by Polish border guards.

The EU accuses Belarus of sending the migrants to the border as retribution for earlier sanctions, but the threat of further measures moved Lukashenko to offer an apparent olive branch.

Lukashenko on Monday discussed the crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in his first phone call with a Western leader since suppressing mass protests in Belarus last summer.

The pair discussed bringing humanitarian aid to people stuck at the border, Minsk and Berlin said.

Also on Monday evening, Lukashenko's Russian ally Vladimir Putin discussed the crisis with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both leaders calling for the crisis to be de-escalated. (AFP)

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Binh Dinh launches green tourism to establish a safe and interesting destination

The Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee in coordination with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and FLC Group organised a seminar themed Binh Dinhs Green Tourism: Safe Destination - Interesting Experience.













Overview of the event (Photo: NDO/Cat Hung)

The event aimed to provide an opportunity for leaders of the tourism industry as well as Binh Dinh provincial authorities and local travel businesses in particular, to discuss preparations and solutions to rejuvenate Binh Dinh in the context when domestic tourism markets have gradually recovered and Vietnam has moved to resume international tourism activities.



The seminar included two sessions, the first being held with a focus on the topic of Green tourism in a new normal state. During the session, participants reviewed the careful preparations, tremendous efforts, and creative solutions made by Binh Dinh provincial authorities and local tourism businesses to reactivate safe and attractive tourism programmes for the domestic travellers.



Speaking at the session, VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh asked the Binh Dinh provincial tourism sector to fully observe the Governments Resolution on safe, flexible adaptation and effective control of COVID-19.



He also asked for closer connections and coordination in tourism recovery between Binh Dinh and other localities in the region, and more supportive policies to help travel companies resume operations.



In the second session, the delegates discussed a roadmap for Binh Dinh to welcome back international visitors in a safe and sustainable way. They also suggested tourism products and services which can promote Binh Dinh as a safe destination with an interesting experience.



A strategic cooperation agreement to promote Binh Dinh tourism development was inked within the framework of the seminar between Binh Dinh provincial Department of Tourism, Hanoi Department of Tourism, and FLC Group's travel and service companies.
Vietnam, Singapore discuss travel facilitation in new normal

Vietnam and Singapore will resume travel in a new normal as soon as the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak is brought under control in their respective countries.









Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long hold online talks on the COVID-19 fight with his Singaporean counterpart Ong Ye Kung. (Photo: Ministry of Health).



They will also share experience and increase cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, including COVID-19 vaccine production.



The agreement was reached during talks virtually held on November 15 between Vietnamese Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long and his Singaporean counterpart Ong Ye Kung.



The two ministers briefed each other on the COVID-19 developments in their countries, and emphasized that Vietnam and Singapore are close partners with their bilateral relationship developing strongly and comprehensively.



Long said Vietnam has basically controlled the fourth wave of the pandemic, but the virus is recurring in some localities.



He said Vietnam is speeding up COVID-19 vaccinations for its people, including children aged 12 to 17. Approximately 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered nationwide.
Report on climate change in Vietnam introduced at COP26

A report titled Climate change in Vietnam, Impacts and Adaptation has been introduced within the framework of COP26 in Glasgow, UK.













Serious flooding hit the central province of Quang Tri in October 2020. VNA/VNS Photo Ho Cau

The report, developed by more than 60 Vietnamese and French researchers, covers their common willingness to develop a long-term vision of the economic, social and territorial issues of resilient development for Vietnam.



Two of the researchers, Etienne Espagne, Senior Economist of the French Development Agency, and Associate Professor Dr Ngo uc Thanh from the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi  spoke to local media about the report.



Can you briefly introduce the report and its aims?



Espagne: The report is the result of a large-scale project by the French Development Agency (AFD), General Monetary and Multisectoral Macrodynamics for the Ecological Shift (GEMMES), with the overall objective of assessing the macroeconomic impacts of climate change and simulating potential adaptation strategies in various developing countries. Adapted in six countries - Brazil, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, Tunisia and Vietnam, the project dedicated to Vietnam (Gemmes-VN) which kicked off in 2019, focuses on the capacity of coastal zones to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and to increase their contribution to mitigation, thus strengthening global resilience.



The use of the 2050 Facility to finance this applied research project is fully justified by its long-term prospective approach, a focus on issues of adaptation and resilience and strong expectations on the Vietnamese side.



Vietnam is often presented as one of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, AFD and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) have undertaken the ambitious scientific collaboration around the GEMMES Viet Nam project with the general objective to support the country in the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement regarding impacts and adaptation.



On the occasion of COP26, this report is proposing an assessment of the socio-economic impacts of climate change in Vietnam by 2050 and scenarios for the country when global average temperature increases by 1.5-2 degrees Celsius, particularly those relating to health, energy, agriculture and household incomes. The report also includes climate change impacts on Viet Nams macroeconomy and the Mekong Delta region.



Regarding economic impacts, according to scenarios, when global temperature increases by 1.5 degrees Celsius in mid-2025, Vietnam will lose 4.5 per cent of GDP yearly. When the global temperature increases by 2 degrees Celsius around 2040, the losses account for 6.7 per cent of GDP yearly.



In addition to direct visible impacts of climate change, there are indirect/invisible impacts that could result in the reduction of up to 30 per cent of the countrys GDP.



The report also mentions the complexity of impacts caused by climate change and environmental changes caused by other reasons, particularly due to human activities.



About ten days ago, the report was handed over to MONRE. We expect that it would be helpful material for scientists and policymakers when developing and making important climate change policies.



What is the visible evidence of climate change and its impacts in Vietnam?



Thanh: To assess the impacts of climate change on different sectors, it is necessary to have climate information in the past, at present and in the future. The report built a database on Vietnam's climate for the last 40 years.



Data shows that average temperatures and rainfall in Viet Nam increased over recent years, causing extreme weather such as days with high temperatures, the number of heatwaves in a year, floods or droughts.



Over the 1981-2018 period, annual temperatures increased by a nationwide average of 0.21 degrees Celsius per decade while the annual rainfall increased slightly by 5.5 per cent for the country as a whole with contrasting trends depending on the region.



The trend for the sea-level rise was about 3.6mm per year during the 1993-2018 period.



Such data partly reflects that climate change did happen and is happening now in Vietnam.



For future projections, two downscale approaches  dynamical and statistical  are applied. The statistical one is used to downscale 31 global models under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenarios while experiments are used to dynamically project temperature/rainfall.



According to the results, average temperature in Vietnam in the middle or at the end of the 21st century is projected to increase by 1.13 0.87 degrees Celsius under RCP 2.6 and 1.9 0.81 degrees Celsius under RCP 8.5 relative to the baseline 1986-2005 period.



Annual rainfall obtained with the dynamic approach is projected to increase in most parts of Viet Nam in the future but with a different seasonal distribution. Sea level rise in the coastal areas is projected to increase by between 0.24 and 0.27m in the mid-century period; between 0.44m and 0.73m at the end of the century.



What sectors do you think make climate change in Vietnam more serious? What sectors are most affected by climate changes impacts?



Espagne: In my opinion, energy, particularly the use of fossil energy and transportation contribute most to worsening climate change. Meanwhile, climate change and its negative impacts such as rising sea levels and more natural disasters heavily affected the agriculture and infrastructure sector.



Infrastructure works are more vulnerable to being damaged by natural disasters like floods, storms or earthquakes.



Responding to the impacts, changes need to be made. We must shift to greener energies instead of fossil energy, improve energy efficiency and use electrical transportation.



Once designing or developing infrastructure works, priority should be given to models that can adapt to harsher weather conditions.



To mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, it is proposed that the world reduce 7-8 per cent of the emissions of greenhouse gases for ten continuous years. The rate is similar to the reduction that the world forcibly obtained last year during the COVID-19 pandemic when many human activities and interventions were disrupted.



However, we need to reduce the emissions with voluntary measures instead of being placed in a force majeure situation like the pandemic.



Does the report have specific recommendations for each sector affected by climate change? Can you name some major recommendations for agriculture and the Mekong Delta region which are said to be most vulnerable to climate change in Vietnam?



Each chapter in the report deals with a key issue or sector that is affected by climate change in Vietnam. To compile a chapter, we closely co-operated with relevant agencies, research institutes and experts to analyse the situation in Vietnam and then, offer recommendations.



For countries with emerging economies like Vietnam, the adaptation to climate change must not involve a single specific sector but the whole country, the whole economy. Thus, comprehensive inclusive policies are needed to ensure a proper adaptation.



The Vietnamese Mekong Delta is for example subject to a combination of drivers of change, of which, anthropogenic drivers  namely hydropower dams, sand mining and groundwater extractions  pose the greatest threats in the first half of this century while climate change will probably dominate the second half of the century.



The Mekong Delta region has an extremely low-lying delta plain with an average elevation of about 80cm. Therefore, its extremely vulnerable to even small changes in relative sea level, which arise from the cumulative effects of global sea-level change and local vertical land movements, for example, land subsidence. So, it is important to limit activities like sand mining or underground water extractions. The Government of Vietnam was aware of the issue and had policies to solve it.



The Mekong Delta region is also strongly influenced by the water governance of the whole Mekong Basin. A regional mechanism to manage dams and reservoirs upstream of the Mekong River is very important to ensure water supply for downstream areas.



Other key recommendations in the report are to strengthen data gathering and availability, to encourage local resilience and to mainstream adaptation into development planning.



Weather forecast and early warning systems and raising awareness on adaptation are still needed to improve preventive and proactive actions. The availability of good statistical data is also crucial to understanding the role of climate finance.



Regarding local resilience, the ability of local actors to mobilise various sources to restore and implement everyday pragmatic adjustments and to develop multiple options to cope with shocks, reveals a high degree of flexibility at the local level that can foster adaptive capacity and reinforce resilience.



What are your recommendations for better observing climate change in Vietnam?



Thanh: When assessing climate change, the most important work is to develop a database. However, one of the biggest problems that researchers face is the uncertainty of results and scenarios. Thus, it is very important to choose results/scenarios. Moreover, uncertainty must be taken into account in all decision-making processes.



Once the climate database is developed, it should be used and shared widely. The more people use that database, the more meaningful the data is.



For example, the uncertainty in rainfall projection over Vietnam is an issue that needs further careful study in future, particularly when updating the scenarios with the recent available outputs of CMIP 6 - Coupled Model Intercomparison Project of World Climate Research Programme.



The downscale results from CMIP 5 Global Climate Models might not cover all probabilities that may occur in the future. A study that applies the probabilities method could be envisaged to build a new high-resolution climate change scenario set for Vietnam. This new approach is expected to better depict the tails of the probability distribution and thus could better take into account the extreme risks that might occur in future.
Thailand plans to reopen southern border dates next month

The Thai Government is planning to reopen border checkpoints in the deep South by December 16 to promote tourism amid the reducing daily COVID-19 infection number.













A tourist attraction site in Thailand (Photo: AFP/VNA)



Deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek was quoted by local media as saying on November 13 that vaccine rollout in the provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat has been accelerated, adding that the aim was to deliver at least one jab to more than 60 percent of the population.



The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is planning to reopen Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla, Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, Betong in Yala and Satuns Wang Prachan checkpoint by December 16 in a bid to improve the tourism sector in the South, Ratchada said.



So far, Thailand has opened 46 border gates, while the remaining 51 have still been closed due to COVID-19.



Two weeks after the country reopened, the private sector is seeing signs of tourism recovery despite lower-than-expected arrivals of international tourists.



To help cash-strapped operators back on their feet, businesses are urging the government to lessen entry regulations, further relax COVID-19 curbs and roll out financial packages in a bid to boost the industry.



By the end of this year, Thailand will have procured 155.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, far exceeding the 100-million doses target the government had set in April.



The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has set a new target to be achieved before year-end  80 percent of the population must have got at least the first shot and 70 percent their second shot.



Tourism contributed THB3,000 billion (US$91.5 billion) to the Thai economy in 2019 and THB300 billion in 2020.



The country expects 10-15 million tourists in 2022 with revenue of THB1,500 billion (US$45.7 billion).
Poor villagers receive donations for new bridge in Nghe An

A hospital in Hanoi has just donated VND70 million (USD3,043) to help build a bridge for villagers in a remote mountainous district of Nghe An Province.

CEO of Hong Ngoc General Hospital, Nguyen Ngoc Long (right) gives the donations to Editor-in-Chief of Dantri/Dtinews Online Newspaper, Pham Tuan Anh on November 15



CEO of Hong Ngoc General Hospital, Nguyen Ngoc Long on Monday came to Dantri/Dtinews' headquarters in Hanoi to send the donations to the villagers in Tri Le Commune in Nghe An Province's Que Phong District. Long said that they knew about the story of the poor villagers who needed a bridge in Nghe An through Dantri/Dtinews Online Newspaper and wanted to send them some support.

"We think that this is a very meaningful project and want to contribute some to help local people there have a proper bridge for their safe travelling," he said.

Receiving the donations, Editor-in-Chief of Dantri/Dtinews Online Newspaper, Pham Tuan Anh expressed his thanks to Hong Ngoc General Hospital for joining with the newspaper to help people in Tri Le Commune in Nghe An.

He expressed hopes to receive more support from the hospital to other projects of the newspapers to help build more schools and bridges for people in the remote and mountainous regions of the country.

Lying some 200 kilometres from Vinh City, Que Phong District lies along the border with Laos. Nam Tot is one of the poorest villages in the district with nearly 300 people from the Mong ethnic group. There is only one rugged, unpaved road to the village which runs through high mountains, lush forests, and across a large stream.

Village head Ly Ba Tua said local villagers had built a small wooden bridge over the stream. However, over time the 20-metre-long and 1.3-metre-wide bridge was no longer safe.





A man travels on the wooden bridge in Nam Tot Village in Tri Le Commune

"We often feel very frightened when having to cross the deteriorating bridge, especially in flooding season," Tua said. "Weve asked the district's authorities to help build a proper bridge to ensure people's safe travelling."

Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews, vice chairman of Que Phong District People's Committee, Bui Van Hien, said they had seen the need to build a proper bridge in Nam Tot Village but have not been able to arrange funds.



"Weve calculated the cost of construction of a bridge of 20 metres in length and 1.3 metres wide would be between 600 - 700 million (USD 26,086-30,434)," the official said. "At present, we don't have funds for this project and we want to call for financial support from the public to help the poor villagers in Nam Tot."



If you can help, please donate to:



1. Code 4283:



Construction of Dantri Bridge in Tri Le Commune, Que Phong District, Nghe An Province.



Address: Tri Le Commune People's Committee, Que Phong District, Nghe An Province.



Tel: 0972050650 (Vi Van Cuong - Chairman of Tri Le Commune People's Committee.



Bank Account: 3614201004734 - Agribank- Que Phong District Branch, Nghe An Province.



Account holder: Vietnamese Fatherland Front Committee , Tri Le Commune, Que Phong District, Nghe An Province.



2. Dantri/DTiNews Online Newspaper



No. 2 Giang Vo Str., Dong Da Dist., Hanoi



Tel: 024. 3. 7366.491/ Fax: 024. 3. 7366.490



Email: nhanai@dantri.com.vn



* Vietnam Dong Account information at Vietcombank:



Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



Account number: 1017378606



With Bank: THE BANK FOR FOREIGN TRADE OF VIETNAM  Thanh Cong Branch



* US Dollar Account information at Vietcombank:



Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



Account number: 1017780241



SWIFT Code: BFTV VNVX 045



With Bank: THE BANK FOR FOREIGN TRADE OF VIETNAM



* Vietnam Dong Account information at Vietinbank:



Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



Account number: 126000081304



With Bank: Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade  Hoan Kiem Branch



* Vietnam Dong Account information at BIDV



Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



Account number: 26110002631994



At: Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, Trang An Branch



Address: No. 11, Cua Bac Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; Tel: 0436869656.



* Vietnam Dong Account information at MB Bank:



Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



Account number: 0231195149383



With Bank: MILITARY COMMERCIAL JOINT STOCK BANK - Thai Thinh Branch, Hanoi



* Vietnam Dong Account information at Agribank:



- Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



- Account number: 1400206035022



- At Agribank, Lang Ha Branch, Hanoi



* Vietnam Dong Account information at SHB:



- Account holder: Bao Dien tu Dan tri



- Account number: 1017589681



- At SHB, Hanoi branch



3. Dantri/DTiNews' representative offices



Da Nang office: 25 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City, Tel: 0236. 3653 725



HCM City: No. 51 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, HCM City; Tel: 028. 3517 6331 (during working hours) or hotline 0974567567



Can Tho Office: 2 Hoa Binh Avenue, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, Tel: 0292.3.733.269


Fijian actual PM stresses importance of country's moving forward despite COVID-19

Xinhua) 15:43, November 14, 2021

SUVA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu stressed on Sunday the importance of the country's moving forward despite COVID-19 which has caused huge losses to the island nation's economy.

According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Seruiratu said in Nadi, Fiji's third largest city, that there are risks in opening up Fiji's international borders, however the Fijian government has a plan to minimize such risks.

Seruiratu said that preparing for these risks is critical as Fiji continues to move forward with recovery efforts.

"The government is doing its best to create the environment so that we can move forward, so that we can prepare our people better, so that things can happen and of course the betterment of the people and the country."

While the tourism industry and the business sector are looking forward to travellers coming in, they are also cautious, he said, adding that the private sector plays a vital role in preparing the island nation for a better albeit unpredictable future.

According to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Arif Ali, the island nation has lost almost 4 billion Fijian dollars (about 1.9 billion U.S. dollars) in foreign reserves in the last two years due to the impact of COVID-19.

Fiji has in recent days re-opened its international borders for fully vaccinated travellers. From Nov. 11 to Dec. 1, Fiji will only accept fully vaccinated permit holders, Fijian passport holders, returning residents and travellers approved by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskfor (CRMT). These travellers will be required to undertake a three-day quarantine in a Fiji Managed Quarantine (FMQ) facility and will be subject to RT-PCR tests 72 hours pre-departure and in-country.

From Dec. 1, Fiji will be open to all fully vaccinated travellers from travel partner countries including New Zealand, Australia, Britain and the United States.

Currently, a total of 89.5 percent of eligible Fijians have been fully vaccinated.

Fiji reported its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 19 last year and the second wave started in April this year.

The island nation, which has a population of around 900,000, now has recorded more than 52,000 COVID-19 confirmed cases in total, with 679 deaths.

Fiji's Health Ministry official has warned of a possible third wave of COVID-19 in the island nation, and Fijians have also been urged to take all measures to protect themselves and those around them.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Bianji)
China's epidemic-containing strategy effective: expert

Xinhua) 08:16, November 15, 2021

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a citizen for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Chengxi District of Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Nov. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Long)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Renowned epidemiologist and academic Liang Wannian said China's epidemic containment strategy has proved to be effective.

China has successfully contained dozens of sporadic COVID-19 resurgences over the past year or so, ensuring a balance between epidemic prevention and economic development, Liang, professor at Tsinghua University, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

He reminded the public to exercise caution against the virus and called for unremitting efforts to prevent both domestic resurgence and imported infections.

MINIMIZING ADVERSE IMPACT

"The COVID-19 pandemic situation across the world remains grave with increasing virus mutations, and there hasn't been any significant drop in the mortality rate associated with the disease," Liang said.

Inadequate preventive measures will lead to a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the number of severely ill patients and deaths will continue to increase, which was seen in several countries, said Liang, noting that China should stick to its current strategy of clearing COVID-19 infections in a timely manner.

He, however, pointed out that such a mechanism does not equal a zero-tolerance policy against any infections. "The regular prevention measures aim to ensure early detection, swift response, targeted containment, and effective treatment of COVID-19 patients to prevent community infections."

"This approach can help curb infections and avoid strain on medical resources so as to better serve people's medical needs while minimizing the impact on social and economic development," Liang said.

RESTORING NORMALCY

Liang called for adhering to COVID-19 prevention measures in a scientific way.

Prevention policies should be consistently improved aligning with changes in the epidemic situation, he said, adding that risk grades for COVID-19 infection in different regions should be assigned precisely and properly.

Liang also urged efforts in accelerating vaccine and drug development, as well as strengthening the training on epidemiological investigation, treatment, and management.

While the COVID-19 patients and their close contacts might face inconvenience in the short term, swift containment of outbreaks will only help restore normalcy in the economy and society, he said.

Shedding light on the future of China's anti-epidemic strategy, Liang said things will depend on multiple factors such as how the COVID-19 situation pans out globally, virus mutation, the seriousness of the disease and China's vaccination rate.

China's epidemic prevention policies are constantly evolving, Liang said, noting that the country will be "closely watching the global pandemic situation, accelerate vaccination and adjust policies in due time."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Listed firms reveal stocky Chinese real economy

Xinhua) 08:17, November 15, 2021

Workers assemble new energy vehicles at an automobile company in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Aug. 12, 2021. (Photo by Li Hanchi/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- As one of the key bellwethers of the real economy, listed firms in China have shown resilient growth amid a complex environment at home and abroad, with research and development (R&D) being the major driving force of their performance.

As of Oct. 31, a total of 4,168 listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges had disclosed their third quarter reports for 2021, with over 80 percent of them making profits.

"In the third quarter, performance indicators including revenue and profits continued to improve," said Liu Xiangdong, a researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

In the first three quarters of this year, companies on the main board of the Shanghai bourse reported a total operating income of 33.44 trillion yuan (about 5.22 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 21.43 percent year on year.

In Shenzhen, the average operating revenue of listed companies amounted to 5.15 billion yuan during the Jan.-Sept. period, up 28.2 percent from a year ago. Their average net profits reached 365 million yuan, up 20.93 percent year on year.

The steady development of the companies is propelled largely by their focus on R&D.

"Listed companies have been increasing their investments in R&D, and those with strong R&D capabilities have better business performances and anti-risk capacities," Liu said, citing the growth momentum in industries such as advanced manufacturing, green and low-carbon, and modern services.

For instance, the total R&D investment of companies on the sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR market, reached around 37.67 billion yuan in the first three quarters of this year, rising 40 percent year on year and approaching the total investment amount of last year.

With most listed firms seeing positive performance, there are still some facing operational risks due to rising commodity prices and the sporadic resurgence of COVID-19, said Yang Delong, chief economist with First Seafront Fund.

To help small and mid-sized enterprises reduce their tax burden and confront the challenges, the government has promptly introduced supportive policies such as inclusive finance and direct fiscal funds.

"The financial reports of listed firms exhibit the process of China's economic transformation and upgrade. With robust performance of the new economy, new technologies and new energy, listed firms are expected to achieve long-term profitability and high-quality development," said Tian Lihui, a professor of finance at Nankai University.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Talk seen as chance to put ties back on track

08:44, November 15, 2021 By MO JINGXI ( China Daily

Tuesday's virtual meeting important for US, China, 'but also international relations'

The plan for a virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden is the outgrowth of the two countries' latest efforts to steer bilateral ties back toward dialogue and cooperation in the face of risks and challenges that they must be jointly addressed, analysts said.

It also reflects that Washington sees it has achieved nothing with its Cold War mentality-guided suppression of China, they added.

Ahead of the meeting to be held on Tuesday, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed in a phone conversation on Saturday the significance of the planned meeting, news of which is being keenly followed by the world.

Wang referred to the meeting as "an important event, not only for China-US relations, but also for international relations", and he said that the two peoples and the international community are expecting outcomes beneficial to both countries and to the world coming from it.

Wang said the two leaders' helmsmanship plays a pivotal role in piloting bilateral ties, and he urged the US to work in the same direction with China and bring China-US relations back onto the track of sound and steady development.

Wang also elaborated on China's solemn position in response to Washington's recent wrongdoings on the Taiwan question, saying that the US should abide by the commitments it made in the three China-US joint communiques, put its one-China policy into action and stop sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

Ma Xiaolin, a professor at Zhejiang International Studies University, said the agreement for a virtual meeting showed the importance the two heads of state attach to their bilateral ties and their willingness to manage risks and differences so as to return the China-US relationship to the direction of positive development.

"As the two are the world's largest developed and largest developing country, it is necessary for both sides to make concerted efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and toward promoting global economic recovery and rebuilding their strategic mutual trust," Ma said.

The meeting will be the first one-on-one meeting of Xi and Biden via video link since the US president took office in January. Previously, they had two phone conversations, one in February and the other in September.

Guided by the spirit and content of the leaders' telephone conversations, senior Chinese and US officials have had several face-to-face interactions this year in Anchorage, Tianjin, Zurich and Rome.

Last week, at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow, the two countries' climate envoys announced a China-US declaration vowing to boost climate cooperation in the next decade.

Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said that bilateral cooperation between China and the US shows great potential and is urgently needed by both countries and the world.

As Xi pointed out in his phone call with Biden in September, whether China and the US can handle their relationship well has a bearing on the future of the world and it is the question of the century, to which the two countries must provide a good answer.

Li said that most disputes between China and the US were due to Washington's disrespect for China's sovereignty, security and development interests and its interference in China's internal affairs on issues concerning Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"Cooperation will be difficult if the US keeps stirring up trouble on these issues and does not stop infringing China's rights and interests," Li said.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said that the US has for some time adopted a wrong China policy due to its misjudgment on bilateral ties and thus, out of its Cold War mentality, has undertaken a series of acts that crack down on China.

"But Beijing has calmly stood against Washington's suppression and taken resolute measures in response. So the US has had to rethink and adjust its China policy and engage with China now through dialogue and communication," Ruan said.

It is not possible that things will suddenly turn around after this meeting, Ruan said, but it can be expected that with mutual understanding and communication being enhanced this time, conditions for the next step in the development and adjustment of China-US relations will be created.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji)
Chinese FM meets ASEAN diplomatic envoys

Xinhua) 08:49, November 15, 2021

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with diplomatic envoys of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on Sunday in Beijing.

Wang said that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has maintained close communication and mutual support with ASEAN leaders to further consolidate and deepen bilateral friendly cooperation. The two sides will soon jointly hold a summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN countries. This will be a milestone meeting to chart the course for the development of bilateral relations in the next 30 years.

Wang said China will continue to provide vaccine support to ASEAN countries until the pandemic is completely defeated, and China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to focus on development and make positive contributions to this end.

China and ASEAN countries have always placed the South China Sea issue in an appropriate position in the bilateral relations and promoted the deepening and development of bilateral cooperation, Wang added.

Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), Wang expressed the hope that the two sides will take this opportunity to advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea on the basis of the comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC, jointly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and seek win-win cooperation.

The diplomatic envoys of ASEAN countries in China congratulated on the success of the sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and expressed their hope to work with China to jointly hold a successful summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the dialogue relations, seize opportunities and cooperate to meet challenges.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Modern models of sci-tech self-improvement in China

Xinhua) 09:08, November 15, 2021

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- If there is a single theme throughout the history of science and technology in China, it is self-improvement.

An ancient Chinese saying from "Zhou Yi," or "The Book of Changes," written over 2,000 years ago, goes: One should never stop striving for self-improvement and hold the world with virtue.

Chinese scientists Gu Songfen and Wang Dazhong, who won China's top science award this year, are modern models of the self-taught man.

Born in 1930, Gu is an aircraft designer at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., the country's leading aircraft maker. At the age of 21, he joined China's aviation industry when it was in its infancy.

In 1956, China's first aircraft design office was established in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, and its first task was to develop the country's first homegrown jet aircraft. Gu was appointed head of the aerodynamics team.

Aerodynamics is the "soul" of aircraft design. The study of the way objects move through the air ensures an aircraft can fly efficiently and carry weapons as well as guaranteeing the stable and safe operation of the engine.

However, in the 1950s, China had no aviation experience, equipment or wind tunnels. Gu decided to teach himself.

After finding foreign texts at the library at Beihang University in Beijing, Gu headed to the capital, borrowed a bike and visited the library every day.

He read a range of books and transcribed all the information he could get his hands on.

Based on that information, Gu came up with an aerodynamic design system and on July 26, 1958, after two years of development, his team celebrated the maiden flight of China's first training jet.

Gu went on to work on the development of the J-8, the country's first supersonic jet fighter, which made its first test flight in 1969 but encountered serious vibration problems during subsequent flights.

To identify the cause of the vibrations, Gu volunteered to observe the aircraft in flight himself.

"We didn't have a camera, so it could only be done by a person," he said. He glued skeins of knitting wool to the J-8's rear fuselage and tail wing to observe their flow during flight.

To get a clear view of the way the wool was disturbed, he required two planes to fly just five meters apart, a great risk for him and his pilot. After several flights, he finally found and fixed the problem.

In 1980, he was in charge of the design of J-8-II, which was required to perform at a much higher level than previous aircraft. In four years, Gu's team achieved the maiden flight of the J-8-II, laying the cornerstone for China's supersonic aircraft design.

Gu's endless curiosity drove his spirit of lifelong learning. He continued his scientific inquiries, translated foreign books, talked with young scholars, and even learned Russian, Japanese and German late in life.

Like Gu, Wang Dazhong's life also reflects a belief in self-improvement. Born in 1935, Wang has dedicated himself to the research and development of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

An internationally reputed nuclear scientist, Wang is former president of China's top-ranking Tsinghua University, which also has self-improvement as its motto.

Over the past six decades, Wang has led his team in blazing a trail, turning China from a latecomer to a leader in advanced nuclear energy technologies.

Wang and his colleagues built from scratch China's first self-developed shielded test reactor at a mountain village in the outskirts of Beijing.

The average age of the design group was under 23, and no one had studied abroad or seen a real nuclear reactor. They started by building engineering models and made designs and calculations with hand-cranked machines.

China's first self-developed nuclear reactor was completed in 1964 after six years of development.

After Three Mile Island in the United States in 1979 and Chernobyl in the Soviet Union in 1986, Wang set his eyes on inherent safety and concentrated research into a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Although the development of nuclear energy was at a low ebb globally, Wang's resolution to continue in the field was unshaken.

In 1986, Wang and his team again started from scratch to develop a 10MW HTGR and it reached full-power operation in 2003. Its completion ushered in a new generation of nuclear energy systems that effectively eliminate the possibility of reactor core meltdown.

From there, Wang and his team spent years promoting the transition from experimental reactors to industrial-scale prototype reactors. Their achievements helped China independently master modular HTGR technology, and create a comprehensive development chain, from basic scientific research to commercial manufacture.

Likening scientific research to climbing mountains, Wang said the road to success is full of difficulties and risks and requires the ability to analyze problems, the courage to explore uncharted territory, and resilience in the face of failure.

The lives of these two scientists illustrate the ancient saying and echo the call by Chinese leaders to uphold the central role of innovation in China's modernization drive and to be self-reliant in science and technology as a strategic underpinning for national development.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Growing number, variety of migratory birds reflect Chinas continuous efforts in wetland protection

People's Daily Online) 09:13, November 15, 2021

Wetlands across China are attracting more and more migratory birds as winter descends upon the landscape, thanks to the countrys continuous preservation efforts in recent years.

Photo shows migratory birds at the Caohai National Nature Reserve in the Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Wen Xu)

The Caohai National Nature Reserve, located in the Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province, has seen over 50,000 migratory birds as of Nov. 10, including endangered black-necked cranes, grey cranes, bar-headed geese, and egrets. Caohai Lake located in the reserve is a major wetland in southwest China.

The first batch of migratory birds arrived nine days earlier than usual, and the reserve has seen increasing larger flocks and increasingly varied species of birds each and every day, according to a staff member working at the reserves administration bureau. Bird rangers patrol the reserve every day to guarantee the food supply of migratory birds.

As one of the biggest wintering habitats for black-necked cranes, the nature reserve has witnessed an increasing number of bird species in recent years. It is now home to 246 species of birds, compared to 203 in 2005.

Photo shows a wetland at the Caohai National Nature Reserve in the Yi, Hui and Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Wen Xu)

Over the past five years, Guizhou Province invested 4.08 billion yuan (about $638 million) to restore and protect its wetland resources. Nearly 54 percent of the provinces wetland areas were under protection as of 2020. So far, Guizhou is home to 53 wetland parks, which provide habitats for 24,547 known species.

Similarly, the Poyang Lake national wetland park in east China's Jiangxi Province has seen more than 38,000 migratory birds this winter to date, including rare species such as black storks, a migratory bird species under first-class protection in China. Meanwhile, droves of migratory birds have made stopovers at the Ruoergai National Wetland Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Official data has shown that China is home to over 53.3 million hectares of wetland areas, ranking first in Asia and fourth in the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
E-commerce heralds prosperity in remote south China village

Xinhua) 09:15, November 15, 2021

HAIKOU, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Wang Chuanshu enjoys going door to door in his hometown to collect local farm products and help sell them via e-commerce platform.

The 42-year-old Wang from Changxi Village of Jiazi Township in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, has earned the nickname "rural buyer" for his unique work.

People in Jiazi make a living through rubber plantation, vegetable and sweet lime fruit farming, livestock rearing, among others. Earlier, locals like Wang could hardly sell their agricultural products outside their hometown due to low yield and the region's remote location.

But, that's a thing of the past now, thanks to China's rural vitalization efforts. Authorities have helped build an e-commerce bridge for local farmers to sell their agricultural products.

Fortune began to smile on the locals back in 2018 when a poverty-relief team set up an e-commerce platform and helped Wang sell sweet lime fruits via this platform.

"It brought me an income of nearly 6,000 yuan (about 941 U.S. dollars) in just a month," Wang said.

The outcome boosted his confidence and he was determined to expand the business. He also decided to share the sweetness of his success with his fellow villagers.

Wang went knocking door to door and gathering product information in his village. He would ride his electric bike to visit local farmers and collect the products. Thereafter, he would sell them at a slightly higher price through the local poverty-relief website and social media channels.

In 2019, authorities established an e-commerce service station in Changxi village to help build a bridge between local farmers and the consumers in cities, and Wang was appointed head of the station.

"Wang comes to buy beef from me almost every week. My products have now reached places outside Hainan," said Zhang Changtao, a local farmer.

Thanks to Wang's efforts, the online business has expanded to the entire Jiazi Township, and more than 200 families have jumped on the bandwagon.

China has paid great attention to rural vitalization in recent years. The State Council's executive meeting earlier this month adopted a plan to advance rural vitalization and fairly fast income growth of rural residents.

In 2020, Changxi Village saw product revenue exceed 1.3 million yuan in online sales, with daily sales hitting 100,000 yuan at peak, according to local authorities.

Drawing inspiration from Wang, more and more local farmers are becoming "rural buyers." Chen Yumei was one of Wang's suppliers, selling sweet lime fruits, crops, and chicken.

Since last year, she has become a "rural buyer." "Local people are enthusiastic about the business. They always bring farm products to me," Chen said.

Wang never stopped learning. He continues to enhance his knowledge of the internet by taking part in e-commerce and agricultural technology training programs.

He is now striving to explore new specialties in neighboring towns, and plans to forge cooperation with companies and supermarkets to "help more people achieve common prosperity."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Ambassador urges US not to use Taiwan as a leverage to manipulate Chinese mainland

By Li Zhiwei (Global Times) 09:57, November 15, 2021

The US has been manipulating the Taiwan question in an attempt to use it as a leverage to shadow and control the Chinese mainland, but it's bound to shoot itself in the foot, Chinese Ambassador to the US said on Saturday in a virtual message delivered at the 2021 annual meeting of Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification in San Francisco.

In the speech, Qin Gang, the ambassador, pointed out that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority have been inciting cross-Straits confrontation, colluding with external forces and making provocations for "independence." The Taiwan people are coerced into the chariot of "Taiwan independence."

These acts have seriously harmed the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation and the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots, and seriously jeopardized peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, Qin said.

Qin's speech came on the same day when Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone conversation. The talk between the two was a preparation from both sides for a virtual meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, which is scheduled on November 16.

In the phone call, Wang stressed the importance of "meeting each other half way" and warned the US not to support "Taiwan independence."

Qin said "we will redouble our efforts to promote integrated development of the Taiwan Straits, but we make no promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary means."

The US has been manipulating the Taiwan question in an attempt to use it as a leverage to control the mainland, but it's bound to shoot itself in the foot, Qin noted. "We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and its commitment to China, handle the Taiwan question prudently and properly, and avoid any conflict and confrontation between the two countries caused by the Taiwan question," Qin said.

Qin also fully affirmed the Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification's contributions and its opposition to "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, promotion of peaceful reunification and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Qin said he hoped the Alliance could continue to unswervingly oppose "Taiwan independence," and strengthen the unity of Chinese living in the US to resolutely support the reunification of the motherland.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Worldwide fight against climate change should not come at the sacrifice of justice

10:36, November 15, 2021 By Xu Xiangli ( People's Daily Online

During the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders Summit in Rome and the 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP26) in Glasgow, the UK, leaders of certain developed countries attempted to shirk their countries responsibilities for ensuring the future of the Earth. Such ignorance of the concept of differentiated responsibilities and the varied abilities of countries in fulfilling their obligations is not only unfair and unreasonable, but also does no good to achieving the common goal of containing climate change.

As a matter of fact, developed countries are the ones who are more responsible for the accumulative production and transfer of greenhouse gas emissions.

Developed countries are responsible for the historical buildup of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide can linger in the atmosphere for several hundreds of years, which means that greenhouse gases released centuries ago are still the main cause of climate change even up to this day. A report by CNN pointed out that Chinas carbon dioxide emissions started to increase starting at the beginning of this century, though by that time developed countries had already been a source of carbon emissions for nearly 200 years since the industrialization process emerged.

Statistics by Carbon Brief, a British energy research institute, showed that the US has released more than 509 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide since 1850, twice as much as that released by China. A report by Rhodium Group, an independent research provider, indicated that the per capita carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the US were nearly twice that of China. Climate Transparency, an open global consortium under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said in a 2021 report that this was partly because of differences between each countrys respective lifestyles. The Americans took more car journeys, and their per capita flight data was also higher than that of the Chinese, the report pointed out.

Carbon dioxide emission transfers between countries should never be overlooked. In recent decades, exports from developing countries, which remain at the bottom of the industrial chain, embodied significant volumes of emissions, enabling citizens in developed countries to live a cozy and comfortable life without appreciating the impact their consumption habits have on the wider world. According to estimates by scholars, including Keiichiro Kanemoto, associate professor of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature in Japan, among Chinas carbon emissions in 2015, some 580 million tonnes were embodied in goods exported to the US, 530 million tonnes were embodied in goods exported to Europe and 240 million tonnes were embodied in goods exported to Japan. Its fair to say that a large proportion of carbon emissions from China and other developing countries were embodied in exports to developed countries.

The development gap between high-income countries and low-income ones should also be taken into consideration when talking about equality in climate change. Sonja Klinsky, an associate professor at Arizona State University in the US, wrote in an article that as a countrys emissions get higher, the country gets less tied to essentials for human well-being. That means high-emitting, high-income countries could reduce their emissions significantly without reducing the well-being of their populations, while lower-income, lower-emitting countries cannot.

Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang recently used a cartoon to vividly illustrate how unfair and absurd it is to let developing and developed countries shoulder equal responsibilities in addressing climate change. In the cartoon, a lanky man in ragged clothes is cooking over firewood. A person driving an oversized luxury vehicle points to him and says, Hey you, you are destroying the environment. An internet user with the account name of Ubong Essien commented: Developed countries are so unreasonable. They stole our resources and hindered our development. Now, they blame us for climate change. Please give our gold, mineral products and oil back to us before asking us to shoulder equal responsibilities.

Photo shows a cartoon used by Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang at a meeting on climate change. (Photo from Weibo)

Low-income countries have inadequate funds and lack the proper technological means to deal with climate change. Developed nations have pledged that they would deliver $100 billion a year to help lower-income nations in their response to climate change. However, they have yet to honor the commitment.

Countries around the world should join hands in coping with climate change by shouldering their common but differentiated responsibilities. As the largest developing country in the world, China has made a clear commitment to cut carbon emissions. This low-carbon commitment requires China to make the transition from reaching its carbon peak to realizing carbon neutrality within 30 years, which compares to a 40-to-70-year timeframe taken by most developed countries. China always honors it commitments by taking concrete actions. Developed countries should also demonstrate their capability and determination in honoring commitments, instead of just paying lip service and shifting blame to other countries.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Manufactured Yinhe Incident an example of U.S. attempts to deliberately provoke China

10:56, November 15, 2021 By Chen Zi ( People's Daily Online

In 1993, the U.S. government launched its notorious Yinhe Incident -- it claimed that there was "conclusive evidence" indicating that the China-based container ship named Yinhe was carrying "chemical weapons materials" destined for Iran.

(Cartoon by Lu Lingxing)

During that time, the U.S. sent warships and helicopters into international waters where the Yinhe was located to intercept the vessel, having threatened to impose sanctions on China.

China resolutely denied the baseless accusation made by the U.S. towards the ship. After a thorough investigation, China made it clear to the U.S. that there were no prohibited chemicals on the ship.

However, the U.S. still relentlessly pushed its claims that its intelligence was absolutely accurate and insisted on inspecting the Yinhe. A joint investigation involving a third party finally concluded that there were no chemical weapons materials onboard the Yinhe.

Failing to obtain the results of the investigation it wanted, the U.S. eventually stated that it had acted in good faith on intelligence from a number of sources, all of which proved to be wrong.

The international community condemned the U.S. for its wrongdoings. The Iranian newspaper Jomhouri Eslami commented that the actions perpetrated by the U.S. during the Yinhe Incident amounted to a pure act of piracy, while the Indian newspaper The Hindu stated that the U.S., the self-styled "chief justice of the world", deliberately manufactured the debacle only to end up humiliating itself.

Related

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Operation Northwoods against Cuba reflects U.S. history of provoking war abroad

Gulf of Tonkin Incident a clear-cut example of US escalation, warmongering towards other countries

Baby incubator lie reflects US history of fanning hatred, triggering war

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
China's first sea-crossing high-speed railway bridge completed

(People's Daily App) 14:24, November 15, 2021

A new bridge on a sea-crossing high-speed railway connecting the cities of Fuzhou and Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province was joined together on Saturday.

The key control node of the new railway has been completed.

The Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed railway is China's first sea-crossing one with a designed speed of 350km/h and a length of 277.42km.

There are eight stations built along the line. It is expected to cut travel time from Fuzhou to Xiamen to an hour.

(Compiled by Dang Jiaxuan)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
9-year-old boy becomes 10th victim killed in U.S. Houston concert stampede

Xinhua) 16:16, November 15, 2021

Police cars are seen outside a reunification center set up for missing attendees of the Astroworld music festival in Houston, Texas, the United States, Nov. 6, 2021. At least eight people died and scores of others were injured at the Astroworld music festival in the U.S. city of Houston on Friday night, officials said. (Photo by Lao Chengyue/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A 9-year-old boy, critically injured during the Astroworld music festival stampede ten days ago in Houston, south central U.S. state Texas, died on Sunday, bringing the death toll of the tragedy to 10, his family told local media.

The boy named Ezra Blount had been on life support since the Nov. 5 tragedy, according to a report from ABC13.

Ezra's father told ABC13 last week that his son was a young fan of rapper Travis Scott.

The father said he held Ezra high on his shoulders as the countdown of Scott's performance began at the festival. As soon as Scott took the stage, people started pushing. The father lost consciousness and the son fell to the ground.

Ezra was on life support as his major organs had been damaged and his brain had been swollen, Treston learned when he regained consciousness in hospital.

Eight victims were pronounced dead on the night of the concert. The ninth, 22-year-old college senior Bharti Shahani, died on Wednesday.

About 100 lawsuits have been filed in civil court related to the stampede, which occurred at the sold-out outdoor music festival with about 50,000 attendees.

Investigation into the stampede is now underway.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Province pays tribute to man, 24, who died trying to rescue suicidal woman Chen Jianjun, a 24-year-old firefighter from Anhui province, was posthumously granted the Anhui May 4th medalthe highest honor for outstanding young people in the provinceon Saturday, a day after he died while trying to rescue a woman who was threatening to jump off a building. On Friday morning, the public security bureau in Mengcheng county, Bozhou, received a call about a woman who was attempting to commit suicide. During the rescue effort, Chen and the woman fell from the roof of a four-story shopping mall. Both of them died after emergency treatment failed, according to a statement released by Mengcheng police. "The woman was emotional and ignored the persuasion of police and firefighters. She suddenly jumped off the building, and a firefighter moved forward to rescue her. They both fell in the process," it said. A video clip circulated online showed a woman in black walking on the roof while Chen, clad in an orange uniform, was trying to approach her from behind. As the woman suddenly stepped forward, he rushed to grab her, but they plunged off the roof together. Chen held on to the woman as they fell. On Sunday, an eyewitness told Jimu Newsa news portal of Chutian Metropolis Daily, a newspaper based in Hubei provincethat an air cushion was laid on the ground, and firefighters kept moving it to match the movements of the woman on the roof, but she kept changing her position too quickly for them to keep up with her. She was a 55-year-old from Beijing, the Mengcheng funeral parlor said. Chen was from Huainan, Anhui. A firefighter since 2014, he helped fight more than 1,300 fires and saved about 100 people, China Fire and Rescue said on its WeChat social media account. A day after the province honored him, the Huainan government gave Chen its Huainan Good Samaritan award. People hailed the young firefighter as a hero and expressed their respect on social media platforms. On Saturday night, dozens of Mengcheng residents gathered at the site of the tragedy to pay tribute to Chen, lighting candles to honor his sacrifice. "When I know that a real firefighter sacrificed his life to try to save a woman's life, I feel really sad. Here I want to bow three times to the hero," one resident said. The video showed Chen was attached to a safety rope while falling, but it is not clear why it failed to hold him and the woman.


An L-15, a Chinese supersonic training aircraft, rehearses on November 13, 2021 a demonstration flight ahead of the 2021 Dubai Airshow, which is scheduled to be held from November 14-18, 2021. The Dubai Airshow is a biennial international event aimed at business professionals and the wider industry. Photo: VCG

China displayed its L-15 advanced jet trainer at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday along with other Chinese arms products, the first time that the Chinese military aviation sector has systematically exhibited its products in a large comprehensive international airshow outside the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Choosing the L-15, which is regarded as China's best model in terms of advanced trainers, for display in Dubai despite the pandemic reflects that China attaches great importance to the Middle East military market, experts said.

The L-15 and the series of weapons it can carry were the main objects of the outdoor static exhibition area, according to a press release that Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the maker of the aircraft, sent to the Global Times on Sunday.

The show will fully demonstrate the L-15's ability to perform both air defense and ground attack missions as an attack aircraft.

In its much-anticipated flight performance, the L-15 made an appearance again and completed a number of operations such as vertical maneuvering, horizontal maneuvering, horizontal rolls, reversed flights, large angle and small speed passes, and vertical jumps.

The L-15 is China's best model in terms of advanced trainers, Wang Yanan, a senior expert on aerospace science and technology, told the Global Times on Sunday. "After the Airshow China in Zhuhai in October, China brought it to Dubai, reflecting the importance it attaches to the Middle East arms trade market."

Middle Eastern countries are more demanding about the arms trade, and the trainers they bought in the past were generally produced in the US, UK or Italy, Wang said. "Now, the L-15 is at the same level of the products of these developed countries, and offers more advantages in terms of price."

The Middle East has always been a hot spot in the arms trade because of the countries' willingness to procure high-level equipment. In the past, China did not have many exportable products that fit the region's situation, Wang noted. "But there has been a big change in recent years. For example, China's drones have gained popularity."

Wang pointed out that the L-15 is a good fit for the Middle East because it can be used as a trainer and can also perform diverse combat missions.

"The L-15's appearance at the Dubai Airshow is expected to attract potential long-term customers for China," Wang said.

Apart from the L-15, the arms products China presented at the Dubai Airshow covered major categories such as helicopters, transport aircraft and airborne weapons.

Photos and videos taken at the Airshow also capture China's self-developed L-15 trainer with a US F-16 fighter in the same picture.

According to the organizer, the Airshow attracted more than 1,200 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, and displayed more than 160 aircraft, a record high.
J-20 stealth fighter jets perform aerobatics during the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2021, in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 29, 2021.Photo:Xinhua

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force celebrated its 72nd anniversary on Thursday, highlighting some of the military branches' recent key missions including bomber patrols around the island of Taiwan and foreign warplane interceptions in the East China Sea.

Many significant developments took place in the past year, including the announcement of several types of advanced warplanes, as the air service branch of the PLA reached a milestone by crossing the threshold of a strategic air force and accelerating its efforts toward the goal of building a world-class air force, with more cutting-edge equipment to debut in the future, analysts said.

Just before its anniversary, the PLA Air Force released a short video on patrols around the island of Taiwan, in which the pilots of an H-6K bomber led the audience to view the island from over 10,000 meters in the air, and showed the rivers and mountains, China Military Online reported on Wednesday.

Talking about the flights over the island, pilot Sun Luyu said, "I felt fresh and excited when I went on my first patrol mission. But the more I went, the more it felt like just a usual stroll in my own yard. Taiwan is Chinese territory, and the patrol is our silent statement."

The PLA Air Force has routinized training and patrols around the island of Taiwan, often in conjunction with other service branches including the PLA Navy, as defense authorities on the island of Taiwan have been posting daily reports on PLA aircraft activities in the island's self-proclaimed air defense identification zones.

Above the skies of the vast East China Sea, PLA Air Force sends J-16 fighter jets on alert missions that would see foreign warplanes warned away if they threaten Chinese airspace, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday.

"This is the Chinese PLA Air Force. You are approaching China's territorial airspace! Leave immediately, or you will be intercepted!" said J-16 pilot Shen Yi in radio contact with a foreign warplane in such a mission.

Alert patrols in the East China Sea, combat patrols in the South China Sea, forward deployments in the West Pacific and encirclement patrols around Taiwan island are some of the most representative missions the PLA Air Force has been carrying out in recent years as a sign of its rapid development in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests, a Chinese military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Thursday.

Established on November 11, 1949, the PLA Air Force made itself known to the world only one year later by joining the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53) as the Chinese People's Volunteers Air Force, shooting down or damaging 425 hostile aircraft in deadly battles against the US Air Force.

That fearless spirit never faded away over 72 years, with one of the latest examples being that the Y-20 large transport aircraft took part in its first military operation other than war by sending medical personnel and supplies to where they were most needed - also places that were the most dangerous - at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.

From the aspect of weapons and equipment, the past year was also an important one for the PLA Air Force, as it announced at Airshow China 2021 the commissioning of new warplanes such as the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft and WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone, and ensured production capacity for the country's most advanced stealth fighter jet, the J-20, now has domestically developed engines.

Both the J-16D and WZ-7 have recently entered combat training, the PLA Air Force announced in the past week.

In recent years, a large number of new domestically developed main combat equipment, including the J-20 stealth fighter, the Y-20 large cargo plane, the KJ-500 early warning aircraft and the HQ-9B air defense missile system, have been deployed for combat training, CCTV reported on Wednesday, noting that the PLA Air Force's capabilities on strategic early warning, air strikes, air defense and missile defense, information countermeasures, airborne operations, strategic projection and comprehensive support have been continuously enhanced.

As a historic achievement, the Chinese Air Force has crossed the threshold to become a strategic air force, Senior Colonel Shen Jinke, spokesperson of the PLA Air Force, announced in August.

This was in line with a roadmap the PLA Air Force released in 2018, which said that the service branch would become a strategic force by 2020, modern by 2035 and world class by the mid-21st century.

Experts reached by the Global Times said that more advanced equipment will be developed and commissioned to realize the roadmap. In the short term, there could be Chinese engine-equipped Y-20 cargo planes, the aerial tanker variant of the Y-20, and the twin-seat variant of the J-20, experts said.

In the long run, the rumored H-20 stealth strategic bomber will eventually be unveiled, and sixth-generation aircraft that go beyond the J-20 will allow the PLA Air Force to safeguard national sovereignty and development interests even better, experts predicted.

An aircraft model that appeared in the latest promotional video of the PLA Air Force released on Tuesday to celebrate its 72nd anniversary has sparked speculations among Chinese military enthusiasts, who believe the model with a tail-less aerodynamic design is of an advanced warplane yet to be announced to the public.
Artillerymen assigned to a missile battalion of an air-defense brigade under the PLA 72nd Group Army rush to their positions after erecting HQ-16 medium-range air defense missiles during a recent round-the-clock air-defense training exercise in northwest China's Gobi desert.Photo:China Military

Chinese observers slammed the Indian government's plan to deploy the BrahMos missile - its most advanced missile - at the India-China border, warning it would add new barriers in talks to peacefully address the border tension and further deteriorate ties. However, they noted that the new weapon would be only of theoretical use while posing no actual threat to China's security.

India TV news reported on Friday that the Indian government has backed the ambitious Char Dham road project, for "wider roads are needed to transport missiles like the BrahMos and other military equipment" to the western part of the India-China border.

The BrahMos is the most advanced supersonic cruise missile India has. Developed since 2007, it can be installed on ships, submarines, aircraft and ground vehicles and has a range of up to 290 kilometers and a maximum speed of Mach 3, according to Army Technology.

"This is why tension keeps rising along the China-India border and unwanted military conflicts broke out," said Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert. The deployment of the BrahMos shows India's unstoppable greedy ambition to encroach on western China's territory, Song told the Global Times on Sunday.

Song said that despite the theoretical threat to China's border security, the People's Liberation Army has been strengthening its air defense capability to intercept supersonic cruise missiles like the BrahMos.

China could even strike and destroy BrahMos missile silos and other military facilities in advance in events of conflicts, Song emphasized, explaining that "India's poor infrastructure construction in west section of China-India border limits the maneuverability and invisibility of the missile base."

The deployment of the BrahMos can be interpreted as India's pretense of taking a tough stand over the matter, contrary to the fact that the two sides both emphasize the need to address the border issues through peaceful talks, Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Together with its Chief of Defence Staff claiming China on Friday as India's "biggest Security Threat," the new weapon's deployment in the border region will only add new barriers to talks to peacefully address the border tension and further deteriorate bilateral ties, observers said.
By Xu Zicheng and Li Jiasheng

The Indian military has been quite busy recently, from commissioning the Rafale fighters to test-firing the Agni-V ballistic missile, which Indian media described as the achievements of the countrys latest military reform. However, the Indian militarys reform toward streamlined, theater-based and information-based armed forces might still face a host of obstacles.

First, the relationship between civil officials and military officers remains tangled.

During the reform, the Indian military tries to strengthen the communication and coordination between civil officials and military officers to squeeze the militarys opinions into the governments decision-making system and change the situation that only the defense minister, who usually comes from a civil background, participates in the decision making. For a long time, the Indian military has always been led by civil officials, with only obligations to follow the governments decisions but no right to participate in policy-making, because the Indian government worries that having professional servicemen in important positions for the long term will increase the risk of them intervening in state governance. Now with the ongoing military reform, the militarys opinions will be incorporated into the decision-making process, which will be a new test for both the government and the military.

Second, different military services remain estranged.

India tries to transform its military commanding system to be theater-based. It has appointed its first Chief of Defence Staff to coordinate the army, navy and air force, and it also plans to integrate the original 19 commands into five theater commands. But the problem now is that the Indian army, navy and air force are so not-coordinated that they constantly fight for resources and position, all eager to secure national defense resources to develop their own weaponry and equipment and enhance their own scale and strength. Earlier on, India bought 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters that were intended for the air force, but the army insisted on having half of them and, when its request was rejected by the air force, turned to demand another 39 helicopters of the same type. Analysts said given the tradition in the Indian military, if the reform for a theater-based command system is led by an official with a strong army background, its unlikely to get support from the navy and air force.

Third, India has to postpone many planned military reform measures due to COVID-19 and economic slowdown

As the worlds largest weapon importer, India faces the headache of integrating its various complicated weapons and equipment. To shake off its over-reliance on foreign weaponry and achieve the so-called defense independence, New Delhi once issued a ban on the import of hundreds types of weapons, but that didnt seem to take much effect.

Indias new round of military reform began in 2019 and has been strongly pushed by Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with many measures scheduled within Modis second term. Considering how slow the country has been in promoting its domestic reform, whether the new round of military reform will be another case of much cry and little wool is still to be seen.

(The authors are from the Air Force Engineering University of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and the Xian Jiaotong University)


Members of Hong Kong Customs Youth Leader Corps (CYLC) are viewing models of the PLA's military equipment during their visit to the exhibition center of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison located at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on November 14, 2021. (Photo/Hong Kong Customs)

HONG KONG, Nov. 15 -- Members of Hong Kong Customs Youth Leader Corps (CYLC) led by Hong Kong Customs toured the exhibition center of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison located at Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks on November 14.

The CYLC is a new uniformed group of youths established by Hong Kong Customs, which aims to help its members to become youth leaders in society through disciplinary training, regular assemblies and various education-oriented activities.

Guided by service members of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, members of the CYLC visited the three exhibition halls, where they learned about the history and saw the equipment models of the PLA.

Hong Kong Customs hoped that through this event, members of the CYLC would have a more comprehensive understanding of their country, the people's army, and the splendid civilization and glorious achievements of the Chinese nation.

After the visit, all members of the CYLC gave their thumbs up to the development of the PLA and its journey in maintaining long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.


A US Army soldier sips tea passed out by local residents as his commanding officer and allied troops meet with local villagers on May 26, 2021 near the Turkish border in northeastern Syria. [Photo/Agencies]

The US Central Command on Sunday said that an airstrike that killed civilians in Syria was "legitimate self-defense".

It was responding to a report The New York Times published on Saturday, which accused the United States military of trying to conceal the deaths of dozens of non-combatants in a 2019 airstrike in Syria.

The US Central Command said in its response that an internal investigation found that along with 16 Islamic State fighters, at least four civilians were killed and eight wounded in the strike, while the status of more than 60 other casualties could not be "conclusively" characterized.

This is an attempt to cover up the cover-up.

An investigation by The New York Times found that the death toll was systematically downplayed. "Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified." Including the findings of the Pentagon's inspector general's probe, which were "stalled and stripped of any mention of the strike".

By justifying the killing of 64 women and children in Syria, the US Central Command has taken it upon itself to bring the English language in line with its own values by redefining the word "self-defense".

Ignoring the safeguards supposedly in place to prevent civilian deaths, a special operations unit claimed that it was in danger of being overrun and called for defensive airstrikes, which dropped three bombs into a "large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank".

Behind the Central Command's justifying of the killings is the US military's exploitation of the vacuum of legal authority to rein in its abuses of power.

The US likes to claim that it is "bringing democracy and human rights" to countries when it flexes its muscles. But its military shows that it regards the rights of others to be negligible at best.

The situation is little better for its allies. The US has stationed hundreds of thousands of troops in 374 military bases overseas, which, through an unbridled sense of superiority, habitually cause trouble. In Okinawa, US soldiers have kidnapped, raped and killed local girls as young as 12 years old. In the Republic of Korea, US soldiers committed over 2,000 crimes from 2010 to 2014 alone.

For the US government and military, when it comes to the human rights of other nations' peoples, it is a case of now we see them, now we don't.

In its statement, the US Central Command said that it "takes full responsibility for the unintended loss of life". If that is the case, it should match its words with deeds and let those responsible be accountable for what a US legal officer flagged as "a possible war crime".

The US government and military should act with decency toward all people if they want others to respect them.
The bank also interviewed 400 of them, who on average put the threshold to serious wealth at W6.7 billion in assets. Their actual annual income was W202 million on average, four time higher than the median yearly household income of W57 million.

The number of rich people is rising steadily from 237,000 in 2014, but the rate of growth in 2018 was the slowest in five years. Experts attribute the slowdown to the sluggish economy and declining stock markets, which limited asset growth.

The number of billionaires in Korea stood at 323,000 as of the end of 2018, up 4.4 percent from a year ago, according to a survey by KB Kookmin Bank (US$1=W1,206).

Only 46 percent of the respondents considered themselves rich, and 70 percent lived in the Seoul metropolitan area, mostly in the affluent Gangnam and Seocho districts of southern Seoul. Wealthy people were also concentrated in Busan (24,000), Daegu (15,000) and South Gyeongsang Province (10,000).

Respondents said 47 percent of their wealth comes from their businesses, and 22 percent from real estate. Out of their annual earnings, 63 percent comes from their work and only 33 percent from real estate and financial investments.

They put the minimum capital needed for investments to boost their wealth at W500 million, and it took them an average of 12 years to save that up. Sixty percent of the respondents were in their 40s and had more than W500 million worth of assets.

They still felt it is more profitable in the long term to own real estate rather than financial assets, and amid the present economic uncertainties many are keeping their wallets shut.

When it comes to long-term investment targets of more than three years, 62 percent preferred real estate and 35 percent financial assets. An overwhelming majority simply hoped to maintain their wealth at the current level this year rather than increasing it. As for non-real-estate investments, fewer than 10 percent said they will invest more, compared to 20 to 30 percent last year.

Instead, more than half were turning to overseas real estate, with 57 percent opting for Vietnam, 32 percent Singapore, 31 percent China and 26 percent Malaysia. Only 20 percent chose Europe and 14 percent the U.S.
Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong flew to the U.S. on Sunday by special permission from his parole officers to decide on massive investments in America.

Lee is to meet top executives at U.S. drug maker Moderna and visit Samsung's artificial-intelligence research center in Canada. There is also a possibility that he could meet top executives at client companies Apple, Google and Facebook.

The last time the Samsung chief traveled overseas was in October last year when he visited Vietnam, and this is his first visit to the U.S. in five years because he spent so much time in court or jail.

He is expected to make a final decision on a US$17 billion investment to build a microchip factory in the U.S. Tyler, Texas is being touted as the likeliest location.

Taiwan's TSMC is building a $12 billion chip foundry in Arizona, while Intel is spending $20 billion on a factory in the same state. The investments come at the request of U.S. President Joe Biden, who wants to diversify Americas supply chain away from dependence on China.

Lee was paroled in August under a special amnesty after being jailed for bribing ex-President Park Geun-hye.
The other is North Korea. So far 500 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been delivered to 144 countries though the WHO-led COVAX Facility that is intended to help the poorest countries, but North Korea and Eritrea have been left out. It allocated 2.1 million doses of vaccines to North Korea in March of this year but was unable to deliver them due to a lack of preparations. The North asked the WHO in September to deliver another 2.97 million doses of China's Sinovac vaccine to another country because it does not want them.

Eritrea, between Sudan and Ethiopia on the Red Sea, gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 but remains riven with conflict and one of the poorest countries in the world. It is home to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and recently made the news because it remains one of only two countries in the world where nobody has been vaccinated against COVID-19.

North Korea claims to have no COVID-19 infections or fatalities after it tested 42,000 people last October who were all negative. Its sole strategy against the virus has been to seal its borders completely. That is also what it did during the outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Ebola in the past. The North appointed a new ambassador to China in March last year, but the outgoing ambassador, Ji Jae-ryong, remains in Beijing because he cannot go home. China also appointed a new ambassador to North Korea in January, but Wang Yajun has not been able to go to Pyongyang.

The North is also restricting imports for fear of contagion and storing any goods that get through in the open air while it waits for any traces of coronavirus to die out. The National Intelligence Service here said late last year that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un prohibited fishing and salt production for fear that the virus exists in seawater, and the official Rodong Sinmun daily reported on Nov. 4 that "malignant viruses" could spread through snow. The North's policies are being driven by total ignorance.

The problem is that the entire world is trying to return to normal by boosting vaccinations, and it is a mystery to North Korea experts why Pyongyang is refusing free vaccines. The only fault of the North Korean people is that they have the wrong leader.
Official customs data has also shown that China imported about 3.7 million tons of thermal coal from Russia -- the main fuel for electricity generation -- in September, up more than a quarter from August.

Since July, China has approved expansions at more than 150 coal mines, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Figures from China's National Bureau of Statistics showed domestic coal production exceeded 357 million tons in October, up from 334 million tons the previous month.

China's output of coal increased to its highest level since at least March 2015 after authorities gave permission for mine expansions to boost supply and ease record prices. Chinese coal imports from Russia surged in September, but one of its traditional suppliers -- Australia -- remains frozen out of the lucrative trade because of diplomatic tensions.

However, one of the world's main coal producers -- Australia -- is noticeably absent from the list of nations shipping coal to China.

It was a prolific exporter of coal to China before an unofficial ban was imposed in late 2020 after Canberra supported calls for an international inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, the disease first detected in China. Beijing interpreted the move as criticism of its handling of the virus, and a range of trade restrictions were brought in.

China does have long term plans to slash its use of coal and fossil fuels.

Sam Geall from China Dialogue, an environmental policy group, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that China's consumption of coal will oscillate to reflect domestic political necessities. "There is room for hedging over the next five years that can allow kind of increased coal build up that would then need to be kind of ramped down again after 2025, and that speaks to this issue of the kind of push and pull that we see in the Chinese power sector with the recent black-outs and so on. It is difficult to just immediately, you know, turn the juggernaut around and there is a push and pull between different forces and different imperatives, including, you know, social stability, employment [and] keeping the lights on," said Geall.

The increase in China's coal production comes as India, supported by Beijing and other coal-dependent developing nations, brokered a last-minute amendment at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland. They managed to alter the final wording of the accord to "phase down" rather than "phase out" the use of coal.
High-speed train milk tea now for sale

By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2021-11-15 14:10

Guangzhou Railway has recently launched a high-speed train milk tea drink for passengers. The milk tea is named That Girl as the images on the cups are hand-drawn illustrations of female attendants.

Four flavors are now available: jasmine fruit tea, Hong Kong style milk tea, bubble tea, and red bean milk tea.

Since it was launched last month, an average of 3,000 cups of the milk tea have been sold each day, according to the railway company.




Woburn, MA (01801)

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Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High 53F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Press Release

November 15, 2021 De Lima welcomes Lacson's withdrawal of death penalty bill, pushes anew for qualified reclusion perpetua Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima urged her Senate colleagues, who have given their support for the reimposition of the death penalty for heinous crimes, to reconsider their stand and adopt a mindset of restorative justice instead. De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, reiterated her firm stand against restoration of capital punishment as she welcomed Sen. Ping Lacson's withdrawal of his authorship of a measure seeking to reinstate death penalty in the country. "Wonderful that Sen. Ping has changed his position on death penalty. Indeed, it's far worse to execute, and even just jail, an innocent human being," she said in a statement posted on Twitter. "I humbly ask the rest of my colleagues to reconsider their support for this unchristian and anti-poor measure and adopt a mindset of restorative justice," she added in a separate statement. "Let us all say no to death penalty which gives a mass murderer more license to kill, kill, kill!" In his letter dated Nov. 8 to Senate Secretary Atty. Myra Villarica, Lacson reportedly requested that Senate Bill No. 27, or "An Act Reinstituting the Death Penalty in the Philippines," no longer be considered for deliberations by the Committees on Justice and Human Rights, and on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes. Presidential aspirant Lacson, along with his running mate in next year's elections, Sen. Tito Sotto, recently said they no longer support capital punishment, but prefer lifetime imprisonment instead. The two were both known to be staunch advocates of the death penalty. It can be noted that Duterte and his allies in Congress have consistently pushed for the reinstatement of death penalty. De Lima, a staunch anti-death penalty advocate, has reiterated her firm and unwavering position that death penalty is not the solution, as it does not deter criminality. "Honest-to-goodness, corruption-free law enforcement and certainty of punishment are the real deterrents," De Lima insisted. "There have been documented and verified cases of wrongful convictions and wrongful executions even in jurisdictions with fairly advanced criminal justice system. With our country's flawed justice system, executing an innocent person - an irreversible tragedy - is a real possibility," she added. De Lima further urged her colleagues to revisit and help push for the passage of her measure imposing qualified reclusion perpetua on extraordinary heinous crimes, such as drug cases and plunder, as well as other pending measures on prison reforms. "As the efficacy and morality of the death penalty is questionable at best, there is a need to legislate an alternative punishment against extraordinary heinous crimes. "As I've stressed in my Proposed Senate Bill No. 187, the penalty of qualified reclusion perpetua and a fine of 5,000,000.00, will send a clear message that we do not take heinous crimes lightly nor do we condone those who perpetrate them," she said. In said Bill, De Lima proposes the punishment of life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole, be meted out for extraordinary heinous crimes in lieu of the death penalty, which she said has failed to prove as an effective deterrent against heinous crimes. If enacted into law, De Lima's measure will impose the penalty of qualified reclusion perpetua on persons found guilty of treason, piracy, murder, infanticide, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, destructive arson, rape, plunder and violations of Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. The measure also covers other extraordinary heinous crimes.
Press Release

November 15, 2021 As Presidential aspirant, Bong Go vows to continue efforts towards pandemic recovery, solidifying Duterte legacy and protecting future of the nation Senator Christopher "Bong" Go vowed to protect the legacy of President Rodrigo Duterte and the future of the Filipino people as he bats for the presidency in the upcoming May 2022 elections. "Kailangan ko pong (umangat) para sa mga kapartido ko at sa sambayanang Pilipino, lalung-lalo na kay Pangulong Duterte... to save the legacy and protect the Filipino people. Ipagpapatuloy ko po ang pagbabago. Tuloy ang malasakit at tuloy ang serbisyo," vowed Go. Go also reminded his fellow candidates to "take into heart" the reason why they chose to seek public office and that is to provide genuine public service to the people. "There is nothing greater than serving our fellow Filipinos with utmost sincerity and loyalty. When the dust settles and after all has been said and done, what is important is that the Filipino people should eventually be the winner in this exercise of democracy," Go emphasized. On November 13, Go substituted for Grepor Belgica and filed his candidacy as the standard-bearer of the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan for the presidency in 2022 polls. He was personally accompanied by President Rodrigo Duterte in the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila. Go said that the move is "a collective decision of the party led by President Rodrigo Duterte" together with the alliances that it has forged. He mentioned that running for president is a challenge to "save the legacy of President Duterte, pursue further the positive change we have started, and protect the future of our people." "The Duterte Administration has made many significant milestones that have benefitted our nation: from his decisive leadership, to the projects that commenced and completed under his watch, to the many programs that have improved the lives especially of those who need our help the most -- the poor, the needy, the hopeless, and the helpless -- all of them being our priority in our endeavors in public service," added Go. Central to his candidacy, according to Go, are the principles of continuity, compassion or 'malasakit', and genuine service that Duterte has taught him for more than two decades of working with him. Go clarified that ambition was the last thing on his mind in reaching the decision. "As we have learned in the past, those who seek power do not end up victorious. Voters choose leaders who have a genuine desire to serve others," explained Go. "While admittedly, I had my hesitations to run for President at first, I had to answer the call of many Filipinos who had sacrificed so much to give President Duterte the opportunity to serve them and would want this kind of leadership to continue through me," he added. Through the trust and support given to him by the Filipino people, Go vowed to "make every second count" in order to ensure that next generation of Filipinos can benefit from all the progress achieved by the Duterte administration. Meanwhile, despite his candidacy, Go said that his focus right now is to help the government and the people surpass the challenges brought by the pandemic and "come out victorious as a united and more resilient nation." "In addition to my commitment to help President Duterte and my duties as an elected senator which involve pushing for various measures including helping secure the timely passage of the national budget for next year towards full pandemic recovery, I continue to spend my time with those who we committed to serve, listening to their concerns, and giving them hope of a brighter tomorrow," the senator assured. He also assured the public his determination to fulfill his role as a bridge for the poor, the needy, the hopeless and the helpless, bringing the government closer to them. "As I have said before, I do not want to be remembered as just another political aspirant. I want to be remembered as a public servant whose heart belongs to the masses, accessible to every ordinary Filipino, and whose primary intent is to serve the country and build a nation that every Filipino can be proud of," said Go. "This is the Duterte legacy that we continue to pursue on behalf of our people who deserve nothing less but a secured future for our children," he concluded.
Press Release

November 15, 2021 SENATOR DICK GORDON'S STATEMENT ON THE ARREST AND DETENTION OF PHARMALLY EXECUTIVES MOHIT AND TWINKLE DARGANI Once again, it is very obvious that Pharmally executives Mohit and Twinkle Dargani were trying to abscond from any liabilities in the alleged anomalous deals they entered with the government in the procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies. In the past few weeks, the Senate has been scouring possible hideouts of the Darganis after they were cited in contempt and ordered to be arrested for refusing to submit documents the Senate needed in its investigation. We recalled that Mojit Dargani had two passports - one from Philippines and one from another country as he has admitted during our public hearing. We knew they were hatching their grand escape via the back door. Yesterday afternoon at around 5PM, acting on a tip we received from concerned citizens, they were apprehended by a team of the Senate Sergeant-at-arms when they were about to flee via an executive privately chartered flight to Malaysia. It is, however, not surprising that they sought sanctuary in the President's home town of Davao and plotted to execute their grand escape from there. Indeed, they chartered a private plane and were leaving via Davao where they figured they could be safe and make law enforcement officers pause or hesitate to arrest them. Flight, especially on an expensive international chartered jet, is truly a clear sign of guilt. Evasion has always been the strategy of the guilty. This should also apply to former PS-DBM Undersecretary Lao who has also been evading arrest. We thank Senate President Vicente Sotto III who called me last night and made arrangements for a private plane to take the Dargani siblings back to Manila. We also commend Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Rene Samonte and his men for doing their job well in protecting the Senate's enforcement of its rules. But our task is not yet complete. The Darganis will be detained at the Senate until they tell the Filipino people the whole truth. We hope they will be more forthright in answering our questions in the next hearing on Nov. 26.
Press Release

November 15, 2021 Lacson More than Ready for Presidential Debates

More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/lacson-more-than-ready-for-presidential-debates Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson is prepared to expound on his platform of government in the upcoming presidential debates organized by the Commission on Elections and by various organizations. Lacson said the debates - particularly the unscripted questions - will give the public a glimpse of the preparedness of the candidates to deal with the country's humongous problems. "These are unexpected questions testing the capability, competence and experience of each candidate. The final judge will be the people after the debate," the Partido Reporma standard bearer said in an interview on ANC. "Ready ako kasi nag-aral kami ni Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III. Alam namin ang problema, pinagaralan namin ang solutions. We are ready to face any forum or any candidate for that matter to present our platform and plans (I am ready because Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III and I studied the problems besetting our nation. We know the problems, we know the solutions. We are ready to face any forum or any candidate to present our platform and plans)," he added. He added it is now the gain or loss of presidential and vice presidential candidates if they choose to attend or not to attend. In Lacson's case, he had bared his future-proof economic agenda before a forum organized by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Manila Times, Cignal and Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.; and another organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. Lacson welcomed the Comelec's plan to sponsor three presidential debates and three vice presidential debates starting January. "That's good. That's how people should know their candidate, how they will address their questions without a script," he said.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will build the worlds first non-profit city, the facto ruler Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman announced Sunday.

The city, designed in a model of for the development of the non-profit sector globally and an incubator for youth and volunteer groups as well as local and international non-profit institutions, will contribute to achieving the goals of Mohammed bin Salman Misk Foundation in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and qualifying future leaders by defining non-profit work in its internal operational concept and in terms of opportunities and youth training programs it will provide, MbS said Sunday.

The project will provide services that contribute to creating an attractive environment for all beneficiaries of the citys offerings, he added.

The futuristic non-profit city, will be located on land dedicated to the project by the crown prince in the Irqah neighborhood of Riyadh, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on an area of around 3.4 square kilometers, Arab News reports.

The citys masterplan, the media notes, embodies a human-centered, advanced digital metropolis designed to be sustainable and pedestrian-friendly, and more than 44 percent of the total area will be allocated to green open spaces to promote sustainable development.

The new city also according to the Crown Prince will host academies, colleges, Misk Schools, a conference center, a science museum, and a creative centre offering a space to support the ambitions of innovators in sciences and new generation technology such as AI, IoT and robotics.

It will also feature an arts academy and arts gallery, performing arts theater, play area, cooking academy and integrated residential complex. In addition, the city will host venture capital firms and investors to support and incubate innovative enterprises to drive community contributions from around the world, he added. The project is reportedly in line with the Gulf countrys vision to create a vibrant Saudi youth talent system to shape the future of the Kingdom and the world by encouraging learning and developing leadership skills among youth.
Miami, Fla.  With the annual Great American Smokeout taking place November 18, 2021, Tobacco Free Florida in Miami-Dade County is using this observance to encourage people to make a plan to quit smoking using the free tools and services available to Floridians.

Tracing its history back more than 40 years, the American Cancer Societys Great American Smokeout marks a date when smokers are encouraged to use the date to either make a plan or to begin their quit journey.[i] This year, the American Cancer society is highlighting tobacco-related disparities during the Great American Smokeout.

While rates of cigarette smoking have declined, some groups smoke at higher rates and suffer disproportionately from smoking-related illnesses. The health burden of tobacco use is especially high among racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, the LGBT community and those with mental health conditions.[ii] Additionally, lower-income populations have less access to health care, making it more likely that they are diagnosed at later stages of diseases and conditions.[iii]

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County Tobacco Prevention and Control Program is working with local organizations across Miami-Dade County to encourage staff and community members to quit smoking for the Great American Smokeout. This year, local organizations, healthcare systems, and the Miami-Dade Students Working Against Tobacco Chapter are raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco, nicotine, and electronic vapor product (EVP) use. They will also be sharing effective evidence-based resources available to help those who use tobacco, nicotine, and/or EVPs to successfully quit through virtual and in-person activities, emails and social media platforms in observance of the Great American Smokeout.

Organizations across Miami-Dade County can also use the Great American Smokeout as a time to encourage employees, clients, and the community they serve who smoke to consider a quitting.

Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to life expectancy.[iv] The health benefits of quitting smoking include reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, improving lung function and lowering the chances of getting an array of different cancers.[v],[vi]

Information on the history of the Great American Smokeout, national activities to support quitting and other materials can be found at https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout.html. Tobacco Free Floridas quit tips, tools and more are available by visiting www.TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or by calling 1-877-U-CAN-NOW.

About Tobacco Free Florida

The Florida Department of Healths Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Floridas tobacco settlement fund. Since the program began in 2007, more than 254,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of Tobacco Free Florida's free tools and services. There are now approximately 451,000 fewer adult smokers in Florida than there was 10 years ago, and the state has saved $17.7 billion in health care costs.[vii] To learn more about Tobacco Free Floridas Quit Your Way services, visit www.TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tobaccofreefla.

[i] "History of the Great American Smokeout." American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-american-smokeout/history-of-the-great-american-smokeout.html. [accessed 10 August 2020.]

[ii] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Best Practices User Guide: Health Equity in Tobacco Prevention and Control. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2015.[Accessed 2021 September 21]

[iv] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014. [accessed 10 August 2020.]

[v] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). (2014). Let's Make the Next Generation Tobacco-Free: Your Guide to the 50th Anniversary Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health (Consumer Booklet). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. [accessed 10 August 2020.]

[vi] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Report of the Surgeon General. How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: What It Means to You. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2010 [accessed 2020 August 10].
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[November 15, 2021] 1&1 Versatel Partners With RingCentral to Bring the Power of Gigabit Internet and Business Communications to its Customers 1&1 (News - Alert) Versatel, one of Germany's leading business-to-business (B2B) providers of fiber gigabit connections and network-related services, today announced their partnership with RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG), a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration, and contact center solutions. As part of the partnership, 1&1 Versatel will offer customers a new co-branded cloud communications solution, RingCentral (News - Alert) mit 1&1 Connected Calls, which includes RingCentral's Message Video Phone (MVP) platform and RingCentral's stand-alone video meetings and team messaging product as well as cloud phone system. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005184/en/ The new solution brings together the power of 1&1 Versatel's gigabit internet with RingCentral's Unified Communications (News - Alert) as a Service (UCaaS) platform to deliver an end-to-end managed service that is fast, clear, and reliable. The offering will enable employees to work from anywhere on any device and will be enhanced by 1&1 Versatel's extensive fiber network. "There is a huge demand for businesses to modernize their communications with the growing popularity of hybrid work. The solution we will provide with RingCentral will enable companies to be more flexible, modern, and digital in their ways of communication nd everyday work," said Dr. Soren Trebst, CEO, 1&1 Versatel. "With our fiber gigabit connections and our wide range of network related services we are supporting our customers in realizing their full potential in the digital world and taking their businesses to the next level."

1&1 Versatel offers its gigabit speeds in 250 major cities and is one of the leading service providers for business customers in Germany. "1&1 Versatel will give organizations in Germany the very best business communications solutions with the world's most advanced optical network to deliver the highest level of quality of service, speed, reliability, and security to businesses," said Homayoun Razavi, executive vice president and chief business development officer at RingCentral. "We are excited to expand our reach in Germany with a leading service provider that brings significant market expertise to customers." For further information please contact Dirk Sartingen, product manager at 1&1 Versatel, via mail to dirk.sartingen@1und1.net or by phone +49 211 52283-265. About 1&1 Versatel 1&1 Versatel is a B2B provider for fiber gigabit connections and network-related services. The company is a subsidiary of United Internet (News - Alert) AG (ISIN DE0005089031). 1&1 Versatel operates one of the biggest and most powerful fiber networks in Germany - providing its own network in more than 250 German cities. Due to its powerful infrastructure and the consistent focus on B2B customers, 1&1 Versatel is able to offer solutions for all modern telecommunications requirements of the gigabit society. 1&1 Versatel is constantly expanding and developing its network and forwards the nationwide expansion of the fiber network in Germany. About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is a leading provider of business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its powerful Message Video Phone??(MVP) global platform. More flexible and cost effective than legacy on-premises PBX (News - Alert) and video conferencing systems that it replaces, RingCentral empowers modern mobile and distributed workforces to communicate, collaborate, and connect via any mode, any device, and any location. RingCentral offers three key products in its portfolio including RingCentral MVP, a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform including team messaging, video meetings, and cloud phone system; RingCentral Video, ?the company's video meetings solution with team messaging that enables Smart Video Meetings; and RingCentral cloud Contact Center solutions. RingCentral's open platform integrates with leading third-party business applications and enables customers to easily customize business workflows. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, California, and has offices around the world.  2021 RingCentral, Inc. All rights reserved. RingCentral, Message Video Phone, MVP, RingCentral MVP, RingCentral Video, RingCentral Video Pro, RingCentral Video Pro+ RingCentral Contact Center, Smart Video Meetings, and the RingCentral logo are trademarks of RingCentral, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005184/en/

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CCTV: Recently there has been intensive coverage in international media on President Xi Jinping's important remarks at the 28th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the APEC CEO Summit. To build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future has once again become a catchword in the news. Could you offer more information?

Zhao Lijian: From November 11 to 12, President Xi Jinping attended via video link the APEC CEO Summit and the 28th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. President Xi's attendance at this major multilateral event is of great significance for deepening global cooperation against COVID-19, boosting world economic recovery and advancing the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.

First, President Xi elaborated on China's proposition on galvanizing regional efforts to fight COVID-19. As he pointed out, at this trying time, it is all the more important that we should stay confident, keep a steady hand on the tiller, and forge ahead with determination. The Asia-Pacific region should put our people and their lives first, follow the guidance of science, pull together with solidarity, extend assistance to each other, and support each other to truly create synergy against COVID-19.

Second, President Xi put forward China's proposals for promoting economic recovery and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific. Just as he stressed, we need to uphold open regionalism, actively advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and keep industrial and supply chains stable and functioning; we need to speed up scientific and technological innovation and institutional innovation and foster new drivers of growth; we need to further develop the digital infrastructure and promote development of the digital economy in an all-round way; we need to pursue inclusive and sustainable development and let the gains of development benefit more people across the world in a more equitable way.

Third, President Xi's remarks demonstrated China's determination to deal with climate change and gathered the greatest consensus possible on sustainable development cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. He observed that we in the Asia-Pacific should make the post-pandemic recovery a green one and take the lead in making a science-based response to climate change. We need to follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and deliver on what was agreed upon in the Paris Agreement on climate change and at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Fourth, President Xi's remarks contributed Chinese wisdom to building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. To that end, he proposed efforts in the following aspects: advance anti-COVID cooperation and promote economic recovery; foster an open Asia-Pacific economy; promote innovation-driven development and the digital economy; pursue inclusive and sustainable development. President Xi stressed that regional countries should uphold the "family spirit", be forward-looking, move ahead and reject practices of discrimination and exclusion of others, cannot and should not relapse into the confrontation and division of the Cold War era.

Bloomberg: Could you give us any more details about the virtual meeting between President Xi and Biden? For example, could you tell us the lineup of officials on the Chinese side or any other details pertaining to the meeting?

Zhao Lijian: As agreed by China and the US, President Xi Jinping will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on the morning of November 16, Beijing time. China-US relations have come to a crucial crossroads. The upcoming virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Biden is of great significance for bilateral ties and international relations. It is the shared hope of people in China, the US and the international community that the meeting will yield outcomes beneficial to both countries and the whole world.

As agreed by the two sides, President Xi will have a candid, in-depth and thorough discussion with President Biden on strategic issues affecting the future of bilateral relations as well as important issues of mutual interest and concern. It is hoped that the US will work in the same direction with China, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, effectively manage differences, properly handle sensitive issues, discuss a way of peaceful coexistence with mutual respect between our two major countries in the new era, and bring China-US relations back onto the right track of sound and steady development.

As for the specific question you raised, I don't have anything to offer at the moment.

People's Daily: On November 13, the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Glasgow Climate Pact. How significant is this pact in China's eyes? And what role did China play in reaching this outcome and what will it do in its implementation?

Zhao Lijian: On November 13, the UN climate change conference in Glasgow concluded after one-day extension. At the conference, positive progress was made; the negotiations on the implementation guidelines of the Paris Agreement that last for six years were completed; and a relatively balanced political outcome document, the Glasgow Climate Pact, alongside with over 50 resolutions was adopted. This has laid the foundation for the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The conference upheld multilateralism, reaffirmed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and adhered to the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and bottom-up approach. It maintained the stability of international rules and further build international consensus in promoting low-carbon energy transition. This conference will have a positive impact on global climate governance and green, low-carbon and sustainable development going forward. However, as developed countries have not fully responded to the core concerns of developing countries such as adaptation, financing and technical support, there were regrets and deficiencies at the session, and the global response to climate change still faces many challenges.

China attaches great importance to this conference. In his written statement to the World Leaders Summit at COP26, President Xi Jinping put forward three proposals to uphold multilateral consensus, focus on concrete actions and accelerate the green transition, which have won wide recognition from the international community and provided important political guidance for the summit. During the conference, the Chinese delegation worked around the clock to coordinate positions in intensive consultations with the UN, the UNFCCC Secretariat, the UK who is the host country of the conference, and other parties to the convention. At the critical moment when the negotiations were in stalemate, China and the US issued the Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s, which provided an important solution to bridging differences among parties. With China's wisdom and proposals, the Chinese delegation effectively safeguarded the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the common rights and interests of developing countries, played a constructive role in the successful adoption of the outcome at the conference and demonstrated China's image as a responsible major country.

Looking ahead, China will continue to actively promote international cooperation on climate change, push for the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, build a fair, reasonable and win-win global climate governance system, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Global Times: It is reported that Xu Guojun, the last prime culprit of the case involving Bank of China's branch in the Kaiping city of Guangdong province, was repatriated to China from the US on November 14. Can you give us more details?

Zhao Lijian: In the case concerning Bank of China's branch in the Kaiping city of Guangdong province, the amount of money involved is very huge and the circumstances are particularly egregious. Xu Chaofan, Xu Guojun and Yu Zhendong, the three former presidents at BOC's branch in Kaiping, fled China in 2001 after corruption and embezzlement. Thanks to the unremitting efforts of relevant Chinese authorities and organs handling the case, Yu Zhendong and Xu Chaofan were repatriated to China in 2004 and 2018 respectively. With concerted efforts of the Chinese and US side, Xu Guojun was repatriated to China yesterday. This marks a major achievement in the 20-year efforts to hunt down fugitives and recover assets in this case. It shows once again the Chinese government's clear position that corruption will be punished and dealt with, and the firm resolve to repatriate fugitives and recover assets.

Corruption seriously erodes social equity and justice. It is the common enemy of mankind. The Chinese government earnestly implements the United Nations Convention against Corruption, firmly cracks down on corruption crimes, continues to repatriate fugitives and recover assets, and will never allow any corrupt individual to get away unpunished. On this occasion, we also call on the international community to uphold the principles of upholding fairness and justice and punishing illegal acts, further build political consensus on combating transnational corruption crimes, remove obstacles to the repatriation of fugitives and recovery of assets, strengthen international judicial and law enforcement cooperation, and refrain from providing safe haven for corrupt individuals and assets under any pretext.

RTHK: The Economist magazine said on November 12 that Hong Kong immigration authorities had declined to renew the employment visa of its Hong Kong-based correspondent Sue-Lin Wong without explanation. This is the third time that Hong Kong's immigration department denied work visa to foreign journalists without providing explanation. The Economist's editor-in-chief hinted that the decision undermines press freedom and Hong Kong's standing as an international city. I wonder if you would like to respond to this?

Zhao Lijian: Relevant authorities of the Hong Kong SAR government has already offered a principled response to this. I would like to stress that visa issuance is a matter of sovereignty. The Hong Kong SAR government has the right to make decisions on visa applications based on One Country, Two Systems and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR.

Since the implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, social stability has been restored, the legal system has been improved, and Hong Kong residents and all Hong Kong-based journalists have enjoyed their lawful rights and freedoms including press freedom.

As a matter of fact, since the implementation of the national security law, the numbers of overseas media outlets and media practitioners coming to Hong Kong have both increased. As of April 2021, foreign media outlets in Hong Kong employ a total of 628 foreign nationals holding work visa, up by 98, or 18.5 percent from the same period last year. Take The Economist for example. During the past year, the number of its foreign employees increased by 22 percent. The figures don't lie. We hope relevant sides will abide by press ethics and conduct Hong Kong-related reporting in an objective and just manner.

Xinhua News Agency: The Joint Statement on Troika Plus Meeting released on November 11 called on the Taliban to "dismantle and eliminate" all international terrorist groups and acknowledged relevant parties' concerns regarding the country's serious liquidity challenges and committed to continue focusing on measures to ease access to legitimate banking services. Could you offer more details?

Zhao Lijian: On November 11, a Troika Plus Meeting on the latest situation in Afghanistan was held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The four parties participating in the meeting released a joint statement. We briefed you on the situation last week.

With regard to the issue of counter-terrorism, the four parties condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to cut ties with all international terrorist groups, dismantle and eliminate them in a decisive manner, and to deny space to any terrorist organization operating inside the country. This reflects the common position on Afghanistan-related counter-terrorism issues shared by China, the US, Russia and Pakistan and represents the international community's shared aspiration. The Afghan Taliban should earnestly honor their commitments, make a clean break with the ETIM, the IS and other international terrorist organizations and firmly crack down on them.

On the financial issue, the four parties acknowledged international humanitarian actors' concerns regarding the country's serious liquidity challenges and committed to continue focusing on measures to ease access to legitimate banking services. More than $10 billion in Afghanistan's overseas assets have been frozen by some countries that have pledged humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. These assets were supposed to be used by the Afghan people to rebuild their country. It's like turning off someone's tap and pretending to help them put out a fire with bottled water, with questionable sincerity. We hope relevant countries will earnestly honor their commitments and do a good job in delivering on them.

MASTV: Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a interview that the US has commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act to make sure that Taiwan has the ability to defend itself. We noticed that in a tweet on November 14, Blinken emphasized US interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: We are firmly opposed to the wrong words and actions of the US side. I would like to emphasize a few points:

First, over the past 40 years or so, the US statements on the Taiwan question have lost shape, turned sour and retrogressed, running counter to the consensus reached between the US and China upon the establishment of diplomatic relations. What the US should abide by is the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, which are important political consensus between China and the US and the political foundation for the bilateral ties. Both the so-called "Taiwan Relations Act" and the "Six Assurances", concocted by some forces in the US, contravene the three China-US joint communiques. In essence, they place US domestic law above international obligations and are illegal and invalid.

Second, for some time now, the DPP authorities in Taiwan and the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces have been pursuing "de-sinicization", trying to create "one China, one Taiwan" or "two Chinas", and engaging in provocative activities to seek independence in collusion with external forces. This is the biggest threat to peace and stability and the root cause of the current tension across the Taiwan Strait.

I want to stress that China's reunification is an unstoppable historical trend and upholding the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community. All acts supporting and emboldening "Taiwan independence" constitute interference in China's internal affairs and are in no way conducive to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The US should commit itself to the one-China principle and the stipulations in the three China-US joint communiques, and prudently and properly handle the Taiwan-related issues, lest it should undermine China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Bloomberg: The US and Taiwan will hold political military discussions and an annual defense review later this week. This is according to the United Daily News reports. The talks will be participated by Jessica Lewis, the Assistant Secretary of State and another official, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Indo-Pacific. So my question pertains to these meetings later in the week between the US and Taiwan. Does the foreign ministry have a comment on those?

Zhao Lijian: The Taiwan question bears on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and concerns China's core interests. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations. The US side should earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US joint communiques, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and immediately stop official exchanges and military contacts with Taiwan in any form. We also need to warn the Taiwan authorities that Taiwan independence is a dead end. Any attempt or act to solicit foreign support and resist reunification with force is doomed to fail.

The Paper: According to reports, on November 13, visiting Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez met with Tsai Ing-wen. "At this very moment amid tensions in the region, Honduras is here to demonstrate that we are real friends", he said. Tsai called Hernandez's visit significant and said she hoped the two sides would continue to help each other on the international stage. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: The one-China principle is a universally-recognized norm governing international relations and a shared consensus of the international community. Adherence to the one-China principle is an overriding trend that represents international justice and enjoys popular support. The DPP authorities in Taiwan are apt to create the false illusion of international support to bolster its "Taiwan independence" separatist acts, which is nothing but a trick to deceive themselves and others. It cannot alter the iron-clad fact that Taiwan is part of China and can by no means thwart the invincible trend of China's reunification.

Reuters: The COP26 President Alok Sharma said on Sunday that China and India need to explain to developing nations why they watered down language on efforts to phase out coals at COP26. That was after India and China rejected a clause calling for "phasing out" coal-fired power and changing it to "phase down". Do you have any comment on Sharma's remarks?

Zhao Lijian: Green and low-carbon transition is the overwhelming trend that all countries should work together for. China attaches high importance to energy transition. We have made tremendous efforts in controlling coal consumption and coal-fired projects and played an important role in building international consensus on relevant issues.

Since the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping has announced to the international community a host of policy measures China has adopted, including to strictly control coal-fired power generation projects, to strictly limit the increase in coal consumption over the 14th Five-Year Plan period and phase it down in the 15th Five-Year Plan period, to vigorously support developing countries' green and low-carbon energy development, and to stop building new coal-fired power projects abroad. The international community has spoken highly of this. The recently-released China-US Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s reiterated relevant content.

To optimize energy structure and reduce the proportion of coal consumption is an incremental process. The varying national conditions, development stage and resources endowment of different countries should be respected. In many developing countries, not everyone has access to electricity and energy supply is not adequate. Before asking all countries to stop using coal, consideration should be given to the energy shortfall in these countries to ensure their energy security. We encourage developed countries to take the lead in stopping using coal while providing ample funding, technological and capacity-building support for developing countries' energy transition. We need concrete actions more than slogans.

Bloomberg: The Biden administration has spurned a plan by Intel to increase production in China citing security concerns. Intel had proposed using a factory in Chengdu to manufacture silicon wafers. But this plan has been strongly discouraged by the Biden administration. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on the Biden administration's reaction to this plan by Intel?

Zhao Lijian: Economic globalization is an objective reality and historical trend. The US has repeatedly overstretched the concept of national security and abused state power to politicize and weaponize science, technology and economic and trade issues based on ideology, and intentionally put in place trade and investment barriers against specific countries. Recently, it has forced the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), Samsung and other companies to provide chip supply chain data to the US, calling the submission "voluntary". Such actions not only undermine international trade rules and divide the global market, but also end up hurting others and the US itself. We urge the US to adopt a correct attitude, follow the trend of the times, discard the zero-sum mentality, earnestly uphold a fair, just and non-discriminatory market environment, and take concrete actions to build an open world economy.

Bloomberg: Can you confirm that Mr. Xu was returned from the United States? If so, what role did the US authorities play in that repatriation?

Zhao Lijian: I can confirm that Xu Guojun was repatriated from the US. I briefed you on the situation earlier. If there is anything more specific that you wish to know, I would like to refer you to competent authorities or the US side.

Reuters: According to Reuters report, China's embassy has been lobbying US executives, companies and business groups in recent weeks to fight against certain China-related bills in congress. Do you have any comment on this report?

Zhao Lijian: The China-related content in relevant legislation in the US Congress distorts facts, denigrates China's development path and domestic and foreign policies, hypes up the "China threat" theory, clamors for strategic competition with China, gravely interferes with China's domestic affairs on issues relating to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, politicizes economic and trade issues, and brims with Cold-War zero-sum mentality. If the legislation were to become law, it would doubtlessly hijack bilateral relations and severely disrupt normal exchange and cooperation, which serves neither side's interests. China is consistently and firmly opposed to it.

Relevant US lawmakers should adjust their attitude, view China's development and China-US relations in a rational light, stop reviewing and pushing negative legislation concerning China, delete negative clauses concerning China, and stop meddling in China's internal affairs, so as to prevent undermining overall bilateral relations and cooperation in important areas.
Carole Ann Johnson, 78, of Mechanicsville, MD passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. She was born on October 30, 1943 in Washington, DC to the late James Walter Waters and Helen Inez (Jameson) Waters.



Carole Ann met the love of her life, Richard Johnson and they married on September 21, 1984 with her children standing by her side. Their love was special and although not perfect, it was perfect for them. Richard lovingly called her "CJ" and they recently celebrated thirty-seven (37) years of marriage.



A strong woman, with a heart of gold, Carole Ann dedicated her life to being a great wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. When she was young, she worked as a telephone operator for C & P Telephone and then Bell Atlantic Telephone before her retirement to take care of family. She returned to work as a cafeteria worker at Margaret Brent Middle School for many years.



Carole Ann loved spending time with her family and was a doting grandmother. She was looking forward to becoming a great-great grandmother in 2022. Carole Ann was an amazing cook. She made the best food and you never left her house hungry. A born hostess, she would lay plywood down on the pool table and load it down with food, welcoming everyone into her home for celebrations, holidays or just a family meal.



A beautiful soul has left her earthly troubles behind and is now rejoicing in heaven with her Lord and Savior. Never fear the end as Carole Ann will be there to welcome you into paradise with a big smile, warm hug and stories to tell.



Carole Ann is survived by her husband, Richard Johnson of Mechanicsville, MD; children, Laura Wright (Jimi) of Mechanicsville, MD and Kathy Stonestreet (Jimbo) of Hughesville, MD; four (4) grandchildren, Krissy, Brandy, Zachary and Michael; seven (7) great-grandchildren, Lindsey, Rylan, Louis, Brayden, Kendall, Kaitlyn and Hunter and soon-to-be one (1) great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings, Craig Waters (Vivian), Wayne Waters (Mary), Alan Waters (Karen) Linda Glascoe (Joe), Debbie Wannall and brother-in-law, Tommy Grove; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Cindy Grove and brother-in-law, Robert Wannall.



The family will receive friends for Carole Ann's Memorial Gathering on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Deacon Bill Kyte, all at Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. Interment will be held privately.



Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.



Memorial Gathering

Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.



Sunday, November 21, 2021

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Email Details

30195 Three Notch Road

Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622



Memorial Service

Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A.



Sunday, November 21, 2021

5:00 PM

Email Details

30195 Three Notch Road

Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622



Officated by Deacon Bill Kyte



Interment will be private


Far below you lies a sphere of solid iron and nickel about as wide as the broadest part of Texas: the Earth's inner core.

The metal at the inner core is under pressure about 360 million times higher than we experience in our everyday lives and temperatures approximately as hot as the Sun's surface.

Earth's planetary core is thankfully intact. But in space, similar cores can collide with other objects, causing the crystalline materials of the core to deform rapidly. Some asteroids in our solar system are massive iron objects that scientists suspect are the remnants of planetary cores after catastrophic impacts.

Measuring what happens during the collision of celestial bodies or at the Earth's core is obviously not very practical. As such, much of our understanding of planetary cores is based on experimental studies of metals at less extreme temperatures and pressures. But researchers at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have now observed for the first time how iron's atomic structure deforms to accommodate the stress from the pressures and temperatures that occur just outside of the inner core.

The results appear in Physical Review Letters, where they have been highlighted as an Editor's Suggestion.

Coping with stress

Most of the iron you encounter in your everyday life has its atoms arranged in nanoscopic cubes, with an iron atom at each corner and one in the center. If you squeeze these cubes by applying extremely high pressures, they rearrange into hexagonal prisms, which allow the atoms to pack in more tightly.

The group at SLAC wanted to see what would happen if you kept applying pressure to that hexagonal arrangement to mimic what happens to iron at the Earth's core or during atmospheric reentry from space. "We didn't quite make inner core conditions," says co-author Arianna Gleason, a scientist in the High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) Division at SLAC. "But we achieved the conditions of the outer core of the planet, which is really remarkable."

No one had ever directly observed iron's response to stress under such high temperatures and pressures before, so the researchers didn't know how it would respond. "As we continue to push it, the iron doesn't know what to do with this extra stress," says Gleason. "And it needs to relieve that stress, so it tries to find the most efficient mechanism to do that."

The coping mechanism iron uses to deal with that extra stress is called "twinning." The arrangement of atoms shunts to the side, rotating all the hexagonal prisms by nearly 90 degrees. Twinning is a common pressure response in metals and minerals -- quartz, calcite, titanium and zirconium all undergo twinning.

"Twinning allows iron to be incredibly strong -- stronger than we first thought -- before it starts to flow plastically on much longer time scales," Gleason said.

A tale of two lasers

Reaching these extreme conditions required two types of lasers. The first was an optical laser, which generated a shock wave that subjected the iron sample to extremely high temperatures and pressures. The second was SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray free-electron laser, which allowed the researchers to observe the iron on an atomic level. "At the time, LCLS was the only facility in the world where you could do that," says lead author Sebastien Merkel of the University of Lille in France. "It's been a door opener for other similar facilities in the world."

The team fired both lasers at a tiny sample of iron about the width of a human hair, hitting the iron with a shock wave of heat and pressure. "The control room is just above the experimental room," Merkel says. "When you trigger the discharge, you hear a loud pop."

As the shock wave hit the iron, researchers used the X-ray laser to observe how the shock changed the arrangement of the iron atoms. "We were able to make a measurement in a billionth of a second," Gleason says. "Freezing the atoms where they are in that nanosecond is really exciting."

The researchers collected these images and assembled them into a flipbook that showed iron deforming. Before the experiment was complete, they didn't know if iron would respond too fast for them to measure or too slow for them to ever see. "The fact that the twinning happens on the time scale that we can measure it as an important result in itself," Merkel says.

The future is bright

This experiment serves as a bookend for understanding the behavior of iron. Scientists had gathered experimental data on the structure of iron at lower temperatures and pressures and used it to model how iron would behave at extremely high temperatures and pressures, but no one had ever experimentally tested those models.

"Now we can give a thumbs up, thumbs down on some of the physics models for really fundamental deformation mechanisms," Gleason says. "That helps to build up some of the predictive capability we're lacking for modeling how materials respond at extreme conditions."

The study provides exciting insights into the structural properties of iron at extremely high temperatures and pressures. But the results are also a promising indicator that these methods could help scientists understand how other materials behave at extreme conditions, too.

"The future is bright now that we've developed a way to make these measurements," Gleason says. "The recent X-ray undulator upgrade as part of the LCLS-II project allows higher X-ray energies -- enabling studies on thicker alloys and materials that have lower symmetry and more complex X-ray fingerprints."

The upgrade will also enable researchers to observe larger samples, which will give them a more comprehensive view of iron's atomic behavior and improve their statistics. Plus, "we're going to get more powerful optical lasers with the approval to proceed with a new flagship petawatt laser facility, known as MEC-U," says Gleason. "That'll make future work even more exciting because we'll be able to get to the Earth's inner core conditions without any problem."

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) contributed to this study. Funding was provided by the University of Lille, an LANL Reines Laboratory Directed Research and Development grant, and the DOE Office of Science, including Gleason's DOE Early Career Award in Fusion Energy Sciences. LCLS is a DOE Office of Science user facility.

Physical Review Letters

DOI 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.205501



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Isolated Christians in Middle East Plead 'Don't Leave Us Alone'

As Thanksgiving approaches in the U.S., 'world's loneliest Christians' keep the faith despite isolation, suffering





ISOLATED CHRISTIANS IN MIDDLE EAST PLEAD 'DON'T LEAVE US ALONE:' Isolated Christians in the Middle East and North Africa are turning to virtually "uncensorable" visual and digital technology to help keep their faith alive in an increasingly lonely environment for believers, says Middle East-based media ministry SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org).



NEWS PROVIDED BY

SAT-7

Nov. 15, 2021



EASTON, Md., Nov. 15, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- Isolated Christians in the Middle East and North Africa are turning to virtually "uncensorable" visual and digital technology to help keep their faith alive in an increasingly lonely environment for believers.



In some countries in the region -- where only 3% of the population is Christian -- believers can be banned from going to church, live in fear for their lives, and sometimes don't have even one other believer to talk with.



"These are the world's loneliest Christians," said Rex Rogers, president of SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org), a media ministry that broadcasts faith-based programs via satellite and streams video online in local languages across the region 24/7. "They're crying out: 'Don't leave us alone.'"



The Middle East-based broadcaster reaches an estimated 25 million viewers in their homes and on their phones -- including isolated believers in places such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and Iraq -- and interacts with them via social media and live chat.



'Hanging On Every Word'

In Morocco, Rita El-Mounayer -- SAT-7's Middle East-born CEO -- found a small, isolated group of believers glued to the ministry's Arabic-language satellite television broadcast. "They were hanging on every word, with pen and paper in hand to take notes and jot down the words of the worship songs," she said.



For thousands in this volatile region, being a follower of Christ is difficult and often dangerous -- a journey many walk alone.



"It's not easy to be a Christian in a country where everyone is a (non-Christian) by default," said SAT-7 ARABIC presenter Samia Kessai in Algeria, where churches have been closed by the government during the pandemic and believers fear they might never re-open. "Many believers here feel lost," she said.



"My five-year-old son asks me why we're not praying in the church. He doesn't understand."



The network is a "lifeline" for believers who "have nowhere to go to seek fellowship," Kessai said. Nabila -- full name withheld -- says his brothers threatened to kill him when they found out he'd become a Christian. Like many others, he watches SAT-7 -- his only source of Christian fellowship -- in secret.



'I Really Am Loved'

In Iran, Elmira -- full name withheld -- was forced to marry at age 11 and sold as a prostitute to fund her husband's drug habit. By age 15, she had two children. "I felt like I was nothing," she said. When Elmira came across SAT-7's local channel, she suddenly saw she wasn't alone. "I heard how I really am loved... how God could help me. That changed everything."



While Christianity is spreading faster in Iran than anywhere else in the world, many believers there -- like Elmira -- have to practice their faith in secret, tuning into satellite broadcasts that governments can't easily jam, and streaming on-demand Christian programs on their phones and mobile devices.



Children in Iran are even praying for children in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has forced Christians into hiding and Christian girls live in terror of being abducted as child brides and sex slaves. Sargez, a viewer in Afghanistan, recently told the SAT-7 PARS Farsi-language channel: "I've become captivated by the love in Christianity."



About SAT-7

Launched in 1996, SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) -- with its international headquarters in Cyprus -- broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television and online programs to an estimated 25 million people in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari, and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels and online services.



SOURCE SAT-7



CONTACT: Matti Stevenson, 719-360-0586, mstevenson@inchristcommunications.com


Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 6:30PM

by Claudio Alves

The upcoming release of The Power of the Dog is a joyous moment for all cinephiles everywhere. Finally, after twelve long years, Jane Campion is back with a new feature that won her the Best Director prize at Venice earlier this year and might lead her to more Oscar nominations, maybe victories. Personally speaking, I'm on cloud nine right now, seeing as Campion is my favorite living filmmaker. Having watched every one of her features and most shorts, I've fallen in love with her cinema of extreme materiality and negative capability, her portraits painted with unsaid words and aborted gestures, silences, and voids.

Such is my love that, to celebrate the incoming release of The Power of the Dog, I've decided to rank Jane Campion's nine features. It's a veritable cornucopia of cinematic excellence

For simplicity's sake, I've only considered feature films, excluding shorts and TV series. Even so, Top of the Lake and Peel deserve much admiration. If you haven't seen them yet, check 'em out. They're worth the effort, as are all works by Jane Campion. With that out of the way, let's delve into the ranking:

9) TWO FRIENDS (1986)

When you're a kid, you think friendships last forever, that you'll always be close, and nothing will ever change. Then, you grow up and learn the truth. To call this commonplace occurrence a tragedy may sound farfetched, but its pain cannot be denied. Jane Campion captures that ache in Two Friends, her first and most modest feature. Like her best early shorts, the picture's focus is on the minutia of human interaction, how microscopic gestures and facial expressions can carry galaxies of meaning, how unsaid words can hang between people, slowly suffocating them.

The director's talent with actors is on full display, though it's the textual and editing structure that shines brightest in this youthful drama. The inevitably of dwindling connections is at the forefront, tying disconnected scenes through emotional reverberations. Lastly, elements such as a funereal opening help define the project as something removed from cheap sentimentality and rosy nostalgia. Instead, Two Friends plays like a sober eulogy to a friendship lost.

Two Friends is streaming on The Criterion Channel.



8) HOLY SMOKE (1999)

Written by Jane Campion and her sister Anna, Holy Smoke almost feels like a parody of those Australian comedies about oddball characters that gained international traction in the 90s. Indeed, it's a movie full of lively obstinance and a need to provoke, no matter who gets offended in the process. Its gaze is probing, ready to find kitsch grotesquery in suburbia and naive spiritual tourism in a young woman's Indian epiphany. The cinematography undoubtedly regards these subjects with a sort of snarky extremity, turning up the colors to eleven until the entire world is rendered like a hallucination of melted crayons.

Dion Beebe has rarely shot a more visually aggressive picture, ready to stab the audience in the eye at any given moment. And yet, the images are tame compared to the war of the sexes going on in the plot. With Kate Winslet on one side and Harvey Keitel on the other, the Campion sisters have concocted a clash of personalities that verges on sadism, the obliteration of the individual persona, and, at last, a reversal of roles. The actor has never been better, and Winslet should have won an Oscar for the bruised intensity she brings to the role. Holy smoke, she's incredible!

Holy Smoke is unavailable to stream right now. However, there are Blu-ray and DVD editions of the picture out there.



7) AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE (1990)

Shyness, genuine oddity, and social anxiety are such difficult things to capture on film. Cinema is all about looking, yet looking directly at these personalities feels like a betrayal of their essence. Do too little, and you end up with an alienating clinical study that never goes below the surface. Go too far, and it's exploitative, voyeuristic, if not inhumane. Adapting her artistic vision to someone else's creative worldview, Jane Campion has resolved this problem.

She does this, in part, by accepting her subject's insularity and focusing on the powers of individual imagination to liberate someone, not from themselves but the world's myopic expectations. For Janet Frame, as imagined by Campion and screenwriter Laura Jones, strangeness is both blessing and curse, a privilege and a stifling affliction. This ambivalence  or is it a contradiction?  is brought to life by a superb cast led by Kerry Fox with a shock of red hair and an expressive face made for cerebral character studies.

An Angel at My Table is streaming on the Criterion Channel. You can also rent or buy it via Apple iTunes.

6) THE POWER OF THE DOG (2021)

Watching Campion's latest, I was struck by how I had missed the tactility of her cinema. While obsessing over human gestures and the empty spaces between actions, the director's filmography is also full of pictures so visually evocative you can practically feel their textures, if not smell and taste them too. The Power of the Dog stinks of sweat and manly musk, of wet rawhide, bootleg booze, and turgid cocks straining for fulfillment. It's also queer as hell, a cruel take on the revisionist western that feels like an inversion of Reichardt's First Cow. Or else, its evil twin.

Beware of toxic masculinity and quiet twinks, loyal sons, jealous brothers, the ghosts of dead lovers. In Campion's formalistic nightmare, they'll get you in the end. As a final mercy, you might get a kiss gifted through a shared cigarette, a mix of tobacco and saliva that drips desire, and the executioner's sorrowful farewell. Or else, you'll rot and die, like so many animals in a Montana landscape that looks an awful lot like New Zealand. You'll despair like so many lost souls cursed to forever wander the Earth in search of that which they cannot have.

The Power of the Dog hits streaming on Netflix later this year, on December 1st. Until then, it'll be in American theaters starting November 17th.

5) THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY (1996)

The question of what makes a good adaptation hangs above The Portrait of a Lady ever since its original release. Reviled by many critics and spectators, this filmed version of Henry James' eponymous novel dares to contradict its original text. Truly, it goes as far as trying to subvert its findings, its form. The movie argues against James and offers an idiosyncratic reading of his work expressed as much through textual changes as through audiovisual flourishes.

It's also an airless thing, like an enclosed mausoleum, full of unrestful spirits and centuries-old cobwebs, the air heavy with dust and decay. Watching it, I often feel trapped by the film, smothered by Nicole Kidman's tears and Janet Patterson's bustle gowns. I also feel inebriated, drunk on the spirit of Campion's twisted mind, utterly enchanted by her repudiation of a literary cinema that remains passive when confronted by canonical greatness. The Portrait of a Lady is a sick and oppressive film, and I love all the agony it brings me.

The Portrait of a Lady is currently unavailable on streaming. However, like with Holy Smoke, there are DVD and Blu-ray editions of the film you can purchase.



4) SWEETIE (1989)

Sweetie is a mighty misnomer of a title. There's nothing sweet about Jane Campion's sophomore feature, a most alienating piece of cinema that's astringent to the bitter end. Such is the caustic quality of the film that one's not surprised to learn it was booed at Cannes 1989. The director, however, was surprised or, at least, disappointed. Years later, Campion said she spent the night crying after facing such a vocal rejection at the Croisette. While it's understandable why someone would react antagonistically towards Sweetie, the film's a masterpiece.

Through Sally Bongers' cinematography and Veronika Jenet's cutting, Campion fragments bodies and spaces, taking a nasty family drama to extremes of kitsch abstraction. It's a profoundly uncomfortable film, made more abrasive by the deep ugliness of its characters. These are not good people, and Campion's not interested in making them palatable. Nonetheless, there's humanism to the exercise, a fascinated gaze upon the idiosyncrasies of weird people, their quirky habits, and strange histories. If we were ever privy to how extraterrestrials might regard the human race, we might find out it looks a lot like Sweetie.

Sweetie is streaming on the Criterion Channel. You can also rent or buy it from Apple iTunes.

3) IN THE CUT (2003)

By far, Jane Campion's most polarizing movie, In the Cut's a delicious dream about the eroticism of danger and the messiness of desire. The last time I wrote about the movie on TFE, suggesting it should have nabbed a Best Director Academy Award, many commenters were quick to ridicule the idea. In some regard, that's a reasonable response. After all, In the Cut is a ridiculous film, translating the absurdities of lust through an aberrant sex thriller that feels a lot like the bastard child of an academic paper and some pulp trash.

From a purposefully nebulous lead to an aesthetic that's ripe to the point of rot, In the Cut pulls no punches and makes no concessions for its hypothetical audience. Either you're on its wavelength, or you're not. It's all about subjective perceptions anyway, refracting our experience through the fucked-up impulse, assumptions, and risk-taking urges of an endangered professor. Her wants are the film's guiding principle, distorting reality until it's nothing more than a poetic shimmer or perchance an aphrodisiac cocktail made of cum and arsenic.

In the Cut is streaming on Netflix and the Criterion Channel. You can rent it on other platforms too.

2) BRIGHT STAR (2009)

Trying to explain his writing, casually expanding on the idea of negative capability, to his beloved, John Keats divagates about how one experiences poetry. According to him, a poem needs understanding through the senses. It's like diving in a lake. You don't go into it to immediately swim to shore but to be in the lake. To dive into a lake is to be drunk on the sensation of water on the body, an aqueous embrace. When making her Bright Star, Campion follows the poets' philosophy, emboldening and soothing the soul through the mystery of cinema.

Though describing this particular movie as a poem might be missing the point. Its structure is more akin to an epistolary romance based, as it is, on love letters. If In the Cut brushes against academism, Bright Star runs away in the opposite direction. Feelings are rarefied and crystalized in unforgettable images, instants of pure affection frozen in shiny celluloid, transcending archer intellectualisms. My heart weeps for the moving statues in a flowery tunnel, an artist floating on a canopy turned bed, a guttural scream of grief that still rings in the ears long after seeing the film for the first time.

Bright Star is streaming on the Criterion Channel. You can also rent it or buy it on Apple iTunes.

1) THE PIANO (1993)

It's a truth universally acknowledged that any consideration of Jane Campion's oeuvre must single out The Piano as her best feature. As much as one might strive to be original, there's no denying that the director's Palme D'Or champion is also her magnum opus. A frontier drama displaced to a cold blue island in the Pacific, an erotic character study about an adulterous affair, a wailing scream that takes the form of a mute woman's stubborn silence, a portrait of inaction as a way to ascertain authority over self-identity  there are many ways to describe The Piano, all of them valid.

Like a brilliantly cut diamond, it has many facets. Look deeply into one, and you'll only find an even bigger plurality of beauty, a kaleidoscope of ideas. Though, to think the film's all impenetrable polished surfaces would be wrong. Part of its splendor comes from the rawness of its curated imagery, the constant rain and mud, mutilated hands, and ivory keys carved with secrets. Extreme materiality exists in all Campion films, but The Piano is the epitome, just as much as it is an orgiastic peak of sensuality, music, an ode to the New Zealand landscape in its wettest permutations.

The Piano is currently unavailable on streaming. However, there are physical editions of the film, including a new Criterion disc.

How many Jane Campion films have you seen, and how would you rank them? Please share your answer in the comments.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

The 25th International Business Forum (IBF) organized by Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency and Turkey's Association of Independent Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (MUSAID) kicked off in Baku on November 15.

The main purpose of the forum, which was founded in 1995 and is held annually in different countries, is to develop bilateral trade and economic relations between the countries, create models of sustainable cooperation, strengthen investment cooperation and business relations.

On November 13, the Agency held a press conference devoted to the 25th International Business Forum.

IBF President, Founder of MUSIAD Erol Yarar and Agency's Chairman Orkhan Mammadov informed about the upcoming forum and answered the journalists questions.

Mammadov underlined that the forum will be important for investors to know more about the economic and investment potential of Azerbaijan, including the liberated Karabakh region.

"We are pleased to host the 25th International Business Forum in Baku and to support the event... Among the goals of the forum is the establishment of direct ties between local and foreign investors, new cooperation between representatives of small and medium-sized businesses and the implementation of joint investment projects," he said.

In turn, noting that Azerbaijan has great potential in tourism, agriculture and healthcare, Erol Yarar stated that taking this into account it is possible to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.

He added that the Karabakh region's economic development is one of the priority issues for Azerbaijan, which liberated its lands from Armenia's occupation in the 44-day second Karabakh War in 2020.

"We would like to make a contribution and for this purpose, we decided to hold the 25th International Business Forum in Azerbaijan. We have been working closely with Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency in this sphere for about a year," he said.

"We arrived in Azerbaijan together with 500 Turkish businessmen working in agriculture, food, health care, tourism and other fields," Yarar added.

On July 6, Azerbaijans Agency for Small and Medium-sized Business Development and International Business Forum signed a memorandum of understanding to hold the 25th IBF Forum in Baku this year.

The forum will be held under the "Azerbaijan: Pearl of Asia" slogan with the participation of the officials, businessmen, representatives of international organizations, diplomatic corps, chambers of commerce and business associations from almost 30 countries.

The panels on investment opportunities in Azerbaijan, in particular, in agriculture, industry, tourism, the investment potential of the Karabakh region, public-private partnership, as well as bilateral meetings among businessmen will be organized. The businessmen will review the work process at a number of manufacturing enterprises in Baku and districts of the country and will discuss the opportunities for cooperation and investment with local businessmen within the forum.

Some 500 foreign investors and businessmen are expected to participate in the forum, which will last until November 17.

A number of documents on cooperation are planned to be signed at the opening ceremony, to be held on November 15 at the Baku Congress Center.

Trend news agency, Day.Az and the TURKIC.World media project are the official media partners of the IBF.
By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (ANCM) and the Russian Hermitage Museum have announced a joint project.

An inclusive exhibition "Unseen Art: Pushing the Boundaries of Potential" opened at the Russian Hermitage Museum.

Unseen Art: Pushing the Boundaries of Potential

This exhibition is the result of many years of research on creating replicas of art works for individuals with visual disabilities.

The museum visitors are invited to explore world art heritage through a tactile display.

The exhibition presents the inclusive fragments of the Pazyryk carpet, the oldest carpet in the world preserved in the State Hermitage Museum, newly woven by the Carpet Museum's Traditional Technologies Department.

The project makes it possible for visitors with visual impairments to experience a variety of techniques and feel the ornaments' shapes.?

The exhibition also displays relief replicas of felt products found in the Pazyryk burial mound, bas-reliefs designed based on the famous Panjakent murals and their animated narratives, a relief model of Rembrandt's painting Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes, and much more.

Partnership with Hermitage Museum

The ANCM's inclusive project in the State Hermitage Museum is part of the Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation signed between the two museums in 2020.

The inclusive program is based on the old carwood technique, which combines a smooth background, made in a lint-free way, and a pile ornament. This convex ornament is good for tactile reading. For the Hermitage exposition, the museum's Traditional Technologies Department created mini-rugs that reflect fragments of the ornament of the Pazyryk rug, known as the world's oldest carpet.

The Hermitage staff determined the original wool colors of the Pazyryk carpet kept in this museum, and our staff developed sketches of carpet fragments and weaved rugs with convex patterns on them from yarn hand-dyed with natural dyes.

Opening ceremony

The Carpet Museum director Shirin Malikova addressed the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

In her speech, Shirin Malikova noted that one of the main tasks for museums today is to make museums accessible to all people without exception.

She stressed the importance of creating all necessary conditions for visually impaired and blind people to enjoy masterpieces.

Shirin Malikova expressed her hope that the exhibition will arouse great interest among other museums.

In conclusion, Mikhail Piatrovsky presented the Carpet Museum with the inclusive fragments of the Pazyryk carpet, the oldest carpet in the world preserved in the State Hermitage Museum.

The exhibition will run until December 12.




By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

The work is being carried out to include Shusha in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Chief of the Culture Ministry's Art and Digital Development Department Ramil Abbakirov said that this process may take one to two years, Report.az informed.

"UNESCO has several heritage lists: the UNESCO World Heritage List and UNESCO Creative Cities List. For instance, Lankaran has been included in the UNESCO list Network of Creative Cities. Now we are working to include the city of Shusha both in the UNESCO World Heritage List and in the UNESCO Creative Cities List," he said.

Abbakirov stressed that Shusha's inclusion in UNESCOs World Heritage List is not a quick process and requires preparing and checking certain documents and files.

"If we speak about the inclusion to the Creative Cities List, then one of the main criteria is the creative activity of the applicant city. Since last year Shusha has hosted several events and festivals. Here we can mention the Kharibulbul festival and the 13th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, said Abbakirov.

"All these events are related to music which makes it possible for us to develop a special document that certifies that Shusha is a culturally active city in the sphere of music and submit this document to UNESCO to include the city to the Creative Cities List," he added.

He pointed out that there are other culturally significant sites in the liberated territories, such as the Azykh cave and the Khudafarin bridges.

"Work is underway to include them to these lists, along with studies, and special files are developed to be sent to UNESCO," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and UNESCO will celebrate the 30th anniversary of partnership.

The decision was announced at a meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov and the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations of UNESCO Firmin Edouard Matoko at the UNESCO General Conference.

Azerbaijan and UNESCO have been enjoying successful cooperation since 1992.

In 2003, the parties signed the framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Icherisheher (Old City), Maiden Tower, and Shirvanshah's palace were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000, while since 2007 the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic reserve was also listed among these heritages.

Shaki, an important city at the crossroads of the historic Silk Roads was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee held in Baku.

In 2017, UNESCO recognized Azerbaijan's dolma as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Art of crafting and playing with kamancha, presented jointly by Azerbaijan and Iran, was also inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Moreover, the Pomegranate Festival, Art of miniature were inscribed in UNESCO Representative List in December 2020.

UNESCO also successfully celebrated the 600th anniversary of the death of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi and the 200th anniversary of the first settlement of Germans in Azerbaijan.

In 2021, Lankaran region was included in the UNESCO list Network of Creative Cities.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Azerbaijani Army has thwarted another Armenian provocation in the Lachin section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border, the Defence Ministry has reported.

Starting from the morning of November 14, Armenias military personnel and equipment gathered at the state border in liberated Lachin region to commit another provocation against Azerbaijan, the report added.

Under the predetermined plan, the Azerbaijan military units stationed in the area took immediate measures to suppress the Armenian provocation.

As a result of the operational measures by the Azerbaijani units, the adversary had to retreat and leave the area, the report reads.

The Defence Ministry added that the operational situation is under the control of the Azerbaijani military units.

Last week, Armenia made a similar unsuccessful attempt to commit provocation against Azerbaijan by deploying its 60 servicemen near the state border in the Lachin direction

The Defence Ministry has called on Armenias military-political leadership to stop such adventurism, otherwise, all necessary measures will be taken to suppress these kinds of provocations.

The ministry underlined that all the provocations by Armenia show that it is not interested in carrying out the delimitation and demarcation of the state borders with Azerbaijan via negotiations.

The ministry stressed that the Armenian military and political leadership is solely responsible for the consequences of any confrontation on the state border.

It should be noted that Baku repeatedly made all the necessary proposals to Yerevan with regard to normalizing the post-war regional situation. Namely - to sign a peace treaty, to recognize each other's territorial integrity and to begin the delimitation and demarcation of borders.

About 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have been deployed for five years in Karabakh under the trilateral cease-fire deal signed by Baku, Moscow and Yerevan on 10 November 2020. The signed agreement brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia.

The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions and urged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.

Armenia still fails to withdraw all its troops from Azerbaijan under the ceasefire deal. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

By Vafa Ismayilova

Armenia's armed forces have committed another provocation near Kalbajar, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported on November 15.

Starting from the night of November 15, the Armenian armed forces units from Basarkechar region's positions in Yukhari Shorzha settlement fired at the Azerbaijan army positions in Kalbajar region's Zeylik and Yellija settlements, the report added.

For no apparent reason the opposing side, using various calibre weapons, sniper rifles, and grenade launchers subjected to intensive fire the Azerbaijani army positions.

On the morning of November 15, Armenia's military units fired at an Azerbaijani tractor carrying out road works to restore infrastructure in this direction, and two Kamaz vehicles transporting supplies for the Azerbaijan army units. The equipment was damaged, but there were no injuries among military personnel.

"In accordance with the plan, the Azerbaijan army units stationed in this direction are taking adequate measures to suppress provocations of the Armenian armed forces, as well as engineering works carried out by them in combat positions," the ministry said, adding that the operational situation is under the Azerbaijani army's control.

The ministry stressed that Armenia's military and political leadership "will bear the entire responsibility for the consequences of any confrontation on the state border"

The escalation of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been observed since November 13, 2021, when several Azerbaijani servicemen were wounded in the attack committed by members of illegal Armenian armed formations near Shusha city on the Azerbaijani territory currently under Russian peacekeepers' temporary control.

The Azerbaijani army positions in liberated Kalbajar and Lachin regions have been under Armenian fire since the evening of November 13.

It should be noted that Baku repeatedly made all the necessary proposals to Yerevan with regard to normalizing the post-war regional situation. Namely - to sign a peace treaty, to recognize each other's territorial integrity and to begin the delimitation and demarcation of borders.

About 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have been deployed for five years in Karabakh under the trilateral cease-fire deal signed by Baku, Moscow and Yerevan on 10 November 2020. The signed agreement brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia.

The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions and urged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.

Armenia still fails to withdraw all its troops from Azerbaijan under the ceasefire deal. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

Last year's Second Karabakh War profoundly changed the state of affairs in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijans meticulously executed peace-enforcement master plan culminated in an emanation of virtue by means of the swift application of the nations will in accordance with the laws of war. The whole campaign, in particular, the battle of Shusha will go down in the annals of history as irrefutable evidence of Azerbaijans moral and military superiority over Armenia.

Yet not everything is done and dusted. The ceasefire agreement was a milestone, but it was not a fully-fledged peace agreement. A comprehensive treaty, addressing the full spectrum of future Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, is yet to be signed.

A recent provocation on the Shusha-Khankandi road, a deeply worrying incident on the Lachin section of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border, the instances of intensive Armenian firing at Azerbaijani positions in the newly liberated Kalbajar region and some other developments showed that there are those, both inside Armenia and outside, who are vehemently against a final normalisation between the sides, and it will take some patience and carefully executed foreign policy steps before the region is able to enjoy what could be described as lasting and stable peace.

Insufferable procrastination

When Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan came to power, there were some hopes that he would be different to his predecessor. But the expectations did not materialise, as it later emerged that Pashinyan wanted to procrastinate the conflict and delay its solution till the end of his tenure, whilst assuming that Azerbaijan would be gently coerced into accepting the evolution of de facto into de jure. Whatever his personal, yet undisclosed, thoughts on the subject might have been, the legacy that he inherited from the previous government forced him to pursue extreme maximalism.

The desire to look tough and uncompromising in the eyes of his countrymen made him produce ludicrously bombastic statements that he was to lament later. This escalation, which resulted in total war, was the outcome of Yerevans unreasonableness and recalcitrance. Azerbaijan was not to be trifled with. The Tovuz events in July 2020 were the straw that broke the camel's back. It was evident, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the aggressor was to be dealt with through military means and so it happened.

Enduring victory

Whilst conversing with Patrick Walsh, a distinguished Irish historian, on the implications of the trilateral ceasefire declaration last year, he told me that history was littered with total victories that had unraveled and caused even bigger wars within a generation, and that the most complete victory was an enduring one. On reflection, I concur with the eminent Irishman.

When Armenia was compelled to succumb to Azerbaijans peace-enforcement measures, Yerevan was in the depths of despair. After the battle of Shusha, which will be remembered by posterity as a defining point in Azerbaijans history, Baku was more than capable of carrying out the campaign until the point of completely exterminating the illegal entity based in Khankandi, but it stopped. It was a decision based on a careful and ultimately wise examination of competing considerations.

Firstly, it was clear that, with the liberation of Shusha, the commanding height of Karabakh, the fundamental objective of the campaign was achieved. The November deal that ended hostilities formalised Azerbaijans gains and did not touch upon what was left of the former so-called illegal and unrecognised "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" in any detail. The absence of its mentioning did not exactly mean the issue would never ever crop up, but what it meant was that the rigmarole on the so-called status of Nagorno-Karabakh was no longer on the agenda and, given the balance of bargaining chips, which by virtue of the military achievements of Azerbaijan massively favoured Baku, the prospects of the nonsense called Artsakh were nonexistent.

Secondly, Azerbaijans political and military leadership was wise enough not to repeat the mistake of the "Karabakh clan", so painstakingly lamented by former President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, or to fall into the trap of a euphoria-induced arrogance that led to the fatal miscalculation of the entente at Versailles following the First World War.

Thirdly, Baku followed the timeless adage of wisdom in line with which magnanimity, tempered with just ambitions, is regarded as a virtue. However catastrophic to the long-held toxic Armenian desire the trilateral declaration might have been, it gave Yerevan a chance to bow down in a reasonably dignified way. Magnanimity should not militate against the core interests of the magnanimous, and Azerbaijan, as a victor, knew that the defeated aggressor would no longer be able to take revenge.

Fourthly, Azerbaijan managed to liberate the substantial part of Aghdam, Kalbajar and Lachin without human sacrifice. So many lives, on both sides, would have been lost, had the war lasted for a day more. As Matthew Bryza, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, has wisely observed, perhaps Armenians and many others do not yet appreciate the unmatched magnanimity and unparalleled acumen ingrained in the decision of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to agree to end military operations, but history and humanity at large will pay tribute to him in the fullness of time.

No status for Karabakh

With regard to Karabakh, Azerbaijans stance has been consistent over the past three decades: the idea of agreeing to a referendum leading to the creation of another Armenian state on Azerbaijani territory has never been contemplated. The possibility of giving the Armenians of Karabakh a form of autonomy within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was viewed as admissible by Baku during the protracted negotiations, but since the end of the war, it is a mere relic of the past discussions. It was supremely evident from the logic of the statements made by Baku from November 2020 onwards that there would no longer be an enclave on the liberated territories, but a more simplified administrative division. In fact, Azerbaijan formalised this stance by creating two units in the formerly occupied lands in July 2021  namely, the Karabakh and the East Zangazur Economic Regions.

The trilateral ceasefire agreement does not incorporate any clauses about a legal regime applicable to the Armenians of Karabakh. Azerbaijans stance is crystal clear. Baku views the Armenian population of Karabakh as its citizens. Given Azerbaijans present leverage and ability to dictate its own terms with careful consideration for the defeated, the likely scenario is that the construct to be offered will be of such a nature to allow Armenians to enjoy full cultural rights, but will not amount to any form of self-governance.

Today it is clear to many, including Armenians, that the nonsense called Artsakh is dead. In fact, this pernicious idea has never evolved from the minds of the separatists into a verifiable form of existence. Now, with Azerbaijans firm military and diplomatic triumph, it has been finally thrown into the dustbin of history. And that is the most critical and irreversible dictum engendered by the consequences of the Second Karabakh War.
By Trend

A year has passed since the signing of a trilateral statement by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and the prime minister of Armenia, which stopped the bloodshed in Karabakh [second Karabakh war in 2020], Trend reports.

This statement means historic victory of Azerbaijan and the defeat of Armenia. The task that international organizations failed to do during 30 years was carried out by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev within 44 days [from late Sept. to early Nov.2020].

The signed statement took into account all the requirements that Azerbaijan insisted on. The prime minister of Armenia had to accept Azerbaijan's conditions. After 30 years, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was restored. Besides, according to this document, three districts of Azerbaijan - Aghdam, Kalbajar and Lachin were liberated from the Armenian occupation without bloodshed.

According to the Russian political analyst, candidate of historical sciences, scientific director of the Center for Ethnic and International Studies of the Russian Federation Anton Bredikhin, the signing of the trilateral statement was a very important step in establishing peace, harmony and mutual understanding in the region.

"From this day a new epoch has begun, a new era for the South Caucasus. Its important that this date served as a point for the economic and transport reformatting of the region as a whole, Bredikhin said.

The Zangazur corridor should act as a very defining point within the framework of the peace agreement. It will have geopolitical significance and connect not only the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan [its exclave], but also Azerbaijan with Turkey, and respectively, there will be a direct road from Istanbul to Baku. This corridor fits even more into the strategic system - the North-South transport corridor between Russia and Iran, and will raise trade to a very significant level, he noted.

Its important that Armenia will receive many benefits within this format, and this issue should be discussed, become part of a peace treaty, or some other document that will be signed between the parties. Of course, transport is the area that made it possible to transform the conflict into the success of mutually beneficial cooperation," added the analyst.

Azerbaijan has already entered a new stage of development. The liberation of its lands from nearly 30- year occupation means the revival of life on the formerly occupied lands. At present, intensive reconstruction and restoration work is underway in Karabakh and East Zangazur.
By Trend

The heads of state wrote a new history at the VIII Summit of the Turkic Council, Kazakh political scientist, director of Alma club Islam Kuraev told Trend.

The Kazakh political scientist stressed that the summit was truly historic in nature, noting that within the framework of its work, the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States (Turkic Council) was renamed into the Organization of Turkic States

We must understand that if the organization receives the appropriate status in the UN, then its influence and strength will increase, and, accordingly, the voice of the Turks will have greater weight. Political aspects and strengthening of the positions of the Turkic-speaking states in the international arena are now on the agenda. I think that foreign policy issues will often be discussed collectively. The heads of state at this summit wrote new story. We all know that history is cyclical, and the time has come when the Turks once again demonstrate their unity," Kuraev said.

Kuraev also said that the breakthrough in the activities of the Turkic Council is associated with Azerbaijan.

"The victory in Karabakh and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan gave great confidence to the entire Turkic world. It was symbolic that Azerbaijan chaired the organization, because this country is a bridge between Turkey and the Turkic countries of Central Asia," the Kazakh political scientist noted.
By Trend

It is necessary to look ahead to reach the settlement in the South Caucasus, Director of the Russian Institute for Political Studies, expert Sergei Markov said during a press conference in Azerbaijans Shusha city on Nov. 13, Trend reports.

The expert added that the main purpose of the visit is to arrive in Karabakh region and review the restoration process there.

"Numerous participants from the Russian side, as well as MPs from Azerbaijan and experts visited Shusha, Markov said, adding that some interesting initiatives were voiced at the conference.
By Trend

We saw how quickly Azerbaijan patches the wounds of war, the editor-in-chief of National Defense magazine, Russian military expert Igor Korotchenko said during the "Problems of strengthening peace in the Caucasian region" press conference, following the Russian-Azerbaijani conference in the city of Shusha, Trend reports.

"Most of us first visited Shusha, this ancient Azerbaijani city. We saw how quickly Azerbaijan patches the wounds of war. A number of objects have already been restored in Shusha," Korotchenko said.

According to a Russian military expert, the purpose of the conference, which was held in Shusha for the first time, was to discuss the issues of resolving the situation in the South Caucasus.

"Our goal is clear - the region needs peace. Russia is also interested in this. Unblocking all transport communications and launching the Zangazur corridor will benefit all countries in the region, including Armenia. Delimitation and demarcation of borders are also important," he said.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Baku has condemned Yerevan for the recent escalation of tension on the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border.

In an official statement posted on the Foreign Ministry website on November 15, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Leyla Abdullayeva said: "All responsibility for the current tension lies directly with the military and political leadership of Armenia."

She recalled that on November 9, 60 Armenian servicemen gathered in the direction of Garagol, Lachin region leading to the Azerbaijani army positions, and on November 13, the Armenian military fired on the Azerbaijani army positions in Kalbajar region. Abdullayeva added that on November 14, the Armenian armed forces prepared for the next provocation, concentrating in the direction of Lachin region on the Azerbaijai-Armenian state border.

She stressed that in response to Armenia's recent provocations, the Azerbaijani army had taken appropriate measures by performing their duties within the country's sovereign territories.

We would like to note that in response to the recent provocations by Armenia, Azerbaijan is taking appropriate measures, Abdullayeva added.

The escalation of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been observed since November 13, 2021, when several Azerbaijani servicemen were wounded in the attack committed by members of illegal Armenian armed formations near Shusha city on the Azerbaijani territory currently under Russian peacekeepers' temporary control.

The Azerbaijani army positions in liberated Kalbajar and Lachin regions have been under Armenian fire since the evening of November 13.

It should be noted that on November 15, Armenian President Armen Sargsyan dismissed Arshak Karapetyan from the post of defence minister and appointed Suren Papikyan as new minister by the suggestion of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

This is the fourth defence minister in Armenia since Pashinyan came to force in Armenia. Three of them were appointed after Armenia signed an act of surrender on November 10, 2020, following the 44-day war with Azerbaijan.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani foreign and defence ministries slammed former Armenian Defence Minister Arshak Karapetyan's illegal visit to Azerbaijan's Karabakh region as a provocative act aimed at aggravating the situation and causing military confrontation.

It should be noted that Baku repeatedly made all the necessary proposals to Yerevan with regard to normalizing the post-war regional situation. Namely - to sign a peace treaty, to recognize each other's territorial integrity and to begin the delimitation and demarcation of borders.

About 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have been deployed for five years in Karabakh under the trilateral cease-fire deal signed by Baku, Moscow and Yerevan on 10 November 2020. The signed agreement brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia.

The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions and urged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.

Armenia still fails to withdraw all its troops from Azerbaijan under the ceasefire deal. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centers, and historic Shusha city.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey is moving towards its 2023 goals with determination, Yeni Shafak has reported.

Erdogan made the remarks at Mustafa Kemal Ataturks 83rd death anniversary commemoration conducted in Anitkabir.

We are moving towards our 2023 goals with determination, with the historical successes we have achieved in every field, especially in education, health, security, and industry. We will never allow the integrity of our country, the survival of our state, the unity, peace, and ancient values of our noble nation to be attacked, Erdogan wrote in the Anitkabir Special Notebook.

President Erdogan presided over the ceremonial cortege in Anitkabir, which included government officials and members of parliament. At Ataturk's mausoleum, Erdogan placed a wreath and a minute's silence was observed at 0905, the hour when Ataturk died 83 years ago.

Following the ceremony in Anitkabir, Erdogan spoke at the program organized by the Ataturk Higher Institution of Culture, Language, and History at the Historical CSO Concert Hall.

Addressing the event, Erdogan said that Ataturk actively fought and struggled wherever the nation's struggle for independence and the nation's future required it. Along with this, he kept a careful eye on Europe and the rest of the world in order to stay ahead of, rather than behind, events, he added.

Erdogan stressed that Turkey has constructed a Turkish house in New York, exactly across from the United Nations headquarters to deliver a message to the countrys rivals.

He highlighted that Mustafa Kemal's orders also serve as a road map for modern-day Turkey. Turkey is in Syria today, Libya today, the Caucasus today, and it is still engaged in a groundbreaking diplomatic war in Europe, he emphasized.

Erdogan stressed that the Turkish government appreciates Ataturks political, diplomatic, economic, and military legacy, which encompasses the region and the world.
By Trend

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian dismissed Arshak Karapetyan from the post of defense minister and, by the suggestion of the prime minister, appointed Suren Papikyan to this post, Trend reports on Nov. 15 citing Armenian media.

By another decree, Papikyan was dismissed from the post of deputy prime minister.




By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that three continents' transit corridors will pass through Turkey, Yeni Shafak has reported.

Erdogan made the remarks at the final deck assembly ceremony of the 1915 Canakkale Bridge, the report added.

We are now entering a phase in which all land, sea, rail and air routes in three continents start to pass through our country and of course through our straits, Erdogan stressed.

He added that the bridge is a critical component of a worldwide transportation project that connects Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Erdogan underlined that the bridge will be operational on March 18, 2022, on the anniversary of the Canakkale Naval Victory and will reduce the traffic passage through the strait to six minutes.

He noted that the bridge is the world's biggest middle span bridge, with a length of 4.6 kilometers including the approach viaducts and its foundations are placed at a depth of 45 to 37 meters below sea level.

Reminding the ongoing infrastructural development, Erdogan added that the standards of highways, roads, bridges and tunnels have been increased and the railway systems have been strengthened by modern tunnels and bridges.

The Turkish president examined the bridge and highway connections from the air upon his arrival at the ceremony site and was informed about the ongoing construction work.

Speaking about the Istanbul Canal, Erdogan stressed that with this project Turkey will realize another revolutionary breakthrough in the field of maritime transport.

Furthermore, Erdogan attended the mass opening ceremony in Biga district, as well as the premiere of the Ezineli Yahya Sergeant Documentary, filmed at the Troy Museum under the sponsorship of Ezine Municipality.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Presidential spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin has said Turkey is concerned about Libyas territorial integrity, Yeni Shafak reported has reported.

Speaking about the International Conference for Libya held in Paris, Kalin said that Turkey is worried about the rhetoric voiced during the meetings urging the withdrawal of the Turkish military forces from Libya.

We are there based on the agreement we reached with the Libyan government, we have a legal justification," Kalin underlined.

He added that under this agreement, Turkish soldiers provide military consultancy and training services in Libya.

"Libya's main problem is not the departure of Turkish soldiers from there. Our first concern is the territorial integrity of Libya, Kalin stressed.

He underlined that serious military support was given to Libyan commander Khalifa Belqasim Haftar within three years and there is no guarantee that he will not use them in the future. The West should talk to Haftar and get Wagner (Russian paramilitary organization) out of Libya first, Kalin stressed.

Speaking about the F-35 crisis with the USA, Kalin said that the F-35 program is a project established with the participation of 11 nations and its suspension has negative impacts on other countries as well.

When the S-400 issue came to the fore, as a formula, they terminated the existing agreement, in which we were also involved, and made a new agreement. We said it was completely unfair and unlawful. Not only Turkey loses from this. The program and the countries within it also lose in the long run he added.

Kalin said that Turkey has paid 1.4 billion dollars for F-35 fighter jets and the government is discussing to compensate the amount by upgrading or purchasing the F-16 jets from the U.S.

Our President conveyed this issue to the President of the United States Biden in Rome. They also expressed that they have a positive approach. The process is currently ongoing. There are quite a few legal and technical issues. Negotiations continue. Will Congress block? Yes, it stands as a possibility, Kalin added.

He stressed that Turkey, as NATO's second-biggest army, participates in practically all essential NATO tasks and that excluding Turkey would harm the alliance and Turkey-US ties.

Kalin reminded that Turkey has the right to look for alternative sources if its partners fail to provide what it requires.

We want to resolve this issue through diplomatic channels. Turkey is just demanding its rights. We want to have good relations with the USA and Russia. There are points where we disagree with the USA, there are points we agree on. The USA needs to change its policy regarding FETO and PYD, he underlined.

Kalin highlighted that improvement of the air defence system is significant for Turkey and the government prefers to carry out the program together with its NATO allies.

In his words, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed several times his readiness about purchasing the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system from the US.

Commenting on the Syrian crisis, Kalin said that Turkey is militarily, logistically and humanitarianly present in the region and provides security in a wide geography.

Kalin added that the international community has failed the Syrian people and there is no picture that contributes to the solution of the conflict. He reminded that the political processes such as the Geneva or the Astana process should be revived, steps must be taken and pressure must be put on the regime for the solution.
By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

The Interior Ministrys main department to combat drug trafficking has seized 68 kilograms of drug and 790 methadone pills as part of its operations, Trend has reported.

The department continues its operations to detain members of organized groups involved in the illicit trafficking and smuggling of drugs and psychotropic substances, the report added.

A total of about 39 kg drugs, including 16 kg heroin, 2 kg of opium, 20 kg methamphetamine, two electronic scales, 400 banned methadone pills and plastic bank cards used for drug sale were seized in the operation held in Baku's Garadagh district.

Other members of the international drug network Abil Mammadov, Mushfig Ismayilov and Vugar Guliyev were detained in two different operations in Baku.

Some 645 gr heroin, 125 gr methamphetamine, 1.3 kg heroin, 1.4 kg opium, 7 kg marijuana, 1.4 kg methamphetamine and an electronic scale used in drug trafficking were taken from the group members.

Moreover, 4.8 kg grams of heroin and 1 .6 kg methamphetamine were found on Mushfig Ismayilov and Vugar Guliyev, as well as in their house in Amirjan settlement.

It should be noted that the operations revealed that the abovementioned people served as couriers for drug traffickers trying to smuggle drugs from Asia to Europe, the report added.

As a result of the other operations against drug dealers in other districts of the capital, Otkem Piriyev, Rafael Khalilov, Elshan Babayev, Ayaz Hasanov, Shahbaz Babayev, Sadig Mammadov and Nijat Abdullayev were detained.

Over 2 kg heroin, 3.6 kg opium, methamphetamine, 300 methadone pills and two electronic scales have been found and taken from the group members.

In operations held in Absheron region, overall 1.6 kg of various drugs, 70 methadone pills, as well as electronic scales, cash from the sale of drugs and bank cards were found and taken from Mushfig Isayev, Jeyhuna Guliyeva, Araz Agayev, Shalala Abbasova and Aziz Rajabov.

Overall, 4kg f various drugs, electronic scales and 20 methadone pills were seized during the operations conducted by the Interior Ministry regional departments in Agdash, Lankaran, Astara and Gazakh.

Criminal procedures have been launched against the 21 detainees.

The Interior Ministry called on citizens, especially social network users and public activists to contribute to the fight against drug trafficking and anti-drug propaganda.




Jersey Finance, a leader in international finance, has signed an agreement with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority, paving the way for closer collaboration over the coming years.



Outlining a framework for greater cooperation to support the evolution of both Jersey and DIFC as international finance centres (IFCs), the agreement includes a commitment to working together on digital and in-person events and to nurturing talent and exchanging ideas and information to enable their growth as IFCs.



The agreement was signed at the DIFC Authority offices, following Jersey Finances recent flagship event in Dubai Jersey and the GCC: an enduring partnership in the Gulf. The signing was attended by Joe Moynihan, CEO of Jersey Finance, An Kelles, Director  GCC, Jersey Finance and Faizal Bhana, Director, Middle East, Africa and India, Jersey Finance. Representatives from DIFC included Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority and Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at DIFC Authority.



This year marks 15 years since the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) signed its first agreement with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), whilst in 2011 Jersey set up its first office in the UAE and a further agreement was signed with the Central Bank of the UAE. In 2018, Jersey became the first IFC to have an office within DIFC.



Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: Our relationship with Jersey continues to grow and todays partnership is testament to our joint commitment to driving the future of finance and innovation. As we embark on a new phase of growth and development, we are committed to working collaboratively with Jersey to create an environment where businesses can thrive, ultimately enabling our collective success. The agreement puts in place a comprehensive framework to facilitate new ways of working to position DIFC and Jersey as global business and innovation hubs.



Joe Moynihan, Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Finance, added: Jersey has a well-established relationship with the UAE and today our office in DIFC is our central hub for us in the GCC region. Our strong partnership with DIFC is the fruit of a real commitment and a lot of hard work from both sides over the past decade.



Today that mutually beneficial relationship has put us both in a really good position right at the front of global finance, able to support the increasingly complex needs of investors in Dubai, the wider GCC region and around the world. This agreement is a reflection of that evolving and hugely positive relationship.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading global financial centre in the region, said that General Reinsurance AG (Gen Re) has established a Middle East office in the Centre, making it the second insurer owned by Berkshire Hathaway to expand its presence in the region.



As a fully owned subsidiary of General Reinsurance Corporation and part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies, Gen Re earned superior financial strength ratings from major rating agencies and it was granted a Prudential  Insurance Business Model (PIN) license by the DFSA. A PIN is the highest financial strength category for the insurance sector. They will provide life and health reinsurance services across the Mena region, focusing on the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries.



The establishment of General Reinsurance AGDubai Branch reinforces DIFC as the reinsurance hub of choice due to its globally recognised regulatory environment within the region.



DIFC is now home to nearly100 firms in the insurance sector and continues to see growth in the value of gross premiums underwritten. In 2020, this reached $1.7 billion, registering positive gross written premium growth for the first half of 2021 at 15 per cent.



Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: DIFC is committed to developing the reinsurance sector in the region by providing the best platform, legal and regulatory framework. We are delighted that Gen Re chose to operate from the DIFC, recognising the potential to grow their business from the Centre. With names such as Gen Re and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance operating from the Centre, we continue to be recognised both locally and globally as a centre of excellence for insurance and reinsurance.



Ulrich Pasdika, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of General Reinsurance AG, said: With its leading expertise and broad range of services, Gen Re aims to make major contributions to the dynamic development of the life and health market in the Mena region. Mena is a key strategic region for us, and with the new office in DIFC, we will benefit from the proximity to clients in the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries. DIFC is an excellent location for our continued success in the region. We are proud to be part of the highly respected Centre.



With offices in Index Tower, 2021 is a very special year for Gen Re. It marks not only the 100th anniversary of the founding of General Re in North America, but also the 175th anniversary of the creation of the historical Cologne Re (now General Reinsurance AG) in Europe.  TradeArabia News Service
AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals for the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal in Egypts Safaga Port.

Under the MoU, AD Ports Group will explore investment opportunities and conduct feasibility and local market studies related to developing and operating a multipurpose terminal in Safaga Port, with both parties benefitting from the exchange of expertise and best practices.

The MoU aims to support the growth of the Middle Easts industrial and logistics sectors, as well as assist in opening new markets for Egyptian exports via direct maritime routes across the Arabian Gulf, East Asia, and Africa regions.

It will also facilitate commercial activities operating within the Golden Triangle and Upper Egypt and will elevate the countrys ability to compete with other nations that manufacture similar industrial products.

The signing was conducted on the sidelines of the 4th Smart Transport, Logistics & Traffic Fair & Forum for the MEA Region (TransMEA 2021), held under the patronage of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The legal document was signed in the presence of Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Transportation in Egypt by Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group; and Rear Admiral Abdul Qadir Darwish, Chairman of the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals.

Al Mazrouei said: The MoU with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals falls in line with AD Ports Groups efforts to promote trade relations with Arab sister nations, as well as our commitment to expand regional and global reach as a leading enabler of global trade and logistics.

The strategic location of Safaga Port on the Red Sea holds great potential for a significant role within the global supply chain. We are confident that the cooperation will prove beneficial for both sides, as it combines the unique characteristics of Safaga Port with the long-standing expertise offered by AD Ports Group in managing and operating maritime terminals, along with the groups extensive capabilities in delivering end-to-end services across the entire supply chain.

Rear Admiral Darwish expressed his appreciation for the newly announced cooperation with AD Ports Group, noting that the MoU will serve as a promising starting point for further collaborations, which will provide a wide range of services beneficial to each nations trade and logistics sectors.

Rear Admiral Darwish, said: The investment environment in Egypt is rich with opportunities, and it is crucial that we advance and enhance seaports in Egypt so that they become centres for further commercial development, and competitive with other international ports. In turn, this will greatly benefit our nations national economy.-- TradeArabia News Service
GFH Properties, a wholly owned subsidiary of GFH Financial Group, has backed a decision to launch Cityscape Bahrain, an offshoot of Cityscape Global, a leading real estate investment event, that will launch at the all-new Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre next year.

As one of four gold sponsors of the Rera Bahrain Pavilion at Cityscape Global, GFH Properties is supporting the development and promotion of the Kingdoms real estate sector on the global stage, said its top official.

"We are very proud to support the launch of Cityscape Bahrain, which is a major development for the regions real estate sector. Over the last two decades, Cityscape Global has proved to be a highly valuable industry event for real estate professionals and investors alike," remarked Eman Al Mannai, Head of Sales at GFH Properties.

With a residential portfolio of $1.8 billion, GFH Properties favours resilient investments in key sectors that are positioned for significant growth in the wake of pandemic.

At the Cityscape Global, GFH Properties is exhibiting its developments Harbour Heights and Harbour Row.

The Harbour Row is GFH Properties flagship project and comprises six residential buildings, including over 500 upscale apartments, and a new retail district hosting over 20 retail stores and kiosks overlooking a waterfront promenade.

The $145 million development, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, neighbours several of Bahrains prime leisure and retail destinations, including Bab Al Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Seef District, The Avenues  Bahrain, City Centre Bahrain and Moda Mall.

Harbour Heights is another of GFH Properties developments shaping Bahrains skyline with its distinctive trio of twisted towers situated directly in front of the Bahrain Financial Harbour twin towers.

A key residential tower, Harbour Heights comprises 226 apartments and penthouses with views and facilities including the highest swimming pool in Bahrain.

"We are working to develop our diversified real estate portfolio and continue to seek unique opportunities to lead landmark projects that transform both fortunes and skylines," stated Al Mannai.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Airshow 2021 will welcome members of the general public, families and children to witness the daily flying display from the purpose-built Skyview Grandstand, at Dubai World Central, Al Maktoum International Airport, the home of the Airshow, taking place from November 14-18.

The flying teams include Al Fursan, the United Arab Emirates Air Force aerobatic display team; Russian Knights by the Russian Air Force; Surya Kiran, the aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force; Sarang, the helicopter air display team of the Indian Air Force; and the Saudi Falcons, a BAE Hawk-equipped Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team.

Tarsus Middle East Managing Director Timothy Hawes said: We are looking forward to welcoming members of the general public to watch and enjoy the spectacular flying display at the Airshow. The Skyview Grandstand guarantees a perfect view from right beside the runway and for aviation photographers  the perfect picture.

Visiting the Skyview Grandstand will be an opportunity to see some of the worlds military fighter jets and large commercial aircraft, reserved usually for people in the aviation industry. Tickets are free but numbers are limited.

There will be free shuttle buses operating from Expo 2020 Dubai and Ibn Battuta Metro stations. The Grandstand will be open from 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. from November 14-18. Access for the general public will be limited to the Skyview area and not the main Airshow exhibition hall.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Leonardo, a global high-technology company, have signed an agreement to strengthen maintenance service for the fleet of AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters in Saudi Arabia.



By the memorandum of agreement (MoA), announced at the ongoing Dubai Airshow, SAEI will enter a qualification process to be recognised as a Leonardo Authorised Service Centre for the bestselling AW139 model in the country delivering basic maintenance for the type. The MoA also includes the addition of the AW169 helicopter and the AW609 TiltRotor in the future.



Ibrahim AlOmar, Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said: It is encouraging to see that SAEI is increasingly being recognized by leading aerospace industry leaders for its competitive capabilities in offering wide-ranging maintenance services to a broad spectrum of aircraft. We hope that the agreement with Leonardo will energize SAEIs and the wider SAUDIA Groups efforts to further develop local competencies in aviation and allied industries in line with the Kingdoms localization and employment generation objectives as outlined in Vision 2030.



We are delighted to be appointed as the first authorised Leonardo service centre in Saudi Arabia for AW139, AW169, and AW609 helicopter fleets, said Captain Fahd Cynndy, CEO of SAEI. I am confident that our industry-leading capabilities will provide aircraft owners and operators with easy access to reliable, cost-effective and timely services, enabling them to achieve enhanced safety and efficiency while offering superior passenger connectivity and convenience.



Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: We are honoured to partner with SAEI to provide the growing fleet of AW139 helicopters in Saudi Arabia with the level of quality service their operators deserve to maximise the advantages of using the worlds best aircraft in its category. We fully share common values and goals about flight safety and efficiency. SAEIs unique skills and expertise in aircraft maintenance services will be highly beneficial for the AW139 operations to effectively and timely serve their national communities.



The worlds most important helicopter programme since its certification in 2004 and the bestselling type in its category, the AW139 has logged orders for over 1200 units from more than 290 customers in over 70 countries to date.



The type has proven extremely successful in the Middle East with over 150 units sold across the region for the wide scope of missions including corporate transport, emergency medical service, search and rescue, law enforcement, offshore transport, government duties.  TradeArabia News Service
UAEs Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has launched the Make it in the Emirates Lab, a new public-private initiative that delivers corporate training to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial sector.

The training will also be available to select national students to further support and encourage their contribution to the industrial sector upon graduation, a statement by the MoIAT said.

In collaboration with Procter and Gamble (P&G), MoIAT kicked off the Access SMEs program within the wider Make it in the Emirates Lab.

The Make it in the Emirates Lab is the second public-private initiative by MoIAT following the Future of Industry Dialogue initiative, a series of interactive meetings organized in Q1 of 2021 with representatives of leading industrial sectors in the UAE.

Supportive Training

The training modules have been developed by P&G and are designed to develop core capabilities in areas such as operations, quality, supply chain, sourcing, marketing, sales and finance and accounting, as well as providing companies with the tools to access local, regional, and global markets.

The Access SMEs program and the wider Make it in the Emirates SMEs Lab are both in line with Operation 300bn, the Ministrys 10-year national strategy that aims to empower and expand the industrial sector to become a key driver of the UAE economy. SMEs form the core of the UAEs industrial sector and are a significant element of the nations manufacturing ecosystem, making up approximately 94 per cent of companies operating in the UAE, 11 per cent of which are in the industrial sector.

Advisory and Training

Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary at Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology, said: Knowledge transfer is a critical component of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, transforming our industrial sector into a modern, technologically advanced and globally competitive engine of economic growth. The Access SMEs training module will deliver practical, market-tested advice and guidance to our SMEs and select students  covering the likes of supply-chains and procurement, data analytics and lean manufacturing. We are delighted to partner with P&G and benefit from their advanced expertise in manufacturing consumer products.

He added: In line with Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates, Access SMEs is one of the many ways the Ministry is seeking to capture the processes and policies of the worlds most successful businesses as we seek to increase our industrial sectors contribution to national GDP. We look forward to seeing the results of the program spread through the local economy.

Access SMEs will target approximately 20 industrial SMEs and 10 senior Emirati students in the program. It is expected that the Make it in the Emirates SMEs Lab will reach 100 SMEs in total in its first year. It is also expected to accommodate approximately 50 students who will benefit from the training annually.

Business Expansion

Omar Channawi, P&G CEO Middle East, Sub Sahara Africa and General Exports Markets, said: At P&G, we are very pleased to partner with Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to provide UAE SMEs with the network and support they need to expand and grow their business. In alignment with the Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates initiatives, our collaborative program aims to stimulate, promote and support small businesses, startups and the entrepreneurial spirit, enabling this sector to actively contribute to the economic development of the UAE. Talent development is also a key focus area for P&G, and the participation of young national talents in the Access SMEs program is one of many P&G activities aims to develop and enable local talents.

In addition to P&G, further MoUs are in process with a number of key national and international industrial companies as part of this best-in-class corporate training. The SMEs Lab will also offer consultancy services provided directly by MoIAT and via partner companies, with sessions devoted to the practical support offered by Emirates Development Bank and the National In-Country Value program.--TradeArabia News Service
Emirates Development Bank (EDB), a key financial enabler of the UAEs economic diversification and industrial transformation agenda, has signed a strategic agreement with Dubai Industries & Exports (Dubai IE) to provide innovative financing and banking solutions to SMEs and corporates aimed at supporting the growth of UAEs industrial sectors and exports.

Signed by Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, and Engineer Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai IE, the agreement aims to boost strategic cooperation between the two entities in developing the industrial sector in Dubai and the UAE, and provide opportunities for local and international companies to set up manufacturing and industrial facilities in the Emirate and boost the exports.

This partnership aligns with EDBs continuous efforts to enable the industrial transformation and economic diversification agenda in the UAE, build a knowledge-based economy, increase global competitiveness and sustainable growth, and support startups and SMEs, which are key drivers of the national economy.

EDB also organised a roadshow in partnership with Dubai IE at EXPO 2020 to highlight its financial solutions for SMEs and corporates. Over 63 participants from Dubai IE members, representing UAE-based companies, included a number of industrial entities and some engaged in advanced technology solutions, attended the roadshow.

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, said: EDB is thrilled to enter into this strategic agreement with Dubai Industries & Exports, which is a key step in its strategic plans to support and finance corporates towards industrial growth and boosting exports. We believe that this collaboration will help us reach potential customers and study the possibility of funding them. We will also work together on developing entrepreneurship, awareness programmes, and sharing industrial knowledge.

He added: Being the financing arm of the UAE Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology in the Operation 300bn strategy, we have naturally taken up this initiative to re-emphasise the importance of supporting businesses, enhancing the adoption of technology and industrial development in the country. With Dubai IE, we will work together with the UAE exporters to offer them access to export finance to expand their global value chains and contribute to the countrys economic growth, and productivity surge, in line with the vision of the Operation 300bn roadmap.

Saed Mohamed Alawadi, CEO of Dubai IE, said: Dubai Industries & Exports is excited about his partnership with the Emirates Development Bank as our strategic objectives are perfectly aligned and complementary to each other. Both our organisations strive to enable UAEs industrial development and globalization, through an accelerated adoption of advanced technologies in addition to empowering the growth of innovative SMEs in Dubai and the UAE. The range of services that EDB provides in the industrial financing, business mentoring and corporate training spaces are second to none and we eagerly look forward to our customers benefitting from this strategic collaboration.

As the financial driver in Operation 300bn roadmap unveiled by the UAE Government earlier this year, EDB is focused on contributing to the growth of industrial sector in the UAE, paving the way for economic diversification, sustainable economic development of local industries, growth of GDP, boosting private sector growth and increase in exports.

EDB has also allocated AED 30 billion as direct and indirect financial bundle to finance SMEs, startups, and corporates in priority industrial sectors. EDB seeks to contribute AED 10 billion to the countrys GDP, support more than 13,500 companies, and create 25,000 jobs over the next five years.TradeArabia News Service
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) and G42 have tied up to explore the latest trends and opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Analytics and Cloud Computing. This will help accelerate the digitisation of manufacturing processes and drive supply chain improvements.

Through this partnership, GMIS and G42 will promote the adoption of disruptive technologies to solve some of the most complex industrial problems, helping, among others, oil and gas organisations to digitise their entire value chain, utility companies to optimise and forecast the dispatch of energy and water, and municipalities to reinvent urban planning and transportation.

As a Strategic Partner to GMIS, G42 will also highlight the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enable data-driven and flexible production processes in the manufacturing sector, including the use of machine learning to improve operational efficiencies, enhance quality control, reduce supply chain costs, and expedite decision-making.

At G42, we believe the best results arise from the collaboration between talent and organisations the world over, said Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42. Mutual understanding, respect and recognition of each others strengths produces the best possible outcomes, and this belief drives our partnership with the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit. We see AI as a force for good, a tool to improve every aspect of life, and a complement and enhancer to humanity rather than an alternative or antagonist to it, and have an unwavering commitment to discovering what will propel humanity forward, Xiao added.

Based in the UAE, G42 specialises in AI and Cloud, exploring the full potential of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies as tools that power progress and innovation across sectors. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered organisation is currently building the largest cloud computing infrastructure in the Mena region and manages a diversified portfolio of companies that develop and deploy AI solutions across a wide range of industries, including smart city, healthcare and life sciences, oil and gas, financial services, sports, aviation, geospatial, and more.

In December 2019, in partnership with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, G42 launched, the Emirati Genome Programme  a national project set to sequence the entire Emirati population genome and use large-scale genomic data to enable personalised and preventive healthcare in the UAE. Effective June 2021, the programme now sits under the UAE Genomics Council as a national initiative.

Driven by Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Cloud Computing, and the fifth generation of wireless network technology (5G), digital transformation of industries and supply chain networks will be central to discussions at the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (#GMIS2021). Under the theme Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Digitalisation for Prosperity, the Summit will position the importance of data intelligence and connectivity at the heart of the global dialogue, reinforcing the industrial sectors important role in driving economic growth and global prosperity.

Badr Al-Olama, Head of the Organising Committee of GMIS, added: The partnership between GMIS and G42 is taking place at a crucial time, when the world is turning its focus even more towards AI and other disruptive technologies for the greater good of humanity. Driven by our shared commitment to catalyse the digital innovation journey within the manufacturing sector, this collaboration will explore emerging opportunities in industrialisation and promote transformational solutions to strengthen the future of global supply chain networks.

The six-day GMIS Week will feature over 200 global speakers, including the two-day #GMIS2021 Summit from November 22 to 23, a Global Prosperity Conference and an Alternative & Renewable Energy Conference  The Green Chain Conference  on November 24 and country focused conferences in partnership with the UK, Australia and Italy. The event will also run a six-day manufacturing and advanced technology exhibition to showcase some of the UAEs most innovative capabilities.-- TradeArabia News Service
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), founder of Saudi Arabias World Defence Show, has announced a venue expansion amid unprecedented exhibitor demand for space at the inaugural event.

The world-class event will take place between March 6 and 9, 2022 and reoccur biennially in Saudi Arabias capital, Riyadh.

With less than four months to go until the show, organisers confirmed the expansion of Exhibition Hall 1, adding more than 14,500 additional sq m for international defence companies looking to exhibit.

Construction of the purpose-built 800,000 sq m site  featuring the worlds first dedicated runway for a defence event  is on track for completion by end of December 2021. The show will host more than 800 exhibitors including 100 local defence companies, with a series of senior military delegations and officials set to attend.

By that point the new hall will be completed along with a new access road, land forces demonstration area and courtyard, set to serve as a central point of access for 60 hospitality suites playing host to high-level meetings between suppliers and buyers.

Shaun Ormrod, CEO of the World Defence Show, commented: We are thrilled with the overwhelming interest from the international defence industry to exhibit at the inaugural World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia.

Dedicated to tech integration across the industrys five domains, the event offers room for all defence-related companies to come together to showcase true interoperability at the greatest level.

A major benefit of building our venue from the ground up is that we start with a blank canvas and can really listen to our customers, whether they are local start-ups or international OEMs.

We can not only make sure there is enough space for all exhibitors, but we can also build bespoke facilities for integrated live demonstrations.

This includes a 3 km runway for military aircraft and a unique off-road desert zone for OEMs wishing to provide their customers with a real-life passenger experience.

Supported by Strategic Partner, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), World Defence Show is the global stage for defence interoperability across five domains: land, air, sea, space and security.

Early-bird registration for defence industry professionals looking to attend the show is live with passes starting at SR350 ($95) until the end of November 2021. All vetted international attendees will receive a complimentary multi-entry visa to Saudi Arabia  valid for one year  to facilitate progress and developments in the kingdoms defence industry post-show.

By connecting key defence contacts, primes, SMEs, and buyers, World Defence Show has laid the foundations to advance the defence industry and launch an industry-wide front against the challenges presented by ever-deeper defence systems integration.-- TradeArabia News Service
Expo 2020 Dubai has announced its latest visitor numbers, with 3,578,653 individual visits achieved by Novembers half-way point, only six weeks into the events six-month run.

The announcement comes after a packed weekend at the site, with stellar music, sport and cultural performances taking place.

K-pop stars Highlight and Punch took to the stage on Friday night for the KITE (or K-pop in the Emirates) showcase, along with Fela and the Kalakuta Queens  a show dedicated to the life of Nigerian musical maestro and political activist Fela Kuti.

Middle East mega-stars Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama performed under a full Al Wasl dome, wowing the crowds as part of the Infinite Nights sessions, while eight-time Olympic gold medallist and former sprinter Usain Bolt arrived the following morning, with the Gatorade ambassador hosting a family fun run at the site for charity.

With National Day performances including Mexican tenor Javier Camarena, world-renowned Les Ballets de Monte Carlo and Jordanian artist Omar Al Abdallat, it has been a jam-packed week at the Expo.

Expos fourth Theme Week, with debates and panel discussions centred around Tolerance and Inclusivity, got under way on Sunday, and will feature talent and performances from a range of cultures and backgrounds.

The all-female Firdaus Orchestra will perform music from world cinema and TV on International Day for Tolerance on November 16, and take to the stage again on World Childrens Day on November 20 in a show that will encourage children to explore, thrive and connect with musical pieces, such as classics from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

Virtual visitation also rose to 15.7 million since the start of the event, which runs until March 31, 2022.-TradeArabia News Service
An Adipec panel will discuss strategic integration of industrial parks and petrochemical derivatives with a smart ecosystem and how to establish new manufacturing hubs that will add value to every barrel produced.

3Ms Laurence Verdier, Vice President, Personal Safety Division for 3M Europe Middle East & Africa, will be part the panel discussion on Tuesday on Building smart manufacturing hubs of the future which is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Verdier will be joined by Mohamed Al Qasim, Director of Technology Development and Adoption, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE, Karl W Feilder, CEO, Neutral Fuels and Astrid Poupart  Lafarge, President, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Segment - Industrial Automation Business, Schneider Electric.

Adipec has created a platform for the public and private sectors to spearhead the industry into the future through its Smart Manufacturing Conference. These types of manufacturing hubs are fundamental in bringing local & international companies. I am honored to represent 3M and share how our company has been actively taking part in advancing and adding value to the manufacturing of the future both globally and regionally, said Verdier.

Adipec bridges the gap between energy, manufacturing and high-tech sectors to accelerate economic development and diversification.

The addition of the Adipec Smart Manufacturing supported by the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology is essential in creating the manufacturing of the future. I am pleased to see how the UAE is leading the way on these strategic conversations, with which 3M is aligned. Last week, 3M, world leaders and our global peers gathered at the Conference of the Parties (COP26) where we highlighted unique challenges and opportunities manufacturers are facing. Adipec offers yet another opportunity to bring forward some of the progress we are making from a manufacturing perspective, Laszlo Svinger, Vice President and Managing Director at 3M Middle East & Africa commented.

Most recently, 3M & the United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC) in a strategic partnership also co-hosted a panel discussion around managing manufacturing challenges in pursuit of climate action at COP26.-- TradeArabia News Service
Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) has signed a Joint Project Development Agreement with Etihad Airways to facilitate the development of the first Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (WtF) plant in the Middle East Region.

On completion, the plant will have the potential to transform up to 4 million tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) every year into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), said a statement from the company.

The SAF produced from the WtF plant in Abu Dhabi would be compliant to International Civil Aviation Organisations (ICAO) standards for decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The plant will help Abu Dhabi to divert 75 percent of municipal waste away from landfills, it stated.

This plant will significantly contribute to the UAEs actions on Climate Change. The UAE is the host of 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), it added.

According to Tadweer, the Waste-to-SAF plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 1 million tonnes annually  equivalent to the removal of more than 200,000 cars from the road.

"This agreement is aligned with Tadweers continued efforts to divert waste from landfills and harness technological innovations that are commercially viable to address the challenges posed by the treatment of large volume of waste," said its Director General Dr Salem Al Kaabi.

Etihad Airways said it would be entering into a long-term SAF offtake agreement with Tadweer as the provider of feedstock waste under a long-term waste supply agreement.

Private sector participants would be invited to submit proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the facilities, which will use advanced commercially proven technology to convert municipal solid waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel, he stated.

Al Kaabi said: "In working closely with our partners, Tadweer is proud to steer Abu Dhabis sustainability agenda through the implementation of an integrated, world-class waste management system that ensures a cleaner and more sustainable environment for present and future generations."

"This collaboration between Tadweer and Etihad Airways reinforces Abu Dhabis, and the broader UAEs, commitment to net-zero targets that puts UAE on a credible path to zero out emissions by mid-century. We look forward to capitalising on further opportunities that utilise the most efficient waste-management technologies and drive our nations clean development ambitions," he stated.

Etihad Aviation Group COO Mohammad Al Bulooki said: "To truly make sustainability a reality in aviation we need to look at the biggest contributing factor, fuel, where sustainable aviation fuel is required to meet the net zero target."

"Through this agreement, four million tonnes of waste will be converted into 140 million gallons of SAF, representing a significant portion of our annual fuel requirement. Todays collaboration between Tadweer and Etihad Airways is just the first step towards a much broader engagement within Abu Dhabi to create a hub for producing SAF and synfuels," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has signed an agreement with GE for future opportunities to work together on initiatives to lower CO2 emissions from its fleet of 787 aircraft as part of the airlines comprehensive sustainability programme.

As part of the MoU, Etihad will allow GE to use its fleet of 787s, spearheaded by the signature Greenliner aircraft, as a test platform for new technologies and engine hardware aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and improving the performance of the GEnx engines that power the aircraft.

The data from these tests will be shared between GE and Etihad to inform implementation of enhancements across Etihads 787 fleet. Both companies also agreed to collaborate on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) flight demonstration.

The agreement was signed today (November 15) by Etihad Aviation Group CEO Tony Douglas and GE Aviation President and CEO John Slattery on the sidelines of the 2021 Dubai Air Show.

"Decarbonization is a challenge that the entire aviation industry faces," stated Slattery. "The only way that we can address it is with agreements like these. Through this MoU, GE will be able to test innovative technologies that can help reduce emissions as well as enhance the time on wing of our GEnx engine, which may benefit Etihad and all our airline customers," he added.

Douglas said Etihad had already worked closely with GE over the last two years on the Etihad Greenliner programme to innovate, develop, and test aviation decarbonization technologies.

"Todays announcement extending our relationship with GE builds on our shared commitment to reduce CO2 emissions as Etihad expands its strategic sustainability programme and lays out the framework that will help drive decarbonization for the broader industry," he added.

According to him, Etihad is also trialing GE Digitals Fuel Insight software solution.

Fuel Insight is a cost and emissions reduction solution that works by analyzing real data from the aircraft and airline to merge flight data with flight plans.

This critical data helps increase aircraft fuel efficiency and reduce waste. Fuel Insight gives operators actionable intelligence at multiple levels allowing analysts to drill down from macro trends to understand issues on a per-flight level, he added.
Help India!

The protests were organized by India Genocide Watch and featured speakers demanding that Facebooks founder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg end his companys complicity in extreme Hindu right-wing incitement to violence.

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WASHINGTON, DC  Hundreds of people of different faiths, professions and backgrounds gathered in eight major U.S. cities Saturday and Sunday to protest Facebook allowing hate speech to be freely posted in India, resulting in persecution, physical attacks and killings of members of non-Hindu minority religions.

The protests, organized by India Genocide Watch, featured speakers demanding that Facebooks founder-CEO Mark Zuckerberg end his companys complicity in extreme Hindu right-wing incitement to violence, proliferating on Facebook and WhatsApp, as exposed by whistleblower Frances Haugen.

The protest demonstrations, that included women and children, were held in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and San Franciscos Menlo Park, where Facebook is headquartered.

Many of the protesters, who can never return to India, have families in India who are targets of state-sanctioned persecution, discrimination and physical violence.

Speakers condemn Facebook inaction on Hate speech

We demand that Facebook designate as dangerous organizations Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party, its Nazi-inspired ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh and their armed affiliates, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, declared Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director of the Indian American Muslim Council.

At a protest at Menlo Park in California, outside the global headquarters of Meta, the new name for Facebook, Inc., Javid Ali of Bay Muslims for Human Rights, said, Facebook deliberately and knowingly refused to block Islamophobic hate enabling fascist violence against Indias Muslims. Facebook has blood on its hands. Added Karthic of Ambedkar King Study Circle, The algorithms used in Facebook are biased against the religious minorities and the socially oppressed. We condemn Facebook for failing to fix these proven issues.

As protesters braved the rain to march to Facebooks office in Seattle chanting Facebook Hatebook, Kshama Sawant, a member of the Seattle City Council, said, Companies such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Amazon are participants in the state forces of bigotry, hate, religions and caste oppressions. Added Hira Singh Bhullar of Khalsa Gurmat Center, a Sikh NGO: This hate is coming from politicians promoting hate. Shame on Facebook. Said Javed Sikander, a Muslim activist: The hatred is destroying the fabric of Indian society.

At Charlotte, North Carolina, protester Elyas Mohammed said, Facebook provided a platform for the right-wing hate-mongering elements to flourish. Had it taken stringent action on fake accounts things could have been different.

Shakeib Mashhood, a protester at Houston, Texas, said: Facebook is becoming a tool to spread hate In India, which is very outrageous. More concerning is that Facebook knew that this was happening but it did not take any action. They did not block it.

At Chicago, Syed Shoaib Qadri said, We want accountability from Facebook for its criminal behaviour.

Added Musaddique Thange, a protester at San Diego, California, Facebook is enabling inflammatory and violent rhetoric against Muslims in India and around the world. Facebook should designate RSS, Bajrang Dal and all its affiliates as dangerous and terrorist organizations.

Zameer Khan, the organizer of the Atlanta protest, declared: Public protests and demonstrations are needed to begin to galvanize the American people and politicians especially into taking action against Facebook for poor management of its social media platform.

Some of the posters and placards held up by marchers said, FACEBOOK ENABLES RACISM, FACEBOOK ENABLES FASCISM, FACEBOOK UNDERMINES DEMOCRACIES, FACEBOOK PROMOTES ISLAMOPHOBIA, FACEBOOK HATE SPEECH RULES HELP BJP IN INDIA, and FACEBOOK FAILED ITS USERS.

Indian political parties using Facebook to spread hate speech

As Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen and Facebooks own internal documents have revealed, the vast RSS-BJP network is running fake pages and deliberately spreading misinformation, hate speech and incitement to violence, abetted by Facebooks algorithms.

India is Facebooks biggest market, with at least 340 million Facebook accounts and 400 million WhatsApp users. The social media giant has increasingly prioritized business interests in India, failing to act against the tsunami of hate and violence enabled by its platforms.

India country of concern on Genocide Watch

Because of its ongoing state-sponsored persecution of religious minorities, Genocide Watch has issued Genocide Emergency: India document placing India at stage No. 8 on the 10-point scale leading to genocide, adding that although the government is not yet at the mass extermination phase, No. 9, it is already at No. 10, official denial.

We think that now in Kashmir and Assam, the stage is at persecution, and thats the stage just before actual genocide, said Dr Gregory H. Stanton, Founding President and Chairman of Genocide Watch.

On Oct. 4 2021, Time Magazine published an important article detailing how India is headed on the path of a full-blown anti-Muslim genocide.

Facebook accused of stalling India report

An article in the weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal quoted human rights advocates as accusing Facebook of stalling its report on steps it is taking to identify and delete hate speech. Detailed coverage in Washington Post, New York Times, and Associated Press have quoted extensively from whistleblower Haugens submissions to the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and other documents to reveal how Facebook knowingly allowed anti-Muslim hate speech and incitement to violence to proliferate in India.
by Mathias Hariyadi

A member of the HKBP in Amansari was targeted. Behind the violence, extremist groups suspect that the house was being used as a place of worship. Advisor to the Minister for Religious Affairs: "Gestures contrary to the principles" of all religions. The Synod of the Protestant Church calls for justice and religious freedom.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Indonesian government and moderate religious movements have condemned the attack - which took place at the end of October but which has only emerged in recent days - against a member of the Protestant Huria Batak Church (HKBP) in Amansari, in the district of Karawang, East Java province.

The violence was provoked by the unfournded rumors that spread among extremist groups and local radicals that the man's house was actually used as a place of worship and, inside, prayer services and meetings were held.

Among the critical voices is that of Mohammad Nuruzzaman, a close collaborator of the Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who yesterday intervened publicly to condemn the attack and express solidarity with the Synod of the Indonesian Protestant Church (PGI). "Violent gestures of this nature - he said - are illegal and contrary to all the principles of any religion." Events of this kind, he added, should not happen because even in the event of disputes, problems can be resolved "peacefully".

Local sources report that the incident occurred on October 29, when a group - not yet identified - of Islamic radicals attacked the house, damaging it. In recent days, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has sent a team to the area, to launch an investigation and find a solution in collaboration with the Karawang Forum for Interreligious Dialogue (Fkub).

In the meantime, the PGI has also intervened with an official note on its website, in which it confirms that the house where the attack took place is a private residence, never used as a place of worship. It has hosted meetings among the faithful, in which they discussed the "preparatory methods" of functions or celebrations, but only on the organizational level. The Reverend Henrek Lokra, responsible for Justice and Peace of the Pgi, launches an appeal to the district managers to see that justice is done and the perpetrators punished according to the law, as well as to implement all initiatives aimed at containing the violence.

Among the basic reasons that triggered the attack, there is the difficulty encountered on several occasions by Christian communities in building a place of worship. The procedure for the construction of a church - Catholic or Protestant - as for all buildings is regulated by the Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (Imb), a kind of written resolution of the local authorities that allows the opening of a construction site. The matter is complicated for Christians: in addition to taking years, they need the authorization of at least 60 residents and the group for interreligious dialogue. Despite having the authorizations, construction is often interrupted and the permit revoked under pressure from Islamic extremists.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Churches of Asia yesterday marked the observance established by Pope Francis. Auxiliary Bishop D'Silva of Mumbai listened to their stories. Philippine Bishop Pabillo told election candidates not to spend money on the poor, not on ads or bribes. In South Korea, a local cardinal and a new archbishop served food.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  Yesterday Catholic communities across Asia celebrated the Fifth World Day of the Poor, an observance established by Pope Francis to highlight the place of the poor in the life of the Church.

In Mumbai, Auxiliary Bishop Allwyn D'Silva spent the day visiting shelters in the Pokhran area.

At noon, he had lunch with residents at the Ma Niketan home for girls, a facility run by the Society of the Helpers of Mary, which since 1972 has been caring for abandoned girls in the slums of Mumbai, who here have a future and a chance for growth.

In the afternoon he went to Divya Prabha, another hostel run by the Poor Sisters of Our Lady which takes in orphans and accompanies them until they come of age.

"Usually, we give food to the underprivileged, Bishop D'Silva told AsiaNews. This practice is done in most parishes, but this year we wanted to give more room to listening; so I spent more time doing that with the girls, about 120, hearing their stories and dreams.

I was struck how many of them have lost their parents to the pandemic. Listening to their stories was a very enriching experience for me and a token of the synodal approach.

Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic vicar of Taytay in the Philippines, has always been very close to those who live in slums.

For this occasion, he uttered particularly strong words in his homily in a country gripped by election fever ahead of next springs election.

For the prelate, candidates ought not to spend money on election signs, TV and radio spots, social media campaigns or even bribes. Instead, they should spend money on doing good, helping people in concrete ways. Whether you win or lose you will have helped the poor and the country anyway. This is the best ad.

In Seoul, Cardinal Andrea Yeom and newly elected Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek went to a soup kitchen in Myeongdong where they personally served food.

I hope that we will be able to share our hearts, said Cardinal Yeom, so that we can become a society where we can live together as brothers before God.
North-eastern China is hit by another COVID-19 outbreak; as a result, the border is shut down again, halting trade. North Korea is almost entirely dependent on trade with Beijing and remittances from its workers employed in Chinese factories. However, the UN Security Council wants their repatriation to sanction the countrys nuclear programme.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  The rising number of COVID-19 cases in north-eastern China has not only affected local economic activities, but also those of neighbouring North Korea.

On 9 November, Chinese authorities closed the border again. The day before, an official delegation from Pyongyang had crossed it on its way to Dandong (Liaoning) to seek emergency supplies for their country, where basic goods are in short supply.

North Korea is suffering from a severe food shortage; its population has been warned to prepare for a harsh period, comparable to the great crisis of 1994-1998.

According to Radio Free Asia, North Korea has asked China to send cooking oil, seasonings, construction materials and various types of fabrics.

North Korea's economy is almost entirely dependent on trade with its Chinese neighbour.

At the start of the pandemic in January 2020, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un completely shut off the country from the rest of the world, including China, but this has seriously damaged an already battered economy.

On 1 November, the two countries resumed rail links, only to suspend them again after eight days because of the surge in infections in Liaoning.

Last year, to protect the country from the coronavirus, Kim launched a national food self-sufficiency campaign.

Analysts note that the arrival of North Korean officials in Dandong, amid a new pandemic wave, could mean that North Korea is close to the brink.

Following the imposition of international sanctions against North Korea because of its nuclear and missile programmes, China has become North Koreas only real partner.

Last year, bilateral trade with China accounted for 95.4 per cent of North Koreas foreign trade.

Without the revenue from exports to China, the Kim regime must rely on the remittances of its workers sent to Chinese factories as its only source of foreign currency.

As part of the sanction regime, the UN Security Council Resolution called for the repatriation of all North Korean nationals earning income abroad

Despite this, some 50,000 North Koreans are still employed in Chinese factories. Many of them make clothing for the South Korean market, reports Seoul-based Daily NK, which is linked to South Koreas Unification Ministry,

A North Korean worker in China earns on average between 2,800 and 3,200 yuan (US$ 440-500) per month compared to a Chinese worker employed in the same sector, who can take home 8,000 to 12,000 yuan (US$ 1,250-1,880) per month.
The male passenger in a taxi was killed and the driver injured when a blast ripped through the vehicle as it pulled up outside the hospital on Sunday morning. Russ Jackson, the head of Counterterrorism Policing in northwest England, said the explosion was caused by the ignition of an explosive device that was brought into the vehicle by the passenger.
One always looks back on a career and asks the question: Did I make a difference? For me, the answer is yes. I was the first openly gay member of the Maryland General Assembly. In 2000, I had a very public coming out that will always be one of the most important moments of my life. There was tremendous public support, notes from parents with LGBTQ children thanking me, and most importantly, a subsequent wave of openly gay members who were elected in their own right. Together, along with many progressive colleagues, ACLU, Equality Maryland, and the leadership of Speaker Mike Busch and Gov. Martin OMalley, we made same sex marriage law in Maryland. Thousands of same sex couples, including my wife and me, are now married with full rights provided under our laws. It is with gratitude that I served with so many who wanted to bring this civil rights change to Maryland.
In the Baltimore region, local police departments have a greater portion of white officers than the communities they serve, and therefore an under representation of non-White officers compared to the population at large, The Baltimore Sun reported in 2019. At that time, Howard County, which had a 19% Asian population, had just 5.3% of police officers identifying as Asian.
Hogan said he did not know the scope of the fake citations but said the matter is being investigated. Its been referred to the Maryland State Police, according to the governors office.
RDC Properties latest hospitality property, The Radisson RED Johannesburg Rosebank, this week hosted its much-anticipated grand opening ceremony at the plush hotel situated in the up-and-coming Oxford Parks part of the Rosebank.



According to a statement issued by the Botswana Stock Exchange listed group the hotel is the first Radisson RED Hotel in the Gauteng Province and the second in the country and the continent, after the Radisson RED Cape Town. The ultimate objective for us, was that this hotel becomes the heart of the social and cultural life of the city. In pursuit of this unique concept, we convinced the design team to use real artworks, and we decided that we would engage with the local and international community of artists to create a hotel that inspires, group executive chairman, Guido Giachetti.



The Radisson RED is home to an assortment of beautiful art pieces that can be enjoyed by guests from all walks of life. Through a collaboration with local artists, the property is a platform for the artists to showcase their work on rotation, and gives established as well as upcoming local artists an opportunity for their work to gain the much-needed publicity and exposure.

We are proud to have created something iconic that turns up the beat. This property is simply the best of the Radisson Hotel Group and of Johannesburg. It is in line with the pillars of the Radisson Red brand and ethos, and it embodies what we needed  fresh, innovative, cutting edge and bold, but even more than that; honest, authentic, consistent, drawing its inspiration from people. That is consistent with who we are as a brand, and as a business, Giachetti when speaking at the grands opening.

President of Business Unity South Africa Bonang Mohale hailed the Botswana based company. We appreciate the investment made by RDC Properties into our economy at this critical time, and recognize that it demonstrates confidence in shared value that can be harnessed if we put our resources together to extract value from our own Africa, for our benefit and that of our future descendants, he said.

For his part Tim Cordon, Senior Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group said, In Africa, the RED journey began in 2017, when we opened our first hotel in Cape Town. I could not think of a better location than Rosebank, Johannesburg as our next RED flag in the African map. It perfectly mirrors the brand with its individuality, its ode to art and its urban vibrancy that is attractive to all segments from the surrounding corporates to those wanting to connect and bask in Joburgs captivating energy in an inspiring location.








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Bevins said last month that she has changed her address with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation to reflect that her primary address is now the Middle River apartment. She also requested an address change through the U.S. Postal Service. Shes said shell remain in the apartment for the remainder of her term, which ends in 2022, and that she plans to run for reelection.
On May 14, the victim, who prosecutors say was previously in a romantic relationship with Bradshaw, contacted law enforcement about the images and said they were posted without her consent, according to charging documents. She told law enforcement that Bradshaw was the only person to whom shed ever sent the photographs.
I recently spent a Saturday in Frederick, my first visit there, and I noticed how their downtown area is thriving with niche small businesses. It reminded me how Main Street used to be, where City Dock Coffee used to have bustling foot traffic. Locals and tourists were indistinguishable, and businesses wouldnt disappear or emerge with the blink of an eye. Frederick has the charm and personality of what Annapolis used to, and well be lucky to gain even a dash of it back. I write as if Ive lived here for over 50 years as an elder reminiscing about a better time. However, its only been a short 23 years. As small businesses vanish before our eyes we must reflect upon the ever-changing direction of Annapolis, and how its ambiguity puts the locals last.
I feel Baltimore is in great hands. ... There are so many of these new delegates that just have so much to add to what the city has had in the General Assembly all these years, McIntosh said. I need to get out of the way.
I am inspired this week by an assignment my wife is doing for a Law in Education class. Her assignment was to write about religion in school and particularly release time for religious classes. It is an interesting assignment for her because, unlike most of her class, she grew up in a state 
While flying goods is more expensive than shipping them, supply chain bottlenecks are driving costs up and closing the gap, according to the International Air Transport Association. Before the pandemic, moving cargo by air cost more than 12 times as much as sea shipping, but as of September, it was only three times more expensive, according to the trade association.
The marginalization of men in Hawleys view, is an effort the left has been at for years now. And they have had alarming success, he said. American men are working less, getting married in fewer numbers; theyre fathering fewer children. They are suffering more anxiety and depression. They are engaging in more substance abuse.
And amazingly enough, after "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" became the biggest hit song of that holiday season, she actually got one, a 700-pound baby named Matilda. She promptly donated it to the Oklahoma City Zoo, where it lived to be nearly 50, a ripe old age for hippos.
We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, his family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.
She was unable to provide a more detailed sequence of events, including whether the guards complied with orders to hand over the money and were shot anyway, or if they resisted and were shot in an effort to get to the money. It wasnt clear how much money was taken and she did not have an update as to the number of armed men or whether any of them had been arrested as of Monday afternoon.
An officer also told police dispatch that police were going after the Nissan because they believed someone inside had a gun, even though police had only seen one of the passengers shrug his shoulder in a way that suggested he had a firearm, city attorney Jeff Levine told aldermen Monday. Police saw no gun, and Callaways family argued making that assertion was also reckless.
As in other states, Wisconsin allows people to use guns to defend themselves against serious threats, but there are exceptions to that right, including the reasonableness of Rittenhouses belief that his actions were necessary to prevent his death or serious injury. The jury must answer that question from the defendants viewpoint at the time of the alleged offenses.
Miller set Johnsons bond at $175,000, meaning he would need to pay $17,500 to be released from jail. He set bond at $100,000 for Hoskins, Crane and Profit, meaning they would need to pay $10,000 to be released, according to a statement. They are all next due in court for an arraignment Dec. 13.
Norris allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire on the person, who was also at the amusement park, striking him three times  in the right side of the chest, the right shoulder and the right elbow, Berlin and Rivas said. Norris then fled, and was taken into custody at his home the next day, they said.
A couple of months after that, Hollingsworth was accused of riding his horse down the Dan Ryan Expressway to the point of near death, and he was charged with felony animal cruelty. He has represented himself through much of the case, and the pretrial period has been chaotic.
When asked how he can expect to lead a police union after stepping down as an officer, Catanzara said, Whats different?  The city has to deal with me. Thats been the point Ive always made. The mayor can hate me all she wants. I really dont give a damn. Im still the elected member and leader of this union.
Catanzaras potential ouster as a Chicago police officer could also martyr him to supporters in the FOP who see him as an outspoken foe of the Lightfoot administration. And the power to prevent Catanzara from continuing his tenure or seeking election again rests with the union, those familiar with the process said. It would likely demand an internal move, such as charges brought by a member that Catanzara is no longer in good standing, to remove him, they said.
The building, which is generally closed, was opened to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Usually, the mausoleum can only be accessed via appointment or special request, according to Liane Bania, director of cemetery services for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
As in other states, Wisconsin allows people to use guns to defend themselves against serious threats, but there are exceptions to that right, including the reasonableness of his belief his actions were necessary to prevent his death or serious injury. The jury must answer that question from the defendants viewpoint at the time of the alleged offenses.
Legal experts agreed the statute is poorly worded, but said the legislatures intention was to give teenagers the legal right to hunt as long as they werent using short-barrel rifles or sawed-off shotguns. The judge could have recognized that fact and allowed the jury to consider the charge, said John Gross, director of the Public Defender Project at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
The alarming findings are another example of hidden dangers in scores of U.S. cities that during the last century installed lead pipes known as service lines to deliver drinking water into homes. Chicago is the epicenter of the problem  there are 400,000 lead service lines throughout the city, more than anywhere else in the nation  but the scope of the hazards is becoming clear as states look more closely at aging water utilities.
The recipient of a joint doctorate in electrical engineering from Harvard and MIT, Bush had achieved an exhaustive list of bona fides: a founder of Raytheon, professor as well as dean of electrical engineering at MIT, then as its vice president and subsequently president of the Carnegie Foundation. Bush is credited with developing the analog computer, among numerous other milestones. Indeed he set the path for the ascent of our digital age.
For many of my students, this financial burden is one more hurdle that they face as they attend community college classes. This is the case even with such existing grants as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Future Ready program. Some of the students are their families main means of support. Others contend with juggling class attendance and coursework with child or elder care responsibilities and the costs that come with them. Free tuition, as it was originally planned in BBB, would hardly be a handout for them. These students work hard for that financial incentive.
When it comes to keeping order in socially fraught situations, we can all agree that armed, 17-year-old civilians are not the best suited to the task. We can all agree that whatever did or did not happen as Rittenhouse stood on the streets of Kenosha with his lethal weapon, it would have been better had he not been there at all. Demonstrably, he and his gun inflamed an already volatile situation. The two people he fatally shot would now be alive.
First, reining in property taxes requires enlisting Springfields help. One of the major drivers of ever-rising property taxes is the pension crisis that politicians at both the state and local level have allowed to metastasize. The business community should pour much more energy into convincing lawmakers in Springfield to finally, finally tackle pension reform. While theyre at it, business lobbyists should push lawmakers to address the horrendously wasteful roster of units of government in Illinois  nearly 7,000, the highest number in the country. And they should push to get rid of Cook Countys tax classification system that assesses commercial and industrial properties at a higher rate than homeowners  a 2.5 to 1 difference.
This is the only program I know that exists to create a pipeline of people to replace the leaders of today and yesterday where the sole focus is advancing Black people; its simply preparing you to lead, Driver said. I think many times in Chicago, loud voices try to paint Black people in a binary way, when in reality, theres a lot of nuance and complexity of Black life  I saw that reflected in the Black Bench. It was a group of people that span the political spectrum. Yet, we all have one goal, which is to see Black people in the city of Chicago succeed and thrive.
I was told that my tenure was up with the merit board, Warren said. They just told me  effective this week, my services were no longer required, and they were going to look for somebody with a different skill set.
Moseley, formerly a sergeant with the Chicago Police Department, was brought on in June. In a statement Friday, Clark said the progress has been made in improving the department under Moseleys watch, but that it hasnt advanced quickly enough and he had asked Moseley to step down.
The ease at which one can disrupt a school community with a social media post is a reality we have dealt with as a society for the last several years, he wrote. Individuals who repost, screenshot and reshare or add to these types of social media threats contribute to the further spread of fear and anxiety.
However, the defendants were allegedly allowing customers to provide their WIC checks as payment for ineligible items at the stores, often at inflated prices, a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Chicago said.
Compilation work for a 100-volume photocopied collection of valuable ancient books and documents on Tibetan medicine is in progress after 60 volumes were published earlier, according to experts.

The compilation of the documents began in 2009 by the University of Tibetan Medicine in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, as many documents were facing the danger of damage or loss, said Migmar, president of the university, on Friday.

The first batch of 30 volumes of the collection was published in 2013, while volumes 31 to 60 were published in January 2021. The published volumes compiled 1,434 ancient books and documents, with more than 83,000 pages and over 45 million characters.

Volumes 61 to 70 will be completed before the end of this year, said Migmar, adding that the university is striving to finish the publication of the entire 100-volume collection in five years.

The published volumes faithfully preserve the original states of the ancient books, effectively saving and protecting many precious ancient documents, said Dorje Rinchen, a professor at the university, adding the ancient documents date back to as early as the 11th century.

"These first-hand materials provide vital resources for in-depth study into the scientific value of Tibetan medicine, and serve as an important bridge for the exchanges and mutual learning between Tibetan medicine and the medicine in other parts of the world," Migmar said.

The collection will also benefit the teaching, scientific research and clinical practice of Tibetan medicine, as well as the development of Tibetan medicine products, Migmar added.

The university is also planning to push forward the digitization of ancient books on Tibetan medicine, and set up the world's largest information center for documents on Tibetan medicine and a Tibetan calendric system.
If there is a single theme throughout the history of science and technology in China, it is self-improvement.

An ancient Chinese saying from "Zhou Yi," or "The Book of Changes," written over 2,000 years ago, goes: One should never stop striving for self-improvement and hold the world with virtue.

Chinese scientists Gu Songfen and Wang Dazhong, who won China's top science award this year, are modern models of the self-taught man.

Born in 1930, Gu is an aircraft designer at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., the country's leading aircraft maker. At the age of 21, he joined China's aviation industry when it was in its infancy.

In 1956, China's first aircraft design office was established in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, and its first task was to develop the country's first homegrown jet aircraft. Gu was appointed head of the aerodynamics team.

Aerodynamics is the "soul" of aircraft design. The study of the way objects move through the air ensures an aircraft can fly efficiently and carry weapons as well as guaranteeing the stable and safe operation of the engine.

However, in the 1950s, China had no aviation experience, equipment or wind tunnels. Gu decided to teach himself.

After finding foreign texts at the library at Beihang University in Beijing, Gu headed to the capital, borrowed a bike and visited the library every day.

He read a range of books and transcribed all the information he could get his hands on.

Based on that information, Gu came up with an aerodynamic design system and on July 26, 1958, after two years of development, his team celebrated the maiden flight of China's first training jet.

Gu went on to work on the development of the J-8, the country's first supersonic jet fighter, which made its first test flight in 1969 but encountered serious vibration problems during subsequent flights.

To identify the cause of the vibrations, Gu volunteered to observe the aircraft in flight himself.

"We didn't have a camera, so it could only be done by a person," he said. He glued skeins of knitting wool to the J-8's rear fuselage and tail wing to observe their flow during flight.

To get a clear view of the way the wool was disturbed, he required two planes to fly just five meters apart, a great risk for him and his pilot. After several flights, he finally found and fixed the problem.

In 1980, he was in charge of the design of J-8-II, which was required to perform at a much higher level than previous aircraft. In four years, Gu's team achieved the maiden flight of the J-8-II, laying the cornerstone for China's supersonic aircraft design.

Gu's endless curiosity drove his spirit of lifelong learning. He continued his scientific inquiries, translated foreign books, talked with young scholars, and even learned Russian, Japanese and German late in life.

Like Gu, Wang Dazhong's life also reflects a belief in self-improvement. Born in 1935, Wang has dedicated himself to the research and development of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

An internationally reputed nuclear scientist, Wang is former president of China's top-ranking Tsinghua University, which also has self-improvement as its motto.

Over the past six decades, Wang has led his team in blazing a trail, turning China from a latecomer to a leader in advanced nuclear energy technologies.

Wang and his colleagues built from scratch China's first self-developed shielded test reactor at a mountain village in the outskirts of Beijing.

The average age of the design group was under 23, and no one had studied abroad or seen a real nuclear reactor. They started by building engineering models and made designs and calculations with hand-cranked machines.

China's first self-developed nuclear reactor was completed in 1964 after six years of development.

After Three Mile Island in the United States in 1979 and Chernobyl in the Soviet Union in 1986, Wang set his eyes on inherent safety and concentrated research into a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). Although the development of nuclear energy was at a low ebb globally, Wang's resolution to continue in the field was unshaken.

In 1986, Wang and his team again started from scratch to develop a 10MW HTGR and it reached full-power operation in 2003. Its completion ushered in a new generation of nuclear energy systems that effectively eliminate the possibility of reactor core meltdown.

From there, Wang and his team spent years promoting the transition from experimental reactors to industrial-scale prototype reactors. Their achievements helped China independently master modular HTGR technology, and create a comprehensive development chain, from basic scientific research to commercial manufacture.

Likening scientific research to climbing mountains, Wang said the road to success is full of difficulties and risks and requires the ability to analyze problems, the courage to explore uncharted territory, and resilience in the face of failure.

The lives of these two scientists illustrate the ancient saying and echo the call by Chinese leaders to uphold the central role of innovation in China's modernization drive and to be self-reliant in science and technology as a strategic underpinning for national development.
You are here: China

The Cyberspace Administration of China on Sunday issued a set of draft management regulations on protecting internet data security to solicit opinion from the public.

According to the regulations, the country shall establish a category- and class-based data protection system.

The data will be classified as common, important, and core on account of its importance to national security, public interests, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of relevant individuals or organizations, said the draft regulations.

Different protection measures based on the classifications will be imposed.

Data processing entities should set up emergency response mechanisms to limit the damage caused by potential data security incidents, the draft document said.
Renowned epidemiologist and academic Liang Wannian said China's epidemic containment strategy has proved to be effective.



China has successfully contained dozens of sporadic COVID-19 resurgences over the past year or so, ensuring a balance between epidemic prevention and economic development, Liang, professor at Tsinghua University, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

He reminded the public to exercise caution against the virus and called for unremitting efforts to prevent both domestic resurgence and imported infections.

Minimizing adverse impact

"The COVID-19 pandemic situation across the world remains grave with increasing virus mutations, and there hasn't been any significant drop in the mortality rate associated with the disease," Liang said.

Inadequate preventive measures will lead to a resurgence of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the number of severely ill patients and deaths will continue to increase, which was seen in several countries, said Liang, noting that China should stick to its current strategy of clearing COVID-19 infections in a timely manner.

He, however, pointed out that such a mechanism does not equal a zero-tolerance policy against any infections. "The regular prevention measures aim to ensure early detection, swift response, targeted containment, and effective treatment of COVID-19 patients to prevent community infections."

"This approach can help curb infections and avoid strain on medical resources so as to better serve people's medical needs while minimizing the impact on social and economic development," Liang said.

Restoring normalcy

Liang called for adhering to COVID-19 prevention measures in a scientific way.

Prevention policies should be consistently improved aligning with changes in the epidemic situation, he said, adding that risk grades for COVID-19 infection in different regions should be assigned precisely and properly.

Liang also urged efforts in accelerating vaccine and drug development, as well as strengthening the training on epidemiological investigation, treatment, and management.

While the COVID-19 patients and their close contacts might face inconvenience in the short term, swift containment of outbreaks will only help restore normalcy in the economy and society, he said.

Shedding light on the future of China's anti-epidemic strategy, Liang said things will depend on multiple factors such as how the COVID-19 situation pans out globally, virus mutation, the seriousness of the disease and China's vaccination rate.

China's epidemic prevention policies are constantly evolving, Liang said, noting that the country will be "closely watching the global pandemic situation, accelerate vaccination and adjust policies in due time."
You are here: China

Residents of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have slammed rumors of "forced labor."

At a press conference Sunday, they said the local government uses every means available to create employment opportunities for them while encouraging them to start their own businesses.

Pazliyan Maoraturdi, a livestreaming hostess in Wensu County in Xinjiang, not only earns a stable income, but helps more local farmers expand the market for honey and other agricultural products after college graduation.

She performs Xinjiang's folk dance in her livestreaming shows.

"There is an enormous potential for development in promoting agricultural products through livestreaming," she said. "I make money through my own efforts and benefit more farmers."

With support of the local government, Nurrela Wusman set up a housekeeping service company in the city of Atux in 2020. The firm now has over 80 employees and provides more than 20 services including cleaning and babysitting.

"We create a better life with our own hands, and rumors about 'forced labor' are totally groundless," she said.

Xinjiang regards business start-ups as an important channel to boost employment, introducing a series of supportive policies including training subsidies and tax reductions, said Zhang Rong, director of the region's public employment service center.

Zhang added Xinjiang issued a total of 5.47 billion yuan in start-up loans from 2016 to 2020, helping 387,200 people start their own businesses and create 806,500 new jobs.
 Flash

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with diplomatic envoys of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries on Sunday in Beijing.

Wang said that since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping has maintained close communication and mutual support with ASEAN leaders to further consolidate and deepen bilateral friendly cooperation. The two sides will soon jointly hold a summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN countries. This will be a milestone meeting to chart the course for the development of bilateral relations in the next 30 years.

Wang said China will continue to provide vaccine support to ASEAN countries until the pandemic is completely defeated, and China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to focus on development and make positive contributions to this end.

China and ASEAN countries have always placed the South China Sea issue in an appropriate position in the bilateral relations and promoted the deepening and development of bilateral cooperation, Wang added.

Noting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), Wang expressed the hope that the two sides will take this opportunity to advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea on the basis of the comprehensive and effective implementation of the DOC, jointly uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea and seek win-win cooperation.

The diplomatic envoys of ASEAN countries in China congratulated on the success of the sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and expressed their hope to work with China to jointly hold a successful summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the dialogue relations, seize opportunities and cooperate to meet challenges.
How was the UVA event? my mom excitedly asked my little sister over the phone. Instead of accompanying the rest of our family to a wedding over the weekend, my sister was dressed up to meet with representatives from the University of Virginia, or as I had come to know it, Virginia Techs a
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Total Ankle Replacement Market is accounted for $158.26 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $327.07 million by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period. Growing geriatric population, increasing predominance of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and rising incidences of accident and trauma patients are some of the factors fuelling the market growth. However, risks associated with total ankle replacement surgery are restricting market growth.

Total ankle replacement is a surgical process for replacing injured skeleton in the ankle joint. This process is performed by placing a plastic or metal embed on top of the ankle bone and at the end of the shin bone.

Based on Design, Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) has significant market growth during the forecast period. The Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR Ankle) is indicated for utilizing as a non-cemented embed to replace a sore arthritic ankle joint owing to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

By Geography, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the significant market share during the forecast period, owing to growing healthcare expenditure and increasing awareness regarding innovative medical technologies.

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Some of the key players profiled in the total ankle replacement market include KYOCERA Medical Corporation, Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holdings, Inc., MatOrtho, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Wright Medical Technology, Inc, Corin, Adam D. Perler, Depuy Synthes, Small Bone Innovations, Inc, Exactech, Smith and Nephew, Biomet Inc. and Tornier.

Designs Covered:

 Salto Total Ankle Replacement

 Zenith Total Ankle Replacement

 Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR)

 Box Total Ankle Replacement

 Mobility Total Ankle Replacement

 Hintegra Total Ankle Replacement

 TNK Total Ankle Replacement

 German Ankle System

 Buechel-Pappas Ankle Prosthesis

 ESKA Ankle Prosthesis

 Ramses Total Ankle Replacement

 Agility Ankle Prosthesis

 AES Total Ankle Replacement

 Alphanorm Total Ankle Replacement

 INBONE Total Ankle Replacement

 TARIC Total Ankle Replacement

 Other Designs

Products Covered:

 Alloy Material Product

 Resin Material Product

 Metal Material Product

Applications Covered:

 Rheumatoid Arthritis

 Osteoarthritis

 Post-traumatic Arthritis

Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa

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What our report offers:

 Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

 Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

 Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

 Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

 Strategic analysis: Drivers and Constraints, Product/Technology Analysis, Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis etc.

 Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

 Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

 Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

 Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

 Company Profiling

o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)

o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)

 Regional Segmentation

o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the clients interest (Note: Depends of feasibility check)

 Competitive Benchmarking

o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances

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Global Biodiesel Market has valued USD35 Bn in 2017 and is anticipated to reach approximately USD45 Bn by 2026 at CAGR of about 7 % during a forecast period.

The report on aBiodiesel Market is segmented by feedstock, by application, and by region. Based on Feedstock Type biodiesel market is segmented by Vegetable Oils (Soybean, Rapeseed, and Palm), Animal Fats (Lard/White Grease, Poultry, and Tallow), Brown Grease/ Trap Grease). Automotive, Power Generation, agriculture is application segments of the biodiesel market. Regionally, biodiesel market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Government across various countries are also introducing policies to support the production of biodiesel to reduce emission and create positive economic impact is driving the biodiesel market. Limited availability of crude oil is positively impacting biodiesel market. Biodiesel overcomes the drawbacks of crude oil. Biodiesel is used on a large scale in various industries including marine, railway, automotive, power generation, mining, etc. Dependency on foreign oil reserves has decreased due to the domestic production of biodiesel.

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Vegetable oils are leading segment in the biodiesel market, Owing to its low cost and easy processing compared to animal fats. Vegetable oil is sub-segmented into soybean oil, distilleras corn oil, canola oil, and yellow grease. Among the sub-segment soybean oil is dominating one. Low cost of soybean oil compares to other oils is driving the market. Also, animal fats are sub-segmented into lard, poultry, tallow, brown grease.

Automotive segment is ruling the market due to its advantages like low carbon emission and greenhouse gases than petroleum-based diesel. Automotive segment constitutes more than half of the market in which transportation has a major share. Heating oil is replaced by biodiesel in much application.

Europe is the leading market for biodiesel. The European region is the biggest producer of biodiesel. France and Germany are the top biodiesel producers. Europe government has enacted the policy to increase the use of biodiesel that requires the blending of biodiesel with fuels, which includes fines if the required rate of biodiesel is not blended. Latin America and the Asia Pacific is emerging as a major producer.

Western Dubuque Biodiesel, Delta American Fuel, Imperium Renewables, DuPont, Deerfield Energy, Crimson Renewable Energy, China Biodiesel International Holding, Diversified Energy Corporation, XL Renewables, Blue Marble Energy Corp., Solvay SA, Mitsui, Ineos Group, Royal Dutch Shell plc, Louis Dreyfus, Bunge Limited, Wilmar International Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, and TerraVia Holdings, American Energy Producer, ACCIONA Energy, LLC, and Green Earth Fuels are few key players of biodiesel market.

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Scope of theA Global Biodiesel Market

Global Biodiesel Market by Feedstock Type:

Vegetable Oils

Animal Fats

Global Biodiesel Market by Application Type:

Fuel

Power Generation

Agriculture

Other

Global Biodiesel Market by Region Type:

Asia Pacific

Europe

North America

Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Key Players Analysed in the Global Biodiesel Market:

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Wilmar International Limited

Bunge Limited

Neste Corporation

Renewable Energy Group Inc.

Louis Dreyfus Company

Cargill Inc.

BIOX Corporation

Munzer Bioindustrie

TerraVia Holdings Inc.

Solvay SA

Mitsui

Ineos Group

Royal Dutch Shell plc

Western Dubuque Biodiesel

Delta American Fuel

Imperium Renewables

DuPont

Deerfield Energy

Crimson Renewable Energy

China Biodiesel International Holding

Diversified Energy Corporation

XL Renewables

Blue Marble Energy Corp.

American Energy Producer

ACCIONA Energy

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Global Impact Modifier Market was valued US$3.28 Bn in 2017 and is projected to reach US$5.01 Bn by 2026 at a CAGR of about 5.44% during a forecast year.

Global Impact Modifier Market is segmented on basis of Type, Application, End-User Industry, and Geography. Based on Type, Global Impact Modifier Market is segmented into (EVA, NBR, AIM, ASA, ABS, MBS, EPDM, CPE, and others). Global Impact Modifier Market by Application is classified into (PVC, Nylon, PBT, Engineering Plastics, and Others). In terms of End-User Industry, Market is further categorized into (Packaging, Construction, Consumer Goods, Automotive, and Others). Geographically, this market can be differentiated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Impact modifier resins are used to increase the durability of molded and extruded plastics, especially for those that have impact strength or cold weather services. They are important supplements added for increasing elasticity to overcome the rigidity of the material. Key drivers that boost the growth of Global Impact Modifier Market include non-availability of an alternative. Also, huge development across varies end-user applications. Due to an instability of prices and other factors, the growth of the Global Impact Modifier market is largely hindered.

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Global Impact Modifier Market is segmented on basis of Type, Application, End-User Industry, and Geography. Based on Type, Global Impact Modifier Market is segmented into (EVA, NBR, AIM, ASA, ABS, MBS, EPDM, CPE, and others). MBS (Methacrylate-Butadiene- Styrene) is estimated to lead among all the other types of impact modifiers market. MBS improves the impact strength of finished products such as doors, pipes, and others.

Based on Application, global Impact Modifier is classified into PVC, Nylon, PBT, Engineering Plastics, and Others. Increase in globalization across under-developed nations is positively nurturing the growth of the overall market. The product comes with several beneficial characteristics such as weather resistant, anti-fire, easy to manufacture and optical & tensile characteristics.

In terms of End-User, global Impact Modifier market is classified into Packaging, Construction, Consumer Goods, Automotive, and others. Among these, construction is leading the segment which is growing at the highest rate due to infrastructure building across the developing nations.

In terms of geography, Asia-Pacific is dominating the segment due to acceptance of polymer products in emerging countries like China and India are driving the global Impact Modifier market.

Some of the key players in the Global Impact Modifier Market are E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co., Clariant AG, BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Evonik Industries AG, Lanxess AG, Kaneka Corporation, Arkema, Akzo Nobel N.V., and Chemtura Corporation.

Scope of Global Impact Modifier Market

Global Impact Modifier Market by Type

EVA

NBR

AIM

ASA

ABS

MBS

EPDM

CPE

others

Global Impact Modifier Market by End-User Industry

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Packaging

Construction

Consumer Goods

Automotive

Others

Global Impact Modifier Market by Application

PVC

Nylon

PBT

Engineering Plastics

Others

Global Impact Modifier Market by Geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Key Players operating in Global Impact Modifier Market

E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co

Clariant AG, BASF SE

The DOW Chemical Company

Evonik Industries AG

Lanxess AG

Kaneka Corporation

Akzo Nobel N.V.

Chemtura Corporation

Akdeniz Kimya San. Ve Tic. A.S.

Addivant,

LG Chem Ltd.,

Arkema Group,

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

Shandong Rike Chemical Co.,Ltd

Mountaintop Polymer Co., Ltd

Guangzhou Wensu Additives Co., Ltd.

C  F Industries LLC

Americhem, Inc.

ChemCeed

Kenrich Petrochemicals, Inc.

Maroon, Incorporated

Plastic Service Centers Inc.

Wexford International Inc.

Sukano Polymers Corp.

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Report Description

A recent market intelligence report that is published by Data Insights Partner on the global Cytology and HPV Testing Market makes an offering of in-depth analysis of segments and sub-segments in the regional and international Cytology and HPV Testing Market. The research also emphasizes on the impact of restraints, drivers, and macro indicators on the regional and global Cytology and HPV Testing Market over the short as well as long period of time. A detailed presentation of forecast, trends, and dollar values of global Cytology and HPV Testing Market is offered. In accordance with the report, the global Cytology and HPV Testing Market is projected to expand by healthy CAGR over the period of forecast.

Market Insight, Drivers, Restraints& Opportunity of the Market:

HPV infection is one of the most common causes of cervical cancer. It accounts for about 90% of cervical cancer cases and is diagnosed through Pap smear screening and HPV testing.

The spread of HPV infection poses a great threat to an individuals immune system and leads to the conversion of normal cervix cells into cancerous cells. Two types of HPV infections  HPV 16 and HPV 18  account for 70% of the overall cervical cancer cases and are termed as high-risk infections.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the most prevalent HPV-related disease, with an estimated 530,000 new cases every year. Furthermore, according to the Cancer Research UK, about 3,100 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the country.

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It has been observed that a large number of patients in many developing regions do not have access to modern primary healthcare infrastructure such as labs, clinics, diagnostic centers, equipment and supplies, and trained laboratory experts. Hence, inadequate and unreliable infrastructure deters the patient population from HPV and cytology testing.

Major manufacturers of HPV and cytology test products are shifting focus on gaining a foothold in emerging economies such as China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico in order to expand their business operations and explore new markets. This shift is due to market saturation in the developed regions, especially in North America and Western Europe.

Segment Covered:

This market intelligence report on the global Cytology and HPV Testing Market encompasses market segments based on product & services and country.

By Product & Services the global Cytology and HPV Testing Market has been divided into:

Cytology Testing

o Systems

o Assay Kits

o Services

HPV Testing

o Systems

o Assay Kits

o Services

By country/region, the global Cytology and HPV Testing Market has been divided into:

North America (the U.S., Canada),

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and other countries),

Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Russia, and other countries),

Asia Pacific (India, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand and other countries),

Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Israel and Other countries).

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Profiling of Market Players:

This business intelligence report offers profiling of reputed companies that are operating in the market. Companies such as:

BD

Capheid

Abbott

F.Hoffman- La Roche AG

Fujirebio Diagnostics

Arbor Vita Corporation

Hologic,Inc.

QIAGEN N.V.

Oncohealth Corporation

Others

others have been profiled into detail so as to offer a glimpse of the market leaders. Moreover, parameters such as Cytology and HPV Testing Market related investment & spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked in this global report.

Report Highlights:

In-depth analysis of the micro and macro indicators, market trends, and forecasts of demand is offered by this business intelligence report. Furthermore, the report offers a vivid picture of the factors that are steering and restraining the growth of this market across all geographical segments. In addition to that, IGR-Growth Matrix analysis is also provided in the report so as to share insight of the investment areas that new or existing market players can take into consideration. Various analytical tools such as DRO analysis, Porter's five forces analysis has been used in this report to present a clear picture of the market. The study focuses on the present market trends and provides market forecast from the year 2020-2028. Emerging trends that would shape the market demand in the years to come have been highlighted in this report. A competitive analysis in each of the geographical segments gives an insight into market share of the global players.

Salient Features:

 This study offers comprehensive yet detailed analysis of the Cytology and HPV Testing Market, size of the market (US$ Mn), and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR (%)) for the period of forecast: 2020-2028, taking into account 2019 as the base year

 It explains upcoming revenue opportunities across various market segments and attractive matrix of investment proposition for the said market

 This market intelligence report also offers pivotal insights about various market opportunities, restraints, drivers, competitive market strategies of leading market players, emerging market trends, and regional outlook

 Profiling of key market players in the world Cytology and HPV Testing Market is done by taking into account various parameters such as company strategies, distribution strategies, product portfolio, financial performance, key developments, geographical presence, and company overview

 The data of this report would allow management authorities and marketers of companies alike to take informed decision when it comes to launch of Type of models, government initiatives, marketing tactics and expansion, and technical up gradation

 The world market for Cytology and HPV Testing caters to the needs of various stakeholders pertaining to this industry, namely suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors for Cytology and HPV Testing Market. The research also caters to the rising needs of consulting and research firms, financial analysts, and new market entrants

 Research methodologies that have been adopted for the purpose of this study have been clearly elaborated so as to facilitate better understanding of the reports

 Reports have been made based on the guidelines as mandated by General Data Protection Regulation

 Ample number of examples and case studies have been taken into consideration before coming to a conclusion

Reasons to buy:

v Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the Cytology and HPV Testing Market

v Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the Cytology and HPV Testing Market

v Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data

v Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential

v Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events

v Identify key partners and business development avenues

v Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects

v Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants

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Market Scenario

Global Biodegradable Bags Market was US$1470 Mn in 2017 and is expected to reach US$2900 Mn by end of 2026. at a CAGR of 7.84% from 2017 to 2026.

Global Biodegradable Bags Market is segmented by type, by application and by region. In terms of type Biodegradable Bags Market is classified into Oxo-biodegradable Bags and Hydro-biodegradable Bags. Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, packaging, agriculture and composting, textiles are the application segments of Global Biodegradable Bags Market. Biodegradable bags are extensively used owing to their characteristics such as light weight and easy disposability. Biodegradable bags has been extensively used for packaging in various sectors across the globe. Over the years, the demand for biodegradable bag market is witnessing a higher growth due to the implementation of the stringent regulations on the use of non-degradable plastic by various governments across the world and increase in health awareness among the consumers. The food & beverage industry contributes heavily to the biodegradable packaging industry. Thus, the growth of the food and beverages related packaging will promote the biodegradable bag market growth in coming years. Geographically Biodegradable Bags Market is segregated into North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East & Africa. The U.S. accounted for the largest market share in bio-degradable bags mainly due to increasing concerns regarding the environment in people, which is anticipated to fuel the global market in future.

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Global Biodegradable Bag Market

With the growth in environmental concerns, there is a continuous rise in consumer awareness towards the use of eco-friendly products. Thus, the customer preference towards eco-friendly clean substitutes from traditional synthetic products is anticipated to fuel the demand for Oxo-biodegradable bags. Also, continuous growth in food & beverage and pharmaceutical industries helps in boosting the demand for Oxo-biodegradable bags across the globe. Manufacturers of Oxo-biodegradable bags have also introduced with Oxo-biodegradable bags for a variety of market Regions in customized sizes and colours. However, the sudden fluctuation in the cost of raw-materials involved in the Textiles of Oxo-biodegradable bags is the restraining factor for the growth of global Oxo-biodegradable bags market. Growing demand for Oxo-biodegradable bags in packaging owing to advantageous product are expected to boost growth.

Hydro-biodegradable plastics are not genuinely renewable because the process of making them from crops is itself a significant user of fossil-fuel energy and a producer therefore of greenhouse gases.

Compared to other regions, the Global Biodegradable Bags Market in the North America region is expected to show an exponential growth over the forecast period. Rise in urbanization leading increased environmental concerns in the developing economies like India & China is a major reason for switching towards Biodegradable packaging in the Asia-Pacific region. Middle East and Africa shows a favourable Growth in demand of Global Biodegradable Bags Market. Biodegradable bags market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR globally over the forecast period.

The Biodegradable bags market is dominated by various players such as, Biopac India Corporation Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group, Mondi Group, BASF SE, WestRock Company, Georgia-Pacific, Metabolix, Inc., Cereplast Inc., Novolex, Shabra Group, International Plastics Inc., Ampac Holdings LLC, Bulldog Bag Ltd., Abbey Polyethene, Sahachit Watana Plastic Industry Co Ltd., Sarah Bio Plast.

The scope of Global Biodegradable Bags Market

Global Biodegradable Bags Market by Type:

 Oxo-biodegradable

 Hydro-biodegradable

Global Biodegradable Bags Market by Application:

 Food and beverages

 Pharmaceuticals

 Packaging

 Agriculture and composting

 Textiles

Global Biodegradable Bags Market by Region:

 North America

 Europe

 Asia Pacific

 Middle East & Africa

 Latin America

Key Player analysed in Global Biodegradable Bags Market:

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 Biopac India Corporation Ltd

 Smurfit Kappa Group

 Mondi Group

 BASF SE

 WestRock Company

 Georgia-Pacific

 Metabolix, Inc.

 Cereplast Inc.

 Novolex

 Shabra Group

 International Plastics Inc.

 Ampac Holdings LLC

 Bulldog Bag Ltd.

 Sahachit Watana Plastic Industry Co Ltd.

 Abbey Polyethene

 Sarah Bio Plast

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Report Description

A recent market intelligence report that is published by Data Insights Partner on the global Enterprise ICT Spending Market makes an offering of in-depth analysis of segments and sub-segments in the regional and international Global Enterprise ICT Spending market. The research also emphasizes on the impact of restraints, drivers, and macro indicators on the regional and global Enterprise ICT Spending Market over the short as well as long period of time. A detailed presentation of forecast, trends, and dollar values of global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is offered. In accordance with the report, the global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is projected to expand with healthy CAGR over the period of forecast.

Market Insight, Drivers, Restraints& Opportunity of the Market:

After successful growth in previous years, it is estimated that ICT spending would appear flat in 2020 due to the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic in the same year. While traditional ICT expenditure is predicted to grow by next couple of years, spending on new technologies would like to grow with higher rate by same duration. The emergence of Internet on Things has been contributing significantly to the market growth, new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality. Virtual reality etc. would like to capture a quarter of the total ICT expenditure.

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The Global Enterprise ICT Spending market would likely to propel in the upcoming period by the emergence of new technologies such as AR/VR, IOT, robotics, artificial intelligence etc. On the contrary, unclear regulatory guidelines, less awareness of Enterprise ICT Spending in the developing countries, emergence of Covid-19 pandemic etc. would likely to restrain the growth of the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market in the upcoming period. However, strategic alliance among the key players, and increasing research and development expenditure would provide the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market an opportunity to propel during the upcoming period. In addition, government in several countries invest significantly in new technologies such as smart city planning with integration of ICT etc- this also bring the opportunity to the global Enterprise ICT Spending market to grow in the forecast period.

Segment Covered:

This market intelligence report on the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market encompasses market segments based on component, organization size, application and country.

In terms of component, the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is classified into:

Hardware

Software

Services

In terms of organization size, the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is classified into:

Large

Small and medium scale

In terms of application, the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is categorized into:

Healthcare

BFSI

Government

Defence

Construction

Education

Others

By country/region, the Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market has been divided into:

North America (the U.S., Canada)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and other countries)

Europe (Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Russia, and other countries)

Asia Pacific (India, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand and other countries)

Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Israel and Other countries)

Get Request for Table of Contents: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/enterprise-ict-spending-market/641#content

Profiling of Market Players:

This business intelligence report offers profiling of reputed companies that are operating in the market. Companies such as:

ADOBE

AMAZON WEB SERVICES

Apple Inc.

DELL Inc.

GOOGLE

HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP

IBM

MICROSOFT CORPORATION

ORACLE CORPORATION

SAP

Other companies are profiled into detail so as to offer a glimpse of the market leaders. Moreover, parameters such as Global Enterprise ICT Spending related investment & spending and developments by major players of the market are tracked in this global report.

Report Highlights:

In-depth analysis of the micro and macro indicators, market trends, and forecasts of demand is offered by this business intelligence report. Furthermore, the report offers a vivid picture of the factors that are steering and restraining the growth of this market across all geographical segments. In addition to that, Growth Matrix analysis is also provided in the report so as to share insight of the investment areas that new or existing market players can take into consideration. Various analytical tools such as DRO analysis, Porter's five forces analysis has been used in this report to present a clear picture of the market. The study focuses on the present market trends and provides market forecast from the year 2020-2028. Emerging trends that would shape the market demand in the years to come have been highlighted in this report. A competitive analysis in each of the geographical segments gives an insight into market share of the global players.

Salient Features:

 This study offers comprehensive yet detailed analysis of the Global Enterprise ICT Spending market, size of the market (US$ Mn), and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR (%)) for the period of forecast: 2020-2028, taking into account 2019 as the base year

 It explains upcoming revenue opportunities across various market segments and attractive matrix of investment proposition for the said market

 This market intelligence report also offers pivotal insights about various market opportunities, restraints, drivers, launch of new products, competitive market strategies of leading market players, emerging market trends, and regional outlook

 Profiling of key market players in the world Global Enterprise ICT Spending Market is done by taking into account various parameters such as company strategies, distribution strategies, product portfolio, financial performance, key developments, geographical presence, and company overview

 The data of this report would allow management authorities and marketers of companies alike to take decision when it comes to launch of products, government initiatives, marketing tactics and expansion, and technical up gradation

 The world market for Global Enterprise ICT Spending caters to the needs of various stakeholders pertaining to this industry, namely suppliers, manufacturers, investors, and distributors for Global Enterprise ICT Spending market. The research also caters to the rising needs of consulting and research firms, financial analysts, and new market entrants

 Research methodologies that have been adopted for the purpose of this study have been clearly elaborated so as to facilitate better understanding of the reports

 Reports have been made based on the guidelines as mandated by General Data Protection Regulation

 Ample number of examples and case studies have been taken into consideration before coming to a conclusion

Reasons to buy:

v Identify opportunities and plan strategies by having a strong understanding of the investment opportunities in the Global Enterprise ICT Spending market

v Identification of key factors driving investment opportunities in the Global Enterprise ICT Spending market

v Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data

v Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential

v Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events

v Identify key partners and business development avenues

v Respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects

v Identify key strengths and weaknesses of important market participants

Full View of Report Description: https://datainsightspartner.com/report/enterprise-ict-spending-market/641
San Francisco, 15 Nov 2021: The Report Polyamide Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Polyamide 6, Polyamide 66, Bio-based Polyamide, Specialty Polyamides), By Application (Engineering Plastics, Fibers), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global polyamide market size is expected to reach USD 53.32 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. Increasing adoption of polyamide in numerous industries, including automotive, electrical and electronics, consumer goods and appliances, packaging, and textiles is projected to fuel the market growth during the forecast period. Polyamides are widely used in the exterior parts of vehicles such as front-end grilles, fuel caps, wheel covers, doors, exterior mirrors, and tailgate handles.

Polyamide composites are expected to witness high demand from the automotive industry due to factors such as excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and the growing need for lightweight vehicles in order to improve fuel efficiency. Polyamide has been extensively used in the engine compartment to replace steel parts owing to the benefits derived from them such as lower weight and greater design flexibility as against traditional metals.

Key players in the market are continuously carrying out innovations and developing new versions of polyamide compatible with new polymer processing technologies. For instance, in May 2021, Evonik Industries AG successfully tested its INFINAM PA 6005 P (polyamide 613 material) on the ST252P and HT403P laser sintering 3D printing systems developed by Farsoon Technologies. The INFINAM PA 6005 P with a high melting point of 215Cexhibited compatible properties to be processed by 3D printing systems.

In addition, the establishment of global partnerships to increase dominance in advanced materials is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. In May 2020, LANXESS announced the formation of a new supplier partnership with Chase Plastics. This partnership is expected to create a distribution channel for Durethan PA6 and Pocan PBT developed by LANXESS.

Environmental awareness has propelled many electronics companies to utilize bio-based polyamides as a part of their sustainability goals and they have deployed the production of the same to support the strong growth in demand for advanced bio-circular materials. This can prove to be one of the major driving factors for the production of polyamides over the forecast period. In April 2021, Arkema announced to begin the production of Amino 11, a bio-based polyamide, at its new plant on Jurong Island, Singapore. This plant is expected to utilize castor beans to produce bio-based polyamide and it represents a 50% increase in Arkemas global polyamide 11 capacity.

Access Research Report of Polyamide Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/polyamide-market

Polyamide Market Report Highlights

In terms of product, the polyamide 6 segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2020 and is expected to witness prominent growth over the forecast period

Based on application, in the engineering plastics segment, the automotive segment captured the largest share in terms of revenue in 2020

In 2020, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 40.0%. Ascending demand for electric vehicles is expected to have a positive impact on the global automotive industry. The introduction of electric vehicles by automotive manufacturing players such as Tesla, Volkswagen AG, BYD Co Ltd., Hyundai Motor Company, and Nissan is anticipated to provide further impetus to the regional market growth

Various strategic initiatives were recorded over the past few years to boost the growth of the market. For instance, in December 2020, Star Plastics announced a global partnership with LATI, a European manufacturer of engineering thermoplastics, with the aim of expanding material offerings in North America, Europe, and Asia

List of Key Players of Polyamide Market

BASF SE

AdvanSix Inc.

Ube Industries Ltd.

Domo Chemicals

Toray Industries, Inc.

Ashley Polymers Inc.

Ascend Performance Materials LLC

Toyobo Co. Ltd.

Lanxess AG

Huntsman Corporation

Goodfellow Group

Access Press Release of Polyamide Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-polyamide-market
Software Consulting Market Growth & Trends

The global software consulting market size is expected to reach USD 539.18 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 12.0% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. This growth is attributed to the myriad of benefits these solutions and services offer, such as optimizing business operations, minimizing wastage, and augmenting organizational revenues. These services also help organizations in identifying business growth opportunities and determining areas for cost efficiencies. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected market players as well as consultants.

However, consulting is one of the first markets to adopt remote working since consultants and vendors need to work from various parts of the world for their projects. The increasing adoption of advanced technologies and the current digitization trend have enabled software consulting to outlast these challenging times. Enterprises are increasingly adopting the latest technologies, such as cloud computing and mobile computing, which is anticipated to drive market growth.

The growing adoption and deployment of cloud technology can be attributed mainly to the growing interest of organizations in operational flexibility, business applications, and workload optimization hosted on a cloud computing environment. The high level of scalability &flexibility along with cost advantages offered by cloud computing is also influencing the migration to cloud platforms, thereby driving the market growth.

Market players are pursuing various growth strategies, including collaborations, partnerships, new product development, and mergers & acquisitions, to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in April 2019, CGI Group Inc. acquired Acando AB. Through this acquisition, the company aimed to enhance its IT consulting services, thereby helping clients with system integration, strategic consulting, and customer-centric digital innovation capabilities.

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Software Consulting Market Report Highlights

The software security services segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR from 2021 to 2028

The segment growth can be credited to the increasing use of cloud servers to store information and the growing number of cyber attacks to gain unauthorized access to critical business information

The large enterprises segment dominated the market in 2020 and will remain dominant over the forecast period due to high investments by large enterprises in advanced technologies to cope with the changing industry dynamics

Healthcare is anticipated to emerge as the fastest-growing end-use segment over the forecast period

The growing number of web and mobile applications has revolutionized the way hospitals diagnose their patients, people maintain their fitness, and health reports are generated, thereby driving the demand for consulting to provide technical support and troubleshooting services for clients

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028. High demand for web & mobile app design consultation to assist online businesses due to the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector is expected to drive the market in the region

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-software-consulting-market

Software Consulting Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global software consulting market on the basis of application, enterprise size, end-use, and region:

Software Consulting Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Enterprise Solutions

Application Development

Migration & Maintenance Services

Design Services

Application Testing Services

Software Security Services

Others

Software Consulting Enterprise Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Large Enterprise

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Software Consulting End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

Automotive

BFSI

Education

Government

Healthcare

IT & Telecom

Manufacturing

Retail

Others

Software Consulting Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2016 - 2028)

North America US. Canada

Europe Germany UK.

Asia Pacific China India Japan

Latin America Brazil

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

List of Key Players of Software Consulting Market

Accenture PLC

Atos SE

Capgemini

CGI Group, Inc.

Clearfind

Cognizant

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd.

Ernst & Young LLP

International Business Machines Corp.

Oracle Corp.

PricewaterhouseCoopers B.V.

Rapport IT

SAP SE

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
Antiviral Drugs Market Growth & Trends

The global antiviral drugs market size is expected to reach USD 60.0 billion by 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of (-0.6%) from 2021 to 2028. This is owing to the loss of patent protection of drugs and the high R&D investment required for developing antiviral drugs. However, the rising prevalence of viral infections and the presence of a potential pipeline for the treatment of HIV infection are expected to fuel the growth over the forecast period.

The increasing prevalence of influenza with other complications such as viral pneumonia, obesity, and the rising geriatric population drives the market growth. Moreover, pneumonia is one of the major causes of death in children worldwide. According to the WHO, Pneumonia causes 808,694 childrens deaths in 2017, accounting for 15.0% of all deaths of children under 5 years old. It is most prevalent in South Asia and the sub-Saharan African region.

The awareness of viral infections, their prevention, and treatment are high in most of the regions. For instance, according to CDC, in 2019, the vaccination rate against influenza was 49% in the U.S., which prevented around 4.4 million influenza infections and around 3,500 deaths in the country. Moreover, the increase in vaccination rate against hepatitis and herpes is affecting the market growth over the forecast period.

Increasing collaboration between government bodies and key players is anticipated to fuel the growth of R&D activities in the development of novel antiviral drugs. For instance, in June 2021, Merck & Co., Inc. entered into a procurement agreement with the U.S. government for molnupiravir, an investigational antiviral for COVID-19 treatment. According to the agreement, the company will receive USD 1.2 billion to supply around 1.7 million courses of the drug to the U.S. government, if molnupiravir receives emergency use authorization or approval by the U.S. FDA.

Companies are adopting strategies such as product development and collaboration to increase their share in the market. For instance, in April 2021, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. collaborated to develop Cidaras Cloudbreak antiviral conjugates for the prevention and treatment of influenza. Moreover, in October 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. also collaborated to develop, manufacture, and market AT-527 for the treatment of COVID-19. AT-527 acts as an RNA polymerase inhibitor and stops viral replication.

Favorable initiatives undertaken by government bodies to prevent and treat viral infections are expected to support the management of viral infections. For instance, the U.K. government has launched an antiviral task force to investigate treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection in home-based settings. It will help prevent the infection and limit the effect of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, the U.S. government is investing more than USD 3 billion to fasten the development of antiviral drugs against COVID-19 and other viral infections.

The upsurge in COVID-19 cases and strong pipeline products is expected to positively impact market growth. According to the WHO, as of 1st September 2021, a total of 217.56 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4.52 million deaths reported. For instance, in May 2021, based on Favipiravir formula antiviral drug BALflue was launched by BAL Pharma, it is used for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infection as well as used in the treatment of 53 types of influenza viruses. Overall, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to propel the market growth, however, it has adversely affected the consumption of antiviral medicines from other applications owing to disruption in the supply chain and limited access to healthcare services during the complete lockdown.

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Antiviral Drugs Market Report Highlights

An increase in the COVID-19 case is expected to drive market growth in the next 2 to 4 years

The reverse transcriptase inhibitors segment dominated the market due to the high efficacy of drugs and growing prevalence of diseases like HIV and hepatitis B, globally

The HIV segment dominated the market in 2020 and is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period, owing to the commercialization of pipeline products over the forecast period

North America dominated the market in 2020 and Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit fastest growth during the forecast period

Access Press Release@ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-antiviral-drugs-market

Antiviral Drugs Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global antiviral drugs market on the basis of drug class, type, application, and region:

Antiviral Drug Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

DNA Polymerase Inhibitors

Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Protease Inhibitors

Neuraminidase Inhibitors

Others

Antiviral Drugs Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

Branded

Generics

Antiviral Drugs Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

HIV

Hepatitis

Herpes

Influenza

Others

Antiviral Drugs Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

North America US Canada

Europe UK. Germany France Italy Spain

Asia Pacific India China Japan Australia South Korea

Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Colombia

Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa



List of Key Players of Antiviral Drugs Market

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

GlaxoSmithKline plc

AbbVie

Merck & Co., Inc.

Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Cipla Inc.

Aurobindo Pharma

Reddys Laboratories Ltd.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
The report " Defoaming Coating Additives Market by Type (Silicone-Based, Mineral Oil-Based, Vegetable Oil-Based, Water-Based, Polymer-Based), Application (Architectural, Automotive, Industrial, Wood & Furniture), and Geography - Global Forecasts to 2021 ", The defoaming coating additives market was valued at USD 748.0 Million in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 1,034.2 Million by 2021, at a CAGR of 5.6% between 2016 and 2021.

This growth can be mainly attributed to the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization. The stringent regulatory and sustainability mandates concerning the environment also play a major role in growth of the global defoaming coating additives market.

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Water-based defoamer is the fastest-growing type segment in the global defoaming coating additives market during the forecast period

Among defoamer types, the water-based defoamer segment accounted for the second-largest share of the defoaming coating additives market in 2015. It is projected to be the fastest-growing defoamer type segment between 2016 and 2021. These defoamers are very cost-effective with considerable share of water in the final product though the final composition varies according to end user requirement.

Architectural is expected to be the largest application segment during the forecast period

The architectural application segment accounted for the largest share of the defoaming coating additives market in 2015. Rising living standards and preference of consumers for attractive homes and commercial spaces is leading to the increasing demand of defoaming coating additives in architectural application.

Asia-Pacific is the largest and the fastest-growing regional segment of the defoaming coating additives

Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest share of the defoaming coating additives market in 2015, followed by North America and Europe. High economic growth of the emerging economies and increasing disposable income of the people in the region make Asia-Pacific an attractive market for defoaming coating additives manufacturers. In addition, the extensive growth of industrial production and increasing vehicles production are also responsible for the high demand of defoaming coating additives in this region.

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The key players in the defoaming coating additives market are Ashland Inc. (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), BYK Additives & Instruments (Germany), Elementis Plc (U.K.), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Momentive Performance Materials Inc. (U.S.), and Dow Corning Corporation (U.S.). They supply different types of defoaming coating additives to end users (architectural, industrial, automotive, and wood & furniture sectors). The demand of defoaming coating additives will continue to increase mainly due to the increase in demand for coatings in architecture and higher emphasis on low-VOC content in the formulation. With improving economic conditions, the demand is expected to gain further momentum.

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Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.
Mr. Jones is very used to saying whatever he wants to say from the comfort of his own studio, but what I think this case has shown is that when he is forced to defend his conduct in a court of law and comply with court orders, that its a very different ballgame, said attorney Chris Mattei, a lawyer representing the Sandy Hook families. The fact that the court was left with no choice but to default him shows just how unwilling Mr. Jones was to have his conduct exposed to the light of day in front of a jury.
On Monday, the city councils Health and Human Services Committee heard a sales pitch from one company that produces the technology, which has been used for decades to control the spread of disease but has grown in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. The council is considering a resolution that would urge multiple city departments to use ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and to seek out funding for the initiative.
The maximum punishment for a person age 14 or younger is 30 months of probation supervision with or without residential placement, minus any time spent in pretrial detention. If it is determined through the juvenile court process that a child has a mental health diagnosis, he or she can be sent for an indefinite period to the states psychiatric center for children in Middletown. A child could also be held in the facility if he or she is deemed not competent to understand the court process.
Governors, stand up,' Biden said during his speech. Red states, blue states--you all contacted me, you all said you were for this. You all stepped up and more than 375 mayors, Democrats and Republicans from every state and District of Columbia, wrote me asking to get this done.
The truth is that we do not have precise granular information on unserved areas and households and businesses, Burt Cohen, of the OCC, explained in an email. We know that the northwest corner of the state has significant areas that do not have access to fixed broadband (meaning broadband service provided by wire rather than mobile service). We have reason to believe that there are unserved pockets in eastern Connecticut and elsewhere in the state. Once our granular state map is developed, we will have the data to make sure that  every household and business in the state has access to high speed fixed broadband service.
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The last two years have been like no others, the committee said in a statement. The Worldwide Pandemic has changed all of our lives and required all of us to make significant adjustments and to reimagine our lives, including the way that we work. Through it all, the worlds greatest shipbuilders have delivered.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah receives an idol of Lord Venkateswara swami Idol as a memento from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy during the Southern Zonal council meeting at Tirupati on Sunday. (PTI)

HYDERABAD: The Telangana state government on Sunday claimed to have worked diligently with the residual Andhra Pradesh in sorting out the bifurcation issues even as Union home minister Amit Shah set one month-time frame for completing the asset distribution between the two states.

Participating on behalf of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tirupati, Telangana state home minister Mahmood Ali assured that the issues pending in courts and other fora would also be discussed with the neighbouring state and sort them out in an amicable manner within the framework of the AP Reorganisation Act 2014. We have successfully divided over 10 lakh employees in a timely and transparent manner, he pointed out.

Highly placed sources told Deccan Chronicle that Telangana state had even appreciated the Centre for guiding both the states on various critical issues. It also said the decisive and collective action taken by the Centre and the state governments had ensured that peoples lives and livelihoods were protected.

Significantly, the brief introductory speech of the home minister avoided the most contentious issues like river water sharing and the Telanganas demand for setting up new tribunal for Krishna waters, while it focussed on Chief Ministers various initiatives like Rythu Bandhu, KCR health kits and uninterrupted power supply to farm sector. Maintaining that the growth of a nation largely depended on the health of its workforce, Mahmood Ali said the health initiatives of his government helped bring down the infant mortality rate.

Sources said the neighbouring state had strongly pitched for Rs 6,000 crore dues to be paid by the Telangana power generating utility to its AP counterpart. The Telangana officials, however, listed out various other dues from AP which they said would be more than the Genco dues. Shah is said to have asked both the governments to complete the asset distribution within a month.

The Union home minister also appreciated Andhra Pradesh for being top among the southern states in pursuing cases of violence against women and children and filing charge-sheets within two months of the incident. In another gesture of appreciating the AP police training capabilities, Shah offered to bear the entire cost of setting up an ultra modern training facility including that of the land. He said the greyhounds training module should be extended to other paramilitary forces in the proposed institute.

Mahmood Ali explained initiatives like SHE teams and Bharosa Centres yielding good results and helping in effective policing and investigating crimes against women and children.
New Delhi: In the wake of heavy rainfall warning issued for various districts in Kerala, including Pathanamthitta, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday appealed to the party workers in the state to be of help in every way possible.

Taking to Twitter, Gandhi said, "Our brothers and sisters in Kerala are braving heavy rains. I appeal to Congress workers to help in every way possible. Please take care and follow all safety guidelines."

A Red Alert has been declared in Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts. Kaki and Idukki dams have been opened. Monitoring has been intensified in various dams managed by the electricity and water departments.

Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the state. Two teams of Defence Security Corps are ready to go to Kannur and Wayanad districts if required.

"There have been seven landslides since November 10. People should be relocated to camps from landslide-prone areas. Fishing has been banned and a warning has been issued. Police and fire department officials are ready to deal with any sort of emergency," said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The spot booking at Sabarimala has also been stopped for three days.

"When the Sabarimala temple reopens, it will be difficult to allow more pilgrims to enter. The Pamba river is turbulent due to heavy rains. The availability of drinking water and bathing water is also a cause of concern. So the meeting decided to limit the number of people to Sabarimala in the next three to four days. Pampa bathing is not allowed as the water level is dangerous. Spot booking will be temporarily stopped. The government is considering changing the date for those booked via a virtual queue to control the number of people," CM Vijayan had said yesterday.
HYDERABAD: In an attempt to pressurise TRS government on the snowballing issue of paddy procurement, BJP state president and MP Bandi Sanjay will make a two-day visit of paddy purchasing centres and market yards in undivided Nalgonda and Suryapet districts from Monday and interact with farmers.

Telangana has been witnessing a war of words between ruling TRS and BJP parties for the last few days on purchasing of paddy from farmers. While BJP wants TRS-led state government to procure paddy, TRS has organised state-wide dharnas demanding that BJP-headed central government purchase the paddy.

The two political parties are currently unable to take up their protest programmes due to Code of Conduct being in force in view of the MLC elections. As a result, Bandi Sanjay and other BJP state leaders have instead decided to visit procurement centres in Nalgonda and Suryapet districts to bring indirect pressure on ruling TRS.

Police higher-ups are reviewing the situation that may develop in the wake of BJP leaders visit to paddy purchasing centres. Based on ground reports, police may or may not accord permission to BJP teams for interacting with paddy farmers in districts.

On Monday, Sanjay will visit Arjalabavi Indira Kranthi Patham paddy purchasing centre located in Nalgonda Rural mandal, where he will interact with farmers. He will then continue his meetings in Miryalaguda, Nereducharla and Gaddipally as well before halting in Suryapet.

On Tuesday, the BJP chief will tour Tirumalagiri, Tungaturthi, Devaruppala and Jangoan mandals of Suryapet. "Our party president will collect details from farmers on how the state government is diverting attention of farmers on purchase of paddy. State BJP will then prepare a comprehensive report on the issue," party leaders said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, the Congress wants to "keep the non-issue alive, and it is nothing but politics. (PTI Photo)

Bengaluru: Accusing the Congress of playing politics on the alleged bitcoin scam issue, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday once again asked the opposition party to give documents, if any, to the investigating agencies.

"You should ask them (Congress) the question, what I have said is, if there is any document, give it to the ED or to the police, it will be taken seriously. I have already said that if there is any truth, it will be investigated," Bommai said in response to a question on the bitcoin issue.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, the Congress wants to "keep the non-issue alive, and it is nothing but politics".

"There is no question of setting any narrative, there is no story, so how can you set a narrative there," he added.

There have been speculations for some time now about involvement of politically influential people in the scam after CCB officials seized bitcoins worth Rs nine crore from a city-based hacker Srikrishna alias Sriki, who is also accused of hacking into government portals, sourcing drugs through the dark net, and paying for it through cryptocurrency.

Congress leaders have alleged the involvement of senior BJP leaders, their family members and senior officials in the scam, and have accused the government of trying to cover up; the ruling party too in its counter has alleged involvement of leaders from the grand old party.
HYDERABAD: Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has convened an emergency TRS Legislature Party (TRSLP) meeting at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday to discuss and devise the future course of action on the 'double standards' of BJP-led government at the Centre over the issue of paddy procurement. All the TRS MLAs have been asked to attend the meeting without fail.

The meeting will also discuss the BJP Telangana unit's agitation programmes over paddy procurement issue. The TRS leadership feels that the state BJP leaders are creating confusion among people, especially farmers in the state with their agitation programmes ignoring the fact that it is the Centre which created the ongoing procurement issue by deciding not to procure parboiled rice from Telangana in rabi season. The meeting will discuss and finalise a counter-strategy to expose and explain farmers about the 'double standards of the BJP at the Centre and at the state-level over paddy procurement issue.

It may be recalled that the TRS organised dharna programmes in all the Assembly constituencies across the state on November 12 demanding that the Centre procure paddy from Telangana in rabi season.

BJP Telangana unit president Bandi Sanjay already launched agitation programmes against the state government's delay in paddy procurement. Sanjay started visiting paddy procurement centres on Monday and his visit to Nalgonda district on Monday led to tussle between the TRS and the BJP activists.

TRS activists have been already asked to confront the state BJP leaders and question them to clarify whether the Centre would purchase paddy from Telangana in rabi or not. The Chief Minister will discuss all these issues with party MLAs on Tuesday and guide them on how to counter BJP's agitations in their respective constituencies.
Corps of Engineers tells County residents may be able to get out of flowage easements
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Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah during a press conference folowing a conference on Libya in Paris Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. France is hosting an international conference on Libya on Friday as the North African country is heading into long-awaited elections next month.
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Dont reward Airbus criminal behavior with a military contract By Rachel Alexander

Imagine you were running a small business, and you had a potential employee in front of you. Lets say the prospect was in line for a very important position, one that required a significant salary and was responsible for peoples lives. Youd want to make sure you had a really good employee, right? Not someone with a criminal record that included financial wrongdoing, including against your own company? Well, apparently, someone in Washington doesnt agree. Because right now, the European French-based company Airbus may actually get a billion dollar military contract with the U.S. despite its significant history of wrongdoing and ties to the Chinese government. In January 2020, the U.S. government assessed criminal penalties against Airbus of more than $3.9 billion due to foreign bribery. In an agreement for deferred prosecution, the DOJ said that the corporation had scheme[d] to use third-party business partners to bribe government officials, as well as non-governmental airline executives, around the world and to resolve the Companys violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and its implementing regulations, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), in the United States. It was the largest global foreign bribery resolution ever. Today, Airbus has admitted to a years-long campaign of corruption around the world,  said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu of the District of Columbia. Through bribes, Airbus allowed rampant corruption to invade the U.S. system. The company purposely failed to disclose political contributions, commissions or fees to the U.S. government, as required under the ITAR and falsely reported information about their conduct to the U.S. government for more than five years in order to gain valuable licenses to export U.S. military technology, said the DOJ. The corporation paid bribes to China and other countries and concealed those bribes. Airbus bribed Chinese government officials in connection with the approval of certain agreements associated with the purchase and sale of Airbus aircrafts to state-owned and state-controlled Chinese airlines. Airbus works with state-owned companies like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), and in 2009 outsourced some of its labor to China at a plant in Tianjin. Given these lies and bribes, why would the U.S. trust Airbus with sensitive U.S. defense technology? Its not like China has a great history of respecting other nations technology rights. The U.S. isnt alone in finding major wrongdoing against Airbus. The World Trade Organization determined that Airbus illegally accepted subsidies from the European Union in recent years. This allowed it to submit artificially lower bids for projects, including U.S. projects, which if won, take away American jobs. After the U.S. complained about the illegal subsidies, the WTO adjudicated the dispute and awarded the U.S. the largest arbitration reward in its history, nearly $7.5 billion annually. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said about the decision, which was made in November 2019, that massive EU corporate welfare has cost American aerospace companies hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenue over the nearly 15 years of litigation. The EU retaliated by filing a complaint with the WTO against the U.S. over research and development in its own airline manufacturing. The WTO, which is controlled by international interests, naturally dinged the U.S. over it, but on a much smaller scale, allowing the EU to impose tariffs of only $4.5 billion. These are different situations, since the EU is using the subsidies from 27 countries to gang up on the U.S., whereas the U.S. is supporting its own national defense. Why cant we support our own national defense? Its apples and oranges. The EU has a larger GDP than the U.S., giving it an advantage here, which is in part why the Trump administration imposed tariffs against the conglomerate. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. and the EU agreed to each temporarily suspend the tariffs, but who knows how long that will last. Finally, an Airbus subsidiary (which has gone out of business), GPT Special Project Management Ltd, pleaded guilty in April to corruption involving contracts to provide military communications services for the Saudi Arabian National Guard, and was fined over $30 million by a UK court. The facts are simple, and so should the U.S. governments conclusions about Airbus: This is not a company we want taking taxpayer dollars, having access to critical defense technology and knowledge, or responsibility for troops lives. It doesnt have Americans interests at heart, its a cutthroat competitor that has no qualms about allying with our enemies like China. Its time to block Airbus from any military contracts until it cleans up its act. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative . She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home
New directions for conservative ideas  a sketch of future possibilities By Mark Wegierski

One should begin with an examination of the reasons for the Conservative failure in the federal election of September 20, 2021, and some general insights that can be derived therefrom. In the authors opinion, the attempted move to the centre to try to win over blue-collar, as well as suburban and urban voters, especially in Ontario, Quebec, and B.C., was a good idea. However, it was hobbled by the policy delineated in the Plan to rescind the Liberal anti-assault rifle Order-in-Council, which the Liberals were able to zero in on with a laser-like intensity. It was also weakened by Erin OTooles refusal to come on board with vaccine mandates  which also became a huge target for the Liberal campaign. These two matters were wedge-issues which generated huge support for the Liberals. If the Conservative Party was going to move to the centre these two matters should have been appropriately addressed. Delineated below are the some of the main possible policy planks of the CPC in future elections. The obvious fiscal irresponsibility of the current Administration may lead to a virtual economic collapse in a matter of years. The CPC should be leading a crusade against the fiscal profligacy of the current Administration. In the Canadian context, the author accepts that abortion rights and same-sex marriage are an indelible part of the Canadian political landscape today. Nevertheless, he believes that it is possible to promote pro-family policies (especially through the tax-system) that can win broad acceptance in Canadian society today. For example, the tax-penalty on households with one main breadwinner in the marriage, should be ended. The author believes that significant efforts should be directed towards enunciating and promoting a Green Conservatism. Conservation issues and the defence of the environment should not be left to opponents of the CPC. Therefore, some kind of carbon pricing should be supported. The author believes that the excesses of multiculturalism and very high immigration policies, as being promulgated by the current Administration, are vulnerable to criticism. The need for the promotion of Canadian values among immigrants, could be given serious consideration. There is also an ecological argument that can be made for reducing immigration levels. The author also believes that the dangerous weakening of the Canadian military and security assets under the current Administration, could be an effective point of criticism. Military spending should be raised to the recommended NATO levels. The exercise of foreign policy has long fallen under the paradigm of soft power  with development aid the preferred instrument of policy. Some Canadians imagine they are seen as a uniquely virtuous nation in many parts of the Third World, on account of their do-gooder policies. It is more likely they are simply seen as credulous suckers. Therefore, the foreign aid budget should be substantially lowered. There is also the near disappearance of praise for real masculinity, and the devalourizing of the military and the police in Canadas general culture. Canada has one of the lowest percentages of men under arms ever seen in human history. Funding for the police and the military should be increased, and they should be supported as much as possible in the general culture. Some further attention should be paid to broader cultural issues. There is today in Canada a massive cultural fracturing, under the pressures of the American pop-culture, of the extremes of multiculturalism, and of excessive Aboriginal claims. Ironically, the greatest champions of Canadian culture today are also usually mavens of political correctness. The core Canadian identity is in danger of disappearing, the centre cannot hold, only the so-called fringes are powerful today. The goal would be to re-orient cultural funding to give more voice to core Canadian identity, and core Canadian culture and history. Also, the climate in the Canadian academy today (especially in the humanities and social sciences) has become unbearably woke, devoted to identity politics, and intersectionality. Non-woke voices are frequently silenced. There should be legislation to try to restore greater freedom of speech in the academy, and in society as a whole. And there is the multifarious crisis of family and morality. It has been pointed out by various commentators that no matter how many rights and benefits a given society offers, it may still be considered a failing society, if it fails in the most essential task of reproducing itself  both in the purely physical as well as cultural sense. The government must therefore substantially increase the incentives for married couples to have or adopt children, through a variety of tax-policies. Related to the crisis of morality is the triumph of the permissive society  the death of respect for legitimate authority and the sometimes absurdly lax operation of the criminal justice system. There should be a general tightening up of the legal system  as far as real punishments for real crimes  as opposed to the imagined offenses against political correctness. All these ideas should be confidently and unflinchingly presented to the Canadian public by a Conservative leadership who are effective communicators. It is only by challenging the currently-regnant left-liberalism in the areas where, in the authors opinion, it is most vulnerable, that significant electoral victories and changes in policy could eventually happen. Mark Wegierski is a Toronto-based, Canadian writer and historical researcher, published in Calgary Herald, Ottawa Citizen, and The Hill Times (Ottawa), among others. His article about Canada was reprinted in Annual Editions: World Politics, 1998-99 (Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, 1998). Home
Sri Lanka turmeric shortage By Maggie Draper

In 2020, Sri Lanka experienced a major shortage of turmeric--a flavorful spice used in many traditional dishes. The shortage was the result of government restrictions on trade imports, and it happened at the same time as a huge increase in demand for the spice. Another contributing factor was that, at the same time as the import restriction, the Sri Lankan government set a price ceiling on turmeric, causing quantity demanded to exceed quantity supplied, and resulting in a shortage of the spice. The health benefits that turmeric offers were also very sought-after during the pandemic and shifted the demand curve even farther to the right. In December of 2019, the Sri Lankan government put an import restriction on spices into place, in an attempt to stimulate domestic production. Sri Lanka had been importing around 5,000 metric tons of turmeric from India, and Indian turmeric [made] up 90 per cent of [Sri] Lankas total imports, said Ravishankar, president of Erode Turmeric Merchants Association1. The government wanted to decrease its dependence on turmeric from India and instead grow domestic turmeric (and other spices) production. To do this, they put heavy restrictions on spice imports, which made domestic prices higher and resulted in people selling and buying turmeric for high prices (even for gold) on the black market. If turmeric here is sold at Rs 6,000 a quintal, over there is being sold at over Rs 600 a kg, Ravishankar also said. This means that Sri Lanka was paying more than 10 times as much money per kg of turmeric as India. Further, Poonam Chand Gupta, a trader from Nizamabad2 said, Turmeric in Sri Lanka is being sold between Rs 800-900 a kg, meaning turmeric was sold for around 13-15 times as much in Sri Lanka as in India. When COVID hit Sri Lanka, the government banned all non-essential imports, including that of turmeric. This didnt do anything to help the situation. Domestic farmers continued trying to produce turmeric, largely failing to produce enough to meet the demand. The demand for the spice skyrocketed, which made it even more difficult for farmers to keep up with the production quota. The government set a price ceiling of 295 Rs on turmeric, but this only hurt farmers and didnt at all change the prices of turmeric on the black market. Farmers couldnt produce as much turmeric with the lowered prices because they wouldn't be able to make a living off their goods. Many spice consumers looked to the black market for their turmeric, spending as much as five times the government-set price. Similarly, spice traders also went to the black market in order to make the most of their goods. There was one especially notable and interesting factor that contributed to the rising demand for turmeric during the import restriction: the health benefits of consuming turmeric. At the same time, a factor that caused a movement along the demand curve was the price ceiling. The government set a maximum price of 295 Rs per kg of turmeric, whereas the old price was around 350 Rs. It makes sense that with the price drop, consumers would want more and more turmeric, increasing the quantity demanded. These developments helped create the shortage of turmeric. Then, as it disrupted so many other things, COVID shifted the demand curve. Studies on turmeric have shown that it contains viral-infection-fighting compounds, and this has been a known concept in India and southeast Asia for a long time. Scientists have been studying its ability to fight infections, such as influenza viruses. These studies have suggested that turmeric strengthens your immune system, which could be extremely beneficial in fighting COVID. This information made the demand for turmeric skyrocket when COVID first came about. People in Sri Lanka and other places have been eating much more of it, even adding it to their tea. The turmeric demand was already high because of the price ceiling, but COVID struck at a very unfortunate time for them, making the total demand increase by so much more. This is a random fact but I thought it was funny: I have a cousin who adds turmeric powder to popcorn so her younger siblings will eat it (they only eat it if its bright yellow and looks like movie theater popcorn, but she wanted a healthier alternative). Many cultures appreciate the benefits of turmeric! The shortage of turmeric in Sri Lanka had a big impact on the population, who regularly consume the spice as a part of their cuisine. While I currently don't eat a lot of turmeric in my food, Id be really interested to try a Sri Lankan dish. The shortage first came about when the government put restrictions on the spices imports from India, where most of their turmeric came from. This restriction had crippling effects on the market for turmeric because the demand for it continued growing during the pandemic. Both factors combined led to regular black market transactions that involved immensely high prices and the opposite of what the government had intended, which was increased domestic production. (c) 2021 Maggie Draper Home
In a new poll exploring a prospective rematch in Iowa in 2024, Donald Trump has a double-digit lead against President Joe Biden.

The former president also has more support from independents than Biden, who has poor approval ratings eight months into his term, but Trump is facing some warning signals in what may be a struggle in Iowa's first-in-the-nation Republican caucuses.

Trump tops Biden in Iowa poll

According to the findings of a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released on Sunday, rump won by 11 points, 51 percent to 40 percent, among all potential Iowa voters. The remaining 9% was made up of those who declared they would not vote for either candidate or were undecided, as per The Washington Examiner.

Just over a year ago in 2020, Trump beat Biden in Iowa by 8 points, 53 percent to 45 percent. According to the latest survey, Trump has an 8-point lead among independents, beating Biden 45 percent to 37 percent.

Furthermore, pollsters emphasized that findings among Republican-leaning Iowans provide a space for prospective caucus rivals. Sixty-one percent indicated they agree with the party, compared to 26 percent who agreed with Trump, and this opinion is shared across demographics, including rural regions and Christians.

Selzer & Co. conducted the poll, including 810 Iowa people, including 658 likely voters, between November 7 and 10. The margin of error for all Iowans is plus or minus 3.4 percentage points, and for likely voters is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The margin of error for the poll concerning Trump or the GOP, which was asked of 264 Iowans, is 6 points.

Per USA Today, neither Trump nor Biden have made an official statement about running for reelection, but both have hinted at the possibility. In October, Trump, 75, paid a visit to Des Moines, hosting a rally that attracted thousands to the Iowa State Fairgrounds amid suspicion that he was laying the groundwork for a second presidential bid.

Biden, 78, is nearing the end of his first year in office. The president stated he expected to run for reelection during a press conference in March, but he also claimed he was a "great respecter of fate" who had never planned anything in advance. Since campaigning in the state ahead of the 2020 election, he has not returned.

Read Also: Joe Biden Condemns Calls To Punish 13 Republicans Who Voted in Favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

The former president insists Americans will be happy

In the hypothetical battle, Trump dominates evangelicals and rural Iowans by large proportions. He has a 76% to 15% lead among likely evangelical voters and a 64 percent to 26 percent lead among likely rural voters.

In a hypothetical rematch with Biden, Justin Lindsey, 36, a poll respondent from Sioux City, said he'd vote for Trump. Trump, he claimed, implemented effective programs. Since assuming office, Biden's approval ratings have fallen. By a 2-to-1 ratio, Iowans disapprove of his performance as president.

Since March, Biden's job approval in Iowa has not been in the net positive range. Then, 47 percent of Iowans approved, and 44 percent disapproved of his performance. Today, one-third of all Iowa people, or 33%, approve of Biden's job performance, up to two percentage points from the Register's latest Iowa poll in September; 62 percent disagree, and 6% are undecided.

Donald Trump teased election watchers again on Monday, saying he'll probably reveal whether he'll run for president again after the 2022 midterm elections. Just over a week after Democrats failed in off-year elections around the country, the fiery Republican leader delivered his latest hint in an appearance with Fox.

Trump has stated that he is considering running for President in 2024, but it looks that he is waiting to see whether Democrats' bad performance in 2022 will continue. "I think a lot of people will be very happy with the choice and announce it after the midterms," he said, as per Daily Mail.

Related Article: Donald Trump Slams Mitch McConnell, Republicans for Helping Pass Joe Biden's $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Following a COVID-19 outbreak, at least 10,000 students in a city in the northern Chinese province of Liaoning have been confined.

On Sunday, the health officials in Dalian city stated that two student halls in the west zone of Zhuanghe's university town were abandoned, with 3,291 of its former occupants - now deemed close contacts and "high-risk" persons - relocated to quarantine hotels.

China fights new COVID019 surge

The 7,884 students who stayed in other parts of the zone were not relocated to hotels but were instead confined in halls under "closed-loop management," with other sections sealed off.

The latest wave of infections in China, which began on October 17, appeared to be subsiding, but a surge in cases in Dalian, which includes Zhuanghe within its authority, has raised the number once more.

According to a statement released by the National Health Commission on Sunday, China recorded 89 new symptomatic cases on Saturday, up from 75 the day before. A total of eight asymptomatic cases from the community were also reported around the country, which the government does not include towards the official figure, SCMP reported.

Seventy of the symptomatic cases were spread locally, with 60 in Dalian. Twenty-eight of the new Dalian cases were related to a cafeteria worker-caused outbreak in the university town. At least 72 cases have been attributed to the university cluster.

Read Also: Kim Jong Un's Longest Absence in Seven Years Sparks Fresh Health Rumors After North Korean Leader Disappeared for Over a Month

High-risk viruses discovered in China's wet market

Researchers have discovered eighteen "high risk" viruses hiding in China's wet markets, which might trigger another pandemic. The earliest coronavirus outbreak in 2019 was related to a wet market in Wuhan where vendors sold live animals, reptiles, and fish.

After visiting the Huanan seafood market five years before the start of the pandemic, Chinese specialists warned of the potential of a virus "spilling over" from animals to people, according to British scientist Dr. Eddie Holmes.

According to the Straits Times, experts have cautioned that animal species traded, sold, and consumed in China's wet markets are a "pandemic waiting to happen." A recent research released on November 12 found 71 mammalian viruses, with 18 of them being high-risk and potentially hazardous to humans and other animals.

The viruses discovered in civets, a tiny nocturnal animal similar to a badger that was the species that transferred the SARS coronavirus from bats to humans in China in 2002, were the most concerning, according to the researchers.

While the researchers did not find anything that looked like Sars-CoV-2, the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, they did discover that bat-borne variants may infect other species, potentially leading to deadly outbreaks.

"This study highlights exactly why the wildlife trade and live animal markets are a pandemic accident waiting to happen," said co-author Edward Holmes, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Sydney.

Cross-species transmission of animal viruses has also been discovered, with the most concerning case being the transmission of a bat coronavirus to a civet. Experts have previously predicted that "zoonotic" diseases-infections that spread from animals to humans-could cause pandemics every five years.

Per The Sun, experts have warned that the next pandemic might be as devastating as the Black Death, which killed 75 million people. An undiscovered disease, known as Disease X, might trigger the next pandemic, and it'll probably be transmitted by an unknown species, "Animal X."

The origins of COVID-19 have yet to be discovered. According to two major theories, the virus either transferred to people in the Huanan Seafood Market or escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

According to a World Health Organization assessment into the pandemic's beginnings, the most likely transmission source was pangolins and bats. However, recent evidence suggests that neither species was sold in Wuhan before the arrival of COVID-19. Coronavirus may have been created to be hyper-infectious, but China has refuted all charges of misconduct, according to researchers.

Related Article: New Research Reveals Mechanisms That Make Coronavirus Variants, Mutations Highly Transmissible

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Some Americans may get a pleasant surprise in the coming days: a stimulus check for $600 or $1,200, which they did not anticipate. However, only a few people will be eligible for the payments.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack launched the new aid effort earlier this month. It's part of a $700 million scheme to aid farmworkers and meat producers, with some of the funds also going to grocery shop employees.

Some Americans to receive surprise stimulus check

The goal is to provide financial assistance to individuals who were critical during the pandemic as well as those who frequently found themselves at the core of COVID-19 outbreaks, such as grocery shops and factories.

It is yet unknown how much grocery store workers will be paid. In a conference call with reporters about the stimulus check update, Vilsack gave a general picture of the proposal. The revelation comes as the next $300 Child Tax Credit payment is set to arrive in accounts in less than 24 hours. Payments will be sent out through direct deposit and mail on November 15, as per The Sun.

Many families have received four CTC payments as part of the American Rescue Plan to help them get by as the US economy recovers from the coronavirus outbreak. Families were eligible for up to $3,600 per child under the age of six under the measure. Parents who are caring for 18-year-old dependents are eligible for a maximum of $500 in Child Tax Credits

To be eligible for the $500, dependents must be between the ages of 19 and 24. Many low-income households will be receiving tax returns for the first time, which means the IRS will require their banking information to make them advance payments.

Anyone who has not yet received their payments should contact the IRS. To join up, families may go to GetCTC.org or go to the IRS's website and go to the CTC update portal.

Per MARCA, federal unemployment benefits terminated on September 6, 2021, and while some states chose to discontinue benefits earlier than originally stated, others found a solution by giving an unemployment benefit extension.

During the crisis, certain segments of the US political establishment are urging Congress to intervene on behalf of individuals who have had their unemployment benefits reduced, affecting more than 9.3 million people.

For US residents to understand what they're entitled to, accurate and clear information is critical, which is why we've offered several updates on the situation across the most essential aspects of the relief packages.

Read Also: Nearly Half-Million Americans To Receive New $285 Stimulus Checks; What Is It and Who Are Eligible for the Payment?

Do Americans need more federal stimulus payments?

The third stimulus check, at $1,400 each, was sent to almost 169 million people. The entire amount paid was roughly $422 billion. The $600 and $1,200 relief stimulus checks sent out in 2020 trailed the American Rescue Plan payments.

According to Digital Market News, the economy slowed dramatically in the third quarter, growing at a poor annualized rate of 2%, compared to 6.7 percent in the previous quarter. Although the economy has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, many sectors of the economy continue to suffer.

The travel and tourist industry has continued to bear the brunt of the pandemic's consequences. Savings are on the rise, and the home market is booming thanks to cheap borrowing rates.

However, financial uncertainty remains widespread, and many individuals who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic have yet to find new employment. However, food shortages and rent and utility defaults continue to be a source of concern. Food scarcity was reported by 20 million individuals (approximately 9 percent of the American population).

Twelve million renters, or 12% of the population, are behind on their rent payments, and $46 billion in rental aid has yet to reach those who need it. Similarly, employment rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. Just one week, almost 267,000 people claimed for unemployment benefits.

The elimination of the Child Tax Credit payments will mean the end of practically all government assistance related to the pandemic, making it difficult for people all around the country to feed their families.

Related Article: New Stimulus Checks Will Arrive Before December Ends; Are You Eligible For Another Payment?

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Two Russian nuclear bombers were flying close to Britain's airspace with no intentions to violate any borders. This comes as tensions over Crimea and the Poland-Belarus border are engulfing the EU.

The European Union is struggling because a problem over the borders has been exposed, which they claim is getting exploited by Kremlin and Minsk.

Oddly enough, the UK also rendered assistance at the border as the EU seemed to be confused about dealing with the illegal crossing.

Russian bombers escorted away by Brits

Reports say that the Tu-160' White Swan' supersonic nuclear-capable bombers skimmed the North Sea borders, while London was stationed in land forces close to Russia's borders. This situation said the UK's top military official could start a shooting war, which is worse than in the first cold war, reports the Sun UK.

These long-range bombers would take a long 15-hour flight from the Scottish coast, were turned away by the Typhoons, said the Moscow defense ministry.

According to Russian sources, the rocket-armed Tupulev bomber was on a routine flight that skirted along neutral Barents, Norway, and North seas, on its flight path, cites Metro UK. The fifteen-hour flight accounted for the extended distance.

Information released by Russian sources shows the bombers not breaching the border, flying over neutral territory.

Missions by the Russian Air Force usually attempt to see how the NATO air forces react to any planes skimming its defended airspace until they are forced to move, like in the case of the Blackjack Tu-160.

The RAF units from Lossiemouth and Coningsby, with the Dutch, Norway, Belgian Air Forces, often do the intercepts of Russian nuclear bombers.

Read Also: Russian Fighter Jet Drives Away British Recon Plane Attempting To Break Into Crimean Airspace in Another Act of Provocation

An RAF spokesman said that the Typhoons were sent up to stop the entry of other aircraft into its airspace. RAF officially noted that the Russian bombers had stayed in neutral air space in a Twitter post.

RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon aircraft launched today from @RAFLossiemouth and @RAFConingsby.



This was in response to Russian TU-160 Blackjack aircraft approaching UK Airspace and was coordinated with several @NATO Allies.#SecuringTheSkieshttps://t.co/ZRVQauenz0 pic.twitter.com/EErWHGkSUi  Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) November 12, 2021

The Kremlin made it clear that all its plane in the Russian Aerospace Force are aware they should be compliant with rules governing the use of air space.

The massed numbers of Russian troops cause an alarm over the flight on the Ukraine border, and NATO and the US are afraid an invasion will be coming.

Last November 11, Putin allowed two Blackjacks an overflight over the Belarusian air space as a precaution should NATO planes interfere with Minsk.

Russian ally under fire

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko is called out to weaponize the migrants as a new war against the EU. This hybrid war, as the west calls it, is causing tension all over the EU.

Brussel claims the Belarus leader is orchestrating a drive of immigrants into Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia to be a gateway to Germany and EU nations, including the UK.

London has sent British units to assist the Poles over the worsening crisis. Poland's defense minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, acknowledged that engineering units of the UK are on reconnaissance missions on the border.

Reports of Belarus and Russian units in exercises are due to more NATO units at the Polish border. This is seen as a potential flashpoint.

Russian nuclear bombers skirting the borders of the UK drew attention and got escorted away is only a small part of the developing enmity in the EU. NATO and the US are players seemingly trying to force the Kremlin's hand.

Related Article: Moscow Authorized Overflight of Nuclear Bombers Above Belarus As Air Defense; Should NATO Send Its Units

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The Washington father suspected of murdering his daughter's boyfriend after he reportedly sold her into a sex-trafficking ring may not be speaking the truth, as the dead man's family claims the murder suspect is no "hero."

In the brutal murder of Andrew Sorensen, 19, who was repeatedly stabbed to death before his decaying body was found concealed in the trunk of an abandoned car last month, John Eisenman, 60, has been charged with first-degree murder and is being detained on a $1 million bail at Spokane County Jail.

Victim's family claims he is incapable of sex trafficking

The claims of Sorensen's involvement in sex trafficking come primarily from Eisenman, according to Spokane Police Department spokesperson Cpl. Nick Briggs. Briggs told The Spokesman-Review, "We can't confirm the validity of any of those assertions."

Because Eisenman's minor daughter may have been a victim of sex trafficking, her identity has been concealed. She now resides in California, according to public data. Eisenman and his family are condemning their son, who was born with autism and cerebral palsy, according to Sorensen's parents.

His parents adopted him from foster care when he was just six months old, claiming that he was incapable of sex trafficking. Briggs said the inquiry into Sorensen's death is still underway. Eisenman's next court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

Theresa claimed her son and Eisenman's daughter had been friends for a long time and that learning the circumstances of her son's horrible murder through the news was "painful." The Sorensen family issued a statement on Tuesday detailing their year-long search for their son. Eisenman's new revelations were likewise termed as "hurtful" by them.

Their lawyer and the police had urged them not to talk publicly about the probe, according to the family. A police press statement said Eisenman found last October that his teenage daughter had been sex trafficked into Seattle for $1,000 by then-boyfriend Sorensen, as per Fox News.

That month, he was able to rescue the girl from the city and return her to Spokane. He then found out that Sorensen would be at an address in Airway Heights so he drove there and waited for the 19-year-old.

During that incident, Eisenman kidnapped the victim and tied him up in the trunk of a car. Eisenman then struck the victim, striking him in the head with a cinder block and stabbing him repeatedly, killing him, according to authorities.

Read Also: New Jersey Mom Facing Charges For the Death of 7-Year-Old Daughter, 10-month-old Baby Who Were Found Lifeless in a Car

Father leaves daughter's dead boyfriend in the trunk of a car

The automobile was abandoned in the countryside until it was driven to Spokane and abandoned on East Everett Avenue last month. Officials say the person had no idea there was a body in the back.

When people began searching the car, the corpse was discovered. Amber Hellmann stated her boyfriend and another friend noticed the automobile had been there for quite some time.

On October 29, Eisenman was apprehended and surrendered to authorities without incident after officers discovered a stolen automobile with Sorensen's decaying body in the trunk, a car owned by Eisenman's girlfriend Brenda Kross. The vehicle had been stolen for almost a year, according to Eisenman.

According to court records, authorities got an anonymous tip that Eisenman acknowledged to a neighbor that he killed his daughter's boyfriend and placed the corpse in the trunk of a car. The tip contained information that only someone involved in the crime would know.

Eisenman had never been convicted of a violent crime. He did, however, have a run-in with local cops two months after Sorensen was supposed to have been slain. Eisenman was driving a red 1988 Honda Civic with a Montana license plate at Sharpe Ave. and Ruby St. just before 4 a.m. in December 2020, when a police officer noted the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Eisenman was stopped by the cop. He said at the time that a longstanding friend had given him the automobile for two weeks while his own was being repaired. He'd also persuaded cops that the automobile wasn't stolen and that he'd seen a bill of sale for it earlier that month but couldn't remember where it was.

Per Daily Mail, the Washington father was freed after police decided they didn't have enough evidence to arrest him. According to documents, his passenger, Sean Schmidt, had an outstanding warrant and was detained after officers discovered a little baggie carrying methamphetamine.

Related Article: Husband Stabs Wife To Death in Washington After Restraining Order Against Him was Denied

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Ecuadorian authorities reported that at least 68 inmates lost their lives amid the most recent brutal and violent prison gang battles on Saturday, which the region's President Guillermo Lasso called a "crisis cabinet."

A post on the Ecuadorian prosecutor's office's Twitter account said that officials made the decision after the agency asked the government to take "urgent measures" to address the chaotic situation. Prosecutors revealed that at least 68 prisoners were killed while 25 others were injured during the violent clashes on Saturday at the Litoral Penitentiary, one of the largest prisons in Ecuador located in the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Ecuador's Prison Violence

In the last year, hundreds of prisoners have lost their lives in large-scale riots and fights due to gang violence in various prisons in Ecuador. The Litoral Penitentiary is the prison where 118 were killed in September after clashes between opposing gangs that used automatic weapons and grenades to fight.

Since the Saturday bloodshed, authorities have identified 34 bodies that will be delivered to their families. In a statement, the Ecuadorian government said that the Human Rights Secretariat will deliver the coffins of the deceased to their families in the next few hours as criminology officials work on identifying the other victims, CNN reported.

Authorities reported that the brutal and violent clashes lasted for nearly eight hours among prison gangs linked to international drug cartels. Recorded videos of the incident have gone viral across social media platforms and show bodies, some burned, scattered on the ground within the prison's walls.

Read Also: Donald Trump Leads Joe Biden in Iowa Poll, Insists Many People Will be Happy If He Announces 2024 Election Plans

Prison officials said that inmates tried to use dynamite to blow up the wall and get into pavilion 2 to carry out a massacre. Prisoners allegedly tried to burn mattresses in an attempt to drown the opposition in smoke, said Gov. Pablo Arosemena of Guayas province.

In a statement, police commander Gen. Tanya Varela said that authorities used drones to observe inmates and saw that prisoners in three pavilions were equipped with guns and explosives. They allegedly tried to enter pavilion 2, whose gang members were without their leader who was released earlier this week, Fox News reported.

Horrific Engagements

After nightfall following the incident, presidential spokesman Carlos Jijon said that authorities were able to regain control of prisoners throughout the penitentiary. Gov. Arosemana added that officials were fighting against drug trafficking within the prisons, but he noted that it was quite difficult.

Authorities later revealed that the weapons and ammunition that prisoners used to fight among each other were smuggled through vehicles that were delivering supplies. They added that inmates used drones to bring the armaments into the jail.

The South American country has been struggling to fight against prison violence and the latest incident comes after the same prison suffered a massive loss two months ago. The September riot was considered to be the deadliest prison event in the history of Ecuador. The horrific event resulted in the death of 119 people, five of whom were beheaded. In February, 79 inmates lost their lives in riots that spread across various prisons in the country, the New York Post reported.



Related Article: China May Spark New Pandemic as High-Risk Viruses Found Lurking in Wet Markets

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Japan's former royalty, ex-princess Mako, has left her country with her commoner husband, Kei Komuro, after receiving criticism of their romance, with plans of starting their life in the United States.

Now known as Mako Komuro after dropping her royal title, the ex-princess married her college sweetheart last month. The two 30-year-olds were greeted by various media journalists at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport before boarding an ANA flight. The couple was waived by supporters of their marriage.

Japan's Ex-Princess Mako

Mako was later seen wearing a green overcoat and white mask after landing at New York's JFK International Airport. The ex-princess was photographed while waiting for luggage to be loaded into a vehicle.

Royal family doctors previously revealed that Mako suffered post-traumatic stress disorder this year after her engagement with Kei received widespread scrutiny. The marriage of the two ignited a public dialogue about gender roles and put the royal family in the spotlight of media coverage nationwide, Reuters reported.

The ex-princess's husband, Kei, is a graduate of Fordham University law school and is currently working at a New York law firm. However, he has yet to pass his bar exam, a piece of information that has garnered him criticism despite it being common for people to pass the bar after multiple attempts.

Read Also: Joe Biden Abandons Britain in the North Ireland Protocol, Threatens Similar Appeasement in Favor of the EU

In an interview last month, Kei said that he loved Mako after the couple registered their marriage in Tokyo. The event was done without a wedding banquet or any other common celebratory rituals that many Japanese royals use. Kei said that he wanted to live his only life with the person that he loved.

While Japan may be viewed by many outsiders as being modern in many ways, the country's people generally value family relations and the status of women is viewed as somewhat antiquated that is rooted in feudal practices, Yahoo News reported.

Life After Royalty

Now that Mako no longer has the royal family supporting her, many wonder what the couple's life would be like now that they've moved to have their own lives in the United States. The two reportedly will live in a rented apartment in New York to stay within close proximity of Kei's work.

On the other hand, the former princess is allegedly in the process of securing a visa so that she can work in the U.S. When Mako left the royal family, she was entitled to a $1.23 million payment, which the couple refused to accept.

Mako has become the first imperial family since World War II to not accept the payment that royal members are entitled to after leaving their family. In a statement, the former princess said her decision was fueled by criticism surrounding her marriage.

In a press conference after the couple's wedding ceremony, the two apologized to the public for any issues that their romance has caused. "To me, Kei is a very important, indispensable existence," said Mako. "Mako and I would like to build a warm, nice family. Happy times, unhappy times, we would like to be together, and we will be indispensable to each other," said Kei, the New York Post reported.



Related Article: Trump Officials Allegedly Interfered With The CDC's COVID-19 Response, Blocking The Agency From Briefing The Public

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Russian news outlets claimed on Sunday that Russia has begun providing India with S-400 air defense missile systems, citing Dmitry Shugayev, the head of the Russian military cooperation organization.

As a result of the deliveries, India may face US sanctions due to a 2017 US bill targeted at discouraging nations from purchasing Russian military hardware. "The first supplies have already begun," Shugayev said on Sunday at an aerospace trade expo in Dubai.

India buys advanced missile system from Russia

Per Reuters via MSN, he stated that the first S-400 system will be delivered to India before the end of the year. India claims it needs five long-range surface-to-air missile systems for $5.5 billion to counter a threat from China.

The US has imposed a slew of financial sanctions on India under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which lists Russia as an adversary alongside North Korea and Iran for its activities in Ukraine, meddling in the 2016 US elections, and assistance to Syria.

New Delhi claims to have strategic ties with both the US and Russia, but Washington has advised India that a waiver from CAATSA is doubtful. Last year, the US slapped sanctions on NATO partner Turkey, invoking CAATSA, for obtaining S-400 weapons from Russia. The penalties were aimed at Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries, which is in charge of defense acquisition and development.

Turkey was also dropped from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, which is the most modern aircraft in the US military and is utilized by NATO and other US partners. Russia has stated that it has offered Turkey assistance in the development of modern fighter planes, but no deal has yet been struck.

Meanwhile, the latest move comes ahead of the bilateral meeting between India and Russia next month. Russia's President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in December and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Republic sources. The visit might take place on December 6; however, this has yet to be confirmed, Republic World reported.

It's worth noting that, if the visit takes place, it will be Putin's second post-pandemic international trip, underscoring the importance of the two countries' strategic cooperation. The two sides are expected to finalize a number of agreements at the summit, including in the fields of defense, trade and investment, and science and technology.

Read Also: Russia, US Reach Agreement To Continue Monitoring Emissions; What's Behind Kremlin's Shift in Tune on Climate Change?

Vladimir Putin plans to visit India

The meeting will reestablish a framework for military-technical cooperation for the next decade. Additionally, the subject of Afghanistan will be discussed during the conference.

In order to allay fears of prospective US sanctions under CAATSA, India opted to proceed with the procurement of a missile defense system, citing its national interest and desire to modernize its technology.

As the S400 is being delivered, New Delhi is preparing for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is scheduled to arrive in India on December 6. This will be Putin's first trip outside of Russia since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to certain observers in the country, India's joining the Quad and Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US have created the impression that India, a long-time friend of Russia, has begun to lean toward the US. India, on the other hand, has maintained that it has strong and healthy bilateral relations with both Russia and the United States and is not favoring one over the other.

India and Russia have recently been extensively involved in the Afghan crisis, with Moscow viewing New Delhi as a crucial participant in the area. Following the Taliban's unexpected takeover of Afghanistan, both Modi and Putin established an Afghanistan dialogue line.

Nikolay Patrushev, Russia's top security czar, and senior officials from Russia's defense and intelligence organizations paid a visit to India and conducted high-level meetings with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and other officials, as per MINT.

Related Article: India, China To Purchase Russia's S-500 Missile Defense System; 3 Top Methane Emitters Won't Pledge To Cut Emissions

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After missing the Cenotaph event yesterday, the Queen may be obliged to scale back her public engagements even further. The 95-year-old queen was claimed to be "extremely unhappy" at having to cancel the UK's memorial of its war dead at the eleventh hour due to a back injury.

Despite having to postpone a slew of events owing to illness, Buckingham Palace has long stated that she intended to attend. Officials confirmed her attendance at the London event on Thursday.

A spokesperson claimed she had suffered more bad health and could no longer attend yesterday morning, less than two hours before she was scheduled to arrive. They insisted that her recent hospitalization had nothing to do with it, as per Daily Mail.

Queen Elizabeth suffers sprained back

She was at home in Windsor, watching the service on TV, where the Prince of Wales lay a wreath. The Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Princess Alexandra were all there.

Johnson had an audience with the Queen on Friday, and he was in Glasgow on Wednesday speaking at the COP26 climate change summit, according to the daily list of official royal engagements.

The queen, who was a teenager during WWII, is the head of the armed forces and places a high value on the moving service and recognizing the sacrifices made by dead soldiers and women. She began the Second World War as a schoolgirl and concluded it as a junior commander with the Auxiliary Territorial Service in uniform.

As the somber sound of The Last Post echoed across the Cenotaph, a cloud of worry hung in the air over the Queen's absence from the Remembrance Day service she had vowed to attend. After she missed the ceremony owing to a bad back, Buckingham Palace attempted to allay concerns about the 95-year-old monarch's health.

Read Also: Princess Diana Never Wanted To End Her Marriage With Prince Charles Despite Affair With Camilla Parker Bowles, Royal Expert Reveals

Kate Middleton stands in Queen Elizabeth's place

Per MIRROR, courtiers expressed her disappointment at not being able to attend the memorial services for the war dead. It would have been her first public appearance since being told to rest after a night in the hospital last month.

She also skipped COP2 and the Royal Albert Hall's Festival of Remembrance on Saturday. Just 90 minutes before The Last Post sounded, royal aides confirmed that the Queen would not be attending yesterday's armistice day service.

Prince Charles stepped in for his mother and put her wreath at the Cenotaph beside his own. War veterans marched along Horse Guards Parade, greeted by Prince William and observed by other royals including Kate, Camilla, and Sophie Countess of Wessex, whose numbers are falling with each passing year.

Despite the reassurance, royal expert Ingrid Seward believes royal fans will continue to be concerned about the Queen's health. The Palace was chastised for delaying the announcement of the Queen's admission to a London hospital for "preliminary checks" into an undisclosed medical issue until after she had departed.

In the meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped in for Queen Elizabeth II at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony on November 14 when the monarch was forced to cancel due to health concerns.

According to Reuters, Kate Middleton stood on a balcony at London's Foreign and Commonwealth Office between Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Prince Charles, Prince Williams, and Princess Anne lay wreaths at the Cenotaph at the same moment.

Related Article: Prince Charles Taking Over Queen Elizabeth's Duties After Health Scare as Royal Family Dismantle Claims of Internal Feuds

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Hundreds of M117 armored security vehicles from the United States drove slowly up and down the main Kabul route, with MI-17 helicopters flying above. Many troops were armed with M4 assault rifles from the United States.

Show of Strength and Power

In a recently published article in MSN News, on Sunday, Taliban fighters held a military parade in Kabul, displaying seized American-made armored vehicles and Russian helicopters as part of their gradual transition from insurgents to genuine standing armies.

The Taliban have been rebelling against combatants for two decades, but they have overhauled their troops using the massive stockpile of weaponry and equipment left behind after the old Western-backed government fell in August after Biden announced the full withdrawal of US troops in Afghanistan.

The majority of the weaponry and equipment used by Taliban troops are those given by the United States to the American-backed government in Kabul in order to build an Afghan national army capable of battling the Taliban, according to a published report in Press TV.

Read Also: Taliban's Sharia Law: Barbers Not Allowed To Shave Men's Beards and To Play Music in their Shops

New Reforms in Former Afghan Army

The parade was held in conjunction with the graduation of 250 newly trained troops, according to Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesperson for the defense ministry. It should be noted that when Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, the Afghan troops disintegrated, allowing the Taliban to seize control of important military assets.

Taliban leaders have said that former Afghan National Army pilots, mechanics, and other professionals would be incorporated into a new army, which has also begun wearing conventional military uniforms rather than the traditional Afghan clothes used by their troops, according to a published report in Financial Express.

Some of the planes were flown into neighboring Central Asian countries by retreating Afghan soldiers while others were passed down to the Taliban. It's uncertain how many are currently operating. Before flying out of Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport after a chaotic evacuation operation, US forces damaged more than 70 planes, dozens of armored vehicles, and deactivated air defenses.

Afghans Experience New Brutal Chapter as Tensions Escalate Between ISIS-K and Taliban

In October, two suicide attacks by ISIS-K at mosques killed more than 90 people and wounded hundreds more, raising worries that the Taliban will enable the Islamic State's campaign against Afghan Shiites to continue unabated. This questioned the capacity of the Taliban to handle the war-torn country against the ISIS-K.

Officials in neighboring Iran, a Shiite Muslim theocracy and self-proclaimed defender of Shiite Muslims around the world, have expressed concern over the fate of Afghan Shiites under Taliban rule, as well as the threat of resurgent ISIS-K launching attacks on Iranian soil, as a result of the attacks, as per The New York Times reports.

Furthermore, ISIS-K's first strike in Kandahar was the Taliban's traditional bastion which stunned the Shiite population. The week after the strike was a whirl of funerals and sadness for many. Every day, mourners flocked into a cemetery for bombing victims in one Shiite area, muttering prayers at the row of new graves.

Related Article: Taliban Fighters Seen Leisurely Enjoying Paddle Boats, Shockingly In Contrast From Their Hardcore Character

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Australia says supporting Taiwan cannot be avoided despite China's military might, which overshadows even the US in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing, they say, is just waiting for the right moment to strike.

When asked about Canberra's action, Australia's defense minister, Peter Dutton, said China could initiate an invasion. But, the big question is how well the Australian Defense Force can defend Taiwan and consolidate Australia's defense. In the backdrop is the AUKUS deal, which has caused controversy.

Australia to support the US in defending Taiwan

Dutton added it is unavoidable for Canberra not to back up the US if it does come to Taiwan's assistance should the PLA orchestrate an invasion of the island enclave, reported the Express UK.

He added that keeping Taiwan free is needed to maintain a position of strength that can be eroded if China overcomes the island.

The defense official to the Australian news outlet that Beijing is not hiding its intention to bring the breakaway Chinese republic to its fold. There is a need to be very prepared for what happens next as it can happen anytime. A position of strength is needed to have a capable deterrent, which is necessary to deal with the situation.

There is no way the Australian Defense Force will be not be involved should the US engage the People's Liberation Army Navy in any military action, cites the Japan Times. It seems China will achieve a peaceful solution; force is a possible outcome. So, Australia says supporting Taiwan is vital despite the risks.

Read Also: Chinese Aircraft Carrier Type 003 Hull To be Completed Earlier Than Expected, US Intelligence Alarmed at the Launch

Beijing coercive in taking back Taipei

Mr. Dutton remarked that the Chinese are sure that they can overpower Taiwan and succeed in the endeavor. Mainly because the US is not determined or the US military is too diminished, which is an encouragement to do something rash, noted the Global Times.

Furthermore, China has taken immense risks in the past years under Xi Jinping. He has turned out to be more authoritarian than expected.

Conflict is mainly in the grey zone with China and Taiwan. Also, the CCP is considered as the main risk to world security. The CCP, whose actions are getting overt, is close to causing an incident if itchy fingers fire something very dangerous. But it goes both ways, even for the Americans.

One drawback is that should an incident occur in the region, and there is no way to minimize if someone shoots at someone, which has grave consequences. Leaders in China are getting more adventurous and will not condone using forceful ways. It makes the tension a bit more than it should be, and this is scaring everyone.

Taiwan is what China wants back and control after it broke away from the mainland. Taipei is considered a democratic republic and has the support of the US after its break away from the CCP in 1949.

Canberra is part of the AUKUS deal about the nuclear subs that have been contentious; after it abandoned the agreement with France. Australia says supporting Taiwan is essential, even if it means becoming the primary target as there are doubts over the US winning with its problems.

Related Article: Joe Biden's Flagging Leadership is Driving US Allies To Realign With Emerging Chinese Influence Faster Than Expected

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Ukraine's president has claimed that 100,000 Russian soldiers are stationed near his country's border despite the Kremlin's denials that the increase is indicative of Moscow's aggressive intentions.

Ukraine President Says Russia Deployed Military Troops

Per FOX News, despite worries of a potential invasion, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia stationed close to 100,000 soldiers along his border. He said that he intended to demonstrate to the world that peace is possible and that he had about 100,000 troops at the border.

Any claims of an assault have been denied by Russia as provocative, with the country instead criticizing NATO's expanding presence in the area. After flying near Crimea on Thursday, Russia claimed that one of its fighter planes forced a British surveillance plane to reverse course.

Meanwhile, satellite pictures published on Nov. 8 revealed an estimated 90,000 Russian soldiers gathering near the Ukrainian border, leading House Republicans to ask President Biden to send troops to the area, according to a published article in Times of Israel.

Read Also: Russia Pulls Back Troops in Ukraine Border but Keeps Weapons Near the Area

Russia Dismisses Any Intentions of Attack

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, blasted Western media accusations that Moscow is planning an invasion of Ukraine as a false and unsubstantiated effort to inflame tensions. Russia will not invade the nation at any moment, according to the official.

Russia has thrown its support behind the separatist uprising in Ukraine's east, which has claimed the lives of almost 14,000 people. Moscow, on the other hand, has denied that Russian forces are stationed in eastern Ukraine, according to a report published in Duty To America News.

When asked whether Russia intended to invade Ukraine, Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's deputy UN ambassador, said the country never planned, never did, and would never do so unless provoked by Ukraine or someone else. He listed many threats from Ukraine, as well as purported provocative acts by US warships in the Black Sea.

Blinken Discusses the Situation

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke briefly on the issue and cautioned Russia against making any major blunders. He voiced alarm over Ukrainian troops' irregular maneuvers and advised Russia not to make any severe blunders. Blinken forewarned Russia that it may spark an invasion. Following a proposal to annex Crimea in 2014, Blinken warned Russia that it may invade as a provocation.

On the other hand, Peskov reiterated on Friday that Russia must safeguard its security in the face of growing provocations near its borders. He cited the US military presence in the Black Sea, as well as the increased frequency of US and NATO spy planes.

Additionally, the deployment of the US warships USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter, which sailed into the Black Sea last week, was labeled by the Russian Defense Ministry as a threat to regional security and strategic stability, according to a report published in AsumeTech.

The European Union was likewise concerned about the alleged Russian military buildup near Ukraine. Following a meeting with US President Joe Biden earlier this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU completely supports Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Related Article: Ukraine Fears Russian Reprisal After Drone Attack; Putin Deploys Armored Units To Protect Cities Close to Shared Border



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In a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced worry about China's persistent pressure on Taiwan, as the two nations prepare for a highly anticipated virtual meeting between their leaders.

Some Roots of Tensions Between the Two Giant Countries

In a recently published article in The Guardian, China's repeated cyber-attacks, profound conflicts over human rights in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Tibet, as well as persisting commercial disagreements, have all contributed to the continuous deterioration of ties.

The United States condemns China's blocking of multinational inquiries into the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak and is enraged by Chinese government pressure on US firms to persuade Congress to repeal laws that Beijing opposes.

Meanwhile, the People's Liberation Army performed the latest in a series of military preparedness drills off the coast of Taiwan on Tuesday while the two countries' top diplomats exchanged warnings about the island in a phone call on Saturday, according to a report published in Remo News.

Read Also: Biden, Xi Jinping Hold First Call After 7 Months; Both Leaders Discuss Areas Where Their Interests Converge

What to Expect in the Virtual Meeting

The summit's expectations have been set low. There is unlikely to be a joint statement, and the White House has said that Biden would not take questions from the press until the negotiations are over.

Scott Moore, director of China programs and strategic initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, said that, overall, the expectation of convergence in both Washington and Beijing has died. Rather, the connection has evolved into a transactional one, according to a report published in CBS58.

He also explained that with the midterm elections coming next year, Biden faces electoral hurdles at home. As a result, he will very certainly suffer political repercussions if he takes any acts that may be seen as substantial concessions to China.

On the other hand, the economic front is where Xi's greatest weakness lies. That is why Beijing has shown an interest in making trade advances. Officials in the Biden administration have recently shown interest in discussing these topics although there are likely to be considerable political obstacles.

Monday's Virtual Summit Is a Pivotal Event

According to Wang, Monday's meeting is a potential key occasion in attempts to improve bilateral ties' trajectory. The two sides should meet midway, guaranteeing a smooth and successful summit and re-establishing Sino-US ties on a path of healthy and steady growth.

Beijing is worried, according to Bonnie Glaser, head of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, that the Biden administration is adhering to its one-China policy. They want further assurances from the US on what it will and will not do with Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the US side will seek more regular meetings between the military and diplomatic institutions, but Xi is likely to oppose any move that he perceives as normalizing the US presence in China's close vicinity most especially in Taiwan.

In terms of nuclear weapons control, China has so far refused any efforts to engage in bilateral discussions, as well as Donald Trump's attempts to initiate trilateral talks with Russia.

Related Article: Joe Biden, China's Xi Jinping Agree To Hold Virtual Summit; US Argues Establishing "Guardrails" Amid Growing Contest Between Two Powers



@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
United States defense officials admitted that the American military covered up airstrikes launched in the last days of the battle against the Islamic State group based in Syria that killed dozens of civilians.

At the time, members of the once-fierce caliphate were trapped in a dirt field near a town called Baghuz. A United States drone was circling high above in the sky, looking for military targets but only found a large crowd of women and children huddled against a riverbank.

Civilian Casualties

Instead of letting the civilians, a U.S. F-15E attack jet, without warning, bombarded across the drone's HD field of vision using a 500-pound bomb. Later on, another jet swooped by and dropped a 2,000-pound bomb followed by another.

The incident, which occurred on Mar. 18, 2019, was observed by uniformed personnel who watched the live drone footage in stunned disbelief. They were monitoring the situation at the U.S. military's busy Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base located in Qatar, Yahoo News reported.

U.S. military officials have tried to defend the attack as "legitimate" by identifying 16 of the 80 people killed as being members of the militant group and four as civilians. However, they were unable to conclude on the remaining victims of the blast with one spokesperson saying that it was "highly likely" that these people were civilians.

Read Also: Donald Trump Leads Joe Biden in Iowa Poll, Insists Many People Will be Happy If He Announces 2024 Election Plans

Military commanders ignored alarms that were set in the aftermath of the bombings, and officials allegedly removed any mention of the strike in a subsequent investigation into the incident by the defense department's inspector general. It was also revealed that no thorough independent investigation was conducted regarding the incident.

"Leadership just seemed so set on burying this. No-one wanted anything to do with it," said Gene Tate, an official who was working on the case at the time and revealed that he was forced to quit his job, BBC reported.

The first statements to reveal the events leading up to and after the strikes were not disclosed until Saturday. Some U.S. officials, including military and CIA personnel, had begun questioning the legitimacy of the strike. They wondered whether or not it constituted a war crime and if there was a deliberate effort to cover up the truth of the incident.

Disclosure of the Strikes

It was previously reported that military officials allegedly wanted to bury the incident and hide any evidence of the strike. Multiple investigative reports also scrutinized the happenings of the incident as being "delayed, sanitized, and classified."

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a U.S. military official said that the units involved in the strike included elite personnel from the 5th Special Forces Group of the American army. They are believed to have immediately reported the possibility of civilian casualties internally following the bombings.

The United States Central Command that is responsible for overseeing military operations in the region where the strikes were launched never released details of the incident, the anonymous official said. Additionally, the military did not explain why the strike was only recently disclosed nor did it address whether or not the incident will be reviewed or investigated, the Washington Post reported.



Related Article: Taliban Forces Parade throughout Kabul Using Captured American Armored Vehicles, Russian Helicopter

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Early Saturday morning, threat intelligence firm Spamhaus tweeted about a FBI hack prank. Malicious actors sent out more than 100,000 spam messages with the subject line "Urgent: Threat actor in systems." Recipients found the whole situation scary.

According to Spamhaus, threat actors exploited the online website Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP). This is a legitimate website used by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for official notifications.

We have been made aware of "scary" emails sent in the last few hours that purport to come from the FBI/DHS. While the emails are indeed being sent from infrastructure that is owned by the FBI/DHS (the LEEP portal), our research shows that these emails *are* fake.  Spamhaus (@spamhaus) November 13, 2021

The attackers hijacked the website to send out two waves of spam mails. Since they used a genuine email address, many recipients believed it was an actual warning.

Who Received the FBI Hack Prank?

Spamhaus explained that hackers scraped email addresses from the ARIN database for their recipients. Victims experienced a lot of disruption since the emails came from the FBI infrastructure. Note, however, that the fake email did not contain a name or contact information. Spamhaus tweeted a photo of the fake email.

These emails look like this:



Sending IP: 153.31.119.142 (https://t.co/En06mMbR88)

From: eims@ic.fbi.gov

Subject: Urgent: Threat actor in systems pic.twitter.com/NuojpnWNLh  Spamhaus (@spamhaus) November 13, 2021

Be warned that it uses a sending IP: 153.31.119.142, a sender address: eims@ic.fbi.gov, and a subject: "Urgent: Threat actor in systems."

In summary, the letter warned about security researcher Vinny Troia. He was accused of collaborating with an extortion gang called "TheDarkOverloard" and attacking the fastflux technologies. The man in question took the prank in stride and tweeted a rather unbothered response.

Should I be flattered that the kids who hacked the @FBI email servers decided to do it in my name? https://t.co/U4wti1mNNI  Vinny Troia, PhD (@vinnytroia) November 13, 2021

Read Also: New Planned iPhone Feature Seen to Undermine User Privacy, Security: Scary Details Revealed

FBI Hack Discussed

FBI officially acknowledged the problem on Saturday afternoon. They also released an updated statement about the issue on Sunday. The FBI said the security breach was a misconfiguration on their system and email server, which was fortunately isolated from the agency's infrastructure.

In a tweet, they emphasized that the hackers did not access the "part of the FBI's corporate email service. No actor was able to access or compromise any data or PII [Personally Identifiable Information] on FBI's network."

FBI Hacker Confronted

According to PCmag, someone with the username "Pompompurin" claimed responsibility behind the attack. Pompompurin was confronted by Vinny Troia online, and they are seemingly locked in a heated exchange on Twitter.

The only interactions you get on your tweets are from bots, nobody cares LOL pic.twitter.com/4XjVu7Jjze  pompompurin (@pompompur_in) November 14, 2021

A key takeaway for this issue is that this hack prank ultimately undermined the agency's authority. Some recipients thought the content of the letter was questionable, but they were inclined to believe it since it came from a legitimate source.

Instead of being something that people could trust, many might now feel skeptical about receiving FBI emails. Hopefully, the system administrators might resolve this breach decisively in the coming days.



Related Article: Microsoft Issues Warning on HTML Smuggling That Deploys Banking Malware; How to Defend Against Dangerous Attack
On November 10, Jeff Bezos discussed his vision of Earth being a tourist attraction of sorts for humans. He also explained Blue Origin's goal to send millions of people to work in space.

Last week, the annual Ignatius Forum launched with the theme "Our Future in Space." Bezos participated as a surprise guest speaker, during which he discussed his vision for space. The full video of the event is embedded below, with Bezos starting his interview at the 40:28 time marker.



Jeff Bezos Space Vision

Bezos is popularly known as the founder of Amazon. He is also recognized as the CEO of the self-funded aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company, Blue Origin. Apparently, Bezos has prepared a lot of major projects for his company.

In the interview per Wion, Bezos said that "This place (Earth) is special, we can't ruin it." Unfortunately, with the humans growing in population, Bezos believes that a new lifestyle should take place. "This Earth can support, let's say, 10 billion people to a certain degree. We'd have to work really hard to figure out how to do that without degrading the planet... The solar system can support a trillion people."

Read Also: SpaceX Crew-3 Launch Success! Watch Dragon Spacecraft Dock, Astronauts Enter ISS

Blue Origin to Send People to Space

Bezos said that a natural solution is to move out of Earth. By then, space might offer a few opportunities for people. Bezos said that his company, Blue Origin, aims to make sure that millions of people could work and be born into space. These citizens might eventually recognize space as their first home.

Although Bezos did not elaborate how the solar system would support these "trillion people," he said that most people would live their life in space in the future. By then, people will reside in colonies, a location that features its own "rivers and forests and wildlife."

Bezos appeared to be certain about the space expansion. He cited many space explorations that contributed to this incoming migration. "The hard part is not space travel - that part was solved in the 1960s. Not reusability - the space shuttle sort of did that. The hard part is operational reusability. It requires practice to get it right."

Jeff Bezos Predicts Earth to be a Tourist Spot

With the shift of humanity's lifestyle to outer space, Earth will then be left to the hands of a selected few. This way, Earth might be properly maintained, regulated, and taken care of. Bezos emphasized Earth as an important resource, which will remain essential even after space expansion.

According to Wion, Bezos seemed hesitant about answering who stays on Earth, but eventually volunteered his company as "Earth ambassadors" in the future. Bezos said that "(people from space) may visit Earth the way you would visit Yellowstone National Park."

Bezos introduced a very unique vision for the future of Earth and humanity. However his idea might also spark a few arguments and controversy.

Related Article: Space Junk Tracker: How Did ISS Avoid Scary Collision with Destroyed Chinese Satellite?
Conductor Riccardo Muti conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts



By Park Ji-won



It was a very special night for classical music fans. The prestigious Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (VPO) led by Riccardo Muti performed Mozart, Schubert and Johan Strauss at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul on Sunday.



Expectations were high even before the performance, because it was the most-anticipated and biggest performance in Korea by an overseas ensemble since the COVID-19 pandemic started. The 100-minute program included two classic Austrian orchestral masterpieces, Mozart's "Symphony No. 35 in D major, K. 385," (the Haffner Symphony) and Schubert's "Symphony No. 9 in C Major" (the Great).



As a result, even though the ticket price was relatively expensive for a classical concert here  the most expensive VVIP seat was 430,000 won ($364.5) and the cheapest seat was 80,000 won  2,000 tickets were sold out within a day after sales started on Oct. 6. An additional 400 tickets were available after the introduction of eased COVID-19 social-distancing rules about two weeks ago, but they were also sold out immediately.



As the orchestra finished consecutive concerts in Japan from Nov. 3 to Nov. 8., there were still concerns about the acoustics of the art complex as it was not specifically designed for classical music concerts.





Conductor Riccardo Muti and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra stand up after finishing their performances at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts



But the maestro's conducting and the VPO's ensemble did not let fans down and proved why they are said to be one of the best orchestras in the world.



"The performance was a masterpiece and the essence of Austria's classical music," Nah Sung-won, a classical music critic, told The Korea Times. "They didn't try to impress people and their performance was like eating traditional quality Korean food made without any preservatives. Austrian classical music is very tuneful, melodic, elegant, humorous and warm-hearted. It is distinctive in terms of changes but it just flows. The performance was a textbook example of the classical Austrian pieces performed in a brilliant way."



Nah added that the maestro, who excelled in grasping the characteristics of music halls, controlled his conducting and adjusted sounds according to the space and well expressed the details of the classical works.



"As he is an Italian conductor, we expect dramatic or energetic performances from him; he is actually very active when conducting expressive music like Italian operas. We were able to see that in the performance in some places," he said. "But to maintain the balance of playing the Austrian music according to the space, which is extremely tough, he strictly and accurately conducted the orchestra and controlled his conducting gestures  There were some mistakes at the beginning of the scherzo and the finale of 'the Great,' where the orchestra was not able to start playing in perfect order, but the conductor didn't miss any details of the pieces and maintained the balance throughout the performance. That is way we call him one of the best conductors in the world."





Conductor Riccardo Muti conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Elias Brown conducts the Korean Symphony Orchestra (KSO) on Sunday during the first KSO International Conducting Competition held at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 10 to Sunday. Courtesy of KSO



By Park Ji-won





Poster for the KSO International Conducting Competition / Courtesy of KSO

Conductor Elias Brown of the United States has won first prize at the first KSO International Conducting Competition, co-hosted by the Korean Symphony Orchestra (KSO) and the Seoul Arts Center held at the art complex from Nov. 10 to Sunday.



He finished first in the competition among 166 applicants from 42 countries competing for the title. In the first round on Wednesday, 12 conductors advanced, and in the second round held Friday, five of them were eliminated. Germany-based Korean conductor Yoon Han-kyeol and U.S.-based Linhan Cui from China came in second and third, respectively.



Park Sun-hee, CEO of the KSO, told The Korea Times that one of the most important criteria in selecting the winners was how well they can communicate with the orchestra members.



Brown, who commenced his studies at Universitat der Kunste in Berlin last month, was given random classical and contemporary pieces in every stage; he conducted Paul Dukas's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" in the first round on Wednesday and Korean composer Kim Texu's "Dub-sanjo" and Jean Sibelius' "Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47" in the second round on Friday and Debussy's "La Mer" in the final round on Sunday.



"This is an amazing springboard or trampoline into another phase as a young conductor," Brown said during a press conference held right after the award ceremony, Sunday.



After graduating with honors from Yale University and the Royal Academy of Music, he started to build a versatile and steady career as a conductor, winning a series of international competitions. He finished third at the Khachaturian International Conducting Competition and second in the inaugural Lake Como Conducting Competition this year and led orchestras such as the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Berliner Symphoniker while serving as an assistant for leading conductors such as Oliver Knussen, Marin Alsop, Robert Trevino and Sir Mark Elder.





Elias Brown conducts the Korean Symphony Orchestra (KSO) Sunday during the first KSO International Conducting Competition held at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 10 to Sunday. Courtesy of KSO
Rep. Kim Young-jin of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, front left, bangs the gavel at the beginning of a subcommittee meeting under the Strategy and Finance Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



Revision to minimum amount deductible, date of tax imposition on agenda



By Lee Kyung-min



A subcommittee under the National Assembly Strategy and Finance Committee discussed whether to delay taxing gains from cryptocurrency trading, Monday.



High-ranking officials at the finance ministry and lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and opposition parties sitting on the committee exchanged heated opinions during the much-anticipated government-legislative committee session, amid mounting public calls to postpone the taxation set to take effect next year.



At issue is whether to delay the date of imposition by at least one year and increase the minimum amount deductible significantly from the current 2.5 million won ($2,125).



Most adamant are people in their 20s and 30s who have invested heavily in digital assets. Both the ruling and opposition parties consider these younger people as crucial swing voters in the presidential election scheduled for next year.



The finance ministry says a 20 percent tax is inevitable on gains of over 2.5 million won made from cryptocurrency trading in a one-year period, since the previous plan to impose the tax starting Oct. 1 was already pushed back due to a lack of taxation infrastructure.



The ministry maintains that taxation on gains from cryptocurrency trading should take effect as planned, as reaffirmed repeatedly by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki whose stance is best summarized by the following statement: "There should be taxation where there is income."



However, the policy drive has yet to resolve concerns about how best to equitably identify taxable income, an issue raised mostly by opposition lawmakers who point out that it is impossible to track gains made in overseas crypto exchanges, unless holders of digital coins submit income tax filings.



The apparent loophole in the current tax administration is widely criticized by young crypto investors, serving as grounds for them to demand a more concrete, reasonable taxation scheme before rushing to collect tax revenue.



Young investors call into question Hong's claim that the taxation infrastructure is more than established, because measures to preserve and monitor user data on local crypto exchanges by using real-name accounts issued by domestic commercial lenders still falls short of identifying overseas trading.



The finance ministry is concerned about a delay to the taxation date despite its protest, a grim yet highly probable scenario since it has no authority to dismiss an agreed-upon revision reached by both ruling and opposition parties.



A revision bill pending at the National Assembly sponsored by 10 lawmakers seeks to raise the minimum deductible amount to 50 million won, the same amount granted to those who made gains in financial investments including stocks and funds that have at least 60 percent bought into stocks.



But the finance ministry says equating cryptocurrency trading with investments in publicly traded firms is inappropriate, since the latter bolster funding capabilities of listed firms for corporate growth, a function utterly lacked by digital coin trading. The government views coin trading as not warranting the same level of tax benefits, as it serves no purpose in spurring economic growth.


Chinese newspapers with front-pages showing Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, at a newspaper stall in Beijing, China, on Nov. 12. EPA-Yonhap



'Speak Not' underscores community members' determination to protect their languages as a vital factor for its survival

By Kang Hyun-kyung





"Speak Not: Empire, Identity and the Politics of Language" by James Griffiths
By Kim Bo-eun



Huneed Technologies Chairman Kim Eugene has been recognized for his efforts in developing Korea's defense industry.







The Korea Association of Defense Industry Studies awarded him the "Pride of Korea" Defense Industry Achievement Award on Oct. 28. Kim is also chairman of the Korea Defense Industries Association.







The award honors those who have contributed to the development of the defense industry or defense-related academics and technology.







Kim was awarded based on Huneed's contributions to the local defense industry, the association said. He was acknowledged for improving Korea's national defense capabilities through research and development of tactical communications systems and command and control system equipment using in-house technology over the last 20 years.







Under Kim's leadership, Huneed developed its High Capacity Trunk Radio System, which serves as the wireless communication backbone of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces' latest generational Tactical Information and Communication Network enabling operations in a connected battlefield.







Kim was also recognized for his efforts to introduce advanced processes from global defense companies with the aim of strengthening the Korean defense industry's competitiveness.







Huneed has aggressively invested in global aerospace and defense original equipment manufacturing processes and methodologies. Huneed takes pride in its end-to-end, in-house production, by which it supplies cost-competitive aerospace parts to its customers in the global market. All branches of the U.S. military and Armed Forces of six countries fly with Huneed-built parts.







In addition, Kim has contributed to the local defense industry by expanding the export market for defense projects as the chief of the Korea Defense Industry Promotion Association.







Kim also created a training program at local specialized high schools to foster professional workers for the aviation industry.







"I am deeply grateful to win such a meaningful award. We will continue to do our best to develop the domestic defense industry and expand exports of defense projects in the global market," Kim was quoted as saying.


Medical staffers work in an intensive care unit for critically ill COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Gangwon Province in this December 2020 photo. Yonhap



Government urged to speed up rollout of booster shots



By Lee Hyo-jin



The country's national public health system is at risk of being overwhelmed by surging coronavirus patients in critical condition amid the gradual phase-out of social distancing measures under the government's "Living with COVID-19" strategy.



The number of critically ill patients  those requiring ventilators, high-flow oxygen therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)  is a crucial factor in the government's decision on whether the country will be able to move to the next step in its "return to normalcy" plan.



This figure has stayed over 400 for 10 consecutive days, raising concern as the health authorities said earlier that their current medical capacity could cope with up to 500 seriously ill patients.



According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the country reported 471 such patients Sunday, after reaching an all-time high of 485, Friday.



Intensive care unit (ICU) beds available for COVID-19 patients across the country are filling up at a rapid pace, especially in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area.



As of 5 p.m., Sunday, 78.6 percent of ICU beds were occupied in Seoul, 78.5 percent in Incheon and 73 percent in Gyeonggi Province. Nationwide, 62 percent of beds were filled.









These figures have led to concern as the government had said earlier it would put into effect a contingency plan to halt its "Living with COVID-19" policies, while possibly re-introducing social distancing measures, if 75 percent of hospital beds were occupied nationwide.



"The occupancy rate of ICU beds in the Seoul metropolitan area has reached nearly 80 percent. We will take necessary response measures such as securing additional hospital beds and enabling effective use of our medical capacity," Lee Chang-joon, a senior official at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said during a COVID-19 response briefing, Monday.





Medical workers collect samples for a coronavirus test at a screening center in Songpa District of Seoul, Monday. Yonhap




Korea will review local drugmaker SK Bioscience's request to manufacture and sell Novavax COVID-19 vaccine here, the drug safety agency said Monday.







Last year, the affiliate under SK Group signed a deal with the U.S. vaccine producer Novavax for consignment production of the COVID-19 vaccine.







The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose regimen and is among five COVID-19 vaccines that Korea has purchased for the inoculation of its population.







In 2021, the government signed deals or held ongoing talks with multinational pharmaceutical firms to bring in 195 million doses of Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, Novavax, and Astrazeneca vaccines.







About 40.1 million, or 78.1 percent of the country's 52 million population have been fully vaccinated. (Yonhap)


President Moon Jae-in and Mozambique President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, fourth from left, pose with their respective first ladies during a christening ceremony for the Coral-Sul floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility at the shipyard of Samsung Heavy Industries on Geoje Island in South Gyeongsang Province, Monday. The offshore floating facility, built by the Korean company, will be used in LNG production off the coast of Mozambique. Yonhap
Members of the South Gyeongsang Province branch of the Korean Government Employees' Union hold a press conference in front of the provincial office, Nov. 9, calling for instituting a 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. lunch break. Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye



Controversy is rising over an increasing demand from civil servants across the country to guarantee them a lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. as offered to other workers.



They are demanding all services at public offices, including the issuance of official documents, be suspended during the one-hour lunchtime to guarantee their "rights," but critics say this will cause inconvenience, especially to workers who have to utilize their own lunchtime to visit public offices.



The Korean Government Employees' Union (KGEU) has recently intensified calls for the guaranteed lunch break to safeguard their health and welfare rights, citing the Labor Standards Act and service regulations for civil servants that stipulate their lunchtime is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.



The law and regulations, however, also stipulate that heads of local governments can decide to advance or put off the lunchtime by one hour, considering the characteristics of the duties of civil servants.



Consequently, most civil servants working at public services centers usually rotate their lunchtimes from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., so services at such centers can continue during the "original" lunch hour.



The Goseong County office in South Gyeongsang Province began to observe the 12 p.m.-1 p.m. lunch break in February 2017. Since then, the policy has expanded to Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi Province, Damyang and Muan in South Jeolla Province and Jecheon and Boeun in North Chungcheong Province.





The Muan County office in South Jeolla Province where all civil servants began to take their lunch break from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. beginning July 1, 2019.
Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the main opposition People Power Party speaks during a ceremony to disband his primary election camp in Seoul, Nov. 8, after losing the primary for next year's presidential election. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun



By Jung Da-min



Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) has created an online platform to communicate with young voters following his defeat by Yoon Seok-youl in the party's presidential primaries in early November.



His move, aimed at expanding his own political base, is drawing concern from the party leadership and Yoon's camp, as they need to garner support from the younger demographic, many of whom backed Hong in the primaries. This separate activity could also be seen as an internal dispute in the main opposition party with it failing to coalesce into "one team" for the presidential election slated for March.



On Sunday, Hong launched the online platform, "The Youth Dream," targeting young voters. Users of the platform can build online communities, deliver questions to Hong, search posts or images uploaded on the website, and explore Hong's other social network channels linked to the site.



Yoon and Hong had a neck-and-neck race in the primaries, with the former collecting more ballots from older generation party members and the latter garnering greater support in public surveys from the young generation. Overall, Yoon won 47.85 percent of votes cast, beating out Hong who earned 41.5 percent.





Contenders of the main opposition People Power Party's presidential primary pose during a primary event in Yongsan District, Seoul, Nov. 5, after Yoon Seok-youl, second from left, was selected as the party's presidential candidate. From left are Rep. Hong Joon-pyo, Yoon, former four-term lawmaker Yoo Seong-min and former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong. Joint Press Corps
By Paul Tyson





The moving memorial service for Colin Powell at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. in early November showed that he was an admired and beloved figure.



The service featured a VIP guest list of former U.S. presidents and secretaries of state. The eulogies spoke of his rise to fame and power, including as National Security Adviser to President Ronald Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush and Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.



One aspect of Powell that was highlighted was his leadership skills and his mentoring and development of subordinates that reflected his intelligence and humanity. These skills were honed as he rose through the military ranks and saw service in Germany, Vietnam and finally as a battalion commander in Korea in the early 1970s before returning to Washington.



One thing that the American military is good at is making leadership and troop development a key element of job performance, job evaluation and ultimately promotion. Powell reflected those values.



But when Powell worked in White House and State Department, he saw there were great differences with the military system. Leadership and mentoring were not the same in civilian government agencies.



Lip service was paid to such standards. "Guidance and leadership" would most often consist of a few remarks on the way to the water cooler, or format "counseling sessions" where everyone knew their lines in the script.



The actual practice of leadership and mentoring was avoided, and instead was replaced by "training" exercises. They became routine for many, like Equal Employment Opportunity and Gender Awareness modules offered in many workplaces. The training notice shows up in your inbox and you had to complete it in the next 30 days.



The State Department leadership thought everything was fine because the human resources personnel assured them that they were "checking the boxes." Now and then, there might be an annoying Inspector General report that was critical of things. The report would be buried or ignored.



In practice, as a mid- or senior level officer your decision to take on junior officers to serve a "rotation tour" so they could gain practical experience was a personal choice  rather than a requirement  in many embassies. If one of your quaint eccentricities was working and mentoring the young officers, you could do it. If your colleagues chose not to because it took too much time to make a work plan and program, they did not have to.



Mentoring and leadership were factors in the annual evaluation reports. But the boilerplate language was well known in the system that could be used to meet minimum requirements.



There were those who let their deputies and personnel people manage all the minutiae of the personnel system. They wanted to only sign off on the final reports, and little more.



There were some Ambassadors and Deputy Chiefs of Mission who made a special effort to deal with subordinates and junior officers. They invited junior staff to attend events and met with them to discuss concerns and to give some first-hand advice about managing a career. But they were a minority.



So when Powell became Secretary of State, he was not pleased with what he saw, particularly among some in the senior career ranks of the Department.



Political appointees could be problematic. Some were good; others were not. A rap on the knuckles from the State Department on a personnel issue meant little. The only real sanction was for the Secretary of State to ask the President to remove someone he had appointed. This was the "nuclear option" that happened rarely.



Some career candidates for senior positions had "corridor reputations" for being abusive to or dismissive of their staff. They did little to assist subordinates in getting good future assignments. They were focused only on themselves.



Powell and his Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, took these officials aside for a talk and emphasized the importance of mentoring. Armitage, a Naval Academy graduate and veteran of three tours in Vietnam, had the reputation of being tougher than Powell in these meetings.



The message was said to "we take this leadership thing seriously. If you don't want to do this, we can find someone else for this assignment you want." In most cases, that was sufficient to correct the problem.



This was the standard attitude during the Powell/Armitage tenure and had some lasting effects. Decades later, the foreign service is filled with professionals who were helped by them at critical times in their careers. The challenge was to maintain these values in the future.



Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a top West Point graduate, tried to take a similar approach and he seemed to have had some effect. The question is now whether Biden's Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, can do the same.





Paul Tyson is a retired U.S. diplomat teaching diplomacy and government at New England College.


CIO should make its best effort to restore confidence



The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) Tuesday marks its first 300 days as an independent agency responsible for investigating crimes committed by high-ranking officials up to and including the President. Yet the public is giving it a poor assessment for its initial performance.



In fact, there has not been a single case in which the CIO has received good reviews. Its lack of investigative ability is understandable, given its manpower shortage. But doubts and disputes over its political neutrality are serious enough to shake the very foundation of the office.



Since its inception in January, the office has carried out investigations into 12 cases. Only one of them  concerning allegations that Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, abused his power to rehire teachers dismissed for their involvement in cases of corruption  has been concluded, while the rest are ongoing.



The more serious problem is that its fairness is being broadly called into question. The CIO placed Yoon Seok-youl, presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), under investigation in late October over allegations that he ordered prosecutors to document judges' ruling tendencies when he was the prosecutor general. This was the fourth time the new agency has investigated him. This means that a third of its 12 cases hitherto are targeting the opposition's strongest presidential contender. Considering that the CIO is supposed to police nearly 7,000 high-ranking officials, it cannot avoid criticism that it is scrutinizing Yoon in the hope that some of the suspicions raised against him are found to be true.



What's even more absurd is that the agency transferred to the prosecution its investigation into the Daejang-dong land development corruption scandal in which Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is alleged to have been implicated. The CIO's repeated blunders are prompting calls that it should be disbanded. Kim Jin-wook, the agency's head, ought to take these calls painfully and do his best to restore confidence in the agency. He must also take a hard look at whether the CIO really needs to exist as a unit exclusively investigating crimes by the powers that be.


US diplomat creates stir over hit-and-run accident



A dispute is rising over a hit-and-run accident involving a U.S. diplomat here amid the allegation he drove away and "escaped" to Yongsan Garrison after rear-ending a taxi last Wednesday in central Seoul. The unidentified diplomat allegedly smashed the taxi's rear bumper while trying to change lane but drove away without trying to settle the incident and apologizing.



The taxi driver chased the car and police officers also arrived at the gate, attempting to identify him. But he turned down all police requests including one for a breathalyzer test, only to pass through the gate. Three other U.S. citizens were also in the vehicle who also refused to cooperate with the police. The police had no choice but to let the car enter the garrison, which is off-limits to them, due to diplomatic immunity provided to diplomats in the name of protecting them and their families from prosecution under the host country's laws.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that it had asked the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to cooperate with the police investigation of the suspects. An official said the ministry's request on the matter was made at the highest level. "It depends on the U.S. Embassy. Only when the embassy cooperates can a probe be conducted effectively," the official told The Korea Times, Monday. Ministry spokesman Choi Young-sam said in a statement Friday that the ministry "will sternly deal with the recent case."



However, the U.S. Embassy turned down The Korea Times' request for comment on the case. Earlier, the embassy released a statement, saying, "We trust that the competent Republic of Korea law enforcement authorities will conduct a thorough and fair investigation of the matter, and we will refrain from providing further comment until that investigation has been completed." It has said it does not agree with the facts presented in local media reports of the incident.



Yongsan Police Station has been in charge of the case. Yet, it has no particular means to cope with the matter without the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy. Diplomatic immunity granted in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations has been the target of growing criticism over an increasing number of cases of it being exploited by diplomats and their families to escape any criminal charges in a host country despite their unlawful acts.



The hit-and-run incident is inflaming public anger, as seen in a protest by the civic organization "Uriminjok" in front of the U.S. Embassy in downtown Seoul, Friday. We deplore that the U.S. diplomat fled without stopping to talk with the other driver. He should have first apologized to the taxi driver for causing the accident, and should not abuse diplomatic immunity to avoid punishment for his suspected violation of the traffic law.



We urge the U.S. Embassy to take appropriate steps to have the diplomat face the due police investigation and any proper punishment. The case may fan anti-American sentiment here if the U.S. side is only bent on protecting the diplomat.


By John J. Metzler





The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic combined with a shroud of secrecy and indifference has hidden the fast deteriorating human rights situation in North Korea. Now yet another report by the U.N.'s rapporteur on human rights in the quaintly titled Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), underscores a grim reality in the "communist" country.



"Prolonged and strict COVID-19 measures have resulted in severe economic hardship and increased vulnerability to human rights violations amongst the general population. Over 40 percent of people were already food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic  many of them suffering malnutrition and stunted growth. The number of food-insecure households has subsequently increased," the report warns.



While the North Korean government has exhibited virtually zero transparency about the state of its COVID-19 situation throughout the self-styled socialist country, the facts suggest massive lockdowns and increased restrictions on peoples' freedom of movement.



Indeed the report adds, "The authorities continue to enforce other public health measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, disinfection activities, lockdown of cities and regions, increased surveillance and severe restrictions on domestic travel."



Moreover the DPRK continues to use its traditional totalitarian methods to control the population through a vast network of political prison camps called kwalliso.



According to the U.N. report, "Kwalliso do not look like penitentiaries but more like villages  kwalliso No.18 and 21 located just south of the Taedong River, it was a large village that stretched up to 40 kilometers and consisted of accommodation, schools for the officers' children and the detainees' children, hospitals, farms and detention facilities. The children of inmates went to school for half-a-day and worked in the afternoon."



Camp No. 16 is reportedly the largest kwalliso with a capacity of 50,000 people. Such facilities have similarities with the old Soviet Gulag system of prison regions rather than actual jails.



The U.N. rapporteur noted, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea denies the existence of political prison camps while acknowledging the presence of 'reform institutions.'" During the state's Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in May 2019, the government delegation stated: "There is no such thing as 'political prisoner' or 'political prison camp.'"



People can easily fall afoul of the system; any jokes or veiled criticism of the ruler Kim Jong-un can bring political retribution.



North Korea strictly prohibits religious freedoms. The report stresses, "Christians are categorized as a "hostile class" under the songbun system of social classification and continue to be particularly targeted as a "serious threat to loyalty to the state."



The document adds, "Owing to COVID-19 travel restrictions, only 229 escapees arrived in the Republic of Korea in 2020, a significant drop from 1,047 in 2019. Only 36 escapees arrived in the first half of 2021."



Significantly, the report called on South Korea, the successful and democratic portion of the divided Korean Peninsula, to, "Integrate human rights into negotiations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" as well as to resume reunions of separated families. South Korea's role as a free beacon to the North becomes more significant than ever. It's incumbent on the Seoul government to care more for their suffering ethnic cousins in the North and to press for political and economic concessions in inter-Korean negotiations.



The U.N. report concludes, "The COVID-19 restrictions have worsened their ordeal due to further isolation, wider and harsher state command over people's lives, the further stifling of economic activity, and the exodus of humanitarian agencies from the country."



In other words, making the "hermit kingdom" even more isolated in a world of indifference.





John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism  The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China."


CJ Logistics worker at the company's distribution center in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, on Aug. 13. Korea Times file



By Kim Jae-heun



Korea's largest logistics firm, CJ Logistics, plans to invest 2.5 trillion won by 2023 to foster its platform business and evolve into an innovative technology firm. It also plans to achieve a paradigm shift in the logistics industry.



"The logistics market is in a transition phase from labor-intensive to a digital structure. We need to transform into an innovative tech company that grows with customers," CJ Logistics CEO Kang Sin-ho told employees in a congratulatory message to celebrate the company's 91st anniversary. CJ Logistics was established on Nov. 15, 1930.



"Our vast amount of warehouses may help us remain in the top tier of the market, but ultimately, they won't guarantee our future survival. We will seek innovative growth by hiring top talent and cutting-edge technologies in the field," he added.



The platform business is one of four new growth engines that CJ Group mentioned for its mid-term vision. CJ Logistics will expand its interconnected fulfilment warehouses and increase automation through the use of robots at the centers, while adding artificial intelligence (AI) and big data systems to manage online business.



"CJ Logistics will strengthen data-based digital capabilities and provide consumer goods and e-commerce logistics services to both local and overseas markets as a total solution company," Kang said.



CJ Logistics plans to expand the size of its warehouse infrastructure eightfold by 2023 and construct additional facilities to store packages at a temperature of 3 degree Celsius. The new distribution centers will be connected to three major warehouses in Yongin, Gunpo and Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province, to form a tighter nationwide network.



The logistics firm will expand its research center over the next two years. The research institute will select 12 core technologies for commercialization and create synergy with local startups.



CJ Logistics plans to hire about 800 new workers, while reorganizing its organizational structure to boost efficiency.



The company will streamline its employee rank system which categorizes them into seven different levels and give opportunities to all of its workers to become group leaders regardless of their age. It will establish a performance-based bonus system as well.



"CJ Logistics is 91 years old, but we have a goal of making it a young company. Beyond simply adapting to the changing environment, we will provide customers with advanced logistics technologies that exceed the level of global leaders through robots, AI and big data," Kang said.


Mako Komuro, former Japan's Princess Mako and the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, arrives with her husband Kei from Tokyo to start their new life in the U.S., at JFK International airport in New York, Nov. 14. Reuters-Yonhap



Japan's former princess Mako Komuro arrived in the United States on Sunday with her husband, swapping ancient imperial rites for the bright lights of New York after leaving the royal family.



The pair tied the knot in Tokyo last month in muted fashion, following years of tabloid gossip and online sniping over their union that Komuro said caused her "sadness and pain."



Footage broadcast on Japanese TV channels showed the couple flanked by security officials as they made their way through New York's John F. Kennedy airport and into a waiting vehicle.



A move to the United States had long been rumored. The two 30-year-olds finally boarded a commercial flight Sunday from Tokyo to New York, where Kei Komuro attended law school and now works.



Mako, the niece of Emperor Naruhito, lost her royal title when she married a commoner under postwar succession laws that only allow male members of the imperial family to ascend to the throne.



After announcing their engagement in 2017, the Komuros were confronted with a barrage of reports alleging that Kei's family had run into financial difficulties.



Japan's royals are held to exacting standards, and the Imperial Household Agency said Mako developed complex post-traumatic stress disorder because of the media attention.





Japan's former Princess Mako, right, the elder daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her husband Kei Komuro, look at each other during a press conference to announce their wedding at a hotel in Tokyo, Oct. 26. AP-Yonhap
Tourists visit the old city of Salzburg, Austria, Nov. 12, during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Austrian Chancellor Schallenberg said on Nov. 12 that he will introduce a nationwide lockdown for those not vaccinated against or recovered from the coronavirus, as cases rapidly rise. AFP-Yonhap



Austria will begin a lockdown for people not vaccinated against COVID-19, a first in the EU as the Alpine member fights a record surge in cases, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on Sunday.



About 65 percent of Austria's almost nine million people are vaccinated, below the EU average of 67 percent, while daily increases in infections have hit records this week.



Other European governments are also eyeing unpopular COVID curbs, with the Netherlands opting for Western Europe's first partial lockdown of the winter.



Austria's lockdown means people over 12 who are not vaccinated or cannot show that they have recently recovered from COVID will not be allowed to leave the house except for reasons such as buying essential supplies, exercise or seeking medical care.



"The situation is serious... We don't take this step with a light heart but unfortunately it is necessary," Schallenberg told reporters in a televised press conference.



The lockdowns are to be enforced with random spot checks for the next 10 days with police patrols being stepped up. It will then be reviewed, according to the government.



Those who break the rules risk a 500-euro ($570) fine; those who refuse to show proof that they are vaccinated or have recently recovered can be fined three times as much.



The main committee of parliament approved the lockdown late on Sunday.









In his news conference, Schallenberg called again on those who have not yet been vaccinated to get jabbed.





A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'No to compulsory vaccination' during an anti-vaccination protest at the Ballhausplatz in Vienna, Nov. 14. AFP-Yonhap
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The heroic masses of Sudan are still taking to the streets to resist the military coup, in defiance of bullets, beatings and arrests at the hands of the security forces.

On Saturday 13 November, huge numbers of protestors mobilised for a second nationwide demonstration, after weeks of intense organisation efforts by the neighbourhood resistance committees  despite a total telecoms blackout and a campaign of terror by the counterrevolution.

Among the cities that joined the so-called Millions of Wrath demonstrations were Khartoum, Bahri, Omdurman, Medani, Rufaa, Almanagil, Al-deweim, Kosti, Damazin, Tendalti, Port Sudan, Kassala, Atbara, Gadarif, Niyala, Alfashir, Abushok IDP camps, Dongola, Karima, El-obeid, Sinnar, Bara and Zaleingi. There were likely many more places where the masses rose in big numbers, but the precise turnout is difficult to calculate given the ongoing internet blockade.

The militarys crackdown was much faster and more brutal this time around. The counter-revolution has been backed into a corner, and is meeting the determined resistance of the masses with intensified repression.

This is not cowing the masses, but strengthening their determination. This was summed up perfectly by one activist on the ground: They amp up the violence? We amp up the resistance.

However, such a situation cannot last forever. If the deadlock persists, the masses will become exhausted and begin to weaken. Until there is a decisive, armed confrontation with the counter-revolution, it will maintain the initiative and continue to tighten its grip.

Provocations

The protests on the weekend were preceded by a number of provocations as the counter-revolution moved to secure its position.

After a series of demonstrations denouncing the military council and their coup, Burhan gave an Al-Jazeera interview on 7 November in which he shamelessly claimed the security forces had not killed anybody during the anti-coup protests. He reaffirmed that this is not a coup at all: the military simply stepped in to correct the transition to democracy. The masses were naturally infuriated by these bald-faced lies.

Then, Hemedti Dagalo, commander of the reactionary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)  consisting of tribal militias responsible for the bulk of repression against the revolution  made a statement on 8 November. He said the coup plotters are committed to protecting civilians rights, and fulfilling the demands of the 2019 revolution to establish an elected civilian government. This is quite a claim from a man whose hands are dripping with the blood of hundreds, potentially thousands, of protestors.

While these shameless lies were being broadcast to the nation, millions of people were left without any means of communication, while hundreds were tear-gassed, detained and shot on the street. Several picket lines organised by unions and neighbourhood defence committees to protest the coup reported raids by police and security forces, in which workers and community organisers were arrested.

Petroenergy workers at a plant in Jaily reported two such arrests on two separate days (2 November and 5 November), as well as five arbitrary suspensions during their strike against the coup. On 7 November, the Sudanese Teachers Committee held a protest in front of the Ministry of Education in Khartoum. They were tear gassed, and five teachers arrested, with no information given to where they are being held. This brought the total number of teachers arrested since the coup to 87.

On 11 November, General Burhan announced that negotiations with opposition groups involving the UN that had been occurring behind closed doors, had reached a conclusion that, unsurprisingly, represents nothing short of a return of military rule.

A new sovereign council was announced, with Burhan at its head, and Hemedt as his deputy. The council is made up of 14 members, with a military caucus that includes representatives of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF): an umbrella organisation of armed groups that participated in the civil war of 2003, as well as five newly appointed civilian representatives.

The involvement of these anti-Bashir rebel groups and civilian politicians is little more than a fig leaf to conceal the domination of the military junta.

On the same day, a court order to restore internet and telecommunication in the country was issued. But the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority, the body responsible for regulating telecommunications, defied the order at the behest of the military, meaning the blackout remains in effect.

This attempt to consolidate the power of the junta enraged the masses. The Sudanese Professionals Association responded by saying: Burhans decisions apply to no one but himself, rejecting the legitimacy of the new sovereign council.

Meanwhile, the resistance committees immediately called for escalating efforts of barricading neighbourhoods, in addition to calling local and international protests to coincide with the Millions of Wrath march, to demand the release of all political prisoners, and call for an end to military rule once and for all.

Bloodshed

On the morning of Saturday 13 November, revolutionaries all over the country prepared for the march by barricading neighborhoods to protect residents from security forces, and continued to spread the word about mass demonstrations by burning tires and handing out leaflets. Despite the lack of internet coverage, one video in Burri shows rallies reaching their peak by 1:10 PM. 20 minutes later, the junta began their offensive. Similar stories emerged from all over Sudan.

Reports on the ground suggest that the violence shown by the counterrevolutionary security forces have dramatically increased. This time, no restraint was shown. They combed through one street three times, firing teargas [very close in range] and live ammunition. Those people came to kill, they shot at anyone they saw, one report states. Meanwhile, on national TV, the police denied using firearms when dispersing protests.

Another video shows cops and security forces swarming a single protestor, who is clearly unarmed. He is beaten until he falls to his knees, and arrested afterwards. Multiple videos confirm the same tactic was used with protestors in the streets of Omdurman, Burrin, Riyadh in the capital.

Local committees report that security forces in minivans, similar to public transit vehicles, out of uniform and dressed as civilians, would drive around and abduct people. Mass arrests took place nationwide, exceeding 100 in Darfur. Its reported that some detainees have contracted COVID-19 due to crowded facilities, and have been refused any medical attention.

I mean let everything aside. How the fuck is it that literally more than 10 members from the militia against one young man??

It's beyond anything I've ever seen. These are animals you see in the footage they are not human. #SudanCoup #_ #__ pic.twitter.com/4ddlxwMF5M  Rawan Hashim Merghni (@rawanhmerghni) November 14, 2021

Pictures from the ground clearly show the use of snipers in different locations. It was also reported that the security forces went into neighborhoods, throwing teargas canisters into homes and cars to set them on fire. They were also engaging in random arrests and home invasions. One victim of these barbaric actions is 13-year-old Rimaz Hattem Al-Atta, who was shot in the head in her home.

Many hospitals were struggling due to the massive influx of casualties. The Sudanese Central Doctors Committee sent out multiple calls for assistance and blood donations. Hospitals, such as Alarbaeen and Waad, were reportedly stormed by the security forces, who started beating doctors and wounded protestors alike.

The Sudan Doctors Syndicate Facebook page reported that the junta have been using hollow-point bullets, which expand on impact, creating far more damage to targets than normal rounds, and have been banned in warfare internationally.

There is no way of telling the total number of casualties. The latest reports suggest that over 200 were injured, with 100 suffering from gunshot wounds and 11 being in unstable condition. At least seven people have been reported dead in Khartoum, mainly youth aged between 13 and 17. Silent demos were held outside of hospitals the following day in solidarity with the victims, and as it seems security forces continued their attacks in the neighborhoods by hurling teargas canisters.

The military council is being utterly ruthless. And all the imperialist politicians offer in response to this bloodshed and barbarism are crocodile tears, hypocritical condemnations, and empty demands for civilian rule. Meanwhile, UN representatives have been working behind the scenes to restore a power share between what remains of the civilian government and the same reactionary generals gunning down unarmed protestors!

The masses clearly (and correctly) recognise the junta will not tolerate anything less than total control. They will only win civilian rule on the basis of their own strength.

What now?

The new sovereign council is negotiating one final candidate to represent the Eastern region, in a bid to grant itself legitimacy. In response, the movement has reiterated its main slogan: No negotiations. No partnership. No legitimacy for the coup!

The resistance committees, as well as the Sudanese Professionals Association, are calling for escalating civil disobedience, which means more strikes and protests are to be expected in the coming days. A protest is being called by the councils for 17 November, but it is not confirmed whether it will be confined to local communities, or if it will once again take place nationwide.

In previous articles, we pointed out the bankruptcy of the pacifist nature of the revolution. Despite the masses repeatedly demonstrating their strength and tenacity  shutting down the country with coordinated strike action, and holding firm against the vicious counter-revolution  these methods cannot be sustained indefinitely.

Where does the revolution go from here? Weve seen time and time again the lengths to which the military brass will go to preserve their power and privileges. They will continue gunning down anyone in their way until they have restored the reactionary Bashir regime with new faces at the top. Therefore, any escalation without a plan for armed defence of the revolution will lead nowhere.

There is a real fear of civil war in the region, but the class war is already underway, as seen in recent events. At the moment, only one side is willing to prosecute this war with arms in hand. Thus, self-defence committees should be organised at once. These should be armed and prepared by any available means to defend the people against the bloodthirsty counter-revolution.

For now, the military has the revolution outgunned. Therefore, a key task is winning over rank-and-file soldiers. There is some evidence that the resistance committees are starting to understand this necessity.

Recently, the Karraris Resistance Coordination Committee published a video from 2019 of a soldier in his truck, surrounded by protestors in the occupation that overthrew Bashirs regime. He calls for other rank-and-file members of the military to join the revolution:

All of those in the ranks: come stand here! Come stand with the people! Stand with the people until change happens! Burying your heads in the ground will not work to your benefit. Take a stand with the people!

The video was shared with the following comment from the resistance committee, clearly aimed at any sympathetic soldiers: This is a message to those left with honour in all ranks of the security forces. Your leaders have chosen their interests over the masses.

This message needs to be a part of the escalation programme of every local resistance committee in the country. While seeking any means possible to arm themselves, they must at the same time organise fraternisation between the revolutionary people and the rank-and-file troops. They must produce propaganda materials aimed at the soldiers, and distribute them to the army barracks.

The urgency of this task must be communicated to the masses via the nightly educational discussions organised by the resistance committees. The message must be spread to all the revolutionary picket lines, and painted on walls across the whole of Sudan: the ordinary soldiers must be won to the side of the revolution so that it can defend itself against further bloodshed!

Once sympathetic elements from the armed forces have won over  dividing the military on class lines and weakening Burhan and Hemetis base of support  the revolutionary troops must be incorporated into the self-defence committees to prepare for an armed confrontation with the junta.

Unlike the RSF, a mercenary force based on the reactionary Janjaweed militias, the ordinary troops are only workers and peasants, who alongside their class brothers and sisters faced misery and poverty at the hands of the old Bashir regime, which looted the country with impunity for decades. The remnants of this rotten regime are the common enemy of all poor and oppressed sections of Sudanese society.

The only way to defeat the coup is for the resistance committees to make a general appeal to the rank-and-file soldiers to stop the murderous generals in their tracks, by joining the revolutionary masses and confronting the counter-revolution arms in hand.

From there, all counter-revolutionary elements should be arrested and their wealth expropriated under the democratic control of the people, and placed in service of rebuilding the country. It is only on this basis that true democracy and civilian rule can be sustained: ending the poverty, hunger and backwardness that haunt the Sudanese masses every day. This will require the rational planning of the economy for the common good, rather than to fill the pockets of a parasitic elite.

Completing the tasks of the Sudanese Revolution necessitates building socialism in the country, as a beacon of hope to the oppressed and exploited masses throughout the Horn of Africa and beyond. Only this can finally put an end to the misery and barbarism that wrack the continent. As the placard of one protestor eloquently expressed to the same effect: Death, my friend, is living in fear under their boot.


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The Minister of International Trade, Export and Small Business of Canada, Mrs Mary NG met with Alan Ganoo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade on Friday 12 November 2021 in Geneva.

They exchanged views on what could constitute elements of a successful outcome at the 12th Ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation scheduled for end of November. Minister NG particularly sought support on a proposal from the Ottawa group on the response that could be provided by the WTO on the Pandemic and took interest in some suggestions made by Minister Ganoo on the issue of export restrictions.

Mrs Mary Ng and Alan Ganoo also discussed the pending request by Mauritius for the establishment of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement with Canada.

The latter had earlier this week at The Trade Policy Review of Mauritius, underscored , through the statement by Ambassador Stephen de Boer, the trade openness of Mauritius and its continued efforts to facilitate business.

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Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Diabetes Day 2021 together with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia through their long-term program to build healthcare capacity and improving access for Diabetes, Hypertension and Endocrinology by providing specialty training to African, Asian and Latin American doctors.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the 100 Most Influential African Women (2019, 2020 & 2021) explained, We, at Merck Foundation, mark World Diabetes Day 2021 incredibly by providing scholarships as part of the Merck Foundation Diabetes Blue Points Program. So far, more than 600 doctors from 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America have completed or enrolled into one-year diploma and two-year masters degree programs in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, as well as a three-month Master course in the Clinical Management of Diabetes in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. These programs are in partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health and Medical Societies. Moreover, I am proud to announce that we have so far provided specialty training to more than 1200 doctors in very critical and underserved specialties, not only Diabetes but also Oncology, Cardiovascular, Reproductive care, Respiratory, Intensive care, Urology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedic, Pediatric Emergency and Neonatal care, psychiatry, pain management, surgery and more. It is the pinnacle of my professional and personal lives.

Merck Foundation constantly work towards building healthcare capacity in various countries for those who suffer from Diabetes and its associated ailments. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021 is Access to Diabetes Care, which is very close to the Merck Foundations goal as we understand the urgent need to increase access for diabetes diagnosis and treatment, in order to prevent complications and improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes, especially under these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With each day, Merck Foundation strives transform patient care capacity in Africa and other developing countries.

Merck Foundation provides One-Year Postgraduate Diploma and Two-year master degree in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicines from UK University. Merck Foundation also enrolls doctors for a Master course in the Clinical Management of Diabetes in 4 languages- English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, endorsed by Diabetes UK to improve access to quality and equitable diabetes care for African countries and Latin American countries.

So far, Merck Foundation has already enrolled more than 600 candidates for these courses from 42 African and Asian Countries including Bangladesh, Botswana, Burundi, CAR, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinee Conakry, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, UAE, Uganda, , Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The trained doctors will be able to establish diabetes clinics in their Health Centres or Hospitals with the aim of preventing and managing the condition in their respective communities. This will significantly help diabetic people with ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications. It is important not to overlook the fact that they also fall into the Coronavirus high-risk group. This World Diabetes Day 2021 lets take it on as a challenge and create awareness about diabetes and adapting the right lifestyle to prevent such situations, added Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Dr. Beata Iyaloo Haulofu from Namibia, candidate enrolled for PG Diploma Diabetes says, Merck Foundation Diabetes Blue Points Training Program is very important to me. With this program I will gain the required expertise in this field, which will enable me to better manage diabetic patients, thus reducing the morbidity and mortality linked to this health threat, contributing to the worldwide problem of diabetes.

Dr Niyonsenga Simon Pierre from Rwanda, candidate undergoing MSc diabetes states, I am grateful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity. This beneficial course will advance my clinical knowledge and aid me in providing my expertise to the people of my country, advocating for increased prevention, control and treatment.

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Hilgert said for this year they decided to return to the tents after consultation with the citys Health Department and other experts. Its also tough for vendors to have their items exposed to the elements, especially when so many are hand-crafted.
Dischinat sees a future in such selective job fairs to get people working, adding: I dont know if [pre-COVID job fairs] will come back in their full glory. And even with the limited employer fairs, she said job seekers have access to CareerLinks one-stop option to learn about other assistance  such as where to obtain child care and public transportation.
In the Nov. 2 election, Murphy became the first Democratic governor in 44 years to win reelection, but the margin with Ciattarelli, a former Assembly member, was just about 3 points  much closer than public polls indicated the contest would be in a state where Democrats have 1 million more registered voters.
Defense lawyers insisted that there had been no undue influence and argued that the city allows council members to hold outside jobs. The defense also questioned how it was a crime for union supporter Henon to side with Dougherty and the building trades workers he was elected to represent.
The city is asking Lehigh Valley consultants to apply to provide services to hard-hit Allentown businesses. They can do so beginning Nov. 15 online at go.lehigh.edu/AllentownSPARK. Allentown communications manager Mike Moore said that the city will prioritize Allentown businesses but any are welcome to apply to be consultants. Moore said that the consultants will work with the Small Business Development Center to determine pay rates.
Cristina Alcalde

Miami University President Gregory Crawford announced that the university has selected M. Cristina Alcalde as its new vice president for institutional diversity and inclusion, effective July 1. In this role, Alcalde will provide vision and leadership for university-wide diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, advancement and enhancement. Alongside the universitys DEI task force, she will work across the university to fully integrate and advance DEI efforts, impacting students, faculty, staff and the Miami community.

Alcalde will also hold a tenured appointment as full professor in the Department of Global and Intercultural Studies. She is currently professor of gender and women's studies and the Marie Rich Endowed Professor at the University of Kentucky, where she also serves as associate dean of inclusion and internationalization in the College of Arts and Sciences and the director of the Online Graduate Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion.

We are honored to welcome a scholar and innovator like Cristina to lead our diversity and inclusion efforts at Miami University, said Miami University President Gregory Crawford. Her commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all community members will keep our inclusive excellence mission at the forefront of everything we accomplish. Cristina will be instrumental in elevating Miamis diversity and inclusion culture and making it a blueprint for national and global DEI initiatives.

Alcalde has traveled the world to conduct research on topics including gender violence, migration, exclusion, and race and racialization. Her most recent book, Peruvian Lives across Borders: Power, Exclusion, and Home (2018, University of Illinois Press) is based on multi-sited research in Peru, the U.S., Canada, and Germany.

Living internationally has demonstrated to me that institutions, no matter where they are, reflect the richness of their students, staff, faculty, and alumni, Alcalde said. With Oxford and Miami, I know that I can actively be part of a welcoming and vibrant community intent on centering diversity, equity, and inclusion and transformation. Miami is a place where we continue to actively learn from and contribute to broader conversations that are happening everywhere about belonging, inclusion, racism and anti-racism, and global inequities and interconnections.

At Miami, Alcalde said she is looking forward to strategically focusing on long-term, sustainable structural change to move every part of Miami forward. She will take the helm from Anthony James, who has served as interim vice president for institutional diversity since September 2020, having succeeded longtime leader Ronald Scott. During Jamess tenure, the universitys Presidential DEI implementation group examined and began implementing the 44 recommendations set forth by the Presidents DEI task force.

Anthony James has provided invaluable leadership and discovery the past year, said Crawford. We have made tremendous strides to advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion at Miami University and we owe a lot of gratitude to Anthony for his leadership and contributions to advancing Miamis longstanding commitment to equality and justice and his shared leadership of the DEI task force.

Alcalde said Miamis intentional and consistent trajectory of transformation to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas such as the DEI Task Force Implementation Plan and MiamiRISE drew her to Miami. She said she is especially looking forward to meeting with stakeholders across the university and broader community to holistically incorporate and build on strengths of existing approaches, and to identify additional paths forward for the benefit of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader Miami community.

I am thrilled to be joining Miamis leadership team, because I consider my own values, commitments, and experiences to be deeply aligned with Miamis very intentional focus on diversity, inclusivity, and engagement both within units and more structurally, Alcalde said. I am honored to have the opportunity to build on the work of so many and to work with amazing colleagues and partners to continue the momentum towards inclusive excellence, to ensure Miami is a welcoming community for all and a model for innovation and inclusive excellence.

At the University of Kentucky, Alcalde is also the director of the Online Graduate Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, she worked with a faculty committee to support the development of a new Race and Ethnicity undergraduate course requirement for the College of Arts and Sciences. It was an effort that responded to student demands and drew on the expertise of faculty and the knowledge of advisors, ultimately ensuring that students have critical skills by the time they graduate.

I am especially proud of collaborative efforts such as that, because they honor shared governance and also bring together multiple stakeholders, whether focusing on recruitment and retention, professional development, curriculum, community-building, strategic planning, or another area, Alcalde said.

At UK, Alcalde has been instrumental in leading diversity and internationalization efforts for the College of Arts and Sciences. She developed a college-wide DEI Strategic Plan; designed and ran new initiatives focused on inclusivity and under-represented faculty, staff and students; designed and directed an online graduate certificate on inclusion and diversity; developed the College Diversity and Inclusivity Committee; developed a Faculty Inclusion Fellows Program; among other responsibilities.

Alcalde earned her doctorate in anthropology and her masters in Latin American studies at Indiana University and her bachelor of arts in anthropology at the University of Louisville.
: w17706334325 (travele), : Investment

 : Guo Wengui Cold-Bloodedly Burn the Bridge after Crossing Friendship Ended Mastermind Wengeng, No Nee

: #GenocideGames

: BBS  (Mon Nov 15 01:13:24 2021, )



Recently, Guo Wengui attacked his former comrades Lude, Wang Wengeng, in all

directions with no bottom line, threatened to knock down Lude within three

seconds, punch Wang Wengeng to be unconscious. Lude, Wang Wengeng worked

hard to assist Guo, but they eventually fell into a situation of being

attacked, such a shame. Guo Wengui is unsentimental. He burned the bridge

after he crossed the river. The dependent will leave Guo Wengui gradually,

and he will be finally alone.Lude and Wang Wengeng don't need to be lenient

and cut him some slacks.



As we all know, Wang Wengeng brutally punished the "Mang Liuzzi" with

violent means in September last year. He is unforgivable by the law and

social justice, which will bring him the condemnation of motility and

punishment of the law. But for Guo Wengui, Wang Wengeng was"holding the gun

to support Guo." In addition, he invested G Group more than 200 thousand

dollars. Frankly speaking, he was dead set on following Guo. What's more,

Guo Wengui promised he would pledge for Wang Wengeng and provide lawyers and

litigation expenses, no matter how much it costs.But Guo Wengui ate his

words from the beginning. Not only did he not gave Wang Wengeng any help,

but he took Wang's investment money for himself. Therefore, it is natural

and reasonable that Wang Wengeng left Guo angrily after seeing him through.

And It is Cheater Guo's responsibility. Guo should have stepped back and

avoided confronting Wang with pressing movement. Let alone the claim"punch

Wang to be unconscious." He didn't make sense and still wanted to blame

others. Such a ruffian can only make Wang Wengeng take desperate measures.

Recently, Wang Wengeng has indicated that he is willing to provide evidence

to support the lawsuit against Guo Wengui. In short, wang Wengeng is not

unkind, but Guo Wengui is too unjust. Moreover, Wang was one of the leaders

of the "Punish the enemies by law" movement. His awareness and rebellion are

bound to be a great shock to the Ant Gang. Thus it can be seen that Guo

Wengui burned the bridge that he must cross.



Lude, who followed Guo Wengui for four years, once faced the camera and said

with tears, "Mr. Wengui is too great." He was also a diehard fan of Guo,

even though he had some little bad intentions. For instance, he set up "Lude

Media" privately. He is far away from the whistleblower movement but

newsjacking on it. He organized the Army of Doctors and An Hong to serve

himself, but these didn't wholly violate Guo's order. In addition, Lude is

also the producer of "Biden's hard disk gate" for Guo, president of the Rule

of Law Foundation, and one of the hosts of Phoenix Farm. In short, As the

saying goes: Merry meet, merry part. Even if Lude has his belonging, we

cannot believe their friendship becomes incompatible with fire and water,

considering his loyalty or position. What's more, after July 12, Guo Wengui

dispatched two groups of Ant Gang to break into Lude's residence in

Connecticut, putting pressure on Lude relentlessly, which made him flee and

approach the edge of a cliff. Therefore, Lude and Yan Limeng, Sellin, and

others negotiated with the US senators to save himself. In the meantime, he

pointed a sword at Guo Wengui around the aspects of the virus report, the

Rule of Law Foundation, the Rule of Law Society, G Group, and so on. All in

all, it is the ingratitude and overbearing actions of Guo that lead to Lude'

s counterstrike. Take a step backward and see the big picture, as the saying

goes. Even if Guo threatened to knock down Lude within three seconds, how

could the latter wait for the beat and not fight back?



Wang Wengeng and Lude rip Guo Wengui has caused a chain effect. Wenyuan, who

was once a cadre Ant in the punishment movement of Fu Xiqiu, disclosed he

had invested the Rule of Law Foundation and G Group a total of 200000

dollars. Now he has broken off a friendship with Guo. He is also the witness

and participant of Sara, Haiyang's misappropriation, and witness of Guo's

money-misuse in the Rule of Law Foundation. As a result, with the awareness

of Lude, Wang Wengeng, Sara, Wenyuan, the people who were once played for a

sucker, and left Sara's VOG chat room along with testification of Haiyang, "

Guo's tower," which consists of the Rule of Law Foundation, the Rule of Law

Society, and the investment of Phoenix Farm and G Group, will soon collapse.

Guo Wengui will show his true colors and have no place to hide. And because

of the defection of the Lude, some of the "ants " become tough now. It is

reported that Bannon's battle room is still talking about yan's three

reports, and Navarro has never forgotten about Yan. Although the three

reports have been removed from a forum at Guo's request, they are widely

known, and Yan can change the reality. Moreover, three parliamentarians

already had a positive interaction with Yan; also, Yan's infamy blossomed in

India. In addition, Giuliani hasn't updated the New Gatt for many days. Guo

Wengui is helpless, according to his own words, is "the Americans are hard

to tackle." Guo's fault is to burn the bridge after crossing the river,

which upset underlings, including Lude, Wang Wengeng, and "ants."



Guo thought to punish Lude and Wang Wengeng could warn others, stabilize the

Ant Gang, and then cheat them out of their money. However, he failed to

burn the bridge after crossing the river but provoked a fierce backlash from

Lude and Wang Wengeng. Thus, the shady deal of loan project of the Rule of

Law Foundation, the Rule of Law Society, G Group, and Farms will be

uncovered by Lude and Wengeng. Guo Wengui is steeped in crime, shows no

mortality, and has no wisdom in treating subordinates. In addition, he only

has a half-baked thought to tackle these. All these will lead to a total

collapse of Ants Gang. Guo will face a lonely end, as his auspicious days

are numbered.

--

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 47.]


The Furnace, Oct. 9.  Jake Howell stands before a crowd of dozens of Missoula music fans, singing a song he wrote, Saturdays when I forget Behind him is the band, four men he trusts with his life. Their first studio album, self-titled Cosmic Sans, has just dropped, and they are celebra
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-14 23:25:53|Editor: huaxia

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Students take an exam at a center in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 14, 2021. In the first public exams in nearly 20 months since outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 2.2 million students began Sunday this year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams in Bangladesh. (Xinhua)

DHAKA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the first public exams in nearly 20 months since outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 2.2 million students began Sunday this year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams in Bangladesh.

The exams, which are usually held every year in February, began at 10:00 a.m. local time Sunday after over a nine-month delay.

Students in Dhaka entered the exam center in orderly queues, wearing masks and strictly maintaining other health safety guidelines. Infrared thermometers were installed at the exam centers to check students' body temperature.

This year, the examinees are taking their exams with a shortened syllabus.

With the pandemic situation improving, Bangladesh educational institutions were reopened in September this year in a limited scale.

Bangladesh on March 16 last year first announced closure of all educational institutions in the country in an effort to halt the spread of the COVID-19.

Since March last year, the virus has spread to nearly every Bangladeshi district and the total number of cases has risen to 1,572,501 with 27,922 deaths so far.

Bangladesh reported 223 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths on Sunday, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. The country recorded the highest daily new cases of 16,230 on July 28 and the highest number of 264 deaths twice on Aug. 5 and Aug. 10, respectively. Enditem

Staff members spray hand sanitizer on examinees at a center in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nov. 14, 2021. In the first public exams in nearly 20 months since outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, around 2.2 million students began Sunday this year's Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams in Bangladesh. (Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-14 23:35:18|Editor: huaxia

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Workers assemble new energy vehicles at an automobile company in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Aug. 12, 2021. (Photo by Li Hanchi/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- As one of the key bellwethers of the real economy, listed firms in China have shown resilient growth amid a complex environment at home and abroad, with research and development (R&D) being the major driving force of their performance.

As of Oct. 31, a total of 4,168 listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges had disclosed their third quarter reports for 2021, with over 80 percent of them making profits.

"In the third quarter, performance indicators including revenue and profits continued to improve," said Liu Xiangdong, a researcher with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

In the first three quarters of this year, companies on the main board of the Shanghai bourse reported a total operating income of 33.44 trillion yuan (about 5.22 trillion U.S. dollars), an increase of 21.43 percent year on year.

In Shenzhen, the average operating revenue of listed companies amounted to 5.15 billion yuan during the Jan.-Sept. period, up 28.2 percent from a year ago. Their average net profits reached 365 million yuan, up 20.93 percent year on year.

The steady development of the companies is propelled largely by their focus on R&D.

"Listed companies have been increasing their investments in R&D, and those with strong R&D capabilities have better business performances and anti-risk capacities," Liu said, citing the growth momentum in industries such as advanced manufacturing, green and low-carbon, and modern services.

For instance, the total R&D investment of companies on the sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR market, reached around 37.67 billion yuan in the first three quarters of this year, rising 40 percent year on year and approaching the total investment amount of last year.

With most listed firms seeing positive performance, there are still some facing operational risks due to rising commodity prices and the sporadic resurgence of COVID-19, said Yang Delong, chief economist with First Seafront Fund.

To help small and mid-sized enterprises reduce their tax burden and confront the challenges, the government has promptly introduced supportive policies such as inclusive finance and direct fiscal funds.

"The financial reports of listed firms exhibit the process of China's economic transformation and upgrade. With robust performance of the new economy, new technologies and new energy, listed firms are expected to achieve long-term profitability and high-quality development," said Tian Lihui, a professor of finance at Nankai University. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 05:05:19|Editor: huaxia

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Travelers wait to claim luggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, the United States, Nov. 8, 2021.(Xinhua/Wang Ying)

U.S. Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to expand COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers to people traveling within the United States so as to minimize the risk of spikes in COVID-19 cases after the Thanksgiving holiday.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Democratic lawmakers are urging U.S. President Joe Biden to require that all airline passengers either show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative coronavirus test before boarding a domestic flight, reported Business Insider on Sunday.

"This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the chances of yet another devastating winter surge," said a request letter signed by more than 30 Democrats and sent to Biden on Nov. 11.

The letter came as millions plan to travel for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. An estimation from the American Automobile Association said over 53 million people were planning to travel to see loved ones for Thanksgiving this year. Of that, about 4.2 million people were expected to travel by air.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people to avoid taking domestic flights unless they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The White House announced last month that international travelers coming into the United States must show proof of full vaccination to enter.

The Democrats who signed on the letter are urging that Biden expand that mandate to people traveling within the United States so as to minimize the risk of spikes in COVID-19 cases after the holiday.

"We applaud your adoption of vaccine requirements for international air travelers coming to the United States. It is in the best interest of our nation's public health to adopt these vaccination requirements for U.S. air travel," said the letter.

Travelers walk through terminals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, Nov. 8, 2021. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

GOOD NEWS

The United States administered over 9.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the past seven days, the highest weekly total since late May, the White House's COVID-19 data director Cyrus Shahpar tweeted on Saturday. Vaccinations of children ages 5 to 11, which became widely available this week, likely contributed to the total.

On Sunday, the CDC updated that 226,157,226 people had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, making up 68.1 percent of the whole U.S. population. Fully vaccinated people stood at 194,951,106, accounting for 58.7 percent of the total. A total of 28,571,625 people, or 14.7 percent of fully vaccinated group, received booster shots.

New York State has opened 10 of its COVID-19 mass vaccination sites to children ages 5 to 11 who become newly eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as it seeks to expand access beyond a network of doctors' offices, local health departments, health centers and pharmacies. Over 50,000 children in the state have received at least one shot since Pfizer's vaccine was approved for the age group.

On Saturday, Governor Kathy Hochul said that she had instructed the mass vaccination sites to acquire pediatric doses and prepare to administer them at those locations, adding the state aims to eventually offer the shots at all 13 of its vaccination sites in the days ahead.

California is among three U.S. states allowing coronavirus booster shots for all adults even though federal health officials recommend limiting doses to those considered most at risk.

The nation's most populous state, along with Colorado and New Mexico, instituted the policies to try to head off a feared surge around the end-of-year holidays when more people are gathering inside.

SAD STORIES

COVID-19 cases are still climbing in places like the upper Midwest, Southwest and parts of the Northeast, "hindering the nation's progress in ending a surge triggered by the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus," reported The Wall Street Journal on Sunday.

Nationally, the seven-day average of new cases appears to be edging back up after hovering just above 70,000 for several weeks, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, halting what had been a decline from the Delta-fueled peak that began in September, it added.

Tourists spend time on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States on Oct. 30, 2021, one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 years of age. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

Between Nov. 3 and 4, an estimated 112 children ages 5 to 11 were incorrectly administered a COVID-19 vaccine dose intended for people ages 12 and older at Ted Pharmacy in Aldie of Virginia, said the Virginia Department of Health in a statement on earlier this week.

"Our understanding is that Ted Pharmacy attempted to give the correct 10 microgram dosage to those under 12 by administering 0.1 ml of the adult formulation," said David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department. "Due to the very small volume used, and concerns raised by some parents as to whether 0.1 ml was actually administered, it is possible some children were under-dosed."

The Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska announced Friday evening that three of its snow leopards had died of complications from COVID-19, adding that two Sumatran tigers who contracted the virus at the zoo had "seemingly" recovered.

"Our leopards, Ranney, Everest, and Makaly, were beloved by our entire community inside and outside of the zoo," the zoo said in a statement. "This loss is truly heartbreaking, and we are all grieving together." The zoo first reported that the tigers and snow leopards tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 13. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 05:32:56|Editor: huaxia

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A man receives the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

CAIRO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers.

The vaccination centers stationed at Cairo Metro stations have started receiving commuters who are willing to register for or take the COVID-19 vaccines, said Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, minister of higher education and scientific research and acting minister of health.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Abdel-Ghaffar said, adding up to 97 registration centers have been allocated at metro stations.

He added that vaccination centers will be installed in all metro stations in Cairo as well as train stations in several provinces, including Giza, Minya, Qena and Alexandria.

Vaccination centers will also be set up in a number of commercial markets and shopping malls, the minister said.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport Hamad Abdel-Hady said the vaccination centers have witnessed a large turnout.

At the Sadat subway station in Cairo, dozens of commuters lined up in front of the vaccination center.

Mostafa El-Sayed, a 42-year-old accountant, said he learned about the vaccination campaign from a local TV program, noting it is a good step by the government to vaccinate the largest possible number of people.

"These new centers will facilitate the campaign and help more people get vaccinated," he said.

Egypt is currently administrating Sinopharm, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Egypt's state-owned vaccine maker VACSERA and Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac signed an agreement in April to jointly manufacture the Sinovac vaccines in VACSERA's factory in the North African country.

The country has managed to vaccinate about 24 million people against COVID-19, with plans to vaccinate 40 million out of its around 100 million population by the end of 2021, according to Egyptian officials. Enditem

A man receives the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A man receives the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

People wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)

A man receives the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in a metro station in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 14, 2021. Egypt's Health Ministry announced on Sunday that the country has set up new vaccination centers at Cairo Metro stations to allow more people to take COVID-19 vaccines and ease pressure on medical centers. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 07:41:02|Editor: huaxia

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A flock of oriental white storks forage during their southward migration at Caofeidian wetland in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2021. The Caofeidian wetland, located in the city of Tangshan, is an important spot for the migratory bird species which is under first-class national protection and is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A flock of oriental white storks forage during their southward migration at Caofeidian wetland in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2021. The Caofeidian wetland, located in the city of Tangshan, is an important spot for the migratory bird species which is under first-class national protection and is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A flock of oriental white storks forage during their southward migration at Caofeidian wetland in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2021. The Caofeidian wetland, located in the city of Tangshan, is an important spot for the migratory bird species which is under first-class national protection and is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A flock of oriental white storks forage during their southward migration at Caofeidian wetland in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2021. The Caofeidian wetland, located in the city of Tangshan, is an important spot for the migratory bird species which is under first-class national protection and is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

A flock of oriental white storks fly during their southward migration at Caofeidian wetland in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2021. The Caofeidian wetland, located in the city of Tangshan, is an important spot for the migratory bird species which is under first-class national protection and is listed as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 16:03:25|Editor: huaxia

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A low-flying AFM (Armed Forces of Malta) aircraft is seen at the Remembrance Day commemoration held at the War Monument just outside Valletta, Malta, on Nov. 14, 2021. Malta on Sunday held the commemoration, known as Remembrance Day, to remember victims who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars, with the participation of a restricted number of ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta, owing to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)



Ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta participate in the Remembrance Day commemoration held at the War Monument just outside Valletta, Malta, on Nov. 14, 2021. Malta on Sunday held the commemoration, known as Remembrance Day, to remember victims who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars, with the participation of a restricted number of ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta, owing to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

Ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta participate in the Remembrance Day commemoration held at the War Monument just outside Valletta, Malta, on Nov. 14, 2021. Malta on Sunday held the commemoration, known as Remembrance Day, to remember victims who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars, with the participation of a restricted number of ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta, owing to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

Ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta participate in the Remembrance Day commemoration held at the War Monument just outside Valletta, Malta, on Nov. 14, 2021. Malta on Sunday held the commemoration, known as Remembrance Day, to remember victims who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars, with the participation of a restricted number of ex-servicemen and a smaller contingent of the Armed Forces of Malta, owing to COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 19:15:23|Editor: huaxia

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Overseas returnees communicate with employers at a job fair during the 19th Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP) in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China has created 11.33 million new jobs in its urban areas during the first 10 months of this year, achieving the target for the whole year in advance.

From January to October, the country's surveyed urban unemployment rate averaged 5.1 percent, said Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday.

China's surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 4.9 percent in October, 0.4 percentage points lower than the same period last year, NBS data shows.

The surveyed urban unemployment rate is calculated based on the number of unemployed people who have participated in the employment survey in urban areas, including migrant workers in cities.

"The surveyed unemployment rate among those aged between 16 and 24 has dropped for three consecutive months, showing that the employment situation of young people is gradually improving," Fu said, adding that the main reason is the gradual increase in the employment of college students.

The rate among those aged between 25 and 59, the majority of the labor market, stood at 4.2 percent in October, the same level as in September.

The surveyed unemployment rate in 31 major cities was 5.1 percent last month, up 0.1 percentage points from that in September.

"The policy of stabilizing employment continued, and the employment situation was generally stable," Fu noted.

The country has promised to fully deliver the tax and fee cuts already introduced and curb arbitrary charges so as to support market entities in preventing unemployment and job losses.

It also worked to strengthen the employment-first policy, and boost employment for key job-hunting groups, including college graduates, veterans and migrant workers.

China's State Council has released a plan this year on boosting employment for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), vowing to add over 55 million new urban jobs in the next five years. 
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 19:23:04|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, sent a congratulatory letter to the 6th China-Africa People's Forum, which opened in Beijing on Monday.

Noting that the world is in an era of great development and great change, Xi said China and Africa, facing new opportunities and challenges, need to further uphold and carry forward peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity.

The two sides should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, promote prosperity and development, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.

Xi called for enhancing the forum's role as a bridge in helping consolidate the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, promote understanding between peoples, and fulfill the concept of a China-Africa community with a shared future. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 19:47:19|Editor: huaxia

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by Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The agreement between Egypt and Israel on increasing Egyptian border forces in a restive northern part of the Sinai Peninsula will benefit the two sides at the security level and push forward rooting extremist threats there, according to political and military experts.

"It is a win-win decision for the two neighbors," said Samir Farag, an Egyptian senior military expert.

The Egyptian military said last week that a joint military committee with Israel agreed to amend a security agreement between the two countries, increasing the number and capabilities of border guards near the Rafah border with the Gaza Strip.

Egyptian armed forces spokesperson Gharib Abdel-Hafez said that the security deal is an annex to the 1979 Camp David Peace Accords signed by late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and then Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, allowing Egypt to maintain a civilian police force only in the eastern strip of the Sinai Peninsula.

The peace agreement between the two sides restricted Egypt's military presence along the border towns with Israel.

For many years, Egypt has battled terrorists in northern Sinai, but anti-security attacks have expanded since the military-led ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following the mass protests against his one-year rule.

"Deploying more Egyptian troops in the town of Rafah is in a bid to strengthen national security," Farag, also a former manager of the defense ministry's moral affairs department, told Xinhua.

He explained that the Camp David Accords stipulated dividing Sinai into three zones: A for complete military presence, B for border guard forces, and C for civil police forces.

Zone C is the area nearest to the shared border with Israel.

Israel has now officially given the Egyptian military greater control over the border area, which is a significant step for beefing up confidence in the Egyptian armed forces that made the northeastern borders of Egypt safe after years of threats and terrorism, according to Farag.

Wilayat Sinai, a Sinai-based group affiliated with the Islamic State, has posed security threats to both Egypt and Israel, the military expert highlighted.

Farag added that the Egyptian armed forces in recent years have been fighting to uproot terrorism in the triangle of Rafah, el-Arish and Sheikh Zuweid towns, which are located in zone C.

"But we had to seek permission from Israel before deploying military forces according to the Camp David Accords," he said, adding that based on the new amendment, Egypt's military forces are allowed to be dispatched permanently.

Meanwhile, Tariq Fahmy, professor of political sciences with Cairo University, pointed out that amending the security deal is a political rather than a military decision.

It is the first time to amend the peace accord, a move that will open the door for other possible amendments in the future, Fahmy said, noting that the decision signals stable Egyptian-Israeli relations and the keenness of both countries for advancing the bilateral ties.

The decision came after a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sept. 13 in Sharm el-Sheikh, a Red Sea resort city in Sinai, and both the agreement and Bennett's visit are clear signs of the warming bilateral relations, Fahmy said.

On the other hand, Samir Ragheb, chairman of the Arab Institution for Development and Strategic Studies, termed the security amendment deal as "legalizing the current status."

Since 2011, Egypt has dispatched troops to zone C on many occasions to curb the terrorist elements, and the Israeli side hasn't opposed the increasing military presence, he said, adding that over the past 10 years Egypt and Israel have coordinated security efforts in this regard.

"Israel, already targeted by Hamas and Hezbollah, needed to root out the extremist threats in northern Sinai," Ragheb said, adding that the latest security agreement will benefit the two countries. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 21:21:07|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Eleven kidnapped persons have been rescued by police operatives from a hideout of gunmen following an anti-kidnapping operation in the northern state of Katsina, the police said on Monday.

In a statement sent to Xinhua, Gambo Isa, a spokesman for the police in Katsina, said the victims were rescued on Sunday, two days after they were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen who attacked the Sabon Garin Safana village in the Safana local government area of Katsina.

The kidnap was carried out by bandits, as gunmen are commonly called in the northern part of Nigeria, Isa said.

He said the team also recovered an operational motorcycle belonging to the bandits.

Police operatives further thwarted an attack by bandits in the Gidan Duka village of the Kankara local government area of the state on Sunday, he said, adding the gunmen engaged the police in a gunfight before escaping into a nearby forest.

"Efforts are in top gear with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the crime, while an investigation is ongoing," the police spokesman added.

Armed banditry has been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 22:26:16|Editor: huaxia

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LUSAKA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday left for South Africa to attend this year's Intra-African Trade Fair with a call on African countries to tackle issues aimed at easing business.

In remarks delivered before leaving, the Zambian president said he will use the occasion to attract investment for the country.

"Our mission is to make a case of Zambia as an investment destination in our role as chief marketing officer. The investment we are looking for will be that which is willing to partner with Zambians on a joint venture basis," he said.

According to him, the fair provides a platform for business-to-business and government-to-government discussions, adding that his ascendancy was part of the government's economic diplomacy agenda.

The theme for this year's event focuses on the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Area.

The Zambian president said his government has placed a high value on economic diplomacy because it appreciated the importance of international linkages.

He said it was important to attract investment if the country was to create jobs and reduce poverty.

The 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 21.

Held every two years, the event provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market opportunities. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 22:29:52|Editor: huaxia

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BAMAKO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Four Malian soldiers and six terrorists were killed in an attack on a Malian army security post in the northwest of the country, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) said in a statement Sunday on their official website.

The post that was attacked is Guire sector 6, Nara region, the statement said, adding that the FAMa vigorously repelled this attack by an armed terrorist group and the provisional toll was four dead and 14 wounded on the side of FAMa and six dead in the ranks of the assailants.

The latest attack came after 27 members of the FAMa, one UN soldier and about 20 terrorists were killed in various attacks in Mali in October, announced in early November the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Armed Forces in its monthly report on the country's security situation.

Since 2012, Mali has been facing multifaceted security, political and economic crisis. The independence insurrections, the jihadist incursions and the inter-communal violence have caused thousands of deaths and left hundreds of thousands of people displaced, despite the presence of UN (MINUSMA) and European forces. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 23:28:37|Editor: huaxia

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TRIPOLI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday that nearly 800 illegal migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast and returned to Libya in the past week.

From Nov. 7 to 13, 791 migrants were rescued or intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, the IOM said.

So far in 2021, a total of 29,427 illegal migrants, including women and children, have been rescued, while 490 died and 736 went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route, according to the IOM.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.

Rescued migrants end up inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 23:42:41|Editor: huaxia

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ABUJA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 people were killed by armed bandits who attacked villages across two local government areas in Nigeria's northwestern state of Sokoto, a senior official said on Monday.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, governor of the Sokoto state, who confirmed the attacks, told state lawmakers and reporters in the capital city of Sokoto, that the attacks took place Sunday night till the early hours of Monday in the Illela and Goronyo local government areas.

"My condolences to the people of Illela and Goronyo where we lost 12 people in Illela and three in Goronyo, owing to banditry attacks that were carried out last night through this (Monday) morning," Tambuwal said.

Armed banditry has been a primary security threat in Nigeria's northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months.

In September, the Nigerian military operations against the bandits were intensified with a sudden shutdown of the telecommunications services in Sokoto and other neighboring states in the country's northwest region.

The government of Sokoto had also banned weekly markets in Illela and Goronyo to hinder the activities of bandits. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 23:53:59|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral issues via a phone call on Monday, according to the Egyptian presidency office.

"In a phone conversation, the two leaders addressed cooperation in the economic, industrial, and energy fields," Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The two presidents also reviewed the progress of El Dabaa nuclear power plant in northwestern Egypt as well as the establishment of the Russian Industrial Zone, east of Port Said, Rady added.

Putin confirmed his country's commitment to advancing the cooperation between the two countries on regional and international issues.

For his part, the Egyptian President said that he valued the longstanding partnership with Russia, which was concluded with a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two countries.

"The agreement opened up new prospects for bilateral cooperation in several joint ventures," Rady added.

The two presidents also discussed the development of regional and international issues. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 00:04:02|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Monday with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson means of advancing cooperation between the two sides in migration.

The two top diplomats agreed on creating paths for legitimate migration based on the EU's market needs of clever Egyptian workers, said Ahmed Hafez, spokesperson of Egypt's Foreign Ministry.

"The cooperation comes in light of Egypt's position as a destination, crossing and source of migrants," Hafez added.

Shourky stressed the importance of finding legal means for migrants and providing aid for the refugees as one of the solutions to the migration phenomenon.

"Egypt hosts six million refugees and migrants who enjoy similar services provided for the Egyptians," said the spokesman, adding the Egyptian government has applied an approach based on respecting the rights of the refugees and the migrants by integrating them into the Egyptian society and eliminating all forms of discrimination against them.

For his part, Johansson emphasized the EU's support for Egypt in combating the illegal migration and in hosting the migrants and refugees. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 01:07:43|Editor: huaxia

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by Gretinah Machingura

HARARE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe continues to score major milestones in its COVID-19 vaccination program, with reports that government workers are now fully vaccinated.

In September, the government made it mandatory for all its workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of wider measures to ramp up vaccination and ensure the country achieves herd immunity by year-end.

Government nudged the workers by indicating that those who do not get vaccinated will not receive their salaries.

On Sunday, Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima confirmed that all civil servants in the country had been inoculated, saying that the vaccine uptake within the public service was indication of the efficacy of government's "no work, no pay" policy.

He said the government workplace is now a safer place for the people, and this should help to boost productivity.

Zimbabwe is targeting to inoculate 10 million people out of a population of about 14 million, and to date, 3,468,344 people have received their first jabs and 2,696,516 have got their second jabs.

The second largest city of Bulawayo is leading in terms of vaccination rates with 47.7 percent as of Nov. 2, followed by Matabeleland North Province with 42.4 percent.

The capital Harare had a vaccination rate of 29.7 percent.

With Zimbabwe being one of the leading countries in Africa as far as vaccinations are concerned, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently revealed that the country had since acquired about 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, enough for almost 10 million people targeted for vaccination by year-end.

Impetus has been added to the vaccination program after government recently directed that children aged 16 and 17 should be vaccinated with China's Sinovac vaccine.

Authorities have already set in motion plans to set up vaccination centers in schools to quicken the pace of vaccination.

By Sunday, Zimbabwe had recorded 133,438 COVID-19 cases including 128,287 recoveries and 4,697 deaths.

Ncube last week said the country hoped to flatten the curve as the vaccination program is being rolled out.

"The government also appreciates the role industry played in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through workplace safety, supporting the vaccination drive, supporting the government in cash and kind. Together we managed to contain the severity of the pandemic on our economy," Ncube said.

Ncube said the economy is expected to rebound and grow by 7.8 percent in 2021, after two years of recession, buoyed by a successful 2020-21 agricultural season and the vaccination program. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 15:22:51|Editor: huaxia

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Sanitation workers clean the site of a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2021. At least two civilians were wounded in a bomb attack targeting Taliban security forces in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan on Monday, a witness said. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)

KABUL, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least two civilians were wounded in a bomb attack targeting Taliban security forces in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan on Monday, a witness said.

The blast occurred during the rush hours in the morning near a wedding hall in Kot-e-Sangi locality in Police District 5 in western Kabul, eyewitness Mohammad Nabi told Xinhua.

"The nature of the blast was presumably a sticky bomb attack and the explosion occurred when the Taliban vehicle was passing by," he said.

It was not immediately known if any Taliban member aboard the vehicle was affected in the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Kabul has witnessed a series of terror attacks by militants affiliated with Islamic State (IS) against the Afghan caretaker government since Taliban's takeover of the country in mid August.

On Saturday, a journalist was killed and four people were wounded when a sticky bomb attached to a public minibus exploded in western Kabul. Enditem

The site of a bomb attack is pictured in Kabul, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2021. At least two civilians were wounded in a bomb attack targeting Taliban security forces in Kabul on Monday, a witness said. (Photo by Kabir/Xinhua)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 21:28:28|Editor: huaxia

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KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian pharmaceutical company Pharmaniaga on Monday announced its entry into the vaccine export market, following the delivery of localized Chinese COVID-19 vaccines to Myanmar.

The initial order was some 200,000 doses of locally filled-and-finished CoronaVac vaccine to be delivered in several batches, manufactured by its wholly-owned subsidiary Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd (PLS) at its European Union certified high-tech plant. The first batch was delivered to Myanmar on Nov. 13, the company said in a statement.

Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac and Malaysia's Pharmaniaga in January signed an agreement on cooperation in localizing the fill-and-finish process of Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine, a move marking a milestone in Malaysia's pharmaceutical industry.

The vaccines will be marketed in Myanmar by Hemas Mandalar Pharmaceuticals Ltd and will be supplied to two private hospitals owned by Hemas Mandalar in Yangon, with the delivery made upon the approval of the vaccine by Myanmar's Food and Drugs Authority.

Pharmaniaga group managing director Zulkarnain Md Eusope said the collaboration with Hemas Mandalar would help accelerate Myanmar's private market vaccination program.

"This opportunity to collaborate with one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Myanmar will hopefully further strengthen our business relationship that has recently been established and perhaps develop successful new businesses by fully utilizing both of our strengths in the future," he said.

"The war against the pandemic requires a global effort that crosses all borders, and Pharmaniaga is committed with all the expertise and capabilities to support it," he said.

"We also wish to express thank you to our international partner, Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd., for their continuous support, trust and technology transfer opportunity to manufacture, fill-and-finish Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia as well as an ongoing halal vaccine," he said.

To date, Pharmaniaga has distributed a total of 20.4 million doses of both finished and filled-and-finished Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines to 10 million or 38.7 percent of the population in Malaysia. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 21:51:33|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen via video link, and promised that China will continue to provide support and assistance within its capacity to Cambodia for pandemic prevention and control, economic recovery and the improvement of people's livelihoods.

Noting that China and Cambodia are close neighbors with a profound traditional friendship, Li said that practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields has achieved continuous progress.

China attaches great importance to developing China-Cambodia ties, and will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Li said.

Li said that China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with Cambodia and consistently consolidate mutual political trust. He said that China hopes the two sides will take the opportunity that is presented by the commencement of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-Cambodia free trade agreement (FTA) to further dovetail their development strategies, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, production capacity, the economy and trade.

China is willing to work with Cambodia to promote regional economic integration, and the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment to bring more benefits to the two countries and the region, Li said.

"China is ready to work with Cambodia to increase trade in agricultural products and import more quality agricultural products from Cambodia," Li said, adding that China supports Cambodia in hosting the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit to further promote practical cooperation between Asia and Europe.

China firmly supports ASEAN's centrality in the regional architecture, supports ASEAN in playing a bigger role in regional and international affairs, and supports Cambodia in assuming the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year to promote the greater development of China-ASEAN relations, the premier said.

Hun Sen said that Cambodia and China are iron friends who have always stood firmly together in difficult times. The Cambodian side thanked China for providing strong support and assistance for Cambodia's economic and social development, and said China's achievements in pandemic prevention and control, as well as economic recovery, were highly appreciated.

He said that the two sides have made positive progress in overcoming the impact of the pandemic through cooperation in various fields. Cambodia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in agriculture, infrastructure, public health, education and culture, and hopes to ensure that the Cambodia-China FTA will take effect as scheduled next year to lift bilateral trade to a new high.

Cambodia is ready to step up coordination and cooperation with China to push for positive outcomes at the ASEM summit and upgrade China-ASEAN relations, he added.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the meeting. Enditem

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen via video link in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 00:50:57|Editor: huaxia

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will extend the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) arrangement to include India, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Health said in a press release on Monday.

The VTLs with India and Indonesia will start to work from Nov. 29, and those with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be launched on Dec. 6.

To date, Singapore has launched VTLs with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Britain, and the United States, said the health ministry.

Singapore will also launch VTLs with Malaysia, Finland, and Sweden from Nov. 29.

According to the health ministry, travelers under the VTL arrangement are not subject to Stay-Home Notice (SHN) on arrival. Instead, they will be required to produce a negative result of Pre-Departure Test taken within two days prior to departure and undergo an on-arrival PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.

On Monday, Singapore's health ministry reported 2,069 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally to 239,272. Meanwhile, eight more cases, aged from 71 to 96, were reported to have died from COVID-19 in the Southeast Asian country, taking the coronavirus death toll to 594. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 15:34:06|Editor: huaxia

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MINSK, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makei has told the European Union (EU) that his country would try to reduce the migrant flows from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to the EU.

He made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the BelTA News Agency reported on Sunday.

Both sides confirmed their intention to end the migration crisis in an early date, the report said.

The EU is considering imposing new sanctions on carriers connecting Minsk with destinations in the Middle East, as migrants came to the EU's eastern border in Poland through Minsk.

Poland has put troops on high alert along the Polish-Belarusian border, after a large group of refugees are stranded on the border, seeking for asylum.

Belarus is prepared to respond to Western pressure and sanctions with the most severe measures, Makei told Russian journalists on Friday.

The EU has been blaming Belarus for the current refugee crisis and issued packages of sanction against the country, while according to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the sanctions have dented his country's capability to tackle the crisis. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 22:34:09|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to assist in resolving the migrant crisis on the Poland-Belarus border, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Russia will fulfill the role of a "mediator" in the negotiations, Peskov told a daily briefing.

He refuted U.S. claims about Russia's involvement in the escalating tensions and use of the situation to divert attention from the situation in Ukraine.

Peskov also said it was fundamentally wrong to blame Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the problem.

He criticized the West for ignoring the humanitarian side of the issue, turning a blind eye to thousands of the refugees who are now trying to survive in the cold weather.

Since earlier this month, thousands of refugees from the Middle East and other regions have arrived at the Belarusian side of the border in an attempt to enter Poland and then Germany to seek asylum.

Poland has put troops on high alert along the border.

Similar tensions also appear on the Belarus-Latvia and Belarus-Lithuania borders.

It is the Western countries themselves who caused the crisis, because they fought many years in Iraq and Afghanistan and meanwhile high social benefits are attracting migrants, Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 00:05:34|Editor: huaxia

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GRODNO, Belarus, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The temperature is close to zero in the evening. Several young refugees are washing their hair with cold water by the fire, helping each other trim beards to look better in front of the camera during interviews.

At the border between Belarus and Poland, in a forest far from settlements of both countries, many refugees longing for entering Germany and other rich European Union (EU) countries are struggling in the cold winter with ambiguous future prospects.

On the side of the barbed wire stretching for hundreds of meters along the border, children are chasing each other around camping tents and shelters -- which are built of twigs and dry grass and swaying in freezing winds -- laughing, while adults are not so blessed though.

Two middle-aged men lifted the trunk of a log and then released it to chop the wood by gravity. Making a fire with wood is the only way to keep warm for these people in the harsh winter. Several other refugees are heating a 500-ml thermos on the fire, waiting for a sip of hot water. A father is taking his four-month-old baby to the food tent.

Since earlier this month, thousands of refugees from the Middle East and other regions have arrived at the Belarusian side of the border in an attempt to enter Poland and then Germany to seek asylum. With the increasing number of refugees, Poland has intensified presence of police and border guards to prevent them from entering the country.

The weather is getting colder and people are starting to fall sick, said an Iraqi Kurdish high school math teacher calling himself Karzan, whose family raised 1,000 U.S. dollars to support him to seek asylum in Germany as life in his hometown had become too difficult.

According to Karzan, the intermediary company promised that he would be able to cross the border of Germany three days after arriving in Belarus. He was promised: "Tomorrow the border will open at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and you can go to Poland and then to Germany. The government promised."

After checking with Belarusian border guards, the Xinhua reporter got the answer: "The refugees do not know where this news came from, but rumors are in the air."

Expressing concern over the current migrant crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier that the Western policy toward the Middle East and North Africa had led to the tensions.

The Belarusian side has expressed its readiness for a dialogue with EU politicians on the migrant crisis. On Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ordered to set up tents in places where refugees gather and distribute humanitarian aid to refugees, paying special attention to the needs of women and children.

The Belarusian Red Cross and other departments recently brought food, clothes and medical supplies to the refugees gathering site.

Two refugees from Cameroon told reporters that they had already spent all their money, expressing the hope that relevant parties could "pay attention to our demands" under international human rights law and refugee law.

On Sunday, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell confirmed their intention to end the migration crisis at an early date. However, the EU on Monday decided to impose new sanctions on carriers connecting Minsk with destinations in the Middle East, as migrants came to the EU's eastern border in Poland through Minsk.

In response to the latest move of the EU, Lukashenko has promised new and unspecified retaliation. "We will defend ourselves," he said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 05:44:32|Editor: huaxia

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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell attends a press conference after the meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 15, 2021. Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) have agreed on new sanctions against Belarus over the migrant crisis, the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) have agreed on new sanctions against Belarus over the migrant crisis, the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday.

Addressing a press conference after the ministers' meeting, he said the new set of sanctions had been "politically adopted" and "will be finalized in the coming days." The sanctions will affect "quite an important number" of individuals and entities, he added.

"By expanding the scope of the sanctions, we will be able to target those responsible for exploiting vulnerable migrants and for facilitating illegal border crossing into the EU," Borrell said.

The EU has been blaming Belarus for the current migrant crisis at its external borders. Belarus has denied the accusation and expressed its readiness for dialogue.

BelTA News Agency reported on Sunday that Belarusian Foreign Affairs Minister Vladimir Makei had told the EU that his country would try to reduce migrant flows from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to the EU.

Borrell said Monday that he had spoken to Makei and demanded that assistance should be given to provide humanitarian aid to the stranded migrants.

Also on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held a phone conversation on the situation at the border, especially regarding humanitarian aid for the migrants there, according to media reports.

So far, 166 individuals and 15 entities have been designated under the EU's sanctions on Belarus, according to the bloc's external action service. According to Lukashenko, the sanctions have dented his country's ability to tackle the crisis.

Meanwhile, Poland's deputy interior minister said Monday that thousands of migrants were trying to cross from Belarus into Poland near the Kuznica border crossing.

"Thousands of migrants have moved from their camp to the closed Kuznica crossing under the supervision of Belarusian security forces," Maciej Wasik wrote on Twitter, adding that the Polish authorities were "ready for every scenario."

The Polish Defense Ministry said that the number of migrants gathered at Kuznica has been steadily growing. The latest reports estimated their number at between 2,000 and 4,000. Enditem

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell attends a press conference after the meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 15, 2021. Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) have agreed on new sanctions against Belarus over the migrant crisis, the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell attends a press conference after the meeting of foreign ministers of the European Union in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 15, 2021. Foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) have agreed on new sanctions against Belarus over the migrant crisis, the bloc's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 06:21:25|Editor: huaxia

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DUBLIN, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's hospital system is straining under the weight of surging COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions, said a public health official here on Monday.

Anne O'Connor, chief operations officer with the state agency Health Service Executive (HSE), told local media that hospitals are reaching full capacity, with only 94 beds available across the country.

There has been a 25-percent increase in hospital admissions in the last week, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions during the period went up 41 percent, said O'Connor in an interview with the Irish national radio and television broadcaster RTE.

People coming into hospital with COVID-19 are in a worse condition this time around, she said, adding that 81 out of the 117 COVID-19 patients currently being treated in ICUs require ventilation.

According to the HSE, there are only just over 200 ICU beds in the country's public hospital system.

The Irish Department of Health on Monday reported 4,570 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 622 patients being treated in hospitals, with 117 of these in ICUs.

These figures are the highest since the current wave of infections hit the country in mid-July, when the daily number of cases jumped over 1,000.

Earlier in the day, the Irish Department of Health published a "Winter Preparedness Plan", in which it plans to add over 200 hospital beds by the end of next March. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-16 06:26:21|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to discuss the migrant crisis on the borders between Belarus and the European Union (EU) as well as the situation in east Ukraine.

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin noted "the extremely harsh treatment of refugees by Polish border guards" and informed Macron of his recent contacts with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on the migrant crisis.

Putin urged the leaderships of Belarus and the EU countries to hold talks directly on the issue.

The leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in the settlement of the conflict in east Ukraine's Donbass.

Putin pointed to "the provocative nature" of the large-scale exercises conducted by the United States and its allies in the Black Sea, which have raised tensions between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

As for Russia-France ties, Putin and Macron praised the regular meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries in Paris on Nov. 12.

The presidents spoke in favor of continuing bilateral dialogue on military-political issues. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-11-15 18:26:32|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden will meet via video link to have candid and in-depth discussions on strategic issues concerning the future of China-U.S. relations and important issues of common concern, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday.

Zhao made the remarks during a news briefing when asked to comment on the upcoming virtual meeting between the two presidents.

As agreed by each side, Xi will meet with Biden on the morning of Nov. 16 (Beijing Time), Zhao said.

Zhao noted that as China-U.S. relations are now at a critical crossroads, this virtual meeting is a crucial event in China-U.S. relations and international relations. It is the shared hope of the two countries and the international community that the meeting will yield outcomes beneficial to both nations and the world.

It is hoped that the United States will work with China to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, effectively manage differences, properly handle sensitive issues, and explore the way of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between the two major countries in the new era, to bring bilateral relations back on the right track of sound and stable development, Zhao said. Enditem
THE High Court yesterday ordered the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) to call off Students Executive Council (SEC) elections at the institution until a matter in which a student is challenging her disqualification from participation in the elections was resolved.

ZEGU was taken to court after some aspiring candidates were disqualified on the grounds that they were not members of Zaoga church, could not speak in tongues and were not spirit-filled.

The elections were supposed to be held on November 12, but they were challenged on November 10.

In her ruling, High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora yesterday ordered the university to halt the elections after one of the affected students, Modester Zinhanga, filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court.

The student is challenging her disqualification from contesting in the SEC elections on the basis that she is not a member of Zaoga, and did not show any evidence of speaking in tongues.

She is being represented by advocate Wilbert Mandinde, who is being instructed by Isheanesu Chirisa and Noble Chinhanu of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

Tichaona Marume of Marume Furidzo Legal Practitioners appeared for the university.

The university also alleged that Zinhanga had not proved that she was a born-again Christian, and that she was spirit-filled.

To protect the integrity of the electoral process, Justice Chinamora ordered the university to suspend the elections until Zinhangas case was finalised.

The matter will be heard on the November 19, 2021. Recently, the university, run by Zaoga church, amended section 9 of the students handbook which introduced the new requirements that only church members would contest for SEC posts.

Zinhanga argued that the universitys decision would derail her in her quest to prepare and expose herself to the main framework of national politics and governance, which she said was her career path.

She also argued that the new measures were discriminatory and violated section 56 of the national Constitution.

The university, through its dean Zacharia Zunguze, in its notice of opposition, rubbished Zinhangas claims, arguing the institution does not train politicians. Newsday
EFFORTS by President Emmerson Mnangagwas government to get the Church of Englands Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to seek help for the removal of sanctions face headwinds after the cleric said there would be no mercy for thieves looting the countrys resources.

Welby met clergymen from Zimbabwe that formed part of Mnangagwas bloated delegation of about 100 officials who flew to Glasgow, Scotland, early this month to attend the COP26 climate summit.

But, in a video of the meeting, the archbishops response was clear that any form of sanctions relief would only benefit the poorest and not those stealing what was not theirs from the country.

The clerics were tasked to meet Welby to make a case against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United Kingdom (UK), which they claimed had been stymying Zimbabwes normal, interactive development since 2000.

The present sanctions are crippling the poor, Andrew Wutawunashe said during the meeting.

Even now, we had the UN [United Nations] rapporteur who came and confirmed the same, investigated everything and discovered that the sanctions are actually doing the same, destroying infrastructure that is supposed to be for the poor and common people and destroying employment.

Now we are requesting your voices and we felt in particular that your voice, if you are able to make a request you would help us, you would help political powers that be to have a bit of conscience for the suffering of the poor.

In a terse response, Welby said he would go through the document which the Zimbabwe delegation penned, titled Sanctions Relief Initiative, and discuss with relevant authorities, while insisting that the move would only be meant to protect the poor.

Thank you very much. This is very, very important. I will obviously read this later today. I will discuss it with people here and see how we can advocate for the poorest while ensuring that those who steal from the country what is not theirs, be themselves not the beneficiaries (and) dont benefit from the relief of the sanctions, he said.

The Zimbabwean government described the meeting with Welby as a breakthrough.

The Zimbabwean clergymen that engaged Welby included Wutaunashe, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Churches Sanctions Relief Initiative, Roman Catholic priest Father Fidelis Mukonori, Zion Christian Church leader and patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches, bishop Nehimiah Mutendi, reverend Felix Mukonowengwe of Harvest Time Ministries and member of the Elders Forum, Elizabeth Karonga of the Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Zimbabwe Elders Forum, bishop Peter Zvanaka Mukwena of Worldwide Family of God Church, bishop Trevor Manhanga of Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Zimbabwe and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, and bishop Farai Katsande of the Zimbabwe Council of Pentecostal Churches.

The UK has insisted that the targeted measures will only go after the Zanu PF-led government ends human rights abuses and corruption, which it says were causing economic hardships.

Last year, the UK added onto its sanctions list members of the securocrats that include former Presidential Guard boss Anselem Sanyatwe, Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo and Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga for their alleged involvement in human rights violations. Newsday


PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called on the rural folk to be on the look-out against some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that set base in communities with ulterior motives which have no benefit for the people.

In his address at the launch of the 2021/22 Pfumvudza farming programme in Gokwe recently, the President said Government is committed to the improvement of lives of people especially in rural areas which have been mostly marginalised.

However, the once marginalised communities are being taken on board as President Mnangagwa lives his promise that no place or area should be left behind in terms of development.

But as communities develop, there is always need for vigilance against some NGOs that are bent on interfering in Zimbabwes internal matters under the guise of humanitarian aid.

Report any new NGOs to your Minister of State so that it is established whether the NGO is for the good or not. If you just accept such NGOs you end up regretting because some have ulterior motives and you may lend yourselves in trouble, the President said.

The call by the President comes at a time when meddlesome NGOs, working closely with the opposition and some Western embassies have been abusing their status to interfere in the countrys domestic affairs to push for regime change.

This has prompted Parliament to come up with the Private Voluntary Organisation Amendment Bill which was gazetted last week.

The Bill seeks to, among other things, penalise NGOs that dabble in politics and which have previously been used by the US and other Western nations to fund regime change.

Already, and ahead of the 2023 polls, the US through USAID, had set aside US$5 million to fund NGOs under the guise of promoting rule of law, constitutionalism, and democracy.

The Bill that was gazetted last week seeks to amend section 10 of the principal by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (e) as follows  (e1) when any private voluntary organisation that supports or opposes any political party or candidate in a presidential, parliamentary or local government election or is a party to any breach of section 7 under Part III of the Political Parties (Finance) Act (Chapter 2:12) as a contributor of funds to a political party or candidate or otherwise shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both such fine or such imprisonment.

Government has in the past accused NGOs of abandoning their mandates by pursuing a political agenda in support of regime change.

Apart from barring NGOs from pursuing political lobbying the Bills Memorandum says the amendments are also being made, to comply with the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) recommendations made to Zimbabwe.

Further to this, it has also become necessary to streamline administrative procedures for private voluntary organisations to allow for efficient regulation and registration. Herald
HUNDREDS of teachers yesterday downed tools to launch their 12-day strike over poor salaries and conditions of service, but government claimed that the protest was largely unheeded.

Teachers unions said they were mobilising for a coalition to unite and strengthen their arguments when they air their grievances.

Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (Fozeu), an umbrella body for teachers representatives, yesterday announced that unions were uniting to speak with one voice. Fozeu chairperson Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that all unions were very positive about the united front.

We want to sit down together as unions, and share ideas on how our concerns could be addressed. Teachers have been suffering for decades and the call for government to take heed of their calls has escalated. Teachers are professionals who cannot continue surviving like beggars, Masaraure said.

He said the unions also insisted that they would not supervise the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations which are due to start next week, if government does not pay them invigilating allowances since they consider it an extra job.

On behalf of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz), for which he is president, Masaraure claimed that 92% of their members did not report for duty yesterday to compel government to address their concerns.

Congratulations to the teachers of Zimbabwe for once again defying the odds and embarking on a successful job action, he said in a statement.

Percentage attendance in schools dropped to an average of 57% across the country. 92% of the members of Artuz took heed of the call to withdraw labour. From the pool of Artuz membership, only school heads are in schools. The ongoing 12 days of action are also receiving massive support and endorsement from the nation at large.

The Zimbabwe National Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Zinatu) said its members had resolved to join other teachers in the ongoing strike, following wide consultations.

We are actually building up from our consultations with our general membership as leadership so we can concretise their resolutions as we also share our position with member unions. Our membership is the ultimate voice of the union that speaks louder than an individual opinion. Our members are incapacitated to report for duty and we remain so until government shows its commitment to improve our welfare, Zinatu chief executive Manuel Nyawo said.

Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said only Artuz and Zinatu members failed to report for work, which was an insignificant number.

However, he said Primary and Secondary Education minister Evelyn Ndlovu was determined to improve the teachers welfare and urged teachers to be patient with her.

As of Friday, we had 94,08% of teachers reporting for duty and that is very encouraging, with about 145 000 teachers in the country against Artuz (386) and Zinatu (50), who form a combined membership of 436 which is roughly 0,3% of the teacher establishment, Ndoro said.

Our reaction basically, as a ministry is that let us not get ahead of ourselves and do the best we can to offer quality, relevant and inclusive education to our learners in order to achieve Vision 2030. Our minister Ndlovu has repeatedly said one of her key priorities is to improve the welfare of our teachers. So, I urge members of the teaching fraternity to embrace the confidence shown by our minister about better days to come.

Public Service minister Paul Mavima refused to comment on governments plan to address the demands of the striking teachers.

Teachers fall under the Primary and Secondary Education ministry, hence the ministry is better placed to respond to your questions, Mavima said.

Other teachers unions like the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) said the coalition was essential.

Zimta secretary-general Goodwill Taderera said: We might have different ideologies as unions, but if we are fighting for a common cause, that is to improve the welfare of our members, then we should unite and speak with one voice. Zimta has always been in support of unity with other teachers representatives and that is why we are part of the federation of education unions. We believe in unity to strengthen our call.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) also said it was mobilising for a united front of teachers to stop the continued abuse of teachers by Zimsec and government.

PTUZ wrote to the Zimsec board, notifying it that teachers would not invigilate the 2021 examinations if there was no agreement that they be get paid for the service.

By copy of this letter we, therefore, do hereby inform you that if there are no such contracts between Zimsec and teachers by the time the examinations start, our members will not be able to take part in invigilation processes, the PTUZ letter read.

We do make this declaration knowing that the law is on our side, and that the only reason teachers previously invigilated your examinations was it erroneously appeared as part of their job description when in actual fact it was not, hence our rightful and legitimate demand to be paid for the services rendered. PTUZ said teachers workload had also increased after the introduction of the continuous assessment learning activity, which means that everyone involved in examinations must be paid for their services. Newsday


THE Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) says its members will go on strike beginning today, a week before O and A Level students are due to sit for the November Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) examinations, to press government for a salary increase.

Zimsec examinations are scheduled to start on November 22 for O Level candidates, while A Level and Grade 7 examinations will commence on November 29.

Last week, government said it would pay its workers United States dollar bonuses up to US$700.

Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana told NewsDay that the strike would be retrogressive.

Artuz president Obert Masaraure said their withdrawal of services was a result of reluctance by government to listen to their concerns.

Artuz has made a pledge for total withdrawal of labour starting on November 15, 2021 until November 27, 2021 after extensive consultation with our membership nationwide, and communication of such has been shared with the membership, public, relevant stakeholders and the government, he said.

The major thrust of this decision and the impending action is informed by the continued reluctance by the employer to engage with teachers to review our pathetic and meagre salaries. Teachers are suffering a lot and being continually ordered to sacrifice is an insult of the highest order. We will no longer be driven to the abyss of slavery and lack of recognition for the value of our work.

The momentum is on our side, the law is on our side and we should not be intimidated by an unfocused and uncaring parasitic employer who masquerades as a hero to everyone but in actual fact is just a sophisticated version of a slave regime.

Masaraure said parents should not send their children to school in solidarity with the educators.

Things are coming to a head tomorrow. Teachers in Zimbabwe are not demanding El Dorado, but are demanding a living wage in line with the agreement of the pre-2018 October salaries, he said.

Yesterday, Mangwana said government was not aware of the strike action, but described it as retrogressive.

We are not aware of the strike, but there are many teachers unions. If one group decides not to cover the examinations, I am sure some groups will cover it. I am simply saying this without saying names of unions, but I am sure some will not agree to it, he said.

Not all teachers will agree with leveraging school pupils. Its like holding a knife on the throat of a child and threatening the government that you will kill the pupil. As government, we are not aware of this, but why would teachers go on strike at such a time.

Last week, Public Service and Labour minister Paul Mavima told NewsDay that government was still negotiating with civil servants over their salary demands.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said his union would stand with Artuz.

We are expecting the government to show seriousness. The newly-appointed Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu, was supposed to sit down and check for areas that need serious attention, for instance the welfare of teachers in the current situation. Recruiting more teachers will not address the fundamental problems that teachers are facing, he said.

Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu accused government of not engaging trade unions to hear their concerns.

We do not have a listening government and all it ever does is sideline us whenever it makes decisions. It thinks we are not important at all, he said. Newsday
You can have your mother and sisters petition for you as well. The law allows you to have several immigrant visa cases pending simultaneously. Im guessing that you are over 21. If you stay unmarried, it will take six to eight years for you to get a green card based on your mothers petition. Through your sister, it could take 20 years or more.
I was getting underpaid ... and at the same time the company is making a lot of money, he said. What were saying is, can you just pay us better so well be happy and youll be able to recruit people and have good rapport with people who work for you.
On Sept. 30, 2018  a bit more than two months after his earlier arrest  cops confronted Lemus outside his girlfriends apartment building on Walton Ave. near E. 168th St. Police say they were responding to a 911 call reporting someone selling drugs, but cops in their depositions could not provide any more details about that call and the city could not provide any documentation of the call.
He was a very good kid, got his head on straight as far as school goes, said neighbor Omar Rahim, 42, who plays basketball with Jones twin brother. Its never something a parent wants to come home to or have the bad news of. . . . It hurts.
Alex Rivera was thrown from his 2013 Honda on E. 100th St. just west of Lexington Ave. about 5:55 p.m. on Nov. 4, cops said. The motorcycle fell on its side and skidded along the roadway
Sheriff Danny Brannen told local TV station WMAZ that the inmates were supposed to be in lockdown around 11 p.m. on Friday, and there were only two jailers working at the time.
Kyle Rittenhouse, right, looks on as the jury is let out of the room during a break during his trail at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Monday, Nov. 15. (Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News)
This is something the average person wouldnt do, Mayor Brandon Scott said at a press conference. And this is something that our officers do each and every day in the city of Baltimore.
Kyle did a good job. When he broke down, I broke down. The whole family broke down when he was breaking down. And I was just so scared for him and knowing, knowing that hes telling the truth, thats what he wanted to do, and I stood by him, and I will always stay by him.
Prosecutors rested their case last Tuesday after portraying the teen as a cold-blooded killer, not a patriot acting out of self-defense. His attorneys are contending that he felt threatened and fired off the assault-style rifle he was toting to stop himself from being harmed. He had driven from Antioch, Ill., to Kenosha with the aim of protecting businesses from unrest, he said at the time.
The news is making its way through the wine industry pretty quickly. Everyone is heartbroken, Alaina Dodds, co-owner of Lake District Wine Co. in Traverse, where Leese was a frequent customer, told The Detroit News. Kate is just one of those people you dont forget.Kate and Adam were just two powerhouses. They were inspirational. They were just getting started with what they wanted to do. Its tragic.
The top of the list though is the long-stalled Good Cause Eviction bill which would give tenants the right to lease renewals and prevent landlords from evicting a renter without a good reason. Under the bill, a judge decides if an eviction is for good cause, such as breaking the terms of a lease.
China has been aspiring to get control of Taiwan for the last 72 years, since 1949. We may have become a little overconfident because it hasnt happened, but things have changed dramatically, he told Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren.
Still, the states governor is a moderate Republican, Phil Scott. The 63-year-old governor said in a tweet that Leahy will be missed, adding that he has made immeasurable contributions to our state and nation, and nobody is more deserving of a long and happy retirement. (Scott is not expected to challenge for the seat.)
Turf disputes between drug gangs have been known to take place in Apaseo El Grande, which is located in the state of Guanajuato.
Police said Sunday that three men were arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with the blast, but officials at the time were still working to determine whether the incident would be considered an act of terrorism.
And of course, they understand the landscape, they see context, they see all sorts of things that keep our country safe and secure every single day and that work will continue.
A Connecticut judge ruled that Jones was liable in the case because he refused to turn over documents, including financial records, ordered by the court. The decision amounts to a clean sweep for the Sandy Hook families against the right-wing radio host. Families affected by the massacre have prevailed in three other defamation lawsuits, filed in Texas, against Jones for his repeated claims that the shooting in Newtown, Conn., was part of an elaborate plot, involving actors, to take Americans guns. Jones said
This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us at NPR, our member stations and the millions of listeners in the public radio family, the network said in a statement. Petras passion for her work, her love for her colleagues and her joy sharing books with public radio listeners have made a lasting impact.
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Auburn Universitys Kate Thornton was one of four public university scholars honored with 2021 Board on Human Sciences Awards from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, or APLU.

The director of the Office of Global Education in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn and international outreach director for the Hunger Solutions Institute, Thornton received the 2021 Outstanding Engagement Award, which recognizes an APLU member with exceptional creativity and scholarship in the development, application and evaluation of outreach, extension and public service programs.

Thornton earned two bachelors degrees  one in visual arts and one in biochemistry  from Clemson University in her native South Carolina, before being drawn to Auburn for a program the school offered in consumer sciences that allowed her to combine her love of science and art. While finishing her doctoral degree on the Plains, Thornton adopted two boys from Ethiopia, a country whose extreme poverty and hunger further increased her desire to help end hunger in the world.

The adoption process led me to become really passionate about sustainability, and how business can do well by doing good in society, she said. I wanted to commit my career to helping alleviate hunger and poverty wherever I could.

Thorntons efforts in developing academic coursework that provides students with the tools and knowledge to make the world a better place is part of what earned her the award. She is responsible for helping to develop one of the nations only minor in hunger studies as well as the Global Studies in Human Sciences Major and a new Master of Development Practice Program.

She also serves as the academic director of the Kirchner Food Fellowship program, which allows college students to gain real-world experience in impact investment by training them to invest in companies that are committed to advancing food equity and food security.

We take students from across the world, and help them grow from peripheral knowledge of impact investing to them actually deploying $50,000 of real money and buying an equity stake in a company with the goal of investing in companies that are going to get us one day closer to everybody having access to safe and nutritious food, Thornton said. Were really looking at resource-poor communities, and companies that work in them.

She believes that her secret sauce is to help students develop the skills needed to be successful, and then provide opportunities both in and out of the classroom to put those skills to use.

My philosophy on what I do is to build the right system, and then just get out of the way and let people shine, Thornton said. What I love doing is putting students in situations where they are interacting with real people who are making the world a better place, and giving the students a chance to use their strengths and gifts to make a difference in the world.

For Thornton, receiving the award reaffirms that she is in the right place to achieve her mission. The award signifies that the work she and her colleagues in the College of Human Sciences are doing is helping to improve the lives of people around the world.

Its such an unexpected honor, and I was completely blown away that I was even nominated for the award, she said. I feel like I share the award with my colleagues, because our philosophy here is science to improve quality of life, and we do that in all the different fields of human sciences. Im blessed to be surrounded by such amazing colleagues.
The Underground Railroad as we know it did not go through Florida, but the precursor to it most definitely did, Michna-Bales said. When Florida was held by the Spanish during both the first and second periods, Florida was a safe haven for free and formerly enslaved Blacks. They formed maroon communities that were often nearby Indigenous communities. The first community was Fort Mose just outside of St. Augustine. That community broke up and most of its inhabitants fled to the Bahamas (where their descendants still live today) when Florida was transferred to the British.
Si Cuba esta en la calle, Orlando tambien [If Cuba is on the streets, Orlando is too], they all chanted together Sunday evening.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Veterans Advisory Council hosted an official POW-MIA ceremony to honor United States military prisoners of war and those still missing in action as part of national POW-MIA Day. University of Central Florida Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 and color guard lead the symbolic setting of the table, where each item on the table represents the commitment to remember and honor our POW-MIAs from the five military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
Miami Beach elevated 14th street by about two feet in 2014 while the state raised Alton Road, and the improved flood pump station was one of several built under emergency no-bid contracts. None of the flood pump stations built in that time period had generators on them because of concerns from residents that the diesel belching machines were loud and unsightly. Since then, generators have been more common in pump projects.
The Baghuz strike was one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against the Islamic State, but it has never been publicly acknowledged by the U.S. military. The details, reported here for the first time, show that the death toll was almost immediately apparent to military officials. A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. U.S.-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified.
The new infrastructure bill gives the Transportation Department the ability to award grants that, in part, would be used to try and mitigate some of those earlier design and routing decisions. As an example, Buttigieg said money might go toward projects that would help reconnect communities that were divided by highways.
All presidents have said they favor nuclear power, even Jimmy Carter, who was the most reluctant and did huge damage to the United States position as the world leader in nuclear energy and technology. Carter wouldnt say he was opposed to nuclear, but he did talk about it as a last resort and stopped the plans to build a fast breeder reactor. He also ended nuclear reprocessing, necessitating the disposal of whole nuclear cores, instead of capturing the mass of unburned fuel  thus creating a much larger waste disposal challenge, as well as the need to mine more uranium.
If a reporter should be so brazen as to ask Joe Biden what he thinks of the expression Lets Go Brandon, the president should respond as follows. Im embarrassed. Im embarrassed that some of my fellow Americans have become so low-class and vulgar. Perhaps they werent raised properly, to show the basics of respect for someone they might disagree with. Im sure they think theyre being cute and funny, but they just denigrate themselves and their country. The sad and pathetic part is that they dont even know it.
Sgt. Justin White, 39, died in August after 15 years with the Port Orange Police Department. His widow, Carlyn White, filed for death benefits through the citys insurer, which denied the claim because it said there was no evidence he contracted COVID-19 on the job. Fetterhoff said White suffered a concussion during an incident with a criminal suspect and was exposed at the hospital waiting for treatment. Carlyn Whites appeal is pending.
The legislation lawmakers will take up in the special session will ban vaccine mandates by local governments, but for private employers vaccine requirements for workers will still be allowed as long as there are exceptions for medical or religious grounds, and for immunity from COVID-19 through prior infection, or if an employee agrees to COVID-19 testing and wearing protective equipment at the employers cost.
I think that theyre missing a historic opportunity to be able to make common cause with people who just want to be able to live in freedom, want to be able to have a voice in the public affairs of their country and want to move beyond this communist dictatorship. DeSantis said.
Biden plans to host Trudeau, AMLO at White House summit Nov. 18

By Alex Wayne / Bloomberg

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 11 15 2021

President Joe Biden will host a summit on Nov. 18 with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the White House announced.

During the summit, the countries will reaffirm their strong ties and integration while also charting a new path for collaboration on ending the Covid-19 pandemic and advancing health security; competitiveness and equitable growth, to include climate change; and a regional vision for migration, according to a White House statement.

Lopez Obrador, known as AMLO, said in a Tuesday video address to migrants that he planned to visit the U.S. and to talk to Biden about immigration. Migration at the border has spiked in the last year. Customs and Border Protection said it had 1.7 million encounters in fiscal 2021, up from 458,088 in fiscal 2020.

On Monday, the Biden administration reopened U.S. land borders with Canada and Mexico to nonessential travel, easing restrictions that had been in place since March 2020.

Biden has met virtually with both leaders and was at two summits in Europe with Trudeau earlier this month. Lopez Obrador hosted U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Mexico City in June.

______________________________________
U.S. oil CEO tells Biden to focus on local production instead of OPEC

By Anthony Di Paola and Verity Ratcliffe / Bloomberg

DUBAI

Petroleumworld 11 15 2021

The worlds biggest oil and gas companies and many OPEC+ energy ministers are meeting in Abu Dhabi this week for the Adipec conference -- one of the first major in-person events for the industry since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies are likely to maintain their plan of raising output by 400,000 barrels a day, according to the United Arab Emirates. The group has so far ignored calls from some nations, including the U.S., to increase production faster in an attempt to control surging prices. Saudi Arabia expects inventories to rise over the next few months, reducing the need for OPEC+ to boost supply quicker.

The conference, running from Nov. 15-18, is taking place in the wake of the COP26 climate talks and with energy prices soaring. Benchmark Brent crude has climbed almost 60% to above $80 a barrel, while gas prices in Asia and Europe hit record highs recently.

Key developments:

- Biden should focus on U.S. oil before OPEC, Oxy says



- Barkindo says there were alarm bells for oil at COP26



- OPEC+ doesnt need to raise output faster, say UAE and Oman



- Saudi minister sees inventories building



- Oil could hit $100, Eni says



- India says disorderly energy transition risks high oil prices, chaos in UAE.)

BP Expects Robust Oil Prices for Longer (2:41 p.m.)

Oil prices are likely to remain high for longer, BP Plc CEO Bernard Looney said.

Theres a constructive market at the moment and I think you can expect oil prices to remain robust for some time to come, he said.

Still, the company is being run to break even at an oil price of $40 a barrel since there are many uncertainties, Looney said. Occidental Petroleum Corp.s CEO Vicki Hollub said her company also had a $40 breakeven oil price.

Looney also called the recent COP26 summit a success because it included a pledge from nations to cut emissions of the greenhouse house. Methane is now on the global agenda, he said. We have more ambition, not enough, but we have more ambition.

Biden Should Focus on U.S. Oil, Not OPEC, Oxy Says (1:50 p.m.)

President Joe Biden should focus on raising U.S. oil production rather than putting pressure on OPEC+ to pump faster, Occidentals Hollub said. If the administration wants more supply, they should ask U.S. producers first, she said.

If I was going to make a call, Id make a local call first, she said. I wouldnt make a long distance call.

Also read: U.S. Shale Oil Output Seen at Most Since Early in Pandemic

OPEC Under-Production Not an Issue: UAE (1:45 p.m.)



Some OPEC nations producing below their quota isnt a concern, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said.

Some of the groups members, including Angola and Nigeria, have struggled to keep up with the planned production increases following investment constraints and export suspensions.

Also read: OPEC Made Only Half of Planned Supply Hike Amid African Losses

He also said that oil and gas will always be used for energy, and its delusional to think they will be phased out.

Poor Nations Need to Pump Their Fossil Fuels (1:20 p.m.)

We arent going to allow oil and gas not to be developed because of the energy transition, Equatorial Guineas energy minister, Gabriel Obiang Lima, said. We are a small and poor country. If the U.S. and others wont help us develop it, maybe China, Brazil, the Middle East or Turkey will.

Barkindo Says Alarm Bells in Glasgow (1:10 p.m.)

This year was the first of the COP talks where the oil and gas industry was targeted but had no place in the conversation about slowing climate change, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said.

For us attending in Glasgow, this was an alarm bell, he said. I left Glasgow with this sobering feeling.

IEA Call to Stop New Oil Spending Not Helpful: Oman (12:40 p.m.)

The International Energy Agencys call this year for an end to new oil and gas exploration wasnt very helpful, Omans energy minister, Mohammed Al-Rumhy, said.

The Persian Gulf sultanate pumps about 650,000 barrels of crude a day. The Paris-based IEA, which advised rich countries on energy policy, said in May that stopping of all new investment in fossil fuels was necessary to neutralize carbon emissions by 2050.

Ukraine Says Russia Creating Artificial Shortage of Gas (12:12 p.m.)

Russia is creating artificial shortages of natural gas and should increase supplies to Europe to ease the energy crisis, according to the chief of Ukraines state-run energy company.

If they abandon this abusive policy, there will be no problem for Europeans this winter, Yuriy Vitrenko, CEO of Naftogaz Ukraine, said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

Ukraine is pushing to remain a key transit route for the fuel, just as Russia is going ahead with the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany. The link is completed and designed to bypass Ukraine, but it still lacks final regulatory approvals.

India Calls for Orderly Energy Transition (12:01 p.m.)

The success of the energy transition depends on how well it is managed, otherwise it will trigger higher prices and chaos, Indias Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in an interview.

Oil price levels will also determine how the energy shift plays out, he said, when asked if crude could reach $100 a barrel this year. If prices go up like that, the transition will not be very orderly.

OPEC+ to Stick With Output Plan (11:48 a.m.)

OPEC+ is likely to stick with its plan of raising daily output by 400,000 barrels per month, UAEs Al Mazrouei said, echoing comments from his Omani counterpart. The alliance doesnt need to boost supply quicker because the oil market will switch from a supply deficit to surplus early next year.

Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said he inventories could rise in December and into the next quarter.

The 400,000 is continuing and that should be enough, Mazrouei said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. All what we know and what all the experts in the world are saying is that we will have a surplus. So we need not to panic, we need to be calm.

World Slept-Walked Into Energy Crisis: Adnoc (10:30 a.m.)

The world has walked into the supply crunch following almost a decade of under-investments, Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabis Adnoc, said. The oil and gas industry will have to invest over $600 billion annually until 2030 just to keep up with expected demand, he said.

People are still heavily reliant on oil and gas, he said, despite recent agreements to accelerate the energy transition.

Renewable energy is the fastest growing segment of the energy mix, but oil and gas is still the biggest and will be for decades to come, he said. The future is coming but it is not here yet.

No Need for OPEC+ to Raise Output Faster, Oman Says (10:18 a.m.)

Oman said there was no need for OPEC+ to accelerate oil-production increases, signaling at least some members of the group will continue to resist U.S. pressure for more crude.

OPEC+ is already raising daily supply by 400,000 barrels per month and thats enough, Omans Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Rumhy said in an interview in Abu Dhabi, where hes attending the Adipec conference.

The 23-nation group, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia and which includes Oman, is not concerned about the U.S. potentially releasing oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, he said. That wouldnt oversupply the market, he said.

Oil Could Rise to $100, Eni Says (9:30 a.m.)

Italys Eni SpA said oil prices may rise to $100 a barrel due to a lack of investment among energy companies, though only for a short time.

Maybe it can reach that, Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi said on Bloomberg Television on Monday. But not for a long time. When the price is that high, it would lead to consumers cutting back on energy use.

The oil and gas sector hasnt invested enough in recent years, he said.

We are investing more or less 50% of what we invested in 2013, he said. There is a gap between supply and demand. Itll take some time before oil companies start investing again.

Global oil consumption is approaching 100 million barrels a day, he said, or close to record highs.



_________________________________
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The Supreme Court on Monday said it will also consider the names of some retired apex court judges to monitor day-to-day investigation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident. The top court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade its task force investigating the matter with some high-ranking officials.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted that the top court can appoint a retired judge to monitor the SIT probe.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said, "Now, we have a lot of freedom for a retired SC or HC judge. Let us see..."

The bench noted that it will find out a judge who is willing to take up the assignment.

During the hearing, the top court emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh government should upgrade the task force investigating the matter. It said the officers must be high-ranking officers, currently there are local Lakhimpur Kheri, sub-inspector level and DSP level officers on the task force.

The bench told Salve that it needs one more day's time to finalise the name of the judge. "We are considering Rakesh Kumar Jain (former Punjab and Haryana HC judge) or others. We have to consult them," said the bench.

Salve submitted, "Judge can be appointed from any other state".

Earlier, the top court had said it wanted to appoint a judge outside of Uttar Pradesh.

Concluding the hearing, the top court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to look into grievances of the victim's families, who have not been paid compensation. Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad submitted that the state would take necessary steps.

The violence occurred on October 3, resulting in the killing of eight persons, including four farmers who were allegedly mowed down by the vehicles in the convoy of Ashish Misra, the son of Union Minister and BJP MP Ajay Kumar Misra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Purvanchal expressway at Sultanpur on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present during the function.

The Prime Minister will reach Sultanpur on November 16 at around 2 p.m. He will be here for 1 hour 45 minutes. During this, he will address a public meeting and witness a 45-minute air show.

Air Force fighter planes will also land on the Purvanchal expressway at the event.

Under the 'touch and go' operation, the fighter planes will touch the expressway and take off. Sukhoi, Mirage, Rafale, AN 32 will be included in the air show.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made for the Prime Minister's visit.

Governor Anandiben Patel, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani, Adityanath, union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Anurag Thakur, BJP MPs Lallu Singh and Maneka Gandhi will attend the function.

Additional Chief Secretary Avanish Awasthi said that the Purvanchal expressway is the biggest project of the state. Despite two waves of Covid, it was completed in 36 months.

He said that industrial corridors will be built on both sides, which will have machinery, food processing and dairy-milk development. This will generate employment for the local people.

Significantly, the expressway will connect the state capital Lucknow with the eastern districts, including Mau, Azamgarh, Barabanki with links to major cities of Prayagraj and Varanasi.

The 341-km Purvanchal expressway will originate from Chandsarai village on the Lucknow-Sultanpur highway. It will pass through Barabanki, Amethi, Sultanpur, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Mau and terminate at Haldaria village in Ghazipur district.

The six-lane expressway will be expandable up to eight lanes. It will also reduce the travel time from Lucknow to Ghazipur from 6 hours to 3.5 hours. This journey will be free for some days now. The work of collecting toll tax will be given to the private company later.
India on Monday decided to reopen the entry of all foreign tourists following a sharp and sustained decline in Covid-19 cases.

According to the officials, now the foreign travelers will be allowed to visit India without a mandatory quarantine. The government's move came 20 months after the pandemic situation improved in the country.

India has now allowed entry to fully inoculated tourists from 99 countries including the UK, USA, Israel, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Kuwait, Colombia, Russia and Germany, who have already recognized the Indian vaccination certificates or WHO-recognised vaccinated Indian travelers in their countries.

The government only requires that such tourists monitor their health for 14 days after their arrival in India.

In case of a foreigner who has taken only one shot, will have to go for RT-PCR test at the airports or any entry points in India and will have to go for seven days self home quarantine stay in case of a positive report and on the 8th day, the RT-PCR test will be done again and then they can walk free in the country.

In case a person is found positive in the second RT-PCR test, he will have to stay in home quarantine for another eight days.

Earlier, the Indian authorities had allowed foreign tourists through chartered flights and they had to go for 14 days home mandatory quarantine but now that restrictions have been eased off.

In March 2020 the government suspended visas of all foreign nationals as the Covid-19 pandemic was on a steep hike. In December 2020, the government launched an 'air bubble' or 'air corridor' scheme with 19 countries such as USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, the Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan so that the stranded passengers in India can leave to their countries and the Indians who were stuck in these countries might return to India.

The Indian authorities allowed the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cardholders to visit here.
The delay in providing right to education and employment to women by the Afghan Taliban led interim government in Afghanistan has triggered protests and uproar in the country.

On Sunday, dozens of Afghan women took to the streets of Kabul again, demanding their right to learn and seek employment under the new Islamic Emirates rule.

Chanting slogans for their rights, protesters also lashed out at the international community for what they called ignoring the dire need for provision of basic rights to women in the country.

"We can tolerate hunger, can live without food, but we cannot tolerate injustice. We ask for freedom and justice in our country", said one of the protesters.

The latest protest is part of a series of protests that the Afghan women have been staging since the time Taliban took control of Afghanistan.

In the recent past, the Taliban security officials manhandled female protesters while media persons covering the protest were also assaulted and kept under custody.

The Afghan Taliban interim government later announced through its Ministry of Interior (MoI) that demonstrations without the permission of the relevant ministry would not be allowed.

Later, a pro-Taliban female rally was held in Kabul, where women chanted pro-Taliban slogans and expressed their support to the newly imposed Islamic law in the country.

The Taliban claims of ensuring provision of all basic rights to women as per the teachings under the Islamic rule of law, will be provided to its female citizens, including right to work and education, they said.

Recently, a girls' school in Herat was opened while Taliban claimed that female nurses and doctors have been coming to work without any problems.

"The Islamic Emirate does not cause discriminatory treatment for any part of the society, the problems and issues existed, we promise to resolve the problems," said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (IEA).

But many believe that majority of women are still prohibited and restricted from employment or education.

"Women are half of the society, they have rights, there should be opportunities for learning and working based on the customs and culture of Afghanistan", said Abdul Qadir, a local resident of Kabul.
Page Content

The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary hosted a day of commemorations comprising of two parts. In the afternoon, Minister Violenus hosted a luncheon for Seniors of Sint Maarten decent. During the lunch, memories of Sint Maarten of olden days were shared and the seniors and staff were offered the opportunity to extend their well wishes to family and friends on Sint Maarten.





The evening activity in the form of a reception centered around this years theme Standing Triumphant, even in the face of adversity.





Ambassadors and representatives of befriended countries, members of the Second Chamber along with representatives of the various Sint Maarten organizations in the Netherlands were in attendance.





The representative of the French Embassy, Colonel Christian Bachmann, spoke of the relationship between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin over the decades and the joint corporation in moments of adversity during his congratulatory remarks.





Henk Brons, Director-General of the Ministry of Kingdom affairs, in his congratulatory remarks spoke of the relationship with Sint Maarten within the Kingdom. He expressed the hope that this relationship, even though strained at times, would mature into a stronger bond for the sake of both countries and its people.





Minister Violenus began his address with the following quote by Lucia Marinac,





If we only walk on days when there is sunshine then we will never reach the destination.





Minister Violenus in his address went on to share the following.





It is with great pride and reverence that I address you on this momentous occasion which is the commemoration and celebration of our 62nd of our National Day of Saint Martin.





The theme for this years celebration, We Stand Triumphant, (even) in the Face of Adversity, is a reminder that, now more than ever, we must remember the challenges and setbacks we as a small island have overcome, particularly in the





recent past. It is also important for us to recognize that this resilience is a model that is in keeping with Caribbean traditions even prior to European contact. Since the first peoples set foot on our archipelago ours has been a history of adaptation and overcoming.





Speaking specifically about our island, from the indigenous peoples, who rightfully named her SOUALIGA meaning Land of Salt and OUALICHI meaning Land of Strong Women, to those enslaved persons who were brought over from Africa, to us the current generation (still) weathering the storms, both physical and mental both literally and figuratively, we have all had to face (the) adversities and uncertainties, that came, come and are yet to come with living in our region.





Through our encounters and experiences with adversity, primarily hurricanes, droughts, and flooding we the people of Sint Maarten have always found the strength to rise once more. Our resilience has been tested, time and time again, through natural disasters, economic hardships, personal setbacks and many other forms of difficulty. Every setback has tested our resolve, yet today we still stand in triumph in the face of calamity. This is part of our DNA, a core part of who we are. As a people we have learned to work interdependently to contract/process whatever comes our way and not be defeated. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, whose legacies have instilled in us a mentality of pushing through and never giving up in defeat. (Semper Pro Gradiens)





Even now, in the aftermath of hurricane Irma and as we confront the impacts of this global pandemic, difficult choices had to be made to ensure the survival of our country and her people. We have again had to use the knowledge weve amassed across centuries to surmount the trials and move forward. Adversity stills knocks at our door, but we remain positive and find ways to cope.





We even today as the celebrations take place across our island (we) see the ways in which art, folklore, sports, music, food and spoken word reinforce our collective sense of self and community and celebrate our collective will to carry on. Here, as we gather in The Hague, we mimic this same spirit of community and recognize the importance of the arts in sustaining our desires to triumph in the face of any challenges which may come our way.





Considering this, today, the results of our resilience and our triumphs are visible on many levels. We have examples of overcoming and succeeding right here in





our midst this evening. These persons exemplify the true St. Maarten spirit and are making their mark in their areas of expertise. For that we are more than thankful and proud.





St. Maarten is home to over 121 different nationalities all living peacefully together. All putting their hands to the plow to move our island forward. If this is not a symbol of Triumphing in the face of adversity, then what is. We live communally, we share in our triumphs and in our grief bearing each others hardships and celebrate our wins together. I dare to say that each nationality represented here today form part of our unique St. Martin make-up. For that we are thankful.





We are also thankful for those of you present here with us in the Hague today and are happy for your acceptance of our invitation to celebrate with us.





To the previous speakers, I say thank you for your well wishes and cooperation over the years. We are grateful and honored with your presence. At this moment I am honored to make a toast, together with you, to our island Sint Maarten as we celebrate 62 years of STANDING IN TRIUMPH, even in the face of adversity.





A Thomas Paine quote that comes to mind states The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the person that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow.





During the reception, four Sint Maarteners were recognized for their outstanding contributions. In the field of Sports, Denzel Richardson and Dudley Leonora, in the field of research Ms. Lysanne Charles was recognized and Lisandro Suriel in the field of digital arts and photography.





Mr. Suriels work was showcased during the event, whereby the pieces on display were a clear representation of ancestors in their natural state and grace. Musical accompaniment during the evening was by Mr. Quincy Adolphin.
Nehrus critics, BJP or socialist, are adopting the basic principles of his socialist policies and foreign policy, despite enumerating his shortcomings and mistakes.

by Alok Mehta

In current politics, questions are again being raised on how much India gained and what has been lost from the dreams of Jawaharlal Nehru. Do Nehrus national and international policies still have significance? What would have been better if Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel or Mohammad Ali Jinnah had become the Prime Minister, not Nehru? Not only Indians, but most Pakistanis will also be surprised and put a question mark on the wisdom of those who call Jinnah as an alternative. Still, many favorable possibilities can be imagined in the name of Sardar Patel. Now the debate on the policies, political directions, legacy, achievements, or mistakes made by Nehru can continue. The most interesting fact is that not only after independence, even before independence, Nehru disagreed with Mahatma Gandhis views and methods on many issues and kept expressing them. Yes, while disagreeing, he surrendered to Gandhi and Gandhi also took him forward. But after independence, Nehru did not choose the path of Gandhi. Would Jinnah have followed Gandhis path then? It has to be accepted that due to ideological differences and with the presence of leaders like Sardar Patel in such circumstances, the democratic roots were strengthened.

Nehrus critics, BJP or socialist, are adopting the basic principles of his socialist policies and foreign policy, despite enumerating all the shortcomings and mistakes of Nehru. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, as prime ministers, have continuously tried to give top priority to the poor sections of the society and have tried to maintain balanced relationships with America, Russia, Europe, Africa, West and South Asia. If ever Nehru improved relations by emphasising the slogan of Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tried to improve relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping on a swinging sofa on the banks of Sabarmati. China cheated again, but this time could not muster the courage to attack India. The same non-aligned policy is proving beneficial to a great extent in isolating China and Pakistan from the world, in which India does not join the camp of America and Russia and is taking all possible cooperation from them. There is no doubt that after independence, Nehru kept the Congress alive with his political tact and allowed different ideologies to flourish. Otherwise, Gandhi used to talk about the dissolution of Congress after independence. On the other hand, there is also the fact that the advisor Pandit Dwarka Prasad Mishra, a contemporary of Nehru and proponent of making Indira Gandhi the Prime Minister, wrote in the second volume of his biography Living an Era The Nehru Epoch: From Democracy to Monocracy that Nehru turned Indias democracy into autocracy and Indira Gandhi fully followed. From this point of view, today on what basis can Rahul Gandhi accuse Narendra Modi of autocracy? After all, the country needs a strong leadership.

Similarly, Congress leaders probably do not notice that it was Nehru who supported the proposal of industrial policy of India presented by Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in the Constituent Assembly by giving a long speech on 7 April 1948. Then Dr Mukherjee was the Minister of Industry and Logistics of the country. Yes, it has to be recognised that over time, those policies have been changing and will continue to happen. How many economic policies of Mahatma Gandhi have been implemented or can be adopted in the present era? With large-scale industrialisation, efforts are being made to give maximum encouragement to Khadi Village Industries and small-scale industries. Nehru had clearly said in the meeting of the Khadi Village Industries Board on 2 February 1953: The people associated with this institution have to keep pace with the rapidly changing world. They should not become orthodox. They have to think that new technology and scientific methods have to be adopted. The government can help them by telling them how to use the new methods, but they should not depend on government.

These days a lot of voices are also being raised about the freedom of the media. In this context, it would be appropriate to remind a bit about the limitations of the press, said by Nehru in the editors conference on 17 September 1952. He said, I consider it dangerous to suppress the expression of thought, but there are many examples in which freedom of thought and expression is being misused, due to which the culture is also deeply affected. This kind of attitude must be stopped somehow. There has to be some discipline. Indiscipline leads to anarchy, which cannot be tolerated. Newspapers print bad things in a big way, which creates excitement. Sometimes it is possible to talk about the negatives of someone, but when life goes on only talking negative of others, it becomes too much. Therefore, while reviewing the Nehru era, all aspects have to be thought of in some balanced way.

(The author is editorial director of ITV Network-India News and Aaj Samaj Dainik)
I came into contact with Prime Minister Nehru when I was in my teens.

by K Natwar Singh

The last time I met Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was in New York in November 1961. He had an unsatisfactory meeting with President Kennedy, who much admired Nehru. At Kennedys dinner for the Indian Prime Minister Nehru was mostly silent. Kennedy was disillusioned and disappointed.

Within a few days of Jawaharlaljis death on 27 May 1964, I decided to edit a book of tributes to him. His American publishers, John Day agreed to bring out the book on Nehrus first death anniversary, 25.5.1965.

I wrote to some of Nehrus great contemporaries. Most responded promptly. Three exceptions were Presidents Eisenhower, Trumann and Ambassador Ken Galbraith. Mr Eisenhowers secretary wrote to say that I look into the Eisenhower archives. There was no time for that. President Harry Truman wrote personally saying he would have been happy to contribute but was bed-ridden on account of a fall in his bathroom, resulting in a fractured arm. Ambassador Galbraith was busy writing a book and would not be able to do justice to Nehru while engrossed in his own work.

Those who responded included former British Prime Minister C.R. Attlee, Nobel Prize winners Pearl S. Buck, Linus Pauling (the only man ever to win the Nobel Prize twice), Bertrand Russell, one of the greatest philosophers of all time, Martin Luther King, the best known civil rights leader in the United Stateshe won Nobel Peace PrizeU. Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations, historian Arnold Toynbee, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Adlai E. Stevenson. He had twice been a Presidential candidate, but lost to General Eisenhower. US Senator Ellsworth Bunker, he had been ambassador to India in the early 1960s, Ilya Ehrenburg, well known Russian novelist, Norma Cousins, editor of the widely read magazine, Saturday Review, Norman Thomas, twice Presidential candidate, in 1936 and 1940, Raja Rao, best known for his Gandhian novel, Kanthapura. My tribute included in the book was far too emotional and would have embarrassed Nehru.

Dr S. Radhakrishnan in his foreword wrote, Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the greatest figures of our generation, an outstanding statesman whose services to the cause of human freedom are unforgettable, as a maker of modern India his services were unparalleled. His life and work have had a profound influence on our mental makeup, social structure and intellectual development An epoch in our countrys history has come to a close.

I came into contact with Prime Minister Nehru when I was in my teens. His sister, Krishna Hutheesings two sons, Harsh and Ajit were in my House in Scindia School, Gwalior. After I joined St Stephens College in 1948, I used to go to Teen Murti House to meet Krishna Masi (she asked me to call her that). Inevitably, I often ran into the Prime Minister. He was very avuncular.

After I joined IFS in 1953, I met him from time to time. Once I invited his wrath. I had been negligent about an important file. I was at the time Private Secretary to R.K. Nehru, Secretary General, Ministry of External Affairs. The PMs anger was short lived. I had got away lightly.

As Dr Radhakrishnan had said, Nehru was the maker of modern democratic India. I fully agree with Dr Radhakrishnan.

Jawaharlal Nehru was a very great Prime Minister. He was not an outstanding External Affairs Minister. I have been an admirer all my life. The chink in his armour was his mishandling of our Kashmir and China policies.

His taking the Kashmir issue to the UN Security Council was an appalling decision. Not only that. We took our complaint against Pakistan to the Security Council under Chapter 6 of the UN Charter, which deals with disputes between member states. We should have invoked Chapter 7, which is about aggression. Did not Pakistan commit aggression? Some Security Council members said you have accepted that Kashmir is a dispute. What do you expect us to do?

Sardar Patel was Minister for States, but Nehru kept Kashmir under him. He even agreed to a plebiscite. He sent Gopalaswamy Iyengar as leader of delegation for the debate on Kashmir in the Security Council. He was no match for the Pakistani representative, Sir Mohd Zaffar-ul-Khan, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

Nehru took a romantic and sentimental view of China. It was only in 1959 that reality hit him. As a tactician and strategist, Mao Tse Tung was far ahead of Nehru. Ruthlessness was not a part of Nehrus character. It was of Maos. Chou-Enlai was a very accomplished experienced diplomat. When he came to Delhi in April 1960 for talks with Nehru on the Sino-India border dispute, he had come to negotiate a solution. China to keep Aksai Chin, India the Eastern border. I was liaison officer attached to Chou-Enlai. We blew it. In her recently published book, The Fractured Himalaya, Nirupama Rao, a former Foreign Secretary holds a similar view. She is highly critical of Nehru and the IFS bureaucracy. None stood up to Nehru.

Nehru firmly believed that China would not go to war with India. History has proved him completely wrong. We were militarily unprepared for 1962. With our humiliating defeat was a devastating blow. Our stature was diminished internationally. Not a single non-aligned country spoke up for us. Sadly after 1962 Nehru was a broken man. He died 17 months later, after suffering a severe stroke in January 1964.

To this day no solution is in insight for either problem.
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Algiers, 14 November 2021 (SPS) - Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ramtane Lamamra, and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, called Saturday in Algiers on the new UN Personal Envoy to Western Sahara, Staffan Mistura, to coordinate closely with the African Union (AU) in the decolonization of Africas last colony.



In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the three-day visit, which began Friday in Algiers by Naledi Pandor, the two ministers "reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to support the legitimate struggle of the Sahrawi people for the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination."



Both Ministers called on Staffan de Mistura to "coordinate closely with the AU to ensure the implementation of the PSC's decision, adopted on 9 March 2021, while inviting the Kingdom of Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), both members of the AU, to enter into direct negotiations," the same source added.



Lamamra and Pandor further urged the UN envoy to "relaunch the UN process for the implementation of the Settlement Plan unanimously adopted by the Security Council in its resolution 690 (1991)," according to the joint statement.



062/700
Q. Im booked on an MSC Divina cruise ship, which departs at 11 a.m. on a Sunday from Miami. They told me I need a COVID-19 test two days in advance, which would make that a Friday test. I have checked with all the people that give tests and they are telling me it takes three days, sometimes up to five days, to obtain your e-mail results and all labs are closed on Sundays! I have spoken to the representatives of MSC cruise lines and theyre telling me that is their policy. Im willing to follow their policy but if I dont get my results, Im standing on the dock ready to board the ship without results of my test. I have received my two vaccines plus my booster shot and I have my documentation to verify that. We are four people trying to get an answer. Do we lose all our money because we didnt follow their rules and regulations?  Jerry, Tamarac
Why: Five violations (two high priority), led by three bags of chicken breading flour with evidence of rodent gnawing. In the same area, inspectors also spotted 44 rodent droppings on top of a bag of chicken breading flour and on the floor underneath, as well as on a shelf storing single-service paper goods in the storage room, on top of clean storage containers and on top of boxes of condiments and carry-out bags. After an inspector informed a manager about the questionable temperature of the chicken tenders, the manager voluntarily discarded the items. The state shut Popeyes a second time on Nov. 10 for more rodent droppings near the mens room. The state allowed the fast-food restaurant to reopen Nov. 10 after discovering no new issues.
Three of the officers are male, and one is female and their names are not yet public. Although the first two officers who filed complaints were identified as white, the races of the other two have not been made public. They say the new police chief has publicly pushed a minority-first agenda based on race, gender and sexual orientation.
The Grand Cafe tends to draw a crowd of regulars, first for karaoke and then for a late-night, island-style dance party, Gomez said. Sunday night, though, was quieter than normal because the regular DJ who usually draws a packed crowd of more than 200 people was off. Gomez estimates there probably 130 people in the lounge Sunday night and Monday morning.
Clark resigned in September, one year to the day after he violated the open records law, according to Browards top investigator. His resignation also came the day before the town was scheduled to vote on its budget, leaving the town in a lurch and scrambling to immediately appoint somebody to the commission in time.
Fearing a repeat of the images that spread around the world on July 11, when thousands of Cubans unexpectedly took to the streets to call for political change in the communist island, the Cuban government unleashed a wave of arrests and intimidation to frustrate a march called for Monday to protest against state violence and advocate for the release of political prisoners.
At the time of her sentencing, the then 33-year-old Zhang went to Mar-a-Lago to meet the president and family and just make friends. When an incredulous judge questioned her about whether she thought she could really meet the Trumps, Zhang laughed loudly and said she hoped to meet other people, too.
Nationally, there has been a rise in pranks, threats and acts of violence at schools, much of it associated with challenges on social media, namely TikTok. Leamon said the bomb threat was not posted on TikTok, but he would not say how it was disseminated other than to say it was an electronic threat.
In the filing late Friday, attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Labor argued there is no need to rule immediately on the stay request by Florida, Georgia and Alabama. It said challenges have been launched in 11 federal appellate circuits and that what is known as the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is expected next week to consolidate the cases in one circuit.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
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By Elisa Carrasco Lanusse

carrasco@grinnell.edu

The Amazon is the biggest rainforest in the world, spanning 2.587 million mi across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname. As it is one of the planets biggest green areas, the Amazon is responsible for producing 20% of the worlds oxygen, and nearly two-thirds of it can be found inside the borders of Brazil. Because of its environmental impact, it is quite common to find environmentalists and conservationists fighting against the repeated attempts of governments, companies, and similar institutions to exploit its rich resources. One such figure was couple Jose Claudio Ribeiro da Silva and Maria do Espirito Santo. The couple worked as community leaders at a forest reserve in Para and campaigned against illegal logging, deforestation and ranchers. Due to their heavy environmental and political work, in a 2008 report issued by Brazils Catholic Land Commission they were named as part of a group of activists considered at risk of violence or murder.

Jose Claudio was well aware of the risks involved in his profession, saying during a TED talk in 2010, I will protect the forest at all costs. That is why I could get a bullet in my head at any moment  because I denounce the loggers and charcoal producers. Still, it was quite the devastating shock when on May 24, 2011, two bodies were found in the Praialta-Piranheira reserve, the couples workplace for 24 years. They had received threats from a multitude of groups, and had actually faced an assassination attempt only a month before their death. Although Jose Claudio and Maria had gone to the police before in search of protection, they never received it. Local jurisdiction refused to interfere in the violence and threats, rendering them even more vulnerable due to the dismissal of the danger on part of the authorities.

The day of the murder, the couple was ambushed by the killer, who shot them repeatedly in Macaranduba 2 near their home. From the beginning, there was no doubt in the minds of friends, coworkers, family or authorities that the murder was related to their activism work. At the time the two activists had been working on a campaign against the eviction of rural workers and deforestation by Jose Rodrigues Moreira, a farmer from the area. Almost two years after the fact, on April 4th, 2013, a jury in Para sentenced two men for the murder. Lindonjonson Silva Rocha was given 42 years and Alberto Lopes do Nascimento was given 45 after being proven to have shot the guns that killed Jose Claudio and Maria. The killers were believed to have been connected to the local farmer, Moreira; however, this was never directly proven.

Moreira was acquitted by the court due to a lack of conclusive evidence. The prosecution believed that Moreira had paid Lindonjonson Silva Rocha and Alberto Lopes do Nascimento to get rid of the activists that were interfering with his plans of turning some land he had bought in the Nova Ipixuna reserve into cattle pastures (and subsequently displacing the families living in the land). Following the case, outrage ensued at the inefficiency of the authorities. Even after repeatedly asking for help from the authorities, both from the couple and in the face of reports naming them at high risk, it ultimately resulted in the protection of dozens of activists who had received similar threats by the president.

Still, justice remains unserved and the issue of activist assassination remains. Brazil continues to be one of the most dangerous countries for environmental activists. According to Global Witness, at least 448 environmentalists were murdered between 2002 and 2013 (about half of the environmentalists murdered globally within that time span). The question remains, will justice ever be served for Jose Claudio Ribeiro da Silva and Maria do Espirito Santo? Will there be justice for all the other activists that have been killed under the hands of groups who have been actively destroying our forests?

Sources
By Lucia Cheng

chengluc@grinnell.edu

Professor Tyler Tillinghast Roberts  previous chair of the Department of Religious Studies, avid reader, scholar, mentor, husband, father, friend  died on June 3, 2021 at the age of 61.

He is survived by his wife, Professor Shuchi Kapila of English, and his children Madeleine, Emma, Will and Shivani.

He captured the idea of what was human, said Kapila. He quietly expanded his universe and didnt make a big deal out of it.

Asked about their favorite memories of Roberts, Professors of Religious Studies Yujing Chen, Timothy Dobe and Caleb Elfenbein all had the same reaction: Thats a lot.

A Scholar

Elfenbein recalls the pose Roberts was most likely to be found in: sitting in the midst of his office, reading with fore and middle fingers pressed against his temples, thumbs on his jaw, with his elbows digging into the desk.

All of his sweaters had big holes in the elbows, Elfenbein said.

When someone  a student, professor, staff member, anyone  would walk in to talk to Roberts, he would jolt, startling away from his book.

It was a moment of welcome, said Elfenbein. After being engaged in reading something, he would pop up and look at you.

He was always available, said Chen.

He is the person whose door is always open, and you know you are going to get specific and supportive advice if you go in, said Dobe. You will leave different from when you came in.

And he was always reading. That was the kind of thinker he was. He would absorb the information around him diligently. As department chair, Roberts would guide faculty towards new ways of thinking. According to Chen, he was the one who gave the department direction.

Roberts support was evident in the way he mentored Chen, helping guide her through Grinnell as a new faculty member with his experience.

After I finished my tutorial syllabus, I asked myself, What kind of suggestions would he give? said Chen.

Roberts also offered to help the members of his department with anything they might need. When the derecho hit Grinnell, it cut the phone connection for Chen. And despite the fallen trees and debris, Roberts and his wife, Kapila, went to check if she was okay, knowing Chen had just moved to Grinnell to teach.

He is the person whose door is always open, and you know you are going to get specific and supportive advice if you go in, said Dobe. You will leave different from when you came in. -Professor of Religious Studies Timothy Dobe

He provided mutual support in a small department, said Chen.

When I said that I wanted to be the director [for the Center for the Humanities,] he didnt bat an eye, said Elfenbein. Looking back, that meant he was going to spend more time as department chair, and he didnt raise that as a problem.  He was open to me pursuing things that were fulfilling.

He was amazing at recognizing the will of the group, said Elfenbein. Accepting the decision and moving on, doing his utmost to make sure that whatever decision we had made was successful  thats rare.

Elfenbein and Dobe remember how Roberts thinking broadened out to include new horizons over the course of his time at Grinnell. With his first book, he was specifically focused on Nietzsche, affirmation and religion. In his second, he asked where the field of religious studies was going in the future. And with his third big project  what he was reading on the most in the months leading up to his passing  he asked what we do with the humanities as an area of scholarship.

He was asking, What is this all about? What do we do? said Dobe, If we dont reshape our commitments in the way we live, based on what we study, then were missing out.

A Mentor

When Roberts was in the classroom, his mind and body were never stationary. Rolling back and forth on his heels, leaning on the back of a chair, scribbling on the board, he would not stop moving. And at the beginning of each class, still fidgeting, he would begin to tell a story that related to the lesson he was about to teach.

Usually, it was a story that came from his own life. At that time, his children were infants, said Jolyon Thomas `01, now an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania. And before you knew it, he would turn that into a lesson about the readings that weve had for that day. It was like magic every time he did it.

Jenny Samuels `16 took Roberts class on religion in U.S. public life. She has just graduated from Harvard Law School, and is now clerking for a judge.

I kept all the books from that class, which I know I didnt do for any other class, said Samuels. I still revisit the cases we studied.

Samuels cites Roberts as a dramatic force on her worldview, who changed the way she approached the law. According to Samuels, she has not been able to find his unique viewpoint ever since.

I havent seen any other scholars even come close to his depth of understanding and his vision for what the meaning of religious freedom is, she said.

Now, standing in Roberts footsteps, Thomas reflects on his own role as a professor. I know that my debt to him is something that I can never really repay. Especially  and I should stress this  because I was a terrible student, said Thomas, But now, I have the opportunity to pay it forward.

A Friend

Although not everyone was lucky enough to have witnessed it, Professor Johanna Meehan, philosophy, recalled Roberts wickedly playful side, a remnant of his days in New England. Dobe described him as a partier, mischief maker and quite a rebel.

Meehans friendship with Roberts stemmed from their shared humor and wit, she said.

I havent seen any other scholars even come close to his depth of understanding and his vision for what the meaning of religious freedom is. -Jenny Samuels `16

When were at meetings, said Meehan, we catch each others eyes across the room  and he would smirk. I miss that smirk. The one that said, we both know this is ridiculous, but neither of us can say it.

At home, Kapila said Roberts loved to laugh at life. He would play scenes from Monty Pythons Life of Brian over and over again with a kind of glee. For their first date together, Roberts took Kapila to see Knocked Up, a boys comedy, she said.

I both liked to watch it, and watch him laughing, said Kapila.

According to Meehan, Roberts also spent a fair amount of his free time thinking and talking about music.

He was the only person who thought Bob Dylan deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature, said Meehan.

While cleaning out Professor Tyler Roberts office, Professor Caleb Elfenbein found Roberts answers to an assignment he had given to his tutorial. Roberts had asked his class to analyze their favorite song. According to multiple friends of his, Roberts own favorite song was I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles.

It was very Tyler, said Elfenbein. On the one hand, it showed that he understood the craft of music, how people put melodies together and the rhythm of a song. But then, he really thought about meaning.

Roberts poked much fun at his friends, but he would let himself be poked in return. Once, Elfenbein and Roberts were discussing something open on Roberts computer, when Elfenbein noticed a tab open in the browser.

So, when you come in here early, and you say youre reading, teased Elfenbein, Youre really reading about the Red Sox.

You have to be quirky to like the Red Sox, said Meehan.

Instead of co-workers, Roberts had lifelong friends. People he supported, teased and cared for like family.

In my experience, said Elfenbein, male friendship in middle age and after is pretty hard. Culturally, having intimate male friendships  its not that common. And to have that with someone you respect. I miss that a lot.

He was my great love and best friend, an amazing partner, and the kindest person I knew, said Kapila.

I think he wanted to see me grow in whatever way was meaningful for me, said Elfenbein.

A Family

With both Dobe and Roberts being from New England, they were able to bond over creating a new family life for themselves, transplanted to the prairie. Dobe marveled over the way Roberts modeled positive energy for his family even when he ended up in the middle of nowhere, and became closer friends because of it.

In my experience, male friendship in middle age and after is pretty hard. Culturally, having intimate male friendships  its not that common. And to have that with someone you respect. I miss that a lot.  Professor of Religious Studies Caleb Elfenbein

Roberts loved being at home, said Kapila, and created a peaceful place for them both to enjoy living together as a family. It was a shared space where they could invite friends over for dinner to have a great time, and especially for their children during the holidays, where they could have a homecoming tradition to some pretty good food.

I credit Tyler with the ability to give everyone a place in the house, said Kapila.

And outside of the home, with his children, Roberts would still find a way to create that family bond. Meehans and Roberts children attended the same Grinnell public school. For their holiday concert, each year, Meehan would denounce the posited neutrality of it, as all of the songs played were Christmas songs, not generic holiday songs. But Roberts defended the presence of religious songs in the public sphere  though he agreed with Meehan that they should be honest with their labeling. And yet, Meehan said, he would laugh at her agitation every year.

And you start laughing, because its so predictable, said Meehan. I know what youre going to say, you know what Im going to say. But still, there is space for us to say it.

Roberts had a way of bringing everyone around him together, according to Kapila. He never made her worry about the nuances of an intercultural relationship. Not only did their wedding bring their two families and cultures together, but also enveloped their friends into their lives. Meehans backyard served as the wedding venue, while Dobe was the officiator.

And near the end of his life, Roberts had just begun learning to play the guitar with his son, the difficulty of which challenged and invigorated him, according to Dobe. Elfenbein had eventually convinced Roberts to strum along while Elfenbein played the drums. Together, they made something identifiably music, said Elfenbein.

Roberts is the guy strumming in an irreverent spirit to Lou Reed, said Dobe.

And he was also a professor, a mentor and a friend. A Beatles lover, a father, a thinker. All identifiably Roberts, and all at once.

I dont know what part to remember first, Chen said. Because for us, its everything.
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Bahrain-based Investcorp, a leader in alternative investment products, said that it has led an INR124 crore ($ 17 million) investment in Wingreens Farms, a top packaged F&B company in India, with participation from Omidyar Network India, an investment firm focused on social impact.



Wingreens, a business committed to Womens empowerment, is focused on capturing changing consumer preferences towards healthier and better for you products, a segment which represents a $1 billion opportunity over the next five years.



Founded in 2011, Wingreens is focused on creating world class, minimally processed products using high quality ingredients that are sustainably sourced. A market leader in fresh dips and fruit juices (under the brand RAW Pressery), Wingreens products span multiple fast-growing categories in foods and beverages. Its portfolio includes healthy snacks, sauces and spreads, spice mixes, specialty bakery, breakfast cereals, non-dairy milk, protein shakes and a wide assortment of organic products.



The company has an omni-channel distribution strategy with an offline retail footprint in over 200 cities across India. Wingreens has also launched a new Direct-to-Consumer website  WingreensWorld.com offering its multi-brand foods and beverages across India.



Anju C Srivastava, Founder & Managing Director of Wingreens Farms, said: We are delighted to welcome Investcorp and Omidyar Network India to the Wingreens family. Their valuable experience and resources will empower us to onboard many more new age food and beverage brands on the WingreensWorld.com platform with an online and offline presence.



We are passionate about building a new age food and beverage company that continues to scale its social impact on the back end while building exciting brands that resonate with the emerging millennial consumer on the front end.



Gaurav Sharma, Partner and Head of India Private Equity at Investcorp India said: Wingreens addresses a large market that represents significant potential and headroom for growth. With its sustainable business model and focus on delivering quality products, the company is a clear market leader across segments and enjoys strong reputation.



Over the years, it has showcased a robust market standing and strong financial metrics. We look forward to working with the company and enabling them to scale further.

Siddharth Nautiyal, Partner, Omidyar Network India added: Were excited to be partnering with Anju and Arjun. They are experienced entrepreneurs who have not only created a widely loved brand but are also committed to incorporating a strong impact lens in their business.



Launched as a Womens Initiative Network project, Wingreens has been built from the very start with the goal of creating social impact. Their mission is to create a better for you, high-quality food brand from India which incorporates sustainable practices, including sourcing and processing at the farmgate. We look forward to partnering with them in building a strong business with deeply embedded best practices in impact.



In India, Investcorp is an active investor in mid-market companies across consumption-linked sectors and in the real estate business. In the private equity space, Investcorp targets opportunities across the consumer, healthcare, financial services and technology sectors. Its investments over the last four years include Intergrow Brands, Bewakoof.com, FreshToHome, Zolo, InCred, Citykart, ASG, NephroPlus, Unilog, Xpressbees, and Safari Industries.



Veda Corporate Advisors was the exclusive advisor to the transaction.  TradeArabia News Service
Limak Insaat Kuwait, a subsidiary of Turkish builder Limak Holding, has announced the completion of the fourth generation of its training programme for female engineers - 'Kuwaits Engineer Girls' with the support of Kuwaits Ministry of Youth Affairs.

Modelled after Limak Holding's 'Turkey's Engineer Girls' program, the 'Kuwait's Engineer Girls' program focuses on empowering female engineers by equipping them with management and leadership skills that help them succeed in their professional careers.

In Kuwait, the programme has successfully empowered a total of 175 female engineers to date, many of whom have accepted job offers at Limak or other top companies in Kuwait's public and private sectors. It is being run in partnership with Kuwait University and Turkey's Bogazici University.

The project-based learning programme consists of over 200 training hours involving workshops and seminars led by professors and experts from Turkey's Bogazici University and Limak Insaat, as well as training and social distanced site visits to Limak's projects in Kuwait, such as the Kuwait International Airport New Terminal 2 (T2).

Due to Covid-19 pandemic situation, Limak had altered the programme's components to conduct the majority of the lessons online or partially in-person following social distance and safety requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Health and other official governmental authorities in Kuwait.

A graduation ceremony was held recently to felicitate the 88 new Kuwait's engineer girls who had completed the programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, Limak Insaat Kuwait Country Manager Kayihan Bagdatli said: "We are pleased to celebrate the graduation of the fourth cohort of our 'Kuwait's Engineer Girls' program, and recognize the young engineers for their hard work, dedication, and significant achievement."

"Working with the Ministry of Youth we trained four times as many engineers and adapted to challenges posed by the pandemic by moving a majority of the program online. Id like to thank everyone who helped make this year's cohort a success, and I wish the graduates the best of luck as they join their fellow programme alumni in Kuwaits workforce," stated Bagdatli

Director General of Kuwait's Public Authority for Youth Dr Mishal Al Rubaie, expressed his delight that the female engineers had completed the training program, commemorating its success in empowering women and professionally qualifying them for the private sectors labor market.

"The Kuwait Engineer Girls program, which focuses on developing participants' leadership and management skills to help them succeed in their future careers, is one of the results of the authority's collaboration with Limak," he stated.

"It is overseen by the program's director and faculty member at Kuwait University, Dr. Amani Buqammaz," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Bell Textron has sold a Bell 429 helicopter to Kuwait International Aircraft Leasing (KIAL) to be used by the Ministry of Health (MoH) for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS).

This marks the third 429 HEMS sale in the country. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in August 2022.

KIAL and Bell representatives gathered at the Dubai Air Show to celebrate this purchase.

Were delighted to add to our fleet of 429s, since we are very familiar with the aircrafts excellent performance in our hot environment and its ability to quickly move patients from emergency scenes to our medical facilities. We look forward to the delivery of the third helicopter, which will allow us to expand our operations within the country, said Capt Jassem Buqamber, Kuwaits Air Ambulance Commander.

The Bell 429 has been one of the most successful light twin helicopters on the market since its certification in 2009, with almost 400 aircraft operating globally. It is known for its exceptional speed, performance, range and low lifecycle cost.

The aircrafts readiness makes it ideal for a variety of uses such as emergency missions, law enforcement, parapublic, oil and gas, and corporate transport.

We are honoured that Kuwait has again selected the Bell 429 as their light twin helicopter of choice for their latest HEMS contract, said Sameer Rehman, managing director, Middle East and Africa. Its remarkable flight performance, coupled with its multi-mission pedigree, make it perfectly suited to the Ministry of Healths aim of providing advanced emergency life support to all areas of Kuwait.

The Bell 429s speed and agility make it ideal for emergency travel, in addition to search and rescue missions, with ample storage and space for six people, plus customisation options. It is operated by many governments for HEMS, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions all around the world.

-- TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) has approved the emergency use of the Evusheld to combat Covid-19, making the Kingdom the first country to utilise the drug.

The drug will be available to adults 18 years and above, who are immunocompromised or who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or for individuals with occupations that put them at risk of infection, said a Bahrain News Agency report.

The decision follows the evaluation of data provided by the manufacturer AstraZeneca, carried out by the NHRA's Pharmaceutical Products Regulation department, it said.

Evusheld is made from a mixture of two antibodies, which achieved a statistically significant decrease in cases of acute or fatal Covid-19 infection in patients who were not hospitalised and those with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate, it said.
Specialist drilling waste management company, TWMA, is highlighting at this years Adipec how its wellsite processing solution has proved to reduce the carbon emissions of drilling operations by 50%.

The company is set to present a technical paper at a session hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) during the conference. The paper, which was co-authored by DNV, will detail the key benefits of its low carbon drilling solutions.

With sustainability and net-zero targets at the top of the industry agenda, TWMA is poised to further support customers to improve their environmental performance, especially in the UAE which represents a third of the companys business.

Halle Aslaksen, Chief Executive Officer at TWMA, said: For 20 years TWMA has been lowering the carbon emissions of drilling operations using our TCC RotoMill wellsite processing technology. Since bringing this technology to the UAE in 2012, we have delivered safe, low cost and sustainable operations to some of the regions biggest projects, most notably the Upper Zakum development.

The TCC RotoMill wellsite processing solution allows drilling waste to be processed at the source, eliminating the requirement to ship drilling waste long distances for treatment. The solution significantly lowers carbon emissions, reduces well cost, and improves safety performance.

Aslaksen continues: We have built a strong business in the UAE over the years by delivering innovative solutions that add value to our customers operations. We are always looking for opportunities to share knowledge and best practice and Adipec provides a fantastic platform from which to do this. We are very much looking forward to presenting our low carbon drilling solutions to delegates this year, Aslaksen added.

With aims to strengthen customer relationships and show its commitment to the market, TWMA is exhibiting at the show for the sixth time since its first appearance in 2015. The company is bringing a new concept to its stand this year, delivering virtual presentations from its team of specialists around the world.

The UK-headquartered company, which has bases in the UAE, US, Egypt, Norway and Africa, is also launching its new real-time monitoring technology XLink at the show, from November 15 to 18.

XLink is a new hardware and software system upgrade that allows customers to monitor their drilling waste operations live from anywhere in the world. The innovative system reduces personnel onboard (POB), improves operational insights, and automates wellsite processing systems to lower cost, improve safety and lower carbon emissions. TWMA is exhibiting in Hall 8 on stand number 8410. -- TradeArabia News Service
Embraer has announced a $299.4 million firm order for three new E175, plus three purchase rights for the same model of aircraft, with Overland Airways, from Nigeria.

The 88-seat aircraft, with premium class cabin configuration, will be delivered from 2023. The deal is at list price with all purchase rights being exercised, Embraer said at the Dubai Air Show.

These aircraft will increase the domestic flights and allow to expand more regional routes. The president and CEO of Overland Airways, Capt Edward Boyo, said: We are confident that this is the right moment to invest, as regional aviation is on an optimistic post-pandemic recovery. Our customers will really enjoy all comfort in the E175, and we appreciate our partnership with Embraer.

Cesar Pereira, Vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation said: We are proud of this partnership with Overland and to support their regional expansion. We are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connections in Nigeria.

During the pandemic, the E175 has been a vital tool for many regional airlines, as they are perfectly suited to rebuilding network, enhancing frequencies and efficiently adding capacity to meet demand that has been gradually recovering.-- TradeArabia News Service
The BMW bikes lined up of the Motorrad

More than 30 bikers came together for a special Motorrad night that celebrated their passion for motorbikes.

Euro Motors, official importers for BMW in Bahrain, hosted a group of enthusiastic motorbike fans for an atmospheric evening, riding around the city streets.

Starting from the Euro Motors showroom at 6pm  with the setting sun providing a stunning backdrop  the group rode in convoy under the street lights.

After stopping for a convivial dinner at a local restaurant where bikers spoke about their love for riding motorbikes, the group continued to Zallaq, the picturesque beach town on the west coast of the country.

Here, prizes were handed out to some of the lucky BMW bikers attending the Motorrad evening, after which the party headed back to the Euro Motors showroom to say their goodbyes.

David McGoldrick, General Manager at Euro Motors, said: Were delighted that so many fans of BMW motorbikes joined us for a truly memorable ride. The night sky added some real drama to the event and new friendships were formed, which was pleasing to see.-- TradeArabia News Service
Brazilian micro and small business see significant opportunities in the UAE and regard the country as a gateway to the broader Mena region, exports to which grew nearly 40% over the past year.

The value of Brazilian exports to the region grew from $8.8 billion in 2020 to $12.27 billion this year.

Micro and small businesses account for a large share of this trade, executives from Sebrae, the Brazilian micro and small business support service, told a Brazilian business event in Dubai.

Sebrae took part in the Brazil-UAE Prospective Business Mission on November 14 and 15 as part of its efforts to cultivate opportunities for Brazilian companies in the UAE.

Owners of micro and small Brazilian companies will also participate in various activities during the six-months of Expo 2020 Dubai. Sebrae, in partnership with other Brazilian government entities, are bringing entrepreneurs with export potential from the states of Parana, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Para, Ceara, Rondonia and Tocantins to the event to introduce them to the regional market.

At the opening of the "How to do business with the United Arab Emirates" seminar of the Brazil-United Arab Emirates Prospective Business Mission, Sebrae president, Carlos Melles, reiterated the potential of Brazil's small businesses to serve the UAE and Mena.

He said Sebrae has a fundamental role in expanding the number and value of exports by small businesses, training entrepreneurs, and ensuring that their products and services adhere to international standards. "We are preparing Brazilian companies for internationalisation, increasing the amount of exporting business and the value being traded," said Melles.

Melles pointed out that Expo 2020 in Dubai will enhance Brazilian firms' understanding of the Mena market, thanks to Dubai's position as the regions principal trading hub. "There is a wide variety of opportunities, and Expo 2020 is an ideal platform for attracting partnerships and investors. I believe our efforts will open a huge market for our micro and small companies, he adds.

Brazils 18.2 million micro and small companies account for 99 per cent of businesses in the country and were responsible for 70 per cent of the jobs created since the beginning of this year. Altogether, they generate annual revenues worth an estimated $880,000 and 30 per cent of national GDP.

While the Middle East already imports significant amounts of Brazilian acai and cosmetics, Sebrae believes tourism services and technologies related to the energy sector have particularly strong growth potential.

"We believe there is enormous potential in the region, and this potential can be transformed into concrete opportunities," said Eduardo Diogo, Sebrae's Director of Administration and Finance.

Diogo said there were also opportunities for information sharing between UAE and Brazil entrepreneurs around sustainability and mobility, two of the three Expo 2020 themes. "Brazil has a very close relationship with nature, and sustainability is crucial for us as a nation. Mobility is also a challenge for all the big cities globally, such as San Paulo, which has almost 20 million residents. So, the transport sector can benefit greatly from the insights gathered at the Expo," Diogo said

FOSTERING EXPORTS

Sebrae has developed partnerships in different Brazilian states and signed agreements with bodies such as the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil) and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). These networks offer small businesses an ideal opportunity to boost their participation in the export market, in addition to assisting entrepreneurs in aligning their products to global standards.

Recently, Sebrae and CNI launched a joint study that identified the main markets with export potential and their buyers. These include clothing, food products, canned fruits, vegetables, furniture, soaps, detergents, cleaning products, cosmetics, perfumery, and personal care products. The report identified 50 sectors with significant export potential throughout all the states in Brazil.-- TradeArabia News Service
Emirates SkyCargo will induct two new Boeing 777Fs into its fleet in 2022 and also convert four of the airlines Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters between 2023 and 2024 investing AED3.6 billion ($1 billion).

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: "The last two years have put the spotlight on the importance of supply chain connectivity and the availability of air cargo capacity to global communities and economies.

"Emirates plays a key role in making essential goods available to customers and consumers globally through the capacity available on our wide-body fleet, the reach of our global network, and the advanced infrastructure at our Dubai hub. Today, we are delighted to announce the investment to further expand our freighter capacity. This underscores our commitment to supporting our customers requirements, and reflects our confidence in our future growth and status as one of the largest airline cargo carriers in the world."

NEW BOEING 777-FS

Emirates SkyCargo has signed a purchase agreement with Boeing for two new Boeing 777-F aircraft, which will be delivered in April and June 2022 respectively. Emirates SkyCargo was the launch customer for the Boeing 777-F and the aircraft has been at the heart of the carriers operations since 2009.

The addition of two new freighter aircraft will strengthen Emirates SkyCargos customer offering allowing for increased agility and flexibility in its operations.

Over the years, the Boeing 777 freighter has been a critical pillar of Emirates SkyCargo operations, with the aircraft operating scheduled and charter flights to destinations across six continents.

The Boeing 777-F also played an important part of the carriers pandemic response, helping deliver vital commodities across the globe. The aircrafts remarkable range and payload capabilities allow for time and temperature sensitive shipments to be transported rapidly and efficiently from origin to destination.

"We are honoured that Emirates has once again placed its confidence in the 777 Freighter as the backbone of its global network," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "As the largest operator of 777 passenger and freighter models worldwide, Emirates success is a testament to the 777s market-leading efficiency, improved sustainability and incredible range."

BOEING 777-300ER CONVERSIONS

Emirates SkyCargo has signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the conversion of four Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft into full freighters. The agreement also includes an option for further Boeing 777-300ER conversions at a later stage.

The conversion programme for the four aircraft will commence in early 2023 and is expected to conclude in 2024 with each aircraft taking up to an estimated five months for the process.

The converted freighters will provide up to 10 additional pallet positions over the Boeing 777-F production freighter allowing for transport of more low density cargo including e-commerce goods. They will boost the maindeck cargo capacity that Emirates SkyCargo can deploy on its global routes, with a particular focus on trade lanes where volumetric cargo loads tend to be high. The converted aircrafts payload capabilities are very close to those of the Boeing 777-F production freighters and the twin-engine aircraft will be more efficient per tonne of cargo carried than the industry standard freighters.

"IAI is proud to partner with the brightest minds in the region to create solutions to the global demand for cargo aircraft," said IAI CEO & President, Boaz Levy. "IAIs Aviation Group, the worlds leader in cargo conversions, is currently converting the first B777-300ER aircraft, together with GECAS, in order to provide the most optimal solution for the rise in e-commerce. Emirates decision to select IAI for the conversion of its passenger aircraft to cargo configuration is a testament to IAI's professional capabilities and IAIs longstanding international recognition in the field."

In addition to its freighter aircraft, Emirates offers cargo capacity in the bellyhold of its passenger aircraft. During the Covid-19 pandemic, responding to the surging demand from the industry for the transportation of vital goods such as PPE, medical supplies and food in light of the overall reduction in global cargo capacity due to reduced passenger flight operations, Emirates SkyCargo introduced new measures including operating cargo-only flights on its passenger aircraft (passenger freighters) and modifying Boeing 777-300ER aircraft by removing seats from Economy Class to make additional room for cargo (mini-freighters). Emirates SkyCargo currently has a fleet of 16 mini-freighters.

Emirates SkyCargo operated more than 27,800 flights on its passenger freighters and mini-freighters in the one year period from March 2020, transporting more than 100,000 tonnes of essential cargo including medical supplies and food on these flights.

With demand for air cargo capacity remaining high, Emirates SkyCargo continues to provide customers the option of transporting cargo on passenger freighters and/ or mini freighters.-- TradeArabia News Service
Turkmenistan celebrated Harvest Festival, wrapping up the agricultural year. Thematic conferences honoring the best farmers, as well as exhibitions and fairs of agricultural products demonstrating the generosity of the Turkmen land were held in all regions of the country.

The main events of the festival took place in Ashgabat, including a ceremony of presenting state awards and valuable gifts on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan to the best farmers, machine operators and other agricultural specialists. The capital city also hosted a large-scale exhibition of achievements of the agro-industrial complex of Turkmenistan and a scientific and practical conference on the development of agriculture in the country.

The current agricultural year has been good for Turkmen farmers who have successfully fulfilled the governmental order for production of the main agricultural crops of the Turkmen agro-industrial complex - cotton and wheat. In fact, more than 1.250 million tons of cotton and over 1.400 million tons of wheat have been produced in the country this year.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021
Prague, Nov 15 (UNI/Sputnik) The Czech Republic is ready to provide assistance to Poland amid the migrant crisis on the border with Belarus, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said.

"I spoke with my Polish colleague @RauZbigniew. We discussed the dire situation on Poland-Belarus border. I expressed our solidarity with Poland and reiterated our readiness to help bilaterally if need be," Kulhanek said on Twitter on Sunday.

He added that the border crisis will be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on Monday.

On Saturday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell discussed the situation on the Belarusian-Polish border with the foreign ministers of Poland and Lithuania. On Sunday, Borrell held a telephone conversation with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei discussing the issue. The Belarusian side reiterated its readiness for mutually respectful dialogue with the EU and emphasized that sanctions are counter-productive.

Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik said on Saturday that Minsk does not see the European Union making any serious efforts to hold dialogue with Belarus to resolve the ongoing migrant crisis.

Poland, Lithuania and Latvia have been urging the European Union to fund the construction of a wall at the Belarusian border and have been accusing Belarus of orchestrating the migrant crisis to get back at Brussels for sanctions against the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader has rejected the accusations, saying that his cash-strapped country can no longer afford tight border controls.

Within the past few weeks, thousands of migrants including women and children willing to enter the EU have arrived at the Polish-Belarusian border. Poland boosted border guard and deployed the military to the border region.

UNI/SPUTNIK ASN
ISIS-K claims responsibility for Nov 13 blast in Kabul

Kabul, Nov 15 (UNI) The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan (ISIS-K) has claimed responsibility for the explosion that rocked Afghanistan's capital city on November 13.

According to a report by The Khaama Press, ISIS-K has claimed that they have planted bombs in a minivan that killed 20 people but the Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid had said the incident that killed a civilian and wounded three more happened after the car caught fire.

The Saturday's explosion had occurred in Dasht-e-Barchi of Kabul leaving three dead and six injured.
Srinagar, Nov 15 (UNI) Two terrorists were killed in an ongoing encounter with a joint team of security forces at Hyderpora area of uptown in Srinagar.

A police spokesman said a joint team of security forces gunned down one more militant during a fierce encounter that erupted this evening at Hyderpora, taking the number of terrorists killed to two.

The slain terrorists were yet to be identified and their affiliation has to be ascertained, they added.

Earlier, police had tweeted "01 unidentified #terrorist killed. #operation going on. Further details shall follow."



Official sources said more reinforcement of paramilitary forces were rushed to the spot this evening to assist the Jammu and Kashmir Police in neuturalising the hiding terrorists there.

The encounter was going on, police said, adding that further details were awaited.

UNI QAB RJ
Pak's opposition parties to hold meeting today to finalise next anti-govt strategy

Islamabad, Nov 15 (UNI) The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a coalition of country's main opposition parties, will be holding a meeting on Monday to discuss the country's issues and finalise its future strategies.

According to a report by Geo TV, PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be holding a virtual meeting to discuss important issues such as the electronic voting machines, electoral reforms, the NAB ordinance and granting the right to vote to overseas Pakistanis.

The meeting will be attended by political heavyweights like former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif, Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
UW in the News

State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage:

The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) published comments from Christelle Khalaf, associate director of UWs Center for Business and Economic Analysis, in an article that detailed how the recently passed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill will impact Wyoming and its residents.

UW law Professor Sam Kalen, a natural resources expert, was interviewed by HuffPost for an article that focused on environmentalists who are accusing President Joe Biden of breaking a campaign promise to ban new federal fossil fuel leasing. The administration says its hands are tied, but legal experts, including Kalen, offered opinions on the issue. Mother Jones republished the article.

MSN published a USA Today article that included comments from UW political science Professor Jim King. The article focused on U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney and whether her ongoing anti-Donald Trump crusade will end her political career or vault her as a White House contender.

UW researchers and graduate students will be among scientists from several institutions who will study the impacts of climate change and the pressure of people on Front Range ecosystems through a five-year, $3.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The University of Colorado-Boulders Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research and the National Center for Atmospheric Research will lead the study, noted The Boulder Daily Camera.

The Laramie Boomerang, WyoToday Media, SweetwaterNOW and Laramie Live published UWs release noting that a UW student team won a $100,000 prize in the Carbon Removal Student Competition funded by XPRIZE and the Musk Foundation. The competition was launched, in part, to fund early-stage concepts from the next generation of carbon removal innovators and to remove barriers to entry for those interested in the main competition. Philanthropy News Digest, The Gillette News Record, Nebraska Rural Radio Network, Financial Post and IT News Online published similar articles.

UW has launched a new phase of its The World Needs More Cowboys marketing campaign. Wyoming News Now, Cap City News and Oil City News published UWs release noting that it includes a new anthem video, I Am a Cowboy, that highlights the attributes of UW students, employees, alumni and supporters.

Utah Public Radio interviewed UW Professor Merav Ben-David, who discussed how her past research on the climate crisis pushed her to run for the U.S. Senate last year. Ben-David was the speaker for Utah State Universitys Ecology Center Seminar Series last week.

Two UW research teams are Phase 1 semifinalists of the U.S. Department of Energys American-Made Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize, a $4 million competition. ThinkGeoEnergy published UWs release noting that the competition is designed to advance technologies and techniques to support direct lithium extraction from geothermal brines.

Hits 106 and Wyoming News Now published UWs release announcing that the Wyoming Conservation Corps at UW will recruit to fill the first all-women crew, composed of two crew leaders and six crew members.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded the Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network at UW a $2.5 million grant to implement the SBAs Community Navigator Pilot Program in Wyoming. County 10 published UWs announcement.

SweetwaterNOW published UWs release noting that the School of Energy Resources (SER) will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy as a subawardee in a collaborative grant proposal with Baker Hughes Energy Transition LLC to develop innovative solutions and uses for coal waste.

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso was interviewed by Wyoming News Now on several topics, including a discussion on energy in which he noted SERs efforts to capture carbon.

Wyoming News Now published UWs release noting that UW medical students Luiza Bosch, from Pinedale, and Taylor Thompson, from Cody, recently volunteered at Ivinson Memorial Hospitals Outpatient Regeneron Infusion Clinic to help care for COVID-19 patients. Bosch and Thompson are second-year students in the Wyoming-WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) Medical Education Program.

UW is celebrating International Education Week this week with a variety of events, including informational workshops, panel discussions, a film screening and nightly international meals. The Laramie Boomerang published UWs announcement.

Big Horn Radio Network published UWs release announcing that the College of Law and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources will host a symposium marking Yellowstone National Parks 150th anniversary at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody May 19-20.

Nino Abashidze, a postdoctoral research associate in the UW Haub School, was among researchers whose study revealed that racial and ethnic disparities were found in the use of a popular prostate cancer test. Abashidze conducted the research in her previous position at Georgia Tech. The study appeared in JAMA Network Open.

The Western Farmer-Stockman published UWs release on the Coe Student Innovation Centers MakeHER Scholar Program that offers STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and maker workshops and camps aimed at Wyomings young female students.

Retired UW Professor Conrad Smiths journey to find a historical rock in Wyoming was featured in a WyoFile article. A documentary featured Smith, who has spent nearly a decade trying to locate the exact rock within the Rocky Mountains where Charles Preuss sat in 1842 to sketch the first published image from within the Rocky Mountains.

The CS-T interviewed UW psychology Professor Narina Nunez for an article on a legislative bill to improve juvenile justice data collection. Nunez is a member of the State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justices Executive Committee.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-15 00:49:44|Editor: huaxia

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RIGA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Like most other European Union (EU) members, Latvia started its COVID-19 vaccination campaign at the end of last year, aiming to immunize most of its population by the end of this summer.

However, due to various reasons, the vaccination campaign has not been as smooth as expected, which now calls Latvia's chances of achieving herd immunity by August or September into question.

So far, Latvia has been using COVID-19 vaccines made by AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech - the three jabs approved by the European regulator for use in the EU. On Tuesday, Latvia received the first shipment of the fourth EU-approved COVID-19 vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson, but its use was immediately put on hold because of concerns that this vaccine might be the cause of rare cases of blood clots.

The main obstacle to Latvia's vaccination drive has been delays in vaccine deliveries, but blunders have also been made by the Baltic country's health authorities.

In November 2020, Latvian officials passed up an opportunity to order over 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, hoping that the country will be able to rely on vaccine deliveries from AstraZeneca.

However, AstraZeneca has failed to fulfil the EU member states' - among them Latvia's -- vaccine orders, and reports of the AstraZeneca jab's potentially life-threatening side effects have badly damaged its popularity. Accordingly, the country briefly suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab in mid-March, while the EU medicines regulator was reviewing its safety.

So far, however, Latvia has not recorded any cases of blood clots, or thromboembolism, following inoculation with the AstraZeneca jab, and Latvian health experts claim that the vaccine has fallen into disrepute quite undeservedly.

Meanwhile, health officials started to roll over the failure to procure the necessary amount of other COVID-19 vaccines. In January, Health Minister Ilze Vinkele lost her job and was replaced by Daniels Pavluts, who ordered an inquiry into Latvia's botched vaccine procurement.

As a result of this inquiry, Pavluts demoted the Health Ministry's top administrator and opened a disciplinary probe against the head of the State Agency of Medicines.

Latvia's vaccine rollout gathered pace, and on April 5, seven mass vaccination centers opened in Riga and several other cities to speed up the process, but COVID-19 vaccines at these centers were only available to groups prioritized for vaccination -- the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.

This prompted calls from the public to let everyone who wants the vaccine to get it at the vaccination centers, which on the first days of operation failed to administer all the vaccine doses at their disposal, also because they only offered the AstraZeneca shot.

Addressing Latvia's slow vaccine rollout at a government meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins did not hide his exasperation over the many hindrances that have been holding back the immunization of Latvia's population and called Health Minister Pavluts as the official responsible for the process to task.

However, the prime minister also said that he was confident that the Health Ministry was capable of coping with the task of immunizing the population against the virus. "The Health Ministry must cope with this challenge and I am sure that it will," Karins told reporters following the cabinet meeting.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in an increasing number of countries with already-authorized coronavirus vaccines.

Meanwhile, 272 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 88 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain, and the United States, according to information released by the World Health Organization on April 13. Enditem
ACTUALIZACION | Esta es la situacion de la vacunacion contra la #COVID19 en Peru hasta las 20:00 horas del 14 de noviembre. #VacunateYa pic.twitter.com/Ny0IkE4Axs
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received today the delegation of the World Bank led by Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde, the PMs Office told Armenpress.

Pashinyan highly appreciated the cooperation with the World Bank, within the frames of which different development programs have been carried out and continue to be carried out in Armenia.

He said that the governments action plan highlights education, infrastructure, administration system reforms as priority directions, and taking into account the successful experience of the joint work, the Cabinet attaches importance to the deepening of partnership with the World Bank in this and other mutually beneficial directions.

The WB Vice President praised the level of cooperation with the Armenian government and congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his re-election as PM. Anna Bjerde said that the World Bank assesses the governments action plan as a targeted program for resisting the current challenges and is ready to continue the support to the Armenian government for implementing all those reforms.

The sides also discussed the Armenia-World Bank partnership prospects. They highlighted the public administration reforms, institutional capacity and human capital development programs.

Mr Pashinyan and Mrs Bjerde also discussed issues on raising public awareness about the COVID-19 vaccinations. Pashinyan highly valued the World Bank support to Armenia for COVID-19 response.

The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to the consistent implementation of the agenda of reforms and thanked the World Bank, its Armenian team for the readiness to continue the productive cooperation.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENRESS. The National Assembly will not convene an extraordinary session at the request of the opposition factions, ARMENPRESS reports President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan said in a briefing, adding that they cannot even discuss that issue, since the opposition partners submitted a document at 16:40, which is not sufficient.

Our opposition partners submitted a document at 16:40 to convene an extraordinary session. Unfortunately, due to the insufficiency of the submitted documents and in terms of time, I cannot even discuss the issue and make a decision. For example, there are no justifications, no program is presented for discussion, Simonyan said.

Earlier, "Armenia" faction MP Gegham Manukyan had stated on his Facebook page that the parliamentary opposition factions initiated an extraordinary plenary sitting of the National Assembly at 20:00.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered remarks at the Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting, noting that Azerbaijan continues to put a siege on Nagorno-Karabakh, impeding the access of the international humanitarian organizations including those who requested a fact-finding mission to determine the state of cultural heritage.

ARMENPRESS presents the full text of Ararat Mirzoyans speech.

Mr. High Representative,

Mr. State Secretary,

Dear colleagues,

I am really glad that we are finally able to meet in person after the lengthy Covid-19 restrictions. We are also looking forward to the upcoming summit, where the heads of our states and governments will have the opportunity to discuss the future of the EaP, in which, I am confident we all are very much interested.

I would be glad to deliver my speech on development agenda of Armenia and EU and its member states, go into the details of implementation of the Armenia-EU CEPA agreement (Comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement), that entered into force on March 1, 2021, highlight the importance of our signed agreements with Europol and Horizon Europe, Common Aviation agreement signed just an hour ago, cooperation with Creative Europe and Eurojust, other important scopes of cooperation, share success stories of Armenia in the fields of fight against corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, consolidating rule of law, speak about parliamentary elections in Armenia that were recognized as democratic, free and transparent by respected international observation missions. I would reaffirm Armenias position on the future of Eastern Partnership and commitment for further merit-based cooperation, but the circumstances in which this meeting is taking place I barely can call regular, as Armenian people and democracy are under constant threat of use of force since at least September 2020.

Dear colleagues,

In defiance of UN Secretary General's call for Global ceasefire Azerbaijan unleashed military aggression against people of Nagorno-Karabakh, seriously undermining the situation in the region. Moreover they tried to create a dangerous precedent of an attempt to resolve protracted conflicts in Europe through massive use of force and involvement of foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries from the Middle East and North Africa. Breaking three agreements of ceasefire Azerbaijan finally agreed to stop the hostilities with the Trilateral statement of November 9.

And yet the situation in the region remains fragile. Security and realities cannot be built on the basis of massive human rights violations, thousands of lost human lives, casualties, displacements and disruption of international peace process. The use of force against the people, who are aspiring to implement their basic rights, including the right for free and secure life and the right to self determination, does not resolve the conflict. And all the statements by official Baku that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not exist any more do not correspond to reality as the very root of the conflict is not addressed. We firmly believe that the conflict should find its political resolution under the auspices and within the mandate of OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairmanship.

I call all the partners that are interested in a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to express unconditional and full support to the peace process with the OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairmanship.

Dear colleagues,

I want to reiterate that Armenia is ready to reach long-lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. However, peace cannot be achieved by the good will of one party alone. It is difficult to imagine lasting peace in the region with so-called Trophy park in Baku, with continued hate speech and xenophobia by the high officials of Azerbaijan, with continued imprisonment of Armenian POWs and other detainees, many cases of enforced disappearances, with continued infiltration and presence of Azerbaijani troops into sovereign territory of Armenia, the last attempt of which occurred just yesterday. As much as Armenia expresses its readiness for de-escalation, Azerbaijan continues provocations in Nagorno-Karabakh and in the Armenian-Azerbaijani borders inflicting casualties among civilians. As much as Armenia calls for opening of regional communication, Azerbaijan continues to demand a so-called corridor.

In the beginning Azerbaijan was conditioning the release of Armenian POWs with obtaining minefields maps. And when Armenia proposed to provide all maps in anticipation of the release of all captives, Azerbaijan stepped back, questioning the credibility of the maps. Azerbaijan continues to put a siege on Nagorno-Karabakh impeding the access of the international humanitarian organizations including those who requested a fact-finding mission to determine the state of cultural heritage.

Generic calls on both sides under the circumstances when Armenia makes credible steps towards peace, while Azerbaijan continues the escalation of the situation, may indicate indifference and lack of commitment from our international partners.

If you want to support us to reach stability in the region then there is no other way than being frank on these issues and communicating to us your vision of human rights and use of force in our region without applying double standards. We stand ready to be a genuine partner with the European Union in this regard.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received the representatives of ServiceTitan, Vineti, Robomart, Krisp, SuperAnnotate, Podcastle companies operating in the field of information technologies.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister praised the success of the above-mentioned IT companies and hoped that their success will be exemplary for other companies. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government's goal is to increase the number of successful companies in our country. To this end, the Government is ready to listen to the problems of the private sector, suggestions and observations for the further development of the sector, to contribute to the continuous progress of this field within its toolkit.

In this context, the representatives of the companies referred to the activities of their companies, the opportunities for the development of startups in Armenia, the potential and capabilities of the IT sector, the development of the science sector, and the steps taken by the Government in that direction.

The Prime Minister and the representatives of the companies highlighted the close public-private partnership and referred to the opportunities for joint projects and programs.

Nikol Pashinyan stressed that the Government is interested in close cooperation with this sphere and offered to continue discussions with the relevant departments in that direction.
A medically unqualified extreme body modifier performed a dangerous, unhygienic and unlawful "tummy tuck" on a young mother, a Sydney judge has found.

Brendan Leigh Russell, 40, was on Monday found guilty of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm when slicing open the woman's abdomen in his shopping centre parlour in November 2016.

"The accused undertook what was clearly a dangerous procedure, in circumstances that were very clearly unhygienic, and convinced the recipient that it was safe," District Court Judge Helen Syme said.

The Central Coast body modifier was also found guilty of female genital mutilation after excising most of a woman's labia with a branding iron in Newcastle in January 2015.

A verdict on his third and most serious charge - the 2017 manslaughter of a regular client - is due on Tuesday.

Following Monday's verdicts, Russell was remanded in custody, leaving his heavily pregnant wife in tears.

The findings could draw a line under complex body modification in Australia after Judge Syme dismissed defence arguments that the mother had provided appropriate consent to the abdominal procedure.

The judge said the quasi-medical tummy tuck involved "little or no regard for proper, informed consent" nor any adequate aftercare instructions.

"There was no public interest in the provision of the services," Judge Syme said.

Russell cut a 20-centimetre by 6cm hole into the woman's abdomen, removed fatty tissue and skin and stitched the wound with nylon thread.

His "incompetent" use of the scalpel caused a muscle injury, extreme pain and heavy internal bleeding.

The woman required two surgeries to fix Russell's mistakes and now has a long, thin scar from hip to hip.

The trial was told Russell never sought written consent for body modification, provided few aftercare instructions, took few infection control measures and spoke of doctors not knowing "s***" .

Story continues

He had no medical training but was painted by one crown witness as a smooth-talking, confident operator hellbent on convincing customers to submit to experimental procedures.

The young mother said her fears about the lack of general anaesthetic were allayed when Russell boasted of his "quite ... good reputation" and how a surgeon had remarked his application of local anaesthetic was "amazing".

The procedure came nearly two years after Russell performed the ad hoc labiaplasty, leaving that woman in long-term pain and unable to use tampons.

His lawyer Michael Mantaj had argued convicting the 40-year-old of the rarely prosecuted offence would outlaw labiaplasties conducted by cosmetic surgeons for non-health reasons.

But Judge Syme said it was "a nonsense suggestion" that other surgeons' actions made Russell's actions lawful and "factually incorrect" to suggest Russell's procedure was comparable to a legal procedure by a trained surgeon.

The maximum penalty for female genital mutilation is 21 years in prison, while intentional grievous bodily harm is 25 years.

Judge Syme said jail was "just about unavoidable".

Before his arrest in 2018, Russell had performed various piercing and body modification procedures in Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast region including metal implants, ear cutting, belly button removal and scarification.

Scarification is the etching, cutting or branding of flesh into a design that creates an ink-less tattoo-like scar.

The alleged victim of the manslaughter charge received several body modifications, including to her nipples, before paying Russell to implant a plastic snowflake in her right hand in March 2017.

The wound became infected, leading the body modifier to reopen, wash out and restitch the wound a few weeks later. She died two days after the second procedure.

The Crown alleged the woman died of sepsis and that was borne of Russell grossly breaching his duty of care, dismissing defence suggestions of death by mixed drug toxicity.
Business groups have welcomed a NSW government plan to roll back a special protection for frontline workers who test positive for COVID-19.

Labor and the unions, however, are calling it harsh, unnecessary, and a "stab in the back" for workers.

Premier Dominic Perrottet on Sunday announced his intention to scrap a COVID-19 provision in the Workers Compensation Act, which creates a presumption that frontline workers who test positive caught the virus at work.

It makes it easier for workers in retail, healthcare, hospitality and other frontline industries to file a workers' compensation claim if they get sick.

"Now that the economy is steadily reopening, we want businesses investing in new staff and higher wages, not inflated insurance bills," Mr Perrottet said.

Peak employer association Ai Group is calling on other parties to back the legislation, which it describes as "timely and sensible".

"To continue to hold employers in some industries automatically responsible for an employee's COVID-19 infection is no longer sustainable," said NSW Ai Group head Helen Waldron.

"It is not fair and defies common sense to assume in those sectors that COVID-19 is overwhelmingly likely to have been caught at work."

Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott also backed the changes, saying when case numbers go up it won't always be clear where someone caught the virus.

Removing the presumption recognises that "we have to live alongside the virus".

But getting the amendment through parliament won't be smooth sailing, with Labor and the Greens criticising the plan.

It's a "stab in the back for the tens of thousands of workers fighting COVID", said Opposition industrial relations spokeswoman Sophie Cotsis.

"Mr Perrottet expects a hospital cleaner who fell sick fighting COVID to then have to fight (the public insurer) icare too," she said.

The government said leaving the protection in place could lead to 25,000 extra claims over the next year, forcing insurance premiums up by $950 on average.

Story continues

All up, COVID-19 claims could cost the workers' compensation system up to $638 million over the coming year, the government said.

But these figures were questioned by Greens MP David Shoebridge, a key proponent of the protection.

"The cost to date has been less than $20 million and the government's initial estimate was that it would be more than $8 billion over four years," he told AAP.

He said if the amendment passes, it would be "next to impossible" for frontline workers to prove they ha picked up the virus at work.

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey called on the government to reconsider the "harsh, heartless and unnecessary" change.

"Any savings to government will be tiny but the impact on individual workers will be massive," he said.

Meanwhile, NSW reported 195 new local cases on Sunday.

A Blue Mountains man in his 80s who received two vaccine doses but had underlying conditions died at Nepean Hospital after being infected at Springwood Hospital.

Some 224 people remain in hospital, with 32 in intensive care.

NSW Health will from Monday stop specifying whether new cases were locally acquired or came from overseas in its daily updates.

Since quarantine for international arrivals was ditched at the start of the month, it is harder to determine the origin of each case.

Some 91.1 per cent of people over 16 are fully vaccinated and 94.2 per cent of adults have had their first jab.

In the 12-15 age group, more than 80 per cent have had their first dose and 73.4 per cent both.
The Queensland premier says quarantine could be scrapped for domestic travellers earlier than expected, admitting many people stranded interstate are waiting for that to happen.

Home quarantine is being offered to domestic arrivals from COVID-19 hotspots now that more than 70 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated.

Applicants must apply before travel, be fully vaccinated, test negative for the virus and fly in.

A quarantine residence must be within two hours' drive of an airport, and have direct outdoor access rather than a shared indoor entrance.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says a new application system will be online from 5pm on Monday, but people won't arrive immediately.

"They have to produce a negative test, so it may take them a couple of days, but it's still earlier than expected," she told reporters on Monday.

"It was supposed to be the 19th of November, and it's come forward."

The state plans to scrap quarantine for vaccinated domestic travellers once 80 per cent of Queenslanders are fully vaccinated, or December 17 at the latest.

Ms Palaszczuk admitted that many Queenslanders stranded interstate and other Australians are waiting for that change.

"I think a lot of people are gonna wait till we get to the 80 per cent double dose," she said.

"But this criteria is in place now for those who want to return home earlier, or for those people who have purchased properties, to come and live in paradise."

Given that vaccine coverage had reached 70 per cent earlier than expected, Ms Palaszczuk said it could also reach 80 per cent earlier.

That would allow quarantine for vaccinated domestic travellers could be scrapped earlier than planned.

"I don't want to get my hopes up, I don't want to get people's hopes up," the premier said.

"So we're on track for that 17th of December, it could come a few days earlier."

Home quarantine isn't available to people arriving by car, even if they can live within two hour's drive of the NSW border.

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Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the government should properly explain why drivers, who live less than two hours from the border, aren't allowed to quarantine at home.

He said driving home without stopping appeared a lot safer than making people drive to Sydney and then fly into Queensland.

"That doesn't look like a protection mechanism," Mr Crisafulli told reporters.

"To me that looks like government pigheadedness."

The new home quarantine scheme is also set to free up hotel quarantine places for international arrivals.

However, the Queensland government is yet to lift the weekly international arrivals cap of 500 people.

There are still no restrictions or quarantine requirements for Australians who don't live in virus hotspots.

Queensland's vaccine drive has gathered pace since the government announced plans last week to ban unvaccinated people from venues when the 80 per cent target is hit.

The latest figures show 82.29 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have had one jab and 70.54 per cent are fully vaccinated.

The state on Monday recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and two in hotel quarantine.
The Salvation Army in Auburn is seeking donations to help with its annual Thanksgiving meal.

Like last year, the Salvation Army will once again serve its meals by takeout and delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 800 meals were served to people in need last year.

The community is invited to drop off dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and pies at the Salvation Army, 18 E. Genesee St., Auburn.

Volunteers are also sought to help prepare the dinner on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 22, 23 and 24.

For more information, or to volunteer, call Capt. Holly at (315) 253-0319 or (207) 402-7127.

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We know that this is a hard time of year to stay up-to-date, with the impending holidays, planning, cleaning, baking, school events  to name a few things that make up our busy schedules. Here is a quick rundown of everything happening at the library.

Dino-Vember

It is Dino-Vember at Seymour Library! Explore dinosaurs all month long with fun activities and books! Did someone say dinosaur invasion?! There are three dinosaurs hiding in the library: Book-o-Saurus Rex, Veloc-o-Reader and Story-a-Saurus. Find all three and win a prize during this fun scavenger hunt.

Dont forget to check out our dinosaur-themed book display for children. Featuring dino-mite reads like:

 "Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug" by Jonathan Stutzman

 "Duck, Duck, Dinosaur" by Kallie George

 "The Worrysaurus" by Rachel Bright

 "Dinosaur vs. The Library" by Bob Shea

 "That's What Dinosaurs Do" by Jory John

And more  available to check out with your library card!

November take-and-makes

Families have been roaring over the librarys take-and-make storytime kits! Here are two new kits that you can gobble up this November.

Dino take-and-make: These dinosaur-themed take-and-make kits are filled with fun hands-on activities, plus a copy of "Pete the Cat: Cavecat Pete" by James Dean. They're available starting Monday, Nov. 15. Drop into the library and grab a kit while supplies last.

Turkey race take-and-make: Sprint to the library for this fun take-and-make kit filled with fall-themed activities, crafts and a copy of "The Great Turkey Race" by Steve Metzger. They're available starting Saturday, Nov. 20. Drop into the library and grab a kit while supplies last.

Dungeons & Dragons club

Calling all adventurers and heroes! Will you accept the quest? The library is starting up a new Dungeons & Dragons club and is looking for interested players. No experience is required; it's for ages 13 and older. Bring your sense of imagination, fair play and creativity! Visit the librarys website at seymourlibrary.org/dungeons-and-dragons-club and fill out a short survey to register! We will announce the date and location of the club in the new year.

Explore local history

The History Discovery Center is now open by appointment! Researchers can access our historical collections from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please note: Due to COVID-19 precautions, appointments are required and are limited to one individual (or two individuals from the same household) at a time for a 30-minute period.

Properly worn masks are required. Please call (315) 252-2571 or email localhistory@seymourlib.org to make an appointment.

Online research assistance is still available. Email your research questions to localhistory@seymourlib.org.

Stay up-to-date

For the latest library news, follow Seymour Library on Facebook (facebook.com/SeymourLibrary) or sign up for the librarys e-newsletter, which features the latest library news, program announcements, staff picks and more. Send us an email to seymourlibrary@seymourlib.org and we will sign you up!

Other library news

Annual Report

The long-awaited 2019-2020 Annual Report is now available online! Every year, library staff create an annual report that spotlights everything that happened at the library in the previous year, from collections to programs, community connections to construction. In an effort to be conscious of the environment, we are encouraging individuals to utilize the online version. Download your digital copy today at seymourlibrary.org/annual-report. Print copies are also available at the librarys main desk.

Library receives grant

Seymour Library is pleased to announce the Seymour Public Library District has been awarded over $17,000 in funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services American Rescue Plan Act. The American Rescue Plan Act provides monies to institutions across 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to support the role of museums and libraries in recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. Seymour Library's project was a selected finalist from a total of 572 applicants.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the community's need for technology, access and digital skills grew exponentially, and this transition to online services and activities will continue even as the crisis subsides. The library's Digital Inclusion and Enhancement Project is a direct response to this shift and the resulting digital divide for many members of the community. The project consists of two parts: first, enhancing the library's website for greater ease of use, additional content and increased accessibility; and second, creating a mobile classroom that will allow the library to reach out to the community with digital literacy classes and other programs.

Jackie Kolb is community services coordinator at Seymour Library in Auburn. For more information, visit seymourlibrary.org or call (315) 252-2571.

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ALBANY  While speaking Wednesday at a community center on Mott Street in the heart of Manhattans Chinatown Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul all but declared a looming end to the COVID pandemic.

We are the safest community in the country," she said of Manhattan, urging employers to bring workers back to the office and end remote assignments. It is very safe here and we want people to come back."

The Big Apple has been a good COVID story of late. Indeed, positive signs abound downstate, according to COVID infection and hospitalization numbers.

The same can't be said for Western New York, and much of upstate, where infection rates have been far higher than the state average for a couple of months or more, and vaccination rates are lower than in many downstate counties.

Her predecessor, the now-disgraced Andrew Cuomo, who left office in August under a sexual harassment cloud, made a public point of almost embarrassing regions with high COVID rates. He would call out government leaders and hospitals when infection rates peaked in 2020. As few would forget, he shut down entire economies, sometimes based on geographically confusing sets of rules imposed by the state.

In short, he played the role of COVID Czar, and he was criticized for the heavy hand, the shutting out of some health experts and local officials.

In contrast, Hochul has made clear from the start that local government experts would be in the drivers seat for many COVID response decisions. She imposed controversial vaccination mandates, but they have varied based on employment sectors, and havent touched many consumer-facing jobs, or most have had loopholes that call for semi-regular testing instead of shots.

Hochul has been on a pandemic optimism tour downstate, where officials believe encouraging numbers are a result of high vaccination compliance, strict adherence to mask-wearing and some of the state's strictest rules, like proof of vaccination to get into a restaurant.

But the picture upstate is not nearly as rosy. What is Hochul going to do about it?

The question is simple. The answer is anything but.

Worrisome trends upstate

In Manhattan, where Hochul was celebrating good news, fewer than 1% of people tested in the previous seven days, on average, had COVID. In Western New York, it hit 6.4% the day before her Chinatown trip. The Finger Lakes was at 6.7%. Others above or near 5% are Capital District, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and North Country.

Hospitalizations of COVID patients rose in New York City in July as the Delta variant spread, but have been falling during the autumn months. In Western New York, state data shows, hospitalization numbers have not seen that decline.

The last full month of data  October  showed worry signs for Western New York. On rates based on per 100,000 people, confirmed case rates were in the single digits in October 2020. Last month, the per 100,000 positive test rates in Western New York were at least double and on many days triple or even more compared with the same period a year ago, according to state Health Department tracking data.

A recent Newsday analysis showed more people died over the past four months during the pandemics Delta variant stage in upstate than on Long Island and New York City  even though upstate is home to nearly 3 million fewer people.

Many health officials point to a mostly singular reason: vaccinations. In Nassau County on Long Island and Queens in New York City last week, 96% of people over the age of 18 had gotten at least one vaccine dose. In Erie, it was 80%, according to the state, though the county put the level at 74%. In Cattaraugus County: just 60%. And there were lower counties elsewhere upstate.

Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton said few issues in public health come down to a simple solution. COVID is the exception.

We dont need to shut things down; we need people to get vaccinated," Stapleton said of people who have moved from vaccine hesitant to vaccine resistant.

Stapleton looks at Niagara County where he said people over 12 years of age have vaccination rates of about 62%.

The Niagara County health leader had a couple ideas for the state government to do.

One: Keep a reliable flow of vaccines for newest eligible residents, who are those between 5 and 11 years old. A week ago, not enough of those doses were delivered. On Wednesday, he got a mega order delivered. We hope the supply chain continues to be uninterrupted," he said.

Second: Restore the supply of free and convenient testing centers. The state had mass testing sites, now largely a memory for most places. It means, Stapleton said, that people in his county have to pay and drive longer distances to find testing sites. That has discouraged some from getting tested. That is a major problem for public health officials who say more infected people are walking about in public, without having a test to catch the presence of the virus.

On Saturday, Hochul announced 10 state mass vaccine sites will start to administer vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds, including at the University at Buffalos South Campus. Hochul has been heavily relying on pediatricians to administer the shots.

What about restrictions?

Cuomo had an array of geographic responses, hyperlocal at times, and then by huge geographic regions that treated inner cities the same as the most rural. The Hochul administration has kept some rules in place, with asterisks. For instance, health workers must get vaccinated; teachers and others are given the option of getting vaccinated or regularly tested.

Business groups are watching closely, especially with the approaching holiday and winter periods, which saw COVID caseload jumps last year. Dottie Gallagher, president of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, said her group is largely supportive of federal vaccine mandates as long as there are options for regular testing instead.

Gallagher said employers will comply with policies that make workplaces safer if that is a route the Hochul administration has to take, such as enhanced mask mandates.

However, should the state  impose lockdown type measures, like reducing capacity, I would expect a very strong reaction," she said of the business community.

Hochul has shown no indication of returning to an economic lockdown mode. Indeed, she said last week that mask mandates will be relaxed when the kids are vaccinated."

The Hochul administration told The Buffalo News that the governor is not declaring victory over the pandemic until more New Yorkers are vaccinated and positivity rates stay low.

In response to rising positivity in upstate regions, the governor directed the Department of Health to pursue an aggressive, multifaceted approach, including deploying vaccine pop-up sites, conducting an ad campaign to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated, adding incentives for the vaccine hesitant and coordinating with partners on the ground," a Hochul spokesperson said.

Officials provided a transcript of a Binghamton news conference  nearly three weeks ago  where she said the Southern Tier region had a little work to do and that she didnt want to have to call you out about infection rates. That regions infection rates have only increased since then.

A mixed geographic response

Masks are still required, per federal health guidance, in a number of settings, such as health care facilities and public transit. Also, unvaccinated people are supposed to wear masks in public settings, but there has been little to no enforcement of that guidance in most areas.

Some health experts say there could be more consistency regarding certain entrance rules to public places. Dr. Nancy Nielsen, senior associate dean for health policy at the University at Buffalo, said she recently visited New York City where proof of COVID vaccination was required for admittance to restaurants, museums, theaters, hotels and even the Central Park Zoo.

And people complied willingly and most wore masks as they walked on public streets. No one complained or seemed bothered at all. It was just the new normal' for them. The effect: new COVID case rates hover around 1% in Manhattan, compared to 8.4% this week in Erie County," she said in an email exchange. She said the same requirement should be in places like Erie County.

That said, the public health expert added, she would prefer those decisions be made at the local level with state involvement only if a countys infection rate and/or hospitalization rate remains high over a period of time. She noted Hochuls comments shortly after becoming governor about leaving it to counties to decide whats best at the local level regarding most COVID matters, except matters like employer mandates for workers, which is a state concern.

Local COVID rules can vary by municipality, but they arent specifically tracked by groups that represent counties, cities and villages. In Erie County, some schools were offering mask breaks to students during the school day. In Syracuse, city workers must get vaccinated or be tested weekly. In Erie County, Mark Poloncarz, the county executive, ordered proof of vaccination to attend Bills or Sabres games.

State Sen. Sean Ryan, a Buffalo Democrat who on Nov. 3 tested positive for COVID, noted the extraordinary powers lawmakers gave Cuomo at the start of the pandemic. Some would say he micromanaged. By micromanaging the problem, it allowed many local governments to remain relatively uninvolved in fighting the pandemic," he said.

Those direct gubernatorial powers largely ended in June. Now, the onus is on local governments to respond to the shifting realities of the pandemic," Ryan said, noting New York City is the only one with such sweeping COVID vaccine and mask rules.

In Erie County last week, Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said the number of COVID cases increased 54% compared with the period just two weeks prior; the case rate per 100,000 population is nearly three times the level that federal health officials consider an area to be designated as a high transmission location.

In a written statement, a spokeswoman for Burstein said the commissioner is supportive of state efforts such as pushing vaccines as the primary prevention strategy, and says the state has indicated county health departments will continue to play a major role in what the office called the next phase of the COVID response.

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ALBANY  A program to help people obtain driver's permits during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking tests online may be rife with cheating, according to a published report.

State motor vehicle workers told the Albany Times-Union that thousands of people may have taken advantage of the program instituted more than a year ago by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo as in-person testing was curtailed or became backlogged.

Applicants sometimes have others take the tests for them, and in other cases complete them with perfect scores in less than seven minutes, workers said. The 50-question test normally takes about 45 minutes to an hour, they said.

In response, officials at seven state-run motor vehicle offices recently began keeping track of how many people who passed the online tests later had issues regarding images captured during the test.

They found that over a four-day period, 464 out of more than 1,500 people who had passed the online test and came to a motor vehicle office to get their permit had verification issues. Of those, more than 50 people left rather than retake the test, and roughly half of the 410 who retook the test failed, according to the Times-Union.

They sit down for 20 questions and theyre sitting there for 45 minutes and they cant finish the test, Rensselaer County Clerk Frank Merola told the newspaper. We had a guy the other day, he was there in the first photo and then he was not there in next three. He passed (the online test) in like six or seven minutes. Of course, we didnt issue the permit.

In the last few years, there have been changes to the rules and laws around the test that barred DMV offices from storing personal info for more than six months and lowered security thresholds for verifying a person's identity. Some workers said that contributed to the problem.

Recently, the DMV instituted a process that requires the image of the applicant to be captured four times, including at the beginning and end of the test. When the applicant comes to an office to get a permit, DMV clerks compare the images with the person in front of them.

DMV continuously monitors data about our transactions in order to ensure the integrity and security of the online permit test, Tim OBrien, a state DMV spokesman, told the newspaper.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credited for bringing to light safety concerns in many Hyundai Motor vehicles in the US which eventually led to a severe penalty for the Korean brand here, Kim Gwang-ho was recently awarded $24 million for tipping off US' National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). The South Korean engineer now plans to help others to speak up and speak out in order to bolster responsible corporate culture.

Speaking to Reuters, a 59-year-old Kim revealed he plans to set up a foundation which would promote responsible corporate culture and also open a Youtube channel in which he would explain how to reveal their employer's bad conducts. "The compensation I expected from the whistleblower program in the United States outweighed the sacrifice I had to make in South Korea," he reportedly said. (The amount) is not incredible or anything like that, I'd say it's about right."

Kim had been an employee at Hyundai Motor for 26 years and was part of the company's quality strategy team. It were his inputs which had resulted into an investigation by US authorities into potential safety defects in some of Hyundai and Kia models and possible delays in issuing safety-related recall. NHTSA would go on to state that the two had inaccurately reported some information to the agency regarding the recalls.

While Hyundai agreed to pay a total civil penalty of $140 million, Kia's civil penalty amounted to $70 million. The entire matter stretched for around five years but at the end of it all, earlier this month, NHTSA announced part of the penalty paid by the two automakers would be given as award to Kim. ""It's the right amount when you look at what I had to sacrifice, how much I had to work on this," he told Reuters. "After my report, I believe that automakers now know that anyone can blow the whistle and they cannot hide anything."

The NHTSA, meanwhile, continues to urge others to speak up if there is concrete evidence of any foulplay done by any automaker.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

Zhongding supplies Rivian with air suspension system



Zhongding Group revealed that it has become the air suspension system supplier for American electric vehicle automaker Rivian.

SAIC Audi Q5 e-tron to start preorder



The Audi Q5 e-tron from SAIC Audi will start preorder at the Auto Guangzhou 2021, which will kick off on November 19.

Photo credit: SAIC Audi

Beijing C52X to make debut

The Beijing C52X, the first internal combustion engine SUV model equipped with Huawei HarmonyOS, will make debut at the Auto Guangzhou 2021. Built on the Beijing X5, the new model is expected to hit the market next year.

FAW Bestune to unveil new model

FAW Bestune is said to unveil a new model, likely the 70S, on November 18. Built on the Bestune B70, the new model adopts the design of the coupe SUV.

Changan AVATR brand officially makes premier in Shanghai



Changan Autos Avatr Technology launched its subsidiary brand officially, AVATR, as the automakers high-end EV line and unveiled the brands first EV model, the AVATR 11, in Shanghai.



Shalong to unveil new all-electric sedan model at Auto Guangzhou 2021

Great Wall Motor's premium brand dubbedShalong in Chinese will unveil an all-electric sedan model at the forthcoming Auto Guangzhou 2021, the automaker announced on Monday.



Zhito Technology receives hundred of millions RMB in first investment round

Zhito Technology, the FAW Jiefang-backed commercial vehicle autonomous driving startup, has completed a hundred-million-RMB worth of investment round, the startup disclosed to a local media outlet.



GAC MOTOR to transfer 49% stake in wholly-owned Hangzhou subsidiary

Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co.,Ltd. (GAC MOTOR) will transfer 49% stake in its wholly-owned subsidiary GAC MOTOR (Hangzhou) Co.,Ltd. via the Guangzhou Enterprises Mergers and Acquisitions Services, at a consideration of no fewer than 1.239 billion yuan ($194.119 million), according to an announcement of GAC Group, the parent company of GAC MOTOR.



BAIC BJEVs Oct. sales, production inch up MoM

In October, BAIC BJEV produced 956 vehicles, increasing 57% from Septembers 609 vehicles and 21.32% from the previous year. Overall, during the first ten months, the cumulative production volume of the company remained lower than a year ago, at 4,495 vehicles, more than halved year on year.


Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Great Wall Motor's premium brand dubbed Shalong in Chinese will unveil an all-electric sedan model at the forthcoming Auto Guangzhou 2021, the automaker announced on Monday.

Photo credit: Saloon



According to the teaser photo Saloon released, the yet-to-be-launched model features a clean-cut overall body style. The pulling-through waistlines and the fastback design help visually accentuate the car's side length.

The automaker touts the new product as the world's first model to carry four LiDAR units.

Local media outlets reported in last December GWM would launch an all-new upscale intelligent EV brand dubbed Saloon, which is operated by Shanghai Shalong Zhixing Industry Co.,Ltd. It would come as GWM's fifth auto brand following Haval, WEY, ORA, and Great Wall Pickup.

In March, Wen Fei, former general manager of Haval, GWM's major SUV line, was promoted to CEO of Shalong Zhixing.

Among GWMs existing brands, ORA focuses on all-electric vehicles with affordable price tage. For the first 10 months of 2021, the sales of ORA-branded vehicles amounted to 97,966 units, soaring 206.87% year on year.

Despite the blooming sales of ORA, GWM still needs another brand to gain presence in premium EV segment. Thus, Saloon is born.

Great Wall Motor is targeting an annual sales volume of 4 million vehicles in 2025, 80% of which will be new energy vehicles, the automaker announced in June. Besides, it expects Saloon's first production model to hit the market next year.
LOS ANGELES  Bo Sinn will make his bottoming debut next week in a scene titled "Top To Bottom: Bo Sinn."

Many people have been anticipating his bottoming debut for years, and now, the day has come: Bo Sinn finally gave up the goods for the first time ever, said Men.com production director Ryan Cash. Get ready for an awesome scene!

In "Top To Bottom: Bo Sinn," the hung Canadian is rushed to the hospital and put in a scanner to discover the cause of his symptoms, but as Bos hospital gown rides up, the doctor can immediately see what the issue is: a big set of anal beads up in his ass. The doctor gently removes the beads, then fingers the patients hole before fucking him. Bo may be bottoming, but he reminds the doctor whos the boss as he demands to get fucked harder.

The only question leftWho will top Bo Sinn for the very first time?

Bo's debut is set for Wednesday, November 24 on Men.com.
Last month, we wrote about the shoddy picture quality during ESPNs broadcast of Oregons upset loss to Stanford. Those issues popped up again during the Washington State-Oregon game this past Saturday, and were apparently also evident during Octobers UCLA-Arizona and Utah-UCLA games.

The Oregonians John Canzano blasted what he and other sources called a low-budget broadcast, which ESPN took exception with. A follow-up column from Canzano on Monday clarified and confirmed many of the details from his Sunday column, including that the broadcast did not have a stage manager, used a back-up spotter, and did not have a set day before the broadcast (which is used to work out bugs and stage equipment, per Canzano).

But the main issue was apparently related to the production truck and equipment, which is not exactly fresh off the line.

Just wait until ESPN reads this column. It may never speak to me again. Because I made some calls and reached one of the camera operators who was working Saturdays game in Eugene. Bill Rice told me, All of that gear that we were using is old and wore out. Its their E show. That truck is a long way from home. Thats ESPNs E-level show. [] The Oregonian/OregonLive obtained the information sheet that was distributed to crew working for ESPN in front of the Oregon-WSU game. The truck itself was built in 2012, but the key equipment inside was manufactured 10-25 years years ago.

Well, that helps explain that. This doesnt make the quality issues with the Pac-12 broadcasts more palatable, but at least the problem has been acknowledged.

ESPN also confirmed to Canzano that the equipment for that crew would be replaced in time for this weekends broadcast.

ESPNs spokesperson told me Monday morning it is providing the E crew new equipment this week. Arizona State and Oregon State fans will be pleased to know that the network is swapping out the truck equipment for Saturdays 7:30 p.m. PT broadcast, which should alleviate the viewing issues.

Great timing  just a couple of weeks before the end of the regular season. Hopefully, we wont see these quality issues pop up again.

On another note, I think this spotlights an issue with one network having the rights to so many conferences, airing so many games each weekend. Eventually, the standards are going to slip somewhere down the lineup. Thats going to upset fans, schools, and conferences, and could end up having an adverse effect when it comes to the time when contracts need to be renewed.

[The Oregonian]
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday tied to our history and celebrated with a special meal. Todays column recommends wines made from grapes that pair exceptionally well with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The ideal red wine is Pinot Noir, and for whites its both Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio) and my personal favorite, Gewurztraminer. Yes thats a mouthful and in more ways than one, as it is pronounced geh-VURZ-tra-mean-er and, like its name, is engagingly textured and flavorful.

$20 and under

Prophecy 2020 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy ($14): This attractive buy pleases the palate with good strength, enjoyable fruit, fine balance and an impressively long finish.

Bread and Butter 2019 Pinot Noir California ($15): The best inexpensive Pinot Noir Ive tasted in a while exhibits strength and complexity on nose and palate, paired with a lengthy finish.

Cantina di Caldaro 2020 Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, Italy ($15): My favorite in the teens has attractive color depth, as well as strength and complexity on both nose and palate. Its pleasingly forward personality extends for lingering length.

Castelfeder 2019 Pinot Grigio 15, Sudtirol, Alto Adige, Italy ($22): This nicely priced wine is appealing to the eye and nose and is exceptional on the palate with power, rounded body, fruit, refinement and length.

Sanford 2019 Rose of Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($23): Red with hints of yellow precedes a forward nose featuring appealing fruit. Plus theres strength on the palate, accompanied by pleasing body, balance, integration, and length.

Elena Walch 2020 Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, Italy ($24): Tops among Pinot Grigios in the 20s, I loved its yellow-gold hue, forward nose, strength and texture on the palate, excellent complexity, fine integration and elongated length.

King Estate 2018 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($29): Attractive with its purple tone and strength, fruit, and dimensionality on nose and palate. Impressively crafted for its moderate price, I especially enjoyed its lingering finish.

Additional appealing values: Ecco Domani 2020 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Italy ($14), Willamette Valley Vineyards 2020 Pinot Gris Willamette Valley ($17), Willamette Valley Vineyards 2020 Pinot Noir Whole Cluster, Willamette Valley ($24) and Laetitia 2019 Pinot Noir Arroyo Grande Valley ($27).

$30s-40s

Dobbes 2018 Pinot Noir Grand Assemblage, Willamette Valley ($30): Very pleasing, especially given its moderate price. Features a strong, complex nose preceding thick texture, excellently balanced fruit, impressive refinement, appealing personality and lingering length.

Fulcrum 2019 Gewurztraminer Dry, Anderson Valley ($34): Among the best California Gewurztraminers Ive tastedever. A bit light in color, but strong and multifaceted on the nose and impressively polished on the palate with expressive fruit, pleasing integration and an extended finish.

Trimbach 2017 Gewurztraminer Alsace, France ($34): Alsace is at the apex for Gewurz, as this superb wine shows! Delight in its deep yellow color, strong nose with powerful dimensionality and excellence on the palate with fruit, complexity, integration, refinement, personality and length.

Roserock (by Drouhin Oregon) 2018 Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills ($35): Very appealing to the eye and nose and outstanding on the palate. I especially enjoyed its strength, full body, attractive fruit, fine balance and extended finish.

Migration 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($42): Impressive all-around, especially on nose and palate. Its strength and complexity set the stage and then carry throughout an elongated, pleasing finish.

Lucia 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands ($48): This highly attractive Pinot Noir is tops in its price range. It features purple-tinged color paired with powerful fruit and complexity on the nose, as well as beautiful integration and great length on the palate.

Others of high quality: MacRostie 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($34), Wrath 2018 Pinot Noir Swan/828, Monterey ($35), Crossbarn 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($37), Cakebread 2018 Pinot Noir Two Creeks Vineyard, Anderson Valley ($45; online), Domaine Anderson 2018 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($45) and Domaine Drouhin 2018 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills ($45; online).

$50+

Archery Summit 2019 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills ($60; online): Oregon is renowned for its Pinot Noirs, and this one deserves special acclaim for its impressive strength and beautiful fruit, as well as its fine balance, integration, refinement, personality and sustained length.

Cuvaison 2018 Pinot Noir Spire, Small Lot, Napa Valley, Los Carneros ($65; online): Superb! Enjoy deep purple hue in the glass, strength and complexity on the nose and excellence on the palate with attractive fruit, well-honed balance, engaging dimensionality and great length.

Three Sticks 2019 Pinot Noir William James Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($75; online): My favorite Pinot Noir in tastings for this column features eye-catching color depth and memorable strength and dimensionality on nose and palate. It also impressed with exceptional balance, integration and finish.

Papapietro Perry 2018 Pinot Noir 777 Clones, Russian River Valley ($80; online): Powerful Pinot with strength, textured body and superb fruit. Plus theres excellent complexity, integration and refinement, as well as a forward personality and long-lingering finish.

More fine wines: Bread & Butter 2019 Pinot Noir Los Carneros, Napa Valley($50; online),

Goldeneye 2018 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley ($58), Papapietro Perry 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($59; online), Merry Edwards 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ($60), King Estate 2017 Pinot Noir Domaine, Willamette Valley ($70; online), Lucia 2019 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands ($70), and Sanford 2016 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills ($75) and Merry Edwards 2018 Pinot Noir Meredith Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($80).

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DALLAS (AP)  A woman who authorities say survived an attack by a man charged with killing 18 older women in Dallas and its suburbs over a two-year span said in a taped deposition shown to jurors as his trial opened Monday that she knew she was in grave danger the minute she opened her door.

My eyes were just fixated on these green rubber gloves that I saw. ... I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves, number one, I should not have opened the door, number two, my life was in grave danger, Mary Annis Bartel said on the video.

Billy Chemirmir, 48, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in the death of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty. His attorney entered a not guilty plea for him on Monday on the charge.

Chemirmir was arrested in March 2018 following the attack on Bartel at her apartment at an independent living community for seniors in Plano. Bartel was 91 at the time of the attack and died in 2020.

She said that she tried to push the door shut but was overpowered. He said: Dont fight me, lie on the bed, Bartel said.

Bartel described a pillow being smashed into her face and her attacker using all his weight to keep me from breathing.

Bartel, who lost consciousness during the attack and later discovered she was missing her wedding band, diamond engagement ring and other jewelry, said she couldnt remember details about the appearance of the man who attacked her.

When police tracked Chemirmir to his nearby apartment the next day, he was holding jewelry and cash. Documents in a large red jewelry box police say he had just thrown away led them to a Dallas home, where Harris was dead in her bedroom, lipstick smeared on her pillow.

In opening statements, prosecutor Glen Fitzmartin said that earlier that day, Harris and Chemirmir had been checking out at the same time at a Walmart store.

This is a case about stalking, smothering and stealing, Fitzmartin told the jury.

After his arrest, authorities announced they would review hundreds of deaths, signaling the possibility that a serial killer had been stalking older people. Over the following years, the number of people Chemirmir was accused of killing grew.

Fitzmartin said jurors would also be hearing about the killing of 87-year-old Mary Brooks, who was found dead in her Richardson home in January 2018. Chemirmir has been charged in her death.

He said that Brooks death had originally been called a natural death, but after an investigation following the arrest of Chemirmir, the medical examiner changed the cause of death to homicide.

Fitzmartin said that the day before Brooks was found dead, she was at a Walmart, the same Walmart that Harris was at before her death later in the year. Fitzmartin said that a vehicle model known to be driven by Chemirmir was parked next to Brooks vehicle.

He follows her out of there, he follows her to her house, kills her, steals from her, Fitzmartin said.

Most of the victims were killed at independent living communities for older people, where Chemirmir allegedly forced his way into apartments or posed as a handyman. Hes also accused of killing women in private homes, including the widow of a man he had cared for in his job as an at-home caregiver.

The defense did not make an opening statement. Chemirmirs attorney has called the evidence against Chemirmir circumstantial.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Dick van Duijn, a wildlife photographer, traveled to Belgium to photograph jumping squirrels from a small wooden hut in a forest with beautiful autumn colors.






India is engaging in a dangerous game by playing up the China threat instead of looking for ways that the two sides can resolve their disputes along their mountainous border. On November 11, Defense Chief General Bipin Rawat said in a public forum that there is no doubt that China is India's "enemy number one." He said that a lack of "trust" and growing "suspicion" is standing in the way of resolving the border dispute.

Right now, the Indian military is undergoing its biggest shake-up since the country achieved independence. The Modi administration is trying to integrate the army, air force and navy, modernizing its military to work like the modern forces in the U.S. and China. It's a delicate time for Indian military, and conjuring up a new threat is a good way to firm up political support, defend bureaucratic turf amid big changes, and increase military budgets.

Trying to arouse domestic support by pointing to an external threat is a tried and true tactic of populist politicians. This strategy works in the short term, but risks creating self-fulfilling prophesies that lead to unnecessary conflict in the bigger picture.

Mixing domestic political objectives with international relations is always a bad idea. Narrow domestic concerns tend to overshadow international problems that could be solved by highly technical negotiations by experts on both sides. Both India and China have important and sensitive national interests in the border dispute. The two nations have already had conflict once over the territorial claims. And last July, India said it lost 20 soldiers during a border-clash with China.

The idea of China being a threat is deeply wired into the psyche of India security officials. In fact, this fixed idea may be a big part of the source of the lack of trust and suspicion. Even with positive developments toward de-escalation like Rawat noted, China always remains "the enemy." This has very negative implications for the stability of the region.

China and India in fact have a lot of common ground. Both are very large developing countries that suffered at the hands of colonialists. Both are trying to balance development to benefit their populations with the threat of global warming. This year, trade between the two nations surpassed $100 billion in October, a 22 percent increase from the same period last year. There is a huge scope for potential cooperation in areas such as pharmaceutical products, raw commodities, machinery and medical supplies.

It is important that this big, multidimensional picture not be forgotten because of a border dispute. India, in part motivated by the border dispute with China, has joined the "Quad," a security grouping with the United States, Japan and Australia with its eyes set on checking China's growth.

India needs to consider whether its interests could really be materialized by pursuing an aggressive military stance against China. Although the two countries have border dispute, there is no need to expand the dispute beyond that, and make China "enemy number one" and hyping up the threat it poses. After all, China presents no danger to the Indian people, and trade with China offers them great benefits.

India will be more secure all around if it focuses on its own development, continues along the path of robust trade with China, and stops branding China as a threat. It is a dangerous game especially when the country is going with domestic military restructuring, and it wouldn't benefit India in the long-run. CGTN
President Emmanuel Macron has switched to using a darker navy blue on the official French flag, replacing the previous brighter shade, officials have told local media.

The move saw flags in the new hue hoisted on the presidential palace last year without any accompanying fanfare.

Mr Macron wanted to bring back the navy blue flag, a symbol of the French Revolution, Europe 1 said.

However, both the darker and lighter flags have been in use for decades.

France's navy and many official buildings around the country have always used the navy blue shade.

But in 1976 under President Giscard d'Estaing, the French state introduced a brighter blue on the tricolour to match the blue on the flag of Europe.

That decision was partly an aesthetic one, Europe 1 reports, because the French and European flags flew next to each other in so many locations.

The Elysee Palace has not publicly announced its change in flags, and no orders have been given for other institutions to do the same.

There was reportedly some disagreement over Mr Macron's change back to navy blue, with some arguing the new shade was ugly and would clash with the EU flag, and others nostalgic for the pre-1976 version.

However, all concerned insist that the colour change should not be interpreted as an anti-EU gesture, Europe 1 reports.

France is due to take on the rotating EU presidency in January.

Mr Macron also faces a presidential election in April next year. (BBC)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Democrat Beto O'Rourke is running for governor of Texas, pursuing a blue breakthrough in America's biggest red state after his star-making U.S. Senate campaign in 2018 put him closer than anyone in decades.

O'Rourke's announcement Monday kicks off a third run for office in as many election cycles. He burst into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary as a party phenomena but dropped out just eight months later as money and fanfare dried up.

"It's not going to be easy. But it is possible," O'Rourke said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of his announcement. "I do believe, very strongly, from listening to people in this state that they're very unhappy with the direction that (Gov.) Greg Abbott has taken Texas."

O'Rourke's return sets up one of 2022's highest-profile  and potentially most expensive  races for governor. Abbott, a Republican, is seeking a third term and has put Texas on the vanguard of hard-right policymaking in state capitals and emerged as a national figure. A challenge from O'Rourke, a media-savvy former congressman with a record of generating attention and cash, could tempt Democrats nationwide to pour millions of dollars into trying  again  to flip Texas. Read the full story here:

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Now is the time to consider more enduring protections for the living landscape that is Chaco, so that we can pass on this rich cultural legacy to future generations," she said. The secretary represented New Mexico, where Chaco Canyon is located, in the U.S. House of Representatives before she was narrowly confirmed by the Senate to take over at Interior.

First lady Jill Biden, an English teacher, addressed the summit on the importance of preserving Native languages. Vice President Kamala Harris was set to speak Tuesday, the final day.

The tribal nations summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time, with leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States expected to participate. The summit was not held during the Trump administration; past conferences took place at the Interior Department.

Since taking office in January, Biden has taken several steps that the White House says demonstrate his commitment to tribal nations.
I think it does present an additional challenge for Congressman Fortenberry, but again, he's got to go through this process with regard to the courts, Ricketts said.

In a statement, Nebraska Democratic Party Chairwoman Jane Kleeb praised Pansing Brooks for her work in the Legislature to help vulnerable children and said she will restore dignity to the office and bring her full heart to get work done for the people of Nebraska.

Pansing Brooks has been a vocal champion of LGBT rights, but also worked with conservatives on legislation aimed at sex trafficking and Native American issues. She kicked off her campaign Monday with a tour of the district, where she planned to speak about the need to upgrade bridges and roads. She said most Nebraskans don't live in a partisan prism, and want to see legislation that improves their lives.

Things have become so partisan, and I think thats where Patty will really have an advantage, said Sen. John McCollister, a Republican who has frequently clashed with his party and who appeared in Pansing Brooks' campaign announcement video. Shes able to bridge the gaps like nobody I know. And so if it can be done, Patty Pansing Brooks will make it happen.



Follow Grant Schulte on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrantSchulte

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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"I would love to come in here in 20 years and see it back to its original glory," Vetter said. "We may have our differences, but the first thing we have in common is our human dignity."

Jim Carney, chief financial officer for the Diocese, said the Diocese was originally contacted by the MJP about a year ago. The Diocese decided it was time to consolidate its office spaces and positions, putting many of the ministries under a single roof. Carney said Diocese officials did not want to put the building on the open market if MJP was dedicated to trying to purchase it.

According to Carney, the signing on Thursday was the culmination of a year's worth of discussions.

Stanfel said MJP aims to use the historic space as a statewide cultural hub for the Jewish community. Stanfel said Helena is one of few state capitals without any kind of Jewish cultural building.

According to Stanfel, the building would host many different kinds of programming and and religious services. This could be anything from learning Jewish cooking to teaching Hebrew in the building. MJP would also like to install a small historical exhibit about the building itself.

"This is a significant milestone, but it's just the first step," Stanfel said. "We have a long way to go."
BISMARCK, N.D.  North Dakotas Republican-controlled Legislature on Friday approved bills to prevent COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the teaching of certain concepts of race and racism, as lawmakers completed their five-day special session.

The Senate voted 38-9 to give final approval to a measure banning the teaching of critical race theory, which is defined as a way of thinking about Americas history through the lens of racism. GOP Gov. Doug Burgum signed the critical race theory bill later Friday, and also signed the vaccination bill.

Though there is no evidence that critical race theory is being taught in North Dakotas schools, backers said the bill aims to ensure it won't be.

Mott GOP Sen. Donald Schaible, who carried the bill on the Senate floor, said the measure is preemptive to try to make sure that it doesnt come to our schools.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden will announce steps Monday to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans during the first tribal nations summit since 2016, the White House said.

Leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States are expected to join the two-day event, with nearly three dozen addressing the gathering. The summit is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected Native Americans and Alaska Natives at disproportionate rates.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden are set to speak on Monday, with Vice President Kamala Harris to follow on Tuesday. Several members of Biden's Cabinet will also participate.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time. The summit was not held during the previous Trump administration. Past conferences were held at the Interior Department.

Biden will use the summit to announce steps to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans and to protect private lands, treaty rights and sacred places, Psaki said.
I wanted to be one of the first to congratulate and applaud the Montana cannabis industry and the drug abusers (oops: old terminology), the soon to be 23% sales tax paying Montana recreational cannabis users for "stepping up" partnering with the Montana Department of Revenue's Cannabis Control Division, becoming the states No. 1 tax contributor. Quite remarkable, extraordinary, what an achievement, and all without a bank account.

Owners of cannabis businesses will see a regulatory increase in annual licensing fees of approximately 360% or more. Once again, what outstanding citizen heroes these people are for contributing to their communities in such a big way. The public will not see the No. 1 tax contributor to the state, Montana Cannabis Industry, represented in supporting any state or local community events...It's against the law, unfortunate and puzzling. The Montana Cannabis Industry does get immeasurable relief in knowing the 23% sales tax, paid by hard working Montana citizens, collected and distributed to the state by hard working cannabis business owners without bank accounts (against the law also), is doing an incredible amount of good at the discretion of their new business partner, Montana Dept. of Revenue's Cannabis Control Division...wait, what?
A former guard accused of sneaking drugs and electronics to an inmate in exchange for money while working at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck will go to trial in March.

Matthew Taylor, of Mandan, on Monday waived his preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to two felonies, court documents show. The more serious charge carries a possible 20-year prison sentence. South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr scheduled a March 8 trial.

The charges stem from a North Dakota Highway Patrol investigation that started in November 2020. Taylor worked as a correctional officer at the penitentiary from March to November of that year, according to the patrols affidavit. He was fired after the investigation, according to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Investigators say Taylor received payments from a woman to deliver a cellphone, two computer memory cards and a cigarette package to an inmate. Taylor allegedly told investigators he assumed the cigarette package contained an illegal substance but never looked into it. The inmate tested positive for meth after the package was delivered, the patrol said. Taylor allegedly received payments totaling $900, according to an affidavit.

Defense attorney Thomas Glass did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

The inmate, Joshua Gomez, is charged with felonies for possession of an electronic device and possession of a controlled substance by an inmate. His preliminary hearing is Nov. 22. Gomez is incarcerated at the James River Correctional Center, according to the corrections department website. He pleaded guilty to a felony sex offense in 2006, spent nine years in prison, and was sent back to prison in 2018 because of a probation violation, court records show.

Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com

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Bismarcks north Walmart was evacuated about 7:30 p.m. Sunday while authorities investigated a bomb threat, according to police.

Officers spoke to a person who claimed to have planted numerous pipe bombs in the parking lot and store, Lt. Luke Gardiner said. Investigators determined the person was using a fake phone number and internet address, and that the call was a hoax.
A contentious few weeks in the Williston Basin School District have ended with the resignation of Superintendent Jeffrey Thake.

Thake had been placed on administrative leave in late October, after an independent audit revealed unreconciled cash from a previous school year. Reconciliation is an accounting process that ensures accuracy of financial records.

The Williston Education Association, which represents teachers, a few days later announced a vote of no confidence in School Board President Chris Jundt, asking for his resignation. The association cited in part "decisions made in executive session."

Jundt said no action had been taken during a closed executive session during which Thake was discussed. Jundt refused to step down, saying in a statement that "executive sessions have been properly noticed, properly called, and properly held."

The school district on Friday released a joint statement from the school board and Thake announcing the superintendent's resignation, the Williston Herald reported.

The statement said the board and Thake "have come to an amicable resolution and will be parting ways."

Both Dr. Thake and the School Board care tremendously and want nothing but the best for District 7 and its administration, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members," the statement read. "Both parties respectfully ask that everyone place their focus on the students of District 7 and providing quality education and a strategic plan that will guarantee the success of District 7 in the years to come.

Thake was hired in June 2018. He came from Amboy, Illinois, where hed served as superintendent for about seven years.

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NATIVE Community Development Inc. is hosting an inaugural Honoring our Heritage Wacipi on Saturday at Bismarck High School.

The cultural event in honor of Native American Heritage Month is from 1-6 p.m. in the Karlgaard Gym. It's open to the public.

The event is sponsored by NATIVE Inc. and Sanford Health, with the meal provided by United Tribes Technical College. Participants must register at the NATIVE Inc. booth. Limited vendors may set up. To register, email Lorraine Davis at lorraine@ndnadc.org.

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The latest North Dakota coronavirus news: farmer aid, testing and shots.

Farm aid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is in the process of issuing $1.8 billion in payments to farmers who enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2020 crop year.

The payments help mitigate fluctuations in either revenue or prices for certain crops, which USDA says is especially important given the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

As we build back better than we were before, we will continue to support our farmers, ranchers and producers as they overcome the challenges associated with COVID-19, climate change and other issues, FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said in a statement.

For more information, go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index.

Testing and vaccines

A comprehensive list of free COVID-19 testing offered by local public health units in North Dakota can be found at health.nd.gov/covidtesting.

In Bismarck, PCR and rapid antigen tests are administered daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the strip mall at 2805 Morrison Ave., Suite A. PCR tests also are administered Monday through Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at Northland Health Centers, 914 S. 12th St., Suite 101.

People who have registered for COVID-19 testing through TestReg.nd.gov can access results for tests through a state service called the Citizen Portal. Instructions can be found at https://bit.ly/3jqiudf.

People can go to https://www.ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them.

Both Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health and Custer Health in Mandan are offering vaccine to the general public.

To register with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, go to https://www.ndvax.org and search for a Bismarck vaccination event. For assistance, call 701-355-1540.

Morton County residents should go to https://www.ndvax.org and search for "Custer Health" or call 701-667-3370 to register. Custer Health has a vaccination clinic at 1100 32nd Ave. SE in Units D and E, off Memorial Highway.

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North Dakota Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger, who has a history of alcohol problems, was brought to jail on Monday for detoxification after causing a disturbance at a local hotel.

The Burleigh Morton Detention Center inmate roster showed Rauschenberger, 38, was brought in by Bismarck police for public intoxication at 1:31 p.m. Officers had responded shortly before noon to the Home2 Suites on West Turnpike Avenue, where Rauschenberger had a room but it wasn't ready, according to the police report filed by Officer Brandon Rosen.

Rauschenberger left the hotel's front desk, went upstairs to a room on the third floor that was being cleaned, walked inside, shut the door and refused to answer cleaning staff, according to Rosen. The officer said that after he arrived, he knocked several times, announced himself as an officer, then opened the door with a provided key and "found Ryan passed out, face down on the bed."

"Ryan was woken up and it was determined he was intoxicated beyond the point of being able to take care of himself," Rosen wrote.

The hotel declined comment to the Tribune. Rauschenberger did not immediately respond to a message the Tribune left on his cellphone.

Rauschenberger was never under arrest.

What hes in for is not a criminal offense, Lt. Luke Gardiner said.

He added that police handling such situations exhaust all options, such as trying to contact a sober acquaintance of the person. Rosen's report said "Ryan was unable to find anyone sober to take custody of him."

Gardiner said that "When we come across somebody who's had too much to drink and can't take care of themselves, we have to take them in."

Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben, who oversees the jail, told the Tribune that Rauschenberger was in custody "pending release to a responsible person."

The state tax office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon.

Court documents show Rauschenberger pleaded guilty three months ago in Bismarck Municipal Court to having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle and paid a $100 fine. The police citation shows the incident happened at 1:22 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1, on East Main Avenue downtown.

Rauschenberger, who has been tax commissioner the past seven years, was arrested for drunken driving on Expressway in Mandan about four years ago. He was pulled over at 10:18 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2017, according to a North Dakota Highway Patrol report. A preliminary breath test indicated his blood alcohol content was 0.208%, more than twice the legal limit for driving, while a later test showed a level of 0.206%.

He pleaded guilty in October 2017 to misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol in a plea agreement with prosecutors and was ordered to serve almost a year of unsupervised probation, pay $1,250 in fines and fees, and obtain a chemical dependency evaluation. He completed a recommended outpatient treatment program in March 2018.

Rauschenberger in 2014 took a leave of absence to seek professional help for alcohol problems, and he completed a 20-day inpatient treatment program in Minnesota. His alcohol issues came to light when he loaned his vehicle to a Mandan man who crashed it in September 2014 while driving drunk. Rauschenberger wasn't in the vehicle at the time. He loaned it to a man he had met while undergoing treatment earlier that year at a Bismarck alcohol and drug treatment facility.

He said after his 2017 arrest that he had let his guard down and would go back into treatment with a new counselor.

Rauschenberger, a Republican, was serving as deputy tax commissioner when then-Gov. Jack Dalrymple appointed him commissioner after Cory Fong resigned from the office at the end of 2013 to take a private sector job. Rauschenberger won a full term in 2014, beating Democrat Jason Astrup with 57% of the vote. He won reelection in 2018, defeating Democrat Kylie Oversen with 61% of the vote. He is up for reelection next year.

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Changes are coming to the panel that guides North Dakota's $8.3 billion oil tax savings amid frustration over the implementation of new mandates for investing more of the money in businesses in the state.

The Republican-controlled Legislature during its special session last week passed a bill by Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, to expand the Legacy Fund's advisory board and to allow the panel to develop guidelines for eligible in-state investments.

A governor's Cabinet official disputes the notion that the new investment components have not been rolled out quickly enough.

Gov. Doug Burgum on Friday signed the bill, which takes effect Dec. 1.

Board reshaped

The voter-approved Legacy Fund is derived from 30% of monthly oil tax revenue. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed another bill by Nathe to invest up to 20% of the savings in the state, including 10% in companies in the state.

But implementation of those investment mandates has not moved as quickly as some people would like. There is no application process, and the state Retirement and Investment Office is critically understaffed, which the agency's head has said is affecting the speed of implementing the in-state requirements.

Nathe brought House Bill 1512 in the special session to help expedite the situation, expressing frustration with the pace of the advisory board.

His bill originally proposed a three-member "in-state impact investment committee," but the Legislature's 16-member Joint Technical Corrections Committee didn't go that route.

The approved bill adds a third state representative and a third state senator to the seven-member advisory board, removes the Office of Management and Budget director from the panel, and adds the state treasurer and insurance commissioner.

The latter two already serve on the 12-member State Investment Board, which oversees investment programs for state funds.

The advisory board will comprise three senators, three representatives, the Bank of North Dakota president, state tax commissioner, state treasurer and state insurance commissioner. A lawmaker member will chair the board no more than two years at a time.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert, R-Carrington, said the additional lawmakers on the panel are necessary to keep the Legislature in control.

"I don't want to swear, but I'll be darned if I'm going to give the executive branch and the agencies a chance for a 4-4 vote. The Legislature's in charge of the Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund (Advisory Board), and we should keep it that way, just plain and simple," he told the House on Thursday.

'Problematic' language

The House originally passed the bill that day with a section requiring the advisory board develop guidelines and review and advance proposals for in-state investments of the Legacy Fund.

That provision drew concerns on Thursday from the head of the Retirement and Investment Office.

"This language is saying that the advisory board ... is going to do things that the State Investment Board does, and so that does completely change our framework and our processes," interim office Executive Director Jan Murtha told the advisory board.

The section would require the board to meet monthly and take on duties of Murtha's office and the State Investment Board, and would add "quite a lot of workload" onto her office, she said.

State Securities Commissioner Karen Tyler told the board she disagrees that the investment mandates have not been met fast enough.

"I don't see that there was anything broken here to begin with," she said, posing "What would this look like in the private sector?"

The bill's "quite problematic" language would have made the Legacy Fund's advisory board essentially "the decision makers for a private pool of capital," Tyler said.

The investment mandates essentially created "an $800 million megafund" and need "to be given some time, and I think expectations need to be adjusted," she said.

"I think that this program just needs to be given the time it deserves to work," she said.

Key lawmakers met after the board meeting to discuss how to proceed with the bill after it had passed the House that morning, a situation that threatened to extend the special session potentially past Friday.

Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, said the bill's language also drew concerns for "circumventing" the Legacy Fund section of the state constitution.

Later that day, the Senate sent the bill to the Joint Technical Corrections Committee, which stripped the concerning language, and amended the bill to allow rather than require the advisory board to take up investment guidelines.

The Senate on Friday passed the amended bill 46-1. The House then concurred on the amendments, and passed the bill in an 85-2 vote before adjourning, ending the five-day special session.

The Legislature also passed a bill adding six new full-time staff positions and $1.7 million in salaries to the Retirement and Investment Office, which the governor signed Monday.

Murtha has said the new positions will help the implementation of the in-state Legacy Fund investment mandates.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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The National Park Service is eyeing future upgrades for aging and outgrown facilities in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota's top tourist attraction.

In two public meetings earlier this month, Park Superintendent Wendy Ross outlined a list comprising improved employee housing and administrative facilities; revamped visitor centers, park entrances and parking; more services at Painted Canyon Overlook and Peaceful Valley Ranch; utility improvements; and even a fire station.

Ross for seven years has helped lead a long-range planning process for the park's developed areas. Public comments are being accepted through Nov. 30. An environmental assessment will be available for comment in 2022.

The park's planning team is now consulting with tribes and the State Historic Preservation Office about the plan, which looks out 50 years and emphasizes partnership opportunities.

"I do see this process giving us that full range of time period when we're implementing any of these improvements, so really what it is doing is getting us ready to be able to take advantage of any funding or partnership opportunity that comes to us in the future," Ross said.

She departs this month for a new job as a deputy director for three Interior Department regions in the Midwest, helping to oversee sites in 13 states. She still will oversee development of the plan and work with the park's next superintendent.

Housing is "the No. 1 driver of improvements and deferred maintenance in the park," Ross said, given the park's tight quarters and limited housing in western North Dakota.

"We need to take care of housing as our No. 1 priority," she said.

The park last summer completed a $5.5 million project revamping the historic Peaceful Valley Ranch, which dates to the 1880s. Park officials are planning to use the site as an education facility. Environmental education nonprofit NatureBridge has reached out with interest.

Ross would like to see the Painted Canyon visitor center expanded to a "year-round, multiagency information facility," rather than a highway rest stop as it is now.

Partnerships with the state government and the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library could potentially "provide this welcome center to western North Dakota and a gateway to western national parks," she said.

The library, approved for a $50 million state operations endowment by the 2019 Legislature, is to be sited near the Medora Musical's Burning Hills Amphitheater. It's to open in 2025.

The park and the library already have a memorandum of understanding signaling their interest and intentions to be partners as the library moves ahead.

"I think now that the park is moving forward with their process of what they want to do and how they want to do it, we can join forces and figure out where we can work together," Library CEO Ed O'Keefe said. "It's definitely going to happen in concert over the next few years as we lead up to the opening of the library itself."

Badlands Conservation Alliance President Lillian Crook said her organization will be following the planning process. She's aware of the housing difficulties from her time on the park staff, and she's excited about the park's potential for partnerships.

"The challenge we face when addressing the visitor needs is to balance that with the unspoiled landscape as per the mission of the national parks," Crook said.

Comments may be sent through parkplanning.nps.gov/THROCSP, or by mail to Superintendent, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, P.O. Box 7, Medora, ND 58645.

The park saw 551,303 visitors last year, and has seen more than 735,000 visitors this year through September.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week.

Up

The sale of Dots Homestyle Pretzels to Hershey Co. announced last week is a North Dakota success story. Hershey announced it will spend $1.2 billion for Dots Pretzels LLC and Pretzels Inc., an Indiana-based manufacturer of Dots Pretzels that operates three plants. The business that started in the kitchen of Dot Henke of Velva is the fastest-growing pretzel brand in the U.S., with $275 million in sales in the year that ended in September. Its an inspiring story for any North Dakota entrepreneur.

Down

Minot-area voters should remember recent bizarre behavior by Rep. Jeff Hoverson when theyre electing state legislators. The Republican, who missed the anti-vaccine mandate rally he helped organize because he contracted COVID-19, promotes ivermectin for treating coronavirus. During floor debate last week, he disagreed with House Majority Leader Chet Pollert about redistricting and said, I just would really like to see some spine in our leadership. Hoverson said he apologized to Pollert. He attempted to apologize to the House members, but his comments were so odd that Speaker Kim Koppelman needed to clarify that it was intended to be an apology. Then in the middle of the night, Hoverson sent a harassing email to North Dakota Department of Health staff about the vaccine, according to a copy of the email published by blogger Rob Port. Lawmakers did the right thing by moving forward and not wasting time on censuring Hoverson, but voters ought to seriously question whether he is their best choice for representative.

Up

Heartview Foundation in Bismarck dedicated the Mark Mahlum Wellness Center on Saturday, a $250,000 fitness center in honor of a former Heartview client who is 36 years sober. Mahlums children, Anne, Jessica and Joe, presented the center on his 70th birthday. Anne Mahlum, founder of national fitness brand [solidcore], said she believes working on physical health will help those working on recovery.

Down

Drought conditions this summer appear to have hurt mule deer fawn production in North Dakota. A spring survey by the state Game and Fish Department counted 2,671 mule deer, indicating a mule deer population 21% above the long-term average. But this fall, biologists counted 2,163 deer during the survey. The ratio of 60 fawns per 100 does this fall was significantly lower than last years 82 per 100 and the long-term average of 88 per 100.

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There is no option to erase the past and start anew; what we imagine we were will determine, in part, what we become, and a transformative grace applied to our past will secure a brighter future. []

Monuments have been created for thousands of years. The word monument itself finds its Greek etymological roots in Mnemosyne, the name of the ancient goddess of memory and mother of the nine muses. It is from memory that human culture itself arises and by which it is transmitted.

Monuments thus serve as physical vessels through which cultures the world over not only remember their heritage but also continue to transmit that heritage to the next generation.

It is only natural, then, that monuments become the center of culture wars for, as the Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben has argued, Remembrance is neither what happened nor what did not happen but, rather, their potentialization, their becoming possible once again.

What we hold in our memory is not merely a bare history but the very material from which we build our future. In the book of Exodus, God explains to Moses that one of the reasons for the plagues of Egypt is so you may tell in the hearing of your son and your sons son the mighty things I have done in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.

It is a great fear of the vital and potent force of memory that animates the recent fit of iconoclasm that has gripped so many of our institutions.

Twenty-one academics from the Imperial College History Group has recently called on Imperial College London to remove a statue of Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century biologist and anthropologist who, while in favor of slaverys abolition, espoused a racial hierarchy of intelligence, a belief system of scientific racism.

Similar concerns animated the New York City Public Design Commissions unanimous vote to remove a statue of President Thomas Jefferson from New York City Halls council chamber.

The intent of both statues was not to celebrate either slavery or any sort of racism or prejudice. Huxley is lauded not for his attitudes concerning race but for his theory that birds are descended from dinosaurs. The case of Jefferson is even more curious.

The statue of Jefferson is a plaster model of one by French sculptor Pierre-Jean David dAngers, which stands in the Capitol rotunda of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C. It depicts Jefferson with a quill in one hand and the Declaration of Independence in the other.

This declaration declared that We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights together form the fundamental legal heritage of our republic. Abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass, following Lysander Spooner, argued convincingly that this legal patrimony was fundamentally anti-slavery and that the Founders wrote better than they knew. Jefferson is thus part of that anti-slavery heritage in his most enduring contribution to this nation, and the statue in question celebrates that legacy in particular.

The irony is that those who seek to remove Jefferson do so on the grounds that that anti-slavery legal heritage, in part crafted by Jefferson, does not exist and that the arguments of Douglass, Spooner and other abolitionists were unsound.

In removing Jefferson on such grounds, however, we commit ourselves to an understanding of America as fundamentally rooted in racism and prejudice. If racism becomes engrained in our understanding of American history and memory, then racism becomes more likely, rather than less likely, to become our future.

As the novelist Milan Kundera has written: The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.

At the center of Rome stands the Arch of Titus. Constructed in 81 AD by the Emperor Domitian, it celebrates the victory of Titus and Vespasian over the Jewish rebellion in Judaea 10 years prior. It was constructed as a symbol of the domination of Imperial Rome over the Jewish people, and yet it contains one of the few then-contemporary depictions of an artifact of Herods Temple and thus is also a medium for preserving Jewish heritage. The menorah illustrated on the Arch went on to serve as a model for the emblem of the state of Israel.

The Archs builders preserved better than they knew.

The challenge of monuments is a challenge of memory and thus imagination. Rather than abandoning the past as the place of our fears, let it be a vessel of our hopes. Our memories unavoidably shape us, and any future we construct will be based on them.

There is no option to erase the past and start anew; what we imagine we were will determine, in part, what we become, and a transformative grace applied to our past will secure a brighter future.

This article originally appeared in The Detroit News on Nov. 12, 2021.
Beauty has the power to spellbind everyonethe proof is Canadian director Denis Villeneuve. His last three movies, Dune (2021), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), and Arrival (2016), have earned him a reputation as a visionary and a sensitive director, despite science fiction as his genre, which normally is considered either too sophisticated for the broad audience to follow or too simplistic to be worth attention, instantly forgotten. Yet these films are loved by critics, the earlier two having three Oscar wins out of 13 nominations, while Dune has already been voted by fans #144 in the IMDb 250 top rated films of all time, a measure of passion at least.

These movies are so beautiful that wasting perhaps a hundred million dollars only makes them more attractive. Dune has grossed $330M globally but failed to reach $100M in America, against a budget of $165M, which suggests about as much again for the ad campaign, to say nothing of costs related to the movies being delayed a year during the epidemic. Dunewould have to make twice as much to cover its total production costs, because half the money stays in theaters, and it would have to make a lot more than that to be really profitable.

But this is nothing compared to Blade Runner 2049, which made under $260M worldwide, again, failing to get to $100M in America against a bigger budget than Dunes, $185M. Hollywood is supposed to be obsessed with profits and, indeed, capitalism tends to be described that way, so what director can keep losing money and have studios hire him to waste more money? Villeneuvewho is now working on Dune: Part Two, because his vision of beauty is the only one available in Hollywood just now.

Nobody would believe me if I told them that Hollywood loves artistic vision more than profits, but here are a few more propositions that are as obviously true as implausible: Hollywood and critics, including feminists, love pro-life stories! Blade Runner 2049 is all about the miracle of birth; Arrival, which had a strong female lead, is also about a woman who chooses to give birth to her child even though she knows it will not live out its lifespan; even Dune is preparing to continue this theme of the miracle of birth.

Moreover, all three movies suggest that mankinds future depends in some way (its not entirely clear why) on these births, so that they drive either the plot or the protagonist or define her characterization. I have no reason to believe Denis Villeneuve is a Christian, but his stories are obviously not only pro-life but pro-life on the basis of miracles. His movies are not only beautifulthey are beautiful because they are intended to awaken something of Christian belief without giving rise to any controversy. They combine earnestness and tenderness about this one issue while depicting an inhuman, techno-political future in every other respect, and the contrast makes it very easy to focus the emotions of the audience on this hope. In our very secular age, among our often openly atheistic elites, this is more than strange.

It shouldnt be surprising, therefore, that these are stories about protagonists tempted to give up on life. You may call Villeneuves preferred aesthetic magnificent desolationit certainly captures the pensive mood, the sadness and even heartbreak that render the protagonists often hard to distinguish from their environment. The imagery is often beautiful, sometimes awe-inspiring, while the protagonists are comparatively boring, occasionally annoying. Villeneuve took handsome actors like Amy Adams in Arrival and Ryan Gosling in Blade Runner 2049 and stripped them of their charms. They only come alive when the miracle of life is vouchsafed them.

These are not stars but rather fragile beings, able to succeed only within very limited poetic situations. In a way, they are not as important as the revelation that unfolds in the story. They are, like so many in the audience, tempted by nihilism. They are supposed to lead the audience out of that temptation, if only a few steps in the right direction. To return to love of life, they themselves have to reinterpret their suffering as the test of faith, maybe as a preparation for something precious, which nevertheless is unloved, because the entire world is chasing after something elseperhaps power, control over the world or the future.

If the condition of a miracle is suffering, the experience of the terrible plight of human beings, the cause of the miracle is a secret. The science fiction genre can usher in both: Since nobody is confident about the future anymore, its easy to paint a hellish picture and have people recognize their own emotions in the landscape confronting them, a vision dominated by hopelessness and helplessness. And since the genre requires a mystery, or at least a puzzle, it lends itself to the idea that the most important things are secretthat although we may routinely act as though we know everything, we do not even know whats inside our hearts.

Villeneuves achievement as a director is not so much a result of beautiful cinematography, haunting beauty, or Romanticism; instead, it lies in his tender treatment of the audiences sentimentality, which used to be Spielbergs power. This makes it possible for him to bring out the suffering in the hearts of the audience hes addressing without making people look for revenge (since after all, someones got to be guilty of making us suffer) or collapse into despair (since it may be theres nothing we can do about it). The beauty of the imagery connects suffering to redemption. The strength of the characters, which is primarily passiveits not physical strength but endurance thats keyinspires the audience and prepares them to remember Christian hope.

The secret knowledge in these movies turns out to be intimately important to the protagonists, but not obviously of importance to anyone else, much less to the whole world. Only in the sense in which our souls expand to take in the whole world can we talk of secret knowledge, or of a poetic vision of the world, thats supposed to encourage gentleness in audiences and a new respect for human suffering. Blade Runner 2049, for example, is about a replicant (Gosling), a synthetic human being, tasked with destroying others like him but whose detective-like search turns into a personal quest for the miracle of birth. If he can unravel the secrets of the plot, he thinks he can prove he is not merely a machine, or that replicants, too, are human, have souls. He enacts our fear that technology is not made out of love but robs us of our humanity rather than protecting it, never mind enhancing it. Whether knowledge can ever be connected to love, whether creation can ever be an act of love, is the question that gives the drama its seriousness.

Arrival is not set in such a hellish future, but the story aims to prevent a global catastrophic war. Aliens arrive and so the uniqueness of human beings is threatened. The aliens intentions are a secret, not least because we cannot communicate with them, and their power is immense but obscure, since they have not yet acted. That tension, that fear of something greater than us, leads the scientist protagonist (Adams) to try to understand their language, even if she cannot hope ever to overpower them. Vulnerability and mortality thus become key to mankinds survival, not war.

Dune, finally, offers us a protagonist who begins in a lofty position, an heir to an aristocratic family who loses his father and all the power and prestige of the royal house, along with all their loyal servants. Now he must discover a free people animated not by honor but by messianic faith, which turns out to be an even better basis for a war in defense of justice. The neediest, most despised people turn out to be more enduring and more reliable than the loftiest and most privileged.

These movies dont have traditional happy endings; the end is a form of justicethese characters can be content with themselves because they have become part of a greater faith. They have made a contribution to something of perhaps cosmic importance but are themselves unimportant. They are now witnesses, not heroes.

Ill conclude with something that may also seem preposterous: Villeneuve was born in 1967, just between the Boomers and Gen-X, and he seems to sympathize with both generations. He turns to the midcentury for the confidence we excusably call epic, but he turns to Gen-X for the dark mood, the existential lack of ambition. He has found his ideal in the 80s, which have not been considered a source of inspiring humanity or beauty up to now, given the garish and flamboyant fashions of that time and the tendency of its artists to prophesy the apocalypse and blame it on Reagan or Thatcher.

Villeneuve is not alone in 80s nostalgia, but hes the only one who tries to show that, properly guided, its about an innocent love of beauty that tames suffering and restores hope. David Lynchs Dune and Ridley Scotts Blade Runner are both 1980s movies, of course, but put together, as both cynical and earnest, they provide a conflict necessary to art. Thus, conservative pessimism and liberal Progress can be dramatized, as well as conservative hope and liberal despair of the past. Villeneuves success shows that audiences want to follow him, but he hasnt yet quite found the path. He has gone very far encouraging a pro-life attitude, an openness to faith and even conservatism, but hes more beautiful than credible to audiences so far. He is not yet a decade into his turn to science fiction, and he obviously wants to give us a humane vision of the future, as few directors even try. Im looking forward to Dune: Part Two, the first time faith itself will become the theme of his movies.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was today found guilty by default in a defamation lawsuit filed by families of Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victims. Jones claimed that the massacre did not happen and was a fraud contrived to enact gun control legislation. He refused to cooperate with the court, leading to the default judgment.

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis said that Jones' refusal to hand over documents and financial records rendered him guilty by default after years of dodging court orders to surrender the papers. The Monday decision in the lawsuits brought by eight families comes weeks after a judge in Texas found Jones liable for damages in three other cases brought by the parents of a pair of students who were killed in the 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and six educators. The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, turned the gun on himself after the massacre.

One of the families' lawyers:
The Human Library is an educational nonprofit that organizes temporary "libraries" around the world where you can borrow a person instead of a book. Founded in Copenhagen in 2000 by Ronni Abergel, the idea is to encourage people with very different perspectives, backgrounds, beliefs, or experiences to have a safe place to talk openly and honestly so that others may better understand them. Loan periods are a maximum of thirty minutes. From CNN:

A feminist meets with a Muslim woman in a hijab and asks if she wears it by choice or compulsion.

A climate change activist meets with someone who thinks global warming is a hoax.

A Black antiracist activist meets with a supporter of former President Trump.

Or, in the case of Charlize Jamieson, a transgender woman meets a conservative Christian woman who thinks she is living in sin.

Jamieson says she agreed to be a "book" in the Human Library because she wants to encourage empathy. An animated and jovial conversationalist, she says she spent years denying who she was while working in corporate America.

"There's rough edges around people, and people form opinions based on what other people say or what the TV news says," she says. "And then you get in front of them, and you're sometimes like a nail file, filing off those rough edges."
During a heavy rainstorm in Aswan, Egypt over the weekend, the city's deadly fat-tailed scorpions scuttled out of their drenched hiding places and found new shelter in people's homes. The venomous guests then turned on their human hosts, sending more than 500 people to the hospital.

Symptoms from the scorpion stings, according to those hospitalized, included "severe pain, fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and head twitching," says Aljazeera. But, although the fat-tail is among the deadliest scorpions in the world, none of the patients died thanks to the hospitals' readily available anti-venom.

From BBC:

The hail and thunder storm in the area near the River Nile on Friday was particularly violent. Scorpions are regularly washed into the streets by heavy rain, while snakes have also been disturbed. Extra doses of anti-venom have been provided to medical centres in villages near mountains and deserts, a health official told Al-Ahram news agency. Doctors have been pulled away from giving vaccinations to treat scorpion stings, the official added.  People have been urged to stay at home and avoid places with many trees. Egypt is home to fat-tailed scorpions that are among the most deadly in the world. Venom from a black fat-tail can kill humans in under an hour.

Unrelated to the scorpion infestations, three people died from the storm, but details weren't disclosed.
A passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines flight to NYC from Dallas was arrested Saturday after punching a gate agent so hard it sent her to hospital. Neither were named by NBC News, but the passenger was reportedly charged with aggravated assault.

The victim, who Southwest Airlines identified only as an operations agent, was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition, police said. "We have a Station Manager with her at the hospital with the full support of her Southwest Family sending our thoughts, prayers, and love," an airline spokesman said in an emailed statement. "Southwest Airlines maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully support our Employee as we cooperate with local authorities regarding this unacceptable incident."

The Flight Attendants' Union has seen enough.

"The unprecedented number of incidents has reached an intolerable level, with passenger non-compliance events also becoming more aggressive in nature," Lyn Montgomery, the president of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, wrote in a May letter to Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been at least 5,114 reports of unruly passengers since the beginning of the year across all airlines and more than 970 investigation initiated by the FAA in 2021 compared to 183 investigations in 2020.

Correction: the hospitalized employee was a gate agent, not a flight attendant
"Who's going to maintain it?" he said he asked officials.

Village officials and project planners, he said, dismissed his concerns.

Mang eventually committed to having crews from the village's Department of Public Works trim the grass, even though tending to the right of way  sometimes known as the devil strip  is the responsibility of the property owner.

Village crews have come out four times this year to mow the grass, Farage said, but only after he emailed Mang each time complaining about the height of the grass.

He said he got fed up a couple of months ago to the point that he printed up the "cut your grass" signs and put them out in front of his business. That brought out a crew the next morning, Farage said.

He most recently reposted the signs about two weeks ago. There are four of them staked in the grass, mainly clover and weeds, that is several inches high.

"I've got better things to do than worry about the grass in front of my business," said Farage, noting the difficulty in keeping a small company operating through the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the face of rising Covid cases, local officials from Buffalo to New York City began taking matters into their own hands Monday and started urging vaccinated adults to get booster shots to protect themselves amid growing worries about worsening pandemic problems.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said there would be no questions asked if time-eligible adults want to get a booster, no matter what federal guidelines suggest about who is and who is not yet eligible.

With health officials worried that people vaccinated earlier this year are seeing their Covid protections reduced, local officials say boosters for adults 18 and over  those who have gotten the Pfizer or Moderna shots more than six months ago and the Johnson & Johnson shot more than two months ago  should be gotten as soon as possible.

The Buffalo News asked the Hochul administration Monday if the state could move ahead with such a program, given both guidance from Washington about who should be eligible  such as those in certain occupations and with certain health conditions  and whether New York State has the supply to meet such an increased demand for boosters.
Kelly Sullivan, a third-grade teacher and granddaughter of the only Sullivan brother who married, expressed deep gratitude Sunday to the people from around the world who stepped forward to protect the ship and her family's legacy. She still gets teary eyed around the anniversary of the USS Juneau's sinking when she reflects on the generations of aunts, uncles and cousins she never got to meet because of the tragedy that beset the Sullivan family.

"Weve been through some tough times these last few years, and to see people be so generous, it makes you emotional," she said in a telephone interview. "It really does."

From the moment word got out that the Canalside destroyer was listing and taking on water, offers to help began pouring in from as far away as Australia and Japan.

Marzello heard from welders and plumbers, from companies wanting to donate pumps to get water out of the hull. He received offers of assistance from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia and from a Massachusetts naval park that was ready to send a crew down to help. The Coast Guard did an exterior and interior inspection of the ship.

Within days, the naval park had enough money to cover emergency repairs.

Community rallies for USS The Sullivans emergency repairs  with an assist from Jemal After word was out that the USS The Sullivans was in danger of sinking and in need of emergency repairs, there were hundreds of responses.
A group of roughly a dozen protesters gathered outside the Erie County Holding Center on Sunday afternoon to denounce what they called the inhumane treatment of inmates at the center.

Ten current inmates, all housed in the same unit, say that they have gone without hot water in their showers and bathrooms for at least 11 months. A handwritten letter signed by the inmates, dated Oct. 6 and shared Sunday with The Buffalo News, said they had filed multiple complaints over several months about the plumbing issues.

A spokesman for the Sheriffs Department disputed the claims on Monday, saying they were "false." In separate conversations with advocates, the department has blamed a faulty boiler and claimed inmates are taken to other, working bathrooms as needed, said Myles Carter, the former county sheriff candidate who organized Sundays protest.

But protesters said they considered the reported lack of hot water part of a larger pattern of behavior. Since 2006, the state Commission of Correction has filed three lawsuits over issues at Erie County jails, including overcrowding and a failure to report or investigate serious incidents, such as suicides and sexual assaults. More than 30 inmates died in custody over that period.
Earlier this week, Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan told the Detroit News that he had received more than 1,000 calls, including several death threats, after backing the infrastructure bill. Upton's spokesman told the Detroit paper that one of the threats came from a man in South Carolina who left a message calling the congressman a traitor  adding several profane adjectives  and wishing death on Upton's family.

Calls flooded into the offices of the GOP supporters of the infrastructure bill after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Republican from Georgia, labeled those lawmakers "traitors" who enabled what she called Joe Bidens Communist takeover of America. She also tweeted out the names and office phone numbers of all 13 GOP backers of the infrastructure bill.

"The tone and tenor of many of these calls over the years has gotten worse," said Reed, who was first elected to Congress in 2010 and who will leave Congress at the end of next year. "And I think that's attributable to extremism taking over the country as well as the internet effect, where folks seem to want to one-up each other as to how aggressive they come across. And it just seems like we're following a path of escalation, which I humbly would request folks to really consider: Is that the way you want to conduct yourself?"
Edward Enser was the driver for the commander of the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II. But in 1944, he found himself behind enemy lines during the Battle of Anzio, Italy.

He and several other GIs crept behind enemy lines to repair telephone lines vital to winning the battle that had been damaged by mortar fire.

For that, he was awarded the Bronze Star. And in later fighting he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.

"Dad would be the first to say the real heroes are those who never made it back home, protecting the freedom that we have, said his son, Kenneth.

And now, 76 years after Enser returned home, a section of Route 75 (Sisson Highway) in North Collins has been named "Tec 5 Edward Enser Memorial Highway" in his honor.

Enser, who attended North Collins schools and lived in Concord, was 71 when he died in 1986. He was retired from Ford Motor Co. after nearly 30 years.

In the U.S. Army he was a technician fifth grade in Africa, Italy, France and Germany from 1942 to 1945.
President Biden signed his $1 trillion infrastructure deal into law on the White House lawn, hailing it as an example of what bipartisanship can achieve.
On the fifth try, Barson nodded yes.

Moskal said the question of whether Barson gave free and voluntary consent meant the evidence about methamphetamine would never make it to a jury.

Lacking probable cause, troopers released Barson. He returned home to Kingman, Arizona, where he admitted during an interview four days later that he consumed meth around 4 p.m. the day before the crash.

Barson told troopers he did not sleep well but set out the following morning on his regular work route between Las Vegas, the Colorado River town of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Kingman.

Two weeks after Barsons blood results came back, a Nevada Highway Patrol drug recognition expert filed a report based on what she saw in the trooper videos.

She said it was clear to her Barson was under the influence of a stimulant. However, no trooper with current training as a drug recognition expert responded to the scene.

Tom Trauger's widow, Donna, pointed to the two counts of DUI resulting in death that Barson pleaded guilty to. One named three bicyclists as victims. One named two.
It took about another year for the authority to notify the state inspector general of the mystery. It didnt take long for a team from that office to uncover another case, involving a traffic stop in October 2016.

In that matter, NFTA officers arrested two people after turning up narcotics. They took $1,105 from one of the men and $1,345 from the other, according to the state report. Federal agents, who had been tracking one of the men, joined the NFTA case. That man, Valentino Shine Sr. was later convicted in a case involving sex trafficking, but when the agents tried to collect the seized evidence from NFTA police headquarters, the evidence bag containing Shines $1,105 could not be found.

Instead of owning up to the problem, a detective told the state inspectors that the chief, Gast, picked out an unmarked evidence bag containing slightly more money to give to the federal agents. The detective said he falsely told the agents that bag was correctly labeled when Gast gave it to him. Compounding the lies, the reports says that Gast then suggested the detective explain away an extra $81.25 in the bag as Shines pocket change.
People wait after receiving the AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine at the National Hospital in Abuja

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria will start a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign later this week, aiming to inoculate half of its targeted population by the end of January, government officials said.

Africa's most-populous country has a goal to vaccinate 111 million people to reach herd immunity.

Under the initiative to start on Friday, 55 million doses or more than a million a day will be administered. The country has to date vaccinated only 2.9% of those eligible to get vaccines.

The plan will see vaccine sites set up at private health facilities, universities, colleges, stadiums, motor parks and shopping malls among other venues.

Boss Mustapha, head of the presidential steering committee on COVID-19, said the government "has enough vaccines in the pipeline to vaccinate about 50% of the target population by the end of January 2022."

He also said the government was making efforts to secure booster shots "so as to build a healthy level of antibodies." He did not provide details.

Faisal Shuaib, executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, said Nigeria received about 5 million AstraZeneca shots last month from the COVAX global-sharing facility, both purchases and donations. Nigeria also had commitments for 11.99 million and 12.2 million doses of Pfizer Inc/BioNTech and Moderna Inc COVID-19 vaccines, respectively, he said.

The government has purchased nearly 40 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses, which would be coming in batches, said Shuaib.

(Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Watch: CCTV shows 'hero' taxi driver escaping explosion at Liverpool hospital

This is the moment a hero taxi driver escaped from his car after it exploded at Liverpool Womens Hospital in what police have now declared as a terrorist incident.

CCTV footage shows the cab pulling up to the hospital at 10.59am on Remembrance Sunday before the blast goes off.

The taxi driver, who has been named locally as David Perry, jumped out of the car before it burst into flames.

Perry has been praised for his quick thinking, reportedly foiling a bomber by locking him in his vehicle after noticing an explosive device.

Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference on Monday that the attack outside Liverpool Womens Hospital was sickening.

Cab driver David Perry, left, and running from his car, in black top, right. (Reach)

The prime minister said: What yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence.

And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.

The UK terror threat level has been increased to "severe".

Four men have since been arrested in the Kensington area of Liverpool under the Terrorism Act.

The passenger in the taxi was declared dead at the scene and is yet to be publicly identified.

Perry, who suffered injuries in the blast, has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

In a press conference on Monday, police said the explosion was an act of terrorism.

Cab driver David Perry manages to open his door after the bomb goes off. (Reach)

David Perry, in black top, runs from his taxi after the explosion. (Reach)

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, from Counter Terrorism North West, said the man who died in the blast brought a homemade bomb with him into a taxi and asked to be taken to Liverpool Womens Hospital.

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He added police believe they know the identity of the passenger.

He said: The reason why he then took it to the womens hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion.

Smoke from the taxi outside Liverpool Women's Hospital after it exploded. (Reach)

We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

Asst Chief Constable Jackson said he had spoken to the taxi driver, but at the time he was still shaken and injured.

Also on Monday, the UK terror threat was raised from "substantial" to "severe" by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), meaning an attack is now judged to be "highly likely".

Home secretary Priti Patel said the terror threat level had been raised because there had been two attacks in the space of a month.

An armed police officer holds a breaching shotgun, used to blast the hinges off a door, at an address in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, after an explosion at the Liverpool Women's Hospital. (PA)

Speaking about the incident in Liverpool, she said it had had a "very significant impact across the community" and that her thoughts were with people in the city.

Meanwhile, health secretary Sajid Javid paid tribute to NHS staff at Liverpool Womens Hospital who were affected by the explosion outside the building at the weekend.

In the Commons, Javid said: This is an ongoing investigation into what has now been declared a terrorist incident by police so it wouldnt be appropriate for me to comment in any detail.

But I would like to take a moment to express my thanks to all of the NHS staff and emergency serves who have responded to the incident.

They have shown the utmost professionalism in the most difficult of circumstances and my thoughts, and I know the thoughts of the whole House, are with them and anyone that has been affected.

Watch: Prime minister praises bravery of taxi driver in Liverpool explosion

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson praised the heroic cabbie, who had managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital.

It is believed Perry works for Liverpool cab firm Delta Taxis. The firm declined to comment when contacted by Yahoo News UK.

Aerial view of police activity in Rutland Avenue near Sefton Park. (PA)

A police officer stands behind a cordoned-off area outside the Women's Hospital in Liverpool following a car blast. (AFP via Getty Images)

Police and forensic officers in attendance at Liverpool Womens Hospital on Monday. (Getty Images)

The blast happened about a mile away from the citys Anglican cathedral where a large Remembrance service was taking place.

Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said the car fire was fully developed when two crews arrived shortly after 11am.

He told reporters at the scene the fire was extinguished rapidly but there was one fatality, adding: Another individual had left the vehicle prior to the fire developing to the extent that it did.

Watch: Police at scene of hospital explosion after arrests
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping shake hands

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding a virtual summit as tensions between the two superpowers deepen.

The competing nations surprised many last week by issuing a joint declaration to address climate change, at talks in Glasgow, Scotland.

But growing concerns of a military confrontation over Taiwan have thrown their differences into sharp relief.

The pair's third meeting will address several thorny topics.

Cybersecurity, trade and nuclear non-proliferation are subjects on the table, sources familiar with the negotiations told US media.

In a statement on Friday, the White House said "the two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align".

The duo have spoken twice since Mr Biden took office in January, but both have acknowledged bumps in the relationship.

Writing to the National Committee on US-China Relations non-profit last week, Mr Xi said his country was ready to work with the US to get relations back on track. He added that cooperation was "the only right choice".

Our correspondents in Washington and Beijing assess how it might play out.

What Biden wants

Zhaoyin Feng, BBC News, Washington

The expectation is low, but the fact the meeting is happening at all is a major outcome in itself. Both sides intend to repair the US-China relationship, which has taken a nosedive in the past few years.

Taiwan is likely to top the agenda. Biden wants Xi to pledge to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing has shown growing willingness to intensify military pressure on the island. In return, the US leader will have to reassure his Chinese counterpart that America takes no position on Taiwan's sovereignty.

The meeting is also Biden's chance to convince Xi that the US administration's China strategy could be a stable framework for the bilateral relationship. Biden's China doctrine was previously summed up by his Secretary of State Antony Blinken - "competitive when it should be, collaborative when it can be, and adversarial when it must be".

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But Beijing has made it clear that issues of co-operation, such as climate action, cannot be divorced from points of contention in the diplomatic relations. "If the oasis is all surrounded by deserts, then sooner or later, the 'oasis' will be desertified," said the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in September.

Will the talks bring water to the "deserts" and put out the fires?

What Xi wants

Robin Brant, BBC News, Shanghai

Taiwan and talking - two words sum up the key concerns of China as Xi Jinping sits down and Zoom his US counterpart.

The island off the east coast of China, with its own democratically elected president, seems like an obscure issue for many outside Asia.

But for Beijing, Taiwan is the renegade province that it has always wanted to fully reunite with the "motherland". Xi Jinping talks about it as an inevitability. He knows canonisation awaits if he is the man to do it.

But just a few weeks ago Joe Biden pledged to defend Taiwan if China attacked. America's commitment to what to regards as a beacon of its values seems clear. Xi Jinping will want clarification. (In the meantime we know from satellite images in recent media reports that the Chinese military is using structures shaped like US aircraft carriers for target practice.)

The prospect of a war is why "talking" is up the top of the "virtual summit" wish list too.

Relations are in a bad place - a White House-ordered report from the US intelligence agencies has twice now re-iterated China's lack of openness on the investigation in to the origins of Covid-19.

Just last week President Biden agreed further restrictions on trade with a Chinese telecom company. He's been successful too in starting to rebuild alliances to challenge China's influence and power in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beijing will have noted, as we all did, that the last line of an official readout after the two men spoke by phone last September warned both sides had a responsibility to ensure "competition didn't veer in to conflict".

Re-establishing multi-level mechanisms to meet, negotiate and talk could ensure that happens.
Institutional Assessment

Imperial Valley College Adopts New Outcomes Assessment Platform

A Southern California community college has adopted new software, to improve the processes of assessing student learning outcomes. Imperial Valley College (IVC) selected Nuventive, a cloud-based improvement platform, to modernize its institutional planning and outcomes assessment work.

Previously, the school used a shell in learning management system Canvas and spreadsheets to collect and analyze data on learning outcomes. An external team found, however, that the process "resulted in little connection between the collection of assessment data and program review" and "that learning outcomes were being under-utilized in institutional processes," according to a president's message.

The college agreed on two main recommendations, which were demonstrated to campus stakeholders; the majority chose Nuventive. The eventual deployment, which began in July 2021, in time for use in the 2021-2022 academic year, occurred at the same time as a new Tableau business intelligence system adoption.

Nuventive is designed to help people view the higher-level institutional objectives and drill down to review the details of various scenarios and to monitor progress, with data fed from business intelligence tools and other sources.

"We were looking for a solution that would facilitate the program review narrative without going to multiple screens," said Yolanda Catano, Imperial's interim associate dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Equity and Student Success, in a press release. "With Nuventive, we can now see the narrative next to the information sources in a single screen."

Now, the college uses mapping between Nuventive and Canvas, to align tasks and link learning outcomes assessments data to the program review and planning process.

"This lets us see the bigger picture, so we can highlight successes, needs, challenges and barriers," noted Catano. "By giving faculty and staff a voice, it helps them highlight ongoing efforts, versus feeling threatened by data."
The video above is live only when court is in session and the judge allows video/audio to be broadcast. Warning: Some footage played for jurors may contain explicit language and disturbing images.

Lee Enterprises will be carrying a live blog of events in the homicide trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, which began with jury selection Nov. 1 and opening statements the following day.

Rittenhouse, 18, shot two people and wounded a third during a night of unrest in Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020. His attorneys contend he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors have portrayed him as an instigator.

Lee Enterprises/Kenosha News reporter Deneen Smith is reporting from inside the Kenosha County Courthouse, with reporting on this page augmented by remote staff and wire reports.

More coverage:

5:53 p.m.: Rebuttal is over. WPR's Corrinne Hess reports "Judge Schroeder is telling the jury to only weigh the evidence. And not consider what even the President of the U.S. or the president before him has said."

5:50 p.m.: Monday is now the longest day in the trial since jury selection. Kraus's rebuttal is still ongoing. Reporters in the room say jurors look like they're struggling to pay attention.

5 p.m.: Rebuttal by ADA James Kraus: "He brought a gun to a fist fight and he was too cowardly to use his own fists. He just started shooting."

4:40 p.m.: Break before prosecutors can rebuttal.

3:30 p.m.: Other people in this community have shot somebody seven times and its been found to be OK," Richards says, an apparent reference to Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey having shot Jacob Blake, leading to the protests that brought Rittenhouse to town; unlike Rittenhouse, Sheskey's case was never placed in front of a jury. "My client did it four times in three-quarters of a second to protect his life from Mr. Rosenbaum."

Kyle is zero threat to anyone," Richards says near the end of his closing statement for the defense.

Richards ends with telling the jury there were "tragic aspects of this" but that under the law of Wisconsin Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense.

2:30 p.m.: Defense now making its closing argument. A rebuttal is still possible for prosecutor before jury gets the case.

Jury expected to begin deliberation Tuesday.

Lead defense attorney Mark Richards gives the closing argument and comes out sounding mad, saying Binger lied to the jury. Binger objects. Judge says "argument."

"One, hes lying, two hes misrepresenting, or he wasnt prepared when he stared this trial," Richards says of Binger.

"Mr. Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client because he was going to kill him, take his gun, and carry out the threats he made," Richards continues.

"What you were seeing was individuals acting as a mob  they are going to get their licks in on Kyle Rittenhouse; or, as they see it, someone from the other side."

After noting Rittenhouse ran two blocks between the first shooting and the others, Richards says to jury: "Ask yourself, the definition of an active shooter is someone with a plan to inflect multiple casualties usually out of animus or anger at a group ... Ladies and gentlemen, Kyle was not an active shooter," Richards said, saying that is a "buzzword" the state is using "because it excuses the actions of a mob." He calls Grosskreutz "the man who has ten million reasons to lie," noting his ongoing lawsuit against Kenosha.

It was estimated at trial that Rosenbaum was about 4 feet from Rittenhouse when Rittenhouse shot him. So, Richards puts a measuring tape on the ground to show the jury.

"He was willing to get upon the witness stand, tell the oath and tell his story the best way he could," Richards said of Rittenhouse deciding to testify.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a political case," Richards said. "The district attorney's office is marching forward with this case because they need someone to be responsible."

12:55 p.m.: Closing arguments resume.

Lead prosecutor Thomas Binger says crowd chasing Rittenhouse after the Rosenbaum shooting are trying to stop an active shooter. "He does nothing to demonstrate to the crowd that hes not going to kill again, and it turns out that he does. Within a few seconds he did kill again ... Did Anthony Huber forfeit his life by trying to be a hero and disarm an active shooter?"

A close-up photo of Gaige Grosskreutz's nearly severed arm is shown on screen. At least two jurors look away. "I guarantee you ladies and gentlemen the defendant had no idea what his gun was capable of  but this is what happened. Let us not flinch away from it."

Binger calls people Rittenhouse was with that night "wannabe soldiers acting tough ... just a small part of the deluge of chaos tourists we saw here in Kenosha."

Binger finishes up his closing with "No reasonable person would have done what the defendant did, and that makes your decision easy. He is guilty of all counts."

11:50 a.m.: Lunch break.

11:15 a.m.: Closing arguments underway. Prosecution up first. Estimated to take about 2 hours, not including lunch break in the middle.

9:15 a.m.: Day starts with continuing debates between defense attorney and judge over jury instruction.

The defense wants self-defense language read in repeatedly for each count. Judge Bruce Schroeder felt that would waste the jury's time  calling it "overly verbose"  with the repetition, but as the state did not object he's going with it.

9 a.m. Attorneys were set to make closing arguments Monday at Kyle Rittenhouse's trial in the shootings of three men during street unrest in Wisconsin, the last word before a jury begins deliberating in a case that underscored Americans' bitter divisions on issues of guns, protests and policing.

Rittenhouse, 18, of Antioch, Illinois, faces charges ranging from intentional homicide  punishable by life in prison  to an underage weapons charge that could mean a few months in jail if convicted.

Rittenhouse, 17 at the time, traveled the few miles from his home across the state border to Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, as the city was in the throes of damaging protests that followed a white police officer's shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, after a call to a domestic disturbance.

Bystander video captured the critical minutes when Rittenhouse, with a Smith and Wesson AR-style semiautomatic rifle, shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28.

Rittenhouse is white, as are the three men he shot. The case raised questions about racial justice, policing, firearms and white privilege that polarized people far outside Kenosha.

Rittenhouse has argued self-defense in the shootings, leaving prosecutors with the burden of proving that his fear for his safety and his use of deadly force were unreasonable. Some legal experts watching the trial said the prosecution struggled to do so.

Perhaps in recognition of that, prosecutors asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit on the original counts. Schroeder indicated on Friday that he would allow some of what prosecutors sought when he gave the jury instructions on Monday.

Prosecutors, led by Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger, sought to portray Rittenhouse as the aggressor the night of the shootings. Binger also highlighted Rittenhouse's youth and inexperience, noting to jurors that of all the people armed in Kenosha that night, only Rittenhouse shot people.

But key witnesses seemed to strengthen Rittenhouse's self-defense claims.

Videographer Richie McGinniss testified that Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse and lunged for his rifle right before Rittenhouse shot him. Ryan Balch, a military veteran in Rittenhouse's group that night, testified that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse and others if he got them alone.

Grosskreutz, the only man shot who survived, acknowledged that he had a gun in his hand as he approached Rittenhouse and that it was pointed at him.

Among the trial's most compelling moments was Rittenhouse's own testimony. In some six hours on the stand  most of it poised and matter-of-fact  he said he was afraid Rosenbaum would take his gun and shoot both him and others. He said he never wanted to kill anyone.

I didnt do anything wrong. I defended myself," Rittenhouse said.

With prosecutors trying to focus jurors on the totality of what Rittenhouse did, starting with his decision to come to Kenosha with a gun, the defense tried to steer them toward the roughly 3 minutes that began with Rosenbaum's pursuit of Rittenhouse  the period at the heart of his self-defense claim.

After closing arguments, names were to be drawn to determine which 12 of the 18 jurors who heard testimony will deliberate.

With a verdict near, Gov. Tony Evers said that 500 National Guard members would be prepared for duty in Kenosha if local law enforcement requested them.  Associated Press

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  A court in La Union dismissed the drug charge against Julian Ongpin, son of business magnate and former Trade Secretary Roberto Ongpin, over the procedural lapses of responding officers.

The La Union Regional Trial Court Branch 27 on Monday said it is constrained to dismiss the case for lack of probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against the billionaires son.

Last month, the Department of Justice filed a non-bailable case of possession of illegal drugs against Ongpin after authorities retrieved 12.6 grams of cocaine in a hostel in San Juan, La Union. It was the room he shared with his supposed girlfriend, painter Bree Jonson, who was found dead.

Ongpin also later tested positive for cocaine use.

In junking the case, Judge Romeo Agacita Jr. cited local police's failure to comply with some procedures as mandated by law.

For one, the prohibited drugs must immediately be marked individually to prevent the switching, planting or contamination of evidence, something Agacita said was not followed by members of the polices Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO).

"Worse, the prosecution never tried to offer any explanation of the absence of the required individual markings on the seized plastic sachets in the inventory form, the decision read. This singular instance of noncompliance alone jeopardized the chain of custody.

The ruling also noted that the officers processed the hostel room without the presence of Ongpin who, at that time, was brought by the police to the hospital for medical examination.

It added there was no insulating witness, like representatives from the media, the Department of Justice, or any elected public official, to sign and be given copies of the inventory of seized items.

In their joint affidavit dated Nov. 5, members of the SOCO team argued that their non-observance of the protocols was justified on a number of grounds. For one, they said they were dispatched particularly to investigate the discovered body of Jonson, and not the illegal drugs.

They said they confiscated the "white powdery substance" to examine them in relation to the death of Jonson and not because the items are suspected to be dangerous drugs.

However, the La Union court said the argument was without merit.

It said the rules on seized drugs cannot be brushed aside as a simple procedural technicality, or worse, ignored.

It stressed that the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that strict adherence to the procedures is mandatory as a safeguard to "the possibility of contamination, alteration, or substitution  whether intentional or unintentional  and even planting of evidence.

With the criminal charge dismissed, the court also lifted the precautionary hold departure order issued against Ongpin last month.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  It was the executive branch that prevented Pharmally officials Mohit and Twinkle Dargani from fleeing the country, Malacanang said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, made the statement Monday when asked if the Palace had any idea who may have helped Mohit and Twinkle attempt to escape.

"Ang importante po, executive branch din ang pumigil sa kanilang pag-alis galing Pilipinas," he said.

[Translation: What's important is that it was also the executive branch which stopped them from leaving the Philippines.]

Roque said the Davao International Airport, where Mohit and Twinkle were apprehended, was "under [the] authority of the executive branch."

"It could have been ignored. Pinayagan dapat silang lumipad kung gugustuhin, pero hindi nga po sila pinayagan (Airport authorities could have allowed them to leave, but they did not)," he said.

"We abided with the rule of law. Sinunod po natin ang contempt powers ng Senado, kaya (We obeyed the contempt powers of the Senate, so) it's the executive also that should be attributed to this act," Roque added.

It was, however, the Senate security team that intercepted the Dargani siblings on Sunday afternoon, when they were scheduled to board a chartered private plane to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

The two are now detained in the Senate. They were cited in contempt on Oct. 19, following their refusal to submit subpoenaed financial documents for the investigation into alleged anomalies in the government's purchase of billions of pesos worth of pandemic response supplies.

Mohit was the corporate secretary of Pharmally  and was in-charge of financial statements  while Twinkle sat as president.

Senate Sergeant at Arms Rene Samonte said Monday Mohit again attempted to escape after being arrested.

"While walking toward the vehicle where they will ride, Mohit ran back [to] the plane. It was a short chase at nahabol naman agad (and he was caught immediately)," he said. "He was warned that if he will do that again, he will be handcuffed. From there, okay na (it went okay)."

Ex-Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang, who were also cited in contempt by the Senate, have yet to be apprehended.

Samonte said Lao was still in the country and they "will exert efforts for his arrest."

Senators warned the Darganis' arrest was proof there was no "safe haven" in the country, including Davao City, the hometown of the President, where they "sought sanctuary and plotted to execute their grand escape."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16)  President Rodrigo Duterte picked Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles to be his spokesperson for now.

The chief executive made the announcement during his taped Cabinet meeting aired Monday night following the resignation of Harry Roque who filed his candidacy for senator in the 2022 elections.

Kung maaari ikaw na lang sana ang, acting (presidential spokesperson) na muna until we find a replacement, Duterte told the co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

[Translation: If possible, you can be the acting presidential spokesperson for now until we find a replacement.]

Roque, who was previously the Kabayan Party-list representative, formalized his senate bid on Monday, replacing Paolo Martelino.

This is his second attempt to secure a Senate seat after the 2019 senatorial elections, wherein he eventually withdrew his candidacy due to health reasons.

Currently, Nograles also heads the government's Task Force on Zero Hunger.

In the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the spokesperson of the pandemic task force before Roque took over following the latters return as the Malacanangs spokesman.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Domestic travelers who wish to enter Davao City are no longer required to present negative RT-PCR test results, according to a latest executive order issued Monday.

All travelers entering Davao City by land and all arriving domestic travelers by sea and air shall no longer be required to present their 24-72 hours negative RT-PCR test results, Executive Order No. 66 stated, which will be effective starting Nov. 16 until Jan. 15, 2022.

No document shall be required for entry into Davao City, except for security checks that may be required by the AFP and PNP personnel, for the purposes of anti-crime, anti-illegal drugs, and anti-terrorism operations, it added.

Davao City is under a more relaxed Alert Level 2 from Nov. 15 to 30. Areas under such alert level have low and decreasing COVID-19 transmission, where intrazonal and interzonal travel are allowed.

But international travelers, including those arriving through connecting domestic flights, still need to comply with requirements and guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force.

The IATF earlier said that individuals coming from green and yellow countries, who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, need to undergo a facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCRT test result taken on the fifth day.

They will then spend the rest of their quarantine period at home until the 10th day.

Meanwhile, partially unvaccinated and unvaccinated travelers have to stay in a quarantine facility, with testing to be done on the seventh day.

Once they test negative for the coronavirus, they will be required to do home quarantine until their 14th day.

Zamboanga City

Meanwhile, Zamboanga City also lifted the RT-PCR test requirement starting Nov. 16 but only for fully vaccinated inbound travelers. They only need to present their vaccination card and S-Pass permit upon entry to any borders in the city.

However, fully vaccinated travelers coming in from areas with higher quarantine restrictions (Alert Level 4 and above) are required to present antigen test results secured from any DOH-accredited laboratory. Antigen test should be taken within 24 hours of travel, the advisory read.

Non-fully vaccinated travelers are still required to present their negative RT-PCR test and S-Pass permit.

Zamboanga City will be placed under Alert Level 3 starting Nov. 17 until month-end.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Pharmally Pharmaceutical executives Mohit and Twinkle Dargani were arrested by Senate security personnel at the Davao City International Airport on Sunday afternoon.

Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Rene Samonte said the Dargani siblings were scheduled to board a chartered plane to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia but were intercepted by the Senate security team at the airport. They are now detained at the Senate building.

Photo courtesy: Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Rene Samonte

The Darganis were cited in contempt by senators last Oct. 19 for refusing to submit subpoenaed financial documents related to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee probe on alleged irregularities in the procurement of pandemic response supplies.

Senate security personnel failed to arrest the Dargani siblings in their three condominium units in Taguig and San Juan.

Mohit served as Pharmally Pharmaceuticals corporate secretary, who handles the companys financial statements, while Twinkle is the company president.

The Senate is investigating the firms deal with the Department of Budget and Managements Procurement Service for the purchase of allegedly overpriced personal protective equipment and testing kits worth 8.68 billion.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 14)  Face shields are not required for teachers and students participating in the Education departments pilot run of limited face-to-face classes starting Monday, Nov. 15, according to an official.

Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma announced the directive, but emphasized that the wearing of face masks is still necessary inside the classrooms.

Hindi po talaga requirement ang face shield sa loob ng classroom. Pero yung face mask ay talagang importante na mapanatili nating nakasuot sa ating mga mag-aaral sa buong oras ng kanilang ilalagi, Garma told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend on Sunday.

[Translation: It is not a requirement to wear face shields inside the classroom. But students must always wear their face mask during all of the time they will spend inside the classroom.]

Garma said the students from 100 public schools and 20 private institutions participating in the pilot study will spend from 3 to 5 hours inside the classroom.

Each classroom must only have 12-15 students in order to properly observe physical distancing, he added.

The DepEd official emphasized that once a student or teacher exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 inside the school premises, proper health and safety protocols will be enforced, such as isolation, treatment, and contact tracing.

Hindi kailangang i-test na positive, pero kapag lumabas na ang mga sintomas nila, ito na yung gagawin agad natin [The students do not need to test positive, but if they begin to show symptoms, we will implement the protocols], said Garma.

Classes at the basic education level for the school year 2021-2022 started on Sept. 13 under a distance learning setup, which was first used in the previous academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Antonio Parlade Jr., a retired general criticized for red-tagging high-profile personalities, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president on Monday.

Parlade is the substitute bet of Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino after party candidate Antonio Valdes withdrew last week.

He said no other political party wanted to take him in since he is not a politician.

However, Valdes was labeled an independent bet in Comelecs tentative list, making him ineligible for substitution.

The Comelec Law Department said COCs will be accepted today but will be further evaluated if valid.

Parlade, who served as the spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said his sudden decision to run is due to the current "political circus" and his desire to protect President Rodrigo Duterte once he steps down in 2022.

"The Office of the President should be protected... I am running to make sure I will be able to protect the President beyond his term," he told reporters.

Parlade also explained why he is going against presidential aspirant Senator Bong Go, who is a former aide and still a close ally of Duterte.

"I cannot align with Senator Bong Go. I'm sorry, but kasama siya sa problema ng bayan natin...[he's part of our nation's problems]," the former military official pointed out.

"Wala akong rift kay Senator Bong Go [I don't have a rift with Senator Bong Go]," he added. "I just dont like the way he does things, including controlling the decisions of the President."

Without elaborating further, he said officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines should be asked about the many instances when the lawmaker "controlled" the commander in chief.

AFP spokesperson Ramon Zagala, however, refused to comment saying the organization will remain non-partisan.

Parlade was the NTF-ELCAC spokesperson until he resigned weeks before his mandatory retirement in July.

After his stint as Southern Luzon Command chief, he was appointed by Duterte as deputy director-general of the National Security Council.

He has figured in several red-tagging incidents prior to his resignation, among them involving celebrities, prompting lawmakers to push for the defunding of the task force.

If elected president, Parlade said he will institutionalize NTF-ELCAC.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Fully vaccinated healthcare workers in the country are eligible to receive COVID-19 booster shots starting on Nov. 17, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday.

The DOH has recommended the use of Moderna, Pfizer, or Sinovac vaccines as booster shots regardless of the brands the vaccinees were inoculated with in their first two doses.

Specific guidelines for the administration of COVID-19 booster shots to fully vaccinated medical workers will be released by the National Vaccine Operations Center on Tuesday.

The medical frontliners were among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccine shots when the country started its national vaccination drive last March 1.

As of Monday, more than 70 million doses have already been administered nationwide, with more than 31.5 million Filipinos now fully vaccinated.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Cusi faction of the ruling party will adopt another potential vice-presidential candidate for the 2022 elections if its party chair President Rodrigo Duterte does not run for the second highest post, an official said Monday.

PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag told CNN Philippines' The Source on Monday that if Duterte does not file as substitute for former vice-presidential bet Sen. Bong Go, who is now running for president under a different party, PDP-Laban will just select among aspirants from another parties.

When asked for further details on this possible scenario, Matibag said: "Its Mayor (Lito) Atienza, Willie Ong, si Sen (Tito) Sotto and of course, Mayor Sara," he said. "We will have a deliberation on who to adopt as our vice president."

Matibag clarified that he does not want to speak for himself because other members of the party have different sentiments on the matter. He said PDP-Laban is also monitoring updates on Duterte's possible filing of candidacy anytime within the day, the last day of filing of substitution for 2022 political aspirants.

Matibag also admitted that the party would prefer that Duterte settle for a senatorial post due to "family matters"  in reference to the vice-presidential bid of the President's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

The younger Duterte filed her substitution bid for Lakas-CMD's Lyle Uy on Saturday afternoon through a representative. Just hours after, PDP-Laban standard bearer Bato dela Rosa withdrew his bid before the Commission on Elections.

Go also withdrew his vice-presidential bid and instead filed his candidacy to become the standard bearer of Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) to substitute for party member Grepor Belgica, presidential adviser for religious affairs.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told The Source that as of Monday morning, they have not yet received any alert from the Presidential Security Group about President Duterte's possible arrival within the day.

Communications secretary Martin Andanar said over the weekend that the President may go to the Comelec headquarters to personally file his vice-presidential bid.

READ: Duterte to run for vice president in 2022, says Andanar
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The country recorded 1,547 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the nationwide tally to 2,818,511, the Department of Health reported on Monday.

It is the fifth straight day that the country registered less than 2,000 new daily COVID-19 cases.

Of the 27,025 active cases or currently ill patients, at least 61% are experiencing mild symptoms, 5.9% are asymptomatic, 17.59% have moderate symptoms, 10.8% are severe cases, and 4.6% are in critical condition.

The DOH also reported 128 new fatalities, with the death toll now at 45,709. It logged 2,601 new COVID-19 survivors, raising the recovery count to 2,745,777.

It added that 16 duplicates were removed from the total case count, where 12 were deemed to be recoveries.

Moreover, 109 cases that were previously reported as recoveries were reclassified as deaths after final validation.

The daily positivity rate, or percentage of people who tested positive, is at 4.1% based on 39,147 tests done on Nov. 13.

The World Health Organization recommends that positivity rates should be kept below 5%, as bigger numbers may indicate high transmission.

The latest bulletin excludes data from three laboratories, which contributed around 0.7% of samples tested and 0.3% positive cases over the past 14 days.

The DOH also said the number of new COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila has more or less stayed the same in the past week. It said an average of 404 daily cases was reported from Nov. 1 to 7, slightly increasing to 435 from Nov. 8 to 14.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The government is no longer requiring the use of face shields in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3, following the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a memorandum released on Monday, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Duterte has approved the recommendation of the national COVID-19 inter-agency task force to make face shields voluntary in places with a relatively low COVID-19 alert level.

These changes shall be effective immediately.

For areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns, the use of face shields in community settings shall be mandatory, according to the memorandum.

Meanwhile, local government units and private establishments in places under Alert Level 4 are given the discretion to keep or scrap the policy.

"The above protocols are without prejudice to the continuing mandatory use of face shields in medical and quarantine facility settings, and the required use thereof by healthcare workers in healthcare settings," the order read.

In recent days, a number of LGUs nationwide have already relaxed their face shield policy, which has been a contentious issue among the public and lawmakers. A wind engineer from the University of the Philippines earlier said face shields would only trap COVID-19 airborne particles.

The president of the Philippine Medical Association, on the other hand, said the government should stick with the rule as it provides an additional layer of protection, especially for children.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque filed his certificate of candidacy for senator on Monday, the last day for substitution of candidates.

Presidential appointees are immediately deemed resigned after they file their candidacy.

This is Roques second attempt to win a Senate seat. A member of the Peoples Reform Party, he will be replacing Paolo Martelino.

Babalik po sana tayo sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas, dun po sa Kamara ng Senadomula sa inyong pagiging spox ay nais ko po maging action man sa Senado, said Roque during his last briefing as Palace spokesman.

[Translation: We wish to return to the Congress of the Philippines, in the Senate chamberfrom being your spokesperson, I wish to be your action man in the Senate.]

He also said he sought the permission of President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte for his candidacy.

Earlier, Roque said he would only run for a Senate seat if the Davao mayor would seek the presidency. Mayor Duterte filed her candidacy for vice president on Saturday.

Roque, who was previously the Kabayan Party-list representative in the 17th Congress, said he would continue to push for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law if elected as senator.

Tayo po ay tumatakbo dahil naniniwala po tayo sa ating kampanya bilang spokesperson na Ingat Buhay Para Sa Hanapbuhay, Roque told reporters in a chance interview. Tayo po ang nagsulong ng Universal Healthcare Law noong 17th Congress sa Kongreso. Di pa po tapos ang ating misyon, kinakailangan mapatupad ng husto ang Universal Healthcare [Law].

[Translation: We filed our candidacy because we believe in our campaign as spokesperson, Ingat Buhay Para Sa Hanapbuhay. We pushed for the passage of the Universal Healthcare Law during the 17th Congress. We are not yet done with our mission, we need to further implement the Universal Healthcare Law.]

Roque earlier stated the need to clear his name as the reason behind his candidacy, vehemently denying the "war criminal tag against him by protesters opposing his nomination to the International Law Commission.

He eventually failed to win a seat in the United Nations body in charge of developing and codifying international law.

Roque first ran during the 2019 senatorial elections as endorsed by the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago. He eventually withdrew his candidacy, citing health reasons.
(CNN)  Britain's Queen Elizabeth II missed the Remembrance Sunday service in central London after spraining her back, Buckingham Palace said Sunday.

"The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph. Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service," a statement said.

Prince Charles laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on the Queen's behalf, as in previous years.

Buckingham Palace had confirmed on Thursday that the 95-year-old monarch was well enough to attend the ceremony to commemorate those who have died in conflicts.

Queen Elizabeth's decision to pull out of the Remembrance Day Sunday service after spraining her back is unrelated to her doctor's recent advice to rest, according to a royal source.

The timing is unfortunate and nobody regrets the Queen's absence today more deeply than the monarch herself, the royal source told CNN.

The source also said that the Queen was deeply disappointed to miss the engagement, and that she considers it one of the most significant engagements of the year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday volunteered that the Queen was "very well" when he saw her last week.

"I know that everybody will be wanting to offer their best wishes to her majesty the Queen and I just wanted to reassure everybody by saying that I did see the Queen for an audience last week on Wednesday in Windsor, and she's very well," Johnson said at the end of a press conference marking the conclusion of the COP26 summit.

"It shouldn't need saying but I just wanted to say it anyway," he said.

Several other members of the royal family, including Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, attended the Remembrance Sunday service as planned.

Large crowds gathered around the Cenotaph this Sunday after the annual service was largely curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions last year.

It has been more than three weeks since the Queen attended a public event -- when she hosted a reception for business leaders at Buckingham Palace ahead of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.It has been more than three weeks since the Queen attended a public event -- when she hosted a reception for business leaders at Buckingham Palace ahead of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

The day after, the sovereign abruptly canceled an imminent trip to Northern Ireland and spent a night in hospital for what a spokesman described at the time as "preliminary investigations."

Since then and following her doctor's orders, the royal household has scaled back her diary significantly. She has been mostly resting at Windsor, undertaking a few light duties by video link and phone.
(CNN)  A sixth protester has died after marches against the military takeover that took place across Sudan on Saturday, according to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors (CCSD) on Sunday.

The latest casualty was a 15-year-old who died in East Khartoum Hospital in Khartoum state, with bullet wounds to the stomach, the CCSD said.

On Saturday, five people were reportedly killed by military forces during the marches.

"Numerous injuries from live ammunition and the brutality of the military" were reported across the Sudanese capital Khartoum, the CCSD added. Difficulties have been reported in transporting injured protesters to a hospital.

After General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan -- head of Sudan's Armed forces -- declared the formation of a new ruling sovereign council on Thursday, pro-democracy activist groups called for a "Million Man" march on Saturday against the undermining of democracy.

On Sunday, Al Jazeera's Khartoum bureau chief, El Musalmi El Kabbashi, had his house raided and was arrested by Sudanese military authorities, according to a statement released by the media network.

"Al Jazeera condemns in the strongest terms the reprehensible actions of the military and calls on the authorities to release El Kabbashi immediately and to allow its journalists to operate unhindered, free to practice their profession without fear or intimidation," Al Jazeera wrote in a press statement.

"In a world in which the media and journalists face increasing threats, Al Jazeera views this as an attack on press freedom as a whole and calls on international human rights and media organizations to condemn this infringement of journalists' safety."

CNN is reaching out to Sudanese authorities for comment. According to Reuters, the Sudanese police said they did not use firearms during the protests, which they said began peacefully but went off track. They said 39 policement were injured and stations were attacked, which triggered arrests.

The pro-democracy protests that took place on Saturday and Sunday across the country follow several days of civil disobedience last week -- but participation seemed to be limited by continuing interruptions to internet and phone connections.

Internet services have been badly disrupted since the October 25 coup, and phone coverage remains patchy. Although daily life came to a near standstill when the coup happened, shops, roads, and some banks have since reopened.

The coup halted a power-sharing arrangement between the military and civilians that had been agreed after Bashir's overthrow and was meant to lead to democratic elections by late 2023.

Top civilians including several ministers were detained, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was placed under house arrest.
Nebraskans often talk about how we feed the world. Its true now more than ever. The crops and livestock we grow and the goods we make reach far-flung places across the globe. Diners in Japan, drivers in Germany, and farmers in Africa all benefit from the products we make and grow. Our international relationships are having a big impact. Over the past decade, Nebraska exports have totaled almost $10 billion per year. Continuing to grow international trade will create more great-paying jobs to keep our kids and grandkids in Nebraska and attract more people here to our state.

To do this, we brought together all the major stakeholders involved in trade in Nebraska. In July 2017, I convened a Council for International Relations in Nebraska. It aligns the work of leaders in agriculture, business, education, and state agencies to more effectively promote our state. One of the Councils first initiatives was to advocate for a renegotiated North American trade agreement. By signing USMCA, the Trump Administration delivered on our Councils goals of reducing tariff barriers and modernizing the trade deal to reflect technological advances. USMCA took effect on July 1, 2020. In 2021, USMCA has helped put the United States on track to break the previous record for annual ag exports to both Canada and Mexico.

The Trump Administration also worked to open China to U.S. beef, reduce tariffs on exports to Japan, and reopen the Vietnamese market to dried distillers grains. These trade deals have greatly benefited Nebraska. For example, China has purchased over $135 million of Nebraska beef so far in 2021 (through September) after buying virtually no beef from our state from 2004-2016. Japan, which is the top international destination for Nebraska agricultural exports, is purchasing near-record amounts of U.S. ag products this year now that lower tariffs are in place. Vietnam, which halted imports of U.S. dried distillers grains in December 2016, has already purchased more than a quarter-billion dollars of them in 2021.

There are still big opportunities for trade deals out there. The Trump Administration was nearing completion of a trade agreement with the United Kingdom in 2020, but negotiations have stalled under the Biden Administration. When I met with UK diplomats in August, they informed me that formal talks hadnt occurred since President Biden took office. Its time for President Biden to step up, jump start these talks, and demonstrate a commitment to expanding markets for our farmers and ranchers.

Weve been doing this work in my administration. Over the years, Ive led a number of trade missions to help grow Nebraskas international commerce. Ive been to Japan three times, Mexico twice, Germany twice, China twice, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, and Canada.

As part of our states Council for International Relations, the Department of Economic Development (DED) researches markets and industries where Nebraska has high potential for growth. This allows us to be strategic about where to pursue international investments. For example, DED identified Advanced Manufacturing as a high-growth industry, and Germany as a top investor in this segment of the economy.

Last week, I led a small team to Germany to thank companies for choosing to invest in Nebraska. We also promoted our state as a place for even more German firms to do business. While in Germany, our team visited CLAAS, which manufacturers combines, tractors, and harvesters. Its North American operations are based in Omaha, and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce named CLAAS as our states Large Manufacturer of the Year in 2020. CLAAS recently opened a 20,000 square foot training academy in west Omaha. The companys innovative German apprenticeship program is providing graduates of Nebraskas high schools with great opportunities to earn income while studying for industry certifications and an associate degree in their field of work.

Trade missions give us the opportunity to promote the innovative products manufactured in our state. For example, our 2019 trade mission helped Lindsay Corporation land a deal to deploy its Road Zipper systems on Germanys motorways. The Road Zipper is being used outside of Munich to allow the city to rapidly reconfigure traffic lanes to ease congestion.

Through the years, the relationships established on these trade missions have opened doors for our ag producers to sell their premium grains and meats. For instance, Smithfield in Crete signed a major contract to supply a Japanese restaurant chain (Sagami) with pork during our 2017 travels to Tokyo. Just before the pandemic, a Vietnamese trade delegation came to Lincoln as a follow up to our 2019 trade mission to Hanoi. During the visit, they committed to buy $3 billion of beef, corn, distillers grains, soybeans, and wheat from Nebraska.

Aided by the trade relationships weve built, were seeing strong momentum in ag exports. Nebraskas beef exports so far in 2021 are higher than theyve ever been at this point in the year. U.S. corn exports are having a historically strong year. Corn exports over the first nine months of 2021 are greater than they were in all of 2019 and 2020 combined! U.S. soybean and wheat exports are also up compared to last year.

Nebraskas global reach will continue to create great opportunities in the Good Life here for generations to come. As we move forward, well continue to prioritize international engagement to grow our state. If you have questions about our work to promote Nebraska abroad or any other topic, please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244. I look forward to hearing from you.

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The delayed Children Lakes Dam repair project in Boiling Springs now is scheduled for construction kickoff in spring 2022 after the first day of trout season takes place, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission representatives said at a public meeting last week.

Agency representatives presented a project update to several dozen people attending a South Middleton Township supervisors meeting on Nov. 10. The projects expected completion date has been changed to spring 2023.

We have all the funding and permits in place now (for the Childrens Lake project), so this is really going to happen, Tim Schaffer, state Fish and Boat Commission director, said with with a laugh.

Due to the pandemic, this was the agencys first in-person appearance at a South Middleton supervisors meeting since February 2020. Agency representatives said this week that the projects overall plans really havent changed since that time.

Planned dam improvements include:

A larger primary spillway, including a new culvert under Bucher Hill Road

Upgraded spillway at the Mill Race

Reconstructed embankments

Reconstructing failing wall on north side run

Upgrade perimeter wall under walkway between lake and Bucher Hill Road

Planned lakeside improvements include:

New concrete boat ramp

ADA-compliant fishing pier that extends into lake

New pedestrian bridge

Dredging if funding permits

The dam repair project now is scheduled to begin around a year behind schedule. So far, project cost is projected between $2.4 million and $2.9 million.

Delays in obtaining a state permit and a federal authorization will push the start of the construction phase to late summer-early fall 2022, commission spokesman Mike Parker told The Sentinel last month. The commission, which manages the circa 1900 lake in South Middleton Township, is overseeing the project to replace the old stone of the dam structure with modern, more reliable materials.

February 2021 was the original timeline to receive a permit from the Division of Dam Safety, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Parker said previously. Instead, the permit was issued six months late in August.

The project calls for portions of the stone wall containing the lake to be replaced with replica material durable enough to hold up for decades, Parker said. Because of its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, a portion of the wall is on National Park Service property requiring authorization from that agency before the construction phase could begin, he said.

In late 2017, South Middleton Township procured the $400,000 needed for the projects design phase, including $150,000 from the townships local design funds, $25,000 from F&M Trust and $12,500 each from Allen Distribution and Mowery. Along with $200,000 pledged by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, that was considered enough to cover engineering costs for repairs to the lake.

Following that, Gov. Tom Wolfs office released $2.4 million in promised funding for Childrens Lake, setting the project into motion.

The work that people did here (around the local community) really got the attention of our elected officials, Schaeffer said at the supervisors meeting.

In other news, supervisors approved paying HRG engineering firm $2,800 to conduct a study to determine the potential need to install a green traffic signal arrow for traffic turning from north on Holly Drive onto Marsh Drive. If warranted, HRG would apply for a signal permit on the townships behalf for $2,600. Signal installation by Atlantic Transportation System would cost $5,550, township engineer Brian ONeill said.

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A motorcyclist was killed after a three-vehicle crash at a Perry County intersection Friday afternoon.

State Police at Newport said Matthew E. Kell, 35, of Ickesburg, was killed in the crash at Veterans Way at Darlene Lane in Saville Township at 3:58 p.m. Friday.

Police said Kerry Stoke, 33, of Loysville, was driving a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado south in the 7700 block of Veterans Way when she made a left turn onto Darlene Lane in front of Kells 2007 Yamaha V Star motorcycle. Police said Kell was unable to stop and struck the passenger side of the Silverado, which threw him from the vehicle.

A third vehicle traveling south behind the Silverado  a 2008 Enclave driven by Michael Tuckey, 24, of Port Royal  then struck the motorcycle as it slid into the southbound lane.

Kell, who was wearing a motorcycle helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the other drivers were injured.

Police said the crash is still under investigation.
Cumberland County saw its cumulative number of cases of COVID-19 rise by 689 cases over the weekend due a change in the way the Department of Health is reporting reinfections.

Until this weekend, a person who tested positive for the virus (even if infected a second time) was counted only once in department case totals. Under a new national case definition, anyone who tests positive more than once at least 90 days apart would be counted more than once in case totals.

That means that although 273 new cases were reported in Cumberland County over the three-day weekend, the overall case count increased by 689 to account for reinfections that have happened since the start of the pandemic. That brings the county's overall case count to 29,887.

According to the department's open data site, 104 cases were reported Friday, 69 on Saturday and 100 Sunday. The seven-day average is now listed as 92.9.

The state Department of Health also reported two deaths for Cumberland County in the three-day report issued Monday.

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 increased to 86 in Monday's report, up one from Friday. There are 14 adults in intensive care (up two from Friday) and 12 on ventilators (down two from Friday). Ten adult ICU beds remain open of the 111 currently staffed across the county, and 38 of 95 ventilators in the county are in use.

Franklin County reported 48 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Monday (down five from Friday), with five of 24 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and nine of 35 available ventilators in use. There are eight adults in intensive care and four on ventilators.

Dauphin County reported 99 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Monday (up seven from Friday), with 25 of 198 currently staffed ICU beds available in the county and 72 of 177 available ventilators in use. There are 32 adults in intensive care and 23 on ventilators.

School-age children

In its weekly update for the 11th week of the school year, the department reported 130 cases among children aged 5-18 in Cumberland County during the week of Nov. 3-9, an increase of 46 from the 84 cases reported last week. That brings the total number of cases in Cumberland County for this school year to 1,477.

Statewide, the number of cases among 5- to 18-year-olds increased after declining steadily over the previous six weeks with 6,340 cases reported. The state said the total number of cases in that age group for the school year is 71,065.

Early Warning Dashboard

Cumberland County saw an increase in its in percent positivity and its incidence rate per 100,000 people in the Health Department's weekly update to its Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard Friday. Its percent positivity increased to 10.8% for the week of Nov. 5-Nov. 11, up from 9.5% the previous week. The incidence rate per 100,000 people increased to 152, down from 120.8 the previous week.

Philadelphia County, which includes the city of Philadelphia, had the lowest percent positivity in the state for the week of Nov. 5-Nov. 11 at 3.8% and the lowest incidence rate per 100,000 people at 71.3.

Penn State Health update (Nov. 12)

Penn State Health lists a COVID-19 dashboard on its website tracking cases at each of its acute care hospitals  Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. The dashboard will be updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Friday's update shows 101 total cases (97 adults, four pediatrics) in the health system's four hospitals  19 are fully vaccinated (18.8%) with four in an ICU and two on ventilators, 66 are nonvaccinated (65.3%) with 19 adults in an ICU and 12 adults on a ventilator, and 16 are unknown status patients. All four children hospitalized are unvaccinated, with no one in an ICU and no one on a ventilator.

Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill has 23 COVID patients. Five are fully vaccinated adults (no one in ICU and no one on a ventilator) and 18 unvaccinated adults (two in an ICU and two on a ventilator).

Hampden Medical Center has eight COVID patients. Five are not fully vaccinated (one in an ICU, no one on a ventilator) and three are fully vaccinated (one in an ICU).

Vaccinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention labels Cumberland County as having "high" transmission of the virus  the highest level, which is the transmission level for every county in the state. Community transmission is determined by the number of new cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days and the positivity rate over the last seven days, so the classification could vary from day to day based on those numbers.

In data updated Sunday evening, the CDC says Cumberland County has seen 63.9% of its total population of 253,370 become fully vaccinated. For the county's vaccine eligible population of people ages 12 and older, 73.8% have been fully vaccinated.

County numbers in the southcentral region (for Nov. 15)

*this is a three-day report:

Adams County (pop. 103,009): 234 new cases; 14,080 total cases (11,438 confirmed, 2,642 probable); 44,543 negatives; 235 deaths (+2); 50.9% of county population vaccinated

234 new cases; 14,080 total cases (11,438 confirmed, 2,642 probable); 44,543 negatives; 235 deaths (+2); 50.9% of county population vaccinated Bedford County (pop. 47,888): 158 new cases; 7,315 total cases (4,979 confirmed, 2,336 probable); 12,698 negatives; 181 deaths (+2); 35.3% of county population vaccinated

158 new cases; 7,315 total cases (4,979 confirmed, 2,336 probable); 12,698 negatives; 181 deaths (+2); 35.3% of county population vaccinated Blair County (pop. 121,829): 541 new cases; 19,240 total cases (15,169 confirmed, 4,071 probable); 47,737 negatives; 411 deaths; 46.8% of county population vaccinated

541 new cases; 19,240 total cases (15,169 confirmed, 4,071 probable); 47,737 negatives; 411 deaths; 46.8% of county population vaccinated Cumberland County (pop. 253,370): 689 new cases; 29,887 total cases (23,175 confirmed, 6,712 probable); 103,574 negatives; 640 deaths (+2); 63.9% of county population vaccinated

689 new cases; 29,887 total cases (23,175 confirmed, 6,712 probable); 103,574 negatives; 640 deaths (+2); 63.9% of county population vaccinated Dauphin County (pop. 278,299): 646 new cases; 36,559 total cases (31,188 confirmed, 5,371 probable); 130,006 negatives; 673 deaths (+2); 59.6% of county population vaccinated

646 new cases; 36,559 total cases (31,188 confirmed, 5,371 probable); 130,006 negatives; 673 deaths (+2); 59.6% of county population vaccinated Franklin County (pop. 155,027): 384 new cases; 22,916 total cases (18,503 confirmed, 4,413 probable); 64,895 negatives; 476 deaths (+1); 46.6% of county population vaccinated

384 new cases; 22,916 total cases (18,503 confirmed, 4,413 probable); 64,895 negatives; 476 deaths (+1); 46.6% of county population vaccinated Fulton County (pop. 14,530): 53 new cases; 2,458 total cases (1,221 confirmed, 1,237 probable); 5,049 negatives; 34 deaths (+1); 32.1% of county population vaccinated

53 new cases; 2,458 total cases (1,221 confirmed, 1,237 probable); 5,049 negatives; 34 deaths (+1); 32.1% of county population vaccinated Huntingdon County (pop. 45,144): 213 new cases; 7,261 total cases (5,929 confirmed, 1,332 probable); 20,877 negatives; 172 deaths; 47.7% of county population vaccinated

213 new cases; 7,261 total cases (5,929 confirmed, 1,332 probable); 20,877 negatives; 172 deaths; 47.7% of county population vaccinated Juniata County (pop. 24,763): 94 new cases; 3,122 total cases (2,842 confirmed, 280 probable); 6,774 negatives; 120 deaths; 40.8% of county population vaccinated

94 new cases; 3,122 total cases (2,842 confirmed, 280 probable); 6,774 negatives; 120 deaths; 40.8% of county population vaccinated Lebanon County (pop. 141,793): 445 new cases; 21,818 total cases (18,629 confirmed, 3,189 probable); 63,862 negatives; 346 deaths (+2); 51.7% of county population vaccinated

445 new cases; 21,818 total cases (18,629 confirmed, 3,189 probable); 63,862 negatives; 346 deaths (+2); 51.7% of county population vaccinated Mifflin County (pop. 46,138): 150 new cases; 7,697 total cases (7,262 confirmed, 434 probable); 17,795 negatives; 214 deaths; 49.8% of county population vaccinated

150 new cases; 7,697 total cases (7,262 confirmed, 434 probable); 17,795 negatives; 214 deaths; 49.8% of county population vaccinated Perry County (pop. 46,272): 110 new cases; 5,611 total cases (4,321 confirmed, 1,290 probable); 13,586 negatives; 130 deaths; 48.1% of county population vaccinated

110 new cases; 5,611 total cases (4,321 confirmed, 1,290 probable); 13,586 negatives; 130 deaths; 48.1% of county population vaccinated York County (pop. 449,058): 1,519 new cases; 66,754 total cases (54,057 confirmed; 12,697 probable); 196,433 negatives; 1,023 deaths (+8); 56.2% of county population vaccinated

ZIP code-level counts (updated Nov. 15):

17013: 3,565 positives, 16,073 negatives - +61 since Nov. 12

17015: 2,117 positives, 7,870 negatives - +38 since Nov. 12

17050: 3,357 positives, 16,438 negatives - +54 since Nov. 12

17055: 3,788 positives, 18,581 negatives - +65 since Nov. 12

17011: 3,538 positives, 15,354 negatives - +105 since Nov. 12

17007: 510 positives, 2,029 negatives - +22 since Nov. 12

17065: 363 positives, 1,388 negatives - +14 since Nov. 12

17324: 408 positives, 1,420 negatives - +8 since Nov. 12

17241: 948 positives, 3,475 negatives - +14 since Nov. 12

17257: 2,405 positives, 7,860 negatives - +18 since Nov. 12

17240: 235 positives, 710 negatives - +7 since Nov. 12

17025: 1,608 positives, 6,328 negatives - +21 since Nov. 12

17070: 1,515 positives, 6,004 negatives - +11 since Nov. 12

17043: 510 positives, 2,282 negatives - +1 since Nov. 12

17019: 1,824 positives, 6,093 negatives - +38 since Nov. 12

17266: 31 positives, 136 negatives - +2 since Nov. 5

School district and college case counts (updated Nov. 12)

The Sentinel's case counts for Cumberland County school districts and colleges or universities are updated Fridays. The policy for each school districts reporting is noted in the list below.

Big Spring School District (reports active cases in past 14 days with school exposure): 19 student cases and 2 staff cases being monitored as of Nov. 12.

(reports active cases in past 14 days with school exposure): 19 student cases and 2 staff cases being monitored as of Nov. 12. Camp Hill School District (posts chart that includes total case count): 12 new student cases and no new staff case since Oct. 29; 74 student cases and 8 staff cases this school year (started Aug. 25.) Chart was last updated Nov. 5.

(posts chart that includes total case count): 12 new student cases and no new staff case since Oct. 29; 74 student cases and 8 staff cases this school year (started Aug. 25.) Chart was last updated Nov. 5. Carlisle Area School District (reports cases as they occur and updates a chart): 29 new cases since Nov. 5; 197 cases this school year (started Aug. 25) according to the charts last update on Nov. 8.

(reports cases as they occur and updates a chart): 29 new cases since Nov. 5; 197 cases this school year (started Aug. 25) according to the charts last update on Nov. 8. Cumberland Valley School District (reports weekly and total number of cases with school exposure): 17 cases since Nov. 5; 236 cases this school year (started Aug. 31) as of the charts last update on Nov. 10.

(reports weekly and total number of cases with school exposure): 17 cases since Nov. 5; 236 cases this school year (started Aug. 31) as of the charts last update on Nov. 10. Mechanicsburg Area School District (chart lists total cases actively being monitored, updated Tuesday and Friday): 16 positive and presumed positive cases being monitored as of Nov. 12.

(chart lists total cases actively being monitored, updated Tuesday and Friday): 16 positive and presumed positive cases being monitored as of Nov. 12. Shippensburg Area School District (reports weekly and total confirmed case counts involving school exposure): 3 new cases since Nov. 5; 159 cases this school year (started Aug. 19.

South Middleton School District (posts notices as cases occur, updates table of case counts weekly on Fridays): 10 new cases since Oct. 29; 83 cases this school year (started Aug. 25) as of the charts last update on Nov. 5.

(posts notices as cases occur, updates table of case counts weekly on Fridays): 10 new cases since Oct. 29; 83 cases this school year (started Aug. 25) as of the charts last update on Nov. 5. West Shore School District (reports active cases with school exposure within past 14 days): 71 student cases and 5 staff cases being monitored as of Nov. 12.

(reports active cases with school exposure within past 14 days): 71 student cases and 5 staff cases being monitored as of Nov. 12. Dickinson College : 2 new student cases and no employee cases since Nov. 5; 34 student cases and 27 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 30.)

: 2 new student cases and no employee cases since Nov. 5; 34 student cases and 27 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 30.) Messiah University : 11 new student cases and 2 new staff cases since Nov. 5; 77 student cases and 31 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 7.)

: 11 new student cases and 2 new staff cases since Nov. 5; 77 student cases and 31 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 7.) Shippensburg University: 6 new student cases and one new staff cases since Nov. 5; 170 student cases and 22 employee cases this semester (started Aug. 1).

(Counties with a percent positivity above 5% in a week go on the Department of Health's watch list)

Pennsylvania: Percent Positivity - 10.3% last 7 days (9.3% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 189.3 (168.9 previous 7 days)

Adams County: Percent Positivity - 14.7% last 7 days (14.2% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 183.5 (193.2 previous 7 days)

Cumberland County: Percent Positivity - 10.8% last 7 days (9.4% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 152 (120.8 previous 7 days)

Dauphin County: Percent Positivity - 11.1% last 7 days (10.6% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 154.5 (141.9 previous 7 days)

Franklin County: Percent Positivity - 12.4% last 7 days (11.1% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 150.3 (142.6 previous 7 days)

Lebanon County: Percent Positivity - 15.2% last 7 days (14.0% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 239.11 (201 previous 7 days)

Perry County: Percent Positivity - 15.8% last 7 days (9.0% previous 7 days) Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 196.7 (99.4 previous 7 days)

York County:

Percent Positivity - 15.6% last 7 days (15.8% previous 7 days)

last 7 days (15.8% previous 7 days)

Incidence Rate per 100,000 people last 7 days - 237.8 (231.4 previous 7 days)

Email Jeff at jpratt@cumberlink.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelPratt.

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I thought it might be a good opportunity and I voluntarily separated from active duty in 1992, Fargo said.

At first he had difficulty finding a full-time job, so he submitted his paperwork to rejoin the military but found a job around the same time. Instead, Fargo served in the National Guard for another two years.

Fargos son, Adam, was killed in service during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2006. Three years later, Elizabeth passed away after battling Parkinsons disease.

It was after his sons death that Fargo became involved with American Legion Post 128, he said. It was member Norman Slezak who recruited him.

Norm Slezak reached out to me but I wasnt really in the right mindset at that moment and I was taking care of Libby and I wasnt able to take on anything else, Fargo said. I was a member because Norm paid for my membership for the first few years, but after Libby died and I married Cindy I became a more active participant in the Legion.

That was in 2012, he said. He and Cindy have been married for 10 years now.

For Fargo, one of the best things about the Legion is the camaraderie with other guys who have servedin different branches and in different eras.
This designation is also placed near schools, job centers and other places residents would frequent.

Previously, the citys residential areas were only designated as high intensity or low intensity. This resulted in a stark divide between areas with single-family homes and areas with highly populated housing complexes, and limited opportunity for anything in between. Now, all neighborhoods will either be classified as general residential or medium intensity residential, in an effort to lessen the divide.

I believe its the most meaningful change that we can see, said Planning Commission chair Lyle Solla-Yates. It doesnt solve centuries of troubles that have gone before us. But it starts to turn the ship. And thats the right thing to do at this point.

While the FLUM eliminates R1, or single-family, zoning, Solla-Yates said that doesnt mean single-family homes are not allowed. It just means areas that previously only included single-family homes may see different types of development around them.

The FLUM has been referred to as a living document by some members of the Planning Commission and the Cville Plans Together team, meaning even when it is approved, there is still room for edits and changes as issues may arise.
Olive is now one of at least four dogs being trained or already on the job in courthouses in the Richmond region. Their use in a criminal proceeding is authorized under Virginia law.

Since the concept was first put into practice in Seattle in 2004, a growing number of courts across the country are allowing professionally trained dogs to provide quiet companionship to frightened or intimidated victims and witnesses of crimes without causing any disruption to a legal setting  a practice that has been shown to ease their experiences in the criminal justice system.

As of Oct. 29, there were at least 272 courthouse facility dogs working in 41 states, including in seven localities in Virginia, according to the Courthouse Dogs Foundation in Bellevue, Wash. Because of differing training standards, the foundation does not recognize therapy dogs used in legal or court settings, so those types of canines are not included in its count.

The canines can be commanded to lie quietly in the witness box of a courtroom, offering a supportive presence that helps victims and witnesses compose themselves as they testify in a criminal case. They also are used behind the scenes to comfort victims and witnesses before court hearings and trials as prosecutors and judges try to elicit information necessary for cases to move forward.
One of the surest signs of a scam is how the person on the phone is trying to get you to pay them.

On Oct. 26, a Corvallis resident reported to the police that they were scammed by a person claiming to be an employee of Microsoft Security. The scammer said that the individual owed $47,000 to a Chinese website, but that they could offset the bill by getting $22,000 in various gift cards.

The resident then provided the numbers of the cards to the scammer, who can then use that information to make purchases.

Its a common theme in many kinds of scams, really. The reason is that pre-paid gift cards can be purchased at most stores and loaded up with just about any amount of money.

The bail scam, previously reported in this column, where scammers pose as a loved one saying that they need to be bailed out of jail for some trouble theyve gotten themselves into, often includes this gift card component.

If youre actually paying bail, we dont take gift cards, Albany police Capt. Brad Liles said. A lot of the time these are common sense checks.  If they take a moment and think about it, you can pretty much tell that these things are fraudulent activities.

Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Consumer Protection Agency advise that you should immediately hang up the phone or disregard the correspondence if it includes a request for gift card payments.

"If someone calls you and demands that you pay them with gift cards, you can bet that a scammer is behind that call, the Consumer Protection Agency says on its website. Once they have the gift card number and the PIN, they have your money.

The website also notes that scammers will tell you many stories to try and convince you to drive to the store and buy one of these cards. Common themes of their tactics include urgency  the idea that you have to go right now or something terrible will happen  and they direct you to a specific website or store to make the purchase.

In general, legitimate businesses and agencies dont accept payments through gift cards, so someone asking you to buy them is an instant red flag.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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Crime and mental health: Denton County programs deter some from criminal justice system

Jeff Woo/DRC Judges Coby Waddill and Lee Ann Breading, shown Wednesday at the Denton County Courts Building, help oversee Denton Countys adult mental health court.

Some Denton County program directors recognize the criminal justice system isnt the right place for someone with a mental health problem to get rehabilitated  so their teams are aiming to address the underlying issues to deter them away from the criminal justice system.

The Denton County Judiciary has several specialized treatment courts, and some are meant to divert people from the criminal justice system or help participants break old habits that could get them in trouble. There is a mental health treatment program for adults and one for children, a drug treatment court, veterans treatment court, DWI treatment court and a program for first-time drug offenders.

Anyone thats worked in the system for any period of time, whether youre a prosecutor or youre a defense attorney or a judge, you come across people that you know have underlying issues [with] the offense.  It may still be an offense, but something else led to it, said Judge Lee Ann Breading, one of the judges for the adult mental health court. And trying to get them back on track is the hardest thing to do.

Breading sees mostly criminal felony cases in her 462nd District Court nowadays. Judge Coby Waddill, who also oversees the adult mental health court, is the judge for County Criminal Court No. 5.

For participants in the mental health courts, the goal is to complete the different phases of probation, counseling and building coping skills so they can get their criminal cases dismissed and record of the offense expunged.

Since its inception in 2015, Waddill said the adult court has had more than 40 graduations, but he said he doesnt have an exact number of graduates since they get rid of the records once a participant completes the program. He said the program currently has between 22 and 35 participants.

Since its inception in 2016, the juvenile mental health court, called the SOAR program, has had a recidivism rate of 81%, tracking graduates three years out to see if theyve committed another offense. Prillwitz said this is high because other programs for juveniles have about a 60% recidivism rate.

[Its also] to give them tools over the course of that 12 to 18 months that it normally takes to work the program to be able to deal with the new issues that theyre coming to grips with, Waddill said.

The program is broken up into three phases during that year to year and a half. He said they first get participants stabilized if theyve been prescribed medications. This means making sure theyre staying on top of their medication, and teaching them to advocate for themselves if their medicine is causing more negative side effects than positive.

Phase 2, active recovery, is where they learn tools to deal with the problems they may have. The third phase, reintegration, employs a type of intensive outpatient counseling in which they put those skills to use and learn how to recognize their triggers.

Usually an attorney advocates for a client to get into the program, but referrals can come from the District Attorneys Office, the arresting agency or another source, Waddill said. The judges said many participants are young adults.

The SOAR program usually has 10 participants, and the average age is 15 to 16 years old. Judge Kimberly McCary and program director Laura Prillwitz said youth are referred to this program through several means, such as through the Denton County Juvenile Detention Center, a police officer, their school, their family or their attorney. The children who enter the program dont have to be first-time offenders.

We want to keep them out of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, McCary said. We dont want them to go there if theres any way we can treat them in the community and keep [everyone] safe. We dont want them going deeper into the system.

Kimberly McCary

Breading and Waddill stressed that the program, broken down into three phases, isnt an easy one. It lasts a year or more as participants learn to keep up with any medications theyre on, gain tools to deal with problems and learn reintegration with a counseling group that helps them recognize triggers.

Eighteen months is not really very long in the whole scheme of things for a lot of these people, Breading said. I mean, just getting through the steps is  a major challenge because they have setbacks.

Participants meet more frequently with a probation officer. Waddill said a normal probation officer can have about 100 people they meet with once a month. In the mental health court and the juvenile program, probation officers meet with participants at least a few times a week, on top of the court sessions twice a month and counseling.

For the adults, the program also requires them to either have a job, be a full-time student or have a disability diagnosis that keeps them from working.

If you lose your job or something, Im going to give you some community service normally to keep you active and keep you out and doing things  not as a punishment, but to make sure you dont hole up and isolate yourself and not deal with people, because thats what youve got to do, Waddill said. Youre going to be [dealing with people] the rest of your life, so we need to make sure theres no backsliding during [the program].

The juvenile program helps the participants learn social skills, and part of that means keeping a social log. The youths do community service as well, McCary said, to pay back for the crime theyre accused of.

Part of the sessions for the adults includes speaking up whenever Waddill asks for them to share whats going on, which Breading said is difficult for some to do, but they make it through.

But the good thing is ... even when those people that are reticent or dont like to talk out in public, when they start describing [whats going on], everybody is nodding with them, Breading said. So they get positive reinforcement from us and their peers.

However, the programs dont accept everyone. Waddill stressed that the adult program isnt meant for people deemed incompetent to stand trial, and McCary said the juvenile program is for those considered medium- to high-risk.

Not everyone makes it through, either. Some fail, and their case gets tracked back into the criminal court system.

On Thursday, the adult court will have another graduation. Waddill said one of the participants almost didnt make it.

Theres at least one person that probably about six months ago said, Im done. I dont want to do this anymore, he said. And the [team] defense attorney talked to him, and his counselor talked to him.  You have a great benefit that can come to you if you will successfully complete this. And hes graduating  and Im proud of him.

In a Zoom call, McCary and Prillwitz spoke proudly of different graduates and their lives after the program.

Weve had kids who have moved on to college and done really well, Prillwitz said. Theyre living independently, and is that not what we want? To be involved in the community, working, going to school.
The vast telecommunications company Saudi Telecom Co (STC) has announced plans to invest $400 million in expanding its data centre rollout.

Its plans are to build the largest cloud-enabled data centre in the Middle East region in the process, making the country a centre for digitisation.

According to the Data Centre Dynamics website, STC has said it is implementing the third phase of its data-centre programme with a facility that has an allocated land area of more than 180,000 square metres.

The first phase was in 2019. The second phase is in the final commissioning stage. The overall programme involves16 data centres in six cities.

The Saudi Press Agency says that the company plans to build a total of 125MW of capacity across more than 180,000 square metres of land in the expansion project.

STC switched on two Tier III data centres in Jeddah and Al-Madina at the start of this year. Plans are for a third in Riyadh to come online at an unspecified date.

Data centre activity is certainly ramping up in the kingdom. In June local IT firm Al Moammar Information Systems (MIS) and financial services provider Saudi Fransi Capital announced plans to establish a new fund to build data centres across Saudi Arabia.
Project Restore

Main_Content





The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is administering $25 million to provide financial support to Marylands new or expanding businesses to help incentivize commercial investment in vacant retail and commercial properties. 

Project Restore will provide two grant opportunities for businesses that plan on opening or expanding into previously vacant spaces:

Property Assistance Grant: The maximum grant request amount is $30,000 (up to $2,500 per month) for one year, for qualified small business with 50 or fewer employees (full time equivalents). Grant funds can be used to support rent, mortgage or property taxes based on whether the applicant will lease, purchase or already owns the vacant property they will occupy. Applicants monthly cost can exceed $2,500, but the maximum that will be paid by the Property Assistance Grant will be $2,500 per month for one year.

Business Operations Grant: The maximum grant award amount is $250,000 for one or two years for businesses that generate sales and use tax. Grant funds can be used for activities and costs related to sustaining and growing the business such as staff costs, capital improvements, marketing, inventory and supplies, utilities and the like and cannot be used for executive salaries or bonuses. Grant awards will be paid quarterly and will be based on sales and use tax generated by and submitted to the state in Calendar Year 2022.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:



To be eligible to apply for either a Property Assistance Grant and/or a Business Assistance Grant, a business must meet all of the following criteria: 

May be a new or existing business, but business must be located in Maryland

Business must be registered and, if applicable, in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

Business must open or expand in a retail or commercial space that has been vacant at least 6 continuous months prior to the date of lease for the business space OR commencement of rehab of the formerly vacant space; and, leases and rehab activity cannot have commenced earlier than July 1, 2021 .

. Financially viable business whose operations will continue forward

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABLITY (NOFA) BELOW

The NOFA provides important information on additional criteria specific to the Rental Assistance Grant and Business Operations Grant as well as the required documents that must be provided at the time of application.

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY:

APPLICATION:

There will be a single Project Restore application to apply for the Rental Assistance Grant and/or the Business Operations Grant.

PROJECT RESTORE APPLICATION  NOW OPEN  Apply Now





If the applicant will be leasing the vacant space, the Project Restore Landlord Agreement must be completed and signed by the landlord and uploaded with an application:

Project Restore Landlord Agreement. NOTE : This document should be completed and signed by an individual with legal signing authority for the landlord of the vacant property the business applicant will occupy.

Project Restore Landlord Agreement. : This document should be completed and signed by an individual with legal signing authority for the landlord of the vacant property the business applicant will occupy. Review the application in advance to know what questions will be asked and what documents will be required:

Sample Project Restore Application. NOTE : This document is for reference ONLY, all applications must be completed and submitted through the online application system

Sample Project Restore Application. : This document is for reference ONLY, all applications must be completed and submitted through the online application system Businesses that will occupy vacant space in a designated Opportunity Zone will be eligible for two years of grant funds if awarded a Business Operations Grant.



Check to see if the vacant property to be occupied is in an Opportunity Zone:

Enter Property Address

For more information:

News: Governor Hogan Announces $25 Million Initiative to Revitalize Downtowns and Main Streets

For questions, contact dhcd.projectrestore@maryland.gov. 
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Could the Lee County Sheriffs Office have its very own Deputy Doolittle?

On Saturday, the Sheriffs Offices unofficial animal whisperer, Sergeant Dave Drum, once again came to the rescue of one of Southwest Floridas animal residents.

Drum was on Pine Island when he came across and helped corral the lost little porker.

Drum is no stranger to pig recovery.

In 2018, a hog got loose in Lehigh Acres, and Drum came to the rescue after the Sheriffs Office was called about a very large pig rooting around in East Manor Mobile Home Park in North Fort Myers.

Drum lassoed the gargantuan hog and turned it over to the Sheriffs Office Agriculture Unit. That pig, and several other lost hogs, were eventually auctioned off when no owners came forward.

But pork on the hoof isnt Drums only animal connection.

In December 2020, Drum saved another Lee County animal in distress. After noticing a duckling fall into a storm drain, Drum jumped in and saved the duckling and returned it to its family.

Drums animal exploits were a little more on the wild and possibly dangerous side in September 2018.
Bailey was the son of W.H. and Willie Baker Bailey. He attended the University of Alabama, Birmingham-Southern College, and the University of Missouri. In 1937, he married Louie Lidell Herzberg.

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According to a summary on the back of the 1989 re-issue, Devil Make a Third was the only novel written by Bailey, who studied writing with Hudson Strode, a professor of English who taught courses in Shakespeare and creative writing at the University of Alabama.

After he returned to the area, Bailey wrote for newspapers in Marianna, Florida, and in Dothan but also devoted time to fiction.

He submitted to Strode drafts of short stories he was writing and, through their close association, Bailey was encouraged to attempt a novel that would incorporate knowledge of his hometown, insights into members of his mothers family, and that would also provide a historical look at the South of the turn of the century, Belsches wrote.

According to Belsches, Bailey suggests in the forward to the novel that his subject is The lusty, always greedy, sometimes fumbling fingers of the strong man (who) enrich(es) the country in spite of his motives, as the earthworms blind and selfish groping mellows the soil.
Though the morbidity rate is low in children, Landers said between 8-10% of infected children develop what physicians call long COVID-19, where someone exhibits symptoms of the virus for several weeks or months.

Additionally, many children who contract the virus develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), a condition in which organs including the heart, lung, and kidneys become inflamed. The condition can appear in children who do experience traditional symptoms related to the virus.

This is not a disease that we just want to take our chances with, Landers said.

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In the last four weeks, 8.1% of all COVID-19 cases have been in ages 5-11. At times during this past summer and fall, as many as 55 children were hospitalized at any given time. During that same time period, up to nine children were receiving ventilator support.

Children can be efficient spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the ADPH said in a press release. The more children and adults who are vaccinated against the virus, the better protection is for everyone, especially those at high risk of severe disease. In addition, it is important for children to stay healthy so they can remain in school.
TBILISI, Georgia (AP)  Several thousand people rallied in the Georgian capital on Monday, demanding that authorities in the ex-Soviet nation transfer the jailed ex-president to a civilian hospital amid reports that his health is deteriorating after weeks of being on a hunger strike.

Mikheil Saakashvili, 53, announced a hunger strike shortly after his arrest last month and has been refusing food for 46 days. His doctors say his health is quickly deteriorating, and his lawyers argue that the prison hospital Saakashvili has been transferred to lacks security and necessary equipment.

Saakashvili's supporters have been holding daily rallies, calling for his transfer from the prison hospital. Georgia's penitentiary service said Monday that Saakashvilis life is not under threat.

Large crowds marched through central Tbilisi on Monday, urging the government to give Saakashvili proper medical treatment.

Ten members of Parliament have also gone on a hunger strike, demanding Saakashvilis transfer to a civilian hospital.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia Republicans are on track to win a majority in the House of Delegates, according to results certified by the state on Monday. But two races where Republicans are leading by razor-thin margins are eligible for recounts, leaving open a remote possibility of a 50-50 split in the chamber.

The certified results from the Nov. 2 election show Republicans leading in 52 districts and the Democrats leading in 48.

The Associated Press hasnt called the two races that are within the margins for recounts: District 91, where Republican A.C. Cordoza leads Democratic Del. Martha Mugler by 94 votes out of 27,388 votes counted; and District 85, where Republican Karen Greenhalgh leads Democratic Del. Alex Askew by 127 votes out of 28,413 votes counted. The margin in both races is under 0.5%, which allows losing candidates to request state-funded recounts.

House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn said Monday that recounts appear likely.

It looks like it's moving in the direction, that they are moving forward with the recounts, Filler-Corn said, although she added that the final decisions will be up to Askew and Mugler.
A free and independent press holds governments accountable, exposes abuses of power and corruption, and helps ensure the public is well informed. In too many countries, journalists face violence or imprisonment for their reporting.

In recognition of the important work that journalists do on behalf of freedom of expression, this years Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to two reporters: Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia. Like so many journalists around the world, said President Joe Biden in a statement honoring the winners, Ressa and Muratov have pursued the facts tirelessly and fearlessly. They have worked to check the abuse of power, expose corruption, and demand transparency. They have been tenacious in founding independent media outlets and defending them against forces that seek their silence.

Ressa and Muratov, like many of their fellow journalists, have paid the price for their commitment to report the truth. They have been the targets of constant threats, harassment and intimidation, spurious legal action, and even, in the case of Muratov, the death of his colleagues.

The United States condemns threats, harassment, and violence targeting journalists and media workers for practicing their profession . Increasingly, these threats come from governments reaching beyond their borders, including through misuse of digital surveillance tools that track journalists communications and whereabouts to constrain the ability of journalists to report on government corruption or repression. Members of the press should not be threatened, harassed, physically attacked, or arrested for doing their job.

Now, more than ever, said State Department spokesperson Ned Price, we must stand against the increasing use of physical attacks, online harassment, intimidation lawsuits and regulatory pressures being used to silence media around the world.

The United States will continue to advocate for freedom of expression without undue restrictions, including for members of the media, and to hold to account those who attack press freedom.

Ressa, Muratov, and journalists like them all around the world are on the front lines of a global battle for the very idea of the truth, said President Biden. I, along with people everywhere, am grateful for their groundbreaking work to hold the line.
In 1823 the Scottish scientist Sir David Brewster, known at that time for his famed optical experiments, (and inventing the kaleidoscope), described a remarkable new liquid found trapped inside cavities of crystals and dutifully reported what he had discovered in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh science journal.

Using a sensitive microscope Brewster had examined fluid inclusions within a crystal of topaz that displayed an unbelievable thermal expansion some 30 times that of water. In attempting to collect some of this strange liquid, he crushed the gem using a mortar and pestle only to find the resulting powder dry as a bone.

Identification of the remarkable liquid had to wait 46 years until the discovery that carbon dioxide could be liquified at room temperature if enough pressure was applied.

Cavities in crystals that contain fluids are very common. Sometimes they hold just water or brine but can also can hold petroleum or, as Brewsters dusty topaz pile did, liquid CO2. He couldnt collect the liquid because it instantly vaporized when the crystal was broken open.

If you examine a typical quartz crystal, natural or manmade, grown from aqueous solutions, you will usually see fluid inclusions even with a simple 10x magnifier that appear as faint whitish streaks. These are voids within the ordered structure that for one reason or another the crystal assembled around. Perhaps an adsorbed bubble lay on the surface, or a discontinuity in the packing allowed the empty space to form and the crystal to eventually form around it. Some inclusions look black to the eye as they trap entering light with total reflection of smooth walls. It is thought by geologists that this sealing up process in natural crystals took place millions or even billions of years ago.

Just last week an elusive calcium crystal predicted decades ago was discovered trapped inside a diamond by a team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The diamond, collected at the Orapa mine in Botswana, a country in South Africa, originated more than 410 miles below the surface of Earth, in the lower mantle, and contained the high-pressure form of calcium silicate perovskite that was predicted in 1967 but has never been seen in nature because it is unstable just like Brewsters carbon dioxide.

For those who appreciate crystal structure and identification, perovskites have a nearly cubic structure with the general formula ABO3, where many different cations can be embedded, allowing the development of diverse engineered materials that find common usage.

The first named perovskite, calcium titanium oxide, CaTiO3, was originally found in the Ural Mountains in 1839 and named for the Russian mineralogist Lev Perovski who founded the Russian Geographical Society at about that time. In a perovskite crystal the A-site ion, in the center of the lattice, is usually an alkaline earth or rare-earth element. B-site ions, on the corners of the lattice, are 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metal elements.

The perovskite barium titanate finds extensive use in the field of electronics because it makes an ideal capacitor dielectric material and is noted for its high permittivity. Most perovskites have sub-metallic to metallic luster, a colorless streak on a tile plate, and cube-like bulk structure. They are often brittle with imperfect cleavage. Colors of the crystals include black, brown, gray, orange to yellow.

Perovskite crystals have been mistaken for galena but when viewed in white light, galena has a greater metallic luster and perfect cubic symmetry. Back in 1975, scientists from the Australian National University did manage to synthesize CaSiO3 in the high-pressure phase in a laboratory by compressing calcium silicate in a so-called diamond anvil cell that was heated to 1,4001,800C with a laser.

Dr. Oliver Tschauner, professor in the Physics department at UNLV, subjected the material imbedded in the diamond to synchrotron x-rays and obtained the correct diffraction pattern that is characteristic of CaSiO3 perovskite. He gave the mineral the name davemaoite in honor of the eminent Chinese-American geophysicist Ho-Kwang Dave Mao, 80, a leader in the field of deep-mantle petrology. Because minerals can only be assigned a proper name after being discovered existing in nature, davemaoite has now been deemed a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association.

Discovering and naming new perovskite minerals by Tschauner is not new. In 2014 his team found the elusive magnesiumiron oxide bridgmanite, conjectured to be the most abundant mineral making up the Earths mantle, in a heavily shocked Tenham meteorite. The International Mineralogical Association approved the name bridgmanite for that perovskite-structured (Mg,Fe)SiO3 in honor of physicist Percy Bridgman, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his high-pressure research at GE that yielded man-made industrial diamonds.

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WASHINGTON  To enforce President Joe Biden's forthcoming COVID-19 mandate, the U.S. Labor Department is going to need a lot of help. Its Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn't have nearly enough workplace safety inspectors to do the job.

So the government will rely upon a corps of informers to identify violations of the order: Employees who will presumably be concerned enough to turn in their own employers if their co-workers go unvaccinated or fail to undergo weekly tests to show they're virus-free.

What's not known is just how many employees will be willing to accept some risk to themselves  or their job security  for blowing the whistle on their own employers. Without them, though, experts say the government would find it harder to achieve its goal of requiring tens of millions of workers at companies with 100 or more employees to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4 or be tested weekly and wear a mask on the job.

"There is no army of OSHA inspectors that is going to be knocking on employers' door or even calling them," said Debbie Berkowitz, a former OSHA chief of staff who is a fellow at Georgetown University's Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor. "They're going to rely on workers and their union representatives to file complaints where the company is totally flouting the law.''

Jim Frederick, the acting chief of OSHA, told reporters that this agency will focus on job sites "where workers need assistance to have a safe and healthy workplace."

"That typically comes through in the form of a complaint," Frederick added.

Critics warn that whistleblowers have often faced retaliation from their employers and that OSHA has offered little protection when they do.

The new mandate, which Biden announced last week, is the administration's most far-reaching step yet to prod more Americans to get a vaccine that has been widely available since early spring. The mandate will cover an estimated 84 million employees.

The president called the move necessary to combat an outbreak that has killed 750,000 Americans and that continues to spread. Companies that fail to comply will face fines of nearly $14,000 per "serious'' violation. Employers found to be "willful'' or repeat violators would be subject to fines of up to 10 times that amount.

The mandate has run into furious opposition, though, from leaders of mainly Republican-led states who have condemned the plan as an unlawful case of federal overreach and who immediately challenged the vaccine-or-test requirements in court. On Saturday, the Biden administration endured a setback when a federal appeals court in New Orleans temporarily halted the mandate, saying it posed "grave statutory and constitutional issues."

Should the mandate survive its legal challenges, though, the task of enforcing it would fall on OSHA, the small Labor Department agency that was established 50 years ago to police workplace safety and protect workers from such dangers as toxic chemicals, rickety ladders and cave-ins at construction sites.

OSHA has jurisdiction in 29 states. Other states, including California and Michigan, have their own federally approved workplace safety agencies. These states will have an additional month  until early February  to adopt their own version of the COVID mandate, equal to or tougher than OSHA's.

For a task as enormous as enforcing the new vaccine mandate, OSHA and its state "partners'' are stretched thin. Just 1,850 inspectors will oversee 130 million workers at 8 million job sites. So the agencies must rely on whistleblowers.

OSHA urges workers to first bring unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the attention of their employers "if possible.'' Employees could also file a confidential safety complaint with OSHA or have a case filed by a representative, such as a lawyer, a union representative or a member of the clergy. But they have no right to sue their employer in court for federal safety violations.

Typically, 20% to 25% of OSHA inspections originate with a complaint.

"You fill out a form or somebody fills out a form for you," said Berkowitz, the former OSHA chief of staff. "And that's all workers have. If OSHA decides not to inspect, that's it. Or if OSHA inspects but decides not to cite the employer, that's it. ... So it's a pretty weak law.''

Only OSHA can bring cases over violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the law that is meant to provide safe workplaces. Going outside OSHA to sue employers for negligence is all but impossible, say Berkowitz and other worker advocates.

State worker compensation programs  which reimburse injured workers for medical costs and lost wages and provide death benefits to survivors of those killed  include no-fault provisions that block most lawsuits.

Even sounding the alarm can be risky.

"Technically," Berkowitz said, "the law says that companies can't retaliate against a worker for raising a health and safety issue or filing an OSHA complaint or even reporting an injury. But retaliation is rampant.''

OSHA can pursue employers who punish workers for speaking out against unsafe working conditions. Last month, for example, the agency sued a luxury car dealer in Austin, Texas, that it said fired an employee who had warned co-workers about potential coronavirus hazards in the workplace.

But in a report co-written by Berkowitz, the National Employment Law Project, which advocates for worker rights, found that OSHA dismissed  without investigating  more than half the COVID-related complaints of retaliation it received from whistleblowers. Just 2% of complaints were resolved in the five-month period last year that the law project studied. Workers have just 30 days to file an OSHA complaint over retaliation.

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ELKO  An Elko man accused of sexually assault of a 7-year-old girl this summer has been booked into Elko County Jail on $750,000 bail.

Stevan Villa Triste, 53, was arrested last month in St. George, Utah, on a felony warrant issued 10 days earlier by Elko Justice Court.

An Elko Police Department detective began investigating the case in July following a request by the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services.

The girl, a relative of Tristes, told police that he gave her ice cream and candy before the alleged incidents.

According to the detectives report, the girl informed other family members but the incident was not reported to police until she and siblings told a neighbor.

Triste repeatedly denied the allegations when interviewed by police.

According to the St. George News, an Elko police officer contacted St. George police with information that Triste was believed to be staying at a residence in St. George. He was arrested on a $750,000 bail warrant issued by the Elko County District Attorney.

Triste faces charges of sexual assault of a child under 14 years of age and lewdness with a child under 14 years of age, both class A felonies that are punishable in Nevada by life imprisonment.

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ELKO  Its never too late to finish your education. Just ask Marla Julianto, who, at 66 years old, obtained her high school equivalency certificate in September.

The Owyhee resident celebrates her accomplishment that included many ups and downs as she studied for her exams. Its the conclusion of a journey to finish her education that started many years ago.

Growing up and attending public school in Mountain Home, Idaho, as a Native American, I felt invisible, like no one saw me as a person, Julianto recalled. As a result, I fell through the cracks and dropped out of school my sophomore year.

Julianto went on to start a family, working minimum wage jobs and struggling to get by. At 30, she decided to go back to school and started taking evening classes for her GED.

But she said she became discouraged by the programs lack of support or encouragement and eventually dropped out.

About 20 years went by. Julianto moved to Owyhee to be closer to family, and she continued to struggle, working for minimum wage.

In 2019, Julianto decided to try again and signed up for Great Basin Colleges ABE/ESL program through the Owyhee Adult Learning Center to start working on the HiSet high school equivalency.

For the HiSet, students must complete a battery of five tests in math, reading, science, social studies and writing. This time, Julianto knew what she had to do, and she didnt shy away from undertaking the new challenge.

I told myself, Marla, no one is going to give you this diploma. You have to work for it, she said.

At the Learning Center, Julianto met her teacher Voda Koberstein, who was heaven-sent.

Koberstein was Juliantos biggest cheerleader. She encouraged me every day, telling me I can do this.

But everything came to a halt in the spring of 2020 when Covid-19 closed the schools on the Duckwater Valley Reservation. The closure was a big letdown, Julianto remembered.

However, Koberstein continued to prepare Julianto for her tests, despite the shutdown, sending her homework to last me all year. She even called me to see how I was doing.

Finally, it was time to take the tests. Her scores were close, but I did not pass all the subjects on the first try.

Julianto decided to study one subject at a time, which worked better for me. In August, she took her math test on the last retake attempt and received a passing score to earn her certificate.

She hopes that her story inspires others to overcome anything, just as long as you have faith in yourself.

While some people may think that obtaining a high school diploma is out of reach once they hit a certain age, Julianto wants them to think again.

I would like my story to help people understand that it doesnt make any difference what age you are. You can do this, she said. You can do anything you put your mind to. Believe in yourself!

-

Below is a photo gallery of students receiving their Adult High School Diplomas between 2016 and 2021.

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ELKO  A cold front will breeze into Elko County on Monday night, bringing a slight chance of rain and cooler temperatures.

The week begins highs more than 15 degrees above normal expected across northeastern Nevada. The temperature should reach 68 degrees in Elko. Sunday's high of 65 fell short of the 70-degree record.

Gusty west winds of 20 to 30 mph are expected in northern Elko County Monday evening into Tuesday morning ahead of the front. High profile vehicles traveling in north and south directions, including along State Route 225 and US Highway 93, should be prepared for crosswinds.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 20% chance of rain Monday night in Elko, followed by highs in the lower 50s on Tuesday and mid-40s Wednesday. Lows could dip into the teens Tuesday night.

Another chance of rain and possibly snow showers arrives Thursday night into Friday as the afternoons warm back up into the 50s.

The weekend will bring mostly sunny skies but highs dropping back into the 40s.

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With just weeks to go before mandate deadlines arrive, its far from clear how many of Nevadas college students and higher education system employees have received a COVID vaccine.

At UNR, more than 16,000 students have submitted evidence of full COVID vaccination, and another 625 had received approved exemptions as of last Wednesday. According to preliminary enrollment data, that accounts for roughly 82 percent of the 20,263 students enrolled.

In the south, more than 23,500 student vaccination records had been processed at UNLV as of Friday, or roughly 77 percent of its 30,626 students. At Nevada State College, in Henderson, 2,595 of nearly 4,200 students have submitted their records, or roughly 62 percent.

When asked, however, not all institutions readily shared their aggregate student vaccination data.

A representative of the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas said Friday that it would treat the question as a formal public records request and subject it to a five-day-long response period (and as of publication, no response had been made).

A representative from Great Basin College in Elko told The Nevada Independent the schools data was incomplete but might be shared after it was completed in the spring. And a spokesperson for Western Nevada College in Carson City said the request for data was declined in part because the college only began enrollment for returning students last week and wont begin it for new students until Monday.

Leading administrators say large numbers of unvaccinated students at this point in time may not necessarily result in large numbers of disenrolled students or fired workers, though.

For students, in particular, the numbers have been shaped in part by exceptions created to accommodate various situations. Enrollment traditionally declines from fall to spring, as students graduate in the winter or drop out of classes entirely. For those who remain, a relatively small proportion of exemptions for religious or medical reasons have been granted, and any students with an all-virtual class load do not need to comply with the mandate.

[If] people just dont want to get vaccinated, theyll just take online classes and then the on campus vaccination rate will be much higher as opposed to the student body rate with exemptions, Brian Labus, a professor at UNLVs School of Public Medicine, said in an interview.

The data will likely remain incomplete for weeks or months because students must only prove vaccination status when they register for classes.

Students who are trying to get into a class with a limited number of seats are probably submitting [their vaccination status] earlier, Labus said. If the students are dragging their feet, not sure what they want to take, not registering for a while  then they may be vaccinated, but not actually tell us until a later date.

Those enrollment periods stretch well into January of next year, with a no-late-fees deadline of Jan. 14 for UNLV and UNR and Jan. 24 for Nevada State College and the four community colleges.

Among higher education employees, specifics of the mandate differ. Though employees working remotely are exempt, the mandate was initially designed to achieve at-or-near full vaccination rates across all eight system campuses and the systems central office.

When regents approved the employee mandate in a 10-3 vote in September, Chancellor Melody Rose was bullish that the system would not see a mass exit because of the new requirements.

I dont believe that we will lose thousands and thousands of employees, Rose said at the time. I dont think thats what the data indicate. Were not seeing that at other institutions that initiated their requirements earlier than we did.

Employee vaccination rates have been generally high, nearing 88 percent in the first week of November. Still, the raw number of unvaccinated individuals remains in the thousands  2,749 individuals, or 11.8 percent of all employees  with a little more than two weeks before the Dec. 1 deadline to submit proof of vaccination.

In an emailed response to The Nevada Independent, NSHE Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Constance Brooks said there is no way to know how many of those employees will remain unvaccinated.

When asked if the system was concerned that hundreds of employees could be fired because of the mandate, Brooks said that there is cause for concern when employees choose to end their employment for any reason.

While we have had no experience with this exact [human resources] scenario before, the loss of multiple employees at one time is not ideal and we will do all that is necessary to keep instruction, services, and programming from being disrupted, Brooks wrote.

Brooks said the system is not tracking vaccinations by employee type, so its unclear how those still-unvaccinated employees are distributed across different position groups, such as academic faculty, administrative faculty or support staff.

As the pandemic continues to churn around the edges of daily life, Labus said vaccines are only one piece of the COVID mitigation puzzle, and that various institutional procedures will continue to affect the spread of the virus.

We still have a mask mandate, and were going to see those [environmental] differences, Labus said. The community colleges and commuter campuses have different challenges than a residential campus. If we have 1,000 students living in dorms and Reno has 10 times that, they have a completely different environment, and much greater challenges in dealing with that when it comes to housing people in close contact.

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Chaos is coming, so get ready.

That was the warning that  four years ago  iconographer and YouTube maven Jonathan Pageau offered to leaders of the Orthodox Church in Americas Diocese of the South.

The French-Canadian artist was reacting to cracks in cultural cohesion after Donald Trumps rise to power, with wild reactions on left and right. And corporate leaders, especially in Big Tech, were throwing their woke weight around in fights over gender, racism, schools, religious liberty and other topics. Fear and angst were bubbling up in media messages about zombies, fundamentalist handmaidens and angry demands for safe spaces.

Pageau didnt predict a global pandemic that would lock church doors.

But thats what happened. Thus, he doubled down on his chaos message several weeks ago, while addressing the same body of OCA priests and parish leaders.

If some of you didnt believe me back then, I imagine you are more willing to believe me now, he said.

Pageau focused, in part, on waves of online conspiracy theories that have shaken many flocks and the shepherds who lead them. Wild rumors and questions, he said, often reveal what people are thinking and feeling and, especially, whether they trust authority figures.

Even the craziest conspiracy nuts, what they are saying is not arbitrary, he said in a Miami meeting of the Diocese of the South, which I attended as a delegate from my parish in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Its like an alarm bell. Its like an alarm bell that you can hear, and you can understand that the person thats ringing the alarm maybe doesnt understand what is going on. ... They may think that they have an inside track based on what theyve heard, and think that they know what is going on. But the alarm is not a false alarm, necessarily.

The chaos is real, stressed Pageau. There is chaos in politics, science, schools, technology, economic systems, family structures and many issues linked to sex and gender. Its a time when conspiracy theories about vaccines containing tracking devices echo decades of science-fiction stories, while millions of people navigate daily life with smartphones in their pockets that allow Big Tech leaders to research their every move.

This chaos will lead to change, one way or another, he said. The goal for church leaders is to listen and respond with biblical images, themes and stories  as opposed to more acidic chatter about politics. The pandemic was especially challenging for bishops and priests in ancient, liturgical churches, since life in their parishes is built on intimate sacramental acts including confession, Holy Communion and anointing the sick.

In Eastern Orthodox flocks, leaders are also trying to make sense of two conflicting trends. A census for 2010-2020 found that the number of Orthodox Christians in America shrank by 17%, with the large Greek Orthodox Church declining 22%. Other jurisdictions, including the OCA, showed slower declines, while the number of new parishes increased.

Meanwhile, Father Andrew Stephen Damick, an Antiochian Orthodox priest who specializes in online ministries, recently asked priests around the country about anecdotal accounts of rising numbers of inquirers and catechumens showing up at their parishes during the pandemic. Only three priests said that wasnt the case at their churches, while 28 affirmed the reports.

A number said that they noticed that the newcomers skew younger, wrote Damick on his Ancient Faith Ministries blog. Several said its more than theyve ever had  in some cases, double. At his own Pennsylvania parish, the number of newcomers last year topped the total from the previous decade.

The vast majority of priests at the Diocese of the South meetings reported the same phenomenon. Several reported a pattern frequently seen online, with young men turning to Orthodoxy after following the writings and YouTube posts of University of Toronto psychology professor Jordan Peterson. This led them to online dialogues between Peterson and Pageau, which then led them to Pageaus The Symbolic World YouTube channel and other online Orthodox outlets.

All these guys ... These young men in their 20s and early 30s, theyre out there urgently hunting for something, said Pageau. I sympathize with the warrior, crazy-aggressive energy in these young men  that crazy ball of warrior energy.

You can change the world with 2,000 guys like that. It has happened before.

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The Communist Party of China (CPC) has adopted a landmark resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC's 100 years of endeavors during a high-profile meeting.

The resolution was reviewed and adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, held in Beijing from Monday to Thursday, said the communique of the plenum.

Many overseas Chinese people have said they have been inspired and encouraged by the resolution and will make unremitting efforts to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Wang Xinju, president of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification in Zimbabwe, said that over the past century, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in arduous struggle towards the tremendous transformation of the Chinese nation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong.

Wang said he, as an overseas Chinese, is very proud of the remarkable achievements, and will continue to make contributions to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Chen Qianjun, secretary general of NEXT Federation, a New Zealand-based think tank, said the CPC's high-profile meeting has drawn great attentions from all over the world, and the landmark resolution adopted at the meeting is of milestone significance.

The resolution charts the course and offers a practical reference to mankind for development, and will inspire developing countries to improve people's livelihood and get stronger and prosperous, Chen added.

Xia Yang, president of the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars in Japan, said that in the past 100 years, the CPC has united and led the entire nation to go through a glorious journey, written the most magnificent chapter in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation.

Xia said, as a Chinese student in Japan, he will inherit the tradition and noble spirit of the predecessors, study hard for the homeland, and make unremitting efforts to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xu Chen, chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce-U.S.A. and president and CEO of the Bank of China U.S.A., said over the past century, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people to attain remarkable achievements through unremitting hard work.

Overseas Chinese-funded enterprises will continue to promote globalization through concrete actions and contribute to the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, said Xu.
Addressing the event, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son said that for nearly two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected all socio-economic fields, including education and training.



Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has a meeting with representatives of outstanding teachers and education managers on the occasion of Vietnam Teachers' Day (November 20) (Photo: VNA)



According to the minister, nearly 20 million students, and more than 1 million teachers and lecturers across the country have not been able to go to school for a long time. Thousands of teachers working in non-public schools live without wage and their life is very difficult.

However, all employees, teachers and managers of the sector have worked to overcome difficulties and promote creativity to effectively respond to the pandemic and ensure the transmission of knowledge to students, he said.



Besides touching stories about difficulties of teachers and students in remote areas amid the complicated developments of the pandemic, participating teachers expressed their honour, pride and happiness to be "soul engineers".



They expressed their determination to continue to devote themselves to the cause of education and training, all for the sake of dear students.



Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his sincere thanks to generations of teachers across the country, affirming that the Party and State always consider education as the top national policy.



The State has spent a lot of resources and investment on education development, he said. He noted that policies have focused on comprehensive reform of education, in which attention is being paid to developing the contingent of teachers, especially those in remote, border and island areas.



Although the education and training sector is still facing many obstacles, it has made great contributions to fostering the personality and morality of the young generation, improving people's knowledge and training human resources, thus importantly contributing to the countrys socio-economic development, he stressed.



Participants at the meeting (Photo: VNA)



On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Pham Minh Chinh praised teachers across the country for their efforts and achievements to overcome difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.



Teachers and the education and training sector have turned risks and challenges into opportunities and motivation for educational innovations," he stressed.



According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam is now drastically implementing solutions to radically and comprehensively innovate education and training in order to improve the quality of education at all levels with the motto of taking students as the centre and focusing on developing their personality, morality and creativity.



In the context of the pandemic, the Government is and will soon solve immediate problems to create conditions for the education and training sector to adapt safely and effectively to COVID-19.



In particular, the Government continues to ask relevant ministries and sectors to review support policies for teachers, especially those working at preschools and non-public education establishments, the PM affirmed.



The Government leader called on all sectors and everyone to join hands with the education and training sector and teachers in the cause of education and training./.
BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- It was a meeting much about the past as it was about the future.

From Monday to Thursday, political heavyweights of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the world's largest ruling party, convened a high-profile meeting in Beijing -- the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee -- at which a resolution on historical issues was adopted.

The 30,000-plus-character Resolution on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century, is only the third of its kind in the Party's 100-year history: the first in 1945 before the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and the second in 1981 with the advent of the reform and opening-up drive.

The timing of the third resolution has its own historical significance. In 2021, the CPC celebrated its centenary, announced the completion of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects -- known in China as the First Centenary Goal -- and is leading the nation toward building a great modern socialist country -- the Second Centenary Goal -- by the mid-21st century.

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

On Nov. 8, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, opened the plenum by delivering a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Sitting in the audience were Party cadres and officials, including more than 300 members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee, as well as some grassroots delegates to the 19th CPC National Congress and experts and scholars.

Xi said the Political Bureau, while advancing work in all areas, focused on three major things over the past year: the CPC centenary celebration, Party history learning and education campaign, and the preparation for the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

All these three activities centered on a single topic -- history.

As an ancient Chinese saying goes: with history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a state.

Xi told the plenum that summarizing the Party's major achievements and historical experience over the past century was of great significance to further unifying the thinking, will and action of the whole Party.

This, Xi said, will help the Party unite and lead the nation to secure the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

"Standing at a new historical starting point, we review the past and look to the future," Xi said when he explained the Party leadership's considerations on the theme of the plenum.

"Everyone at the plenum shared the sentiment that a great historical responsibility has fallen upon our shoulders," said a CPC Central Committee member. "We feel that the resolution is bound to have a profound influence on the future of the Party's and nation's causes."

"It is a resolution that connects the past, present and future," said a plenum attendee.

XI'S CORE POSITION

From Monday afternoon to Thursday morning, plenum attendees were divided into 10 groups for deliberation on the draft documents. There were often heated discussions.

But all agreed that the historic achievements since the 18th Party Congress, as summarized in the resolution in 13 aspects, have provided robust institutional conditions, strong material foundations and a source of inspiration for advancing the cause of national rejuvenation.

They all felt very strongly about one particular statement in the resolution:

-- Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times and represents a new breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context.

-- The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and defined the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This reflects the common will of the Party, the armed forces and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, and is of decisive significance for advancing the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and for driving forward the historic process of national rejuvenation.

The attendees said this is an answer to the call of the times, and a significant political judgment made in response to not only the Party's common will but also the people's common aspirations.

Also included in the resolution were five aspects of the historical significance of the Party's endeavors over the past century, and 10 pieces of historical experience.

This content reflects the secret behind the Party's success. For instance, the principles of staying independent, breaking new ground and standing up for ourselves, all are deeply rooted in the Party's history and still bear great immediate significance.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED

On Thursday afternoon, Xi presided over a plenary meeting of the session at which the resolution was unanimously endorsed by every CPC Central Committee member in attendance. Thunderous applause broke out and resonated inside the Great Hall of the People.

The meeting then passed a resolution on convening the 20th National Congress of the CPC in the second half of 2022 in Beijing.

The communique of the plenum was also adopted.

After that, Xi delivered an important speech on behalf of the Political Bureau on studying and implementing the spirit of the plenum.

"The Party was chosen by history and the people, and it has lived up to their choice," Xi said, adding that there would be no national rejuvenation without the CPC.

The resolution particularly emphasized the importance of strengthening the Party's centralized, unified leadership, Xi said, explaining that the aim is to demand everyone in the CPC to align with its central committee, unify the Party as "a solid piece of iron" and march forward in unison.

Xi also stressed the need for "great struggle" and "even more arduous and strenuous efforts" and asked Party members to pay close attention to all sorts of "major risks" and take effective measures to fend off and resolve them.

"With all the great achievements over the past century, our Party has won much praise from both inside and outside the Party, from home and abroad," Xi said.

"It is particularly in these circumstances that we must promote the spirit of self-reform even more. We can never allow ourselves to get carried away by the applause," he added.

In 1945, when the Party's first resolution on history was passed, Mao Zedong issued the call for Party-wide unity like members of a family.

In 1981, when the second such resolution was passed, Deng Xiaoping emphasized its importance in unifying the thoughts in the Party.

In 2021, upon the passing of the third resolution, Xi urged all Party members to maintain strategic resolve, focus on strategic targets and bear in mind the country's most fundamental interests.

"Today, we are closer, more confident, and more capable than ever before of making the goal of national rejuvenation a reality," Xi said. "We must fulfill the duties of our generation in the relay for attaining national rejuvenation."

Editor: WXL
Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2021 shows the winter scenery of the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2021 shows the winter scenery of the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2021 shows the winter scenery of the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Tourists visit the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2021 shows the winter scenery of the Summer Palace in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Editor: JYZ
Photo provided by the ancient book protection center of Tibet Autonomous Region shows catalogues of ancient books in Tibetan language collected at Norbulingka, an ancient palace, in Lhasa, capital city of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)

LHASA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Compilation work for a 100-volume photocopied collection of valuable ancient books and documents on Tibetan medicine is in progress after 60 volumes were published earlier, according to experts.

The compilation of the documents began in 2009 by the University of Tibetan Medicine in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, as many documents were facing the danger of damage or loss, said Migmar, president of the university, on Friday.

The first batch of 30 volumes of the collection was published in 2013, while volumes 31 to 60 were published in January 2021. The published volumes compiled 1,434 ancient books and documents, with more than 83,000 pages and over 45 million characters.

Volumes 61 to 70 will be completed before the end of this year, said Migmar, adding that the university is striving to finish the publication of the entire 100-volume collection in five years.

The published volumes faithfully preserve the original states of the ancient books, effectively saving and protecting many precious ancient documents, said Dorje Rinchen, a professor at the university, adding the ancient documents date back to as early as the 11th century.

"These first-hand materials provide vital resources for in-depth study into the scientific value of Tibetan medicine, and serve as an important bridge for the exchanges and mutual learning between Tibetan medicine and the medicine in other parts of the world," Migmar said.

The collection will also benefit the teaching, scientific research and clinical practice of Tibetan medicine, as well as the development of Tibetan medicine products, Migmar added.

The university is also planning to push forward the digitization of ancient books on Tibetan medicine, and set up the world's largest information center for documents on Tibetan medicine and a Tibetan calendric system.

Editor: WPY
In 2016, while in Peru, Xi Jinping visited an exhibition of Chinese cultural artefacts in the capital, Lima.

More than simply viewing the display, he made a point of introducing the background of some of the items to a specially-chosen group of people.

Among them was museum director Ivan Solis, who concluded that the depth of the Chinese president's knowledge, his charisma and his humanity made him someone who must have been chosen by history.

Editor: GSY
Ukraine has received about 80 tonnes of ammunition from the United States, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv said in a statement.

"On Nov 14, Ukraine received the delivery of approximately 80,000 kilos of ammunition from the United States. Part of the up to $60 mln in additional security assistance directed by President Biden to Ukraine in August. It is a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to the success of a stable, democratic and free Ukraine," the embassy said on Twitter on Sunday.

A Ukrainian delegation led by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak signed a new charter of strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States during a visit to the U.S. last week.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the accusations that he created and finances the migrant crisis on his country's border with Poland.

"The Americans have said that I finance these refugees. Listen, do I have a sea of cash? Do I not know where to put money in? Here, [put] facts on the table. If I finance, put facts on the table," Lukashenko said in an interview with the Russian magazine Natsionalnaya Oborona (National Defense).

"Put facts on the table [showing that] at least one person from the government, or even a businessman, has financed," he added.

The situation on the Polish-Belarusian border worsened last Monday when it was approached, on the Belarusian side, by several thousand Middle Eastern migrants seeking to get into the European Union. Polish officials called this the highest point of the crisis since it began.

In recent months Poland, Lithuania and Latvia have seen a surge in migrant flows from Belarus. The EU has accused Belarus of deliberating causing chaos on its border with the EU, given that it does not let the migrants, who are from the Middle East and Africa, back in.

The Baltic States accused Belarus of organizing migrant flows, calling it a "hybrid aggression."
The crisis with migrants on the border of Belarus and the EU was provoked by Minsk in order to divert attention from the actions of Russia near the border with Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a conversation with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

"The actions by the Lukashenka regime threaten security, sow division, and aim to distract from Russia's activities on the border with Ukraine," the U.S. State Department said following a conversation between Blinken and Rau.

Blinken expressed support for Poland, faced with a wave of illegal immigrants seeking to enter its territory through Belarus.

"Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Rau strongly condemned the instrumentalization of vulnerable migrants and called on Lukashenka to address the root causes of sanctions imposed by the West  the denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms for the Belarusian people," the U.S. Department of State said.

Blinken also thanked the interlocutor for supporting the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.
Leader of the Servant of the People party, first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniyenko, proposes the candidacy of Olena Shuliak for the post of the party's head.

"Our idea is that the head of the party is not only its leader and deputy, but is engaged in party building twenty four seven. Olena Shuliak just clearly understands all the problems of the party, has the necessary leadership qualities to lead our party ship to its destination and not run aground," Korniyenko told Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.

He noted that he decided to resign as the chairman of the party in order to focus on the work of the first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
The idea of moving the authorities from the center of Kyiv to other districts of the capital remained an unrealized dream, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Korniyenko has said.

"It [the idea] remained as an unrealized dream. I think that over time, sooner or later, someone will implement it," Korniyenko said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

The MP noted that the movement of the authorities from the center to other districts of Kyiv is associated with many organizational issues, including the creation of conditions for the work of representatives of the state guard.

According to him, so far even Kyiv City State Administration does not dare to move, despite the fact that Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Kyiv City State Administration have long wanted to do it, it's easier to move for them as "they are smaller in number and could be more modern."

At the same time, the first deputy speaker believes that when society becomes more modern, the dream of such a movement will come true.

"Society will become more modern and at some point it will happen by itself - and politicians, as representatives of a modern society, will understand that they need to move somewhere to Telichka [an industrial zone on the right bank in Kyiv] to an office center," Korniyenko believes.

He also said that he will change the furniture for a more Europeanized version in his new office, where he works after his election as first deputy head of parliament.
Stoltenberg calls on Russia for transparency in its military maneuvers, preventing escalation, reducing tensions around Ukraine

Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg has called on Russia to be transparent in its hostilities, as well as prevent escalation and reduce tensions around Ukraine.

He made the corresponding statement in Brussels on Monday after a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Stoltenberg said that in recent weeks, they had seen "large and unusual concentrations of Russian forces close to Ukraine's borders similar to Russia's build-up in Crimea and the Black Sea region earlier this year.

"NATO remains vigilant. We are monitoring the situation very closely. And we continue to consult among Allies and with partners such as Ukraine and the European Union. Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities. It is important to prevent escalations and reduce tensions. NATO stands with Ukraine," Stoltenberg stated.

NATO Secretary General stressed that the Alliance does not, and will not, accept Russia's illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea.

"We call on Russia to end its support for militants in Donbas. All NATO Allies are united in their condemnation of Russia's behavior," he added.

Stoltenberg also noted that NATO and allies continue to provide significant political and practical support to Ukraine.

"We are helping to strengthen your capabilities, including with training for your armed forces. And we support your wide-ranging reform agenda, which will help advance Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. NATO's support to Ukraine is not a threat to Russia," stated the secretary general, pointing out that the exercises of NATO and allies in the Black Sea region are both defensive in nature and transparent in nature.
Berlin is concerned over the concentration of military forces on the Russian-Ukrainian border, spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry Christopher Burger has said.

"We are observing Russian military activity with concern and are in close contact on this issue with our European and transatlantic partners. We believe that military escalation must be prevented," Burger told reporters in Berlin on Monday.

He recalled that a meeting of the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Ukraine will take place in Brussels on Monday.

"We are, of course, talking with Russia ... It is important not to exacerbate an already difficult situation," he said.
Kuleba calls on NATO countries to coordinate with Ukraine, take measures that could help contain Russia

Ukraine and NATO allies must coordinate closely and take any measures that can help contain Russia and prevent worst-case scenarios, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said amid a buildup of Russia's military presence near Ukraine's borders.

"More importantly, we all, Ukraine and allies, must coordinate closely and take any measures that can help contain Russia and prevent worst-case scenarios. Since whatever the cost of these containment measures, the cost of stopping the 'hot phase' the conflict will be much higher," Kuleba said at a press conference following talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Monday.

The minister drew attention to the need to be ready for all scenarios, all options, as well as to strengthen Ukraine's stability in relation to these scenarios.

"It is premature to say exactly what the Russian scenario will be: is the build-up of the military presence the main plan, which will be accompanied by efforts to destabilize Ukraine from within, or the buildup of the military presence will serve as a background force, a background argument for the destabilizing efforts that Russia is undertaking inside the country," Kuleba said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said Russia demonstrates that it can quickly activate the troops and equipment already accumulated near the Ukrainian borders, and that all options, including the military, are being considered by the Russian leadership.

"According to Ukraine, what we are currently seeing along the border is not only a build-up of the military presence, because Russia has already pulled a military armada to our borders in the spring, and has not withdrawn it since that time. We see now, this is a worsening situation in which Russia demonstrates that it can quickly activate the already accumulated troops and equipment, and that all options, including the military, are being considered by the Russian leadership," he said.

Kuleba said in this situation Ukraine expects three things from NATO.

"First. A clear and strong signal to everyone - Russia, the people of Ukraine, partners in the EU, allies, from NATO, demotivating Russia from further aggressive actions and motivating Ukrainians to remain steadfast and strong," he said.

In addition, the minister said in the spring he submitted ten specific proposals on how NATO can support Ukraine.

"Progress has been made on a number of these ten points, and today I will ask you to speed up this work and act accordingly. These are points related to specific areas of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO," Kuleba said.

Kuleba also pointed out the need to remember the very tense and dangerous situation in the Black Sea region.

"Calling on allies in the Black Sea to cooperate more closely with Ukraine and Georgia, also with Moldova, on security in the Black Sea region and joining forces in the Black Sea between NATO members and non-members is something that would be very timely and useful," he said.

Kuleba said that Russia continues to fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine by supplying weapons and troops, financing the occupation administration, and issuing Russian passports to the local population.

"The military maneuvers of Russia, the energy crisis in Europe, the dramatic use of migrants as weapons on the Polish and Lithuanian borders with Belarus and massive disinformation should be considered as one set of events, because they are all elements of a hybrid war between Russia and the European and Euro-Atlantic communities," the minister said.

He said that Ukraine has always been and remains fully committed to peace, justice and security in Europe.
Over the past two weeks, the main negative indicators of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease have been declining in Ukraine, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at a conference call chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that over the past week some 139,900 new cases were revealed, and a week earlier some 152,000. Now 50,962 beds are occupied, while last week this figure was 51,700 over the past week, some 30,000 people were hospitalized, compared to 34,000 the week before last. According to Shmyhal, a plateau of morbidity has already been reached in Ukraine and a movement has started to stabilize the situation," the presidential press service said

However, high rates of vaccination remain in Ukraine, more than 1.6 million vaccinations were made in the past week. Health Minister Viktor Liashko appealed to the heads of regional state administrations with a request to facilitate the organization of the second stage of vaccination for people who received the first vaccination.

The meeting participants also discussed the structure of the program to support small and medium-sized businesses amid strengthening quarantine measures.

In addition, Zelensky appealed to the National Police of Ukraine and the Infrastructure Ministry due to the falsification of PCR tests and vaccination certificates by tourist operators.
On Tuesday, November 16, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Problem of staff competency of regional officials. Presentation of Training Center for Public Servants of Yuriy Yekhanurov." Participants include Prime Minister of Ukraine 2005 -2006 Yuriy Yekhanurov; Director of the Merged Territorial Community Association Oleksandr Korinny; Executive Director of the Public Association "Key Persons" Olha Shaverina (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions the number of places in the press center is limited, the presence of a PCR test or a certificate of vaccination is required.
(The list of participants has been changed)

On Thursday, November 18, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Maidan cases investigation, achievements, problems, forecasts, presentation of state ceremony of honoring Heroes of Heavenly Hundred, participants in Revolution of Dignity." Participants include Head of the Department of organization, procedural management of pretrial investigation and maintaining public prosecutions in criminal proceedings for crimes committed due to mass protests in 2013-2014 at the Prosecutor General's Officce Oleksiy Donsky; member of the board of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine, current member of the Ukrainian ICOMOS Committee (UNESCO) Gregory Duhovichny; member of the Architectural and Urban Planning Council of Kyiv; Head of the NGO "Family of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred" Yuriy Aksenyn (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Due to quarantine restrictions, the number of places in the press center is limited, the presence of a PCR test or a certificate of vaccination is required. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot.
Egypt welcomed on Sunday the new political agreement signed in Khartoum earlier between Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan to end the month-old political crisis in the country.
in a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Monday Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the diplomatic efforts Egypt has been exerting to solve the Libyan crisis.

The two presidents discussed in detail the latest developments in the Libyan crisis, according to a statement by Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Bassam Rady.

President El-Sisi briefed Putin on Egypts strategic stance towards the crisis in Libya, which was embodied in the Cairo Declaration initiative which presents a comprehensive solution to the crisis under the Egyptian auspices, Rady said.

Egypts initiative was consistent with the various international efforts exerted for ending the crisis, especially with regard to preserving Libyan national institutions, and undermining illegal foreign interventions in Libya, which only lead to fuelling the crisis and negatively affect the security and stability of the entire Middle East, Rady added.

President Putin applauded during the phone call the Egyptian initiative and the diplomatic efforts exerted by Egypt to solve the Libyan crisis, the Kremlin said in a statement on Monday.

According to Rady, Putin praised the "Cairo Declaration" especially in terms of the timing of its launch, and its comprehensive framework which offers an integrated and constructive settlement to the crisis.

The initiative, Putin asserted, gives momentum to the political process in Libya, and establishes Egypt's role as a pillar for security and stability in the region, Rady added.

Rady added that the two presidents tackled other topics on cooperation between the two countries including El-Dabaa nuclear power plant and the Russian industrial zone at the Suez Canal axis, in addition to joint security cooperation and combating terrorism.

President El-Sisi, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar, and Libya's Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh announced on Saturday a new joint political initiative, dubbed the Cairo Declaration, aimed at ending the conflict in Libya.

The initiative mandates a Libyan-Libyan resolution as a basis for resolving the countrys conflict under resolutions by the UN and past efforts in Paris, Rome, Abu Dhabi, and most recently in Berlin.

Several Arab and Western powers welcomed the initiative including the United States, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

The Cairo plan came after the collapse of an offensive launched by Haftar in April 2019 to capture the Libyan capital, further extending the Government of National Accords (GNA) control of most of northwest Libya.

Egypt, the UAE and Russia are backing Haftar, while Turkey supports the GNA.

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Russia to resume charter flights to Egypts Red Sea resorts

The decision ends a near six-year suspension of flights following a deadly crash over Sinai in 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin rescinded a 2015 decree banning Russian charter flights to Red Sea resorts in Egypt, Russian News TASS reported on Thursday.

The decision ends a near six-year suspension of flights following a deadly Russian plane crash over Sinai in October 2015. According to TASS, the decision was published on an official, legal Russian website.

In April, Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Russian counterpart agreed on the resumption of flights between Russia and Egypts Red Sea airports, including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

Russia suspended direct flights to Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh as well as other Egyptian airports following the 2015.

Russias flight suspension to Red Sea resorts has taken a heavy toll on Egypts tourism industry  a key source of hard currency  since Russian visitors were major contributors to the tourism market in the country prior to 2015.

Since then, Egyptian authorities have upgraded all safety and security measures at all of the country's airports.

As a result, Russia resumed flights to Cairo International Airport in April 2018, ending a 30-month suspension, but did not resume flights to Egypt's Red Sea destinations.

Over the past several years, Russian aviation and security experts have repeatedly inspected safety measures at Egyptian airports, including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.

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European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Vice President for Banking Alain Pilloux explains the banks new country strategy for Egypt to Al-Ahram Weekly.

Alain Pilloux, vice president for banking of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), was in Egypt last week for high-level meetings with government officials to discuss its new country strategy for Egypt.

He also explored projects aligned with Egypts priorities and the EBRD strategy such as on green hydrogen and desalination with the CEO of Egypts Sovereign Fund.

The government is really concerned about upgrading and improving the investment and business climate in the country, which is good news, Pilloux said. The authorities do not deny the problems but try to address them. It is not an easy mission; it takes time. I am sure that Egypt will do well in the next few years, he added.

Pilloux noted that Egypt has come through the Covid-19 pandemic better that many peer countries and that it is determined to keep its economy alive and growing.

On the EBRDs new country strategy for Egypt, Pilloux explained that what guides the banks operations in the country is its desire to impact Egypts development. Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD, and since the start of its operations in 2012, the bank has invested more than 8 billion in 136 projects across the country.

Egypt is also the largest country for the banks operations in the Mediterranean region in 2020 and 2021.

According to Pilloux, the new strategy centres on three pillars: inclusion, the green economy, and competitiveness. On inclusion, he said that the strategy focuses on the inclusion of the people in the economy, particularly women, who are a high priority for the bank, and young people entering the job market.

The green pillar, Pilloux said, involves supporting Egypt in its efforts to mitigate climate change-related impacts and to adapt to climate change itself. Another important aspect of this pillar is ensuring the stability and sustainability of the countrys water resources.

In her first official visit to Egypt in April, President of EBRD Odile Renaud-Basso commended the country for giving due attention to the green economy and renewable energy, saying that it was the banks intention to continue to support Egypt in all areas that serve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially desalination projects.

The third pillar of the EBRDs strategy for Egypt means continuing to work on improving the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy in all sectors and making sure that more Egyptian companies are able and willing to export to foreign markets, whether to African markets or those outside the continent, Pilloux said.

We want to ensure that state-owned companies are well-run, commercialised, effective, efficient, and follow the markets latest standards, he said, adding that the bank remains committed to helping Egyptian startups access finance and work in an environment where they can flourish, including by facing obstacles and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Pilloux said there was a need to support enterprises that seek to export. He also stressed the need to secure a level playing field for companies, whether state-owned or in the private sector.

He said the EBRD has a commitment to shareholders to make sure that 75 per cent of its pledges are dedicated to backing the private sector in the countries where it operates, including Egypt. The bank does this in various ways in Egypt, he said, including through loans inked for renewable energy and infrastructure projects.

The EBRD is also a partner of 15 local banks that provide loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), he said.

More help is extended to the private sector through a programme called the Advisory for Small Business (ASB), Pilloux said, adding that the good feedback the bank has received has encouraged it to expand the programme.

We are working with the authorities to improve the environment for SMEs in order to ensure the competitiveness that will enable them to succeed and grow, Pilloux explained.

He said that the banks new country strategy for Egypt is subject to consultations with the Egyptian authorities and shareholders, after which it would be posted for public consultation for 45 days and then be submitted to the EBRDs board of directors by the end of January for approval.

The new strategy is expected to come into effect at the beginning of February 2022.

Touching upon the future steps of the bank in the Egyptian market, Pilloux said that the EBRD intends to intensify its partnerships with local banks and supply a wider range of products that can be used to lend to SMEs working in energy efficiency and womens and young peoples empowerment.

We also plan to partner with more local private-equity funds and venture-capital trusts and to invest wisely in startups, he noted.

The EBRD plans to intensify its support for the private sector and the government in Egypt, particularly in infrastructure. Pilloux cited the EBRDs investment in Egypts first land port in 6 October city, adding that the bank intends to invest in another dry port set to be established in 10 Ramadan city.

We are in touch with the government on further cooperation in other infrastructure-related projects, Pilloux noted.

He said that the EBRD plans to sign an important loan to finance part of the future Alexandria metro and of the Cairo metro next year, adding that the EBRD supports such projects because they are 100 per cent green.

The EBRD is considering cooperating with the state in a project to upgrade electricity transmission lines in the country because they will need to be able to transport the renewable energy that will be generated in future, he said.

The EBRD is also eyeing projects related to hydrogen production in line with Egypts plans to be a regional energy hub, which are also supported by the bank, Pilloux said.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 28 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) considers extending $100 million to Egypts national bank Banque Misr for the sake of accelerating climate action efforts in the country.

According to the EBRD, the proceeds of the anticipated loan sum will be utilised to finance investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies across the industrial, commercial, transport and agricultural sectors in the Egyptian market.

The loan will be used to lend the local private sector, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in line with the standards and reporting requirements for the banks Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) in Egypt, according to the EBRD.

GEFF is a facility created by the EBRD with an aim of helping Egyptian businesses invest in high-performing technologies by providing financing through local participating financial institutions.

The project will be supported by a comprehensive technical cooperation programme to provide implementation support to BM, its customers and verification of the outcome of completed projects, said the EBRD.

They also said that the approval on the loan is expected to be announced on 15 December.

By early February, the EBRD is expected to approve its new country strategy for Egypt through 2026, the EBRDs vice president Alain Pilloux told Al-Ahram Weekly in an interview during the official visit he paid to the country in October.

He also said that what guides the banks operations in the country is its desire to impact Egypts development. Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD, and since the start of its operations in 2012, the bank has invested more than 8 billion in 136 projects across the country.

Egypt is one of the EBRDs founding members. In 2020, Egypt became EBRDs largest country of operations for the third year in a row in the Southern Eastern and Mediterranean region with the banks investments accounting for more than  1 billion of the  2.13 billion of the total development financing provided to the regions countries.

The EBRD has been active in Egypt since 2012. During this time, the Bank has rapidly scaled up its operations, with a total portfolio exceeding $4.6 billion covering 127 operations, with 80 percent headed to the countrys private sector.

Egypt was officially selected to host the upcoming COP27 conference in 2022.

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Egypts new Ambassador to Qatar Amr El-Sherbini presented on Monday his credentials to the Gulf state's Emir Tamim bin Hamed Al-Thani, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced.

Ambassador El-Sherbini delivered President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's regards to the Qatari leader and said that now represents a new phase for the relations between Egypt and Qatar.

For his part, the emir asked the ambassador to deliver his regards to his Egyptian counterpart and expressed his appreciation for the current development in bilateral relations.

Cairo appointed El-Sherbini as its ambassador to Doha in June.

A veteran diplomat, El-Sherbini was a general ambassador in the Egyptian foreign ministry. He graduated from the Faculty of Mass Communication, Cairo University, and served as a diplomat in Syria and the United States. El-Sherbini later served as a deputy chief of the mission in Brussels.

Egypt and Qatar have begun to improve relations following the signing Al-Ula agreement in January in Saudi Arabia, after intense Kuwaiti and US efforts to end the diplomatic and travel boycott by the Arab Quartet  Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain  of Qatar since mid-2017.

The quartet had cut diplomatic, economic, and travel ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of interfering in their internal affairs and supporting terrorist groups, accusations denied by Qatar.

Earlier this month, President El-Sisi met for the second time this year with the Qatari leader at the UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland.

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Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan discussed means of boosting Egypt-UAE economic and trade cooperation during a meeting on Sunday on the sidelines of the 12th annual Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE.

Shoukry called for attracting more Emirati investment into the Egyptian market in light of the encouraging economic measures the country provides, read Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez's statement.

Egypt's top diplomat highlighted the distinctive index of the Egyptian economy, the favourable investment environment, and the mega projects that are being implemented countrywide.

The meeting touched upon the latest developments in Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, Hafez added, noting that the two officials discussed ways to boost Arab national security in the face of the increasing international and regional challenges.

Shoukry stressed Egypt's "unwavering" support for the security and stability of Gulf countries, the statement added.

Shoukry flew to the UAE to participate in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, which brings together Arab and international decision-makers to discuss some of the most crucial issues facing the region.

The annual event kicked off on Sunday and will close on Wednesday.

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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a phone call on Monday where they touched upon several topics, including means of boosting Egyptian-Russian relations, particularly in terms of economic, industrial, and energy cooperation.

They also discussed the latest developments regarding the Dabaa nuclear power plant, Egypts first nuclear plant in Marsa Matrouh, Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The plant, which is being implemented by Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom under an agreement signed between Egypt and Russia in 2015, is expected to begin producing power in 2026.

El-Sisi and Putin also exchanged views on the latest developments concerning the establishment of the Russian industrial zone in eastern Port Said.

In July, the Russian authorities and Egypts Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) signed a preliminarily agreement to expand the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal.

The final agreement is expected to be signed before the end of the year, according to a previous statement by SCZone Chairman Yehia Zaki.

The Russian zone, under the new agreement, will be extended to eastern Port Said and Ain Sokhna over an area of 5 million square metres.

El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the long-standing Egyptian-Russian partnership, saying it has culminated with the conclusion of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries.

The two leaders signed the partnership agreement during a bilateral summit in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi in October 2018.

The move, El-Sisi said, opened new horizons for bilateral cooperation in many fields and joint projects.

Putin, on his part, affirmed his countrys keenness to continue to promote the fruitful and close cooperation between the two friendly countries, Rady said.

The Russian president also highlighted his keenness to foster regular coordination and consultation with the Egyptian president regarding various regional and international issues.

Furthermore, Putin expressed his appreciation for the regional and international efforts exerted by President El-Sisi.

These efforts strengthened the political paths for settling crises in the region, a matter that has consolidated Egypts role as the centre of gravity for maintaining peace and security in its surrounding region, Putin added.

Moreover, he added that Russia is keen to continue intensive cooperation and coordination between the two countries in this regard.

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Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry reiterated Egypts stance on the importance of holding the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections on time in December in a meeting with Vice President of the Libyan Presidential Council Musa Al-Kuni in Cairo on Monday.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, FM Shoukry stated that the elections were a critical step towards completing the political roadmap approved by the Libyan people in a manner that prevents Libya from descending into vicious cycles of insecurity and political instability

Shoukry also told Al-Kuni that Cairo will spare no effort to fulfill the well-deserved aspirations of the Libyan people for a secure and prosperous state that rejects all forms of illegal foreign presence and exercises its sovereignty over its entire territory through structurally sound and coherent Libyan national institutions.

The two officials also discussed and hailed the outcomes of the Paris Conference on Libya, which was held last Friday in Paris, as well as the latest developments in Libya itself.

Furthermore, the Egyptian minister discussed with the Libyan official the inevitability of the departure of all foreign forces, as well as mercenaries and foreign fighters, from Libya, as they are considered the main obstacle to reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Libyan crisis according to the international community.

The meeting between the two officials comes 24 hours before the race for the presidential elections is set to begin.

Incidentally, former Libyan president Muammar Al-Qaddafis son, Seif Al-Islam Al-Qaddafi, has re-emerged from after a prolonged absence from the political scene and declared his candidacy on Sunday.

According to news reports, Commander Khalifa Haftar is going to present the documents for his candidacy to the presidency officially on Tuesday.

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Light rainfall is expected on Tuesday in Cairo and parts of Nile Delta, Egypts Meteorological Authority (EMA) said in a statement.

The EMA warned that the northwestern coast, including Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, will see light to moderate rainfall.

Thick mist is also expected early on Tuesday morning from 5 to 7am along some roads and highways in Cairo and the Nile Delta.

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The Egyptian parliament approved on Monday new amendments to the law regulating the participation of the private sector in infrastructure, service and public utility projects.

A report prepared by the House's budget committee said the new legislative amendments will allow the private sector to work on designing, funding, implementing, operating, utilising and maintaining public projects.

"The amendments also allow the state's administrative system to award contracts to private sector companies in a much easier way to implement most infrastructure projects in transport, electricity, communications, information technology, water, sanitary drainage, education, etc," said the report.

The amendments also cover PPP (public-private-partnership) projects.

"A joint committee comprising specialists from the ministries of finance and planning will be entrusted with selecting a number of PPP projects every year and to be part of the annual socio-economic development plans," said the report.

Planning Minister Hala El-Said said in a plenary meeting on 17 October that private sector participation in infrastructure projects will be governed by feasibility studies reflecting national priorities and the state's Vision 2030 agenda.

El-Said also indicated that the amendments were drafted in a way that made sure they do not contradict with the law regulating the performance of the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE), which aims at maximising the profitability of the state's unutilised assets.

The law, which was provisionally approved on 17 October, received final approval on Monday when MPs and the government reached common ground on Article 17.

The final text of Article 17 states that "the cabinet shall have the power to exclude from the articles of this law the infrastructure, service and public utilities contracts awarded by administrative units to Egypt's Sovereign Fund."

This final text received approval from Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Alaa Fouad and several opposition and majority MPs.

Chairman of the budget committee Fakhri El-Fiqi explained that the new amendments will help simplify procedures required for winning project contracts and eliminate administrative obstacles which will make it much easier for private companies to tap into the field of mega projects.

El-Fiqi said the participation of the private sector in implementing infrastructure projects will be very important in the coming stage.

"The value of infrastructure projects in Egypt reached EGP 6 trillion over the last six years and is expected to double in the next few years," said El-Fiqi, noting that "PPP projects, in particular, have become a major part of the government policy because it relieves the state budget of gross financial burdens and widens the scope of private participation in mega-development projects."

The House's deputy speaker Mohamed Abul-Enein said it is very important that the government eliminate bureaucratic obstacles standing in the way of the private sector implementing infrastructure projects.

"This law encourages private investments in mega development projects which generate a lot of job opportunities," said Abul-Enein.

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Documents include political and personal profiles of three presidents who signed the historical accords

The Central Intelligence Agency has declassified 1,400 pages of intelligence related to the Camp David Accords that President Jimmy Carter negotiated in 1978 with the leaders of Israel and Egypt.

The documents include political and personality profiles of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin that Carter read before the 13-day summit at the presidential retreat.

Carter said Wednesday in Atlanta that the documents helped prepare him to negotiate what became the first treaty between the Jewish state of Israel and one of its Arab neighbors.

There also are transcripts of US National Security Council sessions and summaries of key meetings among US officials, Egyptians and Israelis.

The papers cover the period from January 1977 to March 1979.

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A recent Houthi rebel advance near Yemen's lifeline port of Hodeida has displaced more than 6,000 people, the United Nations has said.

The insurgents on Friday took control of a large area south of Hodeida, a key port where the warring sides agreed a ceasefire in 2018, after loyalist forces withdrew.

"Some 700 families (approximately 4,900 people) were displaced" to Khokha, over 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Hodeida, "while 184 other families (about 1,300 people) were displaced further south" to the Red Sea coastal town of Mokha, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, citing Yemeni government sources.

"No displacement has been reported within the areas that came under control of the de facto authorities," it said in a statement Sunday, referring to the Houthis.

Citing aid partners on the ground, it said a 300-tent site for displaced people had been set up in the Khokha district, while the authorities were reportedly looking for another site to cope with the influx.

But the UN also said the Houthi advance could result in "improved movement for civilians" between the provinces of Hodeida and Sanaa, and along roads connecting Hodeida city with other districts.

The Hodeida ceasefire was agreed at Yemen's last peace talks in Sweden in 2018, but clashes have since broken out between the rebels and pro-government troops around the city.

Two military officials said that fighting also erupted Saturday when the rebels tried to push farther south into government-controlled territory, but loyalist forces repelled the advance.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in 2015 to shore up the government, a year after the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced, in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The Iran-backed insurgents have also been engaged in a sustained attempt to capture Marib, the government's last stronghold in the north.

The UN last week called on "all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of civilians in and around those areas where shifts in frontlines have taken place".

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The Taliban have launched a crackdown on suspected Islamic State hideouts in southern Afghanistan, officials said Monday, following an increase in bloody attacks by the group in recent weeks.

The operation against Islamic State-Khorasan -- the local chapter of the jihadist group -- started around midnight in at least four districts of Kandahar province and continued through Monday morning, Taliban provincial police chief Abdul Ghafar Mohammadi said.

"So far, four Daesh (IS) fighters have been killed and ten arrested... one of them blew himself up inside a house," he said.

A member of the Taliban intelligence agency who declined to be named said at least three civilians were killed in the operation.

Local media quoted a Taliban official as saying there had also been a blast in a western suburb of Kabul Monday morning with no casualties.

In the three months since the Taliban came to power, IS-K has been active in Jalalabad, Kunduz, Kandahar and Kabul.

Last month the group claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack on a Shia mosque in Kandahar that killed at least 60 people and injured scores more.

That attack came a week after another deadly mosque blast claimed by IS-K in northern Kunduz province killed more than 60 people.

The group on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb that destroyed a minibus in Kabul at the weekend killing a well-known local journalist and up to two others.

IS-K boasted it had killed or injured "20 Shia apostates" in the incident.

Earlier this month IS-K fighters raided the city's National Military Hospital, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 50 others.

The group has also claimed several attacks in the city of Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province and a hotbed of IS-K activity.

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NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday cautioned Moscow against any aggression after "large and unusual concentrations of Russian forces" were spotted at Ukraine's border in recent weeks.

"Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities," Stoltenberg said after a meeting with Ukraine's foreign minister.

Germany on Monday also urged Russia to exercise "restraint" at the Ukrainian border amid growing concern in the West about Russian troop movements in the area.

"In order not to further aggravate an already tense situation, it's important for Russia to exercise restraint with regard to military activities and movements" along the border with Ukraine, German foreign ministry spokesman Christofer Burger told reporters. "We are watching these military activities by Russia with concern."

*This story was edited by Ahram Online

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American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar and was facing a sentence of 11 years of hard labor, was freed Monday and is on his way home.

Fenster was handed over to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate the release, and the two flew out of the Southeast Asian country together. Hours later, they landed in Doha, Qatar.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. He is one of more than 100 journalists, media officials or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February, and his was the harshest sentence yet.

'This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work,'' Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the U.N., said in a statement emailed by his office. 'We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.''

Fenster will return to the U.S. via Qatar over the next day and a half, according to the statement. He has been in detention since he was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area to see his family.

'We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home _ we cannot wait to hold him in our arms,'' his family said in a statement. 'We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.''

It was never exactly clear what Fenster was alleged to have done, but much of the prosecution's case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the military's seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

According to the United Nations, at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

Of seven journalists known to have been convicted, six are Myanmar nationals and four were released in a mass amnesty in October.

'We welcome the release of American journalist Daniel Fenster from prison in Burma, where he was wrongfully detained for almost six months,' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, using an old name for the country. 'We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma.''

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean echoed those sentiments.

'Danny is one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup,'' he said.

In a statement broadcast on state TV, the military said that Fenster had been released at the request of Richardson and the chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association. Japan, unlike the United States and the European Union, does not take a publicly confrontational stance with the military-installed government, and would like to see improved relations between Myanmar and the West.

'The Burmese generals were convinced that it wasn't worth it to hang on to Danny,'' U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan told Detroit radio station WWJ. 'He was innocent and he was just an annoyance for them. If they kept him and anything really happened to him, we would never forget it. We would never forgive them.''

Richardson said he discussed Fenster's release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ruler.

Richardson is best known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations _ such as North Korea _ to obtain the freedom of detained Americans. Recently he has been involved in seeking freedom for U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994 when as a member of the U.S. Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

In an interview with The Associated Press after his most recent visit to Myanmar, Richardson said his talks there had focused on facilitating humanitarian assistance to the country, particularly the provision of COVID-19 vaccines. That mission also resulted in the release from jail of Aye Moe, a young woman who used to work for Richardson's center on women's empowerment issues.

When asked by the AP if there was hope for Fenster's release, he replied: 'There's always hope. Don't ask any more.''

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster 'never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place.'

'Myanmar's military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges,' Crispin added.

During Fenster's trial, prosecution witnesses testified that they were informed by a letter from the Information Ministry that its records showed that Fenster continued to be employed this year by the online news site Myanmar Now _ one of dozens of outlets ordered shut in the press crackdown.

Both his former and current employers issued public statements that Fenster had left Myanmar Now last year, and his lawyer said defense testimony, as well as income tax receipts, established that he works for Frontier Myanmar. But without a government official's testimony to that effect, the judge only took into account the letter from the Information Ministry.

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The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development approved a 250 million loan for Egypt to finance the Abu Qir metro line in Alexandria, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat announced in a statement on Monday.

Al-Mashat explained that the loan comes as part of a strategic partnership between Egypts government and the EBRD that supports the states development efforts to execute a green transition as well as establish sustainable infrastructure for the transportation sector.

She also added that the EBRDs loan, alongside with other development finances provided by other international institutions, will be utilised to transform Abu Qirs railway to a green metro line.

Moreover, the loan reflects the serious strides Egypt is taking to push international efforts to accelerate climate action ahead of hosting the 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) officially in Egypt in November 2022.

Since beginning its operations in Egypt in 2012, the EBRD has invested over 7.7 billion in 134 projects, with 80 percent of these investments going to the private sector.

In 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic, the EBRD invested 1 billion in 21 projects in the country, which represents 47 percent of the banks total investments in the Mediterranean region.

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2021 - 19:58 | All, World, Japan

Japan and the United States on Monday agreed to launch negotiations to resolve a dispute over Washington's higher tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that were imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.

Meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Tokyo, trade and industry minister Koichi Hagiuda called for the abolishment of the additional duties on those products from Japan, government officials said.

The meeting, which lasted about one hour and 20 minutes, was organized after the United States ended a similar dispute last month with the European Union and is now allowing a certain quantity of European steel and aluminum to enter duty-free.

Hagiuda and Raimondo also decided to set up a new partnership aimed at bolstering industrial competitiveness, supply chains for key parts, including semiconductors and those linked to 5G networks, and economic security, according to their joint statement.

"Through today's discussions, I hope we can further expand the cooperative relations between the two countries," Hagiuda said at the meeting.

Raimondo responded the "Department of Commerce's commitment to Japan is unwavering as it is our desire to strengthen our economic partnerships with like-minded countries."

The department views China's steel overproduction as a problem for the U.S. economy and needs to be addressed globally.

The Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership was established to maintain a free and fair economic order and address climate change and other shared global challenges, the statement said.

On her first Asia trip since assuming the post in March, Raimondo met with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno in the afternoon.

During their meeting, Hayashi also called for scrapping the extra duties, to which she responded she will place a priority on dealing with the issue, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Matsuno also said after meeting her, "I conveyed my hope for Secretary Raimondo's leadership in concluding Japan-U.S. consultations at an early date toward abolishing the additional tariffs on steel and aluminum."

Since 2018, the United States has been imposing extra duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports due to claims of potential national security risks under Trump's "America First" foreign and trade policy.

The EU responded with a retaliatory measure but agreed on Oct. 30 to end the dispute. Japan, in contrast, has not taken a countermeasure but has repeatedly asked for the situation to be normalized.

"The United States and Japan will seek to resolve bilateral concerns in this area (of steel and aluminum)," the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Friday in a statement, just ahead of the visit to Japan by its chief Katherine Tai and Raimondo.

The start of talks on the steel issue with Japan will "present an opportunity to promote high standards, address shared concerns, including climate change, and hold countries like China that support trade-distorting non-market policies and practices to account," the USTR statement said.

Raimondo will make a two-day visit to Singapore from Tuesday and travel to Malaysia on Thursday.

The trip comes on the heels of U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement that his administration will develop what he calls an "economic framework that will define our shared objectives with partners in the region."

Tai will arrive in Japan for a three-day visit on Tuesday in her first Asian trip since taking up her position with the Biden administration. She will then make stops in South Korea and India.

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KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2021 - 14:25 | All, Japan

The mother of Megumi Yokota, who has come to symbolize the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, urged Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to take swift action to resolve the long-standing matter as Monday marked 44 years since her daughter went missing.

Sakie Yokota, the 85-year-old mother of Megumi, who was kidnapped at age 13, called on Kishida to hold dialogue with Pyongyang as she considers the new Japanese leader to be her last hope in making progress on the issue, which has become more urgent as relatives of those abducted in the 1970s and 1980s are aging.

"I want to work hard by using whatever strength that is left," she said in a video message for a meeting Sunday in the city of Niigata, central Japan, before the anniversary of her daughter's disappearance.

North Korean agents forcibly took Megumi on Nov. 15, 1977, when she was on her way home from school in Niigata on the Sea of Japan coast.

"I want (Kishida) to hold conversations with North Korea and realize the return of Japanese people left behind by all means," the mother said.

Talking to reporters last week at her home in Kawasaki, near Tokyo, Sakie said, "I don't know anything about (my daughter) since she was taken. The frustration I feel is beyond words."

"Our family loves Megumi. I want her to wait with hope without falling ill," she said. Megumi has twin brothers.

Last year, Megumi's father, Shigeru, who worked with other relatives of abducted nationals in pressing the government to rescue their children and siblings, died at age 87 without ever seeing his daughter again.

The Japanese government has prioritized the return of the abduction victims. However, the abductees' families have said little progress has been made despite their numerous requests to previous prime ministers to resolve the issue.

At a Tokyo gathering held Saturday demanding the return of the abductees, Kishida said he sees the issue as his administration's "top priority" and pledged that he will bring it up during his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden.

The premier is seeking to visit the United States for a summit with Biden by the end of the year.

"As abduction victims' family members age, we do not have much time left to solve the issue. I strongly believe that I must solve it," said Kishida, who became prime minister in October.

He also reiterated that he is willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "without preconditions." Pyongyang maintains that the issue is "already resolved."

On Sunday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who doubles as a minister in charge of the abduction issue, visited the site where Megumi was believed to have been kidnapped.

The Japanese government officially lists 17 citizens abducted by North Korean agents and suspects Pyongyang's involvement in other disappearances of Japanese nationals.

Of the 17, five were repatriated in 2002 following then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to North Korea. Pyongyang maintains that eight, including Megumi, have died, and the other four never entered the country.

The North initially said Megumi killed herself while being treated for depression in 1993 but later changed the year of her death to 1994.

Japan rejects the claim that she has died, partly because Pyongyang repatriated remains that it claimed were hers, but DNA testing conducted in Japan concluded they were not a match for Megumi.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 15, 2021 - 22:06 | Japan, Coronavirus, All

Japan is set to begin administering booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine from Dec. 1 after a health ministry panel approved the move on Monday, joining other countries in taking steps to prevent protection from waning over time.

The vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE will initially be the only one used for the third doses, meaning individuals who have received either of the other two types used in Japan -- Moderna Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc. -- will need to "mix and match."

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare panel also said individuals will in principle need to wait eight months between their second and third shots, though local governments can shorten the interval to six months if they deem it necessary, for example to curb an ongoing surge in infections.

Booster shots have proven effective in preventing the decline of protection against infection and severe symptoms over time, with the United States offering them since late September.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had vowed to begin administering third doses within the year, with the program set to start with medical personnel before expanding to the elderly in January.

Individuals aged 18 and older will be eligible for the booster shots and those with preexisting conditions or working in high-risk professions will be especially encouraged to get them.

Local governments will begin mailing out vouchers for the booster shots later this month.

Only messenger RNA vaccines developed by Pfizer or Moderna will be administered, regardless of the type individuals received as first and second doses. Moderna's vaccine, however, has yet to be approved by the health ministry for third shots.

The AstraZeneca vaccine, which uses different technology, will undergo further analysis before being used as a booster shot.

According to the Japanese government, more than 75 percent of the country's population has been fully vaccinated, a higher rate than most of the other members of the Group of Seven nations, despite the country getting off to a slow start. More than 78 percent have received at least one shot.

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New Delhi:

In yet another a stark reminder of deteriorating law and order situation in Nation Capital, a passerby was killed by some unidentified gunmen during a suspected gang war in Delhis Jyoti Nagar area. The shootout took place on Wednesday night. According to a Times of India report, the victim killed in the gang war has been identified as 25-year-old Akash Verma. The report said that the group of five men of one Anil gang had come to the area to kill gangster Govind Bhati. The men ambushed Bhati while he was returning from gym. They stabbed him 20 times and pumped over half dozen rounds of bullets, the TOI report said.

The report said that after killing Bhati, the criminals were about to leave the spot when they saw Verma. They presumed that he was Bhatis aide. Without asking or probing, they killed him on the spot. The Delhi Police has said that three men have been arrested for the brazen shootout. The enmity between Anil and Bhati dates back to 2016. Bhati had reportedly refused to join Anils gang. FIRs and counter FIRs were also lodged by the two groups.

Earlier, Delhi police arrested a 32-year-old Nandu gang member in connection with the murder of Tik Tok star Mohit Mor. The accused, Sandeep Pehalwan was the man who allegedly hired three people, including a teenager to kill Mor. Following a tip-off, Pehalwan was arrested from his residence in Najafgarh on Monday, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Anto Alphonse.

On May 21, Mohit Mor, a gym trainer who was quite popular on the video-sharing app Tik Tok with over 5 lakh followers, was brutally killed by three people inside a photocopy shop in Najafgarh area over a money dispute with Nandu gang.

According to reports, the Tik Tok star had taken Rs 30 lakh from Mangu, an alleged member of the Nandu gang, to invest in a property. After Mangu's death in gang ware in 2017, members of the Nandu gang asked him to return the money he had taken from him. He, however, allegedly refused to give the money to Mangus friends in the gang, which led to his murder.

After receiving threats from the Nandu gang members, Mor reportedly took protection from Pradeep Solanki and Vikas Dalal, alleged members of the Manjeet Mahal gang, the report quoted Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, deputy commissioner of police (special cell).
New Delhi:

Ujjwala-man Dharmendra Pradhan is set to become India's longest-serving Oil Minister as he set out for a second stint, during which his priorities he said will be to raise domestic oil and gas production, expedite creation of national gas grid and create common market-friendly infrastructure.

Pradhan is the only oil minister after Atal Bihari Vajpayee government's Ram Naik to have completed full five-year term. But unlike Naik, he has been reassigned the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, which he had made a common household name through the free LPG cooking gas connection scheme Ujjwala in the first stint.

Late Murli Deora too had a five-year stint - from January 2006 to January 2011, as the oil minister but it was split over two governments, both led by the UPA.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi reposing faith in him again, Pradhan is set to break the records of Naik and Deora to be the longest-serving Oil Minister of the country.

Hailing from Odisha, where his almost weekly visits and thousands of public meetings helped create a groundswell for the BJP in the state, he paid obeisance at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri in the morning before coming to the national capital to take charge as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

In Modi 2.0 government, he has also been given additional charge of Ministry of Steel. He took charge of that ministry as well.

"First five years of Modi government had seen several reforms, many projects and many new initiatives in the oil and gas sector. Those will continue and many more reforms will be ushered in," he told reporters after taking charge as oil minister.

The fruit of reforms undertaken during 2014 and 2019 will now be reaped, he said. "Creating a common infrastructure, market-friendly infrastructure will be the priority".

While the Ujjwala scheme helped take cooking gas to almost 90 per cent of households in the country, creating a grid of pipelines will help take the environment-friendly fuel the eastern and southern parts, which were left out of the gas revolution.

Natural gas reaching eastern states will help the industralisation of the region and create jobs.

"The work that we did in the last term will be expedited to see a comprehensive completion," he said, adding city gas projects in 400 towns will be implemented expeditiously.

"Many more policy reforms will be ushered in," he said.

Son of former Union minister of state for surface transport, Debendra Pradhan, he steered one of the two biggest social initiative of Modi 1.0 government. Besides providing free cooking gas (LPG) connection to poor women under Ujjwala scheme, the other big social initiative was to provide electricity connection to every household in the country.

While he micromanaged implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawla Yojana to see LPG customer base more than double to 26 crore in just five years, he kept Odisha central to his political priorities and virtually drove many a project in the oil ministry to the state.

A tough taskmaster, Pradhan was picked to head the high-stake Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas when Prime Minister Modi first rode to power in 2014.

He overhauled controversy-riddled oil and gas sector but kept touring his home state virtually every week during the last five years, building a base for the BJP. This paid off when BJP clinched 8 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, up from just one in 2014. It also improved tally in the state assembly to 23 from 10 previously.

Back in 2000, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's BJD contested assembly elections in alliance with the BJP. Pradhan won from Pallahara seat, news that Patnaik reportedly greeted with, 'Oh! I've got a problem'.

Pradhan was little known then and was just an activist of the BJP's student wing, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and a former student union leader of Utkal University. But Patnaik, who some say 'x-ray' eyes, saw in him a potential threat who could breach his citadel.

Almost two decades later, the chief minister's judgment is proving correct as the BJP put up a spirited challenge his uninterrupted reign.

Pradhan became an MP in 2004 after successfully contesting from the Deogarh parliamentary constituency. He, however, lost the 2009 assembly elections but then the hardworking and ambitious Pradhan made enough contacts in the nation's capital to build a successful political career.

He first became the BJP national secretary and then the general secretary. By 2012, he got elected to Rajya Sabha from Bihar. And when Modi swept to power in 2014 polls, he was made union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas with independent charge.

He again has been made a cabinet minister in Modi 2.0 government.

It was virtually because of Pradhan's ceaseless efforts that the BJP made deep inroads into the BJD-ruled state, eating into the vote-share of Naveen Patnaik-led BJD.

The saffron party's vote-share in the state registered a substantial rise from 21.88 per cent in 2014 to 38.4 per cent this time, while that of the BJD dropped to 42.8 per cent from 44.77 per cent.

Pradhan, who did not contest the just-concluded elections, was seen touring every nook and corner of Odisha to bolster the poll prospects of the BJP candidates. He coordinated electioneering in all Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in the state, trying to keep a tab on the pulse of the voters.

Just after the first phase of the four-phase elections in the state, the 50-year-old Union minister had announced a dal-salt-rice package for the poor. It was seen as a masterstroke by many, as the promise did not figure in the BJP's manifesto for the state.

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Pithoragarh:

An eight-member mountaineering team, including seven foreigners, has gone missing on its way to the 7,434 metre high Nanda Devi East peak, prompting a massive search and rescue operation amid bad weather. The team led by well-known British mountaineer Martin Moran includes three other climbers from the UK, two from the US and one from Australia, besides an officer from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi.

The team had left Munsiyari near Pithoragarh on May 13 to scale the peak but did not return to the base camp on May 25 as scheduled.

The missing climbers are Martin Moran, John McLaren, Richard Payne and Rupert Havel from the UK, Anthony Sudecam and Rachel Bimmel from the US, Ruth Macrain from Australia and IMF's Chetan Pandey, said Pithoragarh District Magistrate V K Jogdande.

The team leader Martin Moran is a well-known climber who has already scaled the peak twice in the past, he said.

The district administration launched the search operation after people at the base camp alerted authorities late on Friday night.

The team is said to have been missing since May 25 when it was supposed to return to the base camp, Jogdande told reporters on Saturday. The route to the peak begins from Munsiyari about 132 km from the district headquarters.

Besides the Indo-Tibetan Border Police search teams, a 14-member search and rescue team from Munsiyari too has been sent to the spot this morning, said the district magistrate.

The team comprises men from State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), medical profession, revenue police and local villagers, he said.

Another SDRF team left Dehradun in a helicopter on Saturday morning to conduct an aerial survey of the area but inclement weather hampered the operation, Jogdande said.

"It has been raining in the district. The helicopter which arrived from Dehradun to conduct an aerial survey could not take off due to bad weather. An air search will be conducted tomorrow if the weather permits," he said.

An ITBP search team has reached Martoli village about 21 km from Nanda Devi base camp," he said.

"We have also sought helicopter sorties from neighbouring districts of Chamoli and Rudraprayag to trace the exact location of the mountaineers, he said.

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New Delhi:

The Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan (BSER or RBSE) is expected to announce the RBSE class 10 results at time today. Earlier there were speculations that the board will not release 10th results before June, but seems like the evaluation is complete the scores of the candidates will be out on the last day of May.

Soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in. Alternatively, the candidates can also check the results by clicking on the link given below.

CLICK HERE FOR RBSE CLASS 10 RESULTS 2019

As many as 11.2 lakh students appeared for the examination and are expected to receive their RBSE Class 10 Result 2019 today. Upon formal declaration of the BSER Result 2019 candidates can visit the official website and enter their roll number in order to download the Rajasthan Board 10th Result 2019.

The Rajasthan Board held the RBSE 10th examinations from March 14 to March 27, 2019. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check the results:

Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on the Rajasthan Board class 10 result article

Step 2: Click on the right link Rajasthan Board12th Arts Result 2019

Step 3: Enter your Roll Number and other details in the space provided

Step 4: Submit to View your result

In 2018, the board released class 10 result on June 11 in which 79.86 per cent students passed in class 10. The pass percentage among regular students was 80.13 per cent and among private students was 14.55 per cent. The Board has already released the result for class 12 board exams. Rajasthan board releases Science and Commerce results together and Arts result separately. This year Science and Commerce stream result was announced on May 15 and Arts stream result was May 22.

In Science stream, 92.88 per cent students passed. In Commerce stream, 91.46 per cent students passed and in Arts stream, 88 per cent students passed. In the Varistha Upadhyay exam, 82.67 per cent students passed.

The results released at the websites are provisional only. Students should consult their respective schools and examination centers to collect the original marksheets and passing certificates required for admission purposes at higher secoundary classes.
New Delhi:

The benchmark BSE Sensex ended 118 points lower, dragged by losses mainly in auto and financial stocks at 39,714.20 points while the NSE Nifty too edged 23 points down to settle below the 12,000-mark. The broader NSE Nifty settled after dropping 23.10 points, or 0.19 per cent, at 11,922.80. During the day, the index hit a low of 11,829.45 and a high of 12,039.25.

However, on a weekly basis, the Sensex gained 279.4 points and the Nifty rose 78.70 points.

With the portfolios of ministers in the Narendra Modi government allocated, equity market weighed other global and domestic factors for further cues.

After gyrating nearly 750 points, the 30-share index settled 117.77 points, or 0.30 per cent, lower at 39,714.20. The gauge hit an intra-day low of 39,374.24 and a high of 40,122.34.

Yes Bank was the top loser in the Sensex pack, falling 4.27 per cent. Other losers include ITC, Vedanta and M&M, shedding up to 3.61 per cent.

Asian Paints, TCS and HCL Tech were among the gainers, rising up to 2.43 per cent. Investors also appeared cautious ahead of GDP data, scheduled for release later in the day, traders said.

BJP President Amit Shah who played a crucial role in the return of his partys government at the Centre will be the new Home Minister in Modi 2.0 Cabinet while incumbent Rajnath Singh has moved to Defence, another high profile ministry.

Outgoing Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be the new Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs while surprise inductee, former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, has been allocated the critical Ministry of External Affairs, the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced on Friday.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,664.74 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares to the tune of Rs 1,122.60 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed.

Weak trend in global markets too weighed on investor sentiment here, traders said. Asian bourses ended on a mixed note, while Europe was trading in the red in opening deals.

Meanwhile, the Indian rupee appreciated marginally to 69.82 against the US dollar. Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, fell 2.62 per cent to 63.62 per barrel.

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New Delhi:

Reciprocating to India's decision to remove all the temporary restrictions on all air routes, a senior Pakistani government official on Saturday said they will also lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India anytime soon. Reacting to India's decision, a senior official of the Pakistan government said, "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights, Pakistan is likely to reciprocate it".

The official told PTI that India has yet to inform Pakistan about lifting of airspace ban for its flights. "We only heard about this through the media as no communication in this respect has taken place as yet. We may follow the suit once India lifts air restrictions on our flights, he added.

The statement from Pakistans side comes hours after the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday announced on Twitter, "Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 Feb 19, have been removed".

The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a Jaish terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27 following an IAF strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot. On March 27, it opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 15, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till May 30.

As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit.

Thousands of travellers suffer flight cancellations, delays and soaring ticket prices due to Pakistan's decision to close its airspace for flights to and from India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

On the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra the UAE government in an extraordinary gesture lit up the iconic ADNOC building. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company or ADNOC is the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates. Narendra Modi was on Thursday sworn in as country's Prime Minister for a second term, heading the National Democratic Alliance government in the presence of a large gathering of national and international dignitaries. Modi, 68, was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Ram Nath Kovind at a glittering ceremony at the forecourt of majestic Rashtraparti Bhavan.

The flags of India and the UAE and portraits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were displayed on the facade of the iconic building.



Navdeep Singh Suri, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, told WAM, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, that since the visit of prime minister Modi to UAE in August 2015, the two nations have seen a real transformation in our bilateral ties.

The close friendship that has blossomed over the last four years between our Prime Minister and the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is well-known. The whole world can see it today in this unique celebration of the re-election of the Prime Minister for a fresh five-year term. The ADNOC tower behind us is beautifully lit up and adorned with the flags of India and UAE and visuals of the two leaders, he said.

But beyond the symbolism of these images is also the clear direction that the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince have provided to diplomats like us to make the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a truly vibrant example of what we can achieve when we work together, Suri said.

Over the last two years, Suri said bilateral ties have evolved from a simple buyer-seller relationship to a multi-faceted partnership that has led to our first strategic petroleum reserve, our first oil concessions in the Gulf and the agreement to work together in our West coast mega-refinery project.

So, as the Prime Minister starts his second term in office, there is tremendous sense of optimism for India-UAE ties. We now have the opportunity to build upon the strong platform that we have created over the last four years, and to make the coming period a truly Golden Era in our relationship, he said.

An extraordinary gesture! the UAE government lit up the iconic ADNOC building in #AbuDhabi on the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of PM @narendramodi and Council of Ministers, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
New Delhi:

The main accused in the killing of Surendra Singh - a close aide of Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani - was arrested following an encounter with police in Amethi.

Wasim was arrested in Shalhapur area under the Jamo police station on Thursday night following a brief encounter, Assistant Superintendent of Police Daya Ram said. The accused has sustained a bullet injury on his leg and was being treated in Jamo CHC hospital. The Jamo police station in-charge also suffered minor injuries in the gunfight.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place around the hospital and no one was allowed to meet him, the top cop said.

With this, all the five accused in the case have been arrested, he said.

A case was registered against five people for killing Surendra Singh. Four other accused - Ramchandra, Dharmanath, Naseem and Golu - have already been arrested. Ramchandra is a member of the kshetra panchayat and also a local Congress leader, the police said.

Singh, 50, a former head of Baraulia village, around 25 km from the Amethi district headquarters, was shot at around 11.30 pm on May 25. He was referred to a Lucknow hospital, but succumbed to injuries during treatment.
New Delhi:

The World Milk Day, celebrated on June 1 is aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of milk consumption. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) chose the day in 2001 to celebrate the important contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods and nutrition. The number of participating countries in the celebration is increasing year by year.

The day has been started celebrating in several countries (Malaysia, Colombia, Romania, Germany, United Arab Emirates, USA and etc) by the participation of various consumers and employees of milk industries.



The United Nations has called for a social media conversation to raise awareness about the nutritional value of milk on World Milk Day 2019.



In 2018, World Milk Day was celebrated with 586 events in 72 countries. Farmers, staff, families, politicians, chefs, nutritionists, doctors, academics and athletes raised their glasses of milk and shared information about the benefits of milk and dairy products in their lives. #WorldMilkDay achieved 868 million impressions (for May 1 to June 2) with over 80,000 posts from May 1 to June 2. The global campaign (including #WorldMilkDay, #RaiseAGlass and 19 translations and local hashtags) received over 1.1 billion impressions and 291 million in reach on social media.

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United Nations:

Indian-origin Anita Bhatia, a veteran in strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and management, has been appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the Deputy Executive Director in the global bodys agency focussed on women empowerment and gender equality. Bhatia holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Calcutta University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from Yale University and a Juris Doctor in Law from Georgetown University.

She has been appointed the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships, a statement from the UN Spokespersons Office and UN Women said Thursday.

She has had a distinguished career at the World Bank Group, serving in various senior leadership and management positions, both at the headquarters and in the field.

Bhatia brings extensive experience in the area of strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and management.

Veteran Indian diplomat and a gender equality champion Lakshmi Puri had previously served as the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

Bhatia served for several years as Director of Global Partnerships for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Groups private sector arm.

She developed and expanded innovative partnerships with public and private sector partners to support IFC strategy in key areas, including fragile and conflict-affected states, gender equality, financial inclusion, support to women-owned businesses and other priorities critical to attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, Bhatia has served as Director of Development Partner Relations for the World Bank, leading efforts to ensure strategic alignment between institutional priorities and resource mobilisation across the group.

In various positions, she focused on enhancing sustainability, institutional effectiveness and impact through strategic partnerships.

As Head of IFCs Latin America Advisory Operations, based in Lima and La Paz, she successfully grew the Corporations reach and impact in the region.

As Director of Partnerships and Advisory Operations, she oversaw financial management, risk management, portfolio management, knowledge management and learning for Advisory Services across the globe.

Bhatia has led diverse teams, including as Global Head of Knowledge Management, Head of Business Process Improvement and Head of Change Management. In addition to Latin America, she has worked in Africa, Europe, Central Asia and South and East Asia.

The key appointment comes less than a week after Guterres appointed decorated Indian Army officer Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar as his new Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan.

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New Delhi:

At least seven people were arrested in Uttar Pradeshas Baghpat after they allegedly assaulted two Army personnel, one of them badly wounded, after an altercation while they were having lunch at a restaurant.

A video of the clash, posted by news agency ANI, which went viral shows a group of men beating up an army jawan (in green kurta) with sticks and rods, while another armyman (carrying a red bag) tries to stop the men from beating his colleague. The other jawan, however, was also beaten up.

#WATCH Baghpat: Two Army jawans(one with a red bag and one in green kurta) thrashed by restaurant employees yesterday after a minor argument.More than 7 people have been arrested by Police. (Note: Abusive language) pic.twitter.com/Of0oaDWdr5 a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 2, 2019

In the video, the soldier in the green kurta can be seen bleeding profusely after the group thrashed him. The men attacking him can be heard hurling abuses.

A aTwo Army jawans were having lunch at a restaurant when they had an argument with a person, then the restaurant staff got involved and a fight broke out. A case has been registered and 7-8 restaurant employees have been arrested, further probe is underway,a police official Ramnand Kushwaha told the agency.

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New Delhi:

Admiral Karambir Singh took over as new Navy Chief at a solemn ceremony on Friday. Outgoing chief of naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said that, athe Navy is mission-ready to meet maritime security challenges. I am pleased to hand over my responsibilities to my very capable successor.a On Wednesday, a military tribunal had allowed Singh to take charge as the new Navy chief on Friday as it deferred hearing on a petition challenging his appointment by nearly seven weeks.

Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Bimal Verma had approached the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) here challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority.

A

"The AFT posted the matter for hearing on July 17 as government sought more time for placing records relating to Vice Admiral Singh''s appointment before the tribunal," Singh was appointed as the next Chief of Naval Staff by the Narendra Modi government. Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba will vacate the office on May 31, 2019. aThe Admiral is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, the Admiral earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1982 and has flown extensively on the Chetak and Kamov helicopters.A He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai and has served as Directing Staff in both these institutions,a the navy said in a statement.

aIn his career spanning nearly 36 years, the Admiral has commanded an Indian Coast Guard Ship, a Naval Missile Corvette as well as Guided Missile Destroyers.A He has also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.A Ashore, the Admiral has served at Naval Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Air Station at Mumbai,a the statement added.

With a coastline of over seven thousand km, Indian Navy has is the ultimate challenge of protecting not just the water ways but also counter China in the Indian Ocean. In January this year, the Navy had commissioned a new air base in the strategically located Andaman and Nicobar islands as part of efforts to expand operational presence in the Indian Ocean where China has been increasing its military presence.

The new base -- INS Kohassa was inaugurated by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in the presence of top naval commanders. Over a year back, the Navy had implemented a new plan for deployment of warships in the Indian Ocean region to effectively counter China's growing presence in the strategically key waters. The "new mission-based deployment" plan involves deploying mission-ready ships and aircraft along critical sea lanes of communications.

The Navy has also been involved in numerous humanitarian missions. The most recent one was three ships were sent to cyclone-hit Mozambique. The first training squadron of the Indian Navy -- Sujata, Sarathi and Shardul -- operating in the Southern Indian Ocean, were diverted to Port Beira, following a request received from the government of Mozambique.

Amid tension with Pakistan and China flexing muscles in the international waters, Indian Navyas next chief will have a tough road ahead. Meanwhile, on March 19, the navy had conducted TROPEX 19, the exercise to test the operational readiness. Lessons learnt from the exercise would provide the Navy accurate assessments to fine tune combat deployment, force structuring requirements, operational logistics as also material and training imperatives, a release said.

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New Delhi:

Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be on a two-day visit to Wayanad, his new Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, from June 7 to 8. This will be his first visit to Wayanad after winning the parliamentary constituency in this Lok Sabha elections.

Gandhias A Twitter account for Wayanad announced on Friday, "Congress President and newly elected Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Shri Rahul Gandhi will be in the constituency on 7th and 8th of June to thank the people for their love and support".

Congress President & newly elected Member of Parliament from Wayanad, Shri @RahulGandhi will be in the constituency on 7th & 8th of June to thank the people for their love & support. a Rahul Gandhi - Wayanad (@RGWayanadOffice) May 31, 2019

During his two-day tour, Gandhi will be visiting all the seven Assembly constituencies of Wayanad to thank the people for showing faith in him, a party leader told the news agency IANS.

Gandhi, who contested from two Lok Sabha constituencies this election, won from Wayanad but lost his traditional bastion Amethi to BJP candidate and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

In Wayanad, the Congress president defeated his nearest Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate PP Suneer by a record margin of over 4.31 lakh votes. While Gandhi securedA 7,06,367 votes,A Suneer ended up baggingA 2,74,597 votes. The BJP-led NDA candidate Thushar Vellapally, who is also state NDA chairman, came a poor third, polling about 78,000 votes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Delhi:

The first meeting of newly appointed Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to be held on Friday, a day after swearing-in ceremony, according to sources. Although there was no set agenda for the meeting, the governments strategy for the next five years is likely to be discussed, the sources said.

On Friday, Narendra Modi took oath as prime minister for the second consecutive term, while 57 others were sworn in as ministers. Of the total 57 ministers, 24 were of Cabinet rank, 9 of independent minister of state rank and 24 minister of state rank.

The portfolios of them will also be announced later today. This time, 26 new faces, including BJ)P president Amit Shah, have been inducted in the Union Cabinet. The most surprising of them all was the name of former foreign secretary S Jaishankar.

According to sources, Amit Shah is likely to replace Arun Jaitley as the Union finance minister after the later opted out from staying in the government, citing poor health. The former foreign secretary, who surprised many by his induction in the new Cabinet, may get Sushma Swarajs foreign affairs ministry.

The Council of Ministers in the new Modi government has six women members. While 3 of them were sworn in as cabinet minister, others took oath as minister of state (MoS).

Several regional leaders, including heads of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan besides the president of the Kyrgyz Republic and the prime minister of Mauritius, were present during the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi at the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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New Delhi:

Tej Pratap Yadav, son of RJD leader Lalu Yadav, on Fridya sustained injuries after his car met with an accident in Bihars Patna. The RJD leader was inside the car when it met with head on collision with another car coming from the opposite direction. The accident took place near Echo park in Patna.

According to the police, "Tej Pratap Yadav was going from his official residence towards his party office with an aide, when their speeding car collided with another car coming from the opposite direction near the busy Eco Park area."

While the former Bihar Health Minister hurt his leg, his aide was critically injured. Four others, who were sitting in the other car also received minor injuries.

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Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is the latest addition to the fiercely competing SUV market of Nepal.

Tiggo 4 Pro is one of the many SUV models from Chery Automobile Co Ltd. Founded in 1997, it is a globalised automobile brand originally located in China and now has made its way to Nepal. SPG Automobiles Pvt Ltd, a company under the Sharda Group, has been appointed the authorised distributor for Chery Automobile Co Ltd in Nepal, and now, it has launched Chery Tiggo 4 Pro here.

Lets get into the details of this stylish SUV.

Specifications

Displacement Length: 4,378mm

Width: 1,830mm

Height: 1,670mm

Wheelbase: 2,630mm

Ground clearance: 200mm Engine 1.5L petrol and 1.5L turbo petrol Emission standard BS6 Displacement 1498cc Seating 5-seater Max power 85 PS @ 5500 rpm (in Non-Turbo) 108 PS @ 5500 rpm (in turbo) Max torque 142 Nm @ 4000 rpm (in Non-Turbo) 210 Nm @ 4000 rpm (in turbo) Transmission 9-speed CVT Drive type FWD Top speed 100kmph Fuel tank capacity 57 litres Mileage 14kmpl Front tyre 215/65 R16 (in non-turbo)

215/60 R17 (in turbo) Rear tyre 215/65 R16 (in non-turbo)

215/60 R17 (in turbo) Tubeless tyre Yes Suspension MacPherson Strut and Torsion Beam Boot storage 340 litres Safety ABS, ESC, EBD, TCS Kerb weight 1405 kg

Design

Photo: Chery

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro features some impressive styling that is sure to impress buyers and people in general. At the front, this SUV gets a hexagonal waterfall grille with the Chery logo in the middle. There are LED projector headlights on either side and below them are fog lamps housed in the bumps. The bonnet also gets a muscular shape that helps enhance the looks of the vehicle.

Photo: Chery

At the back, there are wraparound blackened LED tail lamps and a properly done Chery badging that looks classy. The faux silver skid plates in the rear also add style to the vehicle. The black 17-inch machine-cut alloys look great and the black claddings further increase the beauty of Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.

Photo: Chery

Engine and performance

Photo: Chery

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is equipped with a 1.5T engine, which is subjected to a technological upgrade from a 1.5VVT engine. It adopts Honeywell turbocharger, BorgWarner DVVT technology, integration technology of cylinder head and exhaust manifold, electronic thermostat and other technologies for high reliability.

Photo: Chery

This engine can generate a maximum power of 108BHP at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 210Nm at 4000rpm. The engine is mated with a 9 speed CVT gearbox. High engine parameters ensure high and continuous powers at low and high speeds respectively.

Furthermore, this vehicle provides two driving modes to the user: eco and sports. The inclusion of McPherson struts upfront ensures a smooth riding experience.

Interiors

Photo: Chery

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has a spacious interior that is well integrated and the materials of the interiors display quality as well. There is a pop-up 10.25-inch infotainment system on the board that supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The LCD screen displays information like speed, fuel, range and more.

Photo: Chery

The chunky steering wheel is flat-bottomed and gets tilt and telescopic adjustment and there are buttons for media and telephonic controls. The central console has a beautiful black finish which is susceptible to fingerprints.

The door compartments can fit a one-litre bottle or a similar element. Under the front armrest on the centre console is a cooled compartment that can accommodate smaller bottles and cans. The power controls are only provided for the drivers seat. Rear passengers also get a rear air convent and a USB port.

Photo: Chery

The boot space is also plenty on Chery Tiggo 4 Pro. The rear seat gets a 60:40 split. It also has a powered sunroof that floods the cabin with enough light. There is also automatic headlamps, climate control and a voice command system.

Safety

Photo: Chery

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has plenty of safety features for users. It adopts a high-strength body. The whole car covers adopt galvanised steel, with high strength steel accounting for more than 60%, and Bentler ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel is adopted with a yield strength of more than 1500Mpa. It is equipped with six ring-type airbags to provide comprehensive and thoughtful protection and reduce injury to personnel in the car.

In addition, it is equipped with a body anti-theft alarm system. The engine anti-theft system only recognises the original factory key. If you enter any other key, the car will immediately cut off the circuit automatically and if someone pries the door or trunk, it will immediately trigger the anti-theft alarm, and the turn signal continues to blink.

Other safety feature includes ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP), TCS, rolling stability control (RSC), hill assist, hill descent and direct tyre monitoring system. The vehicle even sends a fatigue alert that reminds you to take a rest if you drive the vehicle for too long.

Other notable features

Some of the impressive features that Chery Tiggo 4 Pro packs are:

Industry-leading Bosch ESP 9.3 system: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is equipped with a standard Bosch ESP 9.3 electronic stability system and industry-advanced high-performance quad-core processor to achieve faster computing speed and faster response. ESP9.3 adopts a new digital pressure sensor, with adjustment accuracy increased by 33 times compared with the analogue pressure sensor of the ESP9.1 version, and the dynamic control of the body is more exquisite.

Anti-pinch doors and windows, and safety locks to protect children: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro is equipped with four doors and a four-window anti-pinch system, with such functions as window anti-pinch, auto-locking and window via remote control key and down the window function, featuring convenient and time-saving, safer and worry-free. It is equipped with a child safety lock, which is controlled via the door switch, and the locking/unlocking status can be confirmed via switch prompt light and dashboard dynamic prompt for convenience and safety.

Tyre pressure monitoring to ensure drive safety: The direct tyre pressure monitoring system of the new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro provides a tyre pressure sensor in each tyre, and the tyre pressure information and tyre temperature are displayed on the instrument through a radio frequency signal to prevent accidents. The system will automatically give an alarm in case of low or high tyre pressure.

Photo: Chery

Availability and prices

The booking for Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has started, and currently, there are three variants:

Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5L manual: Rs 4,620,000

Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5L CVT: Rs 5,250,000

Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5L Turbo CVT: Rs 5,840,000

With the given price range, it competes with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Sonet and Volkswagen Taigun.
On March 19, 2013, the Khil Raj Regmi-led government recommended Lokman Singh Karkis name for the vacant position of the chief of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse Of Authority (CIAA), the anti-corruption constitutional body of Nepal.

When Karki, who had served as a chief secretary of the government, was recommended, he did not have a good public image. Writ petitions were filed against Karki, but the Supreme Court, on May 7, 2013, acquitted Karki, who then became the chief of the CIAA.

His history and track record came back to bite Karki, and he was not allowed to serve his full term. Questioning his qualifications and competency, writ petitions were filed at the Supreme Court while lawmakers registered an impeachment motion in the parliament.

As soon as he was appointed, Karki publicly announced he would take action against Maoist leaders like Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nanda Bahadur Pun for their role in the Maoists military camps. Experts believe that that was what triggered the impeachment motion. Karki, despite not being eligible, was made chief of the CIAA. This, experts say, was not a mistake made inadvertently but an error made knowingly.



Dinesh Thapaliya, after he resigned from his position as a government secretary, was recommended for the position of the chief of the Election Commission by the KP Sharma Oli government. In April 2019, both ruling and opposition sides unanimously voted in favour of Thapaliya becoming the Election Commission chief. But, it did not take long for parties to start questioning Thapaliya. When the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party was on the verge of a split, rather than making things smoother, Thapaliya, who was an Oli aide, started to take decisions that would favour Oli.



Maoist leader Dahal appointed Sushil Bhatta as a member of the National Planning Commission. Later, Bhatta, who wanted to be close to the ruling party, became closer to Oli than Dahal. His efforts reaped reward as Oli recommended him to become the chief of the Investment Board Nepal despite not being fully eligible for the job.

Bhatta, who owns a construction company that has not been completing projects on time, was given more projects to undertake. This caused a lot of hullabaloo within the erstwhile NCP, but no one filed a complaint as this was swept under the rug.



Mahesh Dahal, who left the Nepali Congress to join the Maoists party in June 2019, was appointed Nepali Ambassador to Australia by Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Similarly, Dawa Futi Sherpa, daughter of Yeti Worlds chairman, was appointed Nepals Ambassador to Spain.



These are a few examples of how political appointments have been taking place in the country. These political appointments lack both morality and transparency, but that has been considered normal. Things now are getting out of hand as political appointments have started tarnishing the image of significant public institutions also.

The recent case

Cholendra Shamsher Rana

Take Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana, for example. Rana has been surrounded by controversies from the time he served as the legal officer for Kathmandu metropolitan city. He also made a lot of controversial decisions when he was a judge at the Special Court. Politicians have known about this for years, but despite this, then law minister Narahari Acharya recommended he be appointed a justice at the Supreme Court. This was the same year Deepak Raj Joshee and Gopal Prasad Parajuli were made justices at the Supreme Court. What made things worse was temporary judges like Bharat Upreti and Prakash Osti, who had done a good job, were not appointed judges.

After controversies surrounding Joshee and Parajuli, Rana was appointed the chief justice. During his appointment, nothing was said but now the same people have been accusing Rana of having a conflict of interest and asking for his resignation.

But, Rana has not budged a bit. He seems confident and fearless. With support from politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties, Rana is unmoved as he refuses to resign from his post. Protests have been held at the Nepal Bar Association and outside the Supreme Court, but he refuses to budge. The only people who have not been protesting are the people who appointed him.

Political appointments like these are wrong at so many levels, says Kedar Bhakta Mathema, an educationist and former vice-chancellor of the Tribhuvan University. He says these appointments question the integrity of the constitutional bodies that these people lead.

People who reach a certain position despite not having the qualification can either become good or bad. Some rise to perform extraordinarily, but some use their influence to do whatever they want. Even it means defaming the position theyre holding, says Mathema, adding most of these people have senior politicians on their right hand.

The multiparty malice

A Constitutional Council meeting takes place in December 2020 to decide political appointments at various constitutional commissions.

Before 1990, people in government positions were appointed by the king himself. But, after the multiparty democracy was established, politicians stated that public institutions need to be strong and impartial. Political parties then stepped up efforts to make public institutions stronger. They made sure the people who were appointed were qualified. This was heeded by everyone for a few years as political appointments made from 1992 to 1994 were not controversial.

But, after 1994, things changed.

In 1990, then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala appointed Surya Nath Upadhayay, a non-political expert, as the secretary of a commission that drafted the constitution. Appointing Upadhayay, Koirala said he wanted people who were capable and did not want to hire people from his own party. However, this did not last long. Post-1994, Nepali Congress started appointing people close to them, especially those who supported them financially.

Former foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali says political appointments have been happening since the 1990s.

Politicising the legal system of the country started during the time of Bishwanath Upadhayay and has continued till today. Yes, we are also to blame for continuing this and are ready to accept the blame, says Gyawali.

He says if they want to stop politicisation, the government needs to stop appointing people in the Judicial Council that has the law minister, government attorney and an advocate recommended by the Nepal Bar Association.

I personally dont find political appointments wrong. But once at the office, that person should not be involved in any form of politics, he adds.

Alarming aggravation

File: Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA)

Initially, people who were close to politicians were handed public posts. But by 2000, people who supported political parties financially started to get these positions. This became worse in 2006 after the peoples movement.

Electing people after taking money started becoming a side business for politicians. This brought middlemen close to politicians. Experts believe this was the start of the downfall of public institutions as people who were not capable started to get appointed in various posts.

According to former justice Prakash Osti, middlemen and politicians got closer after the peoples war. These middlemen were mostly land brokers who had earned a lot of money. But, after the 2008 recession, they started to find other means to earn money. Osti says they are the reason why people who were the right men/women for the job started to get overlooked. Middlemen started to use their influence to hire people whom they could control for their benefit.

These middlemen and politicians then started to feel the people who they have appointed should be loyal to them and work under their orders. This is not limited to one institution. From the gates of Baluwatar to the rooms of the Singha Durbar and constitutional committees, Nepals public institutions started to get corrupt and useless.

Former secretary Rameshore Khanal says that around 2008, political appointments were made via an auction. By 2010, such practices were seen everywhere.

They paid to get a certain post and political leaders responsible for their appointments started to take advantage of these people, says Khanal. They even started to alter the appointment procedure as they wanted people they know at these posts.

A recent example shows how this works. On December 15, 2020, the Council of Ministers brought in an ordinance whereby the Constitutional Council could appoint people even if only three people of the council were present. The same day, then PM Oli, Chief Justice Rana and National Assembly Chairperson Ganesh Timilsina appointed 32 people for roles in various public institutions.

As soon as these people were appointed, Oli then revoked the ordinance. That led to a lot of criticism as multiple writ petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court. But, the hearing of these petitions has not been over. Rana has been accused of intentionally delaying the hearing of this petition.

The law states that the Judicial Council is responsible for the appointment of justices and the Constitutional Council is responsible for the political appointments of officials at other public constitutional institutions based on merit. However, nothing like that has happened which has made the justice system a laughing stock.

As ministers and prime ministers have been appointing people, the bodies responsible for appointing people have no work as they cannot act independently.

Khanal says that things like these question all the political appointments as a whole. The process of political appointments is wrong. Law states that a government secretary cant be transferred until they stay for two years. But, our politicians have disregarded these laws. They are immoral and only look for their benefit. They dont care about what impact its going to have on a public institution, says Khanal.

Experts add the problem exists because politicians want as much money as they can get to spend during the election. Another reason for these political appointments is to hide the mistakes they have done as they do not want to be defamed.

An example of this was the Baluwatar land case, in which the CIAA did not indict ruling party leaders of any wrongdoings. The Maoist army case did not even come across one CIAA chief to date. This, according to Surya Nath Upadhayay, a former chief of the CIAA, is normalising corruption.

When I was chief, we asked the court to book people like Khum Bahadur Khadka and other Nepali Congress leaders. But, the rest walked away. Why? We dont know, he says.

He says that by the end of his tenure, politicians started to intervene in everything.

Did Lokman Singh, Navin Ghimire or Cholendra Rana do anything? Do they think we are fools?, questions Upadhayay.

Other experts say that the reason behind these selfish political appointments is money. This, they say, has questioned the integrity of public institutions like the Supreme Court and the CIAA.

This will one day affect the countrys economy drastically, says Khanal.
Cover Story

An American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer, John Dewey reiterated a concept called constructivism' in the traditional schooling system. As per this child centered philosophy, the teacher who understands children's development can recognize the buds' of skill development as a prelude to guiding child from a nascent stage to a more mature form of understanding. Realizing the long term benefits that a child attains from such a remarkable process, some top notch schools are striving to foster high order reasoning and create autono mous learners by infusing constructive pedagogy with teachers taking ownership of child's academics and development.
Queen Elizabeth II has sprained her back, Buckingham Palace says, keeping her from attending what would have been her return to duty Sunday after several weeks of heightened concern over the state of the 95-year-old monarch's health.

The queen's decision, which was announced Sunday morning just a few hours before she was scheduled to appear, was made with "great regret" and "disappointment" over missing the service, the palace told USA TODAY in a statement.

British media reported that the back sprain was not believed to be related to the recent medical advice to rest that prompted other cancellations.

The palace said just days ago the queen was determined not to miss Remembrance Sunday, a sacred ceremony in the royal diary that usually brings out most of the senior royals.

More: Queen Elizabeth advised to rest for next two weeks, cancels upcoming schedule

"It remains The Queens firm intention to be present for the National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14th November," the palace previously said.

The palace's original statement obtained by USA TODAY on Thursday said the queen had taken her doctors' advice and would not be attending the service or opening session of the General Synod of the Church of England, which she heads, on Tuesday. Her youngest son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, will attend as planned.

(L-R) Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London, on November 14, 2021.

On Sunday, other royals and politicians led the ceremony in Londons Whitehall, with hundreds of military personnel and veterans lined up around the Cenotaph memorial. It was the first time the event had returned to normal since the pandemic began.

After Royal Marine buglers sounded the The Last Post, Prince Charles, who turns 73 on Sunday, laid the first wreath on the queens behalf, as he has done since 2017. He was followed by other royals and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The queen also missed the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on Saturday night at the Royal Albert Hall, which she usually attends. Other senior members of the royal family attended, including Prince Charles and his wife, Duchess Camilla of Cornwall, and Prince William and Duchess Kate of Cambridge.

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London, on November 14, 2021.

When her medical advisers told the queen last month that it was best if the she took a break after a busy few weeks of in-person engagements, she agreed with regret, according to Buckingham Palace.

She had spent one night in the hospital for unspecified "preliminary investigations," which the palace did not disclose until she was already back home at Windsor Castle the next day.

She agreed to engage only in light desk duties, and canceled in-person engagements, including a visit to Northern Ireland and a reception at the COP26 climate-change conference in Glasgow.

More: Prince Harry & Duchess Meghan arrange their own Remembrance Day ritual at LA cemetery

The commemoration has taken place every November since 1919 at the Cenotaph (Greek for "empty tomb") in Whitehall, the London street where government buildings stand, and features some of the military pomp and ceremony for which Britain is known.

More: New photos show Queen Elizabeth in a mask for the first time, but she skips mask for Remembrance Day

In most of the previous Remembrance ceremonies of her 69-year-long reign, the queen would lay the wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph. The only times she has missed the event is when she was pregnant or abroad.

In 2017, for the first time due to her advancing age, Charles carried out the ritual on her behalf as she watched from the balcony.

By custom, the royal men who hold honorary military commissions dress in uniforms; the royal women dress in black, including their hats.

Rows of crosses with poppies are laid out on Nov. 8, 2021, to make a field of Remembrance beside Westminster Abbey in preparation for Remembrance Sunday in London.

It's a change for the queen, known for the bright colors she usually wears in public. The last time she was seen in mourning colors was in April at the COVID-reduced funeral in Windsor of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was 99.

The only bits of color are the small red artificial poppy pins British men and women (and many Europeans) wear on lapels and shoulders throughout November. (Remembrance Sunday is also known as Poppy Day.)

In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday, which takes place on the Sunday closest to Armistice Day on Nov. 11, is comparable to America's Memorial Day. It's especially important to the queen because she is one of the few Britons left who lived through and survived World War II, when her father, George VI, was on the throne.

She represents the closest connection among the living royals to Britains military history, says Nicoletta Gullace, a professor of British history at the University of New Hampshire.

The queen regards the Remembrance Sunday devotions as perhaps the most hallowed of her duties, Gullace says. "Her presence, even if only for a short appearance, is vitally important to the monarchy since her absence would lead to grave doubts about her health."

Most Brits have grown up associating the sacrifices and the victories of the war with the royal family, who take very seriously their commitment to pay tribute to those died helping to save Britain.

Contributing: The Associated Press

'An incredible honor': Elton John receives highest award bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queen Elizabeth sprains back, skips Remembrance Sunday
(Adds Azeri comment)

MOSCOW, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan's troops on Monday of violating the border between the two countries and sacked his defence minister, the Interfax news agency reported.

Another Russian news agency, RIA, quoted Armenia's Security Council as saying the incident took place on Sunday but the Azeri troops had since left.

Interfax quoted an Azeri foreign ministry spokesperson as saying Azeri forces were operating on the country's own sovereign territory and accusing Armenia of "provocations".

The incident marked an escalation of tensions between the two former Soviet republics, which fought a 44-day war last year that killed at least 6,500 people and ended in a decisive victory for Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan did not say on what scale the alleged incursion had taken place but told a security council meeting that he had dismissed minister Arshak Karapetyan over the incident.

TASS news agency said Armenia had reported the episode to Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a military alliance of post-Soviet states.

Last year's war over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh was ended by a Russian-brokered deal under which Moscow deployed 1,960 peacekeepers to the region for an initial five-year period.

But the accord left many questions unresolved, including the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh and the Armenians who live there, who numbered up to 150,000 before the war. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova Writing by Olzhas Auyezov and Mark Trevelyan, Editing by William Maclean and Angus MacSwan)
The obvious case for allowing the free market to make decisions in industries like energy is that, when changes are forced instead of adopted naturally (usually via laws or government subsidies), they often work against the interests of efficiency.

That's a lesson several companies found out first hand. In fact, Bloomberg writes there is now a "growing unease among climate activists and some investors that the policy many of them championed could lead to more coal being produced for longer".

For example, Anglo American Plc, one of the worlds most powerful mining companies, has become "a case study in unintended consequences" after climate activists and investors urged it to stop digging up coal, Bloomberg reported this week. Now, it has transformed mines that were one set for closure into "the engine room for a growth-hungry coal business".

Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani had seen Rio Tinto sell off its coal mines and had a plan to shut down its seven South African mines. But the company wasn't taking action fast enough for activists and investors, so Anglo spun off another company called Thungela and tucked its coal operations into the SpinCo. Investors could then "decide for themselves" if they wanted to hold or sell shares of the SpinCo.

The SpinCo Chief Executive Officer, July Ndlovu, then announced they were looking to grow their coal production, not shrink it.

I didnt take up this role to close these mines, to close this business, Ndlovu said. Its South African mines have the potential to add a decade or more of mining, producing more than 10 million tons of coal per year.

BHP Group, a rival company, had trouble selling a colliery earlier this year so it applied to extend mining at the site for another two decades. It was thought of as a way to sweeten a deal to sell the mine, but may wind up turning into BHP simply mining at the site for longer than expected. Investors continue to bring up BHP's exit strategy from the mines as a point of contention.

Story continues

Related: Can U.S Shale Drillers Help Prevent An Energy Crunch?

The big push from investors is around ensuring that any divestment that occurs is to parties that are responsible, BHP CEO Mike Henry said.

Glencore Plc announced earlier this year it would increase its ownership of a large Colombian coal mine after seeking out the opinions of activists, the report says. The company has promised to end its coal operations by 2050, but has also prepared "contingency" plans in the event investors "force it".

Nick Stansbury, head of climate solutions at Legal & General Group Plc, told Bloomberg: Everyone in the industry is starting to be more sophisticated, more nuanced and more careful on the way they think these issues through.

Ashley Hamilton Claxton, the head of responsible investment at Royal London Asset Management, concluded by stating that fossil fuel companies should hold on to their coal assets and manage their decline: Selling the problem to a third party has unintended consequences. We need to shift the debate in the investment industry about being more sophisticated around these things.

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Read this article on OilPrice.com
Motric Bio is the seventh company formed by Aditum Bio

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aditum Bio, the biotech investment firm co-founded in 2019 by former Novartis CEO Joe Jimenez and former President of the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) Dr. Mark Fishman, today announced the formation of Motric Bio, a portfolio company developing a new therapy for spasticity associated with neurological injuries and disease. Motric Bio is being formed following the successful in-licensing of a myosin-2 inhibitor, which has shown selective inhibition of fast skeletal muscle, from Motorpharma, Ltd.

"Muscle spasticity caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurologic conditions is an area of high unmet medical need, with more than 2 million people suffering in the US alone, and 12 million worldwide," said Joe Jimenez, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aditum Bio. Dr. Mark Fishman, Co-Founder and Chair of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Boards added, "Current treatments target the central nervous system, with many causing neurological and cardiovascular side effects. This molecule has shown selectivity to fast skeletal myosin-2, with practically no inhibition of cardiac and smooth muscle myosins. We believe this could lead to greater efficacy and fewer side effects than the current standard of care. We look forward to advancing this important therapy into the clinic to help these patients."

Dr. Anna Rauscher, CEO of Motorpharma, Ltd. commented: "This molecule is the result of over 20 years of research to develop selective myosin-2 inhibitors. We are pleased to partner with Aditum Bio to form Motric Bio, enabling this drug to enter the clinic to help patients in need."

Motric Bio is the seventh company launched by Aditum Bio, whose mission is to give large patient populations access to medicines which otherwise may not be developed. To speed these drugs to market, Aditum Bio fosters an incubator model, focusing on the translational phase of drug development. The "spin out" model enables a nimble, start-up culture with its own dedicated team of managers.

Story continues

About Aditum Bio

Aditum Bio is committed to improving public health by accelerating R&D in disease areas with both large and more targeted patient populations, where medical innovation can have a huge impact. Aditum Bio focuses on basic mechanisms of disease, in-licenses promising drug candidates directed at such pathophysiology's, and spins-out individual companies dedicated to bringing each candidate through Phase II clinical trials. Aditum Bio uses data, software and technology to help bring innovative medicines through the clinical trial phase more quickly and with lower costs than traditional pharmaceutical companies.

For more information, please visit www.aditumbio.com.

About Motorpharma

Motorpharma Ltd. is a spin-off company of Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary, established by Prof. Andras Malnasi-Csizmadia for the development of innovative medicines. The Malnasi-laboratory has been one of the flagships of actin-myosin motor protein research for the last two decades supported by international grants including Wellcome Trust, EMBO, Howard Hughes and ERC. Motor Pharmacology is the leading drug development project of Motorpharma Ltd.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aditum-bio-announces-formation-of-motric-bio-focused-on-spasticity-associated-with-neurological-injuries-and-disease-301423537.html

SOURCE Aditum Bio
Melbourne, Australia  November 16th, 2021  Atos has been appointed to the Australian Federal Governments Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) Software Marketplace to provide its solutions to public organisations to support their transition towards more efficient digital processes. This agreement includes AMPS7, Atos new Australian made smart asset management and planning platform, and Atos Evidian cybersecurity solutions for identity and access management.



We are really pleased to be part of the DTA Software Marketplace. We look forward to help Federal Agencies in leveraging its use of digital technologies to accelerate and simplify their processes. said Mike Green, Managing Director of Atos in Australia. By applying predictive analytics for intelligent asset management and planning system, organisations can create more value out of data at a reduced cost. In addition, protecting and managing the access to their data has become crucial. We believe Atos solutions AMPS7 and Evidian will enable a more secure, efficient and even faster public service.

Part of Atos cybersecurity product portfolio, the Evidian range of solutions enables a step-by-step integrated approach to identity and access management. By using Evidian, organisations are better able to operate their key business processes with ultimate security, comply with regulatory requirements and respond to change with speed, flexibility and control over their data access.

Atos AMPS7 platform  Australian Made Product registered with the not-for-profit Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL)  delivers smart logistics support via a web-based application that can be readily integrated into legacy systems. The platform can be scaled to match the requirements of any organisation, enabling a tailored approach to project implementation, and addresses four key challenges:

Flexibility: cross industry enterprise asset management and logistics platform fitting the needs of a large range of organisations.

Operational effectiveness : smart management of data and resources increase productivity and ultimately decrease operational and lifecycle costs.

Digital platform readiness : mobile, able to connect to drones, IoT and Digital Twin ready, powered by digital analytics, with ERP/SAP plug-and-play and a cross application workflow.

Deployability: deployable synchronisation tools and decentralized architecture to support offline service operations.

This is the fourth appointment to the Australian Federal Governments Digital Transformation Agency Marketplace for Atos. Atos has already been appointed to the DTA Telecommunications Marketplace , the Cloud Marketplace , as well as the hardware Marketplace.

Story continues

For more information on AMPS7 please go to atos.net/en/lp/asset-management-platform For more information on Atos Cybersecurity please go to https://atos.net/en/solutions/cyber-security

***

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of over  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on Euronext Paris and included on the CAC 40 ESG and Next 20 Paris Stock Indexes.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact:

Lucie Leonardi | lucie.leonardi@atos.net | +61 458 670 271

Attachment




MOCKSVILLE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / There are plenty of business models that have the potential to thrive or even revolutionize their respective sectors, but doubts and hesitations from the owner's part can prove to be a setback. All it takes is finding the right partners to help develop a solid plan. HBi Auto is a company that was established not too long ago but has already proven that the right partnership can help take any business to the highest level.

HBi Auto is a privately owned automotive sales and service company located in Mocksville, North Carolina. The company is renowned for its expert works on luxurious brands like the Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi R8, and McLaren. In addition, HBi Auto has stayed consistent in revolutionizing the customer service experience for the independent sector. The company provides their expertise in the sales, service, and details department.

Regardless of how new, old, or modified the vehicle, HBi Auto's experienced technicians can address all their clients' problems. The company works with the Original Equipment Manufacturers, aftermarket, and dealership suppliers, quelling any concerns about finding the right parts for the models. The technicians also boast extensive knowledge in street and professional applications, providing clients with an advanced understanding of drivetrain, engine management, and chassis function. HBi Auto also takes pride in thinking outside of the box to diagnose and resolve issues to avoid time wasting, giving them a competitive edge. They can also easily set themselves apart from similar companies because of the team's intense passion for exotic vehicles and keen eye for detail.

Although their greatest asset is the team's ability to repair and replace any parts of the car, HBi Auto is just as capable of delivering exterior improvements on the exterior of the vehicles. Their team is professionally trained in paint polishing, compounding, product effectiveness, paint perfection, and coating and coating maintenance. HBi Auto takes their services to the next step by removing any blemishes, swirls, and overall paint defects from improper washing techniques, returning the models with a cleaner, almost brand new looking finish. The team also utilizes their expertise to preserve the car's finish for years to come, creating a semi-permanent bond to the paint job that keeps it looking fresh for over one to two years.

Story continues

HBi Auto was founded in 2016 from the brilliant minds of Billy Wenk and Evan Wiles. Both shared a passion for exotic cars and spent years learning everything they could to create their brand. Initially, HBi started as a four-man team, but the business grew within a year, prompting them to expand their operations and opening a sales and detail department. By 2020, the company reached new heights with over $10 million in revenue and generated more than double in sales this year.

Although HBi Auto has gone further than either Billy or Evan imagined, the two believe they can go beyond. "We have a dream of having ten locations around the country, creating a dealer network to service all our clients," they revealed, "We currently are in the works on starting the second location of our goal of ten."

Learn more about HBi Auto by visiting their official website .

Company: HBi Auto

Email: info@hbiauto.com

Phone: 336-978-8818

Website: https://www.hbiauto.com

SOURCE: HBi Auto





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/673014/How-Billy-Wenk-and-Evan-Wiles-Created-a-Viable-Business-Model-with-HBi-Auto




Purpose Investments is set to launch new carbon neutral classes of its bitcoin and either ETFs next week

With Canadians increasingly spoiled for choice when it comes to crypto-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), more asset managers are channelling fees into carbon offsets to help ease concerns about energy-hogging digital currencies.

Purpose Investments is set to launch new "carbon neutral" classes of its bitcoin and ether ETFs next week. The Toronto-based firm managing more than $12 billion in assets says the new securities are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Nov. 9, under the ticker symbols (BTCC.J) and (ETHH.J), respectively.

In August, Calgary-based Accelerate Financial Technologies announced a carbon-negative ETF that uses up to 10 per cent of the fund's 69 basis point management fee to plant trees. In May, Toronto-based Ninepoint Partners said it would partner with software firm CarbonX to buy carbon credits for its bitcoin ETF using an undisclosed portion of management fees. (BITC.TO)

The new, greener investment options come as crypto-asset firms push back against claims of excessive energy use. The debate is heating up as world leaders gather in Glasgow for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

A report released on Monday backed by Coinbase and other crypto companies warns policymakers not to "throw the digital baby out the climate bathwater," touting the value of digital ledger technology for facilitating sustainable and inclusive finance. Its authors call for more transparent sustainability data, and for the industry to partner with "established leaders in carbon accounting and reporting."

The price of bitcoin (BTC-USD) soared to a fresh all-time high last month amid excitement over the first U.S. bitcoin futures ETF (BITO) beginning to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Rising prices incentivizes more mining, a process that requires increasingly powerful computers solving increasingly challenging mathematical problems.

Crypto mining activity has increased in North America since the Chinese government crackdown on cryptocurrencies earlier this year. In New York, lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the use of fossil fuels to mine bitcoin.

Story continues

Analysts at Bank of America recently put bitcoin's energy global consumption on par with American Airlines (AAL), which flies over 200 million passengers in a typical year. However, the pro-crypto report issued Monday by Global Digital Finance takes aim at such comparisons.

"While important for putting things into perspective, they can only provide partial insights at best," wrote two authors from Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance.

"Electricity consumption is linked to block production, rather than transaction processing. Therefore, this comparison tends to be mainly theoretical and of little practical relevance without additional context."

Purpose has revealed plans for a suite of new crypto-focused funds since launching in February North America's first ETF designed to track the price of bitcoin.

Vlad Tasevski, chief operating officer and head of product, says cryptocurrency held in his firm's new carbon-conscious funds are "fully offset from a carbon perspective."

The firm says it's partnered with Patch Technologies, a San Francisco-based startup that helps companies measure their carbon footprint and finance offset projects. Those can include forest restoration or direct carbon-capture technology. Purpose says it plans to purchase offsets at the beginning of each trading week.

"We believe this is a world-leading way to offset all of the emissions associated with holding bitcoin and ether," Tasevski told Yahoo Finance Canada in a phone interview. "The fees on those classes will be higher. That increased cost will be used to actually purchase carbon credits."

The Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC.TO) and Purpose Ether ETF (ETHH.TO) carry a one per cent management fee, and a management expense ratio capped at 1.5 per cent. Purpose says the additional cost of the carbon-friendly offerings will be reflected in the new class's management expense ratio.

Not everyone is sold. One prominent Canadian clean technology investor calls the use of carbon offsets a waste of scarce resources needed to offset essential, heavy-emitting industries.

Tom Rand, managing partner of the venture capital firm ArcTern Ventures, has been an outspoken critic of crypto emissions, and those who would buy offsets to improve the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) appeal of related investments.

"It seems a waste to use up scarce, quality carbon offsets on stuff like bitcoin, rather than useful industrial activities like aviation, steel or cement. Bitcoin is optional, cement, steel and flying are not," he told Yahoo Finance Canada.

"It will always be an energy hog. You're trading kilowatt hours for bits of bitcoin, and the number of kilowatt hours per bitcoin will always go up, because you have to make it harder and harder to mine the next bitcoin."

Last month, Bank of America Global Research found offsets issued in 2020 worked out to 0.4 per cent of total global emissions. Analysts at the bank described the market as still "relatively small." They forecast it will need to grow as much as 50 times for many companies to hit net-zero by their 2050 commitments.

While Rand would prefer the limited supply of high-quality offsets available today to go towards "real economic activity," he concedes it's "always good to seed the offset market [with investment]."

Tasevski sees more action on emissions coming from within the crypto community. The issue led to the creation of the Crypto Climate Accord (CCA) in April, a voluntary framework that asks cryptocurrency firms to reduce net carbon emissions from electricity to zero by 2030.

"Carbon impact going forward will be one of the key default costs of owning bitcoin. There is a bunch of work to be done to make the mining process more efficient," he said. "The CCA has already engaged a wide range of leading crypto industry stakeholders. We expect it to continue moving the needle in this space, especially as the market drives more attention to the climate crisis."

Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - Safemoon, a DeFi protocol built on Binance Smart Chain, is preparing to make a comeback with an upgrade, Safemoon V2. The Safemoon V2 has been one of the most popular products on the website and will be the second Safemoon product after the release of the Safemoon Wallet. Safemoon token price has been dropping, although the token has made it among the top 100 crypto coins by the market capitalisation.

Bitrise



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The Safemoon V2 has been the talk in the recent past and has brought some attention to the Safemoon project. But as DeFi, Safemoon will still have to compete with aggressive competitors. Bitrise, a highly potent coin and one of the fastest-growing cryptos, is one of the biggest Safemoon competitors. Launched on 28th July 2021, the coin has been compared with Safemoon in many cases. In fact, users are calling Bitrise coin the next Safemoon.

Like Safemoon, Bitrise is a DeFi protocol built on Binance Smart Chain. The Bitrise team is building a decentralized financial system just like Safemoon but a powerful system. The design of the Bitrise protocol is what differs from Safemoon. Even with the release of the Safemoon V2, the Safemoon project will still be facing tough competition from Bitrise on various aspects.

There are a number of ways that the crypto community is saying that Bitrise is better than Safemoon V2. The value between Safemoon and Bitrise has been at the heart of this discussion. Safemoon has been compared to Bitrise on matters of tokenomics.

Bitrise coin has been rated the best in rewarding users due to its innovative tokenomics. Unlike Safemoon, Bitrise's has a contract that automated the regulation of the tokens in the liquidity pool. Safemoon has a buyback contract too, but token burning is manual. Unlike Safemoon, Bitrise buyback contact also burns automatically. This is one of the features making the crypto community vote Bitrise over Safemoon. The Safemoon V2 is not addressing this shortcoming.

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Safemoon V2 is not changing how users will be getting the reflections from holding tokens. This is an area where the crypto community says Bitrise is doing better than Safemoon. Unlike Safemoon, Bitrise members are rewarded with BNB for holding tokens. The difference it has over Safemoon is the automation of distribution to the token holders' wallets.

Safemoon V2 is the second product that the Safemoon team is releasing after months of the Safemoon wallet release. Bitrise has been delivering fast within less than four months. Unlike Safemoon, Bitrise has three products already, including Bitrise Audits and Techrate Audit, both launched in late August. Like Safemoon, Bitrise dApp wallet is also out and was launched on 28th October.

Apart from Safemoon wallet and the recent Safemoon V2, Safemoon has been slow considering it was launched 5 months before Bitrise coin. Therefore, the crypto community says Bitrise is delivering faster than Safemoon, which is making it better.

Safemoon team says Safemoon V2 will improve the security of Safemoon and accessibility of Safemoon tokens. The team at Bitrise is building a Blockchain-based DeFi protocol with incredible scaling and throughput features. Like Safemoon, the Bitrise platform is currently processing thousands of transactions.

Safemoon V2 is the next big thing on the Safemoon platform, but Bitrise coin is way ahead. The Bitrise team recently announced the launch of the staking process and is about to launch the staking program, which was under beta testing phase at the time of writing. Safemoon has not launched or announced the staking on the Safemoon network.

Safemoon V2 is a big milestone in the development of the Safemoon platform, but it will have to compete with the Bitrise team, which is several steps ahead of Safemoon in building its DeFi product. Soon, Bitrise coin is launching a staking program and, later on, a cryptocurrency exchange. It is this delivery rate that is making crypto community rate Bitrise better than Safemoon V2.

Media Contact

John K

Email: contact@bitrisetoken.com

Website: https://www.bitrisetoken.com

Telegram: https://t.me/bitrisetoken

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103529
NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until November 15, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 22, 2021 and September 8, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

(PRNewsfoto/Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC)

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Boston Beer and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-sam/ https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-slqt/to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in these class actions by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court by November 15, 2021 .

About the Lawsuits

Boston Beer and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On July 22, 2021, post-market, the Company disclosed a reduced full year 2021 guidance, from a prior range of earnings per share of between $22 and $26 to between $18 and $22 due to softer-than-expected sales in the hard seltzer category and overall beer industry and also that it had "overestimated the growth of the hard seltzer category in the second quarter." On this news, the Company's share price fell $246.54, or 26%, to close at $701.00 per share on July 23, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

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On September 8, 2021, post-market, the Company withdrew its 2021 financial guidance due decelerating sales of hard seltzer products, and also stated that it "expects to incur hard seltzer-related inventory write-offs, shortfall fees payable to 3rd party brewers, and other costs" for the remainder of fiscal 2021. On this news, the Company's share price fell $21.09, or 3.7%, to close at $538.31 per share on September 9, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The first-filed case is Siegel v. The Boston Beer Company, Inc., et al., 21-cv-7693.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Capital investment program signals commitment to local communities and Canada's economic recovery

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada is fuelling Canada's economic recovery with a direct injection of $461.5 million through its capital program focused on sustainability, innovation and production enhancements that will have significant impact on its breweries and operations across the country. Labatt has 174 years of history of substantial investments in its brewing operations and in supporting national, provincial, and local economies across Canada with a total investment of $1.125 billion between 2011-2021.

Labatt Breweries of Canada (CNW Group/Labatt Breweries of Canada)

The 2019-2022 capital investment demonstrates Labatt's ongoing commitment to Canada and the local communities where its seven key brewing facilities are located. They will benefit from upgrades and expansions that will help make our operations more sustainable  from reducing plastic use to energy and water savings.

"We all know how challenging the past 18 months have been for our country. This important investment is a commitment to our communities and to our people, ensuring they have the resources needed to do what they do best so Labatt can contribute to Canada now and for years to come," said Jeff Ryan, VP Legal & Corporate Affairs, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "It will allow us to reduce our environmental footprint and enable our breweries for future growth as we continue to meet the changing needs and tastes of Canadians and work toward our global sustainability goals."

A major part of the investment is the introduction of the KeelClip packaging system  a minimal material fastener solution made of recyclable fibre paperboard  at Labatt's London and Montreal breweries. The high-tech, automated system is the first of its kind in North America and will replace the use of plastic rings, tops and shrink film, reducing the company's overall single-use plastic usage in early 2022 by nearly 152,000kg. This weight is equivalent to removing 117 mid-sized cars from the landfill. Labatt aims to reduce 242,000 kg of single-use plastic by 2024.

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"The introduction of KeelClip at our London and Montreal breweries will revolutionize the way we package our products from both an environmental and merchandising standpoint. It offers unique branding and marketing benefits," said Bryan Derr, VP of Supply, Labatt Breweries of Canada.

Labatt's Vancouver, Creston, Halifax, and St. John's breweries will also benefit from the capital investment. This will include technology and equipment upgrades that will drive production and environmental efficiencies and prepare the breweries for future growth. Non-brewery investments will benefit provincial operations such as technology and warehousing enhancements, and commercial initiatives.

About Labatt's 2019-2022 Capital Program

Labatt's capital program includes $461.5 million being invested over 2019-2022 throughout its operations across Canada, broken down by province as follows:

$145 million will be invested in Ontario with $52.6 million going directly into the London brewery for major initiatives such as KeelClip, and a new state-of-the art can line that increases packaging flexibility and supports product innovation.

$110 million will be invested in Quebec with $43.7 million going directly into the Montreal brewery for significant projects like KeelClip and the installation of a new fermentation tank to increase brewing capacity.

$38 million will be invested in British Columbia with $4.6 million going directly into the Creston brewery's warehouse expansion and upgrades and $2.9 million going into brewing enhancements at Vancouver's Turning Point Brewery.

$25.2 will be invested in Nova Scotia with $11 million going directly into the Oland Brewery in Halifax for equipment and process improvements including a new leading-edge pasteurizer  a one-of-a-kind in North America.

$9.9 million will be invested in Newfoundland with $2.8 million going directly into the St. John's brewery for two new modular boilers that are up to 80 per cent more efficient, and other upgrades and enhancements.

$119 million will be invested into Alberta, with $69 million going directly into the Edmonton brewery for new equipment, technology and upgrades, new warehouse space, and a 30,000 square-foot ready-to-drink building to support expanded brewing type and capacity, all of which will result in job creation.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada has been one of Canada's most respected companies for close to 175 years with roots dating back to 1847 in London, Ontario, when a farmer named John Kinder Labatt first entered the business of brewing. Since then, the company has grown to include seven key breweries from coast-to-coast, as well as four craft breweries, 75 brands and over 3,600 skilled craftspeople and professionals. We know that we're only as strong as the communities where we live and work, and we've been making positive contributions since before Confederation. Today, that dedication to supporting Canadian communities, which includes our many responsible drinking and environmental sustainability programs, is summed up in our dream to Bring People Together for a Better World. Our employees are the driving force behind these efforts, rising to the challenge time and time again to lend a hand. And with their dedication to supporting their fellow Canadians matched only by their passion for brewing Canada's best-loved beers, we know that Labatt is here to stay.

SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada

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T he European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for Celltrions regdanvimab following positive opinion by the European Medicines Agencys (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) last week (11/11/2021)

Celltrion continues to discuss supply agreements with regulatory agencies and contractors in more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and LATAM to accelerate global access to regdanvimab

The use of regdanvimab across the Republic of Korea is rapidly increasing to address the ongoing outbreaks

INCHEON, South Korea, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celltrion Group announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved Regkirona (regdanvimab, CT-P59), one of the first monoclonal antibody treatments granted marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The EC granted marketing authorisation for adults with COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. The decision from the EC follows a positive opinion by the European Medicines Agencys (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on November 11th, 2021.1

"Todays achievement, coupled with CHMP positive opinion for regdanvimab, underscores our ongoing commitment to addressing the worlds greatest health challenges," said Dr. HoUng Kim, Ph.D., Head of Medical and Marketing Division at Celltrion Healthcare. "Typically, the recommendations from the CHMP are passed on to the EC for rapid legally binding decisions within a month or two, however, given the unprecedented times, we have received the EC approval within a day. As part of our global efforts to accelerate access, we have been communicating with the governments and contractors in 30 countries in Europe, Asia and LATAM. We will continue working with all key stakeholders to ensure COVID-19 patients around the world have access to safe and effective treatments."

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins designed to attach to a specific target, in this case the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which works to block the path the virus uses to enter human cells. The EC approval is based on the global Phase III clinical trial involving more than 1,315 people to evaluate the efficacy and safety of regdanvimab in 13 countries including the U.S., Spain, and Romania. Data showed regdanvimab significantly reduced the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalisation or death by 72% for patients at high-risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

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Emergency use authorisations are currently in place in Indonesia and Brazil, and the monoclonal antibody treatment is fully approved in the Republic of Korea. In the U.S., regdanvimab has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the company is in discussion with the FDA to submit applications for an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

As of November 12th, 2021, more than 22,587 people have been treated with regdanvimab in 129 hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Notes to Editors:

About Celltrion Healthcare

Celltrion Healthcare is committed to delivering innovative and affordable medications to promote patients access to advanced therapies. Its products are manufactured at state-of-the-art mammalian cell culture facilities, designed and built to comply with the US FDA cGMP and the EU GMP guidelines. Celltrion Healthcare endeavours to offer high-quality cost-effective solutions through an extensive global network that spans more than 110 different countries. For more information please visit: https://www.celltrionhealthcare.com/en-us.

About regdanvimab (CT-P59)

CT-P59 was identified as a potential treatment for COVID-19 through screening of antibody candidates and selecting those that showed the highest potency in neutralising the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In vitro and in vivo pre- clinical studies showed that CT-P59 strongly binds to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and significantly neutralise the wild type and mutant variants of concern. In in vivo models, CT-P59 effectively reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 and inflammation in lung. Results from the global Phase I and Phase II/III clinical trials of CT-P59 demonstrated a promising safety, tolerability, antiviral effect and efficacy profile in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.2 Celltrion also has recently commenced the development of a neutralising antibody cocktail with CT-P59 against new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain information set forth in this press release contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare that may constitute forward-looking statements, under pertinent securities laws.

These statements may be identified by words such as "prepares", "hopes to", "upcoming", "plans to", "aims to", "to be launched", "is preparing, "once gained", "could", "with the aim of", "may", "once identified", "will", "working towards", "is due", "become available", "has potential to", the negative of these words or such other variations thereon or comparable terminology.

In addition, our representatives may make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare's management, of which many are beyond its control.

Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand managements beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

References

1 European Medicines Agency. COVID-19: EMA recommends authorisation of two monoclonal antibody medicines. Available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-ema-recommends-authorisation-two-monoclonal-antibody-medicines [Last accessed November 2021].

2 Celltrion Data on file

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005312/en/

Contacts

Holly Barber

hbarber@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 07759 301620

Donna Curran

dcurran@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 7984 550312
COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

Odense, November 15th, 2021

Company Announcement no. 32 - 15-11-2021

Danish Aerospace Company A/S has received support on ESA co-funding developing a full prototype of a Water Recovery System (WRU) for space and disaster zones.

Furthermore, the expectations for this year are scaled down.





This company announcement contains inside information.





Danish Aerospace Company A/S (DAC) has received support on ESA co-funding from ESAs GSTP program (General Support Technology Program) for developing a full prototype of a future water purification system for space. The purpose of ESAs GSTP program is to support the general space related technology developments within the ESA member states. DAC has for some time worked on finance opportunities for further development of the WRU activities. The GTSP support means that the activities now are expected to start in the beginning of 2022.

DAC has not lost any expected contracts in 2021, however, some have been postponed. As a result, the previously announced expectations are scaled down for this year.

DAC and ASA (Aquaporin Space Alliance ApS) have previously had contracts with ESA regarding development of specific key technologies for such a water purification system. It is these key technologies which will now be developed further and integrated into a full-scale prototype to be tested in the laboratory.

Danish Aerospace Company (DAC) and its joint venture Aquaporin Space Alliance ApS (ASA) will now integrate the technologies into a fully operational prototype of a new water purifying system for space called WRU  Water Recovery Unit.

DAC has received support for the application under ESAs GSTP technology program with the title Water Recovery Unit (WRU)  Turning urine and condensate into drinking water for space and on ground.

The WRU system will recycle urine from astronauts and the humidity which is collected from the atmosphere in the spacecrafts and space stations, so the expensive launches of water for astronauts in space can be reduced.

The WRU system includes, among others, Aquaporin A/S unique Aquaporin Inside- membrane technology which utilizes aquaporin-molecules to transport water through the membrane. Aquaporins are natures own water purifier. They quickly enhance a very selective water transport which is found in e.g., plant roots and the human kidney.

The Danish Agency for higher education and science has, along with the Innovation fund evaluated DACs application and chose to prioritize it in 2021 from the Danish side.

The Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science has requested ESA to prioritize funding for the WRU project. DAC must now prepare the final proposal and sign the contract for these development activities with ESA.

The work can lead to a new type of compact water purifying system, which in the future may be tested on the International Space Station with the possibility of subsequently being used on human flights to the Moon e.g., on the future space station orbiting the Moon, Lunar Gateway.

Further, the WRU technology has potential within water purification in remote or isolated communities as well as for use within military and disaster relief areas.

The future contract is expected to run for 12-14 months after signing and has a total value of approximately EUR 700t or about DKK 5,2M.





As mentioned above, some of the expected contracts have been postponed from this year to 2022 and therefor DAC now expects a turnover just below the previously announced level of DKK 22-25M, and an EBITDA of around DKK 2M (Previously expected DKK 3-5M).





We are very pleased that The Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science also can see the potential in this technology and supports the WRU project with ESA. It may turn out to have an enormous potential, not just within the space industry but also within a variety of more down-to-Earth applications e.g., disaster relief areas. A fully operational system will prove the feasibility of purification and water recovery from human wastewater under extreme circumstances. This may come to be a tool to fight water shortage in remote areas especially where we find extreme heat e.g., dry, sunny areas. Furthermore, it will assist clearing the way for upscaling the technique which can also be used within industrial areas. Moreover, it helps reduce the volume of wastewater and save water resources by recycling the water that is recovered during the process. says Thomas A. E. Andersen, CEO of DAC and ASA.

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He continues: This is yet another key technology area where DAC is focusing on the coming years, in addition to our exercise-, health monitoring- and wearables technologies. We have determinedly worked towards this over the past few years, and it is a key part of our long-term strategy.

Additional information

Aquaporin Space Alliance ApS (ASA) is a 50/50 joint-venture between DAC and Aquaporin A/S. ASA has the exclusive rights to utilize Aquaporins unique patented technology in space. The WRU system will be based on an open loop triple circulation system with a two-stage filtration.

Water is an extremely scarce resource in space. The astronauts on the space station clean themselves with less than a 10th of the water people on earth typically use. Usually, an astronaut uses about 4-6 liters of water pr. day for drinking, hygiene, and cleaning etc. in space, while we on Earth use between 60-150 liters per day. In 2015 Danes on average used 106 liters of water per day. In space, different types of water, such as, condensed water from the humidity in the cabin, urine from the astronauts and wastewater from the lavatories and cleaning are re-usable.

Launces og supplies from Earth to the space station are normally valued at approximately $50.000 (DKK 350.000) per kilo, so any amount of water, which can be re-used with a simplified and reliable system, will give a direct and significant cost saving for the human exploration of space.

For further information, please contact:

Danish Aerospace Company A/S:

Thomas A.E. Andersen, CEO

Tel: +45 40 29 41 62

Mail: ta@danishaerospace.com

Certified Adviser:

Gert Mortensen, Partner

Baker Tilly Corporate Finance P/S

Poul Bundgaards Vej 1

DK-2500 Valby

Tel.: +45 33 45 10 00

www.bakertilly.dk

About Danish Aerospace Company A/S:

Danish Aerospace Company (DAC) is a high-tech company operating in the area of advanced medical instrumentation and other engineering fields primarily within space applications.

Our products are based on many years of specialized research and development. These consist of developing, integrating, and applying new as well as established medical technologies to the challenges of functioning and remaining reliable in space. These products and services bring the potential of space research and experience from space operations down to Earth for the benefit of all mankind.

Danish Aerospace Company employs engineers and technicians who deliver full engineering, production and technical services for our customers. We have specialized in customer specific design, development, manufacturing, certification, maintenance, testing, and operations.

The company has developed five generations respiratory equipment for spaceflight, ergometers for astronauts, countermeasures, adapted several commercial medical equipment for spaceflight and has participated in the development of the minus eighty-degree Celsius freezers.

The Companys quality system is certified in obligation to BS EN ISO 9001:2015, BS EN 9100:2018 technical equivalent to AS9100D that is the acknowledged standard in the area.

Note: This is a translation of the corresponding Company Announcement in Danish. In case of discrepancies between the Danish wording and the English translation, the Danish wording prevails.

www.DanishAerospace.com




NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BizVibe has made available 1,000+ company profiles for the real estate services category on its B2B platform. Companies listed in this category are primarily engaged in providing various types of real estate services (such as real estate appraisal, real estate staging, etc.).

Snapshot of BizVibe's real estate services company profiles and categories.

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Free Insights Included for all Real Estate Services Company Profiles:

List of product and service category offerings and primary operating industries

Risk of doing business score across four different metrics

List of key executives and their roles within the company

Company financials and general organizational information

Global, national, and regional competitors

List of key clients

Top trends and challenges within operating industry and expected influence on business impact

Latest company news with the ability to sign up for timely news alerts

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Real Estate Services Companies on BizVibe

BizVibe's platform contains 30M+ company profiles, spanning across 200+ countries, categorized into 40,000+ products and services. There are 1,000+ company profiles related to real estate services on BizVibe, covering 5+ related categories. Each company profile contains detailed insights dedicated to helping procurement and sales teams find trusted suppliers and target sales prospects.

Examples of real estate services profiles that can be discovered on BizVibe include companies that specialize in:

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Get Free Company Profile Access for all Categories

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Company Profiles for Buyers and Sellers

BizVibe's modern B2B platform is designed to help both global buyers and sellers. Powered by the latest best-in-class solutions, BizVibe provides outstanding product features for both category managers and sales professionals.

Features for Buyers:

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About BizVibe

BizVibe has been conceptualized and built by a team based out of Toronto, Bangalore, and London. We are a branch of Infiniti Research and have dedicated units in all three locations. BizVibe helps buyers find the most relevant suppliers from around the world and help sellers target prospects who need their products and/or services. For more information, please visit www.bizvibe.com and start for free today.

Contact

BizVibe

Jesse Maida

Email: jesse@bizvibe.com

+1 855-897-5880

Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/

BizVibe (PRNewsfoto/BizVibe)

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SOURCE BizVibe
The Acquired Assets are Expected to Accelerate the Company's Commercial Development

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - First Helium Inc. ("First Helium" or the "Company") (TSXV: HELI) (FRA: 2MC), a helium exploration company with access to significant development opportunities across western Canada, is pleased to announce that it has closed on two separate transactions (the "Acquisition") with private, third-party companies (the "Vendors") to acquire an aggregate of 40 kilometers of natural gas gathering pipeline assets (the "Pipeline Assets"). The Acquisition was made for total consideration of $25,000 in cash and the assumption of future abandonment and reclamation liabilities of up to $200,000. It is subject to normal regulatory approvals.

First Helium Inc. Logo (CNW Group/First Helium Inc.)

The Acquisition also included 1,920 acres (1,690 net) of land and two suspended wells, one of which is being evaluated for re-activation based on 0.83% of helium content in historical testing. The other well, which historically produced over 45 Bcf of raw gas at approximately 1% helium content, is tied into the gathering system and is centrally located near a main, third party, natural gas sales transmission line. It will provide the Company with expanded operational flexibility in the site planning of its helium processing facility.

"Closing of the Acquisition accelerates the commercial development of our helium project at Worsley," said Ed Bereznicki, President & Chief Executive Officer of First Helium. "The opportunity to acquire this extensive infrastructure package represents a tremendous savings in time and $6-8 million in upfront capital cost, as well as provides us with the main gathering line that we require to support the larger scale development across our entire Worsley asset base," added Mr. Bereznicki.

The Pipeline Assets, which extend across First Helium's 79,000-acre land base on the Worsley Trend, will be connected to the Company's planned central helium processing facility and form an integral component of its regional helium processing infrastructure. The replacement cost to construct the Pipeline Assets is estimated by First Helium's management team to be approximately $6-8 million, and would require many months of potential applications, consultations and approvals. The regional system will enable First Helium to tie-in its previously announced discovery well that has produced results of 2mmcf/d of raw gas at over 1.3% of helium content over multiple, long-duration test periods, along with future wells to be drilled along the Worsley Trend.

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Helium gas in the Worsley area is produced along with natural gas and associated hydrocarbon by-products. The Company intends to use a portion of the natural gas produced from its wells to generate clean power for its processing facility operations. Surplus natural gas will be transported via the Pipeline Assets to sales lines and sold into the market by First Helium. Similarly, the associated hydrocarbon by-products will be separated, collected and sold. As the Company re-activates the Pipeline Assets to develop its helium processing infrastructure, any incremental revenue derived from the sale of natural gas and other by-products will defray First Helium's development costs.

ABOUT FIRST HELIUM

First Helium is a helium exploration and development company operating in the Worsley area of Alberta, Canada. It was founded to capitalize on the untapped potential of significant helium resources in Western Canada, in response to the shifting supply dynamics of the global marketplace. Building on its successful discovery well, which has production tested at over 1.3% of helium content over three test periods, First Helium is working to develop its land base of over 79,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley helium trend, and 880,000 acres of exploration option lands located in southeast Alberta, near existing helium operations. To establish its operating base, First Helium seeks to market its helium gas into the North American market via term off-take marketing arrangements with established third-party distribution companies.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com. The Company's final prospectus, financial statements and management's discussion and analysis, among other documents, are all available on its profile page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward J. Bereznicki

President, CEO and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to First Helium that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to First Helium which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. All such statements and disclosures, other than those of historical fact, which address activities, events, outcomes, results or developments that First Helium anticipates or expects may, or will occur in the future (in whole or in part) should be considered forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words "expect", "will" and similar expressions. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the listing of the Common Shares on the Exchange, the use of funds and the Company's strategy. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of First Helium including, without limitation: that First Helium will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed industry conditions; availability of debt and/or equity sources to fund First Helium's capital and operating requirements as needed; and certain cost assumptions.

Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those set out in the Final Prospectus dated June 28, 2021 and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. First Helium does not undertake any obligation to update forward looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE First Helium Inc.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/15/c2977.html
NEW YORK & OSLO, Norway & LUXEMBOURG, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FREYR Battery (NYSE: FREY) ("FREYR"), a developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity, today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Highlights of the third quarter 2021 and subsequent events:

In advanced stages of negotiations with two leading global companies to sign conditional offtake agreements representing more than 50 GWh of estimated potential cumulative demand

In negotiations with seven additional companies for offtake agreements representing more than 100 GWh of estimated potential cumulative demand with several other leads in the FREYR commercial pipeline

Concept selection for Gigafactories 1 and 2 at Mo i Rana completed, resulting in an anticipated uplift in annual throughput capacity compared to the previous estimate of 13 GWh

On track for Customer Qualification Plant start-up in 2H 2022 with initial raw materials secured

Maintain ambition for start of production from Gigafactories 1 and 2 in 2H 2023, with Final Investment Decision ("FID") targeted in 1H 2022

Signed supply contract with Glencore for the supply of up to 1,500 metric tons of high grade, sustainably sourced cobalt metal cut cathodes with cobalt produced at Glencores Nikkelverk facility in Norway

Announced the formation of 50/50 U.S. joint venture with Koch Strategic Platforms ("KSP") to advance the potential development of an initial 50 GWh of clean, next-generation battery cells in the U.S.

In conjunction with the formation of the U.S. joint venture with KSP, announced $70 million combined investment in convertible promissory notes with 24M Technologies, Inc. ("24M") and an expanded licensing agreement between U.S. joint venture partners and 24M Technologies

"Our team continued to advance several important strategic initiatives during the third quarter," said Tom Jensen, the CEO of FREYR. "As we continue to build the foundations of our business, we will remain acutely focused on achieving commercial successes, funding our expansion efficiently, and establishing localized supply chains of clean, next-generation battery cell production in accordance with our core tenets of speed, scale and sustainability."

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Business Update

Negotiating terms and conditions of potential offtake agreements with prospective customers across the energy storage systems and commercial mobility sectors exceeding 150 GWh in estimated potential cumulative demand

Increasing and advancing technical discussions across all market segments with prioritized customer leads representing 3,000 GWh of unmet estimated potential cumulative demand

Collaborating with our partners at KSP and 24M to evaluate and advance development opportunities in the U.S.

Working with our partners at the City of Vaasa and Finish Minerals Group to evaluate and advance development opportunities in Finland

Results Overview, Financing and Liquidity

FREYR Battery reported a Net Loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 of ($45.4) million or ($0.42) per share compared to a Net Loss of ($2.5) million or ($0.07) per share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020

As of September 30, 2021, FREYR Battery had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $623.5 million compared to a pro-forma cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance at the closing of the business combination between FREYR AS and Alussa Energy of $652.8 million

Business Outlook

FREYR is focused on advancing the following strategic mandates and milestones over the next 18 months:

Grow conditional offtake commitments and pipeline of commercial opportunities across all market segments to support further capacity expansion

Proceed to FID on combined Gigafactories 1 and 2 at Mo I Rana in 1H 2022 and commence operations at FREYRs Customer Qualification Plant in 2H 2022

Accelerate additional Gigafactory developments in Norway, the U.S. and Finland to concept selection and eventual FIDs

Formalize further agreements with supply chain partners to advance operational and commercial progress and support decarbonisation of supply chain

Accelerate evaluation of debt capital solutions to fund FREYRs strategic expansion of Gigafactories 1 and 2

Presentation of Third Quarter 2021 Results

A presentation will be held today, November 15th, 2021, at 10:30 am (EST) to discuss financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021. The results and presentation material will be available for download at https://ir.freyrbattery.com.

To access the conference call, listeners should contact the conference call operator at the appropriate number listed below approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

United Kingdom: +44 3333000804

United States: +1 6319131422

Switzerland: +41 225809034

Spain: +34 935472900

Norway: +47 23500243

Luxembourg: +352 27300160

Hong Kong: +852 30600225

Germany: +49 6913803430

France: +33 170750711

Denmark: +45 35445577

Canada: +1 4162164189

The participant passcode for the call is: 59378592#

A webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously at https://streams.eventcdn.net/freyer/2021q3 on a listen-only basis. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software.

A replay of the webcast will be available at https://ir.freyrbattery.com/events-and-presentations/presentations/default.aspx

About FREYR Battery

FREYR plans to develop up to 43 GWh of battery cell production capacity by 2025 with an ambition of up to 83 GWh in total capacity by 2028 to position the company as one of Europes largest battery cell suppliers. Five of the facilities are planned to be in the Mo i Rana industrial complex in Northern Norway, leveraging Norways highly skilled workforce and abundant, low-cost renewable energy sources from hydro and wind in a crisp, clear, and energized environment. FREYR aims to supply safe, high-energy density and cost competitive clean battery cells to the rapidly growing global markets for electric vehicles, energy storage, and marine applications. FREYR is committed to supporting cluster-based R&D initiatives and the development of an international ecosystem of scientific, commercial, and financial stakeholders to support the expansion of the battery value chain in our region. For more information, please visit www.freyrbattery.com

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, including, without limitation, regarding the funding of FREYRs planned future expansion; FREYRs progress on decarbonizing its supply chain; the establishment of localized supply chains of FREYRs clean, next-generation battery cell production; the development, timeline, capacity and other usefulness of FREYRs CQP and planned Gigafactories; the Final Investment Decision regarding the Gigafactories; progress to complete CQP equipment tenders and progress of tendering for the subsequent Gigafactories; progress and development of customer offtake agreements and estimated potential cumulative demand from these agreements, supply chain partnerships and growing pipeline of commercial opportunities; the development and growth of FREYRs target markets and prioritized customer leads; the scale and arrangements for any FREYR production facilities in North America; the progress and development of FREYRs partnerships and plans in Finland; the development and commercialization of 24Ms technology; FREYRs manufacturing capacity relative to other market participants; and the development of customer and supplier relationships are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside FREYRs control and are difficult to predict. Additional information about factors that could materially affect FREYR is set forth under the "Risk Factors" section in FREYRs Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2021, as amended, and available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, FREYR disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and projections could different materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) As of September 30, As of December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 622,582 $ 14,749 Restricted cash 879 196 Prepaid assets 6,486 464 Other current assets 709 442 Total current assets 630,656 15,851 Property and equipment, net 5,606 80 Other long-term assets 11 - Total assets $ 636,273 $ 15,931 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 3,147 $ 888 Accrued liabilities 9,286 2,153 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - related party 1,040 322 Redeemable preferred shares - 7,574 Deferred income 1,387 - Total current liabilities 14,860 10,937 Warrant liability 38,438 - Other long-term liabilities - 38 Total liabilities 53,298 10,975 Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) Shareholders' equity Additional paid-in capital 658,868 15,183 Accumulated other comprehensive income 334 658 Accumulated deficit (76,227 ) (10,885 ) Total shareholders' equity 582,975 4,956 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 636,273 $ 15,931 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Operating expenses: General and administrative $ 30,027 $ 1,666 Research and development 5,257 283 Depreciation 30 4 Total operating expenses 35,314 1,953 Loss from operations (35,314 ) (1,953 ) Other income (expense): Redeemable preferred shares fair value adjustment - - Interest income 51 - Warrant liability fair value adjustment (11,173 ) (350 ) Convertible notes fair value adjustment - (165 ) Interest expense (1 ) (11 ) Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain 1,015 4 Other income 3 6 Loss before income taxes (45,419 ) (2,469 ) Income tax expense - - Net loss (45,419 ) (2,469 ) Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (558 ) (23 ) Total comprehensive loss $ (45,977 ) $ (2,492 ) Basic and diluted weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 108,713,120 32,975,333 Basic and diluted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (Note 14) $ (0.42 ) $ (0.07 ) See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash flows from operating activities Net loss $ (65,341 ) $ (4,384 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Share-based compensation expense 14,367 447 Depreciation 54 10 Redeemable preferred shares fair value adjustment (74 ) - Foreign currency transaction loss on redeemable preferred shares 28 - Warrant liability fair value adjustment 11,173 575 Convertible notes fair value adjustment - 199 Other (83 ) 81 Changes in assets and liabilities: Prepaid assets (6,065 ) (66 ) Other current assets (236 ) 129 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,365 (385 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - related party 738 11 Deferred income 1,431 - Other long-term liabilities - 7 Net cash used in operating activities (35,643 ) (3,376 ) Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (4,099 ) (35 ) Purchases of other long-term assets (12 ) - Net cash used in investing activities (4,111 ) (35 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from Business Combination 70,836 - Proceeds from PIPE Investment 600,000 - Capital contributions - ordinary shares - 12,349 Issuance cost (26,334 ) (799 ) Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred shares 7,500 - Payments for the Norway Demerger (3,002 ) - Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt - 1,104 Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt - related party - 427 Payments related to convertible debt - (125 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 649,000 12,956 Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (730 ) 3 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 608,516 9,548 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 14,945 257 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 623,461 $ 9,805 Reconciliation to consolidated balance sheets Cash and cash equivalents $ 622,582 $ 9,740 Restricted cash 879 65 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 623,461 $ 9,805 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005454/en/

Contacts

Investor contact:

Jeffrey Spittel

Vice President, Investor Relations

jeffrey.spittel@freyrbattery.com

Tel: (+1) 281-222-0161

Media contact:

Katrin Berntsen

Vice President, Communication and Public Affairs

katrin.berntsen@freyrbattery.com

Tel: (+47) 9920 54 570
NEW YORK, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GetSwift Technologies Limited ("GetSwift" or the "Corporation"; NEO: "GSW"), a leading provider of last mile SaaS logistics technology and services, has reported its financial and operational results for the fiscal first quarter of 2022 which ended September 30, 2021.

Key First Quarter and Subsequent Operational Highlights

Reports first profit with net income of 5 cents per share for the fiscal first quarter of 2022

64% quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue from customer contracts

Decrease of 17% in operating costs from the prior quarter

Signed a partnership agreement with Uber Technologies, Inc.

Total sales for the quarter of $7.2 million or 20% higher than forecast in the Corporations management discussion & analysis for the year ended June 30, 2021

Executed a settlement deed with no admissions as to liability in the class action suit against the company

Management Commentary

"The first fiscal quarter of 2022 was marked by continued growth, driven by the adoption of our products and services by major businesses that require affordable, scalable, and secure solutions" said Bane Hunter, CEO of GetSwift.

"We saw a 64% improvement in revenue from customer contracts over the prior quarter, building on 67% growth in the prior quarter, while we continued to reduce operating costs. Total sales for the quarter were $7.2 million or 20% higher than the forecast of $6.0 million. This higher sales figure was driven primarily by higher than anticipated Communication Technology Services (CTS) sales as revenue was pulled ahead from the October to December 2021 period," Hunter continued.

"The CTS business segment continues to produce revenue growth driven by SaaS software needs in the market. In addition, there has been strong global investment in the connectivity and infrastructure industries, driving solid sales for the Technology Software Services (TSS) business segment," Hunter explained.

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"Availability of workforce continued to be a challenge in the quarter due to the pandemic and economic conditions, including both employee turnover and remote working arrangements resulting in churn in some business segments," Hunter further explained.

"As a result of an over-performance, the Corporation is expecting a potential proportionate reduction in estimated revenue to be recognized by the Corporation during the current quarter ending December 31, 2021. While the Corporation expects continued revenue growth for such period, management believes it is reasonable to expect that its estimate of revenue for the second fiscal quarter of 2022 to be reduced by an amount equal to (or possibly greater than) the over-performance achieved in the first quarter (such estimate equaling an aggregate revenue projection of $13.8 million (or less) as compared to $15 million as forecasted in the Corporations Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended June 30, 2021). The Corporation expects that the subsequent third quarter ending in March 2022 will see an increase over the second quarter in revenue.

On the aggregate, the Corporation expects to exceed during fiscal 2022 the revenues recognized in fiscal 2021, but the timing and recognition throughout the next several quarters remain fluid as demand and resource availability exhibit their short-term effects.

"The Corporation is also currently considering various financing opportunities to meet the near term cashflow and growth initiatives," Bane Hunter, CEO of GetSwift concluded.

Preliminary estimated financial results and financial outlook set forth above are as of the date of the financial statements of the Corporation for the interim period ended September 30, 2021 and related managements discussion and analysis and are subject to the completion of the Corporations financial closing procedures for the applicable periods in fiscal 2022. This data has been prepared by management, and is the responsibility of the Corporations management and audit committee. The Corporations independent auditors have not expressed an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Such estimates are preliminary and subject to a number of risks and the Corporations actual results of operations, which could differ materially from these estimates. See "Disclaimer Regarding Financial Outlook" below for additional details.

First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2022 totaled $7.2 million. This compares to revenue of $7.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were $8.9 million as compared to total operating expenses of $14.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Total comprehensive loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $1.9 million, as compared to a total comprehensive loss of $2.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

Cash used in operating activities for the three months ending September 30, 2021 totaled $4.9 million compared to $12.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

The information provided in this news release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Corporation for the interim period ended September 30, 2021 and related managements discussion and analysis, which are available under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .

About GetSwift Technologies Limited

Technology to Optimise Global Delivery Logistics

GetSwift is a technology and services company that offers a suite of software products and services focused on business and logistics automation, data management and analysis, communications, information security, and infrastructure optimization and also includes ecommerce and marketplace ordering, workforce management, data analytics and augmentation, business intelligence, route optimization, cash management, task management shift management, asset tracking, real-time alerts, cloud communications, and communications infrastructure (collectively, the "GetSwift Offering"). The GetSwift Offering is used by public and private sector clients across industries and jurisdictions for their respective logistics, communications, information security, and infrastructure projects and operations.

GSW is headquartered in New York and its common shares are listed for trading on the NEO Exchange under the symbol "GSW". Additional information regarding the Corporation is provided in the Corporations annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2021, which is available under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this news release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Corporation, to the future outlook of the Corporation and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Corporation. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking Statements in this press release include statements related to future guidance regarding revenue and other financial forecasts for the remainder of the Corporations fiscal year, continued or expected use of the Corporations services, and intentions with respect to capital raising transactions. Forward-looking Statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. 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 Corporation's expectations include, without limitation, continued use of the Corporations services, sources of the Corporations revenue, the potential for additional tax expenses in future periods relating to historical filings, short- to mid-term expectations regarding the likelihood of the Corporation making capital calls under the Amended LDA Agreement (as defined below), limitations on the ability of the Corporation to leverage the LDA facility in the future, the timing of judgments relating to the civil proceedings in Australia, the incurrence of legal fees in relation to defending the civil proceedings involving Corporation or its subsidiaries, judgments relating to any civil proceedings involving the Corporation or its subsidiaries, the timing of future hearings related to the civil proceedings involving the Corporation or its subsidiaries, compliance with any settlement agreements entered into by the Corporation and the likelihood such agreements will be approved by courts of competent jurisdiction, estimates of the useful lives of assets, provisions for impairment of inventories, the ability of the Corporation to continue as a going-concern, the effect of a change of control on the Corporations material contracts, the Corporations dependence on key personnel, the Corporations ability to achieve or maintain profitability, the ability of clients terminating contracts with the Corporation and the impact thereof, short- to mid-term expectations regarding the sources and quantum of revenue, ongoing costs and obligations of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, the Corporations need and ability to obtain additional financing, the Corporations ability and intention to develop the GetSwift Offering (as defined below) and other intellectual property, the Corporations dependence on the GetSwift Offering to maintain operability and functionality on third-party operating systems and the likelihood of changes to such platforms, the Corporations dependence on suppliers and skilled labor, growth-related risks such as capacity constraints and pressure on internal systems and controls, the likelihood of reputational harm to the Corporation and the impact thereof, and the impact of pandemics, including COVID-19, on the Corporation, applicable regulation, and global commerce, and the other risk factors set forth in the Corporations managements discussion and analysis for the interim period ended September 30, 2021 and the Corporations annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors".

The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Corporation to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any Forward-looking Statement. Any Forward-looking Statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Disclaimer regarding financial outlook.

Revenue estimates and other financial outlook referenced in this news release is provided for the purpose of providing additional information regarding the cyclicality of the Corporations revenue and managements current expectations with respect to revenue derived from contracts with customers in the short and medium term and may not be appropriate for any other purpose. The Corporation currently expects that its final results of operations and other data for fiscal 2022 will be consistent with the estimates set forth above, but such estimates are preliminary and the Corporations actual results of operations and other data could differ materially from these estimates due to the completion of its quarterly review procedures, final adjustments, and other developments that may arise between now and the time such consolidated financials statements are released and/or closed out. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information and financial outlook is based on managements current expectations in light of existing market conditions and that such statements are subject to a number of risks described above and in the risk factors set forth in Corporations managements discussion and analysis for the interim period ended September 30, 2021 and the Corporations annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2021.

GetSwift Technologies Limited

Condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position

As at September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021

(In US dollars) September 30

2021

$ June 30

2021

$ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 4,693,788 7,276,107 Trade and other receivables 9,470,492 5,438,149 Prepaids 2,609,749 2,520,151 Inventories 7,217,652 1,860,062 Total current assets 23,991,681 17,094,469 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 3,333,688 1,598,650 Deferred tax assets 35,336 35,735 Goodwill and intangible assets 10,170,776 11,140,009 Other non-current assets 835,780 1,137,412 Total non-current assets 14,375,580 13,911,806 Total assets 38,367,261 31,006,275 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables 19,052,536 11,073,244 Contract liabilities 62,668 79,481 Warranty provisions 512,288 557,540 Employee benefit obligations 43,067 65,997 Lease and other current liabilities 558,507 457,246 Total current liabilities 20,229,066 12,233,508 Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities 760,148 858,220 Warranty provisions 235,783 283,680 Lease non-current liabilities 2,014,475 612,493 Total non-current liabilities 3,010,406 1,754,393 Total liabilities 23,239,472 13,987,901 EQUITY Share capital 82,332,552 82,332,552 Other reserves (2,996,339 ) 314,409 Accumulated losses (68,714,291 ) (69,910,131 ) Non-controlling interests 4,505,867 4,281,544 Total equity 15,127,789 17,018,374 Total liabilities and equity 38,367,261 31,006,275

GetSwift Technologies Limited

Condensed interim consolidated statements of income (loss) and other comprehensive loss

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020

(In US dollars) Three months ended September 30 2021

$ 2020 *

$ Revenue from contracts with customers 7,211,205 7,510,952 Total revenue 7,211,205 7,510,952 General and administrative expenses (3,060,744 ) (7,179,486 ) Employee benefits expenses (1,721,773 ) (2,230,586 ) Operating expenses (4,090,301 ) (4,521,350 ) Share-based payment expenses (16,837 ) (25,032 ) Total expenses (8,889,655 ) (13,956,454 ) Other income 97,169 239,096 Other gains(losses) 2,995,366 (1,524,084 ) Income/(loss) before income tax 1,414,085 (7,730,490 ) Income tax benefit/(expense) 6,078 (117,671 ) Income/(loss) for the period 1,420,163 (7,848,161 ) Other comprehensive income Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss: Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (3,327,585 ) 5,633,863 Total comprehensive loss for the period (1,907,422 ) (2,214,298 ) Total comprehensive loss for the year is attributable to: Owners of GetSwift Technologies Limited (2,131,745 ) (2,412,524 ) Non-controlling interests 224,323 198,226 (1,907,422 ) (2,214,298 ) Earnings/(loss) per share for income (loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company: Basic/diluted earnings/(loss) per share** 0.05 (0.26 ) *Comparative figures will differ to previously issued financial statements due to the change in reporting currency **Reflects the retrospective application of the 7:1 exchange ratio

GetSwift Technologies Limited

Condensed interim consolidated statements of cash flows

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020

(In US dollars) Three months ended

September 30, 2021

$ Three months ended

September 30, 2020 *

$ Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST) 4,304,069 4,390,095 Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST) (8,796,911 ) (16,415,895 ) R&D tax incentive received - 157,882 Income taxes paid (355,760 ) (355,448 ) Interest paid (26,538 ) (6,066 ) Interest received 4,756 54,077 Net cash (outflow) from operating activities (4,870,384 ) (12,175,355 ) Cash flows from investing activities Payments for property, plant and equipment (322,013 ) (93,712 ) Net cash (outflow) from investing activities (322,013 ) (93,712 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issues of shares - 489,904 Proceeds from borrowings - 758,838 Financing costs for LDA facility - (300,000 ) Letter of credit - (1,559,568 ) Proceeds from line of credit 3,225,680 2,106,943 Repayment of line of credit (366,738 ) (980,221 ) Principal elements of lease payments (293,440 ) (46,358 ) Net cash inflow from financing activities 2,565,502 469,538 Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,626,895 ) (11,799,529 ) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 7,276,107 24,279,996 Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 44,576 (975,684 ) Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 4,693,788 11,504,783 * Comparative figures will differ to previously issued financial statements due to the change in reporting currency.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005397/en/

Contacts

U.S. Investor Relations

Chris Tyson

Executive Vice President  MZ North America

Direct: 949-491-8235

GSW@mzgroup.us

www.mzgroup.us

Company Investor Relations:

investors@getswift.co
Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) (OTCQX: IVPAF) Co-Chairs Robert Friedland and Yufeng "Miles" Sun are pleased to announce that the company has promoted David van Heerden to the position of Chief Financial Officer, effective November 12, 2021. Mr. van Heerden's appointment allows Marna Cloete to focus solely on her role as Ivanhoe's President. Ms. Cloete has held the dual roles of President and CFO since her appointment as President in March 2020.





David van Heerden

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Mr. van Heerden has been with Ivanhoe Mines since 2011, and has held progressively senior finance roles, most recently as Vice President, Finance, Treasury and Tax. Prior to joining Ivanhoe Mines, he was in the assurance division of Ernst & Young Inc. in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a focus on mining and construction clients. Mr. van Heerden is a registered Chartered Accountant.

"We are pleased to welcome David to the senior executive management team," said Mr. Friedland. "David brings tremendous experience and proven judgment, and will be a valuable contributor as we continue our progression into a preeminent, diversified mining company with industry-leading environmental, social and governance credentials."

Marna Cloete commented: "I am thrilled with the promotion of David to Chief Financial Officer. He is an exceptional accountant, as well as a long-time trusted advisor. David's new title reflects his unique contributions to the company and his indelible impact on Ivanhoe's success. He has been assisting me with many of the CFO duties over the past several years, so we expect a seamless transition.

"This is an extremely busy and exciting period of growth for Ivanhoe Mines. David's full-time assumption of the CFO duties will allow me to focus more of my time on ensuring the successful execution of our plans to bring the Platreef and Kipushi projects into commercial production."

Story continues

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company focused on advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: the development of major new, mechanized, underground mines at the Kamoa-Kakula copper discoveries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and at the Platreef palladium-rhodium-platinum-nickel-copper-gold discovery in South Africa; and the extensive redevelopment and upgrading of the historic Kipushi zinc-copper-germanium-silver mine, also in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kamoa-Kakula began producing copper concentrates in May 2021 and, through phased expansions, is positioned to become one of the world's largest copper producers. Kamoa-Kakula is being powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity and is projected to be among the world's lowest greenhouse gas emitters per unit of metal produced. Ivanhoe Mines has pledged to achieve net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine. Ivanhoe also is exploring for new copper discoveries on its Western Foreland exploration licences in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the Kamoa-Kakula Project.

Information contacts

Investors: Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 / Media: Matthew Keevil +1.604.558.1034

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103490
Believes Proposed Increase is Contrary to Best Interests of Stockholders and Intends to Vote AGAINST Proposal 3 at Upcoming Annual Meeting



Believes Fellow Stockholders Should Vote AGAINST Proposal 3

HOUSTON, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JCP Investment Management, LLC (together with its affiliates, JCP or we), a significant stockholder of Farmer Bros. Co. (Farmer Bros. or the Company) (NASDAQ:FARM), with ownership of approximately 4.3% of the Companys outstanding shares, today stated its opposition to Farmer Bros. proposal to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares at the Companys upcoming 2021 annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on December 15, 2021 (the 2021 Annual Meeting).

Proposal 3 at the 2021 Annual Meeting seeks stockholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock of the Company from 25 million to 50 million. We had already privately expressed our concerns to the Company regarding recent dilution of stockholders, so naturally we were alarmed by the proposed increase in authorized shares that could result in extreme dilution of existing stockholders and serve as an anti-takeover measure.

In our view, the Companys underperformance over the last 3-, 5-, 10- and 15-year periods coupled with its current high burn rate of 4.2% does not warrant an increase of this magnitude. 1, 2 To put things in perspective, the Companys current market capitalization is approximately $150 million and it filed a shelf registration statement to offer the sale of up to $175 million in securities.

Share Price Performance (1) 3-Year 5-Year 10-Year 15-Year 2021 Proxy Peers 20 % 77 % 487 % 726 % Russell 2000 Index 59 % 85 % 235 % 205 % Farmer Bros. Co. -66 % -74 % 39 % -58 % Underperformance vs. Proxy Peers -86 % -151 % -448 % -784 % Underperformance vs. Russell 2000 Index -125 % -160 % -196 % -263 % Source: Bloomberg as of November 12, 2021. 1. Figures assume reinvestment of dividends. 2. 2021 Proxy Peers Include: BGS, JBSS, SAM, LANC, CVGW, MED, CALM, MGPI, PRMW, CHEF, SENEA, TWNK, SMPL, JJSF, STKL, BYND, BRID, NBEV

Accordingly, JCP intends to vote AGAINST Proposal 3 at the 2021 Annual Meeting and believes that all stockholders of the Company should vote AGAINST Proposal 3 .



Story continues

Stockholders interested in discussing this matter further or learning more should contact JCP at the number below.

About JCP Investment Management:

JCP Investment Management, LLC is an investment firm headquartered in Houston, TX that engages in value-based investing across the capital structure. JCP follows an opportunistic approach to investing across different equity, credit and distressed securities largely in North America.

Investor Contact:

James C. Pappas

JCP Investment Management, LLC

(713) 333-5540

PLEASE NOTE: JCP is not asking for your proxy card and cannot accept your proxy card. Please DO NOT send us your proxy card.

1 As mentioned in its proxy statement filed in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting, the Companys three-year average burn rate for fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 is 4.2%, which the Company acknowledges is high.

2 In addition, approving the Amended and Restated 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (Proposal 4) would increase the Company stock overhang percentage by 8.3% to approximately 18.2% total.




A Guide to Choosing the Best App to Learn a New Language as Hobby or as Requirement

Language Throne Updates Site with New Reviews on Language Learning Apps

A Guide to Choosing the Best App to Learn a New Language as Hobby or as Requirement

A Guide to Choosing the Best App to Learn a New Language as Hobby or as Requirement

Charlotte, NC, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Language Throne is a place for all those who wish to learn new languages whether it is for recreational purposes or as a job requirement. It is not a language learning website. It is an experience, says Jasmine, the founder of Language Throne. The website offers the right resources that help people learn a new language fluently. Jasmine and her team spent thousands of hours compiling several resources available on the internet and shortlisting the best apps. Anyone can learn a new language and it doesnt really have any prerequisites. Finding the right resource is always the problem. Locating them is the biggest task of all. It takes several hours of research on the internet.

Language Throne



Language Throne

Language Throne has done it on behalf of the visitors. They have collated useful information and resources all in one place. The team here offers honest and unbiased reviews. They do not have any association or agreement with these apps which means that visitors can be assured that the reviews are genuine. If something is bad in the app, they say it. And when an app is outstanding, they mention the same thing. They offer the best recommendations based on their research and testing on the most popular language apps.

Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and many other language apps are covered here. Whether it is learning to speak Spanish, which is the official language of 21 other countries in the world, or the Japanese translator apps while touring this beautiful country, these reviews are honest to the core. Learning a new language not only helps but also helps learn the culture, improve communication skills and add a new skill to the job resume. Many jobs prefer candidates who can speak and understand more than one language fluently. And this additional skill can always provide a competitive advantage amongst peers.

Story continues

Language Throne

One of the recent reviews on the Drops App takes visitors through this app in detail. This language learning app has some fun games and memory exercises to improve vocabulary. Available for both Apple and Android, this app comes with a free and a subscription version. As per the reviewers, this might not be a comprehensive language learning tool but offers great vocabulary practice. The languages available in this app are Bosnian, Cantonese Chinese, Mandarin Chinese, Danish, French, British and American English, Hindi, Indonesian, Turkish, Sanskrit, and many more. The website is constantly updated with reviews and new apps are added daily for a better choice.

To learn more visit https://www.languagethrone.com/

About Language Throne

Language Throne was started by Jasmine Lopez, a language enthusiast who can speak many languages fluently. This is a resource center that lists out the best language learning apps from around the world. Jasmine and her team have conducted several hours of testing to bring together the best apps and resources for learning new languages.

###

Contact

Language Throne

112 S Tryon Street Suite 2270 Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 859-816-6580

Email for Media Contact: support@languagethrone.com

Website: https://www.languagethrone.com/









Attachment




EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - The Metis Nation of Alberta, the only democratically elected government of the Metis Nation within Alberta, rejects Premier Jason Kenney's public show of support and financial commitment for outside organizations claiming to represent Metis interests.

"Today, Premier Kenney is standing with a handful of unaccountable, undemocratic and illegitimate organizations to challenge federal legislation that is designed to ensure we are consulted on projects that protect our Metis rights and way of life," said MNA President Audrey Poitras. "As the democratically elected representatives of Metis citizens in Alberta, we want to make it clear that if these issues are brought before the courts, the MNA will be there to underscore how these individuals and organizations do not represent Alberta Metis. The courts will scrutinize the credibility of these claims. It is unfortunate that the Premier of this province has not."

"This is a bad decision by the Premier and represents a clear misuse of public money," added President Poitras. "These organizations are not elected or accountable to anyone and are made up of non-Metis individuals. These organizations do not speak for the Metis Nation, the Metis people or Metis communities in Alberta."

Since 1928, the MNA has represented the rights and interests of Alberta Metis through democratic self-government structures at the local, regional and provincial levels. Today, the MNA has over 51,000 registered citizens. In 2019, the MNA signed a historic agreement with Canada confirming the MNA as the only recognized, accountable and democratically elected government of Metis citizens in Alberta.

SOURCE Metis Nation of Alberta

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/15/c3577.html
Hancock Natural Resource Group adopts the Manulife Investment Management brand

US$ unless otherwise stated TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945



BOSTON, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Manulife Investment Management today announced it has completed the alignment of its private markets business under the Manulife Investment Management global brand. This completes a multi-year strategy to bring all institutional wealth and asset management businesses together more formally under the Manulife Investment Management brand.

Manulife Investment Management Logo (CNW Group/Manulife Investment Management)

Manulife Investment Management operates across retirement, retail investing, and institutional asset management businesses globally, with US$835 billion under management and administration. Its broad capabilities in traditional and private assets are strengthened by the global reach of an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies and a commitment to sustainability that includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, active and responsible stewardship, and third- party collaborations and certifications for overall industry transparency and effectiveness.

Manulife Investment Management's diverse private markets businesses  including timberland and agriculture  have operated within the global wealth and asset management business for decades. And effective today, Hancock Natural Resource Group, Inc has changed its name to Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture Inc. The change completes the transition of all Manulife Investment Management private markets' capabilitiestotaling more than US$58B across private equity and credit and real assetsto align under a single global brand.1

"The diversity of Manulife Investment Management's capabilities  serving investor groups across geographies  is a core strength, and private markets continues to be a key growth driver for our future," said Paul R. Lorentz, president and CEO of Manulife Investment Management. "By further aligning our private markets capabilities, we can demonstrate the full breadth of our business to existing and potential customers."

Story continues

Today's announcement is in keeping with a priority to position Manulife Investment Management's timberland and agriculture capabilities for future growth. Recent actions include uniting the firm's real assets capabilities under Christoph Schumacher, who joined the firm in May 2021 as the global head of real assets for Manulife Investment Management and the CEO of Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture Inc. Industry veterans and longtime employees Thomas G. Sarno and Oliver S. Williams, CFA, global heads of timberland and agriculture, respectively, report to Christoph and will continue to provide strategic leadership for these asset classes.

"Timberland and agriculture are cornerstones of our private markets capabilities and crucial to how we help clients meet their investment and sustainability objectives," said Stephen J. Blewitt, global head of private markets, Manulife Investment Management. "We believe the investments we've made in these areas will help us expand the reach of these unique offerings in markets around the world."

Manulife Investment Management manages approximately 6 million acres of timberland across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and Chile. It also oversees approximately 400,000 acres of prime farmland in major agricultural regions of the United States and in Canada, Chile, and Australia. The firm's comprehensive private markets businesses include private equity and credit, infrastructure, real estate, timberland, and agriculture.

1 As of 09/30/21, private markets assets under management (AUM) information, on a fair value basis, represent private equity, private credit, real estate equity, infrastructure, timberland, and agriculture assets managed by Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) on behalf of external clients and Manulife's general account.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement.

As of September 30, 2021, Manulife Investment Management's assets under management and administration, including assets managed for Manulife's other segments, totaled CAD $1.1 trillion (US $835 billion). Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

Cision

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SOURCE Manulife Investment Management

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/15/c7287.html
Hong Kong, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - META FANTASY, a metaverse technology company, announced today that it has partnered with Grayscale Asia-Pacific to develop metaverse and decentralized network in the Asia-Pacific region.

META FANTASY aims to take the metaverse concept to the next level with its decentralized metaverse project, FantaVerse, that utilizes the BIGANT technology. BIGANT (Blockchain, Interactivity, Game, AI, Network, Token Economy) is a proprietary design & technological ecosystem by META FANTASY that works comprehensively for the development of the metaverse and realizes the elements of the metaverse, including decentralization, creator economy, anywhere, variety, economy & civility, virtual social, immersive and low friction.

META FANTASY has completed its economic and ecological modules and has accelerated its technological development since the beginning of the year, making breakthroughs and revolutionary advancements to date.

Grayscale is currently expanding into the Asia-Pacific markets with plans to invest and acquire companies in Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Malaysia. The Asia-Pacific region will be the center of its decentralized data processing infrastructure and data centers with the aim to empower decentralized technological developments in the region. Grayscale-Asia Pacific will also increase the deployment of low-energy, green and eco-friendly mining technologies within the next two years, and deploy blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, big data and 5G to create and enhance digital economies, distributed data storage, decentralized cloud computing infrastructure in the region.

As a strategic partner, Grayscale's expansion and development roadmap empowers META FANTASY's vision of creating a decentralized metaverse that brings the virtual world to life and unlocking the infinite possibilities of the metaverse. "We are confident that the cooperation with Grayscale will accelerate the creation and development of FantaVerse, and become an industry leader in metaverse technology and decentralized network. We will take lead in the pilot construction of decentralized network in South Korea," said Albert, COO of the crypto company. In the first quarter of 2022, users will be able to experience metaverse products that utilizes META FANTASY's BIGANT technology.

Story continues

Contact:

META FANTASY

3109209996

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103542
NEW ORLEANS, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 11, 2022 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Novavax, Inc. (NasdaqGS: NVAX), if they purchased the Companys securities between March 2, 2021 and October 19, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Novavax and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-nvax/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 11, 2022.

About the Lawsuit

Novavax and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On August 5, 2021, the Company disclosed another delay in filing the Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA") for its COVID-19 vaccine product candidate, NVX-CoV2373, from the third quarter of 2021 to the fourth quarter of 2021. On this news, Novavaxs stock price fell $46.31 per share, or 19.61%, to close at $189.89 per share on August 6, 2021. Then, on October 19, 2021, Politico reported that anonymous sources stated that manufacturing issues could delay regulatory authorizations and approvals for NVX-CoV2373 until the end of 2022.

On this news, Novavaxs shares plummeted $23.69 per share, or 14.76%, to close at $136.86 per share on October 20, 2021.

The case is Sinnathurai v. Novavax, et al., 21-cv-02910.

Story continues

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006139/en/

Contacts

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850
Veteran industry executive will spearhead the clinical development and commercialization of oncology treatments leveraging Penroses novel mitochondrial modifying agent (MMA) technology

ANN ARBOR, Mich. & BOSTON, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First paragraph, first sentence of release should read: Penrose TherapeuTx, a privately held preclinical stage small molecule drug development company ... (instead of Penrose TherapeuTx, a privately held clinical stage small molecule drug development company ...).

The updated release reads:

PENROSE THERAPEUTX APPOINTS PHARMACEUTICAL LEADER DAVID SHERRIS, PH.D., AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Veteran industry executive will spearhead the clinical development and commercialization of oncology treatments leveraging Penroses novel mitochondrial modifying agent (MMA) technology

Penrose TherapeuTx, a privately held preclinical stage small molecule drug development company committed to improving patient lives through innovative oncology therapies, today announced the appointment of David Sherris, Ph.D. as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Sherris has over 30 years of experience in translational medicine involving basic research, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, and has held numerous senior roles at prominent pharmaceutical companies including Serono, Centocor, Unilever Research and Mateon Therapeutics (formerly OXiGENE).

Penrose TherapeuTx, through unprecedented tissue-driven pharmacologic insights, has pioneered a next-generation class of MMAs which create a selective mitochondrial vulnerability that ultimately leads to cancer cell metabolic collapse. The platform has shown promising preclinical results and the company has developed a lead candidate, RP-0320, which is set to advance into clinical research in the coming year.

"With Dr. Sherriss drug development skills, his experience in business development and securing funding for biotechnology companies, we feel confident that he will bring Penrose TherapeuTx to its next phase of success," said Mark de Souza, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of parent company Tribar Healthcare Partners. "We are pleased to bring on such an accomplished scientist and biotech entrepreneur."

Story continues

Dr. Sherris is a proven serial entrepreneur having developed biotechnology companies from the ground up, devising corporate strategy, enacting programs, successfully established partnerships within the pharmaceutical industry and carrying companies through funding and acquisition. Holding senior positions in public and private companies, Dr. Sherris has led the development of novel therapies from the bench to the clinic. He has published multiple scientific papers and holds patents in a wide range of therapeutic areas including oncology, ophthalmology, dermatology, neurology, gene therapy and infectious disease.

"Im excited to lead such an innovative biotechnology company and work with the talented team dedicated to advancing Penroses mitochondrial modifying agents. A first-in-class, small molecule drug technology attacking tumor cells leading to their necrotic death is an exciting and novel means to tackle cancer," said Dr. Sherris, Chief Executive Officer and President of Penrose TherapeuTx. "I am grateful for the excellent work Mr. de Souza has done in his role establishing a solid foundation for the company. Im committed to working with the Penrose team, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and other global regulatory agencies to bring this technology into the next stage of clinical development and ultimately to the market."

Prior to Penrose TherapeuTx, Dr. Sherris was President and Chief Executive Officer of GenAdam Therapeutics, Paloma Pharmaceuticals and VasculoMedics, private biotech companies. The former of which was acquired by PrimeCell and the latter two by RestorGenex, now Diffusion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Sherris also had senior leadership positions at public biotech companies as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Research and Development at OXiGENE, along with Serono, Centocor and Unilever Research.

Dr. Sherris received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics from the University of Utah, held a postdoctoral position in cellular immunology at the Jackson Laboratory and a faculty position in the Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology at the Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY.

About Penrose TherapeuTx

Penrose TherapeuTx is a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative small-molecule therapies for the treatment of advanced cancers. Penrose has pioneered the development of a novel Mitochondrial Modifying Agent therapeutic platform designed to generate therapies for difficult to treat cancers through a unique cooperative mechanism of action. Our approach has potential broad applicability across both hematologic and solid tumors. Learn more at www.penrosetherapeutx.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005809/en/

Contacts

Media

Chad Hyett

MCS Healthcare

917-204-7917

chadh@mcspr.com
To



NASDAQ Copenhagen Executive Board

Lers Parkalle 100

DK-2100 Kbenhavn 

www.rd.dk







Telephone +45 7012 5300

Telefax +45 4514 9622













15 November 2021

Company Announcement No 95/2021



Prepayments, Realkredit Danmark A/S





Pursuant to 24 of the Capital Markets Act, Realkredit Danmark A/S hereby publishes prepayments as at Friday 12 November 2021. Please find the data in the attached file.

The information will also be available on www.rd.dk .







Yours sincerely

The Executive Board







Any additional questions should be addressed to Hella Gebhardt Rnnebk, Chief Analyst, phone +45 4513 2068.

Attachments




Here are the top stories and upcoming coverage plans for Reuters text service as of 10.30 p.m. GMT/ 6.30 a.m. SGT. For a full schedule of news and events, go to our editorial calendar on Reuters Connect https://www.reutersconnect.com/planning or on Media Express http://mediaexpress.reuters.com/planning-tools/calendar.

TOP STORIES

GLOBAL

USA-BIDEN/INFRASTRUCTURE

Biden signs $1 trillion infrastructure bill into law

President Joe Biden signed into law a $1 trillion infrastructure bill at a White House ceremony on Monday that drew Democrats and Republicans who pushed the legislation through a deeply divided U.S. Congress.

EUROPE-MIGRANTS/BELARUS-POLAND

EU agrees new sanctions on Belarus, airlines over border crisis

France told Russia on Monday NATO would be prepared to defend the sovereignty of Ukraine, near where NATO says Moscow has been staging a troop buildup, while Western leaders sought to tackle a migrants crisis on the eastern borders of the European Union.

U.S.

USA-CAPITOL/SECURITY-BANNON

Trump adviser Bannon excoriates Biden after court appearance

Former President Donald Trump's longtime adviser Steve Bannon on Monday sought to portray the criminal charges over his defiance of a congressional inquiry into the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot as politically motivated, lashing out at President Joe Biden and others.

USA-CHINA/CONGRESS

U.S. Congress seeks way forward for stalled China bill with chips funding

Sweeping legislation to boost U.S. competitiveness with China and fund much-needed semiconductor production passed the Senate with bipartisan support in June but has stalled in the House of Representatives as backers struggle to find a way to pass it.

BUSINESS

TESLA-MUSK/STAKE

Tesla's shares extend selloff after Musk tweets

Tesla Inc's stock extended its recent selloff on Monday as investors reacted to CEO Elon Musk's recent share sales of a combined $6.9 billion, as well as to his most recent tweets.

SHELL-STRUCTURE/

Shell ditches the Dutch, seeks move to London in overhaul

Story continues

Royal Dutch Shell said on Monday it would scrap its dual share structure and move its head office to Britain from the Netherlands, pushed away by Dutch taxes and facing climate pressure in court as the energy giant shifts from oil and gas.

ENTERTAINMENT

HOLLYWOOD-UNION/

Hollywood crew members narrowly approve contract with TV and film producers

Some 60,000 behind-the-scenes workers in U.S. film and television narrowly approved a new contract with producers, their union said on Monday.

FILMHARRY POTTER/ANNIVERSARY

How building Harry Potter's world conjured its own school of magic

Surrounded by "Daily Prophet" front pages and books from the magical world of "Harry Potter", graphic designer Miraphora Mina holds up an envelope countless children have surely wished to receive.

SPORTS

SOCCER-KENYA/

Kenya's top football official granted bail amid corruption investigation

Nick Mwendwa, president of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), was granted bail by a Kenyan court on Monday after police had sought his detention for 14 days to allow for an investigation into allegations of corruption.

CRICKET-ENGLAND-YOR/RASHID

England's Rashid backs up Rafiq over racism allegation

England leg-spinner Adil Rashid on Monday became the third player to say he heard Michael Vaughan question the number of players of Asian heritage turning out for Yorkshire in 2009, an allegation the former England captain has denied.

UPCOMING

POLITICS / INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

USA-ABORTION/CATHOLICS (PIX) (TV)

U.S. Bishops will discuss communion document that could rebuke Biden for his abortion views at November conference U.S. Roman Catholic bishops are due to convene for a November conference and discuss the draft of a document that addresses whether politicians, including President Joe Biden, should receive Communion while supporting abortion and LGBTQ rights.

16 Nov

CANADA-POLITICS/VACCINE

Canada's unvaccinated lawmakers a boost for Trudeau after re-election

Some of Canada's Conservative opposition lawmakers risk getting locked out of parliament next week, a fact that the recently re-elected Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is using against his rivals as he kicks off his third administration.

16 Nov

BAHRAIN-BRAZIL/

Brazil's Bolsonaro visits Bahrain Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro visits Bahrain on a six-day trip to the Gulf that also takes him to UAE and Qatar.

16 Nov

BRITAIN-ROYALS/CHARLES-JORDAN (PIX) (TV)

The UK's Prince Charles to visit Jordan British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles will begin a visit to Jordan followed by Egypt, the first overseas tour by a senior member of the royal family since the COVID-19 pandemic.

16 Nov

DENMARK-ELECTION/,

Danish local elections

Local elections in Denmark takes place.

16 Nov

PHILIPPINES-ELECTION/

Focus shifts to son of Philippines late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 2022 presidential race

With decisions of President Rodrigo Duterte and daughter made, the spotlight for the presidency could shift to the controversial son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

16 Nov

EUROPE-MIGRANTS/BELARUS-POLAND (PIX) (TV)

Monitoring the situation at the Belarus-Poland border

Monitoring the situation at the Belarus-Poland border after migrants stranded inside Belarus continue to camp at the fence and make new attempts to force their way into the EU.

16 Nov 00:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

USA-CHINA/BIDEN-XI (PIX) (TV)

Biden and China's Xi hold virtual meeting

U.S. President Joe Biden conducts virtual meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but officials stress it is unlikely to yield long list of specific outcomes.

16 Nov 01:30 ET / 01:30 GMT

HONGKONG-SECURITY/CARRIE LAM (TV)

Hong Kong leader speaks in weekly news briefing

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam holds a weekly news briefing.

16 Nov 01:30 ET / 01:30 GMT

EUROPE-MIGRANTS/BELARUS-POLAND-FUNERAL (PIX) (TV)

Syrian migrant burried by Poland after perishing in crossing from Belarus

The first funeral of a migrant who died trying to cross into the European Union from Belarus took place in near complete on Monday evening in an eastern Polish village with a live video call connection to the 19-year-old's relatives in Syria.

16 Nov 10:00 ET / 10:00 GMT

COLOMBIA-CONFLICT/

Colombian troop surge seeks to stem drug-fuelled Venezuelan border violence

Camouflaged Colombian troops with guns and anti-COVID masks creep through dense vegetation in suffocating heat, ready for their many enemies criss-crossing the Venezuelan border. The soldiers are part of a 14,000-strong military unit created last month to stem rising bloodshed in the northeastern province of Norte de Santander: the new epicenter of internal conflict, fuelled by rising cocaine production.

16 Nov 13:00 ET / 13:00 GMT

USA-TRUMP/TAXES

Court case over Trump taxes to continue in federal court

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump will appear in federal court in an effort to block the IRS from handing his tax returns to a congressional committee. The DOJ and House Dems are seeking to dismiss the case after DOJ declared the House should get the records it seeks.

16 Nov 15:00 ET / 15:00 GMT

BUSINESS / ECONOMICS

CANADA-QUEBEC/LANGUAGE-CEO

Quebec execs face "language-shaming" in wake of Air Canada CEO controversy

Quebec English-speaking chief executives are facing "language-shaming" for their limited French skills, as a recent controversy involving the unilingual head of Air Canada reverberates through corporate Quebec.

16 Nov

COLOMBIA-GOLD/

Colombia Gold Symposium conference takes place in Medellin

The Colombia Gold Symposium conference, which brings together major miners, aggregators and industry experts will take place in Medellin.

16 Nov

BMW-CFO/

BMW holds roundtable with CFO Nicolas Peter BMW's Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter holds a roundtable with journalists in Frankfurt.

16 Nov

SAUDI-ECONOMY/INVESTMENT (PIX)

INSIGHT-Saudi Arabia's race to attract investment

An insightful story about Saudi Arabia's race to attract the foreign investment it needs to turn its vision of a future beyond oil into a reality over the coming decade.

16 Nov 04:00 ET / 04:00 GMT

GLOBAL-OIL/SUPPLY

In coming year, most new global oil supply is likely going to come from the U.S.

The world oil market may not be able to count on much new supply from OPEC nations in 2022. Instead, the primary locales for increased output in the coming year will be in the Western Hemisphere - the United States, Guyana, Brazil and Canada.

16 Nov 06:00 ET / 06:00 GMT

ARM-M&A/NVIDIA

Britain expected to order in-depth probe of Nvidia's ARM deal

Britain is expected to order an in-depth investigation of Nvidia Corp's planned $40 billion acquisition of chip designer ARM from Softbank over antitrust and national security concerns.

16 Nov 07:00 ET / 07:00 GMT

CLIMATE-UN/COAL-INVESTMENTS

EMBARGOED - Net-zero pledges and climate metrics will pressure coal power, investors say

Grand ambitions to wind down the world's coal use should be accelerated by corporate net-zero pledges and better metrics showing where globally-connected companies get their power, investors said.

16 Nov 12:00 ET / 12:00 GMT

HUNGARY-CENBANK/BONDS-TENDER

Central bank bond buying auction results

16 Nov 12:00 ET / 12:00 GMT

BRITAIN-WORKERS/

British Environment minister Eustice quesitoned by lawmakers on labour shortages in food and farming

Britain's minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, is questioned by a committee of lawmakers on the government response to the labour shortage crisis in the food and farming sectors.

16 Nov 14:30 ET / 14:30 GMT

RUSSIA-OFZ/AUCTION

Russia's FinMin announces OFZ bond auctions

Russia's Finance Ministry announces OFZ bond auctions for Wednesday

16 Nov 16:00 ET / 16:00 GMT

CRIME / LAW / JUSTICE

PEOPLE-GHISLAINE MAXWELL/ (TV)

In person jury selection starts in sex crimes trial of Epstein associate Maxwell

In-person questioning of jurors begins in the sex crimes trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite charged by U.S. prosecutors with helping recruit and groom underage girls for her longtime associate, Jeffrey Epstein, to abuse. The jury selection process is expected to last until November 19.

16 Nov

ATHLETICS-KENYA/ (PIX) (TV)

Husband of slain Kenyan runner Tirop to enter plea to murder charges

The husband of Kenya's record-smashing long-distance runner, Agnes Tirop, is due to appear in court to answer charges in relation to her death. Last week, the court ordered him to undergo a mental health test before entering a plea in the case, which has shone a spotlight on violence against women in the East African nation.

16 Nov

PEOPLE-GHISLAINE MAXWELL/JURY

EXPLAINER - The search for a fair jury for Ghislaine Maxwell's sex crimes trial

An explainer about the jury selection process for the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, which begins on Tuesday. Maxwell, a British socialite, is accused of grooming underage girls for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse.

16 Nov 14:00 ET / 14:00 GMT

SPORTS

BASKETBALL-NBA/WADE

NBA - Dwyane Wade discusses his career and the state of the league

Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade sits down with Reuters to discuss his new book and the current state of the league.

16 Nov

ARTS / CULTURE / ENTERTAINMENT

ART-SOTHEBYS/AUCTION (TV)

Mark Rothko painting could smash records at Sotheby's auction

A painting by abstract artist Mark Rothko, and a sculpture by Alberto Giacometti could smash record at the Macklowe Collection auction at Sotheby's in New York

15 Nov 00:00 ET / 00:00 GMT

DISASTERS / ACCIDENTS

ESTONIA-FERRY/ (TV)

Estonia, Sweden and Finland present findings in recent Estonia shipwreck probe

Estonia's, Sweden's and Finland's accident investigation authorities present results of fresh investigations of MS Estonia, which sank in the Baltic Sea 27 years ago with the loss of 852 lives, and the seabed around the wreck, at a joint news conference in Estonia's capital Tallinn.

16 Nov 10:30 ET / 10:30 GMT

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY

HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/USA-DOGS (PIX) (TV)

Ollie the dog helps U.S. kids with vaccine hesitancy one jab at a time

There is no vaccine hesitancy like that of a 9-year-old girl staring down the glint of a hypodermic needle. And there is no remedy quite like Ollie, a 6-year-old goldendoodle therapy dog who is helping kids at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego overcome the anxiety associated with getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

16 Nov 11:00 ET / 11:00 GMT
(Repeats story that ran late on Friday)

By Heekyong Yang

YONGIN, South Korea, Nov 12 (Reuters) - South Korean engineer Kim Gwang-ho was almost certain he would receive ample compensation from the whistleblower program of the U.S. auto safety regulator for a tip-off about safety lapses at Hyundai Motor Co, his employer of 26 years.

Now, at the end of a five-year ordeal, the award from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made Kim more than $24 million richer, and he aims to set up a foundation to promote responsible corporate culture.

"The compensation I expected from the whistleblower program in the United States outweighed the sacrifice I had to make in South Korea," Kim, 59, who worked on the firm's quality strategy team, told Reuters on Friday.

Kim's action led to an agreement last year by Hyundai and its affiliate, Kia, which are among the world's top 10 automakers by sales, to pay a record civil penalty https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-recalls-hyundai-kia-idUSKBN28725X of $210 million over recalls involving nearly 1.7 million vehicles.

Kim, who plans to set up a YouTube channel to teach people how to expose their employers' bad behaviour, learned about the U.S. law through training that Hyundai provided, and which inspired him to come forward, he said in an interview.

"(The amount) is not incredible or anything like that, I'd say it's about right," Kim said in the living-room of his home in the city of Yongin, south of Seoul, the capital.

"It's the right amount when you look at what I had to sacrifice, how much I had to work on this," added Kim, who said his action cost him his job and severed ties with long-time colleagues.

"After my report, I believe that automakers now know that anyone can blow the whistle and they cannot hide anything."

Hyundai Motor Group did not have comment.

BIGGEST WORLDWIDE

Tuesday's reward https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-auto-safety-regulator-awards-over-24-mln-hyundai-motor-whistleblower-2021-11-09 was the first by the U.S. regulator and the biggest in a whistleblower case in the automobile sector worldwide, says law firm Constantine Cannon, which represented Kim.

It comes as the regulator and U.S. transport authorities ready regulations for a programme for whistleblowers in the automotive sector that Congress created in 2015 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-whistleblower-idUKKBN0LU25K20150226.

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The regulator's whistleblower program aims to help it police the automotive industry by rewarding providers of information about safety violations. Successful whistleblowers get a share ranging from 10% to 30% of the fines or penalties collected.

The amount of Kim's award recommended by the regulator is 30% of an upfront payment of $81 million agreed by Hyundai and Kia.

"I was relieved to hear that it finally came to an end," he said, adding that he and his law firm were checking if he stood to receive more.

In the summer of 2016, Kim told the U.S. regulator Hyundai was not taking enough action to resolve an engine fault that increased the risk of crashes, citing an internal report from the strategy team to management.

The vehicle recalls between 2015 and 2017 had ranked among the firms' biggest such exercises in the United States.

Investigation https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hyundai-motor-recall-usa-idUSKCN18G094 by the regulator begun in 2017 led to its decision that the firms had failed to recall the vehicles in a timely fashion, bringing last year's $210-million penalty.

In 2018, Reuters reported that U.S. prosecutors were investigating https://www.reuters.com/article/hyundai-motor-probe-idUSL4N1XW5HP whether Hyundai's vehicle recalls were done properly.

Today, Kim feels his effort was not entirely successful, however.

"Those who tried to cover up recalls at that time are still working as executives at affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group, which I think is the painful reality even after I managed to successfully blow the whistle to correct things," he said. (Reporting by Heekyong Yang; Editing by Jack Kim and Clarence Fernandez)
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that class actions have commenced on behalf of certain shareholders in the following companies. If you suffered a loss you have until the lead plaintiff deadline to request that the court appoint you as lead plaintiff. There will be no obligation or cost to you.

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/biomarin-pharmaceutical-inc-loss-submission-form-2?prid=21204&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 22, 2021

Class Period: January 13, 2020 - September 3, 2021

Allegations against BMRN include that: (i) BMN 307, an Adeno-Associated Virus Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer of Human Phenylalanine Hydroxylase, was less safe than BioMarin had led investors to believe; (ii) BMN 307's safety profile made it likely that the Food and Drug Administration would place a clinical hold on the Phearless Phase 1/2 study; (iii) accordingly, the Company had overstated BMN 307's clinical and commercial prospects; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Amarin Corporation Plc (NASDAQ:AMRN)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/amarin-corporation-plc-loss-submission-form?prid=21204&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 23, 2021

Class Period: December 5, 2018 - June 21, 2021

Allegations against AMRN include that: (i) there was an increasingly high risk that certain of Amarin's patents would be invalidated; (ii) once the District Court invalidated certain of Amarin's patents, there was little to no chance of reversing that ruling; (iii) the Company's litigation was preventing it from effectuating a successful takeover; (iv) Defendants were downplaying the true threat the ongoing abbreviated new drug application litigation posed to the Company's business and future prospects; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

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Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP)

If you suffered a loss, contact us at:https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/snap-inc-loss-submission-form-2?prid=21204&wire=1

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 10, 2022

Class Period: July 22, 2020 - October 21, 2021

Allegations against SNAP include that: (1) Apple's privacy changes would have, and were having, a material impact on the Company's advertising business; (2) Snap overstated its ability to transition its advertising with Apple's privacy changes; (3) Snap knew of, but downplayed, the risks of the impact that Apple's privacy changes had on the Company's advertising business; (4) Snap overstated its commitment to privacy; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.

To learn more contact Vincent Wong, Esq. either via email vw@wongesq.com or by telephone at 212.425.1140.

Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Vincent Wong, Esq.

39 East Broadway

Suite 304

New York, NY 10002

Tel. 212.425.1140

Fax. 866.699.3880

E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com

SOURCE: The Law Offices of Vincent Wong





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/672921/SHAREHOLDER-ALERT-BMRN-AMRN-SNAP-The-Law-Offices-of-Vincent-Wong-Reminds-Investors-of-Important-Class-Action-Deadlines




NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of AppHarvest, Inc. ("AppHarvest" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: APPH). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

Fighting for victims of securities fraud for more than 85 years (PRNewsfoto/Pomerantz LLP)

The investigation concerns whether AppHarvest and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 11, 2021, AppHarvest announced its second quarter financial results, reporting a $32.0 million net loss. The Company also lowered its full year sales guidance to a range of $7 million to $9 million, down significantly from a prior range of $20 million to $25 million. AppHarvest attributed the lower-than-expected results to "operational headwinds with the full ramp up to full production at the company's first CEA facility, including labor and productivity challenges related to the training and development of the new workforce and historically low market prices for tomatoes."

On this news, AppHarvest's stock price fell $3.46 per share, or approximately 29%, to close at $8.51 per share on August 11, 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

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Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-on-behalf-of-investors-appharvest-inc---apph-301423615.html

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
South Dakota education officials have struggled to revise social studies standards that include guidelines for teaching Native American history and culture, but a new poll suggests state residents are very firm in their support for inclusion of Native studies in public schools.

The poll of 500 registered South Dakota voters in October showed that 88% of respondents were very or somewhat supportive of teaching Native history and culture in South Dakota schools. The poll showed that 6.4% of respondents said teaching Native studies was not too important, 2.6% said not at all important and 3.2% were unsure.

The poll results come at a time when the public school system in South Dakota is grappling with how to update its social studies standards and improve the teaching of civics and history. The discussion over what history to teach in public schools in South Dakota has raised concerns of some Native American groups that Native history will be reduced, eliminated or whitewashed to ignore the historic and modern traumas suffered by many Native Americans, the states largest minority group.

About 100 people, many of them Native Americans, held a protest in Pierre in September to push for improved teaching of Native American history and culture in South Dakota schools and to decry removal of Native references from proposed social studies standards.

The poll results also arrived as the state Department of Education has reported that fewer than half of educators in South Dakota schools are using the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards, a set of concepts that provide a framework for teaching Native history and culture. The 35-page set of online lesson plans includes teaching aids in history, culture, language, treaties, identity and way of life of Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Sioux Indians, who make up most of the Native tribes in the Dakotas. A DOE survey of more than 700 educators in 125 districts found that only 45% of educators reported using the Oceti Sakowin understandings in their schools.

More: Less than half of South Dakota's teachers using Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings

The poll was sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota. The telephone poll was conducted in late October by Mason Dixon, and the margin of error was plus or minus 4.5%. The poll is the latest effort in the ongoing South Dakota Matters series of community conversations and polls sponsored by News Watch.

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The overwhelming support for teaching Native history and culture was welcome news to some educators in South Dakota.

John Little, director of Native recruitment and alumni engagement at USD, said enhanced teaching of Native history and culture will give both Native and non-Native students a better sense of themselves and the world in which they live.

John Little

For Native students, seeing their own history presented as part of the states history can be empowering, just as seeing their history overlooked can be harmful, said Little, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who grew up in South Dakota.

More: DOE seeks applicants for second social studies standards revision workgroup

The fear of not teaching Native history is erasure of our culture, said Little, who is teaching a Native studies course at USD this fall. If youre being taught only certain things, and you see that youre not existing in the history being taught, its detrimental for students to not see themselves in their culture.

For non-Natives, learning about indigenous people and culture will expand their worldview, Little said, ultimately making them better people and, in a practical sense, more marketable in the workplace.

Its just really important to get outside your worldview and learn about culture and history whenever you have the opportunity, he said. That will only enhance your job prospects and make you more marketable by learning different perspectives.

A struggle over standards

The poll was conducted as controversy has swirled around how Native American history and culture are taught in South Dakota public schools.

In late July, a 50-member committee that spent months developing a proposed set of social studies standards submitted its report to the state Department of Education. In early August, the DOE put forward an amended version of the proposed standards that removed more than a dozen references to Native American history and culture and altered other references to standards aimed at teaching Native topics.

The department released a statement saying that adjustments were made to the proposed standards to provide greater clarity and focus for districts, teachers and the public.

The revisions led to an outcry among Native leaders in South Dakota, about 100 of whom, some on horseback, held a protest in Pierre in September to promote accurate and in-depth teaching of Native history and to call for the resignations of DOE officials and Gov. Kristi Noem.

Meanwhile, the DOE received more than 600 public comments on the proposed standards, many opposed to the changes made by the state.

A short time later, Noem said she would delay the revision to the social studies standards.

The Department of Education changed the working groups recommendations to the social studies standards significantly, but it is clear to me that there needs to be more public input to bring greater balance and emphasis on our nations true and honest history, Noem said in a release at the time.

In October, Noem announced she was restarting the revision process, and the state is now accepting applications for membership on a new advisory committee.

Noem, a conservative Republican, has sparred with Native tribes over highway checkpoints during the COVID-19 pandemic and was banned from visiting the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 2019 after pushing a law aimed at punishing pipeline protesters.

Noem raised concern among some Native groups in early 2021 when she proposed her South Dakota Civics and History Initiative, a two-year, four-pronged plan to create new teaching content, provide new resources and training for teachers, and increase access to civic and historical lessons and experiences for students, especially at the elementary level. When the plan is finalized, use of the program will be optional for school districts.

Some Native leaders worry the initiative will be politicized and ultimately reduce the role Native history plays in public school curricula.

Native-led groups have also said they will bring forth legislation in 2022 to require teaching of Native studies in South Dakota public schools.

Montana and North Dakota already require schools to include Native American education in schools. The North Dakota Legislature this year passed a bill mandating that Native American history be part of the curriculum in all elementary and secondary public and nonpublic schools in the state. Montana in 1972 added to the state constitution the requirement to teach all students on the unique cultural heritage of American Indians, noting that the state is committed in its educational goals to the preservation of their cultural integrity.

Balancing what is taught

Jacqueline Sly, a former state representative from Rapid City who now chairs the South Dakota Board of Education Standards, said Native American history is being taught in public schools now, though it isnt being done systematically and varies in depth and extent from district to district and sometimes from class to class.

Jacqueline Sly

It is being taught in our schools; I look at the materials they are using and all of them include Native American history, Sly said. Could they do more? Potentially, yes. How in depth they go can depend on the teacher.

Sly praised the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings program.

But in the DOE survey answered by 718 public and private school educators this year, the vast majority of them teachers, DOE found that only 45% of educators reported implementing the Oceti understandings into their teaching. Only 37% reported that they understand the Oceti understandings well enough to teach them to students.

The survey also indicated that use of the Oceti understandings was primary occurring in small, isolated efforts that lack systematic supports and dedicated time.

Another survey question indicated that while 55% of respondents said their school celebrates Native Americans Day, only 35% reported that they tell historical events from an indigenous perspective and 9% said their schools do not celebrate Native culture or history at all.

While 47% of administrators reported that the provided Oceti teaching resources to their staffs, only 27% said those resources provided were of high quality.

More: Educators address legislative future of Indigenous inclusion, resilience in South Dakota schools

Sly said that while the state sets education standards, local school districts have control over curriculum, or how teaching occurs. One challenge districts will face as they seek to increase or enhance teaching of Native history and culture is deciding what gets left out since the length of the school day will not change.

If we want to expand on that, what else is given up to make room for that? Sly said. Do we give up some time on the Civil War, or on early pioneers in South Dakota? Finding that balance  thats what teachers and people who are looking at curriculum are struggling with.

Sly said she was happy to see so many poll respondents in favor of teaching Native history and culture, and remains hopeful that the next attempt to revise the state social studies standards will result in a more cohesive plan for integrating Native studies into curricula.

I definitely think theres resources there and we need to be using them as were teaching our students about South Dakota history, Sly said. As we move into this next revision, we need to look at those concepts and see how we can actually bring those into our standards.

In August, the DOE announced that about $75,000 in new civics and history grants had been awarded to six school districts in South Dakota.

One of those initial grants, for about $17,000, was awarded to Vermillion High School, where a team of social studies teachers is developing a new history course that will focus in part on Native history in South Dakota. Teachers Joe Delvaux, Lenni Billberg and Shannon Fitzsimmons are leading an effort to develop the new course, which will include significant experiential learning, such as field trips, guest speakers and hands-on activities that bring history to life.

Joe Delvaux

Delvaux said he expects the course will launch in fall 2022 and focus on people who, before European settlement, influenced local and state history, including Native Americans, and on others such as Hutterites.

We want to tell the most authentic story of the land and the people, he said.

Presenting an in-depth, honest account of history is important to provide students a way to connect with their community but also to become more well-rounded as individuals no matter what path they take in life.

When you have a sense of place, you feel like youre connected to a region and a landscape, Delvaux said. It roots you deeper in that community, it gives you some ownership of the past, the present and the future if you see and learn about the people who occupied this space before you, and then meeting people and hearing their stories.

More: Rapid City Native American group awarded grant to address COIVD-19 vaccine hesitancy

Teachers in Vermillion will benefit from a wealth of local historic sites and a variety of residents who are versed in Native history and culture, Delvaux said. The school also has a cooperative relationship with local Native leaders who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with students, he said. Connections to the University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, will also be helpful, he said.

Lenni Billberg

Billberg said Vermillion High had a previous course that focused on the history and culture of the Missouri River Valley, where Vermillion is located. She expects the new course will expand on those teachings in a hands-on way.

The state grant will provide teacher training, new materials, field trips, class speakers and events that can take their students deeper than ever into local and state history.

Those are the things kids will retain and bring home with them, and theyll want to talk about those experiences, Billberg said. As a world, sometimes we dont look at anything around us. We need kids to know where they belong and where they fit in, and carry that forth in their lives.

Little said the level of Native history being taught in South Dakota public schools varies by region and district. His own public school experience in south-central South Dakota was uneven, he said.

In sixth grade, Little took a required South Dakota history course with an aged textbook that he said did not include many references to Native history or culture. The book, he said, referred to the massacre at Wounded Knee as a battle, which Little said mischaracterized what happened in southwestern South Dakota in 1890.

It was a limited view of South Dakota history, he said. If 300 mostly unarmed men, women and children are murdered, it was clearly not a battle.

But Little also took a Lakota language course as a freshman at Winner High School in which he saw films on Native history and was required to read a book by a Native American author.

That class was important for me to see myself in the curriculum, he said.

Little said he has mixed feelings about proposals to mandate teaching of Native history and culture in public schools.

While he supports enhanced teaching of Native history, he worries that forcing districts to teach a course may lead to a backlash.

Youve got to find that balance because its important to have that curriculum and those conversations about whose traditional homelands theyre living on, but if its force-fed, people dont like that, he said.

Little said a good place to start in South Dakota would be to ensure that the textbooks and materials being used in classrooms present a fair, true history of Native Americans and accurately represent their culture.

Poll results

How important do you feel it is to include Native American history and culture in the curriculum of South Dakota's public schools?

All Respondents

61.2% very important

26.6% somewhat important

6.4% not too important

2.6% not important

3.2% not sure

Independents

67.2% very important

28% somewhat important

2.4% not too important

0% not important

2.4% not sure

Democrats

73.0% very important

19.7% somewhat important

5.1% not too important

0.7% not important

1.5% not sure

Republicans

51.3% very important

29.8% somewhat important

9.2% not too important

5% not important

4.6% not sure

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: South Dakotans want Native American studies taught in public school
Recipients to be selected and awarded by Indspire's Building Brighter Futures Program

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - The Toyota Canada Foundation has announced it will be funding scholarships for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in automotive technology.

Toyota Foundation Logo (CNW Group/Toyota Canada Inc.)

Toyota Canada Foundation scholarship recipients will be selected and awarded by Indspire's Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program, which enables First Nations, Inuit and Metis students to pursue post-secondary education and overcome financial barriers to these endeavours.

"We are very pleased to be working with the Toyota Canada Foundation on this important initiative," said Mike DeGagne, President & CEO of Indspire. "Not only is it the beginning of a promising partnership, it also represents a significant new opportunity for Indigenous students to pursue their dreams through education.

Over the next two years, Indspire will select six Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in a Canadian automotive technology program to receive a Toyota Canada Foundation scholarship. Each student will receive $5,000 per year, for two years, for a total of $10,000.

"Over the past few years, the Toyota Canada Foundation has helped encourage hundreds of thousands of Canadian kids and youth to pursue an education and career in STEM through its support for national organizations like Actua and Let's Talk Science," said Leslie Miller, Treasurer, Toyota Canada Foundation. "Now we're proud to be able to help some of those students take the next step in their education and career by working with Indspire's terrific Building Brighter Futures program to provide financial support for Indigenous students interested in automotive technology."

The next application deadline for the scholarships is February 1, 2022. Anyone interested should apply directly through the Indspire website: https://indspire.ca/programs/students/bursaries-scholarships/

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Toyota Canada Foundation

The Toyota Canada Foundation is a private charitable foundation focused on supporting registered charitable organizations dedicated to national science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education outreach programs, and is focused on encouraging more youth from segments of the population currently underrepresented in STEM to pursue an education and career in this area.

Indspire

Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Metis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2020-2021, Indspire provided more than $20 million through 6,245 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit and Metis students across Canada.

Toyota Canada Foundation scholarship recipients will be selected and awarded by Indspires Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program, which enables First Nations, Inuit and Metis students to pursue post-secondary education and overcome financial barriers to these endeavours. (CNW Group/Toyota Canada Inc.)

SOURCE Toyota Canada Inc.

Cision

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Arlington, VA, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

TriMedX BMET service

Apprenticeship combines education with up to 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning

A U.S. national BMET (biomedical equipment technician) Apprenticeship Program recently launched by AAMI has gained a valuable new employer partner. TRIMEDXan industry-leading, technology-enabled provider of clinical engineering, medical device cybersecurity, and clinical asset management solutions to healthcare systemswill be offering apprenticeship opportunities through the AAMI registered apprenticeship program (RAP) as soon as early 2022.

At TRIMEDX, we pride ourselves on culture and training within our Associate Value Proposition, said Kristi McDermott, president of clinical engineering. By investing in talent development and creating partnerships to grow associates skills in the clinical engineering industry, this partnership provides both quality service to clients and increases associate competency and career pathways.

AAMIs BMET Apprenticeship Program, recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, combines traditional education with up to 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning. Prospective BMETs are hired by program partners in their area, who then provide them with training and paid work experience and cover expenses for the requisite educational courses.

With its corporate office based in Indianapolis, Indiana, TRIMEDX partners with healthcare providers to optimize the management of their clinical assets at more than 4,500 locations across the U.S. and employs nearly 1,150 biomedical equipment technicians, called BMETs.

TRIMEDX logo

TRIMEDXs broad reach across the country is just one reason why Danielle McGeary, vice president of HTM at AAMI, is so thrilled to call them an employer partner for the fledgling BMET Apprenticeship Program. With the support of an industry leader like TRIMEDX, prospective BMETs will have more opportunities to get the hands-on experiences that are so necessary for this crucial field.

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An apprentice could be someone whos ready for a career change, has an interest in the field but doesnt have the means or life flexibility to go to college at this point in their life, or it could be someone just out of high school or in high school, said McGeary. This program is intended to bridge that gap to get them the training they need to be successful while concurrently helping to facilitate the strong HTM pipeline the field so desperately needs right now.

Employers who take part in the program, McGeary added, benefit from having entry-level workers on their payroll they can train to their particular equipment and service specialties. If an employer wants them to stay after the apprenticeship ends, theyll already be up to speedthey wont need retraining.

According to Dawn Griffin, chief human resources and diversity officer at TRIMEDX, the company will initially bring on four apprentices during year one of the partnership.

We are excited to participate in this program that aligns with our strategy to grow and develop talent, says Griffin. With client locations in 40 states across the country, including Washington, D.C. and Cayman Islands, TRIMEDX has the ability to provide optimal opportunity as an Employer Partner. We will be able to work with our clients to meet their needs as well as review prospective apprentices to find the best fit.

TRIMEDX healthcare servicing

An Essential Pipeline

By becoming an employer partner, TRIMEDX is acknowledging the necessity for a fast and effective career path for the next generation of healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals.

The backbone of hospitals and even laboratories, BMETs routinely service the medical devices that are needed to monitor patient health or record important data. Unfortunately, AAMI estimates that nearly half of the current HTM workforce is over the age of 50. As more BMETs retire and the number of college programs to train new HTM professionals dwindles, healthcare systems will find it increasingly difficult to fill these crucial positions.

Fortunately, the national BMET Apprenticeship Program is helping to address this by providing valuable training opportunities through industry leaders such as TRIMEDX with no cost to the apprentice. Whats more, the cost of supporting an apprentice may prove lower than employers expect.

Fluke Biomedical is offering 22 hours of free training for apprentices, which counts towards the programs Medical Equipment Training from Industry Sources curriculum. And the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology is offering apprentices exclusive access to their A&P and mathematics classes at a 20% discount for apprentice employers.

Our Apprenticeship Program continues to grow with the support of these incredible organizations, says McGeary. Im excited to see even more companies join TRIMEDX in our growing list of employer partners, paving the way for the next generation of exceptional BMETs!

About TRIMEDX

TRIMEDX is an industry-leading, independent clinical asset management company in the United States delivering comprehensive clinical engineering services, clinical asset informatics and medical device cybersecurity. We help healthcare providers transform their clinical assets into strategic tools, driving reductions in operational expenses, optimizing clinical asset capital spend, maximizing resources for patient care, and delivering improved safety and protection. TRIMEDX was built by providers, for providers, and leverages a history of expert clinical engineering with data on 92% of all active medical device models.

About AAMI

AAMI (www.aami.org) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1967. It is a diverse community of more than 10,000 healthcare technology professionals united by one important missionsupporting the healthcare community in the development, management, and use of safe and effective health technology. AAMI is the primary source of consensus standards, both national and international, for the medical device industry, as well as practical information, support, and guidance for health technology and sterilization professionals.

Contact

Media relations manager

Brian Stallard

Your primary press contact for AAMI.

bstallard@aami.org

(703) 647-2771








The organization prioritizes relationships and is committed to serving communities across Canada

HIGH RIVER, AB, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Western Financial Group  Western Financial Group, Canada's Insurance Broker, is proud to be recognized as a Canadian Top 100 Employer for 2022.

(CNW Group/Western Financial Group)

"We are humbled to share this significant recognition with our employees, customers, and communities," says Lisa Osachoff, Chief People & Culture Officer at Western Financial Group. "Their contributions, feedback, and their dedication to making Western who we are today have made this possible."

Proud Top Employer

This distinction places Western with the best of the best in Canadian business. Western Financial Group was selected from among its peers for transparent employee communications, progressive health and wellness benefits, a caring community spirit, and other forward-thinking and inclusive programs.

"It is an honour to be recognized among many deserving Canadian organizations," says Kenny Nicholls, President & CEO of Western Financial Group. "We are grateful to our employees for contributing to Western's success and helping shape who we are, especially during what has been a challenging time for many. This honour truly reflects the dedicated team of professionals we have across the organization, whom we believe make Western so strong. We wouldn't be successful without the perseverance of our team members and the trust and support of our customers."

Always looking for ways to improve employee offerings and provide innovative options to customers, Western has put people at the front of their business.

"I feel very fortunate to work for a company that cares about their people and their communities," says Marissa Gellner, Leader, Personal Lines Sales & Services Centre. "Throughout the pandemic, as a result of Western's efforts, we've been able to keep our teams safe and motivated," she says. "We kept communicating and supporting one another. In this way, we've been able to take care of our customers and of each other."

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Local Community Builder

For the past 20 years, Western Financial Group has been focused on building up the communities where they operate through the programs and partnerships offered by the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation. These communities make up the Western Financial identity and have helped shape the organization.

Western Financial Group

Western Financial is a diversified insurance services company that has cared for the insurance needs of over 1 million Canadians for more than 100 years. Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides personal, business, and life insurance services in over 200 communities through sales & service centres, affiliates, and online, making it the true national broker with the local touch. With a skilled and growing team, Western Financial is Canada's Insurance Broker.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.

For further information:

www.westernfinancialgroup.ca

Western Financial Group Logo (CNW Group/Western Financial Group)

SOURCE Western Financial Group

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2021/15/c4720.html
Battlefield Coffee Company is designed to bring victory over your day. Their products have been created to motivate, inspire, and will provoke positivity in overcoming and crushing your daily demons!

For Jeff Meier, coffee is personal. A daily reminder to be the best you can be.

The Battlefield Coffee Company motto is 'Roast your Demons' meaning, "while on the battlefield we call life, focus on draining whatever is plaguing your mind and limiting your possibilities. Use it as fuel to claim victory over your demons, redemption over your past and vengeance through accomplishment, said Meier, a 21-year member of the Air National Guard and the brains behind Battlefield Coffee Company.

Meier shares, My father passed when I was not quite six years old, and then it was one struggle after another. From our family home burning down, to issues at home resulting in homelessness at a young age  I was broken.

While I was in the Air Force, supporting the U.S. Army as a contractor, doing amazing things for the Warfighter  I wasnt happy. I wasnt happy knowing that other people were determining my income, my job security, my everything. That they were responsible for how I was able to live, think and move. I needed freedom. Most importantly though, I needed my family to have access to me.

In 2014, two years after my daughter was born, ten years working for the Army, and after many business plans balled up and thrown in the trash, I started to plan a grocery market for the Fredericksburg area.

That dream was realized, and his grocery market was named The Battlefield Country Store. Battlefield Coffee Company is located within.

Battlefield Country Store and Coffee Company are located on Plank Road, which is on Rt. 3, just west of the city of Fredericksburg. In addition to the 12,000-square-foot store  with a covered porch and working firepits, the seven-acre property has a pond for guests to relax around while they sit and sip. Fire pits keep visitors warm during cooler weather. But Battlefield Coffee Company is about more than just the coffee.

All through scripture, God chose broken people to do the most extraordinary things, Meier said. We all have issues and problems that we are continually working through. In order to overcome, we have to boldly face our demons on the battlefield of life, so to speak. So here, we encourage you to Roast your Demons, and start each day with the realization that your brokenness is your blessing, your abilities are endless and to push harder toward your dreams than ever before.

The father of three refers to his property as a destination grocery, coffee and ice cream experience. Opened in 2016, with the coffee shop added in April 2021, Battlefield produces bold art in the form of frappes, lattes, sandwiches, milkshakes and more. The store carries everything from bulk candies, jams and freshly baked bread to jar goods, apparel and unique housewares.

Oh, but the coffee. Meier, along with head barista Jimi Elliott and his team, can whip up any drink to satiate any palate. Their first roast, titled Victory, is by far the most purposeful. With its beans originating in El Salvador and Mexico, Victory is a bright but very smooth coffee designed to motivate  and honestly, "theres nothing better than sipping on a cup of Victory," Meier said.

Two other companion brands will be introduced in the coming months: Redemption, a light roast with fruity notes and a hint of chocolate designed to emulate a chocolate-covered strawberry; and Vengeance, an extra dark, highly caffeinated roast meant to be the powerhouse of your day.

The espresso bar is the stores lifeblood, according to Meier. He says his highly trained baristas are ready to skillfully prepare countless varieties of drinks. His staff uses the most sophisticated brewing methods and equipment available today. The Battlefield Coffee Company menu has a multitude of espresso based drinks, made with their very own Victory Roast. This custom roast is small batch roasted in house daily. The delicious espresso is the building block for some menu favorites such as, frappe coffees and latte coffees. Be sure to check out the unique caffeine enhanced Buzzin drinks. All coffee roasts, mugs, tumblers and apparel can be purchased online at BattlefieldCoffee.com.

As Meier likes to say, "Pray for it, work for it, speak for it."

Start roasting your demons today!

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
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He noted that one summons was issued on Sept. 18 and another on Oct. 23. Neither has been adjudicated.

Councilman Matt Kelly said hes extremely interested in how the new law will hold up in court.

Weve gone down this road before and what happens in court is a whole different ballgame, Kelly said.

Residents, business owners or event coordinators can apply for a waiver to the noise ordinance.

Kelly asked if its legal to have residents apply to host a loud party on their private property. City Attorney Kathleen Dooley pledged to return with an answer to that question.

Applicants are required to apply for the waiver at least five days before the event. Councilwoman Kerry Devine requested that a special event notice be communicated to nearby residents. She said that would make others aware of what is happening and they may not be quick to phone in a complaint. Layton said he will explore that possibility.

Councilman Billy Withers said the noise ordinance has done little to stop loud motorcycles from revving up downtown. He and Layton noted that the General Assembly took away noisy exhaust systems as a primary reason for a police officer to stop a vehicle.
The resignations have made a bad situationa nationwide staff shortageeven worse, said Jackie Davis, executive director of Virginia Career WorksBay Consortium Centers, a regional workforce development team that assists employers from Fredericksburg to the Eastern Shore. She said the situation is as severe in some of the quiet localities along the Middle Peninsula as it is in retail and fast-food operations along State Route 3 in Spotsylvania or State Route 610 in North Stafford.

Everybody is in need, she said, adding that business owners who used to fill openings through word-of-mouth or acquaintances cant find anyone. They said theyve gone from never having an issue with staffing to having a severe issue with staffing.

PANDEMIC FALLOUT

Davis has colleagues who had to work from home last year when COVID first hit, and they liked the convenience, as well as being able to look after their children.

If they cant continue with that schedule, some couples are willing to cut back on some of the luxuries they used to have and make do with one income instead of two, Davis said. Or, she said they search for jobs that allow them to do their work in comfortable clothes from the convenience of home officeseven if it means changing careers.
Along with potentially crowded roads, there is another downside for those who plan to hit the road for the holidays: gas prices.

As of late last week, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.41, up $1.31 compared to last year, according to online fuel tracker GasBuddy.

Lafayette Boulevard

multi-use trail planned

The city plans to hold an online information meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday that will cover plans to build a multi-use trail along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard, from the Telegraph Hill development to Twin Lake Drive.

There are also longer-term plans to build a multi-use path from the Virginia Central Railway Trail to the cul-de-sac on Spring Wood Drive, which has access points along Lafayette Boulevard.

Details of the Lafayette multi-use path project and how it fits into the city-wide plan for trail connectivity will be covered during the online meeting, according to a news release from city public information officer Sonja Cantu.

Those interested in taking part in the online meeting can do so on computer, tablet or smartphones using GoToMeeting.com.

Those who wish to call in to the meeting can do so by dialing 408/650-3123. The access code is 847-608-821.

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Asked about gun control, he said he does not believe Texans want to see their families shot up with weapons that were designed for war." But he pivoted quickly to slamming Abbott abolishing background checks and training for concealed handgun permits, gun regulations that once had bipartisan support.

O'Rourke argued that the broad coalition of voters that powered his near-upset in 2018, which included Republican moderates, could be formed again.

What Im going to be focused on is listening to and bringing people together to do the big work before us," he said. And obviously that first big job is is winning this election. But the voters and the votes are there.

O'Rourke officially announced his candidacy in a two-minute video, in which he directly speaks to the camera and criticizes a GOP agenda that he says ignores things voters actually agree on," such as expanding Medicare and legalizing marijuana. Those in positions of public trust have stopped listening to, serving and paying attention to the people of Texas," he said.
Late last week, the Commerce Department issued a statement announcing the start of consultations with Japan by Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance."

Excess steel and aluminum capacity has worsened over the decades as China ramped up its output to levels that dwarf production by other nations. China produced 1.06 billion tons of crude steel in 2020, according to the World Steel Association. The next largest producer, India, put out 100 million tons, while Japan produced 83.7 million tons and the U.S. nearly 73 million tons.

China also accounts for more than half of all world aluminum output.

The two sides also issued a statement saying they will set up the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership. The Commerce Department and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said they are committed to working through JUCIP to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency, and security of both economies.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Kyle Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them and wounding the third, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year. Rittenhouse argued that he fired in self-defense after the men attacked him. Here's a look at the charges that prosecutors carried into court, as well as lesser charges that the judge put before the jury in his final instructions.
Two people were reported wounded after a bomb exploded on a busy avenue in the Afghan capital -- the latest attack hitting the Afghan capital since the Taliban seized power three months ago.

A spokesman for the Taliban-led Interior Ministry told RFE/RL that a magnetic bomb attached to a car detonated in Kabul's fifth police district, wounding two civilians.

The Taliban spokesman for Kabul police said that the blast was caused by a roadside bomb that detonated as a taxi was passing, according to AP.

The agency quoted witnesses as saying that the victims included a woman in the taxi and a man passing by.

No one claimed responsibility, but militants of a local IS affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group have carried out multiple deadly bomb attacks across the country after the Taliban toppled the internationally backed Kabul government in Kabul in mid-August.

The bomb attack came two days after a bomb blast hit a Shi'ite neighborhood of western Kabul in an attack claimed by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K).

The Afghan Journalists' Center said a well-known television journalist, Hamid Seighani, was killed in the November 13 blast in Dasht-e Barchi district. Seighani worked for the Ariana television network.

Seighani's wife, who also is a journalist, confirmed his death in a Facebook post, saying, "I have lost Hamid."

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's main spokesman, said at least one civilian was killed and four injured people were hospitalized after the blast. Mujahid said an investigation by the Taliban was under way.

In its claim on its Telegram channels, IS-K said it had placed bombs on buses and had killed and injured "20 Shiite apostates" including a journalist.

The Sunni Muslim-led IS group is an enemy of the Taliban.

The Dasht-e Barchi area is heavily populated by members of the mainly Shiite Hazara community, which has been the target of repeated attacks by IS militants -- including a bomb attack in May 2020 at the maternity ward of the Dasht-e Barchi hospital that killed 24 people.

Hazaras represent Afghanistan's third-largest ethnic group. They have faced long-term discrimination and persecution in predominantly Sunni Afghanistan.

This story also includes reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for their protection.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
Pita Pit's downtown Colorado Springs location has closed after nearly two decades, a victim of the pandemic's economic punch and a franchisee's personal struggles.

Husband-and-wife Craig and Jolene Howard, who took over as franchisees of the location at 8 E. Bijou St. in May 2020, closed the restaurant Oct. 8.

Closure of the downtown Pita Pit might not be permanent, however.

Jolene Howard said she and Craig would like to sell the downtown franchise location. If they don't find a buyer, they hope to locate someone who would take over their lease and convert the space to a new restaurant concept, she said. The space includes Pita Pit's kitchen equipment, tables and chairs.

"We'd prefer to sell the franchise as a whole so that the location could continue," Jolene said. "There are so many great reasons to keep that going. It's a legacy location. A great loyal customer base."

The downtown location, which Gazette archives show opened in 2003 under a different franchisee, is part of the Canadian-based Pita Pit chain that has its U.S. headquarters in Coeur dAlene, Idaho.

Pita Pit, popular for its pita bread sandwiches and salads, has more than 210 locations in 43 states, its website says; two additional Springs locations are operated by a different franchisee.

Pita Pit corporate representatives didn't return phone calls to The Gazette.

In general, restaurants were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020, especially after states such as Colorado ordered the temporary closure of dining rooms. After such orders were lifted, many restaurants struggled to regain customers.

The Howards and their downtown Pita Pit were no different.

After taking over the restaurant last year, they had "high hopes" that customers would return. But sales didn't fully recover, in part, because many downtown employees who had been past customers weren't back in their offices, Jolene said.

"Business coming back from COVID has not been as quick as anticipated," she said. "That's probably the No. 1 factor. ... Workers from downtown have been working from home for so long that not all of them are returning downtown. Foot traffic is a part of that, absolutely."

In-person learning also was disrupted for students at nearby Palmer High School and at Colorado College a few blocks to the north, which led to the loss of more Pita Pit customers, Jolene said.

"Colorado College came back for one week," she said. "We had those customers in our store. We were so excited. And then they had a COVID breakout and closed everything down again. It was such a bummer. It was so sad."

Then, just as the Howards began to make a profit in January and February of this year, personal factors took a toll on their ability to operate the restaurant, Jolene said.

In March, she gave birth to twins  Keaton, a boy, and Brighton, a girl. They were born prematurely, and their care required time and effort that took her away from the business, Jolene said. They're now doing well and are healthy, though they go to physical therapy, she added.

Two weeks after the twins were born, Craig suffered a stroke. He had managed the restaurant, sometimes spending 60 hours a week there, Jolene said.

He's "on the mend," Jolene said, though still not 100%, and attends physical and cognitive therapy.

"It's unfortunate," she said. "The timing was obviously terrible. There's just no way he could function as he did before in the store, managing and tending the operations and all of that. It is what it is."

With Craig unable to work at the restaurant, the Howards hired someone to manage the restaurant, though that expense cut into their profits, she said.

The couple has now depleted their savings, yet still has bills to pay and therefore hopes someone buys their franchise or takes over the downtown space, Jolene Howard said.

"It's fully set up for a restaurant concept, a quick-casual restaurant concept," she said. "We need to at least get out of there without losing everything. We have to pay off business loans to be able to break even on it. Well, not even break even, obviously; we lost our (savings) cushion.

"It has been there so long and I feel like I've kind of let it down," Howard added. "It's sad in so many ways, on a personal level and a business level and a community level. It just kind of rips my heart out."
Colorados new independent redistricting commission came with a promise of transparency and public inclusion, but in the days leading up to their adoption of a set of legislative maps, commissioners spent significant time working outside of public meetings.

In the final two weeks of the legislative redistricting commissions work, hundreds of emails volleyed among commissioners. Some spoke on the phone several times. Others kept running text message conversations for days on end.

And while some of their communications focused on procedural logistics, like providing lists of which map plans were slated for discussion at upcoming hearings or reviewing the voting procedures they would use, many of the conversations included substantive debate about maps, suggestions for or critiques of maps, surveys of commissioners support or opposition to plans, in order to identify and build consensus, and the sharing of talking points and coordinated strategies to support or oppose certain maps.

A prominent First Amendment attorney, along with a government transparency advocate, say some of the conversations that took place outside public view circumvented the state's open meetings law. From a government openness perspective, the discussions represent an end-run around the spirit of public access, they say, but even more, they could amount to a violation of the Colorado Open Meetings Law, which requires the discussion of public business to be accessible to members of the public as the discussions are happening.

Some of the communications outside public meetings included all the commissioners directly addressing the work they were doing in public: I am always willing to talk. But Samuel's map (Commissioner Samuel Greenidge), as outlined above, is not acceptable for the reason I outlined above. It appears to me that only one side of the political spectrum has made any concessions, Commissioner John Buckley wrote in an email about a map proposal being discussed over email, sent to all the other commissioners on Oct. 12, about two hours before the commission met for the last time. Late that evening, the commissioners adopted their final Senate map, after having adopted a House map the night before.

Other conversations were one-on-one: Made some additional changes to Aurora based on our convo before meeting yesterday. It was in Aurora. Sent you an email. Let me know if you have any concerns or want to chat quickly about it, Commissioner Aislinn Kottwitz texted to the commission chairman Carlos Perez around noon on Oct. 1. I presume you don't want your name on this map to maintain neutrality, but I'm happy to add if you'd like.

Don't put my name on the map, chairman Perez texted back.

Sometimes small groups of commissioners had running conversations: Chicas, I played with some talking points to support staff map 3, Commissioner Robin Shepper wrote to two other commissioners at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 9. Can you take a look and tell me what you think?

The email conversations show how some voting blocs among the 12 commissions developed in the final days, with coalitions developing among various commissioners.

Can you give me specifics on No? Commissioner Buckley wrote to Commissioner Gary Horvath around 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 about a map supported by other commissioners, which they opposed. It would be helpful to counter their arguments.

Phone call logs show some of the commissioners spent hours talking outside public hearings in the final days of their work.

Carlos Perez, the commissions party-unaffiliated chairman, said he and others were under tight deadlines and high pressure to finish the maps, and that they were using email to prepare and coordinate meeting logistics and to share map files. But those email conversations sometimes evolved into what Perez characterized as on the edge or a judgment call when it comes to public inclusion and transparency.

Youre going to see emails like this, Perez said of email conversation where commissioners surveyed others about their inclinations or coordinated their support or opposition to maps, where emails are sent out in the heat of passion, the fog of war, but put it in the context of the fact that we were meeting every night, having meetings every day, hours and hours and hours of meetings. We were very tired. We were running on fumes.

Perez pointed out that their own attorney, Richard Kaufman, in the final days of their work, encouraged the commissioners to discuss maps and what they intended to support outside of public hearings.

Kaufman urged the commissioners late on Oct. 11, after they had deadlocked over a final Senate map, to, talk one-on-one, he said, and see if we can come up with something thats acceptable to everyone. The next day, the commission adopted a final Senate map.

The redistricting work done outside public view is made clear in emails, text messages and phone records, provided to The Gazette in response to Colorado Open Records Act requests filed after the commission finished their work and submitted their plans to the Colorado Supreme Court for review.

The attorneys working for the commission briefed the commissioners early in the process on what is required by the states Sunshine Laws, but stopped short of telling the commissioners not to discuss their work outside public meetings.

The formation of public policy is public business and may not be conducted in secret, Nicole Myers, one of the commissions attorneys, told the commissioners at a public meeting on March 30.

Myers told the commissioners that a meeting is defined as any kind of gathering, whether in person, over the phone, electronically or over other medium.

Advance notice of meetings is an important aspect of the Open Meetings Law, she told them. Notice must be given for any meeting at which the adoption of any proposed policy, position, resolution, rule, regulation or formal action occurs, or a majority or quorum is in attendance or is expected to be in attendance.

Myers also told the commissioners that they should set up a Gmail account to use solely for their commission business, but the records provided to The Gazette show they didnt always use their commission Gmail accounts and instead sometimes used personal accounts for commission business.

A pair of 2012 court cases, one dealing with utility regulators emailing about legislation affecting their work, and another involving phone and email discussions by members of the Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, found its possible to violate the Colorado Open Meetings Law by discussing official business over email without issuing a public notice, which provides the public with who is meeting, a time and location for the meeting, more recently a way to observe or participate in the meeting online, along with basics of what is being covered in the meeting.

In 2018 a district court judge found Basalt town councilors had violated Open Meetings Laws by engaging in electronic discussions of public business absent public notice and without opportunity for the public to observe and participate in the process.

Steven Zansberg, the First Amendment attorney who litigated the 2018 case against the town of Basalt, said the redistricting commissioners seem to have made similar missteps with their communications outside their public hearings.

When two or more people are discussing public business, meaning matters theyre considering or that will be considered, those are meetings and must be noticed, and the public has to be given the opportunity to observe that meeting, Zansberg said, adding that providing the records of the meeting after-the-fact is not a substitute for providing a proper public notice. The idea that the emails are later made available to the public, using open records law, doesnt cure the violation, because the public had their right to the real-time observation of the meeting circumvented.

Jeff Roberts, the executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, said the content of the emails, and the fact that they were circulating among many of the commissioners, means that they should have been part of public hearings, not behind the scenes.

These sound like deliberations on things that relate to their policy making function, Roberts said, meaning that the conversations qualify as a meeting of public officials. Theyre clearly working toward a decision about these maps, and all discussions related to that are public business.

Earlier this year, state lawmakers passed, and Gov. Jared Polis signed into law, a bill that loosened the Open Meetings Law requirements around elected officials' emails, allowing more email conversations that wouldnt require public notice. The new law applies to emails that are considered "non-substantive," such as for scheduling purposes or "forwarding information, responding to an inquiry from an individual who is not a member of the state or local public body, or posing a question for later discussion by the public body." The new law specifies that substantive emails mean "any discussion, debate, or exchange of ideas, either generally or specifically, related to the essence of any public policy proposition, specific proposal, or any other matter being considered by the governing entity."

Commission chair Perez emphasized that the first time through the states new independent redistricting commission system led to probably the most open and transparent redistricting process in Colorado ever.

He noted that some of the content of the commissions private email conversations were later repeated in public hearings.

I think its good we have this conversation about how we use technology to address openness and transparency. We have technology at our disposal, and we want to use it to serve the public good. There are ways to improve openness and transparency, but we did an excellent job.
More Information

Empty Stocking Fund benefits 20 health and human service agencies in the Pikes Peak region who serve over 350,000 neighbors in need from birth to end of life. One donation. 20 agencies. A whole community served.

Give now at EmptyStockingFundCO.org, or call 719-476-1673 to make a credit card or stock donation. Make checks payable to Empty Stocking Fund and mail to P.O. Box 910942, Denver, CO 80291-0942.
The search is on to fill the seat of an El Paso County judge set to retire, the Fourth Judicial District Nominating Commission announced Monday.

County judge Doug Miles, who served 11 years on the bench, is set to retire on Feb. 27, prompting a search for a new judge to fill his seat, the nominating commission announced in a press release.

Miles was appointed to the bench in September 2010 by then-Gov. Bill Ritter. Before then, he was a 23-year veteran prosecutor with the Fourth Judicial District Attorney's Office, 15 of which he managed the county court and juvenile divisions, as well as the special victims and economic crime units as chief deputy district attorney.

Before his appointment to the bench, Miles worked at AEquitas, a nonprofit focused on developing and advancing prosecution practices in cases involving gender-based violence and human trafficking. Miles advised prosecutors on trial strategy and ethical issues in such cases.

To fill the vacancy Miles retirement will leave behind, the Fourth Judicial District Nominating Commission plans to meet virtually on Jan. 14 to choose nominees for the position to be considered by Gov. Jared Polis.

Current annual salary for that position, the commission said, is $170,784.

Applications for the position will be accepted until 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Letters endorsing a candidate are due at 4 p.m. the week before, on Dec. 13. The commission said it will not consider any applications submitted late.

To be eligible for the position, the commission said, candidates must be registered voters in El Paso County and be licensed to practice law in Colorado.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden holds a Cabinet meeting to discuss the implementation of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Reverend Jesse Jackson stops by a demonstration outside the U.S. Capitol to protest the expiration of the federal moratorium on residential evictions in Washington, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Judge Bruces Schroeder listens to attorneys before the jury is let into the room for Kyle Rittenhouse's trial at The Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin, November 2, 2021. Sean Krajacic/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
The logo of Royal Dutch Shell is pictured during a launch event for a hydrogen electrolysis plant at Shells Rhineland refinery in Wesseling near Cologne, Germany, on July 2

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Gov. Jared Polis will attend the signing of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill at the White House on Monday, adding to the group of bipartisan lawmakers set to be present at President Joe Bidens ceremony.

Polis announced his attendance Sunday, saying he was one of the first governors to support the federal infrastructure framework. The bill was negotiated by 22 senators  11 from each major party. It passed the Senate with 19 Republican votes and passed the House with 13 Republican votes.

This important action means jobs and better roads along with a strong initial package to improve air quality and make progress on climate issues, Polis said. Colorados bipartisan infrastructure investment positions us well to benefit from new federal money from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law.

The bill will fund $550 billion in new federal infrastructure investments over five years, including bridges, roads, broadband, water and energy systems. Tens of billions of dollars will be spent in Colorado alone, state officials have said.

In an appearance on Face the Nation Sunday morning, Polis said Colorado has been ready to start some of the bill-funded projects for several months. He said the projects will connect the states urban and rural communities through road expansions and electric vehicle infrastructure.

"We're ready to go now, Polis said. "We in Colorado passed a bipartisan infrastructure package through our own legislature to complement what we were expecting out of the federal government.  We have projects underway, including expansions of Highway 70, an additional lane each way around Floyd Hill to better access our high country and ski resorts.

The White House said in a release that guests invited to witness the bill signing include leaders who fought for its passage across the country. U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., will also be present at the ceremony.
Welcome to the post-election season, when those who won give themselves too much credit and those who lost look for something to blame.

Republicans, especially here in Colorado, have been so depressed this year that any ray of sunshine warms their outlook. The clouds seemed to part on Nov. 2, but to what extent?

That will depend on how Democrats respond to their shellacking a few nights ago.

The party that takes the White House historically loses seats in the next election or two. There were two governors races earlier this month. Democrats lost in Virginia and squeaked by in New Jersey.

That's above the historical norm. With President Barack Obama in the White House in 2009, Republicans flipped two governorships: Virginia and New Jersey. In 2001, President George W. Bush's party lost two states: Virginia and New Jersey.

History aside, what was evident in Virginia is that Democrats need a better way to talk about education, race and justice reform. They have to answer bombast in a smarter way.

Republicans play to passion. Democrats play to logic.

Passion usually wins.

And failure to engage the center almost always ensures defeat.

"This should terrify Democrats," wrote Tory Gavito and Adam Jentleson in The New York Times on Nov. 4. "With our democracy on the line, we have to forge an effective counterattack on race while rethinking the false choice between mobilizing base voters or persuading swing voters."

They added: "It will not work to ignore race and talk about popular issues instead. Mr. McAuliffes closing message was a generic appeal on infrastructure and other issues that poll well. He was following the strategy known as popularism, which has gained in influence since the 2020 election, when Democrats disappointing down-ballot performance was attributed to rhetoric like 'defund the police.'"

Gavito is the president of Way to Win, a donor network that helps Democrats, and Jentleson is a former aide to U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, the former top Democrat in the upper chamber.

Democrats must change the way they engage voters or risk driving away the suburban voters they gained under Trump.

"What went wrong is just stupid wokeness," Clinton presidential adviser James Carville said on "PBS NewsHour" the day after the election. "Don't just look at Virginia and New Jersey. Look at Long Island, look at Buffalo, look at Minneapolis, even look at Seattle, Washington. I mean this 'defund the police' lunacy, this 'take Abraham Lincoln's name off of schools.' I mean that  people see that."

He made it clear who he was referring to: "We got to change this and not be about changing dictionaries and changing laws. These faculty lounge people that sit around mulling about I don't know what  They're not working."

Defunding the police was never more than an impractical talking point, but it's backfiring in Democrats' circular firing squads.

Denver City Councilmember Candi CdeBaca proposed replacing the police force with a "peace force" last year.

Not another member of the council backed CdeBacas idea, which says a lot, given its liberal slant.

"You make it feel like its us versus you, and Im telling you its not," Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval told CdeBaca the night it came up. "If we all work together instead of trying to work in silos, we could actually get things done."

Democrats of every stripe would be wise to think like Sandoval. While the most progressive members stand for their righteous causes, the price of those silos is driving the country to the right.

CdeBaca can retain her young, liberal district, but shes not helping Democrats in more competitive races, and after redistricting, there will be more of those next year.

Glenn Youngkin won Virginia because of communication. He came off as an affable, suburban dad in a fleece vest. He didnt throw around rhetorical bombs, the way some Republicans think they have to in Trump's party.

He kept Trump out of his photo ops and out of his mouth. He focused on education, public safety and taxes.

Republican U.S. Senate contenders Eli Bremer, Joe ODea and Gino Campana are trying to pull off that balancing act in a state Trump lost by 14.5 percentage points last year.

If Republicans want to fan the flames of Trumpism in Colorado, Democrats will be glad to let them.

And if Democrats want to go completely woke, Republicans will be glad to cheer them on.

So Colorado Democrats must speak in the terms that engage voters, not data points.

I saw this play out in an exchange on Twitter over the course of Nov. 4 and Nov. 5. Democratic state Sen. Chris Hansen had announced Denver's first electric school bus has arrived, and though it came with a hefty price tag, it will save the school district $30,000 in fuel costs over the next 15 years.

"This is great news, Denver parents," the Senate Republican Twitter account responded. "As your child is taken to their FAILING school, where they most likely WON'T read or do math at grade level, they'll do so without emitting any emissions!"

Republicans have their own problems that Insights will continue to second-guess, as Colorado politicians try to do the Youngkin two-step around the bombastic ex-president who is loved by the base and whose favor  or at least non-enmity  is essential to surviving the primary, but who is loathed by too many moderates in the middle.

Democrats have to sell their ideas to a mass market, not in silos ranging from socialism to centrism.

Trump won't always be there for Democrats.
A new trail system has opened in North Cheyenne Canon Park, promising a bold, new way to explore one of Colorado Springs' signature mountain preserves.

The Daniels Pass network spans about 6 1/2 miles, including a singletrack loop in a forested, little-known swath of the canyon and a new route to Mount Muscoco, the park's highest point.

The spine of the new system is the realigned Daniels Pass Trail. The steep, downhill descent historically known by mountain bikers has been remade in a gentler, switchbacking way to cater to people on foot and wheels. The 2-mile trail tops out at a ridge, where travelers can take the short, hiker-only path to Muscoco, or drop into the trees for 3-plus miles of Sweetwater Canyon trails.

David Deitemeyer, the city's senior landscape architect, oversaw construction by FlowRide Concepts. He said he's heard the network described as "a game changer in adding some significant loops and connections."

The goal, Deitemeyer said, "was to have a trail system that appeals to the majority of park visitors."

For now, while the park's main road is closed for extensive construction, the system is reserved for those willing and able to venture to it.

The road leading to the Daniels Pass trailhead isn't expected to reopen to drivers until May. While mountain bikers might be familiar with the ride from Gold Camp Road to Daniels Pass, others might opt to hike or ride from Columbine Trail  either up from Starsmore Discovery Center or down from the canyon's top parking lot, which remains open from Gold Camp Road.

For hikers and runners, Friends of North Cheyenne Canon President Calla Balliett recommended taking lower Columbine to the Mount Cutler/Muscoco trailhead and coming down Muscoco's new connector with Daniels Pass. That amounts to more than a 10-mile round trip  not counting a detour into Sweetwater Canyon.

"It's quite beautiful back there," Balliett said. "You really feel like you're out there."

As Cory Sutela put it, the executive director with mountain biking group Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates: "It feels like a special and different place to be."

This is the 200 acres the city received in the controversial 2016 land exchange with The Broadmoor.

Sutela suspected "new trails are not going to appease" all critics of that move. "But if you take a step back, I mean, 6 1/2 miles of new trails, it's a huge addition. I really hope some of those opponents can say, Well, at least there was some good that came from it."

Sutela also suspected "pure downhill" riders of the former Daniels Pass would miss the old thrill. He called Sweetwater trails "more flowy" with "some compelling tech features" like rocks and jumps. He classified the system as intermediate to advanced  an extension of the cross-country experience riders have come to cherish in the canyon.

"I'd say it's for any rider that really appreciates that experience of being close to the city but being in a completely wild area," Sutela said.

Sweetwater Canyon "is a little bit more of a remote part of the park," Balliett said. She expected it to help spread out crowds in the tight, narrow park, adding: "I think it'll help alleviate some of that (parking and traffic) congestion."

Once open to drivers, Daniels Pass trailhead will include 12 parking spots. Fifteen more have been added at the Bruin Inn picnic area  another connection point with a new half-mile trail.

To Sutela, the trail system represented another attraction and another reason to take a closer look at traffic control concepts listed in the park's 2018 master plan. Sutela likes the shuttle idea.

"We may look at those (ideas) in the future," Deitemeyer said, "but currently no plans."

The $444,296 Daniels Pass project was largely financed by state trails grants, with matching funds from the city's sales tax-built Trails, Open Space and Parks program. Friends of North Cheyenne Canon and fellow nonprofit Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance also gave money.
More than a half million people drove to the top of Pikes Peak through October this year, as the mountain celebrated the opening of the $65 mi
Colorado Springs could come close to record high temperatures Monday ahead of dangerous fire weather Tuesday, the National Weather Service in Pueblo predicted.

Monday's high is expected to reach 75 degrees, one degree below the record high for Nov. 15, according to data from the agency.

Skies are expected to be partly sunny with no sign of precipitation, forecasts show.

Overnight temperatures drop to 42 degrees ahead of a day of gusty winds, making for increased fire danger, the weather service said.

Colorado Springs firefighter already battled a blaze Sunday that came within 30 to 40 feet of homes on the city's west side.

But Wednesday morning a 20% chance of snow appears before temperatures jump back into he 50s and 60s later this week, the agency said.

Here's the rest of this week's forecast from the National Weather Service.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69 degrees and winds between 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday: A 20% chance of snow showers before 11 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42 degrees and winds between 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51 degrees and winds between 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62 degrees and winds between 10 to 15 mph.
INDUSTRY INSIGHT

3 ways agencies can fix their lagging digital verification infrastructures

Bipartisan members of the House recently introduced legislation that would require the government to drastically modernize the United States digital identity infrastructure. At the same time, lawmakers are calling on the Office of Management and Budget to examine the feasibility of a federal governmentwide digital identity verification system.

Both efforts are long overdue. Unfortunately, the absence of secure, accessible, interoperable digital credentials increases security vulnerabilities, encourages online fraud and inhibits the expansion of digital public services.

As agencies await federal guidance and standards, here are three things they can do now to ramp up their safeguards and begin to fix the nations lagging digital verification system.

1. Monitor for leaked credentials

If account credentials -- such as a username, email address and password -- are breached, federal IT administrators must know as soon as possible. Widely available on the dark web, credentials are one of the most sought-after data types by hackers. Indeed, for four years in a row, the 2021 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report found 61% of data breaches involved credentials. All it takes is one leaked credential to create a whole trail of woes.

When a single email account is compromised or taken over, a hacker can access sensitive data, initiate social engineering attacks, propagate spam and malware and move laterally across an agency network. And, because most people use the same credentials for multiple systems, threat actors can easily use the same username and password to breach mission-critical applications.

To stay one step ahead of credentials leaks, agencies must continuously monitor their email domains for exposure. They should also set up alerts to ensure theyre immediately notified when credentials are found on the dark web or accounts are compromised. Lastly, they should leverage tools that automatically force password resets before they can be misused.

2. Enforce agencywide access controls

Protecting every network endpoint with a digital verification mechanism would seem a logical approach to safeguarding federal systems. However, a lack of resources, funds and time means tools such as multifactor authentication are often reserved for critical entry points such as VPN and email. But as the network perimeter widens and digital ecosystems expand to include cloud-hosted data, applications and services, agencies must prioritize checks and balances to ensure users can prove their identity.

Fortunately, many of the basics of digital verification, such as multifactor authentication and access rights management, can be implemented at scale and across hybrid environments in an automated manner -- ensuring users have appropriate access rights while reducing IT workload.

Agencies can also better secure their growing network perimeter and cloud-based applications by layering in emerging technologies like secure access service edge. SASE is a cloud service that converges security and network technologies into a single platform. Taking a zero-trust approach, SASE prevents unauthorized access by layering security on top of the network. Using defined policies, SASE dynamically approves or denies access, eliminating the need for multiple point security technologies.

While emerging technologies are worth exploring, they are not a silver bullet. As the most recent SolarWinds Public Sector Cybersecurity Survey found, a widespread lack of organizational maturity in critical areas of cybersecurity persists across government. Notably, foundational security capabilities, such as multifactor authentication, require attention if agencies are to keep up with evolving threats.

3. Focus on public-private partnerships

Tools and technology can only go so far. Building the governments digital ID infrastructure also requires a collective effort. As malicious actors increasingly look to take advantage of the nations digital dependencies, a successful defense will require enhanced levels of public-private partnership.

This collective defense approach is being encouraged by The White House. The May 2021 Executive Order on Improving the Nations Cybersecurity calls for the private sector to partner with the Federal Government to foster a more secure cyberspace.

What this partnership will look like is to be determined, but the executive order is an important step toward achieving a collective defense posture. The coordinated disclosure of incidents and transparent, prompt information sharing -- in a safe place free from public shaming or criticism -- only helps protect us all.
Data transparency helps builds public faith in police

For much of the last decade, transparency has been central to the national conversation about policing. Amid calls for defunding the police, communities are now demanding more information from their local law enforcement agencies, sooner, than ever before.

Public misconceptions about the police sometimes manifest due to the lack of understanding about operations and restricted access to records, according to a recent report from Veritone. Titled Transparency and Trust: Shining Light on Police & Community Relationships and How Technology Can Help, the report also states that with better technology and objective data, law enforcement agencies can provide more insights into their operations and win back their constituents faith.

It is a requirement on our part to educate our community when we are starting to use technology for [the publics] betterment, Anaheim, Calif., Police Chief Jorge Cisneros said at a Nov. 9 Veritone panel discussing the findings of the report. Its important to educate them as to what [the technology] does and does not do and the safeguards that weve put in place.

Delays in release of video from police body cameras is one area that can be improved with artificial intelligence.

Video redaction, which is required to scrub video of personally identifiable information of innocent individuals, is often an expensive and tedious process that prevents authorities from releasing body-worn camera or dashcam footage in a timely manner. In the past, the Anaheim Police Department would spend four hours to clean up one hour of footage, Cisneros said. With AI-enabled redaction solutions, the task can be cut down to minutes, allowing for faster disclosure.

The police chiefs agreed that reducing the time it takes to release these videos to the public would be a big step toward developing a transparent relationship with the community. Thomasville, Ga., Police Chief John Letteney echoed this sentiment, adding agencies must also explain the regulations and reasoning governing decisions to release video.

Agencies must have a way to quickly find and share appropriate information, while protecting PII and other sensitive details, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said in the report. This can only happen with AI and we must invest now. Because everyday we dont, we must spend limited budgets to fund personnel to maintain and find this information as opposed to investing in officers to help keep our communities safe.
IOWA CITY  A loophole in the law that local authorities hope to close has prevented the Johnson County Attorneys Office from pressing serious charges against the man identified as shooting a projectile into the head of a passing Marine and badly injuring him.

Iowa City police say that on Oct. 17, Philip Olson, 69, was shooting at a squirrel in his yard with an air rifle but missed and instead hit Lance Cpl. Gabe Heefner, 20, as he was driving by on Hwy. 6 near Sycamore Street. The Marine, who crashed after being shot, was severely injured. Last week he was transferred from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to a clinic in Chicago.

Olson faces fines for violating city code and Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations after he voluntarily came forward to police shortly after the shooting. But authorities say they were blocked from charging him with a crime because air rifles are not considered dangerous firearms under Iowa law.

Olson declined to comment when reached by The Gazette.

Unlike firearms that use gunpowder, nonpowder guns such as BB and pellet guns use air pressure, carbon dioxide pressure or spring action to launch projectiles. There are no federal laws regulating the transfer, possession or use of nonpowder guns. More than half of states, including Iowa, do not regulate them, either.

The Marines family and Democratic Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness say they favor legislation to classify these guns as firearms. At least two of Iowas Democratic senators are in the early stages of discussing the incident ahead of the legislative session.

It does seem like there is a loophole in the law because it's something that's not defined as a firearm or  a dangerous weapon, (which) makes it hard to prosecute, Lyness said.   People think of them as toys or BB guns, and they're not. They're lethal weapons, and they should be treated the same way as firearms.

But rather than enact more gun restrictions, the Iowa Legislature has been heading in the opposite direction  earlier this year passing a constitutional carry measure making it optional to obtain a permit to buy or carry a handgun. And along party lines  where Democrats are outnumbered in both chambers  lawmakers gave final approval to putting a state constitutional amendment about gun rights before Iowa voters in 2022.

In addition, the odd nature of the incident may not fuel much desire to address with a new law what could be seen as a tragic fluke.

Sen. Julian Garrett, R-Indianola, said he read about the incident after being contacted by The Gazette. Garrett, vice chair of the standing judiciary committee, said he wasnt sure if a legislative change was needed, given the rare circumstances, but added that he hadnt had much time to think about it yet.

My initial thought is this could happen anywhere. It happened in town, but it could have just as well been out in the country. I dont know if this is something that needs more legislation, Garrett said.

If youre recklessly shooting toward any place where there might be a person, whether a highway or a building or a house or anything, youve obviously got to take care that youre not endangering somebody. he added. But no matter how careful you are, we all know things do happen.

Garrett said some initial questions he has are whether something similar has happened in other states and how likely something like this is to happen again.

Regulation in other states

The District of Columbia and 23 states regulate nonpowder guns to some degree, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The center, which promotes gun control and helps draft legislation, lists four main categories for regulations.

According to the center, most states with such regulations have rules prohibiting transfers to children or by prohibiting or limiting where the guns can be possessed or used, such as schools. However, these restrictions typically dont apply when there is parental consent or adult supervision.

Some states  including New Jersey and Rhode Island  define all nonpowder guns as firearms.

Some others, including Illinois and Michigan, treat high-power or high-caliber nonpowder guns as firearms. In its definition of a firearm, Illinois does not include nonpowder guns of .18-caliber or less, or nonpowder guns with a muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second.

Another group of states  including Connecticut, Delaware and North Dakota  have nonpowder guns in their definitions of dangerous weapons.

Current limitations

An air gun doesnt fit the definition of a firearm in Iowa. If it did, Olson could have faced a charge of reckless use of a firearm  which is what Lyness would have wanted to charge him with. That is a felony if serious or bodily injury occurs.

If you have an air rifle or other kinds of weapons like that that are basically firearms, than let's classify them as firearms and treat them like that because the concern I have is that they are going to be misused, Lyness said.

Nile Heefner, Gabes father, said he would like to see air rifles and pellet guns classified as firearms because they can injure and kill like firearms.

Its the sensible thing to do, Nile Heefner said. Sadly, my son is an example of what a .22 air rifle can do to a person, tragically changing the rest of his life. Perhaps that would persuade air rifle owners to not shoot within city limits so that another innocent person is not critically wounded or even killed.

An air rifle or similar gun is not specifically defined as a dangerous weapon in Iowa law.

A part of Iowa code that defines a dangerous weapon is any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon.

Lyness said theres a chance she could have proved with expert testimony that an air rifle is a dangerous weapon, but wouldnt have been able to prove Olson intended to inflict death or serious injury.

Beginnings of discussion

Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, said hes spoken with Sen. Kevin Kinney, D-Oxford, about the incident. Both local Democratic senators are part of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Kinney, a retired Johnson County lieutenant, said he wants to look at options before making any commitments about what he would support but said its something we do need to look at.

Its something I want to talk with other people in law enforcement and my colleagues across the aisle to see what they would be willing to look at, said Kinney.

Bolkcom said he would be open to changes regulating air rifles. noting how these guns have become more powerful over the years.

They're potentially lethal weapons at this point, and we need to begin to look at regulating them as lethal weapons, Bolkcom said. They've gotten more powerful. These are not the guns that we used to have 20, 30 years ago when we were kids.

But it would be up to the Republican-controlled Legislature to decide if action needs to be taken, Bolkcom said.

Recovery continues

The Heefners moved to Missouri eight years after Gabe was born in Iowa City. Gabe, the oldest of three children, was back in town visiting his grandparents when he was injured.

On Wednesday morning  the same day as the 246th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps  he was transported from UIHC to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, a nationally ranked physical medicine and rehabilitation research hospital.

The Iowa City Police Department escorted the ambulance. Gabes mother, Codi, drove behind them. Along the route, people lined up to show their support for the Marine.

In an update Thursday evening, Codi wrote that Gabes first day at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab included three hours of therapy and evaluations to see where he is at and to develop a plan for him.

Izabela Zaluska is a reporter for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.

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The impetus for the carve-out isnt clear. Jeri Bonavia, executive director of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, a group that works to reduce gun violence, said the National Rifle Association was making a national push to get guns in childrens hands in the late 1990s and early 2000s in hopes of creating lifetime gun owners; the caveat may have been part of that push, she said. But she said it appears that minors can possess long guns as long as theyre not sawed off.

She called that concerning.

There are a number of things we dont allow young people under 18 to do. There are reasons for that. Judgment isnt as perfected at age 16 as it is much later. Weve seen what that means in Kenosha, with the tragic outcome.

Tom Grieve, a Milwaukee attorney and a former Waukesha County prosecutor, speculated that the long-gun exception was drafted to ensure children could hunt and lawmakers didn't envision it could be used to protect children who carry long guns at protests like the demonstrations in Kenosha.

I think it was designed with an eye toward hunting and enabling law enforcement to add additional charges against minors hunting without a license, he said. Wisconsin is a hunting state. When people talk about long arms, theyre thinking in the hunting context.
House Republicans on Sunday selected Del. Todd Gilbert of Shenandoah to become the next speaker of the House of Delegates when the GOP retakes control of the lower chamber in January.

Gilbert, who led the caucus as minority leader for the past two years, will replace House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, who became the first female speaker in 2020 and will hand over the gavel after a two-year tenure.

"When we were in the minority, no one believed that we could return to where we are now," Gilbert said in a statement Sunday after a meeting of the House GOP caucus in Richmond. "But we rallied together, worked together, and won together. I could not be more proud to be a member, let alone the leader, of this caucus."

Democrats entered the Nov. 2 election with a 55-45 edge in the House of Delegates. While two close House contests could head for recounts after the State Board of Elections certifies results on Monday, Republicans appear in line to hold a 52-48 majority when the session starts in January.
The reality, furthermore, is that the SALT deduction is used by decidedly middle-class people in high-cost-of-living areas such as Long Island. A cop married to a nurse in Levittown could easily report over $160,000 in combined income while also paying over $9,000 in property taxes.

Folks have been moving away in droves since our state and local tax deduction was gutted, said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat.

The top marginal individual income tax rate is 13.3% in California and 10.75% in New Jersey. There is no state income tax in Florida or Texas. For their revenues, those states rely far more on sales taxes targeting lower-income people. What sane progressive would want to degrade the tax base off which they pay for education and health care?

As for conservatives who lecture us on the need to pass power from the federal government to the states and localities, how can they justify stripping those jurisdictions of their ability to raise revenues? By the way, local taxes are the way communities actually fund their police.

For the simpletons who think that any tax hike that hits any rich person is fair, consider this ridiculous scenario: Imagine a new tax levied only on high-paid gastroenterologists. You may ask: What about neurosurgeons and hedge fund managers? Good question.
About 100 people, mostly Moravians, attended a ceremony Saturday in which new markers were placed on the gravesites of enslaved people in the St. Philips Moravian Second Graveyard.

We have gathered here to right a great wrong, said the Rev. John Jackman, the pastor of Trinity Moravian Church and the vice chairman of the Salem Congregation Board of Elders.

The attendees then placed markers on 32 gravesites in the graveyard, which is near the intersection of Cemetery Street and Salem Avenue.

Saturdays event was part of the 250th anniversary of the Salem Congregation that was organized on Nov. 13, 1771.

Jackman led a liturgy during the ceremony.

We thank you (God) for these, our brothers and sisters, who themselves had been enslaved and whose parents had been enslaved, Jackman said.

These enslaved people faced hardships during their lives, Jackman said.

We thank you for the hope that filled their hearts  and calls to us as well, Jackman said to the ceremonys attendees. Though their graves were forgotten and unmarked for many years, we know that you (God) have remembered them and have taken them to your arms with grace.
RALEIGH  Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday pardoned a man who spent 24 years behind bars for a murder he has long said he did not commit.

Coopers pardon of innocence allows Dontae Sharpe to apply for compensation up to $750,000 for his wrongful conviction.

Mr. Sharpe and others who have been wrongly convicted deserve to have that injustice fully and publicly acknowledged, the Democratic governor said in a statement announcing he had pardoned the man after a careful review of the case.

In 1995, Sharpe was given a life sentence at age 19 for the first-degree murder of 33-year-old George Radcliffe, whom he was accused of killing a year earlier during a drug deal. Sharpe had maintained his innocence throughout and said in a 2019 interview that his faith and knowledge he was innocent guided his refusal to accept offers of a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

At a virtual news conference Friday just an hour after Coopers announcement, Sharpe said he was in disbelief when his lawyer called him with the news. He said he was still processing it and also was thinking of those who had taken to the streets and held vigils on his behalf.
Attempts by The Charlotte Observer on Saturday to reach the company were unsuccessful. The companys voice mailbox was full and wasnt accepting messages.

The maximum penalty for each serious violation is $7,000, and for a willful serious violation, $70,000, Bouchard said.

The General Statutes say that the Labor Department has to take into consideration various factors such as the gravity of the violation, the size of the business, the good faith and cooperation of the employer, and the history of previous violations, Bouchard wrote in the email.

The penalties are in no way designed to make up for loss of life, she said.

By law, money from such citations goes to a civil penalty and forfeiture fund, with monies distributed to public school systems, according to Bouchard.
NEW YORK (AP)  An 1833 statue of Thomas Jefferson will be booted from New Yorks City Hall and sent on long-term loan to the New-York Historical Society, after some City Council members objected to its presence because Jefferson owned hundreds of slaves.

The Public Design Commission voted unanimously on Monday to remove the statue from the City Council chambers at City Hall. Instead, it will be on display with context about Jeffersons legacy in the historical society's lobby for six months and in its library reading room after that, museum officials said.

The statue by artist Pierre-Jean David dAngers is a plaster model of the bronze Jefferson statue in the Capitol rotunda of the U.S. Congress.

Museum officials said in a statement they would offer context about Jefferson's complicated legacy including his contributions as a founder and draftsman of the Declaration of Independence and the contradiction between his vision of human equality and his ownership of enslaved people. It will be accessible to the public without an admission charge in both locations, they said.
However, in a cautionary sign, COVID-19 infection rates have plateaued recently. The infection rate has hovered between 70,000 and 75,000 new cases a day for nearly three weeks, Johns Hopkins reports.

Ohl said that currently theres no variant threat emerging like the delta variant that could spark another wave of COVID-19 infections.

However, Ohl has said previously that COVID-19 probably is not going away, just receding to an endemic level, which would mean there would be periods of rising infections just as there is with the flu.

Even as the pandemic shows hopeful trends, a poll out this week on North Carolinians views about the scope of the crisis shows its reach.

The group Carolina Forward found that a large majority of North Carolinians remain concerned about themselves or a loved one contracting COVID-19. The survey found 72% of state residents are either somewhat or very concerned about infections.

When asked if they, or someone they knew, suffered from either COVID-19 or the lingering symptoms known as long COVID, more than a quarter  26%  said they did.
Seven people were injured by gunfire in Winston-Salem over the weekend.

In two separate shootings, two women were seriously injured when someone opened fire on their vehicles. In one of the cases, the woman struck an apartment building on Cedar Springs Drive in an attempt to flee to safety.

Four people were injured early Saturday after gunfire erupted at a party on Gregory Street.

And a 38-year-old man whom police have not yet identified was shot in the head Saturday night by a resident after firing into a home at Green Cross Drive.

No one has died as a result of the shootings.

Woman critically injured

A woman was critically injured Saturday after someone opened fire on her vehicle and she crashed into a building at an apartment complex, Winston-Salem police said.

Police responded at 6:33 p.m. to the 3600 block of Cedar Springs Drive. The driver of the vehicle  Latoya Harris, 32, of Countryside Court  was still inside the vehicle that came to a stop inside the apartment building. The passenger  Michael Houston, 29, of Maryland Avenue  left the scene on foot and was located in the area, police said.
HIGH POINT  A Florida developers controversial proposal to bring a shopping center to a north High Point intersection is on Mondays City Council agenda.

Halvorsen Development Corp. is asking the city to rezone 12 acres at the southeast corner of Skeet Club Road and Johnson Street to allow a 75,000-square-foot commercial project consisting of a grocery store, retail services and restaurants.

The Planning and Zoning Commission last month voted 9-0 to recommend denial of the case after finding that it would be out of character with the largely residential area.

Because of the advisory boards vote, it would take a two-thirds majority of the nine-member council to approve the case.

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The board determined that high-intensity retail at this location would not be supported by the citys policies and long-range plans.

The area is designated as low-density residential on the land use map, which neighborhood opponents argue makes the proposal incompatible with the area.

Residents also cite concerns about traffic and safety and the presence of the historic Mendenhall-Blair House on the site.
The appellate court ruled Superior Court Judge Nathaniel Poovey should have conducted a mental health competency hearing to determine if Rojas was fit to be sentenced for his crime. The court vacated his sentence of a minimum of 33 years and a maximum of almost 41 years and ordered a new competency hearing for Rojas.

Questions about Rojas mental health have been a part of the case from almost the beginning.

Rojas inflicted 161 stab wounds to Costners body while killing her. But Rojas had spent much of his time in mental health facilities even after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

While doctors evaluated Rojas mental health, they also reported he appeared to be playing the system.

Obviously Im not going to be found capable if I stick to my story, Rojas reportedly told one mental health worker at Broughton Hospital in Morganton while being evaluated as to whether his psychosis would allow him to stand trial for murder.

He told another mental health professional that his defense attorney told him not to discuss his crime. He also told a mental health worker he imagined things would work out best for him if he convinced doctors he was too mentally ill to stand trial, according to medical records entered into evidence in the case.
Blood samples from residents who live near the Chemours plant in Bladen County did not contain the compound most associated with the facility but did have high levels of similar chemicals.

Officials from N.C. State University, East Carolina University and the Environmental Protection Agency are conducting research for the GenX Exposure Study, which started in November 2017 and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Several county health departments and nonprofit groups also are helping with the study.

Researchers provided an overview of the latest results at a meeting in Hope Mills on Thursday. The presentation also was available online.

The study is trying to determine if GenX and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are in the bodies of residents who live near the Chemours plant and those who get their drinking water downstream from the facility.

The Chemours plant manufactures GenX, and the compound is a byproduct of other processes at the facility. The plant, which is known as the Fayetteville Works facility, is just off N.C. 87 between Fayetteville and Elizabethtown.
Comically? Will she now be a target of late-night comedians and Saturday Night Live skits? In the event she is, the treatment will likely be gentler than the mean-spiritedness directed at Sarah Palin.

A Google search of Kamala Harris successes turns up thin gruel. Most of her accomplishments have little to do with actual policy achievements and more to do with supposed achievements related to her race and gender. In her brief time in the Senate, Harris took what has turned out to be the wrong side in the false Russian collusion allegations against then-President Trump. She also treated Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh like an already convicted criminal. She sought less to discover information than to impose a pre-determined personal conclusion that he was unfit for the bench.

The White House and some congressional leaders are trying to spin these latest polls to their advantage, but that strategy is unlikely to succeed. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), attempted to explain and dismiss Bidens declining approval and rising disapproval numbers. Appearing on Fox News, the House Majority Whip said, its a real tough time to be president. Anytime is a tough time to be president, but some presidents have been more up to it than others. It is becoming increasingly clear that Biden and Harris are not up to their jobs.

The French have some delightful ways of putting things, and in their language some phrases might accurately describe Kamala Harris. The kinder one is Tu ne sais pas de quoi tu parles, which means you dont know what you are talking about. The other is considered vulgar and French slang: Con comme balai, which means as stupid as a broomstick. Draw your own conclusions from what Harris has done, or more importantly, not done.

Cal Thomas can be reached at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
The Rev. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., noted that she was 5 when racism and white supremacy left me fatherless. Actor George Takei, who originated the role of Mr. Sulu on Star Trek, recalled that he was 5 when he was sent to an internment camp with 120,000 other Japanese Americans. I learned about race early, he said.

Izzy did, too.

So what CBS was really asking was this: How young is too young to teach white kids about race? Given that it is so often a story of white people treating other people inhumanely, enslaving the Africans, killing the indigenous, deporting the Mexicans, imprisoning the Japanese, how can we do it justice without making white children feel, well ... bad? Where Americas racial history is concerned, we are asked  and increasingly, required by law  to treat white children as egg cartons treat eggs. This, despite the fact that there is no real evidence those kids want or need to be handled as if fragile.

And while we are tiptoeing about with such solicitude for their feelings, did anybody really care about Izzy Tichenors feelings? Or the feelings of millions of children just like her? Where was the frantic concern for that?
Exactly. Ive been asking the same thing for three decades  especially with regard to Latinos, who are now Americas largest minority.

Sears doesnt seem to be out to convert anyone to the GOP. She just wants the party to be seen by more people as a viable option.

Thats a good thing. If African American voters were more in play, maybe Democrats would try harder and do something to actually earn the support of Black voters, rather than simply waiting around to inherit it  because Republicans are perceived to be such an unacceptable alternative.

What I want for us, as Black people, is just leave us alone, she told Hannity. If you want to vote Democrat, do so. You want to vote Libertarian, do so. Whatever you want to be, be it. This is America. This is freedom.

For this Marine, freedom starts with thinking for oneself. She excels at that, and it infuriates her critics on the left.

They include African American scholars such as Michael Eric Dyson, who  during an appearance on MSNBC  likened Sears to a ventriloquists dummy for white supremacists.

As she ended her segment on Fox News, Sears fired back at her critics.
" " Students with mouth and nose protection work in a seventh grade classroom on Nov. 25, 2020. picture alliance/Getty Images

We found that schools can reopen for in-person instruction without further spreading COVID-19 in nearby communities if the number of people with the disease is relatively low. But if there are more than 21 cases per 100,000 people, COVID-19 spread may increase.

To reach this conclusion, we used data from September through December 2020 in Michigan and Washington states  both of which allowed districts to decide whether or not to offer in-person schooling at that time  to analyze how these different instructional decisions affect COVID-19 case rates.

It's hard to figure this out because other factors, such as social distancing and the use of masks, could be to blame. So it might appear that going to school in person makes COVID-19 spread, but really it is due to safety habits  or the lack thereof  especially if those same communities are more likely to send students back to school in person.

We tried to address this concern by including information in our statistical analyses on such practices as mask-wearing in a community and how a county voted in 2016. Political preference was an important factor to consider, because Republicans appear less likely than Democrats to comply with COVID-19 safety measures. Republicans are also more likely to encourage in-person instruction during the pandemic.

Despite our findings, coronavirus very likely does transmit in schools to some degree. But the spread of COVID-19 there may simply reflect what's going on in the surrounding community.

Kids and educators may be just as safe in school buildings  or possibly even safer  than they would be elsewhere.

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Why It Matters

Most districts closed the doors of their school buildings in March and did not reopen them for the remainder of the school year, instead offering students remote instruction.

But evidence is growing that remote instruction isn't working well, especially for low-income students and students of color.

Given these challenges, many districts chose to offer in-person or hybrid instruction last fall. But as the number of COVID-19 cases rises, districts like Chicago's and others are facing the difficult decision of whether to open schools  or to keep them open. To date there has been little data to guide them. Our study provides some of the first U.S.-based evidence to policymakers as they make these difficult choices.

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What Still Isn't Known

While we provide specific estimates of when COVID-19 rates are high enough that the virus will likely spread as a result of opening schools, they should be treated with caution because statistical estimates are subject to error. The takeaway is not to focus on specific thresholds but rather to understand that levels exist at which in-person schooling contributes to community spread.

Moreover, how schools open and the safety measures they take are likely to play a role in terms of what happens with COVID-19 cases. Schools can, for example, bring back only some students, require masks and keep desks spaced several feet apart from one another. These practices probably reduce transmission of the disease.

However, we are not able to assess how much these steps might help because we do not have information on safety protocols in individual schools or whether schools are following those protocols.

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What Other Research Is Being Done

So far, while there are some studies on how COVID-19 has affected learning, especially how the pandemic may be disproportionately harming the education of low-income and minority students, there is not much research about how the disease is spreading in U.S. schools. One study found associations between school closures in the spring of 2020 and reductions in COVID-19 deaths. However, other social distancing policies were enacted at the same time, making the contribution of schools unclear.

A new study found results similar to ours when examining hospitalizations  that in-person instruction was associated with more nearby hospitalizations when existing COVID-19 rates were high, but that there was no such correlation when rates were low.

Scott A Imberman, Professor of Education Policy and Economics, Michigan State University.

Dan Goldhaber, Director, Center for Education Data & Research, University of Washington.

Katharine O. Strunk, Professor of Education Policy and Economics, Michigan State University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can find the original article here.
" " The FDA just approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is recommending everyone now get a COVID-19 booster shot starting Sept. 20. Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a joint statement Aug. 18, 2021, declaring that vaccinated Americans will be eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot beginning Sept. 20. This news came six days after the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized booster vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals.

The approvals are part of a concerted effort to combat the highly contagious delta variant and stave off waning immunity from the original mRNA vaccines. But what does this mean for you? And how do scientists know whether a vaccine requires a booster in the first place?

First, let's examine some of the science behind booster shots.

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The Lowdown on Booster Shots

A booster vaccine is an additional dose of immunization given months or years after the initial injection. Whether or not a booster vaccine is necessary depends on several factors: the type of pathogen being targeted, the patient's immune system, new disease mutations or the mechanism of the vaccine itself.

One major reason some vaccines require boosters is that the protection they confer gradually diminishes over time. "For example, whooping cough," says Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "That vaccine immunity wears off."

After one dose of the whooping cough (also known as pertussis) vaccine, your body launches a strong immune response, releasing antibodies to protect you from the bacterial toxin that causes severe, monthslong bouts of coughing. But given time and lack of exposure, your immune system "forgets" how to fight off this toxin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a booster every 10 years to (metaphorically) jog your immune system's memory and prime it to protect you once more.

The whooping cough booster uses the same mechanism as the initial dose to trigger an immune response. But some vaccines employ another strategy, known as heterologous vaccination. "Heterologous means using different types of vaccines to boost immunity," Adalja says.

Meningitis is one such shot. The first formulation, which protects against four common types of meningitis, is typically administered to kids around age 11, with a booster at age 16. However, a different formulation is also recommended for teens and young adults between ages 16 to 23. This second jab safeguards against meningitis B, which is more likely to infect college-aged people. Together, they form a one-two punch of protection.

" " Flu vaccines are reformulated every year because new strains can emerge and because there are so many different variants, booster shots simply don't work. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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To Booster Shot or Not?

Unfortunately, simply adding a booster isn't an option for all vaccines; certain pathogens change too fast and too radically from year to year. For instance, the annual flu shot. "The flu vaccine is a complete reformulation," Adalja says. "It's not a booster, it's just a whole new vaccine."

There are four main types of seasonal influenza virus and each type has dozens of variants. Scientists try to predict which ones will be dominant each year when they formulate the newest flu vaccine, but it's always a moving target. And sometimes a new strain emerges unexpectedly, as with the 2009 swine flu pandemic.

In contrast to the flu virus, however, some pathogens mutate extremely slowly. The yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong immunity to most people after only a single dose. Researchers have been able to determine the long-term efficacy of these vaccines through natural history studies that follow patients over a period of many years. By regularly screening these volunteers for breakthrough infections and monitoring their levels of antibodies, they can develop a clear picture of when and whether a booster dose is necessary.

But you may be thinking, COVID-19 vaccines haven't been around for very long  certainly not long enough for a natural history study. How do we know whether boosters are necessary?

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Why Get a COVID-19 Booster?

It's true that the coronavirus only emerged recently. But when it comes to vaccine research, scientists have spared no expense. The disease may be less than 2 years old, but COVID-19 is one of the best researched diseases, ever. And some of those data suggest that COVID-19 immunity does begin to wane after a period of several months.

"Eventually all of us will need booster shots for our COVID vaccines because the immune response we get to that vaccine decreases over time," Dr. Dorry Segev, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, said in a statement. "Ongoing research will tell us better what that magic window is."

Recently, a team of Israeli scientists published a seven months-long study of COVID-19 immunity in individuals who had received the Pfizer vaccine. They found that over that time, the patients' resistance to infection dropped from 95 percent to 39 percent. However, they also determined that vaccinated people remained more than 90 percent protected from severe disease.

A second study quickly followed after the Israeli government gave the green light for COVID-19 booster shots. This one found that a third dose of vaccine was very effective in preventing breakthrough infections in people over age 60. Even better, it appears to give protection against the Delta variant.

These studies prompted the FDA and CDC to take action, authorizing booster shots for folks in the U.S. eight months after their first immunization. The agencies hope that this, in combination with an FDA stamp of approval for the Pfizer vaccine, will quell the most recent surge of infections brought on by the Delta variant.

" " The HPV vaccine often requires a booster shot. For example, the CDC recommends adolescents aged 9 through 14 who received two doses of HPV vaccine less than 5 months apart have a third dose. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Now That's Interesting Getting vaccinated isn't just a good health decision, it's a sound economic investment as well. Research shows that for every dollar a country spends on vaccination, its economy grows by around $44.
DECATUR  The life of Jesus Christ is an interesting story, especially in real life.

Volunteers from St. Johns Lutheran Church will present a Live Nativity, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, on the church grounds.

The free event will have actors portraying the images from Christs life.

Its the best story ever told, said Cathy Tavarczky, organizer of the event.

A shepherd will guide the walking visitors through nine scenes representing the life of Christ. They will tell you the story as they guide you through, Tavarczky said.

A recorded narration will be provided to those taking advantage of the drive-through option.

The trek through the nativity takes about 20 minutes. If youre walking, it takes a little longer, Tavarczky said.

Tavarczky has seven committees that help with the creation of the Live Nativity. Approximately 200 volunteers assist with advertisement, preparing snacks for the volunteers, child care, traffic control and other important jobs to make the two days run smoothly.

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If You Go WHAT: St. Johns Lutheran Church Live Nativity WHEN: Walk-through 4:30-5:30 p.m., 6-8 p.m. Drive-through, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21 WHERE: St. Johns Lutheran Church, 2727 N. Union Blvd., Decatur COST: Free ON THE WEB: www.stjohnsdecatur.com

Each group of characters appears in a scene for 30 minutes before another cast takes their places. They go in and eat," Tavarczky said. "And they can warm up, especially since its cold.

The Live Nativity began in 1989 with only three scenes. Weve grown quite a bit, Tavarczky said. We usually have about 2,000 people come through to see it.

After adjusting the event through the years, the volunteers have found that if they skip a year, more visitors and volunteers will take part in the event. For an interest in the community, I think every other year works best, Tavarczky said. And it takes a lot of people to make it happen.

Organizing Live Nativity scenes takes about nine months to prepare. The scenes show the live images of Christ life, including the Angels arrival to tell His Mother Mary of His coming birth, His death on the cross, and the resurrection.

The trail is lighted. To help focus on the images, the windows of the church are blacked out. So no one can see in the building, Tavarczky said. We want them to go through (the outdoor scenes) without any distractions.

Volunteers and others in the community are doing their part to create images as close as possible to the environment during Christs time. Hay-lined grounds, a large boat and appropriate clothing will be part of the scenes. Live animals, including camels, will take part as some of the characters.

Several actors will play the part of Jesus at various stages in his life, a challenge volunteers have taken on. The one at the cross is a tough one, Tavarczky said. Theres not a lot of clothes on him, but we will have a little heater blowing on him.

The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled last years Live Nativity. We were more concerned, not with the people coming through, as much as COVID being passed among the volunteers, Tavarczky said.

#TogetherDecatur Do you know a person or of a story that exemplifies the best of Decatur? Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983 or dbeckett@herald-review.com.

Precautions are being taken for this years event. Volunteers will wear masks when they are in the church. Extra costumes have been made to prevent sharing among the actors.

For more than 30 years, the church has taken pride in the community event. Much of the large, life-size pieces, including a boat, cross, and a cave, are stored away to protect them for future years. However, the live animals must be secured each year and make up the event's most significant expenditure.

We have three camels, some goats, donkeys, Tavarczky said about the menagerie coming from Indiana. Whatever hes got, he brings them. He has a whole trailer full of animals.

For those walking, an up-close image of the animals is often exciting for families with children.

Sometimes the camel guy lets them get a little closer to the camels, Tavarczky said. And its just more personal.

Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR

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Todays Highlight in History:

On Nov. 15, 1942, the naval Battle of Guadalcanal ended during World War II with a decisive U.S. victory over Japanese forces.

On Nov. 15:

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation.

In 1806, explorer Zebulon Pike sighted the mountaintop now known as Pikes Peak in present-day Colorado.

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman began their March to the Sea from Atlanta; the campaign ended with the capture of Savannah on Dec. 21.

In 1889, Brazil was proclaimed a republic as its emperor, Dom Pedro II, was overthrown.

In 1937, at the U.S. Capitol, members of the House and Senate met in air-conditioned chambers for the first time.

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

In 1959, four members of the Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas, were found murdered in their home. (Ex-convicts Richard Hickock and Perry Smith were later convicted of the killings and hanged in a case made famous by the Truman Capote book In Cold Blood.)

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In 1966, the flight of Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, ended successfully as astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin Buzz Aldrin Jr. splashed down safely in the Atlantic after spending four days in orbit.

In 1969, a quarter of a million protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War.

In 1989, Time Warner launched The Comedy Channel, which later merged with Viacoms HA! network to form Comedy Central.

In 2003, two Black Hawk helicopters collided and crashed in Iraq; 17 U.S. troops were killed.

In 2019, Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of President Donald Trump, was convicted of all seven counts in a federal indictment accusing him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation of whether Trump coordinated with Russia during the 2016 campaign. (As Stone was about to begin serving a 40-month prison sentence, Trump commuted the sentence.)

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DECATUR  Millikin University marketing students will host a soup supper Tuesday, Nov. 16, to benefit Peacemaker Project 703, in memory of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim.

The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the first floor of the University Commons.

Oberheim, a Decatur native, was murdered in the line of duty on May 19. Peacemaker Project 703 proactively supports law enforcement officers and their families through community outreach, reform and education.

The grab-and-go event costs $6 for a pint of one of the following three soups: roasted red pepper and smoked gouda served with a Tuscan dinner roll, gumbo served with a brioche dinner roll and Skeffington beer cheese soup served with a dark rye dinner roll. Dessert will include a mixed berry cobbler with a sweet crumb topping. Quart containers of the soups cost $11 each.

Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter

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TOWER HILL  Richard A. Griffin, who stole a vehicle from a Tower Hill repair shop and was chased down and cornered by employees, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Griffin, 51 of Riverton, was sentenced Friday in Shelby County Circuit Court after earlier pleading guilty to the unlawful possession of a vehicle.

In a statement about the case, Shelby County States Attorney Nichole Kroncke said the crime dates to July 2 when Griffin helped himself to a vehicle from the lot of the Curtis Repair Shop on Illinois Route 16.

Kroncke said he had then fled, pursued by employees, who cornered him in the parking lot of a Jehovahs Witness Church on Illinois Route 16. Kroncke said the employees blockaded Griffin in the parking lot and he rammed the pickup truck driven by employees in an attempt to escape before being overpowered and held until police arrived.

Kroncke praised swift action by the Shelby County Sheriffs Office in dealing with the situation and also the actions of the repair shop workers. The individuals who assisted law enforcement with their proactive involvement exhibited courage and exemplary citizenship, resulting in the apprehension and conviction of a career criminal, she said.

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Kroncke said Fridays sentence was the 11th custodial term Griffin had received in his criminal career.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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DECATUR  Decatur unions will host An Evening of Gratitude from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at The Beach House to benefit We Are One Community.

All donations to the charitable fund will benefit local charity organizations.

The event is hosted by Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly and the Decatur Building & Construction Trades Council and will raise funds to be granted to local charity on Labor Day 2022. The online event is open to any guests interested in We Are One Community.

The unions are asking donors to join the We Are One Community Facebook group, attend the reception or give directly. The fund is housed at the Community Foundation. Mail donations to We Are One Community, c/o The Community Foundation, 101 S. Main, Suite 400, Decatur, IL 62523. This year's goal is $25,000.

Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter

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BRUNSWICK, Ga.  A judge denied mistrial requests Monday at the trial of three white men charged with murdering Ahmaud Arbery after defense attorneys claimed jurors were tainted by weeping from the gallery where the slain Black man's parents sat with the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The morning's testimony was largely disrupted by arguments outside the jury's presence over Jackson's appearance. The judge said he found one defense lawyer's complaints last week about Black pastors to be reprehensible and no group would be excluded from his courtroom.

Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael armed themselves and pursued the 25-year-old in a pickup truck after spotting him running in their neighborhood on Feb. 23, 2020. Their neighbor William Roddie Bryan joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times with a shotgun.

Tensions flared in the courtroom Monday morning soon after Jackson sat in the back row of the courtroom between Arbery's parents. Defense attorney Kevin Gough asked the judge to make the civil rights leader leave to avoid unfairly influencing the jury.

Gough, an attorney for Bryan, also complained last week when the Rev. Al Sharpton joined Arberys mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, and father, Marcus Arbery Sr., inside the Glynn County courtroom. Gough told the judge Thursday we dont want any more Black pastors coming in here."

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There is no reason for these prominent icons in the civil rights movement to be here," Gough said Monday. "With all due respect, I would suggest, whether intended or not, that inevitably a juror is going to be influenced by their presence in the courtroom."

Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley declined the request. Courtrooms are generally open to the public, although the judge has limited seating in the public gallery because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The court is not going to single out any particular individual or group of individuals as not being allowed into his courtroom as a member of the public, Walmsley said. If there is a disruption, youre welcome to call that to my attention.

Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse that he came to coastal Brunswick to support justice for Arbery's family, not in response to the attorney's previous remarks about Black pastors.

As the judge said, it was my constitutional right to be there, Jackson said. It's my moral obligation to be there.

Jackson acknowledged that Arbery's mother wept very quietly in the courtroom after prosecutors showed a photo of her son to a witness.

Jackson earlier this year attended marches for Jelani Day, an Illinois State University student found in dead in the Illinois River, in Peru and Bloomington.

Gough's mistrial request was joined by the two other defense teams. Franklin Hogue, an attorney for Greg McMichael, said he fears the defendants aren't receiving a fair trial in the community.

Jason Sheffield, one of Travis McMichaels' attorneys, said the weeping caused some jurors to look and see Jackson, an icon whose autographed picture hung in my mother's loft for decades.

Several jurors did look over. Their faces changed, (showing) the emotion and sympathy they felt, Sheffield told the judge.

Walmsley warned the attorneys their own statements may have lured some high-profile figures to the courthouse.

I will say that is directly in response, Mr. Gough, to statements you made, which I find reprehensible," the judge said.

Walmsley singled out a comment Gough made to back up his Black pastors remark last week: If a bunch of folks came in here dressed like Colonel Sanders with white masks sitting in the back ... " before the judge cut him off.

Outside the courthouse last week, Sharpton denounced the disproportionately white makeup of the jury. Walmsley allowed the jury to be sworn in over objections by prosecutors who said several potential jurors were excluded because they are Black, leaving only one Black juror on the panel of 12. Glynn County, where the trial is being held, is nearly 27% Black.

Sharpton said he'll return to the courthouse, and activists said 100 Black pastors will join him.

Bryan and the McMichaels are charged with murder and other crimes. Prosecutors say they chased Arbery for five minutes to keep him from exiting the Satilla Shores subdivision outside the port city of Brunswick. The chase ended when Arbery, trailed by Bryan's truck, tried to run around the McMichaels' truck as it idled in the road ahead. The video shows Travis McMichael confronting Arbery and then shooting him as he throws punches and grapples for the gun.

The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery was a burglar after security cameras recorded him several times inside a home under construction, five houses away. The defense says Travis McMichael opened fire in self-defense.

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The avid musician resorted to purchasing a lightweight guitar made of carbon fiber just for the trip.

After a tiring and cold day on the trail, the friends often gathered around an evening campfire to enjoy the strumming guitar against the quiet sounds of surrounding nature.

The music attracted other hikers who joined in the playing of folk, blues and classic rock songs.

Music always loosens the atmosphere, said Grant. We started sharing with each other our experiences on the trail.

It was an invitation for Meade to compose a few lyrics while leading his new friends in songs.

Meeting a diverse group of people on the trail and seeing new places was a life-changing experience for both of them.

I learned that life is much bigger than just me, said Grant. Before hiking the trail, I would have described myself as a typical college student. Now, I see so much more to life.

Both of them said the experience helped restore their faith in humanity.

Theres an outstanding community found on the trail. There are good people everywhere in the world, and I saw that first-hand on the Appalachian Trail, Grant said.
The prosecutor reminded jurors that Rittenhouse testified he knew Rosenbaum was unarmed. Binger also said there is no video to support the defense claim that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse.

Binger disputed the contention that Rosenbaum was trying to grab Rittenhouses rifle. Mr. Rosenbaum is not even within arms reach when the first shot occurs, Binger said. He rejected the claim that Rittenhouse had no choice but to shoot, saying he could have run away.

And Binger argued that once Rosenbaum was wounded, he was not even capable of taking away the gun, which was strapped to Rittenhouses body, since he was falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis. Rittenhouse kept firing, delivering what the prosecutor called the kill shot to Rosenbaums back.

I think we can also agree that we shouldnt have 17-year-olds running around our streets with AR-15s, because this is exactly what happens, Binger said.

In his own closing argument, Richards, the defense attorney, called Rosenbaum a crazy person who was hell-bent on causing trouble that night and went after Rittenhouse unprovoked.
CEO Paul Griffiths said Monday the figure still represents a sharp turn in fortunes for the crucial transit hub that was clobbered by the pandemic, forced to slash 34% of its staff and mothball a main terminal.

We're still optimistic for recovery being very strong, Griffiths told The Associated Press amid the aroma of jet fuel and noise of plane takeoffs. Its going to be a couple of years, but I hope Im wrong.

Some 6.7 million passengers passed through the airport over the third quarter, with flights surging 17% between January and September compared to the same period last year.

With a 40% spike in bookings last month, the airport is gearing up for flying to rebound at the year's end, betting that accelerating vaccinations and relaxing travel curbs will allow Europeans to flee wintry weather for Dubai's beaches and tourists to visit the giant world's fair in the city that runs until March.

Griffiths said confidence also grew with the loosening of travel restrictions from India and Pakistan, which remained the airport's largest market this quarter and routinely send legions of laborers and visitors to the United Arab Emirates. Airlines have expanded their flying schedules as the United States recently welcomed back vaccinated Europeans and India reopened for quarantine-free tourism on Monday.
Its good news that the city of Bristol Tennessee is working with the United Way of Bristol to provide air filters to low- and moderate-income households affected by the stench from the Bristol, Virginia landfill.

But where is the help from the city that actually operates the landfill that is causing all these issues? Apparently, Bristol, Virginia is still more concerned with the citys legal standing than the health and welfare of its citizens.

Bristol, Virginia, has been asked by citizens to declare a local emergency about the landfill situation, but has resisted taking that step saying they have been advised by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management that the issue does not rise to the level of a local emergency. While this may not be an emergency to city leaders, it is an emergency to those suffering from the stench of odorous gases invading their residences on a daily basis.

And while Bristol, Virginia has, and will, spend millions to try and remedy this horrible situation, they have not given a dime of aid to the citizens suffering from the effects of the citys poor decisions of the past.
A 23-year-old Charlotte man has been charged with felony larceny. He also is linked to a car fire and wrecks on Interstate 40 that eventually led to the highway closing Friday afternoon in Hickory.

Jeffrey Barrett Jr., 23, of Charlotte was arrested Sunday in Morganton and charged with felony larceny, Capt. Philip Demas with the Hickory Police Department said.

Barretts vehicle caught fire on I-40 on Friday after a larceny at the Ulta Beauty cosmetics store in Hickory, Demas said.

The Hickory Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire on I-40 between mile markers 126 and 127 around 3:15 p.m. Friday, Terri Byers, fire education coordinator for the department, said.

Demas said the driver of the vehicle is charged with stealing $9,000 in perfume from the business. The suspect left the business in a Dodge Charger and made his way onto Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard.

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Demas said the Charger struck a vehicle but continued onto the interstate and drove until the vehicle caught fire. The suspect escaped from the vehicle and left the scene on foot. Investigators found the stolen perfume in the vehicle, Demas said.
There were a lot of other theaters. There were some that I call one-offs where I just built one time for them. Some of them I stayed with for 10 or 20 years. There were several companies that I stayed with. When their productions came up, I would go ahead and do them. Sometimes I would be technical director, sometimes I would design. Of course, at that age I had a lot more energy.

Normally, the technical director oversees all the technical elements  that does not mean he or she does them all. I would make sure we had the people in place and the equipment in place. My main thrust was construction and painting. That was my strength, but wed usually hire people for sound, lights, video and anything like that. Kind of runs the same here, my strengths are building, painting. I do a lot with software, as far as background scenes if we need them. Eric Seale will take care of a lot of the video. I dont do a lot with video. Ive got the software, I just dont know how to use it.

Process for set ideas

Usually we have a first production meeting, which is where we come up with the idea. There is a lot of give and take for what we want. I read the script. I may look at other shows and then I finally formulate what I think, and at the first production meeting I lay out my designs and thoughts through photos or quick little drawings, then we go from there.
" " Aristides de Sousa Mendes (right) is seen here with his twin brother Cesar in 1938. Public Domain

In 1940, less than a year into what would become the deadliest war ever waged, a lifelong Portuguese diplomat named Aristides de Sousa Mendes, assigned to a consulate in Bordeaux, France, was faced with a rending choice: Defy orders, thereby risking his position, his very livelihood and the safety of his wife and 12 children, or carry out his duties and leave the fate of tens of thousands of refugees to advancing Nazi forces.

Sousa Mendes' story, 79 years later, remains largely unknown. But because of his choice  which almost certainly saved the lives of many of those refugees and their families, including thousands of Jews  his is a story that directly touches many thousands more today.

"He's a hero. He's a man who risked everything and lost everything and displayed incredible moral courage. That's really the key phrase. Moral courage; the idea that one person can make a difference," says Dr. Olivia Mattis, the president and chief operating officer of the Sousa Mendes Foundation. "Anyone can display moral courage if the opportunity presents itself. You can choose to go left or you can choose to go right. There's always the easy choice and the hard choice.

"Not everyone will be presented with the historical factors that he was ... but the idea is to not be a bystander."

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A Career Diplomat, a Career Choice

Aristides de Sousa Mendes do Amaral e Abranches was born in the town of Cabanas de Viriato, Portugal in 1885. After graduating from Portugal's centuries-old University of Coimbra with a law degree, Sousa Mendes was deployed to Portuguese consulates throughout the world: Zanzibar, Brazil, San Francisco, Spain, Belgium. In January 1938, he was assigned to the Portuguese consulate in Bordeaux, France.

Under Adolf Hitler, Germany invaded Poland the next year, prompting Portugal  trying to remain neutral in the burgeoning conflict that would become World War II  to distribute what was known as Circular 14. The order decreed that Portuguese consuls deny travel into Portugal for refugees fleeing the Nazi-occupied countries in Europe, including Jews.

By June 1940, throughout Europe, millions of people were on the move, trying to stay ahead of the Nazis (who had walked into Paris on June 14, 1940). The streets of Bordeaux, in southern France, became crammed with those trying to make it to the border, slip through Spain and into Portugal, where they hoped for passage to safer places.

"The refugees were running for their lives. The New York Times has estimated there were 6 to 10 million people on the move at that point," Mattis says. "We're talking about a catastrophe of biblical proportions. Even more than biblical."

Knowing what could happen to him and his family if he defied Circular 14, but seeing the terror unfold before him, Sousa Mendes was torn. He offered visas to a Polish rabbi he had befriended, Chaim Hersz Kruger, and his family. But Kruger, who had fled from Belgium, turned down the offer and tried to convince Sousa Mendes to help everyone that he could.

After days of seclusion and prayer, Sousa Mendes  a devout Catholic  decided to act. From a letter he wrote:

I have it all in my hands now, to save the many thousands of persons who have come from everywhere in Europe in the hope of finding sanctuary in Portugal. They are all human beings, and their status in life, their religion or color, are altogether immaterial to me.

" " Polish rabbi Chaim Hersz Kruger (left) helped Aristides Sousa Mendes stamp thousands of transit visas, like the one seen here issued to Ludwig Rosenberg, a German refugee imprisoned in Cours du Medoc internment camp in Bordeaux. Public Domain/Sousa Mendes Foundation

With the help of Rabbi Kruger, his own family and others, Sousa Mendes devised an assembly line-like system to stamp and sign thousands of transit visas, for anyone who applied. He traveled in person to a consulate in southern France (and called another) to order diplomats to do the same.

His nephew, Cesar Mendes, described the scene (again, from the Sousa Mendes Foundation):

When I arrived in Bordeaux and approached the consulate of Portugal I noticed immediately that a large crowd of refugees was heading that way. The closer I got to the consulate, the larger the crowd. Since May 10th of 1940 until the occupation of Bordeaux by the Germans, the dining room, the drawing room, and the consul's offices were at the disposal of the refugees  scores of them of both sexes, all ages, including old and sick people. They were coming and going; pregnant women who did not feel well and people who had seen their relatives die on the highways killed by airplane machine gun fire. They slept on chairs, on the floor, on the rugs.

Tens of thousands of people, including thousands of Jews, were granted visas under Sousa Mendes' authority. Historian Yehuda Bauer has said Sousa Mendes performed "perhaps the largest rescue action by a single individual during the Holocaust."

Among those saved was a 7-year-old boy, suffering from appendicitis, fleeing his home in war-ravaged Belgium. His name: Daniel Matuzewitz. He is Olivia Mattis' father. Matuzewitz is now Daniel Mattis, a retired professor of physics at the University of Utah.

In all, 12 members of Daniel Mattis' immediate family were rescued by Sousa Mendes. Dozens more that sprung from that original 12  including Mattis' daughter Olivia  are alive today because of his actions. And that's just one family represented among the thousands of people Sousa Mendes saved. "They were hoping for a miracle," Mattis says of the refugees. "And he was that miracle."

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The Cost of His Actions

In July 1940, Sousa Mendes was recalled from Bordeaux to face trial for his insubordination. From his statement to the court:

It was indeed my aim to save all those people, whose suffering was indescribable: some had lost their spouses, others had no news of missing children, others had seen their loved ones succumb to the German bombings which occurred every day and did not spare the terrified refugees. How many must have had to bury them before continuing on their frenzied flight!

Sousa Mendes argued that his actions were not only morally defensible, but that Portugal's constitution prohibited persecution based on religion. He was convinced he was right on both counts. "I would rather stand with God against Man," he reportedly said at one point, "than with Man against God."

In October 1940, he was found guilty, relieved of his duties and essentially blacklisted by the government of dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar for the rest of his life. Sousa Mendes died in 1954, at the Franciscan Hospital for the Poor in Lisbon, broke and without any recognition for the deeds that saved thousands of lives and enabled those of many thousands more to be fully lived.

Toward the end of his life, Sousa Mendes was asked about that fateful June when his life changed with all those others. "I could not have acted otherwise," he said, "and I therefore accept all that has befallen me with love."

" " Aristides de Sousa Mendes was recognized by the United Nations on Jan. 27, 2019, for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (holding photo) is with Sousa Mendes visa recipients and representatives of the Sousa Mendes Foundation, including Dr. Olivia Mattis (far right) and Louis-Philippe Mendes, (far right, second row) grandson of Sousa Mendes. Sousa Mendes Foundation

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Recognizing Sousa Mendes

Time has been slow to acknowledge Sousa Mendes' sacrifices. But recognition is coming. Sousa Mendes is now often cited along with Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved more than 1,200 Jews during World War II and was memorialized in a novel and the 1993 Steven Spielberg film, "Schindler's List."

Still, it wasn't until his children spent decades trying to get their father's name cleared  and eventually the Portuguese dictator Salazar died in 1970 and his successor was overthrown in 1974  that the historic wheels of justice began to turn for Sousa Mendes. In 1966, his daughter Joana Sousa Mendes finally won the petition for her father to be named as a Righteous Among the Nations, Yad Vashem's honorific for non-Jews who took great risks to save Jews during the Holocaust. Twenty years later in 1986, a tree was planted in Sousa Mendes' honor at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, by Dr. Mordecai Paldiel, then-director of its Department of the Righteous.

In 1987, at the urging of the U.S. Congress, the Portuguese government officially apologized. Sousa Mendes has since been honored with postage stamps, the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ, and streets and parks have been named for him.

In 2010, after her father's accidental discovery of Sousa Mendes' identity (see sidebar below), Mattis, along with Sousa Mendes' grandchildren and descendants of other family members saved, co-founded the Sousa Mendes Foundation. "I realized how much their family suffered," Mattis says, "so my family, and families like mine, could live."

The foundation has compiled a list of about 3,800 Sousa Mendes visa recipients, in 49 different countries, and is constantly looking for more. The foundation also interviews survivors and gathers their histories, educates people about the Sousa Mendes story, is dedicated to restoring Casa do Passal, the Sousa Mendes home in Cabanas de Viriato, and plans to help open a museum there.

The Sousa Mendes Foundation represents one man's courageous and selfless actions, and the work of the foundation continues in that same vein today.

"There is a noticeable and documented rise in hate crimes the last few years. We need to constantly remind people that violent words lead to violent actions. And that cannot be tolerated," Mattis says. "Words of incitement, the rise of the far right, is always bad news. That's the most urgent thing.

"Our foundation is not going to make a dent in any of that," she adds. "But we can try."

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Olivia Mattis' father Daniel never spoke to his daughter about his escape from Europe. But in 2010, while watching French TV from his home in Salt Lake City  the Belgian-born Mattis likes to keep up on his French  he came upon a little-known 2008 film "Desobeir (Aristides de Sousa Mendes)," or "Disobedience (Aristides de Sousa Mendes)" and immediately recognized Sousa Mendes as the man who had saved his life. Daniel contacted the filmmaker and his daughter, who tracked down members of Sousa Mendes' family through Facebook, and the Sousa Mendes Foundation was formed.
Dubai.

Not only is it one of the largest metropolitan centers in the Middle East with its 5 million-plus people, but it could also be considered the pearl of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it ranks among the most dynamic, trendsetting cities in the world.

A new trend in Dubai is retailing more cheese from the USA.

Located in the heart of the UAE, one of the citys largest retailers  LuLu Hypermarket  has tripled the number of cheese options from the USA. And with it, cheese sales on a value basis also skyrocketed.

It took hard work and a game plan to bring those sales about.

At the moment there are 167 natural cheeses from the USA on those dairy shelves out of 300 natural cheeses, said Firas Zahreddine in discussing the cheese sold in the Lulu hypermarket visited by a farmer delegation on a U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) trade mission in early November. Zahreddine is shown on the right in the opening photo talking to USDEC Chairman Larry Hancock of Muleshoe, Texas.

We have 54% of those shelves represented by USA cheese, added the key account manager for USDEC. This has been done with a strong partnership with LuLu hypermarkets (supermarkets). This partnership began through our USA Cheese Retail program, said the marketing specialist with 21 years of work experience.

Before launching that program, Zahreddine and his fellow team members first did their homework.

We began by trying to understand the issues and bottlenecks that buyers were facing when it came to stocking American cheeses. Most of them will tell us, U.S. cheeses are expensive, and there is not much awareness about it, he said of retailers perceptions of their customers.

When we came to check about the prices, there were two issues. If you want to ship by air . . . and most buyers in the region do ship U.S. cheeses by air . . . the airfreight cost was almost double than that from Europe, said Zahreddine of the region located far closer to Europe than the U.S. Number two: we found that there are at least two or three layers between the retailer and the cheese producer in the USA. That may have included consolidators, wholesalers, or suppliers that are all adding to the markup of the cheese, said Zahreddine, whose position was funded by state and regional checkoff programs, known as S&Rs, in the U.S. via The Next 5% initiative.

Our Middle East marketing team brainstormed ideas to make this situation better. Thats when we came up with the USA Cheese Retail program, he explained.

If you buy USA cheese from our members, we will help you reduce the air freight (on a trial basis), educate your staff, educate your shoppers with in-store activities, and we will have merchandizers who will help fix your shelf displays, said Zahreddine. We will look after all the opportunities and obstacles related to U.S. cheese in your store and we will be your partners in any vital activity, continued the Lebanese national who can speak multiple languages and easily communicate with others in the region to build relationships on behalf of U.S. dairy farmers and processors.

When we pitched this idea, one of the LuLu team members in New Jersey said, Whats the catch? recalled Zahreddine with a smile on his face.

To say the least, the LuLu team was quickly on board.

Since we started working with LuLu in 2018, we expanded the stock keeping units (SKUs) from 90 to over 300 for USA cheeses between both the dairy case and the deli shop. We also increased sales from 60 metric tons to 120 metric tons. That equates to $1 million increase in purchases of USA cheese.

People bring the partnerships to life

Welcome to my second home, said Loren Briones, shown in the photo, who works as a USA Cheese Guild Merchandiser.

In-store, I am the one responsible for the display and that all the cheese SKUs from the USA have their own facing, Briones said with a smile as she pointed to displays in the LuLu hypermarket. In many cases, the cheese had been getting displayed out of category and in other times the multiple SKUs get displayed on the same facing. When that happens, I am bringing the cheese out and giving each a single facing. Having the cheese displayed in the proper category helps consumers in purchasing decision, said the Philippines native, who has been in the UAE since 2013.

I also report all the movements I make to the store managers and staff, she said of her activity in some 350 stores that have partnered in the USA Cheese Retail program.

Equally important, I am making sure the price labels match the cheese. As I do that, I also make sure all the products are displayed first-in, first-out so that the freshest product is in the back. If I find any near to expire items, I pull the products, said the USA Cheese Guild Merchandiser with two years of in-store experience in both LuLu hypermarkets and convenience stores.

Meeting consumers

With all this in place, the USDEC team added in-store promoters to ramp up consumer awareness.

We developed a whole curriculum to train the promoters. This just got up and running in October, said Zahreddine. Before working in-store, the promoters learn about cheesemaking, cheese varieties, sampling and selling, as well as how aging affects the taste, texture, and color.

Due to COVID-19, those working on behalf of USDEC cannot offer the equivalent of open-plated cheese boards in stores.

We came up with the trick to make sealed-packed portion sizes, described Zahreddine, who is a quick thinker on his feet. This way the shoppers can taste it, the people-pleasing leader added with a smile.

The team that U.S. dairy farmers and USDEC members have working for them in this market is building a successful model for enriching U.S. dairy trust and sales, said Alex Peterson, who was one of the U.S. dairy farmers on the trade mission. I am very encouraged by the direction our team is going and the massive possibility for growth here in the Middle East and as ingenuity of our staff is replicated in other markets, continued the Missouri dairy farmer, who also chairs the board of directors for the National Dairy Board, the nations dairy checkoff program.





To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2021

November 15, 2021
Millions enjoy the Japanese cherry blossom trees of Washington D.C. when they bloom in spectacular fashion every spring along West and East Potomac parks. The significance of these trees extends far beyond their ethereal appearance.



In 1909, the people of Japan donated 2,000 Japanese cherry blossom trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. Following the discovery of pests and disease in the plant stock, most of this initial gift was destroyed to protect native species. Tokyo mayor Yushio Ozaki presented a second gift of 3,020 Japanese cherry blossom trees to the U.S. in 1912. The first of these, two Yoshino cherry blossom trees (Prunus yedoensis), were planted on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park on March 27, 1912 by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of Japanese ambassador. These two trees still survive near the John Paul Jones Memorial.



In 1965, the Japanese government donated another 3,800 Yoshino cherry blossom trees. First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson and Mrs. Ryuji Takeuchi, wife of the Japanese ambassador, reenacted the original 1912 ceremonial planting near the Washington Monument. Stock from the original cherry trees has been propagated, housed in botanical research facilities, and shared with Japan many times over the decades.



Japanese cherry blossom trees continue to serve as symbols of friendship and diplomacy between Japan and the U.S that are integral to of the natural and cultural landscape of Washington D.C.



Specimens in the National Mall and Memorial Parks include Sargent (Prunus sargentii), Kwanzan (Prunus serrulate), Shiro-Fugen (Prunus serrulate), Weeping Higan (Prunus subhirtella), and Korean (Prunus takesimensis) cherry specimens that were collected between 1992 and 1993. Of these, Kwanzan, which features clusters of large, double deep pink blooms backed by bronze-red new growth, is the sole species cultivar from those gifted by Japan in 1912.
Founded in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia on October 2, 1867, Storer College was a school for freedmen after the Civil War. In its 90 years of existence, the school evolved, serving primary and secondary school students as well as college students. It was one of the first degree-granting four-year colleges that trained African American teachers during Reconstruction. Over 7,000 students attended Storer College.



Madison Spencer Briscoe graduated from Storer College in 1924, before earning a Bachelor of Science at Lincoln University in 1926 and a Master of Science at Columbia University in 1930.



Briscoe returned to Storer College as a faculty member from 1930 through 1934, where he taught both high school and college courses. He served as a professor of biology, taught laboratory sessions, and developed the colleges pre-medical curriculum. In 1941 Briscoe left Storer College to teach at Howard University and begin a PhD. He soon answered the call for experts in parasitology and tropical diseases as part of the U.S. efforts in World War II. Briscoe rose to US Army Captain of the Sanitary Corps and was promoted to Commanding Officer of the 16th Malaria Survey Detachment of the US Army in Libya.



After the war, Briscoe completed his PhD in parasitology at Catholic University in 1950. In 1951, he returned to Harpers Ferry. While Briscoes research in insect vectors, leprosy, and other parasitic diseases continued to take him to far-flung places, he remained involved in Storer College until it closed in 1955. The surviving Storer College campus later was acquired by the NPS in 1962. 



Although best known for his contributions to the fields of entomology and parasitology, Briscoes gastropod [mollusk] teaching collection from Storer College was acquired by Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in 2011. His collection is composed of specimens he collected as well as those he acquired from others. Mollusk specimens include terrestrial species collected in diverse locations such as the Florida Keys, Cuba, Caicos Island, Bahamas, Mexico City, Mexico, Padua, Italy, and Tahiti, French Polynesia. His collection provides an insight into the breadth of Dr. Briscoes instruction which prepared students for the world beyond Storer College.
Canals constructed along the Potomac River, including the waterways of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Patowmack Canal, were lifelines for people living along the Potomac River from 1831-1924. Locks controlling water flow allowed the efficient transport of coal and other materials to and from these communities. Lands surrounding these areas are also rich in natural resources, triggering the start of commercial gold mining operations in Montgomery County in 1865.



Gold was found in veins, grains, or sheets throughout a belt of metamorphic rock in this region. The geomorphology of this area made it an ideal place to prospect, pan, or mine for gold. While output was initially mediocre, approximately 30 mines operated in the area until the 1950s, when the labor-intensive methods needed to extract these resources brought mining operations to a halt.



The National Park Service acquired land where the Maryland Mining Company had previously operated in 1965. Remains of the mines still exist in both Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park and Great Falls Park, where the historic locks of the Patowmack Canal are also still present.
Tuskgee Students

As an African American, Carver was unable to attend the local white school. However, he had "an inordinate desire for knowledge." The young boy attended school in Neosho, Missouri, and later moved to Kansas. Doing laundry and cooking paid for his tuition. Given the difficulties confronting African Americans who wanted an education, Carver took intermittent schooling breaks in the 1880s.

After homesteading in Kansas, Carver went to Simpson College, Iowa, in 1890 to study art. However, as an African American, he was not allowed to register. Eventually admitted to the class, he proved to be a talented artist. Doing laundry, cooking, and selling his paintings supported him again. Driven by his desire to contribute to his people, Carver switched to agricultural studies. He believed that he could find practical ways to benefit African-American farmers.

In 1891, Carver enrolled at Iowa Agricultural College at Ames to study agriculture. His teachers thought Carver "a brilliant student...and collector." He earned a BS there in 1894 and worked as an assistant botanist at the experimental station. Carver graduated with an MS in agriculture in 1896. A skilled plant breeder and field collector, in particular of fungi, he developed expertise in plant diseases.
Up from Slavery

Washington was "born a slave on a plantation in Franklin County, Virginia..." (Up From Slavery) in 1856. After emancipation, he and his family moved to Malden, West Virginia. The nearby Kanawha Sapines salt furnaces provided wage work for many freed slaves in West Virginia, including members of Washington's family. A prominent white family, the Ruffners, hired the young Washington as a domestic. Washington later said the lessons he learned from them were "... as valuable to me as any education I have gotten anywhere since."

The young Booker first went to school, not as a student, but to carry his young mistress' books to class. Later he attended night school while working in the salt furnace. Washington thought that getting an education was "about the same as getting into paradise."

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Online education firm Shaw Academy has undertaken to refund $50,000 to Australian students who took up its free trial offer for courses but were later charged, even when they had tried to cancel.

The Ireland-based edtech offers online courses in tech subjects including coding, cyber security, web development, game development, computer science and data analytics.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) began investigating the edtech after receiving complaints from students claiming Shaw Academy had charged them for courses they had cancelled or had tried to cancel within their free trial period.

Shaw Academy had allegedly refused to refund these subscription fees.

After intervention by the ACCC, Shaw Academy agreed to refund 450 affected Australian customers approximately $50,000.

It has also undertaken to improving its systems to facilitate refunds.

ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said it is important that businesses offering subscription services allow consumers to cancel with as much ease as it took to sign up, particularly when they offer a free trial.

The refunds will be automatically processed and returned to consumers, with the ACCC warning all businesses to have suitable processes in place.

Businesses must have the necessary systems in place to handle cancellations of subscription services, including complaints or queries about cancellations, Rickard added.

Affected consumers who have not heard from Shaw Academy about their refund should contact the company at australianrefunds@shawacademy.com.

Shaw Academy was established in 2013 and has operations in India, South Africa, and the US. It claims to have 12 million students worldwide. It also offers courses in other disciplines such as marketing, photography, design, and music.

Information Age contacted Shaw Academy for comment but a spokesperson declined to comment further.
Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait said in a statement that the company was glad to have this resolved and to see that the AG found no substantive issues with the safety measures in our buildings.

Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who now heads the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, last December asked a judge to order Amazon to comply with subpoenas his office issued nearly four months earlier as part of its investigation into how the company was protecting workers from the coronavirus at its facilities.

The state attorney generals office first disclosed the investigation in a filing in July 2020 in a San Francisco Superior Court case in which an employee accused the company of not doing enough to safeguard staff.

It's not known how many Amazon employees have been exposed to the virus at work during the course of the pandemic. In October 2020, the company disclosed that nearly 20,000 of its front-line U.S. workers had tested positive or were presumed infected.

The judgment, which applies only in California, requires the company to allow monitoring of its virus notifications by the attorney generals office for a year and to pay the half-million-dollar settlement that will go to enforce the states consumer protection laws.
LONDON (AP)  Royal Dutch Shell proposed moving its headquarters from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom and streamlining its structure Monday in hopes of making it easier to move forward in a world transitioning away from a dependence on fossil fuels.

The company, which has been incorporated in the U.K. with Dutch tax residency and dual class shares since 2005, said it wanted to move to a more conventional structure to make the company more competitive as it seeks to meet the challenges of shifting toward cleaner energy.

Dutch officials said they were unpleasantly surprised."

The government deeply regrets that Shell wants to move its head office to the United Kingdom, Dutch Economic Affairs and Climate Minister Stef Blok said. We are in talks with the top of Shell about the implications of this move for jobs, critical investment decisions and sustainability.

He said the company had assured the government that the personnel consequences of this decision will be limited to the relocation of a number of executive, board positions from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.

Shell said that while it was proud of its Dutch heritage, the changes mean it would no longer use Royal Dutch" in its name.
The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce wants to remind everyone how critically important it is to support your local businesses during the holiday season. One of the best ways is through our Chamber Buck$ program.

Shopping locally helps to keep and create employment opportunities in our community. The tax dollars generated from buying locally are used for improvements to city streets, police and fire protection and overall infrastructure enhancements. Your friends, family and neighbors who work for or own these local businesses reap the benefits.

The Mattoon Chamber of Commerce has offered the Chamber Buck$ program for over 20 years. Our program helps keep tax dollars in our community. The Chamber Buck$ program is currently being used by over 70 Mattoon Chamber member businesses.

How does it work? Any business or individual simply stops by the Chamber office and purchases Chamber Buck$ to be given away as gifts, employee incentives, employee bonuses, etc. These Chamber Buck$ are then used just like cash at any of the participating member establishments with no cost to the individual or the member businesses. We handle all the costs of running the program to make sure everyone has the full dollar for dollar benefits of the program.

Most of the Chamber Buck$ are purchased by area businesses as rewards for their employees and associates. Many of our local industries have invested in our community in a big way since we started the program by purchasing $10,000 or more in Chamber Buck$ each and every year. These companies provide Chamber Buck$ to their employees for many reasons including work anniversaries, achieving production goals, perfect attendance, etc.

These businesses understand and appreciate the importance having their associates and vendors reinvesting in the Mattoon community. ANAMET Electrical, Inc., Grupo Bimbo USA, Inc. and Mars Petcare US are just some of the local organizations that purchase large quantities for their associates. They provide a major investment in our local community and we appreciate their support of shopping local.

Chamber Buck$ are available in increments of $5, $10, $20, and $25. They are dollar-for-dollar! In other words, if you purchase $20, you receive $20; if you redeem $20, you are reimbursed $20. There are no hidden fees or costs; it is a service provided by the Chamber.

Participating businesses simply turn in the Chamber Buck$ they receive to the Chamber office for reimbursement. If you have any questions regarding our Chamber Buck$ program, you can contact us by calling 217-235-5661. You can also e-mail us at director@mattoonchamber.com.

We also have a link on our website, www.mattoonchamber.com, which highlights the participating Chamber members where the Buck$ can be spent.

Please remember to shop, dine and utilize local services this holiday season. Put down the clicker, venture out in the community and enjoy what it has to offer!

Ed Dowd is the executive director of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce.

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TOWER HILL  Richard A. Griffin, who stole a vehicle from a Tower Hill repair shop and was chased down and cornered by employees, has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Griffin, 51 of Riverton, was sentenced Friday in Shelby County Circuit Court after earlier pleading guilty to the unlawful possession of a vehicle.

In a statement about the case, Shelby County States Attorney Nichole Kroncke said the crime dates to July 2 when Griffin helped himself to a vehicle from the lot of the Curtis Repair Shop on Illinois Route 16.

Kroncke said he had then fled, pursued by employees, who cornered him in the parking lot of a Jehovahs Witness Church on Illinois Route 16. Kroncke said the employees blockaded Griffin in the parking lot and he rammed the pickup truck driven by employees in an attempt to escape before being overpowered and held until police arrived.

Kroncke praised swift action by the Shelby County Sheriffs Office in dealing with the situation and also the actions of the repair shop workers. The individuals who assisted law enforcement with their proactive involvement exhibited courage and exemplary citizenship, resulting in the apprehension and conviction of a career criminal, she said.

Kroncke said Fridays sentence was the 11th custodial term Griffin had received in his criminal career.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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Botchin, Tuckers attorney, said in court that Tucker accused him of being ineffective and asked that he be removed from the case. Botchin said that was partly because he refused to proceed on a defense Tucker wanted but that would not stand under legal scrutiny.

But in court Monday, Tucker told the judge that he didnt want Botchin removed from his case and that he was satisfied with Botchins legal services.

Tucker also complained in court that he had not gotten certain information from prosecutors and wanted DNA evidence in his case tested. Botchin said that many of those requests had been put on hold due to the mental capacity hearing in August and the belief that Tucker had agreed to a plea deal.

Tucker is accused of killing Hall sometime between Oct. 22 and Nov. 21, 2011, according to an arrest warrant. An autopsy showed that Hall died from a stab wound to her chest. She also had a bruised right eye.

Her father, James Hall, last saw his daughter walking away from their home on Apple Street on Oct. 28, 2011. He reported her missing on Nov. 14, 2011. Tucker told police that he knew Hall and that the two had conversations via cellphone in October 2011. He also told police that he and Hall had sex in October 2011 and that he allowed Hall to use his home to have sex with other men, according to a search warrant.
Eight people were injured by gunfire in Winston-Salem over the weekend.

In three separate shootings, three people were seriously injured when someone opened fire on their vehicles. In one of the cases, a woman struck an apartment building on Cedar Springs Drive in an attempt to flee to safety.

Four people were injured early Saturday after gunfire erupted at a party on Gregory Street.

And a 38-year-old man whom police have not yet identified was shot in the head Saturday night by a resident after firing into a home at Green Cross Drive.

No one has died as a result of the shootings.

Woman critically injured

A woman was critically injured Saturday after someone opened fire on her vehicle and she crashed into a building at an apartment complex, Winston-Salem police said.

Police responded at 6:33 p.m. to the 3600 block of Cedar Springs Drive. The driver of the vehicle  Latoya Harris, 32, of Countryside Court  was still inside the vehicle that came to a stop inside the apartment building. The passenger  Michael Houston, 29, of Maryland Avenue  left the scene on foot and was located in the area, police said.
GREENSBORO  Late Thursday, a group of military veterans got off a plane at Piedmont Triad International Airport and received a rousing welcome from several hundred people waving American flags and signs.

It was a fitting tribute. Thursday was, after all, Veterans Day.

It was just something that sent chills down your spine, Harvey McDonald said.

The veterans were part of a free trip to Washington, D.C., to see war memorials. McDonald, who was in the Marines from 1957 to 1963, was one of them.

There was such an electricity in the air. Everybody was just laughing and having a good time, he added.

The trip was organized by Triad Honor Flight, which formed last year to take military veterans living in the area to see memorials that pay tribute to the fallen. The chapter is part of a national network of Honor Flight organizations that has provided trips to thousands of veterans over the past 15 years.

It was really a day to remember. Surreal is a word I use, said Alison Huber, the executive director of Triad Honor Flight.
Cawthorn raised about $2.4 million during the first three quarters of this year and spent about $2.1 million, according to federal filings.

One of the questions going forward, though, will be whether western N.C. Democrats can maintain their momentum with Cawthorn out of the race, said Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University.

(Beach-Ferrara) has been very successful fundraising from in district, but particularly out of district, and youve got to assume a good part of that is anti-Cawthorn money, he said.

Of her donations of $1,000 or more, about 80% came from outside North Carolina, according to her campaign finance reports. Still, she will have a significant head start on Republicans who want to enter the race.

In the primary she will face several opponents, including Eric Gash, who has raised about $230,000.

NC 14 is absolutely winnable, said Beach-Ferrara, who also serves as a Buncombe County commissioner. Our focus is squarely on getting out there and connecting directly with voters.

On fundraising, she said that although some donors likely came to her campaign from an anti-Cawthorn perspective, they are more invested in the campaign for its own merits.
A former Lincoln police officer convicted and sent to prison for sexually assaulting a woman he met on the job now is suing the Lincoln Police Union for not paying his six-figure legal fees.

Greg Cody, 58, is serving a 12- to 16-year sentence at the Lincoln Correctional Center.

In mid-October, his new attorney, Thomas Monaghan, filed the lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court seeking $127,110 in legal fees and costs  $100,000 through the course of his trial and $27,110 for his appeal.

In January, the Nebraska Court of Appeals affirmed Cody's conviction and sentence and in March denied his petition for further review. He isn't eligible for parole until 2025.

In the lawsuit, Monaghan said Cody had been a member of the Lincoln Police Union since 1990 and had paid into a defense fund as part of his dues since 1993.

"This conviction resulted from activities that were conducted by Cody pursuant to his duties as a police officer and while an active member of the union," he said.

Yet, the union has refused to contribute to his legal fees for either his trial or appeal, Monaghan said.
His great-grandmother, Ida White Eyes, was one of the first students to attend the school in the mid-1880s. The 14-year-old was healthy when she was taken to the school. Months later, she was sent home completely blind.

White Eyes died when Williams was 10 years old, but he distinctly remembers watching a doctor examine his great-grandmothers eyes.

He had that little light and he opened her eyes and he said, Oh my god, somebody has done something to this womans eyes, Williams recalled.

Williams and his grandmother, Louisa Star, suspected that lye soap had been rubbed in the eyes of his strong-willed great-grandmother as a punishment.

Star also attended the school. After her graduation about 1914, she attended the Rapid City Indian School and eventually the Colorado School of Mines, receiving the equivalent of a business degree.

You have the tale of two very different experiences, said Williams, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and a Cheyenne descendant.

Williams, who in 1975 became the first documented Native person to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelors degree, recalls the anger he felt the first time he visited the Genoa schools former campus years ago.
Private groups, particularly with ties to the veteran community, have played an important role in the evacuation and resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans since the U.S. ended its longest war and the government fell to the Taliban. Members of the coalition, which includes about 100 organizations, have been working to help people get on the scarce flights out of the country and helping them get settled in communities once they reach the United States.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the call included discussion of what he called our collective efforts to aid visa holders and applicants and to facilitate the departure of these individuals who are at a stage where it is appropriate to do so.

About 82,000 people have come to the U.S. so far under what the Biden administration calls Operation Allies Welcome. The Department of Homeland Security said 10% were American citizens or permanent residents.

The rest were a combination of people who had obtained special immigrant visas, for those who had worked for the U.S. government as interpreters or in some other capacity; people applying for one of the visas but who hadnt yet received it; or other Afghans who might be vulnerable under the Taliban, such as journalists or government officials, and qualified to come as refugees. Nearly half were children.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster, who has criticized government handouts, received a $1.55 million federal loan forgiven under a pandemic relief program last year.

The loan was provided to Conklin Companys manufacturing operations and distribution warehouse in Shakopee, Minnesota, through the Paycheck Protection Program. Herbster is the owner and CEO of Conklin, as well as other farms and agriculture-related businesses.

The loan was forgiven under the terms of the pandemic relief program, which required businesses to keep employees on the payroll and spend the money for certain types of expenses.

But Herbster, who aligns himself with former President Donald Trump, denied any contradiction between taking the loan and his position on government handouts. He described that position in an April radio interview, saying that every time we ask for a handout from the federal government or even the state level, we give up something.

President Trumps Payroll Protection Program was not a government handout, he told The World-Herald. It was developed in response to a once-in-a-century pandemic that forced business to shut down and workers to be shut out.
"The 1st District needs stronger representation," she said, a House member who will "speak out ... and make Washington more responsive to our district."

Pansing Brooks said she would like to "bring our nonpartisanship to Congress (in) a consensus-building manner that hopes to work across the (partisan) aisle."

If elected to the House, she said, she would also like to "work on workforce development" as a top priority, recognizing that is a major challenge for Nebraska now.

"We want to make sure all people know they are welcome here," she said. "That is the Nebraska way."

Pansing Brooks, who is an attorney, said she does not plan to focus on Fortenberry's indictment on federal charges that he lied to the FBI and concealed information about illegal campaign contributions that he accepted from foreign sources in 2016.

Fortenberry has denied those allegations.

"I will let the courts make their determination," Pansing Brooks said. "I will talk about his record."

Fortenberry pleaded not guilty to those charges, and his trial is tentatively slated for mid-February in Los Angeles pending court rulings on motions to dismiss the case.
Kennedy likely picked up her love of wildlife and the outdoors from her husband, according to her daughter, Kelly Ogren of Omaha. The couple hosted countless meetings, horseback rides and nature walks at their acreage outside of Malcolm, she said.

She just got bit by the love the Earth bug and never got over it, Ogren said.

Ron Klataske, who led statewide Audubon chapters in Kansas and Nebraska, said the Kennedys led a group of volunteers at an annual Niobrara River cleanup in May. They were active conservationists for at least half a century, according to Klataske. Most recently, the Kennedys volunteered with Friends of the Niobrara, an organization that formed when Save the Niobrara disbanded.

Marge was a full-time promoter and advocate of Nebraskas natural resources. The conservation world and our wildlife have lost a true friend, said Mark Brohman, former head of the Nebraska Environmental Trust and now executive director of the Lincoln-based Wachiska Audubon Society.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Malcolm, about 6 miles northwest of Lincoln, where she was a summer Bible school teacher.
BURLINGTON  The current projected cost for saving Echo Lake is causing sticker shock among community leaders, and many are voicing uncertainty about the project.

Engineers for the city have presented estimates that saving the lake could surpass $5 million in expenses, while removing an aging dam and draining the lake could cost as little as $1.1 million.

Even among those who favor salvaging the popular and historic lake, the idea of investing $5 million has some wondering where the money would come from.

I dont have that kind of money, said Bob Boulden, a longtime civic leader and Korean War veteran.

Boulden, who helped to develop the Veterans Terrace facility overlooking Echo Lake, said he wants to see the lake remain. But he is unsure how Burlington city officials could afford it.

Thats going to be up to them, he said.

Hefty wants task force

Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty, who also favors preserving the troubled lake, said she hopes to create a task force to examine the issue in partnership with the nearby Town of Burlington.

The facts are in, she said of the new engineering report, now to carefully move forward with understanding fully the options in front of us.

Hefty said she already has been in contact with state officials about state funding that could be available for whatever project ultimately is chosen.

Quote "We should restore nature." Paul Haynes, former Burlington Park Board chairman supports draining Echo Lake, which he called a "mud pond"

The Burlington City Council is scheduled Tuesday night to receive the Ayres Associates report and to begin deliberating the issue.

The situation

Echo Lake, which has been a part of Burlington since the 1800s, has been a popular spot for fishing, boating and other recreational activities. Wedding parties at the nearby Veterans Terrace favor the city-owned dam as a spot for bridal photo shoots.

But water quality in the lake has deteriorated in recent years, and the aging dam no longer is capable of meeting safety standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

State officials notified Burlington in 2015 that the dam had to be upgraded or removed within 10 years. Removing the dam would mean that Echo Lake would drain into the White River, and the river would return to its natural flow through the 70-acre site.

In a report released last week, Ayres Associates outlined a strategy for saving the lake that would require rebuilding the dams main gate, adding two additional gates, building a raised embankment, and rebuilding a downstream retaining wall and sidewalk.

The engineers projected the cost at $1.5 million to $2.6 million, plus another estimated $2.5 million to dredge the lake bottom, and possibly more for heating or aeration equipment to combat ice build-up.

State officials have not yet committed to allowing this approach, which is based on an assumption that the state would waive a 500-year flood protection standard and accept a 100-year flood compromise. If the state rejects that approach, the city would have no other apparent option but to remove Echo Lake.

To dismantle the dam and drain the lake, Ayres Associates projects a cost of $1.1 million.

The engineers outlined and illustrated numerous other amenities that could be erected following removal of the lake, such as a White River pedestrian bridge, boardwalks and fishing docks. With those optional enhancements  presented as a la carte options  the cost of redeveloping the former lake site could exceed $6 million. But none of the amenities are necessary to remove the dam and drain the lake.

State grants identified in the report could total $1 million, regardless of whether the city chooses to rebuild or remove the dam.

Elected officials react

Burlington aldermen said they are undecided about the issue, and they are willing to consider both preserving and removing the lake.

Alderwoman Theresa Meyer said that while she recognizes some people in the city are willing to make a $5 million investment in saving the lake, she also said the price tag is steep.

When it hits people in the pocketbook, Meyer said, its always a difficult decision to make.

Alderman Tom Preusker said he regards both options as expensive, and he wants to take more time to consider the matter.

We need to talk about it some more, he said.

Other city council members could not be reached for comment.

Town of Burlington Chairman Jeff Lang said his community might participate in a task force with the city, but he voiced doubts that town taxpayers would agree to help pay for dismantling or salvaging Echo Lake.

Although some lakefront homeowners live in the town, the lake is located entirely within the city limits.

It is not ours  it belongs to the city, Lang said. Asked about helping the city pay the price tag, he said, I would be surprised if the citizenry of the town as a whole would support that.

The City of Burlingtons current annual budget for city government is about $26 million, which includes $8.1 million in property tax collections.

Paul Haynes, a former Burlington Park Board chairman, called Echo Lake a mud pond, and said the city should spend the $1.1 million to drain it. If the city rebuilds the dam and dredges the lake, it will only be setting up future taxpayers to pay recurring maintenance costs, he said.

Haynes pointed out that $5 million represents about two-thirds of the city current annual property taxes.

Its a tremendous amount of money, he said.

By removing the dam and draining the lake, Haynes said, the city could save itself millions of dollars while also allowing the White River to reclaim its place and creating new space for public recreation and enjoyment.

We should restore nature, he said.

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BILLINGS, Mont.  A U.S. government attorney urged a federal judge Friday to uphold a decision from the waning days of the Trump administration that lifted protections for gray wolves across most of the country, as Republican-led states have sought to drive down wolf numbers through aggressive hunting and trapping.

Wildlife advocates argued that the state-sponsored hunts could quickly reverse the gray wolfs recovery over the past several decades in large areas of the West and Midwest.

They want U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in Oakland, California to put wolves back under the legal shield of the Endangered Species Act, which is meant to protect animals from extinction.

Federal officials contend that wolves are resilient enough to bounce back even if their numbers drop sharply due to intensive hunting. They say protections are no longer warranted.

At stake is the future of a species whose recovery from near-extinction has been heralded as a historic conservation success. That recovery also has brought bitter blowback from hunters and farmers angered over wolf attacks on big game herds and livestock.

Fridays hearing focused on a much more arcane, legal issue: Were wolves properly classified under the endangered act prior to losing their protected status last year?

A U.S. Justice Department attorney said they were not, because of changes to the act by Congress in 1978. That means the wolves at issue do not make up a valid species that is distinct from a smaller number of wolves not included in Novembers decision to lift protections by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .

Congress was very clear in the statute: If there is not that species, the service does not have the ability to regulate it, said Michael Eitel with the Justice Departments natural resources division.

Judge White questioned if the governments approach amounted to a back door way to remove protections.

Eitel said in response that the wildlife service was not trying to skirt its obligations to wolf recovery, but attorneys for the wildlife groups insisted it was.

They cannot take this shortcut, said Kristen Boyles with Earthjustice, representing Defenders of Wildlife and other groups. One of the casualties of the Fish and Wildlife Service argument is that we are not here today talking about the key issues of what protections wolves need, where those protections are needed.

White did not issue an immediate ruling.

The lawsuit does not cover wolves in all or portions of six states in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains, where the animals lost protections a decade ago.

Federal officials in September said they would consider if those protections should be restored in western states in response to loosened hunting rules in Idaho and Montana. That could take a year or longer.

In Wisconsin, where hunters surpassed a state harvest quota last winter and killed 218 wolves in just four days, this seasons hunt was recently put on hold by a state judge, two weeks before it was set to begin.

Conservatives on a state wildlife board had set Wisconsins kill limit at 300 wolves, prompting a lawsuit from wildlife advocacy groups and a federal lawsuit from a half-dozen Chippewa tribes, which consider the wolf sacred.

A state agency controlled by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers later took the unprecedented step of unilaterally reducing the kill limit to 130 wolves, openly defying the board.

Wolves once ranged most of the U.S. but were wiped out in most places by the 1930s under government-sponsored poisoning and trapping campaigns.

A remnant population in the western Great Lakes region has since expanded to some 4,400 wolves in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

More than 2,000 wolves occupy six states in the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest after of the animals from Canada were reintroduced in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park starting in 1995. Protections for wolves in the Rockies were lifted over the last decade and hunting of them is allowed.

However, wolves remain absent across most of their historical range. Wildlife advocates argue that continued protections are needed so they can continue to expand in California, Colorado, Oregon and other states.

Wyoming also allows wolf hunting, and officials are considering wolf hunting seasons in Michigan and Minnesota.

The Biden administrations defense of the removal of protections under Trump has angered environmentalists who hoped the election of the Democrat would shift U.S. policy on wolves.

Democratic and Republican administrations alike, going back to former President George W. Bush, have sought to remove or scale back federal wolf protections first enacted in 1974.

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KENOSHA  Carthage students Sophie Shulman and Zach Gibson are not typical college students.

Together, they're dedicated to lowering the cost of renewable energy for Wisconsin residents and have started a marketing business to facilitate the sale of residential solar panels.

"Climate change is an urgent need that needs to be addressed, but people don't always understand the options available to make the change toward renewable energy," Shulman says. That's where their business, Blackbird Gen, comes in.

Shulman is a marketing and music major from Gurnee, Ill., and Gibson is a marketing and finance major from Byron, Minn. They started the green energy project with a grassroots approach last year when they joined Enactus at Carthage.

According to its organization page, Enactus is an "international organization that connects students and business leaders through entrepreneurial projects that empower sustainability progress for their communities."

For their Enactus project, the two entrepreneurs reached out to All Energy Solar, a solar panel installation company that offers a referral program to green energy advocates.

Since forming Blackbird Gen, they have organized a group buy through their partner. That means the more panels people purchase, the higher the rebate they receive.

The two began by going door-to-door and cold-calling Kenosha residents to sell solar panels. Now, they've started an LLC and organize regular information sessions in Kenosha to advertise their project.

Gibson and Shulman quickly realized that they needed to scale up their business. Luckily, they had Carthage professors who introduced them to the lawyers and CPAs needed to form it. They've also grown the business by involving more students at Carthage including Lexi Menendez of Pleasant Prairie, Marc Aloisi of Cottage Grove, Morgan Tracy of Burlington and Claire Beyers of Walworth.

Blackbird Gen markets the solar panels and lays out the information in a way that clearly identifies the rebates, government tax incentives, and long-term savings associated with renewable energy.

"We started this because we care about the future of our planet," Shulman says. "We care about our community being aware of what helping the environment can do for them personally."

Shulman and Gibson have found a niche in the solar industry, marketing a product that offers people energy savings as well as an active role in combating climate change.

"Carthage has done an excellent job of preparing us to be successful," says Gibson. "It is so fun to take what we learn in our marketing classes and transfer it directly to the group buy. I really feel like our education is playing a pivotal role in the success we have seen thus far."

Blackbird Gen is looking for more team members to help the business grow. Learn more about getting involved with the company and its sustainability efforts through its website, https://blackbirdgen.com.

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A frost finally came to southeastern Wisconsin last week and there were a few snow flurries to dust things off.

That means, once again, that fall hunting seasons have begun and they go into full swing this weekend when the nine-day gun deer season opens Saturday, sending more than half a million hunters into the woods and marshlands across the state in hopes of bagging a big buck and putting some venison in the freezer.

Its a Wisconsin tradition that brings friends and families together, not just to hunt, but to reconnect and swap stories of the hunts of yesteryear as they gather in deer camps and north woods taverns.

The fall hunt has a huge economic impact on Wisconsin, which the state Department of Natural Resources estimates at $1 billion a year in tourism and hunter spending.

Over the years, the deer hunt has become safer and safer. Last year there was one firearm-related death and nine others where people were injured. In 2019 there were no deaths and only four firearm-involved injuries.

We hope this year goes safely as well and that each and every hunter makes it home for Thanksgiving dinner or the end of the week.

Even as the Wisconsin hunt tradition remains strong, there have been some changes in the deer hunt and  like everything else in the past two years  the COVID-19 pandemic has also triggered some changes.

For years hunters used to gather at DNR check-in stations to register their deer, recount the hunt to others gathered there and wait to see who else was bringing in their results of a successful hunt. But nowadays most hunters register their deer online or by phone over a day or so and those gatherings are fading away.

So, too, COVID risks changed how families and friends gathered last year. Some hunters continued with their gatherings as they did in the past, but last year some skipped the bar-gatherings and the sit-down dinners over concerns of face-to-face exposure. We read of some hunter camps where people took RVs to live in during the hunt so everyone wouldnt be gathered inside the same cabin. Some skipped the hunt altogether.

And the specter of COVID hangs over the deer herd itself this year. Recent news reports from Penn State University researchers and wildlife officials in Iowa showed that over 80 percent of deer in their samples taken in Iowa tested positive for the virus. That followed on the heels of another report from deer sampled in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania between January 2020 and March 2021 that showed 33 percent had COVID antibodies.

To be clear, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture report, there is no evidence that animals, including deer, are playing a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to people. Nor is there any evidence that captive deer who were experimentally infected with COVID showed any signs of clinical illness.

But the Penn State researchers expressed concerns that COVID infection of an animal host could result in it becoming a reservoir that drives the emergence of new variants with risk of spillback to humans. We hope that doesnt come to pass.

Still, some wildlife officials have recommended taking precautions for hunters processing deer  wearing gloves or even wearing masks if theyre near the respiratory tract of a white-tailed deer.

We hope the advent of COVID-19 vaccines can lessen those worries and bring back the traditional hunting gatherings. For hunters, we would urge them to get a shot before they take a shot.

Have a safe hunt and dont bring home anything you werent aiming at.

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1. Yes. Nonprofit youth organizations are underfunded in the city. Its a good decision.

2. Yes. In conjunction with city-run programs, it will provide needed opportunities.

3. No. The money should be used to benefit all residents, not just the citys youth.

4. No. The funds should be invested in the area where the project is being developed..

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether its an appropriate use of the money.

Vote

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HOLDREGE  A Holdrege man has been found not responsible by reason of insanity for the murder of two men in February 2019.

According to court records, Judge Stephen Illingworth found Manuel Gomez, 48, not responsible by reason of insanity for the killing of Raymond Burton, 65, and David Rogers, 54, and seriously injuring Doyle Morse, 68, on Feb. 21, 2019, at their individual residences in Holdrege.

Gomez had a one-day bench trial Tuesday in Phelps County District Court. Illingworth made his ruling Friday.

Gomez was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, three counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of being an habitual criminal. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in July 2020.

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During Gomezs trial Tuesday, the testimony from the state of Nebraskas four witnesses and evidence proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Gomez committed each of the criminal acts. After review of all the evidence received, the court determined that Gomez met his burden of proof with respect to the insanity defense.
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This is a place where those students can develop camaraderie, meet people with similar experiences and feel like theyre included in the UNK community, said Skarka, who serves as the point of contact and other mother for countless UNK students.

I hope they start here, then branch out and get involved in other activities and organizations in the UNK and Kearney communities, she added.

Skarka, whose son Kellen is a major in the U.S. Marine Corps, has worked at UNK for 20 years, including the past six in her current role.

Its the most rewarding position Ive ever had, she said. It really is.

About 200 military-affiliated students currently attend UNK, which is ranked 15th among Midwest regional universities on U.S. News and World Reports Best Colleges for Veterans list.

The Military and Veteran Student Center is also supported by the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, which offers opportunities for military students to pursue nursing careers through its Kearney Division.

In addition to the student center, UNK recently added a veterans success coach through a partnership between the Learning Commons and Military and Veterans Services.

Currently occupied by UNK senior Jason Baker, that position works one-on-one with military students as an academic mentor and campus resource. Baker served eight years in the U.S. Army and three years in the Nebraska Army National Guard before enrolling at UNK.
TOKYO (AP)  U.S. and Japanese officials agreed Monday to launch talks aimed at settling a dispute over American tariffs on imports of Japanese steel and aluminum.

The agreement came in a meeting between visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Japans minister of economy, trade and industry, Koichi Hagiuda, Japanese officials said.

Japan hopes to convince Washington to lift tariffs imposed during President Donald Trumps administration.

The U.S. recently resolved a similar dispute with the European Union in a deal officials said addresses excess capacity that can distort the steel market. It patched up a trans-Atlantic rift and is meant to create a framework for reducing the carbon-intensity of steel and aluminum production that contributes to the warming of the earth.

Trump ordered the extra tariffs, 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum, in March 2018, asserting they would protect U.S. jobs and national security.

Hagiuda made it clear in the meeting that Japan wants the tariff issue completely resolved, in line with the World Trade Organization, trade and industry ministry officials said after the talks. Japan considers U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imported from Japan as problematic, they said.

Raimondo responded to a request by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi during a meeting Monday to scrap the extra tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum exports to the United States by saying she planned to tackle the issue as a priority, the Foreign Ministry said.

Late last week, the Commerce Department issued a statement announcing the start of consultations with Japan by Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance."

Excess steel and aluminum capacity has worsened over the decades as China ramped up its output to levels that dwarf production by other nations. China produced 1.06 billion tons of crude steel in 2020, according to the World Steel Association. The next largest producer, India, put out 100 million tons, while Japan produced 83.7 million tons and the U.S. nearly 73 million tons.

China also accounts for more than half of all world aluminum output.

The two sides also issued a statement saying they will set up the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership. The Commerce Department and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said they are committed to working through JUCIP to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency, and security of both economies.

It is so important for both of our countries and coordination in these key areas is essential for our global economic recovery, and our ability to seize our opportunities in a post-pandemic world, Raimondo said in opening remarks to the meeting.

She said the Department of Commerces commitment to Japan is unwavering, as is our desire to strengthen our economic partnerships with like-minded countries.

Raimondo is expected to visit Malaysia and Singapore after Tokyo. Tai is visiting Japan for several days beginning Tuesday.

Japanese officials said Raimondo stressed the importance of strong Japan-U.S. ties and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. The two officials also agreed to cooperate in coping with other challenges such as climate change.

For Japan and the United States that lead the global economy and share values such as free and fair economic order, it is essential that we strengthen economic and technological cooperation including supply chain resilience, Hagiuda said.



AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the prosecution team that won the conviction of ex-officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, announced Monday he will seek a second term.

Ellison assembled a team of attorneys in private practice and from his office that persuaded jurors earlier this year to convict Chauvin of murder. Floyds death last year became a flashpoint in the national conversation about the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and sparked worldwide protests.

The announcement via Zoom featured some of Ellisons endorsers, including Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a former prosecutor who touted Ellison's handling of the Chauvin trial, calling it an act of courage and citing the international attention the proceedings received.

He didn't make it about himself and he didn't make it about the lawyers. What he made it about was George Floyd and the people in the community, she said. What people took away from that case was not hot dog lawyering, what people took away from that case was the witnesses.

Ellison is Minnesota's first Black attorney general, as well as the first Muslim elected to Congress  a job he left in 2018 to run for attorney general. He was a prominent booster for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential bids.

He vowed to continue fighting for a fair economy, and touted his efforts to combat wage theft and protect tenants, help rural communities secure better broadband and enforce Gov. Tim Walz's COVID-19 safety orders, among others.

Minnesotans all over the state are struggling to make ends meet, and we're going to continue to fight for fair wages and fair prices in consumer areas and we're going to make sure that people have a place to live, he said. We are in it to make sure that everyone can enjoy their lives and live with dignity, safety and respect.

His office also represented the state when a pharmaceutical trade group sued to overturn the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act passed last year, which helps provide insulin to diabetics who can't afford it. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in March, though the trade group is appealing.

The law is named for an uninsured 26-year-old Minneapolis man who died in 2017 while rationing his insulin because he couldnt afford the drug and test supplies after he aged off his mothers insurance. Nicole Smith-Holt, his mother, endorsed Ellison for his efforts to protect the legislation.

I've come to see firsthand that Keith truly believes that everybody counts and everybody matters, Smith-Holt said.

Democratic state attorneys general, including Ellison, gained new policymaking importance during Donald Trumps presidency, leading the charge with litigation to block his administrations initiatives on a wide range of issues including health care, environmental rollbacks and immigration.

Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington led a task force that proposed steps in 2020 to reduce police-involved deadly force encounters, several of which have become law.

Ellison was a strong supporter of a defeated ballot initiative in Minneapolis to remake law enforcement in the city, but was critical of the defund the police slogan that some advocates used early on. Minnesotas three declared GOP attorney general candidates  former state Reps. Doug Wardlow and Dennis Smith and defense attorney Lynne Torgerson  have joined Republicans across the country in stressing law-and-order themes.

Wardlow lost to Ellison by fewer than 4 percentage points in 2018. That was a strong showing in a state that hasnt elected a GOP attorney general since Doug Head in 1966. But no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since Gov. Tim Pawlenty was reelected in 2006.

Wardlow is general counsel for MyPillow, whose CEO, Trump ally Mike Lindell, promotes baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged for Joe Biden. Wardlow has criticized Ellison for failing to stop the rioting and looting that broke out after Floyds death.

As Attorney General, I will ensure that the violent criminals who terrorize our communities are prosecuted aggressively," Wardlow said in a statement. "I will make sure that lawbreaking has consequences."

Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Ibrahim 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.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Jessica Lopez has been accused of multiple crimes over the past dozen years.

Drug dealing and possession. Theft. Harassment. Fighting. Assault. She has convictions for all.

Among the most serious crimes the Lancaster woman has been convicted of was for attacking two Lancaster police officers in 2009.

At her sentencing, she admitted kicking one and hitting another with a belt. She also spit on both. The officers were investigating after she smashed up a mans car, which she also admitted, saying she flipped out after finding out he had cheated on her.

Today, Lopez, 33, gets to play the role of the accuser.

Thats when her civil rights trial is scheduled to begin against Lancaster police Lt. Nathan Nickel in the federal courthouse in Philadelphia. Lopez accuses Nickel of using excessive force when he arrested her four years ago following a traffic stop.

The case is notable in part because of who Lopez is.

She made a name for herself as an outspoken critic of police locally during 2020s protests following the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd and the Lancaster police shooting death of Ricardo Munoz. She was arrested twice during protests and is awaiting trial on those charges. Shes also a committeewoman for the Lancaster City Democratic Committee.

The case is also notable in that its going to trial, at all.

Such trials rare

LNP | LancasterOnline archives going back 20 years show no other excessive force case going to trial. Around 30 such cases settled with no admission of wrongdoing by the city in the past 16 years.

Whether to settle is often heavily influenced by the citys insurance carrier and is generally based on weighing litigation costs, Patrick Hopkins, the citys business administrator, previously told LNP.

Mayor Danene Sorace declined comment for this article; the city has a longstanding policy of not commenting on litigation.

Nickel said only, Im looking forward to this finally going to court.

Lopezs attorneys have not responded to messages seeking comment, and Lopez could not be reached.

Mechanicsburg attorney Devon M. Jacob is a former police officer who defended police and municipalities for a decade before switching to representing plaintiffs. He was part of the legal team that represented George Floyds family.

Fewer than two percent of cases claiming civil rights violations reach a jury, Jacob said.

Each case is looked at individually. In this situation there could be many things that are motivating the litigation strategy, Jacob said. On the one hand, you could say the defendants believe they have a strong case and they don't want to settle. On the other hand, you have an outspoken critic of the city's law enforcement  and to settle with a person of that nature would undermine the morale of the officers.

And, Jacob said, by not settling and putting the case before a jury -- even if the claim may have merit -- could discourage others from suing.

Lopez is seeking more than $75,000, plus punitive damages.

The accusation

Lopez sued the city and Nickel in October 2019.

She claimed Nickel groped her breasts on the pretext of searching for drugs and hurt her arm after a Nov.8, 2017, traffic stop in the citys Southwest neighborhood, about a mile from the police station. She was a passenger in the vehicle.

Nickel denied the claims in court filings.

The city was dropped as a defendant in September 2020. That means the case is only against Nickel. The city is paying for his defense under its police union contract.

In August, U.S. District Judge Karen Marston dismissed the sexual assault claim.

She wrote, There is no evidence (Nickel) intended to sexually gratify himself by searching Lopez  no reasonable jury could find that Nickel committed indecent assault when he searched Lopez.

The only issue for the jury to decide is whether Nickel used excessive force.

Lopez claimed Nickel caused fingerprint marks and bruising while he and other officers pushed her against a police car and he handcuffed her.

Although Lopezs injuries were minor, there does not appear to have been much justification for any use of force, especially given that it is unclear what crime Lopez had committed at the time she was placed in handcuffs, Marston wrote in her August ruling.

The refutation

Nickel testified during a deposition that he smelled marijuana on Lopez. He said she refused to surrender it, so he arrested her and put her in his patrol car.

Had Lopez cooperated and handed over the marijuana, things probably would have ended there without charges, Nickel testified.

As he drove her to the station, he testified he could see in the rearview mirror that Lopez was acting strangely. He stopped in front of the station to investigate. He found cocaine all over her front and lap; as a result, she was charged with drug possession.

Lopez filed a formal complaint about the arrest. Police interviewed her and conducted an internal investigation, ultimately clearing Nickel. She offered to withdraw her complaint if police dropped drug charges, the citys attorneys wrote in a court filing.

Police "refused (Lopez's) attempt to extort," the lawyers wrote.

Lopez pleaded guilty in March 2018 to drug possession, evidence tampering and disorderly conduct. She served about the minimum of a six to 23 months prison sentence.

However, Marston is not allowing that as evidence, nor the cocaine and marijuana being found in the back of the patrol car, ruling that it would be prejudicial to Lopez. But Marston will allow Nickel to enter into evidence dash cam footage from the arrest to show that her moving around in the rear seat is what caused the red marks to her wrist.
DALLAS (AP)  A woman who authorities say survived an attack by a man charged with killing 18 older women in Dallas and its suburbs over a two-year span said in a taped deposition shown to jurors as his trial opened Monday that she knew she was in grave danger the minute she opened her door.

My eyes were just fixated on these green rubber gloves that I saw. ... I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves, number one, I should not have opened the door, number two, my life was in grave danger, Mary Annis Bartel said on the video.

Billy Chemirmir, 48, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in the death of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty. His attorney entered a not guilty plea for him on Monday on the charge.

Chemirmir was arrested in March 2018 following the attack on Bartel at her apartment at an independent living community for seniors in Plano. Bartel was 91 at the time of the attack and died in 2020.

She said that she tried to push the door shut but was overpowered. He said: Dont fight me, lie on the bed, Bartel said.

Bartel described a pillow being smashed into her face and her attacker using all his weight to keep me from breathing.

Bartel, who lost consciousness during the attack and later discovered she was missing her wedding band, diamond engagement ring and other jewelry, said she couldnt remember details about the appearance of the man who attacked her.

When police tracked Chemirmir to his nearby apartment the next day, he was holding jewelry and cash. Documents in a large red jewelry box police say he had just thrown away led them to a Dallas home, where Harris was dead in her bedroom, lipstick smeared on her pillow.

In opening statements, prosecutor Glen Fitzmartin said that earlier that day, Harris and Chemirmir had been checking out at the same time at a Walmart store.

This is a case about stalking, smothering and stealing, Fitzmartin told the jury.

After his arrest, authorities announced they would review hundreds of deaths, signaling the possibility that a serial killer had been stalking older people. Over the following years, the number of people Chemirmir was accused of killing grew.

Fitzmartin said jurors would also be hearing about the killing of 87-year-old Mary Brooks, who was found dead in her Richardson home in January 2018. Chemirmir has been charged in her death.

He said that Brooks death had originally been called a natural death, but after an investigation following the arrest of Chemirmir, the medical examiner changed the cause of death to homicide.

Fitzmartin said that the day before Brooks was found dead, she was at a Walmart, the same Walmart that Harris was at before her death later in the year. Fitzmartin said that a vehicle model known to be driven by Chemirmir was parked next to Brooks vehicle.

He follows her out of there, he follows her to her house, kills her, steals from her, Fitzmartin said.

Most of the victims were killed at independent living communities for older people, where Chemirmir allegedly forced his way into apartments or posed as a handyman. Hes also accused of killing women in private homes, including the widow of a man he had cared for in his job as an at-home caregiver.

The defense did not make an opening statement. Chemirmirs attorney has called the evidence against Chemirmir circumstantial.
When Viki Zarkin was first told she had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, she lunged across the room at the doctor and put both her hands around his neck.

He had told her to get her affairs in order, but Zarkin wasnt going down without a fight.

I said, you talk about consulting with all these other doctors but you never consulted me, Zarkin recalls. You never asked me what I want and I'm going to be the one. I'm going to make it. I don't care what you cut off me, I don't care what you stick in me. I'm going to make it. I'm a mom.

Over a decade later, the Lebanon County native is sharing her story, including that fateful patient-doctor interaction, in her new book I Am The One.

I Am The One was released in October and details Zarkins journey as the only woman alive with her condition. Zarkin said she finished the book months ago, but it was important to her to time publication with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What's crazy is I'm the only one living today with my aggressive form of cancer on the earth, Zarkin said.

Zarkin, a Cedar Crest High School graduate, said she made a promise to God that if she could live to raise her children, she would help women to advocate for themselves. Aside from writing I Am The One, she has followed through on the promise as a motivational speaker and with a course for women with cancer.

And her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Zarkin has been recognized twice as Woman of the Month by the Professional Organization of Women of Excellence magazine. Most recently, she was named 2021 Inspirational Speaker of the Year by the International Association for Top Professionals - an international networking organization of the most prestigious top professionals.

Zarkin started motivational speaking 10 years ago following her cancer diagnosis. Before that, she had worked alongside her husband at his dental practice while raising their two children, Dell and Isabella. She graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism.

Her next move will be to use traction from her book as a catalyst for a new movement Lunge for Healthcare. The women-centered movement, Zarkin said, will encourage women to speak up about their health needs and for doctors to listen more to patients.

Is that okay with you?

When Zarkin let go of the doctors neck after she got her diagnosis, she stepped back with her husband and mother. It was then, she said, that she felt like the doctor truly looked at her for the first time.

He said okay how about we try chemotherapy now, Zarkin said.  Then he said, Is that okay with you?. And I said, Okay.

As chemotherapy treatments began, Zarkin and one of her biggest supporters, her mother, hit the books to read up on everything about cancer.

I was gonna hit the ground running, Zarkin said. I knew one thing that day, that I wasnt dying because nobody - and I mean nobody - was going to raise my children but me.

Through her research, Zarkin found that photon radiation, which was normally used to treat breast cancer patients, would not have the best outcome for her.

I knew that if I had photon radiation, I would have maybe not died of cancer but I would die of congestive heart failure, Zarkin said. I would have died of congestive heart failure from the damage of the organs due to the radiation.

Despite the risks, thats what John Hopkins Hospital was offering her.

Her best bet, she decided, would be proton radiation but that had never been used on a breast cancer patient.

Congestive heart failure and other complications can occur when radiation energy (through a photon or proton) exits the breast and passes through normal cells in the heart or lungs, according to John Hopkins medicine. Proton therapy, though more expensive, stops at the tumor to prevent damage to nearby organs,

The hardest part for me, really, was the realization that when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I thought that was going to be the worst thing but it really wasnt, Zarkin said. The hardest was fighting to get treatment and fighting the insurance companies to get things covered.

Zarkin had to battle with her insurance company, who originally considered proton therapy experimental treatment for breast cancer, to cover treatments. She tried everything, including sending a bouquet of flowers to the secretary for the medical director for Blue Cross Blue Shield at that time. With the flowers, she put in a request to tell the secretary her story.

That persistence paid off and the insurance company agreed to cover proton radiation.

In a situation like this I have to be my own best advocate, Zarkin said. There's no information. Everyone's dead. And that's the only experience the doctors have or know - that everyone's dead that had my diagnosis.

Tunnel Vision

On that first day, as the news of her diagnosis sank in and the research began, Zarkin said the woman she once was died. She entered what she now calls her tunnel vision phase.

I didn't look right, I didn't look left, I just looked forward, Zarkin said. As I was fighting this disease, I was almost unaware of all my surroundings. I was very robotic for two years as I was fighting this disease so fiercely.

In those first few years living with her diagnosis, Zarkin said she never cried -- once she sat down and started to write about her journey, she cried almost constantly.

Not only did she relive her own journey, but she also revisited the perspectives of those around her - namely, her husband, her mother and her children.

It's hard to be a loved one - sometimes it's easier to be the one with the cancer, Zarkin said.

Amid the struggle, the laughter and any humor that is woven throughout the book, Zarkin said the prevailing theme is love.

Its just a love story, she said. My community, everybody came together to fight with me.
Update: The Lebanon City Police have charged a 19-year-old York resident for shooting and killing the 39-year-old Minersville resident. For more information click here.

Lebanon City Police are looking for a man who they say shot and killed a 39-year-old Minersville resident Saturday morning.

Police were called to the area of 7th and Willow Streets at 1:14 a.m. Nov. 13 for a report of shots fired and a man laying on the sidewalk. The 39-year-old man, who has not been identified by police, had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead by the Lebanon County Coroner.

In their investigation following the shooting, police determined that an argument broke out between customers of the business at the corner of 7th and Willow Streets. The argument began outside and became physical.

At some point during the argument, a man took out a handgun and shot the 39-year-old, police say. The shooter then ran to a vehicle parked in a nearby lot and fled the scene.

The Lebanon City Police Department described the man as 5 feet 9 inches tall. The police did not provide any clothing descriptions.

An autopsy for the man who was shot will be scheduled. Police continue to investigate the shooting.

LaughLounge, a comedy lounge at 40 North 7th Street issued a statement on its Facebook page Nov. 13 acknowledging that the fatal shooting had occurred "a few doors down" from the establishment.

"It is a sad day for our community," the statement read. "We do not condone any violence whatsoever and we pray that justice is served and that the gentleman that lost his life can rest peacefully. We send our condolences to the family and friends and we are here for any support needed."

Police did not specify which business the men had been in prior to the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lebanon City Police Department at (717) 272-2054 or Crime Stoppers at (717) 270-9800.
Tower Health is appealing a Chester County judges decision to reject tax exemption for three of its hospitals in the county.

Judge Jeffrey Sommer ruled in October that Phoenixville, Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals owned by Reading-based Tower Health were more aligned with for-profit companies and should not be tax-exempt.

In the same month, however, a Montgomery County judge ruled that Pottstown Hospital, also owned by Tower Health, could remain off the tax roll despite a claim by the Pottstown School District that its a for-profit company, according to a Reading Eagle report.

Chester County-based school districts Avon Grove, Coatesville and Phoenixville could have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes if the Tower Health nonprofit received the tax exemption, according to an earlier report by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Yet, the decision places a financial strain on the Tower Health institutions. Tower Health lost nearly $80 million from January through March this year, according to the Reading Eagle. To save on costs, Tower Health plans to close Jennersville Hospital by the end of the year and is selling Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia.

Regarding the Chester County Courts decision about the tax-exempt status of Brandywine, Jennersville, and Phoenixville Hospitals, Tower Health is disappointed in this ruling and will appeal based on what we believe are numerous factual and procedural errors, and a flawed legal analysis, Tower Health Public Relations Manager Jessica Belzer said in a statement.

Since 2018, the Pottstown School District has spent $204,153.63 on legal fees on the Pottstown Hospital tax exemption which loses them approximately $924,000 a year in property tax revenue, according to the report.
ROME (AP)  Pope Francis has paid tribute to Catholic priests, nuns and laypeople who helped care for people with HIV and AIDS during the early period of the epidemic in the U.S. at great risk to their profession and reputation.

Francis offered the words of praise in a letter to Michael OLoughlin, national correspondent for the Jesuit magazine America, who wrote the book Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear, out this month.

Instead of indifference, alienation and even condemnation these people let themselves be moved by the mercy of the Father and allowed that to become their own lifes work; a discreet mercy, silent and hidden, but still capable of sustaining and restoring the life and history of each one of us, Francis wrote.

OLoughlin provided the text of Francis Aug. 17 letter in an essay published Monday in the New York Times, recounting his experience as a gay Catholic reporting the project and the tensions in the 1980s among the Catholic hierarchy, the gay community and AIDS activists to confront the epidemic.

In the letter, Francis thanked OLoughlin for shining a light on the lives and bearing witness to the many priests, religious sisters and lay people, who opted to accompany, support and help their brothers and sisters who were sick from HIV and AIDS at great risk to their profession and reputation.

Francis letter was praised by the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit and editor at large of America who has advocated for the Catholic Church to build bridges with the LGBT community. In an email, Martin said Francis letter is another significant step in the popes continual outreach to LGBTQ people.

The Vatican holds that gay people must be treated with dignity and respect, but that gay sex is intrinsically disordered.
The Lancaster Canoe Club recently commemorated its 45th anniversary by holding a picnic along the Susquehanna River and listening to some of the early members tell tales (some tall and all wet) of their early adventures on various waterways.

Al Eshleman, of Lancaster, shared a number of anecdotes. An 85-year-old charter member and early historian of the club, Eshleman recalled the weekend he and others paddled kayaks and canoes around and around (and around) the old fountain at Park City Center.

Park City opened in 1971. Eshleman believes this particular exercise took place sometime in the 1970s, before the fountain was renovated in 1980 and removed in 1989.

Park City held a sportsmens show. Lancaster Canoe Club members participated.

They took turns paddling their craft in the pool surrounding the fountain, something you dont expect to see in the middle of an enormous, carpeted shopping mall. Interested bystanders signed up to become club members.

We had three or four kayaks and a canoe going around at once, recalled Eshleman. We just paddled around in a circle for an hour or two and then someone else would take over. People would come and just stand there and watch the kayakers paddle around.

Ah, the novelty of outdoor recreation re-created indoors.

Conestoga horses

Phil Lapp recently read that Conestoga horses were the first draft horses to be bred in America, specifically for drawing the distinctive Conestoga wagons, which originated here. He wonders when these horses lived and why they died out.

The most complete account of the rise and fall of the Conestoga horse seems to be John Strohms and Herbert H. Becks account in a 1940 Journal of the Lancaster County Historical Society.

Benjamin Rush apparently was the first writer (in 1789) to mention this horse. Rush said the heavy horses, bred specifically to draw the distinctive Conestoga wagons, conveyed produce from Lancaster and Reading to Philadelphia.

The first mention of the horse by the actual name Conestoga occurs in 1832 in a book called The Cabinet of Natural History and American Rural Sports, according to Strohm and Beck. Three breeds are listed under The American Horse. They are the Canadian, the English and the Conestoga.

As the horse was bred specifically to draw Conestoga wagons, it died out with the demise of that type of transportation just before the Civil War.

Looking for family

Stephen J. Shaw, of East Lampeter Township, is searching for the family of Geraldine M. Scott so he can return her photo album and documents dating to World War II. Scott served in the Womens Auxiliary Army Corps and was assigned to the War Department's Chief of Staff's office.

She had frequent contact with Gens. Dwight Eisenhower and George Marshall, so these pictures and documents are of more than average interest.

Geraldine Scott for 22 years operated a collectible shop and art gallery in the old Keppel Candy building on North Queen Street in Lancaster. Shaw met her there and gathered information from her for a magazine article. Before he could return the photos and documents, Scott died at age 94. Her husband, Donald Scott, died before her.

Shaw has tried to find the couples three children  Vicki Scott Brightbill, David Scott and Daniel Scott  and failed. He has tried other sources. Now he has contacted The Scribbler.

If a reader of this column has information that would be helpful, contact Shaw at sstephensj@comcast.net.

Jack Brubaker, retired from the LNP staff, writes The Scribbler'' column every Sunday. He welcomes comments and contributions at scribblerlnp@gmail.com.
Tensions flare in Arbery death trial as Jesse Jackson visits

A judge denied mistrial requests on Monday at the trial of three white men charged with murdering Ahmaud Arbery after defense attorneys claimed jurors were tainted by weeping from the gallery where the slain Black mans parents sat with the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

The mornings testimony was largely disrupted by arguments outside the jurys presence over Jacksons appearance. The judge said he found one defense lawyers complaints last week about Black pastors to be reprehensible, and that no group would be excluded from his courtroom.

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Father and son Greg and Travis McMichael armed themselves and pursued the 25-year-old Black man in a pickup truck after spotting him running in their neighborhood on Feb. 23, 2020. Their neighbor William Roddie Bryan joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times with a shotgun.

Tensions flared in the courtroom Monday morning soon after Jackson sat in the back row of the courtroom between Arberys parents. Defense attorney Kevin Gough asked the judge to make the civil rights leader leave to avoid unfairly influencing the jury.

Gough, an attorney for Bryan, also complained last week when the Rev. Al Sharpton joined Arberys mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, and father, Marcus Arbery Sr., inside the Glynn County courtroom. Gough told the judge Thursday we dont want any more Black pastors coming in here.

There is no reason for these prominent icons in the civil rights movement to be here, Gough said Monday. With all due respect, I would suggest, whether intended or not, that inevitably a juror is going to be influenced by their presence in the courtroom.

Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley declined the request. Courtrooms are generally open to the public, although the judge has limited seating in the public gallery because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The court is not going to single out any particular individual or group of individuals as not being allowed into his courtroom as a member of the public, Walmsley said. If there is a disruption, youre welcome to call that to my attention.

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Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse he came to coastal Brunswick to support justice for Arberys family, not in response to the attorneys prior remarks about Black pastors.

As the judge said, it was my constitutional right to be there, Jackson said. Its my moral obligation to be there.

Jackson acknowledged that it was Arberys mother who wept very quietly in the courtroom after prosecutors showed a photo of her son to a witness.

Goughs mistrial request was joined by the two other defense teams. Franklin Hogue, an attorney for Greg McMichael, said he fears the defendants arent receiving a fair trial in the community.

Jason Sheffiled, one of Travis McMichaels attorneys, said the weeping caused some jurors to look and see Jackson, an icon whose autographed picture hung in my mothers loft for decades.

Several jurors did look over. Their faces changed (showing) the emotion and sympathy they felt, Sheffield told the judge.

Walmsley warned the attorneys their own statements may have lured some high-profile figures to the courthouse.

I will say that is directly in response, Mr. Gough, to statements you made, which I find reprehensible, the judge said.

Walmsley singled out a comment Gough made to back up his Black pastors remark last week in which he said: If a bunch of folks came in here dressed like Colonel Sanders with white masks sitting in the back before the judge cut him off.

Outside the courthouse last week, Sharpton denounced the disproportionately white makeup of the jury. Walmsley allowed the jury to be sworn in over objections by prosecutors who said several potential jurors were excluded because they are Black, leaving only one Black juror on the panel of 12. Glynn County, where the trial is being held, is nearly 27% Black.

Sharpton said hell return to the courthouse, and activists said 100 Black pastors will join him.

Bryan and the McMichaels are charged with murder and other crimes. Prosecutors say they chased Arbery for five minutes to keep him from exiting the Satilla Shores subdivision outside the port city of Brunswick. The chase ended when Arbery, trailed by Bryans truck, tried to run around the McMichaels truck as it idled in the road ahead. The video shows Travis McMichael confronting Arbery and then shooting him as he throws punches and grapples for the gun.

The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery was a burglar after security cameras recorded him several times inside a home under under construction, five houses away. The defense says Travis McMichael opened fire in self-defense.


In the United States, many people are deciding to rent instead of owning a home. As a result, young people face one of the most competitive rental markets in the past 10 years.

People under the age of 24, known as Generation Z, are competing with older generations. Many millennials, people aged 24 to 40, and baby boomers, those over 57, are looking for apartments too.

People are choosing to rent for different reasons. One expert talked with VOA and said a lack of available houses is one big reason.

Doug Ressler is with Yardi-Matrix, a research company that deals with business properties. He said that aging millennials who are starting families should be moving from rentals to home ownership. But in many cases, they are not because of the lack of available houses. And so, he said, these older millennials continue to rent.

It is not just millennials or Generation Z, Ressler added. The number of baby boomers moving into rental properties has been growing in the last five years.

There are other reasons older people are choosing to rent instead of owning. They've lived in a home for so long and they want to be able to reduce their expenses on a fixed income, Ressler told VOA.

Another housing expert describes the rental market as hot, meaning very competitive.

It's a hot market. We have never seen this market so hot in the last decade, said Gay Cororaton. She is director of housing and commercial research at the National Association of Realtors.

She said: The average rent growth, year-over-year, is about 3-to-5%. We're seeing 11% rent growth now.

A housing shortage in the U.S. and in other countries

In many large cities around the world, people say they are facing a housing shortage that is affecting both rental properties and available homes. In September, Bloomberg reported about rising rent payments in major cities. People in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Argentina and South Korea said it was harder to afford apartments in city centers. High rental costs make it more difficult to save for a house.

Another influence on the current housing situation has been the COVID-19 pandemic. It has caused problems for the building industry. Supplies of building materials have decreased while costs have gone up.

In the U.S., this slowed down home building. It also meant that the supply of available homes had dropped well below normal levels by January of this year. The lack of housing supply means millennials are having a harder time finding and buying single-family homes. Traditionally, millennials are at the right age for home ownership.

Cororaton said the supply of available houses shrank during the pandemic as more investors put their money into housing. She added that some homeowners also looked for second homes during the pandemic.

With the pandemic, there was also a big demand for second homes, for vacation homes. Typically, vacation homes accounted for just about 5% [of the market], she said. Early this summer they rose to about 8%...strong demand and strong imbalance of demand and supply caused home prices to rise, she noted.

Cororaton expects conditions to improve in the coming year but says the housing shortage is likely to continue for the next few years.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Dora Mekouar reported this for VOA. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

__________________________________________________

Words in This Story

rent v. paying money to be able to use someone elses property especially to live in an apartment or house that belongs to someone else

apartment  n. a (usually) rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live

expense n. the amount of money needed to pay for a good or service; a cost

fixed income n. a regular payment that does not change

decade n. 10 years

afford v. to be able to pay for something

typically adv. usually, generally or normally

account for v. to give a reason or explanation for something that takes place
Gov. Kate Brown said Friday, Nov. 12 that she is considering calling a special session of the Oregon Legislature to extend legal protections for tenants at risk of eviction while they wait for emergency rental assistance.

Brown also said lawmakers may be asked to consider approving additional state aid if more federal money does not come through.

"But it will be impossible to serve every Oregon family that is struggling with rent with state resources alone," Brown said in her statement. "Those conversations will continue, with the goal of bringing forward a proposal for the Legislature to consider in a special session in the upcoming weeks."

Brown didn't specify when she might call lawmakers back to Salem.

The Legislature met for a special session on legislative and congressional redistricting Sept. 20-27. The 35-day session in 2022 is scheduled to start Feb. 1; lawmakers will conduct committee meetings Jan. 11-13.

Brown issued her statement after the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services announced that pending applications are likely to claim the rest of Oregon's federal money for emergency rental assistance  and that new applications would be put on hold for at least six weeks, starting just before midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Department Director Margaret Salazar said her agency was on the verge of committing all of the $289 million it has received from the U.S. Treasury, on top of the $200 million that the Legislature approved in state funds back on Dec. 21. All of the state money was spent by the end of June.

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"We want to make sure we are keeping our commitments to every Oregon renter who has applied for assistance to date," Salazar told reporters during a conference call. "We do not yet know whether we will receive additional dollars from the Treasury."

Oregon was among the states that committed at least 65% of their first-round allocations of federal rental assistance by the initial deadline of Sept. 30. The Treasury will reallocate unused money, which Salazar said the agency should know in the next few weeks.

Brown said she has asked Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, the No. 2 official at the Treasury, for direct help. "It is not likely, however, that the U.S. Treasury will be able to deploy additional resources for rental assistance immediately," she said.

Portland and Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties also received money from the Treasury for their own emergency rental assistance payments.

As of Nov. 10, according to the agency's dashboard, it has paid or obligated rental assistance for 23,409 households. The agency has received more than 48,000 applications, 20,000 of which are still under review; both figures exclude 12,000 applications deemed incomplete because tenants or landlords have not supplied adequate information.

An estimated 13,000 households have exceeded the grace periods from evictions allowed for tenants who show proof they have applied for rental assistance. State law passed during the last days of the 2021 session set a deadline of 60 days; actions by commissioners in Multnomah and Washington counties, plus Beaverton, set 90 days. (The Washington County action applies only to areas outside cities, although Beaverton acted on its own.)

"There must be an immediate action to ensure no one who has applied for help gets evicted while their applications are being processed," Sybil Hebb, an attorney for the Oregon Law Center, said in a statement released by Stable Homes for Oregon Families.

"Additionally, rent assistance must remain available without disruption for new applications. This winter too many Oregon renters are living in uncertainty and fear of losing their homes. By coming together in swift action, state lawmakers can keep people safe and stable in their homes, keep children in school, and stop unnecessary evictions."

More than 60 organizations have joined a call by Stable Homes for Oregon Families for a special session.

Salazar said her agency has already paid out a total of $402.5 million in rental assistance this year, more than in all of the past decade. She said the agency, helped by community action agencies and an outside contractor, will continue to process applications.

"These funds have helped stave off thousands of evictions during this public health crisis," she said. "But we continue to be concerned about the many renters who are at risk of experiencing the trauma of eviction. This weighs on us heavily every single day.

"The pandemic has highlighted longstanding housing issues in our state. It has become increasingly clear there is a much greater need than available federal funds for this particular program."

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Having a large neck circumference, either from being overweight or genetics, is also a key indicator of potential obstructive sleep apnea.

"Now you don't want to be a weirdo and start measuring your loved one's neck build at night," Dasgupta said. "The rule of thumb is always going to be a collar size of greater than 17 inches (43 centimeters) for a male and greater than 16 inches (40.6 centimeters) for a female will put you at a higher risk for sleep apnea."

G is for gender

Are you a man? Then unfortunately, that, too, makes you at increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Some of the reasons may be that men tend to have fatter tongues and carry more fat in their upper bodies than women, especially in the neck. Men also tend to have more "belly fat," which can make breathing in general more difficult.

"However, we definitely see a lot more obstructive sleep apnea in women after menopause," Dasgupta said.

High-risk needs evaluation

Now it's time to score your risk. Give yourself a point for every "yes" answer. If you scored between 5 and 8, you are at high risk of having obstructive sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a sleep specialist.
Richards ends with telling the jury there were "tragic aspects of this" but that under the law of Wisconsin Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense.

2:30 p.m.: Defense now making its closing argument. A rebuttal is still possible for prosecutor before jury gets the case.

Jury expected to begin deliberation Tuesday.

Lead defense attorney Mark Richards gives the closing argument and comes out sounding mad, saying Binger lied to the jury. Binger objects. Judge says "argument."

"One, hes lying, two hes misrepresenting, or he wasnt prepared when he stared this trial," Richards says of Binger.

"Mr. Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client because he was going to kill him, take his gun, and carry out the threats he made," Richards continues.

"What you were seeing was individuals acting as a mob  they are going to get their licks in on Kyle Rittenhouse; or, as they see it, someone from the other side."
Lewiston, ID (83501)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 50F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies and light rain after midnight. Low 34F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
It's been almost three days since the Idaho athletic department decided to fire football coach Paul Petrino, and the reaction to the dismissal has been one of sadness for the players, but maybe a sigh of relief for the fan base.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a function in Jodhpur on Sunday, NC president Farooq Abdullah again batted for a dialogue with Pakistan. Maintaining that there are many difficulties in Jammu and Kashmir owing to the challenge posed by Pakistan and China, he stressed that the poor will be killed if war breaks out. On this occasion, he recalled his suggestion to the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee when the latter travelled to Lahore by bus in 1999. Moreover, he cited India's complex relationship with China to reiterate his demand for talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Ex-J&K CM Farooq Abdullah remarked, "When Vajpayee Ji went to Pakistan, he called me. I was the CM then. He asked me what should be done. I said that we should talk to Pakistan". He added, "Make the Line (of Control) flexible so that we can come and go. We can have cross-border marriages and trade. So that this hatred will diminish gradually".

"He (Vajpayee) went there and talked to Nawaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif accepted that this is the only way out. But he said that the Army will not agree. Until the Army does not agree, this cannot happen. I hope that some solution will be found via talks. If we can talk with China who has occupied Indian territory and is progressing ahead every day," the NC chief elaborated.

Abdullah desires 'friendly' India-Taliban ties

Recently, Farooq Abdullah sparked controversy by suggesting that India should not only engage with the new Taliban regime in Afghanistan but also develop friendly ties with the terror outfit in order to safeguard its $3 billion investment. He also dismissed the apprehension that the Taliban will eventually foment trouble in J&K. While conceding that terrorism is a global menace, he indicated that the US is responsible for its spread because of its interventionist policy. Previously, the former J&K CM also justified China's aggression along the LAC citing the abrogation of Article 370.
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Sixth-year graduate student Marie Fiori flew to Stanford University last week to test her samples with specialized equipment, which would have happened regardless of the shutdown. But the building closure prevented her from running preliminary tests.

I should know pretty much everything about these samples before I fly over, and I dont feel quite confident that I do, she said in an interview from the airport.

Some research groups had equipment in the building that could not be relocated. For those individuals, research completely halted. Roy said he knew at least one student who temporarily relocated to another state to have access to a collaborating universitys facilities.

Consider the cohort that started in the fall of 2018, faced the flood in 2019, grappled with the pandemic in 2020 and dealt with the building closure in 2021. Now in their fourth year, the longest uninterrupted period of time they have worked in the lab is just a couple of months.

Graduate students credit the department for doing all it can to help. Landis, the department chair, committed to writing a letter explaining the circumstances of the past few years, which the next few classes can submit with job applications, Roy said. Other administrators rescheduled student rotations, exam dates and research proposal deadlines.
Any liens on the property would have been resolved in the final sales price.

But Gorman entered an agreement to purchase the property from Chilewood without knowing the hotel would be used as temporary shelter for the homeless after closing and under its ownership, said Ted Matkom, Gorman's Wisconsin market president.

Gorman, uncomfortable making an acquisition under such circumstances  especially because its backup plan if it didn't receive WHEDA tax credits was to upgrade and use the property as a commercial hotel  has now declined the city's $1.85 million award and no longer has an agreement to purchase the property, Matkom said.

It's not clear how long the property will be used to shelter the homeless, especially if other options don't surface, and Gorman didn't want to be in a position as owner of forcing people onto the street as it met city and state contractual obligations to convert the property to housing, Matkom said.

"It just got too complicated for us," he said.

Depending on the circumstances, Gorman could revisit a project at the site in the future, Matkom said.
When looking for a job, it can take hours of interviews and days of preparation to get an answer to a very basic yet crucial question: How much does the gig pay?

Broach the salary question too soon, and an employer might view it negatively. Avoid the question or salary negotiations altogether, and you risk getting underpaid. Its a delicate song and dance. But a new wave of laws, which are requiring private companies to fork over salary details, could end that rigamarole once and for all.

In most hiring scenarios today, the employer holds all the cards, says C. Nicole Mason, a gender- and racial-equity researcher and CEO of the Institute for Womens Policy Research.

Many employees are at a disadvantage, especially women, when they go in to negotiate because they may not have information regarding pay at the company, Mason says.

Imagine instead if companies disclosed a tight salary range on the job listing so that you could know from the get-go if the interview process is worth your time and effort. Existing employees of the hiring company would also benefit from seeing publicly listed salaries and could use that information to equalize pay internally.

Public sector workers have long enjoyed such perks. Now, similar rules are heading for the private sector, thanks to a new batch of labor laws, often referred to as pay- or salary-transparency laws or anti-secrecy laws.

At least eight cities or states have recently enacted such laws, with more on the way. Even if they dont come to your state or locality, you may stand to gain from their rippling effects.

Laws like this are overdue, in terms of thinking about how we might address issues related to the gender pay gap, Mason says.

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Which states have pay transparency laws?

Theres a popular saying: As California goes, so goes the nation, and when it comes to salary transparency, the adage holds true. As of Jan. 1, 2018, Californias Equal Pay Act prohibits employers from requesting applicants salary history and requires that companies provide a salary range to applicants upon request.

Since California passed its law, the following locations have enacted similar pay-transparency requirements:

According to the National Law Review, similar legislation is also under consideration in New York and Massachusetts.

Its worth noting that the federal Equal Pay Act, which bans pay discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability, has been in effect since 1963. Many states have also enacted their own versions of this law.

Yet nearly six decades later, deep pay inequities persist.

According to the latest pay equity report from the American Association of University Women, in 2020, women were paid just 83 cents for every dollar paid to a man. The racial pay gap is wider still. Last year, Black men earned about 75% of what white men did, and Black women earned less than 64%.

The gender pay gap actually shrank slightly in 2020  but thats not cause for celebration. The reason, experts say, is because a significant portion of women with low-wage jobs lost work during the pandemic, which skewed the statistics.

How pay transparency laws (are supposed to) work

Suffice it to say, simply banning pay discrimination doesnt fix the pay gap. Thats where this new batch of pay transparency measures comes into play. Theyre aimed at correcting long-standing pay inequities.

Each law is set up slightly differently, but there are two common threads in particular. One, several states are banning the use of applicants salary history in determining what to pay them. And two, applicants and current employees are gaining the right to access a companys salary ranges for a particular role or job opening.

In several states, the salary-disclosure process isnt automatic, however. In California, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island and Washington, applicants can only obtain salary information upon request. Nevada and Colorado are outliers. In both states, companies must provide that information automatically. In Nevada, its after an applicant has completed an interview. In Colorado, its even sooner. Companies hiring in the Centennial State must disclose a salary range as well as a brief description of the benefits package on the job listing.

Colorados pay transparency law, which has been in effect since January, is perhaps the most expansive and experimental of its kind. The transparency rules apply even to national companies who are hiring remotely. This stipulation initially caused national firms to exclude Colorado residents from their remote job openings earlier this year.

For example, a remote listing from Realogy, a publicly-traded real estate firm, read: This position can be performed anywhere except Colorado. Dozens of other companies, including Nike, Johnson and Johnson, and IBM, used similar language in their listings after the law took effect.

The trend drove Colorado-based software engineer Aaron Batilo to take matters into his own hands. With his website, Colorado Excluded, he named and shamed more than 160 companies that posted job openings expressly unavailable to Coloradans.

State officials acted, too. The situation prompted Scott Moss, the director of Colorados Labor Department, to send out a stern letter to remote employers that were snubbing Colorado residents. His letter lays out that Colorados salary-transparency rules apply to all remote job openings, so long as the hiring company, regardless of where they are headquartered, has at least one staff member in the state.

Colorados pay-equity law isnt the only foray into salary transparency thats had a rippling effect, either.

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Buffer: a case study in pay transparency

Joel Gascoigne is the CEO of Buffer, a tech startup he co-founded in 2010. Gascoigne currently lives in Boulder, Colorado, and earns a salary of $290,250. And he doesnt care who knows it.

In 2013, long before the new wave of salary-transparency laws were around to pressure him, Gascoigne, with approval from his staff, started sharing salaries internally. He also developed a formula to standardize how salaries are set at Buffer. Once everyone got comfortable with it, he published a public spreadsheet containing first names, titles and salaries for the entire workforce later that year.

The move put Buffer on the map, generating a lot of media attention. Buffers policies have since earned it workplace awards from Inc., Entrepreneur and Quartz. To this day, Buffer is perhaps better known for its salary transparency (or maybe its four-day work week) than the social-media management tools and services it offers.

Hailley Griffis, whos now the companys head of public relations, says pay transparency is what initially drew her to the company. She didnt land her first gig with Buffer until 2016, but she started applying to openings soon after she heard the companys salaries were public.

It was one of the larger motivations to work at the company, because I just personally have never felt very strong at negotiation, she says.

You know, its never fun to find out youre making less than someone when youre doing very similar work, she says. And the whole reason that youre making less is purely because they negotiated and you didnt.

For workers at Buffer, the transparency around salaries translated into more conversations about money in general, Griffis says. People at the company frequently swap personal finance advice with one another.

Buffers pay transparency policies also have an impact outside of the company. Anyone can view the titles, locations and salaries of Buffers workforce. And other companies and job seekers have begun to rely on Buffers open salary data, Griffis says. For employers, they can use Buffers salary formula to determine how to set fair pay, especially in a remote environment. For job hunters, having real-time data on job titles and salaries arms them with leverage when theyre at the negotiating table with other companies.

Pay transparency alone may not be enough

As a means to close gender and racial pay gaps, salary transparency laws alone arent very effective, Mason, with the Institute for Womens Policy Research, says. But they are an important first step. After all, companies have to be able to see the problem before they can fix it. What it really boils down to: Are employers willing to put in the work to fix pay disparities once (or if) salary transparency laws illuminate them?

Were making the assumption that no company wants this kind of pay disparity, that it is unintentional, Mason says. But pay disparity is a deep-seated issue, and not all employers will be enthusiastic about fixing it. Even for earnest companies in states with new rules, bucking the trend could prove difficult.

Take Buffer again, for example. It voluntarily enacted transparency measures that go far beyond what laws currently require. The company started analyzing and publishing pay gap data openly in 2017. By Buffers own account, its gender pay gap reached a high of 15% in 2019  meaning women at Buffer earned just 85% of what men did. This year, the company reported it lowered that number to 5.5%. Buffer now has a more balanced ratio of men to women on the team, too. Griffis says the company didnt know much about calculating equal pay when it first started the reports, and it took Buffer years to become more sophisticated with the data and to enact policies that truly shrank its pay gap.

Let Buffer be a case study: Transparency, whether ushered in by new laws or by socially minded CEOs acting alone, is a starting point, not a solution. For some employers, Mason says that pay transparency laws could usher in a moment of reckoning. Other employers may be pleasantly surprised to find that they dont have much of a gap to close.

I think if companies can see this as an opportunity rather than a punitive measure, she says, they can really help us all get to a better place.

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The longest legislative session in Idaho history will be extended Monday when legislators return to the Statehouse to consider a response to President Joe Bidens COVID-19 rules for employers and take action on an ethics complaint against Rep. Priscilla Giddings.

At this point, its no surprise that the Legislature is reconvening.

Momentum has been building since the summer, with Republicans looking to push back against the Biden administrations COVID-19 testing and vaccination rules for large employers.

I am grateful for the chance to go back and weigh in on this issue, Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, said in a telephone interview. I do think the Biden rules and mandates are a vast overreach against individual liberty and even against federalism.

But Democrats are pushing back against reconvening, saying the process is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers money with the 2022 legislative session, which will begin Jan. 10, around the corner.

This is not, in my opinion, the appropriate way we need to address these types of mandates, Rep. Brooke Green, D-Boise, said in a telephone interview. Were a part-time Legislature for a good reason. We have sessions for a reason. That is the time we need to address any legislative concerns. Calling us in for a special session at the whim of certain legislators any old time they are unhappy with a certain mandate creates a precedent we dont want to take and we shouldnt. We should adhere to being a part-time Legislature.

Green said it is her duty as an elected official to participate when the Idaho House of Representatives reconvenes, which is set for 9 a.m. Monday in the House Chambers. The Idaho Senate is also scheduled to reconvene at 9 a.m. Monday.

I do not feel at all, under any circumstance, that the introduction of any bills is appropriate, Green said.

One of the states most powerful business lobbying groups, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, also pushed back against legislators in an open letter from Tuesday addressed to the representatives, senators and people of Idaho.

IACI and its member companies will oppose any attempts by the Legislature to impose unnecessary restrictions and new liability on Idaho employers regarding vaccines, IACI President Alex LaBeau said.

IACIs membership includes more than 300 businesses of all sizes. Its board of directors is stacked with executives representing some of the titans of industry in Idaho, including J.R. Simplot Co., St. Lukes Health System, HP, Clif Bar & Co., Chobani, Idahoan Foods, Mountain View Hospital, Micron, Melaleuca and Idaho Power.

Idaho businesses have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to find solutions to keep their businesses open and their employees safe, LaBeau wrote. The Idaho Legislature should do nothing to threaten those actions, and instead should wait until the United States Supreme Court rules on the dictates coming out of OSHA and the White House regarding new vaccine mandates on employers. There is no sound reason for the Legislature to be in session until that happens.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said she agrees with much of the IACI letter. With Bidens rules before the court, the vaccine mandates will either be upheld or thrown out, Rubel said.

If those mandates are legal, then whatever we pass is probably going to be illegal and lead to costly litigation, Rubel said in a telephone interview. If those mandates are not legal then there is no need to pass any legislation. Whatever we pass regarding vaccine mandates is likely to be either needdless or illegal or both.

What to expect when the Idaho Legislature reconvenes

Bedke told the Idaho Capital Sun he wants representatives to limit the bills they introduce to the issues surrounding vaccines. He also said new bills up for introduction will be routed through the House Ways and Means Committee.

Once introduced, bills may be assigned to other committees as appropriate, he said.

Green and Horman said they arent sure what to expect when the Legislature reconvenes or how long legislators will remain in session. Legislators have planned to set aside three days, but even that is uncertain. Horman has already made arrangements to have a substitute legislator, retired Sen. Dean Mortirmer, R-Idaho Falls, to serve in her place should the session extend past Tuesday.

I am hearing the same thing about three days, but with the number of bills I suspect it could go longer, Horman said.

Green expects there could be more than 20 bills up for introduction and has heard there could be attempts to introduce other bills that dont have anything to do with vaccine rules, including one that seeks to create a new legislative legal fund and a another described as a Texas-style reproduction and abortion bill.

All of this is stuff that can wait that extra month, quite frankly, Green said. We shouldnt be getting called in there because we didnt do what we should have from the start, which is (adjourn) sine die.

Idaho Education News reported Thursday that 32 draft bills have been filed.

Bedke said he considers Bidens vaccine rules an overreach and welcomes legislation to address that issue. But he doesnt want to open the door for a free-for-all where any bill or issue is fair game.

All of these (other) things can be taken up in January, Bedke said in late October.

The Idaho Senate adjourned the legislative session for the year on May 12 after a record 122 days  legislators use the latin phrase sine die when they adjourn for the year, without a day announced to reconvene.

However, the same night the Senate adjourned, the Idaho House voted down a motion to adjourn and instead agreed to an extended recess, subject to Bedkes call as House speaker, due back no later than Dec. 31.

House Republicans did that intentionally so the House could reconeene without having to wait for Gov. Brad Little to call a special session of the Legislature. Under the Idaho Constitution, only the governor may call a special session. House Republicans view next weeks action as merely reconvening the existing session.

The Idaho Constitution also says neither house shall, without the concurrence of the other, adjourn for more than three days 

Idaho House expected to vote Giddings ethics complaint

Green said she will only support two things. The first is a vote on the ethics complaint against Giddings, R-White Bird, which states it was unbecoming of a legislator to post a blog that named and included the photo of a 19-year-old legislative intern who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger of rape in April.

The House Ethics and Policy Committee, which includes three Republicans and two Democrats, voted unanimously in August to censure Giddings, who is running for lieutenant governor in 2022, and remove her from the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Under the ethics committees recommendation, Giddings would be able to retain her seats on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture Affairs Committee.

Censure requires a simple majority of the House.

Horman said it is important for the House to vote on the ethics committee recommendation.

I dont know of any legislator who likes to have these conversations, but they are necessary for the protection of the institution and our process. However they vote on that recommendation, it is necessary for the integrity of the House to follow through on this.

Rubel said she supports the ethics committees work.

They proceeded in a thoughtful, nonpartisan manner, and we shall see what the House does with that recommendation, Rubel said. Thus far Ive been impressed with the process, (the ethics committee) took very seriously the need to protect ethics in our body and protect those who come forth with complaints.

The recommendation to censure Giddings and remove her from the committee came after two days of hearings in August, after 17 Republicans and eight Democrats signed an ethics complaint stating Giddings engaged in conduct unbecoming of a legislator.

Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, said in August that Giddings repeatedly lied to the committee and to media outlets about the committee itself. Horman said Giddings conduct was unbecoming and so was her lack of civility toward her fellow legislators during the hearings.

Giddings called the complaint and hearings politically motivated because her Republican primary opponent for the office of lieutenant governor is Bedke. The complaint was filed weeks before Giddings or Bedke announced they were running for the post, however.

Von Ehlinger resigned his seat after the ethics committee recommended his suspension.

Von Ehlinger was arrested on felony charges of rape and forcible penetration with a foreign object on Oct. 8. He pleaded not guilty to those charges Monday, and the case is scheduled to go to a jury trial on April 26. Von Ehlinger has maintained his innocence and testified before the ethics committee in April that the sexual contact was consensual.

Idaho Capital Sun reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris contributed to this report.

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Donald Trump last week threw a bomb into the middle of Idaho politics, and it is likely to explode in stages that begin this coming week.

This next week, of course, marks the return of the Idaho Legislature, at a time of year when the legislature does not meet. At least not ordinarily. The truth is theres no reason at all they need to convene now since the regular session is set to begin inside two months, nor is there any legal certainty that whatever they do will hold up in court, but all that seems to be beside the point.

This session wont be about governing the state or setting policy as much as about the venting of emotion.

And one of the emotional levers to how that plays out was put in place by none other than the nations foremost bomb-thrower, Donald Trump.

The former president made Gem State news by endorsing the primary election challenge of Janice McGeachin (a true supporter of MAGA) to incumbent Republican Governor Brad Little. That has significance in a state Trump won easily last year and where he appears still to be highly popular.

Little has been no centrist critic of Trump; he has gone out of the way and contorted himself imaginatively to praise him, joined in a visible photo event (concerning state regulation) at the Trump White House, and in recent days flew to Mar-a-Lago (on the taxpayers dime) to participate in events there. His office maintained that he was on state business, but come on: Can anyone seriously buy that? This was an attempt to pick up campaign support, or maybe deny it to the other side; thats what Idaho taxpayers underwrote. (Little would be smart to have his flush campaign reimburse the state.)

The whole thing, with the capper of Trump endorsing McGeachin instead, may stand as the most embarrassing political moment of Littles life. It must have given unbridled joyand maybe a jolt of energyto those in Idaho Republican politics who arent Little fans. McGeachin is better off than she would have been if Little had just stayed home. A side question: Was her trip paid for by her campaign, which would be OK, or the taxpayers? Inquiring Idahoans should want to know that too.

But this is not only about McGeachin, who likely will be presiding over the state Senate this week. This session is coming about as it did partly because Little has declined to call one, and partly with the idea of blasting away at him and his allies, including the top-line business community at the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (which is critical of calling the session). Or, on the coins other side, you can call this a MAGA session.

The sessions major topic (there could be minor ones, including possible disciplining of a legislator) concerns the state blocking local organizations, including businesses and hospitals, from enacting safety measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yes, thats why they want to meet.

How strong would the emotional pitch be when the legislature hits town?

Considerable, with McGeachin pushing (as she has) for the session and its proposed agenda, alongside implicit backing from the MAGA commander in chief. Even better (antipathy to the opposition being more important than support for a person or idea): Theyll be hitting town with the specific idea of passing bills Governor Little is going to want to veto. Whether hell dare to, or whether his vetoes would be sustained, remain serious questions.

The juice for the session is surely higher now than it was a week ago. By one report, more than 30 pieces of anti-anti-pandemic legislation have already been submitted to the Idaho House for consideration.

A three-day session? The chamber leaders doubtless want it quick and done, but theyll have to be very lucky to see it wrapped that fast.

Reverberating explosions are likely to follow in the upcoming regular session and in the primary campaign season immediately following that.

This period was going to be a rugged one for Idaho in any event. The former president just made it a lot more explosive. Its what he does.

Randy Stapilus is a former Idaho newspaper reporter and editor and blogs at ridenbaugh.com. He can be reached at stapilus@ridenbaugh.com. His new book What Do You Mean by That? has just been released and can be found at ridenbaugh.com/whatdoyoumeanbythat and on Amazon.com.

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A Ridgeway man has been released from jail after all charges against him related to a shooting on Dunlap Street in Martinsville were dismissed by the prosecution.

Johnny Omar Spencer Jr., 39, was shot in the stomach on Dunlap Street on a Sunday night on Nov. 7 and told investigators that Donte Cheron Freeman, 39, of Ridgeway, had shot him, according to Lt. Sandy Hines of the Martinsville Police Department.

Freeman was arrested on Wednesday and held without bail after Carilion Health System Police in Roanoke arrested him when he went to the hospital to visit a relative.

Within 36 hours of the arrest Spencer recanted his statement to police, and the case fell apart.

It is extremely disappointing and harmful to the criminal justice system as a whole when victims or witnesses are insistent on the events of an incident and the physical evidence corroborates those statements, only to have them change their position and become uncooperative, said Martinsville Deputy Police Chief Rob Fincher by email. I believe that our investigators did an excellent job at preparing a case in which probable cause was clearly established and verified by an independent magistrate, but because the victim recanted his statements, there is little we can do for the case to proceed without new or additional evidence.
Those costs include insurance required by the city to hold an event, security, portable toilets and other incidental expenses  including faux snow.

To make the theme Let It Snow a promise, weve even got three snow machines weve been testing all week so youll be able to get the effect, Roark said.

And all of the local high school marching bands will be participating as well as the Martinsville Sheriffs Departments contingent of motorcycles, Teresas School of Baton and Dance, the Autos by Nelson Racing Team, Gunter Automotive, the Spencer-Penn Centre, PVT Boat and Camper Storage, Laurel Park Tire, Davenport Energy and lots of fire trucks and rescue vehicles.

We pay the cost of transportation for the bands to come and perform in the parade, said Roark.

The Christmas parade in Martinsville had been held for 65 years before Roark took it over in 2016, making this years event the 71st.

Its not been easy, but its been a challenge and I love a challenge, Roark said. This is a community thing and the only live event in uptown Martinsville in about 2 years. We are just hoping to get everything back to normal as we can.

The parade route will take its normal path through town, starting with the line-up on Cleveland Avenue assembling at 2 p.m. Then at 5 p.m. the parade will travel across East Church Street, on to Lester Street, left at West Main Street and all the way down to Moss Street at the farmers market site. The parade will turn left at Moss and left again onto East Church Street and end where it started at Cleveland Avenue.

Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 2360. Follow him @billdwyatt.

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As she returns regularly to Greenland, Moon, a researcher with the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center, said she finds herself mourning and grieving for the things we have lost already" because of past carbon dioxide emissions that trap heat.

But the decisions we make now about how much more carbon pollution Earth emits will mean an incredibly large difference between how much ice we keep and how much we lose and how quickly," she said.

The fate of the Arctic looms large during the climate talks in Glasgow  the farthest north the negotiations have taken place  because what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic. Scientists believe the warming there is already contributing to weather calamities elsewhere around the world.

If we end up in a seasonally sea ice-free Arctic in the summertime, thats something human civilization has never known, said former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, a University of Colorado environmental researcher. Thats like taking a sledgehammer to the climate system."

What's happening in the Arctic is a runaway effect.

Once you start melting, that kind of enhances more melt, said University of Manitoba ice scientist Julienne Stroeve.
Famous Anthonys attorneys declined a request to interview the restaurants owner or answer any further questions due to pending litigation.

Hepatitis A is vaccine preventable. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has licensed two hepatitis A vaccines and one combination vaccine that protects against both Hepatitis A and B. The first vaccine was licensed in 1995, and since then, rates of hepatitis A have declined dramatically in the U.S. Since 2006, the hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended for all children at age one and is sometimes required by schools. But this means many adults have not been vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified unprecedented widespread outbreaks of hepatitis A in the U.S. in 2016. Since then, more than 40,000 cases have been reported and at least 400 deaths. Many of the cases have been among people who are the most at risk, including those who use drugs or people who are experiencing homelessness.

Morrow said the district has seen an uptick in vaccines since the local outbreak and vaccinated as many as 45 people in one day.
A satirical cartoon by James Gillray titled "The Cow-Pockorthe Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation," published in 1802. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

It is not entirely irrational to fear needles (or to suffer from trypanophobia for those who prefer the Greek term). Likewise, feeling anxious about injecting a foreign substance into the bloodstream seems quite reasonable.

And it is hardly surprising that people might find these things even more anxiety-inducing because of the duty of care we feel toward loved ones, especially children.

The anti-vax movement, thus, has an understandable relationship with fear and anxiety. In fact, there has been resistance to vaccinations since at least the late 18th century when the British physician Edward Jenner began to promote them as a prophylactic measure against smallpox.

One of Jenner's contemporaries, the caricaturist James Gillray, famously lampooned people's fears by imagining how cows grotesquely begin to sprout from the limbs and faces of the newly vaccinated. It was an early 19th-century version of what we today might assign to the sub-genre of body horror.

The anti-vax movement is, however, no longer fuelled purely by fears about vaccines and harmful side-effects.

At recent protests against vaccine mandates in Australia, for instance, "F*** the jab" was one of the chants that could be heard. The mood was dominated by anger, not anxiety.

On first sight, there is nothing surprising about such truculence. The vaccine mandates imposed in response to the COVID pandemic are forcing some people to do something they are fearful of and would prefer not to do.

But the militancy of the protests and make-up of participants suggest many far-right nationalists and extreme libertarians have either co-opted the anti-vax movement or converged with it. Ideological differences recede into the background and common ground is found in opposing public authorities whose attempts to counteract the spread of the virus have been interpreted as the first steps toward tyranny.

From philosophy to psychology

A common denominator uniting these movements is the penchant for viewing the world through the prism of conspiracy theories.

For some, Big Pharma ruthlessly pursues profits by exploiting human frailty and gullibility. For others, the state is exploiting a health crisis with the goal of installing itself as Big Brother. For a few, the Illuminati overlords are lurking somewhere in the background.

Because conspiracy theories claim to be based in factunlike myths or fablesthe concept encourages us to treat them as rational and therefore refutable.

At least this was the presumption guiding the philosopher Karl Popper when he delivered two lectures in 1948 that are regarded as the first effort to examine conspiracy theories from a philosophical standpoint.

Although Popper was aware that conspiracy theories are found throughout history, his analysis was akin to a thought experiment. The experiment revolved around the question of whether it was possible to imagine events and trends in the world as the result of a conspiracy. Is this a tenable view of how society works?

It was not, he concluded. And refuting the claim that secret agents were responsible for a war or an economic depression, for example, was a way of edging closer to the correct understanding of such phenomena.

If this sounds somewhat abstract, the legal theorist Franz Neumann attempted to get nearer to the reality of conspiracy theories by linking them to a psychological condition.

In a 1954 lecture called "Anxiety and Politics", Neumann diagnosed conspiracy theories as an attempt to transform people's anxieties into fear. The distinction had political consequences. Anxiety had a paralysising effect; fear, by contrast, was a catalyst for action.

Neumann insisted that at the core of the delusions characterizing conspiracy theories, there remained a "kernel of truth." In this spirit, the suspicions long harbored by the anti-vax movement are not entirely misplaced if you take into account the far-from-unblemished public health record of pharmaceutical giants.

Much of the research on conspiracy theories since then continues to take its cues from Neumann by treating them as attempts by frightened, panicked people to get a grip on the world.

How anger leads to falsehoods

What if, however, fear and anxiety are not sufficient to understand the social psychology at work here?

The protests against vaccine mandates, as well as earlier protests against 5G technology and the rise of the QAnon movement, suggest there are other emotions underpinning all of this. These are feelings of anger, grievance, and resentment. Add to this the restrictions and lockdowns imposed by governments over the last 18 months and the effect is like pouring fuel on the fire.

Anger makes us want to lash outto kick the cat or some other unfortunate proxy for those deemed responsible for our troubles and woes.

Importantly, anger also has a disinhibiting effect on our relationship to the truth. That is, when we are angry, we feel less obliged to speak truthfully and allow our emotions to take over.

For instance, research shows anger enhances our propensity to lie. And the deeper you probe into the contemporary anti-vax movement, the more you find a conscious willingness to play it fast and loose with the truth.

The movement is now driven by lies told out of spite and believed in part by those who tell them because of the gratification this brings them.

The online documentary Plandemic: The Hidden Agenda Behind COVID-19, for example, features Judy Mikovits, a discredited medical researcher with an ax to grind against Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert in the US, because of the alleged role he played in the loss of her professional reputation.

The documentary makes a series of bogus claims, culminating in the assertion that masks function as a catalyst for COVID because "they activate your inner virus."

Another widespread lie is that philanthropist Bill Gates was using the vaccine as an opportunity to implant microchip tracking devices in humans.

Presumably, it is still possible to ask about the "kernel of truth" buried deep within such claims, yet their outlandishness suggests this model has its limits.At some point, one has to start factoring in the role of dishonesty.

Clearly, this presents a challenge to historians and social scientists who would prefer to understand falsehoods as innocent errors caused by psychological factors or social circumstances.

Identifying a falsehood as a lie incurs the risk of moralizing. And denouncing conspiracy theorists as liars will hardly alleviate social tensions. Easy fixes are hard to come by, but a start would be to understand better the anger that makes lying appear justifiable in the first place.

Explore further COVID conspiracy theorists: Concerned only about own health but reluctant to vaccinate

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Austria will begin a lockdown for people not vaccinated against COVID-19, a first in the EU as the Alpine member fights a record surge in cases, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on Sunday.

About 65 percent of Austria's almost nine million people are vaccinated, below the EU average of 67 percent, while daily increases in infections have hit records this week.

Other European governments are also eyeing unpopular COVID curbs, with the Netherlands opting for Western Europe's first partial lockdown of the winter.

Austria's lockdown means people over 12 who are not vaccinated or cannot show that they have recently recovered from COVID will not be allowed to leave the house except for reasons such as buying essential supplies, exercise or seeking medical care.

"The situation is serious... We don't take this step with a light heart but unfortunately it is necessary," Schallenberg told reporters in a televised press conference.

The lockdowns are to be enforced with random spot checks for the next 10 days with police patrols being stepped up. It will then be reviewed, according to the government.

Those who break the rules risk a 500-euro ($570) fine; those who refuse to show proof that they are vaccinated or have recently recovered can be fined three times as much.

The main committee of parliament approved the lockdown late on Sunday.

In his news conference, Schallenberg called again on those who have not yet been vaccinated to get jabbed.

'Fight back now'

Hundreds gathered outside the chancellory for his announcement in a noisy protest, waving banners that read "No to mandatory vaccination" and "Our body, our freedom to decide".

"I'm here to set a sign. We must fight back now... We want to work, we want to help people, but we don't want to vaccinate ourselves because this is simply our decision," Sarah Hein, an unvaccinated 30-year-old hospital worker, told AFP.

The government on Friday announced vaccinations would become mandatory for health workers.

Under current rules, unvaccinated are already banned from restaurants, hotels and cultural venues unless they can show they have recently recovered from the disease.

"Healthy people are being locked up," another demonstrator told AFP, declining to give her name.

Vienna is further toughening rules, requiring PCR tests on top of being vaccinated or recovered to attend events of more than 25 people or go to bars and restaurants in the evening.

Also from Monday, the capital is becoming the first region in the EU to offer jabs to children from the age of five to 11 at a vaccination centre.

Appointments were booked for more than 5,000 children when registration opened on Saturday, the city said.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet issued an authorisation for any of the vaccines to be used for this age group though member states have the right to do so in a public health emergency.

So far, about 11,700 people infected with the coronavirus have died in Austria. Daily cases hit a record high of more than 13,000 new infections on Saturday.

In the Netherlands, Dutch premier Mark Rutte announced on Friday at least three weeks of lockdown measures targeting restaurants, shops and sporting events to curb a record spike in coronavirus infections.

Explore further Austria orders nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated

 2021 AFP
David Canning is studying aging among chess players. Credit: Stephanie Mitchell/Harvard Staff Photographer

As the U.S. population ages, concerns about dementia grow larger. David Canning, the Richard Saltonstall Professor of Population Sciences and of Economics and International Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is studying aging among chess players, reasoning that the centuries-old game serves as a type of cognitive test. The research involves analysis of a massive database of games from the U.S. Chess Federation and a second pilot study that will follow 200 players over time. Canning spoke to the Gazette about what he hopes to find. The interview was edited for clarity and length.

Q&A: David Canning

GAZETTE: Why study chess and cognitive decline?

CANNING: There's a big concern about population aging, and dementia in particular: what it's going to do to the economy, what it's going to do to the healthcare system. There are a lot of people living longer and we had this compression of morbidity over the last centurythe period of ill health at the end of life getting shorter. But now there's some evidence in the U.S. over the last 20 years that morbidity is expanding, so people are living longer but they're not healthy years. One of the big burdens is dementia.

The reason for chess is that I play chess. One of the problems in studying dementia is our data sets are small because it's hard to get people to do surveys, and it takes an hour to do full cognitive testing on people. Then I realized that we have all these people playing chess. They're essentially doing cognitive tests many times a year. It's a huge data set that spans the whole age rangevery few data sets do. We have children playing chess, we have old people playing chess. It has been used in other countriessome people have looked at world champions, and elite players have been looked atbut no one has ever used the U.S. chess database before.

GAZETTE: So the idea is to use chess as a cognitive survey?

CANNING: Yes, we can get insights into cognition by looking at chess performance. There is a potential complication, in that mental activity may improve your cognitive performance, so the players may do better because they're playing. We want to study that as well, though the main evidence is that it is physical activity that really helps amend your cognition. The evidence for mental activity helping is mixed. But it is possible that playing chess prevents cognitive decline.

GAZETTE: What does the existing literature on chess and cognition show?

CANNING: There's a literature on world champions, which shows only slow decline with age. We also have standard cognitive tests of chess players. There is a correlation with chess performance and general cognitive abilities, but it's not incredibly high. There's quite a lot of work on age effects and cohort effects, looking at life cycle patterns of chess ability, but usually focused on elite players. And then there is some literature on whether playing chess is good for cognition, particularly in children.

One thing I'm particularly interested in is air pollution and cognition. There's a study actually measuring air pollution in a chess tournament hall and its effect on move quality. You can measure the quality of each move versus a computer program and basically people's move quality goes down when there's air pollution. I'm interested in looking at that, and whether that affects performance.

GAZETTE: How big is the effect?

CANNING: I just got results. I was excited because I linked the air pollution and the chess data set for the first time. The finding we have is fine particulate matter, PM 2.5, varies between about 0 and 20 micrograms per cubic meter in the U.S. and it goes up to over 100 in developing countries. In India rates of 70 or 80 are quite common. A 10 point change in air pollution 10 points higher on your average annual exposurereduces your chance of winning a game by about 30 percent.

GAZETTE: I think people tend to think of these effects as being durable: You live in a polluted place and the effects are constant. But pollution can affect you differently on different days?

CANNING: There is the literature on long-term effects on mortality, but there's also literature on daily effects, these acute effects, with higher death rates on days with high pollution. The evidence on cognition is similar, with both long-term chronic effects and a short-run acute effect. There's also a lot of evidence linking general cognitive abilities to chess ability, but no one's really looked at that over time. What we want to do in the long-run study is look at a group of chess players over time, hopefully three to five years, and see how their cognitive ability changes and their chess-playing ability changes. Changes over time are more interesting than what the levels are. We can also get at this issue of if people stop playing, does that affect cognition? It's a really good data set, but quite a lot of people drop out so there's a lot of loss to follow up, attrition. People stop playing chess after a few years.

GAZETTE: Was that a surprise? I always thought it was a lifelong game.

CANNING: I thought so too, but what we see is a lot of dropout and turnover over time. Most chess players are under 18 because a lot of people play in school and then they quit when they leave school. People play as adults, but even among adults, we are finding in any year about 30 percent of players are dropping out. There's more turnover of players than I was expecting. I thought that once people were playing and they were older, they would be very long term. There are some, but actually the attrition rate is quite high.

GAZETTE: You're still recruiting for this study, is that right?

CANNING: We have this big data set with millions of observations from the U.S. Chess Federation for all of the chess players in the U.S. For our pilot study, we have about 150 out of a target of 200 people recruited. What we want to do with the pilot is get some baseline and show that we can do it. And then do a bigger study where we have a big cohort of chess players that we follow.

GAZETTE: So the first study, with the big data set, looks back in time at games and scores and environmental conditions that have already occurred. And the pilot will move ahead in time, following this group longitudinally?

CANNING: Yes. For the pilot, we want to use the cohort of chess players to harmonize the chess-playing data with standard cognitive testing to understand really what we're getting out here. That cohort will allow us to do that and also look at changes over time. I would also love to do an intervention study encouraging people to keep playing chess and see what effect that has. That would be very exciting.

Explore further Teaching children to play chess found to decrease risk aversion

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
It is uncertain why overall mortality went down in rural Bangladesh at the start of the pandemic, even as urban deaths mounted. Here, villagers on an island in the Jamuna River welcome visitors in 2016. Credit: Kevin Krajick/Earth Institute

Geochemist Lex van Geen works at the intersection of public health and environmental risks. His research on natural arsenic contamination in groundwater has alerted the world community to this insidious danger over two decades.

Van Geen, based at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, was continuing this work in Bangladesh in early 2020 in collaboration with economist Prabhat Barnwal of Michigan State University. The research was aimed at comparing the effectiveness of various ways of telling residents about the outcomes of well tests for arsenic, in order to reduce their exposure. Starting in January 2020, Van Geen worked with a team of professional enumerators assembled by Innovations for Poverty Action, Bangladesh, to survey 16,054 households across 135 rural villages.

On March 23, the team had to put the fieldwork on pause, when Bangladesh went on pandemic lockdown. But the wealth of already gathered demographic information gave Van Geen and his colleagues an idea. Instead of studying arsenic, they decided to leverage the data to mount an exhaustive study of COVID-19 mortality in the same 135 villages.

Van Geen and his colleagues wanted to find out if the relatively low number of officially reported COVID-19 deaths in rural Bangladesh in 2020 could have been the result of massive under-counting. To find out, his team, working remotely, called each home and family to ask a series of survey questions that allowed them to find out if and how the pandemic had touched these households. In order to contact so many households, the survey team ran the equivalent of a call center with 50-plus enumerators.

What they found, as just reported in the American Medical Association journal JAMA Network Open, was surprising.

"We anticipated a big increase in COVID mortality, like we learned to expect [from reports from the rest of the world]. For example, mortality in the United States was up on the order of 20 percent higher in 2020, which is huge," said Van Geen.

That is not what they discovered. Instead, of the 11,256 households they were able to reach, there were 276 deaths between February and the end of October 2020 slightly below the 289 deaths reported in these villages over the same pre-pandemic months in 2019.

COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh (top) and deaths (bottom), January 2020-October 2021. In that time period, the nation recorded some 1.6 million cases and 28,000 deaths. Unlike in many other countries, the 2020 toll was relatively modest, for reasons unknown. Credit: Lex van Geen. Adapted from World Health Organization data.

"For reasons that deserve further study, it does not appear that COVID-19 had an impact on mortality in rural Bangladesh in 2020 anywhere close to that of the pandemic in many other countries," concludes the study. In fact, according to separate Bangladesh government data, the death rate fell slightly, even as it shot up in urban Bangladesh by about 10 percent.

Jeffrey Shaman, a professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and director of the Climate and Health Program at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, studies the survival, transmission and ecology of infectious agents. He said Van Geen's study has significant lessons to teach about COVID's ability to spread, and invites more study.

"The idea of an area of Bangladesh not having the 2020 outbreak is not exclusively a purview of Bangladesh. There are other places that managed to cap this," he said. Shaman noted that Vietnam, a country with a population of 98 million people, reported just 35 COVID deaths and fewer than 3,000 cases in 2020.

"The question really is, what did they do right? Did they get lucky? Those are the things you'd want to know from a public health perspective to inform what to do next," said Shaman. "Why has this area [of Bangladesh] been spared during this time period, so much so they even had the benefits of reduced mortality?"

"It's not that people didn't die of COVID. Mortality in rural Bangladesh has increased in 2021, according to anecdotal reports," said Van Geen. "Maybe the Delta variant spread more in rural areas during that second year," he said. "[We] were worried in 2020 that there might be massive under-reporting. If there was under-reporting, it wasn't from the countryside, because we have the data."

Shaman says the data open an opportunity to do further research, especially if the Delta variant has indeed caused a confirmed increase in COVID mortality in this region. "It would seem that either they were unable to maintain that level of control they managed in 2020, or Delta was just too aggressive to keep it out," said Shaman.

Explore further Villagers follow the geology to safer water in Bangladesh

More information: Assessment of Excess Mortality and Household Income in Rural Bangladesh During the Pandemic of 2020, JAMA Network Open (2021). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Assessment of Excess Mortality and Household Income in Rural Bangladesh During the Pandemic of 2020,(2021). jamanetwork.com/journals/jaman  tworkopen.2021.32777
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The number of young adults dying from strokeparticularly menhas been rising over the past decade, according to new research, which also finds Black, Native American and Alaskan Native adults are dying at higher rates than other groups.

"We need a very robust clinical trial and a change in public policy to address this and see why this is occurring," said lead researcher Dr. Ahmed Hassaan Qavi, a cardiology fellow at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. He presented the findings Saturday at the American Heart Association's virtual Scientific Sessions. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Qavi said he looked into the trends after seeing a growing number of young adults dying from strokes at the eastern North Carolina hospital where he worked. The patients often had limited access to health care, could not afford needed medications and experienced high levels of stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.

While overall stroke rates have declined in recent decades, research shows they have been climbing substantially in adults under age 45, who often don't recognize the symptoms of a stroke. These include numbness in the face, arms or legs, confusion, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, trouble with vision and a severe headache.

For the new study, Qavi and his team used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 1999-2019 to look at trends in stroke-related deaths among people 15 to 44. Stroke deaths in young adults overall initially decreased, then rose again.

However, there were differences by race and sex.

Stroke deaths among Black adults, for example, dropped by 3.9 deaths for every 100,000 people until 2013, when they leveled off for the remainder of the decade. However, stroke deaths were still highest for Black adultsnearly three times the rate for white adults. They were highest of all for Black men, with 7.07 deaths for every 100,000 people. The death rate for American Indian or Alaska Native adults was 4.36, with little change for much of the study period.

The analysis also showed that after an initial decline, stroke deaths rose overall among both men and women, as well as white and Hispanic young adults. But the trends showed young Asian and Pacific Islander adults saw a decrease.

Qavi's study did not look at why stroke deaths may have declined before rising again, but he said changes in the way CDC coded its data in 2011 may have affected the trends. Lack of awareness of stroke risk among young adults, lifestyle factors and lack of access to health care also may play a role.

"We keep seeing data come out that we are not doing well in preventing stroke in that younger age group," said Dr. Tracy Madsen, who has studied stroke in young adults but was not involved in the new research. Madsen is an associate professor of emergency medicine and epidemiology at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She also is co-director of the Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital Stroke Center and director of clinical research at Brown Emergency Medicine.

"We have seen previous data that suggests stroke incidence rates are increasing in this younger age group over time," she said. "This paper goes a step further and looks at trends in stroke-related deaths. Mortality has been going up in the last decade or so in almost all the groups they looked at, which suggests this is a significant problem."

Future research should look at how risk factors differ among the groups disproportionately affected by stroke death, Madsen said. "We have to look at stroke prevention in a more targeted fashion, see if different factors are driving stroke mortality in different demographic groups. Then we can focus on specific risk factors driving stroke deaths in each group."

Identifying people at high risk for stroke at an earlier age could help, she said. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended that health care professionals lower the age to begin screening for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, a known stroke risk factor, from 40 to 35 in adults who are overweight or obese. And the AHA recommends blood pressure screening beginning in childhood.

Determining why some groups are dying at higher rates than othersand how to correct thiswill be critical, Qavi said. "We expected to find the increase," he said. "But it does come as a surprise to see such a stark difference in mortality between Black and white young adults."

Explore further Young adults have strokes for the same reason as older adults

More information: Abstract 10122: 'Young' Stroke Related Mortality in the United States: A 'Wake-Up' Call. Circulation. www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.116  rc.144.suppl_1.10122 Journal information: Circulation Abstract 10122: 'Young' Stroke Related Mortality in the United States: A 'Wake-Up' Call.
Distribution of PGTA and non-PGTA cases by maternal age group, shown as a percentage. Total number of PGT-A cases = 2464; total number of IVF non-PGT-A = 187,546. Credit: University of Kent

Researchers at the University of Kent have identified crucial new evidence on the safety and efficacy of a controversial area of IVF treatmentpreimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

PGT-A is the screening for gross genetic (chromosomal) abnormalities in human IVF embryos with a view to improving IVF success rates and guarding against miscarriage. The UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's (HFEA) however recently assigned it a "red light" in terms of its safety and efficacy. The current study provides strong evidence for the benefits of PGT-A.

The, researchers used the HFEA's own 2016-2018 data to examine live birth and other outcomes reported, with and without PGT-A.

Statistical analysis of differences between PGT-A and "regular" IVF cycles was performed, grouping by maternal age, the leading known risk factor for chromosome abnormalities.

Data was gathered for nearly 2,500 PGT-A, out of a total of over 190,000 cycles in total. Live Birth Rate per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle was significantly higher for all PGT-A vs regular IVF age groups. In patients aged over 40, the reported live birth rates were 3-11 times greater when using PGT-A compared to regular IVF alone.

There was also a reduced number of transfers per live birth, particularly for women aged over 40, implying patients became pregnant faster if PGT-A was used.

Though the study identified strong evidence-based benefits of PGT-A, it is limited in matching with complete clinical indication information, PGT-A and non PGT-A cohorts

PGT-A is a controversial process in IVF. Proponents argue that evidence suggests this treatment is effective and safe. Opponents argue that, until randomized clinical trials establish this unequivocally, patients should not be subjected to it; especially as this is a paid-for treatment.

On the basis of a traffic light system designed to assess the suitability of adjunct treatments for IVF, the HFEA previously assigned the process two Red Lights as a treatment whose efficacy and safety had not been established. This was recently changed to one red light.

Darren Griffin, Professor of Genetics at Kent and Lead Author on the paper said: 'This data will hopefully aid the HFEA in their continual surveillance of the "Red traffic light" guidance that currently states there is no evidence that PGT-A is effective or safe. The guidance could be revised in the light of this new data for patient benefit. I appreciate the collegial way in which the HFEA have assisted in providing this data and their open-mindedness to the prospect of revisiting their guidance and traffic light system.'

The paper is published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.

Explore further Patients paying for unproven IVF add-on treatments

More information: Kathryn D. Sanders et al, Analysis of IVF live birth outcomes with and without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority data collection 20162018, Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (2021). Kathryn D. Sanders et al, Analysis of IVF live birth outcomes with and without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority data collection 20162018,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02349-0
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Gay men and bisexual women may have higher rates of high blood pressure than their heterosexual counterparts, according to new research.

The study analyzed self-reported data from 424,255 participants, including 1.8% who were gay or lesbian and 2.3% who were bisexual. After adjusting for demographics, insurance, body mass index and smoking status, researchers found that gay men were 24% more likely and bisexual women were 17% more likely to have high blood pressure compared to their heterosexual peers.

The findings were presented Saturday at the American Heart Association's virtual Scientific Sessions conference. They are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called a "silent killer" because it often has no obvious symptoms. When left untreated, it can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. According to AHA statistics, about half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and more than 1 in 3 of those people might not even be aware they have it.

Lead researcher Yashika Sharma said she wasn't surprised by the research findings.

"There is ample evidence showing that sexual minority adults have a higher prevalence of several risk factors for hypertension, such as tobacco use, short sleep duration and obesity, than heterosexual adults," said Sharma, a Ph.D. student at Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City.

In recent years, scientists have gathered evidence suggesting why the disparities exist. Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults "experience significant psychosocial stressors that compromise their cardiovascular health across the life span," according to an AHA scientific statement last year on heart health in LGBTQ adults.

However, Sharma was surprised to find that gay men diagnosed with hypertension were 32% more likely to take medication for their condition, compared to heterosexual men. At the same time, the research found bisexual women were 30% less likely than heterosexual women to use blood pressure medicine. That figure aligns with previous research showing "certain groups of sexual minority adults tend to delay health care," Sharma said.

Sharma said medical professionals need to be more proactive in screening LGB adults for high blood pressure, and schools for health professions such as doctors, nurses and physician assistants need to be better at teaching students about LGB health disparities. She called for future research to examine which factors contribute most to high blood pressure and which interventions work best among gay, lesbian and bisexual adults.

Dr. Carl Streed, who was not involved in the study, said the research was limited because the data was self-reported and there was no information on alcohol intake, a hypertension risk factor with higher rates in the gay, lesbian and bisexual community.

Still, the study "fits into our larger understanding of minority stress theory, which attempts to explain how marginalized identities, such as sexual identity, are associated with worse health outcomes. How society treats marginalized populations, such as lesbian, gay and bisexual persons, has measurable negative effects on health, such as hypertension," said Streed, a co-author of the AHA statement on heart health in the LGBTQ community.

Streed, an assistant professor at Boston University School of Medicine, called on public health professionals to "look upstream for causes of these disparities" and urged people to feel empowered to advocate for their own health, including their blood pressure.

"While society bears the burden of having to do better by individuals and communities, patients must advocate for their well-being and seek appropriate treatment, including but not limited to medication," Streed said.

More information: Abstract 9744: Cardiovascular Stroke Nursing Best Abstract Award: Investigating Sexual Identity Disparities in Hypertension and Hypertension Treatment Among Adults. Circulation. www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.116  irc.144.suppl_1.9744 Journal information: Circulation Abstract 9744: Cardiovascular Stroke Nursing Best Abstract Award: Investigating Sexual Identity Disparities in Hypertension and Hypertension Treatment Among Adults.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Employers in Latvia are allowed to dismiss employees who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 from Monday, under new rules aimed at taming the pandemic in the EU member state.

Elected politicians without a vaccination certificate or evidence of having recovered from COVID-19 will also be barred from their duties and receive no salary until they get vaccinated.

The ban could include two parliamentarians who are refusing to get inoculated.

In the city council in Rezekne in eastern Latvia, around 30 percent of councillors are estimated to have no proof of vaccination.

Unvaccinated people will also not be allowed into shopping malls whose size exceeds 1,500 square metres (16,100 square feet0.

The Domina shopping mall in Riga, where the restrictions apply, appeared half-empty compared to a normal Monday.

A security guard was checking every customer coming in.

Unvaccinated employees can now be put on three months of "unpaid involuntary vacation" and then laid off with one month's salary as compensation if they still refuse to get vaccinated.

But the government said it was also ending a nightly curfew that has confined people to their homes between 8:00pm and 6:00am for the past three weeks.

"We have managed to avoid the looming catastrophe in hospitals... and we are having more success with vaccinations but the battle is far from over," Health Minister Daniels Pavluts said in a written opinion piece.

"The number of lung infection patients in Latvia's hospitals is three times higher than the health system is designed for," he said.

The latest vaccination data shows that around 60 percent of Latvian adults have been fully vaccinatedone of the lowest levels in the European Union.

However, the recent spike in COVID infections as well as increased hospitalisation and death rates, has led to a sharp rise in the vaccination rate in recent weeks.

Explore further Latvia declares emergency after surge in COVID cases

 2021 AFP
Juxtaposition of the behavior of lamin B (blue), lamin A (red) and lamin C (green) after cell division. Lamin C is located in the center of the nucleus while lamins A and B move towards the edges. Credit: Karen Reddy and Johns Hopkins Medicine

In a study with lab-grown mouse cells, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers say they have found that a protein that helps form a structural network under the surface of the cell's "command center"its nucleusis key to ensuring that DNA inside it remains orderly. The new experiments distinguish the role of the protein, called lamin C, revealing its usefulness in diagnostics and treatments for a variety of genetic disorders linked to DNA disorganization, such as the rapid aging disease known as progeria, muscular dystrophy and heart disorders related to mutations in these and related proteins.

"The impact of these findings could extend beyond the known laminopathic diseases, since it appears that lamin C is important for genome organization generally. We just don't know at this point how lamin C is behaving in other diseases with dysregulation of the genome," says Karen Reddy, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

She continues, "many people are familiar with the idea that gene mutationsor errors in the genetic code cause inherited diseases. However, genes that are highly disorganized could be as impactful as mutations in causing disease."

Reddy notes that genetic tests generally do not consider the mechanics of how DNA is organized, which may be an important foundation to understanding genetic diseases.

Reddy and her research team published results of their study published Nov. 14 in Genome Biology.

Each human cell's nucleus packs about 6 feet of tightly coiled DNA that holds the genetic instructions for every structure and function in the body. To keep the cell working, these threads of DNA must be organized into useable parts. The lamin proteins, which attach to the surface of the nucleus, do that by grabbing onto segments of the DNA, keeping them separate and tidy.

"Each compartment created by a lamin acts like a kitchen utensil drawer, keeping knives, forks and spoons easy to access, and more rarely used items like serving pieces out of the way until needed," Reddy says.

In a bid to better understand how lamins influence how the cell uses and organizes its DNA, Reddy and her team used fluorescent dyes to follow three types of lamin proteinsA, B and Cthrough cell division, when DNA from one cell is duplicated then split between two offspring cells.

While lamin B has been easy to distinguish in previous studies, lamin A and lamin C have historically been treated as duplicate proteins because they are created from the same gene, says Reddy. However, there was growing evidence that A and C type lamins had distinct roles.

To sort them out, Reddy's research team genetically engineered mouse embryonic cells to remove either the gene that creates lamin B or the gene that contains both lamins A and C. Then the researchers used microscopes to watch the lamins' behaviors and whether the cells' nuclear DNA remained organized as it divided.

The research team found that nuclear DNA in cells lacking lamin B looked nearly the same as normal cells dividing, implying that lamin B may not be essential to reorganizing DNA after cell division. However, nuclear DNA in cells lacking lamins A and C did not reorganize neatly, becoming tangled and unsorted from its normal compartments within the nucleus.

"It looked like there was a rowdy party in the normally well-organized kitchen," says Reddy, of the cells lacking lamins A and C. "Things were not in their places and the strands of active and inactive DNA were intermingled and separated from the lamins at the edge of the nucleus."

Next, the researchers used a series of specialized chemical reagents to disable either lamin A or lamin C in the mouse cells, enabling them to test each protein independently.

Cells without lamin A seemed able to reorganize after cell division as efficiently as normal cells. However, the nuclear DNA organization again fell into disarray in cells without lamin C.

Reddy says a reason for this distinction was revealed in the behavior of lamin C in dividing cells. Her team found that while lamins A and B quickly bind to the surface of a newly forming nucleus and begin grabbing sections of DNA, lamin C remains dispersed throughout the nucleus and retains a special molecular tag called phosphorylation. The researchers believe this suggests that this modified lamin C helps guide DNA into place during reorganization. Once the DNA is organized, lamin C loses its molecular tag and becomes associated with the rest of the lamins at the edge of the nucleus.

"There is this exquisite choreography of the different lamin proteins and DNA to get things just as they should be," says Reddy.

The findings suggest that new tests could be developed that distinguish between lamins A and C and should be considered when screening for some genetic diseases that involve lamin proteins or other proteins at the edge of the nucleus.

The gene that codes for lamins A and C are associated with inherited diseases that include three forms of muscular dystrophy: familial partial lipodystrophy, a condition that causes abnormal distribution of fatty tissue; progeria; and several heart muscle disorders.

The researchers note that these results bring up several new questions, including the role lamins have in organizing and regulating DNA during development. The team hopes to identify how lamin proteins and the genome behave when one specific type of lamin is mutated or disrupted, since there appears to be some cross-talk between the different forms of lamins. They also plan to investigate the cellular pathways that control the lamin proteins, particularly for lamin C, to further distinguish the importance of its role in controlling DNA.

Other researchers involved in this study include Xianrong Wong, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the A*Star institute in Singapore; Victoria E. Hoskins, Ashley Melendez-Perez, and Molly Gordon from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Jennifer C Harr of the St. Mary's University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Explore further Organizing a cell's genetic material from the sidelines

More information: Xianrong Wong et al, Lamin C is required to establish genome organization after mitosis, Genome Biology (2021). Journal information: Genome Biology Xianrong Wong et al, Lamin C is required to establish genome organization after mitosis,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s13059-021-02516-7
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Nurses stepped up to the challenge of caring for patients during the pandemic, and over 1,150 of us have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. As cases and deaths surge, nurses continue working in a broken system with minimal support and resources to care for critically sick patients, many of whom will still die.

We are nurses and nurse scientists who study nurse well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of our studies, which asks health care workers to share voicemails about their experience providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, is ongoing. What we have found across our studies is that nurses are struggling, and without help from both the public and health care systems they may they leave nursing altogether.

To help you understand their experiences, here are the five key takeaways from our studies on what nursing has been like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Calling nurses 'heroes' is a harmful narrative

Nurses demonstrated that they will do almost anything for their patients, even risking their own lives. As of the end of December 2020, more than 1.6 million health care workers worldwide had been infected by COVID-19, and nurses make up the largest affected group in many countries.

For this, nurses have been hailed as heroes. But this can be a dangerous label with negative consequences. With this hero narrative, expectations of what nurses should do become unrealistic, such as working with inadequate resources, staffing and safety precautions. Consequently, it becomes normalized for nurses to work longer hours or extra shifts without consideration for how this may affect them personally.

This ultimately could result in nurses' leaving the profession because of burnout. A survey conducted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses of over 6,000 ICU nurses found that 66% of respondents were considering leaving nursing as a result of their care experiences during the pandemic. Similarly, we found that 67% of nurses under 30 are considering leaving their organizations within the next two years.

The nurses in our studies put the needs of their patients and society above their own. This is how one young nurse described their experience caring for COVID-19 patients without any safety guidance: "There was a palpable tenseness being there  nobody knew what was going on or what was expected. There was no real protocol yet. If a patient was admitted and you had to take care of one, you kind of felt like you were being thrown to the wolves as an experiment."

2. Nurses lack adequate resources or support

Nurses have cared for patients despite working in hazardous work environments. While some health care organizations have offered increased pay to travel nurses, or contracted temp nurses to address staffing shortages, that offer hasn't been extended to their full-time staff. Many organizations instead require overtime and don't provide adequate resources, such as personal protective equipment or support personnel, for safe patient care. This has left many nurses feeling unappreciated, undervalued and unsafe.

As one nurse from our study explained: "Lack of resources, lack of staffing, lack of getting all our concerns addressed, things like that. Those are very draining, especially when we're supposed to provide patient care and do a good job.  All the drama from work and things like that, those don't help. If anything, it just makes the environment more toxic and unbearable, definitely, and at one point, it will start affecting  your mental health and your physical health, even your spiritual health."

3. Nurses lost trust in health care organizations

Nurses said they struggled with rapidly changing policies and procedures. Even when they were given information about these changes, many health care organizations weren't transparent about the reasons behind them and expected nurses to just roll with the punches.

Even worse, some health care organizations gaslit nurses for being concerned for their own safety. One young inpatient nurse, for example, described frustrations with lack of communication from management: "They just weren't telling us much of anything. We have three managers and seven clinical coordinators on our unit. There were definitely enough people to be sending emails and to be giving updates, but they were so unsure as well that they just kind of opted for radio silence, which was really frustrating and made the whole situation more challenging. When they were giving us information, a lot of it was, you guys are overreacting. You don't need to wear N95s all the time."

The safety sacrifices nurses have made for their organizations and patients has led to severe mental health consequences. In one study of 472 nurses in California, 79.7% reported anxiety and 19% met the clinical criteria for major depression.

Another nurse in our study had a similar experience: "Our policies were changing so rapidly that oftentimes anesthesia would have a different understanding [of the policy], the doctors and residents would have a different understanding, and nursing would have gotten a different email always within like a half-hour. It was extremely frustrating. It was very, very stressful."

4. Nurses experience morally traumatic events

Nurses have been exposed to a substantial amount of moral injury, which occurs when they witness, perpetuate or fail to prevent something that contradicts their beliefs and expectations.

Not only have nurses seen a high volume of deaths every day, but they have also been placed in morally difficult situations due to resource shortages, such as oxygen supplies, ECMO machines that support heart and lung function, and hospital beds and staff. Even more routine aspects of care, such as basic hygiene, were neglected, further contributing to nurse moral distress.

One nurse in our study described their experience of moral distress in making life support decisions for patients: "We were told very early on  if this person needs a ventilator, they are not going to get it. So, in a way, we were determining code status without really consulting the patient, which to me is very problematic and unethical."

5. Nurses are frustrated by the public's not taking the pandemic seriously

Masks and vaccines are proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet some Americans still refuse to mask, and, as of Nov. 1, 2021, only 67% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

According to the CDC, 92% of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and 91% of COVID-19-related deaths, were among individuals who were not fully vaccinated between April and July 2021. Conversely, only 8% of COVID-19 cases and 9% of deaths were among fully vaccinated individuals.

Nurses care for patients regardless of vaccination status. Unfortunately, what the public may not realize is that their decision to decline vaccination or masking has serious consequences not only for nurses, but also their friends and community members. When hospital systems are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, there may be limited staff or resources to help those who need care for other medical emergencies. This is a frustrating experience for nurses who find themselves unable both to care for every patient in need and to protect people from contracting COVID-19.

A nurse in one of our studies recalled having to chase after an unvaccinated pregnant person with COVID-19 who attempted to leave the ICU against medical advice, despite the risk that she might infect other people: "This was so early [in the pandemic], we didn't know how far [the virus] would travel. So I'm, like, is she going infect the staff in the lobby? Are there people down there? You know, she's just going to go home and give this to her newborn. And  her husband looked at me and said, you know, basically Western medicine isn't real and this isn't real and I'm, like, OK, this is real. And I'm, like, you're going to give it to your newborn and your five kids."

How you can help nurses

As the pandemic continues to overwhelm hospitals and communities across the U.S., its effects on nurses need to be carefully considered. Exhausted and demoralized nurses are already quitting or retiring at alarming rates.

Only time will tell what long-term effects the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the nursing profession. But the public and health care organizations can step up to help nurses now by increasing access to mental health support and providing adequate resources, safe working conditions and organizational transparency during times of immense change. And everyone can help by protecting themselves from COVID-19 through masking and vaccination.

Explore further US nurses working in critical care have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Results from two early clinical studies show the first version of an oral PCSK9-inhibitor cholesterol-lowering medicine was well tolerated and highly effective at reducing high levels of LDL cholesterol, according to late-breaking research presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021.

PCSK9 inhibitor medicines work by blocking a liver protein that helps to destroy LDL cholesterol receptors on the surface of cells. Those receptors are responsible for taking cholesterol out of the blood stream. With more receptors active, more LDL can be removed from the blood stream. Currently, PCSK9 inhibitors are only available by injection. This study is the first human data on the new medication called MK-0616, which is an oral version of a PCSK9 inhibitor.

"In spite of how difficult it has been historically to identify and develop oral PCSK9 inhibitors, our goal is to deliver a simple oral medication to help patients lower their bad cholesterol," said lead study author Douglas Johns, Ph.D., FAHA, clinical director of translational medicine/clinical pharmacology at Merck Research Laboratories. "We used novel technology and medicinal chemistry to identify a moleculeMK-0616that can be administered orally to block the PCSK9 protein, subsequently helping lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol that can build up in arteries."

MK-0616 reduced LDL cholesterol without causing serious side effects or death when taken as once daily oral doses of up to 300 milligrams alone in healthy men, or in combination with statins among men and women with high cholesterol.

"I believe this is the first report of successful oral absorption of a synthesized cyclic peptide like MK-0616 in people," said Johns. "We were pleased that it appeared to be consistently absorbed and concentrated in patients' blood, and that it reduced cholesterol levels so effectively."

The first study of MK-0616 included 60 healthy male volunteers, ages 18-50. Fifty-one participants in the randomized study received single oral doses of MK-0616, ranging from 10 to 300 milligrams, while 23 received at least one dose of a placebo. The study was a "cross-over" design, so some participants received MK-0616 during one period, then "crossed over" to placebo during another period. In each period, 75% of participants received MK-0616 and 25% received a placebo. Researchers found that MK-0616 reduced levels of PCSK9 that contribute to high LDL cholesterol by more than 90% from baseline at all single-dose levels tested.

The second study of MK-0616 included 40 male and female volunteers, ages 18-65, who had already been taking statin medications to control their cholesterol levels for at least three months. In this study, 75% (31) participants received a once-daily oral dose of 10 milligrams or 20 milligrams of MK-0616, while 25% (9) received a placeboboth groups receiving them in addition to their current statin therapy. MK-0616 lowered participants' blood cholesterol by approximately 65% from baseline levels after 14 days of treatment. Patients treated with the placebo had less than 5% reduction in cholesterol measures compared to baseline.

"The initial results are encouraging; however, more clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings, given limited clinical experience with the molecule MK-0616," said Johns.
An apothecary measures medicine at a hospital in China. Credit: Kristoffer Trolle, CC BY 2.0

As Asia Pacific emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the region plans to fall back on traditional and complementary medicine to enhance health care delivery with support from the WHO.

At a meeting of the WHO's Western Pacific Region on 28 October, health ministers adopted a resolution to improve access to safe, effective and "culturally accepted services" to harness the role of traditional and complementary medicine for health and well-being.

Takeshi Kasai, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, explains: "Traditional and complementary medicine services that are evidence-based, safe and of assured quality are valuable in contributing to a holistic, patient-centered approach to achieve health and well-being."

Kasai adds that traditional medicine can play a particularly important role in the health and well-being of aging populations and people with chronic conditions.

WHO will provide technical support to the 37-member states of the region, home to 1.9 billion people, to help develop, update and implement national guidelines, strategies and tools, increase long-term investments in traditional and complementary medicines and strengthen public and consumer education to enable informed decision-making.

Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, director of the Philippine's Food and Nutrition Research Institute, says that the WHO commitment to traditional and complementary medicines is a very good move and one that gives importance to age-old knowledge passed on through generations.

For instance, virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been traditionally used in the Philippines with the long-held belief of antiviral properties.

"Using this knowledge, we decided to put this to test and see whether we can use it in the fight against COVID-19," she says. "Results of our studies have shown that it's possible to use virgin coconut oil as adjunctive therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with those given VCO every meal, three times a day, avoided progressing to severe cases. The intervention resulted to savings of millions of pesos in possible expenses for severe cases."

Promoting healthy schools

The promotion and development of traditional and complementary medicines can help bring a shift from a disease-oriented approach to health to one that is person- and community-oriented, the meeting noted. Included is a plan is to develop policy and program innovations to foster schools as environments that invest in health.

"As many as 611 million children and adolescents call the Western Pacific region home, and most spend a third of their time each year in school," says Kasai. "That is why we need a special focus on health in schoolsto address the risks children and adolescents face to their health today and help them to form habits that will be a foundation for long, healthy lives."

Nutrition is also a key challenge for the region given that an estimated 12 million children having stunted growth. In addition, injuries, violence, substance abuse, mental health conditions and unsafe environments are common problems.

"We have an opportunity to act now to change the future by investing in schools as 'incubators' for health. They have a critical role, not only in supporting children in their academic learning but also in influencing them to be healthier and achieve their highest capability and potential," Kasai says.

Governments may consider context-specific development and full utilization of traditional and complementary medicines to ensure quality and safety of services, the meeting heard. Countries may develop models for service delivery that are complementary to broader health systems and based on the context and needs of the population.

"Whether it's to treat ailments or promote health, traditional and complementary medicine is used extensively by people in the Western Pacific, but its practice varies widely, depending on the social and cultural context," Kasai says.

He says that there is evidence to support the assertion that traditional and complementary medicines help improve quality of life. He adds that traditional medicine can play a particularly important role in the health and well-being of aging populations and people with chronic conditions.

During the same event, Japan's Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Shigeyuki Goto said the member countries had much to learn from Japan's experience in confronting the pandemic.

"Among the G7 nations, Japan has the lowest number of COVID-19 deaths, and we were able to safely host the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games thanks to all the preventative measures taken, including a focus on the '3 C's'avoiding closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings. "

However, countries in the Asia Pacific especially those from South-East Asia, consistently lagged in COVID-19 resilience assessments. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are in the bottom six for the second consecutive month in the Bloomberg resiliency ranking.

Maria Rosario Vergeire, undersecretary for health in the Philippines says the actions taken by her country against COVID-19 cannot be compared to those in countries like the US where the health system was "already robust, being a high-income country."

"We cannot compare an apple with an orange," Vergeire said. "When the pandemic hit, we saw the stark difference across different countries. Some had the resources and the vaccine manufacturers. So definitely these high-income countries will have the biggest share of the vaccines."

Explore further Asia Pacific promotes health at reopened schools

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Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures with Arzou Miah, as he visits Woodgrange GP Surgery vaccination centre, in East London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: Jeremy Selwyn, Pool Photo via AP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Monday of a "blizzard" of new coronavirus infections coming into the U.K. from continental Europe, as his government extended the vaccine booster program to younger people in an effort to bolster waning immunity levels during the winter months.

With concerns mounting about a new wave of the pandemic in Europe, the independent body of scientists that makes vaccine recommendations to the British government said people aged 40 to 49 will also be eligible for a vaccine booster shot six months after their initial shot.

Up until now, people aged 50 and over, as well as those working in hospitals and care homes, and younger people deemed to be vulnerable, had been eligible for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine boosters.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization also said that second doses of the Pfizer vaccine have also been approved for 16 and 17-year-olds 12 weeks after their first. There has been no change in the advise for 12-15-year-olds, with the U.K. still only offering a single dose of vaccine.

It said the the broadening of the booster campaign and the offer of a second jab to older teenagers will "help extend our protection into 2022."

Accepting the recommendations, Johnson urged people to get their booster to get the extra level of protection as pandemic "storm clouds" were gathering over Europe, which has seen fresh lockdowns imposed in Austria and the Netherlands.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left poses for a selfie with Arzou Miah, as he visits Woodgrange GP Surgery vaccination centre, in East London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: Jeremy Selwyn, Pool Photo via AP

"A new wave of COVID has steadily swept through central Europe and is now affecting our nearest neighbours in Western Europe," he said. "Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions, from full lockdowns, to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours and restrictions on social gatherings."

Compared to most other countries in Europe, the U.K. has recorded high, but relatively stable, levels of coronavirus infections in recent months following the lifting of most restrictions in the summer. However, in the past few weeks, a number of European countries have seen sharp infection spikes, prompting renewed concerns about the outlook for the U.K.

"We don't yet know the extent to which this new wave will wash up on our shores, but history shows we cannot afford to be complacent," Johnson said.

There have been signs over the past few days of a renewed uptick in cases in the U.K. particularly among students. More than 260,000 confirmed infections were recorded in the past week, up 6% on the previous week.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left watches as Arzou Miah receives a COVID-19 jab, as he visits Woodgrange GP Surgery vaccination centre, in East London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: Jeremy Selwyn, Pool Photo via AP

The government has so far resisted reimposing mandatory laws such as requiring people to wear masks indoors or introducing vaccine passports.

Johnson said there was nothing currently in the data which suggested a need to increase restrictions in England, under its contingency Plan B though he would not rule out more restrictions if the pressure on the National Health Service becomes untenable. Currently, the number of people in hospital with the virus is around 8,500, which though high is far down on the near 40,000 in January. Daily COVID deaths are running at around 150, taking the total to nearly 143,000, Europe's second highest behind Russia.

A raft of evidence over recent weeks has shown that immunity levels among double-jabbed individuals starts to wane a few months after the second dose of vaccine, though they are still far less likely to suffer severe disease than those who are unvaccinated.

"What's happening is if you can get your booster then your immunity goes right back up to 95%," he said. "So far we've got 75% of everybody over 70 getting a booster, that's a huge number of people, but it's that further 25% that will make all the difference to winter, to Christmas, to our plans going forward, because it's that extra level of protection that we really need."

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson drinks a hot beverage as he visits Woodgrange GP Surgery vaccination centre, in East London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: Jeremy Selwyn, Pool Photo via AP

Wei Shen Lim, chairman of the COVID-19 subcommittee of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, speaks during a press conference at Downing Street in London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool

The expansion of the booster program comes as a new study from the U.K. Health Security Agency showed adults over 50 had at least 93% reduced risk of getting a symptomatic case of COVID-19 two weeks after their booster.

The government's chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty, said more restrictions may be necessary if cases start to rise at the same pace as some countries in Europe.

"They're not currently going up in the kind of numbers you're seeing in continental Europe, but obviously if they did that would be a situation where we would have to look again," he said.

"I think we have got a difficult winter ahead of us," he added.

Explore further Do you need a booster after getting COVID-19?

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
University Junior Faculty Scholar Awards honor faculty who have demonstrated great potential in research or artistry and have achieved significant standing in their fields. Candidates for the award must have the rank of assistant professor by the due date of the nomination.

Carolyn Hardin received the University Junior Faculty Scholar Award for a faculty member in the humanities and creative arts

Hardin has gained international acclaim as an interdisciplinary scholar, bringing together economic and critical humanities approaches to understand phenomena ranging from the financial crisis of 2007-09 and neoliberalism to individual retirement investing and prepaid debit cards, a nominator wrote.

Hardins research falls into the interdisciplinary subfields of critical finance studies and cultural economy of finance  each of which draws scholars from disciplines including geography, anthropology, sociology, American studies, media studies and more to interrogate the cultural and material constitution of the taken-for-granted economic and financial spheres, a nominator wrote.

The assistant professor with a joint appointment in the department of media, journalism and film and the department of global and intercultural studies joined Miami in 2016. Since then, Hardin has produced original research, presented at numerous conferences, worked with students on innovative research and has been promoted from reviews and commentary editor to associate editor and finally co-editor-in-chief of The Journal of Cultural Economy, the premiere international journal in her field.

Her research on such topics as the visualization of individual retirement savings accounts in online platforms and the use of prepaid debit cards by black consumers has been published in leading journals, including the American Studies Association flagship journal, American Quarterly.

Her book on the financial crisis is forthcoming from Duke University Press, and she contributed a co-authored chapter to the first edition of the Routledge Handbook of Critical Finance Studies.

Hardin, who earned a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has received five grants since 2017 from Miami University College of Arts and Science, the Humanities Center and Committee for Faculty Research.

What makes Hardin stand out as a scholar, another nominator said, is the quality of her work as well as the important interventions that her research makes in the fields of finance, cultural studies and American studies and the important ways that she is able to communicate her research to various segments of the public.

Her unique and important scholarly interventions also serve to make her a professor that is in high demand and is exemplary of the teacher-scholar model that is promoted at Miami University."

Andrew Jones received the University Junior Faculty Scholar Award for a faculty member in applied and natural sciences

Jones is an accomplished researcher who has already enhanced the reputation of Miami University through his research on biochemical routes for production of psychedelic compounds. One nominator said, In an academic career of less than four years, Jones has already demonstrated the excellence in bioengineering research that indicates that he will have a lasting impact on the field over the next several decades.

His research focuses on engineering microorganisms for production of psychedelic compounds that have potential for use as medicines to treat addiction and clinical depression. He uses a biologists toolbox with an engineers eye toward solving the problem of how to economically, reliably and renewably manufacture them.

Jones was the first person to report a new approach to the production of psilocybin by E. coli. Psilocybin, the psychoactive component of magic mushrooms, is currently being tested in treatments of depression, anxiety and PTSD.

His discovery has led to a $1 million research grant to extend these studies; two current patents; and the creation of a start-up company  PsyBio Therapeutics Corp  to commercialize his work. Jones serves as the chairman of the scientific advisory board of the company.

His research impacts not only the body of knowledge surrounding bioengineering, but also commercial ventures to transfer psychedelics from curiosity to an actual pharmaceutical product that has the potential to help millions of people, a nominator said.

Joness nominators highlighted his success at mentoring undergraduate students, particularly in a department that does not have a doctoral program. Talented undergraduates have played a large role in the research results produced in his lab.

Jones was recognized with the 2020 American Institute of Chemical Engineers 35 under 35 Award  Bioengineering Category.

He received his doctorate from Rensselaer Polytechnic University in 2016, and served as a visiting assistant professor at Hamilton College from 2016-2017 before joining Miami in 2017.

Jessica McCarty received the Junior Faculty Scholar Award for a faculty member in business, education and social sciences

McCarty is a leading scientist in the field of geospatial technologies. Her research focuses on using geospatial and remote sensing science and technology to monitor and predict wildland and human-caused fire, greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on air quality, in addition to applications in food security, land-cover/land-use change and climate change.

Since joining Miami in 2017, she has received seven external research awards in support of her work, including funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, the USDA and the United Nations. She has received nearly $5 million in external research funding since 2010. Each of these research projects is highly interdisciplinary, involving not only geospatial scientists, but linking together political science, ecology, atmospheric science, landscape management, economics and agriculture.

She is a U.S. representative to the Arctic Councils Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programmes Expert Group on Black Carbon and Methane, the United Nations Environmental Programmes Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes Working Group on Biomass Burning, and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations special working group, FIRE$: Economic Drivers of Global Wildland Fire Activity.

Her nominators said that McCarty has already had a profound impact in the geography department, raising its profile through her prolific research output and securing grant funding for students. She has enhanced Miamis Geospatial Analysis Center, becoming its first official director and securing grant funding for a research staff member. The center was selected by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution to host the inaugural Diversity in Environment and Health Internship Program.

McCarty's expertise in the field of geospatial technologies is widely recognized through her research publications in top-tier journals. She is author/coauthor of more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and three book chapters, among other publications, and a NASA Technology Transfer.

She has made many media appearances as a climate/biomass burning expert for outlets such as New Scientist, The Atlantic, Mashable, Vice, Wired and others, and was a much sought-after expert by general news outlets and scientific magazines following the Greenland wildfire in 2018 and wildfires in Siberia.

She was also an invited deputy chair for the International Association of Wildland Fires Third International Smoke Symposium in 2020.

McCarty received her doctorate from the University of Maryland in 2009. Prior to joining Miami, she served as assistant professor at the University of Louisville (2008-2011), adjunct assistant professor at Michigan Technological University and Research Scientist/Engineer II (2011-2017) at Michigan Tech Research Institute.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced the reorganization and designation of the heads of its three divisions.
The Montana Museum of Art and Culture has a new design and location for its long-awaited building.

In the new plan, the structure will be a signature feature of the University of Montana's campus, said Rafael Chacon, the MMACs director.

The location has been moved to the north end of campus from a prior proposal at Arthur and University avenues.

The building, roughly 17,000 square feet total with a much smaller footprint, will be located in the upper northeast corner of Parking Lot P, across from the Student Rec Center. The north-south street that now connects South Sixth and South Fifth will be moved to the west side of the new MMAC, and the old street will be converted for bicycle and pedestrian use.

That's part of a long-term master plan that dates back to former President George Dennison's tenure, said Jameel Chaudhry, associate director of planning, design and construction in Facilities Services.

The number of parking spots that will go away isn't "substantial" and "we're able to create cyclist and pedestrian amenities that probably outweigh the loss of parking," Chaudhry said.

The location will provide visibility toward downtown and act as the linchpin of a new arts corridor, Chacon said. Surrounded by greenways with native plants and room for public sculpture, it will lie next to an extension of Memorial Row that will eventually reach from the pedestrian bridge through the heart of campus.

The design itself is a sculptural and a visual or aesthetic statement, he said.

The heart of the conversation was really the functions of the museum and providing access to a collection that has been 125 years  its been in a vault, he said. The MMACs collection is currently held in storage on campus and shown piecemeal in two small galleries in the Performing Arts Radio and Television Center.

The building should go a long way to establishing us as a credible institution on campus, Chacon said. Its long suffered from a lack of identity and its not uncommon for students or the public to get stumped on where or what the MMAC is.

The curvy new structure will have two stories and a basement. The ground floor will feature glass-walled classroom spaces for expanded educational offerings. The second floor is dedicated to the exhibition galleries.

The idea is to have a very large open space that allows us to change the installation of the Permanent Collection as we see fit, Chacon said. That floor also has room for smaller pocket installations.

The new building will be geared toward exhibiting the Permanent Collection, while the Paxson and Meloy galleries in PAR/TV Center will continue to be used primarily for rotating exhibitions.

Chacon estimates that they can now exhibit only about 2% of the collection at a given time. He estimates that theyve shown 40% of it each year for the past two years.

What this building will afford us is the opportunity then to exhibit the Permanent Collection 100% of the time. It will always be available to the citizens of Montana, Chacon said.

The building will also serve as the UM Anthropology Collection Facility, and Chacon hopes they can collaborate based on those holdings of Indigenous art and work with tribes on projects.

Funding the move

Prior plans were to build a structure at University and Arthur called the Montana Heritage Pavilion, which would have been a temporary home for the collection, Chacon said.

The estimated cost has increased from prior estimates of $6 million several years ago to more than $8 million for the building itself plus operations and maintenance. Its being paid for with private fundraising. Chacon said theyre close to their goals and feel confident enough to take the building to bid and to go forward with the project.

Construction could start before the end of the year and be completed by the end of 2022, he said. It will likely take another year to move and install the collection.

The museum has 2.85 full-time equivalent employees. Another effort theyre raising funds for is an education curator position, ideally by the time the new building opens.

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The deadline to find the Top Workplaces in Montana has been extended till Dec. 31. Its a great opportunity in these challenging times for employers to celebrate their efforts to meet the needs of workers and customers.

The Missoulian and Ravalli Republic are teaming with Lee Montana Newspapers in Billings, Butte and Helena to spotlight and honor Montanas top workplaces. Any organization with 35 or more employees in Montana is eligible to compete for 2022 Top Workplaces recognition.

The program identifies the best employers in the state as determined by the people who know best: the employees. Its an ideal way for employers to stand out in the job market, and its a way to make sure employers and employees are on the same page.

To nominate an employer, just go to topworkplaces.com/nominate/montana or call 406-206-9789. Anyone can nominate any organization, whether it is public, private, nonprofit, a school, or even a government agency.

Workplaces are evaluated by employees using a short 24-question survey that takes about five minutes to complete. Companies in Montana will be surveyed from October to February. Energage, the Pennsylvania-based survey partner for the project, conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media in 59 markets nationwide and surveyed more than 2 million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the past year.

For 2021, 12 companies were featured as Top Workplaces in Montana. For the 2022 campaign, the results will be announced at a virtual event and published midyear in the Missoulian, the Ravalli Republic, the Billings Gazette, the Helena Independent Record and the Montana Standard in Butte.

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PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (AP)  Bob Bondurant, a former champion race car driver who opened a high-performance driving school in 1968 and taught numerous A-list actors for their movie roles, has died. He was 88.

According to his family and the Bondurant Racing School website, Bondurant died Friday in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley. No cause of death was released.

Bondurant taught stunt driving, competition driving, police pursuit driving, evasive driving for chauffeurs and bodyguards, plus other skills, according to the website. His school has had over 500,000 graduates, it said.

Among the celebrities Bondurant instructed in road course driving for their movie roles were Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Nicolas Cage, Robert Wagner, Tim Allen and Christian Bale, according to the website.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bondurant and his family moved to California when he was 2.

He raced motorcycles on dirt tracks as a teenager before switching to cars in 1958 and racing for the Shelby American, Ferrari and Eagle teams.

Bondurant won 30 of 32 races in Corvettes from 1961-63, and he won the GT class at Le Mans in 1964, co-driving with fellow American Dan Gurney.

Badly injured in a 1967 crash at the racetrack in Watkins Glen, New York, Bondurant drafted an idea for a high-performance driving school while recuperating.

He opened the school in early 1968 at Californias Orange County International Raceway, then moved it to Ontario, California, and later Sonoma, north of San Francisco.

Bondurant relocated the driving school to Phoenix following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California.

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2003.

Bondurant is survived by his wife, Pat, who is president and CEO of the Bondurant Racing School. She vows to continue the legacy of the school.

Bob Bondurant has had a worldwide impact on the motorsports industry, and his legacy will live on eternally as the Bondurant Racing School moves forward into the future, Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese said in a statement.

Funeral plans were not immediately available Sunday.



This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Nicolas Cage's first name.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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HOUSTON (AP)  Brianna Rodriguez, who at 16 was among the youngest of the 10 people killed as the crowd surged at the Astroworld music festival in Houston, has been remembered by friends and family for her friendliness and love of dance.

Over 250 people gathered Saturday in Houston for Rodriguez's funeral, the Houston Chronicle reported. Her white casket was surrounded by flowers and balloons in pink and white  her favorite colors.

Every time she walked into a room, she would light up the room, said her friend, Ariah Herrera, 16, as she cried. She cared for everybody. She was a friend to everybody.

Rodriguez was with a group of friends at the festival on Nov. 5 when the crowd surged toward the stage during rapper Travis Scott's performance. Hundreds of people were treated for injuries sustained in the crush of bodies.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston delivered a eulogy and presented Rodriguezs parents with an American flag that flew over Congress and a Congressional resolution that recognized Rodriguez's life.

Earlier this week, Jackson Lee visited Heights High School, where Rodriguez was a junior and a member of the school's dance team.

Everyone said she was kind, Jackson Lee said. Everyone said she made them smile. In fact, I can see her now dancing in the sky.

Her father, Osvaldo Rodriguez, recalled telling her: Respect everyone. Everybody has different likes and wants in life, but if you love everyone, theyll love you back.

Jocelin Camero, 16, said Rodriguez befriended her when she was a new student in middle school.

I walked into dance class not knowing anybody, and she welcomed me, Camero said, choking back tears. She was one of the greatest friends I had.

The funeral for another Houston teen who died at the concert, 14-year-old John Hilgert, is set for Wednesday.



For more AP stories on Astroworld: https://apnews.com/hub/astroworld-festival-deaths

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Houston Chronicle.

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In Montana we do not have to worry about a knock at the door at night after which we are confronted with a gruff voice declaring, This is the state police, and we want to talk to you.

Every four years when we Montanans vote we have the opportunity to select our county sheriff, the head of law enforcement for our counties. Likewise, in our local elections, we vote for city commissioners or council members and mayors who control the city police. Local control of law enforcement is a firmly established governmental principle here in Montana and in much of the rest of the nation.

Even at the national level, police power is extraordinarily limited. The functions of the federal marshal service, the FBI and the Secret Service are quite limited and carefully laid out in statute. Whenever they are involved with local or state law enforcement, it almost always requires an invitation to assist.

Local control of law enforcement is a deep-seated belief of most Americans, emerging from a distrust of governmental power evidenced by the adoption nearly 250 years ago of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution which were written largely to limit governmental power.

Since Montana has been a state there has been no state police. County sheriffs and city or town police have always been the rule. Involvement of the state in local law enforcement was always by invitation of local law enforcement if the locals wanted such assistance or expertise. Current state law outlines the requirement for local law enforcement to request assistance and otherwise has outlined very narrowly defined areas of state investigation.

The most significant law enforcement agency at our state level is the Highway Patrol, which didnt exist in Montana between 1889 and 1935 because we didnt even have much of a highway system to patrol. Heck, we didnt even have automobiles for much of that time. But as cars became more prevalent and roads, streets and highways were developed and paid for to support automobile and truck transportation, the idea of a Highway Patrol came naturally from the obvious need. But Montana did not create a highway police, we created a patrol.

Highway patrol jurisdiction is limited to traffic-related incidents on or adjacent to highways unless the officer witnesses a crime, or unless local law enforcement officials who have appropriate jurisdiction request assistance from the state, according to a story in the Montana Free Press.

That limitation was first established upon patrol creation in 1935 and was also re-codified 64 years ago. In all that time there has been no clamor for expansion of the Highway Patrol into a state police.

Former Gallatin County Sheriff Bill Slaughter, a Republican who also served as Department of Corrections director under governors of both parties, says it well: As sheriff, Im elected by the people who are making the calls and complaints, and were responding to them. With the highway patrol, who the hell are you? You are hired by the state of Montana to do traffic enforcement.

Former Highway Patrol head Randall Yeager said, Our job is basically enforcement, education, and engineering, calling them the three Es.

The patrol is not a state police, and performs those highway-related functions within the Department of Justice, headed by the Attorney General.

So, when current GOP Attorney General Austen Knudsen recently dispatched a Highway Patrol officer to St. Peters Hospital, along with others from the department, to intervene in a medical case involving treatment for a patient with Republican Party connections, he was clearly overstepping his bounds. Way over his bounds since St. Peters also indicated that Knudsens officials threatened to use their position of power to force our doctors and nurses to practice medicine a certain way that violated their medical judgements and protocols.

The Attorney General should constrain his ambition for and abuse of power, recognize Montanas history, realize Montana has never had a state police nor have we ever indicated we want one, and start doing the job for which he was elected, which is not to head a state police force.

Evan Barrett of Butte is an award-winning producer of Montana history videos who occasionally teaches state history.

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" " Muslim women in Brooklyn hand out halal food boxes to those in need during Ramadan 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Muslim Americans gave more to charity in 2020 than non-Muslims, we found in a new study. They are also more likely to volunteer, we learned.

Only 1.1 percent of all Americans are Muslim, and their average income is lower than non-Muslims'. But as we explained in our Muslim American Giving 2021 report, their donations encompassed 1.4 percent of all giving from individuals. U.S. Muslims, a highly diverse and quickly growing minority, contributed an estimated $4.3 billion in total donations to mostly nonreligious causes over the course of the year.

As philanthropy scholars, we believe our findings are significant, not only because this is the first time that we can see the size and scope of giving by this small and highly diverse community, but also because U.S. Muslims face a great deal of discrimination.

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Giving More to Civil Rights Causes

We partnered with Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, to conduct the study. Our findings came from our survey of more than 2,000 Americans, half of whom were Muslim, that the SSRS research firm carried out from March 17 through April 7, 2021. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Participants answered questions regarding their faith customs, donation practices and volunteer work, along with which causes they support and their concerns about COVID-19. We also inquired about how economic and political uncertainty and financial well-being influenced their giving and volunteering. Finally, we also examined whether they had experienced discrimination and their views about the level of discrimination in society.

We found that Muslim Americans gave more to charity, donating an average of $3,200, in 2020, versus $1,905 for other respondents. They also differed from non-Muslims in many ways. For example, nearly 8.5 percent of Muslims' contributions supported civil rights causes, compared with 5.3 percent of the general public.

We believe this elevated level of giving reflects efforts to fight Islamophobia, a fear of Islam grounded in bigotry and hatred against Muslims. Likewise, Muslims gave more to enhance public understanding of their faith. About 6.4 percent of their giving funded religious research, compared with 4 percent from other sources.

Muslim Americans further defied Islamophobic tropes through the causes they support. For example, about 84 percent of Muslim American donations support U.S. charitable causes, with only 16 percent of this money going abroad. That conflicts with an erroneous belief that Muslim Americans mainly support overseas causes.

" " Muslims gave 14.3 percent of their non-faith giving to COVID-19 causes, something the study attributes to Muslim Americans being overrepresented among medical professionals and frontline workers. Kanawa_Studio/Getty Images

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COVID-19 Relief

The other top secular charitable priorities of Muslim Americans were domestic poverty relief and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations to causes that sought to alleviate the toll COVID-19 has taken on U.S. health, employment and food security comprised 8.8 percent of Muslim American faith-based giving, versus 5.3 percent for non-Muslims. Additionally, these donations also comprised a large part of Muslim Americans' non-faith giving. Muslims gave 14.3 percent of their non-faith giving to COVID-19 causes, a sharp contrast with others. Among the non-Muslim population we surveyed, 6.7 percent of non-faith giving backed these kinds of charities.

We attribute this pattern to the fact that Muslim Americans are overrepresented among medical professionals and frontline workers. For example, 15 percent of physicians and 11 percent of pharmacists in Michigan are Muslim Americans. In New York City, Muslim Americans make up 10 percent of the city's physicians, 13 percent of the pharmacists and 40 percent of cab drivers, all of whom were designated essential workers.

" " The stronger a Muslim American's faith, the more likely they were to give to charity, the study found. Ozgur Donmaz/Getty Images

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Faith Amplifies Giving

All observant Muslim adults with the means to do so are expected to give to charity in adherence to faith-based traditions. One, known as Zakat, is more formal and among the five pillars of Islam that Muslims are expected to adhere to. Another, sadaqah, happens voluntarily.

That made us want to see if religiosity played a role with the charitable patterns of U.S. Muslims. It turns out that Muslims who displayed higher levels of religiosity, such as by praying more often, were also more likely to give to charity than those who prayed less frequently. We found similar trends among non-Muslims.

We plan to conduct this study annually for the next four years and will keep an eye on how Muslim giving patterns change over time. Furthermore, we will add additional questions to further illuminate how faith-based and secular motivations are shaping Muslim American giving.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. You can find the original article here.

Shariq Siddiqui is an assistant professor of philanthropic Studies and director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Raseel Wasif is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Muslim Philanthropy and was a postdoctoral researcher at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University (IUPUI).
Hydrologists are looking to this winter and spring for a potential rebound from Montanas widespread drought this year, with some signs pointing to potential for above-average moisture over the next few months.

The Governors Drought Advisory Committee met earlier this month to talk about where the droughts effects persist and forecasts for long-term weather trends. Hot and dry weather hit the state and much of the West hard starting in June as streamflows dropped and moisture was sapped from soils and plants.

June was absolutely abysmal, Troy Blandford, water information system manager for the Montana State Library, told the committee.

Decent mountain snowpack was countered by below-average snow at mid and lower elevations, he said. Some better moisture in May and August was also not enough to overcome June and July, as well as a dry September for much of the state.

Compared to other dry years over the last 20 years when the U.S. Drought Monitor began, 100% of the state is in severe drought, the second highest level, with 70% reaching the third and fourth levels of extreme and exceptional drought.

If you look back across the history of the U.S. Drought Monitor, we never reached 100% in those early 2000s, 2017 did not either. Blandford said.

Moving into the fall, the southeast and northwest corners of the state have seen some improvements, while the Helena area and north along the Rocky Mountain Front trended worse.

Montanas average temperature from June through September this year was the highest on record while also recording the third-driest stretch for that time period, Arin Peters, senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, told the committee. As a whole, the state was 4.8 degrees above normal and 3.2 inches of precipitation below normal for that time period.

With continued above-normal temperatures in October, the drought has left Montana facing deficits in soil moisture with 96% of the state short to very short on top soil moisture, or the amount of moisture on average in the top layer. Many reservoirs are also several feet below normal.

In terms of streamflow, things are looking a bit better, said Aaron Fiaschetti, hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Streamflows during the drought were low but not the worst on record, he said, but currently are low but stable and winter base flows will likely trend below average. But a previous low water year is not necessarily indicative of what the water year will look like next year, he added.

Meteorologists and hydrologists are looking to the Pacific Ocean for indications on how the next few months could go and whether those deficits could be erased.

Looking forward, we have officially made it into La Nina territory, Peters said.

La Nina is characterized by strong trade winds that push more warm water towards Asia. In turn, upwelling increases, brining colder water to the surface off the coast of West Coast, pushing the jetstream north.

In terms of weather patterns, La Nina is typically marked by lower temperatures and higher-than-normal precipitation across the Northwest and Canada, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Service.

Forecasters say La Nina has a 90% chance to persist through winter and better than 50% chance through April. What that means for Montana is hard to say, Peters said.

Because we are landlocked the effects of La Nina arent nearly as great as if youre closer to the oceans, but the official three-month outlook for November, December, January does favor above-normal precipitation for pretty much the entire state, he said.

Forecasted temperatures are at about normal, Peters added.

A wild card in the forecast is the effect of back-to-back La Ninas. Although Peters described last years La Nina as kind of a dud, not a lot of data is available on what a second consecutive year could mean.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

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Property tax rebate for El Campello homes with solar energy installations



Homeowners in the Alicante town will receive a 50% IBI rebate for five years

El Campello Town Council has approved a five-year 50% rebate on Real Estate Tax (IBI) for homes that have solar panels or that install solar panels now.

The rebate will be applicable to all types of properties within the municipality. This tax deduction will take effect in the financial year following the installation by an approved company, and will be valid for five years.

The proposal was put forward by the Councillor for Finance Lourdes Llopis, who stressed that "awareness of climate change is something that both public authorities and citizens must take on board".

"Comparative studies have been carried out with other municipalities, and it was decided to subsidise solar energy with the maximum allowed by the regulations, in order to move towards sustainable development with the use of clean, renewable and alternative energy sources," she said, adding: "In recent years there have been a number of significant changes in the regulation of the use of green energy in homes, specifically in everything to do with the energy we receive from the sun, which is one of the great alternatives for users to move towards a model of self-consumption."

Solar energy represents 5% of all the renewable energy produced in Spain, and according to experts, its future lies in its widespread use in the private sector. Contact El Campello Town Hall to find out more about the IBI rebate.

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Murray State University fall enrollment indicates stability and growth in a number of key categories

By Shawn Touney | Nov 15, 2021

Murray State Universitys Fall 2021 enrollment indicates many positive trends, including stability with overall enrollment as well as continued growth in multiple student classifications.

MURRAY, Ky.  Murray State Universitys Fall 2021 enrollment indicates many positive trends, including stability with overall enrollment as well as continued growth in multiple student classifications.

Below is a snapshot of this falls enrollment:

Both first-time transfer students and first-time graduate students reflect double digit percentage increases when compared to Fall 2019 - an 11.8% increase in first-time transfer students and a nearly 30% increase in first-time graduate students from two years ago. Total graduate student enrollment of 1,692 students is the largest since 2016 and reflects a 25% increase from two years ago. Total international student enrollment of 511 students reflects a 48% increase from two years ago. This years freshman class comes from 27 different states, 77 counties in Kentucky, has 9.3% more valedictorians from last year and grew 2.7% in underrepresented minority students from Fall 2019. Total headcount as of Fall 2021 census day is 9,427 students  just 29 students fewer from last falls overall enrollment. In 2021, a total of 2,197 degrees were conferred to Murray State graduates. The student body represents 47 states, 50 countries and 113 counties in Kentucky.



"We outperformed many national enrollment trends this past year with stability and sustained growth in a number of key classifications, Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. As we approach our centennial in 2022, Murray State University will continue to provide nationally-recognized academic programs which are recognized for both quality and value at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for our students.

Murray State continues to reinforce its high-quality, high-impact, nationally-recognized best value promise that has been identified by multiple publications this fall. The University has been named a Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, one of Americas Best Colleges by Forbes, as well as a Top-Tier University by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 consecutive years.

The University offers 146 academic programs and more than 170 student organizations, encompassing a variety of shared academic and personal interests.

Murray State continues to offer financial assistance to Racers and their families. Based on the Universitys most recent annual reports, more than $115 million was awarded in financial aid and scholarships and 99 percent of Murray States freshman class received financial aid or a scholarship.

Students interested in joining the Racer Family can learn more, schedule a virtual or on-campus visit and apply for admission at admissions.murraystate.edu.
My role here is to support the work our district leaders and staff already have in place, and to make sure our district maintains its high level of compliance as well as recruitability for the future, Kroeger said. I think our administrators and staff deserve to work smarter and not harder, so anything I can do to that end is quite rewarding.

Prior to her 17 years in the Davenport school district, Kroeger received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and German from Augustana College in 2001. She also received a Master of Arts degree in human resource management from Saint Marys University of Minnesota in 2017.

Im a firm believer that most people dont find human resources; human resources finds you. A lot of HR professionals somehow find themselves in this world and you either love it or move on, she said, For me, I love it, and it has become something Im passionate about.

Kroeger said her unique perspective gained through her experience gives her an advantage.

Im well versed in HR, employment law, and public education. My depth of experiences in labor relations, negotiations, and risk management, as well as my master's degree in human resources management, makes me a well-rounded candidate for Muscatine schools, she said.
Police arrived and found one man unresponsive outside the church. A second man with gunshot wounds was found inside, police said.

Degerie Scott was taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary, where he was pronounced dead. Police said he lived in Merrillville, but a coroner's release listed a Gary address for him.

The second gunshot victim was in stable condition, Hamady said.

The gunman was described as a light-skinned black man who fled on foot, police said.

Degerie Scott's brother, Chester Scott, 44, died Oct. 20 after he crashed into a field where westbound 35th Avenue ends at Chase Street in Gary, according to a coroner's release and police.

Chester Scott had been involved in a hit-and-run crash and police chase before he crashed. Gary officers lost sight of the vehicle he was driving before the Lake County sheriff's helicopter spotted him and witnessed the crash, police said.

A viewing and funeral service for Chester Scott were Saturday morning at another church in the 1700 block of West 15th Avenue. Details of the repast luncheon at Sts. Monica and Luke Catholic Church were not included in the obituary.
A man holds a white rose, a Cuban flag and a flyer depicting an imprisoned woman as he attends a rally ahead of an opposition demonstration in Cuba, in Miami, Florida on Nov. 14, 2021.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation Monday designating Nov. 15-19 as National Apprenticeship Week in the CNMI. Looking on are Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, NMC Board Chairman Charles Cepeda, NMC Regent Irene Torres, acting Education Commissioner Eric Magofna, Northern Marianas Technical Institute Interim CEO Jodina Attao and NMTI board member Catherine Attao-Toves. Not in photo: CNMI Department of Labor Secretary Vicky I. Benavente who attended the ceremony virtually. NMC, along with its partners is working to build a registered apprenticeship program, one that will diversify and build the talent of the islands local workforce.
FNB has announced new features for the Nav tools on its mobile banking app, including the ability to buy and sell vehicles privately.

The NavCar peer-to-peer marketplace promises to allow customers to list their vehicles quickly, get an instant value estimate to ensure they are not selling for too little, and chat securely with WesBank pre-selected potential buyers.

It also lets app users find and buy one of these vehicles.

WesBank Motor CEO Ghana Msibi said the marketplace added to the holistic experience that FNB wanted to offer vehicle owners and buyers.

Through NavCar, weve already renewed and delivered over 70,000 license discs during the pandemic, helped customers pay over 200,000 fines on the go, and loaded nearly 700,000 cars in our digital garage, Msibi said.

During a virtual media briefing on Monday, FNB CEO Jacques Celliers explained the benefit of selling or buying a car through the app is that the bank handled the vetting process.

FNB clears the vehicles with the police and checks the actual owners details before the car is published on the app. It is also able to ascertain whether a potential buyer can afford the vehicle.

To access the marketplace, app users must open the nav-igate life section and select Marketplace.

You can search for a car using a variety of specifications, including price, make, model, location, mileage, and the year of manufacturing. You can also favourite vehicles that pique your interest.

Once youve found a car you want to buy, you can click on it and calculate how much your monthly instalments might be, apply for vehicle finance, or chat with the seller.

To sell your car, select Sell from the Marketplace home page.

In a future update, FNB plans to include the WesBank trusted dealer network.

The image below shows an example of a listing on the Car Marketplace on the FNB mobile app.

In addition to the car marketplace, FNB has added professional services like accountants, tutors, and GIG workers to the home services marketplace.

FNB-banked businesses can load their services, a logo, images, and a catchy description exposing their services to over 4 million app users, the bank said.

Businesses can also get paid, rated, and reviewed to help build a trusted community on the marketplace over time.

There is also a new NavMoney tool that lets users calculate their net worth.

The tool makes an auto-snapshot of a customers worth, including their home, car, investments, shares, and liabilities.

The feature provides a single view via a single and secure app, which takes the hassle out of reviewing different sources of information and managing different logins.

FNB also lets customers add assets like art, stokvels, collectables, and cryptocurrencies.

The bank will then provide users with tips to build a positive net worth and financial resilience.

The feature drives a money management community, allowing customers to share their feedback on the tool on the app and co-create the solution in collaboration with FNB, the bank said.

Now read: You could end up owing eBucks to FNB
A cryptocurrency pegged to the price of the South African Rand, ZARP, is now available on the Ovex exchange and has announced its integration with Curve and the Keep3r Network.

ZARP isnt a government-sanctioned central bank digital currency (CBDC), such as the one the Central Bank of Nigeria launched at the end of October.

ZARP is a stablecoin. Specifically, it claims to be the only bank-approved, fully backed, transparent and audited stablecoin for the South African Rand.

For every ZARP token in circulation, one South African rand is stored in the projects treasury account.

Kempen Audit conducted the last attestation report of ZARPs holdings on 19 August.

ZARP was co-founded by Simon Dingle and Kenny Inggs and was implemented as an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. It launched on Fantom today and there are plans to expand to other platforms.

Dingle is a former technology journalist and magazine editor who went on to work at several start-ups, including personal financial management tool 22seven and Luno (formerly BitX), South Africas largest centralised cryptocurrency exchange.

More recently, Dingle co-founded Inves Capital, a fintech company that specialises in digital assets and blockchain-based projects.

Inggs has had a storied career, from working as a programmer at the South African Revenue Service in his early years to co-founding several projects where he also served as CTO, including 22seven.

He has also worked as an architect at Old Mutual Bank, Shoprite, and Microsoft.

Dingle said they launched ZARP to give cryptocurrency users access to rand value on the blockchain and make the rand compatible with decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols.

We went looking for a rand stablecoin to use in our projects and were surprised to find that none existed, so we started one ourselves, he said.

A true stablecoin is backed by hard currency and is independently audited so that users can trust that it wont lose its peg or that the owners can just mint as much of it as they like, Dingle stated.

In addition to the audit from Kempen Group, ZARPs smart contract has been audited by the Solidity Finance team.

Were confident that weve ticked all the boxes in creating the ultimate stablecoin for the Rand, said Dingle.

The first centralised exchange to list ZARP is Ovex, a South African cryptocurrency platform that recently received investment from global crypto exchange giant FTX.

ZARP is also listed on Curve, an exchange liquidity pool on Ethereum designed for efficient stablecoin trading at low risk, and supplemental fee income for liquidity providers, without an opportunity cost.

Dingle said that this means that yield incentives will soon be available on Curve in ZAR value.

Curve is currently ranked as the largest DeFi protocol by the total value locked in the platform, which is $21.17 billion (R323 billion).

ZARP has also been integrated with the Keep3r Network.

Keep3r is a decentralised platform facilitating coordination between projects that need to source outside development operations, with those that can provide those required services.

Keep3r was founded by Andre Cronje, a luminary in the DeFi world who has been credited with helping to grow the field into a multi-billion dollar industry.

Before Keep3r, Cronje built Yearn Finance, which is currently the eleventh largest DeFi protocol in the space with a total value locked of $6.24 billion (R95 billion).

Asked about Keep3rs integration with ZARP, Cronje explained that the networks fixed forex capabilities replicates foreign exchange on the blockchain.

Forex markets are under-represented in the blockchain ecosystem, he said.

Stage 1 is simply on-chain liquidity for forex pairs, with stage 2 focusing on easy currency interchange, and finally stage 3 focused on decentralised on/off ramps.

ZARP allows South Africans exposure to DeFi while keeping their ZAR exposure, Cronje said.

Currently, the routes into DeFi are via ether, bitcoin, and US dollar without being able to keep a hedge with the rand  unless you use more exotic strategies.

ZARP and fixed forex, via Curve and Convex, finally allows yield products to exist on the South African rand, said Cronje.

Asked whether there are plans to support other blockchains, considering the astronomically high transaction fees on Ethereum currently, Cronje said their goal is representation on all chains.

We have a multichain deployment strategy in place. However, we need to target Ethereum first to maximise integrations, he said.

Our next target will be Fantom and then move on from there.

On the topic of drawing scrutiny from South Africas over-zealous regulators, Cronje was unconcerned.

The current regulatory focus is around exchange control, Cronje stated.

The country doesnt want to leak rand. [ZARP] allows it to stay within the bounds of exchange control.

Dingle said that ZARP being fully backed by cash reserves offers a clear path to regulation and opportunities for consumers to access practical applications for cryptocurrency without the volatility in value that non-stablecoins are prone to.

We look forward to working with local regulators in making crypto safe and trusted for South Africans.

He added that they are only making ZARP tokens available to institutional partners like Ovex, and are not directly providing wallets or any applications that use the stablecoin.

This will be up to the industry and community to provide, in accordance with regulations as they emerge, said Dingle.

ZARP is just providing a stablecoin, and our job is to make sure it is fully backed, audited, and trusted.

On whether he is concerned that their South African bank might close their account due to pressure from regulatorsas FNB has done by closing the accounts of centralised exchanges, and Standard Bank more recently did to arbitrage providersDingle was not worried.

Our banking partners have approved our business model and thoroughly interrogated our project in terms of risk, said Dingle.

Were proud of the relationship we have developed with them, and continue to work very closely with them to make sure that we are not creating risks for consumers.

One more thing

Cronje told MyBroadband that another partnership in the group hadnt been announced yet  DeFiSwitch.

It allows retail users to deposit rand and earn DeFi yields, with no fees or withdrawal and deposit limits.

DeFiSwitch will route rand in the background to ZARP, which is used in fixed forex to earn yields.

Ovex is also busy working on a payment rail solution (Zapper/Snapscan) to integrate into DeFiSwitch so that users have ease of use/access.
A 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with a reported home break-in Sunday morning in Angwin and the theft of a car that later crashed nearby, according to the Napa County Sheriffs Office.

Law enforcement officers were sent to a home in the 500 block of Linda Falls Terrace after a Buick Enclave was reported stolen, according to Sgt. Mike Milat, who said sheriffs deputies initially were called to the home to assist with a burglary investigation.

The report followed a call to the California Highway Patrol at about 3 a.m. about a car crash on a nearby road near Angwin, although officers were unable to find the wreck, according to Jaret Paulson, spokesperson for the CHP Napa bureau.

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The Angwin resident reported confronting an intruder earlier in the morning after the man had taken items from the home including car keys, credit cards, and pepper spray, Milat said.

The suspect had taken the car from the home and driven a short distance before crashing and running away on foot, according to sheriffs spokesperson Henry Wofford.

Shortly before 9 a.m., deputies learned of a burglary at another home on Linda Falls Terrace, surrounded the home, and urged anyone inside to come out, Wofford said. The suspect, identified as Chase Anthony Sinai, emerged and was detained by deputies.

Sinai, who had no listed address, was booked into the Napa County jail for investigation of felony burglary and vehicle theft, and misdemeanor vandalism, as well as a probation violation.

This story has been modified since the original posting to clarify the CHP's involvement in the investigation.
Authorities are seeking information about a shooting Saturday night in Calistoga that injured three people, including a female juvenile.

At about 9:25 p.m., at least two men fired guns after a fight broke out during a house party in the 700 block of Washington Street, according to Henry Wofford, spokesperson for the Napa County Sheriffs Office. Two men and a female minor were struck by gunfire and suffered what Wofford described as non-life-threatening injuries.

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One man was taken to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and the other to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Wofford said. The destination of the female victim was not immediately known.

Wofford did not release descriptions of the two suspected shooters, but said they were known to each other and added the attack did not appear to be random.

Calistoga Police was the first agency to respond to the shooting, but later transferred the case to the Napa County Major Crimes Task Force. The Sheriffs Office is now the lead agency in the investigation, according to Wofford.

Anyone with information about the Calistoga shooting is asked to contact sheriffs Sgt. Chris Pacheco at 707-253-4591.
Parks Victory Hospital, Jonesys Steakhouse, Carithers, Chics Burgers, Marlenes Dress Shop, Casa Lu Al, Ridgeview Junior High, Rough Rider, The Man With the Pipe, The Depot Restaurant, and on and on.

Chances are that if you recognize any of the above, youre an old-time Napan, you grew up in the valley or know someone who did.

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Someone like Cyndi DeBoard. This Napa native so appreciates that local history and legacy that in 2013 she started a Facebook page that now has some 8,000 people following it.

Called Old Photos of the Napa Valley, the Facebook page is described as a place to share all of the photos that you may have hiding in your attics or garages of how Napa used to look.

And oh how people have shared. Hundreds upon hundreds of photos of old Napa  from American Canyon, to downtown Napa, to UpValley, Lake Berryessa and more. The photo eras range from the late 1800s to recent decades such as the '70s, '80s and even '90s.

I did it mostly for me, DeBoard said about starting the private Facebook page.

I thought some of my friends would enjoy it, she said. I thought it was fun to share some old pictures I was finding online.

She started sharing the photos, and it just started growing. I didnt expect to turn into something on its own.

The Facebook page is private, only to prevent advertising or content that doesnt fit the group. To join the fun, readers only need answer one simple question: Whats your tie to Napa Valley?

I delete anything that is not an old photo or doesnt havent anything to do with Napa, said DeBoard. The idea is to Just scroll through and look at pictures.

A sentimental person, shes always been into photography, said this Napan.

The first batch of photos she posted came from a box of old pictures she inherited. Then DeBoard started looking for other old Napa photos.

I found it fascinating, she said.

So do contributors. Over the past eight years, theyve posted hundreds of photos about old Napa people, places and things.

Some of the most popular posts have been about old Napa eateries (think the Wright Spot, Chics, Fosters Freeze, Butter Cream Bakery & Diner, the Dairy Belle, Palbys and Ruffinos).

Photos of long-gone businesses such as Rough Rider, Food City, Woolworths, Helgeland, the Dream Bowl, Ruthies Queen Size Shoppe, Partricks Fine Candy and old shopping centers receive many I remember comments.

Napa County landmarks such as The Man With the Pipe, the Opera House, Lake Berryessa, the downtown clocktower, Napa State Hospital, Tulocay cemetery, Napa High School, the old Napa Mill complex and the Sam Kee Laundry building are among other well-liked posts.

DeBoard, who also has a corporate day job, said in the beginning, she contributed more frequently, but today the community has embraced the page and most posts are generated organically.

It's glimpse into what Napa used to be, said DeBoard. As a result of those contributions, Ive seen so many pictures I would have never seen.

Ill never stop it or delete it because there are way too many people involved, she said.

Now, All I do is kind of monitor, she said. I dont want to see any drama start. Its supposed to be a feel-good page. I only want it to be a nostalgic fun place for memories.

DeBoard said she misses the old Napa, and the fun we used to have, like more parades and things like the duck races, where the Napa 20-30 club dumped thousands of yellow rubber duckies into the Napa river as part of a fundraiser.

We used to focus more on local fun now its become touristy, said DeBoard. Its changed, she said. And some of those old memories are being lost as people move away, or pass on. I wish we could bring that old stuff back.

I wish I had asked my grandparents more questions," she said. "I want to hear the stories, before its too late.

When asked about why she thinks why people are so into nostalgia, DeBoard said I think you reach a certain age (where) realize how quickly time does go and how much changes.

You want to remember the old memories, she said. Its like watching your favorite movie in your head.

Upon realizing the Facebook group has topped 8,000 members, DeBoard paused for a moment. Wow. It kind of blows me away.

In fact, several of her posts have inspired Napa Valley Register stories, including a post about an artist at Napa State Hospital, found film footage of a 1966 Napa auto race and an upcoming story about Helgeland.

Stan France of Napa is a regular contributor to the page. He inherited his mother's Napa Valley postcard collection and for years they just sat on the shelf and there was no place to share them.

And then he found Old Photos of the Napa Valley.

"Its a kick, he said of the page.

It ended up to be a great place to share the postcards and I learn a lot too. You put things on there and people tell you things that are crazy. Things you never knew.

Hes posted more than 100 old postcards, said France. Its a good learning experience and also just fun to get the feedback. Its a way to reconnect also with other people that are interested in Napa history.

And its amazing the amount of people that are on that site, really.

Check out the old photos Facebook page: Old Photos of the Napa Valley: facebook.com/groups/690280067655089

Whats France posting next? Hes not sure.

I used to post a lot but Ive actually gone through my whole collection pretty much. He doesnt want to double post, said France.

Another regular contributor is Jim Pryts, who used to have a photography business in Napa. He doesnt live in Napa anymore, said Pryts, but he likes to post images on the page.

I just like old photos in general," said Pryts. "And whenever I can see another old image of the Napa Valley, I get to say, 'Wow, look at that.'"

Hes drawn to the images.

I look in these old photos and I see people looking back at (me) from decades and centuries ago. Its like they are saying I was here.

Pryts once posted a series of photos of a series of murals created by former Napa State Hospital painter, Bob Swan. As a result of that post, a number of old friends were delighted to reconnect with Swan.

That kind of takes me aback, to hear he played a part in those meaningful reunions, said Pryts.

That makes me feel really good, said DeBoard, about hearing of that mini reunion. It almost makes me tear up. We all want to do something good. If it makes one person happy, thats good.

Im really glad I started it.

You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com

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Unfortunately, what I feared came true. Incumbent mayor Gevorg Parsyan, who won Sundays local elections in Kapan, Armenia, told reporters this, referring to the announcement about setting up an Azerbaijani checkpoint at the Chakaten village section tonight.

"It is a very serious problem for us because those settlements, by and large, do not have an alternative road if that road is closed now; the only alternative is through Meghri [city]. In fact, the 7-8 km road to reach Kapan becomes 150 km [for them]. The only short alternative road that was built in the [19]90s is a through a forest and a very difficult-to-pass road on which a lot of work needs to be done. From tomorrow already we have to think about the residents of those six villages of ours," Parsyan said.

According to him, there is the option of the road through Meghri to resolve the food issue of the aforesaid settlements, and he is convinced that this issue will be resolved.

"About 600-700 people live in those six villages. The works have been carried out for two days already, since the day when a customs checkpoint [of Azerbaijan] was set up in Vorotan [village] section. We will definitely collaborate with the executive [branch of] power at all official levels; it is inevitable, as Kapan is a community, a part of the state, we must overcome all this together. On June 20, the people made their choice [in the snap parliamentary elections], authorities have been formed and whose head is [PM] Nikol Pashinyan, there is a government, local self-government bodies, collaboration is inevitable," Gevorg Parsyan said.
They have returned from Chakaten about an hour ago, the enemys heavy equipment was working; 10-15 armed people were monitoring the process. The mayor of Armenias Chakaten village, Ara Harutyunyan, told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am Sunday night, referring to the National Security Service (NSS) statement about the setting up of an Azerbaijani customs checkpoint near their village as of tonight.

"I arrived in Kapan [city], in an hour the fellow villagers had come down following me, they had already seen 100-120 soldiers in the area, some of whom were masked, they had already set up barricades on the right and left sides of the road on the way to Chakaten village; so, [Armenian] trucks, military vehicles can no longer pass through that section. A citizen passing through that section 20 minutes ago was met by NSS officers and escorted the car to the Chakaten. That is, the same story was repeated as in Vorotan [village]; even worse, and the road is already closed for us. There are six villages there, we have troops. No one called, came from the authorities, not even from the provincial hall. How long can I give a guarantee to our fellow villagers?" he said.

The head of Chakaten said that on Saturday it was calm in the area as of 2pm, but the Azerbaijani customs checkpoint construction work had started at 4pm.

"In 24 hours, they [the Azerbaijanis] built everything, closed [it], washed their hands, and left, whereas we are still thinking of an alternative road. It is impossible to through the forest road, you cannot even climb on foot. I do not even know how I will go [back] to the village, we have children who have to go to school," he added.

Earlier, the NSS informed that as of 12am Monday, the Azerbaijani side will set up a checkpoint to carry out border and customs control on the now-Azerbaijani-controlled section of the Kapan-Chakaten motorway.
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Commander of Russian airbase in Armenia: Ready to perform tasks as intended

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President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko says the Belarusian authorities are ready to send the refugees from Eastern countries and Asia  accumulated in Belarus and heading towards the European Union through a transit road  to their homeland, but the refugees dont want to go back home, BELTA reported on Monday.

According to BELTA, Lukashenko made this statement during a meeting with the task force in charge of developing the final draft of the Constitution.

Recently, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland were reporting the growth of the number of illegal migrants from the Middle East and Africa who were arrested on the border with Belarus and were blaming Minsk for causing the migration crisis. Minsk refutes all the allegations. In regard to the situation, the President of Belarus declared a state of emergency in the territories bordering Belarus and engaged the army and police in border protection. Lukashenko stated that Minsk will no longer restrain the flow of illegal migrants to EU countries, adding that there is neither money nor power for that due to sanctions from the West. Belarusian border guards have declared several times that Lithuania, Poland and Latvia have forcefully exiled the migrants to the territory of Belarus. Last week, a spontaneous camp of nearly 2,000 refugees was formed near the border between Belarus and Poland.
On November 14, at around 1pm, units of the Azerbaijani armed forceswith the support of armored vehiclesinvaded the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia (RA) in one of the eastern sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The Security Council of Armenia noted this in a statement it issued Monday. The statement continues as follows:

"As a result of the actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, four combat positions of the Armenian Armed Forces had ended up in a blockade. As a result of negotiations, the Azerbaijani military equipment and troops that invaded the RA sovereign territory came out of the RA territory, the units of the RA Armed Forces were taken out from the above-mentioned four combat positions. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani servicemen who invaded the RA sovereign territory back in May of this year continue to be deployed in the mentioned section.

The rumors that an order has been issued by the superior command of the RA Armed Forces or the political authorities not to show resistance do not correspond to reality. The Security Council of the Republic of Armenia instructed the relevant bodies to conduct a proper investigation of the incident.

The Security Council draws the attention of the Russian Federation, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and the international community to the continuing aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, and stresses that these actions are directed against the sovereignty, territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, and regional security and stability, as well as contradict the provisions of the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020

The Security Council of the Republic of Armenia expresses the determination of the authorities and the people to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the homeland.

Reflecting on the Goris-Kapan and Kapan-Chakaten motorways sections under the control of Azerbaijan, we consider it necessary to emphasize that according to the documents of direct legal significance related to the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan during the USSR years, they are not in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. The Government of the Republic of Armenia has taken measures to create a new network of alternative roads in Syunik Province, and these works will be completed in the near future. We consider it necessary to emphasize that no settlement of the Republic of Armenia is deprived of a road for ensuring way of life.

The Security Council of the Republic of Armenia continues to emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border situation; i.e., the mirror withdrawal of [Armenian and Azerbaijani] troops from the de jure established border of Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan, and the start of the border demarcation and delimitation process under international auspices.

Also, we call on the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to intensify [their] efforts for a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."
It is necessary to understand that the Armenian and Ukrainian peoples are fraternal, and this is irrefutable. This is what Peoples Deputy of Ukraine, Head of the Armenia-Ukraine Interparliamentary Friendship Group Artyom Dmitruk told reporters during the concluding conference of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine held in Yerevan today.

According to him, the main emphasis should be placed on the friendship between the two peoples. Today, a lot of work has to be done to strengthen the friendship. The President of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine works hard. As far as the political statements and political dialogue are concerned, they exist. I am a deputy who received the votes of the people and have all the rights to present certain political moods of my country, and this concerns not only me, but also the other deputies of the Ukrainian parliament, Dmitruk said, adding that Armenia and Ukraine need to have friendly ties and cooperate in various sectors, including trade.

We need to support each other so that there is always an opportunity to extend a helping hand to the Armenians and Ukrainians, the Ukrainian MP mentioned.
Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan welcomes the fact that Suren Papikyan has been appointed Minister of Defense.

I believe Mr. Papikyans appointment is very correct and commendable, Simonyan said while talking about the personnel change in the Ministry of Defense during a conversation with reports.

According to him, Arshak Karapetyan was relieved of the post of defense minister upon the decision of the Prime Minister, and Nikol Pashinyan informed the public about this. As for Suren Papikyan, he is very hard-working and is completely aware of the situation.

In response to a specifying question whether Papikyan knows everything about the activities of the army, the parliamentary speaker said the following: It is necessary to differentiate merely professional knowledge, and this is the function of the chief of the General Staff. The position of minister is a political position. As for knowing everything, I assure you that Mr. Papikyan is going to be one of the best defense ministers in the history of Armenia.
There is no such thing, it was also stated in the statement of the Security Council. This is what Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan told reporters today, touching upon the question whether there are territories in Armenia that are now under Azerbaijans control. Simonyan mentioned that there are quite a lot of speculations. He advised to not use the word transfer and added that there hasnt been any discussion on transferring anything.

Checkpoints were set up in the territories that are considered a part of Azerbaijan. No settlement of the Republic of Armenia is cut off from the Republic of Armenia, he said.

Asked how is it that Azerbaijan refers to particular territories as its territory when there hasnt been delimitation and demarcation, Simonyan said in 2010, Armenia adopted an administrative law that separated those territories, and there are maps that have existed since the Soviet era under which Armenia declared its independence. The parliamentary speaker said the Azerbaijani troops will retreat to their positions, if demarcation and delimitation show that they need to retreat. He stressed that the actions of Azerbaijan dont arise from the statement of November 9, 2020 and that Armenia will discuss this issue with the partners from Russia.

Simonyan informed that the contingent that came forward has been pushed back through negotiations. The four military bases arent being controlled by anyone, meaning there are no Azerbaijani contingents there. Its clear that the territory is Armenian territory, and we will prove this during demarcation and delimitation and take actions, he said.
Today the opposition Armenia and With Honor factions of the National Assembly of Armenia undertook the initiative to convene a special plenary session to discuss the current situation on the border so that government officials, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, give clarifications to the parliament.

However, the special session wont be held since the issue wasnt discussed during the session of the Council of the National Assembly.

After the session, Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan informed that a draft document needed to be submitted for consideration during the session of the Council, but, according to him, the document was incomplete from the legal perspective. They [the opposition] bring the documents to convene a plenary session, but it turns out that they havent stated who the reporter will be. Let them bring a document, and the session will be held, he added.

During the conversation with reporters, secretary of the Armenia faction Artsvik Minasyan and Alen Simonyan started debating over the procedure for convening a special session and considering the issue during the session of the Council of the National Assembly.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, member of Armenia faction Ishkhan Saghtelyan claimed that the political majority misused its powers and made sure the session is not held. The authorities rejected our proposal. Were not going to discuss budget-related issues because there are other issues facing the country. There is simply no alternative to Pashinyans resignation. We will do everything to achieve this, both in parliament and out of parliament. Armenia faction considered the parliamentary mandates an important tool for the struggle, but if we see that it is no longer effective, we will drop those mandates. Having mandates cant keep us away from implementing our agendas on the streets, Saghatelyan stated.
The Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia has launched a criminal case regarding the fact that yesterday the Azerbaijani Armed Forces trespassed the state border of Armenia in Syunik Province and violated the territorial integrity of Armenia. This is what Advisor to the Prosecutor General Gor Abrahamyan wrote on his Facebook page.

The Military Prosecutors Office of the garrison in Yeghegnadzor has launched a criminal case regarding the fact that on November 14, 2021 at around 12 p.m. a group of armed servicemen of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, without permission, trespassed the state border of Armenia, approached four military posts of the Armed Forces of Armenia, made threats to use force against the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Armenia, carried out operations to transfer that part of the territory of Armenia to Azerbaijan and demanded that the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Armenia to leave those territories by making threats to use weapons.

Within the scope of the criminal case, besides the actions of the adversary, the facts that it was possible for the enemy forces to approach the military posts and that the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Armenia left the military posts will also be examined. Legal evaluations will also be given in regard to these facts, the press release reads.
The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on Technical-Economic Cooperation was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia on Monday, the press release of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reads.

From the Armenian side, the Agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armen Ghevondyan, and from the Chinese side  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Peoples Republic of China to Armenia Fahn Yong. The Agreement envisages gratuitous assistance of the Chinese government within the scope of the design for the new broadcasting pavilion of Armenian Public Television and the implementation of other projects that are agreed upon.

Executive Director of Armenian Public Television Hovhannes Movsisyan was also attending the signing ceremony.

During a meeting held before the signing ceremony, the deputy foreign minister and the Chinese Ambassador highly appreciated the Chinese governments assistance with respect to the technical-economic projects carried out in Armenia and exchanged views on the new programs that are likely to be carried out.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan today delivered remarks at the Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting. The following are the remarks:

"Mr. High Representative,

Mr. State Secretary,

Dear colleagues,

I am really glad that we are finally able to meet in person after the lengthy Covid-19 restrictions. We are also looking forward to the upcoming summit, where the heads of our states and governments will have the opportunity to discuss the future of the EaP, in which, I am confident we all are very much interested.

I would be glad to deliver my speech on development agenda of Armenia and EU and its member states, go into the details of implementation of the Armenia-EU CEPA agreement (Comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement), that entered into force on March 1, 2021, highlight the importance of our signed agreements with Europol and Horizon Europe, Common Aviation agreement signed just an hour ago, cooperation with Creative Europe and Eurojust, other important scopes of cooperation, share success stories of Armenia in the fields of fight against corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, consolidating rule of law, speak about parliamentary elections in Armenia that were recognized as democratic, free and transparent by respected international observation missions. I would reaffirm Armenias position on the future of Eastern Partnership and commitment for further merit-based cooperation, but the circumstances in which this meeting is taking place I barely can call regular, as Armenian people and democracy are under constant threat of use of force since at least September 2020.

Dear colleagues,

In defiance of UN Secretary General's call for Global ceasefire Azerbaijan unleashed military aggression against people of Nagorno-Karabakh, seriously undermining the situation in the region. Moreover they tried to create a dangerous precedent of an attempt to resolve protracted conflicts in Europe through massive use of force and involvement of foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries from the Middle East and North Africa. Breaking three agreements of ceasefire Azerbaijan finally agreed to stop the hostilities with the Trilateral statement of November 9.

And yet the situation in the region remains fragile. Security and realities cannot be built on the basis of massive human rights violations, thousands of lost human lives, casualties, displacements and disruption of international peace process. The use of force against the people, who are aspiring to implement their basic rights, including the right for free and secure life and the right to self determination, does not resolve the conflict. And all the statements by official Baku that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not exist any more do not correspond to reality as the very root of the conflict is not addressed. We firmly believe that the conflict should find its political resolution under the auspices and within the mandate of OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairmanship.

I call all the partners that are interested in a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to express unconditional and full support to the peace process with the OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairmanship.

Dear colleagues,

I want to reiterate that Armenia is ready to reach long-lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. However, peace cannot be achieved by the good will of one party alone. It is difficult to imagine lasting peace in the region with so-called Trophy park in Baku, with continued hate speech and xenophobia by the high officials of Azerbaijan, with continued imprisonment of Armenian POWs and other detainees, many cases of enforced disappearances, with continued infiltration and presence of Azerbaijani troops into sovereign territory of Armenia, the last attempt of which occurred just yesterday. As much as Armenia expresses its readiness for de-escalation, Azerbaijan continues provocations in Nagorno-Karabakh and in the Armenian-Azerbaijani borders inflicting casualties among civilians. As much as Armenia calls for opening of regional communication, Azerbaijan continues to demand a so-called corridor.

In the beginning, Azerbaijan was conditioning the release of Armenian POWs with obtaining minefields maps. And when Armenia proposed to provide all maps in anticipation of the release of all captives, Azerbaijan stepped back, questioning the credibility of the maps. Azerbaijan continues to put a siege on Nagorno-Karabakh impeding the access of the international humanitarian organizations including those who requested a fact-finding mission to determine the state of cultural heritage.

Generic calls on both sides under the circumstances when Armenia makes credible steps towards peace, while Azerbaijan continues the escalation of the situation, may indicate indifference and lack of commitment from our international partners.

If you want to support us to reach stability in the region, then there is no other way than being frank on these issues and communicating to us your vision of human rights and use of force in our region without applying double standards. We stand ready to be a genuine partner with the European Union in this regard."
During excavations in the ancient city of Artashat, the ruins of which are located in the territory of modern-day Armenia, archaeologists discovered traces of the ancient easternmost Roman aqueduct built in the beginning of the 2nd century, that is, in the period when the Roman Empire was thriving, TASS writes, citing the results of the study published in Archaologischer Anzeiger.

Our discovered item shows how much effort the Romans put in to build the infrastructures of the future capital of the new state of the Roman Empire. Construction didnt end since Emperor Adrianos retreated from Armenia after the death of Trajan in 117, one of the authors of the study, researcher of the University of Munster Thorben Schreiber says.

In the first two centuries of our era, the Roman Empire and the Parthian Kingdom battled for dominance in the territories of Armenia, Turkey, Georgia and several other countries. Roma tried to seize Great Hayk several times, but, at the same time, the kings of the Arshakunis officially maintained their independence. The situation changed in 114 when Emperor Trajans troops seized almost the whole territory of the Armenian kingdom, after which the territory turned into one of the several states of the empire.

Schreiber and his partners found the traces of this process during excavations in the vicinity of the modern-day Armenian city of Artashat. In the past, it was the capital of Great Hayk and one of the largest centers for trade and the military.

To find the possible boundaries of the ancient city, scientists used the geomagnetic observations made in air, and it turned out that there are several hand-made objects hidden in the Ararat Valley that are at an equal distance from each other and are at a distance of 400 meters from each other.

Scientists inquired about this and explored a few of these objects. It turned out that they are the concrete foundations of the arches of a Roman aqueduct that was not fully built.

The radio-carbon analysis of the samples of soil showed that construction was launched in the final years of the dominance of Trajan. If the aqueduct was complete, it would be 30 kilometers long, dividing Artashat from the nearby large fountain.
Presidents of Russia and France Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation regarding the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Russia, as Vladimir Putin stated, will continue to take actions that will help stabilize the situation and consistently implement the trilateral agreements reached through the mediation of Russia, the Kremlins statement reads.

The interlocutors also touched upon the current situation on Belaruss border with EU countries. The Russian president called attention to the Polish border guards extremely coarse treatment towards refugees and, talking about his contacts with President Alexander Lukashenko about the migration crisis, emphasized the expediency of direct conversation between the leaders of EU countries and Belarus regarding the problems.

Both parties expressed discontent with the absence of progress in the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine and mentioned that the situation concerning Donbass is also worsening. In this context, Putin called attention to the provocative nature of the large-scale military exercises being held by the United States and its several allies in the Black Sea.

The Russian president also emphasized that Kyiv continues its destructive policy targeted at breach of the Minsk agreements, evidence of which is the recent use of unmanned aerial vehicles by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the conflict zone.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the representatives of ServiceTitan, Vineti, Robomart, Krisp, SuperAnnotate, Podcastle companies operating in the field of information technologies.

The Prime Minister praised the success of the above-mentioned IT companies and hoped that their success will be exemplary for other companies. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government's goal is to increase the number of successful companies in our country. To this end, the Government is ready to listen to the problems of the private sector, suggestions and observations for the further development of the sector, to contribute to the continuous progress of this field within its toolkit.

In this context, the representatives of the companies referred to the activities of their companies, the opportunities for the development of startups in Armenia, the potential and capabilities of the IT sector, the development of the science sector, and the steps taken by the Government in that direction.

The Prime Minister and the representatives of the companies highlighted the close public-private partnership and referred to the opportunities for joint projects and programs.

Nikol Pashinyan stressed that the Government is interested in close cooperation with this sphere and offered to continue discussions with the relevant departments in that direction.
In the first hour of his newfound freedom, Dustin Shane Duty consumed half of a double bacon cheeseburger while sitting in the restaurant of a Jacksonville, Florida, hotel. Then, he borrowed his attorneys cellphone to call the mother he hadnt seen in more than eight years.

I love you, Dottie, Duty told his weeping mom.

The last time they spoke, he was in a Florida prison, serving a 20-year sentence for an armed robbery for which he had always maintained his innocence.

Now, after more than eight years behind bars, he was a free man, prosecutors deciding not to retry him after an appellate court overturned his conviction.

Dutys journey to exoneration was filled with roadblocks, some so formidable that the 37-year-old often feared that his dream of walking free would die on a courtroom floor.

But a University of Miami School of Law professor and his passionate students never gave up on him, filing various motions over the past five years that exposed just how egregious his conviction wasone achieved through a faulty eyewitness identification, a dearth of evidence, and a defense lawyer who failed his client at every turn.

This means a lot, Craig Trocino, director of Miami Laws Innocence Clinic, which took on Dutys case in 2016, said of the five-year battle to vindicate him. It means that were doing the right thing. It means that all our hard work and dedication is worth it. And most importantly, it means that we were able to give somebody his life back. If you ask me what our clinic does, it works to give life back to people whove had it taken away from them.

The arrest

For Duty, life as he knew it was taken away from him on May 29, 2013.

That is when, after a long day of working a construction job in the hot Florida sun, his boss, Fred Davis, dropped him off on a Jacksonville street corner, giving him $8 to buy cigarettes and beer.

Duty made the purchase, but he never made it home. A Jacksonville deputy sheriff detained him in the parking lot of a Safari Food Mart, saying that he fit the description of a suspect in an armed robbery that had been committed in the area only minutes earlier. Someone wearing a greenish gray sweatshirt and a red cap held a knife to Tiffany Saams neck and robbed her of $152 as she returned home from a job interview.

After law enforcement officers transported Saam to the location where Duty was being held, she identified him as the assailant. Then, in a process that took hours but to Duty seemed to transpire in the blink of an eye, he was arrested, Mirandized, and taken to a police station for questioning.

Inside the small interrogation room, a shirtless Duty pleaded his case. There had to be surveillance cameras somewhere along the route he took after exiting his bosss vehicle. If there were, Duty knew, they would prove his claim of innocence that he was nowhere near the crime scene at the time it occurred.

But the detective told him, You are in the South. They dont have cameras on a street corner.

Even Dutys pleas13 in allfor someone to call his boss were discarded.

So, he was fingerprinted and booked, and on Dec. 13, 2013, after a one-day trial, a jury found him guilty. Two months later, a judge sentenced him to 20 years.

The letter

During her time as an intern in Miami Laws Innocence Clinic, Lauren Van Buren had poured through hundreds of letters from convicted inmates in Florida wanting Trocino and his students to take on their case. The letter she opened from Duty one day five years ago was like none other.

Part of our job is not only to find the cases where people are innocent, but to rule out the ones that dont add up. That way, were not spinning our wheels. Wed lose credibility if we pursued every letter that came to us, Van Buren said. So, we investigate to figure out whether a case is worth pursuing. And in Dutys case, it waswithout a doubt. I told Craig, Theres no way were turning this one down. 

Dutys conviction, she knew, hinged on a highly suggestive show-up in which the victim, Saam, was presented with only one suspect for identification and informed by sheriffs deputies that they were holding someone who fit the description of the robbery suspect she provided.

But Duty was not wearing the clothing Saam described. When deputy J.A. Taylor detained him, Duty was shirtless, wore a toolbelt and backpack, and donned duct-taped shoesitems of clothing Saam never described.

Whats more, an important piece of evidence was missing: the $152 allegedly taken from Saam. It was not on Dutys person. He had only $2.25 in his pocketchange from the money his boss had given him for cigarettes and beer.

If any case were the poster child for a miscarriage of justice, it was Dutys, said Trocino, noting that eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions.

Uphill battle

But what seemed like a slam-dunk case proved to be an uphill legal battle. In 2017, a circuit court denied post-conviction relief for Duty, delivering a blow to his hopes of being set free.

The wheels of justice had seemingly grinded to a halt. But faith in God and knowing that I was truly innocent kept me going, Duty said. Sometimes, when things would get bad, Id remember I had a mother and other people out there who cared for me.

Vindication wouldnt come until nearly four years later, when in late July 2021, Floridas First District Court of Appeal sided with the Innocence Clinic and overturned the conviction, agreeing that Duty received ineffective assistance of counsel because his trial lawyer failed to call the one, credible alibi witness whose testimony could have cleared him: his boss. Fred Davis had always maintained that at the time of the robbery, he was dropping Duty off from work.

The appellate court also held that Dutys trial attorney failed to impeach the lead detective on the case or challenge the highly suggestive show-up identification.

Three months later, the State Attorneys Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit dropped the armed robbery charge.

Duty, who, with the assistance of the School of Laws Innocence Clinic and the Tallahassee-based Innocence Project of Florida, had waged an eight-year battle to gain his freedom and emerged victorious after it was all over.

From left, Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida, Dustin Duty, and Craig Trocino, director of Miami Law's Innocence Clinic, on the day of Duty's release.

Passionate students

A total of 18 Miami Law students worked on the case over the past five years, pouring over the original trial transcript, interviewing witnesses, conducting their own investigations, and filing legal motions.

As interns and fellows graduated, new teams of students would pick up the mantle, relying on the detailed notes of their predecessors to keep the appeals process moving forward. It was that continuity in representation that was critical, Trocino said. Part of what the clinic does is train students to be good lawyersand good lawyers document meticulously.

Some, like Van Buren, who is now an attorney in the Miami office of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, even continued to work on the case after they graduated from the School of Law. On the day of Dutys first post-conviction hearing in 2017, she was already working for a private law firm but took the day off and drove the five hours from Miami to Jacksonville to attend the proceedings.

What convinced her that Duty was innocent was a geography experiment she conducted while still an intern at the clinic. Using Google Maps and armed with the locations of the crime scene, the street where Dutys boss dropped him off, and the food mart where he purchased cigarettes and beer, Van Buren determined that it would have been nearly impossible for him to have covered that distance on foot and committed the crime at the time it reportedly occurred. Not even an Olympic athlete could have done it, she said.

Other Innocence Clinic interns, both current and former, are just as passionate about their work on the case. For School of Law student Jillian Kushner, who helped draft one of Dutys post-conviction appeals, there are no words to describe how I feel about this victory, she said.

We finally got a court to see what we saw. This is something that, of course, many attorneys dream of doing. Its something that we go into every case hoping to achieve. But there are so many roadblocks that come up, so its hard to get someone out of prison, even when theyre innocent, Kushner explained.

I came to Miami because of this clinic; its what I wanted to do, she continued. Now, to actually help exonerate someone, even if it was just playing a small part, is incredibly fulfilling.

Leticia L. Mora, who interned at the Innocence Clinic during the 2016-17 academic year, became so inspired by the legal work she performed on the Duty case that she worked briefly as a public defender after graduating from law school.

Wrongful convictions, she said, are the epitome of the justice system failing, and the repercussions stemming therefrom are immeasurable. I wanted to have a role in fixing that. Mora is still in shock and disbelief that something [the Duty case] we worked on as students has manifested and had very real-life implications years after, she said.

The Duty case is Tori Simkovics third successful exoneration. As an investigative student journalist for Northwestern Universitys famed Medill Justice Project, she helped vindicate two wrongfully convicted inmates. Clearing the innocent, said the third-year School of Law student, never becomes mundane.

Victories like this are hard to come by. Even when you have the strongest of cases and are absolutely convinced of a clients innocence, theres always the last hurdle of proving it in court. And thats a very difficult challenge, said Simkovic, who worked on Dutys successful post-conviction motion and drove to Jacksonville to greet him when he was released.

MacKenzie Zales, who is now an attorney in Washington, D.C., spent an entire summer working on the case as an Innocence Clinic fellow. It was a total immersion, she recalled. The trial transcript, witness depositions, the recording of Dustins interrogationit was long hours going through every piece of evidence.

From the way in which suspects are identified and interrogated to the stringent deadlines that come with the lengthy appeals process, Trocino and his students all agree that the Duty case, like other wrongful convictions, exposed flaws in a criminal justice system that can make it difficult to correct miscarriages of justice.

Though some reform has taken place, more needs to be enacted, Trocino said.

In Florida, theres a relatively new statute on eyewitness identifications. There are now codified methods for how theyre supposed to be done. So, that will alleviate or prevent some of the undue suggestion that caused the problem in Dustins case, explained Trocino, referring to the Eyewitness Identification Reform Act.

Passed by the Florida Legislature in 2017, four years after Dutys conviction, the statute requires law enforcement officers to conduct blind lineups in which the person administering the lineup is unaware of the suspects identify, instructing the eyewitness that the perpetrator may or may not be present. When Saam identified Duty in the parking lot of the Jacksonville food mart, deputies told her they had apprehended someone who fit the description she gave.

Reforms to the post-conviction appeals process are needed as well, Trocino said. Over the last three or four decades, the procedural rules have developed in a way that becomes almost grotesquely antagonistic to anyone making a wrongful conviction claim, he said. And thats what can cause the lengthy litigation process.

Trocino also pointed to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, which, he said, can dramatically curtail a state prisoners ability to appeal at the federal level.

Growing caseload

The clinics caseload continues to grow. Most of the appeals the group handles do not involve DNA evidence. But we do handle those. Theres not very many of them left, where theres DNA that had not been tested, Trocino said. When the innocence movement started in 1990, there were thousands of cases where there were biological samples but no DNA testing because no one knew how to do it back then. So, thats where the genesis of this started. Wed go back and test these biological samples and say, The guy who got sentenced to life in prison is scientifically excluded from being the donor of that particular semen or blood or whatever. Thats where it all started.

Trocino, who once defended death row inmates as an attorney for the Capital Collateral Regional Counsels southern office, and his students are currently appealing three cases that involve DNA evidence, one of them a murder conviction. The judge has ruled that well get an evidentiary hearing on that one. Its a compelling case, he said, without revealing too many details.

As for Duty, hes planning a big reunion with his mother Dottie in Akron, Ohio, and hes got a lot of catching upand adjustingto do. I used to be able to get a haircut for $8. Now, its $30, he said.

His former boss, Fred Davis, has offered him his old construction job back. But for now, Duty is working elsewhere.

He said he is not bitter in the least about the eight years he lost. Im not going to sit around sulking and feeling sorry for myself, he said. Im just moving forward, picking up the pieces.
Debate over Sinovac jab for kids

A government advisory panel will meet on Monday to discuss whether children as young as three years old should be allowed to get a Sinovac jab. Image: Shutterstock

Two medical professionals on Monday offered mixed views on whether children as young as three years old should be allowed to get a Sinovac jab ahead of a government advisory panel meeting to discuss the matter.



Sinovac has requested the administration to allow children aged three or above here to get a jab, which is currently only available for people aged 18 or above.



Respiratory medicine expert Leung Chi-chiu believes it is time to lower the age limit, saying many people have got the vaccine around the world without rare adverse events.



Leung pointed out that the Sinovac jab is being given to children aged three or older on the mainland. "Other countries like Chile and Colombia have also extended the age of application down to either six or three," he added.



He said getting younger children vaccinated will help prevent any future outbreaks of the virus.



But president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists, William Chui, said more information is needed about the Sinovac jab.



He said that while more than 100 million children have already received the vaccine on the mainland, "the problem is we have to know the distribution of age groups, especially for children [aged between] three to five years old, as they are very vulnerable."



Chui called on the authorities to ask Sinovac for more information, saying it published "limited" data in Lancet in June, with only 56 children aged between three and five and 81 aged between six and 11 being involved.



The pharmacist also said the authorities could consider lowering the age limit for the BioNTech vaccine  available currently to local youngsters aged 12 and above  so parents can have a choice.
'Xi to tell Biden to step back over Taiwan'

Sino-US ties take centre stage in the upcoming virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Joe Biden. Image: Shutterstock

President Xi Jinping is expected to use his first virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden to warn the United States to "step back" on the Taiwan issue, according to Chinese media editorials printed on Monday.



Xi and Biden are scheduled to meet virtually on Tuesday morning Beijing time  Monday evening in Washington  as friction between the countries persist across a range of issues including trade, technology, Xinjiang and especially Taiwan.



An editorial in the English-language China Daily on Monday said that it was likely that Xi would impress upon Biden that Beijing is resolved to "realise national reunification in the foreseeable future no matter the cost".



"The Taiwan question is the ultimate red line of China", the Global Times wrote in its Monday editorial.



"In order to reduce the risk of a strategic collision between China and the US, the latter must take a step back from the Taiwan question and show its restraint," it said.



In a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned Washington against sending the wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces. (Reuters)
Children as young as three can take Sinovac: advisers

The experts have concluded that Sinovac is safe for those aged between three and 17. Image: Shutterstock

Government expert advisers have agreed to recommend lowering the age limit for the Sinovac vaccine to children as young as three years-old.



The Advisory Panel on Covid-19 Vaccines made the recommendation after meeting to discuss the safety and efficacy of administering the Sinovac and BioNTech vaccines to younger children.



A government statement published on Monday night said the experts have concluded that Sinovac was safe for those aged between three and 17.



The statement added that the advisers had gone through information provided by Sinovac, real-world data collected on the mainland, as well as initial data from phase three clinical trials in countries like South Africa and Chile.



But for BioNTech, the experts said the government should demand more information from its supplier, Fosun Pharmaceutical.



The government said in response that it welcomes the advisers' recommendation, adding that the Secretary for Health will make a decision on the matter as soon as possible.



A government spokesman added that officials will continue to follow up and liaise with Fosun Pharmaceutical over the possibility of lowering the age limit for the BioNTech vaccine to those between five and 11 years-old.



Earlier in the day, two medical professionals offered mixed views on whether young children should be allowed to get the Sinovac jab.



While respiratory medicine expert Leung Chi-chiu said the age limit should be lowered because many people around the world have already received the vaccine without rare side effects, the president of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists, William Chui, said Sinovac needs to publish more information on the jab.
US, EU vow new sanctions against Belarus

Migrants have been trying to cross from Belarus into EU member Poland for months, but tensions soared as efforts to cross were turned back by Polish border guards. Photo: AFP

The European Union and the United States vowed on Monday to press ahead with fresh sanctions against the regime of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, as migrants massed at the Polish border despite Minsk claiming it was trying to repatriate them.



"Attention, attention: illegal border crossing is forbidden. You will face criminal charges," blared out from Polish loudspeakers, as hundreds of mainly Middle Eastern travellers set up tents at the Bruzgi border post.



Belarus forces had channelled the crowd towards the last line of Polish razor wire, but they were brought up short by the police cordon before they could cross onto EU soil, and the stand-off continued.



In Brussels, EU foreign ministers met and agreed that their existing sanctions regime targeting Lukashenko and his allies will be expanded to include individuals or companies found to have encouraged border crossings.



No new names were added to the sanctions list, but EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this would be done in the "coming days".



After meeting the ministers, Borrell said the new sanctions would hit "quite an important number" of individuals and entities.



"By expanding the scope of the sanctions, we will be able to target those responsible for exploiting vulnerable migrants," Borrell said.



Diplomats said the new penalties are expected to target around 30 Belarusian officials, the state airline and travel agencies.



In coordination with the EU, the United States said it was preparing new sanctions that would "continue to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy and human rights and international norms".



Migrants have been trying to cross from Belarus into EU member Poland for months, but tensions soared last week as coordinated efforts to cross were turned back by Polish border guards.



The EU accuses Belarus of sending the migrants to the border as retribution for earlier sanctions, but the threat of further measures moved Lukashenko to offer an apparent olive branch.



Lukashenko on Monday discussed the crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in his first phone call with a Western leader since suppressing mass protests in Belarus last summer.



The pair discussed bringing humanitarian aid to people stuck at the border, Minsk and Berlin said.



Also on Monday evening, Lukashenko's Russian ally Vladimir Putin discussed the crisis with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both leaders calling for the crisis to be de-escalated. (AFP)
More than 500 University of Saskatchewan (USask) students will gain international experience through a new national program.

The USask College of Arts and Science and College of Agriculture and Bioresources have been awarded a total of almost $950,000 through the Government of Canadas Global Skills Opportunity program to support international learning opportunities for students.

We are thrilled that more USask students will have access to life-changing study abroad experiences through the Global Skills Opportunity program. Our students will become the leaders who transform Saskatchewan into a more innovative and connected place. They will bring international skills and experience home while sharing our home with the world, said Dr. Lorin Elias (PhD), vice-dean academic in the College of Arts and Science.

All Canadian undergraduate students in the participating colleges will be eligible for the new opportunities, but priority will be given to students for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessiblespecifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities.
The long-planned Transit Village development in West Palm Beach has a group of new, heavyweight investors determined to move the $500 million project forward.

Globe Invest Limited, the investment arm of billionaire entrepreneur Teddy Sagi, has signed on as an investor in Transit Village, a transportation-based, mixed-use development project covering 10 acres on Clearwater Drive and South Tamarind Avenue.

Artist's rendering of Transit Village project at Tri-Rail station in West Palm Beach.

Related Group, the Miami-based development firm that owns Rosemary Square, has also agreed to invest in Transit Village. And so has BH Group, a Miami-based private equity and real estate investment firm.

Luxury tower in West Palm: Developer buys church land on West Palm waterfront for $20M, plans 25-story luxury tower

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Jorge Perez, chairman of the Related Group

We want to create a mixed-use, transit-oriented urban hub that will include office, retail, and workforce to luxury housing offerings," Related Chairman and CEO Jorge Perez said in a statement announcing the new joint venture. "We will add great art and design, as is standard for Related, and create bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit linkages to connect easily within, to, and from, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. With this project, we further our partnership with the public sector to make West Palm Beach one of the best cities in America.

The statement did not spell what roles the new firms will have in the joint venture or how much money they plan to spend on it. But each of the firms have shown they have the financial and bureaucratic muscle to see their own large-scale projects through to fruition.

Sagi, a native of Israel, founded the gambling software company Playtech and owns London's Camden Market, an open-air bazaar that attracts 250,000 visitors per week, according to The Independent in London.

Forbes estimated Sagi has a net worth of $5.6 billion. In describing Sagi's effort to buy a trading firm in Ireland in 2015, The Irish Times reported that the billionaire was convicted of securities fraud in the 1990s.

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Development news: West Palm plans to recreate Wynwood vibe in northern section of city

More: Related to control West Palm office market: Buys 2 more buildings, lures big mortgage company

Little is known about BH Group, the third investor. Its website was not fully operational Friday. A possibly related firm, BH Investment Group, based in Miami, has a portfolio it says is valued at $400 million.

Development firms often use holding companies or subsidiaries in various projects.

Sign up for our Post on West Palm Beach weekly newsletter, delivered every Thursday!

BH Investment says it "maintains an extremely successful track record for visualizing and executing some of the most creative and successful real estate projects in South Florida and Latin America."

Transit Village is close to Interstate 95, less than three miles from Palm Beach International Airport and is connected to Tri-Rail and the Amtrak station and the county's bus transit center.

West Palm to Miami in 20 minutes?: Electric air taxis could be coming to PBIA

Despite those advantages, Transit Village has struggled to go from conception to reality.

Dreamed up nearly two decades ago by developer Michael Masanoff, the project has been successful in securing $25 million in tax credits and grants. With myriad government approvals to secure, however, the project has not moved from dream to concrete and steel.

Masanoff is hoping the new joint venture will move the project forward.

"It is a true pleasure working with my partners in bringing Transit Village to fruition!" he said. "Our collective goal is to make the Palm Beach County and city of West Palm Beach transportation system more user-friendly and comprehensive."

Wayne Washington covers West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations. E-mail tips to wwashington@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: $500 million Transit Village project in West Palm Beach gets investors
CareerSource Florida has been promoting apprenticeship programs as a tool for filling job openings and shifting workers into new fields. In this photo from May, Ahmed Parker (right), technical training associate manager with Lockheed Martin and also an instructor for the apprenticeship lab at the College of Central Florida, uses a microscope while demonstrating soldering on a training board at an apprenticeship lab at the college in Ocala.

With a lot of Jacksonville-area residents looking for new jobs, CareerSource Northeast Florida is reaching out this week to tout benefits of apprenticeships for both workers and businesses.

The publicly-funded employment agency has scheduled webinars for job-seekers Tuesday evening and for employers Thursday morning to talk about how apprenticeships can help both groups find what they need.

The organization has also scheduled its first online apprenticeship and on-the-job-training virtual job fair Nov. 30 to bring the two sides together.

The Great Resignation has encouraged people to re-think their work lives and left a lot of jobs open, and CareerSource is pushing paid apprenticeships as a potential way to get people started finding new opportunities.

They may not need to go into college debt to learn a skill or start a new career, or they may not need to go to school at night and take one class at a time, said Doreen Lund, CareerSource Northeast Floridas apprenticeship navigator.

Training for jobs ranging from pharmacy technicians to animal trainers and chefs are available through some businesses, Lund said.

While building trades, utilities and unionized industries have used apprenticeships for many years, she said the idea is also taking root in fields including healthcare, logistics and information technology.

The White House and Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Currys office have issued proclamations embracing this week as National Apprenticeship Week.

A statement from President Joe Biden stressed apprenticeships value to populations that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent discrimination, poverty, and inequality, and said the pandemics effect on womens employment made their participation in apprenticeships more urgent this year.

There are dividends for employers, too, Lund added, saying businesses have found apprenticeship programs can help with employee retention, successful diversity initiatives and quality assurance.

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Employers including Jacksonvilles Fire and Rescue Department and the Fleet Readiness Command at Naval Air Station Jacksonville are expected to be part of the career fair, scheduled Nov. 30 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration for both job-seekers and employers is at https://bit.ly/appjf113021.

The job-seeker webinar, Tuesday between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., is meant for both people entering the workforce and those trying to change jobs. Registration is at https://bit.ly/3kfEpDI.

The webinar for employers thinking about apprenticeships will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is at https://bit.ly/3k9pCdS.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida jobs agency touting apprenticeships with First Coast job fair
By Karolina Tagaris

ATHENS (Reuters) - Dozens of aid workers involved in refugee rescues, including a Syrian refugee, go on trial in Greece this week on charges of spying and disclosing state secrets, in a case rights groups have decried as "farcical" and "politically motivated".

Twenty-four people affiliated with the Emergency Response Center International (ERCI), a nonprofit search-and-rescue group that operated on Lesbos from 2016 to 2018, face up to eight years in prison when the trial begins on Thursday.

They also face felony charges including people smuggling, belonging to a criminal group and money laundering, which carry 25-year prison sentences.

Amnesty International's European director Nils Muiznieks said the charges were "farcical".

"This emblematic case demonstrates how far the Greek authorities will go to deter people from helping refugees and migrants," he said in a statement.

Human Rights Watch called the trial "politically motivated".

Among those to be tried is Sarah Mardini, a Syrian refugee who took an overcrowded dingy to Greece with her sister Yusra in 2015, at the height of Europe's refugee crisis, and saved the other 19 passengers by pulling their sinking boat to shore for four hours.

Mardini and another volunteer, Sean Binder, a German national, were arrested in 2018 and spent 107 days in Athens's maximum security prison in pre-trial detention.

Both left Greece after they were released, and Binder has returned despite his misgivings about the trial.

"I never for a moment thought that trying to help somebody out at sea would land you in prison," Binder told Reuters in Athens. "I'm terrified of going back to prison."

He said he had been handcuffed in prison to a man who had committed double homicide by burning someone alive.

"It is frightening to be going there again and I'm not confident that, just because there is absolutely no evidence of any wrongdoing... I'm still not confident that we will not be found guilty," he said.

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Mardini, who now lives in Germany, has been barred from re-entering Greece and will represented by a lawyer.

"It's mind boggling why someone cannot attend their own trial," said Giorgos Kosmopoulos, a senior campaigner for Amnesty, calling on authorities to drop the charges during a solidarity protest outside Greek parliament.

Binder, a rescue diver, said he had only intended to volunteer for a while.

"It wasn't my plan to spend the rest of my life doing this, to be some kind of champion," he said.

"If you saw someone drowning you would do the same as me, you would reach out a hand, pull them out, and that's the exact same crime that I'm accused of doing."

(Reporting by Karolina Tagaris; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Newtown Shooting Infowars (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Today was not a good day for conspiracy theorist and Infowars host Alex Jones. Jones, who is known for his bombastic rhetoric and absolutist political takes  including the horrifying untruth that the Sandy Hook massacre, which claimed the lives of 26 people, was a giant hoax  has lost his final battle in court. In a rare rebuke, Connecticut superior court Judge Barbara Bellis determined that Jones would be responsible for financial retribution to the families of the deceased. This marks the fourth  and final  time that Alex Jones has lost a defamation suit against these families.

Defamation lawsuits are notoriously difficult to prove, since a plaintiff must establish harm. But Alex Jones rhetoric was so patently over-the-top, so despicable, and, yes, so harmful, that his legal fall from grace is almost expected. More broadly, it could pose as a cautionary tale to future pundits wishing to drum up support for a cause using any means (the most disgusting means, as it happens) possible.

What does Alex Jones staggering set of losses, capped by this most recent loss, say about language in America? In some ways, this series of court cases is the coda to the events of January 6, 2021, when insurgents, egged on by the flashy and incorrect rhetoric of American politicians, stormed the Capitol building, leaving in their wake death, destruction, and a barely breathing democracy. If we have come to accept weaponized language in political discourse, perhaps we can view these consequences as a correction of course. No, you actually cannot say anything you want. Yes, truth is important. Yes, we will continue to demand decency in America.

Over the course of the past year, Americans have come to terms with the strained capacity to communicate across political parties. Republicans who feigned shock and disgust at the events of January 6 were quick to bury their distaste amid the cacophony of No Compromise. The once-reasonable Republican Party has receded down a rabbit hole of science denialism and routine gridlock. If we were to believe, last January, that the political right truly wanted to overcome the roadblock of Donald J. Trump, that moment of recognition may be behind us. What Republicans want, they shout from the rafters, is an agenda formed by Republicans and for Republicans. All others need not apply.

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But the truth is, the type of divisive chatter that has defined the past few years in Washington has exhausted all of us. Alex Jones is exhausting. His lies, like so many other Republican lies, are exhausting. And it is now clear that there are consequences to stoking fear. For Jones, the consequences are financial, but other Republicans are likely to take note. Accountability is not entirely dead. We are at an inflection point, one in which we must recognize the harm perpetrated by people who want only to preserve their own power.

Is it worth the deceit, then, if the cost is financial? If we have not been able to appeal to Republicans better angels regarding mistruth, perhaps we can appeal to their conservative wallets. The question we have been asking is: Why cant you be better? The question we can now ask, moving forward, is: Do you want to pay for your lies with actual money? Though the former question persuaded few party members to shift allegiance, the latter question is likely to be more persuasive.

Of course, none of this was worth it. The schadenfreude of seeing Alex Jones served his just deserts, the knowledge that other far-right provocateurs may eventually pay for their lies, too  none of it is worth it when there is a human cost. And the human cost  the lives of 26 people, 20 of them children  was, despite Jones ranting, very real, indeed.

Still, we can hope, in this moment of recognition, that Jones losses will pave the way for a better view of humanity. Kinder language. Fewer lies. A dedication to fact over emotion. In a year when we have lost so much of our American identity, it may be the only light at the end of the tunnel.

Read More

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American journalist Danny Fenster, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison in Myanmar last week, was released on Monday and will be allowed to return to the United States, his employer, Frontier Myanmar, and former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson announced.

Why it matters: Fenster was the first Western journalist to be sentenced to prison in Myanmar since the country's military staged a coup in February by detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and ousting her democratically elected government.

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What they're saying: We are relieved that Danny is finally out of prison  somewhere he never should have been in the first place, Frontier editor-in-chief Thomas Kean said in a statement.

The Frontier team would like to thank all who worked to secure Dannys release over the past five-and-a-half months, he added.

But we also recognise Danny is one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup. We call on the military regime to release all of the journalists who remain behind bars in Myanmar.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, said Richardson, who helped negotiate Fenster's release. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds."

The 37-year-old Frontier Myanmar managing editor was found guilty of breaching immigration law, unlawful association and encouraging dissent against the military. He also faced further charges of sedition and terrorism.

The big picture: Myanmar's military junta has arrested multiple international and domestic journalists in an attempt to silence the press from reporting on the abuses it has committed since taking power from the country's democratically elected government.

The military killed hundreds of civilians who participated in demonstrations across the country after the coup.

United Nations investigators said earlier this month that preliminary evidence collected since the military junta's coup shows that its systematic attack on civilians amounted to crimes against humanity.

Go deeper: Press freedoms crumble as authoritarianism spreads

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By Jamie Freed

(Reuters) - A pandemic-driven boom in air cargo is providing an auspicious backdrop for Airbus and Boeing to launch new large freighters, but longer-term trends - particularly the strength of the global economic rebound - will determine whether either succeeds.

Airbus bagged its first deal for the freighter version of its A350 jetliner at the Dubai Airshow on Monday - a model the European group hopes will break Boeing's long-held dominance of the market to fly goods.

Boeing, meantime, is working on a potential freighter variant of its 777X model, though has yet to announce a launch, with possible buyers including major cargo player Qatar Airways.

After losing two years of air passenger growth to the pandemic, the freighter market has been a rare bright spot for planemakers, as a boom in online shopping, supply chain disruptions, and a drop in passenger plane flights - which often also carry cargo in their holds - has stoked demand.

But there are big risks associated with new models, which would only be delivered in the second half of the decade.

These include a rapid recovery in passenger flights, companies shifting to source more goods closer to home, and a growing number of passenger jets being converted to freighters.

There is also huge uncertainty over the strength of the economic recovery from the pandemic and the future of global trade, which was in a slump before the pandemic due to U.S.-China trade tensions that have not been resolved.

"It's not a risk-free decision," said Stuart Rubin, managing director aviation at consulting firm ICF of Airbus and Boeing's freighter plans.

Neither company has disclosed the cost of developing the new models.

SHORT-TERM BOOM

The shortage of passenger plane belly capacity during the pandemic sent freight rates soaring, delayed retirements of older models like MD-11s and had lessors rushing to convert older unwanted passenger planes into carrying freight.

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"Freight-wise, everyone with a plane could make money at the moment," said Frederic Horst, managing director of Cargo Facts Consulting. "We're seeing a lot of weird things going on that you wouldn't normally see. You're seeing 737 narrowbody freighters flying Europe to Asia."

Large widebody freighters like the proposed A350 and 777X usually carry denser, trade-linked products like auto parts, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals on long-haul routes from Asia to North America and Europe.

Converted passenger planes instead carry lighter, more voluminous cargo such as e-commerce packages.

Cargo companies like FedEx and major airlines such as Korean Air Lines and Lufthansa have also benefited from unprecedented disruptions to supply chains and soaring container shipping rates during the health crisis.

Air transport last month was around four to six times as expensive as sea freight, versus 12 to 15 times normally, said Tom Sanderson, director of product marketing at Boeing.

There are grounds for thinking some of the pandemic-driven boosts to air freight will continue.

Airbus, for example, forecasts the e-commerce market will grow 4.7% per year over the next 20 years, compared with 2.7% for general cargo.

"If you get a good price, ordering freighters in the current market is not really audacious," said independent industry adviser Bertrand Grabowski.

In the depths of the pandemic last year, Boeing, which controls 90% of the freighter market, forecast the global large widebody cargo fleet would rise to 850 planes in 2039 from 610 in 2019 due to growth in demand.

Environmental trends are also working in favour of new, more fuel-efficient freighters.

Boeing's soon-to-be-discontinued 747-8, as well as the 777F and 767F, cannot be produced after 2027 due to new environmental standards unless product changes are made.

Boeing has said it may apply for exemptions to the rules as one of several options under consideration for freight plans.

FADING BENEFITS

Yet, analysts say there are also signs some of the pandemic benefits for air freight are starting to fade.

Container rates have begun to fall as supply chain disruptions have eased and some companies bring production closer to home to avoid future shocks.

European fashion companies are shifting manufacturing from China to places like Portugal, Turkey and North Africa, said Marco Bloemen, cargo advisory lead at Accenture's Seabury Consulting.

The burgeoning market to convert 777 passenger planes into freighters - such as the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and AerCap 777-300ER programme set to produce its first freighter next year - could also limit demand for new models.

While the converted planes will not be able to carry denser cargo as effectively as their newly built counterparts, they can ride the boom in e-commerce, said ICF's Rubin.

Emirates on Monday signed a deal with IAI to convert four 777-300ERs into freighters, citing its ability to carry high volumes of e-commerce as the key factor. The airline also ordered two more factory built 777 freighters.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney; Additional reporting by Eric M. Johnson and Tim Hepher; Editing by Mark Potter)
SAO PAULO (AP)  Brazil is already the first South American team to secure a direct spot in next year's World Cup. Second-place Argentina is nearly there, too.

Anyone thinking Tuesday's qualifying match between the teams will not be decisive hasn't considered how much pride will be at stake in the region's superclasico.

Copa America champion Argentina is determined to upstage Brazil and show Lionel Messi he has a decent shot next year of winning the only trophy missing in his career. Victory in front of home crowd could also mean, pending other results, securing qualification for Qatar 2022.

Brazil is aiming to complete the best South American qualifying campaign in history, although coach Tite is still expected to continue experimenting with his lineup with an eye on the World Cup.

Only 25,000 fans in San Juan, in Argentina's northwest, will be at the stadium to watch the teams play a full game for the first time in this edition of World Cup qualifying. The first encounter was stopped after seven minutes of play in September by Brazilian authorities enforcing protocols in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazil leads qualifiers with 34 points, six ahead of Argentina. Both teams have completed 12 games, one fewer than the other eight teams in qualifying.

Ecuador remains third with 20 points, while Chile, Colombia and Uruguay have 16 points. Peru is back in contention with 14 points, two more than Paraguay and Bolivia and seven more than Venezuela.

The top four teams in South America earn direct entry to the World Cup. The fifth-place team goes into an intercontinental playoff for a spot in Qatar.

Also on Tuesday, Bolivia will host Uruguay, Colombia takes on Paraguay, Venezuela faces Peru and Chile plays Ecuador.

ARGENTINA vs. BRAZIL

Argentina can secure a World Cup spot if it beats Brazil and if two of three other teams  Uruguay, Chile and Colombia  fail to win.

The toughest part of Argentina's night will surely be beating the undefeated Selecao.

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Messi is being spared for the match against Brazil because of a knee injury that stopped him from playing some matches for his club Paris Saint-Germain and also for most of Argentina's 1-0 win at Uruguay last Friday.

The derby against Brazil is always a major contest, and thousands of fans in San Juan stood in 2-mile long lines to get tickets. Hotels in the region are full. Confidence is high among fans to see a team that has not lost any of its 26 latest matches.

Brazil will also have a key player missing, with midfielder Casemiro suspended after the 1-0 win against Colombia. He'll likely be replaced by Fabinho. Coach Tite is set to continue making changes to his lineup, possibly with Matheus Cunha replacing Gabriel Jesus up front. Eder Militao will also take the place of Thiago Silva.

Selecao right-back Danilo said the team needs to continue developing despite already earning a direct entry to Qatar. Another target for the squad, he said, is to top the 43 points that Argentina earned to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

This is Brazil vs. Argentina, there is every ingredient of a global derby of two teams with great players, amazing skill and a lot of history," Danilo said in a news conference. Our objective is to go there and win three important points.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
By Tim Kelly and Maki Shiraki

TOKYO (Reuters) - As U.N. climate conference delegates considered how to save the planet over the weekend in Glasgow, Toyota Motor's chief executive was in Japan racing an experimental hydrogen car - a vehicle he says could preserve millions of auto jobs.

The colourful Toyota Corolla Sport that Akio Toyoda steered around the Okayama International Circuit in western Japan was powered by a converted GR Yaris engine running on hydrogen. Making such a powerplant commercially viable could keep internal combustion engines running in a carbon-free world.

"The enemy is carbon, not internal combustion engines. We shouldn't just focus on one technology but make use of the technologies we already possess," Toyoda said at the track. "Carbon neutrality is not about one having a single choice, but about keeping options open."

Toyota's latest push into hydrogen tech comes as the world's biggest carmaker joins the rush to win a share of the growing market for battery electric vehicles (BEV) as the world tightens emission regulations to meet carbon-cutting pledges.

Although still only a small portion of vehicles on the road, global electric car registrations in 2020 grew 41% even as the overall car market contracted by almost a sixth, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

By 2025, Toyota plans to have 15 EV models available and is investing $13.5 billion over a decade to expand battery production.

NOT ONLY ELECTRIC

At the gathering in Glasgow, six major carmakers, including General Motors, Ford Motor, Sweden's Volvo and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz signed a declaration to phase out fossil-fuel cars by 2040.

Toyota declined https://www.reuters.com/business/cop/toyota-says-large-parts-world-not-ready-zero-emission-cars-2021-11-11 to join that group, arguing that much of the world is not ready for a shift to EVs. Another notable absence was Germany's Volkswagen.

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"We don't want to be seen as an EV maker, but as a carbon-neutral company," Toyota Vice Chairman Shigeru Hayakawa told Reuters in an interview.

Hayakawa likened the technological choice facing the auto industry to the late 19th century contest that pitted direct current electricity transmission against alternating current. The stakes are high.

"If the adoption of carbon-free fuels happens quickly, that could bring the first battery EV boom to an end," said Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at auto industry research company Carnorama.

In Japan, where mass layoffs are politically difficult, hydrogen's allure is that it would cause less disruption than a full switch to EVs. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association estimates the automotive industry employs 5.5 million people.

Although Toyota https://www.reuters.com/article/toyota-hydrogen-idCNL4N2S404A and other car makers are putting resources into building hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV), none have shown the appetite Toyota has for hydrogen engine technology.

CHALLENGING TECHNOLOGY

One problem is that the engine is not completely carbon-free and cannot therefore be classed as zero-emission.

Although the byproduct of hydrogen and oxygen combustion is water, a small amount of engine metal burns as well, resulting in about 2% of the emissions of a gasoline engine. The exhaust also contains traces of nitrogen oxide.

There is a carbon cost to building electric car batteries, but EVs do not pollute when operated.

Hydrogen cars also need bulky pressurized tanks for their fuel. Much of the rear seat and trunk in Toyota's hydrogen car was taken up by fuel tanks that blocked the rear window.

Safety concerns meant Toyota engineers had to refuel the vehicle far from the pits where other teams worked on their cars.

Such concerns have also slowed the construction of hydrogen fuelling stations in Japan, despite Japanese government backing for the fuel, which it sees as a key component in the country's future carbon-neutral energy mix.

At the end of August, there were 154 hydrogen stations in Japan - six short of what the government wanted by the end of March.

"Hydrogen has long been known as a potential low-carbon transport fuel, but establishing it in the transport fuel mix has been difficult," the IEA said in a progress report https://www.iea.org/reports/hydrogen this month.

Even with adequate fuel infrastructure, Toyota still must build a vehicle that can compete in price, range and operating cost with conventional gasoline cars and EVs.

In Okayama, Toyoda declined to say when Toyota might launch a commercial hydrogen-engine car.

"It's good to have a lot of choices. If everything becomes EVs then much of that industry is in China," said Eiji Terasaki (57), who had travelled to the Okayama circuit from neighbouring Kagawa prefecture to watch the races.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Steve Bannon, a former top adviser to President Trump, surrendered to the FBI on Monday on two criminal contempt charges that were leveled against him for refusing to cooperate with the select committee probing the January 6 Capitol riot.

On Monday morning, Bannon pulled up to the FBI Washington, D.C. branch, greeting dozens of members of the press looking for comment. Were taking down the Biden regime, he said before walking inside.

Bannon was charged with two counts of contempt after he failed to comply with a subpoena to appear for a deposition and submit requested documents related to the events preceding the mobs storming of the Capitol. Both counts carry a minimum sentence of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail, the Department of Justice confirmed.

The Monday development comes after Bannon was indicted by grand jury for contempt of Congress last week.

Before he turned himself in Monday, Bannon went on air for an episode of his podcast WarRoom, imploring followers to continue the fight against the Biden administration.

I dont want anybody to take their eye off the ball from what we do every day, OK, he said. I want you guys to stay focused on message.

When the January 6 committee demanded files and testimony from Bannon in October, his lawyer claimed executive privilege extended to his client by Trump, even though others in the field disputed that the protection applied once the president has left office.

The attorney told the committee that the executive privileges belong to President Trump, despite his being a private citizen. President Biden has refused to grant executive privilege to actors under investigation for the January 6 incident.

More from National Review
In what could be seen as a historic step toward the legitimization of the metaverse, the island nation of Barbados is preparing to legally declare digital real estate sovereign land with the establishment of a metaverse embassy.

The Barbadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade signed an agreement on Sunday with Decentraland, among the largest and most popular crypto-powered digital worlds, for the establishment of a digital embassy. Per a press release provided to CoinDesk, the government is also finalizing agreements with Somnium Space, SuperWorld and other Metaverse platforms.

The various projects will be assisting with identifying and purchasing land, architecting the virtual embassies and consulates, developing facilities to provide services such as e-visas and constructing a teleporter that will allow users to transport their avatars between the various worlds.

In an interview with CoinDesk, Barbados ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Gabriel Abed, said the country intends to expand aggressively beyond this initial effort to build structures and purchase digital land in a variety of virtual worlds.

The idea is not to pick a winner  the metaverse is still very young and new, and we want to make sure what we build is transferable across the metaworlds, he said.

Digital connections

In addition to spearheading the countrys metaverse diplomatic efforts, Abed is also currently working to establish Barbados first physical embassy in the Middle East. He said that the Barbadian government, whose Cabinet approved the metaverse embassy in August, views the move as a unique diplomatic opportunity.

This is a way for Barbados to expand its diplomatic missions beyond the 18 it currently has with 190+ countries around the world. This allows us to open the door, using technology diplomacy, which then extends to cultural diplomacy  the trade of art, music, and culture.

With the release of the embassy, tentatively scheduled for January, Barbados will become the first country in the world to recognize digital sovereign land. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Ministry of Science and Technology, and many other governmental bodies reviewed the plans over several, several months, said Abed.

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The country has also retained legal counsel, as the embassy will set a number of unique precedents. So far experts have said that the embassy will be compliant with international law as well as the Vienna Convention.

Barbados is among the friendliest countries in the world for cryptocurrencies and has been among those leading the charge on the development of a central bank digital currency.

Read more: How a Tiny Island Could Give Cryptocurrency a Big Boost

Abed also hinted that the embassies will be a launchpad for what could be more ambitious economic plans in the virtual worlds.

Embassies are the starting point to getting a visa to enter a country, or visa-free travel. Can you imagine what that would look like virtually? And where that e-visa could lead you? he asked.
NEW BEDFORD  Global Learning Public Charter School students will be able to learn more in-depth about Cape Verdean culture and language on a trip in April 2023.

The idea was established when Adonis Ferreira, director of student, family and community life, spent a year in Cape Verde from 2017 to 2018, as he has roots there. He participated in volunteer work and established relationships.

Upon returning to Global Learning, he intended to look at the potential for students to travel there as well. In 2019, the executive director, administration and teachers traveled to Sao Vicente of Cape Verde islands for two weeks to explore a partnership to bring students there. The idea was to collaborate with the elementary and high schools on Sao Vicente and learn what resources are available to Cape Verdean students, as compared to American students. Switching roles, the Sao Vicente school principal visited Global Learning for two weeks just before the pandemic hit.

COVID update: Kids ages 5-11 can now get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here's where to find them on the SouthCoast

Between the two trips, Ferreira said he learned the differences between resources for students in the two countries. While parents of students may work salaried or hourly jobs to provide for families in the United States, families in Sao Vicente use their surroundings to pay for living expenses. Fathers catch and bring home fish from the ocean and mothers sell them for income. When fishing is low, they go without, Ferreira said. So students in Sao Vicente, who wear uniforms, need new ones. They also need sneakers and school supplies.

Cape Verde classroom that Global Learning Charter Public School students will get to experience in April 2023.

Preparing for the trip and giving back

Ferreira wants to focus on the elementary school, which doesn't have adequate resources for students in grades 1 through 6. Members of the National Honor Society at Global Learning Charter have taken the responsibility of gathering flip-flops, sneakers and school supplies to ship to the school for their annual community service project. For the uniforms, students plan to get 20 T-shirts printed with the school logo as a community project.

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While the focus is on schools helping schools, Global Learning Charter students will be able to take away invaluable knowledge during their trip to the Cape Verde islands in April 2023.

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The trip is intended for 10 to 15 students in grades 10 through 12 to expose them to the language and culture. Ferreira said that because the Cape Verde islands have a dual language of Portuguese and Cape Verdean, students will be able to immerse themselves in the culture. It will expose them to not only travel, culture, music and dance but also community service projects in another country.

"[We want to] offer them knowledge and resources, but also bring culture back to our students," Ferreira said.

For students who have never traveled before, even outside of the SouthCoast region, flying on a plane and international travel will be a whole new experience.

Ferreira said he hopes students will have a new appreciation for the country after applying their knowledge and seeing it from a different perspective.

Ferreira hopes that this trip will be motivating for students to attend school by exposing them to a new perspective on education.

"Here in New Bedford, you just show up to school," Ferreira said. "In Cape Verde, there's a small tuition fee and you have to pay for materials."

Raising money through community partnerships

To fund this trip, Global Learning Charter is relying on community organizations and partnerships to give students the experience that administration and teachers had before the pandemic.

Cabo Verde Trade Inc., operating out of Brockton, will be shipping donated supplies between schools, cutting down on international shipping costs.

By way of a former counselor at Global Learning Charter, Taunton Public Schools shipped four barrels of reading books to help teach English for students in grades 2 through 6.

Jen and Joseph Costelo have donated clothing and shoes in bulk to schools in Cape Verde.

"This project here is truly a community project," Ferreira said. "Different entities coming together to say, 'We believe in what Global Learning is doing."

The school plans to raise any additional funds necessary.

Standard-Times staff writer Kerri Tallman can be reached at ktallman@s-t.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kerri_tallman for links to recent articles.

Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford charter students prepare for trip to Cape Verde school
Hong Kong  President Joe Biden was scheduled to hold a face-to-face summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday. The meeting, via video conference, will be the most significant U.S.-China talks since Mr. Biden took office. The discussion is to begin at 7:45 p.m. Eastern time, and is expected to last "several hours" with the aim, according to a senior Biden administration official, being to keep the lines of communication between the world's two biggest economies open to ensure that "competition doesn't lead to conflict."

Mr. Biden will be "direct and candid about areas of concern," the U.S. official said. Those areas likely include China's record number of incursions into Taiwan's air defense zone in recent months; human rights issues in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, and Beijing's use of economic coercion and cyber technology. Ongoing supply chain issues and trade tariffs are not expected to be a priority during the conversation.

FILE: DAVOS, Jan. 17, 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 17, 2017. / Credit: Xinhua News Agency

The White House official downplayed the likelihood of any major policy changes or diplomatic breakthroughs, amid bilateral tension that has risen to near its worst level since the U.S. and China normalized diplomatic ties in 1979.

Over the weekend, as a prelude to the presidential talks, the top diplomats of both countries spoke on the phone. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the importance of "meeting each other half way," to ensure a smooth summit, according to China's state-run Global Times. He also warned his counterpart, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, that Washington should not support independence for Taiwan.

"The Secretary emphasized longstanding U.S. interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and expressed concern regarding [China's] continued military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan," said U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price, noting that Blinken had "urged Beijing to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve cross-Strait issues peacefully and in a manner consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan."

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Mr. Biden should head into his discussion with Xi just hours after signing his $1.2 billion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law  a win for him and his administration. White House officials believe the timing means Mr. Biden will come into the summit with a "strong hand," and "well-positioned to engage President Xi."

But President Biden's domestic approval rating has fallen to a new low of 41%, according to a poll released on Sunday. With U.S. mid-term elections looming next year, he will likely hold off on any moves that could open him or fellow Democrats up to criticism of being soft on China.

The summit "will mark a turning point in China-U.S. relations, signaling that despite all the differences and difficulties in the bilateral relations, the two leaders believe that the two countries can talk with and engage with each other, rather than letting the relations get out of control," Chinese foreign affairs analyst Victor Gao, Chair Professor at Soochow University, told CBS News.

Gao said he hoped the direct talks between the leaders would serve to "reduce and minimize strategic mistrust and prevent strategic miscalculation, and enhance mutual understanding of each other's key strategic positions."

"China and the U.S. need to get along with each other  for their own benefits and for world peace and stability as a whole," said Gao. "I believe the virtual summit will bring a collective sigh of relief for mankind."

Xi will come into the discussion in one of his strongest domestic positions ever.

China's Communist Party, in a meeting of the country's top 370 leaders on Friday, elevated the 68-year-old president to the same status as modern China's founder, Mao Zedong, of the 1940's, and its paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, who held the presidency during the 1980's. They're China's two most powerful leaders of the past 100 years. Xi's official ascendance to their status came through a so-called "historical resolution"  only the third one drafted since China's Communist Party was founded in 1921.

The resolution extolled Xi's leadership since he took control in 2012, saying China had "made historic achievements and undergone a historic transformation" with him as president.

Ultimately, the declaration puts Xi on the strongest possible footing as he heads into a year in which many expect to see him vie for an unprecedented third term as president.

Under Deng, China instituted a two-term limit on its presidents as he worked to dismantle the cult of personality that had built up around Mao.

But Xi appears to be bringing back some of the cultish fervor around the country's top leader. This time next year, it would be more of a surprise to Chinese citizens and China watchers around the world if Xi did not continue to build his legacy, by continuing his leadership of the country.

Supporters and critics might even agree that, if that does happen, it could signal the return of a Chinese emperor  for life, and for the 21st century.

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President Biden named former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as senior adviser and infrastructure coordinator on the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, the White House confirmed Sunday.

Landrieu, who led New Orleans from 2010 to 2018, was also a lieutenant governor for Louisiana. The White House said they chose him because of his experience leading the city, as well as for his relationships with leaders at both state and municipal levels.

Landrieu will be helping to supervise and coordinate the infrastructure bill by working through the National Economic Council.

PRO-INFRASTRUCTURE REPUBLICANS FIRE BACK AMID ATTACKS FROM TRUMP GOP: 'ANGRY AS HELL'

"In this role, Landrieu will oversee the most significant and comprehensive investments in American infrastructure in generationswork that independent experts verify will create millions of high-paying, union jobs while boosting our economic competitiveness in the world, strengthening our supply chains, and acting against inflation for the long term," the White House said.

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 10: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the recently passed $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act at the Port of Baltimore on November 10, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. President Biden will sign the bill next week, where he plans to bring Democrats and Republicans to the White House for a ceremony to mark the bipartisan bill's passage. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

According to The Wall Street Journal, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Neil Bradley said, "Appointing someone with the background and experience of having been a mayor and a state official responsible for infrastructure projects sends an important signal that the administration is focused on delivering on the promises and the opportunities that this bill presents."

The announcement comes a day before Biden is slated to sign the infrastructure bill into law during a ceremony at the White House on Monday, during which he will be accompanied by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and business leaders.
President Biden on Monday signed a historic $1-trillion bipartisan bill that he said will overhaul the nation's infrastructure and boost the nation's economy, which has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Touting the legislation as a job creator, the president said it was also an example of him fulfilling a campaign promise to reach across the aisle to get things done.

"Democrats and Republicans can come together and deliver results," the president said during a signing ceremony on the White House lawn that was attended by more than 800 labor leaders, business executives, governors, mayors and mostly Democratic lawmakers.

The bill is expected to fund a plethora of infrastructure projects  including the expansion of broadband internet access and repairs to aging roads and bridges  over the next five years. California is set to receive about $3.5 billion to eliminate lead water pipes and take other steps to improve drinking water. It should also receive more than $80 million to help mitigate wildfires and other natural disasters.

The bill is smaller and less ambitious than Biden's original $2.3-trillion proposal, which was trimmed to ensure Republican support in the Senate.

Though the White House invited all 32 Republican lawmakers who voted for the bill, only a fraction attended the ceremony on the White House lawn. Among them was Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio who said he hoped to work with Democrats on other bills that "advance the interests of the American people."

Former President Trump, who repeatedly failed to overhaul the nation's infrastructure, blasted Republicans who backed this bill, directing particular ire at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Trump attacked McConnell in a statement over the weekend, calling the senator "Old Crow" and claiming the bill has given "Biden and the Democrats a victory just as they were falling off the cliff." The former president added that Republican lawmakers who crossed the aisle are "greatly jeopardizing their chance of winning reelection."

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McConnell, who has defended his vote for the bill, shrugged off Trump's criticism but did not attend the ceremony. The senator told a Kentucky radio station last week he had "other things I've got to do."

Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking before Biden, called on Congress to pass a $1.85-trillion bill that would expand the nation's social safety net and address climate change.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said a floor vote on the measure could come as soon as this week.

If it passes the House, the bill will head to the Senate, where thorny policy issues related to immigration, paid family leave and tax deductions will need to be sorted out. Democrats are seeking to pass the legislation by using a process known as reconciliation that allows them to get around a Republican-led filibuster in the Senate.

Times staff writer Jennifer Haberkorn contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
James Whitfield. James Whitfield

A Black principal resigned last week after parents in the district accused him of teaching "critical race theory."

James Whitfield will step down as principal as part of a settlement with the school district.

He said educators are "dealing with people that are delusional" amid school district culture wars.

A Black principal who resigned after critics accused him of teaching critical race theory to students said educators are "dealing with people that are delusional" as school district culture wars rage on.

"They're not grounded in any sort of reality," the principal, James Whitfield, told Insider. "It is important that we meet that delusion with what's real and we speak truth, and we're unapologetic in our stance to stand firmly in what is true and right."

Whitfield announced his resignation as principal of Colleyville Heritage High School near Fort Worth, Texas, last week after a saga that dates back to summer 2020, which was sparked after sent a letter to the school community saying that systemic racism is "alive and well" as racial justice protests swept the nation.

In the letter, which was reviewed by Insider, Whitfield urged the community to "commit to being an anti-racist."

Whitfield, 43, told Insider that he initially received positive responses to the letter, but that changed in July 2021.

During a July 31 Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District board meeting, a former school board candidate alleged that Whitfield was teaching and promoting "critical race theory," a learning approach that examines racial bias in US laws and institutions.

The academic theory, which is mostly taught at the university level and doesn't feature in Colleyville Heritage High School's curriculum, has become a target in the last year for conservative leaders and parents concerned by baseless claims of students being indoctrinated.

The man said Whitfield has "extreme views" and called for his contract to be terminated as other attendees at the meeting applauded and cheered in the background.

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Whitfield denied promoting critical race theory and told Insider that it has been eye-opening to see non-partisan school boards turn into "political battlegrounds."

Whitfield was placed on leave paid leave on August 30, though the district told CNN at the time that it was not related to the critical race theory accusations.

According to a settlement document reviewed by Insider, Whitfield agreed to resign last week and will remain on paid leave until August 15, 2023.

In a joint statement, the school district and Whitfield said they "have mutually agreed to resolve their disputes."

Whitfield told Insider he's "devastated" and that he misses his students and staff.

He said he's gotten mostly positive support and encouragement since the backlash, but has also been called harsh names and received racist messages in the mail.

Whitfield isn't quite sure what his next chapter will look like, but he said he wants to continue having an impact in young people's lives.

"I just want to be part of something that helps bring people together  helps just make the world a better place," he said.

Read the original article on Insider
The Daily Beast

NBCFollowing a cold open wherein Cecily Strongs Jeanine Pirro celebrated the Kyle Rittenhouses not guilty verdict with his chummy judge, Saturday Night Lives Weekend Update gave their two cents.On Friday, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty in the murder of two men during a Black Lives Matter protest. So, hopefully he got all that shooting out of his system before he becomes a cop, joked Che. SNLs Jeanine Pirro Celebrates Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict With His JudgeProtests are being held
Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com. Click here and subscribe today.

The Brevard County School Board will vote Tuesday to elect a new chair and begin discussing changes to its new public speaker policy.

Board chairs are elected by other board members annually. The board's vote Tuesday will decide who moderates discussions during public speaking time and will grant one member of the board the power to call emergency meetings without a majority vote.

While the role of chair is often symbolic, as tensions have steadily been rising in School Board meetings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, so too has the role of the chair to guide discussions. The chair has the power to call recesses and end the speaking time of people who have violated public speaking rules.

The October 12 Brevard County School Board meeting at the District Office in Viera. Small groups both for and against the mask mandate were gathered outside.

The Brevard County School Boards public participation policy has in fact become the subject of legal action. Conservative group Moms for Liberty and four of its members filed a First Amendment lawsuit in federal court last week, saying that speakers have been halted from expressing their free speech when their views did not align with the board.

The Moms for Liberty members said that they were silenced via a policy that allows the chair of the board to stop speakers from making comments that are obscene," "abusive" or personally directed. The lawsuit provided examples of instances where people were interrupted during public comment when making criticisms of the board, while the same rules weren't applied to people who were praising the board.

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In early October State Representative Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, filed a complaint with the state attorney's office against the School Board when Belford removed the public from the meeting during a discussion on the district's mask mandate. Some audience members had interrupted the meeting with shouts, and Belford called for a recess after, which the boardroom was cleared. Audience members listened to the meeting outside the building on speakers.

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In his complaint, Fine said the investigation should focus on Belford as she was the one who called for people to be removed. Moms for Liberty members posted a template for its members to make similar complaints.

To be named board chair, a School Board member must first be nominated. The board then votes in favor or against the nomination. School Board members can nominate themselves, but Belford said that isn't common.

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Vice chairs are sometimes expected to be voted as chair, but that isn't always the case; last year vice chair Matt Susan was passed over in favor of Belford and continued his responsibilities as vice chair.

The School Board will also hold a workshop in the afternoon Tuesday to discuss changing its new public participation policy. The board in late October voted to reduce speaking time for members of the public depending on the number of people who sign up to speak at meetings, restrict signs in the boardroom, and moved public speaking to the end of the meeting, where they would not be broadcast. A new version of the policy would keep the cameras rolling during that portion of the meeting

Bailey Gallion is the education reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallion at 321-242-3786 or bgallion@floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard County School Board will vote to elect new chair
Britney Spears VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

After 13 years, Britney Spears is free  and she's "on cloud 9."

A judge on Friday ended Spears' controversial conservatorship after 13 years, and on Monday, she wrote on Instagram that she had an "amazing weekend" and felt like she was "on cloud 9 the whole time." In fact, Spears said she "actually got my first glass of champagne" to celebrate the victory, and she added that she'll be "celebrating my freedom and my B day for the next two months !!!!!!!!!!!"

Spears had long fought to end the conservatorship controlling her life and finances, which was set up in 2008, and she slammed it as "abusive" during a explosive court hearing in June. The singer won a major victory in September when her father was suspended as conservator, and the legal battle finally reached an end Friday when a judge terminated the conservatorship entirely, determining it's "no longer required." Spears' father, in a reversal of his previous position, had petitioned the court to end the conservatorship.

Videos emerged on Friday of Spears' supporters celebrating the news outside the court, and on Instagram, she wrote, "What a sight seeing so many people celebrating my victory . I love my fans so much." Spears also expressed gratitude to her lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, who joined the case after she was given permission to hire her own attorney. "He has truly turned my life around," Spears wrote.

Spears didn't comment further on what might be next for her, though TMZ recently reported she wants to record music again but doesn't have any immediate plans to perform. She previously wrote in October that even after the conservatorship ends, "I still want justice."

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NEW BRUNSWICK  Two city men have been arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of a Franklin man here earlier this month.

Jhon German-Suarez, 24, was charged with murder and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, and Wendis Rodriguez-Quiles, 31, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose in the death of 32-year-old Lorenzo Hill Staten, 32, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office announced.

Police responded about 8:12 p.m. Nov. 2 to the area of Seaman Street and Remsen Avenue on a report of a shooting where they found Hill Staten with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the prosecutors office. He was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment where he later died, the prosecutor's office said.

An investigation determined German-Suarez and Rodriguez-Quiles allegedly conspired to kill Hill Staten, according to the prosecutors office.

EARLIER: New Brunswick police investigate after Franklin man killed in shooting

The New Brunswick Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, the New Jersey-New York United States Marshals Fugitive Regional Task Force, and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office assisted with the arrests of German-Suarez and Rodriguez-Quiles, who were apprehended Monday in the Bronx, the prosecutors office said.

They remained in custody in New York pending extradition hearings.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to call Detective Keith Walcott at 732-745-5200 or Detective Mark Morris at 732-745-3927.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: New Brunswick NJ men arrested in fatal shooting, charged with murder
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  Attorneys for Florida high school shooter Nikolas Cruz told a judge Monday that detectives made false statements to get the search warrants allowing them to seize evidence from his cellphone and bedroom, including an argument over whether burgundy and maroon are the same color.

The attorneys want Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer to bar prosecutors from showing jurors the videos, photos and messages found on his phone and guns, ammunition and other items seized from the friend's home where he was living when he murdered 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland.

Cruz, 23, faces trial starting in January to determine if he will be executed or receive a life sentence without parole for the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre. He pleaded guilty last month to murdering 14 students and three staff members and the attempted murder of 17 others who were wounded.

Assistant public defender Nawal Bashimam told Scherer that Broward County sheriff's detectives John Curcio and Walter Foster made false statements to the magistrate who granted the home and phone search warrants. She questioned both detectives Monday, getting into minute details of the affidavits they wrote hours after the shooting seeking the warrants.

Bashimam said the detectives falsely claimed that security guard Andrew Medina had identified Cruz as the shooter. A transcript of the guard speaking to detectives shortly after the shooting show he could not immediately remember the name of the suspicious person he spotted entering campus, only that he was a troubled former student. Cruz had been expelled a year earlier after a history of threatening, frightening, unusual and sometimes violent behavior that dated back to preschool. Medina later remembered Cruz's name when reminded by another guard.

The detectives wrote Medina heard gunshots after Cruz entered the building. Medina had said he heard pow, pow, pow numerous times, but only later said they were gunshots. They wrote Medina called a code red, but he never did. Bashimam pointed out that both detectives wrote that Medina said Cruz was wearing a maroon shirt, but he actually said the suspect's shirt was burgundy.

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Both detectives said their statements were accurate paraphrases of Medinas statement based on its entirety and were not meant to be direct quotes. Curcio also pointed out that Cruz had confessed and that was included in the affidavits.

At one point, Scherer stopped Bashimam, saying she thought burgundy and maroon were the same color. Bashimam argued that they are different but in any case, the detectives didn't use the word Medina used.

Assistant state attorney Nicole Chiappone told Scherer that the detectives' affidavits to the magistrate were accurate and if there were errors, they were minor and would not have changed the magistrate's findings of probable cause to issue the warrants.

Scherer said she would rule later. She did deny several defense motions asking her to declare Florida's death penalty statute unconstitutional, saying that has already been decided by the state Supreme Court.

At the upcoming penalty trial, prosecutors will present evidence of the shooting, including security video that reportedly shows many of the killings in graphic detail. Prosecutors say Cruz shot victims with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, sometimes returning to the wounded to kill them with additional shots.

If the evidence is allowed, prosecutors also will show evidence that Cruz had long planned the attack and made threats through cellphone videos. There will be testimony from students and teachers who were in the building, including some of the wounded.

Prosecutors also will present testimony from the victims parents and spouses to demonstrate the toll the deaths have had on families and the community.

The defense will then present mitigating evidence that will likely include testimony about Cruzs life, including his long history of mental and emotional instability, his fathers death when he was 5 and his mothers death less than four months before the shootings, when he was 19.

To impose a death sentence, all 12 jurors must agree. If they do, Scherer will make the final decision.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Caleb Jones conceded it would be perfect timing if he could make his season debut against the Edmonton Oilers, the team that drafted him in 2015.

But its out his hands. Or more precisely, its up to his wrist.

Im not going to lie, itd be nice to play in Edmonton. Itd be a fun one, said Jones, who returned to practice Monday after a left wrist strain had kept him out since early October. Especially itd be kind of weird for my first game as a Blackhawk to be back there.

Well just play it by ear, Hawks interim coach Derek King said. Im sure hes going to definitely want to play against Edmonton, but well just bring him in. He can take warmup against Seattle (on Wednesday) just to get him back with how do you get dressed before a game kind of routine, and well go from there.

Jones practiced at Fifth Third Arena as the team prepared for a four-game trip to Seattle and Western Canada. The Oilers are the second opponent on Saturday.

Im taking it a day at a time, Jones said. Ill go on the trip and keep practicing hard and working hard with the training staff. Whenever they want me back in, I think Ill feel ready to go.

The Hawks acquired Jones in the July trade that sent Duncan Keith to the Oilers, and Jones received a lot of buzz in training camp.

But he injured his wrist on a routine play during practice after the Hawks 6-4 preseason road win over the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 4.

I was in the corner and I thought I just jammed my wrist, so I finished practice, went home, was icing it, Jones said. The next day, came in and showed the trainers what was going on. They tried to tape it and they said if my tendon had stayed in place, Id be OK.

But it kept side-sliding out, so they said splint it and (sit for) four to six weeks.

The Hawks placed him on long-term injured reserve on Oct. 11. He began skating again last week.

While Jones was sidelined for five weeks, the Hawks got off to the worst start in franchise history (0-7-2).

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It was kind of a helpless feeling and youre seeing everyone struggle and you want to be out there helping out too and you want to be in that battle with them, he said. It was a tough little month there.

Jones brother, Seth, a fellow defenseman, was front and center for it all. Seths status as a high-profile offseason acquisition, coupled with a lucrative contract extension, made him a target for criticism as he shared in the teams struggles.

(Seth) liked to talk to me when things werent going well because we have a good relationship like that, Jones said. We would hang out on some off days and he would talk to me and express some frustrations he was having. I was able to tell him, Just keep sticking with it and things will work out.

Ultimately, King replaced Jeremy Colliton as coach, and the interim bench boss has to learn about yet another somewhat unfamiliar face.

But Jones made quite an impression in practice Monday.

He flies, so hes going to help us big time, King said.

He looks like hes in good shape, defenseman Connor Murphy said. Were excited to see him back. He did so great in training camp and knew he was going to have a great start to the year.

The 27-year-old Jones had five goals and 14 assists in 93 games across three seasons for the Oilers with a minus-17 rating. Hes champing at the bit to show his old team what he can do.

This was a big year for me to come in and show I could be a really good NHL player, Jones said. In Edmonton, I had good spurts, but I never consistently was able to keep doing it.

It was a tough blow for sure to hear that (injury happened), especially on a weird play in practice. But I kept my head on straight and kept working hard, and I know Ill get another chance.
TUSCARAWAS TWP.  A Canton man was killed Monday morning after his car was hit head-on by a vehicle that lost control on an icy bridge along state Route 241 near the intersection of U.S. Route 30.

Tien Le, 71, was driving a 2020 Honda Fit along Route 241 around 8 a.m. when a 2020 Jeep Wrangler driven by Jennifer Nemeth, 44, of Lawrence Township lost control on an ice-covered bridge over Route 30. The Wrangler traveled left of center and struck Le's vehicle.

According to the State Highway Patrol, the head-on collision flipped the Jeep onto its side. Nemeth, who was wearing a seat belt, was not injured. Le also was wearing his seat belt.

The crash closed the roadway for about an hour. The accident remains under investigation.

Brewster and North Lawrence fire departments, along with the Ohio Department of Transportation, assisted at the scene.

Several crashes were reported across the area Monday morning due to icy conditions. The cold weather and a rain/snow mix hampered traffic along state Route 21. Portions of the roadway were closed in Wayne County due to traffic crashes.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Tien Le of Canton was killed in an early morning crash along Route 241
A 25-year-old Chicago man has been charged after a shooting at a suburban indoor amusement park that left one man wounded, DuPage County law enforcement officials said.

Meco Norris is accused of shooting another person at the Safari Land indoor amusement center in Villa Park about 7 p.m. Saturday, States Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park police Chief Michael Rivas said in a statement. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and reckless discharge of a firearm, they said.

Norris allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire on the person, who was also at the amusement park, striking him three times  in the right side of the chest, the right shoulder and the right elbow, Berlin and Rivas said. Norris then fled, and was taken into custody at his home the next day, they said.

The wounded person was treated at a hospital and released later that evening.

While one person was physically harmed in this incident, there are hundreds of more victims, from very young children to grandparents, who will bear scars emotionally and psychologically for a long time, Rivas said.

We are all very thankful that no children were injured during this alleged attack, Berlin said.

Judge Michael Reidy set Norris bail at $1 million Monday. Norris next court date is scheduled for Dec. 17.

sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Sweeping legislation to boost U.S. competitiveness with China and fund much-needed semiconductor production passed the Senate with bipartisan support in June but has stalled in the House of Representatives as backers struggle to find a way to pass it.

Although President Joe Biden's Democrats control both chambers of Congress, House members said they wanted to write their own bill, not consider the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, or USICA.

Five months later, the House has not voted on its own bill nor taken up USICA. And with a packed legislative agenda https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-congress-november-agenda-not-faint-heart-2021-11-01, there is scant time to do so in 2021.

The Senate passed USICA https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-set-pass-sweeping-bill-address-china-tech-threat-2021-06-08 by 68-32. The measure was a rare legislative foray into industrial policy, authorizing $190 billion to strengthen U.S. technology and research, and an additional $54 billion to increase U.S. production and research into semiconductors and telecommunications equipment.

China says USICA distorts facts and is based on "cold war thinking." Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a daily briefing in Beijing on Monday that it would harm relations. "China has always resolutely opposed this," he said.

Sources told Reuters https://www.reuters.com/business/exclusive-chinese-embassy-lobbies-us-business-oppose-china-bills-sources-2021-11-12 that China has been pushing U.S. executives, companies and business groups to fight against USICA and other China-related bills in Congress.

A worldwide shortage of computer chips is crimping production of everything from gaming consoles to vehicles. Money in USICA would help expand manufacturing.

Many issues addressed in USICA, including trade and human rights, are expected to feature at Monday's virtual summit https://www.reuters.com/world/china/biden-chinas-xi-expected-meet-virtually-monday-sources-2021-11-11 between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

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A House Democratic leadership aide would not give a timeline for House consideration of the measure, saying only there are still areas where the House and Senate must resolve differences.

ADDING PROVISIONS TO DEFENSE BILL

Many senators are shifting their focus toward including USICA provisions in other legislation https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senators-propose-adding-boycott-chinas-winter-olympics-defense-bill-2021-10-28 expected to pass within weeks, such as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a must-pass annual defense policy bill.

On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a letter https://www.democrats.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/CES%20Dear%20Colleague%2011.14.21.pdf that the Senate would likely take up NDAA this week and "may add the Senate-passed text of USICA to the NDAA."

He added that "would enable a USICA negotiation with the House to be completed alongside NDAA before the end of the year."

The House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced a China bill in July, but all 20 committee Republicans opposed the "Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act," or Eagle Act. There has been no word on timing of a vote in the full House.

The Eagle Act is narrower than USICA, focusing on foreign policy. It also includes provisions, such as on climate, that Republicans said they will not support.

But generally, the desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in Congress. Lawmakers and aides from both parties worry the bill could slip well into 2022 if something does not change quickly.

Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat on both the foreign relations and armed services committees, expressed frustration. "I was happy to see this legislation pass the Senate in June on a broadly bipartisan basis and strongly urge the House to take it up swiftly and send it to the presidents desk without delay," he said in a statement.

"It is critical Congress pass strong, bipartisan legislation to address the generational threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party," said Representative Michael McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, additional reporting by Michael Martina and David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Sanders, Dan Wallis and Lisa Shumaker)
The City of Lexington has annexed 760 acres in Linwood that is slated for a new industrial park

The City of Lexington has a whopping new addition which has the promise of bringing in hundreds of new jobs, expand the citys tax base and increase economic development in the area.

Following a public hearing on Wednesday, the Lexington City Council approved the voluntary satellite annexation of 763 acres of property in Linwood area, just south of the I-85 Corporate Center where EGGER is located.

Want to know more about what is happening in Lexington? Support local journalism, subscribe to The Dispatch.

This new area, which is two miles outside of the city limits, will now be considered part of the City of Lexington.

The eight parcels are owned by Samet Corporation, a commercial and industrial construction company, who plan on developing the area for prospective large-scale industrial customers.

According to representatives from the City of Lexington, Samet has projected a minimum $250 million investment to develop the property, which in turn could provide up to 1,000 jobs, over the next 20 years.

It is an incredible opportunity and a positive statement for Lexington that they wanted to be annexed...We are really excited because how many cities of our size have the opportunity to have a key developer request to annex close to 800 acres... To have a well-known business such a Samet to say they want to do business in Lexington is a huge checkmark for us, said Lexington City Manager Terra Greene.

Brian Hall, director of development for Samet Corporation, said the location is desirable because it is centrally located in the state, with easy access to Interstate 85. He said the company plans on calling the area the North Carolina I-85 Center.

We're excited about this, said Hall. For us this is the first step what's largely is a 20- or 25-year program to develop out this park. There roughly about 5,000,000 square feet of space...and we expect to execute that one project at a time. It represents a very keen geographical spot for us in the center of our state that happens to be in the City of Lexington, which we're proud about and we're grateful for the opportunity.

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Lexington Mayor Newell Clark said he is thrilled with the new annexation, as well as the potential economic impact to the area from this project. He said he hopes it will encourage others to see Lexington and Davidson County as a premier location for more industrial and commercial growth.

Weve heard forever that one of the great things about Lexington and the county is our central location in the state, and thats one of the things I started pushing ten years ago. With Samet calling it the North Carolina I-85 Center, they recognize and see this area as the center of North Carolina and we need to take advantage of that... We have folks from outside wanting to be a part of the city; that's just very exciting and that allows us to grow, said Clark.

As part of their development plans, Samet requested the annexation to have City of Lexington services, such as fire and police and some utilities.

The area is currently served by Churchland Volunteer Fire Department and the southernmost area is just outside the five-mile zone of Lexington Fire Department. The City of Lexington has agreed to reimburse Churchland Volunteer Fire Department in any additional cost associated with services the new properties. As this annexed property develops, the city plans to relocate a Lexington fire station to better position response coverage.

With this property currently primarily farmland and targeted for industrial development, Lexington Police Department will service the area within its existing zone coverage. The City of Lexington will provide wastewater services and potentially natural gas, as the property is developed.

More: Welcome Back: The return of manufacturing in Davidson County

According to North Carolina General Statues, satellite annexations can occur up to three miles from a city and this property is approximately two miles from the Lexington City limits.

As part of the voluntary annexation process, the Town of Spencer in Rowan County, which is closer to the property, has agreed to allow Lexington to annex the property. The Town of Spencer is about .84 miles from the annexation area, but the Yadkin River separates the property from Spencer.

On Nov. 9, the Town of Spencer's Board of Aldermen approved the agreement with Lexington which will be in effect until November 9, 2041.

Now that the annexation is approved, the City of Lexington can serve the property to the same extent that it serves properties within the city limits.

Related story: Mohawk Industries will add jobs, invest $87 million to expand Thomasville facility

The Lexington Business and Community Development Department will be requesting a zoning change for the parcels to an industrial district during the November 22 city council meeting, following prior approval by the city planning and zoning board.

This about the seeds for the future of this community in terms of jobs, in terms of tax base and in terms of being excellent corporate citizens. With the direct interstate access, the large acreage and minimal proximity to residential this is primed for economic development and stands right beside our neighbors in the county, said Greene.

General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM.

This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: Lexington annexes 760 acres in Linwood slated for new industrial park
Updates from Tuesday: Jury deliberations begin as Kenosha braces for verdict

KENOSHA, Wis.  A jury will start deliberating in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial Tuesday morning after a day filled with competing narratives over whether the teen should be held liable for killing two people and injuring a third during protests last year.

The case has riled racial and political tensions across the U.S. and created several courtroom spectacles since it began, with the presiding judge clashing heatedly with prosecutors.

At the start of the day, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a misdemeanor charge that Rittenhouse was a minor in possession of a firearm illegally. The defense argued the charge couldn't apply because of an exception in the law. The prosecution objected, but the judge sided with the defense's interpretation.

The trial, which began Nov. 1, featured eight days of testimony from about 30 witnesses and more than a dozen videos from the night of Aug. 25, 2020, when then-17-year-old Rittenhouse fatally shot two men and wounded a third during a violent protest.

After hearing closing arguments from the prosecutors and defense all day Monday, the 12-member jury panel will deliberate Rittenhouse's future starting Tuesday morning.

The prosecution painted Rittenhouse as a tourist vigilante from Illinois, armed with bad judgment and a rifle he couldn't legally possess, looking for vengeance against anti-police rioters.

His defense attorneys said he was essentially a Kenoshan, driven by a youthful sense of patriotism to protect and defend his community, forced to kill two people and wound a third to save his own life.

The shooting occurred days after a white police officer shot Jacob Blake, a Black man, multiple times in the back, leading to several nights of unrest, looting and arson last year in Kenosha.

In anticipation of a verdict, Gov. Tony Evers said he was sending about 500 Wisconsin National Guard troops to the Kenosha area to be on standby to help "hundreds of officers from volunteering law enforcement agencies" if needed, according to his office.

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Kyle Rtttenhouse's attorneys argue about the charges that will be presented to the jury at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Nov. 12 in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the killing of Anthony Huber, 26; first-degree reckless homicide in the killing of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36; and attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the shooting of Gaige Grosskreutz, 28.

He faces two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment for shooting at an unidentified man and in the direction of Richard McGinniss, a videographer who was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse fired four rounds at Rosenbaum in less than a second.

Rittenhouse case, Arbery death trial: Both reflect deepening political and racial divides

Prosecution closing : Rittenhouse had no remorse

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger summarized the case against Rittenhouse as a 17-year-old out after a curfew who did not genuinely want to protect property or help others the night of the shooting. Binger said Rittenhouse had no remorse or concern for those he shot and those he killed, depicting him and others strapped with AR-15-style rifles as "wannabe soldiers acting tough."

"We shouldn't have 17-year-olds running around our streets with AR-15s because this is exactly what happens," Binger said.

Binger repeated that Rittenhouse lied when he told people in the crowd and a member of the media that he was a certified EMT as he carried a medic bag.

Rittenhouse was a member of a cadet program that included firefighter and EMT training. Binger tied Rittenhouse's lies to a claim by witnesses that Rosenbaum threatened Rittenhouse, something he noted wasn't caught on video despite footage chronicling most of the evening.

Binger said that by provoking the attack, Rittenhouse lost his right to self-defense. He said the crowd protesting that night was "full of heroes" who sought to stop what they believed to be an active shooter after Rosenbaum was shot. Binger said they had every right to use force to stop Rittenhouse.

In the killing of Rosenbaum, Binger said, a bullet to the back was the fatal one, but Rittenhouse could have stopped after the first, which hit Rosenbaum's pelvis and caused him to fall, if he truly feared for his life.

"The defendant decided to pull the trigger on his AR-15 four times. That was his decision. And he is responsible for every bullet that comes out of his gun. He doesn't get a pass by pulling the trigger fast," Binger said.

He urged jurors not to think that property damage or looting was justification for the shootings even if they did not agree with such acts.

"What you don't get to do is kill someone on the street for committing arson," Binger said.

Rittenhouse judge draws criticism: Can a judge be removed from a case? Not likely.

Rittenhouse defense : Kyle was there to 'help' community

Rittenhouse's attorneys laid out his self-defense argument in their closing arguments, summarizing the days of testimony to depict the teen as someone who wanted to "help the community" amid the violent protests.

His attorney, Mark Richards, said, the first killing happened with Rosenbaum injured because "he was chasing my client and going to kill him." The subsequent shootings happened as Rittenhouse ran toward police and was attacked by a "mob," having no choice but to defend himself by firing again, Richards said.

"Kyle was not an active shooter. That is a buzzword that the state wants to latch on to because it excuses the actions of that mob," Richards said. "He reacted to people attacking him."

Richards argued the crowd aimed to get "their licks in on" Rittenhouse because he was "somebody from the other side who has been putting out their fires, causing problems for them, stopping them from wreaking havoc in Kenosha."

He cast the case against Rittenhouse as a "rush to judgment" with "shoddy" police work.

"This is a political case," Richards said. "We can take politics out of it as in Democrat and Republican, but the District Attorney's Office is marching forward with this case because they need somebody to be responsible."

Richards said Rittenhouse not only had the right to open fire on the first of the three people shot that evening, but he was grateful for Rittenhouse's actions.

"Kyle shot Joseph Rosenbaum to stop a threat to his person," Richards told the jury.

"And I'm glad he shot him because if Joseph Rosenbaum had got that gun I don't for a minute believe he wouldn't have used it against somebody else. He was irrational and crazy."

Jury to start deliberating Tuesday

The jury will begin deliberating the case against Rittenhouse and whether the now 18-year-old should spend up to life in prison.

The jury was sent home Monday evening after hearing hours of closing arguments from prosecutors and the defense about the events that led up to Rittenhouse opening fire with an AR-15 styled rifle during violent protests in Wisconsin.

Judge Schroeder said the panel would reconvene Tuesday at 9 a.m. local time. The jury currently consists of 18 members but that will be whittled down to 12 Tuesday who will decide Rittenhouse's fate.

"Members of the jury, the time has now come with a great burden of reaching a just, fair and conscientious decision in this case will be placed totally with you," Schroeder said. "You will not be swayed by sympathy, passion, prejudice or political beliefs."

Schroeder instructed the jury Monday about the elements of the various offenses charged and options to find Rittenhouse guilty of lesser versions of the crimes.

Schroeder paused the instructions at least twice, once for an extended period to confer with the attorneys and send the jury out of the room. Schroeder said he was worried the instructions didn't make clear when the jury should consider the lesser charges. He brought the jurors back and continued reading the instructions.

'How not to be a good judge': Kyle Rittenhouse judge draws new backlash with 'Asian food' joke

Judge dismisses misdemeanor weapon charge

Since Rittenhouse raised self-defense, the critical question jurors will decide is whether his decision to use deadly force was reasonable.

The misdemeanor gun charge appeared likely to lead to a conviction, given Rittenhouse's age.

But his lawyers argued Wisconsin law includes an exception for rifles or shotguns that are not short-barreled. Prosecutors said they believed the charge was still applicable, but they conceded the gun used was not short-barreled, which led to Schroeder dismissing the charge.

More on the lesser charges: Rittenhouse jury will consider some lesser charges in fatal shootings. Here's what that means.

What happened the night of the shootings ?

Rittenhouse lived in Antioch, Illinois, about 20 miles from Kenosha. He and Dominick Black, a close friend who lived in the city, went downtown the morning of Aug. 25 to view the damage done during demonstrations the previous two nights. Rittenhouse said he met the owners of a car business that had been destroyed by arson.

That day, the owners asked Nicholas Smith, a former employee who lived nearby, if he could help watch over the business's two other locations that night.

Smith asked Black and Rittenhouse if they'd like to help, and they returned that night, armed with AR-15-style rifles. Black had bought Rittenhouse's for him in May because Rittenhouse was underage. They kept the rifle at Black's house in Kenosha.

The trio and about five others spent most of the night at a repair shop.

How it happened: A visual timeline of violence in Kenosha after police shooting of Jacob Blake

Later in the evening when he was separated from the group, Rittenhouse encountered Rosenbaum, seen by many witnesses acting aggressively toward armed people trying to put out fires and stop property damage.

After running briefly from Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse turned and shot him. As angry onlookers converged, Rittenhouse ran away. About halfway back to a police line, he stumbled and fell to the street.

He fired four more shots  two at a man who kicked him in the face; one at Huber who had struck him with his skateboard and tried to take his gun; and one at Grosskreutz, a volunteer medic at protests who ran up on Rittenhouse while holding a pistol.

Contributing: Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Tears, yelling and calls for a mistrial: What a dramatic day could mean for the Kyle Rittenhouse murder trial

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: Kyle Rittenhouse closing arguments key moments; jury to deliberate
Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) is among House Democrats pushing to raise the cap on state and local tax deductions. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

A petty tax injustice is close to getting erased  if the middle class can avoid being mistakenly labeled rich and undeserving.

Let me explain.

Remember the longtime federal tax break on state and local taxes that was gutted four years ago by President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress?

It may be largely restored as part of President Bidens and the Democrats $1.85-trillion social safety net bill that Speaker Nancy Pelosi hopes to bring to a vote this week in the U.S. House.

Before the Trump-GOP butchery, we could deduct all state income and local property taxes on federal returns.

But Trump and Republicans placed a $10,000 cap on deductions for state and local taxes, called SALT in government speak. Prior to that, the average SALT deduction in California exceeded $18,400.

The state Franchise Tax Board reported that in 2018, the SALT cap cost Californians $12 billion. The Washington-based Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy has estimated that in 2022, the SALT cap hit on Californians will be $33 billion if the law isnt changed.

On the flip side, the 2017 tax bill did help nonitemizers. Standard deductions were nearly doubled and so were child credits. And important for upper-middle-class taxpayers, the alternative minimum tax was lowered.

So, the entire GOP tax act shouldnt be repealed. But the SALT cap definitely needs an overhaul.

Why was it enacted in the first place? Two reasons.

The higher federal revenue from personal income taxes was needed to pay for corporate tax cuts.

For Trump and the GOP, the cap also was a stinging jab at high-tax blue states led by Democrats  states such as New York, New Jersey and California.

The cap wasnt a big deal in many red states that have low taxes or no income levies at all  such as Texas, Florida and Alaska.

Then-Gov. Jerry Brown didnt waste words, charging that Republican congressional leaders were wielding their power like a bunch of Mafia thugs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and six other Democratic governors sent Biden a letter in April urging him to undo the cap.

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For the first time since Abraham Lincoln created the federal income tax, the cap on SALT deductions established a system of double taxation, the governors wrote, explaining that Americans were forced to pay taxes on the amount they paid in state, local and property taxes.

Capping SALT was based on politics, not logic or good government, the governors continued. This assault disproportionately targeted Democratic-run states.

In short, middle-class Americans are struggling under this federal tax burden while corporations  which are still able to fully deduct SALT as business expenses  are profiting because of the same law.

The middle class is at the center of the dispute. Some liberal lawmakers and think tanks contend that repealing the cap would be an unwarranted giveaway to the rich and of little benefit to the middle class.

Nonsense. But forget about a total repeal.

House Democrats, led by New Jersey members and including California Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine), are pushing to raise the cap. The latest target is $80,000.

But even if that higher cap passes the House, it almost certainly will be changed in the Senate.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the Budget Committee chairman, has said the House proposal is too tailored for the rich and is unacceptable.

Sanders and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) have proposed eliminating the cap entirely for taxpayers earning less than $400,000. Above that income, the $10,000 cap would be phased back in.

Steve Wamhoff, an analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, says that the House plan would cost twice as much as the Sanders-Menendez version  more than $60 billion annually compared with about $30 billion.

With an $80,000 cap, he says, most dollars would go to the richest 5%. The $400,000 income lid gives very little to the top 1%, he adds, but in California, 86% of the benefits would go to the top 20%.

Falling in the top 20% of California earners hardly means that a family is rich. It can hit that mark with pay of about $110,000, says the state Franchise Tax Board based on 2019 data, the latest available. Youre in the top 5% with family earnings of about $270,000  very comfortable, but not exactly mega-rich in high-cost California.

Whats considered rich in some states is basic middle class in much of California. Were plagued with unaffordable housing. Southern Californias median home price in September was $688,500. In Los Angeles County, it was $795,000, more than twice the national average.

The high housing values can translate into steep property taxes, even with low rates under Proposition 13. Our state income taxes are by far the nations highest. Gasoline prices are also steeper than in other states.

A SALT change wouldnt benefit just rich Californians. It would benefit many middle-class taxpayers too.

The state Finance Department analyzed what an $80,000 cap would mean for Californians. It calculated that 2.3 million taxpayers would potentially benefit by being allowed to deduct an additional $43 billion. Of those taxpayers, 1.3 million earn less than $175,000. Their deductions would increase by $9 billion.

Its pretty clear from the data that a SALT change doesnt solely benefit the richer class, Finance Department spokesman H.D. Palmer says. Hundreds of thousands of California taxpayers whose incomes fall far below the top of the heap would benefit.

Revamping SALT may impact wealthy people more, but middle-income people benefit as well, says Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), who long has pushed for lifting the cap.

I think well get something. Its not soup yet. Its still cooking.

Almost anything would taste better than whats being served now.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Dr. Carol Rae Culliton is the founder of The Brotherhood of Heroes Military Museum and Resource Center in Cape Coral.

The Community Foundation, previously known as the Cape Coral Community Foundation, is a global center for generosity, and one of Southwest Floridas most active grantmaking charitable foundations. The Community Foundation is the voice and the choice of 4,700 nonprofits in Southwest Florida with a combined workforce of 32,500 employees that generate $3.6 billion in annual revenue.

Every year, the Community Foundation honors and celebrates the top 30 nonprofit executives in Southwest Florida. The influential and inspiring leaders are some of the regions most effective decision-makers and power influencers.

Harry Chapin Food Bank executive director Richard LeBer

Managing a nonprofit, let alone innovating new ideas, is a tall order. Mastering that balance between sustainability and change is why these top 30 nonprofit CEO power influencers need to be recognized and honored.

Each of the influencers has been identified and confirmed by peers as being a top achiever and community builder who performs their duties with integrity and honesty and makes a substantial impact in Southwest Florida.

These exceptional achievers have a proven track record in the charitable sector while also dedicating their time, talent, and treasure to leading transformational change to enrich the community. This honor was established by the South Florida CEO Network, an initiative of The Community Foundation, and the Nonprofit Education Grantmaking Fund, as part of a larger vision of nonprofit leader appreciation, recognition, and cultivating a culture of regional generosity.

More: Commentary: Cape Community Foundation helps small nonprofits build greater Southwest Florida

The nonprofit executives highlighted here have distinguished themselves as initiators, innovators, and leaders. One important standard to be selected is the honoree must be a working day-in, day-out executive. In many cases this year day-in, day-out was 24/7/365 and still going.

The 2021 honorees were selected from a group of roughly 200 top executives. Surveys were sent to business and community leaders to determine who should make this years list. This is not a lifetime achievement award. The executives must have had an impact during the previous 12 months. Each honoree will receive a special award of appreciation, featured in media releases and news outlets, as well as attend a private VIP reception, sponsored by Regions Bank.

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Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci

Wendy Fullerton-Powell, News Director, News-Press/USA Today, will share an informative presentation on how to get the attention of newsroom decision-makers to promote their organizations, which can lead to more visibility, credibility, and charitable donations.

The private, invitation-only awards ceremony will be held on Dec. 9 from 4-6 p.m. at the Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers.

Here is the complete list of The Community Foundation's Top 30 Nonprofit Executives of 2021:

 Dr. Michael Martin, President, Florida Gulf Coast University

Dr. Michael Martin, President, Florida Gulf Coast University

 Dr. Roger Nutt, President, Ave Maria University

 Paul Hiltz, President, NCH Health System

 Dr. Larry Antonucci, President, Lee Health

 Dr. Samira Beckwith, President, Hope Healthcare

 Dr. Carol Rae Culliton, Founder, Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center & Museum

Erin McLeod, President, Senior Friendship Centers

 Erin McLeod, President, Senior Friendship Centers

 John Nadeau, President Goodwill Industries of SWFL

John Nadeau

 Norma Adorno, President, Area Agency on Aging of SWFL

 Dawn Montecalvo, President, Guadalupe Center

 Noemi Perez, President, Immokalee Foundation

Noemi Perez, President, Immokalee Foundation

 Richard Leber, President, Harry Chapin Food Bank

 David Erickson, President, ECHO

 Jeff Metzger, President, New International

 Lara Fisher, President, Grace Place for Children & Families

 Jaime Suanez, Executive Director, Rist Family Foundation

Jamie Suanez

 Lee Ellen Harder, Executive Director, Big Arts Sanibel Island

 Maggi Feiner, President, F.I.S.H. of SANCAP

 Megan McCarthy Beauvais, President, Boys & Girls Club of Naples

 Dan Shoemaker, President, Reciprocal Ministries, International

 Abdul Muhammed, President, Quality Life Center

 Laura Ragain, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House of SWFL

Laura Ragain, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House of SWFL

 Ryan Orgera, President, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

 Linda Oberhaus, President, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

 John Martin, Managing Director, Florida Repertory Theatre

 Stefanie Ink Edwards, President, Community Cooperative

 Angela Melvin, President, Valeries House

Angela Melvin is founder and president of Valerie's House.

 Angel Cerritos, Executive Director, Bonita Springs YMCA

 Lynne Thorp, Executive Director, The Dubin Center

 Jennifer Cellitti, Executive Director, PACE Center for Girls, Lee County

Michael Chatman is president & CEO of The Community Foundation, the global center for generosity, and can be reached at cccf@capecoralcf.org, on Twitter @michaelchatman. The Community Foundation is located at 1405 SE 47th Terrace, Unit 2, Cape Coral. For information, call 239-542-5594.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Community Foundation announces Southwest Florida's top 30 nonprofit executives of 2021
KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's highest court on Monday ruled it was not competent to try former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon over the alleged misappropriation of $200 million in government funds meant for an agriculture project.

A lawyer for Matata, who denies any wrongdoing, said he considered the case closed, although prosecutors could try to pursue it before a different court. Prosecutors could not be immediately reached for comment.

The prosecution alleged more than $200 million went missing from the Bukanga Lonzo project. The government touted the venture, one of Africa's largest ever agricultural investments, as an answer to chronic food shortages when it was launched in 2014.

Production ceased when the South African company operating it left Congo in 2017, saying it had not been paid in months.

Prosecutors had argued that the constitutional court should hear the case because it is responsible for trying allegations that involve presidents and prime ministers.

However, Congo's constitutional court dismissed the case, saying in a ruling that its jurisdiction only covered sitting, not former, prime ministers.

"There is no law that identifies the judge of acts that are done by a prime minister when he is no longer in office. There is a legal vacuum. This is what the constitutional court found," Matata's lawyer, Laurent Onyemba, told Reuters.

"The case, for us, is closed," he said.

The ruling also applies to Matata's two co-defendants, former government official Patrice Kitebi and Christo Grobler, the head of the South African operator, Africom Commodities.

Grobler's lawyer, Jacquemain Shabani, said he was satisfied with the court's decision but was waiting to see if prosecutors would take the case to a different court.

(Reporting by Stanis Bujakera; writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Aaron Ross, William Maclean)
Around the nation, conservative activists have begun challenging books they say dont belong on school shelves. Many of the titles contain LGBTQ and race-related themes, and might include some references to controversial life experiences involving sex and violence. The fight has become increasingly bitter in Flagler County. Read on for that story and more Florida education news.

Im not surprised at all. The author of All Boys Arent Blue criticized the Flagler County school districts move to ban his work, Flagler Live reports. A Flagler School Board member has filed a complaint with the Sheriffs Office over the books appearance on some library shelves, WESH reports. A fellow board member rebuked her rogue colleague, who she said is destroying the districts good work, Flagler Live reports.

Coronavirus concerns

Special session starts today. The Legislature convenes for a special session on COVID-related vaccine and mask issues. Much of the time will be spent discussing Gov. Ron DeSantis agenda. The House opens at 12:45 p.m. and the Senate at 1 p.m.

Still fighting after all these months. The state and federal departments of education remain at odds over school mask rules in Florida, Florida Phoenix reports.  Meanwhile, the Alachua County school district dropped its challenge of a state emergency rule banning strict mask mandates, the News Service of Florida. Other districts remain active in the case.

The standoff is over. A family that fought the Palm Beach County school districts mask rule has sent the girl back to classes now that the rule is lifted, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Need a vaccine for your kids? The Martin County school district is scheduling clinics for families that want access to the Pfizer vaccine, TC Palm reports.  The Miami-Dade County school district has partnered the the University of Miami Health System to provide vaccines, WPLG reports.  Lee County schools are collaborating with a local hospital to make the inoculations available, WINK reports.

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Hot topics

Academic freedom: University of Florida president Kent Fuchs task force to review faculty academic freedom has left some professors less than impressed with the initiative.

Member districts. The Sarasota County School Boards majority has indicated a preference for a map that would draw two colleagues out of their zones. Thats not allowed in law, the Herald-Tribune reports.

Employee shortages: Almost half of Santa Rosa Countys substitute teachers have quit. District officials are exploring incentives to lure them back, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

Culture wars: The Alachua County school district has turned off commenting on its Facebook site amid a rise in personal attacks, WCJB reports.

Other school news

The Volusia County school district has big plans for an Ormond Beach elementary school. The campus rebuilding will come with efforts to revive the surrounding community, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

The high school basketball season is upon us. Games in Miami-Dade County are expected to be canceled because of a dispute between referees and the FHSAA, the Miami Herald reports.

Before you go ... Whats been trending? Taylor Swift. Dont be the only one who hasnt heard.

  

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Every Thursday, get the latest updates on whats happening in Tampa Bay area schools from Times education reporter Jeffrey S. Solochek. Click here to sign up.
There's no guarantee of a Senate seat for Vermont's sole congressman in the House of Representatives.

But pundits can't help but speculate that Democrat Peter Welch would be the obvious successor to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who announced Nov. 15 that he plans to retire.

After all, Welch's predecessor in the House, Bernie Sanders, vaulted into the Senate chambers in 2007, on the heels of Sen. Jim Jeffords, who decided against another term.

A longtime ally of Leahy, Welch has not publicly announced whether he will run for the senior senator's open seat.

It is a historic and bittersweet day," Welch wrote Monday about his mentor. "No one has served Vermont so faithfully, so constantly, so honestly, and so fiercely as Patrick."

'It's time to pass the torch': Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., (left) hugs U.S. Rep. Peter Welch. D-Vt., during a Democratic Party unity rally at Union Station in Burlington on Wednesday Aug. 25, 2010.

Welch is broadly acknowledged as someone who reaches across the aisle to collaborate on legislation with bipartisan appeal, such as energy efficiency.

If Welch throws his hat into the ring, he will certainly draw from a deep appreciation for Vermont's political culture.

More on Sen. Patrick Leahy:

The Massachusetts-born lawyer served for years as a state senator before running for Sanders' empty seat in 2007.

Since then, he has won re-election by comfortable margins.

EARLIER: "Don't sleep on Peter Welch"  praise for a Vermont congressman with strong opinions

Contact reporter Joel Banner Baird at joelbaird@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Who is Vermont Congressman Peter Welch?
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Cleveland Clinic hospitals on the Treasure Coast has been low across the first half of the month, and was 20 as of Monday, according to a hospital official.

The 20 hospitalizations at three of the four Cleveland Clinic hospitals on the Treasure Coast compares to 19 on Nov. 8 and 24 on Nov. 2.

Cleveland Clinics Treasure Coast hospitals continue to see a stable number of COVID-19 cases requiring hospitalizations, Dr. Richard Rothman, Institute Chair for Hospital Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida region, said via email.

The highest number of hospitalizations came Aug. 20 when there were 318 patients requiring hospitalization for COVID-19. In comparison, there were 59 on Oct. 4, and 220 on Sept. 8.

The 20 cases Monday breaks down to: 10 COVID-19 patients at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart; 8 at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie; and 2 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach.

In Florida

Florida reported 10,302 new cases of coronavirus in the week ending Nov. 14, from 10,498 the week before of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Florida ranked 50th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows.

In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States increased 11.5% from the week before, with 574,373 cases reported. With 6.45% of the country's population, Florida had 1.79% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, 30 states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before.

Indian River County reported three cases in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 40 cases. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 22,302 cases.

Martin County reported 56 cases in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 64 cases. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 20,495 cases.

St. Lucie County reported 91 cases in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 129 cases. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 48,170 cases.

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Within Florida, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Monroe County with 123 cases per 100,000 per week; Madison County with 81; and Miami-Dade County with 72. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week.

Adding the most new cases overall were Miami-Dade County, with 1,961 cases; Broward County, with 983 cases; and Hillsborough County, with 945. Weekly case counts rose in 26 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Polk, Lee and Hillsborough counties.

>> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases

Vaccinations

Florida ranked 16th among states in share of people receiving at least one shot, with 70.3% of its residents at least partially vaccinated. The national rate is 68.3%, a USA TODAY analysis of CDC data shows. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are the most used in the United States, require two doses administered a few weeks apart.

In the week ending Sunday, Florida reported administering another 657,263 vaccine doses, including 173,180 first doses. In the previous week, the state administered 636,069 vaccine doses, including 119,984 first doses. In all, Florida reported it has administered 29,710,734 total doses.

Across Florida, cases fell in 38 counties, with the best declines in Orange County, with 518 cases from 706 a week earlier; in Broward County, with 983 cases from 1,038; and in Palm Beach County, with 668 cases from 723.

Deaths

In Florida, 364 people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 664 people were reported dead.

Florida does not directly publish county-level death data.

A total of 3,711,612 people in Florida have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 60,698 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States 47,074,080 people have tested positive and 763,092 people have died.

>> Track coronavirus cases across the United States

State's COVID-19 hospital admissions fall

USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, Nov. 14.

Likely COVID patients admitted in the state:

Last week: 2,504

The week before that: 2,727

Four weeks ago: 3,761

Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation:

Last week: 72,105

The week before that: 68,115

Four weeks ago: 78,817

Hospitals in 28 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 25 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds.

Hospitals in 34 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows.

The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Indian River County COVID cases increased by three this week
CHIOS, Greece (AP)  Among the prison inmates of the Greek island of Chios, three young men from Afghanistan and Somalia are serving dramatically long sentences: 50 years for two of them, a staggering 142 for the third.

But these are not violent criminals, even according to their trial verdicts. They were convicted for steering inflatable dinghies carrying them and other migrants after they say smugglers abandoned them in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.

I didnt think saving people is a crime, said Hanad Abdi Mohammad, 28, a soft-spoken Somali charged as a smuggler after arriving in Greece last December and sentenced to 142 years.

Mohammad told journalists and European Parliament lawmakers visiting the three in prison last week that he had no choice but to drive the boat. The smuggler forced him to take over, hitting him in the face and threatening him with a gun before abandoning the dinghy in rough seas. And peoples lives were at stake. Even with hindsight, he said, I would do it again, as long as I am saving lives.

Critics say the men's cases, as well as prosecutions or threats of criminal proceedings against aid workers, illustrate the expanding arsenal of techniques authorities in Greece and other countries are using to deter asylum-seekers.

Its not possible that someone who comes to claim asylum in Greece is threatened with such heavy sentences simply because they were forced, by circumstances or pressure, to take over handling a boat, said Alexandros Georgoulis, one of the lawyers representing the three imprisoned in Chios.

Greek authorities, he said, "are essentially baptizing the smuggled as the smuggler.

Mohammad's journey is also a stark indication of the chaos asylum-seekers may experience as they migrate between two countries long divided by deep-seated mistrust.

Fearing for their lives after the smuggler fled, the nearly three dozen panicked passengers abandoned their quest to reach Greece. Mohammad says he called the Turkish coast guard repeatedly, begging for a rescue. But when it arrived, the Turkish patrol boat circled the migrants' vessel sharply, sending water into the dinghy and gradually pushing it toward Greece. In the chaos, two women fell overboard and drowned.

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The Greek coast guard rescued the survivors, and Mohammad helped other passengers onto the rescue boat. He admitted to having driven the boat after the smuggler left. It didnt cross his mind that would lead to him being prosecuted as a smuggler.

Aid workers and volunteers have also found themselves in the crosshairs of Greek authorities. In one widely publicized case, Syrian human rights worker Sarah Mardini, a refugee herself, and volunteer Sean Binder were arrested and detained for months in 2018 on suspicion of espionage, money laundering and a litany of other offenses. They deny all charges, and say they were doing nothing more than helping rescue people.

It's not just Greece. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain and Greece have initiated 58 investigations and legal proceedings since 2016 against private entities involved in search and rescue.

I think its important to challenge these in the courts, to not at all sit back and accept that we should be cast as smugglers or spies because I offered CPR, (or) more often than not just a smile, to someone in distress, Binder told the AP. It is preposterous that we should be cast as criminals. I dont accept it....It doesnt matter who you are, you dont deserve to drown in the sea.

Binder and Mardini go on trial on the island of Lesbos on on misdemeanor counts of espionage, forgery and unlawful use of radio frequencies on Nov. 18. They face a maximum eight-year sentence, convertible into a fine. They are still under investigation for felonies which could carry 25 years.

Dimitris Choulis, a lawyer on the island of Samos who frequently represents asylum-seekers and is not involved in Binder's case, thinks criminal prosecutions or threats of prosecution are partly designed to deter nongovernmental organizations from documenting practices such as the illegal summary deportation of migrants before they can apply for asylum.

The only way to stop humanitarian organizations from watching what is happening in the Aegean is to criminalize rescue, said Choulis, who along with Georgoulis is representing the three men imprisoned in Chios.

Greek officials strenuously deny the country performs illegal pushbacks despite mounting indications to the contrary. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed such claims again last Tuesday, saying his government follows a tough but fair migration policy.

Most cases involving NGOs are intended more to intimidate than to win convictions, Choulis argues, noting most remain in the investigative phase. Three years after his arrest, Binder has yet to be charged with any of the felonies he's under investigation for.

In July, Greek police announced a felony investigation into 10 people, including four foreign NGO workers, on migrant smuggling allegations. No charges have resulted so far.

The short but often perilous sea crossing from Turkey to nearby Greek islands is a popular route into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To crack down on smuggling, Greece introduced a law in 2014 imposing severe penalties on people smugglers: 10 years imprisonment for each smuggled person, or 15 years per person if there was danger to life, and life imprisonment if someone died.

But smugglers quickly adapted. Instead of ferrying people themselves, they persuaded or forced their passengers to drive the boats, something borne out by numerous testimonies of arriving asylum seekers. The result has been the convictions of migrants as smugglers.

Our prisons are full of asylum-seekers who drove a boat, Choulis said. This is absurd.

Although the sentences are draconian - apart from Mohammad's 142 years, Afghans Amir Zaheri and Akif Rasouli, both in their 20s, received 50 years each - actual servable time under Greek law is capped at 20 years, reducible to 12 with good behavior. With prison work counting toward sentence reduction, they could be released after about eight years.

Still, thats a long time to spend incarcerated instead of building a new life.

Zaheri, accompanied by his pregnant wife and young child, and Rasouli arrived in the same boat about two years ago. From different parts of Afghanistan, they had never met before. Like in Mohammads case, the smuggler abandoned their dinghy and the passengers took turns steering, they said.

Both were tried as smugglers. They saw their court-appointed lawyer for the first time at their trial, which lasted just a few minutes. The judge spent a minute each asking them questions, Rasouli said.

For one minute, 50 years, he said. I cried for one month.

With new lawyers now representing them, Zaheri and Rasouli have an appeal hearing set for March. No appeal hearing date has yet been set for Mohammad.

____

Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed

___

Follow AP's migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
NASA

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station were forced to take safety precautions in the wee hours of the morning on Monday when a cloud of space junk zipped by in orbit. The cause of the debris is a Russian missile test that destroyed a satellite in orbit.

Russian news agency TASS reported the junk cloud flew past the ISS at 2:06 a.m. ET, and again from 3:38 a.m. to 3:44 a.m., citing information from the Russian space agency Roscosmos.

Astronauts on the ISS were directed to retreat into vehicles docked to the space station to take shelter from a possible impact. Russian astronauts took refuge in the Soyuz MS-18 capsule, while American astronauts went to the Space Crew Dragon capsule. With objects moving at speeds of up to 17,500 mph in orbit, even a collision with something the size of a marble could be potentially devastating.

All astronauts have been allowed to return back into the ISS. TASS reported that the debris clouds orbit has moved out of the orbit of the ISS, and the space station is now in the green zone, apparently no longer under threat.

According to NASA, the space station is still passing through the debris cloud every 90 minutes, but there is no urgency to move astronauts back into shelter positions.

The debris cloud originated from the destruction of a defunct Russian satellite named Kosmos-1408, first launched into orbit in 1982. The UK space tracking firm Seradata tweeted on Monday that 14 new pieces of orbital debris had been identified and tracked and that an anti-satellite missile strike on the satellite was the prime suspect. LeoLabs also confirmed the existence of new objects in the area where Kosmos-1408 is supposed to be.

The State Department released a statement Monday afternoon slamming Russia for its anti-satellite test, saying it had created over 1,500 pieces of new orbital debris. On Monday evening, NASA confirmed the ISS safety precautions were a direct result of the anti-satellite test.

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Earlier today, due to the debris generated by the destructive Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test, ISS astronauts and cosmonauts undertook emergency procedures for safety," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. "With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts." The agency said it would continue to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the space station crew.

ASAT missile strike now suspected. Seradata SpaceTrak database orbital data had Cosmos 1408 in a 487 x 461 km orbit - a bit higher than ISS but not much. The ASAT strike on Cosmos 1408 would cause some debris to be fired below it...threatening ISS with a crossing debris cloud.  Seradata (@seradata) November 15, 2021

Kosmos-1408 had an orbit above the ISS, and the missile strike that destroyed the satellite could conceivably produce a debris cloud that could fall in altitude and eventually threaten the ISS. Harvard University astronomer Jonathan McDowell tweeted Monday morning that Kosmos-1408 was a plausible candidate for the debris cloud, and added that given the massive size of the satellite, he would expect "thousands of pieces of cataloged debris" to emerge from its destruction.

The U.S. Space Command said in a statement that it was aware of a debris generating event in outer space, and that it would work with NASA and the State Department to assess these reports.

Is Chinas Mysterious New Satellite Really a Junk Collectoror a Weapon?

On November 11, the ISS was forced to move its altitude by 1.2 kilometers to avoid another close call with space junk. Most experts are worried that increased military activity in space could cause space junk to bloom and render Earths orbit unsafe for satellites and spacecraft.

This story has been updated with a statement from NASA.

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Eagles Wire

Carson #Wentz Watch: How many snaps did #Colts QB play in Week 11 blowout win over #Bills and how does it impact the #Eagles as we look towards the 2022 #NFLDraft
A Greenville County Sheriffs deputy was hit by gunfire at a construction site early Monday, Nov. 15, officials say.

The deputy, who has not been identified, is expected to recover, the Greenville County Sheriffs Office said in a release. The deputys condition was not released.

A suspect in the case has been arrested, officials said.

It happened just before 1 a.m. Monday, officials said.

Deputies ... were conducting patrol near a site under construction, located at Hammett Street and Victor Street, when they came upon a suspicious vehicle, officials said.

Soon after, an officer involved shooting took place. A Greenville County deputy was shot and transported to the hospital where he is expected to recover. At least one deputy fired at the shooter, however the person was not hit.

A suspect was detained near the incident location. The identity of that person has not been released.

The S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) responded to the site to investigate, which is standard procedure for shootings involving officers. A separate investigation will be conducted by the GCSO Office of Professional Standards, officials said.
Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, turned 100 on Monday.

On Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson's 100th birthday, the city of Detroit rededicated Jefferson Field in his honor and unveiled plans to erect a statue and plaza in his name.

The city of Detroit honored his service through a rededication of Jefferson Field in Rouge Park, a key to the city, and renditions of a statue and plaza in his name.

Jefferson, a Detroit native, served in the U. S. Army Air Forces during World War II. In 1995, Jefferson was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Deputy Mayor Conrad Mallet and the public gathered on Jefferson Field to honor the airman's service.

On Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson's 100th birthday, the city of Detroit rededicated Jefferson Field in his honor and unveiled plans to erect a statue and plaza in his name.

Detroit historian Jamon Jordan and others spoke about the racism Black Americans faced when joining the military. Jefferson volunteered to join the military in the era of Nazism.

In a time when Black Americans face prejudice and outright discrimination  Lt. Col. Jefferson was willing to put his life on the line for his country, even though his country was not at its best, Stabenow said at the ceremony.

More:

Michigan native journalist Danny Fenster freed from Myanmar jail days after sentencing

Michigan GOP Sen. Tom Barrett launches bid for US House

Jefferson was discharged from active duty in 1947 and retired from the reserves in 1969, according to a news release from the city.

After Lt. Col. Jefferson had already given so much to his country, he came home and kept right on giving  in the reserves, as a science teacher, an assistant principal, and through so many community organizations, Stabenow said.

On Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson's 100th birthday, the city of Detroit rededicated Jefferson Field in his honor and unveiled plans to erect a statue and plaza in his name.

Among his many honors, Jefferson has been awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

"This is not only someone who is a Detroit hero, but an American hero as well," Stabenow told the crowd.

According to the release, Jefferson used to fly model airplanes on what is now Jefferson Field as a little boy. Now, the Detroit Aero Modelers use the space to fly their model planes. The aero modelers showcased some of their planes at the ceremony.

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Everything that you stand for, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, just know this: There is a generation just behind you that is continuing this movement right here at home, and fighting for true liberation for our Black and brown communities, but especially my Black neighbors here," said Tlaib.

Contact Minnah Arshad: MArshad@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @minnaharshad.

Support local journalism here.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: City of Detroit celebrates Tuskegee Airman's 100th birthday
We have made significant progress in the battle against tobacco use and nicotine addiction since the 1960s with tremendously falling rates of smoking among both adults and children.

Reducing the smoking rates and progressively making smoking socially unacceptable has been a comprehensive effort involving prevention and cessation programs, media campaigns, smoke-free air laws, increased cigarette taxation, and FDA oversight.

But all this progress is threatened with the introduction of e-cigarette use, commonly referred to as vaping," especially among youth; its nothing less than an epidemic among middle and high school students.

More: Dr. Richard Feldman: E-cigarettes have become a public nightmare

We are facing a public health crisis with the potential of new generations of youth risking lifelong nicotine addiction with eventual disease and premature death. Vaping has been demonstrated to be far from harmless and commonly also leads to tobacco use.

We are in a battle to reclaim our children from vaping. My last column focused on taxation to curtail e-cigarette use. Lets look at another crucial action to discourage vaping among children.

In recent years, renewed attention of the public and policymakers has considerably focused on sweet-flavored vaping products that entice youth to initiate and sustain their use. Examples include gummy bear, fruit, cotton candy, menthol, peanut butter cup, and cookies n cream.

Most flavorings were prohibited in cigarettes by federal regulation in 2009 but have been permitted in other tobacco products including smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, and most worrisome in e-cigarettes. The tobacco industry knows well that these flavorings lure children into use, and their marketing continues today by the vaping industry, largely controlled by tobacco companies. Eighty percent of youth who use tobacco products initiated with a flavored product. Seventy-two percent of youth tobacco users use a flavored tobacco product. Two-thirds of youth tobacco users report using tobacco products primarily because they come in flavors.

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Dr. Richard Feldman

The Trump administration pushed for federal restrictions on flavored vaping products resulting in legislation signed into law. What started out as appearing as a substantial and meaningful prohibition eventually resulted in federal regulation with huge gaps, which will potentially result in relatively little effect. There are plenty of exemptions including disposable and refillable products and e-liquids found in vaping shops. The limited restrictions apply essentially only to self-contained closed pod cartridges in products like Juul. Menthol flavoring is also exempted. Over fifty percent of children initiate and maintain their use with menthol-flavored products.

Only five states currently have comprehensive flavoring bans in effect to bolster the current weak federal legislation. To the credit of a number of more public health-minded Indiana legislators, there has been genuine interest in placing a permanent ban on flavored products during past legislative sessions; it should be of no surprise that nothing was enacted.

The federal Food and Drug Administration finally stepped up to potentially restrict flavored vaping products. Recently, the FDA began to exercise its authority with the denials of applications by certain companies to market their flavored vaping products. The applications must include evidence that their products have overall public health benefits, which were lacking. How far reaching this prohibition will be is still unknown.

Dont assume that the recent federal legislation increasing the legal age of tobacco and vaping products to age 21 will solve the problem of youth vaping. Although an important action, just as with alcohol, youth will achieve access to these prohibited products.

Vaping products are todays candy cigarettes. Candy cigarettes didnt adversely affect childrens health, but vaping is a different story.

Dr. Richard Feldman is an Indianapolis family physician and the former Indiana state health commissioner. Email him at richarddfeldman@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Dr. Richard Feldman: Flavorings lure young people to vaping
CAIRO (Reuters) - A ban on public sector employees entering their offices if they are unvaccinated and untested for COVID-19 took effect in Egypt on Monday as the government pushes to accelerate vaccination rates in the final weeks of the year.

Public university students are also barred from campuses if not vaccinated, according to government rules. Those public employees who are unvaccinated need to submit a PCR test weekly.

Public sector employees contacted by Reuters said the rule was being enforced in at least some offices on Monday. Some employees were scrambling to get vaccines in order to report for work though others were still working from home, they said.

Queues formed at entrances to some state universities and government entities as students and employees waited to show proof of vaccination.

More than 14 million people in Egypt have had two vaccine doses and nearly 27 million have had one, Acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said on Saturday. The government has set a target of vaccinating 40% of Egypt's population of just over 100 million by the end of this year.

From Dec. 1, members of the public will be unable to enter government offices without proof of at least one vaccine dose, according to official statements.

The Finance Ministry on Monday that there was an "open budget" for combating COVID-19 and expanding vaccinations.

Egypt has received millions of vaccines through the global COVAX facility and bilateral donations, and is assembling China's Sinovac vaccine locally. On Sunday the government said it was starting clinical trials on an Egypt-developed vaccine named Covi Vax.

(Reporting by Sarah El Safty and Ahmed Fahmy; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Giles Elgood)
During the annual Ghost Walk at Woodlawn Cemetery, sponsored by the Chemung County Historical Society in 2019, the gravesite of Frank E. Bundy was a stop.

His ghost spoke to the visitors, Its been 84 years since my death, and I still have a bad reputation in this city. Its not fair  at the tail end of the 19th century, I was a rising star. My father was a grocer, but I had ambition. I was going places. I was a businessman, entrepreneur, politician and popular man-about-town. The 1890s were my decade. Then it all came crashing down around me, and its just not fair.

The Elmira Daily Gazette of Feb. 5, 1900 reported, The Democratic city convention which was held at the city hall Saturday evening, was one of the most enthusiastic and harmonious ever held in this city  The mention of the name of City Chamberlain (Treasurer) Frank E. Bundy as the nominee for mayor of our beautiful city was greeted with tremendous applause  in fact it looked for a time as if the delegates and their friends would never get through cheering. Mr. Bundys nomination was unanimous. He is a young man of the most sterling business principles.

A little over a month later, on March 28, the paper noted, Mr. Bundy presents the appearance of a man who has just risen from an attack of the most severe fever of many months duration. He is a wrecked man  As Mr. Bundy walked to his seat on the prisoners bench several people remarked that he looked like a condemned man walking to the death chair.

What happened?

His ghost was not sure when the trouble started. He had not wanted to join the family business.

I dabbled in several business ventures: manufacturing, real estate, insurance, publishing, even groceries. The problem is, in order to start your own business, you need some start-up capital. To get that, you need rich friends.

Frank became a man-about-town. He was selected Eminent Commander of the Elmira Encampment No. 51 Knights of St. John and Malta; president of the Kanaweola Cycle Club; and was active in a variety of other organizations.

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An 1898 illustration of a lamp produced by the Frank E. Bundy Manufacturing Co.

In 1898, the Frank E. Bundy Manufacturing Co. was formed, with Bundy as treasurer. The Daily Gazette of Oct. 27 reported the company would be conducted on a large scale. It made acetylene gas lamps of all kinds such as bicycle lamps, carriage and hack lamps, table lamps, street lamps, physician lamps, fire department lamps and engineers torches.

Bundy entertained on a high scale and maintained a high cost of living.

At age 31, he was appointed assistant city chamberlain for 1892 and '93. He became city chamberlain in 1894, serving until 1900. He soon began reaping the benefits. His ghost explains it best: I swear I never set out to embezzle. I couldnt help it. I was just too easy.

Heres how I did it. People would pay their property taxes, and I would mark all the payments down in my personal ledger, noting which payments Id taken for myself. Generally, the ones who had paid in cash. In another ledger, the official ledger, I would put only some of them down as being paid and write off my take as unpaid taxes. Sometimes to make up the difference, Id issue a second tax bill to the citys biggest companies, and theyd just pay it as a matter of course. Every year, the citys wealthiest set would put up bonds to help cover any tax shortfalls, so no one ever really felt the impact.

"And then it all went wrong. Fred Fox, treasurer from the Lackawanna Railroad, noticed that his company was being double billed for taxes. He brought it to the City Council, and the jig was up.

The Council began an investigation that very afternoon. I confessed to my friend and lawyer, former mayor Fred Collin  I'd embezzled $84,495 in city funds. Thats about $2.5 million today.

The April 17, 1900 Daily Gazette reported that after confessing his guilt to his attorney, Bundy went home, and it was reported that he is under the care of Dr. Theron A. Wales, who was compelled to administer morphine to his patient.

Bundy would be indicted on two counts, grand larceny in the first degree and misappropriation of city funds and the falsification of accounts (Daily Gazette, April 26).

Bundy was convicted and sentenced to six and a half years in the Auburn prison. According to the Auburn Advertizer, a determined effort was made by friends of Bundy to get him placed in an easy position in the prison. Nearly every man in the force of prison employers who ever lived in Elmira has been approached by people from that city on behalf of Bundy. For several days past, Elmirans have been in the city using their influence to get Bundy in a soft place. He was assigned to the shop.

After serving his sentence in Auburn, Bundy relocated to New York City. He reappeared in the newspaper (Star-Gazette, Dec. 27, 1906) when it was reported that Bundy requested an Elmira attorney to bring an action in the courts to force his wife to turn over to his possession certain personal property which she is alleged to be keeping.

His family had stood by him throughout his trial and prison term, but apparently upon his release, there had been little contact.

A Gazette reporter reached out to Mrs. Bundy, but she declined to discuss the prospective action, though it was apparent that she was not surprised.

Frank E. Bundy died on Jan. 3, 1935 after an extended illness. He was 75.

The voice of Franks ghost in the Ghost Walk was Rachel Dworkin, archivist at the Chemung County Historical Museum.

Jim Hare is a former history teacher and mayor of the City of Elmira. His column appears monthly in the Star-Gazette.

More Elmira history: Gen. Katherine Simonson reflects on 9/11, end of war in Afghanistan, and COVID

More Elmira history: Bridges, buildings and sounds: Memories of Elmira from before the flood of 1972

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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira history: Bundy went from business, political success to prison
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Prosecutors in Kyle Rittenhouses murder trial may have lost their best chance at convicting the Illinois man of something when the judge threw out a charge that Rittenhouse was a minor in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them, with an AR-15-style rifle during a chaotic protest against police brutality in Kenosha last year. A jury deliberated about 3 1/2 days before finding Rittenhouse not guilty on Friday of five felony charges, including a murder charge that could have carried a life in prison sentence.

That jury never got to consider the gun possession charge  one that at one time had seemed a slam-dunk for the prosecution. Rittenhouse was 17 at the time, and there was no dispute that he was armed the night of the shootings with a Smith and Wesson AR-style semi-automatic rifle strapped to his chest.

Though the charge was only a misdemeanor  punishable by a maximum nine months in jail  it might have offered the jury a way to convict Rittenhouse of a lesser crime if they were persuaded by his self-defense claims but agreed with prosecutors that he made a poor decision to carry a rifle on the streets of Kenosha.

So what happened?

Hours before closing arguments began on Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder granted a defense motion to toss out the weapons charge. Rittenhouse attorneys Mark Richards and Corey Chirafisi pointed to an exception in the law that they said allows minors to possess shotguns and rifles as long as theyre not short-barreled.

Assistant District Attorney James Kraus argued that the exception renders the states prohibition on minors possessing dangerous weapons meaningless. But when he acknowledged that Rittenhouses rifles barrel was longer than 16 inches, the minimum barrel length allowed under state law, Schroeder dismissed the charge.

To Kenosha-based defense attorney Michael Cicchini, the statute clearly requires a weapon to be short-barreled to apply, and the judge made the right call.

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There doesnt seem to be much ambiguity here, he said. (The charge) should have been dismissed earlier.

The current wording of the overarching law seems clear: Any person under 18 years of age who possesses or goes armed with a dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A lead-in paragraph defines dangerous weapon as several things, including any firearm, loaded or unloaded.

The subsection that defense attorneys relied upon to seek dismissal reads: This section applies only to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a rifle or a shotgun if the person is in violation of s. 941.28 ... That section of law isnt specific to minors, but rather forbids any person from having a short-barreled shotgun or rifle.

We knew from the beginning, that if you read that statute correctly, he was legal in having that firearm, Richards said Friday after Rittenhouse was cleared of the remaining charges.

The evolution of the law on children and guns is murky. Prior to 1987, Wisconsin banned children from possessing pistols. Then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican, signed a law that year that expanded the prohibition to include short-barreled firearms, electric weapons, brass knuckles, throwing stars and nunchakus. Four years later, Thompson signed another law extending the prohibition to any firearm. But that law also allowed minors to possess long guns for hunting as long as the barrels were at least a foot long.

Legislative records show the statutory language went through multiple revisions until at least 2011.

The wording is hardly straightforward. Schroeder himself said he was confused about it when Richards first asked him to toss the possession charge out earlier this year.

The impetus for the carve-out isnt clear. Jeri Bonavia, executive director of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, a group that works to reduce gun violence, said the National Rifle Association was making a national push to get guns in childrens hands in the late 1990s and early 2000s in hopes of creating lifetime gun owners; the caveat may have been part of that push, she said. But she said it appears that minors can possess long guns as long as theyre not sawed off.

She called that concerning.

There are a number of things we dont allow young people under 18 to do. There are reasons for that. Judgment isnt as perfected at age 16 as it is much later. Weve seen what that means in Kenosha, with the tragic outcome.

Tom Grieve, a Milwaukee attorney and a former Waukesha County prosecutor, speculated that the long-gun exception was drafted to ensure children could hunt and lawmakers didn't envision it could be used to protect children who carry long guns at protests like the demonstrations in Kenosha.

I think it was designed with an eye toward hunting and enabling law enforcement to add additional charges against minors hunting without a license, he said. Wisconsin is a hunting state. When people talk about long arms, theyre thinking in the hunting context.

He said he thought Schroeder was right to dismiss the charge. Grieve called the exception an extraordinarily poorly worded statute marred by technical language and too many cross-referrals to other sections of Wisconsin weapons and hunting laws. He said thats typical in more obscure areas of state law that get little attention. When a law is so confusing, legal doctrine calls for judges to interpret it in favor of defendants, he said.

If this were baseball, the tie goes to the runner, he said. This is an alien concept to us in 21st-century America, but in awful situations around the world you have oppressive governments that thrive under poorly written laws, allowing them to prosecute people whenever they want for whatever they want. (The doctrine) is a safeguard against tyranny.

Cicchini, the defense attorney, rejected the argument by prosecutors that the exception shreds a law intended to keep minors from having dangerous weapons. He noted that the prohibition still blocks children from carrying pistols, sawed-off shotguns and rifles and other weapons such as brass knuckles.

Grieve and Cicchini both said theyve never seen the long-gun exception come into play like it did in Rittenhouses case, largely because juveniles tend to use handguns when committing crimes and in those cases prosecutors tend to charge them with far more serious offenses, such as armed robbery.

Democrat Jon Erpenbach, who has served in the state Senate since 1998, said he didnt know why the exception was developed but he cant imagine that lawmakers intended to allow kids to walk down the street with semiautomatic rifles.

Certainly in 1991 we werent seeing what were seeing in 19, 20 and 21 with protests and insurrections, he said. Once you throw a gun in there, its not a good situation for anyone. If that legislation is written today, I would tend to think that example would pop into a legislators mind, saying wait a minute, is the situation in Kenosha covered or does it leave a loophole?'

____

Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1

___

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Chirafisi.

___

Find APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
The chief technology officer of Meta, the newly-named parent company of Facebook, has said that harassment in virtual reality is an existential threat to it.

An internal memo from March seen by the Financial Times from Andrew Bosworth said that he wanted Meta to have almost Disney levels of safety but that virtual reality can often be a toxic environment, in particular for women and minorities.

If not quelled it could push mainstream customers from the medium entirely, but also said that moderating users speech and behaviour at any meaningful scale is practically impossible.

Interesingly, when Boz says content moderation at scale is "pratically impossible" he cites the work of @mmasnick and recommends staffers read his posts. Lots of food for thought here:https://t.co/7yHd314954https://t.co/qL8IrPqhsT  Hannah Murphy (@MsHannahMurphy) November 12, 2021

Mr Bozworth reportedly advised in the memo that Facebook should use its current community rules but have says a stronger bias towards enforcement along some sort of spectrum of warning, successively longer suspensions, and ultimately expulsion from multi-user spaces.

Users may have to have a single account with Meta, as they could be blocked cross-platform for using multiple avatars.

The theory here has to be that we can move the culture so that in the long term we arent actually having to take those enforcement actions too often, he added.

Facebook is developing a virtual reality social game called Horizon Worlds which will constantly record what is happening in the metaverse  stored on Facebooks Oculus headset  which will send data to Facebook if users choose to help moderate the platform.

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The company relies on artificial intelligence to moderate its platform, but told the Financial Times that it was exploring how best to use AI in Horizon Worlds and that it was not built yet.

Facebooks AI has been criticised numerous times for failing to tackle hate speech on the platform.

A Meta spokesperson told The Independent that it was discussing how to ensure that safety and privacy.

Meta is not going to build, own, or run the metaverse on its own. We are starting conversations about our vision for the metaverse early, before some of the technologies even exist, they said.

This wont be the job of any one company alone. It will require collaboration across industry and with experts, governments and regulators to get it right.

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A classroom at the University of Florida.

The Retired Faculty of the University of Florida board of directors is concerned with reports of interference by state politicians and donors in the free speech of faculty as well as in university policy and hiring decisions. This has already resulted in substantial harm to the governance and functioning of the university, the good name of UF in the state and nation, and the well-being of students, staff and the general public.

UF has recently been ranked in the top five of U.S. public universities, accomplishing this after years of dedication to quality teaching, research and service. Perception that outside actors are manipulating UFs participation in ongoing discussions on health, elections and civil rights, and in faculty hires could certainly yield negative results for all.

While we appreciate that UF President Kent Fuchs has rescinded the decision to ban professors from testifying in court on voter rights restrictions in Florida, and while we agree with the decision to activate an investigation into the issues, as retired faculty of the university we question the decision-making process that led to this crisis about academic freedom and political interference.

More:

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As a state institution, teaching, research and service must be on behalf of all Floridians, whether or not it serves the specific interests and objectives of the state government or of powerful individuals and interest groups within the state.

Faculty members must have the academic freedom to conduct research, and teach and communicate to the public facts and ideas stemming from their academic explorations. There should be no political interference in university hiring decisions.

We are concerned that the composition of the newly created task force to review UFs practice regarding requests for approval of outside activities is unrepresentative of broader faculty and university concerns. We recommend that, as a first step, the task force be expanded to include designees of the UF Senate president and the United Faculty of Florida president.

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Carmen Diana Deere (IFAS), is the 2021-2022 president of the Retired Faculty of the University of Florida. This piece was co-signed by 12 other members of the RFUF: R. Hunt Davis Jr. (CLAS), John Foltz (IFAS), Alison Gerencser (Law), Abraham Goldman (CLAS), George J. Hochmuth (IFAS), Pushpa S. Kalra (Medicine), Saeed R. Khan (Medicine), James L. Kurtz (Engineering), Richard Phillips (Libraries), Robin Poynor (Arts), Harry B. Shaw (CLAS) and Ann P. Smith (Nursing).

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Retired UF faculty: University must work on behalf of all Floridians
Barb Aman talks about her brother Navy Lt. Jack Schoeppner as she stands next to the F-4 Phantom he flew days before he went missing in the Gulf of Tonkin in 1970. The event Saturday was a Veterans Day celebration at the MAPS Air Museum in Green.

Hundreds of military members were reported missing in action during the Vietnam War  of them, over 70 were Ohioans  but the fighter plane housed within the MAPS Air Museum in Green has a special connection to one MIA Canton Township native: Jack Schoeppner.

Two of Schoeppner's dreams were to attend college and become a naval pilot, so he joined the Navy and achieved both goals.

On March 7, 1970, Lt. Jack Schoeppner and Lt. Rex Lewis Parcels, his radar intercept officer, were assigned a photo reconnaissance escort mission in their F-4 Phantom. After taking off from an aircraft carrier, they disappeared over the Gulf of Tonkin in North Vietnam. The pair were later reported missing in action.

After 51 years, the thought of finding any physical connection to Schoeppner seemed nearly impossible to his family. But that all changed two years ago.

In 2019, MAPS officials informed the naval pilot's siblings, Barb Aman and Rich Schoeppner, that it would dedicate a different F-4 Phantom  the one housed in the museum  in memory of Jack Schoeppner and Parcels.

It wasn't until six months later that museum volunteers realized Schoeppner had piloted that very plane only three days before his disappearance.

That's when it got really sentimental to us, Aman said. Out of all the thousands of planes that [the military] manufactured, that this one happened to make its way back to Canton and that Jack actually flew it.

The color guard marches in to post the colors under the tail of the F-4 Phantom on Saturday at the MAPS Air Museum in Green.

The connection was discovered in his flight book, given to the museum by Aman, where Schoeppner had recorded the takeoff and landing of each flight he made in addition to the serial number of the aircraft he piloted.

Documents showed that same MAPS jet went up to search for Schoeppner and Parcels when they disappeared on that fateful day in Vietnam, according to Beacon Journal partner News 5 Cleveland.

The 56,000-pound F-4 Phantom was loaned to MAPS from the Navy in 2003 and has since been restored. Now, the jet plane has "Lt. Chops Schoeppner" (Chops was Schoeppners call sign, or nickname) printed on its canopy and the word "Freelancers" near its rear, a tribute to his squadron group.

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All these additions were on display during the museums Veterans Day celebration Saturday evening. Three of its 260 attendees were Aman, Rich Schoeppner and Lt. Col. Judith Mathewson, Parcels cousin. The highlight of the event was when Aman and Mathewson spoke fondly about what it was like to grow up with the two men.

Aman began with her first memory of Schoeppner, recounting how he saved their brother's life after Rich had ridden his bike into a family members in-ground pool. Shenanigans involving darts, a record player and drag racing were also shared with the audience.

The main goal of MAPS, which stands for Military Aviation Preservation Society, is to preserve and share the history of military aviation while honoring those who died in the line of duty. Hence, after the dedication, attendees were given additional time to explore the museum before it closed for the night.

As they explored, some eventgoers discovered that the museums lobby houses a dedication to another Canton Township native who died in the Vietnam War. Sharon Lane was a graduate of Canton South High School who, while serving as a nurse in the army, became the only female combat casualty that the U.S. suffered in Vietnam.

Another odd coincidence at the museum has to do with Lane.

Around seven years ago, a section of The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall  a 300-foot reproduction of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.  broke off and was donated to MAPS. When the organization received panel 23W, volunteers were stunned to see Lanes name listed near its bottom. The wall piece is now on display next to Lanes exhibit.

The F-4 Phantom is displayed in front of a large flag as more than 250 people attend the Veterans Day Celebration on Saturday at the MAPS Air Museum.

Veterans and civilians, including children on field trips from local schools, will be able to learn and appreciate Schoeppner's and Parcels stories for years to come  much to the delight of their families.

After Rich, our cousins and I have passed, there is no one else that we could give all of Jack's memorabilia to, Aman said. So, for [MAPS] to do this means that Jack's story will continue on after we are gone. I think that to me is the most important thing, that he won't be forgotten.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: MAPS Air Museum dedicates fighter jet to MIA Canton Township pilot
ThriveOn King's community space will include a food hall (left) and a raised stage (right).

A food hall will be among the new uses in the $105 million redevelopment of the historic former Schuster's department store in Milwaukee's Bronzeville area.

The food hall would be on the street level of the development, known as ThriveOn King, 2153 N. King Drive. The space could house one main vendor, or three to four vendors, depending on the needs of its future tenants.

The food hall would be next to additional gathering space that is designed to host weddings and other events. That space, known as a neighborhood hall, includes a raised stage area and is designed to blend into the food hall.

Details about the food hall, neighborhood hall and other features of ThriveOn King's 50,000 square feet of street-level community space were disclosed at a Monday meeting of the Bronzeville Advisory Committee.

The committee, which advises the Common Council on developments in the Bronzeville neighborhood, voted to endorse the plans. The Bronzeville area is centered on the intersection of King Drive and North Avenue.

The 350,000-square-foot ThriveOn King is to include 89 affordable and market-rate apartments, with 27 of the 74 affordable units set aside for seniors.

ThriveOn King also will provide 100,000 square feet of offices and research space.

That will feature Wauwatosa-based Medical College of Wisconsin's community engagement programs and a new location for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's offices, now based at the nearby Schlitz Park business park.

The Journal Sentinel broke the news last week that the project, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic's economic effects, is now planning a February construction start. It is to be completed by June 2023.

The community space will include a community kitchen, space for people making items for sale and a neighborhood business center.

There also will be public art, said Terrell Walter, development manager at project developer Royal Capital Group LLC.

The community space would create a hub "for creative collaboration," Walter told advisory committee members.

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The food hall is designed to be "a really activated space," said Tom Joy, architectural designer with Engberg Anderson Inc., ThriveOn King's architect.

An early child education facility, with a provider to be named later, and spaces for tenants that are tied to the development's focus on social determinants of health, also will be part of the community space, Walter said.

The community space doubled in size from Royal Capital's initial plans in response to feedback from residents of the Halyard Park, Brewer's Hill and Harambee neighborhoods, Walter said.

ThriveOn King's financing is to include $12.6 million to $15 million through the renovated building's property taxes.

Commercial loans totaling $48.5 million are the main financing sources. Other sources include $22.5 million in state and federal historic preservation tax credits; $9.4 million in federal affordable housing tax credits; $8.5 million in equity cash, and $3.5 million through a deferred developer's fee.

The former Schuster's store was constructed in stages, with the first portion built in 1907, and additions constructed in 1913, 1918, 1941, 1948 and 1950, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

It was the main location for the small Schuster's chain, which was acquired by the Gimbels department store chain in 1962. It was converted into a warehouse in the 1970s.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Schuster's revamp to ThriveOn King to include Bronzeville food hall
Gareth Southgate applauds Englands fans at full-time (The FA via Getty Images)

Gareth Southgate hailed Englands really good year after his side thrashed San Marino 10-0 in their final 2022 World Cup qualifier.

The victory on Monday night ensured England of their place in Qatar next year and, although the scoreline was farcically one-sided as Harry Kane scored four goals in the rout of the worlds lowest-ranked side, Southgate praised the hard work of his players and staff throughout the qualifying campaign to secure top spot in Group I.

The qualification was earned away in Budapest, away in Warsaw, away in Albania and Ive got to credit all of our players and staff on a really good year, the mentality, even in a game like tonight, we cant do anything about the XI of the opposition but the way they played themselves was terrific, the England coach said.

Now is a good period to reflect, weve had 19 matches this season, its a lot in international terms and so much to take in but this is a good opportunity for us now to look at the past few months, the younger players, where we might take them and the experiences they might need over the next six or seven months before a World Cup.

Kane became the first England player to score back-to-back hat-tricks since 1957 and now has 48 goals for the Three Lions, leaving him just five short of Wayne Rooneys all-time England record.

If we left him (Kane) another half an hour he might have got it, we would have had Wayne Rooneys family on the phone telling us to get him off, but hes a phenomenal goalscorer and hes obviously not had the opportunity in some of those games where there have been a lot of goals available, we wanted to give him that chance tonight and he took it really well, Southgate said.

The head coach also singled out Emile Smith Rowe for praise after the Arsenal midfielder marked his first start for England with a second-half goal.

I thought Emile all week with us has given a really good account of himself, his quality and tight control is excellent, hes inventive in his play so hes got to continue what hes doing, we finished with a very young side and a lot of promise for the future, he said.

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A video posted on the City of Waukesha's Facebook page showed a red sport utility vehicle speeding through the parade, missing participants before police vehicles raced after it.Another video later obtained from an eyewitness by Reuters showed emergency services assisting injured people at the scene just a few seconds after the car plowed into the crowd.Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said a person of interest was in custody and the suspect's vehicle had been recovered after the incident in the town, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Milwaukee.Authorities said they had taken 11 adults and 12 children to six area hospitals, with more transported to hospitals by family and friends.Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said a person of interest was in custody and the suspect's vehicle had been recovered after the incident in the town.It was not known whether the incident was related to terrorism, but there was no further danger and an earlier shelter-in-place order in the town of around 72,000 had been lifted, Thompson added.
Many Mississippians look forward to fried turkey over the holidays. The juicy, injected meat and crispy skin are hard to beat for flavor and texture.

And let's face it. This is Mississippi. We love fried stuff.

The cooking process, however, can be intimidating. Gallons of hot oil, combined with an open flame, can be a recipe for disaster if not treated with respect.

With that in mind, Lance Monk of St. Martin, who has successfully fried turkeys for decades without burning down his house  or anything else, for that matter  gives advice on how to safely fry a turkey.

Frying a turkey requires heavy clothing to protect against oil spatter.

Size of turkey matters

Monk, who cooks up to a dozen turkeys during the holiday season for friends and family, said selecting the right bird is key.

"The best turkey is between 12 and 13 pounds," Monk said. "A 12-pound turkey is best because you don't burn up the wings. Bigger than 14 and you burn up the wings and they're inedible."

Monk also noted that keeping the weight consistent helps the cook learn the process and cooking time better.

The turkey needs to be completely thawed before frying. Monk places frozen turkeys in a refrigerator three nights before cooking to thaw.

"If you drop a frozen turkey in 350-degree oil, you're going to have a problem," Monk said.

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Prepping the turkey

Prepping the bird starts the night before cooking. The first thing he does is remove the giblet pack and neck. Next, he injects the turkey with a Creole butter marinade and places it in a roasting pan lined with newspaper to soak up any marinade that leaks. No, this is not a shameless plug for newspapers. Monk said it works best. Then the turkey goes back in the refrigerator.

The following morning, he injects it a second time. However, this time he puts a cookie cooling rack in the pan so the turkey is not sitting in drained marinade. For those who aren't familiar with injecting poultry, Monk said just follow the instructions on the bottle.

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When he's heating the oil to cook, Monk places the bird on the frying rack and allows it to drain for at least 20 minutes before he places it in the fryer.

Deep-fried turkey is golden and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

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Time to fry: How much oil?

Determining how much oil you need needs to be done ahead of time. Before you inject the bird, place it in the frying pot and fill with water until it is just covered. Remove the turkey and mark the water level inside the pot. That tells you how much peanut oil is needed. If you're cooking multiple birds, use the largest to determine how much oil is required. Monk said a 5-gallon container of peanut oil will do the job with some left over.

Now you're ready to cook. Fill the pot with oil up to the mark inside the pot. Light the burner and place on medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees, then turn the burner off. This prevents a potential fire if the oil bubbles over while putting the turkey in.

"If there's no flame, there's no fire," Monk said. "When you're putting it in and taking it out, turn the flame off. Anytime there's potential for oil flowing over the top, cut the flame off."

Slowly lower the turkey into the oil using a turkey frying rack and hook. Monk said it's going to bubble and spatter, period. If it looks like it may bubble over, lift the turkey partially out of the oil until the bubbling slows and then continue immersing it. Once it's in and the bubbling has slowed, place the top on with a slight opening on one side for steam to escape.

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Turn the burner back on and monitor the temperature. Keep the temperature between 325 and 350 degrees and cook for 3 minutes per pound. Once the time is up, turn the burner off, remove the bird and cut into the inside of the thigh joint. If there's blood, return it to the fryer for a few additional minutes.

Once the turkey cools to the point it can be handled, carve and enjoy.

Safety tips when frying a turkey

Here's a quick list of rules and suggestions anyone frying a turkey needs to know.

Always wear heavy pants, thick shoes, heavy gloves and a heavy apron while frying. Monk said if you don't follow this advice, you'll soon learn the error of your ways.

Always fry turkeys outdoors. Never fry them indoors.

Always keep children, pets and elderly guests who may become distracted well away from the cooking area. Remember, you're dealing with gallons of hot oil and an open flame.

Always follow the instructions that come with your cooker.

Never leave the cooker unattended until the burner is off and the oil has cooled.

Never attempt to fry a turkey that isn't completely thawed.

Break down cardboard boxes and place them on the ground in the cooking area to catch any oil spatter.

Keep the propane tank as far away from the burner as possible.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

"The main thing is use common sense," Monk said. "If something looks unsafe, it probably is. So, don't do it."

Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com. Follow Clarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How to deep fry a turkey: Everything you need to know
At CES 2018, Honda revealed several companion mobility robot concepts. It's moving forward with at least one of them, an autonomous vehicle that can go off road. Honda and engineering company Black & Veatch have been putting the second-gen Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) through its paces at a solar panel construction site.

This was the first field test in which several AWVs were working together. The vehicles towed trailers and carried construction materials, water and other supplies across the 1,000-acre worksite. The AWV can carry a payload of up to 399kg (880 pounds) and tow a trailer with a total weight of 750kg (1,653 pounds).

In a video that shows off the AWVs, a Black & Veatch employee notes that it can take a while to travel across such a large site. So loading up the vehicles with materials and sending them to another location can make things more efficient and cut down on employees' travel time, freeing them up to work on other things.

Honda created a high-definition map of the site so operators could set start and end points for the AWVs. It says the vehicles stopped within centimeters of their destinations. Along with operating autonomously, the AWV can be remotely controlled.

The company claims the vehicle can run for up to eight hours on a single charge, even in a high-temperature environment. The AWV uses a number of sensors for navigation, including GPS, radar and LiDAR, as well as 3D cameras for remote monitoring. Honda says that even with a maximum payload capacity, the AWV has a range of up to 27.9 miles, depending on the use case.

The automaker is aiming to improve the performance and design of the AMV as it iterates on the prototype (it looks kinda cute as is). It might offer the ability to add attachments and tools as well. Honda hasn't revealed plans to release a commercial version of the AMV just yet, though.
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungary's constitutional court will on Monday discuss a challenge by the justice minister to an EU court ruling which said Budapest broke EU laws designed to protect refugees by deporting them to the Serbian border.

Minister Judit Varga submitted her motion to the court in February, saying that implementing the ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union would result in many migrants staying permanently in Hungary.

"This would affect Hungary's sovereignty set out in the Constitution," Varga argues.

She asked Hungary's top court to assess whether the implementation of the EU court ruling would be compatible with country's constitution. The motion is on the court's agenda on Monday but it is not known when a ruling could be expected.

The European Commission said on Friday it was seeking a Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling to fine Hungary over its failure to comply with an earlier judgment on its asylum rules.

The Hungarian constitutional court sitting comes at a sensitive time when Budapest and its Polish allies are locked in a debate with the European Commission over a perceived erosion of democracy and rule of law issues.

The EU's top court has already imposed a 1 million euros a day fine on Poland for maintaining a disciplinary chamber for judges, as a conflict over Poland's judicial reforms that the bloc says undermine the independence of the courts, deepened.

Ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) say the European Commission is overstepping its mandate by trying to stop its judicial reforms.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has backed Poland all along, criticising EU institutions for trying to take away competences from member states that Budapest says had never been conferred upon the EU.

The row with Poland deepened after, at the request of Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland's Constitutional Tribunal examined whether certain elements of the EU treaties were compatible with the Polish constitution.

The Tribunal said they were not, in a ruling critics said questioned the primacy of EU law, a tenet of European integration.

(Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Politics in Washington continues to be jumbled as we head towards mid- November. No more Infrastructure Week, as Congress has finally approved a trillion- dollar bricks and mortar measure that is poised to make a major difference in all facets of the countrys transportation systems as well as broadband, the power grid, electric cars, climate change and more. But what about the rest of President Joe Bidens legislative agenda that still appears stuck on the Hill? And what can Mr. Biden do to resurrect his still plummeting job performance polling numbers which this week sank as low as the mid-30s? Meanwhile, with even more subpoenas being issued in the investigation of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, where is that probe headed, and will it further stoke the partisan bickering in Washington which reached new heights this week with one congressman posting an animated video showing him killing a colleague and attacking President Biden? To analyze all these developments and more, we are pleased to welcome back to INSIDE POLITICS this week, Joe St. George, the national political correspondent for Scripps television stations which includes NEWSCHANNEL5.
On Monday, astronauts on the International Space Station had to seek safety aboard their transport craft when the station passed uncomfortably close to a field of orbital debris. According to the Associated Press, US Space Command started tracking the space junk in the early hours of the morning. The situation saw the station pass the debris field every 90 minutes, forcing those on board to close and reopen several compartments multiple times throughout the day. The four American, one German and two Russian astronauts aboard the ISS will need to stay on alert for the next several days.

"Thanks for a crazy but well-coordinated day, we really appreciated all the situational awareness you gave us," US astronaut Mark Vande Hei told NASA mission control before he and the other crew members aboard went to bed at 12PM EST. "It was certainly a great way to bond as a crew, starting off our very first workday in space." Four of the astronauts arrived at the station late last week.

The U.S. State Department confirms and condemns that Russia conducted an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) test in low Earth orbit.



Full statement: pic.twitter.com/2WIUuWV6Mh  Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) November 15, 2021

Neither NASA nor the US government has said what created the debris field that put the ISS in danger. However, later in the day, the US State Department condemned a Russian missile test that destroyed one of the countrys own satellites and created more than 1,500 trackable pieces of orbital debris. The test will significantly increase the risk to astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station, as well as to other human spaceflight activities, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Russias dangerous and irresponsible behavior jeopardizes the long term sustainability of outer space and clearly demonstrates that Russias claims of opposing the weaponization of space are disingenuous and hypocritical.

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The State Department said the US would work with its allies to respond to Russias act. Per Reuters, the country has yet to comment on the incident.

Along with their partners, NASA and Russias Roscosmos space agency frequently move the International Space Station to avoid incoming space junk. They did that last week when the station was threatened by fragments of a Chinese satellite that was destroyed in a 2007 missile test.

Update (November 15, 2021 at 7:45pm ET): NASA has released the following statement from Administrator Bill Nelson in response to Monday's ASAT trial.

Earlier today, due to the debris generated by the destructive Russian Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test, ISS astronauts and cosmonauts undertook emergency procedures for safety," Nelson said. "Like Secretary Blinken, Im outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action. With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS, but also their own cosmonauts. Their actions are reckless and dangerous, threatening as well the Chinese space station and the taikonauts on board."

All nations have a responsibility to prevent the purposeful creation of space debris from ASATs and to foster a safe, sustainable space environment," he continued. NASA will continue monitoring the debris in the coming days and beyond to ensure the safety of our crew in orbit.
Rally in Brazil for gun rights

Gun culture was a key part of Jair Bolsonaro's winning campaign to become Brazil's president. Three years later, what impact has he had on the nation's relationship with firearms and how much has US politics played a part?

Rice and beans hold an important place in the heart of most Brazilians.

In this deeply divided country, where almost everything is politicised, at least the famous "feijao" is a food loved by everyone. That is, until recently - when Jair Bolsonaro tried to put a political spin on the humble bean.

"The left says that people don't eat guns, they eat beans," he joked. He had a few weeks earlier attacked his critics for saying that buying food was more important for Brazilians than buying firearms. "So when someone attacks your house, shoot beans at them," he said ironically.

It is yet another example of Bolsonaro sticking two fingers up at his critics. And they're well-used fingers. Throughout his campaign trail in 2018, he used them in a pistol hand gesture as a clear message to his supporters - even in a country with one of the world's highest rates of gun deaths, easing firearms laws was a top priority.

And on 15 January 2019, just two weeks after taking power, he made good on his promise. The Brazilian president signed a decree making it easier for Brazilians to keep weapons at home and at the same time, increasing the validity of gun licences from five years to 10.

Jair Bolsonaro

It was, according to Bolsonaro, a step that would enable "upstanding citizens to have peace inside their homes".

And he's not stopped since. The president has now made more than 32 changes to the country's gun laws - they include increasing the number of guns you're allowed to own, looser restrictions on ammunition and the ability to buy more powerful weapons.

For Akira Ando, who owns a gun club in the town of Atibaia in Sao Paulo state, the past few years have seen a boom in business.

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"The telephone just rang off the hook," says Akira of the response following the decree. "People who never even imagined they could have a firearm at home or for sport were calling up."

He's had to triple the number of people he employs on the administrative side - and he's got more than 2,500 members now. Until four years ago, it was closer to a thousand.

Gun club owner Akira Ando

The profile of person who comes to the club has changed in the past few years, he adds. "Our strength is shooting as a sport but people come here to get the paperwork to own a gun, to be able to keep one at home or at work, to protect their family."

Business owner Elias Paulo Kury is one such member. A relative newcomer to shooting, he enjoys the club's atmosphere but is clear about one of his main motivations to pick up a gun.

"All the baddies are armed, why shouldn't we have the right to defend ourselves in our own homes? It doesn't make any sense," he says. "Nowadays, we're victims of everything that is happening around us," he says, adding that unemployment and poverty are propelling violence in the country.

Times have changed in Brazil.

In 2003, a Disarmament Statute was signed into law, tightening rules on weapons. The following year, there was a National Disarmament Campaign, which saw the handing in of more than half a million weapons.

But in 2005, a referendum was held asking people's views on an outright ban on gun sales. Even with guns a leading cause of death, Brazil's gun lobby campaigned hard, importing the US concept of a right to bear arms - in the end, the public voted NO to such a ban.

"We are seeing the NRA discourse being imported for Brazilian context and it's completely different," says Melina Risso, a public security expert and director at Igarape Institute in Rio de Janeiro.

"Here in Brazil, it's not a right to carry a gun, it's a concession by the state and they have strict rules. But since 2005, the gun lobby has tried to change the mindset of Brazilians in general. It didn't start with Bolsonaro."

But there's no doubt Bolsonaro has made the debate his own since taking power.

In fact, according to the Brazilian Forum of Public Security, as of 2020, the number of guns registered with the Federal Police has doubled since 2017. And in 2020 alone, 186,071 new weapons were registered - an increase of 97% in a year.

In the US the issue is very polarising

Samurai Cacador (Samurai Hunter in English) is a beneficiary of this new wave. A hunting fanatic and social media influencer, he regularly goes online to talk about guns, their merits and the challenges for regular gun-users.

"I was never into arms," he says, explaining that he came from a family where weapons were thought to go against family safety and life. "I wanted to know more about this world, I took the initiative to question it."

Samurai hunts wild boar - the only animal that can be legally hunted in Brazil and even then, only as a way to control numbers in the wild as opposed to a sport. But, like all aspects of guns here in Brazil, it's become increasingly popular. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a rise of nearly 30% in the number of hunting and collecting licences issued.

"I was transformed by this world so I want to use my experience to explain that weapons aren't a seven-headed beast," he says. "It's about freedom. It's a choice to be armed or not. It's a right that we will defend. Our president has always defended it. It's sacred."

But this, say experts, doesn't truly represent Brazil - a poor country of more than 200 million that saw over 40,000 deaths from firearms last year. Indeed, recent polls suggest two-thirds of people disagree with gun ownership.

"There is a part of Brazil for whom this US style gun culture makes some sense, but not for the majority of Brazilians," says Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly.

"Where most of Brazilians live - in the south-east and north-east along the coasts, these are big cities where this kind of assault-rifle toting culture makes no sense at all."

A member of a shooting club in Rio shows off her new purchase

So why the US-style gun strategy then?

"I don't think there is a strategy, I think it's a reflection of the reality which is so much of Bolsonarismo being modelled after Trump," says Winter. "They clearly looked at the gun culture issue and said maybe we've got something here."

Bolsonaro has always openly admired Trump and US culture and it's telling that several influential thinkers allied to the Bolsonaro government, such as Olavo de Carvalho and Rodrigo Constantino, live in the US.

But as with the Trumps, it's very much a family affair with the Bolsonaros. Son Eduardo is an influential member of the dynasty, forging relationships with the likes of strategist Steve Bannon. And the parallels between Eduardo Bolsonaro and Don Trump Jr posing with guns is not lost on Brazil watchers either.

"What you get is mostly the imagery and the macho posing with the AR15s," says Winter. "The visuals that are meant to project strength, I feel like [they are] often one or two degrees separated from Taliban imagery."

Eduardo Bolsonaro at a pro-gun rally

But where now? Trump is no longer in power, and Jair Bolsonaro is yet to announce whether he will run for another term in next year's elections.

The pandemic has certainly hit his popularity but a year is a long time in Brazilian politics. No matter what politics you believe in, he's made an impact.

"When we look at the data, every serious study that has been conducted has shown if you have more guns, you have more violence especially in a country like Brazil," says Melina Risso.

"The damage is really huge in Brazil in terms of all the regulation they made, the weakening of the laws and how many guns are already in the population's hands. We will have a lot of consequences for many years."
TOKYO (AP)  U.S. and Japanese officials agreed Monday to launch talks aimed at settling a dispute over American tariffs on imports of Japanese steel and aluminum.

The agreement came in a meeting between visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Japans minister of economy, trade and industry, Koichi Hagiuda, Japanese officials said.

Japan hopes to convince Washington to lift tariffs imposed during President Donald Trumps administration.

The U.S. recently resolved a similar dispute with the European Union in a deal officials said addresses excess capacity that can distort the steel market. It patched up a trans-Atlantic rift and is meant to create a framework for reducing the carbon-intensity of steel and aluminum production that contributes to the warming of the earth.

Trump ordered the extra tariffs, 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum, in March 2018, asserting they would protect U.S. jobs and national security.

Hagiuda made it clear in the meeting that Japan wants the tariff issue completely resolved, in line with the World Trade Organization, trade and industry ministry officials said after the talks. Japan considers U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imported from Japan as problematic, they said.

Raimondo responded to a request by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi during a meeting Monday to scrap the extra tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum exports to the United States by saying she planned to tackle the issue as a priority, the Foreign Ministry said.

Late last week, the Commerce Department issued a statement announcing the start of consultations with Japan by Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance."

Excess steel and aluminum capacity has worsened over the decades as China ramped up its output to levels that dwarf production by other nations. China produced 1.06 billion tons of crude steel in 2020, according to the World Steel Association. The next largest producer, India, put out 100 million tons, while Japan produced 83.7 million tons and the U.S. nearly 73 million tons.

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China also accounts for more than half of all world aluminum output.

The two sides also issued a statement saying they will set up the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership. The Commerce Department and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said they are committed to working through JUCIP to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency, and security of both economies.

It is so important for both of our countries and coordination in these key areas is essential for our global economic recovery, and our ability to seize our opportunities in a post-pandemic world, Raimondo said in opening remarks to the meeting.

She said the Department of Commerces commitment to Japan is unwavering, as is our desire to strengthen our economic partnerships with like-minded countries.

Raimondo is expected to visit Malaysia and Singapore after Tokyo. Tai is visiting Japan for several days beginning Tuesday.

Japanese officials said Raimondo stressed the importance of strong Japan-U.S. ties and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. The two officials also agreed to cooperate in coping with other challenges such as climate change.

For Japan and the United States that lead the global economy and share values such as free and fair economic order, it is essential that we strengthen economic and technological cooperation including supply chain resilience, Hagiuda said.

___

AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
Mako Komuro, Kei Komuro

PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images Former Princess Mako and Kei Komuro

Japan's former Princess Mako is starting a new life in America.

Just weeks after the niece of Emperor Naruhito gave up her royal title to marry commoner Kei Komuro, the couple relocated to New York City. They were spotted arriving at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport on Sunday, arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport following the 12-hour flight.

The pair, who dressed casually and wore face masks, was surrounded by security as they made their way through the airport and got into a car. They are renting an apartment in N.Y.C., according to the BBC, where Komuro works at a law firm after graduating from Fordham University's law school. According to reports earlier this month, Komuro failed the bar exam but plans to retake the test.

RELATED: Princess Mako Gave Up Her Title for Kei Komuro: Their Love Story, in Their Own Words

Because the law in Japan requires a princess to "leave the imperial family upon marriage to a commoner," Princess Mako gave up her royal titles to marry Komuro. She also turned down a $1.3 million payout from the Japanese government that is traditionally paid to royal women who lose their royal status when they marry.

Mako Komuro, Kei Komuro

STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images

Princess Mako and Komuro, both 30, met while attending a study-abroad event at a restaurant in Shibuya, a district in Tokyo. They were both students at the International Christian University in Tokyo at the time.

"First I was attracted by his bright smile," Mako previously said, according to The Telegraph.

Komuro proposed over dinner in December 2013, and their long-distance relationship quietly continued while Mako studied for her master's degree overseas, graduating in Art Museum and Gallery Studies in January 2016 from England's Leicester University.

The couple first announced their plans to wed in September 2017, but the event was ultimately pushed off following a dispute over money between Komuro's mother and her former fiance concerning his having financed Komuro's education.

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Mako Komuro, Kei Komuro

STR/JAPAN POOL / JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images Former Princess Mako and Kei Komuro

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They tied the knot on October 26 without the fanfare that usually accompanies a royal wedding. The Imperial Household Agency (IHA) explained that Mako and her now-husband did not want to have a big wedding "because their marriage is not celebrated by many people."

At a press event in the afternoon, the couple appeared in front of journalists. Princess Mako wore a pastel blue dress with a matching jacket and a pearl necklace, while Komuro wore a striped suit.

princess Mako, Kei Komuro

STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Princess Mako and Kei Komuro

"I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and I am grateful for those ... who have continued to support me," she said, according to the BBC. "For me, Kei is irreplaceable  marriage was a necessary choice for us."

The palace announced ahead of the nuptials that Mako was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in the wake of negative media coverage.

"I love Mako. We only get one life, and I want us to spend it with the one we love," said Komuro. "I feel very sad that Mako has been in a bad condition, mentally and physically, because of the false accusations."
By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MUFG) on Monday predicted net profit would hit a record this financial year, thanks to the release of cash from pandemic-related provisions as well as a drop in other credit-related costs.

Japan's largest lender has also benefited from "strong stock markets and Morgan Stanley", MUFG Chief Executive Hironori Kamezawa told an earnings briefing after the Wall Street bank in which it has a 20% stake had a stellar quarter.

MUFG hiked its profit estimate for the year to end-March by nearly a quarter to 1.05 trillion yen ($9.2 billion), ahead of a Refinitiv consensus estimate of 982 billion.

Kamezawa stressed, however, that the bank needed to "boost its earnings power in its main businesses" if it is to achieve in a more normal business environment its goal of more than 1 trillion yen in net profit by the year ending March 2024.

Shunsaku Sato, a senior credit officer at Moody's Investors Service, said if the impact of equity-method gains - primarily Morgan Stanley's stake - was excluded, MUFG's pre-provision income during the first-half of the year declined 7%.

"This reflects the profitability challenges faced by MUFG and other Japanese banks in the current ultralow domestic interest rate environment," he wrote in a note to clients.

FEW BANKRUPTCIES

Like a many other banks worldwide, this quarter's earnings were inflated by the release of cash from provisions that had been set aside last year to deal with a potential flood of pandemic-related bad loans.

Corporate bankruptcies in Japan, however, fell to their lowest ever for an April-September period after the government provided small businesses with cash to cushion them from the worst effects of lockdowns, according to Tokyo Shoko Research.

For the July-September quarter, MUFG's net profit surged 83% to 398.4 billion yen. The two other Japanese megabanks, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc (SMFG) and Mizuho Financial Group Inc also lifted their full-year profit forecasts when they reported last week.

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MUFG added it would buy back up to 150 billion yen or 2.33% of its outstanding shares by the end of March.

Though the Japanese bank has pulled back from U.S. retail banking with the $8 billion sale of MUFG Union Bank to U.S. Bancorp, it has said the United States remains a key market.

($1 = 113.92 yen)

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The Conversation

Many families shell out 0 monthly on private 'learning centers.' Beanosity, CC BY-SAMany relatively well-off parents drive their kids to special activities after school. On top of trips to soccer practices and games or piano lessons and recitals, they increasingly make one more stop: a trip to their local after-school tutoring center. In most cases these children dont attend underfunded schools or need help competing with those in affluent districts. Nor are they high school students looking to
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said there could be a "bumpy few months ahead". (PA Images)

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has said the UK faces "a few bumpy months ahead" dealing with COVID as booster jabs were rolled out to the over-40s.

As he urged eligible Britons to take up offers of third jabs "at pace", Professor Van-Tam said the NHS could face a difficult winter as coronavirus remains unpredictable, despite 12 million booster doses being given.

However, he added that once the country heads out of winter and into spring there would be "calmer waters ahead".

The deputy chief medical adviser said in a press briefing on Monday: For Christmas and the winter period, we can expect respiratory viruses to be around and were particularly concerned that the flu will come back and add to our problems. It could be quite a bumpy few months ahead."

Read more:

'No reason' not to give booster jabs to under-50s, Prof Neil Ferguson says

UK PM Johnson says no need to move to COVID "Plan B"

'No reason' not to give booster jabs to under-50s, Prof Neil Ferguson says

He added: "It's still a time of great delicacy and quite a bit of near-term danger. This virus is unpredictable."

However, Profr Van-Tam said that once the country heads out of winter and into spring there would be "calmer waters ahead".

His words come after the JCVI announced on Monday morning that booster jabs will be rolled out to 40-49 year olds to keep infection levels and hospital admissions down.

The UK has now surpassed 12 million booster doses, and Prof Van-Tam said evidence suggests antibody response and protection pick up occurs "very rapidly" after having the extra jab.

Professor Jonathan Van Tam said data on the efficacy of booster jabs from Israel was promising. (PA Images)

He cited Israel as a promising example of the success of third jabs, with their booster of choice being the mRNA Pfizer jab.

Theyre showing that in people aged over 60 in Israel, after a messenger RNA booster, and compared with simply having received the first two doses of Pfizer  in the case of Israel three to four weeks apart," he said.

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"They are observing a tenfold reduction against all COVID infections, an 18.7-fold reduction against hospitalisations, and a 14.7-fold reduction against mortality, and thats on top of the initial course of Pfizer.

The Catch-up sign up

So I believe therefore that if the booster programme is successful, and with very high uptake, we can massively reduce the worry about hospitalisation and death due to COVID at Christmas, and for the rest of this winter.

Some 36,517 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK on Sunday and there were 63 deaths  with the seven day average at 262,419, up 6%.

Despite Prof Van-Tam's words of caution, this morning Oliver Dowden, co-chair of the Conservative party, told Sky News he was "confident" that Christmas would go ahead as planned.

(PA Images)

"I am confident that if we stick the course, people take the boosters when they are asked to do so, that vaccine wall will hold up and we will be able to have a decent Christmas this year," he said.

There are no plans to stop Christmas happening.

"The huge difference this time is the vaccine.

Boris Johnson also took an optimistic tone, despite saying earlier this week that there were "storm clouds" over the continent as the virus surges again; Austria have introduced a controversial 10 day lockdown for unvaccinated citizens.

We dont see anything in the data at the moment to suggest that we need to go to Plan B, were sticking with Plan A," he said.

Boris Johnson said he did not believe the UK needed to move to Plan B. (PA Images)

But what we certainly have got to recognise is there is a storm of infection out there in parts of Europe, you can see those numbers ticking up very sharply in some of our continental friends.

And weve just got to recognise that there is always a risk that a blizzard could come from the east again, as the months get colder.

The best protection for our country is for everybody to go forward and get that booster.

Watch: Jonathan Van-Tam explains where we are in the pandemic 'in football terms'
A Kansas City, Kansas, woman was charged Monday in the September fatal shooting of a 62-year-old woman, the Wyandotte County District Attorney announced.

Melanie Perry, 29, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Lillian Jackson of Shawnee. Perry was also charged with discharge of a firearm. She is already in county jail for an unrelated incident.

Jackson was leaving Mt. Zion Baptist Church during the afternoon on Sept. 18 when she was shot and killed at a stop sign in her car. A stray bullet hit Jackson at the intersection of N. Third Street and Richmond who had been volunteering at the church, according to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.

Police were called to the shooting just before 4 p.m. Johnson was found shot to death inside of her vehicle.

A single tip to the police department led to the charges against Perry, who remains the only suspect, KCKPD detectives said at a news conference Monday.

Perry was arrested on Oct. 20 on aggravated assault and battery charges unrelated to the shooting. She remains in Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
The commercial real estate brokerage market in South Korea is fragmented, which makes finding a new office for tenants a challenge due to inaccurate listing information, high brokerage fees and complex paperwork. A Seoul-based proptech startup called Rsquare built a data-driven platform to digitize the process, enabling tenants to compare multiple properties and find an office.

The startup has raised a $72 million (85 billion won) Series C round from single backer STIC Investments, JohnWoo Lee, CEO of Rsquare, said in an interview with TechCrunch. The latest funding brings its total raised to approximately $95 million.

Rsquare will spend the proceeds on advancing its AI-based proptech platform, accelerating its commercial building transaction and fulfillment centers brokerage service and increasing headcount to 400 employees by next year, Lee said. It has 354 employees as of October.

The Seoul-headquartered company also plans to make further investments in the proptech sector in South Korea and Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, Lee said. Rsquare has invested in a Vietnamese proptech startup Propzy in 2020 and an Indonesian proptech company Mamikos in 2019.

Rsquare, which opened an office in Vietnam in June, is set to enter Singapore this month and Indonesia in 2022, Lee added.

Founded in 2009, Rsquare launched its office brokerage service in 2015 to help startups find office space and has since expanded its platform to serve small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations. In 2016, the company set up a wholly owned subsidiary, Rsquare Design, to provide office interior design services in the wake of $3.8 million Series B funding from Yahoo Japan Capital and SoftBank Ventures Asia.

Lee pointed out that Rsquare's key differentiator is its commercial building data, including the office landlords' and tenants' information, the startup has gathered since its launch. Rsquare claims it has amassed more than 120,000 commercial building data across 50 locations in South Korea and around 10,000 commercial properties data in Vietnam. Its real-time database provides detailed information and reduces more than 50% of time and costs compared to the traditional commercial brokers, according to the company. Rsquare has handled more than 10,000 office brokerage transactions with over 21,000 clients in South Korea.

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The pandemic has been hard on the commercial real estate market globally. Rsquare, which also grappled with the pandemic, is being recovered quickly as many Korean companies started to reopen their offices from the second half of last year, Lee said. The company posted revenue of $55.2 million in 2020 and $85 million for the previous eight months. Rsquare expects its revenue to double by the end of 2021, compared to last year, as COVID-19 lockdowns ease, according to the company.

As for its exit plan, Rsquare is not planning to go public soon; Lee said it would not happen in two years. The company was approached by global strategic investors for M&A, including WeWork, about two years ago, but couldnt find any synergy with them at the time, Lee said when asked regarding its M&A possibility. Rsquare will focus on expanding its business and penetrating further into overseas markets for the next two years, Lee added.
PARIS (AP)  At least 1,500 migrants are living in tents on a muddy lot in northern France as growing numbers of people fleeing Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries seek to traverse the English Channel and reach the U.K., according to aid workers.

In Grande-Synthe, a town east of the port city of Calais, the migrants - including some families with young children - have converged on the site of a former industrial complex. Local authorities have warned of dire sanitary conditions and overcrowding in the area, risks associated with the fast approaching winter and deepening tensions between migrants and traffickers that often turn violent.

France's interior minister and Britain's home secretary were scheduled to speak Monday about the situation.

With its ports and tunnel to cross the English Channel, northern France has always been a magnet for people seeking to cross to Britain, fueled by traffickers' promises of a better life there. The crossings are a source of friction between the U.K. and France, with British officials saying France should to more to stop boats leaving. France, meanwhile, says Britain should do more to help French authorities manage the migrants and stop traffickers.

The families and young men, meanwhile, keep coming. Those clustered in Grande Synthe are primarily Iraqi Kurds propelled via trafficking networks, according to Yann Manzi, founder of aid group Utopia 56. Most are trying to cross in small inflatable boats, because police have made it harder to sneak onto trucks and ferries.

They are packed in at the camp in Grande Synthe, and more and more desperate as the weather worsens, making boat crossings riskier, he said.

More than 23,000 people have reached the U.K. in small boats across the English Channel this year, including 1,185 on Thursday, a record for a single day. In addition, thousands more were rescued at sea by French maritime authorities.

We have a problem which is that they are coming from France and in the end, if the French authorities will not or cannot control those departures it is very difficult for us to turn them back at sea, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday.

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Frances Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin rebuffed Johnsons criticism on Monday, telling BFM-TV that we dont need lectures from our British friends who are our allies, but I would like to remind them that we are neither their collaborators nor their auxiliaries.

Local authorities in northern France have been warning for months that migrants keep coming to Calais and to the forest in Grande-Synthe, east of Dunkirk.

Many of the migrants in the port area want to cross the channel to seek refugee status, look for economic opportunity or because of family and community ties. French authorities say another big draw is lax British rules toward migrants without residency papers.

Its the states responsibility, said the mayor of the town of Grande-Synthe, Martial Beyaert, of the dire conditions in which the migrants have lived for weeks. He told BFM-TV that he repeatedly ask the government to help and set up reception clusters along the coast and cap the number of inhabitants in each shelter at 100 or 150.

With that and with the help of humanitarian associations, we could somewhat improve conditions, Beyaert said.
The nation locked eyes on the homicide trial of Kyle Rittenhouse this fall, and a jury will soon decide his fate after he was charged with fatally shooting two men during a riot in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer and injuring a third man.

He was 17-years-old at the time, and his defense team has argued he was acting in self-defense when he used an AR-style semi-automatic rifle just before midnight Aug. 25, 2020. If convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, Rittenhouse faces life in prison.

KYLE RITTENHOUSE TRIAL: CLOSING ARGUMENTS ARE UNDERWAY: LIVE UPDATES

Though only 17, Rittenhouse was able to get ahold of the rifle he used that night through one of his closest friends months before the riots in Kenosha. Rittenhouse became close with his sister's boyfriend, a man named Dominick Black, who purchased the gun for Rittenhouse back in May 2020. He said that Rittenhouse previously agreed he wouldnt take the gun until he reached 18.

Kyle Rittenhouse is sworn in to testify during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Wednesday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A legal expert said prosecutors coul dbe barred from re-trying him if a mistrial is granted and prosecutors were found to have intentionally caused it. Getty Images

NANCY GRACE DOES A DEEP-DIVE INTO KYLE RITTENHOUSE CASE: 'HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?'

Violence erupted in Kenosha following the Aug. 23, 2020 police shooting of a Black man named Jacob Blake. Blake was paralyzed from the waist down, and the shooting added to the already powder-keg situation of protests and riots in the U.S. following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day that year. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers had called in the National Guard to help quell the violence in the city, and some private citizens took to the streets to help patrol.

WHAT WILL KENOSHA LOOK LIKE IF RITTENHOUSE IS ACQUITTED?

Black testified that he, his brother and Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha the morning of Aug. 25, 2020 to see the aftermath of the riots during two nights prior. They then left, and returned to the city at around 5 p.m., after one of Black's friends said they should help protect a local business, Car Source.

Hours before the shooting Rittenhouse was also seen cleaning graffiti off a high school near the Kenosha County Courthouse along with a few other volunteers.

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Rittenhouse and Black met with other armed individuals in Kenosha on the night of the shootings. Rittenhouse testified that he headed there to help patrol the streets, protect businesses and provide first aid, which he came prepared for with a medical bag.

Two members of the family that owns Car Source, however, denied setting up plans for Rittenhouse or anyone else to protect the business. Prosecutor Thomas Binger also showed screenshots of text messages Rittenhouse sent Anmol Khindri, a member of the family that owns Car Source.

"Hey Sam its Kyle do you need anyone to protect your business tonight im more then willing and will be armed i just need address," one text read.

"Me and my brother would both be thwre armed," a second message read. The screenshot did not include a response from Khindri, who said he did not see the messages until Aug. 26.

By 10 p.m. that night, he was standing guard with the rifle outside of the used car dealership . About 45 minutes later, video showed him speaking with police officers and asking for water. "We appreciate you guys. We really do," an officer told Rittenhouse, Reuters reported.

THE CASE AGAINST KYLE RITTENHOUSE JUST GOT SMALLER

Then, in another video recorded by Daily Caller video editor Richie McGinniss that night, Rittenhouse explained he was patrolling the streets to "help people" and protect the car dealership.

"People are getting injured, and our job is to protect this business, and part of my job is to also help people," Rittenhouse said in the video. "If theres somebody hurt, Im running into harms way. That is why I have my rifle, because I need to protect myself, but I also have my med kit."

Shortly after Rittenhouse spoke to McGinniss, Anthony Huber, 26, and Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, were fatally shot by Rittenhouse, while Gaige Grosskreutz was injured. The defense claims Rittenhouse was in fear for his life and acted in self-defense.

Before the shootings, Rittenhouse was a police explorer for the Grayslake Police Department and a cadet with the Antioch Fire Department. He lived in Antioch with his single mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, and his two sisters. Antioch borders the Wisconsin state line and is about 20 miles, or roughly a 30-minute drive, from Kenosha, where his father, grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousin live.

He was working part-time as a lifeguard at a recreational complex in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, the summer of 2020, and testified that he enjoyed swimming, " hanging out with friends , going to the beach, just normal teenage stuff." Pleasant Prairie is located in Kenosha County and about a 15 minute drive from Kenosha.

Social media posts from before the shooting showed he was a supporter of the police and former President Donald Trump.

"Trump 2020" his TikTok account displayed, next to the phrase, "Bruh I'm just tryna be famous." His social feeds also showed posts stating "Blue Lives Matter" and photos of him with guns.

Monday marks the beginning of closing arguments for the trial before it heads to the jury. Hundreds of National Guard members in Kenosha are on standby ahead of the verdict.
The Republican reaction to the infrastructure bill is both laughable and terrifying. The former twice-impeached president had 208 infrastructure weeks and was unable to get anything done despite Republican control of the Senate.

Donald Trump himself proposed a $2 trillion infrastructure plan that funded basically everything in the bill that passed with a bipartisan vote. Yet, Trump has the audacity to call it a terrible Democratic Socialist Infrastructure Plan.

Now his sycophants in Congress are urging his loyalists to harass the 13 Republicans who chose to help their constituents, their states and our nation. They are receiving death threats and calls to resign, spurred on by the vitriol of members of their own party.

The continued attacks on democracy in support of Trump and his Big Lie have gone beyond the pale. His supporters' continued willingness to incite violence like we saw on Jan. 6 should alarm everyone and must stop.

 Michael Watkins, Jackson Township

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: GOP reacts to infrastructure bill with hypocrisy
Elders from several cities called for a boycott of presidential elections and protesters shut voting stations in western Libya on Monday after former dictator Moamer Kadhafi's son registered to run.

Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, whose whereabouts have been secret for years, on Sunday became the first heavyweight candidate to sign up for the December 24 poll.

But an influential council of elders from Misrata, a city which played a key role in the 2011 uprising that toppled his father, called for an election boycott.

The council rejects "the candidacy of those who used excessive force against the Libyan people's uprising and who are the target of arrest warrants from Libyan courts and the International Criminal Court", it said in a statement.

It urged "free patriots" to protest against the election taking place before a constitutional basis was agreed.

A member of the electoral commission, the HNEC, told AFP that "residents protesting at the candidacy of Seif al-Islam Kadhafi in presidential elections closed down several polling stations" in the west.

The official, who asked not to be named, said there had been no violence and voting stations had not been damaged.

Libya first ever direct presidential poll comes as the United Nations seeks to end a decade of violence since a revolt that toppled his father in 2011.

Seif al-Islam is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the NATO-backed uprising.

But the HNEC said he had "completed all the required legal conditions" to run.

On Sunday, prominent figures in the western city of Zawiya "categorically rejected" presidential runs by both Kadhafi and eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is also widely expected to announce a bid.

A key part of a United Nations-led political process building on a ceasefire in October last year, the elections are opposed by some who argue there has been no agreement on their legal basis and the powers the winner would take.

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Khaled al-Meshri, head of an interim High Council of State, has called for them to be delayed, saying they are "flawed" and "illegal".

The HNEC says around 2.83 million voters have signed up to take part in the presidential and legislative polls due to start on December 24.

nd-rb/par/hc
A Hardeeville man was charged Friday with sexually assaulting a 5-year-old seven years ago.

Vinson Mitchell, 40, of Hardeeville, was arrested on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to the Jasper County Detention Center jail log. The victim, now 11, reported the assault to their school on Oct. 4, according to Jasper County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Chief Deputy Jeff Crosby said. The incident took place at the victims grandmothers house in Jasper County seven years ago, Crosby said. Mitchell was stopped by police Friday in Hardeeville on an outstanding warrant, according to Crosby.

If convicted of the felony, Mitchell could face up to 10 years in prison, according to the South Carolina Code of Laws. There is no statute of limitations for criminal acts.

An attorney for Mitchell had not been appointed by Monday afternoon, according to the public index. He was still incarcerated at the Jasper County Detention Center.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, find help from the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-4673.

When we publish mugshots

The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances:

In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested

In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety

In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims

Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mana will play a concert residency next year at The Forum in Los Angeles, a city they consider their second home and in which they have broken audience records.

For the Mexican pop rock group, the real challenge will be to keep preforming unique shows and they promise that they will not stop scheduling dates if the public asks for more.

Were very excited, very happy to be back, its more than two years since we played our last show, said drummer Alex Gonzalez via videocall from the bands hometown of Guadalajara, Mexico.

The residency announced on Monday will begin next year with the first dates scheduled for March 18 and 19 and April 22 and 23. Tickets will go on sale Friday via Ticketmaster.

Los Angeles is like our second home after Guadalajara, and thats basically where our career started when the whole rock en espanol movement took off," he said. Our first show was at the Hollywood Palladium back in 1993 when we were touring with Donde Jugaran los Ninos? and from there it exploded and took off to the rest of the country in the United States.

Los Angeles love for the band, which has won four Grammys and seven Latin Grammys, hasn't abated. In 2019 Mana broke a record at The Forum with seven concerts in a year, beating Kanye West and The Eagles.

Its going to be fun and exciting and emotional because we dont know what the outcome is going to be. Were not thinking about breaking records, were thinking about lets go and play and play as long as people want to see us there, said Gonzalez.

The residence will have two monthly concerts, with more dates added to fit demand.

Were planning on a lot of different things, the setlist, were planning on inviting guests, said Gonzalez, who added that the production will be totally different from their latest Rayando el Sol Tour.

We wanted to give the fans a really, really awesome experience. We want this to be something that they will remember, that they will cherish," he said. Its something that we wont do again. This is a once in a lifetime thing.

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Mana has closely watched the reemergence of concerts after the pandemic shutdown and preferred to wait until next year in search of more stability within and outside the industry.

We wanted to wait and just let things settle in so people can recoup economically, said Gonzalez. Weve been always really, really worried about our fans and we want them always to be happy.

After 35 years of releasing hits such as Rayando el Sol, Oye Mi Amor, De Pies a Cabeza, Labios Compartidos, Bendita Tu Luz and Mi Verdad, they have no plans to stop performing.

I hope that Mana can be a band that can follow the footsteps of other famous and important bands like Aerosmith, that theyve doing it all their life, or U2, or the Stones, said Gonzalez. Weve been practicing after a long time of not playing together and the incredible thing was that when we got into the rehearsal room the energy was just so amazing... Its like you put the pause button, and then you took the pause button off and it was like nothing had happened.

Being able to perform in a single city without having to go on an international tour will allow the band to continue working on new releases, including one of duets of their hits. Their next studio album will be released in 2023, and the band is eager to present new music after their Cama Incendiada of 2015.

On Thursday they will release a very Mexican version of their Mariposa Traicionera with Alejandro Fernandez, which will be part of their duets album.

Its been fun to do this project, said Gonzalez. Its a way to do versions of songs that were hits, or people like, but with other artists that also like Mana.

Speaking of other celebrities who like Mana, recently the bands vocalist, Fher, had a special performance interpreting the classic Mexican regional music song El Rey during the fight between Saul Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant that ended with the Mexican boxer becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion.

I loved it, said Gonzalez about the presentation that he watched while celebrating his wifes birthday. I think it was a great fight and he is a person that is giving it all to put the name of Mexico very high.

Gonzalez said he was happy to support a friend who is also from Guadalajara: As you know we played at his wedding. Theres a beautiful friendship of many years and it was a great treat that Fher was with Canelo supporting him."
A Philadelphia man was abducted in a U-Haul van and robbed after returning home from a casino early Sunday, police said in statement.

The 46-year-old man said when he came home from Parx Casino in Bensalem at 1 a.m. Nov. 14, he noticed a U-Haul moving van parked in front of his home, the statement said.

After parking his car, he approached his home. Thats when three men wearing gloves and masks grabbed him and put him in the back of the van, police said.

The man said the kidnappers brought him to an unfamiliar basement and tied him up. According to his statement, they asked him where he hid money in his home, while at the same time, other men searched his home to steal his stuff.

After some time, the men took the Philly resident and let him go about 2 miles away from his home. He walked home and called the police, the statement said. Police arrived at about 6 a.m.

The man told police the men ended up taking cash from him and from his home, along with a handgun, debit and credit cards, sneakers and house keys.

He told police the thieves were armed with multiple guns and that theyd threatened to kill him. The man also said he was punched twice in the face during the abduction.

The Philadelphia Special Victims Unit is investigating the incident.

Remains found on moms property are of girls missing since 2015, Pennsylvania cops say

Dad fatally shot through windshield as daughters were inside van, Pennsylvania cops say
Erie police are investigating a pair of weekend shootings that wounded a 20-year-old man and led to the recovery of a large number of shell casings.

The 20-year-old man, whose name was not released, was shot in the forearm, hip and pelvis in a shooting that police believed happened in the area of West 26th and Cranberry streets, according to Deputy Chief Rick Lorah.

The shooting was reported on Saturday at about 11:50 p.m. Officers who responded to the area on a report of shots fired located shell casings in an alley near the 2500 block of Cranberry Street and found that a vehicle had been struck by a round, Lorah said.

At about 12:05 a.m. Sunday, the 20-year-old arrived at Saint Vincent Hospital for treatment of his gunshot wounds, Lorah said. He told police he heard gunshots and was struck but did not know who shot him, according to Lorah.

Erie police detectives were continuing their investigation into the shooting on Monday.

Detectives are also continuing to investigate another shooting that was reported on Sunday at about 2:10 a.m. in an alley between East 10th and East 11th streets that runs between State and French streets, Lorah said.

Officers who responded to the shooting found and collected multiple shell casings, Lorah said. Police found no shooting victims, and officers did not immediately find any evidence indicating that any property was damaged by gunfire, he said.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie shootings: 20-year-old shot several times, casings recovered
PANAMA CITY BEACH  The St. Joe Company hopes an upcoming project will provide more convenient housing opportunities for its employees.

According to Mike Kerrigan, spokesman for the company, the local land development group plans to build an apartment complex specifically geared toward its employees on more than 9 acres of land located off Griffin Boulevard in Panama City Beach.

The lot sits between the Beach Mosquito Control District and Conservation Park.

"It's very exciting," Kerrigan said. "It's definitely going to provide a level of convenience to our employees to where in another situation, they might have to make a much longer commute to work. (This) will help us recruit folks to work at our properties and we think it's something that our employees will be very excited about."

St. Joe Company: undertaken 22 projects in Bay County since Hurricane Michael

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The St. Joe Company hopes to build an apartment complex for its employees on more than 9 acres of land between the Beach Mosquito Control District and Conservation Park.

During a City Council meeting on Oct. 28, officials approved the first reading for the project, along with a land-use change for the associated property. This will convert the area from agricultural to multi-family.

Mel Leonard, building and planning director for Panama City Beach, said St. Joe has agreed to build only 100 units on the property, although it could legally build up to 388 with the available acreage.

Recently: More homes on the way! Panama City Beach approves 58 more residential lots in The Glades

The multi-family zoning also would allow buildings in the complex to be up to 55 feet tall, but the group plans for them to stand no more than 35 feet, Leonard added.

"(These limitations were to) make the development more compatible with Conservation Park, so that you don't have extremely tall buildings (in the area)," he said. "On all sides of the Conservation Park (there ultimately will be) homes and mixed-use developments ... so it was to fit in with that type of development pattern."

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Looking ahead, Kerrigan said that the project will be important for St. Joe in the near future as it works to build and staff five new hotels in Bay County that will pair with its many existing developments.

During a City Council meeting on Oct. 28, officials approved the first reading for the project, along with a land use change for the associated property off of Griffin Boulevard in Panama City Beach. This will convert the area from agricultural to multi-family.

While many aspects of the apartment complex remain in the works, Kerrigan said he hopes it will break ground sometime next year. Construction then will take more than a year, which would mean the facility could open sometime in 2023.

Kerrigan did not yet know the layout of the units or the cost of rent.

"We know that housing can be difficult, especially on the Beach near some of our properties," he said. "(We would like) to get it completed as quickly as we can because we know that with the number of projects that we have in the works and the number of employment opportunities and jobs that those projects are creating, there will be a need for this housing for our workforce."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Florida St. Joe workers could get new housing for employees
The Guardians of Freedom (GOF) Memorial honoring K-9 service animals and their handlers is moving closer to becoming a reality.

The group working on the project to place a bronze statue depicting Armed Forces Military Handler Sergeant Adam Cann and his dog Bruno next to New York State Thruway Exit 30, the Herkimer interchange, has raised $61,000 of the $82,500 needed to complete the work.

We need to reach our goal soon to keep up the groundwork, pour concrete and to wrap up our financial relationship with the sculptor, Lena Toritch, of Salt Lake City, said Herkimer County Legislator John Brezinski, who is spearheading the project

The Guardians of Freedom Committee is continuing to raise funds for a statue honoring K-9 service animals and their handlers to be installed next to the Route 30 Thruway interchange in Herkimer.

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He wants to have all of the funds in hand before giving the sculptor the go-ahead to sculpt the detailed bronze statue.

He and his committee also are hoping some recent national exposure will give their fundraising efforts a boost.

The project was featured in a brief article titled "A Bronze of the Brave" that appeared as part of the cover story about the sculptor in the September/October issue of Family Dog  The Working Dog issue.

In 2008, Toritch memorialized Bosco, a Labrador-Rottweiler mix and the honorary mayor of Sunol, California, and has immortalized many dogs since then, some military, police or service dogs and some family pets as well as sculpting detailed likenesses of people.

Consultant and grant writer Don W. Hall, of Opportunities for Upstate, who has been providing pro bono services to the project, said the GOF group received some good news when he checked with Toritch and learned that the agreed-upon price for her work has not changed since she was selected to do the project nearly two years ago.

When he first got involved more than a year ago Hall started reaching out to foundations for funding. He found, however, that due to the coronavirus pandemic most of the foundations had changed their focus and were using their funds to help the homeless, food banks and others impacted by the pandemic.

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He reached out to veterans groups and received a good response from them as well as from individuals. Businesses in the local area, especially those in Oneida County, have also responded, said Hall.

He plans to reach out to corporations that deal in pet products. The latter part of the year is often a time corporations could be open to making contributions, he noted.

"We'd really like to wrap it up before the end of the year," he said.

Sgt. Adam Cann, 23, was killed by a suicide bomber Jan. 5, 2006. Bruno had just reacted to the proximity of an explosive device and Cann used his body as a shield to protect his fellow Marines and his military working dog. Bruno recovered and remained on active duty until he died in 2011.

Military working dogs trained for explosive and drug detection, sentry, therapy, and service work and their handlers served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. An article by Jon Michael Connor, Army Public Affairs, on the U.S. Army website quotes William Cronin, director for American K9 for Afghanistan and Mali, West Africa, as saying, Theres no substitute for the detection of a dog. There is no machine built yet that can reciprocate what a dog can do.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the Guardians of Freedom Memorial or donate to the project is invited to visit the website at www.gofmemorial.org. Checks may be mailed to Guardians of Freedom Memorial Inc., 829 Brockway Road, Frankfort, N.Y. 13340.

Donna Thompson is the government and business reporter for the Times Telegram. Email her at donna@timestelegram.com.

This article originally appeared on Times Telegram: Memorial for service dogs handlers in Herkimer nearing goal
Associated Press

Yoshihiko Takeuchi, who ran a small restaurant on the island of Okinawa, told only a few friends he had the coronavirus. When he didn't answer phone calls from public health workers for three days, police went to his home and found him dead in his bed. In many countries, those with the virus stay home to isolate and recover, but critics say that in Japan, a country with one of the most affordable and accessible health care systems, people have been denied hospital care, and the policy amounted to jitaku hochi, or abandonment at home.
Navajo Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty (right) holds up the Navajo text version of a missing persons poster with the family member of Laverda Sorrell, who is pictured on the poster.

Arizona Rep. Greg Stanton admonished U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for his lack of progress in addressing the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and persons.

Stanton's words echoed a new report by the Government Accountability Office on the government's response to the large numbers of Native women, girls, boys and men who have gone missing or whose murder cases languish in cold case files over several decades. The report found that the Justice Department could be doing more to address the issue and to fulfill the directives of two recently passed bills.

It does not appear that you have used your platform to help make this a top priority, nor has the Department of Justice really moved the needle on this issue since your confirmation, Stanton, D-Ariz., told Garland during a meeting of the House Committee on the Judiciary in October.

Stanton has been pushing agencies to take a stronger role in solving cases or determining accurate numbers of missing people in his two congressional terms.

Garland, who was confirmed as attorney general in March, acknowledged that the Justice Department has not expanded or considered expanding the FBI's Indian Country program, which works serious cases on tribal lands. The program has about 150 special agents to investigate crimes like murder, rape, burglary or arson on the nation's 326 reservations, some of which like the Navajo Nation, are the size of small states.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., speaks during the grand opening of the Patina Mountain Preserve Wellness Center and Dunlap Pointe Housing Community in Phoenix on March 24, 2021.

Stanton also talked about the government's response to cases like Gabby Petito's, whose disappearance and death received national attention and the focus of federal law enforcement, while similar cases in Indian Country are virtually neglected. The disparity has become a source of great frustration in tribal communities.

Despite recent efforts to better determine the numbers of missing women and persons in Indian Country, nobody really knows for sure how many there are. Savannah's Act, passed in 2019, directed the Justice Department to "review, revise, and develop law enforcement and justice protocols to address missing or murdered Native Americans."

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The Interior Department reported in April that about 1,500 American Indian and Alaska Native missing persons have been entered into the National Crime Information Center, and approximately 2,700 cases of murder and nonnegligent homicide offenses have been reported to the Federal Governments Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Advocates and experts in the field say there are likely far more cases that have not made it into the databases.

Other federal agencies step up efforts

While the Justice Department's response has been static, other agencies have instituted or expanded programs to get a better handle on the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and persons.

In April, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced the formation of a new Missing and Murdered Unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services to oversee and direct interagency operations in the work of solving cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the U.S.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks during a news briefing at the White House in Washington on April 23, 2021.

Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, was the principal sponsor of the Not Invisible Act as a representative from New Mexico. The legislation, which passed unanimously in October 2020, mandated the creation of an interagency commission that would improve coordination between tribal, state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people.

"Any time a person is assaulted, kidnapped or goes missing, my heart breaks." Haaland said in a statement emailed to The Arizona Republic. "I want justice for all of these cases and believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities."

Haaland said her agency is expanding collaborative efforts and partnerships with other agencies and stakeholders "to ensure that we hold perpetrators accountable, keep American Indian and Alaska Native communities safe, and provide closure for families."

The Bureau of Indian Affairs also has brought on staff to oversee investigations and collaborate with other government law enforcement agencies to ensure accurate data collection and better community outreach. Two new cold case offices were opened in Oklahoma and Washington.

In 2019, the Arizona Legislature approved the formation of a task force to determine the scope of the issue. The task force sought to create standardized tracking and collection of cases, develop effective means to share results and to educate the community.

Justice: AZ 'cold case' office will address Native murder, missing person cases

GAO: 'Full extent of the problem is unknown'

The Government Accountability Office released a report on Nov. 1 that examined the government's progress in tackling the MMIWP crisis. The report said both the Justice and Interior departments could be doing more to address the issue. Still, the GAO wrote, "the agencies have missed some of the requirements' deadlines. For example, they have not yet set up a joint commission to explore the issue."

The office also said federal officials and tribes have been concerned about intergovernmental cooperation across jurisdictions, which have long confounded efforts to investigate or prosecute cases.

Most of the office's recommendations were directed to the Justice Department, such as creating plans to analyze data related to missing or murder cases, and to develop plans to implement the requirements of Savannah's Act and the Not Invisible Act that haven't yet been met.

Arizona State Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, D-Chandler, hugs an activist at the signing ceremony for House Bill 2570 on Aug. 14, 2019. The legislation established a committee to establish a database of missing and murdered Indigenous women and other persons within the state.

Arizona state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, D-Chandler, thanked Stanton and other members of Congress for speaking up on the issue. She said the government should reauthorize the Native American provisions of the Violence Against Women Act so tribes can prosecute non-Indians who commit acts of domestic violence against female tribal members on reservations.

"Native American families haven't been getting attention from the federal government," said Jermaine, an Ojibwe descendent. "It's only fair to demand equity from the Department of Justice."

Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on Twitter at @debkrol.

Coverage of Indigenous issues at the intersection of climate, culture and commerce is supported by the Catena Foundation.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Murdered and missing Native cases need attention, Rep. Stanton says
Weather forecast from the National Weather Service.

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in northern Ohio Sunday.

But wait a couple days and it will be looking a lot more like spring.

And then, well, back to chilly fall-like temperatures and weather.

The National Weather Service says the amount of snow that fell in our first visit from Old Man Winter varied depending on where you live with a light dusting in some spots to as much as a couple of inches in the Akron area and higher amounts farther north in the traditional snowbelt.

More: Here are northern Ohio restaurants, stores open for dine-in or takeout for Thanksgiving

The first bout of snow brought with it a number of accidents throughout northeast Ohio but so far the bulk were minor but serious enough to result in backed up commutes for thousands.

The next warm up will come Wednesday when temperatures will hit the 60s but it will be short lived.

Temperatures are expected to drop with the arrival and passage of the next weather system with rain expected Wednesday night into Thursday.

With highs in the 40s expected by Saturday before an anticipated warm up again on Sunday.

Akron-area forecast

The National Weather Service is calling for the following.

Tuesday. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. South wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tuesday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Wednesday. A slight chance of showers after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 64. South wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday night. Showers, mainly after 1am. Low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday. Showers, mainly before 1pm. High near 49. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Friday. Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday. Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Saturday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday. A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron weather: Sunday snow will give way to warmer week
Sherry Frankel's Melangerie on Worth Avenue sells creative masks including this "I love Palm Beach" item.

Florida reported 10,302 new cases of coronavirus in the week ending Sunday, from 10,498 the week before of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Florida ranked 50th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States increased 11.5% from the week before, with 574,373 cases reported. With 6.45% of the country's population, Florida had 1.79% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, 30 states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before.

Palm Beach County reported 668 cases in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 723 cases. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 229,066 cases.

Florida does not directly publish county-level death data.

>> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases

Within Florida, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Monroe County with 123 cases per 100,000 per week; Madison County with 81; and Miami-Dade County with 72. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week.

Adding the most new cases overall were Miami-Dade County, with 1,961 cases; Broward County, with 983 cases; and Hillsborough County, with 945. Weekly case counts rose in 26 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Polk, Lee and Hillsborough counties.

Florida ranked 16th among states in share of people receiving at least one shot, with 70.3% of its residents at least partially vaccinated. The national rate is 68.3%, a USA TODAY analysis of CDC data shows. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are the most used in the United States, require two doses administered a few weeks apart.

In the week ending Sunday, Florida reported administering another 657,263 vaccine doses, including 173,180 first doses. In the previous week, the state-administered 636,069 vaccine doses, including 119,984 first doses. In all, Florida reported it has administered 29,710,734 total doses.

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>> Track coronavirus cases across the United States

Across Florida, cases fell in 38 counties, with the best declines in Orange County, with 518 cases from 706 a week earlier; in Broward County, with 983 cases from 1,038; and in Palm Beach County, with 668 cases from 723.

In Florida, 364 people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 664 people were reported dead.

A total of 3,711,612 people in Florida have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 60,698 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States 47,074,080 people have tested positive and 763,092 people have died.

Florida's COVID-19 hospital admissions falling

USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, Nov. 14.

Likely COVID patients admitted in the state:

Last week: 2,504

The week before that: 2,727

Four weeks ago: 3,761

Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation:

Last week: 72,105

The week before that: 68,115

Four weeks ago: 78,817

Hospitals in 28 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 25 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds. Hospitals in 34 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows.

The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach County Florida COVID cases increased by 668 this week
The Pentagon's top spokesperson on Monday insisted Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had the authority to require National Guard members to get vaccinated against Covid-19, despite new resistance from Oklahoma's highest-ranking military official.

"It is a lawful order for National Guardsmen to receive the Covid vaccine. It is a lawful order," Defense Department press secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news briefing.

"Refusing to do that, absent an approved exemption, puts them in the same potential [for disciplinary action] as active-duty members who refuse the vaccine," he added.

Kirby also argued that Guard members would not be shielded from the Pentagon's vaccine mandate under Title 32 of the U.S Code, which provides for governors to mobilize the Guard within their state.

Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, by contrast, Guard members are mobilized for federal active-duty military service.

"The secretary of Defense has the authority to require these vaccines for all members of the force, including the National Guard  even in a Title 32 status," Kirby said. "Because when they're called up for their monthly training, they're still federally funded."

Kirby's defense of the Pentagon's forcewide vaccine mandate comes after Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, the adjutant general for Oklahoma, notified the state's National Guard soldiers and airmen that they would not be required to get their shots.

As adjutant general, Mancino serves as the top military adviser to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and commands the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard.

Stitt, a Republican, appointed Mancino to the post last week after ousting the previous adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, who supported vaccinations for Guard members.

Stitt became the first governor to test positive for Covid-19 last July, less than a month after his state hosted then-President Donald Trump's first pandemic-era rally in Tulsa.

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Now, Stitt's efforts to skirt the Pentagon's vaccine mandate have provoked concerns about governors of other red states potentially ordering their own National Guards against complying with the federal requirement.

On Monday, Kirby said he was not aware of any states other than Oklahoma reaching out to the Pentagon with concerns about the vaccine mandate. He also said Austin did not have plans to make contact with individual governors to reinforce the requirement.

"If there's a snowball effect," Kirby said, "we haven't seen it yet."
Major flooding and mudslides prompted a state of emergency declaration to be issued for parts of Washington state Monday as heavy rain caused by an atmospheric river of moisture over the Pacific continued to torment the Northwest and parts of British Columbia, Canada.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued the severe weather proclamation for 14 counties Monday thanks to the ongoing stormy pattern that has resulted in record flooding on several major rivers in the state. Some areas had received over 10 inches of rain over a 48-hour period as of Tuesday morning.

The torrential downpours and ensuing flash floods claimed the life of one woman farther north in British Columbia, Canada. According to The Associated Press, authorities in the province said the resident's body was recovered from a mudslide that devastated seven vehicles, with the conditions and the wreckage making it difficult to assess the overall scope.

"It is a significant amount of debris. It makes it very difficult for our search crews," David MacKenzie, the Pemberton District Search and Rescue manager, told the AP. "The mud is up to their waist. I can't recall our team being involved in anything like this in the past."

According to Royal Canadian Mounted Police Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet, two other individuals are also considered missing from the wreckage.

Farther south, the death toll was also on the rise in Washington state.

On Wednesday afternoon, the body of 59-year-old Jose Garcia was recovered in a field near Everson, Washington. Garcia, a resident in the nearby county of Whatcom, had been missing since Monday after his truck was swept away in floodwaters. According to the Everson Police Department, Garcia was last seen on Monday clinging to a tree around 300 feet from his car.

In other areas of the region, similarly perilous situations ensued throughout Monday and Tuesday, as Coast Guard members rushed into action to rescue hundreds of residents, including some by airlift.

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Numerous water rescues were also reported, including one that involved several people near the city of Everson, AP reported. The United States Coast Guard shared a video showing a harrowing rescue by helicopter of six adults and four children, including one baby, near the town of Forks, Washington.

Early Monday afternoon, some houses in Forks were also evacuated. Several were rescued from a bus Monday evening near Edison, Washington.

The individuals rescued from the bus were airlifted via helicopter. Video footage captured by the Coast Guard showed the six adults and four children clinging onto rescuers who carried them to safety.

One woman flashed a relieved, yet still anxious, smile as a rescuer carried her into the helicopter. The footage also showed that some individuals were rescued from the rushing floodwaters using metal baskets.

A large stretch of Interstate 5 near Bellingham, Washington, close to the Canadian border, was closed Monday due to debris floods and flooding on the highway, the Washington Department of Transportation said. The southbound stretch of I-5 in the area was reopened early Tuesday.

The flooding in Bellingham left over 500 people displaced, as water levels rose due to the incessant rain overwhelming the nearby Skagit River. Drone footage over the town captured the scope of the devastation, with dozens of streets left completely underwater.

The footage, captured by city officials, showed the floodwaters not only trapping cars in window-deep waters, but also completely blanketing the local Squalicum Creek Park. There, video on social media captured individuals attempting to ride the rushing floodwaters on makeshift rafts.

"The severe storm with floods, landslides, mudslides and the potential for straight-line winds is causing road closures, the need to establish alternate transportation routes, evacuations, impacts to local utility services, including significant power outages, localized reductions in available drinking water, and damage to homes and other public and private property and infrastructure," Inslee's office said in a statement.

High winds and saturated soil contributed to downed trees and power lines Monday evening, with over 140,000 customers without power in Washington state as of 6 p.m. PST, and at least 106,000 with power cuts in British Columbia. By Monday evening, power was being restored in many areas, but about 75,000 customers were still without power in Washington state, some for about 10 hours.

Forecasters referred to this specific atmospheric river as "the Pineapple Express" since moisture extends back to Hawaii in the tropical Pacific.

The storm had already been wreaking havoc in the region since the weekend, and some storms that slammed the region in late October had already saturated soils, which set the table for the worsening flooding this week, officials said.

Over the weekend, mudslides and major flooding decimated portions of southern British Columbia, pushing vehicles off highways and leaving major roadways covered in mud. Entire cities in the region enacted mandatory evacuations, while 275 people in Agassiz, British Columbia, required emergency rescuing after a pair of landslides.

Agassiz Mayor Sylvia Pranger declared a state of emergency following the mudslide, The New York Times reported, a disaster that nearly killed resident Paul Deol. Deol, who lives in the nearby town of Hope, told the Canadian Broadcast Channel that the heavy rain washed away entire sections of Highway 7, where he and hundreds of other motorists were trapped.

According to the CBC, Deol said the scene "looks like the side of the mountain has just come apart."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also weighed in on the situation on Monday, sharing on Twitter that help is on the way, both during and after the flooding."To the people of Merritt, and to all British Columbians affected by the flooding: Please stay safe," he tweeted. "We're ready to provide whatever assistance is needed as you deal with and recover from the flooding and this extreme weather."

A Washington DOT webcam in Sumas, Washington, showed buildings and streets underwater at 10 a.m. PST.

Farther south, the nearby county of Whatcom declared a state of emergency due to threats from the heavy rain, and by Monday evening about 500 people were displaced across the county while many more were encouraged to evacuate. Around 9 a.m. local time, the Sumas Police issued a shelter-in-place order as floodwaters crested over a bridge, inundating part of the town.

Rainfall amounts from the last three days stood at nearly 10 inches Monday morning, with unofficial NWS stations reporting 10.38 inches in Quinault, Washington, around 9.40 inches in Mount Baker and a BC Hydro rain gauge in Orchid Lake, British Columbia, measuring 9.21 inches. Toms Creek reported just a hundredth of an inch of rain below 10 inches.

Rainfall 11/16

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

A normally small waterfall in the city of Abbotsford, British Columbia, looked like a miniature version of Niagra Falls as the raging waters cascaded over the side. On Tuesday, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure warned motorists to avoid travel to Abbotsford and the surrounding areas as emergency crews deal with "extensive flooding." Highways around the area were closed as of Tuesday, including Highway 11 in both directions south of Lonzo Road.

As the storm moved east, strong westerly winds gusted over 100 mph in the Northern Rockies.

On the Deception Pass bridge, located in Island County, Washington, fierce winds sent a semi-truck toppling onto the guardrail on Monday afternoon. Video captured by a fellow driver shows the massive vehicle completely blocking the opposite lane of the two-lane overpass.

Elsewhere in the area, the goalposts at a local football field also felt the wrath of the storm's winds. The damaged posts were left harshly bent to the right, unusable for any game.

At least 12 rivers were under flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service. An NWS river gauge showed that the Bogachiel River near La Push, Washington, had broken its all-time record high level Monday at 44.93 feet. The previous record for the station was 42.64 feet, set on Nov. 6, 2006. The Nooksack River at North Cedarville, Washington, also broke its record Monday at 150.35 feet, versus the record of 149.61 feet on Nov. 6, 2006. The river was seen still raging Monday evening. The Skagit River near Mount Vernon was forecast to break its record Tuesday and was already at 35 feet Monday evening, forcing officials to close bridges.

Although the river flooding risk continued Tuesday in some areas, precipitation rapidly tapered off in the area, except for some snow that lingered in the Washington Cascades.

For the latest weather news check back on AccuWeather.com. Watch the AccuWeather Network on DIRECTV, Frontier, Spectrum, fuboTV, Philo, and Verizon Fios. AccuWeather Now is now available on your preferred streaming platform.
Thousands of migrants have travelled to Belarus in the hope of crossing into the European Union (EU), only to find themselves trapped on the border in freezing conditions.

Reuters witnesses said brothers Kader, 39 and Loas, 41, from Homs, were almost unconscious and too tired to speak when medics arrived to help them near the village of Topczykaly. The surname of the two brothers has not been released.

"We found two men in the woods, and they are in a really bad condition, and they couldn't communicate with us," said Agata Kolodziej from Polish charity Ocalenie Foundation.

"We couldn't really get any information out of them, except their names, so we decided to call an ambulance."

The ambulance and Polish police arrived at the scene shortly after. Kolodziej said the brothers, who had spent four days in the forest, were being taken to hospital.

Polish police said on Saturday the body of a young Syrian man had been found near the border. At least eight migrants have already died and fears are growing for the safety of others as harsh winter conditions set in.
Cavanna Smith via Facebook

A pregnant woman in Texas sent a series of ominous texts to friends and family minutes before she was fatally shot in the face in the middle of a street.

Authorities in Houston are now searching for 25-year-old Cavanna Smiths boyfriend, who they believe murdered her last month soon after finding out that she was pregnant.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kwanmaine Travion Boyd, 25, who is wanted for one count of capital murder in connection with the expectant moms death.

During a search of Boyds home in the wake of the murder, investigators found a card that contained a photo with the image of an ultrasound dated Oct. 5 with Smiths name, along with two positive pregnancy tests, according to court documents obtained by local outlets.

Kwan, I know this isnt what we expected but WE ARE expecting! Smith allegedly wrote in the card.

Smith was 4.5 weeks pregnant when she was shot in the face, investigators said.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by KPRC-TV, Smith had texted her sister about her location in case anything happens, and called a friend for help shortly before her death on the morning of Oct. 6.

Im at this location getting my money if anything happens to me, Smith allegedly wrote in an ominous text message to her sister, that included details for a location that investigators identified as either her boyfriends home or a spot nearby. Her car was later found parked outside of her boyfriends home.

One of Smiths friends told investigators that she had received a call from Smiths phone early that morning, but that it was difficult to decipher what was going on before the call abruptly ended.

In a subsequent text, Smith allegedly told her friend that she had been kidnapped.

According to court documents, her friend replied incredulously, Why are you playing? Stop playing with me.

Smith wrote back that she wasnt joking and that she was in the back of Kwan truck.

At around 6:44 a.m., investigators said that Smith managed to send one final text to her friend that said, He got my money and dont wanna give it to me.

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Phone records appear to show that subsequent calls were directed to Smiths voicemail, investigators said.

Witnesses in the area later reported seeing Smith and a man now believed to be Boyd arguing within a few miles of Boyds home, court documents state.

According to the warrant, Smith tried to flag down a passing truck driver for help, urging him to call 911. The driver told investigators that after realizing that the man accompanying Boyd was brandishing a gun, he drove away.

Another witness who lived in the area told detectives that she saw Smith slump to the ground after the man believed to be Boyd fired a gun at her around 7 a.m. and fled the scene.

Houston police said they responded to a call about a shooting and found Smiths body lying in the street. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the warrant for Boyds arrest, detectives found a receipt for a 9mm firearm and ammunition in a nightstand in Smiths bedroom that matched the bullets found at the scene.

Boyd has not yet been taken into custody, but police said earlier this month that they found a truck they believe belongs to Boyd parked in the driveway of an abandoned home in southeast Houston, KHOU reported. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Nov. 9.

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Sunday's demonstration in Miami took place a day ahead of Monday's (November 15) planned protest march in Cuba.

Groups have called the march to demand greater political freedoms and the release of jailed activists in Cuba, following street protests in July, the largest in decades.

Cuba's communist government has banned the demonstration, saying it is part of a destabilisation campaign by the United States.
Students at Welty Middle School in New Philadelphia rake leaves recently as part of a community service project.

NEW PHILADELPHIA  Around 70 volunteers raked leaves for more than 45 senior citizens in New Philadelphia recently as part of a community service project at Welty Middle School.

Their teacher, Sharon Ricklic, discussed the project at last week's New Philadelphia City Council meeting.

She noted that many of the kids brought their younger brothers and sisters and older brothers and sisters to help with the leaf-raking on Nov. 6.

"I want to expose them to community-service related activities. So it was very rewarding to see these kids come together and help others in our community," she told council.

"But what is more rewarding is that many of these kids, on their own, have made arrangements to go back to these residents' yards and rake leaves again. In addition, they're also going to wash some windows and clean some gutters out, too."

She thanked the parents for driving their children around the city to make the project work.

Ricklic said her goal has been to plant the seed of volunteerism in her students and instill a sense of community service.

Councilman Dean Holland, who had the leaves in his yard raked by Ricklic's students, praised their efforts.

"They came to my property and went to work," he said. "There was no fooling around or playing around like teens typically would do, as I remember it. If this is the people that we have coming out of our community, we've got a bright future for our community."

Council President Don Kemp also applauded the students.

"We thank you for your dedication because it does mean a lot to this community," he said.

Ricklic said her students are now looking for another community service project to take on.

Students at Welty Middle School in New Philadelphia rake leaves recently as part of a community service project.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: With rakes in hand, Welty students give back to the community
The flag flies outside the U.S. Capitol.

Investing in Americas future

District 3 Rep. Kat Cammack voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill that will bring thousands of jobs and modernize Americas crumbling bridges, poor highways, broadband access and many other sorely needed upgrades necessary to maintain our leadership in the world.

Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio did likewise. Scott, in particular, voted to raise the national debt by $2 trillion to feed Donald Trumps tax cuts for the wealthy, but he cant seem to find his priorities when it comes to investing in Americas future.

We can sincerely hope that Florida Republican legislators will reject any and all funds from the infrastructure legislation. Think of the outlandish hypocrisy if they cashed in, much less take credit for any local projects, as they surely will. The same for local construction politicians  dont dare take any of that money.

So, Rep. Cammack, are you going to turn the funds down for District 3?

C. Kenneth Dodd, Jr., Gainesville

Solar questions

I continue thinking about solar power night and day.

So, what's happening with the roof on the Millhopper Branch Library? It used to have a very impressive array of solar panels. They've all been removed and according to the proposal request, a shingle roof is to be installed.

Will there be solar panels installed? How old was this roof that needed replacement? Did the solar cause the roof to fail? Did the solar fail requiring the roof to be replaced? Does a solar panel installation create a possible source for leaks? Are the removed solar panels able to reused/recycled?

So, what's happening at the former fairgrounds site? The U.S. Army Reserve is going to use the acreage for vehicle storage. Has there been any thought to installing solar panels as both a power source and shaded parking?

Russell Henderson, Gainesville

New low

I am at a loss for words to describe my feelings relative to the situation with Florida Sen. Tina Polsky. She requested the Florida surgeon general to wear a mask while in her office. The request came because she is fighting breast cancer. Dr. Joseph Lapado refused her request.

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Now she is receiving death threats. What have we come to?

Denny Gies, Gainesville

Apply to all

One can only wonder about the vaccine mandate coming out of Washington D.C, where if you dont get vaccinated, you lose your job. If you dont get vaccinated, do you forfeit welfare? Or, if you dont get vaccinated, you wont get food stamps.

You cant have it both ways. If it applies to working Americans, it should apply to those that choose to not work! Something for all Americans to think about.

Ken Krug, Hawthorne

Constant disparagement

For four years late night TV comics kept us entertained by mocking Donald Trump, who rightly deserved the abuse for his dishonest and misogynistic behavior. Now, Tucker Carlson and the fascist conservatives at Fox are simply returning the favor with their constant disparagement of Joe Biden. However, Fox is supposed to be a respected news outlet and not a conduit for comedy or yellow journalism.

No one can argue that the facts they present arent slanted to damage the president and cause antagonism between Americans. Perhaps its a manifestation of being a foreign owned media outlet.

Does Foxs Australian owner, Rupert Murdock, hate America so much he takes some sort of perverse pleasure in directing his minions to destroy the very country which provides the money for his billionaire lifestyle?

Ron Kamzelski, Cedar Key

Join the conversation

Send a letter to the editor (up to 200 words) to letters@gainesville.com. Letters must include the writer's full name and city of residence. Additional guidelines for submitting letters and longer guest columns can be found at bit.ly/sunopinionguidelines.

Journalism matters. Your support matters.

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Letters to the editor for November 15, 2020
SINGAPORE  A man who molested a 14-year-old girl, and then told her that he would take responsibility by making her his girlfriend, was jailed for 10 months on Monday (15 November).

Xavier Lee Wei Jie, 30, also told the girl, You soon kena rape (sic) (you will soon get raped).

But this was not his first offence: Lee was jailed for a year in 2015 and for 20 months in 2019 for sexual penetration of a minor under 16. The victim in his 2019 conviction was also 14.

Lee, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty to one charge of molest. An additional charge of insulting her modesty and failing to wear a mask during the incident will be taken into consideration for his sentencing.

The girl, who was in Secondary 3 at the time of the incident, cannot be named to protect her identity.

Facts of the case

The victim came to know Lee through another girl, who introduced them to each other. The girl, also aged 14, was friends with Lee.

On 30 July this year, the victim and her friend met Lee at the playground located at Block 283 Bukit Batok East Avenue 3.

At about 4pm, the two girls arrived at the playground dressed in their school uniforms. The victim did her homework while talking to her friend, who was seated on her left, and Lee, who was seated on her right while facing the victim. Lees mask was pulled down to his chin.

Lee then pinched the victims cheeks and touched her face and hand. Each time, the victim would push his hands away.

He then told the girl, you soon kena rape. The girl felt uncomfortable, as she knew that Lee had been convicted for sexual offences.

Lee patted the girls head before standing up and going behind her to touch her. He brushed her chest, prompting the girl to move away. Despite that, Lee stood in front of her and brought his genitals near the girls mouth, indicating that he wanted her to perform a sex act on him.

He also invited her to his house or a staircase, but the girl refused.

That night, after the three had parted ways, the girl told Lee via Instagram that she was uncomfortable with his touches. Lee replied that he would not do anything from then on, and asked if he could take responsibility by making her his girlfriend. He added that he loved her.

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The girl told her mother what had happened and filed a police report the next day.

After the girl filed a police report, Lee texted her and claimed that he was only joking. If the police asked about the matter, say we playing bah, he added.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Kathy Chu sought between eight and 10 months jail for Lee, who had exploited a victim who was vulnerable by virtue of her age. DPP Chu also confirmed that the offences had happened in the presence of the girls friend.

Mitigating in person, Lee said he felt "remorseful" and asked for leniency.

District Judge Wong Li Tein considered Lees persistence in touching the victim, as well as his "unsavoury remarks" knowing full well her age at the time and his past sexual offences against minors. She also found it aggravating that Lee had offended in the presence of the victims friend, another minor.

For molest, Lee can be jailed up to two years, or fined, or caned, or a combination of the penalties.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
IPO Edge and the Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association hosted a fireside chat with the Co-CEOs of Altus Power, Inc. and the CEO of CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CBAH) to discuss the companies upcoming business combination, strategic partnerships with CBRE and Blackstone, the commercial and industrial markets for solar, Altus Powers scalable business model, and differentiation from competitors. The event featured Altus Power Co-Founders & Co-CEOs Lars Norell and Gregg Felton as well as CBRE Acquisition CEO Bill Concannon. They will be joined by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and Multimedia Editor Alexandra Lane in a moderated video session lasting approximately 60 minutes and including a Q&A with the audience.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH REPLAY

Altus Power, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is creating a clean electrification ecosystem, serving its commercial, public sector and community solar customers with locally-sited solar generation, energy storage, and EV-charging stations across the U.S. Since its founding in 2009, Altus Power has developed or acquired over 350 megawatts from Vermont to Hawaii. Visit altuspower.com to learn more.

One unusual feature investors should welcome is the SPACs compensation structure. Unlike most SPACs that simply grant shares in a promote (which has been a target of criticism) CBAHs economics are long-term and not guaranteed. The rewards are based on upside performance and paid out over seven years. IPO Edge recently published a comprehensive analysis of the deal which can be found here.

If any individual CBAH stockholder who held shares as of the October 27, 2021 record date for voting does not receive the Proxy Statement/Prospectus within the next few days, such stockholder should (i) confirm his or her Proxy Statement/Prospectuss status with his or her broker, bank or other nominee, (ii) contact Morrow Sodali LLC, CBAHs proxy solicitor, for assistance via e-mail at CBAH.info@investor.morrowsodali.com or toll-free call at (800) 662-5200 and brokers, bank and other nominees can place a collect call to Morrow Sodali at (203) 658-9400, or (iii) contact CBAH by mail at CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1250, Dallas, TX 75201.

Story continues

Messrs. Norell, Felton, and Concannon discussed:

Overview of Altus/CBAH transaction and strategic partnerships with CBRE and Blackstone

Market demand and opportunity for commercial & industrial solar, energy storage and EV charging infrastructure

Altus Powers scalable business model  standardizing and streamlining each step in the value chain from customer acquisition through financing

Altus Powers national footprint

Altus Powers key differentiators

About the Speakers:

Lars Norell is a Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Altus Power. Before starting Altus Power, Mr. Norell was a Principal and Managing Director at Cohen & Company where he served as Head of Capital Markets and subsequently led the Alternative Assets effort. Prior to joining Cohen & Company in February of 2006, Mr. Norell was a Managing Director and Co-Head of US Structured Credit Products at Merrill Lynch. Before that he was a Vice President and investment banker in the Credit Products Group at Credit Suisse. Mr. Norell began his career as an attorney at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft in 1998. Educated in Europe and the U.S., Mr. Norell has a BSBA from IUM in France and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Gregg Felton is a Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Altus Power. Prior to founding Altus Power, Mr. Felton was a partner of Goldman Sachs and the Chief Investment Officer of the Credit Alternatives platform at Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), where he oversaw hedge funds as well as several private credit vehicles, mutual funds, and separate accounts aggregating over $5 billion. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. Felton was a senior portfolio manager at Amaranth Advisors, a multi-strategy hedge fund located in Greenwich, Connecticut. He led Amaranths global corporate credit investment team from 2000 to 2006. Before joining Amaranth, he was a vice president at Chase Manhattan Bank. Mr. Felton earned a BA in Economics from Tufts University and a JD and MBA from the Georgetown University Law Center and School of Business.

Bill Concannon serves as CEO and Director of CBRE Acquisition Holdings. Mr. Concannon is CBREs Global Group President, Clients and Business Partners, where he drives the firms engagement strategy for CBREs largest occupier and investor clients, as well as with key strategic partners. He has been with CBRE since its acquisition of the Trammell Crow Company in 2006. Before assuming his current role, he served as Global CEO of CBREs GWS business segment, a global, integrated, full-service real estate outsourcing business serving the worlds largest real estate occupiers. He serves on the board of Charles Rivers Associates (NASDAQ: CRAI). Mr. Concannon received a B.S. from Providence College.

Contact:

Jarrett Banks, Editor-at-Large

jb@capmarketsmedia.com

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LANSING  Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett of Charlotte announced in a Monday morning Facebook video that he'll run for Congress next year in a likely challenge to incumbent U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly.

Barrett is a conservative currently representing Michigan's 24th Senate District, composed of areas around Lansing including Charlotte and DeWitt.

The new congressional district anchored in Lansing will have its exact boundaries finalized by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission later this year, but will contain the bulk of Barrett's current state legislative district.

Barrett's likely opponent is Slotkin, who is expected to run for reelection and is currently in her second term serving Michigan's 8th Congressional District. A former CIA analyst, she narrowly flipped the seat Democratic in 2018 against incumbent former Congressman Mike Bishop. The district, which was last redrawn in 2011, had been held by a Republican since 2001, after Debbie Stabenow stepped down to run for U.S Senate.

Barrett called Slotkin a "quasi-incumbent," since the new congressional district will include only some of the voters who've elected her twice.

"There's a lot of parts outside Lansing that aren't in the current eight congressional district that are in the area that I represent," Barrett said in an interview Monday. "The fact that this is a brand new seat to me really means [Slotkin] is not the instant incumbent in all parts of the district."

Barrett pitched himself as a known quantity when it comes to policy, calling himself a principled conservative with an independent voting record.

In his announcement video, Barrett criticized President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate as coercive and forced. He also highlighted his military background, listing international deployments in Kuwait and Iraq, where he logged thousands of hours as a helicopter pilot.

"It makes no difference to Joe Biden that I already recovered from COVID long before a vaccine even existed," Barrett says in the video.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who have already had COVID-19 still get vaccinated, as the vaccines are stronger than natural protection and research is unclear on how long natural protection after recovery lasts.

The announcement heavily criticized Biden's withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Barrett said the aftermath of the withdrawal, the collapse of the Afghan government and the deaths of 13 American service members were major factors in his decision to run.

"I've never felt more abandoned and more devastated by a president than I did watching that collapse on the withdrawal of Afghanistan," Barrett said Monday. "I fully supported the decision to leave Afghanistan, but the way in which it was done was just so tremendously chaotic that I can't ignore that."

The announcement also criticized the economy under the Biden administration, what Barrett described as "woke indoctrination of our troops," and called to give parents more control of their children's education.

"I'm running to put an end to this invasion of our constitutional rights," Barrett said.

Contact reporter Annabel Aguiar at aaguiar@lsjnews.com or (517) 449-8248.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Republican Sen. Tom Barrett announces House run against Elissa Slotkin
Attorney Kevin Gough argued on Monday that the presence of civil rights leaders might intimidate jurors

The lawyer for one of the three white men charged with killing Ahmaud Arbery was unsuccessful in his attempt to have Rev. Jesse Jackson booted from the courtroom on Monday after he arrived with Arberys father and Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition.

Attorney Kevin Gough is the same lawyer who last week ranted in court about not wanting any more Black pastors attending the trial after Rev. Al Sharpton showed up to the Glynn County Courthouse on Nov. 10 to support Arberys family.

The trial continued Monday with testimony from Georgia Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason Seacrist. He interviewed one of the three defendants months after the shooting last year.

After the jury was sent out, Gough objected to an icon in the civil rights movement sitting between Arberys father Marcus Arbery Sr., and mother Wanda Cooper-Jones, CNN reported.

Jesse Jackson attends an International Conference Is #Auschwitz only Sleeping? during the celebration of European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day in Krakow, Poland on 5 July, 2019. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Attorney Kevin Gough objected to Rev. Jesse Jacksons appearance at the trial of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, saying seats in courtroom are "not like courtside seats at a Lakers game."



Judge later called Goughs comments last week reprehensible and will not grant a mistrial pic.twitter.com/dsEl07tHty  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 15, 2021

How many pastors does the Arbery family have? he said, referring to Sharptons visit last week. The seats in the public gallery of a courtroom are not like courtside seats at a Lakers game.

Similar to his objection last week to Black pastors supporting the victims family, Gough argued that the presence of civil rights leaders might intimidate jurors. The judge, however, shot down Goughs repeated objections to Black pastors in the courtroom, Reuters reports.

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At this point, Im not exactly sure what youre doing, the judge said. Its almost as if youre just trying to keep continuing this for purposes other than just bringing it to the courts attention and I find that objectionable.

Judge in trial over death of Ahmaud Arbery admonishes defense attorney over his comments about Rev. Al Sharpton's presence in courtroom gallery, after the attorney said, "We don't want any more black pastors coming in here." https://t.co/XIbLQnBhwY pic.twitter.com/8NBnKzL3XP  ABC News (@ABC) November 12, 2021

Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr. are charged with malice and felony murder in connection with the killing of Arbery in Brunswick on February 23, 2020. They have pleaded not guilty, saying they were justified in chasing Arbery because they thought he was a criminal.

As previously reported by theGRIO, Arbery, 25, was allegedly jogging when he was chased and fatally shot by the white father and son. The McMichaels, accompanied by Bryan, their white neighbor, pursued Arbery in their truck, believing he was responsible for a string of robberies in the Satilla Shores subdivision. Bryan captured the incident on cellphone video. It took more than two months for the men to be charged, which occurred only after public outcry about the leaked video.

Bryan and the McMichaels also face charges of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and criminal attempt to commit a felony. If convicted, each faces life in prison without parole.

Left to right: Greg McMichael, Travis McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr.(Photo: Glynn County Sheriffs Office via AP)

On Thursday Gough called Sharptons presence in the courtroom intimidating and an attempt to pressure.

Sharpton responded to Goughs accusations of courtroom intimidation, saying in a statement: The arrogant insensitivity of attorney Kevin Gough in asking a judge to bar me or any minister of the familys choice underscores the disregard for the value of the human life lost and the grieving of a family in need spiritual and community support.

Goughs apologized Friday for his comments about Black pastors.

I will let the court know that if my statements yesterday were overly broad, I will follow up with a more specific motion on Monday putting those concerns in the proper context. And my apologies to anyone who might have inadvertently been offended, he said.

Gough called for a mistrial on Monday after Arberys mothers outcry to a photograph of her son that was shown to jurors. The judge overruled the motion, noting that emotions are neither unreasonable nor unexpected during murder trials.

Sharpton intends to join 100 Black pastors at the courthouse on Thursday.

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The post Rev. Jesse Jackson appears in court for Ahmaud Arbery murder trial appeared first on TheGrio.
WASHINGTON  Russia destroyed one of its own satellites in an anti-satellite weapon test Nov. 15, according to the U.S. State Department, creating orbital debris that led astronauts on the International Space Station to take cover on several occasions.

Earlier today the Russian Federation recklessly conducted aa destructive satellite test of a direct ascent anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites. The test has so far generated over 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris and hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris that now threaten the interests of all nations, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a Nov. 15 press briefing.

Astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the ISS were forced to take cover approximately every hour and a half as the stations orbit intersected with that of the debris.

Russias dangerous and irresponsible behavior jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of outer space and clearly demonstrates that Russias claims of opposing the weaponization of space are disingenuous and hypocritical, said Price, adding that the State Department has repeatedly raised concerns over anti-satellite testing with Russia.

The anti-satellite, or ASAT, collision appears to have occurred in an orbit around 500 kilometers above the Earths surface, according to satellite trackers, and about 80 kilometers above the International Space Stations orbit. However, an impact could have pushed debris into new trajectories that could threaten the ISS.

LeoLabs, a space debris-tracking company, identified the satellite in question as Cosmos 1408, noting that the debris was in the location it would expect the Russian satellite to be otherwise.

We share the concern that our State Department colleagues stressed earlier today about this test, said Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby in a press briefing. The most immediate concern is the debris itself, which is now floating out there and could become a hazard, including to the International Space Station. So theres concerns about the debris itself. And obviously, you know, writ large we watch closely the kinds of capabilities that Russia has seems to want to develop, which could pose a threat not just to our national security interest, but the security of other space-faring nations. And again, weve been very clear: We would like to see norms for space so that it can be used responsibly by all space-faring nations.

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Kirby also told reporters that the Department of Defense did not receive an advance notice from Russia prior to the test.

This isnt the first time that an alleged direct-ascent anti-satellite test resulted in dangerous debris. China tested an ASAT missile on one if its weather satellites in 2007, an event that resulted in thousands of pieces of debris. Nearly a decade later, debris-tracker CelesTrack put the number of pieces at almost 3,500, with only 571 pieces decaying. According to NASA, debris in low Earth orbit can travel at approximately 15,700 mph, so even the smaller pieces of debris are a concern.

More recently in 2019, India conducted an unexpected ASAT test, using a missile to destroy one of its own satellites in low Earth orbit. That test also created debris, although the government claimed that any debris would decay and fall out of orbit within weeks due to the low altitude of the test.

Unintended collisions in orbit can also result in debris. The last major collision of that type occurred in 2009, when an Iridium commercial communications satellite and a decommissioned Russian satellite collided in low Earth orbit, creating more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris, according to the Secure World Foundation. That number doesnt include smaller debris that is difficult or impossible to track, even though very small objects travelling at high speeds can still be dangerous to other spacecraft.

Russia has conducted multiple ASAT tests in recent years, according to U.S. Space Command, although those tests stopped short of hitting satellites on orbit. Other Russian space activities, such as operating in close proximity to American satellites on orbit and having one satellite eject a small object at high speeds on orbit, have also drawn condemnation from U.S. space officials.

Price said the U.S. would not tolerate such reckless activity from Russia, although he wouldnt outline what measures the U.S. would take in response beyond collaborating with partners and allies.
ZAGREB (Reuters) - Already a favourite with summer holidaymakers, Croatia is now seeing a surge in visitors from Russia seeking COVID-19 shots.

The number of flights from Russia has increased in recent weeks and it's not unusual to hear Russian spoken at vaccination centres in the capital Zagreb. Foreigners, like locals, can get vaccines for free in Croatia.

"Just this month we've had about 1,000 Russians who received vaccines. So far we have had altogether 4,908 foreign citizens here, most of whom are Russians," said Neda Ferencic Vrban, who heads Zagreb's biggest vaccination centre.

The Russian Express travel agency organizes vaccination trips to Croatia for Russians looking for a shot approved in the European Union.

"Demand is not just big, it's avalanche-like and growing exponentially each day. We started offering these tours at the end of September. At first there were single bookings, but now we book up to 50 people a day," said Anna Filatovskaya from Russian Express.

The trip includes flight, accommodation, medical insurance and a transfer to the vaccination centre. Prices start at 36,000 roubles ($500).

In Russia, a QR code proving vaccinated status can only be given to people who have received Russia's Sputnik vaccine.

"We're allowed to enter Croatia with Sputnik. I'd like now to have a booster dose with Pfizer so I can travel to Europe without quarantine or tests," said Yuri from Moscow after taking a jab.

Most Russian visitors choose a weekend trip, but some also take in a visit to the coast or neighbouring Slovenia.

"It has nothing to do with not trusting the Russian vaccine. Sometimes there is a need to travel to Europe, so we had the idea of getting vaccinated in Croatia," said Moscow resident Natalya Noks, now back at home after visiting Zagreb and Slovenia.

Russian Express expects interest in the vaccine trips to continue.

"People who need to travel to Europe and countries where the Sputnik vaccine has not been approved will search for a way to receive the required foreign jab," said Filatovskaya.

(Reporting by Antonio Bronic and Igor Ilic in Zagreb and Dmitry Turlyun and Mikhail Antonov in Moscow; Editing by Giles Elgood)
By Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee is visiting North America in his first high-profile trip after serving jail time for bribery, with a decision imminent on the company's planned $17 billion U.S. chip plant.

Lee left Seoul on Sunday and his trip to Canada and the United States is expected to coincide with a decision on the location of the new plant, Yonhap and other local media said.

A site in Texas' Williamson County, near the city of Taylor, offered the better incentives package among various sites Samsung has been considering for the new chip plant that is set to make advanced logic chips, sources previously told Reuters.

Since Samsung vice chairman Kim Kinam confirmed the chip plant plan in May, Samsung has been comparing incentives and working out who pays what in convoluted land and other agreements, while also considering the available amount of stable utilities such as water and electricity, one of the sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The source declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to media.

A winter storm in the first quarter hit Samsung's chip plant in Austin, Texas, laying bare the importance of stable utilities, as a shutdown caused by blackouts affected wafers corresponding to around 300-400 billion won ($254-339 million) of damages.

"I am set to meet many U.S. partners," Lee told reporters before his flight on Sunday, without elaborating.

He said he also expected to visit Boston, where COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna's headquarters are located.

Last month, South Korea granted emergency use approval for Moderna's vaccine produced by drugmaker Samsung BioLogics, which has a "fill and finish" deal with Moderna.

Lee was convicted in January of bribery and embezzlement and sentenced to 30 months in jail - including a year served before his sentencing. Upon his parole in August, the presidential office said it expected Lee will help the country procure "semiconductors and vaccines".

($1 = 1,179.6200 won)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; editing by Richard Pullin and Kim Coghill)
A US judge ruled Monday in favor of parents who sued conspiracy theorist Alex Jones for saying that the massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school was a hoax, a lawyer for the families said.

Twenty-six children and teachers were shot dead at the school in Newton, Connecticut in December 2012 by 20-year-old gunman Adam Lanza, who then killed himself.

Jones, a far-right broadcaster who runs the Infowars website, has claimed the mass shooting was staged as part of a government plot to take away Americans' guns.

He even said that the bereaved families were paid actors.

In 2018, six families of victims filed a lawsuit against him, claiming that he had made millions of dollars from peddling a narrative he knew to be false.

Connecticut judge Barbara Bellis held Jones liable by default after he refused to hand over documents, including financial records, requested by the court, US media reported.

"Mr. Jones was given every opportunity to comply but when he chose instead to withhold evidence for more than two years the court was left with no choice but to rule as it did today," Chris Mattei, who represents the plaintiffs, said in a statement.

"While today's ruling is a legal victory, the battle to shed light on how deeply Mr. Jones has harmed these families continues," he added.

A judge in Texas recently issued similar rulings in three defamation lawsuits brought by Sandy Hook families there.

Juries in both states will now decide how much Jones, who has since acknowledged that the shooting was real, must pay the families.

pdh/mlm
A Greenville transgender woman who was shot to death earlier this month was the 45th violent death of a transgender, nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person in the United States, breaking last years record.

Marquiisha Lawrence, who local authorities are identifying as Demarcus Martin, died in her Loop Street home, apparently after an altercation with one or two people, the Greenville County Coroners Office reported.

The Greenville County Sheriffs Office and the coroners office reported the death as Martin. The coroners office said they are aware the victim was transgender.

On social media, family members referred to her by both names. They could not be reached for comment.

Mislabeling transgender people is commonplace, said Jackie Shelley, a volunteer leader with the South Carolina chapter of Moms Demand Action, which fights for LGBTQ rights and against gun violence.

Its an issue we are seeing all across the country, she said.

She also said the numbers of transgender people who are victims of gun violence are woefully under reported.

Shelley said such violence is overwhelmingly against Black women.

Marquiisha Quii Lawrence, like so many who have gone before her, fell victim to a senseless murder. Quii was a young trans woman, at the beginning of this game called life, as we know it in the trans community, Eboni Sinclaire, who the Human Rights Campaign identified in an article as Lawrences mother in the transgender community.

The organization quoted Sinclaire as saying Lawrence had an infectious smile and a heart of gold and may have been killed for being who she was and living her truth.

Tori Cooper, the Human Rights Campaigns director of community engagement for the transgender justice initiative, said, We must commit to honoring trans lives and ending the horrific epidemic of violence that plagues our community. Marquiisha deserved nothing less than our full commitment to building a better future for trans people.

The Greenville County Sheriffs Office investigation is continuing.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  A private port operator in the San Francisco Bay Area that stores coal from Utah before it's shipped to Asia has been given until 2027 to continue those operations under terms of a settlement.

Officials in Richmond, where the port is located, agreed to the deal with the Levin-Richmond Terminal Corp. that runs the port, Utah-based coal company Wolverine Fuel Sales, the state of Utah and Phillips 66, which exports petroleum coke through the port. Petcoke" is a byproduct of oil refining.

The Richmond City Council passed an ordinance last year banning the handling and storage of coal and petcoke within the city by January 2023. The move, driven by concerns about possible health complications from coal dust, prompted lawsuits in federal and state courts from the three companies and Utah, which all argued it was unconstitutional. The settlement keeps the law in place but gives the companies nearly four more years to comply.

Utah said in legal filings the terminal sustains a significant component of Utahs economy." The state supports the settlement because it keeps the port open to the coal business for longer, said Utah Assistant Attorney General Anthony Rampton.

This just gives us more time to make this transition," he said.

Environmental groups that joined Richmond to fight the lawsuits cheered the settlement as a win for communities that want to better control health dangers for their residents.

Its a blueprint for other cities and counties in California to address the public health threat that may be presented by coal and petcoke handling, said Aaron Isherwood, managing attorney with the Sierra Club, which intervened in the case,

The settlement, reached Friday, gives the companies until Dec. 31, 2026, to end the storage and handling of coal at the facility. During that period the companies must follow enhanced dust control measures. The City Council must approve the settlement by next February for its provisions to take effect.

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Concerns about climate change have dampened demand for coal in the U.S. Coal-producing states such as Utah are shipping it to Asia through West Coast ports, a move that has faced resistance from environmental advocates and elected officials, mostly Democrats.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Levin-Richmond Terminal and the Port of Stockton are the main places through which coal is shipped. A long-running effort to build a terminal in Oakland for Utah coal has been stymied by opponents.

The ports in the San Francisco Bay Area accounted for about 3% of total U.S. coal exports in the first half of 2021, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Handling and storage of coal makes up about 65% of the Richmond terminal's business, while petcoke exported for use to manufacture aluminum and other products makes up another 15%, according to legal filings. It also handles recyclable materials. The company has about 60 employees.

Settlement talks began this February, with the eventual agreement providing more time for the companies to transition to handling other commodities at the terminal.

The agreement is intended to strike a proper proper balance between protecting the public from the health hazards of coal and petroleum coke storage and handling, while also protecting existing jobs and providing sufficient time for businesses to transition," according to the settlement.

James Holland, vice president of facilities, equipment and environment, and Patrick ODriscoll, chief operating officer for the Levin-Richmond, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment about whether the company has plans for how to use the terminal instead.

Wolverine Fuels, meanwhile, argued in court that an inability to use the Richmond port would significantly impact its business by requiring longer transport for the coal, possibly to ports in Mexico. Most of the company's coal goes to Japan. The company argued that longer transport routes for its product would result in more greenhouse gas emissions.

Phillips 66 is considering transitioning its San Francisco Refinery to biofuels.
Temperatures are expected to drop to the 30s Thursday night, but hundreds of Chicagoans who normally sleep indoors will spend the night outside as part of the 5th annual Sleep Out Chicago.

Why it matters: Chicago has an estimated 3,000 unhoused youth and the event aims to raise awareness about their needs.

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It also raises money for Covenant House Illinois, a West Side facility offering shelter, meals, job training, medical and mental health services and legal aid to young people.

How Sleep Out works: Participants sign up and can attend in-person at Covenant House or virtually from a home yard, porch or anywhere outside a comfy bed in solidarity with unstably housed youth.

The in-person event includes panel discussions and interactive group sessions to hear from young people directly affected by homelessness.

What they're saying: "Participants' perspectives change and they recognize that young people facing homelessness are very capable of doing great things if they are empowered to feel hope and are provided with resources," Jim Coleman, Sleep Out event chair, tells Axios.

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Associated Press

LeBron James was ejected from the Los Angeles Lakers-Detroit Pistons game after drawing blood on Isaiah Stewart's face when they were tangled up while boxing out for a rebound on Sunday night. James's left elbow and hand appeared to make contact with Stewart above the neck, sending him into a bloody rage. Detroit's center had to be held back more than once, keeping him separated from the NBA superstar.
By Colin Packham

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's personal approval rating has fallen to its lowest level in 18 months, a widely watched poll showed on Monday.

A Newspoll conducted for The Australian newspaper showed satisfaction with Morrison's performance dropped to 44%, the lowest level since March 2020 when he fielded criticism over his government's response to devastating bushfires.

The poll findings are a blow to Morrison's hopes that easing COVID-19 restrictions and signs of a stronger economy will aid his re-election prospects when he returns to polls by May 2022.

While Australians have previously been as frustrated by Morrison's performance, he has always enjoyed a strong lead over his rival, Labor leader Anthony Albanese.

But denting his election prospects further, the latest Newspoll showed Morrison's lead over Albanese as preferred prime minister is now down to its lowest level,

The Newspoll showed Morrison's Liberal-National Party coalition government continues to trail the opposition Labor on a two-party preferred basis by 47-53, unchanged from the previous poll earlier this month.

If the poll result were replicated at an election, the conservative government would lose office to centre-left Labor.

(Reporting by Colin Packham; editing by Diane Craft)
An 18-year-old Texas State Guard member accused of lighting a fire at an Austin synagogue on Halloween faces a federal arson charge, according to a newly unsealed criminal complaint affidavit.

The man, Franklin Barrett Sechriest, was arrested Wednesday and accused of lighting a fire near the doors of Congregation Beth Israel at 9 p.m. on Oct. 31, causing $25,000 in damage to the synagogue, according to the affidavit.

After an investigation and witness interviews, officials determined that the fire was intentionally set and thus an act of arson, the complaint says.

The affidavit says Sechriest was recorded on the synagogue's surveillance video getting out of his car, carrying a container similar to a fuel jug and a roll of toilet paper, then walking toward the temple's administration office entrance on Oct. 31.

Soon after the glow of fire was visible on video, Sechriest was seen jogging away and getting back into his vehicle, the affidavit claims.

The FBI executed federal search warrants Wednesday at Sechriests home in San Marcos and found clothes consistent with what the person in the surveillance video was wearing, authorities said.

Agents also found an American Express card in his name that was used to buy a 5-gallon VP Racing Fuel utility jug on Sept. 6, according to the affidavit.

A search of his car found three 33-ounce glass bottles, three 32-ounce bottles of lighter fluid, a lighter and stormproof matches, which an agent described in the complaint as items commonly used to make Molotov cocktails.

According to the affidavit, investigators also found stickers in the car, one of which said, They hate your ancestors, they hate your culture, they hate your nation, they hate your religion  its okay to hate them back. Authorities said another sticker displayed swastikas with the slogan: Would you kill them all to see your rights? The price of freedom is paid in blood.

Investigators also found a journal belonging to Sechriest in which he wrote scout a target on Oct. 28, three days before the fire, they said.

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On Oct. 31, the day of the fire, he wrote in his journal, I set a synagogue on fire, according to the affidavit.

The Texas Military Department confirmed that Sechriest is a member of the Texas State Guard 6th Brigade and said the department is cooperating with authorities. The State Guard is an unarmed voluntary force that supplements the National Guard in Texas.

"The Texas Military Department will not tolerate misconduct or behavior unbecoming of a Soldier or Airmen," it said in a statement.

"Every member of the Texas Military Department is held to a high standard of professionalism. Texans know and trust its National Guard," it said. "Any threat to that public trust will not be tolerated."

Sechriest is also charged with arson in state district court in Travis County.

His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sechriest was transferred to federal custody from the Travis County jail Monday after he had been held on $100,000 bail on local arson charges, the Austin American-Statesman reported.
Offices were once again empty in 2021 due to COVID surges and variants.

During an unpredictable year, when the definitions of an office and work schedule were continually redefined because of the lasting impact of the pandemic, Michigan companies identified through the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces competition found a way to succeed with customers and employees.

The 2021 Top Workplaces competition, which relied on a scientific survey of employees conducted by Philadelphia-based Energage, saw 174 companies in three categories (large, midsize and small) make it to the winners lists. From those companies, three business leaders stood out among their peers, receiving the highest scores from their employees in the area of trust.

[ Top Workplaces 2021: Summary | Winners | Methodology ]

And each of the three Top Leaders  April Clobes, Ron DeHaas and Michelle DSouza say their willingness and ability to empower employees were key to successfully navigating the constant change faced by their businesses and industries throughout the year.

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We have always had a culture of empowering our employees  thats our foundation, said Clobes, president and chief executive officer of East Lansing-based MSU Federal Credit Union, the largest university-based credit union in the world. As a service organization, we have always trusted our employees to make the best decisions for our (more than 300,000) members, but what was really important during 2021 was how our team embraced change within our culture.

MSU Federal Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer April Clobes.

Clobes, who earned the distinction of Top Leader this year in the large company category, explained that the combination of her team members embracing change, while being empowered by the credit union to step outside of their normal roles, produced career growth opportunities as employees learned different processes and skills.

And in the case of the Credit Unions chatbot system, which addressed the lack of human contact created by the pandemic by allowing for natural conversation when members use digital banking, Clobes proudly described how a new position (chatbot knowledge coordinator) was created because of her teams desire to do whatever is necessary for members and fellow colleagues.

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MSU Federal Credit Union employees purchased Pride shirts to support a local LQBTQIA+ nonprofit.

Our team members enjoy working together and they enjoy stepping up for one another and stepping up for our members, Clobes said. Our people were very innovative and willing to test and try, which allowed us to pilot and improve our video chat system for our members. It all shows how much our team believes in the work we do.

DeHaas, president and co-founder of Owosso-based Covenant Eyes, also spoke with passion about his companys culture and the way his team members have accepted the challenge to be leaders throughout his organization during the pandemic.

Ron DeHaas, president of Covenant Eyes Inc.

I like to say that culture eats strategy for lunch, proclaimed DeHaas, the Top Leader in the midsize company category. Our culture is paramount to our success and our culture empowers our employees to be leaders. And there is a need for even more leaders when there are significant changes, which has been the case since 2020.

Covenant Eyes is the pioneer of internet and screen accountability software and the company reports on its website that Covenant Eyes has directed more than 1.5 million human-hours to battling pornography and sex trafficking through its educational resources and software.

Covenant Eyes was founded in 2000, but DeHaas has been driven by his vision for the company since 1992 after losing his family in a motor vehicle accident. DeHaas makes it known that the companys mission is extremely close to his heart, but he says for Covenant Eyes to be successful the companys work must not be all about him.

Employees of Covenant Eyes Inc. work through a User Experience Workshop.

Leaders have a choice of showing their power or empowering others around them, said DeHaas, whose business is approaching the completion of a full year as a 100 percent employee-owned company. What I do best is choose people that fit our culture, but this is not an I movement, its a we movement. Everyone is valued and everyone is a part of the movement. Its hard to put your finger on it, but its our culture and it's a joint effort.

Like DeHaas, DSouza, CEO of Troy-headquartered Unified Business Technologies stressed that her team members are valued, which she says has contributed to positive results for the company, clients and even society as a whole during 2021.

Unified Business Technologies Inc. CEO Michelle D'Souza.

All team members are valued and allowed to contribute irrespective of what role they play at UBT, stated DSouza, the Top Leader in the small company category. The empowerment culture at UBT is so successful that in 2021 our team members collaborated and worked tirelessly to design, engineer and write software code prototype and manufacture the UVSheltron line of products that are effective in fighting COVID-19, flu virus, and mold remediation

Unified Business Technologies Inc. John Palmer, Gao Vang and Mike Wilson working at Expo Tradeshow, talking up UVSheltron disinfectant Products.

UBT is a woman-owned small business firm specializing in information technology, telecommunications, electronic manufacturing, engineering and professional support services for federal and commercial customers. Included with UBTs entry information for the Top Workplaces competition was a business purpose statement that communicated the firms desire to be the leading go-to provider of choice for the U.S. Department of Defense and other commercial sectors for business support services. But as DSouza explained, her companys continued growth and success are directly linked to DSouza never becoming bigger than her team.

A long time ago I gave up my big office to work alongside my team to come up with new ideas and solutions to meet the needs of our military customer, said DSouza, who takes pride in calling her team "family."

My team felt empowered to work side by side with me. They felt that I was actually a team member of theirs and not their boss. And that is why it is very important to me to practice the team approach that I preach.

View the awards shows here:

Small business category

Midsize business category

Large business category

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's Top Workplaces in 2021 let employees lead the way
CHANDLER  For nearly 35 years, the Turner Turnpike killer got away with it.

Earl Wesley Wilson was caught only because he committed more crimes and had to give up his DNA in prison.

Wilson, 56, last month began a 20-year prison sentence for first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced after admitting to a fatal stabbing at a turnpike rest stop on Sept. 18, 1985.

Killed was Paul Douglas Aikman, 35, an Oklahoma City florist who was driving home from Tulsa.

More: Julius Jones loses in federal appeals court, fate now rests with Governor Kevin Stitt

Wilson

Wilson originally was charged last year with first-degree murder. Prosecutors agreed to reduce the charge in exchange for a guilty plea.

The charge was filed after his DNA matched DNA found on cigarette butts from the victim's car. The DNA "hit" came from a search of CODIS, a national database created by the FBI.

Wilson was further linked to the crime by a fingerprint found on a door handle of the victim's car. A comparison to Wilson's prints confirmed it was his.

At a preliminary hearing, his former wife testified he once called her to pick him up at a McDonald's in Wellston near the rest stop.

"He was upset. He said something had happened and that the place was fixing to be swarming and that he needed to get out of there," the witness, Roberta Gayle Dumas, recalled.

More: Newest DA candidate vows to drop manslaughter case against five police officers

The restaurant was fewer than four miles from the rest stop. Both no longer exist. The witness said she didn't find Wilson at the McDonald's and later picked him up in Clinton at a gas station.

She testified he then told her he had gotten a ride from someone and the guy tried to make him perform a sexual act. She testified he told her "they had gotten into it" and he beat the man.

"He said he didn't know if he was dead or alive," Dumas testified.

She recalled the admission came sometime before their marriage in 1986.

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The filing of the charge against Wilson last year attracted international media attention. His guilty plea Sept. 28 in Lincoln County District Court came without fanfare.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime at the time. The OSBI's cold case unit solved the case after it began taking a new look at hundreds of homicide and missing person cases dating back to 1950.

"We have not forgotten about Paul," OSBI Director Ricky Adams said.

The victim's body was found in a drainage ditch area between the roadway and the rest stop. He had been stabbed in the eye, shoulder and back of the neck.

More: Death row inmates tell federal appeals court Oklahoma execution was "latest debacle"

Aikman

OSBI identifies additional skeletal remains

The OSBI launched its cold case unit on Nov. 1, 2018.

Another success came in August when skeletal remains were identified.

The OSBI recovered the skeletal remains in 2019 after agents re-interviewed witnesses about the 1988 disappearance of Alvin Stark of Chickasha. One witness directed the OSBI to a burial location in Caddo County.

The University of North Texass Center for Human Identification confirmed the remains were Stark.

It doesnt bring Alvin Stark back, but it does return him to his loved ones for a proper burial," the OSBI director said. "This is why we do what we do and why we have a dedicated cold case unit."

A suspect in Stark's disappearance is dead, the OSBI said.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Turner Turnpike killer imprisoned for 1985 cold case solved by DNA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised against travel to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Iceland because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in those countries.

The CDC raised its travel recommendation to "Level Four: Very High" for the three countries, telling Americans they should avoid travel there.

The CDC separately lowered its COVID-19 travel advisory to "Level One: Low" for Japan, India, Pakistan, Liberia, Gambia and Mozambique.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)
CAIRO (Reuters) - American journalist Danny Fenster said upon arrival in Doha on Monday that he was not starved or beaten in captivity in Myanmar.

Fenster was released from prison on Monday after negotiations between former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson and the ruling military junta in Myanmar.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills; Writing by Ahmad Elhamy; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Megan Henke, Marisa Neidecker, George Edelen checking out at Walmart as part of the Everyone Needs a Friend program filling up blessing boxes in Van Buren.

A Van Buren school resource officer saw the need for students to be a part of something important, make new friends, and feel important themselves.

That led George Edelen to start an after-school program called Everyone Needs a Friend at Butterfield Trail Middle School, to get students involved with their community and fellow students.

"I had enough, watching as we lost young lives around the community way too soon, and felt like I needed to do something with my position to do more than what was already being done," Edelen said.

Edelen said the two major causes of death in the younger population are suicide and drug overdose and believes they are preventable and wants to be there more for kids to help minimize that risk.

The group meets every Wednesday after school for 90 minutes. Edelen puts together activities that help build communication, leadership and team-building skills. While the kids learn, they also plan ways that they can give back to their community.

Recently, the group went shopping at Walmart and bought groceries to fill up blessing boxes around town. The second gathering for the kids was Nov. 10 and 15 students showed up.

"When I came up with the idea, I first had to go to my supervisor, Sgt. Wear and Chief of Police Jamie Hammond, and they told me to run with it," Edelen said. "I then went to the principal at my school, Kolby Snellenberger, and asked for his permission and he was excited to see it happening."

Edelen thinks the hardest part of the program will be funding, but he has faith the community will help with whatever they need.

"Several friends in the community have already shown interest and volunteered themselves when the time comes for more help," he said.

During the next meeting, kids will clean up around the school as well as participate in a scavenger hunt. Edelen said the kids want to help out at the local senior citizen center, place wreaths at the National Cemetery, and feed the homeless.

Ty Thompson is the Crawford County reporter at the Press Argus-Courier. He can be reached at tthompson@swtimes.com

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Van Buren after-school program aims to uplift kids
A worker in protective suit cleans the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.

The contrast this fall was sharp and obvious, yet state officials who regulate the electric companies that started most of Californias big wildfires in recent years didnt appear to notice:

While those state regulators have never named even one of the executives or employees of Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, or San Diego Gas & Electric who decided to let hazardous vegetation remain near power lines and spark massive wildfires, marine investigators examining two recent, but far less harmful, disasters have gone after individuals, aiming to penalize them for misdeeds or negligence.

Make no mistake about it, the burning of a U.S. naval vessel, the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard while at anchor in San Diego in 2020, and the large oil spill that fouled stretches of Orange County beaches in October were plenty bad.

In one case, the U.S. Navy lost a $1.2 billion-dollar ship to arson and a slow response to it, while the other saw beaches polluted to an extent unseen for at least the last six years, while the survival or continued activity of some wildlife was put at risk in the oil spill. Stretches of beach enjoyed by many thousands of Californians were placed out of bounds at a time when they normally would have been crowded.

But neither disaster caused disruption or damage comparable to whats been inflicted by even one of the several wildfires sparked in many parts of California by utility company errors or negligence. Those blazes also put drinking water supplies at risk for survivors who could return home.

And yet, while the Navy has named names in the Bonhomme Richard disaster and the Coast Guard continues trying to find those responsible for dragging an anchor across an oil pipeline whose location was well known, no personal responsibility has been assessed for most wildfires. Rather, they are routinely blamed on the big utilities, with the decision-makers' identities never revealed and those individuals never prosecuted or publicly questioned.

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The Navy left no doubt who would be held responsible for the destruction of the Bonhomme Richard, which burned for almost five days at its berth. Plumes of noxious smoke blanketed parts of San Diego and suburban National City while the fire smoldered.

Investigators said a junior sailor, Seaman Apprentice Ryan Myers, who had dropped out of SEAL training after just five days, ignited the fire. He was due in court this month for a preliminary hearing.

But the Navy didnt stop with him. It named the officer of the deck who allegedly hesitated to sound an alarm when he saw smoke from the fire. Investigators found ships fire crews were poorly trained, with 90 percent of on-board fire stations not functioning when the fire started. Officers will be cashiered, and enlisted sailors lose rank or are discharged before the Bonhomme Richard story is done.

About a year later, the Coast Guard focused immediately on ships that anchored near the pipeline carrying oil ashore from an offshore rig. It quickly named a German-owned ship, the Rotterdam Express, as a prime suspect. That ship was closest to the pipeline before it broke.

Officers and crew will be charged when and if the Coast Guard determines with some certainty who was at fault for what. This may take weeks or months, but justice will be served on those responsible, just as it was on Francesco Schettino, the Costa Concordia cruise ship captain, after it capsized near Sardinia nine years ago. It took four years before Schettinowas sentenced to 16 years for negligence and manslaughter in that accident, but Schettino now resides in a Rome prison.

By contrast, individuals responsible for Californias many wildfires enjoy normal lives, most of them treated like upstanding citizens and none stigmatized for disastrous decisions they made, far more damaging than those of Navy personnel involved in losing the Bonhomme Richard or any choices made near the Orange County oil spill.

The bottom line: Its high time Californias landlocked authorities learn something from maritime authorities who exert firm discipline when seamen make costly errors. But so far, there is no sign they've even noticed the vast difference in their approach.

Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Difference in disaster probes show power of utility companies
MIAMI (Reuters) - Alex Saab, an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has pleaded not guilty to a U.S. charge of conspiring to launder money, according to a court document filed on Monday, in a case that has strained already frayed relations between Washington and Caracas.

U.S. prosecutors accuse Saab, a Colombia-born businessman and dealmaker for Maduro's government, siphoned around $350 million out of Venezuela via the United States as part of a bribery scheme linked to Venezuela's state-controlled exchange rate.

But this month prosecutors asked that seven of the eight charges in the initial 2019 indictment be dropped to comply with assurances that officials made when seeking Saab's extradition to Cape Verde, where he was detained last year.

Saab waved his right to have the indictment read at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, according to the court record. Saab's attorney Neil Schuster could not immediately be reached for comment.

The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Maduro's allies have characterized Washington's pursuit of Saab as part of an "economic war" on Venezuela being waged by the U.S. government. They say Saab had been granted Venezuelan citizenship and had been named a diplomat to negotiate aid and fuel shipments from Iran.

His extradition had been predicated on promises that he would only be charged on a single count to comply with the Cape Verde laws regarding the maximum term of imprisonment, prosecutors said this month.

Maduro's government last month suspended negotiations with the opposition in response to the extradition.

(Reporting by Brian Ellsworth; editing by Grant McCool)
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced Monday he will retire instead of seeking re-election in 2022  46 years after first assuming the office in 1975.

Why it matters: Leahy, 81, is the longest-serving sitting senator, and his retirement opens up a new, likely Democratic seat.

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What they're saying: Leahy said from the Vermont statehouse that he and his wife, Marcelle, concluded that it is time to pass the torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state. Its time to come home.

"Now, I'm proud to be Vermont's longest-serving senator because I know my time in the Senate has made a difference for Vermonters and, I hope, often well beyond. I know I was there for my state when I was needed most," he said.

Leahy, known for taking photos around the Capitol and his appearances in "Batman" films, is also the current president pro tempore of the Senate, putting him third in the line of presidential succession, after Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

He is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the senior-most member of the Judiciary and Agriculture committees.

Thought bubble, via Axios' Alayna Treene: Some Democratic aides are worried that an announcement this early on could complicate future negotiations over current appropriations bills, given senators often lose leverage after they announce retirement plans.

However, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), the Republican ranking member on the committee, is also not running for re-election.

The big picture: Vermont's lone representative, Peter Welch (D), is expected to run for Leahy's seat.

It is so far unclear if Leahy's fellow Vermont senator, Bernie Sanders (I), will endorse Welch or let a completive primary play out.

Leahy presided over former President Trump's second impeachment trial this year.

The senator was hospitalized this year, and his wife is undergoing cancer treatment.

Of note: Had he announced plans to run for re-election and won, he would have become the longest-serving senator in American history, passing West Virginia's Robert Byrd.

Leahy made his retirement announcement from the same room in the Vermont statehouse where he announced his Senate run in 1974, according to his staff.

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Col. Harold Rider guides the flag as the Color Guard exits the hall. "A Day of Remembrance" program was held Sunday at the Vernon Hill Post 435.

WORCESTER  More than 100 veterans, Gold Star family members and people involved in the construction of a hospital in the central highlands of Vietnam 50 years ago gathered Sunday at Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 in commemoration and remembrance.

The ceremony aimed to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the Living Memorial Hospital in Lien Hiep, Vietnam, but it also served as a tribute to the Gold Star families of the 147 men from Worcester County who died or went missing in action during the Vietnam War.

In the late 1960s, Frank Carroll and his fellow veterans at the Vernon Hill American Legion Post met with local Gold Star mothers  those whose sons had been killed or were missing in action during the Vietnam War, which was still raging  to find a way to honor the memory of the loved ones they lost.

The group partnered with a humanitarian organization called Project Concern, led by Dr. Jim Turpin, to honor their sons' memories by building a hospital in a village that had virtually no access to medical aid.

The Color Guard rolls up the flag after leaving the hall. "A Day of Remembrance" program was held Sunday at the Vernon Hill Post 435.

The ground raised $100,000 locally and broke ground in Lien Hiep in 1968. Two years later, Carroll and the Gold Star mothers flew to Vietnam for the dedication of the Living Memorial Hospital.

But after the U.S. pulled out in 1975 and the North Vietnamese regained control of the country, communication fell silent and the status of the hospital was unknown for more than a decade. Eventually, lawmakers were able to arrange a meeting with the Vietnamese ambassador to the U.N. Carroll, Turpin and others were told the hospital was still going but needed critical equipment and supplies.

The news prompted a new $1.5 million fundraising push in the early 1990s to get the hospital the supplies it needed.

"I couldn't have built Lien Hiep myself," Turpin said during his keynote remarks Sunday.

Turpin talked about early experiences that instilled in him a desire to help others. He talked about driving from his comfortable neighborhood in the San Diego, California, area in the 1950s across the border to poor communities in Mexico where he provided medical care. He talked about saving two young children, but said they, in fact, saved his life and set him on a path that led to his role in the construction of the hospital in Vietnam.

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"A Day of Remembrance" program was held Sunday at the Vernon Hill Post 435.

Gold Star families

Gold Star families filled the audience at the remembrance Sunday afternoon. Lynne Dynice was just a small child when her father, Marine Corps Capt. Paul McNally of Fitchburg, died in a mid-air collision between two helicopters over the South China Sea June 6, 1965.

She said he was just 28 years old when he was killed and had three children under the age of five. Dynice's grandmother, Mary McNally, was an original member of the Gold Star Mothers Committee that led the local push for the hospital in Lien Hiep. She said she was glad to be able to attend Sunday's event.

Dennis F. Shine III, son of Corporal Dennis F. Shine Jr., a Worcester native killed in Vietnam in 1969, said he grew up in the area but moved to Washington, D.C. after college. He said he was glad to come back for the remembrance, but was also glad to be able to catch up with family. The state swimming pool on Vernon Hill is named for his father.

John McDermott Irish Tenor sings a selection of songs picked out by Francis R. Carroll. "A Day of Remembrance" program was held Sunday at the Vernon Hill Post 435.

Shine said it took some time but he eventually found connection with other Gold Star families through Sons and Daughters in Touch, a nonprofit organization that locates, unites and supports the now-grown children of American servicemen who died during the Vietnam War. He said it has been a life-changing association and he now sits on the organization's board of directors.

Carroll, who organized Sunday's remembrance, stood near the podium Sunday helping to direct traffic as various speakers and dignitaries spoke or were recognized. U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern recited "In Flanders Fields," and the event featured a nine-song set by Irish tenor John McDermott.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty thanked Carroll and everyone else who played a part in organizing the event. He said 50 years later, the city continues to honor the Vietnam veterans' sacrifices. He said the construction of the hospital in Lien Hiep, which is still in operation, embodied the grace and hope of a grateful city.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Veterans, Gold Star families gather to mark 50th anniversary of push for Vietnam hospital
A 71-year-old woman fatally stabbed outside a Walgreens in Williamsburg on Friday has been identified.

Williamsburg police were called to the stabbing, located in the 1300 block of Richmond Road, around 6 p.m.

There, officers found Catherine Patricia Heaston, of James City County, with life-threatening stab wounds. Heaston was taken to Riverside Doctors Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Williamsburg resident LaTeisha Meekins, 35, is accused of stabbing Heaston. She is charged with second-degree murder and is being held without bond at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Police say Meekins and Heaston arrived at the Walgreens separately. Witnesses told police the women met outside the store and spoke briefly before the stabbing.

Police said Monday that the motive for the attack isnt clear and the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the police department at 757-220-2331 or to submit an anonymous tip at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

Ali Sullivan, 757-677-1974, ali.sullivan@virginiamedia.com
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It is time again to vote for the FLORIDA TODAY Community Credit Union Athlete of the Week at 321preps.com and floridatoday.com.

The following athletes were nominated for their performances from Nov. 8-13. You will find the ballot at the bottom of the page. Be sure to refresh if the poll isn't visible upon first loading. Voting will be open until noon Thursday.

321preps.com Community Credit Union Athlete of the Week

Coaches and athletic directors are invited to nominate athletes each week. Email the athlete's accomplishments for the previous Monday through Saturday to bmccallum@floridatoday.com by 10 a.m. each Monday.

Last week's AOTW: Heritage football player Turner wins FLORIDA TODAY Community Credit Union Athlete of the Week

Here are this week's nominees:

Rian Black, Rockledge football

Black caught two passes for touchdowns for the Raiders in a regional quarterfinal win on the road on Friday.

Madison Carr, Astronaut cross country

Carr finished second in the state at the Class 2A cross country meet in Tallahassee, running 5,000 meters in 18:22.2.

Connor Faherty, Melbourne swimming

Faherty won two medals in championship finals on Saturday in Stuart at the 3A state meet. He placed third in the 50-yard freestyle and sixth in the 100 breaststroke.

Christian Guirgis, Edgewood soccer

Guirgis recorded four goals and assisted on another for the Red Wolves on Monday in a road win over Palm Bay.

Haven Marascio, Satellite football

Marascio intercepted two Tavares passes, made 12 tackles and caught a 10-yard pass in the Scorps' regional quarterfinal win on Friday.

Macy Reynolds, Merritt Island volleyball

Reynolds served seven aces and recorded 26 digs in the Mustangs' state semifinal win over Barron Collier on Saturday.

Nate Jennings, Holy Trinity football

Jennings made 11 tackles and added three sacks, an interception and a blocked kick in the Tigers' regional quarterfinal victory on Friday.

Story continues

Hailey Thibodeau, Space Coast soccer

Thibodeau scored three goals in seven shots on goal in her third varsity game, as the Vipers faced Sebastian River.

Michael Toppi, Viera cross country

Toppi was the Class 4A state runner-up on Friday in Tallahassee, running 5,000 meters in 15:17.6.

Here is the ballot:

Contact McCallum at bmccallum@floridatoday.com. Follow @321preps on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to subscribe to FLORIDA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: FLORIDA TODAY Community Credit Union Athlete of the Week for Nov. 8-13
Fixated with holiday gift guides? Here's why. (Photo: Getty Creative)

As a child growing up in Dallas with a grandmother who'd happily own five things so long as they all had a Neiman Marcus label stitched inside  the ladies in the bridal department fawning over her as she bought her wedding dress there circa 1950 was an oft-told anecdote  I was all too familiar with the thud of the store's legendary Christmas catalog hitting the coffee table. Year after year I'd greedily pore over it, marveling at the luxurious baubles and one-of-a-kind experiences advertised inside, knowing full well that, despite her eye for expensive items, Grandma would still be filling my stocking with a half-dozen oranges and not, say, jewel-encrusted Faberge eggs or a voucher for a custom song written by a classic rock star. Still, I considered it a delicious thrill to flip through those glossy pages, and to this day I wonder about the people who did use them for actual gift ideas and not sheer retail fantasy, nor more real to me than Willy Wonka's chocolate factory.

I'm not alone. Each year, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book  currently featuring a 30.86-carat diamond ring and a $235,000 ski trip with Olympian Lindsey Vonn among its "fantasy gifts"  and other splashy gift guides continue to dazzle shoppers with their curated mix of covetable, and typically costly, items. Scott Rick, a behavioral scientist and associate professor of marketing at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, attributes their popularity to the "novelty of seeing new things and learning about what's out there."

Rick explains that catalogs and gift guides are, in a way, homework for shoppers. Part of the draw is the ability to familiarize ourselves with products we might have never known we wanted or needed  or indeed even existed, like, for example, a "Hug Coat" or monthly mystery-solving subscription, both listed among Goop's "ridiculous but awesome" gift suggestions.

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"You just become a better consumer if you can see a bigger range of stuff," he tells Yahoo Life. "You just become more [of an] expert; even if you can't afford it, you're learning: 'Oh, well here's what is valuable and here's things that are high-quality.' I think it's fun to kind of hone your consuming skills."

There's also what Rick calls the "pleasures of fantasy and daydreaming." While luxury gift guides are often criticized for being both out of reach and out of touch  it's hard to imagine someone not in the 1 percent splashing out on a Circu gold-plated playset costing nearly $40K and, according to Goop, channeling "rich mom energy"  there is sometimes a "plausible fantasy" that could theoretically be fulfilled. Goop's gift guide, for instance, includes items priced under $100, and while parking a $285,000 special-edition Hummer under the Christmas tree is inconceivable for most, buying a loved one something else from the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, in which prices start at $14, is less so.

"You can imagine a path to shopping there," Rick says of the department store. "A lot of people can imagine, 'Oh, if one or two things pan out, maybe I can have a holiday season where I'm shopping there.'"

It's a "stretch goal," he says  something that may be out of reach for the moment, but potentially possible down the road. The desire to own something may inspire a shopper to save up, or find a more affordable version of thing they covet, for example.

"People get a catalog in the mail  or you get an email from the company  that might suggest that this is within your grasp," Rick says. "You're a relevant person here. So plausible fantasies are really a nice escape simulating these better, possibly achievable realities; it's like a virtual reality experience. People are pretty hopeful in general, and we're good at thinking that the future will be better than the past and that everything's always on an upswing."

Amit Kumar, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, adds that "anticipation" can also be a powerful motivator for consumers  the prospect of owning something, seeing a loved one's eyes light up when they receive their gift, savoring the item or experience in question. Gift guides spark those scenarios to play out in our heads, and it's perhaps no coincidence that it's the experiences featured within  $395,000 to attend an exclusive Roaring '20s-themed party in New York City, a ride in an aquatic "eco-luxe suite"  that are oftentimes more memorable than the material products; Kumar points to research which finds that experiential purchases tend to be more enjoyable than tangible possessions.

"Consumers derive more satisfaction from their experiential purchases  so, travel to places, meals out, tickets to sporting events or theater performances  than they do from material purchases like clothing or jewelry or furniture or electronic gadgets and so on," Kumar tells Yahoo Life, adding that it's those kind of experiences that offer more anticipatory pleasure  planning a trip, for example, or looking at a restaurant's menu and deciding what to order before a reservation.

"These experiences don't just make us happy when we're experiencing them or when we tell stories about them after the fact, but even before we might hop on a plane or put on our hiking gear or what have you," he explains.

Behavioral scientists refer to this as "savoring your future consumption," Kumar says, noting that experiences also have a strong storytelling benefit.

"People are happier when they sort of reflect on past experiences they've bought, whether they're the trips they've taken, or events they've attended, or the meals they've eaten, than when they reflect on significant material goods that they've purchased," he says.

In other words, if you have to choose between a diamond the size of a baby's fist or an A-list ski trip, the latter is the better buy. But Kumar adds the reassurance that these benefits still hold regardless of price; seeing a beloved band at your local bar or going camping is likely to be more rewarding than spending the money on a material possession.

But it's important to acknowledge that this material consumption can come off as negative, not aspirational, for many. Just as one person may see a photo of a size 4 supermodel as inspiration, while another sees it as toxic and triggering, goods that feel too hopelessly Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous and out of reach could make a consumer feel "miserable," Rick notes. In that case, setting social media filters or email settings to weed out certain content or shopping alerts may be beneficial.

"When are these lists going to bring people joy, and when are they going to make people feel kind of peeved of how expensive things are  how other people can buy these things that they can't buy?" muses Kumar. "I think a big lesson is: If these are items that are gonna help foster your social relationships in some way, you're probably going to derive some positive benefit from them. If instead they lead you to engage in problematic social comparisons, then they are less likely to bring you that sort of benefit. And these dissuading comparisons are more likely to emerge for material things that people might be thinking about buying."

Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter.
A 36-year-old woman bit off a huge chunk of an officers ear after a bar fight in Louisiana, police told media outlets.

Officers with the Houma Police Department responded shortly after midnight, Nov. 12, to Joni Bs Bar on Howard Avenue after reports of several women fighting in the parking lot, WVUE reported.

Police said one of the officers was attempting to break up the fight before a woman identified as Michelle Smith bit off a large portion of the officers right ear and ran off, Houma Times reported.

The officer was taken to a local hospital, where they are recovering from the injury, WWL reported.

Police said Smith is wanted on one count of second-degree battery, WDSU reported.

Anyone with information on Smiths whereabouts can call the Houma Police Department at (985) 873-6371, the department said on Facebook.

McClatchy News reached out to the Houma Police Department and is awaiting response.

Houma is about 83 miles southeast of Baton Rouge.

Mom accuses teacher of giving 6-year-old a concussion with stapler, Georgia police say

It was traumatizing. Family of boy stabbed by another student at Turlock High speaks out

Man dive-bombed Virginia firefighters with drone  then asked for it back, feds say
With a new mobile medical unit and a dental unit on the way, Johnson Health Center is hoping to play an important role in delivering critical services and assisting the local community during the coronavirus-related public health emergency.

The mobile medical unit arrived at Johnson Health Center at the end of August and the mobile dental unit is expected to be delivered by the end of this month.

Taylor Cooke, associate director of patient engagement and outreach at JHC, said the goal of these units is to take services into communities that are underserved and may not have access to a health center or clinic.

The mobile unit, which Cooke said is similar to a utility van, has a restroom, lab station and exam room.

Due to not having enough staff at the center, the mobile unit is not up and running yet, she said, but she hopes it will be soon.

So unfortunately right now we dont have enough staff to get out into of the community, so were having to pull existing staff to run it, she said. And were currently working to hire people to actually solely operate and work on the mobile unit.

Right now, the unit has only been used for some COVID-19 testing within the clinic.
Some others, including Illinois and Michigan, treat high-power or high-caliber nonpowder guns as firearms. In its definition of a firearm, Illinois does not include nonpowder guns of .18 caliber or less, or nonpowder guns with a muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second.

Another group of states  including Connecticut, Delaware and North Dakota  have nonpowder guns in their definitions of dangerous weapons.

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Current limitationsAn air gun doesnt fit the definition of a firearm in Iowa. If it did, Olson could have faced a charge of reckless use of a firearm  which is what Lyness would have wanted to charge him with. That is a felony if serious or bodily injury occurs.

If you have an air rifle or other kinds of weapons like that that are basically firearms, than lets classify them as firearms and treat them like that because the concern I have is that they are going to be misused, Lyness said.

Nile Heefner, Gabes father, said he would like to see air rifles and pellet guns classified as firearms because they can injure and kill like firearms.
It was certainly a great way to bond as a crew, starting off with our very first work day in space," he said.

A similar weapons test by China in 2007 also resulted in countless debris. One of those pieces threatened to come dangerously close to the space station last week. While it later was dismissed as a risk, NASA had the station move anyway.

Anti-satellite missile tests by the U.S. in 2008 and India in 2019 were conducted at much lower altitudes, well below the space station at about 260 miles (420 kilometers.)

The defunct Russian satellite Cosmos 1408 was orbiting about 40 miles (65 kilometers) higher.

Until Monday, the U.S. Space Command already was tracking some 20,000 pieces of space junk, including old and broken satellites from around the world.

Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said it will take days if not weeks and months to catalogue the latest wreckage and confirm their orbits. The fragments will begin to spread out over time, due to atmospheric drag and other forces, he said in an email.
What services does your agency provide, and who generally does it serve? We're an organization that matches a mentor and mentee that get together one hour a week on school grounds. It's meant for the mentee to have a positive role model in their lives. Mentees are children from grades 3-12.
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Here we are, folks. In less than a week, three area teams will play for a state championship. Back in Lincoln, no less. This whole season has shown us one thing, and its that you never know what to expect, which I think will remain true in these games. As always, take it all in.
COUNT 1: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESS HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This felony charge is connected to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Bystander video shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing a plastic bag at him. Rittenhouse flees behind a car and Rosenbaum follows. Video introduced at trial showed Rittenhouse wheeling around and firing as Rosenbaum chased him. Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was trailing Rittenhouse, testified that Rosenbaum lunged for Rittenhouse's gun.

Reckless homicide differs from intentional homicide in that prosecutors aren't alleging Rittenhouse intended to murder Rosenbaum. Instead, they're alleging Rittenhouse caused Rosenbaum's death in circumstances showing an utter disregard for human life.

Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said prosecutors' decision to charge reckless instead of intentional homicide shows they don't know what happened between Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum and what might have been going through Rittenhouse's mind when he pulled the trigger.

The charge is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The dangerous weapon modifier carries an additional five years.


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General Hospital

Days of Our Lives

The Young and the Restless

The Bold and the Beautiful

This Week in Soaps history...

November 17-21, 2003

This week on the US Daytime Soaps...Greenlee told Erica about Kendall's claim to be pregnant with Michael's child. Kendall stuck to her story when Erica questioned her. Kendall asserted her claim to the Cambias fortune based on her pregnancy.Derek demanded to have Jack removed from the murder case.Mary tried to seduce Jamie.Ryan pressured Bianca for the truth. Bianca asked Palmer to help Kendall. Ryan had doubts about keeping his promise to Alexander. Kendall assured Bianca that their plan would work, and they later staged a fight with each other. Ryan wanted Kendall to take a pregnancy test. Greenlee kissed Ryan.JR warned Adam to stay out of his marriage. Adam threatened to blackmail Babe unless she left town. Adam insisted that Babe was lying about being pregnant. Jamie worried that he could be the father of Babe's baby. Babe saw a man from her past.Police officers found a duffel bag in the water.Paul admitted to Rosanna that he was the one who made the threatening phone call to Rose. After Rose gave Crater the slip, Paul fired him. Dusty hired Crater to get his job back and spy on Paul. After Rose's car was trashed, Crater found evidence incriminating Paul.Lucy broke up with Aaron after learning he slept with Alison. Alison's pregnancy was revealed after she was hurt in an argument with Lucy.Hal was furious with Barbara when he found out that she had set up a secret meeting with Will.Mike convinced Margo to talk to Katie about a memorial service for Simon.Ben and Jessica attended Marshall's service.A tearful Brooke revealed the truth about her tryst with Nick to Bridget. Bridget later headed to Nick's boat to confront him. Nick urged Ridge to hold onto his love for Brooke no matter what.Sally told Jackie of her plans to blackmail Brooke and Jackie later told Nick of those plans.Ridge was able to connect the dots and determine what Brooke was trying to tell him about her pregnancy. Ridge confronted Nick and later surprised Brooke by revealing that he wasn't going to leave her... yet.The Brady family and friends said goodbye to yet another victim of the serial killer, this time the beloved Caroline Brady. Kim returned to Salem to be with her family, but couldn't seem to comfort Bo's hurt and anger as he, Hope, Roman, John and others were determined to avenge the deaths of Caroline and the others.Shawn was on a vigilante crusade to prove the DiMeras were responsible for all the death of his friends and family. Sami and Lucas and Roman and Marlena bonded over the tragedy befallen their families.Nicole and Brady had "steamy" visions of each other, as did Bonnie of Mickey, while Victor made plans to bring Chloe back to Salem to keep Nicole and Brady in line.Marlena agreed to help a new patient, Belle's one and only nemesis, Jan Spears. Caroline gave Celeste a message of warning from beyond, Roman received a new message on his Palm Pilot, and shortly thereafter Marlena fainted at Caroline's wake.Sonny pressed Carly to remember the love she feels for her family. Alcazar kissed Carly. Carly returned to the penthouse, but hid to avoid seeing Sonny and Michael.Nikolas and Emily discovered a bomb.Tracy told Jax she was planning to open a casino.Jax began to romance Sam as part of his plan to destroy her.Georgie got a makeover. Dillon was turned on by Sage, and Sage picked a fight with Georgie.Jason destroyed Faith's drug shipment. Jason feared Courtney was becoming too attached to Michael and Morgan. Brian told Courtney he was offered a job with the Port Charles police department.Luke was stunned to see the Haunted Star in the harbor.Shayne was determined to walk for Marina, and Marah was determined to make Jeffrey her next romantic interest.Beth and Alan find Phillip in a terrible physical and emotional distress.Billy and Josh crash Reva and Christopher's casual dinner that they thought was more than it appeared to be.Edmund's attempt to make amends with Sandy backfired as Sandy was definitely not ready to accept Edmund's apologies for ruining his life.The mysterious Carrie surprised Marah, Marina and Michelle with "wish rings" from Egypt, and it seemed that Michelle's wish was granted and already coming true, i.e. " for all of Springfield to accept the Santos name as one of goodness, honesty and integrity, a name that could be trusted by supporting the new candidate for Mayor, Danny Santos." The sparks started to fly between Cassie and Jeffrey over what was supposed to be a conversation on how Cassie could help Jeffrey realize that he was the wrong man for Marah.Kelly provided a fake alibi for Walker when he was questioned for the murder of Elyssa.Dorian managed to sneak her way onto Viki's plane to Lake Champlain. Kevin and Blair were shocked to learn that Viki's plane had crashed and they set out to find her.In a rush to get to Blair, Walker lost control of the car.A drunken Jen panicked upon her discovery of Karen's dead body and called Rex for help.Grace chose David over Sam, causing Jessica and Kay to lash out at their mother. Sam was devastated by Grace's decision, but Ivy didn't waste a second moving in on her old flame.No reasoning or apology could change Gwen's mind about leaving Ethan.Julian and Fox had a heart-to-heart about love, as Fox remained focused on Whitney.In addition to having to deal with Luis and Sheridan's relationship, Antonio grappled with the news that he was probably not the father of Sheridan's baby. He and Luis had a violent altercation. Sheridan reunited with her baby, much to Beth's horror.Christine was stunned to see Danny in Genoa City. Gina let Danny stay in a room above the health club.Mr. Becker confronted Michael about the commercial bribery case, but Michael refused to say anything.Larry said goodbye to Jill.Nikki believed that Victor would finally have closure with his father, and Victor dreamed of a happy reunion. Victor's reunion with Albert Miller didn't go well. Nick felt bad for Victor because Albert was such a horrible man.Lauren helped Paul move his things out of Christine's apartment, and Mary caught them kissing.Raul had a diabetic reaction, and Brittany decided to quit Marsino's for a while. Source 3 and
10 States Sue Biden Administration over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers

States unite saying rights are being revoked.

According to a press release, 10 states filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration and its requirement that health care workers in the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19, saying the mandate is unconstitutional and unlawful.

Led by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, the 10 states say the mandatory nationwide vaccine requirement will lead to shortages of health care workers and could threaten the jobs of "millions of health care workers" who risked their lives during the beginning stages of the pandemic. In addition to Missouri and Nebraska, attorneys general from Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Wyoming, Alaska, South Dakota, North Dakota and New Hampshire also joined the lawsuit.

"Unfortunately, with this latest mandate from the Biden Administration, last year's healthcare heroes are turning into this year's unemployed. Requiring healthcare workers to get a vaccination or face termination is unconstitutional and unlawful, and could exacerbate healthcare staffing shortages to the point of collapse, especially in Missouri's rural areas," Schmitt said.

The 58-page lawsuit argues the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccine mandate is intruding on states' police power, saying it's a violation of several acts and rights, including the Administrative Procedures Act, the Social Security Act, the Tenth Amendment and federalism.

"By ignoring the facts on the ground and unreasonably dismissing concerns about workforce short-ages, the CMS vaccine mandate jeopardizes the healthcare interests of rural Americans," the lawsuit says.

In September, President Biden unveiled a series of steps to combat the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, announcing that 17 million health care workers at hospitals and elsewhere that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding would have to be vaccinated. Last week, CMS issued an interim final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers in most settings, such as hospitals and health systems, that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The new requirements, which went into effect November 5, will apply to approximately 76,000 providers.
The COP26 climate change summit ended with a deal, but it wasn't the deal many have come for. Due to pressure from major coal consumers, the deal struck by world leaders this weekend removed a clause for the phase-out of coal, replacing it with one that will see coal use "phased down".

Also, opinions remain different on how best to achieve the 1.5-degree scenario laid out in the Paris Agreement.

"It is an important step but is not enough. We must accelerate climate action to keep alive the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees", said UN chief Antonio Guterres, as quoted by UN News.

"If it's a good negotiation, all the parties are uncomfortable," U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said during the final meeting of the summit. "And this has been, I think, a good negotiation."

The final meeting ended with the Glasgow Climate Pact, which includes stipulations for reducing subsidies for oil and gas, and the phase-down of coal consumption, under pressure from India and China.

"We are becoming the voice of the developing countries," India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav told Reuters. "We made our effort to make a consensus that is reasonable for developing countries and reasonable for climate justice."

Not everyone was happy with the deal, however.

"We believe we have been side-lined in a non-transparent and non-inclusive process," Mexico's envoy Camila Isabel Zepeda Lizama said, as quoted by Reuters. "We all have remaining concerns but were told we could not reopen the text  while others can still ask to water down their promises."

The issue of whether rich nations will financially help developing nations to meet their commitments on climate change is still without a definitive resolution. The summit's delegates have agreed to a stipulation that says finance should come "from all sources to reach the level needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, including significantly increasing support for developing country Parties, beyond $100 billion per year".

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Oil and gas will have a role to play in the energy system for decades to come, BPs chief executive Bernard Looney said on Monday, adding that the industry should try to produce hydrocarbons with the lowest emissions possible.

Any scenario, even the International Energy Agencys Net-Zero by 2050 scenario, predicts that there will still be demand for oil in 2050, Looney told CNBC on the sidelines of the ADIPEC energy conference in Abu Dhabi.

According to the IEAs Net-Zero by 2050 scenario, in a world on track to achieve net-zero emissions within three decades, global oil demand would drop by 75 percent to 24 million barrels per day (bpd), from around 90 million bpd in the pandemic year 2020 and around 100 million bpd in the pre-pandemic 2019.

So any objective person that looks at this from an objective standpoint is going to say hydrocarbons have a role to play, Looney told CNBC.

As the world will not be moving away entirely from oil and gas, the question becomes what do you do about that, BPs top executive noted.

What you do about that is try to produce those hydrocarbons in the best way possible, Looney said.

It may not be popular to say that oil and gas is going to be in the energy system for decades to come but that is the reality, he told CNBC.

BP, like most European majors, is now pitching itself as an integrated energy company looking to transform into a broader energy firm from an international oil major.

BP has said it would cut its oil and gas production by 40 percent by 2030 through active portfolio management and no exploration in new countries. Shell said earlier this year that its oil production peaked in 2019, while Italys Eni sees its oil production peaking in 2025.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Everybody is predicting a surplus of supply starting from the first or second quarter, next year, Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin told Bloomberg on the sidelines of this weeks oil industry even in Abu Dhabi.

The only question is when exactly that surplus will take placebut the difference is only a few months, according to Sorokin.

Inventories have stopped drawing, which shows there is no deficit at the moment, Sorokin added.

Russia took the opportunity to point fingers at the U.S. government, which has for weeks been accusing OPEC of refusing to increase production to ease gasoline prices at American fuel pumps.

According to Sorokin, the U.S. Federal Reserves policy has a much greater impact on the oil and gas market than the supply and demand situation.

This is an important distinction because BPs CEO Bernard Looney, for example, also at Adipec, said that he expects oil prices to remain robust for some time to come.

The general consensus among those who ventured to comment on OPECs future plans is that OPEC+ will stick to its production plans by agreeing at the next OPEC+ meeting to add another 400,000 bpd to the groups production quotas.

According to Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, inventories could already begin to rise next month and into Q1 2020, adding that this 400,000 bpd would be enough.

We need not to panic, bin Salman said, we need to be calm.

Adipec, the rare in-person oil and gas industry event, also was a platform for discussions about the COP26 outcome. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo expressed his disappointment with the COP26 talks. This is the first COP talks that targeted the oil and gas industry yet didnt involve the industry in conversations about how to slow climate change.

For us attending in Glasgow, this was an alarm bell, Barkindo said. I left Glasgow with this sobering feeling.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The oil industry is not investing enough to meet growing energy demand, including for crude, which could lead to a series of energy crunches down the road, oil expert Daniel Yergin, vice chairman of IHS Markit, told CNBC on Monday.

I think we should be conscious that one of the things we may see is a series of crunches, Yergin told CNBC, referring to what he dubbed a pre-emptive underinvestment in oil supply while global demand continues to rise.

World demand is going to be back where it was in 2019 in the next few months, the expert said, adding that there is a disconnect between the realities of the dynamics of the market and the calls from investors for the oil industry to stick to capital discipline.

Yergin is the latest industry expert warning of future energy crunches as the world is not investing enough in meeting the still growing demand for oil and gas.

Industry executives have been warning this year of the underinvestment in traditional energy supply.

The oil industry is massively underinvesting in supply to meet growing demand, which is set to return to pre-COVID levels as soon as the end of 2021 or early 2022, Greg Hill, president of U.S. oil producer Hess Corp, said at the end of September.

The rebound in global demand for oil and gas and the gap between supply and demand could lead to a new supercycle for oil and gas, Rosnefts chief executive Igor Sechin said on Friday.

At the end of last month, Saudi Aramcos chief executive Amin Nasser said that crude oil production capacity was dwindling globally, and more investments in new production are needed urgently.

Last week, Nasser said that the world would see its level of spare oil production capacity dwindle next year as jet fuel demand returns to pre- or near-pre-crisis levels.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Natural gas prices have been ceding ground with the selling pressure primarily driven by the delayed onset of winter and weak cash pricing. Natural gas prices were quoted at a seven-week low of $4.77/MMBtu on Monday's intraday session, 23% below the 13-year high they attained a month ago.

The gas selloff kicked off about five weeks ago after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to open the taps in a bid to stabilize soaring global energy prices. Russia, one of Europe's biggest natural gas providers, has been accused of intentionally withholding supplies, comments that Putin quickly rubbished, saying Europe's energy woes are self-inflicted. Gas traders contend that one of the drivers of the rally is that Russia has been limiting its European gas supplies to the levels in long-term contracts and has allowed Gazprom's storage facilities in the continent to fall to very low levels.

But people expecting Russia to become the new 'Gas-OPEC' could be in for a major disappointment.

Gas prices in Europe have started surging again as traders see little evidence that Russia is capable of making good on Putin's promise of increased exports.

According to the Financial Times, whereas Gazprom (OTCPK:OGZPY) started adding some gas to its largest storage sites in Germany and Austria over the weekend, Russia has failed to book additional pipeline capacity, suggesting that any storage fill would come from existing flows.

"Russia has done what it said it was going to do, but in a very narrow way. What would get a bigger reaction from the market would be if Gazprom went back to auctioning short-term gas supplies, as they have done in previous years," Laurent Ruseckas at IHS Markit tells FT.

European benchmark futures jumped as much as 10% to above 80/MWh while the U.K. benchmark climbed 6% to ~2/therm.

Swing producer

The natural gas sector finds itself in a tenuous position mainly because it lacks a strong organization like OPEC to try and maintain some semblance of order with the natural gas equivalent--the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)--usually preferring to take a hands-off approach.

Related: Why Uranium Stocks Are Soaring Here, gas producers usually dance to their own tunes, adjusting production according to the prevailing market dynamics, but none of the members have the flexibility to act as swing producers.

Sure, Norway's Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) is able to optimize its domestic gas output by deferring production when prices dip too low. Meanwhile, producers who do not use long-term futures contracts, such as Egypt, are forced to halt production when it stops making economic sense while Russia's Gazprom is mainly limited by how much their transport infrastructure can handle.

Russia's ability to regulate the natural gas markets appears quite limited.

Last year, Russia completely turned off flows from the 2,607-mile-long Yamal-Europe pipeline that runs across Belarus, Poland, and Germany with a capacity of 33 bln cubic meters of gas per year, yet the markets hardly took notice with prices remaining severely depressed. Prices at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility, a virtual trading point for natural gas in the Netherlands, plunged to ~$40 per 1,000 cubic meters in May. That's considerably lower than the $47 on average per 1,000 cubic meters that Gazprom forks over as transit costs for the pipeline.

The litmus test of Gazprom's capacity to act as a swing supplier was its ability to drop production dramatically in 2020 and then to bring it back up again quickly in 2021. Yet, Gazprom has failed to bring any more spare production capacity online when needed mostbecause it has none left.

According to Vitaly Yermakov, expert with the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Gazprom has really been "firing on all cylinders", pushing its gas output to maximum levels at all of its key fields for most of 2021 so far. In fact, there was no sharp cyclical decline in output over the summer months.

Related: Senate Majority Leader Urges Biden To Release Oil From SPR

Yermakov points to several reasons why Gazprom has been unable to cover the call for increased gas production or to fully refill gas storage in Russia and in Europe. First off, very low gas prices in 2020 forced extremely high withdrawals of gas from storage by producers in a bid to minimize transportation costs and reduce losses. Second, the combined effects of robust gas demand, extreme weather patterns, and limited LNG availability in Europe have resulted in extreme market tightness and high prices. Gazprom has actually done well by managing to meet all its contractual obligations and increased deliveries to Europe, but could not single-handedly address Europe's energy insecurity.

Yermakov says Russia is not about to run out of natural gas, and its prolific reserves allow the country to meet much higher overall demand. However, bringing additional production online is something that cannot be done at the push of a button. Russia is fully capable of producing much more gas in the long term but needs to secure this output by signing new supply contracts with buyers. In other words, Russia is not ready to spend billions of dollars just to maintain spare productive capacity and meet demand spikes in Europe and elsewhere.

Further, Russian natural gas fields have been evolving, making this task even more challenging. There are few physical links between the Central corridor that connects the country's old and declining gas fields in Nadym-Pur-Taz with consumers in Central Russia, and the Northern corridor that connects growing new production in Yamal with northwest Russia making it hard for Gazprom to swing flows between the Northern and Central corridors, especially during the winter.

In the final analysis, Yermakov concludes by saying that Russia could develop the necessary infrastructure and improve its supply flexibility if the offtake is guaranteed by new contracts.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Despite threats by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko last week that he could turn off the taps on the Yamal gas pipeline, German authorities report that flows have actually increased over the weekend, according to Reuters.

Lukashenko last week threatened to cut off the flow of gas along the Yamal pipeline in response to the EU threatening new sanctions against Belarus amid a migrant crisis on the Belarusian-Polish border. Russia's President Vladimir Putin, however, was quick to respond to the threat.

Putin said Lukashenko had not consulted Moscow on the issue, and if he did, he risked a response from the Russian side.

"I've recently spoken to (Lukashenko) twice, and he didn't mention this to me once. He didn't even hint," the Russian president said in a TV interview this weekend. "Of course, in theory, Lukashenko, as president of a transit country, could order our (gas) supplies to be cut to Europe. But this would mean a breach of our gas transit contract, and I hope this will not happen," Putin also said.

"We provide heat to Europe, and they are threatening us with the border closure. What if we block natural gas transit?" Lukashenko said on Thursday, as quoted by Belarusian state news agency Belta.

The Belarusian statement has not been coordinated with Moscow in any way, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday. Belarus is an ally of Russia, but it is also a sovereign state, Peskov also said.

"Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to Europe, regardless of the actions of Belarus," Peskov said, adding that "Russia's reliability as a supplier and partner in the current and future contracts cannot be called into question."

The threat briefly lifted gas prices on the spot market in Europe, but these fell back after the official information about flows along the Yamal pipeline was released.

The 2,000-km from Western Siberia to Germany has a capacity to transport close to 33 billion cu m of natural gas annually. It is one of the key gas arteries from Russia to Europe.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The OPEC+ group is not concerned about a possible release from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), according to Oman's Energy Minister Mohammed Al-Rumhi cited by FXStreet.

U.S. President Joe Biden is considering a possible release from the strategic American crude stockpiles as a way to bring down high gasoline prices. No decision has been made yet amid debates within the Administration, but calls for a release from the SPR have become louder in recent days.

As of Friday, the Biden Administration was not decided whether the U.S. should act now to try to reduce the highest gasoline prices in America in seven years or to wait for the market to run its course. Some officials at the U.S. Department of Energy are reportedly against an SPR release, while some White House aides part of the talks favor a release and even the "nuclear option" of a crude oil export ban, sources with knowledge of the ongoing debates told Bloomberg on Friday.

On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Biden Administration to tap the strategic reserve.

"We're here today because we need immediate relief at the gas pump and the place to look is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve," Democrat Schumer said at a news conference in New York, as carried by Reuters.

The U.S. Administration and the Democrats are increasingly concerned about the impact of the highest gasoline prices in seven years on American households and their purchasing power.

As of November 15, the national average price of a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $3.415, according to AAA estimates.

Analysts say that a release from the SPR would only have a short-term effect on supply in the U.S. and no major effect on the global market.

Yet, talk of a potential SPR release and the growing pressure on President Biden to address high gasoline prices weighed on international crude oil prices early on Monday, with both benchmarks down by 1.3 percent and WTI Crude trading below $80 at $79.73.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Govt-and-politics

Olde Towne Bellevue residents upset by blighted designation, say mayor has conflict of interest

CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Undeveloped land south of West 16th Avenue between Jefferson and Franklin Streets in Bellevue. A developer hopes to build town houses on the land, and sought the blighted designation in an effort to receive tax-increment financing. Mayor Rusty Hike, who cast the tiebreaking vote on the designation, sold the property earlier this year. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD A sign hints at a possible zoning change for the property. Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, a longtime advocate of developing the Olde Towne area, denies any conflict of interest.

Diane Leiker never thought that her quiet neighborhood of modest, well-kept homes in Bellevues Olde Towne would ever be considered blighted. But that is the exact word the City Council, at the request of a developer seeking to build new town houses, has attached to several properties in the area.

Further exacerbating frustrations from Leiker and many neighbors is what they view as a conflict of interest by Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, who cast the tiebreaking vote designating the land as blighted. Hike, a longtime advocate of developing the Olde Towne area, denies any conflict and says the future development would benefit all of Bellevue.

The City Council was split at its Oct. 19 meeting on whether to declare several properties in Leikers neighborhood blighted and substandard, a designation that was brought to the council for consideration by Mercury Property Management.

Mercury hopes to build 10 town houses on undeveloped land south of West 16th Avenue between Jefferson and Franklin Streets. The company sought a blighted designation for its own property and more than a dozen lots to the south  most of which have existing homes on them  in an effort to receive tax-increment financing, a tax incentive meant to spur redevelopment in areas deemed blighted.

Councilmen Bob Stinson, Don Preister and Thomas Burns voted against the proposal. Council members Kathy Welch, Jerry McCaw and Paul Cook voted for it, and Hike, as mayor, broke the tie by voting in favor of the designation.

The mayors decision to vote on the matter troubles some in the neighborhood, who point to Hikes recent ownership of the property slated to be developed.

In March, Hike and a business partner sold the property to Jeffry Gehring of Mercury for $100,000, a tax document shows.

Hike and his partner bought the lot from Lumax Properties LLC for $800 in 2016, according to the Sarpy County assessors website. Lumax was deeded the property from the city in 2013 for free.

I am so frustrated, Leiker said. I think the deciding vote should never have been made by Rusty Hike. He sold that property, and now hes voting on it. I dont think thats right.

Omaha Planning Board OKs apartment building at Dodge, 38th Avenue despite concerns Complaints centered on the planned demolition of three vintage residential structures to make way for what opponents described as a high-rent and nondescript building.

Conflict of interest provisions in the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act state that public officials cant have a financial interest in contracts with their governing body.

But Hike contends that once he sold the land, he no longer had a financial interest in its development.

Im always very careful with that, said Hike, a former Sarpy County Board member who was elected mayor in 2018. As mayor, Im not going to capitalize on something to make money for myself. I have my own projects, but if Im ever in a conflict, Im always going to conflict out (recuse).

Its possible that his company, Hike Real Estate, will have a part in selling the town houses after theyre built, but, Hike said, thats a possibility for all real estate agents in the area.

Theres no financial gain on my part at all, he said. All my agents in my office are independent contractors. Now, if one of my agents does sell one of the properties someday, I cant say they wouldnt get paid for it, but that would go for any real estate company as well.

UNMC's Saddle Creek project seeks $8.1 million in tax-increment financing The Omaha Planning Board gave a green light to an $8.1 million TIF request for the $54 million "innovation hub" project that's part of the UNMC campus expansion.

When Hike and his partner bought the land in 2016, they also looked to build town houses there. But Hike said their preemptive plan was nothing near the development Mercury is doing.

Blighting and TIF, thats nothing my partner and I had in mind, he said. Theyre taking their project a step further. Theyre putting probably twice as much value on that lot than what we had planned.

Hike and his partner did put a bit of time and money into plans for a three-town-house development on the property, he said. They considered building the town houses on the propertys highest point, overlooking the wooded area below.

The decision to drop the project and sell the land was a matter of prioritizing other projects, Hike said, including the renovation of an Olde Towne bar.

Despite the sizable difference between his purchase price and sale price, Hike said the land wasnt sold for more than its worth.

We got a good buy on it when we bought it, he said.

Omaha City Council approves tax incentive for Habitat for Humanity project Habitats proposal calls for about 85 single-family houses to be built on more than 15 acres of land near Sorensen Parkway and 51st Street at the site of the former Wintergreen Apartments.

Speaking generally and not specifically on Hikes vote, Frank Daley, executive director of the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, said a mayor or city council member has a conflict of interest if they are faced with a decision that could result in a financial benefit or detriment to the official, a member of his or her immediate family or a business with which they are associated.

The financial benefit or detriment must be distinct from that experienced by the general public and must be reasonably foreseeable, Daley said.

Hike said he has made no official or verbal agreements with anyone regarding the property beyond the sale of the land.

If I had an agreement with Mercury, that would be a conflict of interest, Hike said. If Im making money, or Im taking city money for something, that would be a conflict on interest for me, and I have conflicted out on those instances.

Market-rate town houses planned near downtown Omaha Each residence would be about 1,500 square feet and have its own deck and garage with two stalls.

Gehring, of Mercury, said he was unaware that Hike co-owned the property when he began the process of buying the land.

Later, as I got involved in it, I found that out, but this is a completely separate project, he said. Mayor Hike had nothing to do with this, but hes of course very excited about it, and he really wants to see Olde Towne revitalized.

From a moral, if not legal, standpoint, Hike should be transparent about any connections to the developers and previous ownership of the property, said Jack Gould of the watchdog group Common Cause Nebraska.

In most cases, the honorable thing is to not vote, he said.

Astro Theater, a new $23.6 million concert venue, breaks ground in La Vista Projected to open in January 2023, the Astro Theater will be able to host 2,500 people inside and 5,000 people outside.

Hikes previous ownership of the property was not mentioned when several community members, including Leiker, spoke in opposition to the substandard and blighted designation and the potential town house development at the Oct. 19 council meeting.

They voiced concern about the increase in traffic the development would likely bring, and how clearing trees from the heavily wooded area would affect the neighborhoods abundant wildlife. Many also lamented the label of their property as blighted and substandard, a designation, they said, that may help the developers but wouldnt be beneficial for neighborhood residents.

Blighted and substandard are unfortunate terms for an economic development tool, said Jeff Ray of JEO Consulting, the company hired by Mercury to conduct the substandard and blighted study that was presented to the City Council.

Its a term neighborhood resident Connie Golden took issue with as well.

I know theyre just terms, but no one has given me an answer of how long that lasts, Golden told the City Council. If they build these (town houses), will these be blighted and substandard forever, or is it a term that can be taken away? Because we dont want that hanging over our heads.

O'Keefe Elevator building in downtown Omaha rises to another occasion: condos and retail Connor Lund, leader of the development team, expects the value of a finished condo in the O'Keefe Elevator building to be between $800,000 and $1 million.

Bellevue City Attorney Bree Robbins said that as state law is currently written, the designation blighted and substandard does not go away after redevelopment.

There is no avenue in the Nebraska statutes that un-blights something, Robbins said. That is something that we can certainly have conversations with our state legislator about.

Ray listed several criteria used to determine whether the area would warrant a blighted and substandard designation.

Poor drainage in the area, an irregular shape and size of lot layouts, extended driveways, a lack of sidewalks, and houses built more than 40 years ago were a few listed.

Vacant lot north of downtown Omaha will become market-rate, low-income lofts The 1120 Lofts, near 20th and Paul Streets, is designed to be three stories with 30 rental units, all with three or four bedrooms.

Hike, whose campaign platform included redeveloping Olde Towne, said he sees the designation as an important tool to bring new activity and economic development to Bellevue.

Its just part of the bigger picture for redeveloping, he said. The officials and the public have wanted things to happen in Bellevue, and things are happening. Whats taking place right now is all good and all in the interest of Olde Towne Bellevue.

Hike made the same point while debating with Councilman Burns after the Oct. 19 public hearing.

Burns argued that not one neighborhood resident has advocated for the development.

I know were not talking about (the development) tonight, and its later in the process, but all those neighbors also have stated they dont want the development, Burns said. Were forcing a designation that we cant change, that all those neighbors have said they dont want.

$3.5 million effort converts 'Piano Man' building in downtown Omaha to residential condos An Omaha landmark, the former leather supply building at 714 S. 15th St., has been turned into five contemporary homes covered with the original 1910 brick skin and other vintage features.

Hike responded that the designation and potential development would be for the betterment of the entire city.

As this body, were representing this entire city, so whatever happens across town we have to answer the same way that we answer here, Hike said at the time. Bellevue has a lot of floodplains in this city we dont collect taxes on, a lot of military property we dont collect taxes on. You ask why your taxes are high; its because we dont have the proper development in this town.

A few neighbors contacted Burns after the council meeting. One, he said, thanked him for opposing the designation.

Most are extremely frustrated, and I think thats sort of an understatement, Burns said.

Burns has also heard from neighbors who shared their concern that Hike was the one to break the tie.

I know there are a lot of those neighbors who are worried that there might be a possible financial gain down the road, Burns said. I dont know if thats true, but I know that the neighbors didnt want the designation, and its my job as their representative to advocate for their neighborhood.

Once a novelty, residential living now drives Omaha's downtown growth Housing is a dominant driver of construction in downtown Omaha, historically the base for department stores and corporate employers. The hope is that the energy also reignites the downtown job market.

Residents within 300 feet of the potential development were recently sent a letter notifying them of a rezoning request for the property that will come before the Bellevue Planning Commission. The letter included a site plan that depicts 10 town houses south of 16th Avenue and west of Franklin Street.

Gehring contends that the town houses and potential TIF, which has not yet been formally requested, will be good for the area.

This is a weed- and tree-infested area that can be changed into very nice condos, and on top of this, were going to be doing some area development, he said. Theyll get some sidewalks they dont currently have, some curbs. Were going to see if we can fix the water pressure issues they have. There may be even more on the table if we get TIF.

Under TIF, the developer takes out a loan to help cover eligible redevelopment expenses  typically aspects of a project that benefit the public, such as roads. The loan is repaid by the increased property taxes that are generated on the new development.

Group behind proposed casino at Omaha's Horsemen's Park seeks $17.5 million in TIF A $220 million plan calls for a significant renovation and expansion of Horsemen's Park, and developers are seeking $17.5 million in tax incentives to bring the project over the finish line.

Mercury aims to sell the town houses for less than $300,000, Gehring said.

The median sale price for homes in Bellevue, according to real estate firm Redfin, is $245,000.

This is also going to provide housing to people, Gehring said. In the homebuilding industry right now, I cant build you anything for under $400,000.

Approval of the designation was the first step in moving the development forward. The next step will be a rezoning request, which is scheduled to come before the Planning Commission on Thursday.

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However, Todds attorney noted in cross-examination that the two sides had made court filings on the issue before the hearing, which gave her time and material to draw conclusions.

In her ruling, Todd said Alabama' sentencing system was unconstitutional and said the death penalty system had been tainted by politics that encouraged judges to impose death sentences over a jurys recommendation. Alabama was one of the last states to allow judicial override. The law has since been changed to require judges to follow a jurors sentence recommendation.

It is clear, from here on the front line, that Alabamas judiciary has unequivocally been hijacked by partisan interests and unlawful legislative neglect," Todd wrote in 2016.

An attorney for the commission noted that her ruling contained multiple criticisms of the states death penalty law that were outside the scope of the issue at hand and referenced material and media articles not introduced at the hearing. She then gave media interviews afterward.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovo's governing party suffered a heavy blow Sunday by losing the capital's mayoral post in runoff municipal elections held in almost two-thirds of the country after center-right opposition parties dominated in the first round.

About 1.26 million voters in the small Balkan nation were eligible to cast ballots in the second round to elect mayors in 21 out of 38 municipalities. Preliminary turnout was 38% Sunday.

The voting was peaceful. Police reported minor incidents not affecting the vote.

The governing left-wing Self-Determination Party, or Vetevendosje!, of Prime Minister Albin Kurti lost the race in Pristina where it had nominated its former health minister, Arben Vitia. It won in four other communes, one more than 2017.

The center-right Democratic League of Kosovo won in Pristina. The league, the center-right opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo of former independence fighters and the Alliance for Kosovos Future together won 21 mayoral seats.

The Srpska List party of Kosovos ethnic Serb minority, which is close to the Serbian government in Belgrade, won one more mayoral post, adding to nine it won in the first round in the northern Kosovo districts.
Farmer City sets Christmas parade

FARMER CITY  The Farmer City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21.

The parade will step off at the Farmer City Fairgrounds and proceed south on Main Street through the business district.

The theme for this year's parade is "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and there are nearly 100 entries lined up so far. Entrants from the parade include the Blue Ridge, Heyworth and Lexington High School bands; and former WCIA chief weather forecaster Judy Fraser, who will be making her 45th appearance in the parade. Other entries include shrines, holiday floats, antique cars, local celebrities and more.

The grand marshal is Mary Walker Kimble. Kimble owned and operated Main Street Video downtown for 30 years before retiring in 2015. She has been active in the community for many years, including on the Farmer City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Farmer City/DeWitt County Fair Board, organizing city-wide garage sales, the Santa House and recently retiring from helping to organize the Christmas parade for the past 26 years.

Those who wish to participate should call 309-386-2791 or visit the Farmer City Christmas Parade on Facebook.

Bloomington Communications Center honored

BLOOMINGTON  A major achievement has been handed down to the Bloomington Communications Center.

The International Academy of Emergency Dispatch has certified the Communications Center as the world's 25th Emergency Police Dispatch Accredited Center of Excellence, according to a news release from the City of Bloomington.

The Bloomington center is the first in Illinois to achieve the designation. Together with the City of Bloomingtons Emergency Fire Dispatch ACE, they are only the third combination EFD/EPD ACE in the world.

Dispatchers stood out to reviewers for expert handling of calls and the professionalism and respect displayed during interactions with the community. The Bloomington Communications Center is also being asked to serve as a mentor for other agencies hoping to become accredited, a request that is usually reserved for longtime ACEs.

Rotary funding provides ambulance to city in India

NORMAL  Thanks to grants from the Rotary Foundation, from Rotary District 6490 in Illinois and Rotary District 3040 in India, the community of Sagar in Indias state of Madhya Pradesh will get a new ambulance.

The ambulance is expected to arrive at Bundelkhand Medical College in Sagar in late November. It will serve 376,000 people in the Sagar area. Currently, patients there are transported in private vehicles without paramedics or medical technicians.

According to Surinder Sethi, a member of the Normal Rotary Club, funding for the ambulance totaled $57,425. Of that, $13,500 came from the Rotary Foundation and $12,000 came from Rotary District 6490, which includes 43 clubs in Bloomington-Normal and eastern and central Illinois.

The Rotary Club in Sagar provided $30,425, and Rotary District 3040 in India provided $1,500.

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BLOOMINGTON  Jelani Days family has declared Friday, Nov. 19, Jelani Day Day, with plans to host a virtual town hall as they continue the push for answers in his death.

The Day Family and Rainbow PUSH thanks all of you for your physical presence in our prior demonstrations, and now we are asking you to join us virtually and share this flyer so everyone can hear our words and join the fight if they havent already, Days mother, Carmen Bolden Day wrote in a Facebook post Monday.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his nonprofit organization, the Rainbow People United to Serve Humanity Coalition, will take part in the town hall along with other guests.

The Day family is asking for supporters to help them share updates about Fridays event and updates on the case to make Jelani a trending topic on social media and bring more attention to the case.

This announcement comes just as LaSalle County officials confirm Days cellphone was located and is being forwarded to the FBI for further forensic testing. Sheriff Adam Diss on Monday did not indicate when or where the phone was located.

Although other items belonging to Day, including clothes, had previously been found, his phone had been missing throughout the investigation.

This confirmation comes more than 11 weeks after the 25-year-old Illinois State University students vehicle was found in Peru and 10 weeks after he was found dead in the Illinois River.

Bolden Day told Newsy Tonight that Bloomington police were in custody of her sons phone but she had requested it be turned over to the FBI.

The bureaus field office in Chicago and a Behavioral Analysis Unit has been assisting with the case, as well as several local agencies including Peru, LaSalle and Bloomington police departments and Illinois State Police.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.

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CHICAGO  Former U.S. Rep. Harris W. Fawell of Illinois, who served seven terms in Congress and was a state senator, has died. He was 92.

Fawell died of complications from Alzheimer's disease Thursday at his home in suburban Naperville, his wife Ruth told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Fawell, a Republican, represented a Chicago-area district in Congress from 1985 to 1999 when he retired. He was known as a fiscal conservative, and spent time on a bipartisan panel that objected to excessive government spending on lawmakers' pet projects.

Family members recall a caring man of quick wit.

"He was a loving, honest and intelligent man," his wife of 69 years said. "A husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather."

Fawell was born in West Chicago in 1929. He earned a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and practiced as an attorney. He was part of a well-known family in DuPage County politics; His late brother, Bruce, was a circuit court judge and his late sister-in-law, Beverly, was a state senator.

Harris Fawell began his Illinois Senate career in 1963, leaving office in 1977 for an unsuccessful Illinois Supreme Court bid.

While he was a Republican, he supported Democrat Barack Obama's presidential bid in 2008 and was one of 30 former GOP members of Congress who in 2016 publicly said they would not vote for Donald Trump.

In later years, Fawell reflected on his work as an elected leader in essays, including for a 2007 volume of Gonzaga University's International Journal of Servant-Leadership.

"I have come to believe, after 14 years in our nation's government, that eventually we all must learn that we need an ability, indeed, perhaps better referred to as a response-ability, to drop our negative judgments, defensiveness, resentments, hatreds and criticisms that serve only to short-circuit our natural gifts of love," he wrote. "We do, indeed, need to remind ourselves constantly that love is the only reality there is and that we are all here to love and serve."

Funeral services were private, according to Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory in Naperville.

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida outlined on Friday an urgent plan to increase hospital beds and medical resources in preparation for a possible resurgence of COVID-19 infections this winter.



After a deadly fifth wave of infections almost overwhelmed the medical system during the summer, infections and deaths have fallen dramatically as vaccinations have increased to cover more than 70% of the population.



Emergency measures covering most of the country were lifted last month, but health experts warn that cases will likely rebound, as they did in Japan last winter. Ahead of that, the government plans to boost hospital bed capacity by about 30%, bolster in-home care, and collect data to predict which hospitals will come under pressure.



"In parallel with strengthening the medical system, from December we will use IT systems to make public the number of hospital beds and conditions at each hospital," Kishida told reporters.



Kishida said earlier this week that the "trump card" in the government's pandemic fight was the procurement of oral treatments that could prevent the need for hospitalisation.



Japan will pay about $1.2 billion for 1.6 million courses of the COVID-19 antiviral pill molnupiravir developed by Merck & Co Inc (MRK.N) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, according to terms announced on Wednesday. [nL8N2RP5M1]



That's about half the supply that has been secured by the United States and compares with a total of 1.7 million coronavirus cases seen in Japan since the start of the pandemic. read more



Meanwhile, vaccine booster shots are due to start from next month, and the government is considering expanding inoculations to children as young as five. read more



Japan has weathered the pandemic better than many countries, with just over 18,000 deaths so far and without the imposition of stringent lockdowns.



But the government faced heavy criticism over a spate of deaths at home among patients due to hospitals' inability to handle the rash of cases during the summer. Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga resigned in September over his handling of the crisis.



To stave off the bed shortage, the health ministry has adopted a system that uses past and present infection data to predict when and where medical resources will come under strain.



"A sixth wave is a question of when rather than if," said Yuki Furuse, a Kyoto University professor who developed the predictive tool.



"Because the current situation in Japan is calm, it seems okay to lift some restrictions now. However, I am concerned about whether people can go back to a 'voluntary self-restraint state' again when needed," he added.

Source: REUTERS









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

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The Chief Executive Officer of K. Badu Agrochemicals, Dr Augustine Kofi Badu, has received an International Honorary Fellowship Award (Agri-Business Management) in a grand ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School auditorium.



His exceptional entrepreneurial qualities attracted the attention of George Fox University, USA, upon recommendations proposed by Rectitude International Mission (RIM) and its affiliate with the Bureau of Research on Governance, Commerce, and Administration (BORGCA).



The high-status award from the higher learning institution, established in 1891 is the first-ever to an African.



Professor Tyler Cuddeford, PT, PhD Associate Dean, George Fox University College of Physical Therapy, at the colourful ceremony stated that The governing council at George Fox University in Newberg OR, USA, the joint committee of the faculty of the College of Physical Therapy has monitored your works over the years and deemed it proper to urge you on with this honour.



He added, We believe this (Honorary Fellowship -Doctor of Science) will encourage you to go the extra mile to serve your community in particular and your country as a whole in your field of endeavour.



The K. Badu Agrochemicals CEO in his response said, I am honoured for his recognition, it clearly tells me people and institutions monitor individuals and companies works. Indeed, this will urge us all-the company to go the extra mile in our quest to strive for excellence not only in Ghana but beyond our shores. We are indeed grateful and highly honoured.



"I couldn't have achieved this feat without great contributions and support from great friends like Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Dr Ofori Sarpong, my beautiful and hardworking wife and of course Rectitude International Mission for the recommendation. I am indeed grateful ."

Source: Kofi Aduonum









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The son of Libya's late leader Muammar al-Gaddafi has registered as a candidate in the country's first direct presidential election next month.



Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was once the heir apparent to his father, but his support for a brutal crackdown on protesters 10 years ago tarnished his image.

Since that 2011 uprising, Libya has been riven by conflict.



Rights groups have raised fears the vote, scheduled for 24 December, will not be free and fair.



World powers and the UN secretary-general have warned that anyone who tries to obstruct it or falsify the outcome will face sanctions.



Photos and video circulating online show Saif al-Islam Gaddafi sitting in front of a poster for the upcoming poll, signing electoral papers.



Read Full Story .... HERE >>> :









Source: BBC









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The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) has appealed to the government to revisit the recommendations by the Professor Fiadjoe Constitutional Review Committee for a National Development Plan.

We are of the strong conviction that the implementation of these and other recommendations will be in the right direction, it stated.



In a communique issued at the end of the plenary of the GCBC in Wa last Friday, the bishops noted that during the consultations of the Prof. Fiadjoe Commission, there was widespread, consistent and a clear call for the formulation of a national development plan or vision for Ghana.



There was universal agreement on the need for a long-term, strategic and relatively binding National Development Plan.



It said on the commissions findings and observations, it recommended that the constitution be amended to include an entrenched provision for the development of a national development plan for Ghana. That, the national development plan should be comprehensive, long-term, strategic, multi-year, and binding in nature and enforceable at the instance of any person or institution.



It said the bishops were of the strong conviction that the implementation of these and other recommendations will be in the right direction.



Local governance



On local governance and decentralisation, the communique noted that decentralisation, which sought to promote effective local governance, was the way to bring governance and its benefits to the people and improve the participation of citizens in the governance process as it enhanced democracy at the grassroots, inclusiveness and accountability.



It, however, observed that the nominations and confirmations of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) over the years had brought to the fore how deep rooted the culture of bribery and corruption in the countrys governance system was.



This calls for the need to return to the proposal for a constitutional amendment to elect the MMDCEs, it stated.



While acknowledging the positive achievements chalked up by successive governments in the provision of infrastructure development, improved access to quality health, education and essential utilities, we your bishops and many other Ghanaians have observed that our numerous challenges persist.



These challenges, among others, include: youth unemployment, bribery, corruption, greed, selfishness, lack of patriotism, poverty, deplorable roads, carnage on our roads, armed robbery, murder and other crimes, galamsey, weak and ineffective institutions of governance, abandoned and unfinished government projects, the culture of impunity, examination malpractices, violence, intimidation, attack on media men and women, human trafficking and abductions, it stated.



The communique pointed out that this worrying state of our nation calls for some fundamental changes in our governance system with regard to strategic and well-structured development plans by all governments.



LGBTQI+



The bishops reaffirmed their support for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 and appealed to Ghanaians to support it so that it was passed into law.



The position of the Catholic Church on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) has remained the same, that such practices are against not only Christian values, but Muslim and Ghanaian traditional values as well, it stated.







Source: graphiconline.com









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Volta Regional Minister says the government has been providing support for victims of the tidal wave that affected keta and its environs on 6th November 2021; barely two days after the wave hit.



Contrary to speculation that the people have been abandoned, Archibald Yao Letsa said the government through the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) has been supporting victims with relief items.



This comes on the back of claims by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ketu South constituency, Dzifa Abla Gomashie and other leading members of opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the government has abandoned victims of the tidal wave.



However, Mr Letsa in an interview with journalists on Monday, November 15, 2021, described their claims as unfortunate because the government has taken several steps towards alleviating the plight of the victims.



We have been in contact with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) ever since the tidal waves hit. In the week that it struck, we got some relief items from them, and these relief items were dispatched to the area. These include mattresses, blankets, mosquito nets, mats, rice, maize, cooking oil and detergents. When the items arrived, I gave the instructions that they should be sent to Keta and distributed to the three affected assemblies: Ketu South, Keta and Angloga, he said.



While empathizing with the people of Keta, Mr Letsa said a long-term solution was also being pursued by the government to end this perennial disaster. He said phase two of the Keta sea defence is in the offing and in due time, work will start.



He also assured that government will not neglect the victims of the tidal wave and will do all it can to offer support in every possible way.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









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Corruption prevention measures implemented by the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) in 2020 saved the country GH387 million.



The measures included tackling weak control systems and injecting discipline in the management of public funds.



The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who made this known when he swore in members of the IAA Board at the Jubilee House last Friday, commended the agency for protecting the public purse.



He said in addition to saving the country millions of cedis through the work of the agency, audit committees and internal audit units across the country, audit infractions reported in the 2020 Auditor-Generals Report reduced by 32 per cent for ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), 34 per cent for metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), 92 per cent for technical universities and 38 per cent for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and other statutory funds.



The IAA Board, which is chaired by Mr Joseph B. Winful, has Dr Eric O. Osae, Mr Samuel Danquah Arkhurst, Mr Frank A. Raji, Dr Mrs Janet Ampadu Fofie, Mr Fiifi Kwakye, Madam Edith Pinamang, Professor Kwame A. Frimpong and Mr Christian Sottie as members.



Protecting national purse



Dr Bawumia said in fulfilment of the pledge by the Akufo-Addo administration to protect the national purse, it had made significant successes, with anti-corruption institutions, of which the IAA was part, receiving significant increases in their budgetary support.



He said the government had initiated a process to repeal the Internal Audit Agency Act 2003 (Act 658) to restructure public sector internal auditing, with the goal to convert the agency into a service, rationalise the conditions of service, and move public sector internal auditing from conventional auditing to a risk-based auditing system.



Digitisation



The Vice-President explained that as part of the digitalisation agenda, the IAA now had a vibrant website which had facilitated the submission of quarterly internal audit reports, without walking to the agencys office.



He added that with support from the European Union (EU), the IAA was being supported to develop an Audit Management Information System (AMIS) which would help automate the conduct of public sector internal auditing.



He commended the agency for the guidance in building risk management structures in public institutions to develop their capacity to minimise risks exposed by those institutions.



Dr Bawumia indicated that the further training of 892 management members and internal auditors in risk management, in line with the Public Financial Management Act, was evidence of the critical role the agency played in sustaining sound control systems in public institutions.



He saluted the IAA for establishing 553 audit committees across the country to help strengthen the fight against corruption, noting: If we can win the fight against corruption, a lot depends on internal auditors and audit committees.



Name and shame



Dr Bawumia urged the board to continue to work to reduce audit infractions reported by the Auditor-General, just as happened between 2019 and 2020 for MDAs, MMDAs, the DACF and other statutory funds.



The naming and shaming of institutions which failed to submit their audit work plans and reports for 2020/2021 also caught my attention and I encourage the new board to ensure that defaulting institutions comply with the internal requirements under Ghanas PFM Act, he added.



He was of the conviction that if internal auditors did their work well, external auditors might have nothing to report on during the annual audits.



I will, therefore, task the board to ensure high performance of internal auditors to justify the need for additional resourcing of internal audit activities across the country, the Vice-President said.



Board pledge



Speaking on behalf of the board, Dr Ampadu Fofie said the agency was repositioning itself as an important corruption prevention institution through proactive advisory and assurance services.



She said the vision to protect the public purse required Ghanaians to optimise the use of national resources and protect the country from loss through leakages, fraud, irregularities, misapplication and negligence.









Source: graphiconline.com









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The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye has expressed grave worry about the heavy politicization of the issue of tidal waves and its devastating effects on the lives of the countrys coastal dwellers.



The issue, the Minister indicated is a national problem which should be devoid of every temptation by political watchers especially politicians to score cheap political points with such occurrences, adding that such narratives are not only acts of dishonest but also a great disservice to the affected people.



The Works and Housing Minister made these statements when he visited communities of Ada and Sege in the Ada East and West Districts respectively that have been adversely affected following incidence of heavy tidal waves in coastal parts of the country in the past few days.



In recent times, the countrys coastal residents especially volta and Greater Accra regions have had to bear the brunt of incessant effect of climate change, leaving in its wake destruction of communities.



The Minister for Works and Housing Francis Asenso-Boakye gave the assurances that government will soon secure the needed funds to complete coastal protection works on sections of the countrys 550km coastal stretch that remain at risk and possesses a threat to life and properties of coastal dwellers.



Following extensive discussions with the Finance Ministry, the Minister said he was very optimistic that government will soon raise the necessary funding to implement the needed mitigation measures against the increasing threats of tidal waves.



The Minister said government takes the threat of coastal erosion and flooding seriously, adding that, it is the reason why huge financial investments in various sea defense projects across the country are being made to alleviate the plight of coastal dwellers.



"I can assure you that the government will do everything possible to assist you to recover from this unfortunate and traumatic experience." The Minister assured.



While government is making these efforts, the Minister reiterated the need for human activities that expose our coastline to increased rate of erosion as well as increased risk of flooding to halted.



The Minister visited the communities in the company of the District Chief Executives of the two districts, technical team from the Hydrological Services Department, and other officials from the Ministry.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









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

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Prof. Christopher Ameyaw- Akumfi, Board Chairman of Public Procurement Authority yesterday, November 13th, 2021 at the Mid North Ghana Conference of the Adventist Men's Ministry retreat for the Bono East Region admonished citizens to remain disciplined.



Speaking to the congregation which drew men from across the Bono East region to the Atebubu Senior high school, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi bemoaned the worrisome increased in indiscipline especially among young people, and called for a communal approach for ensuring discipline. He asked parents and teachers to use joint efforts in enforcing discipline, and advocated the use of positive reenforcement to correct deviant wards.



Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi commended the Seventh Day Adventist church for their effort towards national development by providing schools, hospitals and other facilities in Ghana and appealed for continuous support for development.

Source: Kwabena Manu/Peace fm/Bono East correspondent.









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LGBTQ+ Bill: Archbishop of Canterbury, senior clergy of Anglican Church of Ghana agree to respect cultures



Senior bishops of the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom and Ghana have agreed that although human dignity is always paramount, cultural and social contexts must also be considered.



This agreement was established during a virtual meeting held between the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior clergy of the Anglican Church of Ghana on Wednesday, November 3.



The fraternity discussed their different positions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, presently before Parliament.



The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was one of the several UK-based church leaders who expressed worry over the Bill.



Taking to Twitter on October 26, he decried the stands of the Anglican Church of Ghana, stating that the majority of Anglicans within the global Anglican Communion are committed to upholding both the traditional teaching on marriage as laid out in the 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution I:10 and the rights of every person, regardless of sexual orientation, before the law.



But in a statement issued after the meeting, Archbishop Welby admitted that he has no authority over the Anglican Church of Ghana, therefore, ensured that the conversation was one between equals.



We are a global family of churches who are autonomous but interdependent: a holy, catholic, apostolic Church bound together by history, sacraments, liturgy, and the love of Jesus Christ for each and every person, he added.



The Archbishop, however, assured that there would be a continued good conversation with the Anglican Church of Ghana ahead of any future public statements.



In August, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ activities in the country. The proponents also want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be forbidden in the country.



Since the controversial bill was made public, opposers have argued that should the bill be passed into law, it will be in violation of the fundamental human rights of individuals who identify with the group.



The bill is currently with the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament who is hearing the arguments of both proponents and opposers to make an informed decision on it.

Source: myjoyonline.com









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

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Research has revealed that 60 per cent of all new cases of HIV are found in people who indulge in the controversial LGBTQI+.



It also revealed that constant anal sex makes them 20 to 40 times susceptible to having anal cancers.



A medical doctor and psychologist, Dr Isaac Arthur, who was contributing to a discussion on the proper human sexual rights and family values in Kumasi, said HIV and deaths from anal sex spread four times more than that from the vagina.



Programme



The programme, organised by the Christian University College in Kumasi, was on the theme: "Perspective on LGBTQI+: Theological, Science and Legal."



Quoting from a number of research materials and the Holy Bible, Dr Arthur said the practice was not backed by science and theology and must be frowned upon.



Making a strong case for why the practice should be abhorred, the medical doctor said LGBTQI+ practitioners had high risk of domestic violence due to its associated "dangerous jealousy."



Broadly, he stated that blacks, who practise LGBTQI+ in America, for instance, contributed about 10 per cent to all HIV cases.



Dr Arthur said the practice had the tendency to affect the mental and the general wellbeing of an individual.



Currently, he said, he was helping a lot of people to correct their abnormalities after expressing remorse.



Foh-Amoaning



For his part, a senior lecturer at the Ghana School of Law and the Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, said those advancing the practice had always used propaganda and lies as their key strategy.



He said legally, their actions were not backed by law and all attempts to treat it as a human rights issue were false.



He said the current law before Parliament was not going after those who practised it but to support and bring them comfort.



State



Mr Foh-Amoaning said it was the responsibility of the state to protect our children from homosexual practice and the so-called comprehensive sexuality, which some people want to introduce into schools.



He said currently, the laws of Ghana frown on sodomy and its related practices saying subsequently, "a law cannot emanate from illegality."



Mr Foh-Amoaning called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his Vice, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and all who mattered in society to speak against the practice openly.



Morality



A retired Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Prof. Daniel Yinkah Sarfo, touching on the spiritual/ theological implications of the practice, said no one had an authority over morality except God.



Subsequently, he said the Western world could not design their own definition of morality and impose them on Ghanaians.



He commended the Church of Pentecost and all other religious groups for openly speaking against it.









Source: graphiconline.com









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

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A total number of 571, 894 candidates will sit for this years Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) from today, Monday, November 15, 2021 to Friday November 19, 2021 at 2,158 centres nationwide.



A total of 531,707 and 517,332 candidates sat for the examination in 2020 and 2019, respectively.



Head of Public Affairs, West African Examinations Councils National Office, Agnes Teye-Cudjoe, said the Council had put in place stringent security measures to prevent leakages in this years examinations.



She said officials of the National Intelligence Bureau monitored the production process  printing, sorting and packaging of the papers- and confident that there would be no leakages of the papers before and during the exams.



The Council has also increased the number of depots storing confidential materials under strict surveillance to ensure that the papers did not leak before and during the examinations, she said.



Mrs Teye-Cudjoe said all COVID-19 safety protocols would be observed during the examination, stressing that all candidates would be given hand sanitisers and that should a candidate fall sick and a medical report is available, a committee will look into the situation and take a decision.



A statement signed by Cassandra Twum Ampofo, Head of Public Relations, Ghana Education Service, commended teachers, school heads, parents, and other stakeholders for preparing the candidates for the examination.



The statement entreated all stakeholders to desist from any form of examination malpractice.



It said details of the selection process for the Senior High School would be communicated in due course and wished all candidates success and good luck.

















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

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A group of adolescents in the Central Region have called on the government to ban pornography as a means to curb teenage pregnancy in the country.



According to them the countrys youth were over-exposed to pornography which influences them to engage in risky behaviours, often leading to teenage pregnancy.



The youth were participating in an intergenerational conference during which 150 adolescents from all the districts in the Central held discussions with Members of Parliament (MPs) on the high incidence of adolescent pregnancy in the country.



The conference was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as part of a three-day solution- based dialogue between the Parliamentary Caucus on Population and Development and the Young Parliamentarians Forum and adolescents in the Central Region on how to effectively respond to the issue of teenage pregnancy in and the country



Enact laws



The adolescents contended that the enactment of laws that would restrict access to pornography would limit adolescents exposure and their attention would be diverted to more productive ventures.



According to them, other triggers of teenage pregnancy were broken homes, social media influence, love for material things, dealing with the challenges of menstruation and irresponsible parenting.



The youth further appealed for a policy to make access to sanitary pads affordable and accessible to adolescent girls, particularly to the rural poor to prevent the situation where girls depend on financial support from men and boys to procure sanitary pad when they menstruate every month.



Real issues



In a statement to open the conference, Mrs. Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa said the discussions at the conference will reveal the real issues behind the statistics to enable the legislators define their role in finding a solution to teenage pregnancy in the country.



She noted that although there are indications that teenage pregnancy was on the decline in the Central Region, due to a number of interventions being implemented, the rate of reduction was very slow, hence the need for legislation.



Empowering adolescent girls



In a statement read on his behalf, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, the UNFPA Representative said the UN agency was implementing a joint programme with support from Canada to empower adolescent girls through improved access to gender-responsive sexuality education and quality sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana.



A core pillar of this programme is to engage policy makers at varied levels to advocate for, and facilitate a paradigm shift for promoting investments in adolescent girls, he added.



Touching on the issue of adolescent pregnancy, Mr. Ojuolape said the statistics released by Ghana Health Service, even if it is declining over the years is still worrying. To have over 2,800 girls between 10 to 14 years getting pregnant in 2020 when we have a law that says having sex with a girl under sixteen years of age is defilement is worrying because it is clearly a case of sexual and gender based violence.



We are worried because we know that all the adolescent pregnancies are unintended pregnancies. Majority might result in unsafe child births and the dreams of these young people will not be fulfilled, Mr Ojuolape stated.



He reiterated that the mission of UNFPA was to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.



Mr. Ojuolape indicated that if Ghana wants to really turn the wheels towards economic prosperity, then it must collaborate and contribute to the harnessing of demographic dividend through investment in young people; one of which is to find a real solution to curbing teenage pregnancy.



He said UNFPA recognises the Members of Parliament as agents of change, with social and moral capital to advance the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda in Ghana, including issues affecting adolescent girls hence the conference to find a solution to teenage pregnancy.









Source: graphiconline.com









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

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The Reversal of the benchmark discount values on vehicles and some selected imports is set to become effective today (November 15, 2021) according to a letter by the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah.

What the commissioner-general said was a follow up to a September 27 agreement on the removal of the discount of benchmark values on some selected commodities that previously enjoyed the arrangement.



A letter dated, November 11, 2021 and signed by Rev. Owusu-Amoah to the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, copies of which were sent to the minister of Trade and his deputies, as well as the commissioner of Customs and his deputies in charge of Operations and Preventive which was sighted by the Daily Graphic said that the 30 per cent discount for vehicles and 50 per cent discount for general goods were to cease effectively from November 15.



Commodities



Apart from vehicles, machinery and equipment, the letter listed sugar, pasta/spaghetti and noodles products, palm oil, crude and refine oils, finished aluminium products, as well as toilet/facial tissue and towels, biscuits, pharmaceutical products as among some 32 commodities to be affected by the reversal policy.



Others, including chocolate products, clinker, cement, mosquito coils, ceramic tiles, agricultural inputs such as machetes, fruit juices, tomato paste, selected soap and detergent products, lubricants, alcoholic and carbonated drinks, and beverages, were also affected.



The commissioner general in an internal memo to the deputy commissioner of Customs in charge of Operations also directed for the reversal policy to be applied on all new bill of entries (BOEs) for selected items being processed on or after 12 midnight on November 15, 2021.



The discount regime was introduced in April 2019 offering 50 per cent for general imports and 30 per cent home delivery value (HDV) for vehicles following persistent calls by the trading public on high import duty rates at the countrys ports.



Benchmark values were introduced as a risk mechanism by Customs to allow it to independently authenticate the international transactional values of products presented by importers for clearance at the countrys ports.



GUTA



The Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) has, however, expressed disappointment at the turn of events as according to the Associations President, Mr Joseph Obeng, there was an ongoing discussions between the trading community and the government on the issue, which we have not brought to any finality.



The Economic Management Team (EMT), Mr Obeng said, had promised to engage the association and relevant stakeholder bodies of which no such engagement had been made, apart from a recent assurance by the Senior Advisor to the President, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, at a recent Presidential Business Forum at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.



He stressed that since the consultations had not been made, the associations did not expect the GRA to have sprung such a surprise on them.



We want to urge the GRA to withdraw the directive and engage us in the spirit of cooperation so we can find an amicable solution to the issue, Mr Obeng said, urging the business community to ignore the directive until all issues were ironed out.



Attempts to get responses from the GRA on the latest developments were unsuccessful.









Source: graphiconline.com









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The Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, has advised traditional rulers and community leaders not to attempt or intervene to settle child abuse cases at home.

He said child abuse of any form was a criminal offence that had to be dealt with in order to curb it, since attempts to get such issues settled out of court only encouraged its recurrence.



He gave the advice when he inaugurated a Child-Friendly Gender-Based Violence Court (CF-GBVC) at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region.



The establishment of the court is aimed at increasing access to justice for women and children, especially the vulnerable in the society.



Improve childrens evidence



The establishment of the court is part of measures to improve the quality and accuracy of childrens evidence, by addressing the challenges victims face in the process of seeking justice and contribute toward ending violence against women and children.



The refurbishment of the existing facility was jointly funded by UNICEF and the Judicial Service.



The court is specialised and fitted to address the corresponding special age appropriate requirements of children, to ease their burden as they go through the judicial system.



Among those special features it has been provided with are a child testifying room and a childrens playroom stocked with books and toys for the use of children when they have to wait during court proceedings.



Also, it has technological mechanisms such as a CCTV system, designed in a way that a child or a survivor will not have to encounter a perpetrator physically in the court.



Additionally, the facility is fitted with a Direct Transcription System which will facilitate the recording of proceedings at the court in real time so that same will be available by the close of the day.



Speaking at the inauguration of the court, Justice Anin Yeboah said the Gender-Based Violence Court concept was adopted by the Judiciary in response to calls to address promptly delays in the hearing of cases, especially sexual abuse cases.



He said the judicial service was committed to its long-term mission of improving the judicial infrastructure to conform to international best practice for efficient justice delivery.



The Chief Justice said the inauguration of the court was a demonstration of that commitment to address the challenges that confronted the service towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 which was dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.



Justice Anin Yeboah indicated that a yet-to-be finalised report on the levels and underlying challenges that confronted judges would be published soon while other ancillary services required to guide a judge to make effective progress on any case was, however, not readily available.



The Chief Justice mentioned the acquisition of medical reports, forensic and other social services as some of the levels and underlying challenges leading to attrition of gender based violence cases within the Judiciary.



Cost of violence



A Child Protective Specialist of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Ghana, Ms Hilda Mensah, said a study conducted by the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research ISSER) of the University of Ghana revealed that Ghana lost $19 million (GH73.5 million) as economic cost of violence against women and girls in 2019.



She said national estimates had shown that about GH18.7 million was spent annually on services and other expenditure in responding to fallout of sexual and gender-based violence.



Ms Mensah, also, said costing studies conducted by the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection in 2015 estimated that child abuse cost the Ghanaian economy between GH926 million and GH1.4 billion each year.



Caution



The Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, vowed to destool any sub-chief under him, who would attempt to settle child abuse cases, especially defilement.



Himself a Justice of the High Court, Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, advised chiefs and community leaders to allow the law enforcement agencies and the court to handle such cases.



He appealed to the public, particularly spouses, to desist from all forms of violence against women and children.



Peace



The Bono Regional Minister, Ms Justina Owusu-Banahene, explained that peace and security were prerequisites for accelerated development and appealed to chiefs and people in the region to promote peace for development.



He called on the public to give relevant information to the police that could lead to the arrest of criminals for prosecution to deter others.



Ms Owusu-Banahene admonished the public to be vigilant, cautious and report child and women abuse to the police and urged judicial service workers who would be posted to the facility to exhibit high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.









Source: graphiconline.com









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

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The Headmaster of the St Charles Lwanga Junior High School (JHS) in Saboba in the Northern Region, who has been arrested in connection with the drowning of nine students of the school, will be arraigned in Tamale today on a charge of manslaughter.



The Headmaster, Mr Emmanuel Chinja, 43, was arrested last Saturday and kept in police custody to assist in investigations.



The police said Mr Chinja had sent some 31 students of his school to work on his rice farm, with nine of them getting drowned while they were returning from the farm when one of the two canoes with which they were crossing the River Oti capsized last Friday evening.



Briefing



Briefing the Daily Graphic, the Saboba District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Shine Zoiku, said the headmaster handed himself to the police last Saturday after he was declared wanted.



According to him, Chinja went into hiding for fear of his life due to the heightened tension which surrounded the incident, but handed himself to the police for safety a day after the incident.



He indicated that all nine bodies had been retrieved and had since been handed over to their families for burial.



Background



Saboba was thrown into a state of mourning after nine JHS students drowned in the Oti River last Friday afternoon.



The incident is said to have occurred at Buntu, a farming community near Saboba.



The victims were among 31 students of the school who had allegedly gone to work on their headmasters farm earlier in the day and who got drowned when they were returning home in batches.



The students had gone to the headmasters farm to harvest rice, and when they were returning home, nine of them on board a canoe which they were paddling themselves got drowned.



Following the incident, personnel of the Ghana Police Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), as well as some residents of the area, undertook an operation to retrieve the bodies from the river.

Source: graphiconline.com









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

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Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Atta Mills Institute and immediate past Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Operations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has expressed full support for the call for the NDC to extend a hand of reconciliation to Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.



The call for the near-urgent need for the NDC to find prudent ways of making peace with the wife of the Founder of the party was made by Honourable Dr Rawlings on the occasion of the first anniversary remembrance of the late President Jerry John Rawlings.



Her passionate plea for the elders of the NDC to show greater strength, swallow the hurt of the past, and move forward with a more united front, seems to be echoing well.



According to the daughter of President Rawlings  I will say the thing that nobody wants to say: lets bring Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings back into the NDC 



Supporting the call by Dr Rawlings, Mr Anyidoho said that, it is very telling, that, the daughter of the late Rawlings chose the occasion of remembering her late father to make such a passionate and wise appeal.



I do not consider Ezanetor to be a frivolous person, and for her to choose the platform of the 1st Anniversary Remembrance of her late father to speak from her heart, speaks volumes about how deeply she feels about the issue, he said.



According to Mr Anyidoho, he believes that it is only a positively united NDC that can manage to ease the turbulence and raging storms.



It is about time, pride, hubris, egos, are shelved, for the NDC to go back to basics and rebuild the spirit of comradeship and camaraderie.



People are saying Konadu left so nobody sacked her. It is true she left on her own volition but nothing stops the NDC from making genuine efforts at reaching out to her. When she left and she was taunted and waved goodbye, what did we expect? Certainly, it was going to be difficult for her to return. If years have gone by and there is a call from no less a person than a daughter of Jerry John Rawlings to reach out to her mother, let the NDC not take it lightly.



According to Mr Anyidoho, the future of the NDC is more crucial than its past and so if the NDC loses any opportunity to build bridges, the fear that Rawlings continued to express openly about the existential threat facing the party, may hit with a deafening bang.













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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Founder and CEO of the Atta-Mills Institute (AMI), and immediate-past Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Operations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho has expressed full support for the call for the NDC to extend a hand of reconciliation to Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.



The call for the near-urgent need for the NDC to find prudent ways of making peace with the wife of the Founder of the Party, was made by Honourable Dr. Ezanetor Rawlings on the occasion of the first anniversary remembrance of the late President Jerry John Rawlings.



Ezanetor Rawlings' passionate plea for the Elders of the NDC to show greater strength, swallow the hurt of the past, and move forward with a more united front, seems to be echoing well.



According to the daughter of President Rawlings "... I will say the thing that nobody wants to say: let's bring back Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings back into the NDC ...".



Speaking to this on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia Programme, Mr. Anyidoho pointed out it is very telling that the daughter of Mr Rawlings chose the occasion of remembering her late father to make such a passionate and wise appeal.



He further indicated that it is only when the NDC is positively united that the party can manage to weather its turbulence and raging storms.



"I do not consider Ezanetor to be a frivolous person, and for her to choose the platform of the 1st Anniversary Remembrance of her late father to speak from her heart, speaks volumes about how deeply she feels about the issue".



"It is about time pride, hubris, egos, are shelved, for the NDC to go back to basics and rebuild the spirit of comradeship and camaraderie".



"People are saying Konadu left so nobody sacked her. It is true she left on her own volition but nothing stops the NDC from making genuine efforts at reaching out to her. When she left and she was taunted and waved goodbye, what did we expect? Certainly, it was going to be difficult for her to return. If years have gone by and there is a call from no less a person than a daughter of Jerry John Rawlings to reach out to her mother, let the NDC not take it lightly," Koku Anyidoho stated.



The former NDC Deputy General Secretary added that the future of the NDC is more crucial than its past and so if the oarty loses any opportunity to build bridges, "the fear that Rawlings continued to express openly about the existential threat facing the party, may hit with a deafening bang".



Watch video below







Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that its doors are open to former party members who joined other political parties.



It said the partys constitution was clear on the mode of rejoining, which was to renounce ones membership of his/her new party and reapplying to join the NDC.



Responding to an appeal by the NDC MP for Klottey Korley, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings for the hierarchy of the party to accept Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings back into its wings, multiple sources within the party, who did not want to be quoted, said while the appeal was welcomed, the procedures needed to be followed.



They were, however, emphatic that the leadership would also do some consultations including engaging the Council of Elders on the way forward.



There are constitutional hurdles that need to be cleared. We will engage and see the way forward, one of the leaders told the Daily Graphic.



Anniversary



The sources spoke to the Daily Graphic at the partys headquarters last Friday after a short commemorative ceremony of the first anniversary of the demise of the late former President Rawlings. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings, at the ceremony, said the party reconciling with the estranged member would heighten the chances of the NDC in its bid to annex power in the 2024 general election.



On this particular occasion, let me say the thing that nobody wants to say. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings is an integral part of this party. Let us do what we have to do to bring her back. In every family, there is conflict.



But in every family, there are elders who will be part of the mediation of the conflict. We are calling on our elders. We dont know what tomorrow holds. But if we want true victory, a convincing win, so that we can rescue the people of Ghana from where we are today, let us do what we have to do, the MP said.



Koku Anyidoho



In a related development, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Atta-Mills Institute (AMI), and immediate-past Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Operations for the NDC, Mr. Samuel Koku Anyidoho has expressed full support for the call for the NDC to extend a hand of reconciliation to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.



Supporting the call by Dr. Agyeman- Rawlings, Mr. Anyidoho stated that it is very telling, that, the daughter of Rawlings chose the occasion of remembering her late father to make such a passionate and wise appeal.



"I do not consider Zanetor to be a frivolous person, and for her to choose the platform of the first anniversary remembrance of her late father to speak from her heart, speaks volumes about how deeply she feels about the issue," he stated.



In a statement, Mr. Anyidoho, said it was only a positively united NDC that could manage to ease the turbulence and raging storms.



However, the National Democratic Party (NDP) has stated that the exit of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings was final.



It said Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings appeal to the NDC to take steps to bring the NDP founder back into NDC was not new.



In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, the party stated that the convictions of the NDP founder in consonance with the NDP policies stood irreconcilable with the orientation in the NDC.



Indeed, by her leadership of the NDP the nation is assured of the pristine grassroots participation in governance with a focus on critical and social infrastructure for national development.



Breakaway



In 2012, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings broke away from the NDC to form the National Democratic Party (NDP).



Prior to leaving the NDC to form the National Democratic Party (NDP), Mrs. Agyeman-Rawlings had contested the flagbearership of the NDC in 2011 with the late former President John Evans Atta Mills in Sunyani.













Source: graphiconline.com









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British-Born Ghanaian education activist and media personality, Peace Hyde, is the recipient of the African Growth Story award at Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism held at a socially-distanced gala event on October 28, 2021 at Marriott Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.



Established in 1974, the Sanlam Awards is a leading financial journalism prize in Africa, recognising exceptional business journalism on the continent in print, audio, TV, and online media, through the Category Awards, and Special Awards.



Organised in South Africa, it has become a prestigious and hotly contested accolade. The African Growth Story category honours the journalist who best captures the growth story of the African continent. It covers in-depth reporting that highlights the African growth story, the economic awakening, and rise of the continent, and the challenges and obstacles to growth.



Peace Hyde, who is a Forbes Africa correspondent and Head of Digital Media and Partnerships for West Africa, emerged as the winner for the hotly contested category African Growth Story of the Year.



The category was selected by an independent panel of judges which includes top media experts, an academic, and an economist  who judge the awards according to the following criteria: news value, impact, rigour in reporting, analytical value, originality, integrity, specialist knowledge, and storytelling.



Commenting on her win on Instagram, the curvaceous media personality seized the opportunity to appreciate Forbes Africa, CNBC Africa for supporting her dreams, and Sanlam Group for the award.



Thanks to my @ForbesAfrica & @CNBCAfrica family for believing in a Chemistry, Biology, and Physics teacher with a lofty media dream 6 years ago! Congratulations to all the 2021 @Sanlam.Group Excellence in Financial Journalism winners! It was an honour to be recognised and rewarded, she wrote.



Peace Hyde in 2018 was shortlisted among 200 leaders as part of the Obama Foundation Africa Leaders programme and in 2019, was awarded the African Social Impact award at the House of Parliament, House of Commons in the UK.



She is the head of Digital Media and Partnerships as well as the West African Correspondent at Forbes Africa responsible for the editorial content from the West African region as well as driving revenue growth for the brands through partnerships.

Source: Daily Guide









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

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has likened the Radio and Television Personality (RTP) Awards to Grammy Award held in the United States of America.



Grammy Award or simply 'Grammy' is presented by the Recording Academy to recognize achievements in the US music industry, therefore celebrating American music arts with a recent infusion of African music talents.



Winners are awarded with a gilded gramophone.



Grammy is one of the World's recognized awards events and its delivery is almost impeccable as year by year the event gets bigger and better.



This year, RTP Awards, has also been touted as the most well-organized awards event in Ghana.



Patrons, who trooped the event which was held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, were exceedingly pleased with it from the red carpet, organization to performances and the presentation of awards to winners.



Former President John Mahama, in an interview with XYZ TV which won the 2021 RTP Emerging TV of the Year, as part of his 'Thank Tour' passed a comment about the awards saying ''this is Ghana's Grammy''.



RTP Awards is organized by Big Events Ghana and its Chief Executive Officer, Prince Mackay.



Watch video below:





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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" " The difference between a college and a university lies mainly in what you are looking for out of a post-secondary education experience. Paul Bradbury/Getty Images

Nearly 20 million people in the U.S. enroll at post-secondary educational institutions each year, but do most people really know the difference between a college and a university? Some people use the terms almost interchangeably, but not fully understanding the differences could potentially steer you wrong when it comes to making decisions about your, or your children's, education. So maybe it's time to boost your college versus university knowledge  and, hey, this information could come in handy during a rousing game of trivia, too.

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What's the Difference?

Universities are typically larger than colleges because they are usually comprised of several colleges, ranging from single-digit conglomerations to those made up of more than a dozen different colleges. Harvard University, for example, has 12 degree-granting schools within the university, while Texas A&M University has 17 degree-granting colleges. Collectively, these colleges make up their respective universities.

But the differences don't end there. Some colleges grant only one type of degree, such as a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree. Most colleges don't offer graduate degrees at all, though there are some that do. Universities, on the other hand, offer four-year bachelor's degrees at their various colleges, and have the distinction of also offering advanced degrees in their post-college graduate degree programs. In addition, both colleges and universities can offer professional programs that culminate with certificates. These programs are short-term and certify that students who complete them are fluent in a specialized skill, such as web development or business administration.

Often, selecting the right college versus selecting the right university means striking a balance between receiving personalized attention as a student and attending an institution that offers the desired major. "The biggest advantage of attending a college as an undergraduate is that professors are more focused on teaching you, rather than focusing on their graduate students and their research. The disadvantage is that a college may have fewer majors to choose from than a university," says Benjamin Caldarella, co-founder of Princeton College Consulting in an email interview. "If you want more majors, that is the biggest advantage to most universities."

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Nonprofit Versus For-Profit

In general, post-secondary educational institutions  whether colleges or a universities  fall into one of three categories: public nonprofit, private nonprofit or for-profit. A college or university is classified as a public nonprofit school if it receives funding from state taxes. Because tuition is subsidized by state taxpayer monies at state colleges or universities, tuition is often less costly at these public universities than at a private college. Private colleges or universities rely on donations, endowments and, to a greater extent than public institutions, donations. However, that doesn't mean the higher tuitions at private colleges or universities are necessarily out of reach; many will offer aid to students with demonstrated financial need.

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The Freshman 15 (Thousand)

Another big difference between colleges and universities is size. Private colleges tend to have a smaller number of students than public universities. While a private college may top out at 2,000 students, a university may have a student body that is 15,000 or 20,000 strong.

The college versus university question also involves the number of students that comprise a typical class size. "Universities often have massive freshman and sophomore classes, with 75 to 200 students in a class, and these classes are often led by graduate students. The classes at a college will usually have 35 students in a class, and have direct teaching and interaction with senior professors," says Christie Barnes, author of "The Paranoid Parents Guide: College Edition" in an email interview. "But remember, Biology 101 is pretty much the same whether or not the college is a flagship university or a community college."

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Is University Education More Difficult?

The idea that it's more difficult to earn a degree at a large university is largely a myth. "[Is a university] better or harder? Not necessarily. Some of the best and most rigorous institutions of higher education are colleges," says Caldarella.

The truth is, most coursework is designed to be of similar difficulty, whether it is taught at a college or a at a university. And, there are a lot of other factors that come into play. "Any choice of college or university should be based how the individual fits the learning experience and environment, and not making the student fit the profile of the 'ideal student' at a college or university," says Barnes. "Find the best fit, and the most affordable. Any [college or university] will be good if the student has access to internships and great teachers who can mentor the student."

A full 20 percent of college freshmen drop out after their first year, whether that first year happens at a college or a university.
A typical village of the Sahel region in Niger. Credit: FAO

The Sahel extends south of the Sahara from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east of Africa. Vast areas of the formerly fertile region are now virtually uncultivated. Reasons are droughts, poor agricultural cultivation methods and overuse due to the growing demand for food and firewood.

The "Great Green Wall" initiative aims to compensate for and reverse this loss through mass planting of native trees and grasses. One hundred million hectares of land are to be restored in this way. So far, however, this ambitious goal is very far from being achievedpartly because of a lack of financial resources.

However, this could change in the future: Earlier this year, various donor countries pledged nearly $15 billion to the project at the One Planet Summit for Biodiversity. "In order to use these funds efficiently, we now have to ask ourselves where and for which measures they should be used most sensibly," emphasizes Dr. Alisher Mirzabaev of the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn.

Every dollar invested yields a 20-cent of net returns

The agricultural economist has led a study that provides an answer. The researchers divided the Sahel region into 40 million plots of 25 hectares each. For each of these, they then analyzed which land restoration measures would be possible and how much they would cost. They compared this calculation with the economic benefits that could be achieved.

Preparation for restoration of the "Green Wall" in Burkina Faso. Credit: FAO

"On the one hand, these include the so-called provisioning services," explains Mirzabaev: "These are the things that are produced by the ecosystems: Food and drinking water, raw materials such as wood or medicinal plants." There are also other effects, such as a better climate, less wind erosion or pollinators' services, which in turn increase the farmers' crop yields. They, too, can have a price tag attached to them today.

The results show that building the "Green Wall" is also economically worthwhile. But how much depends on a number of factors. As a rule, reforestation would be the most advantageous economically and ecologically. But it takes decades for a few hundred seedlings to grow into a forest. The investment therefore only bears fruit in the very long term.

The situation is different when degraded areas are converted into farmland. "Ideally, the first harvest is then possible after just one year," says Mirzabaev. Cropland restoration can thus pay for itself comparatively quickly, with many poor smallholder farmers also preferring quick returns from their restoration activities. However, the profits that can be achieved as a result are significantly lower, as are the environmental effects.

"In our analysis, we work with different scenarios, some of which are aimed more at short-term benefits, while others are more long-term," explains the agricultural economist, who is a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area "Sustainable Futures" at the University of Bonn. The so-called baseline scenario, for example, includes a mixture of both short-term and long-term returns. In it, every dollar spent yields an average net return of 20 cents.

A Sahel village near Timbuktu on the edge of the "Green Wall" Credit: FAO

Half of the profitable regions are too uncertain for action

However, there are huge regional variations in this. The most positive economic balance is for parts of Nigeria, Eritrea and Ethiopia. This is where the investment in the "Green Wall" is most worthwhile. To finance all the proposed measures in this scenario, a sum of 44 billion U.S. dollars would be needed. This would allow 28 million hectares of land to be restored.

However, the analysis also shows that this will probably only work in theory. The reason is that due to violent conflicts, many of the regions where it would make sense to build the Green Wall are simply too unsafe for such measures. "If we take out these areas, we are left with just 14 million hectares," Mirzabaev points out. "This shows how much such disputes not only cause direct human suffering, but also prevent positive development of the affected regions."

Explore further Image: Desert greenery

More information: A. Mirzabaev et al, Economic efficiency and targeting of the African Great Green Wall, Nature Sustainability (2021). Journal information: Nature Sustainability A. Mirzabaev et al, Economic efficiency and targeting of the African Great Green Wall,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00801-8
Artists concept of Oumuamua. Credit: William Hartmann

On October 19, 2017, astronomers made the first-ever detection of an interstellar object (ISO) passing through our solar system. Designated 1I/2017 U1 Oumuamua, this object confounded astronomers who could not determine if it was an interstellar comet or an asteroid. After four years and many theories (including the controversial "ET solar sail" hypothesis), the astronomical community appeared to land on an explanation that satisfied all the observations.

The "nitrogen iceberg" theory stated that "Oumuamua was likely debris from a Pluto-like planet in another stellar system. In their latest study, titled "The Mass Budget Necessary to Explain "Oumuamua as a Nitrogen Iceberg," Amir Siraj and Prof. Avi Loeb (who proposed the ET solar sail hypothesis) offered an official counter-argument to this theory. According to their new paper, there is an extreme shortage of exo-Plutos in the galaxy to explain the detection of a nitrogen iceberg.

In the paper where he broached the possibility, Loeb indicated that "Oumuamua's unusual character and behavior were consistent with a solar sail. This included the highly-reflective nature of the object and its profile, which appeared to be either cigar-shaped or pancake-like. More importantly, its sudden acceleration and deviation from its expected orbit appeared to be the result of radiation pressure, which is precisely how solar sails achieve propulsion.

There was also the way it entered our solar system, which allowed it to make a flyby of Earth after passing closest to our sun (perihelion). In other words, its orbital dynamics allowed it to get a close look at the only habitable planet in our solar system, which is precisely what one might expect of an interstellar probe. These arguments were detailed further in Loeb's book, "Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth."

At the time of the book's writing, all attempts to explain "Oumuamua in terms of natural phenomena fell short. Basically, there was no single explanation that could account for its brightness, profile and acceleration while acknowledging that there was no evidence of outgassing. In addition, the sudden acceleration could not be attributed to gravitational forces since these should have been slowing "Oumuamua down at the time.

In March of 2021, two researchers from the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU) offered a new hypothesis. In two published studies, SESE Exploration Fellow Alan Jackson and Professor Steven Desch argued that "Oumuamua may have been a nitrogen ice fragment ejected from a young star system (possibly in the Perseus Arm of our galaxy) ca. 400 to 500 million years ago.

In their first paper, Jackson and Desch addressed the size and compositional constraints of "Oumuamua and showed that "Oumuamua's albedo was similar to the nitrogen ices on the surfaces of Triton and Pluto. In their second paper, they showed how these types of nitrogen ice fragments could be generated by the collision of extrasolar objects similar in composition to Pluto and Kuiper Belt Object (KBOs).

By their estimates, these collisions would generate and eject around 100 trillion (~1014) objects into interstellar space, half of which would be composed of water ice and the other half of nitrogen (N 2 ). This population would be enough to satisfy the statistical significance of ISOs necessary to explain the detection of "Oumaumua. Equally important was the fact that an object composed of N 2 would not form a tail as it neared our sun, as there would be no water vapor or CO/CO 2 to sublimate. As Siraj explained to Universe Today via email:

"The attraction of the nitrogen iceberg hypothesis is primarily in explaining "Oumuamua's non-gravitational acceleration. Just like for a hypothetical hydrogen iceberg, a nitrogen iceberg's outgassing activity would not have been detectable in the measurements that were taken of "Oumuamua by the Spitzer Space Telescope, which simply limited the abundance of carbon-based molecules around "Oumuamua. As a result, the sublimation of material could conceivably power the object's observed non-gravitational acceleration."

One of the main points made by Loeb in his proposal paper was that regardless of "Oumuamua's true nature, its detection implied a massive population of similar objects in our galaxy. In their rebuttal paper, which was recently accepted for publication in the journal New Astronomy, Siraj and Loeb addressed whether there is enough material in the Milky Way galaxy to create such a population of nitrogen icebergs.

A consequence of Jackson and Desch's assessment was that there must be a robust population of "exo-Plutos" in our galaxy. For that to be the case, stars in the Milky Way would need to have enough material left over from star formation (i.e., a mass budget) to accommodate the formation of these planets. To test this, Siraj and Loeb took the nitrogen iceberg model and examined what amount of stellar material is required to make it work.

Artists impression of the first interstellar object Oumuamua, which was discovered on October 19th, 2017, by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser

"Our calculation is very straightforward," said Siraj. "We take all of the nitrogen iceberg model parameters, the required abundance of "Oumuamua-like objects to explain its detection by Pan-STARRS, and basic facts about stars in the galaxy, and derive from these values the total mass of solar metallicity material required to be converted into exo-Plutos, to make the nitrogen model plausible."

What they found was that even under the most optimistic assumptions possible, the model fails by several orders of magnitude. In short, a star system would not have enough nitrogen ice to allow for such a robust population of exo-Plutos, which means that statistically, there simply cannot be enough ISOs composed of N 2 to account for the fortuitous detection of "Oumuamua.

The model becomes even more unlikely when one considers how cosmic rays naturally erode ISOs. According to other recently published research, this process imposes a much shorter lifespan on ISOs than previously thought. Siraj says, "The primary issue with a nitrogen iceberg model is that producing the required population of such objects would require more than ten times the entire mass of stars in the Milky Way galaxy to be converted directly into exo-Plutosand when we properly account for inevitable cosmic ray erosion of nitrogen icebergs, we need a thousand times the galaxy's stellar mass. These numbers render the nitrogen model untenable, since only a small fraction of the stellar mass in the galaxy goes towards the production of exo-Plutos."

In addition, Siraj and Loeb cite research that appeared shortly after their study appeared on the arXiv that casts doubt on the prevalence of nitrogen icebergs in our galaxy. In a study titled "Constraints on the Occurrence of "Oumuamua-Like Objects," which appeared in the October issue of Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, authors Levine et al. argue that both the hydrogen iceberg and nitrogen iceberg hypotheses suffer from critical flaws.

Whereas the temperature requirements for the former theory make it untenable, the necessary formation efficiency does the same for the latter. In the end, they also determined that the mechanism for producing N 2 ice fragments (impacts on extrasolar Kuiper Belt analogs) was insufficient to create objects as large as "Oumuamua, and several orders of magnitude too low to create a population of 1014 objects.

What does this mean for "Oumuamua and the more "exotic" explanation of its origini.e., that it might have been an ET solar sail? For starters, it does not mean "it was aliens," nor is anyone in the astronomical community making that assertion. But it does mean that this latest attempt to explain "Oumuamua in terms of natural phenomena does not fit all of the requirementscontrary to what many suspected previously.

"The nitrogen model is now off the table," said Siraj. "This means that the "Oumuamua mystery remains wide open, motivating even more strongly the study of objects like "Oumuamua in the future. This is the goal of the interstellar object branch of the Galileo Project, which I have the privilege of leadingto discover and characterize objects like "Oumuamua, and ultimately to understand their nature."

The Galileo Project (described in a previous article) is a non-profit research initiative founded by Prof. Loeb and Frank H. Laukien, a visiting scholar to Harvard University and the Chairman, President, and CEO of the Bruker Corporation (a manufacturer of scientific instruments). This multi-national, multi-institutional project is made of volunteer experts, including Amir Siraj as its director of interstellar object studies.

Together, they are working to bring the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and technosignatures into the mainstream. They are joined by astronomers and observatories worldwide that are looking forward to the next few years when next-generation observatories will become operational in the coming years. This includes the Vera C. Rubin Observatory (formerly the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope), which is finishing construction in Chile and is expected to commence operations sometime next year (or possibly 2023).

Using its 8.4-meter (27 foot) mirror and 3200-megapixel camera, this observatory will conduct a 10-year survey, during which time it will observe an estimated 37 billion stars and galaxies. The Rubin Observatory will also explore our solar system and provide regular alerts concerning newly-discovered objects, including an estimated 5 ISOs a month. NASA and the ESA are also developing missions that will rendezvous with ISOs in the near future and study them up close.

Once again, the true nature and origins of "Oumuamua's have confounded explanation. In many ways, this is good news. If there is one thing the entire astronomical community can agree on, it's the fact that "Oumuamua represents a class of previously-unknown objects. The fact that such objects pass through our solar system regularly (and that some end up staying) presents immense opportunities for future study.

To put it in TL:DR terms, we're not saying it was aliens. But either way, we are sure to find out very soon.

Explore further Protoplanetary disks throw out more material than gets turned into planets

More information: Amir Siraj, Abraham Loeb, The Mass Budget Necessary to Explain `Oumuamua as a Nitrogen Iceberg. arXiv:2103.14032v4 [astro-ph.EP], Amir Siraj, Abraham Loeb, The Mass Budget Necessary to Explain `Oumuamua as a Nitrogen Iceberg. arXiv:2103.14032v4 [astro-ph.EP], arxiv.org/abs/2103.14032
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

University of Queensland researchers have called on governments to quicken the pace towards a smoke-free Australia by increasing their attention on reducing the availability of cigarettes.

UQ School of Public Health Associate Professor Coral Gartner, Director of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame, said governments have predominantly focused on consumers when introducing measures to reduce smoking rates.

"We are now calling on governments to focus on retail supply, which is the critical link between manufacturers and consumers," Dr. Gartner said.

"This is the next natural step towards controlling the tobacco use, as supported by a growing number of tobacco control advocacy organizations."

The move is gaining momentum internationally with North American city councils, Beverley Hills and Manhattan Beach ending tobacco sales on the first of January this year.

The Netherlands has also passed laws preventing supermarkets from selling cigarettes from 2024, and New Zealand has proposed new measures that include significantly reducing the number of tobacco retail outlets.

Dr. Gartner said researchers have highlighted several reasons why governments should introduce target end dates for tobacco sales and help retailers make the transition to a smoke-free society in a perspective article in the Medical Journal of Australia.

She said government intervention would provide tobacco retailers with certainty and assistance in future planning, make it easier for people to quit smoking, and assist the government to plan for reductions in tobacco tax revenue.

"Our motivation is to assist the government to manage tobacco supply more effectively," Dr. Gartner said.

"Most international governments, including Australia, are lagging behind the significant public support for ending tobacco retailing.

"For example, research shows half of all adults in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England and Hong Kong want tobacco sales phased out," Associate Professor Gartner said.

Allowing cigarettes to continue to be widely sold in general retail shops does not match their harmfulness and addictiveness.

"Furthermore, industry self-regulation and voluntary approaches won't reduce tobacco retailing to meet the government goal proposed in the draft National Preventive Health Strategy of reducing smoking to below 5 percent by 2030," she said.

"That's why it's time for the government to focus on supply reduction and plan an end date for tobacco retailing."

The full perspective article is published in the MJA.

More information: Coral E Gartner et al, It is time for governments to support retailers in the transition to a smokefree society, Medical Journal of Australia (2021). Journal information: Medical Journal of Australia Coral E Gartner et al, It is time for governments to support retailers in the transition to a smokefree society,(2021). DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51312
Application schematic diagram. Credit: SIAT

Invasive and implantable devices have been applied in neural prostheses to diagnose or treat diseases. Neural electrodes are a key bridge between internal tissue and external devices.

Recently, Prof. Wu Tianzhun's team from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed a new coating strategy that can improve the performance of neural electrodes.

The study was published in Advanced Materials Interfaces as the front cover.

The miniaturization and integration of neural electrodes will provide higher efficiency of electrical stimulation/recording in clinical practice. However, the interface impedance is extremely high with the shrinking size of electrode, which severely reduces its charge storage and injection capacity, and thus limits its practical application.

Based on the above considerations, Prof. Wu's group developed platinum (Pt) and iridium (Ir) nanomaterials in their previous work to improve the electrical performance and stimulation efficiency effectively due to their excellent electrical and catalytic properties, as well as superior stability and biocompatibility.

In this study, the researchers further developed a flower-shaped Pt nanocrystal with intensive high-surface area as an intermediate layer for accumulating a low-content IrO x with enhanced adhesion, showing a multiplier effect.

Compared with bare Pt electrode of the same size, the impedance of IrO x /Pt flower coated microelectrode at 1 kHz was down to 2 k, with a reduction of 94.23%. The corresponding cathodic charge storage capacity and charge injection capacity were increased up to 202.752.18 mCcm-2 and 6.530.16 mCcm-2, respectively.

IrO x layer adhered tightly to Pt nanocrystals, demonstrating robust chronic stability under continuous electrostimulation for 1108 cycles.

Other candidates such as Pt nanocone and Pt leaf nanostructures combined with the same content of IrO x also demonstrated significantly enhanced electrical performance for neural electrodes.

Notably, the as-prepared coatings exhibited good biosafety and promising electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 .

IrO x helped reducing the Tafel slope of Pt flower from 162.9 mVdec-1 to 41.1 mVdec-1 drastically, also with excellent durability after chronoamperometry test.

In addition, after 48 hours of culture, the surface coverage of Escherichia coli on IrO x /Pt flower electrode was much lower than that on the planar Pt electrode, which confirmed its potential antibacterial ability.

"The strategy can be applied in neural interface, water oxidation, anti-biological pollution, and is expected to be used in flexible bioelectronics and energy storage such as neural prostheses, efficient stimulation/recording electrodes and biosensing, and other practical applications," said Dr. Zeng Qi, the first author of this study.

Explore further Newly proposed strategy offers smart flexible neural electrode with high efficiency

More information: Qi Zeng et al, Platinum Nanocrystal Assisted by LowContent Iridium for HighPerformance Flexible Electrode: Applications on Neural Interface, Water Oxidation, and AntiMicrobial Contamination, Advanced Materials Interfaces (2021). Qi Zeng et al, Platinum Nanocrystal Assisted by LowContent Iridium for HighPerformance Flexible Electrode: Applications on Neural Interface, Water Oxidation, and AntiMicrobial Contamination,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/admi.202100965
South Korean President Moon Jae-in (left) campaigning in 2014 for Kim Kyoung-soo (right), who became governor of South Gyeongsang Province in 2018 but was subsequently convicted of opinion rigging. Credit: Udenjan/WikiCommons, CC BY 4.0

Disinformation, the practice of blending real and fake information with the goal of duping a government or influencing public opinion, has its origins in the Soviet Union. But disinformation is no longer the exclusive domain of government intelligence agencies.

Today's disinformation scene has evolved into a marketplace in which services are contracted, laborers are paid and shameless opinions and fake readers are bought and sold. This industry is emerging around the world. Some of the private-sector players are driven by political motives, some by profit and others by a mix of the two.

Public relations firms have recruited social media influencers in France and Germany to spread falsehoods. Politicians have hired staff to create fake Facebook accounts in Honduras. And Kenyan Twitter influencers are paid 15 times more than many people make in a day for promoting political hashtags. Researchers at the University of Oxford have tracked government-sponsored disinformation activities in 81 countries and private-sector disinformation operations in 48 countries.

South Korea has been at the forefront of online disinformation. Western societies began to raise concerns about disinformation in 2016, triggered by disinformation related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Brexit. But in South Korea, media reported the first formal disinformation operation in 2008. As a researcher who studies digital audiences, I've found that South Korea's 13-year-long disinformation history demonstrates how technology, economics and culture interact to enable the disinformation industry.

Most importantly, South Korea's experience offers a lesson for the U.S. and other countries. The ultimate power of disinformation is found more in the ideas and memories that a given society is vulnerable to and how prone it is to fueling the rumor mill than it is in the people perpetrating the disinformation or the techniques they use.

From dirty politics to dirty business

The origin of South Korean disinformation can be traced back to the nation's National Intelligence Service, which is equivalent to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. The NIS formed teams in 2010 to interfere in domestic elections by attacking a political candidate it opposed.

The NIS hired more than 70 full-time workers who managed fake, or so-called sock puppet, accounts. The agency recruited a group called Team Alpha, which was composed of civilian part-timers who had ideological and financial interests in working for the NIS. By 2012, the scale of the operation had grown to 3,500 part-time workers.

Since then the private sector has moved into the disinformation business. For example, a shadowy publishing company led by an influential blogger was involved in a high-profile opinion-rigging scandal between 2016 and 2018. The company's client was a close political aide of the current president, Moon Jae-in.

In contrast to NIS-driven disinformation campaigns, which use disinformation as a propaganda tool for the government, some of the private-sector players are chameleonlike, changing ideological and topical positions in pursuit of their business interests. These private-sector operations have achieved greater cost effectiveness than government operations by skillfully using bots to amplify fake engagements, involving social media entrepreneurs like YouTubers and outsourcing trolling to cheap laborers.

Narratives that strike a nerve

In South Korea, Cold War rhetoric has been particularly visible across all types of disinformation operations. The campaigns typically portray the conflict with North Korea and the battle against Communism as being at the center of public discourse in South Korea. In reality, nationwide polls have painted a very different picture. For example, even when North Korea's nuclear threat was at a peak in 2017, fewer than 10 percent of respondents picked North Korea's saber-rattling as their priority concern, compared with more than 45 percent who selected economic policy.

Across all types of purveyors and techniques, political disinformation in South Korea has amplified anti-Communist nationalism and denigrated the nation's dovish diplomacy toward North Korea. My research on South Korean social media rumors in 2013 showed that the disinformation rhetoric continued on social media even after the formal disinformation campaign ended, which indicates how powerful these themes are. Today I and my research team continue to see references to the same themes.

The dangers of a disinformation industry

The disinformation industry is enabled by the three prongs of today's digital media industry: an attention economy, algorithm and computational technologies and a participatory culture. In online media, the most important currency is audience attention. Metrics such as the number of page views, likes, shares and comments quantify attention, which is then converted into economic and social capital.

Ideally, these metrics should be a product of networked users' spontaneous and voluntary participation. Disinformation operations more often than not manufacture these metrics by using bots, hiring influencers, paying for crowdsourcing and developing computational tricks to game a platform's algorithms.

The expansion of the disinformation industry is troubling because it distorts how public opinion is perceived by researchers, the media and the public itself. Historically, democracies have relied on polls to understand public opinion. Despite their limitations, nationwide polls conducted by credible organizations, such as Gallup and Pew Research, follow rigorous methodological standards to represent the distribution of opinions in society in as representative a manner as possible.

Public discourse on social media has emerged as an alternative means of assessing public opinion. Digital audience and web traffic analytic tools are widely available to measure the trends of online discourse. However, people can be misled when purveyors of disinformation manufacturer opinions expressed online and falsely amplify the metrics about the opinions.

Meanwhile, the persistence of anti-Communist nationalist narratives in South Korea shows that disinformation purveyors' rhetorical choices are not random. To counter the disinformation industry wherever it emerges, governments, media and the public need to understand not just the who and the how, but also the whata society's controversial ideologies and collective memories. These are the most valuable currency in the disinformation marketplace.

Explore further EU beefs up disinformation code to prevent digital ad profit

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The excavation trench shows a pillar of the unfinished aqueduct. Credit: Artaxata project

Archaeologists from the University of Munster and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia have discovered remains of a Roman arched aqueduct during excavation work on the Hellenistic royal city of Artashat-Artaxata in ancient Armenia. It is the easternmost arched aqueduct in the Roman Empire. Excavation work took place back in 2019, and an evaluation of the find has now been published in the Archaologischer Anzeiger journal.

"The monumental foundations are evidence of an unfinished aqueduct bridge built by the Roman army between 114 and 117 CE," explains author Prof. Achim Lichtenberger from the Institute of Classical Archaeology and Christian Archaeology at the University of Munster. "At that time, Artaxata was destined to become the capital of a Roman province in Armenia." It was during this time that the Roman Empire reached its greatest extentif only for a short whilebecause it was under Trajan, who was Emperor of Rome from 98 to 117 CEthat the Romans attempted to incorporate the province of Armenia into the Roman Empire. "The planned, and partially completed, construction of the aqueduct in Artaxata shows just how much effort was made, in a very short space of time, to integrate the infrastructure of the capital of the province into the Empire," says co-author Torben Schreiber from the Institute of Classical Archaeology and Christian Archaeology at the University of Munster. "The aqueduct remained unfinished because after Trajan's death, in 117 CE, his successor Hadrian relinquished the province of Armenia before the aqueduct was completed." The archaeologists therefore see their find as furnishing evidence for the failure of Roman imperialism in Armenia.

In the background of the excavation area is the hillock in Artaxata on which is located the Khor Virap monastery, with Mount Ararat behind it. Credit: Artaxata project

Methods

In their excavation campaign, the team used a multidisciplinary combination of methods from the fields of archaeology, geophysics, geochemistry and archaeoinformatics. The area of the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata in the Ararat Plain was first examined geomagnetically. At this stage of their work, the experts surveyed and charted any anomalies. The geomagnetic image showed a conspicuous dotted line, which they analyzed with so-called sondages. The results were documented by the archaeologists three-dimensionally. Additional drillings provided evidence of further unfinished or destroyed pillars of the aqueduct. "We used satellite pictures and infrared images from a drone to visualize the course of the aqueduct's pillars," says co-author Dr. Mkrtich Zardaryan from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. "We reconstructed the planned course of the aqueduct by means of a computer-assisted path analysis between the possible sources of the water and its destination." A scientific analysis of the lime mortar used showed that it was a typical Roman recipe. An analysis of soil samples dated the construction of the aqueduct to between 60 and 460 CE, and in the opinion of the researchers this makes the reign of Emperor Trajan the most likely dating for it.

Project: "Artaxata in ArmeniaFieldwork in a Hellenistic Metropolis in the Ararat Plain"

Since 2018 a team of German and Armenian scientistsheaded by Achim Lichtenberger (Munster University), Mkrtich Zardaryan (Armenian Academy of Sciences) and Torben Schreiber (Munster University)  have been carrying out research into the Hellenistic metropolis of Artaxata in the Ararat Plain in Armenia. Their aim is to examine both a newly established Hellenistic royal city and the many-faceted cultural imprint between Central Asia, Iran and the Mediterranean region.

Explore further The Aqueduct of Constantinople: Managing the longest water channel of the ancient world

More information: A. Lichtenberger et al, An Unfinished Roman Aqueduct at Artaxata in Armenia, Archaologischer Anzeiger 2021. A. Lichtenberger et al, An Unfinished Roman Aqueduct at Artaxata in Armenia,2021. doi.org/10.34780/8f82-fyw2
Credit: Andrew Purdam/Flickr - https://flickr.com/photos/apurdam/8349611406/

New research by the University of Otago and the Department of Conservation provides evidence that moa may have been indigenous on Rakiura / Stewart Island shortly after human arrival.

The findings published today in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology add to a long-running debate regarding whether moa were indigenous to Rakiura, as few potentially natural moa remains have been found on the island.

The paper, based on research by lead author Dr. Alex Verry from the Department of Zoology, outlines the results of a multidisciplinary analysis of a moa skeleton discovered on Rakiura's West Ruggedy Beach by Department of Conservation Rakiura Ranger Phred Dobbins.

"The excavation revealed a partial skeleton with no cut marks from stone tools, and we also discovered gizzard stones and a dark organic-rich layer of sand beneath the skeleton that was likely stained by the rotting moa and the plant contents of its gizzard," Dr. Verry says.

Co-author Dr. Nic Rawlence, Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, explains ancient DNA analysis revealed that the skeleton belonged to a South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus), while radiocarbon dating showed the moa died around 700 years ago, just after the arrival of Polynesians on the island.

"The findings suggested the South Island giant moa had died near to where it was found and represented a moa that naturally occurred on Rakiura and died a natural death," Dr. Rawlence explains. "We believe it is likely to be of natural origin, despite its post-human date."

The research team excavated the skeleton with the assistance of Dr. Matt Schmidt, Senior Heritage Adviser from the Department of Conservation, in close consultation with Murihiku Ngai Tahu, kaitiaki and mana whenua of Rakiura.

Dr. Schmidt says the discovery that this species of moa was alive when Maori first occupied Rakiura has significantly added to the cultural narrative of the island.

"The find emphasizes the important link between the natural and cultural heritage values on Rakiura and that continued research like this is invaluable for understanding the island's past and informing on its future management," Dr. Schmidt says.

Dr. Verry adds the research highlights the scientific significance of such remains and their ability to provide unique insights into the past.

"A large amount of important contextual information is lost when individuals take it upon themselves to remove moa remains from protected areas like national parks and archaeological sites, in order to sell them," Dr. Verry says.

"Without this appropriate contextual data, these remains become near scientifically useless."

The research also highlights the importance of scientists working with iwi, particularly given moves to stop the removal of moa bones from archaeological and fossil sites to sell online.

The Government and Department of Conservation are now considering banning the sale of subfossil bird bones, including moa, in New Zealand.

Dr. Rawlence says if the sale of moa bones is stopped, then discoveries like this South Island giant moa on Rakiura can help answer important questions about the evolution of moa.

Explore further Unfolding the mystery of the first kiwi specimen

More information: Alexander Verry et al, A partial skeleton provides evidence for the former occurrence of moa populations on Rakiura Stewart Island, New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2021). Alexander Verry et al, A partial skeleton provides evidence for the former occurrence of moa populations on Rakiura Stewart Island,(2021). DOI: 10.20417/nzjecol.46.8
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Efforts to protect threatened and endangered species in central Africa might be more successful if they focused on a smaller geographic area, new research suggests.

The study, which examined multi-species population counts in the seven main savanna national parks of central Africa, found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations, likely because the lands were too large to manage effectively with the financial resources available.

"In a lot of Africa, there has been a lot of space set aside for wildlife," said Mark Moritz, co-author on the study and an anthropology professor at The Ohio State University. "And what we've found is setting aside so much land is not sufficient in and of itself, and a lot of these protected areas are protected on paper only."

The researchers' analysis found that to effectively protect animals in those areas, significantly more funding would also be needed.

Their study was published Friday, Nov. 12 in the journal Conservation Biology.

The study evaluated population counts in four countries in central Africa, in regions where 25% of the land had already been set aside for conservation.

"The governments in these countries are overstretched, trying to do more than they are able to do," said Paul Scholte, lead author of the study, visiting professor at ERAIFT-UNESCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and program director at Governance and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Comoe and Tai, two national parks in the Ivory Coast.

"And the reality is that increasing the areas under conservation, in central Africa, is pushing countries to take on more than they can take on, when the international community has not given them the resources necessary to align with the realities on the ground."

Many of these countries, he said, had been self-funding protective measures. But tourism in those regions has collapsed due to insecurity, reduced trophy hunting and, more recently, COVID-19, and the international community has not stepped in to fill that funding gap.

The land in question has been dedicated to conservation for over 50 years, giving researchers decades' worth of data to parse. They also looked at tourism data, including visitor numbers and revenue.

Their analysis showed that populations of large herbivores, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo and 10 antelope species, declined in six of the seven parks included in the study, despite the additional land earmarked for conservation. Tourism in those areas "collapsed," the study authors found. At time same time, livestock numbers increased, indicating that land set aside for conservation was being used for herders.

Moritz said that political instability and insecurity in central Africa play a major role in whether conservation areas can effectively protect animal species.

"Pastoralists in this part of the world are mobilethey move from one area to another, and the reason they move is they have to avoid insecurity elsewhere," he said. "When security is restored, pastoralists likely will go back to where they came from."

The seven parks studied are located in Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. All four countries had, since the early 1970s, set aside a quarter of their northern savannas for conservation. The conservation area in those countries is vast, roughly the size of the United Kingdom.

In all but one park, the analysis found, the available funding did not cover the cost of the rangers that would have been needed to protect the boundaries of the conservation areas. The one park that saw increases in large herbivore populations, Zakouma National Park in Chad, also had higher numbers of rangers to enforce the conservation area's boundaries.

The study also found that, starting in the 1980s, livestock herders brought their own herds to conservation areas of the northern Central African Republic; livestock farmers have also more recently moved into protected areas of Cameroon. That migration could explain some of the loss of large herbivores, but two other factorsdecreased rainfall and low operating budgetsare more likely causes, Scholte said.

Conservation areas increased around the world following the 2010 Convention on Biological Diversity summit, a meeting of government leaders from around the world. At the summit, governments internationally agreed to expand conservation areas to cover 17% of the world's land surface by 2020. The next Convention on Biological Diversity is planned for April 2022; leaders have suggested increasing conservation areas to cover 30% of the world's land surface.

The goal is noble, Scholte said, but the costs are high: In 2012, researchers estimated it would cost about $75 billion to manage those areas across the globe. Without funding to support those goals, most low-income countries could not succeed, Scholte said.

The findings could indicate that, unless the international community can increase funding for conservation, existing resources might be most effective in smaller, targeted areas with borders that are easier to protect, Scholte said.

"We are not talking twice or triple the funding to be effective; it would require 10, 15 or even 20 times more funding annually to these parks' budgets," he said. "It's enormous, and we all know it's not realistic. So, we are saying that we should realize that, acknowledge it, and concentrate these scarce resources on areas that are viable and could have a greater effect."

Explore further What COVID-19 travel bans have done to conservation tourism in Africa

More information: Paul Scholte et al, Conservation overstretch and longterm decline of wildlife and tourism in the Central African savannas, Conservation Biology (2021). Journal information: Conservation Biology Paul Scholte et al, Conservation overstretch and longterm decline of wildlife and tourism in the Central African savannas,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13860
The so-called aeromaterial "aerographene" looks like a black foam, but consists of 99.9% air and can withstand extremely high loads. Credit: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

An international research team led by Kiel has developed a new method for the generation of controllable electrical explosions. Theoretically, it only takes 450 grams of this material to lift an elephant: "Aerographene" owes this ability to its unique structure at the nano level. Visually similar to a black foam, it actually consists of a finely-structured tubular network based on graphene with numerous cavities. This makes it extremely stable, conductive and almost as lightweight as air. An international research team led by materials scientists from Kiel University (CAU) has now taken a major step toward practical applications. They have succeeded in repeatedly heating and cooling aerograph and the air contained inside to very high temperatures in an extremely short period of time. This enables extremely powerful pumps, compressed air applications or sterilizing air filters in miniature. The article appeared as the cover story in the current issue of the renowned scientific journal Materials Today.

"When we first introduced these materials, they were the lightest class of materials in the world to date, with a density of just 0.2 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Because that's practically air, we called them 'aeromaterials'", recalls Rainer Adelung. The professor for Functional Nanomaterials at CAU had developed the materials, which were first presented in 2012, together with colleagues from Hamburg University of Technology. The fascinating properties of aeromaterials generated worldwide interest and have been intensively researched since then, for example in the major European research initiative "Graphene Flagship."

This new study provides a contribution to how aeromaterials could get from basic research to application. The material scientists from Kiel, together with colleagues from Technische Universitat Dresden, University of Southern Denmark, University of Trento, Queen Mary University of London, has discovered further properties that enable innovations in pneumatics, robotics or air filter technology.

The model shows the filigree internal structure, a network of graphene tubes that makes aerographene so lightweight and conductive. Credit: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

'Aerographene' can be heated up and cooled down very fast

"In our experiments, we have found that Aeromaterials made from graphene and other conductive nanomaterials, can be electrically heated extremely quickly with up to several hundred degrees per millisecond due to their low density," explains Dr. Fabian Schutt from CAU, who led and conducted the experiments together with Dr. Florian Rasch. To do so, the materials scientists used the "aerographene" aeromaterial, which consists of just a few layers of carbon atoms and 99.9% air. When heated, this air contained inside the material is also heated extremely quickly and expands. In the case of very rapid heating, there is an expansion in volume and one speaks of an "explosion." "This means we are now able to use aerographene to start small controllable and repeatable explosions that do not require a chemical reaction," says Schutt, summarizing their findings.

That's because almost as quickly as it heats up, aerographene cools down again as soon as the power supply is switched off. "It can hardly store any heat due to its extremely low heat capacity. Via its network structure it releases it very quickly back into the containing air," Schutt continues. The rapid heating and cooling of the material enables the researchers to start several explosions per second, one after the other. "This gives us extremely powerful compressed air at the push of a button, without the compressors and gas supplies that are otherwise required," Adelung explains.

Material has already withstood more than 100,000 cyclespatent pending

As a research team led by material scientists from CAU has now discovered, a few milligrams of aerographene (at the bottom of the pressure cylinder in the picture), for example, are enough to lift a weight of 2 kilograms - by a blast of air generated when the material is heated. Credit: Florian Rasch

The scientists use this effect to develop new pumps that can be specifically adjusted as well as high-performance actuators in miniature format. "If you place the aeromaterial in a pressure cylinder and heat it with electricity, the generated air blast can be used to move objects up and down in a targeted manner and several times per second," explains Rasch, who recently completed his doctoral thesis on this subject. In their experiments, the two first authors, Schutt and Rasch, were able to show that even a small amount of aerographene objects that are many times heavier can be moved. For example, 10 milligrams of aerographene were enough to lift a two-kilogram weight in just a few milliseconds. So the actuators developed with aerographene have high power densities while maintaining large volume changes.

"In contrast to chemical reactions, these small electrical explosions can be controlled very specifically and also are very clean. By changing the duration and strength of the current supply we can precisely control the frequency and strength of the air blasts," says Rasch. Thanks to the extreme conductivity of aeromaterials, they need only a small amount of electricity for this. In the experiments carried out in Kiel, the material has withstood 100,000 cycles so far, and a patent has already been filed.

Can also be used as a self-cleaning air filter against bacteria

As one example for applications, Adelung's research group is currently developing new air filter materials and systems based on aerographene in cooperation with the German aviation supplier Lufthansa Technik and funded by the Graphene Flagship. "Air currents can be guided very well through the open network structure of the material and can be heated strongly for a short time. In this way, bacteria and viruses, for example, can be filtered out of the air and killed," Adelung said. "This could allow these filter systems to function self-cleaning and work without expensive maintenance in the future."

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More information: Fabian Schutt et al, Electrically powered repeatable air explosions using microtubular graphene assemblies, Materials Today (2021). Journal information: Materials Today Fabian Schutt et al, Electrically powered repeatable air explosions using microtubular graphene assemblies,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.mattod.2021.03.010
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In the summer of 2021, a toxic, smoky haze stemming from Western wildfires wafted across large parts of the United States, while hurricanes wrought extensive flooding in the southern and eastern U.S. Air quality websites such as AirNow warned of hazardous conditions on the U.S. East Coast from Western forest fires 3,000 miles away, with recommendations to stay indoors.

Journalists reported the immediate impact of lives lost and homes and property destroyed, but more insidious dangers escaped notice. Few people realize that these climate change-fueled disastersboth fires and floodscould adversely affect human health in longer-term ways.

I'm a scientist-author who studies the links between environmental factors and the development of neurological disorders, which is the subject of my recent book. My research on this topic adds to a growing body of evidence that more frequent environmental disasters may be raising human exposure to neurotoxins.

Neurotoxic smoke

Many scientists have identified links between air pollution in various forms, including from forest fire smoke, and an increased risk and prevalence of adverse health effects, including brain disorders.

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of countless noxious chemical compounds. Fires burning across the warming planetfrom California to Greece and Australiaare adding dangerous particulate matter to the atmosphere that includes neurotoxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and manganese nanoparticles. These toxins are an added environmental burden on top of the pollutants emitted by factories, power plants, trucks, automobiles and other sources.

The greatest potential for health problems comes from minuscule particles, smaller than 2.5 micronsor PM 2.5 (for context, the width of a human hair is typically 50 to 70 microns). This is, in part, because tiny particles are easily inhaled; from the lungs, they enter the bloodstream and circulate widely throughout the body. In the brain they may inflame the microglial cells, the brain's defensive cells, causing harm to neurons instead of protecting them. Studies show that these extremely tiny particles may damage neurons or brain cells by promoting inflammation. Brain inflammation can lead to conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder in adults.

In addition, prenatal and early-life exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. Research suggests that air pollution exposure during these critical periods, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy and the first few months of life, may impair normal neural development.

Waterborne neurotoxins

As part of my book research, I investigated potential links between environmental neurotoxins and related health effects in Finland. Seeking unique environmental factors that might underlie the disproportionately high rates of fatal dementia that occurred in Finland in the past decade, I found that water pollutionexacerbated by flooding, use of fertilizer and higher water temperaturesmay be affecting brain health.

As I reviewed the environmental concerns in Finland, the widespread presence of blue-green algae in waterways stood out to me. Though it's commonly called algae, blue-green algae is actually a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. These toxic microorganisms thrive and proliferate in warm waterways when excessive nutrients, particularly phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, pour into fresh and brackish water. It produces cyanotoxins.

One of these cyanotoxins, -methylamino-L-alanine, or BMAA, is linked to neurodegenerative disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.In particular I was struck by scientists' finding high levels of BMAA in mollusks and fish found in the Baltic Sea, which could potentially play a role in Finland's high incidence of dementia, as fish is heavily consumed there.

Blue-green algae is found in rivers, lakes and seas. Its presence is a widespread problem for humans, dogs and wildlife in the U.S. and Canada, as well as around the globe. In 2020, more than 300 elephants in Botswana died after drinking from water sources contaminated by the cyanobacteria that cause these algal blooms. Blue-green algae is so widely present in Finland that scientists there have developed a quick test to determine whether it is present or not.

Mold neurotoxins

In Finland, warm, humid air creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow, and water-damaged buildings are particularly susceptible. Some species emit mycotoxins, or mold toxins. Long-term exposure to mycotoxins, even at low levels, can present serious health hazards for both people and animals.

Mold spores are tiny, making them easy to inhale or ingest. Inside the body they can trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation. Ultimately, exposure to these spores may cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss, irritability, numbness, tremors and other symptoms. Such a situation is likely to develop after a region has experienced the flooding of residences or workplaces in the weeks after they have been damaged.

Mold toxins, particularly ochratoxin A, can trigger inflammation that may harm neurons and brain function. It has been specifically implicated in Parkinson's disease.

Reducing risk and a way forward

Education, greater awareness of environmental health concerns and public action are the best ways to minimize risks from environmental neurotoxins.

By learning to recognize blue-green algae, people may avoid swimming or boating near it and avoid letting their pets near it too. Consumers can advocate for greater environmental monitoring of food and water sources. Exercise that involves sweating can help eliminate neurotoxic substances. But before you exercise outdoors, it is prudent to check air quality on an app or website like AirNow, a partnership of federal, state, local and tribal agencies.

If environmental policies aren't put into place to mitigate the health risks posed by environmental neurotoxins, research suggests that we may continue to experience increases in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders as the toxins rise. Many of these conditions are labeled idiopathic, or lacking a known cause. The neurotoxic connection is rarely considered, and environmental health hazards are often overlooked in American health care. This is in large part because environmental health is rarely taught in medical education, which can lead to a lack of awareness about potential diagnoses related to an environmental illness.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently reevaluating air quality standards for particulate matter. A new EPA inspector general report calls for a strategic plan to control harmful algal blooms. Ohio, a leading state for public policy initiatives aimed at neurotoxic algal blooms, now regulates cyanotoxins in drinking water and advises farmers against adding fertilizer when the ground is saturated or when rain is in the forecast.

Since climate change may be a driver for rising neurotoxins, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring better environmental stewardship are essential to human health. Achieving this will require strong international and domestic efforts and a wide range of interventions by governments around the world. But all of these efforts must begin with a deeper and more widespread understanding of the profound nature of this problemwhich should be a universal, nonpartisan concern.

Explore further Runaway algae growth causes neurological problems for those with liver disease

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The disruption to K-12 education in the United States caused by the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a flurry of legislative and executive actions favoring parental choice. Already, 2021 has been the single most successful year in the history of the private school choice movement, with 21 states voting to create, expand or improve their school choice programs. But who holds these programs accountable?

According to a new Notre Dame Law School report, parent empowermentnot regulatory overreachshould drive accountability for publicly funded school choice programs.

"Accountability in Private-School Choice," published by the Manhattan Institute from Nicole Stelle Garnett, the John P. Murphy Foundation Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame, underscores the fine line between ensuring academic accountability and curtailing private schools' autonomy and recommends two guiding principles for accountability regulations.

"Regulators should aim to give parents the information needed to make wise choices, thereby enabling them to hold schools accountable through enrollment decisions," Garnett states in her report. And, "Accountability regulations ought to advance the goal of providing parents with access to more and better schools."

Most people would agree that, when the government acquires a good or service with public funds, it is entitled to ensure that it gets what it's paying for. To an extent, it is no different with private school choice, according to Garnett.

"It's reasonable to ask private schools participating in private school choice programs to be transparent about the academic performance of their students," she said. "It is not reasonable, however, to subject them to government control or micromanagement. The entire purpose of parental choice is to encourage educational pluralism and give parents choices, so that parents can hold schools accountable. Overregulation defeats that purpose."

While 21 states voted this year to create, expand or improve school choice programs, three new programs were added in states that previously did not have anyKentucky, Missouri and West Virginia.

According to Garnett, accountability regulations should aim to give this expanding pool of parents the information about school quality they need, but often do the opposite.

She writes, "Many accountability debates are not really about holding schools 'accountable.' Rather, they represent opponents' thinly veiled obstructionist efforts to kill choice proposals before they are enacted and to subject private schools to government control when such efforts fail.

"For a variety of legitimate reasons," Garnett says, "state and federal regulations do not require private schools to participate in state accountability regimes or take the same test as public schools. But, while it makes sense to give private schools flexibility over choosing a standardized test, they are not required to disclose test results publicly, and many opt not to. This makes it difficult for parents to make informed decisions. Information about school quality should be transparent, easy to interpret and reflective of the criteria that matter to parents."

According to Garnett, regulatory burdens are a major reason private schools opt out of choice programs, reducing available options to parents and resulting in an educational system that is less equitable and inclusive.

"Parents with means have long had the ability to choose their children's schools, either by moving to districts with good public schools or paying tuition at private schools," she said. "Justice demands that disadvantaged parents be given these options as well."

Today, 31 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have at least one private school choice program. Questions of accountability inevitably and logically follow when choice expands.

Garnett's report focuses on academic accountability, but she also warns about regulations that raise religious liberty concerns.

She writes, "Regulations that interfere with the autonomy of private schoolsespecially those that threaten the religious liberty of faith-based schoolsare most likely to deter them from participating in choice programs, thus undermining the increasing access to more and better schools."
Illustrative scheme of the fungal cell wall as a composition of many different polysaccharides and associated proteins. Credit: Louisiana State University

In a new study published in Nature Communications, Associate Professor Tuo Wang and his research team from the Department of Chemistry at Louisiana State University revealed the molecular architecture of fungal cell walls and the structural responses to stresses, aiding the development of antifungal drugs targeting cell wall components.

Life-threatening fungal infections impact the health of millions of humans across the globe each year. With the limited efficacy of commercially available drugs, the need for novel antifungal compounds is on the rise.

The Wang research team examined the structural dynamics of fungal polysaccharides and their responses to cell wall stress. Specifically, the team examined the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals.

The research team coupled its expertise in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with a functional genomics approach using multiple mutants of Aspergillus fumigatus, each of which selectively eliminates a single type of structural carbohydrate at one time.

"This research strategy allowed us to evaluate the structural role of each major carbohydrate by tracking the changes in cell wall structure after the removal of a component," Wang said. "The spectroscopy method provided atomic resolution on the structure of polysaccharides and associated proteins using intact fungal cell walls free from any treatment that might perturb the native status of these biomolecules."

The data led to the development of a revised model of fungal cell wall organization and the assembly of five categories of polysaccharides, including chitin, -glucan, mannan, -glucan, and galactosaminogalactan. The findings confirmed an overlooked but prominent role of -glucans in the cell wall structuration. The mutants produce stiffer and more water-proof cell walls for better protection, which might be a general mechanism used by these microbes to handle stresses.

The research involved an interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists from Institut Pasteur in France, University of Crete in Greece, as well as the Guangxi Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Sciences in China. Scientists involved in this study also utilized instrumentation at the National Science Foundation's National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Fla.

"Now that we revealed the structural principles used by fungi to respond to cell wall defects, it is time to explore how fungi reconstruct this carbohydrate armor to survive through antifungal treatments and severe environments," said Wang.

Their findings and methodology may open a new research avenue of looking at these complex biomaterials in many different pathogenic fungal species and assessing the mode of actions of novel antifungal molecules, which will assist in the combat against invasive fungal infections.

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More information: Arnab Chakraborty et al, A molecular vision of fungal cell wall organization by functional genomics and solid-state NMR, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Arnab Chakraborty et al, A molecular vision of fungal cell wall organization by functional genomics and solid-state NMR,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26749-z
In this image from video provided by NASA, the International Space Station is seen as astronauts in the SpaceX Dragon capsule undock on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, Credit: NASA via AP

A Russian weapons test created more than 1,500 pieces of space junk now threatening the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station, according to U.S. officials who called the strike reckless and irresponsible.

The State Department confirmed Monday that the debris was from an old Russian satellite destroyed by the missile.

"Needless to say, I'm outraged. This is unconscionable," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told The Associated Press. "It's unbelievable that the Russian government would do this test and threaten not only international astronauts, but their own cosmonauts that are on board the station" as well as the three people on China's space station.

Nelson said the astronauts now face four times greater risk than normal. And that's based on debris big enough to track, with hundreds of thousands of smaller pieces going undetected"any one of which can do enormous damage if it hits in the right place."

In condemning Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said satellites were also now in jeopardy.

The test clearly demonstrates that Russia "despite its claims of opposing the weaponization of outer space, is willing to ... imperil the exploration and use of outer space by all nations through its reckless and irresponsible behavior," Blinken said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment late Monday from Russia about the missile strike.

Once the threat became clear early Monday morning, the four Americans, one German and two Russians on board were ordered to immediately seek shelter in their docked capsules. They spent two hours in the two capsules, finally emerging only to have to close and reopen hatches to the station's individuals labs on every orbit, or 1 1/2 hours, as they passed near or through the debris.

By the end of the day, only the hatches to the central core of the station remained open, as the crew slept, according to Nelson.

Even a fleck of paint can do major damage when orbiting at 17,500 mph (28,000 kph). Something big, upon impact, could be catastrophic.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the U.S. has repeatedly raised concerns with Russia about doing a satellite test.

"We are going to continue to make very clear that we won't tolerate this kind of activity," he told reporters.

In this April 24, 2021 file photo made available by NASA, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule approaches the International Space Station for docking. Space junk is threatening the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station and forcing them to seek shelter in their docked capsules. The U.S. Space Command says it's tracking a field of orbiting debris, the apparent result of some satellite break-up event. The astronauts retreated into their docked capsules on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 after being informed of the threat. Credit: NASA via AP, File

NASA Mission Control said the heightened threat could continue to interrupt the astronauts' science research and other work. Four of the seven crew members arrived at the orbiting outpost Thursday night.

NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, who's midway through a yearlong mission, called it "a crazy but well-coordinated day" as he bid Mission Control good night.

"It was certainly a great way to bond as a crew, starting off with our very first work day in space," he said.

A similar weapons test by China in 2007 also resulted in countless debris. One of those pieces threatened to come dangerously close to the space station last week. While it later was dismissed as a risk, NASA had the station move anyway.

Anti-satellite missile tests by the U.S. in 2008 and India in 2019 were conducted at much lower altitudes, well below the space station at about 260 miles (420 kilometers.)

The defunct Russian satellite Cosmos 1408 was orbiting about 40 miles (65 kilometers) higher.

Until Monday, the U.S. Space Command already was tracking some 20,000 pieces of space junk, including old and broken satellites from around the world.

Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said it will take days if not weeks and months to catalogue the latest wreckage and confirm their orbits. The fragments will begin to spread out over time, due to atmospheric drag and other forces, he said in an email.

The space station is at especially high risk because the test occurred near its orbit, McDowell said. But all objects in low-Earth orbitincluding China's space station and even the Hubble Space Telescopewill be at "somewhat enhanced risk" over the next few years, he noted.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Space Agency said via Twitter that the astronauts were ordered into their docked capsules, in case they had to make a quick getaway. The agency said the crew was back doing routine operations, and the space station's commander, Russian Anton Shkaplerov, tweeted: "Friends, everything is regular with us!"

But the cloud of debris posed a threat on each passing orbitor every 1 1/2 hoursand all robotic activity on the U.S. side was put on hold. German astronaut Matthias Maurer also had to find a safer place to sleep than the European lab.

NASA's Nelson noted that the Russians and Americans have had a space partnership for a half-centurygoing back to the joint Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975.

"I don't want it to be threatened," he told the AP, noting both countries are needed for the space station. "You've got to operate it together."

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Collecting water samples from the Hudson River. Credit: Adam Steckley

More than 70% of microplastics found in samples from oceans and rivers could come from the scientists collecting them.

A new paper by Staffordshire University and Rozalia Project, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, investigates procedural contamination when sampling for microparticles in aquatic environments. The study shows that a significant amount of microplastics and microfibres from scientists' clothing and gear mixes with environmental pollution in the water samples.

Claire Gwinnett, Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science at Staffordshire University, explained: "In the field this can occur due to the dynamic nature of the environment such as wind or weather, actions required to obtain samples and the close-proximity necessary for scientists to procure and secure samples whether in a medium-sized vessel, small boat or sampling from shore. In a mobile lab, this often occurs due to using small, multi-use spaces and similar requirements for scientists to be in close proximity to the samples while processing."

Data was collected during an expedition along the Hudson River from Rozalia Project's 60' oceanographic sailing research vessel, American Promise. The team tracked contamination by collecting fibers from every possible source of contamination on the vessel including clothing worn by both the science and boat teams, sail bags and tarps, sail and equipment control lines as well as interior textiles. By doing so, they created a catalog to which every fiber and fragment found in environmental samples was first compared. If there was a match, that exact source of procedural contamination was noted. If there was not a match, that microparticle was considered pollution.

The research found that when robust anti-contamination protocols were not used when taking water samples (using a metal bucket for surface samples and a Niskin bottle for mid-water column samples), 71.4% of the microparticles in the samples were contamination; similarly, when anti-contamination protocols were not used when processing water samples (using a vacuum filtration method), 68.4% of the microparticles in the samples were contamination.

Co-lead author Rachael Z. Miller, Founder of Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, said: "This is a study that was designed to strengthen the scientific process and has revealed the extent to which our clothing sheds, not just in the washing machine or dryer, but as we wear it and conduct ourselves in our everyday lives. It appears that we are all Pigpen, but instead of walking around in a cloud of dirt, we may be emitting clouds of microfibres.

Collecting samples from the Hudson River on the American Promise. Credit: Rachael Z. Miller

"Some take-aways for everyday people from this study are to: take care of the clothes we havethat can be done by adapting laundry routines to reduce fiber-breakage such as washing in cold water and air drying when possible; being mindful of the clothing we choosemore and more information is coming out about how much various types of fabrics shed, and supporting brands and organizations who are aware of and addressing the problem by working to better understand our textiles and who are innovating to make them both more resilient and out of materials that exert less pressure on our natural world, while still maintaining their ability to protect us from the elements."

The study also sets forth methods inspired by forensic science that could make a 37% reduction in the amount of procedural contamination mistakenly added to environmental samples during the collection phase of a study. This reduction can save research teams a significant amount of time by reducing the number of microparticles that must be analyzed.

Solutions for future studies include outfitting the whole team in the same low-shed, unusually colored garments ideally also with unusual fiber morphology. This would allow for rapid identification as contamination. It is important for the entire boat crew to be included in these quality control considerations since fibers from the captain and first mate were also found in samples during this study.

The researchers also describe a workflow using a polarizing light microscope (PLM) that can save research teams both time and money when microparticle, in particular microfibre, identifications must be made. When paired with Easylift tape, an innovation used for sampling and fixing microparticles after vacuum filtration, this study found that a PLM could produce a high-confidence/correct material identification in 93.3% of the microfibres found in the water samples. PLMs can be obtained for under $4,000 and take a fraction of the time to use compared to the other methods.

Professor Gwinnett added: "Thinking like a forensic scientist during sampling for microplastics has its benefits as this study has shown. Forensic scientists are constantly thinking about how they might contaminate samples and how to prevent that. Forensic scientists also acknowledge that it is impossible to have zero contamination and instead focus on creating protocols to minimize and monitor.

"By using forensic analysis techniques, which aim to fully profile a particulate, including its morphological, optical and chemical characteristics then these 'layers' of information allow much more confident conclusions to be made as to whether it is from the environment or from procedural contamination."

Explore further Crime scene tape set to revolutionize microplastics research

More information: C. Gwinnett et al, Are we contaminating our samples? A preliminary study to investigate procedural contamination during field sampling and processing for microplastic and anthropogenic microparticles, Marine Pollution Bulletin (2021). Journal information: Marine Pollution Bulletin C. Gwinnett et al, Are we contaminating our samples? A preliminary study to investigate procedural contamination during field sampling and processing for microplastic and anthropogenic microparticles,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113095

Provided by Staffordshire University
The east side of the modern Sierra Nevada mountain range at the edge of the Basin and Range Province. The range crest in the background is Kings Canyon National Park. Credit: Jens-Erik Lund Snee

When geologist Elizabeth Miller started mapping a fault system in Death Valley, she questioned the origin of some sedimentary rocks previously assumed to be locally derived. Now, analysis has revealed where they really came from: central Nevada, indicating that part of today's Great Basin was the highest land in North America some 40 million to 20 million years ago.

The journey of these sediments southward in river systems draining into the ancient Pacific Ocean tells a story about the history of the Earth and the much-debated formation of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the awe-inspiring backbone of eastern California that encompasses three national parks: Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite.

The ancestral Sierra Nevada began as a volcanic chain more than 100 million years ago, a time when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. New work published Nov. 15 as chapters in a Geological Society of America Special Paper on the paleogeography and topography of the western U.S. suggests that the mountains later "died"  meaning they were dwarfed by a vast plateauduring a region-wide volcanic flare-up about 40 million to 20 million years ago. Then, they were "reborn" about 10 million years ago, lifting to the scenic heights we know today.

"The highest points 40 to 20 million years ago were in central Nevada. Then, basin and range faulting came along and broke it all up, and now the Sierra Nevada is the westernmost or last of those major fault blocks," Miller said. "As a mountain range, it's had three completely different histories."

The findings from Miller and Jens-Erik Lund Snee, who conducted the research while a Ph.D. student at Stanford, propose that the Continental Dividewhich is typically considered to be staticwent through a progressive shift eastward. The divide, which separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those draining eastward, remained in the ancestral Sierra Nevada in eastern California for tens of millions of years before moving into central Nevada when the volcanism that started 40 million years ago lifted the Earth's surface in a south-migrating wave.

The papers describe how the region-wide flare-up of volcanic activity in southern Idaho, Nevada and Utah caused the inland plateau to rise above the ancestral Sierra. That upheaval in the Earth's mantle and crust created whole new systems of rivers, some of which carried sediment southward, forming the layers that Miller studied near Death Valley with co-author Mark Raftrey, a former graduate student.

"The material from those volcanoes made it all the way out to the Pacific side of the Sierra Nevadathat's how we know the region in central Nevada where the eruptions occurred was higher than everything else," said Miller, noting that previous papers charted the ancient rivers that carried the volcanic material. "Our work adds to this previous work in that we argue that the volcanism itself actually caused a big increase in the topography because there was so much hot material coming up from below the continent."

For tens of million years after the plateau rose, the ancestral Sierra range was "merely the ramp from the high country in Nevada down to the paleo-ocean in what's now the Central Valley," Lund Snee said. That was also when much of the famous California gold was deposited in ancient rivers that flowed west from central Nevada out to the Central Valley. Then, beginning around 10 million years ago, the new Sierra Nevada emerged when the western U.S. was chiseled apart by basin and range faulting, which involved uplift and extension  a process that had very little to do with its earlier history, according to Miller.

"There's been a lot of recent debate about when the Sierra Nevada came up as a mountain range, and our work is suggesting that both prevailing views are rightit's old and also young for completely different tectonic reasons," said Lund Snee, who is now a Mendenhall Research Fellow at the U.S. Geological Survey.

When the ancestral Sierra Nevada first arose over 100 million years ago, the mountains marked the edge of the North American continent, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west. East of that area, geologists have long thought the Earth's crust thickened and became unstable, eventually causing the continent to spread apart and form today's basin and range topography.

But Miller and Lund Snee found that the region east of the ancestral Sierra was relatively low, supported by thinner, more stable crust until the wave of volcanic eruptions 40 million to 20 million years ago lifted the plateau higher than the ancestral range. The eruptions came from dozens of Yellowstone-like supervolcano calderas in addition to hundreds of smaller volcanoes  an event that blanketed some areas with thousands of feet of lava.

The research paints a picture of the topographic evolution of the western U.S., which has been debated since the area was first explored by geologists in the 1800s and flooded by gold miners seeking fortunes in the Sierra Nevada's western foothills. It also impacts our understanding of how plants and animals evolved and dispersed across the West; in order to understand migration, biologists need a clear grasp of landscape evolution.

The authors refined geologic maps and used radiometric dating of the minerals zircon and feldspar to gage the timing of eruptions and changes in topography. They also revised the ages of previous estimates of elevation and climate from stable isotope analyzes of calcite in sediments deposited before and after the volcanic rock.

"You need to know when things happened and how long it took things to happen to truly understand them in the geologic context," Miller said. "It's an evolving story, and as we pick up more pieces, the story begins to get tighter and tighter."

Explore further Crustal motion and strain rates in the southern Basin and Range province

More information: John P. Craddock et al, Tectonic Evolution of the Sevier-Laramide Hinterland, Thrust Belt, and Foreland, and Postorogenic Slab Rollback (18020 Ma), (2021). John P. Craddock et al, Tectonic Evolution of the Sevier-Laramide Hinterland, Thrust Belt, and Foreland, and Postorogenic Slab Rollback (18020 Ma),(2021). DOI: 10.1130/SPE555
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

"Girls are expected to work harder, perform better academically and behave better. On the other hand, boys are allowed to get away with worse behavior. In addition, less is expected of them, which discourages many of them from achieving good academic results," says Milagros Sainz Ibanez, the lead researcher of the Gender and ICT (GenTIC) group of the Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3) of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). This is one of the main conclusions of the study entitled "Secondary School Teachers' Views of Gender Differences in School Achievement and Study Choices in Spain" published inSAGE Open and carried out with Sergi Fabregues, who is also a member of GenTIC, and Jordi Sole, the lead researcher of the Laboratory of Social Education group, who are both members of the UOC's Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, and Sara Garcia-Cuesta, a researcher at La Laguna University.

The study aimed to "empirically establish the extent to which some secondary school teachers still have sexist attitudes about differences in academic achievement between male and female students and their choice of subjects," explains the main author of the study, Sainz Ibanez. The results, which were obtained from a sample of 36 teachers, have been presented at a variety of local, national and international forums with the aim of bringing about changes in the education system in order to encourage a more equal fairer socialization and education environment.

From male intellectual ability to female hard work

According to the expert, many of these attitudes are unconscious and based on prejudice, but they have a major impact on students' career paths. "Interestingly, they attributed the good grades achieved by some of the male students to their intelligence, with no reference to the effort they had made. And, conversely, they attributed girls' good grades or better performance to their efforts, on the basis that they are harder workers and better adapted to the education system than their male peers," says the researcher. In addition, some of the teachers believe that girls' performance is also helped by the fact that they mature earlier, which makes them more responsible and attentive in class.

Greater leniency towards boys' behavior

"People generally expect less from boys than from girls. Furthermore, if a boy is disruptive in class, the teacher is likely to be more lenient when dealing with this behavior, justifying it on the basis that many boys are immature or find it difficult to concentrate. However, when a girl misbehaves or has a bad attitude in class and fails to perform well academically, she is punished twice over," concludes Sainz Ibanez.

The teachers consulted in the study believe that their teaching has no bearing on the gender gap in students' choice of subjects. They attribute this to other factors, such as the role played by families and the media. In addition, although they are aware of the problem, few of them mentioned any steps they had taken to address it. Likewise, the UOC researcher noted that "most teachers don't believe that students should be segregated by sex in order to address the gender gap in school achievement and performance".

Boys lag behind girls in rich countries

Spain is not alone in this. In the article published in Sage Open, the authors of the research noted that various studies have shown that in many Western countries, boys lag behind girls in various academic indicators, such as academic performance at school and early drop-out rates. However, this is not the case in OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) developing countries, such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Malaysia, where girls lag behind boys for the same indicators.

In Spain, boys have shown a greater tendency to drop out of school than their female peers in the last decade. In 2019, for example, 21.4% of boys and 13% of girls dropped out. The academic paths chosen by Spanish students also continue to conform to gender roles. Only 27.41% of female students take technology studies, and only 35.05% of males choose to study humanities, although the number of female students enrolled in health and science subjects has risen by 74.29% and 58.75% respectively in recent years.

Explore further Sexist views on education within families affect future academic choices

More information: Milagros Sainz et al, Secondary School Teachers' Views of Gender Differences in School Achievement and Study Choices in Spain, SAGE Open (2021). Journal information: SAGE Open Milagros Sainz et al, Secondary School Teachers' Views of Gender Differences in School Achievement and Study Choices in Spain,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/21582440211047573

Provided by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)
A colorful example of a rock that is partly weatheredin this case, a volcanoclastic rock from Puerto Rico that is being transformed into clays and iron oxides from the outside in. Credit: Eric Slessarev / LLNL

Rock weathering controls the potential for soil carbon storage at a continental scale.

New research from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and collaborators found that rock weatheringthe process of chemical transformation by long exposure to water and the atmosphereboosts soil organic carbon storage by altering soil mineralogy. The research appears in the journal Biogeochemistry Letters.

As rock-derived primary minerals weather to form soil, they create reactive, poorly crystalline minerals that bind and store organic carbon. By implication, the abundance of primary minerals in soil might influence the abundance of poorly crystalline minerals, and consequently soil organic carbon storage.

"We found that the link between primary mineral weathering, poorly crystalline minerals and soil carbon has not been fully tested, particularly at large spatial scales," said LLNL scientist and co-lead author Eric Slessarev. "To close this knowledge gap, we designed a model that links primary mineral weathering rates to the geographic distribution of poorly crystalline minerals across the U.S., and then used this model to evaluate the effect of rock weathering on soil organic carbon."

The team found that poorly crystalline minerals are most abundant and strongly correlated with organic carbon in geographically limited zones that experience enhanced weathering rates, particularly where humid climate and plenty of primary minerals co-occur. This finding confirms that rock weathering alters soil mineralogy to enhance soil organic carbon storage at continental scales, but also indicates that the influence of active weathering on soil carbon storage is limited.

Most of the terrestrial biosphere's carbon is stored below ground as soil organic carbon (SOC). Small changes in the relative size of the global SOC pool can influence atmospheric CO 2 levels, and hence global climate. But in most soils, a significant fraction of SOC is associated with minerals that limit its rate of exchange with the atmosphere.

The team identified a quantitative relationship between primary mineral weathering rates and stocks of poorly crystalline minerals (PCM) that accounts for both climate and the availability of readily weathered minerals. Team members also tested the role of primary mineral weathering contributing to carbon storage at continental scales.

Primary mineral weathering rates, PCM stocks and carbon storage are linked because poorly crystalline minerals are relatively transient weathering products. Studies of soil age gradients show that these minerals accumulate during the initial stages of weathering but later decline as the stock of primary minerals is exhausted and PCMs ripen into less reactive crystalline secondary minerals. Across rock types, these minerals are most abundant in soils formed from volcanic parent materials rich in feldspars and glass with feldspar-like composition and in humid climates, where ample water facilitates higher weathering rates.

"Taken together, these facts indicate that the primary mineral weathering rate is a key factor that determines the abundance of PCMs," said LLNL scientist and co-author Jennifer Pett-Ridge. "PCMs disappear over time as they ripen into more crystalline minerals; so additional active weathering is required to maintain soil PCMs and lead to the conditions needed for heightened carbon storage."

LLNL researchers Noah Sokol and Erin Nuccio also contributed to the research.

Explore further Getting to the root of carbon storage in deep soils

More information: Eric W. Slessarev et al, Rock weathering controls the potential for soil carbon storage at a continental scale, Biogeochemistry Letters (2021). Eric W. Slessarev et al, Rock weathering controls the potential for soil carbon storage at a continental scale,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s10533-021-00859-8
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As multiple published reports indicate, trust in government has reached historic lows and frustration with government performance has reached record highs. New research in the journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management finds that in co-productive settings, such as government services, people's trust and engagement levels can be enhanced by increasing operational transparency.

The researchers of the study, "Surfacing the Submerged State: Operational Transparency Increases Trust in and Engagement with Government," conducted three tests to showcase this.

"We leveraged data from a mobile phone application developed by the City of Boston where residents submit service requests; the city's goal was to increase engagement with the app. Users who received photographs of government addressing their service requests submitted 60% more requests than users who did not receive photographs," says author Ryan Buell of Harvard Business School.

In another study, Buell, alongside co-authors Michael Norton, also of Harvard Business School, and Ethan Porter of George Washington University, looked at residents of Boston who interacted with a website that visualized both service requests (e.g., potholes and broken streetlamps).

"We found that efforts by the city's government to address those requests resulted in people being 14% more trusting and 12% more supportive of government," continued Buell, a professor of technology and operations management at Harvard. "However, in a case when operational transparency reveals government to be less responsive, people were no more nor less trusting and supportive of government than residents who received no transparency at all."

Additional analysis revealed that operational transparency increases trust and engagement in two waysthrough consumers' increased perceptions of effort by the government and increased perceptions that engagement is impactful.

"Responsiveness increases feelings of personal efficacy, which boosts willingness to engage both directly and indirectly through the other causal paths," says Buell.

Explore further New research finds cost transparency can increase sales 20%

More information: Ryan W. Buell et al, Surfacing the Submerged State: Operational Transparency Increases Trust in and Engagement with Government, Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (2020). Ryan W. Buell et al, Surfacing the Submerged State: Operational Transparency Increases Trust in and Engagement with Government,(2020). DOI: 10.1287/msom.2020.0877
Amur leopards. Credit: CGWP.co.uk / ZSL

Amur leopards were able to coexist with people within the city walls of Seoul, South Korea, in the 19th century, reports a study led by a UCL and ZSL researcher.

The new Frontiers in Conservation Sciences issue provides evidence to show that the now-critically endangered cat has been present in urban locations much longerand in more diverse locationsthan previously thought. From mountain villages to mega cities, small populations of leopards appear able to persist in human-dominated landscapes, as long as they are not persecuted and food and daytime hiding places are available to them.

The findings, based on historic accounts, could help people learn how to better protect and live alongside threatened large carnivores in the future.

Experts from UCL, ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Seoul National University's College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research studied historical accounts of leopards in Seoul in the accounts of early Western travelers and residents in Seoul from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This builds on previous work by South Korean researchers who had documented sporadic accounts of big cats in Seoul in Korean records stretching back to the 15th century.

Their new study indicates that Seoul may have presented a suitable combination of potential free-roaming prey sources, such as stray dogs, the presence of several temporarily abandoned palaces inside the historic walled city, and plenty of tree cover on the outskirts of the city.

Amur leopards survived in remote mountainous areas in South Korea until the 1970s, but the authors theorize that social, economic and political factors in late 19th century Korea, a period of unprecedented upheaval, could have hastened their demise in the Seoul area. Evidence of their persecution is exemplified by several early Western visitors to the country being hired to hunt down and kill big cats in the late 19th century.

Lead author Ph.D. Student Joshua Powell (UCL Geography and ZSL's Institute of Zoology) said, "Historical ecology is a valuable tool to help conservation scientists fill in the gaps in our knowledge about the historic richness and distribution of threatened species. This is important because it gives us a much clearer idea of what we have lost, rather than looking at the past 10, 20 or even 50 years in isolation. The occurrenceand subsequent extirpationof Amur leopards in South Korea is a perfect example of that."

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the largest carnivores known to be capable of adapting to life in seemingly hostile urban environments, with famous contemporary occurrences of the species in Mumbai (India), Nairobi (Kenya) and Johannesburg (South Africa). Their historic presence in Seoul, where winter temperatures can drop to -20C in the winter and climb well into the 30s (Celsius) in the summer, demonstrates how adaptable leopards are.

Hang Lee of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, and founder of the Tiger and Leopard Conservation Fund in Korea (KTLCF), said, "The study shows that it is important to examine the examples of coexistence between humans and big cats around urbanized environments, both in a spatial and temporal context. On top of this study, which focuses on the late 19th century, there are records of sporadic coexistence for more than 500 years in Seoul, from the 14th-19th centuries and throughout the whole Joseon dynasty of Korea, showing that big cats and urban citizens can live in very close proximity if certain conditions are met."

Across the world, urban environments are expanding and encroaching on wild spaces and habitats. The highest rates of expansion are predicted to be in Asia and Africa which provide the vast majority of the leopard's remaining range. The Amur leopards that once occurred in Seoul are listed as Critically Endangered and now known only to be present in a small area along the border between Russia and China.

Sarah Durant, Director of Science at ZSL's Institute of Zoology, concluded, "The study demonstrates that people have a long history of living alongside leopards in even the most modified habitats. Leopards are a highly adaptable species that can survive in cities, albeit in small numbers, given a degree of tolerance from the people they share their space with.

"Now, and in the past, leopards may be able to survive in cities providing they have access to sufficient prey and areas of dense vegetation where they can hide during the day. This raises questions about what constitutes habitat for large carnivores, and identifies potential for increasing connectivity across landscapes modified by humans."

Explore further Rare Amur leopard cubs go on view at zoo; no names yet

More information: Joshua Powell et al, Diverse Locations and a Long History: Historical Context for Urban Leopards (Panthera pardus) in the Early Anthropocene From Seoul, Korea, Frontiers in Conservation Science (2021). Joshua Powell et al, Diverse Locations and a Long History: Historical Context for Urban Leopards (Panthera pardus) in the Early Anthropocene From Seoul, Korea,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.765911
Climate activists hold a demonstration through the venue of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. Negotiators from almost 200 nations were making a fresh push Friday to reach agreements on a series of key issues that would allow them to call this year's U.N. climate talks a success. Credit: AP Photo/Alastair Grant

While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth.

"In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities," United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a "clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees."

But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit).

"The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now it's about time to declare it dead," Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an email Sunday.

A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limitand with it, some hope. But barely.

A thermometer records just below 100 degrees in a north Seattle neighborhood Wednesday afternoon, July 29, 2009, approaching record highs. While world leaders hail the 2021 Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, scientists are much more skeptical. Credit: AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File

The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United States-China deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air.

The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord. United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees.

The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14% since 2010, Espinosa said.

German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference "got work done, but did not make enough progress."

"Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity," said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on.

Youth climate activists protest that representatives of the fossil fuel industry have been allowed inside the venue during the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File

Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, according to scientists who run computer simulations.

"Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming ... for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming," Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an email. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief.

MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didn't match leaders' optimism.

"There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 (degrees) if coal is not phased out ... and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas," he said.

On Saturday, India got a last-minute change to the pact: Instead of the "phase out" of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be "phased down." Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming.

John Kerry, second right, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate walks with, from left, Brazil's Minister of the Environment Joaquim Alvaro Pereira Leite, European Commissioner for European Green Deal Frans Timmermans and China's Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chief Negotiator Xie Zhenhua before the closing plenary session at the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit, in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File

"'Lessening' will do less to slow the harmful effects of climate change than 'eliminating,'" former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, who runs environmental research at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission-cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming.

The 1.5 figure "is balanced on a knife edge," said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia.

One paragraph in the pactwhich calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals aren't in line with 1.5- or 2- degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next yeargives hope, Hare said.

But U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesn't apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the U.S. goal is so strong.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a press conference in Downing Street, London, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 about the Cop26 climate summit. Credit: Daniel Leal/Pool photo via AP

Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigan's environment school said the pact provided "watered down hope. ... We got an incomplete plan for slower action."

"I went into the (conference) thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the world's leaders just didn't have the backbone for that," Overpeck said in an email.

Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the U.S. national climate assessment. "But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely."

But some scientists held out hope.

"For the first time, I can really see a potential path forward to limiting warming to 1.5C," Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann said in an email. "But it will require both (a) countries making good on their current pledges and (b) further ratcheting up their current commitments."

Patricia Espinosa, UNFCCC Executive-Secretary speaks during the Procedural Opening of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. U.N. climate chief Patricia Espinosa was not happy with a last-minute fight over coal that ended in a compromise at the Glasgow climate talks. Still, she's satisfied, calling the final Glasgow Climate Pact a good compromise, said in an interview with The Associated Press Sunday Nov. 14, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, Pool, File

Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact and Research in Germany highlighted the "optimistic" scenario he and a few others see if all the countries that have promised net-zero emissions by mid-century actually achieve the goalsomething most haven't started concrete action on.

In that case, warming could be limited to 1.8 degrees or 1.9 degrees, Rockstrom said.

"That is a significant progress, but far from sufficient," he said.

Explore further Report: Most nations fall far short in plans to curb warming

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Fig.1 Structure and spin density distribution of triangulene. Credit: Shinobu Arikawa et al.

Since the first reported production in 2004, researchers have been hard at work using graphene and similar carbon-based materials to revolutionize electronics, sports, and many other disciplines. Now, researchers from Japan have made a discovery that will advance the long-elusive field of nanographene magnets.

In a study recently published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, researchers from Osaka University and collaborating partners have synthesized a crystalline nanographene with magnetic properties that have been predicted theoretically since the 1950s, but until now have been unconfirmed experimentally except at extremely low temperatures.

Graphene is a single layer, two-dimensional sheet of carbon rings arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Why does graphene excite researchers? Graphene has impressive propertiesit exhibits efficient, long-distance charge transport and has a much higher strength than similarly thick steel. Nanostructures of graphene have edges that exhibit magnetic and electronic properties that researchers would like to exploit. However, graphene nanosheets are difficult to prepare and it's difficult to study their zigzag edge properties. Overcoming these challenges by using a simpler, yet advanced, model system known as triangulene is something the researchers at Osaka University aimed to address.

Fig.2 Spin density distribution of triangulene and space-filling model and crystal structure of triangulene derivatives. Credit: Shinobu Arikawa et al.

"Triangulene has long eluded synthesis in a crystalline form because of its uncontrolled polymerization," say both Shinobu Arikawa and Akihiro Shimizu, two key authors of the study. "We prevented this polymerization by steric protectionbulking up the moleculeand did so in a way that didn't affect its underlying properties."

The researchers' triangulene derivative is stable at room temperature but must be kept in an inert atmosphere because it slowly degrades when exposed to oxygen. Nevertheless, crystallization was possiblewhich enabled confirmation of its theoretically predicted properties, such as localization of unpaired electrons on the zigzag edges of the molecule.

"By measuring its optical and magnetic properties, we confirmed that our molecule is in the triplet ground state," explains Ryo Shintani, senior author. "This is an electronic state that can serve as an experimentally tractable model for zigzag-edged nanographene."

These results have important applications. Researchers can extend the long-sought synthetic procedure reported here to increase the number of carbon rings in the molecule and perform chemical syntheses of advanced forms of nanographene. In so doing, Osaka University and Osaka City University researchers may be able to synthesize materials that are foundational for future advanced electronics and magnets, and supplement the silicon that's ubiquitous in modern electronics.

More information: Shinobu Arikawa et al, Synthesis and Isolation of a Kinetically Stabilized Crystalline Triangulene, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2021). Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society Shinobu Arikawa et al, Synthesis and Isolation of a Kinetically Stabilized Crystalline Triangulene,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10151
Nicholas Seppy was one of the millions of students over the last two years who have had to navigate school shutdowns, virtual learning and the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the 19-year-old from Egg Harbor Township will be helping in the effort to rebuild from the pandemic as a member of his local school board

Seppy, a sophomore at Stockton University, was elected to the Egg Harbor Township Board of Education on Nov. 2. He is a 2020 graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School, where he served as the student liaison to the school board during his senior year.

Seppy said he sees his work as an elected official for the school district as a way to continue to give to his community after his high school graduation.

Initially, I wanted to just step it up and give back to my community, as Ive lived in Egg Harbor Township my entire life, and I wanted to sort of continue my service in an official position, he said.

As someone who attended township schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, Seppy said he has the unique perspective of a recent graduate to offer.
These include Social Equity Businesses, which are owned by people who have past convictions for cannabis offenses or who live in areas economically disadvantaged areas of the state; and Diversely Owned Businesses, which are certified by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury as being woman-owned, minority-owned, or owned by a disabled veteran.

There is also priority given to business applicants that are owned by or employee residents from an Impact Zone Area  locations that have large populations, a high unemployment rate, or a high number of marijuana-related arrests. A list of Impact Zones has not yet been released, although Siegel said that Atlantic City would likely be included.

If you want to do business in Atlantic City, you have to check in with the city of Atlantic City, said Kashawn McKinley, a member of the Atlantic City Cannabis Commission. We are all in on partnerships, we are all about inclusiveness, and we want to help you get from A to Z as soon as possible.

Kwanza Hall, a former Atlantic City councilman and former U.S. congressman, said he was encouraged to see the city and state embrace the marijuana industry, seeing it as a way to promote social equity.
Sahin said the study would be conducted as a randomized control trial. A total of 1,100 drivers or pedestrians in Atlantic City and Pleasantville will be randomly assigned to the treatment group, in which they will undergo the enhanced procedural justice protocol and police will use the new interaction tactics. Another 900 drivers or pedestrians in Atlantic City and Pleasantville will undergo conventional police stops, without any new interventions.

The response of the two groups will be compared to evaluate the effect that the new procedures have on police-civilian relations.

We believe that, with this new intervention, citizens will be better informed about traffic-enforcement practices, they will feel that the police make them part of the process, and will give them an opportunity to voice their opinions given their initial interaction, Sahin said. We anticipate that this protocol will increase compliance, citizen satisfaction, and perceptions of trust and confidence in the police department.
Its challenging, to say the least, for an administration to commit itself to more presidential gaffes. But White House staff members ought to consider that the typical primary-season Biden gaffe was the kind of thing that, while embarrassing to them personally, played just fine with the countrys median voters  who tend to be older people with no college degree living in the suburbs of smaller cities.

More broadly, it wouldnt be such a bad idea for Biden to be seen as at odds with leftist elements in his own party.

Im fairly certain, for example, that Biden does not personally agree with diversity consultant Tema Okun that individualism, objectivity and worship of the written word are distinctive characteristics of white supremacy culture. But her work has been used for training in public school systems from New York City to Seattle and is a recommended resource of the National Education Association.
Beach replenishment a scam for the wealthy

Regarding the recent Press editorial, Refilling NJ beaches still cost-effective, essential:

I read this with dismay. It seems its the editorial board that needs a science lesson. The editorial states that coastal ecologists and engineers have shown sand comes and goes in the dynamic beach-wave zone.  Much of the sand moved off a beach in a storm returns subsequently from nearby in the water. I think this is a fantasy.

In Monmouth Beach in 2013 most sand vanished in just a few weeks, never to return anywhere that Im aware, wasting millions.

Thats why the Army Corps of Engineers replenishes beaches in a 4 or 5 year cycle for 50 years. If all of the sand migrated along the coast, they might pile it at key locations and let nature take its course. About the only beaches I know getting wider are at Sandy Hook. There some sand ends up from the erosion of replenishment in other places. Then it migrates out into shipping channels where it needs to be dredged, costing more.
WASHINGTON  During a visit to RFE/RL bureaus in Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia last week, RFE/RL President Jamie Fly met with North Macedonia President Stevo Pendarovski, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Fly also spent time with RFE/RL`s journalistsincluding a group of Afghan journalists recently evacuated from Afghanistanto discuss the important role that RFE/RL`s journalism plays in supporting democracy in the Balkan region and throughout its 23-country service area.

During his meetings, Fly discussed the changing media landscape in each country and the importance of maintaining space for freedom of the press and the ability of independent journalists to do their jobs without pressure from government authorities. In Kosovo, Fly also met with former Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and in Serbia, he also talked to Serbian opposition figure Marinika Tepic.

RFE/RLs Balkan Service serves one mission in three languages in five countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. In 2019, the Balkan Service marked 25 years of reporting in one of the worlds most contested regions, championing professionalism and moderation in a media landscape that is sharply divided along ethnic and partisan lines and subject to external influences including Russian misinformation, Chinese investment, and influence from the Gulf and Turkey. From October 2020-September 2021, the Services three websites earned 17.85 million visits and 26 million page views, and 56.1 million video views on its Facebook pages.

About RFE/RL

RFE/RL relies on its networks of local reporters to provide accurate news and information to more than 41 million people every week in 27 languages and 23 countries where media freedom is restricted, or where a professional press has not fully developed. Its videos were viewed 6.5 billion times on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram/IGTV in FY2020. RFE/RL is an editorially independent media company funded by a grant from the U.S. Congress through the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Martins Zvaners in Washington (zvanersm@rferl.org, +1.202.457.6948)

Jana Hokuvova in Prague (hokuvovaj@rferl.org, +420.221.122.072)
November 15, 2021 in Music and Recording (E)

[prMac.com] Rochester, New York - Static Z Software is proud to announce the release of SparkFX 1.1.0, an important update to their easy-to-use sound board app for macOS. SparkFX makes it easy to organize and play your sounds. It features a simple grid-based interface that that lets you focus on your performance. Use SparkFX to add sound effect and music to live performances, podcasts and more.



SparkFX helps you organize and play your sound effects. Use Set Lists and color to keep your sound clips organized. The built-in search bar helps you quickly find and play sound clips.



One of the more unique features that SparkFX includes is Sequences. A single click or button press can play an entire sequence of sound clips. The sequence clips can also be played in random order or simultaneously. There is even an option to play a single random clip. Instead of playing the same applause or laugh over and over, SparkFX will play a random variant. This allows you to spice up your sound effects with some randomness to avoid repetitive sounds.



SparkFX has many other unique and powerful features including support for multichannel sound clips, the ability to play to more than one output device at a time, and a built-in recorder that lets you record your performance to file for later playback and evaluation. SparkFX also has full support for MIDI pads and continuous controls.



New in version 1.1.0 is the addition of full support for Audio Unit Effect plug-ins. The Mac comes with many built-in effects that SparkFX can take advantage of. Third party Audio Unit Effect plug-ins are also supported. Effects can be applied to the entire document or on individual audio clips. There's no limit to what you can do.



Pricing and Availability:

SparkFX 1.1.0 is available for $29 (USD). There is also a free 14 day trial available for download. All features are fully supported on macOS 10.15 Catalina and later. For more information, please contact Dominic Feira.

Static Z Software specializes in media software for the Mac. We provide tools like Sound Siphon for capturing your Mac's audio and Sound Control which gives you incredible control over your Mac's audio output. All Material and Software (C) Copyright 2021 Static Z Software. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, macOS, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.

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MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Monday he won't seek reelection next year to the seat he's held since 1975, signaling an end to a career that's included major roles on issues such as civil liberties and financing the government and that began before four of his current colleagues were born.

Its time to come home, said Leahy, 81. He made the announcement in the Vermont State House, blocks from where he grew up.

The decision by Leahy, among the Senate's more liberal members, marks the end of a political era. Hes the last of the so-called Watergate babies, the surge of congressional Democrats elected in 1974 after President Richard Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment.

He's also among a dwindling group from a more collegial era when senators had more harmonious relationships despite ideological differences. Among those is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., now one of Congress' sharpest partisans, who's served alongside Leahy for over three decades and praised him warmly as "an all-time Senate institution."

Leahy became the first Democrat facing reelection next year in the 50-50 Senate to say he'll retire. His state has shifted from solidly Republican to deep blue while he's been senator, and his seat seems securely in Democratic hands.
If you watch the news, you get the impression that America is not doing well under the Biden administration. The media does not do justice to the great things that are happening in the country as a result of the Biden administration. President Biden has: cut child poverty in half, added 5.3 million jobs, recovered 80% of the jobs lost under the Trump recession, vaccinated 220 million Americans, reduced the deficit by $360 billion in one year, passed historic infrastructure investments for water, bridges, roads, and broadband. The Dow/401(k)s have been at an all-time high, hes taken important steps toward ending global warming and is trying to pass legislation to continue this process. These are all measures that directly affect Iowa. Despite all the whining, facts are stubborn. The United States is on a good path, thanks to President Joe Biden.
In one of the follow up emails to Scott, I asked if I could come watch expecting that he would provide an address to come view with us paying for the trip and hotel, Sander said. This was not the case. They paid for me, my dad and my older brothers airfare and hotel. We also were invited to attend all the special tours and parties that occurred that week. These VIP events were mostly attended by the friends and families of the crew, some SpaceX employees and some St. Jude employees. We felt so fortunate to be included in that group. I got to thank Scott personally in a facility called Hanger X, an 8-stage booster refurbishment facility. The booster with the most flights in the hanger was eight but thats not the current record; thats 10. They only allowed seven people in Hanger X that day and I was one of them."
Some others, including Illinois and Michigan, treat high-power or high-caliber nonpowder guns as firearms. In its definition of a firearm, Illinois does not include nonpowder guns of .18 caliber or less, or nonpowder guns with a muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second.

Another group of states  including Connecticut, Delaware and North Dakota  have nonpowder guns in their definitions of dangerous weapons.

Current limitations

An air gun doesnt fit the definition of a firearm in Iowa. If it did, Olson could have faced a charge of reckless use of a firearm  which is what Lyness would have wanted to charge him with. That is a felony if serious or bodily injury occurs.

If you have an air rifle or other kinds of weapons like that that are basically firearms, than let's classify them as firearms and treat them like that because the concern I have is that they are going to be misused, Lyness said.

Nile Heefner, Gabes father, said he would like to see air rifles and pellet guns classified as firearms because they can injure and kill like firearms.
COVID-19 case numbers, which had been steadily falling in the U.S. since the delta variant crested in September, have again plateaued. The decline from more than 200,000 daily cases has been welcome, but why have the numbers now stalled in the 70,000s? Perhaps its the colder weather driving people indoors, in closer contact with others, sometimes unmasked.

But heres another crucial factor: Less than 60% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. More people need to get their shots as soon as possible.

This is the simple reason President Joe Biden is right to stand by his vaccine requirements. One of them, a mandate that 4 million federal workers be vaccinated, comes into force on Nov. 22. Another, a Labor Department rule that companies with 100 or more employees see that they are either vaccinated or tested weekly, has a deadline of Jan. 4, 2022. (This requirement will apply to about 84 million people, more than 26 million of whom are not yet vaccinated.) Also on Jan. 4, everyone who works at a hospital, nursing home or other health facility that receives payments from Medicare or Medicaid  about 17 million workers at 76,000 facilities  needs to be vaccinated.
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Back on Sept. 10 as all of the states school divisions began the fall semester, the ACLU sent a letter to each of Virginias 132 school boards and superintendents reminding them about their legal duty to comply with state and federal laws, and reiterated its role in the Gavin Grimm case from 2015. Grimm, a transgender student, sued the Gloucester County School Board after it barred him from using the boys restroom.

A federal court ruled that the action taken by the school system was unconstitutional and violated his rights under Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on ones sex. This summer, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, a decision that allowed the lower courts ruling to stand.

After six years of litigation, the Gloucester County School Board recently agreed to pay the ACLU and ACLU-VA over $1.3 million dollars in legal fees and costs, the letter said. The districts decision turned out to be costly and completely avoidable.

The ACLU letter said, in part, that ... while a number of school districts have recently adopted policies in compliance with state law, others have refused to do so. This blatant disregard for state law and VDOEs guidance is ill-informed and may subject school districts to unwanted litigation.
By abusing his power and abdicating his responsibility as district attorney, Mark Jones did a disservice to those he was elected to protect and put our very justice system at risk," Carr said in the release. "This outcome is a victory for integrity in prosecutions and the rule of law.

Superior Court Judge Katherine Lumsden had Jones taken into custody immediately, denying his request to turn himself in on Friday.

The governor can now appoint a district attorney to serve until one can be elected. Until he does, Acting District Attorney Sheneka Terry, who took over when Jones was suspended, will continue to hold the role.

The judge noted that the corruption case against Jones was different from some others.

You didnt line your own pockets. You didnt do some of the things that normally are involved when we think of public corruption, she said. But I think you got so caught up in being the DA that you forgot about the people you ran to represent.
DALLAS (AP)  A woman who authorities say survived an attack by a man charged with killing 18 older women in Dallas and its suburbs over a two-year span said in a taped deposition shown to jurors as his trial opened Monday that she knew she was in grave danger the minute she opened her door.

My eyes were just fixated on these green rubber gloves that I saw. ... I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves, number one, I should not have opened the door, number two, my life was in grave danger, Mary Annis Bartel said on the video.

Billy Chemirmir, 48, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in the death of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty. His attorney entered a not guilty plea for him on Monday on the charge.

Chemirmir was arrested in March 2018 following the attack on Bartel at her apartment at an independent living community for seniors in Plano. Bartel was 91 at the time of the attack and died in 2020.

She said that she tried to push the door shut but was overpowered. He said: Dont fight me, lie on the bed, Bartel said.
Im happy to report, as I did that evening on [Nov. 2], that we conducted a safe, secure and incredibly smooth election, Piper said.

In the Nov. 2 election, 675,000 more Virginians cast ballots than in the 2017 contest for governor.

Expanding access is giving more Virginians the ability to cast their ballots and do so successfully, and it shows that we can still have robust competition and strong races throughout, said Piper, referring to election laws that allowed for no-excuse absentee voting, a 45-day window for early voting and use of drop boxes for ballots.

The chairman of the elections board is Robert Brink, a Democrat who represented Arlington County in the House from 1998 to 2014 and held two posts in Gov. Terry McAuliffes administration. The vice chair is Republican John OBannon, a physician who represented Henrico County in the House from 2001 to 2018. The secretary of the board is Jamilah D. LeCruise, an attorney who manages her own law practice in Norfolk.

The other board members are Donald Merricks, a business owner and community leader from Pittsylvania County and a former GOP member of the House, and Angela Chiang, a founding member of the Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia.
A State Corporation Commission hearing examiner issued a report Monday recommending the commissions three judges reject a request by a company to build a natural gas pipeline across five central Virginia counties without the regulatory oversight given to a utility.

The developer of the proposed Chickahominy Pipeline asked the commission in September for permission to build the gas line without approval from the commission. The line would run through Louisa, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Charles City counties and serve a yet-to-be-built natural gas power plant in Charles City County.

Environmental groups such as the Southern Environmental Law Center say the plant and pipeline arent necessary for Virginias electricity needs, and opposition to the pipeline has grown among property owners concerned about negative environmental effects.

In October, SCC staff recommended the commission reject the companys request, saying the company is attempting to subvert state law and escape regulation by creating a shell corporation.
On Friday, Courtland district representative Rabih Abuismail said his comment that hed like to see books like 33 Snowfisha book by playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist Adam Rapp about homeless teens attempting to escape from sexual abuse and drug addictionthrown on a fire was said out of frustration.

I should not have said it, he said. I want to be forthcoming with the notion that I misspoke. Anybody I offended, I want them to know it was unintentional.

Abuismail, who at 24 is one of the youngest School Board members ever elected in Virginia, said his concerns about books like 33 Snowfish and Call Me By Your Namethe second book that the parent of a Riverbend High School mentioned by name in a complaint about books in the librarydo not come from the fact that they depict LGBTQ characters, but that their subject matter includes pedophilia.

We shouldnt remove the books because they have a gay character, he said. But any books that have pornographic material or pedophilia in them do not belong in the school system.

Abuismail said it should be very clear what books are too sexually explicit to be in school libraries. He said there is a place for that material in public libraries.
The Organ Thieves examines the intersection between racism and the medical industry in 1960s America.

Im always on the lookout for that story that has not been told yet, and I read about the first heart transplant in Richmond knowing absolutely nothing about it, Jones said. You might call it forgotten history, but at the time this subject was written about in the papers. As a reporter theres often things that have been written about before, but if you take another look at it, there are a lot of missing pieces to the puzzle.

Jones, who left Roanoke to work at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, still lives in the Richmond area. His three previous books, all of which focused on military issues, include Boys of 67: From Vietnam to Iraq, the Extraordinary Story of a Few Good Men. He first learned of the story that inspired The Organ Thieves while working at communications director of the Richmond Academy of Medicine, according to his website biography.

Juliennes The Campaign for Woman Suffrage in Virginia deals with the staunch traditional values stood that stood in the way of would-be women voters. Chandler will discuss work including his Amazon Kindle best-selling legal thriller, False Evidence, the third installment of his Sam Johnstone series.
Recently he unearthed a four-page sheaf of documents that had been left for him at the front desk of Oakeys Church Avenue office a number of years ago. He never knew who left the papers that contained information about the old cemetery previously known as the John Henry Mitchell Cemetery and the Hickey Graveyard before it was called Norwich Cemetery.

One of the papers is a detailed handwritten map of the hill bordered by Irvin Street to the east, the railroad tracks to the north, and Roanoke Avenue to the south. The presumed outline of the cemetery is denoted by short and closely arranged vertical lines within which is marked the location of the handful of graves at the top of the hill that do have recognizable headstones.

Another page, dated Jan. 14, 2009, is a digital list of 25 known names of those buried at Norwich compiled by Glenna Garnand Garner from newspaper obituaries and death notices and published at usgwarchives.net.

The other two pages in the file Bowles shared was a narrative in exquisitely precise cursive handwriting from an unknown writer. The oral history narrative was entitled Norwich Cemetery.

Bowles recognized many of the names on the Garner list as families he had known growing up. Of the list of names, 18 were of children, many of whom were no more than a year or two old.
When hundreds of thousands of Virginians had lost their jobs in the first summer of the pandemic, Glenn Youngkin, an executive of a private equity firm, had quit his.

The wealthy businessman from Northern Virginia was following political ambitions, soon taking jabs at Democratic leaders for how he believed they bungled the COVID-19 response. As health workers and elderly residents received the initial vaccines, he criticized the administration for not distributing doses faster.

All of a sudden, one of the most important linchpins to unlocking Virginias future was stuck on the sidelines because we did a bad job, he said during a February interview with Royal Examiner in Warren County. In my world, you get fired for that. All of a sudden, everybody is now starting to recognize that if we can just get the vaccine out, it will increase everyones confidence to do all the things we want them to do.
A Richmond Times-Dispatch investigation found that under Bennetts watch, more than 100 parolees were released from supervision without any recommendations from parole officers.

Instead of delving further, Northams administration chose to question whether the states watchdog agency had any right to investigate the parole board in the first place. Inspector General Michael Westfall reportedly feared for his job security after the reprimand, and pledged not to dig any further into the parole board problems.

In the sort of move that makes any sensible person wonder who is trying to hide what from who, Democrats in the General Assembly instead authorized a $230,000 inquiry into whether the lead investigator into the parole board violations, Jennifer Moschetti, was acting out of political bias when she made her original findings.

The law firm that conducted the investigation into Moschetti proclaimed she was indeed biased without ever speaking to her or Bennett, and without making a convincing case for that accusation. By then Moschetti had already been fired, ostensibly for leaking investigation records to lawmakers.

Nothing in the report about Moschetti contradicted the first report substantiating violations of law and procedure by the parole board.
President Joe Biden plans to show his commitment to Native Americans by acting to improve public safety and justice for their communities and by proposing a 20-year ban on oil and gas drilling on Chaco Canyon, an ancient heritage site in northwestern New Mexico
" " The surface-to-surface Fateh 110 ballistic missile (seen here) is made in and by Iran and is thought to be one of the ballistic missiles used by Iran in the Jan. 7, 2020, attack on U.S. airbases in Iraq. Mohsen Shandiz/Corbis via Getty Images

In 2017, North Korea unexpectedly staged a test launch of what was then a new ballistic missile, the Pukguksong-2. The launch took place when Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was on a state visit to the United States. There have been many more test launches of ballistic missiles by North Korea since. Between May and October 2019, North Korea launched as many as 12 ballistic missiles or other projectiles. But they have all been just test launches.

Things got real, though, on Jan. 7, 2020, when Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops. This was not a test launch. It was Iran's retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran Gen. Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3, 2020. There were no casualties and Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif defended the missile strike on the U.S. bases in Iraq, saying it was an act of "self-defense."

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But for the non-military minded among us, these ballistic missile launches  both the constant test launches in North Korea and the intentional strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq  may raise a good question: What exactly is a ballistic missile, anyway? Is there something about the ballistic part that makes a missile even more dangerous? After all, when someone freaks out we say they've "gone ballistic."

According to the Federation of American Scientists, a ballistic missile is one that has a ballistic trajectory over most of its flight path. What that means is that once the missile burns up the fuel that propels it, the missile keeps moving, the same way that a bullet does after it's been fired out of a gun. Once the fuel is gone, the missile's direction can't be altered. It follows a path determined by the speed of its launch and the force of gravity trying to pull it back toward the Earth's surface. Eventually, gravity guides the missile  and its payload, which might be an explosive, a chemical or biological weapon, or a nuclear device  down toward its target.

Ballistic missiles are different than cruise missiles. Cruise missiles are self-propelled for the majority of their time in the air, flying in a relatively straight line and at lower altitudes thanks to a rocket propellant. Think of a ballistic missile's flight path as a large arc up and back down again, while that of a cruise missile  fired from a warship, for instance  is closer to a straight line.

Ballistic missiles first came into use during World War II, when the Germans used a ballistic missile called the V-2 to attack London. British air defenses designed to stop aircraft couldn't stop the V-2s, because the rockets traveled too high into the upper atmosphere and moved too fast.

After the war, the U.S., with the help of captured German technology and scientists, built its own arsenal of even more powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of unleashing nuclear destruction upon targets on the other side of the world. The Soviet Union and China built ICBMs as well, setting up a world where a nuclear war was deterred by the prospect of mutual assured destruction.

Now That's Scary The North Korean regime successfully tested intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in July and November 2017. Its Hwasong-15 ICBM reached an altitude of 2,780 miles (4,475 kilometers) and flew about 590 miles (1,000 kilometers) before landing in the sea off the coast of Japan. Analysts estimate the Hwasong-15 has a potential range of 8,100 miles (13,000 kilometers). If it's fired on a flatter trajectory, it could reach potentially reach anywhere on the U.S. mainland.

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Originally Published: Feb 15, 2017
" " Orbeez are colorful, squishy little beads about the size of ball bearings made of polymers composed of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and water. Harper Park

In the year 2020, people likely spent more time bored at home than in any other year since the turn of the century. And it's entirely possible that millions of homebound people actually considered performing the following task:

Discover through the scientific method of experimentation how many hydrated Orbeez it takes to fill your bathtub.

While we applaud experiments of most kinds, we will do that math for you here so you don't have to ruin your plumbing finding out. Unless, of course, you want to.

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Orbeez start off as hard, colorful little beads about the size of ball bearings made of polymers composed of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and water  the same stuff that makes diapers and maxi pads absorbent. When submerged in water, the spaces between these polymers are packed full of water molecules, resulting in their swelling to a size over 150 times their original diameter. They also can be dehydrated  just set them in the sun or in a dry, open container  whereupon they shrink back to their original size in a day or so.

So, how many of these water beads would it take to fill up the bathtub at your house?

Bathtub sizes differ, but in the U.S. a standard tub holds 42 gallons (159 liters) of water. How many individual water beads would it take to fill an entire tub?

According to the Orbeez website, 100 dried water beads yield one cup (240 milliliters) of fully hydrated Orbeez. There are 16 cups in a gallon, and therefore 1,600 water beads in a gallon. So, for a 42-gallon (159-liter) tub you'll need 67,200 water beads to fill a standard sized bathtub. But, be aware, that at nearly $24 for a package of 2,000 Orbeez, it could cost you a pretty penny to fill your bathtub. There are, of course, similar, less expensive options on the market as well.

But wait! If you're really going to try this at home, remember that if you are planning to submerge yourself in the tub full of Orbeez, you'll displace a ton of swollen beads with your body, so maybe shoot for around 30 gallons (114 liters) to be safe. In that case, you'll need more like 48,000 water beads. Point being, if you get in your Orbeez bath, you may not get any cleaner, but it will save you some money.

Final caveat: Orbeez grow bigger if you use distilled water. The salts and minerals in tap water inhibit the growth of each bead, and some people put salt or rubbing alcohol in their beads to keep them from growing bacteria, which also keeps them from growing as large. For the biggest beads, use distilled water!

HowStuffWorks may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

Now That's Interesting Orbeez were originally developed to mix with soil to give agricultural plants access to water for longer. They are entirely biodegradable and are nontoxic, so are safe for the environment, kids and pets, though it's probably best that neither animals nor children consume Orbeez, just to be on the safe side.
" " According to some believers, Nostradamus foresaw the city of New York and the attack that destroyed the World Trade Center towers. In several quatrains, he describes "the new city," often suggesting an attack on it. Terraxplorer/Getty Images

Following the terrorist attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, there was renewed interest in Nostradamus and his prophecies.

A lot of this interest was fueled by a series of email messages. One anonymous message, widely circulated in the United States, claimed that Nostradamus foretold the destruction in some detail. The message included this quatrain:

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In the City of God there will be a great thunder,

Two Brothers torn apart by Chaos,

While the fortress endures, the great leader will succumb.

The third big war will begin when the big city is burning.

Ostensibly, the "two brothers" refers to the twin towers, the "fortress" refers to the Pentagon, the "great leader" refers to President Bush and "the big city" refers to New York. In fact, this quatrain is not the work of Nostradamus  it is a complete fabrication.

According to Snopes.com, the first three lines were taken from an essay written in 1997 by Neil Marshall, then a student at Brock University in Canada. Marshall included the made-up lines in the essay to demonstrate how easy it was to take vague imagery and use it as "proof" that a certain event had been foretold long ago. Apparently, someone picked up the verses, added an extra line and distributed the quatrain over the internet.

Other people added on even more lines to it, supposedly from Nostradamus, as the message made its way around the internet. One version described "metal birds" crashing into "two tall statues," an image that does not show up anywhere in "The Centuries." Others referred to "the city of York," another invention meant to sound like Nostradamus. One widespread message included these lines:

In the year of the new century and nine months,

From the sky will come a great King of Terror.

The sky will burn at forty-five degrees.

Fire approaches the great new city.

While this quatrain, as such, is not the work of Nostradamus, it does include some of his verses. It is an adaptation of two different quatrains:

Century 10, Quatrain 72:

The year 1999, seventh month,

From the sky will come a great King of Terror:

To bring back to life the great King of the Mongols,

Before and after Mars to reign by good luck.

Century 6, Quatrain 97:

At forty-five degrees the sky will burn,

Fire to approach the great new city:

In an instant a great scattered flame will leap up,

When one will want to demand proof of the Normans.

Many Nostradamus followers believe that both quatrains refer to the attack on the World Trade Center. The references to fire and terror from the sky fit with the aerial attack, they argue, and New York City is around 40 5' N latitude (relatively close to "forty-five degrees"). The date is also not far off. Additionally, several other quatrains refer to an Antichrist figure called Mabus, who supposedly will start a World War. The letters in Mabus can be rearranged to spell Usam B, leading some to believe Nostradamus saw the coming of Osama bin Laden.

Skeptics suggest that believers are paying attention only to the pieces that fit, and ignoring the parts that do not ("the great King of the Mongols," for example). Additionally, they argue that "the great new city" is a skewed translation of Nostradamus' lines. In the original French, Nostradamus referred to "Villeneuve," which literally means "new city," but is also the name of a town outside of Paris, near 45 degrees latitude. Critics credit the similarity of Mabus and Osama bin Laden to coincidence, noting that up until recently, many Nostradamus followers claimed Saddam Hussein was Mabus (Mabus spelled backward is Subam).

Since 2001, there haven't been any substantive claims of any Nostradamus predictions coming true. There was one rumor circulating in 2020 that he'd accurately predicted the Covid-19 pandemic, although the supposed prophecy circulating online  one referencing a plague originating in the East and spreading to Italy  doesn't appear anywhere in "The Centuries." He also did not say that a "feeble man" would "rule the western world with a jezebel" after the plague, which some Americans took as a reference to Donald Trump or to Joe Biden, depending on their political persuasion. Nostradamus' works make many references to plagues, which were common at the time he lived, but not in conjunction with these other elements.

Stephane Gerson, professor of French, French Studies, and History at New York University, told Reuters that Nostradamus' lasting appeal was due to the fact that his "arcane predictions could mean anything."

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Originally Published: Sep 24, 2001
FLORENCE, S.C.  On Nov. 24  the Wednesday before Thanksgiving  Signature Wealth Strategies will serve up its Seventh Annual Day of Thanks meal at the Courtney McGinnis Graham Community Shelter.

Its a blessing when you have, and even more of a blessing when youre able to give, said Chip Munn, managing partner.

The business is supported in its gift by Victors Restaurant, S&W Printing, Pepsi, M&M Printing and Graphics and Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches.

Signature Wealth workers will turn out at the shelter and prepare the meal to be served to residents at the shelter and whoever else attends and wants, or needs, a meal.

Meals are shuttled out of the kitchen to diners in the shelter and out back on the sheltered picnic tables. Over the last six years the organization has served up than 2,000 meals.

Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

This is our seventh year of being able to do this with our other partners and the House of Hope. It is one of the things that our team really, we get as much out of it as we give, Munn said. Its become something thats really special for us to be able to participate.

Munn said the day was designed as a way to give back to the community the company it serves.
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November 15, 2021

Noting the SCOTUS "state of capital punishment" without discussing the state of capital punishment

Adam Liptak has this notable new New York Times "Sidebar" piece headlined "In Death Penalty Cases, an Impatient Supreme Court; Recent rulings, including one turning down a death row inmates request supported by the prosecution, offer telling glimpses of the state of capital punishment." Here are excerpts (with a bit of emphasis added):

Two weeks ago, on the same day it heard arguments about the future of abortion rights in Texas, the Supreme Court turned down an appeal from a federal prisoner facing execution. The move was in one sense routine, as the court has grown increasingly hostile to arguments made by death row inmates. This became apparent in the final months of the Trump administration, when, after a hiatus of 17 years, the federal government executed 13 inmates. Throughout this expedited spree of executions, this court has consistently rejected inmates credible claims for relief, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a dissent at the time. The courts impatience was also evident last week at an argument over whether an inmates pastor could pray with and touch him in the death chamber. Several conservative justices expressed dismay at what they said was last-minute litigation gamesmanship in death penalty cases. Still, the case the court turned down two weeks ago was exceptional, providing a telling glimpse of the state of capital punishment in the United States. The court rejected the inmates petition even though the prosecution agreed that his case deserved a fresh look. In an 11-page dissent, Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Elena Kagan, said the majority had crossed a new bridge. To my knowledge, the court has never before denied such relief in a capital case where both parties have requested it, let alone where a new development has cast the decision below into such doubt, Justice Sotomayor wrote. The case concerned Wesley P. Coonce Jr., who was serving a life sentence for kidnapping and carjacking when he helped murder another prisoner in the mental health ward of a federal prison. A murder committed by an inmate already serving a life sentence is a capital crime, and he was sentenced to death. Lawyers for Mr. Coonce asked the justices to return his case to an appeals court for reconsideration of his argument that he could not be executed because he was intellectually disabled. There had been, the lawyers wrote, an important new development that could alter the appeals courts analysis.... While the majority did not explain its thinking, a 2014 dissent from Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., joined by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Clarence Thomas, provided a hint. Justice Alito wrote that the meaning of the Eighth Amendment should not be determined by positions adopted by private professional organizations. The majority may also have thought that the Biden administration had its own tools to address Mr. Coonces case, notably by granting him clemency.

As the title of this post is meant to highlight, I am struggling a bit to see how the denial of cert by SCOTUS in Coonce serves as a "glimpse of the state of capital punishment in the United States." For starters, the state of capital punishment in the United States is largely one of modern desuetude. As detailed in this DPIC fact sheet, in 1999 there were 279 death sentences imposed and 98 executions; in 2019 there were 24 death sentences imposed and 22 executions. Moreover, I am pretty sure Coonce still can have his death sentence reviewed via a 2255 motion and perhaps via other means, so maybe the case really is a "glimpse" into the various means capital defendants have to get their claims reviewed.

Moreover, as highlighted by the clemency point, what this case really shows to me is that the Biden Administration would rather push for courts to take people off death row rather than do it on their own. After all, if lawyers in the Justice Department have genuinely concluded that Coonce is intellectually disabled, their constitutional oath would seemingly call for them to ask for Prez Biden to moved him off death row since the Eighth Amendment precludes an execution of someone intellectually disabled. That DOJ is merely urging here a "fresh look" strikes me far more as a "glimpse" into the state of the Biden Administration's actions on capital punishment.

November 15, 2021 at 03:36 PM | Permalink

Comments

Yes, "largely," since "after a hiatus of 17 years, the federal government executed 13 inmates."

The Administration put in place a moratorium. They didn't "ask a court" to do it. They did it themselves. As noted by a past comment, the moratorium could be broader. But, that is what they did.

Not just commuting the sentences is a sort of loaded gun situation as seen by those 13 inmates after Obama (and Bush43 really after executing three, including Timothy McVeigh).

So, I support making this permanent. Still, unlike let's say Oklahoma, not seeing the Biden Administration executing any one soon. And, in November 2021, it is a bit soon for me to say that the Administration will never do more.

The article links the government's cert request in the Coonce case. As to what the oath requires, I'm unsure if there is some constitutional prohibition for him being on death row as compared to actually being executed if intellectually disabled. As the matter is examined.

It seems to me sensible to allow the process asked by his lawyers set forth here, especially (per Sotomayor) if the normal practice of both sides agreeing being to GVR the case. As long as the person is not executed, I'm not sure how the oath is being violated here. Unlike, in my view, how those 13 executions were handled.

I think it reasonable to think that the Biden Administration -- like the average person in his position -- would rather accomplish something in a more low key sort of way.

The case here -- involving someone who murdered in prison -- does not seem like the case to go the whole hog. Especially while a moratorium & the accompanying study is in place.

I very well do wish more is done, partially since unlike the person who runs this blog, I think the death penalty is unconstitutional as well as bad policy. As to the state of the death penalty with a more conservative court, we shall see how silent it is as states execute people in ways that those who observed executions for quite some time have flagged as blotched.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 15, 2021 7:23:02 PM

"The state of capital punishment in the United States is largely one of modern desuetude." Try telling that to prosecutors in Cuyahoga County. The death penalty is alive and well up here.

Posted by: Cleveland Attorney | Nov 16, 2021 9:56:14 AM

Joe's got good points, as always.

I don't really understand the complaint about the NYT characterization of what happened. For one, Liptak is their SCOTUS reporter. His job is to cover the Court's decisions and other goings-on; he doesn't report on the current presidential administration writ large. Of course, here the Biden admin was involved in the case, so he reported on it to that extent.

And it was very much a "glimpse" into DP mattersas they are happening at the Court, which again is Liptak's focus. One way to define "glimpse" is as a "brief peek." The cert dissent certainly provided a brief peek into DP matters at the Court. It wasn't a full-blown opinion in a full-blown merits case, so it clearly meets the shortness requirement. And likewise it meets the "peek" requirement because a quickie cert dissentwhich by definition only relates to a single case for a single death-row inmatecan only give a partial view into how the Court is treating such issues in DP cases.

Of course, because Prof. B. is so in the tank for TP and the Rs, he never misses a chance to make everything a criticism of Biden and the Ds. But to do that, you of course have to conveniently ignore that all 6 R-appointed "Justices"including all 3 appointed by TPwere so out for blood that they couldn't even begrudge Coonce a remand. Not anything remotely close to an outright reversal, not even a merits hearing, but just a mere GVR. Plus, the remand would have been to a CA8 panel with two TP-appointed reactionaries (as well as Loken, who I guess by comparison is a "moderate" but that isn't saying much) anyway. So was the likely outcome there really in doubt? But again, those 6 R "Justices" needed their death and they needed it quickly. And what was the stance of Biden's (acting at the time) SG? Oh, she was backing Coonce. As were all three D-appointed Justices. But in the bizarro alternate universe that Prof. B. inhabits, Biden and the Ds are the real baddies in this story.

"push for courts to take people off death row"

As Joe helpfully noted, Biden reinstated the moratorium all by his lonesome. But Prof. B. was in such a mad dash to criticize that he failed to mention it. Also, the criticism's not really coherent in the first place. DOJ isn't pushing the courts to do anything. It's the inmate that's appealing his sentence, right? Are you saying he shouldn't do that, and instead just roll over and die while awaiting clemency that doesn't come? Or, since the inmate's obviously appealing his sentence anyway, Biden's DOJ should actually *fight* his GVR request instead of agreeing, like they did here?

Let's get real. Nobody should confuse Biden with a DP abolitionist. Anyone who thinks he is must be delusional or incurably naive. He's not pro-DP like TP, but at his core he's an institutionalist. I think he'd be fine with abolishing the federal DP, but I suspect he wants to see it done via Congress and the political process. Until that happens, it's still the law in the U.S. Code and I don't think he wants to undermine that. Of course, if he strongly felt the DP was unconstitutional across the board or in particular situations like the mentally ill, he might instruct his DOJ to take that position, but I think it's clear he doesn't feel that way. But still, he's not going out of his way to speed up the DP. And again, he did reimpose the moratorium. Plus he (via his DOJ) is being accommodating in cases like Coonce's.

So yeah, Biden's not gunning for full-blown abolition. But looking at the guy's history of decades in the Senate, plus 8 years as VP to Obamawho approached the DP in a very similar way, and, shocker!, chose a VP with similar views on the issuewhy would you expect anything different unless you were in a coma during that time? And yet, Biden isn't even neutral w.r.t. the federal DP. He's taken multiple, concrete steps to diminish it. In contrast, TP is not only gung-ho for the DP, he also took deliberate steps to further and accelerate it. Even when it gave him no political benefit whatsoever, because he just revels in needless killing. But, if you have a pair of Prof. B.'s special prescription bothsides glasses, there's absolutely no difference between them!

"if lawyers in the Justice Department have genuinely concluded that Coonce is intellectually disabled"

But they haven't, right? I mean, there's no evidence to that effect, is there? They agree he should be allowed to offer this newly-arising evidence and make arguments based on that. But that's it. I don't know how you cover the considerable distance from that small point to the idea that the gov't actually did a complete 180 on its view of the underlying merits.

"their constitutional oath would seemingly call for them to ask for Prez Biden to moved him off death row"

Putting aside the lack of support for the suggestion that DOJ is deliberately pursuing this case while knowing it's a violation of constitutional rights, can we just please give it a rest with these arguments around the oath? I'm not criticizing the OP specifically here, but the oath-based arguments in general. They're feeble and they just don't work.

Posted by: kotodama | Nov 16, 2021 11:40:53 AM

@Cleveland Attorney

Last I checked the Rs have a tenacious grip on both political branches of the OH gov't, plus a majority in the SC. But tell me again how the failure to put a stop to the DP is the Ds' fault? I guess that could sort of make sense if you just ignore the facts.

Posted by: kotodama | Nov 16, 2021 11:45:42 AM

Also, separate and apart from everything else, I noted from SCOTUSBlog that the gov't's response in Coonce's case was postponed for more than a yearfrom April 2020 to July 2021. That obviously spanned a good portion of TP's administration too even before the election and Biden's inauguration. Does anyone know why that happened and whether it's typical or not? Thanks!

Posted by: kotodama | Nov 16, 2021 12:21:19 PM

I won't be as blunt as kotodama or join every last thing said (as with my comments, don't expect total agreement) but as a whole appreciate the replies.

As to Ohio, there has been an extended moratorium in place, even if they have people in theory scheduled to be executed into 2025. I think the professor might mean actual executions.

https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/upcoming-executions

The reason given to postpone was "because the attorneys with principal responsibility for final preparation of the governments response have been heavily engaged with the press of other matters before the Court" and that his lawyers didn't oppose delay.

What the actual reason is can be left for others to answer. I would suppose in part the Justice Dept. at the time was more focused on the people they chose as good execution material.

This might suggest even the Barr Justice Dept. figured this was not something worthy of their immediate focus. Without more, that is supposition, though I realize that is one thing we do here.

Posted by: Joe | Nov 16, 2021 1:14:03 PM

kotodama: last I checked, local prosecutors decide whether to bring capital indictments. Michael O'Malley (Democratic Party) is the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor who assumed office on January 2, 2017 and ran uncontested as a Dem to secure re-election in 2020. So, it would seem that the D's are the prosecutors in Cuyahoga County who are keeping the death penalty "alive and well." Meanwhile, GOP Gov Mike DeWine has had an execution moratorium in place since he took office in 2019, and the GOP led General Assembly is currently having hearings on abolishing the death penalty in the state. So, who is ignoring the actual facts on this matter?

Back to the Times story. And if Liptak said Coonce provided a "glimpse of the state of capital punishment in the Supreme Court of the United States," I would not take much issue with that claim. But he wrote (or his editor revised) that the case was a "glimpse of the state of capital punishment in the United States." That is the phrase that troubled me, especially since the real "glimpse" is that the Biden folks are, for now, content with seeking merely a GVR and a "moratorium" (which just replicates the reality from 2003 to 2020). Critically, I am not calling here for Biden to live up to his campaign promise of DP abolition (his website words "Eliminate the death penalty"). I am just suggesting he might use his undisputed power to take a potentially intellectually disabled man off death row if his administration has good reason to believe this man is intellectually disabled. If they do not have good reason to believe this man is intellectually disabled, why bother to ask for the issue to be GVR'd to be relitigated in this appeal now rather than just via a 2255?

Posted by: Doug Berman | Nov 16, 2021 2:21:33 PM

Yes, O'Malley is a D, although at that local level I'd say party affiliations carry less weight, and he's arguably out of step with where the national party is on the issue. So, no, I'm not particularly supporting his position. Any more than I supported Tim McGinty, who was so vile during the Tamir Rice incident.

But, I do object to a selective and disproportionate focus on Ds. For example, is the Cuyahoga Prosecutor's approach on pursuing the DP particularly out of step with other county prosecutors across the state? I don't know, but I would bet (could be risky, I know!) that it's not, and presumably a good portion of those counties have R prosecutors. So, again, assuming my prediction is right, at worst O'Malley is about the same as his peers. Of course numerically Cuyahoga will have more DP cases than other counties because, all else being equal, it's the second biggest county in the state. So absolute numbers don't mean much.

And again, as long as the DP is an available option, you can't be too surprised that it's going to be utilized on least some occasions. Like I said, I somehow doubt the Cuyahoga Prosecutor is such an outlier on that score. But it's the same objection here. It always seems like the R actors are completely invisible until I mention that they (1) exist and (2) have agency too, just like Ds. If the R-dominated legislature would abolish it or the R-controlled SC would hold it unlawful, that solves the problem just as well. Better actually because it affects the entire state. I just find it puzzling that this aspect tends to get ignored in the first instance.

But, if the General Assembly actually takes concrete steps, as opposed to just having some hearings, I promise I'll be one of the first in line to congratulate them. As for DeWine, it's not that impressive if you take a second to consider the underlying reason. To my knowledge, it's only because the needed lethal injection drugs aren't available. Is there any reason to think executions won't resume once the drug supply is firmed up? That's sort of like if I declared I had imposed a gambling "moratorium" on myself because I was currently out of funds after squandering them all in Vegas. It doesn't seem all that noble to me.

Without getting into all the details of Coonce's case, which I don't claim to know intimately, I would just reiterate the objection above w.r.t. Cuyahoga. The discussion just completely ignoresand thus effectively absolvesall the R players involved (here the CA8 judges/SCOTUS "Justices"), despite them playing a majorand entirely negativerole in things. Whereas in contrast, the Ds (here Biden's DOJ), while potentially capable of doing more, are not only not doing negative things, but also some positive ones.

In closing, when it comes to the political branches, I think some amount of realism is called for. Yes, I appreciate the reminder of Biden's "website words" but you have to take that in context. He didn't literally say he would commute DP cases or tell his DOJ not to pursue them in the first instance. And, if you know anything about the guy, you shouldn't expect that either. What I suspect he has in mindlike I said, an ultimately legislative approachwould fulfill those words just as well.

For this particular case too (Coonce), it was brought under Obama originally, i.e., while Biden was VP. I just don't see any reason to think he would suddenly behave differently from Obama's approach on an issue where I think they have similar views.

Posted by: kotodama | Nov 16, 2021 4:05:31 PM

Some reading for you, kotodama:

From 2019: "Cuyahoga County leads the nation in death-penalty sentences, study finds": https://www.cleveland.com/open/2019/12/cuyahoga-county-leads-the-nation-in-death-penalty-sentences-study-finds.html

From 2014: "When looking at all capitally-indicted murders across Ohio over the history of the current statute, 40% of capital indictments come out of Cuyahoga County" The Death Lottery: How Race and Geography Determine Who Goes to Ohios Death Row: http://www.otse.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/OTSE-Report-The-Death-Lottery.pdf

I do enjoy your efforts to defend the Ds without knowing the facts. But if it makes you feel better, I agree 100% with your statement that Rs in Ohio "(1) exist and (2) have agency too, just like Ds." And I am not expecting the Rs in charge in Ohio to abolish the state death penalty anytime soon, just like I am not expecting the Ds in charge inside the Beltway will abolish the federal death penalty anytime soon. Notably, though, I am pretty sure Mike DeWine and most other Rs in Ohio did not campaign on a promise to "Eliminate the death penalty." But, as we all know, talk is cheap.

Posted by: Doug B. | Nov 16, 2021 4:49:40 PM

"Last I checked the Rs have a tenacious grip on both political branches of the OH gov't, plus a majority in the SC. But tell me again how the failure to put a stop to the DP is the Ds' fault? I guess that could sort of make sense if you just ignore the facts."

Not blaming any party. In fact the Republican governor in Ohio is no fan of capital punishment. This was no a political observation, just an overwhelmed, boots on the ground, observation of the actual facts.

Posted by: Cleveland Attorney | Nov 18, 2021 3:36:17 PM

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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement that he had spoken the family of the two Israelis, Natali and Mody Oknin, and updated them on the efforts being made to bring them back to Israel.

The couple, Bennett said, "as has already been emphasized by officials, do not work for any Israeli agency."

"The most senior echelons in Israel dealt with this issue throughout the weekend, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will continue to work tirelessly with the aim of finding a solution as soon as possible," he said.

A Turkish court arrested the Israeli couple on Friday on charges of espionage for taking photographs of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's residence from the Camlica Tower, a telecommunications tower in Istanbul with observation decks, Turkey's state-run Anadolu agency reported.

Anadolu said an employee tipped off the police after seeing the couple take pictures of Erdogan's residence from the tower's restaurant.

It said a Turkish national, who was with the couple, was also arrested on charges of political and military espionage.
Companies that want to open a casino at a Nebraska horse racetrack will have to pony up $1 million for a license.

That's one of the requirements of the rules released Friday afternoon by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.

The 67-page document lays out everything from license applications, to how to handle money, to how to deal with problem gambling and sex trafficking.

Included are two key provisions that are likely to make some people happy and others unhappy: all casinos will be smoke-free, and no one other than law enforcement officers or licensed security guards will be allowed to carry firearms.

Racing and Gaming Executive Director Tom Sage said the proposed regulations are a "hodgepodge of best practices" from casino regulators across the Midwest.

The commission hired Gaming Labs International, an industry consultant that has worked with other states, including Ohio, to help it write rules for casino gaming.

"They basically took what worked in some of those other states and incorporated it into our rules," Sage said.

The $1 million fee, to be paid up front, would secure a license for 20 years. Casinos also would face an annual assessment to help fund the activities of the commission.

Sage said details of the annual assessment still have to be worked out, but it likely would be based on how many gaming machines and table game spots a casino has, meaning larger operations would pay more than smaller ones.

People involved with casinos also will have to be individually licensed, including all vendors and key operators. Vendors face an initial licensing fee of up to $5,000 for a three-year license, and an annual fee of up to $2,000. Key persons would face application fees ranging from $10,000-$15,000.

While the startup costs seem steep, they are actually quite low compared with some other states.

Iowa, for example, sets its initial application fees for racetrack casinos based on the size of the county where the casino will operate. It ranges from $5 million for a county with a population of 15,000 or less to $20 million for a county with at least 100,000 people.

Among other states, Virginia requires a $15 million fee for a 10-year license for any type of casino, while Pennsylvania requires horse track casinos to pay $1.5 million every five years for licensure.

In Nebraska, the $1 million initial fee and 20-year license were included in the language of the petitions circulated ahead of the November 2020 vote that authorized casino gambling at the state's licensed horse tracks.

In May, the Legislature approved a framework for casino gambling, and the Racing and Gaming Commission has spent several months coming up with the proposed rules.

The commission will hold a public hearing on the rules Dec. 17, and assuming it votes to approve them, they will be forwarded to the governor and attorney general for review. Once signed off on, they will go to the Secretary of State's Office for official recognition.

All six licensed horse tracks, in Lincoln, Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings, have announced plans to add casinos.

Plans at Lincoln Race Course call for a $220 million project that would include more than 1,200 gaming stations, a 196-room hotel, event space, several restaurants and other amenities such as a spa.

Lynne McNally, executive vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which is partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc. to build casinos in Lincoln, Omaha and South Sioux City under the WarHorse name, said the rules are very thorough, especially when it comes to security and the background check process.

"I'm very pleased with the way they worked out," McNally said. "The Racing Commission worked efficiently and diligently, and we really appreciate their efforts."

In addition to the six existing tracks, there also have been proposals announced for new tracks in Bellevue, Gering, Kimball, Norfolk, North Platte and York, all of which are likely to seek casino licenses as well.

Global Gaming Nebraska, a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, hopes to operate casinos at the existing track in Hastings and proposed new tracks in North Platte and Gering.

Its president, Sean Boyd, said in a statement that the company is "thankful for the opportunity to work with the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission towards strict and integral regulation of gaming within the state.

Sage said any proposed new tracks will have to go through the racetrack license application process first and be approved before they can apply for a casino license.

Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said he's concerned about new operators opening racetracks simply so they can open a casino.

He said with no limit on the number of horse tracks in the state, there's a risk of market oversaturation, especially considering the state's population.

"There's not the human or equine infrastructure in place to support any more racing than we already have," Kotulak said.

McNally expressed concern, too, but said there are new federal laws going into effect that will make it more expensive for horse track operators. She also pointed out that the proposed gaming regulations make clear that any casino operator must have an active track license, which could discourage any operator that's not dedicated to horse racing.

Sage said the Racing and Gaming Commission currently does not have the authority to set limits on the number of casinos it approves, nor can it consider proximity to other operations in its decision whether to grant a license.

Publishing the rules was a first step, but it remains unclear how long it will be before anyone can play a slot machine in Nebraska.

Once a license is approved, WarHorse officials have said they will put up a temporary casino at Lincoln Race Course while construction begins on the resort complex. Construction alone could take 18-24 months.

Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.

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Detained American journalist Danny Fenster has been freed from a Myanmar jail and is on his way home, ex-diplomat Bill Richardson said Monday.
SIOUX CITY -- Ragen Cote may be making a list and checking it twice. But she is not finding out who's been naughty or nice.

Instead, the Downtown Partners executive director has been busy, getting ready for the holidays.

"We plan for months," Cote said with a smile. "But now, it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas."

It was certainly festive on Saturday, when she and a group of volunteers began hanging oversized ornaments on a Christmas tree in front of the Sioux City Public Museum.

Downtown Sioux City will really seem ho-ho-homey on Nov. 22, which is the official start of its Downtown for the Holidays Christmas season.

Beginning at 3 p.m., LaunchPAD Children's Museum, 623 Pearl St., will waive admission fees in exchange for a donation of hand warmers, socks or travel-sized toiletries for the Warming Shelter. Cote said there will be plenty of kid-friendly activities after 4 p.m.

If you'd like to warm up a bit, Evolve Yoga, 411 Pearl St., will be offering hot chocolate.

Chances are you'll need a hot beverage prior to the start of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 231's annual Holiday Lighted Parade, starting at 6:15 p.m., on Iowa Street before heading west, to the corner of Fourth and Nebraska Streets.

"Due to COVID-19 concerns, last year's Lighted Parade was a stationary one, with people driving past floats in cars," Cote said. "This year, things will finally be back to normal."

Parade spectators may pick up cookies and hot chocolate at the Sioux City Convention Center, 801 Fourth St., as well as hot cider and gingerbread cookies from Hardline Coffee Co., 515 Fourth St.

While you're at it, say hi to Jolly Saint Nick at Santa's House at 501 Fourth St. (the former Thorpe & Co. Jewelers). He'll be holding court from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22 and Dec. 7, 9, 14 and 16; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18; and from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19.

For the 28th year, visitors may vote for their favorite holiday tree at the annual Festival of Trees, beginning at 6 p.m., inside the Ho-Chunk Centre Atrium, 600 Fourth St. There will be a silent auction at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, with the proceeds going to the Sioux City Railroad Museum.

New this year will be the Holiday Storefront Decorating Contest, which will run Nov. 22 to Dec. 27.

"A map of participating storefronts and voting can be found at downtownsiouxcity.com," Cote said. "All proceeds will go to the winning storefront's nonprofit of choice."

Events like the Storefront Decorating Competition as well as the Small Business Marketplace program, which will run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, are ways to encourage shoppers to make purchase locally.

"After a rough year-and-a-half, I'm hoping people will venture out to their favorite downtown stores and restaurants," Cote said. "This has the potential of being a terrific holiday for all of us in Sioux City."

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SIOUX CITY -- The owner of a Sioux City commercial construction company plans to construct a self-storage facility and five other buildings south of Home Depot.

Steve Nelson, of Nelson Commercial Construction, has purchased a 9.72-acre site on Cunningham Drive to construct a three-story, climate-controlled, indoor self-storage facility, which will exceed 100,000 square feet, according to documents filed with the City of Sioux City.

The documents state that Nelson, who is doing business as K&S, LLC, also plans to build five two-unit, single-story buildings, which will be 15,000 square feet each. The one-story buildings will include a storefront for office space or retail and warehouse space. Nelson's total investment in the project will exceed $14 million, according to the documents.

The Sioux City Council will vote Monday on a resolution that completes the process for amending the Floyd River Urban Renewal Plan, which will allow the council to consider a development and minimum assessment agreement with K&S, LLC.

The documents state that city staff is currently working to finalize the agreement, which would provide 75 percent property tax rebates to K&S, LLC on the new incremental taxes created by the value added to the property for a period of five years.

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SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa -- A woman and a young child suffered fatal injuries, and several other people were injured, in a Saturday morning crash northeast of Spirit Lake in Dickinson County.

At around 11:28 a.m. Saturday, a 2008 Hyundai Accent driven by Mariah Nelson, 29, of Jackson, Minnesota was heading eastbound on County Road A15/120th Street, coming to an intersection with Highway 71. At the same time, a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Allen Weinzetl, 63, of Jackson, Minnesota was heading southbound on Highway 71.

Nelson failed to stop at the stop sign, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report, and the vehicles collided and went into the ditch southeast of the intersection.

Nelson, as well as a 1-year-old boy, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. A 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl, and Weinzetl and 58-year-old Teresa Chonko, all sustained injuries and were taken by EMS to Lakes Regional Healthcare, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

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HOUSTON (AP)  A 22-year-old college student who was critically injured in the crush of fans at the Astroworld festival in Houston has died, the familys lawyer said Thursday, bringing the death toll to nine.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Monday ordered several Cabinet departments to work together to combat human trafficking and crime on Native American lands, where violent crime rates are more than double the national average.

Speaking at a White House summit on tribal nations, Biden signed an executive order tasking the Justice, Homeland Security and Interior departments with pursuing strategies to reduce crime. Biden also asked the departments to work to strengthen participation in Amber Alert programs and national training programs for federal agents, and appoint a liaison who can speak with family members and to advocates.

The administration also announced plans to pursue a 20-year ban on oil and gas drilling in Chaco Canyon, an ancient Native American heritage site in northwestern New Mexico.

We have to continue to stand up for the dignity and sovereignty of tribal nations," Biden said at the first tribal nations summit since 2016. The two-day summit was being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected Indigenous peoples at disproportionate rates.

American Indians and Alaska Natives are more than twice as likely to be victims of a violent crime and Native American women are at least two times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted compared to other races, according to the Association on American Indian Affairs.

The administration also announced a long-sought action to protect Chaco Canyon, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the Bureau of Land Management will study the possible withdrawal for a period of 20 years from federal lands within a 10-mile (16-kilometer) radius of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Such a move would bar new federal oil and gas leasing and development on those lands. Those lands will not be eligible for leasing while the study is underway, though past administrations had already opted to impose the buffer administratively.

Environmentalists and some tribes have complained that such a move is temporary and that permanent protections are needed. But it isn't so simple; while some tribes have fought for protections, the Navajo Nation, which has more to lose by curbing oil and gas, has asked for a smaller radius around the site, an ancient center of Pueblo culture.

Chaco Canyon is a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors lived, worked, and thrived in that high desert community, said Haaland, the first Native American to lead the Interior Department, the powerful federal agency that has wielded influence over U.S. tribes for generations. Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo.

Now is the time to consider more enduring protections for the living landscape that is Chaco, so that we can pass on this rich cultural legacy to future generations," she said. The secretary represented New Mexico, where Chaco Canyon is located, in the U.S. House of Representatives before she was narrowly confirmed by the Senate to take over at Interior.

First lady Jill Biden, an English teacher, addressed the summit on the importance of preserving Native languages. Vice President Kamala Harris was set to speak Tuesday, the final day.

The tribal nations summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time, with leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States expected to participate. The summit was not held during the Trump administration; past conferences took place at the Interior Department.

Since taking office in January, Biden has taken several steps that the White House says demonstrate his commitment to tribal nations.

Among them are naming Haaland to lead the Interior Department. His coronavirus relief plan included $31 billion for tribal communities, and the administration has worked closely with tribal leaders to help make COVID-19 vaccination rates among Native Americans among the highest in the country, the White House said.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said she hoped the summit would help eliminate red tape when building critical infrastructure on tribal lands.

Biden also spoke about infrastructure, specifically to note that the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill he was signing into law Monday afternoon would direct $13 billion toward Native American communities to help provide such things as high-speed internet and clean drinking water.

Biden recently became the first president to issue a proclamation designating Oct. 11 as Indigenous Peoples' Day, giving a boost to longstanding efforts to refocus the federal holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus toward an appreciation of Native peoples.



Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, N.M., contributed to this report.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  A Republican representative is warning the head of the states top business lobby not to show up at the Statehouse as lawmakers reconvene Monday to consider COVID-19 legislation.

Rep. Chad Christensen in a social media post on Saturday issued the warning to Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry President Alex LaBeau.

Alex, I don't want to see your face at the Capitol Building, Christensen wrote in a post that was deleted by Monday morning. You should stay away. At least stay in the Governor's office.

Lawmakers are gathering to consider legislation regarding President Joe Biden's COVID-19 requirements. But some far-right Republican lawmakers, including Christensen, want Idaho lawmakers to ban businesses from requiring vaccines.

LaBeaus group is against government inserting itself between employees and employers. The group also opposes Biden's requirements that employers with more than 100 employees require workers get vaccinated or frequently tested.

LaBeau declined to comment on Monday.

Christensen on Monday denied that his post was a threat or could be interpreted that he was telling an Idaho resident not to come to the Statehouse.

I didnt tell him not to come, I said I didnt want to see him here, Christensen said Monday morning.

Christensen, from the eastern Idaho town of Ammon, is known for carrying a sidearm while in the Statehouse, and has mentioned taking a bulletproof vest into his Statehouse office area. He's in his second two-year term, and the legislation he brings forward typically involves expanding gun rights.

Republican Rep. Megan Blanksma, the Republican majority caucus chair, said the Idaho House Republican Caucus had no comment on Christensen's post as it doesn't control social media posts.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  They were only 6 years old, aware of the tumult going on about them but not completely understanding the importance of what they were doing.
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP)  An attorney for one of the white men standing trial in the death of Ahmaud Arbery told the judge Thursday he doesn't want any more Black pastors in the courtroom after the Rev. Al Sharpton sat with the slain man's family.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, surrendered to federal authorities on Monday to face contempt charges after defying a subpoena from a House committee investigating January's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Bannon was taken into custody Monday morning and is expected to appear in court later in the afternoon. The 67-year-old was indicted on Friday on two counts of criminal contempt  one for refusing to appear for a congressional deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committee's subpoena.

The indictment came as a second expected witness, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, defied his own subpoena from the committee on Friday and as Trump has escalated his legal battles to withhold documents and testimony about the insurrection.

If the House votes to hold Meadows in contempt, that recommendation would also be sent to the Justice Department for a possible indictment.

Officials in both Democratic and Republican administrations have been held in contempt by Congress, but criminal indictments for contempt are exceedingly rare.

The indictment against Bannon comes after a slew of Trump administration officials  including Bannon  defied requests and demands from Congress over the past five years with little consequence, including during an impeachment inquiry. President Barack Obama's administration also declined to charge two of its officials who defied congressional demands.

The indictment says Bannon didn't communicate with the committee in any way from the time he received the subpoena on Sept. 24 until Oct. 7 when his lawyer sent a letter, seven hours after the documents were due.

Bannon, who worked at the White House at the beginning of the Trump administration and currently serves as host of the conspiracy-minded "War Room" podcast, is a private citizen who "refused to appear to give testimony as required by a subpoena," the indictment says.

When Bannon declined to appear for his deposition in October, his attorney said the former Trump adviser had been directed by a lawyer for Trump citing executive privilege not to answer questions.

***

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Dubuque Telegraph Herald. Nov. 14, 2021.

Editorial: Iowa public health officials again pull back on data reporting despite COVID-19 surge

One year ago, most area residents probably would have guessed that when the tri-state region neared the 70% mark of people 12 and older vaccinated against COVID-19, the threat of coronavirus largely would have dissipated.

They would have been wrong.

As of Wednesday, 166,592 residents of the THs coverage area were fully vaccinated, which represents 68.5% of the population that is at least 12 years old. And yet the surge in new cases in Dubuque County this week shot up to an average not seen since last Thanksgiving  when vaccinations had not yet begun.

A total of 560 residents of Dubuque County were newly confirmed to have COVID-19 during the seven-day stretch that ended Wednesday  an average of 80 new cases per day. The county has not had a seven-day stretch with an average case count that high since late last November.

As of Wednesday, there were 1,605 active COVID-19 cases in the county  the highest total since Dec. 17.

Despite a surge in cases, the Iowa Department of Public Health has pulled back on the amount of information made available to the public and to local public health officials.

Dubuques hospitals are experiencing a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19. We know this because officials at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque and MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center told the Telegraph Herald that a total of 31 people were hospitalized in the two facilities this week. The hospitals shared that information in an effort to provide critical public health data that could help people make informed decisions about getting vaccinated, wearing masks and social distancing.

In contrast, state public health officials recently decided this would be a good time to stop reporting county-level COVID-19 hospitalization information.

In an effort to reduce hospital reporting burden and reduce Iowa Department of Public Health staff workloads, coupled with the limited value of the data for monitoring disease trends, IDPH is no longer providing weekly reports of hospitalizations by county.

We all know what its like to be overburdened at work, but if tracking data regarding the number of people hospitalized during a global pandemic isnt near the top of state health officials to-do lists, we sure would like to know what is. Thats where the state starts cutting in an effort to reduce its staffs workloads?

The state continues to provide updates on the percentage of the people with COVID-19 who are hospitalized statewide that also are unvaccinated  76%, as of the last update, along with 87% of those with COVID-19 in the ICU. Those figures carry a lot more weight when residents know if there are a handful of local residents with the virus in our local hospitals  or 31, as the Dubuque hospitals shared with the TH.

Additionally, the Iowa Department of Public Health recently stopped providing data on the number of positive cases, active cases and vaccination rates down to the ZIP-code level. So, amid the surge on Wednesday, Dubuque County health officials could not see where in the county the increased spread was occurring.

State public health officials are not serving their mission to safeguard Iowans when they refuse to release detailed health care information.

Gov. Kim Reynolds built her COVID-19 response on the foundation that Iowans would do the right thing when it comes to making sensible decisions about behaviors related to spread. Clearly, thats not happening, based on the recent surge in cases  almost all of which are in the unvaccinated, according to local health officials.

Even those wanting to do the right thing lack the local information that could illustrate the risks involved.

COVID-19 was the second-leading cause of death in the United States in September of this year. Even though adults had broad access to a vaccination that largely prevents death from COVID, more people died of the virus than died of cancer in September.

Now is not the time for the State of Iowa to withhold key health care data from citizens. More information can only help raise awareness about the spike in spread. Until more people are compelled to change behaviors, COVID-19 remains a public health threat to tri-state residents.

Des Moines Register. Nov. 14, 2021.

Editorial: Threats against election workers and other public officials threaten our democracy

Bizarre threats toward public officials, and even violent acts, have been part of the news for many years. Typically theyre shrugged off as aberrations.

That blase approach is increasingly out of touch with the frequency of todays frightening threats.

Even before the 2020 election season and its seemingly perpetual aftermath, public officials endured heightened risks of threats of violence and actual violence. It was easy to make this seem OK by attributing the occurrences to people with acute need for mental health treatment. After all, theres nothing at all proportionate about hurting someone because of a traffic ticket or a tax increase, whether or not the imposition is just. This thinking downplays real problems  mental health care is inadequate; public employees dont deserve to fear for their lives just for doing their jobs  but we mostly just shrugged. Even when the worst happens  an Iowa mayor is murdered, a congresswoman is shot, a federal judges son is killed  everybody else just moves on.

The landscape has changed. Reuters in a series of stories has identified dozens of phone and digital messages to American election workers that law experts said could be considered criminal. Yet in many cases, there was little evidence that law enforcement had pursued the matters with any vigor, with some spokespersons pointing to the breadth of the First Amendments protections for political speech. In one instance, Reuters reporters said they quickly located a caller whom officers in Vermont had called essentially untraceable.

John Keller, a senior Department of Justice attorney leading a federal task force created over the summer, addressed those issues in a speech to secretaries of state who gathered in Des Moines for a conference in August.

Constant threats toward public employees are themselves a threat to democracy.

He called the governments reactions inadequate and said that there have been plenty of incidents where there is no political sheen thats been added, threats that are very explicit in nature targeting people like yourselves and your family members.

Here in Iowa, after state Rep. Ross Wilburn criticized President Donald Trump and his supporters in these pages last month, he quickly received numerous threats, one saying he should be lynched. Police continue to investigate.

Although its dangerous to extrapolate from anecdotes, a question at a Turning Point USA rally in Idaho on Oct. 25 is frighteningly difficult to ignore: When do we get to use the guns?  I mean, literally, wheres the line? How many elections are they going to steal before we kill these people? The presenter, Charlie Kirk, tepidly rebuked the questioner on the grounds that saying such things publicly could help liberals justify intrusions on freedom.

It bears mentioning  in anticipation of indignant replies of Well, what about Black Lives Matter riots?  that:

 Only one group of political activists has invaded the seat of American government recently.

 Riots is a wholly incorrect description of the vast majority of social justice protests.

 Its easy to distinguish between petitioning the government and threatening the physical safety of your political opponents  hysterical overreactions of some Iowa Republicans to summer 2020 protests in Des Moines notwithstanding.

At least three things are needed in response to all this.

1. Call out the lies

One is for people with an audience, such as Kirk, or Gov. Kim Reynolds, or Sen. Chuck Grassley or Sen. Joni Ernst, to sharply reject the animating premise in so many of these incidents: the idea that Democrats have stolen and will steal election victories from Republicans. It is inarguably divorced from reason. No credible arbiter has found any credence to 2020 conspiracy theories about the outcome of the presidential election. To their discredit, many Republicans have indicated no appetite for unequivocal rebukes, preferring instead cynical indulgence, delivered with generalities about making sure that people have faith in elections.

2. Investigate the threats

More promising is for prosecutors and law enforcement, from the FBI and attorney general down to local jurisdictions, to commit to investigate reports of threats promptly and thoroughly. Although its more than fair to question whether aggressive investigation and prosecution would run counter to the spirit of the First Amendment and chill vital political speech, few of the vicious threats public workers have endured on their own over the past year seem like close calls.

3. Look in the mirror

Finally, all of us could take a little more responsibility for conducting ourselves civilly, and for calmly resisting outrageous conduct when we see it. Maybe you would never leave a vulgar phone message for an election worker or tell a lawmaker that you have firearms and his address. But would you blithely label a politicians action treasonous in a Facebook comment and wonder about executing her? No? Would you click like on a meme suggesting the same thing? Or ignore it and hope somebody else calls out the misinformation and authoritarianism?

A large part of the blame for these circumstances belongs to Trump and his stolen election lies and to Republican leaders too cowardly to stand up to him. But we all can insist law enforcement investigate genuine threats and individually do our part to rein in the incivility that infects our political interactions. When dehumanizing barking becomes normal, the road to potential violence gets that much shorter.

Quad-City Times. Nov. 14, 2021.

Editorial: Covid funding plan is excessive

In 2004, when officials in Scott County wanted a major expansion at the jail, they sought approval from the voters through a referendum. Which, not all that long ago, was precisely what the Scott County Board of Supervisors was preparing to do with the proposed expansion of the Juvenile Detention Facility in downtown Davenport.

The county staff had begun considering different consulting firms, a preliminary step toward a referendum campaign. However, when the federal government approved hundreds of billions of dollars in state and local government funding to provide relief from the effects of the pandemic -- including $33.6 million for Scott County -- that changed. With the federal governments expansive rules, the county could use Covid relief money for the detention center instead of going to the voters.

At first, the plan was to use $4.5 million in Covid funding for the expansion, which would grow the facility from 18 beds to 40 beds. That in itself was a controversial idea, with critics complaining not just about the need to expand the facility but the use of Covid funding for this purpose. We have our own reservations about this. We tend to think big decisions like this deserve broad public input. But last week, county supervisors upped the ante  a lot, floating a plan to increase the level of Covid funding for the detention center to $10 million. Thats about a third of the Covid relief money the county is getting and more than half the estimated construction cost of the detention facility expansion.

Supervisor Tony Knobbe says using the federal funds would ease the burden on county taxpayers. And while that is true, Covid money doesnt come out of thin air  it is taxpayer money and should be put to its most efficient use, given the intent of the funding.

Devoting this much of the countys allocation to a county-owned building seems opportunistic. There are plenty of needs in this community that this funding could address. It stretches the imagination to suggest that a third of the federal funding approved to help us recover from the pandemic should go to a project that existed before the coronavirus ever did.

As local governments have planned for the use of these funds, many have leaned heavily on infrastructure projects. And as the federal rules are written, that is permissible.

Frankly, the federal rules leave lots of wiggle room for local governments to spend as they wish. And pending federal legislation would give local governments even more discretion.

But, really, the issue isnt whether the spending is legal, but whether its wise. And does it fall within the common expectation that this funding should be tied to pandemic relief?

As the county has debated this issue over the weeks and months, Supervisor Ken Croken has mostly been the sole voice on the board objecting to not just the expansion itself, but the financing plan. Last week, however, Supervisor Brinson Kinzer also objected to doubling the amount of Covid funding going to this expansion.

There is a debate in this community about whether to expand the facility  and, if so, to what extent. Some critics would rather see a 24-bed facility even though the 40-bed center was recommended by county staff and the county-hired consulting firm Wold Architects and Engineers, based on input from a community advisory group convened by Wold.

Had this issue gone to the voters, we suspect the people might have approved of an expanded facility. Crime in this community is a serious issue, and simply as a political matter, just as there is opposition to the detention center expansion, there also is support.

At this point, it does not appear that voters will get a chance to weigh in on this, which is too bad. Still, the idea of devoting a third of the countys Covid relief funding to this single building is excessive. We hope the supervisors will change course.

END

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SIOUX FALLS  Federal workplace safety regulators announced Monday that they have reached an agreement with Smithfield Foods to settle a contested citation of the companys coronavirus safety measures during a massive outbreak last year at a South Dakota pork processing plant.

Under the agreement, Virginia-based Smithfield Foods will develop a plan to prevent infectious diseases at meatpacking plants nationwide and pay a $13,500 fine.

Smithfield's Sioux Falls plant was one the nation's worst COVID-19 hotspots during the early days of the pandemic. By June 16, 2020, four workers were dead and nearly 1,300 had tested positive for the virus, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. After an investigation, the federal agency said Smithfield did not do enough to space workers out or provide other safety measures such as face coverings or physical barriers.

However, the company contested that assessment and defended its actions at a time when safety precautions against COVID-19 were not clear.

Smithfields spokesman, Jim Monroe, said the company admitted no wrongdoing and called OSHA's allegations baseless.

Settling with OSHA and avoiding litigation allows Smithfield to continue the good relations it has with the agency, as we have the shared goal of workplace safety," he said.

The United Food and Commercial Workers had previously derided the $13,500 fine as a slap on the wrist."

Employees at the plant have said Smithfield did not do enough last year to prevent infections in the plant, where workers labored elbow-to-elbow as they processed nearly 5% of the countrys pork. The union at the plant has said that it had been attempting to negotiate for more coronavirus protections leading up to the outbreak. After cases kept accumulating, Smithfield shuttered its plant for nearly three weeks.

Smithfield has agreed to work with third-party experts to develop a new plan to prevent diseases from spreading in plants, which will include an assessment of medical safety measures from meatpacking plants administration on down to personal protective equipment for workers on butchering lines.

Smithfield has agreed to work with third-party experts to develop a new plan to prevent diseases from spreading in plants, which will include an assessment of medical safety measures from meatpacking plants administration on down to personal protective equipment for workers on butchering lines.

Smithfield already had a prevention plan in the works and is now focused on vaccinating its entire workforce against COVID-19, Monroe said.

OSHA's regional administrator, Jennifer Rous, warned that a comprehensive plan was necessary.

What happened at this facility was tragic and we must ensure that all steps in the agreement are followed to prevent a mass outbreak from happening again," she said.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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BEIJING (AP)  A stock exchange set up in the Chinese capital to serve entrepreneurs opened trading Monday with 81 companies amid a crackdown on tech giants that has wiped more than $1 trillion off their market value abroad.

The Beijing Stock Exchange joins others in Shanghai and the southern city of Shenzhen. Mainland exchanges are mostly off-limits to foreign investors, but some Chinese companies have shares traded in Hong Kong, a separate Chinese territory that is open to global capital.

The ruling Communist Party has promised more support for entrepreneurs who generate wealth and jobs but is tightening control over tech companies and pressing them to invest their own money in promoting Beijing's industry plans.

President Xi Jinping said in September the Beijing exchange would create a service-innovation-oriented main position for small and medium-size enterprises, the ruling party's term for private companies.

Chinese stock exchanges were set up to raise money for state-owned companies, which prompted entrepreneurs to go abroad for capital.

Investors are uneasy about the status of Chinas entrepreneurs after the ruling party tightened control on tech companies by launching data-security and other crackdowns last year. Investors have knocked more than $1 trillion off the value of Tencent Holding and other tech giants on Wall Street and the Hong Kong exchange.

Shenzhen added a separate trading board in 2004 for private enterprises. Shanghai added a board for technology companies in 2019.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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A maestro of the dramatic opener, Neal Stephenson began his 2015 novel, Seveneves, with the line The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason. Thats a hard act to follow, but he gives it the old college try in his latest, Termination Shock, heralded, when first announced, as the celebrated science-fiction author finally taking on the subject of global warning. Termination Shock begins with the queen of the Netherlands piloting a business jet in an emergency landing at the Waco airport, a maneuver that goes terribly wrong when her planes landing gear collides with a herd of feral hogs that, chased by an oversize alligator, swarm the airstrip.

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Like a lot of plot twists in Termination Shock, this scenario is not as outlandish as it seems. Frederika Mathilde Louisa Saskia, a fictional character, is apparently the daughter of the real-life King Willem-Alexander, who in 2017 revealed that he had been moonlighting as a commercial airline pilot for more than 20 years. (He said that he found it a relaxing hobby.) Saskia, as the queenwho is one of the novels central characterscalls herself, has inherited a taste for this pastime from her father. As for the feral swine, they are partly an allusion to a viral tweet defending private ownership of assault rifles in the event that 30-50 feral hogs run into a yard in which small children are playing. The internet found this argument hilarious, but feral hogs are in fact a dangerous and destructive invasive species in many parts of the U.S. The novels second central character, Rufus, a former farmer turned professional hog exterminator, knows this all too well.

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Its the near future, about a decade from now, and the temperature in Texas routinely exceeds 113 degrees, requiring Rufus Grant, a person of complex racial background and an official member of the Comanche tribe, to wear an earthsuit if venturing out in the middle of the day. Saskias plane maims the massive alpha hog that Rufus has been hunting, Ahab-style, for years, and while he gets to finish off the beast, he suddenly finds himself without a purpose. He volunteers to help the Dutch monarch and her entourage meet up with a Houston billionaire who has called a select group of foreign dignitaries together for a secret demonstration in the Chihuahuan Desert. Turns out that T.R. Schmidt, made rich by a chain of mall-like highway rest stops, has a scheme to fire payloads of molten sulfur into the stratosphere to reduce global temperatures. And if that sounds crazy to you, be aware that this has been done several times in the past, just not by humans. T.R.s project is named Pina2bo, after Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, a volcano whose eruption in 1991 caused a .9-degree temperature drop worldwide during the following year.

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Stephensons novels typically valorize engineers who make things work, rather than leaders and other people wranglers.

This is, no doubt, a lot for any reader to compass. But despite the hectic summary Ive provided, Termination Shock proceeds sedately, perhaps a bit too sedately at first, after its action-packed beginning. Only very gradually does Stephenson reveal the nature of T.R.s plan, and while every element of the novel is driven by the problem of climate change, the effects of that change dont seem especially severe yet, except in Texas. Its the politics of the crisis, rather than its logistics, that have captured Stephensons interest. As in 1999s Cryptonomicon, hes fascinated by the performativeness of public life, particularly for Saskia, who, as a constitutional monarch with little real power, nevertheless wields a great deal of symbolic nationalist power, as long as she is careful never to appear to want to do so. When shes photographed unloading relief supplies or reminding Dutch citizens to keep an ax in their attic in the event of a flood, shes beloved. But when unknown parties post a deepfake video in which the queen appears to be commenting directly on environmental policy, her reign is imperiled.

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So why, then, does T.R. Schmidt invite Saskia to tour Pina2bo? The other guests hail from Singapore, Venice, and London, all cities sited below sea level, as are much of the Netherlands and Houston. None of these people represent a major international power, but all have a keen, urgent interest in a climate change effect thats very difficult to remedy locally. All of T.R.s guests, he reckons, might be especially receptive to drastic measures that circumvent the stalled efforts of world leaders to keep the waters from rising any further. By the end of the novel, theyre framing themselves as a new coalition, the Netherworld.

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Stephensons fiction has never shown muchor any, reallyfaith in the efficacy of national governments. The characters in Termination Shock all seem to take an equally dim view of the agenda of mainstream environmental parties. They dismiss the Greens, a significant political force in Saskias kingdom, for such DOA policy goals as trying to get China and India to stop burning shit tomorrow and crash their economies for the sake of Mother Earth. What if, this novel asks, individuals with the daring and wherewithal to do something decisive about the problem simply went ahead and did it? Compounding the attitude that its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission is the titular phenomenon of termination shock: the uncertainty, as one character puts it, of what the consequences might be of shutting the system off after its been running for a while. Once T.R. starts shooting sulfur into the sky every several minutes, no one knows what catastrophes might result should he stop.

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As a counterpoint to the geopolitical intrigues of the novels main storyline, Stephenson occasional drops in chapters about the adventures of Deep Singh, a strapping Canadian Sikh who travels to his familys homeland in the Punjab to study gatka, a balletic martial art form. This leads Singh to the Line of Actual Control, a disputed border area between India and China where a treaty prohibits either side from using guns or explosives to secure territory, and so combatants fight with rocks and sticks. Its a largely pointless struggle over bits of an icy wasteland at such high altitude that most people need to use supplemental oxygen to do anything strenuous. This is, as a documentarian filming the clashes explains to Rufus, performative war, with zero tactical value, but useful as a form of propaganda. In Termination Shock, individual bands of volunteer fighters become YouTube stars and brand themselves with signature uniforms. Singh, nicknamed Big Fish, attracts the adulation of many fans as well as the Indian army, which recruits him for the showiest mission of all.

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The Line of Actual Control with its sticks-and-stones combatants? Thats a real thing, although as far as I can tell, the celebrification of the fighters there is Stephensons invention. But who knows? It could happen. Stephenson has a reputation for anticipating technological developments like Bitcoin (1999s Cryptonomicon) and an immersive virtual-reality version of the internet he dubbed the metaverse in 1992s Snow Crash. (Recently, Stephenson found it necessary to clarify that he had nothing to do with Facebooks plans to create just thatpresumably without the computer virus that causes brain damage in Snow Crash.) This adds an eerie valence to Stephensons fiction, at least when its not about the moon exploding. You find yourself wondering if any of this might actually happen. Stephensons onetime connection to Blue Origin, the private space travel company founded by Jeff Bezos, fosters the impression that he just might have inside dope on billionaires like T.R., men hubristic enough to take climate matters into their own hands. Stephensons novels, stuffed with wonky, DIY details about apparatuses and processes, typically valorize engineers who make things work, rather than leaders and other people wranglers.

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So is Termination Shock a cautionary tale or a call to extragovernmental arms? Thats hard to say. One of the novels most appealing central characters, Willem Castelein, is a smooth, Indo-Dutch adviser to the queen, married to a Portuguese husband. In one scene, he thanks, in her own language, a restaurant owner in Papua New Guinea for staying open late to serve dinner to T.R. and him, remarking on the astonishing beauty of the dishes presentation. Thats what you do, aint it? T.R. asks, with a hint of disdain. What? Willem replies, Talk to people and make them feel seen and appreciated? This is exactly what T.R. has failed to do before firing off his big gun, specifically with the Chinese and India, whose monsoonand the essential harvest it watershas been delayed as a result. Consequently, the brash Texans projects come under many ingenious forms of physical and cyber attack.

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Unlike the impending apocalypse Stephenson depicted in Seveneves, a disaster that unites the planet, the climate crisis is a complex system in which every possible remedy produces winners and losers. The latter can be expected to fight back. T.R. can get away with his shenanigans because the America of Termination Shock is a basket case and global laughingstock without the will to stop him. Rufus blames this on a form of extreme individualism he identifies with the Comanchesan ethos that is only effective up to a point. The threat confronting the planet is irredeemably political, a job for diplomats every bit as much as for engineers. Stephenson seems more bemused by this than anything else. This makes Termination Shock, despite the thrilling action sequence involving drones, eagles, and rattlesnakes that serves as its climax, feel a bit inconclusive. Theres no indication that its the first novel in a series, but it feels like one all the same. And I want to know how it ends.
How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Stoya and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

I have an is this normal? question. Im a hetero woman in my mid-20s, and the people I have sex with are all guys around my age. Ive now twice recently encountered this new-to-me scenario: A guy staying hard but not being able to orgasm. This most recently happened with the same guy twice in night/morning (after he had already come once). Ive been with guys who cant get hard for whatever reason, but this is new to me, and Im starting to get nervous that its something Im doing wrong or is wrong with me!

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One and Done

Dear One and Done,

What youre describing sounds like delayed ejaculation, which is normal insofar as it is a documented phenomenon in people with penises. Contributing factors may include medication like SSRIs, anxiety, and other psychological issues, chronic health conditions, and, per Ian Kerner in his book So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex, whats known as idiosyncratic masturbatory style (getting so used to ones own hand as to render all other stimulation useless). So, like virtually everything else in the world, this guys cease-fire almost certainly isnt about you. Its probably just a random coincidence that you happened to encounter two guys with this issue. You can take it as license to bang for as long as you like, or take it as a sign that these guys arent for you if in fact this is an issue. No biggie! Youre fine!

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Dear How to Do It,

My wife and I recently had our second child. Our sex life had gone a little stale for a while due to the usual reasons, but back in May, we really got into it, finally introduced toys, new positions, and outfits, etc. Best couple of weeks of my life.

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One time, I was sucking on her nipple, as she enjoys it, and I swore I got a bit of milk from her breast. I casually mentioned it, but she said no, it didnt happen. Next time, I did it again, and again was convinced I had some milk. Third time, I must have unplugged her, because milk was just pouring into my mouth. It brought out an interesting desire in me, so I brought it up with her and showed her and said I was OK with it. That was a near-instant shutdown of sex. She thinks its weird that I liked it, and she is uncomfortable having sex now, because she is still producing milk. If I had kept quiet, she would have been none the wiser. Since then, there has been absolutely nothing.

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If it was a case of sex but no sucking on her nipple, I would be fine with it, but we are at a point where just nothing happens. Every advance is shut down, so we are in a sexless marriage with seemingly no end in sight. She hasnt breastfed in over a year, but still produces milk, so it doesnt look like a short-term fix. I have tried talking to her about it. I have asked what would turn her on to get her in the mood, and she just says I dont know. Of the few things she has mentioned would get her in the mood, such as kissing her neck, she wont let me do it. Sometimes I think she just doesnt find me attractive anymore, but then she will do something that makes me realize she does but just doesnt want sex. The desire is there because every now and then (such as back in May) she can turn into an absolute vixen and be insatiable. What do I do?

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Thirsty

Dear Thirsty,

I think you need additional information from her that focuses less on what (as in What would turn her on?) and more on why (as in Why is she so turned off?). Maybe I feel that way because I need more information. I suspect Im missing some crucial detailsfrom what you present, your wife rejected you for  accepting her bodily function. Thats either a product of profound shame on her part, or a miscalculation on yoursperhaps she felt objectified after your response, for example. A sense of unease at the prospect of crossing streams with her milk (from nutrition for her child to aphrodisiac for her husband) is reasonable; shutting down sex for the reason you outline above is not. Her feelings are her feelings, and you cant breach her hard no, but she owes you a little more than icing you out, if the events unfurled as innocently as you described.

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If you cant get anywhere by circling back, look to the future while assessing the present. As kindly and softly as possible, convey to her that youre unhappy with the current sexless nature of your marriage and wonder what you can do about that moving forward.

Does she expect you to live without sex? How does she propose that you deal with the apparent disparity in your respective desires for sex? Could her lack of interest that was seemingly brought on by your enthusiasm for her milk production actually have other causes that have thus far gone unmentioned? Its certainly possible that shes using your apparent lactophilia as an excuse. Regardless, I suspect the bigger problem here concerns communication. If you find it too difficult to achieve clarity on your own, you might consider enlisting the help of a professional (a couples counselor or sex therapist) to get you where you need to be.

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Dear How to Do It,

After many years of reading, experiencing life, and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I am a Solanas-style feminist. That, however, carries certain ethical obligations. I can no longer consider myself comfortable with sexual relations with male protohumans, any more than I can sanction having sex with a dog or a cat. The developmental level difference is simply too great to have meaningful communication and therefore consent.

Unfortunately, all the will in the world isnt enough to overcome some of my baser urges.

Despite preferring the company of fellow women in all social aspects, I find myself carnally attracted to male protohumans. I want to change that, to become attracted to fully developed female humans. Ive tried forcing myself to masturbate to lesbian porn, but it doesnt seem to have much lasting effect. Can you recommend anything?

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Change Me

Dear Change Me,

You are a prime candidate for conversion therapy. Just kidding, that shit doesnt work.

Look, if an ideology requires you to make certain concessions that you actually arent willing to make, then Im sorry, but thats not the ideology for you. Your problem is actually quite similar to that of a queer person who cannot negotiate their identity with the bigotry their religion preaches. Attempting to force ones sexuality into the confines of dogma is, to put it lightly, a challenge (see above re: conversion therapy); it seems that happier outcomes involve converting the dogma to fit your life. You can hang onto Solanas teachings and, uh, evocative syntax. Shit, you can apply them to every man other than the ones youre screwing (be a hypocrite for all I care!). But I think youre going to have a hard time aligning your body precisely with this doctrine. I think you may find it gratifying to lean into it thoughif you have any interest in domination, you could probably take out a lot of frustration on protohumans and find yourself gratified on a few levels at once.

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Did you write this or another letter we answered? Tell us what happened at howtodoit@slate.com.

Dear How to Do It,

A couple of years ago at the age of 52 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the end result was the removal of the prostate. During the time before my operation, I had several talks with my urologist, and he explained the strong possibility that I would become impotent post-surgery, which is basically what has happened. All of the pills and the shots havent really worked at all for me, and Ive basically made my peace with the fact that I cant have sex anymore at the fairly young age of 56. What bothers me, however, is the fact that my penis is basically now dead meat because there is literally no sensation there anymore. I have regained almost complete continence, but no matter what techniques or helping toys I try (I am a gay man I probably should mention at this point), nothing makes my body respond at all. Of course, this is completely frustrating, and it infuriates me that I was not even told this might be an option during the pre-op consultations.

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My question to you is whether this is a widespread issue among post-op prostatectomy patients and, of course, if you have any ideas that I might try to at least have some semblance of a sex life? Also, perhaps you could express a few ideas/opinions about the lack of consideration given to gay men during the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from prostate cancer? It seems that our sexuality is completely dismissed/minimized/ignored when medical advice/literature/discussions about this topic occur.

Dead Down Below

Dear Dead Down Below,

Erectile dysfunction is indeed a widespread issue post-prostatectomy, though it generally improves for patients as time goes on (it can take as long as two years to return to pre-surgery function). A complete dearth of penile sensitivity, however, is not common, from what I hear. The nerves responsible for sensation to the penis are not interrupted by surgery and in heterosexual men, the penis has the same sensation as before, Dr. Patrick C. Walsh told me via phone recently. Walsh is a professor at Johns Hopkins, the author of books about prostate cancer including Dr. Patrick Walshs Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer, and the inventor of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy procedure. Walsh said in all of his discussions with patients he operated onhe counts 4,569 in his aforementioned book, and an excess of 20,000 conversations as he followed up with these patients every three months for at least the first year after their surgerieshe heard no one report a complete lack of sensation in their penis. He said, in fact, that many of his patients who experienced a complete dearth of erections discovered they could still orgasm without one. Orgasm occurs in the brain and the whole thing, including reflexes, is absolutely driven in the brain, he said. Walsh surmised that your issue may be psychological in nature, which doesnt make it less real.

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Also, he conceded that gay men have their own unique issues that may make prostatectomy recovery more complicated. As accomplished as he is, in fact, Walsh admitted that until fairly recently he wasnt aware of this disparity. He said he agrees 100 percent with your assessment of the lack of consideration given to gay men by many providers. I think most urologists who are not gay dont understand it, he said.

A 2016 study that was published in Sex and Relationship Therapy found that response to surgery in gay and bisexual men depended largely on how well their providers communicated with them before the surgery. The authors also found in the studies on the topic that preceded theirs that, generally speaking, there exist a range of poorer post-prostatectomy outcomes in gay and bi men compared to heterosexual ones, including worse sexual functioning, lower scores on urinary, bowel, and hormonal domains, and more sexual bother. Part of this has to do with anal sex generally requiring stronger erections than vaginal sex, and in heterocentric treatment models, vaginal sex is the standard. Additionally, gay and bisexual men who engage in receptive anal penetration may feel a loss of sensation, as the manipulation of the prostate is often a source of pleasure.

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I reached out to the lead author of that study, University of Minnesota professor B.R. Simon Rosser, and he wrote in an email that youre absolutely right regarding the lack of consideration given to gay men, and that almost all research on the sexual effects of prostate cancer treatment has been performed on heterosexual couples/vaginal sex. He explained that globally there are currently four research teams (one each in the U.S., Australia, the U.K., and Canada) studying prostate cancers in gay/bisexual men and hes leading the team in the U.S. Heres what theyve learned so far:

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Internationally, three studies have identified that gay men have worse urinary, bowel and hormonal function, but better sexual function outcomes after prostate cancer treatment than heterosexual men. We are only now conducting the first studies on the effects of treatment on insertive anal sex (which requires more rigidity than vaginal sex), the first studies on receptive anal sex, and testing the first rehabilitation tailored to the needs of gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients. We know gay patients have different questions than straight patients which almost never get asked or answered. So we are writing the first recommendations for clinicians on what to advise gay patients. And we are also investigating why gay men have worse health outcomes than heterosexual men. In both of the studies of gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer, my team has conducted thus far, about half the men state they experienced discrimination in treatment. And studies of urologists confirm that most urologists do not ask about sexual orientation, prefer to talk to heterosexual patients than gay or bisexual ones, and do not know how to talk to gay patients about treatment effects. Malecare, in New York, provides prostate cancer support, advocacy and education to all patients with prostate cancer, including online support groups tailored especially for gay and bisexual patients. He may find their support services useful.

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Via Malecare, here is a prostate cancer support group specifically for gay men. You may find this kind of community to be useful. You can also check the above-linked study for different patients responses to their prostatectomy-derived sexual issues. (Substituting nipple play for penetrative sex, for example, is one workaround mentioned.) In The Ups and Downs of Gay Sex After Prostate Cancer Treatment, an article in A Gay Mans Guide to Prostate Cancer, Dr. Stephen E. Goldstone recommends toys and visual aids to help restore sexual feelings. You can experiment with these. It may also behoove you to speak with a urologist who is particularly well versed in the issues of queer people (your best bet may be to find a urologist who is a gay or bi man himself). The specific issue of your lack of penile sensitivity is unique enough to warrant face time with a medical expert, and hopefully one who is particularly sensitive to your needs. Good luck!

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Rich

More How to Do It

My mother arrived in mid-October and plans to stay with me until we all go home for Thanksgiving. Its been fine. But there is one problem I have no idea at all how to solve. My mother has discovered Tinder. She is in her early 50s and still attractive, and she is apparently happy with my citys dating pool because she seems to go on dates with men three nights a week. I just joked about this with my brothers at first, but then last week, she brought one of the guys back to my apartment! I wasnt home when they got there, but I heard him come out of her room and leave early in the morning. I am really at a loss on how to bring this up with her, but I cannot have my mother bringing strange men to my place. What do I say? Should I remind her that she wouldnt let me have girls in my room when I lived in her house? Kidding.

Mostly. But I need help. We have four weeks to go.
U.S. military commanders covered up an airstrike over Syria that killed several dozen civilians, dishonestly portraying it as a successful attack against ISIS fighters and ignoring firm recommendationsfiled by military lawyersto investigate the strike as a war crime.

The attack and subsequent cover-uprevealed in a long, extensively documented story in this weekends New York Timestook place in 2019, during the final phase of the U.S. and allied campaign to oust the Islamic State from its self-declared caliphate in Syria.

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The Times report comes a few months after the final U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan in August, which Pentagon officials touted as halting a terrorist attackbut which in fact, as another Times investigation soon revealed, killed 10 civilians, none of whom had any connection to terrorists. (Seven of the 10 were children.)

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Together, the two reports raise questions about the moral and strategic wisdom of launching airstrikes in areas where civilians and fighters routinely mix. These questions have been raised many times in the course of Americas 20-year global war on terror. But now that President Joe Biden has scaled back that war and declared the longest of those wars, in Afghanistan, to be over, it is time for a basic reassessment.

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On March 19, 2019, analysts monitoring the high-resolution video stream from a drone flying over the Syrian town of Baghuz identified a crowd of people huddled against a riverbank as civilians, many of them women and children. Suddenly, an F-15E attack jet streaked across the drones field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb. Minutes later, another jet dropped two 2,000-pound bombs. (These are the sorts of bombs often used to demolish whole buildings believed to harbor enemy fighters or terrorists.) The death toll was estimated at 70, later revised to 80. According to the Times:

A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. United States-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified.

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The questions surrounding airstrikes are nothing new. The age of air power began in World War II. U.S. and British air forces initially tried to bomb specific targets in Nazi Germanyfactories, power plants, military formations, among othersbut this proved impossible, owing to cloud cover and the nature of the bombs themselves, which could be blown off course by strong winds. So commanders altered the rationale of bombing, saying that the target was enemy moralemeaning every bomb was successful, as long as it hit something. Hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed in these bombing raids. Gen. Curtis LeMay, the commander of the firebombing raids over Japan, later said that if the U.S. had lost the war, he would have been tried as a war criminal.

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The Vietnam War saw the development of guided bombs, but they still frequently veered away from targets. Even during the 1991 Gulf War, new so-called smart bombs sometimes proved less than brilliant, since laser beams, which the bombs followed to the target, could be refracted or distorted by smoke and other environmental factors.*

The revolution came with the Afghanistan war, which coincided with the invention of armed drones guided by the signals from GPS satellites. Air crews simply punched in the latitude and longitude of the target; the drone-fired missile or bomb homed in precisely to that spot. The science fiction fantasy of pinpoint bombing from remote distances became a realitya reality all too tempting to exploit.

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By the time Barack Obama became president, armed drones were in mass production, and the infrastructure of drone strikesimaging networks, monitoring stations, and trained joystick pilotswas in place. This fit perfectly with Obamas philosophy of military power, which involved killing high-value terrorists without sending in thousands of ground troops. In Afghanistan, where he did send troops, drones were seen as force multipliers, making the killing of al-Qaida leaders more efficient.

In short order, both in Afghanistan and elsewhere, Obama came to rely too heavily on drones, permitting U.S. commanders to use the wonder weapons to kill not just top-rank terrorists but humdrum militia fighters as well. (In his second term, Obama, recognizing this, dialed back on drone strikes.)

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The drones also fostered the illusion that they were killing only bad guys. Smart bombs rarely missed their targets, but sometimes the targets were poorly chosenas a result of mistaken intelligence (the victims turned out to be innocent civilians, not terrorists) or deliberate misinformation (warlords told their American contact that some rival tribesmen were al-Qaida).

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It is still not clear why U.S. commanders in Afghanistan approved the Aug. 29 drone strike on a vehicle that they thought was carrying a bomb, which they thought an ISIS fighter was going to detonate at the Kabul airport where planes were evacuating people out of the country in the final days before Americas departure. Video footage revealed that the car carried no bombs and that the cars driver was not an ISIS fighter but rather an aid worker. (The Pentagon has since admitted its mistake.)

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Nor is it clear why, on March 18, 2019, three U.S. attack jets dropped those 4,500 pounds worth of explosives on a group of people huddled near a riverbank. The pilots were relying on low-resolution imagery, which led them to assume that the peoplewho had come from Baghuz, one of the last ISIS holdoutswere radical jihadis. Apparently, they didnt knowor didnt take the trouble to find outthat a high-resolution drone had identified these people as civilians. In any case, even the low-res images should have indicated that the people posed no immediate threat to U.S. or allied military personneland so, according to the laws of warfare, there was no need to strike them with bombs, much less with a pair of 2,000-pound bombs.

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The Baghuz episode was exacerbated by another trend in the American way of war: the rise of the U.S. Special Operations Command as a powerful, near-autonomous force. The vast number of American casualties in the Iraq war4,418 killed, 31,994 woundedmade politicians much less willing to send large combat units into battle. Instead, they sent in small units of special forcesand gave special forces commanders greater leeway for their elite status and sacrifice. And because their operations were often secret, special forces were kept apart from conventional chains of command.

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The two planes that dropped the bombs on the Syrian civilians outside Baghuz were operated by Task Force 9, a special operations unit that, as the Times reported, operated in such secrecy that at times it did not inform even its own military partners of its actions. Apparently, Task Force 9 didnt know about the high-res drone images, which could have told them that the people were civilians. Nor did the analysts monitoring those images know anything about Task Force 9or its two attack jets.

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Though the Times report didnt say so, the incident might also have been the result of the Trump administrations relaxed supervision of airstrikes. In the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Obama set clear rules of engagement forbidding airstrikes unless a commander was fairly confident that no civilians were in the area. When Trump entered office, he was eager to end the war quickly. His first secretary of defense, Jim Mattis, announced a new strategy to do so, but the only thing new about it was a decision to drop more bombs more quickly. With Mattis encouragement, Trump let commanders set criteria and make judgments on their own. Under Obama, even with restrictions in place, U.S. and allied airstrikes killed an average 80 civilians per month. In Trumps first six months, these strikes killed 360 civilians per month.

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The airstrikes near Baghuz took place just days before ISISs military collapse. The needless casualties were, in part, the result of Trumps demand for a speedy victorywhich encouraged a certain amount of carelessnessand the Special Operations Commands autonomy.

Quite aside from the peculiarities of this incident, the whole enterprise of airstrikeswhether launched by pilots flying over the target or by joystick crews maneuvering drones from halfway around the worldis inherently fraught with risk to the people being struck. Mishaps are inevitable, because the person dropping the bomb (or remotely driving the drone) isnt on the scene. One could posit a mathematical relationship: The more that the bombardiers avoid risk to themselves, the more risk they impose on the people below.

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It is asking too much for commanders and presidents to subject their own armed forces to greater risk. Military history is, in some ways, the story of a competition in risk reduction. Archaeologists have dated the first longbowwhich allowed soldiers to shoot arrows from a far enough distance that the enemy soldiers couldnt fire backto around 3300 B.C. In modern times, the inventions of the artillery cannon, the missile, the bomber plane, and the drone have been driven by the same impulse.

Two things have been clear through this history. First, whatever advantage one country gains in this competition, other countries eventually catch up. Second, as the long-range weapons have grown more destructive, civilians get in the way of the fight. These things will remain true as long as nations compete with rivals and occasionally go to war. The best way to reduce the number of civilians killed in wars is to be less careless about getting into wars in the first place.
After facilitating Donald Trumps agenda for four years, the 5th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals has declared war on Joe Biden. This war reached a new low on Friday night when a three-judge panel explained why it had blocked the proposed employer vaccine mandate nearly a week before. The panels opinion is a partisan screed against the Biden administration that disparages the mandate as a political ploy. It cavalierly downplays the threat of COVID, verging on Fox Newsstyle denialism. And it presents a series of radical claims about federal power that would, if adopted, imperil vast swaths of statutes and regulations that govern everyday American life. Ultimately, the 5th Circuit has seized upon the vaccine mandate as a tool to upend nearly a century of constitutional law.

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If youre skeptical that an appeals court could veer so far to the far-right fringe, let me remind you that Trump stacked the 5th Circuit with six judges. All six are Federalist Society stalwarts who are eager to lead a conservative revolution against progressive precedents and Democratic presidents. Two of these judges, Kurt Engelhardt and Stuart Kyle Duncan, sat on the panel that halted the mandate. Engelhardt is best known for attempting to destroy Obamacare (and getting shot down at the Supreme Court). Duncan is best known for intentionally misgendering a trans litigant. The third member of the panel, Edith Jones, is a Ronald Reagan nominee with a long history of brazen partisanship and alleged racism. Opponents of the vaccine mandatea group of states, employers, religious groups, and individualscould not have asked for a more sympathetic trio.

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The panel started with the premise that Biden had an ulterior motive for supporting a workplace vaccine mandate. Engelhardt, who authored the majority opinion, repeatedly implied that the presidents true aim was not to fight COVID but to meet his vaccination targets so he could tout a political victory. The mandate, Engelhardt wrote, was unveiled after the President voiced his displeasure with the countrys vaccination rate in September. He cited Bidens statement that our patience is wearing thin and quoted a CNN article that noted the presidents hardening tone toward unvaccinated Americans.

The court displayed bottomless empathy toward anti-vaxxers.

Engelhardt then claimed that the Biden administration pored over the U.S. Code in search of authority for a mandate. In his telling, the administration landed on the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations power to issue an emergency temporary standard, or ETS, protecting workplace safety. OSHA then issued an ETS requiring that companies with at least 100 employees give workers two options: get the shot or undergo weekly testing.

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According to Engelhardt, OSHAs stated justification for the ETSreducing the spread of COVIDwas pretextual. Its real justification was the White Houses desire to boost vaccination rates and secure better publicity. Engelhardts lone evidence for this claim is the fact that Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff, retweeted MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhles tweet that described an employer mandate as the ultimate work-around. (How this retweet proves the pretextual basis of the ETS is a mystery left for readers to solve.) Engelhardt concluded that the mandates true purpose is not to enhance workplace safety, but instead to ramp up vaccine uptake by any means necessary.

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After suggesting that Bidens political desperation, rather than genuine public health concerns, motivated the ETS, Engelhardt pivoted to a new argument: COVID just isnt all that serious. He pointedly described COVID as a purported emergency  (with scare quotes). He then wrote that OSHAs failure to act promptly may demonstrate that is not a true emergency. Time and again, Engelhardt waved away the danger of the virus, focusing exclusively on the interests of individuals, companies, and states that resist vaccination. You will not find a single sentence in the opinion that begins to capture the full tragedy of a pandemic that has killed more than 760,000 Americans. And you certainly wont see any consideration of employers and employees who want their workforce to be vaccinated to reduce their own risk of infection. You will, however, find bottomless empathy toward anti-vaxxers.

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This dismissive attitude toward COVID reached a zenith when Engelhardt asked whether the public interest favored a stay. He did not even consider whether the public would benefit from the mandate, or acknowledge the prevention of death and disease as a public interest. Instead, Engelhardt focused solely on three factors: the alleged economic upheaval caused by the mere specter of the ETS; its threat to our constitutional structure; and the importance of maintaining the liberty of individuals to make intensely personal decisions according to their own convictions. The publics interest in stopping COVID was disregarded entirely. (Engelhardt recently voted to keep Texas six-week abortion ban in effect; his deference toward intensely personal decisions appears to turn on his approval of those decisions.)

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Although he spilled much ink complaining that the Biden administration exceeded its authority, Engelhardt revealed toward the end of his opinion that none of this analysis really mattered. Why? Because even if Congress gave the executive branch power to impose vaccine mandates, the law would be unconstitutional under the nondelegation doctrine. This theory, which has no basis in the Constitution, prevents Congress from delegating too much power to executive agencies. The Supreme Court has used it twice, both times in 1935 to hobble New Deal legislation. If revived, this doctrine would bring much of government to a screeching halt, hobbling thousands of critical federal regulations on everything from the environment, health care, employment, education, immigration, and more.

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Some conservative justices are keen to bring the doctrine back. And Engelhardt is squarely in their corner. If Congress intended to authorize a workplace safety administration in the deep recesses of the federal bureaucracy to make sweeping pronouncements on matters of public health affecting every member of society in the profoundest of ways, he wrote, it would likely run afoul of the Constitution. This logic, if embraced by the Supreme Court, would permanently destabilize the administrative state that keeps the government running.

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So a law giving OSHA discretion to require vaccines would be unconstitutional. But what if Congress itself explicitly imposed a mandate on employers? That, too, would be unconstitutional, Engelhardt proclaimed. A persons choice to remain unvaccinated and forgo regular testing is noneconomic inactivity, he wrote. And in the first Obamacare decision, the Supreme Court held that Congress may not regulate noneconomic inactivity that falls squarely within the States police power. In this light, even a congressionally authorized mandate would far exceed current constitutional authority.

Engelhardt could only reach this conclusion by eliding a key distinction between Obamacares individual mandate and Bidens ETS: The Obamacare mandate applied to individuals, while the ETS applies to businesses that are already engaged in commercial activity. In fact, it only applies to companies with 100 or more employeesall of which are certain to have a connection to interstate commerce. Congress is already regulating these businesses in myriad ways, and the ETS simply adds one more requirement. It is fundamentally distinct from a general mandate that individual Americans buy health insurance.

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What happens if the Supreme Court endorsed Engelhardts warped version of noneconomic inactivity? Under his test, a huge amount of currently regulated activity could be reframed as inactivity beyond Congress purview. For instance: When a manager refuses to stop pervasive racial discrimination in their workplace, thats inactivity. When a power plant refuses to install new technology limiting emissions, thats inactivity. When firearm dealers decline to implement new safeguards against illegal purchases, thats inactivity. Once the distinction between individuals and commercial enterprises gets tossed out, there is no limiting principle. Conservative judges could strike down an endless array of laws by recasting them as regulations on inactivity.

Engelhardts opinion is not just another 5th Circuit broadside against Democrats. It is a shot across the bow. The court made it plain that it will deploy every tool at its disposal to combat Democratic policies. It will box in Biden by accusing him of lying, of cutting corners, of exceeding his authority. And if Bidens plans win legislative approval, the court will box in Congress, too. No matter how closely Democrats adhere to the rules, the 5th Circuit can always invent a new reason to shoot them down.

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The good news is that the 5th Circuits opinion may soon become totally irrelevant. A quirk in federal law requires the judiciary to consolidate all challenges to an ETS in one circuit. On Tuesday, a lottery will determine which circuit will hear these cases. Since challenges have been filed in all but two circuits, the odds of the 5th Circuit prevailing are low.

Then again, even if another court upholds the ETS, the Supreme Court will ultimately decide its fate on the shadow docket. Engelhardt seems to believe that the conservative justices are ready to exploit this case to destroy both the administrative state and Congress ability to regulate commerce. He may well have overestimated their willingness to leap into this particular abyss. If hes right, though, Democrats will face an existential threat to their agenda that will persist long after the COVID crisis has passed.
Political rot breeds unintended consequences. One that I think most of us grok at some level is the extent to which consuming news about the corrupted and gridlocked American political situationa lacerating exercise at best while Trump was presidenthas changed since his ouster. Its perhaps even more painful now. Outrage can at least be motivating, but the slow strangulation of political hope under a razor-thin Democratic majority produces different effects. For certain kinds of idealists, it can be functionally analogous to self-harm, and that might be why it seems like a lot of left-of-center Americans news consumers have recently hit a wall and tuned out. (Im not judging here; far be it from me to suggest how and in what quantities news should or shouldnt be consumed.) What Im interested in instead is both how people process political information and how those habits change. It seems indisputable that a significant group of once-avid news junkies are developing avoidant behaviors, and that might have consequences.

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This is admittedly a small and niggly question to get stuck on. It might be no big deal. It may not mean much that news consumption is down and it might be a mistake to think this might portend other things (for example, that political engagement on the left is plummeting). But the average Americans relationship to news has changed drastically over the past five years, and we have not understood that transformationor its effects on political consciousnessadequately. Neither, then, can we understand what withdrawal from the news firehose means. At best, people are making healthier choices for themselves. At worst, were witnessing the slow and catastrophic demobilization of an entire political sector.

People didnt tune in because it was pleasurable; they tuned in because it seemed like they might need to do something.

Its no secret that news consumption, which was unusually avid during the Trump administration, has been dropping since the election: Cable news has seen the largest drops, with CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News all seeing traffic drop by more than 50 percent (a 73 percent, 56 percent, and 53 percent drop, respectively). Digital news hasnt been as steep, but its still dramatic: Between September 2020 and September 2021, there has been a 14 percent drop in traffic at Vox, a 12 percent drop at the New York Times, and a 20 percent drop at the Washington Post. Slate has seen a similar decline. Thats not necessarily surprising; it usually happens after elections. The reason I suspect theres more to think about here is because the consumption habits shaped by Trumps never-ending emergencies were unhealthy, addictive, and they delivered real political consequences. People voted against him in record numbers. It would seem, thenand the recent gubernatorial race in Virginia bears this outthat lower news consumption might have consequences too: It might translate to lower engagement. A segment of a high-information population that was, as recently as January, consuming every upsetting political development it could (you have to tune in during emergencies, no matter how upsetting they are) isnt clicking, or watching, anymore.

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If this is demobilization, it was a long time coming. I argued almost two years ago now that Joe Biden would win the Democratic primary because Americans were exhausted by the onslaught of catastrophic news to which they were constantly being asked to respond. That news had become enough of a factor in the lives of ordinary Americans that it materially affected their moods and lives, and that a presidential candidates approach to news-making mightunder these specific conditionsitself operate as a political platform. You will not hear about or from me often is a campaign promise of sorts, and it resonated with people sick of being held hostage to a narcissists need for headlines. Bidens weird affect was in this respect not to be underestimated: his political unreactivity (I called him an inert gas) was a surprisingly robust and appealing feature in this unusual electoral terrain. It looked pretty good after Trumps never-ending Sturm und Drang about who didnt praise him enough and which of his rotating list of allies and enemies deserved to be behind bars. People wanted to be able to tune out safely; hypervigilance is exhausting, especially when you know its necessary in the sense that you, the public, are the feeble last line of defense once sclerotic institutions have stopped responding effectively to crises, even when one political party is floating extremism, authoritarianism, and political assassination as political solutions. People didnt tune in because it was pleasurable; they tuned in because it seemed like they might need to do something.

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If news consumption is down, then, it follows that the perceived need to respond is too. It would be a mistake to say that anger has diminishedpeople are still mad on the internet for all sorts of surprising reasonsbut the kind of organized political rage over matters that should really matter to Democrats has unquestionably decreased. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in two direct challenges to Roe v. Wade, including one via S.B. 8, Texas patently unconstitutional anti-abortion law. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin are neutering efforts to help ordinary Americans pay less for prescription drugs. Paid family leave was almost possible; now its dead in the water. Rage at these developmentsorganized, protracted rageisnt materializing. People are not responding as they would have two years ago. Maybe thats natural; Trump was a galvanizing force. But theres a more concerning possibility: Maybe its because theyve learned, through bitter experience, that their best efforts will not make any difference at alleven in a Democratic administration, where it obviously should. Whats the point of getting worked up about abortion rights when public opinion no longer matters to one party and the other party wont do anything to stop them? After all, Republicans have packed the Supreme Court and Democrats have demonstrated that they have no intention of correcting that imbalance.

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Over and over, the American answer to crisis has become: Nothing can be done.

These things arent linear, of course. The protests in the wake of George Floyds murder proved that there was still an enormous capacity for a public exhausted and badly disillusioned with their government to demand change from institutions like the police that have long refused to curb their abuses, especially toward people of color. There existed a will to confront an unacceptable situation and insist on its unacceptability even in the face of long-standing institutional indifference. There were global shockwaves of public feelingof spectators radicalized and repulsed by what they saw. No one, surely, could accept this state of affairs.

But then it was accepted. The biggest protests in American history were not enough to achieve even minimal changes. They didnt get rid of qualified immunity. Police have not reformed. They have certainly not been defunded. This became just one more untenable thing, along with the pandemic, that has been accepted. Over and over, the American answer to crisis has become: Nothing can be done.

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Here is where I say that this isnt an entirely correct impression, however widespread it is. Some things have happened. The government sent out stimulus checks during the pandemic. That mattered! Multiple vaccines exist, and treatments for COVID are being developed. Biden actually implemented a vaccine mandate (who knows if it will last with this Supreme Court, though). The Build Back Better bill has some genuinely good stuff on climate and may pass unless Sinema and Manchin decide to further strip it of worthwhile provisions. The labor movement is genuinely energized and doing better than it has in decades. Police in some communities have faced disciplinary measures. And restorative justiceonce a fairly recherche concept on the lefthas gotten widespread enough that the backlash is well under way.

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But thats not what it feels like. Newsby which I dont mean the media, that boogeyman everyone loves to blame but rather the narratives politicians put outshapes the story of political possibility as American citizens experience it. And the Build Back Better Bill, which could have been a triumphant demonstration of the Democratic will to actually improve things in this country, has instead come to us so arbitrarily pecked and scratched and stripped and sliced by two showboating senators that its passageshould such a day ever comewill still feel like a defeat. To most Democrats, not just progressives. Its contents will matter to those who benefit of course, but politically? Its dead in the water.

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Even the attempted insurrectionarguably one of the more interesting things to have happened in America recentlyis, narratively speaking, hard to talk about now. What else is there to say when the situation is plain and dire? One party effectively supports the insurrectionists and the president who inspired them. That party is working to disenfranchise voters and to pass legislation that would enable various states to overturn electoral results. The other party is trying and failing to do much about it. And so we tune out those attempts. I asked my editor to confirm my sense that people arent really reading about Jan. 6 anymore, at least on Slate.comshe did. But shouldnt people want to know as much as they can about the insurrection to overthrow the American electoral process and keep Trump in powerand whats being done about it?

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To those who have tuned out, the question is naive. No, people dont want to know anymore. People already know too much, and the knowledge hasnt profited them. They know about all the harms that were done to American institutions and American democracy while Trump was president. They also know what the much-ballyhooed Mueller reporteach development of which many of them followed attentivelyachieved: nothing. Why would the Jan. 6 commission would be any different? This is what happens when the news is that a nations entire system of accountability is broken: Even the consequences that do get meted out start to feel weightless. Maybe the QAnon shaman goes to prison for four years (certainly some of the insurrectionists should). But everyone understands at this point that the actual instigatorsincluding the ex-president and members of Congress who worked with and informed the riotersare immune to consequences. So why read about it?

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These sorts of demobilizations arent uncommon. When Obama was elected, it felt like the Republican-led nightmare of the Bush era had ended, and that made a lot of people relax, detach, tune out. But this feels different to me. People stuck in the doldrums sense now that no wind is coming. Voting rights will not be protected. The gerrymandered maps are recipes for permanent disenfranchisement and the party that could do something about it is paralyzed by idiotic infighting. Who would want to keep up with this vision of the present? What story are they getting that inspires or rewards political engagement? Say what you will about TrumpI have said plentybut he certainly gave his people that. Thats almost all he gave them, in factnews. Narratives that made them feel like they were winning. That he delivered little in material terms didnt matter; the newsand thats what really changed during these past five years, news as a fundamental, as a driver of feeling to which Americans were addictedwas enough.

I dont know what the opposite of radicalization is in this specific context. I hope Im wrong to suspect that its well under way within a population that was once extremely motivated to follow political news and fight for progress. But the problem is that it feels like its happening. And as weve seen, sometimes the feeling is enough to create the narrative, which then becomes the reality.
On Oct. 23, 2020, a number of Facebook employees attended a work presentation that asked a rather complex questionHow much of News Feed is Good (or Bad) for the world?according to disclosures made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by Frances Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions received by Congress were reviewed by a consortium of news organizations, including Slate.

This slide deck focused on the companys first Good for the World survey, conducted by the Facebook App Research Team and the Connection Integrity team, the latter of which, per a former employee, is responsible for reducing objectionable content or negative experiences on the platform. According to the slides, the survey was meant to capture a wide-range of users subjectively-defined bad experiences on Facebook. How it went down: From mid-August through mid-September 2020, the users who participatedabout 143,000 people across dozens of countriesscrolled through their news feeds and were asked on each post they saw, Is this kind of post good for the world? Respondents could pick one of five options: very good, somewhat good, neutral, somewhat bad, and very bad. Then Facebook would group these answers into two categories: Good for the World (GFTW), encompassing posts marked very good or somewhat good, and Bad for the World (BFTW), encompassing posts marked very bad or somewhat bad.

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The researchers said that the study was meant to be a subjective measure of [users] own personal opinions and perceptions. So instead of offering any guidance or definition about what may be considered good or bad, Facebook left its respondents to their own devices, literally. One team member said the question was worded that way to help generate training data for personalized demotions models that would reduce unwanted negative experiences in Feed, with the reason being that people generally wouldnt want to see things they felt were bad for the world. That is, Facebook hoped the results would help artificial intelligence systems learn whether content was likely to be GFTW or BFTW.

Yet the survey found that the most engaged posts, or those with the broadest reach, were more consistently considered BFTW than those with less engagement or a lower reach. While reshares help distribute the most content considered BFTW, original statuses are the type of Facebook post with the highest prevalence of BFTW. The topics of posts most often considered BFTW revolved around crime, politics, and games, puzzles and play. (The commentary on the slide depicting this data mentions it may be surprising that games is ranked so highly, a fact that is only surprising if you havent paid any attention to the most fraught online controversies of the past decade.) However, as one slide notes, the data also demonstrates that posts around politics and social issueslabeled civic content at FBare more likely to perceived as BFTW even if they dont have a wide reach. Another slide mentions that BFTW prevalence was higher among posts predicted [by A.I. systems] to contain: violence, sexual solicitation, hate speech, violence incitement, nudity. A different slide elaborates that respondents were more likely to say the posts in their News Feeds were BFTW if they were: men, from older or younger age groups, less tenured, [or] users with very few or very many connections.

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The survey results presented interesting conundrums to the research team. The presentation notes that Facebook users have often complained about not seeing enough posts from their friendsyet original statuses were often thought of as BFTW. On the whole, U.S. Facebookers were three times more likely to consider civic posts BFTW than noncivic posts (those unrelated to socio-political issues). By contrast, most other countries surveyed did not have such a wide gulf between perception of civic and noncivic postsand in a few nations, like Angola, Nepal, and Guatemala, civic posts were less likely to be labeled BFTW than noncivic posts were.

But what about the stuff on FB thats GFTW, according to the survey respondents? Thats a more complicated question. The study indicates that while posts typically marked BFTW indicated negative content, the posts marked as GFTW varied a bit more: from posts about positive developments in the world to stuff users simplyand subjectivelyfound humorous. This could get dark: Two example posts widely marked as GFTW among U.S. users included a QAnon-promoting status as well as a screed claiming that Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man who was shot by a Kenosha police officer in August 2020, is completely responsible for what happened to him. While the researchers claimed that the majority of GFTW posts were benign or somewhat positive, they also admitted that some included, for example, antisemitic comments.

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So, what did we all learn here? Its worth noting that this isnt the first time Facebook and its users have attempted to gauge whether the social network is good for the world, and whether whats GFTW is GFFBL (thats the acronym I just made up for good for Facebooks bottom linesee, I can do it too). As Guardian reporter Julia Carrie Wong wrote three years ago, a 2012 email by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg using the phrasealbeit in a nonresearch contextwas released to the public by the U.K. Parliament, reading in part (emphasis mine):

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Sometimes the best way to enable people to share something is to have a developer build a special purpose app or network for that type of content and to make that app social by having Facebook plug into it. However, that may be good for the world but its not good for us unless people also share back to Facebook and that content increases the value of our network.

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More in line with the slide deck in question, in February 2018, following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, some users reported that a survey question was popping up on their feeds, reading: Wed like to do better. Please agree or disagree with the following statement: Facebook is good for the world. There were five options to choose from: strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree, strongly disagree. This occurred shortly after Zuckerberg told the New York Times that he wanted his kids to feel like what their father built was good for the world.

This is a screenshot of a survey question my colleague got from Facebook. "Is Facebook good for the world?" pic.twitter.com/jBmkmNGexc  Anthony Quintano (@AnthonyQuintano) January 23, 2018

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Then, of course, the question was used again in the 2020 survey from the slide deck. The first public mention of the mass BFTW-GFTW survey (without those acronyms) was reported in the New York Times in November 2020; the paper also noted the survey spurred employees to train a machine learning algorithm to demote the presence of BFTW posts. According to the Times, the tool was actually successful at demoting the spread of BFTW contentso much so, in fact, that it reduced the amount of times users opened Facebook, which concerned executives like Zuckerberg. So the algorithm was tweaked to demote bad content at a less vigorous pace, until this act no longer also reduced Facebooks unique traffic. Turns out, what may have been BFTW was actually GFFBL.

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The release of the Facebook Papers gives us more insight into the specific findings and adds new context to that decision. According to a July New York Times report, Zuckerberg continues to rely on GFTW metrics (as well as another one, CAU, which stands for cares about users) to inform his decisions regarding Facebook content moderation, even though his own Connection Integrity employees have said the classification was flawed. (A key bullet point from the slides: A GFTW survey metric would provide limited insight into ecosystem health.) There is also the fact that though Facebooks engineers and data scientists realized that BFTW content was chock-full of violence and hate speech, top executives seemingly elected not to police such content more intensely, lest it keep users from logging in regularly. One could read it as implicit acknowledgment by Facebooks leaders of a longtime truism among Big Tech criticsthat social media thrives on and incentivizes outrage.

What about users who werent surveyed directly by Facebook? A Morning Consult poll released in October showed that Facebooks net approval within the U.S. is currently lower than its ever been, and that other countries approval ratings of Facebook are also sinking. Perhaps a larger portion of Facebooks nearly 3 billion users consider it to be bad for the world after all, with more joining the anti-Facebook bandwagon in the year since the BFTW survey was taken.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Logan Roy was not behaving like his usual, virile self. Successions leading octogenarian and media-empire patriarch was shivering. He was moaning and grimacing and babbling. He was yellingand not in the way that would actually be normal for him. He needed to pee, like bad. It got weird: He mistook his daughter for his estranged wife, and his son-in-law for an appropriate bathroom companion. He believed there was a dead cat under his chair.

Turns out, Logan had stopped taking the medication (antibiotics, almost certainly) prescribed for his urinary tract infection. By the time a long-awaited shareholder meeting rolled around, Logan was fully incapacitated. Oh, fuck! cried his daughter, Shiv. Hes piss-mad.

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It seems like just another wild twist in the popular television drama. But Logans total thrashing by a UTIleading to a state of incoherence so profound it creates a power vacuumis totally plausible, urologists say.

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It may not be the most common thing, but it certainly could happen, David Ginsberg, a urologist at University of Southern Californias Keck School of Medicine told me, after I caught him up on the relevant plot details .

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, and then begin to flourish out of control. The symptoms are deeply unpleasant: a persistent and frequent urge to pee, painful or burning sensations during peeing, and urine that appears cloudy, pink, red, or cola-colored. These are often enough to land someone in their doctors office or the emergency room, where they are given an antibiotic treatment. This usually works. Most people who get UTIswhich more than half of women experience during their lifetimedont have to contend with further symptoms. And those worse outcomes dont come on suddenly. Most folks usually dont go from nothing to an acute psychotic event, Ginsberg says.

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But ifas with Logana persons UTI isnt properly treated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and, eventually, the bloodstream, becoming septic. If the infection becomes serious enough, a host of symptoms now familiar to viewers of Succession set in: delusion, lethargy, agitation, confusion, paranoia and hallucination. The body basically loses control, said Matthew Wosnitzer, a urologist with Yale New Haven Health. Or as Shiv put it, in Logans case: His urethra had wrested control from his brain. Any number of other infectionsincluding pneumonia can, if left untreated, lead to the same constellation of cognitive impairments. Its not the actual UTI itself, its your bodys reaction to it, says University of Maryland urologist Rena Malik. Its the insult of the infection.

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Its not just poetic that the most powerful Roy would succumb so completely to a measly UTI; its also pretty in line with reality (if, again, a rare event). The media kingpins fragile health has been a central issue in Succession from the shows pilot, in which Logan almost died of a hemorrhagic stroke on his 80th birthday, to last weeks episode, when he almost collapsed during a walk. Logan Roy matches some of the key risk factors for UTIs, which include being older or immunocompromised, and having dementia or diabetes. Logans history of strokes is also potentially at play, says Ashley Winter, a urologist in Portland, Oregon who watches the show. A stroke can affect bladder function, she says. It can also affect the nerves that go to the bladder, and your brains ability to regulate your bladder. If Logan wasnt emptying his bladder every time he peed, Winter says, it would be a recipe for a UTI.

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Luckily for him, by the end of the episode Logan had largely regained his mental faculties, thanks to fluids and hydration. Even without the help of Romans suggested Tabasco suppository, he was returning to his old rhino self. I asked Wosnitzer, is that really possible? Can a human really recover from a delirium-inducing UTI that fast? Definitely, he confirmed, with something like an intravenous infusion of a broad-range antibiotic cocktail. They can have a rapid turnaround, he says. They snap out of it.

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However fleeting, Logans dance with sepsis is a reminder of how much power can dangle on one persons physical fragilityboth in the real world and in Successions fictional one. No matter how much money and control you have, Winter says, your body might retire for you at some point. And when you come face-to-face with one of the most common outpatient infections, you might want someone loyal by your side to help you recover. Potentially hes starting to realize fucking with your kids when youre frail is not a great thing to do, she says.
Bearded vulture returns from brink of extinction in Spain



The endangered species has been spotted in Andalucia and Valencia

After the progressive disappearance of the endangered bearded vulture from Spain throughout the 20th century, the bird of prey population has once again begun to slowly recover, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the Monirepro QH project. Developed by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Bearded Vulture (FCQ), the organisation has implemented several measures to attract and sustain the birds in four main communities: Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y Leon.

Process of encouraging the reproduction of the vultures

Through detailed studies, the experts have learned that the integrity of bearded vulture nests is directly correlated with reproductive success. To this end, the ecologists scattered sheep wool throughout their territory and confirmed that the birds favour this material, particularly in the earlier stages of nest building. In Aragon alone, this measure resulted in 30 new chicks this year.

The project carefully selected sites for hacking; that is, the identification of ideal areas to progressively release healthy specimens to ensure their settlement and reproduction. Habitat studies conducted by the FCQ have determined that locations that are isolated from humans, have low risk of threats and abundant food sources naturally provide the best habitats for breeding vultures.

A novel method of attracting more birds is the implementation of social attraction techniques, whereby realistic lures are strategically placed around a target territory to draw more specimens to settle in the area.

Finally, the authorities have come to an agreement with local sheep farmers for the storage and distribution of sheep carcasses to provide an additional but vital food source for the bearded vultures.

Among the projects promoted by the FCQ, the reintroduction of the species in the Picos de Europa National Park, where it has been extinct for more than half a century, has been a huge success. So far, 30 birds have been released in this area and their development will be closely monitored by the experts. In addition, the endangered birds of prey have also been spotted in Andalucia and the Valencian Community in recent years.

Images: FCQ
Repsol plans to help all of Spain go electric



The energy giant will have 1,000 electric car charging points in Spain by 2022

One of the main complaints from would-be purchasers, aside from the skyrocketing price of electricity in Spain , is the lack of charging points in this country. In order to make electric vehicles more attractive and convenient, energy giant Repsol has announced that it will have 1,000 public charge points throughout Spain and Portugal by the end of 2022. To meet this ambitious target, the company plans to install some 610 fast or ultra-fast stations over the next twelve months.

Repsols plan will involve an investment of 42.5 million euros and will provide a recharging point for every 50 kilometres of main road in Spain. Of the 610 new facilities, 18 will be ultra-fast with a charging power of up to 180 kW and 592 will be fast, at 50 kW. In all, 577 will be set up in Spain while the remaining 33 points are earmarked for neighbouring Portugal. In all cases, the energy they will use will come with a 100% renewable origin guarantee.

Image: Repsol
The measures apply especially to Ukrainians.

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Since November 10, travel to the European Union (EU) from the outer borders of Slovakia has been temporarily restricted.

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.

The restricted area includes the outer border with Ukraine while flights from countries outside the Schengen area are also banned, said the spokesperson of the Police Corps Presidium Denisa Bardyova.

As of November 10, trips to the EU that are not necessary for Ukrainian nationals are thus limited.

Entrance via the outer border will still be allowed for those with valid residence permits in Slovakia as well as relatives of Slovak citizens or people with residence in Slovakia, Bardyova said, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Spouses and children fall under this umbrella.

Exceptions apply to the vaccinated

People vaccinated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency or the World Health Organisation are exempt too.

The measures also do not apply to people who meet all the conditions for an exception to mandatory isolation after entering the territory of Slovakia. This means members of a freight crew can cross the border, for example.

How to travel to and from Slovakia during COVID-19 Read more

If an unvaccinated national of Ukraine does not fall under an exception and wants to enter the territory of Slovakia for tourist purposes, they will be denied entrance at the outer border, Bardyova added, as quoted by SITA.

Nationals of Ukraine who can cross the outer border, as well as all other people entering the territory of Slovakia from abroad, are subject to the obligations imposed by anti-pandemic measures issued by the Public Health Authority.

More about coronavirus development in Slovakia:
Arriva, which took over on November 15, lacks drivers; the region is talking about consequences.

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A new carrier took over the suburban bus transport in the Bratislava Region on November 15, but its start has been accompanied by several problems.

The company Arriva has replaced Slovak Lines, which had been operating the buses in the region for 72 years. Yet many passengers waited for their buses to take them to school or work in vain. The problems are particularly due to the shortage of drivers, the TASR newswire reported.

The problem had been reported by Slovak Lines, which struggled to secure several bus connections in the past weeks.

Arriva now says that about 50 lines will be affected by restrictions, particularly those in the districts of Senec and Pezinok. The preliminary estimates suggest that this concerns about one quarter of all bus lines.

Were working on solving the problems as soon as possible, said Laszlo Ivan, head of Arriva, as quoted by TASR. His company has apologised for the problems.

Even though the carrier published a list of affected bus lines on the evening of November 14, passengers talking to TASR said that there were problems even with buses not mentioned on the list.

Region becomes involved

Responding to the issue of insufficient drivers, the representatives of Arriva said that they had offered the bus drivers the same conditions as Slovak Lines.

Some decided not to accept the offer, others could not start working for objective reasons, the company explained, as quoted by TASR. Arriva is trying to find new drivers, including drivers from abroad.

Operator of red suburban buses will be replaced. Bratislava Region to have a new carrier Read more

The company also said that it had only five weeks to prepare the launch of buses as the agreement was signed in early October, following several obstructions.

Meanwhile, the representatives of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region have become involved. The regions governor, Juraj Droba, met with the representatives of Arriva on Monday afternoon.

He expects the new carrier to come up with a plan that will secure bus connections in the entire region. If not, the region is ready to impose fines, he added.

Checking the current situation

The least affected seem to be the bus lines running in the direction of Malacky and Samorin.

To find out more about the current situation, the Bratislava Self-Governing Region recommends checking the Arriva website, with timetables for Monday and Tuesday.

Apart from the missing bus connections, some passengers have reported problems with their chip cards, which can be used in the integrated transport system. The company operating the system responded that it is discussing solutions with technicians.
https://sputniknews.com/20211114/israel-denies-espionage-charge-against-couple-arrested-for-snapping-sharing-pics-of-erdogans-home-1090733522.html

Israel Denies Espionage Charge Against Couple Arrested for Snapping, Sharing Pics of Erdogan's Home

Israel Denies Espionage Charge Against Couple Arrested for Snapping, Sharing Pics of Erdogan's Home

On Friday, a Turkish court ruled that Israeli nationals Mody and Natali Oknin must remain in custody for an extra 20 days after allegedly photographing... 14.11.2021, Sputnik International

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett asserted in a Sunday statement that Natali and Mody Oknin "do not work for any Israeli agency." Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid have both issued statements proclaiming the Oknins were not affiliated with any Israeli intelligence agency. However, Turkish prosecutors have argued that the couple was not in Istanbul on an "innocent trip," as claimed by the defense. Lawyers citing a rep in the Turkish prosector's office claimed the couple was conducting espionage when they photographed the Turkish president's home from Camlica Tower. The photos of Erdogan's quarters were then sent to a third party. The defense claims the pictures were sent to family members, and were sent without knowledge that such an act is illegal in Turkey. Turkish media has reported that a Turkish national was also arrested alongside the couple. The arrest came about a month after Turkish authorities arrested 15 alleged Mossad agents in a covert operation. At the time, the Daily Sabah newspaper published the suspects' mugshots and an interview in which one arrestee claimed to have been unwittingly recruited by Israel's national intelligence agency.

https://sputniknews.com/20211113/turkish-court-extends-remand-of-israeli-couple-detained-for-allegedly-photographing-erdogans-home--1090699303.html

Terranian The 1st About One Thing you can be absolutely sure in our Solar System - The Deeply Racist Evil-Minded Zionist Notorious Genocidal War-Criminal + State-Terrorist Apartheid Regime + Deep-State of Israel, LIES ALWAYS about any- + everything 24/7 - They have more than 70 Years Daily experience. 5

vot tak Busted. :-D 4

3

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Evan Craighead

turkey, israel, espionage
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/assanges-father-would-be-honorable-for-france-to-offer-asylum-to-wikileaks-founder-1090760284.html

Assange's Father: Would Be 'Honorable' for France to Offer Asylum to WikiLeaks Founder

Assange's Father: Would Be 'Honorable' for France to Offer Asylum to WikiLeaks Founder

As extradition proceedings continue, WikiLeaks founder and activist Julian Assange was recently granted an allowance by the UK's Belmarsh Prison to marry... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T23:02+0000

2021-11-15T23:02+0000

2021-11-15T22:59+0000

france

julian assange

extradition

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While attending the 6th Whistleblower Meeting in Paris, France, John Shipton, Assange's father, insisted that it would be "honorable" of the French government to grant his son asylum, particularly after WikiLeaks published information vital to the European country's national security. Assange's father highlighted that WikiLeaks exposed a number of incidents, including foreign meddling in French elections; US National Security Agency (NSA) and US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) surveillance of the French president's phone, and US spying on Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy, and Francois Hollande, between the years of 2006 and 2012.Shipton's plea comes not long after 39 French lawmakers in Parliament's lower house issued a proposal for a resolution on granting Assange asylum. "For more than 10 years, Julian Assange, a journalist awarded numerous prizes, has been deprived of his liberty. His crime? To have done work of truth and independence," tweeted French Deputy Cedric Villani on November 3, per an English language translation. "We demand that France grant him asylum, for the freedom of the press, for the respect of human rights." The dozens of signees included Deputies Villani, Jean Lassalle, Erwan Balanant, Daniele Obono and Thierry Benoit. Shipton told Sputnik that support is "essential" in getting Paris to grant Assange asylum. He also acknowledged that the WikiLeaks co-founder has support from a number of lawmakers in several other governments. Shipton noted that the supporters intend to send an international delegation to the US "to advocate to end this persecution of Julian."

https://sputniknews.com/20211112/no-date-set-yet-for-assanges-wedding-in-belmarsh-prison-uk-prison-service-1090687706.html

vot tak Grasping at straws. The french under zionist israeloamerican quisling macron would do to Assange what that freak zio-moreno in Equador did. 5

Ladyshadow Calling France or any other US colony honorable is laughable. 5

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Evan Craighead

france, julian assange, extradition
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/astroworld-death-toll-hits-10-after-9-year-old-dies-from-injuries-houston-mayor-confirms-1090735380.html

Astroworld Death Toll Hits 10 After 9-Year-Old Dies From Injuries, Houston Mayor Confirms

Astroworld Death Toll Hits 10 After 9-Year-Old Dies From Injuries, Houston Mayor Confirms

"He was so stoked. He was ready to go," recalled Treston Blount, father of a 9-year-old boy who was placed on life support for days after being trampled at the... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T02:47+0000

2021-11-15T02:47+0000

2021-11-15T03:09+0000

death toll

concert

travis scott

us

texas

houston

festival

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The death toll from the Astroworld music festival has climbed to 10, following the passing of Ezra Blount. Family members confirmed the 9-year-old's passing to ABC13 on Sunday, more than a week after the event at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. The boy's father told the outlet that he decided to put his son on his shoulders because he was in the back of the crowd and felt it was a safer environment. However, the crowd got particularly rowdy and knocked them both to the ground when rapper Travis Scott, who runs the festival, took the stage. After regaining consciousness, Treston was initially unable to find his son. After filing a police report, Treston met Ezra in the hospital, where doctors had learned the 9-year-old had been trampled, leaving his brain swollen and major organs were damaged. The hospital subsequently put the boy on life support. Of the 10 deaths recorded from the Houston festival, eight of those took place on the night of the event. Bharti Shahani, the ninth victim, passed away on Wednesday.

https://sputniknews.com/20211111/online-petition-to-exclude-travis-scott-from-coachella-2022-reaches-30000-signatures-1090640931.html

Anti-Imperialist Satanic scum. The whole thing was human sacrifice. The things people are willing to do for fame and some change 0

Willyspit Travis "Goddamn it, that's another funeral I'm getting stuck fir - fuggin free loaders!' 0

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death toll, concert, travis scott, us, texas, houston, festival
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/attack-on-village-in-north-east-of-dr-congo-claims-at-least-19-lives-reports-say-1090758187.html

Attack on Village in North-East of DR Congo Claims at Least 19 Lives, Reports Say

Attack on Village in North-East of DR Congo Claims at Least 19 Lives, Reports Say

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - At least 19 people were killed by militants in an armed assault on the northwestern village of Tchabusiku in the Democratic Republic of the... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T19:06+0000

2021-11-15T19:06+0000

2021-11-15T19:06+0000

news

congo

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It is unknown how many civilians and attackers were killed in the skirmish in Ituri Province, according to the Actualite news portal."We have found 19 bodies at the scene and counted more or less 30 houses that were burnt in the attack this morning. However, this estimation remains provisional, as the search is ongoing in the bushes where many residents took refuge," Zamundu Batagura, the head of the Tsere group, told the portal.Local authorities assume that militants of the Patriotic Integrationist Forces of Congo are behind the attack.The east of the Democratic Republic of Congo is fraught with violence and instability caused by armed rebel groups.

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news, congo
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/australian-pm-counters-boris-johnson-on-glasgow-climate-pact-being-death-knell-for-coal-1090742171.html

Australian PM Counters Boris Johnson On Glasgow Climate Pact Being 'Death Knell' For Coal

Australian PM Counters Boris Johnson On Glasgow Climate Pact Being 'Death Knell' For Coal

Nearly 200 countries which convened for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow have agreed to work towards limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T11:43+0000

2021-11-15T11:43+0000

2021-11-15T11:43+0000

cop26 climate summit

united kingdom

boris johnson

glasgow

china

australia

scott morrison

india

coal

global warming

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Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sharply rebutted his British counterpart Boris Johnson, who has predicted that the recently concluded COP26 climate conference in Glasgow would be the "death knell for coal power.I dont believe it did, said Morrison, after being asked whether he agreed with Johnsons assessment about the future of coal.The Australian leader said that he wasnt apologetic for Australia standing up for our national interests, whether they be our security interests or our economic interests.The Morrison government has officially made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 26 to 28 percent (based on 2005 levels) by 2030. Morrison said that Australia would beat and exceed its climate change targets, after he was criticised by opposition and climate activists who claim that Canberra isn't doing enough to tackle climate change.Australia is one of the worlds biggest producers and exporters of coal. Despite the ongoing global push to reduce reliance on coal power to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2030, the Australian coal industry is projected to grow in coming years, according to Canberras own assessment.Although Australias metallurgical coal exports are expected to rise from 171 million tonnes this year to 186 million tonnes in 2022-23, its thermal coal exports are also projected to rise partially during the next year, according to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that the number of people employed in coal mining rose by more than 22 percent between September and November last year, compared with the same period a year earlier.Morrisons deputy Barnaby Joyce was even more bullish than his boss about the future of coal, arguing that revenues from coal exports paid for many public services in the country.Obviously, in Australia, we need to understand that our economy is vastly different to [British MP and COP26 chairman] Alok Sharmas economy, and I saw his depressed look as he put down his gavel, but maybe he could have led the way and told us he was going to shut down the North Sea oil production, one of Englands biggest exports, or UKs biggest exports, maybe the Scottish have a different view on it, Joyce said on Monday.It is one of [Britain's] biggest exports... second-biggest export, said Joyce, who chairs the National Party of Australia, an ally of the countrys ruling coalition.The defiant statements by the Australian leadership come a day after the British Prime Minister conceded during a press conference that the nations had failed to come to a unanimous agreement on ending the use of coal, despite 90 percent of the global economy agreeing to a net zero carbon emissions target in the Glasgow Climate Pact.We can lobby, we can cajole, we can encourage but we cannot force sovereign nations to do what they do not wish to do, Johsnon said.A last-minute intervention by Indian environment minister Bhupender Yadav (supported by China) at the summit altered the phrasing of the final pact, revising the commitment from phasing out coal to phasing down the fossil fuel.COP-26 chairman Sharma, himself a native of Uttar Pradesh in India, said that both the Asian giants would have to justify the toning down of the coal pact to the developed world, as he admitted that he was emotional when the deal was almost on the verge of collapse.

https://sputniknews.com/20211113/cop26-negotiators-in-glasgow-finalize-historic-agreement-to-combat-climate-change-1090715234.html

https://sputniknews.com/20190217/australia-promises-plant-trees-coal-exports-rise-1072514909.html

united kingdom

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/blinken-le-drian-discuss-reports-of-concerning-russian-military-activity-near-ukraine-1090735269.html

Blinken, Le Drian Discuss Reports of Concerning Russian Military Activity Near Ukraine

Blinken, Le Drian Discuss Reports of Concerning Russian Military Activity Near Ukraine

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has discussed the situation in southeastern Ukraine with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T02:50+0000

2021-11-15T02:50+0000

2021-11-15T02:50+0000

russia

us

antony blinken

military

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"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss reports of concerning Russian military activity in and near Ukraine and their continued ironclad commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity," Price said in a Sunday statement.Blinken and Le Drian also discussed Irans nuclear program, according to the State Department release.Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that reports warning about Russia's alleged preparations for invasion in Ukraine were "alarmist."Earlier in the week, Le Drian and French Defense Minister Florence Parly called on their Russian colleagues, Sergey Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu, to agree to hold a Normandy Four ministerial meeting and to reinvest in negotiations within the Normandy format. In his turn, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he planned to hold talks with Putin in the coming days and discuss Ukraine, among other issues.

https://sputniknews.com/20180815/russia-uk-media-arctic-build-up-1067225425.html

Dang! Enough already!! Will someone, ANYONE, nuke Ukraine into oblivion already!!! Just divvy it up among Poland Hungary and Russia and be done with that failed state!! 2

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russia, us, antony blinken, military
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/change-in-pace-likely-as-queen-elizabeth-ii-may-have-to-scale-back-duties-after-new-health-scare-1090739935.html

'Change in Pace' Likely as Queen Elizabeth II May Have to 'Scale Back' Duties After New Health Scare

'Change in Pace' Likely as Queen Elizabeth II May Have to 'Scale Back' Duties After New Health Scare

After health difficulties announced in October, when her trip to Northern Ireland was cancelled, Queen Elizabeth II had appeared to be on the mend, with... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T06:59+0000

2021-11-15T06:59+0000

2021-11-15T07:09+0000

queen elizabeth ii

prince charles

queen

uk

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The longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, may be forced to scale back her public commitments. The Queen had been expected to attend a Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London on 14 November, but was forced to miss the event at the last moment after spraining her back. Buckingham Palace had subsequently announced a change of plans, with a wreath laid to honour the UKs war dead on her behalf by her son, Charles, the Prince of Wales. This had prompted some sources in royal circles to suggest that even after recovering from the current injury, the 95-year old monarch is unlikely to ever return to more strenuous duties. I firmly believe the public wont see her out and about as much That said, she will still be visible, carrying out less taxing engagements within palace walls, a source was cited by the Daily Mail as saying, adding:Other insiders were inclined to believe that the monarchs schedule would no longer involve events such as large scale investitures  ceremonies at which honours or rank are formally conferred on individuals. At the same time, palace aides were cited as acknowledging that nothing can be ruled out, and nothing can be ruled in. They are cited as conceding that ceremonies such as the handing out honours could be scaled back and likely substituted with smaller, possibly, one-on-one events. The last such ceremony conducted by the Queen was at Buckingham Palace in November 2019. At the time the monarch, who has the sole right of conferring titles such as knighthoods, MBEs, OBEs and CBEs, awarded honours to more than 65 people. Such events may last more than an hour. Deeply Disappointing Setback The Queen was deeply disappointed over having to miss the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in central London, Buckingham Palace had said in a statement less than two hours before the monarch was due to arrive for Sundays ceremony. The Queen similarly skipped the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. The royal family was represented at the event by Charles, Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, joined by Prince William, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra. There has been no clarification as to how the monarch, who has suffered from back pain before, hurt herself on this occasion, with sources saying she did not experience a fall. According to insiders, the Queen had unequivocally intended to attend the service at the Cenotaph, with staff still planning her presence on Friday afternoon. This appears to be an indication that the monarch began to feel unwell over the weekend. However, she was not taken to hospital. Stressing that the current setback had no connection with the Queens recent hospitalisation, the palace expressed hope that the monarch would continue as planned with a schedule of rest and light duties the following week, such as one or two virtual audiences, writes the publication.The monarch, who worked during the Second World War as a mechanic to contribute to her nation's effort under a false name while still a teenager, is said to have watched the Remembrance ceremony live on TV at home in Windsor Castle, where she returned on Tuesday after a weekend away at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The Queen has missed only six other Cenotaph ceremonies throughout her reign: on four occasions when she was on overseas visits to Ghana in 1961, Brazil in 1968, Kenya in 1983 and South Africa in 1999. On the other two occasions the monarch was not present  in 1959 and 1963  she was pregnant with her two youngest children. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sought to reassure the public regarding the Queens health, saying at a Downing Street press conference: The current setback comes after the monarch had been under doctors orders to rest for almost a month after spending a night in hospital in October. At the time, the Queens two-day visit to Northern Ireland was cancelled, as Buckingham Palace later revealed she had spent an evening in the hospital for preliminary investigations. Medical recommendations were also cited when Elizabeth II opted not to attend COP26 - the 2021 United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow in person.Queen Elizabeth II was last seen in public on 19 October, hosting a reception at Windsor for business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and governmental representatives, while at two earlier engagements the monarch was seen leaning on a walking stick in public, apparently, for the first time.

Tom One Yer I guess the latest revelations of back pain will mean shell have to give up the wallpapering role and cease the bedroom antics of swinging from the four poster.he he !! 0

CountTo5Manual Should visit some mountainous areas to have fresh air and natural environment.. 0

2

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queen elizabeth ii, prince charles, queen, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/creation-of-russian-military-base-in-mali-not-on-current-agenda---foreign-minister-1090736056.html

Creation of Russian Military Base in Mali Not on Current Agenda - Foreign Minister

Creation of Russian Military Base in Mali Not on Current Agenda - Foreign Minister

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The creation of a Russian military base in Mali is not on the agenda and the country wants to ensure security using its own military forces... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T03:55+0000

2021-11-15T03:55+0000

2021-11-15T03:52+0000

mali

russia

soldiers

military base

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/104477/06/1044770676_0:159:3077:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_83d5320221a4c76d29b50d9ff5abeeca.jpg

"This topic is not on the agenda in Mali ... The primary task of the Malian authorities is to ensure that Mali can take responsibility for its security, the protection of people and property, the protection of the integrity of the national territory, the unity and sovereignty of Mali. And this is the responsibility of the authorities, the responsibility of the Malian defense and security forces, which must be able to fulfill this role," Diop explained.The minister added that Malis partners can provide technical support and training but the country wants to ensure its own security.The Malian foreign minister arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a three-day visit. The agenda included an in-depth exchange of views on global and regional issues, with emphasis on combating terrorism in Africa.Diop said on Thursday at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Mali expected Russia to continue supplying weapons and military equipment amid the persisting terrorist threat in the African country.Lavrov said on Friday that accusations against Russia of sending mercenaries to Mali are groundless and that Russia only provides military-technical assistance to Mali.

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mali, russia, soldiers, military base
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/czech-republic-ready-to-help-poland-bilaterally-amid-border-crisis---foreign-minister-1090735123.html

Czech Republic Ready to Help Poland Bilaterally Amid Border Crisis - Foreign Minister

Czech Republic Ready to Help Poland Bilaterally Amid Border Crisis - Foreign Minister

PRAGUE (Sputnik) - The Czech Republic is ready to provide assistance to Poland amid the migrant crisis on the border with Belarus, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T02:37+0000

2021-11-15T02:37+0000

2021-11-15T02:34+0000

poland-belarus migrant crisis

belarus

poland

migrant crisis

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"I spoke with my Polish colleague @RauZbigniew. We discussed the dire situation on Poland-Belarus border. I expressed our solidarity with Poland and reiterated our readiness to help bilaterally if need be," Kulhanek said on Twitter on Sunday.He added that the border crisis will be discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on Monday.On Saturday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell discussed the situation on the Belarusian-Polish border with the foreign ministers of Poland and Lithuania. On Sunday, Borrell held a telephone conversation with Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei discussing the issue. The Belarusian side reiterated its readiness for mutually respectful dialogue with the EU and emphasized that sanctions are counter-productive.Belarusian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik said on Saturday that Minsk does not see the European Union making any serious efforts to hold dialogue with Belarus to resolve the ongoing migrant crisis.Poland, Lithuania and Latvia have been urging the European Union to fund the construction of a wall at the Belarusian border and have been accusing Belarus of orchestrating the migrant crisis to get back at Brussels for sanctions against the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader has rejected the accusations, saying that his cash-strapped country can no longer afford tight border controls.Within the past few weeks, thousands of migrants including women and children willing to enter the EU have arrived at the Polish-Belarusian border. Poland boosted border guard and deployed the military to the border region.

https://sputniknews.com/20211111/migrants-residing-in-camps-on-poland-belarus-border-1090647361.html

FeEisi Russia can provide assistance to Belarus by sending a humanitarian convoy like Russia does to Donbas and Syria. Belarus can employ the migrants as scrap metal collectors and supply them with wire cutters. Belarus can provide a commercial trash dumpster so migrants have a place to toss away the trash. Belarus can build microhomes on wheels for migrants to live on the border. 0

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poland

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belarus, poland, migrant crisis
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/detained-rt-france-journalists-got-in-touch-they-were-sentenced-to-fine-editor-in-chief-says-1090755265.html

Detained RT France Journalists Got in Touch, They Were Sentenced to Fine, Editor-in-Chief Says

Detained RT France Journalists Got in Touch, They Were Sentenced to Fine, Editor-in-Chief Says

PARIS (Sputnik) - RT France journalists, which were detained at the Polish-Belarusian border, got in touch, the journalists were sentenced to a fine, Ksenia... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T16:01+0000

2021-11-15T16:01+0000

2021-11-15T16:01+0000

poland-belarus migrant crisis

news

journalists

rt

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On Monday, RT France correspondent David Khalifa and cameraman Jordi Demory were detained at the Polish-Belarusian border. The police of the Podlaskie Voivodeship of Poland said that they had detained the journalists for allegedly illegal presence in the emergency zone."After many hours of interrogation, our journalists finally got in touch. They were sentenced to a fine and have not yet been given their passports. We are waiting for comments as soon as they get to the hotel," Fedorova said on Telegram.

vot tak The zionist/fascist poles do not want news coverage of the abuse they are giving these emigrants. They are acting under instruction from their israeloamerican masters. Belarus is not preventing coverage on their side. 5

1

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news, journalists, rt
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/erdogan-considers-himself-to-be-most-experienced-among-world-leaders-1090750535.html

Erdogan Considers Himself to Be Most Experienced Among World Leaders

Erdogan Considers Himself to Be Most Experienced Among World Leaders

ANKARA (Sputnik) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that his grasp of the world makes him the most experienced among leaders of other... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T13:33+0000

2021-11-15T13:33+0000

2021-11-15T13:33+0000

recep tayyip erdogan

middle east

turkey

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"I know the world. Among today's leaders, I am the most experienced. I say this not to brag, but to determine my place among other leaders. Because it is important for my people to know who is who," Erdogan said at a meeting with youth in the northwestern Turkish province of Canakkale, with his speech broadcast on Twitter.Erdogan assumed presidential office in 2014, after just over a decade of service as prime minister. He was re-elected as president in 2018 after transforming Turkey's governance system from a parliamentary to presidential republic.

Nonyank If experience means demented, dellusional or insane Erdogan comes in a close second to Trump, both wannabe Dictators living in some alternate universe inside their heads with not so much as a clue of right and wrong 7

Holger H. What a Clown... there are at least 20+ Heads of States who serve longer then his 16 years. But he is undoubtedly the most crooked of all... 5

6

turkey

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recep tayyip erdogan, middle east, turkey
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/ethiopian-govt-seeks-return-of-some-800-trucks-sent-to-tigray-to-deliver-aid-diplomat-says-1090739025.html

Ethiopian Gov't Seeks Return of Some 800 Trucks Sent to Tigray to Deliver Aid, Diplomat Says

Ethiopian Gov't Seeks Return of Some 800 Trucks Sent to Tigray to Deliver Aid, Diplomat Says

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The Ethiopian government demands the return of hundreds of trucks reported missing by international aid organizations after they... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T06:08+0000

2021-11-15T06:08+0000

2021-11-15T06:08+0000

ethiopia

africa

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"There were 1,111 aid trucks that entered into Tigray region over three months ago delivering food and other supplies but only 242 have returned. The rest have been commandeered by the TPLF to transport terrorist fighters to neighbouring regions. We are still demanding those trucks. It has been more than three months now. They have not been seen," Arega stated.The diplomat expressed his disappointment that the international community has yet to condemn this action that violates humanitarian law "it is high time for the international community to take a stand on this and demand the TPLF return the trucks to deliver aid."In early November, Ethiopia declared a six-month national state of emergency as TPLF rebels threatened to advance upon the capital of Addis Ababa. Northern Ethiopia has been gripped by conflict since November 2020, when the TPLF attacked an Ethiopian federal base in the Tigray region.

ethiopia

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ethiopia, africa
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/eu-recognizes-covid-certificates-of-georgia-moldova-serbia-new-zealand-1090748431.html

EU Recognizes COVID Certificates of Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, New Zealand

EU Recognizes COVID Certificates of Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, New Zealand

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union is recognizing the COVID-19 certificates issued by Georgia, Moldova, Serbia and New Zealand, the European Commission said... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T12:13+0000

2021-11-15T12:13+0000

2021-11-15T12:21+0000

europe

certificates

covid-19

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"Today, the Commission adopted four decisions certifying that COVID-19 certificates issued by Georgia, Moldova, New Zealand and Serbia are equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate. As a result, the four countries will be connected to the EU's system and their COVID certificates will be accepted under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate," the commission said in a press release.Thus, the EU now recognizes certificates from 49 countries and territories. At the end of October, the EU announced the recognition of the certificates of Armenia and Great Britain.The certificates were introduced in the EU this summer. They are intended to facilitate the movement of residents within the EU territory. The certificates are issued if the person was fully vaccinated, had a negative test for COVID-19 or has antibodies after recovering from the infection. In total, about 600 million certificates have already been issued.

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europe, certificates, covid-19
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-kyle-rittenhouse-case-1090699804.html

Everything You Need to Know About the Kyle Rittenhouse Case as Jurors Set to Begin Deliberations

Everything You Need to Know About the Kyle Rittenhouse Case as Jurors Set to Begin Deliberations

Kyle Rittenhouse came to national notoriety when he killed two men and wounded another during a protest amid civil unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. His defense... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T13:00+0000

2021-11-15T13:00+0000

2021-11-16T00:27+0000

murder

shooting

kenosha

kyle rittenhouse

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The case took over a year to reach court and the trial lasted two weeks. Closing arguments took place Monday, with the jury set to begin deliberations on Tuesday. If convicted of murder, he could face life in prison.The case garnered national attention after graphic videos of the events were widely shared online, instantly becoming a political lightning rod. Pundits on the right view Rittenhouse as a young man standing up for law and order, whereas pundits on the left observe him as a murderer with actions tied to white supremacy groups.BackgroundRittenhouses story starts with the police shooting of an unarmed Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020. Blake was struck with a police-mandated stun gun and subsequently shot seven times in the back by Kenosha police, ultimately leaving him paralyzed.Due to heightened tensions between communities and police following the George Floyd killing, and subsequent Black Lives Matter movement protests, unrest ensued in the city over the next few days.Rittenhouse, using his COVID-19 stimulus check, convinced an older friend to purchase for him a Smith and Wesson AR-15-style .223 rifle as he was just 17 at the time and could not legally purchase the firearm. His friend is also facing charges for supplying a minor with a firearm.In the days after Blakes shooting, there was civil unrest and protests were held throughout Kenosha that saw some local businesses suffer widespread damage.In light of the chaos that was magnified across the media, Rittenhouse, who had shown support for police-friendly Blue Lives Matter groups and had done police and firefighter cadet training, chose to travel with his weapons to Kenosha.Rittenhouse, through his legal team, alleges that he went to Kenosha to defend a local car dealership that suffered damages on August 24.On August 25, the night of the shooting, peaceful protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, turned chaotic overnight.The Night in QuestionIt was on August 25 that Rittenhouse killed two men and wounded another with his rifle.According to the shooters legal team, he was chased by protesters who sought to disarm him. The first person Rittenhouse killed was Joseph Rosenbaum, an act that was recorded by an FBI infrared airplane and by witnesses who filmed the incident on their cellphones.Following the shooting of Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse continued to flee but was followed by a group who again attempted to take his weapon. After having reportedly fallen to the ground, Rittenhouse was attacked and hit with a skateboard before Anthony Huber attempted to wrestle his rifle away. It was during this particular tussle that Rittenhouse then shot Huber in the chest, quickly killing him.Gaige Grosskreutz then attempted to subdue Rittenhouse after the latter had fallen over. Grosskreutz, a volunteer EMS worker, had a firearm on his person. As he approached Rittenhouse he pulled out his gun and was shot in the arm by Rittenhouse.Warning: Graphic image may not be appropriate for all viewers.As local police arrived to the scene, they allowed an armed Rittenhouse to depart from the area, a move that allowed the teenager to head back home to Antioch, Illinois. As such, many witnesses were recorded demanding that police arrest Rittenhouse as he had discharged his illegally-obtained firearm on the three men, two of whom had been fatally wounded.Pre-TrialOne day later, on August 26, Rittenhouse turned himself in to police in his home state of Illinois. He faced six charges:However, ahead of Monday's closing arguments, the presiding judge dropped the misdemeanor charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18. In Wisconsin, it is illegal for a minor to carry a short-barreled rifle, but the prosecution conceded that Rittenhouse's AR-15-style .223 rifle did not qualify as short-barreled.Rittenhouse was extradited to Wisconsin on October 30, 2020, while his lawyers argued that he had acted in self-defense. Rittenhouse posted a whopping $2 million bail on November 20 - most of which was collected in donations from right-wing groups and individuals seeking to protect the shooter from prosecution.While Rittenhouse was released on bail, security footage showed him drinking alcohol at a bar, while still underage, and wearing a shirt that read free as f**k. He was then recorded singing a song commonly used by the white supremacist Proud Boys group, and posed for pictures making the ok hand gesture, another sign said to be commonly used by white supremacists. Following the revelation of the footage, prosecutors successfully argued that the terms of Rittenhouses bail be amended.The adjusted terms of his release prohibited him from the consumption of alcohol, access to firearms, and associating with any known hate groups, including the Proud Boys. Prosecutors would later attempt to use the security footage from the bar, but it was not permitted by the judge.The JudgeRittenhouses case has been presided over by Judge Bruce Schroeder, the longest-serving trial judge in Wisconsin. Schroeder has reportedly tried more homicide cases than any other judge in the state.Throughout the trial, Schroeder garnered negative attention for his handling of the case. He made an inappropriate comment about Asian food, urged those in the courtroom to clap for a former service member on Veteran's Day, and refused to permit the prosecution to use the pinch-to-zoom feature on an iPad over a false claim by the defense.At one point during the legal proceedings his phone went off and played the Lee Greenwood song, God Bless the USA, a song played at various rallies held in support of former US President Donald Trump.While there was negative press surrounding Schroeders behavior, some lawyers in the region believed him to be fair and usually favorable to the defense. Kenosha criminal defense attorney Michael Cicchini told The Washington Post, For a jury trial, if you get him, you are happy as a defense attorney.Additionally, Schroeder would not let the prosecution refer to individuals killed by Rittenhouse as victims, although this practice he reportedly carries into every homicide case. He also prevented the prosecution from using a video of Rittenhouse saying that he wished he had his rifle when watching people he thought to be looting a CVS, as well as another video of him striking a woman.The TrialRittenhouses trial began on November 1, 2021, over a year after the incident. The trial lasted nine days, and approximately 31 witnesses were called - including Rittenhouse himself.While on the witness stand, Rittenhouse claimed that he acted in self-defense and did nothing wrong. He had what appeared to be a tearful breakdown while recounting the events, which prompted the judge to call for a ten-minute recess.The defense, on November 10, asked for the entire case to be thrown out and bar Rittenhouse from being retried over the prosecution asking what they deemed to be out-of-bounds questions.The defense called Dr. John Black, an expert in use-of-force cases, as a witness. Black said the entire sequence, which killed two and wounded another, lasted 2 minutes and 55 seconds. He also said that less than three seconds elapsed between the time a protester fired a shot in the air and when Rittenhouse opened fire. The protester who fired a shot was reportedly not shooting at Rittenhouse.Blacks testimony was meant to highlight how Rittenhouses behavior was not aggressive or premeditated, but rather reactionary and out of self-preservation. The prosecution argued that Rittenhouse had been building up to violence and that the 2 minutes and 55 seconds of violent action was essentially a daylong slow burn that finally ignited into violence.Frank Drew Hernandez, a professional commentator for Real Americas Voice, a right-leaning media network, testified on November 11. In his testimony, he described how Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot, had been physically aggressive. Hernandez continuously referred to protesters as rioters, Antifa, and Black Lives Matter.Hernandez additionally claimed that "rioters initiated that conflict," taunting people carrying rifles from atop a building, yelling, "you ain't the police, you ain't the police."Grosskreutz, the only survivor, also testified. He admitted to pointing a firearm at Rittenhouse as he believed the teenager to be an active shooter after he fired his weapon on two others. He further detailed how he carefully approached Rittenhouse with his hands up, but as he got closer he pointed his gun towards Rittenhouse, which is when the latter shot him in the arm.The defense rested their case after nine days, with the defense and prosecution ultimately making their final statements and arguments during Monday's proceedings. Deliberations are set to take place at 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday

https://sputniknews.com/20211115/judge-drops-charge-of-underage-weapon-possession-against-kyle-rittenhouse-1090754872.html

Robert Gray What was he defending? Were there any Verbal/Written Agreements with Owners/Co-Defenders for him "to Defend"? Were the Shooting Targets engaged in Looting/Targets #1+#2 showing Murderous Intent to Anyone? No Verbal Warnings? No Warning Shots in the Air? From what're presented here, I think we're going to see him Guilty of several Charges in varying Degrees. He shouldn't Walk Away. 1

vot tak No, he shouldn't . 0

7

kenosha

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2021

Nevin Brown

Nevin Brown

News

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Nevin Brown

murder, shooting, kenosha, kyle rittenhouse
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/ex-us-presidential-candidate-beto-orourke-announces-run-for-texas-governor-1090752080.html

Ex-US Presidential Candidate Beto O'Rourke Announces Run for Texas Governor

Ex-US Presidential Candidate Beto O'Rourke Announces Run for Texas Governor

The 49-year-old politician served as mayor pro tempore of El Paso, Texas between 2005 and 2006, and as a member of the House of Representatives from Texas's... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T14:08+0000

2021-11-15T14:08+0000

2021-11-15T18:38+0000

us

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/05/18/1082985474_0:225:2839:1822_1920x0_80_0_0_63c56bdf5c266a73eb53806068af21cb.jpg

Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke announced a run for the governor's office on Monday.In a video address posted to Twitter, O'Rourke accused Texas's Republican authorities of "abandoning" residents during last winter's failure of the electricity grid and of "dividing" Texans by focusing on issues like abortion and permitless carry.Texans will go to the polls in November 2022 for gubernatorial elections, with O'Rourke being the first Democrat to challenge Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican.O'Rourke ran for president in 2020 after losing a bid for the Senate in 2018  challenging Texas Republican Ted Cruz. He withdrew from the presidential race in late 2019, before any Democratic Party primaries were held. He received one primary vote via write-in, even though his name did not appear in any ballots.O'Rourke has been described as a progressive, liberal, centrist politician, supporting stronger anti-trust laws, demanding the elimination of private prisons, favouring the legalisation of cannabis, supporting more federal aid for public school systems, and pushing his party's broader climate change agenda. On foreign policy, he has criticised Saudi Arabia and Israel and expressed support for a two-state solution, but called US ties with Tel Aviv "one of the most important relationships that we have on the planet." He was a supporter of the Iran nuclear deal, called for an end to the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, slammed the Obama administration's bombing of Libya but supported the Trump-Russia collusion conspiracy theory. He supported Trump's trade war with China, and criticised US interventionism as a source of the migrant crisis on the US's southern border.The state of Texas by itself has one of the largest economies in the world and is America's second-most populous state after California. The governorship is one of the most significant elected offices in the US as a whole.

sharknbake21 Robert O;Pourke had better look after his family and, forget about office holding. HIS politics are too vague. He stands foe nothing in particular like his last 2 runs.?? hahaha let's go Brandon. f//k lil beto 1

GKW This clown is not qualified to run for a dog catcher position. He is a complete joke. 1

4

us

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Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

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Ilya Tsukanov

us
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/france-claims-uk-labour-laws-encourage-migrants-slams-london-for-using-paris-as-punching-bag-1090748851.html

France Claims UK Labour Laws 'Encourage Migrants', Slams London for Using Paris As Punching Bag

France Claims UK Labour Laws 'Encourage Migrants', Slams London for Using Paris As Punching Bag

As Britain saw a record number of daily arrivals last week, with some 1,185 migrants crossing from France into the UK on 11 November, in a veiled attack on... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T13:05+0000

2021-11-15T13:05+0000

2021-11-15T13:05+0000

france

migrants

priti patel

gerald darmanin

uk

boris johnson

english channel

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Frances Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has levelled another shot at the UK in the smoldering cross-Channel migrant row. Just hours before a scheduled meeting with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, in Paris, Darmanin blamed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government for the crisis involving record numbers of illegal migrants attempting to enter British territory. Weighing in on the current situation in the French port of Calais and in Dunkirk, on Frances northern coastline, where thousands of migrants are waiting in the hopes of entering the UK, Gerald Darmanin blamed Britains labour market for encouraging people to attempt the perilous crossing. According to the French minister, the British government ought to change its laws to effectively discourage migrants from coming to the UK, saying: If the British tightened up their legislation  they have started doing so but not gone far enough  people would no longer be in Calais or Dunkirk. Directly addressing the barrage of criticism that has been levelled by the British side, including PM Johnson, at French authorities for allegedly not doing enough to tackle the migrant issue, Darmanin added: Frances Interior Minister argued that it was Paris that was being negatively affected by British policy and urged against inversing the roles. Simmering Migrant Row The remarks came as an estimated 1,185 people crossed the English Channel by boat on 11 November - a record for crossings in a single day. Three people were also reported to have drowned during the course of the perilous journey. Over 23,000 people are estimated to have crossed the Channel into the UK by boat so far this year  up from the 8,400 registered in 2020. The British government has been accusing France of failing to play its part in tackling the situation. In October, the UK Home Secretary had said that unless Paris does more to stop the flow of refugees coming to Britain, London would withhold the 54 million ($72.4 million) it had promised to pay France as part of its agreement on tackling immigration. In 2019 Patel had vowed to make migrant crossings an infrequent phenomenon by spring 2020, then pledged in August last year to make this route unviable, yet the crisis continues to mar UK-French relations. Frances Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has pledged to intercept 100 percent of Channel crossers once all the money had been handed over. MP Natalie Elphicke, representing Dover, was cited as emphasising that is was not credible that over 1,000 migrants could "hop onto small boats" and cross into the United Kingdom "without the French authorities noticing". PM Boris Johnson also called on the French to control departures, telling reporters at a vaccination centre in Old Bexley and Sidcup, south east London: Johnson defended Priti Patels new borders bill, which could see people opting for an illegal route such as across the Channel have their asylum claim ruled as inadmissible, facing a jail sentence of up to four years. It won't be the end of the story but it will make an important difference in the way that we are able to treat people who arrive here illegally, said the PM.Ahead of her crisis talks on the migrant issue with Gerald Darmanin, Priti Patel said, according to a Home Office readout:Despite the spate of mutual recriminations, on Monday Boris Johnsons spokesman underscored that the PM was convinced of the need to continue working with French counterparts to address the issue of Channel crossings.

france

english channel

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2021

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

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Svetlana Ekimenko

france, migrants, priti patel, gerald darmanin, uk, boris johnson, english channel
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/hezbollah-hatched-plot-to-kill-israeli-ex-intel-officer-in-bogota-to-avenge-soleimani-report-claims-1090757452.html

Hezbollah Hatched Plot to Kill Israeli Ex-Intel Officer in Bogota to Avenge Soleimani, Report Claims

Hezbollah Hatched Plot to Kill Israeli Ex-Intel Officer in Bogota to Avenge Soleimani, Report Claims

The Lebanese political movement and militant group is known to enjoy warm ties with Venezuela  Colombias regional arch-enemy, and Bogota and Washington have... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T18:06+0000

2021-11-15T18:06+0000

2021-11-15T18:06+0000

hezbollah

venezuela

israel

iran

colombia

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Hezbollah militants reportedly hatched a plot to assassinate an Israeli national, diplomat and former intelligence officer living in Bogota as part of a broader effort to avenge the January 2020 US killing of Revolutionary Guard Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, Colombias El Tiempo newspaper has reported, citing unnamed military intelligence sources.The newspapers sources suggested that Hezbollah planned to use former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group to carry out the assassination.Colombian officials told El Tiempo that the alleged incident took place against the backdrop of a general uptick in Hezbollah activity in the Latin American country, and claims that the group used Colombia to conduct criminal activities.Hezbollah has not commented on the El Tiempo report, but previously dismissed as false claims about alleged criminal activities in Colombia made by Bogota and pro-government media.Molano paid a visit to Israel last week, praising the countries joint fight against the common enemy in Iran and Hezbollah. The Islamic Republic maintains close strategic ties with Venezuela, providing the country with economic assistance and political support in the face of US-led efforts to topple the Caracas government and crush the Venezuelan economy.After Qasem Soleimanis January 2020 killing in a US drone strike, Iranian officials warned that Tehran would take revenge against Washington at a time and place of its choosing. So far, however, the Middle Eastern nation has apparently held back from carrying out its threats. Late last year, Iranian Army commander Abdolrahim Mousavi explained that the reason the Islamic Republic had yet to take revenge was because it could not find anyone in the US political or military hierarchy of equal worth to Soleimani to compensate his death.The El Tiempo story follows reporting by Israels Channel 12 last week alleging that the Revolutionary Guard trained recruits in Lebanon to target Israeli tourists and business people in Tanzania, Ghana and Senegal. No Israelis were harmed in the incident, and the suspects were reportedly detained by local security forces. Iran did not respond to the reporting, but previously called on the international community to be on the lookout for Israeli fabrications and false flag operations seeking to implicate Tehran.Earlier this year, The Cradle reported that a US commander and an Israeli officer were assassinated in northern Iraq in the summer of 2021 by pro-Iranian forces in revenge for Soleimanis murder. The Pentagon admitted at the time that one of its senior officers had died from a non-combat event, without elaborating. Israeli media reported that an Israeli commander died on 1 July after collapsing during fitness training at a military base in central Israel.

https://sputniknews.com/20191209/us-investigates-venezuela-providing-passports-to-hezbollah-members-1077525144.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211108/mossad-foiled-irgc-plot-to-target-israeli-tourists-on-safari-in-africa-israeli-media-claims-1090566333.html

vot tak The colombians and israelis are close as colombia is one of the main sources the israeli mafia get their cocaine from. 4

vigilante Israelis always play the victims, it is part of the 'holocaust' strategy of creating culpability feelings and remorse on the western countries responsible of the Holocaust. Doing that they assure immunity when they kill scientists, expel innocent Palestinians from their home.etc.. Israel need to continue playing victims , that it why they are not in a hurry to make peace with Arabs, as the west will stop financing them and forgiving them. This country is psychologically deranged and need more than 2 generations to become sane... 3

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venezuela

israel

iran

colombia

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hezbollah, venezuela, israel, iran, colombia
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/iceland-1-tech-industry-0-mark-zuckerberg-ridiculed-in-tourist-ad-1090751617.html

'Iceland 1, Tech Industry 0': Mark Zuckerberg Ridiculed in Tourist Ad

'Iceland 1, Tech Industry 0': Mark Zuckerberg Ridiculed in Tourist Ad

The marvellous parody of the newly rebranded website mocks the Facebook founder's gestures and hilariously mimics his penchant for sunscreen and nonsensical... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T14:41+0000

2021-11-15T14:41+0000

2021-11-15T14:41+0000

mark zuckerberg

iceland

europe

facebook

scandinavia

meta

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A humorous ad by Business Iceland, a public-private partnership with the countrys department of tourism to promote and market the Nordic country, has ridiculed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergs efforts to rebrand his company by changing its name to Meta.Presented only weeks after Zuckerbergs proud announcement about the launch of Metaverse - a digital world built with the idea to connect people with futuristic virtual landscapes through the help of virtual and augmented reality technologies - the ad makes some pretty blunt allusions and tongue-in-cheek jokes.Among others, the ad features Icelandic actor Jorundur Ragnarsson as Chief Visionary Officer Zack Mossbergsson introducing the public to the reality of the Icelandverse, clad in an outfit which wouldn't look out of place in the Facebook chief executive's wardrobe and imitating his trademark clumsy style.The ad proceeds to tout Iceland's sights and attractions as a revolutionary approach on how to connect our world, without being super weird.In particular, Zuckerbergs penchant for virtual reality is satirised when the ad presents Iceland's breathtakingly beautiful landscape as enhanced actual reality, without silly-looking headsets. In our open-world experience, everything is real.The hashtag #Icelandverse got trending on Twitter in no time.Iceland: 1, tech industry: 0, one amazed user tweeted.Hats off to the Icelandic ministry of tourism propaganda, this is the perfect parody, another one chimed in.Hello, police? Yes, Iceland just murdered Mark Zuckerberg, another chuckled.However, arguably the highest praise came from none other than Mark Zuckerberg himself, who particularly enjoyed the creators' aptly poking fun at his ample use of sunscreen.Amazing. I need to make a trip to the Icelandverse soon. Glad youre wearing sunscreen too, Zuckerberg said.The island nation, celebrated for its barren solid-lava landscape, waterfalls, hot springs and snow-capped mountains, used to be a popular tourist destination. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Iceland - a nation of only 330,000 - welcomed about two million visitors per year.

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/india-curfew-imposed-50-arrested-in-violence-hit-amravati-city-after-bjp-stages-protest-1090740764.html

India: Curfew Imposed, 50 Arrested in Violence-Hit Amravati City After BJP Stages Protest

India: Curfew Imposed, 50 Arrested in Violence-Hit Amravati City After BJP Stages Protest

On Friday, thousands of people, primarily from minority groups, gathered in Maharashtra's Amravati District and demanded that atrocities against them in... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T11:54+0000

2021-11-15T11:54+0000

2021-11-15T11:54+0000

maharashtra

bharatiya janata party (bjp)

india

india

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Indian police registered more than 25 official complaints and had arrested as many as 50 people as of Monday after violence hit Amravati city last Friday and Saturday.On Saturday, a Hindu temple, mosque, shops, and public properties were vandalised by protesters. Since Saturday evening, internet services have been suspended and a curfew imposed in the affected areas. What Happened on Friday?According to the local media, tens of thousands of people, mostly Muslims, marched against anti-Muslim violence in the northeastern state of Tripura.Last month, several incidents were reported in the state  a mosque was allegedly set on fire, although the police have denied this. During Friday's protest in Maharashtra, people threw stones and set cars on fire in the cities of Malegaon, Yashin, Yavatmal, and Nanded in the Amravati District. Dozens of people, including 20 police officials, were injured. In retaliation, on Saturday morning, around 6,000 members of Hindu organisations Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and others attacked a mosque in Amravati.Kasmin Fernandes, a local reporter, told Sputnik, "On Friday as well as on Saturday, loads of fake news spread against Muslims and Hindus over a social networking platform, WhatsApp, which acted as a catalyst to evoke a strong response from the people."Maharashtra Parliamentarian Accuses BJP For Stoking ViolenceSpeaking to Sputnik, Shiv Sena Parliamentarian Sanjay Raut said the violence is a ploy by the BJP, which is trying to destabilise the state's ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.The MVA comprises Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party, and the Congress. The BJP is the main opposition in the state's legislative assembly."Recently, many Hindus were murdered in daylight in Jammu and Kashmir union territory, why did these right-wing activists not hold any protest or demonstration against the same concern?" Raut added.

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maharashtra, bharatiya janata party (bjp), india, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/infowars-alex-jones-found-guilty-in-sandy-hook-defamation-cases-1090756223.html

Infowars' Alex Jones Found Guilty in Sandy Hook Defamation Cases

Infowars' Alex Jones Found Guilty in Sandy Hook Defamation Cases

The Infowars host has repeatedly called the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, in which 26 people lost their life, a "giant hoax". 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T16:56+0000

2021-11-15T16:56+0000

2021-11-15T17:41+0000

us

sandy hook elementary school

alex jones

shooting

sandy hook

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A Connecticut judge has found Alex Jones guilty by default in four defamation cases filed by the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims. The default means the judge ruled in favour of the plaintiffs and will hold a hearing on how much Jones should pay in damages.Lawyers for the parents of the children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012 said Jones and his companies, including Infowars, breached court rules by failing to hand over documents to them showing how, and whether, the radio host and Infowars profited from talking about that particular massacre and other mass shootings.Attorneys for Jones have denied violating court orders and called for Judge Barbara Bellis to be taken off the case, claiming she has been biased.Last month, a similar ruling was made by a Texas judge, after Jones reportedly refused to produce documents for the court cases.Jones has consistently claimed that the Sandy Hook shooting was a "hoax" and "it just pretty much didn't happen". According to the radio host, it was made up by gun control supporters and the mainstream media.Families of some victims sued Jones, Infowars and a handful of conspiracy theorists in courts in Texas and Connecticut over the hoax claims, saying they have been subjected to harassment and death threats from Jones followers.On 14 December 2012, 20 children between the ages of six and seven, as well as six adult staff, were killed in a gun massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the US state of Connecticut, one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history.

https://sputniknews.com/20190330/alex-jones-sandy-hook-deposition-1073679016.html

vot tak An israeli psywar asset takes a hit. Good. :-D 3

Thomas Turk Really? No medi-vac choppers. School closed for years as mouldy walls showed. Asbestos loaded. Cops chatting, drinking coffee off their cop cars hoods during 'shoot'. Alleged parent caught laughing, practicing for CNN presentation. Untrained teen firing multiple weapons non stop without changing magazines. No photos of the dead and dying on blood spattered floors. All buildings now demolished! Sure, WOT-talk, you cia? 2

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us, sandy hook elementary school, alex jones, shooting, sandy hook
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/irgc-chief-says-irans-advanced-maritime-technologies-stir-fear-among-enemies-1090747639.html

IRGC Chief Says Irans Advanced Maritime Technologies Stir Fear Among Enemies

IRGC Chief Says Irans Advanced Maritime Technologies Stir Fear Among Enemies

Irans Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy have traditionally been assigned to defending Irans coastline  much of which runs along the... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T11:52+0000

2021-11-15T11:52+0000

2021-11-15T13:03+0000

iran

hossein salami

iranian navy

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Irans advanced maritime technologies are a source of consternation among the Islamic Republics adversaries and serve as a message that Tehran will not allow any country to carry out aggression against it, Revolutionary Guards chief Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami has warned.Before the Revolution [of 1979] all structures of our power were built by others, meaning that the pillars of our defence power were at the mercy of others, the commander said, speaking to Revolutionary Guard marine units at the Imam Khamenei University of Marine Sciences and Technology in Nowshahr, northern Iran.However, following the Islamic Revolution, we have achieved a [high level of] power and technology, and this has stirred fear among Irans enemies, Salami added. Through the Revolution, God has established the tradition of the oppressed overcoming the arrogant to inherit the Earth and the tradition of realizing divine justice."To be independent, we need independence in science, technology, power generation, economy and culture, which are the main signs of a societys identity, the commander stressed. Our empowerment is unstoppable and everyone should heed this message. We will not allow anyone to interfere in the affairs of our country.Irans Maritime MightIrans Navy, Revolutionary Guard Navy, and missile forces have caused headaches for the military planners of potential adversaries working on conflict scenarios in the Persian Gulf. While the Islamic Republic spends just a fraction of what the US and its regional allies do on defence (equivalent to about $15 billion in 2021), the country has managed to build up a missile and drone force consisting almost entirely of domestically-developed and produced equipment. The countrys Navy includes homegrown Fateh and Ghadir-class coastal and midget submarines, Moudge-class frigates, and a range of fast attack and patrol craft, along with hundreds of small speedboats operated mostly by the Revolutionary Guard Navy  which often mounts heavy machine guns or rocket launchers to them.While the Navy has traditionally limited its operations to missions near Irans coast, as well as the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, it showed off its ocean-going capabilities this summer by sailing a Moudge-class frigate and the Makran forward base and support vessel around the world on a 45,000 km, 133-day trek which saw ships travel through the Indian Ocean, around Africa, along the coast of Europe, to Russias St. Petersburg, and back. The ships made it back home in September, with Irans military announcing that another Makran-style warship would be built to further expand Tehrans long-range naval power.Irans naval forces have expressed no hesitation in engaging in showdowns with US warships. Last week, Iranian media released footage showing a close encounter between IRGC forces and US warships which took place on 25 October, in which Iranian forces landed on the deck of a tanker that had allegedly seized an Iranian oil shipment, and navigated the vessel toward Iranian waters. The Pentagon denied ever trying to steal any Iranian oil and claimed that Iranian forces had actually taken over a Vietnamese-flagged tanker, the MV Sothys. Iran later revealed that oil had been transferred to the MV Sothys from a separate Iranian tanker carrying oil through the Sea of Oman. The MV Sothys was later released. Last week, IRGC Naval Force commander Alireza Tangsiri revealed that US warships, helicopters and drones had approached the area and assumed battle formation around the tanker while Iranian commandos carried out their operation.

https://sputniknews.com/20210914/iran-plans-to-build-another-long-range-mobile-forward-base-conduct-new-trans-oceanic-missions-1089073902.html

netman Time for the US navy 5th fleet to leave Persian Gulf! 2

Ladyshadow Excellent, keep the US terrorist and her colonies out! 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/israel-looks-to-strengthen-current-partnerships-and-explore-opportunities-at-dubai-air-show-1090741504.html

Israel Looks to Strengthen Current Partnerships and Explore Opportunities at Dubai Air Show

Israel Looks to Strengthen Current Partnerships and Explore Opportunities at Dubai Air Show

Since 2020, when Israel and the UAE inked their historic normalisation agreement, bilateral trade has exceeded half a billion dollars. Multiple deals have also... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T08:09+0000

2021-11-15T08:09+0000

2021-11-15T08:09+0000

middle east

israel

dubai international airshow

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The Dubai Air Show, one of the most important events in aerospace industry, has entered its second day, showcasing advanced aircraft, advanced technologies and offering networking opportunities for its participants. Squeezing Every Opportunity The exhibition is set to continue until November 18th, and Golan Haver, Senior VP of marketing and sales at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer that also takes part at the event, says his company will be using every opportunity the show has to offer. It is the first time that Israel has taken part in such an event in the Emirates, relations with which started flourishing after the signing of the Abraham Accords, the 2020 normalisation pacts in which the UAE and Bahrain recognised the Jewish state. Since last September, when the agreements were officially inked, bilateral trade has exceeded half a billion dollars. Multiple cooperation deals have been signed, including between the UAE's EDGE, an advanced technology group, and the IAI. The Israeli company is now hoping to boost those ties even further. Exploring New Vistas Known for their state-of-the-art technology, IAI develops systems and solutions for aerospace, land, sea and cyber domains. At the Dubai Air Show, the company is displaying a wide range of items. In the civilian sphere, they are showcasing B777 cargo conversions and technologies in aircraft maintenance. In the military domain, they are displaying helicopters, air and missile defence systems (Barak MX), multi-mission tanker transport, radars, special mission aircrafts, and other state-of-the-art technology. Haver cannot reveal the names of IAI's new clients for security reasons, but it is widely believed that Israel is already in talks with several Muslim nations, including those in the Gulf, that currently don't have any relations with the Jewish state. Earlier reports have already suggested that Saudi Arabia has been considering the purchase of IAI's Barak ER system, which is designed to intercept cruise missiles. Israeli experts believe it is just one of the deals currently on the table. Haver promises that more are still to come.

mandrake Its a coalition not based on same values or economic interests but singularly on the implied threats from the white house morons coupled eith incentives (if you behave we will sell you our f35, the biggest and most expensive flop the mic delivered) and look after you in other ways as well, such as turning a blind eye to the crimes against humanity the arabs are perpetrators of! 2

vot tak Hasbara. Thumbs down. 1

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middle east, israel, dubai international airshow
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/kiribati-opens-up-worlds-largest-marine-reserve-amid-reports-china-might-have-influenced-the-move-1090739278.html

Kiribati Opens Up World's Largest Marine Reserve Amid Reports China Might Have Influenced the Move

Kiribati Opens Up World's Largest Marine Reserve Amid Reports China Might Have Influenced the Move

In 2006, the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati had banned fishing and other economic activities in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), dubbed as the... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T07:43+0000

2021-11-15T07:43+0000

2021-11-15T07:43+0000

climate

hawaii

china

fishing

kiribati

indo-pacific

us central command (centcom)

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On Monday, Kiribati lifted the closure of the world's largest marine reserves, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, to commercial fishing. In a statement, the government later said it had applied Marine Spatial Planning to use marine resources in the PIPA sustainably.Kiribati banned fishing in the PIPA in 2006 amid assurance from its international partners that they would compensate them for the lost income (70% of the island's total revenue) through the establishment of a trust.It is reported that the Kiribati government aimed to earn over $200 million a year in tuna fishing licences. The economies of Pacific island countries received significant growth in the backdrop of a massive jump in seafood exports to countries like Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, China, and the US. The ADB data shows that pacific countries like Fiji have exported seafood amounting to around $200 million, Papua New Guinea ($470 million), Vanuatu ($108 million) and Solomon Islands ($101 million). Once dominated by the US and Japan in fishing activities, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission data suggests a jump of over 500% in China's Pacific fishing fleet since 2012. Around half of the total 1300 foreign-operated ships licensed to fish in the area are of China.On 21 October, China held the first foreign ministers' meeting with the Pacific Island Countries, saying "it will continue to support and assist Pacific Island Countries as it can in economic development and livelihood improvement".1 News of New Zealand reported earlier this week that Kiribati might lift the restriction under the influence of China. However, Kiribati on Monday categorically refuted the charges, saying these assumptions are "extremely misleading, grossly inaccurate and exhibit the usual hypocritical narratives driven by neo-colonial percepts".Taneti Maamau, President of Kiribati, which has fewer than 120 thousand inhabitants, had already allowed China to develop farming activities on 22 square km of land in Fiji, which Tarawa purchased in 2014. Maamau had ended the recognition of Taiwan in 2019 in favour of re-establishing diplomatic ties with China; since then, the relationship between Beijing and Tarawa has been expanding rapidly. China has contributed over $10 million in aid to Kiribati this year, twice Taiwan's annual allocation.Earlier this May, Reuters reported that China plans to redevelop Kanton, one of the Kiribati islands, which is 1,600 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii, with an airstrip and bridges. Hawaii is home to the US Pacific Command and Pearl Harbor Navy base. Beijing soon clarified the repairs were for civilian use, as the island had once been a tourist hub.

https://sputniknews.com/20211008/beijing-concerned-over-incident-with-us-nuclear-submarine-in-international-indo-pacific-waters-1089761283.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210506/kiribati-clamor-western-experts-fear-chinese-runway-repair-actually-aims-at-new-air-base-1082820939.html

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climate, hawaii, china, fishing, kiribati, indo-pacific, us central command (centcom)
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/libyas-high-election-commission-rejects-saif-al-gaddafis-presidential-election-bid-1090751950.html

Libya's High Election Commission Deletes Statement Rejecting Saif al-Gaddafi's Presidential Bid

Libya's High Election Commission Deletes Statement Rejecting Saif al-Gaddafi's Presidential Bid

Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in Libya on 24 December and are viewed as the main outcome of the Libyan Political... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T14:01+0000

2021-11-15T14:01+0000

2021-11-15T14:48+0000

news

libya

election

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Libya's High National Election Commission has deleted its statement saying that it rejected Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's presidential election bid. According to the commission's statement earlier shared on Facebook, the decision to reject Gaddafi's bid was made after people opposed to his candidacy started protesting and forced employees at electoral commissions in several Libyan towns to stop working."Given the eroding stability and the closure of a number of branches of the commission, the commission decided to reject the candidacy of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi," the head of the commission, Imad Saih, said.The statement was removed less than 10 minutes after it was published. Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libya's former leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, submitted his candidacy on 14 November. Libya has been in a state of political turmoil after its long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed in 2011. Since then, the Government of National Accord and Libyan National Army have been fighting for the right to rule Libya. In March 2021, the Government of National Unity was formed as part of the international mediation effort to stop the crisis. It was agreed that the body will be in charge until the general election  recently scheduled for 24 December.

Truth-Teller You can not reject someone's bid just because some people don't like him. He has the right to run for President and the people who don't like him has the right to not vote for him. 6

Nonyank Ah, smells of US style Democracy! 3

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EU Never Pointed to Aeroflot in Connection With Migration Problem on EU-Belarus Border, European Commission Says

The EU has never pointed to Aeroflot in connection with the migration problem at the borders of the EU and Belarus, European Commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker said.



EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels on Monday approved the criteria for imposing sanctions against those who facilitate illegal migration from Belarus to the EU. As previously explained by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, these sanctions may affect airlines or travel agencies. Earlier, at a briefing in Brussels, De Keersmaecker said that the EU was in contact with a number of airlines, which, according to the union, could carry illegal immigrants. There are no Russian carriers among them.



"We never singled out Aeroflot, nor any other airline and Russia is among the countries we monitor for a potential or tendencies to be misused in the instrumentalisation of migrants by the Lukashenko regime," De Keersmaecker said.



However, he declined to comment on possible sanctions lists.



"On sanctions, we never comment publically about possible or ongoing discussions regarding specific listings," the spokesman recalled.
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/luhansk-peoples-republic-never-registered-any-bayraktar-drones-lpr-leader-says-1090735524.html

Luhansk Peoples Republic Never Registered Any Bayraktar Drones, LPR Leader Says

Luhansk Peoples Republic Never Registered Any Bayraktar Drones, LPR Leader Says

LUHANSK (Sputnik) - The self-proclaimed Luhansk Peoples Republic (LPR) never registered Kiev using the Turkish Bayraktar drone during the Donbas conflict, LPR... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T03:05+0000

2021-11-15T03:05+0000

2021-11-15T03:29+0000

ukraine

drone

donbass

bayraktar

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Late last month, the Ukrainian General Staff claimed that the military destroyed an enemy howitzer with a guided bomb launched with a Bayraktar strike drone in southeaster Ukraine (Donbas). Under the Minsk agreements, only the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) mission is allowed to use drones in Donbas.The official further remarked that Kievs statements regarding the use of Turkish Bayraktar drones in southeastern Ukraine (Donbas) do not mean war and are part of politics demonstrating a clear disregard for generally accepted norms.Earlier this month, the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republics (DPR) Foreign Minister Natalya Nikonorova told Sputnik that the Ukrainian military has used Bayraktar drones exclusively for "reconnaissance" but "these drones never crossed the contact line" in Donbas.The Ukrainian General Staff said this month that Kiev had started using the Bayraktar strike drone in the eastern region of Donbas. According to Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Serhiy Shaptala, Kiev is planning to purchase more Turkish-made drones.Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that the US basically supported the use of Bayraktar drones in Ukraine, although it is banned under the Minsk agreements, while Europe's reaction was noncommittal.

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/navigating-red-lines-on-taiwan-in-quest-for-common-ground-reportedly-key-to-biden-xi-summit-1090745128.html

Navigating Red Lines On Taiwan in Quest For Common Ground Reportedly 'Key' to Biden-Xi Summit

Navigating Red Lines On Taiwan in Quest For Common Ground Reportedly 'Key' to Biden-Xi Summit

US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold a virtual one-on-one summit on Monday evening to exchange views on bilateral... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T12:00+0000

2021-11-15T12:00+0000

2021-11-15T12:11+0000

joe biden

xi jinping

wang yi

xinjiang

us

china

hong kong

antony blinken

taiwan

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Ahead of the virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping, the two countries diplomats have exchanged barbed statements on the flashpoint issue of Taiwan. The mutual rhetoric on this subject alone is seen as a sign of the many hurdles ahead before the sides can hope to achieve breakthroughs in negotiations.Beijing has repeatedly emphasized to Washington that Taiwan is its core interest, while actions emboldening Taiwan secessionists in their brinksmanship are fraught with not only derailing Sino-US relations, but also leading the world into an abyss, wrote China Daily in its editorial on the eve of the summit. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a telephone call on 13 November, slammed Washingtons wrong words and deeds, warning that any connivance of and support for the Taiwan independence forces...would only boomerang in the end, according to a readout of the call released by China on Saturday. The visit by a US congressional delegation to Taiwan had also rankled with the Chinese side.Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern regarding the PRCs [Peoples Republic of Chinas] continued military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan in a reference to the recent Peoples Liberation Army drills near the island that Beijing considers an integral part of China. Beijing believes that Taiwan, which has been led by a separate government since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, is destined for peaceful reunification along the One Country, Two Systems model previously applied to Hong Kong. Taipei has political and economic relations with several other nations that recognise its sovereignty. Nevertheless, despite no major deliverables expected from the meeting between Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, both State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed the significance of the encounter. Wang referred to the meeting - the first one-on-one of Xi and Biden via video link since the US president took office in January - as "an important event, not only for China-US relations, but also for international relations". Previously, the leaders had two phone conversations, one in February and the other in September. Reasserting Red Lines, Seeking Common Ground The meeting between Chinas President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden is seen as the result of recent efforts to steer bilateral ties back toward dialogue to jointly face global challenges, analysts are cited by China Daily as saying. They underscored that Washingtons Cold War mentality-guided suppression of China had failed to bear fruit. Chinas analysts believe that the upcoming meeting between the sides should be used by Xi Jinping to reinforce Chinas red lines on the Taiwan issue. Washington should be urged to abide by the commitments it made in the three China-US joint communiques, acknowledge the one-China policy while stopping sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, wrote the publication. The US has repeatedly signaled its support for Taiwan in the face of what it branded as Chinese aggression, along with raising concerns regarding Xinjiang and Hong Kong. While China recently flew numerous military aircraft near Taiwan in a show of force, the United States conducted several military drills with partners in the region. Democratic POTUS Joe Biden has largely echoed his White House predecessor Donald Trumps stance in perceiving a rising China as the top challenge of the 21st century due to its growing military might and economy. After Trump launched a trade war with China in in 2018, accusing it of abusing existing trade practices, the bilateral closing of consulates in July 2020 marked the peak of tensions between the sides. Trump also signed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act passed by Congress in June 2020, which introduced sanctions against China over the alleged illegal detention of more than one million Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang - something Beijing denies. In another move, ostensibly to offset Chinas assertiveness, the US increased the frequency of its military missions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea despite protests and warnings from Beijing. Tensions have been fueled by Washingtons accusations leveled at Beijing over alleged hacking attacks, which have likewise been dismissed by the Chinese authorities as groundless.Although Chinas experts do not believe it is possible that things will suddenly turn around after the Chinese Presidents meeting with the US POTUS, they anticipate that with enhanced communication, conditions may be forged for the next step in the development and adjustment of Beijing-Washington relations.

Barros Never trust US! 2

Rossco It was the US who has wanted and arranged this meeting. Like Russias red line with the US on Ukraine so is China's red line on Taiwan with the US . Nothing will come of this meeting other than a deepening rift until the US accepts it no longer lives in a unipolar world , which from all reports the necons in congress refuse to accept. There are now two more superpowers in the world that could defeat the US and are togther on this issue. Unfortunately the US refuses to grasp the consequences of their errant and stiff necked course that they are no longer in the box seat and unless they accept and respect Chinas and Russias red lines then I'm afraid things are going to deteriorate even worse. And while the meetings arranged by the US may have Biden playing Mr. nice guy , behind the scenes as Barros says , you cannot trust a two faced liar as the US. This could be a serious misstep for the world. 2

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/nyc-teacher-told-to-stop-wearing-proud-zionist-t-shirt-because-its-politically-explosive-1090750891.html

NYC Teacher Told to Stop Wearing 'Proud Zionist' T-Shirt Because It's 'Politically Explosive'

NYC Teacher Told to Stop Wearing 'Proud Zionist' T-Shirt Because It's 'Politically Explosive'

The Department of Educations Office supported the school principal's decision to ban the teacher from wearing his T-shirt, saying that "schools are not public... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T16:28+0000

2021-11-15T16:28+0000

2021-11-15T16:28+0000

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us

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Jeffrey Levy, an English as a Second Language teacher at MS 51 in Brooklyn, NYC filed a discrimination complaint for not being allowed to wear his self-made pro-Israel T-shirt featuring the Star of David, the New York Post reported. According to the paper, Levy was ordered by school Principal Neal Singh to stop wearing his Proud Zionist t-shirt in the building, although other staffers have worn shirts mentioning BLM and feminism.Singhs definition of politically explosive attire appears limited to Jews only, the teacher concluded. When asked by the New York Post to comment on the issue, the Department of Education issued a statement, backing Singh for telling Levy to stop wearing that T-shirt.Schools are not public forums for advancing personal political views, and per Department of Education regulations, employees are prohibited from using schools for the purpose of political expression...This principals request followed complaints from students and staff and is consistent with policies around political neutrality in schools, DOE spokeswoman Katie OHanlon said, as quoted by the New York Post. The head of the anti-Semitism group and former state Assemblyman Dov Hikind sent a letter to schools Chancellor Meisa Ross Porter defending Leby's right to wear his T-shirt and accusing the school's principal of double standards.""How insulting. This is sick. This is pathetic. This is anti-Semitic...You cant say youre a proud Jew and supportive of the people and the State of Israel? There should be one standard for all...", Hikind was quoted by the tabloid.

vot tak The author of this article is obviously biased in favor of the zionist teacher. Wearing a pro zionist political advert is like wearing a pro nazi political advert. Now what would happen is a similar bigoted idiot wore a shirt with a swastika and the words proud nazi? Both zionism and nazism are a result of the same mental disorder that sees one group of people as inherently better than all others. 3

vot tak This sort of bigoted crap does not belong in schools and mentally defective individuals who practice this bigotry should not be teaching children, either. 3

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/oy-vey-israeli-court-publishes-classified-docs-belonging-to-secretive-idf-intel-unit-by-mistake-1090756738.html

Oy vey! Israeli Court Publishes Classified Docs Belonging to Secretive IDF Intel Unit by Mistake

Oy vey! Israeli Court Publishes Classified Docs Belonging to Secretive IDF Intel Unit by Mistake

The military apparently didnt notice the leak until being approached by a journalist investigating the matter. 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T17:09+0000

2021-11-15T17:09+0000

2021-11-15T18:30+0000

israel

court

israel defense forces (idf)

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A clerk from the Tel Aviv District Court accidentally put hundreds of top-secret papers associated with a shadowy Israel Defence Force (IDF) intelligence unit engaged in a legal dispute with one of its former officers online, Haaretz reports.The leaked documents, apparently serious enough to expose information that could harm Israels national security, reportedly remained in the public domain for an unspecified period before a Haaretz journalist informed the military about their existence in an inquiry.The papers reportedly related to a dispute involving a former officer of a secret IDF intelligence technical unit, with the employee said to have taken the military to court after it didnt renew his contract. The documents, originally submitted to a closed, military court, were resubmitted and put online for everyone to see after the officer took his case to the civilian Tel Aviv District Court.An IDF spokesperson confirmed that access to the classified materials was restricted after Haaretz request, and said that an internal investigation was conducted.Its not immediately clear whether Israels potential adversaries found the files before the Israeli newspaper did. Most countries cyber intelligence forces make use of internet-archiving bots which trawl through and collect any and all publicly available information they get from government websites, but it is not known whether such bots could have accessed the Israeli court system without authorization before the relevant information was removed. Its also possible that foreign intelligence services may have collected the data in an archive, and been alerted about its existence only thanks to Haaretz reporting.The leak follows a separate major security breach late last month by a hacking group calling itself "Moses Staff." The group boasted about penetrating over 165 Israeli servers and 254 websites and amassing over 11 terabytes of data, including detailed information about Israeli troops and defence ministry employees, and Israeli defence companies. Moses Staff reportedly consists of Iranian nationals.

https://sputniknews.com/20211028/hackers-breach-leak-personal-data-of-israeli-defense-ministry-servicemembers-emails-of-benny-gantz-1090265544.html

Truth-Teller Why didn't Sputnik published the classified information? 10

vot tak "A clerk from the Tel Aviv District Court accidentally" ... That clerk is a hero. Excellent job. :-D 6

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/pentagon-iranian-chopper-came-within-25-yards-of-uss-essex-in-gulf-of-oman-circled-ship-3-times-1090758607.html

Pentagon: Iranian Chopper Came Within 25 Yards of USS Essex in Gulf of Oman, Circled Ship 3 Times

Pentagon: Iranian Chopper Came Within 25 Yards of USS Essex in Gulf of Oman, Circled Ship 3 Times

The US Department of Defense claims that, on November 11, an Iranian helicopter flew some 25 yards (23 meters) from USS Essex's port (left) side and flew "as... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T20:00+0000

2021-11-15T20:00+0000

2021-11-15T21:01+0000

iran

pentagon

gulf of oman

john kirby

us

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A potentially hazardous situation between Iran and the US was avoided in the Gulf of Oman last Thursday, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby declared in a Monday briefing. US forces identified the Iranian chopper, which "operated in an unsafe and unprofessional manner," as that of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. "The questions really should be asked of Tehran and the Iranian Navy as to why they felt this was a prudent use of their pilots in their aircraft?" Kirby posed. The Pentagon's acknowledgment of the event comes days after a video uploaded to social media appeared to show the cockpit view of an Iranian chopper whizzing by a US Navy aircraft carrier. The incident occurred not long after the USS Essex and the US Marines' 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit wrapped bilateral interoperability training with the UK Royal Navys HMS Queen Elizabeth and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron. The November 8 training operation - also based in the Gulf of Oman - included displays of the F-35B Lightning II's short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron cross-decked its costly F-35Bs from the HMS Queen Elizabeth to the USS Essex.

greg1242 Did this happen close to US coasts or close to Iranian coast? 22

Sage R This wouldn't happen to be related to pirating of Iranian oil now would it? LOL 20

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/prince-andrew-reportedly-dreading-maxwell-trial-set-to-thrust-him-back-into-spotlight-1090746517.html

Prince Andrew Reportedly 'Dreading' Maxwell Trial Set to 'Thrust Him Back Into Spotlight'

Prince Andrew Reportedly 'Dreading' Maxwell Trial Set to 'Thrust Him Back Into Spotlight'

Ghislaine Maxwell, who faces the rest of her life behind bars if convicted of abusing and procuring young girls for the late billionaire and convicted... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T12:57+0000

2021-11-15T12:57+0000

2021-11-15T12:57+0000

society

us

ghislaine maxwell

prince andrew

jeffrey epstein

uk

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Prince Andrews name is again set to make the headlines once the trial commences of disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, an alleged pimp of the royals former close friend  convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, reports The Daily Mail.A lawyer connected to the case says it's inconceivable that the Duke of York will escape being mentioned as Maxwell enters the dock on 29 November in Manhattan's US District Court. The Duke of York's sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre (nee Roberts), an alleged Epstein victim, claims she was forced to have sex with the royal on three occasions (the first when she was 17 and under the legal age of consent), and is currently suing him for battery and inflicting emotional distress. Giuffre has reportedly vowed to attend the trial, while Prince Andrew vehemently denies her claims. The Duke of Yorks friendship with Maxwell stretches back decades. In the early 2000s, the prince, who was forced to step away from his royal duties in the wake of fallout from the Epstein scandal, reportedly invited Maxwell and Epstein to a plethora of exclusive royal events, according to The Daily Mail. In 1999, the pair purportedly spent a weekend at Balmoral, the queens holiday estate in Scotland, while the BBC reported that both were invited to a June 2000 Buckingham Palace ball with Queen Elizabeth II. Eight days before Epsteins initial arrest in 2006 by the Palm Beach Police Department on state felony charges of procuring a minor for prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute, he was photographed with Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at the 18th birthday party for Andrews daughter Beatrice. When seeking to exonerate himself over ties with Epstein in his car crash" BBC interview that resulted in his sacking from royal duties days later, Andrew stated that Maxwell was the key element in his friendship with Epstein from the outset.In that November 2020 interview, the royal claimed he stayed at Epsteins home during a trip to New York after the billionaire was convicted of child sex offences because he was too honourable to end the relationship."Maxwell, 59, held on remand in a Brooklyn detention centre since her arrest in July 2020, is facing charges of sex trafficking children, perjury, and the enticement of minors while she was a close associate of the late financier, who died in prison. Epstein, charged with running a sex trafficking network of minors in 2019, was found dead in his prison cell in New York City on 10 August while awaiting trial. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges, with officials declaring that he had committed suicide by hanging.

4Justice Despite all the horrible stories and press, it's good to know that Andrew is completely innocent of all accusations and never even met any of those girls, and doesn't sweat too, and that picture is fake and everyone knows it... :) 2

Hampar Tokatlian Pure as the driven snow, he is, the royal wanker. 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/raisi-calls-for-joint-iran-turkey-fight-against-terrorism-accuses-us-of-creating-daesh-1090757968.html

Raisi Calls for Joint Iran-Turkey Fight Against Terrorism, Accuses US of Creating Daesh

Raisi Calls for Joint Iran-Turkey Fight Against Terrorism, Accuses US of Creating Daesh

Iran played a key role in providing arms and advisory support to Syria and Iraq in the two countries battle against the Daesh (ISIS)* self-proclaimed... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T19:02+0000

2021-11-15T19:02+0000

2021-11-15T19:10+0000

turkey

united states

iran

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has called on Turkey to join hands with the Islamic republic in the war against the takfiri terrorists, and accused Washington of creating Daesh and using it as a proxy army.The presence of this terrorist group anywhere in the region is dangerous to nations. The fight against terrorism and organized crime can be a focus of cooperation between Tehran and Ankara, and Iran is ready to improve cooperation in this area, Raisi said.Raisi pointed to the experience of the two-decade US and NATO war in Afghanistan  in which Turkey played a part, saying that the twenty-year presence of the US in Afghanistan had no result but murder and bloodshed, and it became clear that the problems of Afghanistan can only be solved by its people and through assistance of neighbouring countries.The Iranian president also told the Turkish foreign minister that closer cooperation between Iran and Turkey, particularly in the economy and through trade ties, would serve the interests of the two Muslim nations. Regional cooperation between the two countries must turn into cooperation in the international arena, as such interaction could be influential in global equations, considering the major position of the two countries, he emphasized.Cavusoglu, for his part, said Ankara was looking to expedite the improvement of ties with Iran and its new results-oriented administration, and expressed support for greater cooperation between the two countries against terrorism and toward achieving regional security in the South Caucasus. Cavusoglu hailed the promising 71-percent growth in trade between the two countries in 2021, and said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to travel to Tehran before the end of the year for a formal visit.Carefully Veiled TensionsDespite cordial formal ties, Iran and Turkey have a number of outstanding disagreements, both in regional geopolitics and regarding the United States. Despite the recent cooling of ties between Ankara and Washington, Turkey remains a member of NATO, and allows the US and other bloc allies to use its military facilities, including Incirlik Air Base. Irans relations with the US have been hostile since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and the two countries militaries have repeatedly come close to blows in standoffs in the Persian Gulf in recent years.Iran also disagrees with Turkish policy in Syria, with Ankara seizing control of wide swathes of northern Syria on the pretext of fighting Daesh and Kurdish terrorists. The Islamic republic has provided assistance to the Damascus government in its struggle against an array of jihadist and rebel groups, including forces sponsored by Turkey, and emphasized the importance of respecting Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity.Growing Turkish support for Azerbaijan has also occasionally irked Tehran, with Iranian authorities summoning Turkeys ambassador last year over Erdogans recitation of a poem at a military parade in Baku which Tehran took to be an incitement of nationalist and separatist sentiments in Irans northern West Azerbaijan province. During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Iran called on Ankara to support regional initiatives to restore peace instead of adding fuel to the fire, and warned that Tehran would not tolerate the presence of Syrian jihadists allegedly deployed in the conflict zone with Turkeys assistance near its borders. Turkey denied any role in the transfer of fighters from Syria to boost Azeri forces.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20211031/biden-erdogan-reportedly-agree-to-establish-mechanism-to-improve-bilateral-ties-1090362112.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211030/damascus-slams-turkish-parliaments-decision-to-extend-military-presence-in-syria-iraq-1090346693.html

https://sputniknews.com/20201211/iran-summons-turkish-envoy-over-erdogans-separatist-statements-in-azerbaijan-1081428856.html

vot tak Curious how turkey will respond. What Raisi said about the americans and daesh is the reality that americans need to understand. 3

vigilante No one should trust Erdogan. He is s shark only interested in his own glory and money. He hates Ataturk and wants to take his place in the history of Turkey. He know how to manipulate the Turks by playing on secularism and religion. He wants to be remembered as the leader who created a new Islam. But people are starting to understand his true selfish motivation. Losing money is not something the Turks can forgive. If Erdogan does not succeed in restoring the falling economy, he will be dumped and humiliated. He has 2 years to turn the wave back. That is why he is knocking at all doors to be able to reach that goal. The trouble is that the international communities with some exceptions do not trust him and want him to fail. Erdogan made so many enemies that he won't have time to mend the relation. That is why he is doomed. In 2023 bye bye Recep! 0

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turkey

iran

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turkey, united states, iran, afghanistan, daesh
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/rt-france-crew-detained-at-poland-belarus-border--1090742895.html

RT France Crew Detained at Poland-Belarus Border

RT France Crew Detained at Poland-Belarus Border

Tens of thousands of migrants, hailing mostly from nations in the Middle East and North Africa, wracked by war and violence, descended on Belarus and made... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T09:00+0000

2021-11-15T09:00+0000

2021-11-15T13:12+0000

poland

poland-belarus migrant crisis

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107246/03/1072460384_0:168:2782:1733_1920x0_80_0_0_20b3d49825e8e0e581795e94c05b1cf4.jpg

Polish police have detained an RT France film crew along the border with Belarus, supposedly for being present illegally in a restricted area."This morning, police detained a film crew consisting of two men. They said they wanted to film a report, but did not have permission to be in the area where a state of emergency has been declared," a police spokesperson in Podlaskie Voivodeship told Sputnik on Monday.Before the detention, Khalifa said authorities had asked him and his cameraman repeatedly to leave the area and not film or take pictures.RT France has contacted the French Embassy in Warsaw over the journalists' detention. According to Fedorova, they may not have known about the 3 km emergency zone declared around the border area.Later on Monday, police said Demory and Khalifa had been brought to a court in the town of Sokolka, northeastern Poland for a hearing. The court is expected to "decide on their case," according to a police spokesperson.Border CrisisTens of thousands of migrants hailing mostly from war- and violence-torn nations in the Middle East and North Africa have descended on Belarus in recent months in an attempt to make their way into Poland and the Baltic States of Lithuania and Latvia, and further west to wealthier nations of the European Union.The crisis was sparked by the deterioration of relations between Belarus and the EU  which slapped Minsk with multiple rounds of debilitating sanctions following last year's presidential elections, in which incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko coasted to victory, sparking mass, Western-backed anti-government protests.Tensions on the border began building up in July, as small numbers of migrants began using Belarus to travel west into the EU. The crisis was exacerbated last week, after several thousand migrants arrived at the border with Poland and set up camp, with some attempting to force their way into Poland.Warsaw and its allies have blamed Belarus and Russia for the situation, calling it a form of "hybrid warfare" by Minsk and Moscow. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has suggested that the West's own policies -specifically decades of military interventions resulting in the destabilisation of the Middle East and North Africa, were to blame. "They not only stirred up and shattered the Middle East, they destroyed these nations' statehood," Lukashenko said in an interview with Russian media last week. The Belarusian president added that several rounds of tough EU sanctions against his country have drained security forces' ability to control migrant flow.For his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any attempts to somehow blame Moscow for the border crisis, saying on Sunday that he only found out about the situation through the media.Poland has been repeatedly criticised by European officials for preventing media, medics, and volunteer organisations from going to the border to assist migrants, and has also faced criticism for border patrol troops' brutality toward asylum seekers. Belarusian border guards have repeatedly reported cases of beatings and of migrants being pushed back by force. At least 11 migrants have died while attempting to cross the frontier between Belarus and the EU nations.Most of the migrants are believed to hail from the countries of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen  all countries which Western powers have either bombed, occupied, or helped to destabilise over the past two decades.

Notta Snowflake The RT reporting team are being detained out of fear that those true and international standards-compliant journalists will reveal how the influx of immigrants is being micro-managed on the ground by both U.S. government agents and U.S.-based refugee assisting NGO's to deliberately create an asymmetric warfare event which will result in yet another September 1, 1939 cataclysm of multinational proportions. After all, you cannot have a Democratic Party-ruled regime in place in the U.S.A. without another war to divert and cull the masses whilst plundering target countries and making billions in brown-envelope personal gains through armament sales. 4

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/steve-bannon-taken-into-federal-custody-on-contempt-of-congress-charges-1090753035.html

Steve Bannon Surrenders to FBI on Contempt of Congress Charges: 'We're Taking Down the Biden Regime'

Steve Bannon Surrenders to FBI on Contempt of Congress Charges: 'We're Taking Down the Biden Regime'

Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Donald Trump, was charged with two counts of contempt for flouting a subpoena by a House panel, which was set up to... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T14:44+0000

2021-11-15T14:44+0000

2021-11-15T19:57+0000

us

donald trump

congress

contempt

steve bannon

fbi

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Steve Bannon has arrived at the FBI offices in Washington, DC, to surrender on contempt of Congress charges after he defied a subpoena from a House committee investigating the Capitol riot.Bannon eventually appeared before the court later Monday before US Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather, who allowed the former Trump adviser to be released on supervised release. As part of the agreement, Bannon was instructed to comply with pre-trial conditions such as surrendering his passport, notify pre-trial services of any domestic travel and receive court approval for any international travel. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday before Judge Carl Nichols, who was appointed by Trump.Shortly after leaving the courtoom, Bannon told reporters at the scene that the charge against him would be the "misdemeanor from hell for [US Attorney General] Merrick Garland, [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi and [US President] Joe Biden."The 67-year-old was indicted last week on two counts of criminal contempt: one for refusing to appear for a congressional deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committee's subpoena.Bannon may now face up to two years in prison if convicted on both counts.Bannon was among a handful of Republicans subpoenaed by the US House Select Committee, which was established to investigate the 6 January Capitol riot. Ex-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has flouted a subpoena from the committee too, with the panel also threatening to hold him in contempt. Should the House vote to hold Meadows in contempt, the recommendation would also be sent to the Justice Department for a potential indictment.Last month, former US president Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the committee and the National Archives in a bid to block the transfer of records, citing executive privilege.Trump's legal team has argued that the Select Committee's request was illegitimate and "unprecedented in their breadth and scope". Attorneys have also said that executive privilege should be applicable, as Trump was in office at the time of the riot.Trumps lawsuit pointed out that the FBI had found no evidence the event was part of an organised plot to overturn the 2020 election results or that Trump and his associates were involved in any such exercise. The ex-POTUS has repeatedly rejected the notion that the 6 January events were a riot or insurrection and has maintained that he won the 2020 presidential election, which he has consistently described as rigged.On 11 November, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia issued an administrative injunction that temporarily blocked the House Select Committee from obtaining Trump's White House records from the National Archives.On 6 January 2021, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in a bid to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's win in the November election. The storming was preceded by a Trump rally, which attracted a huge turnout. Five people, including a Capitol Police officer, died as a result of the riot.The former president, who has repeatedly claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, was accused of inciting an insurrection". Trump vehemently rejected the accusations, spearheaded by the Democrats, that he had instigated the riots. He was later impeached by the US House of Representatives on charges of incitement to insurrection, but was subsequently acquitted by the US Senate.

https://sputniknews.com/20211114/jan-6-committee-to-move-very-quickly-in-referring-meadows-for-criminal-contempt---schiff-1090733637.html

vot tak Did they cuff the alter boi? :-D 9

pgb in nz Better to surrender to the Gestapo FBI than have then breaking down your front door early in the morning to arrest you in your underwear all the while that the NYT, having arrived 20 mins prior assuming that "somethings up", film the whole degraging shitshow in real time !! 3

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us, donald trump, congress, contempt, steve bannon, fbi
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/swedish-state-epidemiologist-pins-countrys-elevated-covid-death-toll-on-immigrants-1090737411.html

Swedish State Epidemiologist Pins Country's Elevated COVID Death Toll on Immigrants

Swedish State Epidemiologist Pins Country's Elevated COVID Death Toll on Immigrants

Despite excess morbidity and mortality, the Swedish open doors approach has garnered a mixture of praise and criticism for being more accommodating for... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T05:19+0000

2021-11-15T05:19+0000

2021-11-15T05:19+0000

news

europe

sweden

scandinavia

covid-19

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Swedish State Epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, the man behind its controversial no-lockdown strategy to tackle COVID-19, has unapologetically defended his approach.While Sweden's pandemic death toll of over 15,000 is higher than its Nordic peers combined, Tegnell has ventured that this isn't due to the authorities' standalone approach, but due to the composition of the population and the share of immigrants and poorer people.At 25.9 percent, Sweden has a higher percentage of people with an immigrant background than its Nordic peers, of which only Norway, where 18.1 percent has a foreign background, has a similar proportion.Furthermore, Tegnell stuck to his guns and even slammed the likes of Norway for having acted too harshly against the spread of the infection and introducing draconian measures.While emphasising a resurgence of cases in Sweden, which coincides with a broader wave that swept Europe, with neighbouring Norway and Denmark breaking daily infection records despite high vaccination rates exceeding 70 percent, Tegnell cautioned against blanket measures and lockdowns, stressing that the public acceptance of that wouldn't be there any longer.In 2020, Sweden made international headlines for its largely unmatched approach in tackling the novel coronavirus. While most Western countries shut down and introduced massive restrictions, Sweden initially continued as before, with only a handful of recommendations in place and no mandates whatsoever. While restrictions were ultimately tightened after months of this business-as-usual approach, Sweden subsequently dismantled them again and has over the course of the autumn lifted most of them.However, earlier, a government-appointed COVID Commission, which is still evaluating the fruit of the Swedish strategy, berated the authorities for their failure to protect the weakest and the frailest members of society and stressed that the general approach was marked by lateness and a substandard preparedness level.Overall, Sweden has seen 1.18 million cases of COVID, with nearly 15,100 deaths, of which the majority were aged 60 and over. Despite excess morbidity and mortality, the Swedish approach been praised for being business-friendly and sustainable, as well as having a sparing psychological impact. Critics, on the other hand, labelled it Darwinist, harsh and erroneous as it at some seemingly relied on the idea of attaining herd immunity, despite conflicting messaging.

https://sputniknews.com/20211029/a-breakdown-swedens-belated-covid-response-under-harsh-criticism-from-state-commission-1090312804.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211029/delay-and-inadequacy-prof-blasts-swedens-deliberate-spread-of-covid-19-1090301592.html

TruePatriot The real cause is all those idiots that took the jab seeing that they are over 60% of the hospitalisations. It is the pox of the vaccinated and that is all. 3

mandrake Delusional, at every level of government despite severe criticism of the authoroties handling of the pandemi! 2

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news, europe, sweden, scandinavia, covid-19
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/taxi-driver-believed-to-have-thwarted-more-carnage-in-liverpool-blast-by-locking-bomber-in-car-1090737098.html

Taxi Driver Believed to Have Thwarted More Carnage in Liverpool Blast By 'Locking Bomber in Car'

Taxi Driver Believed to Have Thwarted More Carnage in Liverpool Blast By 'Locking Bomber in Car'

Three men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act after a man was killed in a car explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital on Sunday. The passenger died... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T05:30+0000

2021-11-15T05:30+0000

2021-11-15T06:32+0000

liverpool

boris johnson

remembrance day

uk

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As UK anti-terror police probe Sundays explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital, the taxi driver, who sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident, is believed to have prevented more fatalities with his swift thinking.Identified by the Daily Mail as local cab driver David Perry from Kirkdale, a district of Liverpool, the man whose image is being widely circulated on Facebook and Twitter reportedly noticed that his passenger was behaving suspiciously throughout the trip.Reference here is apparently made to Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, which was the site of a Remembrance Day service attended by military personnel, veterans, and civic dignitaries. Perry is described as having parked the cab outside the maternity ward of Liverpool Women's Hospital, less than a mile from the reportedly intended target. As he pulled up, the driver allegedly noticed his passenger had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, the source is cited as saying. At that point David Perry is described as having leaped out of the taxi and locked the doors. Moments later, the car exploded. Images widely shared online showed the car in flames and later burnt out. The cab driver received stitches to his ear and treatment for non-life threatening cuts and bruises, and later on Sunday was discharged from hospital.One person noted on Facebook: Many on social media have hailed the taxi driver as a hero who put his life on the line and came close to paying the ultimate price to save others. Counter-Terrorism Police Lead InvestigationAccording to Merseyside Police, officers were called to Liverpool Women's Hospital at 10.59am on 14 November. "Unfortunately, we can confirm that one person has died and another has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for his injuries, which thankfully are not life-threatening," the police force said.Detectives and army bomb disposal experts are investigating whether the blast was triggered by a suicide bomber, with due attention given to the timing of the incident to Remembrance Sunday, or Poppy Day. Later on Sunday armed police arrested three men, aged 29, 26 and 21, in Sutcliffe Street, near Boaler Street, in the Kensington area of Liverpool as part of a terror probe into the incident. Counter-terror officers were also reportedly seen at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made a statement to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation.A spokesman for Merseyside Police was cited by the outlet as confirming that a major incident had been declared, but it could take some time to confirm what happened, adding: Our response is ongoing at the hospital and will be for some time. Cordons are in place, and there are some road closures. We have triggered our information channels - to inform the local community and businesses about what information we do have and can provide.

Brit26 The driver should get a medal, but no doubt here in the idiotic UK, he will be charged with manslaughter over the death of the locked-in passenger! 4

eddy2020 Would it make more sense to sit with him and chat until the bomb went off? 3

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liverpool, boris johnson, remembrance day, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/trump-arch-enemy-john-bolton-speculates-whether-former-president-will-run-again-in-2024-1090754035.html

Trump Arch-Enemy John Bolton Speculates Whether Former President Will Run Again in 2024

Trump Arch-Enemy John Bolton Speculates Whether Former President Will Run Again in 2024

Donald Trump hired John Bolton as his national security advisor in April 2018, with Bolton counseling the president to pursue a more aggressive policy toward... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T15:21+0000

2021-11-15T15:21+0000

2021-11-15T15:21+0000

donald trump

john bolton

2024 us presidential elections

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John Bolton predicts that his former boss Donald Trump wont actually run for the presidency in 2024, notwithstanding his recent bluster on the matter.Bolton, who served in the Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush administrations for decades in various capacities before getting hired by Trump in 2018, and fired a year and a half later, suggested that the GOP field for 2024 was wide open, and predicted that there would be a very vigorous competition for the nomination. He did not elaborate on who the frontrunner might be.The Epic Trump-Bolton DisputeDonald Trump and John Bolton had a public falling out of epic proportions after the president fired him from his job as his national security advisor in September 2019. Some Trump supporters criticized the president for hiring the neocon in the first place, despite his repeated attacks on the neoconservative, military interventionist wing of the Republican Party throughout the 2016 presidential campaign.Bolton released a salaciously-titled memoir called The Room Where It Happened less than a year after getting fired, accusing the president of a broad range of foolish and potentially incriminating behaviour.Trump dismissed the claims made in the book, calling Bolton a traitor, and going on to attack him as a dolt, a boring fool and one of the dumbest people in Washington. In one interview, Trump suggested that if he had ever taken Boltons advice on major issues, the United States would be in World War Six by now. While Bolton was still serving as his national security advisor, Trump also quipped that the hawkish official never seen a war he doesnt like.Since leaving office, Bolton has gone on to offer free policy advice to the Biden administration, urging the president to take out two-faced Pakistans nuclear weapons capabilities over Islamabads suspected support for the Taliban,* and warning that the Taliban themselves could get nukes someday.* An organization under United Nations sanctions over suspected terrorist activities.

https://sputniknews.com/20210416/bolton-says-hes-proud-to-be-barred-from-entering-russia-1082650621.html

TruePatriot Who cares what this arch neocon has to say. Most people want to know when he will be arrested and prosecuted for his war crimes. 1

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donald trump, john bolton, 2024 us presidential elections
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/uaes-1st-global-media-congress-to-focus-on-digital-communications-media-impact-of-ai-1090742777.html

UAE's 1st Global Media Congress to Focus on Digital Communications, Media Impact of AI

UAE's 1st Global Media Congress to Focus on Digital Communications, Media Impact of AI

The Global Media Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 15-17 November 2022, and has been touted as an "exceptional... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T09:17+0000

2021-11-15T09:17+0000

2021-11-15T09:17+0000

united arab emirates

abu dhabi

news

media

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The Higher Organising Committee for the inaugural edition of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Global Media Congress held its first meeting at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on 13 November. The meeting, chaired by Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), discussed preparations for the launch of the Congress, organised jointly by ADNEC and WAM, to be hosted by Abu Dhabi on 15  17 November 2022. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Congress is tasked with supporting the UAE media sectors innovative local and regional companies, while also enlisting input from leading international agencies. At Sundays meeting of the Higher Organising Committee members reviewed the much-anticipated events agenda and key themes, along with challenges facing the media sector. Exceptional Platform for Global Media Conceived as both an exhibition and a conference, the inaugural Global Media Congress hopes to utilise the UAEs integrated digital infrastructure" to offer an exceptional platform" for the global media sector to use as a meeting point for discussing potential partnerships and industry collaborations. Three main halls at ADNEC, boasting a capacity of 1,000 people, will throw the spotlight on key areas of digital communications, the impact of the artificial intelligence (AI) on modern-day media, as well as the integration of advanced technology in the media sector. The format of the event will incorporate debates, discussions and interactive workshops. The Global Media Congress will also host specialist sessions tailored to current challenges faced by journalism, radio, television, internet, social media and international influencers. A designated area of the Congress will offer prominent executives and international media experts from around the word to confer on innovative opportunities to develop the sector. At the same time, a comprehensive media centre for both regional and international media outlets will enable them to broadcast news about the event to a global audience. In a sign of growing interest in the event, the Congress has already received a large number of registrations from international publications.

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united arab emirates, abu dhabi, news, media
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/uk-labour-lawmaker-asks-government-for-tougher-stance-on-russia-1090745413.html

UK Labour Lawmaker Asks Government for Tougher Stance on Russia

UK Labour Lawmaker Asks Government for Tougher Stance on Russia

LONDON (Sputnik)  UK Labour lawmaker and shadow foreign minister Lisa Nandy on Monday said that there is more we can do to be tough on Russia, as she... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T10:41+0000

2021-11-15T10:41+0000

2021-11-15T10:41+0000

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russia

poland

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For as long as this government isnt prepared to take tough action to make sure the UK isnt a home for some of that dark money, the message that would be received loud and clear in Moscow is that the government will say one thing but do quite another. Wed really need to see some tough and robust actions on that to show the UKs leading by example, Nandy told the Sky News broadcaster.She said that Johnson has been sitting for 18 months on a report issued by the UK parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee that shows how London is still haven for the dark money that helps to sustain Putins regime.Nandy also referred to the current migration crisis at the Belarusian-Polish border, accusing Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of using vulnerable refugees as pulse in a game.The situation at the border between Poland and Belarus has escalated over the past few weeks as thousands of migrants have been stranded on the Belarusian side trying to enter the EU nation. Poland has boosted security in the area, while migrants have set up camps, raising tensions.

vot tak Biased propaganda article. Thumbs down. 2

beertje Rusland en unie staat Belarus zijn niet te sanctie op te leggen. hoe simpel kan het zijn 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/us-journo-danny-fenster-released-from-myanmar-prison-with-help-of-ex-governor-bill-richardson-1090746190.html

US Journo Danny Fenster Released From Myanmar Prison With Help of Former Governor Bill Richardson

US Journo Danny Fenster Released From Myanmar Prison With Help of Former Governor Bill Richardson

Last week, Fenster, the managing editor for the Frontier Myanmar online magazine, was convicted of spreading false information, contacting illegal... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T11:10+0000

2021-11-15T11:10+0000

2021-11-15T12:12+0000

myanmar

news

us

journalist

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US journalist Danny Fenster was freed from Myanmar jail on Monday with the help of former US ambassador to the UN and former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson.The journalist was handed over to Richardson in Myanmar and will return to the US via Qatar in the next few days, the former governor said in a statement emailed from his office and obtained by AP. This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work...We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds, Richardson said in his statement, according to the agency. Richardson said he had negotiated Fensters release with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler.A former US ambassador to the UN and erstwhile governor of New Mexico, Richardson has repeatedly acted as a mediator in various diplomatic rows between the US and countries with which it has poor relations. He has been the broker in arranging the release of US citizens detained in North Korea, Venezuela and Myanmar.Fenster, 37, is the managing editor of the Frontier Myanmar online magazine. He was detained at Yangon International Airport on 24 May while waiting to board a flight to the US. Last week, he was convicted of spreading false or inflammatory information, encouraging dissent against the military, contacting illegal organisations and violating visa regulations. His sentence has been the severest punishment for a journalist known to have been convicted since the military coup in Myanmar on 1 February when the army ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi and seized control of the nation.

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Sofia Chegodaeva

Sofia Chegodaeva

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Sofia Chegodaeva

myanmar, news, us, journalist
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/us-navys-mount-whitney-ship-on-way-from-black-sea-to-mediterranean-sea-1090738515.html

US Navy's Mount Whitney Ship On Way From Black Sea to Mediterranean Sea

US Navy's Mount Whitney Ship On Way From Black Sea to Mediterranean Sea

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Navy Sixth Fleets flagship Mount Whitney has begun transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea after ending operations and... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T05:38+0000

2021-11-15T05:38+0000

2021-11-15T05:38+0000

world

us

uss mount whitney

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"The U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship #USSMountWhitney, with embarked SIXTHFLT and @STRIKFORNATO staffs, began its southbound transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea after concluding maritime operations and exercises alongside @NATO allies and partners, Nov. 15," the fleet tweeted.The US Sixth Fleet announced earlier in November that its flagship Mount Whitney was heading to the Black Sea for routine maritime drills with NATO allies and partners. On 11 November, the Russian defence ministry pointed to an increase in US and NATO military activities in the Black Sea region  over the past 24 hours, four NATO reconnaissance planes were detected and escorted by the Russian anti-aircraft missile forces. Moscow qualified unscheduled drills close to the Russian border as aggression that threatens regional stability.

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https://sputniknews.com/20211115/us-preparing-follow-up-sanctions-on-belarus-after-eu-restrictions---state-dept-1090759205.html

US Preparing Follow-Up Sanctions on Belarus After EU Restrictions - State Dept.

US Preparing Follow-Up Sanctions on Belarus After EU Restrictions - State Dept.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is preparing follow-up sanctions after recent EU restrictions to hold Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T20:59+0000

2021-11-15T20:59+0000

2021-11-15T20:59+0000

poland-belarus migrant crisis

belarus

us

sanctions

alexandr lukashenko

eu

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Earlier on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced that the EU foreign ministers agreed to expand the score of sanctions against Belarus and the document will be finalized in the coming days.The spokesperson went on to underscore that the measures would be implemented as part of a larger effort to hold the government "accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy, on human rights, on international norms."However, Price also took the opportunity to remark that the US would move forward with the sanctions so long as the Lukashenko regime doesn't change its behavior. "We will continue to put more pressure," he said.Tensions along the Belarusian-Polish border began to escalate in early November as large numbers of migrants began to appear on Belarus' land borders with Poland, a member of the European Union since 2004. Although Poland has claimed Belarus orchestrated the crisis, Belarus has largely blamed the Western military for the migrant flow.

vot tak The israeloamericans further confirm that this "migrant crisis" is part of their regime change attack on Belarus. 5

Hess Very ironic and criminal indeed. The EU "attacks on democracy, on human rights, on international norms" but blames Belarus for the EU own criminal behaviours. 5

4

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belarus, us, sanctions, alexandr lukashenko, eu
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/us-special-envoy-says-discussed-shared-interests-in-afghanistan-with-russian-officials-1090757793.html

US Special Envoy Discusses 'Shared Interests' in Afghanistan With Russian Officials

US Special Envoy Discusses 'Shared Interests' in Afghanistan With Russian Officials

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The new US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West, said on Monday that he discussed common interests in Afghanistan with Russian... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T18:38+0000

2021-11-15T18:38+0000

2021-11-15T18:38+0000

afghanistan

news

us

russia

afghanistan

taliban

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"Met yesterday in Moscow with Special Presidential Representative [Zamir] Kabulov and Security Council's Deputy Secretary Venediktov. Discussed shared interests in Afghanistan and unity on need for Taliban to fulfill commitments to international community," he tweeted.Earlier in the day, Kabulov said that he and West had discussed all issues related to Afghanistan at a meeting in Moscow. The Russian official said the Taliban are seeking to fulfill their commitments and obligations, but too slowly.Kabulov previously said that he plans to continue to work with his colleague after the meeting of the expanded troika in Islamabad that took place earlier in November.Islamabad hosted a meeting of the extended troika group on Afghanistan on Thursday, bringing together special representatives for Afghanistan from the US, China, Russia and Pakistan. The sides discussed the future of the Afghan government and their expectations regarding its composition and policies.

Hess Yes, coercing and bribing Russia against China. Russia will have no problem playing "partner". 0

1

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news, us, russia, afghanistan, taliban
https://sputniknews.com/20211115/white-house-reportedly-worn-out-by-harris-camp-as-aides-claim-biden-is-sidelining-vp-1090735832.html

White House Reportedly 'Worn Out' by Harris Camp as Aides Claim Biden is Sidelining VP

White House Reportedly 'Worn Out' by Harris Camp as Aides Claim Biden is Sidelining VP

Last week, a USA Today-Suffolk University poll found that 28% of US voters approve of the vice president's work, while a whopping 51% of those surveyed... 15.11.2021, Sputnik International

2021-11-15T04:01+0000

2021-11-15T04:01+0000

2021-11-15T03:58+0000

joe biden

us

white house

kamala harris

biden administration

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Tensions between the West Wing and the Harris camp are reportedly at an all-time high, according to a new CNN report by Edward-Isaac Dovere and Jasmine Wright that provides a behind-the-scenes look at what has been described as chaos and dysfunction in the Biden-Harris administration.Key West Wing aides communicated to the outlet that they are worn out by Harris and her camp amid a frenzy of public criticism and an approval rating worse than that of the US president. Meanwhile, some of those who defended Harris' position asserted that they believe she has been placed in a losing situation, likening the sidelining to a recent satirical article from The Onion: "White House Urges Kamala Harris To Sit At Computer All Day In Case Emails Come Through."The Sunday report was compiled based on interviews with White House aides, as well as nearly three dozen former and current aides of Harris, Biden administration officials, Democratic operatives, political donors, and outside advisers. Despite Harris being a "heartbeat away" from the presidency, a number of sources - including a top donor to Biden - have claimed that the vice president has been placed in a position that could be damaging for the future of the party and, more importantly, the country as a whole. Some suspect Harris may have been appointed to deal with the Northern Triangle diplomacy as an attempt to dash any future presidential aspirations. One former, high-level aide noted that the White House was "consistently sending [Harris] out there on losing issues." Those in Harris' camp also made reference to how the White House was quick to come to the defense of US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who received backlash after being granted paternity leave, but appeared laissez-faire when it came to media criticism of the vice president. At the same time, the report claimed that one overarching belief is that the vice president's staffers have repeatedly failed her and that Harris appears to be influenced predominantly by family members, like sister Maya Harris, brother-in-law Tony West, and niece Meena Harris. The latter issue has been addressed in recent months, according to several sources familiar with operations in Harris' office. Both the White House and the Harris camp have since issued responses to the report, with the latter panning it as "gossip." "It is unfortunate that after a productive trip to France in which we reaffirmed our relationship with America's oldest ally and demonstrated US leadership on the world stage, and following passage of a historic, bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create jobs and strengthen our communities, some in the media are focused on gossip - not on the results that the President and the Vice President have delivered," said Symone Sanders, chief spokesperson and a senior adviser to Harris.

GKW Once a looser always a looser. Her disgraceful performance beginning in California to her pathetic showing and trouncing by Tulsi Gabbard in the Democrat presidential debates sent her packing early. 5

wtfud So long as Cameltoe brings in the Big .Gov contracts for her Law Firm Associates and Backers then she'll be just fine. 2

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joe biden, us, white house, kamala harris, biden administration
Mill Creek Farm of Saratoga is donating a 2022 season to their new stallion Coraggioso, the 2012 New York Sire Stakes champion, to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program said owner Anne Morgan.

In addition, Mill Creek will be donating five per cent of all paid stud fees for Coraggioso to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program.

"We are thrilled that New York Breeders recognize the need to retrain and rehome their Standardbreds when they are done racing," said Betty Holt, executive director of the program. "Anne and her beautiful Mill Creek Farm have committed to that endeavour and we hope other breeders make that same commitment in the future. By retiring and retraining, we protect our much loved racehorses and transition them into new careers and loving homes."

"The Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program appreciates every donation we receive but this ongoing open-ended gift is very generous and provides continuous income for our horse's futures and I can't express how much this means to me and to the program," said Wanda Polisseni, the program's founder. "I truly appreciate this wonderful act of compassion. Thank you!"

(With files from Mill Creek Farm of Saratoga)
SCOTTSBLUFF  Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance has rescheduled the Scottsbluff Beef Quality Assurance Certification training.

The new date and location of the event: Thursday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m., University of Nebraska Panhandle Research & Extension Center. 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff.

Jesse Fulton, Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) will be presenting the latest on the Nebraska BQA program and certifying producers in BQA and BQA Transportation (BQAT). The BQA program educates beef producers on animal health best management practices, proper stockmanship, and proper animal welfare guidelines. Beef cattle producers who are committed to producing a quality, wholesome and safe beef product for consumers are encouraged to attend to stay up to date on BQA practices.

All producers are invited to attend. BQA certification is valid for three years. If your last BQA training occurred prior to 2018, your BQA certification could be expired. Beef producers are encouraged to attend to keep their BQA certification current. The BQA certification fee is $20 per person or a flat fee of $100 for operations who bring 5 or more people.

A meal sponsored by Zoetis will be served for producers who attend the Scottsbluff BQA training.
Lawmakers also want to hear from the former director of the program, Sherry Bren. She was called into the July 2020 meeting and was later pressured to retire shortly after Peters received her license that November.

Bren filed an age discrimination complaint and received a $200,000 payment from the state to withdraw the complaint and leave her job this year. Noem has said the settlement had nothing to do with her daughter.

The committee had requested Bren's presence last month, but she declined. Part of her settlement with the state bars her from disparaging state officials. However, Bren told The Associated Press that she would work with lawmakers to correct any factual inaccuracies in Hultmans testimony to the committee and indicated to lawmakers that she would like to receive a subpoena to appear before them in person.

Republican lawmakers spoke with caution as they inquired into an episode that has drawn open derision from Noem. She has repeatedly berated The AP for first reporting on the meeting with her daughter.

But Wheeler insisted the committee was acting within its role of checking up on the operations of state government, adding that it is appropriate to clear the air on what actually happened.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  The chief of Californias forestry and wildland firefighting agency announced Monday that he will retire next month after shepherding the state through three historic wildfire seasons, the most recent of which saw two massive blazes span the Sierra Nevada for the first time in recorded history.

Thom Porter's tenure was not without controversy, as when he took the blame in June for Gov. Gavin Newsom overstating the amount of land that had been treated with prescribed burns and fuel breaks designed to slow wildfires.

Newsom said 90,000 acres had been treated, when Capitol Radio first reported that the actual number was 87% less. Porter said his Department of Forestry and Fire Protection had done a poor job educating the governor, and the public, about its efforts.

Newsom on Monday praised Porter for seeing the state through unprecedented wildfire challenges.

He did not immediately appoint a successor for Porter, who will retire on Dec. 10.
Germany successfully completed acceptance tests of the Israeli Trophy APS (Active Protection System) purchasing for their Leopard 2 tanks. The October 2021 tests consisted of firing ATGMs (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles), RPGs (rocket propelled grenades) and shells from tank guns or artillery that often fire such shells equipped with shaped charge warheads at tanks, at a Trophy equipped Leopard 2.

This is not the first Leopard 2 to use an APS. Turkish Leopard 2 and M60 tanks were equipped with the Ukrainian Zaslon APS in 2018 and were successful enough for Turkey to obtain a manufacturing license to build Zaslon. Several other countries have ordered Zaslon because it is one of the few APS systems that proved itself in combat. Moreover, Zaslon is more flexible to install as it uses individual modules and can be used on tanks equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor). On the downside, Zaslon will injure nearby infantry, which is a major problem for many nations. Zaslon has been in service for as long as Trophy and worked against Russian weapons in 2015, but saw little exposure to combat after that until the Turks noticed it.

Trophy is considered the most useful and combat proven APS and over 2,000 systems have been installed or are on order for Israeli Merkava, American M1 and Leopard 2 tanks as well as other Israeli and American armored vehicles. For example, in mid-2020 American M1 tanks arrived in Europe equipped with Trophy APS. The Israeli manufacturer began delivering 261 M1 APS kits in late 2019. These equip all the M1 tanks in four combat brigades. A few Trophy equipped M1s are also available for testing and training.

The United States was late in adopting APS, mainly because few American operated M1 tanks seemed to need it and the army procurement budget was shrinking. Over the last few years APS came to be seen as a necessity. In 2018 the army finally got the money to upgrade M1 tanks with Trophy. This came after Trophy had been tested on the M1. Trophy was added at the same time 62 ARAT (Abrams Reactive Armor Tiles) were installed to cover the running gear and tracks as additional protection against RPGs, which are often fired at this area to cripple tank mobility. The ARAT tiles add another two tons, in addition to the weight (about a ton) for Trophy.

Trophy has been around since 2009 and has spent a lot of time exposed to ATGMS and RPGs. Between testing and actual combat, Trophy has been fired at over 5,600 times and successfully defeated all attacks. Trophy has accumulated over a million operating hours so far and no vehicle equipped with Trophy has had a crew member injured. Like earlier active defense systems such as the naval Phalanx, you cannot leave the system on if there is no threat. That wears out the electronics and there is always a small risk of the system being accidently triggered by something other than a threat.

The U.S. eventually noted that Western tanks, like the M1 and Leopard 2 are increasingly vulnerable to ATGMs and improved RPGs. This was demonstrated in northwest Syria from 2016 to 2018 as Turkey lost over a dozen Leopard 2 and older American M60 tanks to Kornet and other ATGMs. Turkey tried several different defensive solutions but finally selected the Ukrainian Zaslon APS for their tanks. Israel was not considered because since 2000 Turkey has been ruled by an anti-Israel government.

Israel has been a pioneer in APS development and there are several Israeli firms developing and selling APS gear. One of those firms created the Iron Fist APS, which lost out to Trophy, and all the money to be made equipping Israeli and foreign tanks and other vehicles with APS. So far, Trophy has been the best-selling APS because it is continually improved. Partly this is because of reports from users but also because there is more than one APS manufacturer in Israel. Competition is another form of combat that keeps everyone honest.

The main APS competitor is IMI and its Iron Fist APS. Despite losing out to Trophy (from Rafael) in a 2010 competition to be the primary IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) APS, IMI continued development. As a result, Iron Fist developed into an APS that is lighter, more compact, easier to install and, on paper at least, has more features. Iron Fist was installed on lighter American armored vehicles like the M2 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) and similar IDF vehicles, including their armored D9 bulldozers.

Iron Fist contains heat sensors as well as radar to detect threats and that includes rifle and machine-gun fire. These weapons cannot damage armored vehicles, but it is useful for the crew to know where the fire is coming from. A full-size Iron Fist can also jam guidance systems on some missiles and has a lower false-alarm rate. There is also a lightweight version with fewer of the extras but that can be put on much lighter vehicles like trucks. While Iron Fist has not been proven in combat like Trophy the manufacturer says it has worked well in tests and that was enough to encourage the American and Dutch armies to evaluate it on some of their armored vehicles. The Israeli army also selected Iron Fist for its Nemer heavy IFV.

The U.S. also plans to install the Iron Curtain APS on Stryker armored vehicles. This APS comes from an American firm (Artis) which began development in 2005 and was dropped from consideration in 2018 because the developer seemed incapable of solving some key technical problems. The losses Turkish Leopard 2 and older M-60T tanks were taking from ATGMs in Syria was another wakeup call.

Until 2018 Trophy was the only APS most people heard about. In part that was because the first battalion of Merkavas was equipped with Trophy in 2010. In 2011 Trophy defeated incoming missiles and rockets in combat for the first time. This included ATGMs, mainly the Russian Kornet E. This is a laser guided missile with a range of 5,000 meters. The launcher has a thermal sight for use at night or in fog. The missile's warhead can penetrate enough modern tank armor to render the side armor of the Israeli Merkava tank vulnerable. A few weeks before the ATGM intercept Trophy defeated an RPG warhead, which is an unguided rocket propelled grenade fired from a metal tube balanced on the shoulder. As it was designed to do, Trophy operated automatically, and the crew didn't realize the incoming RPG warhead or missile had been stopped until after it was over. That is how APS is supposed to work and Trophy proved to be the most reliable and effective APS out there. By 2012 Israel was convinced sufficiently to equip all the Merkava tanks in an armor brigade with the Trophy APS.

This first APS combat use is a big deal because APS has been around for nearly three decades, but demand and sales had been slow until then. The main purpose of APS is to stop ATGMs, though for less heavily armored vehicles stopping RPG type warheads is important as well. The Israeli Trophy APS uses better, more reliable, and more expensive technology than the original Russian Drozd or its successors, like Arena APS. This includes an electronic jammer that will defeat some types of ATGMs. For about $300,000 per system, Trophy will protect a vehicle from ATGMs as well as RPGs, which are much more common in combat zones. Israel is the first Western nation to have a lot of their tanks shot up by ATGMs and fears the situation will only get worse. Trophy protected several Israeli tanks from ATGM and RPG attacks during the 50 Day War with Hamas in mid-2014 and several other attacks since.

In 2015 a lightweight (200 kg/440 pound) version of its Trophy APS called Trophy LV was introduced. This is intended for MRAPs (heavily armored trucks), IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles) and other heavy vehicles that are lighter than tanks. The regular Trophy weighs about a ton and is one of several APS models on the market but it is also the one with the most impressive combat record. The Israeli manufacturer of Trophy also partners with American firms to manufacture Trophy and Trophy LV for the U.S. market. But in this case another Israeli firm entered the American market with the similar but more capable Iron First.

Israel first encountered ATGMs, on a large scale, in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. But these were the clumsy, first-generation missiles that turned out to be more smoke than fire. More recent ATGM designs have proved more reliable and effective but no nation, except Israel, has yet made a major commitment to APS. That may now change, simply because effective APS like Trophy are available and RPG and ATGM losses are growing. Most APS consist of a radar to detect incoming missiles and small rockets to rush out and disable the incoming threat.

Russia pioneered the development of these anti-missile systems. The first one, the Drozd, entered active service in 1983, mainly for defense against American ATGMs. Russia feared these ATGMs because American troops had a lot of them, and the Russians knew these missiles (like TOW) worked. Russia went on to improve their anti-missile systems but was never able to export many of them. This was largely because these systems were expensive (over $100,000 per vehicle), no one trusted Russian hi-tech that much and new tanks, like the American M-1, were a bigger threat than ATGMs. The Americans also noted that the most frequent unexpected attack on tanks was with RPGs, which was why the ARAT was added to Trophy equipped tanks. Trophy is turned off most of the time while the ARAT is always active and the tracks and running gear (wheels) are the most vulnerable to RPG hits.

The latest Russian APS, Arena, has proved very effective against many types of ATGMs because Arena also depends on laser detection and the use of electronic devices to disrupt the control signals going to the ATGM as it approaches the tank. Ukrainian troops encountered this during the last few years while fighting Russian backed (and equipped) separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine (Donbas) where fighting has been going on since 2014.
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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  TWICE, the nine-member K-pop band with over 9 million Twitter followers, says they feel their growing popularity overseas.

People didnt know as much about us as they do now, band member Jihyo told The Associated Press ahead of last weeks release of the bands third full-length album Formula Of Love: O+T=3, adding that the growing popularity of K-pop around the world has allowed the band to release more English tracks.

The new album has 17 tracks with three all-English songs. On Monday, they announced a tour that will start in Seoul on Dec. 24 and will bring them in February to five U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,

TWICE released their first full English-language single The Feels in October, which was their first song to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

TWICE is a household name in South Korea and Japan  where the band regularly tops the Oricon music charts, Japans equivalent of Billboard. (Members Sana, Mina, and Momo of TWICE are from Japan.)

The bands success comes after years of hard work. TWICE, which debuted in 2015, walked into the interview with full energy even after undergoing five hours of intense dance practice ahead of the album release.
Editors note: Information is provided by the Cowlitz County Corrections Department and local law enforcement agencies. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Burglary, assault  Cowlitz County sheriffs deputies Friday arrested Chance Dakotah Howell, 24, of Longview, on suspicion of violating a protection order, residential burglary and fourth-degree assault.

Possession of a stolen vehicle  Longview police Friday arrested Mathew Martinez, 38, of Kelso, on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and making/possessing vehicle theft tools.

Possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal impersonation  Cowlitz County sheriffs deputies Friday arrested Devon Michael Rivard, 28, of Kalama, on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and first-degree criminal impersonation.

Hit and run  Longview police Saturday arrested Noah George Allen Janicki, 22, of unknown residence, on suspicion of hit and run, attempt to elude, driving with a suspended license and obstructing a public servant.

Fugitive from justice  Cowlitz County sheriffs deputies Sunday arrested Aaron Charles Allred, 46, of Kelso, on suspicion of being a fugitive from justice.

Fugitive from justice  Kelso police Monday arrested Aquisha Ann Baca, 40, of Castle Rock, on suspicion of being a fugitive from justice.

Making a bomb threat  Longview police Sunday arrested Brian Scott Webb, 31, of Longview, on suspicion of making a bomb threat and interference with a care facility.

Stolen vehicle

11th Avenue and Hudson Street, Longview. Saturday. Yellow 2014 Ford Focus. Unknown plate.

Thefts

100 block of Rocky Point Road, Kelso. Saturday. Particulate filter worth about $3,000 stolen. Unknown suspect.

1600 block of Delaware Street, Longview. Saturday. Catalytic converter taken from vehicle in the parking garage. Theft on video.

1900 block of West Side Highway, Kelso. Sunday. Two bins of horse accessories stolen from carport.

600 block of Broadway, Longview. Sunday. Medical supplies on a cart outside the business taken. Known suspect in a Black Ford Escape.

Vandalism/malicious mischief

200 block of Columbia Street, Kelso. Sunday. Suspects threw eggs at the window. No damage.

100 block of Oregon Way, Longview. Sunday. Neighbor shot mailbox overnight.

Vehicle prowls

Elm Street and South Pacific Avenue, Kelso. Sunday. Man trying vehicle door handles, got into one vehicle and went through the glove box.

Third Avenue and Tennant Way, Longview. Sunday. Vehicle prowled when disabled on the shoulder.

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Hackers compromised the Federal Bureau of Investigation's external email system on Saturday.

The hackers sent out tens of thousands of emails from an FBI email account warning about a possible cyberattack, according to the Spamhaus Project, which tracks spam and related cyber threats. The FBI said it, along with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, is "aware of the incident this morning involving fake emails from an @ic.fbi.gov email account."

"This is an ongoing situation, and we are not able to provide any additional information at this time," the FBI said in a statement.

The FBI has multiple email systems, and the one that appears to have been hacked on Saturday is a public-facing one that agents and employees can use to email with the public, according to Austin Berglas, head of professional services at the cybersecurity company BlueVoyant. There's a separate email system agents are required to use when transmitting classified information, he said.

"This is not the classified system that was compromised," said Berglas, who is also a former assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's New York office cyber branch. "This is an externally facing account that is used to share and communicate unclassified information."

The attacks started at midnight Saturday in New York with a subsequent campaign beginning at 2 a.m., according to Spamhaus. The nonprofit said it estimates the spam messages ultimately reached at least 100,000 mailboxes.

The emails came with the subject line: "Urgent: threat actor in systems." The message was signed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and warned recipients that the threat actor appeared to be cybersecurity expert Vinny Troia, who last year penned an investigation of the hacking group The Dark Overlord.

There was no malware attached to the emails, according to Spamhaus. The group speculated that the hackers could have been attempting to smear Troia or were staging a nuisance attack to flood the FBI with calls.

Troia didn't respond to a request for comment. The FBI urged consumers to be cautious and report any suspicious activity.

Explore further How to trust your instincts to foil phishing attacks

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The field of eight candidates vying to be Brunswicks next mayor was reduced to two on Nov. 2 with Cosby Johnson and Ivan Figueroa emerging from the pack to qualify for the runoff.
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Brazos County health officials reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 among county residents on Monday.

The number of active cases in Brazos County was 166 on Monday, up from 156 on Friday. County health officials said 50 cases of the virus reported by health care systems and testing centers were awaiting confirmation Monday.

Brazos County officials have confirmed 33,179 cases of COVID-19 in the county since the pandemic began more than a year ago.

A Texas A&M University website said the number of active, self-reported cases of the virus among students, faculty members and staff had climbed to 47 as of Friday, the last date for which figures were posted.

Officials with the Brazos County Health District said 32,650 cases were considered recovered as of Monday; health officials classify all cases older than two weeks as recovered.

Four Brazos County residents were hospitalized Monday for treatment of symptoms related to the virus, officials said.
The possible punishment for attempted second-degree intentional homicide is 30 years. Attempted first-degree reckless endangerment is punishable by up to 12 1/2 years.

COUNT 6: POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON BY A PERSON UNDER 18

The judge dismissed this charge on Monday.

Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. He was 17 years old on the night of the shootings. Wisconsin law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except for hunting or when supervised by an adult in target practice or instruction in the proper use of a dangerous weapon. Rittenhouses attorneys argued that another subsection of the law, regarding short-barreled rifles, provided grounds for dismissing the charge.

Prosecutors argued the defense was misreading the statute, and Schroeder had earlier twice declined to dismiss the charge. But the judge also had said the statute was confusing. After prosecutors conceded that the rifle was not short-barreled, Schroeder dismissed the charge.

COUNT 7: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN EMERGENCY ORDER FROM STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A new analysis of website fingerprinting (WF) attacks aimed at the Tor web browser has revealed that it's possible for an adversary to glean a website frequented by a victim, but only in scenarios where the threat actor is interested in a specific subset of the websites visited by users.

"While attacks can exceed 95% accuracy when monitoring a small set of five popular websites, indiscriminate (non-targeted) attacks against sets of 25 and 100 websites fail to exceed an accuracy of 80% and 60%, respectively," researchers Giovanni Cherubin, Rob Jansen, and Carmela Troncoso said in a newly published paper.

Tor browser offers "unlinkable communication" to its users by routing internet traffic through an overlay network, consisting of more than six thousand relays, with the goal of anonymizing the originating location and usage from third parties conducting network surveillance or traffic analysis. It achieves this by building a circuit that traverses via an entry, middle, and exit relay, before forwarding the requests to the destination IP addresses.

On top of that, the requests are encrypted once for each relay to further hinder analysis and avoid information leakage. While the Tor clients themselves are not anonymous with respect to their entry relays, because the traffic is encrypted and the requests jump through multiple hops, the entry relays cannot identify the clients' destination, just as the exit nodes cannot discern a client for the same reason.

Website fingerprinting attacks on Tor aim to break these anonymity protections and enable an adversary observing the encrypted traffic patterns between a victim and the Tor network to predict the website visited by the victim. The threat model devised by the academics presupposes an attacker running an exit node  so as to capture the diversity of traffic generated by real users  which is then used as a source to collect Tor traffic traces and devise a machine-learning-based classification model atop the gathered information to infer users' website visits.

The adversary model involves an "online training phase that uses observations of genuine Tor traffic collected from an exit relay (or relays) to continuously update the classification model over time," explained the researchers, who ran entry and exit relays for a week in July 2020 using a custom version of Tor v0.4.3.5 to extract the relevant exit information.

To mitigate any ethical and privacy concerns arising out of the study, the paper's authors stressed the safety precautions incorporated to prevent leakage of sensitive websites that users may visit via the Tor browser.

"The results of our real-world evaluation demonstrate that WF attacks can only be successful in the wild if the adversary aims to identify websites within a small set," the researchers concluded. "In other words, untargetted adversaries that aim to generally monitor users' website visits will fail, but focused adversaries that target one particular client configuration and website may succeed."
The Story of Two Brides that appears in Betty Crockers 1933 pamphlet New Party Cakes for all Occasions contrasts the good little bride who has been taking radio cooking lessons from Betty Crocker with the hapless other bride whose cooking and shopping habits are equally careless. The message here isnt particularly subtle: The trick to becoming the most wonderful little wife ever is baking well, and buying the right flour.

Betty today

Despite its charming illustrations, the retrograde attitude of that 1933 pamphlet probably wouldnt sell very many cookbooks today, let alone baking mixes, kitchen appliances or any of the other products that now bear the Betty Crocker brand, which General Mills now owns.

But if Betty Crockers branding in the supermarket is all about convenience and ease, the retro stylings of her newest cookbooks are a reminder that her brand is also a nostalgic one.
All efforts were paused during the height of the pandemic, but the Endorfs are still trying, this time via a more traditional adoption. The family being strong in their faith, they chose a Christian adoption consulting company to guide them along the way.

Kyla said it has been worth getting that extra help. You might end up paying a little bit more in the end, but adoption is a long process. Its emotional. Its a lot of paperwork. But the way they have it laid out, they give you so much information and so many places that you can go and people that will help you. It has its been pretty smooth.

Not as smooth has been going through the ups and downs, Kyla said. I had to grieve the loss of not being able to have my own kid. We had to grieve the loss of the IVF failed, the embryo adoption failed.

There is still light on the horizon, though.

As the couples adoption package is completed, it is only a matter of time before they are matched with a birth mother, Kyla said. Whether we will be matched and the birth mother is seven months pregnant or six months pregnant, and we get to continue the end of the journey with her, or whether well get to be in the delivery room  or if we will get matched, travel and get our baby in one day. We have no idea.
MIAMI (AP)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a $25 million investment to repair Miamis Freedom Tower, a historic building also known as the Ellis Island of the South, where Cuban refugees received government help after leaving the communist island.

DeSantis said the amount will be included as part of his legislative budget recommendations. The Republican governor said the 96-year-old tower needs urgent structural repairs, but the money also will be used to redesign the exhibits to welcome more visitors.

Hundreds of thousands of people came right through here, the Freedom Tower in Miami, to be able to have a chance at freedom, DeSantis said. We need to be good stewards of this history.

The announcement came on the day of a planned opposition protest march Monday in Cuba. DeSantis called out the Biden administration for what he said was a lack of support for activists in Cuba following the July demonstrations.
The ceremony began with U.S. marshals escorting Etienne, Tate and Prevost to the school just as they did 61 years ago. Three young African American girls walked with them. Marshals placed a wreath of flowers at the school and the ceremony concluded with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Tate, on Friday, said she didn't know what to make of the crowds when she approached the school as a child. Reared in a city famous for its Mardi Gras processions, she wondered if a parade was on the way.

That's what it looked like, she said. All I could see was police on horseback, holding the crowd back. And that's the only thing I could relate to."

Prevost remembers keeping eyes forward that day. I really didn't see the crowd, she recalled. I could hear them. When my daddy and I got out of the car, he just told me to take his hand and look forward.

The three remember being the only students at McDonogh after white parents withdrew their children. And they became more aware of the significance as they grew older  becoming among the first black students at junior high and high schools.
Theres been increasing confusing over the legality of delta-8, a cannabis derivative that can be found in vape cartridges, tinctures and candy at smoke shops and CBD stores in Texas. While the Texas health department maintains that delta-8 is a controlled substance and is on the states list of unlawful drugs, the 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which naturally contains delta-8 and has less than 0.3% THC. In 2019, Texas also legalized hemp growing. Delta-8 retailers believed the substance was as legal to sell as hemp. Delta-8 is legal in Texas for now after a Travis County judge blocked the state from criminalizing it. Should delta-8 continue to be legal in Texas?

You voted:
WILL COUNTY - An Illinois state trooper suffered minor injuries after his squad car was struck head-on by an alleged drunken driver on Interstate 55 in Will County near milepost 260, state police said in a news release.

The trooper had stopped to assist by directing traffic after an earlier, separate crash, state police said. While seated in his squad car with his lights on around 1:25 a.m. Sunday, the squad car was struck by a 2017 black Acura.

The trooper suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

The driver of the Acura, Liem T. Nguyen of Joliet, was charged in connection with driving under the influence and a Scotts Law violation.

Thirteen state troopers have suffered injuries from Scotts law-related crashes this year, state police said. The law, also known as the Move Over law, requires drivers to both slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its hazard lights on.

With more than a month to go until the end of the year, the numbers seem to be trending in the right direction, following a peak in 2019, when two troopers were killed in the line of duty and 27 squad cars were hit by a motorist disobeying Scotts Law.

In 2020, there were 23 squad cars hit, 15 of which involved violations of Scotts Law. There were five state police squad cars hit in 2016; 12 in 2017; and eight in 2018, officials have said.

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He is not particularly close to the White House. Hes never won statewide office or a seat in Congress. And just last year, he lost a high-profile Senate race by double digits.

But if you ask him, Jaime Harrison will tell you he is uniquely prepared to lead a Democratic Party confronting fierce Republican obstruction, intense infighting and the weight of history heading into next years midterm elections.

He will tell you of his own childhood of poverty in rural South Carolina, where he ate cereal with water instead of milk before eventually becoming an attorney, a congressional aide, the first Black state party chair, a prodigious fundraiser and now, at 45 and the father of two young children, the chair of the Democratic National Committee.

He will also tell you about the intense pressure he feels to stave off political disaster in 2022.

Let me tell you, man, it is a big weight. It is a tremendous weight, Harrison said in an interview from a makeshift television studio in the basement of his South Carolina home. My experiences are the experiences that we need at this moment to help really thread a needle. This is going to be challenging.

Harrison is leading a party in peril.

A year after seizing control of Congress and the White House, Democrats are grappling with painful losses across several states in last weeks off-year elections that raised serious concerns about a much larger red wave in 2022. Suddenly, the Democratic optimism of this spring has been replaced by doubt as party officials openly ponder whether they have the right message, the right messengers and the right political strategy.

The finger-pointing has already begun.

DNC members, who accepted Harrison as President Joe Bidens pick for chair in January, have begun to grumble about his limited engagement with the rank-and-file activists and state party officials who do much of the day-to-day heavy lifting in Democratic politics. Others believe the White House isnt giving him the freedom he needs to do the job well.

Some allies worry aloud that Bidens team hasnt let Harrison select the members he wants, hire his preferred staff or drive the partys messaging.

Jaime Harrison knows how to do that job. I fear that he may not be allowed to do the job, said Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., whom Harrison describes as a father figure and mentor.

The White House declined to comment publicly, while Harrison downplayed any tension as a simple matter of navigating a new relationship with Bidens chief political emissary, Jen OMalley Dillon. Harrison said they meet two to three times a month, and after getting to know each other better, theyre building a friendship.

Are there challenges that we all have to navigate in this process because the DNC is not normally involved in the midterms? Yes, there always will be, and there are now, Harrison said.

From his home base 500 miles (800 kilometers) south of Washington, he acknowledges that he is fighting tremendous odds. Political parties that hold the White House have lost congressional seats in virtually every midterm election in the modern era. And Democrats are clinging to the narrowest majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Polling suggests there is cause for concern.

Gallup found in September that 55% of Americans had a negative view of the Democratic Party, the highest disapproval in five years. At the same time, majorities of Americans believe the nation is on the wrong track with Democrats in charge.

Democratic concerns deepened earlier this month after sweeping losses across Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The partys Trump-era advantages eroded in the suburbs, while their struggle in rural areas worsened.

At the same time, Democrats believe that a positive message focused on their legislative accomplishments will also lift their standing  if they can effectively sell their achievements to voters.

Earlier in the year, Democrats enacted a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package, which sent $1,400 checks to most Americans and provided billions more in support for people and businesses affected by the pandemic. And last week, Democrats, with some Republicans, approved the biggest infrastructure package in generations, a $1 trillion measure that will fund years' worth of major construction projects in every state in the nation. Biden will sign the bill into law on Monday.

Still unsettled is Bidens larger social spending plan dubbed Build Back Better, which features unprecedented government funding to address climate change, childhood poverty and health care.

A week after Democrats approved the infrastructure package, however, the party has yet to unveil a comprehensive plan to promote their accomplishment, which polls suggest is overwhelmingly popular despite pockets of conservative opposition.

In an attempt to get things started, Harrison participated in four cable television interviews this week. At the same time, a handful of DNC leaders have made television or radio appearances. And local elected officials in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina and Michigan held local press conferences to highlight the infrastructure bill.

Harrison said the modest start is intentional.

The party is planning a slow simmer strategy to sell the infrastructure package, he said, a shift from the burst of attention surrounding the passage of the Democrat-backed pandemic relief plan earlier in the year.

Whats the use of really jumping high into this right now, and then dropping off in December, and then by February or March, people are like, What? What happened? Harrison said. The goal is to burn this into the minds of the American people and to have it sustained as we move forward into the 2022 midterms.

Soon, the DNC will begin rolling out a new wave of TV ads, radio spots and digital ads featuring a combination of Biden and everyday Americans talking about the impact of the infrastructure package on their lives. The party would then focus on highlighting the flood of nationwide groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings expected in the subsequent months.

This has to be a long-term and sustained thing, Harrison said. It just cant be a flash in the pan.

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According to Yale University website, Dr. Harvey Risch is Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine. Also, Dr. Risch is an author of more than 350 original peer-reviewed research publications in the medical literature and those research papers have been cited by other scientific publications more than 44,000 times. Dr. Risch has an h-index of 94 and is a Member of the Connecticut Academy of Sciences and Engineering.

Sunday, Oct. 24, in an interview on Fox News, Risch repeated what he has been saying since 2020: There is no question those who have already had COVID have no need to be vaccinated for public health. He added, More than 90 studies have shown that natural immunity is strong or stronger than vaccines.

Sept. 9, 2021, President Joe Biden issued Executive Order 14042 requiring that all federal contractors provide adequate COVID-19 safeguards for their workforce. Furthermore, On September 24, 2021, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (SFWTF) issued written guidance which included a vaccination requirement for all covered contractor employees. In other words SFWTF is NOT FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE.

Monday, Oct. 25, the Board of Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning issued the following directive:

In accordance with the federal vaccination mandate and this IHL Board Directive, all University employees (except for those employees who qualify for an exemption outlined below) must be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021. This requirement extends to student workers, graduate assistants, part-time and intermittent workers.

Those who have had COVID-19, have tested positive for antibodies and have natural immunity from the virus are explicitly denied an exemption, and are mandated to take the vaccine. In other words Mississippi IHL is NOT FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE.

On Monday, Oct. 25, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed Executive Order 724 to fight the federal vaccine mandate. In a statement, she said, This latest move by the federal government is what I believe is an illegal overreach, and I am confident we will win the battle in the courts.

During the Fox News interview, Risch said, When you talk about first-line treatment of people for respiratory illness, the front-line doctors, the doctors who see patients when they walk into the office, they are the ones with experience in treating COVID patients. For example, we know across the country, I surveyed telemedicine groups and large group practices, totals over 150,000 people who have been treated early as outpatients with hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, and other medications, extremely successful, less than two dozen deaths out of that large number of people treated early. They (front-line doctors) are the ones with knowledge of how to treat patients. Thousands of doctors around the world have agreed with Dr. Risch.

Then Risch dropped the scientific bomb, saying, If the number of deaths that have been reported around 700,000 Americans is an accurate account, we could have saved 80 or 85% at least of those by early, aggressive treatment.

Why is the federal government mandating vaccines? Why are some states and institutions going along with the mandates? These mandates are not following the science and are not protecting the health of Americans. Science says, We could have saved 80 or 85% at least of those by early, aggressive treatment. Think about that!

Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, Miss. You may contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.com.

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President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has been approved.

The debate about the package will continue but, in general, Democrats are saying it will improve and modernize the nation's physical infrastructure from roads and bridges to broadband internet access. Republican critics claim the package is way too expensive with too little of the money in the legislation actually going to infrastructure.

South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn, the House majority whip, is touting the legislation as very important for South Carolina. He says the state will receive more than $6 billion in direct allocations.

Clyburn helped broker the deal to pass the infrastructure package in the U.S. House. All House Republican members representing South Carolina voted against the legislation, while Sen. Lindsey Graham voted for it earlier in the Senate and Sen. Tim Scott was opposed.

Roads and bridges are important to South Carolinians (who already are paying more in the gas tax for improvements), but a key component of the federal legislation involves broadband access, particularly for rural areas. The bill provides $100 million at minimum to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure, with additional funds provided based on the number of unserved locations in the state.

Clyburn is the founder and chair of the House Rural Broadband Task Force and has been a leading voice on closing the digital divide. In addition to funds to expand high-speed broadband coverage, the bill requires an affordable option to be offered along the newly built networks and invests in projects to facilitate internet adoption. It establishes the Affordability Connectivity Program, which will allow eligible households to continue to receive a monthly discount on their internet bills. 1.5 million South Carolinians  29% of our states population -- will be eligible for the benefit.

An important aspect of rural broadband expansion is access for farmers.

A new report, funded by the United Soybean Board and conducted by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, revealed that providing U.S. farmers and ranchers access to fast, affordable and reliable broadband will increase sustainability. It will also allow more reliable and efficient food production for a growing population and strengthen Americas rural communities.

Data is the most valuable tool in our farms toolbox. Without a reliable connection to the internet, data collection and its subsequent use is severely limited, said Meagan Kaiser, USB treasurer, soil scientist and Missouri farmer. Data gives us the ability to identify plant nutrient requirements and target those nutrients only where they are needed, which leads to increased yields without expanding acreage. It all begins with connectivity."

Interviews with farmers, rural internet service providers, equipment manufacturers, and agricultural leaders and experts revealed consensus around several key outcomes for rural broadband, such as the need for robust upload speeds, accurate network deployment data and scalable technologies.

The report, The Future of American Farming: Broadband Solutions for the Farm Office, Field, and Community, lays out 15 actionable recommendations for delivering the high-speed internet that farmers and rural communities need. Categorized by the farm operations center, wireless needs in the field and how reliable broadband can support the interdependent relationship between farmers and their rural communities, some of the recommendations are:

 Adopt high-performance standards: Performance standards for upload speeds and latency should reflect the changing needs of the farmers for precision agriculture.

 Encourage deep fiber build-out: Fiber build-out in rural America, even if not directly to the farm, will be needed to support capable wireless connections for higher-bandwidth applications in the field.

 Support equity digital programs at the state and local levels: Digital equity programs can work with communities to help people make full use of broadband connections.

Farmers play a vital role in the economy and in feeding our nation. Having their needs coincide with the need to expand rural broadband access in a world where internet service is more vital than ever is a strong selling point to make sure federal dollars go as far as possible in making technology accessible to all.

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(TBTCO) - Thoi gian qua, mac du co nhieu chu truong thuc ay phat trien nha o xa hoi, trong o co nha o danh cho cong nhan, song cac chinh sach nay chua u manh, thieu hap dan cac doanh nghiep au tu. Vi vay, cau chuyen buc thiet ve nha o cho cong nhan luon nong bong. e phat trien nha o cho cong nhan, can co co che ac thu hap dan nha au tu.
Left-Handed Twin by Thomas Perry (Mysterious Press)

Since she married a wealthy surgeon, Jane Whitefield has been trying to leave her old life behind, but when a friend sends a terrified young woman named Sara to her, Jane feels compelled to help.

Working with her boyfriend, Sara had been making a lot of money as a Hollywood party planner. But that was before she cheated on him and he found out. After he killed her lover right in front of her, she testified against him. But when a jury failed to convict him, he vowed to kill her for her double betrayal.

So begins The Left-Handed Twin, the ninth novel in Thomas Perrys series featuring Whitefield, a modern woman with the sensibilities of her Seneca Native American ancestors, who is an expert at helping terrified people disappear.

This time, however, it isnt just the person Jane is helping who is being hunted.

Saras boyfriend seeks the Russian mafias help to track her down. They agree, but not because they care about finding Sara. Theyve heard whispers about the mysterious woman who has helped dozens of people disappear and know that there are others who would pay dearly to learn the womans secrets.

So it is Jane, not Sara, whom they are really after.

The result is a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that unfolds as Jane, intent on protecting Sara even at the expense of her own life, leads pursuers on an often violent chase that begins in the Buffalo, NY, suburbs and veers from New York City to Boston to Maines Appalachian wilderness.

The tension is thick, the story unfolds at a rapid pace, the characters are well developed, and, as usual in a Thomas Perry novel, the tale is tightly written.



Bruce DeSilva, winner of the Mystery Writers of Americas Edgar Award, is the author of the Mulligan crime novels including The Dread Line.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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A bill meant to spur widespread collection of juvenile justice data in Wyoming has earned the backing of the Legislatures Joint Judiciary Committee.

Despite having the highest rate of incarcerated children in the country, Wyoming has struggled for years from the lack of data on juveniles in the criminal justice system. The bill is aimed at filling those gaps in data.

Im hopeful, said Dr. Narina Nunez, an executive on the State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice and a psychology professor at the University of Wyoming. Weve been working on something like this for 25 years, and this is the furthest weve gotten.

The bill underwent a couple key changes before lawmakers voted to sponsor it.

The responsibility of data collection was transferred from the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)  the agency that managed it in the past  to the Department of Family Services (DFS). This move was championed by Nunez and other proponents of improved data collection.

Additionally, if enacted in its current form, the measure would not go into effect until July 2024, giving DFS time to get equipped.

But potential pitfalls still remain.

The bill does not have a mechanism to force entities to comply and submit adequate data. Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Cheyenne, signaled that the committee might give it teeth down the road. Nethercott did not respond to request for comment when asked what she had in mind.

Also, theres currently no funding attached to the bill, which is necessary and one of the major roadblocks that counties have faced in collecting and reporting data.

They absolutely will need funding, Nunez said of the counties.

Without an appropriation, the states data collection issues are more likely to persist. Of course, if the bill gets successfully introduced in the budget session, it will undergo the amendments.

But Im hopeful. Im hopeful [the committee] will come up with something, Nunez said. I think the bill looks really good and really promising.

The Department of Family Services spends roughly $1.16 million per year on Community Juvenile Service Boards, according to the departments own numbers. The boards advise officials on issues pertaining to juvenile services in a given county.

The Legislature just allocated $4 million for the state to sue the federal government (in opposition to vaccine mandates), Nunez said. We could fund the CJSBs for three years and have change left over.

The committee voted against sponsoring a second bill that aimed to reduce the number of youth confined in the state. The bill would have required a structured decision-making process to make out-of-home placements, instead of funneling juveniles through existing systems that can sometimes land them in situations that end up harming them more, testified Dr. Kayla Burd, an assistant professor of social cognition and law at the University of Wyoming.

Additionally, the bill would have would raised the minimum age of commitment to the Wyoming Boys School or Girls School from 12 to 15.

Technically, the bill is not dead, but it would require a lawmaker to take it up as a personal bill in the February legislative session.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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Wyoming Republican leaders voted this weekend to no longer recognize Rep. Liz Cheney as a member of their party.

The resolution, which does not strip Cheney of any tangible power, passed the Wyoming GOP Central Committee by a vote of 31-29 during a Saturday meeting Buffalo.

The symbolic move came after roughly nine county Republican parties voted to no longer recognize Cheney, Joey Correnti, chairman of the Carbon County GOP and one of the officials spearheading the effort, estimated. A number of those county central committees passed the resolution with much wider margins than the state committee, with some passing the resolution unanimously.

It seemed like there was fatigue on the issue, which was nice to see, said Dr. Joseph McGinley, a Natrona County GOP state committeeman who attended the state GOP meeting this weekend.

The Cheney camp didnt hold back.

Its laughable to suggest Liz is anything but a committed conservative Republican, said Jeremy Adler, a Cheney spokesperson. She is bound by her oath to the Constitution. Sadly, a portion of the Wyoming GOP leadership has abandoned that fundamental principle, and instead allowed themselves to be held hostage to the lies of a dangerous and irrational man.

Cheneys falling out with many in her party stems from her repeated criticism of former President Donald Trump and his role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. The congresswoman says her vote to impeach Trump after the insurrection, and her criticisms of his attempts to undermine the 2020 presidential election, put principle  and the Constitution  above party.

But the state central committee sees it differently.

Previously mentioned in the resolution of censure, Representative Liz Cheney cast her vote in favor of impeachment without any quantifiable evidence of High Crimes or Misdemeanors, the resolution stated. As to date, no quantifiable and or undisputed evidence has been offered Representative Liz Cheney to defend her questionable decision.

On Jan. 6, Cheney blamed Trump for the riot at the Capitol.

The president incited the mob, she said in an television interview that day. The president addressed the mob. He lit the flame.

In the resolution that censured Cheney, the state party without evidence blamed members of the anti-fascist movement (Antifa) and the Black Lives Matter movement for instigating the violence.

Despite the repeated rebukes at the federal and state level, Cheney has not shown any sign of backing down.

Cheney is now serving as vice chairwoman of the House select committee charged with investigating the deadly attack on the Capitol, a position that has spurred critics to call her a Nancy Pelosi ally.

To further her own personal political agenda, Representative Liz Cheney has not only caused massive disruption, distraction and division within the House Republican Conference, but has also willingly, happily, and energetically joined forced with and proudly pledged allegiance to democrat Speaker of the House Pelosi, as a means of serving her own personal interests while ignoring the interests, needs and expectations of Wyoming Republicans, the resolution passed stated.

Earlier this year, Correnti told the Star-Tribune that he hoped that the county-level resolutions would eventually be adopted by the Central Committee of the Wyoming Republican Party, which came to fruition this weekend. Cheneys censure took a similar path: A few counties led the way before nearly all followed suit. Finally, the state party acted to censure her.

The sentiment that Cheney is not conservative or a Republican is statistically inaccurate  her voting record is staunchly conservative.

During Trumps term, Cheney voted with him on policy 93% of the time. Thats a higher percentage than Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar, Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and a number of other lawmakers who are seen as staunch Trump allies. Cheney has also received solid grades from prominent conservative groups, including the Susan B. Anthony List and the National Rifle Association.

The state party vote comes at a pivotal time for Cheney. She is currently running for reelection to U.S. House and faces a formidable challenge: Harriet Hageman, the Trump-endorsed candidate in the race and a Cheyenne lawyer who ran for governor in 2018.

Its fitting because Liz Cheney stopped recognizing what Wyomingites care about a long time ago. When she launched her war against President Trump, she completely broke with where we are as a state, Hageman said in a statement.

The end of the resolution made an appeal to congressional Republicans by asking that the House Republican Conference Leadership immediately remove Representative Liz Cheney from all committee assignments and the House Republican conference itself, to assist and expedite her seamless exodus from the Republican Party.

Frank Eathorne, chairman of the state GOP, did not respond to request for comment.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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JACKSON (WNE)  St. Johns Health CEO David Robertson in a Wednesday email to hospital staff expressed gratitude for their service and urged them not to leave because of the recently approved federal vaccine mandate.

Roughly 17% of St. Johns staff of about 830 are unvaccinated.

It is my sincere desire for us to NOT see anyone leave our St. Johns team as a result of this nationally mandated program. Our community is counting on us, the CEO wrote.

Robertson also expressed support for the lifesaving pandemic precaution.

As you all know, I am personally very strongly committed to the value and efficacy of vaccines, he wrote. Without question, for employee safety and the safety of co-workers and patients, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the recommended course of action.

Finalized rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services require health care workers nationwide to receive their first vaccine dose by Dec. 5 and complete the series by Jan. 4.

There are select medical and religious exemptions, but unlike the mandated program for employers with more than 100 employees, there is no test-out option for health care workers.

Staff who are not fully vaccinated or granted an exemption by Jan. 4 cannot continue to work for St. Johns.

The federal mandate applies to all health care organizations nationwide that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Noncompliance could result in St. Johns being excluded from those programs, which would essentially result in the closure of St. Johns, Robertson wrote.

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GILLETTE  The Campbell County Health COVID-19 vaccine policy implemented this week will pose the decision to the organizations 1,100 or so employees to either get vaccinated, file for a religious or medical exemption or lose their jobs.

Although exact vaccination figures for CCH employees are unclear, it is believed that about 40% of the organization is already vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving more than half of CCH employees to decide between the vaccine or their jobs.

In discussing the COVID-19 vaccine policy last week, hospital board trustees identified the religious exemption as a possible out for employees who want their jobs, but not the vaccine.

But that raises other concerns about the morality and ethics of using religion to avoid a vaccine that has carried political and social resistance from many.

Its one of those deals that morally and ethically, it feels dirty, 100% dirty, said trustee Alan Stuber. When we, a couple months ago, sat there and said were going to stand strong and stand up for the employees, I meant it. I cant speak for anyone else or say they dont want to, but to me, it just feels fake.

The medical exemptions are very limited and specific in which conditions may apply. The religious exemption stipulates that the applicant hold a sincere religious belief that conflicts with taking the COVID-19 vaccine. It also requires the employee to agree that the conflict is religious and not a social, political, economic, personal or non-religious view.

Stuber was the lone trustee to vote against the approval of the vaccine policy Tuesday night. Prior to that, he motioned to table the vote until Dec. 2. That motion ultimately failed.

CCH employees will have to receive their first dose by Dec. 6 and have both shots by Jan. 4, unless they seek and are approved for a medical or religious exemption. The CCH policy came in response to federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidelines requiring health care workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The state of Wyoming and nine other states filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the newly announced CMS health care requirements, but it is unclear what impact that could have or how long that could take to play out. Prior to the lawsuit being filed, hospital attorneys said that overturning the CMS requirements is very unlikely.

Approving the CCH policy within the CMS requirements was a necessary step to having the hospital stay open, said hospital board Chairman Adrian Gerrits.

I dont want to (mandate vaccinations) anymore than the next guy, Gerrits said. We can talk about what were going to do with employees that quit. We have lots of troubled waters ahead of us but all of that is a moot point if CMS shuts us down.

Trustees had a lengthy discussion Tuesday night after Stuber motioned that the hospital board table the vote on the vaccine policy until the next regular board meeting on Dec. 2, leaving only a few days before the Dec. 6 CMS deadline for employees to receive their first shots.

Trustee Tom Murphy seconded the motion, which led to a roughly 30-minute conversation among trustees, administrators and attorneys.

Im still very uncomfortable with having our employees having to sign a form or a religious exemption or anything of that, Stuber said at the meeting. Our employees are scared, theyre overworked right now. I feel morally and ethically this is very wrong.

Stuber said it could buy us more time to see if any federal changes occurred, upending or changing the CMS mandate.

Attorney Alison Ochs Gee said that although the OSHA rulings requiring vaccinations for some companies has been challenged, the CMS guidelines are not vulnerable to the same legal action. It would be up to the states to sue the federal government over the health care worker mandates.

However, on Wednesday, 10 states, including Wyoming, collectively sued the federal government in an attempt to thwart the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for health care workers.

When considering whether to table the vote, trustees decided to pass the policy to allow more time for the exemption approval and denial process.

The religious and medical exemptions are exemptions from enforcement of the policy. Without a policy in place to enforce, the exemptions could be collected, but not processed until a policy went in place, said attorney Bradley Cave.

Employees must have their exemptions filed by Nov. 22, according to the CCH policy. The exemptions will be reviewed, approved or denied by Cave and CCH Vice President of Human Resource Noamie Niemitalo.

Gerrits said that he is not comfortable asking hospital administrators to try complying with the policy in three days, which would happen if the policy was approved Dec. 2. He said the even shorter notice would also be unfair to employees who will seek vaccination or an exemption.

Were basically playing chicken with our hospital against CMS, Gerrits said.

Murphy asked to have examples made available for employees of religious exemptions that would be approved under the CCH and CMS requirements.

Legal needs to tell us if we can do that. Im not comfortable we can do that, interim CEO Jerry Klein said.

Cave said they can provide Equal Employment Opportunity Commission examples that help explain which principles would fit within the requirements but could not give employees a template for how to submit an approvable exemption form.

We cannot draft a religious exemption for employees to use. The other requirement that the hospital will be held to is the determination the religious belief that the employee explains is sincerely held, Cave said. If we begin to get boilerplate religious exemptions where everyone is the same, because thats the language that theyve been given, its going to be really difficult for the hospital with a straight face to say thats a sincerely held religious belief.

Trustees voted five to one against the motion to table, with Stuber the lone vote in favor. They then voted five to one to approve the policy, with Stuber the lone objector. Trustee Sara Hartsaw was away from the call at the time of the vote.

I dont like that we have to do this, but we have to do this, trustee Lisa Harry said.

Hospital board trustees and administrators have taken a stance as pro-vaccine but anti-vaccine mandate. They argued the potential of losing more staff while already dealing with a shortage amid an increase in inpatient workload could be detrimental to the community health system.

During a September hospital board meeting, CCH employees and members of the public packed the city hall meeting room to speak out against the potential vaccine mandate. Several employees there said they, or others in their departments, would quit if the mandate was enacted.

Employers found out of compliance with the mandate will be cited and given the opportunity to comply before further penalty. But if facilities still fail to comply, CMS will not hesitate to use its full enforcement authority to protect the health and safety of patients, the CMS press release said.

Not complying with the CMS requirements would effectively shut the hospital down, health care officials and legal counsel have said.

The guidelines apply to nearly all health care providers in the U.S., including others within Campbell County.

Although a CCH nurse likely would have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in order to work for a different health care employer, non-medical personnel could potentially leave the organization for a non-health care job.

Although about 40% of CCH employees have been confirmed as vaccinated, it remains unclear how many employees will be affected by the adopted policy.

Niemitalo said that since CCH stopped vaccinating its own employees directly, keeping track of vaccination status has become more difficult. It is also unclear how many of the majority of CCH employees will apply for and be granted a medical or religious exemption.

Unfortunately, its pretty much all a guess at this point, Niemitalo said.

Employees have until Nov. 22 to decide to apply for the religious exemption. Until then, it remains to be seen how many CCH employees will fall on religion to help them avoid the vaccine.

Morally and ethically, I dont think its right that someone has to come in and fill out a form over a shot that dives into their (religious beliefs)  its almost a slap in the face to the churches and religious people around town that youre using religion almost in a wrong way, Stuber said. But then again, thats peoples choice if thats what they want to do.

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A Utah woman died Sunday evening after she was struck by a car in southwestern Wyoming.

The woman, 64-year-old Amy Castillo, had been a passenger in a Subaru Outback that had become disabled in the center of U.S. Highway 189 after colliding with a deer, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Castillo had gotten out of the car while attempting, along with other people, to move the Outback out of the road. The driver of an approaching Mitsubishi Lancer did not see the Outback, which did not have its headlights activated, the highway patrol said.

The Lancer struck the Outback and Castillo.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating driver inattention as a possible contributing factor to the crash.

Two days earlier, an Idaho teenager died after the pickup he was traveling in rolled along Interstate 80 near Rawlins, the highway patrol reported.

Bayron Amaya Torres, 18, died at a nearby hospital.

The crash occurred at 8:10 a.m. Friday as a Toyota Tacoma that Torres was traveling in was moving east on Interstate 80. The truck crossed an icy bridge, and the driver lost control, the highway patrol said.

The truck drove off the left side of the highway, then turned back to the right, triggering a skid that resulted in the Tacoma rolling multiple times. Torres and the driver were both thrown from the truck.

A highway patrol report did not specify the condition of the driver. Nor did it list possible contributing factors to the crash.

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The Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Ltd (CLICO) now owes the Government $1.21 billion as part of its 2009 bailout arrangement.

Its taken 12 years to have the debt reduced from $18 billion in 2009 to now $1.2 billion in 2021.
A POLICE Constable and a Coastguardsman shot and killed each other yesterday morning in Diego Martin during an alleged dispute over a woman.

Police said around 2.20 a.m., PC Jomo Gulston, 37, a soon-to-be father of Endeavour, Chaguanas had just dropped off an unidentified woman at the home of her boyfriend, Coast Guard officer Jabari Francois, 33, at Waterwheel Road, River Estate, Diego Martin.
Ive noticed in recent times a series of letters with an anti-vaccination leaning from Kevin Baldeosingh culminating with one published on Saturday. Could Mr Baldeosinghs need to write in the public forum be the result of cognitive dissonance, where he is really trying to convince himself that what he is doing is correct?
I hope that Mana can be a band that can follow the footsteps of other famous and important bands like Aerosmith, that theyve doing it all their life, or U2, or the Stones, said Gonzalez. Weve been practicing after a long time of not playing together and the incredible thing was that when we got into the rehearsal room the energy was just so amazing... Its like you put the pause button, and then you took the pause button off and it was like nothing had happened.

Being able to perform in a single city without having to go on an international tour will allow the band to continue working on new releases, including one of duets of their hits. Their next studio album will be released in 2023, and the band is eager to present new music after their Cama Incendiada of 2015.

On Thursday they will release a very Mexican version of their Mariposa Traicionera with Alejandro Fernandez, which will be part of their duets album.

Its been fun to do this project, said Gonzalez. Its a way to do versions of songs that were hits, or people like, but with other artists that also like Mana.
PHOENIX  With his legal challenges to vaccine and mask mandates rejected by a federal judge, Attorney General Mark Brnovich now wants Gov. Doug Ducey to order lawmakers back to the Capitol.

Brnovich, a U.S. Senate candidate, wants Ducey to call a special legislative session to restore four laws barring local governments, public schools and universities from mandating that employees, staff and students be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear face coverings.

Those bans were approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature earlier this year. But all were voided by a trial judge because they were packed into various unrelated budget reconciliation bills, a ruling ratified by the Arizona Supreme Court.

In a letter to Ducey, Brnovich called the situation most pressing, saying he has received complaints in particular from government workers who face the prospect of either submitting to a vaccine or being fired.

Brnovich, engaged in what could be a tight race in his bid to be the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, also is pressuring Ducey to use what the attorney general contends are his powers to block what schools and local governments are doing, even if the Legislature cannot or will not.
The ruling is founded neither in law or fact, Pattis said in an email. We remain confident that, in the end, the Sandy Hook families cannot prove either liability or damages. We think their lawyers know this; hence, the desperate effort to obtain a default.

His lawyers have asked that Bellis be removed from the case, alleging she has not been impartial.

The ruling has the same outcome as a jury determining the case in favor of the families. A jury will now determine the damages.

Twenty first-graders and six educators were killed in the December 2012 shooting. The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, killed his mother at their Newtown home before the shooting, and killed himself at the school as police arrived, officials said.

The shooting was portrayed on Jones Infowars show as a hoax involving actors aimed at increasing gun control. Jones has since acknowledged the school shooting did occur.

Families of the victims said they have been subjected to harassment and death threats from Jones followers because of the hoax conspiracy pushed on Infowars. They sued Jones and his companies for defamation and infliction of emotional distress. The hearing on damages before a jury is expected to be held next year.
He was chased down, kidnapped and tortured for helping Venezuela, Maduro said at a book fair this month in Caracas where he presented alongside Saab's Italian wife a collection of letters he purportedly wrote while detained in Cape Verde on a U.S. warrant.

But new court filings in a related case indicate that Saab, despite his portrayal as an anti-imperial revolutionary, may have been secretly betraying Venezuela's government to U.S. officials for years.

The bombshell revelation was contained in a sentencing memo by attorneys for a University of Miami professor, Bruce Bagley, who Saab hired to assist with his son's visa application and then used as a channel to make payments to attorneys that were helping him reach out to U.S. federal investigators.

Saab, through an attorney, has said all of his activities had the blessing of Maduro's government and at all times he's been a loyal citizen of Venezuela.
Both leaders gave nods to their history with the other. Biden noted that the two have spent an awful ... lot of time speaking to each other over the years, and have never walked away wondering what the other man is thinking. During their talk, both leaders recalled things that the others had said in past conversations as they sought to counter and drive home arguments, according to a senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters after the meeting on the condition of anonymity.

But the public warmth  Xi referred to Biden as his old friend when the then-vice president visited China in 2013, while Biden spoke of their friendship  has cooled now that both men are heads of state. Biden bristled in June when asked by a reporter if he would press his old friend to cooperate with a World Health Organization investigation into the coronavirus origins.

Xi, however, seemed interested in publicly reviving the warmth of the earlier days of their relationship, saying, I am very happy to see my old friend."

During the early going of the Biden administration, the two sides have frequently traded recriminations and the presidents' top advisers have engaged in unproductive exchanges. But there have been moments of progress.
And she blocked prosecutors' attempt to introduce emails they said would show Maxwell tried select women for other men, saying she was using her access to women as a form of social currency with other influential men with whom she sought to ingratiate herself.

Epsteins name, however, is expected to come up frequently, and Maxwell's lawyers have complained that Maxwell has already suffered from the negative publicity surrounding him. A questionnaire used to screen potential jurors inquired whether they had ever posted anything or an opinion about Maxwell or Epstein on social media.

The defense has signaled it wants to portray Maxwell as a victim of sorts.

Jeffrey Epstein was a brilliant man who was flawed by enduring personality traits familiar to psychiatrists, her lawyers said in a recent court filing. Like many people who achieve great power and wealth, Jeffery Epstein exploited the Halo effect to surround himself with people who would serve his needs.

Nathan has four times rejected Maxwell's bail requests, noting the ease with which the holder of U.S., French and British citizenships could use wealth and global connections to flee.
"It is obviously distressing to hear of these conditions," he said. I come back to the same question: How is Mr. Tarrio's condition any different than any other inmate at the jail?

Tarrio claims he has endured serious abuses of his rights on a dally basis while being held in a segregation unit. Jail employees have ignored his requests for medical treatment, thrown cold, often inedible meals into his cell and denied him access to running water in his cell, he said.

Mr. Tarrio has been intimidated and antagonized by correctional staff to dissuade him from making complaints about the horrendous conditions, wrote Tarrios attorney, Lucas Dansie.

Roughly three dozen Proud Boys leaders, members and associates have been charged in the Capitol riot. Some of them are charged with conspiring to carry out a coordinated attack on the Capitol to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's electoral victory.

Tarrio wasnt at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and hasnt been charged in connection with the riot. He was arrested in Washington on a warrant two days before the siege and ordered to stay out of the nations capital.
In 1966, the flight of Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, ended successfully as astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin Buzz Aldrin Jr. splashed down safely in the Atlantic after spending four days in orbit.

In 1969, a quarter of a million protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in Washington against the Vietnam War.

In 1989, Time Warner launched The Comedy Channel, which later merged with Viacoms HA! network to form Comedy Central.

In 2003, two Black Hawk helicopters collided and crashed in Iraq; 17 U.S. troops were killed.

In 2019, Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of President Donald Trump, was convicted of all seven counts in a federal indictment accusing him of lying to Congress, tampering with a witness and obstructing the House investigation of whether Trump coordinated with Russia during the 2016 campaign. (As Stone was about to begin serving a 40-month prison sentence, Trump commuted the sentence.)

Ten years ago: Hundreds of police officers in riot gear raided the Occupy Wall Street encampment in New York City in the pre-dawn darkness, evicting hundreds of protesters and then demolishing the tent city. Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers breezed to the AL Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote.
BANGKOK (AP)  American journalist Danny Fenster, sentenced only days ago to 11 years hard labor in Myanmar, has been freed and is on his way home, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson said Monday.

Richardson said in a statement that Fenster had been handed over to him in Myanmar and would return to the U.S. via Qatar over the next day and a half.

"This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work," Richardson said in a statement emailed from his office. "We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds."

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations.

Fenster's sentence was the harshest punishment yet among the seven journalists known to have been convicted since the military took power.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the decision, saying in a statement that it was "an unjust conviction of an innocent person."
CASPER, Wyo. (AP)  The Wyoming Republican Party will no longer recognize Liz Cheney as a member of the GOP in its second formal rebuke for her criticism of former President Donald Trump.

The 31-29 vote Saturday in Buffalo, Wyoming, by the state party central committee followed votes by local GOP officials in about one-third of Wyoming's 23 counties to no longer recognize Cheney as a Republican.

In February, the Wyoming GOP central committee voted overwhelmingly to censure Cheney, Wyoming's lone U.S. representative, for voting to impeach Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Cheney has described her vote to impeach Trump as an act of conscience in defense of the Constitution. Trump incited the mob and lit the flame of that day's events, Cheney said after the attack.

It's laughable for anybody to suggest Cheney isn't a conservative Republican, Cheney spokesman Jeremy Adler said by text message Monday.

She is bound by her oath to the Constitution. Sadly a portion of the Wyoming GOP leadership has abandoned that fundamental principle and instead allowed themselves to be held hostage to the lies of a dangerous and irrational man, Adler added.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Energy ministers from across the developing world gathered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Monday and stressed the need for continued investment in fossil fuel production  a message just days after these same nations joined around 200 countries in accepting a compromise deal aimed at limiting rising global temperatures and curbing greenhouse emissions.

Energy ministers from two key OPEC nations  the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia  pointed to the rising price of natural gas and the energy crunch this has created in Europe and China as examples of what happens when demand outstrips supply. They say this has raised the price of energy across the board, impacting oil prices now hovering around $80 a barrel.

After almost a decade of under-investment in our industry, the world has sleepwalked into a supply crunch. It is time to wake up, said Managing Director and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Sultan Al-Jaber.

The remarks came at the start of the annual Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference.
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP)  Libyas interim prime minister said Monday that he'll run for president if that's what the people want, a day after the son of the countrys late dictator Moammar Gadhafi emerged after years of hiding and announced his candidacy for the countrys top office.

The developments come as the date for long-planned elections, scheduled to take place on Dec. 24, draws nearer.

Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who is meant to lead the country until a winner is declared following national and presidential elections on Dec. 24, asked a cheering crowd at a youth rally: Its up to you. Do you want me to run in the elections, or do you not?

Dbeibah is barred from running under Libya's current elections laws.

On Sunday, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and one-time heir apparent of Gadhafi, submitted papers in the southern town of Sabha declaring his candidacy. Seif al-Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, has spent years largely in hiding.

His father was removed from power in 2011 in a NATO-backed popular uprising, after more than 40 years in power, and was hunted down and killed amid the ensuing fighting that turned into a civil war.
I think its important also that we dont now increase tensions, but we have to be clear-eyed, we need to be realistic about the challenges we face, he said.

Ukraines defense ministry claims that about 90,000 Russian troops are stationed not far from their border and in rebel-controlled areas in Ukraines east. It said units of the Russian 41st army have remained in Yelnya, a town 260 kilometers (about 160 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

Kuleba said we have to be ready for all scenarios, for all options, and he called for help from the 30-country military organization to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Germany and France warned Russia against taking any military action in Ukraine.

Against the backdrop of renewed concerns about Russian movements of troops and hardware near Ukraine, we call on Russia to adopt a posture of restraint and provide transparent information about its military activities. Any new attempt to undermine Ukraines territorial integrity would have serious consequences, the ministers said.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Three people have been arrested in Poland in connection with an antisemitic demonstration last week where far-right participants shouted Death to the Jews!, the country's interior minister said Monday.

The demonstration took place last Thursday, on Poland's Independence Day, in the central Polish city of Kalisz. Participants also burned a copy of a medieval document that offered Jews protection and rights in Polish lands.

Poland's Jewish community said in a statement Monday that Polish Jews have not experienced such contempt and hatred expressed in public for years.

Poland is our homeland. We are both Jews and Poles. We are asking, however, why our right to regard Poland as our home is being questioned ever more often and ever more openly? the Union of Jewish Religious Communities said.

Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced the arrests on Twitter, saying there is no consent to antisemitism and hatred based on nationality, religion or ethnicity.

In the face of the organizers of the disgraceful event in Kalisz, the Polish state must show its ruthlessness and determination, Kaminski said.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released its recommendations for holiday gatherings and related travel, saying the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk is to get vaccinated if youre eligible. Everyones situation is unique, though, so AAA urges anyone considering gathering or traveling for Thanksgiving to consult CDC guidance before finalizing holiday plans.

This years forecast marks the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005. Despite gas costing over a dollar more per gallon than this time last year, 90% of people plan to travel by car as their preferred mode of travel.

Although vehicles still are the most popular choice for travelers, a greater share than last year will opt to travel by air and other modes such as bus, train or cruise this year.

Whether persons plan to do so by car or plane, its important to know how to navigate the new travel landscape to avoid unnecessary stress and challenges on the way to your Thanksgiving destination.

AAA recommends booking flights, car rentals and accommodations as early as possible.
We want patients to be assured and comforted with the knowledge that our doctors and nurses, other clinicians and associates, working in one of our hospitals or other sites of care, will either be vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza, or in the instances of exemptions or accommodations, be complying with additional infection prevention protocols.

Patients and their loved ones should have that peace of mind as they entrust us with their care.

The bulk of the 15-page petition describes unsuccessful attempts by Dr. Mitchell W. Duininck to obtain a religious exemption to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

The lawsuit describes the family medicine physician as president and chief executive officer since 2006 of In His Image Inc., a Christian community-based family medicine residency training program at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa.

The lawsuit says Ascension twice rejected Duinincks attempts to obtain the religious exemption to the vaccine. One email to Duininck from Ascension officials stated that granting him a religious exemption would present an undue hardship because the vaccine is the most effective means to mitigate the risk to patient and workplace safety, according to the lawsuit.
Thanksgiving meal service: With Tulsa Public Schools not in session Nov. 22-26, the district will offer seven days worth of snacks and dinners via curbside pickup from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the former Grimes Elementary School, 3213 E. 56th St. Any child age 18 and younger is eligible to receive the food.

COVID-19 by the numbers: Several area school districts released updated COVID-19 case counts Friday.

Tulsa Public Schools reported 21 student cases and 10 employee cases, plus an additional 148 close contact exposures. Kendall-Whittier Elementary School accounted for eight confirmed cases and 47 close contact exposures.

Bartlesville Public Schools reported 12 positive cases among its staff and students, plus an additional 16 people in quarantine.

Bixby Public Schools reported 20 active cases among its staff and students. No individual campus had more than five confirmed cases.

Broken Arrow Public Schools reported 71 confirmed cases among its students and eight among its employees. The district does not differentiate among campuses in its public reporting.

Glenpool Public Schools did not have any reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 among its employees or students.
In May 1956, when more than 500 business leaders and public officials came to Tulsa from 22 different states to talk about the Jet Age, most people still got here by train. The first domestic jetliners wouldnt take off for another three years.

Harold Stuart, the Tulsa businessman who organized the Jet Age Conference, was married to the daughter of oil tycoon William Skelly, who had been an advocate for the citys aviation industry since the biplane era.

Stuart himself had served as a colonel in the Army Air Corps during World War II and spent two years as the assistant secretary of the newly created U.S. Air Force under President Harry Truman.

He had seen what a massive challenge it was for military bases to transition from propeller aircraft to jets, and he didnt think civilian airports were doing enough to get ready for the bigger, faster planes that were under development.

The all-day conference in Tulsa was meant, in part, to educate public officials about the infrastructure improvements that cities were going to need for jet-powered airliners, including longer runways, larger terminals and more advanced air-traffic control systems, according to media coverage of the event.
Authorities late Sunday night captured two reported escaped federal fugitives in Rogers County.

U.S. marshals and Rogers County sheriffs deputies on Sunday were searching for Dustin Marris and Coker Barker, who were federal fugitives, the Rogers County Sheriffs Office said.

After an extraordinary amount of resources, our Rogers County Sheriffs Office is pleased to announce that Dustin Marris and Coker Barker are in custody, the sheriffs office said in a social media post.

They are being removed from the area by members of the U.S. Marshals Office, where they will be confined in a secured facility awaiting further federal processing.

They were contained in a residence near the original area where both suspects fled on foot (Saturday) evening.

No one was harmed and all law enforcement officers participating in the manhunt are safe and preparing to return home.
Some have called for the session to be expanded to deal with vaccine mandates, and two House bills banning such mandates have been filed, but Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leadership have shown little interest in taking up the matter.

While some objections may arise to the new districts, particularly the boundaries of the 5th Congressional District, and some members may want to bring up other matters, the session is expected to proceed relatively smoothly.

Eight bills were filed for the special session, two of which cannot be heard unless the session call is amended.

House Bill 1001x, by Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond, sets the final districts for the state House of Representatives and extends the residency deadline to Dec. 31, 2021. It also allows current members to move to remain in the district they represent.

Reportedly, one House member  Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton  was drawn out of his district by the current maps.
Health authorities in Hanoi have agreed to reduce the interval between two AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine shots to at least four from eight weeks, with a view to expediting inoculation.

The citys Department of Health on Sunday announced its approval for the Hanoi Center for Disease Controls (Hanoi CDC) proposal to cut the vaccination gap to speed up the immunization process in a safe and effective way.

The proposal has been based on the guidance of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, which recommends that the second AstraZeneca vaccine shot be given four weeks or more after the first jab.

According to the manufacturers instructions, the second dose should be given between four and 12 weeks after the first, while Vietnam chose to follow the World Health Organization's recommendation on an interval of eight to 12 weeks.

In late September, Ho Chi Minh City shortened the gap between two shots of the vaccine to at least six weeks, with the same target to accelerate immunization coverage for all residents.

As of Sunday, Hanoi, with a population of eight million, had administered around 6.12 million first doses and some five million second jabs, according to the national COVID-19 vaccination portal.

About 93 percent of the capital city's residents aged 18 and above have got their first vaccine dose, and some 70 percent of this age group have received two full shots, the Hanoi CDC reported.

Around one million people over 50 are still waiting for their second vaccine shots, said Tran Thi Nhi Ha, director of the municipal health department.

Hanoi aims to give COVID-19 vaccine to over 95 percent of local children aged 12 to 17 who are eligible for vaccination.

Accordingly, coronavirus inoculation will be given to some 792,000 children, including 520,000 aged 12 to under 16 and 272,000 from 16 to under 18 years old.

The child vaccination drive will kick off as soon as Hanoi receives a vaccine allocation from the Ministry of Health, with the first supply expected to be available from now to the end of this year.

The country, with a population of 98 million, has received around 125 million COVID-19 vaccine shots out of the 200 million jabs that have been contracted so far, according to the ministry.

Since the pandemic hit the country in early 2020, Hanoi has documented 6,489 cases including 41 deaths, the ministrys data shows.

Nationwide, 1,026,522 infections, including 863,311 recoveries and 23,082 fatalities, have been recorded as yet.

The Southeast Asian country has recently seen its daily mortalities drop remarkably, to 64 on Sunday from 276 two months earlier, notwithstanding its infections gradually climbing again from mid-October, the ministry reported.

The Vietnamese government has eased COVID-19 restrictions to reopen the economy in new normal conditions, a reference to living safely with the coronavirus, since early October.

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Rangers in Ho Chi Minh City have caught a wild one-footed monkey after monkey bite cases were reported in District 12 last week.

The rangers lured the monkey with fruit and used a specialized gun to anesthetize it on Saturday morning.

The monkey has been sent to the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station in the namesake district for further care in accordance with regulations.

Its first victim was Luong Minh Tuan, a 36-year-old manager of a wood product workshop on TX25 Street in District 12's Thanh Xuan Ward.

A male primate jumped from a tree and bit Tuans pants, causing slight scratches to his skin, before disappearing on November 10, he recounted.

The monkey reappeared on the next afternoon and bit Th., a worker at Tuans workshop, leaving deep wounds in his arms and leading to him bleeding profusely.

The wild animal once again ran away as Tuan appeared to check on Th., who was then given first aid and had his wounds bandaged.

Another person also fell victim to the monkey at a recreational fishing establishment next to the wood workshop on November 12, according to Tuan.

The monkey is a long-tailed macaque with long fangs, weighing about seven kilograms, with an amputated right foot, according to an official from the Ho Chi Minh City forest protection bureau.

According to our observations, this male monkey is estimated to be about ten years old, the official said.

It is not clear why the animal has an amputated foot.

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The Ministry of Health documented 8,616 more coronavirus infections in Vietnam on Monday, in addition to 1,205 recovered patients and 101 deaths.

The latest infections, including 13 imported and 8,603 local cases, were logged in 57 provinces and cities, the ministry said, adding that 3,950 patients caught the virus in the community.

Ho Chi Minh City recorded 1,165 of the domestic transmissions, An Giang Province 660, Binh Duong Province 616, Tay Ninh Province 579, Dong Nai Province 558, Tien Giang Province 500, Binh Thuan Province 342, Hanoi 239, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province 178, Can Tho City 125, Khanh Hoa Province 111, Quang Nam Province 41, Da Nang 13, and Hai Phong five.

Vietnam had reported 8,451 locally-infected patients on Sunday.

The Southeast Asian country has detected 1,030,096 community transmissions in all its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth virus wave flared up on April 27. A combined 861,699 of them have recovered from COVID-19.

Ho Chi Minh City has been the largest hotbed with 448,593 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 244,113, Dong Nai Province with 78,631, Long An Province with 36,599, Tien Giang Province with 21,280, An Giang Province with 18,118, Tay Ninh Province with 16,363, Kien Giang Province with 14,657, Dong Thap Province with 13,751, Khanh Hoa Province with 10,384, Can Tho City with 9,397, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 6,830, Hanoi with 6,471, and Da Nang with 5,231.

Vietnam confirmed merely 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in total in the previous three waves.

The health ministry declared 1,205 patients recovered from the ailment on Monday, lifting the total to 864,516.

The toll has mounted to 23,183 fatalities after the ministry registered 101 deaths on the same day, including 45 in Ho Chi Minh City, 10 in An Giang Province, nine in Binh Duong Province, and the remainder in 12 other provinces and cities.

Vietnam has detected 1,035,138 infections since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year.

Health workers have given above 99.7 million vaccine doses, including 849,150 jabs on Sunday, since vaccination was rolled out nationwide on March 8.

More than 35.2 million people have received two jabs.

Health authorities in the country of nearly 98 million people target to fully vaccinate 80 percent of the adults and 100 percent of those aged 12 to under 18 by the end of this year, according to a draft government plan for COVID-19 response in 2021-23.

From 2022 onward, 100 percent of people aged 12 and above will either be fully immunized against the coronavirus or even get booster shots.

Children from three to under 12 years old will be fully inoculated in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines.

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Vietnams Ministry of Public Security has established an air security force in charge of combating terrorism and ensuring security on flights operated by local airlines, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on Monday morning to launch the air security unit, which is under the management of the Vietnam Immigration Department.

The force is tasked with preventing and combating terrorism, preventing and handling unlawful interference, and ensuring security on flights of Vietnamese airlines.

Officers will monitor situations related to aviation security, as well as collecting and analyzing information to predict the conspiracy, methods, and schemes that threaten the security and safety of domestic and international flights.

The unit will also submit proposals to the Immigration Department regarding plans to proactively detect, prevent, and handle acts of terrorism or threats against aviation safety and security.

In addition, officers will be responsible for coordinating with cabin crews in dealing with unlawful interference and unexpected situations that compromise security and safety onboard aircraft.

They are allowed to use weapons, tools, and technical means in accordance with the law to neutralize these illegal acts.

In special cases, the unit will propose the postponement of a flight if having enough grounds to identify potential terrorist or illegal activities.

Vietnam has not recorded any evidence of the intention to carry out illegal acts by terrorist organizations, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

However, Southeast Asia, with more than 300 million Muslims, is emerging as a source of manpower for radical Islamic terrorist organizations.

Representative agencies of the U.S. and other countries participating in the U.S. anti-terrorist coalition are at risk of becoming the target of possible terrorist attacks.

Therefore, the Immigration Department decided to work with relevant agencies to prepare for the organization and operation of the air security force in early 2020.

Given approval from the Ministry of Public Security, relevant units have been recruiting and training officers for this special force.

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Functional forces in Vietnams southern Binh Duong Province are looking into the large gathering of people at a local theme park to watch a live-streamed session held by live-streaming sensation Nguyen Phuong Hang, CEO of the parks operator, on Sunday.

We will ask inspectors of the provincial department [of Culture, Sports, and Tourism] to report [on the large gathering], and hold a working session with the operator of the park, a leader of the department told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper later the same day.

The department sent its inspectors to Dai Nam Wonderland, one of Vietnams largest tourism complexes, in Hiep An Ward of Binh Duongs Thu Dau Mot City when Hang and her husband, Huynh Uy Dung, organized a live-streamed session there on Sunday.

Dung, also known as Dung lo voi, is chairman of Dai Nam JSC, which operates Dai Nam Wonderland, while Hang has risen to fame on social media since May following her live-streamed sessions that both drew hundreds of thousands of live viewers and sparked a huge public controversy.

Her live streams featured harsh language against many whom she claimed to be con artists and famous but dishonest entertainers in Vietnam.

Hang has held meet-and-greets to meet and talk to her supporters recently.

Many people, including a large number of uninvited YouTubers, congregated at Sundays live-streamed session, which featured a doctor of law and invited YouTubers, despite the danger of COVID-19 spread, according to Tuoi Tre correspondents observation.

This screenshot from a video shows Nguyen Phuong Hang (center), her husband Huynh Uy Dung (third right), and her guests during a live-streamed session at Dai Nam Wonderland in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, November 14, 2021.

The provincial cultural and tourism department said that such tourism destinations as Dai Nam Wonderland are allowed to open in the current COVID-19 situation on the condition that they limit guest numbers and comply with healthcare recommendations by the Ministry of Health for pandemic prevention and control.

The departments inspectors thus closely monitored Sundays event as it was taking place.

Vietnam has found 1,026,522 infections since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it early last year, including 1,021,493 community transmissions in all of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth wave broke out in late April.

More than 34.6 million people of the 98-million population in the Southeast Asian country have been fully inoculated against the coronavirus, according to the national COVID-19 vaccination portal.

As of Monday, Binh Duong has administered more than four million vaccine doses.

Nearly 1.7 million out of over 2.4 million people in the locality have been fully vaccinated.

The central government has relaxed pandemic control curbs over the past month as transmissions have slowed down, due partly to larger vaccine coverage.

However, the number of infections has appeared to rebound in several locales in recent days.

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Pham Xuan Long, 21, still remembers the extreme shock of looking at around 20 plastic bags after coming home from a traditional market and the feeling that he needed to do something to help.

Even though he is young, Long compared what he saw in the past when his grandmother and mother often carried straw bags to go to the market to the piles of plastic bags people use now in Vietnam.

They used banana or lotus leaves to wrap food without the need to use a plastic bag.

With that thought in mind, Long also felt sad seeing straw bags woven by elderly villagers who could not sell them due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weaving straw bags is a traditional craft in Longs hometown in Vu Chinh Commune, located in the northern province of Thai Binh.

During the pandemic, many of the villages handmade products had to be stacked in warehouses because there was no way to sell them.

Pham Xuan Longs grandparents, who are now over 80 years old, make straw bags as a traditional craft handed down by ancestors in a supplied photo.

Among the people whose livelihood relies on making straw bags is Longs grandfather, who is over 80 years old now.

Despite his old age, he still works hard every day in the hope of keeping his ancestors traditional craft.

Feeling an urge to do something to help his grandparents, Long tried promoting their straw bags online during his four-month online learning.

He introduced handmade bags on his Facebook account and got much positive feedback from people who support a green lifestyle.

Two years ago, I asked my grandfather for two straw bags and carried them to Hanoi, recalled Long.

I took one to the market, where many people kept looking at it.

"Many of them asked me where I got it as the straw bag reminded them of the old days."

Seeing that many people found the straw bags interesting, Long arrived at the idea of posting the images of them online to seek buyers.

I got the support from many people when I offered the straw bags online for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, he recounted.

There are around ten separate phases conducted for completing a straw bag, including harvesting straws, sorting them out, cutting and drying, pressing, weaving, and more.

At first, a straw bag was sold at an extremely low price, just over VND10,000 ($0.44).

"A skilled person can only weave merely three to four bags a day, Long told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

That price is not worth the labor, so I tried to offer them online and fortunately my grandfathers bags sold out, said Long, adding that he continued to vend more bags after the lucky first sale.

This supplied photo shows two straw bags made by Pham Xuan Longs grandfather.

To date, Long has found more partners who distribute the bags in Hanoi.

He gets more orders from the central city of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

The young man becomes 'an ambassador' for his villagers handmade bags, helping them to sell more products during the pandemic.

According to Long, using straw bags will help decrease a significant number of plastic bags when someone goes to the market.

They can carry some boxes to buy meat or fish at the same time.

Straw bags can be reused for one to two years depending on how a person uses and preserves them," said Long.

"When they cannot be utilized anymore, we can transform them into organic fertilizer.

Long intends to look for new models of straw bags with the aim of attracting young customers.

In his opinion, the bags are not only suitable for market-going, but they can also be used for going on a picnic or traveling.

I was told that I should focus on my studies now instead of selling straw bags since the profit is meager, but I'll try my best, he underlined.

I am happy to find that people are paying more attention to environmental issues now as well as to green products.

"I was called a straw bag entrepreneur' by the old people in the village."

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Two Lego Masters Bricksmas Specials will screen on Nine across the next two Sundays.

Hamish Blake and Judge Ryan Brickman McNaught will host as Scott Cam, Sophie Monk, Brooke Boney and Michael Wippa Wipfli, who will put their building skills to the test.

They are joined by former contestants Michael (Season 3), Stani (Season 2), Jay (Season 2), and one half of the first-ever winning team, Henry (Season 1).

For the first time Brickman will also be putting skills on show, assisting each team with their Christmas builds.

Sunday, November 21 and Sunday, November 28 at 7.00pm on Nine.
The Project has apologised after an unfortunate gag which appeared to be an honest mistake in editorial.

On Thursday night a short clip of a Remembrance Day breakfast at Doncaster RSL included an observation that suggested Yvonne Sher, 65, a mother of a deceased soldier, was giving PM Scott Morrison the cold shoulder.

But Ms. Sher is also visually impaired mother, told The Australian, Theyve tried to make me look like an idiot who doesnt know who the Prime Minister is  it was so humiliating.

Ms Sher said The Project wouldnt have known she was visually impaired but the incident was still upsetting and she had since received an apologetic phone call from one of the programs producers.

Comedian Nath Valvo also sent a message to Shers daughter-in-law, saying a huge sorry to you and the family  If we had known any of this, we would have never shown it.

Its no excuse but please know the intention was to poke fun at the PM, he wrote.

The show also included more poignant stories on Remembrance Day as well.

10 declined to comment.
Everything youre about to see is true. Except for the parts Jonathan made up.

So says new Netflix movie Tick, Tick BOOM!, a show-within-show true story of US composer Jonathan Larson.

Larson died in 1996 aged just 35 years old, the day of the first Off-Broadway preview performance of his latest work, Rent.

The show would go onto a Broadway run of 12 years -the 11th longest-running show on the great white way.

His autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick Boom!, in which he laments not having created a hit show before turning 30, was initially staged in 1990 but following his death was restaged in 2001 and consequently given a whole new, poetic, context.

This film by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature directorial debut, captures all of that evocatively led by actor Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, The Amazing Spiderman) as 29 year old Larson.

Miranda juxtaposes Larson behind the piano performing to an Off-Broadway crowd with scenes from his life with creative New York friends in the 90s, holding down a diner job, sweating over a keyboard and raising funds for his latest musical workshop, a dystopian rock musical called Superbia (are you keeping up?).

Ideas and songs constantly collide, on the stage, the street, the diner and rooftops but the life force of Larson brings it all together. His burning need for success before turning 30 is highlighted by early successes of Stephen Sondheim (portrayed by Bradley Whitford) and parental pressure.

Not even girlfriend Susan (Alexandra Shipp) can distract him from insatiable quest and theres a rocky friendship with gay pal Michael (Robin de Jesus) who has seemingly dispensed with worldly ambitions for worldly possessions. Yep, he works in advertising.

But as the day draws close to his Superbia presentation for potential backers, Larson cant seem to write a missing song on which a story turning-point hinges. His raucous agent Rosa (Judith Light) has sent out the invites, even if she thinks his show has spaceships and aliens

Larson is a believer and a music theatre purist. All around him are megamusicals (Im guessing Starlight Express, Phantom, Chess), but his search for inspiration tears him up, all whilst trying to hold down a job, friendships and life. Unmistakably, also around him is the HIV-AIDS epidemic in New Yorks gay and theatre communities.

Throughout the film are songs composed by Larson, performed by Garfield and co-stars Robin de Jesus, Alexandra Shipp, Mj Rodriguez, but also by workshop actors Joshua Henry and Vanessa Hudgens -the latter two are sublime in performance-only roles. But Garfield is the star in a tour-de-force role.

Theres also a brilliant Sondheim homage with some unexpected cameos for true thespians, but youll have to discover that for yourself.

While the film is a life-affirming experience its impossible not to reflect on what might have been had Larson lived longer than his 35 years on our planet.

Dont miss it.

Tick, Tick BOOM! screens Friday November 19 on Netflix.
Volunteers place a sack of groceries into a persons vehicle during the annual First Baptist Church of Tyler grocery and ham ministry event at the Tyler Family Assistance Center in downtown Tyler last year. The annual drive-thru event distributes hundreds of Thanksgiving grocery sacks, including hams, canned goods and other items, to families in need. This years event is slated for Saturday.
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. (Psalm 95:1-2)
By Teri Rizvi

Jillian Van Hefty yearns to temporarily abandon her family to tackle a compilation of humorous letters from a spunky housewife bemused by lifes absurdities to the late Erma Bombeck. The book's working title: Dear Erma: Do Emotional Support Llamas Need Tuxedos?

Kristen Mulrooney, an accidental stay-at-home mom, would love to be cloistered in a hotel room so she can finish a satirical anti-parenting book.

Mary Oves, an English professor, sees an untapped market for a book about the humorous side of widowhood.

Meet the three grand prize winners of A Hotel Room of Ones Own: The Erma Bombeck | Anna Lefler Humorist-in-Residence Program. Along with 2020 grand prize winner Tracy Brady, they will be flown to the March 24-26 Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop at the University of Dayton, where they will be robed in plush, custom-embroidered bathrobes as the winners of a writers residency that Forbes.com describes as perhaps the best in the country. At the close of the workshop, they will remain at the Marriott at the University of Dayton for another two weeks to work on their funny projects.

The perks for the winners? Free room service. A housekeeping staff. An omelette bar. And, most importantly, the gift of time to write.

In all, the contest attracted 282 applications from 43 states coast to coast, Washington, D.C. and four countries  Australia, Canada, Spain and the UK.

Dozens of authors, bloggers and humorists served as preliminary judges and narrowed the field for finalist judges Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, and Mike Reiss, writer for The Simpsons for three decades. The Simpsons duo selected the three winners, four finalists ($250 cash prizes) and four honorable mentions ($100).

The finalists:

Jenny Crowley, Chicago, Illinois

Sue Gelber, Denver, Colorado

Lisa Pertoso, Beacon, New York

Sarah Lowman Reynolds, Brookhaven, Mississippi

The honorable mentions:

Gretchen Cion, Berkeley, California

Anna Jadow, New York, New York

Jen Parsons, Placerville, Colorado

Linda Presto, Lafayette, New Jersey

Grand prize winner Jillian Van Hefty, of Waconia, Minnesota, whos part of the fabled sandwich generation, is nearly half finished with a book of humorous letters to Erma Bombeck that tackle baby names inspired by paint samples: designer dogs; tongue-twister coffee drinks; mom retreats; selfies; free-range children; sadistic shape-wear; and childrens birthday parties that rival an inaugural ball.

Reiss calls the proposed book one of the sharpest, most commercial ideas I've heard in a long time: writing letters to Erma Bombeck in heaven, telling her what she's missing in the 21st century.Grand prize winner Kristen Mulrooney, a contributor and editor of The Belladonna, a satire and humor site by women and non-binary writers, is a former high school English teacher raising three children under the age of 6.

Feeling like a terrible parent is a widespread phenomenon, and parenting books that make it seem easy can be isolating, said Mulrooney, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This is a book for everyone who needs to hear that they arent the only ones who sometimes hoses the kids down instead of giving them a bath, that we all sometimes forget to wash the grapes and feed chemical balls to our toddlers, and that weve all stood in the middle of our living room and screamed, EVERYONE STOP SCREAMING.

The concept made Reiss laugh out loud: This is domestic comedy that is sharp, unsentimental and bracingly true.

Grand prize winner Mary Oves, an adjunct professor of English at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, has blogged for the past four years about the humorous side of widowhood. There are about 250 million widows in the world, and we have been brushed aside like a dirty little secret, said the mother of three sons. Society dictates that there are only two stages of widowhood: grief and remarriage. Enough with the grief tomes in Barnes and Noble. Im here to provide some laughs.

Her writing sample was one of the funniest pieces of writing I read this year on a topic I couldn't imagine any humor in: widowhood. Or rather, people's cringe-y, awkward reactions to widowhood, trying so hard to be sensitive that they say the most insensitive things, Reiss said. Not only does she find comedy in this grim subject, but her wit is warm, human and forgiving.

Anna Lefler, a Los Angeles-based comic novelist and writer who underwrote and helped create and launch the program, sees great potential in the three proposed humor projects. I can't wait to read all three winners' books, no matter how much room service it takes to get those manuscripts finished, she said.

Registration opens at noon (EST) on Thursday, Dec. 9, for the March 24-26 Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, which The Writer magazine calls THE conference for humor writing. Theres still an opportunity to win a free registration (and $1,000 cash) through the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition, sponsored by the Washington-Centerville Public Library. Previously unpublished 450-word essays in humor and human interest categories will be accepted Nov. 30-Jan. 4.
Franklin Medical Center to become 4th Senhance Hospital in Louisiana

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asensus Surgical, Inc. (NYSE American: ASXC), a medical device company that is digitizing the interface between the surgeon and the patient to pioneer a new era of Performance-Guided Surgery, today announced the Franklin Medical Center in Winnsboro, Louisiana has entered into an agreement to lease and utilize a Senhance Surgical System.

"We are excited to bring the Senhance system's unique capabilities to yet another innovative hospital in the United States," said Anthony Fernando, Asensus Surgical President and CEO. "We are particularly enthusiastic to see hospitals in the United States leveraging the capabilities of the ISU. With features such as precise real-time intraoperative measurements and digital tags, the ISUs intraoperative intelligence sets Senhance apart from other current and future robotic systems."

Asensus Surgical's technology platform, Senhance Surgical System, is the first of its kind digital laparoscopic platform that leverages augmented intelligence to provide unmatched performance and patient outcomes through machine learning. Senhance goes beyond the typical surgical robotic systems, providing surgical assurance through haptic feedback, eye-tracking camera control, and 3D visualization, and is the first platform to offer 3 mm instruments (the smallest instrument available in the world on a robotic surgical platform). The Senhance Surgical System is powered by the Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU). The ISU enables machine vision-driven control of the camera for a surgeon by responding to commands and recognizing certain objects and locations in the surgical field, and allows a surgeon to change the visualized field of view using the movement of their instruments.

"Prior to our adoption of Senhance, we avoided adding a soft tissue robotics platform to our general surgery department because of a lack of meaningful benefits offered to our surgeons and patients by competing platforms. That has changed with Senhance and the platforms innovative intelligent capabilities and laparoscopic foundation," said Dr. David Gutierrez, Chief of General Surgery at Franklin Medical Center. "Senhance adds a new dynamic to soft tissue abdominal robotics, one that we believe will improve our surgical outcomes, reduce the burden of recovery placed upon our patients, and allows us to bring the highest quality of care to all those we serve."

Story continues

About Franklin Medical Center

Franklin Medical Center is an acute-care hospital in Winnsboro, Louisiana serving Franklin, Tensas, and Catahoula Parishes in Louisiana. Franklin Medical Center has been a part of Franklin Parish since 1970. The hospital has provided healthcare to this area of Louisiana for over 50 years.

About Asensus Surgical, Inc.

Asensus Surgical, Inc. is digitizing the interface between the surgeon and patient to pioneer a new era of Performance-Guided Surgery by unlocking clinical intelligence for surgeons to enable consistently superior outcomes and a new standard of surgery. This builds upon the foundation of Digital Laparoscopy with the Senhance Surgical System powered by the Intelligent Surgical Unit (ISU) to increase surgeon control and reduce surgical variability. With the addition of machine vision, augmented intelligence, and deep learning capabilities throughout the surgical experience, we intend to holistically address the current clinical, cognitive and economic shortcomings that drive surgical outcomes and value-based healthcare. Learn more about Performance-Guided Surgery and Digital Laparoscopy with the Senhance Surgical System here: www.senhance.com. Now available for sale in the US, EU, Japan, Russia, and select other countries. For a complete list of indications for use, visit: www.senhance.com/indications. For more information, visit www.asensus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements relating to the Senhance Surgical System and Franklin Medical Center initiating a program with the Senhance System. These statements and other statements regarding our future plans and goals constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations and include whether the Senhance Surgical System will improve surgical outcomes at Franklin Medical Center and reduce the burden of recovery upon Franklin Medical Center patients. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with the Companys business, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2021 and our other filings we make with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the origination date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005326/en/

Contacts

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Mark Klausner or Mike Vallie, 443-213-0499

invest@asensus.com

or

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kristin Schaeffer, 858-354-8850

CG Life

kschaeffer@cglife.com
Following ten hours of exciting play in the Amazon room, Yuri Dzivielevski is among the chip leaders heading to Day 2 of Event #69: $2,500 Mixed Big Bet.

The partypoker ambassador made a late surge up the leaderboard to finish with 210,800 chips, which is near the top of the standings, but the top spot belongs to Australian Jarryd Godena who bagged up 235,100.

Godena leads the 92 survivors into play Monday, but there are many more big names still in the hunt with six-figure stacks including Jon Turner (163,000), Eli Elezra (133,100), Amnon Filippi (125,000), and Daniel Negreanu (107,300).

End of Day Top 10 Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chips 1 Jarryd Godena Australia 235,100 2 Yuri Dzivielevski Brazil 210,800 3 Ismael Bojang Austria 198,600 4 Asher Lower United States 197,800 5 Yik Chiu Hong Kong 192,600 6 Richard Bai Brazil 185,800 7 Anthony Ribeiro United States 177,400 8 Scott Bohlman United States 167,100 9 Jon Turner United States 163,000 10 Maury Barrett United States 159,000

After a bit of a slow start, a final tally of 212 entries created a prize pool of $471,700, which will see the top 32 players get paid at least $4,097, with the winner receiving $117,898 and a gold WSOP bracelet.

Action throughout the day was wild, as is the nature of big bet games, with Carol Fuchs among those to take a horrific beat at some point. After she had just doubled her stack to over 100,000, she lost it back in a huge cooler to Asher Lower, who finished among the chip leaders with 197,800.

Several big names wont be returning for day two, including Mike Matusow, who started hot, running his stack quickly up to 80,000 in the first couple of levels, but then tailed off throughout the day before being eliminated.

David Bakes Baker, Craig Chait, and Jeremy Harkin are just a few of the players that also will not be back for Day 2, while several other big names survived, but will be coming in on short stacks like Phil Hellmuth (13,500) and David Williams (30,200).

Action will resume Friday at 2:00 pm local time, when the remaining field will play ten more 60-minute levels, with a 60-minute dinner break after level 16.

PokerNews will have all the action Monday and Tuesday when another World Series of Poker champion is crowned at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

The Royal Family (minus the Queen, who had to pull out last minute due to a back injury) gathered together on Sunday for the National Service of Remembrance, which is held every year at the Cenotaph in London. Alongside serving and former members of the armed forces, as well as senior British politicians and the nation watching on their TVs at home, the Royals paid tribute to all those who have given their lives in wars. At the event, Kate Middleton was noticeably wearing three red poppies (a symbol of remembrance) instead of just one, like most members of the public. Here's why...

In addition to a crystal poppy brooch, the Duchess of Cambridge wore three paper poppies (which many people wear throughout the month of November). One theory about why she opts to wear more than one poppy is to pay respect to family members who have fought and died in wars  for example, three of Kate's great-uncles died fighting during World War One, with many suspecting she wears three poppies to honour them.

Other people think the Royal's decision to wear multiple poppies is simply because three poppies are more visible than one. Although neither theory about the number of poppies has been confirmed (or denied) by the palace, the Duchess of Cambridge isn't the only Senior Royal who wears more than one. Similarly, the Duchess of Cornwall usually wears two or three poppies.

Despite missing this year's service, Her Majesty the Queen traditionally wears five poppies  which are thought to represent each service in the war (the Army, the Navy, the RAF, the Civil Defence and women). However, this hasn't been confirmed by the palace either. Other royal experts suggest her choice to wear multiple poppies could be a way to symbolise that she is the most senior dignitary at the Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day ceremonies.

Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

As for why the Royals wear their poppies on their left-hand side, it's commonly thought to be because this positions them closer to the heart. Although there's no official stance on which side a poppy should be worn, with the British Legion saying that "There is no 'correct' way to wear a poppy" and that the best way to wear one "is simply with pride."

Story continues

The British Legion has been selling poppies for almost a century  the flower became a symbol of remembrance after they grew on the battlefields when World War One ended.

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Israel will be ready to begin vaccinating children aged 5-11 against the coronavirus at the beginning of next week, after the special vaccine doses for that age group arrive later this week, writes Times of Israel.

The childrens Pfizer-BioNTech shots, each just one-third the size of the adult doses, are scheduled to arrive Wednesday, according to reports. In the coming days, medical teams will receive instructions on administering the doses, Channel 12 news reported.

The vaccines will be given at the countrys health maintenance organization clinics. In addition, the Health Ministry is holding discussions on sending mobile vaccination units to some outlying areas, the network reported. On Wednesday, the Health Ministrys vaccination committee will meet to discuss the gap between the first and second doses for children, the Ynet website reported. The FDA has recommended a three-week wait between the doses.

Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash said the country was only waiting for the vaccines to arrive to begin the vaccination campaign: We want to start this as soon as possible. The vaccines will be administered via the countrys health providers (HMOs), as that had been found to be the most efficient way to give the shots to the public.We assess that parents will accompany the young children so it is most convenient to arrive at an HMO clinic at times that they [the parents] choose, he said. We will also allow [vaccinations] in schools and in local authorities sites.

Last Wednesday, a government panel of experts approved coronavirus vaccinations for children, following the lead of the United States. The Israeli approval came days after the US Food and Drug Administration granted the vaccine authorization for the 5-11 age group, paving the way for the US to begin immunizing younger kids. However, experts say that a long struggle lies ahead to convince parents to accept the shots.

A Pfizer study of 2,268 children found the vaccine was almost 91-percent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections. The US Food and Drug Administration studied the shots in 3,100 vaccinated kids in concluding the shots are safe.

In Israel, full-size Pfizer shots are already recommended for anyone 12 or older, but pediatricians and many parents are anxiously awaiting protection for younger children to stem infections from the extra-contagious Delta variant and to help keep kids out of quarantine and in school.

Israel appears to be at the tail end of its fourth coronavirus wave, as new infections and serious cases have ticked down over the past few weeks.
The outgoing head of the UKs armed forces has said the military will have to be ready for war with Russia after recent tensions in eastern Europe, but he does not believe Vladimir Putin really wants hot war with the west, The Guardian reports.

Gen Sir Nick Carter said Russia was now a greater threat in eastern Europe than it was when he started in the role eight years ago, as he gave a series of interviews before his departure as chief of the defence staff at the end of the month.

He said he distinctly hoped there would not be a war with Russia and he did not believe the country wanted a physical war, but Nato would have to be ready. He spoke amid tensions on the border between Poland and Russias ally Belarus over refugees stranded in camps, as well as signs that Russian troops could be massing along the border with Ukraine.

Liz Truss, the UK foreign secretary, this weekend urged Putin to intervene in the shameful manufactured migrant crisis unfolding at the border. Western nations have accused Belarus of attracting people wanting to come to the EU to the border, while Poland has been rebuffing their efforts to enter.

The former MI6 officer Christopher Steele has said he believes Moscow thinks it is at war with the UK and its allies. Asked about this view on Sky Newss Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Carter said: Russia probably regards the global strategic context as a continuous struggle in which, I think, they would apply all the instruments of national power to achieve their objectives. But in so doing, [the Russians] dont want to bring on a hot war. So, yes, in a way I think hes right. The question, of course, is how you define war and I, as a soldier, would tend to define war as the actual act of combat and fighting, and I dont think they want that. I think they want to try and achieve their objective in rather more nuanced ways.

He later told BBC Ones The Andrew Marr Show that Russia was in a hybrid playbook where you link disinformation to destabilisation and the idea of pushing migrants on to the European Unions borders is a classic example of that sort of thing. He said it was most likely that the Belarus and Ukraine border situations were classic distraction by the Russian government of the type that had been going on for years and years and years.

Asked whether it could turn into a shooting war, Carter said: I dont know. I think we have to be on our guard and make sure deterrence prevails and critically we have to make sure there is unity in the Nato alliance and we dont allow any gaps to occur in our collective position.

Carter also acknowledged that the situation in Afghanistan was not good, after arguing at the time of the Taliban takeover in August that the group had changed and should be given space to form a government. He said there had been ghastly images  of a potential humanitarian crisis and admitted the Taliban had a lot of things that had got to change. But he still insisted the Taliban were different from how they were in 2001 and claimed the moderate lot are probably privately arguing to be a different sort of Taliban.
Armenian troops, starting from the night of November 15, shelled the positions of Azerbaijani army units located in the settlements of Zeylik and Yellidzhe of Azerbaijan's Kalbajar district, from the settlement of Yukhari Shorja of the Basarkechar district, according to the Ministry of Defense.

According to the ministry, Azerbaijani positions were subjected to intensive shelling from various small arms. Also, Armenian troops used sniper rifles and grenade launchers.

In addition, this morning, units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at a tractor involved in road works and two trucks delivering supplies to Azerbaijani units.

The ministry notes that, despite the damage to the equipment, there were no casualties among the personnel.

Azerbaijani units are taking appropriate measures to suppress provocations of the Armenian Armed Forces, as well as to carry out engineering work at combat positions.
Four batches of food imported from Russia were detected with coronavirus on their outer packaging, according to China's border city Heihe in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.



Heihe, a coronavirus-hit city in China's latest round of COVID-19 resurgence, had taken multiple samples of the four types of food in circulation after the discovery of coronavirus-positive packaging, and all tested negative of coronavirus, the city's health authority said Sunday morning.



Heihe conducted nucleic acid tests on the city's stock food imported from Russia on Saturday. Four types of the food tested positive, namely a KONTI-brand chocolate-flavor wafer candy, KONTI-brand chocolate-flavor wafer biscuit, KONTI-brand muskmelon-flavor soft sweet and a milk powder, Global Times reported.



Heihe government has reminded citizens who have these products at home to disinfect and seal them, and contact local center for disease prevention and control in time.



Heihe health authority reported two new local confirmed cases in its Aihui district on Saturday. Including the two, Heilongjiang Province has found 275 local COVID-19 patients (273 confirmed cases and two silent carriers) in the latest round of virus outbreak since October 27.
A combination of Russias Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus and a flu shot may boost their effect when injected simultaneously, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

"Weve already provided information on completing the trials on combining Sputnik and the flu vaccine. The first results show that such a combination is possible and even increases the effect. Two shots during one visit to a doctor. This is also easier, and faster, and more convenient," TASS cited the minister as saying.

He also reiterated that those who had not been inoculated against coronavirus experience a significantly worse case of the disease and may continue to have health issues for a long time afterwards. The most severe complications are observed among the elderly - about 80-90% of fatalities are among those over 60 years of age, while the number of those vaccinated among the elderly remains at a level slightly above 50%, the health minister added. He pointed out that after the Delta strain appeared, young people began to get infected more often as well.

"Among others, a decrease in the level of memory and cognitive activity is observed, certain neurological symptoms, anxiety, fatigue. By the way, in the countries that were under a lockdown for a long time, these problems are more manifested. An individual wants freedom. When he is locked up staring at the four walls deprived of the opportunity to move about, this seriously impacts [his] mental health. So, one shouldnt postpone the vaccination process, otherwise new restrictive measures cant be avoided," the minister cautioned.
Turkey makes its defense industry independent despite the "global gangs," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.

"We have elevated our defense industry to the league of giants despite the global gangs that have sought to make us dependent on them," Erdogan told a meeting of the Confederation of Public Servants Trade Unions (Memur-Sen) in Istanbul.

Turkey has indigenous drones, armed drones, and unmanned combat aerial vehicle Akinci, he recalled.

The president also stressed that the efforts they exerted to raise the standards of the Turkish democracy were sought to be sabotaged through provocations, clamors for coup and political assassinations, but that they had never bowed down to any of them.

"We have never given in to any internal or external pressure. We have strengthened our democracy despite the threats of coup and tutelage. We have grown our economy despite a handful of elites who have made a habit of getting rich without working," Anadolu agency cited Erdogan as saying.
At least 99 people were injured after two earthquakes rocked southern Iran on Sunday.

"At the moment, 10 of the 99 injured have been hospitalized," representative of the Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences Fatima Nuruzian told ISNA.

She added that 88 people were sent home after receiving the necessary medical assistance.

As reported earlier, two strong earthquakes struck southern Iran near the port of Bandar Abbas on Sunday. The quakes measured 6.3 and 6.4 magnitude, and jolted the province of Hormozgan.
Russia can help to resolve the migrant crisis on the Belarusian-EU border as a mediator in negotiations, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

"In this case - exclusively as a negotiating mediator which is partially happening," the spokesman said in response to a question as to how Russia could help settle the migration crisis.

He reiterated that Putin has held phone conversations on this subject with Germanys acting Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as contacted his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko. "Actually, after this the president expressed hope for direct contacts [between Brussels and Minsk]," the Kremlin official added.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia was ready to assist in the resolution of the migrant situation on the border of Belarus and the EU in every way if anything depended on it.
Belarus is ready to facilitate the repatriation of refugees stranded on the border with Poland back to their homeland, but they do not want to return home, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus said on Monday according to BelTA news agency.

"We are ready, as always, to put everyone on airplanes, including Belavias, to take them back home. But these people, I must say, are very stubborn, nobody wants to go back," the Belarusian president said.

At the same time, Lukashenko admitted that the immigrants have nowhere to return to. "They do not have any housing there, they understand that there is nothing to feed their children. Moreover, some would simply fear for their lives, if they went back," he said. He said, "we are busily working to persuade [these] people to kindly go back home". "But no one wants to return," the head of state pointed out.

According to the agency, Lukashenko also said that the Belarusian authorities are doing everything in their power to prevent the refugees from amassing along the state border. Lukashenko also noted, Belarus is ready to transport the immigrants, stuck in limbo on the border with Poland, to Munich on Belavia planes.

Lukashenko said that if "the Poles do not provide a humanitarian corridor, if they prevent this, we can use Belavia to transport them to Munich. Whats the problem? We will take them with our own planes and transport them to Munich, if necessary," he said.
Advanced S-400 air defense missiles, modernized main battle tanks, and a powerful air force are all weapons at Moscow's disposal. Here are five of the notable weapons that Russia could employ in a major conventional war with Ukraine, the National Interest reporter Mark Episkopos writes.

Unlike Moscows great-power competitors, Ukraines Armed Forces lack the stealth and deep-penetration capabilities to overcome Russias layers of sophisticated missile defenses. "In particular, Crimea-based units of Russias flagship S-400 Triumf missile defense system pose a grave threat to military assets in eastern and central Ukraine," the author believes.

"The S-400 air-defense systems can hit any aerial targets in the central part of Ukraine. All this is a serious threat for us," National Interest cited Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov. Equipped with a powerful radar suite and diverse array of missiles, the S-400 can target manned aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at a range of up to 400 km.

Kievs small, backward, and partly decrepit roster of MiG-29, Su-24, Su-25, and Su-27 fighters cannot successfully contest Ukrainian airspace in a major conventional war with Russia. Not only will they be unable to operate effectively in light of Russian air defenses, but they are vastly outmatched by Russias qualitatively and quantitatively superior air force. Advanced Russian fighters, including the formidable Su-35S, handily outperform Ukrainian military aircraft and are capable of staging devastating precision ground strikes against key Ukrainian military and political infrastructure with a wide array of air-to-surface missiles.

A potential warfare may involve major battles in dense urban terrain, often prioritizing lighter and more flexible infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) over their heavier main battle tank counterparts. The BMP-3M is a heavily upgraded variant of the prolific Soviet/Russian BMP-3 IFV, boasting a new turret, additional ammunition types, new protection systems, and substantial firepower improvements.

Not only do Russias Ground Forces operate the worlds largest tank army at 13,000 units, but its latest MBTs offer a slew of modern upgrades that make them a force to be reckoned with. Ukraines T-84 Oplot-M MBT is a formidable machine in its own right, but likely has not been produced in sufficient quantities to effectively resist Russias capable T-90A tank and its modernized T-90M variant.

Capable of carrying fifty rounds, boasting a sustained rate of fire of around seven to eight rounds per minute, and packed with fairly advanced targeting technology, 2S19 Msta-S modernized 152.4 mm self-propelled howitzers can cover large parts of Ukraine, Episkopos concluded.
Former president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has again not been allowed by the Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia to attend a trial in Tbilisi City Court today about an embezzlement case in which he is implicated.

The case concerns the embezzlement of 8.8 million GEL in state funds while Saakashvili served as the president of Georgia.

Earlier this month, Saakashvili was not allowed to attend a trial hearing in another case which concerns the dispersal of an opposition rally in Tbilisi in November 2007, and an illegal raid on Imedi TV. Saakashvili was charged with abuse of power in the case.

The Special Penitentiary Service says that opposition activists had plans to cause unrest on the streets during the transportation of Saakashvili to court during the previous trial hearing, and that law enforcement agencies are investigating this.

The agency also stated that Saakashvilis presence at the trial could have further complicated his health, as the former president has been on hunger strike for 46 days, Agenda.ge reported.

The Special Penitentiary Service stated that Saakashvili can participate in the hearing remotely. Saakashvili said yesterday, however, that he wishes to attend the trial hearing in person.

His lawyers maintain that the State Penitentiary Service's refusal is groundless and that Saakashvilis rights are being violated.
Serbia is in the process of registering Russias Sputnik Light coronavirus vaccine and will soon become Europes first nation to use it, the press service of Nenad Popovic, Serbian minister without portfolio in charge of innovations and technological development, said on Monday after his meeting with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov in Dubai.

"Popovic and Manturov confirmed that the Serbian side has started the registration procedure for the Sputnik Light jab in Serbia. This will make Serbia the first country in Europe to use this highly effective booster shot," it said.

The ministers also discussed a number of bilateral infrastructure and energy project to be endorsed by the two countries leaders during Serbian President Aleksandar Vucics visit to Moscow on November 25. Popovic noted that his country places major significance on the upcoming talks between the two presidents.

The Serbian minister thanked Russia and President Putin for the possibility to manufacture Sputnik V in Serbia.

On June 4, 2021, Putin and Vucic kicked off Sputnik Vs production in Belgrade. Serbia is currently only packaging the Russian vaccine and plans to launch its full-cycle production before New Years.
The tours to Egypt decline in cost by 50% after charter flights to the country were launched, said Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) Executive Director Maya Lomidze said on Monday.

"After the charter launch on November 9, the cost of tours for the nearest dates decreased by 30-40%. According to tour operators, for some dates, tours to Egypt are now 50% cheaper than in September of this year," TASS cited Lomidze as saying.

Russia resumed charter flights with the Egyptian resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh on November 9. Now Egypt ranks first among foreign destinations in terms of sales for the nearest dates and December. After that, the list consists of Turkey, Dominican Republic, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates. The demand for holidays in Egypt is consistently high. However, the main problem for the country is the shortage of accommodations, the number that does not correspond to the volume of the declared, the expert noted.

According to Lomidze, currently, there is a shortage of rooms in hotels for November arrivals. Due to the high demand for New Year's dates, accommodations at the most popular properties are already running out. The trip sales are currently for vacations 2-3 weeks ahead, however, there are already trips purchased into March.

A large number of tours are purchased one week before departure. The most popular duration for Egyptian tours is 7 nights, Lomidze said.
Turkey is interested in cooperation with Iran within the "3 + 3" format (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Iran and Russia), Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, as he underlined that Turkey and Iran aim to develop both regional and global cooperation.

"We want to improve our deep-rooted relations with Iran, and our cooperation in other global issues as well as in our region," he said.

Underlining there are important developments in the region, Cavusoglu said: "For this reason, it is more important than ever that we continue our dialogue and cooperation on regional issues. Afghanistan is one of them. We must continue to work for a political solution in Syria. Iraq is our neighbor. There are developments in the Gulf, the problem in Yemen continues, we desire to work closely with Iran on these issues, especially the 3+3 format, for the stability of the South Caucasus."

Noting that bilateral relations were discussed in detail, Minister Cavusoglu said: "Today, together with my brother Hossein and our delegations, we also reviewed the preparations for the seventh meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council, and upon Iran's proposal, our delegations will work to determine our roadmap for long-term comprehensive cooperation."

The Iranian foreign minister elaborated that the two discussed regional and international issues, including Afghanistan as well as building trust, joint mechanisms to speed up cooperation, investments and the private sector  where there is great potential between the two countries.

The relationship between Turkey and Iran is historical, Abdollahian said and added that both sides will focus on how to maintain it.

Trade was kept at a high rate despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said.

Expressing that they will establish joint mechanisms to accelerate the relations between the two countries, Abdollahian said: "We agreed to prepare a roadmap for long-term cooperation between Turkey and Iran. We will start diplomatic negotiations on this issue. We will conclude this during Mr. Erdogan's visit to Tehran, and the memorandum of understanding will be signed between the two countries."

Regarding Afghanistan, Cavusoglu also said the two countries both aim for permanent peace and stability in Afghanistan.

He also expressed the two countries' satisfaction with the peaceful elections held in their joint neighbor Iraq.

"I think we can make a significant contribution to the stability of Iraq as two countries. We will continue our cooperation in the Astana format in Syria. We would like to hold meetings both at the level of leaders and at the level of foreign ministries in the coming period," Daily Sabah cited him as saying.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will pay a visit to Iran on November 15.

Cavusoglu will visit Iran at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

During the visit, all aspects of our bilateral relations will be discussed and views on regional and international issues will be exchanged, Anadolu Agency cited the statement as saying.
Tuong artists to perform at China-ASEAN Theatre Festival and Forum

Artists from the Vietnam Tuong Theatre will perform at the China-ASEAN Theatre Festival and Forum, which opens in Nanning in Chinas Guangxi province on November 27.



They will introduce tuong or hat boi (classical drama), a unique Vietnamese art that developed from a folk art into a royal art in the 17th century.

They will stage Thoai Khanh  Chau Tuan (Husband and Wife), a famous play featuring love and piety based on folk stories from the central provinces. It was first released in 1957 and has been restaged many times by artists from leading theatres in the country.



We hope foreign audiences will learn about Vietnam's history, culture and lifestyle from the play, said Pham Ngoc Tuan, director of the Vietnam Tuong Theatre.



The ChinaASEAN Theatre Festival and Forum is a chance for our actors, particularly young talents, to perform and share skills and experiences.



Tuong consists of singing and dancing accompanied by music, and is highly stylised and filled with symbolism. Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotism which help define the plays structure, language, music, struggles, and characters' personalities.



Artists often wear heavy costumes weighing up to 10 kilos. They use their body, from the fingers to the elbows to all of the muscles, to move on stage. They sing and dance at the same time while expressing the emotions of the characters.



Famous plays, such as Tran Binh Trong Tuan Tiet (National Hero Tran Binh Trong), Ho Nguyet Co Hoa Cao (Nguyet Co Turning into a Fox) and San Hau (The Reign), feature historical events and national heroes.



Skilled performers, such as Peoples Artist Dinh Bang Phi and Meritorious Artist Huu Danh, who have decades of experience, are still working hard to honour tuong and keep traditional Vietnamese theatre alive.



In recent years, cultural authorities have offered new policies and projects to help tuong artists expand their art.



Vietnam first participated in the annual China-ASEAN Theatre Festival and Forum in 2013 and introduced outstanding performances in tuong, cai luong (reformed opera) and cheo (traditional opera) and Vietnamese drama.



This year, the festival has attracted several leading art troupes from ASEAN countries and China. The event will close on December 2./.

VNA/VNP
While tourism has been hit hard by Covid-19, e-commerce has become the driving force for the digital economy in Vietnam this year.

Trucks of an e-commerce forwarder. (Photo: Hai Dang)

VNG has announced that it will pour 22.5 million USD into Telio, a local B2B e-commerce company, a big investment by a local investor in a Vietnamese startup. In 2016, VNG also invested in Tiki.

A few days ago, Tiki revealed that it will receive 248 million USD from a group of investors led by AIA.

These moves show the strong potential of Vietnam's e-commerce in the digital economy.

Jikwang Chung, General Director of Mirae Asset Capital, one of Tikis investors, said that Vietnams consumption has made outstanding growth with technological breakthroughs, particularly e-commerce.

The most recent online shopping day in Vietnam, which fell on November 11, set many records for domestic e-commerce platforms.

According to Tiki, the shopping day set a growth record and was its most successful program ever. The online platforms sales on Singles Day 2021 (November 11) increased nine times and the number of customers rose twice compared to weekdays.

For another platform, Lazada, the revenue and number of orders on this day increased nearly 2 times. The number of brands and sellers rose by 1.5 times compared to last year's Single Day.

Steven Tuan Nguyen, Senior Director of Criteo Southeast Asia, said the Covid-19 pandemic caused people to buy more goods online, promoting e-commerce in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

This is in line with the e-economy report on Southeast Asia recently released by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company. The report found that the number of new Internet users in Vietnam was increasing, and at the same time, e-commerce is the driving force of the digital economy.

Specifically, in 2021, thanks to the 53% growth of e-commerce compared to the same period last year, Vietnam's digital economy is expected to grow by 31% to 21 billion USD and is likely to reach 57 billion USD by 2025.

If growing steadily, Vietnam's digital economy is expected to reach 220 billion USD in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2030, ranking second in the region after Indonesia.

Not only in Vietnam, e-commerce is expected to promote Southeast Asia's Internet economy forward in the next decade. By the end of 2021, the total value of e-commerce goods could exceed 120 billion USD (nearly doubling that of 2020), and may reach 234 billion USD by 2025.

According to the report, since the start of the pandemic last year to the first half of 2021, Vietnam had an additional 8 million digital consumers with more than half of them coming from outside major cities.

Up to 99% of Vietnamese digital consumers intended to continue using online services, showing a high degree of attachment to digital products and services.

Each of three online traders in Vietnam believed that they would not be able to survive the pandemic without digital platforms. In Vietnam, digital financial services are becoming an important driving factor with 95% of digital businesses now accepting digital payments and 67% accepting digital loans.

Furthermore, seven in 10 digital businesses are expected to increase their use of digital marketing tools in the next five years.

The report shows us the great potential of the country as Vietnam accelerates digital transformation, said Tram Nguyen, Google Director in charge of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam markets.

Hai Dang

Online shopping in VN to soar by year-end Online shopping in Vietnam is expected to increase sharply near the end of the year.
Foreign capital flows are not only poured into Vietnam through FDI projects but also through buying shares in leading companies in the country.

Vietnams T&T Group, Hanwha Energy JSC, Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd. (KOSPO) and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) recently received a licence to invest in the Hai Lang LNG gas power center in the central province of Quang Tri, with total investment capital of 2.3 billion USD.

This is an investment cooperation project between a leading private economic group in Vietnam and three leading Korean corporations in the field of energy. The project shows that Vietnam is still considered a long-term destination of foreign investors. The foreign capital flow is still pouring into Vietnam.

Previously, T&T Group signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in the field of offshore wind power with Denmark's rsted corporation, with a total installed capacity of nearly 10 GW and total investment value of about 30 billion USD.

In late September, T&T Group signed a memorandum of understanding with UPC Renewables (USA) on cooperation in investment in onshore and nearshore wind power and solar power projects in some southern provinces, with a total capacity of nearly 1,500 MW, and a total investment about 2.5 billion USD.

Nestle Vietnam has announced an additional investment of 132 million USD in a factory in the southern province of Dong Nai, bringing the total investment in Vietnam to 730 million USD. The investor aims to turn Vietnam into a center of coffee production and supply for domestic and international markets.

Japan's Panasonic has just opened a new factory producing producing ceiling fans and ventilation fans in the southern province of Binh Duong, with an investment of about 45 million USD.

In particular, Intel has invested an additional 475 million USD in Vietnam, bringing the total investment capital in the country to 1.5 billion USD and has committed to invest 2.6 billion USD more into Ho Chi Minh City's Hi-Tech Park in the near future.

At the end of August 2021, LG Group of Korea announced an additional investment of 1.4 billion USD in its project in Hai Phong. Samsung plans to expand its phone factory in the final months of 2021 to increase the production of foldable phones by 47% to 25 million units.

Meanwhile, Foxconn will manufacture Apple's Macbook and iPad in Quang Chau industrial zone, in the northern province of Bac Giang with a capacity of about 8 million products per year, with a total investment of about $270 million.

Ja Solar PV Vietnam (from Hong Kong) invested in a project to produce photovoltaic panels, with a capacity of 3.5 million GW/year, with total registered investment capital of 210 million USD in the northern province of Bac Giang.

Purchasing shares of Vietnamese enterprises

Foreign capital flows are not only poured into Vietnam through FDI projects but also through buying shares in leading companies in the country.

In mid-August 2021, another Korean PE fund invested 200 million USD in Masan Group of billionaire Nguyen Dang Quang. According to KedGlobal, the deal helps Korea Investment PE hold about 2-3% of Masan shares and become one of the foreign investors investing in Masan besides the National Pension Service (NPS) of the Korean Government, SK Group and IMM Investment Corp. Previously, in 2019, PE poured 300 million USD into Vingroup along with IMM.

In 2018, Koreas NPS, SK Group and IMM invested $470 million to hold a 9.5% stake in Masan.

In June 2021, Alibaba Group and Baring Private Equity Asia invested $400 million in Masan.

In 2019, investors witnessed a strong capital injection from Japanese Mitsui into the largest shrimp enterprise in Vietnam.

In the beverage field, the number one giant in Vietnam's beer industry - Sabeco - has become a foreign company after the State shareholder divested capital, receiving 5 billion USD from ThaiBev.

ThaiBev - through its subsidiary Fraser & Neave - currently holds about 20% of Vinamilk's shares worth nearly 2 billion USD after about 15 years of continuously buying shares of Vietnam's No. 1 dairy company.

In the field of building materials, foreign investors, mainly Nawaplastic Industries of Thailand, holds nearly 65% of the shares of the largest plastic enterprise in Vietnam - Binh Minh Plastics (BMP). Thailands SCG holds more than 54%. The proportion of shares held by foreign investors in Tien Phong Plastic (NTP) is also very high.

More than half a decade ago, Thailand's SCG also acquired the leading brick brand Prime. Siam Cement of Thailand's SCG Group also officially owns 100% of the Long Son petrochemical project (total investment of 5.4 billion USD) after signing a contract with PetroVietnam to buy 29% of the shares in this petrochemical plant.

In recent years, foreign businesses from the US, Germany, South Korea and others have poured money into Vietnam's pharmaceutical firms.

US pharmaceutical company Abbott currently holds a 52% stake in Vietnam's Domesco Pharmaceuticals Company (DMC). Taisho Pharmaceutial of Japan also owns more than 50% of shares of Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Company (DHG). SK Group of Korea is also gradually increasing its rate of ownership in Imexpharm Pharmaceutical (IMP).

In the past two years, Korean giant Daewoong Pharma has increased its investment in Traphaco. According to South Korea's TheInvestor, Daewoong bought a 15% stake in Traphaco in 2018. Daewoong and Traphaco agreed on technology transfer on eight products for production in Vietnam.

Changing to be more attractive

Recently, some FDI enterprises have moved orders to other countries when Vietnam imposed social distancing measures.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which has lasted for nearly two years, has turned the activities of many businesses upside down, including the textile and footwear industry. Many businesses face labor shortages in the post-pandemic era. According to the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association, the last three months of the year are expected to be very difficult for the textile industry.

According to Nikkei Asia, the 4th wave of Covid-19 starting from May in Vietnam had a significant impact on production activities of many FDI enterprises.

Vietnam's gradual easing of social distancing measures is considered a positive sign for FDI enterprises. However, goods are still stuck in warehouses due to rising global freight costs.

Many large FDI enterprises still maintain production activities in Vietnam such as Samsung, TSMC, Intel but experts believe that Vietnam needs to have appropriate policies to retain foreign capital flows. It is proposed that the Government and localities have a consistent roadmap for reopening and epidemic prevention in the future.

According to Nikkei, big players like Panasonic and Nike still firmly believe in Vietnam. Panasonic will continue to strengthen its plan to make Vietnam a center for equipment manufacturing in Southeast Asia, by shifting production from Thailand to Vietnam.

Le Quang Tri, from Tri Viet Securities JSC, said that Vietnam is still attractive to long-term investors. Foreign capital is still flowing into Vietnam. FDI is a medium- and long-term investment. The disruption caused by the pandemic is only temporary.

Luong Bang

'Nike leaves Vietnam': phony news and warnings "Nike is leaving Vietnam" has been confirmed as misinformation. Nike does not own any factories in Vietnam, but only hires partners in Vietnam to process its products.
Cultural identity, community connections, meeting and exchanging venues, business discussions, and conference rooms are all key aspects of Assembly halls of the Chinese community in Vietnam.

A shared abode

There is a lengthy history behind the establishment and development of the Assembly Halls of the Chinese community in Vietnam, which is often referred to as a shrine, pagoda, temple or other type of structures. They are places of worship for the gods and activities of the community and guilds, based on their origins and vocations.

The number of Assembly Halls of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City now stands at around 30, many of which date back more than 200 years, and are scattered throughout the city. But the majority are concentrated in District 5, around Nguyen Trai, Trieu Quang Phuc, Chau Van Liem, Tran Hung Dao, Hai Thuong Lan Ong which includes Assembly Halls named Ha Chuong, Tue Thanh, Nghia An, Quynh Phu, Phuoc An, and many others. Most of the assembly halls of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City are associated with shrines and temples.

Buildings in the typical style of each linguistic group, such as Minh Huong, Chaozhou, Cantonese, and Fujian, are painted red to distinguish them from the surrounding architecture.

Traditional Chinese feng shui believes that red is a hue of good fortune, happiness, and wealth. Overlapping tiles in rows of blue or yellow are used to build the several layers that make up the assembly halls roofs.

To Vietnamese speakers, the "Chinese Pagoda" (Chinese temple) is a place of devotion for the Chinese community's patron deities such as Thien Hau Thanh Mau, Quan Cong, Phuc Duc Chinh than, and a variety of other gods, including Buddha.

According to analysts, the assembly hall of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City has a distinctive characteristic in addition to the "shared abode" theme. It serves as an organization headquarters and performs a variety of additional duties.

A link exists between the assembly hall and temples of the Chinese, which serves both physical and mental requirements of the Chinese people, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan An, Institute of Social Sciences in the Southern region.

Originally, the assembly halls of the Chinese community in Saigon served as meeting venues for the Chinese communities. It is up to the citizens of a given state to elect their own leader. Members of the society must have faith in those who are well-regarded and knowledgeable. To ensure the smooth running of the society, he must be a person with wealth and commercial acumen.

The mayor serves as a liaison between the Chinese community and the local administration, and is approved by the local government. Maintaining order and security in the Chinese community, as well as conveying the government's directives and viewpoints, are the chief of the society's primary duties. For the government, he is also responsible for collecting state taxes from its citizens.

He, additionally, is responsible for resolving conflicts inside the state and between the cantons, fostering a strong sense of solidarity, assistance, and support among members of the community.

An assembly hall of the Chinese community in District 5, HCM City.

Other roles

The assembly halls of Chinese community play an essential economic role. It is a location where merchants from the same state may meet and discuss business, as well as help each other locate suppliers and marketplaces. It is also a venue where the merchants of the Chinese State and other Chinese merchants of the same dialect come to transact and promote commerce in Saigon's Assembly Halls.

With the social function of a shared abode, Assembly Halls of the Chinese community in HCM City are meeting places where people get together to exchange ideas, debate issues, collaborate on projects, and so on. It is also a place where the state's neediest citizens may receive assistance and support. Charitable activities can be carried out by all clubs. The Chinese peoples long-term survival in old Saigon relied heavily on the use of the assembly hall.

As regards cultural duty, the assembly halls of the Chinese community in Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City is always linked to religious institutions. The establishments are normally referred to as either a Chinese pagoda or the official name itself, or an assembly hall using a combination of both.

For these reasons and more, the assembly hall of Chinese community in Vietnam has a special place in Vietnamese history. To ensure the survival of the Chinese people, assembly halls play a vital role in preserving the nation's cultural identity, linking the community, meeting and exchanging locations, doing business, and being an important element in Chinese life.

In short, the Chinese assembly hall in Vietnam is associated with the history of immigration, settlement and cultural acclimatization. There are several ways in which the Chinese people are able to sustain themselves and their culture, including the use of assembly halls to interact with the community, exchange ideas with other members and do business in the community, and integrate with the local social life with the characteristics of their nation preserved.

Hang Linh
Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment Committee Chairman Bonnie Rich, a Suwannee Republican, defended both the process for drawing the maps and the outcome.

We believe it is in compliance with the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, Rich said.

The General Assembly must redraw electoral districts at least once every decade to equalize populations after the U.S. census. Georgia added more than a million people from 2010 to 2020, with urban districts generally growing and rural districts generally shrinking.

We cannot ignore who those Georgians are, said Democratic Rep. Derrick Jackson of Tyrone. The entirety of the growth over the last decade was a result of the growth in the number of minority residents.

The Senate map does not pair any incumbents who intend to seek reelection to that body.

Criticism has zeroed in on a handful of districts. Democrats have been critical of changes to Senate District 48, now held by Sen. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat. The new plan draws the district into Forsyth County, making it whiter and more likely to be won by a Republican.
No one was seriously injured, state Trooper Rocky Oliphant said on Twitter, and there was no estimated time for the road to reopen.

Caylon Coomes of Bellingham drove his truck and paddle board from his home near Lake Whatcom to some flooded city streets near the interstate.

It looked pretty good out there (by the lake) but the street looks a little bit better, he said. He met another man in a parking lot and donning wetsuits they waded into the water and paddled away past vehicles stuck in the floodwaters.

On the Olympic Peninsula, several highways were closed in places and the U.S. Coast Guard helped local authorities evacuate people west of Forks, Washington. The agency said on Twitter there were about 10 people in danger and that no injuries had been reported.

A semitrailer truck tipped in heavy winds on the Deception Pass bridge and was leaning on the railing Monday, state troopers said. The driver was able to get out, according to the state patrol.

Emergency officials warned that people should expect to see water in low-lying roadways and should turn around rather than drive through water on the road. That water can be moving swiftly and be deeper than it seems, posing serious risk to people in vehicles.

Forecasters say conditions should improve by Tuesday after parts of the region have seen more than 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain in the past several days.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Petkov and his co-chair of the party, Asen Vasilev, 44, who both served as ministers of economics and of finance in the last caretaker cabinet, have highlighted misuse of state funds in a series of anti-graft actions, which have earned them wide public approval.

Analysts are attributing the new partys unexpected victory to its pledges to bring transparency, zero tolerance for corruption and reforms to key sectors.

Unlike the campaigns of the established parties, the two Harvards, as the two new party leaders have been dubbed by local media, made an American-style campaign by touring the country in a dark blue bus and talking to people in the streets. The party's founders have managed to attract many young educated Bulgarians to return home and help reform the country.

Petkov, who grew up in Canada and has a Canadian wife, returned to Bulgaria in 2007. He co-founded the Center for Economic Strategy and Competitiveness, which is affiliated with the Harvard Business School and Sofia University.

Although new to politics, Petkov said he's ready to assume the post of prime minister if he gets support from potential coalition partners. He said his party is open for coalition talks with any party  left, right or center  that was part of last years protests against Borissovs government.
"It looks much bigger up close," Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon texted Thursday as five state senators finished preparations for their ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa with the threat of bad weather ahead.

The trip to and then up the storied mountain, which is 19,340 feet high at its peak, was to begin in eight hours, Brewer texted at about 11 p.m. in Tanzania, nine hours ahead of Lincoln time.

"In eight hours we start," he said.

"Weather will move in on Sunday for 3 days snow and winds will come up," Brewer texted in answer to a question.

"It could make the ascent difficult."

Brewer said "everyone is good to go and everyone is in high spirits" with safety checks completed, equipment inspected and medical briefings done.

And so the adventure begins.

The official weather forecast for Mt. Kilimanjaro calls for "a moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Saturday afternoon" with temperatures "well below freezing" and wind expected to be "generally light."
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund appears to be as bullish as ever on the U.S. stock market, adding new positions in e-commerce, clean energy, and transportation companies.

According to a regulatory filing on Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund made 19 new investments in U.S.-traded companies during the third quarter of 2021.

In total, these new positions, combined with the market value of existing stakes, more than doubled the fund's U.S. equities holdings to $43.4 billion.

According to the regulatory filing, the largest new position was a $25.8 billion investment in Lucid Group Inc., an electric vehicle manufacturer based in New York. The Saudi wealth fund, based in Riyadh, first disclosed its Lucid stake in July. In total, the fund has investments in 32 U.S.traded stocks at the end of September, a sharp increase from the 13 it had investments in during the prior quarter, as disclosed in June via its SEC filings.

Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund is funded through a mixture of borrowing, cash and asset transfers from the government, and retained earnings from its investments.

The fund is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and managed by Governor Yasir Al Rumayyan. They have revealed they want to grow the fund's assets to over $1.1 trillion by 2025. The rise in the price of oil above $80 a barrel should help achieve that goal.

Monday's filing by the Saudi fund revealed it's also made new investments in Hyzon Motors Inc., Plug Power Inc., and Ballard Power Systems Inc., a designer, and maker of hydrogen fuel cells. In addition, the Saudi fund bought more than $400 million worth of stock in Cummins Inc., which is planning to build one of the world's largest factories in Spain for machines that produce hydrogen from electricity.

This all appears to be a proactive hedge against the Kingdom's reliance on fossil fuels. Given the accelerating technologies in battery, hydrogen, and solar power  this investment strategy may be a smart move.

The Kingdom's fund also moved substantial money into the e-commerce sector. It bought a $169 million stake in Shopify Inc., took a $182 million position in Pinterest Inc., and acquired a $231 million stock position in Walmart Inc. This traditional brick mortar retailer has been aggressively shifting into online sales and could prove an agile competitor for Amazon. The fund also made new investments in Visa Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc.

While China's economy is threatened by a potential recession driven by a weak real estate market and investor concerns over the country's military build-up, the Saudi sovereign fund also invested in two of China's largest e-commerce companies. This was during the most recent completed quarter; Pinduoduo Inc. and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., have seen their share price fall substantially in the last 18 months.

Saudi Arabia: Explaining one of the world's largest Sovereign Wealth Funds
CEDAR FALLS  For Ryan McGeough, 38, years working in Louisiana and Florida helped him see the Cedar Valley with fresh eyes.

When you leave and come back, you tend to recognize the things that are really good about a place, explained McGeough, who serves as associate professor of communication and media at the University of Northern Iowa.

He grew up in Waterloo and moved to Cedar Falls after ninth grade. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School, then earned bachelors and masters degrees at UNI.

A doctoral program took him to Louisiana State University. He taught there, then in Boca Raton, Florida, before returning to the Cedar Valley in 2014. Since then, McGeough has earned tenure, written books and become head of his department.

Opportunities to have an impact on students lives and serve the community helped draw him home.

Ryan is driven by a deep commitment to making education accessible to everyone, noted John Fritch, dean of UNIs College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. He is clearly both a leader and a role model in his career, having been elected to multiple national and regional leadership positions which he has used to create opportunities for young people and diverse scholars throughout the nation.

McGeough exemplifies a strong sense of empathy and a solid work ethic, added Fritch.

For example, McGeough learned several students in his department hadnt connected when the COVID-19 pandemic forced classes online. As a result, he called each one to ensure they had everything they needed to keep up with their studies.

At about the same time, members of the Cedar Valley Jaycees worried about mounting the organizations annual school supply drive. McGeough agreed to helm the project.

Its a massive undertaking, and so many people in our area depend on that help. There are people who rely on it, said McGeough. He and his wife, Danielle Dick McGeough, have two children. One of the reasons we came back to the area is that the schools are really good. Some of that is because of the way we help each other.

In addition, McGeough is helping to coordinate a professional clothing closet for UNI students.

For some students, putting together appropriate, professional attire is difficult, especially if things are pretty tight financially, he explained. For those who lack such resources, we will offer basic apparel they can wear to job interviews. Its the sort of thing that boosts confidence and ensures students feel like they have a better shot.

McGeough brings this altruistic mindset into the classroom, too. He oversees the universitys required oral communications course, which enrolls as many as 700 students per year in fall, spring and summer sections.

Unfortunately, the textbook is really expensive  about $150, he noted.

McGeough joined three colleagues to devise a way to reduce or eliminate the cost. Ultimately, they decided to write a new textbook. It will be offered to enrollees for free by authors Kathryn Golsan, Danielle Dick McGeough, C. Kyle Rudick and McGeough.

We found some money from the state to help with the minimal expenses, said McGeough. It will be free online. For those who want a paper copy, it can be as close to free as possible.

The project will save UNI students a combined total of $100,000 per year. In addition, UNI graduates who go on to teach oral communication at other institutions will be allowed to offer the book for free to their students.

Its been a real blessing to look at a problem and legitimately say, Were going to do this thing. Were going to fix this. Were going to do something good in the world, said McGeough.

He enjoys that progression from discussion to collaborative planning and action.

I majored in philosophy as an undergraduate, he recalled. I stumbled into that after I took a philosophy class and really liked it. I liked asking big questions.

He also is a volunteer educator at North Tama and Meskwaki Settlement School.

McGeough enjoys looking at the conditions in which problems present themselves and studying how people respond. What leads people to find common ground?

Timing played a big influence. McGeough graduated from high school a few months before the events of Sept. 11, 2001. This and other factors influenced his research, which examines how ordinary people use media to argue.

Sept. 11 was a time when people who were not politicians thrust us all into an intensely political moment. It was an interesting time to study this stuff and make sense of it, he recalled. As Ive continued in my education and research, I circle back to how everyday people disagree and find ways to persuade others.

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CEDAR FALLS  Works by historical and contemporary Native American artists are being showcased at the University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art.

The Earth is a House of Stories features numerous pieces from the permanent art collection and will be open from Dec. 2-15 in the Mary Haskell-Hansen Room at the gallery, located in the Kamerick Art Building.

In the 21 years Ive been here, these pieces have never been show together. Some of the pieces have never been show, some might have been a part of other exhibitions, but they havent been shown all at one time before. It was interesting going so deep into the collection to bring out this artwork for students and the public to enjoy, said Darrell Taylor, UNI Gallery of Art director.

Taylor co-curated the show with UNI alumna Angela Waseskuk. The exhibition also incorporates pieces from the UNI Museum. The title is taken from N. Scott Momadays book, Earth Keeper: Reflections on the American Land. Momaday (Kiowa) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and poet and recipient of a 2007 National Medal of Arts.

A watercolor painting of a dancer by Percy Tsisete Sandy (Zuni), for example, was removed from a storage drawer in the collection to be placed in the public eye for the first time, Taylor said. Sandy, who died in 1974 Taos, N.M., was known for a loose and natural style using bright colors in a nearly translucent manner.

Five George Longfish acrylic paintings on paper and canvas are housed in the permanent collection, and Taylor was thrilled to be able to exhibit pieces by the artist. Longfish (Seneca/Tuscarora) is an internationally known First Nations artist, curator and professor emeritus at the University of California (Davis).

His paintings are often brightly colored with text and assemblage. Featured in the UNI show, Bag a Red Heart for Valentine features Native imagery and spirit animals, as well as two boxes of Sweetheart candy hearts. A second Longfish work is titled I Wanna Dance with the Rosebud Sioux this Summer.

Red Laughter, acrylic on linen, by nationally-known artist Duane Slick, a Waterloo native, is on display in the gallery collection. A major show featuring Slicks art was on display this fall and recently closed at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls. Slick, a UNI graduate, is a professor at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, R.I. He belongs to the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa through his father, and through his mother, the Ho-Chunk Nation in Nebraska.

Jaune Quick-to-See Smiths contemporary abstract oil-on-canvas painting, Alphabet, is on display Smith (Salish/Kootenai) is known for her work that addresses myths of her ancestors in the context of current issues facing Native Americans, according to the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Taylor also chose a ceramic reduction-fired black ware pot with designs, created by Sheila Arch (Cherokee) for the exhibition. Works on loan from the UNI Museum Director Robert Waseskuk and co-curator Angela Waseskuk include objects by artists Maria Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo), Joe Campbell (Musqueam/Salish), Wendy Red Star (Crow) and Leonard YoungBear (Meskwaki).

In August, the gallery hosted the UNI and Meskwaki Tribal Council Mission Stewardship Festivities. The event also featured a performance by world champion Fancy Dancer Larry Yazzie (Meskwaki/Dine).

In addition to providing an opportunity for students to repeatedly view and study various artwork on display for course work, showcasing the works is part of a university-wide effort to adopt a Land Stewardship statement while continuing to build and honor respectful and nourishing partnerships with the Meskwaki Nation and Native people in Iowa.

Showcasing these works is part of a university-wide effort to adopt a university Land Stewardship Statement while continuing to build and honor respectful and nourishing partnerships with the Meskwaki Nation and Native people in Iowa.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. Visitors are asked to wear a mask and maintain physical distance while in the gallery.

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WATERLOO  A new medical spa wants to be the go-to place not only for massage, facials and Botox, but for regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma that help some with joint pain, sexual dysfunction and hair restoration.

Evolve Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine moved into its office at 220 W. Ridgeway Ave., Suite 106, in Waterloo, next door to Village Inn, in May.

Dr. Matthew Kettman, a physician in family practice since 1999, got into aesthetics around four years ago, opening a clinic with medical esthetician Tawnie Lavallee. Crystal Schrader was mentored by Kettman when she was studying to be an advance registered nurse practitioner, and got into aesthetics more than two years ago, renting a room in a salon.

COVID got people started thinking about, OK, what could be? Schrader said. So we started talking, and we decided to make it even bigger and better.

Kettman and Schrader began Evolve and have a team of seven employees  including Lavallee, who followed Kettman to the new practice. Though others in the area offer many of the same treatments, Evolve might be the first to bring those treatments together under one roof.

What really sets us apart from just another med spa is the regenerative side, Schrader said. We actually have technologies to use your bodys healing capabilities.

They have been building their business, which includes more than 50 treatment options, through word-of-mouth.

Everyone has their different strengths and fortes, Schrader said. He had an amazing group of core patients, I had an amazing group of core patients. When you bring them along and theyre telling their friends and family, we keep growing.

Licensed massage therapist Kelly Sallay handles massage therapies like deep tissue and Swedish massage, while esthetician Sydney Keninger does facials, peels, body waxing and the popular Hydrafacial.

Its basically like a microderm on steroids, Keninger said of Hydrafacial, while Schrader noted the price point made it a nice way to tiptoe into everything.

Registered nurse Denise Oglesby handles body contouring and Inmode, while Lavallee and Maryjane Cose, a nurse practitioner, oversee their womens health division to address sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence and more. Kettman helps with mens sexual health issues.

The individuals that benefit from the services from Maryjane and Tawnie ... theyve done everything else and kind of been told, Theres nothing else we can do, Schrader said. So we love to greet those women with open arms.

Lavallee also handles Botox, Morpheus microneedling, Halo resurfacing and Forever Young laser treatments, which she notes are right now, really equally popular treatments.

Its a mix of treatments that works well together, especially when patients use them in combination, Schrader said.

One patient had been bitten on the face by a dog, leaving scarring, and the team used both Morpheus treatments and platelet-rich plasma to heal it. Another patient had a lumpectomy from breast cancer and had three treatments at Evolve.

She came in, in tears, a couple of weeks ago and was like, I bought a swimsuit and I didnt have to worry about my prosthetic implant showing, Schrader recalled. Thats the kind of stuff we live for.

But the less-dramatic stories  patients finding relief from chronic joint pain or eliminating dark spots on the face  also are gratifying for Schrader.

Were using all these good things to help repair the body, and we do all the great stuff, too, that just makes people feel better about themselves, Schrader said.

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Kyle Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them and wounding the third, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year. Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the men attacked him.

Here's a look at the charges that prosecutors carried into court, as well as lesser charges that the judge could put before the jury in final instructions. Rittenhouse affirmed in court that he agreed with his attorneys where they did not oppose adding charges.

COUNT 1: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESS HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This felony charge is connected to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Bystander video shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing a plastic bag at him. Rittenhouse flees behind a car and Rosenbaum follows. Video introduced at trial showed Rittenhouse wheeling around and firing as Rosenbaum chased him. Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was trailing Rittenhouse, testified that Rosenbaum lunged for Rittenhouse's gun.

Reckless homicide differs from intentional homicide in that prosecutors aren't alleging Rittenhouse intended to murder Rosenbaum. Instead, they're alleging Rittenhouse caused Rosenbaum's death in circumstances showing an utter disregard for human life.

Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said prosecutors' decision to charge reckless instead of intentional homicide shows they don't know what happened between Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum and what might have been going through Rittenhouse's mind when he pulled the trigger.

The charge is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The dangerous weapon modifier carries an additional five years.

Prosecutors asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to let the jury also consider a lesser charge, second-degree reckless homicide, that does not require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. It's punishable by up to 25 years in prison. But after Rittenhouse's attorneys objected, Schroeder said he did not plan to give that instruction. He said he expected that a guilty verdict on that count would be overturned because the defense objected to adding it.

COUNT 2: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This felony charge is connected to the Rosenbaum shooting. McGinniss told investigators he was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum. The charge is punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier carries an additional five years.

Prosecutors asked Schroeder to let the jury consider a second-degree version of this charge. The difference is that the second-degree version doesn't require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. Schroeder said he was inclined to allow that instruction, though he didn't make a final ruling. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

COUNT 3: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

Video shows an unknown man leaping at Rittenhouse and trying to kick him seconds before Anthony Huber moves his skateboard toward him. Rittenhouse appears to fire two rounds at the man but apparently misses as the man runs away.

This charge is a felony punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier again would add up to five more years.

Schroeder said he would decline prosecutors' request that jurors be allowed to consider this charge in the second degree.

COUNT 4: FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This charge is connected to Huber's death. Video shows Rittenhouse running down the street after shooting Rosenbaum when he falls to the street. Huber leaps at him and swings a skateboard at his head and neck and tries to grab Rittenhouse's gun before Rittenhouse fires. The criminal complaint alleges Rittenhouse aimed the weapon at Huber.

Intentional homicide means just that  a person killed someone and meant to do it. Bucher said that if Rittenhouse pointed the gun at Huber and pulled the trigger that would amount to intentional homicide. However, self-defense would trump the charge.

Why I intended to kill this individual makes the difference, Bucher said.

The count carries a mandatory life sentence. The weapons modifier would add up to five years.

Prosecutors asked Schroeder to give the jury the option of second-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and second-degree reckless homicide in Huber's death. The defense objected only to the second-degree reckless homicide charge, and Schroeder said he embraced that argument.

Second-degree intentional homicide is a fallback charge when a defendant believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that it was necessary to use force  but either belief was unreasonable. It's punishable by up to 60 years in prison.

The first-degree reckless homicide charge sought in Huber's death matches an original charge in Rosenbaum's death  it would require jurors to decide that Rittenhouse caused Huber's death with an utter disregard for human life  and is punishable by up to 60 years in prison.

COUNT 5: ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This is the charge for Rittenhouse shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm seconds after he shot Huber, and as Grosskreutz came toward him holding a pistol. Grosskreutz survived. Video shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at Grosskreutz and firing a single round.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 60 years. The weapons modifier would add up to five more years.

Prosecutors asked that the jury be allowed to consider lesser counts in the Grosskreutz shooting: second-degree attempted intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless endangerment. Defense attorneys didn't oppose the first, but did oppose adding the reckless endangerment counts. Schroeder didn't rule but said he was inclined to side with prosecutors.

The possible punishment for attempted second-degree intentional homicide is 30 years.

COUNT 6: POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON BY A PERSON UNDER 18

Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. He was 17 years old on the night of the shootings. Wisconsin law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except for hunting or when supervised by an adult in target practice or instruction in the proper use of a dangerous weapon. Rittenhouses attorneys argued that another subsection of the law, regarding short-barreled rifles, provided grounds for dismissing the charge.

Prosecutors argued the defense was misreading the statute, and Schroeder had earlier twice declined to dismiss the charge. But the judge also had said the statute was confusingly written, and appeared ready to instruct the jury that they could not convict Rittenhouse on the charge unless the state had proven that his rifle was short-barreled.

After prosecutors conceded that the rifle was not short-barreled, Schroeder dismissed the charge.

The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months behind bars.

COUNT 7: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN EMERGENCY ORDER FROM STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Rittenhouse was charged with being out on the streets after an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the city, a minor offense that carries a fine of up to $200. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed the charge during the second week of trial after the defense argued that prosecutors hadn't offered enough evidence to prove it.

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Update:

A professional doesnt need a hammer  a professional needs a scalpel, a military officer in the video declares. This is not just another aircraft of the fifth generation  this is the Checkmate.

Source: Checkmate: Russia unveils new warplane with no pilot  RT

Hmm

DUBAI, November 14. /TASS/. The Checkmate one-engine fighter jet will received a modified AL-41F1 engine (Izdelie 117), Mikhail Nikitushkin, designer of Sukhoi Co (incorporated into the United Aircraft Corporation, or UAC, which is part of the Rostec state corporation), said on Sunday.The engine is the existing 117 modified for a one-engine plane in terms of reliability, he said. The United Aircraft Corporation presented a new light tactical fighter jet named Checkmate at the MAKS 2021 airshow Source: Russias Checkmate fighter jet to have modified AL-41F1 engine  Military & Defense  TASS

Now talk about a name to stir the masses and a name that has big boots to live up to!

Not Check but Checkmate as in Game Over 

WtR


Chairmans Address and AGM Presentation

Sydney, Nov 15, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Calendar year 2021 has been a landmark year for Genex Power Ltd ( ASX:GNX ) as we energised the 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) and commenced construction on our flagship Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro). The development of these projects, coupled with our existing 50MW Kidston Solar Project (KS1) and extensive growth portfolio, position the Company as a leader in renewable energy generation and storage markets in Australia.By 2025, our portfolio of renewable energy projects will provide clean energy to meet the needs of over 350,000 homes, removing almost two million tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide from our country's emission profile. Our Queensland projects will also contribute significantly in assisting the Queensland Government meet its 50% renewable energy target by 2030.The 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro ProjectThe K2-Hydro Project reached financial close in May this year. Genex has been working towards this important milestone for over five years, and I would like to thank all of our stakeholders for their support as well as the team at Genex for their tireless work in reaching this significant event.K2-Hydro is now fully funded through to completion with commissioning planned to begin in late CY24. Construction activities are now well underway, and we will be working closely with our team of quality partners over the next 3 years to deliver this icon project on time and on budget. Just a reminder that the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro project provides 2000MWh of energy storage for the National Electricity Market (NEM).The 50MW Jemalong Solar ProjectThe energisation of the 50MW Jemalong Solar Project in December 2020 represented our second revenue earning renewable energy project and further demonstrated our track record of project delivery. JSP is located near Forbes in central NSW and is now fully commissioned and operating as a merchant generator connected to the NEM. JSP is expected to deliver a significant step change in the Company's revenue from FY22 onwards.The 50MW Kidston Solar ProjectKS1, our first operating asset, located at our Kidston Clean Energy Hub in north Queensland, continued to perform well across the year, generating clean renewable energy into the NEM. The project delivered $10.6M in net revenue over the course of FY21.The 50MW/100MWh Bouldercombe Battery ProjectGenex's Bouldercombe Battery Project (BBP) in Queensland continues to progress. Subsequent to the end of the 2021 financial year we announced a Supply Agreement with Tesla Motors Australia Pty Ltd (Tesla). The Project will utilise Tesla's Megapack lithium-ion battery technology, an all-in-one utilityscale energy storage system. The 50MW/100MWh battery will comprise 40 Megapacks.Genex is continuing to fast track the development of the project. With a construction timeline of approximately 12 months, it is anticipated the BBP should begin commissioning in the second quarter of calendar year 2023 and be fully operational in the third quarter of calendar year 2023. The BBP diversifies the Company's portfolio and further positions Genex as a leader in renewable energy generation and storage in Australia.The Kidston Wind ProjectFurther diversifying the project portfolio, the Kidston Wind Project (K3-Wind) continues to advance with the Company, and our joint venture partner J-POWER, modelling the wind resource at a number of sites surrounding the Kidston Clean Energy Hub. Energy generated by K3-Wind will flow into the NEM via the new 275kV transmission line being constructed by Powerlink Queensland as part of the K2- Hydro project. The project is planned for completion in mid calendar year 2025.CorporateDuring FY21 the Company undertook two equity raisings to help progress the development of our portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage assets. In August 2020, we successfully raised $21.3M via a placement of shares to both existing and new sophisticated and institutional shareholders, coupled with a further $2.85M raised by a Share Purchase Plan. This raising helped to fast track the BBP, fund financial close costs at K2-Hydro and provide working capital.In March 2021, the Company raised a further $90M via an institutional placement and an 11-for-20 fully underwritten pro-rata accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer. These proceeds completed the funding of the K2-Hydro project.J-POWER InvestmentFollowing approval at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Genex shareholders (EGM) held on 29th April 2021, J-POWER became a substantial shareholder in the Company with their $25M investment into Genex. J-POWER is providing valuable technical expertise to the K2-Hydro project.We have further extended our relationship with J-POWER by Genex and J-POWER becoming JV partners for the K3-Wind Project. The strategic relationship between our companies, and J-POWER's direct investment, has resulted in the appointment of a J-POWER representative to the Genex Board of Directors, Kenichi Seshimo, who we welcomed to the Board in May this year.To view the AGM Presentation, please visit:About Genex Power Ltd

Genex Power Limited (ASX:GNX) is focused on developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia. The Company's flagship Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in north Queensland, will integrate large-scale solar generation with pumped storage hydro. The Kidston Clean Energy Hub is comprised of the operating 50MW stage 1 Solar Project (KS1) and the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) with potential for further multi-stage wind and solar projects. The 50MW Jemalong Solar Project (JSP) is located in NSW and provides geographical diversification to the Genex Power Limited portfolio. JSP was energised in early December 2020 and commissioning is now underway. Genex is further developing its energy storage portfolio via the early stage development of a 50MW/75MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Bouldercombe in Queensland. With over 400MW of renewable energy and storage projects in development, Genex is well placed as Australia's leading renewable energy and storage company.


DroneShield AI-powered body-worn RfPatrol sensor

Sydney, Nov 15, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - DroneShield Ltd ( ASX:DRO ) ( FRA:DRH ) ( OTCMKTS:DRSHF ) is pleased to announce an $800,000 contract with the Australian Department of Defence ("DoD"). The work and the received payments are spread over the next 12 months.The contract relates to Artificial Intelligence in multi-domain applications. The work relates to both the counterdrone space as well as more general military/Government agency applications.Oleg Vornik, DroneShield's CEO, commented, "Today, DroneShield is a global leader in the Artificial Intelligence multi-domain applications for military and Government agency work. This project enables deeper collaboration with Australian defence to leapfrog our AI capabilities to the next level. We are extremely excited to continue pushing the envelope of what is possible with AI applications to military and Government work, and bring those capabilities to our customer base.We have a deep history of collaboration with the Australian military, including presently delivering a $3.8 million Electronic Warfare project, and this additional important project opens a new teaming sovereign industrial capability front."About DroneShield Ltd

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (OTCMKTS:DRSHF) is an Australian publicly listed company with its head office in Sydney and teams in the US and UK. We specialise in RF sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Sensor Fusion, Electronic Warfare, Rapid Prototyping and MIL-SPEC manufacturing.

Our capabilities are used to protect Military, Government, Law Enforcement, Critical Infrastructure, Commercial and VIPs throughout the world.

Through our team of primarily Australian based engineers - we offer customers bespoke solutions and off-the-shelf products designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms.

DroneShield is proudly exporting Australian capability to customers throughout the world and supporting Australia's defence, national security and other organisations protect people, critical infrastructure and vital assets.

.
Caring for younger and sicker patients, witnessing more deaths and covering extra shifts  this has been the reality for health care workers across New Mexico since the delta surge began this summer.

COVID has taken a staggering toll on our community, and on the thousands of professionals who care for patients in need.

Stephanie Tapia, an inpatient nurse in Clovis, says the surge has been challenging  as a nurse, as an advocate for patients, as a coworker and as a mother.

In recent months, her patients have been very sick when they come in and they decline a lot faster. Its hard because we cant always meet all their needs  especially emotionally. These patients are very special to me. Because theyre in isolation, were often their only contact with the outside world.

Stephanie is not alone. Nurses like her are stretched thin, more than ever before.

That is why they need our support and our gratitude, more than ever before.

The mental health toll from COVID is real. Our clinicians see patients with COVID struggle to breathe as their lungs fail. They treat patients who put off care and now face difficult diagnoses. They care for record numbers of patients in New Mexicos emergency departments. They struggle to find rooms for patients in hospitals stretched beyond capacity.

And they weather these challenges at a time when divisiveness sometimes spills over into hospital hallways and visitors may express their frustrations with the stress of the pandemic on the people taking care of their loved ones.

Please join me, as we have many times over these past 20 months, to thank our health care teams, from the volunteers who greet visitors at our information desk to those who keep our rooms clean to the ICU physicians and nurses caring right now for our sickest patients.

Even heroes appreciate a thank you. Here are a few ways you can express your gratitude:

Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated and encouraging your children to get vaccinated is the best way to avoid serious illness from COVID. If youve waited because youre young and healthy or needed more time, the time is right. We are a community  when you get sick, it impacts your friends, family, colleagues and the people caring for you.

Show them you care. Our teams really appreciated the signs, cards, social media shout-outs and food deliveries you sent in 2020. What they might value most right now is a simple check-in. Ask them how they are doing or send a thank you note.

Listen to their stories. In Jan. 2021, Stephanies grandmother died of COVID. It was difficult for her to return to bedside nursing, so she contacted a colleague who had also lost someone. Its hard for people who arent on the frontlines to truly understand what its like, Stephanie says. Being able to express how youre feeling to someone you trust makes all the difference.

Lead with kindness. Health care staff across the country have reported more instances of hostile behavior in recent months. Since we are all in this together, lets treat each other with kindness and respect, especially when times are tough.

Thank you for caring for our teams, as they continue to care for all of us.
DALLAS  A woman has been arrested after punching a Southwest Airlines employee in the head during boarding for a flight out of a Dallas airport, police said.

Arielle Jean Jackson, 32, was arrested Saturday afternoon at Love Field, Dallas police said. Police said Jackson has been charged with aggravated assault.

The incident happened during the boarding process for a flight from Dallas to New Yorks La Guardia Airport, Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Mainz said.

Police said that Jackson first had a verbal altercation with an operations agent at the back of the plane and was asked to exit. As Jackson was exiting, she had another verbal altercation with a second operations agent that turned physical, with Jackson striking the agent on the head with a closed fist, police said.

Mainz said the the operations agent, a woman, was taken to a hospital and released Saturday night.

Jackson was in Dallas County jail on Sunday on $10,000 bond. Jail records did not list an attorney for her.
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz.  Bob Bondurant, a former champion race car driver who opened a high-performance driving school in 1968 and taught numerous A-list actors for their movie roles, has died. He was 88.

According to his family and the Bondurant Racing School website, Bondurant died Friday in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley. No cause of death was released.

Bondurant taught stunt driving, competition driving, police pursuit driving, evasive driving for chauffeurs and bodyguards, plus other skills, according to the website. His school has had over 500,000 graduates, it said.

Among the celebrities Bondurant instructed in road course driving for their movie roles were Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Nicolas Cage, Robert Wagner, Tim Allen and Christian Bale, according to the website.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bondurant and his family moved to California when he was 2.

He raced motorcycles on dirt tracks as a teenager before switching to cars in 1958 and racing for the Shelby American, Ferrari and Eagle teams.

Bondurant won 30 of 32 races in Corvettes from 1961-63, and he won the GT class at Le Mans in 1964, co-driving with fellow American Dan Gurney.

Badly injured in a 1967 crash at the racetrack in Watkins Glen, New York, Bondurant drafted an idea for a high-performance driving school while recuperating.

He opened the school in early 1968 at Californias Orange County International Raceway, then moved it to Ontario, California, and later Sonoma, north of San Francisco.

Bondurant relocated the driving school to Phoenix following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California.

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2003.

Bondurant is survived by his wife, Pat, who is president and CEO of the Bondurant Racing School. She vows to continue the legacy of the school.

Bob Bondurant has had a worldwide impact on the motorsports industry, and his legacy will live on eternally as the Bondurant Racing School moves forward into the future, Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese said in a statement.

Funeral plans were not immediately available Sunday.

___

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Nicolas Cages first name.
PHOENIX  A fugitive sought in California was fatally shot Friday night in an exchange of gunfire with members of U.S. Marshals Service task force, the federal agency said.

The fugitives identity was not released but the Marshals Service said in a statement that the person killed was sought on a California warrant alleging parole violation in a case involving violent assault and rape and also was wanted in Los Angeles for a gruesome murder that occurred earlier this month.

The incident closed several roads near Sky Harbor International Airport.

When task force members tried to arrest the suspect, a handgun was produced, and the suspect fired multiple rounds at law enforcement. Task Force members returned fire, striking the suspect, the Marshals Service statement said.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and nobody else was injured, the statement said.
PHOENIX  Arizona legislators are taking stock of the potential impact of the state Supreme Courts decision that lawmakers violated the Arizona Constitutions requirements that subjects included in each piece of legislation be related and also be expressed in bill titles.

The justices Nov. 2 ruling on the constitutionality of budget bills could simplify the Legislatures work in some ways while possibly extending future legislative sessions by making it harder to cut deals, lawmakers told the Arizona Capitol Times.

I think it will streamline the budget process, because if bills, be they failed or not even submitted, are no longer admissible to the budget, then thats one very large area of negotiation thats removed from the system, said Rep. John Kavanagh, a Fountain Hills Republican who has been a legislator since 2007.

If members just resign themselves to the fact that the bill they want cant pass, then itll probably shorten the session, Kavanagh said. If members dig in and insist that their bill not be put in the budget but get passed on the (voting) board again, then it could drag the session on. It just depends on how people react to it.

Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, said he expects to see more bills next year as a result of the courts decision.

Itll probably introduce greater inefficiency in the process and slow things down, he said.

The 2021 session saw majority Republican leaders struggle to get a few GOP holdouts on board with a large tax cut that Democrats unanimously opposed while other Republicans demanded additions, including policy-related items, as the price of their aye votes.

The final product, approved along party lines, included numerous controversial policies in the budget bills, including a ban on school mask requirements, limits on local governments and public universities ability to impose COVID-19 mandates and banning critical race theory in public schools.

Education groups sued, arguing that adding policy items to budget bills violated the state Constitutions title requirement or single subject rule.

Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper agreed, and the state high court upheld her.

Sen. Sean Bowie, D-Phoenix, said the ruling might result in a longer session next year, because Republicans wont be able to pack bills with policy measures to get votes.

Republicans could work with Democrats, Bowie said. But often that seems like its always the last option instead of coming earlier in the process, which I would prefer to see.

Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, said she doesnt expect the ruling to spur more collaboration across the aisle.

She called the decision a two-edged sword  budget bills can no longer become packages of policy measures but also cant be used to fix unintended consequences of previously approved legislation.

We may have to wait an entire year to come back and fix a problem, she said.

Sen. Rebecca Rios, D-Phoenix, said Republicans added many policy measures to the budget legislation because the policy measures failed as standalone bills with Republicans holding narrow majorities.

Unfortunately, were going to be working with those same slim margins next year, which means there is going to be a lot of arm-twisting I would assume, Rios said.

While many GOP lawmakers criticized the state courts decision, Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, said the ruling was good for the institution, and that his fellow Republicans might come to appreciate it more if Democrats win the majority in the future.

Our colleagues across the aisle wont be able to jam stuff through like weve been doing, he said.
WASHINGTON  A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administrations vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay last Saturday of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.

Lawyers for the Justice and Labor departments filed a response Monday in which they said stopping the mandate from taking effect will only prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and would cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.

But the appeals court rejected that argument Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the stay is firmly in the public interest.

From economic uncertainty to workplace strife, the mere specter of the Mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months, Engelhardt wrote.

At least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules on Nov. 4. The federal government said in its court filings Monday that the cases should be consolidated and that one of the circuit courts where a legal challenge has been filed should be chosen at random on Nov. 16 to hear it.

Administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.
ATLANTA  Travis and Greg McMichael said they armed themselves and sped after Ahmaud Arbery because they thought he was a burglar, and they wanted to catch him and hold him until police arrived.

When the 25-year-old Black man turned and fought during the chase, they said, Travis McMichael shot him in self-defense.

Thats what the defense is arguing in the trial of three white men accused in the killing of Arbery, who was shot three times in February 2020 near Brunswick, on the Georgia coast. The McMichaels, a father and son, and neighbor William Roddie Bryan are charged with murder and other crimes.

The defense strategy depends on Georgias citizens arrest and self-defense laws.

WHAT DOES THE DEFENSE SAY HAPPENED?

Greg McMichael, 65, told police he saw Arbery hauling ass past his house and believed he had committed burglaries nearby. McMichael ran inside, grabbed a handgun and shouted to his son, who emerged with a shotgun.

The two men jumped in a pickup truck and pursued Arbery through their subdivision. Arbery was on foot.

Seeing the chase in progress, Bryan climbed into his own pickup and recorded video on his cellphone as he joined the pursuit.

Bryan, 52, told an investigator he used his truck several times to block Arbery and edge him off the road. Greg McMichael told police he shouted at Arbery to stop.

At the end, Bryans video shows Greg McMichael in the bed of his pickup truck with a handgun and Travis McMichael, 35, outside the truck with a shotgun.

Defense attorneys say Arbery lunged toward Travis McMichael and his gun, and thats when Travis McMichael shot him.

WHAT IS A CITIZENS ARREST?

Greg McMichael told a police officer they chased Arbery to keep him from leaving the subdivision. He said they wanted to hold him until police could come and you know, check him out.

A state law on the books at the time said: A private person may arrest an offender if the offense is committed in his presence or within his immediate knowledge. If the offense is a felony and the offender is escaping or attempting to escape, a private person may arrest him upon reasonable and probable grounds of suspicion.

The actual words citizens arrest didnt appear in the statute, and there was no obligation for a person who was trying to detain someone to declare that intention. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation mostly repealing the law in May.

Arbery had appeared several times on security video inside a house under construction near the McMichaels house.

Travis McMichael had seen him outside the house about two weeks earlier and feared Arbery was reaching for a gun that night when he reached toward his pocket, Robert Rubin, an attorney for McMichael said in his opening statement.

Arberys behavior at the unfinished house would cause a reasonable person to believe a crime had been committed, Rubin said. Thats also why the McMichaels felt they needed to arm themselves, he said.

Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski said during her opening statement that Arbery was unarmed and gave the men no reason to suspect him of wrongdoing. They just assumed he had committed a crime, she said.

Melissa Redmon, a former prosecutor and now a law professor at the University of Georgia, said it could be a hard sell to convince a jury there was probable cause to initiate a citizens arrest.

Thats based on what it appears they knew at the moment they confronted Mr. Arbery or, rather, the lack of information they had at the moment they confronted Mr. Arbery, she said.

HOW DID ARBERYS KILLING LEAD TO THE LAWS REPEAL?

The citizens arrest law was approved in 1863 to round up escaped slaves and was later used to justify the lynching of Black people.

There had long been a push to repeal it. Arberys shooting broadened a national outcry over racial injustice and prompted state lawmakers to act.

The repeal legislation says witnesses and bystanders cant detain people. Restaurant and shop employees can still detain people they believe stole something or who leave without paying. Licensed security guards and private detectives can also detain people.

Deadly force cant be used to detain someone unless its in self-protection, protecting a home, or preventing a forcible felony.

Though the repeal law has taken effect, the defense is able to cite the old law since it was in effect at the time of Arberys slaying.

WHAT CONSTITUTES SELF-DEFENSE?

It is tragic that Arbery died, Rubin said. But at that point, Travis McMichael is acting in self-defense. He did not want to encounter Ahmaud Arbery physically. He was only trying to stop him for the police, Rubin said.

Georgia law allows the use of deadly force if a person reasonably believes another person is about to kill or gravely injure him or someone else. Theres no obligation to retreat first, as Georgia recognizes a persons right to stand your ground.

But Georgia law does not allow someone to use force if he is the aggressor, unless he withdraws from the fight and effectively communicates that, and the other person continues to use or threaten to use force against him.

When he raised the shotgun, Travis McMichael was hoping to de-escalate the situation, but Arbery turned toward McMichael swinging aggressively with his fists, Rubin said. McMichael shot him out of fear that Arbery would get the gun and shoot him or his dad, Rubin said.

Prosecutors will likely argue Arbery was allowed to defend himself against a man who had been chasing him and was pointing a gun at him, Redmon said. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent said during a June hearing that he believed Arbery acted in self-defense.

Ultimately, the jury will have to consider the moments before the shotgun blasts rang out and decide which man was the aggressor and therefore not legitimately acting in self-defense, Redmon said.

___

Associated Press writer Russ Bynum in Brunswick, Georgia, contributed to this report.
MINNEAPOLIS  Terrance Jackson remembers driving down Lake Street in 2002 when he saw police arresting his cousin for driving with an invalid license. When he pulled over and offered to take his cousins car home to keep it from being towed, things went badly.

One officer grabbed his hand and bent it back to try to get me to react, Jackson said. When his shoe came off as he was being restrained, another officer threw it across the parking lot.

Jackson, 63, is one of more than a thousand people who have recounted their run-ins with Minneapolis police to activist groups that plan to share their stories with U.S. Justice Department officials conducting a civil rights investigation into the police force. The effort is aimed at making sure community members have a say in the probe launched the day after former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd.

Investigators are looking into whether Minneapolis police have shown a pattern or practice of policing that is unlawful or unconstitutional. They are also examining the police departments use of force, including against protesters, its treatment of people suffering from behavioral health issues, its systems of accountability and whether officers have engaged in discriminatory policing.

The inquiry could lead to a consent decree under which the department would be legally required to make certain changes.

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the civil rights probes progress or say how much weight investigators might place on the civilian accounts that groups provide them, because the probe is ongoing.

But a former Justice Department official, Christy Lopez, said such accounts can help steer investigations. And those helping gather the civilian accounts say they think the stories will make it hard for investigators to ignore the abuse.

Its one thing to see things in a document. Its another thing for someone to tell you, This is what happened to me, or This is what the police did to me,' said Michelle Gross, a member of one of the groups, Communities United Against Police Brutality.

That kind of information puts a face to the problem and it also shows the pattern, she said.

The Associated Press submitted a records request to the police department seeking information on Jacksons 2002 encounter with officers, but a spokesman said the department had no record of the event.

The Justice Department investigation wasnt affected by the campaign for a ballot initiative that Minneapolis voters rejected in early November to replace the citys police department with a reimagined public safety agency that would have relied less on armed officers. And a state investigation remains ongoing.

Pattern-or-practice investigations became a tool to combat police misconduct in the 1990s, when the acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers in the beating of Rodney King sparked riots in the city and protests across the country. After an independent commission determined Kings assault was ultimately due to institutional failure within the Los Angeles Police Department, Congress authorized the attorney general to investigate whether a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers was violating peoples civil rights.

From the first such investigation in Pittsburgh in 1997, through 2016, the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division conducted nearly 70 formal probes of police departments nationwide resulting in 40 reform agreements, according to agency data.

The Minneapolis probe was the first of three Justice Department investigations of local law enforcement launched during the Biden administration. It is also investigating policing in Louisville, Kentucky, following the death of Breonna Taylor and in Phoenix over excessive force allegations.

If investigators find a pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing in Minneapolis, federal and city officials will negotiate required changes, or a consent decree. A federally appointed monitor oversees progress and reports to a federal judge. Insufficient progress or failure to follow the decree could result in the federal government taking control of the department.

It could look similar to the agreement between the Justice Department and the city of Ferguson, Missouri, that followed the 2014 killing of Michael Brown, a Black teenager, by a white police officer. The agreement changed the Ferguson police forces policies on the use of force, body-worn cameras, searches and seizures, and responses to protests.

Lopez, who led the group within the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division that conducted pattern-or-practice investigations from 2010 to 2017, said stories from community members can help direct investigators toward particular officers, units, tactics or types of interactions. The number of complaints and consistency between them can alert investigators to patterns of unlawful policing that only community members would experience, and they can then go verify those accounts with documentation from the city such as arrest records and police bodycam footage, she said.

That proved true in Ferguson when accounts from members of the public helped Lopezs team identify issues within the municipal court system, which was also part of the ensuing agreement.

In Ferguson, if you had gone in there and just looked at lethal shootings and use of force, because that was what happened to Michael Brown, you would have focused on that, she said. But in talking with people, thats where we really learned about the depth of the concern about fines and fees, and how they were using the courts to violate peoples rights. We would have missed that entirely if we hadnt talked to people and heard their stories.

Iris Roley, a founder of the Cincinnati Black United Front, said her community played a significant role in crafting the agreement between their city and federal officials after the killings of Jeffrey Irons and Roger Ownesby Jr. by Cincinnati officers in 2000. Roley said her group collected more than 400 accounts of police brutality and misconduct from members of the community who were brave enough to come forward despite fearing retaliation.

What we did when we listened to our community  the Black community  we took complaints and turned complaints into training, and we took training and turned that into policy, she said.

Roley said the agreement brought changes to police department policies, including on its officers use of force. But she said the document hasnt been a cure-all, and that policing continues to evolve and requires constant oversight.

Lopez said investigators aim to complete inquiries and issue findings within a year, but that it varies from case to case, with Ferguson taking six months but others taking years. Though it may take another year to negotiate the consent decree with Minneapolis and get it entered into court, Lopez said investigators are always aware of the urgency to deliver their findings and kickstart the improvement process.

Theres always tension between the fierce urgency of now  which is a very, very real thing  and wanting to use this opportunity you have to learn everything you can about a department because you know thats how you develop the best remedy to fix the problem, she said.

Gross group in Minneapolis has gathered more than 1,400 citizen accounts. In some cases, activists are asking people to share their stories directly with investigators.

Jackson said he hopes his story and others will help bring much-needed change to the citys police force.

When I was growing up in north Minneapolis, we had officers in our community and we played with their kids, they got nothing but respect. They knew everybodys family, they were from the neighborhood, he said. Its a whole different thing now.

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Mohamed Ibrahim 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.
While some US Catholic bishops continue to denounce President Joe Biden for his support of legal abortion, their conference as a whole is likely to avoid direct criticism of him at its upcoming national meeting.

The highest-profile agenda item is a proposed teaching document about the sacrament of Communion. Months of work on the document, by the conferences Committee on Doctrine, coincided with sometimes heated debate among the bishops as to whether Biden and other Catholic politicians who support abortion rights are unworthy of receiving Communion.

A draft of the document circulating ahead of the Nov. 15-18 meeting in Baltimore breaks little new ground, though its language could be toughened during the gathering. The draft mentions abortion only once and doesnt name Biden or other politicians, though it says at one point, Lay people who exercise some form of public authority have a special responsibility to embody Church teaching.

A member of the doctrine committee, Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, said he and his colleagues decided that the document should avoid any trace of partisan politics.

Yet Olson remains an outspoken critic of Bidens abortion stance, saying the president has upped the scale of scandal.

Hes gone on record as saying abortion is a fundamental right while presenting himself as an exemplary Catholic, Olson told The Associated Press. The issue of public confusion is really at stake here.

While some bishops have made clear that they would deny Communion to Biden, there is no national policy on the matter. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has affirmed that Biden is welcome to receive Communion there.

Last month, after a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Biden said the subject of abortion was not raised, but indicated he had the pontiffs general support.

We just talked about the fact he was happy that I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving Communion, Biden said.

One conservative bishop, Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, had urged Francis to confront Biden over abortion.

Please challenge President Biden on this critical issue, Tobin tweeted before the Vatican meeting. His persistent support of abortion is an embarrassment for the Church and a scandal to the world.

Throughout the year, Francis and some of his high-level aides have sought to tone down the anti-Biden sentiment with USCCB ranks, calling for dialogue and an approach to Communion that is pastoral rather than punitive.

The friction between U.S. bishops and Catholic politicians who support abortion rights is a decades-old phenomenon; it reached a notably intense phase in 2004 when John Kerry, a Catholic, won the Democratic presidential nomination.

But Bidens election  as only the second Catholic president after John F. Kennedy, and the first with an explicit record in favor of legal abortion  created an unprecedented dilemma for the bishops.

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, formed a working group last year to assess the complex and difficult situation posed by the newly elected presidents stances on abortion and other issues that differ from official church teaching. Before disbanding, the group proposed the drafting of a new document addressing the issue of Communion  a project assigned to the doctrine committee.

Among the outspoken Biden critics is Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco  the hometown of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also a Catholic. Cordileone has made clear his view that Pelosi and Biden should refrain from receiving Communion.

Cordileone told AP hes not expecting the proposed document to single out Biden, but he wants it to send a firm message regarding Catholics in public life and their stance on abortion.

He cited several grave evils that pose threats to society  such as human trafficking, racism, terrorism, climate change and a flawed immigration system.

The difference with abortion, he added, is that it is the only one of these grave evils that many people in public life are explicitly promoting.

The incoming chairman of the bishops Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, hopes the proposed document will ease the divide between bishops who favored an explicit rebuke of Biden and those who opposed it.

Sometimes you say, well, to be in the middle is kind of the position of weakness, he told Catholic News Service. These days the position of strength and courage is often in the middle.

Lori stressed the importance of unity within the bishops ranks at a time of political polarization in the U.S.

We have to be careful of not allowing ourselves to go down no-exit, partisan alleys where there is no life at the end of it, he told CNS.

In a panel discussion Thursday sponsored by the National Catholic Reporter, Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky, who does not favor rebuking the president, criticized the proposed teaching document as simultaneously bland and divisive. He said he would vote against it but predicted it will win the two-thirds majority to be adopted.

For some prominent politicians, denial of Communion is not an abstract issue.

Dick Durbin, a practicing Catholic and the No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. Senate, says he has been barred from receiving Communion in his home diocese of Springfield, Illinois, for 17 years under the directives of two successive bishops. Even though he has found a welcoming church in the archdiocese of Chicago, he remains discomfited by the situation.

Its not a happy experience, Durbin said in a recent interview with the Jesuit publication America. I am careful when I go to a church that I have never been to before.

The bishops meeting will include an address from Gomez, who is facing criticism from Catholic racial-justice activists for saying recently that some contemporary social movements and theories  such as social justice, wokeness and intersectionality  represent dangerous substitutes for true religion.

Todays critical theories and ideologies are profoundly atheistic, Gomez said. They deny the soul, the spiritual, transcendent dimension of human nature.

The Washington-based clergy network Faith in Public Life circulated a petition  signed by several prominent activists  denouncing the remarks by Gomez.

Racial justice movements have awakened our nations conscience to the epidemic of police killings and systemic racism, said John Gehring, the networks Catholic program director, in a statement announcing the petition. Catholic bishops and other religious leaders should be in the streets with these movement organizers, not demeaning them.

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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.
WASHINGTON  Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary who holds the purse strings to much of President Joe Bidens $1 trillion infrastructure package, was holding forth with reporters on its impact  the promise of more electric cars, intercity train routes, bigger airports  when a pointed question came.

How would he go about building racial equity into infrastructure?

The 39-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate laid out his argument that highway design can reflect racism, noting that at least $1 billion in the bill will help reconnect cities and neighborhoods that had been racially segregated or divided by road projects.

Im still surprised that some people were surprised when I pointed to the fact that if a highway was built for the purpose of dividing a white and a Black neighborhood  that obviously reflects racism, he said.

Racial equity is an issue where Democratic priorities and Buttigiegs future align. One of his greatest shortcomings as a White House candidate was his inability to win over Black voters. How he navigates that heading into the 2022 midterms will probably shape the fortunes of Bidens agenda and the Democratic Party, if not his own prospects.

Republicans seeking to exploit the issue pounced on Buttigiegs words.

I heard some stuff, some weird stuff from the secretary of transportation trying to make this about social issues, said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. To me, a roads a road. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz tweeted sarcastically: The roads are racist. We must get rid of roads.

But Buttigieg didnt engage and was off to his next stop, the climate summit in Scotland. There he stood for almost a dozen interviews as he promoted provisions of Bidens bill that would build a network of electric vehicle charging stations. He also engaged with young climate activists and took photos with former President Barack Obama.

On racism in roadways, he said simply: I dont know who it hurts to acknowledge that harm was done and to propose doing something to fix it.

His department later announced it would grant extra discretionary aid to help as many as 20 U.S. communities remove portions of interstates, redesign rural main streets and repurpose former rail lines. That could help places from Syracuse, New York, where many residents back a plan to tear down portions and build a walkable grid, to racially divided areas in New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota.

As Biden prepares to sign the infrastructure bill on Monday, eyes are turning to the man still best known as Mayor Pete, a newcomer whose promise of generational change and real-world sensibility of fixing potholes launched him to the top of the early Democratic primary contests during the 2020 campaign.

Quickly endorsing Biden after abandoning the race, Buttigieg now stands to become one of the more powerful brokers in Washington, handling the largest infusion of cash into the transportation sector since the 1950s creation of the interstate highway system.

Armed with that much money and significant latitude in how to spend it, Buttigieg is poised to be the most influential secretary of transportation ever, said Jeff Davis, a senior fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation. The department was founded in 1967.

In all, about $120 billion of the $550 billion in new transportation spending in the bill would come in the form of competitive grants that give Buttigieg discretion in how the money is used.

A separate social spending bill pending in the House would pour billions more dollars into the Transportation Department, which already expects to see its annual budget surge by over 50% to $140 billion.

Its a whole lot of money, says Ray LaHood, a former Republican congressman from Illinois and transportation secretary under Obama, who in comparison presided over the release of $48 billion in transportation money in the 2009 Recovery Act. Since then, LaHood said, major federal investments in transportation have been stagnant, creating pent-up demand for road, bridge and Amtrak projects that can quickly launch.

Its both a boon and challenge to Buttigieg, who revealed in August that he was going to become a dad with husband Chasten. He took several weeks of paternity leave to care for the twins, returning in October as Republicans criticized him for leaving his post. More recently, he juggled time keeping watch over his infant son, who was ill for three weeks and hospitalized for a respiratory illness, while he worked to address national supply chain problems.

When somebody welcomes a new child into their family, and goes on leave to take care of that child thats not a vacation, its work, he said last month. Im not going to apologize.

Starting this week, Buttigieg will join other Cabinet members to pitch the plan around the country.

Look, a lot of this sells itself because communities never needed to be persuaded that their bridge needed to be fixed or that their airport needed an upgrade or that their ports needed investment, Buttigieg said. Theyve been trying to get Washington to catch up to them.

Anthony Foxx, who was Obamas transportation secretary from 2013 to 2017, said a big challenge will be the massive operational details in the department, where Buttigieg is supported by veteran hands. Many programs are new, requiring clear guidelines to states and localities on what they are eligible for and how the money is to be awarded. They will be managing multiple plans with very high dollar figures, creating pressure on administrative staff, Foxx said.

On Sunday, Biden named former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who oversaw the citys rebuilding effort after it was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to be a watchdog on the disbursement of the money.

Once many programs are in place, after six to nine months, Foxx said, thats when the magic happens on what to fund and what may not cut the mustard. The winners would come in the form of hundreds of grant announcements for medium-sized road projects that could accelerate into spring 2023 with the first awards for multibillion-dollar bridges, intercity rail and New Yorks Gateway tunnel.

As a mayor, Buttigieg was attuned to calls to fix roads and potholes. He relished talking about state-of-the-art sewer system. Now that message will be national with the stakes far greater.

The currency of politics is exposure, and hes getting a lot of exposure, said Larry Grisalano, who was Buttigiegs advertising consultant.

At the White House, staff warmly refer to him as Secretary Mayor Pete, and Biden has compared Buttigieg to his late son Beau. The White House celebrated Chastens birthday with cupcakes. Youre the best, man, Biden said after Buttigieg spoke at the White House over the summer.

Yet in a city laden with ambition, Buttigiegs potential to move farther onto the national stage can make him a target.

Nina Smith, Buttigiegs former traveling campaign press secretary, said as Bidens top lieutenant on the bill, Buttigieg has the opportunity to lead an effort to eradicate past injustices. Buttigieg during the 2020 campaign was never able to win over large shares of Black voters.

Thats an added responsibility that I think hes very much aware of and making a central part of the work, said Smith, a Democratic political consultant.

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Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa.
WARSAW, Poland  Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are considering asking NATO to hold emergency talks as they struggle to manage a tense migration standoff on their borders with Belarus, the Polish prime minister said Sunday.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he and his two Baltic counterparts are discussing whether to ask for such talks under the NATO treaty, which allows any ally to request consultations if it feels its territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.

Still, its a step that has only been requested a few times in the history of the Western alliance.

The authoritarian Belarusian regime in Minsk has for months been orchestrating a flow of migrants across its border into the three European Union nations, which form the eastern flank of both the 27-nation EU and NATO. In response, the three have been reinforcing their borders.

In an interview with state news agency PAP, Morawiecki vowed that Polands border with Belarus will be an effective and final barrier to actions by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

There is no doubt that things have gone too far, Morawiecki said.

Many migrants are now stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather as Poland has reinforced its border with 15,000 soldiers in addition to border guards and police. Most are fleeing conflict, poverty or hopelessness in Syria and Iraq and hope to reach Germany or elsewhere in western Europe.

The situation grew more dramatic last week as a large group of migrants appeared across the border from the Polish town of Kuznica. More arrived there on Sunday, and Polands Interior Ministry released a video showing police warning the people: If you dont follow the orders, force may be used against you.

In Baghdad, the Iraqi government urged its citizens stranded at the edge of the EU to return home voluntarily on Iraqi Airways flights that the government is providing.

Ahmed al-Sahhaf, the spokesman for Iraqs Foreign Ministry, told The Associated Press on Sunday that large groups of Iraqi migrants are being exposed to difficult humanitarian situations. He said the ministry has also suspended the work permit of Belarus honorary consul in Baghdad to stop the issuing of entry visas to Belarus.

Smuggling and human trafficking networks are working in inhuman ways and imposing risks on large numbers of Iraqi travelers, he said.

The EU accuses Lukashenko of encouraging the migrants from the Mideast to breech the borders in retaliation for sanctions on his repressive rule. Belarus denies the allegations.

The EUs foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said he spoke Sunday with Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei to raise the precarious humanitarian situation at the border.

The current situation is unacceptable and must stop. People should not be used as weapons, Borrell wrote on Twitter.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said Makei informed Borrell of the steps Belarus was taking to reduce the flow of migrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East and to provide them with humanitarian assistance.

The interest in the early resolution of the migration crisis was confirmed, the ministry said, while also stressing the futility of sanctions on the Belarus-EU relationship.

Polish authorities reported Sunday that migrants who tried to cross in from Belarus the evening before attacked Polish police officers with stones, hitting one in the helmet. On Saturday, Poland said Belarusian forces were using a vehicle to try to dismantle a border fence and were using lasers to blind Polish forces.

The reported incidents are all but impossible to verify. Independent journalists face limits in Belarus and a state of emergency in Polands border zone prevents media from entering the area.

Polands Border Guard agency said it has recorded over 33,000 illegal attempts to cross the border from Belarus so far this year, up from 120 last year. Polish forces generally push people back across the border. Yet German authorities say they have recorded more than 9,000 migrants who have come through Belarus.

Polish police have also been detaining suspected human smugglers.

Polands Interior Ministry is seeking to dispel rumors among migrants that Poland has agreed to let them go by bus to Germany. The government is sending alerts in English to phones in the border area saying: Its a total lie and nonsense! Poland will continue to protect its border with Belarus.

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Salar Salim in Baghdad contributed.

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Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com.hub/migration.
GLASGOW, Scotland  While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth.

In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities, United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.

But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit).

The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now its about time to declare it dead, Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an email Sunday.

A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limit  and with it, some hope. But barely.

The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United States-China deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air.

The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord. United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees.

The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14% since 2010, Espinosa said.

German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference got work done, but did not make enough progress.

Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity, said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on.

Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, according to scientists who run computer simulations.

Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming  for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming, Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an email. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief.

MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didnt match leaders optimism.

There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 (degrees) if coal is not phased out  and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas, he said.

On Saturday, India got a last-minute change to the pact: Instead of the phase out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be phased down. Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming.

Lessening will do less to slow the harmful effects of climate change than eliminating,' former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, an environmental researcher at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission-cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming.

The 1.5 figure is balanced on a knife edge, said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia.

One paragraph in the pact  which calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals arent in line with 1.5- or 2- degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next year  gives hope, Hare said.

But U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesnt apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the U.S. goal is so strong.

Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigans environment school said the pact provided watered down hope.  We got an incomplete plan for slower action.

I went into the (conference) thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the worlds leaders just didnt have the backbone for that, Overpeck said in an email.

Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the U.S. national climate assessment. But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely.

But some scientists held out hope.

For the first time, I can really see a potential path forward to limiting warming to 1.5C, Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann said in an email. But it will require both (a) countries making good on their current pledges and (b) further ratcheting up their current commitments.

Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact and Research in Germany highlighted the optimistic scenario he and a few others see if all the countries that have promised net-zero emissions by mid-century actually achieve the goal  something most havent started concrete action on.

In that case, warming could be limited to 1.8 degrees or 1.9 degrees, Rockstrom said.

That is a significant progress, but far from sufficient, he said.

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Follow APs climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate

___

Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears

___

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.

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This story was first published on November 14, 2021. It was updated on November 15, 2021 to correct former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalatis current role.
TOKYO  A Japanese princess who gave up her royal status to marry her commoner college sweetheart arrived in New York on Sunday, as the couple pursued happiness as newlyweds and left behind a nation that has criticized their romance.

The departure of Mako Komuro, the former Princess Mako, and Kei Komuro, both 30, was carried live by major Japanese broadcasters, showing them boarding a plane amid a flurry of camera flashes at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

Photos posted online showed the couple arriving at JFK Airport.

Kei Komuro, a graduate of Fordham University law school, has a job at a New York law firm. He has yet to pass his bar exam, another piece of news that local media have used to attack him, although it is common to pass after multiple attempts.

I love Mako, he told reporters last month after registering their marriage in Tokyo. They did so without a wedding banquet or any of the other usual celebratory rituals.

I want to live the only life I have with the person I love, he said.

Although Japan appears modern in many ways, values about family relations and the status of women often are seen as somewhat antiquated, rooted in feudal practices.

Such views were accentuated in the publics reaction to the marriage. Some Japanese feel they have a say in such matters because taxpayer money supports the imperial family system.

Other princesses have married commoners and left the palace. But Mako is the first to have drawn such a public outcry, including a frenzied reaction on social media and in local tabloids.

Speculation ranged from whether the couple could afford to live in Manhattan to how much money Kei Komuro would earn and if the former princess would end up financially supporting her husband.

Mako is the niece of Emperor Naruhito, who also married a commoner, Masako. Masako often suffered mentally in the cloistered, regulated life of the imperial family. The negative media coverage surrounding Makos marriage gave her what palace doctors described last month as a form of traumatic stress disorder.

Former Emperor Akihito, the father of the current emperor, was the first member of the imperial family to marry a commoner. His father was the emperor under whom Japan fought in World War II.

The family holds no political power but serves as a symbol of the nation, attending ceremonial events and visiting disaster zones, and remains relatively popular.

Makos loss of royal status comes from the Imperial House Law, which allows only male succession. Only male royals have household names, while female imperial family members have only titles and must leave if they marry commoners.

Mako is the daughter of the emperors younger brother, and her 15-year-old brother is expected to eventually be emperor.

Complicating the former princesss marriage, announced in 2017, was a financial dispute involving Kei Komuros mother. That issue was recently settled, according to Kyodo news service.

When Kei Komuro returned from the U.S. in September, the couple was reunited for the first time in three years. They met while attending Tokyos International Christian University a decade ago.

In announcing their marriage, the former princess, a museum curator, made her choice clear.

He is someone I cannot do without, she said. Marriage is that decision needed for us to live on, staying true to our hearts.

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Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama

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This story corrects that the princess gave up her royal status, not the throne.
ROCCELLA JONICA, Italy  The Italian Coast Guard on Sunday safely brought to shore more than 550 migrants, many of them young men or boys from Egypt, from storm-tossed waters off the southern toe of Italys mainland, as human traffickers increasingly use a new route.

One rescue began Saturday night and ended early Sunday when the 303 migrants, soaked and shivering, stepped on to the port of Roccella Jonica in the the Calabria region.

Later Sunday, after an Italian customs police boat spotted spotted another fishing vessel in difficulty off Calabria, coast guard crews ferried 250 migrants to the same port, Associated Press journalists in Roccella Jonica reported.

While most migrants seeking to reach Italy in the central Mediterranean depart from Libya or Tunisia, authorities say an increasing number of traffickers boats are plying a route that begins in Turkey and ends at the southern tip of the Italian peninsula.

Those rescued from traffickers unseaworthy rubber dinghies and wooden boats that depart from North Africa are usually taken to Lampedusa, a tiny Italian island, or to ports in Sicily. Those sailing from Turkey are generally taken to Calabria or Puglia in the heel of the Italian mainland.

The charity Resqship tweeted Sunday that after it alerted authorities about an overcrowded wooden boat with 100 migrants south of Lampedusa, the Italian coast vessel evacuated them to safety.

In Roccella Jonica, Red Cross volunteers early Sunday handed the migrants plastic clogs, blankets, food and protective face masks as part of COVID-19 precautions. Authorities recently set up a tent structure to serve as temporary housing but its only for up to 120 people, so some of the migrants were driven to other shelters.

As of Nov. 12, 57,833 migrants had arrived in Italy by sea this year.

In 2020, more than 31,000 arrived. In 2019, when anti-migrant leader Matteo Salvini used his post as interior minister to try to thwart charity boats from disembarking people they rescued at sea, just under 10,000 arrived.

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DEmilio reported from Rome. AP photographer Alessandra Tarantino contributed from Roccella Jonica.



Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration.
Dear J.T. & Dale: The housing market is crazy right now, and my husband and I have the opportunity to sell our home for above its value. It would give us a lot of money and we would be able to go live in our dream retirement cabin. However, Ive been working at my company for a long time and was planning to work for another five years. I know that I could do this job remotely, as Ive done throughout the pandemic. However, I get concerned about bringing this up now that the company is going back into the office. It might result in them letting me go. Im not so sure I could find a new job at my age (55). Any tips on what I can do to make sure that they want to keep me remotely?  Nina

DALE: The first thing to understand is what going back to the office will ultimately look like for your company: Lots of organizations are developing new hybrid models, some willingly and some grudgingly. That means you start with informal conversational research, figuring out if the company will allow some remote work and how your bosses really feel about such employees. If all goes well, you can drop the idea of your moving and see how it goes over. You may end up compromising, such as planning regular in-person visits to the company.

J.T.: I hope its easy, but I think youre wise to be concerned. Lots of companies are restructuring right now, and this could be the opportunity to let you and your higher salary go if they can find somebody younger and cheaper. I know that sounds like a harsh reality, but Im hearing about it more and more. I also agree that you will likely pay the wisdom tax: given youre over 50, finding a job will take longer than it used to. My advice is to put together a very strong outline of your current value, and how you are worth every penny and then some. Even so, start looking for a new remote job. If you dont feel theyre going to give you the remote option, then telling them could end up working against you!

Dear J.T. & Dale: I sold my car during the pandemic because I wasnt commuting to work any more. My company instituted a requirement to come into the office two days a week. Ive been taking public transportation and its been a nightmare. I really dont want to go back to owning a car because of the expense. Im thinking about asking my company to cover the cost of an Uber to and from work. Do you think this is a reasonable thing to request?  Spencer

J.T.: Honestly, no, I do not see this as a reasonable request. When you joined your company, you agreed to get yourself to work and to get there on your own dime. Theyre only asking you to come back two days a week; so, in their minds, theyre going to have a hard time understanding how you can possibly ask for this expense to be paid for. Instead, I would take a look at all the work youve accomplished throughout the pandemic and see if you cant justify asking for a raise to cover the cost of the Uber. Show how much value you have created and why you feel you should be earning more. And youll be able to treat yourself to the Uber.

DALE: Yes, and given the tumultuous labor market, you might have some leverage in asking for a raise. But, just to be clear, when you make your pitch for a raise, do NOT mention needing it for the Uber expense. If you do, your manager will instantly think less of you. Theres nothing more exasperating to management than an employee who responds to something generous  like going back into the office just two days a week  with an ask instead of a thank you. So make sure you de-link the commuting expense and make a clean pitch for your raise.

Jeanine J.T. Tanner ODonnell is a career coach and the founder of the leading career site www.workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten is founder of The Innovators Lab and author of a novel about H.R., The Weary Optimist. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
LAS CRUCES  With increasing activity in commercial space flight and new startups entering the industry, Las Cruces is eyeing opportunities to draw more aerospace investment to the area  including the role its municipal airport might play in the effort.

Las Cruces International Airport, built originally as a military air base during World War II and transferred to the city in 1955, is working on an updated master plan, a requirement of its certification with the Federal Aviation Administration, and a guide for city planning as the facility looks to short- and long-term needs, including economic development opportunities.

As airport administrator Andy Hume puts it, the plan makes sure that the pieces you need for growth are either in place or, if theyre not, how we get them in place.

A new focus for the airports master plan will be aerospace and what improvements might be made at the airport to make Las Cruces more attractive to the industry as commercial activity is anticipated to ramp up next year at Spaceport America 50 miles north of the city.

While the spaceport is best known for its anchor tenant, spaceflight company Virgin Galactic, other tenants and customers are also active at the remote facility outside Truth or Consequences, among them UP Aerospace, SpinLaunch and HAPSMobile/Aerovironment.

Hume tells the Las Cruces Sun-News that the most recent master plan, adopted in 2018, did not assess the proximity of the spaceport or aerospace growth, even though Virgin Galactic is a pretty steady presence at the airport, flying engineers between Las Cruces and its manufacturing base of operations in Mojave, California.

A consultant to the master plan update said in an interview that Las Cruces is already on the map for U.S. aerospace and well positioned to attract more businesses involved in manufacturing and supply chains for the growing satellite and reusable rocket industries.

James Bennett, chief regulatory officer for aerospace technology company Immortal Data, said Las Cruces established itself in the minds of space entrepreneurs in 2006, when it hosted the X Prize Cup rocketry and lunar landing expo and competition. By then, early construction had already begun on the spaceport in Sierra County.

Immortal Data, which is developing a data system payload to be launched by UP Aerospace, has maintained an office at the Las Cruces airport since 2019, when it relocated from Mojave.

The company is now serving as a subcontractor for the master plan update being prepared by the engineering and consulting firm Dubois and King.

We think theres an opportunity, Bennett said.

There is, however, some catching up to do for public capital investment. Private sector money moves much faster, and developments are accelerating.

Virgin Galactic flew its first two crewed flights to the edge of space over New Mexico this year, and rival Blue Origin has also flown passengers to space twice from its facility near Van Horn, Texas. SpaceX is flying human crews to the International Space Station for the space agency NASA and may test a new prototype for orbital flights as soon as November.

Interest in satellite and rocket technology is also high. Bennett remarked, I think I see a new startup announced every week nowadays, adding that an estimated 120 companies worldwide are developing or building launch vehicles. While most of these startups can be expected to disappear, he said the industry is here to stay.

That means commercial space firms are actively seeking optimal locations to root themselves, and Bennett said Las Cruces has a valuable foothold.

Its got the economics, because you have a low cost of operation, he said. Its got a good university locally and three or four good universities with aerospace talent within a couple of hours. You have an incubator (at New Mexico State University) which is very commercial-space-savvy. These are all good ingredients.

The question for this master plan update, he said, is whether Las Cruces airport could become the new Mojave airport, providing a similarly convenient access point for moving new technologies to rapid turnaround tests or commercial operations at the spaceport.

The airport is adjacent to an industrial park and completed crucial pavement upgrades a year ago. There are three runways that can accommodate arrivals and departures in six directions.

One of them, however, is in need of maintenance, and Hume said the city hopes to extend the length of the other two to 8,600 feet and 10,500 feet, respectively.

That would accommodate heavier aircraft, including commercial passenger jet launches from the airport.

Hume explained that, at present, jets loaded with passengers can land at the airport, but can only take off empty under FAA regulations.

Both men said the planning update will present city officials with an assessment of potential investments conducive to the industrys needs, financial risks and strategic priorities for attracting private sector investment. Bennett said the planning document will present policymakers with a phased plan for immediate needs, plus 5- and 10-year plans to position itself for regional aerospace activity.

Its going to be looked at by some hard-minded people asking the hard questions and we want to make sure that we have a well-studied set of options, Bennett said.
Albuquerque police on Sunday identified the person who was shot and killed inside a crashed car in southeast Albuquerque as Joseph Morales, 19.

Morales was killed in the area of Dallas and Copper NE early Saturday morning. Police were called to the area because of ShotSpotter gunshot detection system activations.

Morales died at the scene, police said.
KENOSHA, Wis.  Kyle Rittenhouse provoked bloodshed on the streets of Kenosha by bringing a semi-automatic rifle to a protest and menacing others, and when the shooting stopped, he walked off like a hero in a Western, a prosecutor said in closing arguments Monday at Rittenhouses murder trial.

But Rittenhouses lawyer countered that the shooting started after the young man was ambushed by a crazy person that night and feared his gun was going to be wrested away and used to kill him. Defense attorney Mark Richards said Rittenhouse acted in self-defense.

After a full day of arguments, the jurors were told to return Tuesday morning for the start of deliberations in the case that has stirred fierce debate in the U.S. over guns, vigilantism and law and order.

Eighteen jurors have been hearing the case; the 12 who will decide Rittenhouses fate and the six who will be designated alternates will be determined by drawing numbers from a lottery drum.

Rittenhouse, then 17, shot two men to death and wounded a third during a tumultuous night of protests against racial injustice in the summer of 2020.

Rittenhouse said he went to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to protect property from rioters in the days after a Black man, Jacob Blake, was shot by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse, a former police youth cadet, is white, as were those he shot.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Thomas Binger said Rittenhouse was a wannabe soldier and was looking for trouble that night. Binger repeatedly showed the jury drone video that he said depicted Rittenhouse pointing the AR-style weapon at demonstrators.

This is the provocation. This is what starts this incident, the prosecutor declared.

He told the jury: You lose the right to self-defense when youre the one who brought the gun, when you are the one creating the danger, when youre the one provoking other people.

Rittenhouse, now 18, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him, first-degree intentional homicide, which is Wisconsins top murder count.

Binger zeroed in on the killing of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, who was the first man gunned down that night and whose shooting set in motion the ones that followed. The prosecutor repeatedly called it murder, saying it was unjustified.

The prosecutor reminded jurors that Rittenhouse testified he knew Rosenbaum was unarmed. Binger also said there is no video to support the defense claim that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse.

Binger disputed the contention that Rosenbaum was trying to grab Rittenhouses rifle. Mr. Rosenbaum is not even within arms reach when the first shot occurs, Binger said. He rejected the claim that Rittenhouse had no choice but to shoot, saying he could have run away.

And Binger argued that once Rosenbaum was wounded, he was not even capable of taking away the gun, which was strapped to Rittenhouses body, since he was falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis. Rittenhouse kept firing, delivering what the prosecutor called the kill shot to Rosenbaums back.

I think we can also agree that we shouldnt have 17-year-olds running around our streets with AR-15s, because this is exactly what happens, Binger said.

In his own closing argument, Richards, the defense attorney, called Rosenbaum a crazy person who was hell-bent on causing trouble that night and went after Rittenhouse unprovoked.

Mr. Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client and going to kill him, take his gun and carry out the threats he made, Richards said, adding that Rittenhouse never pointed his gun before being chased: It didnt happen.

Richards said an enlarged image that prosecutors said shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at protesters is hocus pocus that doesnt prove anything.

Rittenhouse himself looked largely impassive during the arguments, occasionally jotting notes. His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, listened intently behind him.

With a verdict near, Gov. Tony Evers said that 500 National Guard members would be prepared for duty in Kenosha if requested by local law enforcement.

After killing Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, while trying to make his way through the crowd. Rittenhouse testified that Huber hit him with a skateboard and that Grosskreutz came at him with a gun of his own  an account largely corroborated by video and Grosskreutz himself.

But the prosecutor said Rittenhouse provoked that bloodshed, too. He said Huber, Grosskreutz and others in the crowd were trying to stop what they believed was an active shooter.

When it was all over, Rittenhouse walked away like a hero in a Western  without a care in the world for anything hes just done, Binger said.

The defense, though, said Rittenhouse was set upon by a mob. Richards accused prosecutors of using the term active shooter for Rittenhouse because of the loaded connotations of that word.

And in an apparent reference to the police shooting of a Black man that touched off the protests, Richards said: Other people in this community have shot people seven times, and its been found to be OK. (No charges were brought against the white officer.)

When the prosecutor displayed a photo of Rosenbaums bloodied body on a gurney during his autopsy and another of his mangled hand, some jurors appeared to avert their eyes. Later, when Binger displayed a close-up of Grosskreutzs bicep largely obliterated by a bullet, several jurors winced and turned away.

The sound of a small group of protesters chanting outside the building could be heard at one point, but it wasnt clear from inside the courtroom what they were saying or whether the jury heard them.

Supporters have hailed Rittenhouse as a hero who took a stand against lawlessness; foes have branded him a vigilante.

Binger began his closing arguments by questioning whether Rittenhouse was genuinely trying to help.

The prosecutor noted that Rittenhouse had ammunition capable of traveling the length of five football fields and passing through cars, and asked the jury: Why do you need 30 rounds of full metal jacket (ammo) to protect a building?

But Richards said Rittenhouse, who worked as a lifeguard in Kenosha and helped clean up graffiti before the shootings, feels for this community and came down here trying to help, to see the damage.

The defense attorney branded the trial a political case brought by prosecutors who he said need someone to blame for the violence.

Earlier Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared to be among the likeliest of the charges to net a conviction. It carries by up to nine months in jail.

The defense argued that Wisconsin law has an exception related to the length of a weapons barrel. After prosecutors conceded Rittenhouses rifle was not short-barreled, the judge threw out the charge.

Perhaps in recognition of weaknesses in their case, prosecutors asked the judge to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit him on the original counts. Schroeder agreed to do so as he delivered some 36 pages of legal instructions to the jury.

In his instructions, the judge said that to accept Rittenhouses claim of self-defense, the jury must find that he believed there was an unlawful threat to him and that the amount of force he used was reasonable and necessary.

___

This story has been updated to correct Gaige Grosskreutzs age to 28.

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Bauer reported from Madison and Forliti reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press writer Tammy Webber contributed from Fenton, Michigan.

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Find APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
DALLAS  A woman who authorities say survived an attack by a man charged with killing 18 older women in Dallas and its suburbs over a two-year span said in a taped deposition shown to jurors as his trial opened Monday that she knew she was in grave danger the minute she opened her door.

My eyes were just fixated on these green rubber gloves that I saw.  I knew instantly when I saw those two green rubber gloves, number one, I should not have opened the door, number two, my life was in grave danger, Mary Annis Bartel said on the video.

Billy Chemirmir, 48, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder in the death of 81-year-old Lu Thi Harris. Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty. His attorney entered a not guilty plea for him on Monday on the charge.

Chemirmir was arrested in March 2018 following the attack on Bartel at her apartment at an independent living community for seniors in Plano. Bartel was 91 at the time of the attack and died in 2020.

She said that she tried to push the door shut but was overpowered. He said: Dont fight me, lie on the bed,' Bartel said.

Bartel described a pillow being smashed into her face and her attacker using all his weight to keep me from breathing.

Bartel, who lost consciousness during the attack and later discovered she was missing her wedding band, diamond engagement ring and other jewelry, said she couldnt remember details about the appearance of the man who attacked her.

When police tracked Chemirmir to his nearby apartment the next day, he was holding jewelry and cash. Documents in a large red jewelry box police say he had just thrown away led them to a Dallas home, where Harris was dead in her bedroom, lipstick smeared on her pillow.

In opening statements, prosecutor Glen Fitzmartin said that earlier that day, Harris and Chemirmir had been checking out at the same time at a Walmart store.

This is a case about stalking, smothering and stealing, Fitzmartin told the jury.

After his arrest, authorities announced they would review hundreds of deaths, signaling the possibility that a serial killer had been stalking older people. Over the following years, the number of people Chemirmir was accused of killing grew.

Fitzmartin said jurors would also be hearing about the killing of 87-year-old Mary Brooks, who was found dead in her Richardson home in January 2018. Chemirmir has been charged in her death.

He said that Brooks death had originally been called a natural death, but after an investigation following the arrest of Chemirmir, the medical examiner changed the cause of death to homicide.

Fitzmartin said that the day before Brooks was found dead, she was at a Walmart, the same Walmart that Harris was at before her death later in the year. Fitzmartin said that a vehicle model known to be driven by Chemirmir was parked next to Brooks vehicle.

He follows her out of there, he follows her to her house, kills her, steals from her, Fitzmartin said.

Most of the victims were killed at independent living communities for older people, where Chemirmir allegedly forced his way into apartments or posed as a handyman. Hes also accused of killing women in private homes, including the widow of a man he had cared for in his job as an at-home caregiver.

The defense did not make an opening statement. Chemirmirs attorney has called the evidence against Chemirmir circumstantial.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SUNLAND PARK  Its known as ground zero of New Mexicos immigration surge.

Sunland Park  a 13-square-mile patch of rugged mountains, unforgiving desert and an unpredictable Rio Grande  is mired in a growing entanglement of immigrant crossings that is straining the patience and resources of this New Mexico community of 17,000.

Its every day, during the day and during the night. Even at midnight and after midnight, you can see a lot of people crossing, sometimes 20 to 30 at a time, said Jose Hernandez, a resident of Sunland Park who was tending to freshly planted flowers in his front yard one morning last week.

You hear them during the night jumping the fences, he said. They use a rope, or whatever they can. Sometimes they hide in that trailer. You see how they broke the window, said Hernandez, pointing to an abandoned mobile home on a dusty lot at the foot of rising slopes that extend into Mexico a few dozen yards away.

The fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 had the highest number of U.S. Border Patrol encounters on record  1.95 million nationally, which eclipsed the previous high of 1.692 million encounters in 1986, according to government data. The number of encounters at the Mexican border during that period was 1.73 million, which includes 628,761 children and family members. The number of children and families encountered at the border during the 2019 surge was 608,697.

The U.S. Border Patrols fiscal year runs from October through September.

From Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered 1,105,925 single adults, more than the previous three years combined.

In Sunland Park, the international boundary is marked by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, the border wall and the nearly 700-foot Mount Cristo Rey, a prehistoric lava eruption that sits as a massive natural monument dividing Texas, New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Residents here have become accustomed to the chopping sound of helicopter blades hovering over their homes, the roaring engines of vehicle chases through their streets, government all-terrain-vehicles tearing through vacant lots and desert, and mounted horse patrols sweeping through their neighborhoods. These sounds of chase and skirmish are a continuous reminder that the U.S. Border Patrol is among them, on the front lines of the immigration crisis that is complicating every level of government.

We have seen an increase in suspicious activity calls, and it is taking a toll on the resources we have as a municipality, Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea said. Sometimes Border Patrol is overwhelmed, and they need to establish a law enforcement presence, so our police department will support the Border Patrol that way, he said.

Perea said that the job of his city is not immigration enforcement but that he is obligated to help in whatever way he can when the Border Patrol needs assistance.

When we do get these calls for trespassing or suspicious activity, we do respond to those calls as fast as we can, but that slows down service to other calls that might not have an emergency priority, he said.

Decreased staffing

Despite the current record surge along the border, staffing of the Border Patrol has dropped since 2013, when 18,610 agents were stationed along the border. The latest figures available show 16,731 agents staffed along the border.

The El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico, had its highest number of agents in 2010, with 2,752. The latest records show that 2,160 agents are now stationed in this sector.

Isabel Marshall, a Sunland Park resident who was picking up aluminum cans near a mobile home, said she is puzzled by how immigrants can often make their way through her neighborhood without any Border Patrol agents confronting them.

To tell you the truth, I dont understand how sometimes there are so many people passing (illegally), and the immigration is not here, she said. Ive seen people hiding behind my trailer, and Ive seen them on top of my trailer. Ive even seen a lady hiding inside the trash can.

Richard J. Barragan, a supervisory Border Patrol agent, said the Sunland Park area is served by the Santa Teresa Border Patrol station, the busiest station within the El Paso Sector, accounting for 46% of all encounters in the sector. He also said it is one of the busiest stations along the Southwest border

The Santa Teresa station chief, agent Gerardo Galvan, said the current immigrant flow in Sunland Park continues to challenge the Santa Teresa Border Patrol stations capacity to provide security to the residents and businesses of the communities we serve.

The challenges go beyond immigration and exposes vulnerabilities, which have far-reaching impacts to the residents and the very same individuals who are being exploited by transnational criminal organizations looking to profit from the current situation, he said.

Despite the increased immigrant activity, encounters in the El Paso sector are not at historic highs. In the mid-1980s, this sector had an average of 249,000 annual encounters, and during the early 1990s it had an average of 242,000 encounters each year. The highest number of undocumented apprehensions on record for the El Paso sector is 285,781 in 1993.

For the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, the El Paso sector recorded 193,918 apprehensions.

In New Mexico alone  independent of the El Paso sector encounters  125,630 migrant apprehensions by the Border Patrol were recorded in that period. The highest was in May, which had 15,302 encounters. The latest numbers show that Border Patrol agents intercepted 12,539 migrants entering the United States through New Mexico in September.

Asylum-seekers

The border is still predominantly closed to immigrants.

Title 42  the U.S. public health initiative that expels most asylum-seekers as a COVID-19 precaution  remains in effect; and the Migrant Protection Protocols, which force immigrants to await U.S. immigration hearings in Mexico, is poised to be reinstated, as ruled upon by a Texas court. So although the border was opened last week to nonessential travelers from Mexico, there are still considerable obstacles that prohibit entry by many immigrants.

Raquel Morales, a 24-year-old mother of three children  ages 6, 5 and 3  said she had just completed a two-day bus ride to Juarez from her home in western Mexico and had hopes to apply for asylum at the U.S. port of entry downtown.

Things in Michoacan are very difficult, too hard to stay there for my children, she said. She was waiting on the Juarez side of the bridge with about 10 others, all expecting to learn how they might enter the United States to apply for asylum. I dont know who I am waiting for, or what I should do, she said.

A teenager wearing the blue shirt and sandals indicative of expelled immigrants was soon escorted from the port and released on the Mexican side of the international bridge. He was holding a small zip-close bag containing a few hundred pesos and a cellphone. His name was Miguel Tojin, he was 18 years old and from Guatemala, he said. He stood amid the moving crowd, looking confused.

Where is Mexico? Is it here? Should I walk over here? he asked, and moved against the flow of the bridges pedestrian traffic, unaware that he had been ejected from the United States on the wrong side of the bridge, and would have to cross to the other side, across multiple lanes of vehicle traffic, to be able to walk into Mexico.

Human smugglers

Many immigrants like Morales and Tojin decide to avoid the confusion of the ports of entry and the typically prompt removal from the United States, and venture instead to the polleros  chicken herders or coyotes  the human smugglers who are paid to bypass legal obstacles and take migrants into U.S. border communities like Sunland Park.

Along the international boundary, about 15,000 of the Guardia Nacional  the Mexican National Guard  patrol the Mexican side of the border. Two members of the Guardia Nacional are typically posted in Anapra, the Mexican colonia directly opposite Sunland Park. Wearing desert camouflage uniforms and armed with FX-05 Xiuhcoatl assault rifles, they alternate in 15-day shifts, watching the Mexican side of the border for unauthorized entry into the United States.

We are very concerned with human rights, and we will respect the human rights of migrants, said one, who declined to give his name. We will not fire upon anyone without reason. But of course, if it is in self-defense, we will engage, he said.

This Mexican National Guard patrol station is about 50 feet from the border, and agents say they have found rope ladders used by smugglers to cross migrants over the border wall. From their station, they can overlook Sunland Park and its surrounding desert  inhospitable and barbed with acres of cactus and yucca.

Border Patrol records show that more than 7,800 migrants have died along the border since 1998. In the El Paso sector, there have been 264 official deaths during that time, but officials say it is impossible to know exactly how many migrants have died along this stretch of the border.

Last year, the El Paso sector recorded 10 deaths, and this year Sunland Park alone has had eight migrant deaths within its city limits, according to information provided by the city of Sunland Park.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico exports are barreling toward an annual record this year, marking a sharp turnaround from last years pandemic-induced slowdown.

Total state sales worldwide climbed 55% in the first nine months of 2021, from $2.77 billion in the January-September period last year to $4.28 billion this year, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. If those trends continue, the state could well surpass its previous annual export record, reached in 2019, when global sales hit $4.68 billion.

In fact, at $4.28 billion as of September, the value of state exports is already more than $1 billion higher than the January-September period in 2019, when sales abroad totaled $3.16 billion.

Its looking really good, said Jerry Pacheco, trade consultant and executive director of the International Business Accelerator at Santa Teresa in southern New Mexico.

I expect this to be our biggest year yet, Pacheco told the Journal. New Mexico exports are already well exceeding 2019, which was our flagship year before the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic markedly slashed exports nationwide in 2020 as consumers hunkered down at home, businesses temporarily shut down across the globe, and supply-chain disruptions slowed commerce worldwide.

Total U.S. exports fell to $1.4 trillion last year  the lowest level since 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, based on data from the Commerce Department.

In New Mexico, the global downturn cut state exports by 21% across the board. Sales to Mexico  the states No. 1 export market  fell by 8% last year. And sales to China, New Mexicos second-largest trade partner, plummeted by 40%.

But this year, the trends have reversed. Sales to Mexico grew 17% from January-September, putting New Mexicos southbound exports on track for an annual record. And sales to China ballooned nearly threefold, from $435 million in the first nine months of 2020 to $1.2 billion this year.

The Intel factor

New Mexico has worked to expand its exports to Asia in recent years, with state and federal assistance programs helping local companies to diversify their markets in that region.

But while sales there of everything from high-tech products to consumer goods have increased, the boom in trade with China likely reflects the ebb and flow of shipments from Intel Corp. in Rio Rancho to its sister facilities overseas, Pacheco said.

Historically, Intel has dominated New Mexicos exports with shipments of computer-related components and electronics, accounting for up to 80% of sales abroad in years past. And with the Rio Rancho plant now back on a growth cycle with new product development and production happening there, the dramatic, rapid upswing in exports to China points once again to the Intel factor, Pacheco said.

I believe a lot of what were seeing in China now is directly tied to Intel, he said.

Until recently, Intels dominance generally led to erratic ups and downs in New Mexicos export performance as Intel shipments abroad rose and fell from one year to the next. But the states export structure has fundamentally changed over the past 10 to 15 years, significantly reducing Intels influence on annual export totals.

Thats largely due to the massive build-out of trade-related industrial parks at Santa Teresa in southern New Mexico, where about 70 companies now operate a stones throw from the Santa Teresa Port of Entry.

The boom in activity there is the central factor driving the rapid growth in New Mexicos exports overall in recent years, and in particular, sales to Mexico, according to state officials.

Nearly all of New Mexicos export growth can be attributed to the cross-border industrial hub around Santa Teresa, Economic Development Department Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said in an email to the Journal.

As a result, while Intels ups and downs still noticeably affect New Mexicos export totals, they no longer disrupt the states overall annual export performance, Pacheco said.

Weve neutralized that dependence now with the industrial base built out at the border, he said. Now, if Intel exports go down, exports at the border and overall remain robust.

Strategic plan

State officials now see significant opportunities to build on Santa Teresas success, not just to expand the export base in southern New Mexico, but to advance trade-related business along the mid-Rio Grande Corridor and beyond.

The states new strategic plan  a 20-year road map for economic development that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration released last month  includes a section on the significance of global trade for New Mexicos economy and strategies to expand it.

Manufacturing exports alone support about 15,000 jobs around New Mexico, according to the report. Apart from Santa Teresa, that includes numerous businesses scattered throughout the state, the vast majority of them small- and medium-sized companies that export a range of goods, particularly high-tech products such as industrial machinery, electric machinery and precision instruments.

But until recently, New Mexico hadnt proactively promoted its businesses and industry in international markets, according to the report.

The new plan calls for aggressive promotional efforts to expand and diversify trade relations with more countries, both to build new markets for New Mexicos goods, and to attract more foreign investment to the state.

It also advocates more emphasis on building up the industrial hub at Santa Teresa, along with efforts to spread the border hubs benefits to more parts of the state by directly linking business activity elsewhere with operations at Santa Teresa.

There is an opportunity for Albuquerque companies to perform value-added processing or handling of goods as they are shipped from the Santa Teresa Port of Entry to other regions of the U.S., the report says. Going forward, the state should determine how to better leverage Santa Teresas position in cross-border trade to benefit other areas of New Mexico.

In particular, the plans calls for more official trade missions to other countries to expand high-value markets for New Mexico goods, and to recruit foreign businesses to the state.

The Economic Development Department has already made some progress in that regard in Taiwan through a state trade mission there in 2019, and the recent opening of a liaison office in the capital of Taipei.

The EDD also signed a new agreement in October with the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs to develop closer trade relations, foreshadowing a lot more interaction between public and private sector representatives from both sides.

Those efforts have already encouraged three Taiwanese companies to establish new manufacturing operations at Santa Teresa. And more promotional efforts are in the works.

We know this requires a coordinated effort  and thats a key finding in the strategic plan, Secretary Keyes told the Journal. We want to strategically plan more trade missions to tell our story and aggressively pitch the states border zone to foreign companies looking to diversify their supply chains by using the logistical advantage of Santa Teresa for their manufacturing.

New Mexico exports

Editors note: A graphic in an earlier version of this story contained an incorrect dollar amount of exports to from New Mexico to Europe between January and September in 2021. The correct amount is $271 million, not $271 billion. The graphic has been updated.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden will announce steps Monday to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans during the first tribal nations summit since 2016, the White House said.

Leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States are expected to join the two-day event, with nearly three dozen addressing the gathering. The summit is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected Native Americans and Alaska Natives at disproportionate rates.

Biden and first lady Jill Biden are set to speak Monday, with Vice President Kamala Harris to follow Tuesday. Several members of Bidens Cabinet will also participate.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time. The summit was not held during the previous Trump administration. Past conferences were held at the Interior Department.

Biden will use the summit to announce steps to improve public safety and justice for Native Americans and to protect private lands, treaty rights and sacred places, Psaki said.

American Indians and Alaska Natives are more than twice as likely to be victims of a violent crime, and at least two times more likely to be sexually assaulted compared with other races, according to the Association on American Indian Affairs.

Since taking office in January, Biden has taken steps several steps that the White House says demonstrate his commitment to tribal nations.

Among them are naming Deb Haaland, a former U.S. representative from New Mexico, as the first Native American to lead the Interior Department, the powerful federal agency that has wielded influence over U.S. tribes for generations. Haaland is a member of Laguna Pueblo.

Bidens coronavirus relief plan included $31 billion for tribal communities, and the administration has worked closely with tribal leaders to help make COVID-19 vaccination rates among Native Americans among the highest in the country, the White House said.

Biden also recently became the first president to issue a proclamation designating Oct. 11 as Indigenous Peoples Day, giving a boost to long-standing efforts to refocus the federal holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus toward an appreciation of Native peoples.

Earlier this year, Jill Biden spent two days in April visiting the Navajo Nations capital in Window Rock, Arizona.
NEW YORK  After disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide behind bars, a judge invited his accusers to court to vent their anger at a man they called a coward for taking his own life to escape accountability for sexually abusing them.

The coming weeks will still see, in a way, Epstein prosecuted by proxy: his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, will stand trial in Manhattan federal court. Some of his accusers, identified in court by pseudonyms or first names, will get a chance to play a key role as government witnesses.

Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges she groomed underage victims to have unwanted sex with Epstein. She has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

I have not committed any crime, the jailed Maxwell blurted out at a recent pretrial conference. She was made to wear shackles coming and going from the courtroom, accentuating the severity of the allegations  although the restraints were gone at a hearing last week.

The questioning of jurors by Judge Alison J. Nathan begins Tuesday as a pool of over 600 potential jurors is whittled down to 12  and six alternates  just before opening statements start Nov. 29 in Maxwells highly anticipated trial.

Epstein, who died at 66, was arrested on multiple sex trafficking charges in New York in 2019. His lawyers contended the charges violated a 2008 non-prosecution deal with federal prosecutors in Miami that secretly ended a federal sex abuse probe involving at least 40 teenage girls. After pleading guilty to state charges in Florida instead, he spent 13 months in jail and paid settlements to victims.

The New York case took a shocking turn when Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial two years ago.

After his death, prosecutors turned their sights on Maxwell. The wealthy, Oxford-educated British socialite was the daughter of British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, who died in 1991 after falling off his yacht  named the Lady Ghislaine  near the Canary Islands while facing allegations hed illegally looted his businesses pension funds.

Behind the scenes of a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors say, Maxwell seized the role of satisfying Epsteins proclivity for luring young victims into sexualized massages. They plan to show jurors a picture of Maxwell and Epstein swimming nude together to illustrate their close relationship.

The trials drama will revolve around testimony from four women who say they and others were victimized as teens from 1994 to 2004 at Epsteins estate in Palm Beach, Florida, his posh Manhattan townhouse and at other residences in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and London.

Prosecutors say theres evidence Maxwell knew that the victims, including a 14-year-old, were below the age of consent and arranged travel for some between Epsteins homes. Defense lawyers are still trying to reduce or eliminate the testimony of one of the four because she was 17 at the time in a jurisdiction where that wasnt legally underage.

And prosecutors this past weekend asked the judge to let them reveal to the jury statements Epstein made to an employee about Maxwells involvement with procuring underage girls.

The indictment said Maxwell would try to normalize sexual abuse for a minor victim by, among other things, discussing sexual topics, undressing in front of the victim, being present when a minor victim was undressed, and/or being present for sex acts involving the minor victim and Epstein.

The Epstein and Maxwell cases have fueled a cottage industry of podcasts and documentaries, like Netflixs Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, as well as conspiracy theories and conjecture.

Reports that investigators seized Maxwells address books have sparked speculation that the trial could explore Epsteins connections to Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and former O.J. Simpson lawyer Alan Dershowitz. But the judge has made clear there will be no name-dropping at trial, saying only certain pages of an address book  showing a section naming the alleged victims under the heading massage  will come into evidence.

And she blocked prosecutors attempt to introduce emails they said would show Maxwell tried select women for other men, saying she was using her access to women as a form of social currency with other influential men with whom she sought to ingratiate herself.

Epsteins name, however, is expected to come up frequently, and Maxwells lawyers have complained that Maxwell has already suffered from the negative publicity surrounding him. A questionnaire used to screen potential jurors inquired whether they had ever posted anything or an opinion about Maxwell or Epstein on social media.

The defense has signaled it wants to portray Maxwell as a victim of sorts.

Jeffrey Epstein was a brilliant man who was flawed by enduring personality traits familiar to psychiatrists, her lawyers said in a recent court filing. Like many people who achieve great power and wealth, Jeffery Epstein exploited the Halo effect to surround himself with people who would serve his needs.

Nathan has four times rejected Maxwells bail requests, noting the ease with which the holder of U.S., French and British citizenships could use wealth and global connections to flee.

The judge also questioned Maxwells integrity, saying that she told authorities after her July 2020 arrest that she possessed around $3.5 million in assets, when she later admitted controlling $22.5 million with her husband.

In a letter to Nathan last week, defense lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said her client is eager for her day in court.

Maxwell looks forward to her trial and to walking out of the courthouse uncuffed and unshackled following her acquittal, wrote the lawyer who has repeatedly complained about Maxwells jail conditions, contending Maxwells been punished for Epsteins suicide by guards who shine a light into her cell every 15 minutes and treat her harshly.

At a hearing last year where Maxwell was denied bail, some Epstein accusers made clear they believe she was equally culpable.

One called Maxwell a sexual predator who groomed and abused me and countless other children and young women. In a statement read aloud by a prosecutor, another said, Without Ghislaine, Jeffrey could not have done what he did.
BANGKOK  American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar and was sentenced last week to 11 years of hard labor, was freed Monday and began his journey home.

Fenster was handed over to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate the release, and the two landed in Doha, Qatar.

Im feeling all right physically, a bearded Fenster, in baggy drawstring pants and a knit hat, told journalists on the tarmac. Its just the same privations and things that come with any form of incarceration. You just go a little stir-crazy. The longer it drags on, the more worried you are that its just never going to end. So that was the biggest concern, just staying sane through that.

While still jailed, Fenster told his lawyer that he believed he had COVID-19, though prison authorities denied that.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. Days before his conviction, he learned he had been charged with additional violations of terrorism and treason statutes that put him at risk of an even longer sentence of life in prison.

He is one of more than 100 journalists, media officials or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February, and his was the harshest sentence yet.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement emailed by his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Fenster has been in detention since he was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area to see his family.

We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, his family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

The exact allegations against Fenster were never clear, but much of the prosecutions case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the militarys seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

Fenster, a native of the Detroit area, has a masters degree in creative writing from Wayne State University, and had worked for a newspaper in Louisiana before moving to Southeast Asia, according to Deadline Detroit, a news website to which he was an occasional contributor.

His brother, Bryan Fenster, has said he had passion for writing about folks who struggle and fight for social justice and was particularly interested in the plight of people from the Muslim Rohingya minority, hundreds of thousands of whom fled Myanmar during a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by the army in 2017.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean said Fenster was one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup.

According to the U.N., at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

In a statement broadcast on state TV, the military said that Fenster had been released at the request of Richardson and the chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association. Japan, unlike the United States and the European Union, does not take a publicly confrontational stance with the military-installed government, and would like to see improved relations between Myanmar and the West.

The generals in Myanmar were convinced that it wasnt worth it to hang on to Danny, U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan, who represents the Fenster family in Congress, told Detroit radio station WWJ. He was innocent, and he was just an annoyance for them. If they kept him and anything really happened to him, we would never forget it. We would never forgive them.

Richardson said he discussed Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the countrys ruler.

Richardson is known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994, when as a member of Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place.

Myanmars military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges, Crispin added.

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This story has been corrected to reflect that the mass amnesty did not take place on Oct. 21. It was carried out on Oct. 19-20.

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Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
AURORA, Colo.  Six teenagers were wounded Monday in a drive-by shooting in a park near a suburban Denver high school, but all were expected to survive, police said.

The victims, who range in age from 14 to 18, are all students at Aurora Central High School in Aurora, a diverse city east of Denver, said police chief Vanessa Wilson. She said she needed everyone to be outraged by what happened and come forward with any information they might have to help police find those responsible.

Wilson asked neighbors and other bystanders to share any videos or photos from phones or house surveillance systems that might help detectives identify the suspects, who havent been apprehended.

Multiple rounds fired from different guns were found at the scene, and it is possible some rounds were fired by someone on foot, she said.

Police officers assigned to the school were the first to respond to the shooting and saved the life of one victim by applying a tourniquet, Wilson said. That student later underwent emergency surgery, she said.

Wilson said shes relieved the students are expected to survive but said gun violence is a public health crisis.

There is a violence crisis across the nation right now, and so I think we all need to pay attention, she said.

Three patients from the shooting were taken to Childrens Hospital Colorado. They were in stable condition and have all been reunited with their families, spokesperson Caitlin Jenney said.

Several students hugged one another outside the school as staff and police ushered students away from the direction of the crime scene. Others shouted Stay safe as they parted ways.

Student Aariah McClain, 15, said she heard gunfire as she was walking near the schools football field during lunch. She heard four shots at first, so she started walking toward the school. Then she said she heard a whole lot more, she said.

I was shocked, she said of the shooting, as she waited outside the school with her father, Harold McClain, for her 14-year-old sister to be dismissed.

I work and we pay taxes for these police to be here. I dont see how this is even happening, Harold McClain said. They need more security.

The school was put on a secure perimeter because of the shooting, police said. That typically means no one is allowed in or out of a school but students and staff are able to move freely within the building.

Evette Mitchell, 47, rushed to the school to get her son, Trevell, 15. He was in gym class when he heard the gunshots, and the teacher escorted them to the smaller gym.

I did 90 (mph) on the highway, she said, because I didnt know if it was my kid or not.

Mitchell said she is frustrated because another shooting involving three teens happened near the school on a recent weekend. Mitchell added parents get blamed for youth violence, but there are no affordable activities offered for students in the area.

Everything costs. Were all low-income families so its hard for us to find something for these kids to do, said Mitchell, who said her son was going to be in online classes for the rest of the week because of the shooting.

According to U.S. News and World Reports high school rankings, 67% of the schools approximately 2,000 students are considered economically disadvantaged, qualifying for free or reduced lunch.

Michelle Marin, who lives across the street from the school, said she walks her dog at the park almost every morning and sees students hanging out there all the time, but you never think something like thats going to happen.

We have seen some lockdowns but nothing with the caution tape or anything like that, Marin said.

The shooting comes after an 18-year-old died after being shot about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away on Sunday night.

A shooting was also reported Friday in the parking lot of an Aurora mall, but police only found several shell casings when they arrived.

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Nieberg 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. Associated Press writer Colleen Slevin in Denver contributed to this report.
BRUSSELS  French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin talked on the phone Monday about the need for de-escalating the tensions around the growing migrant pressure on the European Unions borders with Belarus, Marcons office said.

In the almost two-hour talk, they also agreed upon the need for a humanitarian effort for the migrants but did not announce any concrete steps, according to the Elysee statement.

The EU says Moscow has a role in building the migration pressure and could actively help in easing it.

The Kremlins account of the conversation said Putin informed Macron about his contacts with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and emphasized the necessity of discussing the problems that had arisen directly between the leaderships of the EU countries and Belarus.

Putin also noted the extremely harsh treatment of refugees by Polish border guards, according to the Kremlin. Polish forces are blocking people from entering Poland and are pushing back to Belarus those migrants who cross the border.

Also Monday, Lukashenko spoke on the phone with Germanys outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel for 50 minutes about the situation with refugees on the Belarusian-Polish, Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Latvian borders, according to Belarusian state news agency Belta.

They discussed ways and prospects of resolving the crisis and preventing its escalation, as well as humanitarian aid to the migrants, Belta said.

The calls took place as the EU ratcheted up pressure on Belarus by agreeing to slap sanctions on airlines accused of helping Lukashenko wage a hybrid attack against the entire bloc using migrants.

The EU is also calling for humanitarian aid as up to 4,000 migrants are stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather in Belarus while Poland has reinforced its border with 15,000 soldiers, in addition to border guards and police. The EU has expressed solidarity with Polands guarding the blocs external border. At least 11 migrants have died in recent weeks.

Polish authorities said Monday that Belarusian services had led a large group of migrants to a border crossing with Poland and made them believe they would be transported by bus to Germany. Polish police broadcast messages across the border telling the migrants that they have been deceived.

The Belarusian side is deliberately escalating the situation, said Marcin Przydacz, a deputy foreign minister. The situation is unprecedented and unpredictable.

Belarus borders with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are also the eastern borders of both the EU and NATO. The EU says Lukashenkos authoritarian regime has for months invited migrants to the Belarusian capital of Minsk, many of them Iraqis, Afghanis and Syrians, with the promise of helping them across the border.

Meanwhile, Lithuanian officials said they were seeing a rising number of attempts by migrants to cross its border from Belarus.

The 27-country EU has already imposed four sets of sanctions on Belarus authorities and senior officials over the disputed election last year that returned Lukashenko to office and his governments brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. Opposition leaders and Western nations have described the vote as a sham.

The EU is preparing a fifth lot of sanctions on Belarus. On Monday the blocs foreign ministers extended the scope of those measures to add airlines, travel agents and others accused of helping to bring migrants to Minsk.

Todays decision reflects the determination by the European Union to stand up to the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes. We are pushing back on this inhuman and illegal practice, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

EU headquarters said the bloc will now be able to target individuals and entities organizing or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that facilitate illegal crossing of the EUs external borders.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the administration of President Joe Biden was also preparing follow-up sanctions in close coordination with the EU and other partners and allies that will continue to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy, on human rights on international norms.

The EU believes Lukashenko began luring migrants to Belarus as a retaliatory measure to destabilize the bloc, which has been deeply divided over how to manage migration since well over 1 million people entered the bloc in 2015.

Germany allowed in hundreds of thousands of people that year, but doesnt want to encourage more now.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was asked in Brussels if he would support Germany taking in people now on the Belarusian side of the border if the flow of migrants to Belarus is stopped.

He replied: No. I would argue for the people who are there, who were brought there under false pretenses by the Lukashenko regime, being taken back to their countries of origin, and for the countries of origin to take their share of the responsibility.

German federal police said Monday that they registered 1,708 unauthorized entries to the country with a connection to Belarus in the first 14 days of November, bringing the total this year so far to 9,549.

Also Monday, the United Arab Emirates banned travelers from several Middle Eastern countries from boarding flights to Belarus, cutting off one of the last major air routes for would-be migrants. Most airlines with flights to Minsk now say that wont allow Iraqis, Syrians or Afghans to travel there.

Lukashenko, meanwhile, brushed aside the threat of fresh sanctions.

We will defend ourselves. Thats it, theres nowhere to retreat further, he was quoted as saying by the state news agency Belta.

Lukashenko once again denied that his government organized the migrant influx, saying that it isnt worth the effort, and he insisted the migrants are resisting Belarusian efforts to encourage them to return home.

Belarus flag carrier Belavia is among the airlines likely to be hit, and Maas warned other companies to follow the example of Turkish Airlines by restricting flights to the Belarus capital.

He warned of a possibility of denial of overflight rights and landing permission in Europe.

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Associated Press writers Monika Scislowska and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw; Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania; Daria Litvinova in Moscow; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Sylvie Corbet in Paris; and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
BAGHDAD  When Gaylan Delir Ismael heard that other Iraqis were making their way to Europe via an easily obtained tourist visa from the country of Belarus, the 25-year-old from the Kurdistan region jumped at the chance. He packed a bag last month in the hope of reaching Germany for a new life and treatment for his chronic illnesses.

He never made it.

Gaylans body, in a black coffin wrapped in plastic, was returned to Irbils airport in northern Iraq on Sunday after he died in a dark and soggy forest near the Belarus-Poland border.

He is one of at least 11 people known to have died in the border crisis that European Union officials blame on the authoritarian regime of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing him of using the migrants as pawns to retaliate for Western sanctions. Belarus denies this, blaming Europe for denying them safe passage.

Thousands of people, most of them from the Middle East, have attempted the journey since Lukashenko announced in May that he was loosening border controls against Western-bound migrants. That move followed EU sanctions for his harsh crackdown on internal dissent.

That has led in recent days to tense standoffs on the Poland-Belarus frontier. Polish police, troops and border guards are refusing entry to the migrants, leaving thousands of them huddling in forests on the Belarusian side amid freezing temperatures.

The circumstances of the confrontation at the border that led to Gaylans death are unclear, but his father, Delir Ismael Mahmoud, blamed Poland, even though the large buildup of security forces there did not begin until days after his death.

Unfortunately, the Polish police  instead of helping them  they started to deport them and put them on the other side of Polands border, said Delir, a broken figure as he waited at the airport to pick up his sons body.

Women dressed in black, including Gaylans mother, wept and murmured God is great! as his coffin was carried away, along with that of another Iraqi on the same flight, Kurdo Khalid, whose family says died Oct. 31 of a brain hemorrhage at the border.

It is really a sad tragedy. I urge the youths here not to migrate from Kurdistan, said Bilal Khalid who received his brothers body at the airport.

Another victim was buried in Poland on Monday, with all costs paid by members of the Muslim community in Bohoniki, where ethnic Tatars have lived for centuries. The funeral of Ahmad al-Hasan, a 19-year-old Syrian who drowned in the Bug River separating Poland from Belarus on Oct. 19, was streamed on Facebook by a Syrian doctor so the young mans relatives in Germany and a refugee camp in Jordan could watch.

The deaths underscored the despair felt by many young people in Iraq and Syria  both conflict ridden countries plagued by corruption and mismanagement  and the immense risks they are willing to take to reach Western Europe. Many of them, like Gaylan, have been from northern Iraqs relatively stable, oil-rich Kurdish region, but where graft, unemployment and pessimism run high.

Uncertainty, bleak economic prospects and perpetual instability have led many to spend their entire savings on the journey to Europe, hoping for a better life there.

Gaylan had suffered health problems for most of his short life, diagnosed with diabetes at 9 and a meningococcal infection when he was 20. His father took him to Iran and Turkey for treatment, but his health did not improve. Gaylan was in his second year at university studying business management but had to quit due to illness.

The family applied for visas to Germany and Netherlands for medical treatment but were rejected. He desperately wanted to go to Germany to get treatment and continue his studies there.

When the Belarus option emerged, he began plotting with his siblings how they would do it. Their father, who works in real estate, covered the costs for all of them, amounting to $35,000.

Gaylan and two of his brothers along with his sister, her husband and their 5-year-old son boarded a flight from Irbil to Dubai on Oct. 14, arriving in the Belarusian capital of Minsk two days later. From there, they headed to the Polish border, where they got stuck, and Gaylan grew weaker from the exhaustion and the cold, his family said.

Its not clear what happened on the night of Oct. 28, amid a confrontation between Polish police and migrants trying to cross. Gaylans sister ended up in a Polish hospital after she broke her leg and reportedly lost consciousness, while Gaylan and his two brothers were deported to the Belarus side of the forest, despite his deteriorating condition.

Gaylan was separated from his nephew and brother-in-law, who was carrying his insulin in his backpack. He and his brothers spent another two days at the border, pleading repeatedly for help and for insulin injections, to no avail.

Gaylan died in the arms of his brother in the cold forest, while the other brother watched in shock.

The last time I talked to him was in the morning of the day he passed away.  I asked him how he feels. He said, I am fine but a little bit tired.' said Delir, who buried his son Monday in Irbil.

I cant believe that, even if they were not humans, you would help them, he added, speaking of the Polish troops. Now, as Gaylans body is coming back, I want Poland, Germany, and international aid organizations to take care of the rest of the family and let them in.

Officials in Warsaw have voiced their own concern about the suffering at the border but insist that Poland is the target in a new form of hybrid war waged by Belarus and that they must seal their frontier. The authorities say that if they begin to let some through, it will make the situation worse by encouraging others.

Delir understands the despair that led to his sons death.

If you ask me as a father, I dont like or want my children to be outside, but the bad economic situation here, the lack of job opportunities and unemployment forces me to say yes for them to migrate, he added.

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Karam reported from Beirut. Adam Pemble in Bohoniki, Poland, contributed.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden  The man who counts the dead sees them everywhere.

Theyre in the handwritten lists of names smuggled out of a region cut off from the world by war. Theyre in the images of people shot and tossed off a cliff, tortured and pushed into a river, left unburied for days. Theyre announced by grieving families in social media posts.

They are the first thing he sees in the morning when he checks his messages. They are the last thing he sees at night, when they enter his dreams.

He has been living with the dead for a year, since war erupted last November in Ethiopias Tigray region. Tigrayans, a minority of some 6 million, were encircled as a falling-out with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, turned deadly. It became an ethnic clash when Amhara fighters from a neighboring region allied with Ethiopias government poured in.

Many Tigrayans joined the fight. But the man who counts the dead is in Sweden and could not.

So he quickly decided what he could do to help. In his small, neat apartment at the end of a metro line in Stockholm, Desta Haileselassie would apply his computer science background and research skills to compiling a list of Tigrayan victims, name by name.

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This story was funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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It is slow, difficult work. Almost all communication with Tigray has been cut off, and foreign media is banned. Many in the diaspora have waited for months to know whether loved ones are alive, terrified to receive messages from home even as they yearn for news.

In the confused first days and weeks, Desta issued pleas on social media for help. He told anguished families that a list of the dead would be a memorial of a war Ethiopias government seemed determined to hide. He made dozens of phone calls, then hundreds more.

The work took over his life. He stopped hiking, swimming or going to the gym, and he sleeps poorly. The guitar and keyboard he once played sit in his Stockholm apartment, untouched.

He has collected handwritten testimonies and photographs that make him feel sick or bring him to tears. He tries to calm weeping family members from afar, never meeting them in person. Months of exhaustion have collected under his eyes.

There are days when I end up crying the whole evening, Desta says softly. A very, very hard job to do, but I have to do it .This is the least I can do to help my people.

Now, a year on, he has confirmed 3,080 names of the dead. The Associated Press has verified 30 of them chosen randomly, speaking with families and friends.

Victim Number 2,171 was Gebretsadkan Teklu Gebreyesus, shot dead by soldiers in the presence of his two young sons, the AP confirmed. Victim 1,599, Zeray Asfaw, was a bridegroom pulled from his wedding party and killed along with his best man, his friends and the father of the bride while the women screamed. Victim Number 2,915 was Amdekiros Aregawi Gebru, an ambulance driver gunned down while driving a woman in labor to a clinic, making it there before bleeding to death.

Desta has another 1,000 names hes still trying to verify.

Its very, very disturbing, Im very sorry, he says as he shows photos of corpses on the ground.

His list does not include ethnic Amhara, who are some of the wars latest victims after Tigray forces started moving toward Ethiopias capital.

The Amhara Association of America has its own list of the dead, starting with the killing of hundreds of Amhara in the Tigray community of Mai Kadra in the earliest days of the war. The list has reached 1,994.

The two ethnicities are separate even in death. The United Nations says that while war crimes may have been committed on all sides, the most atrocities have been reported against Tigrayans by Ethiopian soldiers and their Eritrean allies.

One thing all agree on, including experts: The lists represent just a fraction of the dead.

Desta is certain that every Tigrayan has lost someone, whether to fighting or to house-to-house massacres or to starvation under an Ethiopian government blockade. To emphasize the shattered connections, he often mentions when a victim is a parent, or is killed alongside one. The word mother appears 43 times.

His mother alone had to cry over her sons body all day long, one entry says.

Desta too has lost loved ones, 19 of them. The self-contained 36-year-old gently deflects questions, saying every victim on his list is like family.

But the thought of adding one name especially close to him is too much to bear. It brings him to tears when her name is mentioned. The single photo on display in the room where he works shows him embracing her as she smiles.

He calls her Amlishaway.

She is his mother.

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Victim Number 51: Haben Sahle

Destas list includes 102 children. The news of the death of a 15-year-old boy was among the first to reach him.

Haben Sahle was a top student in the border town of Zalambessa and an only son. When the war engulfed Tigray, connection with him was lost.

In faraway California, the boys uncle, Angesom, received the first word in a phone call weeks later, in December. It was a well-intended lie.

Relatives in neighboring Eritrea told Angesom that family members in Zalambessa were fine. But Angesom knew that in their culture, the death of a loved one usually wouldnt be shared over the phone.

A trio of Ethiopian Orthodox priests broke the terrible news in a surprise visit the following Sunday.

When priests come to your house without warning, somethings wrong, Angesom says.

The priests hadnt known the boy. They didnt know how he died. It took five more months for Angesom to reach his sister by phone for details.

She told him Ethiopian soldiers, and allied ones from Eritrea, were seeking out and killing men and teenage boys. Decades of rivalries and resentments over Tigray leaders long, often repressive hold on power had turned into slaughter.

As the soldiers approached their home, Haben Sahles mother said no one was there but her. But the soldiers fired at random and shot her son hidden inside.

As she recounted the killing, Angesom could finally begin to grieve.

For six horrible months, I didnt eat normal, sleep normal, work normal, he says.

The distance was made worse by fears that Ethiopian authorities were monitoring phone calls. You could only ask loved ones vaguely if they were OK and had food and water, Angesom says.

Now silence has descended again, and he hasnt reached his family in Tigray for the past four months. If he could speak with them again, he would tell them this: He will be their voice forever.

If this is not genocide, he says, there will be nothing that will be labeled as genocide.

With Angesoms confirmation of the teenagers death, Desta added him to his list. More than 90% of the names there are of men and boys, reflecting survivors accounts that they were often singled out for killing.

His work had barely begun.

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Victim Number 70: Sibhat Berhe Desta. Killed with other civilians by the Eritrean soldiers near Goda Bottle and Glass Share Company.

On Dec. 23, a phone connected.

It was Destas brother in the Tigray capital, and he was in tears. Nineteen of their family members had been killed.

They were cousins and uncles from their mothers birthplace. Desta knew some of them well. He had grown up with them, played with them as a child during visits to the village.

I have a strong attachment to that place, he says. He recalls Sibhat Berhe Desta as a very protective and generous uncle. Thats what I vividly remember about him.

His brother told him that on Dec. 2, Eritrean soldiers had forced their relatives to do manual labor while they stripped down a glass factory and carted the pieces away, part of widespread looting. Then the soldiers killed them.

Family members were forbidden to bury the bodies for 20 days, a grotesque practice widely reported in the war and meant as further insult to the dead.

I was shocked, but over time I got so emotional, Desta says. His voice wavers, then steadies.

He has not yet grieved. First, the fighting must end, he says.

Until then, as he counts the dead, he worries about his mother.

Shes a very brave woman, and shes my best friend, Desta says. He covers his face and cries. Shes always been there.

In December, he was excited yet terrified to see a social media message from a friend about his mother. It said that with no other way to communicate inside Tigray, she had walked more than 130 kilometers, or 80 miles, from her home to the regional capital, Mekele, to see whether relatives were still alive.

In her late 50s, she hiked through mountainous terrain, sometimes sleeping in caves, taking part in a perilous migration by many Tigrayans searching for loved ones in the chaos. Walking along roads patrolled by hostile forces meant almost certain death.

She could have been killed any second, Desta thought.

On Jan. 4, or 62 days after the war began, he finally reached his mother by phone. She confirmed that she had gone to Mekele on foot twice and kept both journeys a secret from him. She didnt want him to worry.

He was angry at her risk-taking, then relieved.

As they chatted, he decided not to mention his work counting the dead. She didnt need any more stress.

But as they slipped back into daily conversations, he hit record each time, and saved the digital files.

He feared each call might be their last.

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Victim Numbers 333 and 334: Meaza Goshu and Kalayou Berhe. Killed a few days after their wedding.

Victim Number 933: Mariamawit Alemayo, 6 years old. Killed from heavy artillery shelling in Shire by the Eritrean soldiers. She was the only child to her mom.

Victim Number 1,577: Aba Gebreselassie. He was an Orthodox Christian monk.

The death toll is one of the biggest unknowns of Ethiopias war.

Among the worlds most successful projects in counting the dead is The Kosovo Memory Book. It is a near-comprehensive, well-funded list of people killed in a war in a small geographic area that lasted for less than two years in the 1990s. But the Kosovo Memory Book is still updated even now.

Determining Ethiopias death toll will be considerably more difficult, says Michael Spagat, chair of the nonprofit Every Casualty Counts, which focuses on how to count the dead in conflict.

The group discovered Destas efforts as well as a parallel project by researchers centered at Ghent University in Belgium. Their lists are similar, Spagat says, but they capture a relatively small fraction of it all.

The Belgian researchers fear that, too.

If theyre killing 10 people per village, then its easily in the tens of thousands, says Tim Vanden Bempt, whose wife is Tigrayan. For months, he was tweeting a name from the list of dead every hour. That ended when a renewed government blockade on Tigray cut off the flow of information.

Spagat, an economics professor, calls the work ahead in Ethiopia challenging in the extreme. With communications links severed, its impossible to conduct even a standard sample survey of households to estimate the dead.

Its likely that Ethiopian authorities will never help, a stance he describes as common among governments in similar situations around the world.

In many cases, they have done the killing, he says. Theyd rather it stay as buried as possible.

The warring sides have claimed tens of thousands of deaths among fighters alone.

Spagats hopes are with the network of Ethiopian Orthodox priests in communities who traditionally are informed when residents die. But Tigrayan leaders in the church say scores of priests and other clergy members have been killed, too.

Despite the painstaking work to bring Ethiopias dead out of the shadows, Spagat puts the chances of reaching a final toll at possibly never.

The war has not just taken lives. In a nation that takes vast pride in its 3,000-year history, it has also ruptured Ethiopias culture of honoring the dead.

It is usually the responsibility of the elderly to announce the death of a loved one. Now many families are scattered, with members missing or unreachable. With Tigray cut off from the world, people often dont know whether to mourn.

When were mourning, were not even together, says a Tigrayan woman in the diaspora, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for loved ones still in Ethiopia. You cant even cry loudly because of whats going on.

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Victim on the Amhara side: Mekonen Girma, a farmer

The victims on the Amhara list are arranged by community rather than by number. While Tigray forces say they are fighting to pressure Ethiopias government to end the blockade of their homeland, some Amhara have described house-to-house killings and other atrocities against civilians as revenge in communities like Chenna Teklehaymanot.

Once again, no one knows how many people have been killed. Tewodrose Tirfe, the chairman of the Amhara Association of America, is trying to find out.

The numbers are probably much higher. We just dont have the bandwidth to investigate every atrocity, he says. But knowing hes drawing attention to victims means he at least can feel at peace.

His team seeks out Amhara survivors like Zewditu Tikuye, who says her husband, farmer Mekonen Girma, was killed in the town of Kobo in July as Tigray forces swept in.

Zewditu fled her home as her husband stayed behind with their cattle. She heard about his death from people who buried him.

Someone told me he was killed in a very cruel way, she says. I wish I died with him.

She is bewildered because she says her husband had no interest in politics. Now she raises seven children alone.

I have no idea why this war is going on, she says. I dont even know if my relatives are still alive.

Amhara and Tigrayans had lived peacefully for many years and even intermarried, she says. But she is not sure they can coexist in the future.

The war has also split Ethiopias diaspora, estimated at more than 2 million people. Horrified Tigrayans distance themselves from Amhara friends who cheer advances by Ethiopian forces, and vice versa. Once-favorite Ethiopian restaurants, a taste of home, are now avoided.

Tewodrose had not known of Destas efforts to count the dead. He believes as many people as possible should document the horrors of the war.

But his group only counts Amhara. And Desta only counts Tigrayans.

I have to prioritize my people, Desta says.

A red-and-yellow Tigray flag is displayed on his computer rather than the Ethiopian one. He says he no longer feels Ethiopian and is ready to throw away his passport at any time.

___

Victim Number 3,081: Yet to come

Its impossible not to fear the worst.

Starvation is sweeping Tigray, and even basic medicines are running out under the blockade. The government has again bombarded the region with airstrikes. Residents say they kill civilians, including children.

Tigray forces, which one of Destas brothers has joined, are approaching the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopias government calls this an existential war.

Desta hasnt spoken with his mother since June 26. The phone no longer rings through in a new blackout. Every days attempt meets silence.

Their last conversation was a normal one, much like the chats many Tigrayans had until a year ago. Sometimes, to escape the dead, Desta tries to feel that sense of normalcy again.

Alone in his apartment, he turns to his dozens of recorded calls with his mother in Tigray.

He presses play.

____

Anna reported from Nairobi, Kenya.

___

Ethiopia coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/ethiopia-erasing-ethnicity
CHIOS, Greece  Among the prison inmates of the Greek island of Chios, three young men from Afghanistan and Somalia are serving dramatically long sentences: 50 years for two of them, a staggering 142 for the third.

But these are not violent criminals, even according to their trial verdicts. They were convicted for steering inflatable dinghies carrying them and other migrants after they say smugglers abandoned them in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.

I didnt think saving people is a crime, said Hanad Abdi Mohammad, 28, a soft-spoken Somali charged as a smuggler after arriving in Greece last December and sentenced to 142 years.

Mohammad told journalists and European Parliament lawmakers visiting the three in prison last week that he had no choice but to drive the boat. The smuggler forced him to take over, hitting him in the face and threatening him with a gun before abandoning the dinghy in rough seas. And peoples lives were at stake. Even with hindsight, he said, I would do it again, as long as I am saving lives.

Critics say the mens cases, as well as prosecutions or threats of criminal proceedings against aid workers, illustrate the expanding arsenal of techniques authorities in Greece and other countries are using to deter asylum-seekers.

Its not possible that someone who comes to claim asylum in Greece is threatened with such heavy sentences simply because they were forced, by circumstances or pressure, to take over handling a boat, said Alexandros Georgoulis, one of the lawyers representing the three imprisoned in Chios.

Greek authorities, he said, are essentially baptizing the smuggled as the smuggler.

Mohammads journey is also a stark indication of the chaos asylum-seekers may experience as they migrate between two countries long divided by deep-seated mistrust.

Fearing for their lives after the smuggler fled, the nearly three dozen panicked passengers abandoned their quest to reach Greece. Mohammad says he called the Turkish coast guard repeatedly, begging for a rescue. But when it arrived, the Turkish patrol boat circled the migrants vessel sharply, sending water into the dinghy and gradually pushing it toward Greece. In the chaos, two women fell overboard and drowned.

The Greek coast guard rescued the survivors, and Mohammad helped other passengers onto the rescue boat. He admitted to having driven the boat after the smuggler left. It didnt cross his mind that would lead to him being prosecuted as a smuggler.

Aid workers and volunteers have also found themselves in the crosshairs of Greek authorities. In one widely publicized case, Syrian human rights worker Sarah Mardini, a refugee herself, and volunteer Sean Binder were arrested and detained for months in 2018 on suspicion of espionage, money laundering and a litany of other offenses. They deny all charges, and say they were doing nothing more than helping rescue people.

Its not just Greece. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain and Greece have initiated 58 investigations and legal proceedings since 2016 against private entities involved in search and rescue.

I think its important to challenge these in the courts, to not at all sit back and accept that we should be cast as smugglers or spies because I offered CPR, (or) more often than not just a smile, to someone in distress, Binder told the AP. It is preposterous that we should be cast as criminals. I dont accept it.It doesnt matter who you are, you dont deserve to drown in the sea.

Binder and Mardini go on trial on the island of Lesbos on on misdemeanor counts of espionage, forgery and unlawful use of radio frequencies on Nov. 18. They face a maximum eight-year sentence, convertible into a fine. They are still under investigation for felonies which could carry 25 years.

Dimitris Choulis, a lawyer on the island of Samos who frequently represents asylum-seekers and is not involved in Binders case, thinks criminal prosecutions or threats of prosecution are partly designed to deter nongovernmental organizations from documenting practices such as the illegal summary deportation of migrants before they can apply for asylum.

The only way to stop humanitarian organizations from watching what is happening in the Aegean is to criminalize rescue, said Choulis, who along with Georgoulis is representing the three men imprisoned in Chios.

Greek officials strenuously deny the country performs illegal pushbacks despite mounting indications to the contrary. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed such claims again last Tuesday, saying his government follows a tough but fair migration policy.

Most cases involving NGOs are intended more to intimidate than to win convictions, Choulis argues, noting most remain in the investigative phase. Three years after his arrest, Binder has yet to be charged with any of the felonies hes under investigation for.

In July, Greek police announced a felony investigation into 10 people, including four foreign NGO workers, on migrant smuggling allegations. No charges have resulted so far.

The short but often perilous sea crossing from Turkey to nearby Greek islands is a popular route into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To crack down on smuggling, Greece introduced a law in 2014 imposing severe penalties on people smugglers: 10 years imprisonment for each smuggled person, or 15 years per person if there was danger to life, and life imprisonment if someone died.

But smugglers quickly adapted. Instead of ferrying people themselves, they persuaded or forced their passengers to drive the boats, something borne out by numerous testimonies of arriving asylum seekers. The result has been the convictions of migrants as smugglers.

Our prisons are full of asylum-seekers who drove a boat, Choulis said. This is absurd.

Although the sentences are draconian  apart from Mohammads 142 years, Afghans Amir Zaheri and Akif Rasouli, both in their 20s, received 50 years each  actual servable time under Greek law is capped at 20 years, reducible to 12 with good behavior. With prison work counting toward sentence reduction, they could be released after about eight years.

Still, thats a long time to spend incarcerated instead of building a new life.

Zaheri, accompanied by his pregnant wife and young child, and Rasouli arrived in the same boat about two years ago. From different parts of Afghanistan, they had never met before. Like in Mohammads case, the smuggler abandoned their dinghy and the passengers took turns steering, they said.

Both were tried as smugglers. They saw their court-appointed lawyer for the first time at their trial, which lasted just a few minutes. The judge spent a minute each asking them questions, Rasouli said.

For one minute, 50 years, he said. I cried for one month.

With new lawyers now representing them, Zaheri and Rasouli have an appeal hearing set for March. No appeal hearing date has yet been set for Mohammad.

____

Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed

___

Follow APs migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
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A spokesman for the internationally acclaimed writer's publisher Bonnier Books confirms his passing, while his longtime literary agent describes him as 'an icon, larger than life.'

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Bestselling author Wilbur Smith has died, aged 88. The internationally acclaimed writer died on Saturday, November 13, according to a spokesman for his publisher Bonnier Books.

"Wilbur Smith's very first novel 'When The Lion Feeds', published in 1964, was an instant bestseller and each of his subsequent novels has featured in the bestseller charts, often at number one, earning the author the opportunity to travel far and wide in search of inspiration and adventure," a statement from the company reads.

"He has transported his readers to gold mines in South Africa, piracy on the Indian Ocean, buried treasure on tropical islands, conflict in Arabia and Khartoum, ancient Egypt, World War Two Germany and Paris, India, the Americas and the Antarctic, encountering ruthless diamond and slave traders and big game hunters in the jungles and bush of the African wilderness."

Smith published 49 novels and sold more than 140 million copies worldwide.

His longtime literary agent, Kevin Conroy Scott, says, "Wilbur Smith was an icon, larger than life, beloved by his fans who collected his books in hardbacks and passed his work down through generations, fathers to sons and mothers to daughters."

"His knowledge of Africa, and his imagination knew no limitations. His work ethic and his powerful, elegant writing style made him known to millions. I cherish the role of working side by side with his wife Niso and the Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation to keep the flame of his fictional universe alive for many years to come."

Many of Smith's books have been turned into movies, including "Shout at the Devil", "The Mercenaries" and "The Kingfisher Caper", while his novels "The Diamond Hunters" and "The Seventh Scroll" inspired TV miniseries.
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A statement from a Buckingham Palace staffer notes that the British monarch 'is disappointed that she will miss the service,' which was set be her first public appearance since her hospitalization.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - A sprained back forced Queen Elizabeth II to miss Britain's Remembrance Sunday service.

The event, staged to honor the nation's war dead, was set to be her first public appearance since her mysterious hospitalization last month (October 2021), which forced her to cancel an appearance at the United Nations Climate Summit.

"The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph," a statement from a Buckingham Palace staffer read. "Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service."

Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne still attended the event as planned. Prince Charles laid a wreath at the service at the Cenotaph in London on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.

In late October, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen was advised to continue resting for two more weeks in the wake of her hospitalization. "The doctors have advised that Her Majesty can continue to undertake light, desk-based duties during this time, including some virtual Audiences, but not to undertake any official visits," the statement further read.

Weeks later, Prince Charles assured that his mother is doing "alright." When leaving a Prince's Trust event in Brixton, south London, he was asked by a man, "Prince Charles, how is your mother?" In response to the enquiry, the first in line to the British throne simply replied, "She's alright, thank you."
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A few days after getting down on one knee to ask his fiancee to marry him, the Jacob Black of 'Twilight' gushes over his soon-to-be wife while she shows off her new diamond engagement ring.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Taylor Lautner is one step closer to walking down the aisle. The Jacob Black of "Twilight" has gotten engaged to his longtime partner Taylor Dome and now he admitted that he cannot wait to "spend forever" with his soon-to-be wife.

On Sunday, November 14, the 29-year-old actor posted photos of him and Tay at DAOU Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. In the pictures, his fiancee could be seen flashing her oval-cut diamond engagement ring. "Cannot wait to spend forever with you @taydome You love me unconditionally," he captioned the sweet post.

"You don't put up with my [s**t]. You calm me when I'm anxious," Lautner continued to gush over the registered nurse. The "Grown Ups 2" actor added, "You make me laugh way too much. You make every single day spent with you so special." He then concluded his loving post as saying, "And most importantly, you make me a better person. I can't thank you enough for what you've brought to my life. I love you forever."

Not stopping there, Lautner took to his Instagram Story to share a shot of Dome planting a kiss on his cheek, while she raised a glass of vino that highlighted the shiny new rock on her finger. "Thank you @ringconcierge for helping me create my dream for this girl," the "Abduction" leading man wrote.

Taylor Lautner shared sweet photo with his now-fiancee Taylor Dome on his Instagram Story.

Taylor proposed to his girlfriend on Thursday, November 11. He first announced his engagement on Saturday, November 13. At that time, he posted photos from the proposal on his Instagram page.

In the first photo, the pair were surrounded by rose petals and candles as Lautner got down on one knee in front of a fireplace and a neon sign that spelled out Lautner's last name. Dome stood opposite him with her hands covering her mouth. In the next image, Dome cradled Lautner's face in her hands while kneeling down beside him. In the caption, he wrote, "And just like that, all of my wishes came true."

Lautner confirmed that he's dating Dome back in 2018 with PDA-filled photos. At that time, "The Ridiculous 6" star shared a series of pictures with his lady. One photo saw him wrapping his arm around Dome while kissing her cheek in a sweet embrace. In the note accompanying the images, he wrote, "#tunesquad."
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Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two wizard movies, reveals that Warner Bros. bosses were keen to cast the 'Origin' actor, though he knew the latter would be better as the villainous schoolboy.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Tom Felton almost beat Daniel Radcliffe to his iconic role of Harry Potter. The actor is best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the wizarding saga but director Chris Columbus - who helmed the first two movies - has revealed Warner Bros. bosses were keen to cast him in the lead role.

But the filmmaker "knew" the young actor would be better as the villainous schoolboy, explaining, "Tom was a great actor as well, so we thought, let's just dye Tom's hair, give him a scar, give him the glasses and let's see."

"He did a great Harry Potter reading. The problem is you can really kind of tell when an 11 or 12-year-old kid's hair is dyed. He was so good at Malfoy. I just couldn't pass that up. I knew Tom had to play Malfoy."

Chris had been keen to cast Daniel Radcliffe as Harry from the moment he saw the then-11-year-old actor's "complex and interesting" onscreen presence on TV.

He told The Hollywood Reporter, "I was up late one night in London watching BBC (TV) , and there was a miniseries of David Copperfield. There was a young Dan Radcliffe in it, for about two or three scenes. But I thought, 'That's Harry Potter.' "

But after requesting a meeting, casting directors warned him to "forget about" Daniel. They told Chris, "'You're never going to get him. His parents are in the industry. They have no desire for him to do this. Just forget about him.'"

But "Harry Potter" producer David Heyman travelled to meet Daniel's family and spoke with them during the interval at a theater show.

Chris said, "In David's usual charming way, he was able to convince them to come in for a meeting. That was sort of the end of it."

The deal was sealed when Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling hailed Daniel as the "perfect" choice to play her boy wizard.

"So, when the studio heard that she loved him, and I loved him and David loved him, they said yes," he added. "Two days later, we made the announcement in London. The rest is history."
WENN/Instar Celebrity

The 'Brokeback Mountain' actor attends the 11th Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards in Los Angeles with his big sister after he became trending on social media.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Jake Gyllenhaal has stepped out in Los Angeles to support his sister, Maggie Gyllenhaal, at the 11th Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards. The family outing came after his ex Taylor Swift released her "All Too Well" short film, which went viral.

On Saturday, November 13, the 40-year-old star was at the ceremony to present the sound editing trophy to Mandell Winter and David Esparza for their work on Netflix thriller "The Guilty". The "Brokeback Mountain" actor also supported his "brilliant" sister Maggie, who was honored with the Breakthrough Director award for her new film "The Lost Daughter".

Maggie has received rave reviews for her directorial debut which hits limited U.S. theaters on December 17 before it can be streamed on Netflix on December 31. Her husband and co-star Peter Sarsgaard presented her with the plaque.

For the special night, Jake looked dapper as ever in his black suit over a white unbuttoned shirt and dress shoes. In the meantime, Maggie wore a floral patterned black velvet dress that featured a low V-neck.

The Gyllenhaals' outing came after Taylor dropped a short film for her new 10-minute version of the song "All Too Well", which has long been speculated to be inspired by her relationship with the "Spider-Man: Far from Home" actor, whom she dated in late 2010. The video, which accumulated over 23 million views on YouTube in less than 48 hours, features Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien as a couple.

As the film went viral, Jake's name started trending on Twitter. The extended version with new lyrics and the accompanying film have only strengthened theories that connect Jake to the Grammy winner's hit song. However, she still played coy about who exactly the song is about.

"That's one of the interesting questions that people ask me all the time about songs, and what I think is important to note is that these songs were mine years ago when they were written. Now they're ours, now they're shared," Taylor told Extra at a premiere of the short film. "I think every person out there might have someone they think of when they hear the song, and that's what I want."

Only one day after the release of the film she wrote and directed for her 10-minute version of "All Too Well", Taylor sang the full song as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live". As she played her red guitar, the film was playing behind her on the wall.
WENN/Instar/Avalon Celebrity

The 'Bodak Yellow' hitmaker shares her reaction to the actress' compliment after Winnie Harlow gives the label to Nicki Minaj at MTV's 2021 Europe Music Awards.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Cardi B is seemingly not impressed with Halle Berry's compliment for her. The "Bodak Yellow" hitmaker did not react much after the "Bruised" leading lady called her the "Queen of Hip-Hop".

Halle mentioned Cardi's name while hosting a premiere for the new movie, which features a soundtrack full of female rappers, which was curated by the two. "I reached out to Cardi b because she's the Queen of Hip hop," the actress said at the Saturday, November 13 event.

However, Winnie Harlow begged to differ. While presenting at MTV's 2021 Europe Music Awards on Sunday, the model gave the label to Nicki Minaj by describing the "Anaconda" femcee as "the one and only Queen of Hip-Hop."

Both remarks sparked debate between Cardi and Nicki's fans. However, the wife of Offset encouraged her online devotees to focus on checking out Halle's movie instead of getting involved in the disagreement.

"I know how some of you girls like to tussle over this typa childish s**t but ntm on Halle Berry," the mother of two wrote on Twitter. "Anyway her movie #BRUISED dropping THAT SHE DIRECTED HERSELF on Netflix on November 24th. The FIRST female rap movie soundtrack!! we produced together out this FRIDAY!"

Cardi and Nicki aren't huge fans of each other since their feud years ago. In late October, the "WAP" hitmaker seemingly threw shade at the latter and her husband Kenneth Petty as she reacted to a Barb commenting on the possibility of her facing four-year prison sentence on assault charges.

At that time, Cardi caught a troll's tweet suggesting that she need to "get best lawyers out there cause yk damn well Offset ain't gon be there for your kids." In response, she shouted back, "My man is allow to be with his kids so what's your point ?"

People believed that the "F9" actress was throwing a jab at Nicki's husband Kenneth. As a registered sex offender, he has to work around California law to simply spend time with his kids.
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In a new episode of Bravo's 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City', Jen's headlines-making legal troubles are detailed as the SWAT team is seen raiding her house.

Nov 15, 2021

AceShowbiz - Jen Shah's infamous arrest played out in a new episode of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City". In the Sunday, November 14 episode, her legal troubles were detailed as the SWAT team was seen raiding her house.

The episode kicked off with Jen fleeing from filming after getting a call before she, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose, Lisa Barlow and Jennie Nguyen were about to leave on a bus to the group vacation to Vail. Lisa and Whitney called their husbands to tell them about what happened, while Heather said she might have gotten a "tip off" about the raid.

Lisa tried to get guidance on what could be going on with Jen by calling six of her lawyers. Whitney saw it with suspicion as she wondered if Lisa knew more about Jen's life than she's admitted.

"I have had a lot of questions around Jen's lifestyle," Whitney admits. "It intrigues me where she gets all of her money and all of her things from...How does she get her money?"

Later, Whitney found out about Jen's arrest for alleged fraud and money laundering through an article. The ladies were shocked. Lisa and Heather started crying and freaking out, while Whitney and Jennie were calmer than the others.

"Her life didn't make sense to me and how much money she had," Whitney said. "But I did not think it would be something like this, I thought she had a sugar daddy or something."

During a FaceTime with Lisa, Meredith Marks, who is setting up the vacation rental, admitted that she was "not surprised by Jen's arrest. "Too many things didn't add up and I suspected that something was going on for a while. And now it's like validated that I was right, I'm not crazy," Meredith explained.

The ladies later discussed Jen's arrest during a group dinner. Whitney shared with others that she heard the Feds were tracking Jen's phone and arrested her "on the side of the road" after she left BeautyLab. "She was running," Whitney claimed, while Mary Cosby added, "She definitely fled the scene." The group also believed that "this has been going on for many years" if the Feds are involved.
REDDING, Calif. - Police arrested a suspect after he hit another man in the face with a machete just after midnight in Redding, police said.

Officers with the Redding Police Department received information that a person was hit in the face with a machete just after midnight Monday near the 2000 block of California St.

Police say a man went outside of his home when he heard someone yelling and confronted the person yelling, who was later identified as 21-year-old Christopher Turnbull.

Turnbull had a sledgehammer but later retrieved a machete before hitting the man in the face with it.

Turnbull left the area but officers were able to locate him a few blocks away. He was still in possession of the machete when officers found him.

The man who was hit by the machete positively identified Turnbull.

Turnbull was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail for a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
CHICO, Calif. - A person was arrested for trespassing after the person was seen on video by a security company that monitors Pick-n-Pull, according to Chico Police Department.

Police were notified by a security company that monitors Chicos Pick-n-Pull Auto Dismantlers at 397 E. Park Ave. Sunday morning.

The report came in at 4:58 a.m. and the caller indicated they could see a person on video going through vehicles inside the locked gates.

When officers arrived, they located Terry Miller.

Miller was arrested and taken to the Butte County Jail.

Miller is facing trespassing, prowling, possession of methamphetamine and possession of stolen property charges.
EPIC Digital Originals has launched a new show, Epic Explorers by keeping its promise to bring unparalleled stories.

Since time immemorial, India has received several keen travelers who came here to attain knowledge and fell in love with the countrys traditions and colors.

As the name suggests, the show highlights these travelers documented chronicles of their experiences of the country. It will explore India's journey through the eyes of famous foreign travelers who visited the country between 300BCE to 1800 AD.

Each webisode will cover explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Batuta, Megasthenes among many others.

Emphasizing the questions - Who were these travelers and what brought them here? Which kingdom and era did they study? And what makes them so unique?  the 12 webisodes will answer a few of these questions.

Nisha Thakkar, AVP - Content & Strategy, EPIC said: The webisodes are an attempt to showcase our past through the eyes of these explorers to the current generation. At EPIC, we are always innovating to bring interesting and exceptional stories to the foreground. Our Digital Originals are a step towards capturing the on-the-go audience.

The show premieres on 15th November, every Monday at 7:55 pm on the channel, YouTube, and EPIC ON.
Radio listeners in Maharashtra will be taken on a nostalgic trip as MY FM launches Pulvanuk, a daily episodic tribute to the Marathi literary titan Purushottam Laxman Deshpande. Pula, as he was lovingly called, was often referred to as Maharashtras beloved personality. The on-air special will feature audio-stories from Pulas finest works in his own voice. This will be the first time that listeners will get a chance to listen to his voice on radio.

Rahul Namjoshi, COO, MY FM said: MY FM thrives on clutter-breaking innovations. We have always focused on grabbing the pulse of the region. With Pulvanuk, we are not only honoring the legendary author, but also giving our Marathi listeners a beautiful nostalgic experience.

Pulvanuk will also feature interactions with some of the biggest Marathi celebrities who will share their memories and experiences with Pula and his numerous projects. The show will be aired twice every day from Monday - Saturday.
Panasonic India has announced the appointment of Mr. Fumiyasu Fujimori as Divisional Director, Consumer Sales Division. He will be based out of Panasonic India headquarters in Gurgaon.

Mr. Fujimori joined the company in 1995 in Osaka, Japan; right after his graduation. In his career spanning 26 years, he has worked in various international markets such as China, Singapore and Thailand overseeing strategy planning, business development and marketing communications across business divisions of Panasonic. In his previous role, Mr. Fujimori was based in Japan, where he was leading the global marketing efforts for Panasonics Imaging Business Unit (Lumix, digital cameras).

Panasonic India's CEO Manish Sharma said: We are pleased to welcome Mr. Fumiyasu Fujimori to our team. It is an important time for Panasonic India as we strengthen our presence across consumer appliances and smart living solutions in India. Mr. Fujimoris rich experience of working with Panasonic across many markets will certainly contribute to the growth of our business here in India.

Fumiyasu Fujimori, Divisional Director, Consumer Sales Division, Panasonic India said: I am delighted to start my second innings in the India market by leading the Consumer Sales Division. My first stint here was in 2009 as part of Audio team, where I got an opportunity to gain market experience. I believe, this is a high-potential market that offers significant growth opportunities and as I resume my new role here I am looking forward to leverage this potential through strategic interventions and provide India consumers with a value proposition.

Consumer business is a key growth driver for the India market. Driven by the vision of creating A better life. A Better World, Panasonic has been introducing products and services that add convenience to a consumers lifestyle, are durable and value for money. Panasonic has made significant investments to set up local manufacturing facilities for consumer durables in line with the Make in India programme. Last year, Panasonic launched its IoT & AI enabled Connected Living platform- Miraie, with a range of connected ACs Refrigerators, Washing Machines, and other devices. It also offers features such as e-Warranty and AMC management, OneTouch-service request, proactive maintenance notifications among others. These solutions have been made-in-India to serve the domestic and global needs helping consumers optimize energy through automation and intelligence, resulting in a better space optimization.
Mumbai-based Brand & Communication consultancy, Tilt Brand Solutions has appointed Sirish Suveer as Senior Director  Business. He will report to Rajiv Chatterjee, Tilts Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer.

Sirish has over 18 years of experience in Advertising and Marketing. Across his previous stints at Publicis, MullenLowe Lintas Group, JWT & Max Life Insurance, Sirish has led the teams on brands like Citibank, Heineken, Zee5, Skoda, Dabur, Vistara, Airtel, PepsiCo, and Britannia amongst many others. His work on them has won him effectiveness laurels at Effies India & APAC.

Rajiv Chatterjee said '' We are really excited to have Sirish jointly lead the Account Management function along with Avinash Shenoy  Senior Director, Business, as we grow and continue to consolidate businesses. He is joining us at a pivotal time for Tilt, as we scale up and continue to take on larger full-service mandates. His experience at leading key agency businesses is exactly why we feel this is a perfect fit and time.
Snap has hired Anne Laurenson as the first Managing Director of Global Carrier Partnerships. Ms Laurenson joins from Google and - in a company first - will be the first Snap executive to lead a Global team, including the Americas, from outside the US. Anne will be based in Paris, France.

Reporting to Nana Murugesan, Managing Director, International Markets & Mobile Partnerships, Ms Laurenson will be responsible for Snap's carrier partnerships strategy across the US and Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Snaps carrier partnerships strategy is to build and strengthen relationships with telecom carriers to create mutual business value and enable people all over the world to use Snapchat and benefit from the potential of Augmented Reality.

This is achieved through a range of initiatives, including service level collaboration to improve Snapchat accessibility, accelerating digital skills and creativity through creator-focused and other joint community investments, and leveraging 5G capabilities to change the way people experience places and events.

Prior to joining Snap, Ms Laurenson spent 14 years at Google, ten of those driving Android growth. She most recently served as the Managing Director for Android Partnerships for EMEA. In this role she was responsible for the overall strategy and execution of growing the adoption of Android ecosystem and Google services through partnerships with carriers, smartphone manufacturers and retailers in the region. Android is an Operating System developed by Google with 3 billion devices in active use.

Ms Laurenson has over 20 years experience in both the tech and telecom industries, and holds an Engineers Degree from Ecole Centrale of Lille and an MBA from HEC.

Ms Laurenson said: I am very excited to join Snap and support its mission of empowering people to express themselves, and discover the world combining what they see in the real world with a digital experience through AR. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to Snaps growth through creative partnerships with carriers globally, building on the great successes the team has already achieved in the US and internationally.

Nana Murugesan said: We are delighted to welcome Anne at such an exciting time for our business. She brings unique expertise and leadership experience to accelerate our growth with carrier partners. She will also support longer-term initiatives such as Spectacles and Snap's Paris AR Studio, the first AR Center of Excellence in the world. We are particularly excited that Anne will be a global leader based outside the US. This is a significant step in our commitment to building a truly global team.
Countrys first smart mobility solutions provider, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), is continuously elevating customer experiences with technologies that are intelligent, advanced and future ready, taking customers beyond mobility with solutions that synergise with their lifestyle. The largest exporter recently introduced its new brand campaign  Beyond Mobility, which encapsulates the companys commitment and aspirations for the India of tomorrow. Drawing its inspiration from Hyundais Global Vision of Progress for Humanity, the Beyond Mobility campaign has been pegged on three pillars of: Intelligent Technology, Sustainability and Innovation.

The campaign has been launched nationwide and reinstates Hyundais global vision of Progress for Humanity to help people understand and believe that tomorrows hyper-connected automobiles will not only have advanced technology power their core, but also have intuitive features that greatly enrich their lives. Capturing the evolving consumer needs and technological developments, the campaign illustrates Hyundais approach to be the consumers lifetime partner.

With their evolution from a manufacturer to a smart mobility solutions provider, Hyundai has redefined customers mobility experiences. Click-to-Buy end to end car buying platform is getting great traction from their customers delivering them seamless engagement with the brand. With their 30+ partners on Hyundai Mobility Membership, HMIL are offering lifestyle solutions to the customers making their journey with Hyundai memorable.

The Beyond Mobility campaign captures how user needs are evolving towards an integrated ecosystem and beautifully depicts the future of mobility that can deliver meaningful experiences making every moment truly worthwhile and rewarding. This 360-degree outreach campaign will utilise print, TV, radio amd digital medium and will showcase multi-dimensional visual perspective using minimal elements for bringing out Beyond Mobility as the core of Hyundais campaign.

In an exclusive interview with Adgully, Tarun Garg, Director - Sales, Marketing & Service, Hyundai Motor India, speaks about GenZs expectations from Hyundai, the purpose behind the Beyond Mobility campaign, impact of sustainability push amid the pandemic and a lot more.

What challenges have you faced with the evolving behaviour of consumers, especially the GenZ? What have been their expectations from Hyundai?

The millennials today are more socially and environmentally conscious. The tech-savvy generation would like to be associated with brands who think of social well-being and can add a lot of value to the overall journey.

Todays customers are not only buying a product, but they buy a brand. Buying a car is much more than just a product or much more than buying only a service. Customers now want to be connected, be associated with the brand, and they want to take pride in being associated with that brand.

As a progressive brand and Indias first smart mobility solutions provider, we are developing technologies that are intelligent, advanced, and future ready, taking customers beyond mobility with solutions that synergise with their lifestyle. Technologies that deliver unique and comforting experiences for consumers.

How has the pandemic pushed sustainability up consumers agenda? What are the implications of this for brands?

The pandemic has altered many consumer preferences, and inclination towards personal mobility has become big. Today, consumers have evolved and become sustainable socials, which means that they care for the environment and hence, their choices centre around buying products that give them value as well as being conducive for the environment.

Hyundais new brand campaign  Beyond Mobility  reinforces its commitment of future mobility, which is intelligent and thrives with sustainability. The campaign touches upon Hyundais relentless pursuit towards realising the dreams of its customers by introducing new technologies, developing products that meet the aspirations of new age customers, and keeping everything in line with the environment.

As a socially responsible brand, Hyundai Motor India keeps sustainability at the core of all our functions and ensures that every step in the making of a car and beyond is sustainable and conducive for the environment. Our manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Chennai is a great example of green manufacturing with self-sustainable resources. To ensure sustainable practices throughout the year, the Hyundai Motor India plant (spread across 536 acres) follows eco-friendly processes to conserve resources and reduce consumption of energy and water.

Hyundai becomes the No. 1 OEM in renewable energy usage with:

100% LED for all type of lighting system

First Auto MNC to implement ISO 50001

State of the art Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser in both plants

Over 33% green belt area

89% renewable energy used for factory operations

As we move towards the future, our global philosophy  Progress for Humanity  is aimed at serving societies with a vision to develop an ideal world. We are profoundly committed to reducing carbon footprint and building a cohesive environment for man and machines to operate with agility.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with various industry stakeholders on Saturday (November 13, 2021) regarding the future course for Cryptocurrency in the country, there is a strong buzz of a Cryptocurrency Law being introduced in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament. Under the scanner are putting a stop to misleading ads, preventing the use of crypto to launder money or use in terror funding, as well as developing crypto technology.

WazirX, a leading Bitcoin and Cryptocurrenty Exchange, recently published their Transparency Report for the duration of April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021 to give users a greater understanding of its processes, standard terms of use, and privacy policy.

WazirX has carefully crafted policies to protect users data and financial information. The companys Transparency Report addresses an array of requests received from law enforcement agencies (LEAs), the nature of information requests, user verification processes and the provisions for customer support.

Adgully is gearing up for the 5th edition of its marquee IP  MOBEXX. In its 5th year now, MOBEXX Summit & Awards 2021 will be held on November 30, 2021. MOBEXX is an endeavour to decode the mobile marketing environment and predict upcoming trends. As a run-up to MOBEXX 2021, Adgully will be bringing a series of interactions and feature reports to cover various aspects and trends seen in the fast growing Mobile marketing ecosystem in India.

In conversation with Nischal Shetty, CEO and Founder, WazirX, Adgully puts the spotlight on the nascent Crypto market in India, where Shetty speaks at length about WazirXs Transperancy Report, regulation of crypto and instilling trust among investors and stakeholders, the road ahead and much more.

What is the objective behind launching the transparency report? What are the key highlights from the report?

We understand that trust must be gained through action, therefore as pioneers in the crypto space we wanted to launch a report that highlights the measures we take to secure our crypto community of investors and restore confidence in our various stakeholders before getting regulated. It sheds light upon the pain points we face as crypto enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and investors that prevents barriers for the Indian ecosystem to foster innovation in our country.

Few highlights from the report:

The report highlights how we are helping various law enforcement agencies with their requests, how we protect our investors, our KYC verification process and how we cater to our customers requests to resolve their transactional issues.

Through the Transparency Report, we aim to bring clarity among investors and users, keeping the community as well as the legislative sensitised about how we operate at WazirX and what support we need from our industry stakeholders.

Launched last month, our Transparency Report also announced the launch of our policy website, Blockchain Papers, which helps in dispelling the myths that prevent investors and stakeholders from entertaining crypto-related conversations.

How will the Transparency Report help in giving crypto regulations a new way?

Milestones such as the Transparency Report have already created a positive movement within the community and we believe that this is going to reshape the regulations and perception towards crypto in India.

Actions like these motivate the industry to be transparent with regards to the handling of frequently asked questions and demystifying myths that exist in the crypto ecosystem.

We will be launching this report every six months with updated information, basing the progress we made on the policy front. The Transparency Report clarifies how one can navigate through this space, while empathising on the challenges that the community faces while trying to regulate this space. The initiative is a mark for the whole crypto industry as it shows that the industry is willing to take the regulations very seriously. With this, we also recently went live with a front page ad with The Economic Times to highlight how a select few Indian crypto exchanges commit to comply with self regulatory code of conduct laid down under the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

Our quote on the Ad:

This is a prodigious milestone for the industry as a whole. It showcases the importance of how exchanges are coming together to work towards regulation of crypto and instilling trust among investors and stakeholders. Safety of our investors, fighting misinformation, educating our investors about the potential and the risks associated with crypto trading is at the utmost priority for us. It is at the very core of what we do and we believe as part of our mission for #IndiaWantsCrypto, initiatives like this would set the right foundation to build trust.

As the industry is gaining momentum with a staggering number of crypto adoption, we hope that more support from the government stakeholders and their guidelines for regulation would help foster more innovation. Creating more awareness on crypto, its classification and difference between CBDC and crypto is the need of the hour to set the stage for the much required regulation vital for enhancing investor protection and prevention of fraudulent behaviour.

What is the overall goal of WazirX with this initiative?

With the initiative such as the transparency report, WazirX tried to set the higher standards of investor protection, focused on awareness and busting myths to fight misinformation that keeps people from investing/ understanding cryptos and its potential across sectors. We aim to look at the bigger goals like positive regulations and consider ourselves paving the way to do it through such forward looking initiatives.

What is the future of Crypto?

To address these questions and map the potential of the Indian Crypto Industry, we recently launched a secondary research report with NASSCOM. The report highlights the insights gathered from various stakeholders and industry participants, to identify how the CryptoTech market in India is shaping up. The report further analyses the emerging trends in the CryptoTech industry, and its potential in the Indian context. The report looks into the economic value addition, employment generation, and other benefits as presented in this insights compendium.

Key highlights from the report:

CryptoTech industry to reach $ 241 million by 2030 in India, and $2.3 billion by 2026 globally

$6.6 billion investments in crypto assets by retail Investors in India

CryptoTech provides employment to 50,000 individuals in India

CryptoTech landscape is fast evolving with 230+ start-ups and 150+ proof of concepts and projects

Bitcoin has become the fastest asset to reach a market cap of $1 trillion surpassing gold and US Dollar

Decentralised finance market size has jumped 100x over the last one year

Industry can potentially create an economic value addition of $184 billion in the form of Investments and cost savings, and more than 800,000 employment opportunities

Additionally, Crypto has the potential to remove the financial barriers for rural India and provide cheaper access to capital, more online jobs. We are happy to see that the Government is pushing for crypto legislation. Emerging technologies like Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, AI and ML hold the key to future economic development. The Finance Minister had also said that India will take a calibrated approach towards regulating crypto. The crypto community looks forward to innovating and growing this ecosystem.

How safe is it to invest in crypto? How do you deal with frauds?

As highlighted in our Transparency Report, with appropriate precautions, awareness and guidelines, it is safe to invest in crypto. We at WazirX, ensure protection by taking various measures. Such as:

The access that is allocated only to verified users who are identifiable with KYC documents. Processes are in place to allow the transfer of money from the users own whitelisted linked bank account.

Deployed a robust transaction mechanism in place to identify any irregular and abnormal transactions.

Routinely weed out bad actors based on transaction data intelligence. In addition, product upgrades are regularly floated throughout the year.

Checks for frauds in KYCs and fraud cases are flagged and the users are blocked from submitting a new KYC from the same account.

Furthermore, WazirX continuously monitors transactions and also reports any suspicious activities based on the requests that come in from LEA agencies Additionally, we also monitor these suspicious transactions leveraging our partnership with the TRM Labs. If any risk is detected, an alert is triggered and logged in the alerts portal, where it is reviewed and assigned to an investigator if necessary.

Investigations into Suspicious Activities: If screening and monitoring systems trigger a manual review, compliance investigators use the Forensics tool to investigate the alert in more detail, finding the source and destination of funds in a transaction, the address transaction history and any off-chain affiliations of note.

Lastly, we have a 24X7 robust support system at WazirX, who are looking into all the user related queires.

Does WazirX believe in investing in endorsement like some other brands in the industry?

We at WazirX, have always been keen on investing in education for the consumers using crypto. We have been consistent for a long time and stayed away from fancy celeb endorsements. However, we cant comment about the future and want to ensure we do responsible marketing always.

The Advertising Standards Council of India already has guidelines in place for all investment adverts and we already comply with those guidelines and welcome every feedback.

We aim towards solving problems ever since the inception of WazirX. WazirX is the first exchange to introduce social media support, and it also has a dedicated social media handle. We are undoubtedly gaining popularity on all of our social media platforms.

Furthermore, our Nasscom analysis also endeavoured to aggregate emerging trends and insights shaping the CyptoTech, which has significant potential in the Indian context, looking into the economic value addition, employment generation, etc. We hope that our users gain an edge and sprout up through all these sessions and our continuous support and we also closely monitor and assist 24x7 to all the users with all possible ways and options. We collaborated with influencers actively during our last quarter  across all categories and genres, including Vir Das, Anupam Kher , Badshah , Harrdy Sindhu and Priya Malik, to name a few. Now, we are focused on working with our long-term partners such as Nikhil Chinapa, CA Rachna Ranade, Ankur Warikoo.
Federal Statistical Office

Neuchatel, 15.11.2021 - In 2020, 10 945 sentences and measures were executed in Switzerland (2019: 13 810). More than two thirds (67%) were for imprisonment in a penal institution. Community service accounted for less than a third (30%) of executions of sentences while electronic monitoring made up 3%. 86% concerned males and 42% Swiss citizens. The average population in penal institutions decreased by 6%. Data come from the Federal Statistical Offices (FSO) execution of sanctions statistics.

This press release and further information on this topic can be found on the FSO website (see link below).

Address for enquiries

Jonathan Donnet, FSO, Crime and Criminal Justice section, tel.: +41 58 485 03 90, email: jonathan.donnet@bfs.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Statistical Office

http://www.statistics.admin.ch




The soybean market responded in a positive way following USDAs updated WASDE report (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate) on Nov. 9.

Prior to the report, the soybean market was on its tail, and everything indicated soybeans were on a downward trend or at least looking that way on a chart, according to Ed Usset, professor emeritus and grain marketing economist with the University of Minnesota. But shortly after the report came out, soybean prices went up.

At mid-session in the market following the report, January soybean futures were 35 cents higher at $12.24, March soybean futures were 34 cents higher at $12.35, and May soybean futures were 35 cents higher at $12.47.

The report provided a little boost for producers. Prior to the report, the market had been on a bit of a downtrend and was defensive.

Look at a chart of January soybeans, its on a downtrend and has been since it peaked out almost $3 higher in early June, Usset said prior to the report. It was up around $14.80 and now, today (Nov. 9), were under $12 in the January contract at around $11.90. Youve got to go way back to the end of March to find numbers like that.

Hours later the report came out. Looking at prices in the region, at one local elevator in west central Minnesota regularly followed in this column, shortly after the report, the November cash price for soybeans was $11.87 and basis was -25 cents under. The April 2022 futures price for new crop soybeans was listed at $12.35 and basis was +23 cents over.
LAKE VIEW, Iowa  The sounds of war were only quiet a short time before the United States found itself embroiled in another war caused by the North Korean invasion of South Korea in 1950.

Paul Nieland remembered World War II. He was 15 when it ended, and his brother Arthur was killed in 1944.

Nieland, 91, graduated from high school in 1948. He spent three years on the family farm before enlisting on his 21st birthday.

I didnt want to be in the Army, he says. So I enlisted in the Navy on my birthday  Jan. 9, 1951.

After his service was over, Nieland returned to his parents farm near Breda, Iowa. He worked with his father for two years before starting out on his own.

During his tour of duty, he was connected to two ships  the USS Bayonne, primarily used for weather purposes, and the USS Hamul, a ship Nieland says was used to repair destroyers.

On the Bayonne, we had 320 men and our home port was in Yokosuka, Japan, he says. We would send up balloons to get weather readings.

After 13 months, Nieland was sent home for leave before arriving on the Hamul at its home port in Long Beach, California.

We pretty much just fixed destroyers, he says. They would come to the port in fours, and we tied them up to our ship so we could work on them.

Nieland says he was fortunate to spend the war in relative safety.

We did fire our guns in Japan, but I was very safe, he says. Others were not.

He was discharged in 1954 and returned to the family farm in west central Iowa. Not long after that, he met Connie Leiting at a New Years Eve party. The two eventually married on August 31, 1955.
Kevin Scott farms in Valley Springs, South Dakota, right on the border with Iowa and Minnesota, and serves as the president of the American Soybean Association. He has served on numerous ASA committees, including Trade Policy and International Affairs, as well as served on the U.S. Soybean Export Council board of directors.

He sat down with IFT to answer a few questions about the future of soybeans as exports and supply-chain issues dominate the headlines.

IFT: You said you are still working on harvest. How has harvest gone for you so far, and how have you felt about this season?

SCOTT: Our season started out dry. Im a half mile north of Iowa, right on the Minnesota border, so I can see Iowa from here, and I know it was dry. After the Fourth of July we started getting some beneficial rain. Our crop was pretty good this year and Im satisfied with our yields. Our moisture situation  we were a small portion of South Dakota that was sitting pretty good. The rest of the state had some issues, but we live close enough to Minnesota and Iowa that it worked out this year.

IFT: How have supply chain issues affected soybean farmers you represent? You said fertilizer will be a big issue for you. Is that one of the main issues coming up?

SCOTT: One of the issues that stares most of our farmers in the face is the price of our product this year has skyrocketed. Part of that blame is COVID-

related issues as far as transportation  getting product where it needs to be  but others are tariffs being added to fertilizer exporters in other countries. Some of those products are harder to get because they arent really in our market. Theyve been tariffed out.
The Smithsonian Museum, the American Louvre of unusual artifacts, has a collection of toys. One is a transparent plastic figure called "The Visible Woman." She has as her companion "The Visible Man." The see-through educational toys were designed to teach children about human anatomy.

Larger transparent models of human beings were designed to teach medical students. One such figure is of a woman. Made in 1980 in Dresden, in what was then East Germany, the medical Eve could well be accompanied by the transparent model of an Adam created in Germany in 1933.

Both models were designed by scientists living in regimes dominated by reductionist ideas about what it meant to be a human being  the one obsessed with the idea of the perfect Aryan, the other gripped by the idea of the perfect communist.

Behind the colorless plastic skins are the innards necessary to any functioning human life. Male and female, each has similar essential inner parts, including a heart. Their lack of skin color denotes that human anatomy does not depend on skin tone, ethnicity, or class. She represents the universal woman. He represents the universal man. Her anatomy is every woman's anatomy. His anatomy is every man's anatomy.

There is no reason to categorize either according to skin tone. She is not a woman "of color," as racial categorists would insist. But she also is not a woman without color.

Recently, racial categorization has eliminated the universally understood meaning of "woman." It has become popular to speak of "women of color," which means women who don't have white skin. By using that term, instantly, countless millions of women and girls are paled into insignificance. They are regarded as having no color at all.

As those with brown and black skin were once rendered almost invisible by racist ideologues, women of "no color" are now considered outside the spectrum of colorful humanity. This is seen by some Critical Race Theorists as only just turn around, as fair play. What was done to those with brown or black skins must now be done to those deemed without color in order to balance the scales of justice. It is now just to tell little girls (and little boys, too) that they are inherently bad because their skin is seen as colorless.

It is considered just that a woman having no color, like the author of this essay, has no history. As I write, the history of my English and Scottish ancestors is being enveloped in a colorless fog by ideology actively seeking to erase England's and Scotland's colorful narratives. The language of Shakespeare and the King James Bible is considered too filled with racist and judgmental moral terms and values. The Christian religion that once informed the island of my predecessors and many of the founders of my nation is seen as intrinsically hateful. This, though it was a Christian Englishman who led the fight against slavery and an English repentant sinner who once sold slaves who wrote "Amazing Grace," a hymn sung by every Christian, regardless of skin color.

Focusing on the outside renders the inside of any human being colorless, as invisible. It is impossible to see the other person if one is determined to render him invisible, as a person with no color or the "wrong" color. Seen from the cold distance of space, the Earth itself is a pale blue dot with no indication of the riot of colorful humanity inhabiting it.

Even pain will not render another visible to us if we have erased him from consideration because he is not colored like us. Color the heartbroken woman in Afghanistan who sold her daughter in order to feed her family invisible. Color the millions of unborn baby girls who never saw the light of day as transparent as water. Color the tears of women and girls who are trafficked by heartless pimps as noticeable as rain on the ocean surface.

What happens to colorless people, to invisible humanity? Since there are no longer any ineradicable or even discernible outlines denoting their intrinsic humanity, the invisible person can be discounted or annihilated at will by the more powerful. A boundaryless person can be walked over at will.

There is a color that is undeniably universal to all human beings: red, which is indicative of sin and guilt, of sacrifice and courage. Blood makes everyone visible when it is shed.

To reduce any of the human race to bloodless invisibility; to target any as having a color that is no longer to be painted into the human canvas; to target any as having no blood at all is to permit horrors with which we of the twentieth and twenty-first century are only too familiar. Millions deemed as having the wrong color, ethnicity, religion; millions deemed without color have perished or have been enslaved, and along with them their colorful histories. Countless who have been permitted to "live" have been made invisible within their own societies. They are considered as lesser mortals who are dispensable.

But as C.S. Lewis notes in The Weight of Glory:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations  these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit  immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously  no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.

To be truly seen requires transparency. In Jewish and Christian tradition, every human being is as transparent to God as the plastic models of the Visible Man and Woman are to us. By acknowledging our transparency to God, for whom nothing is hidden, we can in turn become transparent to one another, acknowledging that our humanness lies in the core of our being and not on external characteristics.

Such was the view Israel's King David took when he wrote so compellingly about the gaze of God in Psalm 139:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

In the eyes of the Creator, we are all transparent.

We are fully seen and known by God the Creator, who has made not only the body, but the soul. While such knowledge is too wonderful for any of us to fully comprehend, it is on the bases of that understanding that we see every human soul to be full of color and of infinite value.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her the prize for excellence in systematic theology. Her thoughts have appeared in many online magazines. She has been a regular contributor to American Thinker for a decade. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com.

Image via Pickpik.

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As we wait to see what our commie-fascist ruling class has planned for us next, this might be a good time to pull out Gregory H. Stanton's "Ten Stages of Genocide" as a helpful reminder for keeping track of how things are "progressing" (pun intended). Stanton, an academic and the founder of Genocide Watch, organized a sobering list of red-flag actions undertaken by governments over the last century on their way to committing mass murder. See if any of them rings any bells with how supposedly "free" governments are behaving today.

(1) Classification: Governments begin dividing people into "us" versus "them."

Hillary Clinton calls Trump voters "deplorables." Barack Obama disparages freedom-minded Americans as racists and rubes who "cling to guns or religion." Joe Biden says America is plagued by "white supremacy." Joint Chiefs chairman Mark Milley believes that the military must tackle "white rage." Attorney General Garland thinks parents who object to government schools indoctrinating their children with racial Marxism and hyper-sexualized curricula are "domestic terrorists." Black Lives Matter and Antifa rioters and looters are lauded as civil rights heroes, while Trump voters who protest for election integrity are denounced as "insurrectionists," hunted down by the regime enforcers at the FBI, and left rotting behind bars with little in the way of due process. Those who object to governments' totalitarian plans to spend hundreds of trillions of dollars and take control over free markets in order to combat the weather are ridiculed as "climate deniers." Those who believe governments' authoritarian reactions to the China Virus have been more harmful to humanity's well-being than the virus, itself, are demonized as "selfish," "ignorant," and "anti-science" villains. And now, even after denying that they would ever institutionalize "vaccine passports" as requirements for travel outside the home, governments are, in fact, remaking their nations into "papers, please" police states.

(2) Symbolization: Governments start forcing "unclean" people to wear symbolic articles of clothing, so they clearly stand out from everyone else.

Coercing people to submit to experimental injections with unknown health risks is prohibited by longstanding international treaties designed to prevent crimes against humanity. That certainly hasn't stopped most Western governments from throwing ethics and law out the window in order to rush out a medical treatment before anybody could possibly know the long-term consequences. What about those companies and government administrators who aren't quite ready to admit they've gone full Josef Mengele in the name of "science"? They have an easy solution: those who refuse to "vaccinate" must wear face masks until they do, even though numerous studies have proved that ordinary cloth masks do next to nothing to prevent the spread of disease and even though numerous studies have proved that the "vaccinated" still carry a viral load equal to or greater than those who have refused experimental treatment. As with everything that governments have done to use this "health emergency" for their own authoritarian "Great Reset" goals, the mask has nothing to do with health. It is, however, an effective symbol pushed by governments to publicly ostracize those who refuse to obey. And in those jurisdictions that have already gone back to universal masking regardless of "vaccination" status, those who refuse to play "mask theater" make themselves all the easier for governments to isolate and target.

(3) Discrimination: Governments use laws and cultural power to deny civil rights to certain people.

Would you like to keep your job? Take the jab! Would you like to enjoy indoor dining, sporting events, or church service? Take the jab! What's that, you say? You have many detailed medical objections against being forced into injecting yourself and your loved ones with an experimental "vaccine" when the risk of death from the China Virus for reasonably healthy people  especially young people  is exceedingly low? Sorry, that's "misinformation" that the State will not tolerate, and Facebook, Twitter, and Google must revoke your free speech "privileges" until you come to your senses. We hope this re-education has been helpful!

(4) Dehumanization: Governments subtly deny the humanity of discriminated groups by comparing them to animals, vermin, insects, or diseases.

Strangely, even after the most extensive global "vaccination" campaign in human history, "breakthrough cases" are still popping up (and often in the most "vaccinated" parts of the world). Joe Biden and CDC director Walensky know whom to scapegoat for this predicament: blame the "unvaccinated" for the "vaccinated" contracting the disease. Logic doesn't matter when the medical mafiosi's real motive is to pile government failure onto the backs of the innocent. Prosecute the "unvaccinated" for murder! "We can't wait for all of them to die!" compassionate Hollywood "humanitarians" shout. "MAGA people are a disease," everybody from Jennifer Rubin to David Plouffe seems to agree. A cardiologist who recently died (how strange!) after his third COVID jab summed this dehumanization up best by proudly proclaiming before his unexpected death that he would not shed a tear at the funerals of the "selfish" unvaccinated. That turned out to be true.

(5) Organization: The state bureaucracy begins actively designing killing plans for undesirables.

Just because Democrats are always promising to drag out the guillotines to execute MAGA "deplorables," that doesn't mean the U.S. government is making plans to help. On the other hand, now that the IRS, DOJ, and Intelligence Community are all active arms of the Democrat Party, they're not exactly not helping, are they? Just ask teenager Kyle Rittenhouse.

(6) Polarization: Propaganda is utilized to amplify the differences between "us" versus "them," and interactions between groups are limited.

The most self-congratulatory "progressive" governments in the West routinely applaud themselves on their ability to reward transgenders, non-white racial groups, and anti-Western jihadists while actively working to purge traditionalists; conservatives; liberty-minded folk; and straight, white, non-Marxist males from positions of power. Any speech not sanctioned by government authorities is now "hate speech." Anyone opposed to racial Marxism is slandered as a "racist." The "vaccinated" are encouraged to avoid the "unvaccinated." Talk of "unity" is nonexistent when government-fueled division is what's useful.

(7) Preparation: The victims of future mass killing are identified, separated, and forced to wear distinguishing symbols.

You didn't think the Biden regime was collecting information on gun owners in order to fight crime, did you? You didn't think using the Post Office to spy on Americans' social media accounts was for their own good, right? Why are Democrats pushing so hard to expand the IRS's snooping powers into every American's checking account? The U.S. government is busy making its list and deciding right now whether you've been naughty or nice.

(8) Persecution: Governments begin forcing members of victim groups into special camps.

If Australia's or Canada's efforts to build internment camps for the "unvaccinated" seem like foreign news, perhaps the state of Washington's efforts to do the same thing should pique Americans' interest. How does one distinguish between quarantine, internment, and concentration camps anyway?

(9) Extermination: The massacre begins, and government actors justify their mass murder as a necessary "extermination" of non-humans who deserve to be killed.

Giddyup, because a lot of Americans aren't going down without a fight!

(10) Denial: The brainwashed perpetrators of genocide deny having committed any crimes  blaming their victims for their own murders.

Only a bunch of socialists, communists, and fascists who have already murdered well over a hundred million people this last century without sating their bloodlust could keep on killing without reflection or remorse. Besides, everything they do is with "the best of intentions" and for "the greater good."

How many of these ten stages have already come to pass? At least five or six, right? If alarm bells aren't ringing near you, then now is the time to hit the damn bell with everything you've got.

Image: Chris Dodds via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Back when the experts didnt know if the new vaccines would even be effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, the government, media, corporations, and public health intelligentsia still relentlessly pushed the stuff on Americans while proclaiming that they were 90-percent effective, and Dr. Anthony Fauci openly presumed that wed really need for 75-to-85-percent of the population to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

All of that information can be found in a single article from December of 2020. Today, weve hit Dr. Faucis once-supposed sweet spot for vaccination rates (among adults, at least), thanks to a propaganda campaign that neglected to publicize any potential risks while promoting benefits that have proven to be impossible to attain.

There was never any proven evidence that the vaccines were effective in staving off COVID infections. Yet we now know what was unknown then, even as they pushed for four-in-five Americans to become vaccinated, and that is that the vaccines are not at all effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

Thats right. Get the vaccine, or dont get the vaccine, and you can still get symptomatic infections while presenting the risk of infection to others.

How likely you are to go to the hospital and/or die from infection is still greatly dependent upon your age and health preconditions. If youre older or happen to be unhealthy, youre more likely to die from COVID infection, even if vaccinated. If youre younger and healthy, you are extremely unlikely to experience hospitalization or death, vaccinated or not.

These are all undeniable facts. And so, just like that, weve come full-circle to where we began, when Dr. David Katz told us all in the New York Times on March 20, 2020 (before it had become clear that the media was conspiring to hide any opinions or evidence contrary to public health status quo), that the very best we could do is to protect the elderly and those predisposed to harm from infection while the rest of us went about our lives by gaining herd immunity in a natural way -- i.e., letting young and healthy people, who are not harmed by COVID infection nearly to the same extent as the at-risk demographics, live their lives and acquire immunity.

It worked for Sweden. Current observations suggest that its worked for Florida. Nonetheless, the government, media, corporations, and public health officials arent interesting in honestly informing the public of risks and benefits, or letting individuals make informed decisions. No, theyre interested in promoting the cudgel of federal government power to demand that the one-in-five whove yet to get the vaccine become vaccinated in order to end the pandemic.

Lets take a moment to appraise two very simple facts.

First, the vast majority of those who are yet to be vaccinated are young and healthy people, and who very often would have been at little risk of harm from COVID in the first place.

Second, since four-in-five American adults are fully-vaccinated, the believability of the story about outbreaks of COVID stemming only from the one-in-five who are unvaccinated is waning fast, even among the most gullible of Faucis flock.

There is a distinct danger in the governments allowing the continued existence of that disobedient one-in-five whove bucked the state-approved guidance. They stand as evidence, you see, of the government health intelligentsias fallibility.

Imagine, if you will, a hypothetical scenario in the not-so-distant future. Its January 2022. Hospitals are overwhelmed, despite substantial adult rates of vaccination of 80-percent or so. But strangely, hospitalizations are notably among the vaccinated, not the young and healthy unvaccinated who chose, based upon their logical appraisal of personal risk, to not get a new vaccine which was rushed to market and which the government seemed all-too-eager to force into their bodies.

In fact, imagine that we could easily determine that a large number of the unvaccinated are not hospitalized at all and that most of the hospitalized are, in fact, older and unhealthier vaccinated people who were more predisposed to harm from COVID anyway.

What would that mean? Would it mean that vaccination didnt make people as safe as they were promised by the government, the media, corporations, or the public health intelligentsia?

At the very least, it would mean that. And right now, we should not be stupid enough to imagine that what is taking place is anything less than damage control by our political tormentors who are desperate to hide the evidence of their lies to the American people. If the Biden administration can get nearer to 95-percent of Americans to be vaccinated at any cost, even at the cost of an executive edict that contradicts every foundational principle that the Constitution exists to protect, it is worth it for them.

The unvaccinated are now the target of the government because they represent an uncontrolled minority that can be blamed for the ills of society, sure. But most importantly, there is now a desperate push to vaccinate this last one-fifth of American adults. The unvaccinated are an inconvenient control group to set against the variable of the vaccinated population -- especially since any honest appraisal of this social experiment weve undertaken this past year would clearly undermine the governments hypothesis that was once presented about the vaccines efficacy.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License

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One certain sign that a country has gone off the rails is when the governing power systematically imposes a criminal prosecution that is prepared to change laws and conditions to favor the criminals over law-abiding citizens and create an atmosphere that leaves them defenseless.

This frightening phenomenon is occurring throughout America, mainly in Democratic states and cities. It is happening so often that it represents a deliberate policy to fundamentally change the American legal system that leaves ordinary citizens defenseless under law.

In Massachusetts, prosecutors can seize your money and hold it indefinitely even if people are not accused of a crime.

Rachel Rollins is Bidens nominee to be the next U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. while serving as District Attorney for Suffolk County, where she declined to prosecute certain dangerous crimes and pushed for reallocating' police funding.

Rollins was candid that she came into the job as an activist not as a constitutional lawyer. She wrote, If you want to change the legal system you should become a prosecutor because you have the power to determine changes and what crimes to prosecute.

In other words, they decide which crimes not to prosecute. This may be fine if a prosecutor applies reason and restraint, as Senator Ted Cruz argues, but, increasingly, this is not always the case in Democrat America.

Cruz claims that the dangerous reality of a burgeoning Democrat legal system is buried in an anonymous document entitled Appendix C. SCDAO declination and diversion policy.

It lists fifteen charges that should be declined or dismissed pre-arraignment. In other words, not worthy to be brought to trial. And there lies the rub. The prosecutor is saying. I am the law, and I am not just deciding what cases to prosecute but, more sinisterly, I am deciding what cases not to bring to court. Just throw them out. I am not interested I hearing these cases.

What possibly could these cases be under the watchful eye of a prosecutor such as activist Rachel Rollins. Here are the cases. You decide.

Trespass. Do you want the laws of trespass removed from the law books of your community? The top prosecutor for the State of Massachusetts wants to remove the laws of trespass from its statute books. Trespass will no longer be against the law. It will no longer be illegal for someone to enter your house or property without your permission. I wonder what would have happened in Washington DC on January 6 when a large number of peaceful protesters decided to enter Congress to speak to their representatives. Trespass is the only legal charge Democrat politicians can find to throw at angry voters. Does Rollin's law apply to them, or only to criminals?

Shoplifting. We have all seen endless videos of looters barging into stores and walking out with bags full of free stuff. This will no longer constitute a criminal activity. It is amazing to see that you can enter a store in America and the cost of every item is zero. This isn't good for store owners but what does this tell you about a society in which others take off shelves for free and that person is protected by your law officials while you feel like a sucker for paying for them? What does that tell you about a society gone wrong?

Under Rachel Rollins, larceny is not a crime. Neither is disorderly conduct and disturbing the police. Receiving stolen goods will not be a crime in Massachusetts under Rollins. So the person who walks into a store, or a home, and walks out with all sorts of stuff and gives them to his fence to sell, all this is not illegal and not punishable because those we consider criminal will not be arrested, charged, or brought to court.

What world are they creating in America? It is one that favors the criminal and leaves the citizen defenseless.

It goes on. Driving with a suspended license might seem a mild offense. You get suspended over some minor incident and sneak out to buy groceries near your home. Nu!Nu! But what is the main reason for the driving suspension law? Drunk driving. So now, under prosecutors like Rollins, its open season for drunk drivers. Expect more folk, including kids to be murdered by Rollins drunk drivers.

Breaking and entering will not be a crime. Someone can break into your house without fear of arrest. Add to this larceny and, under prosecutors like Rollins, you are legally defenseless. The dregs of society can do what they want, even in your own home or business, and literally get away scot-free.

They can even threaten you for that too is not a legal offense unless, of course, if you are a protesting parent at a school board meeting angry at the indoctrination or rape of your young child in her school in which case you are a domestic terrorist, extremist, or white racist, for scaring a board member with your rage.

Even if your property has been broken into and burgled and you call for police help, do not be surprised if the police dont arrive. Under Rollins, resisting arrest is not a crime so why should the police bother to respond to your call?

For criminals, this will be the standard non-criminal way of dealing with the police. That is, if you will still have police in Massachusetts.

This is what Rollins said about defunding the police. I think we give the police far too much. We can reimagine and reallocate funding.

In other words, under Democrat-appointed prosecutors there will be no police. They put criminals and their interests above those of law-abiding citizens.

The same media that described the BLM/ANTIFA 2020 mob violence that destroyed private and federal property and attacked and killed people across America as peaceful protesters were baying for the blood of a Kenosha teenager.

In Salt Lake City, they hounded an anonymous Craig Shepherd for sending $10 for Rittenhouses legal defense.

In Virginia, police sergeant William Kelly, a father of three and a wife suffering from cancer, was fired from his job without a pension for sending $25 to Rittenhouses defense.

This is where America is heading. Kyle Rittenhouse is a metaphor for innocent Americans against both the criminal mob and the new anti-citizen criminal justice system.

This 17-year-old volunteered to protect someone's property and ended up shooting people about to kill him. Even the prosecution's star witness, a man who had been shot by the teenager, admitted, Yes, I had a loaded gun and I was running at him.

Even with that statement, he expected Rittenhouse to be jailed, but Rittenhouse was fortunate to have an old school judge, and not someone like Rollins. However, Judge Bruce Schroeder is a dying breed. They are being replaced with people in the mold of Rollins and District Attorneys like LAs George Gascon with sweeping radical ideas.

As author and potential political candidate J.D. Vance said of Rittenhouse, It was not a trial. It was child abuse. It was an indictment of a system that bullied and humiliated a teenager who defended himself.

In America. There is no equal justice under the law. They attacked Trump on fake Russian collusion charges while the real Russian collusion was being practiced by the DNC and Clinton under the knowing and watchful eye of Obama. Trump acolytes, Roger Stone and General Flynn, were dragged out of their homes in the middle of the night and indicted on untruthful charges while Hillary Clinton, James Comey and even General Milley get away with offenses that may reach the level of treason.

Michael Flynn in 2016 (Gage Skidome CC BY 2.0 license

In America, if you have the wrong politics, whether you are a president, a parent, or a teenager, the justice system will come after you with a vengeance.

In America, there are a bunch of power-hungry leftists who are using the criminal system as a weapon against their political rivals and the people.

American citizens need to tell the truth in greater numbers. They need to go toe to toe with enforcers who lie as they favor criminals and killers over law-abiding citizens under siege.

This is the morality of Israel. It should become yours, America, before you lose your country.

Barry Shaw is the Senior Associate at the Israel Institute for Strategic Studies.

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I think very little of the American print media. To the extent they're failing  although the Democrats hope to resuscitate them with huge handouts from the so-called "Build Back Better" bill  they deserve to fail because they mislead Americans. A small, but telling, example, appears in the Charleston Post and Courier's snarky report saying South Carolina's governor, Henry McMaster, is mindlessly leaping on the "get porn out of our schools" bandwagon.

What caught my interest in the Post and Courier's coverage of the story about McMaster's stand against gay porn in schools is how the reporter, Nick Reynolds, describes the book Gender Queer, which is making a lot of waves (emphasis mine):

The impetus for his request, according to the letter, was a parent-led effort in Fort Mill to remove a copy of a graphic novel by artist Maia Kobabe titled "Gender Queer: A Memoir," a page of which depicts an unclothed, same-sex couple in bed. [snip] Kobabe's book had been central to a debate over LGBTQ content in suburban Fairfax County where a local school board voted for its removal despite the objection of numerous advocacy groups, who claimed the book introduced LGBTQ teens to themes in a safe and nuanced way they were likely to grapple with on their own.

Both those paragraphs are a lie.

The problem for parents and Governor McMaster isn't that a page of the page "depicts an unclothed, same-sex couple in bed." In fact, as Stacy Langton informed the Fairfax County Public School board regarding Gender Queer and Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison, both books are graphic in how they depict sexual activity, including between adult men and boys:

She said that "both of these books include pedophilia, [and] sex [sic] between men and boys." "Both books describe different acts," she added. "One book describes a fourth-grade boy performing oral sex on an adult male. The other book has detailed illustrations of a man having sex with a boy." Langton added, "The illustrations include fellatio, sex toys, masturbation and violent nudity." She read aloud from one of the books, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe: "I can't wait to have your c--- in my mouth. I am going to give you the b------ of your life and then I want you inside me."

As Langton's quotation, above, shows, the problem parents have with Gender Queer isn't just a single picture that "depicts an unclothed, same-sex couple in bed." There is graphic, obscene language describing acts no parents want a child, whether straight or gay, to read. In addition, rather than a single, sort of bland gay picture, the book has two graphic illustrations of a child performing fellatio on another boy or perhaps a young adult.



Expurgated image from Gender Queer.

Moreover, that picture of an "unclothed, same-sex couple in bed" shows them obviously engaged in sexual activity. In addition, the book talks about sex toys, "sex change" surgery, orgasms, and masturbation. So the Post and Courier article is a fount of misinformation.

Contrary to the Post and Courier report, there is nothing "safe or nuanced" about the book. Maybe it doesn't have actual photos of sodomy or sex involving so-called transgender people, but it is a graphic manual about sexual behavior, as well as an introduction to and encouragement for girls to identify as "transgender." This ignores the fact that, with the onset of puberty, girls often feel alienated from their changing body, but by the time puberty ends, most have accepted who and what they are.

The Post and Courier report illustrates what we've been forced to accept throughout the 21st century: the media lie. They just do. To describe the pornographic, possibly pedophilic, material in Gender Queer as two unclothed men in bed is rank dishonesty, intended to cause sophisticated people to sneer at McMaster for coming out strongly on the side of parental rights and preserving childhood innocence.

Once, newspapermen were blue-collar guys who believed that it was their job to state the facts. Now we have college grads who believe that their job is to push the narrative. These outlets need to die a natural death rather than getting an infusion of taxpayer money to keep publishing their garbage.

(Maia Kobabe, who wrote Gender Queer, uses "Spivak [i.e., nonsense] pronouns." My pronouns are "Transgenderism is, sadly, a mental illness," and "Leftist American journalists lie." What are your pronouns?)

Image: The cover of Gender Queer (cropped).

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When the White House holds a triumphant signing ceremony today for the Biden/Pelosi Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, keep the following facts clearly in mind.

Democrats claim that the bill will "supercharge the American economy and will create thousands of good jobs." Translation: high-paying government  i.e., taxpayer paid for  jobs for Democrat supporters.

When you look beyond the title, H.R. 3684 has numerous provisions that Americans don't want.

The bill will "restructure the permitting process." This is an excuse to expand an already Byzantine, massively expensive, and user-unfriendly federal bureaucracy. Permits will go only to companies favored by progressive Democrats. Recall that the vendor chosen by the Obama administration to build healthcare.gov was a Canadian company, CGI Federal, with a track record of going over budget and failing to deliver on its contracts. Democrats spent more than $2 billion on a website that didn't work!

There will be "more public-private partnerships," which is code for giving hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to corporations that support the Democrat party and its candidates, not to the most efficient and lowest bidders.

H.R. 3864 will extend the reach of broadband internet access, especially to rural America, where such access can be spotty or absent. However, this activity is better done  better coverage at lower cost  using the free market than federal procurement, which is famous for delays, inefficiency, and over-spending.

Of the $1.2-trillion probably underestimated price tag, less than 10 percent  $110 billion  will fund true infrastructure: bridges, roads, tunnels, and waterways. This will be billions as political patronage. Companies that contributed to the Democrat party will build out the projects late and at inflated prices. If things go wrong, there will be no accountability.

Washington will expend hundreds of billions on green energy, and most will be wasted. Recall the Solyndra example, when Washington awarded $570 million to a start-up with no track record or proof of concept for its promised super-efficient cylindrical solar panels. Solyndra took the money, produced nothing, and promptly went bankrupt, laying off 1,100 employees. Washington wasted more than half a billion taxpayer dollars, giving the money to a green energy political ally that private venture capital would never have given a dime.

Health care has no place in an infrastructure bill. Yet two such provisions are embedded in H.R. 3684, both of which reduce Americans' access to care.

H.R. 3864 will restore a 2-percent cut in reimbursements to Medicare providers, on top of all the other federal payments reductions. By once again cutting provider payments, Democrats further restrict access to desperately needed medical care, just as the Affordable Care Act did.

In 2009, before Obamacare, the average maximum wait time to see a primary care physician was an unacceptable 99 days. In 2017, as a result of ACA payment cuts to providers, wait times had increased to an unconscionable 175 days. With a further cut in payments by H.R. 3864, wait times could become years rather than months.

A second health care provision buried in the $1.2-trillion infrastructure bill delays implementation of the Medicare Part D Rebate Rule, a Trump-era rule that would inject competitive forces into the market for prescription drugs. Just like payment cuts, by delaying this rule, desperately needed drugs will remain unaffordable and therefore unavailable.

Americans have learned a bitter lesson about Democrat promises. They often sound great, but the reality is usually the opposite of great. This is true for their latest magnum opus, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This pork-laden bill will deliver just what the public doesn't want and what the country doesn't need.

Keep these facts in mind as President Biden holds his big signing ceremony, and haltingly reads grandiose, ghostwritten, totally unrealistic rhetoric from a teleprompter.

Deane Waldman, M.D., MBA is professor emeritus of pediatrics, pathology, and decision science; former director of the Center for Healthcare Policy at Texas Public Policy Foundation; and author of the multi-award-winning book Curing the Cancer in U.S. Healthcare: StatesCare and Market-Based Medicine.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab, cropped.

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Since August 2020, everything that Bill Ackman, a billionaire Democrat, knew about Kyle Rittenhouse came through the mainstream media's reports. Those reports painted Rittenhouse as a White supremacist who grabbed a gun and went to Kenosha to kill. While he didn't get to kill Blacks, said the media, he succeeded in killing two Black allies. The leniency the media demanded in 2020 for defendants did not extend to young Kyle. Ackman, however, decided to watch the trial, and, to his shocked dismay, learned that everything the media said was wrong. His tweets on the subject are instructive.

In an era of in-your-face billionaires, Bill Ackman is a low-key guy. He founded Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund that manages assets worth over $13 billion. He's a New Yorker and Ivy Leagueeducated all the way, having received his B.A. and MBA at Harvard. He's proudly Jewish and is a long-time Democrat partysupporter, having endorsed Michael Bloomberg's short-lived run for president and donated to Richard Blumenthal, Chuck Schumer, Robert Menendez, the DNC, and the DSCC.

Given Ackman's Ivy League background, long history supporting the Democrat party, and reliance solely on the mainstream media, his tweets about the effect the Rittenhouse trial had on him are incredibly powerful. For him, it was mind-boggling to see the chasm between media reports and the facts ultimately exposed at trial, so much so that he came away believing in Kyle's innocence:

helping his community as an EMT and fireman in training, in his removing hate graffiti earlier that day from a local school, and ultimately in volunteering to protect a business during the night of August 25th in Kenosha.  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 11, 2021

believe other articles in the same newspaper about subjects I know less well. Media and political bias are dividing our country and destroying lives. While we have not heard the entire trial, based on our assessment of Kyle on the stand, we believe that he will be found innocent  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 11, 2021

to watch the trial, or at a minimum his testimony and cross examination, before you form a view of his guilt or innocence. With respect to my own political bias, I am not a gun owner, nor a member of the NRA. On balance, I support stronger gun regulations and  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 11, 2021

Kyle Rittenhouses life is at risk. Justice demands a fair trial. Society would benefit greatly if politics did not enter the court room and convict innocent people.  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 11, 2021

I wish Ackman could be brought to understand how important guns are to preserving individual liberty, but otherwise, you could not ask for a fairer, more open-minded statement about the evidence at the trial and the only conclusion that makes sense based upon that evidence.

For the media, it was inconceivable that a Democrat party stalwart was looking at the facts and deviating from the accepted narrative:

Just got a call from the media asking if my Twitter account was hacked. That is, the reporter couldnt conceive of the idea that I could believe that Kyle is innocent because I am not a right winger. Crazy.  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) November 11, 2021

The tweets in response were savage, including accusations that

a sophisticated, mature businessman doesn't know what an EMT is,

nobody of goodwill would bring an AR-15 (which, to the left, is much worse than the loaded pistol Gaige Grosskreutz aimed at Kyle's head),

Kyle's crossing state lines was itself almost criminal (state lines have suddenly become important, even as the left erases our sovereign boundary on the south),

No 17-year-old should ever be allowed out with a "semiautomatic high caliber weapon,"

There was something inherently suspect and wrong about Kyle's daring to volunteer to protect a once-peaceful community that rioters were burning to the ground.

What's fascinating is that there are no replies saying, "Wow! If the trial changed your mind, maybe I should check out the facts for myself instead of relying on the media." Leftists don't want to have facts interfere with the narrative. The narrative sustains them in their hatred for America and their desire to overthrow it. And of course, there's that sense of moral superiority that permeates everything that the Democrats  who have abandoned traditional morality  assert is good and true.

Still, Ackman's experience supports a theory that I've held ever since I made my own journey from mindless Democrat party voter to stalwart conservative: being told the establishment is lying is meaningless; instead, people must have a visceral sense that they are on the receiving end of dishonesty.

For Ackman, that awareness came from watching testimony. For me, it was NPR's increasingly open hostility to Israel; Hurricane Katrina proving that, when seconds count, the police are days away; and 9/11.

I don't see Ackman abandoning his allegiance to the Democrat party anytime soon. Breaking from that party is a slow, painful process because it's sold to us as a faith that provides redemption and salvation. You're a good person if you're a Democrat, and who doesn't want that?

However, to the extent that Ackman supports Israel and believes in the truth, I hope he is on his way to being red-pilled. A guy who is intellectually honest is a powerful ally. It would be great, therefore, if he could see his way to abandoning the left and coming over to constitutional conservatism, including supporting the Second Amendment, which is the only thing that constrains the government when it comes to the Bill of Rights.

Image: Bill Ackman by Valeant Pharmaceuticals Business Model. CC BY 2.0.

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The wrath of the cancel culture awaits if you question not only the efficacy of COVID (i.e., China Virus) vaccines, but whether or not you can be forced to take one. Trying to find accurate data online is like pulling teeth; every website or article that tells you about potential side-effects and alleged deaths from the vaccines spawns multiple sites that decry the writers and researchers as "anti-vaxxers" posting "misinformation." It seems that we've heard those buzzwords before...actually, too many times to count in this Orwellian madhouse. The Animal Farm pigs squealing "misinformation" are usually the ones guilty of that offense, a common malady of the leftist mindset.

Since the Democrats are the pre-eminent masters of misinformation, it's logical to believe that the questions, doubts, and statistics from so-called "anti-vaxxers" are, in fact, well worth addressing. This perspective is strengthened when your personal experience is contrary to what the tyrants and their media allies constantly tell you. I had very negative side-effects after my second Moderna shot, to the point where I not only regret my decision to get the vaccine, but will never consider getting a so-called booster shot. Far worse than my negative experience was the inexplicable death of a former coworker, a seemingly healthy and successful young man who died in his sleep a couple of days after getting the shot. No "co-morbidities" were in play, so the only logical conclusion is that the vaccine killed him. Apparently, deaths like that are ignored by the government and its propaganda ministry (AKA the mainstream media). How many people have died under similar circumstances is a mystery...and don't hold your breath if you're waiting to find out.

But what really prompted me to write this piece was the heartbreaking case of Mike Granata, a middle-aged family man from Gilroy, CA, who was laid to rest this past Sunday. Both Mr. Granata and his widow want his story to be shared, in the hope that it will help others avoid their tragic fate. No one can express the sentiment better than Michael Anthony Granata himself, and he used his obituary to offer, quite literally, a warning from the grave:

At the insistence of my doctor, I gave in to pressure to get vaccinated. On August 17th I received the Moderna vaccine and starting feeling ill three days later. I never recovered but continued to get worse. I developed multisystem inflammation and multisystem failure that medical professionals could not stop. My muscles disappeared as if to disintegrate. I was in ICU for several weeks and stabbed with needles up to 24 times a day for those several weeks, while also receiving 6 or 7 IVs at the same time (continuously). It was constant torture that I cannot describe. I was no longer treated as a human with feelings and a life. I was nothing more than a covid vaccine human guinea pig and the doctors excited to participate in my fascinating progression unto death. If you want to know more, please ask my wife. I wished I would have never gotten vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, don't do it unless you are ready to suffer and die.

It remains to be seen how much attention this sad incident will garner. The media will likely ignore it, as it doesn't fit the administration's narrative. In the unlikely event that it receives national attention, the propaganda ministry will write it off as an "aberration," a one-in-a-million oddity that shouldn't concern the general public. But if you've had personal experience with vaccine "aberrations"  and if you happen to believe some of the "misinformation" the tyrants constantly rail about  Mike Granata's untimely passing is something to ponder.

Image: Pixabay.

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Every ten years, following the Census, states that gain or lose seats in the House of Representatives must redistrict. Redrawing the boundaries offers opportunities to gerrymander or otherwise create an advantage for one party or the other. In this cycle, the GOP seems to be ahead of the Democrats in setting up opportunities to pick up seats. Reid Wilson of The Hill writes:

Republicans appear to be headed for substantial gains in next year's midterm elections, even before many candidates formally declare their plans, as state legislatures and commissions in more than half the U.S. states have proposed or finalized new congressional district lines. Of those 27 states, a dozen have completed the decennial redistricting process. An additional six do not need to draw boundary lines because they elect a single member in an at-large district. Those states that have finished or are making progress toward final maps give early hints at the advantages each party has taken as they prepare to battle for control of Congress. Republicans appear poised to gain at least one U.S. House seat through the redistricting process in Georgia, Montana, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. And Ohio legislators are contemplating a map that would shift a delegation currently made up of 12 Republicans and four Democrats to one that would favor 13 Republicans and just two Democrats. The GOP will lose a seat in West Virginia, where the all-Republican congressional delegation will fall from three members to two. In some cases, Republican maps that appear to favor more Democratic candidates actually strengthen the GOP's hold on a delegation. In Texas, new maps approved by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) would improve Democratic chances in five congressional districts, and Republican odds in only two seats  but at the expense of five districts that were competitive under old map lines, effectively cementing Republican control of the delegation for a decade to come.

The Democrats have set up some gains as well:

In Oregon, Democrats divided their base voters in Portland across three districts, two of which cross the Cascade Mountains, to give themselves an advantage in five of six U.S. House districts. In Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) is considering a legislature-approved map that would cost the GOP two seats. The Maryland legislature, controlled by a supermajority of Democratic members, is considering a plan that would target the state's lone Republican member of Congress, Rep. Andy Harris (R)  a decade after another gerrymander carved up longtime Rep. Roscoe Bartlett's (R) district. (snip)



Maryland's current gerrymandered District 3 (source).

California's independent redistricting commission, tasked with eliminating a seat for the first time in the state's history, offered an initial proposal this week that would give Democrats a big advantage in 38 of the state's 52 districts, and a distinct advantage in five more districts, a likely win for Democrats. That initial map is likely to undergo substantial changes in the coming weeks. Democrats are likely to make a play for more seats in New York, while Florida Republicans are likely to press their advantage in a state where Republican registered voters now outnumber Democrats for the first time. Commissions in Virginia and Washington State are hammering out proposals that could affect the balance of power in Congress for the next decade.

This is a decent summary with one major caveat. In assessing who is gaining or losing from changes in district lines, the analysis is based on voting results in 2020, when, nationally, Dems won the House vote by 3 percent. Today's Washington Post/ABC poll has the GOP ahead in a generic vote by 10 percent, the biggest margin for the party in 40 years.

In 2014, the GOP won by about 6 percent and had a 247-188 House margin. At the time, North Carolina and Pennsylvania had district lines heavily favoring the GOP. Those disappeared after court challenges before 2020. My guess is that if the national House vote were the same as in 2020, redistricting alone would not give the GOP a majority.

But a decent-sized shift in the overall vote for the House  such as currently is indicated by polls  would almost certainly do so. The incompetence of the current Biden administration is the best thing Republicans have going for them, and unlike Clinton after the 1994 House wipeout, they are not smart enough or practical enough to change course.

Much depends on how active Trump will be and where he inserts himself into the election. Clearly, the Democrats want him in.

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Nobody in authority is calling it a "summit" as the leaders of China and the United States are due to converse with each other today in what is being called a "virtual meeting." Biden's advisers must be worrying, as always, that he can maintain a facade of coherence as he deals with a man far more ruthless and intelligent than he can claim to be on a good day. Biden's plummeting poll numbers and the consequent unease among the congressional wing of his party weaken his hand even further.

Xi, in contrast, has just cemented his control over the Chinese Communist Party:

Chairman Xi Jinping has declared himself a "historic figure", putting himself on a par with Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong and cementing his control over 1.4 billion people. Xi has already anointed himself "helmsman", an honorific previously applied only to Chairman Mao. He's entrenched the philosophy of Xi Thought in China's schools, once the sole domain of Mao's Little Red Book. Now Xi has used the sixth plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to declare himself equally significant to Chinese history as the original founding revolutionary father. Not only does the declaration help ease himself past the largely formal hurdle and into an unprecedented third five-year term as the nation's General Secretary, but it also cements his position as "helmsman" for life.



YouTube screen grab.

Taiwan is at the center of concern for both nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to use his first virtual meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to warn the United States to "step back" on the Taiwan issue, according to Chinese state media editorials printed on Monday. Xi and Biden are scheduled to meet virtually on Tuesday morning Beijing time  Monday evening in Washington  as friction between the countries persist across a range of issues including trade, technology, Xinjiang and especially Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China. An editorial in the English language China Daily on Monday said that it was likely that Xi would impress upon Biden that Beijing is resolved to "realise national reunification in the foreseeable future no matter the cost". (snip) "In order to reduce the risk of a strategic collision between China and the U.S., the latter must take a step back from the Taiwan question and show its restraint," it wrote. In a call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi warned Washington against sending the wrong signals to Taiwan pro-independence forces.

Neither country wants a war now. China is in the midst of a huge military buildup and is practicing attacking U.S. aircraft carriers with a mockup vessel used for target practice out in a desert firing range. Biden and the top Pentagon brass's focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as gay and trans-friendly policies, must convince the Chinese that further decline in American readiness and capabilities lie ahead, so there is no point in launching a war now.

With his son Hunter compromised by financial ties to China, Biden certainly does not want to give Xi cause to expose any dirty laundry.

China's future, however, may not be as bright as the past three decades when it comes to economic performance. For the moment, the giant Evergrande Group property development conglomerate has dodged insolvency, but the overleveraged financial sector in China still has plenty of risk. Partly due to disruption from COVID, there is evidence that food production problems are significant. To a degree that Americans cannot imagine, Chinese people worry about famine and starvation, having a historical background of recurrent mass starvation, as well as the experience of tens of millions of people starving within living memory during the Cultural Revolution.

A missive about stockpiling food from China's Ministry of Commerce sparked panic buying among the public and frenzied online speculation this week. At first glance, the notice doesn't seem too different from the typical directives the Chinese government has sent in the past stressing the need to shore up supplies. This one orders local authorities to ensure that their citizens have an "adequate supply" of essentials this winter. It also instructs those governments to keep food costs stable  a point of concern in recent weeks, as extreme weather, energy shortages and Covid-19 restrictions threaten supply.

A report late last week indicated that problems continue to accumulate:

A record-breaking snowstorm and severe winds are wreaking havoc in northeastern China. It's snarling traffic, disrupting train and flight services, closing schools, and freezing millions of livestock.

Moreover, recent moves by Xi to rein in private economic activity and force successful businesses to share their gains with others may be spooking future economic investment, risking the goose that has been laying the golden eggs powering China's rise to superpower status.

For the moment, open conflict between the two powers is unlikely. But grave dangers lie ahead.

To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here.
Now that the "Steele dossier" has been exposed as a total fraud by the Durham special counsel's indictments, guess what its big champion has to say about it.

According to Fox News:

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said Sunday he has no regrets about hyping the infamous dossier by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele now that Special Counsel John Durham has further discredited the already debunked document. Schiff, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, had dramatically read some of the most explosive claims from the dossier into the Congressional Record during a March 2017 House Intelligence Committee hearing, including the now-debunked claim that the Trump 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia. During an appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday, Schiff was confronted with some of his past claims hyping the validity of the dossier and was asked by host Chuck Todd whether he regrets "giving some credibility to the Steele dossier before anybody had been able to verify anything in it." "I don't regret saying that we should investigate claims of someone who, frankly, was a well-respected British intelligence officer," Schiff responded. "And we couldn't have known, of course, years ago that we would learn years later that someone who is a primary source lied to him."

Schiff, you recall, was the House Intelligence Committee chairman who supposedly knew more than the rest of us, given that he had all that access to intelligence that he wasn't allowed to tell us about. He was brimming with it. Remember the tripe he spouted that went like this?

Schiff repeatedly said that his committee had dug up "plenty of evidence of collusion or conspiracy." In March 2017, he said on "Meet the Press," "I can't go into the particulars, but there is more than circumstantial evidence now" and last May he told ABC that Trump's Russia conspiracy is of "a size and scope probably beyond Watergate."

Schiff, along with creatures such as the China'ed up Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Sen. Harry Reid, and Rep. Jerry Nadler, as well as former CIA director John Brennan, all attempted to sway the public by claiming that their privileged access to intelligence showed proof positive that President Trump was busy colluding with the Russians against the American people. Turns out the whole thing was false.

Schiff was the loudest promoter of this garbage. Fox News's Greg Jarrett has a backgrounder on all of Schiff's mendacious activity around this here.

What's so vile about Schiff's claims, which came straight from the Steele dossier, is that they weren't just mere bad intelligence, a "weapons of mass destruction" thing that was never found. It's that his claims from the Steele dossier were actually cooked up by his own party's Democrat operatives, such as Democrat P.R. man Charles Dolan, aided and enabled by staffers at the Brookings Institution, where Schiff has made at least one speech, and where at least one employee involved in the dossier's fabrication has since been arrested for lying to the FBI. The broad stream of evidence all points to all of them, including Schiff, knowing that the whole thing was fake and, once it was exposed as fake, moving on to the Ukraine phone call as a means of impeaching and ousting President Trump.

Every last claim here has been proven to be a lie, and not just a lie, but probably a knowing lie.

Byron York has a very good tweet about what this shameless lying about shamelessly shilling lies amounts to, from Schiff:

Adam Schiff does not regret promoting the Steele dossier, probably for the same reason Harry Reid did not regret lying about Mitt Romney's taxes: 'He didn't win, did he?' From @MeetThePress: pic.twitter.com/Ol8RgUtYwI  Byron York (@ByronYork) November 14, 2021

The end justifies the means. That's what passes for a moral compass in the world of Adam Schiff and countless other Democrats involved in promoting big lies. Now he says he's unashamed. He ought to be beet red from shame and out of public office.

Image: Twitter screen shot

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At the National Library of Sweden in Stockholm, there is on display a gigantic bible, 36 inches long, 20 inches wide and nearly 9 inches thick. Called Codex Gigas, or the Giant Book, this elaborately decorated and impressively leather bound book weighs an astounding 75 kilograms, and is the largest extant medieval illuminated manuscript in the world.

The manuscript is illuminated with colorful illustrations, including a portrait of Josephus, images representing Heaven and Earth, and various geometrical or plant-based forms. But the most striking and out-of-place of them all is that of the Devil. The devil occupies a full page of the manuscript, opposite a page the carries a depiction of the kingdom of heaven, thus juxtaposing contrasting images of Good and Evil. The devil is shown frontally, wearing a white loincloth, crouching with arms over his head. His hands and feet end with only four fingers and toes each, terminating in large red claws. Two big red horns adorn his head. Like a serpent, his tongue is forked. His head is full of dark green curly hair.

Photo: Michal Manas/Wikimedia Commons

According to legend, the Codex was created in the 13th century by Herman the Recluse in the Benedictine monastery of Podlazice near Chrudim in the Czech Republic. Handwriting analysis indicates the manuscript was the work of a single scribe. It must have taken this person close to 20 years to complete this mammoth book.

According to one version of a legend that was already recorded in the Middle Ages, the scribe was a monk who broke his monastic vows and was sentenced to be walled up alive. In order to avoid this harsh penalty he promised to create in one night a book to glorify the monastery forever, including all human knowledge. However, near midnight, the monk realized the foolishness of his vow and that it was impossible to complete this task alone. So he prayed, but not to God but to the fallen angel Lucifer, asking him to help him finish the book in exchange for his soul. The devil completed the manuscript and the monk added the devil's picture out of gratitude for his aid. The manuscript is thus also known as the Devil's Bible.

Shortly after it was written, it was pawned by the Benedictines to the Cistercian monks of the Sedlec Monastery where it remained for 70 years. The Benedictine monastery in Brevnov reclaimed the bible around the end of the 13th Century. From 1477 to 1593, it was kept in the library of a monastery in Broumov until it was taken to Prague in 1594 to form a part of the collections of the Emperor Rudolf II.

At the end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648, the entire collection was taken as war booty by the Swedish army. From 1649 to 2007, the manuscript was kept in the Swedish Royal Library in Stockholm. In 1697, a fire broke out at the royal castle in Stockholm, which destroyed much of the Royal Library. In order to save the Codex Gigas, the manuscript was thrown out of a window. In 2007, after 359 years, the Codex Gigas returned to Prague on loan from Sweden until January 2008, and was on display at the Czech National Library.
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AP And Telangana Asset Division: Amit Shah Sets A Deadline:- After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014, some of the assets are yet to be divided as per the AP Bifurcation Act 2014. The governments of both the states have claimed that the assets are yet to be divided and they urged the Centre to intervene and divide them at the earliest. Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a deadline of one month to complete the asset distribution between the Telugu states. Amit Shah who is on his four-day tour to the South participated in the Southern Zonal Council Meeting that took place in Tirupathi yesterday. Telangana Home Minister Mahmood Ali discussed about the issues and said that the issues pending in the courts will be discussed with the government of Andhra Pradesh to get the issues resolved.

He said that the ten lakh employees are divided successfully between the states. He thanked the Centre for guiding both the states well. Amit Shah said that the decisions would be collective and he promised to resolve then in a month. Amit Shah also during his speech missed the major issues between the Telugu states like river water sharing. The government of Telangana has also been demanding to set up new tribunal for Krishna waters. Amit Shah during his speech said that he could not imagine the growth of the nation without the Telugu states. During his speech, Amit Shah said that 49 out of the 51 pending issues have been resolved in the Southern Zonal Counil meet.

Zonal Councils are advisory bodies in nature and yet we have been able to successfully solve many issues. This platform provides an opportunity for interaction at the highest level amongst members.



40 out of 51 pending issues were resolved in the context of todays meeting. pic.twitter.com/tIuytBPuDB  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 14, 2021

This happened to be the 29th Southern Zonal Council Meeting and the leaders of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands participated in the meeting.
Posted on: November 15, 2021 4:39 PM

Anglican Consultative Council delegation for COP26 reflect on the UN Climate Change conference and look forward to what happens next.

The Anglican Consultative Council delegation to COP26 have been sharing their reflections from the conference, and thoughts about how the Communion can take their message forward.

Dr Elizabeth Perry said: The fifth mark of mission calls us to safeguard the integrity of creation. It really is time to sit down and take that seriously as a Communion, more than we have been doingthis is about peoples lives, its about the integrity of creation, its about having a liveable world, a world that God created and loves, and we need to love it too.

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) took place in Glasgow, Scotland from 31 October to 12 November. The Anglican Consultative Council sent a delegation of three, Archbishop Julio Murray, Nicholas Omondi Pande and Dr Elizabeth Perry, and there were many other prominent Anglicans present. The delegation were hosted by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Archbishop Mark Strange.

They prepared a policy brief that detailed their messaging. The delegation had many opportunities to share this policy brief during the conference and were able to present it to key figures including the First Minister of Scotland, the UKs High-Level Climate Action Champion, and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The delegation took part in several interfaith initiatives, including co-sponsoring an official side event, and Archbishop Julio Murray was invited by the BBC to appear on the Sunday Programme.

Reflecting on the conference, Nicholas Pande noted that the delegation came in with a key focus on just financing and resilience building, and that both were reflected in the outcomes of COP26. He said: there are a number of things that have captured our aspirations, but there are still gaps that need [to be] addressed.

Emphasising the importance of youth engagement was another key priority for the delegation. Nicholas Pande said: as young people, we really want to see action now so that the heavy weight is not left on our shoulders. As a Communion, I see a lot of young people that are able to start action in their local communitiesit is important as the Anglican Communion to build the capacity of young people. Archbishop Julio similarly said that they are planning to establish more opportunities for capacity building, for the leadership of our churchnot only clergy but also laity, and when I talk about the laity, Im really referring to the young people in our church.

Dr Elizabeth Perry said that the outcome of COP26 is difficult to assess, that there are many, many negotiations happeningand time will tell whether they are successful or not. Archbishop Julio Murray said: Im sorry to say that the media is looking for the COP26 to be a big bang, and that is exactly what its not. COP26 is an opportunity for the technical aspects to be looked into, and to establish a route forward.

All three delegates were very clear that the work is not over. They all mentioned ways that the Anglican Communion can continue to live out the fifth mark of mission, and safeguard the integrity of creation. To watch their interviews, click here.

Jack Palmer-White, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said:

Although COP26 is now over and the media focus on climate change may fade, the need for persistent and progressive climate action remains a top priority. First of all, I would encourage all Anglicans to continue to pray. Pray for those affected by climate change, and pray for decision-makers and those responsible for delivering the promises made in Glasgow.

Secondly, each of us can play our part to turn promises into action. Whether through changes in our own lives, or by speaking to leaders in our churches, businesses and governments to keep them accountable for the promises theyve made, we can all made a difference.

And thirdly, lets work together as Anglicans to live out the Fifth Mark of Mission. Whether youre a veteran climate activist, or COP26 is the first time youve thought about climate change, this is an opportunity to join with other Anglicans  consider joining the Anglican Communion Environmental Network and keeping up-to-date with the Communions participation on a range of issues at the United Nations.

The Anglican Alliance and the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations will be hosting a webinar on 29 November on how Anglicans can implement climate action. Rachel Carnegie, Executive Director of the Anglican Alliance, said: This webinar is an opportunity to assess the outcomes of the UN climate summit. We will hear from the Anglican Communion delegation to COP26. We will together analyse the agreements from COP26 and identify the next steps, for climate justice and climate action, as we journey towards the Lambeth Conference and beyond. To register for the event, click here.
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(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 15 - An Italian aid worker was back in Italy Monday after an eight-day arrest in Ethiopia.

Alberto Livoni, 65, was taken by security forces from his home in Addis Ababa on November 6 and was held along with two local operators of the VIS development aid NGO.

According to media rumours the Ethiopian authorities suspected him of giving money to Tigre rebels.

VIS works with the Salesian brothers order in Ethiopia in education projects and it very active in northern Tigre.

A group of Salesians were also released along with Livoni.

Ethiopian police are continuing a crackdown on a suspected Tigrean 'fifth column' in Addis Ababa.

"I'm glad I'm back in Italy," Livoni said Monday, according to the VIS website.

"I'm OK now, despite there having been complicated days and strong concern, but thanks to the constant contact with the Italian embassy I remained confident of my release.

"My thoughts now go to my Ethiopian colleagues who are still detained," Livoni said, referring to the two local VIS operators on which "our concern is still high", said the NGO.

According to media sources, the authorities wanted to make sure that some $20,000 paid out by Livoni had not gone to the rebels.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has been fighting government forces for several years. (ANSA).


ROME - The first home in Rome of the author Pier Paolo Pasolini, on the first floor of a building in the Ponte Mammolo area and measuring 40 square meters, is due to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.



The Rome outskirt is where the writer first came into contact with the population of the Italian capital's working class outlying areas, which were to be the subject of many of his works.



It was here that he wrote the first chapter of 'Ragazzi di Vita', a coming of age novel for him, and was where he moved in 1950 with his mother.



Though there had been a plan to make it into a 'House of Poetry', the plan fell through and it will thus be sold off despite its cultural and historic value.



Many associations and other in the area have launched a petition to try to stop the move and to instead turn the former home of the well-known poet into a museum.



The petition states that the centenary of the poet's death, which will be celebrated in 2022, could be an "excellent opportunity" to start such a "cultural and social project".


MADRID - At least 491 people landed on Spain's Canary Islands over the weekend.



The figures were provided by the emergency services of the archipelago.



The latest reported rescue operations were concentrated in less than 48 hours, between Friday evening and Monday.



According to reports, most of those that arrived were migrants from North Africa and countries from sub-Saharan Africa.



Some of them needed medical treatment on arrival.



On one of the boats rescued, most likely drifting for days, seven corpses were found, according to the Spanish authorities.



An eighth person died during the journey towards the Gran Canaria island after the rescue personnel of the Spanish navy had arrived in the area where the boat had been sighted to provide assistance, according to the EFE news agency.



From the beginning of the year until October 31, at least 16,827 migrants landed on the Canary Islands, according to the latest data from the Spanish interior ministry available.



This is a 44.3% rise on the same period last year.
BEIRUT - The governor of Lebanon's central bank, Riad Salame, 71, is at the center of an investigation opened in Luxembourg for illicit funding.



Reports appeared in Lebanese media Monday, citing judicial sources in the European country.



Salame's office in Beirut was reportedly not aware of any legal proceedings against him in Luxembourg.



Salame is already accused of public embezzlement, tax evasion, and other financial crimes that emerged during the Lebanese economic crisis, which started in the autumn of 2019.



At the head of the Lebanese central bank for 28 years, Salame is also involved in two other probes - one in Switzerland and one in France - on charges ranging from money laundering to embezzlement of public funds to illicit enrichment and tax evasion.



Salame has always denied any wrongdoing and claimed he is the victim of a "conspiracy".



The central bank governor is seen by many as one of those responsible for the financial collapse of Lebanon, which was clear beginning in the autumn of 2019 but which was not officially recognised by the government in Beirut until March 2020.
BEIRUT - Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE's de facto ruler, will visit Turkey for an official visit and a meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on November, 24.



This will be the first time this has happened in the past ten years, which were marked by tense rivalry between the two countries.



Regional media reported the news on Monday, citing Turkish officials as sources.



The visit is the latest sign of a detente in the complicated relations between Ankara and Abu Dhabi, which in recent years had clashed over several issues. Creating problems was especially the situation in Libya, where Turkey supports the Government of National Accord against Cyrenaica-based Gen.



Khalifa Haftar, who for years commanded the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army - which was, in turn, supported by the UAE.



Relations between Ankara and Abu Dhabi had also been damaged by a diplomatic crisis that in 2017 led to the UAE - alongside other states - isolating Qatar.



Turkey had then been one of the few countries alongside Iran to support Qatar, strengthening its relations with Doha and securing the opportunity to build a Turkish military base in the country.



Signs of a detente had been seen since the summer, with a visit to Turkey by the UAE security advisor and brother of the crown prince, Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, who met with President Erdogan to discuss collaboration between Ankara and Abu Dhabi in terms of investments. Last week, UAE foreign minister Abdallah ben Zayed had made a 'historic' visit to Damascus, officially normalising relations with the Syrian government after ten years of a political freeze on them.



The UAE have also become a political and trade partner of Israel.



Regional analysts say that, if the news of the meeting between the crown prince and Erdogan in Ankara were to be confirmed, then this would show the UAE's desire to continue expanding its influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
Police cordons remained in place in areas of Liverpool in the early hours of Monday after a car explosion at a hospital which killed one person and injured another.

Three men have been arrested under the Terrorism Act after the blast involving a taxi at Liverpool Womens Hospital at 10.59am on Remembrance Sunday.

Counter Terrorism Police North West said three men  aged 29, 26, and 21  were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with the incident.

A armed police officer holds a breaching shotgun, used to blast the hinges off a door, at an address in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park in the early hours of Monday (Peter Byrne/PA)

The male passenger of the car was declared dead at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

The driver, also a man, was injured at the scene and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Counter-terrorism police have said they are keeping an open mind about the cause of the explosion and are working closely with Merseyside Police. The security service MI5 is also assisting, according to reports in The Guardian and on the BBC.

The three arrests took place in Sutcliffe Street in the Kensington area of the city, where witnesses reported seeing armed officers swoop on a terraced house in the afternoon.

Sections of Sutcliffe Street and Boaler Street remain cordoned off, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continue.

A similar police scene was in place at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, with counter-terror officers sighted in the neighbourhood.

Greater Manchester Police, providing updates from Counter Terrorism Police North West, said: A large cordon is in place on Rutland Avenue in Liverpool and a small number of addresses have been evacuated as a precaution.

Officers wearing vests marked Negotiator entered the cordon earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Police officers at an address in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park early on Monday (Peter Byrne/PA)

Locals said police arrived from about 1pm as officers went on to guard a terraced property as the immediate surrounding area was cordoned off.

A number of residents in Rutland Avenue were evacuated from their homes. A police operation remained ongoing past midnight with armed officers within the cordon.

A convoy of seven unmarked vehicles  three vans and four cars  entered the cordon early on Monday morning.

Earlier, images of a vehicle on fire, and later burnt out, outside the hospital were shared online.

A armed police officer at an address in Rutland Avenue (Peter Byrne/PA)

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: So far we understand that the car involved was a taxi which pulled up at the hospital shortly before the explosion occurred.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Liverpool today.

I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism, and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation.

The Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy, offered her reassurance over the incident.

While I understand that todays incident may cause concern in our communities, it should be pointed out that events of this nature are very rare, she said.

My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Liverpool today. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism, and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 14, 2021

Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.

There will also be an increased and visible police presence on the streets of Merseyside and I would encourage people to engage with my officers and raise any concerns they may have.

Liverpool Womens Hospital said visiting access had been restricted until further notice. Patients were diverted to other hospitals where possible during most of Sunday.

Armed police at a cordoned-off address hours after the explosion (Peter Byrne/PA)

In a statement, the hospital said: Anyone with appointments at the hospital will notice an increased security and police presence on site.

Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said the car fire at Liverpool Womens Hospital was fully developed when two appliances arrived shortly after 11am.

He told reporters at the scene: The operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly but as has been reiterated by the police chief constable, there was one fatality.

LATEST | Here is our latest statement on the incident from 10.59am today (Sunday, 14 November) outside of the Women's Hospital in Liverpool city centre. Read Here: https://t.co/7gwJB5GuAX pic.twitter.com/ubk24Er3bA  Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) November 14, 2021

Another individual had left the vehicle prior to the fire developing to the extent that it did.

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: I am being kept regularly updated on the awful incident at Liverpool Womens Hospital.

Our police and emergency services are working hard to establish what happened and it is right they are given the time and space to do so.
The EU will consider all of the tools at its disposal if the UK Government triggers Article 16, Maros Sefcovic has warned.

The European Commission vice-president said if the British Government suspends the Northern Ireland Protocol, it will have serious consequences for the region and Brussels relationship with the UK.

Addressing Irish politicians, the Commissioner said he worries about the rhetoric and action of the British Government around the implementation of the agreement, particularly the divisive protocol.

Mr Sefcovic said there was a change in tone in the latest round of talks with Brexit Minister Lord David Frost.

EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic (Hollie Adams/PA)

He told the special select committee that the EU is is fully committed to protecting Good Friday Agreement.

However, I have to say that I worry about the rhetoric and action of the UK as regards the implementation of the agreement and in particular the protocol, Mr Sefcovic added.

Last Friday, I held my fourth weekly meeting with David Frost on the EU package of solutions.

I acknowledged and welcomed the change in tone of this discussion compared to previous ones.

After weeks of intensified discussions, we need the UK to reciprocate the big move the EU has made.

The EU has taken big steps to find solutions and to provide solutions to concrete problems faced by Northern Irish people and businesses on the ground as a consequence of the Brexit chosen by the UK.

Mr Sefcovic said he would not speculate on whether the UK will trigger Article 16.

However, it is clear that if they were to do so, the EU would have to consider all tools at our disposal, he added.

It would also have serious consequences for Northern Ireland and for our relationship with UK.

He said that talks with the UK on the Northern Ireland Protocol are ongoing.

Judging from my experience and looking across the board of all these negotiations, Im convinced that we must remain firm in our relations with UK as we have in as have been in recent months and years, the commissioner continued.

But we also have to remain calm.

He said that EU has demonstrated very clearly that it has listened to the problems related to the protocol and is ready to solve them.

Thats of course my preference for the future, to look for constructive solutions to make sure that by our actions we actually demonstrate that we are here for the people of Northern Ireland, that we know how to solve this issue and we can do it within the protocol, he added.

A sign on a lamppost in the Rathcoole housing estate of Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland with a mural to the Red Hand Commando (RHC) a secretive Ulster loyalist paramilitary group (Liam McBurney/PA)

Even though I know that for David and his team Article 16 is still one of the options they keep on the table, but I appreciated the change of the tone and I hope that this would be guiding us when we have the meeting on Friday.

He said resolving the issues is very important to the EU and is being treated at a high level.

Were getting a lot of inquiries from United States, from the Congress, from the US Administration, the committee was told.

It was also the issue on the agenda when President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen met the President of United States Joe Biden just a couple of days ago. So thats how high the political game is.

Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile said that triggering Article 16 would create a huge level of uncertainty and instability during a period of instability and uncertainty.

He added: Those kinds of threats and that kind of rhetoric around the protocol is actually being translated into street disorder in recent times in the city that I live in Belfast and that has to be condemned.
The Prime Minister will host an urgent Cobra meeting after the Remembrance Sunday car explosion outside a Liverpool hospital was declared by police to have been a terrorist attack.

Downing Street said Boris Johnson would lead the committee, convened during periods of national emergency, on Monday afternoon after police said the motive behind the incident was unclear.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, from Counter-Terrorism Policing North West, said the man who died in the blast brought a homemade bomb with him into a taxi and asked to be taken to Liverpool Womens Hospital.

He was picked up in the Rutland Avenue area of the city and taken to the hospital shortly before 11am on Sunday.

As the car reached the passenger drop-off point, it exploded.

So far four men have been arrested under terrorism laws in the Kensington area of Liverpool  three aged 21, 26 and 29, who were held on Sunday, and a man aged 20, who was detained on Monday.

Speaking to journalists at Merseyside Police headquarters, Mr Jackson said: It is not clear what the motivation for this incident is.

(PA Graphics)

Our inquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.

The reason why he then took it to the womens hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion.

We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West Russ Jackson and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy during a press conference in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)

Although the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation.

He told journalists that police know the identity of the attacker but will not confirm it at this stage.

Police activity in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park (Peter Byrne/PA)

Officers are searching two addresses  one in Sutcliffe Street and a second at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, where significant items have been found, he said.

A cordon is in place and eight families have been evacuated as a result.

Investigators have attributed the passenger to both the addresses but investigators are not yet sure where he lived.

They are looking into his associates, telephone records and purchases he may have made.

The driver of the cab, named locally as David Perry, was treated in hospital after fleeing the car just before it burst into flames, and has now been discharged.

He was praised by the Prime Minister for behaving with incredible presence of mind and bravery, and lauded for his heroic efforts by the mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson.

Liverpool Womens Hospital said visiting access had been restricted until further notice and there was an increased security and police presence on the site.
A man accused of founding a banned neo-Nazi group told a Scandinavian associate to take it as a badge of honour if his own organisation were to be declared illegal, a court has heard.

Ben Raymond, 32, allegedly exchanged messages with a member of the Nordic Resistance Movement, claiming the authorities had fabricated evidence to ban National Action.

National Action was banned under terror legislation in 2016, becoming the first far-right group to be proscribed since the British Union of Fascists in 1940.

Raymond is said to have set up the group in 2013 to wage a white Jihad and race war in Britain, becoming its propaganda chief.

A lengthy message to the Scandinavian man, allegedly penned by Raymond, claimed National Action had been unfairly banned in response to the murder of Jo Cox by Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Mair was convicted of Ms Cox murder in November 2016, and National Action was banned around a month later.

The message described Mair as a mental invalid adding, it is highly unlikely he even knew an organisation like National Action existed, the court heard.

(This was) an unfortunate civic incident, not a political killing  such groups will be banned now no matter what the truth is, the message read.

Raymond allegedly claimed a National Action tweet reading Dont let this mans sacrifice go in vain and saying Ms Cox would have filled Yorkshire with more sub-humans had been taken out of context and was about voting leave in the Brexit referendum.

This provided the sole justification for the ban, the message said.

It went on to say police and politicians had fabricated the evidence they needed and the facts did not matter.

The message read: We all consider it our greatest duty to make the world fully regret this step and arrogant decision.

It continued: If the same fate should befall the Nordic Resistance Movement, take it as the badge of honour that will inspire you for the fight ahead.

Bristol Crown Court previously heard that on that on the day of Ms Coxs murder, one of National Actions social media accounts praised Mair and said: Only 649 MPs to go #WhiteJihad #ChurchillAkbar #BritainFirst #NationalAction #DayofTheRope.

The jury has been told Raymond was also linked to other convicted neo-Nazis such as Jack Renshaw, who is serving a life sentence for plotting to murder Labour MP Rosie Cooper in 2017.

In a Skype chat with convicted National Action member Daniel Bogunovic, Raymond said: Renshaws f****** owned.

He can blast Jews better than any Klan leader alive or dead.

Raymond, of Beechcroft Road, Swindon, denies membership of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 11 of the Terrorism Act and six counts of possessing a document or record of use to a terrorist contrary to Section 58 of the Act.

According to the charges, the material includes documents entitled Ethnic Cleaning Operations, 2083  European Declaration of Independence by Andrew Berwick, Homemade Detonators by Ragnar Benson, TM 31-210 Improvised Munitions Handbook, Homemade Molotov Cocktail and Cluster Bomb.
MPs in the north of England and rail experts have expressed anger ahead of the Governments expected decision to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 between the Midlands and Leeds.

There is also frustration that plans to boost east-west rail connections across the region  known as Northern Powerhouse Rail  will likely involve improvements to existing infrastructure rather than a new line between Manchester and Leeds.

The measures will be announced when the Government publishes its Integrated Rail Plan on Thursday, a source told the PA news agency.

(PA Graphics)

The Department for Transport will argue that HS2 trains will still serve Leeds but on the mainline rather than HS2 tracks, saving tens of billions of pounds.

It will insist that its plan to invest 96 billion on the existing network will deliver benefits faster and more cost-effectively.

Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said ministers were attempting to quietly back out of infrastructure schemes that they had committed to dozens of times.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said: This is Boris pulling the whole damn rug from under our feet and ripping up the floor behind him.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is set to announce the results of the integrated rail plan (James Manning/PA)

The alleged decision comes despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledging his commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail shortly after entering Downing Street in 2019.

As recently as the Conservative Party conference in Manchester last month, Mr Johnson said in his leaders speech that the Government will do Northern Powerhouse Rail, we will link up the cities of the Midlands and the North.

Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake, who represents Thirsk and Malton in North Yorkshire, told the i newspaper the trimmed back plans indicated the Government was not willing to put our money where our mouth is.

THIS  A senior civil servant said:This is a half-arsed attempt at building a high-speed rail network in the North. No mate This is Boris pulling the whole damn rug from under our feet & ripping up the floor behind him! #BradfordDeservesBetter #TheNorthDeservesBetter https://t.co/icbsmSd8gS  Naz Shah MP  (@NazShahBfd) November 14, 2021

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, told Times Radio: By cutting the eastern leg it does reduce the overall benefits of the whole project.

So the challenge for Government is theyre having to still justify pretty much the same bill.

Youre still going to have to spend some money on upgrades in the north of England  there isnt a model for improving the economy up here that doesnt involve new infrastructure.

But if you chip away at the new lines, you still have to spend money on upgrades.

Neil Derrick, regional secretary for Yorkshire and north Derbyshire for the GMB union, said: Voters will rightly be left scratching their heads if Yorkshire politicians like Rishi Sunak talk a big talk on levelling up the North but fail to deliver when push comes to shove.

Our members want to see investment in skills, infrastructure and education.

If reports are to be believed the Conservatives have failed to deliver. No amount of spin or rebranding will convince many voters otherwise.

Rail engineer and writer Gareth Dennis told PA that the decision to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 is pretty dismal and the result of Treasury  who does not understand anything about railways or transport  having way too much power.

He accused the Government of having no understanding of what HS2 is and what its for.

The main benefit of the new railway is the ability to move long-distance trains onto high-speed tracks, providing more room for stopping services on existing lines, he added.

But conservationist Chris Packham welcomed the expected announcement.

He wrote on Twitter: Thats one head severed from this absurd vanity project, maybe we could now redirect other billions to upgrade existing lines.

Mr Johnsons official spokesman said: We are committed to transforming rail connections across the Midlands and the North with shorter journey times and an accelerated timetable for delivery that allows us to bring in real benefits to communities as soon as possible.

This will be a significant investment of taxpayers money and it will take some time to deliver.

What we want to do is make sure that it is delivered as fast as possible so that people see real tangible improvements to their journey times.
Tareena Shakil

The first woman found guilty in the UK of joining so-called Islamic State has said she should have gone on holiday to Turkey instead.

Tareena Shakil made the admission in a new documentary for ITV called Tareena: Return From Isis.

Shakil joined IS after travelling to Syria in 2014 with her then one-year-old son.

Shakil was nicknamed the Towie Jihadi after it emerged she was a fan of reality TV shows like as The Only Way Is Essex.

She returned to the UK in 2015 and faced prosecution.

Shakil described this photo of herself as showing someone who had lost her way in life (PA)

She was sentenced to six years in prison in 2016 before being released two years later.

She told the programme that if she could go back in time she would go to Turkey instead of ISs stronghold in Raqqa, Syria.

If I could go back I would have come back, she said.

I would have gone to Turkey on holiday and I would have come back.

Thats what should have happened, gone on holiday for a week and come back.

The documentary, filmed over three years, says Shakil was groomed at the hands of a recruiter.

At one point during the documentary, Shakil was confronted with a photo of herself holding an AK47.

Thats someone whos just lost her way in life, found a very wrong path, she said.

She said she was aware of the violence being committed by IS because it was everywhere.

Tareena Shakil was jailed in 2016 for six years (West Midlands Police/PA)

She said: I was aware of the violence that had taken place at the hands of Isis, you know I cant lie and say that I didnt because it was everywhere.

You know, being aware of horrific things that were happening in that place and still deciding to run away, not just on your own, with your child, I understand that that is hard for people to understand.

She added that she did not pay much attention to the violence at the time.

And to just say that you didnt pay that much attention to it, but thats what it was, I just, I didnt, she said.

Its not something that Im happy about now looking back, but at the time the only thing I can say is that, you know, I was far from the best version of myself.

Tareena: Return From Isis is available now on ITV Hub.
Slowly but surely, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is being used to purchase everyday items like coffee and cars  and now, real estate is also joining the party.

The first commercial property in New York is being put on the market for digital coin. Magnum Real Estate Group is selling three retail condos complete with a fully rented-out retail bottom floor in Manhattans upper East side for $29 million  but will only accept Bitcoin.

Located at 385 First Avenue in a new construction luxury residential building in Gramercy Park, the condos cover 9,000 square feet, and the bottom floor is fully leased by ProHealth, Mighty Pita and M&T Bank.

Theres a demand for real estate and theres nothing being offered to the holders of crypto, Ben Shaoul, managing partner of Magnum Real Estate Group, told Yahoo Finance.

Our idea is to offer something thats unique and try to pair the holders of crypto with those who want to sell real estate, he added.

This isnt the first crypto transaction for Shaoul. He did three residential deals in 2018, including the sale of an Upper East Side retail condo for $15.3 million in Bitcoin. And Shaoul expects real estate transactions using crypto to grow.

I see the runway for transactions with crypto increasing exponentially, said Shaoul.

The fact that bitcoin is at record highs helps, but I also think investors have done very well owning bitcoin and now theyre looking for cash flow in assets and [real estate] gives someone the ability to buy a long-term real property with cash flow so they can take some chips off the table or transact and sell the asset in a few years as its appreciated in value to another buyer of crypto, he added.

Shaun Pappas, Partner at real estate law firm Starr Associates LLP, likens acquiring real estate using crypto to backward diversification with dividends.

Commercial sales with crypto were the logical next move as this section of the market matures, Pappas explained. Commercial real estate in NYC, especially in this location, will be there forever. The owner will always have access to tenants.

Yet real estate transactions dealing in crypto arent all that new. Bill Zielke, CMO of BitPay  a cryptocurrency payment processor thats processing the real estate transaction for Magnum  says that the payment processor has been handling crypto real estate transactions the past few years for international buyers, and more recently ski homes in the Western U.S. and properties in New York.

How it works

Street sign of Fifth Ave and West 33rd St at sunset in New York City - Urban concept and road direction in Manhattan downtown - American world famous capital destination on warm dramatic filtered look

Transacting in bitcoin has some efficiencies and advantages. It means the process settles the next business day, instead of the typical 30 to 90 days, and the buyer sends their cryptocurrency from a digital wallet to Bitpays wallet.

Magnum Real Estate doesnt have to touch the crypto. The one day settlement is processed through the U.S. automated clearing house for electronic funds network, which handles financial transactions for consumers, businesses and governments, and Magnum receives U.S. dollars.

Then, BitPay takes the cryptocurrency, Magnum is paid in dollars, and the buyers sale is complete and settled in a day. The transaction could be done 24/7 from anywhere in the world  and because its bitcoin and done on the blockchain no banks or traditional pay wires are involved and its secure.

If the transaction is financed, BitPay settles the crypto portion of the transaction and the portion thats financed would be handled by the real estate company through normal financial lending channels.

As the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have run to record highs, investors are looking to cash out and buy something with that cryptowhether its real estate, cars, electronics or jewelry.

Theres a correlation with our volumes and the price, Zielke said. As the price goes up people tend to spendI fully expect that trend will continue. More people are buying and holding crypto than ever before. So as that increases so will the spending.

Luxury purchases using crypto are growing. BitPay, which has relationships with global yacht broker Denison and luxury car dealers, including Ferrari and Lamborghini, is seeing strong growth. About 32% of BitPays October processed volume was from purchases of luxury goods including jewelry, gold, yachts and real estate.

In the third quarter, BitPay saw similar amounts with about 30% of volume (dollar amount of sales) from the luxury goods category. The cryptocurrency of choice was bitcoin, which made up 60% of the volume.
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Volkswagen AG's bid to avoid lawsuits filed by officials in three states seeking damages stemming from the German automaker's diesel emissions cheating scandal.

The justices refused to hear appeals by VW and German auto supplier Robert Bosch LLC of a lower court ruling allowing Florida's Hillsborough County and Utah's Salt Lake County to seek to hold the companies liable under local laws and regulations barring tampering with vehicle emissions controls. The court also rejected VW's appeal of a similar ruling in a case brought by the state of Ohio.

Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen Group of America Inc has argued that under the Clean Air Act, the landmark U.S. environmental law, only the federal government can pursue such claims. VW noted that it already has reached a settlement of more than $20 billion with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The lawsuits accused VW of deceiving the EPA - and in doing so also violating the local laws.

President Joe Biden's administration, asked by the court to weigh in on the dispute, urged the justices not to hear the case, saying the Clean Air Act allows for enforcement of state laws.

In one case, Volkswagen was seeking to overturn a 2020 ruling by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit decided that the Clean Air Act did not preempt local efforts to impose liability over vehicles that VW had tampered with after they were sold. The 9th Circuit, however, agreed with VW that it could not be held liable under the local anti-tampering laws for actions it took pre-sale.

The 9th Circuit said its decision could lead to "staggering liability for Volkswagen."

Volkswagen was also seeking to overturn a June ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court that reached a similar conclusion.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Will Dunham)
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP)  The death toll for the weekend attack in northern Burkina Faso has risen to at least 28 officers and four civilians, the government said Monday, marking the deadliest attack on the West African nation's security forces since jihadi violence started more than five years ago.

The military detachment in Inata, in the Sahels Soum province, was attacked Sunday at 5 a.m. by unidentified armed groups, said Burkina Faso's Communications Minister Ousseni Tamboura. Another detachment in the nearby town of Kelbo was also attacked the same day, but was repelled, he said. The government called the violence barbaric and cowardly and announced three days of mourning.

While the death toll remains provisional, its the largest recorded loss on Burkina Fasos security forces during a single attack, said Heni Nsaibia, senior researcher at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

The escalating violence points to a very worrisome trajectory, he said. However, he said it should be looked at in context, since in recent weeks security forces have either announced or were reported to have killed dozens of militants and conducted more large-scale operations.

The attack is the latest violence across the conflict-ridden nation, which has been overrun by jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group who are responsible for killing thousands and displacing more than 1.4 million people.

Soum province, one of the epicenters of the violence, has seen an uptick in fighting in recent weeks after months of relative calm, due to negotiations between the national security service and some jihadi groups surrounding last years presidential election. But since October, explosives have been found outside the main town of Djibo and there has been a resurgence of irregular jihadi checkpoints who force people to show identification and sometimes kidnap them, according to a local government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he feared for his safety.

The latest attack was a significant blow because the gendarme detachment in Inata was the only one that stood its ground for two years while troops at surrounding bases retreated when jihadi violence escalated. According to an internal military report from Nov. 12, the detachment in Inata had been out of supplies for two weeks and nearly starved, surviving by killing animals around the base.

Burkina Faso's ill-equipped and undertrained security forces are struggling to stem the violence.

Last week in the Sahels Seno province, the Goudoubou refugee camp, which housed some 13,000 Malians, was forced to close after a series of security breaches, according to the U.N. An internal U.N. document discussing the security situation in the Sahel that was seen by the AP, said that despite the security forces best efforts they have not been able to secure the area.
BANGKOK (AP)  American journalist Danny Fenster, sentenced only days ago to 11 years hard labor in Myanmar, has been freed and is on his way home, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson said Monday.

Richardson said in a statement that Fenster had been handed over to him in Myanmar and would return to the U.S. via Qatar over the next day and a half.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson said in a statement emailed from his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Richardson said he negotiated Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face meetings with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler.

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations.

Fensters sentence was the harshest punishment yet among the seven journalists known to have been convicted since Myanmar's military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the decision, saying in a statement that it was an unjust conviction of an innocent person.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean welcomed the news of Fenster's release, while calling for the country's military rulers to release all journalists still behind bars.

Danny is one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup, he said.

In this photo provided by the Richardson Center, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson, right, poses with journalist Danny Fenster in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Richardson said in a statement Monday that Fenster had been released from prison and handed over to him in Myanmar and would be soon on his way home via Qatar. (The Richardson Center via AP)

According to the United Nations, at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since February and 47 remain in detention, including 20 charged with crimes.

Of the seven journalists known to have been convicted, six are Myanmar nationals and four were released in a mass amnesty on Oct. 21.

Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and secretary of energy in the Clinton administration, has a record of acting as a sort of freelance diplomat.

He is best known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

Recently he has been involved in seeking freedom for U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, another country with which Washington has strained ties.

Richardson has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994 when as a member of U.S. Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest since 1989 under a previous military government.

FILE - Buddy, from left, and Rose Fenster, and their son Danny Fenster pose for a photo in Huntington Woods, Mich., in 2014. Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson says American journalist Danny Fenster has been released from prison in Myanmar.(family courtesy photo via AP, File)

He last visited Myanmar in 2018 to advise on the crisis involving the countrys Muslim Rohingya minority. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh after Myanmars military in 2017 launched a brutal crackdown.

In an interview with The Associated Press after his most recent visit to Myanmar, Richardson had said his talks there had focused on facilitating humanitarian assistance to the country, particularly the provision of COVID-19 vaccines,

He said his staff had been in touch with Fensters family, and when asked if there was hope for Danny Fensters release, he replied: Theres always hope. Dont ask any more.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place."

Myanmars military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges," Crispin added.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.  About a month before he passed away of a heart attack, Antonio Fundora pulled his wife Maria aside for a private conversation.

He said to me, Mara  Im so sorry, Maria said.

Mara is what he called her.

I punched him in the shoulder, and I said, What are you talking about? and he said, Im sorry that Im going to be leaving you so soon. That Im not going to be with you. Im so sorry that I wont be with you into old age. But I just want you to know that I will love you until my last dying breath. And youll have the kids, the kids will get you through this when Im gone.

The conversation, Maria said, was out of the blue. They had no idea that just a few weeks later, Maria would be leaning on her kids for support and Antonio would be gone.

I dont know if he knew, if he had not been feeling well, Maria said. But it was like he was preparing me for what could happen.

Since his death on Oct. 22, Maria has been trying to stay positive, taking each moment as it comes.

Antonio was 78 years old, a giant in the Atlanta food scene, feeding patrons since opening his first restaurant, Alfredos, on Cheshire Bridge Road in 1974.

Originally from Havana, Cuba, Fundora immigrated to the United States in 1962, becoming a citizen 14 years later.

In the interim, he worked long hours, saving up enough money to bring 56 family members from Cuba to the U.S. in a seven-year period.

Before landing in Atlanta in 1967, Fundora spent time in New York City and West Palm Beach, Florida, gaining experience in the hospitality business.

He worked his way up from dishwasher to chef, before setting out on his own and opening Alfredos.

Motivated by the success of his first venture in the restaurant business, Fundora opened Avantis four years later in 1978, then Antonios Bakery in 1980 and Tonys Casa Napoli in 1982.

In 1987, Antonio was set up with Maria on a blind date, and the rest is history. Two and a half months later, they were married, and a partnership was forged.

From the moment that we met, we saw each other every day until he passed away, Maria said. He was my soulmate.

Maria, who had also immigrated from Cuba with her family, said their shared culture and heritage helped them to click so quickly.

At the time, Maria was not in the restaurant business, but she knew it well. Her father was a restauranteur in Chicago when she was growing up, and she had sworn to herself that she would never marry anyone in the business.

She laughed, recounting another promise she made to herself: not to marry anybody from Cuba. Nevertheless, they fell in love.

Just two years into their marriage, they opened their first restaurant together called Avantis Pescevino, where Antonio served as head chef, with Maria running the business side.

In 1992, the couple opened Tonys Farmers Market before opening their dream restaurant, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, in Alpharetta in 1998.

He loved this industry. He loved hospitality, Maria said. It had given him the opportunity to meet so many different kinds of people. He said, This is what I know how to do. And this is how we make our living.

Antonio didnt just make a living though. He was an innovator in the field.

He opened the first restaurant in Atlanta with an open kitchen which was unheard of in this city. And we did that in March of 1989, Maria said. First farm-to-table in Atlanta was Casa Nuova. He always thought outside of the box.

Each of his ventures had the same three ingredients, regardless of menus and venues.

He always said to me there were two things that we must always do: provide excellent, quality food and service, Maria said. If you do those two things, you will never fail.

The third ingredient: taking care of the staff.

Every day at 3:30 p.m., the Fundoras host a family meal for the entire staff before the restaurant opens for business.

Loyalty and being there for people when they needed you most, Maria said, were two of the values the couple brought into every business venture.

Much of the staff at Casa Nuova have been with the restaurant since it opened 23 years ago. Some have been with the Fundoras even longer.

Ricardo Olano began working with Antonio in 1978. Antonio and his family, he said, are what has kept him on staff for 43 years.

Casa Nuova is a true family business. Antonio and Marias son Pepe and daughter Cari both work at the restaurant. Pepe serves as a business partner to his mother. Their third and youngest son Alex is studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

We raised our children very old school and Im so glad we did, Maria said. Our three kids have such a work ethic. He was an amazing father, strict But he was always so good.

The Fundoras home was always open, Maria said. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, any given Sunday the house would be filed with friends from all different backgrounds.

The relationships Antonio built over his life were more than passing acquaintances. His friends continued to share their love for him and his family after his untimely passing.

More than 700 people attended Antonios visitation and funeral mass in Roswell, Maria said.

My children and I were so touched, we just couldnt believe it, Maria said. It has given my family such peace to know that he was so loved and appreciated and thought of.

Some attendees of the visitation, Maria said, waited in line two hours to say goodbye to Antonio and express their condolences to the family.

People whose lives he touched came out to pay their condolences and their respects like nothing that we expected, Maria said.

The loss and its wound are still fresh for Maria, her family and those who loved Antonio, but Maria said shes comforted by the love and time the two shared and the knowledge that she will see her soulmate again.

We spent 34 beautiful years together, Maria said. So, I have to embrace that, I have to celebrate that and just be thankful for the time we had together.
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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received World Banks Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde, the deputy PMs Office told Armenpress.

Welcoming the guest, deputy PM Grigoryan thanked the World Bank, in particular its team in Armenia for supporting and assisting Armenia in the difficult period, highlighting the role of the Banks support to the fight against COVID-19. Mher Grigoryan said that the cooperation with the World Bank is of key importance for Armenia both from scale and content perspective. Introducing the main directions of the governments action plan, he said that the comprehensive partnership framework with the World Bank creates a base to continue the joint works in conducting the governments key reforms.

World Bank Vice President Anna Bjerde thanked for the reception and stated that both the World Bank and other development partners of Armenia have assessed the governments action plan as a targeted and comprehensive program for resisting the challenges. On behalf of the Bank she expressed readiness to continue assisting the implementation of the governments action plan.

Both sides also highlighted the public administration reforms, including the digitization process and the actions aimed at raising the efficiency of the public administration system. The efforts aimed at developing human capital were also discussed.

They also touched upon the development of green economy in Armenia, as well as the necessity of introducing promoting tools by the government on this path.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will hold the Cobalt-2021 special forces military exercises in Tajikistan November 17-19, Interfax reported citing the Central Military District.

CSTO-members Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will send units from special forces, internal troops bodies, state security, emergency situation and drug enforcement agencies to the drills. Russia will send troops from its special forces and the 201st military base reconnaissance battalion, including two helicopters.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The appointment of Suren Papikyan as the new defense minister of Armenia is a right decision, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan told reporters, commenting on todays decision of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan according to which Arshak Karapetyan has been relieved from the position of the defense minister and deputy prime minister Suren Papikyan was appointed as the new defense minister.

Concerning the resignation of the minister, there was the decision of the prime minister. The PM announced it, and as for the appointment of Suren Papikyan, I consider it very right and welcome. I think that trusting such a field on such a hard-working person who is aware of the whole situation was a very important and right step, Speaker Simonyan said, assuring that Mr Papikyan will be one of our best defense ministers in our history.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Finance Tigran Khachatryan received today Asian Development Banks Country Director for Armenia Paolo Spantigati and his delegation, the ministry said in a statement.

Minister Khachatryan in his remarks highlighted the cooperation with the ADB, touched upon the process and strategy of joint programs, as well as Armenias economic development trends.

At the meeting the sides discussed issues relating to the potential cooperation in the construction of North-South highway, in the field of transport and communication, as well as the reforms expected in education and healthcare sectors.

Paolo Spantigati said in his turn that the Asian Development Bank is ready to continue the support to the initiatives of the Armenian government in infrastructure development, energy, healthcare, education and other areas.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Elbit Systems announced on November 15 that it was awarded a contract valued at approximately $106 million to supply Sigma fully automatic self-propelled howitzers to a country in Asia-Pacific. The contract will be fulfilled over a five-year period.

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Sigma self-propelled howitzer (Picture source: Elbit System)

Sigma is a 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzer capable of automatic loading and laying of the gun system, rapid in-and-out action times, and a high rate of fire. It offers a protected cabin for a crew of three. Depending on the mission, SIGMA is capable of automatically selecting and loading the required projectile, propellant, and fuze and laying the gun to optimally engage targets.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, said: The Sigma system effectively addresses the growing need of armed forces to enhance the effectiveness of their artillery formations and reduce life-cycle costs while improving precision, rapidity, autonomy, survivability and connectivity. The SIGMA system is based on the know-how and experience accumulated by the Company over decades in supplying artillery systems to numerous customers, including the new 155mm fully automatic self-propelled howitzer gun systems for the Israel Defense Forces.
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To encourage travellers to visit India, the government is also planning to issue five lakh free visas through next March

India on Monday allowed fully vaccinated foreign travellers from a list of 99 countries to enter without the need to quarantine themselves. (Representational Photo:AFP)

New Delhi: After shutting down its borders to international visitors for about 20 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India on Monday allowed fully vaccinated foreign travellers from a list of 99 countries to enter without the need to quarantine themselves.

To encourage travellers to visit India, the government is also planning to issue five lakh free visas through next March. The move is likely to boost the tourism and hospitality sectors, which had been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

By easing travel restrictions, those arriving from these 99 countries will be allowed to skip a post-arrival Covid-19 test. At the same time, though, travellers will have to monitor their health over the next 14 days.

The list of 99 countries includes the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Singapore and Brazil. The major countries missing from the list include China, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.

The countries on the list fall under two categories -- the ones which have reciprocal agreements with the Indian government to recognise each others vaccine certificates for either locally approved vaccines or those recognised by WHO, and those which dont have such agreements but allow fully vaccinated Indian citizens to travel there.

This is the first time India has allowed foreign tourists on commercial flights to enter the country since March 2020, when it imposed one of the worlds toughest lockdowns in order to contain the pandemic.

Fully vaccinated tourists on chartered flights were allowed to enter India starting last month. The decision to allow foreign tourists has come at a time when the countrys coronavirus infections have fallen significantly, with daily new cases hovering at just above 10,000 for over a month. The active caseload of Covid-19 cases has declined to 1,34,096 -- the lowest in 523 days -- with 10,229 people testing positive for the disease in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to the virus has reached 4,63,655, after 125 fresh fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.

Nearly 80 per cent of Indias adult population has already got at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose while about 40 per cent is fully vaccinated. The Centre has asked the state governments to conduct door-to-door campaigns to accelerate the vaccination campaign.

The daily rise in new infections has been below 20,000 for 38 straight days and less than 50,000 for 141 consecutive days. Active cases have declined to 1,34,096, comprising 0.39 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.26 per cent, the highest since March 2020. There is a decrease of 1,822 cases in the active Covid-19 caseload in 24 hours.

Of the 125 new fatalities in the last 24 hours, 65 are from Kerala and 18 are from Maharashtra.
Modi slams Congress for neglecting Adivasis

Bhopal: Reaching out to tribals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded their contribution to Indian culture through the ages and said Lord Ram drew inspiration from them during his exile. Slamming the Congress for "neglecting" adivasis during its previous rules, he said that tribals are now partners in the country's development and benefitting from various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led government.

The PM also announced that henceforth Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the birth anniversary of revered tribal icon Birsa Munda, will be celebrated like Gandhi Jayanti, Sardar Patel Jayanti and Ambedkar Jayanti.

Addressing Janjatiya Gaurav Divas Maha Sammelan organised here to mark the birth anniversary of revered tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, Mr Modi said that the contribution of tribal communities to nation building, which had been ignored for decades, is now being honoured with pride.

For the first time since Independence, India is celebrating Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honour the art and culture of tribal society, he said and added that some people in the country were not aware of the contributions made by tribals towards the freedom movement and nation building since the country was not told about it.

They cannot imagine that tribal society played a major role in enriching Indias culture because the country was either kept in the dark about it or not told fully about it as those who governed the nation for decades after Independence chose to pursue their selfish politics, the PM said and added that the world was shocked when members of tribal communities reached Rashtrapati Bhavan to receive Padma Awards.

He lamented that the resources in tribal areas were exploited but little was done for the development of tribals who comprised 10 per cent of the population of India.

It is our duty to bring before the country the heroics of tribal leaders during the freedom struggle to introduce them to the new generation, he said.

Drawing on history and referring to the Ramayana period, the PM said Lord Ram drew inspiration from life of tribals when he was in exile and stayed inside forests.

The time spent with tribals made a huge impact and turned a prince into the most perfect man. Lord Ram drew inspiration from every aspect of forest dwellers' life, Mr Modi said.

The country cannot forget the bravery of Gond queen Durgawati or the sacrifice of Rani Kamlapati, he said and recalled how people of the Bhil tribe helped Rajput king Maharana Pratap.

The struggle of Veer Maharana Pratap cannot be imagined without the brave Bhil tribe who fought shoulder to shoulder and made sacrifices, Mr Modi said.

We owe a lot to the tribal people," he added.

Earlier, the PM inaugurated the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati railway station here. The remodelled railway station has been named after the Gond queen Rani Kamlapati, the last Hindu ruler of Bhopal.

He also dedicated to the nation multiple initiatives of railways in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the PM said not only the railway station has been modernised, its importance has increased with the linking of the name of Rani Kamlapati to the station.

Railways pride is now linked to the pride of Gondwana, he said.
Security sources said that though PLA claims to have shifted its camps from Myanmar but its cadres are still operating in Myanmar

Guwahati: Manipur-based terrorist groups People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Manipur Naga Peoples Front (MNPF) on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack in Manipur's Churachandpur district which killed seven Indian Army personnel, including a Commanding Officer (CO), and his wife and son.

The separatist outfits which are operating from Myanmar in a statement to local newspapers in Imphal said that Saturdays ambush was carried out in retaliation to hostility by Assam Rifles in the name of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Informing that Army headquarters was closely monitoring the situation, security sources said that additional troops have been rushed to their area and a combing operation has been launched to nab the militants who are suspected to have entered India from Myanmar.

Security sources said that though PLA claims to have shifted its camps from Myanmar but its cadres are still operating and taking shelter in Myanmar. Asserting that the outfit is backed by the Khaplang faction of NSCN, sources also claimed that the PLA has been operating from Myanmar where they continue to have camps, like the other Meitei groups, and remain active with no ceasefire agreement with the Indian government, and have so far not expressed any intent of peace talks with India.

The roots of insurgency in Manipur dates back to the 1960s when the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) emerged due to resentment within a section of Meitei society against the merger of Manipur state with the Union of India". However, several other insurgent groups came into existence later to demand an independent Manipur.

A Parliamentary committee report observed that if the Meitei insurgency began with the formation of UNLF, the birth of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) radicalised the Meiteis further". The PLA cadres in its initial years were trained by the NSCN and hold Marxist ideology.

The group was founded on September 25, 1978, under the leadership of N. Bisheshwar, after having broken away from its parent body, the United National Liberation Front. In 1979, the PLAs political wing Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF) also came into existence.
India, backed by China rejected a clause calling for a 'phase out' of coal-fired power, and the text was changed to 'phase down'

Alok Sharma, President of the COP26 summit gestures during a press conference at the end of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. (AP /Alastair Grant)

LONDON: China and India will need to explain to developing nations why they pushed to water down language on efforts to phase out coal at the COP26 conference, the event's president Alok Sharma said on Sunday.

U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, ended on Saturday with a deal that targeted fossil fuels for the first time.

But India, backed by China and other coal-dependent developing nations, rejected a clause calling for a "phase out" of coal-fired power, and the text was changed to "phase down".

"In terms of China and India, they will on this particular issue have to explain themselves," Sharma told a news conference at Downing Street in London.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Whether the language was 'phase down' or 'phase out' doesn't seem to me as a speaker of English to make that much difference.

"The direction of travel is pretty much the same."

Johnson said COP26 had delivered a mandate to cut the use of coal-powered generation that was backed up by real action from individual counties.

"When you add all that together, it is beyond question that Glasgow has sounded the death knell for coal power," he said at the press conference.

But he said his delight at the progress achieved was tinged by disappointment that the deal did not go further.

"Sadly, that's the nature of diplomacy," he said. "We can lobby, we can cajole, we can encourage, but we cannot force sovereign nations to do what they do not wish to do."
The statue was gifted by the Indian government. The incident triggered shock and disappointment among the Indian-Australian community

Australia India Community Charitable Trust chair Vasan Srinivasan said that it saddens him that someone tried to vandalise the statue within 24 hours of its unveiling. (Photo| Twitter)

Melbourne: A life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by the Indian government, has been vandalised here in an act Prime Minister Scott Morrison strongly condemned as "disgraceful", triggering shock and disappointment among the Indian-Australian community.

The incident happened hours after Prime Minister Morrison unveiled the statue at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville on Friday alongwith the Consul General of India Raj Kumar and other Australian leaders as part of a celebration of 75 years of India's Independence, The Age newspaper reported.

It is disgraceful and extremely disappointing to see this level of disrespect, Morrison was quoted as saying in the report on Sunday.

He said that attacks on cultural monuments would not be tolerated in a country which is the most successful multicultural and immigration nation in the world.

Whoever is responsible for this has shown great disrespect to the Australian Indian community and should be ashamed, he said.

The statue was gifted by the Indian government.

Victoria police said an unknown number of offenders used a power tool to decapitate the statue sometime between 5.30pm on Friday and 5.30pm on Saturday, according to ABC News.

The police said that the Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives were investigating the matter and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

The Indian community in the city expressed their shock over the incident, terming it as a "low act."

"The community is very shocked and sad. I don't (understand) why anyone would do such a low act of vandalism," Surya Prakash Soni, president of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria, was quoted as saying in the ABC report.

He said the Rowville centre was the first Indian community centre in the State of Victoria and had been established after 30 years of effort.

Australia India Community Charitable Trust chair Vasan Srinivasan said that it saddens him that someone tried to vandalise the statue within 24 hours of its unveiling.

"They were trying to cut the head off by grinding around it," he was quoted as saying by SBS News.

He said that there are almost 300,000 Indians living in the state of Victoria and "I never expected this thing could happen in Victoria.

Srinivasan said that police could not get any fingerprints because it was raining heavily throughout the day.
How to Cook the Best Thanksgiving Turkey

Impress Your Guests With the Best Turkey Dinner Ever

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Of all the things your guests will be thankful for this Thanksgiving, your turkey is likely to top the list. That is, if you follow this guide on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey to perfection.

RELATED: Top Chefs on Their Fave Kitchen Gadgets

Even experienced home chefs tend to be intimidated by the prospect of cooking a turkey, but it really doesnt need to be a daunting process. With some key tips and strategies in-hand, it can be  dare we say  fun? To ensure thats the case, we caught up with several culinary experts to get their advice on preparing a Thanksgiving turkey, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday without any stress.

RELATED: How to Prepare for Overnight Guests

Buying a Turkey

Purchasing your turkey is a numbers game  ratio of meat to bone; ounces of meat per guest; defrost time. With the help of Frank Proto, Director of Culinary Operations at the Institute of Culinary Education, we have provided an answer key for the mathematics of turkey buying.

GettyImages

How Big of a Turkey Do You Need?

Proto, who is also an instructor and has been a chef for about 25 years, advises to plan for approximately 3 to 4 ounces of meat per person, keeping in mind that turkey is about 46 percent bone. That serving size should provide enough meat for all your guests, especially considering how many sides dishes are typically served with Thanksgiving dinner. That said, Proto says that when he purchases a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, he always selects the largest one available. After all, leftovers are the best part of the Thanksgiving feast!

When to Buy a Turkey

A fresh turkey should be purchased one to two days prior to cooking and stored at a maximum temperature of 40 degrees (Fahrenheit). A frozen turkey should be purchased a week or so prior to cooking. You should never leave the turkey in the refrigerator for more than a week-and-a-half, Proto warns. Keep in mind that it will take approximately one day for every four pounds of meat to thaw in your refrigerator, so be sure to factor that time into your purchase date. In a pinch, you can speed the thawing process using a cold-water bath; however, be sure to maintain a maximum water temperature of 40 degrees (add ice cubes or more cold water if necessary) to inhibit bacterial growth.

Where to Buy a Turkey

Proto says he purchases his turkey from the supermarket, but you can also buy one from a farm if you prefer. Whether you opt for the farm or the supermarket, a fresh, never-frozen turkey will offer the best flavor, but a frozen turkey is usually more practical and readily available.

Turkey Cooking Method #1

Brine the Turkey and Roast in the Oven

Brining a turkey and roasting it in the oven is the most common way to cook the bird, and for good reason: its easy to do and tastes delicious!

Brine and Roasting Turkey Supplies

To roast a turkey in the oven, you will need a roasting pan and a meat thermometer (a cooked turkey will be heated to about 165 degrees). If you dont have a roasting pan, you can also use a disposable aluminum pan or a half sheet tray that has a large lip to capture any juices.

You will also need a container for brining  The Briner can hold a 25-pound turkey  and a bag to place in the container to simplify the cleanup process.

Turkey Roasting Pan: $39.99 at Amazon.com

The Briner

The Briner: $39.95 at Amazon.com

Meat Thermometer: $19.99 at Amazon.com

How to Prepare a Thanksgiving Turkey

Brining and Seasoning

Executive Chef Gil Plaster of BlueFin North Atlantic Seafood in Portland, ME, says that brining is the best way to add flavor to the turkey without injecting it. Brining is essentially submerging the turkey in a salt water bath to make the meat as flavorful and tender as possible.

Pre-made brining kits are available (Fire & Flavor All Natural Turkey Perfect Herb Brine Kit is a good one), but making your own brine allows you to get creative with your favorite flavors.

Plaster says to start with quality kosher salt like SaltWorks Pacific Blue followed by sugar, fresh spices such as coriander and black peppercorns, lemon and lime zest along with the juice for acidity, and finally, garlic and a little bit of Chile de Arbol for some heat.

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Executive Chef Brian Dandro of ArtBar at Royal Sonesta Boston of Cambridge, MS recommends making a brine that is flavorful and aromatic. Toasting all your dried spices, such as coriander, fennel seeds, bay leaves, black peppercorn and fresh thyme, will bring out the most aroma, he says. He warns not to brine the bird for more than 24 hours to avoid the turkey becoming too salty.

Plaster advises to let the turkey air dry after it has been removed from the brine before placing it in the oven for roasting. The resting process, as you would do with beef, will assure you retain as much moisture as possible, Plaster explains. Turkey is a very lean meat, so it can dry out quickly.

Preparing the Turkey Pan

Before placing the turkey in the oven, you should also cover the bottom of the pan with vegetables like carrots, celery and onions, in addition to some herbs like thyme. This will hold the bird up and get heat underneath and that will be a flavor base to the gravy, Proto explains. These additions can also replace use of a rack to allow hot air to circulate beneath the bird.

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

Proto says there are two ways to roast the turkey once you are ready to place it in the oven: start the browning process first or start browning when your turkey is just about cooked.

GettyImages

Browning First

Set the oven on a high temperature (around 420 degrees) Cook the turkey for about 15-30 minutes to start the browning process Turn the temperature down to about 325 degrees and cook the turkey based on the recommendation on the package (the general rule is 20 minutes per pound, and the turkey should reach 165 degrees internally)

Browning Last

Set the oven at 325 degrees Cook the turkey based on the recommendation on the package (the general rule is 20 minutes per pound, and the turkey should be 165 degrees internally) Crank the temperature up to about 420 degrees for the last 20-25 minutes.

Proto recommends using the second method of browning near the end of cooking for turkeys that have been brined.

Final Steps

Once your bird is cooked, you should let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes prior to slicing it to avoid letting all the juices leak out, Proto advises. You can find instructions on how to carve your turkey here.

Expert Turkey Cooking Tips

Tip #1 - Separate the Pieces to Cook

A drawback of roasting the entire turkey in the oven is that some pieces of the bird may not cook evenly. Proto helps avoid this possibility by separating the breast, legs and thighs, and then removing the thighs from the legs, before placing them in the oven. Then each piece can be removed individually as their desired temperatures are reached.

You can cut the pieces off using a boning knife, of which there are two options  flexible or firm. Proto recommends a firm knife for this job. The Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Extra-Wide Boning Knife has received a ton of positive customer reviews on Amazon.

Tip #2 - Dont Open the Oven

Executive Chef Will Harris of Linger in Denver, CO says that once you place your turkey in the oven you should not open it under any circumstances.

Opening the oven, or using a turkey baster, does nothing but alter the ovens heat supply making the cook time longer and causing a dry bird, he adds. Trust the cook time based on the weight of the bird  about 20 minutes per pound.

RELATED: Best Cold Weather Wine

Turkey Cooking Method #2

Sous Vide and Deep Fried

If you are a more experienced cook, you may want to opt for this more adventurous turkey cooking method. Executive Chef Tommy Fraioli of 10 Barrel Brewing Co. San Diego recommends sous vide cooking followed by deep frying to create a juicy, flavorful bird.

Sous Vide and Deep Fried Turkey Required Tools

Fraioli says you will need these tools to get the job done (recommendations based on Amazon customer reviews unless otherwise noted):

Joule Immersion Circulator: $244.95 at Amazon.com

Rubbermaid Container: $21.97 at Amazon.com

Turkey Fryer Pot: $78.88 at Amazon.com

T-Fal Frying Pan: $39.99 at Amazon.com

DRAGONN Tongs: $6.99 at Amazon.com

RELATED: How to Sharpen a Knife

How to Prepare a Deep Fried Turkey via Sous Vide

Fraioli has been using this method of cooking a turkey for the past six years:

GettyImages

Break down the turkey into breast, wing, thigh and leg pieces Roast the carcass (the remainder of the turkey) to be used for a stock to make the gravy Brine the meat for 24 hours Fill a stock pot with the roasted carcass, mirepoix, garlic and some herbs, then fill the remainder with water before boiling it down overnight Fraioli says the next day the stock reduces from about 24 quarts to 1-2 quarts and its time to strain it, season it and thicken it up for the sauce for the turkey Once brined, place the turkey pieces into vacuum bags with some sort of fat, usually duck or bacon, and vacuum seal them Set up a circulator water bath at 150 degrees Once the temperature is reached, add the turkey, placing dark meat in first for an hour and then adding the white meat for 2 more hours After the 3 hours, remove the meat from the water bath and place it in an ice bath to chill completely While the turkey is chilling, heat a pot with fry oil to 375 degrees After chilling for about 30 minutes, remove the turkey from the bags, pat the meat dry and remove the extra fat Fry the wings, breast and legs until theyre heated back through Place the thighs skin-side down in a non-stick pan and slowly crisp up the skin Continue to flip and cook the thighs a couple more minutes until warmed through.

Fraioli says the only con in using this method is finding a way to discard the oil. Other than that, its pretty much foolproof, he says. The turkey is super tender, juicy and flavorful.

Alternative Turkey Cooking Methods

Smoking a Turkey

Smoking a turkey in a device like a Big Green Egg will follow a similar method to roasting, but it will be done low and slow at a lower temperature (225 to 240 degrees) and a much longer cook time (30 to 40 minutes per pound).

Grilling a Turkey

Proto says by grilling a turkey you are not going to achieve the golden-brown skin your Thanksgiving guests will likely expect. If you do choose to use the grill, the easiest method is to carve the bird into pieces to cook them more evenly.

Cooking a Turkey in a Crock Pot

Using a Crock pot to cook your turkey is not recommended, but if you choose to do so, you should only cook the legs and the thighs in the Crock pot. The breast will just get dry and stringy, Proto warns.

While these alternative cooking methods will work, roasting a turkey will provide your guests with what theyve come to expect, and deep-frying your turkey will take it to the next level.

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Graveside services for Dorothy Clarice "Dottie" Cross 86, of Athens have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday November 22, 2021 at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Cody Craig officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Autry's Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Mrs. Cross passed away November 18
And even though it's been almost 25 years since it was discontinued, the EB 110 continues to draw attention everywhere it shows up. We usually see the EB 110 driven by celebrities such as Doug DeMuro , but now it's time to watch the French-Italian supercar rev its fabulous quad-turbo V12 engine on the dyno.I have no idea why this pristine Bugatti showed up at Biesse Racing for a dyno run, but it doesn't even matter. What's important is that the testing session sees the mill hit its 8,700-rpm redline. Something you won't hear happen on a public road or the race track. And it's a feast for the ears since the EB 100's V12 engine starts roaring like a race-spec unit once it goes past 4,000 rpm.Built from 1991 to 1995, the EB 110 was the first new Bugatti in almost 40 years. The supercar was developed by Bugatti Automobili S.p.A., a company established by Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli, who acquired the Bugatti brand in 1987.Powered by a quad-turbo, 3.5-liter V12 engine, the EB 100 debuted with 553 horsepower, but Bugatti also launched a Super Sport variant with 603 horses. At the time of its introduction, it was among the fastest and most powerful cars in dealerships.A race-spec version of the EB 110, dubbed LM, raced in the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans , marking the brand's return to motorsport after five decades. The car failed to finish the endurance event. Three decades since it was unveiled, the EB 110 is already a classic, with pristine examples valued at around $1 million a pop.But enough history for today, hit the play button below to see and hear the EB 110 rev its V12 engine to mind-boggling speeds. There's also driving and onboard footage to keep you entertained.
Now, as we settle into the Prototype-to-production period of the reinvented fifth-generation 2023 Acura Integra four-door liftback, its easy to imagine the official OEM opinion about that iconic iteration. After all, they went for the Integra left front headlight lettering idea instead.And that was a feature that first appeared alongside the flatter headlight design introduced with the mid-life-cycle facelift of the third generation Integra. Anyway, we really arent sure a double-bubble LED lighting setup would have a place on the modern iteration , as obviously exemplified by the creation of the virtual artist behind the jlord8 account on social media.Although we embedded that one below as well, it was just for laughs. The serious retro-modern transformation  one among many recent CGI takes  belongs to Siim Parn. A pixel master that is better known as spdesignsest by his social media followers, he is renowned (or should be) for the propensity to go down the exact opposite route of a restomod.As such, his usual take on hot, modern cars is to make them entirely timeless with a little help from their glorious, past iterations. On this occasion, for the upcoming 2023 Acura Integra he chose the updated 1997 model year of the third generation. And although it may look the part, this isnt the high-performance Type R, its just a sporty Coupe interpretation.One that is going to fuel the current controversy behind the fan backlash regarding the OEMs decision to deliver a rather bland take on the iconic series. Sure, the head honchos signaled the Coupe body style was doomed ever since the demise of the Civic Coupe. But we can still dream, right? Especially if fantasies look like this!
Initially, it was reported by Automobilwoche that BMW was eyeing McLarens supercar business and that it would contact Bahrains sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat (which controls McLaren), at the beginning of next month. Afterwards, a BMW spokesman flat out called the article wrong, as reported by Autonews Europe As far as McLaren is concerned, the British company has been trying to fix its finances in the wake of the pandemic, but we havent heard any rumblings they might be looking for a buyer. That being said, the original story also contained the following nugget, namely that Audi was considering some type of business venture involving McLarens Formula 1 division.This at least makes some sense, given the VW Groups interest in joining Formula 1 , either with its Audi brand or Porsche  the latter being a more likely candidate at this stage.Audi did tell Reuters that it often considers different cooperation opportunities but failed to make any specific comments regarding McLaren. In Formula 1, the British outfit is powered by Mercedes and getting them to switch to a new engine manufacturer (especially a newcomer like in the case of Audi or Porsche), would be a tough sell.Back in July, McLaren managed to raise $738 million from existing investors and the sale of preference shares and equity warrants to the Ares Management Corp, as well as Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund. The supercar-maker also raised $620 million from a bond issue. More recently though, McLaren has been in the news because of its CEO Mike Flewitt , who resigned after an eight-year tenure."Mike has been instrumental in McLaren now being recognized as one of the world's leading luxury supercar brands, achieving the heights of success that have taken our competitors many more decades to achieve," said the company.
On the night of July 28, 1914, the shells fired from the Austro-Hungarian SMS Bodrogs canons, at the Serbian defenses in Belgrade, would mark the beginning of the Great War, which would end up killing 20 million people. The gunboat that fired the first shots in WWI would also serve in World War II. Under a new name (Sava), it would be part of the former Yugoslavias navy, until 1962.Despite its glorious past, SMS Bodrog/Sava had a downward trajectory. After being retired from military use in 1959, it was sold to a private company as a common gravel barge, and then simply abandoned near Belgrade. It would take years before Sava was finally declared a cultural monument, in 2006. That is when the restoration process, supervised by Serbias Ministry of Defense and the Military Museum, began.Finally, the famous warship is starting a new life as a floating museum. Reuters reports that Sava has now been officially recalled to service, floating on the Danube, near the center of Belgrade. The restored warship will be admired as a museum from now on, as a living testimony of the previous wars.The 189-foot (57.7 meters) vessel was built in Budapest, in 1903, as a Temes-class river monitor . Part of the Austro-Hungarian river flotilla, it would be the first to fire at Serbia, when WWI broke out. SMS Bodrog/Sava is one of the only two remaining Austro-Hungarian monitors that served during WWI. The other one, SMS Leitha, can be visited in Budapest, Hungary.
kW

It is an armored and stretched Rolls-Royce Cullinan that looks suitable to either a dictator or a drug lord. Either way, anyone who wants to be chauffeured in it will have to pay 1.8 million or a little over $2 million at todays exchange rates.But where can you find it? That would be on Mobile , with none other than Klassen behind both the ad and the build. The famed company specialized in armoring and stretching some of the finest vehicles made in recent times says that they have added no less than 580 mm (22.8 in) between the two axles. The wheelbase now measures 3,875 mm (152.6 in), and from bumper to bumper, youre looking at 5,921 mm (233.1 in), 61 mm (2.4 in) less than the gargantuan Phantom EWB.This particular Cullinan can literally take a bullet for its occupants, as it has VR8 ballistic protection and can withstand AK-47 shots fired from a distance of 10 meters (33 feet). Bulletproof panels and windows, reinforced chassis to cope with the extra weight, fire-extinguishing system, run flat tires that ensure a quick getaway at speeds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) for 80 km (50 miles), oxygen system that pumps fresh air into the cabin independent of the outside environment, and many other goodies are on deck.A partition wall separates the rear passenger compartment from the driver, and as you can expect, it features the best comfort and technology gear available in a vehicle . Strobe lights are included too, and so is a sliding hatch with handrail so that the VIP can salute the crowd at various events.Despite tipping the scales at 4,900 kg (~10,800 lbs), according to Klassen, almost twice as much as the stock Cullinan, it retains the original firepower. This means that the twin-turbo 6.75-liter V12 still develops 570 ps (562 hp / 419) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.
Nissan first reported signs of profits on November 9th when they announced their July-September quarter revenue reports. These reports saw Nissan recoup losses they'd made earlier in the year and the year prior. All while a global microchip shortage all but brought the industry to its knees.Yuri Kageyama of WHIO TV reports that quarterly sales are up 1% in Japan and the rest of Asia as a part of the report. Up 54.1 billion yen ($479 million) from last year. While it doesn't sound like much of an improvement, any trend in an upward direction can only be positive in a period where no one can accurately predict what the future of the auto industry has in store.New CEO Ashwani Gupta began a formal speech on the matter by offering apologies for the supply chain disruptions that have seen car delivery times skyrocket. He also vowed not to fall back onto bad habits, which saw Nissan's disgraced ex-CEO Carlos Ghosn fall from a globally respected business tycoon to an internationally wanted financial criminal.Gupta appeared optimistic that the upward trend the company he currently leads has steered towards will be sustainable and able to withstand whatever supply chain woes currently plague the industry at large, not limited to just the chip shortage.Other vital components like magnesium and tire rubber have some experts on edge that the global car industry may soon be at a point of no return as far as its supply chain is concerned. For the time being, it appears Nissan is confident it will be able to brave the storm
Place Your Bets: 950-HP 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Drag Races 800-HP Audi RS 6 Avant

In these SUV-crazy times, I cant help but admire the few automakers that still offer wagons. Audi, for example, is much obliged to sell you a $116k wagon with 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque. 13 photos



Tipping the scales at 5,300 pounds (2,404 kilograms), the family-oriented land missile also flexes the stock eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen. All in all, its a pretty thrilling machine.



The question is, can this potent drivetrain hold a candle to a completely rad



Fitted with an LS7 leviathan augmented by a Garrett G45 turbocharger and Brodix heads, the big-wing Camaro is running a compound setup in Pikes Peak specification because thats pretty much the only way to make the spinny boys spool early and produce torque early at high altitude.



Currently tuned for 950 wheel horsepower, the Camaro features independent suspension all around, a sequential transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Estimated to weigh 3,200 pounds (1,451 kilograms), the full-on racecar is riding on 18- by 12.5-inch Forgeline wheels mounted with slick tires.



On that note, which is the faster car in a drag race? Youll have to press the play button to find out if the Audis quattro system can make a difference.



RS 6 Avant is how the longroof in question is called, and the one were covering today is no regular RS 6 Avant. Modified by a So Cal-based shop called Pacific German, the ominous-looking station wagon in the featured video pumps out in the ballpark of 800 horsepower from a boosted V8. The force-fed motor still flaunts the stock turbochargers, but its been gifted with improved cooling, induction, exhaust, and a remapped engine control unit.Tipping the scales at 5,300 pounds (2,404 kilograms), the family-oriented land missile also flexes the stock eight-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen. All in all, its a pretty thrilling machine.The question is, can this potent drivetrain hold a candle to a completely rad 1967 Chevrolet Camaro thats been modified to race up the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of the Colorado-based mountain? Based on the way the old-timer looks, Im tempted to put my money on the racing car.Fitted with an LS7 leviathan augmented by a Garrett G45 turbocharger and Brodix heads, the big-wing Camaro is running a compound setup in Pikes Peak specification because thats pretty much the only way to make the spinny boys spool early and produce torque early at high altitude.Currently tuned for 950 wheel horsepower, the Camaro features independent suspension all around, a sequential transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Estimated to weigh 3,200 pounds (1,451 kilograms), the full-on racecar is riding on 18- by 12.5-inch Forgeline wheels mounted with slick tires.On that note, which is the faster car in a drag race? Youll have to press the play button to find out if the Audis quattro system can make a difference.
Deployment of 53 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/bnYtOqUUfC  SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 13, 2021

The recent launch was the last of a series of successful missions carried by SpaceX this past week. Starting in full force, on Monday, November 8th, the company retrieved the Crew-2 astronauts who returned from the ISS aboard a Crew Dragon capsule off the Florida coast.Then, on Wednesday, another group of astronauts was carried to the orbiting lab. A Falcon 9 rocket took off together with the Crew Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking SpaceX's third astronaut mission for NASA as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program.Finally, on Saturday, November 13th, a Falcon 9 rocket was waiting on Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), ready for an epic liftoff. Previously, the launch suffered a delay due to poor weather at Cape Canaveral. After the launch pad got covered in dense fog, it didn't seem like the weather conditions would make the Saturday attempt easier.However, at 7:19 a.m. EST, the vehicle emerged from the thick layer and rose into a clear sky with 53 Starlink satellites on board. About 15 minutes later, the satellites were successfully deployed, completing the fifth Starlink mission. This was also the 25th launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 this year.The new satellites are equipped with inter-satellite laser links , which will help them communicate with one another without the need for ground stations. Eliminating the use of ground stations will significantly speed up data transfer.Eventually, SpaceX plans to launch thousands of Starlink satellites into Earth's orbit over the next few years. The recent mission added up to the existing constellation, which now counts 1,844 spacecraft.
His proximity to General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant has enabled some cool C8 encounters in the past, and the reviewer has now become a traditional Chevy stocker. Efforts did pay off handsomely over the past weekend, and now we have not one but two videos (both embedded below) to prove that.The first one sees the Youtuber embark on an adventure to deliver an exclusive look at a 2023 C8 Z06 Chevrolet Corvette in the wild. Basically, he knew the all-new mid-engine Z06 would show up at the CMA (Country Music Awards) event in Nashville, Tennessee.And thanks to his expert placement (well, he just parked next to it), he was rewarded with the sight of a 2023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 . Its not just any Z06 though, because the Red Mist (over a natural interior) example is the Convertible version. By the way, with all the timestamps neatly arranged in the description, feel free to jump to the most interesting parts (revs, driving, etc.) if youre in a hurry.But do spend a moment with the second feature as well. Thats because the follow-up part of the CMA adventure also brings a possible worlds first (outside of GM) comparison between the 2021 C8 Chevy Corvette Z06 and the reviewers white 2015 C7 Z06. He basically staked out the rollback tow truck down Broadway and the party district of Nashville, Tennessee.Then, they went across the Cumberland River to allow us the sight of the citys skyline lighting up the background as a sort of C8 Z06-dedicated CMA afterparty. Eventually, the truck settled on a small street around the Nissan Stadium, and it was unloaded in preparation for another lift  it was probably on its way to another event appearance.So, here was the perfect opportunity for a quick and entirely unofficial comparison to the hosts 2015 Arctic White (with Adrenaline Red interior)  Vette. So, which one do you choose: white C7 or the Red Mist C8 Z06? Our bet is on the latter, even though it lacks the cool Z07 package.
CVT

Trim levels include the Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited when it comes to the 2022 Crosstrek , while the 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid is offered in a single specification.Sporting power door locks and side mirrors, keyless entry, 6.5-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, and carpeted floor mats, the Base starts at $22,245, excluding the $1,325 destination charge. The Premium can be yours from $23,595 and brings an enhanced variant of the infotainment system, six-speaker audio, heated front seats, windshield and side mirrors, two USB ports, dusk-sensing headlights, front fog lamps, and a few other features.For the 2022 Crosstrek Sport, you are looking at a minimum of $26,795. This version brings hill descent control, additional driving modes named Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud to optimize traction, bespoke wheel design, and gunmetal look for the grille, side mirror caps, and logos. Additional gunmetal accents, as well as carbon-fiber trim, together with the water-repellant upholstery with yellow stitching, are found inside. The Limited comes with 18-inch alloys, body-color side mirror casings with integrated turn signals, LED headlights, DRLs and fog lamps, leather upholstery, power-adjustable drivers seat, 8-inch infotainment, and multifunction color LCD, from $28,295.The 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid is equipped with all the amenities found in the Limited, while sporting unique exterior and interior trim and one option package. The Starlink Connected Services, with Remote Climate Control and Remote Battery Charging Timer, are exclusive to this grade that kicks off at $35,645. Powering it is a 2.0-liter boxer engine and two electric motors hooked up to aand all-wheel drive. Despite being called a hybrid, it is actually a plug-in hybrid, capable of driving 17 miles (27 km) on pure electricity and 480 miles (772 km) in total. It also qualifies for the $4,502 Federal tax credit and rebates of up to $1,500 in certain states.Getting the Sport and Limited variants of the 2022 Crosstrek means having to live with the 2.5-liter boxer engine, rated at 182 horsepower, and connected to a CVT. An eight-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters is standard on all models, save for the Base. Speaking of which, the Base and Premium use a 2.0-liter boxer unit with 152 hp. The CVT is optional here, as both have a standard six-speed manual transmission.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA

The latest is Volkswagen, which has announced two safety recalls in the United States. The first one affects one (yep, just one) 2021 ID.4 , made on March 11, this year. The electric crossover may have not received the drive bushing during production; either that, or it may have an incorrectly assembled one.Due to this issue, the driver, who is expected to be notified by December 31, may hear loud noises when operating the steering wheel at low speeds. If ignored, then the steering support could fail altogether, and the entire system could get jammed, thus increasing the risk of having an accident.The fix will see a dealer replace the steering gear, free of charge. The official recall number is 48Q7, and the owner will have to use it should they want to reach out to VW at 1-800-893-5298 or the) at 1-888-327-4236.A second recall concerns 1,285 units of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan , made between September 6 and October 8, 2021. The midsize crossovers may have been put together with an improperly tightened nut at the right front brake caliper, so they could leak brake fluid, increasing the stopping distance. Drivers may see the brake warning lamp illuminate in the instrument cluster, but only after a significant loss of brake fluid, the safety agency notes.Dealers will inspect all vehicles and tighten the brake pipe nut as necessary, free of charge. The recall number is 19Q4, and owners, who can get in touch with either VW or the NHTSA via the aforementioned phone numbers, will have to use it.
All 46 units of the Benz and AMG models included in this recall were made from January 21 to February 4, this year, and during assembly, the left side airbag may have been improperly installed. As a result, instead of protecting the driver and passenger sitting behind them on the rear bench during a crash, it might actually increase the risk of injury, or worse, depending on the severity of the impact.Drivers will not be warned of the defect, as the airbag warning light will not illuminate in the instrument cluster. As for the fix, technicians will check the mounting of the aforementioned part and rework it, if necessary. Owners who may have repaired their GLB independently will not be reimbursed by the automaker, even if they can prove it, as these vehicles are covered by the factory warranty and they shouldve reached out to an authorized dealer instead.The companys North American branch has informed its dealer network of the recall and will start sending notification letters to owners next, who are expected to be mailed before January 4. This means that their rides wont be fixed until next year. In the meantime, the brands customer service can answer any questions they may have on the topic at 1-800-367-6372.Mercedes latest recall comes a couple of weeks after they have announced that certain GLE and GLS SUVs, including the 63 S variants, need to be fixed too , as their rear windscreens could fly off due to an assembly error. A second recall issued for the GLE and GLS speaks about incorrectly assembled seats, which might not secure occupants in the event of an accident.
Arab men watch, Sunday, as the Russian Knights perform a stunt at the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The biennial show opened Sunday as commercial aviation tries to shake off the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to preliminary results reported by the Central Election Commission, Civil Contracts David Danielian received about 29 percent of the vote in the November 15 ballot. The winner, Gevork Parsian of the opposition Shant Alliance, gained nearly 70 percent of the vote, according to the same official source.

This is the third major town in Syunik where Civil Contract has suffered setbacks in local elections this fall.

While winning in several communities across Armenia, including in Syunik, in the October 17 elections, the Pashinian party still lost in the southern provinces key towns of Goris and Meghri to candidates representing different opposition parties. Last month Civil Contract also failed to win in municipal elections in Gyumri (Shirak province) where it eventually formed a coalition with the winning pro-opposition alliance.

In contrast, in the November 15 elections, Civil Contracts candidates managed to win by a large margin in Stepanavan (Lori province) and Ijevan (Tavush province).

Observers did not report major violations during Armenias local elections on Sunday.

On his Facebook account, Daniel Ioannisian, programs coordinator at the Union of Informed Citizens who monitored the elections in Kapan, noted, however, a fairly high voter turnout in the town, over 63 percent, which is not typical for local elections in Armenia.

Kapan is one of Syuniks communities that became a border town as a result of Azerbaijans regaining several Armenian-controlled districts around Nagorno-Karabakh in last years war. Pro-opposition sentiments have been observed to run high in most such areas.
The presidential press office said today that based on the proposal of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Armenian President Armen Sarkisian signed a relevant decree relieving Karapetian, who had held the ministerial position since August, of his duties.

By another decree proposed by Pashinian the president appointed Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikian new defense minister. Papikian was relieved of his duties as deputy prime minister prior to that.

The changes come after two days of reported skirmishes between Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces along the border between the two countries as well as tensions within Nagorno-Karabakh where one ethnic Armenian civilian was killed and three others wounded and three Azerbaijani soldiers were wounded in separate reported incidents during last week.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian convened a Security Council meeting on Monday during which he discussed an Azeri incursion into Armenias territory at one of the sections of the eastern border. He also announced the replacement of the defense minister, stressing that the decision was made as a result of the analysis of the events unfolding since yesterday.

The escalation of tensions coincided with a two-day visit of Karapetian to Nagorno-Karabakh reported by Armenias Defense Ministry early last week.

Azerbaijan strongly condemned that visit by a senior Armenian official made around the first anniversary of a Russian-brokered ceasefire that stopped last years Armenian-Azerbaijani war. Authorities in Baku claimed that the trip was a violation of the terms of the ceasefire aimed at destabilizing the situation in the region.

Major-General Karapetians successor Papikian has served in top positions in the Pashinian government since the 2018 velvet revolution. The 35-year-old politician has no military background.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5)-- Monday marks one week since the United States border reopened for vaccinated travelers. The border was closed off for non-essential travel for nearly 20 months, impacting travelers from more than 30 countries.

The increase in tourists is noticeable in Arizona, and business is booming for some local shops.

+2 The US is reopening its borders to Europe The United States has reopened its borders to vaccinated international travelers, ending a 20-month travel ban at the same moment Europe is battling a surge of Covid-19 cases that has pushed the continent back into the epicenter of the pandemic.

We are seeing numbers pre-COVID and March is our busiest month, and we are seeing March numbers, the owner of Porters Wester Saloon Grey Halpin said. Weve seen a lot of people from Canada saying we are free; we can travel.

Halpin said his business lost 50 percent of its revenue last year due to the pandemic. We get a lot of Canadians, so it was really hard with the border closing, Halpin said.

It was a similar situation for the owner of JoyRidesAZ Scottsdale Tours. Last year, we were down about 85 percent, owner Kirk Nicodemus said.

But now, they said, they are seeing a much-needed uptick in business with the border reopening. I would say we are probably up a good 15 to 20 percent, Nicodemus said.

Streets are busier and a lot more spending, Halpin added.

Officials with the Arizona Department of Tourism said in 2019, people traveling from Mexico and Canada spent $2.3 billion and expect tourism numbers to resume by the end of 2022.

What to expect when the U.S. reopens for vaccinated international travelers on Monday The United States is flinging its doors wide open to vaccinated international travelers on Monday, welcoming many visitors who've been shut out of the country for 20 months.

All of the merchants that sell goods here in old town say their business is up as well, Nicodemus said.

Looking ahead, the owners believe next year could even exceed pre-pandemic levels. I truthfully believe 2022 the possibilities are endless, Nicodemus said.

The owners said their focus now is on recovering from last year. Its nice to see that influx of people coming in and trying to make up for some of the losses of last year, Nicodemus said. Most everybody is relieved with a smile on their face, and most everybody is flip-flops and tank tops even when its cold to us.
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
FILE - Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter tours the area scorched by the Caldor Fire in Eldorado National Forest, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. Porter, the chief of California's forestry and wildland firefighting agency, announced Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 that he will retire next month after shepherding the state through three historic wildfire seasons, the most recent of which saw two massive blazes span the Sierra Nevada for the first time in recorded history.
Contributing columnist Jose Gaspar is a news anchor/reporter for Telemundo Bakersfield and KGET. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. The views expressed here are his own.
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PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (AP)  Bob Bondurant, a former champion race car driver who opened a high-performance driving school in 1968 and taught numerous A-list actors for their movie roles, has died. He was 88.

According to his family and the Bondurant Racing School website, Bondurant died Friday in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley. No cause of death was released.

Bondurant taught stunt driving, competition driving, police pursuit driving, evasive driving for chauffeurs and bodyguards, plus other skills, according to the website. His school has had over 500,000 graduates, it said.

Among the celebrities Bondurant instructed in road course driving for their movie roles were Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, James Garner, Nicolas Cage, Robert Wagner, Tim Allen and Christian Bale, according to the website.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Bondurant and his family moved to California when he was 2.

He raced motorcycles on dirt tracks as a teenager before switching to cars in 1958 and racing for the Shelby American, Ferrari and Eagle teams.

Bondurant won 30 of 32 races in Corvettes from 1961-63, and he won the GT class at Le Mans in 1964, co-driving with fellow American Dan Gurney.

Badly injured in a 1967 crash at the racetrack in Watkins Glen, New York, Bondurant drafted an idea for a high-performance driving school while recuperating.

He opened the school in early 1968 at Californias Orange County International Raceway, then moved it to Ontario, California, and later Sonoma, north of San Francisco.

Bondurant relocated the driving school to Phoenix following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California.

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2003.

Bondurant is survived by his wife, Pat, who is president and CEO of the Bondurant Racing School. She vows to continue the legacy of the school.

Bob Bondurant has had a worldwide impact on the motorsports industry, and his legacy will live on eternally as the Bondurant Racing School moves forward into the future, Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese said in a statement.

Funeral plans were not immediately available Sunday.

___

This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Nicolas Cage's first name.
BAGHDAD (AP)  When Gaylan Delir Ismael heard that other Iraqis were making their way to Europe via an easily obtained tourist visa from the country of Belarus, the 25-year-old from the Kurdistan region jumped at the chance. He packed a bag last month in the hope of reaching Germany for a new life and treatment for his chronic illnesses.

He never made it.

Gaylan's body, in a black coffin wrapped in plastic, was returned to Irbil's airport in northern Iraq on Sunday after he died in a dark and soggy forest near the Belarus-Poland border.

He is one of at least 11 people known to have died in the border crisis that European Union officials blame on the authoritarian regime of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing him of using the migrants as pawns to retaliate for Western sanctions. Belarus denies this, blaming Europe for denying them safe passage.

Thousands of people, most of them from the Middle East, have attempted the journey since Lukashenko announced in May that he was loosening border controls against Western-bound migrants. That move followed EU sanctions for his harsh crackdown on internal dissent.

That has led in recent days to tense standoffs on the Poland-Belarus frontier. Polish police, troops and border guards are refusing entry to the migrants, leaving thousands of them huddling in forests on the Belarusian side amid freezing temperatures.

The circumstances of the confrontation at the border that led to Gaylan's death are unclear, but his father, Delir Ismael Mahmoud, blamed Poland, even though the large buildup of security forces there did not begin until days after his death.

Unfortunately, the Polish police  instead of helping them  they started to deport them and put them on the other side of Polands border, said Delir, a broken figure as he waited at the airport to pick up his sons body.

Women dressed in black, including Gaylans mother, wept and murmured God is great! as his coffin was carried away, along with that of another Iraqi on the same flight, Kurdo Khalid, whose family says died Oct. 31 of a brain hemorrhage at the border.

It is really a sad tragedy. I urge the youths here not to migrate from Kurdistan, said Bilal Khalid who received his brothers body at the airport.

Another victim was buried in Poland on Monday, with all costs paid by members of the Muslim community in Bohoniki, where ethnic Tatars have lived for centuries. The funeral of Ahmad al-Hasan, a 19-year-old Syrian who drowned in the Bug River separating Poland from Belarus on Oct. 19, was streamed on Facebook by a Syrian doctor so the young man's relatives in Germany and a refugee camp in Jordan could watch.

The deaths underscored the despair felt by many young people in Iraq and Syria  both conflict ridden countries plagued by corruption and mismanagement  and the immense risks they are willing to take to reach Western Europe. Many of them, like Gaylan, have been from northern Iraqs relatively stable, oil-rich Kurdish region, but where graft, unemployment and pessimism run high.

Uncertainty, bleak economic prospects and perpetual instability have led many to spend their entire savings on the journey to Europe, hoping for a better life there.

Gaylan had suffered health problems for most of his short life, diagnosed with diabetes at 9 and a meningococcal infection when he was 20. His father took him to Iran and Turkey for treatment, but his health did not improve. Gaylan was in his second year at university studying business management but had to quit due to illness.

The family applied for visas to Germany and Netherlands for medical treatment but were rejected. He desperately wanted to go to Germany to get treatment and continue his studies there.

When the Belarus option emerged, he began plotting with his siblings how they would do it. Their father, who works in real estate, covered the costs for all of them, amounting to $35,000.

Gaylan and two of his brothers along with his sister, her husband and their 5-year-old son boarded a flight from Irbil to Dubai on Oct. 14, arriving in the Belarusian capital of Minsk two days later. From there, they headed to the Polish border, where they got stuck, and Gaylan grew weaker from the exhaustion and the cold, his family said.

It's not clear what happened on the night of Oct. 28, amid a confrontation between Polish police and migrants trying to cross. Gaylans sister ended up in a Polish hospital after she broke her leg and reportedly lost consciousness, while Gaylan and his two brothers were deported to the Belarus side of the forest, despite his deteriorating condition.

Gaylan was separated from his nephew and brother-in-law, who was carrying his insulin in his backpack. He and his brothers spent another two days at the border, pleading repeatedly for help and for insulin injections, to no avail.

Gaylan died in the arms of his brother in the cold forest, while the other brother watched in shock.

The last time I talked to him was in the morning of the day he passed away. ... I asked him how he feels. He said, I am fine but a little bit tired." said Delir, who buried his son Monday in Irbil.

"I cant believe that, even if they were not humans, you would help them, he added, speaking of the Polish troops. Now, as Gaylans body is coming back, I want Poland, Germany, and international aid organizations to take care of the rest of the family and let them in.

Officials in Warsaw have voiced their own concern about the suffering at the border but insist that Poland is the target in a new form of hybrid war waged by Belarus and that they must seal their frontier. The authorities say that if they begin to let some through, it will make the situation worse by encouraging others.

Delir understands the despair that led to his son's death.

If you ask me as a father, I dont like or want my children to be outside, but the bad economic situation here, the lack of job opportunities and unemployment forces me to say yes for them to migrate, he added.

___

Karam reported from Beirut. Adam Pemble in Bohoniki, Poland, contributed.
PORT ARTHUR  The Port Arthur Public Health Department is getting a new home.

The building at 5860 Ninth St. used to be used by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, but they have since moved to a new facility on Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, according to Judith Smith, the director of the citys health department.

Related: Port Arthur prepares for Jimmy Johnson Boulevard extension

The new building, which is being completed in collaboration with Sigma Engineers Inc., of Beaumont, will have space for administrative offices, adult services, Nurse Family Partnership, primary health care, environmental health, public Health Preparedness, immunization, vital statistics and records, a women infant and children's division, an employee health clinic, an infectious disease clinic (currently fighting the COVID-19 pandemic) and a physical fitness facility.

Related: Area public health departments begin vaccines for kids 5 to 11

The new facility also will open the health department to treating more people. Right now, the department treats over 3,000 people per month, according to Smith. The people come from not only Port Arthur but also Nederland, Groves, Port Neches and other surrounding cities. She does not have an estimate for how many the new center will serve, but she is sure that the numbers will increase.

All of the divisions in the new health department will be larger than what we have now, she said. More people coming in more than likely will happen.

The current building, which was sold to Motiva, had a few leaks and issues with the air conditioning over the years, but no hurricane flooding. The new building, however, has seen considerable flooding after tropical storm Harvey, and rectifying that is one of the priorities for engineers, architects, and eventually construction workers.

The architects and engineers have been working to develop the architectural drawings and construction documents for the bidding, with the completion date of December 10 of 2021, said assistant city manager Pamela Langford. As of today, they are at approximately 65% completion.

Bidding is expected to occur in January 2022, with construction set to start the next month.

Because of the global rise in the cost of materials, attributed largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a chance that construction could be delayed. The project currently costs $4.5 million, but that figure could easily double or triple in such an unpredictable market.

Related: OPINION: Inflation, supply chain starting to annoy consumers

However, all things equal, the plan should move forward as originally conceived.

As of right now, we think we seem to be on schedule, Langford said. This would be a critical facility for the city of Port Arthur.

rachel.kersey@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/ontheREKord
PORT ARTHUR  Its hard to have a more humble beginning in life than to be born in a boxcar in San Antonio on St. Patricks Day in 1923 to a mother who did not speak English, or a bigger change than at 98 basking in the appreciation of his community and veterans, but that is Patrick S. Aguilars story so far.

In the hall at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Port Arthur, gathered with family, friends and educators who want to encourage other Mexican-American families to tell their stories, Aguilar gratefully accepted applause and thanks for his service in World War II and during the Korean conflict as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces and as a staff sergeant in the then-new United States Air Force.

Escorted by his family, including his 4-year-old great-grandson and namesake Patrick Legendre, Aguilar received a plaque commemorating his service and the announcement that Nov. 25 is designated as Patrick S. Aguilar Day in Port Arthur, approved by the Port Arthur City Council.

It was all part of a belated Veterans Day celebration sponsored by Lamar Universitys Department of History in the College of Arts and Sciences and Lamars Center for History & Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast.

Aguilars story links together the older generation to a new generation, said Rebecaa Boone, Lamars history department chair.

His story is one of sacrifice linking together cultures and the centuries gone by.

But its also a fulfillment of the promesa that Aguilars mother, Melquiadez, made to Our Lady of Guadalupe when she demonstrated her devotion by walking on her knees in prayer from her home to the old church on 15th Street to ask for the safe return of five of her sons from the world war.

Patrick Aguilar was one of six brothers and four sisters born to Melquiadez and Miguel Aguilar. Five of the brothers would serve in the U.S. Army in World War II, with Patrick the only one in the U.S Air Forces, serving in England and France. One brother, Santos, served in the U.S. Army and fought in New Guinea and in the Philippines.

He came home without a scratch, said Patrick, who is the only surviving son.

At the mention of the promesa his mother made, several heads in the audience nodded and Bishop Emeritus Curtis Guillory, of the Diocese of Beaumont, cited that act of devotion as Gods power to deliver the Aguilar brothers safely home.

The sacrifices they made, and the sacrifices made back home  that had to be the prayers of his mother, Guillory said.

History is so important to the Hispanic community and to all minority communities. It is not taught. This is living history.

We are blessed today because they fought for freedom and justice.

Joseph Akers, a U.S. history teacher at Beaumont United High School, is part of the graduate student team at Lamar working to save living history from oblivion.

He and Tishia Hubert, aided by translator Cesar Delgado, are working to preserve the Mexican-American experience of Southeast Texas and are focusing on Aguilars story as a starting point.

Textbooks are written with a broad hand, Akers said. Lets teach our local history to our local students.

He also is helping to develop high school curriculum for that purpose, he said.

Names, places and dates are important, but to know these local stories help us to know about ourselves these  stories interlock, intermingle, like meshed fingers. We have a rich history, and my small part of it is to teach it to future generations.

Hubert is writing her masters thesis at Lamar based on the Aguilar family experience and on Patrick Aguilars service in World War II. She spent the past year in her research and has produced a draft that will become her thesis for her masters degree.

As Hubert presented a plaque to Aguilar, his son Glenn stood by him as emotion welled up in his dad. His great-grandson hugged him.

Aguilars granddaughter, Tina Munoz Legendre, said her little boy now helps his great-grandfather place U.S. flags at veterans gravesites, including those of his brothers.

Members of the Pipkin Park color guard and VFW Post No. 5621 of Liberty saluted Aguilar, telling him, Thank you for your service, Sgt. Aguilar, and God bless you, sir.

Dan Wallach is a

freelance writer.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP)  A Russian weapons test created more than 1,500 pieces of space junk now threatening the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station, according to U.S. officials who called the strike reckless and irresponsible.

The State Department confirmed Monday that the debris was from an old Russian satellite destroyed by the missile.

Needless to say, Im outraged. This is unconscionable, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told The Associated Press. Its unbelievable that the Russian government would do this test and threaten not only international astronauts, but their own cosmonauts that are on board the station" as well as the three people on China's space station.

Nelson said the astronauts now face four times greater risk than normal. And that's based on debris big enough to track, with hundreds of thousands of smaller pieces going undetected  any one of which can do enormous damage if it hits in the right place.

In condemning Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said satellites were also now in jeopardy.

The test clearly demonstrates that Russia "despite its claims of opposing the weaponization of outer space, is willing to ... imperil the exploration and use of outer space by all nations through its reckless and irresponsible behavior, Blinken said in a statement.

There was no immediate comment late Monday from Russia about the missile strike.

Once the threat became clear early Monday morning, the four Americans, one German and two Russians on board were ordered to immediately seek shelter in their docked capsules. They spent two hours in the two capsules, finally emerging only to have to close and reopen hatches to the station's individuals labs on every orbit, or 1 1/2 hours, as they passed near or through the debris.

By the end of the day, only the hatches to the central core of the station remained open, as the crew slept, according to Nelson.

Even a fleck of paint can do major damage when orbiting at 17,500 mph (28,000 kph). Something big, upon impact, could be catastrophic.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the U.S. has repeatedly raised concerns with Russia about doing a satellite test.

We are going to continue to make very clear that we wont tolerate this kind of activity, he told reporters.

NASA Mission Control said the heightened threat could continue to interrupt the astronauts' science research and other work. Four of the seven crew members arrived at the orbiting outpost Thursday night.

NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, who's midway through a yearlong mission, called it a crazy but well-coordinated day" as he bid Mission Control good night.

It was certainly a great way to bond as a crew, starting off with our very first work day in space," he said.

A similar weapons test by China in 2007 also resulted in countless debris. One of those pieces threatened to come dangerously close to the space station last week. While it later was dismissed as a risk, NASA had the station move anyway.

Anti-satellite missile tests by the U.S. in 2008 and India in 2019 were conducted at much lower altitudes, well below the space station at about 260 miles (420 kilometers.)

The defunct Russian satellite Cosmos 1408 was orbiting about 40 miles (65 kilometers) higher.

Until Monday, the U.S. Space Command already was tracking some 20,000 pieces of space junk, including old and broken satellites from around the world.

Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said it will take days if not weeks and months to catalogue the latest wreckage and confirm their orbits. The fragments will begin to spread out over time, due to atmospheric drag and other forces, he said in an email.

The space station is at especially high risk because the test occurred near its orbit, McDowell said. But all objects in low-Earth orbit  including Chinas space station and even the Hubble Space Telescope  will be at somewhat enhanced risk over the next few years, he noted.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Space Agency said via Twitter that the astronauts were ordered into their docked capsules, in case they had to make a quick getaway. The agency said the crew was back doing routine operations, and the space stations commander, Russian Anton Shkaplerov, tweeted: Friends, everything is regular with us!

But the cloud of debris posed a threat on each passing orbit  or every 1 1/2 hours  and all robotic activity on the U.S. side was put on hold. German astronaut Matthias Maurer also had to find a safer place to sleep than the European lab.

NASA's Nelson noted that the Russians and Americans have had a space partnership for a half-century  going back to the joint Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975.

I don't want it to be threatened, he told the AP, noting both countries are needed for the space station. You've got to operate it together.

__

AP reporters Matthew Lee and Robert Burns in Washington contributed.

___

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.
BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP)  Staff Sgt. John Bentley and Pfc. Esteban Villa stepped toward each other as the U.S. flag they folded grew smaller. Wearing white gloves, they tucked and patted it, just so, and communicated in whispers  Ready, fold. Ready, turn.

Then, the young soldiers from Fort Stewart turned crisply toward a couple in their 70s, Charlie Read Jr. and his wife, Alice, seated in the front row. On behalf of a grateful nation, a triangle-shaped flag as tight as a button was presented for the World War II service of Charles Read Sr. and Valerie Leyrer Read, veterans who were Reads parents. Charlie wiped away tears but described the service afterward as a happy event.

They were inseparable in life, Read, of Sun City, said of his parents. And here they will be together for eternity.

Life goes on in 2021 at the Beaufort landmark, 158 years after President Abraham Lincoln created it. Here you can find 9,000 Civil war veterans, including Black troops and Confederates  who sometimes lie side by side  along with men and women from all wars. Soldiers, sailors and airmen continue to be buried here today, just as they did during the Civil War.

Like the Reads, all veterans get ceremonies with military honors and secure final resting places underneath towering live oaks and palmetto trees. There is no cost.

But time is catching up with the old graveyard where more than 30 U.S. flags lined Palmetto Drive for Veterans Day.

More than 17,000 headstones have begun to lean or sag, or both, due to the shifting ground. Those headstones are now being fixed as part of a $3.1 million overhaul. A longer-term, age-related issue cant be resolved as easily: Beaufort National Cemetery, spread across three city blocks and 44 acres, could be out of room in 15 to 20 years, marking its end as an active cemetery.

Theres really no area to further expand, says Jeff Applegate of the National Cemetery Administration, the assistant director of the cemetery.

MEMORIAL SERVICES RETURN

The cemetery, one of the oldest final resting places for veterans in the nation, features 26,959 headstones honoring veterans from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan. Its located off one of Beauforts busiest streets, behind a brick wall.

An estimated 2,500 people visit the eternal oasis each month, making it one of the citys biggest attractions, drawing not only families with loved ones but also historians and returning Marines who trained at nearby Marine Corps Recruit Depot-Parris Island or Marine Corps Air Station-Beaufort, Applegate says.

The cemeterys deep connection to the nations Civil War history, age, idyllic setting and the unusual way in which it was designed, make it a serene fixture in changing times.

Its changed in small increments, Applegate says, but it really hasnt changed since they first designed it.

Laid out in the shape of a half-wheel, its oyster shell roads, originating at the hub, form the spokes, and live oaks, magnolias and palmetto trees tower over it.

Then came COVID-19 in early 2020. The pandemic initially ended the memorial services, with only direct burials allowed for several months to avoid the spread of the virus. Services eventually returned, but with restrictions on crowd size. Many people postponed interments or memorial services until the ceremonies were allowed again in late 2020.

Now services are back to normal. In fiscal year 2021, which ended Sept. 30, interments jumped to a near-record 729, a 28% increase, after slipping to 567 in 2020.

A TOUGH GIG

Look at it, Read said, standing in the shade of live oak trees and gesturing to the sea of tombstones, moments before his parents ceremony. Its beautiful. It doesnt get any nicer than this.

Charlie Reads parents, Suffolk County, New York natives, died just four months apart in 2001 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His mother was the first woman in the United States to become a county commander within American Legion, Read said. His father was elected commander a few years later. She was a homemaker. He was a locomotive engineer. At the end of WWII, both served in the U.S. Army stateside, he as a heavy machine gunner in the infantry, she as an x-ray technician in Army Medical Corps.

A retired U.S. Air Force major, former trooper with the New York State Police and former special agent with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, Read knew almost immediately that Beaufort National Cemetery was the right place for his parents after visiting on Memorial Day. To be sure, the history and beauty stood out. But Read also noticed that husbands and wives were co-interred, with their information on each side of the headstone, which made an impression.

He was so moved by the Nov. 9 ceremony for his parents that he caught up with the military honor guard members afterward to offer his hand and thanks. I know its a tough gig, he told them, still teary-eyed.

Beaufort National Cemetery has been around since Feb. 10, 1863, two years before the end of the Civil War, when Lincoln created 13 national cemeteries needed for the growing numbers of war dead. Initially, interments came from Civil War soldiers who had died at hospitals or battlefields. Over time, veterans from nine additional wars, in addition to peacetime veterans and, in some cases, spouses, young children or adults who are fully dependent, joined them.

Today, it is one of 155 national veterans cemeteries. Of those, 75 remain active. Eventually, Applegate says, cemeteries run out of room and stop allowing new burials. That process has happened more quickly at cemeteries in the East compared to larger cemeteries in the West, Applegate says.

HEMMED IN BY HOUSES

In 2009, the 30-acre historic part of Beaufort National Cemetery, the part surrounded by the brick wall, was expanded by 10 to 15 acres in the back, outside the wall. Today, most burials are conducted there.

But, hemmed in by houses, Beaufort National is projected to reach capacity in 2035 or 2040, the Cemetery Administration, which is part of the Veterans Administration, Applegate said. If it closes to new interments, the cemetery would still remain open to the public, but a search would likely begin for 200 to 300 acres in the region for a new cemetery to be developed, he said.

But not one of those decisions has been made yet, Applegate said.

For the immediate future, A $3.1 million project is underway to raise and realign an estimated 17,445 markers that have settled and moved over time in the 30-acre historic section. It requires a full-time crew painstakingly removing each marker, putting aggregate below to stabilize it, then reinstalling it and making sure the alignment and height are correct.

A new irrigation system also will be installed at the same time. A grass that survives better underneath the big trees also will be planted. The entire project is expected to be done by May 2022.

A BLANK CHECK

Cemetery representative Louis Brown II greeted the Reads when they arrived for the ceremony. Lights flashing on his vehicle, Brown led the two-vehicle procession to a small shelter, where the flag ceremony and the playing of Taps by Pfc. Oscar Cardona was complete in 10 minutes.

Then cemetery caretaker Alex Garcia placed the small urns in the ground. Markers have been ordered that will say, I ran out of steam, for Charles Read Sr., who worked for the Long Island Railroad, and Ill make reservations, for Valerie Read, who loved going out for a ride and dinner.

Charlie Read pointed down the line of gravestones. His parents, he said, will be joining their brothers and sisters. They all wrote the blank check, Read said. They put it all on the line.

Read and his wife have decided that they, too, will be buried at Beaufort National Cemetery.
Ironically, the day after the Catholic diocese of Beaumont ended its mask mandate for all five of its schools, a federal judge ruled that Gov. Greg Abbott could not ban those mandates in public schools. The case could see further court appeals, but for now it appears that the many public school districts which ignored Abbotts order could continue their mask mandates  if they want to.

As the pandemic begins to wind down, its clear that mask mandates and mask-wearing are not as common as they once were. But its important to remember that when these public and private schools issued mask mandates in August, the pandemic was not declining. Southeast Texas and many other regions were experiencing a spike in cases, with local ICUs rapidly filling up with Covid patients.

At that time, many school superintendents correctly realized that a mask mandate for students and teachers was the right thing to do. In case it needs to be said, face masks have been proven to reduce transmission of a virus spread by the exhaled breath of infected people.

More than a hundred public school districts defied Abbotts order and issued mask mandates anyway, including the Beaumont, Port Arthur and West Orange-Stark districts. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits against some of them and sent letters to others threatening legal action, but no district reversed its mask mandate because of anything Abbott or Paxton said.

And neither one of those officials pursued the matter very enthusiastically. It was not hard to suspect that Abbott and Paxton simply wanted to show hardline voters that they opposed mask mandates.

During his third special legislative session this year, Abbott also asked the House and Senate to formally support his ban on mask mandates. Both chambers declined, even though both are dominated by Republican members. Fortunately, enough of them realize that a disease which has killed almost 71,000 Texans is a threat that must be taken seriously.

The larger problem with Abbotts ban on mask mandates was that it fueled the anti-science skeptics who are making it hard to finish off this pandemic. These individuals are less likely to get vaccinated, or get booster shots now, and less likely to get their children age 5-11 vaccinated now that they are eligible for this life-saving protection.

Its also worth noting that the federal judge who reversed Abbotts ban on mask mandates specifically mentioned its adverse effect on medically vulnerable students such as those with conditions including Down syndrome, organ transplants, lung conditions, heart conditions, and weakened immune systems.

Going forward, even though mask-wearing is not as common as it once was, no one should be discouraged from taking this step if they want to  or need to. Masks still help protect people from the coronavirus, which can still infect vaccinated people even though they are far less likely to get sick or die from it. And with cold weather approaching, people will gather inside more and possibly spread the virus more.

We all look forward to the day when face masks are no longer needed. The fastest way to reach that goal is by listening to our doctors and doing everything we can to minimize the spread of this deadly disease.
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Township PD chief retiring after nearly four decades serving Beloit community

Ron Northrop

TOWN OF BELOITTown of Beloit Police Chief Ron Northrop is set to retire at the end of the year after spending nearly four decades protecting the Beloit area community.

The Town of Beloit Board of Supervisors will review and take possible action on accepting the resignation letter from Northrop at its meeting on Monday.

Board Chairperson Diane Greenlee confirmed that Northrops resignation comes as part of a five-year plan that the chief had originally agreed to as part of his hiring in 2016.

When he was hired, he promised us five years and he accomplished the goals to move the department forward in that time, Greenlee told the Beloit Daily News. Hes been an excellent leader and a really dynamic chief. We are sorry to see him go. His leadership will be missed.

Northrops resignation would come at the end of the year, with the board to appoint an interim police chief in January ahead of a final candidate selection process.

Northrop was named chief of the department in November of 2016 after former Chief Steve Kopp retired. He previously worked as a sergeant in the Town of Beloit Police Department and has over three decades of experience in law enforcement also having previously worked at the City of Beloit Police Department.

At the age of 61, Northrop said knew it was the right time to step away from the department.

The past two years were challenging with COVID, but we continued to follow our mission and strived to provide the services to our citizens, Northrop said. I am confident in my command staff to continue the high level of professionalism and know my successor will provide the continued leadership in taking over a highly-effective police agency.

In the five years he served as chief, Northrop was able to restructure the departments chain of command and incorporated specialized training, equipment upgrades and building community relationships. But Northrop said he couldnt have done all of that alone.

My success is credited to my staff, Northrop said. The men and women who serve this community understand the commitment to provide the highest standard of community services and work with our citizens in conjunction to accomplish common goals. I would like to thank former and current members of the Town Board of Supervisors for their on-going support of the police department. Many of our accomplishments would not have been achieved without the funding and support of the board.

The board will meet at 6 p.m. at Town of Beloit Fire Station 1, 2445 S. Afton Road.
Indonesian Navy leaders on Monday defended the military branch against allegations in a news report that officers took payoffs to release foreign ships, which were detained for docking without permission in the nations territorial waters near Singapore.

Citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported on Sunday that more than a dozen owners had made payments of about U.S. $300,000 (4.2 billion rupiah) each to release ships held by the Indonesian Navy in waters near Singapore. The newswire service said it could not independently confirm that payments were made to naval officers or establish who had received the money.

Rear Adm. Arsyad Abdullah, commander of Naval Fleet 1, called the allegation serious and said it could tarnish the reputation of the navy in Southeast Asias largest country.

Its not true that the Indonesian Navy received or requested payments to release the ships, Abdullah said in a statement. As for the ship owner who paid between $250,000 and $300,000 as reported, the Navy never received such money.

About 30 ships, including tankers and cargo, have been detained by the Indonesian Navy in the past three months  most have been released after making the payments, according to two ship owners and two maritime security sources interviewed by Reuters.

It said it interviewed dozens of people including ship owners, crew and marine security sources, who said payments were made directly to Navy officers or by bank transfer to intermediaries representing the Navy. Reuters also alleged that ship captains and crews were held in cramped spaces for weeks until owners made payments.

Adm. Yudo Margono, the Navys chief of staff, said military personnel drove out or arrested foreign ships that deliberately dropped anchors in Indonesian waters without permission when they were lining up to enter the Singapore port.

Weve chased away many of them. Those that carried out illegal activities must be processed according to the law, Yudo told reporters on Monday.

Nevertheless, Yudo said, the Navy would look into the allegations of illegal payments.

If there are rumors like that, please provide evidence. Who are the recipients? Dont just spread unconfirmed rumors, Yudo said. If they are Navy officers, their ranks, names and where they work should be made clear.

Unclear boundaries

In 2014, Indonesia and Singapore reached an agreement on maritime boundaries on the eastern side of the Strait of Singapore, one of the busiest waterways in Asia.

Despite the agreement, Siswanto Rusdi, a researcher at the National Maritime Institute (Namarin), an independent think-tank, said violations committed by foreign ships in Indonesian waters were often unintended because of unclear boundaries.

Where to drop anchors is unclear and our electronic navigational chart technology has never been updated, Siswanto told BenarNews.

Sea boundaries are imaginary, unlike those on land. Foreign ships of course need clear guidance. It could be the case that a ship dropped its anchor in Singapore waters, but its tail was in Indonesian waters, Siswanto said.

In September, an Indonesian court sentenced the captain of the Bahamas-flagged M.T. Strovolos oil tanker to 15 days in jail for anchoring his ship in local waters without permission. The ship was carrying nearly 300,000 barrels of crude oil which, Cambodia alleged, was stolen by its crew.

The Indonesian Navy said the 600-foot Strovolos was illegally anchored off Sumatra Island, with its identification system turned off, when authorities seized it on July 27, three days after Phnom Penh issued an Interpol red notice about the ship.

Rear Adm. Abdullah said the Navy had arrested crews suspected of anchoring their ships illegally in Indonesian waters around the Riau Islands province near Singapore in line with the Transportation Ministry regulation.
An upcoming state poll in Melaka may point to how Malaysians will vote in the next general election as well as signal the future shape of political alliances at the national level, analysts said.

The all-important Malay vote will be split in Melaka because at least three national-level parties, which court support from among Malaysias ethnic majority, are vying for control of the state legislature in the election scheduled for Nov. 20.

All the major Malay parties are using this election as a proxy to see which way the wind will blow in the next general election, James Chin, a political analyst from the University of Tasmania, told BenarNews.

The state election will be the multi-ethnic countrys first poll since the government of Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his United National Malays Party (UMNO) came to power in August  the second unelected administration to take office since March 2020.

The next national election is scheduled to be held in 2023, but it could be moved up, based on the outcome of the Melaka poll, unnamed observers have told some local media outlets.

The outcome of the vote is an issue that confounds political pundits, in that the Melaka contest will see the Malay-based UMNO go head-to head with its own allies in the federal government, namely Bersatu and the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), in addition to the opposition Pakatan Harapan coalition.

The conservative PAS decided to ally with Bersatu instead of UMNO for the state poll, because the Islamic party is trying to figure out who it will align with for the national election. Bersatu was formed in 2016 by a group that split from UMNO, members of which were implicated in the 1MDB financial scandal.

So, this is a strange election which makes it difficult to gauge the mood of the electorate, said Chin, the analyst.

Party flags of the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (in red) and the Barisan Nasional alliance are seen at Jonker Walk, a popular tourist spot in Melaka, Malaysia, Nov.13, 2021. [Hadi Azmi/BenarNews]

UMNO goes solo

Melaka has historically been an UMNO stronghold, although the party lost to the opposition Pakatan Harapan alliance in the last state election in 2018, because the 1MDB state fund scandal disappointed its supporters.

That Pakatan government was short-lived, though, after defections caused its downfall in March 2020. The unelected UMNO then formed the state government, which in turn fell on Oct. 4 after four of the partys lawmakers pulled their support for it.

Instead of cobbling together another coalition government, Melakas governor decided it was time to call for elections, although some alleged that UMNO had urged him to dissolve the state assembly.

The Melaka poll results, therefore, will be crucial for UMNO, according to political expert Wong Chin Huat.

UMNO, earlier this year, decided that it would not be contesting national elections in alliance with Bersatu. Although Bersatu supports UMNO in the federal government, they are fiercely opposed to each other in Melaka.

[I]t will bring confidence and legitimacy for UMNO to go solo in the 15th general elections if it wins, Wong wrote in an article for local daily Sinar Harian.

The Melaka election may be even more crucial for Bersatu, which is helmed by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Wong said. If the party doesnt win decisively, it may fade away like other UMNO splinter parties of the past, he said.

And if UMNO gets the most number of seats but not enough to form a simple majority in the 28-seat assembly, it is willing to discuss with any sides to share power, Wong wrote.

Bersatu will probably not be one of those sides, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the UMNO party president, has said several times.

Idiots with no brains

These political shenanigans have disgusted some voters in Melaka, a state whose residents are known for their outspokenness.

One resident, 69-year-old rickshaw puller Atan Hamzah, questioned the wisdom of holding elections at a time when the country is crawling its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a robust program that has inoculated 95 percent of the countrys adults.

This is what happen when you have idiots with no brains  no dignity, Atan told BenarNews on Sunday.

Society is just reopening after the lockdown, and now suddenly you caused an election.

Another state poll held during the pandemic, in September 2020 in Sabah, led to a massive rise in infections, which spread nationwide and took months to control.

This time around, the Malaysian Health Ministry prohibited political parties from campaigning in person. Despite that, almost all political parties members have been seen flouting the order, local news outlets have reported.

Such flagrant violations, on top of politicians unabashedly switching parties for personal gain, have put voters off. For instance, two of the four the lawmakers who caused the fall of Melakas UMNO government are now contesting with the opposition Pakatan alliance.

My friends and I dont plan to go [vote], 70-year-old voter Ragu Suppiah told BenarNews.

COVID is one thing, but also, what is the point of voting if they are just going to jump around again once they get elected?
A vehicle bearing photos of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (right) and his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, passes by outside the Commission on Elections in Manila, Nov. 15, 2021.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte filed last-minute papers as a senatorial candidate in the 2022 general election Monday, reversing course on his planned retirement from politics amid an international courts investigation into his administrations bloody war on drugs.

To the surprise of the Filipino public and political observers, the 76-year-old Duterte handed in his paperwork for the Senate election just before the filing deadline expired at 5 p.m. Adding to the confusion was Dutertes decision to run under the banner of a different political party and not as a candidate from his own party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban.

The alliance between the two parties is further strengthened by President Dutertes decision to file for Senate, said Melvin Matibag, secretary-general of the ruling party. PDP-Laban fully supports President Duterte. Him using the PDDS [to file his candidacy for the Senate] is a strategic decision.

PDDS (Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan) is a little-known national party accredited by the election commission only in 2018. It advocates for federalism, which Duterte also supports.

Duterte, who is constitutionally limited to a single six-year term as president, now joins dozens of hopefuls vying for 12 senate seats that are up for election in the May 2022 nationwide polls.

His filing marked a complete turnaround from when he announced in October that he would retire from politics after his term ended next year. His decision to run for the Senate also ended speculation in recent days that he might run against his own daughter in the vice-presidential polls.

Over the weekend, the presidents representatives had said that he was set to vie with Sara Duterte-Carpio, a popular mayor, in the race for VP. On Saturday, she filed her papers for the vice presidential election after withdrawing her candidacy for reelection as mayor of Davao City, a southern town where her father had also served as mayor.

On Monday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque denied that there was a rift between the president and his daughter.

The father and daughter have no problems with their relationship. All President Duterte said was Mayor Sara did not consult him about her political plans, he said during a media briefing.

I assure you, Mayor Sara is still the apple of President Dutertes eye, said Roque, who also filed his own papers for senator.

Blood is thicker than water

Duterte is facing at least two cases brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague by relatives of those who died in his drugs war. In September, the ICC approved an investigation into thousands of extrajudicial killings in the five-year-old Philippine crackdown on illegal narcotics.

Under the Duterte administration, police have killed about 8,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers whose markets are primarily located in the sprawling slums of Manila. The number could be as high as 30,000, according to human rights advocates and drug-war survivors.

Duterte will lose his presidential immunity when he steps down next year.

According to Aries Arugay, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, while it appears that tension exists on the surface between father and daughter, the latter wont allow anything to happen to the former.

Blood is thicker than water, and despite the tension between her and President Duterte, she will definitely protect the outgoing president from ICC prosecution, Arugay told BenarNews.

Arugay, however, noted that her daughters likely alliance with the son and namesake of the former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is the strongest tandem to date.

Duterte-Carpio so far has remained mum on her preference for a presidential candidate, although Marcos Jr.s party has already said it would adopt her as its vice-presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, President Duterte is supporting another presidential candidate, Christopher Bong Go, his loyal aide and a senator, who had initially filed papers for the vice presidency but changed it for president at the weekend.

In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.

Apart from the president, vice president, and senators, the country of 110 million will also choose to fill all 316 House seats and about 18,000 official positions ranging from governors to mayors and town councilors.

Duterte-Carpio, 43, leads in early presidential preference surveys, although she has now opted to run for the second highest post in the land.

Its a path that would allow me to heed your call to serve our country and would make me a stronger person and public servant in the years that lie ahead, Duterte-Carpio said in a statement on Sunday.

Jeoffrey Maitem and Froilan Gallardo contributed to this report from Cotabato City and Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
Students place hands on hearts as they sing the national anthem at the Longos Elementary School in Alaminos City, northern Philippines, on the first day of face-to-face learning in 20 months, Nov. 15, 2021.

Updated at 7:26 p.m. ET on 2021-11-15

Boys and girls at the Longos Elementary School wore masks and sat at glassed-in desks Monday as they attended their first in-person classes in 20 months.

Their campus in Alaminos City, northern Philippines, is among 100 public schools participating in the central governments pilot program to resume face-to-face classroom instruction. The Philippines is among the last countries in the world to lift restrictions on their education systems since the COVID-19 outbreak began here in early 2020.

The Department of Education selected public schools in areas where there is a low risk of contracting the virus to allow students to return. More than a dozen private schools were selected as well and are expected to reopen by the end of the month.

A kindergarten student waits for the start of the flag raising ceremony at the Longos Elementary School, Nov. 15, 2021. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

We are very happy we were chosen within the city as one of the [sites for] pilot implementations of face-to-face classes, Fermilyn Rabago, the principal at Longos Elementary School, told BenarNews.

We know this will be a hard task, but Im confident of my teachers dedication and skills, she said.

Implementing health protocols such as social distancing would be the main challenge, especially inside classrooms, the principal said.

We installed plastic barriers per student, but making them sit will be a problem because young kids get bored easily, Rabago said.

A boy shows his ID card as he passes through a triage unit before going inside the Longos Elementary School, Nov. 15, 2021. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

Lorna Bugayong, the divisional superintendent for schools, said educators had planned to jump-start academics, but it soon became apparent that student-teacher relationships would need to be repaired, too.

On Monday, first-time students at Longos Elementary appeared anxious and perplexed by the many health protocols. Adding to their anxiousness was the presence of armed police in camouflaged uniforms who visited some schools in the pilot program.

BenarNews was allowed to photograph but not interview children at the campus.

A police officer stands guard at a classroom door as face-to-face lessons begin in Alaminos City, Nov. 15, 2021. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

In Manila, the Department of Education said it had received reports regarding the presence of uniformed personnel equipped with their issued firearm inside one of the pilot schools. But it said it appeared the police were part of a security detail of an unnamed politician.

The policy clearly states that schools, as a general rule, should be free from the presence of armed combatants, whether they are from the government forces or armed groups, the department said in a statement.

For almost two years, the education department has depended mostly on modular distance learning, but internet access proved to be spotty in many areas away from the capital Manila.

Settling into his desk, a boy uses hand sanitizer at the start of face-to-face classes at the Longos Elementary School in Alaminos City, northern Philippines, Nov. 15, 2021. [Jojo Rinoza/BenarNews]

Implementation of health protocols are our challenge, that is why we made sure  that our teachers and parents are fully vaccinated, Bugayong said. We also installed the plastic barriers at the classroom and the triage to always check on the vitals of pupils and school personnel.

Meanwhile, Jelou Credo, a Grade 12 student in Lanao del Norte province, told the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) that she had not worn her school uniform in a year.

I am happy that I can see my classmates again. At the same time, I have worries that I might bring the virus home. I just prayed before I left home, said Credo, who arrived an hour before school started, according to PNA.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), an alliance of campus newspapers, welcomed the tentative reopening of classes, but said that the government must ensure antigen testing, vaccination programs and retrofitting classrooms to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Weekly COVID-19 antigen testing must be available for everyone during this testing. At the same time, special vaccinations should coincide within these areas, Regina Tolentino, CEGPs deputy secretary-general, told BenarNews.



It is also important to have a proper ventilation inside with two functional fans and a filter for air-conditioned ones, and the presence of school nurses in case anything happens, Tolentino said.
A satellite image from Nov. 14 shows construction of a marina or harbor on the left side of Pearson Reef, the latest indication of building at the Vietnamese-held feature, also pictured on Nov. 1.

Vietnam is carrying out construction on three islands in the South China Sea at the same time, satellite images show.

Images from Planet Labs analyzed by Radio Free Asia, a sister entity of BenarNews, show works are being conducted on Pearson Reef, Namyit Island and Sand Cay, all in the disputed Spratly Islands.

RFA was the first media outlet to report the new development on Pearson Reef on Oct. 20. Since then, more works have been carried out there to build what appears to be a large two-section marina or harbor.

Pearson has been expanded by about six acres but all of that previous landfill was done prior to 2014, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).

Similarly, on Namyit and Sand Cay  other features under Vietnams control  authorities seem to be building ship docks to improve access and provide shelter to boats.

Vietnamese analysts said their country carries out work to prevent erosion and landslides to protect but not to expand or change the island features under its control.

Under a new government strategy, Vietnam is seeking to civilianize islands in the South China Sea to promote economic development and to better protect the countrys sovereignty, Lt. Col. Luu Van Nhiem, a senior official at the Naval squadron 11, First Regional Coast Guard, recently told domestic media.

Vietnam has 49 or 51 outposts in the South China Sea spread across 27 features including 10 islets, according to AMTI. Since 2014 Vietnam has modestly expanded many of the features it occupies in the South China Sea, it said. At least four of the features have harbor facilities for civilian boats to access for resupply or shelter from bad weather.

China, which claims most of the South China Sea for itself, has been criticizing other countries, especially Vietnam, for construction efforts on islands in the region.

A satellite image on Nov. 2 of Sand Cay, a Vietnamese-held feature in the Spratly islands, shows construction which was not in an Oct. 19 image. [Image: Planet Labs Inc. Analysis: RFA]

Satellite images of Namyit Island, a Vietnamese-held feature in the Spratly islands, taken on Nov. 15 and Oct. 30, show construction at its western tip and north side. [Image: Planet Labs Inc. Analysis: RFA]

The South China Sea Probing Initiative, a Beijing-based think tank, alleged that an area of more than 17,000 square meters (4.2 acres) has been reclaimed on the western tip of the Namyit Island which had not seen discernible reclamation work up to now.

According to AMTI, by 2016, Vietnam had created just over 120 acres of land in the South China Sea compared to 3,200 acres created by China.

Yet while the scale is different the principles of Vietnams and Chinas as well as the Philippines reclamation works on their islands are the same, said Mark Valencia, a scholar at the Chinese National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

In his opinion, China and all the other claimants are undertaking actions that increase tension.

There are no angels in the South China Sea, Valencia said.

Since 2014, China has also installed military infrastructure in the Spratly and Paracel islands, including radar facilities, airstrips and surface-to-air and anti-ship cruise missile systems, AMTI reported.

Vietnam has only one air strip on the Spratly islands that it has occupied since the beginning of the 20th century.
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Leonard Forte, 80, of Florida, who has been fighting extradition to Vermont on decades-old felony charges in the alleged sexual assault of a minor in his Landgrove vacation home in 1987, has been declared mentally competent to stand trial in Bennington after two court-ordered evaluations.
Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
Local health boards in Berkshire County and statewide, on the front lines during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, might be in line for an infusion of state money. That is, if Statehouse lawmakers on Beacon Hill agree on a final version of the measure, as part of the $3.82 billion spending package passed last week by the state Senate.


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What Is a Leviathan Spirit in the Bible?

The references in the Bible to Leviathan have to do with a description of an animal similar to a crocodile. Job 41 dedicates a whole chapter to reference of the leviathan. More than likely, it was a powerful and untamable sea creature with scary teeth (The KJV Study Bible, Barbour Publishing, 2011).

From the beginning of time, serpents have been representative of evil spirits. The devil or Satan is often referred to as the great dragon. Isaiah 27 verse one states, In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. This verse also references the enemies of Israel and how they will be slain.

The leviathan represents the forces of chaos. Of course, this is still no match for the power of God. See Psalms 74. Here God kills the leviathan and gives him as meat to the people in the wilderness. Also, read Psalms 104:25-26. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

What Are the Characteristics of a Leviathan Spirit?

Much of what we know about the characteristics of a leviathan spirit come from theologians and biblical scholars. More than likely this type of spirit is linked to a principality. Principalities are a higher rank of demonic power. Of course, no power is greater than Gods power, but the enemy is working overtime to hinder the saints. Ephesians 6 encourages us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can fight the whiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).

If you have ever been around someone that keeps confusion going all the time, that is a leviathan spirit. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. That individual cannot stand for there to be peace. That is very troubling. The Bible says that God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33). Some may think that causing confusion is a game. The end result can be deadly. Homes have been broken up over the spirit of confusion. Churches have split. Wars have been started.

James 3:16 (emphasis mine) declares For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Confusion causes unrest. Even people who believe in Jesus can still be possessed by spirits. They have to take it a step further and get the Holy Spirit. The spirit that is in them needs to be replaced with the spirit of truth. Being saved is a work in progress. We have to read the word, pray, and ask God for His spirit.

Why Are There Different Types of Evil Spirits?

We know that many distinct types of evil spirits exist. We have to avoid things that open up the gateway to evil spirits. Do not play around with tarot cards, witchcraft, or Ouija boards. Do not worship idol gods. If you are a Christian, stay one. People who have a murderous spirit and shed innocent blood open themselves up to demonic spirits or may already be possessed by one. Drug use can put people in harms way and open up the gateway to a demonic spirit. Some of these drugs cause hallucinations.

Do not let people send you out by having you sample their god unless it is Jesus or God Almighty Himself. Do not let them introduce you to drugs and lifestyles with sexual perversion. Sometimes, you do not know what people are dabbling in. It is important to get young people really saved before leaving your household. When temptations come, they know how to go to Jesus for themselves.

Another is the spirit of divination listed in Acts 16:16. The young lady could foretell the future. We also know that God will send an evil spirit. I Samuel 16:14 shows that Saul was troubled by an evil spirit from the Lord.

We also know of Jezebel in the Bible. She represents evil. Jezebel was so evil that she had the prophets of God hiding. She was married to King Ahab of Israel. See I Kings 16:29-33. She worshipped the idol god Baal and Ahab began too as well.

1 Kings 19:1-3 tells us why Elijah the prophet ran for his life. Ahab told Jezebel that Elijah had killed some prophets of Baal. Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah and promised to kill him by the next day at the same time. Scripture says that Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel that came before him (1 Kings 16:33).

How Does a Person Overcome a Leviathan Spirit?

We have been instructed to fast, pray, and read the word of God. The Bible is clear that some spirits will not come out or stop oppressing us unless we fast and pray. Jesus showed us this example in Matthew 17:14-21. There was a man who came to him and asked that He have mercy on his son. He described his son as a lunatic and many times he would fall into the fire and often times the water. I have seen enough movies to know that his son was no doubt possessed by a demonic spirit.

The man told Jesus that the disciples could not cure him. Jesus told them to bring the young man to Him. The Lord rebuked the devil. And the evil spirit departed out of him that very same hour. The disciples wanted to know why they could not cast the spirit out. Jesus told them that they had unbelief. If they had exhibited faith, they could have cast the spirit out. However, He told them, that particular spirit would not go out unless you fast and pray.

When we fast and pray, we are giving up some things and that is impressive to God. We eat three meals a day plus snacks. If we gave up one meal, this would draw Gods attention. Give up a whole days meal and He is really listening. Fast for three days and there is no telling what might happen.

It was commonplace in the Bible for the prophet to go places and tell the people what thus said the Lord. Those who feared the Lord would call a fast and pray so that they could avoid whatever punishment was coming their way. That was basically the way things operated through the priest or prophet. Since Jesus died on the cross, we can go to God ourselves to obtain grace, mercy, and help in a time of need.

I am so glad that I was born after Christ. I have read the Bible and have seen how God has dealt with those who were not pleasing in His sight. I do not know if I could have made it during those times. Standards were definitely high. We have Jesus pleading our case. We have access to Bibles, ministries, television, and radio. We really do not have an excuse not to be saved. We have churches on every corner in many cities. If you are not saved, I would admonish you to try Jesus. He will keep you safe and give you peace. His power will also fight against oppressive spirits that might be hindering you.

Photo credit: GettyImages/CasPhotography

Dr. Sandra Hamer Smith is a Christian and wife to Sylvester Smith. She has one stepson, Greg. Smith lives and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. The University of Memphis alumnae has been in education for about 20 years after receiving the call to teach. Dr. Smith primarily teaches language arts. Prior to education, she worked in local and national television news for 13 years including positions as an overnight news anchor, reporter, and assignments editor at two local network affiliate stations. Smith was also a freelance correspondent for BET news. Dr. Smith has freelanced for the Tri-State Defender newspaper and Contempora magazine. She is the author of the self-published novel GLORYTHE HAIR. Smith is also a playwright and poet. The Tennessee native is a member of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Omicron Delta Kappa, The Golden Key International Honour Society, and Kappa Delta Pi.
Looking for something to do? Heres a list of local community and nonprofit events. Please check with your club or organization to be certain of meetings, outings and classes, as they may be canceled due to bad weather or COVID-19. If any listing is inaccurate or to submit an event, contact Julie Norwood at 231-592-8358 or julie.norwood@pioneergroup.com.

 Holiday Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov 19, at City Hall Parking Lot, 226 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids. Holiday goods and foods of the season will be available at the Downtown Farmers Market.
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com No one should be surprised by yesterday's terror attack in Istanbul, Turkey. ISIS suspected, but no matter who committed this atrocity, they are evil. As stated, President Obamas policy toward Islamic terrorism is to try and contain it, and -- while speaking -- to avoid the actual description. Mr. Obama has killed terror leaders with drones, has bombed ISIS facilities in Iraq and Syria, has ordered American special forces to disrupt ISIS activities. But it's not enough. The solution to defeating ISIS is to quickly kill as many of them on the ground as possible -- sending a strong message to the world of jihad. As Talking Points has stated before, NATO -- the North Atlantic Treaty Organization -- should be leading the charge. Not the Kurds. Not some phantom coalition that Mr. Obama uses to obscure real action. The ISIS attack on Paris killed 130. The terror group's attack on Belgium killed 32. And now in Turkey, more than 40 people are dead. All three of those countries are members of NATO. All three of those attacks are acts of war. Article five in the NATO charter says an attack on one country is an attack on all. So why is President Obama not advocating NATO forces on the ground to kill the ISIS savages and protect suffering civilians who are desperate? Again why is he not promoting that strategy? The Turkish border is just 50 miles away from the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, Syria. It is long past time for all Americans to understand that ISIS is not going to stop killing innocent people. And you could be one of them. It is true that no matter what action is taken against the jihadists, terrorism will not stop. It's impossible to wipe it out entirely. But it is not that difficult to run these savages out of their sanctuaries. But the president will not do that: OBAMA: Groups like ISIL can't destroy us, they can't defeat us. They don't produce anything. They're not an existential threat to us. ((EDIT)) OBAMA: Our mission is to destroy ISIL. Since I last updated the American people on our campaign two months ago, we've seen that this continues to be a difficult fight -- but we are making significant progress. Today Mr. Obama spoke about the ISIS attack in Istanbul, saying we stand with the people of Turkey. More empty rhetoric. We don't stand with anyone. We will not do what is necessary to defeat this evil. The ISIS battle should be a major presidential campaign issue. If Hillary Clinton is going to continue the policies of Barack Obama, every American should know that. On the other side, Donald Trump needs to get very specific about his plan to defeat ISIS and the jihad. He should spell it out. And that's the memo.
Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain
Full-service agency Boomtown is seeking university or college graduates from the marketing and advertising disciplines to join its Bayeza Graduate Internship Programme.

For the 2022 intake, Boomtown is looking for graduates from across South Africa to fulfil the internship roles available in its Eastern Cape and Johannesburg offices, art director, conceptual designer, animator, social media manager, web developer, marketing assistant, digital strategist, immersion specialist video editor and account executive among them.The application process will comprise three phases  submission of a CV and indication of which position is most desirable; receipt of a brief and subsequent submission of the response to that brief; and an interview during which the submitted brief will be assessed.Applications close on November 22, 2021. Successful applicants will need to be in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) or Johannesburg, ready to start work on Thursday 1 February 2022. Further information can be found on https://boomtown.agency/bayeza-internship-programme/ Bayeza means they are coming in isiXhosa. Launched in 2013 after its successful 2012 pilot with graphic design intern Pola Maneli, the internship programme seeks to empower the new generation of creatives and marketers by giving them an opportunity to learn on the job from Boomtowns dynamic team in its Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg offices.Our agency is a national contender in the digital, marketing and advertising world  just last week we were rewarded with three Silver Pendorings and a Craft Pendoring, said Boomtown CEO Glen Meier.We like to think the agency is an inspiring environment for all who enter its doors, and are excited to once again welcome all graduates to see what we see and take the opportunity to be a part of an innovative team that creates ground-breaking, rich and meaningful work."Well be there for our 2022 interns every step of the way, helping them to learn through on-the-ground experience, to gain valuable knowledge and insights into what it is like to be part of the advertising industry, and to interact with our talented mentors and managers as they guide them through their roles and grow and develop their skills.According to Meier, the programme is an integral part of the business transformation strategy and commitment to the industry. He said that, as much as the agency takes pride in being main-market specialists and having its finger on the pulse of the South African consumer, it is most proud of how this is reflected in its full time hires and in Bayeza.He added that the success of Bayeza lies in Boomtowns respect for the graduates who join its programme.Rather than simply regarding our interns as junior staff who are expected to learn by shadowing other employees but not given any support or responsibility, we run a specific year-long programme with month-by month-modules specific to each interns area of expertise and study. In this way, they are fast-tracked and learn more in one year than most junior employees learn in two, he explained.Our approach makes the interns highly sought-after employees and we are tremendously proud that, to date, Bayeza has achieved a 100% success rate in employment. We are proud to pay our interns a salary, not only because we value what they bring to the table, it shows respect for their talent and belief in their future.Selfishly, we have employed the majority of these talented individuals as part of our growth strategy, but others have gone on to be part of reputable companies in Gqeberha and across South Africa. In that way, we hope we give back to our home town and the industry that nurtured us.An agile team of brand-led thinkers whose creativity has been rewarded by industry competitions locally and abroad, Boomtown started trading in 1994 when its founder famously sold his inheritance  two cows  to buy the offices first computer. Today, it has achieved Level 2 BBBEE status and 51% black ownership of which 30% is by a black women-owned entity.(total of 4 interns)Zinzil MayOkhule WilliamGerard Addison(total of 4 interns)Lisa SnymanMusa JacobsUnathi DyaniDavanitha Moodley(total of 4 interns)Anele Mvazana -Change MbathaPelokazi MtwishaBronwen Hart(total of 6 interns)Sinethemba SoldatiMisubukhosi PienaarPortia TamboBrandon ChakarisaJade RedcliffeAyabonga Lalendle(total of 4 interns)Tayla Jade SouthbySamkele MonakaliJason ChanInge Fankhauser(total of 8 interns)Nande GubevuCraigh JonasTameron KarelseAnelisiwe MananaKarabo MamaboloTemba MkosiCaitlin MorganMichelle Stockwell
South African and London-based full-service advertising agency Clockwork saw another successful night of wins at the DMASA Assegai Awards 2021.

With three primary clients being represented across five campaigns from 2020 in the preceding nominations, Clockwork was present on the night to collect trophies and certificates for a selection of work for Microsoft Xbox, Netflix and Acer.Since 1998 the DMASA Assegais have been rewarding best-in-class integrated marketing campaigns that deliver exceptional results and focus on performance-based deliverables, first and foremost.Comprised of a collection of leader, bronze, silver and gold wins, Clockworks final results were as follows:Microsoft X Box  Hall Of Fame  11 winsAcer - #Instaquest  2 winsAcer - #Instapitch  2 winsNetflix  Malcolm & Marie  1 winNetflix  How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding  1 win
European brewing giant Heineken has agreed to buy Distell, South Africa's largest alcohol producer, in a deal that values Distell at approximately R40.1bn. The company made a recommended offer of R180 a share, according to a statement released on Monday.

Source: Distell

We are excited to announce that Distell has received a firm offer from Heineken, which would create a world class, diversified Southern-African focused alcoholic beverages champion. For more, click on the link: https://t.co/RVy4gLF9X4 pic.twitter.com/rBQTbVdMut  @DistellGroup (@distellgroup) November 15, 2021

New entity dubbed Newco

Gateway to Africa

Investing in local communities

The Distell takeover forms part of a larger transaction that sees Heineken having entered into an agreement with Distell, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) and Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies (O&L) with the intention to merge their respective businesses in southern Africa into one large southern African drinks group worth 4bn ($4.6bn).Distell is Africa's leading producer and marketer of ciders, flavoured alcoholic beverages, wines and spirits, owning prominent brands including Savannah, Nederburg, Klipdrift, Amarula and Hunters Dry, while NBL is the beer market leader in Namibia with brands including Windhoek and Tafel.Dutch group Heineken is the world's second-largest brewer after Anheuser-Busch InBev.Heineken said the proposed deal will be implemented through a number of inter-conditional steps, and will involve: A recommended offer by Heineken for Distell, which values Distell at approximately $2.5bn (2.2bn) The proposed acquisition from NBL of its 25% shareholding in Heineken South Africa (HSA), which values the whole of Heineken's SA operations at approximately $1.7bn (1.5bn) The acquisition of O&Ls 50.01% interest in Namibia Breweries Limited, the controlling shareholder with a 59.4% shareholding in NBL. Heineken already owns a 49.99% interest in the Namibian brewer. NBLs current market valuation is approximately $458m (400m).Heineken will contribute these acquired assets plus its 75% directly-owned shareholding in Heineken South Africa and certain other fully-owned export operations in Africa, into an unlisted public holding company called Newco. Heinekens total investment in Newco will be approximately 2.5bn ($2.86bn), in return for a 65% shareholding, with the remainder held by Distell shareholders who elect to reinvest.Distell communicated the possibility of a merger with shareholders in May this year. The deal marks Heineken's most significant acquisition since 2018, reports Bloomberg Heineken said the deal will create a "southern Africa champion" and an important gateway to Africa, which it views as the next frontier of growth. Expanding on this the brewing giant said the transaction will bring about the following benefits: Bring together strong portfolios in premium beer, cider, flavoured alcoholic beverages (Fabs), wine, and #2 in spirits, with well-known brands such as Heineken, Savanna, Hunters, 4th Street wine, and Amarula Beer to benefit from increased scale and continued premiumisation Acquire the leading cider and Fab portfolio Wine and spirits offering complementarity and optionality Combine two highly complementary route-to-markets, reaching more consumers and customers, more often Providing premiumisation and other growth opportunities whilst benefitting from cost efficiencies when becoming part of the Heineken group. Combine route-to-markets and portfolios in export countries, to increase efficiency and capture additional growth, especially in attractive markets like Kenya and Tanzania Explore wider opportunities to grow the acquired cider and beer brands, such as Savanna and Windhoek, outside their home markets.Heinekens CEO and chairman of the executive board Dolf van den Brink said: We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, perfectly positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in Southern Africa. Distell is a highly regarded, resilient business with leading brands, a talented workforce and a strong track record of innovation and growth in Africa. With NBL, there are exciting opportunities to expand premium beer and cider in Namibia and grow the iconic Windhoek brand beyond its home market.Together we will be able to better serve our consumers and customers through a unique combination of multi-category leading brands and a strengthened route-to-market. The businesses share common values derived from their family heritage, long-term perspectives, entrepreneurial spirit, and care for people and planet.We have successfully built our business in Africa over 100 years. Todays announcement is a vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of South Africa and Namibia and we commit to being a strong partner for growth and to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate.Distell CEO Richard Rushton commented: Together, this partnership has the potential to leverage the strength of Heinekens global footprint with our leading brands to create a formidable, diverse beverage company for Africa. I am excited for what lies ahead as we look to combine our strong and popular brands and highly complementary geographical footprints to create a world-class African company in the alcohol beverage sector. Our combined entity will grow our local expertise and insights to better serve consumers across the region.Headquartered in South Africa, Heineken said the merged entity Newco is ambitious for growth and will engage positively and proactively with stakeholders on measures demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region. This will include ongoing investment in the business, employment, localisation and supplier development, talent development, and contribution to the economic development of the region."Heineken is keenly aware of the importance of economic transformation in South Africa through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and intends to enhance the enlarged business empowerment ownership post completion of the transaction," Heineken said.Completion of the transaction between Heineken, Distell and NBL is subject to customary and applicable (including regulatory and shareholder) approvals.
In February 2021, a UK-based frozen dessert brand - Little Moons - experienced a 700% increase in sales - during winter. The reason? TikTok. Users were filming themselves buying (and trying) these delectable little mochi balls, and soon the craze was on.

Greg Bailie, Head of Growth & Innovation at Nfinity Media

#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt

Creative content converts

1. People want to be inspired

2. Authentic content wins the day

3. Flawesomeness means anyone can create awesome content

Leaning into influencer marketing

What is exceptional about the platform is that these crazes are not isolated incidents. They are what define TikTok and its user base. For example, during lockdown, a viral whipped coffee craze gripped TikTok users, with thousands of people becoming home baristas and whipping up instant cappuccinos thanks to short, snappy TikTok tutorials.In the Wipe It Down challenge, people filmed themselves cleaning their houses. Who would have thought watching other people making cappuccinos or cleaning their homes could be so much fun?TikToks user base thrives on creativity, and the app taps into all of our senses, combining sound, sight and our emotions, which is why, whenever a new trend takes over, people easily find themselves spending countless hours watching some of the most innovative videos ever produced.TikToks reach is far greater than its one billion users, however. Many trends today begin on the platform (thanks to the amazing in-app AR features enabling anyone to be a creative superstar) but soon spread to Facebook, Instagram and messaging apps like Whatsapp.Thats because what is happening in TikTok is not only shaping other platforms but giving ordinary people the opportunity to define new subcultures. The platform leans on its creatives and closes the loop through a new, uniquely TikTok creation: Community Commerce. As TikToks Creator Preferred Agency Partner, this is something both the brands and influencers who we work with at Webfluential are tapping into.Weve all become attuned to how social commerce functions as the cross-over between social media, marketing and making purchases, but TikTok has taken this a step further, creating Community Commerce, a space where users actively promote their favourite brands to each other, accelerating the entire buying cycle through trust, authenticity and awesome content.Community Commerce has become so successful because TikTok recognises that creator-driven word-of-mouth marketing is incredibly powerful, largely because social media users are looking for full online experiences, and that includes discovering new brands through to purchase in a frictionless, fun shopping experience.#TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is such a popular hashtag  and covers everything from cleaning products and homeware to juicers and milk frothers  that many international retailers have even created #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt sections so that shoppers can easily find products theyve seen on the app.The real secret behind Community Commerce is rooted in the creative. Google Labs research suggests that creative accounts for 70% of a campaigns performance. With that in mind, its worth considering what type of creative content resonates with people.Social media and the way influencers share their favourite products and hobbies has changed the way we discover new things. Eighty-three percent of users discover new products and services while theyre browsing their social media feeds, 81% research products or services on social media platforms and 80% decide whether to buy a product or service.Nielsens research shows that 9 out of 10 people trust organic user-generated content over traditional or typical brand communications. That means they would rather hear from an influencer endorsing a brand than from the brand itself.Great content grabs attention by building excitement, driving anticipation, and making cultural connections, which links back to authenticity. This is content that we trust, and as we know, people are more likely to trust recommendations from a friend, family member or influencer on social platforms.Lighting, the quality of a camera, hair, makeup and trained actors and actresses used to be the gold standard. Today, content that trends often celebrates imperfections and has been created from a smartphone. Theres no pressure to be perfect and anyone can join in the fun. Even more surprising? People will engage more with a mom sharing her real experience with her toddler at a restaurant, than with a celebritys official Instagram account  and, as weve seen, theyre more likely to make a purchase based on our quirky moms recommendation over Angelina Jolies endorsement.Not convinced? Research from Matter Communications shows that only 17% to 22% of consumers prefer celebrity influencers over personalities seen as either aspirational, relatable, expert or just for fun.Brands today have almost unlimited access to target their consumers. All you need to do is segment your market, understand who you want to engage with and then identify the creators they resonate with. Top posts can then be promoted to reach an even broader audience across different platforms. Leaning into influencer marketing helps build brand love, increases ad recall and ultimately drives sales, particularly leading up to the festive season and summer.
In the last days of the battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, when members of the once-fierce caliphate were cornered in a dirt field next to a town called Baghuz, a U.S. military drone circled high overhead, hunting for military targets. But it saw only a large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank.

Without warning, a U.S. F-15E attack jet streaked across the drones high-definition field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb on the crowd. Then a jet dropped one 2,000-pound bomb, then another.

It was March 18, 2019. At the U.S. militarys busy Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, uniformed personnel watching the live drone footage looked on in stunned disbelief.

Who dropped that? a confused analyst typed on a secure chat system being used by those monitoring the drone. Another responded, We just dropped on 50 women and children.

An initial battle damage assessment quickly found that the number of dead was actually about 70.

The Baghuz strike was one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against the Islamic State, but it has never been publicly acknowledged by the U.S. military. The details, reported here for the first time, show that the death toll was almost immediately apparent to military officials. A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. U.S.-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified.

The Defense Departments independent inspector general began an inquiry, but the report containing its findings was stalled and stripped of any mention of the strike.

Leadership just seemed so set on burying this, said Gene Tate, an evaluator who worked on the case for the inspector generals office and agreed to discuss the aspects that were not classified.

Tate, a former Navy officer who had worked for years as a civilian analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Counterterrorism Center before moving to the inspector generals office, said he criticized the lack of action and was eventually forced out of his job.

The details of the strikes were pieced together by The New York Times over months from confidential documents and descriptions of classified reports as well as interviews with personnel directly involved and officials with top secret security clearances who discussed the incident on the condition that they not be named.

The Times investigation found that the bombing had been called in by a classified U.S. special operations unit, Task Force 9, which was in charge of ground operations in Syria. The task force operated in such secrecy that at times it did not inform even its own military partners of its actions. In the case of the Baghuz bombing, the U.S. Air Force command in Qatar had no idea the strike was coming.
Since 2019, more than 320 toxic substances have been detected in U.S. drinking water systems, according to a new analysis by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization.

Those harmful chemicals are linked to cancer, adverse birth and reproduction outcomes, impaired brain development, and a revolving door of other deleterious health impacts.

The findings, part of the 2021 update to EWGs national Tap Water Database, underpin the call for more rigorous federal drinking water standards and the urgency to improve water infrastructure.

EWG researchers collected and reviewed results from water contaminant tests conducted by water utilities and regulators from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. After combing through the data from almost 50,000 water systems serving tens of millions of American households, the researchers found sweeping drinking water contamination from numerous pollutants such as arsenic, lead, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), radioactive materials, and pesticides.

The database offers a panoramic view of what drinking water quality looks like when the federal office meant to protect our water is in an advanced stage of regulatory capture, said EWG President Ken Cook in a statement, referring to the influence of polluting industries and water utilities on drinking water safety standards.

56 New Chemicals Added Compared to the previous (2019) update to the database, which identified 268 chemicals in Americas water utilities, the new database added 56 new chemicals. These substances are new PFAS or emerging pollutants, such as pesticides and radioactive material, that are currently monitored by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the agencys Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. However, these substances have yet to receive any legal limits, thwarting the water systems impetus to tackle the contamination, according to EWG. Currently, the EPA regulates more than 90 contaminants in drinking water, a fraction of the agencys inventory of more than 85,000 chemicals that fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPAs Office of Water has not added any new substances to its regulated list since 2006. Even for substances that are regulated by the EPA, their legal limits were set based on outdated science, Uloma Uche, an environmental health scientist at EWG who helped construct the tap water database, told EHN. While the EPA determines contaminants regulatory standards based on their individual harms, it fails to consider the additive effect of a chemical mixture. We are not being exposed to just one contaminant when were drinking water, said Uche. Were being exposed to multiple contaminants. The EPAs water regulations assure that public water systems are monitoring and taking actions to achieve meaningful reductions to human health risks from contaminants in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, an EPA spokesperson told EHN. The agency also has evaluated a number of unregulated drinking water contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act and is taking actions to update its regulations, said the spokesperson. Consumers can enter their ZIP code into the tap water database and see a report of toxic contaminants in the areas drinking water as well as safety assessments put together by EWG scientists. In many areas, various dangerous contaminants have been uncovered in water samples, although they were still in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards. Even if your water is below the legal limit, said Uche, that doesnt necessarily mean it is safe from contaminants. Water Quality Transparency Carsten Prasse, an environmental professor who studies drinking water contamination at Johns Hopkins University but was not involved in EWGs database told EHN that its great to provide individuals with more transparency about what might be in their water. Because the data collected in this database are obtained from water utilities, Prasse cautioned that contaminants listed may not represent the water quality in individual households. For instance, while the report may show the absence of lead in some utilities, certain individual households may still have lead coming out of the tap due to pollution from the water pipes. Prasse said that the current federal regulations arent really directed towards protecting the consumers of drinking water, and that there has been a gap between the regulations and scientific progress. Theres definitely a lot of room for improvement, said Prasse.
You would assume that if the CDC was going to crush the civil and individual rights of those with natural immunity by having them expelled from school, fired from their jobs, separated from the military, and worse, the CDC would have proof of at least one instance of an unvaccinated, naturally immune individual transmitting the COVID-19 virus to another individual. If you thought this, you would be wrong.

My firm, on behalf of ICAN, asked the CDC for precisely this proof (see below). ICAN wanted to see proof of any instance in which someone who previously had COVID-19 became reinfected with and transmitted the virus to someone else. The CDCs incredible response is that it does not have a single document reflecting that this has ever occurred. Not one. (See below.)

In contrast, there are endless documents reflecting cases of vaccinated individuals becoming infected with and transmitting the virus to others. Such as this study. And this study. And this study. And this study. It goes on and on

But it gets worse. The CDCs excuse for not having a shred of evidence of the naturally immune transmitting the virus is that this information is not collected. What?! No proof! But yet the CDC is actively crushing the rights of millions of naturally immune individuals in this country if they do not get the vaccine on the assumption they can transmit the virus. But despite clear proof the vaccinated spread the virus, the CDC lifts restrictions on the vaccinated?! That is dystopian.

The facts about natural immunity are simple. Every single peer reviewed study has found that the naturally immune have far greater than 99% protection from having COVID-19, and this immunity does not wane. In contrast, the COVID-19 vaccine provides, at best, 95% protection and this immunity wanes rapidly. I am no mathematician, but a constant 99% seems preferable to a 95% that quickly drops. And, while the vaccinated readily transmit the virus, not so for the naturally immune.

The lesson yet again is not that health authorities should never make mistakes. They will. It happens. The lesson is that civil and individual rights should never be contingent upon a medical procedure. Everyone, the naturally immune or otherwise, who wants to get vaccinated and boosted should be free to do so. But nobody should be coerced by the government to partake in any medical procedure.

FOIA Request

FOIA Response
ABOVE: I know where my gaze goes.

Loving you ... (Image by Pari Dukovic for GQ)

GQ: Lil Nas X is one of GQ's Men of the Year  and his cover pose is yet another clever genderfuck. In the piece, he talks empathy for Da Baby, being shit on by Azealia Banks, abandoning atheism (bad move!) and more.

Philemon Chambers, Jennifer Coolidge & Michael Urie in a ho-ho-homosexual Netflix rom-com.(Image via Netflix)

NBC NEWS: Netflix's Single All the Way is gay, gay, gay  and has Jennifer Coolidge as the icing on the Christmas cake.

TWITTER: New Yorkers angry about mask and vaccine mandates appeared at the offices of a Jewish legislator, Jeffrey Dinowitz, awash in yellow stars and bearing swastikas. The ahistorical narcissism of these garbage people.

FIVE THIRTY EIGHT: In search of gay turncoats  LGBTQ people who insist on voting Republican:

To be sure, LGB Republicans make up a small slice of the LGBTQ+ community and an even smaller slice of the electorate, but for now at least, the Republican platform seemed to hold more weight for them than any negativity and vilification they might experience because of their sexuality. Hauxwell put it bluntly: Sex is only a smart part of our lives, and now that Im older, I dont even have it, so it doesnt matter.

How sad he thinks being gay = having sex, and how repulsive he thinks as long as something doesn't matter to him, he shouldn't care if it matters to anyone else.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Beto O'Rourke is officially running for governor of Texas.

SOCIALITE LIFE: Jamie Dornan sings The Rainbow Connection.

PINK NEWS: Saweetie urges people to stand up for LGBTQ people in Hungary while hosting the MTV EMAs.

USA TODAY: Florida is the epicenter of the opioid and HIV-transmission crises in the U.S.

CNN: Michael Flynn believes the U.S. should be a strictly Christian nation  one religion, under God.

INSTAGRAM (FOLLOWS APPRECIATED): Sam Waterston's nipple is 81.

KENNETH IN THE (212): Some of Kenneth's sexy men are actually gay.

FOCUS FEATURES: Downton Abbey: A New Era hits theaters in 2022.

(Image via Focus Features)
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If you see an empty red dress on campus, this is why

Photo/Mike Lovett A dress that's part of The REDress Project on the Brandeis campus.

Maybe you've noticed them around campus. Bright red dresses hung on branches with the fall foliage, twisting in the wind.



Spotting one can be jarring. Discovering what it symbolizes may stop you in your tracks.



"When someone discovers what these visually compelling dresses symbolize, the vestments suddenly become incredibly urgent," said Toni Shapiro-Phim, associate professor of creativity, the arts, and social transformation and assistant director of the program in peacebuilding and the arts at the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life.



The dresses are part of The REDress Project, an art installation by Canadian-based artist Jamie Black that calls attention to the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women in North America



The REDress Project has been displayed across Canada and the United States, including at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.



Black is a multidisciplinary artist of mixed Anishinaabe and Finnish descent who inspires dialogue around social and political events and issues, particularly issues in feminism and Indigenous social justice.



At Brandeis, the REDress Project is a collaboration between Black and students in Shapiro-Phims course, Introduction to Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation. Students have met with Black virtually during the fall semester, identified locations for the dresses and installed them, developed accompanying materials, and worked on other aspects of this undertaking.

They also contributed to between us , an exhibition of Blacks photography, poetry, and video currently in the Kniznick Gallery in the Women's Studies Research Center. At Blacks urging, students set up a corner in the gallery where they offered their own responses to the context of Blacks art, which includes the violence experienced by Indigenous women as well as Indigenous womens potent connection to the land.It is the second year in a row that Shapiro-Phim's CAST students have engaged directly with an artist doing socially transformative work. Last year, the course partnered with playwright Catherine Filloux."I've seen the difference it makes when students interact directly with someone who is an accomplished, thoughtful artist, engaged in ethical ways in trying to make the world more peaceful, more just," she said. They have an opportunity to appreciate and learn from not only the artwork, but also the artists way of being in the world.The REDress Project will be at Brandeis through November, and between us will be on display until Feb. 25.
NEW DELHI (AP)  India began allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists to enter the country on regular commercial flights on Monday, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions as infections fall and vaccinations rise.

FILE- A man disinfects the premises of the Taj Mahal monument that was reopened after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic in Agra, India, Monday, Sept.21, 2020. After nearly 18 months, India Monday allowed fully vaccinated foreign tourists traveling on regular flights to enter the country in the latest easing of its coronavirus restrictions as infections fall and vaccinations pick up. (AP Photo/Pawan Sharma, file)

NEW DELHI (AP)  India began allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists to enter the country on regular commercial flights on Monday, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions as infections fall and vaccinations rise.

Tourists entering India must be fully vaccinated, follow all COVID-19 protocols and test negative for the virus within 72 hours of their flight, according to the health ministry. Many will also need to undergo a post-arrival COVID-19 test at the airport.

However, travelers from countries which have agreements with India for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates, such as the U.S., U.K. and many European nations, can leave the airport without undergoing a COVID-19 test.

This is the first time India has allowed foreign tourists on commercial flights to enter the country since March 2020, when it imposed one of the toughest lockdowns in the world in an attempt to contain the pandemic. Fully vaccinated tourists on chartered flights were allowed to enter starting last month.

It comes as coronavirus infections have fallen significantly, with daily new cases hovering at just above 10,000 for over a month.

To encourage travelers to visit India, the government plans to issue 500,000 free visas through next March. The moves are expected to boost the tourism and hospitality sector which was battered by the pandemic.

With more than 35 million reported coronavirus infections, India is the second-worst-hit country after the U.S. Active coronavirus cases stand at 134,096, the lowest in 17 months, according to the health ministry.

Nearly 79% of Indias adult population has received at least one vaccine dose while 38% is fully vaccinated. The federal government has asked state administrations to conduct door-to-door campaigns to accelerate the vaccine campaign.

Fewer than 3 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a drop of more than 75% from 2019, when tourism brought nearly $30 billion in earnings.
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CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Luna the dog gives a blood donation at the Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic Saturday.

The Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic hosted a Canadian Animal Blood Bank donation day Saturday.

The demand for dog blood donations is continually on the rise, said Paige Orser, event organizer and registered veterinarian technologist with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank.

CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Luna

"People are starting to use it more," Orser said. "Were always looking for new donors."

Blood drives are an essential service because donor clinics can provide life-saving supplies of blood when animals are in need. Donor clinics are becoming increasingly popular, she added, as more pets are undergoing surgeries, especially in emergency clinics.

Each donation made by a dog can be used to save the lives of three others.

"Its just like human donations. Were able to use the red blood cells, like the whole cells, as well as plasma and serum off of it too," Orser said. "One donation can go a long way."

Orser joined the Canadian Animal Blood Bank after working at Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic. She was working at the clinic during one of the donation drives and was immediately inspired by the event.

"I thought it was an absolutely fascinating and overall amazing thing to witness," Orser said.

She officially became the regional unit manager with the blood bank in the fall and is now looking to grow blood drive availability in Westman. She hopes to bring Canadian Animal Blood Bank drives to different communities in the area in the future.

"Were starting to expand more and more  pretty much every province has one of us," Orser said. "Its a really cool thing to be a part of."

She added the blood bank is especially exciting to participate in because it was founded and launched in Winnipeg.

A dog donor must be between the ages of one to eight, weigh more than 25 kilograms and be in healthy shape. Typical dog breeds that donate include labs, golden retrievers and Dobermans, but Orser has also seen breeds as large as St. Bernard and Bernese Mountain dogs.

"We appreciate anyone who walks through our doors," Orser said.

Prior to the donation, animals must have eaten at least six hours in advance, and access to water is essential after completing their visit to the vet.

When they first arrive at a clinic, the dog is weighed and a small blood sample is taken prior to donating to ensure they have an adequate amount of red blood cells and to test for diseases.

During the donation, they are placed on a table and their head and legs are held in place. The blood is drawn from the jugular and in roughly five minutes approximately 450 ml is collected.

"Its easy and quick to get it," Orser said.

At the end of their visit, dogs get "all the cookies they could possibly want" and can take a photo with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank banner to show they donated and helped save a life. They also receive a bandana after each donation and special tags indicating if they have donated a certain number of times.

She added for every blood donation a dog makes a free bag can be donated back in the future if it is ever needed.

"They give and if they ever need it, they get it back again," Orser said.

Dogs must wait three months between donations.

"Its literally just like humans, pretty much what we do they do just on a different scale," Orser said.

Multiple Canadian Animal Blood Bank donation days are available in Brandon. Follow its Facebook page for future dates.

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
For decades, US banks have been eager to expand their business in China, the worlds second-largest economy. Theyre finally getting their way  just as a spiralling corporate debt crisis threatens to rock the countrys financial system and Chinas central government takes a stronger hand with big businesses.

In July, Citigroup became the first foreign bank to win approval to open a custody business in China, essentially acting as a bank for Chinese investment funds. In August, JPMorgan Chase got permission from the Chinese authorities to take full ownership of its investment banking and trading business in the country  a century after it first opened shop there. Goldman Sachs received the green light for a similar venture in October.

JPMorgan Chase chief Jamie Dimon. The financial giant got permission from Chinese authorities to take full ownership of its investment banking and trading business in the country  a century after it first opened shop there. Credit:Bloomberg

As the approvals came in, the message from Beijing was clear: It wanted US lenders to bring more foreign investors into China and help Chinese people buy assets overseas.

Thrilled that they no longer have to split profits with local partners for services like underwriting equity deals or providing advice to companies, Wall Street banks are rushing to oblige. They want to broker more transactions, help Chinese companies raise funds and manage money for the countrys rapidly growing moneyed class. The total wealth of Chinas 100 richest people increased to $US1.48 trillion ($2 trillion) in 2021 from $US1.33 trillion a year earlier, according to Forbes.
Has there been some secret decision in the governments inner sanctum, the National Security Committee of the cabinet? There has not. Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwans president, speaks during the National Day celebration in Taipei in October. She said the island is facing unprecedented challenges and will defend its sovereignty. Credit:Bloomberg One senior official described Duttons comments as an analytical opinion rather than a policy decision. In any case, there is no such war. Its entirely hypothetical. Yet, these subtleties are lost in the headlines; Duttons weekend comments were reported around the world to signal a toughening of Australias stance. Australia vows to help US defend Taiwan from Chinese attacks, was the London Financial Times headline. And the subtleties were lost on a leading Chinese propagandist, Hu Xijin of the Global Times, who promised heavy attack on Australia if it should get involved.

Dutton wants to push the debate along, to prepare Australia for the worst. And while his remarks dont represent government policy, they do carry weight. His opinion adds to the momentum of allies attitudes on the Taiwan question. Until now, the US, Japan, Australia and other Western powers have maintained a careful strategic ambiguity on Taiwan. They didnt want to provoke Beijing on such a sensitive topic, but neither did they want to embolden Taiwan to any recklessness, such as a formal declaration of independence. China, under Xi Jinping, has become more aggressive towards Taiwan. Credit:AP But the ambiguity is turning to clarity. In recent months, the US and Japan have sent similar signals  real but unofficial  that they would indeed defend Taiwan against mainland aggression. Dutton has now put Australia onto the same footing. The more aggressive Chinas posture, the clearer the Western allies likely responses. And theyre not the responses Beijing wants. China is determined to reunify Taiwan with the mainland. It is non-negotiable, the reddest of Beijings red lines. While Beijing always says that it prefers peaceful means, it never rules out the use of force.

The chances that it does use force appear to be rising. Among other indicators, the number of incursions by Beijings air force into Taiwans air defence identification zone is rising year by year. Beijing set a new record last month by flying 148 fighters and bombers into Taiwans zone over a four-day period. Its intent is plain. Its to intimidate Taiwan and wear down its defences; Taipei scrambles its own, older, smaller air force every time. If it came to war, it would be a contest of David versus Goliath. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy of 25 million people. It occupies an island half the size of Tasmania. The Peoples Republic of China is a dictatorship of 1.4 billion occupying a land mass about one-fifth bigger than the Australian continent. The mainland military has overwhelming advantage. And theyre close. Its just 180 kilometres across the Taiwan Strait. Its so close that a bloke rowed across the strait in a rubber dinghy a few months ago.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, believes China is building the capability to mount an invasion by 2027. Credit:AP Beijings only formal deadline is to accomplish the absorption of the self-governing island by 2049, the centenary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. But the top US officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said this month that China was building the capability to mount an invasion by 2027, the deadline that Beijing has set for the completion of Chinas military modernisation. Milley told a conference: I dont think it is likely in the near future, being defined as six, 12, maybe 24 months, that kind of window. Having said that, the Chinese are clearly and unambiguously building the capability to provide those options to the national leadership if they choose at some point in the near future. Although the US does not recognise Taiwan diplomatically, it has been arming Taiwan for decades to help deter any mainland attack.

Loading The chances of US intervention to defend Taiwan have soared. Twice this year, Joe Biden has said the US was committed to its defence, although his officials have sought to downplay his remarks. And theres been a striking hardening of sentiment in Tokyo. The deputy Prime Minister of Japan, Taro Aso, said this year that a Chinese takeover of Taiwan would pose an existential threat to Japan. Again, this was downplayed by others in Japans government as unofficial. For Australia, it would be a grave decision to join the US and Japan and go to war against China. Officially, Australia doesnt even recognise Taiwan as a country. So legally, any conflict between Taiwan and the mainland would be a civil war within China. And Beijing would damn Australia for generations for frustrating its glorious reunification. But the alternative would be grave, too. Should Australia acquiesce to the wishes of a dictator who has plans to dominate the entire region? History has shown the futility of appeasing aggressive dictators.
Police have returned to the NSW Mid North Coast home from which William Tyrrell disappeared and are investigating whether he fell fatally from the balcony.

Aged three, William vanished from the Kendall yard of his foster grandmother in 2014.

Police search the gardens at the house from which William disappeared. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Despite a $1 million reward, more than 600 persons of interest and hundreds of police searching the town, he has never been found and nobody has been charged over his disappearance and suspected murder.

Police began a renewed search on Monday following credible new information, with Strike Force officers focused on three key areas in the small town.
Protesters have settled in for the night outside Parliament House, where they are rallying against the Victorian governments proposed pandemic laws.

Throughout a cold day in Melbournes CBD, protesters chanted, listened to music and displayed signs railing against COVID-19 vaccines, jab mandates, Premier Daniel Andrews and the pandemic response. Some activists slept through Sunday night on the Parliament House steps.

Footage shared on social media late on Monday night showed about a hundred people sitting on the steps and on camping chairs, blowing whistles and air horns and chanting kill the bill at passing cars. Some had set up a tent and had what appeared to be boxes of food. A handful of police officers were monitoring the protesters.

Protesters on the steps of State Parliament on Monday evening. Credit:Eddie Jim

Organisers have promised the demonstrators will remain on the steps for as long as the proposed version of the pandemic management bill remains unchanged.
But because it is moving away from Victoria, we are going to see a gradual improvement to the weather over the next couple of days, so those temperatures will gradually recover a bit more, the showers will ease off and contract away to the southeast, and that cloud will start to clear up a bit as well.

There were still a number of flood warnings in place across the state on Monday. A severe weather warning for damaging winds for the Gippsland regions was later cancelled.

Melbourne on Friday recorded its coldest November day since 2007 with 14.0 degrees, and Ms Bradbury said it would be down to the decimal point as to whether that record was beaten on Monday.

Wed have to not even reach 14 degrees, wed have to only get to 13.8, 13.7 or something like that to have a new record, she said.

Its a possibility but more likely, wed probably go over because there is a gradual warming trend over the next couple of days.
The Victorian government has agreed to amend its controversial pandemic bill in the hours before a heated debate in Parliament this week, following daily protests and renewed pressure from the public sector watchdog.

Fines for breaching public health orders will be halved and the timeframe to release the reasons behind pandemic decisions slashed under the amendments proposed by the Labor government and supported by key crossbenchers, provided late on Monday night.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Labor hopes the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (pandemic management) Bill 2021  which passed the lower house last month  can pass the upper house this week before existing powers expire on December 15.

The government needs the support of three crossbenchers in the Legislative Council and Labor will rely on Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam, who all pushed for the proposed amendments and celebrated the announcement on Monday night.
The 27-country EU has already imposed four sets of sanctions on Belarus authorities and senior officials over the disputed election last year that returned Lukashenko to office and his governments brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters that followed. Opposition leaders and Western nations have described the vote as a sham. Loading The EU is preparing a fifth lot of sanctions on Belarus. On Monday the blocs foreign ministers extended the scope of those measures to add airlines, travel agents and others accused of helping to bring migrants to Minsk, the Belarusian capital. Todays decision reflects the determination by the European Union to stand up to the instrumentalisation of migrants for political purposes. We are pushing back on this inhuman and illegal practice, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. EU headquarters said the bloc will now be able to target individuals and entities organising or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that facilitate illegal crossing of the EUs external borders. A list of those to be hit by the asset freezes and travel bans is expected to be finalised shortly.

The EU believes Lukashenko began luring migrants to Belarus as a retaliatory to destabilise the bloc, which has been deeply divided over how to manage migration since well over 1 million people entered the bloc in 2015. Migrants from the Middle East and elsewhere gather at the checkpoint Kuznitsa at the Belarus-Poland border near Grodno, Belarus. Credit:AP Germany allowed in hundreds of thousands of people that year, but doesnt want to encourage more now. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was asked in Brussels if he would support Germany taking in people now on the Belarusian side of the border if the flow of migrants to Belarus is stopped. He replied: No. I would argue for the people who are there, who were brought there under false pretences by the Lukashenko regime, being taken back to their countries of origin, and for the countries of origin to take their share of the responsibility.

German federal police said Monday that they registered 1708 unauthorised entries to the country with a connection to Belarus in the first 14 days of November, bringing the total this year so far to 9549. Loading Also Monday, the United Arab Emirates banned travellers from several Middle Eastern countries from boarding flights to Belarus, cutting off one of the last major air routes for would-be migrants. Most airlines with flights to Minsk now say that wont allow Iraqis, Syrians or Afghans to travel there, so the impact of the EU sanctions on carriers could be very limited. Lukashenko, meanwhile, brushed aside the threat of fresh sanctions. We will defend ourselves. Thats it, theres nowhere to retreat further, he was quoted as saying by the state news agency Belta.

Lukashenko once again denied that his government organised the migrant influx, saying that it isnt worth the effort, and he insisted the migrants are resisting Belarusian efforts to encourage them to return home. These people, I must say, are very stubborn. No one wants to return. And understandably so  they have nowhere to come back to. They have no place to live there, they know theres nothing to feed their children with. Moreover, some are simply afraid for their lives, he said. Maas, the German foreign minister, said the EU was far from the end of the spiral of sanctions. Belarus flag carrier Belavia is among the airlines likely to be hit, and Maas warned other companies to follow the example of Turkish Airlines by restricting flights to the Belarus capital.

The situation is so dramatic that I can no longer rule out the denial of overflight rights or landing permission in the European area, he said. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said the EU must ensure that planes likely to be bringing in migrants bound for Europe wouldnt land in Minsk, or actually any Belarusian airport. Ukraine tensions As the EU grapples with Belarus, a Russian troop build-up near Ukraines border has sparked more worries. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Russia on Monday to be more transparent about its military activities near Ukraine but he stopped short of suggesting that Moscow might be preparing to invade its former Soviet neighbour.

Ukraine claims that Russia kept tens of thousands of troops and equipment near their common border after conducting war games earlier this year. Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has supported a separatist insurgency that broke out that year in eastern Ukraine and still controls territory there. Loading The United States has warned the European Union to be wary of Russias intentions, but EU diplomats say that while they have noticed Moscows military buildup, they do not believe that Russia might launch action anytime soon. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities, Stoltenberg told reporters after talks in Brussels with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. It is important to prevent escalations and reduce tensions. AP
Latest News Big Four reports suggest radical changes in home buying trends Both NAB and CBA have released data that suggests that Covid and housing affordability crisis have drastically altered how people buy property in Australia

Brokers are leading customers away from the Big Four, says research The broker channel is sending more clients than ever away from the Big Four  and customers are loving them for it

GetCapital is now Shift, signifying the ntechs technology and product transformation. Shift sales director Kristian McCausland and head of strategic partnerships Marie Boyagi explain how the changes will benet brokers and their clients.

Shift was established as GetCapital in 2014 to provide lending solutions for small businesses.

Fast-forward to October 2021 and the North Sydney-based ntech has undergone big changes  its no longer just a lender that offers business loans and asset nance to brokers and their SME clients. Using streaming data, Shift now provides businesses with nance on demand.

The rebrand to Shift reects how weve evolved from being solely a business lender to a provider of platforms to help businesses easily trade, pay and access funds, says Shift sales director Kristian McCausland.

Over time weve changed to support our partners and customers who need much more. This involved ongoing investment in technology and data, while keeping our broker partners and customers at the centre of everything we do.

This transformation meant were now at an exciting point in our companys journey, one that deserves a new brand and name, hence the change to Shift. McCausland says the name Shift is a more accurate representation of the difference the company makes for brokers and their customers.

Shift talks to disruption and positive change, which is what were about as a company. In a nutshell, Shift is changing the way Australian businesses access nance with a platform that is built for brokers. It gives brokers the tools, data and intelligence to supercharge their customer value.

Shift change

Weve grown into a provider of credit platforms that help brokers service their clients, manage their own businesses and help other businesses of all sizes, McCausland says.

Now more than ever, brokers need exibility rather than a cookie-cutter, traditional lending approach, and thats our core focus.

Whether its overdraft, asset nance, focusing on cash owor other needs, were really trying to make the processes as frictionless as possible for brokers and their clients.

McCausland says once brokers and their clients are part of the Shift network, theyll have swift access to nance solutions they need, without having to repeatedly jump through the hoops of applications and turnaround times.

Broker value proposition

Head of strategic partnerships Marie Boyagi says the rebrand is a sign of Shifts increased focus on providing credit platforms and insights that help brokers better service their clients and run their own businesses.

Earlier this year we launched our broker platform  now called Shift Connect  which uses streaming data so brokers can help their clients access Shift nancial solutions in just eight clicks, says Boyagi.

As Shift, were even further heightening our focus on making sure our platforms give more insights, exibility and time back in the day to brokers so they can proactively engage with their clients to nd the right nancial solutions for each individual business.

McCausland says Shift Connect aims to put brokers in control.

As part of the Shift network, we want our brokers to have full oversight of the options available to their clients, enabling them to have more insightful, timely conversations without the paperwork.

With Shift Connect, brokers can register their clients in just minutes, then get real-time status updates, full visibility of nancial data  including cash ow, income and expenses  track commissions, and much more.

When Shift asked its brokers what features of their nancial solutions provider they valued most, McCausland says the three points that stood out were speed, consistency and exibility.

This is why were continuing to focus on our broker platform, Shift Connect, as well as making sure we dont take a cookie-cutter approach to the solutions we help brokers offer clients.

Boyagi adds, Brokers clearly called out the amount of admin work they have to get through as a big challenge, so were looking to cut that out where we can by our use of data streaming technology to deliver better solutions to partners that help them better service their clients.

Focus on technology

McCausland says, Weve grown our tech team by 50% this year as we continue to invest in data streaming technology, and expect to grow it by 50% again next year.

This is part of our continued focus on making sure we set our brokers up for success by combining insights-based technology with a strong, national broker team.

Were hard at work behind the scenes on a beta version of an insights component of our platform. Were getting feedback from a range of brokers on it at the moment. This will give brokers instant access to more insights about the nancial health of their clients and the business they have with each broker, McCausland says.

It will help brokers make quicker, more informed choices when nding nancial solutions for them and even help them know when to check in with their clients. Expect more on this in the coming months.

Along with the tech focus and an expanded BDM team, Boyagi says Shift aims to deliver on providing speed, consistency and exibility.

Brokers spend too much time on admin and red tape. If a nancial solution provider is light touch for a broker, its doing its job properly  thats a huge focus for us, she says.

We want to make sure our range of products does more than other standard loans when many businesses might need something different, especially after the last two years and businesses pivoting, consolidating for growth and mapping out their path to recovery

That said, weve seen huge resilience from some sectors, so a strong part of our business is focused on helping brokers service companies that are maintaining a solid growth trajectory.

Coping with COVID

McCausland says brokers have weathered a storm like never before.

Brokers have thought on their feet, come to us with a view to help clients with products that suit their nancial health and not just standard responses to transactions as they arise, he says.

The challenge for us really has been more of an opportunity. Weve already had a strong tech focus, and by cranking it up a gear weve been able to bring a great broker platform to the market, as well as rolling out a beta of an Insights platform that will help brokers manage their  and their clients  business.

In some states, transport, postal and warehousing have performed strongly, McCausland says, adding that brokers have seen signicant opportunities in asset nance and cash ow throughout these industries.

Boyagi says as lockdowns end and the economy opens up, brokers will play a vital role in supporting their clients future plans.

Now more than ever, brokers are critical to navigating the market and guiding clients to the right product at the right time to enable growth, she says.

Emerging opportunities

Diversication is an important factor for brokers, Boyagi says.

We hear about diversication as being extremely important to the broker, but ultimately diversication is as much about meeting your clients needs as it is about income.

Clients are looking for more than a single product discussion and are eager to understand all the avenues available to help them achieve their goals.

Boyagi says there are more products than ever in the market, and if brokers dont adapt they run a risk of being left behind by more agile brokers.

At Shift we support brokers to understand our product range, when each product is suitable for each client and how best they can work with us.

McCausland says Shift is focused on getting its Insights platform to brokers in the not-too-distant future.

Over the next year well maintain our focus on moving towards true  nance on demand that makes it easier for brokers to match clients with the right solutions.

Part of this is helping brokers access the data they need to have more valuable conversations with their clients, cut red tape and give them options they need to more efficiently and productively run their businesses.
By Yilei Sun and Brenda Goh

BEIJING (Reuters) -For foreign automakers, selling in - the world's biggest car market and front-runner by far in the adoption of electric vehicles - can yield great rewards. But the regulatory headaches can also be really painful.

A lack of transparency, insufficient lead time for new rules as well as unequal "access to policy and standards drafting processes" were key complaints about Chinese auto regulation listed in a European Union Chamber of Commerce report.

Though the survey-based report published in September did not cite specific examples, auto industry sources say it highlights bubbling frustration with China's regulatory process as well as growing pains as automakers adapt to the country's expanding regulatory clout - particularly in EVs.

In the past, cars that met EU and U.S. auto standards did not have too much difficulty satisfying Chinese regulatory bodies which had based their own regulations on Western equivalents.

But is now coming to the forefront of EV regulation. That's a natural consequence of its sheer market size - it accounted for roughly 40% of all electric vehicles sold worldwide in 2020 - as well as part of broad conscious efforts by Chinese authorities to start taking the lead in international standards across a range of industries.

VW'S SCRAMBLE

An expensive scramble by Volkswagen AG engineers last year to redesign a battery pack for its ID.4 electric SUV illustrates the tensions at play in China's auto sector.

The battery pack had passed Volkswagen and German government tests for managing heat but it did not meet planned Chinese requirements aimed at making EVs highly unlikely to catch fire in the first five minutes after a crash, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

No information from the Chinese government about when the new standards would be effective contributed to the problem, the sources said. But they added stubbornness from Volkswagen headquarters was also responsible as Wolfsburg failed to realise Chinese regulators were not amenable to hearing out the German automaker's point of view as they had been in the past.

In addition to sending managers to China's industry ministry and auto testing agency Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) to press for clarification on when the rule might be made effective, Volkswagen assembled a team of engineers who spent around six months working out fixes, said the sources.

In the end, the orginally planned lightweight aluminum battery pack was replaced by a heavier aluminum-steel pack with a different structural design. The mechanical design for the car's chassis was also changed.

"Sometimes changing key components in an existing model is harder than making a new one and ID.4 is a good example of that," said one source.

The sources declined to be identified discussing internal matters. Volkswagen said in a statement to Reuters that the ID.4 gained regulatory approval smoothly, that its regional teams get the necessary support to meet local legal requirements and it has zero tolerance for non-compliance.

SEEKING MORE TIME, CLARITY

Chinese authorities could do more to make the regulatory process clearer and less liable to throwing up unwelcome surprises, executives at foreign automakers say.

Hans Georg Engel, head of research and development at Mercedes-Benz in China, told reporters last month one challenge for vehicle development and testing in China is that there is not enough time to comply after a new regulation goes into effect.

Other complaints include that sometimes only Chinese automakers are invited to initial meetings on proposed new regulations while foreign automakers only get to attend later, according to senior officials at overseas carmakers. They were not authorised to speak on the matter and declined to be identified.

China's industry ministry and CATARC did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

GOING GLOBAL

Last year, Beijing outlined "China Standards 2035" - a still-evolving industrial strategy it had spent two years developing and one that seeks to make China a major voice, if not take the driver's seat, when international standards are set.

Its plans for promoting better standards encompass a wide range of industries - from tech to packaging to biotech - as well as autos.

In line with those objectives, state-owned CATARC, which is backed by China's industry ministry, is increasing its international reach.

In June, CATARC set up an office in Geneva, home to United Nations transportation regulators. It has also been working with Indonesia's government on EV policies and holding routine talks with countries like Uzbekistan and Belarus. In September, it said in a post that some of China's auto regulations have been adopted by markets like the European Union, Israel and Chile.

Increasing the global impact of China's auto emission rules will also help with the exports of China-made engines, components and testing machines, Wu Xianfeng, an official at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, told CATARC's annual meeting in September.

To lessen the chance of regulatory surprises, foreign automakers are investing more in China research and development centres as this will give them a closer ear to the ground and more expertise on technical requirements that matter most to Chinese regulators.

Volkswagen is building a new research centre in the eastern Chinese city of Hefei where it is boosting EV production, and just last month Tesla Inc announced it had built a new R&D centre in Shanghai - its first outside the United States, while Daimler AG opened a new research centre in Beijing.

"This world is changing so fast as we go into software-driven and electric vehicles that all governments around the world are running very fast to regulate," Hubertus Troska, Daimler's China chief said at the opening.

"Given the importance of China...this is the intention of our company to make sure Chinese requirements will be never forgotten."

(Reporting by Yilei Sun in Beijing and Brenda Goh in Shanghai; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

(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.)
E-commerce major India on Monday said it is currently investigating an issue, wherein its platform was allegedly used to source

On Saturday, an online sale racket was busted by Bhind police in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of two persons and seizure of 20 kilograms of the contraband, according to an official.

The accused were operating the racket through a leading e-commerce firm, which received two-thirds of the profits generated, as per the official.

Evidence is being collected to see if it could be prosecuted for providing a platform for such drug transactions, the official added.

The issue was notified to us, and we are currently investigating it. We assure full co-operation and support required to Investigating Authorities and Law Enforcement agencies with ongoing investigations to resolve the issue at the earliest, an spokesperson said.

Bhind Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Singh said on a tip-off, Kallu Pawaiya (30) and Dhaba owner Brijendra Tomar (35) were arrested from Bhind Gwalior Road on Saturday and recovered 20 kilograms of

"Kallu used to source the marijuana from Vishakhapatnam through a reputed international e-commerce firm to Gwalior, Bhopal, Kota, Agra and other areas of the country. Brijendra helped him in the business," he had said.

Kallu has so far sold one tonne of the contraband and transacted business worth Rs 1.1 crore, the SP had said.

"Kallu ran his company under a fake name with PAN and GST number etc. The e-commerce firm got 66.66 per cent of profit from the illicit business. We are collecting evidence to prosecute the e-commerce company under section 29 (part of criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act," Singh had stated.

Traders' body CAIT on Monday said the marijuana racket incident is a serious offence and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should also take up the serious issue besides the Madhya Pradesh police.

CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) has also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan to ensure that the issue should not go into the air.

It is a serious threat to the security of the country in view of the fact that likewise even illegal arms or other illegal activities can also be conducted, it added.

CAIT National President BC Bhartia said police authorities of Madhya Pradesh should take the strictest action against under the NDPS Act and IPC, and immediately arrest the persons responsible for the operation and management of Amazon.in in India.

He added that by selling marijuana worth more than Rs 1 crore and earning a commission of 66 per cent (i.e. over Rs 66 Lakhs) through its e-commerce website, Amazon has contravened Section 20(b) of NDPS Act that says produces, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State, exports inter-State or uses cannabis, shall be punishable.

In the present case, Amazon has not only allowed the use of its platform for the sale of commercial quantities of banned drugs but has actively participated in the sale and earned huge profit to the tune of 66 per cent of the sale value, CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said.

They demanded that in addition to the people already arrested by Madhya Pradesh police, they must arrest the senior management of Amazon, who has facilitated the use of its platform for the sale of marijuana and hence, acted as a drug peddler.

(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.)
With the demand outlook for aluminium looking strong, will largely focus on organic expansion both globally as well as in the domestic market in the coming quarter. For FY22, however, the company would have to slightly scale down the capital expenditure to Rs 2,400 crore.

We lost a few months to the second wave of Covid in the beginning of this fiscal. Due to this, we will have to end for FY22 about Rs 300 crore lower than planned, Satish Pai, managing director at Hindalco Industries, told Business Standard.

The Aditya Birla Group company, early this month acquired Ryker Base Pvt. Ltd. (Ryker)  a wholly owned subsidiary of Polycab India Limited for an enterprise value of Rs 323 crore. The acquisition will strengthen Hindalcos copper rod manufacturing capacity by providing a time-to-market advantage, allowing the company to cater to the growing demand from electrical and electronics sectors.





At Novelis, the company in October, invested approximately $130 million to upgrade its operations in Oswego, NY to meet growing customer demand for sustainable, aluminum flat rolled products.

Calendar year 2021 is going to end in a global aluminium deficit of 1 million tonnes and this deficit is expected to grow since demand is strong from packaging, industrial, transportation, said Pai.

The company's consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was at an all-time high of Rs 8,048 crore, up 56 per cent year-on-year and 19 per cent sequentially. The company clocked a record high EBITDA but refrained from giving any guidance for coming quarters.

Despite the Covid cases on a rise both in Europe and China, does not see much impact on its business in those regions.

Europe cases are going up but they are managing well since they have a high degree of vaccination. We are not expecting any demand problems in Europe and the US going forward. In China, our business is only 200kt of auto and most of our auto demand in China is flat out so we do not expect any impact to our business in China as well, Pai clarified.

Alongside, though the Union mines ministry recently tweaked mining norms allowing captive ore producers to sell to third parties, will not be participating in the sale of the commodity.

Our annual consumption of bauxite is about 10 million tonnes and since we have four smelters, we will not be selling any bauxite to third parties. In fact, we will now be diverting some of our ore to the Belgaum smelter for which we usually have to import since ore availability is an issue there, said Pai.

Hindalco Industries has four smeltersUtkal, Renukoot, Moori and Belgaum. The company is, however, into the sale of value added products. It will continue to sell alumina to its existing customer Vedanta Limited.

The September quarter has been a tough one for aluminium producers such as Hindalco Industries due to coal shortage issues. However, the Aditya Birla Group company was able to escape the crisis. We were able to keep a 30-day inventory of coal since we had stocked it well before monsoon. Due to this, though we were in a tight position, we were comfortable and were able to tide over the situation. Now the coal issues have eased so there is no shortage, said Pai.
(Vi) expects to conclude its fundraising in the current financial year, chief executive officer (CEO) Ravinder Takkar said on Monday.

He indicated that a tariff hike, which is critical for survival of the sector, would happen soon.

Takkar made the remarks in a post second quarter results conference call on Monday. The company narrowed down its subscriber loss and reported a sequential increase in its average revenue per user (ARPU). There was a limited year-on-year (YoY) decline in its net loss, which stood at Rs 7,132 crore in the second quarter of FY22. Vi continues to make focused investments to increase its coverage and is in advanced discussions with banks and investors for raising debt and equity. Funds will be raised for fresh investments and also for repaying around Rs 6,000-crore debt that is due over the next few months.

Takkar said the governments reforms package has alleviated investor concerns and Vi expects renewed investor interest in the company.

He said the firm is in the process of updating its business plan and will make a disclosure on fundraising after its finalisation. We expect to conclude the exercise during this financial year, Takkar stated.

He added that tariff hikes should happen soon in the backdrop of the reforms package. The time for tariff hikes is certainly approaching, he said.

Vis Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Akshaya Moondra said spectrum dues of around Rs 58,910 crore will be deferred over four years as a result of the reforms package. The company is in discussion with the department of telecommunications (DoT) to determine the amount of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues that will get deferred. The reforms package will also reduce the number of performance-based bank guarantees that the company provides to the government. The amount covered under the guarantees will come down to 20 per cent.

Vi also expects the government to return bank guarantees in view of the four-year moratorium on payment of spectrum dues. At present, bank guarantees need to be provided for a year before payment of spectrum dues.

Asked about rival Jios new smartphone and Airtels cashback offer, Takkar said Vi has tie ups with device manufacturers and finance that offer easy instalments to customers to purchase a new handset. He said the strategy gives customers a choice of handset and the company is deploying it to ensure conversion of more customers from 2G to 4G.
Jammu and Kashmir PDP president on Monday lambasted the "callous attitude" of the administration towards who have suffered massive losses due to recent adverse weather conditions.

The former chief minister said rice cultivators of border belts of Jammu and those growing apple and dry fruits in Kashmir contribute a major portion towards the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, and in both the regions, the losses suffered by them due to rain and snowfall run into crores of rupees.

"It seems that the administration, instead of assessing the damage on ground, has fixed the compensation sitting behind the four walls of their offices, Mehbooba told reporters.

She addressed a series of party interaction programmes in the border belt of R S Pura and Bishnah on the outskirts of the city.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared a heavy spell of rainfall and snowfall on October 23 and 24 as state specific natural disaster under state disaster response fund (SDRF) norms for the purpose of providing relief to the affected

Jammu, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Reasi, Samba and Kathua in Jammu division and Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian in south Kashmir are the districts covered under the declaration.

R S Pura, also known as the rice bowl of Jammu region and the major grower of internationally acclaimed Basmati rice, was the worst hit due to massive damage to the standing Basmati crop.

I am told that the government has assured peanuts to the of R S Pura, Bishnah, Samba and other plains of Jammu as compensation, where farmers have suffered extensive damage to their standing crops, the PDP leader, who is currently on a five-day tour of Jammu, said.

She said the sudden change in weather has damaged the crop of farmers and brought them to the verge of starvation, but government, I am told, has fixed Rs 600 compensation per kanal, which is disgraceful and disdainful for this hard working class of society.

Taking a dig at the BJP-led central government, Mehbooba said, The party ruling the country has adopted a hostile attitude towards the farmers across the country and it seems Jammu and Kashmir is no different.

While they claim to provide free ration to 80 crore population of the country, they seem to miss the point that the one producing this food is the farmer of this country who has been at the receiving end of the ant-farmer policies of this government, she said, referring to the ongoing protest by the farmers against the contentious agriculture laws of the Centre.

Recalling how former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had deep affection for the people living in the border areas, she said they are the worst hit due to the hostility between India and Pakistan.

"While friendly relations between the two countries are paramount for sustainable peace and development of the whole subcontinent, our people living along the border areas deserve the incentives of such peace the most, Mehbooba 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.)
The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to hold an emergency meeting on the pollution crisis and by Tuesday decide on steps like stopping non-essential construction, transport, power plants and implementing work from home to tackle the situation, saying the cat is out of the bag now as the hue and cry over stubble burning being a big contributor was without any basis.

Ordering the Centre to hold the meeting with the secretaries concerned of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said, In fact, now the cat is out of the bag, the farmers stubble burning contributes to 4 percent of the pollution... So, we are targeting something which is totally insignificant".

It pulled up the city government for making 'lame excuses' and passing the buck to civic bodies for not taking emergent measures in handling the crisis.

The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant, said that construction, industry, transport, power and vehicular traffic are the major culprits in causing pollution and asked the Centre to take steps regarding these factors.

"Even though some decisions were taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act it has not indicated precisely what steps they are going to take to control factors that are causing air pollution," it said.

"In view of that, we direct the government of India to call for an emergency meeting tomorrow and discuss the areas which we indicated and what orders they can pass to effectively control air pollution.

"So far as the stubble burning is concerned, broadly affidavits state that their contribution is not so much except for two months. However, at present a good amount of stubble burning is taking place in Haryana and Punjab," the bench said, adding that the farmers be urged not to burn stubble for two weeks.

It directed the Centre and the NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees.

At the outset, senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that he wanted to make some suggestions and submitted that construction should be regulated rather than being banned.

He said the Centre was not willing to take strong measures in view of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and sought for the constitution of an independent commission to oversee the process.

The top court said, "We're in the midst of a crisis situation, we can't deal with new issues like the constitution of a committee. The government has filed a detailed affidavit. With reference to those steps you can make suggestions."



Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed him saying, "My friend (Singh) has a different agenda".

The bench intervened: "You want to fight or you want to argue. We are not concerned with elections and politics. Yesterday also we had clarified we are not concerned with politics, we only want pollution to come down...why bring up elections... We are in the middle of a crisis situation. We can't conjure up new solutions".

The bench then asked Mehta about the outcome of the meeting with the secretaries of the Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments.

He submitted that a lockdown would be the most drastic measure taken to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The other measures that could be taken would be an odd-even scheme for vehicular movement and a ban on the entry of trucks into the capital, he submitted.

Mehta told the bench that the Haryana government took the same steps including implementing work from home for employees.

'We have suggested increasing parking fees to 3-4 times, so those who travel for no reason will avoid doing so. If the air quality goes to very poor, use of diesel generators will be stopped except in emergency cases like hospitals. Public transport will have to be boosted including an increase in bus and metro services. This is what we suggested to the Delhi government," he said.

He further submitted that stubble burning now is not a major contributor to the pollution.

"I must admit that stubble burning now is not a major contributor to the pollution, as of now it's 10 per cent is what I have been told. Road dust majorly contributes to pollution. States and its agencies must be in complete readiness to implement emergency measures. Increase frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads & sprinkling of water in roads. Ensure closing of stone crushers in Delhi NCR. So far as the Badarpur plant is concerned, we haven't directed its shut down. Stop use of coal or firewood in hotels or eateries..," he said.

As Mehta made submissions," the bench said, "On the last date we had pointed out that emergency steps are required to be taken. The suggestions you're pointing to could be part of a long term plan. How many mechanised road cleaning machines are available in Delhi."



"Are you agreeing that stubble burning is not the main cause? That hue and cry has no scientific or factual basis," it asked, and referred to a chart to show that it contributes four per cent to the overall air pollution.

Referring to Centre's affidavit, it said that 75 per cent of the air pollution is due to three factors -- industry, dust and transport.

"In the last hearing (on Saturday), we mentioned stubble burning is not a major issue, city related issues are there. So if you take steps on them, the situation will improve," the bench said, adding that it had mentioned issues like dust, industry and vehicular emission being major contributors.

"So if you take steps on them, the situation will improve. You focus on these issues," the bench said.

Mehta told the court that all the states are doing their best and a total of 85,000 KM length of roads has been swept in Delhi.

The bench said that as per Delhi government 69 Mechanical Road Sweeper (MRS) machines have been deployed by it, and asked whether they are sufficient.

Delhi government counsel Rahul Mehra said the municipal corporations are the ones which see all this as they are "independent and autonomous bodies".

Irked, the bench shot back: "You' are passing the buck to MCD again. This kind of lame excuse will compel us to find out and hold an audit inquiry into the total revenue you are collecting and spending on popularity slogans instead of looking after people."



On the machines, Mehra said, "Whatever is required, there's a commitment from from top of the Government, the Lieutenant Governor and the Council of Ministers."



"That's not the statement we want. Everyone is committed. It's the steps taken on ground level that's important," the CJI said.

Mehra then sought to take instructions in relation to Court's query from the Special Secretary. He later informed the Court that 69 machines are currently and once the MCD informs how many machines are required. funds will be issued immediately by the Delhi Government.

The top court also expressed displeasure over the earlier emergency meeting and said: "This is not the way we expected an executive emergency meeting will be held. It is unfortunate that we have to set the agenda. The sum and substance is construction, power, transport, dust and stubble burning are the issues. Ask the committee created and decide how to implement the action plan by tomorrow evening."



The apex court was hearing a plea filed by environmental activist Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka, who sought directions to provide stubble-removing machines to small and marginal farmers for free.

It had earlier raised concern over the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR and appointed a one-man panel of Justice (retd) Lokur to monitor the steps taken by the neighbouring states to prevent stubble burning, while brushing aside objections from the Centre, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

(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 Centre told the on Monday that the has passed a disturbing order while setting aside an order of the principal bench of CAT to transfer an application by former West Bengal chief secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, challenging the proceedings initiated against him by the Centre, from Kolkata to New Delhi.

The government told a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and C T Ravikumar that the October 29 order of the high court was disturbing, both on the question of territorial jurisdiction as well as some observations made in the order.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that issue pertaining to territorial jurisdiction in matters where an officer, after retirement, can petition any high court to challenge an order of the principal bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on the ground that he resides in that particular state, has wider ramifications.

This has wider ramification and can be abused. A person, merely by claiming that I ordinarily stay there, can confer jurisdiction to the high court, though territorially, the high court would not have jurisdiction, Mehta told the bench.

This is a disturbing order, both on the question of territorial jurisdiction of the high court and some observations which are made. It's really disturbing, he said at the outset.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Centre against the high court order, which had also directed the Kolkata bench of CAT to expedite the hearing of Bandopadhyay's application and dispose of it at the earliest.

Bandopadhyay had moved the Kolkata bench of CAT, challenging the proceedings initiated against him by the Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievance and Pensions in a matter relating to attending a meeting on May 28 at the Kalaikunda Air Force station that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the effects of cyclone Yaas.

Mehta told the apex court that Bandopadhyay had challenged the initiation of departmental action against him by the Centre before the Calcutta bench of CAT.

Referring to the high court order, the law officer said some very disturbing remarks have been made against the principal bench of CAT.

We can say that the disturbing remarks will be expunged, the bench observed.

Mehta said the would have no jurisdiction in an order passed by the principal bench of CAT in Delhi.

The question is can take up that matter and set it aside, he said, adding, The Delhi High Court may have set it aside.

The bench observed that the proceeding, which were likely to be impacted by the order of the CAT's principal bench, was filed in Calcutta.

It said the main proceeding is filed in Kolkata by Bandhopadhyay and the order passed by the CAT principal bench will impact those proceedings, so part of the action arose in Kolkata which is within the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court.

The apex court said the high court has proceeded on the basis that since the officer is not in service now, he can file the plea at the place where he resides.

The solicitor general said the observations made by the high court are disturbing and when constitutional courts made such remarks, it become significant.

As the highest court of the country, I urge your lordships to take cognisance of this, he said, adding that he would assist the apex court on the issue of territorial jurisdiction as well as on the use of language.

He said an officer can file a petition in the Sikkim High Court saying he ordinarily stays there and get the order passed by CAT's principal bench set aside.

When Mehta said that the apex court should examine this aspect, the bench said it will keep that question open.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on November 22 and granted liberty to the counsel appearing for the parties to file written note, accompanying reported decision on which they will rely during the arguments.

Bandopadhyay, who was not released by the state government, chose to retire on May 31, his original date of superannuation prior to having been given an extension of three months from that date.

Proceedings were initiated against Bandopadhyay by the Union government and an inquiry authority was appointed in this regard, which fixed a preliminary hearing on October 18 in New Delhi.

The petitioner then moved the Kolkata bench of the CAT, challenging the proceedings against him.

The Union government had filed a transfer petition before the principal bench of CAT, which on October 22 allowed the transfer of Bandopadhyay's application to itself in New Delhi.

This order was challenged by Bandopadhyay before the Calcutta High Court.

(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 Supreme Court collegium's proposal transferring Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to Meghalaya has snowballed into a controversy with voices for and against the shifting of the senior judge.

The Collegium had earlier recommended for the transfer of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to the Meghalaya High Court.

The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, in its meeting held on September 16, had also recommended for the transfer of Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari of the Allahabad High Court to the

Two major lawyers' bodies here-- the Advocates Association (MHAA), the largest one with a membership of over 20,000 advocates and the Madras Bar Association, an elite group of advocates -- have joined the chorus and passed resolutions protesting against the proposal to shift the CJ.

Over 30 senior advocates of the High Court have also joined those protesting against the transfer.

This follows over 200 advocates writing to the CJI and the collegium last week, protesting against Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee's transfer to Meghalaya High Court and seeking to reconsider the proposal.

While so, there were voices in support of the transfer as well.

Advocate R C Paul Kanakaraj, former president of the MHAA and the chief of BJP Legal Wing, alleged the issue was being politicised.

He questioned the logic behind protesting against the transfer without ascertaining the reasons behind the same. There might be some strong reasons for the shifting, he claimed. The resolutions cannot be taken as the ones passed with the majority of the advocates, when there were several thousand lawyers.

The transfers might be with good intentions, which would ultimately pave way for seniority and their elevation to the Supreme Court, he added.

Raising his voice against the resolution against the transfer at the extraordinary emergency meeting of the MBA at its premises on Sunday, advocate G Karthikeyan, who is also the Assistant Solicitor General of the Madras High Court, questioned the logic behind protesting against the CJ alone. Many judges including Chief Justices were shifted to other High Courts in the recent past. Why was the resolution singled out in respect of CJ Banerjee alone, he asked.

Another senior most judge T S Sivagnanam was transferred to the High Court in Kolkata recently.

The resolution passed by the MBA included his case too.

MHAA president G Mohanakrishnan said the association was distressed to note that the present Chief Justice was recommended for transfer from Chennai to Meghalaya. He had assumed office only in January 2021 and was a senior Judge. He has been effectively conducting the judicial administration in Tamil Nadu, he said and fervently requested the CJI and the Supreme Court Collegium judges to consider the views of the legal fraternity and take a good decision in the interest of all the stake-holders.

In its resolution, the MBA stated that a Chief Justice of a large chartered High Court like the one in Chennai, must be given at least two years term to study the situation prevailing in the institution and to take measures to improve the same.

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India on Monday reported a net reduction of 1,822 in active cases to take its count to 134,096. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 0.71 per cent (one in 143). The country is eighteenth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Sunday, it added 10,229 cases to take its total caseload to 34,447,536 from 34,437,307  an increase of 0.1%. And, with 125 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 463,655, or 1.35 per cent of total confirmed infections.

With 3,020,119 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Sunday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 1,123,430,478. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 33,849,785 or 98.26 per cent of total caseload  with 11,926 new cured cases being reported on Monday.

Now the eighteenth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases and recoveries, India has added 80,549 cases in the past 7 days.

India now accounts for 0.7% of all active cases globally (one in every 143 active cases), and 9.06% of all deaths (one in every 11 deaths).

India has so far administered 1,123,430,478 vaccine doses. That is 3261.27 per cent of its total caseload, and 80.33 per cent of its population.

Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (144977209), Maharashtra (107332828), West Bengal (88393837), Madhya Pradesh (78197519), and Gujarat (77904623).

Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Gujarat (1219692), Kerala (1216901), Jammu and Kashmir (1209921), Delhi (1191305), and Uttarakhand (1103037).

Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 58 days.

The count of active cases across India on Monday saw a net reduction of 1,822, compared with 390 on Sunday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Jammu and Kashmir (65), Odisha (55), West Bengal (31), Puducherry (22), and Ladakh (19).

With 11,926 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 98.26%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.35%.

The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.75%), Nagaland (2.16%), and Uttarakhand (2.15%). The rate in as many as 12 is higher than the national average.

Indias new daily closed cases stand at 12,051  125 deaths and 11,926 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 1.03%.

Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.1%.

Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 2333.9 days, and for deaths at 2570.7 days.

Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (5848), Maharashtra (956), West Bengal (875), Tamil Nadu (805), and Odisha (262).

India on Sunday conducted 915,198 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 624,666,542. The test positivity rate recorded was 1.1%.

Five states with the highest test positivity rate (TPR)  percentage of tested people turning out to be positive for Covid-19 infection (by cumulative data for tests and cases  are Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.75%), Kerala (13.06%), Sikkim (11.92%), Goa (11.85%), and Maharashtra (10.35%).

Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added  are Kerala (9.21%), Nagaland (6.11%), Mizoram (5.65%), Manipur (2.78%), and West Bengal (2.13%).

Among states and UTs with more than 10 million population, five that have carried out the highest number of tests (per million population) are Delhi (1607542), J&K (1234073), Kerala (1085212), Karnataka (771167), and Telangana (712591).

The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6624300), Kerala (5061072), Karnataka (2991850), Tamil Nadu (2714830), and Andhra Pradesh (2069978).

Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 956 new cases to take its tally to 6624300.

Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 5848 cases to take its tally to 5061072.

Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 236 cases to take its tally to 2991850.

Tamil Nadu has added 805 cases to take its tally to 2714830.

Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 208 to 2069978.

Uttar Pradesh has added 12 cases to take its tally to 1710273.

Delhi has added 36 cases to take its tally to 1440424.
The will formally exit the liquor business as nearly 600 vends run by it will be shut from Tuesday night, making way for new swanky private shops with walk-in facility which will begin operations the next morning under the new excise policy.

Department sources expressed apprehension that there maybe a further shortage of liquor in the city due to the closure of government-run liquor vends as all the 850 new private vends are unlikely to start functioning in one go from Wednesday.

They said licences have been distributed to all applicants in 32 zones but about 300-350 shops are likely to start operations on the first day of the new excise regime.

"Provisional licences have been given to around 350 shops. Over 200 brands have been registered with 10 wholesale licensees starting operations who have procured nine lakh litres of liquor of various brands so far," the sources said.

However, officials said that gradually all 850 liquor vends will start functioning and there will be no shortage after that.

The officials said this will be the first time that all government-run will be shut in the capital, and the business will be completely transferred to private players.

Under the new excise policy of the Delhi government, all the 850 liquor vends, including the 260-odd outlets run privately, have been given to private firms through open tender.

The private liquor vends had already shut operations on September 30, and the government ones which were operating in the transition period of one-and-a-half months will wrap up their business on Tuesday night.

The new licence holders will start retail sale of liquor in the city from Wednesday (November 17).

As per the new excise policy, which was put in the public domain in July this year, swanky liquor vends will be set up in 32 zones across the city where people would be able to walk in and choose the brand of their choice, akin to shopping malls.

Under the new system, the government will be out of retail liquor trade, paving the way for closure of state-run shops and promoting private players in the capital.

The new excise policy aims at revolutionising the consumer experience by replacing the existing liquor vends in the nooks and corners of the city, with swanky liquor stores spread over at least 500 square feet area with walk-in facility.

It stipulates that the new liquor stores will have to be equipped with air-conditioning and CCTV cameras. It also bars selling liquor through grilled shops with people crowding outside on roads and pavements.

The new excise policy allows opening of five super-premium retail vends having an area of 2,500 square feet. Liquor tasting facility will also be developed at these super-premium retail vends.

On Monday, the office of the excise department of the saw more than usual rush of representatives belonging to new shop allottees to get last-minute glitches fixed as the new policy goes on the floor from Wednesday.

The had already issued guidelines regarding placing order and receiving the liquor stock for upcoming swanky shops under the new regime.

The officials said that liquor vends under the new excise policy have already started placing orders for procurement of liquor from November 11.

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The of India (EGI) and Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) on Sunday condemned the detention of two women journalists by the Assam Police based on an FIR which alleged they had maligned the image of the government by their reporting of the recent communal incidents there.

Police officials in both the states have confirmed that Samriddhi Sakunia and Swarna Jha, journalists with HW News Network, who went to to write on the recent communal incidents there, were detained by the Assam Police at Karimganj's Neelam Bazar, close to the border between the two states on Sunday.

The duo is being kept at a government-run shelter home for women for the night and will be handed over to the Police on Monday morning, an Assam police officer said.

" condemns this action and demands their immediate release and restoration of their freedom to travel," the EGI said in a statement.

The IWPC also condemned the police action against the two journalists and demanded that they should be allowed to do their job without any fear.

"We understand that the two women journalists, Ms Sakuni and Ms Jha, are to be taken back to Tripura for questioning," the IWPC said, adding, "We demand that they be released immediately and be allowed to do their job.

The two scribes were held by Assam Police on their way to Silchar airport on Sunday. The Assam Police informed them that they were being held as "Tripura Police asked (Assam Police) to detain them (the duo)".

Sakunia and Jha were named in an FIR at Fatikroy Police Station of Tripura based on a complaint filed by a supporter of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, alleging that they had maligned the image of the Tripura government by their reporting, according to a statement issued by their employer.

Earlier, Sakunia had tweeted, "We have been detained at the Nilambazar police station, Karimganj, Assam. We were informed by the officer-in-charge of Nilambazar PS that SP of Gomti District gave the orders for our detention."



A senior police official in Agartala said that the two journalists were detained based on requests by the Tripura Police and a team of officials from Dharmanagar has gone to Nilambazaar to bring them.

The official said the journalists had posted on social media that a mosque was burnt in Gomati district and a copy of the Quran was damaged.

"Police suspect that the videos uploaded by her were doctored and police wanted to know if the videos were fake or true by interrogating them," he added.

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Alexander Mikheev, the director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport on Monday said that the first regiment of Russia's anti-aircraft missile system air defence (PRO) S-400 will be delivered to India by the end of 2021.

"All the property of the first regimental set of S-400s will be delivered to India at the end of 2021," Mikheev was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Sputnik. He added that the deliveries started ahead of schedule.

The head of Rosoboronexport also said that Indian experts have already completed training in and returned home. "Immediately after the New Year, our specialists will arrive in India to hand over the equipment at its locations," Mikheev added.

Last week, the Director of the Russian government's main defence export control organisation had said that has started supplying the S-400 defence missile system to India.

" has started supplying the S-400 air defence system to India", Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugaev had said at the Dubai air show. FSMTC is the Russian government's main defence export control organisation.

Sources in the Indian defence industry said the parts of the air defence system have started reaching India and they would be first deployed at a location close to the Western border from where it can tackle threats from both parts of the Western and Northern borders with Pakistan and China.

The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around Rs 35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tackling air threats from up to 400 km.

Sources said the equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. Sources said after the first squadron is deployed, the Air Force would start focusing on the Eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country.

The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asian skies as they would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from 400 km distance.

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are decided in America and blaming the central government for rise in their rates is wrong, Union minister Raosaheb Danve has said.

He said the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel earlier this month, but most of the non-BJP-ruled states, including Maharashtra, have not cut VAT on them to provide further relief to consumers. The Minister of State for Railways on Sunday night said in India keep fluctuating as they are linked to the prevailing crude oil rates in the international market. The BJP leader was speaking at the opening ceremony of a new party office in Aurangabad in central Maharashtra. Party workers were present on the occasion. Talking about and protests by opposition parties, Danve said it was unfair to target the central government over the issue. 'Protest marches are taking place against fuel price hike in the country. But fuel prices are linked to the world (market) situation. One day it goes up by 35 paisa, next day it goes down by a rupee and again it goes up by fifty paisa," he said. "These prices are decided in America. So blaming the Centre for fuel price hike is wrong. The central government reduced its tax (on petrol and diesel on Diwali eve), but state governments led by the Congress and other opposition parties are not ready to do the same (cut VAT). The country is running on funds of the central government. We should tell people about this," the minister said. The BJP leader said allies in the three-party MVA government in Maharashtra do not sit together and take decisions.

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Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday sought to know the source of the Centre's data that stubble burning "now accounts for only 10 per cent" of the city's PM2.5 pollution and said its share rose to a high of 48 per cent in the last 10 days.

Rai also said a joint action plan is the solution to the problem of and that the city government will emphasize this point in the meeting of Centre and NCR states on Tuesday.

"The timing is an important factor. If we consider the share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution in October, it may not be even 4 per cent because an extended monsoon season delayed paddy harvesting, he told PTI.

Delhi's air in October this year was the cleanest in five years. But the main point is that pollution levels have increased alarmingly after Diwali, Rai said.

"According to SAFAR, the share of stubble burning in Delhi's PM2.5 pollution rose to a high of 48 per cent in the last 10 days. This is central government data which is available in the public domain. Only the Centre will be able to specify the source of the data that stubble burning accounts for only 10 per cent (of Delhi's pollution).... It does not make sense, he said.

Earlier in the day, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that stubble burning now is not a major contributor to the pollution, as of now it's 10 per cent.

The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution stood at 10 per cent on Monday, the lowest since Diwali (November 4).

On an average, farm fires have accounted for around 25 per cent of the PM2.5 pollution in Delhi from November 1 to November 15, according to the data from SAFAR -- the air quality forecasting agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The share of farm fires in Delhi's pollution had increased to 48 per cent on November 7, the highest since November 5, 2018, when it was recorded at 58 per cent.

According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), people in the capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 every year, as unhelpful meteorological conditions trap pollutants from local sources and stubble burning in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

Rai said pollution in Delhi is related to the airshed involving NCR areas and the city government has repeatedly called for a joint action plan to address the problem.

"A joint action plan is the solution to this problem. Everyone should move together in this direction. We will emphasize this point in the meeting of Centre and NCR states on Tuesday, he said.

The apex court has directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting and decide by Tuesday evening on measures like stopping non-essential constructions, transport, power plants and implement work from home to deal with the situation in the NCR.

The minister said the Delhi government is willing to take more steps to resolve the issue.

"We have been making efforts on our end to reduce our share of pollution. We are ready to do more and take more new steps. We are ready to implement the suggestions of the Supreme Court and experts, if any, he said.

Rai also held a meeting with officials of the Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation to discuss ways to increase the carrying capacity of the capital's public transport system.

"DMRC and DTC have been asked to prepare a plan in this regard within two days, the minister said.

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The government is likely to introduce a bill on crypto currencies during the winter session of Parliament beginning November 29, amid concerns over such currencies being allegedly used for luring investors with misleading claims and for funding terror activities, sources said on Monday.

Currently, there are no particular regulations or any ban on use of crypto currencies in the country. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, held a meeting on the crypto currencies with senior officials and indications are that strong regulatory steps could be taken to deal with the issue.

The sources said the proposed bill would focus on investor protection as crypto currencies come under a complex asset class category.

Once cleared by the Union Cabinet, the government plans to introduce the bill on crypto currencies in the first week of the winter session.

In August, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she was awaiting an approval from the Cabinet on the crypto currency bill.

Both the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have raised concerns about crypto currencies in recent months.

The three-week long winter session is scheduled to be held from November 29 to December 23.

On Monday, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance discussed the pros and cons of crypto finance with various stakeholders, and several members were in favour of regulating crypto currency exchanges rather than an outright ban on the such currencies, according to sources.

At the meeting convened by the prime minister on Saturday, it was strongly felt that attempts to mislead the youth through over-promising and non-transparent advertising of crypto currencies should be stopped, sources had said.

An inter-ministerial panel on crypto currency under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Economic Affairs) had recommended that all currencies except those issued by the state should be banned.

Earlier, RBI had said that unregulated growth of crypto currencies poses threat to the macroeconomic and financial stability of the country.

Last week, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das reiterated his views against allowing crypto currencies saying they are a serious threat to any financial system since they are unregulated by central banks.

The central bank has also plans to introduce an official digital currency.

On March 4, 2020, Supreme Court set aside an RBI circular of April 6, 2018, prohibiting banks and entities regulated by it from providing services in relation to virtual currencies.

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Noted historian and Padma Vibhushan awardee Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare, died at a Pune hospital on Monday after a brief illness, a doctor said.

Purandare, 99, an authority on the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was admitted to the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital here in Maharashtra three days ago and was being treated for pneumonia. He breathed his last shortly after 5 am on Monday, a statement from the hospital said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and a host of other leaders expressed grief over the demise of Purandare and lauded his contribution in the fields of history and culture.

In the morning, the body was kept at the historian's residence 'Purandarewada' in Parvati area here for people to pay their last respects.

Scores of people from all walks of life bid a teary adieu to the historian.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol were among those who paid homage to Purandare here.

His mortal remains were later consigned to flames at the Vaikuntha electric crematorium with full state hours, as announced by the state government.

Known by his moniker Shiv Shahir' (Shivaji's bard), Purandare was among the pre-eminent authorities on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

'Raja Shivchhatrapati', Purandare's popular two-part, 900-page magnum opus on Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi, was first published in the late 1950s and has since been a staple in Marathi households, going through numerous reprints over decades.

Purandare had also conceived and directed the theatrical history extravaganza on Shivaji Maharaj's life titled 'Jaanta Raja' in the mid-1980s.

Born on July 29, 1922, Purandare was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2019.

The historian, who is survived by two sons and a daughter, was conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2015.

Though Purandare is credited with taking the life and works of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the masses through his research, he was also criticised by some Maratha outfits which had accused him of distorting facts about the Maratha king.

Some outfits like the Sambhaji brigade had protested the government's decision to confer the Maharashtra Bhushan award on him.

Purandare's ambitious project 'Shivsrushti', to depict important moments in the life of Shivaji Maharaj, was taking shape in Ambegaon area here under his guidance. The first phase of the project was completed recently.

Prime Minister in a tweet said, "I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered."



The PM said Purandare was witty and wise and had rich knowledge of the Indian history.

"I had the honour of interacting with him very closely over the years. A few months back, had addressed his centenary year programme," he tweeted, posting a video of his address at the event.

Purandare will live on due to his extensive works, Modi said, extending condolences to his family and countless admirers.

Later, speaking at an event in Bhopal, Modi said the "ideals of Purandare will continue to guide us", adding his contribution in taking the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the common man is invaluable.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said with Purandare's death "we have lost a Shatayu Shiv Rishi".

Since childhood, nationalism was rooted in Purandare from Sangh Shaka. He dedicated all his life in the devotion Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and through his writings, spread the story of the Maratha king to every household, Bhagwat said.

Noting that Purandare had fought as a soldier in the Dadra Nagar Haveli Mukti Sangram (struggle for the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli), he said the historian's life will inspire the society for generations to come.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Purandare's demise has left a void in the field of culture and he will always be remembered for his work.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah in his condolence message said, "He (Purandare) has done the work of taking the glorious life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the masses. Through his play 'Jaanta Raja', he instilled in the hearts of the younger generation the valor stories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the protector of religion."



Shah said he had the opportunity to meet Purandare a few years ago and had a long discussion with him.

"His energy and ideas were truly inspiring. His death is the end of an era. My condolences to his family and countless followers," he said.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in a video message said Purandare explained about Shivaji Maharaj and his works to contemporary students and youth and because of this, the feeling of patriotism got infused in people.

"As a youth, I was among several such people who got inspired from Purandare and we came to know about the persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I will never forget him (Purandare)," he said.

Lauding Purandare's contribution in the field of history, Gadkari said the coming generations will not forget him.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said Purandare was a true follower of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

You will not find a true follower of Shivaji like him. Chief Minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray expressed his deepest condolences on the demise of Shivshahir Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan Babasaheb Purandare, the Chief Minister's Office tweeted.

NCP chief Pawar in a tweet said, "With the demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare, Maharashtra lost its luster in the field of literature and art.

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Prime Minister on Monday lauded their contribution to Indian culture through the ages and said Lord Ram drew inspiration from them during his exile as he slammed the Congress for "neglecting" adivasis during its previous rules.

Tribals were now partners in the country's development and benefitting from various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led government, he said. The PM also announced that henceforth Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the birth anniversary of revered tribal icon Birsa Munda, will be celebrated like Gandhi Jayanti, Sardar Patel Jayanti and Ambedkar Jayanti.

When we talk about tribesmen's contribution some people get worried. They don't believe in the immense contribution of tribals to Indian culture. Their contribution had not been explained to the countrymen. People were kept in the dark, Modi said.

Those who ran governments in the past did not give priority to them. The country's 10 per cent (tribal) population was neglected," he said, attacking the Congress without naming the party.

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The JNU on Monday said the students' activity centre, over which a row erupted in the campus the previous day, is a common facility for all the students, while underlining that violence has no place in an academic institution and the administration condemns it.

Members of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) allegedly got into an argument over occupying the student union hall in the university campus here, police said on Monday.

The ABVP and the JNUSU accused each other of attacking their members and injuring other students on Sunday night.

The JNUSU said the venue was pre-booked by an organisation for a programme and the ABVP members tried to occupy the room where it was supposed to take place, while the right-wing outfit accused the students' union of bringing out a decree that only the JNUSU president can give permission for using the student union room, also called the "Teflas".

"It has come to the notice of the JNU administration that last night, some scuffle between two groups of students occurred at the Students Activity Centre in the campus. The students are aware that this venue in the JNU campus is a common activity or facility centre for all the students of the university without discrimination, and every student is entitled and free to use the place adhering to the rules of the university," the statement issued by the JNU said.

The statement by the chief proctor of the university went on to state that violence and unruly behaviour have no place in an academic institution and the "JNU administration would strongly disapprove of any kind of violence and disorderly conduct in the campus".

"The students are advised to use the common facilities available for them in JNU with a sense of cordiality and responsibility, and in harmony with each other. Nobody should be allowed to disturb the peaceful existence and functioning of others," it said.

The university administration urged the students not to go by any rumours that may affect the peaceful academic atmosphere in the campus.

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Alarmed and amazed by the "mind-boggling" figure of over 42,000 flag poles existing across the state, the High Court on Monday told the Left government that action under every applicable law must be taken against the perpetrators, irrespective of political affiliations.

"No more illegal flag poles," the high court added, reiterating its interim order of November 1 that no illegal flag poles or masts be put up in the state while the issue was being examined by it.

Justice Devan Ramachandran said that the high court's directions against putting up of illegal flag masts and the consequent punishment, including the maximum penalty, should be given wide publicity so that those who want to act as per law can get one opportunity to remove the poles without the entire might of law being brought to bear on them.

The high court said no action may be taken against those persons who remove the flag poles or masts before the authorities take the necessary steps for the same.

The directions by the court came after it was informed by the state government that according to its survey, there are around 42,337 flag poles in

However, the state did not say in its report how many of these poles were illegal.

Terming the figures as "amazing", Justice Ramachandran said, "the situation is alarming. The figures are mind boggling. I am certain the numbers are not accurate and would be double or more than that if an exhaustive evaluation is carried out."



The court also said that according to inputs received by it, it "would not be surprised" if a majority of the over 42,000 flag poles did not have the necessary sanctions or approvals.

"Surely the flag poles could not have been allowed to be installed on road margins, auto stands, traffic junctions, etc," the court said.

Senior government pleader S Kannan, appearing for the state, said the issue was being looked into seriously by the Left administration and an action taken report would be filed in 10 days and sought time for that.

He said an action taken report could not be filed as the Cabinet has been unable to meet for some time due to the legislative assembly session which ended only on November 12.

The court, thereafter, gave the government time till November 25 to file the report and said that in the meantime, the competent authorities would ensure the interim order of November 1 was enforced.

According to the report filed by the state government, the highest number of flag poles have been put up in Palakkad (5,159) and Kannur (5,064).

During the hearing, the court said that no one dares to remove the illegal flag poles as most of them have some or the other political force behind it.

"What kind of attitude is this? You can put up a flag pole anywhere? No one dares to remove them or speak out against them. If they go to remove the masts, they receive a beating and come back," the court said.

"Lawlessness" is how the high court earlier termed the installation of illegal flag masts across the state by political parties, their affiliates and trade unions.

The court had also directed the state government to carry out "an audit and survey of the illegal flag masts across the length and breadth of the state".

It had said the metal itself of the poles could be used for setting up 10 factories.

It reiterated the observation on Monday also during the hearing.

The court was hearing a plea by a cooperative society alleging that a particular political party was illegally putting up flags and banners on its land.

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Maharashtra on Monday reported 686 fresh positive cases and 19 fatalities, taking the tally in the state to 66,24,986 and the toll to 1,40,602, an official said.

He said Maharashtra has been witnessing less than 700 COVID-19 cases per day since the beginning of November, adding that Monday's addition to the tally was lower than Sunday, while the fatality count was higher than the day earlier.

The discharge of 912 patients in the last 24 hours took the recovery count in Maharashtra to 64,68,791, leaving the state with 11,943 active cases. The number of people in home quarantine stood at 99,859 and those in an institutional quarantine is 1,016.

Maharashtra's case recovery rate now stands at 97.64 per cent and the fatality rate is 2.12 per cent.

With 81,625 samples being examined the last 24 hours, among the lowest in recent times, the number of tests in Maharashtra went up to 6,40,52,219, he said.

An official said 16 districts and seven municipal corporations did not report any new COVID-19 cases.

"Mumbai reported the highest 182 new infections, followed by the Ahemedngar district with 77 new cases. Among the eight regions of Maharashtra, Mumbai region reported the highest 316 new COVID-19 cases, followed by 158 cases from Pune region. 142 from Nashik region. Aurangabad region reported 20 new cases, Kolhapur and Latur regions 18 cases each, Nagpur region 10 and Akola region eight," he said.

Giving a break-up of the deaths, he said Mumbai region reported the highest 15 fatalities among the eight regions, including four in the metropolis, followed by one each in Nashik, Pune, Kolhapur and Latur regions, while there were no deaths reported in the last 24 hours in Aurangabad, Akola and Nagpur regions.

Among 11,943 active patients in the state, Mumbai district leads with 3,530, while among the 64,68,791 persons who have recovered, Pune stands first with 11,34,936.

The officer said that among the 64,68,791 recovered patients across the state, the highest 11,34,936 recovered patients are from Pune district.

figures for Maharashtra are as follows: Total cases 66,24,986, new cases 686, total deaths 1,40,602, fresh deaths 19, total recoveries 64,68,791, active cases 11,943, total tests conducted 6,40,52,219.

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The mortal remains of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife and son, who were killed in a militant attack in two days back, were brought to their hometown Raigarh in Chhattisgarh on Monday, officials said.

Colonel Tripathi, the Commanding Officer of Khuga Battalion of the Assam Rifles, his wife Anuja (36), son Abeer (5) and four personnel of the paramilitary force were killed in an ambush by militants in the north-eastern state on Saturday.

A special plane of the Indian Air Force carrying mortal remains of the martyred colonel, his wife and son, landed at an airstrip in Raigarh at 12:42 pm, an official here said.

Col Viplav Tripathi's younger brother, Lieutenant Colonel Anay Tripathi, state's Higher Education Minister Umesh Patel, Raigarh MP Gomti Sai, local MLAs, district administration and police officials were present at the airstrip, he said.

From there, the bodies were taken in an open flower-decked truck to Colonel Tripathi's home here.

The mortal remains will later be kept at the Ramleela ground for the public to pay homage, he said.

The final rites will be held in the evening at a crematorium near Circuit House with full military and state honours, the official said.

Meanwhile, the Raigarh town observed a spontaneous bandh as a mark of respect to the martyred soldier.

A large number of people turned up at Colonel Tripathi's house to pay tributes to him.

Colonel R S Thakur of the Assam Rifles, four other officers and 45 personnel, who reached Raigarh on Sunday evening, visited Colonel Tripathi's house to express condolences to the bereaved family members.

Col Tripathi's father Subhash Tripathi is a senior journalist and editor of local Hindi daily 'Dainik Bayar'.

Colonel Tripathi was inspired by his freedom fighter grandfather Kishori Mohan Tripathi, who was also a member of the Constituent Assembly, a family member had said.

Kishori Mohan Tripathi died in 1994 when Viplav Tripathi was 14. It was his grandfather who inspired him to don the Army uniform, his maternal uncle Rajesh Patnaik told PTI.

In 2001, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Kumaon Regiment in Ranikhet, he said.

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Prime Minister on Monday targeted the Congress-led regimes in the country for ignoring the welfare of tribals, adding efforts are underway to ensure development of regions which remained backward during the "previous" regimes.

were not given their dues by the earlier governments and were deprived of basic facilities, Modi said, addressing the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations here.

The Central government is celebrating November 15, the birth anniversary of revered tribal icon Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Like Ambedkar Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti and other similar days, the jayanti (birth anniversary) of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will be celebrated every year on November 15, Modi said.

Development is now taking place in 100 aspirational districts which remained backward during the earlier (Congress) regimes, Modi said.

Modi launched multiple initiatives for the welfare of the janjatiya community, including the Ration Aapke Gram' scheme in Madhya Pradesh.

The scheme is aimed at delivering the monthly quota of PDS Ration to beneficiaries from janjatiya community in their own villages every month, so that they don't have to travel to the Fair Price Shop to collect their ration.

Modi also handed over genetic counselling cards to beneficiaries, marking the launch of the Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell (Hemoglobinopathy) Mission.

The Mission has been developed to screen and manage patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies and to increase public awareness about these diseases, whose impact is seen to be more profound on the janjatiya community of Madhya Pradesh.

The PM laid the foundation stone of 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across various states and UTs including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

He said the plan was to have 750 such schools all over the country.

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President will visit and from Tuesday to Wednesday, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communiqu said on Monday.

The president will grace the centenary year celebrations of the Engineering College in Chandigarh on Tuesday, it said.

On Wednesday, he will visit Sui village in Bhiwani district of which is being developed as Adarsh Gram' by Mahadevi Parameshwaridas Jindal Charitable Trust and inaugurate the public facilities there, the communiqu said.

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The Monday refused to entertain the Centre's plea against the Delhi High Court order directing the AAP government not to stop or curtail the supply of foodgrains or flour to fair price shops.

A bench of Justices L N Rao and B R Gavai said the September 27 order under challenge is interim and the matter is listed before the high court on November 22 and therefore it would not like to entertain it.

We are not inclined to entertain this matter as it is still pending before the high court, the bench said and urged the Delhi High Court to dispose of the matter on November 22 itself with no parties taking any adjournment.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said this matter has wide ramifications and is against the provisions of the Food Security Act.

He said the Act provides a mechanism for the distribution of foodgrains to the beneficiaries but the question arises that can a state government deviate from the mode of distribution prescribed under the central law.

As per the law, the foodgrains are allotted by the Centre to the Fair Price Shops which in turn are distributed among the beneficiaries.

What the is proposing to do under the scheme is to select private agents to deliver foodgrains to the door steps of the beneficiaries, he said, adding that the says that the grains will be converted to flour and distributed to the people.

The bench said that these arguments can very well be raised before the High Court.

Mehta sought stay of the High Court order and said that it would have a devastating effect as the scheme can disrupt the One Nation, One Ration Card Scheme' launched last year as it cannot be verified by any means how much quantity is given to whom.

He added that doorstep delivery is not permitted under the law and can only be allowed by an amendment to its provisions.

The Fair Price Shops are registered with a Central electronic network and statutory authorities monitor their functioning. Delhi's scheme will disrupt this mechanism, he said, adding that there will be no accountability as to what quantity and quality these private parties will give to the people.

The bench said that nothing is going to change in a week and it will be appropriate if parties make their arguments before the high court.

Mehta pointed out that the High Court has permitted something which is not allowed under the Act.

We are not concerned with fair price shops dealers. The Act only provides doorstep delivery to people with disabilities. We are on a larger question. There are people from marginalised sections. There are rickshaw pullers, migrant workers, slum dwellers who do not have any permanent addresses. How will they get ration? We represent them, the Solicitor General said.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the AAP government, said that arrangements are being made for implementation of the scheme.

He said the plea before the high court was filed by the fair price shop dealers association and not by the Centre and no one from the central government had objected when the high court order was passed.

Singhvi said that a similar scheme was approved in West Bengal by the Calcutta High Court and even Delhi High Court can very well hear it and around 90 per cent of beneficiaries in Delhi have opted for door step delivery scheme which is an optional one.

He said this scheme will stop any leakages and would benefit the beneficiaries.

If the liquor can be sold through home delivery then why can't the ration be delivered, he said, adding that a strong lobby was in play to stall the scheme.

The top court also disposed of another plea filed by Delhi Sarkari Ration Dealers Sangh' against the same order on the same ground.

On November 12, the Centre had alleged that the AAP government is trying to run a parallel distribution scheme.

The Centre in it's plea has said that the high court, without affording an opportunity to it, reversed its order of March 22 allowing the Delhi government to curtail the supply of food grain under the Food Security Act 2013 to the fair price shops.

The high court by its order dated March 22 had directed the Delhi government not to curtail or stop the supply of the existing PDS distributors while implementing the Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar Ration Yojana.

However the high court on September 27 modified, reversed the same without considering that the scheme promulgated by the Delhi government "is an attempt to run a parallel distribution scheme utilising the resources...served under the NFSA 2013 and the same shall have adverse impact upon the beneficiaries of the NFSA, 2013", the Centre said.

The petition stated that the high court has passed the interim order placing sole reliance on the submissions and statements by the counsel for the Delhi government and has erred in not appreciating the provisions of the NFSA, 2013 and the adverse effect that shall be caused by the implementation of the Mukhya Mantri Ghar Ghar ration Yojana.

The high court in its order dated September 27 modified its earlier order dated March 22, 2021 in which it had directed the Delhi government not to stop or curtail the supply of foodgrains or flour to the members of the 'Delhi Sarkari Ration Dealers Sangh, Delhi'.

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Singapore is planning to allow quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated passengers from India and Indonesia from November 29 and will add three more countries early next month as it hopes to reclaim and rebuild the country's status as an international aviation hub with global connectivity, according to media reports on Monday.

Currently, there are 13 countries, including Canada, Australia and Germany, under Singapore's vaccinated travel lane (VTL) programme, the Channel News Asia (CNA) reported.

According to a Straits Times report, travellers from India and Indonesia will be able to enter Singapore under the quarantine-free travel scheme from November 29. In addition, travellers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will be able to enter Singapore from December 6, in a further expansion of the VTL scheme.

Travellers under the VTLs are not subject to stay-home notice on arrival. Instead, they will be required to produce a negative pre-departure test taken within two days prior to departure and undergo an on-arrival PCR test, it said.

Addressing a COVID-19 multi-ministry task force press conference on Monday, Transport Minister S Iswaran said Singapore and India have been discussing the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates.

Since November 12, India has started recognising vaccination certificates issued by Singapore.

This means that fully vaccinated travellers from Singapore entering India will no longer need to undergo post-arrival tests home quarantine, they will just need to self monitor for 14 days upon arrival, Iswaran said.

"Our discussions with India are progressing well. And we aim to resume two daily VTL flights each to Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai by Nov 29. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will provide more details once finalised," the CNA report quoted Iswaran as saying.

The health ministry has also updated its public health assessment and will upgrade India to Category 2 from November 19. The Category 2 classification means that a country either has similar or lower Covid-19 incidence rates than Singapore and other VTL countries.

"We are in discussions on the resumption of scheduled commercial passenger services (with India). As today the only flights from Singapore allowed to carry passengers to India are government charter relief flights under the Vande Bharat mission," Iswaran said.

Applications for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders will start on November 22 for travellers from India and Indonesia, while travellers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE will be able to apply from November 29.

Returning Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are fully vaccinated will not need to apply if they are travelling via the VTL.

In a press release, the CAAS said the step-by-step extension of the VTL allows it to revive air travel safely without compromising public health and will also help to reclaim and rebuild Singapore's status as an international aviation hub with global connectivity.

In 2019, India accounted for about 7 per cent of passenger arrivals at the Changi Airport here.

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Two women journalists, who came to to write on the recent communal incidents in were detained by Assam police at Karimganj's Neelam Bazar, close to Assam- border on Sunday, police officials in both states confirmed.

Samriddhi Sakunia and Swarna Jha, with HW News Network, were named in a FIR at Fatikroy Police Station of Tripura on Sunday based on a complaint filed by a supporter of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), alleging that they had maligned the image of Tripura government by their reporting, according to a statement issued by their employer.

The duo are being kept at a government-run shelter home for women for the night and will be handed over to the Tripura police on Monday morning, an Assam police officer said.

The two scribes were held by Assam Police on their way to Silchar airport later on Sunday, with Assam Police informing them that they were being held as Tripura Police asked (Assam Police) to detain them (the duo)'.

In a tweet, Sakunia wrote, We have been detained at the Nilambazar police station, Karimganj, Assam. We were informed by the officer-in-charge of Nilambazar PS that SP of Gomti District gave the orders for our detention.

A senior police official in Agartala said that they were detained on the basis of requests by Tripura police and a team of Tripura Police officials from Dharmanagar has gone to Nilambazaar to bring them.

The official said, the posted on social media that a mosque was burnt in Gomati district and a copy of the Quran was damaged.

Police suspect that the videos uploaded by her were doctored and police wanted to know if the videos were fake were true by interrogating them, he added.

In a tweet on November 11, Sakunia had written, #Tripuraviolence Darga Bazaar: On 19th October at around 2:30 am, some unidentified people burnt down the mosque in Darga Bazaar area. People in the neighborhood are very upset with the fact that now they don't have any place nearby to go and pray.

The police official said, The had a travel plan to fly outside Tripura and police asked them to meet some police officials before leaving the state. The duo then changed their travel plan and started for Silchar in Assam without informing us. So Tripura police requested Assam police on the basis of which they detained the journalists."



A press release issued from the office of Tripura Police Director General VS Yadav claimed that the posts by Sakunia were not true and promoting a sense of hatred between communities.

In this social media post, she posted a video of her visit to the half burned prayer hall damaged by mischievous fire in the house of one Rahamat Ali of Hurijala, PS Kakraban on 11/11/2021 to claim that one holy Quran was burned in the incident occurred on the night of 19/10/2021 which refers to Kakraban PS Case No. 74/2021 U/S 436 IPC. This is contrary to the findings so far revealed in course of investigation as presence of no such damaged books/documents was brought to the notice of investigating officer and fire service staff who extinguished the fire, the police statement said.

The statement added that a team of lawyers, who visited the state earlier, had made a similar claim with a questionable photograph. It added that people with vested interests were trying to flare up communal tension in the state.

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Vice President M Monday paid rich tributes to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary.

Expressing happiness over the government declaring the day as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas', the vice president said it is also a tribute to many other brave tribal freedom fighters who made invaluable contribution to the country's freedom struggle.

"My humble tributes to the legendary tribal freedom fighter, Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary today. I am happy that his birth anniversary has been declared as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas," he said on Twitter.

"I am pleased to know that week-long celebrations are being organised from 15th November 2021 to commemorate the glorious history of the tribal people, their rich culture and many achievements," Naidu added.

The government has decided to celebrate 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' on November 15 to mark the birth anniversary of the revered tribal leader and to remember the contribution of tribal freedom fighters.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Udhyan Sah Swatantrata Sanghralay' in Ranchi virtually.

The museum has been built in association with the Jharkhand government at the Old Central Jail in Ranchi, where Birsa Munda had sacrificed his life.

The museum will have a 25-foot statue of Munda and nine-foot statues of other freedom fighters of the region as well.

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With a surge in domestic air passenger traffic, the have risen by 30 per cent to 100 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels amid the festive season, a top executive has said.

The domestic air passenger traffic increased around 67 per cent year-on-year in October.

Thomas Cook, however, expects the to be levelled off going forward, as the domestic carriers operate with 100 per cent capacity.

After domestic traffic nosedived in May at 19.20 lakh month-on-month due to the virulent second wave of the pandemic, the traffic gradually returned to the growth trajectory in the subsequent months, reaching around 88 lakh in the previous month, credit rating agency Icra had said earlier this month.

The growth was supported by the steep decline in COVID-19 infection cases, higher capacity deployment by the local carriers and festive season demand, among others.

Strong pent up demand is resulting in a strong uptick in domestic air travel, exacerbated by the limited reopening of international routes, said Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head for global business travel at (India) and SOTC.

India's festive season, typically, starts from October 1 and goes up to November 30 every year.

Starting with the festive season, domestic continue to witness a surge between 30 per cent and 100 per cent when compared with pre-pandemic levels, he said.

According to Rastogi, while a flight ticket to Andaman (Port Blair) from Ahmedabad spiked a steep 100 per cent, it was costing 50 per cent more from Delhi.

For travel from Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata to the same destination, the ticket prices were up 30 per cent, he noted.

Goa being a favourite destination witnessed the flight ticket prices rising in the range of 10-30 per cent from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and 50 per cent from Ahmedabad, Rastogi said.

There has also been a slight increase of 5 to 10 per cent in airfares for Kashmir from Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, while Bangalore has also observed a 10 per cent hike for Chandigarh, he added.

With the next peak season of Christmas-New Year, while an increase in airfares for favourites like Andaman, Srinagar, Goa, Jaipur and Udaipur is the historical norm, hopes that airfares will level off with 100 per cent capacity being reinstated.

With effect from October 18, the Civil Aviation Ministry has allowed restoration of the permitted capacity to 100 per cent for domestic operations.

The ministry had reduced the permissible capacity deployment to 50 per cent of pre-COVID levels with effect from June 1 due to the resurgence of the second wave of the pandemic.

It subsequently increased this capacity to 72.5 per cent with effect from August 12 and further to 85 per cent with effect from September 18.

Domestic carriers operated 46 per cent more flights at 72,000 during October over 49,150 departures logged in October 2020 on the back of permission to deploy higher capacity from September.

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The domestic steel consumption is expected to touch the 160-million tonne (MT) mark by the financial year 2024-25, Union Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said on Monday.

He said this while chairing a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Steel, held at the Narmada district of Gujarat, the ministry said in a statement.

During the financial year 2020-21, the total finished steel consumption in the country was at 96.2 MT, and the same is expected to reach about 160 MT by 2024-25, and about 250 MT by 2030-31, the minister said.

"The government is continuously making efforts to enhance the steel production capacity and increase its demand and usage of steel.

"The government's recently announced Gati Shakti Master Plan will complement the Rs 100-lakh crore investment plan for infrastructure development in the next five years. It will further give a boost to the steel usage in the country," Singh said.

He added that steel has been playing an important role in the country's industrial development, as it is the key input for critical sectors such as infrastructure, construction, engineering and packaging, automobile and defence.

Parliamentarians Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Bidyut Baran Mahato, Satish Chandra Dubey, Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Chandra Prakash Choudhary, along with other senior ministry officials, attended the meeting, the ministry statement said.

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As India goes into firming up deals with developed nations like Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the regional bloc, and the (EU), it will have to be well prepared to negotiate on new-generation issues, such as data protection regulation, e-commerce, and environment.

India is yet to negotiate pacts with its trading partners on these evolving issues since discussions between them have until now been largely focused on tariff and non-tariff barriers and the rules of origin.

We can no longer look at just as We have to look at it in totality of global and regional conditions. Today, international trade needs to be looked at inclusive of many issues, such as investment, clean energy, digitalisation, movement of people, intellectual property, and technology, said Amitendu Palit, senior research Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore.

This is where India faces a challenge in negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs), said Palit.

Todays FTAs, particularly those India is negotiating, will be more exhaustive and complex than the earlier ones, said Palit.

Elaborating, he said without any sustainable trade practices or clean energy practices, most trade agreements (with developed nations) may not be possible.





To buttress his point of view, he cited the example of the EU which has a 21st century template as far as FTAs are concerned. This template may include subjects like environment, labour, competition policy rules for state-owned public enterprises, among others, said Palit.

Similarly, may demand data protection for investors in India. The UK may want India to open up its domestic legal market (with reciprocity).

The concern is whether India is equipped to handle negotiations on these evolving issues, especially with stiff deadlines with respect to finalising these trade agreements, he further said.

Over the past decade or more, India had signed trade agreements with countries on its east Singapore, Thailand, Japan, trade blocs, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, among others. However, there has been a visible shift now.

India has been trying to look West for quite some time, but none of the deals have fructified so far. Now, India is girding up its loins to cement stronger strategic and economic ties with these nations.

Today, India is looking at trade from a geostrategic, geoeconomic, and political perspective. As a result, it is looking to work out bilateral trade deals with its important strategic allies. Many of these allies are on Indias west, some like on its east, said Palit.

India has revamped its trade strategy and is in a rush to negotiate a spate of FTAs with its top trading partners  the UK, the EU, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and

This assumes more importance now since India is not a part of any major regional trade bloc. A year ago, India walked away from the China-backed Asian trade bloc Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after negotiating the deal for seven years, prioritising needs and demand of the domestic industry.

RCEP was signed by 15 nations in November last year to create the worlds biggest free trade bloc.

Right now, the message India wants to send is clear  that it wants to engage with the rest of the world, or else it will shut itself out from the global markets.

Over the past six months, countries have set ambitious deadlines to fructify them, and in most cases, India is strategising to first ink a mini trade or an early-harvest deal, which will be a precursor to an FTA that will be signed in a year or so.

With the stiff target of finalising early-harvest deals with Australia, the UAE, and the UK next month, these mini pacts have to be drafted carefully.

India is also keen on inking a trade pact with Canada that got further delayed by the outbreak of the pandemic and elections in that country.

Last month, India and Israel also decided to renew negotiations on an FTA and a deadline of mid-2022 has been set.

Arpita Mukherjee, professor at Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, said the immediate priority should be to quickly focus on reducing tariffs on areas amicable to India and the country it is signing these deals with.

With stiff targets ahead, nations should not complicate early-harvest agreements by bringing in issues pertaining to non-tariff barriers, such as adhering to standards, or government procurement norms in respective countries, said Mukherjee.
India is trying to alleviate the concerns of a bunch of developed nations such as Australia, Japan and the regional bloc, and the (EU), regarding its proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) towards temporary patent waiver on Covid-19 vaccines and drugs.

In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted a joint proposal for temporarily waiving some sections of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, to help more countries, especially middle and low income nations get access to Covid-19 vaccines. It will be applicable to industrial design, trade secrets, patents and copyrights.

As of now, over 100 nations are supporting the proposal, of which 64 are co-sponsors of the proposals at the WTO.

However, the member nations at the WTO are yet to reach any consensus on this topic, with some developed nations such as European Union, Australia, the UK among have opposed the proposal. The matter will also be discussed at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) that will kickstart from 30 November.

India has also engaged in small group discussions with nations that had issues--Australia, Switzerland, Japan. They had reservations on India (and South Africas) proposal.So they highlighted their concerns and raised questions in the meetings. We have in detail given answers to all the questions raised by them, one of the officials cited above said.

Some of the member nations had reservations that the TRIPS agreement has inbuilt flexibilities, which allows use of compulsory licensing mechanisms and there is no requirement for a waiver.

According to the WTO, compulsory licensing is when a government allows someone else to produce a patented product without the consent of the patent owner. It is one of the flexibilities in the field of patent protection included in the WTOs agreement on intellectual property or TRIPS.

India has expressed its view by saying that these flexibilities are not enough to deal with the challenge of inequitable distribution of vaccines, especially across low income nations. The developed countries are of the view that voluntary licensing is the better way out and pharmaceutical companies should be persuaded to part with their technology

We have seen prices of drugs shooting up during the pandemic treatment. voluntary licencing has not worked out. Similarly, compulsory licencing isnt easy and there are uncertainties associated with it. These changes will be temporary and within the legal framework. These are exceptional circumstances. It can also be reviewed every year by a WTO panel--is what India has been telling countries that are opposing the proposal, another official said.
Two of the most powerful figures in the fight against the pandemic faced off in July during a closed-door virtual summit on how to get more vaccines to the worlds poorest people.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, called out a shocking imbalance in the supply of vaccines. He said it was unacceptable that manufacturers pursuing the highest prices had overwhelmingly supplied rich countriesand now were pushing booster shots for the same wealthy fewaccording to a half-dozen people who were listening. Honestly Im not seeing the commitment I would expect from you, Tedros told the vaccine developers on the call.

chief executive Albert Bourla, whose companys miracle shot has inoculated more than a billion people, responded, saying Tedros was speaking emotionally.





In recent months, has begun to ramp up vaccine deliveries quickly outside the richest nations. By the end of the year, it expects that figure to reach 1.1 billion doses out of some 3 billion produced.

Yet there is one point on which the CEO wont budge: his vaccines secret formula. Countries led by India and South Africa have been pushing a proposal at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual-property rights for Covid vaccines and treatments. Bourla, who has called IP rights the blood of the private sector, has been the most outspoken among fellow CEOs in resisting calls to share his technology.



The secret formula that Bourla is protecting is much more complicated than a simple recipe. Pfizers shot has more than 280 materials made by suppliers in 19 countries, many of which are protected in one form or another. For a manufacturer to produce a vaccine, it would have to negotiate multiple licenses to waive protections on everything from lipids to mRNA strands and trade secrets used in the manufacturing process. The waiver proposal could in theory do that in one go.

The threat of such a comprehensive waiver moved some producers to raise the issue during vaccine sales talks. In South Africa, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson pressed officials to drop the countrys waiver campaign during months of talks over terms of a supply contract, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Bloomberg first reported the demands in April. Both drugmakers declined to comment on questions about those negotiations with the country.

Supplies to some low- and middle-income countries were also delayed by company demands to be shielded from any liabilities associated with the vaccines. While all vaccine developers asked for some kind of indemnity protection, Pfizer stood out by asking nations to renounce legal recourse against it for any negative consequences of the vaccine, including manufacturing errors or negligence, according to interviews with half a dozen officials and a review of documents and contracts.

Those demands, made of countries including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and India, sought legal immunity similar to the sort Pfizer enjoys in the US. In Colombia, the company also asked the government to waive sovereign immunity, the framework under which nations are largely exempt from prosecution and lawsuits, and demanded disputes be governed by New York State law.

Pfizer said in a statement that it seeks indemnity and liability protections in all its agreements, and that the company has requested sovereign immunity waivers so that it has the ability to enforce contracts.
After serving 25 years in Morgan Stanley, would leave the investment banker and financial services firm on January 31 next year to venture into investments and focus on writing opportunities.

He is currently the head of emerging and chief global strategist at

Sharma has a rich investment experience of 27 years and has close to $20 billion in assets under his direct management. Armed with this strength, he has told his friends that he will now "pursue new investing and writing opportunities."

His experience includes travelling to several countries to look for investment opportunities, gather data for research and meet different stakeholders. He typically spends one week every month in a different country, meeting with leading politicians and top CEOs,

Based on his travels, Sharma created a pioneering framework for identifying the emerging and developed most likely to underperform and outperform in coming years.

His investment approach combines top-down country allocation work with bottom- up stock picking skills.

Most of the assets under Sharmas management are invested in the public equity The client base is largely institutional including leading pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The funds he manages include a global emerging markets strategy, regional strategies covering Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, western Asia, Africa and frontier markets.

His core Global Emerging Markets fund has performed strongly in recent years and beat the MSCI index by 6.9 per cent over the past year.

Some of the more concentrated strategies that he conceived have since gone on to become category leaders include the Emerging Leaders fund and the NextGen emerging markets fund. The global strategies under his management include a global active international fund that invests in developed market equities. Most of these funds have outperformed their respective benchmarks.

For instance, the Emerging Market Leaders fund has been in the top decile among its competitors, delivering 20 per cent of annualised alpha on a net basis over the last three years.

Sharma joined Investment Management (MSIM) in 1996 as an associate in the emerging markets group based in Mumbai. Between 1997 and 1998 he traveled extensively across Asia covering the East Asian financial crisis.

He was assigned to run MSIMs India office in 2000, and his India-dedicated funds were among the top performers in that category in 2001 and 2002.

In December 2002, at the age of 28, he was promoted to managing director, making him the youngest person to hold that title at

He then moved to New York as head of the global emerging markets group, with seats on MSIMs global asset allocation committee and its executive committee.

Sharma also helped build and oversee MSIMs global macro business between 2003 and 2015. As a member of the global asset allocation committee, he co-managed global multi asset portfolios, which involved taking both long and short positions across asset classes.

In 2016, MSIM named Ruchir chief global strategist, in addition to his responsibilities as head of the global emerging markets team and the active international equity business.

His extensive research helped him pen masterpieces such as --The 10 Rules of Successful Nations, The Rise and Fall of Nations: Forces of Change in a Post-Crisis World and Breakout Nations: In Pursuit of the next Economic Miracles.

He has been writing columns on economics and politics for dailies and magazines for the last 30 years.
By Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee is visiting North America in his first high-profile trip after serving jail time for bribery, with a decision imminent on the company's planned $17 billion U.S. chip plant.

Lee left Seoul on Sunday and his trip to Canada and the United States is expected to coincide with a decision on the location of the new plant, Yonhap and other local media said.

A site in Texas' Williamson County, near the city of Taylor, offered the better incentives package https://www.reuters.com/technology/samsung-decision-new-us-chip-plant-location-imminent-texas-county-judge-2021-09-10 among various sites has been considering for the new chip plant https://www.reuters.com/technology/samsung-electronics-close-finalising-17-bln-texas-chip-plant-sources-2021-09-29 that is set to make advanced logic chips, sources previously told Reuters.

Since vice chairman Kim Kinam confirmed the chip plant plan in May, Samsung has been comparing incentives and working out who pays what in convoluted land and other agreements, while also considering the available amount of stable utilities such as water and electricity, one of the sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The source declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to media.

A winter storm in the first quarter hit Samsung's chip plant in Austin, Texas, laying bare the importance of stable utilities, as a shutdown caused by blackouts affected wafers corresponding to around 300-400 billion won https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/samsung-elec-q1-operating-profit-rises-46-strong-phone-tv-sales-2021-04-28 ($254-339 million) of damages.

"I am set to meet many U.S. partners," Lee told reporters before his flight on Sunday, without elaborating.

He said he also expected to visit Boston, where COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna's headquarters are located.

Last month, South Korea granted emergency use approval https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL4N2RM0VP for Moderna's vaccine produced by drugmaker Samsung BioLogics, which has a "fill and finish" deal with Moderna.

Lee was convicted in January of bribery and embezzlement and sentenced to 30 months in jail - including a year served before his sentencing. Upon his parole in August, the presidential office said it expected Lee will help the country procure "semiconductors and vaccines https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samsung-leader-jay-y-lee-released-prison-parole-2021-08-13".

($1 = 1,179.6200 won)

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; editing by Richard Pullin and Kim Coghill)

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Royal Dutch Plc announced a major overhaul of its legal and tax structure that will see the company walk away from the Netherlands amid deteriorating relations with whats been its home country for a century.

The changes come as is battling activist investor Dan Loeb, whos demanding the company split itself into two to attract shareholders leaving the energy sector because of concerns over climate change.

said Monday that it planned to eliminate its current dual share structure, drop Royal Dutch from its name, relocate its tax residence to the UK and move its top executives from The Hague to London. The Dutch government immediately said it was unpleasantly surprised by the announcement.

Shells relations in its country of origin have become increasingly fraught of late. Dutch pension fund ABP said last month it would drop the oil major  and all fossil fuels  from its portfolio without warning, while in May a court in The Hague ruled the firm must slash its emissions harder and faster than planned.

The simplification will normalise our share structure under the tax and legal jurisdictions of a single country and make us more competitive, Chairman Andrew Mackenzie said. Shell will be better positioned to seize opportunities and play a leading role in the energy transition.

The firm has been incorporated in the UK with Dutch tax residence and a dual share listing since the 2005 unification of Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij and Shell Transport & Trading Co. It was not envisaged at the time that the share structure would be permanent, the company said. Shell also said itll likely no longer meet the conditions for using Royal in its title -- a part of its name since 1907 -- and expects to become Shell, subject to shareholder approval.

UK boost

UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng welcomed the news, saying it was a clear vote of confidence in the British economy and would attract investment and create jobs. Shell said about 10 executives would be relocating to Britain.

Shell informed the cabinet about this intention yesterday, Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Policy Stef Blok said. We are unpleasantly surprised by this news. The government deeply regrets that Shell wants to move its head office to the United Kingdom.

Although the Netherlands is famously business-friendly, Prime Minister Mark Rutte has had to act on growing sentiment that dont give back enough. He had to backtrack on a 2017 plan to scrap a dividend tax, throwing Shells head-office structure into doubt. Like its European peers, Shell has embarked on a multi-decade strategy to rein in its emissions, in part by selling more low-carbon fuels. But its approach to the energy transition is struggling to gain traction. Ahead of its earnings report last month, activist investor Loeb revealed his fund Third Point LLC had taken a $750 million stake in Shell and was pushing to break up the company.

Third Points position came to light just days after long-time Shell ally ABP said it would divest 15 billion euros ($17.2 billion) of fossil-fuel assets by early 2023, including its holding in the energy giant.

Legal appeal

The investor pressure comes on top of legal challenges. Shell is appealing the May court verdict, which said the company must cut its emissions 45 per cent by 2030.

The simplification will have no impact on legal proceedings related to the Dutch court ruling, Mackenzie said, adding that the company has already expanded its carbon-reduction targets.

The change to the share classes removes a disadvantage Shell had versus its peers, according to Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Oswald Clint. It will end the misalignment of two different tax and revenue authorities, removing the friction and withholding tax issues around buybacks, while allowing them to increase materially, he said.
Despite calling the deal reached at COP-26 a game-changing pact, UK Prime Minister voiced some dismay over the result of the conference, reported The Hill.

"My delight at this progress is tinged with disappointment," Politico quoted Johnson as saying after his government hosted the COP-26 climate conference in Glasgow. "Those for whom is already a matter of life and death, who can only stand by as their islands are submerged, their farmlands turn to desert, their homes battered by storms -- they demanded a high level of ambition for this summit," Johnson said.

"While many of us were willing to go there, that was not true of everybody. Sadly that is the nature of diplomacy."

The high-profile COP-26 conference began here on October 31 and marked the participation of world leaders joining voices to prevent the world from The participating countries reached an agreement on Saturday to strengthen their 2030 climate goals before the end of next year.

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An explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital on Remembrance Sunday was declared a terror incident by British police on Monday, resulting in the UK's terrorism threat level being raised to severe which indicates that an attack is highly likely.

In February, the country's terror threat level was lowered from severe to substantial, which indicates an attack is likely.

However, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the upgrade decision taken by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) after an emergency Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier on Monday.

What we saw yesterday is the second incident in a month, Patel told reporters after the meeting on Monday.

"There is a live investigation taking place right now, they will need the time, the space, to do the work that they are doing in terms of investigating the incident. But of course, we as a government, I as Home Secretary, continue to work with everyone when it comes to the security of our country and making sure that we are taking all the necessary steps required," she said.

The motive behind Sunday's attack, which ended in one fatality, remains unclear as Britain's Counter Terrorism Police lead an investigation into the case involving a taxi explosion, alongside MI5 intelligence agency.

A fourth suspect has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation and the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, Russ Jackson, said the taxi passenger appeared to have made an "improvised explosive device" which caused the blast.

The fare a man had asked to be taken to Liverpool Women's Hospital, which was about 10 minutes away, Jackson told reporters.

As the taxi approached the drop-off point at the hospital an explosion occurred from within the car. This quickly engulfed it in flames. Remarkably the taxi driver escaped from the cab, he said.

Earlier, three male suspects aged between 21 and 29 were arrested under the Terrorism Act following the car explosion outside the women's hospital.

The male passenger of the car was declared dead at the scene outside the hospital and is yet to be formally identified. The local Merseyside Police said the driver of the taxi was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries, which are not seen as life threatening, and has since been discharged.

"Detectives from Counter Terrorism Police North West continue to keep an open mind about the cause of the explosion and are working closely with colleagues at Merseyside Police as the investigation continues at pace," the force said in a statement.

"So far we understand that the car involved was a taxi which pulled up at the hospital shortly before the explosion occurred," the police statement said.

The incident took place around the time the UK fell silent for two minutes to mark Remembrance Sunday - marked annually on the second Sunday of November, to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

Prime Minister Johnson and Home Secretary Patel issued statements on Twitter in the wake of the explosion.

"My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Liverpool today. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism, and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation," Johnson said.

Our police and emergency services are working hard to establish what happened and it is right they are given the time and space to do so, Patel said.

Images available online showed a car on fire and later burnt out. Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said the blaze was "fully developed" when his crews arrived and that the injured driver had escaped before it took hold.

"Staff from Mersey Fire and Rescue Service have been working throughout the day and were at the scene within a matter of minutes, Garrigan said.

We will be continuing our partnership with Merseyside Police and Liverpool city council by providing visible reassurance to communities affected and will be knocking on doors to speak to people in the area and check their welfare," he said.

Soon after the explosion, armed police raided several terraced houses in Sutcliffe Street in Liverpool, north-west England, where the three arrests were made. Sections of Sutcliffe Street and Boaler Street remain cordoned off, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continue.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, of Merseyside Police, sought to reassure the public, saying events of this nature were very rare and that there would be an increased and visible police presence on the streets in the coming days.

It is also important that, at this very early stage, people do not speculate about what has happened. We will endeavour to update our communities as soon as we are able, she said.

Liverpool Women's Hospital said visiting access had been restricted until further notice and patients had been diverted to other hospitals where possible. The hospital receives around 50,000 patients annually as one of the largest hospitals of its kind in Europe.

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By Chris Prentice

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A group of U.S. states led by Texas have filed an amended complaint against Alphabet Inc's accusing the tech giant of using coercive tactics and breaking antitrust laws in its efforts to boost its already dominant advertising business.

The updated allegations are the latest in an onslaught of regulatory scrutiny of over its practices. The tech company faces several lawsuits, including one by the Justice Department for monopolistic practices.

Earlier this week, lost an appeal https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-court-upholds-eu-antitrust-ruling-against-google-2021-11-10 against a $2.8 billion European Union antitrust decision.

The amended U.S. lawsuit, filed in a federal court in New York late Friday, accuses Google of using monopolistic and coercive tactics with advertisers in its efforts to dominate and drive out competition in online advertising.

The lawsuit also highlights Google's use of a secret program dubbed "Project Bernanke" in 2013 that used bidding data to give its own ad-buying an advantage. For example, in a 2015 iteration of the program, Google allegedly dropped the second-highest bids from publishers' auctions, accumulated money into a pool and then spent that money to inflate only the bids belonging advertisers who used the company's Google Ads. They otherwise would have likely lost the auctions, the states alleged.

A Google spokesperson said the lawsuit mischaracterizes one of the improvements the firm has made to optimize advertisers' bids.

"Just because (Texas) Attorney General (Ken) Paxton asserts something doesn't make it true. This lawsuit is riddled with inaccuracies," the statement said.

The Texas attorney general's office did not response to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

(Reporting by Chris PrenticeAdditional reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

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By Heekyong Yang

YONGIN, South Korea (Reuters) -South Korean engineer Kim Gwang-ho was almost certain he would receive ample compensation from the program of the U.S. auto safety regulator for a tip-off about safety lapses at Hyundai Motor Co, his employer of 26 years.

Now, at the end of a five-year ordeal, the award from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made Kim more than $24 million richer, and he aims to set up a foundation to promote responsible corporate culture.

"The compensation I expected from the program in the United States outweighed the sacrifice I had to make in South Korea," Kim, 59, who worked on the firm's quality strategy team, told Reuters on Friday.

Kim's action led to an agreement last year by Hyundai and its affiliate, Kia, which are among the world's top 10 automakers by sales, to pay a record civil penalty https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-recalls-hyundai-kia-idUSKBN28725X of $210 million over recalls involving nearly 1.7 million vehicles.

Kim, who plans to set up a YouTube channel to teach people how to expose their employers' bad behaviour, learned about the U.S. law through training that Hyundai provided, and which inspired him to come forward, he said in an interview.

"(The amount) is not incredible or anything like that, I'd say it's about right," Kim said in the living-room of his home in the city of Yongin, south of Seoul, the capital.

"It's the right amount when you look at what I had to sacrifice, how much I had to work on this," added Kim, who said his action cost him his job and severed ties with long-time colleagues.

"After my report, I believe that automakers now know that anyone can blow the whistle and they cannot hide anything."

Hyundai Motor Group did not have comment.

BIGGEST WORLDWIDE

Tuesday's reward https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-auto-safety-regulator-awards-over-24-mln-hyundai-motor-whistleblower-2021-11-09 was the first by the U.S. regulator and the biggest in a case in the automobile sector worldwide, says law firm Constantine Cannon, which represented Kim.

It comes as the regulator and U.S. transport authorities ready regulations for a programme for whistleblowers in the automotive sector that Congress created in 2015 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-whistleblower-idUKKBN0LU25K20150226.

The regulator's whistleblower program aims to help it police the automotive industry by rewarding providers of information about safety violations. Successful whistleblowers get a share ranging from 10% to 30% of the fines or penalties collected.

The amount of Kim's award recommended by the regulator is 30% of an upfront payment of $81 million agreed by Hyundai and Kia.

"I was relieved to hear that it finally came to an end," he said, adding that he and his law firm were checking if he stood to receive more.

In the summer of 2016, Kim told the U.S. regulator Hyundai was not taking enough action to resolve an engine fault that increased the risk of crashes, citing an internal report from the strategy team to management.

The vehicle recalls between 2015 and 2017 had ranked among the firms' biggest such exercises in the United States.

Investigation https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hyundai-motor-recall-usa-idUSKCN18G094 by the regulator begun in 2017 led to its decision that the firms had failed to recall the vehicles in a timely fashion, bringing last year's $210-million penalty.

In 2018, Reuters reported that U.S. prosecutors were investigating https://www.reuters.com/article/hyundai-motor-probe-idUSL4N1XW5HP whether Hyundai's vehicle recalls were done properly.

Today, Kim feels his effort was not entirely successful, however.

"Those who tried to cover up recalls at that time are still working as executives at affiliates of Hyundai Motor Group, which I think is the painful reality even after I managed to successfully blow the whistle to correct things," he said.

(Reporting by Heekyong Yang;Editing by Jack Kim and Clarence Fernandez)

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The domestic continue to remain on an upward trajectory after a strong performance in FY2021.

The average daily turnover (ADTO) increased to Rs 27.92 lakh crore in FY2021 from Rs 14.39 lakh crore in FY2020, registering an annual growth of 94 per cent. Transaction volumes remain strong in the current fiscal, with the clocking an ADTO of Rs 56.36 lakh crore in H1 FY2022.

As per ICRA, the market performance has been supported by favourable liquidity in both domestic and international markets, optimism related to a recovery after the graded reopening of the economy, progress on vaccination rollout and steady retail investor momentum.

Throwing more light, Samriddhi Chowdhary, Vice President & Sector Head - Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA says, "The pool of ICRA-rated bank brokerages reported a strong performance in FY2021 with the estimated average daily turnover (ADTO) increasing 28 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 1.51 lakh crore from Rs 1.18 lakh crore in FY2020, led by the healthy growth in the retail segment.

Despite the changes in the margin requirements, the performance remained healthy in Q1 FY2022 with an estimated ADTO of Rs 1.64 lakh crore, driven by favourable retail investor sentiment. However, the market share of the sample pool of ICRA-rated bank brokerages in terms of transaction volumes declined in FY2021 and moderated further in Q1 FY2022 as they continue to lose share to discount brokers."

Bank-brokerages reported a strong uptick in earnings in FY2021 registering a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 40 per cent in total revenues and 80 per cent in profit after tax. The cost structure and operational efficiency of the bank brokerage companies also improved over the past few years with focus on the rationalisation of branches coupled with cautious efforts towards the transition to a digital business model, thereby improving the operational efficiency across brokerages.

Bank-brokerages have been increasingly looking at other non-broking sources of income, namely capital market lending business, distribution income and investment banking revenue. Bank-brokerages have significantly scaled up the margin funding business over the past fiscal, moving in line with the capital market rally, which has resulted in an increase in their borrowing level.

The retail broking segment has witnessed a significant disruption in the last few years due to the growing prominence of discount brokerages. The competitively priced offerings of discount brokers and the no-frill basic accounts and services have resulted in the realignment of the pricing strategy across the industry.

Adds Chowdhary, "apart from attracting clients from full-service providers, discount brokerage houses have helped expand the market by bringing on board a large number of first-time investors. While the market share for bank brokerages in terms of active clients moderated in FY2021, primarily owing to the faster scaling up of the discount brokerage houses, they reported a strong performance as reflected by the healthy operating metrics and surge in earnings."

ICRA expects bank brokerages to continue to build their retail franchise and focus more on technology and digital models for customer acquisition. Supported by these factors, bank brokerages are expected to register a healthy growth in client addition as well as transaction volumes, though their share in total active clients would moderate owing to the rapid expansion of the discount broking model. The blended yields are expected to compress going forward, though the focus on fee and fund-based income would support the profitability.

Adds Chowdhary, "Bank brokerages are expected to continue to enjoy better brand recall, trust, higher credibility and financial flexibility by virtue of being a part of banking groups and would, therefore, remain a prominent part of the industry value chain. Bank brokerages are also increasingly looking at the emerging demographic opportunities and new geographical base, which is facilitated through online channels. Going forward, the ability of the bank brokers to effectively ramp up their digital initiatives, attract millennial clients and expand to a newer geographical base such as Tier II and Tier III cities would be critical."

ICRA expects the net operating income (NOI) of bank brokerages to grow 20-25 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in FY2022 supported by steady broking income along with an uptick in the margin funding and distribution businesses; the ramp-up of other related businesses could further support the earnings profile. The net profit for bank brokerages is expected to grow 17-20 per cent during the same period.

The borrowings levels of bank brokerages are expected to increase in the current fiscal to support their margin funding business. The gearing levels of bank brokerages are expected to be in the range of 1.5-2 times in FY2022 at an industry level while the gearing across entities would vary between 1 to 3 times based on the scale of margin funding operations.

--IANS

sn/shb/

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Biologics will enable free supply of insulin to 1,000 children from marginalised communities suffering from Type 1 diabetes, the company said on Monday.

The pharma major has tied up with the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), an organisation of researchers and healthcare professionals for diabetes, to launch a campaign for diabetes knowledge in Type 1 patients.

To address the issue of Type 1 diabetes in children, Biologics will work together with RSSDI to identify and train around 400 physicians in different districts across the country.

India has one of the largest populations of children and adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes in the world with an estimated 1 million children and adolescents dealing with this condition as of 2019, with the number increasing every year.

As a part of this initiative, RSSDI teams will develop the training material and train these physicians, to create awareness on effective diabetes management in Type 1 patients, among their peers, and the community at large in their respective districts. Biologics will provide educational and other diabetes awareness material for these training programmes. It will also facilitate the organising of these events.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson, Biocon and Biocon Biologics, said, As a part of the centenary celebrations of the discovery of insulin, Biocon Biologics has expanded its universal access program to address the needs of young people with Type 1 diabetes in India in collaboration with RSSDI.
chief Ajay Tyagi on Sunday said the decision to implement T+1 settlement cycle in a phased manner beginning February 2022 will go a long way in protecting investors' interest.

Apart from this, the capital regulator has taken a number of regulatory measures in the recent past towards investor protection, he said at a function at the India International Trade Fair.

These measures included introduction of upfront margin framework, risk-o-meter, e-KYC and protection of client collateral through pledge-repledge mechanism, he added.

"The decision to implement T+1(trade plus one) settlement in a phased manner beginning February 2022 will go a long way in protecting investors' interest," Tyagi said.

T+1 means that market trade-related settlements will need to be cleared within one day of the actual transactions taking place. Currently, trades on the Indian stock exchanges are settled in two working days after the transaction is done (T+2).

The stock exchanges-- NSE and BSE-- earlier this month announced that they will implement the T+1 settlement cycle in a phased manner starting February 25, with the bottom 100 stocks in terms of market value.

Thereafter, 500 stocks will be added based on the same market value criteria from the last Friday of March and so on every following month.

The announcement came after in September permitted stock exchanges to introduce T+1 settlement cycle from January 1, 2022 on any of the securities available in the equity segment.

The chairman also warned gullible against unrealistic returns in the securities market.

"Many a times, undesirable elements take advantage of the gullible by making promises that are too good to be true," Tyagi said adding that should be cautious of such offerings.

He, further, said that investors need to be cognizant of the risks involved in the financial product they are investing in and of their risk taking ability.

" If they are not able to assess the suitability of a particular financial product, it might be wiser to remain away from it than going the wrong way," he added.

Tyagi noted that participation of retail investors in securities has seen a significant rise especially in the last two years, which is evident from the increase in number of demat accounts, mutual fund folios and the number of systematic investment plans (SIPs).

In 2019-20, on an average, 4 lakh new demat accounts were opened every month which increased to over 26 lakh per month in the current financial year.

When it comes to number of mutual fund folios, in the beginning of 2019-20, total number of folios were 8.25 crore, which increased to 11.44 crore as of October 2021, Tyagi said.

With regard to SIP, while on an average around 52 lakh SIPs were added during the last two financial years, already around 75 lakh have been added during the first six months of the ongoing financial year, he added.

With significant increase in participation of retail investors, especially first -time investors, Sebi chairman believes that handholding in terms of making them aware of the nuances of securities market is essential.

In view of the visible increase in retail investor participation especially first-time investors, both in primary and secondary market side, he said that Sebi has stepped up its efforts towards investor awareness and education.

"While Sebi, Market Infrastructure Institutions and other intermediaries are attempting to improve investor awareness, there is a need for more sustained and continued efforts in spreading financial literacy and investor education with the participation of all stakeholders," he said.

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Within days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a meeting on the future of cryptocurrency, a parliamentary panel on Monday favoured regulation rather than imposing an outright ban. The winter session of starting on November 29 is expected to take up the draft bill on regulating

This is the first meeting on the subject that was convened by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting chaired by BJP leader and former minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha on Monday discussed the pros and cons of crypto finance with several stakeholders. Sources in the know said many members said the crypto currency exchanges should be regulated and that an outright ban would not be the right approach.

The committee had also discussed issues related to crypto finance with associations and industry experts.

Sources aware of the discussions of the committee said the meeting was a positive first step towards understanding cryptocurrencies, and a majority of the members were in favour of putting in regulations instead of implementing a ban.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of rising concerns in various quarters about crypto currencies and the possible risks emanating from trading in them, especially since there is a growing interest in such assets worldwide. Currently, there are neither specific regulations nor an outright ban on use of crypto currencies in the country.

Last week RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had said at an event that the central bank was cautious on As a central banker, we have serious concerns about it and we have flagged it many times,Das had said. At the PM-led meeting a few days ago, the consensus was that the government must take a forward-looking and progressive step on the matter while putting in firm regulations.

Sinha told a TV channel after the meeting, "Today's taxation framework is very capable of handling crypto tokens and crypto finance. We have to decide on the many functions that crypto finance can fulfil, where do we bucket different aspects of crypto finance..it can serve as an asset, security, commodity, payment system. The underlying technology has many broad manifestations."

Once the broad bucket under which this falls is decided, taxation would become easier, he added.

Representatives of crypto exchanges, block chain and Crypto Assets Council (BACC), industry bodies as well as academicians and other stakeholders submitted their views before the panel.





Some Congress members in the panel told PTI that there are significant challenges in banning crypto currencies. The broad view of the panel was that a Chinese wall should be put in place on crypto currencies' fungiblity in the real world and its interface with the real world should be regulated, they added.

According to sources, questions were raised on the advertisements run by certain crypto exchanges, but the members largely agreed that putting in place a body to oversee regulations was the way forward.

The focus of the discussion was to understand the infrastructure, business and economic impact of cryptocurrencies, they added. On March 4, 2020, the Supreme Court set aside an RBI circular of April 6, 2018, prohibiting banks and entities regulated by it from providing services in relation to virtual currencies.

A draft legislation, Banning of and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill 2019, was also put in the public domain in July 2019. On February 5, 2021, the central bank instituted an internal panel to suggest a model for the central bank's digital currency.

The RBI had announced its intent to come out with an official digital currency amid proliferation of crypto currencies about which the central bank has concerns.
The company also acquired a 65 per cent stake in the 180-bed Excelcare Hospital in Guwahati at an enterprise value of Rs 210 crore, and its seeking to acquire a 300-bed facility in Mumbai in the next few years and 300 more beds in Bengaluru by acquisition in the next two years. The long-term guidance included an estimate of addition of around 400 pharmacies annually and around 20 ...

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(SIL) made a stellar stock market debut - its shares got listed at Rs 575, a 253 per cent premium over its issue price of Rs 163 per share on the BSE. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the stock opened at Rs 570, a 250 per cent higher against its issue price.

At 10:09 am; the stock was locked at the maximum 5 per cent upper circuit at Rs 603.75, a 270 per cent gain over its issue price. While, on the NSE, the stock was frozen at Rs 598.50, a 267 per cent higher against its issue price.

A combined 1.69 million shares changed hands at the countter on the BSE and NSE. and there were pending buy orders for 1.05 million shares on the exchanges. In comparison, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 0.37 per cent at 60,912.

The initial public offering (IPO) of SIL had received a robust response with the issue subscribed nearly 102 times. The institutional portion was subscribed 86.51 times; the wealthy investor portion by 172 times and the retail investor portion subscribed 80.5 times, data shows.

The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the issue towards funding capital expenditure for expansion of production capacity for microcrystalline cellulose at Dahej (Gujarat) amounting to Rs 28.16 crore, for the expansion of production capacity for microcrystalline cellulose at Jhagadia (Gujarat) worth Rs 29.24 crore, to manufacture Croscarmellose Sodium, a modified cellulose used as excipient at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh amounting Rs 32.30 crore and balance for general corporate purposes.

SIL is engaged in manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose ("MCC") which is widely used as an excipient for finished dosages in the pharmaceutical industry. The inert non-reactive, free-flowing and versatile nature of MCC has varied applications in the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceuticals and cosmetic industries. It manufactures MCC of various grades ranging from 15 microns to 250 microns. The major grades of MCC manufactured and marketed by the Company are branded as HiCel and AceCel.
The are likely to start trade for the week on a positive note given the cues from the overseas and SGX Nifty. At 08:10 AM, the SGX Nifty was quoted at 18,218 as against the spot Nifty close of 18,103 on Friday. Meanwhile, here are the top stocks to focus in trade today.

Nykaa: After bumper listing gains, the stock will again be in focus as the fashion and cosmetics online retailer reported 96 per cent YoY plunge in Q2 net profit to Rs 1.1 crore in the September quarter. The companys revenue, however, increased 47 per cent YoY to Rs 885 crore. READ MORE



Tata Consumer Products: The company has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100 per cent equity shares of Tata SmartFoodz Limited (TSFL) from Tata Industries Limited, for a cash consideration of Rs 395 crore. READ MORE



Reported the highest-ever quarterly profit by any Indian company till date. At Rs 18,348 crore, the standalone net profit for the second quarter of FY22 was up 565.3 per from Rs 2,758 crore in the comparable period of the previous financial year. READ MORE The Aditya Birla groups holding firm consolidated revenue for the September quarter was up 26 per cent at Rs 22,564 crore while its profit after tax jumped 41 per cent to Rs 1,359 crore on a year-on-year basis. READ MORE Reported an all-time high consolidated net profit of Rs 3,417 crore in the September quarter, up nearly nine-fold from the corresponding period last year, primarily because of a low base. READ MORE Posted a net loss of Rs 7,132 crore in the second quarter of FY22 as the telecom company continued to struggle with high finance costs and subscriber loss. In the same period last year, it had reported a net loss of Rs 7,218 crore. READ MORE September 2021 quarter net profit soared to Rs 8,355.72 crore when compared with Rs 51.15 crore in September 2020 quarter, mainly on account of exceptional gains. Total income rose 40 per cent to Rs 395.72 crore from Rs 282.42 crore.

SpiceJet: Reported widening of net loss to Rs 561.7 crore for the quarter ended September 2021 as against a a net loss of Rs 112.6 crore in the corresponding period last fiascal. Total income rose to Rs 1,538.6 crore from Rs 1,292.9 crore. READ MORE



National Aluminium (Nalco): Reported almost seven-fold rise in consolidated profit at Rs 747.80 crore for the quarter ended September 30 when compared with 107.27 crore in the year-ago period. Consolidated income increased by 51.5 per cent to Rs 3,634.59 crore from Rs 2,399.05 crore. READ MORE



Ashok Leyland: Q2FY22 net loss narrowed to Rs 83 crore when compared with a net loss of Rs 147 crore in Q2FY21. Total income surged 57 per cent YoY to Rs 4,458 crore from Rs 2,837 crore. READ MORE



Coal India: Reported an almost flat consolidated net profit of Rs 2,936.91 for the quarter ended September 30. Its consolidated revenue from operations during July-September 2021 increased to Rs 23,291.08 crore, compared with Rs 21,153.07 crore in the year-ago period. READ MORE



Motherson Sumi: Auto components major reported a 76 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 93.04 crore in the second quarter ended September, hit by global automotive supply chain disruptions. Consolidated total revenue from operations stood at Rs 14,076.39 crore as against Rs 14,957.21 crore in the year-ago quarter.

Future Enterprises: Reported a net loss of Rs 257.69 crore for Q2FY22. Net loss in Q2FY21 stood at Rs 261.13 crore. Total income, however, jumped 4-fold YoY to Rs 521.20 crore from Rs 129.99 crore.

Zee Media: Posted a consolidated net loss of Rs 102.67 crore for the second quarter ended September 30. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 18.53 crore in the year-ago period. Revenue from operations, however, increased 37.8 per cent YoY to Rs 206.14 crore from Rs 149.61 crore in the quarter under review.

McLeod Russel: Recorded a 19.3 per cent YoY drop in consolidated net profit to Rs 122.62 crore in the quarter ended September 30, on lower tea prices and higher wage cost. READ MORE



Godrej Industries: Q2FY22 net profit rose 17 per cent YoY to Rs 192.05 crore from Rs 164.09 crore in Q2FY21. Total income increased 36.3 per cent to Rs 3,501.85 crore from Rs 2,569.16 crore.

Speciality Restaurants: Reports turnaround in September 2021 quarter with a net profit of Rs 2.73 crore as against a net loss of Rs 14.13 crore in the September 2020 quarter. Total income grew 3-fold to Rs 64.29 crore from Rs 20.88 crore in the same period.

PC Jewellers: Q2 net loss widened to Rs 75.83 crore in the quarter ended September 2021 when compared with a net loss of Rs 48.43 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Total income, however, surged 49.6 per cent to Rs 561.86 crore from Rs 375.64 crore in the same period.

Atul Auto: Reported a net loss of Rs 4.40 crore in Q2FY22 as against a net profit of Rs 0.75 crore. Total income was up 7.5 per cent YoY at Rs 82.78 crore from Rs 77.04 crore in the same period.

Omax Autos: Reported a net loss of Rs 3.58 crore for the quarter ended September 2021 as against a net loss of Rs 5.83 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Total income was down 10.5 per cent YoY at Rs 50.57 crore from Rs 56.50 crore.

Jindal Polyfilms: Q2FY22 net rose marginally to Rs 253.87 crore from Rs 249.93 crore in Q2FY21. Total income grew 37 per cent YoY to Rs 1,532.26 crore from Rs 1,118.12 crore in the same period.

Eros International: Q2FY22 net loss narrows to Rs 14.56 crore when compared with a loss of Rs 28.47 crore in Q2FY21. Total income was down marginally at Rs 105..07 crore from Rs 106.33 crore.

Honeywell Automation: Q2 net declined 16.8 per cent YoY for the quarter ended September 2021 when compared with Rs 774.05 crore in the corresponding quarter a year ago. Total income was down 2 per cent at Rs 758.16 crore from Rs 774.05 crore.

Earnings Today: Binani Industries, Rajesh Exports, Tinplate Company of India are some of the prominent companies scheduled to report earnings today.

Stocks in F&O ban: Bank of Baroda, BHEL, Escorts, Indiabulls Housing Finance, National Aluminium (Nalco), PNB, SAIL and Sun Tv are in F&O ban today.
Several students were injured after clashes broke out between members of the All India Students Association (AISA) and Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) inside the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in the capital on Sunday night, informed Delhi Police.

Those who sustained injuries are getting treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi.

According to the police, the clashes broke out at around 9:45 pm on November 14.

Gaurav Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) southwest said that it received the information regarding slogans being raised and apprehension of quarrel was received in Vasant Kunj Police Station, however, no quarrel was found when the police reached on the spot.

"On enquiry, it was learnt that heated arguments took place between two groups of students on account of organising a seminar in a student union hall," the police said.

The police further said that the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) has not lodged any complaint so far.

It further said that has filed a written complaint and one student affiliated with Left has also lodged a complaint.

"Both the sides are levelling allegations against each other of disrupting their meeting and initiating quarrel by another side. Further, an enquiry is on and legal action will be taken accordingly," it added.

Further investigation is underway.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 112.34 crore on Monday with the administration of 30,20,119 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As per provisional reports till 7 am today, 1,12,34,30,478 doses were administered through 1,15,01,243 sessions.

Of the total, 1,03,80,497 health care workers received the first dose and 93,34,144 second vaccine doses; 1,83,74,094 front line workers were administered the first dose and 1,61,78,125 vaccine doses given as the second dose to front line workers.

According to the health ministry, 43,26,35,344 vaccine doses were administered as the first dose and 17,04,47,156 vaccine doses were given as the second dose in the age group 18-44 years.

Also, in the age group of 45-59 years, 17,83,12,929 people have received the first dose and 10,49,30,515 have received the second dose whereas 11,17,34,885 vaccine doses were administered as first dose and 7,11,02,789 vaccine doses given as the second dose to the people over 60 years.

Meanwhile, 10,229 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

The active caseload is presently at 1,34,096 is the lowest in 523 days. The active cases presently constitute 0.39% of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020.

The recovery of 11,926 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients to 3,38,49,785.

Consequently, India's recovery rate stands at 98.26 per cent.

As per the health ministry, India has so far conducted over 62.46 cr (62,46,66,542) cumulative tests.

(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.)
is facing a humanitarian crisis with about 3 million people requiring assistance, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on Monday.

OCHA said that is facing a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing consequences of COVID-19 and events following February 1.

"About 3 million people require humanitarian assistance, including an additional 2 million people identified since 1 February this year. The most vulnerable remain families living in urban and peri-urban areas, mainly in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as people affected by conflict in south-eastern and western Myanmar," the statement said.

It further said that more than 220,000 people have been internally displaced due to armed clashes as well as overall insecurity since 1 February. The areas most affected include Kachin, Shan, Chin, Kayah and Kayin states and adjacent townships in Sagaing and Magway.

has been in turmoil since the coup on February 1, when the Myanmar military led by Senior General Ming Aung Hlaing overthrew the civilian government and declared a year-long state of emergency. The coup triggered mass protests and was met by deadly violence.

OCHA in a statement said that the COVID-19 pandemic remains deeply concerning. As of 24 September, more than 455,000 cases and 17,000 deaths have been reported. It is likely that the numbers are higher due to low testing capacity in-country.

The UN and its humanitarian partners have been working to respond to the impacts of the ongoing displacement, growing food insecurity and COVID-19. However, continued challenges in accessing people in need remains a fundamental challenge due to ongoing insecurity, bureaucratic impediments and disruptions to the banking systems/cash liquidity issues, the statement said.

It further stated that despite the challenges, the humanitarian response continues. For example, since May, the World Food Programme has supported more than 800,000 vulnerable people in its large-scale urban food response in Yangon peri-urban areas.

Myanmar's 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires USD 276.5 million to help more than 3 million people, is 47 per cent funded, leaving a deficit of USD 146 million, the statement 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.)
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise jumped 8.7% to Rs 5,075.45 after the company posted a 311% jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 247.8 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 60.27 crore posted in Q2 FY21.

Consolidated net sales grew by 34.6% to Rs 3,717 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 2,760.72 crore posted in Q2 FY21. Profit before tax stood sharply higher at Rs 382.99 crore in Q2 FY22 as compared to Rs 65.60 crore recorded in Q2 FY21, registering a 483% jump.

EBITDA jumped 105.1% to Rs 615 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 299.8 crore reported in Q2 FY21. EBITDA margin grew by 568 basis points to 16.5% in Q2 FY22 from 10.9% in Q2 FY21.

On the operational front, the company said that occupancy across the group was at 4,984 beds in Q2FY22 (representing 65% occupancy) as compared to 4,119 beds (representing 56% occupancy) in Q2 FY21. The Q2 FY22 occupancy in mature hospitals was at 3,518 beds (representing 65% occupancy). New hospitals had an occupancy of 1,466 beds (representing 66% occupancy) in Q2FY22.

Inpatient Volumes across the group increased by 46% 120,105 in Q2 FY22 from 82,153 reported in the previous year.

Meanwhile, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise announced that through its existing subsidiary, Assam Hospitals it entered into definitive agreements for the acquisition of a 64% majority stake in Asclepius Hospitals and Healthcare in Guwahati under the name of Excelcare Hospital. The acquisition would be for an enterprise value of Rs 210 crores and would be funded by Assam Hospitals Ltd, primarily through its reserves.

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise is a private sector healthcare provider. It owns and operates hospitals across the country.

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Ashok Leyland gained 1.13% to Rs 147.25 after the company reported a lower standalone loss of Rs 83 crore in Q2 FY22 as against a standalone net loss of Rs 146 crore posted in Q2 FY21.

The flagship company of the Hinduja Group reported a 57% increase revenue from operations to Rs 4,458 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 2837 crores posted in Q2 FY21. The commercial vehicle manufacturer reported a lower pre tax loss of Rs 115.5 crore in Q2 FY22 as compared to a pre tax loss of Rs 157.8 crore posted in Q2 FY21.

Ashok Leyland's domestic MHCV volume stood at 11,988 units rising by 71% over the same period last year. The company's domestic LCV volumes for Q2 FY22 was at 13,328 units, 22% higher than Q2 FY21. Export volumes (MHCV & LCV) grew 49% year on year in Q2 FY22 to 2,227 units from 1,491 units sold in Q2 FY21.

The company said it saw strong demand for the AVTR range. The demand is expected to further improve, mirroring the expected increase in economic activity. In the LCV segment, the CV maker said its recently launched Bada Dost has been well accepted by the customers. The company is ramping up production in line with market demand. Going forward, last-mile connectivity demand propelled by e-commerce is likely to continue supporting ICV and LCV truck volumes. Other businesses like Defence and After-market continue to contribute strongly to the top line of the company.

Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland said, The industry has seen signs of volume recovery in Q2 FY'22 over the same period last year, and we remain confident and optimistic about the future. The economy is showing signs of return to growth and we at Ashok Leyland will continue to build competitive products and organisational capabilities for future growth. Our focus will be to continuously improve our market share and gain it profitably and sustainably. Our global market expansion strategy is also in place, as we continue to focus on achieving our vision of being among the top 10 global CV makers. I am happy with the progress made on the EV front by Switch.

Ashok Leyland said its net cash generated for the quarter was at Rs 1063 crore which was used to pay down debt. Net Debt now stands at Rs 3112 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs. 4175 crore in Q1 FY22.

Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja group, is among the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India and also among the biggest manufacturers of buses and trucks globally.

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Glenmark Pharmaceuticals gained 1.41% to Rs 531.05 after the drug company posted a 10.1% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 257.66 crore on a 7.5% rise in net sales to Rs 3,125.43 crore in Q2 FY22 over Q2 FY21.

Profit before tax rose 13.4% to Rs 385 crore in Q2 FY22 over Q2 FY21. Consolidated EBITDA grew by 6.8% to Rs 590.2 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 552.8 crore reported in Q2 FY21. EBITDA margin slightly improved to 18.8% in Q2 FY22 from 18.7% in Q2 FY21.

Sales from the formulation business in India in Q2 FY22 was at Rs 968.9 crore as against Rs 1050.7 crore in the previous corresponding quarter, recording degrowth of 7.8%. As per JulySep 21 IQVIA data, while the growth has been impacted by lower contribution from COVID related products as compared to last year, the non-COVID base portfolio grew 16.7% as compared to the non-COVID IPM growth of 15.3% during the quarter. Glenmark said that the India business continues to outperform the industry growth and has grown consistently over the past several years.

North America registered revenue from the sale of finished dosage formulations of Rs 754.3 crore (approx. $ 102 million) for the quarter ended 30 September 2021 as against revenue of Rs 752.2 crore ($ 101 million) for the previous corresponding quarter, recording growth of 0.3%. The company currently has 47 applications pending in various stages of the approval process with the US FDA.

Glenmark Europe's operations revenue for Q2 FY22 was at Rs 338.3 crore ($ 46 million) as against Rs 318.1 crore ($ 43 million) recording growth of 6.3%. The company witnessed a mixed performance in the Western European region. While growth was affected by continued COVID restrictions in some countries, key markets like UK and Netherlands witnessed positive growth.

Glenmark's revenue from its Latin American & Caribbean operations was at Rs 96 crore ($ 13 million) for Q2 FY22 as against Rs 98.4 crore, recording revenue decline of 2.4%. Revenue growth was impacted by Brazil where the market remained challenging due to the pandemic. However, the company said it is beginning to witness recovery in this region with most of the other markets recording positive growth momentum during the quarter including Mexico which grew 27% year on year.

For Q2 FY22, revenue from Rest of the World (RoW) was Rs 652.6 crore ($ 88 million) as against Rs 380.6 crore ($ 51 million) for the previous corresponding quarter, recording growth of 71.5%. The company said it witnessed healthy growth in the region, aided by strong traction in the COVID portfolio and also growth in the base business

Research & Development expenses declined 9.9% year on year to Rs 329 crore in Q2 FY22 from Rs 365 crore spent in Q2 FY21. R&D percentage of sales came at 10.5% in Q2 FY22 from 12.4% in Q2 FY21.

Glenn Saldanha, chairman & MD of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said, We delivered another quarter of consistent performance, both in revenue growth and profitability. We continue to perform well in our core therapy areas and launched differentiated products. We have substantially reduced our debt through a combination of internal accruals and IPO proceeds. We are focused on enhancing free cash generation and achieving our strategic objectives going forward.

Glenmark reiterated revenue growth of 1015% during the year. The company aims to sustain EBITDA margin performance at similar levels of FY21. Post FY22, Glenmark will focus on enhancing free cash generation for further debt reduction, prioritizing over R&D investments and capital expenditure.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is a global research-led pharmaceutical company with presence across generics, specialty and over-the-counter (OTC) business with operations in over 50 countries.

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Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.



As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.



Digital Editor
Shares of Sigachi Industries were currently trading at Rs 603.75 at 10.15 IST on the BSE, a premium of 270.40% compared with the issue price of Rs 163.

The scrip was listed at Rs 575, a premium of 252.76% to the issue price.

The stock was currently frozen at the upper circuit of 5% at Rs 603.75. It hit the day's low of 570.45 in early trade. Over 3.98 lakh shares of the company changed hands in the counter on the BSE.

The initial public offer (IPO) of Sigachi Industries was subscribed 101.91 times. The issue opened for bidding on 1 November 2021 and it closed on 3 November 2021. The price band of the IPO was fixed at Rs 161-163 per share.

The offer comprised fresh issue of 76,95,000 equity shares aggregating up to Rs 125.43 crore at upper price band of Rs 163 and Rs 123.89 crore at lower price band of Rs 161.

The company proposes to utilize the net proceeds from the issue towards funding capital expenditure for expansion of production capacity for microcrystalline cellulose at Dahej (Gujarat) amounting to Rs 28.16 crore, for the expansion of production capacity for microcrystalline cellulose at Jhagadia (Gujarat) worth Rs 29.24 crore, to manufacture Croscarmellose Sodium, a modified cellulose used as excipient at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh amounting Rs 32.30 crore and balance for general corporate purposes.

Sigachi Industries, incorporated in 1989, started its journey manufacturing chlorinated paraffin and hydrochloric acid in its manufacturing unit situated at Hyderabad. The company diversified its product portfolio in 1990 to manufacture microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). MCC is widely used as an excipient for finished dosages in the pharmaceutical industry. The inert non-reactive, free flowing and versatile nature of MCC has varied applications in the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceuticals, and the cosmetic industries.

The company manufactures MCC of various grades ranging from 15 microns to 250 microns. The major grades of MCC manufactured and marketed by the company are branded as HiCel and AceCel. These products are distinguished with the help of different drying techniques employed by the company during the manufacturing process. HiCel is a spray dried product and is considered premium in quality due to the physical properties of the product such as particle size, density, flow, tableting properties, etc. AceCel on the other hand is manufactured through bulk drying process. It also manufactures various grades of this product in combination with various chemicals like colloidal silicon dioxide, carboxy cellulose sodium, mannitol etc. to cater to the growing market of the co-processed excipients.

The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 8.99 crore and total income of Rs 54.95 crore as on 30 June 2021.

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Former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro, who had joined the Trinamool Congress in September after ending his decades-long association with the Congress, on Monday filed his nomination as his new party's candidate for the upcoming by-election in West Bengal.

The had on Saturday named Faleiro, who was appointed as the party's vice president in October, as its candidate for the by-election on November 29.

"I am grateful to our party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for giving me this opportunity. I will raise people's issues in Parliament. Mamata Banerjee is currently the strongest opposition voice in the country," Falerio told reporters after filing his nomination.

The November 29 by-election to the seat was necessitated by the resignation of MP Arpita Ghosh from the Upper House. Principal opposition BJP is yet to announce any candidate for the by-election.

The TMC, after a stunning victory in the West Bengal assembly elections held earlier this year, is trying to expand its footprint in BJP-ruled Goa and Tripura. Elections to the 40-member Goa assembly are likely to be held early next year.

(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 base size of the issue will be Rs 1,000 crore with an open green shoe option, an official said

The third tranche of Bharat Bond ETF, through which the government is looking to raise over Rs 10,000 crore, will open for subscription on December 3, an official close to the development said on Monday.

The subscription will be closed on December 9. Further, the base size of the issue will be Rs 1,000 crore with an open green shoe option, the official added.

Bharat Bond ETF is an exchange-traded fund that invests in the debt of public sector companies. Currently, the ETF invests only in 'AAA'-rated bonds of public sector companies. Edelweiss Asset Management is the fund manager of the scheme.

The funds raised through the debt ETF helps in smoothening borrowing plans of the participating CPSEs or public sector banks. It also helps them in meeting their capital expenditure needs.

The scheme information document (SID) has already been filed with the capital regulator Sebi.

The latest tranche comes after the successful launch of the initial series of the ETF in December 2019 and second series in July 2020.

The second tranche of the Bharat Bond ETF was oversubscribed more than three times, collecting about Rs 11,000 crore. It had fetched about Rs 12,400 crore in its debut offer.

The Bharat Bond ETF offered maturity options of five and 12 years in its second tranche; while in the first tranche, maturity options were for three and 10 years.

Last month, a senior official in the finance ministry had told PTI that the government is expecting to raise over Rs 10,000 crore through the third tranche to fund growth plans of central public sector enterprises.

"We are finalising on the amount to be raised but it will be over Rs 10,000 crore," the official had said.

As of October-end, total assets under management of Bharat Bond ETF was at over Rs 36,000 crore.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhopal, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday alleged the was using the names of tribal icons Birsa Munda and Gond queen Rani Kamalapati for political benefit but in reality, some leaders of the ruling party are committing "atrocities" against tribal people in the state.

Hitting back, MP spokesperson Neha Bagga said that instead of levelling baseless allegations against the saffron party Singh should come clean on the land grabbing done by his son-in-law in Panna.

Modiji is coming (to Bhopal) on the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda to address 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' tomorrow. I pose many questions to Modiji today, the Rajya Sabha MP told reporters.

A complaint has come from Sidhi that a MLA has grabbed the land of a tribal and transferred it in his name. In Panna district, MP BJP president VD Sharma's 'numainde' (representative) Khunna Maharaj Trivedi's family has allegedly grabbed valuable lands of some tribals. They had demolished the houses of tribals and constructed houses over that land," Singh said.

He questioned why Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan did not restore or renovate the palace of Gond queen Kamalapati in Sehore, which is the home district of Chouhan.

"If they have so much respect for Rani Kamalapati why are they not getting her palace in ruins, restored?" he asked.

The Habibganj railway station in Bhopal was on Saturday renamed after Rani Kamalapati.

PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this station on Monday.

Singh alleged that BJP was deriving political mileage out of Rani Kamalapati.

These cosmetic changes are an experiment to improve an ugly face," he said.

Singh alleged that a tribal woman, her son and daughter and two Dalits were killed and buried at Nemawar in the Dewas district (in June). "The accused was from the BJP", he alleged.

He also questioned the death of a tribal man under "mysterious circumstances".

"The BJP is trying to derive a political mileage in the name of Birsa Munda," he said and alleged that the MP government has allotted Rs 13 crore meant for the tribal welfare schemes for Monday's convention to be attended by the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Bagga claimed that when Digvijaya Singh was the chief minister (1993 to 2003) of he had allotted a large tract of land meant for growing fruits under a scheme in Panna to a Congress leader.

"But that leader used the land for other purposes and was not freeing it. The BJP government has finally taken possession of this land. So, Digvijaya Singh is fuming and giving false statements against BJP," Bagga 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.)
The collegium headed by of India N V Ramana has approved the proposal for the elevation of advocate Saurabh Kirpal, whose proposed elevation to the bench was a matter of controversy due to his alleged sexual orientation, as a judge of the Delhi High Court.

Kirpal was recommended for elevation in 2017 by the Delhi High Court collegium, then led by acting Gita Mittal.

The proposal was then approved by the apex court's collegium too.

The Centre, however, had raised objections against his recommendation citing his alleged sexual orientation.

The controversy over his recommendation and reported objection by the Centre has been widely speculated in the judicial corridors during the last four years.

Besides this, the collegium has also resolved to reiterate its earlier recommendation for the elevation of four lawyers Tara Vitasta Ganju, Anish Dayal, Amit Sharma, and Mini Pushkarna, as judges in the Delhi High Court.

As per statements uploaded on the apex court website, the collegium, in its meeting held on November 11 has, on reconsideration, resolved to reiterate its earlier recommendation for the elevation of advocate Sachin Singh Rajput as a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court.

One of the statements said the collegium has also resolved to reiterate its earlier recommendation for the elevation of Shoba Annamma Eapen, Sanjeetha Kalloor Arakkal, and Aravinda Kumar Babu Thavarakkattil, as judges of the Kerala High Court.

The collegium in its meeting held on November 11, 2021, has, on reconsideration, resolved to reiterate its earlier recommendation for the elevation of following three judicial officers as judges in Calcutta High Court, Ananya Bandyopadhyay, Rai Chattopadhyay, and Subhendu Samanta, one of the statements said.

The collegium in its meeting held on November 11, 2021, has approved the proposal for elevation of Saurabh Kirpal, advocate, as a judge in the Delhi High Court, it said.

As per the statements, the collegium has also approved the proposal for the elevation of judicial officer B S Bhanumathi and advocate K Manmadha Rao as judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Besides the CJI, Justices U U Lalit and A M Khanwilkar are part of the three-member collegium which deals with the appointment and transfer of judges in high courts.

(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.)
Debt-ridden telecom operator Vodafone Idea is evaluating the option of converting interest dues arising out of the deferment of statutory payments into equity, a senior company official said on Monday.

The company is also in talks with banks and investors for raising funds and part of the proceeds is likely to be utilised towards meeting obligations related to debt maturing this fiscal, Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) Chief Financial Officer Akshay Moondra said during the company's earning call.

The government has given the option to defer all their dues payment for spectrum and Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) by four years to provide debt-ridden telecom an opportunity to improve their cash flows and invest in business.

"For the AGR dues, we are in discussion with the DoT (Department of Telecom) to determine the final amount in line with the Supreme Court judgement. Further, there is an option to convert such deferment into We are evaluating this and we will be reverting on our decision on upfront conversion of interest into by the deadline of January 12, 2022," Moondra said.

According to him, the company is also in discussions with banks and investors for raising both debt and "These discussions also include some kind of arrangement of funding to be able to meet immediate maturities of debt which are coming up in the remaining quarter of FY'22."



Last week, VIL reported narrowing of consolidated loss to Rs 7,144.6 crore for the September quarter on account of an increase in mobile services tariff and cost optimisation.

The company had posted a loss of Rs 7,218.2 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

In the latest September quarter, its consolidated revenue declined about 13 per cent to Rs 9,406.4 crore. The same was at Rs 10,791.2 crore in the year-ago period.

VIL's total gross debt, excluding lease liabilities and including interest accrued but not due, as of September 30, 2021 stood at Rs 1,94,780 crore. The amount comprises deferred spectrum payment obligations of Rs 1,08,610 crore, AGR liability of Rs 63,400 crore that are due to the government and debt from banks and financial institutions of Rs 22,770 crore.

VIL MD and CEO Ravinder Takkar said the company has started working on raising mobile tariffs and it is expected to be in place very soon.

"Some activity on tariff hikes has started to happen. Tariff hikes which are the next important step will also take (place) soon. For us, particularly as a company, we will not shy away from raising tariffs," Takkar said.

During the September quarter, VIL increased the entry level prepaid pricing plan from Rs 49 to Rs 79 in a phased manner as well as hiked the tariffs for some postpaid plans.

(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.)
New Delhi [India], November 15 (ANI/PRNewswire): HarperCollins is delighted to publish an extraordinary and inspirational life story, Ban Ki-moon's personal account of his decade at the helm of the United Nations, releasing on 18th November, 2021.

Born just one year before the United Nations itself, Ban Ki-moon came of age with the world body. His earliest memories are haunted by the sound of bombs dropping on his Korean village and the sight of fires consuming what remained. The 6-year-old boy fled with his family, trudging for miles in mud-soaked shoes, suffering from incessant hunger, and wondering how they would survive--until the United Nations rescued them. Young Ki-moon grew up determined to repay this lifesaving generosity.

RESOLVED: Uniting Nations in a Divided World is Ban Ki-moon's personal account of his decade at the helm of the organization during a period of historic turmoil and promise. Meeting challenges and resistance with a belief in the UN's mission of peace, development and human rights, he steered the United Nations through a volatile period that included the Arab Spring, nuclear pursuits in Iran and North Korea, the Ebola epidemic, Sri Lanka's civil war, and a profusion of brutal conflicts. As Secretary General, Ban also forged global agreements to fight extreme poverty and address the climate crisis.

Ban performed what has been called "the most impossible job on this earth" with a genuine belief in collective action and global transformation. Freed from the diplomatic constraints of a lifetime of public service, the Secretary General offers a candid assessment of the people and events that shape our era, and a bracing analysis of what lies ahead.

Siddhesh Inamdar, Executive Editor, HarperCollins India, sharing his excitement on the new book, says, "We are delighted to be publishing the Indian edition of former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's memoir. He led the world body during a particularly volatile decade, while taking a keen interest in global issues that affect our future such as climate change. It makes for an inspiring personal and professional journey, with a warm Indian connection too."

Author Ban Ki-Moon on publication of his personal account says, "New Delhi was my first diplomatic posting and often say I left half of my heart in India, birthplace of my first child. The country and its people have made essential contributions to the United Nations from principled positions in the Security Council to significant participation in peacekeeping missions around the world. I'm grateful to HarperCollins for publishing my memoir, which will inspire readers to take action on climate change, international development and other urgent issues in India and around the globe. I want readers to come away with the ideas, optimism and commitment necessary to change the world."

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"Ban Ki-moon has had an extraordinary and inspirational life, not least given the extreme poverty in which he grew up. You admire his ambition, tenacity and patience in achieving global consensus for the incredibly important Sustainable Development Goals. But you also appreciate the golden thread that weaves its way through this book--his humanity. A true public servant, whose compassion shines throughout."

-Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

"This is a warm, readable account by Ban Ki-moon of his 10-year term as UN Secretary General, and of his aim from the beginning to prioritize the climate crisis. At a time of increasing skepticism, his humble humanitarian concern and intense dedication should do much to restore confidence in the core values of the UN."

- Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Chair of The Elders

"Can we not only imagine, but actually build a better world? A farsighted global statesman not only says yes--but shows us how."

- Graham Allison, author of Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat and former foreign minister who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016. Throughout his career, Ban worked to mobilize international efforts against a slate of global pressures including the climate change, extreme poverty and armed conflict to make the world a safer and more equitable place. His motto: Mission Possible.

Co-writer Betsy Pisik is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist.

This story is provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]/ Accra [Ghana], November 15 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the winners of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother FASHION AWARDS 2020 from Ghana, Namibia and Zambia.

The awards are by Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Mrs. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO; the First Lady of Namibia, H.E. Mrs. MONICA GEINGOS and the First Lady of Zambia, H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, who are also the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother emphasized, "Big congratulations to the 21 winners of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Fashion Awards 2020. We launched these awards in partnership with our long-term partners and my dear sisters; H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana; H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia; and H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia. I am thankful for their support and contribution as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. In 2021 we have launched the fashion awards in partnership with 20 Africa first ladies to give opportunity for these countries however the awards are open for all countries. The 21 winners of 2020 across the three countries have been recognized for their extraordinary creative designs that deliver strong and influential messages to empower infertile women and say 'No to Infertility Stigma' and create meaningful fashion trends to educate their communities that 'Fertility is a Shared Responsibility'."

Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Fashion Awards 2020 winners are rewarded with $500 each to execute and showcase their winning designs so that people can have the opportunity to wear them and build advocacy to break the Infertility stigma for women and men.

Merck Foundation appreciates the creativity of winners and considers it to be instrumental to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless in the communities, hence, Merck Foundation additionally rewarded all the winners with one year of access to an online educational training program called "MasterClass". The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course in English that can be accessed anywhere within the Internet network.

"I encourage the winners to be the 'Merck Foundation More Than A Mother Advocate' to further empower infertile women and all women and girls in general and to eliminate infertility stigma. I also welcome them as valuable members of 'Merck Foundation Alumni'," added Senator, Dr. Kelej.

Here is the list of Award Winners:

Here are the winners from Ghana in partnership with H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.

GHANA

1. Leticia Ashie Owusu

2. Gifty Amonu Essel

3. Kizito Ronald Jr

4. Placid Leke

5. Anuja Bharti

6. Paul Akrofie

7. Desmond NhyiraAmankonah

Here are the winners from Namibia in partnership with H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.

NAMIBIA

1. Linrico Humphries

2. Stephany-Lee Schmidt

3. AinaShigwedha

4. Hope Gowera

5. Ndara Immanuel

6. Eugenia Benard

7. Paulton Luciano Witbooi

Here are the winners from Zambia in partnership with H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.

ZAMBIA

1. Nelly Banda

2. Ruth chimbala

3. Cecilia Njobvu

4. Linda Ngwira

5. Naomi Soko

6. Gibstar makangila

7. Kasonde Makangila

"Together, with the fashion industry, we would continue to play an instrumental role in eliminating the infertility stigma and empowering women in education and at all levels. I hope to receive many such outstanding entries from all African designers and students for our Merck Foundation Fashion Awards "More Than a Mother" 2021, announced in partnership with 20 African First Ladies," explained Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Details of Merck Foundation Fashion Awards "More Than a Mother" 2021:

Who can apply?

All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about Infertility Prevention, Breaking Infertility stigma, and/or Empowering Girls and Women through Education.

How to apply?

Entries can be submitted by sending the original sketches as an attachment(s) on: submit@merck-foundation.com

The Subject line of the mail should mention: Merck Foundation FASHION AWARDS "More Than a Mother" 2021

Please specify your name, institution name, country, and contact details in the mail.

10 winners will be granted $500 each to execute their designs.

About 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' campaign

"Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education & Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.

With "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother", we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It's all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.

The Ambassadors of "Merck Foundation More Than a Mother" are:

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as;

'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training

'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Fashion Awards

'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Film Awards

'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Song Awards

Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it

Children storybook, localized for each country

Click on the link below to Download Merck Foundation App

(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation & amp;hl=en)

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard

Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/) Merck Foundation

Twitter: (https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation) @Merckfoundation

YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk) MerckFoundation

Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/) Merck Foundation

Flickr: (https://www.flickr.com/photos/163124125@N08/)Merck Foundation

Website: (https://www.merck-foundation.com/)www.merck-foundation.com

This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 15 (ANI/NewsVoir): Festive season 2021 was celebrated with much vibrancy and a stupefying response from Punekars. The mall was decked up with the latest decor-themed the 'Blooming Diwali' and to add to it, the festive fervour was amped up with the best deals on ethnic fashion, jewellery, electronics, home decor and more brands. What made the shopping spree more joyous and wholesome was the condition of assured rewards on every shopping, under the mega campaign 'World of Festive Rewards'.

The celebratory mood at the mall was brightened with visit of Bollywood actors Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani. The starlets enjoyed the latest movie releases at PVR, Phoenix Marketcity Pune.

The centre piece that upheld the Diwali vibes was the decor-themed 'Blooming Diwali'. The multiple installations such as 'La Petale Grandiose' a life size, translucent set of lit petals flanked the entrance. 'Lotuses in Mosaic'- a set-up of mirrored dragonflies in coloured mosaic surrounded by lit lotuses. 'The Resting Conch' - a gold embellished set with popping lotuses all around. The decor was thematic and representational of the Diwali essence and added multi-folds to the festivities.

'World of Festive Rewards' (WOFR) - shop for Rs. 5k or more and stand chance to win gifts* worth up to Rs. 5 million. One needs to simply shop for the said amount or more, fill in the lucky draw coupons and add to the dropbox. Multiple entries per customer is allowed based on the bill value; a 10k bill would get two lucky draw entries, a 15k bill would get three entries and so on.

WOFR is a three month long stretch and will be on till 9th January 2022.

With the launch of the Phoenix Nhance App, now earn reward points with every bill that you scan, members can reserve parking slots to avoid hassles, shop hands free, contactless dining, book a table and so much more. Getting the app is made easy, just give a missed call on 7877856565 to receive the download link.

Phoenix Marketcity Pune was abuzz with festive vibes, adorned in vibrant decor. And yet, the management ensured all the social distancing and COVID safety norms were followed to every extent.

For further information, please contact: Phoenix Marketcity - 020 66890085

Check out (https://www.phoenixmarketcity.com/pune) www.phoenixmarketcity.com/pune, (https://www.instagram.com/phoenixmctypune/).

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi (India), November 15 (ANI/PNN): "Unexpected journeys often lead to adventures beyond our wildest dreams." This quote perfectly encapsulates our ongoing journeys in Sai Seva Sansthan Trust.

As per Sharad Singh, Founder and President of Sai Seva Sansthan Trust, when I started my journey as a social entrepreneur, it was not my first choice career. However, my unplanned choice has proven to be gratifying beyond measure. It was an unconventional yet momentous start to a new and exciting World of Social entrepreneurship, which I continue to explore over the years. I bear witness to the revolutionary changes that have happened in this field over the past one decade.

Trust's secy and founder Nikhil Singh, who is not new to the World of Entrepreneurship affirmed, in my initial years of Social entrepreneurship, I was confined to providing and managing food and shelter to the needy section of the society, But after the launch of the trust, we have a plethora of newer ideas. Nikhil consistently strives to make pivotal transformations to the social entrepreneurship sector.

With 5 strong years behind him, his peers vouch for his intelligence, integrity and his strong will. The man with a golden heart, as he is popularly known, Nikhil Singh is also at the forefront when it comes to the social well-being of society. Nikhil aims to create a 100-bed hospital and 3 primary schools in Delhi and UP. Nikhil has always believed in helping out the community at every stage of his career as a social entrepreneur.

Even as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, the trust stood strong and ensured food for more than 2000 migrants. From Helping those to stock up on groceries to ensuring people went back safely to their hometowns and to creating awareness for the massive vaccination drive for immigrant workers. Sai Seva Sansthan Trust made sure everyone around them was being taken care of.

During the lockdown, Sai Seva Trust members took it personally upon themselves to help stranded labourers and migrant workers. Sai Seva Sansthan Trust made provisions for meals and stay for migrant workers helping them to stay back during the lockdown period. The trust members distributed food packets per person daily to the needy and poor in and around during that period. Sai Seva Sansthan Trustees have realised that it is not only them, but many other Covid warriors too have contributed during the tough times of lockdown, and now it's high time to honour such warriors.

The first-ever Sai Seva Sansthan Trust Social Service Awards will take place in the month of January 2022. The awards will be given by top celebrities, journalists and politicians.

Sai Seva Sansthan Trust President Sharad Singh said, "Sai Seva Sansthan Trust recognizes these social entrepreneurs and warriors for the outstanding performance and contribution to the society; we want to encourage them by conferring awards to motivate and encourage them.

As per Secy Nikhil Singh, This is the opportunity that can bring together Doctors, teachers, Journalists and other sectors where all can share and celebrate the business and brands that work towards positioning India as the top Nation in The World. The Social Service awards provide participants with complete transparency during the judging process, and the only emphasis is merit-based awards.

Further, as the number of participants grows, it also paves the way for a highly resourceful business and social community to be built comprising business professionals from diverse sectors. Additionally, the Sai Seva Sansthan trust Social Service Awards provide an opportunity for participants to attain branding and exposure in multiple pre and post events.

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], November 15 (ANI/ATK): The past two years have been tumultuous for the entire world because of the raging pandemic that has claimed many lives and has halted growth and productivity around the globe.

Despite an overwhelming pandemic, many hardworking individuals have still managed to contribute towards the betterment of people. Vilaxna Ek Sarthak Pahal Samiti is held an award ceremony to honour these noteworthy personalities for their other efforts towards the betterment of society despite the obstruction posed by the pandemic.

Vilaxna Ek Sarthak Pahal Samiti is a national research journal that provides a reliable medium of publication for researchers in our country. It facilitates the easy publication of the distinguishable research efforts put in by professionals from various fields of science, journalism, technology, art, culture, etc.

The program held at Zila Vikas Bhavan, Rohtak on the 13th November 2021 and will shed light on the unknown gems of the society who are working selflessly for the nation. The cabinet ministers of the Haryana government, Bollywood actors, Haryanvi artists, grace the program with their presence especially the chief guest, guest of honor, and special guests.

ENT, Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon (http://www.bhushankathuria.com/) Dr Bhushan Kathuria from Rohtak honored with the "Samaj Sarathi Award" for his efforts and pro-active approach in dealing with patients suffering from black fungus. He has helped save countless patients suffering from the deadly black fungus infection which was becoming very common in patients recovering from the coronavirus. Despite limited support and a constrained flow of medicinal supplies, he managed to save more than 200 patients from succumbing to the black fungus infection.

Dr Bhushan Kathuria is not the only individual to be presented with the Samaj Sarthi award on November 13th. There is a long list of personalities from all over India who will be rewarded and appreciated for their relentless efforts. Along with the award ceremony, the special guests will boost the morale of aspiring researchers of the country and will encourage them to never stop trying.

The event also showcase regional talent and will comprise folk dance, informative videos, and skits, along with performances by renowned Bollywood actors and Haryanvi artists. Vilaxna Ek Sarthak Pahal Samiti conducts a lot of events and is a nonprofit organization that aims to put local talent and deserving personalities into the limelight through these events.

Watch Award video - (https://www.facebook.com/1584179194972088/posts/4664564543600189/)

This story is provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/ATK)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 has now been notified. The state government says that it will come into effect from January 15 next year. The law covers jobs where the monthly salary is less than Rs 30,000 and applies to private companies, societies, trusts and partnership firms in the state with 10 or more employees. At a time when attracting investments should be the highest priority for the government, the new legislation threatens to hurt the industrys freedom. This report explains what consequences the law may have



Haryana has thriving tech, finance and automobile industries, where lakhs of migrant workers are employed. According to the 2018-19 Periodic Labour Force Survey, just 4.4%, that is, 15.6 million of the estimated workforce of 356 million in India had monthly incomes above Rs 30,000. The survey also says that only 10.7% of the salaried jobs in Haryana pay more than Rs 30,000 a month.

Companies prefer to hire workers according to their capabilities, rather than their place of domicile. Although Haryana lowered the domicile stipulation from 15 years to 5 years for the new law, proving this will still be a hassle since it requires a residence certificate based on a voter ID, Aadhaar or a ration card. The law also seems to be against the spirit of the Constitution of India which guarantees the right to equality and the freedom to reside in any part of the country and practise any occupation.

In Haryana, Indias largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has manufacturing facilities in and Manesar and an R&D centre in Rohtak.

This is what Maruti Chairman RC Bharagava told Business Standard: Such restrictive policies are not at all welcome. However, due to our negotiations, the salary ceiling has come down. Almost all of our employees earn more than Rs 30,000. So, we are happy that the negotiations have shown some results.



But a myriad of auto component firms supply material to companies like Maruti Suzuki. And these companies will bear the brunt of the law. Industries feel it will not benefit the state and hit MSMEs that are just coming out of the crippling effects of the pandemic.

We spoke with Sunjay Kapur, the chairman of auto component major Sona Comstar and president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India. He voiced his discontent:





New law can make us uncompetitive

Govt should take a relook, specifically on technical jobs

Need a better solution to create jobs in the state

The way ahead for the smaller playersCompanies in the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector are planning to challenge the law in court. Meanwhile, the IT industry is evaluating relocation options in nearby Delhi and Noida for fresh growth since the policy applies only to new jobs. According to IT industry body NASSCOM, Haryana is home to about 500 companies in the IT and ITeS sector.

A populist move





Haryana not the first state to take the populist decision

Jharkhand too passed a bill to provide 75% reservation for locals

Andhra Pradesh too had reserved 75% of jobs in private sector for locals

But, facing resistance, Andhra gave companies three years of exemption

Haryana is not the first state to take the populist decision. In September this year, the Jharkhand Assembly passed a bill to provide 75% reservation for locals in the private sector with a salary up to Rs 40,000. It has not been notified yet. And in 2019, Andhra Pradesh reserved 75% of jobs in private industries and factories for locals. Although the law was notified more than two years ago, the state has gone slow in enforcing it. Finding sufficient local talent has been difficult for industries in the state.

Haryanas new law hampers ease of doing business, reduces competitiveness and may discourage firms from expanding their businesses. The private sector now fears that more states could take a page out of Haryanas playbook.
On November 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Retail Direct Scheme to provide retail investors an opportunity to invest in government securities (G-Secs) in a hassle-free manner.

Under the scheme, retail investors can buy G-Sec directly and free of cost. This is in contrast to the existing mechanism, wherein investors could buy government securities through gilt mutual funds.

Another alternative was to buy it through G-Sec dealers who would place it in RBIs primary market auction, held every Friday. But if you want to buy existing G-Secs listed in the secondary market, you can buy them from the BSE and the NSE.

However, low level of awareness, procedural issues and low liquidity in the secondary market were some of the reasons why investors stayed away from investing in G-Secs.

So, will this new scheme spur small investors interest in bonds?



Independent market analyst Ambareesh Baliga said:



RBI-RD was a long-term need of retail investors

Dont expect a rush in G-Sec investing

Suitable for those looking for capital safety, steady returns

Buying a Held-to-Maturity (HTM) bond today will save investors from mark-to-market (MTM) volatility

However, buying bonds six months hence may offer better entry point

Holding a HTM bond via direct route is easy as compared to the mutual fund route

For Nitin Shanbhag, Senior Group Vice-President - Investment Products at Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, RBI-RD will open the door for retail investors to participate in G-Secs. He said: The G-Sec market is dominated by institutional investors like banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, etc with lot sizes of Rs 5 crore and higher. Hence, this segment was largely inaccessible to retail participants. The Retail Direct Scheme will enable retail investors to participate in G-Secs across various tenors with flexible investment horizons and with the ability to get regular cash flows through risk-free coupons.So, should you invest in G-Secs right now? Independent debt market analyst Joydeep Sen said:That said, Sen believes the success of RBI-Retail Direct scheme will depend on how liquid these bonds are at the time of selling and if the buyers are able to sell them at a profitable price.

Meanwhile this week, equity investors will shift focus on primary markets amid a slew of new issues and listings.

EVENTS THIS WEEK



Tarsons Products IPO: Nov 15-17

Go Fashion IPO: Nov 17-22

Policybazaar, Sigachi, SJS listings: Nov 15

Paytm listing: Likely on Nov 18

Tarsons Products will open its three-day initial public offering today and conclude it on November 17. It has fixed a price band of Rs 635-662 per share for its Rs 1,024-crore IPO.

Meanwhile, the Rs 800-crore initial share-sale of Go Fashion will open for public subscription on November 17 and close on Nov 22.

On the listing front, Policybazaar, Sigachi Industries, Paytm, and SJS Enterprises will debut on the bourses this week.

Last Friday, the BSE Sensex and the Nifty50 settled with weekly gains of one per cent each at 60,687 and 18,103, respectively.

Key levels to watch





Nifty range: 17,800-18,500 Support: 17,950 Resistance: 18,340

Sensex range: 60,050 - 61,350 Support: 60,300 Resistance: 61,100



According to tech charts, the Nifty index is likely to trade within a range of 17,800 to 18,500 this week. The Sensex, on the other hand, is expected to trade within a range of 60,050 to 61,350.
A cold wave is hitting most parts of China, bringing freezing wind and snowfall to many northern regions. In Northeast Chinas Heilongjiang province, temperatures have plunged to below -10 degrees Celsius, with over 100 weather alerts issued. The cold weather is expected to spread further south over the coming days, according to the countrys meteorology bureau

Nov 22, 2021 03:38 PM
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Mazda has unveiled the first of its five all-new SUVs slated to arrive in the next two years the first-ever CX-50. Designed to meet the req...
In this photo provided by the Richardson Center, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson, right, poses with journalist Danny Fenster in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Fenster, sentenced only days ago to 11 years of hard labor in military-ruled Myanmar, was freed and on his way home Monday, a former U.S. diplomat who helped negotiate the release said. (The Richardson Center via AP)
Kyle Rittenhouse looks to the gallery as Dr. Doug Kelley, a forensic pathologist with the Milwaukee County testifies about the autopsy he performed on Anthony Huber, during Rittenhouse's trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Rittenhouse is accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest over police brutality in Kenosha, last year. (Mark Hertzberg /Pool Photo via AP)
Glen, NH (03838)

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Cloudy and windy with periods of rain this morning. High 47F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.
Glen, NH (03838)

Today

Cloudy and windy. Periods of rain this morning. High 48F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph.
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Photo: The Canadian Press A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer's uniform in Vancouver on January 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Police are investigating after a 59-year-old man was struck and killed in East Vancouver Saturday night.

It is the city's ninth pedestrian death and the 18th collision-related fatality of the year.

Investigators with Vancouver Police say they believe the man was crossing Kingsway, near St. Catherines Street, around 7 p.m. when he was struck by a car that was heading west.

They say the man was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say the driver remained at the scene after the crash.

They say speed and alcohol are not considered factors, but police are working to determine the cause of the collision.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2021.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The judge at Kyle Rittenhouses murder trial on Monday dismissed a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared to be among the likeliest of the charges to net a conviction for prosecutors.

The judge then launched into 36 pages of legal instructions to the jury, explaining the charges and the laws of self-defense. After that, the two sides were expected to deliver closing arguments, the final word before the jury was to begin deliberations.

Rittenhouse, 18, killed two men and wounded a third in the summer of 2020 during a turbulent protest against racial injustice, in a case that has underscored bitter division in the U.S. over guns, protests and law and order.

He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him, first-degree intentional homicide.

The underage weapon charge was punishable by up to nine months in jail.

There is no dispute that Rittenhouse was 17 when he carried an AR-style semi-automatic rifle on the streets of Kenosha and used it.

But the defense argued that Wisconsin law had an exception that could be read to clear Rittenhouse. After prosecutors conceded on Monday that Rittenhouses rifle was not short-barreled, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed the charge.

Public interest in closing arguments was evident Monday morning, when more people than usual stood in a line outside Courtroom 209 to get a seat. The first one in line was a man in a red hat and red coat bedecked with silver glitter. Outside, someone erected a cutout of Rittenhouse, and a man stood on a corner waving an upside-down American flag.

Rittenhouse's mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, listened intently in court during the jury instructions.

Rittenhouse traveled the few miles from his home to Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, as the city was in the throes of damaging protests that erupted after a white police officer' shot and wounded Jacob Blake, a Black man. He said he went there to protect property.

Bystander video captured the critical minutes when Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28.

Rittenhouse is white, as are the three men he shot. The case raised questions about racial justice, vigilantism, the Second Amendment right to bear arms, and white privilege that polarized people far beyond Kenosha.

Rittenhouse testified that he feared for his and life and acted in self-defense. Prosecutors have contended he was the aggressor that night and created a dangerous situation by showing up with a rifle.

But some of the prosecution's own witnesses  and a wealth of video  largely supported his claims of self-defense.

Perhaps in recognition of that, prosecutors asked the judge to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit him on the original counts. Schroeder agreed to do so Monday.

In his instructions to the jury, the judge said that to decide that Rittenhouse acted lawfully in self-defense, the jury must find that he believed there was an actual or imminent unlawful threat to him and that the amount of force he used was reasonable and necessary.

Among the prosecution witnesses was videographer Richie McGinniss, who testified that Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse and lunged for his rifle right before Rittenhouse shot him. Ryan Balch, a military veteran in Rittenhouses group that night, testified that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse and others if he got them alone.

Grosskreutz, the only man shot who survived, acknowledged that he had a gun in his hand as he approached Rittenhouse and that it was pointed at him.

As for Huber, he hit Rittenhouse with a skateboard before he was gunned down.

Among the trial's most compelling moments was Rittenhouse's own testimony. In some six hours on the stand  most of it poised and matter-of-fact  he said he was afraid Rosenbaum would take away his gun and shoot him and others. He said he never wanted to kill anyone.

I didnt do anything wrong. I defended myself," Rittenhouse said.

After closing arguments, names were to be drawn to determine which 12 of the 18 jurors who heard testimony will deliberate, with the rest dismissed as alternates.

With a verdict near, Gov. Tony Evers said that 500 National Guard members would be prepared for duty in Kenosha if local law enforcement requested them.
Photo: The Canadian Press Needles are seen filled with the vaccination for COVID-19 at a truck stop along highway 91 North in Delta, B.C., Wednesday, June 16, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Employees in the core federal public sector who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be put on unpaid leave today, unless they were already granted an accommodation.

The policy could potentially leave more than one thousand workers without pay and unable to access employment insurance benefits.

As of Nov. 3, the vast majority of federal public servants were reported to be fully vaccinated.

Of the roughly 267,000 employees who declared their status, a little over 3,000 have requested some kind of accommodation so they can work without a full slate of vaccines.

Several federal public sector unions have said they plan to file grievances if they feel an employee's human rights were not respected.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the outset of the policy that exemptions and accommodations would be difficult to obtain.
Photo: Twitter - @Jake_Hanrahan

British authorities raised the country's threat level to its second-highest rung on Monday, after police said a blast in a taxi outside a Liverpool hospital that killed one man and injured another was caused by a homemade bomb.

Investigators said they were treating the explosion in Liverpool as a terrorist incident, but that the motive was unclear.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the U.K. threat level from substantial  meaning an attack is likely  to severe, meaning it is highly likely, following the U.K.'s second fatal incident in a month. Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in October in what police said was an act of terrorism.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the sickening attack at Liverpool Women's Hospital and told reporters that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism.

We will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence, he said.

A male passenger in a taxi was killed and the driver injured when a blast ripped through the vehicle as it pulled up outside the hospital on Sunday morning. Russ Jackson, the head of Counterterrorism Policing in northwest England, said the explosion was caused by the ignition of an explosive device that was brought into the vehicle by the passenger.

Three men in their 20s were arrested elsewhere in the city under the Terrorism Act on Sunday, and a fourth was detained on Monday. All are believed to be associates of the dead passenger, police said.

Suspicions about a motive for the explosion have been aroused by the timing  just before 11 a.m. on Remembrance Sunday, the moment people across Britain hold services in memory of those killed in wars.

Jackson said investigators had not found a link to remembrance events, but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

Although the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident," he said at a press briefing.

He said the passenger had been picked up by the cab a 10-minute drive away and asked to be taken to the hospital, where the explosion occurred. The driver, named by local media as David Perry, managed to escape from the car. He was treated in the hospital and released.

Police said officers had searched two addresses in the city linked to the passenger and found significant items at one of them,

Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said the taxi driver locked the doors of his cab so the passenger couldnt leave. Police did not confirm that account.

The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital, Anderson told the BBC.

The prime minister also said the driver appeared to have behaved with incredible presence of mind and bravery.

Nick Aldworth, a former senior terrorism investigator in Britain, said the taxi appeared to have sustained a lot of fire damage with very little blast damage.

He said whatever was in that vehicle was either a low yield or didnt work properly, or possibly an incendiary. So I think its very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened.

Britains official terrorism threat level was lowered from severe to substantial in February. It has been at severe most of the time since 2014, briefly rising to critical amid a spate of violent attacks in 2017.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian during which they discussed 'concerning' Russian military activity in and near Ukraine.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price, in a short statement on Sunday, said that the two leaders spoke about their continued ironclad commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss reports concerning Russian military activity in and near Ukraine and their continued ironclad commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also discussed joint efforts to address Iran's nuclear program," the statement read.

Ukraine has accused Russia of sending thousands of troops along the Ukraine border.

Recently, Blinken said that the US is "concerned by reports of unusual Russian military activity" and the possibility that Russia may be "attempting to rehash" its 2014 invasion of Ukraine.

"Our concern is that Russia may make a serious mistake of attempting to rehash what it undertook back in 2014, when it amassed forces along the border, crossed into sovereign Ukrainian territory and did so claiming falsely that it was provoked," Blinken said, referring to Russia's invasion of Crimea.

"So the playbook that we've seen in the past was to claim some provocation as a rationale for doing what it, what it intended and planned to do. All which is why we're looking at this very carefully," he added.

Ukraine last week said that Russia has kept tens of thousands of troops not far from the border after war games.

The Ukrainian defence ministry said about 90,000 Russian troops are stationed not far from the border and in rebel-controlled areas in Ukraine's east.

(ANI)

Also Read: Boris Johnson calls COP-26 deal game-changing but 'tinged with disappointment'
Saint Mateo Correa

1866-1927

Recently, the head of France's Bishops' Conference, Archbishop de Moulins-Beaufort, said that the Seal of Confession should not take precedence over French law (dealing with sex crimes against children). This scandalous statement was the exact opposite of what he had said earlier. What made him change his mind? Well, could it be because he had been summoned for a meeting by the Interior Minister, Gerald Darminin? Could that have something to do with it? It was after this meeting that he reversed his initial position of non-compliance with the government mandate. Even more scandalous, he asked the public to forgive him for his prior statement! This, from the top bishop in France, the "eldest daughter of the Church."

According to Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Seal of Confession is inviolable. "A confessor who directly violates the Seal of Confession incurs an automatic excommunication."

This is light years away from another priest, from another time, from another country, who was faced with a similar challenge: Father Mateo Correa. A Mexican priest who literally gave up his life to protect the Seal of Confession. On Feb. 5, 1927, the country's revolutionary forces ordered the imprisoned priest to divulge the contents of several soldiers' confessions. "Never! I will never do it!" he said. "I would rather die than violate the Seal of Confession." "Then you will die!" shrieked his adversary, with a gun pointed at the priest's head. The next day, at dawn on Feb. 6, 1927, he was taken to the outskirts of Durango and executed. He was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2000.

The years 1926 to 1929 are known as the "Years of the Martyrs" in the history of the Mexican Republic. In the words of English writer Graham Greene (he was an atheist until he converted to the Catholic faith at age 22) the church in Mexico under its socialist dictators suffered "the fiercest persecution of religion anywhere since the reign of Elizabeth." Pope Pius XI, who presided over the Church from 1922 to 1939, declared that the persecutions in Mexico "exceeded the most bloody persecutions of the Roman emperors." His 1926 encyclical, Iniquis Afflictisque, refers to the barbarities as "without equal, cruelties and atrocities scarcely credible in the 20th century."

A priest was not allowed to say Mass, give absolution or even say a prayer over a dying Mexican soldier. Such acts were punishable by law. Father Mateo was arrested because he was bringing Viaticum to a dying invalid; Masses, however, were being said. In secret. In private homes. In forests. In garages. The Church in Mexico was forced to go "underground." Such a scene is vividly portrayed in Graham Greene's masterpiece novel, The Power and the Glory:

It had been five years since the people had seen a priest.

A voice whispered urgently to him, 'Father.'

'Yes?'

'The police are on the way. They are only a mile off, coming through the forest.'

This was what he was used to: were they on horseback or on foot? If they were on foot he had 20 minutes left to finish Mass and hide  the Consecration was in silence: no bell rang. Somebody opened the door: a voice whispered urgently, 'They're here  They are all around the village.'

Father Mateo Correa was born in Tepechitlan, Zacatecas, on July 23, 1866. Although he was from a poor family, he completed his education with the aid of benefactors and attended the seminary in Zacatecas on a scholarship. After his ordination in 1893 the gentle priest served as pastor in several locations in the state of Zacatecas. One of these was in the mining town of Concepcion del Oro where he became friends with the family of Miguel Pro whose father was a mining engineer. Miguel would eventually become the best-known of all the Mexican martyrs. Father Mateo administered First Communion to the young Miguel and baptized Miguel's brother Umberto. Both brothers would be martyred on the same day in 1927. As Robert Royal said in his book, The Catholic Martyrs of the Twentieth Century, such ironies are "indicative of the all-embracing nature of anti-Catholic persecution in Mexico."

The relics of Father Mateo can be found in the Cathedral of Durango, a city 600 miles northwest of Mexico City. The church is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This "landmark of enduring beauty" is located in the historic centre of the city opposite the Plaza de Armas. Construction on the impressive church with its twin-towered Baroque facade was begun in 1695.

Durango is not only a destination for devout Catholics but for fans of John Wayne as well. Many of Hollywood's greatest western movies were filmed there. As one writer said, "This is John Wayne country, where the Duke slugged it out, shot it out, and sometimes yelled it out, as he tamed the American West." One of his most famous movies, True Grit, for which he won an Oscar in 1970, was filmed in Durango. Wayne spent a great deal of time in this city and eventually bought property in the area.

"The Duke" converted to the Catholic faith two days before he died of cancer in 1979. According to his grandson, Father Matthew Munoz, a priest in California, he regretted that he had taken so long to take this step. He blamed it on a "busy life." All of his seven children were brought up in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic schools. Apparently, he had a long-standing reverence for Catholicism. His director John Ford (who didn't hide his love for his Catholic faith) influenced him, as did his good friend in Los Angeles, Archbishop Tomas Clavel, who had been exiled from his Archdiocese of Panama in 1968.

And one can just wonder at the possible influence of Father Mateo Correa on this movie legend. Surely, Wayne, given his interest in Catholicism, would have visited this beautiful Cathedral many times. And how moved he must have been by reading the description in the church of Father Mateo's martyrdom.

Some of Wayne's most memorable quotes dealt with the subject of courage. One of his best-known was: "Courage is being scared to death  and saddling up anyway." How in awe he must have been by Father Mateo's bravery!

One can only barely surmise the terror in Father Mateo's heart on that night of Feb. 5, 1927. Alone in his prison cell he had no illusions about any such fictions as a last-minute reprieve. How easily he could have given in! Knowing what possible tortures and brutalities awaited him.

Yet he stayed the course. To the point of martyrdom.

Unlike another priest, an Archbishop at that, decades later, who did "give in." To the Interior Minister's admonitions. Or threats. Or whatever it was. To which one can only say, "God help the Church in France."
November 15, 2021CDCs most recent FluView reports increases in flu activity that could mark the beginning of the 2021-2022 flu season. While flu activity is still low overall nationally, there has been an increase of influenza A(H3N2) viruses detected in recent weeks. The majority of these have been found in young adults and children, who are commonly the drivers of community spread of flu. CDC also has received anecdotal reports of flu outbreaks among young adults, possibly attending colleges and universities in several states. In addition, the University of Michigan has reported a large and sudden increase in cases of flu among students on the Ann Arbor campus. CDC is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Washtenaw County Health Department, and University of Michigan (U-M) to investigate the outbreak.

The occurrence or timing of these recent flu outbreaks is not particularly unusual. Flu activity often starts to increase in October, most commonly peaks in February and can last into May. The recent outbreaks and associated increasing detection of H3N2 viruses are notable because they represent the first significant flu activity of the 2021-2022 season (and the first since March 2020). This increase in flu activity as the holiday season is about to begin underscores the importance of flu vaccination. On college campuses, flu viruses are known to spread rapidly in close quarters like common living spaces, classrooms, shared restrooms, and through social activities, and yet young adults consistently have the lowest flu vaccination coverage every flu season in the United States. Also, early in-season CDC estimates suggest that flu vaccine uptake among other groups so far is lower this season than last, including among children and pregnant people.

U-M reportsexternal icon that its University Health Service has diagnosed more than 500 cases of flu since October 6, 2021, prompting MDHHS to request epidemiologic assistance (an Epi-Aid) from CDC. An Epi-Aid allows CDC to provide rapid, short-term, onsite technical assistance from Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers and other experts to help local authorities respond to an urgent public health problem. The goals of this Epi-Aid will be to evaluate the scope of the outbreak, assess risk factors for infection, support infection control measures, and quantify vaccine uptake among cases, which may help give an early sense of flu vaccine effectiveness this season. These findings could help inform guidance for influenza responses on university campuses and in the community at large during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was historically low flu activity during 2020-2021, likely due to strict COVID-19 prevention measures. Other respiratory viruses were similarly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but have since resumed normal circulation patterns. Experts have been watching closely to see whether flu virus circulation would resume. During the most recent three weeks (week ending October 23, 2021 through the week ending November 6, 2021), influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been reported by public health laboratories in seven of the 10 HHS regions (Regions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9), which covers much of the country geographically (with the exception of Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), indicating flu circulation is beginning to resume. Influenza A (H3N2) predominant seasons often are also associated with more severe flu seasons, especially for older adults and young children.

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu and widespread flu illnesses. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this season should get vaccinated now. A flu vaccine protects against four flu viruses, including an H3N2 virus that was updated for this seasons flu vaccines. COVID-19 vaccination will not protect against flu. Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are needed this season as recommended.

Its important to note that flu antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and especially for those who are at higher risk of serious flu complications. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. While flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, a flu vaccine is the best way to help prevent seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu if you get sick.

CDC is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed.
Venezuela to export to Caribbean

ICR Newsroom By 15 November 2021

Venezuelas president, Nicolas Maduro Moros, has approved the Cement Export Plan 2022 as part of the countrys aim to diversify its economy.



The plan also foresees the export of cement to the Caribbean for the first time. "For the first time, Venezuela will export cement to the Caribbean," President Maduro reported when instructing the Executive Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, to investigate the mafias that commercialise cement at a premium and sanction them with the full weight of the law.







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Chatham, VA (24531)

Today

Chance of a shower or two during the morning, followed by partly cloudy skies this afternoon. High 56F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Widespread frost likely. Low 28F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
With a strong effort on both ends of the floor, No. 18 Tennessee defeated ETSU, 94-62, Sunday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena.The Vols (2-0) held ETSU to 19-of-56 (33.9 percent) shooting while reaching the 90-point mark for the second time in as many games.Olivier Nkamhoua led the Vols in scoring and set a new career-high, scoring 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. He knocked down both three pointers he attempted and also secured eight rebounds. Kennedy Chandler, UT's second-highest scorer, scored all of his points in the first half, notching 16 on 6-of-9 shooting.He added six assists, five rebounds and three steals.On the defensive end, Tennessee racked up 14 steals as a teamits most in a game since Feb. 7, 2015. The Vols also pulled down 51 rebounds, their first time nabbing more than 50 boards since Nov. 28, 2018.The win marked the 729th of head coach Rick Barnes' career, tying him for 16th on the Division I all-time wins list with Norm Stewart and Jerry Tarkanian.Tennessee saw its offense explode out of the gates, posting 46 points in the first half after going on a pair of long scoring runs. Holding a narrow 13-11 lead at the 15:41 mark in the first half, the Vols put together an 11-0 run to extend their lead to 13 points. UT also rounded out the half on a 15-1 run in the last 5:47. John Fulkerson dominated the glass in the period, pulling down eight rebounds in his first game back from injury. He finished with 10 and was the only Vol with double-digit boards.Nkamhoua and Justin Powell both finished in double figures for the second half, scoring 16 and 11, respectively. Sixteen Volunteers played in the half, as senior Knoxville native Brock Jancek recorded his first career points on a pair of free throws with less than two minutes left in the game. Jonas Aidoo and Isaiah Sulack both made their career debuts, while Kent Gilbert checked into the second game of his career.The game marked a return to Knoxville for ETSU (0-2) head coach Desmond Oliver. Oliver spent his last six seasons as an assistant on Rocky Top before taking the head job at ETSU this past offseason.Next up for the Volunteers is the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. No. 18 Tennessee will face No. 4 Villanova Saturday, with tipoff slated for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN News.FULKERSON RETURNS: After missing Tennessee's season-opener due to injury, super senior John Fulkerson returned to the Vols' starting lineup on Sunday, finishing with six points and 10 rebounds. It marked Fulkerson's 133rd game as a Volhe needs just 10 more appearances to break UT's all-time record for career games played (142 by Wayne Chism from 2006-10).BALL-HAWKING DEFENSE: Tennessee recorded 14 steals as a team against ETSU after having 12 on Tuesday against UT Martin. It marks the first time the Vols have had 10 or more steals in back-to-back games since Nov. 22-23, 2016, against Oregon and Chaminade.POWELL MONEY FROM DEEP: After draining three triples against UT Martin, Justin Powell once again made three 3-pointers on Sunday. Including his 10-game freshman season at Auburn, it marks his fourth career game with multiple 3-pointers.
Anyone who might want to recall the way that things were done early in the history of our country and doesnt believe in erasing the creativity, ingenuity, and efforts of our ancestors to adjust, improvise and survive should read on.

More importantly you might take a trip to Norris, Tennessee which is 20 miles north of Knoxville. On a panoramic setting of 63 acres sits the Museum of Appalachia.

The facility is described as A Living Mountain Village as a pioneer farm village which contains thousands of artifacts and the preservation of stories of the people of South Appalachia.

The museum was founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, an East Tennessee educator and businessman who served as the superintendent of Anderson County public schools. He was born in the Big Valley area of Union County in 1930.

As a young boy his family was forced to make two involuntary moves by forced federal government actions.

When the Tennessee Valley Authority took farm land by eminent domain to build the Norris Dam on Norris Lake Irwins family was forced to move to the Gamble Valley community, which is now part of Oak Ridge in Anderson County.

The second forced move came when Oak Ridge was selected in the early 1940s to be part of the Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb.

Early on Irwin was attracted to the communitys older citizens and their use of tools and practices from the past.

He attended the auction of an old farm in 1962 and was dismayed to observe that many of the old relics would be removed from their historical content.

Irwin believed that the items' true value lay not in its cost or present usage but was in the history of how it was used in earlier days.

After buying a few items he became committed to the collection of old relics for his entire life.

He would shortly thereafter acquire his first log structure and a lifetime of a quest to preserve the history of the area began.

For several years Irwin would travel on the weekends to remote communities in search of artifacts that he displayed in his yard and garage.

His collection grew to the point that Irwin in 1969 opened the Museum of Appalachia as a commercial and historical venture.

Over the next five decades that the museum has been in existence it has acquired more than 30 historic buildings that have been carefully restored to their original condition. They sit on 63 acres of picturesque farm land with over 250,000 artifacts.

The museums archives preserve the past with thousands of photographs and oral histories and recollections.

John Irwins philosophy and goal was to preserve not only structures and artifacts relevant to the regions history but also preserving each items individual history  who owned it, when and how it was created or obtained and how it was used.

Buildings on the premises include the National Register of Historic Places  Arnwine Cabin and the cabin where it is believed that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was conceived before his parents, John and Jane, moved to Missouri where the noted icon and author was born.

The buildings have been moved and preserved along with thousands of tools depicting all aspects of life in Southern Appalachia.

The museum is a re-creation of an actual working Appalachian farm complete with growing crops and livestock that roam the grounds.

Other than the cabins and barns on the premises other types of building that depict and would be on a typical pioneer Appalachian farm are present.

Other specific features include open-air and log buildings and a blacksmith shop.

The two story Display Barn contains one of the countrys largest collections of pioneer frontier relics including a fully stocked general store setting and a rural post office.

A separate two-story building houses the Appalachian Hall of Fame which contains items acquired from leading area persons as well as national figures such as Sgt. Alvin C. York, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, and country music legend Roy Acuff. Dozens of musical instruments are displayed such as banjos, Appalachian dulcimers and others.

In the Peoples Building several exhibits are displayed including folk arts, woodcarving, and various murals and furniture from around the region.

Throughout the year (when possible) the museum helps preserve the Appalachian history and culture by hosting several of the following events: Sheep Shearing Days (how pioneers used wool), July 4 Celebration and Anvil Shoot (firing anvils into atmosphere); Days of the Pioneer Antique Show (show and sale of 18th and 19th Century antiques) and A Candlelight Christmas (candlelight tours featuring Christmas stories, hot cider and caroling in the Irwin Chapel).

For decades the museum has hosted Tennessee Fall Homecoming, one of the largest and most popular authentic music and folk festivals. A few of the featured performers included Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart, Ralph Stanley, John Hartford, etc.

The list of restored buildings include a jail, smokehouse, corn crib, church, school and whiskey still.

Beginning around 1977 the museum began being featured in television shows such as Young Danl Boone and the Today Show and magazine articles.



Alex Haley, author of Roots, visited the museum and was so impressed that he bought the farm across the street from the facility and moved to East Tennessee.

The Museum of Appalachia is located at 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee 37716 (865) 494-7680.

In May 2003 the museum was converted from private ownership to a non-profit foundation and is recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate.

John Reed Irwin at the age of 90 is no longer working at the museum and has some health issues.

Perhaps the best medicine he could receive at his advanced age would be a large influx of new fans at his historical creation?

* * *

Jerry Summers



(If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact Mr. Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com)
A man on Denham Road told police someone had set up a tent in his backyard and he wanted the person removed. Police did not locate anyone in the tent and explained to the man that if he wanted the tent removed from private property he would have to do it himself. Police also informed the man that if the person did return, to call police and have them trespassed from the property.

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An officer initiated a traffic stop at 49th and Jeffery Lane on a white Hyundai Sonata for a fake temporary tag. There was a male driver and a female passenger. The driver said it was his stepdaughter's car and he wasn't aware the tag was fake. Both parties were run through NCIC and nothing was found. All parties left the scene and police confiscated the fake temporary tag.

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An officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a brown Mitsubishi Mirage at 38th and Brannon. The vehicle fled police traveling at a high rate of speed and driving through a construction site located on Brannon Avenue. The driver appeared to be a black male with corn rows. The car was last seen north on Brannon Avenue.

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A car was traveling on Shallowford Road and left the roadway due to lack of visibility caused by fog. The vehicle was unable to drive back onto the roadway. Denton's Wrecker Service assisted the car back onto the roadway and it was driven away.

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A man on Meadow Trace Lane called police and said sometime after midnight an unknown person broke into his 2017 Chevrolet Silverado and stole two sets of Apple air pods. He said another woman's 2020 Toyota Highland was also broken into and her brown leather purse was taken. He said she had taken her wallet out and there was nothing of value left in it. He said both vehicles were left unlocked and he found no damage to either one.

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While on patrol police saw a man urinating in the Parkridge Hospital parking lot. Police spoke with the man and explained that he could not be urinating in public.

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A woman on Crescent Club Drive said her ex-boyfriend was on the property and knocking on her door. She said she just wanted him to leave her alone.

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A man said he lost his driver's license somewhere around Oak Street. He said he does not know where exactly he may have lost it.

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A woman who works for the American Red Cross at 4115 South Access Road called police and said their mailbox was broken into. She said since they have been working from home there have been multiple times someone has broken into the mailbox and other structures on the property. She requested the business be placed on the watch list.

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While on routine patrol an officer saw a silver Infiniti M37 displaying a Georgia tag. The officer ran the tag's information through NCIC and found that the tag came back to a stolen white Kia Sorento. The silver Infiniti was in the parking lot on North Germantown Road and was occupied by a black male driver in his mid 20's. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle in the parking lot, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Police attempted to locate it near 404 Tunnel Blvd. and instead found the white Kia Sorento that went with the tag that was displayed on the Infiniti M37. The Sorento was confirmed as stolen from Catoosa County. Inside the Sorento the officer found a Tennessee identification for a woman. The officer also located a Tennessee tag which came back to the stolen silver Infiniti M37 that fled from the attempted traffic stop. The vehicle was towed by First Response Towing and removed from NCIC through Catoosa County. All evidence will be turned into the Chattanooga Property Division.

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A man at India Mahal Restaurant at 5970 Brainerd Road said two or three days ago he noticed damage on the passenger side of his vehicle. He said that he did not know what caused the damage, where it occurred or when.

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A man on Laura Street called police to report his lawnmower, mountain bike and gas can had been stolen. He said a red Yardmaster lawnmower and a red gas can were in the bed of his 1996 Ford F150. The man said he paid $380 for the lawnmower and $10 for the gas can. He also said he had a black mountain bike with rainbow letters stolen from his backyard. The bike was approximately $300. The man thinks the theft occurred sometime last night.

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A woman on North Moore Lane said a package was stolen off of her front porch. She said the package was a wreath valued at $70. She was unable to provide police with video footage of the suspect.

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Police responded to a disorder on Ridgecrest Drive. Upon arrival the officer spoke with a man who said he and and a woman got into an argument while they were in the car. He said they were arguing about petty things like jobs. He staid when they got to the intersection of East Crest and Ridgecrest Drive, he told her he wanted to get out of the car and attempted to put it into park. He had gotten out of the vehicle and the woman would not leave. The man said no physical altercation took place between them. The officer then spoke to the woman who said she and the man got into an argument over a job and the man became extremely upset and tried to grab her gear shifter of the car. She said there was no physical altercation that took place between them and she was going to leave. The woman left without further incident.

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The manager of Dunkin Donuts at 5024 Hunter Road called police to report issues she had been having with an employee's boyfriend. The manager said on that date she had received a call from an employee saying another employee had her boyfriend come in the workplace and cause issues with staff. The manager said the boyfriend entered the store and began talking rudely to the staff for no reason. She said he made an inappropriate statement to one of the employees which is when he was instructed to leave the establishment. The manager said his girlfriend instructed him to go back in and apologize to the employees for the way he acted and things he said, but when he entered the store he only made things worse by raising his voice. After the boyfriend walked back out of the store, the employee walked in and turned in her keys to the building and the manager is under the impression that she gave up her position by turning in her keys, but wanted the incident reported in case any future issues were to arise with the boyfriend.

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While on patrol, an officer saw a white sedan pass another vehicle in the passing lane on Bailey Avenue. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the white Mercedes at 2200 Bailey Ave. The driver said he was following the car in front of him for several minutes and the vehicle was going under the speed limit, swerving, and he needed to get downtown. The officer explained to the driver that he cannot be going around vehicles because they are going slow and he needs to be some place. The officer ran the driver through NCIC and found he had a valid driver's license and gave him a verbal warning.

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An officer responded to an unknown 911 call on 13th Avenue. The officer attempted to make contact at the residence when an unknown male answered the door and quickly shut the door in the officer's face. There appeared to be several unknown subjects inside the residence at the time of contact. The officer continued attempting to make contact with people inside with no success. The lights inside the residence were then turned off. Hamilton County dispatch attempted to call the phone number back numerous times also with no success. There were no signs of distress coming from the residence and no one appeared to need police or medical assistance.

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Police conducted a follow up at the Mapco at 3709 Cummings Hwy. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the woman in question. She said she works at Circle K gas station across the street and she comes over to the Mapco gas station every morning to get coffee because she likes the new pecan flavor they have. The officer told the woman she was free to leave at which point she returned back inside the Mapco and got irate with the clerk. The woman was asked to leave and told she is now banned from the Mapco.

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Police spoke with a man at Mapco at 1227 E Main St. who was asleep. Due to recent thefts and panhandling in this area police spoke with the man. He said he was currently homeless within Chattanooga. He told police he currently was staying in the area of the Mapco at 1227 E Main St. He was checked for any outstanding warrants, none which showed active at the current time.

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A man at Volkswagen at 8001 Volkswagen Dr. told police he believes his wife came and vandalized his car. He parked his vehicle in the Volkswagen parking lot and, when he returned to his car, he discovered damage. The car was spray painted all around, all tires were flattened, and the windshield was busted. The officer spoke with Volkswagen security who said they were attempting to find this incident on camera. The officer explained to the man he needed evidence of his wife vandalizing his vehicle before any further action could be taken.
The great master of wisdom Confucius once said, Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. This what I remembered when I read the latest column from the great writer Victor Davis Hanson over the weekend. I am hardly a big follower of the many political columns that come my way, but Hanson is a favorite because I have found truth, in time, with what he shares.

Thats why I share this with you.

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HISTORY WILL GRIND OUT THE TRUTH

By Victor Davis Hanson

"History will figure that out on its own." That is what Sen.

Rand Paul (R-Ky.) recently replied to Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

In a heated Congressional exchange, Fauci derided the idea that the COVID-19 pandemic was due to the leak of a dangerous virus, engineered in the Chinese Wuhan virology lab -- and in part funded by U.S. health agencies, on the prompt of Fauci himself.

Fauci offered arguments from authority by citing his own expertise, as well as that of "card-carrying" specialists.

But in truth, there is little evidence that any animal species has been found infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or a close relative that causes COVID-19 or a similar illness.

Many federal health experts increasingly believe the virus was manmade. A number argue that it was likely a product of gain-of-function research that was funded in part by a U.S. government grant.

Others concede that Fauci and Dr. Peter Daszak--who was involved in gain-of-function research, often in cooperation with the Chinese--were not candid about the full extent of their ties to the Wuhan lab. But despite Chinese resistance to releasing pertinent data, history eventually will sort the truth out--as it does with most controversies of the moment.

Five years ago, the New York Times, the Washington Post, most of the mainstream media, and the majority of the bipartisan Washington, D.C., political and government establishments insisted that Donald Trump had colluded with Russia to rig the 2016 election.

In support of such conspiracy theories, they fixated on the so-called Steele dossier. It was a supposedly independent research effort detailing "proof" of Trump-Russian cooperation to rob Hillary Clinton of the election.

That supposed evidence was the unspoken ground swell for a 22-month, $40 million special counsel investigation of Trump conducted by former FBI head Robert Mueller.

For over 650 days, the country was consumed with "Russian collusion." Cable news outlets, public television and radio pundits, along with high-ranking Democratic politicians, almost daily announced the impending end of the colluding Trump administration.

They peddled rumors of Trump's supposed obscene activity in Moscow. They spun tales of mysterious meetings between Trump's family and Russian operatives, and of Trump surrogates' supposed trips to meet with Russian colluding officials.

Christopher Steele, the architect of the "dossier," had not been to Russia in decades. He was a rank partisan in the pay of the Clinton campaign--and for a time the FBI itself.

Five years later, history has almost sorted out the fable that the most powerful, wealthy and influential Americans in the nation once foisted upon the public.

Special prosecutor John Durham seems to be slowly indicting the promulgators of the hoax. The earlier lengthy internal audit by Inspector General Michael Horowitz cited wrongdoing on the part of the Department of Justice and FBI.

The Mueller investigation failed to find any proof of Russian-Trump collusion. The 2018 majority report of the House Intelligence Committee came to the same conclusion.

The admission of false statements by former FBI interim director Andrew McCabe, along with the felonious altering of a court document by FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith, were other elements of the warped and unprofessional behavior of the FBI.

Both Mueller and former FBI Director James Comey were unable to answer fundamental questions while under oath about the dossier and the role of its authors in spreading the collusion hoax. Mueller's legal team and Comey himself habitually leaked rumors that fed the collusion hoax.

History, however, is slowly sorting it out--despite the approved narrative of the well-connected who misled the country to pursue their own political agendas.

Someday historians of public health will unravel the full costs of locking down most of America in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. What are now near-taboo topics--the vigorous natural immunity offered from prior infection, and the terrible damage done by the quarantines--earn cancel culture damnation, employment suspension, and media calumny. But soon they likely will become matter-of-factly accepted as truth.

The same will be said of the hysterical myths that surround the unfortunate January 6 riot at the Capitol. Five years from now history will show that there was no conspiracy, no pre-planned "insurrection"--as the FBI has already concluded.

The late Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick was not murdered as was alleged. Those "armed" inside the Capitol did not carry--much less use--guns. The one violent death, that of Ashli Babbitt, was of an unarmed female who was lethally shot by an officer for attempting to enter through a broken window.

The solitary confinement, indefinite incarceration and inhumane jail conditions accorded some of the accused will be shown contrary to the Constitution of the United States of America.

In other words, history eventually will sort it all out.

Or as the second-century A.D. skeptic philosopher Sextus Empricus noted, eventually the truth emerges and cosmic justice is rendered: "The millstones of the gods grind late, but they grind fine."

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Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away. -- Elvis Presley

royexum@aol.com
Thanksgiving is upon us and my mouth waters at the very thought of it. Food is at the core of all of my family gatherings, and for the holiday meal, we bring out our best, starting with desserts. I immediately pull out the tattered little white cookbook that is bound together with a thick blue rubber band. The pages of Never Trust A Hungry Cook are tattered and sticking out in disarray, and its impossible to turn them. Doesnt matter; thats where the recipes are that I need. Im looking for Judy Rowlands Pecan Pie and Butterscotch Cream Pie from Mary Davis and the Girdle Buster from Susan Cobb. (Did I mention we are heavy on desserts?) I make a list of ingredients for Judys Spinach from Judy Street and Jean Richardsons Spinach Dip (trying to make up for the groaning dessert table with leafy greens) and Smothered Okra from Barbara Murray, as well as Mrs. Charles Gastons recipe for Mothers Turkey Dressing.

The family recipe for boiled custard is in this cookbook. Not that Im the one to make it. That arduous task falls to my sister, Woo, and every year since my fathers mother died, she has made it. Except for the first year, when my mother tried to make it. She wanted to comfort my father, make a tiny part of his world seem right again. We complimented her on the sweet clotty concoction, and my father was brought to tears by my mothers loving gesture of making the special dessert. But my father announced that next year Woo would be in charge.

The recipes in this cookbook, published over 40 years ago, before I knew to include a publication date, are not low fat. They arent particularly healthy, although with a few adaptations, they arent necessarily unhealthy. But they are all really, really good. I get calls a lot from friends who ask me to send the recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken or Mary Daviss Manicotti. And although the recipes are yummy, the best part of this book is the artwork by the late Laura Evans. We were in college when we gathered at my mothers dining room table every evening and she sketched the most engaging, hilarious, appealing drawings for every section of this book. The front cover shows a scowling woman with a messy, cluttered kitchen and an overflowing bowl. Apple cores, banana peels and bottles of wine litter the counter. The back cover shows the same intent woman, still scowling, with a beautifully garnished roasted pig with an apple in its mouth. My words dont do Lauras work justice. The personality and humor in every single sketch are incredible.

A few years ago, Maddin Corey asked me to republish it, and I did. The new edition is a little slicker than the original, and so far, the pages are all intact, with no rubber bands required. The artwork is still wonderful, and is a treat to pour through even if you have no intention of making a single recipe.

As I turn the ragged, splattered pages brought to life with Lauras art, I see names of ladies who were so dear to me. It seems like just the other day Cotty Kale and Susie Hunt and Jane Ragland popped by with their recipes for Marinated Vegetable Salad and Lemon Pie and Bacon Stuffed Potatoes, respectively. Those women and several others are no longer here, but it is remarkable to me that the second they received the little hand-scrawled request for their best recipes, they dropped whatever they were doing and sent them.

I will always thank them from bringing out their best, not just for holidays, but most every day of their lives.

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Ferris Robinson is the author of Never Trust A Hungry Cook  A Riverview Collection. She also wrote three childrens books, The Queen Who Banished Bugs, The Queen Who Accidentally Banished Birds, and Call Me Arthropod in her pollinator series If Bugs Are Banished. Making Arrangements is her first novel. Dogs and Love - Stories of Fidelity is a collection of true tales about mans best friend. Her website is ferrisrobinson.com and you can download a free pollinator poster there. She is the editor of The Lookout Mountain Mirror and The Signal Mountain Mirror.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

The endorsement said, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann is a terrific advocate for the wonderful people of Tennessee. He works tirelessly to lower taxes, secure our borders, and defend our country. He strongly supports our brave military, vets and law enforcement, and he will always protect our Second Amendment. Chuck has my complete and total endorsement!

After receiving the endorsement, Congressman Fleischmann said, Im honored to have the endorsement of President Trump for my campaign. Ill always put the people of Tennessee, and America, first.
Susan Harris with the National Cemetery Display honoring Veterans Day and 100th Anniversary Tomb of the Unknown

Chickamauga Chapter National Daughters of the American Revolution led and participated in multiple events honoring local community veterans.

Trish Mullins, the chapters second vice regent organized participation with UTC in providing lunches for the universitys veteran students. Members Cindy Dearing, Marti Rutherford and Ann Ploetz greeted the students with a patriotic table display and provided drinks and dessert to accompany the student meals on Veterans Day.

Chapter member Jane Hill played a large part in the annual Veterans Appreciation Night service at Ridgedale Baptist Church where Quilts of Valor were presented to 19 of the churchs veterans as part of the program. Chapter Regent Gayle Burrows attended along with Susan Harris, chapter service for veterans chair and Carol Rogers, past chapter regent.

Gayle Burrows, Susan Harris and Pat Eytchison represented Chickamauga Chapter at the annual National Guard Armory service honoring veterans.

Ms. Harris, chairman of the Commemorative Events Committee, installed displays at the Chattanooga National Cemetery and the local VA Clinic honoring both Veterans Day and the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington is dedicated to U.S. service members who have died with their remains unidentified. The Unknown Soldiers laid to rest at the Tomb represent all missing and unknown service members who made the ultimate sacrifice  they not only gave their lives, but also their identities to protect these freedoms. The Tomb is the final resting place for Unknowns from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and it is always guarded. The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier is in Philadelphia. That memorial honors the thousands of soldiers who died during the American Revolution, many of whom were buried nearby in mass graves.

Public displays and commemorations by DAR Chapters serve to remind community members of events and anniversaries which are important to Americas history.

For more information about membership in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Chattanoogas Chickamauga Chapter NSDAR visit https://www.tndar.org/~chickamauga/wp/






The Hamilton County Health Department, in partnership with Hamilton County Schools & One to One Health, will be hosting two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination events for children ages 5-11. These events will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.Getting our children vaccinated against Covid-19 is an important prevention measure. Keeping them safe while assuring in-person learning is a key priority for the Health Department, said Hamilton County Interim Health Officer and pediatrician Dr.Fernando Urrego. We are grateful to have these community partnerships, which significantly expand our ability to better protect our children."We are thrilled to partner with the Hamilton County Health Department to provide these vaccine events for our youngest students," said Dr. Nakia Towns, interim superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. "Protecting our young children through vaccination is a crucial mitigation strategy to ensure and prioritize the health and wellness of our students. We look forward to increasing our community vaccination rates, and to our students returning to a sense of normalcy."Events:Saturday, Nov. 20Hamilton County Health Department, Main Facility Pediatric Clinic, 921 East 3rd St, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403. By appointment only. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To make an appointment, visit vaccine.hamiltontn.gov and click on the Pfizer 5-11 Appointment tab. To make an appointment over the phone, call 423 209-8383. Parking is available in the parking garage next to the Health Department. Bring your ticket in with you to have your parking validated. Masks must be worn by both child and parent when coming in for the appointment.Tuesday, Nov. 23East Ridge Elementary Gymnasium, 1014 John Ross Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412. By appointment only. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. To make an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3Cc0r0k. To make an appointment by phone, call 423 463-0051.Details: These events are open to all children ages 5-11. Your child does not have to be a student of the Hamilton County School system to be eligible. Please allow enough time for your appointment, including a 20 minute wait time after receiving the dose. A parent or legal guardian must be present at the appointment and must bring current, valid photo ID. If you are the parent or legal guardian of an adopted child, please bring proof of adoption papers with you to the appointment. To accelerate the process, bring the completed vaccine encounter form with you, available at this link. Forms will also be available on site. Spanish speaking interpreters will be on site at both events.Additional resources Pediatric vaccines will also be available at pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and other community providers throughout Hamilton County. Visit https://www.vaccines.gov/ to find a location near you. Call the Health Departments COVID-19 at 423-209-8383 if you have questions about making a vaccine appointment, locating testing, or if you seek isolation and quarantine guidance. To read this information in Spanish, visit the Health Departments Spanish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SaludHamiltonTN.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee on Monday announced they will host the 2021 Christmas tours at the Tennessee Residence this upcoming holiday season.

This years theme, A Storybook Christmas, will bring classic Christmas stories to life throughout Tennessees historic home. Guests are also invited to give back this season by bringing items to donate to nonprofits across the state, including Layman Lessons Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, Street Hope TN, Youth Villages and Y on the Fly, a program of YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Bill and I are excited to once again open the home for guests to experience Christmas at the Tennessee Residence, said First Lady Maria Lee. We hope all who walk through the doors will be filled with the joy and hope this season brings.

Holiday tours at the Tennessee Residence will be available Friday, Dec. 10 - Sunday, Dec. 12 and Thursday, Dec. 16 - Sunday, Dec. 19. All tours are self-guided, free to the public and require a reservation.

For registration information and suggested items for nonprofit donations, click here.
In 1941, 20 years after the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Tennessees Sergeant Alvin C. York, Medal of Honor recipient from Fentress County, spoke to Congressional representatives, veterans and members of the public, standing near the tomb. The 54-year-old veteran had become an outspoken proponent of United States engagement in the war raging in Europe. While York knew first-hand the tremendous cost of war, he was even more concerned about the nations hesitancy in responding to the unchecked evil that he saw sweeping across Europe.

On Armistice Day 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reiterated Yorks earlier comments as he spoke to the nation. Among the great days of national remembrance, none is more deeply moving to Americans of our generation than the Eleventh of November, the Anniversary of the Armistice of 1918, the day scared to the memory of those who gave their lives in the war which that day ended. Our observance of this Anniversary has a particular significance in the year 1941.

FDR continued, A few years ago, even a few months ago, some of us questioned the sacrifice they had made. Standing near the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sergeant York of Tennessee . . . spoke to such questioners. There are those in this country today, said Sergeant York, who asked me and other veterans of World War Number One, What did it get you? Today we know the answer - - all of us. We know that these men died to save their country from a terrible danger of that day. We know, because we face that danger once again on this day.

What did it get you? People who asked that question of Sergeant York and his comrades forgot the one essential fact which every man who looks can see today. . . Because the danger was overcome they were unable to remember that the danger had been present . . . If our armies of 1917 and 1918 had lost there would not have been a man or woman in American who would have wondered why the war was fought. The reasons would have faced us everywhere. We would have known why liberty is worth defending as those alone whose liberty is lost can know it. We would have known why tyranny is worth defeating as only those whom tyrants rule can know. But because the war had been won we forget, some of us, that the war might have been lost.

As the president spoke, the German army had long since fanned out across Europe and many of the nations had fallen to the Nazis, including France, the major battlefield nation of the previous war. Roosevelt called the current situation into focus, The men of France, prisoners in their cities, victims of searches and of seizures without law . . . know now what a former victory of freedom against tyranny was worth. The Czechs too know the answer. The Poles, The Danes. The Dutch. The Serbs. The Belgians. The Norwegians. The Greeks.

The people of American agree . . . that liberty is worth fighting for. And if they are obligated to right they will fight eternally to hold it. This duty we owe . . .

In less than a month, President Roosevelt would stand before a Joint Session to the United States Congress, only hours following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, and ask for a Declaration of War that echoed the words he had delivered at the Tomb.

The United States mobilized quickly, with millions of men and women serving in the armed forces in one or more of the three major theaters of war: Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. Those remaining at home took to heart the belief that everyone was a soldier in the fight against Nazism and totalitarianism. Women stepped in as employees in munitions and military armament facilities and other industries supporting the war effort and the troops. Millions of dollars were raised through the sale of Liberty bonds and families adjusted their lifestyle as they limited their use of goods necessary for the war, supporting the rationing of sugar, nylon, rubber and other goods.

After almost four years of fighting across the globe, World War II ended with Germany surrendering in May 1945 followed by the Japanese surrender in September. More than 330,000 members of the American military had died in combat, with a larger number confronting permanent injuries.

World War II and Korean War Unknowns came to rest in the tomb prior to a 1954 dedication led by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former WWII Allied Commander, and Tennessees Paul Huff, Medal of Honor recipient. Command Sergeant Major Huff, USA, was chosen to represent the Medal of Honor recipients and joined the President in awarding the Medal of Honor to the new tomb residents.

Today, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most visited military monuments in the nation. The tomb, designed by sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones with the description Here Rests in Honored Glory an American Soldier Known But to God, reminds visitors of the 7,554 members of the military who remain missing in action.

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Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga and Hamilton County Historian, is the Vice-Chairman of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and Regent, Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR. She can be reached at localhistorycounts@gmail.com






1000-Lb Sisters Season 3 is nearly here, and fans cant wait to get more details on whats going on with Tammy Slaton and Amy Slaton. While the sisters began their journey with the TLC reality series quite close, their personal differences have become more obvious over the years. As of now, Tammy remains unmarried  but Amy got married and even has a child. So, who is Amy Slatons husband, Michael Halterman? Heres what we know.

Is Amy Slaton still married heading into 1000-Lb Sisters Season 3?

Fans want to know if Amy Slaton is still married in 2021 as the premiere for 1000-Lb Sisters Season 3 approaches. It appears she is. Amy Slatons husband, Michael Halterman, has appeared in the TLC series since the first season. He clearly cares deeply for Amy, but he also has tried his best to help Tammy Slaton.

According to Screen Rant, Amy and Michael both grew up in Dixon, Kentucky, and they met when attended Union High School. They tied the knot in Nashville, Tennessee, back in March 2019. They wanted to have children together as well, though doctors warned Amy against getting pregnant prior to losing weight and going through bariatric surgery. Soon after her surgery, Amy got pregnant at the beginning of 2020, and she gave birth to their son, Gage, in November 2020.

I was mad and sad and worried about her health and safety since it was so soon after her [weight-loss] surgery, Tammy told People regarding Amys pregnancy. Im happy she got pregnant because it was the one thing she most wanted in life.

Does Amy Slatons husband have a job? What does he do now?

Nancy Daniels, General Manager of TLC | Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for Discovery

While fans are likely to see plenty of Michael Halterman in 1000-Lb Sisters Season 3, does Amy Slatons husband have a job aside from appearing on reality TV? Heavy reports his Facebook says he works as a mill operator at Shamrock Technologies. Its unclear how often he works in this position, though, as the show often features Michael helping Amy care for Tammy.

Additionally, he likely doesnt have to take on any additional work given Amy Slaton and Tammy Slatons net worths. Prior to season 3, the Slaton sisters had an estimated combined net worth of around $300,000. This certainly goes a long way in the small town of Dixon, Kentucky. And with so much anticipation for the third season of the show, theres a good chance the Slaton sisters will achieve more fame, and more money, once it premieres.

Its unclear how much the Slaton sisters get paid for each episode of the TLC series, though. TLC pays some of their stars around $1,500 to film one episode of a reality show. But they pay others around $7,000 depending on the shows success.

Are Tammy Slaton and Jerry Sykes still together?

Fans cant wait to see more of Amy Slatons husband in 1000-Lb Sisters Season 3. But what about Tammy Slaton? Are Tammy Slaton and Jerry Sykes still together?

It seems the two split prior to season 3. Jerry was already married when he started dating Tammy. His wife, Kia Russell-Sykes, discovered his cheating ways when the show initially aired. Kia spoke out and said she, along with the couples seven children, is incredibly upset with Jerry as a result of his choices.

It seems fans will see the new man Tammy has in her life in season 3. Phillip, aka thebbwking on TikTok, is the new apple of Tammys eye. He appeared on Dr. Phil in the past for his interest in larger women, too, so well see how that plays out for Tammy moving forward.

1000-Lb Sisters Season 3 airs Nov. 15, 2021, on TLC.

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RELATED: 1000-Lb Sisters Season 3: 3 Things Fans Should Know Before the New Season
Chicago Med is entering its seventh season. Viewers who have been watching for a long time are probably used to the confusing medical terminology used on the show. Some of the medical jargon can be hard to follow. One expression that the staff throw around a lot is going to Baghdad. They also reference Baghdad as a place in Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Heres everything viewers need to know about this term and why some fans find it offensive.

Dominic Rains as Crockett Marcel | Adrian S. Burrows Sr./NBC

The Chicago Med cast struggled with the medical jargon

The Chicago Med cast are actors, not real medical professionals. Regardless, they have to learn tons of medical jargon and say long and complicated words with confidence. The cast definitely had their work cut out for them when transforming themselves into fake medical staff.

Its a completely different language, Brian Tee, who plays Dr. Ethan Choi, told E Online. The way these real doctors really pull it off is really unbelievable. Maggie Lockwood actor Marlyne Barrett couldnt agree more. Some words, Im like, are we speaking English? she told the outlet, admitting that the word pharmaceutical frequently tripped her up. Beyond learning medical words, the cast also had to understand Gaffney Medicals own jargon.

What does Baghdad mean in Chicago Med?

Baghdad is a term that Maggie created in Chicago Med. It refers to the trauma bay where gunshot victims are treated The bays association with Baghdad, Iraq, and the Iraq War is meant to draw a parallel between the severity of military combat and the severity of the gunshot wounds they treat, says One Chicago Center.

According to the outlet, the phrase going to Baghdad also refers to Jehovahs Witness patients who refuse blood transfusions because of their religion. This can make things complicated for the medical staff who must figure out a workaround for patients who are Jehovahs Witnesses. Dr. Will Halstead and Dr. Crockett Marcel are tasked with this in Chicago Med Season 5.

Throwback to where it all began. Who remembers watching the #ChicagoMed pilot for the first time? pic.twitter.com/0paIwlhv1R  Chicago Med (@NBCChicagoMed) June 18, 2020

In the episode All in the Family, the doctors treat a patient who was in a car accident and needs a blood transfusion. The patients Jehovahs Witness parents refuse to give their consent. The duo eventually decides to operate anyway. They save the patients life, but he is furious when he wakes up.

Fans find the term for the trauma unit offensive

Plenty of fans dislike the fact that the trauma bay for gunshot victims is referred to as Baghdad. Im a veteran, but Im not even offended for the reasons you may think. It just seems to be dehumanizing to the real people who live there, a viewer said on Reddit.

Its not all enemy combatants, there are decent people in Baghdad Iraq and to nick-name your trauma room after a real-life war zone, regardless of how we as a nation view the inhabitants, is really tasteless. Other fans on the thread felt the same.

I agree. Every time I hear it It actually makes me angry. Its not cool in any way, they said. The term seems ingrained in Chicago Med jargon, but perhaps its something that will slowly be phased out of the series.

RELATED: A Guide to Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. Shows, In Order
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Yellowstone star Luke Grimes grew up in a very religious family, but his parents supported his dreams of being an actor.

Grimes married Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes in 2018.

The Yellowstone star is not on social media, but he occasionally pops up on his wifes Instagram account.

Luke Grimes on Yellowstone | Paramount

Yellowstone star Luke Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, the youngest son of patriarch John (Kevin Costner). But just because hes one of the stars of cable TVs highest-rated drama, that doesnt mean Grimes is posting about his life on social media. The actor is extremely private, and that means no socials. But fans can get an occasional peek at his private life thanks to his wife Biancas Instagram.

The Yellowstone star grew up in a very religious family

Grimes is from Dayton, Ohio, and is the son of a Pentecostal preacher. Since his dad was the pastor at Open Bible Christian Church, Grimes spent a lot of his childhood in church and in church camps.

According to Amomama, his parents  Randy and Angie  were very supportive of their sons acting dreams. Grimes wanted to be an actor starting at the age of 7, when he saw Macaulay Culkin presenting an award at The Golden Globes. His parents mortgaged their home so he could attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Luke Grimes has appeared on the big screen

Grimes first major acting credit was the role of Ryan Lafferty on the ABC drama Brothers & Sisters. He also made appearances in True Blood, All The Boys Love Mandy Lane, Assassination of a High School President, Taken 2, Outlaw Country, The Magnificent Seven, and El Camino Christmas.

Before he landed the role of Kayce Dutton, Grimes was best known for playing Christian Greys brother Elliot Grey in the Fifty Shades trilogy  Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed. He also starred alongside Bradley Cooper in the film American Sniper as Navy Seal Marc Lee.

The Yellowstone star married Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes in 2018

Away from the cameras, Grimes is a happily married man. He tied the knot with Brazilian model Bianca Rodrigues Grimes on November 21, 2018. And unlike the Yellowstone star, his wife has an Instagram account where she occasionally shares pics from home with her nearly 200K followers.

Biancas page reveals she is currently based in Montana with her husband. And, she posts many of her captions in Portuguese as a nod to her Brazilian roots. The model shares many of her professional photos. She also posts pics from her travels with Grimes in their Airstream, which she calls her happy place.

Luke Grimes first appeared on his wifes Instagram in 2019

Biancas Instagram doesnt have many posts, so its easy to find the first time Grimes appeared in August 2019. The photo is a low-angled selfie of the couple, and it appears that he is going in for a kiss. A couple of weeks later, the Yellowstone star showed up again when the couple was having fun in the desert with bandanas and goggles covering their faces. In the caption Bianca wrote, Burn baby burn .

When the pandemic hit, the couple hit the road in their Jeep and towed their Airstream. In one caption, Bianca wrote that they were sheltering all over the place.

The Yellowstone star appears to be happy in love

Bianca posted a pic on the couples second wedding anniversary in 2020 that appeared to be from their wedding day. In the caption, she wrote, Happy anniversary anjo  Te amo!.

More recent photos of the couple include a September snap that was a Polaroid of them standing in the Airstream, while Grimes holds a cat and kisses his wife on the cheek. Theres also a pic from the summer where the happy couple appears to be spending some alone time outdoors in a lake.

Its clear the couple is happy and in love. To take him away from his beautiful wife, Grimes says that he has to really care about the role and the project being offered. Otherwise, he isnt going to do it.

If its something I care about, there is no end to how much I will work at it. If I dont care about it, good luck getting me to do anything. I wish this were different, Id probably be richer or something, but I guess I dont really care about that, Grimes told Glass.

Yellowstone airs Sunday nights on the Paramount Network.

RELATED: Yellowstone Season 4: Kevin Costner Teases the Fate of 1 Fan-Favorite Character  Pity the Man Who Breaks a Promise to John Dutton
Its that time of year to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner feast. If you havent yet settled on a Thanksgiving dessert menu, get inspired by celebrity chef Lidia Bastianichs Apple Strudel. And get the kids involved; theres plenty to do in this recipe that theyll love being part of. Make plenty, because its easy to prepare, supremely delicious, and wont last long at your holiday table.

Chef Lidia Bastianich puts the finishing touches on a dish on the set of NBCs Today |

Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Bastianich arrived in New Jersey from Italy and immediately adored American food

The PBS cooking show host was born in 1947 in a part of Italy, Istria, which is now Croatia. While her childhood was a happy one, the future chef and her family lived under a communist regime and grabbed the opportunity to travel to the United States when it came. Upon their arrival in the U.S., she and her brother Franco were mesmerized by the appeal of ready-to-eat food.

We were excited the first time we spotted Spam on the shelves, she wrote in her memoir, My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food. Spam, American cheese, and Wonder Bread were our favorites. Franco and I would quietly slip items into the cart when my mother was distracted trying to decode the packaging. She didnt notice Franco and me tossing chocolates and cookies into the cart, at least not until we got to the checkout line. We would wait for her to instruct us to put the items back. But she rarely said a word; she just got on line for the register.

Her apple strudel is fun to make with friends and family

Of her seasonal dessert, Bastianich tweeted her delight to get baking this fall, and in particular, this recipe: Weekends are for baking! I dont have to say much more, since this is a must-do recipe in my kitchen every October!

To make her strudel (full recipe can be found on the Lidias Italy website), youll need for the dough: unbleached all-purpose flour, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and lukewarm water. For the filling, have on hand golden raisins, dark rum, one lemon, unsalted butter, dried plain breadcrumbs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, tart green apples, oil, and confectioners sugar.

This recipe is a true holiday treat. With all of the dough-rolling, lemon-zesting, stirring, and dusting with spices and sugar, this is an ideal recipe to make with kids, friends, and family. Its easy and just plain fun to make and enjoy together with whipped cream once its out of the oven.

Weekends are for baking! I dont have to say much more, since this is a must-do recipe in my kitchen every October! https://t.co/lsXF2ja5fB#lidiaskitchen #tuttiatavola #applestrudel pic.twitter.com/Xn5MheGA52  Lidia Bastianich (@LidiaBastianich) October 9, 2021

The chefs Thanksgiving table feast

For Bastianich, the Thanksgiving holiday is a reason once again to give thanks for the new beginnings she and her family experienced so many years ago. And to celebrate the country shes come to call home.

On Thanksgiving, we really celebrate America, she told The Austin Chronicle. Thats one day as an immigrant family that we really use it to thank and celebrate America. My kids are Americans, so well have the turkey and well have the cranberry and the sweet potatoes. And then we do make a little bit of Italian. I make an antipasto, I make tortellini en brodo, but you know, when that turkey comes out, I do glaze it with balsamic vinegar. Its a beautiful turkey. Its a thank you and a recognition of Americans with all of our hearts from our family.

RELATED: Lidia Bastianichs Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies Are Simple, Cakey, One-Bowl Treats
Before Meghan Markles royal wedding in 2018, it was revealed that she did not have a good relationship with many members of her family, including her half-sister, Samantha Markle. Although Meghan has not spoken much publicly about Samantha, a leaked email revealed the Duchess of Sussex does have some things to say.

However, some onlookers have accused Meghan of painting her sister in a bad light and even allegedly slut-shaming her.

Meghan Markle | Ben Birchall/PA Wire

What did Meghan Markle say about her sister in the leaked email?

Several private messages between Meghan and her staff were released recently. Some of these leaked messages showed that Meghan provided information for Finding Freedom, a famously flattering biography of Meghan and Prince Harry.

In one email to her former press secretary Jason Knauf (per Twitter), Meghan shared information about her relationship with her step-siblings for the biography.

Meghan explained that her half-siblings, Samantha and Thomas Markle Jr., were teenagers when Meghan was born. As such, the duchess did not have much of a relationship with them and often thought of herself as an only child.

Meghan saw them a handful of times when she was under the age of 5, she said in the email, then again when she was 11 years old. She didnt see her half sister again until her father asked her to attend Samanthas graduation in New Mexico when Meghan was 22 years old. She saw her for one day and hasnt seen her since.

Meghan also added additional information about Samantha: She had lost custody of all three of her children from different fathers. In another part of the email, Meghan also mentioned that Tom Jr. and Samantha dropped out of high school.

Meghan Markle is accused of slut-shaming her sister

While its no secret that Meghan and Samantha do not have a good relationship, some onlookers are criticizing the duchess for trying to paint her sister in a negative light.

In an opinion piece for The Times, journalist Camilla Long wrote of Meghans emails, If you want to know what is embarrassing, it is sending your press officer a list of pathetic corners to fight, including how the tiara for her wedding had been selected, and letting him know he should slut-shame her sister Samantha by saying she had children with different fathers.

On Reddit, some users also believe the way Meghan spoke about Samantha contradicted her image of being a feminist.

Samantha Markle wants to sue Meghan Markle

Samantha has spoken to the press about her distaste for Meghan. She also wrote a tell-all book called The Diary of Princess Pushys Sister.

After the emails were released, Samantha told reporters that she is looking to take legal action against Meghan. According to Express, Samantha wants to sue for defamation, libel and slander and breach of privacy.

Im speaking to one lawyer in England and one in the US as there are different statutory windows and different issues, she said.
At only 22 years old, Lil Nas X has already become an icon in the music industry. With his impossible-to-categorize music and unapologetic attitude, people tend to love him or hate him. Given the enthusiastic response to his new album Montero, it seems like his fans outweigh the ones who dont know how to handle him.

But as confident as Lil Nas X appears, the Georgia native still struggled while writing the music for his new album. Fortunately for his fans, he found an unorthodox way to tap into the creativity he needed.

Lil Nas X is unlike any other music artist

Rapper Lil Nas X at The 2021 Met Gala | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Explaining the genre-mixing, confusingly creative musician is no easy feat. According to Variety, the 19-year-old college dropout recorded his breakthrough hit, Old Town Road, in 2018. He rented a recording studio to complete it. Then he released the song on SoundCloud and iTunes and went to work promoting it on social media.

The song soon gathered attention, and it started to climb the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Fans had never heard anything like the unusual mix of country and hip-hop. Old Town Road was just about to take over the top position on the country chart when Billboard disqualified it, saying it wasnt really a country song.

Thats pretty much how Lil Nas Xs career has gone so far. Hes talented and hard to define, which can lead to people misunderstanding him. But hes also very, very popular. Peoples expectations about what a rapper or a country artist should be simply dont apply to Lil Nas X.

Lil Nas Xs debut studio album, Montero

MONTERO THE ALBUM OUT NOW!

pic.twitter.com/YH2RRDmGG1  MONTERO (@LilNasX) September 21, 2021

Since that first hit, Lil Nas X continues to gather attention, praise, and complaints. Hes won two Grammys and been the subject of a lot of discussion along the way. As NPR reports, in September 2021, he released his debut studio album, Montero. It took him two years to complete the project full of intense details from his own life.

For example, one of the songs on the album, Lost in the Citadel, is about a relationship that Lil Nas X struggled with. [Lost in the Citadel] is about this relationship that I kept going back to and expecting a different outcome, when it was going to be the same situation over and over again, he explained. Its called [that] because [that situation] is like a place you cant get out of a maze.

But although he comes across as supremely confident, being so open and honest about his life wasnt easy for Lil Nas X. In fact, he needed some help to do it.

Psychedelic mushrooms helped Lil Nas X open up a lot

What we're NOT gonna do, is overlook this MOMENT!!! Still waiting on my chance to stand next to @LilNasX on the carpet. pic.twitter.com/HDsM9gw77l  VH1 (@VH1) November 8, 2021

Lil Nas X has shared that he used to smoke a lot of weed. But another substance helped him write the music for his new album. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the artist explained that he struggled with feeling self-conscious about sharing personal details on the album.

As Lil Nas X grappled with this, he often went on trips with his friends Denzel Baptiste and David Biral. On one of these trips, he decided to try psychedelic mushrooms for the first time. His friends stayed sober and kept an eye on him as he sat by the pool with his thoughts.

I was able to open up a lot, he said. I was able to write actual stories about my life and put it into my music. I actually did that for the first time.

The result is an album thats drawing praise from both fans and critics. And really, who would expect Lil Nas X to do anything in a boring way?

RELATED: Lil Nas X Is Officially a Published Author
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City episode where federal agents arrest Jen Shah has finally aired. Now, fans have a better idea of what took place in March 2021 when homeland security, the New York Police Department, and the FBI showed up in front of Beauty Lab and Laser to arrest the real housewife. Heather Gay explains Shahs arrest and alleged money laundering charges in The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Episode 10, Highway to Vail with references to the popular Netflix series Ozark.

Jen Shah, Gabe Ginsberg/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images | Heather Gay, Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Jen Shahs arrest in The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Episode 10

In March 2021, the RHOSLC stars were headed to Vail, Colorado, for a girls trip courtesy of Meredith Marks. Shah, Jennie Nguyen, Whitney Rose, Lisa Barlow, and Gay all gathered at Beauty Lab and Laser to board their luxury bus.

Suddenly, Shah received a call about her husband, Sharrieff, who was allegedly in the hospital for internal bleeding. Moments after Shah left the parking lot, federal agents arrived in pursuit of the Bravolebrity.

BREAKING NEWS: #RHOSLC star Jen Shah leaves federal court in SLC after her appearance before a judge on fraud charges. She did not say anything to reporters. via @JFRANCHIREPORTS @fox13 #Utah pic.twitter.com/yGh5Vk4QRJ  Ben Winslow (@BenWinslow) March 30, 2021

Confused, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast and crew informed the authorities of what they knew. Eventually, the feds caught up with Shah, who faced federal conspiracy charges to commit wire fraud and money laundering. She was arrested in Salt Lake City on an indictment out of a Manhattan federal court. Shahs assistant, Stuart Smith, was also indicted in the alleged scheme (via NBC New York).

Heather Gay explains Jen Shahs arrest with Ozark references in RHOSLC Episode 10

After the RHOSLC cast gets wind of Shahs arrest, they head to Vail without her. On the way, the housewives learn more about their friends arrest from media reports.

As a fan of the Netflix series Ozark, Gay felt she understood the wire fraud and money laundering charges Shah faced. Its wire fraud because youre fraudulently selling services to a vulnerable person with their card, Gay explains in the RHOSLC episode, continuing:

Well, Ive learned from watching Ozark that theres a couple [of] ways you can launder money. Constructions a big dark hole. Any cash-based business. Strip joints  another humdinger  and Shah Squad merch.

In Ozark, Jason Batemans Marty Byrde launders money for the Navarro drug cartel by investing in the Ozarks, a hot spot for Missouri tourism. By making renovations to the Blue Cat Lodge and the use of multiple shell companies, Marty is able to launder money for the cartel. Shahs charges are vastly different from what the Byrdes do in Ozark, but the idea of allegedly cleaning money through shell companies is similar.

RELATED: Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Mary Cosby Reveals Why Shes Triggered by Lisa Barlow Wanting to Google Her

It makes sense! Rose interjects, adding to Gays explanation. Thats why she always starts companies. You can dump cash into a start up  you get to expense it as loss on your taxes. You can literally dump a million dollars into a startup and claim zero profit for almost five years.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake Citys Jen Shah explains Shah Squad Marketing

In January 2021, Showbiz Cheat Sheet spoke with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star about the show and her many business ventures outside of it. When we asked about Shah Squad Marketing, she explained it as such:

Anywhere that I can acquire a customer [and] build out a re-marketing cycle to continue to add value and offer products and services to [them] once theyve been acquired based on a specific brand or content. Thats where I carved out my niche in the direct response marketing space.

According to Page Six, Shah and Smith pleaded not guilty in April 2021 to their charges for a widespread telemarketing scam spanning six states over 10 years. Their trial will take place in March 2022.

In the meantime, Shah remains free on a $1 million bond. She could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Watch The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City on Bravo Sunday nights at 9 PM EST.
Since Sylvester Stallone released his directors cut of Rocky IV, the 1985 movie sequel has been in the conversation again. Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago  The Ultimate Directors Cut is now available on VOD. However, for all the changes Stallone made, theres one change he cannot take back. Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) dies in either version.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for 1985s Rocky IV.]

Talia Shire and Sylvester Stallone | AccuSoft, Inc.

Stallone also released a 90 minute behind the scenes documentary about the making of Rocky vs. Drago  The Ultimate Directors Cut on YouTube. While showing fans how he culled through Rocky IV footage to make the new cut, Stallone expressed his ultimate regret. He wishes hed never killed Apollo Creed at all.

Why does Apollo die?

Stallone publicly apologized to Weathers for killing off his character in a 2019 happy birthday Instagram post reported by CinemaBlend. In Rocky IV, a retired Apollo agrees to fight an exhibition match against Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Severely underestimating Dragos strength, Apollo dies in the ring. This motivates Rocky to challenge Drago to a fight in Russia. However, Stallone now feels he went too far.

If I had to do it over again, I never would have killed Apollo, absolutely not, Stallone said. It was foolish. I thought I needed that kind of springboard to protect the drama, some really great powerful velocity forward.

Apollo Creed could have joined Sylvester Stallone in more sequels after Rocky IV

Apollo had a great character arc in the Rocky saga. He was the champion in the first film. Rocky II was their inevitable rematch. In Rocky III Apollo trained Rocky to fight Clubber Lang (Mr. T). Now Stallone realizes he could have still given Apollo a dramatic injury, but kept him around after Rocky IV.

RELATED: Rocky IV Writer/Director Sylvester Stallone Explains Why He Changed His Mind About Paulies Robot

Him in a wheelchair, he wouldve assumed the role of Mickey, Stallone said. Now his physicality is diminished, we wouldve seen a different side of Apollo. He couldve opened up to all these things that we didnt know about him because hes now in a wheelchair. [Apollo] wouldve kind of like been a father figure, mentor, brother, been really great. He wouldve been embraced by my family. Then he has his family too. What about that whole thing?

Apollo Creed might have saved Sylvester Stallone from Rocky V

After the success of Rocky IV, Stallone tried to scale back the Rocky story. Even Stallone hates Rocky V now, although we think hes being too hard on it. In Rocky V, unable to fight anymore, Rocky tries training a newcomer. In Rocky Balboa, hes able to fight one more exhibition. Now, Stallone is thinking how Apollo Creed could have made those stories better. Unfortunately, it might mean discovering his long-lost son in Creed might not have happened.

It wouldve changed the entire trajectory of all the Rockys, Stallone said. Rocky V wouldve never happened and Rocky VI maybe never would have happened that way. Creed probably never wouldve been made. Crazy, huh.

Rocky versus Drago now LIVE On all platforms! Apple, iTunes, Amazon. And beyond to rent or own! On demand everywhere! KeepPunching! #mgm @john_rivoli. #slystalloneshop https://t.co/EtbVh2abfi  Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) November 12, 2021

RELATED: Creed III: Did Michael B. Jordan Have to Kick Sylvester Stallone Out of the Sequel?

Or, Creed wouldve been made with Apollo reconnecting with and mentoring his own son. That might have been even more powerful, and Creed has already become a trilogy. Weathers has gone on to roles in Happy Gilmore, Chicago Justice, The Mandalorian, and more, but Stallone regrets writing Apollo Creed out of Rocky IV. Unfortunately, theres no footage where he survived so Rocky vs. Drago still includes Apollos funeral.

Hes gonna be pissed off, very pissed off, Stallone said. For two more films, yeah, another 20 years. Hes going to be so aggravated. Sorry, Carl.
Christine Browns decision to part ways with her husband of more than 20 years, Kody Brown, didnt exactly shock Sister Wives fans. In fact, they saw the split coming from a mile away. Still, viewers have spent the last week trying to pinpoint the moment when things truly went bad. Some fans are convinced that Kody and Christine were unhappy early in their marriage. Others are confident that a battle over Coyote Pass was the final straw. The latter theory appears to have merit.

Brown family followers think the split from Kody Brown was caused by a dispute over Coyote Pass

One of the family followers working theories is that Christine decided to leave the Brown family behind because of disagreements over Coyote Pass. The family had spent the better part of several Sister Wives seasons battling over the property. TLC was never been shy about capturing the familys most tense moments, either. Fans theorize that everything came to a head when Christine made it clear that she had no desire to move onto the land. Her goal of moving back to Utah seemed to seal the deal.

Fans of the series may remember Christine melting down when the rest of the family shut down her idea of moving back to Utah. According to family followers, Christines emotion might have been less about Utah and more about the idea of living close to her sister wives again for the first time in several years.

Christine Brown seemed to enjoy her autonomy once she got some

While the move to Flagstaff might have been a bad idea for various reasons, Brown family followers think one positive came out of the move. The familys indecisiveness regarding the property they purchased helped move things along, too. Fans across several social media platforms note that Christine seemed to flourish when she lived away from the rest of the Brown family. Most importnatly, she appeared to enjoy operating her home as an independent entity.

Christine Brown, Janelle Brown, Kody Brown, Robyn Brown, and Meri Brown Sister Wives | TLC

Family followers theorize that once Christine was not in direct contact with Kody and her sister wives daily, she recognized the importance of her independence and freedom. If correct, that would also explain why she was so viscerally opposed to the notion of moving onto the property. Christine appeared against both the idea of building one big house and the idea of a community of homes.

What will happen to Christine Browns plot of land now?

The parcel that the Brown family bought in 2018 was broken down into four separate plots. Each wife owns a parcel with Kody Brown. The Brown family claimed it was to ensure all things were equal within their plural marriage. Now, though, fans cant help but wonder what Christine will do with the plot she owns. After all, she has no use for it now that shes left Flagstaff to settle down back in Utah.

According to property records, Christine owned a home in Flagstaff alone. She is a partial owner of one parcel, but Kody isnt the only other person on the deed. Both Kody and Robyn Brown coown the parcel with Christine. While Christine has placed her house on the market, it doesnt look like shes made any final decisions regarding the property. At least nothing has been made public yet.
The Golden Girls remains a fan favorite nearly 30 years after its series finale. Fans argue that the sitcom remains timeless because of its witty banter, unique character lineup, and interesting storylines. The chemistry between Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty cant be denied either. Still, the series had some significant plotholes, especially when it came to Dorothy Zbornak and Stan Zbornaks marriage. There are three plot holes regarding Dorothy and Stans relationship that still drive fans crazy.

The Golden Girls fans noticed that Stan Zbornaks age doesnt gel with the story of his and Dorothys marriage

According to Stan and Dorothy, they briefly dated before Dorothy found out she was pregnant. The story has several variations, but most The Golden Girls fans will recall that Dorothy once claimed to have gotten pregnant on prom night. Dorothy implied that Stan was a student at the same high school, and thats how they came to know each other.

Dorothy Zbornak, Kate, Blanche Devereaux, and Stan Zbornak | Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

In the pilot episode, Dorothy suggests the relationship might have been a bit more complicated. In that episode, Dorothy refers to Stan as a 65-year-old man. Dorothy wasnt in her 60s when the show began, though. Based on that information, Stan would have been much older than Dorothy, meaning they certainly didnt go to high school together. He would have been at least 26 when he and Dorothy found out they were pregnant. Fans argue that it is one of the shows more troubling plot holes.

Dorothys son is too young to have been conceived when Dorothy was still a teen

It was regularly stated that Dorothy got pregnant at her senior prom, that she may or may not have gone to with Stan. The resulting child, her son Michael Zbornak, is the reason she and Stan got married in the first place and likely the reason they stayed together for so long. Fans were quick to notice a problem with that story during each of Michaels visits to Dorothys house.

Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux, Bea Arthur as Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak, Scott Jacoby as Michael Zbornak and Marilyn Jones as Bridget Nylund | Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

In the series premiere, Dorothy stated that she and Stan had been married for 38 years. Assuming Dorothy married Stan when she was 18, that means she would have been in her mid-fifties when The Golden Girls began. That math adds up. Still, when Michael came to visit, he was said to be in his 20s. If he was Dorothys firstborn, which the writers imply is the case, he should have been 37 in the pilot.

Since he was in his 20s, according to the shows writers, Dorothy wouldnt have given birth to him until she was in her late 20s or early 30s. The discrepancy completely disrupts Stan and Dorothys origin story and everything Sophia Petrillo ever said about their relationship, too.

Fans still dont understand what Stan was ever doing in Miami

In the first season of The Golden Girls, Dorothy revealed that Stan left her to start a relationship with a flight attendant he met on a flight to Hawaii. Dorothy explains that Stan and his much younger wife, Chrissy, lived in Maui. According to the story, Stan spent his time learning to windsurf. Not long after Dorothy revealed the details of her divorce, Stan showed up and, seemingly, never left.

Bea Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak and Herb Edelman as Stan Zbornak | Gene Arias/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Fans assume that after his second divorce, Stan resettled in Miami, but the writers never bothered to explain why. Dorothy and Stan spent the entirety of their marriage living in New York. Dorothy only moved to Miami after the separation. Stan didnt seem to live in Florida before the start of The Golden Girls. So what was he doing there, and why wasnt it ever explained? Fans are left to wonder if Dorothys ex just followed her from state to state.
Three years ago, a group of physicists from Julich successfully manipulated a single flat molecule into an upright, standing position. Their findings were published at the time in Nature. After months of experiments, they have now managed to knock the molecule back down again. The insights gained in the process represent an important step towards opening up the third dimension for molecular fabrication.

The idea of fabricating electrical components and circuits at the atomic and molecular level piece by piece, similar to the fabrication of bigger machines, is one of the central aims of nanotechnology. The current result achieved by Julich researchers with partners from the English University of Warwick opens up new ways of achieving this aim, for example, ways of creating ultrasensitive sensors or quantum dots to store quantum information in quantum computers. Dr. Christian Wagner, head of the molecular manipulation research group, spoke to us about the latest findings.

Dr. Wagner, pushing a molecule down doesnt really sound that complicated. Could you tell us about the challenges?

While it is of course not difficult to destroy a small, fragile thing somehow, our aim was to find out just how stable a standing molecule actually is. To do this, it is important to slowly approach the critical point a bit like in a fracture test. In our case, we increased the temperature little by little, which shook the molecule more and more, until it eventually fell down. Although this experiment allowed us to roughly estimate the stability, we wanted to know exactly how stable the molecule is, and so we stood it back up and knocked it back down hundreds of times. Its a bit like throwing a dice: you will only see whether or not a dice is loaded if you throw it often enough.

In addition, it is also very difficult to tell when the molecule actually falls down. The tip of the microscope is huge compared to a single molecule, and it stabilizes the molecule when it is near due to van der Waals interactions. On the other hand, the tip must be positioned right above the molecule so that we can observe whether or not the molecule is still standing. So, in contrast to the norm in quantum mechanics, the state of the molecule in this experiment only alters when we are not looking. We therefore developed a method where the tip is repeatedly moved away and repositioned close to the molecule. Eyes open; eyes closed. Or something like that!

This process occurs on a tiny scale. Can you explain it in more practical terms for us?

Its quite simple. Imagine a tree in a storm. Instead of the wind speed, we increase the temperature, but the effect remains the same. The molecule sways more and more until it eventually falls down.

What makes molecular dominoes relevant for industrial applications?

We are familiar with nanoscale fabrication from the semiconductor industry, where tiny structures are created layer by layer and partly etched away again. We may be able to fabricate such components in a different way in the future. One approach is to build them using single molecules, a bit like building something with LEGO. The molecules would then function as sensors or switches. However, often their fascinating and useful properties only remain intact when they are not lying stably and flat, but rather when they are weakly coupled to their substrate. We are the first to measure and calculate just how stable such fragile molecule configurations are and have made an important contribution that paves the way for further technological developments.

An interesting application involves quantum bits made of upright, standing molecules. Could you explain this?

One of the fascinating and useful properties of molecules is their quantum states, which can for example encode two states: zero and one. If we can couple these quantum bits or qubits and control them, they could be used as the building blocks for quantum computers, which are being developed throughout the world at the moment. Here too, it is advantageous if the molecules can be arranged exactly but only weakly coupled to their surroundings; for example, as standing molecules. Whether molecular qubits will actually win the race to create the best quantum computers is still open for debate, but our work certainly expands our understanding of how this could be made possible.
The Cherokee Nation is looking to hire 10 teachers to help with the tribes ongoing expansion of its Cherokee language programs and immersion school efforts.
NAIROBI, Kenya, November 15, 2021 (Morning Star News)  Saying a church pastor would face the wrath from Allah for refusing to remove his church building, Muslim extremists in eastern Uganda on Oct. 26 killed him on his animals grazing fields, sources said.

Pastor Stephen Lugwire of Bunangwe estate in the predominantly Muslim area of Nangonde, Namutumba District, had gone to his fields with his 23-year-old daughter at about 6:30 p.m. when he was killed, she said. He was 58.

While Pastor Lugwire was untying his sheep from a tree trunk, three men dressed in Islamic attire shouted at them in a language unknown to her, said his daughter, Brenda Lugwire. They were brandishing long knives and blunt objects, and one yelled that Pastor Lugwire was a kafir, or infidel, who had harmed the religion of Allah, she said.

Lugwire said that as they approached, one told her father, We have told you to remove the church which is near our mosque, but you have not heeded our message. Today you will face the wrath from Allah.

Pastor Lugwires congregation has worshipped at the building for two years.

There and then one of the assailants hit my dad with a big stick on the head, and he fell down, Lugwire said, adding that she saw another one slashing him with a knife as she fled, terrified.

She told her family of the attack, and they reported it to police. Officers, local council leaders and family members arrived at the site early the next day and found the body with deep cuts in the neck and chest.

The police and the others learned the suspects had gone to the house of a wealthy Muslim woman identified only as Shamimu, and she was arrested, relatives said.

They said Shamimu told police, The servants of Allah entered my house in order to remove the clothes which they were wearing, because they were soaked in blood, and said that they had killed an infidel, hence Allah will reward them as they were following the footsteps of their prophet. Furthermore, the pastor didnt honor Allah by refusing to demolish the church which was close to the mosque, along with his activities of winning their members to Christianity.

The assailants had fled before the police and others arrived. Police have arrested Shamimu and were continuing to search for the assailants, relatives said.

Pastor Lugwire is survived by his wife, a son and seven daughters.

A church member, Fred Mukisa Ndyeki, said that congregation members reported the killing to the area chairperson, a Muslim, and were angered when he did not take it seriously. Two days after church members held an Oct. 30 funeral for Pastor Lugwire, they destroyed the area mosque and other Muslims properties, further worsening local tensions, a local official said.

Had it not been for the intervention of the police and the local leaders, the whole village could have been on fire, the area official said on condition of anonymity.

The murder was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Kriangkrai Thitimakorn
To mark the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church [this month], the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA) calls upon evangelicals to unite in praying for the area of Europe where the church suffers the most: the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, Russian-supporting rebels took over the Donbas region and created the so-called Peoples Republics of Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR). Since then, thousands of civilians have died, nearly 2 million people have fled, and those who remain have suffered the effects of ongoing conflict, extreme poverty, and terrible government.

On top of all these hardships, restrictions on freedom of religion or belief make life even bleaker for all who follow a faith other than Orthodox believers linked to the Moscow Patriarchate:

Many churches are illegal and cannot meet, especially evangelical and Ukrainian Orthodox ones. Whole denominations are classed as extremist with no justification. Much Christian literature is banned, including the Russian Synodal translation of the Bible. Church buildings have been seized by force; the Christian University of Donetsk is occupied by soldiers. The registration system for faith communities is totally unfair. Churches have found their applications rejected or have been liquidated later for supposedly being extremist. No evangelical church in Luhansk is registered. Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox clergy have not been allowed back into the [region]. Defying a ban and meeting as [a] church anyway results in fines and harassment.

The [DNR and LNR] are not recognised by the international community because of the illegal and violent way they were created. This means that international human rights law does not apply. The only international actors who have any influence are the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the International Red Cross.

The situation in Donbas is bleak. Fear abounds.

And that is why we invite Christians to join us in praying for change:

Lets pray for miracles.

Lets pray for our brothers and sisters there: for miraculous hope and peace, wisdom and protection, freedom and joy, and for the Good News of Jesus to be seen and heard.

Lets pray for those who work to strengthen peace and reconciliation and bring practical hope. May God multiply the impact of local Christian efforts to love and care for neighbors.

Lets pray for those working in the OSCE: those in the mission in Donbas and those seeking to exercise influence from abroad. Lets pray for protection, wisdom, and courage, and for a prioritizing of freedom of religion.

Lets pray for a change of heart in those that control the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine so that freedom of religion, peaceful assembly, expression, and travel are fully respected.

And lets pray for a dramatic turnaround so that shalom can return.

Thomas Bucher is general secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance. This op-ed was first published on the EEA website.

Speaking Out is Christianity Todays guest opinion column and (unlike an editorial) does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publication.
Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis usually produces tens of thousands of Thanksgiving meals for the hungry. Their motto: Fill plates with food and lives with the hope of Christ. This year, they may run out of the former before everyone is served.

Sam Brown, head chef at the Christian social services and homeless ministry, said hes worried about having enough turkeys. From California to Chicago, there are nationwide reports of turkey shortages and massive price increases, both of which will affect nonprofit organizations feeding folks this season.

Shipping orders are blowing past delivery deadlines due to difficulty finding truck drivers. The ministry is short-staffed and is still trying to hire a dishwasher.

Hundreds of charities across the country are feeling the crunch of the global supply chain crisis, which is coming to national attention ahead of the holiday season. New research shows that nearly half of churches and faith organizations are involved in feeding the hungry, and this year theyre forced to shift processes based on longer wait times, product shortages, and unstable market expectations.

In some cases, ministries have been able to move forward with plans as normal. In other cases, depending on demand and access to resources, theyve seen how the supply chain issues have gone on to impact those theyre trying to servefrom feeding the hungry in their own neighborhoods to sending Christian resources around the world.

The current struggles arent due to a lack of community generosity. Despite last years economic downturn, Americans actually donated more money in 2020 than they did in 2019. Though numbers for 2021 are not yet released, the Chronicle of Philanthropy predicts they will rise.

Demand for housing and food was up about 25 percent last year at Wheeler Mission, and theyre expecting the same levels this year, only with less access to the materials they need, said Perry Hines, chief development officer.

Wheeler is trying to anticipate needs for food, shelter, and other items well in advance, unsure which items may end up delayed in the supply chain. Time will tell, he said.

Feeding America and other charities have spoken about how the supply chain issues have also resulted in higher food prices for needy families and food banks themselves. Some plan to distribute chicken instead of turkey as a cost-saving measure this year.

Our Calling, a homeless ministry in Dallas that serves over 10,000 people a year, has already had to pivot to rely on donations to obtain supplies for the growing homeless population there. We need simple things like outreach vehicles, food supplies, shoes, and hygiene items, said Wayne Walker, CEO of Our Calling. Unfortunately, many of these are on backorder.

The Network of Community Ministries in Dallas started a local donation drive for hygiene items like deodorant, toothpaste, and soap. Prisons have also struggled to stock basic personal items regularly purchased by inmates.

Fortunately, some have not been impacted yet and expect to be able to plan ahead for a normal holiday season.

Convoy of Hope, which provides food, community outreach, and disaster response year-round, has its own fleet of trucks and has been able to navigate some of the material shortages across the US. The Springfield, Missouri-based charity does not anticipate needing to cancel or shrink any of its holiday programs thanks to a warehouse already stocked with food, water, and supplies.

Our logistics team is spending a lot more time planning out our deliveries, and monitoring them through delivery, to make sure the relief supplies we're sending end up where they need to be, said Ethan Forhetz, national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. Navigating this crisis hasn't been easy, but the Lord continues to make a way.

Christians are also examining how the supply chain holdups could affect crucial holiday sales for publishers and booksellers. So far, the book industry has already been disrupted by a paper shortage, labor scarcity, and shipping delays.

Its everything from not being able to get books to press in time to issues with books and Bibles printed overseas being slowed by shipping issues, said Bill Craig, senior vice president of publishing and ministry experiences at Lifeway Christian Resources.

Lifeway, which closed all of its brick-and-mortar locations in 2019, has had to be savvy in the past, but the twin struggles of a paper shortage and continued pandemic uncertainty are rough, especially as the holidays approach.

Its not just new titles that arent making it. Getting book reprints and securing enough of Lifeways Sunday school curriculum has been particularly challenging, both due to the supply chain issues and to more than a year of church disruptions during the pandemic. Both of these parts of Lifeway have been significantly impacted, said Craig, who also noted a simultaneous uptick in digital sales.

One issue has been a lack of shipping containers to transport materials printed in China. Justin Paul Lawrence, senior director of sales and marketing at InterVarsity Press, said his company has dodged major issues thus far for new releases, partially because they do the vast majority of their printing domestically. Even so, they have had to change ordering and planning tactics to account for delays.

We used to have to talk about printing delays every six months or so, he said. Now it's up to bi-weekly or weekly.

Most industries are experiencing something similarand some of them unknowingly contributed to the problem. When publishers and other companies started noticing the first shortages, they began stocking up on items, creating even more demand for an already over-strained, understaffed system.

The backups have also affected ministries that send shipments of Bibles and other materials abroad.

Containers are about 30 to 50 percent more than what we were paying for them before, said Jason Woolford with Mission Cry, which sent 1.2 million free Bibles via 24 shipping containers last year. Normally I would have been able to order a container and have it here within the same week. As of right now, were out a month.

Mission Network News reported that the ministry is trying to send four containers of Bibles and seminary books to Kenya, Ghana, and Pakistan before the end of 2021.

The strain has been less dire for those printing and shipping domestically. She Reads Truth, which releases yearly Advent Bible studies, prints its materials in Nashville, where its headquartered.

Cofounder Raechel Myers and her team have not run into delays or shortages with their 2021 Advent release, which is themed around Jesus as The Everlasting Light.

With supply chain issues on our radar, Myers told Christianity Today, were just working really closely with our printer to ensure we have what we need in plenty of time.

Many seasonal studies are also available digitally, as ebooks or downloadable PDFs.
Iranian authorities order pastor back to prison to serve 5-year sentence after temporary reprieve

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Iranian authorities have ordered a pastor from the Church of Iran denomination to return to prison to begin serving a five-year sentence for sectarian activities, indicating that Christian persecution might be intensifying after a brief respite due to the spread of COVID-19 that led authorities to temporarily release many people from prison.

Pastor Amin Khaki is now in prison in Karaj, the capital of Alborz Province near Tehran, after last Wednesdays summon, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported.

Pastor Khaki, along with two other Iranian Christians, Milad Goudarzi and Alireza Nourmohammadi, stood trial in Karaj in June. They were charged under a new amendment to the Iranian Penal Code known as Article 500-bis, which deals with sectarian activities.

CSW said the three men were not allowed to be represented by their lawyer during the trial. They were each sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of engaging in propaganda against the Islamic regime.

Khaki has also been arrested, charged and convicted previously. CSW said, adding that the three are appealing the verdict.

CSWs founder and President Mervyn Thomas said Irans actions send yet another negative message to religious minorities in Iran, and essentially amounts to a criminalization of Christianity.

Demanding that the three be released, Thomas said, We refute the charges leveled against Pastor Khaki and his colleagues.

In a separate case last week, Iranian authorities also summoned Christian converts Sasan Khosravi and Habib Heydari to return to Bushehr Central Prison to serve the remainder of their one-year sentences for propagating against the Islamic Republic by promoting Christianity, Article 18 reported.

The two, who started their sentences in February, had been on furlough since March.

Governed by Islamic law, Iran ranks as the ninth worst country in the world for Christian persecution by Open Doors USA as the regime has relentlessly persecuted Muslim converts to Christianity.

Last February, Iranian Christian Dabrina Bet Tamraz spoke at a Family Research Council panel discussion on religious freedom in Iran.

Today, there is not a free church. There is no free evangelical church, nor free Pentecostal, she said. The only churches that are allowed to function are orthodox or Catholic churches with restrictions. They are not allowed to have books in Farsi. They are not even allowed to, nowadays, print books in our own language. Any Christian literature or Bible even in our own language is not permitted. They are not even allowed to speak to a Farsi person near the church.

Tamraz was among several persecuted believers from across the globe who met with President Donald Trump during the 2019 U.S. State Department Ministerial on International Religious Freedom.

Together with the Revolutionary Guard, they are arresting all attendees. They raid Christian gatherings at home, restaurants, everywhere that they meet, Tamraz said. They arrest them and confiscate their belongings, their houses. Most of these Christians are subjected to intensive and often abusive interrogations. They are often tortured physically and mentally.

Despite the persecution, Tamraz and other panelists agreed that the underground church in Iran is one of the fastest-growing church movements in the world.

According to Open Doors USA, there are an estimated 800,000 Christians in Iran, almost double the persecution watchdogs estimate of 450,000 in 2016.
ND bans critical race theory from public schools, requires curriculum be 'factual, objective'

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North Dakota has banned the teaching of critical race theory in public schools, becoming the latest state to try to keep the controversial framework from entering the public school curriculum.

Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, signed House Bill 1508 last Friday. The legislation passed the Republican-controlled legislature overwhelmingly: 38-9 in the Senate and 76-16 in the House of Representatives.

This bill addresses the concerns of parents while preserving the decision-making authority of local school boards to approve curriculum that is factual, objective and aligned with state content standards, said Burgum in a statement to Fox News.

HB 1508 creates a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, stating that school districts may not include instruction relating to critical race theory in any portion of the districts required curriculum.

The new law defines CRT as the theory that racism is not merely the product of learned individual bias or prejudice, but that racism is systemically embedded in American society and the American legal system to facilitate racial inequality.

Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United, a teachers union, denounced efforts to ban CRT from classrooms. Archuleta noted that that the theoretical framework was not part of the state's public school curriculum. Even if CRT is part of the curriculum, Archuleta believes it should be debated rather than censored.

To be clear, critical race theory is not being taught in North Dakota schools, and public schools are not indoctrinating our children to hate America, wrote Archuleta in July.

North Dakotas outstanding professional educators teach to standards designed by North Dakota teachers for North Dakota students and are overseen by locally elected school boards. Those out-of-state pundits and political provocateurs with no regard for public education in North Dakota do us all a disservice.

Archuleta contends that, like most Americans, he is a believer in American exceptionalism, explaining that the United States has much to be proud of as a world leader.

And I also believe that part of what makes this nation exceptional is our ability to not shy away from our past, he added.

We have not been perfect, but we have a history of examining our past, learning from our past, and taking seriously our ongoing desire to form a more perfect union. That is not CRT; that is education.

Republican State Sen. Donald Schaible, a supporter of the legislation, told InForum that the bill is more preemptive to try to make sure that it doesnt come to our schools.

CRT traces its origins back to the 1970s when academics, especially those in law schools, and others sought to explain the apparent loss of traction of the 1960s civil rights movement.

Most CRT proponents came to believe that the fundamental institutions of the U.S. were inherently and systemically racist, being geared toward defending white elites.

Notable figures of the movement include Kimberle Williams Crenshaw, Richard Delgado, Charles Lawrence III and Mari Matsuda, who in 1993 co-wrote a book titled Words That Wound: Critical Race Theory, Assaultive Speech, And The First Amendment.

The CRT proponents contend in the book that their views were [b]orrowing from and critiquing other intellectual traditions, including Marxism, feminism, postmodernism and liberalism.

Our work presented racism not as isolated instances of conscious bigoted decision making or prejudiced practice, but as larger, systemic, structural, and cultural, as deeply psychologically and socially ingrained, they explained.

Critics, especially conservative activists and intellectuals, have argued that CRT is more racially divisive than informative and mistakenly portrays the U.S. negatively.

Across the country, there have been fierce debates among school boards and parents regarding the inclusion of CRT. Concerned parents have often accused officials of inserting CRT into curricula.

Nicole Neily, the founder of Parents Defending Education, which often challenges the presence of radical leftwing ideas in public schools, told The Christian Post in an earlier interview that she does not believe CRT should be banned. But she nevertheless takes issue with it being taught to students as though it were the only way.
'Bachelor' Ben Higgins gets married to Jessica Clarke, shares Scripture at ceremony

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Ben Higgins, an outspoken Christian and one of the most popular bachelors in the ABC franchise's history, is now a married man  and he celebrated his big day by sharing Scripture.

The former star of "The Bachelor" married his bride, Jessica Clarke, on Saturday in a romantic ceremony held at The Estate in Cherokee Dock near Nashville, Tennessee, People magazine reports.

In an Instagram post shared just days before the wedding, Higgins said that marrying Clarke was something he dreamed of and his family has prayed for."

The event was described as "simple and beautiful," with Clarke and Higgins exchanging personalized vows written to each other. Along with quotes from Winnie-the-Pooh, the ceremony also featured Scripture reading.

Some of Higgins' fellow "Bachelor" alums attended the wedding, including Wells Adams  who was one of the groomsmen  Nick Viall, Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs, Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconnetti.

"I am so excited," the 32-year-old shared with People about his wedding day. "We have so much to look forward to. And I know we will have a beautiful marriage."

Higgins found love again following his high-profile breakup with Lauren Bushnell. He met Clarke on social media in 2018, and the happy couple got engaged in March 2020.

"Ben doesn't just make me want to be a better person, but he actually makes me a better person," Clarke told People. "He assures me in all of my dreams and all of my goals. I never thought I'd have a partner that accepted every part of me."

Higgins declared that he was thankful that I found her.

"Jessica is so incredibly empathetic and caring. She encourages me and she supports me and I know she cares about who I am and where I'm going. I'm so excited that I get to love her  and be loved by her  every single day, he added.

While a guest on Vialls podcast The Viall Files in 2020, Higgins revealed that he and Clarke were quarantining together with her family in Tennessee but were sleeping in different bedrooms. He revealed the duo vowed to refrain from having sex until after marriage.

In a previous interview with The Christian Post, interview with The Christian Post, Higgins opened up about how his Christian faith informs his life and decisions. The reality star named his pastor and Christian authors Bob Goff and Annie F. Downs as some of his greatest inspirations.

His recent book, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You're Seen but Not Known, includes Scripture and aspects of his faith journey. He said his time on "The Bachelor" was Gods way of humbling me, a lot.

It's funny that 'The Bachelor' took that, but ... you live in this temporary fame for a bit, and you realize that fame isn't fulfilling, it's fleeting, and relevancy is an ambition not worth pursuing because it's exhausting. Theres never a point in time where you feel like you're relevant enough, Higgins told CP.

Higgins said on social media that he would share further details of his big day when he and Clarke return from their honeymoon.
USCCB considering teaching document urging Catholic politicians to embody church teaching

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U.S. Catholic Bishops are expected to vote this week on a proposed document focused on the meaning of communion. While they are not likely to prohibit pro-abortion politicians from receiving the Eucharist, a draft document calls for Catholic public servants to embody Church teaching.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is meeting in Baltimore Monday through Thursday. The bishops are expected to vote on a proposed teaching document about the sacrament of communion, according to The Associated Press. The document was drafted by the conferences Committee on Doctrine after a June meeting.

A week after the draft Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church was approved, the USCCB clarified that the document would not lead to a blanket prohibition on pro-abortion politicians receiving communion.

Following the election of President Joe Biden, much debate has been had this year among American Catholics on whether communion should be denied to politicians who support abortion. The Catholic Church has long opposed the practice. The Churchs Code of Canon Law states that those obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

Supporters of denying communion cite a 2004 letter from then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, to two high-ranking officials in the U.S. Catholic Church. The letter expressed that the Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is a grave sin.

Although the draft the bishops will consider this week mentions the term abortion only once, it states that Lay people who exercise some form of public authority have a special responsibility to embody Church teaching.

[Biden has] gone on record as saying abortion is a fundamental right while presenting himself as an exemplary Catholic, doctrine committee member Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, was quoted as saying by AP. The issue of public confusion is really at stake here.

However, Olson and his colleagues determined that the draft document should avoid any hints of partisan politics, Olson told AP.

The document was initially characterized as a rebuke to pro-abortion Catholic politicians, but later the USCCB emphasized that the question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot.

According to a question-and-answer document about the vote published by the USCCB, the document is not meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons.

It will include a section on the Churchs teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate, the USCCB clarified.

Late last month, Biden received communion at St. Patricks Church in Rome, where he was taking part in the G20 summit.

Biden is the second Catholic to become president of the United States. He has drawn ire from some within the church who feel his policies and support for codifying abortion rights into federal law contradict the Catholic Churchs teaching against abortion. Biden is not the only Catholic to hold a prominent national political position as Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is also Catholic.

Biden has maintained that he personally opposes abortion but doesnt think he should impose his views on others as an elected official.

In 2019, Biden was denied communion by a South Carolina priest while campaigning for the 2020 presidential election.

In October, a prominent Vatican official told AXIOS on HBO that Biden shouldnt be prevented from receiving the Eucharist, saying the Eucharist should not in any way become a weapon.

Biden met privately with Pope Francis at the Vatican last month and said afterward that the pope had told him he was a good Catholic who can receive communion.

Before that meeting, Pope Francis, whose liberal theology has ruffled many conservative Catholics since his election in 2013, appeared to criticize U.S. bishops for dealing with the issue in a political rather than a pastoral way.

Last month when Pope Francis was asked about the U.S. communion debate, he called abortion, even soon after conception, murder. However, he added that communion is not a prize for the perfect.  Communion is a gift, the presence of Jesus and his Church, according to Reuters.
When it comes to religious liberty, Oracle falls silent

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In my capacity as someone who consults on the creation of stock indices and also in my capacity as personal investor, I have attended roughly three dozen annual shareholder meetings of publicly traded companies. U.S. companies that are publicly traded (meaning available to the general public to buy on open exchanges) hold annual meetings for their owners. At these meetings, members of the board of directors are elected (typically reelected), outside auditors are approved, various resolutions are voted on by shareholders and questions are taken sort of. In reality, companies, especially during the COVID era of on-line annual meetings, have developed various practices that allow them to avoid unwelcome questions, something which was much harder to do in an auditorium with an open mic.

One practice that I've personally seen a few times during this past meeting season is for the company to imply that all questions have been taken, when in fact, some have not. And this is what appears to have happened at the recent annual meeting of the tech company Oracle. Oracle, despite its name, failed to answer the questions put to it. In this case, the main issue was religious liberty.

Here's what we asked Oracle:

"We are increasingly concerned about the effects on investors and the country of corporate management getting involved in highly contentious political issues. In response to Proposal 5, Oracles proxy material repeatedly emphasizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, but failed to mention even once religious or political viewpoint diversity. Oracle has endorsed the Equality Act, which diminishes religious liberty protections under current law, and has signed on to the HRCs statement against state-level laws regulating gender reassignment procedures for minors. Does Oracles idea of diversity include traditional religious communities and conservatives? Does taking public stances on one side of highly controversial political and social battles foster an inclusive culture, which you claim is your priority?"

The question was sent to the Investor Relations department before the meeting commenced, and it was submitted again through the question-submission app of the annual meeting portal, and the app confirmed that the question was registered.

In addition, since we had seen instances where questions about religious liberty and viewpoint diversity were suppressed publicly due to claims that the questions were not within the topic of the meeting, I added an additional statement, pointing out that since the meeting prep materials do address this issue, partly by touting the partnership with the anti-religious-liberty Human Rights Campaign, it would be inaccurate to pretend the question is beyond the scope of a meeting. In other words, we have seen corporations brag about LGBTQ advocacy in official proxy material distributed as part of the annual meeting and then turn around and say that topic is out of bounds for that same meeting.

Here's exactly what we said about that to Oracle:

"p.s. Id like to say in advance that this question is well within the scope of the meeting since the proxy material provided for this meeting links to the diversity and inclusion page which specifically mentions the partnership with the Human Rights Campaign through which Oracle endorsed The Equality Act."

We also asked a question about a shareholder resolution that was promoted by a left-of-center consulting firm, that appears designed to embarrass companies for supporting some conservative organizations, with the possible goal of defunding them. We wondered whether Oracle had unwisely and unintentionally invited such attempts by activists when it endorsed a statement spearheaded by Blackstone's Larry Fink in favor of "stakeholder capitalism" as opposed to "shareholder capitalism."

But after having given some answers to some questions that gave management the opportunity to focus on positive achievements, the moderator of the meeting said, We dont see any other active questions on the site, and ended the Q&A session. But there were other questions, ours. Our questions were properly submitted, and confirmed as submitted and, in addition, the first question was sent to Investor Relations via the official email address given on the website. In fact, I know we used the right email address, because shortly after the meeting ended, I wrote to the address again asking for an explanation as to how the company could have claimed that there were no more active questions, and the company did respond to the email. They did not answer the question, or give any explanation, but they did acknowledge that we had asked questions and they pledged to answer, though no time frame was given. I asked again why the company implied that there were no more questions. As of now, that still has not been answered.

There are genuine reasons to be concerned about anti-religious bias at Oracle. The company in its proxy material for the meeting linked to its Diversity and Inclusion page to argue that it was a diverse company, but there does not appear to be any mention of religious diversity and inclusion. The page lists various employee support groups: African American check. Latino check. Pride disability Asian Veteran check, check and check. But religion? Nothing. This is troubling in that it fails to live up to even the low bar that tech companies have set when it comes to faith-friendliness. Support groups (aka Employee Resource Groups or "ERGs") are very common in tech firms and quite a few of them have faith-friendly ones. I have submitted a question in to Oracle about their diversity page and the apparent lack of religious ERGs, as well.

Some might argue that these are private companies and they can do what they want. No one is questioning that. But the question is, what should they want to do? If they truly value diversity, then they should truly value diversity, and not just the currently more fashionable versions of it. The CEO of Intel has it right (An unexpected message from Silicon Valley | WORLD (wng.org)), any true concept of diversity includes our deepest identity of all, our faith. Furthermore, these companies are not privately owned; they are owned by public shareholders. The managers are stewards of our wealth. No matter what a management team's private views about religion, the moment they went public they took on an obligation to set aside their own private predilections and serve the interest of shareholders. It's hard to see how taking positions at odds with roughly half the country on cultural wedge issues serves the interests of shareholders, especially given the fact that stock investors in general are more conservative than the public at large.

Does this mean that Christians should screen-out or boycott companies like this? I think everyone should follow their convictions, but for my part, I think that these companies need more input from Christians, not less.

I will update this story when (or if) the company offers answers to any of the questions we've posed.
Pastor John MacArthur rejects online worship, says Zoom is 'not Church

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Grace Community Church pastor and theologian John MacArthur has stated that worship held online does not count as genuine Church, as it goes against the biblical definition of proper worship.

In an episode of Grace to You posted online on Oct. 31, MacArthur was asked his opinion of worship or Bible study held online.

Zoom church is not Church, responded MacArthur. Its not Church. Its watching TV. Theres nothing about that that fulfills the biblical definition of coming together, stimulating one another to love and good works, coming together.

The definition of a Church is crystal clear in the New Testament. We see the picture of it. They came together the first day of the week. They worshiped the Lord, they prayed.  It was fellowship and it was the breaking of bread in the Lords supper.

MacArthur stated that Church involves coming together and that it doesnt even function unless people are mutually using their spiritual gifts for one another.

We are only the Church when we are together, he continued. The Church is the Church when it corporately worships, when it corporately prays, when it corporately hears preaching of the Word of God.

He contrasted the concept of Church with parachurch, seeing that as an aid to the Church. The pastor cited his Grace to You broadcast as an example of a parachurch ministry that should not take the place of corporate worship.

Last year, the vast majority of churches in the United States halted in-person worship due to government lockdown measures implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

During that time, most congregations moved their services online, live-streaming worship from most empty sanctuaries via Zoom or other online platforms.

MacArthur and his Sun Valley, Calif.-based congregation garnered controversy when they refused to close down in-person worship during the coronavirus pandemic and defied state orders.

As MacArthur later acknowledged in an August sermon, COVID-19 spread throughout his congregation last winter, as Grace Community did not adhere to public safety guidelines.

After months of legal battles with state and local authorities over the decision to remain open, Grace Community eventually reached a settlement with Los Angeles County and California, in which officials paid $800,000 in legal fees.

After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that some public health safety measures could not apply to houses of worship, resolving this litigation is the responsible and appropriate thing to do, stated a county representative, as quoted by the Los Angeles Daily News.

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles County has been committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents. We are grateful to the countys faith organizations for their continued partnership to keep their congregants and the entire community safe and protected from COVID-19.
Christian actor sues for religious discrimination after firing from Broadway play

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A 2010 Tony Award nominee filed a lawsuit claiming discrimination following his firing from the Broadway show Come From Away after he voiced his objection to a state mandate prohibiting singing in worship settings and questions were raised about his beliefs.

Actor Chad Kimball, nominated for a Tony for his role in the Broadway show Memphis, filed a lawsuit late last month in New York state court against Kiss The Cod Broadway and its management company, Alchemy Production Group. He claims he was let go from the Come From Away production over his religious beliefs.

Kimball had been a cast member of Come From Away since its origin in 2016. The lawsuit, a copy of which was obtained by The Christian Post, alleges that Kiss the Cod Broadway and Alchemy Production Group unlawfully terminated Kimball wholly or partly because Kimballs religious beliefs made them uncomfortable.

Kimball is seeking compensatory damages and lost wages.

Kimball took to social media on Oct. 25 to voice his thoughts on the lawsuit.

The Broadway musical Come From Away is a story about a small town welcoming people from around the world on 9/11, regardless of creed, race or religion. However, as the complaint I have filed alleges, some associated with the show have lost sight of that message and have not shown me the same kindness, Kimball argued in an Instagram post.

I hope those at the show who are not a party to this discrimination will understand that I cannot stand by and allow the violation of my protected civil rights go unchallenged: By Gods grace, Everyone of us has worth.

In response to Kimballs allegations, the producers of Come From Away issued a statement to The Christian Post calling his lawsuit unfounded.

Chads allegations are completely unfounded. This very show is built on the power of diversity and we celebrate every voice. We cannot comment further given HR privacy rules, and we wish Chad all the best in his future endeavors.

Kimball told The New York Post that Jesus never commanded us to not defend ourselves.

As Christians, we are commanded to seek out justice, truth and restoration, he contends. The law gives us opportunities to do all of those things.

The lawsuit argues that Kimball was terminated following a tweet he posted last November voicing his distaste for a COVID-19 mandate enacted by Gov. Jay Inslee in his home state of Washington.

The mandate limited religious services and prohibited singing in worship settings in Washington.

Respectfully, I will never allow a Governor, or anyone, to stop me from SINGING, let alone sing in worship to my God, Kimball wrote in the November tweet. Folks, absolute POWER corrupts ABSOLUTELY. This is not about safety. Its about POWER. I will respectfully disobey these unlawful orders.

The actors lawsuit, filed by attorney Lawrence Spasojevich of the firm Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins, claims that Kimball was terminated after questions were raised by staff and crew about Kimballs conservative Christian beliefs.

In a phone call on Jan. 18, Producer Susan Frost allegedly expressed concern that the conservative Christian movement was somehow connected to the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol but expressed a desire for reconciliation. But on Jan. 22, Kimball was informed that he was terminated from the show.

Kimball told The New York Post that he felt the Washington state worship restrictions were taking a part of myself from me.

It is not easy for me to not sing, he said. I am commanded to sing. I want to sing. It is my faith.

Spasojevich told the newspaper that that decisions made by the defendants were discriminatory and based on Chads religion.

The lawsuit states that Kimball is a devout Christian. After suffering an injury while serving his role in Memphis, the lawsuit says that Kimball credits his recovery to God. Since then, he has been more outspoken about his beliefs. In October 2016, Kimball was cast in the role of Kevin T. for Come From Away.

The New York Post notes that Kimball attended the Boston Conservatory before traveling to Manhattan to pursue a theatre career. He said Broadway and the Church tend to clash and that Christians can sometimes be looked down upon in the theater world.

Kimballs November tweet was shared by many online, and it had become viral with many negative reactions.

It was obvious that a large swath of people thought I was anti-mask, anti-social distancing and anti-safety, said Kimball to The Post, adding that he had no problem with wearing masks or limiting the number of congregants.

I just wanted to be able to sing in church while wearing a mask and being socially distanced.

In an attempt to explain himself to the Twitter crowd, Kimball sent another tweet to offer clarification.

To be clear: Nobody is going maskless, he had written. The overreach  in my opinion!  is not being able to sing even WITH a mask ON. Everyone will continue wearing masks. With respect and with hope and with care.

Despite his follow-up Tweet, the minds of many Twitter users were not changed. And Kimball said he was confused why so many people were vitriolic in their responses.

Following heated tensions on Twitter, Kimball reportedly reached out to Producer Frost through email.

I told Sue that I tweeted something that caused controversy, Kimball said.

I thought it was an opportunity for [Frost] to say that my place in the show is important and that they would defend me, Kimball said. I started to wonder if I was in jeopardy.

The court document further outlines a discussion between Kimball and the shows director, Christopher Ashley, in February. Kimball asked if the termination was due to the feeling among the cast or because of his religious beliefs. Ashley reportedly told Kimball that it was everything.

The lawsuit contends that as a result of the termination, Kimball suffered economic and professional harm in addition to emotional trauma, depression and illness.
26 state school board associations distance themselves from national group calling parents terrorists

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At least 26 state school board associations have distanced themselves from the National School Board Association after it urged the Biden administration to use federal law enforcement agencies against parents who oppose the teaching of controversial curriculum in public schools by labeling them as potential domestic terrorists.

The national grassroots organization Parents Defending Education says the states that have distanced themselves from the NSBAs letter include: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Out of these, 12 states  Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wisconsin  have taken further action to withdraw membership, participation or dues from the NSBA.

PDE wrote to NSBA member states for their comment on the Sept. 29 letter sent to them by NSBA Interim Executive Director Chip Slaven, which critics believe likened activism of concerned parents to domestic terrorism.

The letter said the NSBA had asked the U.S. Department of Justice to mobilize law enforcement agencies to respond to threats and acts of violence against public schoolchildren, public school board members, and other public school district officials and educators as actions of domestic terrorism.

While some school board members across the nation have publicly shared incidents of threats they've purportedly received from angry residents, critics believe the request to get federal law enforcement involved is unwarranted and an attempt to silence parents.

Specific examples of concerning actions included the disruption of school board meetings because of local directives for mask coverings to protect students and educators from COVID-19, the incitement of chaos at school board meetings by anti-mask proponents, and the confrontation of school boards by angry mobs that have led boards to end meetings abruptly.

John Halkias, the director of the NSBAs Central Region, wrote to Slaven the same day, on Sept. 29, sharing his belief that the Board of Directors should have been consulted before a letter like this was sent out publicly, and no less to the President of the United States and the National Press.

I also agree that the letter took a stance that went beyond what many of us would consider to be reasonable and used terms that were extreme, and asked for action by the Federal Government that many of us would not request, he added. In fact in a recent press conference, the White House Press Secretary stated that when these incidents occur, it is a matter for local law enforcement and local authorities, and NOT the federal government.

In an Oct. 2 email, NSBA President Viola Garcia told the organizations board of directors that NSBA has been engaged with the White House and the Department of Education on these and other issues related to the pandemic for several weeks now.

Five days later, the Department of Justice published a memorandum directing the Federal Bureau of Investigations, working with each United States Attorney, to convene meetings with federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial leaders within 30 days to facilitate the discussion of strategies for addressing threats against school administrators, board members, teachers and staff.

Republican members of Congress also criticized the memo.

As someone who was born in the Soviet Union, I am  disturbed, very disturbed, by the use of the Department of Justice as a political tool, and its power as the police state to suppress lawful public discourse, Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., said in a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. The FBI is starting to resemble old KGB with secret warrantless  surveillance, wiretapping and intimidation of citizens.
Virginia election outcome was about education. Here are 4 actions Youngkin should take to address parents concerns.

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Glenn Youngkins victory in the Virginia gubernatorial race is an indisputable vindication of the values-based case for school choice and parental empowerment.

Voters had two clear and diametrically opposed paths from which to choose.

One path labeled parents who were concerned about critical race theory being taught in the classroom as racists. It forced them to accept radical transgender policies that they did not agree with.

This path dismissed parents and students questions and concerns about COVID-19 mandates and school closures. It told parents they were not partners with schools in determining the values and content that teachers taught, but were instead subservient recipients of whatever education the experts thought their children needed. Parents, in the eyes of the teachers unions, were simply there to open their wallets and fund government schools.

On Election Day, parents rejected going down that path further.

Instead, they chose a path in which parent involvement and input is welcome. This path recognizes that there are legitimate concerns with indoctrinating children with critical race theory  which in recent years has involved separating children by race into affinity groups or teaching them that their future is predetermined based on immutable characteristics such as their skin color.

This path stands for a school where students are kept safe  not exposed to danger  and where school administrators who cover up sexual assaults for political reasons are held responsible. It believes that students should be kept safe and undergirded by the rule of law.

This is the path that parents voted for on Tuesday.

The election was also a victory for proponents of school choice. It also included an important lesson for proponents: that they should not be afraid to make the values-based case for choice.

As my colleague at The Heritage Foundation, Jay Greene, along with the University of Arkansas James Paul recently found, only three school choice programs in the entire country needed any Democratic votes to pass and become law in recent decades. Yet, the appeal to policymakers is usually made in economic or even social justice terms.

As a result, school choice programs are often saddled with restraints (such as limits on eligibility instead of being universally available to all students, and being handcuffed with regulations).

The values-based case  that education choice is a necessary tool in fighting everything from critical race theory to radical gender ideology  has taken second fiddle, if made at all. Fundamentally, the election outcome demonstrates that there is power in making the case that school choice is, at its core, about enabling parents to choose learning environments that align with their values.

Gov. elect Glenn Youngkins victory was not only a repudiation of the tenets of critical race theory in K-12 education. It was also a recognition that public schooling has fallen down on its custodial care responsibility. And it validated parents very real concerns about the safety of their children while in school.

Last night, parents made their voices heard at a time when school boards in Virginia  with the backing of the National School Boards Association, the threat of being labeled domestic terrorists, and the sanction of the Biden administrations Department of Justice  have continually tried to silence them.

Now, Youngkins charge is to address the concerns he heard from parents through policy change. He has a mandate to do so.

First, he should reject critical race theorys discrimination from being applied in Virginias public schools.

Schools that sort children by race into affinity groups and privilege walks, for example, are in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Those that compel student speech by requiring them to affirm the tenets of critical race theory are in violation of the First Amendment. Parents should be armed with a private right of action to sue schools that violate these constitutional protections.

Schools should also be maximally transparent about the curriculum and trainings being used within their four walls. Curriculum should be posted online, and parents should be able to find the materials being taught in their childrens schools within a few clicks of visiting the schools websites.

Second, Youngkin should take the opportunity to work with the Virginia Legislature to eliminate teacher certification requirements  which have no relationship with student academic outcomes.

Allowing individuals who have subject-matter expertise to enter the classroom without having to spend years in a university-based college of education would do wonders in limiting the power of academia to spread the dangerous ideology of critical race theory from colleges to the K-12 classroom.

Third, Virginia should stop the administrative staffing surge in K-12 schools, which has enabled growth in chief diversity officers  the K-12 brethren of diversity, equity, and inclusion staff in higher education. These diversicrats are able to enforce adherence to critical race theory orthodoxy, and are actually counterproductive to narrowing achievement gaps between students.

Finally  and of utmost importance  Virginia must embrace school choice.

The Old Dominion has had a modest tax credit scholarship program since 2013, but student eligibility is limited to those from lower-income households or with special needs.

Now is the time for Virginia to follow in the steps of its neighbor to the West and establish universal education savings accounts, as West Virginia did earlier this year. Every single child in Virginia, from the moment they begin kindergarten, should be able to choose the school or education provider that works for them and aligns with their values.

Virginia now has a real opportunity to become a state that honors the wishes of families, enables students to thrive in learning environments that work for them, and rejects the discrimination inherent in critical race theory.

Virginia is likely a bellwether for other states, and as such, policymakers and state leaders should heed an important lesson from last nights election. They should remember that parents are their childrens first and foremost educators, and that schools are partners  subordinate and accountable to parents  in that reality.

Originally published at The Daily Signal.
Why 'Lets go Brandon' has no place in a Christians life

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I struggle with being snarky.

Because I have an extremely dry sense of humor, Im inclined to make sardonic comments that, while usually causing others to giggle, are occasionally done at someone elses expense. Its not behavior befitting a believer and Im happy to report that the frequency with which it occurs has gradually been going down as the Holy Spirit continually works on my sanctification and conforms me to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

That said, Im still naturally drawn to satirical statements, and so when the Lets go Brandon meme became culturally popular, I instinctively wanted to get on board.

But something happened to me when I saw an advertisement for Lets go Brandon apparel and thought about buying it. Out of nowhere, a thought popped into my head: Honor the king (1 Pet. 2:17).

And voila, theres that Holy Spirit convicting and sanctifying work I was talking about.

Dont get me wrong; Im certainly no fan of our current presidents actions. But that said, let me explain why I think Lets go Brandon has no place in our Christian life.

What 'Lets go Brandon' teaches us





The interesting thing about the Lets go Brandon movement is that it does serve as a revealing and succinct commentary about our current culture.

While some try to defend NBC reporter Kelli Stavast and say she honestly mistook what the NASCAR crowd was chanting that day, the majority of people on both sides of the political aisle concede she knew exactly what was being said. And most conservatives naturally see it as a how-stupid-do-these-people-think-we-are example of the leftist media running air cover for their partisan agenda.

The meme also speaks to the hypocrisy we see on both the political right and left. The same people who gave a standing ovation to Robert DeNiro when he used an expletive at the 2018 Tony Awards to insult our previous president now decry Lets go Brandon, and those who were aghast at Kathy Griffins picture of her with the fake severed head of Donald Trump seem OK with the current Biden vocal insult.

The Babylon Bee captures our situation perfectly with their article, Christians Face Clear Choice Between Party That's A Hypocritical Mockery Of Their Faith And One That's Openly Hostile To It.

What the Bible teaches us

Secular commentary of Lets go Brandon aside, the Bible is crystal clear when it comes to our usage of the statement.

Our instruction with respect to what we say in general is to, conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person (Col. 4:5-6). Even in regards to those who insult us, God says: When we are reviled, we bless (1 Cor. 4:12).

When it comes to governing leaders and our attitude toward them, Scripture is also very plain. Im sure Paul and Peter were no fans of Nero just as Im not of Joe Bidens policies. And yet, they tell us:

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (Rom. 13:1-2, 7).

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

Submit yourselves for the Lords sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right (1 Pet. 2:13-14).

Believe me, Im not preaching at you so much with the above scriptures as I am myself. My snarky, old self (Eph. 4:22) fights against it and wants to join in with the Lets go Brandon crowd.

But as a follower of Christ, if I am to not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21), then I need to swap out Lets go Brandon with Pray for Joe Biden.
Democrat senator denied communion over abortion says he is careful when he goes to new churches

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Democratic Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, a practicing Catholic who has been unable to receive communion in his home diocese because of his pro-choice voting record, says he is careful when he goes to a church for the first time because you just dont quite know what kind of reaction youre going to get from local clergy.

Calling the experience of being denied communion uncomfortable, Durbin of Illinois told American Magazine in an interview this week that he is careful when he goes to a church that he has never been to before for any occasion. Durbin has not received communion in his home diocese in Springfield for the last 17 years after his priest said that he would be reticent to offer the sacrament to Durbin due to his support for legal abortion.

You just dont quite know what kind of reaction youre going to get from local clergy, he said.

And it may not be just the priest. It could be members of the congregation. Ive had occasions where theyve written letters and showed up to protest and such. I dont want to be the subject of that any more than I have to be. So I keep a lower profile.

In 2019, an Illinois bishop issued a decree directed at politicians who support abortion access ordering them not to receive communion. The decree came after a bill labeling abortion access a fundamental right was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Durbin was disinvited from taking communion by the Diocese of Springfield and says he does not attended its churches. Even though some priests have urged him to attend their churches, he says he feels uncomfortable because he doesnt want to be the center of attention for religious purposes.

Durbins interview comes as there has been much debate this year among American Catholic leaders on whether communion should be denied to politicians who support abortion, as the Catholic Church has long opposed the practice.

Supporters of denying communion to pro-abortion Catholic politicians point to the Catholic Churchs Code of Canon Law, which states that those obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion as the justification for their position.

They also cite a 2004 letter from then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI, to two high-ranking officials in the U.S. Catholic Church, noting that the Church teaches that abortion or euthanasia is a grave sin.

Late last month, President Joe Biden received communion at St. Patricks Church in Rome, where he was taking part in the G20 summit.

Biden is the second Catholic to become president of the United States, drawing ire from some within the church who feel his policies and support for codifying abortion rights into federal law contradict the Catholic Churchs teaching against abortion.

Biden has said while he is personally opposed to abortion, he cannot impose his views on others as an elected official. While running for president in 2019, Biden was denied communion by a South Carolina priest.

Last month, when Pope Francis was asked about the U.S. communion debate, he called abortion, even soon after conception, murder. However, he added that communion is not a prize for the perfect.  Communion is a gift, the presence of Jesus and his Church, according to Reuters.

At its General Assembly meeting earlier this year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted to move ahead with drafting a document clarifying the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. Initially characterized as a rebuke to pro-abortion Catholic politicians, the USCCB emphasized that the question of whether or not to deny any individual or groups Holy Communion was not on the ballot.

According to a question-and-answer document about the vote published by the USCCB, the document being drafted is not meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is it targeted at any one individual or class of persons.

It will include a section on the Churchs teaching on the responsibility of every Catholic, including bishops, to live in accordance with the truth, goodness and beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate, the USCCB clarified.

In his interview with America Magazine, Durbin said he has found a new faith home in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where they were willing to let me in and allowed my wife to join me.

So its become my new faith home, he said. But now thats been complicated again. Three out of four Catholic bishops voted in June to consider a document on the Eucharist, which makes me concerned that three-quarters of the U.S. bishops think this should be the official policy of the Catholic Church in America.

I was told by many to wait, because the pope had his last word on the subject coming, and as you mentioned a few weeks ago, he said as much, Durbin added. But it is uncomfortable.
Parents group slams school survey asking students how often they have sex, if they're transgender

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A parent advocacy group is slamming the largest school district in Virginia for administering a voluntary survey that asks students personal questions about their sex lives.

Fairfax County Public Schools, located just outside Washington, D.C., allows students in grades 8, 10 and 12 to participate in a Youth Survey, which includes a section probing the minors about their sex lives and gender identity.

Specifically, students are asked if they ever had sexual intercourse, how old they were when they had sexual intercourse for the first time, how many people they had sexual intercourse with in their lives and the past three months and if they used contraception or took drugs or alcohol before engaging in such activity.

The section asking students questions about their sexual behavior concludes with an inquiry about whether or not they had oral sex.

The survey also includes a question noting that some people describe themselves as transgender when their sex at birth does not match the way they think or feel about their gender. The survey asks the respondent if they identify as transgender.

Another question at the beginning of the survey asks students to identify their sexual orientation.

Fairfax County Public Schools cites the surveys as necessary for determining the effectiveness of prevention and intervention programs.

The countys school board administers the surveys in conjunction with the board of supervisors, which described the purpose of the questionnaire as to examine the risks, protective factors and health behaviors that influence the health and well-being of our countys youth.

Students are asked not to put their names on the surveys as the answers are confidential.

While the school district has defended the survey, a parents advocacy group contends that the questions are irrelevant to the school districts educational mission.

The advocacy group Do Better FCPS was formed in response to the disapproval of the districts actions during the coronavirus pandemic and seeks to increase its perceived lack of accountability, transparency, excellence in leadership and focus on high caliber education.

How exactly does knowing how many sexual partners a student has improve your ability to educate? the group asked in a Twitter post.

Explain it to us as if we are Kindergarteners, @fcpsnews. How exactly does knowing how many sexual partners a student has improve your ability to educate? Are you providing interventions based on the information? Are the programs race based? Tie it all together, please. https://t.co/FXv2UAGc5npic.twitter.com/ZasZcURrAz  Do Better FCPS (@DoBetterFCPS) November 10, 2021

Do Better FCPS founder Sue Zoldak elaborated on her concerns during an interview with local news outlet WJLA.

Is it the schools role to know whether our children are sexually active, how many partners theyve had? she asked. How does that connect to a positive educational outcome?

Do Better FCPS founder @SueZoldak asks, "How does this survey connect to a quality education?" https://t.co/FXv2UAGc5n  Do Better FCPS (@DoBetterFCPS) November 10, 2021

In an Oct. 15 letter to parents, Superintendent of Schools Scott Brabrand explained that parents have the right to preview the survey and deny permission for your child to participate.

If a student is uncomfortable with any question on the survey, the student does not have to answer that question or may elect to discontinue the survey, Brabrand assured.

Students whose parents deny permission for them to complete the survey will be given an alternative assignment to work on while the other students complete the survey electronically at some time during school hours between Nov. 15 and Nov. 30.

While students in sixth grade will also participate in a Youth Survey, they will fill out a shorter questionnaire that does not include questions about sexual activity and sexual orientation.

In a statement, a Fairfax County spokesperson assured that the survey is voluntary and anonymous.

The current survey questions were selected from nationally recognized surveys that follow rigorous testing and validation procedures, the statement reads. The survey is an important tool to assess youth needs and strengths, develop programs, monitor trends, measure countywide outcomes and guide countywide planning of prevention efforts.

As 7News reports, Fairfax County is not the only school district in Virginia administering the survey as Prince William County Public Schools has also confirmed that it administers the survey. The Virginia Department of Health told the local news outlet that schools are randomly selected for participation.

A Fairfax County spokesperson said the survey has been administered annually since 2009 but was not administered in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Do Better FCPS stated in a tweet, Fairfax County has published the results of previous years survey by race to every single question.

The tweet was accompanied by a screenshot of a report illustrating the results of previous versions of the Youth Survey conducted from 2015 to 2019. The results were broken down by grade level, race and ethnicity and gender.

Concerned about the news @fcpsnews surveys kids about sexual behavior? Be even more concerned @fairfaxcounty publishes the results by race. To every single question. Re-upping our thread here ???? https://t.co/uoyNDg810n  Do Better FCPS (@DoBetterFCPS) November 9, 2021

The backlash surrounding the Youth Survey is not the first occasion that Fairfax County has received criticism from parents over prompts and material their children are exposed to in school. At a September school board meeting, an outraged parent read aloud and shared graphic images from material she likened to child pornography, which students have access to in the districts libraries.
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A national survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates-Summit.org found 75% of Americans believe the government does not have the right to force people to participate in practices that violate their religious beliefs. Sixty percent say that religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine should be protected. Only 27% disagreed.

Americans of all political parties and religious beliefs are increasingly concerned that the government is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine religious liberty. From forcing churches to remain closed while casinos reopened, to threatening the jobs of those objecting to the COVID-19 shot, people of faith no longer have the luxury of remaining passive.

Religious liberty is the first freedom protected in the Constitutions Bill of Rights. It is a freedom nearly all Americans hold dear. Yet the Biden administration seems out of touch. How many Blue states will turn Red before the administration realizes that Americans concerns over COVID-19 do not trump their love of freedom and the rule of law?

Consider this example. In September, just days after Bidens mandate announcement, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy promised the federal government would monitor religious exemption claims. If you are looking for scientific proof that the small number of people claiming religious exemptions are a danger to the public, youll almost certainly come up empty-handed. The Biden mandate seems more like a cynical power play than a medical imperative.

During the Clinton administration, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by a nearly unanimous vote. President Clinton signed it into law. RFRA states that the government must prove that any action or regulation they pursue does not place an undue burden on Americans practice of their religion. Yet the Biden administrations overarching mandate makes little sense given less burdensome alternatives such as assessments of natural immunity and regular COVID-19 testing.

American people of faith are now in the unfamiliar position of having to stand against their own government to uphold their basic liberties. Many Christians are uncomfortable with this. Some say that biblical passages such as Romans 13 insist that we do whatever our government demands.

But our government authority is not the Roman Empire or a Caesar. It is the Constitution and our representative republic. As Abraham Lincoln famously stated, the United States is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Bureaucrats are not the government, weare.

In this country, if you want to obey the governmental authorities as the Bible says, you must be an involved citizen.

Christian involvement with government isnt just an American imperative, however. A millennium and a half ago Augustine of Hippo argued that citizens of the kingdom of Heaven are the best citizens in the kingdoms of humanity because they have an allegiance to a truth that is higher than the state. Government is not God.

During World War II, Corrie ten Booms faith inspired her defiance of Nazi rule as she smuggled Jews to safety. And Martin Luther King Jr.s appeal to Gods authority as the moral foundation for the civil rights movement cemented his legacy despite laws mandating segregation based on race.

Pushing back against government overreach sometimes requires civil disobedience. This is to be sharply distinguished from un-civil disobedience such as rioting.

In the McLaughlin/Summit.org poll, 57% of Americans who expressed an opinion said that civil disobedience is an appropriate response when the government oversteps its legal authority or engages in immoral behavior against its citizens.

Peaceful but firm resistance does carry a cost. People of faith have often faced persecution for simply putting their faith ahead of government mandates. The Apostle Paul himself insisted on obeying God rather than man and shared openly about suffering at the hands of Jewish and Roman authorities for proclaiming the Gospel.

Instead of retreating from the public sphere, Christians have an obligation to engage, especially when guaranteed rights are threatened by unjust overreach.

The McLaughlin/Summit.org poll shows that Americans are seriously concerned about such overreach. Some 73% percent of those who expressed an opinion believe that our rights are given to us by our Creator and not by the government. But will they follow through when that belief costs them something?

Regardless of our personal views on vaccines, Christians are obligated to stand up for constitutional freedoms such as religious liberty, and to find ways to support those who are harmed by standing firm for their religious beliefs.

A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have. People of faith are a bulwark against those who insist on swearing allegiance to the government rather than to God.
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In a recent report, Ali Ingersoll, an investigative data journalist for WRAL News, said more than 7,000 North Carolinians died by suicide between the years 2015 to 2019. Thats according to information provided by the states Department of Health and Human Services.

Ingersoll pointed out that the number of suicides is surprisingly double the rate of homicides during the same period. It is alarming to think that more people in North Carolina die at their own hands than they do at the hand of another.

The suicidal state of mind is a hellish place. I think I understand it quite well because I visited it for a while in the 1980s. I was physically tired, emotionally exhausted, and suffering from seemingly unresolvable intellectual and spiritual conflicts. Added to this were a host of unrealized expectations. Naturally, with all this stress in my life I was constantly exaggerating the negative.

Moreover, my dreadful mindset was exacerbated as a pastor. I assumed the public would never allow a genuinely spiritual leader to have feelings of depression. Therefore, I thought it necessary to stuff my agony way down inside, lest others judge me unworthy of my occupation. Although I seriously thought about killing myself many times, I didnt really want to die. I just wanted to get past the struggle. Often, it seemed easier to face the prospect of death than another tomorrow of the same intense internal pain.

When I acknowledged my need, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were many people more than ready to help. These were people who were qualified to assist through various means such as their own experience, training, or just a compassionate heart. These were people who would help me correct my distorted way of thinking. They were people who would help me get my doubts, my fears, my resentments, my anger, and my anxieties out in the open.

These were the first steps in purging my tortured soul. Nothing about the healing was immediate. It took time. But the light did come back into my life brighter than ever before.

Yes, all of this happened to me, even though I was a Christian who deeply loved God and His Word. So the suicidal mindset can happen to anyone, given the right combination of circumstances and responses.

The late Dr. Frank Minirth, Dr. Paul Meir, and Stephen Arterburn, in The Complete Life Encyclopedia, a book that explains numerous negative emotions affecting mental health, say most suicide threats are either a cry for help or an attempt to manipulate others. Theres no way to know for sure whether an individual is truly determined to kill himself. Nevertheless, all who threaten suicide should be taken seriously.

One of the myths that many people believe about suicide is People who threaten to commit suicide never do it. Wrong, say the authors. All too often, they do. In fact, ten percent of those who make a suicide threat or an unsuccessful suicide attempt, are later successful.

Perhaps you have considered making that fatal choice. Let me share a few things I discovered from my own experience.

First, life is a miracle in itself. Its a sacred gift from God. No matter what youre facing, your life has a remarkable positive purpose. Think of it. In eternity past, before God created the foundations of our vast universe, you were so beloved by Him and essential to His plan that He determined this world would be incomplete without you.

Second, even though you may feel that you are in a God-forsaken place in life, you are not. God is always there. God is with you. He understands your situation better than anyone  even better than you. He understands you  even better than you know yourself. He knows your every need and cares deeply for you. If you dont despair, but look to Him in faith, you will discover His presence.

Third, a message to be gleaned from the Cross of Jesus Christ is no matter how discouraging your circumstances, God specializes in turning what seems to be a hopeless tragedy into a magnificent triumph. Could there have been anything viler, more unjust, than the crucifixion of the Son of God? Yet God, the mighty alchemist, turned it into gold. He turned it into our salvation from sin and Hell.

Many times, our extremities are opportunities for us to know God and experience His grace in ways otherwise impossible. God can turn nothing into something. Waiting on Him and trusting in the promises of His Word never disappoints.

Fourth, suicide is never the will of God. What could be more spiritually presumptuous than for a person to thrust oneself into the literal presence of the Almighty without an invitation?

Finally, whatever your failures or achievements, the connections you have with the people you love are profoundly more important. Suicide is an intense self-preoccupation that blurs ones vision of their parents, siblings, spouse, children and friends. There is absolutely nothing you can do to exact more pain on them than a self-inflicted murder.

If you have been thinking about suicide, you may surmise you have plenty of reasons to end your life, but in truth, there are more reasons not to do it.

You can get through this, I know. There can be a day when youre past all of it. Dusk will turn to Dawn, and everything will appear entirely different.
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It's a cry that rings out behind the barbed wire towers so frequently the Chinese guards are numb to it. "Don't do this  please, don't do this!" This time, it was a fresh blood  a Uyghur just hauled into headquarters named Abduweli Ayup. He was crying with terror as police started in, sexually torturing him until he passed out.

When he woke, he says he remembers the strangest things, like the flies buzzing around the room. For once, he wished he was one of them. "Because no one can torture them. No one can rape them."

Abduweli's eyes look away, remembering. He still has trouble sleeping, tormented by nightmares. His story, told in a harrowing account by CNN last month, is one of millions. The savage tactics used on Uyghurs are an open secret, thanks to whistleblowers like Jiang, who shudders to think of what he saw as a police detective. Every night, his teams  armed with assault rifles  would fan out, knocking on the doors of Uyghurs.

"Everyone had a target," he explains. "We took [them] all forcibly overnight ... It's all planned, it all has a system." If they resisted, he said, we would threaten to shoot them. Handcuffed and hooded, they'd be taken to headquarters, where police would "kick them, beat them [until they're] bruised and swollen ... Until they kneel on the floor crying." Young men would be sodomized, repeatedly. Everyone new was beaten, he said somberly, even teenagers.

Jiang's memories  of "tiger chairs," of hanging people from the ceiling, electrocutions, gang rapes, wrecking bars, and whips will never leave him. Or his victims. These are the grim testimonies that have mobilized the world. It's the same suffering and dehumanization that led the United States to officially declare the situation "genocide" under [former President] Donald Trump  a label the Biden administration seems intent to disregard.

Earlier this week, when a Chinese official revealed that he'd met with Biden's climate negotiator, John Kerry, as many as 30 times already, people were stunned. In the course of all of these conversations, a reporter asked Kerry if he'd ever bothered to bring up the Uyghurs? Slave labor? His response: "That's not my lane."

Excuse me? As a former secretary of state of the world's greatest religious freedom advocate in the world, how is the systematic torture and imprisonment of 2 million people not in his "lane?" "We're honest about the differences," he shrugged, "and we certainly know what they are. And we've articulated them. But that's my lane here."

What a contrast in administrations! Under Trump, America made religious freedom and human rights the top foreign policy priority. The Biden administration? All that matters is the elusive issue of climate change, which the Left treats as a religion.

As representatives of the U.S., human rights is in everyone's lane. Kerry is a top emissary of the Biden administration and a former diplomat, which means that his comments are not only shameful  they carry weight. And what he's just signaled to the entire world is that America is insincere about holding China accountable for anything, even the most sadistic violence since the Holocaust.

But sadly, this is what we've come to expect from an administration as desperate to partner with China as Biden's. As Kerry hammers through the climate agreement with his Chinese counterpart, National Review Online's Jimmy Quinn points out, he's tried to show his goodwill by quietly trying to kill the Uyghur Forced Labor bill behind the scenes.

"[A]ccording to multiple accounts, [Kerry] attempted to block legislation that would bar imports from Xinjiang as the products of forced labor. ... That Biden himself won't lend his support for the legislation suggests one of two things: that Kerry has a mandate to pursue this China approach as he sees fit, or that other officials who care more about human rights are powerless to stop him," Quinn wrote.

Meanwhile, as Biden's team continues to treat China like the affable partner it is not, the regime spends its time openly mocking the American president. When Congress passed the controversial infrastructure bill last week, the communists' media arm laughed, calling it a "feeble imitation" of China. If the U.S. thinks it can compete with us on large-scale infrastructure projects, the outlet said, "it is tantamount to a fairy tale."

And how does the American president respond? With more weakness, more groveling, and with an absolute refusal to confront the non-negotiable standard of human dignity.

But then, what do we expect from a president who once said he wouldn't "second guess" China's policy to forcibly sterilize women for having more than one child  or abort children against their mothers' will? To Biden and Kerry, anything is acceptable as long as the two countries are collaborating on this White House's most radical priorities. "This is a climate crisis," the former secretary said this week. "It's perhaps one of the most compelling issues we face as a planet, if not the most."

Tell that to Abduweli Ayup, to Jiang, to anyone who's seen the empty eyes and scars of the Uyghurs. The Chinese climate of hate and brutality is the crisis. And any administration who says otherwise is wildly adrift  and taking the country with it.

Originally published at the Family Research Council.
Elon Musk is back at it on Twitter, except this time the target of his snarky comments and not-so-subtle insults isnt fellow Billionaire Jeff Bezos.

In fact, the Tesla CEO took to the social media platform to fire away at quite a (seemingly random) new public enemy  Senator and former Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

The Twitter riff started from a Tweet that Sanders posted on Saturday.

We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share, he said. Period.

We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share. Period.  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 13, 2021

The Tweet came days after Musk sold around $6.9 billion of his own Tesla stock (around 4% of the shares he holds directly) after polling his Twitter followers last week about whether or not he should sell 10% of his shares in the company.

Related: Elon Musk Sinks Tesla Shares With Contentious Twitter Poll

58% of those who voted said yes.

By only owning stock in Tesla and not taking an annual cash salary or bonus, Musk does not have to pay personal taxes on his shares unless he sells them.

Clearly Sanders quip struck a nerve with Musk.

I keep forgetting that youre still alive, Musk wrote in response to the senator in one of two Tweets. Want me to sell more stock, Bernie? Just say the word 

Want me to sell more stock, Bernie? Just say the word   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2021

Sanders, who is the chair of the Senate budget committee, has proposed several policies that would tax the countrys wealthiest, most notably the top 0.1% which would include Musk, Bezos and other billionaires.

Related: Senate Democrats Unveil Plan to Hit 700 Billionaires With Major Tax Hikes

Musk has long opposed these proposals, including the Billionaires Income Tax that was proposed by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden (Oregon) in an effort to tax U.S. billionaires on their investments.

Musk continued to troll Twitter by responding to some of his followers commentary on the interaction and on Sanders.

The federal budget deficit is $2.7 trillion, one user wrote while tagging Musk. The Pay your fair share thing is kind of a distraction because you cant find $2.7 trillion in revenue just from taxing billionaires.

Exactly, the Tesla CEO responded.

He also called Sanders a taker, not a maker and responded a thumbs-up emoji to one follower who suggested that Sanders send an itemized list to Musk and other Americans that explains where the allocated tax money thats being proposed would go.

Musks estimated net worth was $271.5B as of Monday morning.

Related: Elon Musk Sells $5 Billion in Tesla Stock

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  A man suspected of 10 robberies in Tucson, including at six banks, has been arrested, according to police.

James Siehien, 52, is accused of robbing two of the six banks twice and also robbing a convenience store and a fast-food restaurant, they said.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned that a key temperature goal in climate talks is on life support but he still hopes that world governments will step up their pledges to slash emissions of greenhouse gases.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Guterres said the negotiations set to end Friday in Glasgow, Scotland, will very probably not yield the carbon-cutting pledges he has said are needed to keep the planet from warming beyond the 1.5-degree threshold.

Still, the U.N. chief wouldnt say at what point he thinks that goal would have to be abandoned.

When you are on the verge of the abyss, its not important to think too far into the future, he said. Whats important to discuss is what will be your first step. Because if your first step is the wrong step, you will not have the chance to ... make a second or third one.

So far, the talks have not come close to achieving any of the U.N.'s three announced priorities for the annual conference, called COP26. One is cutting carbon emissions by about half by 2030 to reach the goal Guterres alluded to.

The other two are getting rich countries to fulfill a 12-year-old pledge of providing $100 billion a year in financial climate aid to poor nations and ensuring that half of that amount goes to helping them adapt to the worst effects of climate change.

Guterres said the Glasgow talks are in a crucial moment and need to accomplish more than securing a weak deal that participating nations agree to support.

The worst thing would be to reach an agreement at all costs by a minimum common denominator that would not respond to the huge challenges we face, Guterres said.

Thats because the overarching goal of limiting warming since pre-industrial times to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) by the end of the century is still in reach but on life support, Guterres said. The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit).

Less than 36 hours from the scheduled close of the negotiations, Guterres said that if negotiators cant reach ambitious carbon-cutting goals  and very probably it will not happen  then national leaders would need to come up with new pledges next year and in 2023 during high-level meetings.

Guterres later told climate negotiators that promises ring hollow when the fossil fuels industry still receives trillions in subsidies ... or when countries are still building coal plants.

In a separate interview late Thursday, former Irish president Mary Robinson accused Saudi Arabia and Russia of trying to cut out or water down language in a draft agreement that would call for a phase-out of coal and an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

She also blasted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the host of the climate talks, for not taking them seriously enough, not being in crisis mode and sticking around  unlike his French counterpart in 2015.

Guterres said he agreed with youth climate activists  who have been a daily presence protesting in large numbers outside the climate talks, and at times inside  who called for the U.N. to term global warming a climate emergency of a high level.

For me, it is clear it is a climate emergency, Guterres said.

As terrible and tragic as the COVID-19 pandemic is, theres a way climate change is more of an emergency, Guterres said.

The pandemic is reversible. We have the tools and the instruments to stop it, he said. Climate change is a global threat to the planet and to humankind. And for the moment, we have not yet all the tools and the instruments that we need to defeat it.

And much of that comes down to money.

The lack of movement on financial aid to poorer countries troubles Guterres, who later told negotiators the gap was a glaring injustice. He said if he were the leader of a vulnerable small island or other endangered country he would be upset with whats not happening in Glasgow.

Peter Liese, a senior member of the European Parliament, said on Thursday he and fellow lawmakers would push for the $100 billion to be delivered definitely next year.

And that rich-poor split kept cropping up Thursday.

Talks are now at the point where two pathways were possible: one that was good for people and the planet, and the other that led to carbon colonialism, said Bolivias chief negotiator, Diego Pacheco Balanz. We need to fight the developed countries against the carbon colonialism.

Balanz was speaking on behalf of the negotiating block of developing nations that include countries from Africa, Latin America and Asia  with China and India among the latter.

Guterres praised a Wednesday evening agreement between the United States and China to cut emissions this decade as a reason why he still hopes for some semblance of success in Glasgow.

This agreement paves the way for other agreements, Guterres said in a 25-minute AP interview.

The U.N. chief said he hoped that two sticky issues that defied resolution for six years can be solved in Glasgow: creating workable markets for trading carbon credits and transparency that shows that promised pollution-reducing actions are real.

Fresh drafts of the documents on regulating international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the carbon markets section, were released overnight, as were new proposals containing various options for assessing and tracking financial aid for developing countries.

The chair of this years U.N. climate meeting called on negotiators from almost 200 countries to engage in another gear shift as they try to reach agreement on outstanding issues a day before the talks are scheduled to end.

British official Alok Sharma said he was under no illusion that the texts being considered would wholly satisfy all countries at this stage, adding we are not there yet.

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Associated Press writer Aniruddha Ghosal contributed from Glasgow.

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Follow APs climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate

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Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears and Frank Jordans at @wirereporter

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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.
Mary Bowden, an ear, nose and throat doctor at Houston Methodist Hospital, says vaccine mandates are wrong.

It's a sentiment she has tweeted about numerous times this month, even declaring last week that she is "shifting my practice" to focus on treating unvaccinated patients.

Bowden has also used her personal Twitter account to promote the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin as a treatment for the coronavirus, despite warnings from public health officials advising people not to take it.

But those opinions have come at a professional cost. Bowden, who recently joined the hospital's medical staff, has been suspended for "spreading dangerous misinformation" and sharing "harmful" personal and political opinions about the coronavirus vaccine and treatments, a hospital spokeswoman told The Washington Post.

"The physician's privileges at Houston Methodist have been suspended," Patti Muck said in an email. The hospital granted Bowden privileges within the last year, Muck said.

Bowden did not immediately respond to messages from The Post late Sunday. But her attorney, Steve Mitby, said his client has treated more than 2,000 covid-19 patients and is "not anti-vaccine."

"Like many Americans, Dr. Bowden believes that people should have a choice and believes that all people, regardless of vaccine status, should have access to the same high quality health care," Mitby said in an email to The Post.

Earlier this year, more than 150 health-care workers with the Houston Methodist resigned or were terminated for not complying with its vaccine mandate. The Houston-based hospital system said Bowden, who is vaccinated against the coronavirus, has never admitted a patient at the medical center, which has treated more than 25,000 covid patients. The hospital was one of the country's first to require proof of vaccination.

The Houston doctor is the latest medical professional suspended for promoting coronavirus misinformation and the consumption of ivermectin, an unproven treatment the Food and Drug Administration has said can be "dangerous" and potentially fatal.

Last month, the Washington Medical Commission suspended a physician assistant's license after reviewing more than a dozen complaints alleging the pediatric health-care provider promoted ivermectin as a cure for covid-19 and prescribed the unproven treatment to at least one patient without adequate examination. The physician assistant, the medical board also found, "harassed" hospitals to prescribe ivermectin to patients infected with the virus.

Health-care providers have also faced consequences over coronavirus-related documentation. In September, the Connecticut Medical Examining Board suspended the license of a retired physician who mailed fake coronavirus vaccine and mask exemption forms to help people evade testing, mask and immunization requirements.

According to her Twitter account, Bowden has openly promoted the use of ivermectin, a drug used to kill parasites in animals and humans, as a covid treatment for some patients.

"Ivermectin might not be as deadly as everyone said it was," Bowden tweeted on Nov. 10. "Speak up!"

Neither the FDA nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved or recommended ivermectin as a covid treatment.

Mitby, Bowden's attorney, said the doctor combines monoclonal antibodies with "certain experimental drug treatments" when treating most covid-19 patients.

He added: "Her early treatment methods work and are saving lives. If America had more doctors like Dr. Bowden, COVID outcomes would be much better."

Mitby did not immediately respond when asked about Bowden's tweets promoting the use of ivermectin to treat covid.

Bowden is also involved in another dispute with a Texas hospital that has declined to prescribe ivermectin to Jason Jones, a Tarrant County Sheriff's Office deputy who has been hospitalized with covid for over a month. The deputy's wife recently sued the hospital, demanding that Bowden be granted temporary privileges to prescribe and administer the drug to her husband.

Bowden has used her Twitter account to repeatedly post pictures of medical providers working at that hospital who she says have declined to give the man the unproven drug.

Texas Health Huguley Hospital has argued in court documents that prescribing ivermectin to the patient "is outside of the standard of care."

"[E]ven if Mr. Jones had a legal right to take Ivermectin, there is no authority . . . that such a 'right' compels a physician or health care provider to administer it to him," the hospital stated.
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP)  Kyle Rittenhouse provoked bloodshed on the streets of Kenosha by bringing a semi-automatic rifle to a protest and menacing others, and when the shooting stopped, he walked off like a hero in a Western, a prosecutor said in closing arguments Monday at Rittenhouses murder trial.

But Rittenhouses lawyer countered that the shooting started after the young man was ambushed by a crazy person that night and feared his gun was going to be wrested away and used to kill him. Defense attorney Mark Richards said Rittenhouse acted in self-defense.

After a full day of arguments, the jurors were told to return Tuesday morning for the start of deliberations in the case that has stirred fierce debate in the U.S. over guns, vigilantism and law and order.

Eighteen jurors have been hearing the case; the 12 who will decide Rittenhouse's fate and the six who will be designated alternates will be determined by drawing numbers from a lottery drum.

Rittenhouse, then 17, shot two men to death and wounded a third during a tumultuous night of protests against racial injustice in the summer of 2020.

Rittenhouse said he went to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to protect property from rioters in the days after a Black man, Jacob Blake, was shot by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse, a former police youth cadet, is white, as were those he shot.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Thomas Binger said Rittenhouse was a wannabe soldier and was looking for trouble that night. Binger repeatedly showed the jury drone video that he said depicted Rittenhouse pointing the AR-style weapon at demonstrators.

This is the provocation. This is what starts this incident, the prosecutor declared.

He told the jury: You lose the right to self-defense when youre the one who brought the gun, when you are the one creating the danger, when youre the one provoking other people.

Rittenhouse, now 18, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him, first-degree intentional homicide, which is Wisconsins top murder count.

Binger zeroed in on the killing of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, who was the first man gunned down that night and whose shooting set in motion the ones that followed. The prosecutor repeatedly called it murder, saying it was unjustified.

The prosecutor reminded jurors that Rittenhouse testified he knew Rosenbaum was unarmed. Binger also said there is no video to support the defense claim that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse.

Binger disputed the contention that Rosenbaum was trying to grab Rittenhouses rifle. Mr. Rosenbaum is not even within arms reach when the first shot occurs, Binger said. He rejected the claim that Rittenhouse had no choice but to shoot, saying he could have run away.

And Binger argued that once Rosenbaum was wounded, he was not even capable of taking away the gun, which was strapped to Rittenhouses body, since he was falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis. Rittenhouse kept firing, delivering what the prosecutor called the kill shot to Rosenbaums back.

I think we can also agree that we shouldnt have 17-year-olds running around our streets with AR-15s, because this is exactly what happens, Binger said.

In his own closing argument, Richards, the defense attorney, called Rosenbaum a crazy person who was hell-bent on causing trouble that night and went after Rittenhouse unprovoked.

Mr. Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client and going to kill him, take his gun and carry out the threats he made, Richards said, adding that Rittenhouse never pointed his gun before being chased: It didnt happen.

Richards said an enlarged image that prosecutors said shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at protesters is hocus pocus that doesnt prove anything.

Rittenhouse himself looked largely impassive during the arguments, occasionally jotting notes. His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, listened intently behind him.

With a verdict near, Gov. Tony Evers said that 500 National Guard members would be prepared for duty in Kenosha if requested by local law enforcement.

After killing Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, while trying to make his way through the crowd. Rittenhouse testified that Huber hit him with a skateboard and that Grosskreutz came at him with a gun of his own  an account largely corroborated by video and Grosskreutz himself.

But the prosecutor said Rittenhouse provoked that bloodshed, too. He said Huber, Grosskreutz and others in the crowd were trying to stop what they believed was an active shooter.

When it was all over, Rittenhouse walked away like a hero in a Western  without a care in the world for anything hes just done, Binger said.

The defense, though, said Rittenhouse was set upon by a mob. Richards accused prosecutors of using the term active shooter for Rittenhouse because of the loaded connotations of that word.

And in an apparent reference to the police shooting of a Black man that touched off the protests, Richards said: Other people in this community have shot people seven times, and its been found to be OK. (No charges were brought against the white officer.)

When the prosecutor displayed a photo of Rosenbaums bloodied body on a gurney during his autopsy and another of his mangled hand, some jurors appeared to avert their eyes. Later, when Binger displayed a close-up of Grosskreutzs bicep largely obliterated by a bullet, several jurors winced and turned away.

The sound of a small group of protesters chanting outside the building could be heard at one point, but it wasnt clear from inside the courtroom what they were saying or whether the jury heard them.

Supporters have hailed Rittenhouse as a hero who took a stand against lawlessness; foes have branded him a vigilante.

Binger began his closing arguments by questioning whether Rittenhouse was genuinely trying to help.

The prosecutor noted that Rittenhouse had ammunition capable of traveling the length of five football fields and passing through cars, and asked the jury: Why do you need 30 rounds of full metal jacket (ammo) to protect a building?

But Richards said Rittenhouse, who worked as a lifeguard in Kenosha and helped clean up graffiti before the shootings, feels for this community and came down here trying to help, to see the damage.

The defense attorney branded the trial a political case brought by prosecutors who he said need someone to blame for the violence.

Earlier Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared to be among the likeliest of the charges to net a conviction. It carries by up to nine months in jail.

The defense argued that Wisconsin law has an exception related to the length of a weapons barrel. After prosecutors conceded Rittenhouses rifle was not short-barreled, the judge threw out the charge.

Perhaps in recognition of weaknesses in their case, prosecutors asked the judge to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit him on the original counts. Schroeder agreed to do so as he delivered some 36 pages of legal instructions to the jury.

In his instructions, the judge said that to accept Rittenhouses claim of self-defense, the jury must find that he believed there was an unlawful threat to him and that the amount of force he used was reasonable and necessary.

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This story has been updated to correct Gaige Grosskreutzs age to 28.

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Bauer reported from Madison and Forliti reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press writer Tammy Webber contributed from Fenton, Michigan.

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Find APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP)  Four people were shot, two of them fatally, and a sheriffs deputy was hospitalized after a two-car accident on the way to the scene, authorities said.

Andrew Lee Noe, 30, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, was arrested in the Sunday night shootings just north of Chiloquin, the Herald and News reported Monday. Noe was booked on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment and unlawful use of a weapon and was to appear in court Monday afternoon, court records showed. No attorney was listed for Noe.
Astros 'ultra aggressive' in pursuit of free agent center fielder Starling Marte hit 12 home runs and stole 47 bases in 120 games last season.

'Tiger King' moved from TX after cancer diagnosis His attorney stated Joe was getting medical treatment and tests 'for a host of issues.'
Chris Peterson/AP

COLUMBIA FALLS (AP)  Two men were killed in a house fire in northwestern Montana that's under investigation by authorities as possible arson.

The fire along a road near Columbia Falls was reported shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday, the Hungry Horse News reported. The two-story house was fully engulfed by flames.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Steve Bannon's indictment on contempt of Congress charges is the nation's first since 1983, and his appearance in federal court provides a rare glimpse into one of U.S. lawmakers' politically messiest and least-used powers.

The last successful prosecution reaches all the way back to Watergate and its aftermath when G. Gordon Liddy and Richard Kleindienst were convicted and pleaded guilty, respectively, for refusing to answer congressional questions.

Bannon appeared in federal court Monday to face charges for refusing a House subpoena to tell Congress what he knows about the lead-up to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack to interrupt certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory over President Donald Trump.

The last indictment three decades ago was less historic: A federal environmental official under President Ronald Reagan failed to heed a House subpoena. The official, Rita M. Lavelle, who headed the Superfund, would go on to be acquitted of the contempt charge but later was convicted of lying to Congress. She was sentenced to six months in prison and fined $10,000.

Defendant Lavelle was a member of the Republican administration, while Democrats controlled the House. And the Justice Department has been wary of prosecuting such cases when the White House and the House of Representatives are controlled by opposing political parties.

While the (contempt) law doesnt differentiate in any way between a Republican or a Democratic president or Congress, it tends to break down along those lines, said Stan Brand, who served as former House counsel when lawmakers referred the then-EPA chief to the U.S. Justice Department for criminal charges.

Prior to that case, the majority of contempt of Congress cases were in connection with the House Un-American Activities Committee, which was formed in 1938 to investigate individuals and organizations for subversive activities, particularly those related to the Communist Party.

A number of contempt cases from HUAC were eventually overturned due to procedural failures. But its widely publicized hearings beginning in 1947 focusing on the film industry led to prison sentences for several screenwriters and directors, the so-called Hollywood Ten. They refused to answer questions about their political activities or identify like-minded colleagues and were jailed for up to a year as well as blacklisted in the industry.

At present, Democrats control the House and White House as lawmakers are probing the worst attack on the U.S. Capitol in two centuries, which occurred with Republican Trump at the White House calling for protests.

But even with the current unique circumstances at play, prosecution of these charges rely on a law that hasnt produced a conviction in decades and could take years to litigate.

Historically, if you look at the record of these types of cases in the 50s, 60s, even the late 40s, so many of them were thrown out by the courts for technical deficiencies, Brand said.

Its not that these cases are complicated, but they are difficult cases to make, he added.

When Brand was House counsel in 1982, a subcommittee held then-EPA chief Anne Gorsuch Burford, the mother of current Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, in contempt for her refusal, at the direction of then-President Reagan, to turn over subpoenaed documents about her agencys efforts to enforce a law requiring the cleanup of hazardous waste dumps. The Justice Department declined to pursue the charges and went on to file a lawsuit to prevent further action on the contempt referral.

The department in the Obama administration declined to prosecute then-Attorney General Eric Holder and former IRS official Lois Lerner following contempt referrals from the Republican-led House. And George W. Bushs Justice Department declined to charge Harriet Miers after the former White House counsel defied a subpoena in a Democratic investigation into the mass firings of United States attorneys.

In all, the House has brought five criminal contempt and three civil contempt actions against Executive Branch officials since 2008. In each instance of a criminal contempt citation, the executive branch declined to refer the charges to a grand jury.

Brand said the hurdles that have faced past committees is that the Justice Department has historically not prosecuted executive officials who were instructed by the president to raise executive privilege.

This, he said, is not necessarily the case with Bannon, where the courts will have to define the limits of executive privilege and if the implied presidential power protects the capacity of former White House aides and outside allies of the president.

Bannon, 67, was indicted on Friday on two counts of criminal contempt - one for refusing to appear for a congressional deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committees subpoena.

His indictment came as a second expected witness, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, defied his own subpoena from the committee on Friday and as Trump has escalated his legal battles to withhold documents and testimony about the insurrection.

Bannon did not enter a plea during Monday's hearing and was released without bail. He is due back in court on Thursday.

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Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Michael Balsamo and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
MIAMI (AP)  A businessman accused of siphoning off millions in state contracts from Venezuela pleaded not guilty on Monday in a high profile case that's strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

Dressed in a beige jumpsuit, Alex Saab was tethered by the legs to five other inmates as he entered the Miami federal courtroom for his arraignment.

His attorney, Neil Schuster, addressed the court as a representative for the Diplomat of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and then entered a plea of not guilty. A small group of supporters of Venezuelas government shouted Free, free Alex Saab outside the courthouse during the proceedings.

Saab, 49, is accused of paying bribes to siphon off $350 million from state contracts to build housing for Venezuelas socialist government. After seven charges were dismissed he now faces a single count of conspiracy to commit money laundering punishable up to 20 years in prison  the maximum allowed by Cape Verde when it agreed to extradite Saab to the U.S. last month.

Venezuela has launched an all out diplomatic offensive involving allies Russia and Cuba to come to Saab's defense, arguing that the Colombian-born businessman was a diplomat on a special humanitarian mission to Iran when his plane was detained during a refueling stop on the African archipelago.

He was chased down, kidnapped and tortured for helping Venezuela, Maduro said at a book fair this month in Caracas where he presented alongside Saab's Italian wife a collection of letters he purportedly wrote while detained in Cape Verde on a U.S. warrant.

But new court filings in a related case indicate that Saab, despite his portrayal as an anti-imperial revolutionary, may have been secretly betraying Venezuela's government to U.S. officials for years.

The bombshell revelation was contained in a sentencing memo by attorneys for a University of Miami professor, Bruce Bagley, who Saab hired to assist with his son's visa application and then used as a channel to make payments to attorneys that were helping him reach out to U.S. federal investigators.

Saab, through an attorney, has said all of his activities had the blessing of Maduro's government and at all times he's been a loyal citizen of Venezuela.

But Bagleys explanation tracks with the account of three people familiar with the investigation into Saab who said that he met with U.S. federal law enforcement, including agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, on multiple occasions in Colombia and Europe prior to being charged in 2019. The three individuals spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the meetings.

Venezuela considers Saab the keeper of state secrets and has said any attempts to extract a confession could compromise Venezuelas national security.

But its unclear what leverage the Venezuelans have in preventing Saab from cooperating with federal investigators in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Just as Saab was being transported to the U.S. on a Department of Justice plane, Maduros government suspended negotiations taking place in Mexico with Venezuelas U.S.-backed opposition, accusing the Biden administration of seeking to sabotage the talks. Maduros government also threw back into jail six American oil executives it accuses of corruption. They had been under house arrest in another politically charged case marked by allegations of wrongful detention.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to assert pressure on Saab.

Shortly after his arrival to the U.S., prosecutors in Miami unsealed a new indictment accusing his longtime business partner, fellow Colombian Alvaro Pulido, of creating a network of shell companies spanning the globe  Turkey, Hong Kong, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates  to hide windfall profits and bribe payments tied to overvalued food contracts. Saab himself was sanctioned in 2019 for his role in the same alleged kickbacks scheme.

But Saabs importance to Maduros government ran much deeper.

As the U.S. ratcheted up sanctions on Venezuela, he is believed to have emerged as the governments main fixer with the international connections to circumvent the U.S. restrictions. His trip to Iran, described as a humanitarian mission by Maduro, was aimed at securing deals to sell the countrys crude oil in exchange for much-needed fuel and other goods.

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Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman
CHIOS, Greece (AP)  Among the prison inmates of the Greek island of Chios, three young men from Afghanistan and Somalia are serving dramatically long sentences: 50 years for two of them, a staggering 142 for the third.

But these are not violent criminals, even according to their trial verdicts. They were convicted for steering inflatable dinghies carrying them and other migrants after they say smugglers abandoned them in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.

I didnt think saving people is a crime, said Hanad Abdi Mohammad, 28, a soft-spoken Somali charged as a smuggler after arriving in Greece last December and sentenced to 142 years.

Mohammad told journalists and European Parliament lawmakers visiting the three in prison last week that he had no choice but to drive the boat. The smuggler forced him to take over, hitting him in the face and threatening him with a gun before abandoning the dinghy in rough seas. And peoples lives were at stake. Even with hindsight, he said, I would do it again, as long as I am saving lives.

Critics say the men's cases, as well as prosecutions or threats of criminal proceedings against aid workers, illustrate the expanding arsenal of techniques authorities in Greece and other countries are using to deter asylum-seekers.

Its not possible that someone who comes to claim asylum in Greece is threatened with such heavy sentences simply because they were forced, by circumstances or pressure, to take over handling a boat, said Alexandros Georgoulis, one of the lawyers representing the three imprisoned in Chios.

Greek authorities, he said, "are essentially baptizing the smuggled as the smuggler.

Mohammad's journey is also a stark indication of the chaos asylum-seekers may experience as they migrate between two countries long divided by deep-seated mistrust.

Fearing for their lives after the smuggler fled, the nearly three dozen panicked passengers abandoned their quest to reach Greece. Mohammad says he called the Turkish coast guard repeatedly, begging for a rescue. But when it arrived, the Turkish patrol boat circled the migrants' vessel sharply, sending water into the dinghy and gradually pushing it toward Greece. In the chaos, two women fell overboard and drowned.

The Greek coast guard rescued the survivors, and Mohammad helped other passengers onto the rescue boat. He admitted to having driven the boat after the smuggler left. It didnt cross his mind that would lead to him being prosecuted as a smuggler.

Aid workers and volunteers have also found themselves in the crosshairs of Greek authorities. In one widely publicized case, Syrian human rights worker Sarah Mardini, a refugee herself, and volunteer Sean Binder were arrested and detained for months in 2018 on suspicion of espionage, money laundering and a litany of other offenses. They deny all charges, and say they were doing nothing more than helping rescue people.

It's not just Greece. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain and Greece have initiated 58 investigations and legal proceedings since 2016 against private entities involved in search and rescue.

I think its important to challenge these in the courts, to not at all sit back and accept that we should be cast as smugglers or spies because I offered CPR, (or) more often than not just a smile, to someone in distress, Binder told the AP. It is preposterous that we should be cast as criminals. I dont accept it....It doesnt matter who you are, you dont deserve to drown in the sea.

Binder and Mardini go on trial on the island of Lesbos on on misdemeanor counts of espionage, forgery and unlawful use of radio frequencies on Nov. 18. They face a maximum eight-year sentence, convertible into a fine. They are still under investigation for felonies which could carry 25 years.

Dimitris Choulis, a lawyer on the island of Samos who frequently represents asylum-seekers and is not involved in Binder's case, thinks criminal prosecutions or threats of prosecution are partly designed to deter nongovernmental organizations from documenting practices such as the illegal summary deportation of migrants before they can apply for asylum.

The only way to stop humanitarian organizations from watching what is happening in the Aegean is to criminalize rescue, said Choulis, who along with Georgoulis is representing the three men imprisoned in Chios.

Greek officials strenuously deny the country performs illegal pushbacks despite mounting indications to the contrary. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed such claims again last Tuesday, saying his government follows a tough but fair migration policy.

Most cases involving NGOs are intended more to intimidate than to win convictions, Choulis argues, noting most remain in the investigative phase. Three years after his arrest, Binder has yet to be charged with any of the felonies he's under investigation for.

In July, Greek police announced a felony investigation into 10 people, including four foreign NGO workers, on migrant smuggling allegations. No charges have resulted so far.

The short but often perilous sea crossing from Turkey to nearby Greek islands is a popular route into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To crack down on smuggling, Greece introduced a law in 2014 imposing severe penalties on people smugglers: 10 years imprisonment for each smuggled person, or 15 years per person if there was danger to life, and life imprisonment if someone died.

But smugglers quickly adapted. Instead of ferrying people themselves, they persuaded or forced their passengers to drive the boats, something borne out by numerous testimonies of arriving asylum seekers. The result has been the convictions of migrants as smugglers.

Our prisons are full of asylum-seekers who drove a boat, Choulis said. This is absurd.

Although the sentences are draconian - apart from Mohammad's 142 years, Afghans Amir Zaheri and Akif Rasouli, both in their 20s, received 50 years each - actual servable time under Greek law is capped at 20 years, reducible to 12 with good behavior. With prison work counting toward sentence reduction, they could be released after about eight years.

Still, thats a long time to spend incarcerated instead of building a new life.

Zaheri, accompanied by his pregnant wife and young child, and Rasouli arrived in the same boat about two years ago. From different parts of Afghanistan, they had never met before. Like in Mohammads case, the smuggler abandoned their dinghy and the passengers took turns steering, they said.

Both were tried as smugglers. They saw their court-appointed lawyer for the first time at their trial, which lasted just a few minutes. The judge spent a minute each asking them questions, Rasouli said.

For one minute, 50 years, he said. I cried for one month.

With new lawyers now representing them, Zaheri and Rasouli have an appeal hearing set for March. No appeal hearing date has yet been set for Mohammad.

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Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed

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Follow AP's migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
LONOKE, Ark. (AP)  A former Arkansas sheriff's deputy pleaded not guilty Monday in the fatal shooting of a white teenager whose death has drawn the attention of civil rights activists.

Michael Davis entered the plea to a felony count of manslaughter in the June 23 shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

Davis shot Brittain during a traffic stop outside an auto repair shop along Arkansas Highway 89 south of Cabot, a city of about 26,000 people roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Little Rock. Davis was charged in September in Brittain's death.

Davis told investigators he shot Brittain once in the neck after the teen reached into the back of his truck and did not comply with his commands to show his hands, according to Davis' arrest affidavit. Brittain was holding a container  which his family members have said held antifreeze  and no evidence of firearms were found in or near the truck, the affidavit said.

A passenger with Brittain said he and the teen had been working on the transmission for Brittains truck. The passenger told investigators he never heard Davis tell the teen to show his hands, according to the affidavit.

Davis, who is white, was fired by Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in July for not turning on his body camera until after the shooting occurred. Staley said theres no footage from the shooting, only the aftermath.

A jury trial for Davis was set for March 15, with a status hearing set for Jan. 24 and a pre-trial hearing on March 14.

Brittain's death has drawn the attention of civil rights activists, and was eulogized by the Rev. Al Sharpton and attorneys for George Floyd's family. Floyd died in May last year when a white Minneapolis police officer used his knee to pin the handcuffed Black mans neck to the ground. His death sparked nationwide protests over policing and racial inequality.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Des Moines police on Monday identified an 18-year-old man killed Sunday morning in a shooting.

Dean Titus Deng of Des Moines died in the shooting, which also left another man injured. Police haven't identified the second man.

Police responded to a report of a shooting about 4 a.m. Sunday and found one man in a car. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died.

The other man was in good condition at a hospital, police said.

The death was the 12th homicide in Des Moines in 2021.
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union is planning to take action against anyone delaying Malis political transition and is drawing up a list of sanctions to impose on Russian mercenaries that Mali's government hired to fight extremists, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Monday.

After chairing a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Borrell said that they agreed to set up a system for imposing asset freezes and travel bans on Mali officials and organizations at a future date.

This will allow us to take sanctions against those obstructing the transition, Borrell said.

Mali has struggled to contain an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012. Extremist rebels were forced from power in Malis northern cities with the help of a French-led military operation, but they regrouped in the desert and began launching attacks on the Malian army and its allies.

In June, Col. Assimi Goita was sworn in as president of a transitional government after carrying out his second coup in nine months. Mali faces increasing isolation from the international community over the juntas power grab. Elections are due to be held in February, but the EU fears they will be delayed.

Borrell told reporters that the ministers also gave the green light for officials to draw up a list of sanctions to impose on the Kremlin-backed private military company, Wagner Group. Russia has denied any official military involvement in Mali.

There was consensus to move forward in order to also take restrictive measures against this group, Borrell said. The list of names and organizations linked to the Wagner Group will be examined at the next meeting of foreign ministers on Dec. 13.

The Wagner Group has been accused by western governments and United Nations experts of human rights abuses in the Central African Republic and involvement in the conflict in Libya. France and Germany have both objected to the presence of its mercenaries in Mali.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the company has a legitimate right to be in the West African nation because it was invited by the transitional government, and he insists that the Russian government is not involved.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Federal prosecutors ended their case against four former coal company executives on Monday after a former safety director testified about how he attempted to cheat underground mine safety rules.

The four men on trial in federal court in Louisville are accused of ordering workers to skirt dust sampling regulations in two of Armstrong Coals underground mines.

Ron Ivy, a former safety director at Armstrong's Kronos mine, testified Monday that a senior-level Armstrong official, Glendal Buddy Hardison, told him and two other safety officials in 2013 that they had to make sure the mine's dust pumps were reading at the desired range. The pumps are carried by underground workers and samples are taken from them to determine the amount of dust in the mines.

Ivy said Hardison told him the dust (reading) has got to come in and the (mine's) production has to stay up. Ivy testified earlier that the mine where he worked was filled with dusty air.

Federal dust regulations in underground mines are meant to protect workers against dangerous levels of breathable dust, which can contribute to a deadly and incurable disease known as black lung.

Ivy said to skirt the rules, he and other workers would place the pumps in cleaner parts of the mine to lower the dust readings. Ivy said of Hardison, who was in charge of all of Armstrong's western Kentucky mines, it was his mines, he ran them his way.

Ivy was originally charged with eight other defendants but reached a plea deal with prosecutors. Each of them were charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, a felony. Ivy pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.

Hardison's attorney, Kent Wicker, asked Ivy if Hardison ever explicitly asked him to cheat the rules. Ivy said Hardison did not.

Make the dust (pumps) come in doesn't necessarily mean to cheat, right? Wicker said.

Ivy testified that the mine didn't have enough staff to comply with the dust rules and maintain desirable production levels.

The trial is a rare prosecution of coal company officials on criminal charges. Federal regulators typically issue fines and shut down mines when they find safety violations, but in this case prosecutors allege that the men broke the law by conspiring to cheat the rules.

Prosecutors ended their case on Monday after Ivy and another witness testified. Defendants will have a chance to present witnesses beginning on Tuesday.

Armstrong went bankrupt in 2017. Prosecutors said the incidents occurred at the Kronos and Parkway mines between 2013 and 2015.

Attorneys for the former coal company officials have argued throughout the trial that none of the men on trial were directly involved in manipulating readings on the pumps.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Prosecutors in Kyle Rittenhouses murder trial may have lost their best chance at convicting the Illinois man of something when the judge threw out a charge that Rittenhouse was a minor in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them, with an AR-15-style rifle during a chaotic protest against police brutality in Kenosha last year. A jury deliberated about 3 1/2 days before finding Rittenhouse not guilty on Friday of five felony charges, including a murder charge that could have carried a life in prison sentence.

That jury never got to consider the gun possession charge  one that at one time had seemed a slam-dunk for the prosecution. Rittenhouse was 17 at the time, and there was no dispute that he was armed the night of the shootings with a Smith and Wesson AR-style semi-automatic rifle strapped to his chest.

Though the charge was only a misdemeanor  punishable by a maximum nine months in jail  it might have offered the jury a way to convict Rittenhouse of a lesser crime if they were persuaded by his self-defense claims but agreed with prosecutors that he made a poor decision to carry a rifle on the streets of Kenosha.

So what happened?

Hours before closing arguments began on Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder granted a defense motion to toss out the weapons charge. Rittenhouse attorneys Mark Richards and Corey Chirafisi pointed to an exception in the law that they said allows minors to possess shotguns and rifles as long as theyre not short-barreled.

Assistant District Attorney James Kraus argued that the exception renders the states prohibition on minors possessing dangerous weapons meaningless. But when he acknowledged that Rittenhouses rifles barrel was longer than 16 inches, the minimum barrel length allowed under state law, Schroeder dismissed the charge.

To Kenosha-based defense attorney Michael Cicchini, the statute clearly requires a weapon to be short-barreled to apply, and the judge made the right call.

There doesnt seem to be much ambiguity here, he said. (The charge) should have been dismissed earlier.

The current wording of the overarching law seems clear: Any person under 18 years of age who possesses or goes armed with a dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A lead-in paragraph defines dangerous weapon as several things, including any firearm, loaded or unloaded.

The subsection that defense attorneys relied upon to seek dismissal reads: This section applies only to a person under 18 years of age who possesses or is armed with a rifle or a shotgun if the person is in violation of s. 941.28 ... That section of law isnt specific to minors, but rather forbids any person from having a short-barreled shotgun or rifle.

We knew from the beginning, that if you read that statute correctly, he was legal in having that firearm, Richards said Friday after Rittenhouse was cleared of the remaining charges.

The evolution of the law on children and guns is murky. Prior to 1987, Wisconsin banned children from possessing pistols. Then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican, signed a law that year that expanded the prohibition to include short-barreled firearms, electric weapons, brass knuckles, throwing stars and nunchakus. Four years later, Thompson signed another law extending the prohibition to any firearm. But that law also allowed minors to possess long guns for hunting as long as the barrels were at least a foot long.

Legislative records show the statutory language went through multiple revisions until at least 2011.

The wording is hardly straightforward. Schroeder himself said he was confused about it when Richards first asked him to toss the possession charge out earlier this year.

The impetus for the carve-out isnt clear. Jeri Bonavia, executive director of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, a group that works to reduce gun violence, said the National Rifle Association was making a national push to get guns in childrens hands in the late 1990s and early 2000s in hopes of creating lifetime gun owners; the caveat may have been part of that push, she said. But she said it appears that minors can possess long guns as long as theyre not sawed off.

She called that concerning.

There are a number of things we dont allow young people under 18 to do. There are reasons for that. Judgment isnt as perfected at age 16 as it is much later. Weve seen what that means in Kenosha, with the tragic outcome.

Tom Grieve, a Milwaukee attorney and a former Waukesha County prosecutor, speculated that the long-gun exception was drafted to ensure children could hunt and lawmakers didn't envision it could be used to protect children who carry long guns at protests like the demonstrations in Kenosha.

I think it was designed with an eye toward hunting and enabling law enforcement to add additional charges against minors hunting without a license, he said. Wisconsin is a hunting state. When people talk about long arms, theyre thinking in the hunting context.

He said he thought Schroeder was right to dismiss the charge. Grieve called the exception an extraordinarily poorly worded statute marred by technical language and too many cross-referrals to other sections of Wisconsin weapons and hunting laws. He said thats typical in more obscure areas of state law that get little attention. When a law is so confusing, legal doctrine calls for judges to interpret it in favor of defendants, he said.

If this were baseball, the tie goes to the runner, he said. This is an alien concept to us in 21st-century America, but in awful situations around the world you have oppressive governments that thrive under poorly written laws, allowing them to prosecute people whenever they want for whatever they want. (The doctrine) is a safeguard against tyranny.

Cicchini, the defense attorney, rejected the argument by prosecutors that the exception shreds a law intended to keep minors from having dangerous weapons. He noted that the prohibition still blocks children from carrying pistols, sawed-off shotguns and rifles and other weapons such as brass knuckles.

Grieve and Cicchini both said theyve never seen the long-gun exception come into play like it did in Rittenhouses case, largely because juveniles tend to use handguns when committing crimes and in those cases prosecutors tend to charge them with far more serious offenses, such as armed robbery.

Democrat Jon Erpenbach, who has served in the state Senate since 1998, said he didnt know why the exception was developed but he cant imagine that lawmakers intended to allow kids to walk down the street with semiautomatic rifles.

Certainly in 1991 we werent seeing what were seeing in 19, 20 and 21 with protests and insurrections, he said. Once you throw a gun in there, its not a good situation for anyone. If that legislation is written today, I would tend to think that example would pop into a legislators mind, saying wait a minute, is the situation in Kenosha covered or does it leave a loophole?'

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Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter at https://twitter.com/trichmond1

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This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Chirafisi.

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Find APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  Florida lawmakers on Monday began debating a package of bills to combat coronavirus vaccine mandates, continuing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' fight against virus rules.

The weeklong special legislative session in the GOP-controlled statehouse includes proposals to let workers opt out of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and allow parents to sue schools with masking requirements.

DeSantis has become one of the highest profile Republican governors in the country through his vocal opposition to lockdowns, mask rules and vaccine mandates. That has helped elevate his stature within the Republican party as he runs for reelection and eyes a potential 2024 bid. He called the special session amid continued public sparring with the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden over federal vaccine mandates.

The Republican measures would bar private businesses from having coronavirus vaccine mandates unless they allow exemptions for medical reasons, religious beliefs, proof of immunity based on a prior COVID-19 infection, regular testing and an agreement to wear protective gear. Employers would be subject to fines up to $50,000 for firing a worker without offering the exemptions. Another provision bars COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public school and government workers in Florida.

Democrats have denounced the special session as political theater meant to raise DeSantis' standing within the GOP.

I am sick and tired of having to be a pawn in Gov. Ron DeSantis' political ambitions," said Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat.

Florida Republicans argue the bills are necessary to prevent overreach by the White House.

We don't believe that the federal government should be in a position to force vaccines, said House Speaker Chris Sprowls, a Republican.

The DeSantis administration has previously sued the White House over a rule requiring vaccinations for federal contractors and recently joined more than two dozen other Republican-led states in lawsuits challenging another federal vaccine mandate for private businesses with 100 employees or more.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Former Kentucky lawmaker Sara Beth Gregory has filed to run for a circuit court judgeship next year.

Gregory, a Monticello resident, entered the race for circuit judge in the the 57th Judicial Circuit, which includes Russell and Wayne counties in southern Kentucky.

Gregory said she has been a practicing attorney since 2007 and currently serves as chief of staff for Kentucky State Auditor Mike Harmon. Gregory said she has a wide range of legal experience in civil and criminal cases, at the trial court and appellate levels.

She previously served in both the Kentucky House and Senate.

Gregory joined the state auditors office as general counsel in 2016 after working seven years as an attorney with a law firm in Monticello.
JERUSALEM (AP)  A Palestinian doctor appealed to Israel's Supreme Court on Monday to order the military to issue an official apology and compensation for a 2009 Israeli strike in Gaza that killed three of his daughters and a niece.

For 13 years, Izzeldin Abuelaish has sought justice for what he says was a terrible mistake by the Israeli army. A tank strike on his Gaza home during the 2009 war between Hamas militants and Israel killed his daughters Aya, 14, Bessan, 21, and Mayar, 15, as well as his niece Noor, 17. Another daughter survived but was wounded.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  An Idaho lawmaker who publicized the name of a 19-year-old intern who reported she was raped by another legislator has been stripped of a committee assignment.

Members of the Idaho House of Representatives voted 49-19 on Monday to remove Rep. Priscilla Giddings, a Republican from White Bird, from her seat on the Commerce and Human Resources Committee, for conduct unbecoming a legislator. The censure came after an ethics committee found that Giddings used social media posts and a newsletter to disseminate the name of a young legislative intern who reported that she was raped by one of Giddings' colleagues. The committee also unanimously found that Giddings repeatedly lied and was disrespectful and combative with the ethics committee as they investigated the matter.

Giddings has repeatedly refused to respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press, and on Monday ignored an AP reporter who asked her to comment on the censure.

Giddings faced criticism and complaints this year after sharing links to a far-right blog post that included the interns name, photo and details about her life with thousands of people in a newsletter and on social media. The intern subsequently faced extended harassment from supporters of the man who was accused in the rape case.

The intern had reported to police and legislative leaders that then-Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, a Republican from Lewiston, had raped her after they went out to dinner. Von Ehlinger denied any wrongdoing and said the sexual contact was consensual. An ethics committee found he engaged in conduct unbecoming a lawmaker, and he resigned before the full House could vote on whether to remove him from office.

Von Ehlinger was also criminally charged. He pleaded not guilty to rape and forcible penetration with a foreign object, and is scheduled to stand trial next spring.

On Monday, Giddings debated on the House floor against being censured. She took issue with the ethics committee's finances, the process the committee used for the hearing, and said stripping her of the committee assignment would actually help her out because it would give her more free time. Giddings also said she shared the link to the post that revealed the young woman's identity because she felt it was the only article that showed both sides of the story and that she wanted to support due process for von Ehlinger.

I would not have done anything differently, Giddings said on Monday. I think my intent was pure.

Rep. Scott Syme, a Republican from Caldwell, said he saw what happened at the ethics committee, and it's clear that Giddings was evasive in her testimony.

If you're not truthful, you're not truthful and that's really the crux of the issue here," he said.

In their report, the ethics committee said Giddings had a First Amendment right to post the link, but that didn't mean it it was right to do so.

Like all citizens, she is not free from the consequences of abusing, or imprudently exercising, that right in connection with a personnel matter, the ethics committee wrote in its report. Exposing an alleged victim's personal information may be construed as retaliation, could lead to bullying, and can cause such a chilling effect that future victims do not come forward.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  Idaho lawmakers in a first-ever move in state history reconvened the Legislature on Monday after more than five months off to put forward about three dozen bills dealing with COVID-19 vaccine and mask requirements.

The House never formally adjourned and came back at the request of Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke. The Senate, though it did adjourn in May, also showed up.

Normally, only the governor can summon lawmakers when they leave the Statehouse after adjourning. The Idaho attorney general's office says the Legislature reconvening is likely legal, but it's unprecedented and a court could decide otherwise, making any laws passed null.

Bedke, after getting the legislation sorted, sent to various committees and putting the House at recess late Monday morning, said the process would now play out.

I think that we were very lenient in introducing everybody's ideas, so now everyone of those bills is in the public domain, and everybody can pull those up and read them and study them and pick one they like, or come now with ideas as we go forward," he said.

But the process got off to a shaky start when one bill favored by Bedke as well as Republican Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Winder was rejected by a budget committee. The bill would have created a fund containing $2 million, controlled by Bedke and Winder, and allowed them to spend the money to insert the Legislature into a lawsuit to fight President Joe Bidens vaccine requirements. The committee rejected the bill on a 12-6 vote.

But court documents show that Bedke and Winder last week filed a motion in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to intervene in a lawsuit involving a new Biden administration rule requiring employers with more than 100 employees to require vaccinations or frequent testing.

Idaho as a state is already a part of that lawsuit, and the rule has been put on hold by a federal court.

Idaho is also signed on to a different lawsuit contesting a Biden executive order requiring federal workers get the COVID-19 vaccine or be tested.

Lawmakers opposed to the bill creating the $2 million fund noted Idaho is already involved in those lawsuits.

Also, lawmakers said, the state has two other funds to tap into for such legal action that currently have $5 million combined.

We dont need to create a new fund, Republican Rep. Ron Nate said.

There appears to be some overlap in some of the remaining bills, and nine got assigned to the House Health and Welfare Committee. But the committee is not scheduled to meet, meaning those bills wont get a hearing and are potentially dead.

Of the remaining bills, some were being taken up by committees with public hearings on Monday, with more hearings expected Tuesday.

One bill getting a public hearing involved not allowing employers to require employees get vaccinated to remain employed.

Another bill in the works would add natural immunity exemptions to vaccine requirements, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say a study has found that the vaccine provides better protection than natural immunity.

___

This story has been corrected to note that the House Health and Welfare Committee is not scheduled to meet, rather than that its chairman is absent.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP)  Judges in five Indiana courtrooms will allow news media to use cameras under a pilot project announced Monday by the state Supreme Court.

The four-month experiment will start Dec. 1 and could be extended, the court said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A newly enacted law seeking to block most Tennessee schools from implementing mask mandates will continue to be put on hold as a federal lawsuit moves forward, a judge determined Monday.

The move marks the latest flurry of confusion over the contentious statute signed last Friday by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. While the law banned several COVID-19 prevention efforts, questions over applying to the monthslong legal battle over school mask requirements has become the top fight.

Over the weekend, U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw ordered the status quo to be maintained for the plaintiffs seeking to overturn the school mask mandate ban. According to court documents, the plaintiffs consist of eight students ages 7 to 14 who have disabilities  making them more vulnerable to serious illness or death if they get COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. Yet questions remain if the halt applies statewide or just to the school districts of the plaintiffs.

Crenshaw declined to clarify when asked by an attorney representing Williamson County Board of Education during Monday's hearing, but acknowledged that school boards are impacted by his decision even if they're not currently involved in the legal battle.

An evidentiary hearing has been scheduled for Friday, and Crenshaw is expected to hand down a ruling after Thanksgiving.

Under the law, public schools and other government entities would only be allowed to require masks if they are in a county with a rolling average 14-day COVID-19 infection rate of at least 1,000 per 100,000 residents while the state is under a state of emergency. None of Tennessee's 95 counties currently meet that threshold.

But even if a school were to meet the threshold, mask mandates would be limited in use. The schools principal would have to request the mandate to the school board. If approved by the board, the mandate could only apply to that particular school  not the whole school district  and just up to 14 days. Religious and medical exemptions would be required.

Yet the bill does include schools among the entities eligible to apply for exemptions to the proposed vaccine and mask mandate bans. Those entities must reach out to the states comptrollers office and show they would lose federal funding by complying with the state law.

Before signing off on the new law, Lee had previously issued an executive order allowing parents to opt students out of school COVID-19 mask requirements  essentially undermining any mask mandate school officials chose to adopt.

Three federal judges blocked Lee's executive order in three different counties. Notably, Crenshaw blocked Lee's order in Williamson County, while two others did so in Shelby and Knox counties. As of Monday, mask mandates remained in place for those counties under Crenshaw's order.

In a memorandum sent Monday to public and private school officials, Shelby County Health Officer Bruce Randolph said orders by Nashville's Crenshaw and U.S. District Judge Sheryl Lipman in Memphis allow the county health departments order requiring masks for students, teachers, staff and visitors to remain in place. Randolphs memo came after three Shelby County suburbs that have their own school districts dropped their mask requirements for Monday classes.

Lipman had previously said Friday that a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of Lees order allowing parents to opt out of the mask requirement was still in place.

Schools have enjoyed a moderately low level of infection due to required masking, Randolph wrote. The risk of contracting COVID-19 increases when people are in an indoor environment among others who are unvaccinated.

Masks are a key virus-prevention tool that are most effective when worn by a large number of people, public health experts say. The CDC has again recommended them for schools, saying they dont pose health risks for children older than toddler age.

___

Associated Press writer Adrian Sainz contributed to this report from Memphis, Tennessee.
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP)  Libyas interim prime minister said Monday that he'll run for president if that's what the people want, a day after the son of the countrys late dictator Moammar Gadhafi emerged after years of hiding and announced his candidacy for the countrys top office.

The developments come as the date for long-planned elections, scheduled to take place on Dec. 24, draws nearer.

Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who is meant to lead the country until a winner is declared following national and presidential elections on Dec. 24, asked a cheering crowd at a youth rally: Its up to you. Do you want me to run in the elections, or do you not?

Dbeibah is barred from running under Libya's current elections laws.

On Sunday, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son and one-time heir apparent of Gadhafi, submitted papers in the southern town of Sabha declaring his candidacy. Seif al-Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, has spent years largely in hiding.

His father was removed from power in 2011 in a NATO-backed popular uprising, after more than 40 years in power, and was hunted down and killed amid the ensuing fighting that turned into a civil war.

Dbeibah has yet to officially announce his candidacy. Under Libyas elections laws, he would have had to step down from government duties more than three months before an election date. He also pledged when he was appointed to the interim position through U.N.-led talks that he would not run for office in the government that succeeded his. Those talks were marred by allegations of bribery.

In an apparent reference to the Gadhafi family, Dbeibah also referenced a recent controversy involving Libya's foreign minister who is facing suspension after telling the BBC that the government could work with the United States on extraditing a man wanted in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. The downing of the commercial flight over Scotland killed 270 people. Gadhafi's government had accepted responsibility for the attack and paid compensation to victims' families after years of sanctions.

Who got us to Lockerbie? Dbeibah asked the crowd. Who put us under sanctions, travel bans. It cannot be repeated.

The long-awaited vote still faces challenges, including unresolved issues over laws governing the elections, and occasional infighting among armed groups. Other obstacles include the deep rift that remains between the countrys east and west, split for years by the war, and the presence of thousands of foreign fighters and troops.

Seif al-Islams reemergence has already caused controversy in Libya. Gadhafis second-born son, he was captured by fighters in the town of Zintan late in 2011 and detained until 2017. Since then, he largely disappeared from the public eye until last July, when he told The New York Times in an exclusive interview that he was considering a run for the countrys top office.

Seif al-Islam, who has deeply rooted links to tribes across Libya, is the first major presidential hopeful to submit his candidacy to run for the countrys highest post. However, he is likely to face stiff resistance from armed groups and militias particularly in the capital, Tripoli, and the western town of Misrata.

Some Libyans have expressed dismay that the current front-runner in the largest elections since Gadhafi's time is his son.

I am against Seif al-Islams candidacy, because he is a person who is not convinced of democracy at all, said Tripoli resident Abdulmalik Al-Sufrani. "We know Seif and we know his stance during the February revolution, as he was fighting against the government that we were establishing.

Also widely expected to announce their bids are powerful military commander Khalifa Hifter from Libya's east, Parliament Speaker Agila Saleh and former Interior Minister Fathi Bashaga. Dbeibah could also become a contender, should the laws barring him be amended.

___

Associated Press writer Rami Musa in Benghazi, Libya, contributed to this report.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A Florida-based U.S. Navy flight officer has been convicted of buying guns for a Chinese businessman who was later convicted of export crimes.

Lt. Fan Yang, 36, also lied about his relationship with the businessman on security forms, authorities said.

Yang was found guilty Friday in Jacksonville federal court of conspiring to violate U.S. firearms laws, making false written statements to federally licensed firearms dealers during the purchase of two firearms and making false written statements as part of a security clearance background investigation, according to court records.

The Chinese-born American citizen faces up to 30 years in prison at a sentencing hearing scheduled for March 16.

Before becoming a commissioned naval officer, Yang formed a relationship online with Ge Songtao, a citizen of the Peoples Republic of China, according to an indictment. They eventually met in person in 2013, while Yang was in Navy flight training in Pensacola, prosecutors said.

In 2016, while Yang was stationed in Jacksonville, Yang recommended that Ge Songtao hire Yangs wife, Yang Yang, at Ge Songtao's China-based company, Shanghai Breeze Technology Co. Ltd. That company purchased maritime equipment in the U.S. that was designed for law enforcement and military missions and exported it to China.

Yang Yang received more than $300,000 in payments from Shanghai Breeze, its creditors and Ge Songtaos executive assistant and co-defendant, Zheng Yan, prosecutors said. The money was used to pay Yang Yangs salary, Shanghai Breezes expenses in the U.S. and for goods that Ge Songtao ordered the Yangs to purchase. The funds were frequently routed through the Yangs family business, BQ Tree LLC.

In 2017 and again in 2018, Fan Yang purchased two handguns for Ge Songtao, who later reimbursed the naval officer. In both cases, investigators said Fan Yang completed a Firearms Transactions Record where he falsely represented that he was purchasing the firearm for himself, rather than for Ge Songtao.

Although Ge Songtao employed Yangs wife, had been to the Yangs home and had paid for the Yangs to travel and visit him, prosecutors said Fan Yang consistently hid their relationship from the Navy.

While assigned as an instructor in 2019 at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School in Jacksonville, Yang completed and signed a background questionnaire as part of the renewal of his top secret security clearance. That questionnaire required the disclosure of any close or continuing contact with foreign nationals. Investigators said Yang failed to disclose the extent of his contacts with Ge Songtao and hid that he had maintained a bank account in China and possessed an expired Chinese passport.

Ge Songtao pleaded guilty last year to several charges related to trying to buy and ship inflatable military boats from the U.S. to China. He was sentenced in July to three years and six months in U.S. federal prison. Zheng Yan and Yang Yang also pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme and were sentenced to time served.
WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Three people have been arrested in Poland in connection with an antisemitic demonstration last week where far-right participants shouted Death to the Jews!, the country's interior minister said Monday.

The demonstration took place last Thursday, on Poland's Independence Day, in the central Polish city of Kalisz. Participants also burned a copy of a medieval document that offered Jews protection and rights in Polish lands.

Poland's Jewish community said in a statement Monday that Polish Jews have not experienced such contempt and hatred expressed in public for years.

Poland is our homeland. We are both Jews and Poles. We are asking, however, why our right to regard Poland as our home is being questioned ever more often and ever more openly? the Union of Jewish Religious Communities said.

Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski announced the arrests on Twitter, saying there is no consent to antisemitism and hatred based on nationality, religion or ethnicity.

In the face of the organizers of the disgraceful event in Kalisz, the Polish state must show its ruthlessness and determination, Kaminski said.

Polish authorities have faced questions as to why it took so long to make the arrests, given that the incident was widely reported in Poland.

One of those arrested is Wojciech Olszanski, a far-right activist also known as Aleksander Jablonowski, who said on burning the copy of the Statute of Kalisz, the 13th-century document laying out Jewish rights: We are abolishing Jewish rights in this land! and Death to the enemies of Poland!

The crowd responded with chants of Death! Death! Death!

Another is Piotr Rybak, who was given a prison sentence for burning an effigy of a Jew. In 2019, he went to the former Auschwitz death camp on the anniversary of its liberation and said: Its time to fight against Jewry and free Poland from them!

The public expression of hatred occurred on a holiday celebrating Poland's statehood, a day which in recent years has been overshadowed by far-right groups.

The Jewish community statement noted that Polish state and local governments have been giving up their role as the main organizer of Independence Day celebrations, thus letting the initiative be taken over by extreme right-wing organizations that use public assemblies to preach antisemitic, xenophobic, and homophobic words.

Unfortunately, some of these organizations benefit from public funding, it said.

Polish President Andrzej Duda strongly condemned the antisemitic incident on Sunday, while people in the city of Kalisz held a demonstration Sunday under the slogan Kalisz  free from fascism.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid welcomed the unequivocal condemnation by Polish authorities and said Jewish people expect the Polish government to act uncompromisingly against those who took part in this shocking display of hate.

Poland was for centuries one of the most welcoming European lands for Jews, with kings offering them protection after they fled persecution in German lands.

Polands Jewish community grew to become the largest in Europe in the 20th century, with some 3.3 million Jews on the eve of World War II. Most were murdered by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. Today the community is very small, numbering in the thousands.
HAWKINSVILLE, Ga. (AP)  The second of five prisoners who escaped a jail in south Georgia late Friday has been arrested, state police said Monday.

Lewis Wendell Evans III, 22, who was jailed on a charge of obstructing an officer, was arrested late Sunday in Warner Robbins, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on social media.
CLAYTON, Mo. (AP)  New COVID-19 cases in St. Louis County rose more than 40% in a week, pushing Missouri's largest county back above the federal government's high threshold for transmission, county officials said Monday.

A news release from the county said it re-entered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's high threshold as of Wednesday. St. Louis County's seven-day average for new cases jumped to 189 as of Sunday, up from 133 a week earlier.
BALLWIN, Mo. (AP)  Police have identified three teens killed in a fiery crash in a St. Louis suburb that also seriously injured two others.

The crash happened shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday near Ballwin when a car carrying the teens went out of control and slammed into a tree, then erupted in flames.
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Iqbal Akhtar, Florida International University

(THE CONVERSATION) Muslims see wealth as a gift and a divine dispensation. The Quran urges individuals to share their wealth and income with those of lesser means. Almsgiving is one of the five pillars of Islam  a fundamental practice within the faith.

One key way this happens is through Zakat, the mandatory yearly donation of 2.5% of ones net wealth. Islam requires all adults to give what they have in abundance to others.

In addition, Muslims may help others through other charitable practices such as sadaqa, which is mentioned in the Quran. Sadaqa is any additional giving that can serve this purpose of helping others. Shiite Muslims are expected to donate one-fifth of ones annual earnings, known as khums, to their spiritual head, the Imam, for charitable purposes.

Why Zakat matters

American Muslims constitute about 1% of the total population, and their average income is generally lower than non-Muslims. But because of Zakat and other practices, Muslims donate more to charity than others.

These charitable gifts can be invested for the communitys long-term benefit. Most of the Muslim worlds major mosques are funded by centuries-old endowments, known as awqaf. These endowments established education and social services for their communities long before the creation of modern nation-states.

An act of kindness

The ultimate earthly goal of Islam is the establishment of justice for all. Charity, then, is about more than just giving money.

Giving ones time to help others  such as volunteering, caregiving or an act of kindness  can also be a form of charity.

The Quran describes charity as a beautiful loan and likens making a donation to a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains.

Muslims believe that charity benefits the giver, receiver and the public. Above all, it honors the divine commandment to help those in need.

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The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. The Conversation is wholly responsible for the content.
CALGARY - Riley Fiddler-Schultz scored on the power play 3:39 into overtime to lift the Calgary Hitmen over the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-3 in a penalty-filled affair in the Western Hockey League on Sunday.

Zac Funk, Grayden Siepmann and Sean Tschigerl also scored for the Hitmen (7-7-0), which have won two straight. Fiddler-Schultz and Tschigerl each added two assists.
CASPER, Wyo. (AP)  The Wyoming Republican Party will no longer recognize Liz Cheney as a member of the GOP in its second formal rebuke for her criticism of former President Donald Trump.

The 31-29 vote Saturday in Buffalo, Wyoming, by the state party central committee followed votes by local GOP officials in about one-third of Wyoming's 23 counties to no longer recognize Cheney as a Republican.

In February, the Wyoming GOP central committee voted overwhelmingly to censure Cheney, Wyoming's lone U.S. representative, for voting to impeach Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Cheney has described her vote to impeach Trump as an act of conscience in defense of the Constitution. Trump incited the mob and lit the flame of that day's events, Cheney said after the attack.

It's laughable for anybody to suggest Cheney isn't a conservative Republican, Cheney spokesman Jeremy Adler said by text message Monday.

She is bound by her oath to the Constitution. Sadly a portion of the Wyoming GOP leadership has abandoned that fundamental principle and instead allowed themselves to be held hostage to the lies of a dangerous and irrational man, Adler added.

Cheney is now facing at least four Republican opponents in the 2022 primary including Cheyenne attorney Harriet Hageman, whom Trump has endorsed. Hageman in a statement called the latest state GOP central committee vote fitting, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.

"Liz Cheney stopped recognizing what Wyomingites care about a long time ago. When she launched her war against President Trump, she completely broke with where we are as a state, Hageman said.

In May, Republicans in Washington, D.C., removed Cheney from a top congressional GOP leadership position after she continued to criticize Trump's false claims that voter fraud cost him re-election.

Cheney had survived an earlier attempt to remove her as chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, a role that shapes GOP messaging in the chamber.
Former El Paso congressman Beto O'Rourke confirmed Monday that he is officially running for Texas governor in 2022. O'Rourke, who had a failed 2020 presidential campaign and lost his bid for U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz in 2018, confirmed in an interview with Texas Monthly that he will seek to become the first Democrat to win statewide office in Texas since 1994.

"It's true," O'Rourke told Texas Monthly when asked if he could confirm his candidacy. "I want to serve this state and try to bring the people of Texas together to do some of the really big work that is before us and get past this smallness and divisiveness that Greg Abbott has brought to Texas."

Abbott also faces at least three Republican challengers: former state senator Don Huffines, conservative commentator Chad Prather and former Texas GOP Chairman Allen West. Democrats Michael Cooper, president of the Beaumont NAACP who previously ran for lieutenant governor in 2018 and Deirdre Gilbert, an educator from the Houston area, are also confirmed to run, according to the Texas Tribune.

Conservative Texas leaders were quick to respond on social media Monday to O'Rourke's announcement. Sen. Ted Cruz shared a campaign song that says "If you're gonna run in Texas, you can't be a liberal man" and tweeted "With Beto's unsurprising announcement of yet another political run, it seems like a good time to reprise a classic."

An Abbott campaign news release responding to O'Rourke's campaign launch includes a gif of O'Rourke morphing into President Joe Biden with a title card reading "Wrong for America. Wrong for Texas."

In his Texas Monthly interview, O'Rourke called out recent legislature signed by Abbott restricting transgender K-12 students in the state from playing on teams that align with their gender identity. He also hammered the governor's controversial "critical race theory" law signed in June, as well as what he sees as a critical lack of leadership from the state house in its response to the electrical grid failure Texas' February freeze. O'Rourke also said Abbott mismanaged his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and that the state's abortion ban is resulting in a loss of job opportunities.

"There are really big things that we should be doing, like ensuring that we have a world-class public school system, making sure that the best jobs that are created in America are being created right here in Texas, and then moving forward on things that make a lot of common sense and that a lot of people in our state agree on, such as expanding Medicaid so more people can see a doctor and be well enough to pursue their career or their education," O'Rourke said in the interview.

When asked how he would have handled the state grid failure differently than Abbott, O'Rourke said he would work to weatherize the entire power grid and supply chain for electricity to prevent future catastrophes. "It should not be the Texas ratepayer who foots the bill at the end of the day," he added. "Because of Abbott's incompetence, you will now have an Abbott tax on almost every single utility bill, and you're looking at a fifteen percent surcharge on every bill that you get for the next ten years here in Texas."

O'Rourke told Texas Monthly he is confident he can overcome what he believes is tougher political climate and increased voter restriction efforts in the state. He pointed to voter turnout for his 2018 senate run, which produced the largest voter turnout in a midterm since 1970 and a five hundred percent increase in voter turnout from the previous race.

"I want to build on that and I want to bring even more people in and I really want to make sure that it is not Democrats versus Republicans," O'Rourke said. "Not only is that a not winning strategy for me as a candidate, that's not a winning strategy for us as a country. It's got to be how we make this state better for all Texans."
Kathy May was getting her four kids ready for another day at school in late October when she got an urgent voicemail from a friend.

OMG, OMG, this book, her friend said, alerting May to a book found by another parent in the library catalogue of Keller Independent School District, where their kids go, called Gender Queer: A Memoir, by Maia Kobabe.

I felt sick and disgusted, May said, recalling text messages her friend sent her showing sexually explicit illustrations from the book. She was angry that any kid could access that kind of book in a public high school without their parents knowledge.

The 239-page graphic novel depicts Kobabes journey of gender identity and sexual orientation. Kobabe, who is nonbinary, said it was written to help others who are struggling with gender identity to feel less alone. The book also explores questions around pronouns and hormone-blocking therapies.

I can absolutely understand the desire of a parent to protect their child from sensitive material. Im sympathetic to people who have the best interest of young people at heart, Kobabe, the 32-year-old author based in California, said in an interview with The Texas Tribune. I also want to have the best interest of young people at heart. There are queer youth at every high school  and those students, thats [who] Im thinking about, is the queer student who is getting left behind.

May didnt read the book, but what she saw  a few pages of explicit illustrations depicting oral sex  was disturbing to her. It took less than a day for May and other parents to get the book removed from the district. May tweeted that same day that after school officials had been notified, the book was removed from a students hands.

Gender Queer has become a lightning rod both nationwide and in Texas among some parents and Republican officials who say theyre worried public schools are trying to radicalize students with progressive teachings and literature.

Most recently, Gov. Greg Abbott and another GOP lawmaker have questioned the books presence in schools. Abbott has called for investigations into whether students have access to what he described as pornographic books in Texas public schools. And last month, state Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, sent a list of some 850 books about race and sexuality  including Kobabes  to school districts asking for information about how many are available on their campuses.

Across the state, books that tackle racial issues such as Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez and "New Kid" by Jerry Craft have been pulled from shelves after parental complaints. Leander ISD removed six books in the spring, including In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, which depicts an abusive same-sex relationship with descriptions of sex. Groups of Texas parents, often sharing information on Facebook groups, have mobilized to find books they deem inappropriate and have them banned from the schools.

The drama has unfolded against the backdrop of a national debate over critical race theory, an academic discipline that holds that racism is embedded in the countrys legal and structural systems. However, the label has been used by some Republicans to target a broader concern that kids are being indoctrinated by progressive teachings in schools.

Texas lawmakers passed two laws this year, that they labeled anti-critical race theory, to crack down on how teachers can talk about race in the classroom. And the issue has been in play up and down the ballot  and outside of Texas, including a GOP victory for the next Virginia governor, who campaigned on a pledge to ban the teaching of critical race theory.

We have a problem and need help. Our district has a ton of leftist teachers, librarians and counselors who push this plus SEL/CRT. Its literally a district run wild, May wrote in a tweet thread, where she shared the sexually explicit illustrations from Kobabes book. SEL is short for social and emotional learning, and CRT is short for critical race theory.

Please help us make parents aware of the danger of the cultural changes our society is making, when people say they're going after our kids, you need to listen, because they are, she said in her tweet.

The book

The graphic novel Gender Queer traces Kobabes own experiences growing up, as the author, whose pronouns are e/em/eir, struggled to identify as gay, bisexual or asexual.

At one point in the book, the author compares gender identity to a scale that was tilted toward being assigned female at birth, despite Kobabes efforts to be seen as gender neutral. The opposite side of the scale had other factors illustrated with lighter weights, such as short hair and baggy boy clothes. The image included in the book showed a person trying to add heavier weights labeled top surgery, hormones and pronoun to try to balance the scale.

A huge weight had been placed on one side, without my permission, Kobabe wrote. I was constantly trying to weigh down the other side. But the end goal wasnt masculinity  the goal was balance.

While there are illustrations of sexual content in the novel, Kobabe said that students need good, accurate, safe information about these topics instead of wildly having to search online and potentially stumble across misinformation.

Kobabe, who recommends the book to high school students or older, said there are other novels that have been in high school libraries for years about sexuality, relationships or identity. Kobabe also believes Gender Queer in particular became a flashpoint because it is an illustrated comic instead of just text, and that it would not have been singled out so quickly had it been released before the era of social media.

A person can more quickly flip it open, see one or two images that they disagree with and then decide that the book is not good without actually reading it, Kobabe said. To people who are challenging the book, please read the whole book and judge it based on the entire contents, not just a tiny snippet.

But for parents like May, they say their opposition to the novel isnt about the LGBTQ community. Its about whether these materials and images are appropriate for children.The only reason is because they are sexually explicit for minors, May said.

The parents

When May, a stay-at-home parent, saw the illustrations from Kobabes book, she couldnt believe what she was seeing. She said she and her family moved from California to the more conservative Texas about two years ago so she was shocked to see the leftism and progressivism in Texas schools. They landed at Keller ISD, which is a middle-class, majority white district north of Fort Worth with about 35,000 students.

That day, the images from Kobabes book were uploaded to a private Facebook group with thousands of Keller ISD parents by another parent, who also contacted the district about the book.

Within minutes of hearing from that parent, administrators removed it out of an abundance of caution, Keller ISD officials said. The district had one copy of the book in a high school library. It was removed pending an investigation to determine how the book was selected and ultimately made available to students. Keller ISD officials declined to name which school had the book.

But the Keller ISD parents didnt stumble upon the book by happenstance. They were on the hunt.

The Tarrant County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit organization aiming to support parental rights in education, had shared a list of books they identified as problem literature in schools. Keller ISD parents took that list and started combing through their own school library databases to find matches.

Kobabes book wasnt on the Tarrant County groups list, but it popped up as parents searched key words for titles with words like gender and queer.

The group of North Texas parents first started their efforts in September to expunge what theyve deemed pornographic material in Keller ISD after they found out the district had copies of Out of Darkness, an interracial love story.

May said the group initially became worried about Out of Darkness after an article surfaced in their Facebook group about a Lake Travis Independent School District parent who furiously confronted their school board about it, saying that it promoted anal sex.

The parents have asked for the book to be removed and are awaiting Keller ISDs response.

Perez, 37, an East Texas native who wrote Out of Darkness, said there is no depiction of the sex act in her book. The passage the parent was angry about was a reference to a female character being sexually harassed verbally by another character. The book itself is a love story between a Mexican American girl from San Antonio and an African American boy against the backdrop of a deadly natural gas leak explosion in 1937 in New London, Texas.

One of [the books] functions is to make us uncomfortable and I think that I'm really alarmed by the notion that discomfort is dangerous because, frankly, I think we should be uncomfortable about aspects of our history, she said.

Perez said the problem she has with this movement to remove books from schools is that parents already can specify to teachers and administrators that they dont want their children to read certain books  without having to ban it for all kids.

Gender Queer is the book that matters for some kid  and if it's not there, it can't give the sense of not being alone, Perez said.

The politics

A day before the book was discovered at Keller ISD, Krause, the Republican representative from Fort Worth, launched an inquiry into certain public school districts over the types of books they have, particularly if they pertain to race or sexuality or "make students feel discomfort." The lawmaker has said the inquiry could help with compliance with the new anti-critical race theory laws passed this year.

Krause, a member of the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus who chairs the House General Investigating Committee, sent out a list of some 850 books, asking that schools identify whether they have copies on campus. Krause has said he will not offer specifics related to how he developed or got the list of books, saying he does not want to compromise a pending or potential investigation by his committee.

Krauses list includes several books on topics such as race, sexuality and puberty, including Kobabes memoir. He did not respond to questions about how he was made aware of Kobabes novel. Most of the books on the list were written by women, people of color and LGBTQ writers. Some authors whose works appear on Krauses list say hes targeting literature specifically created for children and young adults that helps them feel seen and broadens their worldview.

Titles range from picture books like I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings to popular young adult novels such as Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews. Books that could show up on a college syllabus also made the list, including Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall and The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander.

The Texas Education Agency said in a statement that TEA does not comment on investigations that it may or may not have opened that havent yet closed.

In an Oct. 29 statement, four days after Krauses letter to school districts and three days after Kobabes book was removed from Keller ISD, state Rep. Jeff Cason, R-Bedford, asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to start a statewide investigation into the novel and others that may violate the Penal Code in relation to pornography, child pornography and decency laws. Cason also asked Paxton to look into the legal ramifications for school districts that approved such books.

Neither a spokesperson for Cason nor the lawmakers office responded to a question regarding how Cason became aware of the book. And the attorney generals office has not responded to repeated requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Abbott has asked state education officials to develop statewide standards for blocking books with overtly sexual content in schools, specifically citing books by Kobabe and Machado. The governor most recently asked the TEA to investigate criminal activity related to the availability of pornography in schools  though its unclear why Abbott asked the agency instead of the states policing arm.

Heads of the TEA and State Board of Education, in response to Abbotts request to develop statewide standards, said in statements that they planned to comply.

Christine Malloy, the Keller ISD parent who first alerted the district about her concerns with the book, said theyre happy their work on the issue has apparently grabbed the attention of state leaders.

The fact that the state governor got involved should show people that it's an alarming issue, she said.

But Democrats have criticized the movement as attempted censorship and the latest attack by conservatives on the LGBTQ community and communities of color.

We should be working to build the most inclusive Texas  not targeting our diverse populations, said state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, a Clint Democrat who chairs the LGBTQ Caucus. It is also highly concerning that these attacks are now being aimed at our education system, which for a long time has been a sacred space for nonpartisan politics.

Houston Democratic state Rep. Harold Dutton, chair of the House Public Education Committee, said in a Nov. 1 letter that Krauses book inquiry was at worst  a bald political stunt that callously blurs the distinction between governing and campaigning. Krause is running for attorney general.

The backlash

But the scrutiny over school library books, which is largely being driven by white parents, is already a nationwide political phenomenon.

Emboldened by the debate around critical race theory, while piggybacking off of a furor by many conservative parents over school mask mandates, Moms for Liberty, was founded in Florida in January 2020. It has grown rapidly with about 60,000 members across the country, aiming to stand up for parental rights at all levels of government.

Malloy said the pandemic sending kids home for virtual learning gave many parents a better look at what they were being taught.

2020 is behind it. I think it was a gift, Malloy said. It gave us all time to pay attention to what's going on, what our kids are being taught  what they were seeing.

Mary Lowe, chair of the Moms for Liberty Tarrant County chapter, said the main focus of her chapter right now is to get rid of sexually explicit books in schools regardless of whether the content aligns with one sexual preference over the other.

If parents want to expose their children to those kinds of books, they can go to a public library, she said.

The Tarrant County chapter launched around July and has amassed about 1,700 members since, Lowe said.

Lowe said she has meetings with different superintendents in Tarrant County to talk about what they can do to remove these books.

Moms for Liberty has a strong stance that there are an enormous amount of literary books that are more aligned with academics and expanding the mind without such a heavy focus on sexual content, she said.

The broader issue, including what's to come of those statewide standards in the coming weeks, is a concern for some LGBTQ advocacy groups that argue this is just the latest example in a pattern of Republican officials attempting to single out LGBTQ kids in the state  and how that may impact families and workers.

If you have a kid whos part of the LGBTQ community, you could have them asking: Is this a safe place for my kid? said Jessica Shortall, managing director of Texas Competes, a coalition of more than 1,200 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry association that advocates for equality. "And then you have people who know and love LGBTQ people but maybe arent in that community asking themselves: Does this place represent my values?

Disclosure: Facebook has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/11/12/gender-queer-texas-books-investigation/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Richard W. Rodriguez, FRE / Associated Press

Beto O'Rourke officially announced he is running for governor of Texas on Monday, November 15. He broke the news after months of speculation he would challenge Governor Greg Abbott. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said "it won't be easy, but it is possible."

"I do believe, very strongly, from listening to people in this state that they're very unhappy with the direction that Greg Abbott has taken Texas," O'Rouke said.
A. The board should increase their bid.

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The majority of Canadians support current immigration levels, believe that immigrants are beneficial for the economy and play an important role in the growth of the country's population.

Canadians remain largely supportive of immigration, new survey finds The majority of Canadians support current immigration levels, believe that immigrants are beneficial for the economy and play an important role in the growth of the country's population.

Canadians remain largely supportive of immigration, new survey finds The majority of Canadians support current immigration levels, believe that immigrants are beneficial for the economy and play an important role in the growth of the country's population.

Canadians remain largely supportive of immigration, new survey finds The majority of Canadians support current immigration levels, believe that immigrants are beneficial for the economy and play an important role in the growth of the country's population. Alexandra Miekus Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Despite the pandemic, the majority of Canadians continue to hold positive views on key aspects of immigration, a new Environics Institute survey has found.

The Environics Institute conducted telephone interviews with 2,000 Canadians between September 7 and 23, 2021 to see if their views on immigration and refugees have changed over the past year.

According to the findings of the public opinion research institutes Fall 2021 Focus Canada survey Canadians views on immigration and refugees remained mostly stable over the past 12 months.

A clear majority supports current levels of immigration, views immigrants as good for the Canadian economy, and believes they are important for building the countrys population, the survey found.

The report comes at a time when Canada is moving beyond the crisis phase of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Immigration issues have been somewhat sidelined during this period, but are beginning to resurface. The objectives of this survey were, therefore, in part, to understand how the challenges and stresses of the past year have affected Canadians capacity for openness to others.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The majority disagreed with the statement that there is too much immigration to Canada

Two-thirds (65 per cent) of Canadians, reject the idea that immigration levels in Canada are too high. This figure is virtually unchanged from the previous Focus Canada survey conducted in September 2020.

However, over the past 12 months, among Atlantic Canadians, Manitobans, and Saskatchewanians, this sentiment has weakened by 7 to 8 percentage points. In Quebec, attitudes are essentially unchanged from a year ago, while among Albertans they are up by a slight 3 points.

The views of first-generation Canadians, those born in another country, have changed considerably since 2020, with a nine-point increase in the number of people in this group who agree with the statement. This proportion now stands at 36 per cent, compared to 27 per cent for those born in Canada.

Differences in attitudes toward immigration levels were also found among supporters of Canadas various federal political parties.

Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Liberal Party supporters, agree with current immigration levels. Among New Democratic Party supporters, the figure is 81 per cent.

Just over half (54 per cent) of Conservative Party of Canada supporters think that immigration levels are adequate. Bloc Quebecois supporters are more likely than last year to endorse current immigration levels, at 70 per cent.

Canadas goal under the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan is to welcome at least 401,000 new immigrants annually starting this year.

Most Canadians agree that immigration is necessary to increase the population

More than half (57 per cent) of those surveyed agree that Canada needs more immigration to increase its population, while 37 per cent disagree and 6 per cent have no clear opinion on the matter.

These results are essentially the same as in 2020, but according to the poll, they reflect a sea change in perspective from the 1980s and 1990s, when most Canadians firmly rejected the premise.

Immigration is good for the economy, according to a large majority

The vast majority of Canadians (80 per cent) agree that the economic impact of immigration is positive. Though, that number is down four points from 12 months ago and marks a reversal from an upward trend that began in 2018, according to the survey.

In addition, 76 per cent agree that the government should encourage more entrepreneurs to immigrate to the country and start new businesses, with nearly 39 per cent strongly supporting this position.

Support for government efforts to attract more immigrant entrepreneurs is evident across the country, with agreement with the statement most prevalent in Atlantic Canada (79 per cent) and Ontario (81 per cent), as well as among first-generation Canadians (82 per cent) and Liberal Party supporters (85 per cent), and in each case close to half say they strongly agree with the statement, the report says.

In general, the trend of openness to immigrants and refugees among Canadians continues, even in the face of a global pandemic that has shattered economies and inflamed nationalist sentiments in many other countries around the world.

Many Canadians continue to associate the uniqueness of their country with values such as multiculturalism, inclusion, and acceptance of newcomers. These values take precedence over attributes such as freedom, democracy, or land. Hardly any Canadians see immigration as a major problem in the country today, according to the survey.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Economic-class, family-class immigration, study and work permit options for Indians who want to move to Canada.

How to immigrate to Canada from India Economic-class, family-class immigration, study and work permit options for Indians who want to move to Canada.

How to immigrate to Canada from India Economic-class, family-class immigration, study and work permit options for Indians who want to move to Canada.

How to immigrate to Canada from India Economic-class, family-class immigration, study and work permit options for Indians who want to move to Canada. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Most new Canadian immigrants come from India. Every year, tens of thousands of Indians move to Canada, making it home to the eighth-largest Indian diaspora in the world. If you want to be one of them, you have a number of pathways to choose from.

In this article, we hope to help you review your options for economic and family class immigration, as well as your work and study options. There are more than 100 economic-class immigration programs, including the Express Entry-managed programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and others.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

It will be good to keep in mind that although Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posts estimated processing times on its website, actual processing times may differ, especially since the pandemic created a backlog in applications.

In terms of costs, the IRCC website will have the most up-to-date information on processing fees. There will also be hidden fees that you will encounter, such as the cost of a language test, medical exam, and others.

Without further ado, here are some of the pathways to immigrate to Canada from India.

Express Entry

Express Entry is the most popular Canadian immigration pathway. It is an online system, which manages applications for three immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

If you are eligible for one of these programs, you can enter your information into the Express Entry pool of candidates, and get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

You get points for your age, education, language ability in English or French, and skilled work experience. IRCC determines what is skilled work based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Occupations that fall under skill levels 0, A, or B are considered skilled and therefore eligible for CRS points.

The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular rounds of invitation.

Provincial Nominee Program

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are developed by Canadian provinces and territories, with the goal of supporting the regional labour market challenges. Almost all of Canadas provinces and territories participate in the program, except for Nunavut and Quebec.

There are two types of PNPs: enhanced programs, which are aligned with Express Entry; and base programs which operate independently.

Enhanced programs pull from the Express Entry pool of candidates. If you receive a provincial nomination through one of these PNPs, you get 600 CRS points added to your overall score. This award will push you to the top of the pool, priming you to receive an ITA in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

Base PNPs can be an option for people who are not eligible for Express Entry. To immigrate through a base PNP, you apply to the province, and if you are eligible, get a nomination. With your certificate in hand, you can then apply for permanent residence to the federal government.

Study then work in Canada

Immigrants who worked and studied in Canada before getting permanent residency have shown to have a higher earning potential than those who come directly from abroad. According to a recent study, almost half of Indian international students became permanent residents within five years of getting their study permit, more than any other country. That being said, the international student route is not for everyone.

International students pay significantly more for tuition than Canadian students. Depending on the school you go to, and the study program you are in, you may be eligible for scholarship opportunities.

In order to study in Canada you need a study permit. It allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during academic breaks.

Indians may be eligible for an expedited study permit through the Student Direct Stream if they meet the programs eligibility criteria, like having paid the first years tuition.

Certain programs will make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This highly sought-after work permit allows you to work anywhere for any employer in Canada. It usually lasts as long as the study program, so a one-year study program can qualify you for a one-year PGWP.

If you do plan to take advantage of the PGWP, which is only available once in a lifetime, make sure you are enrolled in a program that will allow you to be eligible for it. Such programs are at least eight months in length and must be from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada. In addition, you must have studied full time during each academic session of the study program in order to use that experience toward the PGWP. There are also certain cases where international students may be ineligible for the PGWP.

Canadian work permits

There are two broad categories that Canadian work permits fall under: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The main difference between the TFWP and IMP is that the TFWP requires the Canadian employer to get what is called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In simple terms, the LMIA process is a way to prove that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market.

That being said, the Global Talent Stream, which operates under the TFWP, is a work permit program that allows tech workers in certain occupations or who are hired at participating companies to get an expedited work permit. The employer does not have to do the advertising requirement of the LMIA, and so it gets processed much faster.

LMIAs are not needed for the IMP, because the program exists to promote Canadas broad economic, social, and cultural policy objectives. This program is broken down further into categories such as Significant Benefit, and Charitable and Religious workers.

An example of an IMP program is the Intra-Company Transfer. This program is for key personnel in certain positions, who wish to transfer from their branch in India to a location in Canada.



Family-class sponsorship

Canada allows citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, children, or parents and grandparents. Canadians can only sponsor relatives like a brother, sister, aunt or uncle in specific circumstances. They cannot sponsor relatives who are considered criminally or medically inadmissible.

In order to be eligible to be sponsored as a spouse or common-law partner you must be over the age of 18, and in an ongoing, genuine relationship with a Canadian who can financially support you and any children you may have.

If your spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen, they can sponsor from abroad. Permanent residents, however, must sponsor you from inside the country.

You, as the spouse, can be inside or outside Canada throughout the process. If you are in India, or another country, you will be processed as an outland applicant. From inside Canada, IRCC will process you as an inland applicant, and you may be able to get a spousal Open Work Permit.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a pathway to permanent residence for parents and grandparents of Canadians. The program currently operates like a lottery system, where there is a temporary intake window where IRCC accepts interest to sponsor forms. The immigration department then invites candidates to apply for permanent residence. An alternative option to the PGP is the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time.

Canadians can also sponsor their biological or adopted children who are under the age of 22.

Discover if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
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Amana, Iowa

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Population in 2010: 442.

Males: 155 (35.1%) Females: 287 (64.9%)

Median resident age: 50.1 years Iowa median age: 38.5 years

Zip codes: 52203.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $62,629

Amana: $62,629 IA: $61,691

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $34,732



Amana CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $163,953 Amana: $163,953 IA: $158,900

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $240,448; detached houses: $239,744 $62,629$34,732$163,953$240,448;$239,744

March 2019 cost of living index in Amana: 81.9 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 0.0%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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According to our research of Iowa and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Amana, Iowa as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Amana is 370 to 1.





Ancestries: German (57.3%), Greek (11.8%), Czech (10.4%), English (10.4%), Irish (6.6%), Swedish (3.3%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Elevation: 740 feet

Latitude: 41.80 N, Longitude: 91.87 W

Area code: 319

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 2.1% Iowa: 3.1%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 77.6. This is about average. City: 77.6 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2018 was 0.217. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 15.4 miles away from the city center. City: 0.217 U.S.: 0.267

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 0.224. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 12.6 miles away from the city center. City: 0.224 U.S.: 1.789

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 30.9. This is about average. Closest monitor was 12.6 miles away from the city center. City: 30.9 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 8.60. This is about average. Closest monitor was 15.4 miles away from the city center. City: 8.60 U.S.: 8.46

Tornado activity: Amana-area historical tornado activity is near Iowa state average. It is 101% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 6/7/1984, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 15.3 miles away from the Amana place center killed 3 people and injured 64 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages. On 8/12/1974, a category F4 tornado 16.3 miles away from the place center injured 2 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Amana-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 151% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 313.0 miles away from the city center

On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 294.3 miles away from Amana center

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 313.0 miles away from the city center

On 6/28/2004 at 06:10:52, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 155.4 miles away from the city center

On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi) earthquake occurred 460.1 miles away from Amana center

On 6/18/2002 at 17:37:15, a magnitude 5.0 (4.3 MB, 4.6 MW, 5.0 LG) earthquake occurred 341.5 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Iowa County (21) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 18

Emergencies Declared: 1



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 15, Storms: 14, Tornadoes: 6, Winds: 2, Winter Storms: 2, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Snow: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers in Amana: ESSENCE OF LIFE (3207 220TH TRAIL)

COLONIAL MANOR OF AMANA (3207 220TH TRAIL) Other hospitals and medical centers near Amana: IOWA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (Home Health Center, about 11 miles away; MARENGO, IA)

MARENGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (Dialysis Facility, about 11 miles away; MARENGO, IA)

MARENGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Critical Access Hospitals (about 11 miles away; MARENGO, IA)

Critical Access Hospitals HIGHLAND RIDGE CARE CENTER, LLC (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; WILLIAMSBURG, IA)

HOSPICE OF COMPASSION (Hospital, about 12 miles away; WILLIAMSBURG, IA)

HERITAGE NURSING AND REHAB CENTE (Nursing Home, about 14 miles away; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA)

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOSPITAL AND CLINICS - NORTH LIBERTY (Dialysis Facility, about 15 miles away; NORTH LIBERTY, IA)

Airports located in Amana: Amana Airport (C11) (Runways: 1, Itinerant Ops: 330, Local Ops: 920, Military Ops: 30)

Operable nuclear power plant near Amana: 19 miles: Duane Arnold in Palo, IA.



Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Amana: Kirkwood Community College ( about 14 miles; Cedar Rapids, IA ; Full-time enrollment: 11,503)

14 ; 11,503) University of Iowa ( about 20 miles; Iowa City, IA ; FT enrollment: 24,735)

20 ; 24,735) Hawkeye Community College ( about 50 miles; Waterloo, IA ; FT enrollment: 7,160)

50 ; 7,160) University of Northern Iowa ( about 58 miles; Cedar Falls, IA ; FT enrollment: 10,816)

58 ; 10,816) Indian Hills Community College ( about 59 miles; Ottumwa, IA ; FT enrollment: 4,034)

59 ; 4,034) Saint Ambrose University ( about 70 miles; Davenport, IA ; FT enrollment: 3,053)

70 ; 3,053) Eastern Iowa Community College District (about 70 miles; Davenport, IA; FT enrollment: 5,507)

Points of interest: Click to draw/clear place borders Notable locations in Amana: Amana Colonies RV Park (A) , Amana (B) , Wool Will Machine Shop Museum (C) , Museum of Amana History (D) . Display/hide their locations on the map Church in Amana: Iowa City Bible Fellowship (A) . Display/hide its location on the map Tourist attractions: Amana Heritage Museum (4310 220th Trail), Colony Visits Heritage Destinations (Tours & Charters; 715 13th Avenue). Hotels: Holiday Inn (PO Box 187), Guest House Motel (4712 220th Trail).

Iowa County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Amana that have no violations reported: HIGH AND WEST AMANA WATER SUPPLY ( Population served: 250 , Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

250 Groundwater) HOMESTEAD WATER SUPPLY (Population served: 148, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

Average household size: This place: 2.2 people Iowa: 2.4 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 64.8% Whole state: 64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 4.5% Whole state: 6.7%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.0% of all households

0.0% Gay men: 0.5% of all households

Banks with branches in Amana (2011 data): U.S. Bank National Association: Cedar Rapids - Amana Branch at 509 39th Avenue, branch established on 1973/07/09. Info updated 2012/01/30: Bank assets: $330,470.8 mil, Deposits: $236,091.5 mil, headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, positive income, 3121 total offices, Holding Company: U.S. Bancorp

For population 15 years and over in Amana: Never married: 19.6%

19.6% Now married: 62.4%

62.4% Separated: 5.2%

5.2% Widowed: 7.4%

7.4% Divorced: 5.4%

For population 25 years and over in Amana: High school or higher: 93.5%

93.5% Bachelor's degree or higher: 19.5%

19.5% Graduate or professional degree: 3.1%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 8.7 Iowa average: 10.3



Religion statistics for Amana, IA (based on Iowa County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 4,297 15 Catholic 2,633 4 Mainline Protestant 2,561 14 Other 3 1 None 6,861 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 4 Iowa County : 2.52 / 10,000 pop. Iowa : 2.14 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 13 Iowa County : 8.20 / 10,000 pop. State : 5.55 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 16 Here : 10.09 / 10,000 pop. State : 8.01 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: This county : 8.5% Iowa : 7.8% Adult obesity rate: Iowa County : 29.4% Iowa : 27.3% Low-income preschool obesity rate: This county : 19.4% State : 14.5%

5.48% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($44,795 average adjusted gross income) Here: 5.48% Iowa average: 5.97% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Johnson County, IA 1.23% ($49,108 average AGI) from Linn County, IA 1.01% ($45,647) from Benton County, IA 0.50% ($37,324)

Businesses in Amana, IA FedEx: 1

1 MasterBrand Cabinets: 2

Strongest AM radio stations in Amana: KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) WMT (600 AM; 5 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) KCJJ (1630 AM; 10 kW; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: RIVER CITY RADIO, INC.)

RIVER CITY RADIO, INC.) WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) WSUI (910 AM; 5 kW; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)

THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) KCRG (1600 AM; 5 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.)

CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.) KXIC (800 AM; 1 kW; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) KMJM (1360 AM; 1 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) KMRY (1450 AM; 1 kW; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: SELLERS BROADCASTING, INC.)

SELLERS BROADCASTING, INC.) KDNZ (1650 AM; 10 kW; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: FIFE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LLC)

FIFE COMMUNICATIONS CO., LLC) KCNZ (1250 AM; 10 kW; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: FIFE COMMUNICATION COMPANY, L.C.)

FIFE COMMUNICATION COMPANY, L.C.) WSCR (670 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WTMJ (620 AM; 50 kW; MILWAUKEE, WI; Owner: JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION) Strongest FM radio stations in Amana: KRNA (94.1 FM; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) KDAT (104.5 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) KZIA (102.9 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: KZIA, INC.)

KZIA, INC.) KSUI (91.7 FM; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA)

THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) KUNI (90.9 FM; CEDAR FALLS, IA; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA)

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA) KCCK-FM (88.3 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE)

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE) KFMW (107.9 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) KHAK (98.1 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) KKRQ (100.7 FM; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) WMT-FM (96.5 FM; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) KOKZ (105.7 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) KOEL-FM (92.3 FM; OELWEIN, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) KSKB (99.1 FM; BROOKLYN, IA; Owner: FLORIDA PUBLIC RADIO, INC.)

FLORIDA PUBLIC RADIO, INC.) KNWS-FM (101.9 FM; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE) TV broadcast stations around Amana: KFXA ( Channel 28; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: SECOND GENERATION OF IOWA, LTD.)

28; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; SECOND GENERATION OF IOWA, LTD.) KGAN ( Channel 2; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: KGAN LICENSEE, LLC)

2; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; KGAN LICENSEE, LLC) KCRG-TV ( Channel 9; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.)

9; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; CEDAR RAPIDS TELEVISION CO.) KWWL ( Channel 7; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: RAYCOM AMERICA, INC.)

7; WATERLOO, IA; RAYCOM AMERICA, INC.) KWKB ( Channel 20; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: KM TELEVISION OF IOWA, L.L.C.)

20; IOWA CITY, IA; KM TELEVISION OF IOWA, L.L.C.) KIIN ( Channel 12; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)

12; IOWA CITY, IA; IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD) KRIN ( Channel 32; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)

32; WATERLOO, IA; IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD) KCDE-LP ( Channel 67; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

67; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION) KCDR-LP ( Channel 55; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

55; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION) KHHH-LP ( Channel 57; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

57; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION) KRUB-LP ( Channel 65; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

65; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION) K17ET ( Channel 17; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

17; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) KPXR ( Channel 48; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; Owner: PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)

48; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE COMPANY, LLC) KYOU-TV ( Channel 15; OTTUMWA, IA; Owner: WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.)

15; OTTUMWA, IA; WAITT BROADCASTING, INC.) K64DG (Channel 64; IOWA CITY, IA; Owner: R B SHELDAHL)

Amana fatal accident list: May 13, 2005 08:45 PM, 48th Ave, Lat: 41.798410, Lon: -91.865720, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1

Sep 21, 2001 03:40 AM, 16th Ave, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1, Drunk persons involved: 1

Nov 28, 1997 07:44 PM, 151, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 6, Fatalities: 1



National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

20 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 226ft / 69.1m Total length

Total length 33,445 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 2,610 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 33,445 Total future (year 2036) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

1 1930-1939

2 1940-1949

3 1950-1959

4 1960-1969

3 1970-1979

2 1980-1989

1 2000-2009

4 2010-2018 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Amana, IA

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 9. The highest number of fire incidents - 15 took place in 2015, and the least - 1 in 2011. The data has a declining trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Amana, IA



75 51.4% Outside Fires



45 30.8% Structure Fires



21 14.4% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



5 3.4% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Outside Fires (51.4%), and Structure Fires (30.8%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Amana, IA

Houses and condos Apartments 94.0% Utility gas

6.0% Electricity 100.0% Utility gas





Amana compared to Iowa state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Median age above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Number of college students significantly below state average.

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Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania

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Population in 2010: 891.

Males: 443 (49.8%) Females: 448 (50.2%)

Median resident age: 36.7 years Pennsylvania median age: 40.8 years

Zip codes: 17214.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $62,484

Blue Ridge Summit: $62,484 PA: $63,463

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $31,022



Blue Ridge Summit CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $187,500 Blue Ridge Summit: $187,500 PA: $192,600

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $181,206; detached houses: $180,836 $62,484$31,022$187,500$181,206;$180,836

Median gross rent in 2019: $659.

March 2019 cost of living index in Blue Ridge Summit: 88.4 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 1.6%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... Based on 2000-2020 data Loading data...

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647 96.3% White alone 18 2.7% Black alone

Races in Blue Ridge Summit detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Pennsylvania and other state lists, there were 2 registered sex offenders living in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Blue Ridge Summit is 427 to 1.





Ancestries: German (30.4%), American (19.6%), English (11.9%), Irish (8.1%), Polish (6.7%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 1340 feet

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $1,792 (1.0%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $2,352 (1.4%)



Latitude: 39.72 N, Longitude: 77.47 W

Area code: 717

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 4.7% Pennsylvania: 6.1%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO NO 2 SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 73.3. This is about average. City: 73.3 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2018 was 0.106. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 14.3 miles away from the city center. City: 0.106 U.S.: 0.267

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 1.02. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 7.6 miles away from the city center. City: 1.02 U.S.: 5.56

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 0.424. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 7.6 miles away from the city center. City: 0.424 U.S.: 1.789

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 30.8. This is about average. Closest monitor was 13.5 miles away from the city center. City: 30.8 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 7.77. This is about average. Closest monitor was 16.0 miles away from the city center. City: 7.77 U.S.: 8.46

Tornado activity: Blue Ridge Summit-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Pennsylvania state average. It is 1% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/22/1983, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 11.9 miles away from the Blue Ridge Summit place center caused between $5000 and $50,000 in damages. On 4/16/1961, a category F3 tornado 22.7 miles away from the place center caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Blue Ridge Summit-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Pennsylvania state average. It is 56% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 8/23/2011 at 17:51:04, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.7 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 128.0 miles away from Blue Ridge Summit center

On 9/25/1998 at 19:52:52, a magnitude 5.2 (4.8 MB, 4.3 MS, 5.2 LG, 4.5 MW, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 196.2 miles away from Blue Ridge Summit center

On 1/16/1994 at 01:49:16, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, 4.6 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 86.8 miles away from Blue Ridge Summit center

On 8/25/2011 at 05:07:52, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 ML, Depth: 4.2 mi) earthquake occurred 125.8 miles away from the city center

On 1/31/1986 at 16:46:43, a magnitude 5.0 (5.0 MB) earthquake occurred 233.0 miles away from Blue Ridge Summit center

On 12/9/2003 at 20:59:18, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 ML, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 139.1 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Franklin County (18) is near the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 14

Emergencies Declared: 4



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 5, Storms: 4, Winter Storms: 4, Hurricanes: 3, Snowstorms: 3, Tropical Storms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Heavy Rain: 1, Mudslide: 1, Snowfall: 1, Tropical Depression: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Blue Ridge Summit: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE WAYNESBORO (Dialysis Facility, about 6 miles away; WAYNESBORO, PA)

WAYNESBORO HOSPITAL Acute Care Hospitals (about 6 miles away; WAYNESBORO, PA)

Acute Care Hospitals ST. VINCENT CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; EMMITSBURG, MD)

ST JOSEPH'S MINISTRIES (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; EMMITSBURG, MD)

QUINCY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; WAYNESBORO, PA)

AVALON MANOR (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; HAGERSTOWN, MD)

NMS HEALTHCARE OF HAGERSTOWN, LLC (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; HAGERSTOWN, MD)

Amtrak station near Blue Ridge Summit: 18 miles: HAGERSTOWN (GREYHOUND STA., 10527 SHARPSTOWN PK.) - Bus Station . Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar.

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Blue Ridge Summit: Mount St Mary's University ( about 8 miles; Emmitsburg, MD ; Full-time enrollment: 2,313)

8 ; 2,313) Hagerstown Community College ( about 13 miles; Hagerstown, MD ; FT enrollment: 3,220)

13 ; 3,220) Gettysburg College ( about 15 miles; Gettysburg, PA ; FT enrollment: 2,772)

15 ; 2,772) Frederick Community College ( about 20 miles; Frederick, MD ; FT enrollment: 3,798)

20 ; 3,798) Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania ( about 24 miles; Shippensburg, PA ; FT enrollment: 7,051)

24 ; 7,051) Shepherd University ( about 27 miles; Shepherdstown, WV ; FT enrollment: 3,745)

27 ; 3,745) McDaniel College (about 27 miles; Westminster, MD; FT enrollment: 2,558) Private high school in Blue Ridge Summit: LIVING WORD ACADEMY (Students: 14, Location: 13722 MONTEREY LN, Grades: PK-12)

Points of interest: Click to draw/clear place borders Notable locations in Blue Ridge Summit: Blue Ridge Station (A) , Blue Ridge Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad (B) . Display/hide their locations on the map

Franklin County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Average household size: This place: 2.3 people Pennsylvania: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 60.5% Whole state: 65.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 9.4% Whole state: 6.6%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.0% of all households

0.0% Gay men: 0.5% of all households

Banks with branches in Blue Ridge Summit (2011 data): Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company: Blue Ridge Summit Branch at 13102 Monterey Lane, branch established on 1964/05/11. Info updated 2011/08/08: Bank assets: $76,887.1 mil, Deposits: $60,064.2 mil, headquarters in Buffalo, NY, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 808 total offices, Holding Company: M&T Bank Corporation

For population 15 years and over in Blue Ridge Summit: Never married: 31.1%

31.1% Now married: 43.6%

43.6% Separated: 1.2%

1.2% Widowed: 7.6%

7.6% Divorced: 16.5%

For population 25 years and over in Blue Ridge Summit: High school or higher: 92.5%

92.5% Bachelor's degree or higher: 23.1%

23.1% Graduate or professional degree: 11.3%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 8.1 Pennsylvania average: 11.3



Religion statistics for Blue Ridge Summit, PA (based on Franklin County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 19,930 139 Mainline Protestant 19,147 81 Catholic 10,259 6 Other 1,564 6 Black Protestant 883 5 Orthodox 120 1 None 97,715 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 24 Franklin County : 1.69 / 10,000 pop. Pennsylvania : 2.04 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 1 Here : 0.07 / 10,000 pop. Pennsylvania : 0.09 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 9 This county : 0.64 / 10,000 pop. Pennsylvania : 0.88 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 41 Franklin County : 2.89 / 10,000 pop. Pennsylvania : 2.52 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 89 This county : 6.28 / 10,000 pop. Pennsylvania : 7.12 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Franklin County : 8.3% Pennsylvania : 9.1% Adult obesity rate: Franklin County : 27.2% Pennsylvania : 27.2% Low-income preschool obesity rate: This county : 10.9% State : 11.5%

4.25% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($45,825 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.25% Pennsylvania average: 4.58% 0.04% of residents moved from foreign countries ($493 average AGI) Franklin County: 0.04% Pennsylvania average: 0.03%

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Cumberland County, PA 0.64% ($36,797 average AGI) from Washington County, MD 0.61% ($44,228) from Adams County, PA 0.23% ($41,477)



4.66% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($45,649 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.66% Pennsylvania average: 4.96% 0.60% of residents moved to foreign countries ($5,112 average AGI) Franklin County: 0.60% Pennsylvania average: 0.04%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Cumberland County, PA 0.69% ($42,517 average AGI) to Washington County, MD 0.42% ($43,941) to Adams County, PA 0.20% ($47,748)

Businesses in Blue Ridge Summit, PA True Value: 1

Strongest AM radio stations in Blue Ridge Summit: WCBM (680 AM; 50 kW; BALTIMORE, MD; Owner: WCBM MARYLAND, INC.)

WCBM MARYLAND, INC.) WMET (1150 AM; 50 kW; GAITHERSBURG, MD; Owner: BELTWAY ACQUISITION CORPORATION)

BELTWAY ACQUISITION CORPORATION) WBAL (1090 AM; 50 kW; BALTIMORE, MD; Owner: HEARST RADIO, INC.)

HEARST RADIO, INC.) WGOP (700 AM; daytime; 25 kW; WALKERSVILLE, MD; Owner: BIRACH BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

BIRACH BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WHGT (1380 AM; 1 kW; WAYNESBORO, PA)

WTEM (980 AM; 50 kW; WASHINGTON, DC; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WTRI (1520 AM; daytime; 17 kW; BRUNSWICK, MD; Owner: JMK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

JMK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WCBG (1590 AM; 5 kW; CHAMBERSBURG, PA; Owner: M. BELMONT VERSTANDIG, INC.)

M. BELMONT VERSTANDIG, INC.) WTOP (1500 AM; 50 kW; WASHINGTON, DC; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WFMD (930 AM; 5 kW; FREDERICK, MD; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WXTR (820 AM; 4 kW; FREDERICK, MD; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WWLG (1370 AM; 50 kW; BALTIMORE, MD; Owner: M-10 BROADCASTING, INC.)

M-10 BROADCASTING, INC.) WKCW (1420 AM; 50 kW; WARRENTON, VA; Owner: WAY BROADCASTING, INC.) Strongest FM radio stations in Blue Ridge Summit: W219BE (91.7 FM; WAYNESBORO, PA; Owner: MARANATHA BIBLE INSTITUTE, NDBA)

MARANATHA BIBLE INSTITUTE, NDBA) WAYZ-FM (104.7 FM; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: HJV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

HJV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WETH (89.1 FM; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: GREATER WASHINGTON EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSN.)

GREATER WASHINGTON EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSN.) WFRE (99.9 FM; FREDERICK, MD; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) W219BX (91.7 FM; FREDERICK, MD; Owner: CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL, INC)

CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL, INC) WWVZ (103.9 FM; BRADDOCK HEIGHTS, MD; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WARX (106.9 FM; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: MANNING BROADCASTING INC.)

MANNING BROADCASTING INC.) WEEO-FM (103.7 FM; MCCONNELLSBURG, PA; Owner: ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN NETWORK)

ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN NETWORK) WQCM (94.3 FM; GREENCASTLE, PA; Owner: DAME BROADCASTING, LLC)

DAME BROADCASTING, LLC) WWMD (101.5 FM; WAYNESBORO, PA; Owner: HJV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

HJV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WMTB-FM (89.9 FM; EMMITSBURG, MD; Owner: MOUNT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE, INCORPORATED)

MOUNT SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE, INCORPORATED) WCRH (90.5 FM; WILLIAMSPORT, MD; Owner: CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL, INC)

CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL, INC) WYCR (98.5 FM; YORK-HANOVER, PA; Owner: RADIO HANOVER, INC.)

RADIO HANOVER, INC.) WZBT (91.1 FM; GETTYSBURG, PA; Owner: GETTYSBURG COLLEGE)

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE) WGTY (107.7 FM; GETTYSBURG, PA; Owner: TIMES AND NEWS PUBLISHING COMPANY)

TIMES AND NEWS PUBLISHING COMPANY) WSRT (92.1 FM; MERCERSBURG, PA; Owner: M. BELMONT VERSTANDIG, INC.)

M. BELMONT VERSTANDIG, INC.) WAFY (103.1 FM; MIDDLETOWN, MD; Owner: FREDERICK BROADCASTING LLC)

FREDERICK BROADCASTING LLC) WIKZ (95.1 FM; CHAMBERSBURG, PA; Owner: DAME BROADCASTING, LLC)

DAME BROADCASTING, LLC) WLTF (97.5 FM; MARTINSBURG, WV; Owner: PRETTYMAN BROADCASTING COMPANY)

PRETTYMAN BROADCASTING COMPANY) WXMJ (99.5 FM; MOUNT UNION, PA; Owner: MEGAHERTZ LICENSES, LLC) TV broadcast stations around Blue Ridge Summit: W51CY ( Channel 51; CHAMBERSBURG, PA; Owner: WBDC BROADCASTING, INC.)

51; CHAMBERSBURG, PA; WBDC BROADCASTING, INC.) WMPB ( Channel 67; BALTIMORE, MD; Owner: MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION)

67; BALTIMORE, MD; MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION) W42CK ( Channel 42; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING)

42; HAGERSTOWN, MD; THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING) WHAG-TV ( Channel 25; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: QUORUM OF MARYLAND LICENSE, LLC)

25; HAGERSTOWN, MD; QUORUM OF MARYLAND LICENSE, LLC) WFPT ( Channel 62; FREDERICK, MD; Owner: MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION)

62; FREDERICK, MD; MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION) WWPB (Channel 31; HAGERSTOWN, MD; Owner: MARYLAND PUBLIC BROADCASTING COMMISSION)

Blue Ridge Summit fatal accident list: Aug 14, 2011 08:57 AM, Sr-16, Sr-2011, Lat: 39.727847, Lon: -77.471006, Vehicles: 3, Persons: 4, Fatalities: 1

Sep 21, 2007 08:46 AM, Sr-16, Lat: 39.729786, Lon: -77.473681, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1



2004 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents Based on the data from the years 2004 - 2018 the average number of fires per year is 9. The highest number of reported fires - 24 took place in 2009, and the least - 1 in 2004. The data has an increasing trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Blue Ridge Summit, PA



68 52.3% Structure Fires



39 30.0% Outside Fires



17 13.1% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



6 4.6% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Structure Fires (52.3%), and Outside Fires (30.0%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Blue Ridge Summit, PA

Houses and condos Apartments 59.3% Electricity

34.0% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

6.7% Utility gas 100.0% Electricity





Blue Ridge Summit compared to Pennsylvania state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Number of rooms per house below state average.

below Number of college students below state average.

no pilots and There arepilots and 1 other airmen in this city.

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Boody, Illinois

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Population in 2010: 276.

Males: 153 (55.5%) Females: 123 (44.5%)

Median resident age: 33.6 years Illinois median age: 38.6 years

Estimated median household income in 2019: $50,839

Boody: $50,839 IL: $69,187

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $29,772



Boody CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $105,500 Boody: $105,500 IL: $209,100

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $102,160; detached houses: $101,913 $50,839$29,772$105,500$102,160;$101,913

March 2019 cost of living index in Boody: 85.3 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 12.4%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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According to our research of Illinois and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Boody, Illinois as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Boody is 257 to 1.





Ancestries: German (35.8%), European (17.2%), American (7.5%), Irish (4.5%), English (3.7%), French (3.0%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Elevation: 685 feet

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $1,595 (1.9%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $1,569 (2.0%)



Latitude: 39.77 N, Longitude: 89.05 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 217

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 7.7% Illinois: 6.5%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 76.1. This is about average. City: 76.1 U.S.: 74.2

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 2.46. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 7.3 miles away from the city center. City: 2.46 U.S.: 1.79

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 28.2. This is about average. Closest monitor was 9.6 miles away from the city center. City: 28.2 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 10.5. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 9.6 miles away from the city center. City: 10.5 U.S.: 8.5

Tornado activity: Boody-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Illinois state average. It is 89% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 3/20/1976, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 13.4 miles away from the Boody place center injured 18 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages. On 4/3/1974, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 5.4 miles away from the place center killed one person and injured 26 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Boody-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Illinois state average. It is 190% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 110.3 miles away from Boody center

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 110.3 miles away from the city center

On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 90.3 miles away from Boody center

On 6/18/2002 at 17:37:15, a magnitude 5.0 (4.3 MB, 4.6 MW, 5.0 LG) earthquake occurred 140.8 miles away from Boody center

On 4/18/2008 at 15:14:16, a magnitude 4.8 (4.5 MB, 4.8 MW, 4.6 MW, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 110.1 miles away from the city center

On 4/3/1974 at 23:05:02, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 LG) earthquake occurred 96.0 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Macon County (9) is smaller than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 6

Emergencies Declared: 2



Causes of natural disasters: Storms: 5, Floods: 3, Tornadoes: 3, Hurricane: 1, Snow: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Boody: FAIR HAVENS CHRISTIAN HOME (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

DECATUR REHAB AND HEALTH CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

IMBODEN CREEK LIVING CENTER (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

WHITESTAR HOME HEALTH AGENCY, INC (Home Health Center, about 7 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

NORTH PLAZA NURSING CENTER (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

SOUTHSIDE MANOR (Hospital, about 8 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

ADDUS HEALTHCARE, INC (Home Health Center, about 8 miles away; DECATUR, IL)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Boody: Millikin University ( about 7 miles; Decatur, IL ; Full-time enrollment: 2,419)

7 ; 2,419) Richland Community College ( about 12 miles; Decatur, IL ; FT enrollment: 2,434)

12 ; 2,434) Lincoln Land Community College ( about 31 miles; Springfield, IL ; FT enrollment: 5,460)

31 ; 5,460) University of Illinois at Springfield ( about 31 miles; Springfield, IL ; FT enrollment: 3,748)

31 ; 3,748) Lake Land College ( about 43 miles; Mattoon, IL ; FT enrollment: 7,499)

43 ; 7,499) Parkland College ( about 48 miles; Champaign, IL ; FT enrollment: 7,326)

48 ; 7,326) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (about 50 miles; Champaign, IL; FT enrollment: 47,528)

Points of interest: Click to draw/clear place borders

Macon County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Average household size: This place: 2.4 people Illinois: 2.6 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 74.3% Whole state: 65.8%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 11.5% Whole state: 6.3%



No gay or lesbian households reported





For population 15 years and over in Boody: Never married: 37.3%

37.3% Now married: 40.8%

40.8% Separated: 0.0%

0.0% Widowed: 0.0%

0.0% Divorced: 21.9%

For population 25 years and over in Boody: High school or higher: 100.0%

100.0% Bachelor's degree or higher: 18.2%

18.2% Graduate or professional degree: 7.6%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 7.4 Illinois average: 12.0



Religion statistics for Boody, IL (based on Macon County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 24,556 92 Mainline Protestant 11,982 41 Catholic 11,451 5 Other 4,490 11 Black Protestant 1,699 14 Orthodox 125 1 None 56,465 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 13 This county : 1.20 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 2.24 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 3 Macon County : 0.28 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 0.08 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 10 Here : 0.92 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 0.75 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 39 Macon County : 3.59 / 10,000 pop. State : 2.61 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 62 Macon County : 5.71 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 6.86 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Macon County : 10.2% Illinois : 8.3% Adult obesity rate: Macon County : 28.7% Illinois : 25.2% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Macon County : 12.4% State : 14.5%

3.80% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($46,040 average adjusted gross income) Here: 3.80% Illinois average: 4.69% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Sangamon County, IL 0.29% ($38,068 average AGI) from Cook County, IL 0.19% ($42,513) from Piatt County, IL 0.17% ($48,264)



4.86% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($57,781 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.86% Illinois average: 5.50% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Sangamon County, IL 0.29% ($49,605 average AGI) to Champaign County, IL 0.24% ($37,461) to Cook County, IL 0.19% ($83,519)

Strongest AM radio stations in Boody: WDZ (1050 AM; 1 kW; DECATUR, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) WSOY (1340 AM; 1 kW; DECATUR, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) KXEN (1010 AM; 50 kW; FESTUS-ST. LOUIS, MO; Owner: BDJ RADIO ENTERPRISES, LLC)

BDJ RADIO ENTERPRISES, LLC) KMOX (1120 AM; 50 kW; ST. LOUIS, MO; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WILL (580 AM; 5 kW; URBANA, IL; Owner: UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES)

UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES) WLS (890 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WLS, INC.)

WLS, INC.) WSCR (670 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WLBH (1170 AM; daytime; 5 kW; MATTOON, IL; Owner: MATTOON BROADCASTING COMPANY)

MATTOON BROADCASTING COMPANY) WGN (720 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.)

WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.) WBBM (780 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WYLL (1160 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: SCA LICENSE CORPORATION)

SCA LICENSE CORPORATION) WIBC (1070 AM; 50 kW; INDIANAPOLIS, IN; Owner: EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION)

EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION) WMVP (1000 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: ABC, INC.) Strongest FM radio stations in Boody: WYDS (93.1 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: WEJT, INC.)

WEJT, INC.) WXFM-FM (99.3 FM; MOUNT ZION, IL; Owner: TECHNICOM, INC.)

TECHNICOM, INC.) WNLD (88.1 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE)

ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE) WDZQ (95.1 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) WSOY-FM (102.9 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) WZUS (100.9 FM; MACON, IL; Owner: THE CROMWELL GROUP, INC. OF ILLINOIS)

THE CROMWELL GROUP, INC. OF ILLINOIS) WDKR (107.3 FM; MAROA, IL; Owner: WDKR, INC.)

WDKR, INC.) WEJT (105.1 FM; SHELBYVILLE, IL; Owner: THE CROMWELL GROUP, INC. OF ILLINOIS)

THE CROMWELL GROUP, INC. OF ILLINOIS) WILL-FM (90.9 FM; URBANA, IL; Owner: UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES)

UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES) WZNX (106.7 FM; SULLIVAN, IL; Owner: WSHY, INC.)

WSHY, INC.) WUIS (91.9 FM; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF IL AT SPRINGFIELD)

UNIVERSITY OF IL AT SPRINGFIELD) WDBR (103.7 FM; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF ILLINOIS, LLC)

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF ILLINOIS, LLC) W261CQ (100.1 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY RADIO)

CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY RADIO) WJMU (89.5 FM; DECATUR, IL; Owner: MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY)

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY) WMHX (93.9 FM; LINCOLN, IL; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF ILLINOIS, LLC)

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF ILLINOIS, LLC) WQLZ (92.7 FM; TAYLORVILLE, IL; Owner: LONG NINE, INC.)

LONG NINE, INC.) WSCT (90.5 FM; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE)

ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE) W242AE (96.3 FM; TAYLORVILLE, IL; Owner: ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE, INC.)

ILLINOIS BIBLE INSTITUTE, INC.) WTIM-FM (97.3 FM; TAYLORVILLE, IL; Owner: MILLER COMMUNICATIONS INC)

MILLER COMMUNICATIONS INC) WMKR (94.3 FM; PANA, IL; Owner: MILLER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) TV broadcast stations around Boody: W29BG ( Channel 29; DECATUR, IL; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.)

29; DECATUR, IL; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.) WBUI ( Channel 23; DECATUR, IL; Owner: ACME TV LICENSES OF ILLINOIS, LLC)

23; DECATUR, IL; ACME TV LICENSES OF ILLINOIS, LLC) WAND ( Channel 17; DECATUR, IL; Owner: WAND(TV) PARTNERSHIP)

17; DECATUR, IL; WAND(TV) PARTNERSHIP) WRSP-TV ( Channel 55; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: SPRINGFIELD BROADCASTING PARTNERS)

55; SPRINGFIELD, IL; SPRINGFIELD BROADCASTING PARTNERS) WICS ( Channel 20; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: WICS LICENSEE, LLC)

20; SPRINGFIELD, IL; WICS LICENSEE, LLC) WCIA ( Channel 3; CHAMPAIGN, IL; Owner: NEXSTAR BROADCASTING OF CHAMPAIGN, L.L.C.)

3; CHAMPAIGN, IL; NEXSTAR BROADCASTING OF CHAMPAIGN, L.L.C.) WILL-TV ( Channel 12; URBANA, IL; Owner: UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BD. OF TRUSTEES)

12; URBANA, IL; UNIV. OF ILLINOIS BD. OF TRUSTEES) WCFN ( Channel 49; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: NEXSTAR BROADCASTING OF CHAMPAIGN, L.L.C.)

49; SPRINGFIELD, IL; NEXSTAR BROADCASTING OF CHAMPAIGN, L.L.C.) W52BR ( Channel 52; CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL; Owner: MARCIA COHEN)

52; CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL; MARCIA COHEN) W08DP (Channel 8; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Owner: W. CENTRAL ILLINOIS EDUC'L TELECOMM. CORPORATION)

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

17 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 62ft / 18.9m Total length

Total length $644,000 Total costs

Total costs 7,125 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 767 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 6,651 Total future (year 2032) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

2 1900-1909

1 1950-1959

1 1970-1979

7 1980-1989

2 1990-1999

2 2000-2009

2 2010-2018 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Boody, IL



FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 1 Railroad & N Main St (Lat: 39.769194 Lon: -89.047861), Call Sign: KNFM395, Licensee ID: L00452453,

Assigned Frequencies: 150.995 MHz, Grant Date: 01/21/1997, Expiration Date: 04/01/2002, Cancellation Date: 06/02/2002, Registrant: Blue Mound, Township Of, Boody, IL 62514, Phone: (217) 865-2911

FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 12 (



FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 1 Call Sign: N9ENB, Previous Call Sign: KA9ORI, Licensee ID: L00805040, Grant Date: 01/28/2004, Expiration Date: 04/19/2014, Cancellation Date: 04/20/2016, Certifier: Larry J Lorton, Registrant: Larry J Lorton, Box 105 106 Katie Dr, Boody, IL 62514

12 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town

68.8% Utility gas

27.2% Electricity

4.0% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.





Boody compared to Illinois state average: Median house value significantly below state average.

significantly below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage below state average.

below Number of rooms per house above state average.




Brambleton, Virginia

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Population in 2010: 9,845.

Males: 4,715 (47.9%) Females: 5,130 (52.1%)

Median resident age: 35.3 years Virginia median age: 38.5 years

Zip codes: 20148.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $151,800

Brambleton: $151,800 VA: $76,456

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $58,522



Brambleton CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $556,600 Brambleton: $556,600 VA: $288,800

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $577,298; detached houses: $656,385; townhouses or other attached units: $446,496; in 2-unit structures: $489,093; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $288,504; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $326,942; mobile homes: $126,455 $151,800$58,522$556,600$577,298;$656,385;$446,496;$489,093;$288,504;$326,942;$126,455

Median gross rent in 2019: $2,299.

March 2019 cost of living index in Brambleton: 168.7 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 0.8%

(1.2% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 1.1% for Black residents, 2.3% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 5.2% for other race residents)

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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8,959 40.1% White alone 8,253 36.9% Asian alone 1,997 8.9% Black alone 1,796 8.0% Hispanic 1,561 7.0% Two or more races 76 0.3% American Indian alone 10 0.04% Other race alone 4 0.02% Native Hawaiian and Other

Pacific Islander alone

Races in Brambleton detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Virginia and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Brambleton, Virginia as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Brambleton is 18,169 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is much lower than the state average.





Ancestries: American (4.6%), Irish (3.9%), Ethiopian (2.1%), English (2.1%), German (2.1%), Italian (1.6%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

6,329 residents are foreign born This place: 28.3% Virginia: 12.4%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $6,648 (1.0%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $7,268 (1.1%)



Latitude: 36.85 N, Longitude: 76.27 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 757

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 3.9% Virginia: 4.6%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO NO 2 SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5 Pb

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 57.2. This is better than average. City: 57.2 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2018 was 0.293. This is about average. Closest monitor was 0.3 miles away from the city center. City: 0.293 U.S.: 0.267

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 6.95. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 0.8 miles away from the city center. City: 6.95 U.S.: 5.56

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 0.333. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 0.3 miles away from the city center. City: 0.333 U.S.: 1.789

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 30.8. This is about average. Closest monitor was 4.7 miles away from the city center. City: 30.8 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 6.08. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 1.7 miles away from the city center. City: 6.08 U.S.: 8.46

Lead (Pb) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 0.00176. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 0.3 miles away from the city center. City: 0.00176 U.S.: 0.00984

Tornado activity: Brambleton-area historical tornado activity is near Virginia state average. It is 29% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 9/5/1979, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 12.3 miles away from the Brambleton place center injured 2 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages. On 4/28/2008, a category F3 tornado 25.1 miles away from the place center injured 200 people and caused $30 million in damages.

Earthquake activity: Brambleton-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Virginia state average. It is 64% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 8/23/2011 at 17:51:04, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.7 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 117.3 miles away from Brambleton center

On 12/9/2003 at 20:59:14, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 MB, 4.5 LG, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 103.4 miles away from Brambleton center

On 12/9/2003 at 20:59:18, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 ML, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 119.2 miles away from the city center

On 8/25/2011 at 05:07:52, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 ML, Depth: 4.2 mi) earthquake occurred 120.2 miles away from the city center

On 8/9/2020 at 12:07:37, a magnitude 5.1 (5.1 MW, Depth: 4.7 mi) earthquake occurred 268.8 miles away from Brambleton center

On 1/15/2019 at 23:30:48, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 182.0 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Loudoun County (11) is smaller than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 8

Emergencies Declared: 3



Causes of natural disasters: Winter Storms: 4, Hurricanes: 3, Snowstorms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Flood: 1, Tropical Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Brambleton: NORFOLK HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER (Nursing Home, about 1 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

NORFOLK COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (Hospital, about 1 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

SOLUTIONS HOME CARE (Home Health Center, about 1 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

GUARDIAN HOMECARE, LLC (Home Health Center, about 2 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

ALLSTAR HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC (Home Health Center, about 2 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

COMM MENTAL HEALTH CTR (Hospital, about 2 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

PSYCHIATRIC INSTI MED COLL HAMPTON RDS (Hospital, about 2 miles away; NORFOLK, VA)

Amtrak stations near Brambleton: 2 miles: NORFOLK (MONTICELLO AVE. & VA. BEACH BLVD.) - Bus Station . Services: public payphones, free short-term parking, call for taxi service, intercity bus service, public transit connection.

NORFOLK (MONTICELLO AVE. & VA. BEACH BLVD.) - Bus Station . public payphones, free short-term parking, call for taxi service, intercity bus service, public transit connection. 16 miles: NEWPORT NEWS (9304 WARWICK BLVD.) . Services: ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

NEWPORT NEWS (9304 WARWICK BLVD.) . ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection. 17 miles: VIRGINIA BEACH (19TH & PACIFIC AVE.) - Bus Station . Services: public payphones, free short-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Operable nuclear power plants near Brambleton: 20 miles: Surry 1 and 2 in Newport News, VA.



Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Brambleton: Norfolk State University ( about 1 miles; Norfolk, VA ; Full-time enrollment: 6,032)

1 ; 6,032) Tidewater Community College ( about 2 miles; Norfolk, VA ; FT enrollment: 20,975)

2 ; 20,975) Old Dominion University ( about 4 miles; Norfolk, VA ; FT enrollment: 19,825)

4 ; 19,825) ECPI University ( about 6 miles; Virginia Beach, VA ; FT enrollment: 10,694)

6 ; 10,694) Regent University ( about 6 miles; Virginia Beach, VA ; FT enrollment: 3,429)

6 ; 3,429) Hampton University ( about 13 miles; Hampton, VA ; FT enrollment: 4,494)

13 ; 4,494) Thomas Nelson Community College (about 17 miles; Hampton, VA; FT enrollment: 7,056)

Loudoun County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Average household size: This place: 3.2 people Virginia: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 82.0% Whole state: 67.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 4.5% Whole state: 5.7%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.3% of all households

0.3% Gay men: 0.3% of all households

4 people in group homes intended for adults in 2010

Banks with branches in Brambleton (2011 data): Capital One, National Association: Brambleton Town Center Branch at 42405 Ryan Rd, branch established on 2009/07/30. Info updated 2011/07/01: Bank assets: $133,477.8 mil, Deposits: $97,063.7 mil, headquarters in Mclean, VA, positive income, 984 total offices, Holding Company: Capital One Financial Corporation

For population 15 years and over in Brambleton: Never married: 19.6%

19.6% Now married: 72.7%

72.7% Separated: 0.8%

0.8% Widowed: 1.8%

1.8% Divorced: 5.1%

For population 25 years and over in Brambleton: High school or higher: 96.3%

96.3% Bachelor's degree or higher: 76.7%

76.7% Graduate or professional degree: 32.1%

32.1% Mean travel time to work (commute): 35.9 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 8.1 Virginia average: 12.1



Religion statistics for Brambleton, VA (based on Loudoun County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 45,687 6 Other 34,241 31 Mainline Protestant 22,080 51 Evangelical Protestant 17,314 84 Orthodox 300 2 Black Protestant 199 2 None 192,490 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 48 Here : 1.73 / 10,000 pop. Virginia : 2.03 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 3 Here : 0.11 / 10,000 pop. Virginia : 0.17 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 28 Loudoun County : 1.01 / 10,000 pop. State : 1.43 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 52 This county : 1.87 / 10,000 pop. State : 4.03 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 189 This county : 6.81 / 10,000 pop. Virginia : 7.65 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Loudoun County : 6.0% Virginia : 9.3% Adult obesity rate: Here : 23.0% State : 26.7% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Loudoun County : 19.2% State : 18.6%

9.89% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($96,350 average adjusted gross income) Here: 9.89% Virginia average: 9.50% 0.33% of residents moved from foreign countries ($4,065 average AGI) Loudoun County: 0.33% Virginia average: 0.18%

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Fairfax County, VA 3.62% ($104,678 average AGI) from Prince William County, VA 0.47% ($81,642) from Montgomery County, MD 0.33% ($88,539)



8.28% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($97,417 average adjusted gross income) Here: 8.28% Virginia average: 9.76% 0.32% of residents moved to foreign countries ($4,157 average AGI) Loudoun County: 0.32% Virginia average: 0.17%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Fairfax County, VA 1.75% ($89,175 average AGI) to Prince William County, VA 0.44% ($72,716) to Arlington County, VA 0.28% ($98,684)

Businesses in Brambleton, VA Johnny Rockets: 1

1 UPS: 1

Strongest AM radio stations in Brambleton: WJOI (1230 AM; 1 kW; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) WHKT (1650 AM; 10 kW; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: ABC, INC.)

ABC, INC.) WFOG (1050 AM; 5 kW; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC)

CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC) WCPK (1600 AM; 4 kW; CHESAPEAKE, VA; Owner: WINSTON-SALEM RADIO CORPORATION)

WINSTON-SALEM RADIO CORPORATION) WCKO (1110 AM; daytime; 50 kW; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: WORD BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.)

WORD BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.) WGH (1310 AM; 20 kW; NEWPORT NEWS, VA; Owner: CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC)

CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC) WPMH (1010 AM; 10 kW; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: ABC, INC.)

ABC, INC.) WGPL (1350 AM; 5 kW; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: VIRGINIA URBAN RADIO, INC.)

VIRGINIA URBAN RADIO, INC.) WTAR (850 AM; 50 kW; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: SINCLAIR COMMUNICATIONS)

SINCLAIR COMMUNICATIONS) WPCE (1400 AM; 1 kW; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: WILLIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

WILLIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WVAB (1550 AM; 5 kW; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA)

WNIS (790 AM; 5 kW; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: COMMONWEALTH RADIO, L.L.C.)

COMMONWEALTH RADIO, L.L.C.) WBVA (1450 AM; 1 kW; BAYSIDE, VA; Owner: RONALD W. COWAN, JR.) Strongest FM radio stations in Brambleton: WNOR (98.7 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) W291AE (106.1 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: SINCLAIR TELECABLE, INC)

SINCLAIR TELECABLE, INC) WWDE-FM (101.3 FM; HAMPTON, VA; Owner: ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC) WYFI (99.7 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.)

BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.) WPTE (94.9 FM; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; Owner: ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC) WCMS-FM (100.5 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC)

CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC) WNVZ (104.5 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC) WHRO-FM (90.3 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION,INC)

HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION,INC) WHRV (89.5 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION,INC)

HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION,INC) WWSO-FM (92.9 FM; SUFFOLK, VA; Owner: CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC)

CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC) WVKL (95.7 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM NORFOLK LICENSE, LLC) WNSB (91.1 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF VISITORS)

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF VISITORS) WKOC (93.7 FM; CHESAPEAKE, VA; Owner: COMMONWEALTH RADIO, L.L.C.)

COMMONWEALTH RADIO, L.L.C.) WOWI (102.9 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WSVY-FM (105.3 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WAFX (106.9 FM; SUFFOLK, VA; Owner: TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

TIDEWATER COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) WGH-FM (97.3 FM; NEWPORT NEWS, VA; Owner: CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC)

CHESAPEAKE BAY BROADCASTING, LLC) WBHH (92.1 FM; MOYOCK, NC; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WJCD (107.7 FM; WINDSOR, VA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) W280CX (103.9 FM; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: VIRGINIA BEACH EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING FOUNDATION, INC.) TV broadcast stations around Brambleton: WVBT ( Channel 43; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

43; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) WNLO-CA ( Channel 45; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

45; NORFOLK, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) W56CS ( Channel 56; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: VENTANA TELEVISION, INC.)

56; PORTSMOUTH, VA; VENTANA TELEVISION, INC.) W25CS ( Channel 25; CHESAPEAKE, VA; Owner: KM BROADCASTING, INC.)

25; CHESAPEAKE, VA; KM BROADCASTING, INC.) W05BQ ( Channel 5; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: THE UNION MISSION)

5; NORFOLK, VA; THE UNION MISSION) WTKR ( Channel 3; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: NEW YORK TIMES MANAGEMENT SERVICES)

3; NORFOLK, VA; NEW YORK TIMES MANAGEMENT SERVICES) WJGN-CA ( Channel 5; CHESAPEAKE, VA; Owner: THE UNION MISSION)

5; CHESAPEAKE, VA; THE UNION MISSION) WJHJ-LP ( Channel 39; NEWPORT NEWS, ETC., VA; Owner: JBS, INC.)

39; NEWPORT NEWS, ETC., VA; JBS, INC.) WVEC-TV ( Channel 13; HAMPTON, VA; Owner: WVEC TELEVISION, INC.)

13; HAMPTON, VA; WVEC TELEVISION, INC.) WITD-CA ( Channel 23; CHESAPEAKE, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

23; CHESAPEAKE, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) WGNT ( Channel 27; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: UPN TELEVISION STATIONS INC.)

27; PORTSMOUTH, VA; UPN TELEVISION STATIONS INC.) WTVZ-TV ( Channel 33; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: WTVZ LICENSEE, LLC)

33; NORFOLK, VA; WTVZ LICENSEE, LLC) WHRO-TV ( Channel 15; HAMPTON-NORFOLK, VA; Owner: HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOC, INC.)

15; HAMPTON-NORFOLK, VA; HAMPTON ROADS EDUCATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSOC, INC.) WPXV ( Channel 49; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)

49; NORFOLK, VA; PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LICENSE COMPANY, LLC) WAVY-TV ( Channel 10; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

10; PORTSMOUTH, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) W30BV ( Channel 30; NORFOLK, VA; Owner: B.N. VISWANATH)

30; NORFOLK, VA; B.N. VISWANATH) WGBS-LP ( Channel 7; HAMPTON, ETC., VA; Owner: JOAN AND KENNETH WRIGHT)

7; HAMPTON, ETC., VA; JOAN AND KENNETH WRIGHT) WBTD-LP ( Channel 66; SUFFOLK, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

66; SUFFOLK, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) WKTD-CA ( Channel 17; PORTSMOUTH, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

17; PORTSMOUTH, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) W24OI ( Channel 24; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

24; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) WCTX-CA ( Channel 35; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

35; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) WTTD-LP ( Channel 59; HAMPTON, VA; Owner: WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC)

59; HAMPTON, VA; WAVY BROADCASTING, LLC) W21AQ ( Channel 21; HAMPTON, VA; Owner: THE UNION MISSION)

21; HAMPTON, VA; THE UNION MISSION) W18BS ( Channel 18; HAMPTON, VA; Owner: NATIONAL MINORITY T.V., INC.)

18; HAMPTON, VA; NATIONAL MINORITY T.V., INC.) WVBN-LP (Channel 18; VIRGINIA BEACH, VA; Owner: JBS, INC.)

Brambleton fatal accident statistics for 1975 - 2019



Brambleton fatal accident list: Aug 14, 2019 07:20 AM, Cr-659, Lat: 38.982200, Lon: -77.527319, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1

Sep 21, 2009 01:45 PM, Evergreen Mills Road, Fleetwood Rd, Lat: 38.980194, Lon: -77.557942, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1

Mar 11, 2005 07:15 AM, Ryan Rd, Forest Run Dr, Lat: 38.988670, Lon: -77.520990, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1



National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

9 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 56ft / 16.9m Total length

Total length $373,000 Total costs

Total costs 78,589 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 2,080 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 113,845 Total future (year 2031) average daily traffic



FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 5 Call Sign: K4JYG, Licensee ID: L00256013, Grant Date: 01/08/2014, Expiration Date: 02/22/2024, Certifier: Walter R Key, Registrant: Walter R Key, 42874 Littlehales Terrace, Brambleton, VA 20148

K4JYG, L00256013, 01/08/2014, 02/22/2024, Walter R Key, Walter R Key, 42874 Littlehales Terrace, Brambleton, VA 20148 Call Sign: KD7CJE, Licensee ID: L01395671, Grant Date: 05/02/2020, Expiration Date: 05/02/2030, Certifier: Willie F Mc Intosh, Registrant: Willie F Mc Intosh, 42392 Willow Creek Way, Brambleton, VA 20148

KD7CJE, L01395671, 05/02/2020, 05/02/2030, Willie F Mc Intosh, Willie F Mc Intosh, 42392 Willow Creek Way, Brambleton, VA 20148 Call Sign: N4KT, Previous Call Sign: N4RMD, Licensee ID: L01456920, Grant Date: 12/27/2018, Expiration Date: 03/11/2029, Registrant: Andrew M Morrison, 23368 Evening Primrose Sq, Brambleton, VA 20148

N4KT, N4RMD, L01456920, 12/27/2018, 03/11/2029, Andrew M Morrison, 23368 Evening Primrose Sq, Brambleton, VA 20148 Call Sign: KV4NH, Licensee ID: L01787992, Grant Date: 05/13/2013, Expiration Date: 05/13/2023, Certifier: Lawrence C Wright, Registrant: Lawrence C Wright, 23413 Morning Walk Drive, Brambleton, VA 20148

KV4NH, L01787992, 05/13/2013, 05/13/2023, Lawrence C Wright, Lawrence C Wright, 23413 Morning Walk Drive, Brambleton, VA 20148 Call Sign: KO4HXQ, Licensee ID: L02380230, Grant Date: 09/28/2020, Expiration Date: 09/28/2030, Certifier: Vasav Nair, Registrant: Vasav Nair, 23366 Virginia Rose Pl, Brambleton, VA 20148



Houses and condos Apartments 84.8% Utility gas

14.9% Electricity

0.3% Bottled, tank, or LP gas 73.4% Utility gas

24.7% Electricity

1.9% Bottled, tank, or LP gas





Brambleton compared to Virginia state average: Median household income above state average.

above Median house value significantly above state average.

significantly above Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly above state average.

significantly above Renting percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Length of stay since moving in significantly below state average.

significantly below Number of rooms per house above state average.

above House age significantly below state average.

significantly below Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly above state average.

Brambleton on our top lists: #7 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: computer and mathematical occupations (population 5,000+)"

#8 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: computer and mathematical occupations (population 5,000+)"

#9 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: professional, scientific, and technical services (population 5,000+)"

#22 on the list of "Top 100 cities with newest houses"

#28 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: professional, scientific, and technical services (population 5,000+)"

#29 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Other Eastern Asia (population 500+)"

#31 on the list of "Top 100 cities with highest median household income and median resident age less than 35"

#46 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: business and financial operations occupations (population 5,000+)"

#60 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: information (population 5,000+)"

#83 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in India (population 500+)"

#84 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in South Central Asia (population 500+)"

#85 on the list of "Top 100 cities with biggest houses (pop. 5,000+)"

#95 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Bangladesh (population 500+)" #4 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest number of children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2000 (pop. 50,000+)"

#13 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest decrease in the number of births per 1000 residents 2000-2006 to 2007-2013 (pop 50,000+)"

#24 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest number of deaths per 1000 residents 2007-2013"

#25 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest number of people without health insurance coverage in 2000 (pop. 50,000+)"

#32 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the highest percentage of residents relocating to foreign countries in 2011 (pop. 50,000+)"

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Columbia, Connecticut

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Population in 2010: 5,485.

Population change since 2000: +10.3%

5,485.+10.3%

Males: 2,667 (48.6%) Females: 2,818 (51.4%)

Median resident age: 45.6 years Connecticut median age: 39.2 years

Zip codes: 06237.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $108,240 (it was $70,208 in 2000)

Columbia: $108,240 CT: $78,833

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $52,285 (it was $29,446 in 2000)



Columbia town income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $283,163 (it was $162,100 in 2000) Columbia: $283,163 CT: $280,700

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $301,060; detached houses: $310,436; townhouses or other attached units: $189,828; in 2-unit structures: $246,943; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $133,477; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $122,764; mobile homes: $41,245 $108,240 ($70,208$52,285 ($29,446$283,163 ($162,100$301,060;$310,436;$189,828;$246,943;$133,477;$122,764;$41,245

March 2019 cost of living index in Columbia: 103.6 (near average, U.S. average is 100)

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5,203 94.9% White alone 159 2.9% Hispanic 45 0.8% Two or more races 36 0.7% Asian alone 35 0.6% Black alone 4 0.07% American Indian alone 3 0.05% Other race alone

Races in Columbia detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Connecticut and other state lists, there were 4 registered sex offenders living in Columbia, Connecticut as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Columbia is 1,371 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is lower than the state average.







Latest news from Columbia, CT collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: Irish (20.9%), English (16.5%), Italian (14.8%), French (13.6%), German (12.7%), Polish (8.7%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 510 feet

Land area: 21.4 square miles. Population density: 257 people per square mile (very low).

293 residents are foreign born (2.7% Europe, 1.5% Latin America, 1.1% Asia). This town: 5.9% Connecticut: 10.9%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: Columbia town: 1.5% ($2,403) Connecticut: 1.8% ($2,961)

Latitude: 41.70 N, Longitude: 72.29 W

Area code: 860

Single-family new house construction building permits: 1997: 17 buildings , average cost: $126,700

17 $126,700 1998: 31 buildings , average cost: $124,600

31 $124,600 1999: 35 buildings , average cost: $127,100

35 $127,100 2000: 24 buildings , average cost: $142,500

24 $142,500 2001: 32 buildings , average cost: $160,500

32 $160,500 2002: 25 buildings , average cost: $148,400

25 $148,400 2003: 42 buildings , average cost: $149,600

42 $149,600 2004: 32 buildings , average cost: $191,200

32 $191,200 2005: 34 buildings , average cost: $203,600

34 $203,600 2006: 18 buildings , average cost: $212,400

18 $212,400 2007: 5 buildings , average cost: $190,000

5 $190,000 2008: 11 buildings , average cost: $301,100

11 $301,100 2009: 7 buildings , average cost: $315,600

7 $315,600 2010: 5 buildings , average cost: $222,300

5 $222,300 2011: 8 buildings , average cost: $213,700

8 $213,700 2012: 10 buildings , average cost: $163,000

10 $163,000 2013: 9 buildings , average cost: $210,900

9 $210,900 2014: 2 buildings , average cost: $200,000

2 $200,000 2015: 13 buildings , average cost: $207,600

13 $207,600 2016: 7 buildings , average cost: $236,100

7 $236,100 2017: 3 buildings , average cost: $345,000

3 $345,000 2018: 4 buildings , average cost: $226,300

4 $226,300 2019: 2 buildings, average cost: $226,300

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 5.1% Connecticut: 7.7%

Most common industries in Columbia, CT (%) Both Males Females

Educational services (15.0%)

Health care (11.6%)

Finance & insurance (8.4%)

Construction (7.2%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (6.3%)

Public administration (6.2%)

Metal & metal products (2.7%)

Construction (13.2%)

Public administration (7.8%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (6.8%)

Educational services (6.4%)

Health care (5.8%)

Finance & insurance (5.3%)

Metal & metal products (5.1%)

Educational services (24.5%)

Health care (17.9%)

Finance & insurance (11.9%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (5.6%)

Public administration (4.5%)

Social assistance (3.9%)

Private households (3.5%) Most common occupations in Columbia, CT (%) Both Males Females

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (5.9%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.5%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (3.9%)

Computer specialists (3.7%)

Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (3.4%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (3.4%)

Registered nurses (3.1%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (6.0%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (5.9%)

Engineers (5.4%)

Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (5.2%)

Computer specialists (4.2%)

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (3.7%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (3.6%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (10.2%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (7.0%)

Registered nurses (6.4%)

Secretaries and administrative assistants (5.8%)

Other teachers, instructors, education, training, and library occupations (4.1%)

Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (3.5%)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (3.4%)

Average climate in Columbia, Connecticut Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO NO 2 SO 2 Ozone PM 10 PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 79.9. This is about average. City: 79.9 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2018 was 0.323. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 18.3 miles away from the city center. City: 0.323 U.S.: 0.267

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 10.1. This is significantly worse than average. Closest monitor was 4.1 miles away from the city center. City: 10.1 U.S.: 5.6

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2016 was 0.389. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 4.1 miles away from the city center. City: 0.389 U.S.: 1.789

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 26.7. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 14.4 miles away from the city center. City: 26.7 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 10 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 16.5. This is about average. Closest monitor was 16.7 miles away from the city center. City: 16.5 U.S.: 19.6

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 7.46. This is about average. Closest monitor was 16.7 miles away from the city center. City: 7.46 U.S.: 8.46

Tornado activity: Columbia-area historical tornado activity is near Connecticut state average. It is 28% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 10/3/1979, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 23.0 miles away from the Columbia town center killed 3 people and injured 500 people and caused between $50,000,000 and $500,000,000 in damages. On 8/21/1951, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 13.6 miles away from the town center injured 8 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Columbia-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Connecticut state average. It is 71% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 10/7/1983 at 10:18:46, a magnitude 5.3 (5.1 MB, 5.3 LG, 5.1 ML, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 187.1 miles away from the city center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.3 (5.3 ML, Depth: 3.0 mi) earthquake occurred 206.8 miles away from Columbia center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MB, 4.2 MS, 5.2 MW, 5.0 MW) earthquake occurred 205.6 miles away from Columbia center

On 1/19/1982 at 00:14:42, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 MD, 4.5 LG, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 129.2 miles away from the city center

On 10/16/2012 at 23:12:25, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 ML, Depth: 10.0 mi) earthquake occurred 155.3 miles away from Columbia center

On 8/22/1992 at 12:20:32, a magnitude 4.8 (4.8 MB, 3.8 MS, 4.7 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 207.5 miles away from Columbia center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), duration magnitude (MD), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Tolland County (24) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 13

Emergencies Declared: 11



Causes of natural disasters: Hurricanes: 6, Snowstorms: 5, Storms: 5, Blizzards: 3, Floods: 3, Snows: 3, Winter Storms: 3, Snowfall: 1, Tropical Storm: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Columbia: REGENCY HEIGHTS OF WINDHAM, LLC (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; WILLIMANTIC, CT)

WINDHAM COMM MEM HOSP & HATCH HOSP Acute Care Hospitals (about 4 miles away; WILLIMANTIC, CT)

Acute Care Hospitals STAFF MATES HOMECARE (Home Health Center, about 5 miles away; HEBRON, CT)

VNA EAST INC (Home Health Center, about 6 miles away; MANSFIELD CENTER, CT)

VISITING NRS AND COMM HEALTH OF (Hospital, about 6 miles away; MANSFIELD CENTER, CT)

ST JOSEPHS LIVING CENTER (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; WINDHAM, CT)

NATCHAUG HOSPITAL (Hospital, about 6 miles away; MANSFIELD CENTER, CT)

Local government website: www.munic.state.ct.us/COLUMBIA/columbia.htm

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Columbia: Eastern Connecticut State University ( about 5 miles; Willimantic, CT ; Full-time enrollment: 4,985)

5 ; 4,985) University of Connecticut ( about 8 miles; Storrs, CT ; FT enrollment: 22,037)

8 ; 22,037) Manchester Community College ( about 15 miles; Manchester, CT ; FT enrollment: 4,667)

15 ; 4,667) Three Rivers Community College ( about 17 miles; Norwich, CT ; FT enrollment: 2,897)

17 ; 2,897) Goodwin College ( about 19 miles; East Hartford, CT ; FT enrollment: 3,017)

19 ; 3,017) Capital Community College ( about 21 miles; Hartford, CT ; FT enrollment: 2,609)

21 ; 2,609) Trinity College (about 21 miles; Hartford, CT; FT enrollment: 2,355) Public elementary/middle school in Columbia: HORACE W. PORTER SCHOOL (Students: 647, Location: 3 SCHOOLHOUSE RD, Grades: PK-8) See full list of schools located in Columbia

Library in Columbia: SAXTON B. LITTLE FREE LIBRARY (Operating income: $298,120; Location: 319 ROUTE 87; 42,467 books; 36 e-books; 2,231 audio materials; 2,719 video materials; 30 state licensed databases; 89 print serial subscriptions)

Tolland County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Columbia and their reported violations in the past: BIRCH HILLS CONDOMINIUMS (Population served: 132, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In SEP-2005 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (OCT-04-2005) , St Violation/Reminder Notice (OCT-04-2005) , St Compliance achieved (MAR-31-2006) , St Public Notif received (JUL-10-2008)

SEP-2005 Coliform St Public Notif requested (OCT-04-2005) St Violation/Reminder Notice (OCT-04-2005) St Compliance achieved (MAR-31-2006) St Public Notif received (JUL-10-2008) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In AUG-2005, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (SEP-08-2005), St Violation/Reminder Notice (SEP-08-2005), St Public Notif received (SEP-16-2005), St Compliance achieved (MAR-31-2006) Past monitoring violations: Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - Between JUL-2005 and SEP-2005 , Contaminant: Coliform (TCR) . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/penalty) issued (APR-20-2006), St Public Notif requested (APR-20-2006), St Compliance achieved (JUN-13-2006), St Public Notif received (JUN-13-2006)

JUL-2005 SEP-2005 Coliform (TCR) St AO (w/penalty) issued (APR-20-2006), St Public Notif requested (APR-20-2006), St Compliance achieved (JUN-13-2006), St Public Notif received (JUN-13-2006) One routine major monitoring violation

One minor monitoring violation ABBY WATER LLC (Population served: 100, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - In OCT-01-2011 , Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (JUN-20-2012), St Formal NOV issued (JUN-20-2012), St Admin Penalty assessed (JUN-20-2012), St Public Notif received (APR-02-2013)

OCT-01-2011 Lead and Copper Rule St Public Notif requested (JUN-20-2012), St Formal NOV issued (JUN-20-2012), St Admin Penalty assessed (JUN-20-2012), St Public Notif received (APR-02-2013) 53 regular monitoring violations Drinking water stations with addresses in Columbia that have no violations reported: PERRY HILL ESTATES APARTMENTS INC. ( Population served: 144 , Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

144 Groundwater) RIDGEVIEW HEIGHTS (Population served: 96, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater) BIRCH HILLS CONDOMINIUMS (132Groundwater):ABBY WATER LLC (100Groundwater):

Average household size: This town: 2.5 people Connecticut: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This town: 74.8% Whole state: 66.3%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This town: 5.9% Whole state: 6.6%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.6% of all households

0.6% Gay men: 0.3% of all households Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 4.2% Whole state: 7.9% Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 2.1% Whole state: 3.9%

37 people in group homes intended for adults in 2010

4 people in college/university student housing in 2010

24 people in homes for the mentally retarded in 2000

Banks with branches in Columbia (2011 data): First Niagara Bank, National Association: Columbia Branch at 164 Middletown Road, branch established on 1991/08/27. Info updated 2011/06/09: Bank assets: $32,750.6 mil, Deposits: $19,595.4 mil, headquarters in Buffalo, NY, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 351 total offices, Holding Company: First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.

For population 15 years and over in Columbia: Never married: 19.3%

19.3% Now married: 67.0%

67.0% Separated: 0.0%

0.0% Widowed: 4.1%

4.1% Divorced: 9.6%

For population 25 years and over in Columbia: High school or higher: 94.1%

94.1% Bachelor's degree or higher: 36.0%

36.0% Graduate or professional degree: 13.6%

13.6% Unemployed: 3.1%

3.1% Mean travel time to work (commute): 29.8 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 10.3 Connecticut average: 12.8



Religion statistics for Columbia, CT (based on Tolland County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 43,500 14 Mainline Protestant 11,178 38 Evangelical Protestant 4,069 27 Other 1,302 8 Orthodox 100 1 None 92,542 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 20 Tolland County : 1.36 / 10,000 pop. Connecticut : 2.21 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 17 This county : 1.15 / 10,000 pop. Connecticut : 1.02 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 33 Tolland County : 2.24 / 10,000 pop. State : 2.27 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 97 Here : 6.57 / 10,000 pop. Connecticut : 9.19 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Tolland County : 6.2% Connecticut : 7.3% Adult obesity rate: Tolland County : 21.1% State : 21.5% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Tolland County : 12.9% Connecticut : 15.8%

6.84% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($58,721 average adjusted gross income) Here: 6.84% Connecticut average: 4.51% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Hartford County, CT 3.32% ($59,435 average AGI) from Windham County, CT 0.54% ($45,733) from New London County, CT 0.31% ($51,536)



7.43% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($62,492 average adjusted gross income) Here: 7.43% Connecticut average: 5.34% 0.04% of residents moved to foreign countries ($535 average AGI) Tolland County: 0.04% Connecticut average: 0.07%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Hartford County, CT 2.74% ($58,256 average AGI) to Windham County, CT 0.58% ($45,753) to New London County, CT 0.33% ($63,708)

Businesses in Columbia, CT Name Count Name Count 7-Eleven 1 Hyundai 1 Dunkin Donuts 1 U-Haul 1 Ford 1

Strongest AM radio stations in Columbia: WTIC (1080 AM; 50 kW; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.)

INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.) WNNZ (640 AM; 50 kW; WESTFIELD, MA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WCRN (830 AM; 50 kW; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WALE (990 AM; 50 kW; GREENVILLE, RI; Owner: NORTH AMERICAN BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

NORTH AMERICAN BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WILI (1400 AM; 1 kW; WILLIMANTIC, CT; Owner: THE NUTMEG BROADCASTING CO.)

THE NUTMEG BROADCASTING CO.) WVNE (760 AM; daytime; 25 kW; LEICESTER, MA; Owner: BLOUNT MASSCOM, INC.)

BLOUNT MASSCOM, INC.) WICH (1310 AM; 5 kW; NORWICH, CT; Owner: WICH, INCORPORATED)

WICH, INCORPORATED) WEEI (850 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WKOX (1200 AM; 50 kW; FRAMINGHAM, MA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WRKO (680 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WBIX (1060 AM; 40 kW; NATICK, MA; Owner: LANGER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

LANGER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WAMG (890 AM; 25 kW; DEDHAM, MA; Owner: MEGA COMMUNICATIONS OF DEDHAM LICENSEE, LLC)

MEGA COMMUNICATIONS OF DEDHAM LICENSEE, LLC) WDRC (1360 AM; 5 kW; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: BUCKLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION) Strongest FM radio stations in Columbia: WILI-FM (98.3 FM; WILLIMANTIC, CT; Owner: NUTMEG BROADCASTING COMPANY)

NUTMEG BROADCASTING COMPANY) WECS (90.1 FM; WILLIMANTIC, CT; Owner: EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGE)

EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE COLLEGE) WHUS (91.7 FM; STORRS, CT; Owner: THE BD. OF TRUSTEES, THE UNIV. OF CT)

THE BD. OF TRUSTEES, THE UNIV. OF CT) W258AC (99.5 FM; STORRS, CT; Owner: CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC)

CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC) WRCH (100.5 FM; NEW BRITAIN, CT; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.)

INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.) WTIC-FM (96.5 FM; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.)

INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.) WWUH (91.3 FM; WEST HARTFORD, CT; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD)

UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD) WKSS (95.7 FM; HARTFORD-MERIDEN, CT; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WWYZ (92.5 FM; WATERBURY, CT; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WZMX (93.7 FM; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.)

INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.) WHCN (105.9 FM; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WCCC-FM (106.9 FM; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: MARLIN BROADCASTING, LLC)

MARLIN BROADCASTING, LLC) WMRQ (104.1 FM; WATERBURY, CT; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WPKT (90.5 FM; MERIDEN, CT; Owner: CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC)

CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC) WDRC-FM (102.9 FM; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: BUCKLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

BUCKLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WCTY (97.7 FM; NORWICH, CT; Owner: WICH, INC.)

WICH, INC.) WKCI-FM (101.3 FM; HAMDEN, CT; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WBMW (106.5 FM; LEDYARD, CT; Owner: RED WOLF BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

RED WOLF BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WAQY (102.1 FM; SPRINGFIELD, MA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC)

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC) WPLR (99.1 FM; NEW HAVEN, CT; Owner: COX RADIO, INC.) TV broadcast stations around Columbia: WHPX ( Channel 26; NEW LONDON, CT; Owner: PAXSON HARTFORD LICENSE, INC.)

26; NEW LONDON, CT; PAXSON HARTFORD LICENSE, INC.) WTIC-TV ( Channel 61; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: TRIBUNE TELEVISION COMPANY)

61; HARTFORD, CT; TRIBUNE TELEVISION COMPANY) W11BJ ( Channel 11; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: COMMUNICATIONS SITE MANAGEMENT LLC)

11; HARTFORD, CT; COMMUNICATIONS SITE MANAGEMENT LLC) WTXX ( Channel 20; WATERBURY, CT; Owner: WTXX INC.)

20; WATERBURY, CT; WTXX INC.) WUVN ( Channel 18; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)

18; HARTFORD, CT; ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC) WPXQ ( Channel 69; BLOCK ISLAND, RI; Owner: OCEAN STATE TELEVISION, L.L.C.)

69; BLOCK ISLAND, RI; OCEAN STATE TELEVISION, L.L.C.) WEDN ( Channel 53; NORWICH, CT; Owner: CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.)

53; NORWICH, CT; CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.) WVIT ( Channel 30; NEW BRITAIN, CT; Owner: OUTLET BROADCASTING, INC)

30; NEW BRITAIN, CT; OUTLET BROADCASTING, INC) WYDN ( Channel 48; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: EDUCATIONAL PUBLIC TV CORPORATION)

48; WORCESTER, MA; EDUCATIONAL PUBLIC TV CORPORATION) WEDH ( Channel 24; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.)

24; HARTFORD, CT; CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.) WFSB ( Channel 3; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: MEREDITH CORPORATION)

3; HARTFORD, CT; MEREDITH CORPORATION) WTNH ( Channel 8; NEW HAVEN, CT; Owner: WTNH BROADCASTING, INC.)

8; NEW HAVEN, CT; WTNH BROADCASTING, INC.) WHTX-LP ( Channel 10; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)

10; HARTFORD, CT; ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC) WCTX ( Channel 59; NEW HAVEN, CT; Owner: WTNH BROADCASTING, INC.)

59; NEW HAVEN, CT; WTNH BROADCASTING, INC.) WEDY ( Channel 65; NEW HAVEN, CT; Owner: CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.)

65; NEW HAVEN, CT; CONNECTICUT PUBLIC BROADCASTING, INC.) WRDM-LP ( Channel 13; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: ZGS HARTFORD, INC.)

13; HARTFORD, CT; ZGS HARTFORD, INC.) WMLD-LP ( Channel 6; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: HARVARD BROADCASTING, INC.)

6; HARTFORD, CT; HARVARD BROADCASTING, INC.) WHCT-LP (Channel 38; HARTFORD, CT; Owner: VENTURE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, LLC)

Columbia fatal accident statistics for 1975 - 2019

See more detailed statistics of Columbia fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2019 here

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

6 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 69ft / 21.2m Total length

Total length 33,747 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 1,883 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 50,147 Total future (year 2034) average daily traffic

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 29 (



FAA Registered Aircraft Manufacturers and Dealers: 1 A P SHIFRIN INC, Po Box 132, Columbia, CT 06237

Certificate: 03-0141 (Corporation), Certificate Issue Date: 01/23/2003, Expiration Date: 01/22/2004

FAA Registered Aircraft: 6 Aircraft: BEECH 77 ( Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: LYCOMING 0-235 SERIES (115 HP) (Reciprocating)

N-Number: 1820W, N1820W, N-1820W, Serial Number: WA-289, Year manufactured: 1981, Airworthiness Date: 12/11/1981, Certificate Issue Date: 03/02/2020

Registrant (LLC): A&p Paul LLC, 15 Latham Hill Rd, Columbia, CT 06237

BEECH 77 ( Land, 2, Up to 12,499 Pounds), LYCOMING 0-235 SERIES (115 HP) (Reciprocating) 1820W, N1820W, N-1820W, WA-289, 1981, 12/11/1981, 03/02/2020 A&p Paul LLC, 15 Latham Hill Rd, Columbia, CT 06237 Aircraft: BAKER DARYL BUSH SPORT 200 ( Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: LYCOMING IO-360-A3B6D (200 HP) (Reciprocating)

N-Number: 4625D, N4625D, N-4625D, Serial Number: 21056, Year manufactured: 2005, Airworthiness Date: 05/11/2006, Certificate Issue Date: 02/27/2004

Registrant (Individual): Daryl Baker, 211a Pine St, Columbia, CT 06237

BAKER DARYL BUSH SPORT 200 ( Land, 4, Up to 12,499 Pounds), LYCOMING IO-360-A3B6D (200 HP) (Reciprocating) 4625D, N4625D, N-4625D, 21056, 2005, 05/11/2006, 02/27/2004 Daryl Baker, 211a Pine St, Columbia, CT 06237 Aircraft: MOONEY M20J ( Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 126 mph), Engine: Reciprocating

N-Number: 5786Z, N5786Z, N-5786Z, Serial Number: 24-1523, Year manufactured: 1984, Airworthiness Date: 12/21/1984, Certificate Issue Date: 03/02/2017

Registrant (Individual): Robert P Campagnone, 80 Johnson Rd, Columbia, CT 06237

MOONEY M20J ( Land, 4, Up to 12,499 Pounds, 126 mph), Reciprocating 5786Z, N5786Z, N-5786Z, 24-1523, 1984, 12/21/1984, 03/02/2017 Robert P Campagnone, 80 Johnson Rd, Columbia, CT 06237 Aircraft: AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO CH 2000 ( Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: LYCOMING 0-235 SERIES (115 HP) (4 Cycle)

N-Number: 622AM, N622AM, N-622AM, Serial Number: 20-1023, Year manufactured: 2003, Airworthiness Date: 11/17/2003, Certificate Issue Date: 03/03/2020

Registrant (LLC): A&p Paul LLC, 15 Latham Hill Rd, Columbia, CT 06237

AIRCRAFT MFG & DEVELOPMENT CO CH 2000 ( Land, 2, Up to 12,499 Pounds), LYCOMING 0-235 SERIES (115 HP) (4 Cycle) 622AM, N622AM, N-622AM, 20-1023, 2003, 11/17/2003, 03/03/2020 A&p Paul LLC, 15 Latham Hill Rd, Columbia, CT 06237 Aircraft: GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5B ( Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 105 mph), Engine: LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER (180 HP) (Reciprocating)

N-Number: 74820, N74820, N-74820, Serial Number: AA5B0368, Year manufactured: 1976, Airworthiness Date: 10/25/1976, Certificate Issue Date: 11/06/2009

Registrant (Individual): Brian W King, 9 Scalise Dr, Columbia, CT 06237

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5B ( Land, 4, Up to 12,499 Pounds, 105 mph), LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER (180 HP) (Reciprocating) 74820, N74820, N-74820, AA5B0368, 1976, 10/25/1976, 11/06/2009 Brian W King, 9 Scalise Dr, Columbia, CT 06237 Aircraft: CESSNA 180 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 121 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR O-470 SERIES (230 HP) (Reciprocating)

N-Number: 7605A, N7605A, N-7605A, Serial Number: 32502, Year manufactured: 1956

Registrant (Individual): John Naumec, Hop River Poultry Farm, Columbia, CT 06237

Deregistered: Cancel Date: 11/21/2017

29 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Columbia

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fires per year is 18. The highest number of reported fire incidents - 45 took place in 2016, and the least - 5 in 2006. The data has a decreasing trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Columbia, CT



185 60.9% Structure Fires



42 13.8% Outside Fires



41 13.5% Other



36 11.8% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires When looking into fire subcategories, the most incidents belonged to: Structure Fires (60.9%), and Outside Fires (13.8%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Columbia, CT

Houses and condos Apartments 81.9% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

9.4% Electricity

4.2% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

4.0% Wood

0.5% Utility gas 66.2% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

25.3% Electricity

5.2% Wood

3.2% Bottled, tank, or LP gas





Columbia compared to Connecticut state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Median age above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above Number of rooms per house significantly below state average.

significantly below House age significantly below state average.

Columbia on our top lists: #8 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: metals and minerals, except petroleum, merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#13 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: electricians (population 5,000+)"

#13 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: miscellaneous durable goods merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#16 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: preschool, kindergarten, elementary and middle school teachers (population 5,000+)"

#21 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: private households (population 5,000+)"

#24 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: therapists (population 5,000+)"

#35 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: special education teachers (population 5,000+)"

#45 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: other transportation workers (population 5,000+)"

#47 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: secondary school teachers (population 5,000+)"

#49 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: motor vehicle and parts dealers (population 5,000+)"

#53 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: electronic shopping and mail-order houses (population 5,000+)"

#58 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: alcoholic beverages merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#58 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: health and personal care, except drug, stores (population 5,000+)"

#62 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: furniture and home furnishing merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#67 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: drugs, sundries, and chemical and allied products merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#74 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: sewing, needlework, and piece goods stores (population 5,000+)"

#76 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: data processing, libraries, and other information services (population 5,000+)"

#92 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: private households (population 5,000+)"

#100 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: radio, tv, and computer stores (population 5,000+)" #8 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest number of births per 1000 residents 2007-2013"

#10 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest decrease in the number of births per 1000 residents 2000-2006 to 2007-2013 (pop 50,000+)"

#19 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the best general health status score of residents (1-5), 3 years of data"

#21 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the highest percentage of residents that visited a dentist within the past year"

#44 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the highest percentage of residents that exercised in the past month"

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State forum archive:

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Darling, Mississippi

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Population in 2010: 226.

Males: 96 (42.8%) Females: 130 (57.2%)

Median resident age: 30.2 years Mississippi median age: 38.3 years

Zip codes: 38623.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $25,682

Darling: $25,682 MS: $45,792

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $15,601



Darling CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $54,835 Darling: $54,835 MS: $128,200

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $38,812; detached houses: $44,461; mobile homes: $23,252 $25,682$15,601$54,835$38,812;$44,461;$23,252

Median gross rent in 2019: $701.

March 2019 cost of living index in Darling: 79.9 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 18.7%

(5.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 23.0% for Black residents)

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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123 Hide US histogram



176 75.9% Black alone 55 23.7% White alone

Races in Darling detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Mississippi and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Darling, Mississippi as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Darling is 283 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is near the state average.





Ancestries: Scotch-Irish (10.7%), American (8.0%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Elevation: 166 feet

Latitude: 34.36 N, Longitude: 90.27 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 662

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 9.6% Mississippi: 6.0%

Tornado activity: Darling-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Mississippi state average. It is 69% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 4/24/1976, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 0.8 miles away from the Darling place center injured one person and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages. On 4/29/1963, a category F3 tornado 12.2 miles away from the place center killed 5 people and injured 10 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Darling-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Mississippi state average. It is 343% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 3/25/1976 at 00:41:20, a magnitude 5.0 (4.9 MB, 5.0 LG, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 88.5 miles away from Darling center

On 5/4/1991 at 01:18:54, a magnitude 5.0 (4.4 MB, 4.6 LG, 5.0 LG, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 154.6 miles away from Darling center

On 4/27/1989 at 16:47:49, a magnitude 4.7 (4.6 MB, 4.7 LG, 4.3 LG, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 117.5 miles away from the city center

On 1/21/1982 at 00:33:54, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 LG, 4.5 LG) earthquake occurred 123.4 miles away from Darling center

On 5/4/2001 at 06:42:12, a magnitude 4.7 (4.2 MB, 4.7 LG, 4.5 LG) earthquake occurred 123.8 miles away from Darling center

On 3/25/1976 at 01:00:11, a magnitude 4.5 (4.1 MB, 4.5 LG) earthquake occurred 87.3 miles away from Darling center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Quitman County (14) is near the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 10



Causes of natural disasters: Storms: 12, Floods: 10, Tornadoes: 10, Winds: 5, Freeze: 1, Heavy Rain: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Darling: PHYSICIANS HOSPICE, INC (Hospital, about 8 miles away; MARKS, MS)

QUITMAN COUNTY HOSPITAL CAH Critical Access Hospitals (about 8 miles away; MARKS, MS)

Critical Access Hospitals QUITMAN CO HOSPITAL AND NH (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; MARKS, MS)

QUITMAN COUNTY NURSING HOME (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; MARKS, MS)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Darling: Coahoma Community College ( about 19 miles; Clarksdale, MS ; Full-time enrollment: 2,284)

19 ; 2,284) Northwest Mississippi Community College ( about 26 miles; Senatobia, MS ; FT enrollment: 6,607)

26 ; 6,607) University of Mississippi ( about 42 miles; University, MS ; FT enrollment: 17,642)

42 ; 17,642) Delta State University ( about 51 miles; Cleveland, MS ; FT enrollment: 3,304)

51 ; 3,304) University of Memphis ( about 55 miles; Memphis, TN ; FT enrollment: 17,427)

55 ; 17,427) Southwest Tennessee Community College ( about 56 miles; Memphis, TN ; FT enrollment: 8,043)

56 ; 8,043) Rhodes College (about 58 miles; Memphis, TN; FT enrollment: 2,052)

Points of interest: Click to draw/clear place borders

Quitman County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Low Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Darling and their reported violations in the past: DARLING WATER ASSOCIATION (Population served: 300, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Average - Between APR-2009 and JUN-2009 , Contaminant: TTHM . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) , St Formal NOV issued (OCT-20-2009) , St Public Notif requested (OCT-20-2009) , St Public Notif received (OCT-24-2009)

APR-2009 JUN-2009 TTHM St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) St Formal NOV issued (OCT-20-2009) St Public Notif requested (OCT-20-2009) St Public Notif received (OCT-24-2009) MCL, Average - Between JAN-2009 and MAR-2009 , Contaminant: TTHM . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (JUL-21-2009) , St Formal NOV issued (JUL-21-2009) , St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) , St Public Notif received (JUL-29-2009)

JAN-2009 MAR-2009 TTHM St Public Notif requested (JUL-21-2009) St Formal NOV issued (JUL-21-2009) St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) St Public Notif received (JUL-29-2009) MCL, Average - Between OCT-2008 and DEC-2008 , Contaminant: TTHM . Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (APR-21-2009) , St Public Notif requested (APR-21-2009) , St Public Notif received (MAY-01-2009) , St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009)

OCT-2008 DEC-2008 TTHM St Formal NOV issued (APR-21-2009) St Public Notif requested (APR-21-2009) St Public Notif received (MAY-01-2009) St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) MCL, Average - Between JUL-2008 and SEP-2008, Contaminant: TTHM. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (APR-21-2009), St Public Notif requested (APR-21-2009), St Public Notif received (MAY-01-2009), St Compliance achieved (JUL-22-2009) Past monitoring violations: Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between JUL-2005 and SEP-2005 , Contaminant: Chlorine . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (DEC-31-2005), St Formal NOV issued (JAN-29-2009), St Public Notif requested (MAR-01-2009), St Public Notif received (JUL-07-2009)

JUL-2005 SEP-2005 Chlorine St Compliance achieved (DEC-31-2005), St Formal NOV issued (JAN-29-2009), St Public Notif requested (MAR-01-2009), St Public Notif received (JUL-07-2009) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between JAN-2005 and MAR-2005 , Contaminant: Chlorine . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (JUN-30-2005), St Formal NOV issued (JAN-29-2009), St Public Notif requested (MAR-01-2009), St Public Notif received (JUL-07-2009)

JAN-2005 MAR-2005 Chlorine St Compliance achieved (JUN-30-2005), St Formal NOV issued (JAN-29-2009), St Public Notif requested (MAR-01-2009), St Public Notif received (JUL-07-2009) 65 regular monitoring violations DARLING WATER ASSOCIATION (300Groundwater):

Average household size: This place: 3.0 people Mississippi: 2.6 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 73.0% Whole state: 69.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 13.5% Whole state: 5.7%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.0% of all households

0.0% Gay men: 1.4% of all households

For population 15 years and over in Darling: Never married: 54.0%

54.0% Now married: 21.4%

21.4% Separated: 8.4%

8.4% Widowed: 12.7%

12.7% Divorced: 3.4%

For population 25 years and over in Darling: High school or higher: 67.6%

67.6% Bachelor's degree or higher: 0.0%

0.0% Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%

0.0% Mean travel time to work (commute): 26.6 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 9.5 Mississippi average: 11.5



Religion statistics for Darling, MS (based on Quitman County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 3,126 18 Mainline Protestant 2,316 4 Black Protestant 1,335 8 Other - 1 None 1,446 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 3 Quitman County : 3.38 / 10,000 pop. State : 2.08 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 4 Quitman County : 4.50 / 10,000 pop. State : 6.36 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 2 Here : 2.25 / 10,000 pop. Mississippi : 5.03 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Here : 14.1% Mississippi : 12.3% Adult obesity rate: Quitman County : 39.0% State : 33.1% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Here : 12.7% Mississippi : 14.4%

Strongest AM radio stations in Darling: WCRV (640 AM; 50 kW; COLLIERVILLE, TN; Owner: BOTT BROADCASTING COMPANY/TENNESSEE)

BOTT BROADCASTING COMPANY/TENNESSEE) WGSF (1030 AM; 50 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: FLINN BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

FLINN BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WDIA (1070 AM; 50 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WCPC (940 AM; 50 kW; HOUSTON, MS; Owner: WCPC BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

WCPC BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WMQM (1600 AM; 50 kW; LAKELAND, TN; Owner: WMQM, INC.)

WMQM, INC.) WSAO (1140 AM; daytime; 5 kW; SENATOBIA, MS; Owner: JESSE C. ROSS AND ERNESTINE A. ROSS)

JESSE C. ROSS AND ERNESTINE A. ROSS) KGHT (880 AM; 50 kW; SHERIDAN, AR; Owner: METROPOLITAN RADIO GROUP, INC.)

METROPOLITAN RADIO GROUP, INC.) WJCE (680 AM; 10 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: ENTERCOM MEMPHIS LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM MEMPHIS LICENSE, LLC) WQMA (1520 AM; daytime; 0 kW; MARKS, MS; Owner: JASON KONARZ)

JASON KONARZ) KAAY (1090 AM; 50 kW; LITTLE ROCK, AR; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WPLX (1170 AM; 10 kW; GERMANTOWN, TN; Owner: EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION)

EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION) KWAM (990 AM; 10 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: CONCORD MEDIA GROUP, INC.)

CONCORD MEDIA GROUP, INC.) WREC (600 AM; 5 kW; MEMPHIS, TN; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) Strongest FM radio stations in Darling: WHKL (106.9 FM; CRENSHAW, MS; Owner: BATESVILLE BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

BATESVILLE BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WMAV-FM (90.3 FM; OXFORD, MS; Owner: MISSISSIPPI AUTHORITY FOR EDUCATIONAL TV)

MISSISSIPPI AUTHORITY FOR EDUCATIONAL TV) KFFA-FM (103.1 FM; HELENA, AR; Owner: DELTA BROADCASTING, INC.)

DELTA BROADCASTING, INC.) WWUN-FM (101.5 FM; CLARKSDALE, MS; Owner: CSN INTERNATIONAL)

CSN INTERNATIONAL) WAID (106.5 FM; CLARKSDALE, MS; Owner: RADIO CLEVELAND, INC.)

RADIO CLEVELAND, INC.) WAVI (91.5 FM; OXFORD, MS; Owner: AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION)

AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION) WKXY (92.1 FM; CLARKSDALE, MS; Owner: CLARKSDALE BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CLARKSDALE BROADCASTING COMPANY) WKNA (88.9 FM; SENATOBIA, MS; Owner: MID-SOUTH PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION)

MID-SOUTH PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION) KJIW-FM (94.5 FM; HELENA, AR; Owner: ELIJAH MONDY,JR.)

ELIJAH MONDY,JR.) WBLE (100.5 FM; BATESVILLE, MS; Owner: BATESVILLE BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

BATESVILLE BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WKDJ-FM (96.5 FM; CLARKSDALE, MS; Owner: RADIO CLEVELAND, INC.) TV broadcast stations around Darling: WMAV-TV (Channel 18; OXFORD, MS; Owner: MISSISSIPPI AUTHORITY FOR EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION)

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

12 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 177ft / 53.7m Total length

Total length $981,000 Total costs

Total costs 3,270 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 324 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 4,105 Total future (year 2033) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

1 1940-1949

1 1950-1959

2 1960-1969

2 1970-1979

2 1980-1989

2 1990-1999

2 2000-2009 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Darling, MS



FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 1 Lat: 34.359306 Lon: -90.277333, Call Sign: WQJX699, Licensee ID: L01461837,

Assigned Frequencies: 159.712 MHz, Grant Date: 02/05/2009, Expiration Date: 02/05/2019, Cancellation Date: 05/11/2019, Certifier: Jason A Mills, Registrant: Jason A Mills, Darling, MS 38623-0156, Phone: (662) 326-9323, Email:



Houses and condos Apartments 89.6% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

10.4% Electricity 100.0% Bottled, tank, or LP gas





Darling compared to Mississippi state average: Median household income below state average.

below Median house value significantly below state average.

significantly below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage above state average.

above Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Median age below state average.

below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage below state average.

below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above House age above state average.

above Number of college students significantly below state average.

significantly below Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.




Dowling, Michigan

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Population in 2010: 374.

Males: 171 (46.0%) Females: 203 (54.0%)

Median resident age: 34.4 years Michigan median age: 39.8 years

Estimated median household income in 2019: $67,244

Dowling: $67,244 MI: $59,584

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $32,941



Dowling CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $173,432 Dowling: $173,432 MI: $169,600

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $159,978; detached houses: $166,775; mobile homes: $55,683 $67,244$32,941$173,432$159,978;$166,775;$55,683

Median gross rent in 2019: $791.

March 2019 cost of living index in Dowling: 82.8 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 16.5%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... Based on 2000-2020 data Loading data...

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366 89.1% White alone 44 10.7% Hispanic

Races in Dowling detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Michigan and other state lists, there were 6 registered sex offenders living in Dowling, Michigan as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Dowling is 60 to 1.





Ancestries: American (36.6%), Polish (16.8%), German (12.4%), Scottish (8.1%), Dutch (6.8%), English (6.2%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 956 feet

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $1,266 (0.9%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $1,903 (0.8%)



Latitude: 42.52 N, Longitude: 85.25 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 269

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 3.6% Michigan: 6.3%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 65.0. This is about average. City: 65.0 U.S.: 74.2

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 30.8. This is about average. Closest monitor was 10.9 miles away from the city center. City: 30.8 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 8.08. This is about average. Closest monitor was 22.4 miles away from the city center. City: 8.08 U.S.: 8.46

Tornado activity: Dowling-area historical tornado activity is above Michigan state average. It is 47% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 4/2/1977, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 12.4 miles away from the Dowling place center injured 10 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages. On 4/2/1977, a category F4 tornado 13.5 miles away from the place center killed one person and injured 44 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Dowling-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Michigan state average. It is 24% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 5/2/2015 at 16:23:07, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 2.8 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 21.8 miles away from Dowling center

On 1/31/1986 at 16:46:43, a magnitude 5.0 (5.0 MB, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 219.6 miles away from the city center

On 9/25/1998 at 19:52:52, a magnitude 5.2 (4.8 MB, 4.3 MS, 5.2 LG, 4.5 MW, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 259.6 miles away from the city center

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW) earthquake occurred 313.7 miles away from the city center

On 7/12/1986 at 08:19:37, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 MB) earthquake occurred 144.7 miles away from Dowling center

On 7/27/1980 at 18:52:21, a magnitude 5.2 (5.1 MB, 4.7 MS, 5.0 UK, 5.2 UK) earthquake occurred 306.5 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Barry County (12) is smaller than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 6

Emergencies Declared: 5



Causes of natural disasters: Storms: 5, Floods: 4, Tornadoes: 3, Snowstorms: 2, Winter Storms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Freeze: 1, Hurricane: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Dowling: BARRY COUNTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; HASTINGS, MI)

THORNAPPLE MANOR (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; HASTINGS, MI)

PENNOCK HOSPITAL Acute Care Hospitals (about 9 miles away; HASTINGS, MI)

Acute Care Hospitals PENNOCK HOMECARE SERVICES (Home Health Center, about 10 miles away; HASTINGS, MI)

MAGNUMCARE OF HASTINGS, LLC (Nursing Home, about 10 miles away; HASTINGS, MI)

LAURELS OF BEDFORD (THE) (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; BATTLE CREEK, MI)

HEARTLAND HEALTH CARE CENTER-BATTLE CREEK (Nursing Home, about 14 miles away; BATTLE CREEK, MI)

Amtrak station near Dowling: 15 miles: BATTLE CREEK (104 CAPITAL AVE. SW) . Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, taxi stand, intercity bus service, public transit connection.

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Dowling: Kellogg Community College ( about 14 miles; Battle Creek, MI ; Full-time enrollment: 4,078)

14 ; 4,078) Western Michigan University ( about 25 miles; Kalamazoo, MI ; FT enrollment: 20,840)

25 ; 20,840) Davenport University ( about 27 miles; Grand Rapids, MI ; FT enrollment: 6,955)

27 ; 6,955) Kalamazoo Valley Community College ( about 31 miles; Kalamazoo, MI ; FT enrollment: 7,369)

31 ; 7,369) Calvin College ( about 33 miles; Grand Rapids, MI ; FT enrollment: 4,117)

33 ; 4,117) Cornerstone University ( about 37 miles; Grand Rapids, MI ; FT enrollment: 2,573)

37 ; 2,573) Grand Rapids Community College (about 38 miles; Grand Rapids, MI; FT enrollment: 11,296)

Barry County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Dowling and their reported violations in the past: PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH (Population served: 200, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In DEC-2012 , Contaminant: Coliform (TCR) . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (JAN-15-2013), St Compliance achieved (FEB-01-2013)

DEC-2012 Coliform (TCR) St Public Notif requested (JAN-15-2013), St Compliance achieved (FEB-01-2013) Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In JAN-2012 , Contaminant: Coliform (TCR) . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (NOV-09-2012)

JAN-2012 Coliform (TCR) St Compliance achieved (NOV-09-2012) Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In JAN-2005 , Contaminant: Coliform (TCR) . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (AUG-23-2005)

JAN-2005 Coliform (TCR) St Compliance achieved (AUG-23-2005) 2 routine major monitoring violations WESLEY WOODS (Population served: 175, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In FEB-2008, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif received (FEB-13-2008), St Public Notif requested (FEB-13-2008), St Compliance achieved (FEB-18-2008) Past monitoring violations: 2 routine major monitoring violations HORN CREEK PUB (Population served: 50, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: 4 routine major monitoring violations PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH (200Groundwater):WESLEY WOODS (175Groundwater):HORN CREEK PUB (50Groundwater):

Average household size: This place: 2.5 people Michigan: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 74.0% Whole state: 66.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 1.3% Whole state: 6.4%



No gay or lesbian households reported





For population 15 years and over in Dowling: Never married: 20.1%

20.1% Now married: 61.6%

61.6% Separated: 0.0%

0.0% Widowed: 12.9%

12.9% Divorced: 5.5%

For population 25 years and over in Dowling: High school or higher: 96.2%

96.2% Bachelor's degree or higher: 3.8%

3.8% Graduate or professional degree: 2.3%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 5.7 Michigan average: 10.8



Religion statistics for Dowling, MI (based on Barry County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 6,020 30 Mainline Protestant 4,330 20 Catholic 2,681 4 Other 526 3 None 45,616 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 13 Barry County : 2.20 / 10,000 pop. State : 2.34 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 7 This county : 1.18 / 10,000 pop. Michigan : 1.52 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 17 This county : 2.88 / 10,000 pop. Michigan : 2.99 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 38 This county : 6.43 / 10,000 pop. Michigan : 6.80 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Barry County : 9.1% Michigan : 9.7% Adult obesity rate: This county : 30.1% Michigan : 29.7% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Barry County : 11.4% State : 13.4%

7.29% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($52,022 average adjusted gross income) Here: 7.29% Michigan average: 5.43% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Kent County, MI 1.92% ($59,303 average AGI) from Allegan County, MI 0.84% ($50,564) from Kalamazoo County, MI 0.75% ($53,634)



6.54% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($47,973 average adjusted gross income) Here: 6.54% Michigan average: 5.69% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Kent County, MI 1.30% ($51,087 average AGI) to Allegan County, MI 0.76% ($39,250) to Kalamazoo County, MI 0.76% ($50,389)

Strongest AM radio stations in Dowling: WBCK (930 AM; 5 kW; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WKZO (590 AM; 5 kW; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY)

FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY) WOOD (1300 AM; 20 kW; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WOAP (1080 AM; 50 kW; OWOSSO, MI)

WKLZ (1470 AM; 10 kW; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY)

FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY) WKMI (1360 AM; 5 kW; KALAMAZOO, MI)

WQSN (1660 AM; 10 kW; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY)

FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY) WLCM (1390 AM; 5 kW; CHARLOTTE, MI)

WKAR (870 AM; daytime; 10 kW; EAST LANSING, MI; Owner: MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY)

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY) WJR (760 AM; 50 kW; DETROIT, MI; Owner: ABC, INC.)

ABC, INC.) WFDF (910 AM; 50 kW; FLINT, MI; Owner: ABC, INC.)

ABC, INC.) WJNZ (1140 AM; daytime; 5 kW; KENTWOOD, MI; Owner: GOODRICH RADIO, LLC)

GOODRICH RADIO, LLC) WWJ (950 AM; 50 kW; DETROIT, MI; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) Strongest FM radio stations in Dowling: WQLR (106.5 FM; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY)

FAIRFIELD BROADCASTING COMPANY) WBCH-FM (100.1 FM; HASTINGS, MI; Owner: BARRY BROADCASTING CO.)

BARRY BROADCASTING CO.) WBCT (93.7 FM; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WKFR-FM (103.3 FM; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WVGR (104.1 FM; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN)

REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN) WOOD-FM (105.7 FM; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WMUK (102.1 FM; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY)

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY) WZUU (92.3 FM; ALLEGAN, MI; Owner: FORUM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

FORUM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WGRD-FM (97.9 FM; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: REGENT BROADCASTING OF GRAND RAPIDS, INC.)

REGENT BROADCASTING OF GRAND RAPIDS, INC.) WCSG (91.3 FM; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY.)

CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY.) WBXX (95.3 FM; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: CASPTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CASPTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WQTX (92.7 FM; CHARLOTTE, MI; Owner: RUBBER CITY RADIO GROUP)

RUBBER CITY RADIO GROUP) WRKR (107.7 FM; PORTAGE, MI; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WVIC (94.1 FM; JACKSON, MI; Owner: RUBBER CITY RADIO GROUP)

RUBBER CITY RADIO GROUP) WWKN (104.9 FM; MARSHALL, MI; Owner: CASPTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CASPTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WAYK (88.3 FM; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: CORNERSTONE UNIVERSITY) TV broadcast stations around Dowling: WLLA ( Channel 64; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: CHRISTIAN FAITH BROADCAST, INC.)

64; KALAMAZOO, MI; CHRISTIAN FAITH BROADCAST, INC.) WOTV ( Channel 41; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)

41; BATTLE CREEK, MI; WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC) WWMT ( Channel 3; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: FREEDOM BROADCASTING OF MICHIGAN, INC.)

3; KALAMAZOO, MI; FREEDOM BROADCASTING OF MICHIGAN, INC.) WZPX ( Channel 43; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: PAXSON BATTLE CREEK LICENSE, INC.)

43; BATTLE CREEK, MI; PAXSON BATTLE CREEK LICENSE, INC.) WXMI ( Channel 17; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: TRIBUNE TELEVISION HOLDINGS, INC.)

17; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; TRIBUNE TELEVISION HOLDINGS, INC.) WOOD-TV ( Channel 8; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)

8; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC) WSYM-TV ( Channel 47; LANSING, MI; Owner: JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION)

47; LANSING, MI; JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION) WILX-TV ( Channel 10; ONONDAGA, MI; Owner: GRAY MIDAMERICA TV LICENSEE CORP.)

10; ONONDAGA, MI; GRAY MIDAMERICA TV LICENSEE CORP.) WLAJ ( Channel 53; LANSING, MI; Owner: FREEDOM BROADCASTING OF MICHIGAN, INC.)

53; LANSING, MI; FREEDOM BROADCASTING OF MICHIGAN, INC.) WHTV ( Channel 18; JACKSON, MI; Owner: SPARTAN-TV, L.L.C.)

18; JACKSON, MI; SPARTAN-TV, L.L.C.) WOBC-CA ( Channel 20; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Owner: WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC)

20; BATTLE CREEK, MI; WOOD LICENSE COMPANY, LLC) W21BS ( Channel 21; HOUGHTON LAKE, MI; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

21; HOUGHTON LAKE, MI; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) WKAR-TV ( Channel 23; EAST LANSING, MI; Owner: BOARD OF TRUSTEES, MICH. STATE UNIV.)

23; EAST LANSING, MI; BOARD OF TRUSTEES, MICH. STATE UNIV.) WGVK ( Channel 52; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY)

52; KALAMAZOO, MI; GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY) W26BX (Channel 26; KALAMAZOO, MI; Owner: TCT OF MICHIGAN, INC.)

Dowling fatal accident list: Jan 4, 2014 11:05 PM, Sr-37, Lat: 42.510536, Lon: -85.258022, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 3, Pedestrians: 1, Fatalities: 1

Nov 3, 2004 06:24 PM, Sr-37, Lat: 42.522412, Lon: -85.253528, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 2, Fatalities: 1

Nov 27, 2000 03:14 PM, Sr-37, Lat: 42.522412, Lon: -85.253528, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 4, Fatalities: 2

Dec 1, 2000 06:27 PM, Sr-37, Lat: 42.522412, Lon: -85.253528, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1

May 13, 1999 03:12 AM, Sr-37, Lat: 42.522412, Lon: -85.253528, Vehicles: 3, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1



National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

5 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 23ft / 6.9m Total length

Total length 3,330 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 100 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 4,965 Total future (year 2023) average daily traffic

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 13 (



FAA Registered Aircraft: 2 Aircraft: AIRFRAMES UNLIMITED OUTLAW EXTREME ( Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: HIRTH 3203 (65 HP) (2 Cycle)

N-Number: 56863, N56863, N-56863, Serial Number: OLEX-2006-199, Year manufactured: 2006, Airworthiness Date: 11/21/2007, Certificate Issue Date: 10/19/2007

Registrant (Individual): Eli S Zimmerman, 3515 E Mud Lake Rd, Dowling, MI 49050

AIRFRAMES UNLIMITED OUTLAW EXTREME ( Land, 2, Up to 12,499 Pounds), HIRTH 3203 (65 HP) (2 Cycle) 56863, N56863, N-56863, OLEX-2006-199, 2006, 11/21/2007, 10/19/2007 Eli S Zimmerman, 3515 E Mud Lake Rd, Dowling, MI 49050 Aircraft: CESSNA 182P (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 120 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR O-470 SERIES (230 HP) (Reciprocating)

N-Number: 99YE, N99YE, N-99YE, Serial Number: 18264030, Year manufactured: 1975, Airworthiness Date: 07/01/1975, Certificate Issue Date: 01/10/2011

Registrant (LLC): D & E Recreation LLC, 8021 North Ave, Dowling, MI 49050

13 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Dowling

Houses and condos Apartments 43.4% Utility gas

26.9% Wood

13.1% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

8.3% Electricity

4.1% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

4.1% Other fuel 84.2% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

15.8% Electricity





Dowling compared to Michigan state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage below state average.

below Length of stay since moving in below state average.

below Number of college students below state average.

below Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.

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Elgin, Illinois

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Population in 2019: 110,849 (100% urban, 0% rural).

Population change since 2000: +17.3%

110,849 (100% urban, 0% rural).+17.3%

Males: 54,072 (48.8%) Females: 56,777 (51.2%)

Median resident age: 34.9 years Illinois median age: 38.6 years

Estimated median household income in 2019: $70,192 (it was $52,605 in 2000)

Elgin: $70,192 IL: $69,187

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $28,957 (it was $21,112 in 2000)



Elgin city income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $194,500 (it was $138,500 in 2000) Elgin: $194,500 IL: $209,100

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $235,842; detached houses: $249,987; townhouses or other attached units: $176,642; in 2-unit structures: $163,053; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $178,487; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $726,814; mobile homes: $57,174 $70,192 ($52,605$28,957 ($21,112$194,500 ($138,500$235,842;$249,987;$176,642;$163,053;$178,487;$726,814;$57,174

Median gross rent in 2019: $974.

March 2019 cost of living index in Elgin: 100.4 (near average, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 11.5%

(5.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 35.0% for Black residents, 12.5% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 14.7% for other race residents, 19.4% for two or more races residents)

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... Based on 2000-2020 data Loading data...

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52,189 46.7% Hispanic 45,269 40.5% White alone 6,603 5.9% Asian alone 6,294 5.6% Black alone 1,877 1.7% Two or more races 506 0.5% Other race alone 35 0.03% American Indian alone

Races in Elgin detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Illinois and other state lists, there were 149 registered sex offenders living in Elgin, Illinois as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Elgin is 769 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is near the state average.







Full-time law enforcement employees in 2019, including police officers: 243 (180 officers).

Officers per 1,000 residents here: 1.61 Illinois average: 2.31



Latest news from Elgin, IL collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: German (5.9%), Irish (2.9%), Polish (2.8%), Italian (2.7%), American (2.5%), European (1.1%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Elevation: 745 feet

Land area: 25.0 square miles. Population density: 4,434 people per square mile (average).

30,443 residents are foreign born (20.4% Latin America). This city: 27.0% Illinois: 14.1%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $4,977 (2.6%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $4,438 (2.2%)



Latitude: 42.04 N, Longitude: 88.29 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: -20 (-0.0%)

Workers who live and work in this city: 18,894 (35.2%)

Area codes: 847, 630, 224

Single-family new house construction building permits: 1997: 294 buildings , average cost: $103,200

294 $103,200 1998: 428 buildings , average cost: $93,600

428 $93,600 1999: 319 buildings , average cost: $108,500

319 $108,500 2000: 194 buildings , average cost: $112,600

194 $112,600 2001: 126 buildings , average cost: $98,300

126 $98,300 2002: 265 buildings , average cost: $129,400

265 $129,400 2003: 179 buildings , average cost: $123,400

179 $123,400 2004: 563 buildings , average cost: $144,700

563 $144,700 2005: 1262 buildings , average cost: $155,700

1262 $155,700 2006: 1077 buildings , average cost: $129,700

1077 $129,700 2007: 756 buildings , average cost: $143,500

756 $143,500 2008: 332 buildings , average cost: $156,500

332 $156,500 2009: 128 buildings , average cost: $135,700

128 $135,700 2010: 182 buildings , average cost: $122,500

182 $122,500 2011: 133 buildings , average cost: $158,000

133 $158,000 2012: 192 buildings , average cost: $161,300

192 $161,300 2013: 343 buildings , average cost: $171,200

343 $171,200 2014: 333 buildings , average cost: $159,100

333 $159,100 2015: 272 buildings , average cost: $166,600

272 $166,600 2016: 175 buildings , average cost: $185,700

175 $185,700 2017: 141 buildings , average cost: $225,100

141 $225,100 2018: 146 buildings , average cost: $215,100

146 $215,100 2019: 133 buildings, average cost: $216,500

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 7.0% Illinois: 6.5%



Population change in the 1990s: +16,713 (+21.5%). +16,713 (+21.5%).

Most common industries in Elgin, IL (%) Both Males Females

Health care (10.5%)

Educational services (7.9%)

Construction (6.7%)

Administrative & support & waste management services (6.3%)

Accommodation & food services (5.8%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (4.2%)

Finance & insurance (4.1%)

Construction (11.7%)

Administrative & support & waste management services (7.2%)

Health care (5.4%)

Accommodation & food services (4.8%)

Miscellaneous manufacturing (4.3%)

Educational services (4.2%)

Metal & metal products (4.1%)

Health care (16.5%)

Educational services (12.3%)

Accommodation & food services (7.1%)

Finance & insurance (5.6%)

Administrative & support & waste management services (5.2%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (4.8%)

Social assistance (4.0%) Most common occupations in Elgin, IL (%) Both Males Females

Other production occupations, including supervisors (5.1%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.1%)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4.0%)

Metal workers and plastic workers (3.5%)

Laborers and material movers, hand (3.1%)

Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (3.1%)

Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (2.6%)

Metal workers and plastic workers (5.4%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (5.3%)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (5.3%)

Laborers and material movers, hand (4.2%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.2%)

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (4.0%)

Construction traders workers except carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers, and construction laborers (3.3%)

Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides (5.2%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (4.8%)

Secretaries and administrative assistants (4.7%)

Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (4.6%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.1%)

Health technologists and technicians (3.2%)

Customer service representatives (3.2%)

Average climate in Elgin, Illinois Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI NO 2 SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5 Pb

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 93.0. This is worse than average. City: 93.0 U.S.: 74.2

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 17.9. This is significantly worse than average. Closest monitor was 9.7 miles away from the city center. City: 17.9 U.S.: 5.6

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2000 was 3.23. This is significantly worse than average. Closest monitor was 1.0 miles away from the city center. City: 3.23 U.S.: 1.79

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 27.2. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 0.9 miles away from the city center. City: 27.2 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 9.61. This is about average. Closest monitor was 0.9 miles away from the city center. City: 9.61 U.S.: 8.46

Lead (Pb) [g/m3] level in 2009 was 0.0114. This is about average. Closest monitor was 0.2 miles away from the city center. City: 0.0114 U.S.: 0.0098

Tornado activity: Elgin-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Illinois state average. It is 43% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 8/28/1990, a category F5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 25.1 miles away from the Elgin city center killed 29 people and injured 350 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages. On 4/21/1967, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 7.7 miles away from the city center killed one person and injured 100 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Elgin-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Illinois state average. It is 45% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 249.0 miles away from Elgin center

On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 223.6 miles away from the city center

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 249.1 miles away from the city center

On 6/28/2004 at 06:10:52, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 51.0 miles away from the city center

On 2/10/2010 at 09:59:35, a magnitude 3.8 (3.8 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 11.8 miles away from Elgin center

On 6/18/2002 at 17:37:15, a magnitude 5.0 (4.3 MB, 4.6 MW, 5.0 LG) earthquake occurred 281.6 miles away from Elgin center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Kane County (15) is near the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 10

Emergencies Declared: 4



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 7, Storms: 7, Snowstorms: 2, Tornadoes: 2, Winter Storms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Hurricane: 1, Snow: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Main business address for: MIDDLEBY CORP (REFRIGERATION & SERVICE INDUSTRY MACHINERY), EFC BANCORP INC (SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS, NOT FEDERALLY CHARTERED).

Hospitals in Elgin: ELGIN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (750 S STATE ST)

ELGIN STATE HOSP-MED AND SURG DIV (provides emergency services, 750 S STATE ST)

LITTLE ANGELS (1435 SUMMIT STREET)

PASSAGES HOSPICE (134 NORTH MCLEAN BLVD)

PRESENCE SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL - ELGIN (Voluntary non-profit - Church, 77 N AIRLITE STREET)

PROVENA HOSPICE (77 NORTH AIRLITE STREET)

SHERMAN HOSPITAL (Voluntary non-profit - Private, 1425 NORTH RANDALL ROAD) Nursing Homes in Elgin: APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN RESTHAVEN (2750 WEST HIGHLAND AVENUE)

ASHWOOD HEALTH CARE CENTER (134 N MCLEAN BOULEVARD)

ASTA CARE CENTER OF ELGIN (134 NORTH MCLEAN BOULEVARD)

HERITAGE HEALTH-ELGIN (355 RAYMOND STREET)

LITTLE ANGELS NH INC (BOX 304 RT 4)

MANORCARE OF ELGIN (180 SOUTH STATE STREET)

MAPLEWOOD CARE (50 NORTH JANE)

OLIVETTE SKILLED NURSING CARE CENTER (355 RAYMOND STREET)

ROSEWOOD CARE CENTER OF ELGIN (2355 ROYAL BOULEVARD)

SHERMAN HOSPITAL SCU (934 CENTER STREET)

SHERMAN WEST COURT (1950 LARKIN AVENUE) Dialysis Facilities in Elgin: DAVITA - COBBLESTONE DIALYSIS (836 DUNDEE AVE.)

FMC OF ELGIN (2130 POINT BLVD. SUITE 800) Home Health Centers in Elgin: CARE FOR LIFE HOME HEALTH (1710 RANDALL ROAD, SUITE 170)

HOME HEALTH RESOURCES, LLC (2295 VALLEY CREEK DRIVE, SUITE A)

PROVENA HOME CARE ELGIN (799 SOUTH MCLEAN BLVD)

RESILIENCE HOME HEALTH CORPORATION (75 MARKET ST, STE 4)

SHERMAN HOME CARE PARTNERS (915 CENTER STREET, STE 2001A)

Amtrak station near Elgin: 20 miles: NAPERVILLE (E. 4TH & ELLSWORTH AVE.) . Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Local government website: www.cityofelgin.org

Library in Elgin: GAIL BORDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT (Operating income: $12,437,003; Location: 270 NORTH GROVE AVENUE; 407,074 books; 2,388 e-books; 36,617 audio materials; 22,771 video materials; 34 local licensed databases; 14 state licensed databases; 9 other licensed databases; 719 print serial subscriptions; 3 electronic serial subscriptions)

User-submitted facts and corrections: The link to the "Local government website is now: http://www.cityofelgin.org/



Birthplace of: Madman Muntz - Advertising pioneer, David Otunga - Professional wrestler, Ray Barnhart - Politician, William Dale Phillips - Chemist, Angel Leigh McCoy - Game designer and fiction writer, Bethany Goldsmith - Girls Professional Baseball League player, Earl Muetterties - Chemist, Bill Mehlhorn - Professional golfer, Steve Rauschenberger - Politician, William M. Hartmann - Scientist.

Kane County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Elgin and their reported violations in the past: CENTURY PINES APARTMENTS (Population served: 50, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between OCT-2007 and DEC-2007 , Contaminant: Chlorine . Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JAN-18-2008), St Compliance achieved (FEB-04-2008)

OCT-2007 DEC-2007 Chlorine St Violation/Reminder Notice (JAN-18-2008), St Compliance achieved (FEB-04-2008) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between APR-2007 and JUN-2007, Contaminant: Chlorine. Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (JUL-01-2007), St Public Notif requested (JUL-18-2007), St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUL-18-2007), St Public Notif received (JUL-30-2007) NEW CREATIONS PRESCHOOL (Population served: 25, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between APR-2007 and JUN-2007, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (MAY-21-2007), St Public Notif received (MAY-23-2007), St Compliance achieved (MAY-29-2007), St Site Visit (enforcement) (MAY-29-2007) Past monitoring violations: One routine major monitoring violation Drinking water stations with addresses in Elgin that have no violations reported: ELGIN ( Address: 150 DEXTER CT. , Population served: 108,188 , Primary Water Source Type: Surface water)

150 DEXTER CT. , 108,188 Surface water) CAPRON MHP ( Population served: 98 , Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

98 Groundwater) KING OF GLORY (Population served: 25, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater) CENTURY PINES APARTMENTS (50Groundwater):NEW CREATIONS PRESCHOOL (25Groundwater):

Average household size: This city: 3.0 people Illinois: 2.6 people

Percentage of family households: This city: 72.0% Whole state: 65.8%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This city: 7.7% Whole state: 6.3%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.5% of all households

0.5% Gay men: 0.3% of all households

People in group quarters in Elgin in 2010: 699 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities

588 people in college/university student housing

308 people in mental (psychiatric) hospitals and psychiatric units in other hospitals

181 people in other noninstitutional facilities

55 people in emergency and transitional shelters (with sleeping facilities) for people experiencing homelessness

54 people in residential treatment centers for adults

22 people in group homes for juveniles (non-correctional)

19 people in group homes intended for adults

15 people in workers' group living quarters and job corps centers

12 people in residential treatment centers for juveniles (non-correctional) People in group quarters in Elgin in 2000: 613 people in nursing homes

494 people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus)

257 people in mental (psychiatric) hospitals or wards

243 people in state prisons

145 people in other noninstitutional group quarters

42 people in homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse

41 people in homes for the mentally ill

34 people in other group homes

32 people in halfway houses

4 people in religious group quarters

3 people in other nonhousehold living situations

Banks with most branches in Elgin (2011 data): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association: Larkin Branch, Mcclean, Elgin Branch, Elgin Randall Rd Branch, Shady Oaks . Info updated 2011/11/10: Bank assets: $1,811,678.0 mil , Deposits: $1,190,738.0 mil , headquarters in Columbus, OH , positive income , International Specialization , 5577 total offices , Holding Company: Jpmorgan Chase & Co.

2011/11/10: $1,811,678.0 mil $1,190,738.0 mil Columbus, OH , International Specialization 5577 Jpmorgan Chase & Co. PNC Bank, National Association: South Elgin Branch, 850 Summit St Branch, Larkin Branch, Grove Branch . Info updated 2012/03/20: Bank assets: $263,309.6 mil , Deposits: $197,343.0 mil , headquarters in Wilmington, DE , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 3085 total offices , Holding Company: Pnc Financial Services Group, Inc., The

2012/03/20: $263,309.6 mil $197,343.0 mil Wilmington, DE , Commercial Lending Specialization 3085 Pnc Financial Services Group, Inc., The St. Charles Bank & Trust Company: Elgin Branch, Mclean Office, Summit Branch . Info updated 2011/10/05: Bank assets: $614.3 mil , Deposits: $533.4 mil , headquarters in Saint Charles, IL , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 5 total offices , Holding Company: Wintrust Financial Corporation

2011/10/05: $614.3 mil $533.4 mil Saint Charles, IL , Commercial Lending Specialization 5 Wintrust Financial Corporation Fifth Third Bank: Waverly Branch, Highland Branch, Larkin Branch . Info updated 2009/10/05: Bank assets: $114,540.4 mil , Deposits: $89,689.1 mil , headquarters in Cincinnati, OH , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 1378 total offices , Holding Company: Fifth Third Bancorp

2009/10/05: $114,540.4 mil $89,689.1 mil Cincinnati, OH , Commercial Lending Specialization 1378 Fifth Third Bancorp First Community Bank: Tyler Creek Plaza Banking Center at 50 Tyler Creek Plaza , branch established on 2000/06/20; at 165 South Randall Road , branch established on 1993/10/04 . Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $168.5 mil , Deposits: $142.0 mil , local headquarters , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 2 total offices , Holding Company: First Community Financial Corporation

50 Tyler Creek Plaza 2000/06/20; 165 South Randall Road 1993/10/04 2006/11/03: $168.5 mil $142.0 mil , Commercial Lending Specialization 2 First Community Financial Corporation Old Second National Bank: Elgin-Route 20 Branch at 3290 Us Highway 20 And Nesler Road , branch established on 2006/11/06; Elgin Mclean Branch at 1000 S Mclean Blvd , branch established on 2006/11/06 . Info updated 2008/03/03: Bank assets: $1,939.3 mil , Deposits: $1,741.1 mil , headquarters in Aurora, IL , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 27 total offices , Holding Company: Old Second Bancorp, Inc.

3290 Us Highway 20 And Nesler Road 2006/11/06; Elgin Mclean Branch 1000 S Mclean Blvd 2006/11/06 2008/03/03: $1,939.3 mil $1,741.1 mil Aurora, IL , Commercial Lending Specialization 27 Old Second Bancorp, Inc. Bank of America, National Association: Elgin - Randall And College Gree at 635 S. Randall Road , branch established on 2006/11/22; Elgin Branch at 2000 Big Timber Road , branch established on 2001/05/07 . Info updated 2009/11/18: Bank assets: $1,451,969.3 mil , Deposits: $1,077,176.8 mil , headquarters in Charlotte, NC , positive income , 5782 total offices , Holding Company: Bank Of America Corporation

635 S. Randall Road 2006/11/22; Elgin Branch 2000 Big Timber Road 2001/05/07 2009/11/18: $1,451,969.3 mil $1,077,176.8 mil Charlotte, NC 5782 Bank Of America Corporation Associated Bank, National Association: Elgin Branch at 16 North Spring Street , branch established on 1883/01/01; West Elgin Branch at 2001 Larkin Avenue , branch established on 2001/06/30 . Info updated 2008/09/12: Bank assets: $21,715.0 mil , Deposits: $15,244.4 mil , headquarters in Green Bay, WI , positive income , Commercial Lending Specialization , 282 total offices , Holding Company: Associated Banc-Corp

16 North Spring Street 1883/01/01; West Elgin Branch 2001 Larkin Avenue 2001/06/30 2008/09/12: $21,715.0 mil $15,244.4 mil Green Bay, WI , Commercial Lending Specialization 282 Associated Banc-Corp BMO Harris Bank National Association: Elgin - Dundee Branch at 250 Dundee Avenue , branch established on 2003/11/17; Elgin - Mclean Branch at 170 N Mc Lean Blvd , branch established on 2003/11/20 . Info updated 2011/07/14: Bank assets: $97,264.0 mil , Deposits: $75,624.6 mil , headquarters in Chicago, IL , positive income , 717 total offices , Holding Company: Bank Of Montreal

250 Dundee Avenue 2003/11/17; Elgin - Mclean Branch 170 N Mc Lean Blvd 2003/11/20 2011/07/14: $97,264.0 mil $75,624.6 mil Chicago, IL 717 Bank Of Montreal 7 other banks with 8 local branches

For population 15 years and over in Elgin: Never married: 35.3%

35.3% Now married: 47.9%

47.9% Separated: 1.8%

1.8% Widowed: 4.9%

4.9% Divorced: 10.1%

For population 25 years and over in Elgin: High school or higher: 81.8%

81.8% Bachelor's degree or higher: 23.4%

23.4% Graduate or professional degree: 7.0%

7.0% Unemployed: 5.8%

5.8% Mean travel time to work (commute): 27.4 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 14.1 Illinois average: 12.0



Religion statistics for Elgin, IL (based on Kane County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 155,391 28 Evangelical Protestant 50,728 184 Mainline Protestant 36,576 72 Other 19,744 30 Black Protestant 3,679 10 Orthodox 1,630 2 None 247,521 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 80 Kane County : 1.61 / 10,000 pop. State : 2.24 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 4 Kane County : 0.08 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 0.08 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 27 Kane County : 0.54 / 10,000 pop. State : 0.75 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 97 Kane County : 1.95 / 10,000 pop. Illinois : 2.61 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 294 This county : 5.90 / 10,000 pop. State : 6.86 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: This county : 7.2% Illinois : 8.3% Adult obesity rate: Kane County : 27.2% State : 25.2% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Here : 15.1% Illinois : 14.5%

Health and Nutrition: Healthy diet rate: This city: 47.3% Illinois: 49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums: Here: 46.2% Illinois: 47.2%

Average BMI: This city: 28.4 Illinois: 28.6

People feeling badly about themselves: This city: 21.8% Illinois: 20.5%

People not drinking alcohol at all: Here: 10.1% State: 10.8%

Average hours sleeping at night: Elgin: 6.8 Illinois: 6.8

Overweight people: This city: 31.4% Illinois: 33.4%

General health condition: This city: 55.7% State: 56.4%

Average condition of hearing: This city: 80.7% Illinois: 79.9%

More about Health and Nutrition of Elgin, IL Residents

Local government employment and payroll (March 2019) Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll Police Protection - Officers 191 $1,772,043 $111,333 0 $0 Firefighters 132 $1,246,541 $113,322 0 $0 Water Supply 57 $408,431 $85,985 6 $7,352 Police - Other 54 $420,772 $93,505 20 $25,213 Streets and Highways 53 $369,622 $83,688 1 $1,250 Other Government Administration 43 $265,837 $74,187 2 $3,914 Parks and Recreation 42 $277,246 $79,213 213 $164,750 Other and Unallocable 32 $233,061 $87,398 18 $27,953 Financial Administration 30 $223,835 $89,534 3 $4,114 Sewerage 11 $76,521 $83,477 0 $0 Judicial and Legal 7 $73,479 $125,964 0 $0 Fire - Other 6 $28,391 $56,782 1 $2,270 Natural Resources 4 $27,758 $83,274 1 $3,981 Totals for Government 662 $5,423,539 $98,312 265 $240,797

Expenditure Revenue Elgin government finances - Expenditure in 2018 (per resident): Construction - Water Utilities: $3,453,000 ($31.15) Regular Highways: $1,681,000 ($15.16) Sewerage: $640,000 ($5.77)

$3,453,000 ($31.15) Current Operations - Police Protection: $45,261,000 ($408.31) Local Fire Protection: $29,444,000 ($265.62) Water Utilities: $20,655,000 ($186.33) Parks and Recreation: $16,781,000 ($151.39) General - Other: $13,268,000 ($119.69) Regular Highways: $6,749,000 ($60.88) Solid Waste Management: $6,434,000 ($58.04) Central Staff Services: $6,293,000 ($56.77) Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $3,268,000 ($29.48) Financial Administration: $2,079,000 ($18.76) Public Welfare - Other: $1,083,000 ($9.77) General Public Buildings: $624,000 ($5.63) Miscellaneous Commercial Activities - Other: $401,000 ($3.62)

$45,261,000 ($408.31) General - Interest on Debt: $2,857,000 ($25.77)

$2,857,000 ($25.77) Intergovernmental to Local - Other - General - Other: $2,926,000 ($26.40)

$2,926,000 ($26.40) Other Capital Outlay - Local Fire Protection: $1,638,000 ($14.78) Water Utilities: $996,000 ($8.99) Public Welfare - Other: $598,000 ($5.39) Parks and Recreation: $579,000 ($5.22) Police Protection: $513,000 ($4.63) Regular Highways: $369,000 ($3.33) Central Staff Services: $316,000 ($2.85)

$1,638,000 ($14.78) Total Salaries and Wages: $68,106,000 ($614.40) Elgin government finances - Revenue in 2018 (per resident): Charges - Parks and Recreation: $6,709,000 ($60.52) Other: $5,909,000 ($53.31) Sewerage: $5,532,000 ($49.91) Solid Waste Management: $5,487,000 ($49.50)

$6,709,000 ($60.52) Federal Intergovernmental - Public Welfare: $1,090,000 ($9.83) Other: $448,000 ($4.04) Highways: $84,000 ($0.76)

$1,090,000 ($9.83) Local Intergovernmental - Other: $1,182,000 ($10.66)

$1,182,000 ($10.66) Miscellaneous - General Revenue - Other: $5,386,000 ($48.59) Fines and Forfeits: $1,719,000 ($15.51) Interest Earnings: $1,341,000 ($12.10)

$5,386,000 ($48.59) Revenue - Water Utilities: $24,950,000 ($225.08)

$24,950,000 ($225.08) State Intergovernmental - General Local Government Support: $38,846,000 ($350.44) Highways: $2,914,000 ($26.29) Public Welfare: $8,000 ($0.07)

$38,846,000 ($350.44) Tax - Property: $52,099,000 ($470.00) General Sales and Gross Receipts: $11,513,000 ($103.86) Public Utilities Sales: $8,828,000 ($79.64) Other Selective Sales: $2,997,000 ($27.04) Other License: $1,867,000 ($16.84) Elgin government finances - Debt in 2018 (per resident): Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $87,535,000 ($789.68) Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $77,195,000 ($696.40) Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $10,340,000 ($93.28) Elgin government finances - Cash and Securities in 2018 (per resident): Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $148,437,000 ($1339.09)

6.42% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($76,434 average adjusted gross income) Here: 6.42% Illinois average: 4.69% 0.01% of residents moved from foreign countries ($284 average AGI) Kane County: 0.01% Illinois average: 0.03%

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Cook County, IL 1.97% ($55,835 average AGI) from DuPage County, IL 1.42% ($132,588) from McHenry County, IL 0.45% ($56,017)



6.78% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($63,423 average adjusted gross income) Here: 6.78% Illinois average: 5.50% 0.20% of residents moved to foreign countries ($1,313 average AGI) Kane County: 0.20% Illinois average: 0.06%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Cook County, IL 1.40% ($51,932 average AGI) to DuPage County, IL 0.95% ($55,548) to McHenry County, IL 0.52% ($55,231)

Businesses in Elgin, IL Name Count Name Count 7-Eleven 4 Jimmy John's 2 ALDI 2 KFC 2 Ace Hardware 2 Little Caesars Pizza 2 Advance Auto Parts 2 Lowe's 1 Applebee's 1 MasterBrand Cabinets 9 Arby's 1 Mazda 1 AutoZone 2 McDonald's 5 Baskin-Robbins 4 Meijer 1 Blockbuster 3 Menards 1 Burger King 3 Nike 4 Burlington Coat Factory 1 Nissan 1 CVS 1 OfficeMax 1 Caribou Coffee 1 Panera Bread 1 Circle K 1 Papa John's Pizza 1 Comfort Suites 1 Payless 1 Cricket Wireless 3 Pizza Hut 2 Curves 1 Popeyes 1 DHL 1 Quality 1 Dairy Queen 4 Quiznos 1 Decora Cabinetry 2 RadioShack 1 Discount Tire 1 Sears 1 Domino's Pizza 1 Sprint Nextel 1 Dunkin Donuts 5 Starbucks 2 Fashion Bug 1 Steak 'n Shake 1 FedEx 15 Super 8 3 Firestone Complete Auto Care 1 T-Mobile 3 GNC 1 Taco Bell 3 H&R Block 4 Target 1 Hilton 1 Toyota 1 Hobby Lobby 1 U-Haul 4 Holiday Inn 2 U.S. Cellular 1 Home Depot 1 UPS 19 Honda 1 Walgreens 2 Hyundai 1 Walmart 1 IHOP 1 Wendy's 3 Jewel-Osco 2 YMCA 2

Strongest AM radio stations in Elgin: WSCR (670 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WGN (720 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.)

WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.) WBBM (780 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WRMN (1410 AM; 1 kW; ELGIN, IL; Owner: ELGIN BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

ELGIN BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WMVP (1000 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: ABC, INC.)

ABC, INC.) WYLL (1160 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: SCA LICENSE CORPORATION)

SCA LICENSE CORPORATION) WLS (890 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WLS, INC.)

WLS, INC.) WTMJ (620 AM; 50 kW; MILWAUKEE, WI; Owner: JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION)

JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION) WNVR (1030 AM; 5 kW; VERNON HILLS, IL; Owner: POLNET COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.)

POLNET COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.) WISN (1130 AM; 50 kW; MILWAUKEE, WI; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WMBI (1110 AM; daytime; 5 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO)

THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO) WAIT (850 AM; daytime; 3 kW; CRYSTAL LAKE, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) WVIV (1200 AM; 20 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WLXX-AM LICENSE CORP.) Strongest FM radio stations in Elgin: WJKL (94.3 FM; ELGIN, IL; Owner: ELGIN BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

ELGIN BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WEPS (88.9 FM; ELGIN, IL; Owner: BD. OF ED. UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT #46)

BD. OF ED. UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT #46) WZCH (103.9 FM; DUNDEE, IL; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)

ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC) WZSR (105.5 FM; WOODSTOCK, IL; Owner: NM LICENSING, LLC)

NM LICENSING, LLC) WCKG (105.9 FM; ELMWOOD PARK, IL; Owner: INFINITY HOLDINGS CORPORATION OF ORLANDO)

INFINITY HOLDINGS CORPORATION OF ORLANDO) WLIT-FM (93.9 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WJMK (104.3 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING CORP. OF ILLINOIS)

INFINITY BROADCASTING CORP. OF ILLINOIS) WNUA (95.5 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WTMX (101.9 FM; SKOKIE, IL; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WGCI-FM (107.5 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WBBM-FM (96.3 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WKSC-FM (103.5 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WFMT (98.7 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WINDOW TO THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS)

WINDOW TO THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS) WZZN (94.7 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: ABC CHICAGO FM RADIO,INC.)

ABC CHICAGO FM RADIO,INC.) WLEY-FM (107.9 FM; AURORA, IL; Owner: WLEY LICENSING, INC.)

WLEY LICENSING, INC.) WBEZ (91.5 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: THE WBEZ ALLIANCE, INC.)

THE WBEZ ALLIANCE, INC.) WKQX (101.1 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION)

EMMIS RADIO LICENSE CORPORATION) WLUP-FM (97.9 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WNND (100.3 FM; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY)

BONNEVILLE HOLDING COMPANY) WOJO (105.1 FM; EVANSTON, IL; Owner: TICHENOR LICENSE CORPORATION ("TLC")) TV broadcast stations around Elgin: W57DN ( Channel 57; ELGIN, IL; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

57; ELGIN, IL; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) W34CK ( Channel 34; ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL; Owner: FIRST UNITED, INC.)

34; ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL; FIRST UNITED, INC.) WLS-TV ( Channel 7; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WLS TELEVISION, INC.)

7; CHICAGO, IL; WLS TELEVISION, INC.) WMAQ-TV ( Channel 5; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: NBC SUBSIDIARY (WMAQ-TV), INC.)

5; CHICAGO, IL; NBC SUBSIDIARY (WMAQ-TV), INC.) WTTW ( Channel 11; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WINDOW TO THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

11; CHICAGO, IL; WINDOW TO THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WGN-TV ( Channel 9; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

9; CHICAGO, IL; WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WGBO-TV ( Channel 66; JOLIET, IL; Owner: WGBO LICENSE PARTNERSHIP, G.P.)

66; JOLIET, IL; WGBO LICENSE PARTNERSHIP, G.P.) WBBM-TV ( Channel 2; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: CBS BROADCASTING INC.)

2; CHICAGO, IL; CBS BROADCASTING INC.) WPWR-TV ( Channel 50; GARY, IN; Owner: FOX TELEVISION STATIONS, INC.)

50; GARY, IN; FOX TELEVISION STATIONS, INC.) WXFT ( Channel 60; AURORA, IL; Owner: TELEFUTURA CHICAGO LLC)

60; AURORA, IL; TELEFUTURA CHICAGO LLC) W64CQ ( Channel 64; ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

64; ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) WCIU-TV ( Channel 26; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WCIU-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

26; CHICAGO, IL; WCIU-TV LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WCPX ( Channel 38; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: PAXSON CHICAGO LICENSE, INC.)

38; CHICAGO, IL; PAXSON CHICAGO LICENSE, INC.) WFLD ( Channel 32; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: FOX TELEVISION STATIONS, INC.)

32; CHICAGO, IL; FOX TELEVISION STATIONS, INC.) W68DO ( Channel 68; PALATINE, IL; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

68; PALATINE, IL; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) WFBT-CA ( Channel 23; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: CHANNEL 23 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

23; CHICAGO, IL; CHANNEL 23 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WSNS-TV ( Channel 44; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: TELEMUNDO OF CHICAGO, INC.)

44; CHICAGO, IL; TELEMUNDO OF CHICAGO, INC.) WJYS ( Channel 62; HAMMOND, IN; Owner: JOVON BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

62; HAMMOND, IN; JOVON BROADCASTING CORPORATION) W24AJ ( Channel 24; AURORA, IL; Owner: NELSON TV, INC.)

24; AURORA, IL; NELSON TV, INC.) WOCH-LP ( Channel 28; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: KM LPTV OF CHICAGO-28, L.L.C.)

28; CHICAGO, IL; KM LPTV OF CHICAGO-28, L.L.C.) WYCC ( Channel 20; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: COLLEGE DIST. #508, COUNTY OF COOK)

20; CHICAGO, IL; COLLEGE DIST. #508, COUNTY OF COOK) WOCK-CA ( Channel 13; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: KM LPTV OF CHICAGO-13, L.L.C.)

13; CHICAGO, IL; KM LPTV OF CHICAGO-13, L.L.C.) WSPY-LP ( Channel 30; PLANO, IL; Owner: WSPY-TV, INC.)

30; PLANO, IL; WSPY-TV, INC.) W54BE (Channel 54; SUGAR GROVE, IL; Owner: WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE)

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

68 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 787ft / 240m Total length

Total length $8,149,000 Total costs

Total costs 1,446,325 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 139,667 Total average daily truck traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

1 1900-1909

1 1910-1919

1 1920-1929

3 1930-1939

3 1940-1949

11 1950-1959

10 1960-1969

3 1970-1979

5 1980-1989

2 1990-1999

7 2000-2009

21 2010-2018 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Elgin, IL

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Aggregated Statistics For Year 2009

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 336 $163,676 221 $155,644 1,572 $194,396 35 $65,558 16 $446,236 103 $123,452 6 $136,767 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 26 $145,825 40 $147,494 171 $201,807 7 $63,751 0 $0 11 $113,469 6 $39,230 APPLICATIONS DENIED 78 $150,558 73 $143,840 618 $188,564 43 $71,511 4 $661,488 37 $162,058 7 $27,866 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 36 $153,373 24 $198,448 284 $194,656 5 $102,532 4 $530,130 16 $101,397 0 $0 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 16 $144,252 13 $174,252 91 $201,914 3 $112,900 0 $0 3 $170,930 1 $82,530 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2008

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 230 $185,115 437 $191,522 1,187 $188,854 80 $73,358 24 $595,528 142 $137,260 5 $28,814 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 15 $211,370 62 $191,451 218 $187,249 24 $64,877 1 $3,750,000 23 $157,554 4 $42,178 APPLICATIONS DENIED 66 $182,402 148 $175,324 927 $191,539 106 $67,547 2 $562,810 70 $159,282 20 $44,324 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 31 $194,610 67 $199,602 274 $200,156 13 $87,648 0 $0 23 $139,550 0 $0 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 6 $135,053 21 $214,477 93 $194,679 5 $66,116 1 $295,890 4 $179,983 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2007

(Based on 9 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 59 $193,926 1,163 $180,617 1,783 $175,514 195 $76,248 26 $773,774 224 $160,146 10 $26,551 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 3 $199,840 205 $175,257 368 $174,169 50 $75,013 1 $308,000 40 $151,639 7 $38,396 APPLICATIONS DENIED 29 $191,991 403 $174,460 1,334 $185,483 175 $74,567 2 $242,500 127 $176,092 29 $34,596 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 11 $184,785 162 $181,918 440 $185,361 33 $110,628 2 $797,050 42 $164,877 0 $0 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 1 $235,190 57 $181,225 201 $210,680 11 $135,730 1 $192,000 11 $201,096 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2006

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 67 $205,407 2,431 $167,269 2,147 $164,863 207 $77,358 20 $717,384 346 $151,417 14 $58,893 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 2 $184,710 284 $156,020 428 $156,349 49 $64,562 3 $122,060 45 $176,656 4 $49,918 APPLICATIONS DENIED 18 $209,044 682 $148,029 1,278 $167,316 144 $72,534 6 $315,040 124 $163,017 23 $41,735 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 13 $210,154 341 $169,429 615 $175,171 31 $119,050 0 $0 58 $153,147 0 $0 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 1 $226,000 73 $180,285 224 $176,880 7 $80,550 0 $0 11 $153,190 3 $106,973 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2005

(Based on 9 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 108 $187,156 2,687 $153,128 2,412 $158,098 188 $79,634 29 $713,060 357 $144,549 11 $29,262 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 11 $186,333 360 $147,101 413 $154,265 40 $76,221 0 $0 70 $148,671 5 $26,320 APPLICATIONS DENIED 16 $182,059 681 $129,194 1,313 $163,873 167 $67,379 3 $495,533 122 $148,823 43 $33,599 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 6 $161,177 403 $149,948 856 $173,283 62 $175,099 2 $536,340 88 $137,550 1 $186,270 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 4 $191,188 86 $134,273 186 $164,129 12 $65,947 0 $0 19 $140,897 1 $49,300 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2004

(Based on 9 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) G) Loans On Manufactured

Home Dwelling (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 235 $172,561 1,878 $150,959 2,541 $147,374 169 $74,776 37 $558,114 292 $136,834 17 $37,606 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 19 $165,008 278 $144,040 519 $142,307 39 $73,725 1 $289,330 54 $132,426 5 $28,238 APPLICATIONS DENIED 38 $173,109 397 $138,787 1,319 $145,011 166 $49,187 2 $529,185 122 $146,683 29 $37,941 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 30 $170,227 214 $156,951 930 $151,699 29 $120,038 3 $275,197 46 $144,608 1 $149,750 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 21 $178,961 47 $182,341 178 $159,456 11 $77,582 0 $0 17 $173,324 1 $16,300 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2003

(Based on 9 full and 11 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 436 $163,222 1,330 $153,082 5,111 $137,795 93 $27,649 39 $376,417 285 $124,078 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 22 $148,862 149 $149,506 650 $134,099 32 $45,497 0 $0 39 $133,349 APPLICATIONS DENIED 61 $160,378 251 $126,980 1,294 $124,988 128 $25,563 1 $300,000 93 $120,650 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 40 $162,429 151 $143,211 1,054 $139,450 22 $48,086 1 $658,520 42 $122,059 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 21 $153,337 36 $165,271 156 $143,177 5 $50,032 0 $0 7 $114,341 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2002

(Based on 8 full and 9 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 467 $151,306 916 $143,711 2,912 $133,116 83 $26,164 22 $368,835 186 $115,902 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 24 $149,547 105 $140,853 448 $129,015 33 $26,861 0 $0 25 $125,377 APPLICATIONS DENIED 33 $148,062 128 $121,806 754 $116,696 104 $17,302 1 $97,090 43 $111,273 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 30 $148,406 74 $154,596 494 $134,378 13 $34,872 1 $319,000 17 $145,132 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 8 $138,921 23 $127,527 205 $132,554 4 $40,013 0 $0 3 $108,490 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2001

(Based on 9 full and 9 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 461 $137,009 835 $132,212 2,362 $122,755 118 $21,282 23 $346,542 98 $109,029 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 19 $132,582 67 $111,537 287 $106,749 37 $18,414 3 $186,737 12 $94,140 APPLICATIONS DENIED 42 $128,002 102 $109,554 846 $102,544 177 $16,086 0 $0 35 $88,582 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 53 $127,482 86 $120,592 446 $119,216 37 $30,474 1 $188,000 22 $95,909 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 3 $126,610 20 $125,019 114 $121,496 4 $15,655 2 $212,000 4 $85,958 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2000

(Based on 9 full and 9 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 417 $128,945 772 $124,265 676 $93,412 140 $23,434 15 $314,296 88 $100,004 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 15 $135,321 75 $121,903 175 $79,488 61 $28,505 0 $0 10 $118,661 APPLICATIONS DENIED 41 $133,700 145 $100,746 539 $79,416 188 $19,312 2 $297,035 31 $92,859 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 40 $131,221 103 $118,117 262 $88,097 38 $33,705 2 $295,000 17 $82,990 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 10 $124,268 19 $115,735 110 $107,931 2 $32,640 0 $0 6 $90,577 Aggregated Statistics For Year 1999

(Based on 11 full and 10 partial tracts) A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA

Home Purchase Loans B) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans C) Refinancings

D) Home Improvement Loans

E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families

F) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 604 $121,072 999 $117,859 1,561 $95,734 243 $17,051 20 $398,245 118 $85,113 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 22 $122,340 90 $101,510 314 $92,309 55 $21,387 1 $196,000 8 $80,819 APPLICATIONS DENIED 57 $120,637 182 $85,299 681 $89,273 183 $18,084 1 $367,000 54 $68,171 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 47 $117,032 88 $113,598 429 $128,789 41 $28,997 1 $2,089,280 19 $76,338 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 8 $121,820 23 $117,771 126 $105,174 8 $33,753 1 $270,300 6 $103,823 Choose year: 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Detailed mortgage data for all 18 tracts in Elgin, IL



Private Mortgage Insurance Companies Aggregated Statistics For Year 2009

(Based on 8 full and 10 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 55 $200,129 35 $230,564 0 $0 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 26 $203,036 21 $223,543 1 $155,000 APPLICATIONS DENIED 13 $165,386 14 $220,316 0 $0 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 7 $196,690 9 $184,930 0 $0 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 3 $215,630 2 $249,185 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2008

(Based on 8 full and 10 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 184 $197,895 160 $211,030 20 $151,367 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 109 $203,571 91 $213,646 15 $148,185 APPLICATIONS DENIED 22 $172,128 21 $207,242 8 $198,038 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 24 $198,705 17 $238,876 4 $134,120 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 10 $204,024 10 $205,163 7 $166,437 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2007

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 395 $195,935 264 $207,840 33 $154,712 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 52 $189,681 85 $209,200 7 $135,239 APPLICATIONS DENIED 6 $220,442 7 $189,279 1 $192,190 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 34 $215,376 18 $203,097 1 $220,760 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 4 $201,783 1 $133,140 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2006

(Based on 8 full and 10 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 338 $198,255 130 $207,409 16 $184,454 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 51 $197,533 42 $190,685 5 $140,786 APPLICATIONS DENIED 11 $208,249 3 $208,677 4 $197,713 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 14 $210,805 7 $206,049 1 $155,000 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 2 $142,780 0 $0 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2005

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 350 $195,170 171 $182,705 18 $188,974 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 48 $195,260 45 $182,512 2 $154,255 APPLICATIONS DENIED 5 $178,098 3 $185,657 0 $0 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 30 $200,335 13 $188,425 2 $190,000 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 6 $195,057 3 $208,240 1 $222,620 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2004

(Based on 8 full and 11 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 392 $176,965 225 $167,238 31 $150,392 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 55 $166,617 73 $168,529 7 $131,349 APPLICATIONS DENIED 10 $186,937 2 $225,530 4 $191,115 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 31 $173,971 21 $161,833 10 $142,572 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 5 $216,448 5 $147,756 2 $152,000 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2003

(Based on 9 full and 11 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 478 $162,674 549 $157,588 40 $131,802 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 58 $155,053 106 $156,676 6 $127,067 APPLICATIONS DENIED 16 $161,743 19 $159,183 11 $167,611 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 22 $150,086 27 $151,799 2 $117,500 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 1 $140,870 1 $212,120 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2002

(Based on 9 full and 9 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 343 $149,637 345 $153,091 34 $123,619 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 52 $154,534 73 $153,387 4 $104,245 APPLICATIONS DENIED 6 $155,333 10 $159,185 3 $151,043 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 15 $158,465 24 $145,393 4 $120,050 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 0 $0 2 $128,660 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2001

(Based on 8 full and 9 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 359 $143,861 308 $145,749 26 $106,331 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 52 $133,876 64 $148,019 7 $110,563 APPLICATIONS DENIED 9 $155,744 13 $141,532 1 $104,000 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 8 $146,998 12 $142,893 1 $90,490 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 1 $125,000 0 $0 0 $0 Aggregated Statistics For Year 2000

(Based on 7 full and 9 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 293 $134,308 83 $129,185 24 $120,180 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 33 $127,479 12 $125,366 4 $82,913 APPLICATIONS DENIED 18 $150,678 7 $143,707 5 $143,000 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 14 $128,509 4 $130,697 2 $77,500 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 4 $141,555 3 $151,830 1 $212,000 Aggregated Statistics For Year 1999

(Based on 8 full and 10 partial tracts) A) Conventional

Home Purchase Loans B) Refinancings

C) Non-occupant Loans on

< 5 Family Dwellings (A & B) Number Average Value Number Average Value Number Average Value LOANS ORIGINATED 414 $126,429 225 $124,449 16 $80,779 APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED 41 $124,945 62 $117,755 3 $82,883 APPLICATIONS DENIED 13 $124,653 10 $141,553 1 $51,690 APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN 13 $127,427 7 $121,053 2 $66,425 FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS 3 $123,973 2 $165,345 0 $0 Choose year: 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 326. The highest number of fires - 422 took place in 2003, and the least - 49 in 2002. The data has a growing trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Elgin, IL



2,512 45.3% Structure Fires



1,911 34.5% Outside Fires



919 16.6% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



201 3.6% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most incidents belonged to: Structure Fires (45.3%), and Outside Fires (34.5%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Elgin, IL

Most common first names in Elgin, IL among deceased individuals Name Count Lived (average) John 535 74.2 years William 462 75.1 years Mary 381 79.7 years Robert 359 70.3 years Helen 291 80.8 years George 279 75.8 years Charles 264 75.0 years James 255 71.1 years Frank 240 78.5 years Edward 240 75.4 years Most common last names in Elgin, IL among deceased individuals Last name Count Lived (average) Johnson 201 77.3 years Smith 156 75.6 years Anderson 126 78.1 years Miller 118 77.1 years Nelson 87 78.5 years Brown 62 75.9 years Peterson 61 79.5 years Schmidt 59 78.3 years Wilson 57 78.7 years Schultz 54 77.8 years

Houses and condos Apartments 94.0% Utility gas

4.5% Electricity

0.5% No fuel used

0.4% Other fuel

0.4% Bottled, tank, or LP gas 71.3% Utility gas

24.6% Electricity

2.1% No fuel used

1.2% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

0.7% Other fuel





Elgin compared to Illinois state average: Unemployed percentage below state average.

below Black race population percentage below state average.

below Hispanic race population percentage significantly above state average.

significantly above Median age below state average.

below Foreign-born population percentage significantly above state average.

Elgin on our top lists: #1 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: management of companies and enterprises (population 50,000+)"

#18 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: office and administrative support occupations (population 50,000+)"

#25 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: production occupations (population 50,000+)"

#25 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: manufacturing (population 50,000+)"

#28 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: production occupations (population 50,000+)"

#40 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the largest city-data.com crime index decrease from 2011 to 2012 (population 50,000+)"

#42 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: healthcare support occupations (population 50,000+)"

#43 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the coldest winters (population 50,000+)"

#45 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the highest ratio of rapes to murders between 2002 and 2012 (population 50,000+)"

#47 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the lowest daily low temperatures (population 50,000+)"

#50 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the largest temperature differences during a year (population 50,000+)"

#50 on the list of "Top 101 larger cities with the largest decrease or smallest increase in house/condo value from 2000 (population 50,000+)"

#50 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: manufacturing (population 50,000+)"

#58 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the lowest number of auto thefts per 100,000 residents (population 50,000+)"

#64 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: wholesale trade (population 50,000+)"

#67 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (population 50,000+)"

#69 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (population 50,000+)"

#71 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the lowest average temperatures (population 50,000+)"

#72 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the highest number of rapes per 100,000 residents, excludes tourist destinations and others with a lot of outsiders visiting based on city industries data (population 50,000+)"

#92 on the list of "Top 100 low-educated but high-earning cities (pop. 50,000+)" #8 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest decrease in the number of births per 1000 residents 2000-2006 to 2007-2013 (pop 50,000+)"

#58 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest number of deaths per 1000 residents 2007-2013 (pop. 50,000+)"

#65 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest increase in the number of infant deaths per 1000 residents 2000-2006 to 2007-2013 (pop. 50,000+)"

#76 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the highest ground withdrawal of fresh water for public supply"

#84 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the largest number of children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2000 (pop. 50,000+)"

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Jefferson, New Hampshire

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Population in 2010: 1,107.

Population change since 2000: +10.0%

1,107.+10.0%

Males: 554 (50.0%) Females: 553 (50.0%)

Median resident age: 48.9 years New Hampshire median age: 43.9 years

Zip codes: 03583.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $58,505 (it was $41,089 in 2000)

Jefferson: $58,505 NH: $77,933

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $32,076 (it was $19,556 in 2000)



Jefferson town income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $179,740 (it was $90,500 in 2000) Jefferson: $179,740 NH: $281,400

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $166,782; detached houses: $179,898; townhouses or other attached units: $333,284; in 2-unit structures: $154,670; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $193,469; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $291,182; mobile homes: $61,109 $58,505 ($41,089$32,076 ($19,556$179,740 ($90,500$166,782;$179,898;$333,284;$154,670;$193,469;$291,182;$61,109

March 2019 cost of living index in Jefferson: 102.4 (near average, U.S. average is 100)

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1,088 98.3% White alone 6 0.5% Two or more races 4 0.4% American Indian alone 3 0.3% Other race alone 2 0.2% Black alone 2 0.2% Asian alone 2 0.2% Hispanic

Races in Jefferson detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of New Hampshire and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Jefferson, New Hampshire as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Jefferson is 1,107 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is lower than the state average.







Latest news from Jefferson, NH collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: English (26.0%), French (21.4%), Irish (18.9%), United States (13.0%), Scottish (6.6%), German (5.0%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 1384 feet

Land area: 50.2 square miles. Population density: 22 people per square mile (very low).

23 residents are foreign born (2.2% North America). This town: 2.3% New Hampshire: 4.4%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: Jefferson town: 2.0% ($1,850) New Hampshire: 2.3% ($2,946)

Latitude: 44.39 N, Longitude: 71.47 W

Area code: 603

Single-family new house construction building permits: 1997: 9 buildings , average cost: $70,000

9 $70,000 1998: 3 buildings , average cost: $70,000

3 $70,000 1999: 2 buildings , average cost: $85,000

2 $85,000 2000: 3 buildings , average cost: $65,000

3 $65,000 2001: 7 buildings , average cost: $82,900

7 $82,900 2002: 8 buildings , average cost: $90,000

8 $90,000 2003: 7 buildings , average cost: $150,000

7 $150,000 2004: 14 buildings , average cost: $90,000

14 $90,000 2005: 11 buildings , average cost: $138,800

11 $138,800 2006: 11 buildings , average cost: $95,200

11 $95,200 2007: 7 buildings , average cost: $137,300

7 $137,300 2008: 3 buildings , average cost: $58,300

3 $58,300 2009: 3 buildings , average cost: $328,300

3 $328,300 2010: 1 building , cost: $70,000

1 $70,000 2011: 1 building , cost: $320,000

1 $320,000 2012: 2 buildings , average cost: $60,000

2 $60,000 2013: 3 buildings , average cost: $136,700

3 $136,700 2014: 5 buildings , average cost: $142,000

5 $142,000 2015: 3 buildings , average cost: $300,000

3 $300,000 2016: 4 buildings , average cost: $226,300

4 $226,300 2017: 5 buildings , average cost: $163,400

5 $163,400 2018: 7 buildings , average cost: $114,700

7 $114,700 2019: 7 buildings, average cost: $114,700

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 4.6% New Hampshire: 3.5%

Most common industries in Jefferson, NH (%) Both Males Females

Health care (11.4%)

Construction (9.9%)

Accommodation & food services (9.2%)

Educational services (7.3%)

Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (5.4%)

Public administration (5.2%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (4.5%)

Construction (17.5%)

Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (7.6%)

Public administration (6.6%)

Accommodation & food services (6.0%)

Health care (5.6%)

Motor vehicle & parts dealers (4.6%)

Food & beverage stores (4.0%)

Health care (19.0%)

Educational services (14.7%)

Accommodation & food services (13.4%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (6.9%)

Finance & insurance (6.0%)

Metal & metal products (5.2%)

Other transportation, support activities, couriers (3.9%) Most common occupations in Jefferson, NH (%) Both Males Females

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (6.0%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (4.9%)

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (4.5%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (3.7%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (3.6%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (3.4%)

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (3.4%)

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (7.9%)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (6.6%)

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (6.0%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (5.6%)

Carpenters (5.0%)

Fishing, hunting, and forestry occupations (4.6%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (4.6%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (7.3%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (6.0%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (5.6%)

Secretaries and administrative assistants (5.6%)

Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (5.2%)

Cooks and food preparation workers (4.7%)

Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (3.9%)

Average climate in Jefferson, New Hampshire Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI SO 2 Ozone

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 64.3. This is about average. City: 64.3 U.S.: 74.2

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2002 was 1.39. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 10.1 miles away from the city center. City: 1.39 U.S.: 1.79

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 38.1. This is about average. Closest monitor was 11.8 miles away from the city center. City: 38.1 U.S.: 33.3

Earthquake activity: Jefferson-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above New Hampshire state average. It is 73% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.3 (5.3 ML, Depth: 3.0 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 110.3 miles away from Jefferson center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MB, 4.2 MS, 5.2 MW, 5.0 MW) earthquake occurred 111.2 miles away from Jefferson center

On 10/7/1983 at 10:18:46, a magnitude 5.3 (5.1 MB, 5.3 LG, 5.1 ML) earthquake occurred 145.7 miles away from Jefferson center

On 1/19/1982 at 00:14:42, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 MD, 4.5 LG, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 62.1 miles away from the city center

On 10/16/2012 at 23:12:25, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 ML, Depth: 10.0 mi) earthquake occurred 68.3 miles away from the city center

On 8/21/1996 at 07:54:14, a magnitude 3.8 (3.8 LG, 3.6 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 15.6 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), duration magnitude (MD), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Coos County (22) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 11

Emergencies Declared: 9



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 9, Storms: 9, Hurricanes: 3, Snows: 2, Winter Storms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Ice Storm: 1, Snowfall: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Tropical Storm: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Jefferson: MORRISON NURSING HOME (Nursing Home, about 8 miles away; WHITEFIELD, NH)

FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE OF LANCASTER (Dialysis Facility, about 8 miles away; LANCASTER, NH)

WEEKS MEDICAL CENTER Critical Access Hospitals (about 8 miles away; LANCASTER, NH)

Critical Access Hospitals MCKERLEY HEALTH CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 9 miles away; LANCASTER, NH)

COUNTRY VILLAGE CENTER, GENESIS HEALTHCARE (Nursing Home, about 10 miles away; LANCASTER, NH)

NORTHWOODS HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE (Home Health Center, about 11 miles away; LANCASTER, NH)

Library in Jefferson: JEFFERSON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $14,494; Location: 737 PRESIDENTIAL HIGHWAY; 7,684 books; 488 audio materials; 663 video materials; 22 state licensed databases; 25 print serial subscriptions)

Birthplace of: Thaddeus S. C. Lowe - Chemist and inventor, Harris M. Plaisted - Union Army general.

Coos County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Jefferson and their reported violations in the past: SANTAS VILLAGE (Population served: 1,400, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: One routine major monitoring violation SANTAS VILLAGE SNACK BAR (Population served: 700, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: One routine major monitoring violation WATER WHEEL BREAKFAST/GIFT HSE (Population served: 180, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: 2 routine major monitoring violations SKYWOOD MANOR INN AND HOTEL (Population served: 42, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: 4 routine major monitoring violations Drinking water stations with addresses in Jefferson that have no violations reported: SANTAS VILLAGE/ELFS LODGE ( Population served: 300 , Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

300 Groundwater) SIX GUN CITY ( Population served: 300 , Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)

300 Groundwater) SIX GUN CITY/WATER SLIDE (Population served: 150, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater) SANTAS VILLAGE (1,400Groundwater):SANTAS VILLAGE SNACK BAR (700Groundwater):WATER WHEEL BREAKFAST/GIFT HSE (180Groundwater):SKYWOOD MANOR INN AND HOTEL (42Groundwater):

Average household size: This town: 2.3 people New Hampshire: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This town: 69.7% Whole state: 66.3%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This town: 7.8% Whole state: 8.3%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.0% of all households

0.0% Gay men: 0.2% of all households Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 8.2% Whole state: 6.5% Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 0.7% Whole state: 2.8%

For population 15 years and over in Jefferson: Never married: 19.9%

19.9% Now married: 62.1%

62.1% Separated: 1.5%

1.5% Widowed: 5.8%

5.8% Divorced: 10.8%

For population 25 years and over in Jefferson: High school or higher: 83.1%

83.1% Bachelor's degree or higher: 21.3%

21.3% Graduate or professional degree: 6.4%

6.4% Unemployed: 2.4%

2.4% Mean travel time to work (commute): 24.3 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 10.6 New Hampshire average: 10.9



Religion statistics for Jefferson, NH (based on Coos County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 12,710 5 Mainline Protestant 2,105 23 Evangelical Protestant 966 14 Other 323 7 Orthodox 26 1 None 16,925 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 14 This county : 4.33 / 10,000 pop. New Hampshire : 2.14 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 3 Coos County : 0.93 / 10,000 pop. New Hampshire : 1.78 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 30 Coos County : 9.28 / 10,000 pop. New Hampshire : 4.02 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 41 Coos County : 12.68 / 10,000 pop. New Hampshire : 9.70 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Coos County : 9.7% State : 7.6% Adult obesity rate: Coos County : 26.9% State : 24.4% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Coos County : 9.7% New Hampshire : 15.9%

5.70% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($47,826 average adjusted gross income) Here: 5.70% New Hampshire average: 6.87% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Grafton County, NH 0.79% ($53,202 average AGI) from Hillsborough County, NH 0.46% ($41,017) from Carroll County, NH 0.33% ($33,333)



5.86% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($52,604 average adjusted gross income) Here: 5.86% New Hampshire average: 6.70% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Grafton County, NH 1.08% ($35,684 average AGI) to Merrimack County, NH 0.32% ($45,500) to Hillsborough County, NH 0.31% ($25,897)

Strongest AM radio stations in Jefferson: WTME (780 AM; 10 kW; RUMFORD, ME; Owner: MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.)

MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.) WCHP (760 AM; 35 kW; CHAMPLAIN, NY; Owner: CHAMPLAIN RADIO, INC.)

CHAMPLAIN RADIO, INC.) WRKO (680 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WTWN (1100 AM; daytime; 5 kW; WELLS RIVER, VT; Owner: PUFFER BROADCASTING, INC.)

PUFFER BROADCASTING, INC.) WMOU (1230 AM; 1 kW; BERLIN, NH; Owner: JERICHO BROADCASTING COMPANY, L.L.C.)

JERICHO BROADCASTING COMPANY, L.L.C.) WLTN (1400 AM; 1 kW; LITTLETON, NH; Owner: PROFILE BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

PROFILE BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) WNNZ (640 AM; 50 kW; WESTFIELD, MA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WEEI (850 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WCRN (830 AM; 50 kW; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WMTW (870 AM; 10 kW; GORHAM, ME; Owner: RADIO PARTNERS OF MAINE, L.P.)

RADIO PARTNERS OF MAINE, L.P.) WBZ (1030 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WGY (810 AM; 50 kW; SCHENECTADY, NY; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WDEV (550 AM; 5 kW; WATERBURY, VT; Owner: RADIO VERMONT, INC.) Strongest FM radio stations in Jefferson: WPKQ (103.7 FM; NORTH CONWAY, NH; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WHOM (94.9 FM; MT. WASHINGTON, NH; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WXXS (102.3 FM; LANCASTER, NH; Owner: BARRY P. LUNDERVILLE)

BARRY P. LUNDERVILLE) WMTK (106.3 FM; LITTLETON, NH; Owner: VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.)

VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.) WGMT (97.7 FM; LYNDON, VT; Owner: VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.)

VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.) WVFM (105.7 FM; CAMPTON, NH; Owner: DEVON BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

DEVON BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) WSCY (106.9 FM; MOULTONBOROUGH, NH; Owner: NORTHEAST COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)

NORTHEAST COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION) WCKJ (90.5 FM; ST. JOHNSBURY, VT; Owner: CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, INC.)

CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES, INC.) WLKC (103.3 FM; WATERBURY, VT; Owner: RADIO BROADCASTING SERVICES, INC.)

RADIO BROADCASTING SERVICES, INC.) WVPS (107.9 FM; BURLINGTON, VT; Owner: VERMONT PUBLIC RADIO)

VERMONT PUBLIC RADIO) WEZF (92.9 FM; BURLINGTON, VT; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WKXH (105.5 FM; ST. JOHNSBURY, VT; Owner: VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.)

VERMONT BROADCAST ASSOCIATES, INC.) WLOB-FM (96.3 FM; RUMFORD, ME; Owner: ATLANTIC COAST RADIO, LLC)

ATLANTIC COAST RADIO, LLC) WCVT (101.7 FM; STOWE, VT; Owner: RADIO VERMONT CLASSICS, L.L.C.)

RADIO VERMONT CLASSICS, L.L.C.) WMEA (90.1 FM; PORTLAND, ME; Owner: MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WDOT (95.7 FM; DANVILLE, VT; Owner: MONTPELIER BROADCASTING INC)

MONTPELIER BROADCASTING INC) WLTN-FM (96.7 FM; LISBON, NH; Owner: PROFILE BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

PROFILE BROADCASTING CO., INC.) WTBM (100.7 FM; MEXICO, ME; Owner: MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.)

MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.) WPNH-FM (100.1 FM; PLYMOUTH, NH; Owner: NORTHEAST COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)

NORTHEAST COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION) WEVC (107.1 FM; GORHAM, NH; Owner: NEW HAMPSHIRE PUBLIC RADIO, INCORPORATED) TV broadcast stations around Jefferson: WLED-TV ( Channel 49; LITTLETON, NH; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

49; LITTLETON, NH; UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE) WMTW-TV (Channel 8; POLAND SPRING, ME; Owner: WMTW BROADCAST GROUP, LLC)

Jefferson, New Hampshire

Fatal accident count 12

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 15

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons: 6

Fatalities 13

Persons involved in fatal accidents 21

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 2 New Hampshire average

Fatal accident count 1310

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 1872

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons 573

Fatalities 1431

Persons involved in fatal accidents 3124

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 94 See more detailed statistics of Jefferson fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2019 here

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

13 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 43ft / 13.4m Total length

Total length $40,846,000 Total costs

Total costs 15,500 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 1,131 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 22,937 Total future (year 2038) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

1 1920-1929

1 1930-1939

1 1950-1959

2 1960-1969

4 1970-1979

3 1980-1989

1 2010-2018 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Jefferson, NH



FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 4 Anthony Gervasi, Jefferson ( Lat: 44.371944 Lon: -71.407500), Type: 149.0, Overall height: 149 m, Registrant: Nassau Broadcasting Holdings, Inc., Princ-eton, Phone: (609) 452-1515

44.371944 -71.407500), 149.0, 149 m, Nassau Broadcasting Holdings, Inc., Princ-eton, (609) 452-1515 Lisa Burke, Jefferson Site ( Lat: 44.414111 Lon: -71.462806), Type: 57.9, Overall height: 57.9 m, Registrant: Aviation Systems Inc., Crisj@aviationsystems.Com, , Torra-nce, Phone: (310) 530-3188

44.414111 -71.462806), 57.9, 57.9 m, Aviation Systems Inc., Crisj@aviationsystems.Com, , Torra-nce, (310) 530-3188 Mark L Gartley, 87 Alberts Drive ( Lat: 44.409917 Lon: -71.531694), Type: 56.3, Overall height: 54.8 m, Registrant: Holland & Knight LLP, Pconnolly@hklaw.Com, , Washi-ngton, Phone: (202) 862-5989

44.409917 -71.531694), 56.3, 54.8 m, Holland & Knight LLP, Pconnolly@hklaw.Com, , Washi-ngton, (202) 862-5989 Erik Brooks, 87 Alberts Drive (Lat: 44.409917 Lon: -71.531694), Type: 56.3, Overall height: 54.8 m, Registrant: Holland & Knight LLP, Pconnolly@hklaw.Com, , Washi-ngton, Phone: (202) 862-5989

FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 1 Fire Station Rt 2 (Lat: 44.425056 Lon: -71.474528), Call Sign: KNDS506,

Assigned Frequencies: 154.355 MHz, 154.445 MHz, Grant Date: 08/29/2012, Expiration Date: 09/03/2022, Registrant: Tac-2 Communications, Inc., 343 South Street, Littleton, NH 03561, Phone: (603) 444-0990, Email:

FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 3 JEFFERSON, 87 Alberts Drive ( Lat: 44.409917 Lon: -71.531694), Type: Gtower, Structure height: 54.8 m, Overall height: 56.3 m, Call Sign: WQMQ935,

Assigned Frequencies: 6063.80 MHz, Grant Date: 09/29/2020, Expiration Date: 10/26/2030, Certifier: Steven T Campbell, Registrant: Holland & Knight LLP, 800 17th Street, N.W., Suite #1100, Washington, DC 20006-3906, Phone: (202) 955-3000, Fax: (202) 955-5564, Email:

44.409917 -71.531694), Gtower, 54.8 m, 56.3 m, WQMQ935, 6063.80 MHz, 09/29/2020, 10/26/2030, Steven T Campbell, Holland & Knight LLP, 800 17th Street, N.W., Suite #1100, Washington, DC 20006-3906, (202) 955-3000, (202) 955-5564, Jefferson, 87 Alberts Drive ( Lat: 44.409917 Lon: -71.531694), Type: Ltower, Structure height: 54.9 m, Overall height: 56.4 m, Call Sign: WQVC573,

Assigned Frequencies: 10815.0 MHz, Grant Date: 12/30/2014, Expiration Date: 12/30/2024, Certifier: Jessica B Lyons, Registrant: At&t Services, Inc., 208 S Akard St, Rm 2100, Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: (855) 699-7073, Email:

44.409917 -71.531694), Ltower, 54.9 m, 56.4 m, WQVC573, 10815.0 MHz, 12/30/2014, 12/30/2024, Jessica B Lyons, At&t Services, Inc., 208 S Akard St, Rm 2100, Dallas, TX 75202, (855) 699-7073, Randolph, 1955 Presidential Highway (Lat: 44.364917 Lon: -71.389139), Type: Mtower, Structure height: 54.9 m, Overall height: 55.2 m, Call Sign: WQWP683,

Assigned Frequencies: 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, 11385.0 MHz, Grant Date: 10/20/2015, Expiration Date: 10/20/2025, Cancellation Date: 07/24/2020, Certifier: Jessica B Lyons, Registrant: At&t Services, Inc., 208 S. Akard Street, Room 2100, Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: (855) 699-7073, Email:

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 11 (



FAA Registered Aircraft: 1 Aircraft: PHOENIX AVIATION INC LIBERTY (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: ROTAX 582SER (65 HP) (2 Cycle)

N-Number: 4006A, N4006A, N-4006A, Serial Number: 0503, Year manufactured: 2002, Airworthiness Date: 04/22/2007, Certificate Issue Date: 10/26/2012

Registrant (Individual): Robert L Wimpory, 379 Valley Rd, Jefferson, NH 03583

11 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Jefferson

Houses and condos Apartments 78.8% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

16.8% Wood

3.8% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

0.6% Electricity 72.3% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

18.5% Wood

4.6% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

4.6% Electricity





Jefferson compared to New Hampshire state average: Median house value below state average.

below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Median age above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage below state average.

below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above Number of rooms per house significantly below state average.

significantly below House age significantly below state average.

significantly below Number of college students below state average.

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Lashmeet, West Virginia

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Population in 2010: 479.

Males: 268 (56.0%) Females: 211 (44.0%)

Median resident age: 33.3 years West Virginia median age: 42.9 years

Estimated median household income in 2019: $42,652

Lashmeet: $42,652 WV: $48,850

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $23,022



Lashmeet CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $100,743 Lashmeet: $100,743 WV: $124,600

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $106,523; detached houses: $112,442; mobile homes: $75,402 $42,652$23,022$100,743$106,523;$112,442;$75,402

Median gross rent in 2019: $686.

March 2019 cost of living index in Lashmeet: 86.2 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 15.8%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... Based on 2000-2020 data Loading data...

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According to our research of West Virginia and other state lists, there were 2 registered sex offenders living in Lashmeet, West Virginia as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Lashmeet is 229 to 1.





Ancestries: Irish (43.5%), European (25.2%), American (19.1%), Italian (12.2%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 2513 feet

Latitude: 37.42 N, Longitude: 81.20 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 304

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 7.1% West Virginia: 5.7%

Earthquake activity: Lashmeet-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above West Virginia state average. It is 9% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 8/23/2011 at 17:51:04, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.7 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 181.8 miles away from Lashmeet center

On 8/9/2020 at 12:07:37, a magnitude 5.1 (5.1 MW, Depth: 4.7 mi) earthquake occurred 65.6 miles away from the city center

On 7/27/1980 at 18:52:21, a magnitude 5.2 (5.1 MB, 4.7 MS, 5.0 UK, 5.2 UK) earthquake occurred 159.4 miles away from Lashmeet center

On 11/2/2006 at 17:53:02, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MB, Depth: 0.6 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 42.5 miles away from the city center

On 11/23/2006 at 10:42:57, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MB) earthquake occurred 46.4 miles away from Lashmeet center

On 6/29/1996 at 19:30:42, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 MB, 3.9 LG, Depth: 0.6 mi) earthquake occurred 44.3 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Mercer County (23) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 17

Emergencies Declared: 5



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 12, Storms: 10, Landslides: 6, Mudslides: 4, Winter Storms: 4, Hurricanes: 2, Blizzard: 1, Drought: 1, Fire: 1, Heavy Rain: 1, Snowfall: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Lashmeet: CHURCH LANE GROUP HOME (Hospital, about 6 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

VALLEY VIEW GROUP HOME (Hospital, about 7 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Acute Care Hospitals (about 7 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

Acute Care Hospitals H/S SOUTHERN HILLS REGIONAL REHAB (Hospital, about 7 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

PRINCETON HEALTH CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

OLD BLUEFIELD GROUP HOME (Hospital, about 8 miles away; PRINCETON, WV)

MAPLES NURSING HOME (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; BLUEFIELD, WV)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Lashmeet: Concord University ( about 11 miles; Athens, WV ; Full-time enrollment: 2,698)

11 ; 2,698) New River Community and Technical College ( about 26 miles; Beckley, WV ; FT enrollment: 2,234)

26 ; 2,234) Wytheville Community College ( about 33 miles; Wytheville, VA ; FT enrollment: 2,193)

33 ; 2,193) New River Community College ( about 36 miles; Dublin, VA ; FT enrollment: 3,007)

36 ; 3,007) Radford University ( about 41 miles; Radford, VA ; FT enrollment: 9,426)

41 ; 9,426) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ( about 45 miles; Blacksburg, VA ; FT enrollment: 30,984)

45 ; 30,984) Roanoke College (about 64 miles; Salem, VA; FT enrollment: 2,316)

Mercer County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Average household size: This place: 2.5 people West Virginia: 2.4 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 74.6% Whole state: 65.8%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 5.8% Whole state: 6.6%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 1.6% of all households

1.6% Gay men: 1.1% of all households

For population 15 years and over in Lashmeet: Never married: 19.8%

19.8% Now married: 54.1%

54.1% Separated: 0.0%

0.0% Widowed: 4.0%

4.0% Divorced: 22.1%

For population 25 years and over in Lashmeet: High school or higher: 71.2%

71.2% Bachelor's degree or higher: 27.6%

27.6% Graduate or professional degree: 15.0%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 13.7 West Virginia average: 11.0



Religion statistics for Lashmeet, WV (based on Mercer County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 17,020 100 Mainline Protestant 6,683 51 Catholic 1,560 2 Other 486 5 Black Protestant 95 7 Orthodox 76 1 None 36,344 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 14 This county : 2.29 / 10,000 pop. West Virginia : 2.41 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 1 Here : 0.16 / 10,000 pop. State : 0.28 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 4 Here : 0.65 / 10,000 pop. West Virginia : 1.09 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 36 Here : 5.88 / 10,000 pop. West Virginia : 5.38 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 38 Here : 6.20 / 10,000 pop. West Virginia : 6.22 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Mercer County : 13.5% West Virginia : 12.2% Adult obesity rate: Mercer County : 28.5% West Virginia : 31.1% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Mercer County : 13.4% State : 13.1%

4.03% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($34,368 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.03% West Virginia average: 5.10% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Tazewell County, VA 0.62% ($33,198 average AGI) from McDowell County, WV 0.42% ($26,988) from Raleigh County, WV 0.25% ($28,808)



4.85% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($37,370 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.85% West Virginia average: 5.62% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Tazewell County, VA 0.57% ($42,453 average AGI) to Raleigh County, WV 0.26% ($33,074) to Monroe County, WV 0.16% ($30,788)

Strongest AM radio stations in Lashmeet: WBDY (1190 AM; daytime; 10 kW; BLUEFIELD, VA; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WHIS (1440 AM; 5 kW; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WAEY (1490 AM; 1 kW; PRINCETON, WV; Owner: PRINCETON BROADCASTING, INC.)

PRINCETON BROADCASTING, INC.) WIWS (1070 AM; daytime; 10 kW; BECKLEY, WV; Owner: SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)

SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION) WAMN (1050 AM; 1 kW; GREEN VALLEY, WV; Owner: WAMN, INC.)

WAMN, INC.) WJLS (560 AM; 5 kW; BECKLEY, WV; Owner: FIRST MEDIA RADIO, LLC)

FIRST MEDIA RADIO, LLC) WWNR (620 AM; 5 kW; BECKLEY, WV; Owner: DYNASTAR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

DYNASTAR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WNRV (990 AM; 5 kW; NARROWS-PEARISBURG, VA; Owner: PERCEPTION MEDIA GROUP, INC.)

PERCEPTION MEDIA GROUP, INC.) WELC (1150 AM; daytime; 5 kW; WELCH, WV; Owner: POCAHONTAS BROADCASTING CO.)

POCAHONTAS BROADCASTING CO.) WOAY (860 AM; 10 kW; OAK HILL, WV; Owner: COMMISSIONED COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

COMMISSIONED COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WKNV (890 AM; daytime; 10 kW; FAIRLAWN, VA; Owner: POSITIVE RADIO GROUP, INC.)

POSITIVE RADIO GROUP, INC.) WKEZ (1240 AM; 1 kW; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WTRU (830 AM; 50 kW; KERNERSVILLE, NC; Owner: TRUTH BROADCASTING CORPORATION) Strongest FM radio stations in Lashmeet: WHAJ (104.5 FM; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WHKX (106.3 FM; BLUEFIELD, VA; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WKOY-FM (100.9 FM; PRINCETON, WV; Owner: MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC)

MONTEREY LICENSES, LLC) WPIB (91.1 FM; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO, INC.)

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO, INC.) WSTG (95.9 FM; PRINCETON, WV; Owner: PRINCETON BROADCASTING, INC.)

PRINCETON BROADCASTING, INC.) WJLS-FM (99.5 FM; BECKLEY, WV; Owner: FIRST MEDIA RADIO, LLC)

FIRST MEDIA RADIO, LLC) WMTD-FM (102.3 FM; HINTON, WV; Owner: SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)

SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION) KHPR (88.1 FM; HONOLULU, HI; Owner: HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO)

HAWAII PUBLIC RADIO) W244BB (96.7 FM; PRINCETON, WV; Owner: BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.)

BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC.) WCIR-FM (103.7 FM; BECKLEY, WV; Owner: SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION)

SOUTHERN COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION) WPMW (92.7 FM; MULLENS, WV; Owner: CASTLE ROCK INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.)

CASTLE ROCK INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.) WMEV-FM (93.9 FM; MARION, VA; Owner: HOLSTON VALLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

HOLSTON VALLEY BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WPIN-FM (91.5 FM; DUBLIN, VA; Owner: POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO, INC.)

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVE RADIO, INC.) WPSK-FM (107.1 FM; PULASKI, VA; Owner: NEW RIVER VALLEY RADIO PARTNERS, LLC)

NEW RIVER VALLEY RADIO PARTNERS, LLC) WVTR (91.9 FM; MARION, VA; Owner: VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION INC)

VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION INC) WXLK (92.3 FM; ROANOKE, VA; Owner: MEL WHEELER, INC.)

MEL WHEELER, INC.) WOLD-FM (102.5 FM; MARION, VA; Owner: EMERALD SOUND, INC.)

EMERALD SOUND, INC.) WSLQ (99.1 FM; ROANOKE, VA; Owner: MEL WHEELER, INC.)

MEL WHEELER, INC.) WSLC-FM (94.9 FM; ROANOKE, VA; Owner: MEL WHEELER, INC.)

MEL WHEELER, INC.) WVTF (89.1 FM; ROANOKE, VA; Owner: VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION INC) TV broadcast stations around Lashmeet: WVVA ( Channel 6; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: WVVA TELEVISON, INC.)

6; BLUEFIELD, WV; WVVA TELEVISON, INC.) WLFB (Channel 40; BLUEFIELD, WV; Owner: LIVING FAITH MINISTRIES, INC.)

Lashmeet, West Virginia

Fatal accident count 14

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 20

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons: 6

Fatalities 14

Persons involved in fatal accidents 24

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 0 West Virginia average

Fatal accident count 3447

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 5046

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons 1093

Fatalities 3740

Persons involved in fatal accidents 7895

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 365 See more detailed statistics of Lashmeet fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2019 here

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

5 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 23ft / 7.3m Total length

Total length $675,000 Total costs

Total costs 359 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 5 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 429 Total future (year 2035) average daily traffic



FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 6 Call Sign: KD8DJ, Previous Call Sign: WD8PSL, Grant Date: 11/10/1987, Expiration Date: 11/10/1997, Cancellation Date: 11/11/1999, Registrant: Troy L Jessee, Box 25, Lashmeet, WV 24733

KD8DJ, WD8PSL, 11/10/1987, 11/10/1997, 11/11/1999, Troy L Jessee, Box 25, Lashmeet, WV 24733 Call Sign: N8CYC, Grant Date: 04/05/1996, Expiration Date: 04/05/2006, Cancellation Date: 04/08/2008, Registrant: Norma L Jessee, Box 25, Lashmeet, WV 24733

N8CYC, 04/05/1996, 04/05/2006, 04/08/2008, Norma L Jessee, Box 25, Lashmeet, WV 24733 Call Sign: N8NEL, Previous Call Sign: KB8KCB, Licensee ID: L00471508, Grant Date: 05/23/2011, Expiration Date: 08/06/2021, Certifier: Elwood D Sheets, Registrant: Elwood D Sheets, Lashmeet, WV 24733

N8NEL, KB8KCB, L00471508, 05/23/2011, 08/06/2021, Elwood D Sheets, Elwood D Sheets, Lashmeet, WV 24733 Call Sign: NZ4B, Licensee ID: L01431548, Grant Date: 09/16/2008, Expiration Date: 09/10/2018, Cancellation Date: 10/05/2017, Certifier: Connally R Lynch Iii, Registrant: Connally R Lynch Iii, Lashmeet, WV 24733-0528

NZ4B, L01431548, 09/16/2008, 09/10/2018, 10/05/2017, Connally R Lynch Iii, Connally R Lynch Iii, Lashmeet, WV 24733-0528 Call Sign: W8DP, Licensee ID: L00732777, Grant Date: 11/03/2016, Expiration Date: 11/04/2026, Registrant: Dallas V Peyton Sr, Lashmeet, WV 24733

W8DP, L00732777, 11/03/2016, 11/04/2026, Dallas V Peyton Sr, Lashmeet, WV 24733 Call Sign: WB8WZJ, Grant Date: 11/28/1995, Expiration Date: 11/28/2005, Cancellation Date: 11/29/2007, Registrant: Chester R Peyton, Lashmeet, WV 24733



2005 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents Based on the data from the years 2005 - 2018 the average number of fires per year is 12. The highest number of fires - 37 took place in 2010, and the least - 6 in 2014. The data has a constant trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Lashmeet, WV



131 76.2% Structure Fires



27 15.7% Outside Fires



12 7.0% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



2 1.2% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Structure Fires (76.2%), and Outside Fires (15.7%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Lashmeet, WV

Houses and condos Apartments 82.1% Electricity

10.0% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

7.9% Wood 54.7% Electricity

45.3% Bottled, tank, or LP gas





Lashmeet compared to West Virginia state average: Median house value below state average.

below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Number of college students significantly below state average.

significantly below Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher above state average.




Orrington, Maine

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Population in 2010: 3,733.

Population change since 2000: +5.9%

3,733.+5.9%

Males: 1,851 (49.6%) Females: 1,882 (50.4%)

Median resident age: 43.5 years Maine median age: 43.0 years

Zip codes: 04474.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $65,246 (it was $44,327 in 2000)

Orrington: $65,246 ME: $58,924

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $32,775 (it was $19,290 in 2000)



Orrington town income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $187,393 (it was $94,000 in 2000) Orrington: $187,393 ME: $200,500

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $170,506; detached houses: $186,641; townhouses or other attached units: $165,470; in 2-unit structures: $188,869; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $447,223; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $287,906; mobile homes: $67,592; occupied boats, rvs, vans, etc.: $26,279 $65,246 ($44,327$32,775 ($19,290$187,393 ($94,000$170,506;$186,641;$165,470;$188,869;$447,223;$287,906;$67,592;$26,279

March 2019 cost of living index in Orrington: 92.4 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

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3,639 97.5% White alone 35 0.9% Hispanic 21 0.6% Asian alone 14 0.4% American Indian alone 16 0.4% Two or more races 7 0.2% Black alone 1 0.03% Native Hawaiian and Other

Pacific Islander alone

Races in Orrington detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Maine and other state lists, there were 7 registered sex offenders living in Orrington, Maine as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Orrington is 533 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is near the state average.







Latest news from Orrington, ME collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: English (18.1%), French (14.6%), Irish (12.8%), United States (9.5%), German (8.3%), French Canadian (6.9%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 140 feet

Land area: 25.4 square miles. Population density: 147 people per square mile (very low).

81 residents are foreign born (1.4% North America, 0.8% Europe). This town: 2.3% Maine: 2.9%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: Orrington town: 1.3% ($1,198) Maine: 1.5% ($1,417)

Latitude: 44.72 N, Longitude: 68.79 W

Area code: 207

Single-family new house construction building permits: 1997: 13 buildings , average cost: $119,300

13 $119,300 1998: 22 buildings , average cost: $83,900

22 $83,900 1999: 17 buildings , average cost: $96,100

17 $96,100 2000: 13 buildings , average cost: $92,000

13 $92,000 2001: 13 buildings , average cost: $120,000

13 $120,000 2002: 15 buildings , average cost: $150,000

15 $150,000 2003: 18 buildings , average cost: $163,100

18 $163,100 2004: 33 buildings , average cost: $193,400

33 $193,400 2005: 21 buildings , average cost: $166,700

21 $166,700 2006: 21 buildings , average cost: $200,000

21 $200,000 2007: 24 buildings , average cost: $200,000

24 $200,000 2008: 20 buildings , average cost: $148,300

20 $148,300 2009: 10 buildings , average cost: $179,100

10 $179,100 2010: 3 buildings , average cost: $169,200

3 $169,200 2011: 4 buildings , average cost: $174,200

4 $174,200 2012: 6 buildings , average cost: $151,900

6 $151,900 2013: 5 buildings , average cost: $182,000

5 $182,000 2014: 7 buildings , average cost: $173,400

7 $173,400 2015: 13 buildings , average cost: $164,900

13 $164,900 2016: 9 buildings , average cost: $182,800

9 $182,800 2017: 9 buildings , average cost: $207,000

9 $207,000 2018: 3 buildings , average cost: $249,800

3 $249,800 2019: 1 building, cost: $282,200

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 2.9% Maine: 4.7%

Most common industries in Orrington, ME (%) Both Males Females

Health care (13.7%)

Educational services (10.6%)

Construction (7.7%)

Accommodation & food services (4.6%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (3.8%)

Food & beverage stores (3.3%)

Public administration (3.2%)

Construction (13.5%)

Educational services (8.3%)

Health care (5.4%)

Paper (4.9%)

Other transportation, support activities, couriers (4.9%)

Transportation equipment (4.6%)

U. S. Postal service (3.1%)

Health care (23.5%)

Educational services (13.3%)

Accommodation & food services (8.3%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (4.8%)

Social assistance (4.6%)

Public administration (4.0%)

Food & beverage stores (3.9%) Most common occupations in Orrington, ME (%) Both Males Females

Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (5.4%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (5.2%)

Health technologists and technicians (4.6%)

Registered nurses (4.3%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (4.2%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (4.1%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.5%)

Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (8.5%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (7.3%)

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (6.4%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (5.1%)

Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (4.7%)

Carpenters (3.8%)

Metal workers and plastic workers (3.6%)

Health technologists and technicians (8.6%)

Registered nurses (8.0%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (7.9%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (7.6%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.4%)

Secretaries and administrative assistants (4.4%)

Retail sales workers, except cashiers (4.3%)

Average climate in Orrington, Maine Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 59.4. This is better than average. City: 59.4 U.S.: 74.2

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 32.7. This is about average. Closest monitor was 1.2 miles away from the city center. City: 32.7 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 5.29. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 5.4 miles away from the city center. City: 5.29 U.S.: 8.46

Earthquake activity: Orrington-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Maine state average. It is 81% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 10/16/2012 at 23:12:25, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 ML, Depth: 10.0 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 120.9 miles away from Orrington center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.3 (5.3 ML, Depth: 3.0 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 242.1 miles away from Orrington center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MB, 4.2 MS, 5.2 MW, 5.0 MW) earthquake occurred 243.2 miles away from Orrington center

On 1/19/1982 at 00:14:42, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 MD, 4.5 LG) earthquake occurred 163.2 miles away from Orrington center

On 10/7/1983 at 10:18:46, a magnitude 5.3 (5.1 MB, 5.3 LG, 5.1 ML) earthquake occurred 279.7 miles away from Orrington center

On 2/26/1999 at 03:38:43, a magnitude 3.8 (3.8 LG, Depth: 2.0 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: II - III) earthquake occurred 39.7 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), duration magnitude (MD), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Penobscot County (19) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 11

Emergencies Declared: 7



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 9, Storms: 8, Snows: 5, Heavy Rains: 2, Blizzard: 1, Hurricane: 1, Ice Storm: 1, Snowfall: 1, Wind: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 2 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Orrington: KINDRED TRANSITIONAL CARE AND REHAB-BREWER (Nursing Home, about 5 miles away; BREWER, ME)

ST JOSEPH HOSPICE (Hospital, about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

ST JOSEPH HOSPITAL Acute Care Hospitals (about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

Acute Care Hospitals AMEDISYS HOME HEALTH OF BANGOR (Home Health Center, about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

GENTIVA HEALTH SERVICES (Home Health Center, about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

CHANDLER BAY HOME HEALTH AGENCY INC (Home Health Center, about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

BANGOR NURSING AND REHABILITATION (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; BANGOR, ME)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Orrington: Husson University ( about 8 miles; Bangor, ME ; Full-time enrollment: 2,421)

8 ; 2,421) University of Maine ( about 14 miles; Orono, ME ; FT enrollment: 8,931)

14 ; 8,931) University of Maine at Augusta ( about 57 miles; Augusta, ME ; FT enrollment: 3,204)

57 ; 3,204) University of Maine at Farmington ( about 67 miles; Farmington, ME ; FT enrollment: 2,036)

67 ; 2,036) Southern Maine Community College ( about 104 miles; South Portland, ME ; FT enrollment: 4,666)

104 ; 4,666) University of Southern Maine ( about 104 miles; Portland, ME ; FT enrollment: 6,647)

104 ; 6,647) Saint Joseph's College of Maine (about 105 miles; Standish, ME; FT enrollment: 2,010) Private high school in Orrington: CALVARY CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 85, Location: 154 RIVER RD, Grades: PK-12) Public elementary/middle schools in Orrington: CENTER DRIVE SCHOOL ( Students: 388, Location: 19 SCHOOL STREET, Grades: PK-8)

( 388, 19 SCHOOL STREET, PK-8) DEDHAM SCHOOL (Students: 161, Location: 19 SCHOOL STREET, Grades: PK-8) See full list of schools located in Orrington

Library in Orrington: ORRINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $57,030; Location: 15 SCHOOL STREET; 13,985 books; 187 audio materials; 104 video materials; 52 other licensed databases; 20 print serial subscriptions; 1 electronic serial subscriptions)

Birthplace of: Benjamin Franklin Mudge - Geologist.

Penobscot County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Orrington and their reported violations in the past: CENTER DRIVE SCHOOL (Population served: 400, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In SEP-2013 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (SEP-20-2013) , St Formal NOV issued (SEP-20-2013) , St Public Notif received (OCT-03-2013)

SEP-2013 Coliform St Public Notif requested (SEP-20-2013) St Formal NOV issued (SEP-20-2013) St Public Notif received (OCT-03-2013) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUL-2009, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (AUG-05-2009), St Formal NOV issued (AUG-05-2009), St Public Notif received (AUG-24-2009), St Compliance achieved (SEP-06-2011), St Intentional no-action (SEP-09-2011) Past monitoring violations: Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - In JUL-10-2003 , Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule . Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (DEC-19-2005), St Violation/Reminder Notice (DEC-19-2005), St Compliance achieved (DEC-21-2005), St Public Notif received (DEC-21-2005)

JUL-10-2003 Lead and Copper Rule St Public Notif requested (DEC-19-2005), St Violation/Reminder Notice (DEC-19-2005), St Compliance achieved (DEC-21-2005), St Public Notif received (DEC-21-2005) 3 routine major monitoring violations DEDHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Population served: 212, Groundwater): Past health violations: OCCT/SOWT Study/Recommendation - In FEB-11-2006, Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUL-13-2006), St Compliance achieved (AUG-15-2006) Past monitoring violations: 3 routine major monitoring violations

49 regular monitoring violations ROCKY KNOLL SERVICES (Population served: 144, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In NOV-2010, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (NOV-22-2010), St Formal NOV issued (NOV-22-2010), St Compliance achieved (DEC-28-2010), St Public Notif received (JAN-04-2011) Past monitoring violations: 4 routine major monitoring violations TRENTON HEALTH CENTER (Population served: 77, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In SEP-2011, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Public Notif requested (SEP-30-2011), St Formal NOV issued (SEP-30-2011), St Public Notif received (OCT-07-2011), St Compliance achieved (NOV-09-2011) CLOSE TO HOME CHILDCARE (Population served: 25, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JAN-2014, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (JAN-27-2014), St Public Notif requested (JAN-27-2014), St Compliance achieved (FEB-20-2014), St Public Notif received (APR-01-2014) Past monitoring violations: 2 routine major monitoring violations CENTER DRIVE SCHOOL (400Groundwater):DEDHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (212Groundwater):ROCKY KNOLL SERVICES (144Groundwater):TRENTON HEALTH CENTER (77Groundwater):CLOSE TO HOME CHILDCARE (25Groundwater):

Average household size: This town: 2.5 people Maine: 2.3 people

Percentage of family households: This town: 72.3% Whole state: 62.9%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This town: 8.1% Whole state: 9.4%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.7% of all households

0.7% Gay men: 0.3% of all households Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 4.3% Whole state: 10.9% Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 2.2% Whole state: 4.1%

4 people in homes for the mentally retarded in 2000

Banks with branches in Orrington (2011 data): People's United Bank: Orrington Branch at Route 15, branch established on 1999/11/08. Info updated 2012/02/16: Bank assets: $27,319.3 mil, Deposits: $20,835.4 mil, headquarters in Bridgeport, CT, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 374 total offices

For population 15 years and over in Orrington: Never married: 19.7%

19.7% Now married: 66.1%

66.1% Separated: 1.1%

1.1% Widowed: 5.8%

5.8% Divorced: 7.4%

For population 25 years and over in Orrington: High school or higher: 89.0%

89.0% Bachelor's degree or higher: 20.5%

20.5% Graduate or professional degree: 5.3%

5.3% Unemployed: 3.3%

3.3% Mean travel time to work (commute): 19.4 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 9.9 Maine average: 11.2



Religion statistics for Orrington, ME (based on Penobscot County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 16,581 15 Mainline Protestant 9,715 59 Evangelical Protestant 7,523 80 Other 2,936 22 Orthodox 300 1 None 116,868 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 34 Penobscot County : 2.29 / 10,000 pop. Maine : 2.80 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 2 This county : 0.13 / 10,000 pop. Maine : 0.14 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 38 This county : 2.56 / 10,000 pop. Maine : 2.20 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 85 Penobscot County : 5.72 / 10,000 pop. Maine : 5.75 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 110 This county : 7.41 / 10,000 pop. State : 11.02 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: Penobscot County : 9.0% Maine : 8.2% Adult obesity rate: Penobscot County : 28.0% Maine : 25.0%

4.70% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($42,368 average adjusted gross income) Here: 4.70% Maine average: 5.91% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved from foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Hancock County, ME 0.46% ($39,233 average AGI) from Somerset County, ME 0.31% ($32,551) from Waldo County, ME 0.30% ($35,315)



5.36% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($47,844 average adjusted gross income) Here: 5.36% Maine average: 5.73% 10 or fewer of this county's residents moved to foreign countries between 2015 and 2016.

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Cumberland County, ME 0.52% ($78,156 average AGI) to Hancock County, ME 0.43% ($64,636) to Waldo County, ME 0.35% ($39,428)

Businesses in Orrington, ME Circle K: 1

1 Dunkin Donuts: 1

Strongest AM radio stations in Orrington: WABI (910 AM; 5 kW; BANGOR, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WZON (620 AM; 5 kW; BANGOR, ME; Owner: THE ZONE CORPORATION)

THE ZONE CORPORATION) WNZS (1340 AM; 1 kW; VEAZIE, ME; Owner: WATERFRONT COMMUNICATIONS INC.)

WATERFRONT COMMUNICATIONS INC.) WDEA (1370 AM; 5 kW; ELLSWORTH, ME; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WSKW (1160 AM; 10 kW; SKOWHEGAN, ME; Owner: MOUNTAIN WIRELESS, INCORPORATED)

MOUNTAIN WIRELESS, INCORPORATED) WRKO (680 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WTME (780 AM; 10 kW; RUMFORD, ME; Owner: MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.)

MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.) WEEI (850 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WBZ (1030 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WFAU (1280 AM; 5 kW; GARDINER, ME; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WCRN (830 AM; 50 kW; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WNNZ (640 AM; 50 kW; WESTFIELD, MA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WKOX (1200 AM; 50 kW; FRAMINGHAM, MA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) Strongest FM radio stations in Orrington: WKIT-FM (100.3 FM; BREWER, ME; Owner: THE ZONE CORPORATION)

THE ZONE CORPORATION) WWMJ (95.7 FM; ELLSWORTH, ME; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WBFB (104.7 FM; BELFAST, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WWBX (97.1 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WMEH (90.9 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WEZQ (92.9 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WFZX (101.7 FM; SEARSPORT, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WERU-FM (89.9 FM; BLUE HILL, ME; Owner: SALT POND COMMUNITY B/C COMPANY)

SALT POND COMMUNITY B/C COMPANY) WVOM (103.9 FM; HOWLAND, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WHCF (88.5 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: BANGOR BAPTIST CHURCH)

BANGOR BAPTIST CHURCH) WQCB (106.5 FM; BREWER, ME; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WBZN (107.3 FM; OLD TOWN, ME; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)

CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.) WMEP (90.5 FM; CAMDEN, ME; Owner: MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORP.)

MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORP.) WQSS (102.5 FM; CAMDEN, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WNSX (97.7 FM; WINTER HARBOR, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) W275AE (102.9 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: SALT POND COMMUNITY BROADCASTING, INC.)

SALT POND COMMUNITY BROADCASTING, INC.) WGUY (102.1 FM; DEXTER, ME; Owner: CONCORD MEDIA GROUP, INC.)

CONCORD MEDIA GROUP, INC.) WLKE (99.1 FM; BAR HARBOR, ME; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WHSN (89.3 FM; BANGOR, ME; Owner: HUSSON COLLEGE)

HUSSON COLLEGE) WMEB-FM (91.9 FM; ORONO, ME; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM) TV broadcast stations around Orrington: WCKD-LP ( Channel 30; BANGOR/DEDHAM, ME; Owner: J. MCLEOD, ME FAMILY B/CING., INC.)

30; BANGOR/DEDHAM, ME; J. MCLEOD, ME FAMILY B/CING., INC.) WBGR-LP ( Channel 33; BANGOR/DEDHAM, ME; Owner: MAINE FAMILY BROADCASTING, INC.)

33; BANGOR/DEDHAM, ME; MAINE FAMILY BROADCASTING, INC.) WLBZ ( Channel 2; BANGOR, ME; Owner: PACIFIC AND SOUTHERN COMPANY, INC.)

2; BANGOR, ME; PACIFIC AND SOUTHERN COMPANY, INC.) WABI-TV ( Channel 5; BANGOR, ME; Owner: COMMUNITY BROADCASTING SERVICE)

5; BANGOR, ME; COMMUNITY BROADCASTING SERVICE) WMEB-TV ( Channel 12; ORONO, ME; Owner: MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

12; ORONO, ME; MAINE PUBLIC BROADCASTING CORPORATION) W36CK ( Channel 36; BANGOR, ME; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)

36; BANGOR, ME; TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK) W66CL ( Channel 66; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

66; BANGOR, ME; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) WBAN-LP ( Channel 9; BANGOR, ME; Owner: BANGOR MEDIA GROUP, LLC)

9; BANGOR, ME; BANGOR MEDIA GROUP, LLC) WVII-TV ( Channel 7; BANGOR, ME; Owner: BANGOR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

7; BANGOR, ME; BANGOR COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) WFVX-LP ( Channel 22; BANGOR, ME; Owner: ROCKFLEET BROADCASTING III, LLC)

22; BANGOR, ME; ROCKFLEET BROADCASTING III, LLC) W39CC ( Channel 39; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

39; BANGOR, ME; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) W42BZ ( Channel 42; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

42; BANGOR, ME; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) W50BX ( Channel 50; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

50; BANGOR, ME; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) W54CG (Channel 54; BANGOR, ME; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

Orrington fatal accident statistics for 1975 - 2019

See more detailed statistics of Orrington fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2019 here

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

3 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 10ft / 3.2m Total length

Total length 7,345 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 365 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 10,490 Total future (year 2036) average daily traffic



FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 5 Erik Connolly, 94 River Road ( Lat: 44.757222 Lon: -68.782583), Type: 38.4, Overall height: 36.5 m, Registrant: Holland & Knight LLP, Pconnolly@hklaw.Com, , Washi-ngton, Phone: (202) 862-5989

44.757222 -68.782583), 38.4, 36.5 m, Holland & Knight LLP, Pconnolly@hklaw.Com, , Washi-ngton, (202) 862-5989 Erik Brooks, 94 River Road ( Lat: 44.757222 Lon: -68.782583), Type: 38.4, Structure height: 23019 m, Overall height: 36.5 m, Registrant: United States Cellular Corporation, Renee.Mazur@uscellular.Com, , Chica-go, Phone: (773) 399-8900

44.757222 -68.782583), 38.4, 23019 m, 36.5 m, United States Cellular Corporation, Renee.Mazur@uscellular.Com, , Chica-go, (773) 399-8900 Edward G Roach, 1307 Center Drive ( Lat: 44.680722 Lon: -68.755889), Type: 84.1, Structure height: 23019 m, Overall height: 80.4 m, Registrant: Sba Towers V, LLC, Eroach@sbasite.Com, , Boca -Raton, Phone: (561) 995-7670

44.680722 -68.755889), 84.1, 23019 m, 80.4 m, Sba Towers V, LLC, Eroach@sbasite.Com, , Boca -Raton, (561) 995-7670 Edward G Roach, 1307 Center Drive ( Lat: 44.680722 Lon: -68.755889), Type: 84.1, Structure height: 23019 m, Overall height: 80.4 m, Registrant: Sba Towers V, LLC, Eroach@sbasite.Com, , Boca -Raton, Phone: (561) 995-7670

44.680722 -68.755889), 84.1, 23019 m, 80.4 m, Sba Towers V, LLC, Eroach@sbasite.Com, , Boca -Raton, (561) 995-7670 Atop Kings Mountain (Lat: 44.677500 Lon: -68.753611), Type: 128.0, Overall height: 128 m, Registrant: Zone Corporation Dba , 1929 Bango-r, Phone: (207) 990-2800

FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 3 Lat: 44.680694 Lon: -68.755556, Call Sign: WNGR867,

Assigned Frequencies: 461.175 MHz, 466.175 MHz, Grant Date: 02/25/2017, Expiration Date: 05/19/2027, Registrant: Atlantic Communications, Inc., 40 Freedom Parkway, Hermon, Maine 04401, Bangor, ME 04402-0596, Phone: (207) 848-7590, Fax: (207) 974-3151, Email:

44.680694 -68.755556, WNGR867, 461.175 MHz, 466.175 MHz, 02/25/2017, 05/19/2027, Atlantic Communications, Inc., 40 Freedom Parkway, Hermon, Maine 04401, Bangor, ME 04402-0596, (207) 848-7590, (207) 974-3151, Lat: 44.680556 Lon: -68.755556, Call Sign: WPMU561,

Assigned Frequencies: 461.700 MHz, 466.700 MHz, 461.475 MHz, 466.475 MHz, Grant Date: 10/30/2013, Expiration Date: 01/05/2024, Certifier: Gerard E Ouellette, Registrant: Atlantic Communications, Inc., 40 Freedom Parkway, Hermon, Maine 04401, Bangor, ME 04402-0596, Phone: (207) 848-7590, Fax: (207) 974-3151, Email:

44.680556 -68.755556, WPMU561, 461.700 MHz, 466.700 MHz, 461.475 MHz, 466.475 MHz, 10/30/2013, 01/05/2024, Gerard E Ouellette, Atlantic Communications, Inc., 40 Freedom Parkway, Hermon, Maine 04401, Bangor, ME 04402-0596, (207) 848-7590, (207) 974-3151, Lat: 44.400806 Lon: -68.761389, Call Sign: WQGP712,

Assigned Frequencies: 465.912 MHz, Grant Date: 01/13/2017, Expiration Date: 03/19/2027, Certifier: David R Tonini, Registrant: Federal License Management, 1784 E. 3rd Street Suite 269, Williamsport, PA 17701-3862, Phone: (866) 908-2220, Fax: (570) 323-4002, Email:

FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 4 ORRINGTON, 132 Fields Pond Road ( Lat: 44.739778 Lon: -68.755028), Type: Mast, Structure height: 24.4 m, Call Sign: WQFU608,

Assigned Frequencies: 6775.00 MHz, 6835.00 MHz, Grant Date: 09/13/2016, Expiration Date: 10/06/2026, Certifier: John Doyon, Registrant: Versant Power, 970 Illinois Avenue, Bangor, ME 04402-0932, Phone: (207) 973-2546, Email:

44.739778 -68.755028), Mast, 24.4 m, WQFU608, 6775.00 MHz, 6835.00 MHz, 09/13/2016, 10/06/2026, John Doyon, Versant Power, 970 Illinois Avenue, Bangor, ME 04402-0932, (207) 973-2546, KINGS MTN, 1307 Center Drive ( Lat: 44.680722 Lon: -68.755889), Type: Ltower, Structure height: 80.4 m, Overall height: 84.1 m, Call Sign: WQKN853,

Assigned Frequencies: 6655.00 MHz, 6595.00 MHz, 6675.00 MHz, Grant Date: 08/03/2019, Expiration Date: 07/28/2029, Certifier: John Doyon, Registrant: Versant Power, 970 Illinois Avenue, Bangor, ME 04402-0932, Phone: (207) 973-2546, Email:

44.680722 -68.755889), Ltower, 80.4 m, 84.1 m, WQKN853, 6655.00 MHz, 6595.00 MHz, 6675.00 MHz, 08/03/2019, 07/28/2029, John Doyon, Versant Power, 970 Illinois Avenue, Bangor, ME 04402-0932, (207) 973-2546, KINGS MTN, Kings Mtn Rd South Brewer ( Lat: 44.680611 Lon: -68.755583), Overall height: 82 m, Call Sign: KCC85,

Assigned Frequencies: 3970.00 MHz, 4030.00 MHz, 3730.00 MHz, 3730.00 MHz, 3890.00 MHz, 3810.00 MHz, 3810.00 MHz, 3970.00 MHz, 3890.00 MHz, 4050.00 MHz, 4050.00 MHz, 4130.00 MHz, Grant Date: 02/19/1998, Expiration Date: 02/01/2000, Cancellation Date: 05/07/2000, Phone: (404) 810-4021

44.680611 -68.755583), 82 m, KCC85, 3970.00 MHz, 4030.00 MHz, 3730.00 MHz, 3730.00 MHz, 3890.00 MHz, 3810.00 MHz, 3810.00 MHz, 3970.00 MHz, 3890.00 MHz, 4050.00 MHz, 4050.00 MHz, 4130.00 MHz, 02/19/1998, 02/01/2000, 05/07/2000, (404) 810-4021 STATION, Orrington Substation In East Orrington (Lat: 44.739778 Lon: -68.755028), Overall height: 30.5 m, Call Sign: WDI81,

Assigned Frequencies: 6815.00 MHz, Grant Date: 03/27/2010, Expiration Date: 05/16/2020, Cancellation Date: 04/14/2015, Registrant: Utc Spectrum Services, 200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22203, Phone: (703) 558-2204, Fax: (703) 276-1169, Email:

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 29 (



FAA Registered Aircraft: 9 (

29 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Orrington 9 ( See the full list of FAA Registered Aircraft in Orrington

2003 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents According to the data from the years 2003 - 2018 the average number of fires per year is 28. The highest number of reported fires - 51 took place in 2006, and the least - 5 in 2004. The data has a rising trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Orrington, ME



216 48.1% Structure Fires



108 24.1% Outside Fires



85 18.9% Other



40 8.9% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Structure Fires (48.1%), and Outside Fires (24.1%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Orrington, ME

Houses and condos Apartments 91.9% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

5.1% Wood

1.8% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

1.2% Electricity 82.7% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

13.6% Electricity

3.7% Wood





Orrington compared to Maine state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage below state average.

below Foreign-born population percentage below state average.

below Renting percentage below state average.

below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above Number of rooms per house significantly below state average.

significantly below House age significantly below state average.

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Pathfork, Kentucky

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Population in 2010: 379.

Males: 196 (51.8%) Females: 183 (48.2%)

Median resident age: 40.1 years Kentucky median age: 39.2 years

Zip codes: 40863.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $27,371

Pathfork: $27,371 KY: $52,295

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $16,965



Pathfork CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $64,876 Pathfork: $64,876 KY: $151,700

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $44,960; detached houses: $44,802 $27,371$16,965$64,876$44,960;$44,802

Median gross rent in 2019: $417.

March 2019 cost of living index in Pathfork: 81.7 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 77.8%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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According to our research of Kentucky and other state lists, there was 1 registered sex offender living in Pathfork, Kentucky as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Pathfork is 518 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is near the state average.





Ancestries: American (18.2%), English (10.4%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 1200 feet

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $612 (1.1%)

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2019: $316 (1.0%)



Latitude: 36.76 N, Longitude: 83.46 W

Area code commonly used in this area: 606

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 10.5% Kentucky: 5.1%

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO Ozone

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 51.5. This is significantly better than average. City: 51.5 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2000 was 0.127. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 17.2 miles away from the city center. City: 0.127 U.S.: 0.267

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 27.2. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 6.7 miles away from the city center. City: 27.2 U.S.: 33.3

Tornado activity: Pathfork-area historical tornado activity is significantly below Kentucky state average. It is 52% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/9/1988, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 14.9 miles away from the Pathfork place center killed one person and injured 15 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages. On 3/12/1967, a category F3 tornado 36.8 miles away from the place center .

Earthquake activity: Pathfork-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Kentucky state average. It is 56% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 7/27/1980 at 18:52:21, a magnitude 5.2 (5.1 MB, 4.7 MS, 5.0 UK, 5.2 UK, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 103.6 miles away from the city center

On 8/9/2020 at 12:07:37, a magnitude 5.1 (5.1 MW, Depth: 4.7 mi) earthquake occurred 133.1 miles away from Pathfork center

On 11/30/1973 at 07:48:41, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 MB, 4.6 ML, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 71.8 miles away from the city center

On 8/23/2011 at 17:51:04, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.7 mi) earthquake occurred 314.3 miles away from the city center

On 9/7/1988 at 02:28:09, a magnitude 4.6 (4.5 MB, 4.6 LG) earthquake occurred 98.6 miles away from the city center

On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW) earthquake occurred 269.1 miles away from Pathfork center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Harlan County (21) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 14

Emergencies Declared: 2



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 14, Storms: 11, Mudslides: 6, Landslides: 5, Tornadoes: 4, Winter Storms: 3, Fires: 2, Snows: 2, Snowstorms: 2, Winds: 2, Blizzard: 1, Freeze: 1, Hurricane: 1, Snowfall: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Pathfork: PINEVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Acute Care Hospitals (about 14 miles away; PINEVILLE, KY)

Acute Care Hospitals TRI STATE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER (Nursing Home, about 16 miles away; HARROGATE, TN)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Pathfork: Lincoln Memorial University ( about 17 miles; Harrogate, TN ; Full-time enrollment: 3,706)

17 ; 3,706) Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College ( about 30 miles; Cumberland, KY ; FT enrollment: 2,196)

30 ; 2,196) Hazard Community and Technical College ( about 37 miles; Hazard, KY ; FT enrollment: 2,087)

37 ; 2,087) University of the Cumberlands ( about 39 miles; Williamsburg, KY ; FT enrollment: 3,585)

39 ; 3,585) Walters State Community College ( about 40 miles; Morristown, TN ; FT enrollment: 4,359)

40 ; 4,359) Tusculum College ( about 57 miles; Greeneville, TN ; FT enrollment: 2,070)

57 ; 2,070) The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (about 62 miles; Knoxville, TN; FT enrollment: 25,483)

Harlan County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Moderate Potential

Average household size: This place: 2.3 people Kentucky: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 66.3% Whole state: 66.9%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 6.6% Whole state: 6.4%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.6% of all households

0.6% Gay men: 0.6% of all households

For population 15 years and over in Pathfork: Never married: 30.2%

30.2% Now married: 63.2%

63.2% Separated: 0.0%

0.0% Widowed: 2.7%

2.7% Divorced: 3.9%

For population 25 years and over in Pathfork: High school or higher: 65.4%

65.4% Bachelor's degree or higher: 11.1%

11.1% Graduate or professional degree: 3.5%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 15.3 Kentucky average: 11.9



Religion statistics for Pathfork, KY (based on Harlan County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 12,152 95 Mainline Protestant 1,524 13 Black Protestant 968 3 Catholic 207 3 Other 151 2 None 14,276 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 10 Harlan County : 3.22 / 10,000 pop. Kentucky : 2.19 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 2 Harlan County : 0.64 / 10,000 pop. State : 0.74 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 13 Here : 4.18 / 10,000 pop. State : 4.36 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 8 Harlan County : 2.57 / 10,000 pop. Kentucky : 5.74 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: This county : 12.9% Kentucky : 11.0% Adult obesity rate: This county : 29.8% Kentucky : 30.0% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Harlan County : 21.0% Kentucky : 15.9%

Strongest AM radio stations in Pathfork: WHLN (1410 AM; 5 kW; HARLAN, KY)

WFSR (970 AM; 5 kW; HARLAN, KY; Owner: EASTERN BROADCASTING COMPAY)

EASTERN BROADCASTING COMPAY) WKVL (850 AM; daytime; 50 kW; KNOXVILLE, TN; Owner: HORNE RADIO, LLC)

HORNE RADIO, LLC) WMIK (560 AM; 3 kW; MIDDLESBORO, KY; Owner: GATEWAY BROADCASTING, INC.)

GATEWAY BROADCASTING, INC.) WFGW (1010 AM; 50 kW; BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC; Owner: BLUE RIDGE BROADCASTING CORP.)

BLUE RIDGE BROADCASTING CORP.) WRWB (740 AM; 1 kW; HARROGATE, TN; Owner: PINE HILLS OF TENNESSEE, INC.)

PINE HILLS OF TENNESSEE, INC.) WANO (1230 AM; 1 kW; PINEVILLE, KY; Owner: CUMBERLAND MEDIA GROUP, INC.)

CUMBERLAND MEDIA GROUP, INC.) WGOC (640 AM; 10 kW; BLOUNTVILLE, TN; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WKLB (1290 AM; 5 kW; MANCHESTER, KY; Owner: BARKER BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)

BARKER BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) WEKC (710 AM; daytime; 4 kW; WILLIAMSBURG, KY; Owner: GERALD PARKS)

GERALD PARKS) WLFJ (660 AM; daytime; 50 kW; GREENVILLE, SC; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)

CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.) WNOX (990 AM; 10 kW; KNOXVILLE, TN)

WCRK (1150 AM; 5 kW; MORRISTOWN, TN; Owner: RADIO ACQUISITION CORP.) Strongest FM radio stations in Pathfork: WTUK (105.1 FM; HARLAN, KY; Owner: EASTERN BROADCASTING COMPANY)

EASTERN BROADCASTING COMPANY) WRIL (106.3 FM; PINEVILLE, KY; Owner: PINE HILLS BROADCASTING, INC.)

PINE HILLS BROADCASTING, INC.) WMIK-FM (92.7 FM; MIDDLESBORO, KY; Owner: GATEWAY BROADCASTING, INC.)

GATEWAY BROADCASTING, INC.) WSEH (102.7 FM; CUMBERLAND, KY; Owner: CUMBERLAND CITY BROADCASTING, INC.)

CUMBERLAND CITY BROADCASTING, INC.) WCTU (105.9 FM; TAZEWELL, TN; Owner: STAIR COMPANY, INC)

STAIR COMPANY, INC) WAXM (93.5 FM; BIG STONE GAP, VA; Owner: VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.)

VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.) WJDT (106.5 FM; ROGERSVILLE, TN; Owner: C & S BROADCASTING)

C & S BROADCASTING) WSGS (101.1 FM; HAZARD, KY; Owner: MOUNTAIN BROADCASTING SERVICE, INC.)

MOUNTAIN BROADCASTING SERVICE, INC.) WBGQ (100.7 FM; BULLS GAP, TN; Owner: CHEROKEE BROADCASTING)

CHEROKEE BROADCASTING) WTFM (98.5 FM; KINGSPORT, TN; Owner: HOLSTON VALLEY BROADCASTING CORP.)

HOLSTON VALLEY BROADCASTING CORP.) W223AA (92.5 FM; BIG STONE GAP, VA; Owner: VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.)

VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC.) WIMZ-FM (103.5 FM; KNOXVILLE, TN; Owner: SOUTH CENTRAL COMM., CORP.)

SOUTH CENTRAL COMM., CORP.) WXJB (96.5 FM; HARROGATE, TN; Owner: JBD INCORPORATED)

JBD INCORPORATED) WEKH (90.9 FM; HAZARD, KY; Owner: EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY)

EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY) WZQQ (97.9 FM; HYDEN, KY; Owner: LESLIE COUNTY BROADCASTING, INC.)

LESLIE COUNTY BROADCASTING, INC.) WJNV (99.1 FM; JONESVILLE, VA; Owner: REGINA KAY MOORE)

REGINA KAY MOORE) WIFX-FM (94.3 FM; JENKINS, KY; Owner: LETCHER COUNTY BROADCASTING, INC)

LETCHER COUNTY BROADCASTING, INC) WJMD (104.7 FM; HAZARD, KY; Owner: HAZARD BROADCASTING SERVICES)

HAZARD BROADCASTING SERVICES) WDVX (89.9 FM; CLINTON, TN; Owner: CUMBERLAND COMMUNITIES COMMUNI CORP.)

CUMBERLAND COMMUNITIES COMMUNI CORP.) WXKQ-FM (103.9 FM; WHITESBURG, KY; Owner: T.C.W. BROADCASTING , INC.) TV broadcast stations around Pathfork: WAGV ( Channel 44; HARLAN, KY; Owner: LIVING FAITH MINISTRIES, INC.)

44; HARLAN, KY; LIVING FAITH MINISTRIES, INC.) WYMT-TV ( Channel 57; HAZARD, KY; Owner: WYMT LICENSEE CORP.)

57; HAZARD, KY; WYMT LICENSEE CORP.) W24BT ( Channel 24; TALBERT, KY; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

24; TALBERT, KY; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) WKHA (Channel 35; HAZARD, KY; Owner: KENTUCKY AUTHORITY FOR EDUCATIONAL TV)

Pathfork fatal accident list: Mar 31, 2010 02:20 PM, Sr-72, Lat: 36.736544, Lon: -83.426742, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 3, Fatalities: 1

Aug 5, 2006 11:00 PM, Sr-2005, Lat: 36.741950, Lon: -83.460560, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1, Drunk persons involved: 1

Sep 6, 1992 03:50 PM, 72, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1



National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

11 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 92ft / 28.5m Total length

Total length $339,000 Total costs

Total costs 4,751 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 209 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 4,949 Total future (year 2026) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

6 1930-1939

1 1970-1979

3 1980-1989

1 1990-1999 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Pathfork, KY



FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 3 W A Gillum, North Of Sr72, 0.32 Km (0.2 Mi) West Of ( Lat: 36.758472 Lon: -83.469306), Type: 57.9, Structure height: 21095 m, Overall height: 54.9 m, Registrant: Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, Pgist@fcclaw.Com, Suite 1200, Mclea-n, Phone: (703) 584-8665

36.758472 -83.469306), 57.9, 21095 m, 54.9 m, Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, Pgist@fcclaw.Com, Suite 1200, Mclea-n, (703) 584-8665 W A Smith, North Of Sr72, 0.32 Km (0.2 Mi) West Of ( Lat: 36.758472 Lon: -83.469306), Type: 57.9, Structure height: 21095 m, Overall height: 54.9 m, Registrant: Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, Pgist@fcclaw.Com, Suite 1200, Mclea-n, Phone: (703) 584-8665

36.758472 -83.469306), 57.9, 21095 m, 54.9 m, Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, Pgist@fcclaw.Com, Suite 1200, Mclea-n, (703) 584-8665 W A Gillum, North Of Sr72, 0.32 Km (0.2 Mi) West Of (Lat: 36.758472 Lon: -83.469306), Type: 57.9, Structure height: 21095 m, Overall height: 54.9 m, Registrant: Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, Pgist@fcclaw.Com, Suite 1200, Mclea-n, Phone: (703) 584-8665

FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 1 Chunk Lick, Lat: 36.735639 Lon: -83.377417, Type: Ltower, Structure height: 22.9 m, Overall height: 28.1 m, Call Sign: WQUW788,

Assigned Frequencies: 3650.00 MHz, Grant Date: 11/04/2014, Expiration Date: 11/04/2024, Certifier: Cary V Johnson, Registrant: Tri-State Electronics, Inc., 640 Four Mile Road, Baxter, KY 40806, Phone: (606) 273-9464, Email:

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 1 Call Sign: KE4TGM, Licensee ID: L00917249, Grant Date: 09/09/2014, Expiration Date: 12/06/2024, Certifier: Michael W Wilson, Registrant: Michael W Wilson, 189 Path Street, Pathfork, KY 40863









Pathfork compared to Kentucky state average: Median household income below state average.

below Median house value significantly below state average.

significantly below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Median age above state average.

above Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage below state average.

below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher below state average.

Pathfork on our top lists: #1 on the list of "Top 100 least racially diverse cities" #1 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest percentage of residents relocating from other counties between 2010 and 2011"

#6 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest percentage of residents relocating to other counties in 2011"

#7 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the smallest number of children under 18 without health insurance coverage in 2000"

#39 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the smallest number of people without health insurance coverage in 2000"




Pitkin, Louisiana

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Population in 2010: 576.

Males: 273 (47.4%) Females: 303 (52.6%)

Median resident age: 33.6 years Louisiana median age: 37.7 years

Estimated median household income in 2019: $50,734

Pitkin: $50,734 LA: $51,073

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $25,204



Pitkin CDP income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $125,883 Pitkin: $125,883 LA: $172,100

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $116,816; detached houses: $116,275 $50,734$25,204$125,883$116,816;$116,275

Median gross rent in 2019: $518.

March 2019 cost of living index in Pitkin: 80.8 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 33.2%

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Most recent value % change since 2k Data: Median household income ($) Median household income (% change since 2000) Household income diversity Ratio of average income to average house value (%) Ratio of average income to average rent Median household income ($) - White Median household income ($) - Black or African American Median household income ($) - Asian Median household income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median household income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median household income ($) - Multirace Median household income ($) - Other Race Median household income for houses/condos with a mortgage ($) Median household income for apartments without a mortgage ($) Races - White alone (%) Races - White alone (% change since 2000) Races - Black alone (%) Races - Black alone (% change since 2000) Races - American Indian alone (%) Races - American Indian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Asian alone (%) Races - Asian alone (% change since 2000) Races - Hispanic (%) Races - Hispanic (% change since 2000) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (%) Races - Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (% change since 2000) Races - Two or more races (%) Races - Two or more races (% change since 2000) Races - Other race alone (%) Races - Other race alone (% change since 2000) Racial diversity Unemployment (%) Unemployment (% change since 2000) Unemployment (%) - White Unemployment (%) - Black or African American Unemployment (%) - Asian Unemployment (%) - Hispanic or Latino Unemployment (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Unemployment (%) - Multirace Unemployment (%) - Other Race Population density (people per square mile) Population - Males (%) Population - Females (%) Population - Males (%) - White Population - Males (%) - Black or African American Population - Males (%) - Asian Population - Males (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Males (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Males (%) - Multirace Population - Males (%) - Other Race Population - Females (%) - White Population - Females (%) - Black or African American Population - Females (%) - Asian Population - Females (%) - Hispanic or Latino Population - Females (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Population - Females (%) - Multirace Population - Females (%) - Other Race Coronavirus confirmed cases (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (Nov 22, 2021) Coronavirus confirmed cases (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Deaths caused by coronavirus (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) Daily increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Weekly increase in number of cases (Nov 22, 2021) Cases doubled (in days) (Nov 22, 2021) Hospitalized patients (Nov 22, 2021) Negative test results (Nov 22, 2021) Total test results (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (per 100k population) (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses distributed (Nov 22, 2021) COVID Vaccine doses administered (Nov 22, 2021) Likely homosexual households (%) Likely homosexual households (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (%) Likely homosexual households - Lesbian couples (% change since 2000) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (%) Likely homosexual households - Gay men (% change since 2000) Cost of living index Median gross rent ($) Median contract rent ($) Median monthly housing costs ($) Median house or condo value ($) Median house or condo value ($ change since 2000) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, detached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 1, attached ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 2 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure by units in structure - 3 or 4 ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - 5 or more ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Boat, RV, van, etc. ($) Mean house or condo value by units in structure - Mobile home ($) Median house or condo value ($) - White Median house or condo value ($) - Black or African American Median house or condo value ($) - Asian Median house or condo value ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median house or condo value ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median house or condo value ($) - Multirace Median house or condo value ($) - Other Race Median resident age Resident age diversity Median resident age - Males Median resident age - Females Median resident age - White Median resident age - Black or African American Median resident age - Asian Median resident age - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Multirace Median resident age - Other Race Median resident age - Males - White Median resident age - Males - Black or African American Median resident age - Males - Asian Median resident age - Males - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Males - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Males - Multirace Median resident age - Males - Other Race Median resident age - Females - White Median resident age - Females - Black or African American Median resident age - Females - Asian Median resident age - Females - Hispanic or Latino Median resident age - Females - American Indian and Alaska Native Median resident age - Females - Multirace Median resident age - Females - Other Race Commute - mean travel time to work (minutes) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (%) Travel time to work - Less than 5 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 5 to 9 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 10 to 19 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 20 to 29 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 30 to 39 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 40 to 59 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (%) Travel time to work - 60 to 89 minutes (% change since 2000) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (%) Travel time to work - 90 or more minutes (% change since 2000) Marital status - Never married (%) Marital status - Now married (%) Marital status - Separated (%) Marital status - Widowed (%) Marital status - Divorced (%) Median family income ($) Median family income (% change since 2000) Median non-family income ($) Median non-family income (% change since 2000) Median per capita income ($) Median per capita income (% change since 2000) Median family income ($) - White Median family income ($) - Black or African American Median family income ($) - Asian Median family income ($) - Hispanic or Latino Median family income ($) - American Indian and Alaska Native Median family income ($) - Multirace Median family income ($) - Other Race Median year house/condo built Median year apartment built Year house built - Built 2005 or later (%) Year house built - Built 2000 to 2004 (%) Year house built - Built 1990 to 1999 (%) Year house built - Built 1980 to 1989 (%) Year house built - Built 1970 to 1979 (%) Year house built - Built 1960 to 1969 (%) Year house built - Built 1950 to 1959 (%) Year house built - Built 1940 to 1949 (%) Year house built - Built 1939 or earlier (%) Average household size Household density (households per square mile) Average household size - White Average household size - Black or African American Average household size - Asian Average household size - Hispanic or Latino Average household size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average household size - Multirace Average household size - Other Race Occupied housing units (%) Vacant housing units (%) Owner occupied housing units (%) Renter occupied housing units (%) Vacancy status - For rent (%) Vacancy status - For sale only (%) Vacancy status - Rented or sold, not occupied (%) Vacancy status - For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use (%) Vacancy status - For migrant workers (%) Vacancy status - Other vacant (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level (%) Children below poverty level (%) Poor families by family type - Married-couple family (%) Poor families by family type - Male, no wife present (%) Poor families by family type - Female, no husband present (%) Poverty status for native-born residents (%) Poverty status for foreign-born residents (%) Poverty among high school graduates not in families (%) Poverty among people who did not graduate high school not in families (%) Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - White Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Black or African American Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Asian Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Hispanic or Latino Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - American Indian and Alaska Native Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Multirace Residents with income below the poverty level (%) - Other Race Air pollution - Air Quality Index (AQI) Air pollution - CO Air pollution - NO2 Air pollution - SO2 Air pollution - Ozone Air pollution - PM10 Air pollution - PM25 Air pollution - Pb Crime - Murders per 100,000 population Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population Crime - Arson per 100,000 population Crime - City-data.com crime index Crime - Violent crime index Crime - Property crime index Crime - Murders per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Rapes per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Robberies per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Assaults per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Burglaries per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Auto thefts per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - Arson per 100,000 population (5 year average) Crime - City-data.com crime index (5 year average) Crime - Violent crime index (5 year average) Crime - Property crime index (5 year average) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Dole) 1996 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Gore) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2000 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Kerry) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Bush) 2004 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (McCain) 2008 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Obama) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Romney) 2012 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Clinton) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2016 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Democratic Party (Biden) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Republican Party (Trump) 2020 Presidential Elections Results (%) - Other Ancestries Reported - Arab (%) Ancestries Reported - Czech (%) Ancestries Reported - Danish (%) Ancestries Reported - Dutch (%) Ancestries Reported - English (%) Ancestries Reported - French (%) Ancestries Reported - French Canadian (%) Ancestries Reported - German (%) Ancestries Reported - Greek (%) Ancestries Reported - Hungarian (%) Ancestries Reported - Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Italian (%) Ancestries Reported - Lithuanian (%) Ancestries Reported - Norwegian (%) Ancestries Reported - Polish (%) Ancestries Reported - Portuguese (%) Ancestries Reported - Russian (%) Ancestries Reported - Scotch-Irish (%) Ancestries Reported - Scottish (%) Ancestries Reported - Slovak (%) Ancestries Reported - Subsaharan African (%) Ancestries Reported - Swedish (%) Ancestries Reported - Swiss (%) Ancestries Reported - Ukrainian (%) Ancestries Reported - United States (%) Ancestries Reported - Welsh (%) Ancestries Reported - West Indian (%) Ancestries Reported - Other (%) Educational Attainment - No schooling completed (%) Educational Attainment - Less than high school (%) Educational Attainment - High school or equivalent (%) Educational Attainment - Less than 1 year of college (%) Educational Attainment - 1 or more years of college (%) Educational Attainment - Associate degree (%) Educational Attainment - Bachelor's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Master's degree (%) Educational Attainment - Professional school degree (%) Educational Attainment - Doctorate degree (%) School Enrollment - Nursery, preschool (%) School Enrollment - Kindergarten (%) School Enrollment - Grade 1 to 4 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 5 to 8 (%) School Enrollment - Grade 9 to 12 (%) School Enrollment - College undergrad (%) School Enrollment - Graduate or professional (%) School Enrollment - Not enrolled in school (%) School enrollment - Public schools (%) School enrollment - Private schools (%) School enrollment - Not enrolled (%) Median number of rooms in houses and condos Median number of rooms in apartments Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities (%) Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities (%) Density of houses Urban houses (%) Rural houses (%) Households with people 60 years and over (%) Households with people 65 years and over (%) Households with people 75 years and over (%) Households with one or more nonrelatives (%) Households with no nonrelatives (%) Population in households (%) Family households (%) Nonfamily households (%) Population in families (%) Family households with own children (%) Median number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in owner occupied houses Median number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Mean number of bedrooms in renter occupied houses Median number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in owner occupied houses Median number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mean number of vehichles in renter occupied houses Mortgage status - with mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with second mortgage (%) Mortgage status - with home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - with both second mortgage and home equity loan (%) Mortgage status - without a mortgage (%) Average family size Average family size - White Average family size - Black or African American Average family size - Asian Average family size - Hispanic or Latino Average family size - American Indian and Alaska Native Average family size - Multirace Average family size - Other Race Geographical mobility - Same house 1 year ago (%) Geographical mobility - Moved within same county (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different county within same state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from different state (%) Geographical mobility - Moved from abroad (%) Place of birth - Born in state of residence (%) Place of birth - Born in other state (%) Place of birth - Native, outside of US (%) Place of birth - Foreign born (%) Housing units in structures - 1, detached (%) Housing units in structures - 1, attached (%) Housing units in structures - 2 (%) Housing units in structures - 3 or 4 (%) Housing units in structures - 5 to 9 (%) Housing units in structures - 10 to 19 (%) Housing units in structures - 20 to 49 (%) Housing units in structures - 50 or more (%) Housing units in structures - Mobile home (%) Housing units in structures - Boat, RV, van, etc. (%) House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago) Renter moved in on average (years ago) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1999 to March 2000 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1995 to 1998 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1990 to 1994 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1980 to 1989 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1970 to 1979 (%) Year householder moved into unit - Moved in 1969 or earlier (%) Means of transportation to work - Drove car alone (%) Means of transportation to work - Carpooled (%) Means of transportation to work - Public transportation (%) Means of transportation to work - Bus or trolley bus (%) Means of transportation to work - Streetcar or trolley car (%) Means of transportation to work - Subway or elevated (%) Means of transportation to work - Railroad (%) Means of transportation to work - Ferryboat (%) Means of transportation to work - Taxicab (%) Means of transportation to work - Motorcycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Bicycle (%) Means of transportation to work - Walked (%) Means of transportation to work - Other means (%) Working at home (%) Industry diversity Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining (%) Most Common Industries - Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (%) Most Common Industries - Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (%) Most Common Industries - Construction (%) Most Common Industries - Manufacturing (%) Most Common Industries - Wholesale trade (%) Most Common Industries - Retail trade (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Transportation and warehousing (%) Most Common Industries - Utilities (%) Most Common Industries - Information (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Finance and insurance (%) Most Common Industries - Real estate and rental and leasing (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Professional, scientific, and technical services (%) Most Common Industries - Management of companies and enterprises (%) Most Common Industries - Administrative and support and waste management services (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services, and health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Educational services (%) Most Common Industries - Health care and social assistance (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Arts, entertainment, and recreation (%) Most Common Industries - Accommodation and food services (%) Most Common Industries - Other services, except public administration (%) Most Common Industries - Public administration (%) Occupation diversity Most Common Occupations - Management, business, science, and arts occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management, business, and financial occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Management occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Business and financial operations occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer, engineering, and science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Computer and mathematical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Architecture and engineering occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Life, physical, and social science occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, legal, community service, arts, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Community and social service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Legal occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Education, training, and library occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Health technologists and technicians (%) Most Common Occupations - Service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Healthcare support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Protective service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Fire fighting and prevention, and other protective service workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Law enforcement workers including supervisors (%) Most Common Occupations - Food preparation and serving related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Personal care and service occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and office occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Sales and related occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Office and administrative support occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Construction and extraction occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production, transportation, and material moving occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Production occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Transportation occupations (%) Most Common Occupations - Material moving occupations (%) People in Group quarters - Institutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - Correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Federal prisons and detention centers (%) People in Group quarters - Halfway houses (%) People in Group quarters - Local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups) (%) People in Group quarters - Military disciplinary barracks (%) People in Group quarters - State prisons (%) People in Group quarters - Other types of correctional institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Nursing homes (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards, hospices, and schools for the handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals/wards and hospices for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospices or homes for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Military hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Other hospitals or wards for chronically ill (%) People in Group quarters - Hospitals or wards for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Mental (Psychiatric) hospitals or wards (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Schools, hospitals, or wards for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the deaf (%) People in Group quarters - Institutions for the blind (%) People in Group quarters - Orthopedic wards and institutions for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in general hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Wards in military hospitals for patients who have no usual home elsewhere (%) People in Group quarters - Juvenile institutions (%) People in Group quarters - Long-term care (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for abused, dependent, and neglected children (%) People in Group quarters - Residential treatment centers for emotionally disturbed children (%) People in Group quarters - Training schools for juvenile delinquents (%) People in Group quarters - Short-term care, detention or diagnostic centers for delinquent children (%) People in Group quarters - Type of juvenile institution unknown (%) People in Group quarters - Noninstitutionalized population (%) People in Group quarters - College dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (%) People in Group quarters - Military quarters (%) People in Group quarters - On base (%) People in Group quarters - Barracks, unaccompanied personnel housing (UPH), (Enlisted/Officer), ;and similar group living quarters for military personnel (%) People in Group quarters - Transient quarters for temporary residents (%) People in Group quarters - Military ships (%) People in Group quarters - Group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Homes or halfway houses for drug/alcohol abuse (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally ill (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the mentally retarded (%) People in Group quarters - Homes for the physically handicapped (%) People in Group quarters - Other group homes (%) People in Group quarters - Religious group quarters (%) People in Group quarters - Dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Agriculture workers' dormitories on farms (%) People in Group quarters - Job Corps and vocational training facilities (%) People in Group quarters - Other workers' dormitories (%) People in Group quarters - Crews of maritime vessels (%) People in Group quarters - Other nonhousehold living situations (%) People in Group quarters - Other noninstitutional group quarters (%) Residents speaking English at home (%) Residents speaking English at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking English at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking English at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking Spanish at home - Foreign born (%) Residents speaking other language at home (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Born in the United States (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Native, born elsewhere (%) Residents speaking other language at home - Foreign born (%) Class of Workers - Employee of private company (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed in own incorporated business (%) Class of Workers - Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers (%) Class of Workers - Local government workers (%) Class of Workers - State government workers (%) Class of Workers - Federal government workers (%) Class of Workers - Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business and Unpaid family workers (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in houses and condos - No fuel used (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Utility gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Bottled, tank, or LP gas (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Electricity (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Fuel oil, kerosene, etc. (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Coal or coke (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Wood (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Solar energy (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - Other fuel (%) House heating fuel used in apartments - No fuel used (%) Armed forces status - In Armed Forces (%) Armed forces status - Civilian (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Veteran (%) Armed forces status - Civilian - Nonveteran (%) Fatal accidents locations in years 2005-2019 Fatal accidents locations in 2005 Fatal accidents locations in 2006 Fatal accidents locations in 2007 Fatal accidents locations in 2008 Fatal accidents locations in 2009 Fatal accidents locations in 2010 Fatal accidents locations in 2011 Fatal accidents locations in 2012 Fatal accidents locations in 2013 Fatal accidents locations in 2014 Fatal accidents locations in 2015 Fatal accidents locations in 2016 Fatal accidents locations in 2017 Fatal accidents locations in 2018 Fatal accidents locations in 2019 Alcohol use - People drinking some alcohol every month (%) Alcohol use - People not drinking at all (%) Alcohol use - Average days/month drinking alcohol Alcohol use - Average drinks/week Alcohol use - Average days/year people drink much Audiometry - Average condition of hearing (%) Audiometry - People that can hear a whisper from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - People that can hear normal voice from across a quiet room (%) Audiometry - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing (%) Audiometry - Had a job exposure to loud noise (%) Audiometry - Had off-work exposure to loud noise (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high blood pressure (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Checking blood pressure at home (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Frequently checking blood cholesterol (%) Blood Pressure & Cholesterol - Has high cholesterol level (%) Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at supermarket/grocery store Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on food at other stores Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on eating out Consumer Behavior - Money monthly spent on carryout/delivered foods Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at supermarket/grocery store (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on food at other stores (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on eating out (%) Consumer Behavior - Income spent on carryout/delivered foods (%) Current Health Status - General health condition (%) Current Health Status - Blood donors (%) Current Health Status - Has blood ever tested for HIV virus (%) Current Health Status - Left-handed people (%) Dermatology - People using sunscreen (%) Diabetes - Diabetics (%) Diabetes - Had a blood test for high blood sugar (%) Diabetes - People taking insulin (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Diet health (%) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Milk product consumption (# of products/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals not home prepared (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Meals from fast food or pizza place (#/week) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Ready-to-eat foods (#/month) Diet Behavior & Nutrition - Frozen meals/pizza (#/month) Drug Use - People that ever used marijuana or hashish (%) Drug Use - Ever used hard drugs (%) Drug Use - Ever used any form of cocaine (%) Drug Use - Ever used heroin (%) Drug Use - Ever used methamphetamine (%) Health Insurance - People covered by health insurance (%) Kidney Conditions-Urology - Avg. # of times urinating at night Medical Conditions - People with asthma (%) Medical Conditions - People with anemia (%) Medical Conditions - People with psoriasis (%) Medical Conditions - People with overweight (%) Medical Conditions - Elderly people having difficulties in thinking or remembering (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever received blood transfusion (%) Medical Conditions - People having trouble seeing even with glass/contacts (%) Medical Conditions - People with arthritis (%) Medical Conditions - People with gout (%) Medical Conditions - People with congestive heart failure (%) Medical Conditions - People with coronary heart disease (%) Medical Conditions - People with angina pectoris (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had heart attack (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had stroke (%) Medical Conditions - People with emphysema (%) Medical Conditions - People with thyroid problem (%) Medical Conditions - People with chronic bronchitis (%) Medical Conditions - People with any liver condition (%) Medical Conditions - People who ever had cancer or malignancy (%) Mental Health - People who have little interest in doing things (%) Mental Health - People feeling down, depressed, or hopeless (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much (%) Mental Health - People feeling tired or having little energy (%) Mental Health - People with poor appetite or overeating (%) Mental Health - People feeling bad about themself (%) Mental Health - People who have trouble concentrating on things (%) Mental Health - People moving or speaking slowly or too fast (%) Mental Health - People having thoughts they would be better off dead (%) Oral Health - Average years since last visit a dentist Oral Health - People embarrassed because of mouth (%) Oral Health - People with gum disease (%) Oral Health - General health of teeth and gums (%) Oral Health - Average days a week using dental floss/device Oral Health - Average days a week using mouthwash for dental problem Oral Health - Average number of teeth Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to control insects (%) Pesticide Use - Households using pesticides to kill weeds (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity work activities (%) Physical Activity - People walking or bicycling (%) Physical Activity - People doing vigorous-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - People doing moderate-intensity recreational activities (%) Physical Activity - Average hours a day doing sedentary activities Physical Activity - Average hours a day watching TV or videos Physical Activity - Average hours a day using computer Physical Functioning - People having limitations keeping them from working (%) Physical Functioning - People limited in amount of work they can do (%) Physical Functioning - People that need special equipment to walk (%) Physical Functioning - People experiencing confusion/memory problems (%) Physical Functioning - People requiring special healthcare equipment (%) Prescription Medications - Average number of prescription medicines taking Preventive Aspirin Use - Adults 40+ taking low-dose aspirin (%) Reproductive Health - Vaginal deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Cesarean deliveries (%) Reproductive Health - Deliveries resulted in a live birth (%) Reproductive Health - Pregnancies resulted in a delivery (%) Reproductive Health - Women breastfeeding newborns (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had a hysterectomy (%) Reproductive Health - Women that had both ovaries removed (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever taken birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women taking birth control pills (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used Depo-Provera or injectables (%) Reproductive Health - Women that have ever used female hormones (%) Sexual Behavior - People 18+ that ever had sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had anal sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Males 18+ that ever had any sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had vaginal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever performed oral sex on a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had anal sex with a man (%) Sexual Behavior - Females 18+ that ever had any kind of sex with a woman (%) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first had sex Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female vaginal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a woman (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of woman performed oral sex on in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male anal sex partners in lifetime (males 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average age people first performed oral sex on a man (18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male oral sex partners in lifetime (18+) Sexual Behavior - People using protection when performing oral sex (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of times people have vaginal or anal sex a year Sexual Behavior - People having sex without condom (%) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of male vaginal sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Average number of female sex partners in lifetime (females 18+) Sexual Behavior - Circumcised males 18+ (%) Sleep Disorders - Average hours sleeping at night Sleep Disorders - People that has trouble sleeping (%) Smoking-Cigarette Use - People smoking cigarettes (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with smell (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ having problems with taste (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had wisdom teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had tonsils teeth removed (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a loss of consciousness because of a head injury (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had a broken nose or other serious injury to face or skull (%) Taste & Smell - People 40+ that ever had two or more sinus infections (%) Weight - Average height (inches) Weight - Average weight (pounds) Weight - Average BMI Weight - People that are obese (%) Weight - People that ever were obese (%) Weight - People trying to lose weight (%) Settings Get link Loading data... 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123 Hide US histogram



463 79.0% White alone 53 9.0% American Indian alone 43 7.3% Hispanic 23 3.9% Two or more races

Races in Pitkin detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Louisiana and other state lists, there were 15 registered sex offenders living in Pitkin, Louisiana as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Pitkin is 37 to 1.





Ancestries: American (19.6%), Irish (17.1%), English (8.3%), British (2.5%), French (1.1%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Elevation: 161 feet

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2019: $373 (0.3%)



Latitude: 30.94 N, Longitude: 92.94 W

Area code: 318

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 5.8% Louisiana: 8.1%

Tornado activity: Pitkin-area historical tornado activity is near Louisiana state average. It is 56% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 12/3/1953, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 11.5 miles away from the Pitkin place center killed 9 people and injured 50 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages. On 5/1/1967, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 15.5 miles away from the place center injured 2 people and caused between $5000 and $50,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Pitkin-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Louisiana state average. It is 196% greater than the overall U.S. average.



On 5/17/2012 at 08:12:00, a magnitude 4.8 (4.8 MW, Depth: 3.1 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 108.8 miles away from Pitkin center

On 9/2/2013 at 23:51:15, a magnitude 4.3 (4.3 MW, Depth: 2.9 mi) earthquake occurred 110.8 miles away from Pitkin center

On 11/6/2011 at 03:53:10, a magnitude 5.7 (5.7 MW, Depth: 3.2 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 387.4 miles away from Pitkin center

On 9/2/2013 at 21:52:38, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 3.0 mi) earthquake occurred 117.8 miles away from the city center

On 1/25/2013 at 07:01:19, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 MB, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 102.1 miles away from Pitkin center

On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi) earthquake occurred 443.7 miles away from Pitkin center

Magnitude types: body-wave magnitude (MB), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Vernon Parish (20) is greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 11

Emergencies Declared: 5



Causes of natural disasters: Hurricanes: 9, Storms: 5, Floods: 4, Tropical Storms: 2, Drought: 1, Fire: 1, Freeze: 1, Tornado: 1, Other: 2 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Pitkin: FAIR OAKS NURSING HOME (Nursing Home, about 15 miles away; HINESTON, LA)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Pitkin: SOWELA Technical Community College ( about 52 miles; Lake Charles, LA ; Full-time enrollment: 2,160)

52 ; 2,160) McNeese State University ( about 55 miles; Lake Charles, LA ; FT enrollment: 7,444)

55 ; 7,444) Northwestern State University of Louisiana ( about 58 miles; Natchitoches, LA ; FT enrollment: 7,700)

58 ; 7,700) South Louisiana Community College ( about 73 miles; Lafayette, LA ; FT enrollment: 2,519)

73 ; 2,519) Acadiana Technical College-Lafayette Campus ( about 73 miles; Lafayette, LA ; FT enrollment: 2,378)

73 ; 2,378) University of Louisiana at Lafayette ( about 74 miles; Lafayette, LA ; FT enrollment: 14,493)

74 ; 14,493) Lamar University (about 92 miles; Beaumont, TX; FT enrollment: 13,658) Public high school in Pitkin: PITKIN HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 531, Location: 7239 HIGHWAY 463, Grades: PK-12) See full list of schools located in Pitkin

Vernon Parish has a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Low Potential

Average household size: This place: 2.5 people Louisiana: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This place: 70.4% Whole state: 67.1%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This place: 3.0% Whole state: 6.8%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.4% of all households

0.4% Gay men: 0.0% of all households

For population 15 years and over in Pitkin: Never married: 31.1%

31.1% Now married: 49.2%

49.2% Separated: 1.7%

1.7% Widowed: 6.5%

6.5% Divorced: 11.5%

For population 25 years and over in Pitkin: High school or higher: 90.2%

90.2% Bachelor's degree or higher: 30.3%

30.3% Graduate or professional degree: 21.0%

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 11.5 Louisiana average: 11.7



Religion statistics for Pitkin, LA (based on Vernon Parish data) Religion Adherents Congregations Evangelical Protestant 21,931 87 Black Protestant 3,551 5 Other 1,615 4 Mainline Protestant 852 9 Catholic 782 1 None 23,603 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 5 Here : 1.05 / 10,000 pop. Louisiana : 2.56 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 1 Here : 0.21 / 10,000 pop. State : 0.18 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 6 Vernon Parish : 1.26 / 10,000 pop. Louisiana : 1.29 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 22 Vernon Parish : 4.63 / 10,000 pop. Louisiana : 4.49 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 19 Vernon Parish : 4.00 / 10,000 pop. Louisiana : 5.92 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: This county : 9.3% State : 10.9% Adult obesity rate: This county : 31.2% Louisiana : 29.2% Low-income preschool obesity rate: Vernon Parish : 15.9% Louisiana : 13.7%

15.21% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($41,494 average adjusted gross income) Here: 15.21% Louisiana average: 6.26% 1.06% of residents moved from foreign countries ($2,906 average AGI) Vernon Parish: 1.06% Louisiana average: 0.05%

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Beauregard Parish, LA 0.92% ($40,348 average AGI) from Honolulu County, HI 0.41% ($46,329) from El Paso County, TX 0.35% ($45,770)



17.10% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($43,278 average adjusted gross income) Here: 17.10% Louisiana average: 6.56% 0.77% of residents moved to foreign countries ($1,966 average AGI) Vernon Parish: 0.77% Louisiana average: 0.05%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Beauregard Parish, LA 1.07% ($42,282 average AGI) to Harris County, TX 0.40% ($42,704) to Rapides Parish, LA 0.40% ($54,169)

Strongest AM radio stations in Pitkin: KWDF (840 AM; daytime; 8 kW; BALL, LA; Owner: BALL BROADCASTING CO.)

BALL BROADCASTING CO.) KJMJ (580 AM; 5 kW; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: RADIO MARIA, INC.)

RADIO MARIA, INC.) KEEL (710 AM; 50 kW; SHREVEPORT, LA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) KTRH (740 AM; 50 kW; HOUSTON, TX; Owner: AMFM TEXAS LICENSES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

AMFM TEXAS LICENSES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) KWKH (1130 AM; 50 kW; SHREVEPORT, LA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)

CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.) KDLA (1010 AM; 1 kW; DE RIDDER, LA; Owner: WILLIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

WILLIS BROADCASTING CORPORATION) KGOL (1180 AM; 50 kW; HUMBLE, TX; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)

ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC) WWL (870 AM; 50 kW; NEW ORLEANS, LA; Owner: ENTERCOM NEW ORLEANS LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM NEW ORLEANS LICENSE, LLC) WSJC (810 AM; 50 kW; MAGEE, MS; Owner: FAMILY TALK RADIO)

FAMILY TALK RADIO) KLCL (1470 AM; 5 kW; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Owner: APEX BROADCASTING, INC.)

APEX BROADCASTING, INC.) KDYS (1520 AM; 10 kW; LAFAYETTE, LA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)

CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY) WLNO (1060 AM; 50 kW; NEW ORLEANS, LA; Owner: COMMUNICOM CO. OF LOUISIANA, L.P.)

COMMUNICOM CO. OF LOUISIANA, L.P.) KLVI (560 AM; 5 kW; BEAUMONT, TX; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) Strongest FM radio stations in Pitkin: KZMZ (96.9 FM; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) KKST (98.7 FM; OAKDALE, LA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) KBXG (99.5 FM; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Owner: APEX BROADCASTING, INC.)

APEX BROADCASTING, INC.) KRRV-FM (100.3 FM; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) KVVP (105.7 FM; LEESVILLE, LA; Owner: STANNARD BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

STANNARD BROADCASTING CO., INC.) KYLC (90.3 FM; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Owner: AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION)

AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION) KLSA (90.7 FM; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: BD OF SUPV OF LA ST U & A&M COLLEGE)

BD OF SUPV OF LA ST U & A&M COLLEGE) KBAN (91.1 FM; DE RIDDER, LA; Owner: AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION)

AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION) KQLK (97.9 FM; DE RIDDER, LA; Owner: PITTMAN BROADCASTING SERVICES, LLC)

PITTMAN BROADCASTING SERVICES, LLC) KUMX (106.7 FM; NORTH FORT POLK, LA; Owner: WEST CENTRAL BROADCASTING CO., INC)

WEST CENTRAL BROADCASTING CO., INC) KROK (95.7 FM; SOUTH FORT POLK, LA; Owner: WEST CENTRAL BROADCASTING CO., INC.)

WEST CENTRAL BROADCASTING CO., INC.) KJAE (93.5 FM; LEESVILLE, LA; Owner: PENE BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.) TV broadcast stations around Pitkin: KPLC ( Channel 7; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Owner: LIBCO, INC.)

7; LAKE CHARLES, LA; LIBCO, INC.) KALB-TV ( Channel 5; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: MEDIA GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)

5; ALEXANDRIA, LA; MEDIA GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) K60GE ( Channel 60; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC)

60; ALEXANDRIA, LA; MS COMMUNICATIONS, LLC) KLFY-TV ( Channel 10; LAFAYETTE, LA; Owner: KLFY, L.P.)

10; LAFAYETTE, LA; KLFY, L.P.) KLTL-TV ( Channel 18; LAKE CHARLES, LA; Owner: LOUISIANA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION AUTHORITY)

18; LAKE CHARLES, LA; LOUISIANA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION AUTHORITY) K61GO ( Channel 61; HICKS, LA; Owner: WHITE KNIGHT B/CING. OF NATCHEZ LICENSE CORP.)

61; HICKS, LA; WHITE KNIGHT B/CING. OF NATCHEZ LICENSE CORP.) KLAX-TV ( Channel 31; ALEXANDRIA, LA; Owner: POLLACK/BELZ COMMUNICATIONS CO., INC)

31; ALEXANDRIA, LA; POLLACK/BELZ COMMUNICATIONS CO., INC) K51FO (Channel 51; LEESVILLE, LA; Owner: WHITE KNIGHT B/CING. OF NATCHEZ LICENSE CORP.)

Pitkin, Louisiana

Fatal accident count 9

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 11

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons: 2

Fatalities 9

Persons involved in fatal accidents 20

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 1 Louisiana average

Fatal accident count 7513

Vehicles involved in fatal accidents 11137

Fatal accidents involving drunk persons 2717

Fatalities 8425

Persons involved in fatal accidents 18886

Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents 1086 See more detailed statistics of Pitkin fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2019 here

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

24 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 341ft / 104m Total length

Total length $1,572,000 Total costs

Total costs 22,635 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 1,106 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 14,787 Total future (year 2036) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

3 1940-1949

2 1970-1979

3 1980-1989

7 1990-1999

7 2000-2009

2 2010-2018 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Pitkin, LA

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents Based on the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 17. The highest number of reported fire incidents - 71 took place in 2010, and the least - 1 in 2007. The data has a decreasing trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Pitkin, LA



166 56.8% Outside Fires



91 31.2% Structure Fires



28 9.6% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



7 2.4% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Outside Fires (56.8%), and Structure Fires (31.2%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Pitkin, LA

Houses and condos Apartments 76.3% Electricity

23.8% Utility gas 57.7% Electricity

36.1% Utility gas

6.2% Bottled, tank, or LP gas





Pitkin compared to Louisiana state average: Median house value below state average.

below Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below House age above state average.

above Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher above state average.




Tyngsborough, Massachusetts

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Population in 2010: 11,292.

Population change since 2000: +1.9%

11,292.+1.9%

Males: 5,516 (48.8%) Females: 5,776 (51.2%)

Median resident age: 40.6 years Massachusetts median age: 39.2 years

Zip codes: 01879.

Estimated median household income in 2019: $122,892 (it was $69,818 in 2000)

Tyngsborough: $122,892 MA: $85,843

Estimated per capita income in 2019: $48,463 (it was $27,249 in 2000)



Tyngsborough town income, earnings, and wages data



Estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $477,709 (it was $204,900 in 2000) Tyngsborough: $477,709 MA: $418,600

Mean prices in 2019: all housing units: $641,107; detached houses: $664,100; townhouses or other attached units: $563,829; in 2-unit structures: $666,179; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $638,509; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $479,342; mobile homes: $99,101; occupied boats, rvs, vans, etc.: over $1,000,000 $122,892 ($69,818$48,463 ($27,249$477,709 ($204,900$641,107;$664,100;$563,829;$666,179;$638,509;$479,342;$99,101;over $1,000,000

March 2019 cost of living index in Tyngsborough: 143.8 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

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10,237 90.7% White alone 531 4.7% Asian alone 265 2.3% Hispanic 123 1.1% Two or more races 118 1.0% Black alone 9 0.08% American Indian alone 9 0.08% Other race alone

Races in Tyngsborough detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth





According to our research of Massachusetts and other state lists, there were 2 registered sex offenders living in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts as of November 22, 2021.

The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Tyngsborough is 5,646 to 1.

The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is much lower than the state average.





Ancestries: Irish (30.8%), French (16.8%), English (15.6%), Italian (11.5%), French Canadian (10.1%), German (6.7%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Land area: 16.9 square miles. Population density: 670 people per square mile (low).

536 residents are foreign born (1.8% Europe, 1.7% Asia). This town: 4.8% Massachusetts: 12.2%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: Tyngsborough town: 1.6% ($3,191) Massachusetts: 1.3% ($2,336)

Latitude: 42.67 N, Longitude: 71.42 W

Single-family new house construction building permits: 1997: 109 buildings , average cost: $85,500

109 $85,500 1998: 84 buildings , average cost: $106,200

84 $106,200 1999: 101 buildings , average cost: $104,300

101 $104,300 2000: 56 buildings , average cost: $138,300

56 $138,300 2001: 35 buildings , average cost: $142,200

35 $142,200 2002: 22 buildings , average cost: $149,000

22 $149,000 2003: 15 buildings , average cost: $159,900

15 $159,900 2004: 22 buildings , average cost: $203,900

22 $203,900 2005: 97 buildings , average cost: $154,700

97 $154,700 2006: 116 buildings , average cost: $170,100

116 $170,100 2007: 80 buildings , average cost: $98,800

80 $98,800 2008: 16 buildings , average cost: $186,100

16 $186,100 2009: 115 buildings , average cost: $96,700

115 $96,700 2010: 19 buildings , average cost: $160,800

19 $160,800 2011: 15 buildings , average cost: $190,600

15 $190,600 2012: 15 buildings , average cost: $202,300

15 $202,300 2013: 14 buildings , average cost: $205,800

14 $205,800 2014: 27 buildings , average cost: $221,000

27 $221,000 2015: 23 buildings , average cost: $187,000

23 $187,000 2016: 12 buildings , average cost: $199,500

12 $199,500 2017: 2 buildings , average cost: $350,000

2 $350,000 2018: 42 buildings , average cost: $183,400

42 $183,400 2019: 35 buildings, average cost: $161,600

Unemployment in November 2020:

Here: 5.4% Massachusetts: 6.2%

Most common industries in Tyngsborough, MA (%) Both Males Females

Health care (10.5%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (9.8%)

Computer & electronic products (9.1%)

Construction (8.6%)

Educational services (7.3%)

Finance & insurance (4.6%)

Accommodation & food services (4.6%)

Construction (14.6%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (11.7%)

Computer & electronic products (6.2%)

Public administration (5.2%)

Accommodation & food services (4.4%)

Broadcasting & telecommunications (4.0%)

Educational services (3.6%)

Health care (19.0%)

Computer & electronic products (12.3%)

Educational services (11.5%)

Professional, scientific, technical services (7.6%)

Finance & insurance (5.9%)

Accommodation & food services (4.9%)

Administrative & support & waste management services (4.0%) Most common occupations in Tyngsborough, MA (%) Both Males Females

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (6.1%)

Computer specialists (4.9%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (4.2%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (3.1%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.0%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (2.9%)

Registered nurses (2.9%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (7.0%)

Computer specialists (5.9%)

Top executives (4.7%)

Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (4.4%)

Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (4.3%)

Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.3%)

Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (3.8%)

Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (8.4%)

Registered nurses (5.9%)

Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (5.2%)

Secretaries and administrative assistants (5.0%)

Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (4.9%)

Health technologists and technicians (4.0%)

Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.9%)

Average climate in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Air pollution and air quality trends

(lower is better) AQI CO NO 2 SO 2 Ozone PM 2.5

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2018 was 62.9. This is about average. City: 62.9 U.S.: 74.2

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2018 was 0.179. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 5.7 miles away from the city center. City: 0.179 U.S.: 0.267

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 5.23. This is about average. Closest monitor was 5.6 miles away from the city center. City: 5.23 U.S.: 5.56

Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ) [ppb] level in 2018 was 0.825. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 2.5 miles away from the city center. City: 0.825 U.S.: 1.789

Ozone [ppb] level in 2018 was 26.9. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 2.5 miles away from the city center. City: 26.9 U.S.: 33.3

Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) [g/m3] level in 2018 was 6.23. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 2.5 miles away from the city center. City: 6.23 U.S.: 8.46

Tornado activity: Tyngsborough-area historical tornado activity is slightly above Massachusetts state average. It is 31% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 6/9/1953, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 26.2 miles away from the Tyngsborough town center killed 90 people and injured 1228 people and caused between $50,000,000 and $500,000,000 in damages. On 10/3/1970, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 8.8 miles away from the town center killed one person and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity: Tyngsborough-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Massachusetts state average. It is 72% smaller than the overall U.S. average.



On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.3 (5.3 ML, Depth: 3.0 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 171.0 miles away from the city center

On 10/7/1983 at 10:18:46, a magnitude 5.3 (5.1 MB, 5.3 LG, 5.1 ML) earthquake occurred 171.8 miles away from the city center

On 1/19/1982 at 00:14:42, a magnitude 4.7 (4.5 MB, 4.7 MD, 4.5 LG, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 58.0 miles away from the city center

On 4/20/2002 at 10:50:47, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MB, 4.2 MS, 5.2 MW, 5.0 MW) earthquake occurred 170.5 miles away from the city center

On 10/16/2012 at 23:12:25, a magnitude 4.7 (4.7 ML, Depth: 10.0 mi) earthquake occurred 74.7 miles away from Tyngsborough center

On 8/22/1992 at 12:20:32, a magnitude 4.8 (4.8 MB, 3.8 MS, 4.7 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 253.2 miles away from the city center

Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), duration magnitude (MD), local magnitude (ML), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters: The number of natural disasters in Middlesex County (31) is a lot greater than the US average (15).

Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 17

Emergencies Declared: 14



Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 12, Storms: 9, Hurricanes: 6, Snowstorms: 6, Winter Storms: 5, Blizzards: 2, Snows: 2, Explosion: 1, Heavy Rain: 1, Snowfall: 1, Water Main Break: 1, Wind: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).

Hospitals and medical centers near Tyngsborough: PERSONAL TOUCH HOME AIDES (Home Health Center, about 3 miles away; N CHELMSFORD, MA)

D'YOUVILLE TRANSITIONAL CARE, INC (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

NORTHWOOD CONV HME (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

RADIUS NORTHWOOD HEALTHCARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

D'YOUVILLE MANOR NURSING HOME (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

D'YOUVILLE SENIOR CARE (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

GLENWOOD CARE AND REHABILITATION CENTER (Nursing Home, about 4 miles away; LOWELL, MA)

Amtrak stations near Tyngsborough: 18 miles: WOBURN (100 ATLANTIC AVE.) . Services: ticket office.

WOBURN (100 ATLANTIC AVE.) . ticket office. 19 miles: HAVERHILL (WASHINGTON ST. @ RAILROAD SQUARE) . Services: ticket office.

Local government website: www.tyngsboroughmass.com

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Tyngsborough: University of Massachusetts-Lowell ( about 5 miles; Lowell, MA ; Full-time enrollment: 12,341)

5 ; 12,341) Middlesex Community College ( about 13 miles; Bedford, MA ; FT enrollment: 6,040)

13 ; 6,040) Merrimack College ( about 15 miles; North Andover, MA ; FT enrollment: 2,734)

15 ; 2,734) Fitchburg State University ( about 20 miles; Fitchburg, MA ; FT enrollment: 5,010)

20 ; 5,010) Northern Essex Community College ( about 21 miles; Haverhill, MA ; FT enrollment: 4,737)

21 ; 4,737) Mount Washington College ( about 21 miles; Manchester, NH ; FT enrollment: 2,187)

21 ; 2,187) Bentley University (about 22 miles; Waltham, MA; FT enrollment: 5,229) Public high school in Tyngsborough: INNOVATION ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL (Location: 72 TYNG ROAD, Grades: 5-12, Charter school) Private high school in Tyngsborough: ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME (Students: 608, Location: 180 MIDDLESEX RD, Grades: PK-12)

Library in Tyngsborough: TYNGSBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $304,943; Location: 25 BRYANT LANE; 45,272 books; 4,548 audio materials; 4,790 video materials; 10 local licensed databases; 34 state licensed databases; 3 other licensed databases; 154 print serial subscriptions)

Birthplace of: William Adams Richardson - Politician.

Middlesex County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Tyngsborough and their reported violations in the past: BENCHMARK CONDOMINIUMS (Address: C/O CENTURION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Population served: 180, Groundwater): Past health violations: OCCT/SOWT Study/Recommendation - In MAR-01-2007, Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule. Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-01-2007), St Compliance achieved (JAN-08-2008), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-15-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-09-2009) Past monitoring violations: Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - In JAN-01-2013 , Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule

JAN-01-2013 Lead and Copper Rule Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - In JUL-01-2007 , Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-01-2007), St Compliance achieved (JAN-08-2008), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-15-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-09-2009)

JUL-01-2007 Lead and Copper Rule St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-01-2007), St Compliance achieved (JAN-08-2008), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-15-2008), St Compliance achieved (JAN-09-2009) 13 regular monitoring violations COLONY HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM (Population served: 120, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUL-2014 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (JUL-10-2014)

JUL-2014 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (JUL-10-2014) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In SEP-2013 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-02-2013)

SEP-2013 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-02-2013) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In AUG-2013 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (SEP-20-2013)

AUG-2013 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (SEP-20-2013) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUL-2013 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (AUG-01-2013)

JUL-2013 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (AUG-01-2013) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In SEP-2011 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-21-2011)

SEP-2011 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (OCT-21-2011) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In JUL-2010 , Contaminant: Coliform . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (AUG-23-2010)

JUL-2010 Coliform St AO (w/o penalty) issued (AUG-23-2010) MCL, Monthly (TCR) - In NOV-2006, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (JAN-04-2007) Past monitoring violations: One minor monitoring violation

2 regular monitoring violations CURTIS HILL CONDOMINIUM (Population served: 96, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: 63 regular monitoring violations HAYSTACK ESTATES (Address: 164 WESTFORD RD., SUITE 16 Population served: 60, Groundwater): Past health violations: MCL, Average - Between OCT-2010 and DEC-2010, Contaminant: Combined Uranium. Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (JAN-27-2011) Past monitoring violations: Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between OCT-2005 and DEC-2005 , Contaminant: Chlorine . Follow-up actions: St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006)

OCT-2005 DEC-2005 Chlorine St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between JAN-2005 and DEC-2005 , Contaminant: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (SEP-22-2005), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006)

JAN-2005 DEC-2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) St Compliance achieved (SEP-22-2005), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006) Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Between JAN-2005 and DEC-2005 , Contaminant: TTHM . Follow-up actions: St Compliance achieved (SEP-22-2005), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006)

JAN-2005 DEC-2005 TTHM St Compliance achieved (SEP-22-2005), St AO (w/o penalty) issued (FEB-17-2006) 3 regular monitoring violations THE GREENS (Population served: 25, Groundwater): Past monitoring violations: 15 regular monitoring violations Drinking water stations with addresses in Tyngsborough that have no violations reported: TYNGSBOROUGH WATER DISTRICT (Address: 87 PROGRESS AVE., UNIT #2 , Population served: 3,768, Primary Water Source Type: Purch surface water) BENCHMARK CONDOMINIUMS (C/O CENTURION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 180Groundwater):COLONY HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM (120Groundwater):CURTIS HILL CONDOMINIUM (96Groundwater):HAYSTACK ESTATES (164 WESTFORD RD., SUITE 16 60Groundwater):THE GREENS (25Groundwater):

Average household size: This town: 2.8 people Massachusetts: 2.5 people

Percentage of family households: This town: 76.4% Whole state: 63.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners: This town: 6.5% Whole state: 7.0%



Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households) Lesbian couples: 0.6% of all households

0.6% Gay men: 0.2% of all households Residents with income below the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 4.7% Whole state: 9.3% Residents with income below 50% of the poverty level in 2009:

This town: 2.0% Whole state: 4.4%

12 people in group homes intended for adults in 2010

8 people in homes for the physically handicapped in 2000

2 people in religious group quarters in 2000

Banks with branches in Tyngsborough (2011 data): TD Bank, National Association: Tyngsborough Branch at 1 Pondview Place, Middlesex Rd , branch established on 1984/12/17 . Info updated 2010/10/04: Bank assets: $188,912.6 mil , Deposits: $153,149.8 mil , headquarters in Wilmington, DE , positive income , 1314 total offices , Holding Company: Toronto-Dominion Bank, The

1 Pondview Place, Middlesex Rd 1984/12/17 2010/10/04: $188,912.6 mil $153,149.8 mil Wilmington, DE 1314 Toronto-Dominion Bank, The Washington Savings Bank: Tyngsborough Branch at 253 Middlesex Road, branch established on 1998/10/31. Info updated 2012/03/30: Bank assets: $181.8 mil, Deposits: $141.5 mil, headquarters in Lowell, MA, positive income, 3 total offices

For population 15 years and over in Tyngsborough: Never married: 21.0%

21.0% Now married: 65.6%

65.6% Separated: 1.2%

1.2% Widowed: 4.0%

4.0% Divorced: 8.2%

For population 25 years and over in Tyngsborough: High school or higher: 90.0%

90.0% Bachelor's degree or higher: 30.6%

30.6% Graduate or professional degree: 10.0%

10.0% Unemployed: 3.2%

3.2% Mean travel time to work (commute): 31.2 minutes

Education Gini index (Inequality in education) Here: 10.3 Massachusetts average: 13.1



Religion statistics for Tyngsborough, MA (based on Middlesex County data) Religion Adherents Congregations Catholic 718,209 107 Mainline Protestant 70,053 269 Other 68,480 199 Evangelical Protestant 41,270 304 Orthodox 23,641 28 Black Protestant 2,276 8 None 579,156 - Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics: Number of grocery stores: 251 Middlesex County : 1.71 / 10,000 pop. Massachusetts : 1.98 / 10,000 pop. Number of supercenters and club stores: 5 Middlesex County : 0.03 / 10,000 pop. State : 0.05 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (no gas): 314 This county : 2.14 / 10,000 pop. Massachusetts : 2.22 / 10,000 pop. Number of convenience stores (with gas): 203 Middlesex County : 1.38 / 10,000 pop. Massachusetts : 1.77 / 10,000 pop. Number of full-service restaurants: 1,153 This county : 7.84 / 10,000 pop. Massachusetts : 8.76 / 10,000 pop. Adult diabetes rate: This county : 7.8% Massachusetts : 8.1% Adult obesity rate: Middlesex County : 21.5% State : 22.5% Low-income preschool obesity rate: This county : 18.0% Massachusetts : 16.5%

6.33% of this county's 2016 resident taxpayers lived in other counties in 2015 ($87,519 average adjusted gross income) Here: 6.33% Massachusetts average: 5.79% 0.09% of residents moved from foreign countries ($2,206 average AGI) Middlesex County: 0.09% Massachusetts average: 0.05%

Top counties from which taxpayers relocated into this county between 2015 and 2016:

from Suffolk County, MA 1.44% ($85,882 average AGI) from Essex County, MA 0.62% ($66,782) from Norfolk County, MA 0.57% ($104,103)



7.01% of this county's 2015 resident taxpayers moved to other counties in 2016 ($98,266 average adjusted gross income) Here: 7.01% Massachusetts average: 6.31% 0.13% of residents moved to foreign countries ($1,907 average AGI) Middlesex County: 0.13% Massachusetts average: 0.08%

Top counties to which taxpayers relocated from this county between 2015 and 2016:

to Suffolk County, MA 1.21% ($121,025 average AGI) to Essex County, MA 0.77% ($88,059) to Worcester County, MA 0.60% ($72,434)

Strongest AM radio stations in Tyngsborough: WCAP (980 AM; 5 kW; LOWELL, MA; Owner: NORTHEAST RADIO, INC.)

NORTHEAST RADIO, INC.) WRKO (680 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WSMN (1590 AM; 5 kW; NASHUA, NH; Owner: 1590 BROADCASTING CORP.)

1590 BROADCASTING CORP.) WEEI (850 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC)

ENTERCOM BOSTON LICENSE, LLC) WWZN (1510 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ROSE CITY RADIO CORPORATION)

ROSE CITY RADIO CORPORATION) WKOX (1200 AM; 50 kW; FRAMINGHAM, MA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WBIX (1060 AM; 40 kW; NATICK, MA; Owner: LANGER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

LANGER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WCEC (1110 AM; daytime; 5 kW; SALEM, NH; Owner: COSTA-EAGLE RADIO VENTURES LTD PARTNERSHIP)

COSTA-EAGLE RADIO VENTURES LTD PARTNERSHIP) WCRN (830 AM; 50 kW; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

CARTER BROADCASTING CORPORATION) WRCA (1330 AM; 25 kW; WALTHAM, MA; Owner: WRCA LICENSE, LLC)

WRCA LICENSE, LLC) WDER (1320 AM; 10 kW; DERRY, NH; Owner: BLOUNT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. OF NH)

BLOUNT COMMUNICATIONS, INC. OF NH) WBZ (1030 AM; 50 kW; BOSTON, MA; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)

INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.) WAMG (890 AM; 25 kW; DEDHAM, MA; Owner: MEGA COMMUNICATIONS OF DEDHAM LICENSEE, LLC) Strongest FM radio stations in Tyngsborough: WHOB (106.3 FM; NASHUA, NH; Owner: TELE-MEDIA COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, L.L.C.)

TELE-MEDIA COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, L.L.C.) WKLB-FM (99.5 FM; LOWELL, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) W227AM (93.3 FM; ANDOVER, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) WJUL (91.5 FM; LOWELL, MA; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, LOWELL)

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, LOWELL) WFEX (92.1 FM; PETERBOROUGH, NH; Owner: FNX BROADCASTING OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LLC)

FNX BROADCASTING OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LLC) WXRV (92.5 FM; HAVERHILL, MA; Owner: BEANPOT BROADCASTING CORP.)

BEANPOT BROADCASTING CORP.) WGIR-FM (101.1 FM; MANCHESTER, NH; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) WBMX (98.5 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.)

INFINITY RADIO OPERATIONS INC.) WQLL (96.5 FM; BEDFORD, NH; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC)

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC) WLMW (90.7 FM; MANCHESTER, NH; Owner: KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE)

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE) WJMN (94.5 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WCRB (102.5 FM; WALTHAM, MA; Owner: CHARLES RIVER BROADCASTING WCRB LICE)

CHARLES RIVER BROADCASTING WCRB LICE) WTKK (96.9 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) WROR-FM (105.7 FM; FRAMINGHAM, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) WBOS (92.9 FM; BROOKLINE, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) WXKS-FM (107.9 FM; MEDFORD, MA; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)

AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.) WZID (95.7 FM; MANCHESTER, NH; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC)

SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC) WMJX (106.7 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.)

GREATER BOSTON RADIO, INC.) WGBH (89.7 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION)

WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION) WBUR-FM (90.9 FM; BOSTON, MA; Owner: TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY) TV broadcast stations around Tyngsborough: WNDS ( Channel 50; DERRY, NH; Owner: CTV OF DERRY, INC)

50; DERRY, NH; CTV OF DERRY, INC) WFXZ-CA ( Channel 24; BOSTON, MA; Owner: BOSTON BROADCASTING CORP.)

24; BOSTON, MA; BOSTON BROADCASTING CORP.) WUTF ( Channel 66; MARLBOROUGH, MA; Owner: TELEFUTURA BOSTON LLC)

66; MARLBOROUGH, MA; TELEFUTURA BOSTON LLC) WCVB-TV ( Channel 5; BOSTON, MA; Owner: WCVB HEARST-ARGYLE TV, INC.)

5; BOSTON, MA; WCVB HEARST-ARGYLE TV, INC.) WGBH-TV ( Channel 2; BOSTON, MA; Owner: WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION)

2; BOSTON, MA; WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION) WHDH-TV ( Channel 7; BOSTON, MA; Owner: WHDH-TV)

7; BOSTON, MA; WHDH-TV) WMFP ( Channel 62; LAWRENCE, MA; Owner: WSAH LICENSE, INC.)

62; LAWRENCE, MA; WSAH LICENSE, INC.) WBZ-TV ( Channel 4; BOSTON, MA; Owner: VIACOM INC.)

4; BOSTON, MA; VIACOM INC.) WGBX-TV ( Channel 44; BOSTON, MA; Owner: WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION)

44; BOSTON, MA; WGBH EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION) WUNI ( Channel 27; WORCESTER, MA; Owner: ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC)

27; WORCESTER, MA; ENTRAVISION HOLDINGS, LLC) WSBK-TV ( Channel 38; BOSTON, MA; Owner: VIACOM INC.)

38; BOSTON, MA; VIACOM INC.) WLVI-TV ( Channel 56; CAMBRIDGE, MA; Owner: WLVI, INC.)

56; CAMBRIDGE, MA; WLVI, INC.) WFXT ( Channel 25; BOSTON, MA; Owner: FOX TELEVISION STATIONS INC.)

25; BOSTON, MA; FOX TELEVISION STATIONS INC.) WBPX ( Channel 68; BOSTON, MA; Owner: PAXSON BOSTON-68 LICENSE, INC.)

68; BOSTON, MA; PAXSON BOSTON-68 LICENSE, INC.) W40BO ( Channel 40; BOSTON, MA; Owner: PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LPTV, INC.)

40; BOSTON, MA; PAXSON COMMUNICATIONS LPTV, INC.) W33AK ( Channel 33; NASHUA, NH; Owner: CENTER B/CING CORPORATION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

33; NASHUA, NH; CENTER B/CING CORPORATION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE) WYCN-LP ( Channel 13; NASHUA, NH; Owner: CENTER BROADCASTING CORP. OF NEW HAMPSHIRE)

13; NASHUA, NH; CENTER BROADCASTING CORP. OF NEW HAMPSHIRE) WTMU-LP ( Channel 32; BOSTON, MA; Owner: ZGS BOSTON, INC.)

32; BOSTON, MA; ZGS BOSTON, INC.) WCEA-LP ( Channel 58; BOSTON, MA; Owner: CHANNEL 19 TV CORPORATION)

58; BOSTON, MA; CHANNEL 19 TV CORPORATION) WHDN-LP (Channel 26; BOSTON, MA; Owner: GUENTER MARKSTEINER)

National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics

10 Number of bridges

Number of bridges 121ft / 37.5m Total length

Total length $8,640,000 Total costs

Total costs 467,485 Total average daily traffic

Total average daily traffic 44,462 Total average daily truck traffic

Total average daily truck traffic 603,466 Total future (year 2032) average daily traffic

New bridges - historical statistics

2 1930-1939

8 2000-2009 See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Tyngsborough, MA

FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 8 (



FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 7 10 Kendall Rd ( Lat: 42.675639 Lon: -71.423944), Call Sign: KYR950,

Assigned Frequencies: 482.387 MHz, Grant Date: 02/01/2012, Expiration Date: 02/04/2022, Certifier: Charles Chronopoulos, Registrant: Tyngsborough Police Department, 20 Westford Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879, Phone: (978) 649-7504, Fax: (978) 649-2324, Email:

42.675639 -71.423944), KYR950, 482.387 MHz, 02/01/2012, 02/04/2022, Charles Chronopoulos, Tyngsborough Police Department, 20 Westford Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879, (978) 649-7504, (978) 649-2324, 10 Kendall Rd ( Lat: 42.675639 Lon: -71.423944), Call Sign: WBF974,

Assigned Frequencies: 485.512 MHz, 485.637 MHz, 485.687 MHz, Grant Date: 02/01/2012, Expiration Date: 02/04/2022, Certifier: Charles Chronopoulos, Registrant: Tyngsborough Police Department, 20 Westford Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879, Phone: (978) 649-7504, Fax: (978) 649-2324, Email:

42.675639 -71.423944), WBF974, 485.512 MHz, 485.637 MHz, 485.687 MHz, 02/01/2012, 02/04/2022, Charles Chronopoulos, Tyngsborough Police Department, 20 Westford Road, Tyngsboro, MA 01879, (978) 649-7504, (978) 649-2324, Master Metering Station Pheasant Ln ( Lat: 42.696667 Lon: -71.436667), Type: Pole, Structure height: 7.6 m, Overall height: 8.5 m, Call Sign: WPUR987,

Assigned Frequencies: 458.487 MHz, Grant Date: 01/24/2012, Expiration Date: 04/22/2022, Certifier: David Denommee, Registrant: Cyber Communications, Inc, 100 Fireworks Circle, Bridgewater, MA 02324, Phone: (508) 880-3294, Fax: (508) 880-6745, Email:

42.696667 -71.436667), Pole, 7.6 m, 8.5 m, WPUR987, 458.487 MHz, 01/24/2012, 04/22/2022, David Denommee, Cyber Communications, Inc, 100 Fireworks Circle, Bridgewater, MA 02324, (508) 880-3294, (508) 880-6745, Tyngsborough Well Fields ( Lat: 42.695000 Lon: -71.421389), Type: Pole, Structure height: 12 m, Overall height: 13 m, Call Sign: WPXS304,

Assigned Frequencies: 452.562 MHz, Grant Date: 03/09/2013, Expiration Date: 06/02/2023, Certifier: Gary Mccarthy, Registrant: Tcs Communications Corp, Salisbury, MA 01952-5192, Phone: (978) 465-7932, Fax: (978) 462-8980, Email:

42.695000 -71.421389), Pole, 12 m, 13 m, WPXS304, 452.562 MHz, 03/09/2013, 06/02/2023, Gary Mccarthy, Tcs Communications Corp, Salisbury, MA 01952-5192, (978) 465-7932, (978) 462-8980, Lat: 42.653944 Lon: -71.385972, Call Sign: WQVF729,

Assigned Frequencies: 72.1800 MHz, 72.2800 MHz, Grant Date: 01/28/2015, Expiration Date: 01/28/2025, Certifier: George Garabedian, Registrant: Primex Wireless Inc., 965 Wells St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: (800) 537-0464

42.653944 -71.385972, WQVF729, 72.1800 MHz, 72.2800 MHz, 01/28/2015, 01/28/2025, George Garabedian, Primex Wireless Inc., 965 Wells St., Lake Geneva, WI 53147, (800) 537-0464 Lat: 42.697028 Lon: -71.406861, Call Sign: WQWS366,

Assigned Frequencies: 456.562 MHz, 457.837 MHz, 457.662 MHz, 456.637 MHz, 457.687 MHz, Grant Date: 11/04/2015, Expiration Date: 11/04/2025, Certifier: Donald P Ciampa, Registrant: Washington Radio Reports, Gettysburg, PA 17325, Phone: (717) 334-0668, Fax: (717) 334-6440, Email:

42.697028 -71.406861, WQWS366, 456.562 MHz, 457.837 MHz, 457.662 MHz, 456.637 MHz, 457.687 MHz, 11/04/2015, 11/04/2025, Donald P Ciampa, Washington Radio Reports, Gettysburg, PA 17325, (717) 334-0668, (717) 334-6440, Master Metering Station Pheasant Ln (Lat: 42.696667 Lon: -71.436667), Type: Pole, Structure height: 7.6 m, Overall height: 8.5 m, Call Sign: WRMF932,

Assigned Frequencies: 457.125 MHz, Grant Date: 04/02/2021, Expiration Date: 04/02/2031, Certifier: Dale Thompson, Registrant: Cyber Communications, Inc, 100 Fireworks Circle, Bridgewater, MA 02324, Phone: (781) 760-0197, Email:

FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 2 TYNGSBOROUGH, .2 Mi Sse Of Int Of Dunstable & Westford Rd ( Lat: 42.650917 Lon: -71.430056), Type: Tower, Structure height: 54.9 m, Call Sign: WMS409,

Assigned Frequencies: 10755.0 MHz, 10582.5 MHz, Grant Date: 01/11/2011, Expiration Date: 02/01/2021, Cancellation Date: 02/04/2014, Registrant: Verizon Wireless, 1120 Sanctuary Pkwy, #150 Gasa5reg, Alpharetta, GA 30009-7630, Phone: (770) 797-1070, Fax: (770) 797-1036, Email:

42.650917 -71.430056), Tower, 54.9 m, WMS409, 10755.0 MHz, 10582.5 MHz, 01/11/2011, 02/01/2021, 02/04/2014, Verizon Wireless, 1120 Sanctuary Pkwy, #150 Gasa5reg, Alpharetta, GA 30009-7630, (770) 797-1070, (770) 797-1036, TYNGSBOROUGH, Lat: 42.586111 Lon: -71.547222, Call Sign: WPXY705, Licensee ID: L00479745,

Assigned Frequencies: 956.443 MHz, Grant Date: 04/10/2013, Expiration Date: 07/02/2023, Certifier: David E Denommee, Registrant: Tyngsborough Water District

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 11 (

8 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers in Tyngsborough 11 ( See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Tyngsborough

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 29. The highest number of fire incidents - 45 took place in 2010, and the least - 19 in 2009. The data has a dropping trend.



Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Tyngsborough, MA



214 43.4% Outside Fires



138 28.0% Structure Fires



111 22.5% Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires



30 6.1% Other When looking into fire subcategories, the most incidents belonged to: Outside Fires (43.4%), and Structure Fires (28.0%). See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Tyngsborough, MA

Houses and condos Apartments 61.5% Utility gas

27.1% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

6.0% Electricity

3.5% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

1.4% Wood

0.3% No fuel used

0.3% Other fuel 49.6% Electricity

28.4% Utility gas

11.8% Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.

5.8% Bottled, tank, or LP gas

2.9% No fuel used

1.5% Other fuel





Tyngsborough compared to Massachusetts state average: Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Black race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Renting percentage significantly below state average.

significantly below Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.

significantly above Number of rooms per house significantly below state average.

significantly below House age significantly below state average.

Tyngsborough on our top lists: #3 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: computer and electronic products (population 5,000+)"

#20 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: engineers (population 5,000+)"

#20 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: electrical and electronic goods merchant wholesalers (population 5,000+)"

#22 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: drafters, engineering, and mapping technicians (population 5,000+)"

#25 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: special education teachers (population 5,000+)"

#39 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: broadcasting and telecommunications (population 5,000+)"

#40 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: financial managers (population 5,000+)"

#58 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: printing workers (population 5,000+)"

#62 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: computer specialists (population 5,000+)"

#68 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: radio, tv, and computer stores (population 5,000+)"

#78 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: music stores (population 5,000+)"

#93 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: leather and allied products (population 5,000+)"

#96 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: computer and electronic products (population 5,000+)"

#100 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: office supplies and stationery stores (population 5,000+)"

#101 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: printing and related support activities (population 5,000+)" #68 (01879) on the list of "Top 101 zip codes with the largest percentage of Greek first ancestries (pop 5,000+)" #4 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the most Orthodox adherents"

#7 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the most Catholic adherents"

#7 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the most Mainline Protestant congregations"

#7 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the most Orthodox congregations"

#8 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest percentage of residents that keep firearms around their homes"

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U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, speaks to reporters after filing for re-election Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at the Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska, setting up a race against a primary challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
A strong theme that emerged from the entries to the Rathbones Covid-19 Response Award at the 2021 Charity Awards was co-production: designing and implementing services in collaboration with people who have lived experience of the cause. Its a theme that has become more prevalent in Charity Awards applications in recent years, but it was heartening to note how many charities ensured that this crucial part of the process was maintained despite the urgency of their pandemic response.

G&L and our overall Charity Awards partner Rathbone Investment Management were keen to find out more about what co-production really means in terms of services, and also how it pertains to fundraising, so we invited some Awards applicants to join an online discussion.

Turn2Us

One charity that is committed to co-production in both its services and its fundraising is Turn2Us, the charity that tackles financial exclusion. Turn2Us is probably further ahead on its co-production journey than most charities  as it has published a Co-production and Involvement Framework which sets out its approach; defining what co-production means in the organisation, explaining its purpose and outlining the principles which underpin it. Readers can find it at https://bit.ly/Turn2UsCoPro .

Chief executive Thomas Lawson says the starting point is accepting that service users are the experts of their own situation, and genuine co-production requires charity representatives to sublimate our ego and be in service to the needs of users.

Before you take any practical steps to achieve co-production, there has to be complete dedication to be in service. I think there is a problem with charity  its paternalistic, its benevolent, its wise, white and wealthy. We get to feel good about ourselves by supporting someone who needed us. Yet the person who had those needs is the expert of their own situation.

Lawson says the best example of co-production that he has been involved in was at Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in the mid-1990s, when the charity was run by mainly gay men who were being personally affected by HIV/Aids. We were living with, dying from and being bereaved by HIV, so we were designing the best possible services for ourselves. We didnt call it co-production at the time but looking back, that feels like full co-production to me. I think most charities still have a long way to go until they are where THT was in the 1980s and 90s.

He says Turn2Us only began doing real co-production a couple of years ago. It had done bits of consultation before, like many organisations, but not full co-production. We did have a co-production officer in place who was building a co-production strategy across the organisation with our co-production partners  people with lived experience of financial exclusion. So we had left the foothills but by no means had we begun to scale the heights of co-production when Covid hit.

During the first lockdown in 2020, the numbers of searches on the charitys online benefits calculator surged from its normal level of around 5,000 a day to 50,000, while calls to the helpline also spiked. The insights that were gleaned from these interactions helped Turn2Us to design and launch a new individual grants programme that had lower thresholds than usual, because the charity knew that people needed the money urgently.

The amount we gave was 500, cash that went straight into your bank account, and it was a direct response to whether Covid had affected your familys income and whether you were facing the risk of a financial crisis. Some of those grants we made in three hours, incredibly, although most were made in a matter of days. We gave out about 1.2m.

To fund this, the charity launched an emergency fundraising appeal through the Daily Telegraph, which raised 1.3m, and leveraged another 1.2m in gifts from companies, major donors and trusts.

Lawson says Turn2Us is very careful about the language it uses in its fundraising, so as not to disenfranchise its service users. He says the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has done some great work recently with the Framework Foundation around how to talk about financial exclusion with dignity at its heart, and Turn2Us has adopted that lexicon. We dont really use the word poverty because in poverty theres this idea that poor people have created their own dynamic, whereas poverty is actually a system of financial exclusion.

Also, when we are doing fundraising or journalism with people with lived experience of financial exclusion, we dont edit people. Its not our story; its their story. We dont want them to just tell the story that will make it easier for us to raise money.

What we do say is, be very conscious of the risks of telling your story. Because there is this shame around being poor  youre indolent and feckless, you cant manage your budget and its your fault. So you need to think about how will you manage, say, an intrusive question from a donor.

Oxford Hospitals Charity

Choosing appropriate language is also important to Oxford Hospitals Charity (OHC), which raises funds and delivers services for 13,000 staff and thousands of patients at four hospitals in Oxfordshire. When the pandemic struck, OHC switched overnight into an emergency response organisation.

Hazel Murray, head of programme, recalls: We reached out right from the start to ask our staff and patients, What do you need? How can we help? We didnt really know at that stage what we were going to do, but we ended up providing support in so many ways.

Among many other things, the charity provided food, drink and toiletries for hospital staff, tablets and toys for isolated patients, and specialist monitoring equipment for patients who were shielding at home. It set up temporary respite spaces for staff across the four hospitals and provided funding for childrens books to help explain the virus to the children of hospital staff.

OHC was also the first NHS charity to work with the new Salute the NHS organisation which donated more than a million meals to NHS staff. And it coordinated the huge deluge of offers of support from the community. We basically positioned ourselves as a conduit for solving problems and making things happen quickly, says Murray.

Communications director Sarah Vaccari says that most of the charitys staff have lived experience of the hospitals services as well as detailed knowledge of the workings of the hospitals, which helped them to respond intuitively. But their efforts were also helped by the early decision that they should join the daily NHS Trust emergency planning and communications meetings. This meant that we were totally plugged in. We knew exactly which areas were facing the most pressure, and which needed the most help, she says. Murray adds that the team continually sought staff and patient feedback so that they were always learning and evolving.

The OHC team was determined not to be drawn into using herofication in its communications with the public, including in the fundraising for its Covid appeal which raised around 800,000, plus about 1m in gifts in kind. Vaccari explains: Particularly at the start of the pandemic, there was a lot of talk about NHS heroes and angels, but if you talk to staff in hospitals most of them dont like that. They are professionals. So we didnt go down the road of Support our NHS heroes. Its easy to go for the quick buck by using language that is maybe a bit tabloid, but we tried hard not to. We told genuine stories, tried to be authentic and share peoples experiences in their own voices.

Touchstone

The use of language was also raised by Arfan Hanif, CEO at Touchstone, the Yorkshire-wide mental health charity that was recognised in the Charity Awards for its Touchstone Loves Food programme which used food deliveries as a Trojan horse to reach people suffering from mental ill health during lockdowns. He claims, with obvious pride, that Touchstone is a bit of a leader on co-production.

Co-production is embedded into our business, he says. We employ a co-production staff team who are part of the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, and we have service user consultants who are paid. And our current chief executive, ie me, is born of lived experience  I am a survivor of the mental health system and am currently a mental health service user. We have many staff who have that lived experience, and thats where our strength comes from as an organisation.

Hanif insists that employee representation is key to achieving genuine co-production. We employ around 250 staff across 30 different mental health services, and around 40% of them come from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, because it is important that we represent the community that we serve. Around 20% of our staff are also LGBT, including half of our senior management team. Were very proud of that as an organisation. Touchstone also works with local prisons to provide employment and volunteering opportunities for ex-prisoners.

Hanif says this representation gives Touchstone credibility to engage with its beneficiary groups and, like Turn2Us, Touchstone has written a Co-production and Involvement Strategy which commits the charity to quality standards across all areas of its work and offers a detailed checklist to help it review and track progress.

However, Hanif professes that he is not a fan of co-production, because it is language that comes from the system, not from users.

When I came to Touchstone many years ago as an employee, in the interview they asked me whats your understanding of co-production? and I didnt really know. Language like co-production and equalities and inclusion is the language of the system, not my language or the language of my communities.

Lawson agrees, recalling a young woman who asked him earlier in his career what the phrase hard to reach meant, as she had heard herself labelled as such by a youth charity. He says he tried to explain it to her, to which she retorted sharply, Im not hard to reach. Im here, and Ive always been here!.

He says: That made me realise that in using that language, the charity was defining her as the problem by declaring it was her who was hard to reach, instead of the charity not being good enough at being embedded in the community and led by the community.

Hanif adds: For me, what we do is not about charity, its about solidarity. Its about enabling people to make the change and the difference, not doing it for them. Were there to serve.

All We Can

International NGO All We Can, formerly the Methodist Relief and Development Fund, made a deliberate decision about six years ago to become more of an enabler to its partner organisations. For more than 80 years, All We Can has raised money from churches and individuals and spent it through partners on the ground in six countries: Cameroon, India, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi. But in 2013-14, according to programmes director Angela Zamaere Smith, the charity went on a journey of introspection where it examined the impact of its work and invited comments from partner organisations.

From this we realised that while wed done a lot of good in the world, the way we were providing support was really quite restrictive. Our partners told us that we would go into communities with our own agenda, wanting to support, say, agriculture or health programmes or water, and that this restricted how they were able to respond.

We made a decision then that we would become more of an enabler  a catalyst for development, a critical friend of our partners, and we would provide capacity development support, as well as grant funding. In that way, we would put our local partners and their communities at the heart of their own transformation and make them drivers of their own development agendas. Our partners go out into communities, identify the issues they are facing, co-design solutions, and then request the support they need from us based on their strategies and annual plans. So from about 2015, our funding has been unrestricted, but the partners restrict themselves based on the annual plans they submit to us.

When Covid struck, All We Can had already been working in this way for around six years, which meant it was able to respond flexibly and encourage partners to consider how best they might repurpose their project plans and grant monies. Obviously they were also assured of full cost recovery to support salaries and PPE (personal protective equipment) to keep staff and communities safe in their interactions. This released partners to focus on finding and implementing solutions, instead of worrying about and pursuing money.

All We Can has an emergency response group that brings people together from across the organisation in a crisis to examine the programme needs, the state of current finances and whether an appeal should be launched. When Covid hit, the group instigated regular meetings, initially twiceweekly, to scan the ever-changing landscape, review partner requests and consider how to spend any additional monies raised. In the end, the charity launched an appeal in April 2020, which Zamaere Smith admits was a bit later than most charities. But she explains that this was because it wanted to allow its partners to carry out needs assessments and also to guide our supporters so that they were clear where their money was going.

In the past, weve gone in very quickly with an appeal, sometimes before weve actually gotten a full picture of whats happening on the ground, she admits. In this case, as things were evolving, we didnt want to do that. We were aware that our supporters were going through a difficult time as well, so we felt we owed it to them to get a fuller picture of how Covid was impacting in other parts of the world. We decided to take two weeks to give our partners the opportunity to go into their communities and find out exactly how Covid was impacting them and their livelihoods. We were then able to launch an appeal that had a lot more clarity, and I think that was appreciated. The campaign raised just under 500,000 and All We Can also allowed partners to repurpose almost all of their existing annual grants to Covid response.

Giving up power

Zamaere Smith says that in the INGO sector there is much talk now of shifting power.

We have to let go of power, to trust that communities know what they need, that they have the solutions. It can be hard, especially when we have governance that demands and expects certain things in return for the money we give. But we all need to recognise that community members are going through their own journeys; we are outsiders and we will always be outsiders. We will join them for part of the journey but we will leave at some point, and coming in partway through someones journey and telling them you need to do this or that, is just really wrong.

Lawson contends that many professionals feel anxiety and fear about sharing power; that if they cede power and control to others, they will lose their own agency. It takes a bit of a mindshift to understand that sharing power makes power grow and reproduce, not diminish, he says. But I just dont think weve got the legitimacy to do the work unless were doing this. The reason I have an income is because there are people in the UK who dont have enough money to live on. So I have a profound personal, moral obligation to improve the work we do and the only way to do that is through legitimate shifting, sharing and delegating power.

Hanif goes even further. If youre in power, you should be abdicating your power, because youve had it for too long. Its not a sharing game; if you can share power, then its still your power and you are deciding what to do with it. I come from a group that doesnt have that type of power. Communities have a different definition of power and its not the power that the system traditionally has defined for itself.

Top tips

Lawsons first piece of advice to charities that want to get better at co-production is to take your time and tread carefully with your co-production partners.

Take time, create genuinely safe spaces, socially contract with one another, get to know each other. Name and be explicit about the power dynamics that are in the room and talk about what they mean and how they make people feel, to build psychological safety. He warns against editing peoples stories and emphasises the importance of equipping people to manage the risks they may face in getting involved in this way. Also vital, he says, is paying people for their time and expertise.

Lastly, he advises interrogating hard your own and others data so that you can blend this with the rich qualitative research gained from lived expertise and derive actionable insights from these.

Hanif adds that a charitys co-production strategy must be aligned with its overall objectives, and the organisation must be prepared to invest in the work.

Evaluating impact

So, how can a charity tell if doing co-production is having a real impact on its work? All We Can uses an outcome harvesting approach, says Zamaere Smith, where we look at changes that have happened and then try to look back at attribution. How did that change happen? What do you attribute it to? Out of that were learning some really important lessons.

Hanif concludes that if your organisation is doing co-production properly, its service outcomes cant fail to improve. But he adds that one of the most important metrics for measuring co-production is employment within the charity.

Theres no equity without representation. I know our co-production policies work because our employment is representative. We have service users who become peers then become volunteers and then become staff. Thats the co-production path.

I was a service user at Touchstone nine years ago, sitting in their reception, shaking. Nine years later, Im their chief executive. Thats co-production in a nutshell.

With thanks to Rathbones for its support with this feature

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Campaign group Global Justice Now

In September this year, the UK was added  along with Afghanistan, Belarus, and Nicaragua  to the watchlist of countries that Civicus has serious concerns about, due to a rapid decline in civic rights and freedoms. The Civicus Monitor tracks developments in civic freedoms across 196 countries.

On a five-point rating scale ranging from open to closed, the UK has always been rated narrowed by the Civicus Monitor. This rating is typically given to countries where democratic freedoms, such as the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, are increasingly being violated.
Christian Aid has pledged to halve its carbon emissions by the end of the 2020s and has set out the steps it is taking to achieve this.

The international development charity has announced these targets following the close of the COP26 summit last week.

The charity aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% from a 2019-20 baseline by 2023-24 and by 50% by 2029-30.

Christian Aids climate footprint strategy

Christian Aid aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2023-24. To meet this goal, the charity has set the following targets:

20% of the charity's offices will get at least 25% of their energy from renewable sources (eg, by solar, wind, hydropower).

Ensure 50% of offices get local renewably generated energy.

Make ground travel 20% more efficient by more sustainable use of vehicles, more efficient vehicles and the company using public transport wherever possible.

Reduce printing footprint by 20% by switching to more recycled paper and other measures.

Make flights bounce back to no more than 50% of pre-pandemic levels.



Christian Aid plans to capitalise on carbon-neutral alternatives, invest in climate finance partner projects, phase out the use of generators and potentially use Gold Standard carbon off-sets.

Climate progress so far

The charity has measured its greenhouse gas emissions for a decade and reports that its carbon footprint and carbon intensity have reduced by half between April 2011 and March 2020.

This is down to a reduction of flights, vehicle travel and less printing. Although this was partly due to the pandemic, which restricted travel and increased the use of telecommunications.

The poorest people are first and worst affected by climate change

Patrick Watt, director of policy, public affairs and campaigns at Christian Aid, said: The poorest people, whove contributed least to the climate crisis, are first and worst affected. It doesn't need to be this way.

At Christian Aid, we recognise that the decisions we make as individuals, and as an organisation, affect the climate and generations to come.

I am proud we have reduced our total carbon footprint and carbon intensity by more than half over the last decade. However, with the planet still warming, there is much more to do.

Christian Aid will never shrink away from campaigning with others for climate justice, and calling for decisive action by governments, businesses and individuals to act.

With a plan to halve the organisation's emissions by the end of the decade, we continue to match our words with action and encourage others to join us.

sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
BAY HEAD, N.J. (AP)  An elite but often-underwater beach town at the Jersey Shore is looking for its own solutions to back bay flooding, deciding it cant wait for state and federal officials to agree on a fix.

Bay Head is studying options to prevent, or at least reduce, incidents of so-called sunny day flooding caused by tides and rising sea levels, as well as major storm-related floods.

New Jerseys Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a massive $16 billion plan to address back bay flooding along the shore. That plan relies on inlet gates, barriers built across the center of some bays, and elevating nearly 19,000 homes.

But Bay Head, a wealthy, Republican-led enclave whose location at the northernmost tip of Barnegat Bay gave the town its name, feels it needs to act sooner than 2030, the earliest the ambitious project could begin construction.

A fairly unremarkable storm that passed offshore at the end of October left Bay Head inundated with what residents called the most intense flooding since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, when the borough was devastated. Water remained on streets in some places for five days in the recent storm.

I couldnt get back to my house, said Carol Tassini, 84. I had to turn around three times. It was the worst Ive seen it in a long time.

Longtime Mayor Bill Curtis said flooding has been part of living in Bay Head his entire life. But recent events have raised the alarm.

Its about time we tried to do something, because its getting worse, Curtis said. We decided enough is enough.

A preliminary plan unveiled Tuesday at a town hall meeting suggested a mix of short and long-term steps the borough could take. One recommendation borrows a proposal from the state and federal plan, installing a flood gate on Scow Ditch, a narrow body of water that connects Barnegat Bay to the south with Twilight Lake to the north.

The town also is considering building an earthen berm around the edges of the lake to keep its waters from spilling over into neighborhoods during high tides or bad storms. The berm would be covered with plants and trees to form the kind of living shoreline that most environmentalists advocate.

Rick McGoey, a member of Bay Heads environmental commission who gave the presentation, said nuisance flooding occurs in town between 12 to 18 times a year; major flooding occurs 6 to 7 times a year. But those frequencies are sure to rise, he added.

The town has not put a price tag on its repair plans, but officials cautioned it will be significant. Bay Head will seek first-round funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a more detailed study, and the mayor said he envisioned the town might be able to finance some of the work, like the earthen dam around the lake, on its own.

Bay Head, where the average house is worth more than $1.1 million, is home to some Republican heavy hitters, including Lawrence Bathgate II, the former GOP national finance chairman under presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Former Gov. Chris Christie has a summer home here, near one owned by Bon Jovi keyboardist and Broadway playwright David Bryan.

The town realizes that climate change and sea level rise are very real problems, McGoey said.

A lot of people dont believe in climate change, but conditions around the world are causing it to go up, he told the audience. Storms are more severe, youre getting stronger winds. All of that is contributing. The important thing is, what are you going to do about it?

McGoey said Bay Head would need to rely on the $16 billion state and federal plan to prevent catastrophic flooding like what occurred during Sandy.

Since Nov. 2016, the Army Corps has been looking at ways to reduce or prevent flooding along back bays in New Jersey and elsewhere. Governments in Massachusetts, California, Florida and Maine are among those that also have grappled with the issue.

Such flooding caused major damage on the East Coast during Sandy, although more attention was paid to damage from ocean waves pounding on the beachfront.

By contrast, back bay flooding is gradual and insidious, creeping up on areas fronting on bays or places with tributaries that swell with flood water and inundate homes and businesses.

About the photo: This Oct. 21, 2021 photo shows a house under construction at the edge of Barnegat Bay in Seaside Park, N.J. On Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, a collection of governments, academics and scientists unveiled a far-reaching plan to improve the health of the bay, which one researcher says has been loved to death. Rampant development along the shoreline is one trend the plan aims to address. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Operators of the Millstone nuclear power complex in Connecticut were too late in activating storm protection protocols when the remnants of Hurricane Ida hit the East Coast in September, resulting in minor flooding at the plant, federal regulators said Friday.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission report said Dominion Energy, which runs the Millstone plant in Waterford along Long Island Sound, violated federal requirements, but deemed the violations of very low safety significance and did not issue penalties. The flooding did not affect any nuclear or safety equipment, the report said.

The commission, however, said Dominions performance deficiency was more than minor and that required steps to protect risk significant structures, systems, and components from external flooding were not taken until after the consequential rainfall event was in progress.

Ken Holt, a spokesperson for Dominion, said the company was not contesting the findings of violations. He said operators at the plant initially relied on a forecast from the National Weather Service that predicted rainfall amounts below the level that requires activation of flood control measures at the plant. That level is 3 inches over a six-hour period.

But the operators received a different forecast with a higher rainfall prediction later in the day from state emergency management officials that prompted the closure of flood gates and other safety protocols, Holt said. In the future, operators will have access to multiple forecasts to prevent similar problems, he said.

The operators at Unit 2 were obviously monitoring the incoming inclement weather, Holt said. They were using the National Weather Service data, and that forecast was not predicting a local intense precipitation event. And so the operators were following the procedures.

The remnants of Hurricane Ida blew through the mid-Atlantic states on Sept. 1. At least 50 people were killed in six Eastern states, including a state trooper in Connecticut, as record rainfall overwhelmed rivers and sewer systems, flooded roads and damaged homes.

About 3.6 inches of rain fell at Groton-New London Airport, not far from Millstone, according to the National Weather Service. Holt said 3 inches of rain did not fall within six hours in Waterford during the storm, so it ended up being below the level that requires flood safety measures.

Millstone has two operating nuclear reactors that provide electricity to New England, enough to power 2 million homes.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission report said the plants operators should have activated flood prevention measures before the storm hit, including closing flood gates, based on forecasts made earlier in the day. But they did not do so until after 8 p.m., when heavy rains already were falling. Two flood gates were not closed at all during the storm, resulting in minor flooding in an area near the Unit 2 reactor, the report said.

The commission said Dominion did not take timely actions to place the plant in a safe condition prior to the arrival of a major storm.

In another finding of violations deemed of very low safety significance, the commission said in the same report that two Millstone workers were exposed to higher radiation levels than expected while performing maintenance at the Unit 3 reactor in June. Regulators said the workers both set off contamination alarms when leaving the work area and required skin decontamination.

According to the report and data from the commission, the workers were exposed to levels of radiation that were below exposure levels typically seen during certain medical scans, including CT scans. Holt said Dominion is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A Georgia appeals court has upheld a $43 million premises liability verdict against the CVS Pharmacy chain, ruling that the company failed to take security measures to prevent the shooting of a patron in 2012.

The case is the latest of three premises liability suits that have resulted in eight-figure verdicts in Georgia in the last two years, and attorneys said it could have nationwide importance for businesses that operate in high-crime areas  and for their insurance carriers

In Georgia CVS Pharmacy vs. James Carmichael, the Court of Appeals 2nd Division affirmed a trial court and found that evidence showed that corporate leaders knew that the Atlanta pharmacy and its parking lot were the scene of numerous robberies and assaults. Yet, the company did not install extra lighting and did not hire a security guard, despite repeated requests from employees.

CVS had removed security guards two years before the shooting, the court noted. Witnesses at trial testified that, after the security was removed, at least three violent crimes occurred at the Moreland Avenue store. A CVS corporate representative acknowledged in a deposition that guards were effective deterrents to crime and that sufficient lighting also could be a deterrent to violent crime.

We conclude that there was ample evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that the robbery of Carmichael was reasonably foreseeable to CVS, because previous crimes were substantially similar and there was evidence that another robbery was a salient possibility, appeals court Presiding Judge Yvette Miller wrote in the Nov. 1 opinion.

The shooting happened like this: Shortly before Christmas in 2012, Carmichael was driving through Atlanta on his way home to Alabama when he stopped at the CVS to buy some toiletries. He called an acquaintance to meet him at the store to complete the sale of an iPad computer tablet. After the transaction, the seller left and an unknown man jumped into Carmichaels car, brandished a gun and demanded money. Carmichael said he gave the man the money he had, but then pulled his own gun, which jammed. The assailant then shot Carmichael in the gut, back and shoulder.

Carmichael was in a coma for a month and has undergone multiple surgeries since then. He continues to suffer from nerve damage, hearing loss, speech problems and chronic pain, the court said. His medical bills have topped $725,000, the court explained.

Carmichaels Atlanta attorneys filed the premises liability suit. A Fulton County jury apportioned 95% of the blame to CVS and 5% to Carmichael.

CVS appealed, arguing that the company could not have foreseen the danger, that Carmichael was the one who had superior knowledge of the danger, and that the safety impact of lighting and guards was too speculative.

We reject each of these arguments because there was sufficient evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that CVS proximately caused Carmichaels injuries and that CVS had superior knowledge of the danger, the appeals court said.

CVS initially raised the argument that Carmichael was a licensee, not an invitee, of the store. But that argument was later withdrawn, and the appeals court opinion did not explain what CVS intended with that notion.

As in most states, Georgia premises liability law provides that accident victims can hold the owner or occupier of property liable for negligently causing or negligently failing to correct or warn about unsafe conditions, the Ragland Law Firm, based in Atlanta, explained on its website.

The multimillion Carmichael verdict could now put a new emphasis on premises liability around the country, some said. Businesses operating in high-crime areas will undoubtedly have to determine whether they can afford enhanced security measures or risk facing an eight-figure verdict, wrote Vincent Gunter, a lawyer with RDM Law, in Kansas City.

In addition, insurance companies that insure them will certainly conduct their own reviews to determine whether to increase policy premiums and perhaps whether to cancel coverage altogether, lest they be hit with an excessive eight-figure verdict, Gunter noted.

The CVS verdict was not the largest amount of damages awarded in a premises liability claim against a store in a crime-plagued neighborhood in Georgia in recent years, but it is substantial. In a very similar case in 2019, a jury awarded almost $70 million to a Navy veteran who was robbed and shot in the Kroger grocery store parking lot in Atlanta, not far from the CVS.

Kroger knew the store was unsafe yet failed to place security guards in the parking lot, said lead plaintiffs attorney Peter Law, according to news reports at the time. Law, whose firm is based in Atlanta, also represented Carmichael in the CVS case. Law could not be reached for comment.

Another Georgia jury in 2019 awarded $52 million to the estate of a man who was killed outside a Quick Stop convenience store, according to TopVerdict.com.

Carrie Moss, one of the attorneys for CVS in the Carmichael case, said the company had no comment on the appeals court ruling. The CVS insurance carrier was not named in the suit.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  The U.S. Coast Guard used two helicopters to rescue campers from rising waters at an RV park on the Oregon Coast Friday, mudslides shut down roads and a woman was plucked from a swollen river as a second day of heavy rains and flooding pummeled the Pacific Northwest.

Authorities issued flood watches along Oregons coast and warned of the possibility of dangerous mudslides in areas that burned in last summers devastating wildfires. At the RV park about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Portland, Coast Guard teams said they rescued a total of 20 people and three dogs with the help of local authorities. Thirty campers decided to stay and declined rescue, the agency said.

Aerial photos showed the entire RV park flooded with deep brown water and campers sitting amid the mess. In some areas of the park, water had risen to 4 feet (1.2 meters). In nearby Otis, another RV park was also flooded and a private fire engine that sits permanently at the town limits to welcome visitors had water halfway up its doors.

Russ Hiner, who was camping at the park, posted on Facebook that he awoke to someone driving around the park and honking a warning shortly after 6 a.m.

Looking out the fogged up windows and see someone with a flashlight running around. They come and bang on the door, The park is FLOODING! Everyone out, he wrote on Facebook. Looks like theres six or 7 inches of standing water underneath us.

The Neskowin campground is tucked between two forks of Neskowin Creek and is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Otis, a tiny coastal community that was devastated by a wind-driven wildfire just over a year ago.

We are okay for now  but the rain in still coming, said Melynda Small, who lost her home to the fire in September 2020 and is worried about mudslides in the burn area.

Forecasters said the storms are being caused by an atmospheric river, known as the Pineapple Express. Rain was expected to remain heavy in Oregon and Washington through Friday night. Precipitation may ease some Saturday but more rain is expected Saturday night through next week.

In Oregon, the National Weather Service issued flood watches in several coastal counties and warned that heavy rains raised the risk of mudslides and debris flows in areas recently burned by wildfires.

More than 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain fell in some areas in the western part of the state in a 24-hour period Thursday and heavy rains were expected to continue through Friday evening, the National Weather Service in Portland said. Astoria, in the states far northwest corner, set a new record for rainfall Thursday with just over 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain, the most since the previous record for the date set 70 years ago.

Standing water in the roadways made driving treacherous across the Portland metropolitan area and a woman was rescued from the swollen Santiam River on Thursday after her encampment along the river banks was flooded.

In Washington, advisories were issued for at least a half-dozen rivers in the western part of the state.

Landslides were reported on the coast, in southwest Oregon near the town of Elkton and along the Columbia River Highway east of Portland.

The storm also caused a power outage that closed several schools and district offices in a Portland suburb.

About the photo: People walk past a downed power pole blocking E. Madison St. in Seattle after it fell into an office building during a storm, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. The damage came as strong winds and rain blew through the Northwest and a high-wind advisory was issued for the Seattle metro area, areas along the Washington coast and the Cascade Mountains. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Beachwood, OH (44122)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 28F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
The White Rose cornucopia vase by Roseville Pottery has been reproduced. Authentic vases like this one can sell for $100 to $125.  2021 by Cowles Syndicate Inc.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has defended their decision to let presidential aspirant Sen. Bong Go run under a different party  a similar move that Sen. Manny Pacquiao from the rival group did when he filed his candidacy.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Monday, PDP-Laban secretary general Melvin Matibag admitted that the Cusi-led faction only wanted to avoid complications in Go's candidacy ahead of the decision of the Commission on Elections to resolve the PDP-Laban dispute.

Go was initially a vice presidential bet under the Cusi-led PDP-Laban faction, but is now running under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), after substituting for party member Grepor Belgica.

Pacquiao, who supports the PDP-Laban faction led by Sen. Koko Pimentel, is also the presidential bet of PROMDI, a move which Pimentel said is meant to "solidify bases."

READ: Pimentel: Pacquiao's PROMDI candidacy meant to solidify bases

"In the event lang po, halimbawa, na adverse ang decision sa aming grupo, sinabing ang nanalo na dapat na party in control is Sen. Pimentel, then we have a problem on substitution later on," Matibag said.

[Translation: In the event that the decision is adverse to our group and the poll body proclaims the party in control would be Sen. Pimentel's faction, then we would have a problem on substitution later on.]

Matibag explained his group only wanted to lessen potential problems on the legal issues surrounding Gos candidacy since Comelec would have questioned his substitution for former PDP-Laban standard bearer Sen. Bato dela Rosa if the latter's certification of nomination and acceptance would be deemed invalid.

Matibag earlier accused Pacquiao of abandoning PDP-Laban when he became the presidential bet of PROMDI, noting that under the PDP-Labans constitution, a member who files a certificate of candidacy under another party is automatically expelled.

He explained that Go's move is different from Pacquiao's since Go is not the president of PDP-Laban. He also said Go was merely just filing for substitution.

"Si Sen. Bong Go naman po, nagpaalam talaga siya dito sa partido (Sen. Bong Go asked permission from the party)," he added. "Even if he is running under PDDS we are endorsing and adopting him as our presidential candidate."

Cusi's PDP-Laban faction may also resort to adopting another vice-presidential aspirant if party chair President Rodrigo Duterte does not file his candidacy for the post, which Go vacated, Matibag added.

READ: Cusi's PDP-Laban to adopt VP from another party if Duterte does not run for the post  exec
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Local chief executives in the National Capital Region will meet to talk about possible changes in the policy allowing young children in public places, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said Monday.

Abalos said health officials in each locality, pediatricians, and DOH's director in Metro Manila will weigh in on the ideal age group that should be allowed in public indoor spaces, such as shopping malls during their meeting on Monday.

Their recommendation will be used as guide by the mayors in crafting their policy, he added. It was not clear when the mayors will hold their meeting.

"Primary issue would be kids na hindi kaya pang mag-face mask dahil they might be suffocated. Specifically crowded spaces, closed spaces, 3Cs like malls, will they still be allowed? At what age?" he told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: The primary issue would be the kids that shouldn't be wearing face masks since they could get suffocated. In crowded and closed spaces like malls, will they still be allowed to go? At what age?]

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said children aged five years old and below are not be required to wear face masks since it can restrict their breathing, therefore they don't have the same level of protection as adults.

The policy review comes after a report that a two-year-old toddler contracted COVID-19 days after visiting a mall. There are currently no age restrictions on individuals allowed inside malls under Alert Level 2.

Pending a possible revision, Abalos told parents to exercise responsibility even if the government is easing restrictions.

"There are things that parents should intervene. Huwag namang puro state. Meron tayong parental responsibility," he said. "Hindi na dapat diktahan ng gobyerno."

[Translation: Let's not leave everything to the state. We have parental responsibility; it doesn't have to be dictated by the government.]

Vergeire also urged parents to avoid bringing their children to enclosed spaces, especially if they see that it is crowded.

"The very reason why children were allowed to go out is because of their health. The three major reasons why we wanted them out was because they can exercise outside, get sunlight, interact with other children  but not for them to be brought to crowded establishments like malls," she said.

CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Commission on Elections is looking into the protocol breach by some government officials during the filing of substitution bid Saturday for political aspirants.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told CNN Philippines' The Source on Monday that their security committee is already investigating the violation of health protocols during the arrival of former PDP-Laban bets Sen. Bato dela Rosa, and Sen. Bong Go, accompanied by President Rodrigo Duterte, at the poll body's headquarters to withdraw their candidacy.

"We do have a security committee and they are studying what happened. One of the things we did see was that social distancing evaporated due to the crush of people coming in," Jimenez said.

Dense crowds can be seen inside the headquarters on Saturday after Dela Rosa and Go withdrew their candidacies for president and vice president of PDP-Laban. Go then filed his candidacy for president under the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) to substitute for party member Grepor Belgica.

Jimenez said the turn of events affected the orderliness initially imposed by the Comelec for filing substitution bids.

"Most of them were wearing masks anyway but you still want to keep a good distance between individuals," Jimenez said.

He added: "Rather than it being smooth and orderly process, it became at one point difficult to manage."

Jimenez said security adjustments are currently in place within the Comelec premises with personnel deployed all over the place to prevent unauthorized entries, especially with Duterte's awaited filing of candidacy for a national post.

The Comelec is open until 5 p.m. on Monday to accept applications for substitution of political aspirants. Strictly no extensions and no additional day will be allotted for late filers, Jimenez said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The Philippines needs at least 50,000 data encoders during the three-day national COVID-19 vaccination drive, an official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology said Monday.

"Kailangan natin ng almost 50,000 data encoders para matulungan ang mga LGU. Lahat ng record kung sino ang nabakunahan ay kailangan pumasok agad doon sa vaccination immunization registry para hindi na makadagdag sa backlog," DICT Usec. Manny Caintic said.

[Translation: We need almost 50,000 data encoders to help LGUs. The records of Filipinos who have been vaccinated must be entered immediately into the vaccination immunization registry so as not to add to the backlog.]

The national vaccination day dubbed "Bayanihan, Bakunahan, is scheduled on Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, where the government targets to vaccinate 15 million Filipinos against the virus. The government said last week it would transform schools, gymnasiums, fast food chains, malls, and workplaces into vaccination sites.

As local government units face a shortage of data encoders, he urged Filipinos to volunteer to address the issue.

"Ang hindi pagkakuha ng vax cert, ang sanhi niyan ay hindi maayos, hindi kumpleto na pagka-upload ng kanilang records ng mga nabakunahan nila in their jurisdictions," he said.

[Translation: Failure to secure a vax cert, the cause of which is the improper and incomplete uploads of the records of those who have been vaccinated in their jurisdictions.]

The DICT, he noted, will post a sign-up sheet for those willing to participate. Caintic said they will provide training to the data encoders.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Thousands of Filipino children finally returned to school on Monday, 19 months since in-person classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Education (DepEd) said 100 public schools in low-risk areas joined the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes. Twenty private schools will open physical classes next week.

More learners in kindergarten, Grades 1 to 3, and senior high school students will later be included after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the increase in the number of participants.

Education Assistant Secretary Malcolm Garma said the students from 100 public schools and 20 private institutions participating in the pilot study will spend three to five hours inside the classroom.

Each classroom must only have 12-15 students in order to properly observe physical distancing, he added.

Teachers and non-teaching personnel are required to be fully vaccinated.

The DepEd emphasized that once a student or teacher exhibits COVID-19 symptoms inside the school premises, proper health and safety protocols will be enforced, such as isolation, treatment, and contact tracing.

The participating schools are from the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

In Eastern Visayas, 10 schools are joining the pilot run.

The Motiong Central Elementary School in Motiong town requires students to present QR code, undergo temperature check, and sanitize their hands before entering their classrooms.

Firearms in classrooms

Meanwhile, DepEd drew flak after photos from Longos Elementary School in Barangay Pangapisan in Alaminos City, Pangasinan showed security forces carrying long firearms inspecting students in the first day of classes.

The agency explained that the police officers were part of the security detail of a local official who visited the school.

It reminded field officials and school administrators to make sure this situation will not happen again since a department order states that schools should be free from the presence of government forces or armed groups, especially inside classrooms.

"We are thankful for the support of our various stakeholders and partners in our efforts to reintroduce face-to-face classes but we must always adhere to existing policies in schools," it said in a statement.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The number of new coronavirus infections in Metro Manila has more or less stayed the same in the past week, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.

She said COVID-19 cases in the region have leveled off. An average of 404 daily cases was reported from Nov. 1 to 7, slightly increasing to 435 from Nov. 8 to 14.

The official said it cannot be attributed yet to the regions de-escalation to Alert Level 2 since the effects of changes in restrictions are typically felt two to three weeks after implementation.

The DOH also said Metro Manila could possibly be placed under the lowest community restriction by December. For an area to be placed under Alert level 1, it needs to vaccinate 70% of its senior citizens and people with comorbidities, 50% of its eligible population, and must be classified under low COVID-19 risk classification for one month.

NCR is currently under low-risk classification and it has reached the ideal vaccination rate among the elderly and the target population. Vergeire, however, said the region has not yet vaccinated 70% of people with health risks.

She added they are looking to adding the requirement of Safety Seals in the threshold to place an area under Alert Level 1.

"It is not impossible for the National Capital Region to be de-escalated to Alert Level 1 by December pero kailangan ma-sustain natin kung ano man ang gains na meron tayo ngayon [but we need to sustain whatever gains we have now] like having this low risk for at least one month and they have to reach 70% for all the vulnerable population, at safety seal sa [in] establishments," she said in a media briefing.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region remains the only region under moderate COVID-19 risk. All 16 other regions are either at minimal or low risk.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  The arrest of Pharmally Pharmaceutical executives Mohit and Twinkle Dargani only proves that there is "no such thing as a safe haven"  even in Davao City, where the Dutertes have been ruling for decades.

This was what senators remarked after Mohit and his sister Twinkle, Pharmally's corporate secretary and president, respectively, were apprehended on Sunday by the Senate security personnel at the Davao International Airport as they attempted to flee the country.

"Kung inaakala ng magkapatid na Dargani na safe haven ang Davao City (If the Dargani siblings think Davao City is a safe haven), just like Michael Yang and Christopher Lao are thinking, they should think again," Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Monday. "There [is] no such thing as a safe haven."

"They should stop thinking 'di sila magalaw [roon] (they are untouchable there)," Lacson added. "As what was proven yesterday (Sunday), they (Darganis) are now in the Senate premises. They will be forced to attend the Nov. 25 Blue Ribbon hearing."

Davao-based Chinese businessman Michael Yang, who was also economic adviser to the President, and former Budget undersecretary Christopher Lao were likewise cited in contempt for snubbing the hearings into the controversial deal involving billions of pesos in overpriced COVID-19 medical supplies.

But the Senate's Office of the Sergeant of Arms (OSAA) has so far failed to arrest Yang and Lao.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of the te Blue Ribbon Committee, said it was "not surprising" that the Darganis "sought sanctuary in the President's hometown and plotted to execute their grand escape from there."

The siblings were scheduled to board a chartered private plane to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, but were intercepted by the Senate security team.

"Flight, especially on an expensive international chartered jet, is truly a clear sign of guilt," Gordon said. "Evasion has always been the strategy of the guilty."

"This should also apply to former PS (Procurement Service)-DBM undersecretary Lao, who has also been evading arrest," he added.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, meanwhile, noted the arrest should serve as a "warning" to all those involved in the alleged anomalous procurement.

"Paparusahan ang lahat ng hindi marunong rumespeto o nagbabalewala sa mga kautusan at alituntunin ng Senado (Those who don't know how to respect or refuse to obey the orders and regulations of the Senate will be dealt with)," he said.

The lawmakers also commended the OSAA for "doing [its] job well in protecting the Senate's enforcement of its rules."

"It bears repeating that we should also continue to learn our lessons from what happened and adapt accordingly  in this case, making sure that even with virtual hearings, the Senate retains its element of surprise and does not telegraph its moves," Lacson said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15)  Salome Crisostomo Ujano, Sally to her friends and colleagues, went out of her house in Mabolo, Malolos City on Sunday for her usual morning jog. Little did Ujano know, that upon her return home, a number of men in civilian clothes were already waiting to arrest her for a rebellion case.

Policemen showed a copy of a warrant of arrest for a rebellion case issued by Judge Virgilio Alpajora of Lucena City Regional Trial Court Branch 59 dated June 28, 2006.

It was a surprise for the 64-year-old since she never received any summons or communications from prosecutors nor the court prior to the arrest.

Her daughter Karla posted some videos of the arrest on her Facebook page.

Bakit wala akong summons from the DOJ (Department of Justice)? Wala man lang subpoena for the case? E ngayon nagwa-warrant na kayo kasi I could have attended those hearings sa DOJ? Ujano told the arresting officers in civilian clothes.

[Translation: Why I dont have summons from the DOJ? Theres even no subpoena for the case? You are now issuing a warrant when I could have attended those hearings in DOJ?]

I fear for my life. Hindi naman ako sasama sa stranger. Ni ayaw niyong sabihin ang inyong mga names. You have to tell me your names, she added.

[Translation: I fear for my life. I will not come with strangers. You dont even want to tell your names. You have to tell me your names.]

With the assistance of lawyers, Karla said her mother eventually went with the police, initially at a police station in Malolos and then to Camp Crame in Quezon City where she is currently detained.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) celebrated the arrest of Ujano, who according to PNP Central Luzon is a Top Most Wanted Person in the province of Bulacan allegedly in hiding for 15 years.

But her colleagues in the non-government organization she is affiliated with said Ujano never hid and her arrest was nothing but mere harassment.

High-ranking communist leader?

In his statement to the media, newly-appointed PNP Chief Lieutenant General Dionardo Carlos said Ujano was part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) Southern Tagalog Region and member of a supposed kangaroo court that tried a number of NPA members suspected to be government spies in the late 80s.

The case stemmed from the suspects alleged involvement in a series of atrocities committed in Quezon province in 2005, particularly the ambush of PFC Michael Samsun and CPL Edward Lumawig, in her capacity as a member of the Executive Committee Secretariat of Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF, Carlos added.

Based on the arrest warrant, other persons accused in the rebellion case are Tirso Alcantara, CPP founding Chairman Jose Ma. Sison, former NPA Spokesman Roger Rosal, and six others.

For her arrest, the government offered a P5 million reward.

This case was already transferred to the Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266.

NGO leader not a high-ranking CPP-NPA leader

According to her daughters Facebook post, Ujano worked for at least two NGOs in the past three decades. She worked for Womens Crisis Center (WCC) from year 1990 to 2007, where she served as Executive Director (2000-2006) and Mobilization Officer (2006-2007). At 64 years old, Ujano is the National Coordinator of Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT), a position she has held since 2008.

Her family was also able to document activities where Ujano collaborated with government agencies to advocate women and childrens protection against trafficking.

She also has an active Facebook account since 2008.

In a statement, PACT said Ujano is a well-respected women and childrens rights NGO leader.

Sally has always been in the public eye for her work on protecting children and women from human trafficking and domestic violence for the last three decades. These trumped-up charges are ridiculous, said the group.

Gabriela Womens Party also condemned Ujanos arrest.

Her arrest points to absurdity of the PNPs operations against perceived enemies of the state We call on all women and childrens rights advocates to support the campaign to free Sally Ujano and to drop the ridiculous charges filed against her, Gabriela Party-list Representative Arlene Brosas said. ###
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Rain ending this morning. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 62F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy early, then clearing overnight. Scattered frost possible. Low 32F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
During the first week of September, Penn State student Lucy Farmen noticed her belongings began to be covered in mold under her bed in Holmes Hall  located in North Halls.

I went to grab something under my bed, and I noticed [my] Birkenstocks and snow boots were just covered in mold, Farmen (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said. It was so weird because I had never even worn the Birkenstocks before.

As Farmen continued inspecting her room, she said she grabbed a hoodie covered in mold from her desk.

I realized there was all this mold covering my desk, so I wiped it down with bleach, she said. Then I came back the next day, and it was back.

Farmen said she and her roommate were experiencing difficulty breathing, so they asked Penn State Housing to change the air filter. Even after it was changed, however, they looked inside and found it covered in mold and dust.

We contacted housing about it, and at first, we did the [Maintenance Request], and they came completely geared up with gloves and masks on, but they told us that we were safe to sleep there, she said.

However, Farmen said she hasnt felt safe in her dorm, so shes been living at her boyfriends for most of the semester to avoid being in her room.

She also said shes been sick for most of the semester, and she believes it correlates to the mold.

Today, I found out I have pneumonia, and the doctor told me Ive had it for at least a month, she said. My breathing always gets worse when I walk in the room, so I think it may be partially from that.

Farmen said she is especially worried about health concerns relating to mold because of a personal connection to a previous incident.

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Olivia Paregol was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Maryland when she died from adenovirus in 2018.

One of Farmens friends was Paregols roommate.

According to a Washington Post article published in August, Parengols family is in the process of suing the University of Maryland for allegedly neglecting to properly address the mold issue in residence halls, which led to nearly 600 students evacuating a dorm building in 2018.

University of Marylands former Health Center Director David McBride had acknowledged that mold can cause respiratory irritation that may increase susceptibility of any viral infection, according to the Washington Post article.

Farmen said she was struck by the comparisons of this incident to what she has experienced this fall.

Its just crazy because the story matches up so much with what were experiencing, she said.

Megh Snelling lives in Leete Hall in North in a suite with three roommates. Her two suitemates noticed mold before she did.

We had just gotten an email about how North Residence Halls were having a mold issue from Housing, Snelling (freshman-music education) said. So [Penn State Housing] came and gave our roommates a dehumidifier and sprayed [their] room.

Snelling said she and her roommate then decided to inspect their personal room to see if their side of the suite also contained mold.

We noticed there was a lot of mold all over the place  it was covering the ceiling, and it seemed to be stemming from our vent so we stopped using our air conditioning, she said. We called up [Housing], and at first they didnt really believe us, and they told us it could just be dust.

Snelling said she insisted she believed mold was in the room, so members from Penn State Housing gave them a dehumidifier.

MORE NEWS COVERAGE

The air quality still didnt feel right, and there was still mold all over the ceiling, she said. So we called up Housing again, and a guy came and told us the mold wasnt active.

Snelling said she wasnt confident the mold wouldnt spread and was worried about her health around it  especially because shes immunocompromised.

Every time I go to the doctor, they diagnose me with pneumonia, she said. I was in the emergency room on Monday, and they diagnosed me with pneumonia and told me it was probably because of the mold.

Snelling said her doctors think an allergen is causing a pneumonia hypersensitive situation and said the only allergen shes consistently being exposed to is mold.

The mold needs to be tested, she said. My doctors keep saying they need to know what type of mold so they can figure out if Im allergic to it.

In addition to providing a dehumidifier, Snelling said Penn State Housing came and cleaned most of the mold from their ceiling  after her mother called and emailed the office several times. She said spots of mold continue to linger on the ceiling, though.

I think the dehumidifier works, but Im not sure if it actually helps the mold since I think its in the air vents, Snelling said.

Snelling said she doesn't feel safe living in Leete Hall, and she and her roommate are looking to live elsewhere next fall due to this issue.

I feel like were all in an unsafe environment right now, she said. My roommate and I have both been having a lot of health issues that are respiratory-related, and I dont understand how they can say, Oh, this mold obviously needs to be cleaned, but are fine with students still living here.

Hannah Ratthe also lives in Leete Hall and said she is also suspicious that her lingering illness this semester is connected to the presence of mold in her dorm.

I was sick for a very long time, Ratthe (freshman-music education) said. I got over my cold, but I continued to have a cough for a good month, and I think it may have been due to the mold on my desk.

MORE NEWS COVERAGE

Ratthe said she didnt notice the mold until Housing came in and conducted an inspection in all of the dorms in North Halls because of other complaints.

Thats when they found the mold, she said. I personally didnt know it was mold until they told me thats what it was.

Ratthe said the main spot mold was growing in her dorm was on top of her desk  she didnt notice it at first because her desk was covered with personal items.

I think its awful, Ratthe said. Having mold is a very big health risk, so I personally feel like [Penn State] should do a better job with fixing the ventilation system  that would be nice for [the university] to do that.

Penn State spokesperson Lisa Powers said via email that Housing has checked all rooms in North Halls for signs of moisture or mold, addressing any issues discovered with a safe and effective sanitizer that cleans and kills mold spores. In addition, Powers said dehumidifiers were also provided to residents as needed.

[Housing] brought a dehumidifier, but that actually caused other issues with our breathing because its constantly on 24/7, and it gives us dry throats, Ratthe said. We decided to just turn it off, but I think we still have mold.

Housing staff members, who have been keeping an eye on the situation, report the current humidity in the buildings is at 43%, which is appropriate and desirable for this time of year, Powers said.

Ratthes roommate, Alex LeCrone, also said she was frustrated by the way Penn State has handled mold in dorms.

Were paying a s--- ton of money to live in an already low-quality dorm, and now its impacting our health, which really sucks, LeCrone (freshman-music education) said. The university shouldnt be exploiting us like this.

Powers said the health and safety of students is the universitys No. 1 priority, and the mold can be attributed to an increase of rainfall, which has created humid and moist conditions.

Penn State Housing indicated it received information on two moisture incidents in North Halls in the past two weeks and has followed up with those residents, cleaning and sanitizing the rooms on Nov. 1, Powers said.

Powers also said, overall, it appears the issue has been identified and addressed. She said if any resident is experiencing issues, they can fill out the Maintenance Request form.

Conal Carr, director of housing operations and facilities planning at Penn State, said via email the university has cleaned and sanitized the impacted rooms, proactively checked all of the rooms in multiple buildings and emailed all the residents in North [Halls], asking them to report any issues to the area housing office.

Since humidity levels have finally dropped, we should have no or very few issues moving forward, Carr said.

However, Ratthe said she and her roommate believe these actions are not enough from the university.

I just want [Penn State] to quickly figure out a solution, Ratthe said. I feel like [the university is] taking [its] sweet time  so as not to get into a lot of trouble, but a lot of people have been affected.

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Janet May True, 82, from Covington, IN, a former Danville resident went to be with the Lord at 9:45 P. M. Thursday November 18, 2021 at the home of her daughter in Champaign. She was born December 17, 1938 at Los Angles, CA the daughter of Jack and Vera Mary (Branch) Guyer. She was a homemak
Even as the world continues to grapple with COVID-19 surges and lagging vaccine uptake, most companies remain in the planning stages of office reopenings.

Over the 18-plus months of the pandemic, corporate plans to swing wide their office doors have have been repeatedly stymied, with most organizations pushing back planned reopening dates  many until next year. Despite the fits and starts, most companies are slowly realizing a hybrid work environment  some employees in the office, others at home  will become a permanent reality.

But some companies refuse to budge, insisting on a return to the pre-COVID-19 workplace. For example, the publishing division of Hearst  which runs newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle, and magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping  is mandating a return to office. In response, workers last week filed an unfair labor practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

While some corporate leaders appear loath to evolve their work model for fear it will put business at risk, new data shows returning to old ways is riskier than reinventing office culture, according to research firm Gartner.

With an abundance of job openings and a shortage of labor, most organizations simply arent in the position to make such demands, according to researchers who say workers are now focused more than ever on improving their work-life balance.

Only about 15% of employees want to work full-time in an office environment, according to Gartner. If an organization were to go back to a fully on-site arrangement, it would risk losing up to 39% of its workforce, according to a 2021 Gartner Hybrid Workplace survey published in September.

[Employees] in general have really stepped back and reevaluated their life priorities and how they think about work, health, family and other things, said Graham Waller, a distinguished research vice president at Gartner. "Then join that with the fact theres a lot of opportunities in this war for talent  especially in the US, there are some of the biggest on record number of job openings.

Certain organizations, including Google, say you can work from anywhere now, Waller added.

Particularly in tech-related fields, employers are now offering bigger salaries, signing bonuses, and work flexibility as they strive to meet hiring needs.

Amy Loomis, reseach director for the Future of Work practice at research firm IDC, said some policies that are not working well for organizations are inflexible management styles and blanket mandates that all workers return to the office by a single deadline.

"I have heard of some success with requirements that stipulate a number of days per week in the office, but less so when those are simply a static policy rather than days designed for collaboration," Loomis said. "Bottom line: employees are looking for purposeful engagement over policy and companies are shifting from [a] one-size-fits-all model to much more dynamic and fine grained ways of using time in office."

M. Victor Janulaitis, CEO of management consulting firm Janco Associates, said work-from-home employees are not happy with the prospect of having to go back to commuting. "It seems that attrition rates are highest among employees that are told to go back to the office and follow vaccine mandates."

(Janco regularly conducts employee surveys, but has yet to complete its latest on the issue of return to physical office locations.)

Even without new data, Janulaitis has observed some key industry trends anecdotally. While overall worker productivity grew significantly during the pandemic, the forced shift to remote work 18 months ago did hamper some business activity.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) were not met by many IT functions. Hold and wait times were (and remain) elongated. There was limited visibility of the staffing requirements for service and help desks. "Dogs barking and loud noises in the background impacted the 'professional image' of the service desks," Janulaitis said.

"With many IT pros working at home for the past several months, many of the employees did not understand the opportunities they had for training. Before the pandemic, the in-office environment pushed many pros to ask for training," Janulaitis said. "That did not happen as much in the work from home environment."

Most organizations today  as many as 85%  are currently operating with a hybrid work model. The exceptions tend to involve workforces where physical presence is necessary, such as brick-and-mortar stores and manufacturing floors. Some tech positions also require workers to be on site to deal with data center issues, such as security and hardware hiccups or upgrades.

Even in rolling out a hybrid working environment, organizations should remain flexible and not insist on employees being onsite a set number of days each week, or on specific days of the week, according Waller.

Their plan was to have people come in three days a week, such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and they get such a big push back from employees, including in the form of attrition, Waller said. Were seeing cases of that already. Many organizations are modifying and evolving their plans.

This year, 83% of enterprises expect demand from customers for digital products and services will rise, and 65% of corporate board members want to accelerate digital transformation, signaling a willingness to fund and invest in technologies that enable hybrid capabilities, according to Gartner.

Organizations, however, shouldnt stop there. They should also evolve their thinking around employee autonomy, allowing workers to choose when they come into the office or stay remote. Employees involved in heads-down work"  work that doesnt require face-to-face interaction with colleagues  can perform that from any location.

Waller said executives have a unique opportunity to break from a location-centric model of work designed around industrial-era constraints, and redesign work around a human-centric model to secure digital-era talent and better business outcomes. Dont just focus on how much time they spend in the office and home, but think about how to reinvent work itself based on people. Location is a secondary issue.

According to Gartners survey, for knowledge workers making the shift from an office-centric to a human-centric design:

44% indicated a reduction in worker fatigue.

45% indicated it would increase their intention to stay with a company.

28% indicated it boosted their performance.

For example, there is a shift occurring in managerial thinking away from centralized decisions toward peer-to-peer, network-based decision making that reduces bottlenecks and saves time in a hybrid environment. As hybrid work continues to evolve, removing the traditional manager role can lead to more efficiency.

By 2024, 30% of corporate teams will be without a boss due to the self-directed and hybrid nature of work, according to Gartner.

Getting it right requires experimentation, learning, and iterating, according to Gartner. But the outcome could be better workplace performance, innovation, and equity.

In some industries, gains made toward digital transformation during the pandemic could be lost as the world returns to a new normal. For example, the use of telehealth, or connecting with healthcare workers remotely, jumped 38-fold from the pre-COVID-19 baseline, according to McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm. There are some who believe those gains could evaporate as insurance companies could require more in-person visits once the pandemic wanes.

Something like healthcare is driven so much by business models, particularly around reimbursement between providers and payers. In many cases, Im sure they will revert back to what was there before, sometimes for the vested interest of different players in the ecosystem, Waller said. So, Im sure there will be a pull back. The question is, how much and will we find the sweet spot in the hybrid model?

IDC's Loomis said the jury is still out on whether companies will try to return to pre-pandemic work environments.

Much of the decision to remain hybrid will depend on the broader organizational culture and enterprise appetite for supporting new ways of engaging with clients and employees alike. Currently, however, the employee and customer experience connection "is definitely pointing toward maintaining standards of professional engagement that are digitally driven because our personal lives operate in that fashion," Loomis said.

That said, for organizations that have yet to set their digital transformation course or are doing so while holding their nose, the temptation will be strong to go back to traditional ways of working, Loomis noted.

"This is an opportunity to build on progress but it requires a complex set of changes to a whole ecosystem," Loomis said.

In healthcare, for example, its not just the convenience of telemedicine that requires buy-in from patients and doctors; it also involves insurance companies, billing systems, and legislation for digital transformation to take hold.

"Overall, I think degree to which workplace flexibility sticks will be based on two key factors: the first is the digital maturity of an organization to maintain hybrid ways of working over time and at scale (not just remote or on site), and secondly, the degree to which the industry and [an] individual institution has an appetite to adopt this approach culturally," Loomis said. "There will be external factors like competition for top talent that inevitably tip the scales."
Apple and Google (and especially Visa) last week gave us yet another example of how security and convenience are often at odds with each other. And it looks like they opted for convenience.

The latest issue speaks to only a subset of iPhone and Android users  specifically, those who use their phones for mass transit payments. If you think of how subways work in a major city (Ill use New York City as an example), they require extreme speed. Using facial recognition or entering a PIN right before paying to get on the subway would dramatically slow down the line.

Instead of allowing authentication to happen earlier  say, perhaps within five minutes of a transaction  or by accelerating the process to a split second, Apple, Google, and Visa apparently chose to forego any meaningful authentication. (Note: I am focusing on Visa because the hole still exists for it. MasterCard and others have already patched the flaw.)

Security researchers at Positive Technologies tested the phones and found the problem.

The flaws allow attackers to make unlimited purchases using stolen smartphones with enabled express transport schemes that do not require unlocking the device to make a payment, Positive said in a statement. Until June 2021, urchases could be made at any PoS terminals, not only in public transport. On iPhones, payments could be made even if the phone's battery is emptied. Prior to 2019, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay did not allow payments unless the phone was unlocked with a fingerprint, facial ID, or PIN code. But today, it has become possible by using public transport schemes or Apple's Express Transit mode.

Timur Yunosov, a Positive researcher, said in an interview that the risk still exists, but varies based on the combination of payment card brand (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) and device type.

If you use a Visa card on Apple Pay, anyone could take your phone  even uncharged  go to a luxury shop and buy something with your phone. Before June 2021, the same could have happened with the Samsung Pay/MasterCard pair, said Yunosov, who spoke last week at Black Hat Europe. But at some point, they silently fixed the issue. Google Pay is most at risk. If the NFC is enabled, someone could even clone your MasterCard card within a short period of time and use it later to buy goods. Even after all the changes that MasterCard made, its still a possibility for fraud against lost mobile wallets (Apple, Samsung, Visa, MasterCard, AMEX), although it requires special equipment, such as a modified POS or direct access to the transaction stream."

Given that this involves stolen devices, this raises a difficult IT question. For many enterprises, standard IT protocol when a device is labeled likely stolen is to remote wipe it, theoretically removing any further risk. But that may not work if the phone is not connected to the internet, is shut down or has a dead battery.

If the phone is uncharged, it's still possible to use it for identification. So information would not be wiped from the device. It also depends if the wiping mechanisms include deleting records from the security systems (e.g., a database of devices that belong to employees), it would be secure, Yunosov said. Otherwise, it might put the whole system at risk. Until we see these systems being implemented in big companies, this is all just speculation.

There is some good news  albeit temporarily, in theory. Other sensitive data on the phone should not be at risk. And if it is, a remote wipe should resolve issue, assuming that a proper remote wipe connection can be made.

But, as Yunosov pointed out, this flaw may get a lot worse. Apple is preparing a series of new value additional services, such as ways to access secure buildings. For speed and convenience, it might also use the same process in place for transit payments. That increases the universe of potential victims.

Another key issue: What happens if a thief does indeed make fraudulent purchases using the phone? Proving that the charges are fraudulent might be tricky. It would be extremely hard to prove to your issuing bank that you didn't pay for these things and that the phone was not unlocked with your fingerprint or PIN, Yunosov said.

Some victims might get lucky if there is a security camera filming the person making the purchase or if the victim can prove that they were somewhere else at the time of the theft.

It seems as if Apple could leverage the Apple Watch here. What if your Apple Watch constantly notes how far it is from the iPhone? And what if, at a predetermined distance, the watch allowed the user to disable the phone, either temporarily or permanently? Its important to give a user the option to temporarily disable; thats where the difference between a lost phone and a stolen phone kicks in.

The Watch could also tell the user exactly where the phone appears to be  or at least where it was when last detected. That information would help the user determine whether the phone is simply misplaced or has likely been stolen.

At the very least Apple, Google, and financial institutions need to remember that convenience shouldn't come at the cost of security. Because slowing down the subway line might be inconvenient, but dealing with fraud and theft is worse.
11/15/2021

Photo (c) andresr - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 47,084,497 (47,008,962)

Total U.S. deaths: 763,168 (762,876)

Total global cases: 253,543,995 (253,207,962)

Total global deaths: 5,103,757 (5,098,863)

Court permanently blocks vaccine mandate

After issuing a temporary stay a week ago, a federal appeals court has ruled that the Biden administration may not require private businesses to have fully vaccinated staffs. The three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals called it an overreach.

Rather than a delicately handled scalpel, the Mandate is a one-size fits-all sledgehammer that makes hardly any attempt to account for differences in workplaces (and workers) that have more than a little bearing on workers varying degrees of susceptibility to the supposedly grave danger the Mandate purports to address, the judges wrote.

The Biden administration had required vaccinations for all U.S. businesses with more than 100 employees. In their opinion, the judges wrote that the vaccine mandate places an undue financial burden on private businesses and could be a violation of the commerce clause to the U.S. Constitution.

Scientists probe whats behind the new outbreaks

After surging during the late summer, COVID-19 cases have declined in the South. The numbers mirror a gradual drop in the national numbers. But some states have recently experienced sharp increases -- mostly states in the Mountain West and along the northern border.

Scientists studying the numbers report that even in highly vaccinated states like Vermont, the spike in cases is being driven by unvaccinated people. When unvaccinated people are removed from the case tally, they say the increase isnt very much at all.

Neal Goldstein, an assistant research professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University, tells WHYY Radio in Philadelphia that it is unrealistic to expect the vaccine to prevent all cases, though data shows that significantly fewer infections occur among the vaccinated.

Unvaccinated not welcome at many Thanksgiving dinners, survey finds

Next weeks Thanksgiving holiday may mark more of a return to normal, except for one thing. A survey by OnePoll has found that three out of five hosts are not inviting unvaccinated relatives this year.

Two in three people who responded to the poll said they dont think they can go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated. Nearly six in 10 vaccinated respondents have reportedly cut off family members who refuse to get the vaccine. Sixty-three percent said they dont feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated relatives to their gatherings.

The poll exposes a sharp divide in American culture. Seventy-two percent of vaccinated people say they dont think they could persuade unvaccinated relatives that the vaccine is important. Half of the unvaccinated respondents have stopped talking to family members who dont understand why they wont get the shot.

Around the nation

Oklahoma: The newly appointed commander of the Oklahoma National Guard is reportedly breaking with Pentagon policy, saying the Guard will not enforce the Defense Departments COVID-19 vaccine mandate on its troops. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancinos appointment was announced last week, but he has yet to be confirmed by the state senate.

Minnesota: Several hospitals across the state say they are filling up quickly with patients who are infected with COVID-19, and state health officials say hospitalizations are at an all-time high. CentraCare, a major health care provider in the state, is pleading with the public to get vaccinated, to practice social distancing, and to mask up to protect against the Delta variant.

Virginia: State health department officials report that nearly three out of every four adults are vaccinated against the coronavirus, helping the state join the ranks of those with the highest rate of vaccinations. About 5.5 million Virginians are immunized, while about 2.4 million residents of the state are unvaccinated.

New York: New York City officials are reportedly investigating reports that some Sanitation Department workers used fake vaccination cards to comply with the citys vaccination mandate. A source tells WCBS-TV that department officials are probing reports that as many as 50 employees used counterfeit cards to keep working.
Congratulations, bestdirect.ca got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site:

Bestdirect.ca scored 70 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 19 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

bestdirect.ca is very popular in Facebook, Delicious and Google Plus. It is liked by 81 people on Facebook, it has 15 twitter shares and it has 7 google+ shares.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the bestdirect homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if bestdirect has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the bestdirect homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the bestdirect homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the bestdirect homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the bestdirect homepage on Twitter + the total number of bestdirect followers (if bestdirect has a Twitter account).

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PAGE TITLE BestDirect.ca - Canada's Technology Source DESCRIPTION BestDirect.ca - Canada's Technology Source. KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS



The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003

Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. The language of bestdirect.ca as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Operative System running on the server.

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Referring domains for bestdirect.ca by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

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Twitter account link

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Hh-dh.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 21 Mar 2015, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the hh-dh homepage on Twitter + the total number of hh-dh followers (if hh-dh has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the hh-dh homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if hh-dh has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the hh-dh homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the hh-dh homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the hh-dh homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE   DESCRIPTION  KEYWORDS , , 23, , , , , ,  OTHER KEYWORDS



The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE HTML 4.01 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE Japanese Japanese SERVER Apache/2.2.25 (PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. The language of hh-dh.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for hh-dh.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

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The type of Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND
Funeral service for Otis C. Harrison, Jr., 47, formerly of Oakwood, passed away November 6, 2021 in Cypress, CA. Viewing will be on, Monday, November 22 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Palestine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 23, at True Vine DOXA Center, Fairfie
Text:

There was no discussion, no warning, no incident of attack, no tension prevail / happened at the time of firing by BSF.

There is no reason for firing by the BSF at that time.

BSF fired total 7 round bullets.

Primarily BSF fired 6 rounds bullets which hit three Bangladeshi mens body and later fired one bullet from the point blank range to Barman.

Why was Barmans body not taken to the hospital after shooting rather he was left at the place of occurrence for more than about 9 hours?

Firing of BSF and subsequent death of Barman is a result of trigger happy BSF.

BSF version is that the victim was associated with cross border smuggling. If the man is actually a smuggler then in which Indian law it is stated that a smuggler can be shot dead by BSF?

If Barman was attached with smuggling activities, the on duty BSF easily can apprehend him and brought before court of law. Which they didnt.

BSF fired at Barman from point blank range and the place of firing is one kilometer inside territory from the international border.

Police officials of Sitai Police Station sent the body of the victim to the police station without taking him to the hospital at first or call a doctor at the place of occurrence.

As per complaint of BSF, they fired for self defense. What type of injury received by the guards which compel them to fire?

The perpetrators also violated the article 2,3,5,6 and 8 of Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials; Adopted by General Assembly resolution 34/169 of 17 December 1979 and basic tenets of Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders.

Under the circumstances we demand:

The BSF must be posted in actual border area and not inside villages

This incident of killing is showing systematic killing with impunity is going on regularly, which should be stopped.

The whole incident must be investigated by a neutral agency appointed by the Commission.

The guilty Border Security Force personnel involved must be booked and prosecuted in open court of law

Kingpins of international cattle smuggling business must be booked.

The family of the victim must be compensated

Security and safety of the witnesses and the family of victim must be protected. Killing to an accused is a criminal philosophy. The rule of law has rightly been accorded space in the Basic structure doctrine by the Constitution of India. Rule of law is the fundamental principle of governance of any civilized liberal democracy. The fundamental premise of rule of law is that every human being, including smugglers and the worst criminals, are entitled to basic human rights and due process.

The bulwarks of democracy, Police, BSF and other administrative officials do not have any interest to understand this and therefore, when any state authority reported that the victim was a smuggler, they think that bullet is the right way for the smugglers. Even a smuggler has a right to life and personal liberty enshrined in our Constitution. But the perpetrators are powerful enough and they did not show minimum respect to the Constitution of our country.

Therefore, I request to your Commission to look upon the whole incidents kindly take stern legal action on the human rights issue of a citizen in this country and even non citizens. Article 21 of Indian Constitution applies for both to citizens as well as non citizens.

To see our fact finding documentation, please watch

---

Click here for details of the victim The perpetrators also violated the article 2,3,5,6 and 8 of Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials; Adopted by General Assembly resolution 34/169 of 17 December 1979 and basic tenets of Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders.Under the circumstances we demand:Killing to an accused is a criminal philosophy. The rule of law has rightly been accorded space in the Basic structure doctrine by the Constitution of India. Rule of law is the fundamental principle of governance of any civilized liberal democracy. The fundamental premise of rule of law is that every human being, including smugglers and the worst criminals, are entitled to basic human rights and due process.The bulwarks of democracy, Police, BSF and other administrative officials do not have any interest to understand this and therefore, when any state authority reported that the victim was a smuggler, they think that bullet is the right way for the smugglers. Even a smuggler has a right to life and personal liberty enshrined in our Constitution. But the perpetrators are powerful enough and they did not show minimum respect to the Constitution of our country.Therefore, I request to your Commission to look upon the whole incidents kindly take stern legal action on the human rights issue of a citizen in this country and even non citizens. Article 21 of Indian Constitution applies for both to citizens as well as non citizens.To see our fact finding documentation, please watch this video ---

Kirity Roy, Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), and National Convenor, Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), Hooghly, West Bengal, in a letter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman, has alleged extra-judicial execution of a poor young Dalit, Prakash Barmar, who was shot dead on his head from point blank by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on the Bangladesh border.Roy, in his complaint, said, Firing of BSF and subsequent death of Barman is a result of trigger happy BSF, noting, BSF version is that the victim was associated with cross border smuggling. If the man is actually a smuggler then in which Indian law it is stated that a smuggler can be shot dead by BSF? He wonders, As per complaint of BSF, they fired for self defense. What type of injury received by the guards which compel them to fire?I want to draw your attention towards another incident of extra-judicial execution of a poor young man belonging from Scheduled caste community of Chamta village under Sitai police station area of Coochbehar district in West Bengal. The victim, Prakash Barman, aged about 35 years was shot on his head from point blank range by BSF personnel attached with West Chamta Border Out Post, Gandarmarka, 75 Battalion, Border Security Force.On the very moment when M Ajay Kumar Bhalla, IAS, was visiting West Bengal and pursuing for more power to BSF, those killings happened which shocked the state.Prakash Barman is the sole earning member of his family consisting of four members. On November 12, 2021 at about 2 am some BSF personnel attached with West Chamta Border Out Post, 75 Battalion caught Barman and fired bullet from point blank range which directly hit his head. After receiving bullet, the body of Barman was lying there for more than about 9 hours.Fact finding of MASUM reveals some valuable points on this killing. Those are:The incident violates the rights guaranteed in Article 21 of Indian Constitution and also the premise of Article 6 and 7 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as the Goal No 8, 9 and 16 of Sustainable Development Goal earmarked by United Nations and in both these international instruments; the government of India is a party and have agreement.
Most people understand that fiction is just that -- an important but imaginary divergence from reality. The real world inspires our stories, not the other way around. Unless it is the other way around. And it is. So very, very often. We don't know why we even bothered to pretend otherwise. It's just ... we get lonely, sometimes, up here in the intro. Most people skip over it. Thank you -- thank you for staying with us. To show our gratitude, here's an article about bizarre ways fiction influenced reality ...

5 Soldiers Think Torture Works Because It Looks So Cool On 24

24 is a TV show where Kiefer Sutherland miraculously avoids using the bathroom for a whole day. If you've seen even a couple episodes, there's no denying that the program has an obsession with torture. Over the course of the first five seasons, there were 67 torture scenes, which averages out to more than one every other episode. In most examples, it's the good guys doing it.

20th Television



"Tell me what I want to know or I'll heroically gouge your eye out."

Americans loved the show. Specifically, military personnel loved it. And the most important thing they learned was that torture is both an admissible and almost 100 percent effective method of extracting information. Neither of those things are remotely true, but on the odd occasion that 24 does ruminate briefly on the illegality of torture, Jack Bauer still manages to stab the correct information out of his illegally detained captives every single time, and anyone who questions him is treated with as much derision as the sneering police chief who keeps demanding Harry Callahan's gun and badge.
In an alternate reality, a Wisconsin politician could have changed the name of the United States of America to the United States of Earth. However, this proposal failed, and the man behind it fell out of politics about as quickly as the amendment did.

Amending the United States Constitution is an intentionally difficult process designed to filter out any petty ideas. Whether or not this is effective is up for debate. Regardless, it means that since the Constitution became the law of the United States, only 17 amendments have been added after the original Constitution with the Bill of Rights was ratified.

This doesnt mean that people havent tried to add other amendments. There are known to be nearly 12,000 proposed amendments, meaning that more than 99% of proposals fail. Searching through various failed amendments paints a humorous picture that shows what topics were on the minds of people and politicians throughout American history. Todays subject, though, takes us to 1893, where Representative Lucas Miltiades Miller of Wisconsin came to Congress with an idea.

"Osage City Free Press" newspaper (Osage City, KS)/Wiki Commons This is the face of a man who is planning a worldwide government.

Millers constitutional amendment would change the name of the country to the United States of Earth. Despite sounding like the name of a government in a budget sci-fi universe, Millers proposed name change was not a joke. It came with logic that was idealistic, weirdly imperialistic, or both. He thought that the United States was going to continue to expand, and if this expansion continued, territories all over the globe would become states of the Union. If this happened, the country truly would be the United States of Earth.
Your past can come back to haunt you, which is a lesson learned by each of the dozens of people this year who resigned in disgrace after being selected to host Jeopardy . But with some people, that past is so big and strange that it seems impossible they ever kept it secret. Just consider the following tales, a fair number of which involve Nazis.

5 The Secretary-General Of The UN Was Wanted For War Crimes, By The UN

From 1972 to 1982, Austrian diplomat and politician Kurt Waldheim was secretary-general of the United Nations. He teamed up with Paul McCartney to organize benefit concerts for Cambodian genocide victims and recorded a greeting for the Voyager Golden Records, so Waldheim is essentially Earth's eternal ambassador to the aliens. That's awkward for our planet because he's also a Nazi war criminal.

NASA Honestly, "shooting gold into space" does sound like a nutty Nazi idea.

The Crazy Past:

Everyone always knew Waldheim was drafted into the German army during World War II, quickly got wounded, and was sent home. People didn't know he then went on to serve in a unit in Yugoslavia deporting Jews to death camps and approved propaganda leaflets that said "kill the Jews," while people were regularly executed right outside his office. His own autobiography claimed he was an innocent civilian law student in Austria during this time.

Bernard Gotfryd "Aw, c'mon. Everyone lies about their college years, big deal!"

The UN did declare him a war crimes suspect in 1948, but he avoided investigation, rose in politics, and ended up being the guy who ran the whole UN. Meanwhile, the CIA and KGB did discover all about his past, but they didn't act publicly on the info, and they maybe-probably instead used it to blackmail him. Finally, the truth came out after Waldheim's time as secretary-general was done and he ran for president of Austria in 1986. Waldheims polling numbers improved after the scandal broke, and he got elected with 54% of the vote.
Yes, I have been a victim.

No, but not for lack of trying.

I don't think so.

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Two of Connecticuts leading elected officials have differing views on the Peoples United acquisition by M&T Bank as the regulatory review of the deal moves toward its completion.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he remains deeply skeptical that the Peoples United deal wont disrupt the local economy in Bridgeport and elsewhere in Connecticut. The deal is being reviewed by banking and anti-trust regulators at the federal level.

One of Blumenthals biggest concerns is how many Connecticut residents will lose their jobs as part of the deal: M&T notified the Connecticut Labor Department in July that 747 Peoples United workers would lose their jobs as a result of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year.

M&T officials have spent most of the time since then meeting with state and Bridgeport officials, trying to reassure them that fewer jobs will be lost than originally projected and committing to substantial community reinvestment. But Blumenthal still isnt convinced the deal should be approved and said he is considering submitting comments to federal regulators opposing the deal.

I rarely have seen mergers that serve the best interests of consumers, whether its depositors or borrowers, he said. They simply increase the power of the acquiring bank. Consumers often see none of the benefits.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said his focus is on protecting jobs from being lost.

At this point, my focus is not on whether this merger will proceed ... but how we can work with M&T to ensure that local jobs are protected, and that our communities remain a core priority, Tong said in a statement to Hearst Connecticut Media. M&T has made significant public commitments to its employees and to Connecticut workers, as well as to the City of Bridgeport.

Tale of two mergers

The Peoples United-M&T deal, is one of two mergers that will reshape the face of Connecticut banking. The merger will move the headquarters of the bank from Bridgeport to Buffalo, where M&T is based.

The other deal involves Waterbury-based Webster Bank relocating its headquarters to Stamford as part of its merger with Sterling National Bank, which is based in Rockland County in New York. That deal is also scheduled to close by the end of the year.

The M&T and Peoples United deal will result in an institution of roughly $170 billion in assets.

The Connecticut banking landscape has seen dramatic changes, beginning in 1985 with the first truly interstate banking merger between CBT and the Bank of New England, which was approved by the Supreme Court, said John Carusone, president of the Bank Analysis Center, a Hartford-based industry consulting firm. Thirty six years later, the Webster-Sterling and Peoples United-M&T deals will rearrange the industry one more time.

Carusone said the Webster-Sterling deal is a merger of equals.

In this case, two institutions of roughly equivalent size come together seeking to make financial alchemy, he said. Mergers and acquisitions between banks usually leave a trail of winners and losers from the transaction. A merger of equals is a different type of transaction.

The Webster-Sterling merger has attracted less attention largely because there has been no indication layoffs will occur as a result. However, Carusone said there still likely will be some layoffs once the deal is finalized.

Even in a merger of equals, Carusone said one institution always dominates based on its proportionate share of capital or quality of franchise or other factors.

In this case, Webster will be the nominal dominant bank with its shareholders owning about 50.4 percent of the combined bank, he said. Importantly, the CEO and ultimate chairman will be from Webster. Regrettably, Waterbury will lose a prestigious corporate headquarters with all that that implies, but aside from some top management staff, rank and file employees and customers should feel few negatives.

By merging two banks of the same size, Carusone said officials at Webster and Sterling are betting on the future and enlarging market share without disturbing the existing balance of contentedness between employees and customers.

That is how management will try to propel the stock price of the combined institution to greater value, he said. The deal will create the 50th largest bank in the country in terms of total assets, according to Carusone.

From his perspective as an elected official, Blumenthal said the Webster deal is different because Stamford is accessible from Waterbury for employees.

But as is the case in any merger, the key is control, who calls the shots, who is in charge of the decision making, he said.

Peoples layoffs

Economist Donald Klepper-Smith said both deals have significant economic consequences for Bridgeport, Waterbury and all of Connecticut. Klepper-Smith is chief economist and director of research for DataCore Partners and served as chairman of the governors Economic Advisory Council under Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

We have seen a hollowing out of corporate Connecticut, particularly in the finance sector, Klepper-Smith said. This deal has ramifications for residents, for taxpayers, for businesses. It is further evidence of a steady erosion of economic health and a step down in confidence.

As an example, loans and investments that might have been made when a bank had headquarters in Connecticut are less likely to be made when a local financial institution is acquired by an out-of-state bank, according to Klepper-Smith.

There is less institution knowledge about what is important to the local market when the decision-making process is not here in Connecticut, he said.

Klepper-Smith estimated that if the number of layoffs at Peoples United remains at 747 jobs, the economic impact to Connecticut would be another 1,100 jobs lost indirectly because a reduction in spending by those laid off.

For every dollar not spent, there's another $1.18 that is lost, he said. And you couldnt pick two more vulnerable cities to lose corporate headquarters from.

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim and Waterbury Mayor Neil OLeary could not be reached for comment about the impact of losing the two headquarters.

Webster officials said that although the combined company will be based in Stamford, the banks current headquarters at 145 Bank St. in Waterbury will be used for other corporate functions. Bank officials did not respond to questions from Hearst Connecticut Media if the merger would result in any layoffs.

M&Ts five-year plan

M&T announced on Oct. 25 a plan to provide $43 billion in loans, investments, and other financial support. The money will be spread out over communities served by Peoples United as well as those already served by M&T, according to bank officials.

At its core, M&T is a bank with a deep commitment to serve our communities and make a difference in people's lives, Rene Jones, M&Ts chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. We are also committed to taking action to help address inequities that have existed for years. This plan is another step in our journey to orient ourselves around what our communities need most.

Bank officials said the five-year plan of financial support, which will be rolled out shortly after the deal is closed, will be done to create greater economic opportunity for low-to-moderate income families and neighborhoods, as well as people and communities of color. Highlights of the plan include:

$23 billion in loans for home purchases, home equity and small businesses.

$20 billion for community development initiatives and affordable housing.

A $7 billion investment in the development of multi-family, affordable and workforce housing across the banks expanded footprint.

Designating as many as 115 branches throughout its expanded footprint as multicultural banking centers, in which bilingual branch staff can support the banking needs of the bank's non-English-speaking customers and offer guidance in their preferred language.

Tong said he will be watching closely to ensure M&T honors its promises regarding local branch services in historically underserved communities in Bridgeport, East Hartford, and other communities.

After early mixed messages and confusion, I appreciate the willingness of M&T to meet with me and other officials to discuss and affirm their commitments to Connecticut, he said. Should they waver on any of those commitments, they know to expect a call from me.

But Blumenthal said hes not aware if M&T has reduced the number of layoffs planned.

They have released information in dribs and drabs, he said. Whatever the number is, there are still too many layoffs in Connecticut.

Jones told Tong in an Aug. 5 letter that M&T had originally identified 691 workers would be based in Bridgeport post-merger.

M&Ts commitment (is) to having at least 1,000 employees in our regional headquarters in Bridgeport within the first 12 months following conversion, which we anticipate will take place in February 2022, Jones wrote in the letter. His reference to conversion refers to when banks that have been acquired switch their computer systems and change other elements.

But M&T officials declined to reveal to Hearst Connecticut Media whether the number of layoffs had changed.

A company spokesperson said if there are layoffs, they will occur after the deal has closed. M&Ts notification to the Connecticut Labor Department has said the layoffs were supposed to have started Oct. 1.

In an acquisition like Peoples United, Carusone said being the controlling bank means M&T calls the shots, which has important implications, particularly in terms of the amount of layoffs.

The buyer bank looks to earn back its premium it paid for the target bank by cutting redundant expenses, Carusone said.

Another impact that is felt when banks merge is that some of the financial philanthropic largesse with losing a large bank headquarters, Carusone said. And customers may come to feel they dont have the same access to key decision-makers in the bank since those are in another state, hundreds of miles away.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
NORWALK  After nine months of weekly offerings in Norwalk and 14 months of drive-thru pantries statewide, the Connecticut Food Bank ended its COVID-19 emergency services.

Connecticut Food Bank, which rebranded in September as Connecticut Foodshare, announced the closure of its drive-thru food distribution sites, including the Norwalk location. The last day for the sites was Oct. 30, according to a Foodshare statement.

The sites began in April 2020 as a two-week project to help feed at-risk communities during the first coronavirus lockdowns, but it lasted 18 months.

Foodshare first announced plans to open three drive-thru distribution sites in the state in January. The sites were to be in New London, Norwich and Norwalk, and replicate Foodshares emergency drive-thru food distribution at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

The weekly distribution site opened in Norwalk on Jan. 13 and was held at Calf Pasture Beach until moving to Veterans Park in May.

More drive-thru distributions began popping up around the state following the January announcement, with locations in Danbury, Putnum, Bridgeport, West Haven and East Hartford, among other municipalities, according to the Foodshare distribution schedule.

During its time in Norwalk, the drive-thru site served 1,619,628 pounds of food to 46,246 cars, Foodshare President and CEO Jason Jakubowski said last week.

Those are not unique families, there are people that came through multiple weeks, Jakubowski said. Its definitely a lot of food. Its kind of overwhelming when you think about it.

At the peak of the pandemic, the drive-thru sites were feeding more than 2,000 households daily. Over the course of the 18 months the eight drive-thru locations were open throughout Connecticut, demand waned as cases decreased, vaccinations increased and local providers were able to return to more regular service, Jakubowski said.

Maybe there were 1,800 and then it leveled off at about 1,000 and then less than 1,000, Jakubowski said. The other factor we look at too  not just the number of cars  the other piece of the puzzle is how does the rest of the network look? Is it up and running? We have five other options in the city of Norwalk alone. Theyre pretty much back up and running at full or near full capacity.

Foodshare works with five distribution sites in Norwalk: Person-to-Person, Open Doors, Salvation Army, New Life Church and St. Vincent De Paul, Jakubowski said.

There is never an easy time to end these emergency drive-thru distributions. There is always going to be somebody who doesnt have the same level of convenience they have by just driving through, Jakubowski said. The feedback weve gotten not just from the pantries but the state of Connecticut as a whole, we ended up doing these for much longer than intended and people were appreciative.

On Jan. 27, about two weeks after the drive-thru distribution began in Norwalk, 900 cars passed through, according to Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling.

Our volunteers and staff never missed a Wednesday despite rain, snow, sleet and hot sun for the entire program, Rilling said. Sadly, food insecurity remains a very real challenge for many in our community. We will continue to work with our partners to make food resources available to our most vulnerable residents.

For those still in need of food assistance in Norwalk, several food pantries are available.

Norwalk compiled a list of food and meal distribution sites in the city to help ease food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The list, which includes 14 Norwalk nonprofits, churches and organizations, distribute meals or offer food pantries on a weekly or daily basis.

Among the sites, Open Doors shelter offers weekday pantry and daily takeaway meal options, and the Norwalk Senior Center offers weekday meal deliveries.

Statewide, Foodshare continues to work with about 700 community partners and distribution sites across the state, according to the statement.

We always said that these emergency distributions would not last forever and given Connecticuts high vaccination rate and active job market, its time for us to shift back to our regular programming, Jakubowski said. We have nearly 700 community partners throughout the state, which means there are numerous options for people to access food after these drive-thru sites close.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
A growing wave of cyberattacks is threatening governments, businesses and everyday residents. Across the globe, there is a critical shortage of skilled professionals to guard against these criminals.

But the situation is especially dire in Connecticut, which has struggled mightily to grow its cybersecurity workforce, data show, alarming public officials and private industry alike.

The states cybersecurity workforce increased by only 1 percent between 2015 and 2020, which was the seventh slowest rate in the nation, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By comparison, the ranks of these key professionals more than doubled in a dozen states over that timeframe. Other, more recent data suggests Connecticuts cybersecurity workforce actually shrunk slightly over the past year.

Peter Denious, president and CEO of the economic development nonprofit AdvanceCT, said the state must do more to grow its cybersecurity and tech workforce.

Cybersecurity is like an arms race, he said. Malicious actors out there are constantly evolving and finding new vulnerabilities. There has to be a matching investment of time and expertise to meet the challenge.

Indeed, the problem has the attention of Governor Ned Lamonts office, which has taken steps to try to address the workforce shortage.

Likewise, businesses in Connecticut are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity, Denious said. Many turn to outsourcing options to help shore up defenses. Connecticut, like many other states, is trying to keep up, he said.

Globally, cybersecurity experts are in extraordinarily high demand. An analysis from Cyberseek, a public-private partnership that measures cybersecurity workforce shortages in the United States, notes the talent gap is severe in every state besides Maine.

Nationally, the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs is estimated to be 464,000, including 3,800 in Connecticut, according to Cyberseek, which is backed by a subdivision of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The shortage comes as employers across Connecticut are increasingly reporting that sensitive, private information about residents  like Social Security numbers, addresses and medical records  was compromised. Records from the state Attorney Generals office show the number of reported data breaches has climbed by 20% each year over the last three years. And so far in 2021, breaches have affected more than twice as many residents as in 2018.

The records maintained by the AGs office, which are required by law to be reported, does not distinguish between targeted attacks by criminals and accidental breaches, such as a lost thumb drive or computer with sensitive data stored on it, or mail with personal information on it inadvertently sent to the wrong address. But the office believes more breaches in recent years are attributable to external threats.

Just this week, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong urged Connecticut residents to take caution after the popular stock trading platform Robinhood reported a breach that exposed the email addresses of 2 million users.

Accurate accounts of the number of attacks targeting citizens and organizations in each state are sparse. Though, one source, the cybersecurity firm PCMatic, singles out Connecticut organizations as having experienced the fourth-highest rate of ransomware attacks, where criminals lock up computers and access to private data and demand payment for their return, since 2016.

The state's utilities must be particularly wary of cyberthreats, given the risk of essential services being cut off to citizens. For example, attackers were able to stop operation of the Colonial Pipeline, which spans most of the country and supplies fuel to millions, earlier this year.

A committee of utilities and cybersecurity leaders meets and submits a report to the state annually; shortages in personnel are often a topic of concern. In a statement, a spokeswoman for the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said its members in Connecticut are facing a limited pool of qualified professionals.

"All companies face this challenge, not just Connecticut's regulated utilities," the spokeswoman said. "Smaller companies have a more difficult time hiring and retaining trained personnel, because they often cannot bring the same resources to bear to compete with hiring or retaining these sought-after employees."

The shortage of cybersecurity workers in Connecticut follows a broader trend of a stagnant tech workforce in the state.

The widely cited annual Cyberstates report from the nonprofit trade association CompTIA places Connecticut in 43rd nationwide this year in the number of tech jobs the state has added, signaling slow growth in the overall tech workforce.

The cybersecurity workforce in Connecticut even decreased in size slightly between 2020 and 2021, according to the CompTIA report. Only five other states saw larger declines than Connecticut. Nationwide, the field grew overall during that period.

The nonprofit projects that nationally, the cybersecurity field will be the fastest-growing among all tech occupations between 2020 and 2030.

Whether Connecticut will see that same job growth in the high-paying field remains to be seen.

Lamonts administration has made the issue an area of focus.

His office announced on Monday the state would participate in CyberStart America, a nationwide educational initiative geared toward encouraging high school students to explore the field given the massive shortage of cybersecurity professionals, according to a press release.

The state-funded technical high school system is also playing a part in graduating students with cybersecurity skills. Don Mason, an educational consultant for the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, said roughly 750 students each year choose one of the IT tracks across the network of 17 high schools. Then, some will graduate with specializations in cybersecurity. Mason said the schools are offering adult-level certifications to students.

Mason said the system often hears from companies in great need of more cybersecurity professionals that are hoping to tap into the talent at the technical high schools.

Were working very hard to let kids know about the need, he said.

Even kids as young as elementary and middle school should be exposed to the idea that working in the IT field could be for them, Mason said.

While many other industries also need high-skill workers, one argument in favor of coming to the tech field, including cybersecurity, is the higher wages: The mean wage for information security experts in Connecticut in 2020 was $103,000, higher than the state average for all types of jobs by $38,000, according to the BLS.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Kyle Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them and wounding the third, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year. Rittenhouse argued that he fired in self-defense after the men attacked him. Here's a look at the charges that prosecutors carried into court, as well as lesser charges that the judge put before the jury in his final instructions.

COUNT 1: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESS HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This felony charge was connected to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Bystander video shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing a plastic bag at him. Rittenhouse flees behind a car and Rosenbaum follows. Video introduced at trial showed Rittenhouse wheeling around and firing as Rosenbaum chased him. Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was trailing Rittenhouse, testified that Rosenbaum lunged for Rittenhouse's gun.

Reckless homicide differs from intentional homicide in that prosecutors weren't alleging that Rittenhouse intended to murder Rosenbaum. Instead, they were alleging that Rittenhouse caused Rosenbaum's death in circumstances showing an utter disregard for human life.

The charge was punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The dangerous weapon modifier carried an additional five years.

COUNT 2: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This felony charge was connected to the Rosenbaum shooting. McGinniss told investigators he was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum. The charge would have been punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier carried an additional five years.

COUNT 3: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

Video shows an unknown man leaping at Rittenhouse and trying to kick him seconds before Anthony Huber moves his skateboard toward him. Rittenhouse appears to fire two rounds at the man but apparently misses as the man runs away.

This charge is a felony punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier again would have added up to five more years.

COUNT 4: FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This charge was in Huber's death. Video shows Rittenhouse running down the street after shooting Rosenbaum when he falls to the street. Huber leaps at him and swings a skateboard at his head and neck and tries to grab Rittenhouse's gun before Rittenhouse fires. The criminal complaint alleged Rittenhouse aimed the weapon at Huber.

Intentional homicide means just that  a person killed someone and meant to do it. A conviction would have meant a mandatory life sentence. The weapons modifier would have added up to five years.

The jury also was given the option of second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide in Huber's death.

Second-degree intentional homicide would have been punishable by up to 60 years in prison.

The first-degree reckless homicide charge sought in Huber's death matched an original charge in Rosenbaum's death  it would have required jurors to decide that Rittenhouse caused Huber's death with an utter disregard for human life  and would have been punishable by up to 60 years in prison.

COUNT 5: ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON

This was the charge for Rittenhouse shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm seconds after he shot Huber, and as Grosskreutz came toward him holding a pistol. Grosskreutz survived. Video shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at Grosskreutz and firing a single round.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 60 years. The weapons modifier would have added up to five more years.

The jury also was given the option of considering second-degree attempted intentional homicide and first-degree reckless endangerment charges.

The possible punishment for attempted second-degree intentional homicide is 30 years. Attempted first-degree reckless endangerment is punishable by up to 12 1/2 years.

COUNT 6: POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON BY A PERSON UNDER 18

The judge dismissed this charge on Monday.

Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. He was 17 years old on the night of the shootings. Wisconsin law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except for hunting or when supervised by an adult in target practice or instruction in the proper use of a dangerous weapon. Rittenhouses attorneys argued that another subsection of the law, regarding short-barreled rifles, provided grounds for dismissing the charge.

Prosecutors argued the defense was misreading the statute, and Schroeder had earlier twice declined to dismiss the charge. But the judge also had said the statute was confusing. After prosecutors conceded that the rifle was not short-barreled, Schroeder dismissed the charge.

COUNT 7: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN EMERGENCY ORDER FROM STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Rittenhouse was charged with being out on the streets after an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the city, a minor offense that carries a fine of up to $200. The judge dismissed this charge during the trial, saying the prosecution didn't offer enough evidence to prove it.

___

Find the APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont said Monday he won't seek reelection next year to the seat he's held since 1975, signaling an end to a career that's included major roles on issues such as civil liberties and financing the government and that began before four of his current colleagues were born.

Its time to come home, said Leahy, 81. He made the announcement in the Vermont State House, blocks from where he grew up.

The decision by Leahy, among the Senate's more liberal members, marks the end of a political era. Hes the last of the so-called Watergate babies, the surge of congressional Democrats elected in 1974 after President Richard Nixon resigned to avoid impeachment.

He's also among a dwindling group from a more collegial era when senators had more harmonious relationships despite ideological differences. Among those is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., now one of Congress' sharpest partisans, who's served alongside Leahy for over three decades and praised him warmly as "an all-time Senate institution."

Leahy became the first Democrat facing reelection next year in the 50-50 Senate to say he'll retire. His state has shifted from solidly Republican to deep blue while he's been senator, and his seat seems securely in Democratic hands.

He chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which injects him into this fall's budget fight. He was chair or top Democrat on the Judiciary committee for two decades and was atop the Agriculture panel for 10 years. But inside the Capitol, he's equally known as a photography buff who wanders the corridors with a camera slung around his neck and for shepherding around celebrities including members of his beloved Grateful Dead.

In keeping with his hobby, Leahy took pictures at the White House on Monday as President Joe Biden signed the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. He told reporters that Biden, a Senate colleague for decades, "was kind enough to call me at home over the weekend, but he declined to provide details.

Leahy is the longest-serving sitting senator, and by the time his term expires in January 2023, he'll have served for 48 years, the third-longest tenure ever. He's the fifth-oldest current senator, among six 80-somethings in the chamber who include his Vermont colleague Bernie Sanders, 80.

Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., were born after Leahy entered the Senate.

Atop the Senate Appropriations Committee, Leahy has followed that panel's tradition and worked closely with senior Republican Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama as it distributes hundreds of billions of dollars among federal agencies and to lawmakers' states. But the process has devolved into an annual struggle to prevent federal shutdowns as the two parties fight over federal borrowing and other issues.

We're different. We've got different political philosophies," Shelby, 87 and also retiring, said in an interview. Shelby said his and Leahy's goal is to fund the government and we have to do that working together."

Leahy will leave the chamber after eight terms with a record of promoting human rights, working to ban land mines and championing the environment.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, he helped write the 2001 Patriot Act, which strengthened government surveillance capabilities and criminal penalties against convicted terrorists, even as he helped limit its intrusions into civil liberties. More recently, he worked on legislation aimed at curbing the government's ability to get Americans' private telephone data.

He's one of the few senators who have voted on the nomination of every current Supreme Court justice, supporting all three Democratic nominees and opposing every GOP pick except for Chief Justice John Roberts. He's helped write bills on gun control, patents and land mines, which led to his friendship with rock musician Bono, a fellow land mine opponent whom he's shown around the Capitol.

An ardent Batman fan, Leahy has appeared briefly in five Batman movies, telling the Joker in The Dark Knight in 2008, Were not intimidated by thugs.

And he's given Capitol tours to members of the Grateful Dead, the classic rock group he followed for decades and whose concerts he sometimes attended on stage. He's said that while onstage once, he took a call from an official who unwittingly asked him to lower his radio so he could talk to President Bill Clinton.

Would I call myself a Deadhead? With pride, Leahy once said.

As the longest-serving member of the Senate's majority party, Leahy is that chamber's president pro tempore. That largely ceremonial post makes him third in line to the presidency, after Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

It was in that role that Leahy presided last February over the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. Leahy was hospitalized briefly the evening before the trial after not feeling well, was sent home and gaveled the proceedings to order the next morning.

Leahy is the only Democrat to have ever served as a Vermont senator, though his colleague Sanders, an independent, caucuses with the Democrats. Yet Democrats' hold on Leahy's seat next year became even stronger Monday after GOP Gov. Phil Scott, viewed as his party's strongest potential challenger, seemed to take himself out of the running.

Governor Scott has been clear that he is not running for the U.S. Senate next year. That has not changed, Scotts press secretary Jason Maulucci said by email. Scott, who frequently clashed with Trump, in a statement called Leahy an incredible champion for Vermonters.

Many in Vermont think Democratic Rep. Peter Welch, the tiny state's only House member, will want to replace Leahy. Welch issued a statement praising him but saying nothing about running.

Democrats control the 50-50 Senate because of Harris' tiebreaking vote, making every seat crucial in next year's election.

But the GOP is defending 20 seats to Democrats' 14. Of the five announced GOP retirees, three are in states that seem competitive  North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania. One Republican senator who's not yet announced whether he'll seek reelection is Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, a swing state.

___

Fram reported from Washington. Ring reported from Stowe, Vt. Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this report from Washington.
BANGKOK (AP)  American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar and was sentenced last week to 11 years of hard labor, was freed Monday and began his journey home.

Fenster was handed over to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate the release, and the two landed in Doha, Qatar.

I'm feeling all right physically, a bearded Fenster, in baggy drawstring pants and a knit hat, told journalists on the tarmac. "Its just the same privations and things that come with any form of incarceration. You just go a little stir-crazy. The longer it drags on, the more worried you are that its just never going to end. So that was the biggest concern, just staying sane through that.

While still jailed, Fenster told his lawyer that he believed he had COVID-19, though prison authorities denied that.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. Days before his conviction, he learned he had been charged with additional violations of terrorism and treason statutes that put him at risk of an even longer sentence of life in prison.

He is one of more than 100 journalists, media officials or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February, and his was the harshest sentence yet.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement emailed by his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Fenster has been in detention since he was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area to see his family.

We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, his family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

The exact allegations against Fenster were never clear, but much of the prosecution's case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the military's seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

Fenster, a native of the Detroit area, has a masters degree in creative writing from Wayne State University, and had worked for a newspaper in Louisiana before moving to Southeast Asia, according to Deadline Detroit, a news website to which he was an occasional contributor.

His brother, Bryan Fenster, has said he had passion for writing about folks who struggle and fight for social justice and was particularly interested in the plight of people from the Muslim Rohingya minority, hundreds of thousands of whom fled Myanmar during a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by the army in 2017.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean said Fenster was "one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup.

According to the U.N., at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

In a statement broadcast on state TV, the military said that Fenster had been released at the request of Richardson and the chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association. Japan, unlike the United States and the European Union, does not take a publicly confrontational stance with the military-installed government, and would like to see improved relations between Myanmar and the West.

The generals in Myanmar were convinced that it wasnt worth it to hang on to Danny, U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan, who represents the Fenster family in Congress, told Detroit radio station WWJ. He was innocent, and he was just an annoyance for them. If they kept him and anything really happened to him, we would never forget it. We would never forgive them.

Richardson said he discussed Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ruler.

Richardson is known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994, when as a member of Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place."

Myanmars military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges," Crispin added.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the mass amnesty did not take place on Oct. 21. It was carried out on Oct. 19-20.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
SEVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A small Florida down is canceling its decades long annual turkey shoot to help feed needy families, saying the price of birds has more than doubled.

For nearly 70 years, residents of Seville fired shotguns at targets hoping to win a frozen turkey. But non-profit organizers said they simply can't afford the expensive gobblers, which usually cost between 50 to 70 cents per pounds.
SPANISH LAKE, Mo. (AP)  A 9-year-old boy was injured by a stray bullet while inside a home in the suburbs north of St. Louis.

St. Louis County police said officers went to the home near Spanish Lake, Missouri, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Friday and found the boy with a gunshot wound. His injuries were not considered life threatening, but he was taken to an area hospital for treatment.
How many people are currently in the market for the products and services you offer?

10%? No.

5%? No.

1%? No.

Usually, its a tiny fraction of 1%.

When youre trying to reach that tiny fraction of 1% of consumers who are actively searching for a product or service you offer, your features and benefits are important to them.

What will make the other 99.9% of consumers who arent ready for your auto loan or to make the switch to your checking product take notice right now?

Quit being in a hurry. Stop waiting until the last minute to put your message out there. No more quick bursts of cocaine advertising (that quick promo that gives you a momentary high).

Instead, make a stand to impress future members with warm stories that catch their attention, create a smile and earn a place in their heart and mind, so they think of you first and like you the best when the need arises. It takes courage and patience, but its how you win the race.

How do you do this? Consider the Simon Sinek talk about finding your why, that one youve heard at every conference but never gets any traction within your credit union. Why is that? Why is something so inspiring so useless for so many? Most of the time you end up describing the outcome you are hoping to create, or you just approach your Unique Selling Proposition from a new and different angle, instead of digging deep into your soul for that WHY. Go back into the history books and recreate your origin story.

If your origin story could be told by any of your competitors, you have not created an origin story. You are simply telling us about your passion or what you hope to accomplish.

Consider this, in terms of the bio of an artist: My mother tells me I was painting before I could talk.

Those are simply the background telling the longevity of a passion, not the WHY, or the origin story.

The first time I saw the Mona Lisa I was instantly enthralled, and it made me want to paint

I saw the ability to communicate a story or a thought in a way no one else could

There is no template for this, no pattern to follow. There is only a unique story of a moment in time that captures the WHY of your credit union.

In a recent article, Chip Filson so eloquently captured the success of two of the largest credit unions in the country that have stayed true to their WHY and how it has sustained their success:

Credit unions [have] shied away from their unique design, urging consumers to see them as better than banking. Instead of replacing the competition, credit unions mimicked the institutions with which they compete. Trying to beat the competition by becoming its shadow.

Both Navy Federal and State Employees Credit Union in North Carolina are the examples Filson used. The challenge is not size, expansion or even growth. Navy Federal has been able, even at $150 billion, to focus on members as the mission. With an added inference that not everyone can join, which is why you should.

When youre creating your marketing strategy and messaging for 2022, remember 99.9% of your audience isnt ready to buy into your features and benefits yet. Share a story. Share your credit unions story so your credit union will be top of mind when their current bank pisses them off again, or theyre finally ready to buy a car or home or have an urgent last-minute need their savings wont quite cover.

Chip said it best in the closing of his article:

Credit unions will rarely out-market competitors. The two largest credit unions in the country retain the connection with members as the center of their strategy and messaging efforts. Their belief is that great organizations create great brands; great branding does not build great firms.
For much of the past 30 days and for much of the next few months, hundreds of eviction cases will be heard as rental property owners and managers seek to boot out non-paying or woefully behind renters.
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Rain. Areas of patchy fog. High 58F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 32F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Reva Mae Love, age 75, of Dalton, Georgia passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. She was born on September 10, 1946. She is preceded in death by parents, Herbert and Lela "Grant" Lawson; brother, Charles Lawson. She is survived by her husband, Bubba (Harold) Love of Dalton; son, Brian F
Last Thursday, China revealed its coal miners had achieved an all-time record by digging up 12.05million tonnes in one day.

Just two days later the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases reduced Cop26 minister Alok Sharma almost to tears by refusing to 'phase out' coal in the final summit agreement.

Judged by the benchmarks set by Mr Sharma and Boris Johnson before the conference, Cop had failed  thanks to China.

Yesterday, green campaigners hailed some modest successes, such as pledges to reduce methane. But back in the real world, China  whose president, Xi Jinping, did not even turn up  is still building coal-fired power stations at a rate of knots and the 'agreement' it reached with America to 'co-operate' on global warming lacked any substance.

Yet the campaigners in Glasgow barely mentioned  let alone criticised  China. A spokesman for Insulate Britain told me: 'We mustn't use China as a scapegoat.'

Some campaigners even heap praise on China. So why is there such an apparent lack of concern? One answer lies in a book called Hidden Hand: Exposing How The Chinese Communist Party Is Reshaping The World, by Clive Hamilton and Mareike Ohlberg. Serialised in the Mail last year, it argues that China has extended its influence over certain institutions in Britain and other democracies in order to blind them to Beijing's drive for supremacy.

Yesterday, green campaigners hailed some modest successes, such as pledges to reduce methane. But back in the real world, China  whose president, Xi Jinping, did not even turn up  is still building coal-fired power stations at a rate of knots, writes David Rose (file image)

China, the book says, seduces politicians, business people, academics and campaigners into supporting its aims. It regards them as 'useful idiots'  unwitting instruments of its goal of becoming the world's only superpower.

Evidence unearthed by this newspaper, working with researchers fluent in Mandarin, shows Western environmentalists have indeed become a target. Documents suggest they are enmeshed with bodies subordinate to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and staffed by figures from its most ruthless departments.

They include Xie Zhenhua, China's chief climate envoy. Until 2012, he was a member of the central commission for discipline inspection, which enforces state orthodoxy. According to Human Rights Watch, it has been responsible for illegal detention, torture and forced confessions.

Just two days later the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases reduced Cop26 minister Alok Sharma almost to tears by refusing to 'phase out' coal in the final summit agreement

'I'm dismayed that some leading Western environmentalists are talking up the CCP as the saviour of the world,' Hamilton says. Take, for example, Professor Lord Stern, chairman of the Grantham research institute on climate change at the London School of Economics, who advises government.

Having taught in China since 1998, in 2009 he told a Chinese magazine he had 'close contacts' with CCP officials. In 2014, he wrote a paper for the World Economic Forum claiming China was 'emerging as a global leader in climate policy'. In 2016 he claimed China's emissions 'may already have peaked'. They hadn't. The following year, he insisted there was 'compelling evidence' China's coal use had also peaked.

Stern even praised president Xi's 'personal commitment to driving climate action', concluding: 'The world is looking for a climate champion. In China, it has one.' But in March he sounded less optimistic, saying it is 'crucial' China stops building new coal-fired power plants and stops increasing its emissions by 2025.

Nevertheless, Bob Ward, Stern's spokesman, told me China was taking 'significant action' and the rate of increase in its emissions had slowed enormously. He said China was 'keen to learn from the UK's example of world-leading action on climate change'.

Nevertheless, Bob Ward, Stern's spokesman, told me China was taking 'significant action' and the rate of increase in its emissions had slowed enormously. He said China was 'keen to learn from the UK's example of world-leading action on climate change'

Stern attended September's annual conference in Beijing of the China council for international co-operation on environment and development  where he reportedly lauded Xi's vision of an 'ecological society'. Also present were a veritable who's who of British, European and US environmental crusaders, including representatives of the London-based legal charity ClientEarth, and the WWF.

Another was Kate Hampton, chief executive of the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), which donates tens of millions a year to green groups such as Extinction Rebellion. She told the conference she 'supported Chinese leadership on setting the global path'. In May, she addressed a Beijing investment forum, praising China's 'determination to phase out coal'  the phrase vetoed by Xie at Cop26.

What's more, Hampton is co-chair of the board of the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition, run by China's environment ministry. It is an offshoot of President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative which Chinese leaders have said is the means by which China will supplant America. The CIFF, the WWF and ClientEarth run branches in China. Under Chinese law, any foreign organisation must submit to 'close supervision' by the ministry of public security, in charge of crushing dissent. Any group 'harming the national interest' risks having its staff jailed.

Canadian Patricia Adams, director of the think-tank Probe International, knows this threat is not theoretical. In 2015, two Chinese experts she was working with were jailed for 'picking quarrels and provoking troubles', the charge used against dissidents.

Meanwhile, documents suggest president Xi's plan to create an 'ecological civilisation' is a means of furthering China's dominance (stock image)

Meanwhile, documents suggest president Xi's plan to create an 'ecological civilisation' is a means of furthering China's dominance.

At a meeting of the foreign environmental co-operation centre, Chen Xiangyang, the director of an arm of China's spy agency, said ecological civilisation was part of 'China's plans for a shared future for mankind'.

But green groups insist 'engaging' with China helps the planet.

A CIFF spokesman said: 'China is the world's largest emitter and its transition to a net-zero economy is of utmost importance. CIFF's work in China aims to accelerate this transition.'

ClientEarth said: 'We are focused on reducing pollution and bringing down emissions both in China and from its overseas investments.' The WWF said 'all countries need to contribute towards reducing emissions' but China 'can and should do more'.

Hamilton remains unimpressed. He told me: 'China's government is cynical and ruthless. Yet Western environmentalists wander around telling us China is building a harmonious and beautiful world for all. Seriously?'
Former Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell has been exposed as one of the biggest earners in Parliament, making 180,000 on top of his 82,000 MPs salary from six consultancies with investment banks and accountancy firms.

But Mitchell, who started in the Whips Office when John Major was prime minister, reveals his greatest Commons heroes were cut from rather different cloth.

In Beyond A Fringe: Tales From A Reformed Establishment Lackey, he writes how he was in awe of two senior whips who had been awarded the Military Cross for heroism in World War II.

Colonel Bob Boscawen, a tank commander, was severely wounded and left disfigured, with burns to his face and body, when an enemy shell pierced his tank in April 1945, the last full month of the war in Europe.

Former Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell has been exposed as one of the biggest earners in Parliament ANDREW PIERCE writes

He spent three years in and out of hospital recovering.

Colonel Carol Mather was captured by the Italians in Libya in 1942 and transferred to Italy by submarine, but escaped nine months later by walking 600 miles through the Apennine mountains to Allied lines.

Three years later, Mather was hit by four bullets when the Auster observation plane in which he was travelling was shot down over the Netherlands. He was badly injured and lost a kidney.

Mitchell records an interesting exchange after a visit to the Whips Office by then home secretary Douglas Hurd, who was wearing a Loden coat, a style of attire common in pre-war Germany.

He says: When Hurd left, one of the colonels turned to the other and observed: Huh. Last time I saw a man wearing a coat like that, I shot him.

Pam makes a stanza to save the world

Celebrity versifier Pam Ayres has penned a ditty in support of the climate change battle

Celebrity versifier Pam Ayres has penned a ditty in support of the battle against climate change.

I bought a bamboo toothbrush, As Id like to save the planet,

I bought it for each kittiwake And albatross, and gannet,

To try to send a message out to everyone like me

Who always bought the plastic ones, Which end up in the sea.

With poems like these, the green lobby youre certain to please, Pam!

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorriess call for the BBC to end its anti-Government comedy bias has fallen on deaf ears. Next weeks guests on Have I Got News For You are Left-leaning comic Phil Wang and Baroness Warsi, the former Tory Cabinet minister. Sayeeda dislikes the Government so much, Wang will actually be providing the balance, says an insider.

Impressionist Rory Bremner says: There have been so many U-turns under Boris Johnsons leadership that the Met Office should give them names. How about Hurricane Owen for the latest?

An interesting footnote from backbencher John Howell, first elected MP for Henley-on-Thames in a 2008 by-election after Boris Johnson resigned to be Mayor of London.

He told primary school pupils: I was told I had big shoes to fill after Boris. I talked to him after that and he told me, My shoe size is 9.5, and I responded, I take size 10, and we had a good laugh about it.

With Boris dancing faster than a Riverdance pro trying to sidestep sleaze claims, Howell probably would not want to be in the PMs shoes right now.

Khans in fast lane to hypocrisy

London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently expanded the ultra-low emission zone from Central London farther north and south

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has shown his flair for double standards once again.

Khan, right, who spoke at Cop26, burnished his environmental credentials last month by expanding the ultra-low emission zone from Central London farther north and south.

The Labour Mayor estimates 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries will trigger the daily 12.50 levy in the enlarged zone  plus the 15 congestion charge.

This is the same Sadiq Khan who last week endorsed the idea of a Formula One Grand Prix in Londons East End, where the cars would belch out fumes in an area he has already warned is one of the most polluted in the capital.
What is so frightening about Sundays devastating explosion is that MI5 clearly hadnt the remotest inkling that it might happen.

The fact that an attack with such potentially catastrophic consequences was not foiled will undoubtedly have been one of the focal points at the Cobra meeting urgently convened yesterday afternoon.

Security agency sources suggest that the bomber was not on any MI5 watchlists. A bomb factory has been found that was linked to him. And four people have been arrested under the terrorism act. This is a deeply worrying situation.

What is so frightening about Sundays Liverpool bomb attack (pictured) is that MI5 clearly hadnt the remotest inkling that it might happen

Security agency sources suggest that the bomber was not on any MI5 watchlists. A bomb factory has been found that was linked to him

It was barely two months ago that the director general of MI5 Ken McCallum warned that the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan following the Wests miserable retreat from the country would provide a morale boost to extremists already here or in other countries, so we need to be vigilant.

Since then, his words seem to have been tragically prophetic. We have had the appalling assassination of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. And now this attack in Liverpool.

Mr McCallum added at the time that the UK could expect more low sophistication attacks  terrorists with kitchen knives.

And he later asserted that lockdown may have bred a new wave of bedroom radicals  young men acting alone, and prepared to die if necessary, who are desperate to prove their worth in the fight against the western infidels.

In the case of Sir David, his killer awaits trial on a murder charge.

We have yet to discover whether the Liverpool bomber was acting alone.

But what is incontestable is the sheer ambition of the plan which seems to have directly targeted women and children on one of the most precious national days of the year.

Had the bomber managed to get into the hospital, had the bomb not misfired, the potential consequences do not bear thinking about.

Initial reports suggested that the intended destina-tion of the bomber had actually been Liverpools Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered for the citys Service of Remembrance.

This made sense given the timing  10.59am on Remembrance Sunday, just before our often all-too divided country comes together to observe the 11am two minutes silence.

The suicide bomber who died inside a taxi when his device blew up outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday has been unmasked as a pizza-baking Christian convert and failed asylum seeker Enzo Almeni, 32, (pictured)

But the fact that the Womens Hospital itself now appears to have been the target is a significant and terrifying development  the first suicide bomb attack on a hospital in this country.

Again, Afghanistan springs to mind. Last month, 19 people were killed and about 50 others wounded in an attack by the Isis affiliate Isis-K on a military hospital in Kabul. Are we now feeling the catastrophic consequences here of this countrys withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan earlier this year?

The truth is there are enormous challenges faced by our security services in keeping us as safe as they can, and we must all be grateful for their ongoing work: Since 2017, a total of 31 late-stage terror plots have been foiled.

Nonetheless, weve had two unexpected attacks in as many months.

The public has a right to expect MI5 and the counter-terrorist police to know if explosives of the strength that were detonated on Sunday are circulating somewhere and being manufactured in someones back room in an ordinary Liverpool home. The very existence of the bomb  and of the factory it presumably came from  is, I fear, a harbinger of worse to come, something that appears to be borne out by the raising of the threat level to severe yesterday afternoon.

Yet we must never be cowed. Unremitting strength is a quality that we in turn must now show in the wake of this atrocity.

We must demonstrate to those who wish to do us harm that we will never tolerate their murderous schemes.

Professor Anthony Glees is a security and intelligence expert at the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) at the University of Buckingham.
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While the story of the how the Rothschild family pulled themselves out of poverty to become one of the wealthiest families in the world has long been told, the women of the family have remained faceless.

From those who helped build the bank up in the 1800s, to others who rejected their wealthy family's expectation completely, a new book has told the story behind the relatively unknown women of the Rothschild family.

The Women of Rothschild: The Untold Story of the World's Most Famous Dynasty, by Natalie Livingstone, journalist and historian, explores in detail each generation of the family's impressive women.

Livingtone, who is married to property billionaire Ian Livingstone - owner of the Cliveden estate - previously wrote The Mistresses of Cliveden, detailing the lives of women who lived in the house whose histories were overlooked in favour of more famous men.

It's a similar theme for her latest book, which took six years of research starting at the Jewish Museum in Frankfurt, when she discovered that the five daughters of Gutle and Mayer Rothschild had 'just been written out of history', after their father set the tone in his will in 1812, saying that women must not be part of the bank or directly inherit wealth.

I would never be able to forgive any of my children if, contrary to these my paternal wishes, it should be allowed to happen that my sons were upset in the peaceful possession and prosecution of their business interests, he said.

Among those featured include the founding matriarch of the family, Gutle, whose dowry is the very reason the bank exists in the first place, as well as Henriette who became a renowned society hostess.

From those who became a driving force in the late nineteenth-century women's movement, to others who ditched their riches for their love of jazz music, the book explores how each woman forged her own path in the shadow of the famous banking dynasty.

GUTLE ROTHSCHILD: THE FOUNDING MATRIARCH

Gutle Rothschild, dubbed the 'mother of the Rothschild dynasty' was crucial in the initial years of the Rothschild bank, helping fund the organisation with her dowry and helping with cashing and issuing bills

Mayer and Gutle Rothschild had 19 children and 10 survived, five of which were women. But they have largely been overlooked in the family's long and prestigous history, de

Gutle, dubbed the 'mother of the Rothschild dynasty', was born in the Frankfurter Judengasse - one of the earliest ghettos in Germany in 1753.

Under the Holy Roman Emperor the Jewish population were bound by a strict set of rules, including being banned from touching fruit in the market.

Meanwhile they also had to instantly raise their hat and step aside if anyone were to shout 'Jud, mach mores!' (Jew, do your duty)'.

The history of the Rothschild family The Rothschild family is a wealthy Jewish family originally from Frankfurt that rose to prominence with Mayer Amschel Rothschild (17441812), a court factor to the German Landgraves of Hesse-Kassel in the Free City of Frankfurt, Holy Roman Empire, who established his banking business in the 1760s. Mayer developed a finance house and spread his empire by installing each of his five sons in the five main European financial centres to conduct business. His sons were: Amschel Mayer Rothschild (17731855): Frankfurt, died childless as his fortune passed to the sons of Salomon and Calmann

Salomon Mayer Rothschild (17741855): Vienna

Nathan Mayer Rothschild (17771836): London

Calmann Mayer Rothschild (17881855): Naples

Jakob Mayer Rothschild (17921868): Paris Unlike most previous court factors, Rothschild managed to bequeath his wealth and established an international banking family through his five sons, who established businesses in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Naples. Another essential part of Mayer Rothschild's strategy for success was to keep control of their banks in family hands, allowing them to maintain full secrecy about the size of their fortunes. Mayer Rothschild successfully kept the fortune in the family with carefully arrange marriages, often between first- or second-cousins. The family was elevated to noble rank in the Holy Roman Empire and the United Kingdom. The family's documented history starts in 16th century Frankfurt; its name is derived from the family house, Rothschild, built by Isaak Elchanan Bacharach in Frankfurt in 1567. During the 19th century, the Rothschild family possessed the largest private fortune in the world, as well as in modern world history. The family's wealth declined over the 20th century, and was divided among many various descendants. Today, their interests cover a diverse range of fields, including financial services, real estate, mining, energy, agriculture, winemaking, and nonprofits. Many examples of the family's rural architecture exist across northwestern Europe. Advertisement

Christians had been banned from lending money for interest in 1179, so Jews were able to set up their own financial organisations - despite being prohibited from other forms of work.

Despite the discrimination they faced, Gutle's father Wolf Salomon Schnapper ran one such institution and while they were not massively wealthy, they were more prosperous than most living in the ghetto.

Growing up surrounded by banking, Gutle was expected to be proficient enough to help with the family business.

In 1770, at the age of 17, Gutle's father matched her with Mayer Amschel Rothschild - who had spent the last few years working as an apprentice in a bank at Hanover and had decided to set up a business of his own.

Gutle's dowry of 2,400 gulden was essential funds for his growing business and, still living in the ghetto, the pair started their family.

Ten of her nineteen pregnancies would survive to adulthood and while nurturing her children, Gutle would help her husband with cashing and issuing bills, as well as the household finances.

Skills she had learnt as a child would later aid her husband Mayer in their founding of the prestigious bank.

Despite remaining a crucial cog in the bank's wheel until her death in 1849, Gutle's talents were to go unnoticed by the men in her family- with her son Carl writing to his brother Salomon in their adult years dubbing women 'bad cashiers'.

'Much like the Jews of Frankfurt themselves, the women of the Rothschild business tirelessly turned the wheels of industry, and were often rewarded with contempt', writes Livingstone.

THE 'DARING' ROTHSCHILD DAUGHTER WHO SEPARATED HERSELF FROM THE GERMAN ARM OF THE FAMILY

Born in 1791, Henriette was the youngest of Gutle and Meyer's daughters and 'provided a more daring model of what a Rothschild woman might be'.

By 1808, sixteen-year-old Henriette was the only girl working for the family business who was a Rothschild by birth.

She remained unmarried until the age of 21, when her father died and left behind a dowry of 33,000 gulden and a wish for his youngest daughter to be appointed a match by his eldest sons Amschel and Salomon.

While the will technically allowed Henriette to choose her own match, the reality meant she had little choice, and her brothers quickly found a suitor for her - a man from Hamburg known as Hollaender.

Hollaender's wildly high expectation for a dowry of 100,000 Gulden - three times what was mentioned in Meyer's will - as well as Henriette's entanglement with a Frankfurt man called Kaufmann meant that over the course of three years, their match had fallen apart.

Gutle, who hated the idea of her youngest daughter being unmarried at the age of 23, decided to let her go to England in search of a suitor to join her older brother Nathan.

It didn't take long before Nathan found a match, Abraham Montefiore, who had been thrust out of society because of a previous marriage with Mary Hall, the daughter of a Christian stockbroker.

In 1815, a marriage of convenience took place without Henriette informing her Frankfurt family, something they viewed as 'a pointed snub'.

While she loved her new home, her brothers were feeling increasing animosity towards their younger sister.

Livingstone writes: 'By May 1817 Salomon and James had joined Amschel in the chorus of animosity towards Henriette and Abraham, writing from Paris to express their horror at the discourtesy with which they were routinely treated by the couple on their visits to London.'

Within two years, Henriette and her husband had turned their attention away from the Rothschild business and towards the stock market - further ostracizing her from her family.

After Abraham's death in 1824, Henriette split her time between her three houses  the country estate at Worth Park Farm in Sussex, the old family home in Stamford Hill, and her London residence in Stanhope Street.

She spent time spending her fortune and hosting legendary parties, where Benjamin Disraeli courted his wife, and was remembered for her pronounced German accent and 'great fund of the racy old Jewish humour'.

Born in 1791, Henriette Rothschild was known for her legendary parties at her three homes in the UK. Hannah Mayer De Rothschild went against her family's wishes to marry Christian MP Henry FitzRoy, the son of a prominent aristocratic family

THE DAUGHTER EXILED FOR MARRYING A CHRISTIAN

Nathan's wife gave birth to her second daughter, whom the couple named Hannah Mayer, in 1815.

In keeping with marriages within the family, they planned to marry her off to Henriette's son, Joseph Montefiore.

However the pair were not a natural match, with Hannah growing increasingly frustrated at 'dreadful tedious long dinners' which took place in Frankfurt, Joseph felt repulsed by how 'very distant' Hannah was.

While Nathan and his wife Hannah began looking for a suitable match for their daughter, Hannah Mayer beat her too it, being swept off her feet by Christian MP Henry FitzRoy, the son of a prominent aristocratic family.

With ancestry that could be traced back to the 1st Duke of Grafton and having been MP for Lewes at the age of thirty, FitzRoy had a promising political career ahead of him.

'While FitzRoy's family disliked the prospect of a Jewish bride from a "mercantile" background, the Rothschilds were truly horrified', writes Livingstone.

'The family's efforts to blend in with Christian upper-class society did not in any way signal an acceptance of "marrying out", which was still considered to be a grave betrayal, an assault on an identity that for centuries had been under threat.'

Despite their families best efforts, on 29 April 1839, the couple were married at St George's church in Hanover Square, with Hannah Mayer required to publicly renounce Judaism and declare that she had desired to become a Christian since the age of fifteen.

While Hannah accompanied her in the carriage to the church, her brother Nat was the only member of the family to attended the wedding.

She and Henry had two children; Arthur Frederick in 1842 and Caroline Blanche Elizabeth two years later.

However, after a fall from a horse at a very young age, Arthur was an invalid and he died at the age of 15. His death provoked ill health in his father, who died shortly afterwards.

Her niece Constance, would later write: 'I cannot help thinking that all the misfortune and distress which have overwhelmed poor Aunt Hannah Mayer have been a punishment for having deserted the faith of her fathers and for having married without her mother's consent.'

THE PIONEER OF WOMAN'S RIGHTS WHO WAS FRIENDS WITH QUEEN VICTORIA

Constance de Rothschild was the elder daughter of Sir Anthony and Lady Louise de Rothschild, born in London in 1843, though she spent her early years in Paris before returning to Britain

Constance de Rothschild was the elder daughter of Sir Anthony and Lady Louise de Rothschild, born in London in 1843, though she spent her early years in Paris before returning to Britain.

As a young woman she taught in the Jews' Free Schools around Aston Clinton wrote a book The History and Literature of the Israelites.

In 1864 she met Cyril Flower, a property developer and Liberal Party politician who later became Lord Battersea, through her cousin, Leopold de Rothschild, and the pair married in 1864.

After becoming Lady Battersea, Constance had no children and would throw herself into social reform, becoming a driving force in the late nineteenth-century women's rights movement.

She joined the British Women's Temperance Association after a friendship with suffragette Fanny Morgan had propelled her into the reform movement of women's prisons in England.

Constance struck up a friendship with Queen Victoria's 'wild' daughter Princess Louise at a meeting hosted by Constance and Cyril at Surrey House in aid of one of their many campaigns.

Louise was said to have arrived as an 'interested member of the audience and left as a friend', soon inviting Constance down to Windsor, where she stayed for the first time in 1886.

Their friendship sparked Queen Victoria's interest and Constance was invited to dine with Her Majesty, who told her a story about how she saw her great-grandfather, Mayer Amschel, when she was visiting Frankfurt as a child.

Despite Constance telling Her Majesty that her great-grandfather had died seven years before she was born, the monarch rubbished her claims and insisted that 'it surely must have been the husband of that wonderful old Frau Rothschild [Gutle]'.

Over the following years Constance made further trips down to Windsor where she often met with the Queen. Constance died in November 1931.

THE WOMAN WHO HELPED HER HUSBAND BECOME PRIME MINISTER

The granddaughter of Nathan and the sole heiress of Baron Mayer, Hannah de Rothschild was born into a world of wealth and luxury but renounced her family name after falling in love with a Christian

The granddaughter of Nathan and the sole heiress of Baron Mayer, Hannah de Rothschild, was born into a world of wealth and luxury.

After inheriting her father's fortune in 1874 at the age of 22, she became the richest woman in Britain with an excess of 2 million and properties including 107 Piccadilly and Mentmore.

Baron Mayer had been a lover of horse racing, and Hannah met Archibald Primrose, Lord Rosebery at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk.

Archibald Philip Primrose Rosebery who was Prime Minister for just one year in 1894

Soon after her father's death there were whispers that Hannah and Archibald had agreed a secret match.

But it wasn't until after her mother died that their plans were confirmed to their friend Sir James Lacaita, who would become their marriage broker.

Male members of the Rothschild family were once again furious at a woman 'marrying out' and refused to attend the wedding in 1878. She became Hannah Primrose, Countess of Rosebery.

It would later be said Archibald had decided at a young age on his three life goals ambitions: 'to marry an heiress, win the Epsom Derby, and become prime minister' - ambitions which were made far easier after his marriage to Hannah.

The couple's London base was Lansdowne House off Berkeley Square, and because Rosebery was planning a move into liberal politics, Hannah's cousin Constance and her husband became close with the couple despite their 'disdain' of her.

Hannah was her husband's driving force and motivation and Archibald, a friend of William Gladstone, was considered to be 'quiet, impressive, earnest and full of interest . . . a human being as well as a great statesman' - according to Constance.

The birth of their first daughter Sybil did nothing to deter Hannah's role in her husband's political campaign - with Hannah turning her London home into 'the social headquarters of Liberalism and setting her husband on course to become prime minister.'

However, she suddenly died in 1890, aged 39, leaving him, distraught and bereft of her support, to achieve the political destiny which she had plotted.

In 1894 Archibald was elected as Prime Minister of the UK, serving just one year in office. However in 1895, the Liberal party lost the election and he resigned.

Despite speculation, Archibald never remarried after his wife's death.

THE 'JAZZ BARONESS' WHO CHOSE A LIFE OF MUSIC

Pannonica Rothschild, better known as Nica, was the daughter of Rozsika and Charles Rothschild and later becoming a leading patron of bebop, she would be dubbed the 'jazz baroness'

American jazz musician Thelonious Monk and his patron, British Baroness Nica de Koenigswarter at the Five Spot jazz club in New York in 1964.

Pannonica Rothschild, better known as Nica, was the daughter of Rozsika and Charles Rothschild.

Her father had introduced her to jazz at a young age and she developed a great interest in the art form in her teens - later becoming a leading patron of bebop, she would be dubbed the 'jazz baroness'.

Nica was badly behaved growing up and in her teens would terrorise her mother by 'corridor creeping' - summoning giving her siblings wine and playing them jazz music in the small hours of the morning when her parents were asleep.

At nineteen she and sister Liberty were sent to France for finishing school, which later in life, she would say was just 'three lesbian sisters' who gave nothing but lessons in wigs and lipsticks.

Nica with her dog Jack, pictured in 1930. The socialite and jazz patron was a regular fixture at nightclubs and music venues of the West End and FitzroviaThank y

After their time at finishing school, Nica and Liberty toured the continent before enrolling for classes at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts.

On their return to London, Rozsika arranged her daughter's debutante season, but Nica felt more at home at the nightclubs and music venues of the West End and Fitzrovia, like Cafe de Paris and the Kit-Kat Club.

Nica's brother secured tuition from the swing pianist Teddy Wilson, which his sister sat in on, and she quickly befriended the pianist, bonding over records, venues and artists.

She would meet the saxophonist Bob Wise as she emerged deeper into the London jazz scene, who would later inspire her love of flying, obtaining her pilots license in the early 1930s

In the summer of 1935 Nica met Jules de Koenigswarter, a 'suave, handsome' 33-year-old widower who was ten years her senior. After spending the summer flying across Europe, Jules proposed.

Friends in high places! Actor James Cagney with Baron Jules De Koenigswarter and Baroness Nica De Koenigswarter in Hollywood in 1937

After months of travelling the pair married and settled in Paris, where Nica immersed herself in the bustling jazz scene before returning to London where she gave birth to her first child Patrick.

The couple would continue to flit between London and Paris in the years that followed, having a further two children, before 1935, when the Second World War began.

She joined the Free French Army to fight against Nazi Germany and after the fall of Hitler, Nica retired from active service with the rank of lieutenant.

She was awarded the Medaille commemorative des services volontaires dans la France libre, while Jules received the prestigious Ordre de la Liberation.

THE WOMAN DUBBED THE 'QUEEN OF FLEAS'

Miriam Rothschild, born in 1908, had inherited a love of nature from her father Charles and would later become the Natural History Museum's first trustee

Nica's sister, Miriam Rothschild, born in 1908, had inherited a love of nature from her father Charles and first indulged her enthusiasm for the environment on a trip to Csehtelek shortly before the start of the First World War.

She spent the trip 'counting the spots of ladybirds and learning to tell the difference between a comma butterfly and a small tortoiseshell' before the family had to evacuate.

Years later, after her father Charles' suicide, Miriam's zoological study and exploration started once again when her brother brought home a dead frog home from Harrow he had to dissect for science class.

The siblings visited the Tring zoological laboratory, the private museum of Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild, where they started the procedure.

'As she gazed in awe at the incredible beauty of the blood system and the arteries and veins laid out in front of her, Miriam knew that her attempts to distance herself from her father's zoological passions were futile', writes Livingstone.

Miriam quickly enrolled at evening classes in zoology at Chelsea Polytechnic while continuing her main lessons in literature at Bedford College, University of London, continuing her mollusc research into her 20s.

In late August 1937, Walter died in his sleep meaning Miriam's brother Victor inherited the majority of his uncle's art and property, apart from his zoological legacy - the bulk of which would go to Miriam.

She inherited a share of his collection of moths and butterflies, and the editorship of the Tring Museum journal.

The museum at Tring and its entire contents were left to the Museum's Natural History Department with the condition that if not left intact they would go to Miriam.

Miriam worked at Bletchley Park on codebreaking with Alan Turing and was awarded a Defence Medal from the British government for her efforts

Both Miriam and Victor spent much of the late thirties campaigning and fundraising in support of German Jewry and by 1938 Miriam's research commitments had 'become a secondary consideration'.

During World War II, Miriam was recruited to work at Bletchley Park on codebreaking with Alan Turing and was awarded a Defence Medal from the British government for her efforts.

Further more, she pressed British government to to admit more German Jews as refugees from Nazi Germany and arranged to house 49 Jewish children - several of whom stayed at her Northamptonshire. home.

Ashton Wold also served as a hospital for wounded military personnel, including her future husband, Captain George Lane. Lane, a Hungarian-born British soldier.

The pair had four children, three of whom survived to adulthood. They split in 1957 but remained on good terms. On 20 January 2005, Dame Miriam died from heart failure at Ashton Wold.

THE WOMEN OF ROTHCHILD by Natalie Livingstone, published by John Murray, is available now
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Despite being a relatively unknown brand, the high-waisted leggings are drawing comparisons to much more expensive retailers, with some even claiming they're on par with Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, but with a hugely enticing price tag of 16.99.

Thanks to the high-rise waistband with hidden tummy control, the OUGES leggings are designed to help you feel confident, supporting and flattering your silhouette at the same time.

Whether you're opting for a high intensity workout like a run or HIIT class or just want to feel comfortable whilst relaxing at home, these will stay in place, helping you feel comfortable and secure.

Better still, despite the affordable price tag, they've been designed with a breathable sweat-wicking material that should remove moisture from your body quickly, providing you with lightweight comfort.

Flattering your curves, the high-waisted design keeps your tummy sucked in and supported whilst lifting your bum. Many shoppers have mentioned how flattering the leggings are.

The high waistband cinches you in, helping you feel supported, while the side pockets are handy for keeping your phone in whilst out for a run

One impressed shopper left a five-star review, writing: 'So comfortable I bought five different colours. Used for normal day to day wear especially for work as pockets handy to store work items. So comfortable.'

Another added: 'Only had them a week or so but worn them in fitness classes yoga and high intensity. they dont slip or bunch on the tummy really soft to the touch and the little pouch on the waste band is great for a locker key.'

A third penned: 'Best leggings for the gym I've bought. Squat proof, high waisted (no muffin top), soft material. Better than all leading brands and at less than half the price. Will definitely be buying more.'
An ex-member of the QAnon 'cult' that flocked to Dallas to 'see JFK Jr. come back to life' has lifted the lid on the 'ugly' reality of the 'resurrection' - claiming that followers nearly bankrupted themselves to be a part of the gathering, where kids and elderly people were left sleeping on the ground for hours while their self-appointed leader paraded around acting 'like Jesus Christ'.

Devoted QAnon follower Maureen McNamara was one of hundreds of conspiracy theorists who traveled to Texas earlier this month to gather at the spot where John F. Kennedy was killed in 1963 under the instruction of a man named Michael Brian Protzman, who predicted that the former President's son, JFK Jr., was going to be resurrected.

According to Protzman, the late JFK Jr. - who died in a plane crash in 1999 - was going to come back to life at 12:29pm, the same time that his father was killed, on November 2 and then announce plans to run for Vice President in 2024 alongside Donald Trump.

Q members flew from all around the world and some of them even spent thousands of dollars to get there, McNamara alleged in an interview with Vice News. They waited for more than 16 hours on the street and refused to leave, calling the Texas city their 'promised land,' as Protzman continued to insist that JFK Jr. was about to re-appear at any moment.

But instead of the promised resurrection, McNamara says members experienced nothing but an agonizing wait, during which time they began turning on one another while Protzman gave out free T-shirts, had ' a little group around him kissing his ring', and continued to make empty promises about JFK Jr.'s supposed return.

An ex-member of QAnon's JFK 'cult' has lifted the lid on the 'fraudulent' Dallas 'resurrection' - claiming that kids slept on the ground while the leader 'acted like Jesus Christ'

Earlier this month, a group of QAnon followers congregated at the spot John F. Kennedy was killed after a man promised them that his son was going to be resurrected

They waited for more than 16 hours on the street as the group's leader Michael Brian Protzman (pictured) continued to insist that JFK Jr. was going to re-appear at any moment

A woman named Maureen McNamara has now shared her experience from the gathering, alleging that children slept on the street and elderly people in 'a lot of pain'

'There were children sleeping on that ground. There were elderly people, there were people with walkers, people with canes, people that were in pain, in a lot of pain,' she said.

As the hours passed, she said Protzman kept telling his supporters that it was going to happen at any moment. He specifically told McNamara: 'Don't worry, you have the best viewing position there is, you won't miss a thing. You won't miss a thing. Keep your eyes open. You're right where you need to be right now.'

Nothing happened. At one point during the day, a rumor started to circulate that Princess Diana was going to appear in one of the nearby windows. Nobody appeared.

But when everyone suddenly started to rush towards some of Protzman's advisors, McNamara raced through the crowd, excitedly hoping that the moment was finally here, only to be met with bitter disappointment moments later.

Instead of the promised JFK return, members discovered that the excitement was all because they were being given free T-shirts - which had Protzman's online alias, Negative48, printed on them.

'Everybody's scrambling to get one, like we flew all the way to Dallas and stood around for 16 hours so we could have a T-shirt,' she recalled.

Throughout the long 16 hours that they spent standing on the street, McNamara said Protzman was 'acting like he was Jesus Christ.'

She said: 'He's acting like he's Jesus Christ with his disciples. Everywhere he went, there was this little group around him kissing this ring.'

People flew from all around the world and some of them spent thousands of dollars to get there. In the end, nothing happened - but Protzman did, however, give out free T-shirts

'Everybody's scrambling to get one, like we flew all the way to Dallas and stood around for 16 hours so we could have a T-shirt,' McNamara recalled of the free piece of clothing

Throughout the long 16 hours that they spent standing on the street, McNamara said Protzman was 'acting like he was Jesus Christ' and made people 'kiss his ring'

JFK Jr. is a popular figure within the QAnon conspiracy movement, with some believing that he's going to come back and announce a vice presidential run with Donald Trump

And things didn't end there. After JFK Jr. didn't show up at the AT&T plaza, Protzman told the group that he was going to appear at a Rolling Stones concert instead.

And although she was not a fan of the rock-and-roll group, McNamara decided to spend hundreds of dollars on some concert tickets.

'I was never a fan of the Rolling Stones, I had no intention of going there. But then last minute, everyone's saying you got to be there, you got to be there,' she explained.

'And so I spent $300 on tickets and it was raw and rainy and cold and miserable.'

McNamara said in total, the trip cost her thousands of dollars - including flights, accommodations, food, etc. - and that she ultimately 'ran out of money' and had to head home.

'I know many people who won't now be able to afford Christmas, but it was more important for them to be there, or they don't know how they're gonna pay the next month's mortgage payment,' she added.

'Many people make huge sacrifices financially, in their relationships, in their lives, just to be there.'

After JFK Jr. didn't show up, Protzman told the group that he was going to appear at a Rolling Stones concert instead. The group is pictured outside the concert

'Last minute, everyone's saying you got to be there, you got to be there. And so I spent $300 on tickets and it was raw and rainy and cold and miserable,' McNamara recalled

But when JFK Jr. once again didn't appear at the concert, the Florida-native, who is a longtime QAnon supporter, had enough. JFK Jr. is pictured with his wife, Carolyn

She now spends much of time calling Protzman out for his empty promises online, and has been branded a 'traitor' by the group

The Florida-native, who is a longtime QAnon supporter, explained that the main reason she decided to fly to Texas, was so she could meet more people like her.

'What drew me in more than that was an opportunity to be with like-minded people, because everybody's story in this movement is that we've lost friends,' she explained.

'We've lost family, we've lost credibility, we've been isolated, we've been lonely and we've been called lots of different names, crazy among them.

'And so there was this opportunity suddenly to gather with like-minded people and that was what I wanted to do.'

But when JFK Jr. once again didn't appear at the concert, McNamara had enough. And although others started to turn on Protzman too, many still remained loyal.

'That is when the entire group just started turning on each other and it was ugly,' she said.

She now spends much of time calling Protzman out for his empty promises online, and has been branded a 'traitor' by the group.

The QAnon conspiracy movement has grown in recent years. Pictured is a man wearing a QAnon t-shirt at a rally featuring former President Donald Trump on September 25, 2021

It holds that Trump is waging a secret war against a global cabal of elite Satan-worshipping pedophiles. Photographed is a supporter of the movement in June 2021

More than a week has passed since the gathering first began, and Protzman and some of his loyal followers are still in Dallas waiting for JFK Jr. to return

A sibling of someone who is still a member of the group also spoke to the outlet, and they said that everything changed after their brother started watching Protzman's videos online.

'There were times where he would come over to [my sister's] place and say hes just gotta get away from the computer for a little bit because his brain's just all over the place because hes watching these videos, theyre so mesmerizing,' the family member, who asked to remain anonymous, said.

The videos they are referring to, which are posted on a platform called Telegram, show Protzman making predictions and theories based on his own interpretation of gematria - the ancient Jewish numerology code that assigns a numerical value to letters, words, and phrases, and translates them to create a new meaning.

The QAnon conspiracy movement has grown in recent years. It holds that Trump is waging a secret war against a global cabal of elite Satan-worshipping pedophiles in government, business, and the media.

JFK Jr., who was an actor and magazine publisher, is a popular figure within the movement, with some believing that he is in fact Q, the group's anonymous leader.

More than a week has passed since the gathering first began, and Protzman and some of his loyal followers are still in Dallas waiting for JFK Jr. to return. There is even talk of them turning the spot into their permanent headquarters.

'I don't know how it will end, but I don't think it will end well. I'm glad that I am back in Florida, as far away from that as I can be,' McNamara concluded.
The skies may be turning grey, but sunshine is still very much in the fashion forecast, with designers including Alexander McQueen, Max Mara and Chanel all showing zesty hues of yellow in their SS22 collections.

Get ahead of the trend by dressing head-to-toe in citrus like Victoria Beckham.

Dont be afraid to mix mustard and buttercup tones, pairing the Me+Em blazer with a satin slip skirt. Instead of basic cream or white, go for a lemon shirt with a pair of striking wide-leg trousers. Or copy presenter Holly Willoughby in marigold for party season.

Dazzling: Victoria Beckham in her own label
The Duchess of Cornwall has delivered an impassioned call for the 'retreat of domestic abuse forever' in a powerful article about violence against women.

Camilla highlights the sad fact that two women are still being killed every week by a current or former partner in England and Wales.

'This tragic statistic has not altered in several decades,' she writes in the Women's Institute magazine WI Life. 'Thousands of lives have been lost. Countless more women have had to leave their homes, and one in four women across the UK continues to live with abuse.'

The Duchess of Cornwall has delivered an impassioned call for the 'retreat of domestic abuse forever' in a powerful article about violence against women in women's magazine, WI Life

The WI has long campaigned against domestic abuse, as has Camilla. She adds: 'Let us keep going, and let us not underestimate the power that, united, we have... Let us press on until we see the retreat of domestic abuse forever.'

The 74-year-old also acknowledges that abuse against women has many ugly features and does not discriminate, affecting people from all backgrounds, ethnicities and ages.

The grim face of domestic abuse has changed over the past 50 years - or perhaps it is more accurate to say that we now have a more nuanced understanding of its ugly features.

We know now that cuts and bruises are not its only evidence, but there are other forms that are just as damaging, she wrote in the organisations membership magazine WI Life.

The 74-year-old acknowledges that abuse against women has many ugly features and does not discriminate, affecting people from all backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. Pictured: Camilla visits SafeLives in 2016 and listens to Diana Parkes whose daughter Joanna Brown was murdered by her husband

These include economic abuse, digital abuse, stalking, harassment and coercive control; a pattern of behaviour that enables a perpetrator to maintain or regain control of a partner.

The royal welcomed the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 passed into law earlier this year which identifies new criminal offences including post separation coercive control and non-fatal strangulation.

But she said in the article which coincides with WIs No More Violence Against Women campaign that more needed to be done to help those being abused.

As our knowledge of different types of abuse increases, so must our efforts to raise awareness to empower victims to recognise the signs and to seek help, she urged.

However, the duchess said the support already offered by Womens Institute across the country was a source of great hope.

The royal welcomed the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 passed into law earlier this year which identifies new criminal offences including post separation coercive control and non-fatal strangulation. Pictured: The Duchess speaking to Diana Parkes at SafeLives Centre in 2016

Praising the WIs efforts to end violence against women and support womens refuges, she told members: Thank you...You will never know how many lives you have, quite literally saved.

With her dual membership of both Tetbury WI and Llandovery WI, the duchess also wrote about how truly proud she is to be a WI member and of its campaigning work to end domestic abuse.

She praised the WIs longstanding history, referring to its successful championing of a bill a century ago to raise the age of consent from 13 years to protect girls and boys from sexual abuse.

The royal also talked about its subsequent action over marital rape, accommodation for victims of abuse, justice through the courts and its push for an adequate definition of domestic abuse.

Camilla has made the issue of sexual and domestic abuse against women a cornerstone of her public work since her early days as a member of the Royal Family.

Her latest inspiring contribution follows an impassioned speech she made last month on violence against women in which she highlighted the brutal deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa.

Her latest inspiring contribution follows an impassioned speech she made last month on violence against women in which she highlighted the brutal deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa. Pictured: Camilla at a reception for winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition in October

Ann Jones, NFWI Chairman, said: We would like to thank The Duchess of Cornwall for writing an article for WI Life about domestic violence and raising awareness of all forms of abuse and harassment ahead of the 16 Days of Action later this month. The Duchesss fellow WI members share her passion for addressing this issue and creating a safer world for women.

The terrible events of this year have reinforced how far we have still to go before our homes and public spaces are truly safe for women. WI members across the country are determined to redouble their efforts to make sure that all women and girls can live the lives they choose, free from the fear of abuse.

Ruth Davison, Refuge Chief Executive Officer, added: We thank The Duchess of Cornwall for raising vital awareness of this issue and shining a light on how complex cases of domestic abuse are, ranging from physical violence to emotional abuse, tech abuse and economic abuse.
McDonald's is offering six nuggets for only $2 as part of its 30 Days 30 Deals promotion.

On Monday, November 15, customers can score the cheap deal by ordering directly through MyMaccas app.

Throughout the month, the MyRewards section of the app will have a new exclusive offer for diners each day.

McDonald's is offering six nuggets for only $2 on Monday November 15

The fast-food giant is running its a 'deal a day' in restaurants across Australia, giving customers the chance to bag Big Macs, cheeseburgers, large fries and apple pies for $1.

Best-sellers including Quarter Pounders, McFlurrys, and McNuggets will be sold for $2, alongside shakes, sundaes, and double cheeseburgers.

McDonald's is set to launch a massive range of deals for the month of November, with fan favourites - including Big Macs (left) and large fries (right) on offer for just $1

Other standout deals include a $5 McChicken meal and cheeseburger, a $6 Big Mac meal and cheeseburger, and two McNugget meals for $9.

Earlier this week, a McDonald's employee sent fans of the food king into a tailspin by revealing exactly what they can hear - and see - when customers order their meals at the drive-thru.

McDonald's worker @charlton.a, who lives in New Zealand, shared a TikTok video of himself sitting behind the cafe counter serving drive-thru customers on October 12.

Best-sellers including Quarter Pounders (right), McFlurrys (left), and McNuggets will be sold for $2, alongside shakes, sundaes, and double cheeseburgers

McDonald's November deals 1 November: $1 Big Mac 2 November: $1 Large Fries 3 November: $5 Small McChicken Meal + Cheeseburger 4 November: 40% off with $15 Minimum Spend 5 November: $9 for 2 Small Quarter Pounder Meals 6 November: $5 Small Cheeseburger Meal + Cheeseburger 7 November: $9 for 2 Small 10 McNuggets Meal 8 November: $1 Cheeseburger 9 November: $2 Quarter Pounder 10 November: $2 Large Sundae 11 November: $5 Small Chicken n Cheese Meal + Cheeseburger 12 November: $2 Double Cheeseburger 13 November: $1 Apple Pie 14 November: 20% off with $10 Minimum Spend 15 November: $2 6 McNuggets 16 November: $2 Large Shake 17 November: $1 Cheeseburger 18 November: $2 McChicken 19 November: $6 Small Big Mac Meal + Cheeseburger 20 November: 20% off with $10 Minimum Spend 21 November: $2 McFlurry 22 November: $2 Large Fries 23 November: $3 Big Mac 24 November: $2 Large Sundae 25 November: $6 Small Quarter Pounder Meal + Cheeseburger 26 November: $9 for 2 Small McChicken Meals 27 November: $5 Small Cheeseburger Meal + Cheeseburger 28 November: 20% off with $10 Minimum Spend 29 November: $2 Double Cheeseburger 30 November: $2 Filet-O-Fish From November 1, the fast food giant will run a 'deal a day' in restaurants across Australia Advertisement

In the footage, the university student claimed workers can hear everything customers say even before they reach the counter to order.

He also revealed a mugshot photo is taken of them behind the wheel, so employees know who to hand certain orders over to.

In a final telling reveal, Charlton said the restaurant he works at sells recipe books so fast food addicts can get their McDonald's fix from home by cooking the iconic burgers and fries themselves.

TikToker Charlton (pictured) sent fans of the food king into a tailspin by revealing exactly what they can hear - and see - when customers order their meals at the drive-thru

'We can hear everything you're saying even when our mic is off,' Charlton said in the clip.

When ordering through the drive-thru lane the microphones at the ordering site are said to pick up everything customers are saying - even before it crackles to life to take your order.

This revelation left viewers embarrassed, with some claiming they have said 'things no one's allowed to know about'.

The next section of the video said: 'Our cameras take mugshot photos of you so we know which order is yours'.

Viewers were quick to rubbish the claim, with one person asking: 'So how can you still get the order wrong then?'

'If this is true: Why do you always ask if it's my order that I'm paying for?' said another.

It's understood most McDonald's stores in Australia feature security cameras that capture an exterior shot of the car to help service crew determine which order to hand out.

Viewers have been left red-faced after the worker revealed they can hear everything you say over their headpiece (pictured, McDonald's in Yallambie)

Others thought it would be funny to play tricks on the camera: 'Next time I'm going through a Maccas drive-thru I'm using a voice changer and picking my nose at the camera.'

Charlton dropped a final bombshell by suggesting there is a recipe book customers can purchase so they can recreate the Maccas meals at home.

Other McDonald's workers confirmed the claim, saying the video would see a '100 per cent rise in sales' of the books.

But not everyone was convinced.

'Now you're going to have people asking for recipe books at my store and we don't have them,' one employee wrote.

One thing is certain - fans of the fast food restaurant in Australia and New Zealand will be hesitant to say anything out-of-tune in the drive-thru from now on.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to McDonald's for comment.
Outraged Australians have slammed a new 'trigger warning' detector which sounds an alarm when it detects 'offensive' speech.

The Themis, a lamp-sized device intended to 'moderate' debate in classrooms and universities and 'manifest political correctness' into a product, sparked widespread controversy after it was unveiled at Dubai Design Week.

Named after the Greek goddess of justice and order, the gadget uses sound sensors to flag racial slurs and offensive jokes with an 'extremely bothersome' alarm that lasts two minutes before switching off to allow 'open discussion' about the subject.

But the revolutionary technology has been blasted for stifling discussion and opinion-sharing in an era when free speech is declining faster than ever before.

The Themis (pictured) emits irritating sounds when it detects racial slurs and 'offensive' jokes

'Seriously. Is this a joke? Toughen up people. It seems no one can even have a joke anymore. What is this world coming to,' one woman wrote on Facebook.

Another added: 'Children today need to be taught resilience, like we were. Sadly people are being brought up "soft". No one can take a joke. Sad.'

Others drew comparisons with George Orwell's iconic dystopian social science fiction novel, 1984, a cautionary tale about the dangers of government censorship, mass surveillance and the repressive regimentation of human behaviour.

'George Orwell 1984, read it and you'll see,' one man wrote.

'This world has descended into the twilight zone in recent years,' said a second, while a third asked: 'Can people no longer think for themselves at all?'

Poll Do you think this device is a good idea? Yes No Do you think this device is a good idea? Yes 6 votes

No 82 votes Now share your opinion





Many said the invention makes them wonder if the world has gone mad.

'This is a joke right? Have we all gone insane and we just don't know it yet?' one person wrote.

Another said the device 'takes stupid to a whole new level'.

While Themis is currently being trialled in classrooms and universities, its developers have said they hope it will encourage 'self-critique' at events such as dinner parties and family gatherings.

Zinah Issa, who unveiled the device in Dubai, told The Telegraph: 'Through the use of speech recognition and sound sensors we were able to program Themis to detect offensive terms - racial slurs, offensive jokes - through the microphone.

Themis is currently being trialled for use in classrooms and universities to 'moderate' debate (stock image)

'Extremely bothersome alarms last approximately two minutes, after which Themis turns off, allowing an open, understanding discussion among people on the possible trigger matter and the potential reasons behind Themis' activation.'

The gadget made its debut at the Global Grad Show where students from across the Middle East and North Africa were invited to share their work.

The graduate portion of the festival concluded on Sunday, November 14.
Kate Middleton appeared to pay tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana with her choice of outfit to attend Remembrance Sunday yesterday.

On a grey day in Whitehall, the Duchess of Cambridge, 39, opted for a favourite Alexander McQueen military-style black dress coat with red epaulettes, a white collar and silver button detail as she watched Prince William and Prince Charles lay wreaths at the Whitehall war memorial below.

Kate cut a serious figure wearing the same elegant bespoke dress coat she had worn at the 2018 Remembrance Sunday service, accessorising with a chic, drop-brim 275 black hat by Tiffany.

The mother-of-three's choice of hat was extremely reminiscent of a similar outfit worn by Princess Diana in 1992 to the same event.

Kate Middleton, 39, appeared to pay tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana (pictured left, in 1992) with her choice of outfit to attend Remembrance Sunday yesterday

The Duchess joined Sophie Wessex and the Duchess of Cornwall on the third balcony above the war memorial, taking time to chat with Camilla as the ceremony began.

Camilla frequently turned towards her daughter-in-law, and the Duchess of Cambridge also appeared deep in conversation with the Countess of Wessex, as the three leading royals represented the Queen alongside other royals.

Kate's look echoed a style worn by Lady Diana Spencer, who wore a similar wide-brimmed hat to attend the event in 1992.

Meanwhile the Duchess also donned Diana's Collingwood earrings for the service at Whitehall.

The Duchess joined Sophie Wessex and the Duchess of Cornwall on the third balcony above the war memorial

Kate's choice of wide-brimmed hat was extremely reminiscent of a similar outfit worn by Princess Diana in 1992 to the same event (pictured)

She swept her brunette locks into a low bun to reveal the pearl drop earrings for the occasion.

Kate regularly wears jewellery that honours her mother-in-law, including her sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged to Diana.

With a keen eye for detail, Kate often references Princess Diana with her style choices.

In September, mother-of-three Kate dazzled at the James Bond No Time to Die premiere in a custom Jenny Packham embellished gown - which is usually priced at 2,800. Featuring cape sleeve detailing and structured shoulders, she teamed her dress with bespoke 290 Onitaa earrings - which were made in Pakistan by the South Asian luxury couture label.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pictured turning to chat with the Duchess of Cambridge as they await the start of the ceremony. It had been hoped the Queen would be in attendance this year, after last year's ceremony was pared down due to Covid

Kate's choice of dress was extremely reminiscent of a similar outfit worn by Princess Diana in 1985 for the premiere of the James Bond film A View to Kill.

In May, the Duchess sported a 59.99 Zara blazer and 95.00 pleated midi skirt by Hope Fashion in the colour of the Scottish flag which drew a striking similarity to a look the Princess of Wales donned nearly three decades ago for a day of royal duties in Nottingham.

And in July last year, Kate donned a deep blue 525 Beulah London gown as she paid a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

With it's striking white collar and blue polkadot pattern, the Duchess' bold shirt dress was reminiscent of a similar outfit worn by Princess Diana in 1985.

A moment of reflection: Kate closed her eyes during the ceremony as those gathered paid their respects to fallen soldiers

Meanwhile in May, the mother-of-three donned a 550 pretty red floral gown by Beulah London for the virtual appearance, with the dress featuring a bold white collar.

Royal fans were quick to point out that the dress appeared remarkably similar to one worn by Princess Diana during a trip to Oman in November 1986.

In the absence of the Queen, the Duchess of Cambridge took centre stage as she joined the Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie Wessex on the Foreign Office balcony to pay her respects to the fallen at the Cenotaph yesterday.

The Queen had been expected to attend the service but was advised against the public duty by doctors at the 11th hour, leaving senior royals Kate Middleton, Sophie Wessex and Camilla to represent the monarch at the annual service.

Lest we forget: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arriving at the Cenotaph earlier this morning for the ceremony

As the clock struck 11am, Boris Johnson, Prince Charles, Prince William and other members of Britain's elite marked the two-minute silence.

Buckingham Palace said the 95-year-old monarch made the decision on Sunday morning 'with great regret' and is 'disappointed' to miss the event - the first time she has not been in attendance in 22 years.

The Queen is said to be deeply disappointed to miss the service - which she regards as one of the most significant engagements of the year - and she hopes to continue as planned with her schedule of light official duties next week.

The monarch, who served in World War II as a army driver and mechanic, was due to watch the service at the war memorial in central London from the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office building.
Princess Charlene of Monaco is 'extremely happy to be back home with her family' and 'will be staying with her husband and children', her sister-in-law has insisted.

The former Olympian, 43, returned to the principality last week following a 10-month absence after she recovered from surgery following a sinus infection she contracted during a solo charity trip to her native South Africa earlier this year.

Arriving back in Monaco after flying by private jet from the South African city of Durban to Nice, France, a 'frail' Charlene posed for snaps with Prince Albert, 63, and their two children six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella.

Four days after her return, Chantell Wittstock, Charlene's sister-in-law and PR for her charitable foundation in her hometown, told the South African outlet News24: 'The princess is extremely happy to be back home with her family.'

It followed the suggestions that Charlene may not live in her husband Albert's palace following her return home and does not plan to immediately resume public engagements.

Yet Chantell 'absolutely' refuted the claims, insisting her royal sister-in-law 'will be staying with her husband and children'.

Princess Charlene of Monaco (pictured reuniting with her family last Monday) is 'extremely happy to be back home with her family' and 'will be staying with her husband and children', her sister-in-law has insisted

On Saturday, Albert cut a lonely figure as he attended Monaco's National Day at Expo 2020 in Dubai without his wife Charlene, instead appearing with his sister Princess Stephanie and her son Louis Ducruet.

Expo 2020 is a World Expo currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and was originally scheduled for 20 October 2020  10 April 2021.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates, the new dates are 1 October 2021  31 March 2022.

Monaco's royal family's reunion, shared on Instagram, was eyed with scepticism by French commentators amid feverish speculation about the state of the Grimaldis' marriage.

Charlene's time away followed fresh allegations last December that Albert had fathered a love-child (which would be his third, if proven) with an unnamed Brazilian woman during the time when he and Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa, were already in a relationship.

Last Monday, Albert was waiting for Charlene at the Monte Carlo helipad, along with their six-year-old twins, Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques.

The former Olympian (pictured with her husband in South Africa), 43, returned to the principality last week following a 10-month absence after she recovered from surgery following a sinus infection she contracted during a solo charity trip to her native South Africa earlier this year

The family were joined by a hand-picked photographer inside the Palace walls for the 'reunion' photos. But there was already doubt cast over the couple's living arrangements.

How Charlene and Albert made solo outings in South Africa and Monaco during nine months apart January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene May 10 - Albert attends Monaco Gala Awards in Monaco without Charlene May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa June 1 - Prince Albert II, Jacques and Gabriella attend event at Oceanic Museum in Monaco June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip June 5- Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa June 7 - Albert and the twins attend the World Rugby Sevens without Charlene June 17 - Prince Albert attends Red Cross Summer concert in Monte Carlo with his sister Princess Caroline of Hanover June 18 - Prince Albert appears alone Monte Carlo TV Festival June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement. July 3 - Albert appears with glamorous niece Charlotte Casiraghi at the 15th international Monte-Carlo Jumping event, which is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco, July 27 - Prince Albert attends Olympics alone in Tokyo August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa August 31 - Speculation mounts in the media about couple's relationship

September 1 - Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly 'collapsing' September 2 - She is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: 'Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying' September 23 - Prince Albert attends the 2021 Monte Carlo Gala for Planetary Health September 29 - Prince Albert is joined on the red carpet by actress Sharon Stone for a first look at the eagerly anticipated James Bond release September 30 - Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole October 3 - Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare October 5 - Prince Albert attends Sportel Awards Ceremony in Monte Carlo with nephew Louis Ducruet October 6 - Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is 'ready to come home' October 8 - Princess undergoes surgery in South Africa November 8 - Charlene arrives back in Monaco Advertisement

Before she left in January, Charlene had raised eyebrows in Monaco by living in a modest two-bedroom apartment above an old chocolate factory about 300m away, rather than in Albert's 12th Century Palace. It is thought she could return to living at the property.

'Reunion of Albert and Charlene of Monaco: but where exactly do they sleep?' was the headline question in the respected French celebrity outlet Gala on Tuesday.

And Voici  another popular magazine read widely across Monaco and France  ran with: 'Charlene of Monaco back: the Princess breaks the silence and forgets to mention her husband'.

This was a reference to Charlene using a social media video to thank everybody who had helped her through months of ill-health, without name-checking Albert at all.

In the streets in the shadow of the 12th century Prince's Palace, people could not conceal their concern for Charlene, having seen the photos of her looking seemingly frail.

'We are glad to have her back, but she doesn't look well and it feels we don't yet have the full picture,' said one cafe owner on the Rock, in his 50s, who asked not to be named.

He admitted that in years past, he like many Monegasques, had expressed frustration at the way Charlene has been less visible than other royals.

'There was a while when there was a sense that she was a reluctant princess,' he said, 'but this is different - there's obviously something not quite right either with her or the marriage and for whatever reason we're not being told what.'

There certainly appears to be a wall of silence around Charlene, especially since she retreated behind the ramparts of the Palace, at least for the time being.

Her Palace press officer said she could not return calls from MailOnline and did not reply to a list of questions we sent her.

Doubts about the central relationship of Monaco's royal family are not new of course.

Several residents living in the narrow medieval alleys of Monaco Ville confirmed to MailOnline that before she left for South Africa Charlene was spending most of her time outside the Palace at the Chocolate factory apartment.

'We often saw her outside the Palace and she would usually be alone or with a bodyguard,' said one source, 'but she was never with Albert - it was obvious she chose to spend most of her time in the apartment rather than the palace.'

Another Monte Carlo source who knows the couple well told MailOnline: 'The way to stop all the friction and put an end to the speculation about their marriage is for Charlene to proudly move back into the Palace and start living like a proper Princess.

'That's what the people of Monaco want, because they love their Royals, and don't want them living separate lives.'

Charlene came in for criticism before she travelled to South Africa for dividing her time between several properties outside the Palais, the official residence of the Sovereign, Albert II.

Instead of enjoying palatial rooms overlooking the Mediterranean, and a domestic staff including butlers and cooks, Charlene chose the Chocolate Factory.

It only had two bedrooms, and had been used in the past by Albert's sister, Princess Stephanie.

Stephanie, 56, led an extremely turbulent personal life herself that included two divorces and high-profile affairs with security guards and an elephant trainer.

Charlene also escaped Royal protocol by staying at Roc Agel, a mountain retreat on the outskirts of Monaco originally restored for Albert's late mother, the Hollywood star Grace Kelly who became Princess Grace before her tragic death in a car crash on the treacherously steep road approaching Roc Agel.

Charlene was also a frequent visitor to a holiday home owned by friends on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.

Paris Match, the celeb bible, has always had particularly close ties with the Grimaldis  the ancient dynasty now headed by Albert and Charlene.

'Charlene and Albert on the Verge of Breaking Up?' was the lead headline in an edition of Match in August.

'There will be no photo for their 10th anniversary wedding anniversary,' it noted.

All the high-end French publications  the kind that Albert and Charlene would normally grant fawning interviews to  concurred.

The upmarket and very conservative Madame Figaro ran with the stark headline: 'Are Charlene and Albert II of Monaco on the verge of divorce?'

Historian and author Philippe Delorme told the magazine: 'Lots of people got the impression it was an arranged marriage, it's true.

'Albert chose a wife who resembled his mother and Charlene clearly felt very ill at ease in this Grace Kelly role they wanted her to play.

'As Karl Marx put it: History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.'

Arriving back in Monaco after flying by private jet from the South African city of Durban to Nice, France , a 'frail' Charlene (pictured with her family in South Africa) posed for snaps with Prince Albert, 63, and their two children six-year-old twins Jacques and Gabriella

The 2011 wedding itself was an ostentatious three-day event featuring a concert by the Eagles. But onlookers were concerned by photos of the bride in tears with her husband appearing distant, but Charlene insisted later she was just emotional.

Charlene has been notable by her absence from every single flagship event in the tax haven principality this year.

They have included the Monaco Grand Prix on May 23, and the Fashion Awards hosted by the Princess's own charitable foundation on May 18.

Charlene infamously shaved half her head in the style of a punk rocker last December.

This was seen as the first public sign of a worsening crisis that could end in a multi-million pound divorce.

Charlene's exile in South Africa began a month after it emerged last December that Albert was facing yet another paternity suit.

Last Monaco outing together before her departure: Charlene and Albert were last pictured together at an official event in January at the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco

A Brazilian woman who cannot be named for legal reasons said her 15-year-old daughter was the result of an affair with Albert in 2004.

Albert and Charlene were not yet engaged at this time, but they had known each over for four years after meeting at a swimming gala in Monaco in 2000.

Lawyers for the claimant were scheduled to demand a DNA test from Albert at a court in Milan earlier this year, while his own counsel branded the action 'a hoax'.

Neither party is now commenting, suggesting some kind of generous settlement may have been reached, as happened with Albert's earlier love children.

They are Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, who is now 29 and the result of Albert's affair with an American estate agent, and Alexandre Coste, 17, whose mother is a former Togolese air hostess.

Both children were struck off Monaco's line of succession in return for vast financial settlements.
The man who arranged young newlywed Anni Dewani's brutal murder has broken down in tears when speaking publicly about the plot, insisting: 'I'm not proud of what I did'.

Anni, 28, was killed in the back of a taxi while on honeymoon with her new husband British millionaire nursing home boss Shrien Dewani, now 41, in Gugulethu township, near Cape Town on November 13, 2010.

The newlywed, who had only been married for a few weeks, suffered a single gunshot to her neck after her partner fled the vehicle which was later found abandoned with her body in it.

Her husband said his life was spared as the two gunmen forced him out of the taxi at gunpoint, before murdering his new bride.

Mr Dewani was accused of organising the hit on his Swedish engineer wife with the taxi driver and paying him and two accomplices, but was cleared.

Now Monde Mbolombo, the middleman who arranged the killing - but was granted immunity from prosecution for helping police investigating Annis murder, has spoken out in a new discovery+ documentary Anni: The Honeymoon Murder.

Monde Mbolombo (pictured), the middleman who arranged the killing - but was granted immunity from prosecution for helping police investigating Annis murder, has spoken out in a new discovery+ documentary Anni: The Honeymoon Murder

Anni Dewani, 28, was killed in the back of a taxi while on honeymoon with her new husband British millionaire nursing home boss Shrien Dewani (pictured together), now 41, in Gugulethu township, near Cape Town on November 13, 2010

CCTV footage caught Monde Mbolombo (pictured above) on the phone to taxi driver Zola Tongo. He has given his version of the robbery-murder to a TV documentary team

Asked why he had got involved in the murder plot, Mbolombo, 40, said: 'To tell the truth, I don't know really. I can't answer that, how will I answer that?

'I don't know why I didn't say no, really. I don't know. I don't want to make up stories or something, I don't know.

'Thats the question Ive been asking myself all these years, why did I say yes?' he added.

Asked if he thought about how a woman was going to end up dead, he broke down in tears and said: Because of my role, Im still stuck here. Im not proud of what I did.

Recalling events leading up to Anni's murder, Mbolombo told the programme that taxi driver Zola Tongo came to see him at a hotel he was working at.

Tongo came to me and he said do I know any hitman?. I was shocked.

Mr Dewani (pictured) was accused of organising the hit on his Swedish engineer wife with the taxi driver and paying him and two accomplices, but was cleared

He said Tongo told him that he would be bringing a couple into the township and "the husband, wants the wife to be killed."

Tongo said so this guy wants his wife to be murdered and it must look like its a hijacking.

Mr Dewani has always maintained his innocence and accused the three men convicted of Annis murder, of framing him.

In 2014 a South African court declared him not guilty of charges he arranged the murder. The judgement meant in effect he had been framed.

Mbolombo was granted immunity from prosecution for helping police investigating Annis murder.

Anni Dewani's sister, Ami Denborg (left), brother Anish Hindocha (second left at rear), father Vinod Hindocha (second right) and mother Nilam Hindocha (right) leave Westminster Magistrates' Court in 2013

His supposed remorse was dismissed as crying crocodile tears by Annis family who are still searching for answers to the tragedy in their quest for closure.

They urged him to face them himself and tell the full story of how Anni was shot dead in a taxi near Cape Town 11 years ago.

Annis uncle Ashok Hindocha told MailOnline: Even after all these years, we still have so many questions that need answering. There is still key information to be revealed and holes in the story to be filled.

Some of the mobile phones used by the men who killed Anni have never been found. Does he know anything about what happened to these and who got rid of them?

There could be very important information on those phones. We were told there were text messages that were sent between them.

Recalling events leading up to Anni's murder, Mbolombo, 40, told the programme that taxi driver Zola Tongo (pictured above) came to see him at a hotel he was working at

Mr Dewani, pictured in 2014, said he and his wife were victims of a random kidnapping and his life was spared as the two gunmen pushed him out of the vehicle window

We are still anxious to see those messages on those phones and know who said what.

But Mr Hindocha added: Tears are not enough. When Shrien was found not guilty, the judge in the trial said Mbolombo was not immune from prosecution. But he was never charged. He has been lucky to escape justice. 

Mr Dewani said he and his wife were kidnapped as they toured the township in Tongos taxi.

Tongo, who is serving 18 years for the murder, said he was paid R15,000 (700) to organise the hitmen.

But millionaire care home boss Mr Dewani, who fought an extradition battle for nearly four years, said he and his wife were victims of a random kidnapping and his life was spared as the two gunmen pushed him out of the vehicle window.

At his trial, he admitted sleeping with male prostitutes and paying for sex. The judge was also told that he surfed gay websites the day after his wife had been murdered.

However, Dewani was acquitted of all charges and walked out of court a free man.

The judge found she could not rely on the police investigation and that statements taken from the alleged accomplices had been contradictory.

Mr Dewani has always maintained his innocence and accused the three men convicted of Annis murder, of framing him. In 2014 a South African court declared him not guilty of charges he arranged the murder. The judgement meant in effect he had been framed. Pictured right, Anni

The court also saw CCTV of Mr Dewani viewing gay porn while his father-in-law Vinod Hindocha sat close to him in a hotel lobby after flying to South Africa.

More footage showed Mr Dewani disappearing in the hotel lobby with Tongo, and the taxi driver re-emerging carrying a paper bag. Mr Dewani said he was paying him his fee for driving the honeymooners.

The post-mortem examination confirmed Anni was neither sexually assaulted nor raped. She was shot through the hand and neck, possibly as she lay face down in the taxi.

Tongo confessed to his part in the killing and is serving a reduced sentence. Last year he was due to be released on parole, but was kept behind bars after opposition from Annis family.

Her father Vinod flew back to Cape Town to question him further, but was unhappy with the answers he gave and decided against him being given his freedom.

Mziwamadoda Qwabe is serving life and the man who fired the shot that killed Anni, Xolile Mngeni died from cancer in prison while serving his sentence.

Anni: The Honeymoon Murder is available to stream now exclusively on discovery+
Thanks to a 99 DNA test, a woman found her biological father, 41 years after his one-night stand with her mother.

Kelly Pinkney, 41, from London, was in disbelief when the kit she bought to find out about her ancestry also revealed a first cousin.

And after working tirelessly to track down her relatives through social media, she met up with her dad, Saeed Sotoudeh, for the first time earlier this year and the pair are now forging a relationship.

'It's such an amazing feeling knowing who I am for the first time,' Kelly, said.

Kelly Pinkney was surprise to find a first cousin when she used the site 23AndMe to discover her ancestry

The ambulance worker and her father, Said Sotoudeh, met up earlier this year and are working on their relationship

'When I look in the mirror I look at myself in a different way than I did before. I feel complete. I feel like I belong now.'

Kelly was born in September 1980 and conceived the Christmas before.

She describes herself as a 'sad' and 'unhappy' little girl who always felt she was different.

Initially raised by her single mum, she was taken into care aged four, and spent time in a succession of foster homes before being placed with one family for four years.

Kelly grew up feeling otherness from the white children she grew up with and never knew what she was ethnically

There, she says she was miserable and started to run away, eventually being placed in Danes House Children's Home in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, aged nine.

It was there she began questioning her identity, because she was dark-haired and dark-skinned with brown eyes while all her mum's family were fair.

'It was very unsettling,' Kelly explains.

'I got bullied at school because further north there were no black people, no brown people.'

Kelly describes herself as having had a sad childhood made harder by not having a family to rely on

'I'm not even that dark, but I was the darkest kid in the school, the only kid that was brown, everyone else was white.'

'My colour became a thing for me. That was really hard as I was in a children's home so I was different anyway, I didn't have a family and I was also different because I had colour and no-one else did.'

'If I was white, no-one would ever have questioned me.'

She moved back in with her mum aged ten and she began asking her about her parentage.

Others would always ask where she was from and question her ethnicity - but it always made her feel uncomfortable because she could never answer them with no idea where her dark looks came from.

Her mum told her she had been conceived one night in a hotel in London and she thought her dad was Arabic or Egyptian, but she couldn't remember his name.

Kelly Pinkney with her son Ashdon, now. The pair live together in Bedford where Kelly settles after splitting from his father

'Mum didn't know she was pregnant until eight or ten weeks,' Kelly went on.

'She said people said "Are you going to get rid of it?" because there was no father and back in those days it wasn't the done thing to be having a baby outside marriage.

'She was adamant she loved me and was keeping me.'

When Kelly was 15 she left home to live with a boyfriend. They had a son - Ashdon, now 17 - together when Kelly was 24 but split up not long after.

She said: 'At this point I'd accepted I'd never find my dad; I didn't even know his name.'

'Where would I even begin? I thought about it on the odd occasion - I wondered what he looked like. Do I look like him? Does he have other children?'

Kelly moved back in with her mum aged ten and she began asking her about her parentage but didn't find any answers

'But it wasn't something that consumed me.'

Kelly became an ambulance driver and settled in Bedford with her son.

Then two years ago, she was chatting to a friend who had done an ancestry test with California-based 23&Me.

Their tests use a saliva sample to assess someone's genetic heritage.

At the time, the test was advertised for 150 and Kelly couldn't afford it, but a few months later she saw it on offer for 99 and decided to treat herself.

After completing the kit and sending it off, five weeks went by before she received the results - telling her she was 50% Persian, from modern day Iran.

Kelly's looks, which were unclear to her as a child, suddenly became clear as she later discovered her Iranian ancestry

But it also told her there was a first cousin also on the site - and connected them.

Taking the plunge, Kelly messaged the man and explained her tale of being fatherless.

It turned out that his mum had six brothers - one of whom must be Kelly's dad.

Two were dead, two lived in the US and others hadn't been in London in the late 1970s.

They chatted on the phone and he said he would explain the situation to his mum.

'I didn't want to cause any trouble but then again I was so excited about this discovery,' Kelly said.

'But he rang me back and instantly his tone had changed.'

'He said there was a mistake and his mother and grandmother said it wasn't possible as the family hadn't come to the UK until the late 1980s. He thought the company had made a mistake.'

'He wished me good luck and then cut me off.'

'But I knew the DNA couldn't be wrong so I started doing my own research - I was literally like an FBI agent.'

She tracked two of the brothers down on Facebook but they didn't reply to her messages, so she began talking to their daughters.

The women agreed to a DNA test, but it revealed they were cousins.

After tirelessly doing her own detective work through social media and getting shut down by family members, Kelly connected with her father who agreed to take a DNA test

Another brother in the US agreed to a DNA test but was an uncle.

And then, as word spread, Kelly received a message from another of the brothers called Saeed, who still lived in London.

He thought he recognised Kelly's mum and agreed to do a DNA test, which came back positive - he was Kelly's dad.

After 41 years Kelly had finally found the father she had been missing all her life - and amazingly his one regret in life was that he had never had kids of his own.

He had remained in north west London after coming over at 15 and said he wanted a relationship with Kelly's mum - but she disappeared and he was never able to find her again.

A second DNA test confirmed they were father and daughter and they met for the first time a few months ago.

Her own looks began to make sense as she unravelled Saeed's Iranian ancestry.

Kelly as a baby. She grew up with on white family members from her mother's side which confused her sense of self

Kelly said she took a photo of them together and was amazed at how much they looked alike when she saw it.

Last week, they went out for his birthday to a Persian restaurant and are now forging a relationship.

Kelly said: 'When I found out I cried uncontrollably for an hour. I couldn't stop. I thought of all the hurt and pain.'

'There was massive relief - I finally knew who I was.'

'He never met the right person, got married or had a family of his own and he said he always wanted children. And he was the only brother out of all of them who had no children.'

'It was a massive shock for him as he's never known I was out there whereas I knew he was.'

She now plans to meet her grandmother who is also in the UK, and further cousins in the US who she has built up a close relationship with, in the coming months.

She added: 'I don't want my dad to feel guilty or sad about what we've missed because the past is done and dusted, we can't get it back.'

'We have to be so grateful and happy we have this because if I hadn't done that test he would never have known about me. He would have spent the rest of his life alone. And for that I'm so grateful.'

'I feel great now I know I'm Persian.'

A spokesman for 23&Me said: 'With genetic testing readily available to consumers, we are increasingly hearing stories of families discovering and reuniting with newfound relatives, and of customers finding unexpected results in their reports.

'Although 23andMe was not designed specifically to help people confirm parentage or find biological parents, our DNA Relatives tool does help people find and connect with participating genetic relatives.

'This feature is completely optional, meaning customers must actively choose to participate and are informed up front that by using the tool, they may discover unexpected relationships.'
Princess Diana's 'rebellious' sense of fashion still inspires high-end fashion designers today, a model and activist has claimed.

Speaking in Channel 4's Diana: Queen of Style, which airs tonight at 10pm, British model Leomie Anderson says the late royal, who died in 1997, conveyed a 'chic' sense of rebellion in her outfits that designers still try to emulate.

'I think Diana inspires a lot of high fashion designers, because she was seen as the royal rebel,' Leomie says. 'And I feel that's an energy that a lot of designers try and capture in their own collection.'

'I feel that when people are referencing Diana, they are trying to capture that chic, couture element, but with a rebellious touch.'

Meanwhile, sesigner Jacque Azagury, who dressed Diana on several occasions, notes how the late royal wore short, revealing dresses - such as the one she famously donned during a visit to the Serpentine Gallery in June 1994 or the blue ensemble she wore at the Royal Albert Hall in June 1997 - to show she was a 'free woman.'

Channel 4's Diana: Queen of Style, which airs tonight at 10pm, explores how Princess Diana's wardrobe still influences fashion today. Pictured: The royal in the Christina Stambolian black dress that is now referred to as the 'revenge dress,' in June 1994 at the Serpentine Gallery, London

The documentary explores how the late Princess of Wales' wardrobe and sense of style have stood the test of time and are still popular with the public 24 years after her death.

Elsewhere, fashion writer Justine Picardie claims Princess Diana's clothes helped her to connect with the public - adding that the personal way in which she used her wardrobe to communicate will appeal to future generations to come.

'Every generation will return to Diana because every generation understands the fabric of life, the fabric of love and loss,' she explains.

'And it's that we recognise in Diana's wardrobe, what we are recognising is something that reflects in ourselves: in our own joy, our own sorrows, our own grief, our own happiness, our own losses, that's there, in the fabric of her clothes.'

But according to Elizbeth Emanuel, who famously designed Diana's wedding dress, the royal was not always clued up on the power clothes could have.

Pictured: Princess Diana in a light blue dress designed by Jacques Azagury, which she wore to attend a performance of 'Swan Lake' by the English National Ballet at the Royal Albert Hall in June 1997

The royal was not always clued up on the power of clothes, but was stylish even as a shy newcomer. Pictured in her famous sheep sweater from 1980

'In the beginning, when we first met Diana, I don't think she thought much about fashion,' she explains. 'I think she enjoyed wearing clothes but never thought it through on the type of stuff that would be appropriate for her to wear. And we were very young obviously and it was all new to us as well.'

She says this shifted when the Princess - who was just 19 at the time and had just got engaged to the heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles - wore a black taffetas dress with a revealing neckline for an evening at the Royal Opera House in 1981.

'We happened to have this black dress that was hanging on the rail which was a sample but she loved it, she tried it on and we all thought "wow, she looks great in it", Elizabeth recalls. 'But we didn't know at the time that black was not a good colour to wear because it's usually reserved for funerals.

'But it was also quite low-cut, and when she wore that dress, everybody just went crazy. It was a controversial outfit. It focused the eyes of all the fashion journalists at the time.'

The dress is today seen as the moment Diana went from a shy newcomer to a fashion powerhouse.

'I think that from that point on, she realised the power of the vocabulary of clothes and as years went by she used that. She knew it could really create an effect,' Elizabeth notes.

Justine also explains how the late royal often used her clothes to covey a message.

'In the early 80s, we still lived in a sexist society and women like Diana were seen but not heard,' she says. 'Clothes were her way of communicating with the world.'

She adds Princess Diana's wardrobe was what made her relatable, before the details of her unhappy marriage to Prince Charles came to light.

'I think that Diana is the People's Princess, the woman that people feel they know her as if she is their friend, their sister, their mother, really gained structure in that Australia tour,' Justine says. 'That must come down in part to her clothes. Because at that point, nobody knew that her marriage was in trouble.'

British model Leomie Anderson, pictured in 2020, says Diana's rebellious flair inspires fashion designers to this day

'So it wasn't as if you could relate to Diana as somebody that was suffering heartbreak.'

Author Banseka Kayembe agrees: 'I think fundamentally, her clothing is a way to have a voice in a media landscape that doesn't like to give women voices and doesn't like to give women any kind of autonomy about their own narrative and their story.'

After her separation from Prince Charles in 1992, Princess Diana came out with an emboldened wardrobe.

Her visit to the Serpentine Gallery in June 1994 on the evening where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles' affair came to light - now the Duchess of Cornwall - is still talked about.

For the occasion she donned a revealing dress by Christina Stambolian which is still spilling ink today.

The design, which was a black fitted off-the-shoulder dress with a short hemline, was dubbed the 'Revenge Dress' and even has its very own Wikipedia page.

Designer Jacques Azagurdy, who designed gowns for Diana in the 1990s, testified of the Princess's desire to dress in revealing clothing more often.

Pictured: Diana, then 19, causing a commotion in a black taffetas dress designed by the Emanuels for an evening at thw Royal Opera House in 1981, which made her realise the effect fashion can have on people

He discusses a blue diamond dress he made for her, which she wore at a performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall in June 1997.

'This is probably one of the famous dresses that the princess wore,' he says. 'You'll notice how short it is and the princess was 5ft 10 in flat feet, so there wasn't much dress and there was a lot of the Princess,' he jokes.

Pointing to the dress' cleavage and hemline, he adds: 'It was very low here and, very high there. She actually wanted it a bit shorter than this.'

'At the time she really wanted to put the message across that yes, she was a free woman finally and very confident in herself and above all, very happy in herself,.'

Diana: Queen of Style, airs tonight at 10pm on Channel 4.
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President Joe Biden's granddaughter Naomi turned to another famous first couple for fashion inspiration this weekend, when she channeled former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in an elegant pink skirt suit while celebrating her engagement to long-time boyfriend Peter Neal.

The 27-year-old, who is the daughter of Biden's son Hunter, 51, and his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle, 52, put on a very stylish display as she joined her mother and sisters Maisy and Finnegan to toast her happy news during an intimate family gathering.

Naomi took to Instagram on Monday to share several images from the celebration, for which she donned a short-sleeved, cropped pink jacket over a matching high-waisted skirt, before topping the whole look off with a pair of chic white heels - and, of course, her dazzling engagement ring.

In one image, the bride-to-be is seen flashing her diamond while posing with her future husband, who looked dapper in a brown-and-navy plaid blazer, velvet brown trousers, a grey sweater, and a white collared shirt.

The happy couple, who announced their engagement over Labor Day weekend, are the picture of romantic bliss in the images, one of which shows them gazing into each others' eyes while standing outside a stunning red-brick house, while another sees them walking hand-in-hand away from the camera, with Naomi flashing a quick look back at the lens.

Celebration! President Joe Biden's granddaughter Naomi, 27, proudly showed off her engagement ring while spending time with her fiance Peter Neal over the weekend in what appears to have been a belated celebration

Family first: Naomi was joined by her sisters, Finnegan (left) and Maisy (right), as well as their mother Kathleen Buhle (center) for the intimate gathering

Trio: Both Maisy, 20, and Finnegan, 21, opted to wear pants for the party, while their sister channeled former First Lady Jackie O in a chic pink skirt suit and white heels

The look of love: While sharing several photos from the gettogether on her Instagram, Naomi wrote that she had a 'full heart'

Neal is the son of orthopedic surgeons based in Wyoming, and he graduated from Penn Law, according to The List, while Naomi graduated from the University of Pennsylvania last year and is now working for an international law firm based in Washington D.C.

Other photos taken during the gathering show Naomi posing happily with her sisters, Finnegan, 21, and Maisy, 20, as well as their mother Kathleen, all of whom were dressed to the nines for the special occasion.

University of Pennsylvania student Finnegan looked ready for an adventure in the countryside in a beige plaid blazer, white collared shirt, and tanned leather pants - which she paired with some open-toe heels, while her blonde locks were styled in a loose waves around her shoulders.

Her younger sibling Maisy stuck to her signature casual style in a pair of white-black-and-red sneakers, which she wore with some cuffed navy trousers, a navy sweater, and a speckled blazer, adding a pop of color with a bright green-and-blue shirt collar.

Meanwhile the siblings' mother Kathleen wore a colorful floral midi skirt with a black T-shirt and some matching black heels as she posed for a sweet family photo with her three daughters.

While sharing the snaps on her Instagram, newly-engaged Naomi added a sweet and simple caption, writing: 'Full [heart]' alongside the photos.

But while she kept her caption very short and sweet, her friends and followers didn't hold back when it came to the gushing comments they left on the images, many of which drew comparisons between Naomi and former First Lady Jackie O.

No show: Naomi's father Hunter Biden, 51, was not pictured at the gathering, which was held just a few days after he was pictured in New York City, where he is currently exhibiting $500,000 worth of his paintings at a SoHo gallery

Happy as can be: Peter and Naomi first announced their engagement over Labor Day weekend, when the bride-to-be shared a sneak peek at her dazzling engagement ring

Close: The University of Pennsylvania graduate is known to have a very strong bond with her grandparents, and was seen returning to the White House with them last month after attending the wedding of Biden's nephew Cuffe Owens

'OK Jackie O vibes,' one person wrote, while another chimed in: 'Jackie O vibes. Immaculate.'

A third person also pointed out the similarities between Naomi and another style legend, writing: 'Thats not a dress thats an Audrey Hepburn movie.'

One of the newest members of the Biden family, former Real Housewives of Orange County star Meghan King, who tied the knot with the President's nephew Cuffe Owens last month, also gushed over the photos, writing: 'DDG [drop dead gorgeous]... all of you' alongside the snaps.

Missing from the family gathering was Kathleen's ex-husband Hunter - who is father to Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy and who spent last week in New York City, where he is currently exhibiting a collection of his paintings, which are on sale at a SoHo art gallery for $500,000.

The scandal-ridden First Son was pictured making his way to the gallery on Wednesday evening with his second wife Melissa Cohen and their son Beau - before snapping at a reporter who tried to grill him about his notorious laptop as he made his way inside the space.

When asked by reporters if he'd gotten the laptop back from the FBI after it had been left at a Delaware repair shop in 2019, he grinned and said 'there's always a smartass in the bunch.'

His wife then joked that the laptop 'doesn't exist.'

Her comment came as a new book on the President verified that at least some of the information found on a laptop allegedly belonging to Hunter is real - months after incriminating emails regarding the First Son's dealings with Ukraine were examined in a DailyMail.com investigation.

Materials that were confirmed as real include an infamous 2015 email from Ukrainian businessman Vadym Pozharskyi thanking Hunter for the chance to meet his father, then only Vice President Biden.

Someone with independent access to Hunter's emails confirmed he received the message.

Despite the scandal surrounding their father, Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy have continued to show public support for him over the years.

Maisy was actually pictured spending time with Hunter last Tuesday during his trip to New York, where the pair were seen strolling along the sidewalk together before returning to the upscale Greenwich Hotel.

The three Biden sisters were launched onto the world stage during the President's campaign, throughout which they all made several appearances alongside their grandfather at a variety of different events.

Newly-engaged Naomi, who began dating her fiance in 2018, demonstrated an early interest in international affairs when her grandfather was Vice President to then-President Barack Obama, often accompanying him on international trips to New Zealand, Turkey and China.

Naomi now uses her platform to defend her grandfather from his critics while also promoting progressive ideals on her Twitter page.

Biden and Neal have been dating since 2018. They are seen here earlier this summer with Major, the president's dog, in the background

The couple is seen here on January 21, 2021 in front of the Washington Monument, around the time of President Joe Biden's inauguration

U.S. President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, their daughter Ashley Biden and granddaughters Finnegan and Naomi pose for a picture during a celebration of Independence Day in Washington, D.C. this year

The president has six grandchildren and three children. His eldest son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015

And just last year, she and Neal coded their own website, Coronavirus Aid and Relief Guide, to help those that were financially hurt by the coronavirus lockdowns.

Naomi is named after President Biden's late daughter, who died in a car accident with her, Hunter and Beau's mother, Neilia in 1972, shortly after Biden was first elected to serve in the United States Senate.

Along with his son Hunter, Biden shares a daughter with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, Ashley. His eldest son, Beau, died of brain cancer in 2015.

'Joe and Jill Biden are incredibly close to their children and grandchildren,' said Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware who has known the president for decades.

'Having lost Beau, in what was a great tragedy in their lives, has made them even more intensely close to both children and more determined to be good grandparents.'

He added that the Bidens 'have a sense of joy and open-heartedness that comes even more abundantly clear when they're in the presence of their grandchildren.'

However, it appears that both Joe and Jill skipped the family gathering over the weekend - when the President found himself mired in controversy after rumors surfaced of a rift between himself and his Vice President Kamala Harris.

The pair put on an awkward attempt to quash the speculation on Monday, when they put on an over-the-top display of camaraderie while signing Biden's $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in front of 800 lawmakers.
Kendall Jenner is being blasted as 'rude,' 'tacky,' and 'disrespectful' for wearing an incredibly revealing gown to her friend's wedding last week.

The 26-year-old model was a bridesmaid at the Florida seaside wedding of influencer Lauren Perez, and while she wore a typical blue strapless gown for the ceremony, she changed into something else entirely to party.

Photos Kendall posted on Instagram show her in the Monot floor-length number, which features cutouts across the torso  so extensive that there's more skin visible than fabric.

The images have shocked social media users, who have called it an 'F you' to Kendall's friend and insisted they would have kicked the model out if she wore it to their wedding.

Kendall Jenner is being blasted as 'rude,' 'tacky,' and 'disrespectful' for wearing an incredibly revealing gown to her friend's wedding last week

Photos Kendall posted on Instagram show her in the Monot floor-length number, which features cutouts across the torso - so extensive that there's more skin visible than fabric

Just a thin swath of black fabric, twisted thinner in the middle, covered her chest, covering up less than many bikinis would

Kendall was pictured earlier in the day in the light blue dresses that all the bridemaids, including Bella Hadid, wore for the outdoor ceremony.

It appears to have been a tasteful religious affair, presided over by a rabbi with the men wearing yarmulkes on their heads.

But at some point  whether for the reception or after party is unclear  the bridesmaids changed into new dresses, and Kendall's was a head-turner.

Pulled from Monot's Spring-Summer 2022 collection  which is not yet available to purchase  the dress put the supermodel's famously slim figure on full display.

Just a thin swath of black fabric, twisted thinner in the middle, covered her chest, covering up less than many bikinis would.

Kendall was pictured earlier in the day in the light blue dresses that all the bridemaids, including Bella Hadid, wore for the outdoor ceremony

Nearly her entire stomach was visible, down to her belly button and hip bones.

She and friends including Bella and Hailey Bieber posed for mirror selfies after changing outfits.

But while fans seem to be in agreement that she looks great, many insist it was in no way an appropriate choice to wear to a wedding.

'Totally disgusting for a wedding,' wrote one Twitter user.

'Kendall Jenner really said F you to her best friend on her wedding day,' said another, while a third added: 'Wow she must hate the poor bride.'

'Its not even about looking better than the bride its just so tacky and awkward to wear at a wedding,' said one more.

While fans seem to be in agreement that she looks great, many insist it was in no way an appropriate choice to wear to a wedding

Others called it 'embarassing,' 'bad taste,' and 'rude af,' slamming her for showing 'disrespect.'

'This is so tacky, kinda feels like she wanted more attention than the bride,' said one.

'Kendall Jenner wearing this to a wedding is making me physically ill,' said another.

'She really wore this to someone elses wedding. Kendall Jenner is the biggest pick me girl ever,' wrote yet another commenter.

One noted that 'money doesnt buy class,' while another said 'she'd get kicked out' if Kendall wore that to her wedding.

Some noted that 'money doesnt buy class,' while another said 'she'd get kicked out' if Kendall wore that to her wedding

Meanwhile, the brand's designer, Eli Mizrahi, has admitted that 'confidence is key' for pulling off his designs.

'You should walk into a room and think, "I'm a star and I can do anything,' he told Vogue. 'I feel like a lot of my pieces in the collection will give you that attitude.

'The bad girls are my top priority! Those are the ones who are going to support my brand and buy my products.'
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not plan to wait for an advisory committee to meet before authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot for all adults, breaking from the typical process.

The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) initially declined to recommend Covid boosters for all adults during a meeting in September, instead only green lighting the Pfizer shot for those 65 and older.

Pfizer is once again making a bid to have its shot made available for all adults, and CNN reports that the FDA does not plan on giving the committee a chance to vote against it again.

Concerns about myocarditis in young people and the global vaccine disparity were cited as reasons for the shot's initial rejection in September.

An FDA vaccine advisory committee made up of outside experts does not plan to meet to discuss the authorization of the Pfizer Covid booster shot for all Americans 18 and older. The committee, VRBPAC, recommended against authorization in September (file photo)

The Pfizer booster shot is currently available to all Americans aged 65 and older, with serious comorbidities or with a job that puts them at risk of exposure. It has already been administered 17.7 million times in the US. Pictured: A man in Paris, France, receives a COVID-19 booster shot on October 25

'It's unlikely there is going to be a meeting,' an inside source told CNN.

Dr Arnold Monto, the chairman of VRBPAC and an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, told CNN that the process of holding the meeting for every approval could be cumbersome.

'In a dynamic situation, it's very cumbersome to be convened - we have to be screened every time for conflicts of interest and everything else that's needed to have a meeting - all the legal niceties,' Monto said.

'Our role is to advise on overall policy and to leave the details to the FDA because one, we are advisory, and two, we cannot, the way we are set up, respond quickly to changing circumstances.'

The committee is made up of outside advisors who do not work for the FDA, and instead are experts representing many institutions around the country.

While VRBPAC's recommendations are not binding, the FDA will rarely make a decision that disagrees with the committee.

Pfizer was initially hoping to have its COVID-19 boosters shots available to all American adults - six months after receival of their second shot - by late September.

In late August, the White House announced plans to make the additional shots available on September 20, though the plan ran into a few speedbumps.

On September 17, VRBPAC voted 16-2 against the shots authorization.

The main concern cited by the experts was the risk of rare heart inflammation cases for people under the age of 30 who receive the jab.

The panel did not believe the risk of the condition was worth it for age groups who had little risk of complications from the virus anyways.

Members also expressed concerns about lowering the eligible age to 40 or 50.

Many critics of the White House's booster shot plan also believe that the nation should instead focus on donating vaccine doses overseas, as preventing virus spread in low income nations can prevent new variants from forming.

A variant that develops in a nation with a low vaccination rate can quickly become a problem for Americans, and cause outbreaks stateside, like the Indian-born Delta variant did over summer.

The committee did unanimously vote to recommend Pfizer booster shots for all Americans 65 and older, though, and later extended the recommendation to include all people with serious comorbidities or with a job that puts them at risk of Covid exposure as well.

Last week, Pfizer once again submitted data to regulators in a bid to get its booster jabs approved in all adults.

This time, the shot is expected to get the green light, and fast-tracking the process to get around the committee that once stood in its way should increase its chances.

Monto told CNN that the move to skip VRBPAC is not unprecedented.

'[The committee meets] at the discretion of the FDA,' he said.

'They are only advisory, and there is a history of [the committee] not meeting over points in which the FDA does not feel they need the advice of the committee.'

So far, the Pfizer booster shot has been the most popular in America, just like its original two-dose vaccine is.

The additional shot has been adminsitered 17.7 million times, making up more than half of the 29.3 million booster jabs that have been administered in the U.S. so far.
Dr Anthony Fauci has become the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., in both a negative and positive sense.

For some, he is a comforting figure, leading the nation through a disaster. For others, he is the face of government overreach, mismanagement and overreaction.

Fauci, the man who serves as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), says the criticism and constant threats he and his family have received have taken a toll on him over time.

He blames former President Donald Trump and other conservative politicians for the nation's current state of divisiveness, and some of the failures of America's pandemic response.

Dr Anthony Fauci (pictured) told CBS' Sunday Morning that much of the criticism and fury he has received during the COVID-19 pandemic is a result of divisiveness in the U.S. right now. Pictured: Fauci speaks in an interview with the CBS show

Fauci is pushing for more Americans to get vaccinated, though their is a split along party lines of who is getting the shots. A recent poll finds that 90% of Democrats and only 61% of Republicans have received the jab. Pictured: A woman in Los Angeles, California, receives a shot of a COVID-19 vaccine

'You know, it's very, very tough, because if you keep lying about someone and keep spreading preposterous accusations, that they're going to be some people, if they hear that often enough, are going to believe it,' Fauci said of some of the claims made about him on social media and in some conservative political and media circles, to CBS' Sunday Morning over the weekend.

'But that's just the way it is. I can't change the fabric of society about social media and how it works.'

Fauci has been in the crosshairs of many since the pandemic first began and he became a household name in the U.S.

In recent months, he has received calls to resign from multiple sources.

In October, it was revealed that NIAID had performed brutal animal testing experiments on dogs and monkeys under Fauci's leadership.

After the report was revealed, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis, a Republican, joined a chorus of people calling for Fauci to resign.

Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, has also accused Fauci of covering up information related to gain of function research funded by the U.S. government at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

Some believe that Covid, which originated in Wuhan, China, was developed by researchers at the WIV, and escaped when some got accidentally infected with it, in what is commonly referred to as the 'lad leak theory'.

While the theory is unlikely, and health officials say the virus likely originated in bats, the theory has not yet been removed as a possibility.

Fauci admits that he can not be sure how exactly funding the U.S. gave to the WIV was used.

In the wake of these rumors, Sen Paul has also asked for Fauci to resign.

The strongest, and most bizarre, criticism of Fauci has come from Rep Madison Cawthorn, a Republican freshman congressman from North Carolina.

In October, Cawthorn called Fauci a 'demon doctor' and accused the NIAID director of enacting 'policies [that] shuttered the U.S. economy, drove our country into financial upheaval and violated the rights of millions of Americans.'

As director of NIAID, Fauci is not in a legislative role and can not file, pass or enact laws in the U.S.

Guidance from Fauci often does help shape policy at the local, state and federal levels.

Cawthorn has also accused Fauci of playing a role in the creation of COVID-19, citing gain of function research performed at the WIV.

Fauci has also previously reported that he and his daughters have received death threats and harassment from those who oppose his stances of COVID-19 related mandates.

He partly blames misinformation, and former President Donald Trump for creating these conditions, and for why the pandemic spiraled out of control in the U.S.

'When you have leadership, you know, denying that something is as serious as it is, then you have a real problem. So, in that respect, it could have gone differently,' he said.

'...One of the things that to me was most difficult to accept is that we put together a good plan for how we were going to try and dampen down the spread of infection early on, thinking that that was accepted by everybody. And then, the next day you have the president saying, 'Free Michigan. Free Virginia.'

'I didn't quite understand what the purpose of that was, except to put this misplaced perception about people's individual right to make a decision that supersedes the societal safety.'

Fauci said he and President Trump were not on speaking terms at some points during the pandemic.

He also said that he was alienated within the White House, and claims Trump enlisted his communications team to perform opposition research on him.

'If we had a country where people realized the importance of a communal effort, then we could do that,' Fauci said.

'But that's not where our country is right now. Our country is divisive.'

Fauci has defended himself against his most high profile critics, and has brushed off any calls to resign.

He continues to push for vaccination in the U.S., and believes that it is unnecessary for the country to be suffering thousands of deaths every week when there is a vaccine available.

'We cannot accept a high level of deaths to COVID-19 when we have a vaccine that could prevent it,' he said.

As on Monday afternoon, 68 percent of Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 59 percent are fully vaccinated.

Getting the vaccine has become a controversial topic, though, and one that has been split on party lines.

The Kaiser Family Foundation vaccine monitor found in late October than 31 percent of Republicans say they will 'definitely not' get vaccinated, compared to two percent of Democrats.

The survey also found that around 90 percent of Democrats had received the jab, compared to only 61 percent of Republicans.
Bumper payouts from mining companies drove global dividends to a three-month record of 301billion, according to fund manager Janus Henderson.

Experts are now predicting new highs of 1.1billion for the whole of 2021.

The figures will be a relief to savers and pensioners who saw their extra incomes slashed when many companies cut their payouts last year.

Digging deep: A rally in metal prices saw firms such as Rio Tinto and BHP hand back billions to investors

A rally in metal prices saw firms such as Rio Tinto and BHP  which will be the single biggest dividend-giver this year  hand back billions to investors.

Mining companies worldwide distributed more money in the third quarter alone than they did in the whole of 2019, which was the highest year for them on record.
The Chicago Civilian Office of Police Accountability's review of a 2019 botched police raid on the wrong home said half the officers involved should face consequences including Officer Ella French, 29, pictured, despite the face she was shot dead in August

A Chicago police review agency that recommended eight officers involved in the botched 2019 raid of a social worker be suspended or fired is being harshly criticized for including the name of Officer Ella French, who was later shot dead during an August traffic stop.

The raid on Anjanette Young saw officers swoop in on her home only to later find they had busted the wrong address.

Upon hearing of her death just over 16 months later, Young praised French's conduct saying she was the only person who 'treated her with dignity'.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot, members of the City Council, the president of the city's police officers' union and a brother of the slain officer all decried what Lightfoot called the 'height of tone-deafness' to recommend that Officer French be suspended for three days.

A spokesman for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) explained that while the report on the raid of the home of Young was made public this week, it was completed in late April - months before French was killed. He said that a city ordinance prohibits the agency from redacting the information regarding French.

French, 29, was killed in August by a single shot to the head as she and her partner approached a car during a what-appeared-to-be a routine traffic stop. Both French and her fellow officer were essentially sitting docks following a change in Chicago policing policy that required officers to keep their weapons holstered.

The situation spiraled out of control when one of the people in the car did not to cooperate and refused to place his drink and cell phone on the ground.

Police officer Carlos Yanez, 40, has released a moving video thanking supporters and donors after being shot and paralyzed in the line of duty in Chicago in August

Monte Morgan got out of the vehicle and managed to pull a .22 caliber handgun on the officers firing several shots towards the pair, hitting French in the head and Officer Carlos Yanez in the right eye and shoulder.

French and Yanez had their guns holstered the 'entire time' of the incident following a policy change that critics have said simply 'embolden criminals and render police sitting ducks.'

Chicago police union boss John Catanzara told Fox News that Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot had to shoulder some of the blame for French's death due to the city's soft stance on crime.

Anjanette Young, left, released a statement earlier this year, mourning the loss of Chicago police officer Ella French noting that the officer was the only one who 'treated her with dignity'

In reference to French's earlier 2019 raid, 'following the review and concurrence by the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, as well as serving of administrative charges, we carefully considered the release of the report and its impact on Ms. Anjanette Young and Ella Frenchs family,' Ephraim Eaddy, Chief Spokesperson to COPA said in an email to the Chicago Sun-Times.

'We honor the service Officer French gave to our city and mourn her death and also hope the release of the report brings further closure to Ms. Anjanette Young.'

COPA recommended the suspension because French failed to wear a body-worn camera when she arrived at Young's home.

But Young, who was handcuffed by officers when she was naked after they stormed into what turned out to be the wrong address, praised French as the one officer who treated her with 'dignity and respect' that night.

In a statement, John Catanzara, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, said the police oversight agency has 'zero credibility' and demanded an apology.

'This is the latest example of why that agency has zero credibility in the eyes of every CPD officer,' Catanzara said. 'We demand an apology immediately for the intentional harm caused to Ella's family, friends and co-workers.'

Mayor Lori Lightfoot suggested that COPA could have taken that praise by Young into consideration before including French's name in the report.

Young, a social worker, said French was the only officer who treated her with 'dignity and respect' after a wrongful raid on her home in 2019, during which she was naked (pictured)

French (circled in red) was not part of the all-male raid team in 2019 and arrived later on

Young said French (circled above) allowed her to get dressed in the privacy of her bedroom

A report found fault with French's actions during a 2019 raid having failed to activate her body-cam and document detention and search of a man and his car

'They could have taken different action, particularly in light of the fact that Ms. Young herself said that Officer French showed her respect and treated her with dignity,' the mayor said on Friday. 'It just doesn't make sense that COPA made this decision.'

The officer's brother, Andrew French, was even more blistering in his critique of COPA. 'This is disgraceful,' he told WGN-TV. 'This is disrespectful to her name, disrespectful on so many levels.'

And Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown expressed disappointment that COPA included the name of French, whom he called a 'hero,' in the report. 'Failing to acknowledge her death in the line of duty and redact her name from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability's report is unnecessarily insensitive,' he said in a statement.

French was killed and Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. was critically wounded when a man in an SUV they had pulled over opened fire.

The man and his brother, who authorities say was also at the scene and involved in the shooting, have been charged with murder and attempted murder.

A photograph of fallen Chicago police Officer Ella French is held at her funeral in August. French was killed and her partner was seriously wounded during a traffic stop
A nine-year-old boy on Sunday became the latest fatality in a deadly crowd surge during a Travis Scott performance at the Astroworld music festival in Houston.

Ezra Blount, of Dallas, Texas, was reportedly a big fan of rapper Travis Scott's music, and was sitting on his father's shoulders when the countdown to Scott's performance began at NRG Park on November 5.

The pair stayed near the back of the crowd because his father, Treston Blount, thought it would be calmer, he previously told ABC 13.

But as soon as Scott took the stage, Treston said, people started pushing.

He lost consciousness and Ezra fell to the ground, and was soon trampled on by eager concert-goers.

Ezra Blount, 9, of Dallas, Texas, became the latest fatality in a deadly crowd surge during a Travis Scott performance at the Astroworld music festival in Houston on Sunday - 10 days after he was put in a medically-induced coma

He was attending the Travis Scott concert with his father, Treston Blount, left

When Treston regained consciousness, he said, he could not find Ezra anywhere, and rushed to the on-site medic tents and several hospitals.

Eventually, he said, he filed a police report, and received a message from an officer with a picture of his boy.

When he got to the hospital, he discovered his son incurred severe damage to his brain, kidney, and liver after being 'kicked, stepped on, and trampled, and nearly crushed to death,' according to a lawsuit his family has filed against Scott and the events organizer, Live Nation.

The Blount family is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

In a statement, the family's lawyer, Ben Crump, said that he was 'committed to seeking answers and justice' on behalf of the family.

'The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son,' Crump said. 'This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration. Ezra's death is absolutely heartbreaking.'

With Ezra's death, the death toll stemming from the crowd surge rose to 10 people.

Blount incurred severe damage to his brain, kidney, and liver after being 'kicked, stepped on, and trampled, and nearly crushed to death'

His family is seeking at least $1 million in damages from Scott and Live Nation. Blount is pictured here in February 2018 with his mother, Tamara.

The dead ranged from 9 to 27 years old. Hundreds more were injured.

City officials are investigating what caused the pandemonium at the sold-out event attended by about 50,000 fans.

On Wednesday, Houston's police chief blamed Travis Scott for not pulling the plug on the deadly Astroworld concert as new footage showed cops casually filming the Travis Scott show nearly 30 minutes after a mass casualty event was declared.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner refused to provide a timeline for the police response after a sizable group pushed toward the stage at NRG Park.

When asked about the timing of the police response after it became apparent things had become dangerous, Finner said the police department was still in the early stages of its investigation and that he was 'not gonna discuss timelines.'

At least two Houston Police Department cops were spotted holding their phones up and filming at Travis Scott's deadly Astroworld gig 30 minutes after it was declared a mass-casualty event

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner (pictured) held a press conference on Wednesday and offered updates on the investigation into the deadly Astroworld concert

Ten people died and hundreds more were injured at last Friday's Astroworld concert in Houston after a sizable group of the 50,000 in attendance pushed toward the stage

Video and photos obtained by TMZ shows members of the Houston Police Department calmly walking around and even pulling out their cellphones to record Scott's performance after the Fire Chief declared a 'mass casualty event' at 9:38 pm.

A set of photos with the time stamps 9:57 pm shows police officers recording the rappers performance, 19 minutes after the chief's declaration, TMZ reported.

TMZ also obtained video of officers casually strolling past the stage shot at 10:02 pm, 25 minutes after the mass casualty declaration.

When asked about how the concert came to an end, and why Scott was able to complete his set, the chief said investigators are still looking into the specifics during a press conference Wednesday.

'I don't know, and that's part of the investigation,' he told reporters, adding 'We've been looking and the timelines have moved and that's why we shouldn't jump ahead of things, lets just wait. that's part of the investigation.'

Finner, who said he did not have a close relationship with Scott and had only met him twice, said whether or not the show went on was not up to the police department.

'Authorities ability to end the show - we don't hold the plug, okay? But it's always in a plan, there's always discussion of how that would happen and we had those discussions with the promoters,' Finner said.

'The ultimate authority to end the show is with production and the entertainer,' he added.

Scott has been widely criticized for continuing to play on for 38 minutes after Houston PD declared a mass casualty incident

A Houston police officer pictured helping the crowd at last Friday's deadly Astroworld concert

Scott has been widely criticized for continuing to play on for 38 minutes after Houston PD declared a mass casualty incident and for attending a party with fellow rapper Drake in the hours after the tragedy.

But Scott's lawyer Ed McPherson told DailyMail.com that the rapper did pause the show when he spotted fans in trouble and was wearing an earpiece during the gig which limited what he could hear.

McPherson also revealed Scott was not allowed to stop the show himself due to a security protocol that put the decision in the hands of the producers. He said that when told to stop, he did.

McPherson said: 'There's very little that you can see [from the stage]. You're up there to perform. Your job is to entertain the crowd and get the crowd going.

'You can't see these things [crowd trouble]. You certainly can't hear anything. This was in the middle of the night and that compounds things on stage. All you see is black in front of you.'

An ambulance is seen in the crowd during the Astroworld music festival as Scott's performance reportedly continued

Police are still trying to determine whether any of the deaths occurred because of the surge or if other factors later came into play, such as accidental fatal overdoses, a source close to the investigation told the Wall Street Journal.

There were 300 people were injured in the crush, including 11 who went into cardiac arrest and dozens more who were knocked unconscious.

Scott released a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy in which he said he was 'absolutely devastated' by the loss of life.

The Houston native went on: 'My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at the Astroworld Festival.

'Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life.

'I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need.'

He has since offered to pay the cost of the victim's funerals and has set up a counseling service for fans affected by the tragedy.
A man who became the first person jailed in Australia for 'sexting' women and was called 'depraved' by a judge has been charged with assault in the country town he terrorised 20 years ago.

Peter Lewis Sheather, 49, will face court later this month on two charges of assault at a house in Wagga Wagga which police had previously raided during Sheather's reign of terrror back in 2001.

Police arrested Shearer at the home in the Wagga suburb of Ashmont earlier this year and charged him with an alleged assault on a woman and another alleged assault occasioning actual bodily harm on a male.

It was at the same house two decades ago that police found thousands of newspaper clippings and hand-written notes with the addresses and telephone numbers of women.

Sheather was jailed in 2002 for using the details to call women who he would keep on the line using threats while he asked them sexually explicit questions.

He was jailed over 100 counts of menacing women and girls as young as 16 who Wagga Local Court was told suffered nightmares following Sheather's intimidating telephone calls.

In Sydney in 2014, Sheather pleaded guilty to sending women text messages on his iPhone suggesting lewd acts and accompanied with images or video of men's body parts.

Australia's first convicted sexter Peter Lewis Sheather has been charged with assault in the same country town he terrorised women 20 years ago

The women were clients of companies Sheather worked for as a pool cleaner and maintenance man to Sydney's eastern suburbs and North Shore.

He pleaded guilty and was jailed as Australia's first convicted 'sexter'.

Sheather used women clients' mobile numbers plus personal details about them and their backyard pools in text messages on a secret iPhone account he had obtained under a false name.

He texted one woman victim a message at 7.03am with 'a picture of a male standing naked with a semi-erect penis'.

The head and face of the man could not be seen in the photo. Sheather's accompanying message used the woman's actual name and read, 'Shower time. Wanna join me honey?'

He sent the photo to another woman and then texted her using her name and writing, 'I'd love to f*** you in your pool'.

He later texted the same photograph and suggestion to a third victim, following up with another message calling her by name and saying, 'Hey sexy. How's your week honey?'

On the evening of that day he sent a message to victim four, using her name and saying, 'I'd love to f*** u in your pool ... Nicole'.

Another woman became unwittingly involved in a text 'conversation' with Sheather after he sent her a message saying, 'Hey sexy Liz. How's u?'

Sheather, now aged 49, moved from Wagga to Sydney after his prison release and began terrorising women pool owners in exclusive suburbs who he sent obscene images

The texts went back and forth for almost three hours until Sheather suggested he sent a photograph, mentioned his 'c***' and her 'big t***' and suggested she let him 'f*** u in your pool'.

The same evening Sheather texted his seventh victim saying, 'Hey sexy gal. How's your week been? Did you work today or lazed at home.'

When the woman did not answer, Sheather sent her a 15-second long video which police say 'depicted an erect penis being masturbated and ejaculating' with a message saying, 'Nicky McSticky?'.

The last victim Sheather texted before his 2014 arrest received a message from him saying, 'I'd love to take to [sic] downstairs and f*** your brains out in your pool while you look over the harbour'.

Sheather had also sent sexually explicit messages to a woman he had met on the dating website Plenty of Fish, introducing himself as 'Rick Smithe'.

The friendship ceased a month later after, police say, Sheather sent the woman, 'a multimedia text message ... containing a photo of a penis ejaculating'.

He contacted her again in 2013, to try and arrange a meeting but she refused saying she 'did not feel comfortable'.

When he texted her again, saying 'Want you so bad' accompanied by a video she did not look at, she texted him back saying, 'Taking my phone straight to the police station'.

When police subsequently arrested him and searched his apartment they seized his laptop, but were told he had smashed the iPhone 5 with a hammer and thrown it in a bin.

Mr Sheather pleaded guilty to nine counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

Sentencing magistrate Roger Prowse jailed him for a maximum of three years, saying 'if you had to look up the word depraved, you would find an entry: Peter Sheather'.

Judge Prowse said Sheather had a 'hideous' record of offending.

Sheather later appealed his sentence in the District Court which shaved 16 months off it, saying the offender had been mistakenly handed down a total jail term which was more than what was available to the Local Court.

Sheather was previously jailed for 18 months in 2002 less than seven months after he was released from prison after serving a term for similar offences committed in 2001.

Police facts tendered to the Wagga court said Sheather had made thousands of calls from a pre-paid mobile telephone over a six-week period leading up to his arrest in September, 2002.

At that time, Sheather applied to have his charges to be dismissed under the Mental Health Act, but was denied.

Magistrate Phil Moon said he had no doubt Sheather's victims would have been terrified by his actions.

A psychiatric report tendered to the court suggested Sheather had a compulsive sexual disorder which required ongoing treatment.

Sheather's two alleged assault charges are set down for a hearing in the Wagga Local Court later this month.
Michael Cohen was spotted enjoying a lunch out with his wife Laura Shusterman just hours after a New York judge ruled the Trump Organization would not have to pay him millions of dollars in legal bills.

Trump's former fixer and attorney and his wife were seen stopping off for a bite to eat in the Upper East Side.

He cut a casual figure in jeans and a light jacket as he walked around New York with shopping bags in hand.

Only hours earlier, Cohen had seen his attempt to sue the Trump Organization rejected after claiming their failed to make good on a promise to pay legal costs resulting from his work.

Michael Cohen and his wife Laura Shusterman are spotted enjoying a lunch together in New York just hours after a judge ruled the Trump Organization would not have to pay him millions of dollars in legal bills

He cut a casual figure in jeans and a light jacket as he walked around New York with shopping bags in hand

The judge said Cohen failed to prove the bills he incurred amid a criminal investigation and other lawsuits related to conduct done in his capacity as an employee of the Trump Organization.

The alleged missed reimbursements included $1.9 million for legal fees and costs, plus another $1.9 million related to Cohen's criminal case, according to Cohen's 2019 complaint.

'In a nutshell, Mr. Cohen's legal fees arise out of his (sometimes unlawful) service to Mr. Trump personally, to Mr. Trump's campaign, and to the Trump Foundation, but not out of his service to the business of the Trump Organization,' the judge said in the filing.

The Trump Organization was the only defendant in Cohen's lawsuit.

Cohen had sued the Trump Organization over alleged unpaid legal fees, but the ruling judge denied the claim, saying Cohen had not proved the bills he incurred related to conduct carried out as an employee of the company

In a statement on Twitter, Cohen's attorney Lanny Davis described the decision as 'unfair'.

Cohen, a longtime employee of the firm and Trump's, became a critic of the former president and testified that Trump had directed him to break the law.

In 2018, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to prison for his role in making illegal hush-money payments to women to help Trump's 2016 election campaign and lying to Congress about a Trump project in Russia.
A young model has hit back after copping fierce online backlash for filming herself driving to McDonald's in her Mercedes to buy 50 Big Macs for a homeless shelter.

Australian TikTok influencer Sophia Begg, 17, shared a video of her racking up a $322.50 bill as she picked up the burgers to deliver to the homeless charity Will2live on Saturday.

She said she was 'killing two birds with one stone' by buying the burgers on McHappy Day - the fast food chain's annual fundraiser where $2 from every Big Mac sold is donated to sick children and their families.

Commenters though accused her of using charity work to gain followers and questioned why she couldn't have just donated the money to charity.

Australian TikTok influencer @sophadophaa filmed herself picking up Big Macs for the homeless charity Will2live on Saturday

'In all honesty you should have just donated the money directly to Ronald McDonald House (McDonald's partner charity),' one person wrote.

'Not sure what giving out burgers to the homeless would achieve.'

'Why would you document this and take a video of the price?' another asked.

'Doing it for clout.'

The influencer drove to McDonald's in her Mercedes to buy 50 Big Macs for a homeless shelter

The model fired back in a TikTok video on Sunday, saying she was only sharing her charity work on the social media platform to raise awareness about Will2live and McHappy Day.

'I just think it's ridiculous that I'm getting hate - people are saying "you're just doing this for TikTok" and "you're just doing this for content",' she said.

'Sure I could have donated directly but the whole point in my head was to use my platform to make people aware of McHappy Day.

'I thought it would be a waste of my platform not to share something like this that is so close to my heart.'

The influencer said she was 'sick' of the hate messages her hate video had received.

'It's ridiculous... I just feel like I've been receiving so much hate,' she said.

Ms Begg also hit out at one commenter who questioned why she had driven to a McDonald's almost an hour and a half away.

'Anyone else questioning why her Maccas is an hour and 20 minutes away,' the commenter wrote. 'I swear I would have passed 20 in that time.'

Commenters accused the young model of using charity work to gain followers and questioned why she couldn't have just donated the money to charity

The model fired back at her critics in a TikTok video on Sunday, saying she only shared her charity work to raise awareness about homelessness and McHappy Day

The influencer said she only went to a McDonald's that far away because it was the closest branch to the homeless shelter.

'The charity we gave them to lived that far away,' she said.

'We went to a Maccas closest to them so they [the burgers] weren't cold.'

Many of her 360,000 TikTok followers rallied behind her, telling her she should feel proud of her herself for giving to charity.

'People are miserable, you did a wonderful thing and should feel proud,' one person wrote.

'She literally killed two birds with one stone by donating and giving back to the homeless - what is the issue?' another said.

Ms Begg, who is signed to ZOOZ Group management, rose to fame with her quirky TikTok videos but has done a collaboration with fashion retailer Beginning Boutique.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at a Hanukkah celebration in Canberra in December

Josh Frydenberg has criticised protesters who held placards showing Daniel Andrews in Nazi uniform.

Hundreds marched through Melbourne on Saturday to protest against proposed laws that would give the premier sweeping powers to manage pandemics.

Demonstrators shouted 'kill the bill' while carrying flags and banners targeting the premier, including photoshopped images showing him wearing a Nazi uniform.

Mr Frydenberg, who was born in Melbourne to Jewish parents, shared a picture of the placards on his Twitter feed and described them as 'offensive and wrong'.

'I don't agree with Daniel Andrews Pandemic Bill. It's overreach & has rightly been condemned. But placards depicting the Premier in Nazi uniform is offensive & wrong,' he wrote.

'It shows a lack of understanding of history. It fuels hatred. It's dangerous & has no place in public debate.'

Mr Frydenberg, who became Federal Treasurer in 2018, has spoken about losing his ancestors in the Holocaust which killed six million Jews during World War II.

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day in January, he said: 'The Frydenberg family lost great-grandparents and great-aunts but were also fortunate to have a great-aunt, Mary Frydenberg, survive.

'Every day she lived was a miracle, but it was with her own history and scars. And it was with her own number tattooed onto her arm from her time in Auschwitz.'

Mr Frydenberg, who was born in Melbourne to Jewish parents, shared a picture (above) of the placards on his Twitter feed and described them as 'offensive and wrong'

Hundreds marched through Melbourne on Saturday to protest against proposed laws that would give the premier sweeping powers to manage pandemics

Mr Frydenberg's mother arrived in Australia in 1950 after being rendered stateless in Hungary where she was born. His father's family arrived from Poland in the 1930s.

In 2015 he visited Auschwitz, the main Nazi concentration camp where 1.1million men, women and children were killed.

The Treasurer described the visit as 'one of the most moving experiences of my life'.

'Two of my great-grandparents and three great-aunts were killed by the Nazis as they came off the transport trains at Auschwitz,' he wrote in The Australian at the time.

'But from my first step until my last I felt empty, finding it hard to fathom what had actually taken place. No anger, just disbelief, as I listened for the voices from my family's past.'

Pictured: Mr Frydenberg's great uncle Hershek (far left), Hershek's brother Nathan (far right) and paternal grandfather Morrie (second right) survived the Holocaust. Morrie had moved to Australia in the 1930s

Mr Frydenberg is pictured with his parents Harry and Erica and sister Lexi when he completed his Master's at Oxford University

In 2015 he visited Auschwitz (pictured), the main Nazi concentration camp where 1.1million men, women and children were killed

The Treasurer is not the only senior federal minister to criticise Daniel Andrews' proposed laws.

The laws, which have passed Victoria's lower house and will be debated in the upper house this week, would give the premier the power to declare a pandemic for an unlimited period of time even if there are no cases of a virus.

The move would let the health minister make 'any order' he deems reasonably necessary' which could include lockdowns, vaccine mandates, enforced mask-wearing and much more, with fines of up to $454,350 for rule-breakers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the premier's bid to secure more power was 'confusing' when Australia is finally opening up after 18 months of Covid-19 restrictions - and said Aussies want governments to stop interfering in their lives.

'Victorians have gone through the worst of the pandemic... I can understand their frustration where governments are seeking to have more involvement in their lives,' he told radio 3AW on Friday.

Some protesters held three nooses, in possible reference to the three crossbench MPs who decide whether the bill passes

Premier Dan Andrews was depicted as a rat in another placard held by protesters

'We're going in the opposite direction... Australians have had enough of governments telling them what to do.

'That's been necessary for a couple of years but we're coming out of that now and I think the timing of this is confusing.'

Last week Victoria's top barristers called for Mr Andrews to delay and wind back the proposed laws.

What are the main concerns with the Bill? No definition of a pandemic Broad powers to the Health Minister to make 'any order' Reasons for detaining someone not defined 'Breathtakingly broad' powers to public officials to enforce laws Allows orders such as lockdowns to apply to people based on political views or association Health advice does not have to be published until 14 days after decision Rules that breach human rights laws may not be invalidated and overturned Source: Victorian Bar Advertisement

Victorian Bar president Christopher Blanden QC previously called the proposed laws 'extreme' and said the Stasi, the secret police in communist East Germany from 1950 to 1990, would be happy with the powers.

On Wednesday the Bar - made up of hundreds of top barristers - published a submission to the Department of Health which listed several problems with the laws and demanded changes.

In its submission, the Bar said it wants a definition of a 'pandemic disease' to be spelled out and the health minister's power to be limited to specific actions.

The lawyers want the minister to have to consider the 'harm and inconvenience' his orders may cause before he makes them.

The Bar said the law gives 'breathtakingly broad' powers to public officials who would be able to 'take any action or give any direction' - except detain someone - to enforce pandemic orders and wants these powers to have a time limit.

The laws would also allow the health minister to order someone be detained. The lawyers want the reasons for possible detention spelled out and an independent review process to oversee this.

The Bar has also raised concerns the laws allow orders such as lockdowns to be applied to people based on attributes protected by the Equal Opportunity Act such as race, gender and political association.

'The Victorian Bar is particularly concerned about the inclusion of an express power to make pandemic orders that apply to a person by reference to their political belief, industrial activity or personal association with others,' the submissions said.

'The Victorian Bar recommends that the Bill be amended to exclude differentiation based on attributes that are of no obvious relevance to a person's health risk profile.'

The lawyers said 'serious concerns' had been raised and want the Bill to be delayed.

Mr Andrews relies on three crossbenchers to get the laws through. Reason Party MP Fiona Patten has said 'there will be amendments' after listening to concerns of lawyers and human rights advocates.

Mr Andrews (pictured) relies on three crossbenchers to get the laws through parliament

Huge fines and jail

The new laws state a person can be fined up to $21,909 for breaching a pandemic order.

This could include not wearing a mask, breaking a movement limit, attending an illegal protest or a gathering, refusing to get tested or failing to show ID.

Businesses can be fined up to $109,044 for breaking rules which may include failing to make sure customers check-in or show proof of vaccine status.

The new law will allow the health minister to make 'any order' he deems 'reasonably necessary' including lockdowns, vaccine mandates and enforced mask-wearing. Pictured: Melbourne in lockdown in October

In addition, there is a new aggravated offence for breaches that 'cause a serious risk to the health of another individual'.

These can be punished with a $90,870 fine and two years in jail. An example given in the bill is someone going to work when they are infectious and should be isolating.

Businesses can also be guilty of an aggravated offence, with a maximum fine of $454,350 if, for example, they refuse to obey a lockdown and encourage customers to also flout the rules.

What are the fines in Daniel Andrews' new law? $21,909: This fine is for breaching a pandemic order such as not wearing a mask, breaking a movement limit, attending an illegal protest or a gathering, refusing to get tested or failing to show ID. $90,870: This fine is for an aggravated offence for breaches that 'cause a serious risk to the health of another individual' such as going to work when infectious. $109,044: This fine is for businesses breaking rules which may include failing to make sure customers check-in or show proof of vaccine status. $454,350: This fine is for an 'aggravated' offence by a business such as encouraging customers to flout lockdown rules . Advertisement

Power to the premier

Under the new laws the premier would be able to declare a pandemic for three months an unlimited number of times.

The current state of emergency laws require a parliamentary vote to extend them every 12 months - but the new laws have no time limit.

The health minister will be able to sign off on public health orders instead of the Chief Health Officer, a role currently held by Brett Sutton.

This gives the health minister the power to enforce lockdowns, shut down businesses, restrict movement, require masks, ban public gatherings, and enforce quarantine and isolation - powers currently held by the unelected CHO.

These powers can be implemented regardless of the number of disease cases or severity.

The bill will also extend the mandatory payment for hotel quarantine beyond 31 December.

Vaccine mandates and lockdowns for anti-vaxxers

The bill states that a pandemic order such as a lockdown or a vaccine mandate 'may apply to, differentiate between or vary in its application to persons or classes of person'.

This allows the Government to select who it wants to apply the order to, including people who have been at a certain event, who live in a certain area or who have a certain type of job.

The Government can discriminate based on 'presence in a pandemic management area; participation at an event; an activity they have undertaken; their characteristics, attributes or circumstances,' the bill says.

It also allows the Government to lockdown unvaccinated people only.

Under the new laws the premier would be able to shut down businesses, restrict movement and ban public gatherings even if there were no disease cases in Victoria. Pictured: A protester is arrested by police at a protest in St Kilda in October

The bill says the Government can discriminate based on attributes defined in the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 which include race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status and political views.

The group of lawyers against the bill warned a future health minister could target people based on their 'political beliefs or activities that involve questioning or opposing the government public health measures.'

But Health Minister Martin Foley said those factors would not be taken into account.

'Any suggestion that those other considerations of the public health processes, that is just really mischief making. These are recommendations that come forward on clinical and epidemiological grounds. Not those kinds of characteristics,' he said.

Professor Brett Sutton said attributes and characteristics could refer to 'intimate partners having the opportunity to see other individuals... people normally resident in regional Victoria... children under 16 years of age because they haven't had a vaccination opportunity... vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals in a vaccinated economy.

'You need the agility to spread to those characteristics and attributes that might exclude someone from a public health order and that might be directed at someone,' he said.

Tiered fines system

In a small win for disadvantaged people, the bill will allow disadvantaged people to apply for a 'concessional' fine.

Greens leader Samantha Ratnam negotiated this in discussions with the Government.

She said: 'I'm pleased that the Greens have been able to make sure these new laws have more transparency and are fairer for all Victorians, especially those facing disadvantage.'

Barista Maelys is seen at work at Cafe Chez Mademoiselle in Prahran, Melbourne, in October

Make health advice public

The Victorian Government has faced constant criticism for not releasing the health advice that its lockdown decisions are based on.

The bill will require the publication of the reasons for the Chief Health Officer recommending a pandemic order.

It will also establish an Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee to scrutinise Government decisions and health advice.

Under the new laws the premier would be able to declare a pandemic for an unlimited time, with an extension required every three months. Pictured: Victoria Police in October

QR safeguards

The new laws will ensure stronger safeguards to stop unlawful access to QR code check-in or contact tracing data, with a new offence in place.

It means police can only get hold of the data if there is an 'imminent threat' to someone's life.

Officers must acquire a Supreme Court order to access the data.

This comes after it was revealed in June that police failed three times to get access to QR code data.
The U.S. military covered up 2019 airstrikes in Syria that killed up to 64 women and children, a possible war crime, during the battle against Islamic State, according to a new report.

The two back-to-back airstrikes near the town of Baghuz were ordered by a classified American special operations unit tasked with ground operations in Syria, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

'We just dropped on 50 women and children,' a shocked analyst watching drone footage of the strike in real time told colleagues on a secure chat system.

In reality, the death toll in the March 19, 2019 was even higher, an assessment found, making the incident potentially one of the largest civilian casualty events in the US war against ISIS.

Heavy smoke rises above the Islamic State (IS) group's last remaining position in the village of Baghouz on March 18, 2019, the same day as the alleged strikes that killed civilians

Smoke rises in the ISIS group's last remaining position on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River in the village of Baghouz on March 18, 2019

A Syrian woman holds two little girls against her chest as they joined hundreds of civilians who fled the final ISIS stronghold in Baghuz on March 5, 2019, days prior to the bomb strikes

The strikes, called in by the secretive special operations group Task Force 9, were carried out by American F-15E attack jets that dropped one 500-pound bomb and two 2,000-pound bombs.

U.S. Central Command, which oversaw U.S. air operations in Syria, acknowledged the strikes for the first time this week and claimed they were justified.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Central Command reiterated the account it gave the newspaper that 80 people were killed in the strikes including 16 Islamic State fighters and just four civilians.

The military said it was unclear if the other 60 people were civilians, partly because women and children could have been combatants.

In Sunday's statement, the military said the strikes were 'legitimate self-defense,' proportional and that 'appropriate steps were taken to rule out the presence of civilians.'

'We abhor the loss of innocent life and take all possible measures to prevent them. In this case, we self-reported and investigated the strike according to our own evidence and take full responsibility for the unintended loss of life,' Central Command said.

Although many women and children fled Baghuz (as seen above) before the final battle, the Pentagon says that some remained and took up arms

The strike unfolded as ISIS fighters were making their final stand in a crowded, dirty camp (above) on the banks of the Euphrates River in Baghuz

'It is important to understand that ISIS decided to put their own families at risk when all avenues of escape were afforded to them,' the statement said.

'It is also important to note that some women and children, whether through indoctrination or choice, decided to take up arms in this battle and as such could not strictly be classified as civilians.'

The number of civilians among the 60 fatalities could not be determined because 'multiple armed women and at least one armed child were observed' in video of the events, it said, adding that the majority of the 60 were likely combatants.

Central Command said the strikes took place while Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were under heavy fire and in danger of being overrun and the SDF had reported the area clear of civilians.

The Defense Department's inspector general launched an inquiry into the 2019 incident, but its report was ultimately 'stripped' of any mention of the bombing and a thorough, independent probe never took place, according to the Times.

The newspaper said its report was based on confidential documents and descriptions of classified reports, as well as interviews with personnel directly involved.

Smoke rises behind destroyed vehicles and damaged buildings in the village of Baghuz in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor province near the Iraqi border on March 24, 2019

Wreckage and the body of an ISIS fighter are seen after SDF forces wiped out the group's final stronghold in Baghuz on March 24, 2019

An Air Force lawyer present in the operations center at the time believed the strikes were possible war crimes and later alerted the Defense Department's inspector general and the Senate Armed Services Committee when no action was taken, the Times said.

The Air Force lawyer, Lt. Col. Dean Korsak, sent the Senate Armed Services Committee a 10-page letter in May describing the strike and what he viewed as a 'systematic failure' on civilian casualty reporting.

Lt. Col. Dean Korsak believed the strikes were possible war crimes and raised alarms to internal investigators and Congress

The strike unfolded as ISIS fighters were making their final stand in a crowded, dirty camp on the banks of the Euphrates River in Baghuz.

The caliphate's once sprawling territory had shrunk to just a few square miles, and the final hard-core ISIS fighters and their families made a last stand, surrounded by US coalition forces.

On the morning of the bombing in question, ISIS had launched a last-ditch offensive to attempt to break coalition lines, and Task Force 9 called in waves of drone strikes to stave off the attacks.

The F-15E strikes were apparently called in after all drones in the area had exhausted their ordnance. Task Force 9 justified the bombing as a response to an immediate threat.

Following the bomb strike, the tide of the battle turned. Within days, the final remnants of ISIS were captured or killed.

In September, the Pentagon made a rare admission of wrongdoing by confessing that a drone strike in Kabul killed 10 innocent civilians, including seven children.

The civilian casualties had already been widely reported, including by DailyMail.com.
The only body recovered after the nation's greatest maritime disaster has been identified 80 years after HMAS Sydney was sunk in a World War II naval battle.

All 645 officers and crew aboard the Sydney were lost when she was attacked during World War II by the German raider Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia.

The action on November 19, 1941 in which both vessels were sunk remains the most grievous loss in the history of the Royal Australian Navy.

The wrecks of HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran were not found until 2008, solving one great mystery, and now another has been solved by DNA technology.

The only body recovered after the nation's greatest maritime disaster has been identified 80 years after HMAS Sydney was sunk in a World War II naval battle. The sailor's remains are buried at Geraldton War Cemetery under a gravestone which says 'Known Unto God' (pictured)

All 645 officers and crew aboard HMAS Sydney (pictured) were lost when she was attacked during World War II by the German raider Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia. The action in November 1941 remains the greatest loss in the history of the Royal Australian Navy

The wrecks of Sydney and Kormoran were not found until 2008, solving one great mystery, and now another has been solved by DNA technology. Some guns were found relatively intact (pictured) on the wreck of Sydney while other armaments were destroyed in battle

Almost three months after HMAS Sydney went down, on February 6, 1942, the body of one of the light cruiser's sailors was found on a life raft at Christmas Island.

The sailor had suffered a shrapnel wound to the head but naval investigators were never able to identify his remains.

He was was white, believed to be aged between 20 and 30, and between 167cm and 187cm tall.

He was described as having blue eyes and blond, light brown or read hair and was wearing blue overalls, suggesting he was not an officer.

The sailor was originally buried on Christmas Island and exhumed in October 2006 to be reburied near Geraldton's Dome of Souls memorial to HMAS Sydney.

Before his remains were reinterred in November 2008 bone and dental samples were taken to extract DNA in a last bid to put a name to the unknown hero.

HMAS Sydney (pictured) went down in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Western Australia after an intense battle with German merchant vessel Kormoran, on November 19, 1941

The Navy appealed to relatives of those killed on the Sydney to come forward for DNA tests and were able to use other records to eliminate more than 500 candidates.

It has now been reported a match has been found and the sailor's identity will be revealed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of HMAS Sydney's sinking on Friday.

'A DNA result has shown a positive match,' a source told Nine Newspapers. 'There is DNA which matches the unknown sailor.'

Many of the sailors on the Sydney were young - some only teenagers - and direct relatives who could have provided DNA samples are long deceased.

However, recent advances in DNA technology have made the success of such searches more likely.

Previously, researchers relied upon mitochondrial DNA to trace maternal ancestry, meaning they had to locate a female relative of the unidentified person.

Y-DNA testing now allows tracing to be done through a person's paternal line, widening the circle of potential relatives from whom a matching sample might be found.

A gun named 'Linda' (pictured) marked with a skull and cross bones is pictured on the wreck of the Kormoran. Weapons were often named by German sailors during World War II

By the time the crew of HMAS Sydney realised they had encountered an enemy vessel it was too late to successfully defend the ship. More than 80 sailors from the Kormoran also died in the battle

A Department of Defence spokeswoman declined to comment but Daily Mail Australia understands an announcement on the identity of the unknown Sydney sailor is imminent.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which oversees the Office of Australian War Graves, said Defence handled the identification of military personnel remains.

'However if Defence do announce the identity of this HMAS Sydney sailor, the Office of Australian War Graves may then be involved in a commemoration,' the spokeswoman said.

That would likely include changing the inscription on the unknown sailor's grave to include his name.

The Australian War Memorial describes the sinking of HMAS Sydney and the terrible loss of her crew in detail on its website.

A sculpture known as The Waiting Woman at Geraldton's Dome of Souls memorial to those lost on HMAS Sydney represents the women whose sailors never came home

Sydney lies at a depth of 2,470m and Kormoran at 2,560m, about 12 nautical miles away. Sydney's bow is detached and rests 400m from the rest of the ship

'The circumstances of the Sydney-Kormoran action contain dramatic elements which have continued to attract public attention for over half a century,' it states.

HMAS Sydney was an 'outstandingly successful warship' which had won major battle honours, 'aesthetically elegant' and the most famous vessel in the RAN.

Kormoran, an auxiliary cruiser, had been converted from a freighter and disguised as a merchant ship but was well armed with guns, torpedoes and mines.

The two ships met off the Western Australian coast on the afternoon of November 19, 1941 when Kormoran's disguise lured Sydney in too close. The Australian ship was hit by a torpedo and repeatedly shelled.

'However, although mortally hit, the Sydney was able to fight back and ensure the raider's destruction before limping slowly away to her own fate and that of her crew,' the AWM states.

'With the complete loss of the Australian cruiser's crew the only accounts of the action are from the Kormoran's survivors.

HMAS Sydney went down with captain Joseph Burnett at the helm (left). The Kormoran was fitted with guns hidden behind false hull plates and secret torpedo tubes. Pictured right is Kormoran's captain, Theodor Detmers

'Regrettably these circumstances led to the circulation of many rumours, accusations and conspiracy theories, which have no basis in fact and supporting evidence.'

Those rumours included debunked stories that a Japanese submarine was involved in the Sydney's sinking and that Australian survivors were killed in the water to eliminate witnesses.

More than 80 sailors from the Kormoran also died in the battle.

The wrecks of HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran were finally found 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, 670km north of Perth, in March 2008.

Sydney was lying at a depth of 2,470m and Kormoran at 2,560m, about 12 nautical miles away. Sydney's bow is detached and rests 400m from the rest of the ship.

The Navy took descendants and other family members of those who died on the Sydney to lay wreaths at the site where their men perished.

The fourth Australian warship to bear the name HMAS Sydney fired a gun salute over where her predecessor lies and another wreath commemorated the German dead.

A national service or remembrance was held at Sydney's St Andrew's Cathedral where the bell tolled 645 times for the lost sailors.
Between 2000 and 2015, more than 700 Post Office counter staff and branch Subpostmasters were convicted of theft, fraud and false accounting on fallacious evidence generated by the organisations Horizon IT system. Many were jailed, although they had done nothing wrong.

The Post Office refused to accept that what it proudly called the largest non-military IT system in Europe was riddled with bugs and coding errors. It used the shaky electronic data from Horizon to wrongfully charge its own Subpostmasters with crimes that simply didnt exist.

For a decade, journalist and broadcaster NICK WALLIS followed every move in the campaign to bring this massive injustice to light. In the second extract from his shocking and insightful new book, The Great Post Office Scandal, he describes how the truth was finally dragged out of the Government-owned organisation . . .

For the Post Office, switching to a modern IT system was always going to be a giant undertaking: 20,000 offices would need 40,000 new computers; 67,000 people would have to be trained to keep handing out 56 billion in benefits alone to their 28 million customers.

The software would process millions of transactions every year.

With the Horizon system, a custom-specced PC running Microsoft Windows would sit under every counter, each one connected to a keyboard, a barcode scanner, a receipts printer and a touchscreen, which would sit on top of the counter. Every night, all the information collected from the branch would be uploaded to a central Post Office mainframe computer.

For the Post Office, switching to a modern IT system was always going to be a giant undertaking NICK WALLIS writes in his new book

Noel Thomas,71, former sub-postmaster who was convicted of false accounting

What was the Horizon computer system and how did it go wrong? Between 1999 and 2015, hundreds of postmasters were sacked or prosecuted after money appeared to go missing from their branch accounts (file image) Horizon, an IT system developed by the Japanese company Fujitsu, was rolled out by the Post Office from 1999. The system was used for tasks such as transactions, accounting and stocktaking. However, subpostmasters complained about defects after it reported shortfalls - some of which amounted to thousands of pounds. Some subpostmasters attempted to plug the gap with their own money, even remortgaging their homes, in an attempt to correct an error. Between 1999 and 2015, hundreds of subpostmasters were sacked or prosecuted due to the glitches. The ex-workers blamed flaws in the IT system, Horizon, but the Post Office denied there was a problem. In case after case the Post Office bullied postmasters into pleading guilty to crimes they knew they had not committed. Many others who were not convicted were hounded out of their jobs or forced to pay back thousands of pounds of 'missing' money. The Post Office spent 32million to deny any fault in their IT system, before capitulating. However, the postmasters and postmistresses said the scandal ruined their lives as they had to cope with the impact of a conviction and imprisonment, some while they had been pregnant or had young children. Marriages broke down, and courts have heard how some families believe the stress led to health conditions, addiction and premature deaths. Advertisement

To implement this was a huge task  but it was seen as a solution to the rampant fraud that bedevilled the benefits system, which in those days was administered in large part through the Post Office. Here was a silver bullet that would future-proof every postmasters business (and income) for decades.

But from the outset there were major problems. Margaret Davison was one of the first to use Horizon, in a live trial in 1999 at her tiny post office in the Tyneside village of West Boldon, supervised by a team of Post Office computer geeks.

There were so many faults in the system which you were expected to cope with, learning on your feet with a queue of customers in front of you . . . how I avoided a nervous breakdown at the age of 60 in a one-position, very busy little village Post Office, I do not know . . . from day one the system was flawed, she declared.

Incredibly, two months before the project went live, an internal analysis had listed six high severity hitches that were causing accounting discrepancies, lost transactions, system freezes and lock-ups, printer failures and general losses of accounting integrity.

It warned that there were gaps in data which would ultimately be reflected in balance sheet accounts.

Whats more, Fujitsu  the global IT company that had won the contract to build the new system did not yet understand the root cause of the problems.

Acknowledging these serious doubts about the reliability of the software, in September 1999 the Post Office board refused to sign off the project. Yet just a month later, it gave the go-ahead to roll out the system.

How Horizons major problems could be fixed to the satisfaction of the board so quickly (and conveniently) is a mystery. The document, presentation or written assurance that gave them this comfort has not yet been made public.

Nevertheless, the board signed it off and Horizon would soon be wreaking its havoc across the Post Office network.

The program was supposed to be foolproof but with IT, nothing is. Computers on this scale are complex live systems which rely on perfect humans, perfect hardware, perfect communication pathways, perfect environments and perfect software to ensure perfect outcomes.

As nothing is perfect, some level of failure or malfunction must be an expected outcome. The larger and more complex the system, the more likely the failure.

But I learnt from a whistleblower, Clint (not his real name), just how bad Horizon was. He had been specifically hired by Fujitsu to find out what was stopping Horizon from working and fix it.

He was blunt in his appraisal. Everybody in the building knew it was a bag of s***, he told me. It had gone through the test labs God knows how many times and the testers were raising bugs by the thousand, including Category As.

Computer bugs are errors mistakenly written by the developers into the software codes that tell electronic devices what to do. One misplaced character can make a computer do the wrong thing. Category A means the system might be unusable.

They had a team of eight system developers who were some of the worst people Ive ever seen. A couple of good lads knew how to code properly but, as for the rest, it was just like kindergarten.

The Appeal Court overturned the convictions of stealing of 39 ex-subpostmasters, who were sacked, some bankrupted and others even jailed, earlier this year

Former post office worker Wendy Buffrey (left), from Cheltenham, celebrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, after having her conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal

Clint was aghast. There were no specs getting written, no development controls going on, no design written down, nothing.

The biggest problem was with something called a message store, which contained some of the computers fundamental operating instructions. This was a recipe for disaster, particularly for the Cash Account  a programme which crawled through every transaction on each Horizon terminal at the end of every day to come up with a figure which was supposed to correspond exactly with the amount of cash on the premises.

Thanks to poor coding, this crucial piece of software could crash, send the wrong information to the wrong place or cause numbers to halve, double or multiply. The software had no integrity. It was unreliable.

Clint told his bosses at Fujitsu the Cash Account had to be scrapped and rebuilt from scratch. They refused, saying it would take too long and cost too much. He was told to repair it and did his best until he was moved to a different job.

I listened to him with mounting alarm as he summed up Horizon. It was a prototype that had been bloated and hacked together afterwards for several years, and then pushed screaming and kicking out of the door. It should never have seen the light of day. Never.

The Post Office persisted in maintaining the fiction that Horizon was, to all intents and purposes, faultless according to NICK WALLIS

From wrongful imprisonment to strokes and even suicide: How the Horizon IT scandal devastated victims' lives Welsh postmaster jailed for nine months 'fell off the ladder' after conviction - before picking himself up and seeking challenge to Post Office prosecution Noel Thomas was jailed for nine months in 2006 after he was accused of stealing 48,000 while he was working for the Post Office in Gaerwen on Anglesey. He told the BBC that he admitted to the charge because he never reported discrepancies he noticed, but insisted he did not take the money and blamed the Horizon computer system. 'I want everyone to have their name cleared and to get to the bottom of what has happened and where the money has gone to,' Mr Thomas told BBC Newyddion 9. 'Thirteen years after jail, I must admit it was hard but I gradually got my confidence back through family, friends and work colleagues. 'Yes, I do feel bitter, and not just for myself - the Post Office have been coming and telling people that they have taken money, that they are a thief.' Family of postmaster who killed himself after being wrongly accused of theft demand Post Office bosses are held accountable Martin Griffiths, 59, took his own life in 2013 after he was falsely suspected of stealing money from Post Office Father-of-two Martin Griffiths, 59, took his own life in 2013 after he was falsely suspected of stealing money from a Post Office in Ellesmere Port, where he had worked for around 20 years. Mr Griffiths was one of hundreds of postmasters who were suspected of false accounting and theft, with some fired or wrongfully convicted, after amounts appeared to vanish from their tills. The family of Mr Griffiths said he delved into his own savings and those of his parents to pay back around 60,000 he was wrongly suspected of taking from the branch. The turmoil lasted for four years, between 2009 and 2013, and had a huge impact on the father-of-two's physical and mental health, his family said. In 2013, Mr Griffiths parked his car on the A41 in Ellesmere Port after leaving a note for his loved ones and took his own life. His family have called for a stricter line of review from the Government and asked for a judge-led enquiry to get to the bottom of the injustices behind the scandal. Postmaster caught up in major IT scandal which saw many falsely accused of accounting fraud suffered a STROKE after he was hounded for 65,000 Peter Murray said he suffered a series of breakdowns and a stroke after he was hounded for 65,000 Peter Murray said he suffered a series of breakdowns and a stroke after he was hounded for 65,000. The 53-year-old, from Wallasey in Merseyside, has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He said he was suspended without pay and forced to take out loans and borrow from friends to make monthly repayments to the Post Office. He paid 1,000 a month before learning that he was among many sub-postmasters to face false accusations. 'It left me completely devastated,' added the father of three. 'It caused absolute havoc for my family, I have had several nervous breakdowns. It made me feel like a convict, but I'm not going to let it beat me.' Wife finally clears name of her postmaster husband after he died while still facing false Post Office claim he had stolen 46,000 Marion Holmes, 78, won justice for her late husband, Peter Holmes, who was a respected postmaster in Jesmond, Newcastle, before the Post Office Horizon scandal 'destroyed' his good name Marion Holmes, 78, won justice for her husband, Peter, who was a respected postmaster before the Post Office Horizon scandal 'destroyed' his good name. Ex-police officer Peter Holmes had successfully run a sub Post Office in Jesmond, Newcastle, for 13 years, before his world came crashing down due to issues with the Horizon computer system. When more than 46,000 went missing from his books in 2008, Peter found police at his door and shocking criminal accusations made against him. He was forced to admit four counts of false accounting in order to for prosecutors to drop charges of theft of the money, which could have seen him sent to prison. In fact, Peter was one of a number of people wrongly prosecuted by the Post Office over errors its own system had made. Family of one postmaster said he died a broken man after being forced to clean graves as punishment for a crime he did not commit Julian Wilson (pictured with his wife Karen) was shattered by injustice and exhausted by his attempts to clear his name Julian Wilson was shattered by injustice and exhausted by his attempts to clear his name, they said. He died in 2016, at the age of 67, of bowel cancer. His wife Karen says the disease had it roots in the trauma he endured and the all-consuming campaign for redemption. For years the Post Office had stubbornly insisted its IT systems  called Horizon and designed by a company called Fujitsu  never lied, calling them 'robust'. Last year, following a court case brought by 557 postmasters, Mr Justice Fraser branded Horizon not 'remotely robust'. He added: 'This approach by the Post Office has amounted, in reality, to bare assertions and denials that ignore what has actually occurred. 'It amounts to the 21st century equivalent of maintaining that the earth is flat.' Advertisement

As it was, about 30 or 40 people at Fujitsu were working full-time on catching, spotting and correcting errors. Every week, multiple upgrades and software patches were written and released to fix, enhance or protect elements of the network.

These were being introduced by imperfect humans who would sometimes miss or misdiagnose the errors, or apply badly-written solutions.

These upgrades could change the data on the system, where it was being sent and what happened when it interacted with something else. Not all the upgrades and fixes were fully tested before being released. To do so would be too expensive.

Yet the Post Office persisted in maintaining the fiction that Horizon was, to all intents and purposes, faultless. Its standard claim to anyone who queried it was that it was dependable, with no technological failing.

It claimed that in a court case the system was proved to be faultless so there was no cause for concern.

Internally, it fostered a cultural belief among its staff that Horizon was not capable of being the source of an accounting error.

It also had a working relationship with Fujitsu which functioned as an echo-chamber. Fujitsu had a vested interest in telling the Post Office that Horizon was working fine, and the Post Office had a vested interest in believing it. When individual Subpostmasters jumped up and down loud and long enough about computer issues in their branches, Fujitsu would quietly fix them.

Between 1999 and 2019, Fujitsu changed the Horizon software code on 19,842 separate occasions, roughly equivalent to a thousand changes per year.

The result? In essence, Subpostmasters were using a slightly different computer system almost every time they logged in, which might react to the same button-pushes in slightly different ways.

But the Fujitsu/Post Office echo-chamber maintained that all problems were caught almost as soon as they arose, and that structural or technical fail-safes ensured no Subpostmasters could be held responsible for errors which werent their fault.

It was a belief system that relied on no one looking too closely at what was actually happening.

One bug that appeared in Horizon, which became known as the Reversal Bug, involved an incorrect sign in the software code. Instead of the minus sign it was supposed to be, it was a plus sign.

This meant that on some occasions, reversing a transaction  that is, cancelling it  had the opposite effect. Instead of cancelling the transaction, the system doubled it instead.

It was discovered by Fujitsu after Subpostmasters complained about the growing amount of non- existent money Horizon calculated as being in their accounts at the end of the week. The bug was fixed (although it took two goes).

But, crucially, the fact it had happened was not publicly acknowledged by the Post Office. It stuck to its mantra that Horizon was flawless. Behind their counters, thousands of bewildered Subpostmasters were left to fill in discrepancies from their own pockets.

At his Post Office on Anglesey, Noel Thomass screen would regularly freeze in mid-transaction. Sometimes the freeze became a crash, necessitating a remote reboot. Even when Horizon was working as it should, it was laggy and slow.

And even when the hardware was working, Noel had a tough time balancing his books. He would eventually end up with a 48,000 discrepancy and be unfairly jailed for false accounting.

When they were in difficulties, there was a Helpline (or, as it became known, a Hell-line) that Subpostmasters could call  as Noel did, frequently  but too often this only added to the chaos. It was understaffed (which made it difficult to get through to) and the staff were under-trained.

Sometimes a Helpline operator made suggestions that made the situation worse by increasing a discrepancy instead of cancelling it, leaving the Subpostmaster responsible for the now larger loss.

Another common helpline nugget was telling Subpostmasters not to worry because the problem would sort itself out. Sometimes this advice came with a suggestion to balance to zero  in other words, to accept the Horizon discrepancy as an accurate record of cash and stock on hand, despite this not being the case  and wait for an error notice or transaction correction to rectify the discrepancy.

For a Helpline operator to tell a Subpostmaster that everything would probably sort itself out was not just negligent but dangerous.

One of the Post Offices crucial claims was that the system was a closed one. No one could get into Horizon and interfere with the data. There is no question of remote access, said one senior executive. Its impossible. We know it cant happen.

It was another whistleblower, a former Fujitsu engineer called Richard Roll, who gave the lie to that notion. In 2011, I broadcast the results of my investigation so far on a television news programme. Roll was watching at his home in Reading and, eventually, we were put in contact.

What he had to tell me opened a window into the reality of keeping Europes largest non-military computer network functioning on a day-to-day basis.

He had worked in the software support centre at Fujitsus HQ in Bracknell, Berkshire, a secure area with about 30 to 40 staff. They had one mission: to keep the Horizon network going by any means necessary. While extremely capable, to all intents and purposes they were a law unto themselves, with constant on-the-go repairs, updates, patches, bug-fixes and sometimes complete coding rewrites.

The scale of the network, the infrastructure it was using, the number of different products it was processing and the coding errors inadvertently programmed into the system meant this was a full-time shift operation.

Fixes would be written, tested and rolled out across 40,000 machines overnight, or at weekends when the terminals were not in use.

It was common practice for these specialist Fujitsu engineers to take control of Subpostmasters individual terminals and remotely investigate a problem. This could be done without any identifying log-in trail.

A Subpostmaster would be told to leave an unwell terminal switched on, so an engineer could dive in and start making remote fixes. Sometimes the team didnt feel the need to ask permission  if a terminal was switched on and not being used, or it was out of hours, they would just get to work on it.

Later, Roll would tell a court of law in no uncertain terms how he was able to go into a Subpostmasters branch terminal  using the Subpostmasters login  and change the transaction data without that Subpostmasters knowledge.

He and his colleagues had the power to hack a branch terminal and roam around inside it without the Subpostmaster having any idea they were there or what they were doing.

No one is suggesting these engineers maliciously changed anything, but they were only human and mistakes could happen. Here was a way in which alterations in the system could be made without those at the front end ever being aware of it.

It didnt help that Fujitsu had a service contract with the Post Office which triggered fines when there were problems. This system of financial penalties for breakdowns meant Fujitsu did not have an incentive to keep the Post Office fully informed about every problem as it manifested itself.

And this is what rankled. The Subpostmasters who were calling in the problems  and whose livelihoods depended on Horizon functioning properly  did not appear to feature much in Fujitsus corporate thinking. The Post Office was the client, not the Subpostmasters, and Horizon was the golden goose.

This meant bugs and errors could be misdiagnosed, ignored or quietly fixed without the Post Office or Subpostmasters being any the wiser.

So long as Horizon gave the appearance of functioning as it should, the client was going to be happy. What they didnt know couldnt hurt them.

This contractual environment created a dangerous situation. It was cheaper and easier for all concerned to blame a Subpostmaster (and then go after them for a discrepancy with threats), rather than spend time and money digging into allegedly dodgy computer code.

I asked Richard directly if there was any doubt in his mind that some Subpostmasters had been put at a material disadvantage by errors within the Horizon system. No, he said instantly. No doubt at all.

In his view, given what was going on, given the scale of the system and the nature of the problems they were dealing with, the probability that a Subpostmaster would be left out of pocket by a Horizon error was inevitable.

Richard agreed to appear on a BBC Panorama current affairs programme I was working on as a producer  and beforehand we gave senior Post Office executives a chance to have their say.

When we put to them what he had said about remote access to Horizon, the executives denied it was possible.

The producer pressed the point: So it is not now, and never has been, possible for anybody from the Post Office or Fujitsu to interfere with transactions without the clear knowledge of the Subpostmaster?

Former subpostmasters Janet Skinner, Seema Misra and Tracy Felstead outside the Royal Courts of Justice in March this year

The reply came back: It is 100 per cent true to say we cant change, alter or modify existing transaction data, so the integrity is 100 per cent preserved.

We double-double-checked: And thats true now, and has been for the duration of the system? The answer was an unequivocal Yes. This was incorrect.

The Post Offices insistence on the infallibility of its computer system was beginning to unravel, though it would take a long time yet before its management would concede the point and admit that Horizon was fallible and the Subpostmasters had been disgracefully treated.

An insider at the Post Office who was appalled at what was going on told me: What was crazy about the Post Office was that there was almost this mentality of refusing to admit that there is a problem.

Instead, it retreated even farther into corporate denial  and got nasty.

But when the matter reached the Court of Appeal, the judges were adamant. The Post Office knew there were problems with Horizon, they ruled. It knew Subpostmasters around the country had complained of inexplicable discrepancies. It knew there were serious issues about the reliability of Horizon.

It consistently failed to be open and honest, and effectively steamrolled over any postmaster who sought to challenge its accuracy.

The judge presiding over the independent Horizon trial was equally scathing about the Post Offices bare assertions and denials that ignore what has actually occurred.

It amounted, he said, to the 21st-century equivalent of maintaining that the Earth is flat.

Adapted from The Great Post Office Scandal, by Nick Wallis, published by Bath Publishing at 25.  Nick Wallis 2021. To order a copy for 22.50 (offer valid to 28/11/21; UK P&P free), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.
Gunmen in the north-central Mexican state of Guanajuato killed five family members, including a 14-year-old boy, and also wounded an 8-month-old baby on Saturday.

The murders took place in San Telmo, a neighborhood in the town of Apaseo El Grande, where drug gangs have been fighting turf battles, prosecutors said.

Neighbors alerted the municipal police approximately at 9pm after sounds of multiple shots were heard, Mexican newspaper Proceso reported.

Witnesses said the assassins arrived in a vehicle and forced their way into the home.

Authorities set up a security perimeter outside a home in Guanajuato, Mexico, where five people, including a 14-year-old boy were shot dead, and an 8-month-old baby was wounded on Saturday night. The attackers remained at large as of Monday.

Three woman, one, man, and the boy, all presumed ato be related, were found dead of gunshot wounds.

The baby was taken to a hospital for treatment of a bullet wound to the arm. The child was listed in critical condition.

A handwritten sign with a message making reference to a drug gang was found at the home.

In the nearby city of Silao, police discovered three men, between the ages of 21 and 38, and one woman, 61, shot dead at another home Saturday.

Plastic bags apparently full of meth were found at the house.

Witnesses told authorities the attackers barged into the home around 5pm and opened fire.

The gunmen escaped and later launched a second assault against a group of bystanders who nearly intercepted them outside a residence where a children's birthday party was being held.

Two people were shot and later died at a local hospital around midnight.

Guanajuato was known as one of Mexico's most peaceful states, but since 2017 it has been overwhelmed by a long-running feud between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel.

The sixth most populous state in Mexico leads the way 2,655 homicides in the first nine months of 2021. Guanajuato registered 4,570 murders in 2020 after reporting 2,834 in 2019.
The assassin who gunned down Rebels bike boss Nick Martin was reportedly paid to kill senior Comancheros bikie Ray Cilli (pictured)

A mercenary sniper who assassinated Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin at a drag race was allegedly paid $250,000 to kill another gang leader in Thailand, according to police sources.

The assassin allegedly discussed killing senior Comancheros bikie Ray Cilli with David Pye - the man accused of ordering the hit on Martin at Kwinana Motorplex south of Perth on December 12 last year.

Police allege Pye - a Comanchero-turned-Mongol bikie - was willing to pay the ex-soldier more than $700,000 to kill Cilli in a hail of gunfire as he stepped out of a bar.

Pye, 39, allegedly paid the gunman $250,000 as a down payment but the hit was never carried out after both were arrested in March, The West Australian reported.

Pye was arrested on an unrelated case but then charged last week over Martin's murder. He has also been hit with a string of other charges including allegedly ordering the hit on Cilli.

Police reportedly claim Pye and the assassin considered using a machine gun to gun down Cilli before deciding on a rifle - the type of weapon used to kill the Rebels leader last December.

Pictured: The special forces soldier who has confessed to gunning down Martin. Comancheros-turned-Mongol bikie member David Pye was willing to pay the ex-soldier more than $700,000 to kill Cilli in a hail of gunfire as he stepped out of a bar

Martin's killer has confessed to the speedway killing and is waiting to be sentenced.

Detectives first questioned Pye over Martin's death in March, but did not arrest him until Monday.

Pye is also accused of ordering a hit on a 35-year-old woman.

He is charged with one count of murder, two counts of inciting another to commit murder, one count of intent to endanger the life, health or safety of any person and two counts of dealing with property used in connection with a crime.

During a hearing in Perth Magistrates Court last week, state prosecutor Nick John, acting on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, brought forward an application seeking to suppress Pye's identity for his safety.

However, Chief Magistrate Steven Heath reportedly asked if there was 'any point' in suppressing his name.

Nick Martin (pictured) died in the arms of his wife Amanda as she tried to give him CPR. His last words were: 'babe, I've been shot'

David Pye has been charged over the sniper murder of Rebels bikie boss Nick Martin at Kwinana Motorplex in Western Australia last December

David James Pye (right) leaves the Perth District Court with Rebels president Nick Martin (left) in Perth on Friday, October 18, 2013. Pye has now been charged with ordering the killing of Mr Martin

'The media have already done the investigative work and are to identify Pye, so what do I achieve now [by suppressing his name],' he said.

'Do I tell everyone to forget about the front page and media reports because we are now going to make it suppressed?' Pye, who is in custody, appeared in court via video link wearing an orange jumpsuit with his hands shackled in cuffs and chains.

He did not speak as his lawyer, Paul Holmes, argued for his name to be suppressed.

$300,000 BIKIE HIT The $300,000 fee allegedly agreed for the killing of Perth bikie boss Nick Martin is thought to be one of the biggest murder contracts ever purportedly offered in Australia. WA Police Deputy Commissioner Col Blanch told reporters that detectives attached to Operation Ravello also charged a second man in relation to the murder of Mr Martin at Perth Motorplex last December. 'The charges relate to the [alleged] payment of that murder,' he said. 'And also [an alleged] payment for the murder of another outlaw motorcycle gang member that was not carried out.' Mr Blanch said payments made during Melbourne's 'underbelly' gangland wars were much lower. 'We've seen matters over east, certainly during the underbelly period, where amounts were far lower than that, during their 36 murder spree of gangland figures,' he said. 'And, you know, having $300,000 plus being [allegedly] paid for a murder - we'll be looking into the source of those funds as well.' Advertisement

Nick Martin (pictured) was shot in the back at the Perth Motorplex on December 12 in front of horrified families who were trying to watch the nitro cars high-octane drag racing

One of the possible shooter locations previously identified at the Perth Motorplex. A long shot would indicate a sniper, experts say

But Mr Heath did allow the suppression on the name of a woman Pye is also alleged to have ordered a hit on.

Pye is codenamed 'The Baker' and allegedly the man who sought out the former soldier who fired the fatal shot.

The mercenary sharpshooter admitted to gunning down Mr Martin at a crowded drag racing event from 300m away.

The shooter, whose name is suppressed, pleaded guilty in Perth Magistrates Court to the assassination.

Mr Martin was watching drag races at Kwinana Motorplex with his family when he was shot through the torso and bled to death.

A $1 million reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the shooter who killed Nick Martin, 51, (pictured with wife Amanda)

The assassin also pleaded guilty to injuring Ricky Chapman, the boyfriend of Martin's stepdaughter, who was wounded by bullet fragments.

The man was part of soldier of fortune outfit Shadows of Hope, which calls itself 'the world's most dangerous and fearless charity'.

The ex-soldier is yet to enter a plea on other charges including possessing a silencer, inadequately storing firearms, and drug possession.

He appeared via video link in his prison greens and in handcuffs and only spoke to confirm his name and to plead guilty.

Martin was assassinated in front of hundreds of onlookers including his wife Amanda and stepdaughter.

After being hit, he told his wife 'babe, I've been shot', as she tried to give him CPR while he died in her arms.

Nick Martin assassination timeline November 24, 2020 Nick Martin is beaten up by Hells Angel Dayne Brajkovich in a Perth bar. Brajkovich is charged and fined over the fight. Martin was not charged. December 12 Martin is shot dead by the sniper at the Perth Motorplex in Kwinana with his wife Amanda. The bullet also hits Ricky Chapman, the boyfriend of Martins stepdaughter Stacey Schoppe. December 14 Police announce Taskforce Ravello, with 100 officers investigating the murder and cracking down on bikie gangs. December 15 A $1 million reward is offered to helps catch Martins killer. December 23 Martins funeral is held at Pinnaroo cemetery amid a massive police presence. January 26, 2021 A man is charged over a burglary at the home of relatives of Martin, carried out as his funeral took place. March 15 An ex-soldier and mercenary is arrested and later charged with Martins murder. April 26 Martins killer is charged with five more offences including possessing a silencer and driving a vehicle with false number plates. September 29 The killer, who cannot be named, pleads guilty to murder. September 30 It is revealed that one of the men police are investigating for ordering the hit on Martin is codenamed 'The Baker'. October 9 David James Pye is revealed to be The Baker's real name. He is accused of ordering a $300,000 hit on Martin. Advertisement

Police spent months on the investigation with 100 officers on the job, while the WA Government offered a $1 million reward to anyone who had information on the shooter.

His death also sparked a crackdown on bikies by police who conducted raids and charged more than 100 people.

Martin's funeral was held on December 23 with 200 police officers watching the proceedings.

A police sniper also watched on from a helicopter as the patched gang members headed south to say their final farewells.

Mr Martin's coffin was covered in pictures of $100 bills and Bob Dylan's All Along the Watchtower played as bikies took turns to walk up and touch it as it was brought in under a marquee for the service.

Last year, Shadows of Hope shared a post online paying tribute to the soldier for his service in Iraq, describing him as their 'resident thrill-seeker and heartbreaker'.

'When the way to save lives is illegal or cast in the shadow of bureaucracy, it takes unorthodox attributes and attitudes to get the job done,' the group wrote.

The chaos at the racetrack on December 12 in Perth after Nick Martin was executed is pictured
The figure it paid equates to ten per cent of all donations received last year

The charity that employs Carrie Johnson paid more than 150,000 to its chairman's wife for interior design services last year.

The figure paid by the Aspinall Foundation equates to ten per cent of all donations received from public and corporate donors in 2020.

The organisation and its sister charity the Howletts Wild Animal Trust are already being investigated by the Charity Commission over their spending and financial management.

The Daily Mail revealed in April that watchdogs had launched a probe into payments made to chairman Damian Aspinall and other family members.

The Daily Mail revealed in April that watchdogs had launched a probe into payments made to chairman Damian Aspinall and other family members. Pictured: Victoria and Damian Aspinall

This included concerns that 12,500 had been handed to his wife Victoria for interior design services in 2019.

But updated accounts, filed last month, reveal that Mrs Aspinall's fees had gone up 12-fold in 2020 to 150,158.

The foundation insisted her fees had been subject to 'rigorous benchmarking' to ensure it received 'value for money'.

The alleged mismanagement happened before the arrival of the Prime Minister's wife, who took on a senior role at the charity, heading up communications for a 'medium to high five-figure salary' in January this year.

Other trustees of the charity include Ben Goldsmith, the Tory donor, and his half-brother Robin Birley, whose father Mark founded the Mayfair nightclub Annabel's.

Boris Johnson's wife Carrie holds their dog, a Jack Russell-cross named Dilyn. She is employed as head of communications at the Aspinall Foundation

The accounts revealed that the charity also has large reserves in cash, property and fine art. It paid 124,231 for accountancy undertaken by Alvarium, of which another trustee, Charles Filmer, is a director, in 2020  double the 64,000 paid in 2019.

Last year the trustees also secured a coronavirus business interruption loan of 2million from the Government, interest free for the first year. This, in turn, was loaned to the Howletts Wild Animal Trust, the accounts say. Howletts Wild Animal Park was set up as a private zoo near Canterbury in 1957 by eccentric society naturalist and Lord Lucan's gambling partner John Aspinall, father of Damian.

A second zoo was established at Port Lympne near Folkestone. Under John Aspinall, the zoos were known for their unorthodox style  including close personal relationships between staff and animals.

A number of keepers were killed by the animals they managed but the zoos were acclaimed for their conservation work.

The Aspinall Foundation and Howletts Wild Animal Trust were not available for comment yesterday but previously issued statements saying they 'remain firmly committed to ethical and legal duties as a charitable body'.

They added: 'Our trustees will continue to work openly and transparently with the Charity Commission to ensure best practice governance and compliance.'
Pandemic panic buying may have driven up prices of essential items at the supermarket permanently.

A Deakin University study of 7,000 grocery items found some items that were stripped from the shelves before lockdowns still cost much more than in 2019.

The cost of panic buying favourites such as dried pasta is up 15 per cent, and long-life milk costs three per cent more.

Pandemic panic buying may have driven up prices of essential items at the supermarket permanently, a study by Deakin University has found

Fresh fruit is up seven per cent, while oils are up four per cent, the study also found.

It tracked the prices of 7,000 items at Coles and Woolworths over the past three years.

The study's authors said other factors contributing to price rises included the shortage of seasonal fruit and vegetable pickers.

Fruit prices are expected to remain high, Rural Bank agricultural analyst Sean Hickey said.

'Growers will need to absorb some of the costs but consumers can expect to pay more,' he said.

Dried pasta was one of the products stripped from shelves during the pandemic and its price has remained 15 per cent higher than before the pandemic

The cherry harvest, which is due to start in two weeks, is in peril with a major labor shortage that is expected to drive up prices.

Recent rains have also meant some of the cherry crop won't be ready in time.

'Prices should reach consumers between $10-$20/kg but recent weather could see more lower grade fruit on the shelves, pushing prices for the better quality fruit above the $20/kg mark,' Mr Hickey said.

National Farmers Horticulture Council executive officer Tyson Cattle also blamed high production costs for rising supermarket prices.

'It's certainly our expectation that fresh produce prices will increase in the very near term and should likely stay at relatively high levels for the foreseeable future,' he said.

He said farmers were having a bumper crop year but 'growers are already feeling the price squeeze'.

Fresh fruit costs more than before the pandemic and this Christmas's cherry harvest is expected to produce much more expensive fruit

A social media poll also found almost all consumers believe the cost of their shopping rose since the pandemic began.

The poll of more than 10,000 people found 93 per cent are spending more on groceries, 7News reported.

Overall the Consumer Price Index in Australia is up three per cent in the past three months, partly driven by big jumps in the cost of fuel.

The cost of fuel is up 36 per cent since April last year and has hit record highs in recent weeks.
What was the goal of the Cop26 climate summit?

The 196-nation summit in Glasgow aimed to keep alive the commitment to keep global warming at 1.5C, compared with pre-industrial levels, set in Paris six years ago.

So is 1.5C still alive?

Yes. Just. As Cop president Alok Sharma said in his closing remarks: I think today we can say with credibility that weve kept 1.5 within reach. But the pledges on the table at Cop26 mean global warming could rise to 2.4C, although more optimistic readings put it as low as 1.8C. The Glasgow Climate Pact asks governments to strengthen those pledges next year. But even 1.5C is still an unsafe level of global warming  with scientists estimating that around 70 per cent of the worlds coral reefs will die if the Earth warms this much.

For the first time, the pact asks countries to phase down coal  signalling the beginning of the end for coal power, the biggest source of greenhouse gases (stock image)

And what about coal?

For the first time, the pact asks countries to phase down coal  signalling the beginning of the end for coal power, the biggest source of greenhouse gases. A draft said coal should be phased out, but this was vetoed by India and China  to the dismay of campaigners.

What else does the deal say?

It urges countries to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. Many states such as Saudi Arabia and India keep fuel costs artificially low, encouraging people to use them. The deal also urges developed countries to double the amount of money to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. For the first time it also raises the topic of loss and damage  which would mean rich countries that have heated up the planet with greenhouse gas for years would have to pay compensation to poor countries suffering the impacts.

How will this affect those living in the UK?

The UK may need to take even stronger action against greenhouse gas emissions or face charges of hypocrisy. This could mean committing to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045, instead of 2050, the previous target. It could also mean fresh scrutiny for big projects in the UK expected to generate a great deal of greenhouse gas  such as the 27 billion new roads programme, a new coal mine in Cumbria, expansion of airports around the UK and exploration of new oil and gas sites in the North Sea.
ABC chair Ita Buttrose has doubled down on claims the federal government is using a Senate inquiry to 'intimidate' the national broadcaster.

Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg launched the inquiry into the complaints handling processes at the ABC and SBS on Thursday after claimed 'public concerns'.

Buttrose accused Scott Morrison's government of 'blatant attempt to usurp the role of the broadcaster's board and undermine its operational independence'.

'This is an act of political interference designed to intimidate the ABC and mute its role as this country's most trusted source of public interest journalism,' she wrote.

ABC chair Ita Buttrose (pictured) has accused the Morrison Government of 'political interference' and 'intimidation'.

Buttrose doubled down on her barbed statement on ABC Radio National on Monday, accusing the government of meddling.

'What we have here, really, is a partisan political exercise under the guise of using its Senate legislation committee for government senators to undermine the ABC's independence,' she said.

'Does he agree with the notion of an independent public broadcaster and an independent board, or does he believe politicians should be able to meddle and dictate to the national broadcaster about content?

'Because that's where this is leading.

'I think it would be much better if the government and the national broadcaster had a better relationship. We are not the enemy.'

Radio host Ben Fordham accused Buttrose of having a a 'glass jaw' following a year at the ABC that included 'more clarifications... more corrections... more defamation actions than ever before'.

The inquiry was launched after ABC's complaints division told Fox News that none of its complaints about a Four Corners program on the American network were upheld.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison backed the inquiry saying the ABC was not above scrutiny from parliament.

'It is a government agency, they have their independence and nobody is questioning that, but they are not above the scrutiny of how they conduct themselves, using taxpayers money from any other government agency,' he said.

Ms Buttrose was appointed chair of the ABC by Scott Morrison (pictured) in 2019

'This is business as usual for the Australian Parliament. I don't know why they would consider themselves an exception to business as usual.'

The ABC already commissioned its first independent review in 12 years into its in-house complaints process.

Buttrose wants the Bragg inquiry called off or at least postponed until after that is completed.

Her furious statement on Sunday claimed the inquiry was 'an attempt to weaken the community's trust in the public broadcaster'

'If politicians determine the operation of the national broadcaster's complaints system, they can influence what is reported by the ABC,' she wrote.

Buttrose wrote that the broadcaster's independent review was well underway and already interviewed Senator Bragg.

'I will leave it to Senator Bragg to explain his motives, but the impact of this action is clear. As chair of the ABC board I am duty-bound to call out any action that seeks to undermine the independence of the national broadcaster,' she said

'A fundamental democratic principle underpinning the ABC has been its independence from interference by those motivated by political outcomes.

Senator Andrew Bragg (pictured) will lead an Senate inquiry into the complaints handling processes at the national broadcaster and SBS

'Politicians, like all citizens, are welcome to criticise anything they find wrong or objectionable that is published by the ABC but they cannot be allowed to tell the ABC what it may or may not say.'

Buttrose ended the lengthy statement by calling on the Senate to terminate or suspend the inquiry until the independent process commissioned by the ABC board was completed, when parliament resumed later in November.

Senator Bragg announced the Senate inquiry into the ABC and SBS last week, claiming public concerns were raised over the current system.

'As a strong supporter of the ABC, I am worried that complaints are not being seriously addressed and this is undermining the organisation,' he said.

'If mistakes are made, Australians expect the national broadcaster to swiftly resolve them.

'Having made extensive complaints myself, I am concerned this is not the case.'

Ita Buttrose claimed a new Senate inquiry into the broadcaster is a 'blatant attempt to usurp the role of the ABC board'

The Senate's Environment and Communications Committee will take submissions and hold public hearings in the coming months, with the committee due to report by the end of next February.

The ABC will also seek public submissions for its own 'rigorous and thorough' review with findings will be released by the broadcaster two months later in April.

Opposition Labor's communications spokeswoman Michelle Rowland vowed to defend the national broadcaster.

'This Senate inquiry has nothing to do with improving the national broadcasters and everything to do with the Morrison Government's aversion to scrutiny and accountability,' she said.
A self-proclaimed extreme body modifier broke the law when using a branding iron to burn off parts of a woman's nether regions, a Sydney judge has found.

Brendan Leigh Russell, who has never held a medical qualification, was on Monday found guilty of female genital mutilation when performing a consensual procedure in a Newcastle parlour in January 2015.

His lawyer had argued convicting the 40-year-old of the rarely prosecuted offence would outlaw labiaplasties conducted by cosmetic surgeons for non-health reasons.

'If defence advocate is suggesting the procedure performed by his client is in any way comparable to a procedure performed for therapeutic purposes by a cosmetic surgeon, then this is just factually incorrect,' Sydney District Court Judge Helen Syme said.

Brendan Leigh Russell (pictured arriving at Downing Centre District Court on Monday) has been found guilty of female genital mutilation

'If he is suggesting there are qualified cosmetic surgeons who are performing procedures which are not permitted by a plain reading of (the law) and that somehow permits his client to do so, that is also - with respect - a nonsense suggestion.'

It also couldn't be clearer that the law applied to 'any person', she said, dismissing an argument the law applies only to ritualistic procedures on girls.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison.

Judge Syme, who heard Russell's seven-week trial without a jury, is expected to deliver a verdict on Russell's second charge - intentionally causing grievous bodily harm in 2016 - on Monday afternoon.

A verdict to manslaughter over a customer's 2017 death is expected on Tuesday.

Before his arrest in 2018, Russell had performed various piercing and body modification procedures in Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast region including metal implants, ear cutting, belly button removal and scarification.

A verdict to manslaughter over a customer's 2017 death is expected on Tuesday. Pictured is Brendan Leigh Russell at work

Scarification is the etching, cutting or branding of flesh into a design that creates an ink-less tattoo-like scar.

Claiming at times to have a surgical 'background', Russell was painted by one crown witness as a smooth-talking, confident operator hellbent on convincing customers to submit to experimental procedures.

The alleged victim of the manslaughter charge received several body modifications, including to her nipples, before paying Russell to implant a plastic snowflake in her right hand in March 2017.

The wound became infected, leading the body modifier to reopen, wash out and restitch the wound a few weeks later.

She died two days after the second procedure.

The alleged victim of the manslaughter charge received several body modifications, including to her nipples, before paying Russell to implant a plastic snowflake (pictured) in her right hand in March 2017.

The Crown alleged the woman died of sepsis and that was borne of Russell grossly breaching his duty of care.

He allegedly counselled the woman against seeking medical treatment and told her her infected hand was 'just irritated'.

Russell's lawyer, Michael Mantaj, suggested there was doubt the death was by sepsis, suggesting mixed drug toxicity was a possibility.

His client's other charge stems from a mother's abdominoplasty or 'tummy tuck' in Russell's Transition studio in Erina Fair shopping centre in November 2016.

The woman's wound became infected and she has since undergone reconstructive surgery by a qualified surgeon to significantly reduce the size of the scar.

Mr Mantaj has argued the court shouldn't get in the way of people's freedom to receive cosmetic body modifications, even if some in the medical field think the procedures are unwise.
Protestors against Victoria's planned pandemic laws have now set up camp on the steps of the state's Parliament, on the back of a controversial march through the CBD on the weekend.

Playing drums and a didgeridoo while displaying Australian flags and placards, the protestors are making a last-ditch effort to convince Victorian Upper House MPs to reject the new legislation.

The number of protestors was significantly less than the thousands who marched through the city on Saturday shouting 'kill the bill' while carrying flags and provocative banners targeting the premier.

Displaying Australian flags and placards, the protestors are making a last-ditch effort to convince Victorian Upper House MPs to reject the state's new pandemic legislation

The number of protestors was significantly less than the thousands who marched through the city on Saturday shouting 'kill the bill'

Families and young children were among the crowd chanting 'sack Dan Andrews' as they headed for Victorian State Parliament

Ongoing protests objecting to the new law, which is designed to replace the state of emergency imposed in Victoria since March 2020, has seen state MPs receive death threats

Some protestors carried nooses and a makeshift gallows during Saturday's march.

One man's sign depicted Andrews wearing a Nazi officer's uniform and cap, another showed him as a gremlin and others simply displayed his face above words including 'liar' and 'scum'.

Another attendee was photographed proudly holding a tiny handmade noose wearing a T-shirt depicting Mr Andrews as a clown.

Families and young children were among the crowd chanting 'sack Dan Andrews' as they headed for Victorian State Parliament.

The large protest divided people on social media.

'I got coerced, my first jab today. Saw the Melbourne protests and did not want anyone thinking I'm linked to those noose-carrying monsters,' one person wrote.

But another person on Facebook commented: 'How good is that, Dan can't even walk the streets, now he has to have security full time.'

The Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 has already passed the lower house and is to be voted on in Victoria's Upper House this week.

Animal Justice Party's Andy Meddick (pictured) revealed on Twitter that he, his family and his staff had been subject to death threats by protestors

A staffer of Mr Meddick posted a picture of a letter received at his office from a protestor. A used condom was enclosed in the envelope

An Upper House MP whose vote will be crucial to passage of the legislation, the Animal Justice Party's Andy Meddick, revealed on Twitter that he, his family and his staff had been subject to death threats by protestors.

'My family have been threatened with being shot, and my kids kidnapped,' he wrote.

'Lately, my staff remove their passes on their way in to work so they cant be identified. We are strong and so is my family - but it is impacting us.'

His office also received a used condom in the mail last week, accompanied by a note that read: 'Enjoy some of my fresh herpes!!!'

The new law would allow the state's premier, rather than the chief health officer, to declare a pandemic on the advice of the CHO and the health minister.

The health minister would then issue pandemic public health orders, including lockdowns and other restrictions limiting movement or closing businesses, for example.

Ongoing protests objecting to the new law, which is designed to replace the state of emergency imposed in Victoria since March 2020, saw protestors carrying nooses and a makeshift gallows during Saturday's march

Another attendee was photographed proudly holding a tiny handmade noose wearing a T-shirt depicting Mr Andrews as a clown

The proposed law will also make the government provide transparency about the health advice used to make public health orders and whether residents' rights are impacted under Victoria's human rights charter.

A pandemic declaration could be renewed for up to three months at a time.

Vocal critics of the bill say it does not include enough oversight of the government's decisions in the event of a pandemic.

Demonstrators' signs also reveal fierce opposition remains to vaccine mandates in the state for industries such as construction.

The new law is expected to pass this week with the support of three cross-bench MPs in the Upper House, though Victoria's Liberal Opposition has vowed to try and delay its passage.
Plans to build a new high-speed rail line from Manchester to Leeds have been shelved in favour of cheaper projects to improve journey times in the North and Midlands.

Whitehall sources said the so-called High Speed Three line across the Pennines has been dropped from a 96billion package of improvements designed to slash travel times.

The eastern leg of HS2 linking Birmingham to Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds has also been axed, with a potential saving of 40billion.

Ministers are focusing instead on improving existing links, arguing it will produce benefits far more quickly and cheaply, with travel times from Birmingham to Nottingham slashed from 72 minutes to 27, and Birmingham to Manchester from 90 to 40 minutes.

Sources said improving the Liverpool to Leeds route would see journeys between Manchester and Leeds cut to half an hour.

Plans to build a new high-speed rail line from Manchester to Leeds have been shelved in favour of cheaper projects to improve journey times in the North and Midlands (stock image)

However, ministers are braced for criticism that previously promised flagship schemes are being dropped. Boris Johnson pledged a new high-speed line between Manchester and Leeds in July 2019, in one of his earliest promises as Prime Minister.

But officials have warned that the need to drill a tunnel under the Pennines would lead to exorbitant costs and delay benefits for up to a decade compared with upgrading the existing route.

A source said the new scheme, which will be unveiled as part of the Integrated Rail Plan this week, would produce similar journey times far more quickly.

Former Labour transport secretary Andrew Adonis said the decision to axe the eastern leg of HS2 was a historic mistake. He added: Building only the western leg of HS2 to Birmingham and Manchester but not the eastern leg to Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle is like the Victorians deciding to build railways in the west of the country but leaving the east with canals.

Former Labour transport secretary Andrew Adonis said the decision to axe the eastern leg of HS2 was a historic mistake (file image)

But ministers hope that the 96billion package  the biggest investment in rail for decades  will lead to improved services and shorter journey times for millions of people, making rail commuting a reality for many more workers living in the Midlands and North.

The package is a central part of the PMs pledge to level up opportunity across the country.

Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said not delivering HS2 in full would be seen as a betrayal in the North.

But transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris said there was a whole host of different means to deliver the pledge and northern leaders would be very pleased.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: The Integrated Rail Plan will soon outline exactly how major rail projects, including HS2 phase 2b and other transformational projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, will work together to deliver the reliable train services that passengers across the North and Midlands need and deserve.
Elderly care residents remain neglected, abandoned and betrayed nearly two years into the pandemic, campaigners have warned.

Hundreds of thousands of Britains most vulnerable are suffering due to the collapsing social care system, while the rest of society embraces normality.

Many residents are imprisoned in their rooms as care homes continue to impose draconian Covid visiting rules, which lawyers say breach their human rights.

Charities say residents suffering will intensify this winter as chronic staffing shortages mean carers can only do the bare minimum.

Tens of thousands of care staff lost their jobs last Thursday due to a law requiring them all to be double-jabbed  forcing some homes to close beds and refuse to take on new patients.

The Daily Mail campaigned for an end to visiting bans imposed on 400,000 residents during the pandemic, and formal restrictions were officially lifted in July.

Many residents are imprisoned in their rooms as care homes continue to impose draconian Covid visiting rules, which lawyers say breach their human rights.

But many homes have continued to restrict visits to pre-booked supervised 30 minutes slots, while rules also state they should lock down for two weeks if there are any Covid cases.

Diane Mayhew, from campaign group Rights for Residents, said essential care givers must be given a legal right to visit in all circumstances.

She said: The rest of society is back to normal, but people in care homes remain an afterthought. They have been neglected, abandoned and betrayed throughout this pandemic.

Ruth Womack, 55, was forced to complete a criminal record check and five training courses including in fire safety and health and safety just to visit her mothers bedroom in a care home in Sheffield.

Her mother Helen Bownes, 76, has Lewy Body Dementia and has deteriorated dramatically since the pandemic began.

Martyn Jannaways family worry he feels like we abandoned him again after he was banned from seeing his wife and children last month.

The 66-year-old has severe dementia and on October 14 his care home in Chichester, West Sussex, went into lockdown for three weeks after reporting cases of Covid.

The home refused to allow his wife Patricia to visit even though she has essential care giver status. Mr Jannaways daughter Jo said this caused a further deterioration in his condition.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: We are doing everything we can to support care providers to facilitate visits safely.
When he was eight years old, Wilbur Smith saw his father kill three man-eating lions. The animals attacked their safari camp at night and, woken by the screams of a guide, Herbert Smith grabbed a torch and his heavy rifle.

On the way out of his tent, Herbert lunged headfirst into the tent pole and smashed his nose open. Wilbur saw the gush of blood, and at the same moment realised his father was wearing only a pyjama top, and was naked from the waist down.

Then the lion charged. Herbert trained the torch beam on it with his left hand, raised the rifle with his right and shot from the waist, as if he was holding a pistol. He hit the lion in the chest.

Seconds later, he brought down the two lionesses.

Wilbur Smith in his trophy-laden London home

That scene is the essence of every bestseller ever written by Wilbur Smith, who has died aged 88: bloodshed, sexual virility, gunfire and slaughter in Africa.

He sold more than 120 million books worldwide, translated into 30 languages, before signing a deal in 2012 to work with ghostwriters, who produced a shelf-load more novels featuring his characters in plots he helped to invent.

A number of his stories were turned into Hollywood blockbusters, including Gold and Shout At The Devil, both starring Roger Moore, and The Mercenaries with Rod Taylor.

Smith may have inherited his inexhaustible gift for storytelling from his grandfather, Courtney Smith, a Victorian prospector in South Africas gold rush who commanded a machine-gun outfit during the Zulu Wars of the 1870s.

Courtney used to tell how, during one safari, he was woken by the frenzied barking of his mastiff, an immense dog called Brainless.

The dog refused to be quiet so, in the dark, he felt around for a whip to beat the animal. The barking changed to a high-pitched growl and then a roar.

A bearer came hurrying with a lamp  and Courtney was confronted with a lion, slavering with blood. It had killed his dog.

The way Courtney told it, he looked at the whip in his hand . . . and realised he was thrashing the lion with a black mamba, Africas most venemous snake.

Growing up with such macho stories ringing in his ears, it was inevitable that young Wilbur would try to emulate them.

His need to prove himself was made more urgent by the legacy of childhood illnesses, including a cerebral malaria infection as a baby that he was not expected to survive, and a bout of polio in boyhood that left him limping.

Aged 15, he and his friend Barry took a pair of rifles and headed off in a borrowed Jeep from the Smith cattle ranch in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia.

They drove all day, fording the Kafue River before abandoning their vehicle and setting off on foot in search of a big-horned bull antelope called a kudu.

The teenage hunters failed to kill their prey  and as night fell, they realised they had no idea where their Jeep was.

For the next two days, they wandered in circles before Herbert flew over in his Tiger Moth biplane. Back at the ranch, Wilburs father silently took off his belt and thrashed the teenager.

Herbert had little regard for his son (He called me an idiot a million times, Wilbur recalled) and scoffed at his ambitions to be a writer. Instead, a job was found for him in the tax office.

Wilbur Smith and wife Niso Smith Crime Thriller Awards in London, pictured in 2013

After a brief marriage to a woman named Anne Rennie ended in divorce, leaving him struggling to pay maintenance for two small children, Wilbur tried to write a novel.

His first attempt, all radical politics and immature philosophy, was rejected more than 20 times, before an agent told him to write what you know. The result was When The Lion Feeds, which opens with a boy called Sean Courtney on a family safari, desperate to impress his father.

Herbert Smith was not a man who read novels, and made no exception for his son. But he did keep a copy of When The Lion Feeds in the boot of his car, as a trophy to impress friends.

This book, published in 1964, was the first of a series featuring Courtney. Smiths next bestseller, The Dark Of The Sun, follows a band of mercenaries during the Congos civil war of the 1960s  murderous, womanising, drunken men, pursued by the demons of their pasts  Hired to kill, fighting to live.

Smith wrote fast-flowing, convincing dialogue that left the reader in no doubt that he knew how men talked when they had broken free from civilisation. He also had a knack for vivid violence, and almost pornographic sex scenes. His admirers included Stephen King, who called Smith his favourite historical novelist: The bodices rip and the blood flows.

To research his books, Smith plunged headlong into danger, living in shanty towns around gold mines, visiting war zones and spending a season as a whaler with a Japanese fleet.

He enjoyed flying and scuba diving, and for much of his life took three shooting safaris every year, with the goal of killing three lions and three elephants each time. He loved to pose with his hunting trophies, seated on a leopards pelt and framed by a gigantic pair of ivory tusks.

Hunting fanatic: Wilbur with man-eaters his father shot

Success brought him colossal wealth, with his lifetime earnings from his 49 books estimated at more than 100 million.

By the time he was 70, he claimed to have so many houses that he had lost count  perhaps nine, including places in London, South Africa and Switzerland, as well as an island in the Seychelles.

But riches did not bring family happiness. A brief second marriage, to Jewell Slabbert, brought

a third child: If youre going to go through life marrying every girl who drops her knickers for you, his father warned, youre going to be a very busy boy.

After marrying for a third time, to a fan of his books, he became estranged from all three children.

Theyre not part of me  theyve got my sperm, thats all, he said. Its sadder for them than it is for me, because theyre not getting any more money.

'They did nothing to win my respect and, in fact, did exactly the opposite.

His relationship with his former wives was equally frosty.

He liked to boast that he once bumped into the second Mrs Smith in the street and didnt recognise her: She said: Hello Wilbur, and I said: Excuse me, do I know you? She said: Yes, you gave me a baby once. 

His third marriage to Danielle Thomas lasted 28 years, ending in 1999 when she died from cancer.

Wilbur Smith is shown in this June 20, 2011 photo in Rome. Smith died unexpectedly at his home in Cape Town, South Africa on November 13

A year later, aged 66, he was walking in London when, I saw this nubile little Asian thing going down Sloane Street and I joined her in the bookshop.

Directing her to the shelves where his titles were displayed, he introduced himself. She was Mokhiniso Rakhimova, a Tajikistan-born lawyer who was 39 years his junior. They were married a year later.

Niso, as he called her, was young, and I was randy as a stallion in a ranch full of mares.

Niso helped him to renegotiate his publishing contracts  the final one, signed in 2017, was worth 15 million  and he described her as his most prized possession.

Im not proud of it but Ive been married four times, he said. Two of them died, the first one hates me and this one loves me, so Ive covered the whole spectrum.

Im lonely on my own. I need a woman by my side, someone I can talk to and respect, someone who pays me respect when its due and tells me when Im being stupid, which is far too often.

He was working till the end. When he died suddenly at his home in Cape Town on Saturday, he had been writing and revising his latest novel that very morning.

My epitaph will be: Dont grieve for me, he once said. I did it all. I had it all. Life has been good to me and I have everything I want  except immortality.
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Joe Biden's relationship with Kamala Harris is in crisis, with her staff furious that she is being 'sidelined,' while the president's team are increasingly frustrated by how she is playing with American public.

Harris' approval rating has plunged even further than Biden's in recent months, with rumors swirling that the president is considering appointing her to the Supreme Court as a backdoor method of selecting a new VP.

She and her top aides are meanwhile frustrated with Biden for handing her 'no-win' issues like the border crisis, White House insiders told CNN.

They cited how the president defended 'white man' Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, more vigorously than her.

At the same time, Biden's staff are privately disappointed with Harris over self-inflicted controversies, like her 'awkward' laughter when asked about visiting the border by NBC's Lester Holt.

They blame her failure on the border crisis for sliding poll numbers. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Biden at 53 percent disapproval and 41 percent approval  down 11 points from April.

Publicly, the White House insists the relationship between Biden and Harris remains harmonious and productive.

Vice President Kamala Harris' increasing frustration and tension with President Joe Biden's inner circle has been laid bare in a new report

Joe Biden's approval rating continues to dive in the midst of economic crises, dipping to 41%. The president disembarks Marine One at For McNair after returning from Camp David to Washington on Sunday

Biden, talks to Colonel David D. Bowling, after disembarking from Marine One at Fort McNair upon returning from Camp David to the White House on Sunday

Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff prepare to board Air Force Two on their way back from Paris on Saturday

A new poll shows an 11 point drop in Biden's approval since April

Biden's approval rating sinks to new low of 41% Joe Biden's favorability has reached an all time low of his administration as just over four in 10 Americans say they feel the president is doing a good job in a new poll released Sunday. The ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Biden at 53 per cent disapproval and 41 per cent approval  down 11 points from the same poll in April. The swift slide comes amidst a series of failures mostly related to the economy, including a 31-year high inflation rate, continued high unemployment numbers and a supply chain crisis just in time for the holiday season. Since October 2020, wages rose by 4.9 per cent, but inflation rose by 6.2 per cent. Of the 1,001 adults surveyed between November 7-10, seven in 10 say the economy is in 'bad shape', which is up from 58 per cent who said the same in the poll taken in the spring. While 48 per cent of respondents say they blame Biden directly for inflation, Biden has 55 per cent disapproval and only 39 per cent approval for his handling of the economy overall  a six point drop since early September and a massive 13 point drop from April. Biden's disapproval rating on the economy is six points higher than former President Donald Trump's highest disapproval rating in that area in September 2017, according to the ABC News/Washington Post poll. The president's overall approval rating is very similar to his ratings related to the economy. When Trump hit a low economic approval, Republicans lost a whopping 40 seats in the House in the 2018 midterm elections  an eerie premonition as Democrats try to hold on to their slim majorities in Congress going into the 2022 midterms. Advertisement

On Sunday night, White House Press Secretary Jenn Psaki appeared to respond to the CNN report with a furious tweet insisting that Harris is a 'vital partner' and 'a bold leader who has taken on key, important challenges facing the country - from voting rights to addressing root causes of migration to expanding broadband.'

But privately, Harris aides gripe that she's been set up to fail, and handed a portfolio that is not commensurate with her historic status as the first woman, and first woman of color, to hold the vice president's office.

'They're consistently sending her out there on losing issues in the wrong situations for her skill set,' a former high-level Harris aide told CNN.

Typically, the incumbent vice president is considered an automatic lock for the party's next open-field presidential primary.

For Democrats, it's not clear whether that day will come in 2024, if Biden decides not to seek re-election at age 80, or 2028, if he runs again as he has vowed both publicly and privately.

But there is growing chatter in Democratic circles that Biden may decide not to run again and talk of a successor has become a focus in the media.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been thrust into the limelight by being handed control of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal.

And this fall, Democratic senators Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren were all on the campaign trails of various candidates, helping to boost their profiles and remain relevant to the public.

Whatever Biden's decision, top Democrats are already eyeing Harris' poll numbers and assessing whether she is vulnerable to a primary challenge.

Some have even begun quietly laying the groundwork for their own campaigns.

For Harris and her loyalists, it's a political do-or-die moment less than a year into her term, with top aides fearing that she'll pay the price for her loyalty to the president, and her willingness to take on what they view as thankless assignments.

In response to the reports of mounting frustrations in Harris' inner circle, Harris spokeswoman Symone Sanders insisted that the talk amounted to pointless 'gossip'.

'It is unfortunate that after a productive trip to France in which we reaffirmed our relationship with America's oldest ally and demonstrated U.S. leadership on the world stage, and following passage of a historic, bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create jobs and strengthen our communities, some in the media are focused on gossip - not on the results that the President and the Vice President have delivered,' Sanders told CNN.

Aides say White House rushed to Buttigieg's defense but left Harris out in the cold

Several Harris aides claimed that West Wing staff have given her the cold shoulder in public controversies, while rushing to the defense of other top administration officials.

For instance, when Buttigieg faced mockery from Fox News host Tucker Carlson and other conservative pundits for taking paternity leave for his newborn, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki hit out forcefully, defending Buttigieg as a 'role model'.

'It's hard to miss the specific energy that the White House brings to defend a white man, knowing that Kamala Harris has spent almost a year taking a lot of the hits that the West Wing didn't want to take themselves,' a former Harris aide told CNN.

Perhaps adding to the tension in that case is the Buttigieg's position as a likely challenger for the next open-field presidential primary. As an openly gay man, Buttigieg would also win 'historic first' status for the Democrats if he secured the nomination.

As transportation secretary, Buttigieg has seen his political star rise dramatically with the passage of Biden's $1 trillion infrastructure package, much of which he will oversee.

The massive budget gives Buttigieg an opening to address his main weakness, his unpopularity with black voters, and he has already seized the opportunity by touting $1 billion in the bill to help reconnect cities and neighborhoods that were racially segregated or divided by road projects.

A former Harris aide slammed the West Wing for defending 'white man' Pete Buttigieg after his recent paternity leave, while allegedly leaving Harris in the cold

West Wing aides insist that they weren't pitting one against the other in defending Buttigieg.

They say the difference is responses is down to the difference in the controversies.

Buttigieg, they say, hadn't done anything wrong in taking paternity leave -- and in fact it offered a convenient opportunity to promote Biden's plans for paid family leave as part of his social spending package.

On the other hand, White House aides say, Harris stumbled needlessly into controversy, for instance when she failed to push back on a student who accused Israel of 'ethnic genocide' during a classroom visit.

That was a mess into which West Wing aides had no desire to wade.

But her team say that when Harris faced manufactured outrage from conservatives over a tweet about enjoying the Memorial Day weekend - which was said to be a insult to dead veterans - the White House failed to intervene.

Frustration over migrant crisis

Harris' team remains angry that Biden assigned her to address the 'root cause' of illegal migration to the US, a political hot-potato with no easy wins that is potentially damaging the vice president's further political ambitions.

The dramatic surge of migrants crossing the southern border was the Biden administration's first crisis, and photos and video of crowded and squalid facilities for unaccompanied minors quickly became a political liability.

Biden assigned Harris to handle diplomatic relations with the Northern Triangle nations, in hopes of addressing the root causes of migration to the US -- though not, as she frequently pointed out with the humanitarian crisis at the border itself.

Nevertheless, Harris became a major public face of the crisis, infuriating her loyalists who believed she'd been saddled with a no-win political situation.

On the other hand, Biden's team was said to be annoyed by her fumbled responses to questions about the border, including an awkward laugh when NBC News anchor Lester Holt pressed her on the issue.

She lashed out at the news host when he pressed her on why she hadn't visit the border in the 76 days since being tasked with the role by the president.

Biden's team was said to be annoyed by Harris' fumbled responses to questions about the border, including an awkward laugh (above) when Lester Holt pressed her on the issue

'You haven't been to the border,' Holt told her.

'And I haven't been to Europe,' Harris snapped, then quickly started to laugh to cover her anger.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz seized on the comments, along with other conservatives, claiming she was 'laughing off' the seriousness of the border crisis.

Some in the West Wing were also irritated when, weeks later, Harris made a last-minute trip to the border with little warning to the White House. But others say that this was a misunderstanding, and that Biden's chief of staff was aware of the trip, but kept a tight lid on it to prevent leaks.

Again, though, some in Harris' inner circle believe that the White House failed to defend her robustly in the face of criticism over the border.

They were also infuriated that Harris was tasked with delivering the administration's harsh message warning migrants 'do not come,' a policy that rankled the progressives in the Democratic Party, one source told CNN.

VP is 'paying the price' for her loyalty to Biden

Harris staff feel that she should have demanded more 'well-defined assignments' from the president so that she could better distinguish herself.

However, the VP worried that this might look disloyal to Biden.

'They're consistently sending her out there on losing issues in the wrong situations for her skill set,' a former Harris aide told CNN.

Harris' office also complain that on the issues that she has been given control over - such as the border crisis - she doesn't have White House backing to follow through.

Fernando Garcia, executive director of Border Network for Human Rights, met with Harris in El Paso in the summer and she had reassured him about changes to immigration policy. But then she 'disappeared.'

The Harris team believe she will ultimately pay the price for not wishing to be drawn into open dispute with the president and her willingness to take on thankless tasks.

'She's very honored and very proud to be vice president of the United States. Her job as the No. 2 is to be helpful and supportive to the President and to take on work that he asks her to take on,' Eleni Kounalakis, the lieutenant governor of California and a longtime friend, told CNN.

'It is natural that those of us who know her know how much more helpful she can be than she is currently being asked to be,' Kounalakis said. 'That's where the frustration is coming from.'

US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris leave after delivering remarks on the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal on November 6

Harris 'angry' over lack of input on Afghanistan

Harris reportedly complained to confidantes that she wasn't given a bigger role and more access to Biden's withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

Aides say that as a result, when the plan descended into deadly chaos, she didn't have the adequate background and briefing to defend Biden publicly.

This is despite Harris boasting that she was the 'last voice in the room' when Biden decided to commit to the withdrawal.

On the one issue Harris actually requested to be assigned, voting rights, her team is said to be frustrated that Biden has instead put the spotlight, and the energy of Congress, on his ambitious spending plan.

'Kamala Harris is a leader but is not being put in positions to lead. That doesn't make sense. We need to be thinking long term, and we need to be doing what's best for the party,' a top donor to Biden and other Democrats told CNN.

'You should be putting her in positions to succeed, as opposed to putting weights on her. If you did give her the ability to step up and help her lead, it would strengthen you and strengthen the party.'

Harris stands by as Biden speaks about the evacuation of American citizens, their families, SIV applicants and vulnerable Afghans in the East Room of the White House on August 20

VP's office plagued by understaffing: Several aides are now looking to leave

According to CNN, Harris' chief of staff, Tina Flournoy, went to Biden's chief of staff Ron Klain over the summer and told him the office was drowning and needed more help.

Klain, known within the administration as a defender of Harris, advised her that the VP's office has a separate budget, and encouraged getting creative with finding resources to help.

Subsequently the DNC hired a contract consultant in part to help with the Harris portfolio -- but that is going poorly, people familiar say.

Harris did bring on two senior advisors in late summer, including Psaki' brother-in-law Adam Frankel. He and former Al Gore advisor Lorraine Voles are tasked with 'organizational development, strategic communications and long-term planning.'

Meanwhile, Flournoy has been turned down by several others who are unwilling to work in Harris' office.

And some current Harris staffers have been quietly reaching out to contacts seeking other opportunities, CNN reported.

Klain downplayed any criticism of the vice president, telling CNN that Harris and her team 'are off to the fastest and strongest start of any Vice President I have seen.'

Kamala Harris' daily schedule has shown a significant decrease in the number of face-to-face interaction she has with Joe Biden

Harris in recent months hired Lorraine Voles (left) and Adam Frankel (right) to assist with 'organizational development, strategic communications and long-term planning,'

Biden's chief of staff Ron Klain attends a briefing in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington in June

Harris tussled with DNC over handing over her campaign email list

In a dramatic tug-of-war that has not been previously reported, CNN disclosed that Harris' team had been feuding with the Democratic National Committee since the presidential transition.

The DNC wanted the email lists from her campaign and super PAC, a valuable fundraising tool that would boost the party.

By complying, Harris would signal that she was a team player. But she'd also be losing control over a crucial and hard-built foundation for her next presidential bid.

In the end, Flournoy put an end to the dispute by deciding to hand the list over, telling DNC lawyers on a phone call that they were all on the same team.

But months later, the email list still hasn't arrived at the DNC, according to CNN.

Harris aides have been told that the transfer has been held up by a complaint about the Biden campaign lodged with the Federal Election Commission.

Harris aides anxious about outside influence: Some fear they are being frozen out in favor of advice from her family

Some Harris aides fear she leaning heavily on her sister Maya Harris, brother-in-law Tony West and niece Meena Harris for advice.

Harris has in the past always relied on her outside network, including her family, and such a scenario is not uncommon for presidents or vice presidents.

But aides always fear access they can't control, and advice they don't hear, and they may suspect that Harris' outside network is doing more harm than good.

Several people familiar told CNN that after a spike in involvement earlier in the year, the family has been pushed further out again recently.

Some Harris aides fear she leaning heavily on her sister Maya Harris (right), brother-in-law Tony West and niece Meena Harris (left) for advice

As Harris has struggled politically, her inner circle has speculated that malign forces are out to get her.

Some suspect the president himself is leaving her out in the cold, while others believe specific West Wing staffers have it out for her, perhaps due to lingering grudges from the primary.

The situation hasn't been helped by a series of damaging leaks from the West Wing questioning her political judgement and describing dysfunction in her office.

West Wing doesn't know what Harris is doing - but her staff insist it's 'a central component of the overall effort'

At the beginning of his presidency, Biden invited Harris to weekly lunches and invited the VP to join him for his morning classified intelligence briefing.

Harris enthusiastically tried to please the president and wanted to prove her commitment to him.

In the first few months of the Biden administration she became known for standing by his side or in the background of press conferences.

It was, therefore, all the more noticeable when she was suddenly not present for many of these speeches.

The same is true behind-closed-doors, according to White House insiders.

Biden and top aides were hammering out issues ahead of the infrastructure vote in recent weeks.

On one of those days, Harris had spent the afternoon at the NASA space flight center in Maryland.

Biden celebrated the bill's passage the next morning (pictured), singling Harris out, saying: 'A lot of this has to do with this lady right here, the vice president.'

Later that night, she was invited upstairs to the White House residence as the war room thrashed out final calls.

Biden celebrated the bill's passage the next morning, singling Harris out, saying: 'A lot of this has to do with this lady right here, the vice president.'

But sources say that while Harris attended some meetings, she had missed the majority - to the extent that it was noticeable when she turned up on the eve of the vote.

Other aides pointed to more than a hundred engagements on the sidelines as part of 'quiet Hill diplomacy' that was vital to passing the bill.

Harris aides add that much of the content of the bill - like accessible broadband, wildfire defense and clean water - comes from her work in the Senate.

One source told CNN that the issue might be that those in the West Wing are simply unaware of what Harris and her staff are doing.

'We feel like a central component of the overall effort,' another said.
The boss of LV has admitted he could be in line for a bumper payday if he stays on after Bain Capitals 530 million takeover.

Mark Hartigan, 58, is expected to remain in the top role if the mutual insurer is sold to the US private equity giant, and could earn millions through lucrative long-term bonus plans that private equity groups typically hand their staff.

Bains takeover has come under fierce attack from political figures such as Lord Heseltine and Ed Miliband, as well as the City and industry figures.

Mark Hartigan, 58, is expected to remain in the top role if the mutual insurer LV is sold to the US private equity giant, and could earn millions through lucrative long-term bonus plans that private equity groups typically hand their staff

Members must still vote on the controversial tie-up, which would give its 1.2 million members only about 100 each.

If Bain buys the business after winning approval from financial regulators and LVs members, it will demutualise the insurer, ditching its proud history of putting customers first.

Mr Hartigan said: Most private equity owners give their management [teams] an incentive plan to align long-term success with the success of the management team.

Im not going to deny that should I stay in Bain in the future, they might try to do that for LV. But any detail of that is certainly not a driver [for the deal]. He added: Im here to serve. Thats what Im doing.

Matt Popoli, the Bain executive running the LV bid, said there was no big pot of gold waiting for Mr Hartigan.

He added: In terms of Marks potential future package, nothing is finalised. If Mark does sign a new contract, we expect it will be very similar to his previous contract. Mr Hartigan was paid 1.2 million last year.

The Daily Mail is campaigning to save LV from a private equity takeover, after the firms snapped up 123 businesses worth 36 billion during the pandemic.

It emerged this weekend that rival mutual insurer Royal London has put forward a controversial proposal to Bain to split LV between the two companies.

Royal London chief executive Barry ODwyer has approached Mr Hartigan with what he describes as an enhanced deal that would be more attractive to the mutuals membership.

The Daily Mail is campaigning to save LV from a private equity takeover, after the firms snapped up 123 businesses worth 36 billion during the pandemic

Bains deal was chosen out of 12 potential bids for LV, which was founded in 1843 in Liverpool. LV insists Bains offer was the best option for policyholders, who will vote on the deal on December 10.

Mr ODwyer suggested setting up three-way discussions between the companies, The Mail on Sunday revealed. And he said the talks would be worth having because there was a risk that members could reject Bains offer.

It is thought Royal London wants to buy LVs with-profits policies, while it is keen for Bain to take on the LV brand as a separate company aimed at attracting new customers.

About 297,000 of LVs 1.2 million policyholders have with-profits policies. They are the legal owners of the business.

In addition to the 100 they would each receive under the deal, with-profits members would also receive the equivalent of 0.1 per cent of the value of their policy for every year they have held it  about 50 for most members.
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Britain and France are locked in a worsening row over the migrant crisis after one of Emmanuel Macron's most senior ministers accused the UK of treating the French government like a 'punch-ball'.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that 'Britain is in no position to be giving lessons to us' after the number of migrants crossing the English Channel hit a new record high last week.

Mr Darmanin is due to hold talks with his UK counterpart, Home Secretary Priti Patel, this week and he told Cnews television ahead of the meeting that Britain 'should stop using us as a punch-ball in their domestic politics'.

A total of 1,185 migrants crossed the Channel last Thursday, eclipsing the previous daily high of 853, with the UK having long accused Paris of failing to do enough to stop the crossings.

The crossings continued today as more migrants were brought into Dover on a Border Force patrol boat amid reports that a jet-ski recovered at sea by the RNLI had been used in an attempted crossing.

Mr Darmanin accused British activists of hampering the work of French police and claimed lax UK labour laws are encouraging people to make the dangerous journey.

'I will remind my British counterpart that the NGOs that prevent the police and the gendarmerie from working are largely British NGOs with British citizens who are on French soil,' he said.

Mr Darmanin claimed the UK is reliant on 'irregular workers employed at low cost' and if employment laws were tightened then 'people would no longer be in Calais or Dunkirk' waiting to make the journey to Britain.

There have been claims that French inaction to stop the crossings is part of a 'Brexit punishment strategy' amid ongoing rows over fishing rights and border rules in Northern Ireland.

Downing Street said it is 'wrong to conflate' the issue of migrant crossings with other issues like Brexit and added: 'This is about criminal gangs endangering lives.

The escalating row came after shocking photos revealed the squalor of Dunkirk's 'New Jungle' where hundreds of migrants arrive each day.

Thousands of people are living in shabby tents cramped together at the Grande Synthe camp, with rubbish and debris strewn between them.

It appears to be based at an industrial unit with the setting providing very little protection from the elements to the migrants.

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, the Grande Synthe migrant camp is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers

Migrant crossings across the English Channel continued today as more people were brought into Dover on a Border Force patrol boat amid reports that a jet-ski recovered at sea by the RNLI had been used in an attempted crossing

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said that 'Britain is in no position to be giving lessons to us' after the number of migrants crossing the English Channel hit a new record high last week

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago

Police operation in the Jungle of Grande-Synthe in March, when the camp numbered in the hundreds and not the thousands

There is no electricity and the mud is ankle deep when it rains. There are too few latrines for a population that grows daily, with hundreds arriving every day, and charity vans provide food once a day.

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, it is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers. Two weeks ago, an African was shot four times in a row over the price of a crossing.

The first Afghans fleeing the Taliban's takeover have arrived, as have those slipping over the border between Belarus and Poland. They were driven there, sources said, by British traffickers in cars with UK registration plates which picked them up in Poland and made a 22-hour journey to northern France.

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago.

The Home Secretary will meet Mr Darmanin after a record 1,185 migrants arrived on Thursday - smashing the previous daily high of 853 set just eight days earlier.

However, the Government fears that there will be no tougher action from Mr Macron and the situation could even get 'worse' as he focuses on the looming presidential elections.

There are claims that the lack of enforcement on the French coast - which saw just 99 migrants intercepted on Thursday out of 1,284 who tried to reach the UK - is part of a 'Brexit punishment strategy' and has become linked to rows over fishing and Northern Ireland.

The total to have reached British shores since the start of the year stands at more than 23,500 - nearly three times the 8,400 in the whole of 2020.

But one Government source told the Times that ministers are bleak about the prospects of tougher action by France.

'They don't think the French are going to give them anything at all,' the source said.

'With the elections coming up they think it will only get worse. They think it's part of Macron's Brexit punishment strategy.'

A Home Office source added: 'We're just part of a much bigger issue with the election, Northern Ireland and fishing. They don't want to be using French taxpayers' money ahead of the election.'

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago.

Priti Patel is set to have crisis meetings with France this week in a bid to speed up plans to intercept every migrant that crosses the Channel

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, the new camp is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers. Two weeks ago, an African was shot four times in a row over the price of a crossing.

The first Afghans fleeing the Taliban's takeover have arrived, as have those slipping over the border between Belarus and Poland.

Even French armed police are reluctant to enter the camp for fear a confrontation with the traffickers, and the French government turns a blind eye.

'The French know conditions are appalling,' said an informant inside the camp. 'They are deliberately creating a hostile environment so migrants want to leave and get on Channel boats.

'It has become a push factor for reaching Britain along with dreams of hotels and benefits which are not given by the French.'

Hundreds arrive every few days. One Afghan blagged his way on to a French military plane out of Kabul by using a British Border Force ID card he was given when he lived in Birmingham five years ago. 'I dream of getting back into the UK,' he told French TV as he stood on the beach.

Hundreds are marshalled out to the beaches for night-time Channel crossings organised by traffickers. The source said: 'It is a military operation run ruthlessly.'

There are five zones in the camp. Some house different nationalities, another is for children and mothers  and there is a special one for the wealthiest, the VIP Zone, for migrants with at least 6,000.

The source added: 'They are predominantly Vietnamese, Chinese and Albanians. They are put at the front of the queue and get the safest and fastest boats.'

Others are less lucky. Destitute Africans who have been in France for years languish here as they barter over the price of a place on a rickety vessel.

Last week Boris Johnson urged Mr Macron to 'close off the door' to migrants entering French territory and attempting perilous Channel crossings.

This month, the Home Office sent the first instalments of a 54million deal with France to fund beach patrols - but migrant numbers have since soared.

Ms Patel stressed that the migrant crisis was a 'shared problem' with France, but Mr Macron's government is understood to oppose the introduction of her 'pushback' tactic to intercept small boats and direct them back to the French coast.

Ms Patel said: 'Last week showed we must do more. I want to go further and faster, and that's why I will be holding talks with Gerald Darmanin this week.'

Border Force has been resisting requests to use the 'pushback' strategy, citing objections such as weather and size of boats being intercepted.

The PCS union representing border guards said last night it was poised to seek a judicial review into pushback tactics.

Border officers patrolling on jet skis off the coast of Kent earlier this month

Boris Johnson has urged France to step up efforts to prevent migrants from sailing across the English Channel to reach the UK

Spokesman Kevin Mills said some members had 'concerns about safety and if it is legal', adding: 'If someone dies, it won't be Priti Patel taking the body out of the water.' It came as it emerged the outgoing head of Border Force, Paul Lincoln, described 'bloody borders' as 'a pain in the bloody a***' during a leaving speech.

However, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said: 'Criminal gangs have been running rings around the French authorities for too long. It's important to hear France's plan to turn the tables on the people traffickers, bring an end to the migrant crisis and prevent further loss of life in the Channel.'

Former security minister Sir John Hayes urged the Government to press on with pushback and 'process all asylum applications offshore'. He said this had a 'dramatic effect' when introduced by Australia's controversial Operation Sovereign Borders in 2013.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: 'If they knew they were going to be turned around immediately and sent back to France, it would take a week and it would stop.'

Dan O'Mahoney, the Home Office's Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'Migrants are putting their lives at risk and it is vital we do everything we can to prevent them and break the business model of the criminal gangs exploiting people.'

Border Force has been seen off Dover practicing the pushback tactics, involving three jet skis surrounding a migrant boat and directing it back to France.

According to guidance, the tactic can only be used in the Channel sections which are 1.8 miles wide and a commander can only agree to the procedure if it is confirmed that a French navy or rescue boat can escort the boat back.

Other safety rules must also be met including weather, sea conditions, number of migrants and size of the boat.

In Australia and Greece, when similar tactics were used, migrants threatened to jump overboard in a bid to force authorities to rescue them.
The epic canine custody battle legal battle over a designer dog that reached its low point with a dramatic televised scuffle in a park may finally be over.

Instagram star cavoodle Oscar will now live with Sydney barrister Gina Edwards and her husband Kenneth Flavell after owner Mark Gillespie decided to give up his claim.

Mr Gillespie is understood to be surrendering ownership of the costumed canine to his one-time friend and dogsitter whom he accused of stealing Oscar.

Instagram star Oscar (pictured) was at the centre of a bitter long-running stoush between former friends Mark Gillespie and Gina Edwards. The long tale had ended with Ms Edwards as Oscar's official owner

The former friends, Mark Gillespie and Gina Edwards, are pictured before the fell out over the costumed canine

The long tale began when Mr Gillespie, who often left Oscar with Ms Edwards while he was travelling overseas in his job as a cruise director, tried to get his dog back.

Ms Edwards refused.

In 2020 Ms Edwards and Mr Flavell sued Mr Gillespie in Sydney District Court for ownership of the dog, valued at more than $20,000.

They turned Mr Gillespie's hybrid hound into a social media star with 100,000 followers and claimed that meant they should be allowed to keep him.

The couple also sought to stop Mr Gillespie from making any allegedly defamatory statements about Oscar that might lower his social media cachet.

Gina Edwards' friend Anne (right) tries to take Oscar from Mark Gillespie (left) during a fiery confrontation while a television reporter and cameraman look on

Mark Gillespie was embroiled in a bitter battle with two former friends over beloved pooch Oscar (pictured)

Oscar's popular Instagram account featured the pampered cavoodle in various outfits and locations around Sydney, often photographed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge or playing outside with friends.

Ms Edwards and Mr Gillespie's battle went national when A Current Affair filmed him tripping over in a Kirribilli park while cradling Oscar, as Ms Edwards shouted and lunged at him.

He had not seen his dog for 18 months and in front of Oscar - and television cameras - the former friends argued bitterly.

'He's my property,' Mr Gillespie said.

'You cannot take him,' Ms Edwards replied before claiming she was being 'harassed'.

'Don't you dare, don't you dare!' she continued.

Mr Gillespie claimed Ms Edwards and her husband turned Oscar into an Instagram-famous dog with a following of more than 10,000 fans

Cavoodle Oscar (pictured) has a new owner and more than 10,000 fans on Instagram

As Mr Gillespie evaded her, she yelled that Mr Gillespie 'will be arrested'.

Ms Gillespie's friend, Anne, also became involved, pleading with Mr Gillespie to hand over the hound.

NSW Police did attend the fracas and allowed Mr Gillespie to take the dog home, as he was the registered owner.

Mr Gillespie allowed Ms Edwards to hold on to Oscar, but vowed to win Oscar back through the courts.

The saga may have finally ended when Mr Gillespie decided not to continue his pursuit of the dog this week.
An ex-student of a prestigious $26,000-a-year private school has mysteriously vanished, just days after she put her possessions up for sale on Gumtree.

Kathleen Riethmuller, 28, was last seen on security camera footage while visiting Bunnings Artarmon in Sydney's north on October 28.

Hours later, Ms Riethmuller's belongings including her ID, phone and bank cards were found abandoned in a backpack at Lane Cove.

Her family hasn't heard from her since, sparking a nationwide police hunt for her amid increasing fears for her safety.

Now worried friends have begged Sydneysiders for their help to track down Ms Riethmuller, with her family stranded in Queensland by Covid restrictions.

Kathleen Riethmuller, 28, (pictured) has been missing for almost three weeks after mysteriously vanishing from Sydney's north

Police inquiries revealed Kathleen attended a retail store on Reserve Road, Artarmon, about 11.40am on Thursday 28 October (pictured, left), before she was spotted again at 2.30pm the same day in North Sydney, wearing a long sleeve denim dress and black flat shoes (right)

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ms Riethmuller had posted 11 items for sale on Gumtree between October 16 and 22, with a collective value of $1,260.

The goods include a framed picture, art easel, Lululemon yoga mat, starry night lamp, and gym step - all priced at $60 or below.

More expensive wares for sale include a $350 hand mirror, $200 pull up/tricep dip frame, $150 wall tapestry, $120 acupressure mat, and a vintage 70s style room divider and macrame pot hanger - both listed for $100.

None of the items have been marked as sold and there has been no activity on the Gumtree account since she vanished.

In the week leading up to her disappearance, the 28-year-old listed several items for sale on Gumtree (pictured, left and right)

Other items listed for sale include a starry lamp (pictured, left), art easel (right), yoga mat, gym equipment, and a $350 mirror

A Facebook page dedicated to finding Ms Riethmuller has now been launched to help in the hunt.

Friends fear she may need medical assistance, and have shared a map of her last known locations, urging anyone with information to come forward.

'We ask that those with dash cameras who were in the vicinity of any of the below areas during or around the hours of 11am - nightfall have a look to see if they can spot Kathleen or anything else that could help locate her,' begs the page.

'We are hopeful that reaching out as far and wide as possible can assist in getting her home safely.'

A map posted in a Facebook page dedicated to finding Ms Riethmuller shows her known movements around Sydney around the time she disappeared

Detectives are exploring a suggestion Ms Riethmuller may have travelled to Melbourne for job opportunities and have now extended the search into Victoria.

But the lack of contact with her family and the discovery of her bank cards have raised serious concerns for her safety.

Ms Riethmuller graduated from Brisbane Girls Grammar - which costs about $26,555-a-year - in 2010 before studying a Bachelor of Business Management/ Science at The University of Queensland, according to her social media profiles.

Facebook posts suggest the 28-year-old fitness enthusiast has been living in Sydney since at least May this year.

Ms Riethmuller's (pictured) phone, ID, bank cards, and other belongings were found abandoned in a suburban street on the day she was last seen

Pictured: Elephant Backpacker at 50 Sir John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo Sydney where she was known to visit in the weeks before her disappearence

She was known to have frequented a unit on King Street in Sydney and a backpacker hostel on Sir John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo, in the weeks leading up to her disappearance.

Police inquiries have revealed Ms Riethmuller attended a Bunnings store on Reserve Road, Artarmon, about 11.40am on Thursday 28 October.

She was spotted again at 2.30pm the same day in North Sydney, wearing a long sleeve denim dress and black flat shoes.

Ms Riethmuller is described as Caucasian, about 165cm  175cm tall, with a thin build and long dark hair.

Anyone who may have information about her whereabouts or has seen her is urged to contact Chatswood Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The owner of a filthy cockroach-infested pizzeria has escaped $280,000 in fines after a court heard she was a bankrupt mother-of-three living off Centrelink.

Food inspectors discovered liquefied vegetables, mould-ridden produce, and raw chicken in an open container at Cici's Pizza Kitchen in Hindmarsh, Adelaide, in 2019.

The restaurant's operator Cecille Yalung, 32, was on Monday sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to charges including 17 counts of failing to comply with food standards regulations.

The single mum was ordered to pay her council $5,250 but avoided further fines after a magistrate ruled they would cause her and her children 'hardship'.

Food inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation, liquefied vegetables and mould-ridden produce at Cici's Pizza Kitchen in Hindmarsh in Adelaide's inner-city in 2019

Pictured: The mould-ridden food found by council inspectors. The restaurant's operator Cecille Yalung, 32, was on Monday sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond

Magistrate Simon Smart said she would clearly be unable to pay the $280,000 in fines he could have applied.

'I'm concerned of your extremely limited capacity to pay a fine,' he said, according to NCA NewsWire.

'Any other persons in this situation could expect a substantial fine, but from what I know of your financial situation, you will struggle to pay the fine and you and the children will likely suffer hardship.'

Yalung - a Filipino whose children are all under five - was also banned from selling or supplying food to the public under the terms of her bond.

She no longer has any involvement with the pizzeria, which is under new ownership.

The 32-year-old was declared bankrupt in February 2020.

Inspectors were first tipped off about the restaurant's hygiene practices after a customer complained about finding a staple inside their pizza in July 2019.

The pizzeria has since been renamed Hindmarsh Pizza Bar and now has new owners. Yalung avoided further fines after a magistrate ruled they would cause her and her children 'hardship'

When they arrived, food safety officials found the pizzeria infested with cockroaches with no running hot water or soap on the premises.

The court heard the pizzeria's cold storage room was also so dirty it could not be cleaned properly.

Yalung was ordered to stop selling or handling food on July 13 of that year but completed another 51 orders over the next two days, Adelaide Magistrates Court heard.

The court heard she was also chose to ignore nine improvement notices between 2016 and 2018.
More than $130 million will be sunk into upgrading the Howard Springs quarantine facility next year despite the system being phased out.

Contracts will be awarded before the end of the year to manage the complex near Darwin, including up to $90 million for facility management, $50 million for catering, and $20 million for security.

But with international borders already open to vaccinated Australians from November 1, hotel quarantine will soon be largely redundant.

Howard Springs (pictured) is set to get $130million in taxpayer funds to continue running as a quarantine facility despite high vaccination rates and the NT undergoing pilot programs for home quarantine

Howard Springs is a remote workers camp in the Northern Territory repurposed as a Covid quarantine facility in October 20202 (pictured a group of men in quarantine at the camp)

Pilot programs to let international and domestic travelers isolate at home have already been completed for NSW and Victoria, one is underway in Queensland, and even the Northern Territory government is making the switch.

A home quarantine pilot program has already been completed in Darwin and one is underway for Alice Springs.

Home quarantine will even be mostly unnecessary soon with borders expected to be open to all vaccinated arrivals without isolation in the new few months.

The Howard Springs fly-in fly-out workers' camp on the outskirts of Darwin was re-purposed for quarantine in October 2020 and took in more than 800 travelers a fortnight.

NT Health Minster Natasha Fyles insisted despite lockdown and border closures being eased across the country, that did not mean there was no need for the facility.

'The coronavirus has proven to be unpredictable and while the vaccine remains our strongest defence  not all arrivals into the Territory will be vaccinated and not all Australians around the world have had access to TGA-approved vaccines,' Ms Fyles said.

The international border has been opened to fully-vaccinated residents from November 1 (file image)

The workers camp on the outskirts of Darwin took in 800 travellers a fortnight in the peak of lockdowns. Pictured: Workers in full protective gear deliver supplies to detainees

A travel bubble with Singapore was established in October with more set for the next few weeks including Bali which officials said was 'at the top of the list'.

Two-way quarantine-free travel to South Korea and Japan from Australia is being considered by the prime minister as the country looks to expand international travel.

Scott Morrison said the government was working quickly to establish the arrangements between the two Asian nations, following a similar deal with Singapore.

Australians have been able to travel to Singapore from this week, while citizens from the city-state will be able to arrive without quarantining from November 21.

Outside of these travel bubbles, only Australian citizens, permanent residents, partners, and close family can arrive - but that is expected to be open to all soon.

A $50million catering contract is set to be awarded that begins next year despite questions over whether the facility is needed. Pictured: A woman prepares lunch

NSW and Victoria already don't require any form of quarantine for international arrivals, provided they test negative, and other states will soon follow suit.

However, Mr Morrison told the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry caution was still needed following the return of international travel.

'We have just got to get through the next couple of weeks,' Mr Morrison said.

'Australia has been through a lot. We don't want to get the wobbles now in managing the safely reopening process.'
Scott Morrison has declared he is the underdog for the next election as he continues an unofficial campaign which is expected to last six months.

In his first domestic tour since the end of Covid lockdowns in Victoria and NSW - and just days after returning from a major climate summit in the UK - the Prime Minister last week visited Melbourne where he made pasta, served breakfast to veterans, and opened an Indian community centre.

Continuing his campaign-style blitz, Mr Morrison kicked off this week in the key battleground of western Sydney where he visited a metal factory and spruiked his support for small businesses.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Liberal member for Higgins Katie Allen make gnocchi pasta during a visit to Sugo restaurant in Malvern, Melbourne last Tuesday

Mr Morrison during the opening of the Australian Indian Community Centre in Melbourne on Friday

Month of next federal election odds January: $34 February: $18 March: $2 April: $8 May: $1.75 Source: Sportsbet Advertisement

The visit came as the latest Newspoll put Labor ahead of the Coalition for the eighth time in a row since June, at 53 per cent to 47 per cent on a two-party basis.

Asked on Monday if he considers himself the underdog at the next election, Mr Morrison replied: 'Well, I think that's fairly clear.

'And I've been there before,' he said in reference to his surprise victory against Bill Shorten in 2019.

The Prime Minister has the power to call an election any time up to the end of May when the current senate term ends.

Elections must be held on a Saturday, meaning May 21 is the latest possible date.

The poll must be called at least five weeks in advance, meaning December is all but out of the question because the only date left is Christmas Day.

No federal election has ever been held as Australians enjoy their summer holidays in January or February so the most likely months are March, April or May.

All Saturdays in March are possible. March 19 would clash with the South Australian election but it can be moved by three weeks if a federal election is held in the same month.

April 2, April 9 and April 30 are possible but April 16 is Easter Saturday, which also makes April 23 less likely because campaigning will be disrupted over the public holiday weekend.

The options in May are 7, 14, and 21 and on Thursday the Prime Minister gave his strongest hint yet this would be his favoured month, telling Nine's Today show: 'It's due in May of next year.'

The next day Defence Minister Peter Dutton revealed he also expects a May election, saying: 'I think it's another six months, so buckle up.'

Mr Morrison later admitted the campaign has effectively already started, telling 3AW: 'Some people say it never ends.'

Scott Morrison serves members breakfast during a visit to Doncaster RSL in Melbourne on Thursday

Mr Morrison sits inside an electric vehicle at an engineering facility specialising in renewable technology during a visit to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales on November 8

Scott Morrison's photo ops November 8: Drives electric vehicle in the NSW Hunter Valley November 9: Makes pasta in Malvern, Melbourne November 10: Speech to Melbourne's Chamber of Commerce November 11: Serves breakfast at an Melbourne RSL November 12: Opens Indian Community Centre in Melbourne November 15: Visits metal factory in Penrith, NSW Advertisement

We will get a huge clue about the election date when Mr Morrison announces the date for the Federal Budget, which is normally held on the second Tuesday of May.

In December 2018, the Prime Minister announced the 2019-20 Budget would be released on 2 April, giving him a platform to campaign on for six weeks before the May 18 election.

It was a winning formula for the Coalition and helps explain why the bookies favour a May election again this time around.

Labor, led by Anthony Albanese, needs to make a net gain of eight seats to claim a majority but the party has only won 10 out of 29 elections since WWII.

Labor continues to lead the federal government in the latest Newspoll while approval for opposition leader Anthony Albanese has risen.

The poll published in The Australian on Monday shows Labor is ahead of the coalition on a two-party preferred basis, at 53 per cent to 47 per cent.

On a primary vote basis, Labor is also ahead on 38 per cent compared to 37 per cent for the government.

Asked who would be a better prime minister the poll of 1524 voters picked Scott Morrison, but his result of 46 per cent was down from 48 per cent in the previous poll.

Mr Albanese gained four percentage points to 38 per cent. Support for the Greens was unchanged at 11 per cent, on a two-party basis. The poll was conducted between November 10 and November 13.
Former Australian Army Major-General Jim Molan believes Australia must significantly and immediately expand its defence forces as fears grow China wants to invade Taiwan.

Speaking on last night's 60 Minutes, the Liberal senator and father of Channel Nine star Erin Molan said he believed Australia was 'monstrously vulnerable' in the face of a Chinese nation determined to demonstrate its dominance in the Western Pacific.

'We have this naive faith that American military power is infinite and it's not,' Mr Molan said.

'I believe that the Chinese Community Party's aim is to be dominant in this region, and perhaps dominant in the world.

'This is a zero-sum game. [China] must remove America from the Western Pacific in order to be dominant in this region, simple as that.'

Former Australian Army Major-General Jim Molan (pictured) said Australia was 'monstrously vulnerable' in the face of a Chinese nation determined to demonstrate its dominance in the Western Pacific

Jim Molan during his time as a major-general in the Australian army

His comments follow claims by Defence Minister Peter Dutton that Australia would necessarily be involved in any military response should China moves towards annexing Taiwan.

'[China's] been very clear about their intent to go into Taiwan and we need to make sure that there is a high level of preparedness, a greater sense of deterrence by our capability, and that is how I think we put our country in a position of strength,' Mr Dutton said at the weekend.

Mr Dutton's remarks sparked a response from Chinese government mouthpiece, tabloid newspaper The Global Times.

Its editor-in-chief Hu Xijin Tweeted on Saturday that 'if Australian troops come to fight in the Taiwan Straits, it is unimaginable that China won't carry out a heavy attack on them and the Australian military facilities that support them'.

Mr Molan's comments came after Defence Minister Peter Dutton said that Australia would necessarily be involved in any military response should China moves towards annexing Taiwan

In early October China flew a record 150 flights over Taiwan's protective zone, known as the ADIZ, in four days in its largest show of force to date near the island

Taiwanese soldiers march to position during an anti-invasion drill on the beach during the annual Han Kuang military drill in Tainan, Taiwan

Mr Molan said while the AUKUS deal for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines was 'excellent' when it happened in another few decades, the problem was the next war would be 'three to 10 years' away.

'My estimate is that in a serious conflict the Australian Defence Force only has enough missiles for days. This is not going to be resolved in days,' he said.

'We should expand the defence force significantly.

'We should fund defence now based on our assessment of the national security strategy which is based on the war we want to win.'

In early October China flew a record 150 flights over Taiwan's protective zone, known as the ADIZ, over four days in its largest show of force to date.

It caused Taiwan's Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng to say relations between it and the mainland were the worst in 40 years.

Kuo-Cheng told the Taiwanese parliament China will be ready to mount a full-scale invasion of the island by 2025, noting that while Beijing 'has the capacity' to attack immediately it is looking to reduce the costs it must bear before giving the order.

The US, like Australia, does not provide formal sovereign recognition of Taiwan but has nevertheless said it has a commitment to defend the island should it come under Chinese attack.

It's widely expected Australia would join a multi-national response in support of any US defence of Taiwan, though former Prime Minister Paul Keating said last week Australia should remain above any such conflict because Taiwan was 'not a vital Australia interest'.

'My estimate is that in a serious conflict the Australian Defence Force only has enough missiles for days. This is not going to be resolved in days,' Mr Molan said of the disparity between China and Australia's defence capabilities

Mr Molan, pictured with daughter Erin, said Australia should expand its defence forces now in response to fears China is planning to invade Taiwan

China maintains the world's largest standing army and also has the world's largest navy, though the US defence force shades it in technological sophistication.

Former Chinese diplomat and translator for former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, Victor Gao, provided a frightening assessment to 60 Minutes of a war between China and the US over Taiwan.

'Use all your imagination. Think about all your nightmares and it will be 10 times more than your worst nightmare,' he warned.

'You are talking about the possibility of Armageddon.'

Mr Molan, a former Federal senator, outlined a number of scenarios by which China might stage a takeover of Taiwan, including a blockage of the island which might mean it 'didn't need to fight'.

'The second scenario a Pearl Harbor-type attack to take out all the American bases in South Korea, Japan and Guam, and say to Taiwan, "Do you want to be destroyed by us?"

US warships seen during exercises in the Western Pacific. 'China must remove America from the Western Pacific in order to be dominant in this region,' Mr Molan said

Mr Molan said he did not believe a conflict over the island would be solved by a nuclear option as it would guarantee that US cities will be targeted in retaliation.

He said China's might meant it could decide to retake Taiwan whenever it wished it.

'Fundamentally, given the power they have in their military they could act any time from now on, and that frightens me more than anything.'
An ABC newsreader has urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of drink spiking after her friend's daughter was targeted by 'sickening' predators.

The young woman was enjoying a night out with friends in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches when her drink was spiked on Saturday night.

Juanita Phillips, who delivers the 7pm news for the ABC in Sydney, took to Twitter following the 'infuriating' incident to remind her viewers to remain vigilant.

'A friend's daughter was hospitalised after her drink was spiked in a well known Manly bar on Saturday night,' the journalist tweeted to her 25,000 followers.

ABC newsreader and mother-of-two Juanita Phillips (pictured) questioned what could be done to better protect young people from being spiked in bars, clubs and pubs across the city

Juanita Phillips, who delivers the 7pm news for the ABC, took to Twitter following the 'infuriating' incident to remind her viewers to remain vigilant (pictured)

'She was just one of a number of young women targeted there. The two nurses who treated her said they'd had the same experience. Warn your children.'

The mother-of-two questioned what could be done to better protect young people from being spiked in bars, clubs and pubs across the city.

'What's the solution? Plastic lids on drinks? More CCTV?,' she asked.

'Outside the pubs, the hordes of underage drinkers from all over Sydney are a whole separate disaster waiting to happen.'

Ms Phillips described the incident as 'sickening and infuriating'.

'Young women enjoying a night out with their friends should not be ending up in hospital or vulnerable to sexual assault,' she said.

An ABC newsreader has urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of drink spiking after her friend's daughter was targeted by 'sickening' predators (stock image)

Her series of tweets soon attracted attention from like-minded social media users, many of whom urged the journalist to 'name and shame' the venue.

'If venues were held responsible they would take action to monitor dangerous men, instead of it always being up to women to change their behaviour,' one said.

Another woman said the warning had made her wonder about her own child.

'Fairly sure this happened to our son. Came home from Manly around 10:30pm (went out at 7:30pm), could hardly speak, mind blank,' she recalled.

'To this day he still can't explain it, even after speaking to his mates.'

'That has been happening in Manly for years,' another mother agreed.

'My daughter and her friends stopped going to Manly. I think the only deterrent is CCTV cameras and security patrolling around the bar areas.'

Another claimed: 'This is fast becoming the norm in pubs and clubs. Every weekend endless stories come out of young women being drugged.'

Ms Phillip's suggested bars use 'drink covers' (pictured) to protect them from being spiked

Kura Perkins and her friends has their drinks spiked while dancing at Freo Social in Fremantle on Friday night (pictured, Ms Perkins 2nd from the right and her friends)

It comes just a few weeks after a group of mothers enjoying a night out in Perth were spiked with an unknown substance.

Kura Perkins and her friends were sharing a bottle of sparkling wine at Freo Social in Fremantle in Western Australia's south last month.

Ms Perkins said that the group put their drinks down to go and dance, and only minutes later she was unable to move.

The mother-of-three was one of three woman made violently ill and had to rely on strangers to hold her up while she tried to contact her husband.

She told Nine News her symptoms included being 'very incoherent, not being able to stand up or walk, numbness in the legs and violent vomiting'.

Ms Perkins has similarly urged pub-goers to never leave beverages unattended on a night out, adding the last thing on her mind was that her drink might be spiked.

A 'spiking epidemic' in the United Kingdom has led thousands of young women across the country to boycott bars and clubs to demand more action (stock image)

Meanwhile, a 'spiking epidemic' in the United Kingdom has led thousands of young women across the country to boycott bars and clubs to demand more action.

Women are opting to stay home amid rising reports of bar-goers being drugged at nightclubs, bars and late-night venues with needles used to inject 'date-rape' drugs.

Last month, police figures revealed 56 incidents of spiking by injection in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in September and October.

Additionally, there were 198 confirmed reports of drink-spiking.

The boycott campaign has demanded extensive searches on entry, covers for drinks and training for bar staff to ensure bar-goers can enjoy nights out safely.
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Residents of Kenosha, Wisconsin are bracing for potential riots as a jury prepares to consider the murder charges against Kyle Rittenhouse, who killed two and shot a third during unrest last summer.

By pleading with the judge to allow the jury to consider lesser charges, prosecutors have all but admitted that they failed to prove their top charges against 18-year-old Rittenhouse, who argued self-defense in emotional testimony.

The case has become a political flashpoint across the country, with liberals condemning Rittenhouse as a dangerous extremist or racist, though all the victims were white. Conservatives by turn celebrate the teen as a hero for gun rights and self-defense, though he was illegally carrying the weapon as a then-minor.

On Sunday, buildings around Kenosha were boarded up in anticipation of a violent response if Rittenhouse is acquitted, and Governor Tony Evers has ordered 500 Nation Guard troops on standby to assist local law enforcement.

However, some businesses which were burned or looted last summer had little to do to prepare, because the boards over their windows remained up more than a year later.

Closing arguments in the trial are expected to conclude sometime on Monday. At that point, the case will go to a jury of 12, draw from a pool of 11 women and nine men, which will decide Rittenhouse's fate.

On Sunday, buildings around Kenosha were boarded up in anticipation of a violent response if Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted, and Governor Tony Evers has ordered 500 Nation Guard troops on standby

Businesses in downtown Kenosha are seen boarded up on Sunday. Many which were burned or looted last summer had little to do to prepare, because the boards over their windows remained up more than a year later

A home in Kenosha is seen with a message of solidarity with Black Lives Matter on Sunday

Defendant Kyle Rittenhouse is seen on Friday at his trial in Kenosha Circuit Court. The case goes to the jury on Monday

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shootings, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz.

The teen from nearby Antioch, Illinois testified that he acted in self-defense when he fired the shots during an August 2020 night of unrest in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

The case has left Americans divided over whether Rittenhouse was a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness or a vigilante who brought a gun to a protest to provoke a response.

The jurors will be allowed to consider lesser charges if they opt to acquit him on some of the original counts prosecutors brought, the judge said Friday during a contentious hearing in which both sides could claim partial victory.

Wisconsin law allows the prosecution and defense to ask that jurors be told they can consider lesser charges as part of the instructions they receive before deliberating. Defense lawyers can object to lesser charges, and in some cases Friday, they did.

For those that they didn't object to, Judge Bruce Schroeder asked Rittenhouse to confirm that he agreed with his attorneys' decision.

Schroeder told Rittenhouse that by including the lesser charges, 'you're raising the risk of conviction, although you're avoiding the possibility that the jury will end up compromising on the more serious crime. And you're also decreasing the risk that you'll end up with a second trial because the jury is unable to agree.'

Rittenhouse said he understood.

Judge Bruce Schroeder asked Rittenhouse to confirm that he agreed with his attorneys' decision to allow the jury to consider lesser charges on some counts, after prosecutors admitted the weakness of their case

Rittenhouse is accused of shooting three demonstrators, killing two of them, during a night of unrest that erupted in Kenosha after a police officer shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back while being arrested in August 2020

Boards are seen over a window that was damaged a year ago when unrest gripped Kenosha over the shooting of Jacob Blake

A business that was burned and looted last summer remains boarded up more than a year after rioting broke out following the shooting Jacob Blake in the summer of 2020. The city is currently bracing for potential fresh riots

Children walk by a Kenosha storefront that remains boarded up more than a year after rioting broke out last summer

Schroeder said he would issue his final rulings Saturday, but he made some findings from the bench and indicated how he might rule on others. For counts where jurors will be allowed to consider lesser charges, they will be instructed to only consider them if they first acquit Rittenhouse of the more serious original corresponding charge.

Friday's arguments over jury instructions were contentious at times, with attorneys rehashing debates they had earlier in the case. At one point, as prosecutors were seeking to add an instruction that would allow the jurors to consider whether Rittenhouse was provoked, the two sides debated about what a particular photo showed. Schroeder lost his temper, snapping: 'Youre asking me to give an instruction. I want to see the best picture!'

Schroeder ultimately said he would allow the provocation instruction, which would ask the jury to consider whether Rittenhouse provoked Rosenbaum into attacking him. If the jury finds he did, that would negate self-defense.

Rittenhouse, now 18, faces one count of first-degree reckless homicide in the killing of Rosenbaum, who was the first person he shot after Rosenbaum chased him in a used car lot.

Prosecutors sought to add a second-degree reckless homicide charge, but the defense objected. Schroeder said he was unlikely to allow the lesser charge because he thought a guilty verdict on the lesser charge would be overturned on appeal.

Rittenhouse also faces two charges of first-degree reckless endangerment: one for firing at an unknown man who tried to kick him in the face and another because a reporter was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum.

Grey clouds hang over the empty storefronts of Kenosha on Sunday, a year after riots gripped the city

Downtown Kenosha was sparsely populated on Sunday as the city braces for a verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial

Kenosha, a city of 100,000, sits on the Lake Michigan shore just across the border from Illinois

Schroeder said he was inclined to allow a lesser charge of second-degree reckless endangerment when it comes to endangering the reporter, but he might not. He said he would not allow the lesser charge in the case of the unidentified man who tried to kick Rittenhouse.

Rittenhouse also faces one count of first-degree intentional homicide in Hubers death. That's the most serious charge against him and carries a mandatory life sentence. Huber swung his skateboard at Rittenhouse shortly after Rittenhouse killed Rosenbaum.

The defense did not object to adding lesser counts of second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide as it relates to Huber. It did object to adding a charge of second-degree reckless homicide. Schroeder said he 'embraced' that argument.

Rittenhouse also faces one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide for shooting and wounding Grosskreutz in the arm. Grosskreutz, who had a gun in his hand, confronted Rittenhouse right after Rittenhouse shot Huber.

Prosecutors asked to add second-degree attempted intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless endangerment options. Rittenhouse attorney Corey Chirafisi didn't object to the second-degree attempted homicide count, but he objected to adding the reckless endangerment counts, saying he doesn't believe someone can 'attempt to be reckless.'

Schroeder said he would mull it over but was inclined to agree with prosecutors.

Kyle Rittenhouse, at left in backwards cap, walks along Sheridan Road in this August 25, 2020 file photo. Before midnight, he used his Smith & Wesson AR-style semi-automatic to shoot three people, killing two

Kyle Rittenhouse and defense attorney Mark Richards stand as Judge Bruce Schroeder makes a personal call during Rittenhouse's trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Friday

Kyle Rittenhouse, center, stands with his attorneys, from left, Mark Richards, Corey Chirafisi and Natalie Wisco before viewing video during proceedings at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Friday

Storefronts in downtown Kenosha remain boarded up from last summer, as seen on Sunday

Rittenhouse is also charged with possessing a dangerous weapon while under the age of 18. It was not clear Friday what Schroeder intended to tell jurors on that charge.

Legal observers said both sides got some wins during the hearing. Julius Kim, a Milwaukee criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, said no matter how confident Rittenhouse may be of his defense, accepting the lesser charge on the most serious count minimizes the risk of him being convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

'I think that they recognize it could be a good thing for Mr. Rittenhouse to allow the jury to potentially convict him of a lesser offense if they convict him of anything,' Kim said, adding that the lack of a defense objection on that count could signal that they might not be confident in an acquittal.

Still, the fact that prosecutors are seeking a lesser offense is a 'tacit acknowledgement' that they aren't confident the jury will convict Rittenhouse on the original charges.

'I think they are trying to salvage something at his point in time,' Kim said.

Michael O'Hear, a criminal law professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, agreed, saying lesser included charges are usually sought by the defense.

'Normally the prosecutor would not request a lesser included instruction if the prosecution had a very high degree of confidence in the likelihood of conviction of the greater offense,' O'Hear said, noting that adding it 'practically invites the jury to compromise on the lesser offense.'

Testimony in the case ended Thursday after nearly two weeks. The most riveting moment in the trial came when Rittenhouse told the jury that he was defending himself from attack when he used his rifle to shoot the three men.

Closing arguments will be Monday, after which names will be drawn to decide which 12 jurors will deliberate and which will be dismissed as alternates. Eighteen people have been hearing the case. The panel appears to be overwhelmingly white, like Rittenhouse and those he shot.

The protests were set off by the wounding of Blake, a black man, by a white police officer. Rittenhouse went to the protest with a rifle and a medical kit in what the former police and fire youth cadet said was an effort to protect property after rioters set fires and ransacked businesses on previous nights.

The case has stirred fierce debate over vigilantism, self-defense, the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the unrest that erupted throughout the U.S. over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Juli Briskman, a member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, branded a group of concerned parents 'alt-right'

A Loudoun County official has branded a group of parents who are concerned about the school district's handling of sexual misconduct cases and its teaching of critical race theory 'alt-right,' despite the group having black and Jewish supporters.

Juli Briskman, a member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, tweeted the claim on Thursday, after the parent organization Fight for Schools announced it had obtained enough signatures to challenge all of the remaining school board members who were part of a Facebook group that launched a campaign against parents who oppose the teaching of critical race theory.

In her tweet on Thursday, Briskman wrote: '[Thank you, Loudoun for All] for a factual and thorough debunking of the alt-right FFS petitions.

'If they want to fight for schools, they should support teacher pay increases, more mental health resources and ending the school to prison pipeline.'

Merriam-Webster defines 'alt-right' as a 'right-wing, primarily online political movement or grouping based in the US whose members reject mainstream conservative politics and espouse extremist beliefs and policies typically centered on ideas of white nationalism.'

Her tweet on Thursday came after parent group Fight for Schools revealed they received enough signatures to oust the school board chair and three board members

Joe Mobley, a black father of four who has supported Fight for Schools, said it was 'absurd' to be called 'a white nationalist'

The claim has offended several members of the group, which has black and Jewish members.

'As a Jewish American, I am completely offended,' Elicia Brand, a Loudoun County mom who has volunteered with Fight for Schools for months told FOX News on Sunday. 'I take that as a personal affront.'

'I support [Fight for Schools Executive Director] Ian Prior and everything that he is doing for the schools and the parents in every way,' she continued.

Brand said she has volunteered for Fight for Schools since it was founded several months ago, and started her own organization, Army of Parents, to support its efforts.

'I know many people in the Fight for Schools organization and not one of them is alt-right, not one of them is far-right, not one of them is racist,' Brand said.

'She is putting political ideology and the political agenda before the needs of the citizens of Loudoun County,' she said of Briskman, 'and she owes every one of us an apology.'

Joe Mobley, a black father of four who has supported Fight for Schools efforts also said 'it's absurd' to be called 'alt-right.'

He argued that Briskman used her attack on Thursday to distract from the idea that 'parents shouldn't have a say in what goes on in the classroom because your kids belong to the state.'

'Obviously, as a black dude, it's weird to be called a white nationalist,' Mobley told FOX. 'Instead of calling us names, meet with us and have a chit-chat.'

Fight for Schools founder Ian Prior added: 'Ms. Briskman's false and defamatory statement is an attack on a diverse coalition of thousands of Loudoun County residents that are utilizing a legal process to remove school board members that have violated their own code of conduct.

'The best thing Ms. Briskman could do, as an elected official, is publicly retract her statement and cease and desist from regularly attacking her constituents on social media.

'But we aren't holding our breath.'

Fight for Schools revealed at the Loudoun County school board meeting on Tuesday night they have received enough signatures to have the chair and three other board members removed. Pictured: Megan Jenkins speaking at the meeting

The group gained support in the aftermath of a sexual assault case involving a 'boy in a skirt' attacking a girl in the girls' bathroom, and from opponents of critical race theory

The group has collected more than 2,000 signatures to remove the board chair Brenda Sheridan (pictured). She has said she will see it through

Fight for Schools also compiled enough signatures to mount legal challenges to oust three other board members (pictured L - R) Board Vice-Chair Atoosa Reaser, Ian Serotkin of the Blue Ridge District, and at-large member Denise Corbo

On Tuesday, Fight for Schools announced it had collected more than 2,000 signatures to remove the board chair Brenda Sheridan citing reasons including neglect of duty, misuse of office and incompetence in the performance of her duties.

The organization also compiled enough signatures to mount legal challenges to oust three other board members, Board Vice-Chair Atoosa Reaser, Ian Serotkin of the Blue Ridge District, and at-large member Denise Corbo.

In order to remove an elected official in Virginia, a petition must be signed by a number of people from the official's jurisdiction equal to 10 percent of the votes cast in the previous election.

The petition was started earlier this year, FOX News reports, after reports emerged that a Facebook group called 'Anti-Racist Parents of Loudoun County' compiled a list of outspoken conservatives and opponents of critical race theory in the district in order to track, hack and 'doxx' them.

Critical race theory teaches that racism is a social construct that has been embedded in American legal systems and policies.

It has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country over the last year, with opponents claiming it promotes racism by categorizing people into 'oppressors' and the 'oppressed,' and supporters arguing that it is vital to eliminate racism.

If the cases go to trial, a judge or a jury will rule whether or not to remove the board members and if successful, the board would have 45 days to appoint an interim replacement and 15 days to petition the court for a special election.

In an email response to the Loudoun Times, Sheridan vowed to 'see this process through' and said being a member of the school board is public service, and 'is not always easy or popular'.

On June 22, Scott Smith, the father of the rape victim, was dragged out of a school board meeting with a bloodied mouth after listening to school officials deny that his daughter had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom after she reported it to officials

Superintendent Scott Ziegler claimed that day that he'd received 'no report' of a sexual assault in the school bathrooms. But on May 28, the day it happened, he sent this email to colleagues confirming that it had been reported, writing: 'This afternoon, a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom'

From rape to sentencing: Timeline of teen boy in skirt May 28: Teen, 15, wearing a skirt allegedly rapes female classmate in girl's bathroom. She reports it to the principal. Superintendent Scott Ziegler sends an email to colleagues confirming that it had been reported June 22: Scott Smith, the father of the rape victim, was dragged out of a school board meeting with a bloodied mouth and arrested after listening to school officials say no one had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom after his daughter had reported the rape July 6: Detectives call the boy's mother to report his imminent arrest. She drives him down to the station herself and he spends the next couple weeks at the juvenile detention center in nearby Leesburg October 6: The 15-year-old changes schools and allegedly drags another a girl into a classroom and inappropriately touches her. Police are called and he is arrested the same day October 25: Teen is found guilty for the May 28 sexual assault at Stone Bridge High School. The judge 'substantiated' charges of forcible sodomy and forcible fellatio, the juvenile equivalent of a conviction October 26: Students stage a walkout of their classrooms in a show of 'solidarity' for the victim. Some stood in front of their school, chanting: 'Loudoun County Protects Rapists!' November 15: Skirt-wearing teen will be sentenced Advertisement

The Virginia school district was thrust into the national spotlight amid allegations a 15-year-old boy wearing a skirt raped a female classmate in the girl's bathroom at Stone Bridge High School on May 28.

One month later, Scott Smith, the father of the rape victim, was dragged out of a school board meeting on June 22 with a bloodied mouth after listening to school officials deny that a girl had been sexually assaulted in the bathroom after his daughter had reported the rape.

Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler said at the time: 'We don't have any records of assaults occurring in our restrooms.'

But on the day of the incident, he sent an email to colleagues confirming that it had been reported, writing: 'This afternoon, a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom.'

Soon, the issue exploded, with parents throughout the county protesting the school's transgender policy allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity, overtaking school board meetings and demanding that Ziegler resign.

Ziegler later apologized, FOX News reported, saying: 'First, let me say to the families and students involved - my heart aches for you and I am sorry that we failed to provide the safe, welcoming and affirming environment that we aspire to provide.'

And on October 15, Ziegler said he 'wrongly interpreted' Smith's question 'about discipline incidents in bathrooms.'

'I regret that my comments were misleading, and I apologize for the distress that error caused families,' he said.

Still, the district has denied allegations of a cover-up with Wayne Byard, a spokesman for the district, telling FOX News in late October that the district reported the alleged assault on May 28 to the sheriff's office 'immediately,' but because the incident was still under investigation, the report 'could not be released to the general public' at the time.

Another incident on October 6 at Broad Run High School, he noted, was also reported to the Sheriff's Office immediately.

'In the current politically-charged atmosphere, a lot of claims and demands have been made,' Byard said in a statement, adding: 'The focus of the superintendent and school board remains the education of Loudoun County's 81,000 students.'

Meanwhile, the 15-year-old boy was found guilty of the assault on October 25, when a judge 'substantiated' charges of forcible sodomy and forcible fellatio, the juvenile equivalent of a conviction.

He was sent back to juvenile detention, pending a hearing November 15 on the second case which occurred at Broad Run High School in the same county on October 6, a month after the district transferred him there.

In that incident, he allegedly pulled a girl into a classroom and inappropriately touched her.
A Melbourne man jailed for the 'unimaginable' killing of his four-month-old son has failed to shorten his prison sentence on appeal.

Cameron Staples was jailed for a total of nine years last year over the 2019 death of his infant son Flynn after pleading guilty to child homicide.

He appealed both the length of his head sentence and seven-year non-parole period, but this was on Monday dismissed by the Victorian Court of Appeal.

Almost immediately after his partner left to go to the cinema with a friend, Staples left the four-month-old boy home alone to go and buy alcohol.

A man who killed his four-month-old baby boy has lost an appeal on the severity of his sentence (stock photo)

Over four or five hours Staples drank seven cans of bourbon and coke, and a cider.

Exactly how baby Flynn was injured isn't clear. Initially Staples lied and said his son fell off the change table, but he later said in recorded phone calls he had been 'too rough with Flynn' like he usually was when affected by alcohol.

He said he had put Flynn down hard on the floor.

When the boy's mother returned home later she tried to rouse him to give him a bottle but left him to sleep when he seemed uninterested. She tried again an hour later and called triple zero after finding him limp and unresponsive.

Flynn died in hospital three days later. He had multiple brain bleeds, spinal cord bleeding and a serious brain injury, consistent with violent force or shaking.

In their judgment, Justice Chris Maxwell, Justice Stephen Kaye and Justice Karin Emerton said Staples was responsible for ensuring Flynn's safety and wellbeing.

They said his actions, which involved 'violent forceful shaking', had violated the 'fundamental norms of proper parental care'.

'Even after abandoning his false account of how Flynn had been injured, the appellant would admit nothing more than that he had been 'too rough',' they said.

'It might be assumed that he acted in anger or frustration when giving the baby the 'violent forceful shaking' but this is unknown.

'All that is known is that the shaking ... was violent enough to cause fatal brain haemorrhages and the bruising to his scalp.'

The judges also said Staples' conduct was aggravated by the fact he knowingly told deliberate lies about what happened to Flynn.

'(Staples) prioritised his own self-interest over the welfare of his son Flynn while he lay close to death in hospital,' the judges said.

Cameron Staples' appeal against his nine year sentence was dismissed by the Victorian Court of Appeal (pictured) on Monday

Justice Maxwell previously described Staples' actions as 'unimaginable'.

'It doesn't get much worse than that when you've killed your own child and lied about it to his mother when you know what you did,' he said.

Staples' barrister Sarah Lenthall had argued his sentence was excessive.

She noted that while the sentencing judge had found his diagnosed mental health conditions did not play a part in his offending they affected his prospects for rehabilitation.
Australian soldiers were forced to put themselves in more danger than necessary to combat the Taliban following futile attempts to involve local authorities, an inquiry has heard.

Soldiers would risk their lives to capture Taliban fighters and hand them over to Afghan police, only to see them in subsequent missions after being set free.

A frustrated former platoon leader said his men would decide to wait until an enemy fighter had time to get their weapon and shoot at troops so they were legally allowed to kill them instead.

Australian soldiers grew demoralised when Taliban fighters they had captured were freed by Afghan police

'You could just imagine what it meant for our guys who were there and had to make these decisions on the ground,' former special forces soldier Heston Russell told a Senate inquiry on Monday.

'On successive deployments, many of my guys found themselves time and time again capturing the same person.

'In the meantime, that person had his finger prints on an [explosive device] ... or had been linked to being part of a suicide attack.'

The Australian Defence Force has not released its rules of engagement governing soldiers in Afghanistan for security reasons.

The platoon Mr Russell commanded in 2012 conducted 67 missions and killed 117 insurgents.

Mr Russell said the evidence they would give local authorities would have held up in any Western court but 'did not amount to anything there on the ground'.

This would demoralise soldiers who then began questioning why they were conducting the missions when the same Taliban fighter would attack them just weeks after being captured.

'[It] ate away at the true purpose about why were risking our lives,' he said.

'We are literally going out into [explosives]-laden lands doing our job only to have those we are capturing come back.'

Taliban border fighters in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Australian soldiers began to question why they were conducting missions

Mr Russell also expressed his anger at the release of the Afghan soldier known as Hekmatullah, who ambushed three soldiers in 2012 in what is known as a green on blue attack.

Hekmatullah's release after the fall of Afghanistan forced veterans and Afghan families to relive the 'damage and trauma' of the shooting.

He was transferred to Qatar for Taliban-US peace talks in 2020 and released in October after the Taliban took over the Afghanistan capital of Kabul.
Britons will be able to have turkey for Christmas dinner despite supply fears and a shortage of workers.

The British Poultry Council said they had enough to 'get us over the line' but warned shoppers would have less choice this year.

It said there would be 'a bird for everyone who wants one' but they will be mostly 'whole birds' and 'very simply crowns and roasts'.

Supermarkets echoed the industry body's comments saying Christmas dinners will not be ruined next month.

Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer reassured customers that their food and drink needs will be met to as panic buying threatened to result in shortages.

But it comes as the boss of Britain's biggest ports operator warned the supply chain crisis could last well into 2023.

They said due to chose at shipping firms and ports around the world it will 'a very long time to turn it around'.

The British Poultry Council said enough temporary workers from the European Union had been let into the UK to stem labour shortages threatening turkey numbers.

The British Poultry Council said they had enough to 'get us over the line' but warned shoppers would have less choice this year

It comes as the boss of Britain's biggest ports operator warned the supply chain crisis could last well into 2023 (pictured, Southampton port)

BPC chief Richard Griffiths told the BBC: 'It'll get us over the line. We've been able to streamline products and reduce the variety, so that helps with the overall volume.'

Mr Griffiths added: 'There will be a focus on whole birds and very simple crowns and roasts.'

About half of the visas freed up for foreign workers to come to fill in gaps over Christmas have been taken up.

There were hopes thousands would flood in to help process and package the birds ready for the holidays.

The government relaxed immigration rules in September to allow up to 5,500 people to fly in but the BPC believes as few as 2,500 have been grabbed.

Mr Griffiths said due to fewer birds being reared and producers managing to source their own seasonal workers Christmas will not be heavily affected.

Shoppers spent 6million more on frozen turkeys last month than the same time a year earlier, Kantar data found.

The BPC said there would be 'a bird for everyone who wants one' but they will be mostly 'whole birds' and 'very simply crowns and roasts'

Meanwhile supermarkets said Christmas dinners will not suffer from the supply chain crisis as some promised there will be plenty of festive stock.

Sainsbury's, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer reassured customers their food and drink needs will be met to as panic buying threatened to result in shortages.

Simon Roberts, the Sainsbury's CEO, penned customers a letter on the company's site saying the supermarket will have 'plenty of food' for everyone.

He wrote: 'Following reports that some popular products will be hard to find this Christmas, I want to let you know we're working flat out to make it a Christmas to remember.

'I also want to reassure you that there will be plenty of food and that we are confident that even if the exact product you are looking for isn't available, there will be a good alternative.

'Longer-life products such as Christmas cakes and puddings, mince pies, nuts and cranberry sauce are already available.'

Mr Roberts added Sainsbury's stores will be getting regular deliveries right up until Christmas Eve and 'expect expect to sell more fresh turkeys this year than ever before'.

Frozen turkeys are already in stores but fresh ones will arrive on December 19.

Supermarkets said Christmas dinners will not suffer from the supply chain crisis as some promised there will be plenty of festive stock (file photo)

Fresh party food is set to arrive in stores from the middle of this month, and the letter promised shelves will be stocked with 'fresh festive products' like pigs in blankets from December 1.

He also wrote: 'We know how much we all missed being able to spend time with our families and loved ones last year and that we all want to make this Christmas even more special.'

Earlier this week Marks & Spencer's CEO Steve Rowe also said the retailer is set to 'deliver a great Christmas for our customers', the Grocer reported.

He also reassured buyers that there won't be 'any shortages of pigs in blankets at Marks & Spencer at all'.

A spokesman for the John Lewis and Waitrose partnership also told the Express it is 'confident' about its ability to 'provide our customers with everything they need' for the festive period.

Simon Roberts, the Sainsbury's CEO, penned customers a letter on the company's site saying the supermarket will have 'plenty of food' for everyone

The John Lewis and Waitrose partnership is 'confident' it'll be able to tend to all its customers' festive needs

'We are working closely with our suppliers and are very confident we'll have a fantastic array of products too,' they added.

But in a warning the crisis is far from over, the boss of Britain's biggest ports operator said it will likely continue until 2023.

Henrik Pedersen, chief executive of Associated British Ports (ABP), said he would be 'positively surprised' if it ended before then.

He told the Times: 'When you have congested container ports around the world, it takes a very long time to turn it around.

'We have a shortage of truck drivers in the UK, and in other countries, too, so it [the problem] is in the shipping leg and the road leg.'

He said ABP's ports were still packed with empty containers because Asian ports would not take them back amid their own storage problems.

Meanwhile Primark said it is expecting disruption to continue into 2023 as Ikea predicted it would be affected for months.


Police in New York City are seeking a trio of muggers who killed one man and injured another in a sidewalk hold-up, as violent crime continues to wrack the city.

The cold-blooded murder occurred at around 4.50pm on Saturday in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx, where three unidentified men stuck up Jonathan Pena, 32, and a 46-year-old man.

Two of the muggers pointed pistols at the victim, one augmented with a green laser sight and another with what appears to be a high-capacity drum magazine, surveillance video shows.

The third stickup man then rushed over to the victims, who raised their hands in the air, and ripped a gold chain away from Pena.

Police in New York City are seeking this trio of muggers who killed one man and injured another in a sidewalk hold-up, as violent crime continues to wrack the city

As the robbers were distracted with the chain, the other victim tried to flee inside a nearby restaurant.

The muggers then opened fire with both guns, shooting wildly on the 1400 block of Macombs Road and hitting both victims.

The trio of crooks was last seen fleeing northbound on Macombs Road in a black Mercedes-Benz sedan.

Pena was transported by private means to Bronx Lebanon Hospital where he was pronounced dead police said.

Paramedics transported the 46-year-old male victim to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition.

The brazen murder comes as New York City continues to grapple with a surge in violent crime.

The muggers opened fire with both guns, killing one victim and injuring another

The muggers then fled the scene northbound in a black Mercedes-Benz sedan

The murder occurred outside this restaurant on the 1400 block of Macombs Road

On Thursday morning, a 27-year-old female jogger was strangled unconscious and raped in Central Park, near Swan Lake.

Paulie Velez, 25, was arrested and charged in the attack after police said he tried to sell the victim's cell phone in a Times Square store.

The Central Park attack took place only 25 minutes before a registered sex offender attempted to rape a woman on Randall's Island and 45 minutes before another victim was sexually assaulted on a walking trail by the Harlem River.

Howard Shaw, 38, was charged over the Randall's Island assault - which took place two days after he was released from state prison where he was serving a sentence for a 2005 robbery and a rape.

Meanwhile, New York City also continues to see a surge in other types of violent crime.

Through the end of October, felony assaults rose 8 percent from last year, to 18,898, and grand larcenies increased 3.7 percent, to 30,768.

Overall crime in New York City continues to steadily grow

Murders dropped slightly, to 399 so far this year from last year's level of 407.

Rapes are up 2.1 percent on the year, at 1,241, and robberies rose 1.6 percent to 10,996.

NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea has repeatedly made public calls on lawmakers to stiffen bail laws that were reformed last year, allowing many suspects to walk free without bond.

'Effective crime fighting is predicated upon a collaborative effort from all aspects of the criminal justice landscape  as well as society as a whole,' he said earlier this month.

'Additionally, our brave officers work must be reinforced by meaningful consequences that send a consequential message to those who find themselves on the path toward criminality.'

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls are strictly confidential.
After he being replaced by Scott Morrison as prime minister in 2018, Malcolm Turnbull vowed he wouldn't be hanging around politics like a 'miserable ghost'.

But lately the ghost of Christmas past has become the ghost of Christmas ever present, so often has he commented on the politics he said he was leaving behind.

Last month he said Mr Morrison had 'a reputation for lying' and now he has weighed into the nuclear submarine debate, again.

Malcolm Turnbull (pictured left, with his wife Lucy) said he wouldn't be hanging around like a 'miserable ghost' when he left politics

Mr Turnbull took to Twitter in the early hours of Monday morning to declare that 'facts matter, or they should'.

'It is regularly being stated that on becoming PM I scrapped a deal with Japan to build submarines,' he wrote.

'This is being put about by Phil Coorey of the AFR (Australian Financial Review), Alexander Downer and others. It is utterly false, and they should know it.'

The early hours spray is linked with Mr Turnbull's comment on Mr Morrison as that came after the French President Emmanuel Macron had also called the Prime Minister a liar over the now abandoned $90billion nuclear submarine deal.

Mr Turnbull called Mr Morrison 'shameful' and 'duplicitous' over his behaviour towards France when scrapping the deal.

Mr Turnbull continued: 'It obviously suits the current Australian Govt to suggest there is a precedent for its shameful behaviour regarding the French submarine contract.

'Well there isn't. Coorey, Downer and other apologists should get their facts straight.'

Scott Morrison (centre right) has an awkward handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron (centre left) in Rome after the submarine fracas

In his speech to a young leaders' forum in New York in 2018, Mr Turnbull said he was not going to be like an 'embittered Kevin Rudd or Tony Abbott' after leaving politics, likening his two predecessors as prime minister as 'miserable ghosts'.

At the Glasgow climate conference, Channel 7's Mark Riley reminded Mr Turnbull of the 'miserable ghosts' comment.

Mr Turnbull defended himself by linking his current commentary to 'people in the right-wing media that say former prime ministers should be mute'.

'What I was asked [at the forum in New York] was why I retired from parliament, and my answer was I didn't want to hang around parliament as a miserable ghost,' he said.

An Australian Collins class submarine (front) and the UK nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Astute (rear) are seen at HMAS Stirling Royal Australian Navy base in Perth on October 29, 2021. Australia is committed to getting its first nuclear-powered submarines built and operating as quickly as possible, says Defence Minister Peter Dutton, after pulling out of a $90billion deal to have France make its next generation of submarines

'That's why I got out of parliament. But whether as a former prime minister or an Australian citizen, I'm entitled to my point of view and my voice.

I'm entitled to express my point of view on any matter I choose. It is a free country,' said Mr Turnbull.

On Sydney's 2GB radio station, presenter Ray Hadley called Mr Turnbull a 'complete and utter nark' and accused him of 'siding' with France and against Australia.

'[Malcolm Turnbull] doesn't have a legacy, as far as I'm concerned that's gone,' Mr Hadley told his listeners. '

An unwanted nuisance, that's what Malcolm's been in Glasgow you're just a nark, a complete and utter nark.'

Then Mr Hadley's language got cruder: 'You're a whinging, complaining nark who needs to shut up some would say, "shut the f**k up".'
A Queensland MP has had a swastika sprayed over her office just days after her window was allegedly smashed by an anti-vaxxer.

But state Labor MP Ali King says she will not be deterred, despite repeated attacks including verbal abuse and death threats being made against her staff.

'I've got a thick skin and I will not be changed in my views, or silenced in my encouragement of vaccination,' Ms King told Daily Mail Australia.

The office of Queensland state Labor MP Ali King (pictured) was daubed with a swastika just days after it was allegedly smashed by an anti-vaxxer

'When people take these actions they are bullying people who just come to work each day. These are the actions of a small number of people and they should think about their bullying behaviour.'

Ms King found out about the smashed window when the local police called her, but it was a local resident who told her about the swastika attack.

'On Sunday afternoon a supporter contacted me to say how sorry he was that my office had been attacked again,' she said.

'So I went over there and found a big swastika spray-painted on the same window that had just been repaired and replaced.'

A police investigation is now underway and a man has now been charged in connection with the smashed window.

Ms King was shocked by the use of the Nazi symbol in the latest attack on her office.

'These people need to stop and think about what real oppression is,' she said.

'The swastika symbol is a symbol of real oppression, where millions of people were killed.

'When a government seeks to encourage a vaccination to keep people safe, that is not oppression. We are so lucky to have a safe vaccine and to have access to it.'

Queensland Labor MP Ali King (pictured) says she will not be deterred, despite repeated attacks including verbal abuse and death threats being made against her staff

She said locals who lost family in the Holocaust had contacted her after finding it 'profoundly upsetting' that public health measures are being compared to Nazism.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, told Daily Mail Australia the vandalism was a reflection of a disturbing change in modern society.

'There is something very troubling happening in our nation and we should all be alarmed by this contagion of bigotry that is spreading like wildfire,' he said.

'Words and vandalism, as we know very well from history, can become lethal violence.

'This is a hate crime, pure and simple and its aim was to intimidate and sow fear.'

Dr Abramovich, who has been leading a national campaign to ban the public displays and sale of Nazi materials and insignia, has called on all leaders 'to denounce this stomach-turning outrage that is a stain on our community in the strongest possible way'.

Dr Dvir Abramovich said the vandalism was a reflection of a disturbing change in modern society. (Pictured, anti-vaccination protesters gather for a rally in Brisbane)

He offered his support to Ms King and said what happened to her is a wake up call that extremists are growing more agitated and are targeting elected officials.

Dr Abramovich added that anyone who loves Australia will not feel comfortable knowing there are people 'who are brazenly and proudly weaponising a symbol that represents the pure evil' that led to the extermination of six million Jews and millions of others.

'This goes beyond mere vandalism, and we all have a responsibility to speak up when such ugly and dangerous assaults take place,' he said.

'I call on the Queensland government and the opposition to lock arms and to immediately pass legislation that not only bans the public display of any Nazi insignia but imposes severe penalties on such repugnant offences.'



There have been an increasing number of anti-vaccine protests in Australia in recent months (pictured, a march in Melbourne on Monday)

Vaccine sceptics have been furious about the introduction of so-called vaccine passports to enter venues in many states (pictured, a protest in Melbourne on Monday)

Ms King said the reaction she's faced in the wake of the attacks has left her in no doubt that the vandalism is related to the Covid-19 vaccine.

She added: 'I've been copping this all week, being called a Nazi and having public health measures described as akin to the Holocaust.

'That's how I know what the connection is.'

Ms King's office is now getting CCTV installed in a bid to avert any future attacks.

Her electorate, Pumicestone, has the highest median age in Queensland.

'Covid would be incredibly dangerous to our community if we got uncontrolled outbreaks. We are so lucky to have a safe vaccine available,' she said.

The alleged offender was issued with a notice to appear at Caboolture Magistrates Court in December.

As of Monday, 83.2 per cent of Australians over 16 are fully vaccinated with 90.5 per cent having had at least one dose.
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Boris Johnson today admitted that a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards as he made a desperate plea for Britons to get their booster jabs and the UK's daily Covid cases continued to rise.

The PM  who appeared to be suffering from a cold  warned 'storm clouds' of infection were gathering over Europe and forcing nations back into restrictions, which highlighted how the UK 'cannot afford to be complacent'.

He said people should get a booster if they want to 'avoid restrictions on daily lives', adding that it would be an 'utter tragedy' if double-vaccinated people died from Covid because they didn't get one.

Mr Johnson also admitted people might need proof of a booster jab to be considered 'fully vaccinated' in the future, in a move which could cause fresh chaos for Britons' travel plans.

The warnings came as Britain recorded another 39,705 daily coronavirus infections, which were up nearly a quarter on last Monday's figure. But deaths and hospital admissions - both lagging indicators - fell week-on-week.

There were 47 Covid victims registered today, down 18 per cent on last week, and latest hospital data shows there were 976 admissions on November 9, down 7.5 per cent.

The PM issued his warning at a Downing Street press conference, where he also confirmed that people in their forties will be offered a booster jab and older teenagers will get second doses.

Asked if a lockdown would be necessary if cases continue to rise, the PM said 'clearly we cannot rule anything out' but insisted he didn't 'see anything in the data that says we have to go now'.

The comments came after Austria announced a draconian new lockdown on the unvaccinated, after a dramatic increase in infections, and the Netherlands imposed a curfew on pubs and restaurants to deal with rising cases.

Germany, France and Italy have also been seeing a significant uptick in their outbreaks. The PM was joined today by his chief scientists Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance at the Government's first Covid briefing of the month.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation earlier approved the booster vaccines to an extra 8million Britons in their forties. It said people could come forward for them 'with the confidence that they are safe and effective'. A total of 12m top-up doses have already been administered.

Data published today by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that people who get a third shot are 80 per cent less likely to get symptomatic Covid than those who had their second dose in spring.

There has not been enough time to measure the effect on hospitalisations and deaths but officials claimed protection is expected to be 'even higher'.

Boris Johnson today admitted that a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards. He warned 'storm clouds' of infection were gathering over Europe and forcing nations back into restrictions, which highlighted how the UK 'cannot afford to be complacent'

Professor Whitty, England's chief medical officer, told today's press conference that even though the Covid numbers are 'broadly flat', there was 'substantial pressure on the NHS and that is widely recognised by everybody, ministers obviously included.'

'But in terms of the Covid numbers, they're not currently going up in the kind of numbers you're seeing in continental Europe, but obviously if they did that would be a situation where we would have to look again at what the situation is at that stage.'

Mr Johnson said there was nothing in the data to suggest the country needed to move to Plan B of Covid measures  but accepted it nothing could be taken off the table.

He told a press briefing: 'Clearly we cannot rule anything out and the most important thing people can do to prevent further NPIs from being taken is to  non-pharmaceutical interventions that is, further restrictions  get the boosters.'

The booster programme was today expanded to over-40s. Previously, it had only been open to the top 9 priority groups. People are only eligible if they had their second shot at least six months ago

Could Covid 'blizzard from the east' blow away holiday hopes? Boris warns on 'storm of infection' and surging cases in Europe as ministers refuse to rule out re-imposing tough restrictions on travel Boris Johnson today warned of a Covid 'blizzard from the East' as ministers refused to rule out re-imposing tough travel restrictions on Europe amid fears over surging cases. The PM raised fears that a 'storm of infection' on the continent could derail the UK's emergence from the pandemic - pleading with Britons to come forward for booster jabs. The comments came after Austria imposed a draconian new lockdown on the unvaccinated, after a dramatic increase in infections. Germany, France and Italy have also been seeing a significant uptick in their outbreaks. Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to a medical centre in east London, the PM stressed he did not see any need currently to switch to 'Plan B', of compulsory masks and working from home. 'But what we certainly have got to recognise is there is a storm of infection out there in parts of Europe, you can see those numbers ticking up very sharply in some of our continental friends,' he said. 'And we've just got to recognise that there is always a risk that a blizzard could come from the east again, as the months get colder. 'The best protection for our country is for everybody to go forward and get that booster.' Advertisement

He said 'GPs are hitting it out of the park again' delivering booster vaccines with numbers rising.

He added: 'It's starting to build a lot of momentum, but we need to see those 50-plus groups and the 60-plus groups  who can also wind up in hospital very, very easily  getting their booster as soon as you're called forward to get it. That's the best protection we can have.

'But to repeat, I see nothing in the data at the moment that makes me think we have to go to further measures.'

The PM warned there were 'storm clouds' gathering over parts of Europe with a 'new wave' of the virus sweeping through central Europe and now affecting western Europe.

'We don't yet know the extent to which this new wave will sweep up on our shores but history shows that we cannot afford to be complacent,' he said.

'Those countries with lower vaccination rates have tended to see bigger surges in infection and in turn been forced to respond with harsher measures while those countries with higher vaccination rates have so far fared better.

'It shows us that if we want to control the epidemic here in the UK and if we want to avoid restrictions on our daily lives we must all get vaccinated as soon as we are eligible.' He admitted that boosters could soon be required for a person to constitute being fully vaccinated.

'On boosters, it's very clear that getting three jabs  getting your booster  will become an important fact and it will make life easier for you in all sorts of ways, and we will have to adjust our concept of what constitutes a full vaccination to take account of that. And I think that is increasingly obvious.

'The booster massively increases your protection  it takes it right back up to over 90 per cent. As we can see from what's happening, the two jabs sadly do start to wane, so we've got to be responsible and we've got to reflect that fact in the way we measure what constitutes full vaccination.'

Professor Whitty said that were were 'beginning to see a winter respiratory effect' of other viruses impacting on the coronavirus pandemic.

England's chief medical officer added: 'There has already been a very significant increase in eastern Europe which is still ongoing, with significant numbers of people dying, in particular among the unvaccinated.

'That has now moved westward and, as you can see, is now increasing significantly, also in many western European countries.

'We all knew  everywhere in Europe we knew  that as we went into winter, into the typical respiratory virus/flu season, that the risks would be greater, and I think this is a demonstration of the fact that we're beginning to see a winter respiratory effect.'

Meanwhile, Professor Whitty urged hesitant women who are pregnant or wishing to get pregnant to get their Covid vaccine, highlighting data which showed their risk of severe Covid.

'I would  like to pull out in particular the issue of women who are pregnant or intending to get pregnant. And I would just like to give you some fairly stark facts about this because this is a major concern.

'Based on academic data from February 1 to September 30  1,714 pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid. Of those, 1,681, which is to say 98 per cent, had not been vaccinated.

'And if you go to those who are very severely ill in intensive care, of 235 women admitted to ICU, 232 of them  over 98 per cent  had not been vaccinated.

'These are preventable admissions to ICU and there have been deaths. All the medical opinion is really clear that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area.

'This is a universal view among doctors and among the midwife advisory groups and among the scientific advisory groups. So can I please encourage all women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant to get their vaccination.'

Earlier, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, England's deputy chief medical officer, told a separate Downing Street conference today that high uptake of boosters this winter could 'massively reduce the worry about Covid hospitalisations' this Christmas.

Chris Whitty urges pregnant women to get vaccinated as 98% of mothers-to-be in ICU are unjabbed Nearly every pregnant woman admitted to intensive care is unvaccinated, England's chief medical officer warned today as he urged expectant mothers to get jabbed. Professor Chris Whitty shared 'stark' figures that just 33 vaccinated pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid over eight months this year, compared to 1,681 unvaccinated expectant mothers. And just three infected pregnant women admitted to intensive care were vaccinated, compared to 232 infected unvaccinated women, he said. Professor Whitty told a Downing Street press conference this afternoon that the hospitalisation of unvaccinated pregnant women is 'preventable' and it is 'clear the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area'. There is no evidence that the Covid jabs harm fertility or are unsafe for pregnant women. Professor Whitty said: 'I would  like to pull out in particular the issue of women who are pregnant or intending to get pregnant. 'And I would just like to give you some fairly stark facts about this because this is a major concern. 'Based on academic data from February 1 to September 30  1,714 pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid. 'Of those, 1,681, which is to say 98 per cent, had not been vaccinated. 'And if you go to those who are very severely ill in intensive care, of 235 women admitted to ICU, 232 of them  over 98 per cent  had not been vaccinated. 'These are preventable admissions to ICU and there have been deaths. He added: 'All the medical opinion is really clear that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area. 'This is a universal view among doctors and among the midwife advisory groups and among the scientific advisory groups. 'So can I please encourage all women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant to get their vaccination.' There is no evidence vaccines are unsafe for women who are pregnant, because the side effects reported are similar to those seen among women who are not pregnant. And real world data shows the virus is a bigger risk for pregnant women, especially if they catch it in their third trimester or have underlying conditions, because there have been more cases of premature and stillbirths among this group. Data also shows there is no evidence the jabs harm unborn babies and there is no ingredient in the vaccines that can infect a child. The Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and the British Fertility Society has reassured women there is 'absolutely no evidence' or mechanism that would allow the jabs to affect fertiliy. Advertisement

Tory party chairman Oliver Dowden warned a 'decent' Christmas was 'in our hands' as he urged the nation to take up their booster jabs.

It was also announced today that 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered a second dose of their Covid vaccine.

They will be given the second vaccine 12 weeks following their first jab because evidence suggests the longer gap reduces the risk of side effects. Officials had delayed a decision on second doses while they investigated reports of heart inflammation in young people.

Eligible people can pre-book their vaccine five months after their second dose, but they will only get their booster after six months have passed. Over-40s will be offered either a dose of Pfizer or Moderna as a booster, regardless of which jab they were initially vaccinated with.

All over-50s were invited to get their third doses in September after data showed immunity levels had started to wane.

Over-40s will be invited for their third dose from January, about six months after when second doses were dished out in the age group.

Professor Wei Shen Lin, who chairs the JCVI, told a Downing Street press conference that under-40s may also be invited for a top up shot at 'some point'.

He said: 'We don't know whether that is definitely the case yet. We are looking very closely at the data all the time and should there be sufficient signal to warrant a third dose, so a booster dose for this age group, then certainly we will announce that and advise that accordingly.'

Professor Van-Tam urged Britons to get their third shots to ensure the country could have an 'as safe and disruption-free winter as possible'.

He told the briefing: 'People keep asking me about Christmas.

'I think for Christmas and the winter period, we can expect respiratory viruses to be around and we are particularly concerned that flu will come back and add to our problems, and it could be quite a bumpy few months ahead.

'But everyone has a key role to play in achieving as safe and disruption-free a winter as possible.

'Wear face coverings in crowded places if it is practical to do so, increase indoor ventilation whenever you can, make sure you are vaccinated and, like any medicine, make sure you finish the course.

'And when you are called for your booster please come forwards at pace so that we as a whole UK can get on and finish this job.'

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he had accepted the JCVI's advice to expand the booster programme to younger age groups, and to offer 16 to 17-year-olds a second dose.

He said the NHS has already been asked to prepare to offer the vaccine to these age groups.

'We know immunity to Covid begins to wane after six months and new data published today shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90 per cent  this highlights just how important it is that everyone eligible gets their top-up jabs as soon as possible.

'The JCVI will keep under review whether the booster programme should be extended to all people under the age of 40 and I look forward to receiving their advice in due course.

'This is a national mission  the vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones and I urge everybody to get your jabs as soon as you can.'

Dr June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA  the UK's drug regulator, said: 'This further strengthens our ability to ensure people are protected against Covid and saves lives.

'Our safety monitoring to date shows that Covid vaccines continue to have a positive safety profile for the majority of people.

'The vast majority of reactions which are reported relate to expected side-effects such as injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, as was seen in our initial assessment.'

The booster programme was accused of being too sluggish last month, with hundreds of elderly people saying they could not find out where to book their appointment.

Repeat Covid jabs could be offered for 'years to come', says SAGE adviser Britons could be offered top up doses of the Covid vaccine for years to come, a SAGE adviser said today. Professor Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M), said that repeat vaccinations could keep Covid at bay. He told Sky News: 'In the longer term, Covid is likely to become endemic and we probably are going to have to manage it with repeated vaccination campaigns for years to come.' Asked whether he felt confident about a 'normal Christmas', Prof Tildesley added: 'I'm cautiously optimistic. 'If we look at (the trends) we can see that although there has been quite a lot of variation over the past few weeks, and we're still reporting very high numbers of cases, the total number of daily hospital admissions and the total number of deaths are quite a long way below where we were in November last year, which should give us some level of confidence.' He added: 'The booster vaccination campaign is going far better than it was a few weeks ago, but there's still quite a lot of eligible people who have not yet had their booster jab. 'So it's really important if we do want to avoid restrictions ramping up that we get as many of those people out to get their booster jabs as possible over the next few weeks.' Advertisement

Ministers tweaked the booking system to allow people to book their booster from five months after their second dose, to help them get it in the diary.

But many elderly people are still being left without adequate protection after NHS staff noted down the date of their second dose incorrectly.

Retired taxi driver Michael Kelly, 70, from Gateshead, told the Telegraph he received his second jab almost seven months ago on April 23. But NHS staff noted it down as June 18  two months later, leaving him spending hours on the phone to 119 trying to book his follow-up appointment.

Some 360,000 boosters are being dished out every day on average, up about a third from 270,000 a fortnight ago. Three quarters of over-75s have already got their boosters.

Calling on Britons to get their top up doses today, Mr Dowden warned that Christmas was 'in our hands'.

He told Sky News: 'If you get the booster when the call comes that is the biggest wall of defence that we have against Covid.

'I am confident that if we stick the course, people take the boosters when they are asked to do so, that vaccine wall will hold up and we will be able to have a decent Christmas this year.

'There are no plans to stop Christmas happening. The huge difference this time is the vaccine.'

He cautioned however that controls could be needed if the situation changed dramatically, such as the emergence of a new Covid variant.

'We haven't ruled it out. If the situation change dramatically we would have to review that again.'

'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson  who advises SAGE  told BBC Radio 4's Today programme at the weekend: 'I see no reason why we shouldn't be rolling them out to younger age groups once we've got through the priority groups: over-50s and the clinically vulnerable.

'Our modelling suggests that, yes, it could make quite a big difference to driving transmission down to low levels.'

It comes after official data published today showed Covid booster jabs gave more than 90 per cent protection against symptomatic infection among over-50s.

The UK Health Security Agency  which took over the reigns from the now defunct Public Health England  found that two weeks after getting the top up protection was 93.1 per cent for AstraZeneca recipients, and 94 per cent for those who got the Pfizer shot.

After two doses of either vaccine, effectiveness against symptomatic disease appears to wane over time.

While experts say vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes, such as hospital admission, remains high for several months after completing the primary course, researchers have seen greater waning in older adults and those with underlying medical conditions compared with young, healthy adults.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: 'Our findings demonstrate the protection provided by the booster dose against symptomatic infection in those at highest risk from developing severe Covid.

Elderly Britons can't get boosters because staff wrongly recorded the date of their second dose Elderly Britons are being left without adequate protection against Covid because NHS staff wrongly recorded when they had their second dose. Over-50s are invited to get a booster dose from six months after their second jab. But many are now being blocked from getting their top up jab because records suggest they had their second dose later than was the case. NHS England said it was unable to confirm how many people eligible for boosters were being blocked from getting their jab, but it admitted there had been reports of the problem. Michael Kelly, 70, a retired taxi driver suffering from a chronic lung condition, told the Telegraph he had received his second jab on April 23  seven months ago. But an error on the system has left him unable to book his booster. Mr Kelly said: 'It's so frustrating, the amount of times I've had to phone 119.' He added: 'There's some people who are saying you've got very little protection (left after six months) and my GP is saying I should be alright, so then why are they telling me to get the booster if I'm going to be 'alright'?' Advertisement

'We know that in older age groups, protection from the first two vaccines is beginning to wear off, leaving millions that need extra protection as we head into winter.

'That is why it is critical that you come forward for your booster as soon as you become eligible so we can drive down hospitalisations and deaths over the winter.'

A SAGE adviser says that repeated Covid vaccinations may be needed to offer protection against the virus and any further restrictions for 'years to come'.

He told Sky News: 'In the longer term, Covid is likely to become endemic and we probably are going to have to manage it with repeated vaccination campaigns for years to come.'

Asked whether he felt confident about a 'normal Christmas', Professor Tildesley added: 'I'm cautiously optimistic.

'If we look at (the trends) we can see that although there has been quite a lot of variation over the past few weeks, and we're still reporting very high numbers of cases, the total number of daily hospital admissions and the total number of deaths are quite a long way below where we were in November last year, which should give us some level of confidence.'

He added: 'The booster vaccination campaign is going far better than it was a few weeks ago, but there's still quite a lot of eligible people who have not yet had their booster jab.

'So it's really important if we do want to avoid restrictions ramping up that we get as many of those people out to get their booster jabs as possible over the next few weeks.'

It comes as strict rules that force those who test positive for Covid to self-isolate are set to be scrapped.

Last September, MPs extended laws that force those who catch the virus  as well as unvaccinated people who may have been exposed to it  to self-isolate for ten days.

But Government officials now assume that mandatory self-isolation will be ditched in March when the legal powers expire.

'Working assumption [is] that legal duties will cease after March,' a document written last month states.

A scheme that pays out 500 to those on low incomes who are self-isolating is expected to be axed at the same time to save cash. The Test and Trace Support Payment has paid out 167.9 million to 335,000 low-income workers during the pandemic.

Officials are also drawing up plans to slash the costs of the NHS's contact-tracing system, which attempts to find those who might have been exposed to coronavirus.

The Treasury handed the NHS a further 94 million to bankroll its tracing service until the end of this month, but officials are now poring over 'potential cost savings, including reducing staff numbers'.

Currently, those who self-isolate are called at home by NHS Test and Trace staff, who check they are complying with the rules. Officials, however, are preparing to recommend to Ministers that these calls be axed.

'We are undertaking a review of the future approach to tracing to improve cost efficiency,' one of the documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday states.

Unvaccinated travellers who arrive in the UK from abroad also have to self-isolate for ten days and are called every day. Those calls may also be ditched, it is suggested.

In the longer term, the UK Health Security Agency is planning to end the entire nationwide 'trace' regime as part of its 'rampdown' strategy as the country comes to live with Covid.

Instead, the responsibility could be handed over to local authorities, the documents suggest.
A husband has been bludgeoned to death with an axe after an occult ritual to save his marriage went wrong.

Anton Shabanov, 33, an engineer, turned to black magic after his wife Lyubov, 29, left him less than a year after their wedding.

He enlisted the support of convicted fraudster Nikolay Ivanov, 32, for a rite that involved burying the couple's possessions in a forest near Astrakhan, according to the Russian Investigative Committee.

Anton Shabanov was bludgeoned to death with an axe after an occult ritual to save his marriage to Lyubov went wrong (pictured together at their wedding)

He enlisted the support of convicted fraudster Nikolay Ivanov (pictured), 32, for a rite that involved burying the couple's possessions

As they performed the ritual, Ivanov mocked the other man and insulted his estranged wife, a court heard.

A fight ensued, and Ivanov used an axe to strike multiple blows to the groom's head and neck, killing him.

He covered the body with branches and fled the scene.

Police later detained him, and he confessed to killing Shabanov, who worked for energy giant Lukoil.

A court jailed Ivanov, from Krasnoyarsk, for nine and a half years, and he was ordered to pay 20,700 in damages.

Ivanov used an axe to strike multiple blows to the groom's head and neck, killing him before covering the body with branches (pictured)

Shabanov turned to black magic after his wife Lyubov, 29, left him less than a year after their wedding

A court jailed Ivanov, from Krasnoyarsk, for nine and a half years, and he was ordered to pay 20,700 in damages for the axe killing (weapon pictured)

A friend of the dead man told 360TV: 'They had split up.

'They did not divorce but had been living separately.

'Naturally he was upset, but I cannot imagine he would be involved in rites to bring her back.'

But the committee said: 'The court established that a local resident, wishing to restore relations with his wife, decided to resort to an occult ritual.

'To perform the ceremony, he needed to bury their personal belongings in a deserted place outside the city.'

As they performed the ritual, Ivanov mocked Shabanov (pictured) and insulted his estranged wife

Police, pictured at the scene later detained Ivanov and he confessed to killing Shabanov, who worked for energy giant Lukoil

The statement said that 'while digging a pit (Ivanov) spoke negatively about this ceremony and the victim's wife, as a result of which a quarrel arose between the men.

'The conflict escalated into a fight, during which (Ivanov) struck multiple blows with an axe to the head and neck of the Astrakhan resident, and then covered the body with branches and fled the scene of the crime'

Privolzhsky District Court in Astrakhan sentenced the murder to a 'strict regime' penal colony.
Germany is preparing to mobilise 12,000 soldiers to bolster its overrun healthcare services as the country grapples with a fourth wave of coronavirus cases.

The number of Covid cases are soaring daily in Germany, with the country reporting 37,682 infections on Sunday - the highest number of new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The raging fourth wave of cases comes amid growing pressure for the government to declare a state of emergency.

Infections and deaths have been climbing steeply since mid-October, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's vaccination rate of just over 67 per cent which leaves a large share of people more vulnerable to infection and severe disease.

The outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged unvaccinated people to reconsider their decision amid the rising number of infections.

Germany's seven-day incidence rate - the number of people per 100,000 to be infected with Covid over the last week - rose to 303 from 289 the previous day, figures from the Robert Koch Institute showed on Monday.

The number of deaths increased by 43 to a total of 97,715.

The head of Germany's largest doctors association Marburger Bund told German media group Funke Mediengruppe that overburdened intensive care units may need to move patients between regions to find beds in coming weeks.

The head of Germany's largest doctors association Marburger Bund told German media group Funke Mediengruppe that overburdened intensive care units may need to move patients between regions to find beds in coming weeks

The number of Covid cases are soaring daily in Germany, with the country reporting 37,682 infections on Sunday - the highest number of new coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic

The number of deaths increased by 43 to a total of 97,715

In response, the German army is preparing to mobilise 12,000 soldiers by Christmas to assist overrun healthcare services, Spiegel newspaper reported, and will provide booster vaccinations and tests in care homes and hospitals.

So far, 630 soldiers have been deployed, the newspaper reported. The army was not immediately available for comment.

'The coming wave will overshadow all the previous waves,' Saxony state premier Michael Kretschmer, whose region is currently amongst the worst hit, told German weekly Bild am Sonntag.

The three parties in talks to form a new coalition government plan to tighten proposed measures to tackle the spread of the new wave of infections, Greens co-leader Robert Habeck said before their plans go to parliament on Thursday.

A return to working from home is also on the table under draft legislation. The reintroduction of the rule, which was lifted at the beginning of July, is an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.

'We are expanding the toolbox compared to the proposals introduced in the first reading,' Habeck told broadcaster ARD. The measures will include contact restrictions.

On Saturday, three German state health ministers urged the parties negotiating to form a new government to prolong states' power to implement stricter pandemic measures such as lockdowns or school closures.

It comes after the three parties agreed to let a state of emergency, in place since the start of the pandemic, to expire on November 25 as planned.

But state health ministers of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hessen and Brandenburg argued that states needed to keep the option open of implementing policies which required a state of emergency to enforce - such as curfews, lockdowns or school closures - if the situation worsened.

A man in a wheelchair is vaccinated outside a mobile vaccination center set up in the city of Duisburg, western Germany, on November 12

Austria in lockdown The Austrian government ordered a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated people on Sunday in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the country. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg confirmed on Sunday that millions of citizens would be placed into lockdown from today amid a worrying trend in infections. The move, which affects about two million people in the country of 8.9million, prohibits unvaccinated individuals from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping - or getting vaccinated. It will not apply to children under the age of 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated. The lockdown will initially last for ten days and police have been asked to check people outside to make sure they are vaccinated, Mr Schallenberg said. Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe, with only around 65 per cent of the total population fully vaccinated. In recent weeks, the country has faced a worrying trend in infections and reported 11,552 new cases on Sunday; a week ago there were 8,554 new infections. Advertisement

'In the face of the burden on hospitals, which in some regions are close to absolute overload, the epidemic status should be prolonged on a national level,' the three health ministers said in a joint statement.

Under the draft plan, employers in Germany would be forced to offer the option to work from home in the absence of a 'compelling business reason' to come to the office.

Anyone going into work would also be asked to show they were protected against the virus or had tested negative.

The German government is also working up plans to limit access to certain events to those who have both been vaccinated or recovered from a coronavirus infection, and can present a negative test, according to reports in the German media.

The new package of measures is being drafted in close consultation with the parties seeking to form the next German government, the Social Democrats, the Greens and the liberal FDP.

Their joint legislation will be presented to the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, for approval on Thursday, before being signed off by the upper house on Friday.

The German government and regional leaders also come together virtually on Thursday to coordinate their response.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged unvaccinated people to reconsider their decision in a video message on Saturday morning. She also called for stronger enforcement of rules requiring a negative test, vaccination or proof of recovery before entering closed spaces, and faster rollout of booster vaccines.

'Difficult weeks lie ahead of us, and you can see that I am very worried,' Merkel said, speaking in her weekly video podcast. 'I urgently ask everyone who has not yet been vaccinated: please reconsider.'

Europe has become the epicentre of the pandemic again, prompting some governments to consider re-imposing unpopular lockdowns.

At the weekend, the Austrian government ordered a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated people in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg confirmed on Sunday that millions of citizens would be placed into lockdown from today amid a worrying trend in infections.

The move, which affects about two million people in the country of 8.9million, prohibits unvaccinated individuals from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping - or getting vaccinated.

It will not apply to children under the age of 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated.

The lockdown will initially last for ten days and police have been asked to check people outside to make sure they are vaccinated, Mr Schallenberg said.

Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe, with only around 65 per cent of the total population fully vaccinated.

In recent weeks, the country has faced a worrying trend in infections and reported 11,552 new cases on Sunday; a week ago there were 8,554 new infections.
Dog poo bins have been removed from a popular National Trust beauty spot because they keep overflowing.

Park rangers at Ludshott Common in Hampshire say they have been able to keep up with the amount of dog poo bags being left at the 735 acre site.

Unable to put their bags in the red waste bins, dog walkers have turned to stacking them on top.

Some dog walkers have even been hanging the bags on trees, leaving the area in a 'sad and sorry state', say National Trust staff.

Now bosses of the charity have decided to remove the bins and are instead urging visitors to take their poo bags home.

Matt Bramich, Head Ranger for Ludshott Common, said: 'Due to the huge increase in dog walkers using Ludshott Common in the past year, we have really struggled to keep up with the disposal of dog waste left in our bins, on top of all our other duties.

Dog poo bins have been removed from a popular National Trust-run beauty spot because they keep overflowing. Pictured: An overflowing dog poo bin at Ludshott Common in east Hampshire

Park rangers at Ludshott Common in East Hampshire say they have been able to keep up with the amount of poo bags being left at the 735 acre site by dog walkers

'Emptying them costs the charity a lot of money, and we're still unable to keep on top of the problem - they fill up more quickly than we can empty them.

'It's a sad and sorry way to treat a beautiful place like this, and it causes a health and safety risk to other visitors and to our staff.

'As a charity, we have limited funds for waste disposal, so as a result, we have made the difficult decision that the dog waste bins on Ludshott Common will be removed.

'We want people to visit the common, to enjoy this beautiful landscape and its wildlife, but we need dog owners to help us look after it by picking up after their dog and taking their dog waste home with them.'

Ludshott Common, which is one of the largest remaining areas of heathland in east Hampshire, had seen a rise in visitors over the pandemic.

As a result, the rangers came across more issues impacting the park, including littering, fly tipping, destruction of pathways due to increased footfall, altercations between livestock and dogs, as well as the dog poo problem.

Meanwhile, pet ownership is on the rise, with millions of Britons purchasing animal companions during last year's Covid lockdowns.

According to Pet Food Manufacturers' Association, an estimated 3.2 million UK households welcomed a new pet into their family during lockdown, with dogs and cats being the most popular animals.

Many pets were bought to help people cope with loneliness during lockdown, while an increase in working from home during the pandemic has allowed those worried about leaving their pets home alone to make the move.

According to Pet Food Manufacturers' Association, an estimated 3.2 million UK households welcomed a new pet into their family during lockdown, with dogs and cats being the most popular animals. Library image.

Londoners were the most likely to have added a pet to their family with almost one in five (18 per cent) having picked up a pet.

Over one third (35 per cent) of millennials said they bought - or were likely to buy - a pet during the pandemic.

Tenants are also increasingly looking for pet-friendly homes with interest in such properties online soaring 120 per cent, according to figures from Rightmove.

But the increase in dog ownership may have led to more dog waste on the street.

Research has suggested a 200 per cent rise in dog waste on UK streets since the pandemic began - even though the majority of pet owners were found to clean up after their animals.

The research was carried out by Divert.co.uk, who provide dog poo litter removal for councils and private landowners.

Spokesperson Mark Hall said: 'It is disgusting to see that some dog owners are failing to pick up after their pets, when it's an offence and the waste can lead to serious illnesses.'
The remote Northern Territory town of Katherine has been ordered into a three day lockdown after two positive Covid cases were uncovered on Monday.

Greater Katherine and the Robinson River surrounds, about a three hour drive south of Darwin, will be plunged into stay at home orders from 6pm on November 15.

There are major concerns for the largely Indigenous community after two positive infections were recorded from just 26 swab tests.

One of the two new positive cases is a 30-year-old Aboriginal woman who lives in Robinson River about 800km from Katherine.

It is believed she has been infectious since November 11.

The woman's case is the first Covid-19 infection reported in a remote Aboriginal community.

The remote Northern Territory town of Katherine (pictured) has been ordered into a three-day lockdown after two positive Covid cases were uncovered on Monday

A 43-year-old Aboriginal man, who lives with seven others in Katherine East, also tested positive on November 13, just four days after recording a negative result.

Health officials believe the man has possibly been infectious since November 10, spends time in Robinson River, and is a household contact of the woman.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities such as Katherine face far greater risks from Covid-19, the Australian government has repeatedly warned throughout the pandemic.

This is because there is less access to medical services coupled with higher rates of underlying health issues.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the remote community lockdown was the most serious Covid update he had to give since the beginning of the pandemic.

'It is not a scenario we wanted, but we knew this day would come,' Mr Gunner told reporters on Monday. 'But we are ready for this.'

Alongside the lockdown, health officials have already been deployed to affected areas for a testing and vaccine blitz.

They are also working around the clock to prepare a list of exposure sites.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said 'It is not a scenario we wanted, but we knew this day would come'

Mr Gunner said officials were yet to find a clear link between Monday's cases and previous cases linked to the recent Darwin-Katherine cluster.

'We have always been concerned for our remote communities, because of their mobility and vulnerability, especially since Delta has emerged,' he said.

'This is not a white fella disease, Covid doesn't discriminate. Get the jab.'

Roughly 350 people live at the Robinson River community, with 77 per cent of those living there fully vaccinated, while 87 per cent have received their first dose.

Health teams are also being sent to nearby remote communities.

Residents in the Katherine region are now only permitted to leave their home for five reasons.

These include medical treatment, grocery shopping, essential work that can't be done from home, one hour of daily exercise or to provide support for family members.

Greater Katherine and the Robinson River surrounds, about a three-hour drive south of Darwin, will be plunged into stay at home orders from 6pm on November 15

Face masks must be worn at all times outside the home unless undertaking strenuous exercise.

Residents are allowed to exercise outdoors with people from your own household or one other person from a different household within a 5km radius.

Schools will remain open but unvaccinated parents must drop their children at the gate and maintain social distance.

The tough restrictions come after Darwin and Katherine were plunged into short lockdowns earlier this month.

The NT Health department are urging anyone who has come into contact with anyone from the community recently to get tested and self isolated if they feel even the slightest of symptoms.

Australian states and territories are intending to do away with Covid lockdowns when they reach the 80 per cent fully-vaccinated milestone, but many remote communities are still well below this figure.
Kwasi Kwarteng offered a groveling apology to Parliament's standards watchdog tonight for suggesting she should resign over her probe into paid lobbying by former minister Owen Paterson.

The Business Secretary said sorry to Kathryn Stone for comments he made in a television interview amid attempts by Boris Johnson to have a 30-day suspension handed to Mr Paterson thrown out.

As the Prime Minister attempted to also overhaul the wider Commons anti-corruption regime Mr Kwarteng told Sky News it was 'difficult to see what the future of the commissioner is' and suggested she should 'decide her position.'

The comments sparked uproar at the time and Mr Johnson shortly afterwards caved in and abandoned his overhaul attempt, resulting in Mr Paterson's resignation as MP for North Shropshire.

Tonight Mr Kwarteng published a letter he sent to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, in which he said: 'I recognise that in answering the question that was posed to me I should have chosen my words more carefully.

'I did not mean to express doubt about your ability to discharge your role and I apologise for any upset or distress my choice of words may have caused.'

MPs will vote tonight to rebuke Mr Paterson over lobbying as Boris Johnson scrambles to 'draw a line' under nearly a fortnight of damaging sleaze allegations.

The government will complete its humiliating U-turn by formally endorsing the standards watchdog's conclusions on the former minister, and scrapping an overhaul of Commons rules.

The Business Secretary said sorry to Kathryn Stone for comments he made in a television interview amid attempts by Boris Johnson to have a 30-day suspension handed to Mr Paterson thrown out.

Tonight Mr Kwarteng published a letter he sent to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, in which he said: 'I recognise that in answering the question that was posed to me I should have chosen my words more carefully'

After days of denial, Boris Johnson (pictured on a visit to a GP vaccination hub in London today) acknowledged it had been a mistake to try to tear up Parliament's anti-sleaze rules to help Owen Paterson escape a ban for lobbying

Keir Starmer has moved to heap more pressure on the PM by forcing a showdown this week on banning MPs from holding paid consultancies and directorships

The government motion tonight would effectively undo all the manoeuvring over Mr Paterson's standards case, which ended with his resignation from the Commons after Mr Johnson pulled support.

Ministers hope that the motion will be 'nodded through' at around 10pm without a formal vote, despite mutterings among backbenchers that they could object and prevent its passage.

But senior figures fear that the issue might not start to subside until Mr Johnson offers a full-hearted apology - something he again refused to do this morning.

Keir Starmer has moved to heap more pressure on the PM by forcing a showdown this week on banning MPs from holding paid consultancies and directorships.

The Labour leader said the motion on Wednesday will be binding and urged Tories to back the change.

The parliamentary mechanism being used means that it will either be approved without a full division - or kicked into the future if any MPs choose to signal opposition.

That would leave the government having to bring the measure back again and potentially find time for a debate and vote.

There are nerves in Westminster that one of Mr Paterson's allies will block the step on point of principle.

One Cabinet minister told MailOnline that the motion is needed to start stemming the fallout from the debacle.

'We will try to drawn a line under it,' they said. 'It was a mistake. The key ministers have apologised, even if the PM has not.

'We have had 12 days and it's been very damaging. I'm not sure how fast it will go away.'

After days of denial, the PM acknowledged last night that it had been a mistake to try to tear up Parliament's anti-sleaze rules to help Mr Paterson escape a ban for lobbying.

At a press conference at No 10, Mr Johnson initially ducked questions about his responsibility for sparking a crisis that has seen Labour surge into a lead in the polls.

But he then said: 'Of course I think things could certainly have been handled better  let me put it that way  by me.'

Pressed again on whether he would apologise during a visit to a vaccination centre in London, Mr Johnson said: 'I just want to salute you and the media generally for keeping going on this subject.

'I'm here to talk about boosters and really to urge people to come forward and get their boosters. That's the critical thing.'

Speaking during an LBC radio phone-in this morning, Sir Keir said: 'We are going to put to Parliament on Wednesday a vote which is going to ask MPs to vote to get rid of paid directorships and paid consultancies  change the rules in Parliament.

'We are putting that down. It is for every MP to decide how they want to vote on that. That will perhaps be a measure of where people are on how we actually move this forward.'

The wrangling came as senior Tories faced further allegations of wrongdoing.

Labour last night called for a sleaze probe into claims that Jacob Rees-Mogg failed to declare 6million in loans from a firm he owns.

And Grant Shapps was fighting off claims that he 'diverted' public money to lobby against the construction of new homes on airfields he has used as a private pilot.

Mr Johnson's comments were his first public acknowledgement that he made a mistake in trying to save Mr Paterson.

A Tory source said he had also told ministers the episode was an 'unforced error' during a meeting of the Cabinet last week.

Tory MPs were ordered to vote through a change in the rules that would have helped Mr Paterson, who was accused of an 'egregious' breach of Parliament's ban on lobbying on behalf of two firms that had paid him more than 500,000.

The move had to be abandoned the next day after a backlash and Mr Paterson has since quit as an MP. But it has sparked days of allegations about MPs' second jobs.

The Mail revealed last week that former attorney general Sir Geoffrey Cox voted in Parliament remotely from the Caribbean for weeks while advising the government of the British Virgin Islands, a tax haven accused of corruption.

Sir Geoffrey, an eminent QC, has earned more than 5.5million from his second job since 2009.

Geoffrey Cox, an eminent QC, has earned more than 5.5million from his second job since 2009

A Savanta ComRes poll for the Mail found a three-point Tory lead has been transformed into a six-point deficit as the public reacts to days of toxic revelations. An Opinium poll for the Observer yesterday also found Labour had taken the lead for the first time this year, albeit by one point.

Mr Johnson said yesterday: 'It's very important that all MPs work primarily, and above all, for their constituents. Anybody who lobbies on behalf of a commercial interest is clearly in breach of the rules.

'All MPs should follow the rules, and I think the rules are there to protect them, protect the public, they're very simple to understand, and we should just get on with it.'

He also backed Parliamentary Standards Commissioner Kathryn Stone, who is considering whether to investigate who paid for the redecoration of his Downing Street flat. He said she had 'a huge amount of work to do and she needs to get on and be allowed to do it'.

Labour last night called on Ms Stone to investigate reports in the Mail on Sunday that Mr Rees-Mogg failed to declare director's loans from his company Saliston Limited between 2018 and 2020.

Mr Rees-Mogg said the loans, totalling 6million, were used 'primarily' for the purchase and refurbishment of his 5.6million home in Westminster. He added Saliston was '100 per cent owned by me' and the relationship was fully declared.

Mr Johnson will be grilled on the sleaze row by MPs on the liaison committee on Wednesday.
A high-ranking officer in the Argentinian Army who has been on the run has been arrested after he was found hiding in a cupboard.

Lt Col Carlos Cialceta, who was wanted for human rights violations, had been on the run for seven months before his arrest.

The Argentine top brass was accused of kidnap, torture and murder of a political activist dating back in 1976 and had been serving with the 28th Mountain Infantry regiment at the time.

Federal Judge Mariela Gimenez granted a warrant for his arrest in earlier this year on April 12.

Lt Col Carlos Cialceta, who was wanted for human rights violations, was found hiding in a cupboard by police officers and arrested

Police officers swooped on an address in Salta, Argentina, after receiving a tip-off that he was staying there.

Lt Col Cialceta's partner had previously said the retired officer didn't live at the address, but after using surveillance and wire-tapping they became aware that he was.

With officers entering the property, Cialceta attempted to conceal himself within an elevated cupboard, but was discovered nonetheless.

Argentina's Minister of Security Anibal Fernandez said: 'Gendarmeria stopped a fugitive repressor.

'Carlos Cialceta, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, with an international arrest warrant since April 12, 2021, prosecuted for kidnapping, torture and murder in 1976.

'While serving in the Monte 28 Infantry Regiment, Tartagal.

Cialceta had been on the run for seven months after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. His partner had previously told officers he was not staying at the property in which he was found by police

'The fugitive was hidden in the closet of the raided house, he was arrested after field work and wiretapping.

'It is available to the judge.'

Lt Col Cialceta remains in custody.

Cialceta is accused of the kidnap, torture and murder of political activist Jorge Rene Santillan on August 10, 1976.

Five hooded men broke into Santillan's home in General Mosconi and reportedly beat him in front of his family.

He was then kidnapped and transported to Tartagal, before his body was later found 20Km outside of General Mosconi.

Experts claim that Santillan had been subjected to an unknown type of explosion.
A British man has been arrested in Poland accused of smuggling migrants across the border from Belarus.

The man, who was not named, was arrested by officers near the town of Wierrzch carrying eight Iraqis in his car, Polish police said on Monday.

He was one of four foreigners arrested on suspicion of people smuggling, officers said, with a Swede, a German and a Ukrainian also detained.

News of the arrest broke after a wild night on the frontier during which border guards were pelted with rocks with 118 attempts to cross the fence foiled.

Two Syrian brothers were also rescued from woodland close to the village of Bielsk Podlaski, in Poland, suffering advanced stages of hypothermia.

Polish police say a British man was among four foreigners arrested overnight accused of smuggling Iraqi migrants across the border from Belarus (pictured, the border region today)

It came after a wild night on the frontier with guards pelted by rocks, one of whom was taken to hospital (pictured, the border fence last night)

Aid workers rescued two Syrian men - identified as brothers Kader, 39 (pictured), and Loas, 41, who were found in the forest on the Polish side of the border suffering hypothermia

Rescuers said the two men had been wandering in the forest for four days, and were found too weak to stand and barely able to speak

Polish aid workers said the pair, who they identified as 39-year-old Kader and 41-year-old Loas from the Syrian city of Homs, were barely conscious and largely unable to speak when they were discovered late on Sunday.

The pair had been wandering for four days in the forest having apparently crossed from Belarus near the town of Biaowieza, 30 miles from where they were found, their rescuers added..

Volunteers with the Salvation Foundation said the men alerted them to their plight with a phone call during which they sounded disoriented, before they were eventually located after and hours-long search.

Police and ambulance workers were called to the scene, and took the pair to a nearby hospital. Their current condition is unknown.

It comes after the body of a young Syrian man was found close to the border Sunday, with fears many more could die as winter sets in.

Also taken to hospital overnight was a border guard struck with a rock, though their injuries are not thought to be serious. A police car was also damaged.

Polish officers said a total of 47 migrants were arrested after making illegal crossings into the country - with a 'smuggler's grotto' found close to the border at Biaystok.

There are now around 4,000 migrants gathered on the Belarus side of the border, trapped in freezing camps with little access to food or water

European leaders accused Belarus - with the backing of Russia - of orchestrating the crisis in order to destabilise the EU

They said five people were arrested there, three of them illegally residing in Poland, with six cars seized. It is unclear whether the arrested of the foreign smugglers is related to this discovery.

Maciej Wasik, the Polish Secretary of State, said Monday that there are now an estimated 4,000 migrants at the border - concentrated at the Kuznica crossing.

He said groups of between 50 and 100 are making regular 'attacks' on the border fence in an attempt to get through, which he said were being carried out 'under the care of' Belarusian border guards.

But he vowed that Polish guards - including some 2,000 police and 15,000 soldiers - will continue holding the migrants back from reaching the EU.

'We have to show [Belarus dictator] Lukashenko that the Polish border is tight, that we will not succumb to any pressure,' he said on Monday.

'If we give in now, we will give in next time.'

European leaders accuse Lukashenko of funnelling migrants to the border as part of a cynical plot to try and destabilise the bloc using vulnerable people as a weapon.

They say the strongman leader has spent months luring people to Belarus on the false promise of passage into Europe, before pushing them to the border and forcing them to make illegal crossings.

Belarus soldiers, who have been accused of trying to provoke a confrontation with Polish troops, marshal migrants close to the border

Belarus denies orchestrating the crisis, saying the people are legitimate migrants who should be granted access to the EU (pictured, guards hand out food)

Poland has vowed to defend Europe's eastern borders from Lukashenko's attempts at using vulnerable people as a weapon, saying: 'If we give in now, we will give in next time'

While the main crisis is focused on the Polish border, neighbors Latvia and Lithuania have also reported an uptick in attempted crossings while there are fears Lukashenko could also start pushing people into Ukraine.

The plot is thought to be revenge for EU sanctions on Belarus levied after Lukashenko hijacked a Ryanair flight to arrest a journalist, and for supporting pro-democracy protests against his regime.

Lukashenko is being backed by close ally Vladimir Putin, who some suspect is the true architect of the scheme.

Separately, the US has accused Putin of preparing for a possible invasion of Ukraine after massing tanks, troops and artillery pieces on the border.

Washington fears Putin could march troops into the country's restive eastern regions in an attempt to seize territory as he did in 2014 with the annexation of Ukraine.

Ukraine has been fighting a years-long war in the Donbass and Luhansk regions against Russian-backed separatist groups.

On Sunday, General Sir Nick Carter - head of the British armed forces - warned the West must be prepared for war with Russia if the crisis spills over into 'something really serious'.
A man was a financial burden to his family, but his wife of 30 years paid the ultimate price - when he bashed her repeatedly on the head with a hammer before strangling her to death, their son says.

Almost four years to the day after Gaylene Cobby - known as Kym - died outside her Gold Coast hinterland home, a jury has found Andrew John Cobby guilty of her murder.

Her family members sobbed as the jury returned their verdict in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, while Cobby sat quietly, showing no emotion.

51-year-old Gaylene Cobby (pictured) - known as Kym - was repeatedly struck on the head with the hammer then strangled while taking out rubbish at her Worongary home on November 12, 2017

A jury rejected version of events given by Andrew John Cobby (pictured), handing down a guilty verdict on Monday after deliberating for just over a day.

The 51-year-old woman was repeatedly struck on the head with the hammer then strangled while taking out rubbish at her Worongary home on November 12, 2017.

Cobby, now 59, admitted being present during the attack on the woman he had married more than three decades earlier - although they mostly lived apart from 2003 - but denied being responsible.

Instead Cobby told police an unknown assailant was behind the killing, ambushing his wife as he was about to get into a red Chrysler he had borrowed, the Brisbane Supreme Court trial heard.

But a jury rejected his version, handing down a guilty verdict on Monday after deliberating for just over a day.

The victim's family, including her mother (pictured, centre) went to court to see justice done for the beloved mum

In sentencing the 59-year-old to life behind bars, Justice Peter Callaghan told Cobby his crime was clearly pre-meditated and sickening.

'It is just frightening that you have maintained a murderous intent for the length of time that it took to extinguish Kym's life, even as she fought, valiantly it seems, to remove your hands from her throat,' he added.

Justice Callaghan said the relationship between the pair was unusual but had persisted.

'She was actually the only support you had in life,' he told Cobby.

'In your whole life there was one person that stood by you and you did these extraordinary things to her.'

Luke Cobby (pictured) said he has had to relive the nightmare of seeing his mum bashed, strangled and deserted on the street

Justice Callaghan told Cobby he could still do one remarkable thing in his life if he found it within himself to 'simply tell the truth'.

Justice Callaghan commended the couple's children and other family members who had been suffered 'unimaginable pain' but who testified and gave statements after the jury handed down their verdict.

'You have robbed so many people of so much and the grief of the whole family ... has been expressed so eloquently this afternoon that it can be accepted that Kym truly had a voice here today, finally,' Justice Callaghan added.

Luke Cobby said he has had to relive the nightmare of seeing his mum bashed, strangled and deserted on the street.

He told the court his mother had paid Cobby's rent, helped him move and paid for appointments.

'The guy was always flat broke but promising outlandish things,' he added.

'I guess you could say Andrew was a financial burden to our entire family and mum had to pay the ultimate price at the end.'

In sentencing the 59-year-old to life behind bars, Justice Peter Callaghan told Cobby his crime was clearly pre-meditated and sickening (pictured, victim Gaylene Cobby)

Ms Cobby's mother Olwyn Schultz cried as she told the court the death of her daughter was the beginning of a nightmare.

'My heard is broken and the pain is unbearable,' she said.

'You have left the biggest hole inside our hearts.

'What monster does this unforgivable action to an innocent human being and to his own children?'

Cobby claimed - in interviews played during the 17-day trial - that he was at Ms Cobby's house to protect his family.

'I have four individuals trying to extort money, but I couldn't pay them,' Cobby told officers.

The trial heard he had accepted money to trade on the stock market in return for 'risk-free bonuses'.

Investors didn't receive paperwork for handing over up to $170,000, one told the court.

He also tried to blame Ms Cobby's elderly mother and brother.

In sentencing the 59-year-old to life behind bars, Justice Peter Callaghan told Cobby his crime was clearly pre-meditated and sickening (pictured, her family at court on Monday)

Justice Callaghan said they had handled his preposterous allegations with equanimity and treated his 'vile fiction' with the contempt it deserved.

Cobby ran and hid after the attack until he was found by police about three hours after Ms Cobby's bloodied body was found by her brother-in-law as he was returning home.

When told his wife had died hours earlier Cobby screamed: 'No. You are wrong. No, no please tell me it's not true. It can't be true.'

The hysterical father-of-three refused to accept his wife was dead during the rambling three-hour police interview conducted at his hospital bed.

Justice Callaghan said Cobby had put on a 'remarkable performance' to police after Ms Cobby's death and had also shed tears in court that appeared to be for himself, not for her.
An army veteran was left furious after a Burger King employee told him 'he was not allowed in' because he had a PTSD support dog.

Richard Mearns, 40, had been visiting the fast-food branch in Waterloo Station, London, when he claims a member of staff told him to 'get out', despite him pointing out his dog Ziggy's bright blue 'Assistance Dog' jacket.

The father-of-one, who was a combat medical technician for the British Army in Iraq, demanded to see the manager, who he claims also informed him they 'only allow guide dogs'.

And when Mr Mearns, from Croydon, south London, explained this was incorrect, he claims he was only given a 'grunted apology', which left him feeling deeply upset.

The army veteran, who described his canine as an 'emotional support', is now calling for Burger King to ensure all of their staff are fully trained on assistance dogs so that no one else in his position is left as 'embarrassed' again.

The army veteran was left furious after a Burger King employee at Waterloo Station told him he was 'not allowed in' because of his PTSD assistance dog

Father-of-one, who was a combat medical technician for the British Army in Iraq, is now calling for Burger King to ensure all of their staff are fully trained on assistance dogs

In a video shared online by Mr Mearns, the employee can be heard talking to his manager, as he says: 'I told him that no dogs are allowed, so he wants to speak to you.'

Mr Mearns then challenges the server and asks: 'Excuse me, can I clarify why dogs aren't allowed?'

Burger King said they were investigating the incident but reassured customers that the 'use of assistance dogs is permitted across all of their UK restaurants'.

SSP, who operate the Burger King at Waterloo, apologised for the incident and said one of their staff 'did not realise the customer in question required special assistance'.

Mr Mearns, who was diagnosed with PTSD in 2009, said: 'I was waiting, and the bloke behind the counter looked at me and the dog, before saying ''you need to get out because there's no dogs allowed in here''.

'I was dumbfounded. I went up to challenge him saying ''woah, hold on a second. Ziggy's not there cocking his leg up, he's wearing a jacket that says 'Assistance Dog'. You don't need any more clarity than that.''

'Ziggy, for me, is my Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder assistance dog, and my PTSD is from my time as a combat medic in the army.

'I was questioning why he was asking me to leave when I'd paid for my food and made it clear that this was my assistance dog. He was wearing a jacket and harness which clearly said 'Assistance Dog' on it.

'He came back and said ''this is a food venue, so there's no dogs allowed in here''.

'That's when I said, ''You need to get your manager. You're wrong and that's not on''.'

'He went to the manager and said ''I told him to leave. I told him that no dogs are allowed, so he wants to speak to you.'' It was just the attitude from it.

'He was so disgruntled to have to go and get the manager. It just shows there was no compassion, no implementation of any training, and a complete lack of awareness.

'It's just sickening. It causes me such angst and stress. I tweeted out the video of it because it really p***ed me off.'

When the manager came over, Mr Mearns claims he was given an unsatisfactory apology.

Mr Mearns served in the British army as a combat medical technician from 2001 to 2005, and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. His experiences in Iraq led to him being diagnosed with PTSD in 2009

Mr Mearns said Ziggy had turned his life around and helped ground him when things get extremely stressful

Ziggy assists Mr Mearns with his day-to-day activities and actively carries out tasks

He said: 'The manager came round, but they were talking together. I was very much on the outside of this conversation, as I was trying to explain this was my assistance dog.

'The first words out of the manager's mouth were ''we only allow guide dogs'', which is obviously incorrect.

'I said, ''look, he is an assistance dog'', and they were talking about it to each other like I wasn't there.

'I just wanted them to deal with it. I wanted them to accept a mistake had been made, to be given an apology and for us to move forward.

How do PTSD assistance dogs help sufferers? Dogs can offer numerous forms of support to PTSD sufferers and also aid in their recovery. PTSD assistance dogs are trained to help with nightmares, flashbacks, zoning out and anxiety and panic attacks. Sufferers have also noted feeling calmer, more confident and less down and agitated with the help of the canines. The dogs are trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a psychiatric disability. For example, they can be trained to detect a veterans physical signs of anxiety and distress and interrupt them. Thousands of disabled people rely on an assistance dog to help them with day-to-day activities. The dogs are also trained to help people with hearing difficulties, epilepsy, diabetes and physical mobility problems. They are often recognisable by a harness or jacket. Assistance/Guide dog owners have the same rights as everyone else to use the services supplied by shops, banks, hotels, libraries, pubs, taxis and restaurants under the 2010 Equality Act (EA). Advertisement

'But the manager was talking to him about dogs and whatever, and he was grunting. It was clearly for show. They were ignoring me.

'I said ''I just want this bloke to apologise to me. That's all I'm after. I shouldn't have to justify my existence.''

'His apology was like Kevin and Perry...very much a grunted apology.'

He added: 'They clearly didn't care. It was that disconnect that made me feel so riled about it. Why is it okay to embarrass somebody in a crowded area like this?

'I got my food and left - the food was as bad as the treatment. That really put the cherry on the cake.'

Mr Mearns now wants corporations like Burger King to lead by example when it comes to accepting assistance dogs into establishments.

He continued: 'I don't want this happening to me and I don't want it happening to anyone else. It's embarrassing and degrading. It's such an easy thing to prevent.

'Burger King may say they have a policy of accepting all assistance dogs, but if staff aren't trained properly, it has a significant mental impact on me.

'The first thing you should hear from a business - no matter what - is ''Hi, how can I help you?'' or ''Do you need any help today?'', not ''No dogs allowed''.

'Companies go about with all this ''Be Kind'' stuff, but then stuff like this happens. The individual was surly, but he was surly because he thought he was right. He thought that because nobody trained him to be aware he was wrong.

'It's interesting because there seems to be a lot of awareness about assistance dogs, but when it comes to frontline staff, it's almost like they forget.

'When it comes to corporations, I strongly believe they rely on ''We allow assistance dogs and guidance dogs because we have to'' whilst not putting out any obvious training. Because if they did, it's not something you'd forget because it's so simple.

'I think it's down to a lack of training. Somebody once said we need the government to change the law. But most people aren't reading legislation. What we need to do is be better as a society and challenge this open discrimination.

'And the best way to challenge it is for big corporations like Burger King to set an example. They should hold up their hands and say we can fix this together.'

The father-of-one served in the British army as a combat medical technician from 2001 to 2005, and was deployed to Iraq in 2003.

His experiences in Iraq led to him being diagnosed with PTSD in 2009, however he was given Ziggy in 2016 to provide him with support.

Mr Mearns said: 'Before I got him, I was on a downward spiral. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2009 and I prepared and planned my suicide in 2010. I was within moments of doing it.

'It was only in a flash of light moment that I realised that I needed to turn around, stop and not do it. We're 11 years on and I'm still here.

'I want to use that dark period to encourage other people to talk. So when stuff like this happens, it knocks my confidence back.

'Ziggy's not just a dog. Somebody once described him as my emotional prosthetic. He assists me with my day-to-day stuff and allows me to do what I do.

'Ziggy has turned my life around. I've gone from having a significant number of flashbacks a week to maybe one or two a month, if that.

'He is an emotional support, and he actively carries out tasks, including grounding me when things get extremely stressful. It's a bond that makes what is in essence a life.'

A spokesperson for Burger King said: 'Burger King is firmly committed to providing an inclusive environment for all our guests and team members and our official policy states that we fully welcome guests with assistance dogs into our restaurants.

'At Burger King we take all allegations extremely seriously and are investigating this incident internally. We are continuing to liaise with the restaurant and its management team about this matter and in the meantime will also ensure that all team members at this restaurant will participate in a training refresher.

'We would like to reiterate and reassure our customers that use of assistance dogs is permitted across all of our UK restaurants.'

A spokesperson for SSP, who operate the Burger King at Waterloo, said: 'We strive to provide a great experience to all of our customers, and we're disappointed that we fell short on this occasion.

'Assistance pets are welcome in all of our units; however, unfortunately, one of our colleagues did not realise the customer in question required special assistance.

'Though the team leader and the colleague did apologise at the time, we would also like to add our apology on behalf of the business. We will be looking to contact the customer directly to understand any further concerns, and in the meantime, we will be reminding all our teams of our policies on assistance pets.'
Detectives have begun digging an area of land in connection with the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl from a care home more than 20 years ago.

Sarah Benford was last seen in the Kettering area of Northamptonshire on April 6, 2000, before a murder probe was launched three years later.

Northamptonshire Police have begun excavating a 70-metre by 70-metre piece of land in the Valley Walk area of Kettering after receiving 'significant intelligence'.

A number of suspects have been arrested since Sarahs disappearance, and searches have been conducted in Kettering, London and Wales, but nobody has ever been charged.

Following intelligence obtained by the forces Major Investigation Team, searches are beginning on the area of open space today.

The site has been sealed off until the excavation, expected to last two weeks, is complete.

The force said specialist search teams will be assisted by forensic archaeologists, and penetration radar equipment will be deployed to assess any movement on the section of land under investigation.

Sarah Benford was last seen in the Kettering area of Northamptonshire on April 6 2000, before a murder probe was launched three years later

Police begin their dig in Kettering this morning as they continue their search for Sarah Benford who went missing in 2000

Dozens of officers are providing scene guard support throughout the dig and the area will be screened off from the public while the search is happening.

Detective Superintendent Joe Banfield who is leading the Northamptonshire Police operation, said: 'We have received significant intelligence which has pointed us to this site as a possible area of interest.

'Sarah went missing more than 21 years ago now, but we have never given up trying to find her body and, potentially, tracing her killer or killers.'

DS Banfield added: 'We have informed Sarahs family and they are supportive of the operation being carried out today. We will be in close contact with them as the excavation unfolds, but we request that members of the media do not try to contact them.

'Clearly someone out there knows what happened to Sarah all those years ago and we would urge anyone with new information to contact us on 101 or, in confidence, via the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.'

Police have said people with information relating to Sarahs disappearance should contact them quoting incident number 359 of 10/11/2021.

At the time of her disappearance, Sarah was later seen in a variety of places including Almond Road, Highfield Road and Cherry Road in Kettering.

She had lived with her family in Havelock Street, in Kettering, but had been in three different care homes by the time she was 14.

She started skipping school in reception and was began absconding from home at the age of eight.

Sarah was known to be a regular runaway and had encountered drug problems after mingling with the wrong crowds.

Her mother Vicki had agreed with her going into care as she wanted her to get away from the petty thieves in Kettering who had reportedly sent her out to steal to feed their drug habits.

When she admitted meeting people for sex and that she was injecting herself with heroin neither staff nor a doctor raised eyebrows, despite her being a child, the Northamptonshire Telegraph reported.

Sarah, who spent 41 of her 150 days in care missing, fled the home in 2000 on March 31 and was found on April 2.

Aday later, on April 3, Sarah again walked out of the home and staff reported her missing.

On April 6 she visited her mother in an amusement arcade in Kettering town centre, where she worked.

They argued and that was the final time Vicki saw her daughter.

Later that day, while high on drugs, Sarah phoned her mum from a house in Hampden Crescent, Kettering begging police to collect her and take her back to the care home.

But officers refused to pick her up despite Vicki's desperate pleas.

Cops had reportedly told care home staff they 'could not and would not' collect her and would not 'take her to Kettering Police Station to babysit her', the Telegraph reported.

What followed was one of the force's biggest ever missing persons investigations.

TV appeals were launched and Sarah's face was plastered on milk cartons and on the side of lorries.

Detectives are set to begin digging an area of land in connection with Sarah's disappearance from a care home more than 20 years ago

One of those arrested was Richard Jenkins, whose daughter had been friends with Sarah. He was later cleared by police of wrongdoing.

He moved to Wales 18 months after Sarah disappeared and used to live in Highfield Road, one of the last places the missing teen was seen.

In June 2003, police searched his former home for clues before moving on to his new house in Maesteg where they dug up his garden.

The following month he was arrested but was eliminated from the inquiry. He later said the investigation had ruined his life.

He said: 'What am I supposed to have done - killed Sarah, buried her, then dug her up again two years later and moved her to South Wales?'

A number of suspects have been arrested since Sarahs disappearance, and searches have been conducted in Kettering, London and Wales, but nobody has ever been charged

Derbyshire Police were tasked with looking at the shortfalls in Northamptonshire Police's investigation. That report was never made public.

A serious case review concluded in 2004 found the county council's children's services department had been understaffed.

It also found Sarah, who had been known to them since she was two, had not been assessed as she should have been.

Sarah's uncle, Gary Cross, said in 2008: 'Sarah was just another statistic to social services and the police, and to start with they didn't care.

'Then with pressure from the family through the media they thought, "we'd better do something about this because it isn't going to go away".

'There is a culture of secrecy when kids from care homes go missing.'

Police also searched an area of woodland in Warkton, Northamptonshire, in 2016, on what would have been Sarah's 30th birthday, but to no avail.

It was said that the area had been used by friends of Sarah to hide stolen goods and other items.

When she was last seen she had been wearing patchwork dark blue jeans, an orange fleece, a black Puffa jacket, cream trainers and had been carrying a navy and green rucksack.

She was described as being 5ft 7in tall and had blue/grey eyes. She also had a self-made tattoo of a cross on the top of her left arm.

Despite more than 5,000 lines of enquiry, more than 600 statements, almost 1,000 reports and eight arrests over 20 years, Sarah has never been found.
American journalist Danny Fenster, sentenced only days ago to 11 years hard labor in Myanmar, has been freed and is on his way home, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson said today.

Richardson said in a statement that Fenster had been handed over to him in Myanmar after being freed following a six-month stay in jail - and would be returning to the U.S. via Qatar over the next day and a half.

'This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work,' Richardson said in a statement emailed from his office. 'We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.'

Richardson said he negotiated Fenster's release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face meetings with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson (pictured with Fenster this morning) confirmed he had secured the journalist's release and that he would be returning to the US in the coming days

'We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home - we cannot wait to hold him in our arms,' his family said in a statement. 'We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.'

And the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: 'We welcome the release of American journalist Daniel Fenster from prison in Burma, where he was wrongfully detained for almost six months.

'We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma.'

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations.

Fenster's sentence was the harshest punishment yet among the seven journalists known to have been convicted since Myanmar's military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

Fenster (pictured, file image) had only days earlier been sentenced to 11 years of hard labor in Myanmar after being convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the decision, saying in a statement that it was 'an unjust conviction of an innocent person.'

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean welcomed the news of Fenster's release, while calling for the country's military rulers to release all journalists still behind bars.

'Danny is one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup,' he said.

According to the United Nations, at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since February and 47 remain in detention, including 20 charged with crimes.

Of the seven journalists known to have been convicted, six are Myanmar nationals and four were released in a mass amnesty on Oct. 21.

Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and secretary of energy in the Clinton administration, has a record of acting as a sort of freelance diplomat.

He is best known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any relations - such as North Korea - to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

Recently he has been involved in seeking freedom for U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela, another country with which Washington has strained ties.

Richardson has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994 when as a member of U.S. Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest since 1989 under a previous military government.

He last visited Myanmar in 2018 to advise on the crisis involving the countrys Muslim Rohingya minority. More than 700,000 Rohingya fled to refugee camps in Bangladesh after Myanmars military in 2017 launched a brutal crackdown.

Richardson (pictured, file image from January 24, 2018) said he negotiated Fenster's release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face meetings with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's military ruler

In an interview with The Associated Press after his most recent visit to Myanmar, Richardson had said his talks there had focused on facilitating humanitarian assistance to the country, particularly the provision of COVID-19 vaccines,

He said his staff had been in touch with Fenster's family, and when asked if there was hope for Danny Fenster's release, he replied: 'There's always hope. Don't ask any more.'

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster 'never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place.'

'Myanmar's military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges,' Crispin added.

Fenster's sentence was the harshest punishment yet among the seven journalists known to have been convicted since Myanmar's military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February (file image from Detroit in 2018)

Fenster was arrested while trying to leave the country in May to see his family and has since been held in Yangon's notorious Insein prison.

He was charged with additional and more serious offences of sedition and violations of the terrorism act earlier this week, without an explanation by authorities.

Those charges are punishable by a maximum 20 years in prison each and could see him jailed for life.

His magazine, Frontier Myanmar, described the sentences as 'the harshest possible under the law'.

Fenster's sentencing was based on evidence from the junta-appointed information ministry that showed at the time of his arrest, he had been working at local outlet, Myanmar Now, which had its licence revoked shortly after the coup, his lawyer, Than Zaw Aung said.

Fenster (pictured, file image from Myanmar in 2020) was arrested while trying to leave the country in May to see his family and has since been held in Yangon's notorious Insein prison

Both his former and current employers issued public statements that Fenster had left Myanmar Now last year, and his lawyer said defense testimony, as well as income tax receipts, established that he works for Frontier Myanmar. But without a government official's testimony to that effect, the judge only took into account the letter from the Information Ministry.

Fenster's team were barred from cross-examining the ministry's permanent secretary, he said, and the court did not consider tax evidence that Fenster had already left the outlet and was working for Frontier for around a year.

During nearly half a century of harsh rule by the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, news reporting was tightly controlled by the state but Myanmar's media blossomed after the a quasi-civilian government introduced tentative reforms from 2011.

Since the February coup, however, the military has rescinded media licenses, imposed curbs on the internet and satellite broadcasts and arrested dozens of journalists, in what human rights groups have called an assault on the truth.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said in a report in July that Myanmar's rulers had effectively criminalized independent journalism.
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The absence of the Queen cast a 'dark cloud' over Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph - but she was represented by three 'wonderful women' on the balcony in Camilla, Kate and Sophie, royal experts said today.

The 95-year-old monarch was said to be 'deeply disappointed' at having to take the 11th hour decision not to lead the nation's remembrance of its war dead in Westminster yesterday because of a back sprain.

And royal commentators said Britons are becoming more 'emotionally' worried about her, with the looks on the faces of attendees suggesting they were 'perhaps thinking in a way that we wouldn't really like to think'.

Royal author Angela Levin said it was 'the most important engagement of the year' for the Queen but she would have found it 'very uncomfortable to travel by car from Windsor to London' and then 'stand for a long time'.

She told GB News: 'She apparently watched it on television, so she was there in spirit, but of course not in herself. I think we all feel an age is coming to end, but we don't know how long and I think that's quite right too really.

'You couldn't have asked for more wonderful women up there on the balcony. I think they're all dedicated to the monarchy, they work tremendously hard, they don't try and gain fame for themselves.

'I think they put themselves into keeping the monarchy going and working as hard as they can for the Queen. I think we're jolly lucky to have three women like that and they shine above those who don't have the same views.'

Buckingham Palace had long said it was her 'firm intention' to be there, despite her having to cancel a run of engagements due to ill health. And on Thursday officials announced she would be at the London ceremony.

But yesterday morning, less than two hours before she was due to arrive, a spokesman said she had suffered further ill health and could no longer attend. They stressed there was no connection with her recent hospital stay.

Royal expert Roya Nikkhah moved to calm fears today, telling ITV's Lorraine: 'I think we should not be too worried. We've been told by the Palace, the hope is that she will be able to continue doing light duties into this week.

'The Christmas message will go on as planned. There is no threat over the Christmas message at the moment - she will carry on with that as planned. And I think my guess is we will probably see her on a Zoom call at some point in the next week or so, just to reassure the nation she's doing OK.'

(From left) Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Kate, Duchess of Cambridge; and Sophie, Countess of Wessex stand on the balcony of the Foreign Office in Westminster yesterday during the Remembrance service where the Queen would have been present

The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge stand on the balcony at the Remembrance Sunday service yesterday

LAST SEEN -- The Queen is photographed leaving Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on Tuesday last week

The National Service of Remembrance service, pictured yesterday, is one of the Queen's most important events of the year

Prince Charles leads the royal family at this year's Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall yesterday

Prince Edward (left) and Princess Anne (right) lay wreaths at the Cenotaph during Remembrance Sunday yesterday

The Duke of Cambridge walks past dignitaries holding wreaths after he laid his wreath at the Cenotaph yesterday

The Queen would normally have appeared on the central balcony where the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra stood yesterday. Members of the Royal Family (left to right) Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex

She watched the ceremony live on TV at home in Windsor. Boris Johnson told a Downing Street press conference: 'I know that everybody will be wanting to offer their best wishes to her majesty the Queen.

'And I just wanted to reassure everybody by saying that I did see the Queen for an audience last week on Wednesday in Windsor and she's very well. It shouldn't need saying but I just wanted to say it anyway.'

Major events the Queen has missed after rest orders and hospital stay The national Remembrance Sunday service is just one of a key number of engagements the Queen has missed over the past few weeks. Here are the others: - Northern Ireland The Queen cancelled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland at the last minute on October 20. Buckingham Palace announced she had been ordered to rest by her royal doctors on the morning she was due to begin the visit. The Palace said the monarch was resting at Windsor Castle but it later emerged she was secretly admitted to hospital that afternoon for 'preliminary investigations'. She spent the night at King Edward VII's Hospital - her first overnight hospital stay in eight years. - Cop26 climate change summit The Queen was due to travel to Scotland to address world leaders on November 1 at the crucial environmental summit and attend a major reception with other members of the royal family. But five days before the event, the Palace said the Queen had 'regretfully decided that she will no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the evening reception of Cop26'. Instead, the Queen recorded a video message calling on leaders to rise above politics and tackle the global warming crisis. - Festival of Remembrance Each year, the royal family gathers at the Royal Albert Hall for a poignant commemorative event on the night before Remembrance Sunday. The Festival of Remembrance, where poppy petals fall from the ceiling during the two-minute silence, is dedicated to all those from Britain and across the Commonwealth who have served in the military and sacrificed their lives. On October 29, the Palace said the Queen had been advised to rest for at least a further two weeks and she would miss the Festival of Remembrance The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall instead lead royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, at the event. - Remembrance Sunday It was the Queen's 'firm intention' to be at the national service of remembrance on November 14, the Palace said on October 29, with her attendance confirmed in details released on Armistice Day on November 11. But less than two hours before she was due to appear, it was announced she would no longer be present because of a sprained back. The Queen, head of the Armed Forces, attaches great importance to honouring the war dead. It is only the seventh time she has missed the ceremony during her reign. The other instances include four occasions when she was on overseas visits to Ghana in 1961, Brazil in 1968, Kenya in 1983 and South Africa in 1999. She was not present during the 1959 and 1963 services as she was pregnant with her two youngest children. - The General Synod The Queen is also missing the General Synod. She will not be at the Synod service at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday November 16, nor the opening inauguration session at Church House, the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England, afterwards. The Queen is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and has a strong Christian faith, and the General Synod is the church's national assembly. It is believed to be the first time the Queen has missed her five-yearly visit to the General Synod in its 51-year history, according to Buckingham Palace. In 1970 - the year the Synod replaced the Church Assembly - she became the first sovereign to inaugurate and address the gathering in person. Since then she has inaugurated and addressed the opening session every five years after diocesan elections. The 2020 elections were postponed to this year due to the pandemic. Advertisement

Also commenting on her absence and future was Duncan Larcombe, former royal editor at the Sun, who told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'Obviously nobody wants her to (step aside).

'What's interesting is next year is her 70th on the throne, and I would argue she's probably more popular amongst the British public now than she has been certainly for many years.

'So I'm not saying I want her (to step aside)... but she's 95 years old. She came back from Balmoral earlier this September, committed almost with a spring in her step to do all those royal engagements, but then her health started to fail her.

'It was a cold then, she's pulled out for the first time in 22 years, pulled out of Remembrance Sunday, one of the most important things in her calendar. So clearly, yes, everyone's playing down how serious it is.'

Political commentator Dominique Samuels added: 'I think the country needs her, and especially with regards to Prince Charles, I mean he's never been really quite popular, has he?

'It's William, it's Kate, it's the Queen, those are the people that the country loves. And in my personal opinion, and from a lot of the comment I've seen just generally, a lot of people don't really like Prince Charles.

'They feel as though if he stepped in, he would effectively destroy the monarchy. He's talking about politics, he's making big statements on climate change. I don't think that he's as in tune with the British public as the Queen is. I'm genuinely concerned about the future of the country if the Queen goes.'

Royal commentators also speculated that the monarch is unlikely to be out and about in the coming months and that the Remembrance Sunday setback marked a new phase in her reign, where she is seen more on video and less in the flesh.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said: 'In terms of official engagements before the end of the year, I don't think we will see her out and about doing anything officially, even if she recovers from the sprained back.'

He added that there had been a 'collective sigh of relief' when she was due to be at the Cenotaph, but the situation had 'regressed'.

Aides will be conscious of plans for the Platinum Jubilee next year, with the monarch due to reach the milestone in February, and participate in a busy four-day bank holiday weekend of festivities in June.

During the Diamond Jubilee, the Duke of Edinburgh, then 90, was in hospital for five days with a bladder infection and missed the Jubilee concert following a wet and windy trip down the Thames for the River Pageant.

Mr Little said the Platinum Jubilee would be different from the 2012 Diamond Jubilee in terms of what the Queen does.

'The Platinum Jubilee programme will reflect her age, although the Palace won't say as much, and other people will be doing engagements on her behalf,' Mr Little said.

'We know she won't go to the Commonwealth or do any tours, but how much she does in the UK will be interesting to see.'

The latest setback for the monarch has led many in royal circles to believe that when she eventually feels well enough to return to more taxing duties, the Queen is unlikely to be overworked.

'I firmly believe the public won't see her out and about as much,' one source told the Daily Mail. 'That said, she will still be visible, carrying out less taxing engagements within palace walls.

'The whole video and virtual engagement development as a result of Covid has given palace aides options they didn't have before. But there will definitely be a change in pace.'

Another source went further, saying they did not believe the Queen would undertake events such as large scale investitures again.

Palace aides say 'nothing can be ruled out, and nothing can be ruled in', but concede that some key events such as handing out honours could be scaled back for her, perhaps with smaller sessions or one-on-ones in private.

The last investiture conducted by the Queen was at Buckingham Palace in November 2019, when she awarded honours to more than 65 people.

The Queen has the sole right of conferring titles such as knighthoods, MBEs, OBEs and CBEs.

Recipients collect their awards from her or another member of the Royal Family at events that can last more than an hour. For knighthoods the Queen has to wield her father King George VI's heavy ceremonial sword.

LAST YEAR -- The Queen attends the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on Whitehall on November 8, 2020

Wreaths of poppies were laid at the foot of the Cenotaph in London yesterday as the country marked Remembrance Sunday

A boy joined veterans of the Guards as they marched past the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday service yesterday

Prime Minister Boris Johnson bows his head after laying his wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday yesterday

Veterans march along Whitehall during Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall yesterday

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Britain's Princess Alexandra stand on the central balcony in Whitehall yesterday

As a result, Prince Charles, Prince William and Princess Anne have been increasingly taking on the role.

The Queen has missed the Cenotaph commemorations six times in her 69-year reign, twice when she was pregnant and four times when she was away on tour on behalf of the Government.

It is not known how she hurt herself, but she has suffered from back pain before and did not experience a fall.

Insiders said she had 'unequivocally' intended to be at the Cenotaph and on Friday staff were busy planning for her presence. This suggests that she began to feel uncomfortable over the weekend.

The Queen was not taken to hospital and is continuing to rest at Windsor. It is understood that her doctors told her the pain was not conducive to the drive from Windsor to London and a long period of standing on her feet.

'To say that she is deeply disappointed to miss it is an understatement,' said one.

'It is the most inked-in commitment in her diary each year.'

A royal aide added: 'It is obviously incredibly unfortunate timing and nobody regrets the Queen's absence more than her majesty herself.

'She is deeply disappointed to miss the engagement which she regards as one of the most significant engagements of the year.'

The Mail understands that she has one or two virtual audiences in her diary this week which staff expect her to undertake as part of her programme of 'rest and light duties'.

The Queen was last seen in public on October 19, when she held a reception at Windsor for business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and governmental representatives. Among those present was Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

The previous two engagements before that - a visit to Westminster Abbey and the Welsh parliament - had seen the Queen use a walking stick in public for the first time.

Sources indicated that was likely to become more common in view of her age.

Then on October 20 she suddenly cancelled a two-day visit to Northern Ireland house before she was due to fly out on the advice of the Medical Household.

Buckingham Palace said she had been told to rest and would be staying at Windsor, but the following day it emerged that she had been taken to hospital for undisclosed 'preliminary investigations.

The transfer was conducted amid great secrecy, with staff even leaving her royal standard flying at Windsor which would normally be taken as an indication that she was there.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pictured in attendance at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in London yesterday

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the service of Remembrance yesterday

Charles laid a wreath on behalf of the Queen at the Remembrance Sunday event yesterday as she was unable to attend

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge lays a wreath as he attends the annual service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph yesterday

The tests required her to stay in hospital overnight and she returned home the following lunchtime.

It was subsequently announced that she would have to cancel all official visits outside the castle but could continue to undertake 'light, desk-based duties' during this time.

She has indeed been seen on several video calls looking cheery, although definitely frailer than before.

She also recorded a video message to be played to leaders at the opening of Cop26, after being forced to cancel plans to fly to Scotland.

In early November, however, she was well enough to fly by helicopter to Sandringham for a long weekend on her private Norfolk estate, where she was seen being driven around by staff.

She has also been spotted driving her own estate car at Windsor.

But this latest set-back will do little to ease the nation's anxiety over the much-loved monarch's health, respected royal biographer Penny Junor said.

Prince William salutes veterans marching past on Horse Guards Parade during the Remembrance Sunday event yesterday

Dozens of wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony held in Whitehall yesterday

SATURDAY -- The Prince of Wales and Camilla led the family group, which also included Prince William, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday night

Ms Junor said: 'It's very sad for the Queen because this is the one event in the year that she really, really likes to be at. Remembering the war dead is a very, very important part for her annual calendar.

'The public will be very sad and anxious to hear of yet another setback but clearly she must follow the advice and get herself well.'

She added: 'It's not surprising because she is 95 years old. We're so used to seeing her out and about and looking years younger than she is that I think we've been lulled into thinking she can go on at this kind of pace forever.

'Clearly she can't. There comes a time in everybody's life when they have to admit that they are getting older and can't do the things that they perhaps want to do.

Suggesting it appeared to mark a new phase in the Queen's reign, Ms Junor said that in her opinion, the public are likely to 'see more of her on video and probably less of her in the flesh'.

She added: 'They should keep her warm and tucked up at home and not exposing herself to the possibility of infections.'
With their study interrupted by almost two years of a global pandemic, those facing the NSW HSC maths exam on Monday could have been forgiven for hoping for something a bit more straightforward.

At the very least, they did not expect a question about emu and goanna legs - but that is what they got.

The question involved simultaneous equations and required students to calculate a total number of goanna and emu legs.

The emu (pictured) may be a beloved Australian symbol, but few were expecting it to feature in a HSC maths exam

Given the world is still in the midst of Covid-19 it would have been more topical to make the creatures bats and pangolins, each of whom has been blamed for the coronavirus outbreak, but they kept it local with emus and goannas.

A commenter on a Facebook HSC page said they were confident because of last year's paper that this one would be less difficult, 'but that was destroyed quickly'.

They were referring to what happened in 2020 when pupils got questions they had not been taught.

One commenter may have been exaggerating slightly, though, when he posted 'Dont you love it when 2021 4u is 10x harder than 2020.'

Last year's exam required students to use concepts which had been taught to advanced mathematics classes but not to those in the standard course.

Karen McDaid, the vice president of the Mathematical Association of NSW said last year's exam had left many upset.

She said the association told the New South Wales Education Standards Authority not to let that happen again.

'They have promised they will go through a more rigorous process but we won't know until after [the exam happens],' Ms McDaid said.

Maths classes featuring one of Australia's national symbols and a lizard may or may not have been taught as part of the school curriculum throughout NSW in 2021.

Not many people remember what was on their final maths exam once they leave school, but the HSC class of 2021 may just remember it forever.

So would YOU pass high school today? As Year 12 students start their final exams, a look at modern-day questions proves how tough they've REALLY got it

By Brittany Chain

Almost 70,000 students in NSW began their Higher School certificate exams this week, the culmination of 13 years of education.

The exams were postponed for four weeks due to Covid lockdown, but began on Monday when 62,000 sat their English exam.

Adults may scoff at the intensity of the three-week exam period, but the tests are designed to be tough.

So, how would you go with answering last year's HSC questions for these key subjects?

For almost 70,000 17 and 18-year-old kids from New South Wales, sitting their HSC marks the most stressful time of their lives to date. Pictured: A student at Sydney Secondary College completing her English exam

STANDARD MATHEMATICS, 2020

There are four levels of mathematics subjects students can choose to take, the easiest of which is Mathematics Standard 1.

Students are given two hours to answer 30 questions for a potential total of 80 marks. They're allowed a calculator, and certain questions require them to show their reasoning and calculations.

The first 10 questions are multiple choice, beginning with identifying which shape has the most vertical edges and working up in difficulty to choosing the correct scatterplot data sets.

One of the questions worth just three marks in the 2020 standard paper is as follows:

The time in Melbourne is 11 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The time in Honolulu is 10 hours behind UTC. A plane departs from Melbourne at 7pm on Tuesday and lands in Honolulu 9 hours later. What is the time and day in Honolulu when the plane lands?

The correct way to answer the question, according to the marking criteria, is as follows

Time difference: 11 + 10 = 21 hours

Lands at Honolulu: 7pm + 9 hours = 4am, Wednesday (Melbourne time)

Time in Honolulu: 4am  21 hours = 7am, Tuesday

One of the easier multiple choice questions worth just one mark is:

What is 0.002073 expressed in standard form with two significant figures?

A. 2.07  102

B. 2.1  102

C. 2.07  103

D. 2.1  103

Correct answer: D

To view the entire 2020 Standard Math exam, visit here

Answer: Tax = 20,797 + 0.37 (122,680  90,000) = $32,888.60 | PAYG tax = 3000  12 = $36,000 | Refund = 36,000  32,888.60 = $3111.40

Answer: 320,000

Answer: Interest in 3rd year = 0.06  12 056.71 = $723.40 | Amount owing at end of 3rd year = 12 506.71 + 723.40  4510.53 = $8269.58

Answer: Amount owing = $253.50

STANDARD ENGLISH, 2020

There are four different variations of English classes students can choose from, and doing at least one is mandatory.

Students can choose between Standard or Advanced English, and Advanced students can add on an Extension 1 or 2 class.

The English exam for Standard and Advanced is split into two papers, the first being 90 minutes long and the second lasting two hours.

The first paper is split into two sections, worth a total of 40 marks, and consists of five questions.

After analysing a previously unseen pamphlet - usually featuring poetry, images or short stories - students must answer a series of questions with in-depth analysis of how the texts relate to their studies for the year.

George Orwell's 1984 was one of the prescribed text options for general English students in 2020

The longer-form question, worth 20 marks (half the test) relates to prescribed texts students have studied throughout the year.

In 2020, students had to answer the following question: 'How effectively does your prescribed text tell stories to reveal both the personal and shared nature of human experiences?'

Students had studied a variety of texts over the year, including but not limited to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and Anthony Doerr's All The Light We Cannot See.

To receive top marks for the second section, students were required to:

Just a few words separate the top marking criteria from the second-highest marks, between a 13 and 16:

After completing this paper, which is usually held on the first day of exams, students must return the next day to complete a second two-hour exam.

This is the marking rubric used to grade students on their creative writing pieces

The second paper is broken into three questions, all worth 20 marks each, and students are required to write two essays based on texts they've studied in the lead-up to the exam.

The third question requires the student to craft a piece of creative writing.

Essay questions for the 2020 paper included:

Essay One: To what extent does your prescribed text disrupt assumptions about culture? In your response, make close reference to your prescribed text.

Essay Two option: In what ways does The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time invite questions about acceptance and prejudice?

Essay Two option: In what ways does A Midsummer Night's Dream invite questions about conflict and reconciliation?

For the creative writing piece, students are encouraged to come up with an idea they've previously workshopped in class. The hope is that the question and the bones of the article will be malleable enough to adapt to the exam.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller was one of the prescribed text options for students in 2020

In 2020, students were given this criteria for their creative writing piece:

Compose a piece of imaginative writing that is set in a significant place. Begin with the words:

'This is my world now, and it can be yours too, if you like. A place can soak through your skin like sweat, and ooze into your heart and soul. Breathe it in, and let me tell you a story' - 'Breathe Me In' by Sophie L Macdonald Extract from Underdog by Tobias Madden with courtesy of Tobias Madden

Note: You are NOT required to write out the extract as part of your response.

To view the entire Standard English 2020 exam, visit here

Questions only get harder in the advanced and extension-class exams.
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Anger is mounting in Austria as police began carrying out routine checks to stop two million unvaccinated people from leaving their homes in an 'unenforceable' lockdown which has been slammed for 'dividing the society in two'.

The move, which took effect at midnight and applies to more than 20% of the country of 8.9million, prohibits unvaccinated individuals from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping - or getting vaccinated.

Police patrols have been stepped up and unvaccinated people can be fined up to 1,450 euros (1,237) if they violate the lockdown.

The restrictions come amid spiralling coronavirus cases in Austria, with 9,936 infections recorded on Sunday - the highest number the country has recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.

But the restrictions on the unvaccinated have fuelled accusations that Austria is cementing a 'two-class system,' said Nikolaus Unterguggenberger, a teacher from Carinthia province, whose family is not vaccinated.

The 57-year-old said his two sons and one of his daughters this week had to leave their music clubs because of the lockdown rules.

'Our freedoms are being taken away from us... I was afraid it would come to this, but that Austria so easily passes this, that surprises me,' he said, adding that the measure was illegal and that he would continue to go out and meet friends.

Yesterday, protests took place in Vienna with furious anti-lockdown campaigners lashing out at the restrictions.

One 61-year-old anti-vaxxer from Burgenland said: 'I cannot approve of the division of society into two parts. It is certainly not good for the country. It will have consequences. I am firmly convinced of that.'

Markus, a 40-year-old anti-vaxxer, said: 'Before Covid, fundamental rights were unconditional.'

Police began carrying out routine checks to stop two million unvaccinated people from leaving their homes in a lockdown which has been slammed for 'dividing the society in two'

An Austrian police officer gestures towards car drivers during a traffic control check of people travelling in Austria on Monday

Following the announcement of the lockdown, which will last for ten days before being reviewed, hundreds of people descended upon the streets of Ballhausplatz in Vienna during an anti-vaccination rally on Sunday

A demonstrator holds a placard saying 'against compulsory vaccination' during a protest in Vienna today

People stand in line to get a vaccination against Covid-19 at the 'Impfbus' in Salzburg, Austria, on Monday

'Now we are getting more and more into a point where fundamental rights become conditional,' he told the Telegraph. This is always justified as serving a higher purpose. We know from the past, that there was always a higher purpose for which the individual had to sacrifice himself, whether it was God, the empire, the people or the leader.'

'This restricts my life, my freedom. It's time that more people spoke up,' Sabine, a 49-year-old energy consultant, said at the rally, calling the move 'discrimination'.

In a nationwide radio address, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said his move towards a national lockdown for the unvaccinated is a 'dramatic' one.

He told Oe1 radio: 'We really didn't take this step lightly and I don't think it should be talked down.

'This a dramatic step - about 2 million people in this country are affected... what we are trying is precisely to reduce contact between the unvaccinated and vaccinated to a minimum, and also contact between the unvaccinated.'

'My aim is very clearly to get the unvaccinated to get themselves vaccinated and not to lock down the vaccinated,' Schallenberg added. 'In the long term, the way out of this vicious circle we are in - and it is a vicious circle, we are stumbling from wave to lockdown, and that can't carry on ad infinitum - is only vaccination.'

The lockdown is being strictly controlled by the police who are now conducting extra checks on the public to check their vaccination status.

Many Austrians are sceptical about vaccines, a view encouraged by the far-right Freedom Party, the third-biggest in parliament, which is planning a protest against the government's coronavirus policies on Saturday.

Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said that police will be checking every person they come across.

'The lockdown is not a recommendation, but an order,' he said.

But there are widespread doubts including among Schallenberg's conservatives and the police about whether this lockdown can be properly enforced.

It can be hard to verify, for example, whether an unvaccinated person is on their way to work, which is allowed, or going to shop for non-essential items, which is not.

In response to the lockdown measures, business chiefs have urged the government to provide a 'quick extension' of the economic aid for the sectors who will be particularly affected by the restrictions.

They also called for the government to implement positive incentives for people to get vaccination - a move which bosses say have been 'required for a long time'.

The leader of the far-right opposition Freedom Party vowed to combat the new restrictions by 'all parliamentary and legal means we have available.'

Herbert Kickl said in a statement that '2 million people are being practically imprisoned without having done anything wrong.'

On Monday, Kickl announced on Facebook that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and must self-isolate for 14 days, so he won't be able to attend a protest in Vienna planned for Saturday.

Following the announcement of the lockdown, which will last for ten days before being reviewed, hundreds of people descended upon the streets of Ballhausplatz in Vienna during an anti-vaccination rally on Sunday.

Protesters held placards in their hands reading 'no compulsory vaccination' as they walked through the streets, with some warning that the lockdown is 'dividing society in two parts'.

The lockdown, which is being imposed until November 24, was enforced amid concern over rising infections and increasing pressure on hospitals as a result.

Austria recorded 9,936 coronavirus cases on Sunday - the highest number the country has recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.



The latest outbreak is being blamed on Austria's vaccination rate of just 65 per cent, a rate that Chancellor Schallenberg has described as 'shamefully low' as it leaves a large share of people more vulnerable to infection and severe disease.

Herbert Kickl said in a statement that '2 million people are being practically imprisoned without having done anything wrong.' On Monday, Kickl announced on Facebook that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and must self-isolate for 14 days, so he won't be able to attend a protest in Vienna planned for Saturday

An Austrian police officer gestures towards car drivers during a traffic control on Klagenfurt, Austria, on Monday amid a lockdown for the unvaccinated

An Austrian police officer checks a driver's vaccination certificate at a traffic control stop in Graz, Austria, on Monday

A staff member checks people entering the Christmas market to make sure they are vaccinated in Vienna, Austria, on Monday

People line up to get vaccinated in Vienna, Austria, on Monday after Austria entered a lockdown for the unvaccinated

A girl receives her first shot of the corona vaccine in Vienna, Austria on Monday after authorities began vaccinating children between five and 11 against coronavirus

Children wait with their parents to receive the Pfizer vaccine against the COVID-19 disease in Vienna, Austria, on Monday

The lockdown does not apply to children under the age of 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated for Covid-19 - though the capital, Vienna, on Monday opened up vaccinations for children aged between five and 11 as part of a pilot, and reported high demand.

Cartoons of ninja turtles and tigers adorned coronavirus vaccination booths on Monday to welcome children at a convention complex serving as a vaccine centre.

One of the first to step in was eight-year-old Pia Schwarzl. Her father, 41-year-old Gerald Schwarzl, said he had decided to have Pia and her five-year-old brother Theo vaccinated so that they 'don't get seriously sick'.

'We believe they will be protected just like they are with other vaccinations that they've had,' he said.

The city authorities said some 10,000 appointments had been made for children over the weekend, and they had the capacity to vaccinate 200 youngsters a day.

The European Medicines Agency has not yet approved any of the coronavirus vaccines for the five-to-11 age bracket.

But Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig said the situation was 'serious' and that the city had the right to pursue a more 'determined path'.

A group of demonstrators hold a placard reading 'no to compulsory vaccination' during an anti-vaccination protest at the Ballhausplatz in Vienna

Hundreds of anti-lockdown protestors clashed with riot police in The Hague in the Netherlands on Friday evening

Police officers are seen in The Hague, hours after 200 people there were blasted with water in a bid to disperse demonstrators

Police officers stand guard in The Hague as demonstrators take to the street

At one of Vienna's famous Christmas markets, stallholders were hoping the new measures would prevent a repeat of last year when the markets were closed to combat the second wave.

Daniel Stocker, the manager of the market in front of the capital's City Hall, said people were 'willingly' complying with the requirement to have either been vaccinated or recovered from the virus.

'We want everyone to feel safe,' he says.

Health Minister Wolfgang Muekstein told ORF television that he wants to discuss imposing further measures with government on Wednesday, and said that one proposal on the table is night curfews that would apply to the vaccinated as well.

He said: 'We're all in the same boat. If we want to prevent a general lockdown, we need a reduction in contact.'

But in a sign of differing views, Chancellor Schallenberg said he doesn't expect restrictions on bars and the like at present.

'Of course I don't rule out sharpening' the measures, he told Oe1 radio, adding that he 'doesn't see' any move towards restricting movements at night for the general population.

The chancellor said that further measures could include requiring full medical masks in more places, more working from home and requiring vaccinated people to get tested before going to events.

Children wait in line to receive their first shot of the corona vaccine in Vienna, Austria, on Monday

Residents and business chiefs have spoken of their concern about the lockdown - but some have they believe it is 'right' for the measures to be imposed on the unvaccinated.

Harold Mahrer, the boss of the Austrian Economic Chambers, which represents more than 540,000 member companies in Austria, told Weiner Zeitung: 'Now we need a quick extension of the economic aid for the sectors particularly affected and a quick implementation of the positive incentives for vaccinations that have been required for a long time.'

Trade spokesman Rainer Trefelik warned of high losses for businesses across the country.

He told the newspaper: 'With this measure, specialist shops have to shut out around 35 per cent of potential customers, so high sales losses are inevitable.

'Unvaccinated people can buy everything from washing machines to textiles and toys in supermarkets and drugstores, and they would have to be turned away at specialist retailers. Customers break away, but the running costs such as rent and staff remain in full. That is an intolerable situation.'

Trefelik also pointed that retail companies that are dependent on events, as well as tourist businesses will struggle to cope.

But Chancellor Schallenberg provided some reassurance on Monday after he referred to aid programs such as payments for lost compensation and the reduction in VAT in the catering industry which will continue until the end of the year.

'The finance minister said he would look at it,' the chancellor said.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said that that millions of citizens who have not been vaccinated would be placed into lockdown from tomorrow

Residents and business chiefs have spoken of their concern about the lockdown - but some have they believe it is 'right' for the measures to be imposed on the unvaccinated

One resident from Vienna, identified only as Daniel, told Ruptly: 'At the moment the coronavirus situation is still quite stable, that is why people do not want to get vaccinated and a lockdown will come for sure.

'But the last lockdown was very bad and very strong in my opinion. Many people had to stay at home and many stores had to close down and that is why it was very bad for everyone.'

Another local said: 'I consider it to be correct. There must be protection. There will be no end otherwise.

'At some point you have to do something. But for sure it is difficult, you can not lock up these people.

'But I do not understand if you do not get vaccinated. And unfortunately you have to react like that, even though it is not entirely right. But I am in favour. There has to be an end to this. You cannot always have ups and downs, this and that regulation. That does not work.'

Hundreds gathered outside the chancellory for his announcement in a noisy protest on Sunday, waving banners that read 'No to mandatory vaccination' and 'Our body, our freedom to decide'.

'I'm here to set a sign. We must fight back now... We want to work, we want to help people, but we don't want to vaccinate ourselves because this is simply our decision,' Sarah Hein, an unvaccinated 30-year-old hospital worker, told AFP.

The government on Friday announced vaccinations would become mandatory for health workers.

Under current rules, unvaccinated are already banned from restaurants, hotels and cultural venues unless they can show they have recently recovered from the disease.

'Healthy people are being locked up,' another demonstrator told AFP, declining to give her name.

In neighbouring Germany, the situation is far worse. Case rates on Monday hit the latest in a string of records, with 303 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.

Berlin on Monday became the latest of several German states to limit access to restaurants, cinemas, museums and concerts to people who have been vaccinated or recently recovered - shutting out unvaccinated people who have tested negative. Under-18s are exempted.

The number of deaths increased by 43 to a total of 97,715

On Thursday, the German parliament is due to vote on a new legal framework for coronavirus restrictions drawn up by the parties that are expected to form the country's next government. Those plans are reportedly being beefed up to allow tougher contact restrictions than originally envisioned.

Germany has struggled to bring new momentum to its vaccination campaign, with just over two-thirds of the population fully vaccinated, and is trying to ramp up booster shots.

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a new appeal on Saturday for holdouts to get vaccinated. 'Think about it again,' she said. The country's disease control center called last week for people to cancel or avoid large events.

To Germany's west, the Netherlands on Saturday night implemented a partial lockdown that is due to run for at least three weeks.

Restaurants, bars and all nightlife have been ordered to close for business each day no later than 8pm, leaving many streets around the country deserted on what would normally be a bustling time for nightlife.

In the northern city of Leeuwarden, hundreds of young people gathered in a central square, setting off fireworks and holding flares, before riot police moved in to push protesters out.

A man in a wheelchair is vaccinated outside a mobile vaccination center set up in the city of Duisburg, western Germany, on November 12

Dutch police blasted a group of around 200 people in The Hague with water in a bid to disperse demonstrators who had been throwing stones and fireworks in protest on Friday evening.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte was giving a press briefing to the media when protestors clashed with riot police and mounted officers outside the Justice and Security Ministry in the Dutch city.

Later that evening, after flares, projectiles and bicycles were thrown at police, officers were seen hitting fleeing demonstrators with batons as what started as a peaceful protest descended into chaos.

Although death remain low, the Netherlands recorded their highest ever daily infection count positive Covid cases on Friday as medics warned hospitals were being put under huge pressure amid a record-breaking surge of infections.

Referring to the 'unpleasant' return of lockdown measures from this Saturday, Mr Rutte said restrictions that the Dutch people had thought had ended for good were being re-imposed for three weeks.
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Have you lost a loved one due to ambulance waiting times? Get in touch by emailing katie.feehan@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

Sajid Javid was today told to urgently get a grip of the escalating NHS ambulance crisis, which has left patients dying in the back of vehicles parked outside hospitals.

Campaigners have demanded an end to the fiasco, urging the Health Secretary to call in the Army, which has already been done in Scotland and Wales to bolster their struggling services.

The true scale of the issues facing the frontline were laid bare in a damning report last night which claimed up to 160,000 patients are harmed because of handover delays every year. Paramedics warn it is having a devastating knock-on effect on ambulance response times, with heart attack and stroke victims left waiting with their lives in the balance for 55 minutes.

Medics insist the 'incredibly complicated' problem  which has been silently brewing for years  is down to a plethora of factors, but say pent-up demand from the Covid pandemic is likely to have exacerbated the issues.

Patients who put off getting care because of strict Government 'stay at home' messaging through lockdowns are now flocking back to the fragile health service, which is trying to juggle routine autumn pressures with Covid and a record pandemic-induced backlog.

Critics say the 'broken' GP service isn't helping, with scores of patients left feeling like they have no option but to make an unnecessary trip to A&E or ring an ambulance because of they've struggled to see a doctor.

The ever-worsening social care crisis is also piling extra pressure on hospitals, in a warning sign that ambulance issues will only get worse over the next few months following the controversial 'no jab, no job' rule that saw up to 60,000 workers effectively banned from homes overnight last week.

Care homes were already short of 100,000 workers coming into the pandemic, and industry bosses say the lack of staff has made 'bed-blocking' a bigger problem than before because hospitals have nowhere to discharge patients who are medically fit to leave but need further care.

However, some hospital chiefs say the challenge is not a case of 'funding' but 'capacity', vindicating critics who fear the NHS will 'swallow' up billions more of extra funds from the public purse.

Paramedics warn the escalating handover crisis  which has seen hour-long switchovers quadruple in a year  is worsening response times for 999 calls, with heart attack and stroke victims last month facing 55-minute waits for ambulances. And call handlers are busier than ever.

A line of ambulances were left waiting outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham on Saturday night because of handover delays

In the year up to September, paramedics wasted 96,000 minutes due to delays they faced at hospital over and above the 15-minute cut off all patients should be handed over to hospital in. Comparable figures from previous years did no exceed 45,000 by September

The NHS has long struggled to meet its recommended ambulance response times for Category 2 incidents which include medical emergencies such as strokes and severe burns but the last few months months have seen unprecedented rise with patients waiting nearly an hour on average for an ambulance after calling 99.

Category 1 incidents, the most serious, life threatening emergencies, have also seen delays with patients waiting nine minutes and 20 seconds for an ambulance, well above the NHS's target of seven minutes

Around 28,900 ambulance handovers at hospitals lasted more than an hour in October in England this year  almost four times the 7,772 recorded in the same month last year. It was also more than 10,000 more than the number seen at the height of the pandemic this January (17,137)

A record number of 999 calls were made in England in October with 1,012,143 urgent calls for medical help made. But the time it took answer these calls also increased to a record 56 seconds

Emergency admissions to A&E departments at hospitals in England stood at 506,916 in September 2021, up from around 430,000 recorded every month in 2010. And a record 5,025 people had to wait more than 12 hours at A&Es in England last month from a decision to admit to actually being admitted  the worst performance on record. For comparison, just one person had to wait that long to be admitted in the last three months of 2010

Ambulance called at 2pm...arrives at 4AM: Diabetic pensioner, 92, is forced to wait nearly 14 HOURS for paramedics to arrive Mr Pepper celebrating a Christmas. The 92-year-old diabetic spent nearly 14 hours waiting for an ambulance after falling in his kitchen. A 92-year-old diabetic spent nearly 14 hours lying on the floor covered in blood while waiting for an ambulance. Cyril Pepper was left with severe back pain, damage to his arm and also banged his head during a fall at his home on Monday, November 8. Mr Pepper, of Silverdale, Staffordshire, who also suffered a stroke six years ago, managed to alert friends after by pressing a care alarm button at his home. He said: 'I was lying on my back in so much pain. It was horrendous.' Mr Pepper's friend and carer Debbie Austin, 59, arrived at his home at around 3pm after she received a message from Carecall - a personal care service. She found the pensioner lying against a radiator on the floor near his kitchen, with blood marks from where he had tried to catch his fall. Advertisement

The Patients Association, which represents patients across the UK, said Mr Javid should 'immediately' call in the military to support the health service.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the organisation, told MailOnline: 'Military personnel could offer support as additional medics and drivers  but A&E departments could consider if they could be of support in hospitals where there are staff shortages.

'At least two health boards in Scotland have asked the military to help in several operational roles. In Wales, the military have come to the assistance of the NHS.

'It would be up to individual trusts to consider if and how military support could best help them deal with current pressures and reduce the risk of serous harm to patients.'

More than 100 soldiers were brought in to drive ambulances in Scotland in September. A similar number of troops were deployed in Wales last month to work as ambulance drivers until the end of November.

The College of Paramedics also told MailOnline the Army could be utilised in the short-term to support ambulance services, with figures showing the industry was already short of 18,000 before the pandemic struck.

A spokesperson for the college said: 'Whilst the use of other agencies, such as the military are of enormous help, the unique skills and experience of paramedics within the ambulance sector attending the public should remain best practice.

'However, our colleagues from the military, particularly paramedics and combat medical technicians could be utilised well in the interim to support services and provide them with some wider exposure during this challenging time.'

The Department of Health declined to comment on whether the Government was considering calling in the Army to support the health service.

It comes after official figures on Friday laid bare the worsening state of the NHS in England, with the waiting list for routine treatment standing at 5.83million in September.

And ambulance response times soared to triple the national target in October  the latest dates the figures are available for.

The average response time to Category 2 calls, which includes stroke and other emergencies, was nearly 55 minutes in October, compared with the target time of 18 minutes.

The most serious Category 1 calls for an ambulance, where patients have a life threatening event such as a cardiac arrest or severe allergic reaction, also had an increase in delays. These incidents should be responded to within seven minutes but patients had to wait an average of nine minutes and 20 seconds in October.

The NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has reached 5.83million, official data shows. Some 1.6million more Britons were waiting for elective surgery  such as hip and keen operations  at the end of September compared to the start of the pandemic

While the NHS budget and its workforce has been growing, the number of hospital beds available across England has fallen 14 per cent in the last decade. In the first quarter of the year, there were 123,707 beds to treat patients, down from 144,455 at the beginning of 2010. NHS England said the Department of Health is responsible for the drop in beds. The UK has fewer beds than other European nations and the vast majority (96,998) are kept for general and acute care, such as treating illnesses and injuries or performing surgery

Grandfather, 89, left in 'absolute agony' for 'several hours' while waiting for ambulance Jim Rotheram suffered a hip fracture after falling over his pet dog An 89-year-old grandfather was left in 'absolute agony' for several hours whilst waiting for an ambulance. Jim Rotheram suffered a hip fracture after falling over his pet dog while opening the door to greet a workman at his Runcorn home in July, 2021. 'I was waiting for hours in absolute agony,' the former factory worker said. Mr Rotheram, who lives with heart failure and Parkinson's, added: 'Oh God, it was painful.' The father, grandfather and great grandfather faced a seven hour wait before he was finally picked up by an emergency ambulance which took him to Warrington Hospital. Mr Rotheram, who spent several weeks in hospital following a successful hip operation, was recovering at home when he unfortunately suffered a second fall in August, fracturing his femur with another wait of several hours for the ambulance to arrive. He is again recovering at home with the support of his wife Jean, 87, and carers. Advertisement

Hospital handover delays 'harming 160,000 patients' every year

Delays handing patients from ambulances over to A&E departments is thought to be one of the main triggers of the worsening response times.

A report by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) today set out the the problem is not new, but both the number of patients affected and the length of the delays are rising.

The AACE said up to 160,000 patients each year could be affected due to long periods waiting to be admitted. Of these, 12,000 suffer 'severe harm'.

National targets set out that all handovers should be completed within 15 minutes and none should exceed more than 30 minutes. But since April 2018, an average of 190,000 handovers have missed the 15-minute target, with the figure rising to 208,000 this September  the most recent date figures are available for.

The delays are caused if hospitals are busy, if people who don't need emergency care show up at A&E and if the patient flow into and out of hospital is disrupted, the report states.

And the College of Paramedics told MailOnline the 'consistent deterioration of response times' and 'lengthening handover times' are at the heart of the current crisis.

This leaves insufficient numbers of ambulances free to respond to emergency calls in the community, meaning patients 'routinely wait several hours'.

The college said: 'This problem is not new... We can show reports going back over a decade where ambulances queuing has made the headlines, but now the scale is so enormous that it can no longer be ignored.

'We appreciate that this situation is incredibly complicated and the pandemic is still playing a part in the wider landscape, but this is truly unacceptable.'

It added: 'With winter just around the corner, it is imperative NHS leaders take urgent action to turn this situation around and protect patient safety and give paramedics a sense of hope and tangible action.'

It called for discharge of patients from hospital to be sped up, 'either through urgent targeted funding or support to prevent exit block which stagnates the movement through the front door of the hospital'.

Some London hospitals have trialled airport-style 'arrival lounges' in recent weeks as a place for ambulances to drop off patients waiting to be admitted into A&E as an alternative to keeping them stuck in the back of the vehicle.

But Dr Linda Dykes, an A&E consultant, said the plans were 'beyond stupidity and verging on insanity', adding: 'Expanding emergency departments without a magic staff tree will result in dead patients.'

A report by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) today set out the delays in handing patients over to hospitals is not new, but both the number of patients affected and the length of the delays are rising. The graph shows that in 2021, ambulance staff lost 35,000 minutes by September due to the time they spent waiting to offload patients over and above 60 minutes. Comparable figures from 2018 to 2021 did not exceed 5,000 minutes. Some 15,500 patients were forced to wait over an hour to be passed from paramedics to emergency staff in the 12 months to September

A 92-year-old diabetic spent nearly 14 hours lying on the floor covered in blood while waiting for an ambulance. Cyril Pepper was left with severe back pain, damage to his arm and also banged his head during a fall at his home on Monday, November 8

Donna Gilby (pictured) was left stranded on the pavement outside her Cwmaman home as she waited around six hours for an ambulance. She later died from a heart attack while in hospital

Dylan Brown (pictured) said it took two days for medics to reach his father's home in Glasgow after he rang 999 complaining of breathing trouble and his father died before they arrived

Dr Kailash Chand (right) with his son Dr Aseem Malhotra who says his father died after having to wait too long for an ambulance when he was suffering from chest pains earlier this year

Billions more funding for NHS will be wasted without hiring thousands more nurses and doctors, says former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt The NHS will gobble up billions more in taxpayers' cash if ministers don't address its staffing crisis, Jeremy Hunt warned today. The former Health Secretary said the idea that throwing money at the health service to clear backlogs and treatment delays had 'poisoned intelligent debate' about how to fix the problems. Despite record funding for the NHS, waiting lists for routine and emergency care are currently at their highest level ever following the pandemic, with growing reports of patients dying in ambulances and hospital corridors. At the same time, NHS England was estimated to be short of up to 100,000 staff heading into the pandemic, including 44,000 nurses and 9,000 doctors in nearly every specialty. In September, NHS bosses were given a 30bn handout and the Government has pledged to generate billions more each year by hiking National Insurance. Mr Hunt told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'The argument about money has poisoned intelligent debate about the NHS. 'The system is geared up to say to ministers 'give us more money and we'll give you the things you want'. 'When in reality, unless you expand the capacity of the system to do things, principally by training up and recruiting more doctors and nurses, it doesn't matter how much extra money you throw at it, you wont get the improvements you're looking for.' Advertisement

Lack of face-to-face appointments with GPs 'to blame'

Mr Javid has already pointed to problems with GP services as fuelling the current problems, as well as patients who 'stayed away' from the NHS during the pandemic now wanting to be seen.

He told MPs earlier this month: '[A] significant portion of people are turning up for emergency care when they could have actually gone to their GP.

'That is not the fault of those people at all.

'They have stayed away from the NHS when they were asked to, they now want to be seen and that is right.

'But part of the reason I think people are turning up in A&E perhaps when they don't need it is because they're not able to get through to their primary care services in the usual way.'

David Huckin, a paramedic working in Northampton, told the Sunday Times that the 'broken primary care system' means patients are hanging up when they face long waits to get through to their surgery.

He said: 'We're getting reports of receptionists telling people 'if you want to be seen face to face, you'll have to call an ambulance'.'

The Health Secretary's comments added fuel to the growing row between the Government and family doctors over access to face-to-face appointments, with England's top doctor Professor Martin Marshall dismissing his comments.

Professor Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'There will be many reasons for mounting pressures in A&E but we're unaware of any hard evidence that significantly links them to GP access.

'Indeed, GPs and our teams make the vast majority of patient contacts in the NHS and in doing so our service alleviates pressures elsewhere in the health service, including emergency departments.'

In a letter to the Health Secretary he said the college's 54,000 members were 'dismayed and disappointed' that he suggested a lack of in-person consultations placed 'additional strains' on A&E.

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, a prominent GP, last month blamed Britons' 'Amazon Prime mentality' for a surge in demand for emergency NHS care.

He said an increasing number of patients were turning up at A&E with non-urgent symptoms that could be managed by a GP.

He likened the situation to Amazon's same-day delivery service, adding that people had 'high expectations' and an 'inability to wait for anything'.

HM Treasury data shows the NHS received 100.4billion in 2010/11 and its budget had grown steadily until 2019. In 2020, the NHS was given 129.7billion of core funding for its usual services, which was topped up with an extra 18billion to help with the pressures from the pandemic. For 2021/22 the Treasury said the health service is set to receive 136.1billion pounds of core funding, as well as 3billion to help with the Covid recovery

More than 5,000 people waited more than 12 hours in A&E before being seen by a doctor in September, a record high

There are questions about whether the current Covid situation is to blame for the NHS crisis, given that there are half as many Covid inpatients now than this time last year (shown)

Social care crisis

OAP with broken hip cried in pain after waiting nearly NINE HOURS for an ambulance Joy Lewis, 76, cried in pain after having to wait eight-and-a-half hours for an ambulance An OAP with a broken hip cried in pain after having to wait eight-and-a-half hours for an ambulance. Joy Lewis, 76, then had to spend three-and-a-half hours queuing in the back of a vehicle outside casualty before being admitted. The ambulance came from Wolverhampton, almost an hour's drive from her home at Ford in Shropshire. Her son Les Cheley said: 'There should be more resources. It's disgusting. 'There are more people coming into this world so we should be building and expanding our health service, not killing it and selling off our NHS. It's a sick world - a complete and utter joke.' Ms Lewis fell in a bedroom at around 6.10am on October 28, and her partner immediately called an ambulance. Her son, who rushed over, said: 'She couldn't move her leg. She was crying in agony and doubled up in pain. 'At about 10.30am the ambulance control rang again. I said she had broken her hip. They said it would still be about five hours. Advertisement

Meanwhile, a lack of capacity in social care is expected to further exacerbate problems in the coming months. Up to 60,000 workers were effectively barred from the sector last week because of No10's 'no jab, no job policy'.

The Institute of Health and Social Care said eight in 10 care homes will lose at least one member of staff, while 43 per cent will lose three or more workers. This will make it hard to care for patients, and mean some will have to be looked after in NHS hospitals instead, it said.

And the sector  which employs around 1.6million people  already had around 100,000 vacancies before the policy was implemented.

Matthew Taylor chief executive of the NHS Confederation told MailOnline: 'All parts of the NHS and social care [should] work together to reduce handover delays.

'Whilst ambulance crews are working flat out and hospitals are working hard to improve efficiency in their emergency departments, we would urge the Government to urgently provide extra funding and support to social care services to ensure that medically fit patients can safely be discharged into the community.

'A properly funded social care system will in turn free up capacity in the NHS, help to reduce ambulance handover and other delays in A&E, and reduce pressure on community and primary care services.

'The Government needs to mobilise all the resources it can to help the NHS through what we expect will be the most challenging winter on record.'

Ms Power, of the Patients Association, said extra funding is needed for social care to ensure hospitals can 'safely discharge medically fit patients into the community, freeing capacity in the NHS'.

She joined a growing chorus of experts calling for Plan B  which would see the Government ordering people to wear face masks in certain settings and calling for people to work from home  should be implemented 'immediately' to protect the health service.

Independent Sage, a pressure group of eminent experts, said last week that the Government's back-up strategy was 'urgently' needed to 'save the NHS and Christmas'. It claimed the 'very high levels of Covid' were putting 'extreme pressure' on the health service.

But other experts argue the current Covid situation doesn't justify moving to Plan B, given that admissions for the virus have fallen for nearly a week straight and are projected to fall even more in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, also pointed to social care staffing problems as behind the ambulance crisis. Bosses at the trust claimed around 'two wards worth' of patients were ready to be discharged every day but social care staffing problems means beds that should be free for emergency admissions are blocked.

But the Ipswich Start reported Sarah Noonan, interim director of operations at Ipswich Hospital, said: 'The challenge is not of funding. It's of capacity.'

The Prime Minister also last month announced an extra 12billion a year would be invested in the NHS and social care through a 1.25 per cent national insurance hike  which Britons will start paying in April. But almost all of the extra cash will go to the NHS over the next three years.

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today warned against throwing money at the health service because it will be wasted on the salaries of locum doctors and agency nurses without an official plan to increase staffing levels.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'The argument about money has poisoned intelligent debate about the NHS.

'The system is geared up to say to ministers 'give us more money and we'll give you the things you want'.

'When in reality, unless you expand the capacity of the system to do things, principally by training up and recruiting more doctors and nurses, it doesn't matter how much extra money you throw at it, you won't get the improvements you're looking for.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We are committed to supporting ambulance crews who work tirelessly responding to emergencies every day.

'NHS England and Improvement has given ambulance trusts an extra 55million to boost staff numbers for winter, helping them to bolster capacity in control rooms and on the frontline.

'We are supporting the NHS to meet the unprecedented pressures it is facing, with record investment this year including an extra 5.4billion over the next six months to support its response to Covid and 36billion for health and care over the next three years.'

And an NHS spokesperson said: 'Staff have gone above and beyond over the last year treating hundreds of thousands of seriously ill covid patients in hospital and most recent data shows record levels of A&E attendances and the highest ever number of 999 calls and life-threatening ambulance call outs in a single month.

'NHS services are working collaboratively  including with AACEs members  in line with actions set out for systems to prevent ambulance handover delays with immediate effect, so the public should continue to come forward through the appropriate route so staff can help you with the best option for your care.'
Cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi was facing fresh scrutiny today over his income from second jobs after using a legal loophole to shield his total earnings.

The Education Secretary earned more than 1.3 million from a role with Bermuda-listed Gulf Keystone from 2015 until he became a minister.

But his total income from second jobs since becoming an MP in 2010 is unknown because he funnelled it through a consultancy firm, Zahawi and Zahawi, which he set up with wife Lana before being elected MP for Stratford in 2010.

There is no suggestion any rules or laws have been broken. But Sir Alistair Graham, a former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, told the Mirror: 'This could be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to get around the rules so that he doesn't have to admit the scale of his earnings in a consultant capacity.

'The important thing to stress is that MPs have their personal responsibility to ensure that they comply not only with the letter but the spirit of the code of conduct.

'Constituents have a right to know how much time and money he is taking separate to his political work.'

The Education Secretary earned more than 1.3 million from a role with Burmuda-listed Gulf Keystone from 2015 until he became a minister.

But his total income from second jobs since becoming an MP in 2010 is unknown because he funnelled it through a consultancy firm, Zahawi and Zahawi, which he set up with wife Lana before being elected MP for Stratford in 2010.

Mr Zahawi, the Iraq-born founder of YouGov, was appointed chief strategy officer at Gulf Keystone Petroleum in 2015 and reported outside earnings which were the equivalent of an annual salary of 765,000.

He received a salary of 20,125 a month, for working between eight and 21 hours per week.

In addition to that, he received a string of bonuses between January and June 2016, adding up to 78,246.38, plus a payment of 52,325 made in September 2015 for 210 hours work, backdated to July last year.

He resigned after being made Minister for Children and Families. This year he replaced Gavin Williamson as Education Secretary after being vaccines minister.

Previously, Zahawi acted as an adviser to Afren, another oil company that went under in 2015

Born in Baghdad to Kurdish parents in 1967, Zahawi left Iraq with his family as a nine-year-old boy, under threat of persecution from Saddam Hussein's regime.

He grew up in Sussex and was educated in London. Before entering Parliament, he was an entrepreneur: an early venture, selling Teletubbies clothing, went under and backers including former Tory grandee Jeffrey Archer, lost their stakes.

Zahawi went on to act as an aide to Archer and to co-found YouGov with Stephan Shakespeare, another of the disgraced Tory peer's lieutenants.

The pair were reported to each have holdings worth 5.7million in YouGov when it floated on AIM in 2005.

Mr Zahawi has been approached to comment.
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Jeremy Clarkson's huge new mega-mansion on his Diddly Squat Farm estate - blasted for being 'empty of intellect and panache' - is now nearing completion, five years after The Grand Tour star blew up an old farmhouse on the same spot in a stunt on his Amazon show.

Photographs released this week showed diggers in the final stages of construction on the site in the Cotswolds, with the six-bedroom home appearing to be nearly ready for the former Top Gear host to move in.

But some local residents in the village of Chadlington have been left unimpressed, with one telling MailOnline the new home was a 'blot on the landscape' and another saying they 'don't really think it fits' with the rest of the area.

Clarkson previously described his vision for the new property as 'part Louisiana plantation house and part Quinlan Terry chocolate-box mock Georgian'.

The new 12,173 sq ft property is being constructed on the site of Curdle Hill Farmhouse, a 4million five-bedroom property dating back around a century ago to the early 1900s, which he bought as part of the estate in 2012.

Clarkson's fellow motoring presenters Richard Hammond and James May famously blew it up in 2016 on the Amazon Prime TV show The Grand Tour with the help of a professional demolition crew.

All that remained of the house after the explosion was an enormous pile of rubble and wood. The old farmhouse is believed to have been rented out by Clarkson to tenants in the years leading up to its destruction.

Approved plans for the new home claimed it will be 'a modest country house/gentrified farmhouse which gives the appearance of having grown over time'. It will also have a walled garden, orangery, basement cinema and five bathrooms, as well as space for five cars and a quad bike store.

Last month Clarkson went on a rant about his 'awful' living situation in his Sunday Times column - with his home renovation still not complete despite him starting it nearly ten years ago. He wrote: 'I've been living these past three years in what is officially the smallest cottage in Britain.

'I can stand in the centre of the sitting room and touch all four walls and I'm able to cook supper and go to the loo simultaneously. It was awful to begin with but now it's intolerable.'

Clarkson also revealed one of his friends said the building was 'hideous' after showing him the initial plans that he worked on himself with an architect - before scrapping them.

He wrote: 'I couldn't go ahead and build something knowing that out there in the wide world there was one person who didn't like it. It would keep me awake at night, so I found another architect and we started again.'

The project has been delayed several times for varying reasons including the pandemic, but Clarkson added that he is now hoping that the builders will be finished in time for Christmas.

The design has also been far from universally popular - with property and mortgage expert Lewis Shaw, of Shaw Financial Services in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, telling MailOnline: 'This new pad looks exactly like its owner - a wannabe gentleman but without the history, breeding or elegance, and empty of intellect and panache.'

And Adam Kamani, chief executive of the MoveStreets property app, told MailOnline: 'It's fair to say Clarkson's new home wouldn't look out of place in Beverly Hills and so you can understand why it's been met with a certain degree of local backlash in what is essentially a quiet countryside community.

'It doesn't matter if you're replacing a block of London council flats for high-end apartments, or an old farm house for a mega-mansion, the gentrification of any area is always going to be hard to stomach for those who have called it their home for so many years. It probably doesn't help to rub salt in the wound by blowing the original property to smithereens and we expect this isn't the last chapter in the story of Clarkson versus Chipping Norton. '

Locals in Chadlington village have also had their say, with one anonymous woman telling MailOnline: 'It's too big isn't it? It's too big. It's a blot on the landscape as far as I am concerned, and selfishly it ruins the view of my walk'.

Another local man, who also did not wish to be named, told MailOnline: 'My wife quite likes it, but I don't really think it fits. It just looks a bit like a palace. You can have big farmhouses, but I just don't think it looks like a farmhouse really. If you look around here there are some nice farmhouses, you can build modern farm houses.

'There's a guy up the road who hasn't' done any better. He's got an even bigger house just up the top. That's the irony - Clarkson's got his view but at the back of him there's actually a builder who's built this absolutely gigantic house.'

And Kerry Wiggins, 37, said: 'It is what it is, the house that was there prior to him blowing it up was also nice. It was a lovely farmhouse, but it wasn't his taste so he blew it up. I can see it from upstairs. He can do what he likes.'

But James Forrester, managing director of property developer Stripe Homes based in Newcastle upon Tyne, told MailOnline: 'There are some that may consider Jeremy Clarkson's house too big, too bold and not in keeping with the local area, a bit like the man himself. But it's fair to say that these objections are probably due to previously formed personal opinions and a certain degree of envy, rather than a hatred of the actual property.

'Chipping Norton isn't the sleepy village it once was and in fact, a wealth of palatial properties have been built there in recent years, so Clarkson's certainly isn't the first.'

It comes as Clarkson's neighbour has launched a legal battle against his plans for a restaurant at his farm, while also claiming he called him a 'moron'.

Painting restorer Hamish Dewar says the 61-year-old motoring presenter also called him a 'busybody' in a row about Diddly Squat, a farm which became the subject of hit Amazon TV series Clarkson's Farm.

Mr Dewar says he fears the picturesque village of Chadlington, Oxfordshire, where the two live is turning into a 'Jeremy Clarkson theme park'.

Clarkson plans to build a 60-seater restaurant on the site of his farm shop, which currently hosts a small cafe inside a disused lambing shed. Mr Dewar has expressed concerns about proposals to expand the site - which sits directly at the top of the village.

He claims villagers are now afraid to complain about Clarkson's project out of concerns they 'might appear in one of the journalist's columns'. Mr Dewar, 65, has lived in the sleepy countryside village for 28 years - and says it has now been beset by tourists and traffic problems.

Jeremy Clarkson's huge new mansion with six bedrooms is being built on the site of his Diddly Squat Farm estate

Curdle Hill Farmhouse is pictured on the estated before it was blown up for the Amazon Prime TV show five years ago

Curdle Hill Farmhouse was blown up by the presenters in 2016 on Amazon Prime TV show The Grand Tour

Jeremy Clarkson's neighbour has launched a legal battle against his plans for a restaurant at his Diddly Squat farm - claiming the former Top Gear host called him a 'moron'

The new mansion on Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm estate in the Cotswolds is nearing completion

In October, Clarkson came face-to-face with angry villagers at a public meeting to answer concerns about his plans to develop his farm shop. Pictured on his farm

The new six-bedroom mansion stands on the Diddly Squat Farm estate and appears to be almost completed

The property is pictured during construction last December as the six-bedroom mansion takes shape on his 312-acre site

The home is being constructed on the site of Curdle Hill Farmhouse which the presenters blew up in 2016 on The Grand Tour

The wreckage of Curdle Hill Farmhouse on Diddly Squat Farm after it was blown up for The Grand Tour in 2016

The plans for the new six-bedroom property on the estate, which were released in 2016 at the time of the deliberate explosion

In May 2016, Clarkson submitted plans for the estate, which were validated by the council that July, before he sent an email round to local residents explaining his intention to blow up the old house

He said: 'I think people are quite wary of expressing their opinions because Clarkson tends to respond in his column in the Sunday Times. I think that means people are quite reluctant to speak out.

'He's written about me in the Sunday Times, calling me a busybody and a moron. He also described the chairman of the parish council in a very rude manner.'

Painting restorer Hamish Dewar (pictured) says the former Top Gear presenter, 61, also called him a 'busybody' in a row about Diddly Squat, a farm which became the subject of hit Amazon TV series Clarkson's Farm

The proposal has received 33 objections from local residents, along with a toxicology report suggesting the site is based on a former quarry and could be potentially toxic.

Consultee ERS Pollution, said the land is a former quarry which might be 'contaminated'. It claimed that the proposed site has been previously used as a quarry so may contain 'filled ground', while an investigation will have to be carried out before building can take place.

Mr Dewar outlined his concerns, saying: 'The concern is [Chadlington] is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

'If he gets permission for this restaurant, the amount of traffic will have a significant impact on the village.

'[Currently] there is very little to come and look at.

'But if there is a restaurant and a bar with an alcohol licence until 11pm at night, there is going to be many more cars coming into the village.'

Mr Dewar said he does not want it to appear as though the whole village is against Clarkson.

He added: 'A lot of people have expressed their comments and complaints regarding the planning application on the council's website. But the legal side of it, I'm doing on my own.'

While Clarkson has been criticised by some neighbours, he has been praised in the agricultural industry for his efforts to promote the sector

Clarkson's neighbour has launched a legal battle against his plans for a restaurant at his farm

Neighbour Mr Dewar says he fears the picturesque village of Chadlington is turning into a 'Jeremy Clarkson theme park'

Clarkson plans to build a 60-seater restaurant on the site of his farm shop, which currently hosts a small cafe inside a disused lambing shed

Mr Dewar has expressed concerns about proposals to expand the site - which sits directly at the top of the village

Mr Dewar claims villagers are now afraid to complain about Clarkson's project out of concerns they 'might appear in one of the journalist's columns'

Mr Dewar has lived in the sleepy countryside village for 28 years - and says it has now been beset by tourists and traffic problems

The Didly Squat Farm shop and temporary eating facility in the Oxfordshire countryside

The proposal has received 33 objections from local residents, along with a toxicology report suggesting the site is based on a former quarry and could be potentially toxic

A planning proposal for the facility at Didly Squat Farm has been submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council

Clarkson's planning permission application requests the local authority consent to build a 60-seater restaurant, along with 70 car parking spaces and an alcohol licence up until 11pm.

In the planning application to West Oxfordshire District Council, his team said Diddly Squat Farm is 'facing an acute reduction in the Basic Payment Scheme', a government subsidy, which is currently being phased out.

It said the payments will reduce from 83,298 to 0 over the period 2020 to 2028, meaning the business may begin to struggle financially over time, explaining his desire to expand now.

It read: 'It is reasonable for a farm business to investigate ways to replace this income with on farm diversification to create new income streams or expand existing enterprises.'

The application stated that the Government subsidy received by Diddly Squat Farm 'accounted for over 85 per cent of the business's profit' this year.

Mr Dewar added: 'It's a very beautiful area with beautiful views and this is completely out of character with the surrounding countryside.

'Clarkson got permission to build there for agricultural use and now he wants to change it into a cafe and restaurant without giving it a fair chance to be used for agriculture.'

While Clarkson has been criticised by some neighbours, he has been praised in the agricultural industry for his efforts to promote the sector.

Speaking at Cheltenham Literary Festival last month, author and farmer James Rebanks said Clarkson has done 'more for farmers in one series of Clarkson's Farm than Countryfile has achieved in 30 years'.

According to property website Rightmove, searches for homes in Chadlington increased by 511 per cent in June - the month Clarkson's Farm first debuted - compared to the same period in 2020.

The popularity of Clarkson's Farm on Amazon Prime has led to queues for the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, with neighbours growing concerned with the increase in traffic in the area

In October, Clarkson came face-to-face with angry villagers at a public meeting to answer concerns about his plans to develop his farm shop.

The controversial presenter called the meeting at the Memorial Hall in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, after hearing rumours of concerns about his exceptionally popular farm shop.

In a bid to quash his neighbours' fears, Mr Clarkson invited the local community to join him in the village hall to discuss the farm shop and enjoy cheese and wine.

Posters around Chadlington read: 'As there seems to be some debate in the village about what's going on at Diddly Squat, Jeremy Clarkson will be at the Memorial Hall to explain his plans and to take any questions you may have.

'Everybody from the area is welcome to attend. Cheese and wine will be provided.'

Fans from all over the country have been queuing up for two-and-a-half hours to get inside the Diddly Squat shop since the launch of the hit Amazon Prime show Clarkson's Farm, provoking some complaints from neighbours.

Police were even called out to manage traffic chaos in June, caused by hundreds of Jeremy Clarkson fans descending on his farm in the hope of meeting him and to check out his stock, which includes honey, chutney and T-shirts.

Villagers are divided over the impact of the shop, which opened less than a year ago, with some saying it has put Chadlington on the map and boosted the local economy.

The broadcaster bought the plot of land in 2008 and Clarkson's Farm follows the presenter's highs and lows of tackling the 1,000 acre working farm.

The presenter recently revealed he was 'the happiest he has ever been' and that he 'loved every second' of filming the new hit show.

His Diddly Squat shop is described as a 'small barn full of good, no-nonsense things' on its official website.

The Amazon Prime series follows an intense and frequently hilarious year in the life of Britain's most unlikely farmer and his team, as they contend with the worst farming weather in decades, disobedient animals, unresponsive crops, and an unexpected pandemic.

A second season of Clarkson's Farm was commissioned by Amazon in July 2021.
The wife of Liverpool cabbie David Perry says it is an 'utter miracle' he survived after a bomb carried by a passenger exploded in the back of his taxi.

CCTV captured the moment Mr Perry's cab became a fireball outside the reception of Liverpool Women's Hospital, shortly before the 11am two-minute silence was due to take place on Remembrance Sunday yesterday.

The huge blast blew out the windows of cab, though Mr Perry incredibly managed to stagger to safety six seconds later. Experts believe Mr Perry's survival may have been down to the bomb not working properly - with one suggesting the detonators exploded but failed to set off the main charge.

Others have suggested that the partition screen between him and the passenger saved his life.

Now, his wife has revealed Mr Perry is 'doing ok but is extremely sore', while adding that his escape was an 'utter miracle'.

Rachel Perry wrote on Facebook: 'I would just like to thank each and every one of you who has messaged asking how David is. He is doing ok but is extremely sore and trying to process what's happened.

'There are a lot of rumours flying round about him being a hero and locking the passenger inside the car. But the truth of the matter is, he is without doubt, lucky to be alive. The explosion happened whilst he was in the car and how he managed to escape is an utter miracle. He certainly had some guardian angels looking over him.'

Experts believe that Mr Perry managed to escape with just cuts and bruises because of a faulty bomb.

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that from what he has seen there is 'very little blast damage' indicating that whatever was in the vehicle was 'low yield or didn't work properly, or possibly an incendiary'.

David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, also suggested the detonator explosion failed to set-off the main charge, which allowed Mr Perry to escape without serious injury.

He tweeted: 'Any type of explosion in a confined space is devastating, here it blows out the windows and sends the entire windscreen into the sky.

'This makes obvious that the seat of the blast is where the taxi passenger was, and not the front where the driver was. The white smoke indicates the explosion was fuelled by some type of explosive, the fire then takes hold and the smoke changes colour as it consumes the car.

'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order, at a desired point, for there to be an explosion. Sometimes the components don't operate in order or when desired. It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge'.

Experts believe taxi driver David Perry's survival may have been down to the bomb not working properly

Hero taxi driver David Perry apparently locked a suicide bomber in his car before a blast ripped through the vehicle outside a maternity hospital in Liverpool on Sunday

Police believe the passenger brought the bomb into the cab and they are now probing whether the device failed to detonate properly

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at UCL Andrea Sella told MailOnline: 'The obvious point to make is that whatever the device was, it ''took off'' prematurely and burned rather than properly exploded.

'Explosions are classified into two types - deflagrations and detonations. The latter is what someone wanting to do big damage because detonations involve a supersonic shock wave which will cause real damage.

'Deflagrations give you low booms, often with a lot of fire. They are very destructive too but not in the same league as a detonation. Here it appears that the material caught fire and there was then a deflagration inside the taxi. The driver was presumably protected by the partition between the driver's cab and the passenger compartment.'

Examples of deflagration are gunpowder, the gas in a stove and an internal combustion engine, that rapidly combust but do not have the explosive impact of a detonation.

But detonation, such as smashing something with a hammer until it blows, causes the huge shockwaves seen in other blasts such as the one in Beirut last year.

Detonation is much more powerful than deflagration and happens within thousands of a second and can blow through solid objects such as concrete.

Meanwhile Professor Jackie Akhavan, head of explosive chemistry at Cranfield University, said the bomb likely malfunctioned which meant the driver survived.

POPPY DAY HOSPITAL EXPLOSION: HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY A picture shows the burnt out vehicle outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital on Sunday afternoon Sunday, November 14 10.57am: The taxi pulls up at the Liverpool Women's Hospital and explodes seconds later. 10.59am: The vehicle is fully engulfed just before the national silence for Remembrance Sunday. The passenger was killed and the driver was left with serious injuries. The latter is said to have spotted the explosives, 'jumped' from the car and locked the other man inside. At the time, a remembrance service involving scores of military personnel, veterans and civic dignitaries, was taking place at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral less than a mile away. There are reports the taxi parked at the hospital because it could not get any closer to the Cathedral. 11.04am: Police and emergency services arrive at the scene, and it is initially thought the car might have caught alight because of a fuel leak. 1pm: Officers, who are believed to have spoken to hero taxi driver David Perry, announce the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. 4.54pm: Police seal off Rutland Avenue (right). Around a mile from the blast. Locals said armed police ordered residents to leave and head to a nearby leisure centre, saying the area 'wasn't safe' and were 'pointing guns at a house'. Counter-terror negotiators were also called to the scene. 6.59pm: The men - aged 29, 26, and 21 - were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act. Monday, November 15 3.30am: The operation at the Rutland Avenue address appears to wind down. 10am: Footage of the explosion emerges on CCTV from the scene. Advertisement

She said: 'There was no blast wave. Therefore this was not a detonation. That is why the driver survived. Only blast waves occur when there is a detonation. I would assume that the bomb malfunctioned.'

She went on: 'As this was not a detonation I am not surprised that the driver did not die. It looks as though this was an explosion with the generation of a large amount of gas at a pressure which was sufficient to blow out the windows of the car.

'The pressure of the gases was not sufficient to harm the driver. Human bodies are very flexible and therefore can survive high pressures whereas windows are very brittle and easily break.'

Professor Clifford Jones, visiting professor at Chester University, said: 'It seems to me that the heat, not the blast, was the lethal factor.

'That signifies that the bomb was composed not of a high explosive such as TNT but of a hydrocarbon substance, most likely gasoline.'

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, said he was unsure what caused it but pointed out it appeared to be a weak explosion.

He said: 'There are many reasons why explosives behave in the way they do, ranging from chemicals being faulty to them being put together in the wrong quantities or assembled incorrectly.

He added: 'It could be that any device has been assembled using a low yield explosive (such as flammable substances).'

Dr Joseph Downing, a fellow in nationalism at LSE who studies security and terrorism, said he was alarmed the attack was on a hospital.

He said: 'It's quite strange and a worrying new pivot towards such a 'soft' target as a hospital that we have not seen before in Europe.'

The male passenger killed in the blast had asked to go to the hospital around ten minutes from his home in Rutland Avenue, but friends of the taxi driver believe the target may have been less than a mile away at the city's Service of Remembrance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered.

Police say the bomb was brought into the cab by the male passenger, who was the only person killed in the explosion. Reports also claim that Mr Perry had locked the doors to stop the suspect from running into the hospital with the bomb.

Boris Johnson today hailed Mr Perry, 45 and a married father-of-two, telling reporters: 'It does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery.'

Friends have also described his escape as 'a miracle'. One said: 'I can't believe he wasn't more seriously injured. Let's be honest we're all lucky whoever made the bomb was a bit rubbish.'

Another added: 'David's the luckiest man in Britain, as well as the most heroic'.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West said he had spoken to the taxi driver, but at the time he was still shaken and injured.

He said police had not yet got a full account of the incident from the driver.

Mr Jackson said he could not confirm reports the driver had locked the doors of the taxi before the explosion.

He said it appeared to have been an 'unremarkable journey' to the hospital.

Friends meanwhile described how Mr Perry noticed his passenger was acting strangely.

One said: 'David noticed the man had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, it didn't look right at all. They couldn't get there, the roads were blocked off.

'The man changed his mind and asked to go to the city centre instead. But when they were going past the Women's Hospital he said to pull in there. It was just before 11. David noticed the man had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, it didn't look right at all.

'I don't know how he's done it with a split second's thought but David's jumped out and locked the car with this guy in the back. As soon as he did, it's gone off. If this guy got in the hospital God knows what could have happened. David's the luckiest man in Britain as well as the most heroic.'

Another friend added: 'David suffered cuts and bruises, a perforated ear drum and needed stitches in his ear.

'He'll be sore in the morning but he's home. I'm just glad no new babies were leaving at the time.

'For David to have probably been terrified and think so fast and then end up OK? It's amazing.'

These are the events that led to the explosion outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday and the arrests and raids that followed

Three men have been arrested as part of a terror probe after the explosion at Liverpool Women's Hospital seconds before the 11am Remembrance Sunday silence began

A fundraiser was last night set up by some of Mr Perry's Liverpool taxi driver colleagues to help him and his family recover from the ordeal. It had made 8,500 within hours.

Carl Bessant, whose partner had just had a baby at the hospital, said: 'She was feeding the baby when it happened. We heard a loud bang and looked out of the window.

'We saw the car on fire and someone jumped out... screaming, and there was someone inside the car. The hospital shut down, no-one in or out, so they said, but people were using the back entrance.'

The explosion 'has been declared a terrorist incident' but the motivation is 'yet to be understood', police said in a statement today.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West said: 'It is not clear what the motivation for this incident is.

'Our enquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.

'The reason why he then took it to the Women's Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion.

'We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

'We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

'Although, the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation.

'Our enquiries will now continue to seek to understand how the device was built, the motivation for the incident and to understand if anyone else was involved in it.'

The incident took place at Liverpool Women's Hospital as a remembrance service involving scores of military personnel, veterans and civic dignitaries, was happening at the city's Anglican Cathedral less than a mile away

The hero taxi driver runs from the vehicle and appears to point away from the car, warning people to stay away because of what has unfolded inside

By 10.59am the car was fully alight and Mr Perry had been carried away by a member of the hospital security team

He added: 'The circumstances as we understand them to be are that yesterday, shortly before 11am, a local taxi driver picked up a fare in the Rutland Avenue area of Liverpool. The fare - a man - had asked to be taken to Liverpool Women's Hospital which was about 10 minutes away.

'As the taxi approached the drop-off point at the hospital an explosion occurred from within the car.

UK's terror threat level upped to 'severe' The UK's terrorism threat level has been raised after two attacks in the space of a month. It is now listed as 'severe', which means an attack is 'highly likely'. The threat level had been lowered to 'substantial' in February, meaning an attack is 'likely', after being raised to severe in November last year. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and MI5 are responsible for setting the international and domestic threat levels respectively, taking into account available intelligence, terrorist intentions and capability as well as potential timescales for attacks. Speaking to broadcasters, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: 'The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, Jtac, are now increasing the United Kingdom's threat level from substantial to severe. 'And there's a reason for that, and that reason is because what we saw yesterday is the second incident in a month.' Advertisement

'This quickly engulfed it in flames. Remarkably the taxi driver escaped from the cab. He has been treated for his injuries that he sustained and he's now been released from hospital.

'Emergency services quickly attended the scene and Merseyside Fire and Rescue put out the fire following which it quickly became apparent that the passenger remained in the vehicle and was deceased.

Army Ordinance Disposal officers have examined the scene at the hospital and made the area safe.

'Following discussions with Ordinance Disposal Officers, we are able to confirm that this is being treated as the ignition of an explosive device.

'Our enquiries also indicate that the device was brought into the cab by the passenger.

'We believe we know the identity of the passenger but cannot confirm this at this time.'

He also confirmed that a fourth man, aged 20, had been arrested today. Three others, aged 21, 26 and 29 were arrested yesterday under S41 of the Terrorism Act yesterday.

Officers are searching two addresses - one in Sutcliffe Street and a second at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, where 'significant items' have been found, he said.

A cordon is in place and eight families have been evacuated as a result.

Investigators have 'attributed' the passenger to both the addresses but investigators are not yet sure where he lived.

They are looking into his associates, telephone records and purchases he may have made.

Liverpool Women's Hospital said visiting access had been restricted 'until further notice' and there was an increased security and police presence on the site.

Boris Johnson will today chair a COBRA meeting called over the Liverpool Women's Hospital suicide bomb after police confirmed it is being treated as a terror attack and arrested a fourth suspect as footage of the horrifying moment the car exploded outside a maternity hospital also emerged.

In response to the explosion, anti-terror police carried out raids across the city yesterday, arresting three men, aged 21, 26 and 29, under the Terrorism Act in the Kensington area of the city and evacuating dozens of homes in an operation that remained ongoing into Monday morning.

And last night huge numbers of armed police and a negotiation team swarmed around a large Victorian property in Rutland Avenue, Liverpool, amid reports of a person of interest inside.

Locals said armed police ordered residents to leave, saying the area 'wasn't safe' and were 'pointing guns at a house'. Residents of the street were given five minutes to grab some belongings before being evacuated. The operation appears to have ended at around 3.30am and the cordon remains in place this morning.

Despite the shock of staff and patients at Europe's largest maternity hospital as the vehicle burned yards from their front door, sources close to Mr Perry's family today told MailOnline how it was not thought to be the original target of the suspected bombing and that the driver's actions potentially saved dozens of lives.

Sources said the experienced cabbie picked up a fare who initially asked to be taken to Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, half a mile from the hospital, where a Remembrance Sunday parade ended and a memorial event featuring thousands of servicemen, veterans and dignitaries was being held.

'Suicide bomber's first target was Poppy Day parade': 'Terrorist' wanted to go to cathedral but asked to go to hospital instead when route was blocked by traffic, says cabbie's friend

By Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter and Rory Tingle, Home Affairs Correspondent For Mailonline

A 'terrorist' who detonated a suspected suicide bomb outside a hospital wanted to go to the nearby cathedral where a Remembrance Sunday service was being held but found the streets were blocked, it was claimed today.

Cabbie David Perry had the suspect inside his car when it blew up just before 11am outside Liverpool Women's Hospital. He managed to escape alive and has been branded a hero after apparently locking the doors to stop him entering the hospital.

Detectives say the male passenger who died in the blast had asked to go to the hospital, around ten minutes' drive from his home in Rutland Avenue, which police have sealed off.

Friends of Mr Perry believe the actual target may have been the city's nearby Service of Remembrance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered less than a mile from the hospital. Roads around the cathedral had been closed before the 11am Poppy Day event.

These are the events that led to the explosion outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday and the arrests and raids that followed

This is the moment the taxi carrying an alleged suicide bomber exploded outside a Liverpool hospital in what police and MI5 are now probing as a Poppy Day terror attack

One friend suggested that he had originally asked to go to the cathedral but found the way was blocked.

He told MailOnline: 'They couldn't get there, the roads were blocked off. The man changed his mind and asked to go to the city centre instead.

'But when they were going past the Women's Hospital he said to pull in there. It was just before 11. [The driver] noticed the man had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, it didn't look right at all.'

Speaking at press conference this morning, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West revealed the theory that the man was targeting the nearby cathedral was a 'line of enquiry'.

He said: 'The reason why he then took it to the Women's Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion. We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

'We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of enquiry we are pursuing.'

Ahead of this afternoon's COBRA meeting at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the the taxi driver caught up in the Liverpool explosion acted with 'incredible presence of mind and bravery' while the city's Mayor Joanne Anderson said: 'The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital', adding that he had 'locked the doors' to keep the bomber in the back.

After the 11am bombing, three men aged 21, 26 and 29 were arrested yesterday under S41 of the Terrorism Act at a terraced house Sutcliffe Street, Liverpool.

Unverified footage of the raid, shared on social media, suggests that one team of officers came over the back wall on a ladder to prevent any escapes. This morning, again in the Kensington area, a further man aged 20 was arrested on suspicion of the same terror offence.

CCTV has emerged capturing the horrifying moment Mr Perry's taxi became a fireball outside the reception of Liverpool Women's Hospital, shortly before the 11am minute's silence was due to take place yesterday.

The dark-coloured taxi is seen pulling into the hospital car park at speed but it explodes before it comes to a halt outside the reception.

All the windows shattered and smoke pours out of the car before a dazed Mr Perry opens the driver's door and staggers out into the road around six seconds after the blast.

The injured taxi driver then appears to warn others to stay away from the car and there has also been praise for a man in high-viz yellow who runs towards the blazing taxi to help him.

Around 30 seconds after the explosion, with smoke belching out of the car, it is engulfed by flames with the bomber still inside. One witness can be seen looking into the back seat passenger. He decides the passenger is dead and can't be saved.

Police are scrambling to discover the bomber's true target. If it was the hospital, Dr Joseph Downing, a fellow in nationalism at LSE who studies security and terrorism, told MailOnline: 'It's quite strange and a worrying new pivot towards such a 'soft' target as a hospital that we have not seen before in Europe.'
A new type of Covid vaccine delivered through a skin patch is being developed by scientists in Oxford.

Manufacturers hope it will spark longer-lasting protection against the coronavirus, potentially ending the need for seasonal boosters.

Researchers are already working on creating Covid vaccines that are administered by skin patches that primarily spark antibodies to fight off the disease.

But Oxfordshire-based company Emergex wants its vaccine to trigger a killer T cell response, which could prevent the virus from even spreading.

It is now entering stage one clinical trials which will see it administered to 26 people in Lausanne, Switzerland.

If successful, the thumbnail-sized vaccine  made of tiny microneedles that pierce the skin  could be available by 2025.

The Emergex vaccine aims to use a skin patch (pictured), which would see the dose administered by a skin patch covered with microneedles

Researchers from Carolina and Stanford University have developed a microneedle vaccine patch that outperforms a needle jab to boost immunity. It also doesn't need to reach as deep as a needle, researchers claim

Current vaccines, including ones made by AstraZeneca and Pfizer, aim to trigger an antibody immune response.

They work by exposing the body to Covid spike proteins used by the virus to invade cells, in case it gets infected in future.

If the coronavirus is detected, the immune system is ready to create Covid-specific antibodies that work to prevent an infection taking hold.

How does the Emergex vaccine work? Current vaccines, including ones made by AstraZeneca and Pfizer, aim to trigger an antibody immune response. They work by exposing the body to Covid spike proteins used by the virus to invade cells, in case it gets infected in future. If the coronavirus is detected, the immune system is ready to create Covid-specific antibodies that work to prevent an infection taking hold. But the antibody response can wane over time. T cells  which are also made by the current crop of vaccines but to a lesser extent  offer longer-lasting protection, top scientists say. The Emergex vaccine aims to trigger killer T cells, which destroy infected cells to stop viruses making millions of copies of themselves. It contains an antigen only found on the surface of infected cells. This then triggers the immune system to activate a specific T cell that searches for cells with this protein on their surface. When the T cells finds one, it hits the 'kill switch' and destroys it. Advertisement

But the antibody response can wane over time.

T cells  which are also made by the current crop of vaccines but to a lesser extent  offer longer-lasting protection, top scientists say.

The Emergex vaccine aims to trigger killer T cells, which destroy infected cells to stop viruses making millions of copies of themselves.

It contains an antigen only found on the surface of infected cells.

This then stimulates the immune system to activate a specific T cell that searches for cells with this protein on their surface.

When the T cells finds one, it hits the 'kill switch' and destroys it.

Scientists developing the vaccine say that the antigen it targets does not usually mutate, which could make the dose bullet-proof against future variants.

Emergex is aiming for its Covid vaccine to be delivered through a skin patch.

Other companies are also developing Covid vaccines that are given through skin patches.

In Australia, researchers are testing one that contains 5,000 microneedles.

It is pushed into the skin using a machine, and left in place for ten seconds to deliver the vaccine.

Researchers say the needles are too small to make it painful, and that it instead feels like a quick flick.

Chief executive officer of Emergex and emeritus professor of molecular medicine at UCL Thomas Rademacher said: 'Our T cell priming vaccine for Covid has been specifically designed to stimulate a T cell response to kill viral infected cells before they become factories for the virus.

'The preclinical data we have suggests that our vaccine will elicit a strong T cell response similar to the longer lasting immune response that is found after many natural viral infections.

'Our vaccine is targeted to generate an immune response against highly conserved internal parts of the virus and potentially protect us against current and new variants and related strains of coronaviruses such as SARS-1.'

Britain is already rolling out booster shots to over-50s and, from today, is now set to offer them to over-40s from six months after their second dose.

SAGE advisers have suggested that repeated Covid vaccinations may be needed every year to shore up the wall of protection  as with flu.

But there have already been concerns over uptake during this second drive, as figures show just three quarters of over-75s have already got their doses.

Professor Michael Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M), said that repeat vaccinations could keep Covid at bay.

He told Sky News: 'In the longer term, Covid is likely to become endemic and we probably are going to have to manage it with repeated vaccination campaigns for years to come.'

Asked whether he felt confident about a 'normal Christmas', Professor Tildesley added: 'I'm cautiously optimistic.

'If we look at (the trends) we can see that although there has been quite a lot of variation over the past few weeks, and we're still reporting very high numbers of cases, the total number of daily hospital admissions and the total number of deaths are quite a long way below where we were in November last year, which should give us some level of confidence.'

He added: 'The booster vaccination campaign is going far better than it was a few weeks ago, but there's still quite a lot of eligible people who have not yet had their booster jab.

'So it's really important if we do want to avoid restrictions ramping up that we get as many of those people out to get their booster jabs as possible over the next few weeks.'
Oil giant Shell today announced it will move its headquarters and tax residence to the UK and drop 'Royal Dutch' from its name for the first time in 130 years.

The decision was hailed as a 'clear vote of confidence in the British economy' that will 'create jobs' by business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng. The firm pays hundreds of millions of pounds worth of taxes every year, which will now go to the Treasury.

Board meetings at what will now be known as 'Shell Plc' will be held in Britain, while the chief executives and finance bosses will be based in the country from now on.

The plans come after consumer goods giant Unilever became a wholly British company at the end of the last year after it completed a merger of its Dutch and UK corporate entities.

Board meetings at what will now be known as 'Shell Plc' will be held in Britain, while the chief executives and finance bosses will be based in the country from now on

Shell has been in a long-running tussle with the Dutch authorities over the country's 15% dividend withholding tax, which Shell sought to avoid paying with its two share classes. Its new structure would resolve that issue.

From selling seashells from the seashore... to an oil supermajor In 1833, Marcus Samuel decided to expand his London business. He already sold antiques but decided to try selling oriental seashells as well, capitalising on their popularity in the interior design industry at that time. The demand was so great that he began importing the shells from the Far East as part of the 'Shell' Transport and Trading Company. When Marcus Samuel senior died in 1870 he passed the business on to his two sons, Marcus junior and Samuel, who expanded it into the oil exporting business. In 1907, the Shell Transport and Trading Company merged with the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, based in the Netherlands, to become the Royal Dutch Shell Group. The firm went through decades of rapid expansion and was the fifth largest company in the world by 2020 revenues. It has long maintained its Anglo-Dutch corporate identity until today's decision to move entirely to Britain.

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The decision also follows pressure by activists in the Netherlands for the company to slash its harmful emissions.

In May, a Dutch court ordered Shell to deepen its planned greenhouse gas emission cuts in order to align with the Paris climate deal which aims to limit global warming to 1.5C.

Shell insisted today's move would not have any impact on the legal proceedings and said it will appeal.

The Dutch government reacted with fury to the announcement, with Economic Affairs Minister Stef Blok saying: 'We are unpleasantly surprised by this. The cabinet deeply regrets this intention.

'We are in talks with Shell about the implications of this move for jobs, critical investment decisions and sustainability. Those are hugely important,' Blok added.

Shell said it was not abandoning the Netherlands and would no longer qualify for the Royal Dutch designation following the proposed changes.

In London today shareholders can buy an A share or a B share in Shell. By folding these share categories into each other the company would be 'simpler for investors to understand and value', Shell said.

It will reverse a structure that the business took on in 2005 when Shell abandoned its dual-listed structure in the UK and the Netherlands.

Instead the two arms unified under one group, with a dual-share structure, an incorporation in the UK, and Dutch tax residency.

'It was not envisaged at the time of unification that the current A/B share structure would be permanent,' Shell said.

The company's chair Sir Andrew Mackenzie said: 'The simplification will normalise our share structure under the tax and legal jurisdictions of a single country and make us more competitive.

'As a result, Shell will be better positioned to seize opportunities and play a leading role in the energy transition.

'At a time of unprecedented change for the industry, it's even more important that we have an increased ability to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon global energy system.'

Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng welcomed the announcement this morning

He said it was 'welcome news' and was part of [Shell's] plans to accelerate the transition to green energy'

Shares will continue to be listed in Amsterdam, London and New York, it added.

They rallied 2% in London today but fell in Amsterdam.

Kwasi Kwarteng tweeted: 'Welcome news that Shell is proposing to relocate its Group HQ to the United Kingdom as part of their plans to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

'A clear vote of confidence in the British economy as we work to strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and create jobs.'

The largest Dutch pension fund, ABP, last month said it would stop investing in all fossil fuel companies.

It comes after Daniel Loeb, founder of New York-based hedge fund Third Point, took a stake in Shell to demand change.

'Third Point called for a break-up of Shell into several entities and there is no hint of such a strategy in the announcement' today, noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

'Having one legal and tax domicile can increase speed of movement by reducing legal and financial complexity when it comes to acquisitions, disposals, cash returns to investors or fundraisings,' he sai.

Friends of the Earth insisted Shell's relocation would not affect its court case forcing the company to slash emissions. Pictured is the company's London HQ

Stuart Joyne, from share research firm Redburn said: 'This will allow faster buybacks and bring Shell's tax residency into line with its country of incorporation in the United Kingdom. This is a clear post-Brexit win for the UK.'

Adam Matthews, chief responsible investment officer of the Church of England's pensions board, said: 'If this decision will enable the company to be more agile in order to execute its transition to net zero, then it should be viewed positively.

'We would be keen to understand how this will drive a more ambitious transition in line with the steps the company still need to take.'

Friends of the Earth insisted Shell's relocation would not affect its court case forcing the company to slash emissions.
Earl Spencer revealed today that he had rejected The Crown's request to film at his family home of Althorp, telling the producers: 'Thank you but no thank you.'

The forthcoming fifth series of the royal Netflix drama stars Elizabeth Debicki as his late sister, Diana, Princess of Wales - taking over from Emma Corrin in series four.

The new season is expected to dramatise Diana's headline-making BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir in 1995 as well as other key events in her later life.

Earlier this year, a scathing report by Lord Dyson concluded the BBC covered up 'deceitful behaviour' used by Mr Bashir to secure the bombshell interview.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast at his family estate in Northamptonshire, Earl Spencer said he had declined when producers of The Crown asked to film on the site.

Earl Spencer told BBC Breakfast reporter Sally Nugent in today's programme that he had rejected The Crown's request to film at his family home of Althorp in Northamptonshire

The forthcoming fifth series of the Netflix drama The Crown stars Elizabeth Debicki as Diana

He said: 'They applied. They wanted to shoot here. But I don't really do that stuff. Actually, to be honest, I don't watch The Crown so I just said: 'Thank you but no thank you.'

In May, Lord Dyson's report into Diana's Panorama interview concluded Bashir was in 'serious breach' of the BBC's producer guidelines when he faked bank statements and showed them to Earl Spencer to gain access to the princess for the interview.

It led to a call from the Duke of Cambridge for the interview never to be aired again.

Earl Spencer said there remains 'a long way to go' with the investigation into the events surrounding the programme and did not rule out legal action.

He said: 'Lord Dyson did a very good job. His brief was tiny. It was to look at a very specific area and there is still so much more to look at in the broader terms of who was responsible for what.

Princess Diana is seen during her interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC's Panorama in 1995

Lord Dyson released a report in May into Diana's BBC interview with Martin Bashir in 1995

'How did it come to this? Did documents get hidden from view? All sorts of really important stuff which is yet to come out.

'So I see the Lord Dyson report as a very welcome development but there is still a long way to go with this.'

He said it is clear to him 'there are certain people who were in the BBC who have behaved in a way that is truly abysmal and possibly criminal'.

Asked how far he would take his investigation, he said: 'That is the question and I have got people looking at that, and we will see.

Earl Spencer said he declined when producers of The Crown asked to film at Althorp House

Earl Spencer (left), pictured with Princess Diana and Prince Charles at a birthday party in 1985

'It is not going to end now. I am not saying that as some ugly threat. It just can't stop now as there is still more to come out.'

Speaking about a potential private legal case, he added: 'Everything is possible at this stage. I just wouldn't want to box myself into a corner here.'

A BBC spokesman said: 'Today's BBC has aimed to be as open and transparent as possible about the events of 25 years ago.

'We held an independent, judge-led investigation which was concluded within six months and, separately, BBC News commissioned an edition of Panorama in which journalists robustly investigated their own employer.

Martin Bashir (pictured in April) who interviewed Diana for the BBC's Panorama in 1995

Season four of The Crown features Josh O'Connor and Emma Corrin as Charles and Diana

'While the BBC cannot turn back the clock after a quarter of a century, we made a full and unconditional apology the day Lord Dyson's report was published.'

The fifth series of The Crown, due to air in November 2022, will see Dominic West star as the Prince of Wales opposite Debicki as Diana.

The Wire star West takes over the role of Charles from Josh O'Connor, while The Night Manager actress Debicki will replace Emma Corrin.

Imelda Staunton will take over the role of the Queen from Olivia Colman, while Jonathan Pryce will replace Tobias Menzies as the Duke of Edinburgh and Lesley Manville will take on Princess Margaret, following in the footsteps of Helena Bonham Carter.
A romance fraudster who fleeced two women and carried out a 160,000 banking scam has been jailed for four years.

Prince Rodriguez, 28, left one of his victims suffering sleepless nights and was branded heartless by judge Philip Katz.

The judge outlined the first romance fraud, inflicted on an elderly woman, named only as Ms Dale, as he sentenced Rodriguez at the Old Bailey.

It seems that over a very sustained period of time that elderly lady was the subject of a callous and sophisticated fraud involving a large number of people stealing her savings.

You played the role of someone called Mr Felix in an attempt to get her to launder some Sterling into Euros, effectively manipulating her into allowing you to use her bank account.

'Heartless' romance scammer Prince Rodriguez, 28, has been sentenced to four years in prison after defrauding two women and being involved in a 160,000 banking scam

Followed up by phone calls on your part...pressured her to make transfers in your favour.

Ms Dale said in a victim impact statement read to the court: I am a happy and easy going person who would help anyone but because of my good willed nature I have been manipulated to give to someone I trusted my hard earned money.

I often have sleepless night because of the disappointment and worry over this.

I am a believer that good people are in this world still...but I have been truly let down.

Alex du Sautoy, prosecuting, said the second romance fraud related to a woman called Ms Hershman who was contacted in 2015 by someone named Mr Benson.

The prosecution's case is that Mr Rodriguez was posing as Mr Benson.

He told her he was in Malaysia with his daughter and needed money.

She sent money to several different accounts [under his instruction].

In July last year Barclays contacted Ms Hershman about payments of over 25,000 made to three different accounts.

It transpires all those transfers were made by Mr Rodriguez.

Rodriguez also made an application for vehicle finance for the lease of a Mercedes E class valued at 45,000.

He submitted false documents including a Barclays bank statement and proof of employment to support his application.

He was also involved in a telephone bank scam totalling more than 157,000, the court heard.

James Higbee, defending, said Rodriguez saw it all as electronic money and could not see how his actions were affecting the victims involved.

He has come to terms with the exact gravity of what he has done.

He is so young. Young at the time of starting these offences. I would not say naive... but immature as to the impact on other people.

In relation to the romance frauds Rodriguez' defence barrister, James Higbee, said:

The defendant was selling items on Craigslist and was contacted by other people who he now knows to be fraudsters.

They said do you want to be part of our wider scheme.'

He said that Rodriguez was then inducted into a wider group and the romance fraud scams relating to Ms Dale and Ms Hershman were schemes run by that larger operation.

Judge Katz told the fraudster: The fact of the matter is once you started offending you were pretty determined to show that you were dishonest, persistent and heartless.

Sentencing him to a total of four years in prison, he left Rodriguez with these words: It is up to you what you make of your life when you are released.

I take everything the probation service have said with a pinch of salt.

I hope you turn your life around.

Prince - also known as Husam Rodriguez - of Bayston Road, Hackney, east London, admitted four counts of fraud by false representation, two counts of possessing control article for use in fraud, one count of possessing criminal property, one count of transferring criminal property, and two counts of harassment in breach of a restraining order.A
The mother of the 11-year-old who survived a plane crash on Beaver Island has revealed her daughter was saved by her husband's final actions as the plane descended.

Christina Perdue, who identified her daughter as Laney, said that her daughter's final memory of the incident was of her father Mike shielding her as the the twin-engine Britton-Norman BN-2 aircraft crashed.

In a statement obtained by WZZM, the mother-of-four said: 'We are heartbroken with the loss of my husband, a father, brother, son and friend.

'He gave the best bear hugs, and I believe he grabbed our daughter and protected her. It's her last memory before the crash.'

A fundraising campaign has also been set up to help support the family in the aftermath of the incident, with the initial goal of $50,000 already having been surpassed.

Christina Perdue (right), who named her 11-year-old child involved in the crash as Laney, said that her daughter's final memory of the incident was of her father Mike (left) shielding her

It comes after a Michigan couple who were also killed in the plane crash posted a video of a flight they took over Beaver Island just days before the fatal accident.

Kate Lease and Adam Kendal had recently moved to the island in Northern Lake Michigan and were reportedly planning on opening a vineyard together called Antho Vineyards when they were killed in a fatal crash on the island Saturday afternoon.

The couple referred to themselves on social media as 'travelers-turned-farmers' on their social media profile, and said they had lived in '200+ places in an Airstream and [an] old boat since 2016.'

On Thursday, they posted a video showing the wheels of a flight they were taking hovering several miles above the Beaver Island shoreline, with the caption: 'Flying (again!) to take the big dog back to his third vet appointment. Crossing all the fingers and toes for better news.'

In another post, on October 29, the couple shared another image of a flight they took over the island, showing trees of every color surrounding one road leading to the beach.

Kate Lease (left) and Adam Kendal (right) were two of the victims of Saturday's plane crash, which also killed Mike Perdue and the pilot, who has yet to be identified. Perdue's 11-year-old daughter Laney was the only survivor

Just days before the fatal crash, the couple posted a video of a flight they took over the island

It read: 'That little bitty road leads to one of our favorite campgrounds, and now somehow we live on the other side of the epic view. Life is wild.'

They used their shared Instagram page,'lifewithoutwaiting,' to post pictures of their cross-country adventures and share photos of their dogs, Frank and Barker.

One posted on Friday showed the two dogs laying on top of a bed in the back of an ambulance they converted into a living space, and another posted that same day featured Lease and Kendal standing outside a trailer with their two dogs, which they called a 'family photo.'

'We've owned this airstream going on six years and this is our very first family photo in the doorway,' the caption read. 'Thanks @mmivphoto for these impromptu happy shots. I always want to remember us like this.'

Kate and Adam posted a 'family photo' outside their trailer on Friday

They also used their Instagram to share photos of their dogs, Frank and Barker, who were also killed in the fatal crash on Saturday

Kendal, Lease and their two dogs all perished in the plane crash on Saturday afternoon that also killed local realtor Mike Perdue and the pilot, whose name has not yet been released.

An 11-year-old girl, Laney Perdue, was the only survivor.

The Island Airways passenger flight was flying from Beaver Island Airport in Charlevoix into Welke Airport at the time of the crash, according to the Petosky News-Review.

The Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office said that the plane took off at 1.32pm with the five passengers and crashed when nearing the airport at 1.47pm.

A Coast Guard helicopter was conducting training when they received the emergency alarm of the accident. They could reportedly see debris on the island and local medical teams already responding.

The helicopter airlifted two people to the hospital - a man and 11-year-old Laney, but only the youngster survived.

The Beaver Island Fire Department released a picture of the scene (above) after the plane crashed on its way into Welke Airport

The Coast Guard said that officers were performing chest compressions on her while she was being rushed to the hospital.

She was in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon, according to ABC News, and said she remembers her father protecting her as the plane crash-landed.

According to Island Airways, this is the first crash the airline has ever had.

The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Another airline operating out of Beaver Island experienced a fatal crash on a foggy day in February 2001 when a pilot and passenger were killed when the plane landed in a thicket of trees nearly two miles short of the airport runway.

A mother and her three children survived and waited in the woods to be rescued, withstanding winter temperatures for more than 15 hours, according to the News-Review.
The parents of Reeva Steenkamp have blasted her jailed killer Oscar Pistorius for showing no remorse as the disgraced athlete bids to be freed on parole after serving half his sentence.

June and Barry Steenkamp said the situation is a 'horror story' just days after the Paralympian wrote them an 'emotionally distressing' letter as part of South Africa's 'restorative justice' parole process.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain from their Port Elizabeth home, June said: 'He's shown no remorse and he would only show remorse I think if it contributes to his getting out of jail.

The parents of Reeva Steenkahmp have blasted her jailed killer Oscar Pistorius for showing no remorse

June and Barry Steenkamp said the situation is a 'horror story' just days after the Paralympian wrote them an 'emotionally distressing' letter

'We haven't had the full story. I don't believe that it's the truth, he changed his mind three times under oath to a different story and we don't believe that's the truth of the story.

'That's what we want, the truth. This has been a horror story for us.'

Pistorius, 34, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Ms Steenkamp multiple times through a toilet door at his home in Pretoria, South Africa, on Valentine's Day 2013.

He claimed he had mistaken the 29-year-old model and law graduate, who was famous in her own right in South Africa, for an intruder but was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison.

The sentence was increased in 2015 to 13 years and five months after he was found guilty of murder on appeal.

Pistorius, 34, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Ms Steenkamp multiple times

But Pistorius may now be released on parole after serving six years in a low-security jail in Pretoria.

As part of the parole process, he penned a letter to Mr and Mrs Steenkamp which their lawyer described as 'like ripping a Band-Aid off a wound'.

Speaking today, Barry said: 'June and myself, we were dumbfounded.

'I think the letter was sent to us to do with the parole that is coming up and yes, it's only June and I and our lawyer that has seen what has been written in it and we've kept quiet and we don't want to push it out to anyone as to what was said. We might let people know at a later stage but not now, what was written by Oscar.'

The grieving father added: 'One day I would like to talk to Oscar, man to man.

'I'd like to talk to him, June and myself we feel there are still a lot of things to come out of this story and we're hoping that Oscar will tell us the truth, and that's the reason why I'm the one who would like to speak to Oscar.

'I would like to have a chat to him one day and we'll see how it goes from there.'

Pistorius may now be released on parole after serving six years in a low-security jail in Pretoria

Asked if Pistorius should serve the entirety of his sentence, June said: 'He must serve whatever his full time, in my eyes, he still must pay for what he's done. And that's what we're expecting.'

Susanna Reid then asked the parents if they could ever forgive their daughter's killer.

But June said: 'Sorry is not enough in any case. It's not enough for losing her life, her future was ahead of her. Now she has no wedding, we have no grandchildren and she never would have her wedding dress.

'She had nothing. He took everything away from her and us and that is something that is important to me, the things that she would never have had.

'I forgave him through God because I believe in God. I'm a Christian, and I had to. God was asked to forgive him, but it doesn't mean that he hasn't got to pay for what he's done. He showed no remorse, and we don't believe the story.

'We don't believe the story that he gave. We don't know how it came to that. We want the truth.'

Speaking after the couple received the letter, their lawyer Tania Koen, told the Mirror: 'I cannot divulge the contents of that letter.

'It was quite emotionally distressing for them. They did not know it was coming and it was sent to me by his attorney.'

Pistorius, 34, has been eligible for parole since July after he was convicted of murder for shooting model Reeva Steenkamp (pictured) multiple times through a toilet door in his home Pretoria, South Africa, on Valentine's Day 2013

The Paralympic gold medalist sent her parents June and Barry Steenkamp an 'emotionally distressing' letter as part of South Africa's 'restorative justice' parole process whereby prisoners must take responsibility for their actions

Oscar Pistorius' criminal timeline February 14 2013 - Pistorius is arrested at his home in Pretoria after shooting dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. February 19 - Reeva's funeral is held in Port Elizabeth. Pistorius appears in court for the first day of his bail hearing. Prosecutor Gerrie Nel says Pistorius fired four shots through a bathroom door, hitting Steenkamp three times. His defence reads a statement by Pistorius in which he says he thought Steenkamp was an intruder. August 19 - Pistorius is charged with premeditated murder on what would have been Reeva's 30th birthday. March 3, 2014 - Pistorius pleads not guilty in court to murder and three gun charges. September 11 - The judge acquits Pistorius of pre-meditated and second-degree murder. But she says he acted 'negligently' in the killing. The judge announces she will continue delivering her verdict, including on a charge of culpable homicide on September 12. September 12 - Pistorius is found GUILTY of culpable homicide of Steenkamp. Also found guilty on one firearm charge of firing a gun in a restaurant. October 21 - Pistorius is sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison, with a three-year suspended term for firearms offences. November 4 - Prosecutors appeal the sentencing, saying it was 'shockingly light, inappropriate and would not have been imposed by any reasonable court'. October 19, 2015 - The killer is released from prison after serving just 11 months of his five-year sentence. His lawyers successfully argued that he should be released on house arrest. November 3 - Five Supreme Court judges unanimously overturn the culpable homicide conviction and find Pistorius guilty of murder. December 4 - South Africa's prosecuting authority issues an arrest warrant for Pistorius but he will remain free on house arrest until sentencing. July 6 2016 - Pistorius is sentenced to six years in prison for murder. July 21 - Prosecutors again appeal his sentence. November 24 2017 - Supreme Court of Appeal increases Pistorius's jail sentence to 13 years and five months. December 19 - Pistorius appeals his sentence and asks for his six-year term to be reinstalled. April 9 2018 - Supreme Court announce the appeal is rejected. July 2021 - Pistorius becomes eligible for parole after serving half his sentence, including the time spent in jail before his sentencing. Advertisement

The attorney also said that the parents were upset to learn that Pistorius has been eligible for parole since July when they had been told he would not be released from prison until March 2023.

A parole hearing had been scheduled for last month but it was cancelled, partly because a meeting between Pistorius and Steenkamp's parents had not been arranged. The date for a new hearing has not yet been set.

Pistorius, who has served half of his 13-year sentence after being convicted of murder in 2015, must also meet June and Barry before he is considered for release.

The Steenkamps want a face-to-face meeting with Pistorius, as is their right under South Africa's victim-offender dialogue policy.

They have previously said they want to challenge Pistorius on why he shot their daughter and they would get to do that, with victim-offender meetings aimed at achieving some kind of closure for families of victims of crimes.

Ms Koen told the Mirror: 'Yes, they want to do that face to face.

'Barry has said for years he wants to meet Oscar and he has questions to ask. They are not emotionally prepared, but are prepared to meet Oscar.

'They accept the day will come when Oscar will be eligible for parole and they would give their input.'

Ms Koen said earlier: 'They (Barry and June) feel that Reeva has got a voice. They are Reeva's voice, and they owe it to their beloved daughter.'

But she said Barry and June were left upset by the way the parole board has handled Pistorius's parole.

Ms Koen said: 'What was also very upsetting was the disregard for their emotional wellbeing.

'They had to find out the parole board had already convened a date for parole and never advised them about it.

'The proper procedure was not followed.'

The Steenkamps will be allowed to make recommendations to the parole board, although Koen wouldn't say if they will oppose Pistorius' release.

'We have discussed it,' Koen said, but declined to give details.

The opinion of victims' families is considered by a parole board when deciding whether to release an offender, but it's not the only criteria.

Pistorius could be taken from where he is incarcerated at the Atteridgeville Correctional Center in the capital, Pretoria, to the Steenkamps' home city of Gqerberha for the victim-offender meeting because, according to Ms Koen, Barry Steenkamp is unable to travel due to his health.

Pistorius lawyer Julian Knight said it might 'turn out' that way but the corrections department would decide. Mr Knight said he was hopeful that the meeting between Pistorius and the Steenkamps, which must happen before a parole hearing, could take place by the end of the year.

It was a 'huge surprise' for the Steenkamps when corrections services officials contacted them last month to say that Pistorius is eligible for parole, Ms Koen said. They believed he would only be eligible in 2023, she said.

'(It) opens a lot of wounds, or rips off the plasters they had put on those wounds,' Ms Koen said.

Pistorius (pictured at the London Olympic Games) was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017

The confusion over when he would be eligible emanated from Pistorius' long and protracted murder trial and two subsequent appeals by prosecutors. Pistorius went on trial in 2014 and his case was only finalised in 2018.

The multiple Paralympic champion was initially found guilty of culpable homicide - an offense comparable to manslaughter - for shooting Steenkamp with his licensed 9 mm pistol.

He claimed at his trial it was a tragic accident and he mistook her for a dangerous intruder.

Prosecutors appealed the manslaughter finding and secured a murder conviction.

Pistorius was sentenced to six years in jail for murder, but prosecutors again appealed what they called a shockingly light punishment for murder. The Supreme Court of Appeal then more than doubled his sentence in 2017.

Mr Knight later sought clarification over the sentence from the Supreme Court to see if the time Pistorius had already served in prison for culpable homicide should count toward his parole.

It did, Mr Knight said, meaning Pistorius could be considered for parole two years earlier than courts had initially indicated.

Knight said he believed Pistorius had met the requirements to be released early.

'From what I have observed of him he has been a model prisoner while he has been in prison,' Knight said. 'My view is that he does meet the requirements to be placed on parole but the procedures must be followed.'

Mr Knight said a parole board could impose a range of conditions on Pistorius if he is released, like only being allowed to leave home to go to work during the week, and only for a limited time on weekends to buy groceries and attend church.
Jeremy Hunt warned that the NHS will swallow up billions in taxpayers' cash unless its staffing crisis is fixed

The NHS will gobble up billions more in taxpayers' cash if ministers don't address its staffing crisis, Jeremy Hunt warned today.

The former Health Secretary said the idea that throwing money at the health service to clear backlogs and treatment delays had 'poisoned intelligent debate' about how to fix the problems.

Despite record funding for the NHS, waiting lists for routine and emergency care are currently at their highest level ever following the pandemic, with growing reports of patients dying in ambulances and hospital corridors.

At the same time, NHS England was estimated to be short of up to 100,000 staff heading into the pandemic, including 44,000 nurses and 9,000 doctors in nearly every specialty.

In September, NHS bosses were given a 30bn handout and the Government has pledged to generate billions more each year by hiking National Insurance.

But Mr Hunt warned the money will be wasted on the salaries of locum doctors and agency nurses without an official plan to increase staffing levels.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'The argument about money has poisoned intelligent debate about the NHS.

'The system is geared up to say to ministers "give us more money and well give you the things you want".

'When in reality, unless you expand the capacity of the system to do things, principally by training up and recruiting more doctors and nurses, it doesnt matter how much extra money you throw at it, you wont get the improvements you're looking for.'

The NHS waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has reached 5.83million, official data shows. Some 1.6million more Britons were waiting for elective surgery  such as hip and keen operations  at the end of September compared to the start of the pandemic

The NHS has long struggled to meet its recommended ambulance response times for Category 2 incidents which include medical emergencies such as strokes and severe burns but the last few months months have seen unprecedented rise with patients waiting nearly an hour on average for an ambulance after calling 99.

Category 1 incidents, the most serious, life threatening emergencies, have also seen delays with patients waiting nine minutes and 20 seconds for an ambulance, well above the NHS's target of seven minutes

Today, a record 5.8million people are on NHS waiting lists for hospital treatment or surgery in England while their conditions deteriorate.

The average ambulance response time for heart attack and stroke patients is now nearly an hour, which paramedics admitted is putting patients' lives 'at risk'.

And the number of people dying at home is up by one third since before the pandemic, and those who do make it into hospital for care are discharged faster than ever to free up beds, long before theyve made a full recovery.

Experts say the crisis is being fuelled by unprecedented demand, staff shortages and a lack of available beds.

But the staffing crisis is not unique to the UK, Mr Hunt pointed out in a column last month. There is a global shortage of 2.1million doctors according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Writing in the New Statesman, he said: 'In the short term, we should throw the kitchen sink at getting more doctors and nurses into the system.'

He called for relaxing all immigration restrictions for qualified medics and to entice them with generous incentives.

He added: 'The NHS and care system would simply fall over without clinical staff from overseas and we should welcome them with open arms.

'However, we should recognise there is an element of moral hazard in this approach: such recruits often come from developing countries where their services are required even more.

'So, depending on immigration from poorer countries should never be a long-term strategy.'

It came after a damning report revealed up to 160,000 emergency patients each year may be harmed due to the time between them being handed over to A&E staff.

Of these, about 12,000 suffer 'severe harm', according to the document written by NHS ambulance bosses in England.

HM Treasury data shows the NHS received 100.4billion in 2010/11 and its budget had grown steadily until 2019. In 2020, the NHS was given 129.7billion of core funding for its usual services, which was topped up with an extra 18billion to help with the pressures from the pandemic. For 2021/22 the Treasury said the health service is set to receive 136.1billion pounds of core funding, as well as 3billion to help with the Covid recovery

A record number of 999 calls were made in England in October with 1,012,143 urgent calls for medical help made. But the time it took answer these calls also increased to a record 56 seconds

In January 2010, the NHS employed 1.2million people and it now employs 1.3million  a 15.4 per cent rise. This includes around 30,000 more nurses and health visitors, 2,500 more midwives and 770 more ambulance staff. Meanwhile, the number of salaried GPs has increased by 65 per cent to 11,000, but the number of contractor GPs has dropped by 27 per cent to 19,250

Last month a woman had died of a heart attack in the back of an ambulance at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, while waiting for a bed inside.

The woman had been waiting for one hour and twenty minutes for a bed in A&E when her heart stopped. She was dead half an hour later. The incident is under investigation.

And last week it emerged that a woman had suffered a fatal heart attack in the back of an ambulance while queueing to be admitted to the James Paget hospital in Norfolk.

Officials said the had been waiting for two hours and was moved to the emergency department when she went into cardiac arrest but could not be saved.

NHS bosses have already written to hospital trusts across the country ordering them to 'eliminate' ambulance queues outside their facilities, which are having a knock-on effect on response times and leaving patients at risk.

Shock figures last week revealed heart attack and stroke victims now face 55-minute waits for ambulances, on average. Doctors said the figures were proof the NHS is 'on its knees'.

In another example of the escalating problem, nine ambulances were pictured queuing outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham at around 8pm Saturday night.

Pressures are being felt throughout the UK, with ambulances diverted away from one hospital in Northern Ireland today because of 'extreme pressures' on its wards. The Army has already been drafted in to help ease Scotland's crisis.
An off-duty Baltimore cop shot and killed a gunman who burst into the barber shop where he was getting his haircut on Saturday.





The unidentifed cop was getting his hair cut at The Bladi Style, a barbershop in Baltimore, when 38-year-old Carlos Ortega burst in with a gun.





Ortega shot and killed 33-year-old Rafael Jeffers, the owner of the barber shop, before being shot dead by the off-duty police officer who was getting his haircut by another stylist.

The shooter's motive is unclear but less than an hour earlier, he killed Javier Villegas Cotto and injured another, unnamed victim, in two separate attacks nearby.

It's unclear if he had a prior record or who his weapon belonged to.

On Saturday at 3.16pm, the unidentified cop was getting his haircut at The Bladi Style, a barber shop in Baltimore, when 38-year-old Carlos Ortega burst in with a weapon

The cop was getting his haircut by someone else in the barber shop when Ortega burst in and shot and killed 33-year-old Rafael Jeffers

In the two earlier incidents, Ortega is thought to have known his victims and shot them after arguing with them, but Baltimore Police Department will not confirm what they were arguing over.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott increased the police budget last year but the Governor says not enough is being done to keep repeat criminals off the streets

His first victim was 44-year-old Javier Villegas Cotto, who he killed one mile away from the barber shop.

Police chiefs shared details of the shooting on Saturday to praise the off-duty cop.

'That member of our department was armed while off-duty and in plain clothes. Responding to the shooting immediately, and with great bravery produced his firearm and fired at the perpetrator, striking the perpetrator,' Michael Harrison, Baltimore Police Commissioner said at a press conference.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told CBS on Sunday: 'These petty minor disputes ending up with people losing their lives.

'We have to be grateful that officer was here.'

Baltimore has seen more violence and murders this year than any other on record.

In October 2021, the number of murders in Baltimore County, the largest in the city, were already at 42 - only seven less than the 12-month total record of 49 in 2019.

Before going to the barber shop, the gunman shot and killed 44-year-old Javier Villegas in a separate incident nearby. The pair argued, and then the gunman pulled out his weapon and shot Villegas dead

There have been 295 murders across the entire city this year. The total number for 2020 was 335.

In 2021, there have been 1,500 street robberies, 632 shootings and more than 4,600 reported cases of aggravated assault in city of just 2.3million.

The violence is not necessarily down to a lack of police resources; Mayor Brandon Scott increased the police budget after being elected in 2020.

Governor Larry Hogan says the problem is lenient sentences for repeat offenders who end up back on the streets instead of staying in jail.

'When crimes being committed right in front of police officers, when the state's attorney refuses to prosecute half the crimes, were not going to fix the problem, regardless of how many meetings were going to have,' he said earlier this year.

Crime in Baltimore is soaring thanks to what police and politicians say is a lack of prosecutions from the District Attorney. Murders are on coarse to pass last year's total with just six weeks of the year left
A cocaine-fuelled husband who stabbed his wife to death after searching gay porn on his computer has been sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in jail.

Anil Gill, 47, stabbed his wife Ranjit 18 times in the living room of their Milton Keynes home before wrapping her body in a duvet and hiding it in their garage on January 31 this year.

He then set about cleaning the murder scene using bleach before calling the police hours later.

On Friday, Gill was found guilty of the murder of 43-year-old Ranjit by a jury at Luton Crown Court.

Jailing him for life, Judge Mark Bishop said: 'It was a furious and savage attack with a knife, inflicting eighteen wounds - some of great depth. The last wound was to cut her throat. It was a ruthless, cold blooded attack.'

Anil Gill (pictured), 47, stabbed his wife Ranjit 18 times at their property in Milton Keynes on January 31. He was found guilty of the murder by a jury at Luton Crown Court

Ranjit's family described her as 'ray of light that will never be extinguished' during the trial

He went on: 'It was committed with a knife taken from the kitchen. It was a prolonged and ferocious attack. There were four fatal wounds and some at considerable depth.

'You killed her when you had taken significant quantities of cocaine. It was in her home where she should have felt safe.'

As the judge the sentenced him to a minimum term, members of Ranjit's family said 'Yes.'

Over the years the husband had regularly shouted at his wife, hit or slapped her and, on one occasion, had struck her around her head.

Once he had kicked her ankle and there had been another time when he hit her across her back with a plank.

He had threatened her with a knife and had pushed her down the stairs.

And on another occasion he was said to have threatened Ranjit with a Japanese sword and held a knife to her neck.

During the month long trial, Luton Crown Court heard that when Ranjit's sister advised her to leave her husband, she told her sibling that if she did, she feared 'he would hunt her down and kill her.'

In the early hours of January 31 this year the couple were at their home after an evening spent taking cocaine and drinking.

Shortly before the killing the husband had been on his computer searching gay porn sites; one search term used had been 'Cocaine brings out the gay in me.'

At around 1am a neighbour had gone to bed when she had heard the sound of a woman screaming followed by a 'thumping or pounding sound.'

Charles Ward-Jackson prosecuting said: 'It's very likely she heard the sound of Ranjit being stabbed to death.'

After killing his wife, Gill spent the next few hours cleaning up and wrapping up his wife's body in a duvet and black bin liners, which he then dragged to the garage.

He cleaned the carpet in the living room using bleach and the two knives were put in a bin bag, having been cleaned. At around 10am that morning he finally called the police.

Gill was found guilty of his wife's murder after the jury rejected his claims during the trial that he had lost self control and acted in a 'frenzy' after she had taunted him about an affair she had.

Gill killed his wife at their property in Milton Keynes (pictured) before calling the police

He had earlier admitted his wife's manslaughter.

During the trial, the court heard at first the couple's marriage was a happy one, but after they moved from Bedford to Milton Keynes where he lost his well paid job and she had health problems, their relationship changed.

In 2018, the police had attended the couple's home following an incident between them, but when she refused to tell officers what had happened, no action was taken.

From then on, the jury was told, to cope with the abuse Ranjit began drinking heavily and, in the summer of 2020, she had an affair with a man who would supply her with drugs.

Towards the end of the year Ranjit had called a domestic violence charity hotline and the husband was also looking into starting possible divorce proceedings.

Mr Ward-Jackson said in the weeks leading up to the killing both were drinking to excess and taking cocaine bought from the man Ranjit had been seeing.

The court heard that having been arrested and taken into custody, Gill was seen by a psychiatric nurse and told him how he didn't drink and never took drugs, which was not true.

He claimed he had agreed to take alcohol and cocaine the previous night and the combination had 'turned him into a killer.'

But the prosecution said a sample of the husband's hair was taken for analysis and revealed traces of cocaine in it, showing he had to have been taking the drug from late December of 2020 to late January of 2021 and not just the night before.

Following the sentencing, Ranjit's brother Raj Sagoo said: 'As a family we can be talking about anything and then suddenly out of nowhere Ranjit is the topic of conversation again and the horrors of what happened come back, it never leaves me, she is always there in my mind, always a void now in my life and that of my family's life.

'A void that will never heal. Imagine, anyone that reads or hears this, imagine for one moment that a person you loved was killed in such a violent and callous way, ask yourself if you could put it into words like I have been asked to do.

'I can't tell you how I am feeling, it is impossible to put into words how sitting through this trial and hearing the horrors makes me feel.

'I will always hold Ranjit in my heart and I hope that she is at peace, resting easy with the knowledge that she is safe and that real justice is served.'

Ranjit's sister Tejinder McCann said: 'My baby sister was taken away from me by a man who was supposed to have cared and loved her in sickness and health.

A cordon around the couple's home in Milton Keynes after the murder in January this year

'I will never be able to hug her, dance with her or go out with her ever again. Christmas, birthdays will never be the same for me and my family.

'Ranjit you loved us so much, and you were truly an angel. May you shine down on us with your ray of light that will never be extinguished. We love you Ranjit always and forever.'

Kamel Aujla, sister of Ranjit, said: 'I am the sister of Ranjit also known affectionately to me as Nita. I have sat and listened to the evidence in court and it has made me feel sick, hurt and disgusted.

'Even now he does not fully accept what he has done, I see and hear no remorse, he puts all the blame on Nita, and minimises what he has done with claiming loss of control.

'I will never forget the hurt, it hurts every day, I miss her every day, he will have his life back one day, I won't, my sister will not have her life.

'If you are in an abusive relationship, please leave, please get help. Don't become a statistic like my sister. She was special, she was worthwhile and she wasn't alone. She was enough, more than enough.'

And senior investigation officer, Detective Inspector Nicola Douglas of Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, said: 'The only sentence for murder is life imprisonment.

'HHJ Bishop described this murder as ruthless and cold-blooded with a significant number of aggravating factors. I am satisfied the minimum term to be served of 22 years reflects the severity of this awful crime.

'I would like to again pay tribute and thank the family of Ranjit who have shown such dignity in the most terrible of circumstances.

'Domestic violence and abuse is not acceptable and people should not have to suffer at the hands of someone else.

'I would encourage anyone who is being abused by a partner or family member to please report it.'
Vladimir Putin is plotting to 'shatter Europe' using the Belarus migrant crisis and a build-up of troops on the border of Ukraine, Kiev has warned.

Dmytro Kuleba, the country's foreign minister, today warned the two events are not separate but part of a single Kremlin strategy to weaken and fracture alliances which bind Europe together and counter-balance Putin's power.

Speaking after meetings in Brussels with NATO chief Jens Stoltenburg and EU foreign ministers, Mr Kubela said: 'When we see migrants used as a weapon, when we see disinformation used as a weapon, when we see gas used as a weapon, and soldiers and their guns  these are not separate elements.'

Mr Stoltenburg added that NATO stands firmly behind Ukraine and warned Russia against any 'aggressive actions' after an 'unusual concentration' of troops was spotted along the border.

Separately, a pro-Putin TV news show said tensions in the Black Sea are at 'boiling point' after two US warships - command vessel USS Mount Whitney and destroyer USS Porter - sailed into the Black Sea for a 10-day deployment.

Ukraine has accused Putin of being engaged in a master-plot to 'shatter' Europe using a troop-build up on Russia's border and the Belarus migrant crisis to shake European alliances

Meanwhile Pro-Kremlin TV channels accused NATO of being 'super-aggressive' in the Black Sea where the military tensions are almost at 'boiling point'. Pictured: Russian Black Sea fleet and Russian Air Force escort US Navy ship in the Black Sea

Dmitry Kiselyov - dubbed Putin's 'mouthpiece' and 'propagandist-in-chief' - said the ships were 'clearly trying to feel out the weak points in our defence' and that NATO is 'acting more aggressively than ever'.

The Whitney and Porter, part of the US Navy's 6th Fleet, both left the Black Sea today en route back to the Mediterranean, according to posts on their Twitter accounts.

Ukraine says 100,000 Russian troops are now stationed along the border along with satellite and radio equipment that would be used to coordinate an attack.

That prompted the US to warn its European allies last week that an invasion of eastern Ukraine - where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting a years-long insurgency - could be imminent.

While Washington was not able to specify a threat, intelligence chiefs said the invasion would likely be aimed at seizing territory as Putin did in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea.

Mr Kubela, speaking to Politico on Monday, echoed those thoughts as he said: 'What we see along our border is a sophisticated military infrastructure rolled out during the spring escalation, that is ready to be used for offensive operations.

'I cannot speculate on the exact scale of those operations, but back in 2014 it was unimaginable that Crimea would be seized by Russia  therefore I cannot exclude any scenario at this point.'

Mr Stoltenberg added: 'Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities.'

Britain also stressed its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and said it will back it in the face of Russian hostility.

Downing Street also blasted Belarus for what it called an 'abhorrent' attempt to use migrants as a weapon against Poland and said it stood in full solidarity with EU sanctions against the Lukashenko regime.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman, when asked about the buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders, said: 'We are seeing a concerning situation at that border.

'We remain in unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and will continue to support them in the face of Russian hostility.'

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and says the waters around it belong to Moscow now, despite most countries continuing to recognise the peninsula as Ukrainian.

Russian-backed separatists took control of Ukraine's eastern Donbass region that same year and soldiers on both sides continue to be regularly killed in the conflict there.

The troop border build-up - which Ukraine last week estimated at 100,000 - was dangerous, said Stoltenberg, because it reduced the amount of warning time, should Russia decide to 'conduct a military aggressive action against Ukraine.'

Dmirto Kuleba (left) accused Putin of trying to destabilise Europe, while NATO chief Stoltenburg (right) warned Russia against any 'aggressive actions'

Soldiers from the Polish Armed Forces patrol the Belarus-Polish border on November 11

'This is partly forces close to the border between Russia and Ukraine, but it is also partly troops and capabilities which are inside Ukraine, meaning they are in Crimea, which is illegally annexed, and also we see the militants, the separatists in Donbass, which is also part of Ukraine, supported and helped by Russia,' he said.

A NATO source, asked to describe how Russia is going about deploying its military equipment towards Ukraine, said: 'Large equipment such as tanks, self-propelled artillery and infantry fighting vehicles is moved at night to avoid tell-tale pictures showing up on social media as they did during the Russian military build-up in spring.'

'It can go either way,' Lithuania's foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters, also on Monday, on the margins of a meeting with his European Union counterparts.

The West cannot exclude a Russian attack on Ukraine while international attention is focused on the Belarus migration crisis, or that Russia establishes a permanent military presence in Belarus, he said.

'I would not exclude that as a possibility,' he said.

It comes as Russia dramatically stepped up its rhetoric by warning military tension with NATO is 'almost at boiling point'.

One Pro-Kremlin TV channel TV presenter warned that a 'confident and clod-blooded' Vladimir Putin was 'ready to simply destroy' in the event of a 'brazen violation' of its borders, which Moscow sees as including annexed Crimea.

The Russian blast over the presence of US battleships and NATO - including British - spy planes comes amid huge tension in the separate hot spot on the Belarus-Poland border where a rising number of migrants are seeking to force their way into the EU.

Vesti Nedeli current affairs TV host Dmitry Kiselyov - dubbed Putin's 'mouthpiece' and 'propagandist-in-chief' - claimed NATO aircraft and ships, including the USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter, were 'clearly trying to feel out the weak points in our defence'.

The alliance was 'acting more aggressively than ever', and demonstrating a 'resolve to engage in some nastiness'.

The show on Rossiya 1 also accused the West of 'inciting' Ukraine to war with Russia.

Presenter Irada Zeynalova on Gazprom-owned NTV alleged the West was 'exacerbating the situation' with the Black Sea 'almost at boiling point both in the air and the sea'.

'It is already dangerous,' she said.

She warned of a 'very alarming' military situation with NATO countries Poland and Lithuania mobilising troops on their territories, while the alliance held unplanned drills in the Black Sea.

Workers and soldiers unload a shipment of ammunition delivered to Kiev today as part of a US programme to provide assistance to Ukraine today

Migrants gather on the Belarusian-Polish border near the Polish Kuznica border crossing

Migrants head towards the Polish Kuznica border crossing on the Belarusian-Polish border

Meanwhile, the US has been voicing increasing concern to allies over the recent Russian troop movements at the frontier with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week it would be a 'serious mistake for Russia to engage in a repeat of what it did in 2014', when it seized Crimea from Kiev.

And on Monday, Germany's foreign ministry urged Moscow to exercise 'restraint' at the Ukrainian border.

Russia sparked major alarm at NATO back in spring that it could be looking to intervene in Ukraine with a huge build-up of troops at the border.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the latest movements were a continuation of the earlier pressure his country had faced.

'In Ukraine's view, what we currently see along the border is not a purely military buildup, because Russia already brought a military armada to our borders in spring and has never really withdrawn it since,' he said.

'What we see now is a deteriorating situation where Russia is demonstrating that it can quickly activate the already amassed troops and equipment and that every option, including the military one, is on the table for Russian leadership.'

Kuleba said that Kiev was looking to closely coordinate with its Western allies to 'take any measures which can help to deter Russia and to prevent the worst case scenarios'.

Migrants from the Middle East and elsewhere gather at the checkpoint 'Kuznitsa' at the Belarus-Poland border near Grodno, Belarus

Ukraine remains locked in a festering conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country that started seven years ago.

It comes as Russia accused Britain of bearing responsibility for the migrants at the border between Belarus and Poland.

Today, hundreds of migrants broke through the Belarusian border fence, with Polish guards rushing to stop them.

Videos taken near the Kuznica border crossing point on Monday showed hundreds of people - the majority of whom appeared to be young men - pushing their way through a broken fence towards a smaller barbed wire barricade where polish border police in riot uniforms confronted them.

More footage showed a Polish helicopter hovering overhead as dozens of soldiers joined police in keeping the migrants back, who appeared to be staging a sit-down protest on the Polish side of the crossing.

It is just the latest en masse attempt at crossing the border by some 4,000 migrants who are gathered there, and comes as EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels to sanction dictator Alexander Lukashenko's regime over the crisis.

Hundreds of migrants have broken through the Belarusian border fence close to the Kuznica crossing with Poland, before rushing towards Polish barbed wire barricades

Polish border police and soldiers have rushed to stop the migrants from crossing, in just the latest flashpoint amidst a migration crisis that Belarus is accused of manufacturing

Videos taken at the border showed most of those rushing across to be young men, though some women and children were pictured amidst the crowds

The EU accuses Lukashenko of luring migrants to his country on false promises of passage into Europe, before pushing them to the border and forcing them to make illegal crossings.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman criticised Lukashenko for the migration crisis on its border with Poland.

'What we are seeing are the latest in a series of abhorrent attempts by the Lukashenko regime to engineer a migrant crisis, to undermine Poland and others in the region,' he said.

'We stand in solidarity with our European partners and are committed to ensuring the Lukashenko regime is held accountable for its actions.'

Monday's sanctions are expected to target airlines, travel agencies and individuals that the EU believes is responsible for ferrying the migrants to Belarus.

Lukashenko denies being responsible for the crisis, and vowed a 'strong response' to EU measures today. 'We will defend ourselves', he told a meeting of high-ranking officials, adding: 'That's it. We have nowhere to retreat'

Meanwhile the foreign ministry of his close ally Russia has lashed out after UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss suggested the Kremlin should intervene.

Ms Truss had said the migrant crisis was being 'carefully crafted' while urging Russia to 'press the Belarusian authorities to end the crisis and enter into dialogue.'

Maria Zakharova, Russia's foreign ministry spokesman, subsequently hit out - telling the Daily Telegraph: 'The British invasion of Iraq was 'carefully crafted'.

'Britain bears a clear historical responsibility for everything that has happened in the region since  the deaths of Iraqis, the destruction of Iraqi statehood, the endless flows of refugees, the emergence of Isis, the humanitarian disasters in this part of the world.

'Until London is held accountable for its crimes, its representatives have no right to point the finger at anyone.'

The EU is expected to announce later today what its new sanctions package will include, but it is expected to target airlines and others accused of transporting migrants to Belarus.
A New York school teacher has filed a discrimination complaint after he was banned from wearing a 'Proud Zionist' t-shirt by his 'woke' Brooklyn school.

Jeffrey Levy says that he was told his shirt with a Star of David was 'offensive', as was another with the pro-police slogan: 'Back the Blue.'

The English teacher claims that Principal Neal Singh did not object to other political slogans worn by staff including 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Feminist' t-shirts.

MS 51 Principal Singh ordered Levy to stop wearing the Zionist and Back the Blue shirts because students and staff had complained.

'Singh told me that my T-shirt with an Israeli flag on it and the words 'Proud Zionist' were "politically explosive,"' Levy says in his complaint, filed September 30, with the city Department of Education's Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.

Jeffrey Levy says that he was told his shirt with a Star of David saying 'Proud Zionist' was 'offensive', as was another with the pro-police slogan: 'Back the Blue' (stock images)

Levy said that staff were allowed to wear shirts saying 'Feminist' (stock image)

The complaint obtained by The New York Post, continued: 'He told me that Zionism involves the retaking of Palestinian land and is "offensive."'

Zionism is a Jewish nationalist movement with the goal of creating a Jewish state in Palestine, the ancient homeland of Jews - where one of the hills of old Jerusalem was called Zion.

Levy told the Post that he was recently confronted by one student who shouted at him: 'Palestine is Palestine!'

'I said, "You're welcome to your opinion,"' Levy recounted.

He added that other staff were allowed to wear shirts with the following slogans: 'Black Lives Matter,' 'Feminism is the radical idea that women are people,' 'Feminist' and 'O'Connor & Ginsburg & Sotomayor & Kagan.'

The latter refers to female Supreme Court Justices.

MS 51 Principal Singh ordered Levy to stop wearing the Zionist and Back the Blue shirts because students and staff had complained

The teacher claimed that Singh's definition of political attire seemed to be 'limited to Jews only.'

Levy, who has been a teacher for 20 years, told the Post: 'None of my attire, actions or beliefs endanger the emotional or physical safety of students or staff, which Singh accused me of.  I have conducted myself professionally and have always respected the beliefs of all while doing my job neutrally and without bias.  His attempt to threaten and intimidate me is anti-Semitic.'

But in a statement, the Department of Education backed the teacher, saying: 'Schools are not public forums for advancing personal political views, and per Department of Education regulations, employees are prohibited from using schools for the purpose of political expression.

'This principal's request followed complaints from students and staff and is consistent with policies around political neutrality in schools.'

It comes amid an ongoing row in the US over perceived double standards in schools and colleges, with many complaining that 'woke' political views are acceptable, but anything conservative is branded racist or offensive.

A professor at the University of Southern California caused outrage last week when he refused to remove a pro-police Blue Lives Matter flag outside his office.

James Moore, professor of engineering and policy, has ignored repeated calls to take the flag down from students and administrators who he says live in a 'progressive bubble.'

Moore spoke with Fox & Friends on Friday to defend his stance. 'I feel a responsibility right now. I wanted to communicate to progressively-oriented students that there's a competing point of view,' he said.

'They live in something of a progressive bubble on a college campus I wanted to communicate to conservative students, of which there are many, that in fact they're entitled to their voice, that the messages they hear are really not representative of society at large.'
Dan Andrews has made a raft of last minutes changes to his controversial pandemic management bill in a dramatic U-turn to push it through parliament.

The Victoria premier backed down in the face of fierce opposition to win over key crossbench MPs before the legislation goes before the Upper House on Wednesday.

Under the proposed legislation, the premier would be given the power to make a pandemic declaration without needing it to be signed off by medical advisers.

He would also be able extend it in three-month blocks for as long as he likes.

The original legislation would also have seen a range of unprecedented powers handed to the premier and health minister Martin Foley.

But after ugly public protests and a backlash from legal experts and other high-profile critics, the state government has now watered down parts of the Bill.

Dan Andrews (pictured at Remembrance Day 2021 services with Scott Morrison) made a raft 11th hour changes to his controversial pandemic management bill in a dramatic U-turn to force it through parliament

Angry Victorians demand the end of Premier Daniel Andrews' bill during Monday's protests

Harsh financial penalties for breaching public orders will be cut in half and the timeframe to release public information about pandemic decisions ordered by the government will also be drastically shortened.

The amended bill, announced late on Monday night, will require 'reasonable grounds' for the premier to declare a pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Under the older version of the bill there didn't even need to be a single case of the disease in Victoria for the powers to be implemented.

The government will also be compelled to publish their public health advice before enforcing stay-at-home orders within seven days - down from two weeks.

While the maximum $90,500 fine for breaking health orders has been halved, a heavy two year jail sentence is still part of the legislation.

Under the proposed legislation, the man dubbed 'Chairman Dan' would be given the power to make a pandemic declaration off his own bat and extend it in three-month blocks for as long as he likes (pictured, protesters on Monday)

Under the proposed legislation, the premier would be given the power to make a pandemic declaration without needing it to be signed off by medical advisers (pictured, protesters on Monday)

Changes to the Bill will also restrict the government of the day from making public health orders which differentiate between groups of people.

Prior to the amendments it may have been possible to discriminate against specific religious groups or races using public health laws.

Health minister Martin Foley said the changes come after extensive consultations with public health and human rights leaders.

'The new pandemic laws will provide a clear framework for managing pandemics such as COVID-19  while putting the safety of all Victorians first,' he said.

'We have engaged extensively with some of the most trusted leaders in public health, human rights and law and policy making  and the amendments reflect that consultation.'

Hundry of angry Victorians turned-up to show their displeasure at the Andrews Government on Monday in Melbourne

Changes to the Bill will also restrict the government of the day from making public health orders which differentiate between groups of people (pictured, protesters outside the Victorian State Parliament on Monday)

One protester marched through Melbourne's CBD carrying nooses on Saturday - something widely condemned across the country

Three crossbenchers - Reason Party MP Fiona Patten, Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam - also released a statement on the amendments late on Monday night.

'While the official Opposition and some prominent shock jocks and tabloid commentators knowingly, dangerously incited and fanned unduly angry civil unrest with lies, the crossbenchers focused on improving the bill to better protect and support the Victorian community as we continue to face the pandemic,' the statement said.

Melbourne's streets on Saturday were swamped with angry protesters who rallied at the foot of Parliament House in driving rain to oppose the legislation.

The hard-hit city suffered through six gruelling lockdowns and spent more collective time living under stay-at-home orders than any other place on earth.

The hard-hit city suffered through six gruelling lockdowns and spent more collective time living under stay-at-home orders than any other place on earth (pictured, vaccine-sceptic protesters on Monday)

Posters depicting Mr Andrews as Adolf Hitler - with a swastika armband replaced by a symbol for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - were handed out to angry protesters in a move that has since been widely condemned.

Another protester waved a placard placing the premier alongside the names of dictators including Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini and Chairman Mao Zedong.

In chilling scenes, at least two men were seen brandishing nooses, with one man brandishing a makeshift gallows with three nooses hanging from it.

Some waved Eureka and Trump flags, including one which portrayed the ex-United States president wielding an M-60 machine gun like movie action hero John Rambo.

Others adopted imagery of the Knights Templar and crusaders as they marched through the CBD shouting 'Kill the bill'.

Under the older version of the bill there didn't even need to be a single case of the disease in Victoria for the powers to be implemented (pictured, protests on Monday)

Melbourne's streets on Saturday were swamped with angry protesters who rallied at the foot of Parliament House in driving rain to oppose the legislation

The Andrews Government hope to pass the bill through the Legislative Council on Wednesday to have it in place before existing state emergency powers expire on December 15.

The bill was tabled with little notice late last month.

Liberal MP Ryan Smith went viral hours later when he highlighted the dangers of the bill in parliament

'This bill allows the government to do an extraordinary number of things that ordinary Victorians would be horrified with,' he said.

'And to hear the government at press conferences get up and say "Yeah, but we wouldn't use it that way" is just a ridiculous comment from a government that just is trying to pull the wool over ordinary Victorians' lives.'
Residents at a Melbourne aged care home were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment during a Covid-19 outbreak when 50 of them died, an inquest has been told.

The inquiry into the deaths at St Basil's Home for the Aged in Fawkner during the state's second outbreak in 2020 opened on Monday with the names of each of those who died read out in court.

Of the 117 residents living at the home, 50 died in July and August 2020.

In an opening statement counsel assisting Peter Rozen QC said staff at the home were deemed 'close contacts' and furloughed on July 22, with the Commonwealth taking over the home despite multiple warnings that regular staff should not be replaced.

Residents at a Melbourne aged care home were subjected to degrading treatment, an inquest has heard (stock image)

He said one doctor involved in the response, Dr Rabin Sinnappu, warned that furloughing St Basil's staff would result in disaster, while another doctor described it as a 'shocking' idea.

Mr Rozen said a lack of care for residents had become apparent by the end of the first day of the takeover, after the federal health department could not find enough new staff.

'There were far too few of these workers at St Basil's for them to have provided care at the level the residents deserved and the law required,' he said.

The court heard that by July 23, pathology staff visiting to test residents found the conditions 'shocking to say the least'.

The medical director of Melbourne Pathology, Dr Ellen Maxwell, alerted the Victorian health department in an email that Covid-positive residents were mixing freely with others, bins were overflowing, PPE had not been cleared and medication was on the floor.

She said one staff member was in tears, appalled that a patient who had died was wheeled out of the home with no attempt to clear the corridor of people.

The first witness at the inquest was Christine Golding whose mother Efraxia, 84, caught the virus at the home.

She testified that St Basil's had provided good, culturally appropriate care for her mother, but during the outbreak her mother's treatment was inhumane and degrading.

Although Efraxia could not feed herself, several trays of food were found left in her room, and at one point she was no longer able to talk due to dehydration and lack of food, Ms Golding said.

She recalled the facility manager warning that if staff were furloughed, people would die from neglect rather than Covid.

'That sent a shiver up my spine,' she told the hearing.

During the outbreak a group of residents' families met outside the home, and when staff would not tell them who was in charge, they began banging on the windows until the police were called, she said.

The entrance of St Basil's Home for the Aged in Fawkner, Melbourne, Australia. An inquiry into the deaths at St Basil's during the state's second Covid outbreak in 2020 opened on Monday

'It was a state of chaos and desperation... the anger was driven by fear,' she said.

'Australians deserve to know why our aged care Covid-19 preparedness was so poor, why it spectacularly failed my mother and contributed to her premature death.'

Mr Rozen said the inquest would not lay blame on the workers brought in to care for St Basil's residents, saying the evidence would show a number of them went 'above and beyond', but the circumstances were impossible.

He also explained that an expert report would show the delay between the notification of the first Covid case at the home on July 9, and test results becoming available on July 17, was a root cause of the failure to contain the outbreak, as was a lack of co-ordination between state and federal health departments.

Forty-five residents died from coronavirus, but the inquest is also covering five other deaths at the home during the same period.

Victorian State Coroner John Cain will spend the next five weeks hearing from 65 witnesses about how the virus got into the home and how it spread among residents.
An 11-year-old girl who emerged as the sole survivor of a plane crash on a Michigan island that killed four people over the weekend said her father died protecting her as the aircraft went down.

The doomed Island Airways passenger flight took off from Charlevoix Municipal Airport at 1.32pm on Saturday with five people on board and crashed just 15 minutes later while approaching Welke Airport west of Mackinaw City.

Lt. William Church, of the Charlevoix County Sheriffs Office, identified three of the deceased as Kate Leese and Adam Kendall, of Beaver Island, and Mike Perdue, of Gaylord.

Authorities have not released the name of the pilot who was also killed. Perdues 11-year-old daughter, Laney, was seriously injured in the crash and remained hospitalized in stable condition on Monday.

Laney's mother, Christina Perdue, said in a statement to ABC News that her daughter's last memory aboard the plane was of her father shielding her from impact.

Laney Perdue, 11 , emerged as the sole survivor of Saturday's plane crash in Michigan, which killed four people, among them her father, Mike Perdue (left)

Laney is recovering at a Michigan hospital, where she was in stable condition on Monday

Christina Perdue (far right) said her daughter Laney's final memory before impact was of her father (far left) protecting her

'We are heartbroken with the loss of my husband, a father, brother, son and friend. He gave the best bear hugs, and I believe he grabbed our daughter and protected her,' Christina said. 'Our prayers are also with our island community and the other souls lost in the accident.'

A CaringBridge page has been launched on Christina's behalf to update well-wishers about her daughter's condition. According to the description, Laney remained alert and was able to give first responders her mother's name and phone number.

'She is being a trooper and so strong,' the page reads. 'There are many broken bones and injuries but most of them are ones that are going to heal on their own, another miracle!.'

According to an entry from Sunday, the 11-year-old underwent surgery to have a pin inserted into her left foot and to wire her jaw 'to allow for healing and alignment.'

Meanwhile, a loved one has has started a GoFundMe campaign to help the Perdue family financially, which has drawn more than $53,000 in donations as of Monday.

Mike Perdue worked as a real estate agent in Gaylord, Michigan, where he lived with his wife, their two daughters and two young sons.

The crash also took the lives of Leese, 35, and Kendall, 37, who posted a video of a flight they took over Beaver Island just days before the fatal accident. The couple's two dogs, who were aboard the plane on Saturday, also died.

Leese, a biochemist, and Kendall, an attorney, had only recently settled in Beaver Island after spending years traveling. They had been planning to open Antho Vineyards, a winery and tasting room, on the island in Lake Michigan.

Kate Leese (left) and Adam Kendall (right) were killed in the crash on Beaver Island

The wreck of the twin-engine Britten-Norman plane is pictured at Welke Airport on Beaver Island, Michigan, on Saturday

A person is seen being loaded into the back of an ambulance following the crash

The map shows the airport where the flight had taken off and where crashed 15 minutes later

'It feels like a place somewhere along the road where you could stop and have a glass of wine with new friends,' Leese told The Detroit News for a story published a week before the crash. 'Our goal is to have that kind of place that brings people together.'

The pair also were in the process of renovating a century-old farmhouse on the island, which they had decided to make their new home because of its peaceful atmosphere.

'Almost immediately after we pulled into the marina here, we knew this was the level of quiet we were looking for,' Kendall told the newspaper. 'At night, there's almost complete silence here. ...It's the kind of place we had been looking for as our next spot.'

They referred to themselves on social media as 'travelers-turned-farmers,' and said they had lived in '200+ places in an Airstream and [an] old boat since 2016.'

On Thursday, they posted a video showing the wheels of a flight they were taking hovering several miles above the Beaver Island shoreline, with the caption: 'Flying (again!) to take the big dog back to his third vet appointment. Crossing all the fingers and toes for better news.'

In another post, on October 29, the couple shared another image of a flight they took over the island, showing trees of every color surrounding one road leading to the beach.

It read: 'That little bitty road leads to one of our favorite campgrounds, and now somehow we live on the other side of the epic view. Life is wild.'

Leese and Kendall posted a 'family photo' outside their trailer on Friday

They also used their Instagram to share photos of their dogs, Frank and Barker, who were also killed in the fatal crash on Saturday

Just days before the fatal crash, the couple posted a video of a flight they took over the island

They used their shared Instagram page,'lifewithoutwaiting,' to post pictures of their cross-country adventures and share photos of their dogs, Frank and Barker.

One posted on Friday showed the two dogs laying on top of a bed in the back of an ambulance they converted into a living space, and another posted that same day featured Leese and Kendall standing outside a trailer with their two dogs, which they called a 'family photo.'

'We've owned this airstream going on six years and this is our very first family photo in the doorway,' the caption read. 'Thanks @mmivphoto for these impromptu happy shots. I always want to remember us like this.'

The Beaver Island Fire Department released a picture of the scene (above) after the plane crashed on its way into Welke Airport

The twin-engine Britten-Norman plane with a pilot and four passenger on board was flying from Charlevoix on Michigans lower peninsula, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

The aircraft crashed at Welke Airport, located 35 miles away, as it was about to land.

A Coast Guard helicopter was conducting training when they received the emergency alarm of the accident. They could reportedly see debris on the island and local medical teams already responding.

The helicopter airlifted two people to the hospital - Mike and Laney Perdue.

The Coast Guard said that officers were performing chest compressions on the 11-year-old girl while she was being airlifted to a hospital in Petoskey.

Her father initially survived but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

Laney was subsequently transferred to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids for further treatment.

The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.

According to Island Airways, this is the first crash the airline has ever had.

Another airline operating out of Beaver Island experienced a fatal crash on a foggy day in February 2001 when a pilot and passenger were killed when the plane landed in a thicket of trees nearly two miles short of the airport runway.

A mother and her three children survived and waited in the woods to be rescued, withstanding winter temperatures for more than 15 hours, according to the News-Review.
Industry, financiers and retirement funds are helping to resolve the climate crisis, even as Australia wins 'colossal fossil' status, according to an investment company.

By backing the creation of new things, investors can create jobs, add community benefit, offset carbon emissions and drive industrial decarbonisation, said investment firm Quinbrook.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia's coal industry will be vital for decades under climate policies that protect Australia's economic interests, in a rebuke to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's claim that the Cop26 pact sounded a 'death knell' for coal power.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured right with his wife Jenny) says coal has a decades long future in Australia

Speaking in western Sydney on Monday, Mr Morrison said Australians working in the coal sector would 'continue to be working in that industry for decades to come' because the transition to new low-emissions technologies would happen over a long time.

Quinbrook co-founder and managing partner David Scaysbrook told a briefing on Monday that business 'is so critical to the mobilisation of capital towards the energy and climate solution'.

He said Australia is a 'non-event' for institutional investors looking for returns from industrial decarbonisation.

Economist Nicki Hutley doubts Australia has done enough at the Glasgow climate summit to lower the cost of capital.

'Nobody serious is fooled by any of this,' she said.

'They say they have a net zero by 2050 target, but how can you spend $10billion a year on fossil fuel subsidies, commit $600million to a new gas-fired power station and another $100million to other gas projects just since the last budget?'

Climate Minister Angus Taylor said Australia had a strong track record and a process that suited an economy that specialised in energy intensive commodities.

'The great outcome of this COP, which was reflected in the communique, is a level of transparency where we will be leading the world,' he told ABC Radio on Monday.

'And when we update our projections each year they can be banked. We always deliver on them.'

Industrial decarbonisation is underway - where large industries swap out their existing energy supply arrangements in favour of renewables - as companies gear up to meet their own net zero emissions targets.

'That's a very good long-term systemic driver for more interesting investment opportunities in renewables infrastructure,' Mr Scaysbrook said.

Australia won the 'colossal fossil' award for its overall performance at the Glasgow climate summit.

The winning qualities for the award handed out by a coalition of green lobby groups were 'no ambition and fossil fuel expansion', Climate Action Network International.

Scott Morrison has rejected UK Prime Minster (pictured) Boris Johnson's remark that the Cop26 agreement was the 'death-knell for coal'

'Forget your ideology, forget whether you believe in climate change, once you're committed to net zero you have to do something about it, surely,' Ms Hutley said.

Climate litigation underway in the Northern Territory on the recently approved Beetaloo Basin project has included evidence that extracting and using the field's gas would boost Australia's emissions by 13 per cent.

Meanwhile oil and gas giant Woodside struck a 'milestone' deal on Monday with Global Infrastructure Partners on the $16 billion Pluto LNG expansion project in Western Australia.

'The LNG supplied from the expanded Pluto facility will assist our customers to achieve their decarbonisation goals through the energy transition,' Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said.

Investment activist Will van de Pol from Market Forces said no amount of 'greenwash' from Woodside or GIP could change the fact that new gas fields like Scarborough won't allow the world to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

'The Scarborough-Pluto project is a carbon bomb at the scale of 15 coal power stations,' he said.

'GIP's decision to buy into Pluto 2, and NAB's role in arranging finance for the purchase, could act to light the fuse on that carbon bomb.'

Modelling by Deloitte Access Economics suggests more enthusiastic federal support for a low carbon economy in Australia would add $680billion in economic growth and 250,000 new jobs by 2070.

'While I don't fully accept the prime minister's view that technology bails us out, it certainly is a very big component of it,' Mr Scaysbrook said.

But Australia just 'faffs around' at the edges when trying to create new industries, he said.

In Glasgow, Australia rejected calls from developing economies for a dedicated 'loss and damage' fund.

The new fund, left out of the final deal, would have seen countries such as Australia contribute capital for projects to offset the damage caused by a carbon-rich economy.

But a 'process' to define a new global goal on finance is included in the pact and the pledge of $US100 billion annually from developed to developing countries was retained.
Boris Johnson hailed the Cop26 climate conference as a success today - but lashed out at countries failing to pull their weight on the environment.

The Prime Minister repeated his claim that the UN summit in Scotland would be remembered for securing an 'historic agreement' - but only if those present 'make good on their pledges'.

Addressing the Commons after the conference ended with a watered down pact he made a thinly veiled attack on China and India for stymying tougher action to keep global temperature rises below 1.5C.

'While COP26 has filled me with optimism about our ability to get there I cannot now claim to be certain that we will, because we have seen countries that really should know better dragging their heels on their Paris commitments,' he told MPs, his voice cracking from the effect of a cold.

But Labour's Sir Keir Starmer said Cop 26 was held back by the Prime Minister's 'guileless boosterism'.

The Prime Minister repeated his claim that the UN summit in Scotland would be remembered for securing an 'historic agreement' - but only if those present 'make good on their pledges'.

China's Xi Jinping (left)) refused to attend Cop 26, while India's Narendra Modi gave a speech days before his representatives helped to water down moves to stop coal use

Climate activist Greta Thunberg had described the summit in Glasgow as more 'blah, blah, blah' after a new global climate deal was agreed.

Cop26 ended on Saturday after China and India conspired to weaken efforts to abandon fossil fuels with just minutes to go.

The section of the summit pact covering unabated coal - the burning of coal without climate change mitigating technology - was changed from 'phase out' to 'phase down' under pressure from two of the world's largest polluters, leading to angry responses from European and vulnerable countries.

Sir Keir today paid tribute to Cop president Alok Sharma, saying: 'Whatever the shortcomings of the deal, his diligence, his integrity and his commitment to the climate are clear for all to see.

'Whilst the summit has been one of modest progress, we cannot kid ourselves. Plans to cut emissions are still way short. The pledges made in Glasgow for 2030 - even if all fully implemented - represent less than 25 per cent of the ambition required.'

He said he recognised that international agreements are difficult and 'those that have dragged their feet the most bear the greatest responsibility'.

But he added: 'The summit was held back by the Prime Minister's guileless boosterism, which only served to embolden the big emitters.

'The Prime Minister praised inadequate net-zero plans. He called the Australia plans heroic - even though their plan was so slow that it was in line with 4C of global warming. By providing this cover, the Prime Minster had little chance of exerting influence over the other big emitters, and we saw many more disappointing national plans.'

In reply, Mr Johnson accused the opposition of its 'usual pathetic attempt' to 'blow and suck at once'.

He defended the UK's efforts at Cop26 because no previous conference 'had ever mentioned' phasing out, or down, coal.

The Prime Minister added: 'As a result of everything we have done at Cop, we have been able to keep 1.5 alive. I think listening to him (Sir Keir) he is finding it very, very difficult to reconcile himself to the fact that the United Kingdom did make an environmental success.'

Sir Keir had earlier accused Mr Johnson of undermining global efforts against climate change by 'pretending' cop26 had been a success.

The Opposition Leader criticised the Prime Minister for praising a deal done on fossil fuel emissions, after it was watered down by China and India at the death of the UN summit in Glasgow.

Mr Johnson last night took a swipe at Beijing and New Delhi - two of the world's worst polluters - after they connived to alter language on coal use from a pledge to phase it 'out' to phase it 'down'.

But the Prime Minister used a televised press conference to insist that the Glasgow summit had been a 'historic success' that 'sounded the death knell' for coal power generation.

Hosting 'Call Keir' on LBC radio today, the Labour leader said Cop26 'didn't achieve what we needed to achieve'.

'I don't think the Prime Minister helps either the global effort or himself to pretend or over-pretend that this is all fine and on track, because it isn't,' he said.

The Labour leader added: 'The Prime Minister seemed to be saying yesterday that phasing down coal and phasing out coal are basically the same thing. I don't agree.

'I think if you phase down you are reducing but you are not eliminating - if you phase out you are eliminating.'

Downing Street said the UK can 'lobby and encourage' but cannot force other nations to commit to climate promises.

Following the Cop26 summit in Glasgow, No 10 said the UK had worked with partners from around the globe.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'All countries have to play a role in this, almost 200 countries working together.

'We absolutely worked with our EU counterparts, both individually and the EU centrally in this, along with countries like the US and others who are working towards pushing for further action on net zero.'

He added that 'we can lobby and encourage but we cannot force nations to do what they do not wish to do'.

'But we will continue to keep the pressure on, that's something that Alok Sharma will continue to do as his role as Cop President this year, to ensure those countries who have made commitments stand by them and those where we feel can do more, we will keep the pressure on to encourage them to come forward with further action.'
A former member of a black militia group was removed by police from a tense school board meeting after he said he had 'over a thousand soldiers ready to go' who were 'locked and loaded' in support of critical race theory - leaving anti-CRT parents feeling 'threatened' and 'scared.'

The incident took place during a board meeting held by the Fort Worth Independent School District on November 9. The meeting was devoted in part to the teaching of critical race theory, which was opposed by some of the parents.

During the meeting, a man identified as Malikk Austin got up and spoke for a minute, defending the teaching of CRT.

Austin, an African-American who was part of The Brotherhood Movement, a 'Second Amendment group,' said: 'For those who got an issue with this critical race theory equity, this is something I fight for, for my children.'

'How dare you come out here and talk about the things that my daddy and my grandparents went through, the lynching, the oppression, Jim Crow, and my kids are still being afflicted by this.'

School board meetings nationwide have become a flash point of controversy over the teaching of critical race theory, which critics say makes children feel guilty for being white.

Supporters of CRT claim that it is vital to 'center' the experiences of black people and other minorities in educational curricula which until now has been taught predominantly through the prism of white Americans.

During a November 9 meeting of the Fort Worth Independent School District board, a man identified as Malikk Austin got up and spoke for a minute, defending the teaching of CRT

Austin, an African-American, said: 'For those who got an issue with this critical race theory equity, this is something I fight for, for my children.'

'How dare you come out here and talk about the things that my daddy and my grandparents went through, the lynching, the oppression, Jim Crow, and my kids are still being afflicted by this,' he said

As he was escorted away, Austin said he had 'over a thousand soldiers ready to go' who were 'locked and loaded'

One parent in attendance, Hollie Plemmons, told Fox News that she offered to take Austin aside and have a one-on-one conversation with him. She said she felt threatened by his comments about 'having soldiers ready to go' and being 'locked and loaded'

Austin added: 'We are not our ancestors. I got over a thousand soldiers ready to go.'

Some of the parents in the audience urged Austin to address the school board members and not them, to which he reportedly replied: 'My First Amendment rights!'

One parent in attendance, Hollie Plemmons, told Fox News that she offered to take Austin aside and have a one-on-one conversation with him.

Austin is then said to have replied: 'But you're not intelligent, you are not intelligent.'

His one minute time limit had expired, prompting officers to come and escort him out of the room.

According to records, Malikk Austin's legal name is Edgar Austin

Austin's Facebook page shows images of him wearing tactical gear and posing with other members of The Brotherhood Movement. A spokesperson for the group told DailyMail.com that it is a 'Second Amendment group' that promotes 'education, black economics, community engagement, and conflict resolution'

Austin is seen in the above undated photo with other members of The Brotherhood Movement. A spokesperson for the group told DailyMail.com that he is no longer with the organization

As he left, Austin shouted: 'I'll bring my soldiers with me next time...locked and loaded.'

Plemmons then responded by asking: 'Did you just threaten me?'

Austin is then heard repeating: 'Locked and loaded.'

In an exchange with DailyMail.com, Austin said that parents who felt threatened were 'ignorant' and that he was simply exercising his First Amendment rights.

'These same parents have inflammatory things [to say] towards people of African descent.'

When asked what exactly he meant by '1,000 soldiers ready to go' and 'locked and loaded,' Austin told DailyMail.com that what he meant to convey was the need to 'prepare' and 'be ready to challenge the opposition.'

He said that the intent behind the comments was to 'focus on the task to win the things that may harm you.'

Austin said that he has not been contacted by law enforcement and that he doesn't anticipate being arrested.

'I've been to school board meetings for quite some time,' he told DailyMail.com.

'I didn't threaten nobody, sir. That's freedom of speech.'

According to his Facebook page, Austin works as an installation technician at Centennial Moisture Control, a 'full service waterproofing and restoration company' based in Irving, Texas.

DailyMail.com has sought comment from Centennial Moisture Control.

His Facebook page also indicates that Austin is a member of The Brotherhood Movement, but a spokesperson for the group told DailyMail.com that he has 'moved on' from the organization. The Brotherhood Movement describes itself as a group that believes in 'education, black economics, community engagement, conflict resolution.'

Austin also has a criminal record that includes a three-year stint in prison for a sex assault conviction

DailyMail.com has made repeated attempts to get comment from Austin

He denied that the group promotes or advocates for violence. He said that the group exercises its Second Amendment rights to bear arms.

Images from Austin's Facebook page shows him with several members of the Brotherhood Movement carrying what appear to be automatic weapons and rifles.

Plemmons told Fox News that she was shaken by Austin's comments, which she perceived as a threat.

'Absolutely, it made me feel threatened,' Plemmons, a stay-at-home mother of three, told Fox News.

'I'm scared and I'm afraid he's going to do something.'

She added: 'I felt it was completely inappropriate that the board did not stop that.'

Plemmons said the board's decision to allow Austin to keep talking about a 'double standard' because of the board's support for CRT.

'Everyone there felt threatened,' Carol Guarneri, a grandmother of four in the Fort Worth ISD, told Fox News.

In August, Austin was seen attending another board meeting in 'tactical gear.'

'This gentleman was profoundly angry, he was not putting on a performance,' Guarneri said.

'When he made the statement that he had his thousand soldiers and they'd be back locked and loaded, it was very frightening to me.'

Austin was not arrested and local police said that no complaints were filed.

Records indicate that Austin's legal name is Edgar Austin, 51.

Austin is seen above posing with a woman who is identified on Facebook as his fiancee, Sottana Shorts

Austin, a registered Democrat, has a criminal record. In 2004, he was convicted of public lewdness, a class A misdemeanor.

In 2009, he was sentenced to prison for assaulting a family member.

In 1993, Austin was sentenced to prison for sexual assault. He served three years behind bars.
The 12 gage shotgun that was used in Ahmaud Arbery's (pictured) slaying was fired a few inches away from the jogger, an investigator testified in Georgia court on Monday afternoon as the state presented evidence photos of the jogger's blood stained t-shirt

The 12 gauge shotgun used in Ahmaud Arbery's slaying was fired a few inches away from the jogger, an investigator testified in Georgia court on Monday afternoon as the state presented evidence photos of the jogger's bloodstained t-shirt.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Leppard, who conducted a muzzle-to-target analysis of the evidence in June 2021, said the 4 to 5 inch holes in Arbery's t-shirt indicate the shotgun was in 'near contact' with Arbery's shoulder and/or armpit when it was fired.

'The end of the shot gun was very close to that fabric when it was fired. That's evidence by looking at the large hole there,' Brian Leppard told the jury.

Leppard's testimony came after the jury was shown graphic frame-by-frame video footage of the fatal shooting.

As the video played, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson was seen holding the hands of Arbery's parents. The jogger's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones wept quietly, closed her eyes and bowed her head as the video played while being comforted by Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Earlier in the day, tensions flared in the courtroom soon after Jackson sat in the back row of the courtroom between Arbery's parents. Defense attorney Kevin Gough asked the judge to make the civil rights leader leave to avoid unfairly influencing the jury, and asked for a mistrial, claiming the jury was tained by Arbery's mother weeping in the gallery.

The judge refused to declare a mistrial and said no group would be excluded from his courtroom.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Leppard, who conducted a muzzle-to-target analysis of the evidence in June 2021, said the 4 to 5 inch holes in Arbery's t-shirt (pictured) indicate the shotgun was in 'near contact' with Arbery's shoulder/armpit when it was fired

Rev. Jesse Jackson held the hands of Arbery's parents as frame-by-frame video of his shooting was played for the jury

During testimony of how the 12-guage shotgun was used to kill Arbery, Leppard did not give a definitive distance that the gun was fired from. However, he indicated it was fired at 'near contact' which means a weapon was within one to two inches of the the victim.

'It's got to be close enough for the enough for the gas exiting the end of the gun to make an impact on the fabric - to cause that searing and tearing and rolling back as we saw' Leppard explained.

The crime scene analyst also demonstrated how to load and fire the weapon, noting that a lever has to be removed to fire the gun.

The defense pushed back, asking Leppard if this meant the victim could have potentially grabbed the gun.

'I think it's reasonable to say if the end of the shotgun can touch your shirt, if you're the victim, then it would be reasonable to think that you could also grab the shotgun,' he noted.

The weapons demonstration followed a tension-filled day in Brunswick Superior Court, where testimony was largely disrupted by arguments over Jackson's appearance.

Attorney Kevin Gough, who is representing accused William 'Roddie' Bryan Jr., filed a motion for mistrial, alleging the presence of high-profile pastors and other emotional outbursts in the courtroom haven't allowed his client to have a fair trial.

'We contend that the atmosphere for the trial, both inside and outside the courtroom, at this point, has deprived Mr Bryan of the right to a fair trial,' he said.

The judge presiding over Arbery's murder trial denied the defense's motion.

Firearms expert Brian Leppard examines the 12-gage Remington pump shotgun that was used in Arbery's shooting

Leppard discussed the evidence he collected during his muzzle-to-target analysis, which he said indicates the shots were fired at 'near contact'

Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski shows an image from a video showing a moment of contact between Ahmaud Arbery (left) and accused shooter Travis McMichael (right)

Judge Timothy Walmsley (right) denied defense attorney Kevin Gough's (left) motion for a mistrial Monday. Gough alleged the presence of high-profile pastors and other emotional outbursts in the courtroom haven't allowed his client to have a fair trial

During his motion for a mistrial, Gough cited concerns of alleged nonverbal communications between civil rights activists and the jury, as well as between the jury and victim's family.

'We have had civil rights icons sitting in here - in what the civil rights community contends is a 'test case for civil rights in the United States' - eyeballing these jurors,' he said.

'We have had several instances during jury selection of nonverbal communications between the victim's family and jurors, or from jurors to the victim's family.'

Gough also claimed that there were several emotional outbursts in the courtroom and that the front of the courthouse was not secure.

Brunswick Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley denied the motion for mistrial, calling Gough's comments 'reprehensible'.

Walmsley alleged that many of the statements Gough made, including one he made last week about Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Colonel Sanders, has impacted what is taking place in court.

'In response, Mr Gough, to statements you made - which I find reprehensible, the Colonel Sanders statement you made last week, I would suggest may be something that has influenced what is going on here,' the judge said.

He warned both the state and defense 'your words in this courtroom have impact on a lot of what is going on' inside and outside the courtroom.

Walmsley added: 'My measured response right now is to balance all of that and try to move forward with the trial. I'm not granting a mistrial at this point.'

Jackson said outside the courthouse during a break in proceedings Monday that he planned to attend the trial all week, calling it 'a constitutional right and a moral obligation'

Jackson also claimed that the motion for mistrial was the defense's attempt at a 'diversion' (Pictured: Jackson walking with Arbery's father, Marcus Arbery, on his left)

Jackson said outside the courthouse during a break in proceedings that he planned to attend the trial all week, calling it 'a constitutional right and a moral obligation'.

'They're looking for diversion,' he told 11 Alive of the defense lawyers.

Gough's mistrial request was joined by the two other defense teams. Franklin Hogue, an attorney for Greg McMichael, said he fears the defendants aren't receiving a fair trial in the community.

Jason Sheffiled, one of Travis McMichaels' attorneys, said the weeping caused some jurors to look and see Jackson, an icon 'whose autographed picture hung in my mother's loft for decades.'

'Several jurors did look over. Their faces changed (showing) the emotion and sympathy they felt,' Sheffield told the judge.

Jackson told reporters that it was Arbery's mother who wept 'very quietly' in the courtroom after prosecutors showed a photo of her son to a witness.

The call for a mistrial came after the pastor attended court with Arbery's parents on Monday, despite prior objections from the defense. The group was seated behind accused shooter Travis McMichael's mother as the murder trial continued.

Gough, before calling for a mistrial, verbally objected to Jackson's presence.

'In the context of this trial, we object to his presence in the public gallery,' he said. 'Which pastor is next? Is Raphael Warnock going to be the next person appearing this afternoon? We don't know.'

He added: 'There is no reason for these prominent icons in the civil rights movement to be here. With all due respect, I would suggest, whether intended or not, that inevitably a juror is going to be influenced by their presence in the courtroom.'

Walmsley declined to ask Jackson to leave.

'The court is not going to single out any particular individual or group of individuals as not being allowed into his courtroom as a member of the public,' Walmsley said. 'If there is a disruption, you're welcome to call that to my attention.'

Rev. Jesse Jackson (center) sits with Ahmaud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones (center right) during the trial

Rev. Jesse Jackson (left) is seated with Ahamud Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones (right), in court on Monday. A defense attorney has objected to Jackson's presence

Last week, Gough complained when the Rev. Al Sharpton joined Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, and father, Marcus Arbery Sr., inside the Glynn County courtroom.

Gough said he feared Sharpton was trying to influence the jury, saying: 'We don't want any more black pastors coming in here or other Jesse Jackson, whoever was in here earlier this week, sitting with the victim's family trying to influence a jury in this case.'

However, Jackson alleged he was 'invited there last week by the defense attorney.'

Jason Sheffield, attorney for defendant Travis McMichael, called Gough's comment 'totally asinine. Ridiculous,' and said, 'In no way do we want to exclude anybody from this process.'

Sharpton has said he will be joined by more than 100 black pastors at the courthouse on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Jason Seacrist, who interviewed defendant William 'Roddie' Bryan Jr. on at least two occasions, returned to the witness stand Monday and was questioned by a defense lawyer about his interviews with the accused.

Gough questioned Seacrist about Bryan's claims that Arbery tried to get into his truck during the chase. Investigators testified they found Arbery's fingerprints on the truck near one of the door handles.

'Is it fair to say the first identifiable crime Mr. Bryan personally witnessed that day would be Mr. Arbery trying to get in his truck?' Gough asked.

Seacrist replied: 'Unless you discount the fact that somebody was trying to chase Mr. Arbery down while he was legally running, jogging in the road.'

The defense began their cross-examination of Seacrist late Friday before court adjourned for the weekend. At that time, he testified that Bryan, who videotaped the Arbery pursuit from his pickup truck, had an 'instinct' that Arbery had committed a crime.

'Because I figured he had done something wrong. I didn't know for sure,' Bryan said in a May interview with Seacrist, according to a transcript read aloud in court late Friday. 'It was just instinct man, I don't know. I figured he stole something.'

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Jason Seacrist (pictured), who interviewed defendant William 'Roddie' Bryan Jr. on at least two occasions, returned to the witness stand Monday and was questioned by a defense lawyer about his interviews with the accused

Defendant William 'Roddie' Bryan (pictured in court on Nov. 9) told Agent Seacrist he thought Arbery had done something wrong: 'I didn't know for sure. It was just instinct man, I don't know. I figured he stole something'

The fresh evidence on day seven of the trial follows a dramatic week in which Georgia State prosecutors focused on destroying the defense claim that their clients were trying to make a lawful citizens' arrest of a man they suspected of local burglaries.

Ex-cop Gregory McMichael, 65, his son, Travis McMichael, 35, and Bryan are each charged in the death of Arbery, a 25-year-old black jogger who was fatally shot last year after he was spotted running in the defendants' coastal Georgia neighborhood.

The McMichaels and Bryan all deny charges of murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment for chasing Arbery down a residential street in their pick-up trucks, leading to him lying dead in the road after three shots were fired.

Their defense attorneys have been arguing Arbery was suspected of burglary after reports of thefts in the neighborhood - and the trio were trying to make the citizens' arrest when the black man fought back in a tussle with Travis who was wielding a shotgun.

But Georgia State prosecutor Linda Dunikoski last week called witnesses to try to convince the jury the McMichaels were acting like vigilantes tracking down the mystery black man  and they ended up using deadly force.

The McMichaels were armed with a .357 Magnum handgun and the shotgun, the court heard. They began their chase when they spotted budding rapper Arbery running past their home on February 23 last year.

Ex-cop Gregory McMichael (left), his son, Travis McMichael (right) and Bryan are each charged in the death of Arbery

Unarmed neighbor Bryan, 52, joined the chase in his own truck after seeing the McMichaels' pursuit  and would film the shocking cell phone footage of the deadly encounter only minutes away.

Jurors have heard Gregory McMichael said Arbery was 'trapped like a rat' when the black jogger was finally confronted at the end of the chase. Glynn County Police detective sergeant Rod Nohilly took the stand and read out a portion of his interview with the accused.

McMichael, a former Glynn County cop and former investigator with the local district attorney's office, told him: 'He was trapped like a rat. I think he was wanting to flee and he realized that something, you know, he was not going to get away.'

He told the detective he and Travis had shouted for Arbery to stop, and added: 'He was much faster than Travis would ever be.

'He had opportunity to flee further you know. We had chased him around the neighborhood a bit but he wasn't winded at all. I mean this guy was, he was in good shape.'

And in a transcript of an interview with Detective Parker Marcy which he read to the court, McMichael said: 'I said stop. I'll blow your f***ing head off, or something.

'I was trying to convey to this guy we were not playing, you know.'

Gregory McMichael also told Glynn County Police officer Jeff Brandeberry: 'The guy comes hauling a** down the street. I'm talking about dead run, he's not jogging.'

'So I haul my a** into my bedroom to get a .357 Magnum. I don't take any chances.

'To be perfectly honest with you, if I could have gotten a shot at the guy, I'd have shot him myself.'

He added: 'That ain't no shuffler. This guy's an a**hole.'

Officer-worn body camera footage presented in court last Monday showed Gregory McMichael, 65, (left) consoling his son, Travis McMichael (right), after the 35-year-old shot Ahmaud Arbery

Gregory McMichael (left) allegedly told police that he, his son (right) and their neighbor had Ahmaud Arbery (pictured on the pavement) 'trapped like a rat,' noting that the jogger 'knew he wasn't going to get away'

In a police report of the shooting, Gregory McMichael alleged Arbery began fighting over the shotgun being held by Travis and there were two shots  although evidence has been given that there were three shots.

The McMichaels' belief that Arbery was a burglary suspect was based on previous security footage showing him wandering around a partly-constructed house two homes away from their own in Satilla Drive.

Jurors at Brunswick Superior Court last week saw security videos of the young black man at the house on five occasions. Four of these were at night and one around lunchtime on the fateful day when he was chased to his death.

Arbery did not touch any items in the house being built by owner and construction boss Larry English on any of the five visits and nothing was stolen from the home when he was there, the court heard.

Glynn County Police patrol officer Robert Rash told jurors he had been trying to identify the then unidentified black man since being alerted to the first recorded visit to the waterfront property on October 25, 2019.

He said he planned to talk to Arbery about possible trespassing  not burglary  and just warn him to stay off the property. Any subsequent action or charge would be the decision of English, 51, he added.

Rash had shown the October 25 security video to Gregory McMichael during his inquiries in the neighborhood, he told the court.

Then 12 days before the black jogger was killed, Travis McMichael made a breathless night time 911 call saying he had confronted and 'chased' a black man at the house.

Glynn County police officer Robert Rash (bottom left) took the witness stand on the sixth day of trial on Friday. The cop responded to the scene after Travis called 911

Rash's bodycam footage showed the cop entering the home with his gun drawn after back-up officers had arrived

Travis, panting heavily, told the 911 operator he had 'caught a guy running into a house being built' the jury heard. 'Black male, red shirt. He is in the house.' He also said the man reached into his pocket and 'could be armed'.

Rash attended the scene after being told by his dispatch there was a possible burglary in progress. Jurors were shown dramatic footage from his bodycam as he entered the house, his gun drawn and aimed in front of him with a flashlight leading the way. But Arbery was nowhere to be seen.

Back outside, the footage revealed both McMichaels trying to hunt down the mystery black man, with three neighbors also present. One of these was Matt Albenze, who jurors heard was to call the police non-emergency line on February 23 when he spotted Arbery at the house again.

As the officer and neighbors swapped information, the body cam reveals Gregory McMichael telling Rash: 'Travis just walked down there' referring to the back of the property and nearby homes. He adds: 'He's armed by the way.'

Rash told the court: 'I was the first officer and on my arrival Travis McMichael and Greg McMichael were on the scene. I stood by for other officers to get there before proceeding to check the property for the unidentified male. I believe they (the McMichaels) told dispatch about having guns, but I didn't see them brandishing guns.'

The officer said he viewed the McMichaels as witnesses and had no plans to deputize them.

Rash told the court he had put English in touch with Gregory McMichael, because he believed the latter could be a reliable witness if there was another situation at the house due to his law enforcement experience.

But during English's four-hour pre-recorded video testimony at the trial, he denied McMichael was given any permission to hunt down anyone spotted there.

A 45-second clip from October 25 (pictured) showed Arbery wandering around near the back of the house at night. Larry English, who was constructing his 'dream second home', called 911 to report a 'trespasser' who he suspected was 'maybe drunk or on drugs'

The 25-year-old is seen above at the same home on February 23, 2020 - the day he was chased and killed

Prosecutor Pail Camarillo asked English: 'At any point in time did you authorize the McMichael to ever confront anybody on your site?'

English replied: 'No'. Camarillo followed up: 'Or act on behalf of the police on your site.' English said: 'No'.

The married home owner, who said he was suffering from sarcoidosis  a serious condition of the heart and lungs  revealed he was building his 'dream home' and staying there in a camper around two weekends a month during construction. He lives 90 miles away in Douglas, Georgia.

He installed about eight security cameras at the site in 2019 after reports of people entering. Images were relayed to English's cell phone after the motion sensors tripped.

Not all the visitors were Arbery, the court heard. Children were among the first spotted and on November 17, 2019, a white couple were captured on video entering the premises at night.
A rotary phone mounted to a tree in the Washington state wilderness has given grieving families a second chance to 'speak' with their dearly departed - despite the fact that the device is not linked to any line and cannot make any calls.

'I, literally - I can hear her,' said mourning father and Olympia resident Andre Sylvester, who every few weeks journeys outside city lines to Priest Point Park to use the device to chat with his deceased daughter Joelle.

'Hey, Elly Belly,' an emotional Sylvester says during one such outing, recorded by CBS News in November, with the phone's receiver to his ear. 'How are you?'

Sylvester, accompanied by his wife, Erin, then stands transfixed in the clip, as if listening to the girl's response.

After a few moments, the father then manages to muster, 'I miss you little girl,' before handing off the receiver to his spouse.

'Hi baby,' Erin adds as she takes the phone to her ear, holding back tears.

In the video, the mourning mother, tears streaming down her face, also seems to hear a response from her lost loved one, while clutching her husband's outstretched palm with one hand and the phone's beige receiver with the other.

'This never gets easier,' Erin declared after the emotional ordeal - only the latest in a slew of impassioned outings for the couple and their remaining children.

Andre and Erin Sylvester have journeyed to Washington state's Priest Point Park for past 13 months to 'talk' to their late daughter on the disconnected antique phone

The memorial, titled 'Telephone in the Wind,' was put in place by a family friend who was inspired by a similar installation erected in Japan in 2010

The out-of-place contraption is the brainchild of an amateur photographer and travel blogger whose daughter was friends with the family's daughter.

Corey Dembeck installed the phone and dubbed the device 'The Telephone of the Wind', leaving a poster that provided a brief explanation as to its purpose.

'This phone is for everyone who has lost a loved one,' the message began.

'The phone is an outlet for those who have messages they wish to share with their lost friends and family.

'It is a phone for memories and saying the goodbyes you never got to say.

'Dedicated to the Memory of Joelle Rose Sylvester.'

For more than a year, since four-year-old Joelle's premature passing on October 6, 2020, the pair and their three other kids have made the pilgrimage to the sprawling public park in America's Pacific Northwest to to use the inoperative antique in an attempt to gain some closure.

But somehow, every time, the mourners manage to defy all logic, and somehow find Joelle on the other end of the line.

'I always feel lighter, ready to go back into the real world of, you know, without my daughter,' says Erin.

The pair's daughter, Joelle, died suddenly on October 6 at the age of four after suffering from flu-like symptoms and testing positive for strep, with mom Erin saying that the youth tested negative for COVD in the the days before her death, and that the cause remains unknown

Joelle died suddenly on October 6 after suffering from flu-like symptoms and testing positive for strep, with mom Erin saying that the youth tested negative for COVD in the the days before her death, and that the cause remains unknown.

The day after the youngster's passing, however, another, less-tragic mystery emerged - that of the antique phone.

On October 7 of 2020, a phone appeared seemingly out of thin air in a secluded part of the public park, conspicuously mounted to a large cedar tree.

The surviving members of the Sylvester family travel to the installation every few weeks to reconnect with their lost daughter

For weeks, the strange memorial sat on the cedar, with few knowing who put it there.

Eventually, it was revealed that the heartfelt installation was the handiwork of family friend Dembeck, whose daughter, now 5, was friends with Joelle.

'I just couldn't imagine if something like that happened to my daughter,' Dembeck told correspondent CBS of what spurred him to visit a Washington thrift store the day after Joelle's death, purchase the antique phone, and erect the memorial. 'It was just something I had to do.'

Joelle's mom Erin and surviving sister seem to hear a response from their lost loved one during a recent outing to the Washington public park, chronicled by CBS

Word soon spread, and within weeks, complete strangers were braving the Northwest rain to make their own de facto calls.

'I don't think I got, really got, how many people would really really needed something like this,' Dembeck declared to CBS.

One such visitor, Lori Provoe, described how Dembeck's creation helped her cope with the loss of her son.

'When you're grieving, you look for any avenue to try to connect that you can, to make that emotional connection. And that's what the telephone, I thought, would do for me.'

CBS correspondent Lee Cowan then asked Provoe, 'And did it?'

'It did,' the mourning mother responded.

'Hey, Elly Belly,' an emotional Sylvester said in the outing recorded by CBS News in November. The emotional father managed to muster 'I miss you little girl,' before handing the phone off to his wife

Provoe lost 27-year-old Tyler last year.

'Of course, it's very emotional,' Provoe admitted of the therapy the make-believe calls provide.

'As soon as you pick up the phone, the tears flow. And I've been out here several times, and it's been the same experience every time.

'I have Kleenex in my pocket. You can't explain why the emotions are flowing as soon as you pick up that phone, but they do.'

Dembeck drew inspiration for the idea to help families cope with the loss of loved ones from a similar installation across the Pacific.

The heartfelt installation was the handiwork of a family friend also mourning Joelle's death, photographer and amateur carpenter Corey Dembeck, whose own daughter, now 5, was friends with Joelle

In 2011, in Otsuchi, Japan, in the wake of Japan's devastating tsunami, citizens became infatuated by a small phone booth high on a hill overlooking the ocean installed there months earlier by a man who built the memorial to satisfy his desire to speak to his cousin who had died of cancer.

Also called the 'Telephone of the Wind,' the site became one of the few places to offer a kind of solace to survivors of the tragedy who lost their loved ones.

Eventually, Dembeck heard about the memorial, and after Joelle's death, he felt inspired to introduce the concept to mourners on the other side of the Pacific.

'I just thought it would be perfect for now, and as far as I know, at the time, there wasn't one that I knew of in the United States,' he said.

The phone has since become a destination to other mourners seeking consolation after losing their loved ones, like Lori Provoe (pictured), who used the Telephone in the Wind to talk to her deceased son, Tyler

'As soon as you pick up the phone, the tears flow. And I've been out here several times, and it's been the same experience every time,' Provoe told CBS earlier this month

'After I screwed the phone to the tree, I kind of looked at it for a second,' Dembeck told The Olympian earlier this year.

'I felt kind of dumb standing in front of the phone and picking it up. I knew it was make believe.'

Dembeck admitted that the simple installation helped him as well, helping the photographer revisit unresolved feelings associated with the loss of his own mother more than six years ago.

'When my mom passed away, I never really, like, dealt with it, I guess.'

The impulse to call her, he says, seemed to come out of thin air.

'I stuck my finger in the dial and spun it around and then the words, "Hi, Mom," came out of my mouth,' he said. 'And it made sense. It became real. I walked away and I felt better.'

'Hey, Mom, it's me I miss you... and I guess I'll talk to you later,' the photographer said during a visit earlier this month chronicled by CBS.

'Love you.'

For the Sylvesters and countless others, Dembeck's memorial has allowed them the ability to revisit these unresolved feelings, and gain some sort of closure.

Erin Sylvester said, 'I think one of the most dangerous things that you can do to yourself is to keep your feelings, whatever they are, locked up inside. Something so simple, an old rotary phone on a tree - it's just crazy how much impact that that has.'
A former Boston College student who allegedly encouraged her boyfriend to kill himself in text messages before he died by suicide on his graduation day is set to have her case heard by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, where justices will rule whether her involuntary manslaughter charges is 'legally tenable.'

Inyoung You, 23, was indicted by a Suffolk County grand jury two years ago in connection to her boyfriend Alexander Urtula's suicide, after he jumped from the roof of the Renaissance Parking Garage in Roxbury as You pulled up in an Uber.

Earlier this year, the judge overseeing the case dismissed one argument by the prosecution that You failed to call 911 when she knew Urtula was about to take his life.

The decision prompted defense lawyers in October to request that the Supreme Court take up the case, which will commence oral arguments on February 2, according to the Boston Globe.

You is being charged on the grounds that she contributed to Urtula's death by consistently sending him text messages urging him to kill himself before he eventually did.

You's defense claims that convicting her of manslaughter would breach her First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

Inyoung You, 23, will have her case seen by the Supreme Court starting February. She is pictured above in 2019 leaving Suffolk County Criminal Court in Boston after she was charged in connection to her boyfriend Alexander Urtula's suicide

Urtula jumped from the roof of the Renaissance Parking Garage in Roxbury as You pulled up in an Uber. Prosecutors claimed that You should be held liable for his death because she consistently texted him 'go die' and repeatedly abused him emotionally

'Given the importance of the issues in the case, the Supreme Judicial Court has agreed to review the indictment and whether it is legally tenable,' Howard Cooper, You's lawyer, told the news outlet on Thursday, adding that the case highlights the practical and legal debate over the limits of free speech.

He added, 'The issues, which the court is concerned about, really relate to the breadth of Massachusetts criminal law concerning involuntary manslaughter cases that are based upon pure speech.'

Prosecutors claimed that she should be held liable for his death because she told him in tens of thousands of messages to 'go die,' manipulated him and emotionally abused him over a period of several months.

However, You's defense lawyers have said that they 'cherry-picked' damaging messages and that she also texted him to stop what he was doing when he told her that he was on the roof and alluded to suicide.

Prosecutors and the defense appealed a split ruling on a motion to dismiss after Christine M. Roach, the Suffolk Superior Court judge overseeing the case, said that You could not be convicted in Urtula's death on the grounds that she failed to call 911 in the roughly 42 minutes she was aware of his intentions.

The Massachusetts Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case and will commence oral arguments on February 2

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins (left) said she is 'very confident' in her case against Inyoung You

The judge did not dismiss the argument that You's tens of thousands of text messages to Urtula contributed to his death. Defense lawyers filed a direct appellate review with the Supreme Court in October, which agreed to take up the case.

You, a South Korea native, has pleaded not guilty to her charges and claims in court proceedings that the prosecution is 'criminalizing speech' and impeding on her First Amendment rights by seeking to hold her responsible for Urtula's suicide.

You, who faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted as charged, flew back to South Korea after Urtula's death. She returned for a hearing in November 2019 and was freed on $5,000 bail under the condition that she surrender her passport and agreed to remain in Massachusetts pending trial.

District Attorney Rachael Rollins's office is not commenting on the case's recent developments, according to the Boston Globe, but released a statement in January after the judge's spilt ruling. It read, 'While both sides have the ability to appeal the decision, we will also continue to prepare for trial and fight any appeal the defense may make.'

Rollins's statement continued, 'We maintain that the evidence shows that Ms. You's physical, verbal, and psychological abuse toward Mr. Urtula during their 18-month-long tempestuous relationship  abuse which became more pronounced, powerful, and demeaning in the days and hours leading up to Mr. Urtula's death  were a cause for his suicide.'

During the 2019 hearing, prosecutors described how she 'controlled' his life by allegedly threatening to kill herself or self-harm if he ever broke up with her. It began, prosecutors said, because she was unhappy he was communicating with an ex-girlfriend.

Authorities suggested that she gave him the idea of how to kill himself and that she had once threatened to take her own life at the same parking garage where he died.

Urtula jumped to his death from the roof of a parking garage in Roxbury on May 20, approximately 90 minutes before he was scheduled to graduate from Boston College

You's case highlights the practical and legal debate over the limits of free speech

'Do everyone a favor and go f******* kill yourself,' was one of her texts that prosecutors led aloud. In another, she told him to kill himself 'or else I'm going to slit my wrists'.

Four days before he died, she said: 'Go f****** kill yourself.'

'You want me to slash my throat? Is that what you want? Why do I have to threaten my own f****** life for you to do something?' she said in another, two days before he died.

In another, she called him 'worthless' and told him to repeatedly bash his head against a sink.

Prosecutors say she subjected him to a barrage of 'pathological' abuse beforehand in texts. They also cited witnesses who claim he was under her control and scared to end their relationship.

One text from Urtula to You, seen by the Boston Globe, read, 'I'm breaking down and I'm scared. I want you and the voices to stop ... to stop telling me how worthless and pathetic I am ... And how much I deserve to die.'

Urtula also told his friends on multiple occasions that he was You's 'slave' and she was in complete emotional and physical control of him and his happiness, according to court records.

'The consistent overall theme of the texts is berating every aspect of Urtula's intelligence, appearance, behavior and worthiness to be her boyfriend.' court filings read.

They added that he had tried to find a way out of the relationship but was consistently met with more abuse.

You's attorneys argued that prosecutors are only showing the side of the story that benefits their narrative. Following the 2019 initial hearing, they released her final text messages with Urtula to prove that she begged him to 'stop' what he was doing after he warned her: 'I'm far away on a tall place and I'm not gonna be here for long.'

The text message exchange began with her lambasting him for turning location services on his phone off, indicating that she had been tracking his movements.

His first read: 'I'm not talking to anyone. I won't ever again. I'm happy I got to spend my last night with you. I love you Inyoung until my last breath.'

She carried on arguing with him, replying: 'Then WHERE ARE YOU' and 'that's all you've got to f*****g say?'

Urtula then warned: 'I'm not gonna be anywhere Inyoung this is goodbye forever. I love you. This isn't your fault it's mine.'

Her response was angry and written it block capitals.

She replied: 'what. whAT. UR LEAVING ME [sic]'. It is unclear if she was at this point aware if he planned to take his own life.

Above is The Renaissance Parking Garage in Boston, from which Urtula jumped on May 20, 2019

His final texts, where he said 'I'm far away on a tall place and I'm not gonna be here for long. I'm leaving everyone,' spark her panic.

She begged: 'ALEX. WHAT SRE [sic] YOU F***** DOING.

'IF U [sic] F****** LOVE ME STOP.

'IF U [sic] EVER F****** LOVED ME STOP.'

He replied morosely, writing: 'I did love you just not well enough' to which she said: 'UR GONNA F****** LEAVE ME TO NOTHING.'

His final texts were 'goodbye' and then 'you'll have everything once I'm gone.'

After receiving them, You sent a barrage of panicked and angry messages, pleading with him to 'stop' whatever he was doing and saying: 'Baby, please, please, please.... I love you.'

Her legal team and his family say that while he did not respond to any more texts, he did turn the location services on his phone back on.

It allowed her to track him to The Renaissance Parking Garage in Boston.

She ordered an Uber to take her there and continued texting him while also alerting his brother to his whereabouts.

The pair raced there and Urtula was still standing on top of the building when she arrived but, according to his family, jumped at the sight of her.

Steven Kim, one of You's lawyers, sent a statement to the Daily Mail in 2019 regarding the prosecution's argument. It read, 'Never in my career have I seen more unjust and callous behavior from a DA in what I can only conclude is the cheap pursuit of headlines.

'When the facts come out it will be clear  these were two emotionally needy young adults whose relationship had become a toxic blend of need, anger, fear and love. They simultaneously faced the everyday pressures all post-adolescents encounter from family, friends, social media, college life, and the things young people try to navigate every day. And they lived their lives on their phones in a way that is hard for many of us to understand.

'No one can ever know to a moral certainty why someone decides to take their own life. Suicide is always sad, always a tragedy and always mysterious. We should be looking for better ways to support young people in these situations instead of prosecuting them.

'All of us, including Inyoung You, mourn Alexander Urtula. 'But further punishing a young woman who loved him only compounds the tragedy and tarnishes the memory of that young man.'

Urtula, a Cedar grove, N.J. native, was studying biology and had completed his studies. The day he died, he was due to receive his diploma and his family had traveled to Boston from New Jersey to watch the ceremony.

You's case shares stark parallels with that of Michelle Carter, who was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2017 for encouraging her boyfriend Conrad Roy III to commit suicide in 2014 when she was 18.

Prosecutors, when they announced the charges against You, said the cases were similar. However, there are some significant differences.

The biggest difference between them was that You allegedly launched an unrelenting campaign of abuse on her boyfriend whereas Carter encouraged and egged on Roy's suicidality.

Carter and Roy also had limited physical contact whereas You and Urtula were frequently with each other and exchanged far more texts.

If you or anyone you know is struggling, for confidential support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website here.
A version of this piece first appeared on UnHerd.com

Historically speaking, empires on average last for around 250 years, after which they tend to either slowly  or very, very quickly  fall apart due to overreach and internal conflict. Somewhat ominously, the 250th birthday of America is coming up in 2026.

Yet when, towards the end of Trump's presidency, a radical friend of mine told me that he thought America was headed for civil war, I dismissed the argument out of hand. Why? How? It takes a unique confluence of mistakes and crises for civil war to appear possible, and an even longer list of mistakes, crises and elite screw-ups for them to happen.

But 2021 is a different world to 2015. Talk of insurrection, secession, civil conflict and civil war is no longer the chatter of the gullible and the mentally ill. It's entering the fringes of polite society. Some support this 'national divorce'; others are opposed to it. Others claim they would actually prefer to declare war on their recalcitrant countrymen rather than let them go their own way unmolested.

National Guard troops were deployed to downtown Minneapolis amid the 2020 trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted for the murder of George Floyd

None of this morbid interest in civil conflict is irrational, given the times. The year 2021 has thus far been a spectacular year for signs of political decline: the U.S. has now seen all the notable 'horsemen of the apocalypse' that historically herald strife and revolution appear, one after another.

Political division among its elites, increasing loss of legitimacy in the eyes of the population, military defeat abroad, and a new and very ominous crisis in the real economy, with no end date in sight.

Any one of these crises would be bad enough on their own; taken together, they represent a truly serious threat to the stability of the current order. Still, the question to be answered at the end of the day is quite simple: how likely is civil war, or national divorce, or a 'troubles scenario' really?

To answer this question accurately, a few misconceptions about it being impossible have to be dealt with.

One of the most worrisome aspects of contemporary American political discussion is the sense one often gets that many participants are possessed by a thinly-veiled bloodlust.

Sometimes, that bloodlust is not even thinly-veiled; after the unarmed USAF veteran Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot through a locked door in the Capitol building, many anonymous (and some less anonymous) commentators intimated that perhaps the problem with police violence in America wasn't that officers were shooting and killing too many unarmed people  but rather that maybe they just weren't killing enough of them.

Following a wave of destructive riots that tore through many cities in the United States last year, this turn toward open celebration of equally useless violence when it is visited on the enemy team speaks to a dangerous sort of polarization.

From this sort of bloodlust flows another very common assertion: that a civil war, if waged on American soil, would be over quickly, and lead to a fairly effortless massacre of any insurrectionists in flyover America. The idea here is that the US military is so advanced, and has so many tanks, gunships, fuel air bombs, and drones, that the federal government is simply assured of victory. As such, a civil war is an unlikely or impossible scenario, given the dramatic imbalance of power between the state and even a numerically large, dissatisfied internal population.

But this is a dangerous misconception. While the US military is indeed powerful and lavishly funded, it is a military designed to fight other states. Warfare between states is bound by rules and regulations; it is based on consent. This might seem a strange assertion to make, given that a country cannot just decline a war declaration from an enemy, but it holds true. There's a formal or informal understanding of who is an actual combatant and who is not.

Protesters crowd inside the U.S. Capitol Building after rioter Ashli Babbitt is shot by Capitol Police in Washington DC on January 06, 2021

Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, was fatally shot after breaching the Capitol building.

A mob of supporters of President Donald Trump fight with members of law enforcement at a door they broke open as they storm the U.S. Capitol Building

In contrast, warfare in primitive or tribal societies does not make any distinction between a civilian and a soldier. There are just enemies; ambushing and killing a 12-year-old girl drawing water at the creek is seen as normal as killing an adult warrior. This is where the European habit of calling uncivilized peoples 'savages' comes from; rather than merely being an expression of racist chauvinism, Europeans were in fact oftentimes shocked by the habit of Native Americans and other peoples to 'not play by the rules'.

But playing by the rules is a mug's game. An insurgency in America has about as much reason as the Native Americans once did to follow the rules of their enemies; they are under no compulsion to wear blinking strobe lights to make themselves easier for the drones to target. And that simple fact means that a counterinsurgency effort in the US is almost certainly doomed to fail.

In counterinsurgency warfare, everything that makes the US armed forces great  high-tech weapon platforms with immense destructive power  are not just useless, but counterproductive. A tank parked outside a shopping mall in Idaho will either spend its time shooting at nothing, or be at a very high risk of killing innocent American civilians for the high crime of 'looking suspicious'. Droning American weddings, like Afghan ones, does very little to advance the goals of a counterinsurgency. If anything, it only makes the relatives of the dead more likely to fight.

The U.S. armed forces are also at least an order of magnitude too small to do the job effectively. During Operation Banner, the British military deployed at most 20,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland to keep a lid on that wayward province. The U.S. armed forces consist of about 1.3 million active duty personnel, but this is spread out over five branches (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard), and only a small minority of military personnel are actually combat troops. It is thus very unlikely that the armed forces could scramble more than 100,000 regulars willing to do the job of holding an M4 carbine and patrolling down the main street of Anytown, Texas. To put that into perspective, Northern Ireland is about 2% the size of Texas.

(Left) A British soldier patrols in Northern Ireland in 2000 in response to the Irish Republican Army's move to disarm the province's police chief. (Right) A US National Guard soldier patrols around the Kenosha County court house in 2020 amid the trial of a police officer, who killed Jacob Blake

Then there's the fact that the most significant political split in America is between rural areas and coastal metropoles, and the armed forces are reliant on the very areas it would be tasked with policing as far as recruiting soldiers goes. Red America is overrepresented within the armed forces, and this won't change. As such, the U.S. doesn't just have too few soldiers, it has potentially unreliable ones, and the more brutality is used against recalcitrant red states, the more these soldiers will be ordered to fight and kill their own friends and family  a recipe for serious mutiny and disobedience.

Finally, there is an even greater elephant in the room. In the case of an American drone pilot accidentally blowing up a wedding in Afghanistan, the Afghan relatives of the slain have very little recourse. If an American drone pilot blows up an American wedding, however, that drone pilot and his or her family lives in the United States. Given the likely unreliability of some significant parts of the armed forces, the names and addresses of the most hated butchers are unlikely to stay a secret for long.

In Northern Ireland, for example, the provisional IRA not only attacked soldiers; they made a habit of assassinating the officers, commanders and politicians both for revenge and as a display of might. From Lord Mountbatten to a near-miss against Margaret Thatcher herself, to a score of less well-known targets, the IRA illustrates just how difficult it is to protect against an enemy that can simply choose to not wear a uniform before their enemies visit.

Now, with that all that said, how likely is it that there will be some sort of civil conflict in the near or mid future for the United States?

Unfortunately, the correct answer here may very well be that it is not terribly unlikely. What is significant about America today is not that it's nearing its 250th birthday, but rather the clear and advanced signs of sickness in the body politic. The ranks of America's military are now sullen and battered after 20 years of failed nation-building, while its higher officer corps is increasingly alienated from the world of its grunts, mirroring that same cultural, economic and social divide that is currently poisoning civilian life in the US.

The legitimacy of its elite has been shaken repeatedly, and faith in the electoral process itself is now rapidly declining among large segments of the electorate. America is currently a malarial swamp of strange new faiths, creeds, soothsayers and itinerant prophets; from Q to vaccine scientism to various forms of psuedo-gnosticism centered around trans people.

More than a hundred people rallied against vaccinations and mandates at City Hall Park in New York City in November 2021. Many displayed conspiracy theory statements as well as unsubstantiated information

To a student of history, this should also be a familiar  and quite ominous  sign: France in the 1780s had its own scientism and mesmerism, and Russia in the 1910s and 1980s was rife with soothsayers and itinerant preachers of new strange faiths.

Most ominously of all, however, looms the growing supply crisis. This crisis would be tolerable if it merely implied a lack of variety at the grocery store. In such a case, 2020s America might just have ushered in a new golden age of Soviet-style political jokes. But it is also creating havoc in the productive economy itself, denying farmers the spare parts to run their harvesters and car manufacturers the metals they need to make cars. The longer the crisis goes on, the more broken the economy will become, and the more painful the necessary reforms will be, once America's elites truly wake up to the danger.

If there is one time throughout history where civil wars are actually likely to occur, it is precisely when a delegitimated elite undertakes necessary reforms after letting underlying problems fester for decades. That is when states are at their weakest, and when they are vulnerable to the worst forms of internal disasters. Sadly, that might just be where America is headed today.
A garage worker has won almost 20,000 after her boss disciplined her for being late due to morning sickness before she had a miscarriage.

Laura Herring missed the start of three shifts and admitted she was 'struggling' with early mornings in the first few months of her pregnancy.

An employment tribunal heard her managers failed to consider stopping the sales assistant lifting heavy bundles of newspapers and pints of milk that could have injured her or her baby.

And after she suffered a miscarriage her boss 'harassed' her by repeatedly asking for information from her GP about why she was still off sick.

While still grieving for her lost child, the tribunal heard distressed Mrs Herring was fired for her absence.

Now the tribunal has ruled she was the victim of pregnancy discrimination and awarded her 19,974 in compensation.

Laura Herring missed the start of three shifts and admitted she was 'struggling' with early mornings in the first few months of her pregnancy. Pictured: Mount Hill Garage

The hearing was told Mrs Herring started work as a sales assistant at Mount Hill Garage in Halstead, Essex, in 2017.

The tribunal heard she had told her employers she was pregnant in January 2018 and felt unwell in her first trimester as she was suffering from morning sickness.

On a morning in February 2018, she felt particularly unwell and this made her late for a shift in the garage's shop.

She apologised to her line manager Vanessa Johnson and sent a text saying: 'Seemed to be struggling with the early morning but my midwife tells me it should stop around week 14.'

Mrs Herring was then given a verbal warning for her late arrival to work on three occasions.

The hearing was told Mrs Herring started work as a sales assistant at Mount Hill Garage in Halstead, Essex (pictured), in 2017

Employment Judge Bruce Gardiner said: 'The decision to issue Mrs Herring with a verbal warning was an act of direct discrimination because of illness suffered by her as a result of her pregnancy.

'Mrs Herring was ill with pregnancy related sickness and it was that sickness that delayed her arrival at work.'

The tribunal in east London heard Mrs Herring had to carry milk containers which weighed around two stone from outside of the shop to the inside fridge.

She also had to carry heavy bundles of newspapers - which could have injured her or her baby.

But the garage failed to carry out a risk assessment of her work duties, the panel found.

In March 2018 Mrs Herring was later signed off work sick because she was hospitalised due to high blood pressure. The next month her baby was found to have died.

The tribunal heard she delivered her baby - who she and her husband named Harrison - and suffered further health complications caused by the ending of the pregnancy.

As Mrs Herring was off work and grieving for her son, her boss John Lovric, Managing Director of the garage, asked she provide medical proof of why she was off sick.

A letter was sent to the garage from a private occupational health provider which gave detail on how Mrs Herring was coping with the loss of her baby.

It said: 'Mrs Herring is currently not fit for work. I would hope that if she can access counselling soon, she would be fit to return in the next four to six weeks.

'I am unable to advise when a full recovery will occur and Mrs Herring is likely to be psychologically fragile when significant dates such as birthdays and anniversaries occur.'

Despite the advice he received in the letter, Mr Lovric asked for further medical information, the tribunal heard.

The tribunal heard Mrs Herring was 'threatened' decisions could be made about her future employment if she did not provide further medical information.

She told the tribunal she felt she was 'harassed' for further information and that it felt like 'bullying.'

In a letter responding to her boss's request, Mrs Herring explained she was upset there was a need to dig further into something so personal and emotional for her.

In September of that year she was fired for 'continued absence due to ill health.'

Judge Gardiner ruled: 'Mrs Herring was absent from work because of illness caused by the manner in which her pregnancy ended.

'She was dismissed not just because of the length of that illness and her resulting absence, but also because she was reluctant to provide (the company) with further information from her GP or treating consultant as to the illness and its prognosis.

'Her reluctance was because she regarded the circumstances of her illness as particularly private, given how emotionally distressing it had been to lose her baby.'

Mrs Herring was awarded 19,975 after winning a claim of pregnancy discrimination and another of unfair dismissal.
The prosecution's star witness in the Kyle Rittenhouse case had a criminal charge dismissed just six days before the trial's start, meaning the jury had no insight into his extensive criminal record nor his history of lying to police, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger was well aware of this when he paraded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, the third man shot on the night of August 25, 2020, as a paragon of selfless virtue. He was a paramedic, the court heard, just there that evening to provide medical aid, as he claimed to have done at countless other protests across the country.

In fact, DailyMail.com has learned, he is a violent career criminal with a laundry list of prior offenses and convictions stretching back more than a decade.

These include domestic abuse, prowling, trespass, two DUIs, felony burglary and two charges of carrying a firearm while intoxicated - one of which took place when he was banned as a felon from carrying a firearm.

He also has a history of showing disdain for the law by lying to, and failing to co-operate with, police.

But the Rittenhouse jury heard none of this.

Because just six days before he took the stand, Grosskreutz was before a judge himself at a hearing at which a pending DUI charge  a second offense that saw him three times over the legal limit  was dismissed on a technicality.

Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, was shot by Kyle Rittenhouse in August 2020, and appeared as the prosecution's star witness last week. He was the only one who survived being shot by Rittenhouse that night

Kyle Rittenhouse is on trial for the August 25, 2020 shooting deaths of two men and injuring Grosskreutz

Grosskreutz is seen in bodycam footage being pulled over on October 6, 2020 - less than two months after being shot by Kyle Rittenhouse

Police pulled Grosskreutz over on October 6, 2020, for failure to use a signal but under Wisconsin law if there is no other vehicle present a signal is not necessary. Sullen, monosyllabic and with barely concealed disdain, Grosskreutz resists police efforts to 'work with him'

Bodycam footage of the night of Grosskreutz's arrest, obtained by DailyMail.com, shows a very different person from the doe-eye man who sobbed on the witness stand as he told jurors that he feared for his life

Grosskreutz's attorney successfully filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence on the basis that the traffic stop from which it had been obtained had been unlawful.

Police pulled Grosskreutz over on October 6, 2020, for failure to use a signal but under Wisconsin law if there is no other vehicle present a signal is not necessary.

Grosskreutz was the state's star witness and took the stand last week, giving tearful testimony

Intriguingly Grosskreutz's attorney told the judge that this was, 'a unique case.' She does not expand on her description of this.

In fact, there is nothing that appears in any way 'unique' about her client's second DUI, save for the fact that the accused was slated to appear as the state's star witness in Kenosha District Attorney Office's most high-profile case to date.

Had Grosskreutz's latest DUI charge not been dismissed in such a timely manner Rittenhouse's defense would have been allowed to question him under oath about the fact that he was on bond and the nature of his offense.

The information would have severely damaged Grosskreutz's credibility and eroded the wholesome image of a law-abiding citizen offered up by the prosecution.

Certainly, bodycam footage of the night of Grosskreutz's arrest, obtained by DailyMail.com, shows a very different person from the doe-eye man who sobbed on the witness stand as he told jurors that he feared for his life.

Sullen, monosyllabic and with barely concealed disdain, Grosskreutz resists police efforts to 'work with him.'

DailyMail.com can reveal that less than ten days before he was shot by Rittenhouse, on August 16, 2020, Grosskreutz was arrested by West Allis Police and charged with prowling when he was caught videotaping personal police officer vehicles in the police department parking lot at 1am

On May 9, 2015, Grosskreutz received his first DUI and second citation for carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated

In 2012, Grosskreutz earned himself a felony burglary charge for burglarizing a property in New Berlin, 40 miles north of Kenosha. Officers said in the police report that they suspected Grosskreutz was not being truthful

According to the police report he had, 'red, glassy eyes and slurred speech' and was smelling of alcohol. He refused to give his name or co-operate with field sobriety tests, asking for his attorney and telling the police that he 'does not answer questions.'

Ultimately his lack of co-operation saw him arrested, taken into custody and having a blood test conducted under warrant.

DailyMail.com can also reveal that less than ten days before he was shot by Rittenhouse, on August 16, 2020, Grosskreutz was arrested by West Allis Police and charged with prowling when he was caught videotaping personal police officer vehicles in the police department parking lot at 1am.

The police report, seen by DailyMail.com notes that Grosskreutz could give no reason for his being there and that, 'Gaige made clear his anti-law enforcement views.'

Last week the defense managed to extract the facts that Grosskreutz had refused to be re-interviewed by police about his shooting when approached in September 2020.

They also revealed that he had lied to police in his original statement by failing to mention that he was armed with a Glock 27 or that he was pointing it at Rittenhouse in the moment the teen shot him.

Grosskreutz has since gone on national television to backtrack on this testimony, given under oath.

In fact, Grosskreutz's refusal to co-operate is a common theme across the myriad police reports accumulated by him and reviewed by DailyMail.com. In some it is noted that he encourages others to do likewise.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger was well aware Grosskreutz's criminal past when he paraded him as a paragon of selfless virtue in front of the jury

Gaige Grosskreutz is seen after being shot in the arm during the riots and protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020

The court was shown images of the shooting that clearly showed Grosskreutz grimacing and screaming in agony while he cradled his right arm

Using a microphone as a prop for his Glock handgun, Grosskreutz shows the jury how he was holding the gun in his right hand when he was shot by Kyle Rittenhouse

On May 9, 2015, Grosskreutz received his first DUI and second citation for carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated.

He was stopped in Greenfield, roughly 40 miles from Kenosha, and the police officer again observed that Grosskreutz's eyes were, 'bloodshot and glassy,' and stated that he, 'could detect an odor of intoxicants.'

Alarmingly the report notes, 'Grosskreutz was eventually asked to exit the vehicle and before he did, he informed the officer that he had a firearm on his person and that it was openly carried. Grosskreutz said he was working on getting his CCW [Concealed Carry Weapon] permit.'

Police 'recovered a 9mm Glock 19 semi-automatic handgun that was located near Grosskreutz's right hip in a black leather holster on his beltThere was a 9mm round in the chamber of the weapon.'

Grosskreutz's claim to be getting a CCW was a lie as, the police report continues, 'It should also be noted that while putting this case folder together, I noticed GROSSKREUTZ's criminal history states he is a felony offender and has a disqualification for firearms on it. He should also be charged for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.'

Grosskreutz has since had his felony charge expunged.

In court last week he admitted that carrying a gun was his common practice explaining it as a noble belief in the Second Amendment.

He testified, 'I believe in the Second Amendment, I'm for people's right to carry and bear arms and that night was no different from any other day. It's keys, phone, wallet, gun.'

The jury heard nothing of his repeat firearms violations and the defense was not permitted to raise the fact that his Open Carry license had been suspended because of his criminal activity.

Nor did jurors hear that he has repeatedly been ordered by the courts to undergo compulsory programs for alcohol and substance abuse.

The earliest report seen by DailyMail.com dates to 2010 and involves an incident in which Grosskreutz struck his own grandmother in the face and smashed a lamp, damaging the dry wall against which he hurled it

In 2013 Grosskreutz was charged with smashing the bedroom window of an ex-girlfriend at 4am. According to the police report he had been harassing her by phone earlier in the evening.

After smashing the window, he texted her the threat, 'I'm about to come back and it's not going to be pretty so you better answer.'

Almost exactly one-year earlier Grosskreutz had earned himself a felony burglary charge for burglarizing a property in New Berlin, 40 miles north of Kenosha.

He was caught attempting to sell three stolen Play Stations and in the lengthy report police repeatedly note Grosskreutz's lack of transparency and lying.

He was ultimately charged and convicted.

The earliest report seen by DailyMail.com dates to 2010 and involves an incident in which Grosskreutz struck his own grandmother in the face and smashed a lamp, damaging the dry wall against which he hurled it.

He also has a juvenile record which is sealed.
A crew member who was bitten by a venomous spider on the ill-fated set of Alec Baldwin's Rust averted needing to have his arm amputated - and may finally get workers' compensation after his calls to producers were dodged six times.

Jason Miller, a lamp operator and pipe rigger, was breaking down the set after the accidental shooting by Baldwin that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins when he was bitten by a brown recluse spider - a venomous spider that is native to North America.

Within days, the diabetic Miller started experiencing severe symptoms, including necrosis of his arm, which occurs when cells die, and sepsis.

He went through multiple invasive surgeries where doctors had to cut out a bunch of muscle and skin from his left arm.

Fortunately, Miller has responded well to treatment, and doctors for now have ruled out amputating his arm, according to Sky News.

Jason Miller, a lamp operator and pipe rigger, was working to wind down production of the ill-fated film Rust when he was bitten by a poisonous brown recluse spider

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Jason Miller's spider bite almost cost him his left arm (pictured), but after multiple surgeries, the film worker seems closer to a full recovery then amputation

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Miller started experiencing severe symptoms, including necrosis of his arm, which occurs when cells die, and sepsis

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT: Miller's left arm has significantly healed since first being admitted to the Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque earlier this month

How you can tell if you were bitten by a brown recluse spider Bites from brown recluse spider often go unnoticed initially because they are usually painless. Occasionally, some minor burning that feels like a bee sting is noticed at the time of the bite. Symptoms usually develop 2-8 hours after a bite. Most bites cause little tissue destruction. The brown recluse spider is a venomous spider that is native to North America Initially the bite site is mildly red and upon close inspection may reveal fang marks. Within a few hours, the redness gives way to pallor with a red ring surrounding the area, or a 'bull's-eye' appearance. The lesion will often appear to flow downhill over the course of many hours. The center area will then often blister, which over 12-48 hours can sink, turning bluish then black as this area of tissue dies. According to records by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the last death in the US from a brown recluse spider was in 2004. The spiders are native to Southern and Western states. Source: WebMD & al.com Advertisement

Miller's attempts to get financial relief from the Baldwin-produced film also proved agonizing.

He said his calls to execs about workers' compensation were dodged six times before the company finally agreed. His attorneys, Justin and Lydia Pizzonia, say they are now working with the movie's insurance company to get him paid for his injuries on set.

However, the attorneys told TMZ that while talks are moving smoothly, they are also preparing to file a complaint against the movie's insurance company if their client is not properly compensated.

Meantime, a fundraising page has helped Miller raise $13,437, exceeding the $5,000 goal, to pay for his medical expenses.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Rust producers, including Alec Baldwin, told Sky News in a statement: 'We do not comment on individual members of the cast and crew's private matters.'

Miller insists that what happened to him was rare and that he would rather the focus remain on Hutchins because he thinks her freak death could have been avoided.

The set of the Western film has been shut down since Hutchins was killed on October 21 after Baldwin pointed and fired a Colt pistol containing a live round at her while rehearsing a scene.

Baldwin has said it is unlikely the low-budget movie will ever be completed.

Baldwin was handling the vintage gun on the set of Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico, when it discharged  killing the mom-of-one and wounding director Joel Souza.

The gun was supplied by the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and checked by the assistant director David Halls, who told Baldwin it was a 'cold gun,' meaning it had blanks.

Gutierrez-Reed's lawyer, Jason Bowles, told the Today Show that 'She's heartbroken, and she's just devastated by what's happened. '

Bowles previously told NBC News that the young armorer had 'no idea where the live rounds came from' and never witnessed anyone shooting live ammunition on set.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot with a prop gun fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the movie set in New Mexico on October 21

Jason Miller, a lamp operator and pipe rigger, was working on the set of Rust in New Mexico (pictured) when he was bitten by a venomous spider

The set has been shuttered since actor the fatal accident

Gutierrez-Reed was set to receive less than $8,000 for her job on the set, compared to $650,000 the producers set aside for themselves and a $350,000 contingency fee in case anything went wrong.

Baldwin was also slated to earn $150,000 as the lead actor, and his production company, El Dorado, was taking a $100,000 fee, while Hutchins was budgeted to earn $48,945.

The independent movie had a modest overall budget of just $7,279,305, according to a draft of the production budget dated September 8, which was revealed by the Hollywood Reporter.
Five reckless tourists risked their lives as they sat at the bottom of crumbling cliffs just says after a pile of rocks collapsed.

The group were caught, on a drone camera, resting against the foot of the notoriously fragile sandstone cliffs at West Bay, Dorset, on Saturday afternoon.

They are dwarfed by the 500 tonnes of rock, rubble and mud that, last Sunday, had dramatically slipped from the 120ft cliffs that featured in TV crime drama Broadchurch.

Coastguards had warned people to keep away from the area, saying more rockfalls could happen at any time without warning.

But that did not stop the five visitors and their dog from walking right up to the 40ft mound.

Video shows one of them climbing over the massive pile before three of them take a rest on boulders right up against the cliff face.

Five reckless tourists were caught, on a drone camera, resting against the foot of the notoriously fragile sandstone cliffs at West Bay, Dorset, on Saturday afternoon

A spokesman for West Bay coastguards said the group had risked their lives.

He said: 'The cliffs all along the Jurassic Coast suffer from constant erosion - the one at the Broadchurch cliffs wasnt the only rockfall reported last week.

'As soon as the weather changes, it can affect the material in the cliff.

'When one section of it crumbles, there is considerable uncertainty about whether another will follow shortly after.

'We advise the public to stay as far away as possible when there is the possibility of this danger.

'We often put up temporary warning signs and people should adhere to them.

'The cliff could fall at any time and theres no escaping from the hundreds of tonnes of rock.'

The group was dwarfed by the 500 tonnes of rock, rubble and mud that, last Sunday, had dramatically slipped from the 120ft cliffs that featured in TV crime drama Broadchurch

A spokesman for West Bay coastguards said the group had risked their lives by sitting next to the pile of rubble

Footage filmed last Sunday shows the moment the 500 tonnes of cliff crashes down onto the beach below.

A massive amount of debris comes down and lands in the sea and leaves a cloud of rock, rubble and mud.

West Bay was made famous for featuring prominently in ITV's hit crime drama Broadchurch and has become a favourite spot for tourists.

But it is infamous for its fragile cliffs and landslip occur there regularly.

In 2012, tragic tourist Charlotte Blackman, 22, was killed in a rockfall along the same stretch of the Jurassic Coast.

The latest is one of several cliff falls along the West Bay area this year.

A woman was taken to hospital in May after she was hit by falling debris while walking along the beach and a huge landslip occurred slightly further along the coast at Seatown in August.

Experts say the 180 million-year-old cliffs tend to break away after heavy rainfall makes the porous sandstone weaker.
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The judge in the Kenosha shooter case has dismissed count 6 from Kyle Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm.

In the latest blow to the beleaguered prosecution, Judge Bruce Schroeder dropped the charge Monday morning after the defense successfully argued that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to carry a 'short-barreled rifle' - a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches - but it is legal to carry a longer rifle in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of the shootings and the prosecution was forced to concede that the AR-15 carried by Rittenhouse on August 25, 2020 was more than 16 inches, which is of legal length.

'Well then,' Judge Schroeder stated, 'Count six is dismissed.'

Closing arguments in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse begin Monday. He stands accused of shooting dead two and injuring a third

Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm

Attorney Thomas Binger enters the courtroom at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Monday

The prosecution staked its case on evidence that, the judge warned Monday morning, could see the case, 'fall like a house of cards.'

Judge Schroeder made his comment as he and attorneys for both sides finalized the instructions to be read to the jury ahead of closing arguments this morning.

The judge was referring to enhanced drone footage that, the state contends, shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at people before he shoots Joseph Rosenbaum.

The defense argued unsuccessfully for the images, blurry at best and enhanced using an algorithm that the state's expert witness admitted to not understanding, to be excluded from evidence.

Judge Schroeder ultimately decided to allow the images into evidence, stating that he would 'allow the jury to decide the important factors in this case.'

But today, when the point was raised once more, he warned Assistant District Attorney James Kraus, 'This [technicality] is not being used to decide which camera I'm going to buy at a store. This is being used to decide whether someone is guilty or not of a crime.

'I don't want to be meddling or commenting on the evidence, but I will tell you this assuming that there is a conviction one or more assuming that other motions don't contaminate the outcome if it comes out at some time that the method used produces unreliable results this is going to fall like a house of cards.

'You're basing an extremely important part of the evidence on something I'm really queasy about. But this is the jury's case not mine.'

He concluded, 'I'm not going to make an instruction on it, but I've made a record on the high risk I think it presents to the case.'

Kyle Rittenhouse is seen with his AR-15 patrolling the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin on the night he killed two men and injured a third

Kyle Rittenhouse's mother Wendy is seen arriving at the Kenosha County Courthouse to hear closing argument Monday

In lengthy instructions to the jury the judge reminded the jurors that, whatever impression they may have of his opinion as to the defendants innocence or guilt they must disregard it.

Rittenhouse's mother says he was being 'chased by a mob' and is now being treated for PTSD Kyle Rittenhouse's mother has defended him shooting and killing two BLM protesters last summer, saying it was either their lives or her teenage son's who was being 'chased by a mob'. In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence. She said he is being treated for PTSD and that she is standing by him, claiming he would be dead if he hadn't brought his AR-15 rifle to the riot last August. 'A lot of people shouldn't have been there. He brung that gun for protection and to this day, if he didn't have that gun my son would have been dead. 'He went down there to help. And he was chased by a mob,' she said. 'Wendy said she was 'scared' ahead of the verdict, and that she was a 'nervous wreck' when her son took the stand last week. 'Twelve people have my sons life in their hands. I will always stand by him,' she said. Advertisement

He said, You are the judges of the evidence I am the judge of the law alone.

Judge Schroeder began by instructing the jury on self-defense  at issue in this case.

He said, As to each count the state must prove that the defendant did not act lawfully in self-defense.

Under Wisconsin law a person may threaten or use intentional force against another person only if he believes there is an actual, imminent or unlawful interference with his own person[and] reasonably believes the amount of force was necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself.

He added, A belief may be reasonable even if it is mistaken.

Those beliefs must be assessed, from the standpoint of the defendant at the time of the acts and not from the standpoint of the jury now.

He continued, There is no duty to retreat[but] you may consider whether the defendant had an opportunity to retreat, whether such retreat was feasible and whether the defendant knew of the opportunity to retreat.

Counts 1, 4 and 5 First Degree Reckless Homicide, First-Degree Intentional Homicide and Attempted First-Degree Homicide of Joseph Rosenbaum, Anthony Huber and Gaige Grosskreutz respectively, all require the jury to find that Rittenhouse acted with an utter disregard for human life.

The jury will consider the count of First-Degree Reckless Homicide in relation to Joseph Rosenbaum with no lesser included charges.

That requires the state to show that the defendant acted with criminal recklessness to cause the death of another, that the circumstances showed utter disregard for human life, that he was aware there was substantial risk of death or bodily harm and that his acts were not privileged by the defense of self-defense.

The judge has instructed them that, should they not reach a unanimous decision on First-Degree Intentional Homicide in the case of Antony Huber they may consider the lesser charges of Second Degree Intentional or First-Degree Reckless homicide.

For First Degree they must believe that Rittenhouse intended to kill Huber, did not believe he himself was at risk or the force was necessary and acted with an utter disregard for human life.

For Second Degree they must conclude that Rittenhouse caused the death that he acted with intent to kill and that he did not reasonably believe that he was acting to prevent his own imminent death or bodily harm to himself.

They may also move to consider the charge of First-Degree Reckless Homicide in Hubers case.

Similarly, they can consider lesser included charges in the case of Grosskreutz. The highest charge is Attempted First-Degree Intentional Homicide but if they cannot reach a unanimous finding on that the jury may consider the charges first of, Attempted Second-Degree Intentional Homicide and next of First-Degree Reckless Endangerment.

None of these charges will stick if the jury finds that Rittenhouse was reasonably acting in self-defense.

When it comes to the Reckless endangerment charges (Counts 2 and 3, Richard McGinniss and jump-kick man) the judge instructed the jury that if they find that Rittenhouse was acting lawfully with respect to Joseph Rosenbaum his conduct could not result in an undue risk to another.

McGinniss was all but in the line of fire when Rittenhouse fired four shots into Rosenbaum, but the count will not stand if Rittenhouse is acquitted of Rosenbaums death.

In the case of jump-kick man, the jury must find that Rittenhouse endangered his safety, did so by criminally reckless conduct, that the risk of death or great bodily harm was unreasonable and substantial, and that he was aware of that risk and acted with utter disregard for human life.

The judge halted instructions to confer with attorneys, confirming that, if the jury reach a unanimous agreement that Rittenhouse was acting in self-defense on the higher counts, they need not move on to consider lesser ones.

Judge Schroeder said, If he was acting lawfully in self-defense [on any given count] the ball games overtheyre done.

The jury do not need to make a separate finding of self-defense on any count only that that state has failed to prove the contrary and that Rittenhouses actions were privileged by it.

Before bringing the jury back in the lunch arrangements were discussed. Judge Schroeder decided to take a break around noon.

With a nod to the fracas that blew up around his comments regarding last weeks Asian lunch, when he was accused of a racial slight, Judge Schroeder said, Well lunch has already been ordered and Im not going to comment on the lunch.

Rittenhouse fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum (left), 36, with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle after Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse across a parking lot and threw a plastic bag at him shortly before midnight on August 25, 2020. Moments later, as Rittenhouse was running down a street, he shot and killed Anthony Huber (right), 26, a protester from Silver Lake, Wisconsin

What charges does Kyle Rittenhouse face? Kyle Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them and wounding the third, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year. Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the men attacked him. Here's a look at the charges that prosecutors carried into court, as well as lesser charges that the judge could put before the jury in final instructions: COUNT 1: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESS HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This felony charge is connected to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Bystander video shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing a plastic bag at him. Rittenhouse flees behind a car and Rosenbaum follows. Video introduced at trial showed Rittenhouse wheeling around and firing as Rosenbaum chased him. Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was trailing Rittenhouse, testified that Rosenbaum lunged for Rittenhouse's gun. Reckless homicide differs from intentional homicide in that prosecutors aren't alleging Rittenhouse intended to murder Rosenbaum. Instead, they're alleging Rittenhouse caused Rosenbaum's death in circumstances showing an utter disregard for human life. Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said prosecutors' decision to charge reckless instead of intentional homicide shows they don't know what happened between Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum and what might have been going through Rittenhouse's mind when he pulled the trigger. The charge is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The dangerous weapon modifier carries an additional five years. Prosecutors asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to let the jury also consider a lesser charge, second-degree reckless homicide, that does not require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. It's punishable by up to 25 years in prison. But after Rittenhouse's attorneys objected, Schroeder said he did not plan to give that instruction. He said he expected that a guilty verdict on that count would be overturned because the defense objected to adding it. COUNT 2: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This felony charge is connected to the Rosenbaum shooting. McGinniss told investigators he was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum. The charge is punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier carries an additional five years. Prosecutors asked Schroeder to let the jury consider a second-degree version of this charge. The difference is that the second-degree version doesn't require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. Schroeder said he was inclined to allow that instruction, though he didn't make a final ruling. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. COUNT 3: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON Video shows an unknown man leaping at Rittenhouse and trying to kick him seconds before Anthony Huber moves his skateboard toward him. Rittenhouse appears to fire two rounds at the man but apparently misses as the man runs away. This charge is a felony punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier again would add up to five more years. Schroeder said he would decline prosecutors' request that jurors be allowed to consider this charge in the second degree. COUNT 4: FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This charge is connected to Huber's death. Video shows Rittenhouse running down the street after shooting Rosenbaum when he falls to the street. Huber leaps at him and swings a skateboard at his head and neck and tries to grab Rittenhouse's gun before Rittenhouse fires. The criminal complaint alleges Rittenhouse aimed the weapon at Huber. Intentional homicide means just that - a person killed someone and meant to do it. Bucher said that if Rittenhouse pointed the gun at Huber and pulled the trigger that would amount to intentional homicide. However, self-defense would trump the charge. 'Why I intended to kill this individual makes the difference,' Bucher said. The count carries a mandatory life sentence. The weapons modifier would add up to five years. Prosecutors asked Schroeder to give the jury the option of second-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and second-degree reckless homicide in Huber's death. The defense objected only to the second-degree reckless homicide charge, and Schroeder said he 'embraced' that argument. Second-degree intentional homicide is a fallback charge when a defendant believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that it was necessary to use force - but either belief was unreasonable. It's punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The first-degree reckless homicide charge sought in Huber's death matches an original charge in Rosenbaum's death - it would require jurors to decide that Rittenhouse caused Huber's death with an utter disregard for human life - and is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. COUNT 5: ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This is the charge for Rittenhouse shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm seconds after he shot Huber, and as Grosskreutz came toward him holding a pistol. Grosskreutz survived. Video shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at Grosskreutz and firing a single round. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 60 years. The weapons modifier would add up to five more years. Prosecutors asked that the jury be allowed to consider lesser counts in the Grosskreutz shooting: second-degree attempted intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless endangerment. Defense attorneys didn't oppose the first, but did oppose adding the reckless endangerment counts. Schroeder didn't rule but said he was inclined to side with prosecutors. The possible punishment for attempted second-degree intentional homicide is 30 years. DISMISSED - COUNT 6: POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON BY A PERSON UNDER 18 Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. He was 17 years old on the night of the shootings. Wisconsin law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except for hunting. It was not clear on Friday what Schroeder intends to tell jurors about that charge. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months behind bars. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet Monday morning. COUNT 7: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN EMERGENCY ORDER FROM STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT Rittenhouse was charged with being out on the streets after an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the city, a minor offense that carries a fine of up to $200. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed the charge during the second week of trial after the defense argued that prosecutors hadn't offered enough evidence to prove it. Advertisement

On Sunday, buildings around Kenosha were boarded up in anticipation of a violent response if Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted, and Governor Tony Evers has ordered 500 Nation Guard troops on standby

Businesses in downtown Kenosha are seen boarded up on Sunday. Many which were burned or looted last summer had little to do to prepare, because the boards over their windows remained up more than a year later

A home in Kenosha is seen with a message of solidarity with Black Lives Matter on Sunday

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shootings, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz.

The teen from nearby Antioch, Illinois testified that he acted in self-defense when he fired the shots during an August 2020 night of unrest in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

The case has left Americans divided over whether Rittenhouse was a patriot who took a stand against lawlessness or a vigilante who brought a gun to a protest to provoke a response.

The jurors will be allowed to consider lesser charges if they opt to acquit him on some of the original counts prosecutors brought, the judge said Friday during a contentious hearing in which both sides could claim partial victory.

Wisconsin law allows the prosecution and defense to ask that jurors be told they can consider lesser charges as part of the instructions they receive before deliberating. Defense lawyers can object to lesser charges, and in some cases Friday, they did.

For those that they didn't object to, Judge Bruce Schroeder asked Rittenhouse to confirm that he agreed with his attorneys' decision.

Schroeder told Rittenhouse that by including the lesser charges, 'you're raising the risk of conviction, although you're avoiding the possibility that the jury will end up compromising on the more serious crime. And you're also decreasing the risk that you'll end up with a second trial because the jury is unable to agree.'

Rittenhouse said he understood.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Binger was set up for failure!' Kenosha DA knew the case against Kyle Rittenhouse was a losing proposition and passed the buck to Thomas Binger whose presentation has been marked with missteps and clashes with the judge

-Martin Gould

The choice of prosecutor for Kyle Rittenhouse's murder case could be a precise pointer as to how little confidence the County District Attorney had in securing a conviction.

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger, whose presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder.

'Binger was set up for failure,' one Kenosha legal insider told DailyMail.com. 'Graveley is the superstar and he knew this one was sure to tarnish it.'

According to conservative outlet Milwaukee Right Now, Graveley 'pawned the case off to his unfortunate assistant district attorney, Thomas Binger, who was left to spin gold out of a pile of self-defense straw.'

Now court observers believe that even if Rittenhouse is found guilty, Binger's performance has given him good grounds for appeal.

'He has said things in court that have been ruled out of order, but once they have been said, you can't unring that bell,' Kevin Mathewson, a criminal defense investigator and former Kenosha City alderman told DailyMail.com.

'This is how Binger has always operated. He pushes the envelope as far as he possibly can  but this time the whole world is watching him.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999

Binger's presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder

Mathewson, who was unsuccessfully sued over a Facebook page in which he asked for people to turn up with guns to defend property during the August 2020 Kenosha riots, has been a frequent critic of Graveley's office.

But he says he respects the DA's prosecuting skills. 'He is by far the best prosecutor in the office and he should be the one prosecuting the Rittenhouse trial  the most high-profile and difficult case his office is ever likely to handle.

'It's not that he hides from publicity. Earlier this year he prosecuted a teenager called Martice Fuller who killed his high school sweetheart and shot at her mother.

'That was a high-profile case, but it wasn't a difficult case to prosecute,' added Mathewson. 'There was video of the shooting.

'Just about any prosecutor could have got a conviction.'

Mathewson is not the only one who is hammering Graveley for his absence from the Rittenhouse case. Graveley himself said he would not lead the prosecution as he was investigating the case against the cop who shot Joseph Blake, leading to the unrest in Kenosha during which Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber.

Gravely  who was named Wisconsin's prosecutor of the year earlier this month  decided way back in January that the officer should not be prosecuted for the shooting which left Blake paralyzed. The DA also said he has to prosecute another case which will likely start before the Rittenhouse case is over.

But those excuses are getting short shrift from some, who believe Rittenhouse either should never have been prosecuted or should have faced lesser charges.

'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now.

Graveley's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Binger has at times seemed out of his depth as Judge Schroeder and Rittenhouse's defense team tear into him for a series of missteps.

Former Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Daniel Adams described Binger's case as 'incredibly underwhelming.'

'He's got nothing,' Adams told the Associated Press. 'I just don't understand it. What are we doing here? We're all kind of scratching our heads.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999.

On his LinkedIn page the father-of-three says: 'I was a criminal prosecutor handling misdemeanor and felony cases, including illegal firearms cases. I also handled child welfare cases, specializing in termination of parental rights cases.'

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA, would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger. 'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now

After six years prosecuting, he went into private practice as director of litigation for a business law firm before joining the Kenosha County DA's office.

He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the post of District Attorney in neighboring Racine County in 2016, saying: 'In the last two years as a prosecutor, I have won 13 jury trials. I have convicted murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, drunk drivers, home-invading burglars and men who abuse women.'

One of the most notable cases he has previously prosecuted was of a former New Jersey fire captain who was jailed for five years in 2017 for possessing child pornography and exploiting a child for sexual purposes.

Binger insisted the sentence was not enough, telling Essex News Daily, 'The state recommended 16 years.'

He was also forced to withdraw a case against Guy Smith, a trucker who was found with a gun in his cab. Smith's defense attorney pointed out the law specifically allowed handguns in vehicles without a concealed carry permit, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Smith case was also heard by Judge Schroeder.

But those cases had nothing like the media spotlight that has shone on the Rittenhouse case.

Binger's role has been controversial since the start. He took the unusual step of objecting to the attempt by California attorney John Pierce to represent Rittenhouse, saying in a six-page motion to the court that Pierce's presence could 'materially prejudice' the case.

He said Pierce's 'personal financial difficulties raise significant ethical concerns,' adding: 'Given his own substantial personal debts, his involvement with an unregulated and opaque 'slush fund' provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud

'Money that should be held in trust for the defendant may instead be used to repay Attorney Pierce's numerous creditors.'

Pierce, who claimed the case against Rittenhouse was a 'political prosecution' eventually withdrew, leaving the defense in the hands of lawyer Mark Richards.

Binger has continued to clash with Judge Schroeder throughout the trial and even in pre-trial hearings

Binger clashed with Schroeder in pre-trial hearings. Last month the judge ruled against him saying that the men shot by Rittenhouse could not be called 'victims' during the trial but allowed a defense motion which allows them to be called rioters, looters or arsonists.

Binger said those words were more loaded than 'victims.'

The prosecutor also lost the chance to link Rittenhouse to the right-wing Proud Boys movement.

And Schroeder later slammed him after he argued that defense lawyers should not be able to tell jurors about the destructive actions of Joseph Rosenbaum, one of the men Rittenhouse admits killing, including setting a dumpster on fire.

'All we're talking about is arson. We're talking about being loud and disorderly,' Binger said.

Schroeder immediately cut him off. 'I can't believe some of what you're saying,' he said in a raised voice. 'All we're talking about is arson? Come on!'

During this month's trial, Schroeder reprimanded Binger for bringing up a video in which Rittenhouse had talked about wanting to shoot shoplifters. Schroeder had previously ruled that inadmissible

'You're an experienced trial attorney and you're telling me when the judge says, 'I'm excluding this' you decide to bring it in because you think you've found a way around it,' Schroeder asked.

Binger replied: 'You can yell at me if you want. I was acting in good faith.'

Judge Schroeder responded: 'I don't believe you. When you say you were acting in good faith, I don't believe you. There better not be another incident.'

Rittenhouse's defense accused Binger of knowingly attempting to throw the proceeding because they were going badly for the state.

The defense on November 10 demanded a mistrial with prejudice, which would mean that Rittenhouse walks free and a retrial is not possible. Schroeder said he is taking that request under advisement.
Four Kenyan policemen have been jailed after being found guilty of manslaughter over the death of a British aristocrat's son who died in their custody in 2012.

Naftali Chege, Charles Wangombe Munyiri, Baraka Bulima and John Pamba were sentenced to a total of 48 years in prison on Monday for killing Alexander Monson, 28, at a police station in Mombasa almost a decade ago.

Alexander, son of Nicholas the 12th Baron Monson, had been arrested in the early hours of May 19 for smoking cannabis while on a night out in the resort town of Diani.

He was in 'good health' as police took him away, but officers phoned his father later the same day to tell him that Alexander had died - ostensibly of a drug overdose.

That sparked a years-long fight by the Monsons to find out who was responsible for Alexander's death and bring them to justice, which is now nearing its end.

Kenyan High Court judge Eric Ogola issued the guilty verdict at Mombasa court today, accusing police of a 'cover-up' of Alexander's death.

'I am grateful that after this long wait, justice has been done for my late son,' the Alexander's mother, Hilary Monson, told the court, fighting back tears.

'This should send a strong message to the Kenyan police force to have respect for human life.'

Alexander Monson, 28, died while in police custody in Kenya in 2012 of what officers said was a drug overdose - before an inquest ruled he was beaten to death

Alexander's mother Hilary Monson was emotional as the four policemen were sentenced in Mobasa today

She was escorted to the high court with her husband John Lockhart as her long search for justice finally came to an end

Four Kenyan police officers - Naftali Chege, Charles Wangombe Munyiri, Baraka Bulima and John Pamba - have now been found guilty of manslaughter over the death

Alexander had been arrested for allegedly smoking cannabis at a beach-front restaurant on May 19, before dying in police custody

'Drugs were planted on the deceased after his death as a cover up,' said Judge Ogola, adding that Monson was in perfect health prior to his arrival at the station and that he was 'brutally tortured' while there.

The police officers hung their heads after the verdict was announced while one cried quietly.

Chege was sentenced to 15 years in jail, five of which were suspended. Munyiri was sentenced to 12 years, six of which were suspended. Buluma was sentenced to nine years, five of which were suspended, and Pamba was sentenced to 12 years, six of them suspended.

Alexander, born to Baron Monson while he worked as a journalist for The Times in 1987, attended school at the elite Marlborough College and later won a scholarship to study at Chelsea Art College.

After graduation he decamped to Kenya, where sister Isabella was already making a living as an advertising copywriter.

His mother had given him some land where he planned to cultivate a commercial bamboo plantation, and he quickly made a group of local friends.

It was this friend group he was socialising with on the morning of May 19, 2012, at a beach-front property in Diani when he was arrested by police.

Dragged to a custody suite in Mombasa, Alexander died several hours later of what officers claimed was an overdose.

But father Nicholas refused to believe it, pushing for an inquest into the death which began in 2015 and concluded - three years later - that Alexander had died as a result of a beating.

Alexander had 'severe bruising' around his groin which suggested he had been kicked, while another blow to his head caused massive internal bleeding which proved fatal.

Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo ruled: 'His [Alexander's] death was not natural, neither was it due to drugs.

Nicholas the 12th Baron Monson (left) and his former wife Hilary (right) have been locked in a years-long battle for justice, which is now nearing its end

Alexander (pictured right with mother Hilary and sister Isabella in 2007) had attended elite Marlborough College and Chelsea art college before moving to Kenya to start a bamboo farm

'His life was cut short by police and therefore, the director of public prosecution should prosecute the officers mentioned.'

His father 12th Baron Monson was in the court room on Monday and nodded slowly as the verdicts were announced.

In January 2019 the officers were put on trial for murder. But the trial was adjourned in March last year at the end of the prosecution case.

Daniel Wamosta, lawyer for the police officers called for the case to be struck out claiming there was no case to answer against them.

Mrs Wamosta told the court: 'It is our humble submission that the prosecution has not established a case for the accused to answer the murder charge.'

However, in March this year a judge ruled the trial will continue and the officers must present a defence. They were found guilty on November 15. It is unclear if any of the four will appeal.

Kenyan police face frequent accusations of brutality and extrajudicial killings from civilians and rights groups, but officers are rarely charged and almost never convicted.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was established in 2011 to investigate police misconduct and has received millions of dollars in foreign funding. Kenyans have filed thousands of complaints against police since its creation, but the organization has only secured 13 convictions against officers.
Mark Meadows was White House chief of staff on Jan. 6

Mark Meadows: While serving as White House Chief of Staff, Meadows reportedly communicated with officials at the state level and in the Department of Justice as part of an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election or prevent the election's certification.

Daniel Scavino: White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Scavino was with the former President on January 5th during a discussion of how to convince Members of Congress not to certify the election for Joe Biden. Prior to the January 6th March for Trump, Mr. Scavino promoted the event on Twitter, encouraging people to 'be a part of history.' And records indicate that Mr. Scavino was tweeting messages from the White House on January 6, 2021

Kashyap Patel: Patel was serving as chief of staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller. The former President had appointed Mr. Patel to this position on November 10, the day after then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was replaced.

Stephen Bannon: Bannon reportedly communicated with former President Trump on December 30th, 2020, urging him to focus his efforts on January 6th. Mr. Bannon also reportedly attended a gathering at the Willard Hotel on January 5th, 2021, as part of an effort to persuade Members of Congress to block the certification of the election the next day. He is also quoted as saying on January 5 that 'all Hell is going to break lose tomorrow'.

Nicholas Luna: Luna, who served as the former President's personal assistant, was reportedly in the Oval Office the morning of January 6th, 2021, when the former President was on a phone call to Vice President Pence pressuring him not to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election

Molly Michael: Michael served as Special Assistant to the President and Oval Office Operations Coordinator, was involved in sending information about alleged election fraud to various individuals at the direction of President Trump, according to information obtained by the Select Committee.

Benjamin Williamson: While serving as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Willliamson was reportedly contacted by a former White House official during the attack on the U.S. Capitol who urged him and Mr. Meadows, without success, to have the former President issue a statement addressing the attack and condemning the violence.

Christopher Liddell: Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff, was in the White House on January 6th and reportedly considered resigning on that day but stayed on 'after a great deal of persuasion.'

John McEntee was White House personnel director under Trump

John McEntee: The former White House Personnel Director, was reportedly present in the Oval Office when Rudolph Giuliani, Justin Clark, the former President, and former Vice President Pence discussed the audit process in Georgia and listened as Mr. Giuliani suggested seizing Dominion voting machines because of alleged fraud. Mr. McEntee was also reportedly involved in communications with officials in various federal agencies regarding loyalty to President Trump and specifically discouraged a number of individuals from seeking employment after the election as it would appear to be a concession of President Trump's defeat. In addition, according to reports, Mr. McEntee was in the White House on January 6th and was with former President Trump when he traveled to the Ellipse and spoke at the 'Stop the Steal' rally

Keith Kellogg: Vice President Pence's National Security Advisor who reportedly participated in at least one January 2021 meeting with the former President and Pat Cipollone during which the former President insisted that former Vice President Pence not certify the election. He was reportedly in the White House with the former President as he watched the January 6th attack unfold and has direct information about the former President's statements about and reaction to the insurrection. During that day, it is reported that Lt. Gen. Kellogg met with the former President and others before the rally at the Ellipse and then, after the rally, he urged the former President to send out a tweet to his supporters at the U.S. Capitol to help control the crowd.

Kayleigh McEnany: Former White House Press Secretary, who allegedly made multiple public statements from the White House and elsewhere about purported fraud in the November 2020 election. For example, in the first White House press conference after the election, Ms. McEnany claimed that there were 'very real claims' of fraud that the former President's reelection campaign was pursuing, and said that mail-in voting was something that 'we have identified as being particularly prone to fraud.' At another press conference, Ms. McEnany accused Democrats of 'welcoming fraud' and 'welcoming illegal voting.' In addition, Ms. McEnany was reportedly present at times with the former President as he watched the January 6th attack

Stephen Miller: Senior Advisor to the former President who, by his own account participated in efforts to spread false information about alleged voter fraud in the November 2020 election, as well as efforts to encourage state legislatures to alter the outcome of the November 2020 election by appointing alternate slates of electors.

Cassidy Hutchinson: Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, who reportedly was at the White House on January 6th and was with the former President when he spoke at the 'Stop the Steal' rally that day. She also reportedly reached out directly via email and phone to Georgia Deputy Secretary of State Jordan Fuchs relating to a trip to Georgia by White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to attend an election audit.

Kenneth Klukowski: The former Senior Counsel to Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark, was involved in drafting a letter that urged legislatures in certain states to delay certification of the election, according to the report recently released by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The report also states that Mr. Clark contacted Mr. Klukowski to prepare for an Oval Office meeting with the former President that took place on January 3rd, 2021.

William 'Bill' Stepien: He served as manager of the Trump 2020 reelection campaign. The campaign reportedly urged state and party officials to affect the outcome of the November 2020 election by asking states to delay or deny certification of electoral votes and by sending multiple slate of electoral votes to the United States Congress.

Jason Miller: According to the committee, the Senior Advisor to Trump's 2020 reelection campaign, spread the false claim that the November 2020 had been tainted by widespread fraud. Even before the election, Mr. Miller publicly claimed that Democrats would 'steal' the election, a message that individuals who attacked the U.S. Capitol echoed on January 6th. After the election, Mr. Miller coordinated with Mr. Trump and Rudolph Giuliani, and claimed in public press events that the election was rigged. Additionally, according to public reports, Mr. Miller participated in a meeting on January 5th, 2021 at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., in which Mr. Giuliani, Stephen Bannon, and others discussed options for overturning the results of the November 2020 election by, among other things, pressuring Vice President Pence to not certify the electoral college results.

Angela McCallum: National executive assistant to Trump's 2020 re-election campaign, who reportedly participated in efforts to spread false information about alleged voter fraud in the November 2020 election and to encourage state legislatures to alter the outcome of the November 2020 election. Specifically, there is a publicly available recording of a voicemail that Ms. McCallum reportedly left for an unknown Michigan state representative. In the recording, Ms. McCallum wanted to know whether the Trump campaign could 'count on' the representative and said that the individual had the authority to appoint an alternate slate of electors based on purported evidence of widespread election fraud

John Eastman: Attorney who reportedly advised President Trump and others that Vice President Pence could reject electors from certain states in order to deny Joe Biden a majority of the Electoral College vote. In the days before January 6th, Mr. Eastman is reported to have participated in a briefing for nearly 300 state legislators regarding purported election fraud, during which he told the group that it was 'the duty of the[] legislatures to fix this, this egregious conduct, and make sure that we're not putting in the White House some guy that didn't get elected.' Mr. Eastman reportedly participated in the January 5th, 2021 meeting at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. and he spok

Michael Flynn: Former national security advisor who reportedly attended a December 18th, 2020 meeting in the Oval Office during which participants discussed seizing voting machines, declaring a national emergency, invoking certain national security emergency powers, and continuing to spread the false message that the November 2020 election had been tainted by widespread fraud. The day before, Flynn gave an interview on Newsmax TV during which he talked about seizing voting machines, foreign influence in the election, and the purported precedent for deploying military troops and declaring martial law to 'rerun' the election.

Bernard Kerik: Former NYPD Commissioner who reportedly participated in the January 5th, 2021 meeting at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. Mr. Kerik reportedly paid for rooms and suites in Washington, D.C. hotels that served as election-related command centers, and also worked with Mr. Rudolph Giuliani to investigate allegations of voter fraud and promote baseless litigation and 'Stop the Steal' efforts

Jeffrey Clark: Former DOJ lawyer who was reportedly involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and interrupt the peaceful transfer of power. The subpoena seeks deposition testimony and records from Mr. Clark as part of the Select Committee's investigation into the events of January 6th and the causes of that day's violence

Ali Alexander: Submitted permits for 'Stop the Steal' rally

Nathan Martin: Submitted permits for 'Stop the Steal' rally

Stop the Steal, LLC

Amy Kremer: Founder and Chair of Women for America First.

Kylie Kremer: Founder and Executive Director of WFAF.

Cynthia Chafian: Submitted the first permit application on behalf of WFAF for the January 6th rally, and founder of the Eighty Percent Coalition.

Caroline Wren: Listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'VIP Advisor.'

Maggie Mulvaney: Wife of chief of staff Mick Mulvaney who was listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'VIP Lead.'

Justin Caporale, of Event Strategies, Inc., listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'Project Manager.'

Tim Unes, of Event Strategies, Inc., listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'Stage Manager.'

Megan Powers, of MPowers Consulting LLC, listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'Operations Manager for Scheduling and Guidance.'

Hannah Salem, of Salem Strategies LLC, listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'Operations Manager for Logistics and Communications.'

Lyndon Brentnall, of RMS Protective Services, listed on permit paperwork for the January 6th rally as 'On-Site Supervisor.'

Katrina Pierson, former Trump campaign official, reportedly involved in the organization of the January 5th and 6th rallies and was in direct communication with the former President about the rallies.

(Source - January 6 Committee)
Kyle Rittenhouse's mother has defended him shooting and killing two BLM protesters last summer, saying it was either their lives or her teenage son's who was being 'chased by a mob'.

Rittenhouse, now 18, was 17 when he killed two white protesters and wounded a third during a riot in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

He has been trial over the last several weeks, and a jury has now gathered to decide whether or not to convict him of murder.

The trial has been marred with prosecutorial mishaps that could lead to a mistrial being declared or an acquittal.

In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence.

In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence

She said he is being treated for PTSD and that she is standing by him, claiming he would be dead if he hadn't brought his AR-15 rifle to the riot last August.

'A lot of people shouldn't have been there.

'He brung that gun for protection and to this day, if he didn't have that gun my son would have been dead.

'He went down there to help. And he was chased by a mob,' she said.

'Wendy said she was 'scared' ahead of the verdict, and that she was a 'nervous wreck' when her son took the stand last week.

'Twelve people have my sons life in their hands. I will always stand by him,' she said.

Opening arguments for the trial began on November 14.

Rittenhouse's attorneys say he was a patriotic vigilante who took his gun to the riot to defend the town of Kenosha as it fell under siege from protesters.

Rittenhouse is shown on August 25, 2020, with his AR-15 rifle, the night he killed two BLM protesters and wounded another in a riot in the city. He says he was acting in self-defense and had heard a gunshot behind him

Rittenhouse's mother Wendy is shown arriving at the courthouse on Monday morning

A protester stands outside The Kenosha County Courthouse, during the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S., November 15, 2021

Activists outside the Kenosha County Court House during the closing arguments of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial on Monday, Nov., 15th, 2021

A business that was burned and looted last summer remains boarded up more than a year after rioting broke out following the shooting Jacob Blake in the summer of 2020. The city is currently bracing for potential fresh riots

Judge Bruce Schroeder asked Rittenhouse to confirm that he agreed with his attorneys' decision to allow the jury to consider lesser charges on some counts, after prosecutors admitted the weakness of their case

The teenager told the courtroom how he'd heard a shot from behind him, three seconds before he opened fire.

He insisted it was self-defense and that he did not instigate the violence.

Video footage from the riot and even prosecution witnesses corroborated what Rittenhouse and his team argued.

Prosecutors also submitted banned TikTok footage which the judge had explicitly told them not to.

Store owners in Kenosha are bracing for unrest whichever way the jury falls.

Some have still not removed the boards from their windows from last year's riot.

The Governor of Wisconsin has authorized 500 National Guard troops to be on standby in case of any unrest, and police forces across the country say they are monitoring the situation.
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The gritty black-and-white photographs speak to a time of violence, soaring crimes, budget problems and cuts, and several calamities New York City faced: fiscal, a burgeoning HIV/AIDS crisis, and the scourge of crack cocaine infesting neighborhoods.

Photographer Jill Freedman (1939 to 2019) was there to capture the good, bad and the ugly of New York City during the 1970s and '80s. With unprecedented access to two NYPD's precincts - Midtown South of Times Square and Penn Station, and the Ninth Precinct of the East Village - Freedman was there when police made arrests, engaged with communities, and to document the camaraderie among cops.

'I set out to deglamorize violence,' Freedman once said.

The images resonate today. During the pandemic and ensuing shutdown, crime spiked in the city. Crime rates continue to rise, according to NYPD's latest numbers for October: overall crime rose 11.2 percent, robbery increased by 15.8 percent and felony assault jumped by 13.8 percent. And while there has been a drop in murders, homicides are still higher than in 2018 and 2019.

Incoming mayor Eric Adams, a former cop himself, has said he would once again put plainclothes police on the streets again - anti-crime units that were disbanded after last year's defund the police protests in wake of the murder of George Floyd. Hawk Newsome, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter in New York, said there would be 'riots,' 'fire' and 'bloodshed' if the controversial units, involved in the killings of Eric Garner, Sean Bell and Amadou Diallo, return to the city's streets.

'Sometimes you wonder about yourself. What makes you go out looking?' Freedman wrote in Street Cops, her book that was first published in 1981 and recently reissued, according to the New Yorker. 'What makes you go riding around Harlem or the South Bronx in the middle of the night?'

Photographer Jill Freedman (1939-2019) stepped into the bedlam of New York City during its most turbulent decades - the 1970s and '80s - to document its firefighters, cops and people. For two years, she had unprecedented access to the NYPD and spent 'entire days touring the streets and entire nights drinking with the men and women of the NYPD,' according to press release for her book, Street Cops, which has been recently reprinted. Above, an image from her book in which police officers carry a man out of a building

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Freedman was basically 'embedded' with two NYPD's precincts: Midtown South of Times Square and Penn Station, and the Ninth Precinct of the East Village. Crime soared during the 1970s due to a number of factors, including New York City's fiscal crisis. Financial woes for the city started in the 1960s and get worse in the next decades due to dwindling federal monies, a ballooning debt and people leaving the city for the suburbs. Above, a cop leads a man in handcuffs down the stairs

Freedman didn't set out to be a photographer. She studied sociology and then traveled. In 1964, she moved to New York City and two years later, she picked up a camera. 'I'd never taken a picture and I woke up wanting a camera,' she said, according to her October 9, 2019 obituary in the New York Times. Above, two arrested men - one with a bloodied face - allowed Freedman to take their picture

The 1960s in the United States was a decade of upheaval propelled by social justice and counterculture movements, the war in Vietnam and music. It was also an era of loss. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, his brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Freedman first chronicled the Poor People's Campaign after King's death and those images were featured in Life Magazine and then in her first book, Old News: Resurrection City, which was published in 1971, according to the obituary. Above, two cops with their billy clubs

In the 1970s, New York City was dubbed 'Fear City' by NYPD union officials furious with with then Mayor Abraham Beame, who slashed the police force's due to a tremendous amount of debt and its fiscal crisis. They created a flyer with the ominous figure of death as its cover with dire warnings for tourists about the city and the subway. Above, a boy points a toy gun at another boy while a cop looks on

Above, police officers let boys hang out on their car. Today, the NYPD's community outreach includes events like National Night Out Against Crime - a block party that often includes food, music and booths. Precincts also have community councils in which people in the area can bring safety and quality-of-life concerns to detectives at meetings

'After spending entire days touring the streets and entire nights drinking with the men and women of the NYPD, she started to see the heroism and compassion of the good cops. The ones nobody talked about, who were out there to help their city, seeing the best and the worst of humanity. The ones people loved and respected,' according to the book's press release. Freedman was able to capture the camaraderie among cops, seen above

Born on October 19, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Freedman didn't set out to be a photographer. Instead, she studied sociology and traveled. In 1964, she moved to New York City and two years later decided to pick up a camera.

'I'd never taken a picture and I woke up wanting a camera,' she said, according to her October 9, 2019 obituary in the New York Times.

The 1960s in the United States was a decade of upheaval propelled by social justice and counterculture movements, the war in Vietnam and music. It was also an era of loss. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, his brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Freedman first chronicled the Poor People's Campaign after King's death and those images were featured in Life Magazine and then in her first book, Old News: Resurrection City, which was published in 1971, according to the obituary.

In the 1970s, New York City was in dire straits financially and almost declared bankruptcy. Debt pushed then Mayor Abraham Beame to enact budget cuts for the NYPD, firefighters and other city departments such as a sanitation. The NYPD's union was so furious they handled out flyers that dubbed Gotham 'Fear City,' and warned tourists, among other things, to stay off the treacherous and graffitied subway.

It was into this bedlam that Freedman photographed and 'embraced what she called the theater of the streets  "the weirder the better," she said,' according to the obituary.

After chronicling the Poor People's Campaign, she then spent years documenting the city's firefighters in Harlem and the South Bronx. Freedman often slept at the stations or in the chief's car, according to the Times obituary. Those photographs became part of her book, Firehouse, that was published in 1977. 'She had really macho guys like cops and firemen letting down a facade,' said Cheryl Dunn, a filmmaker and photographer. Freedman was one of the street photographers included for Dunn's 2013 documentary Everybody Street. Above, two cops seem to be lifting up a man

After her time with firefighters, Freedman then spent years with the NYPD. Most of her time was spent with cops at two precincts - Midtown South and the Ninth. Midtown South covers Times Square, which during the 1970s was a hotbed of sex workers, peep shows and pornography. Above, one cop seems to pull the white sweatshirt of a man on the street

Due to a staggering debt and fiscal crisis, the city cut services and chopped departments, like sanitation, and slashed the police force and firefighters' budgets. Many lost their job. The police union decided to pass out flyers at the airport to tourists that warned of the city's dangers. Above, a man who needs medical attention with his family and friends

'I put a lot of time into being invisible,' Freedman once said. 'When I was a kid, I always wished I had one of those rings or cloaks that made you invisible. Then I realized years later, I am invisible behind a camera. I am a camera.' Above, one police officer holds a woman by the arms while two others speak with a man with children

Above, cops try to get a bloodied man into a squad car

'For over two years, Jill Freedman joined two precincts of the NYPD as they responded to the violence and the unpredictability of the place, putting herself directly on the frontline like an invisible witness,' according to the press release for Street Cops, which was first published in 1981 and recently reprinted. Above, a boys cries while a woman speaks to one officer. The two cops detain a man

Her work was a mix of activism and quietly bearing witness.

'I put a lot of time into being invisible,' she once said. 'When I was a kid, I always wished I had one of those rings or cloaks that made you invisible. Then I realized years later, I am invisible behind a camera. I am a camera.'

After her first book, Freedman then turned her attention to firefighters in Harlem and the South Bronx. Supposedly famed sportscaster Howard Cosell once said, 'The Bronx is burning' while covering the 1977 World Series between the Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Game two was being played at Yankee Stadium in the South Bronx. (The Yankees would win the series.)

Cosell never said the famous remark, according to the New York Post. Nonetheless, the phrase came to illustrate the city and its financial woes during that decade. The 1975 New York Daily News headline - Ford to City: Drop Dead - is the other well-known phrase of the era. President Gerald Ford never said those exact words, but he refused to give the city any federal help during its fiscal crisis.

New York City's fiscal problems started in the 1960s but came to a head in the 1970s with dwindling federal monies, a ballooning debt and people leaving the city for the suburbs. Instead of paying high property taxes, landlords abandoned buildings in some parts of the cities - giving rise to the Downtown art scene where people squatted or had cheap rent - but, also, in some cases, they burned their property for the insurance money.

In addition, cuts to the FDNY - the Fire Department of City of New York - started in 1971, according to the Post.

Freedman spent two years documenting firefighters and often slept at the stations or in the chief's car, according to the Times obituary. Those photographs became part of her book, Firehouse, that was published in 1977.

'She had really macho guys like cops and firemen letting down a facade,' said Cheryl Dunn,a filmmaker and photographer. Freedman was one of the street photographers included for Dunn's 2013 documentary Everybody Street.

After her time with firefighters, Freedman then spent years with the NYPD. Most of her time was spent with cops at two precincts - Midtown South and the Ninth. Midtown South covers Times Square, which during the 1970s was a hotbed of sex workers, peep shows and pornography. The Ninth 'serves the area from East Houston Street to East 14 Street from Broadway, to the East River in Manhattan. The precinct is home to the East Village, and features Tompkins Square Park,' according to its website. In 1988, protestors clashed with police in what would became known as the Tompkins Square Park riot.

Freedman spent 'entire days touring the streets and entire nights drinking with the men and women of the NYPD,' and 'started to see the heroism and compassion of the good cops. The ones nobody talked about, who were out there to help their city, seeing the best and the worst of humanity. The ones people loved and respected,' according to the book's press release.

When Street Cops were initially published, she wrote: 'They see it all; I saw enough.'

The New Yorker noted that 'the spirit of Weegee haunts Jill Freedman's photographs of New York street cops. Both worked in inky, matter-of-fact black and white. Both wanted to be at the scene of the crime while the blood was still wet. Both were unsentimental, tenacious, and tough. They didn't look away, and they won't let us ignore what they saw: New York at its rawest and scuzziest (the precinct walls are as ruined as tenement hallways).' Above, a cop points his finger at a man while another looks on

Arthur Fellig (1899-1868), who was known as Weegee, was born in what is now Ukraine and came to the United States with his family. A self-taught photographer, he first freelanced for newspapers but by the 1930s, he got permission to have a police radio in his car. His crime scene photography has became legendary. Freedman took images of police officers while they arrested people as well as when they engaged and helped the community. Above, an officer speaks with a woman while New Yorkers crowd around and watch

During the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, garbage was often left on the street due to a tightening of resources and personnel for the city's sanitation department. Above, a plainclothes cop subdues a man on a street littered with trash

Two phrases continue to illustrate the financial dire straits that New York City was in during the 1970s: 'The Bronx is burning' and the 1975 New York Daily News headline - Ford to City: Drop Dead. President Gerald Ford never said those exact words, but he refused to give the city any federal help during its fiscal crisis. Above, a distressed man surrounded by a cop, New Yorkers and an EMT

New York City's fiscal problems started in the 1960s but came to a head in the 1970s with dwindling federal monies, a ballooning debt and people leaving the city for the suburbs. Instead of paying high property taxes, landlords abandoned buildings in some parts of the cities - giving rise to the Downtown art scene where people squatted or had cheap rent - but, also, in some cases, they burned their property for the insurance money. Above, two cops arrest a man

Above, a police officer relaxes for a moment with other cops during a shift

Freedman's 'images are raw and direct; unafraid to show the horror,' according to the book's press release. 'But she also captured the humor and tenderness of a situation. The vulnerability. Freedman approached photography with an anthropological interest and no judgment. She wanted to tell a story as she saw it and heard it. Street Cops is collection of stories about a city and its people on both sides of the law.' Above, a police officer speaks with a little girl at an event
Sen. Mitch McConnell asked aides to draft a letter disinviting President Donald Trump from Joe Biden's inauguration shortly after the Capitol riot  before Trump got the jump on the situation and announced he wasn't going, according to a new book.

McConnell, who was then Senate majority leader, was furious at the leader of his party after the riot, and would later accuse Trump of a 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' after the failed effort to impeach him in the aftermath.

His wife, Transportation Secretary Elain Chao, resigned in the final days of the administration.

'McConnell felt he could not give Trump another opportunity to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power,' writes Jonathan Karl in his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show.

Sen. Mitch McConnell asked aides to draft a letter disinviting former President Donald Trump from attending Joe Biden's inauguration, according to a new book

'McConnell wanted to get a letter together from the top four congressional leaders informing Trump that he had been disinvited,' according to the book, ABC News reported Monday.

Getting all the leaders proved a challenge.

House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy 'opposed the idea,' Karly writes (McCarthy would later visit Trump at Mar-a-Lago).

McCarthy argued 'it would be an important message of unity to have Trump attend the ceremony as Biden took the oath of office. But McConnell, the longtime Kentucky senator, was determined to disinvite Trump regardless of whether McCarthy would sign the letter,' according to Karl.

According to Karl, it is McCarthy who gave Trump a head's up on the move  allowing the president to announce he wouldn't be going  breaking years' worth of precedent.

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. His predecessor did not attend, in a breach with precedent

McConnell made the decision after a mob of Trump supporters ransacked the Capitol where he has worked for decades (including with Biden when he was a senator)

Author Jon Karl Says House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California alerted Trump to the move. He wanted Trump there as a message of 'unity'

Before McConnell's aides could draft the letter, Trump tweeted that he wouldn't be going.

'To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20,' Trump wrote in a Jan. 8 missive, before he was permanently banned from the platform in the wake of the riot.

According to Karl, who interviewed Trump as part of his research for the book, 'Trump apparently wanted people to think it was his decision alone to become the first outgoing president after an election to fail to attend an inauguration since Andrew Johnson skipped the inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant in 1869.'

Trump responded with a statement Monday, where he said 'From Election Day, November 3rd, the day I realized that the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged, I would never have agreed to go to Joe Bidens Inauguration. This decision was mine, and mine alone,' Trump said.

Then he tore into McConnell, who he has lately been trying to tar as 'Old Crow,' and labeled Karl as a 'third-rate reporter.'

'The old broken-down Crow, Mitch McConnell, had nothing to do with it,' Trump said.

He said of the letter: 'This was nothing I ever heard of and actually, if he ever did get it signed, I probably would have held my nose and gone,' he said, despite earlier saying he would 'never' have gone.

'The Election was rigged, the facts are clear, and Mitch McConnell did nothing. He was probably too busy working on deals with China for his wife and family!' Trump concluded.

McConnell, despite denouncing Trump, did not back the second impeachment, and scheduled the trial for after Trump had left office, a factor that became an argument for Trump's defense lawyers.
The choice of prosecutor for Kyle Rittenhouse's murder case could be a precise pointer as to how little confidence the County District Attorney had in securing a conviction.

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to assistant DA Thomas Binger, whose presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder.

'Binger was set up for failure,' one Kenosha legal insider told Dailymail.com. 'Graveley is the superstar and he knew this one was sure to tarnish it.'

According to conservative outlet Milwaukee Right Now, Graveley 'pawned the case off to his unfortunate assistant district attorney, Thomas Binger, who was left to spin gold out of a pile of self-defense straw.'

Now court observers believe that even if Rittenhouse is found guilty, Binger's performance has given him good grounds for appeal.

'He has said things in court that have been ruled out of order, but once they have been said, you can't unring that bell,' Kevin Mathewson, a criminal defense investigator and former Kenosha City alderman told DailyMail.com.

'This is how Binger has always operated. He pushes the envelope as far as he possibly can  but this time the whole world is watching him.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999

Binger's presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder

Mathewson, who was unsuccessfully sued over a Facebook page in which he asked for people to turn up with guns to defend property during the August 2020 Kenosha riots, has been a frequent critic of Graveley's office.

But he says he respects the DA's prosecuting skills. 'He is by far the best prosecutor in the office and he should be the one prosecuting the Rittenhouse trial  the most high-profile and difficult case his office is ever likely to handle.

'It's not that he hides from publicity. Earlier this year he prosecuted a teenager called Martice Fuller who killed his high school sweetheart and shot at her mother.

'That was a high-profile case, but it wasn't a difficult case to prosecute,' added Mathewson. 'There was video of the shooting.

'Just about any prosecutor could have got a conviction.'

Mathewson is not the only one who is hammering Graveley for his absence from the Rittenhouse case. Graveley himself said he would not lead the prosecution as he was investigating the case against the cop who shot Joseph Blake, leading to the unrest in Kenosha during which Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber.

Gravely  who was named Wisconsin's prosecutor of the year earlier this month  decided way back in January that the officer should not be prosecuted for the shooting which left Blake paralyzed. The DA also said he has to prosecute another case which will likely start before the Rittenhouse case is over.

But those excuses are getting short shrift from some, who believe Rittenhouse either should never have been prosecuted or should have faced lesser charges.

'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now.

Graveley's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Binger has at times seemed out of his depth as Judge Schroeder and Rittenhouse's defense team tear into him for a series of missteps.

Former Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Daniel Adams described Binger's case as 'incredibly underwhelming.'

'He's got nothing,' Adams told the Associated Press. 'I just don't understand it. What are we doing here? We're all kind of scratching our heads.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999.

On his LinkedIn page the father-of-three says: 'I was a criminal prosecutor handling misdemeanor and felony cases, including illegal firearms cases. I also handled child welfare cases, specializing in termination of parental rights cases.'

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA, would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger. 'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now

After six years prosecuting, he went into private practice as director of litigation for a business law firm before joining the Kenosha County DA's office.

Rittenhouse's mother says he was being 'chased by a mob' and is now being treated for PTSD Kyle Rittenhouse's mother has defended him shooting and killing two BLM protesters last summer, saying it was either their lives or her teenage son's who was being 'chased by a mob'. In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence. She said he is being treated for PTSD and that she is standing by him, claiming he would be dead if he hadn't brought his AR-15 rifle to the riot last August. 'A lot of people shouldn't have been there. He brung that gun for protection and to this day, if he didn't have that gun my son would have been dead. 'He went down there to help. And he was chased by a mob,' she said. 'Wendy said she was 'scared' ahead of the verdict, and that she was a 'nervous wreck' when her son took the stand last week. 'Twelve people have my sons life in their hands. I will always stand by him,' she said. Advertisement

He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the post of District Attorney in neighboring Racine County in 2016, saying: 'In the last two years as a prosecutor, I have won 13 jury trials. I have convicted murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, drunk drivers, home-invading burglars and men who abuse women.'

One of the most notable cases he has previously prosecuted was of a former New Jersey fire captain who was jailed for five years in 2017 for possessing child pornography and exploiting a child for sexual purposes.

Binger insisted the sentence was not enough, telling Essex News Daily, 'The state recommended 16 years.'

He was also forced to withdraw a case against Guy Smith, a trucker who was found with a gun in his cab. Smith's defense attorney pointed out the law specifically allowed handguns in vehicles without a concealed carry permit, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Smith case was also heard by Judge Schroeder.

But those cases had nothing like the media spotlight that has shone on the Rittenhouse case.

Binger's role has been controversial since the start. He took the unusual step of objecting to the attempt by California attorney John Pierce to represent Rittenhouse, saying in a six-page motion to the court that Pierce's presence could 'materially prejudice' the case.

He said Pierce's 'personal financial difficulties raise significant ethical concerns,' adding: 'Given his own substantial personal debts, his involvement with an unregulated and opaque 'slush fund' provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud

'Money that should be held in trust for the defendant may instead be used to repay Attorney Pierce's numerous creditors.'

Pierce, who claimed the case against Rittenhouse was a 'political prosecution' eventually withdrew, leaving the defense in the hands of lawyer Mark Richards.

Binger clashed with Schroeder in pre-trial hearings. Last month the judge ruled against him saying that the men shot by Rittenhouse could not be called 'victims' during the trial but allowed a defense motion which allows them to be called rioters, looters or arsonists.

Court observers believe that even if Rittenhouse is found guilty, Binger's performance has given him good grounds for appeal

Binger said those words were more loaded than 'victims.'

The prosecutor also lost the chance to link Rittenhouse to the right-wing Proud Boys movement.

And Schroeder later slammed him after he argued that defense lawyers should not be able to tell jurors about the destructive actions of Joseph Rosenbaum, one of the men Rittenhouse admits killing, including setting a dumpster on fire.

'All we're talking about is arson. We're talking about being loud and disorderly,' Binger said.

Schroeder immediately cut him off. 'I can't believe some of what you're saying,' he said in a raised voice. 'All we're talking about is arson? Come on!'

During this month's trial, Schroeder reprimanded Binger for bringing up a video in which Rittenhouse had talked about wanting to shoot shoplifters. Schroeder had previously ruled that inadmissible

'You're an experienced trial attorney and you're telling me when the judge says, 'I'm excluding this' you decide to bring it in because you think you've found a way around it,' Schroeder asked.

Binger replied: 'You can yell at me if you want. I was acting in good faith.'

Judge Schroeder responded: 'I don't believe you. When you say you were acting in good faith, I don't believe you. There better not be another incident.'

Rittenhouse's defense accused Binger of knowingly attempting to throw the proceeding because they were going badly for the state.

The defense on November 10 demanded a mistrial with prejudice, which would mean that Rittenhouse walks free and a retrial is not possible. Schroeder said he is taking that request under advisement.
This is the moment an heroic off-duty cop in Brazil wrestles a pair of armed thieves to the ground after they burst into a dental surgery while he was having a check up.

Surveillance footage shows two 19-year-old thugs bursting into the room while the officer is lying down on the chair.

The 46-year-old, a member of Brazil's Military Police, is ordered to get on the ground while the dentist and nurses stand at the side the room against the wall.

But when one of the knifemen starts rifling through the cop's pockets to take his gun, he fights back and hurls the thief onto the floor.

Surveillance footage shows two 19-year-old thugs bursting into the room while the officer is lying down on the chair

The 46-year-old, a member of Brazil's Military Police, is ordered to get on the ground while the dentist and nurses stand at the side the room against the wall

One of the thugs stands over the off-duty cop with a kitchen knife in his hand

The thugs lying on the floor after being overpowered by the off-duty cop (standing by the door)

The second man then tries to take hold of the officer's gun, but he too is wrestled onto the deck after being shot in the arm.

The unnamed cop, a second-lieutenant, was having the check up at a dental practice in the Ceilandia suburb of Brasilia on Thursday.

Footage showed the two thugs arriving at the clinic and taking seats in the waiting room before they took out their knives and forced an employee and a waiting patient into another room.

They then broke into the treatment room as the dentist was about to start working on the cop's teeth.

After being ordered to lie on the ground, the thieves noticed he was fidgeting with his pocket - he was trying to go for his gun.

One of the men approaches with his knife raised, but when he leans over the cop, he immediately throws him over and manages to overpower him.

The struggle ends with the thief lying on the floor on his back with his hands in the air and the latter leaning over him with his handgun pointed at him.

The officer is seen speaking with the thugs as he lies on the dentist's chair

The thug trying to search the officer shortly before he is overpowered

The second thief tries to grab the officer's gun but he too ends up being hurled onto the ground

He orders the man to remain on the floor while he then goes after his accomplice, engaging in a struggle with him in the corridor before similarly forcing him to the ground.

Though it is not clear from the video footage, according to media outlets including the G1 broadcaster, the off-duty cop shot the second man in the arm while he was subduing him in the corridor.

G1 reported that he was taken to the Hospital Regional de Ceilandia while his accomplice was arrested at the scene.

The identities of the policeman and the alleged criminals and the name of the dental clinic were not reported. It was not reported if the men were charged.
One of Thailand's most famous tourist attractions Maya Bay is finally set to reopen after being off limits to the public for more than three years.

The incredible cove of impressive cliffs, white sand beaches and rich blue waters - made famous in 2000 by Leonardo DiCaprio flick 'The Beach' - will reopen to tourists on January 1, 2022 according to a statement issued by Thailand's Department of National Parks.

It comes three-and-a-half years after the bay was closed off from the public when Thai authorities launched a desperate attempt to save the cove's coral reefs.

The corals had been all but destroyed by the constant stream of tourists visiting the island by speedboat for years, but the closure has allowed the reefs to blossom once more.

One of Thailand's most famous tourist attractions Maya Bay is finally set to reopen after being off limits to the public for more than three years (pictured: the island of Phi Phi Leh, home to the world renowned Maya Bay)

The bay (pictured) is set to reopen on New Year's Day, three-and-a-half years after it was closed off from the public when Thai authorities launched a desperate attempt to save the cove's coral reefs

It will reopen on January 1, 2022 after being closed off from the public in June 2018 to rejuvenate the decimated coral reefs. The corals had been all but destroyed by a constant stream of tourists arriving on speedboats for years

This handout photo taken and released on November 14, 2021 by Thailand's Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) shows Varawut Silpa-archa, Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, planting a tree next to DNP officials visiting Koh Phi Phi's Maya Bay ahead of its reopening in January 2022, after years of being closed to let the area recover from damage caused by mass tourism

Tourism in Maya Bay boomed following the release of the film 'The Beach' in 2000, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured in film)

Maya Bay is located in Thailand's Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, and is one of two of the Phi Phi islands in the Krabi province.

Unlike the much larger Phi Phi Don, home to an abundance of budget and mid-range accommodation options, Phi Phi Leh was only open to day-trip visitors prior to the closure of Maya Bay.

Tourism in the region boomed following the release of the film 'The Beach' in 2000, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and locals quickly found they could rake in huge takings by running regular boat trips to and from the bay from nearby Phuket less than an hour away.

The bay received an estimated 5,000 visitors per day on average in 2018, but years of speedboat travel and a constant influx of tourists wreaked havoc on the sensitive underwater ecosystems.

Officials originally declared in June 2018 the bay would be closed for four months to allow the coral to bounce back, but quickly extended the deadline by two years as they were forced to plant more coral and build more tourism facilities to protect it from further damage.

Officials from Thailand's Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation visited Maya Bay this weekend ahead of its reopening in January 2022, after years of being closed to let the area recover from damage caused by mass tourism

The bay received an estimated 5,000 visitors per day on average in 2018, but years of speedboat travel and a constant influx of tourists wreaked havoc on the sensitive underwater ecosystems (pictured: hordes of tourists on Maya Bay beach in May 2018, just prior to the closure)

Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides and offers several white sandy beaches. It was known for an abundance of tropical fish and extensive coral reefs before mass tourism eroded the marine life

'Maya Bay has been continuously receiving interest from tourists around the world. But this has also caused (the natural area) to deteriorate, especially the corals,' said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-Archa in a statement issued November 14.

'After shutting down Maya Bay to revive and restore it, up until the present, it has returned to a good condition.'

Though the minister confirmed the reopening of the bay for New Year's Day, tourists and speedboats will no longer be able to ravage the area according to a set of new restrictions aimed at protecting the marine life.

Silpa-Archa said that under the new restrictions, boats will no longer be permitted to enter the bay, and will instead have to drop off passengers at a newly constructed pier set away from the bay and its precious corals.

Only eight speedboats will be allowed to dock there at a time, and visits will be capped at one hour, with a maximum of 300 tourists allowed per round. The bay will only be open to tourists for a six-hour slot between 10am and 4pm.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said in October that coronavirus restrictions in Thailand would be relaxed to take advantage of travellers hoping to visit during upcoming winter holidays.

'We must act quickly but still cautiously and not miss the opportunity to entice some of the year-end and New Year holiday season travellers... to support the many millions of people who earn a living from our tourism,' he said.

Prior to the pandemic, tourism contributed around 15% of Thailand's GDP, according to World Bank figures.

Although some public venues remain closed at present, authorities are considering a further relaxation of rules from December onwards, dependent on Covid cases remaining low.

More than a million Britons visited Thailand in 2019, making it one of our favourite long-haul destinations.
The wife of jailed drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman will not cooperate with the US government in exchange for a lighter sentence because she fears for the safety of their twin 10-year-old daughters, her lawyer said.

Instead, Emma Coronel will seek the safety valve exception, requiring her to meet a series of guidelines that could see her spend anywhere in between five to seven years in prison.

'She has (her two) girls in Mexico and it is very well known what happens to cooperators or to the family of collaborators,' said criminal attorney Mariel Colon in an interview with Univision. 'Then why expose, risk the lives of her girls, the life of her family, when there is another resource that can help her and allow her to leave in the same time that she would have left if she had cooperate.'

Colon added that Coronel is allowed to leave her jail cell for four hours a day and has not seen her twin daughters because of COVID-19 restrictions that prohibit inmates from receiving visitors.

The 31-year-old has been in federal custody since February when she was detained at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. She pleaded guilty June 10 to conspiring to help El Chapo operate Sinaloa Cartel, the multibillion-dollar drug trafficking empire that he co-founded.

Emma Coronel, the wife of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, with lawyer Mariel Colon leave a federal courthouse in Brooklyn after attending El Chapo's trial hearing on January 31, 2019. In a recent interview with Univision, Colon said Coronel will not cooperate with the federal government while she awaits to be sentenced November 30. Coronel was arrested in February at Dulles International Airport in Virginia and in June pleaded guilty to conspiring to help El Chapo operate Sinaloa Cartel

Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel, which under his watch made billons of dollars trafficking drugs across the world. He is serving a life sentence in the United States

Coronel, who waived her right to a trial by jury, admitted to conspiring to distributing heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

She also entered a guilty plea for a money laundering conspiracy charge and engaging in transaction with a foreign drug trafficker.

Coronel initially was expected to be sentenced September 15, but it was postponed until November 30 so that her team of lawyers led by Jeffrey Lichtman and Colon, who also represented El Chapo, could weigh their options.

Emma Coronel, who was born in the United States, married Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman at the age of 18

Ines Coronel, whose daughter Emma Coronel is married to Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, in serving a 10 years and five months sentenced in Mexico for illegal possession of firearms and smuggling drugs to the Unites States. The 53-year-old was a former high-ranking leader within El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel

Instead of testifying against El Chapo, like the 15 witnesses who helped U.S. prosecutors put him away in jail for life and received deals that either sprung them out of jail or shortened their sentences, Coronel's lawyers will attempt to get her sentenced under the safety valve, allowing the judge to apply a sentence that is well under the minimum term.

Colon argued that Coronel will meet the exception's five criteria because she is pleading guilty to her first criminal offense.

The defense is confident Coronel can prove that she is not the 'leader, organizer, or supervisor in the commission of the offense' and that she can show she did not use 'violence in the commission of the offense, and the offense must not have resulted in serious injury.'

Also prior to being sentenced, the safety valve requires that the defendant 'must tell the government all that he knows of the offense and any related misconduct,' which Coronel already has.

'If she obviously qualifies for that (safety valve) that is determined by the judge the day he (announces the sentence), they could then give you one more reduction, not to say the mandatory minimum, but a lower sentence,' Colon said.

Qualifying under the safety valve would mean that Coronel would not have to go under witness protection if she would have decided to turn against the cartel.

Emma Coronel, according to her lawyer, is allowed to leave her jail cell for four hours a day and has not seen her twin daughters because of COVID-19 restrictions that prohibit inmates from receiving visitors

Mexican news magazine Proceso reported in August that it had obtained information from sources with U.S. Department of Justice who claim that Coronel was ready to furnish details linking El Chapo's sons - Joaquin Guzman Lopez, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, otherwise know as 'Los Chapitos - to the Sinaloa Carte.

Department of Justice, according to Proceso, indicated it 'would expect information from her on the modus operandi of her husband's children, now in charge of the fraction of the cartel that their father led.'

As part collaborating with the government, Coronel would look at five years in prison, regain custody of the couple's twin daughters and be placed in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program.

'She does not need to (go into witness protection,' Colon said. 'She fulfills her sentence, she accepts her responsibility, she qualifies for this resource, she fulfills the years that she has to serve. She is an American citizen. She then can stay here. To get into a witness protection program is to change your whole life, your whole identity.'
Chinese health workers wearing hazmat suits have beaten a corgi to death in the name of pandemic protocols while the dog's owner was undertaking Covid quarantine.

The government officials bashed the animal's head with a crowbar after breaking in to the home in Shangrao in southeastern Jiangxi province on Friday, shocking video shows.

The corgi's owner, named only as Fu, was undergoing compulsory quarantine in a nearby hotel at the time, even though she is negative for Covid and the dog was never even tested.

The killing was the latest example of the horrifying lengths China is going to in order to achieve zero Covid.

Chinese authorities are under pressure to curb rising infections as the Delta variant continues to spread. So far, around 1,300 cases have been recorded across two thirds of the country's provinces.

Chinese health workers wearing hazmat suits have executed a corgi in the name of pandemic protocols while the dog's owner was undertaking Covid quarantine

Fu had been ordered to leave her home after positive cases were detected in her residential compound.

Just hours later, CCTV footage showed two pandemic workers entering the living room wielding a crowbar and a plastic bag.

One of them is heard asking: 'Did the leader say we need to settle it right here on the spot?'

The other then replies: 'Yes.'

He then approaches the corgi which is hiding under a table and whacks it in the head with the crowbar, causing it to whimper and run into another room.

The government officials bashed the animal's head with a crowbar after entering the home in Shangrao in southeastern Jiangxi province on Friday, shocking video shows

The killing was the latest example of the horrifying lengths China is going to in order to achieve Zero Covid

The video was shared by the dog's owner and depicts the moments before the corgi was killed.

A district government official said the workers were instructed to disinfect the home but were forced to apologise to Fu for carrying out the 'decontamination treatment' on the dog.

It is not yet clear if they were following orders to kill the dog.

The execution has sparked debate about the draconian methods to stamp out the virus as well as animal rights issues.

The video was shared by the dog's owner and depicts the moments before the corgi was killed

All residents in the complex were ordered to enter quarantine on Friday and leave their pets behind at home.

Fu said workers had repeatedly told her they would not take away or kill the dog in her absence.

She wrote in a since-deleted post: 'The dog tried to avoid the beating and fled into the bedroom, and therefore it wasn't recorded by surveillance camera, but (I) could hear faint wails.

'A few minutes later, they said they've dealt with it and would take it away, holding a yellow plastic bag in their hands.'

'Even now I don't know whether my dog is alive or dead, and where it has been taken.'

Since her post, the local government said the dog was killed as part of plans to 'thoroughly disinfect' the community.

They added the workers had 'safely disposed' of the dog without having communicated with the owner.

Chinese authorities are under pressure to curb rising infections as the Delta variant continues to spread

The pair have since been removed from their positions and apologised to the owner, local authorities said.

But Fu claims she was pressured by government officials and her employer to delete her online posts.

In September, three cats in China were killed after testing positive for the virus, again without the owner's consent.

Some animals have contracted the virus, normally via humans, but there is no evidence they are playing a significant role in its spread.

The Chinese Communist Party is responding to outbreaks by locking down entire neighbourhoods, forcing them into quarantine and carrying out mass testing as part of its Zero Covid strategy.

But Beijing has no Covid policy regarding pets and some local authorities have allowed owners to take animals with them in quarantine while others have put in strict measures.

The corgi's death has sparked outrage, with the hashtag #IspeakupfortheCorgiinShangrao trending online in protest against the killing.
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Prince Harry today helped to release a wide-ranging report on how to fight so-called fake news as part of his role as a 'commissioner on disinformation' with a Left-wing think tank in the US.

The Duke of Sussex is one of 15 commissioners and three co-chairmen who have conducted a six-month study into the digital 'avalanche of misinformation' on behalf of the Aspen Institute based in Washington DC.

And the 37-year-old royal revealed today on his Archewell website that the group has now outlined a 'list of 15 specific recommendations for leaders to consider adopting across the public, private and non-profit sectors'.

The report calls for 'increasing social media transparency and disclosure', a 'new proposal regarding social media platform immunity' and 'ideas for need reversing the collapse of local journalism and the erosion of trusted media'.

Other 'solutions' that were given in the report include pushing for 'community-led methods for improving civic dialogue and resisting imbalances of information power'; and 'accountability for 'superspreaders' of online lies'.

The duke's push to combat fake news may raise eyebrows in some quarters, given that he and his wife Meghan Markle were accused of making various questionable statements in their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March this year.

They included the claim that the couple had secretly tied the knot in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury three days before their official wedding at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in 2018.

Their wedding certificates later proved that this was a false statement, as were claims about their son Archie being denied the title of prince and the reason behind why the family's 24/7 security was withdrawn.

Viacom CBS, who made the Oprah interview, were then accused of editing UK newspaper headlines to make them back up disputed claims about racist press coverage. ITV, who aired the interview in the UK, changed their version because of the accuracy concerns.

The new report comes after Harry last week attacked the media when he branded some journalists 'pirates with press cards' and also revealed that he had warned Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in an email that he was allowing a coup to be staged in the US just a day before the January 6 Capitol riots took place.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum in New York City on November 10

Prince Harry worked with the Aspen Institute in a role as a 'commissioner on disinformation' to fight so-called fake news

Prince Harry has worked with Kathryn Murdoch, the wife of James Murdoch (together) who is the son of Rupert Mudoch

Harry said today: 'For the better part of a year, we at the Aspen Commission have met regularly to debate, discuss, and draft solutions to the mis- and disinformation crisis, which is a global humanitarian issue.

'I hope to see the substantive and practical recommendations of our Commission taken up by the tech industry, the media industry, by policymakers, and leaders. This affects not some of us, but all of us.'

Aspen Commission on Information Disorder: What does the report say? Below is a summary of the recommendations put forth by the Aspen Institute's Commission on Information Disorder, as published on the Archewell website: RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH Implement protections for researchers and journalists who violate platform terms of service by responsibly conducting research on public data of civic interest. Require platforms to disclose certain categories of private data to qualified academic researchers, so long as that research respects user privacy, does not endanger platform integrity, and remains in the public interest. HIGH REACH CONTENT DISCLOSURE Create a legal requirement for all social media platforms to regularly publish the content, source accounts, reach and impression data for posts that they organically deliver to large audiences. CONTENT MODERATION PLATFORM DISCLOSURE Require social media platforms to disclose information about their content moderation policies and practices, and produce a time-limited archive of moderated content in a standardized format, available to authorized researchers. AD TRANSPARENCY Require social media companies to regularly disclose, in a standardized format, key information about every digital ad and paid post that runs on their platforms. RECOMMENDATIONS TO BUILD TRUST TRUTH AND TRANSFORMATION Endorse efforts that focus on exposing how historical and current imbalances of power, access, and equity are manufactured and propagated further with mis- and disinformation  and on promoting community-led solutions to forging social bonds. HEALTHY DIGITAL DISCOURSE Develop and scale communication tools, networks, and platforms that are designed to bridge divides, build empathy, and strengthen trust among communities. WORKFORCE DIVERSITY Increase investment and transparency to further diversity at social media platform companies and news media as a means to mitigate misinformation arising from uninformed and disconnected centers of power. LOCAL MEDIA INVESTMENT Promote substantial, long-term investment in local journalism that informs and empowers citizens, especially in underserved and marginalized communities. ACCOUNTABILITY NORMS Promote new norms that create personal and professional consequences within communities and networks for individuals who willfully violate the public trust and use their privilege to harm the public. ELECTION INFORMATION SECURITY Improve U.S. election security and restore voter confidence with improved education,transparency, and resiliency. Recommendations to reduce harms COMPREHENSIVE FEDERAL APPROACH Establish a comprehensive strategic approach to countering disinformation and the spread of misinformation, including a centralized national response strategy, clearly defined roles and responsibilities across the Executive Branch, and identified gaps in authorities and capabilities. PUBLIC RESTORATION FUND Create an independent organization, with a mandate to develop systemic misinformation countermeasures through education, research, and investment in local institutions. CIVIC EMPOWERMENT Invest and innovate in online education and platform product features to increase users' awareness of and resilience to online misinformation. SUPERSPREADER ACCOUNTABILITY Hold superspreaders of mis- and disinformation to account with clear, transparent, and consistently applied policies that enable quicker, more decisive actions and penalties, commensurate with their impacts  regardless of location, or political views, or role in society. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 230 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT OF 1996 Withdraw platform immunity for content that is promoted through paid advertising and post promotion. Remove immunity as it relates to the implementation of product features, recommendation engines, and design. Advertisement

A summary of the report on the Archewell website was split into two sections - one about recommendations to 'increase transparency', and the other to 'build trust'.

Under the transparency section, it recommended putting in 'protections for researchers and journalists who violate platform terms of service by responsibly conducting research on public data of civic interest'.

It added that platforms should 'disclose certain categories of private data to qualified academic researchers, so long as that research respects user privacy, does not endanger platform integrity, and remains in the public interest'.

The report also said that there should be a legal requirement for all social media platforms to 'regularly publish the content, source accounts, reach and impression data for posts that they organically deliver to large audiences'.

Furthermore, it said social media platforms should have to 'disclose information about their content moderation policies and practices, and produce a time-limited archive of moderated content in a standardised format, available to authorised researchers'.

In addition, on advert transparency, the report said social media firms should be required to 'regularly disclose, in a standardised format, key information about every digital ad and paid post that runs on their platforms'.

In the second section on recommendations to build trust, the report referred to endorsing 'efforts that focus on exposing how historical and current imbalances of power, access, and equity are manufactured and propagated further with mis- and disinformation  and on promoting community-led solutions to forging social bonds'.

It also wrote about developing and scaling 'communication tools, networks, and platforms that are designed to bridge divides, build empathy, and strengthen trust among communities'.

On workplace diversity, the report said: 'Increase investment and transparency to further diversity at social media platform companies and news media as a means to mitigate misinformation arising from uninformed and disconnected centers of power.'

And it called for promoting substantial, long-term investment in 'local journalism that informs and empowers citizens, especially in underserved and marginalised communities'.

There were also calls to 'improve US election security and restore voter confidence with improved education, transparency and resiliency'.

And the report said: 'Hold superspreaders of mis- and disinformation to account with clear, transparent, and consistently applied policies that enable quicker, more decisive actions and penalties, commensurate with their impacts  regardless of location, or political views, or role in society.'

Finally, the report called for amendments to section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996 in the US, saying: 'Withdraw platform immunity for content that is promoted through paid advertising and post promotion. Remove immunity as it relates to the implementation of product features, recommendation engines, and design.'

In March, it was announced that Harry had been recruited to the think tank to carry out a study into 'information disorder', funded by a controversial billionaire.

It is being funded by US entrepreneur Craig Newmark who founded Craigslist, which was branded a 'cesspool' after it emerged hundreds of crimes were facilitated as a result of contact via the classified adverts website.

They included women exploited in a growing 'sex for rent' scandal during the pandemic. Craigslist has been accused of wiping out US newspapers by taking away classified adverts they rely on to stay afloat.

It is not clear if Harry is being paid or receiving expenses for his role with the organisation. Harry's role as a 'philanthropic leader' is part-time but is understood to have involved 'regular meetings'.

On the commission with him is Kathryn Murdoch. She is the wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch's son James, who resigned last year from his father's hugely successful media empire, whose titles include The Sun - which Harry is suing for alleged phone hacking.

James Murdoch, who was forced to stand down in the wake of the phone hacking scandal after publicly defending his father's British newspapers, has since become one of his critics.

He has accused 'media property owners' of 'spreading disinformation'. He and his wife have spent the last few years reinventing themselves as a Washington 'power couple', with Kathryn setting herself up as a critic of Donald Trump.

The Aspen Institute is one of the best known and best funded US think-tanks, drawing cash from rich donors and big businesses including Facebook.

It says its mission is to build a 'free, just, and equitable society', and it is backed by a board of billionaire trustees.

It was founded by Chicago businessman Walter Paepcke after he visited Aspen in Colorado in 1945, and thought it would be a good gathering place for leaders, artists and musicians to hold meetings about society and culture.

Four years later he made Aspen the site for a celebration of the 200th birthday of German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and created what is now the Aspen Institute.

In January, it launched the Commission on Information Disorder after being given 2.4million by Mr Newmark.

In March, it was announced that the Commission would be co-chaired by three people including former ABC, CBS and NBC anchor Katie Couric. In her new memoir, Ms Couric has admitted to editing out Ruth Bader Ginsburg's controversial comments from their 2016 interview (pictured) to 'protect' the late Supreme Court Justice

The commission is being funded by American billionaire entrepreneur Craig Newmark, who founded Craigslist

The Aspen Institute is one of America's best known, and best funded think tanks. Its HQ in Washington DC is pictured

The idea of the commission is to 'examine the nation's public information crisis' especially in light of the storming of the US Capitol building on January 6.

Who is on the Aspen panel with Prince Harry The Commission on Information Disorder at the Aspen Institute in Washington was led by three co-chairs: Katie Couric: Journalist and author who was the first woman to anchor a network evening news show by herself. She worked for NBC, CBS and ABC, and co-founded Stand Up To Cancer. Chris Krebs: Former chief of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who was fired last November soon after saying the US election, contrary to Donald Trump's claims, was 'the most secure' in US history. Rashad Robinson: Racial justice leader who is the president of Color Of Change, an organisation credited with getting tech platforms to implement anti-racist initiatives. There are also 14 commissioners involved in the project in addition to Prince Harry as follows: Marla Blow: Chief operating officer of the Skoll Foundation which invests in social entrepreneurs. She previously worked on the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth's efforts for an inclusive economy. Aaron Ford: Nevada Attorney General who has served in state and local government for nearly a decade. His recent work includes promoting the state's 2020 election integrity and the safety of Covid-19 vaccinations. Sue Gordon: A US national security leader and CIA officer of 30 years specialising in science and technology, who was a key advisor to Donald Trump and the National Security Council. Yasmin Green: Director of research and development for Jigsaw, a unit within Alphabet Inc, formerly known as Google Ideas, who works in countering online radicalisation. Will Hurd: Recently stepped down after six years as a congressman, where he focused on cybersecurity and emerging technologies. A former CIA clandestine operations officer. Jameel Jaffer: An expert in free speech, privacy, and security who is executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and used to work for the American Civil Liberties Union. Garry Kasparov: Russian-born former world chess champion who now lives in New York and is founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative and chairman of the Human Rights Foundation. Herb Lin: Information warfare expert who is senior research scholar for cyber policy and security at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford. Kathryn Murdoch: Climate activist, co-founder of the Quadrivium grant-making foundation and daughter-in-law of Rupert Murdoch through her marriage to his son James Murdoch. Safiya Umoja Noble: Researcher on the design of digital media platforms and their impact on society, who is co-founder of the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry. Deb Roy: Expert in applied machine learning, who is founding director of the MIT Center for Constructive Communication and was formerly chief media scientist for Twitter. Alex Stamos: A tech security pioneer who is former chief security officer at Facebook, where he helped lead its response to Russia's attack on the 2016 US election, and at Yahoo. Kate Starbird: Researcher who looks at how tech and society interact and is associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington. Amanda Zamora: News executive who used to work for the Texas Tribune, ProPublica, and the Washington Post. She is now co-founder and publisher of non-profit news group The 19th. Advertisement

It has been carrying out a six-month project to develop recommendations for how government, private sector and society should respond the 'modern-day crisis of faith in key institutions'.

In March, it was announced that the Commission would be co-chaired by former ABC, CBS and NBC anchor Katie Couric, cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs and civil rights leader Rashad Robinson.

Last month, Couric admitted to 'protecting' Ruth Bader Ginsburg from public backlash by cutting out negative comments she made about people who kneel during the national anthem.

The former Today show host revealed in her new book that she let her personal political views influence her editing decisions after her interview with the late Supreme Court justice in 2016.

In new memoir, Going There, Ms Couric wrote that she edited out a part where Ms Ginsburg said that those who kneel during the national anthem are showing 'contempt for a government that has made it possible for their parents and grandparents to live a decent life.'

The published story, which Ms Couric wrote for Yahoo! News in 2016, did include quotes from Ms Ginsburg saying refusing to stand for the anthem was 'dumb and disrespectful', but omitted more problematic remarks.

But Ms Couric wrote in her memoir that she thought the justice, who was 83 at the time, was 'elderly and probably didn't fully understand the question.'

The three co-chairs at the Aspen Institute were joined by 15 commissioners including Prince Harry, Nevada's attorney general Aaron Ford and national security leader Sue Gordon.

Another was Kathryn Murdoch, co-founder of the Quadrivium grant-making foundation and daughter-in-law of media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Describing herself as a 'radical centrist', Ms Murdoch  who is married to Rupert's son James Murdoch - is also a major climate activist and democracy campaigner.

The commission met regularly in the six months from April and hosted briefings from experts to cover the 'history, rise and current threat of disinformation'.

Earlier this year, New York Times columnist David Brooks resigned from his position at the Institute after failing to disclose his salary for the role to the newspaper.

He was on the payroll of the Institute's Weave project, which started in May 2018. The NYT said that while his work there was approved in 2018, the current opinion editors were unaware of his additional salary.

Mr Brooks had continued to write about Facebook for the NYT, even when the social media giant was among the donors to Weave  giving it 180,000.

The Institute is based in DC, but has other campuses in Aspen and Maryland, and partner institutes abroad in Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Paris, Lyon, Tokyo, New Delhi, Prague and Bucharest.

It attracted controversy in May last year following reports it had accepted more than $8million in federal funds designated to help smaller businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

The Institute did not violate the rules of the Paycheck Protection Program, a scheme managed by the Treasury Department and the Small Business Administration.

But following an outcry from one of its own fellows, Dele Olojede, the Institute said it would return the money upon 'listening to our communities and further reflection'.

In their Oprah interview, Harry and Meghan were found to have made five claims which were later disproven.

They included the claim about their secret wedding. Meghan had said: 'You know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that... We called the Archbishop and we just said, "Look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world but we want our union between us."

However, only two weeks after the interview had aired and made headlines around the world, the couple were forced to admit that they had not gotten married before their well-publicised wedding.

The General Register Office revealed the couple's wedding certificate, which showed they did get married on May 19, 2018 in the 32million taxpayer-funded ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Instead, Harry and Meghan said they had just exchanged 'personal vows' with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Meghan also suggested that Archie had been denied the title of prince because of his skin colour.

She said: 'Idea of the first member of color in this family, not being titled in the same way that other grandchildren would be... It's not their right to take it away'.

However, Archie did not have a birthright to be a prince, but is set to become one when the Queen dies and Prince Charles becomes King.

This plan is in line with the written order issued by King George V in 1917, which said that only royal offspring who are in the direct line of succession could be made a prince and receive HRH titles.

The Letters Patent read: '...the grandchildren of the sons of any such sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of these our realms.'

Meghan also claimed that Archie would not get round-the-clock security because he was not a prince. However, being a prince or princess does not entitle a royal to police protection.

Only the Queen, Prince Philip before his death in April, Prince William and his wife Kate, and Prince Charles and his spouse Camilla have police bodyguards. Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and both men's children do not.

The rules around security for the royals are decided by the Home Office, meaning the Queen cannot control who gets an official guard.

Harry and Meghan did have police protection but lost it when they moved to the US and gave up their royal duties.

Meghan also told Oprah that she had not seen her sister Samantha Markle in nearly 20 years. However, a photograph from 2008 showed the pair together at her graduation.

Among the other claims made by the couple was Harry's statement that his family had 'literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us'.

But records showed that, before cutting ties, his father Prince Charles had given him and Meghan 2.5million a year from his private estate, the Duchy of Cornwall.

The Queen also supported the couple through the Duchy of Lancaster.

Royal expert Kate Nicholl claimed after the couple's interview that Prince Charles had wanted to release a 'point by point' response but decided against it because he did not want to give 'more ammunition' to them.

In their Oprah interview, Harry and Meghan were found to have made five claims which were later disproven

Meghan had also claimed that Kate Middleton had left in tears during a row over bridesmaid dresses, whilst Harry had accused his father of refusing to take his calls when he and his wife emigrated to the US.

How Harry and Meghan faced 'misinformation' claims of their own after Oprah interview - and CBS was blasted over doctoring headlines Harry and Meghan were repeatedly accused of spreading misinformation during their interview with US TV host Oprah Winfrey in March this year. Some of their claims were found about the Royal Family were found to be untrue, others have been contested. Here are some of the couple's claims to Oprah that were dismissed. Harry and Meghan were actually secretly wed three days before the Windsor ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury MailOnline has obtained the document which blows holes in the Sussexes' claims they were wed in a private hearing at Kensington Palace Meghan told Oprah: 'You know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that... We called the Archbishop and we just said, 'Look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world but we want our union between us.' Fact check: False Reality: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding certificate proves they did not get married three days before their Windsor Castle ceremony. Church of England marriages require at least two witnesses and the public must also have unrestricted access to the building during any marriage ceremony to allow for valid objections against the marriage. A couple who are already lawfully married cannot choose to re-marry each other, unless there is some doubt as to the validity of the earlier marriage. Archie has a birthright to be a prince Meghan told Oprah the 'idea of the first member of colour in this family, not being titled in the same way that other grandchildren would be... It's not their right to take it away' Fact check: False Reality: Archie did not have a birthright to be a prince, but could potentially become one when Charles accedes to the throne. Archie wouldn't get 24/7 security because he wasn't a prince Meghan told Oprah: 'In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time, so we (had) the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title.' Fact check: False Reality: Being a prince or princess does not automatically mean royals have police protection. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's security is no longer paid for by the taxpayer. Harry was financially cut off from the royals Harry told Oprah: 'My family literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us' Fact check: They wanted to be financially independent Reality: When Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back from being senior royals, they said they wanted to be 'financially independent'. Before cutting ties, 95 per cent of their money came from Prince Charles's income from the Duchy of Cornwall, and 5 per cent from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. William and Harry received most of a 13million fortune left by their mother Princess Diana. Harry is also thought to have had millions left to him by the Queen mother. .... And Oprah's team was accused of doctoring headlines to smear the UK press as racist ITV was last night forced to edit part of Oprah Winfrey's explosive interview with the Sussexes after it was revealed that it included misleading and distorted headlines which portrayed British press coverage of the couple as racist. Pictured: Analysis of the headlines Headlines that were flashed on the screen during the controversial interview with the US chat show host were cynically manipulated to back up the couple's assertion that they were the victims of bigoted coverage Lawyers for Associated Newspapers, owner of the Daily Mail and MailOnline, wrote to Viacom CBS calling for a 'seriously inaccurate and misleading' montage of British newspapers to be removed from the Oprah interview programme. The company has criticised the CBS show for 'deliberate distortion and doctoring' of newspaper headlines to support its claims about racist UK press coverage. ITV later edited their version of the show when it was broadcast in the UK due to the misleading headlines. Advertisement

Ms Nicholls said: 'My understanding is that Prince Charles did want to issue a more detailed statement [in response] to the Oprah interview and possibly address some of those issues point by point,' Katie Nicholl said, speaking to ET.

'But there was an evening to think about things and in the end, it was decided that a shorter statement would be better, [and] that going at things point by point could be potentially more damaging and give more ammunition for the row to continue.

'I think Prince Charles and Prince William were keen to correct some of the things that the couple had said.'

She went on to say that Prince Charles was 'particularly frustrated' by the suggestion that he cut the couple off financially.

'If you speak to sources in Charles' camp, that wasn't the case. He did continue funding them for quite some time after they moved first to Canada and then to America'.

Last week, Harry used an appearance at an event organised by Wired magazine to demand that 'honest journalists' stand up to those he called 'pirates with press cards who have hijacked the most powerful industry, the freest industry in the world.'

He also suggested that the term 'Megxit' - which has been used to describe the couple's decision to leave their Royal duties for a life in the US - was 'misogynistic'.

During the same Wired panel discussion, which was about disinformation on social media, Harry also revealed that he had emailed Twitter's Jack Dorsey.

Asked if he had spoken to Mark Zuckerberg or Jack Dorsey about his worries about social media, Harry said: 'Jack and I were emailing each other prior to January 6 where I warned him his platform was allowing a coup to be staged.

'That email was sent the day before and then it happened and I haven't heard from him since.'

On January 6 this year, protesters stormed the US Capitol, with the apparent aim of overturning the national election result.

Harry said: 'Misinformation is a global humanitarian crisis. I felt it personally over the years and I'm now watching it happening globally, affecting everyone not just in America, literally everyone around the world.

'The scariest part about this is you don't need to be online to be affected by this. It's important to recognise this problem did not originate in social media.

'I learned from a very early age that the incentives of publishing are not necessarily aligned with the incentives of truth.'

He added: 'I know the story all too well, I lost my mother to this self-manufactured rabidness and obviously I'm determined not to lose the mother of my children to the same thing.'

The duke also claimed that the internet was being 'defined by hate, division and lies'.

He said: 'In one single household you can have three or four versions of reality when it comes to truth and fact. This is not a case of "this could happen to you". This is already happening to you.

'We can all feed into it if we're not aware of it but if we're aware of our digital diet and what we consume every single day then perhaps we'd be more conscious about what we pass on, what we don't, what we are actually consuming and the fact it is actually affecting the way that we think.'

He said that he and his wife have been the target of trolls online, even though they do not have individual accounts on social media.

He said: 'I'm not on social media, we're not on social media, and until things change that will remain the same.

'We've been led to believe this challenge is too big to fix, too big to solve.

'What I've learned over the past six months as part of the Aspen Commission is that simply isn't true.'

He said social media sites should take responsibility and not spread 'hate and lies' after Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed a tranche of documents which alleged the tech giant was placing profit above user safety.

Harry said: 'There's a lot of really damaging articles and facts coming out about these companies but yet the change is not happening. We can fix this, we have to fix this, but we need everyone's help.'

Last Wednesday, Harry told a New York gala honouring veterans that he was living the 'American Dream' after a recent ride in a car shaped like a hot dog.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 2021 Salute to Freedom gala, held on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in the UK, and praised the 'value' of service members and their families.

Harry wore black tie, his medals and the cross of the Knight Commander of Royal Victorian Order and Meghan a red gown, while the pair adorned their outfits with a poppy.

The duke presented Intrepid Valor Awards to five service members, veterans and military families, and he spoke of how his military experience shaped the person he is today.

He told the audience at the Intrepid Museum: 'It's wonderful to be back on USS Intrepid a decade after my last visit - and a lot has changed since then. Just last week, I went for a ride on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile - how's that for living the American dream.

'I've lived in the US for close to two years now. I have to say, witnessing your support for all those that put themselves in harm's way in defence of our freedoms and liberties - it's remarkable and hugely respected.

'It reminds me of the deep reverence us Brits have for our military as well. The armed forces communities in both our countries share a special bond, and I'm grateful to have served in support of our joint allyship for many years.'

Harry served in the military for a decade and had two tours of Afghanistan, and has organised the Invictus Games for wounded and injured service members and veterans since 2014.

He added: 'As we honour and reflect on Remembrance Day in the UK, which shares a date tomorrow with Veterans Day here in the US, my hope is for all of us to continue to support the wellbeing, and recognise the value of, our troops, veterans, and the entire military and service family. We and they are better for it.

'I served 10 years in the military, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan - one as an FAC (Forward Air Controller) on the ground and in the dust with some of you, another as an Apache helicopter pilot in the air supporting and talking with you.

'Nothing was more valuable than the time I got to spend with my soldiers in a shell scrape, eating an MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) in the back of a tank, thanks for the swaps, flying a mission overhead knowing those below were safer, or making each other laugh when it was needed the most.

'My experience in the military made me who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the people I got to serve with - wherever in the world we were.'

Also last week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed one of their son Archie's favourite songs as they visited Afghan refugees being housed at a US military base.

Harry and Meghan met the refugees during a trip to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey on Thursday, according to a spokesman for their foundation Archewell.

More than 10,000 Afghans evacuated when their country fell to the Taliban are being accommodated temporarily at a compound in the base as part of Task Force Liberty.

Harry and Meghan visited a classroom full of children learning English, and spoke to several pupils who practiced phrases such as 'nice to meet you'.

Meghan was pictured holding up a red pen, as the children shouted out the English words for colours they were learning that day. The couple were also pictured pointing at their heads as they led the class in singing Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes.

They were told the song is one of the children's favourites, and the couple said it is also a favourite of two-year-old Archie.
The badly decomposed bodies of a woman and a man were found in an apartment in The Bronx over the weekend, after a downstairs neighbor reported that maggots were falling from her ceiling following a suspected murder-suicide two weeks prior.

Police made the stomach-turning discovery inside a fifth-floor apartment at 2390 Creston Avenue on Saturday night after being summoned to perform a welfare check.

The female victim has been identified by relatives as Ashley Ducille, a 29-year-old mother-of-four who was said to have been a victim of domestic violence. The 40-year-old man who was found dead in Ducille's apartment was described as her allegedly abusive boyfriend.

Investigators said they pair had been dead for about two weeks.

Ashley Ducille (left and right), 29, was found dead and badly decomposed inside her apartment in The Bronx on Saturday. Her allegedly abusive boyfriend was found dead nearby

Police responded to the scene at 2390 Creston Avenue on Saturday evening after receiving a welfare check request

A note from the NYPD is pictured on Ducille's front door at apartment E3 on the fifth floor

On November 6, Ducille's downstairs neighbor, Luz Briguet, said she heard two gunshots but did not think much of it at the time and did not call the police.

Speaking to News 12 The Bronx in Spanish, Briguet said she now regrets not contacting the authorities right away.

'The moment I heard the shots, if I had realized they were shots, I would have called, and maybe the police would have found someone alive in time, or dead,' she said as white maggots crawled around her on the floor.

Briguet, who lives in a unit on the fourth floor directly beneath Ducille's apartment, became alarmed after spotting live maggots dropping from her ceiling and alerted the building's superintendent shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

The superintendent, Ernesto Garcia, called 911 to request a welfare check.

Responding police officers were greeted by foul odor coming from apartment E3 on the fifth floor. They made their way inside and found Ducille's severely decomposed body lying on a couch. The male victim was found nearby on the floor.

Ducille's upstairs neighbor Luz Briguet said she heard two gunshots on November 6 but did not think much of it at the time

Briguet contacted the superintendent after spotting maggots dropping from the ceiling

A gun was recovered at the scene, but it is unknown at this time whether it had been used in the suspected murder-suicide.

The medical examiner will perform autopsies to determine the causes of death.

Garcia, the superintendent, told the New York Daily News that Ducille was afraid her boyfriend would harm her and previously asked him to check up on her.

He said the last time he saw the 29-year-old, she was covered in bruises and claimed that her boyfriend had broken a bone in her back.

She would routinely request that the locks on her apartment be changed, but Garcia said the boyfriend would either climb the fire escape to reach her window, or wait for her by the door.

'That guy, he would not move from there until she opened the door,' he said, adding that police were frequently summoned in response to Ducille's domestic violence complaints.

According to Garcia, Ducille lived in the apartment for about three years and earned a living as a sex worker to support her four children.

She had forced her children's biological father out of the apartment after allegedly catching him smoking crack cocaine.

The building's superintendent said Ducille was a sex worker and lived in fear of her abusive boyfriend. She had recently lost custody of her four children

Ducille's stepbrother, Joseph Donald, told the newspaper that his sister previously worked as an EMT and aspired to become a firefighter, but a pregnancy derailed her plans.

Donald said that after he learned of his sister's unstable lifestyle, he contacted the Administration of Children's Services, then went to Ducille's apartment, which he dubbed a 'hellhole,' while her boyfriend was there and led her children away.

'There was no food in the fridge, no food in the cupboards, nothing,' Donald recalled. 'Everywhere it was empty.'

Ducille had recently lost custody of her children, but they were briefly back with her on Halloween. She dropped the kids off that day with her grandmother and was supposed to return for them the next day, but she never made it.
Colombian national Alex Saab (pictured at a recent court hearing) appeared before a federal court judge in Miami on Monday and entered a plea to insist he is innocent of charges that he funneled $350 million in Venezuelan government contracts to US bank accounts

A Colombian businessman has pleaded not guilty to siphoning off hundreds of millions of dollars in state contracts obtained from the Venezuelan government and transferring the money to bank accounts in the United States.

Alex Saab, 49, appeared before a Florida federal court judge Monday where he entered his plea in the high profile case that's strained relations between Washington and Caracas.

Saab is accused of paying bribes to funnel $350 million from state contracts to build housing for Venezuela's government.

Dressed in a beige jumpsuit, Saab was tethered by the legs to five other inmates as he entered a courtroom at United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami for his arraignment.

His attorney, Neil Schuster, addressed the court as a representative for the 'Diplomat of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela' and then entered a plea of not guilty. A small group of supporters of Venezuela's government shouted 'Free, free Alex Saab' outside the courthouse during the proceedings.

The Department of Justice said the $350 million siphoned off was wired to bank accounts located throughout the United States and then to an offshore account that he and fellow Colombia businessman Alvaro Pulido, 55, either owned or had direct access to.

The Department of Justice said the money was then wired to bank located throughout the United States and then to offshore account that he and fellow Colombia businessman Alvaro Pulido, 55, either owned or had direct access to.

The U.S. is offering a $10 million arrest for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Pulido, who reporteldy is living in Venezuela.

Under the request of federal prosecutors, Judge Robert Scola of the Southern District of Florida dismissed seven of eight money-laundering charges that Saab was facing.

He now faces a single count of conspiracy to commit money laundering punishable up to 20 years in prison - the maximum allowed by Cape Verde when it agreed to extradite Saab to the U.S. in October.

President Nicolas Maduro (pictured at a Caracas press conference on August 16) and his socialist government reportedly used Colombian businessman Alex Saab to help the country get around sanctions imposed by the U.S.

Venezuela has launched an all-out diplomatic offensive involving allies Russia and Cuba to come to Saab's defense, arguing that the Colombian-born businessman was a diplomat on a special humanitarian mission to Iran when his plane was detained during a refueling stop on the African archipelago on June 12, 2020.

'He was chased down, kidnapped and tortured for helping Venezuela,' Maduro said at a book fair this month in Caracas where he presented alongside Saab's Italian wife a collection of letters he purportedly wrote while detained in Cape Verde on a U.S. warrant.

The U.S. said Saab was appointed as an envoy by the Venezuelan foreign ministry in April 2018 and deployed him to obtain aid from Iran in 2020 right before his arrest.

But new court filings in a related case indicate that Saab, despite his portrayal as an anti-imperial revolutionary, may have been secretly betraying Venezuela's government to U.S. officials for years.

Venezuelan government supporters stand outside outside the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami to support Colombian businessman Alex Saab

The U.S. government is offering a $10 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction Alvaro Pulido who along with Alex Saab funneled $350 million from Venezuela to the United States

Pedestrians walk past a poster in Caracas, Venezuela, asking for the freedom on Alex Saab

The bombshell revelation was contained in a sentencing memo by attorneys for a University of Miami professor, Bruce Bagley, who Saab hired to assist with his son's visa application and then used as a channel to make payments to attorneys that were helping him reach out to U.S. federal investigators.

Saab, through an attorney, has said all of his activities had the blessing of Maduro's government and at all times he's been a 'loyal citizen' of Venezuela.

But Bagley's explanation tracks with the account of three people familiar with the investigation into Saab who said that he met with U.S. federal law enforcement, including agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, on multiple occasions in Colombia and Europe prior to being charged in 2019.

The three individuals spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the meetings.

Alex Saab (pictured) is accused by the United States government of laundering money for the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela considers Saab the keeper of state secrets and has said any attempts to extract a confession could compromise Venezuela's national security.

But it's unclear what leverage the Venezuelans have in preventing Saab from cooperating with federal investigators in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Just as Saab was being transported to the U.S. on a Department of Justice plane, Maduro's government suspended negotiations taking place in Mexico with Venezuela's U.S.-backed opposition, accusing the Biden administration of seeking to sabotage the talks.

Maduro's government also threw back into jail six American oil executives it accuses of corruption. They had been under house arrest in another politically charged case marked by allegations of wrongful detention.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to assert pressure on Saab.

Shortly after his arrival to the U.S., prosecutors in Miami unsealed a new indictment accusing Pulido of creating a network of shell companies spanning the globe - Turkey, Hong Kong, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates - to hide windfall profits and bribe payments tied to overvalued food contracts from September 2011 to November 2015.

The Department of Justice also said that Saab and Pulido benefited from the regime's control of the exchange rate that allowed them access to U.S. dollars at a discounted rate by 'submitting false and fraudulent import documents for goods and materials that were never imported into Venezuela and bribing Venezuelan government officials to approve those documents.'

Saab himself was sanctioned in July 2019 for his role in the same alleged kickbacks scheme.

But Saab's importance to Maduro's government ran much deeper.

As the U.S. ratcheted up sanctions on Venezuela, he is believed to have emerged as the government's main fixer with the international connections to circumvent the U.S. restrictions. His trip to Iran, described as a humanitarian mission by Maduro, was aimed at securing deals to sell the country's crude oil in exchange for much-needed fuel and other goods.
Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said: 'All the medical opinion is really clear that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area'

Nearly every pregnant woman admitted to intensive care with the coronavirus is unvaccinated, England's chief medical officer warned today.

Professor Chris Whitty urged mothers-to-be get jabbed as he shared 'stark' figures that just 33 vaccinated pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid between February and September.

For comparison, 98 per cent of hospital admissions (1,681) were among unjabbed mothers-to-be.

And just three infected pregnant women admitted to intensive care were vaccinated, compared to 232 infected unvaccinated women, he said.

Professor Whitty told a Downing Street press conference that hospitalisations among unvaccinated pregnant women are 'preventable' and it is 'clear the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area'.

There is no evidence that the current crop of Covid jabs harm fertility or are unsafe for pregnant women or their unborn children.

But scores of women have been reluctant to get jabbed due to misinformation and reports of temporary menstrual changes after getting an injection.

It pushed England's top midwife last month to urge pregnant women to get jabbed.

Professor Chris Whitty urged mothers-to-be get jabbed as he shared 'stark' figures that just 33 vaccinated pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid between February and September. For comparison, 98 per cent of hospital admissions (1,681) were among unjabbed mothers-to-be. And just three infected pregnant women admitted to intensive care were vaccinated, compared to 232 infected unvaccinated women, he said

Repeat Covid jabs could be offered for 'years to come', says SAGE adviser Britons could be offered top up doses of the Covid vaccine for years to come, a SAGE adviser said today. Professor Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M), said that repeat vaccinations could keep Covid at bay. He told Sky News: 'In the longer term, Covid is likely to become endemic and we probably are going to have to manage it with repeated vaccination campaigns for years to come.' Asked whether he felt confident about a 'normal Christmas', Prof Tildesley added: 'I'm cautiously optimistic. 'If we look at (the trends) we can see that although there has been quite a lot of variation over the past few weeks, and we're still reporting very high numbers of cases, the total number of daily hospital admissions and the total number of deaths are quite a long way below where we were in November last year, which should give us some level of confidence.' He added: 'The booster vaccination campaign is going far better than it was a few weeks ago, but there's still quite a lot of eligible people who have not yet had their booster jab. 'So it's really important if we do want to avoid restrictions ramping up that we get as many of those people out to get their booster jabs as possible over the next few weeks.' Advertisement

Professor Whitty said: 'I would like to pull out in particular the issue of women who are pregnant or intending to get pregnant.

'And I would just like to give you some fairly stark facts about this because this is a major concern.

'Based on academic data from February 1 to September 30 1,714 pregnant women were admitted to hospital with Covid.

'Of those, 1,681, which is to say 98 per cent, had not been vaccinated.

'And if you go to those who are very severely ill in intensive care, of 235 women admitted to ICU, 232 of them  over 98 per cent  had not been vaccinated.

'These are preventable admissions to ICU and there have been deaths.

He added: 'All the medical opinion is really clear that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks in every area.

'This is a universal view among doctors and among the midwife advisory groups and among the scientific advisory groups.

'So can I please encourage all women who are pregnant or wishing to become pregnant to get their vaccination.'

There is no evidence vaccines are unsafe for women who are pregnant because the side effects reported are similar to those seen among women who are not pregnant.

And real world data shows the virus is a bigger risk for pregnant women, especially if they catch it in their third trimester or have underlying conditions, because there have been more cases of premature and stillbirths among this group.

Data also shows there is no evidence the jabs harm unborn babies and there is no ingredient in the vaccines that can infect a child.

The Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and the British Fertility Society reassured women there is 'absolutely no evidence' or mechanism that would allow the jabs to affect fertility.

The press conference came after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation today announced Covid booster jabs would be rolled out to 8million people in their 40s, while second doses were recommended for 16 and 17-year-olds.

It said people could come forward for them 'with the confidence that they are safe and effective'. A total of 12million top-up doses have already been administered.

At a press conference following the announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards and made a desperate plea for Britons to get their booster Covid jabs

Data published today by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that people who get a third shot are 80 per cent less likely to get symptomatic Covid than those who had their second dose in spring.

There has not been enough time to measure the effect on hospitalisations and deaths but officials claimed protection is expected to be 'even higher'.

At a press conference following the announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards and made a desperate plea for Britons to get their booster Covid jabs.

The PM  who appeared to be suffering from a cold  warned that 'storm clouds' of infection were gathering over Europe and forcing nations back into restrictions, which highlighted how the UK 'cannot afford to be complacent'.

He said that if Britons want to 'avoid restrictions on daily lives' then they should get a booster, adding that it would be an 'utter tragedy' if double-vaccinated people died from Covid because they didn't get one.

He admitted people might need proof of a booster jab to be considered 'fully vaccinated' in the future, in a move which could cause fresh chaos for Britons' travel plans.

Asked if a lockdown would be necessary if cases continue to rise, the PM said 'clearly we cannot rule anything out' but insisted he didn't 'see anything in the data that says we have to go now'.

The comments came after Austria announced a draconian new lockdown on the unvaccinated, after a dramatic increase in infections, and the Netherlands imposed a curfew on pubs and restaurants to deal with rising cases.

Germany, France and Italy have also been seeing a significant uptick in their outbreaks. The PM was joined today by his chief scientists Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance at the Government's first Covid briefing of the month.

Professor Whitty said that even though the Covid numbers are 'broadly flat', there was 'substantial pressure on the NHS and that is widely recognised by everybody, ministers obviously included.'

'But in terms of the Covid numbers, they're not currently going up in the kind of numbers you're seeing in continental Europe, but obviously if they did that would be a situation where we would have to look again at what the situation is at that stage.'
It looks like Ghislaine Maxwell has had a jailhouse makeover as she prepares to stand trial on sex trafficking charges later this month.

The British socialite, 59, appeared much more glamorous in court on Monday, having styled her straggly hair into a shoulder-length bob with her graying roots touched up and dyed black.

Maxwell's hair, which had grown out from her signature pixie cut, looked recently washed and noticeably more lustrous than her last appearance last week.

She also ditched her prison issued blue top and pants for street clothes - a black turtleneck and gray slacks.

She appeared healthier and more relaxed than she had in months as she attended a pretrial hearing in which the judge spoke about how she will proceed with jury selection tomorrow, at federal court in New York.

Ghislaine Maxwell was sporting a much more glamorous look at a pre-trial hearing in New York on Monday, ditching her prison jumpsuit for a black turtleneck and gray pants

The British socialite, 59, also styled her straggly hair into a shoulder-length bob with her graying roots touched up and dyed black

Maxwell, 59, who is accused of procuring underage girls for pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, is set to stand trial on sex trafficking charges on November 29. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges

Maxwell's newfound confidence was apparent at the end of the hour-long hearing when she stood face to face with her lawyer Jeff Pagliuca.

Pagliuca smoothed a few loose strands of Maxwell's hair from her face in an affectionate moment between the two.

Maxwell's makeover came the day before the selection of the final jurors who will decide her fate on allegations she trafficked and procured underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein.

The process will begin Tuesday and during today's hearing Judge Alison Nathan said that the pool of 600 people had already been whittled down to 231 after they answered a questionnaire about their availability.

Maxwell's legal team has repeatedly made claims about her alleged mistreatment behind bars. She is shown in prison earlier this year with 'a black eye'

Given that Maxwell is incarcerated in the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, her makeover was likely done by herself.

The Bureau of Prisons sells hair dye in the commissary to inmates for $9.50 and comes in a range of colors, including black.

Maxwell talked about cutting her own hair in prison in her first-ever jailhouse interview over the weekend.

Maxwell said her guards were 'impressed when I cut my hair with nail clippers and it was somewhat straight'.

She said: 'I only had a 3in by 5in mirror. They rewarded me with paper scissors and suggested I might want to open a salon'.

The next phase of jury selection, known as voir dire, is due to begin Tuesday and opening statements in the case are set to take place on November 29.

Prospective jurors have already answered a questionnaire including questions like whether or not they were biased against people with 'luxurious lifestyles' and if they were aware of the MeToo movement.

During the hearing, Judge Nathan said she hoped that this week she could get down to a pool of 50-60 potential jurors by questioning them individually in court over three days .

Last week, Maxwell was seen sporting longer, graying hair, and was dressed in blue prison scrubs

The British socialite has appeared noticeably haggard at her court appearances since she was jailed last summer. She is pictured left in July 2020 and right last week

From there the final 12 who will serve on the jury for the trial, which is expected to last six weeks, will be chosen.

Judge Nathan said that she would rule on a number of outstanding issues before or during a final pretrial conference on November 23rd.

That includes whether the third of four accusers, who is thought to be British, will be allowed to give evidence.

Judge Nathan said that the jury will sit between Christmas and New Year, though they would be off the 23rd and 24th of December, and the 30th and 31st of the month.

Among the other issues that came up was a subpoena to a victim that Maxwell's lawyers requested on Sunday evening.

Judge Nathan said that the subpoena should be issued to the woman and that prosecutors could oppose it later.

Maxwell's lawyer Christian Everdell said there was an issue with some 'border crossing records' and the prosecution said they would work to resolve it.

Prosecutor Maurene Comey said that another issue still to be resolved was the 'authentication of birth certificates,' but she did not specify which accuser it related to.

Maxwell, 59, denies eight counts that could see her jailed for 80 years if she is found guilty.

Maxwell's hair, which had grown out from her signature pixie cut, looked recently washed and noticeably more lustrous than her last appearance last week. She is pictured in 2013

In a world exclusive published in The Mail on Sunday, Ghislaine Maxwell has spoken of the hell of her life in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, saying that conditions are so bad a rat would sit beside an open sewer in her cell as she went to the toilet (Pictured: Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein at an event in New York in 1995)

Maxwell spoke to The Mail on Sunday for the first time about her 'living hell' behind bars  claiming that she has been assaulted and abused by prison guards, purposely deprived of sleep and given rotting food to eat.

In a world exclusive, Maxwell, who had her $28million (21M) bail application denied for the fourth time last week, also claims negative media coverage while she has been in custody and the deliberate withholding of evidence have made it 'impossible' for her to receive a fair trial.

Speaking from her 10ft by 12ft prison cell inside New York's notorious Metropolitan Detention Center, where she has spent the past 16 months in solitary confinement, Maxwell said: 'I have been assaulted and abused for almost a year and a half.

'I have not had a nutritious meal in all that time. I haven't slept without lights on  fluorescent lights that have damaged my eyes  or been allowed to sleep without constant interruptions.

'I am weak, I am frail. I have no stamina. I am tired. I don't even have shoes which fit properly. They feed me rotten food. One apple had maggots in it. I have not been allowed to exercise.'

The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn where Ghislaine Maxwell, the alleged accomplice of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, is awaiting trial

Maxwell faces the rest of her life behind bars if convicted of abusing and procuring young girls for billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein  charges that she vehemently denies.

Her lawyers are expected to argue she is being punished by proxy for Epstein's heinous crimes because, as one source close to the case maintains, 'someone has to pay for what he did'.

Maxwell has told friends: 'I fear it will be impossible to get a fair trial. I have tremendous fear that overwhelmingly negative media stories will poison my jury pool and affect the outcome of my trial despite the evidence that will demonstrate everything the jurors thought they knew isn't true.

'I look forward to finally having my day in court to prove I played no part in Epstein's crimes.'
A model has been arrested on suspicion of leading a drug cartel believed to have orchestrated the assassination of her husband during their son's fourth birthday party.

Camila Marodin, a model and fashion influencer, was arrested in the coastal town of Matinhos in the Brazilian state of Parana on the morning of November 12.

Camila's husband Ricardo Marodin, who police originally thought was the leader of an alleged drug cartel, was reportedly shot dead during his son's birthday party on November 7.

After his death, Camila told the authorities that her husband was not involved in any criminal activity and claimed the murder was probably a case of mistaken identity.

But Camila has now been arrested as the cartel's suspected leader and is believed to be implicated in Ricardo's shooting, as well as the deaths of two former cops.

Her capture came as part of a military police operation in which 14 other suspected cartel members were arrested.

The Military Police went to Camila's house in the town of Pinhais to carry out the arrest warrant against her, but arrived to find she had vacated the property.

She was later caught on her way back home from her mother's house in Matinhos where police found a Glock pistol that they believe she hid there to avoid suspicion.

Police spokesperson Colonel Barroso said the arrest was already planned but had to be brought forward after the deaths of Ricardo and former policemen Thiago Cesar Carvalho and Guilherme Antonio da Costa.

Camila Marodin (left), a model and fashion influencer, was arrested in the coastal town of Matinhos in the Brazilian state of Parana on the morning of November 12. Camila's husband Ricardo Marodin (right), who police originally thought was the leader of an alleged drug cartel, was reportedly shot dead during his son's birthday party on November 7

The cops were killed in the neighbourhood of Cajuru in the Parana state capital Curitiba, just three days after Ricardo's murder.

The Military Police investigation had been ongoing for around a year before the deaths of Ricardo and the two officers prompted police chiefs to authorise the arrests.

Colonel Barroso said: 'The Military Police launched Operation Ostentacao (Ostentation), which follows investigations and follow-ups from about a year of work carried out by the Military Police's intelligence department.

'During this investigation, we found financial payments in Camila's account of more than 1.3 million Brazilian reais (equivalent to around 177,000).'

According to the news site Em Tempo, a court froze the money in Camila's account in addition to 13 properties, some of them high-end, valued at 3 million reais (410,000) that are believed to be owned by the criminal gang.

Officers also seized five luxury cars, two Audis, a Honda, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Porsche, as well as a motorbike.

The police also confiscated 39 weapons and cash in the amount of 120,000 reais (16,400).

Ricardo Marodin was gunned down at the end of his son's fourth birthday party in the city of Pinhais last week.

Camila Marodin (right), widow of Ricardo Marodin (left) from Parana, Brazil, who was killed in his son's birthday in November 2021, in a photo with their kids.

According to reports, four armed suspects arrived in a silver Volkswagen Voyage and fired multiple shots at Ricardo, who died on the spot.

On the morning of 10th November, the two former cops were shot dead by gunmen in a silver Volkswagen Voyage, possibly the same one used in Ricardo's shooting.

Military Police Commander Hudson Teixeira said: 'Ricardo was killed in a fight over drug trafficking control. Other murders that have taken place recently in the region are being analysed by the Military Police to verify whether or not they have a connection with the death of that man.'

Homicide investigator Tito Barichello said the crimes could be related, as Ricardo and Thiago knew each other.

The investigation continues.
A Chinese businesswoman convicted of trespassing at President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago club and lying to Secret Service agents was deported over the weekend, federal authorities said, more than two years after serving her sentence.

Yujing Zhang was turned over to immigration officials in December 2019 after serving her eight-month sentence.

But she was held at the Glades County Detention Center for three times as long as her prison term mainly because of deportation delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration authorities told the Miami Herald.

Yujing Zhang (pictured) was turned over to immigration officials in December 2019 after serving her eight-month sentence for having trespassed at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club

Previously, while appearing for sentencing, she attempted to explain her presence at the club (pictured) by saying she wanted to meet then-President Trump

At the time of her sentencing, the then 33-year-old Zhang went to Mar-a-Lago 'to meet the president and family and just make friends.'

When an incredulous judge questioned her about whether she thought she could really meet the Trumps, Zhang laughed loudly and said she hoped to meet other people, too.

Zhang then told U.S. District Judge Roy Altman that the president told reporters that he had invited Zhang to Mar-a-Lago. But Altman said that was another lie.

It's unclear what Zhang's motives were, but the judge said it was clearly about more than getting a photo opportunity.

Pictured: A court sketch from April 15, 2019, showing Zhang listening to Magistrate Judge William Matthewman in West Palm Beach, Florida

In December 2020, Zhang unsuccessfully tried to speed up her expedition

After serving her sentence and while still detained by U.S. immigration officials, Zhang grew desperate to expedite her return to China.

The newspaper reported she filed a petition in December 2020 to speed up the process, but was not successful.

Zhang wrote in English that she had been held at the Glades County Detention Center, had no money to call her family in China, and needed an attorney to gain her freedom and go home, according to court documents.

When she was arrested, she was carrying four cellphones, a computer and an external hard drive and her hotel contained more electronics and cash.

That led to speculation she might be a spy, but she was never charged with espionage.
A lorry driver involved in a fatal collision with a Canadian millionaire taking part in the world-famous London to Brighton Veteran car rally today told a jury he did not think 'tapping' a mobile phone while driving was illegal.

Michael Black, 52, was behind the wheel of his tipper lorry on the M23 southbound when his truck smashed into the back of a 1903 Knox car driven by 80-year-old Ronald Carey.

Mr Carey's wife Billi, who was at his side as a passenger, survived the crash, which took place at around 10am in the morning of November 3, 2019, near Hooley, Surrey.

Mr Black, of Crawley, West Sussex, denies one count of causing death by dangerous driving and another of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Ron Carey, 80, had been at the wheel of a 1903 Knox Runabout 'Old Porcupine' vehicle with his wife Billi. This photograph is thought to have been taken hours before he died

Mr Carey, pictured with his wife Billi, was described as 'very well-respected and well-liked'

Police at the scene of the crash on the M23 near Hooley, Surrey, on November 3, 2019

The jury at his trial at Guildford Crown Court today heard he had been trying to phone one of his friends, known as 'Richie' in the moments before the collision.

Under cross examination, Mr Black admitted he had tapped his phone screen to place a call before the accident, which happened as Mr Carey's 116-year-old Knox travelled at around 20mph in the third lane of the M23 .

Mr Black said: 'I actually thought it was alright to tap it [his mobile phone].

'I did not think that it was any worse than touching a stereo. I am not saying that it is alright, but I just tapped the phone.'

Asked if he was in denial that he had done anything wrong, Mr Black became emotional and added: 'That is not true. I am sorry that is not true.

'Obviously someone has passed away and I have to live with that for the rest of my life and I can never undo that and I have got to live with that every day of my life.

'I am not saying that I did not do anything wrong. Obviously I hit the car, which was wrong but unfortunately I did not expect to come across a vehicle doing 20mph in a four-lane motorway with a 70mph limit.'

Mr and Mrs Carey were pictured riding the Knox vehicle on the Mall at the start of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Mr Carey is understood to have taken the wrong lane and ended up on the M23 shortly before the crash on November 3, 2019

Earlier, Mr Black told the jury that the sun glaring off the damp road in front of him made it harder for him to see the unusual looking Knox in front of him.

He said: 'The use of my mobile phone was not distracting me. The sun was bouncing off the road and that was a distraction. It was not the sole reason but it was part of the reason.

'The next thing I remember is having a slow-moving car in front of me and try to brake and swerve to avoid that vehicle.'

Judge Patricia Lees heard that Mr Black had twice taken part in police advanced driving courses and previously worked in law enforcement with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

He told Guildford Crown Court that he had been driving his Scania tripper truck for about two months, having held an HGV licence for more than 15 years. Mr Black added: 'In a truck, you drive on your mirrors more than out of the windscreen because there is so much going on behind you.'

Previously the jury watched CCTV from Mr Black's vehicle, showing the moment the orange-coloured lorry smashed into the back of the small open-top veteran car.

Prosecutor Scott Brady told the court that Canadian oil millionaire Mr Carey and his wife Billi had just taken a wrong turn in their 1903 Knox Runabout 'Old Porcupine' car and ended up by accident on the bustling motorway.

A listing for Mr and Mrs Carey's vehicle on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run website, which states it was registered in Arizona, has since been taken down

Mr Brady told the jury: 'They were in the third lane and ahead of Mr Black. He was directly behind them in lane three. Shortly after 10am, Black's Scania collided with the Knox.

'He ran into the back of the Knox veteran car and tragically, in this case, Mr Carey was killed in the collision. His wife was badly injured. She sustained multiple injures and was helicoptered to hospital, where thankfully she survived.

'If Black had been keeping a good lookout this accident would not have occurred. He was not keeping a good lookout because, in his own words, "I wasn't looking, I looked down and they were there".

'He said he wasn't keeping a good lookout because he was distracted by a phone call he was trying to make to a friend. He was certainly making a phone call at the time of the collision and he admitted as much, in a police interview.

'He said it was "ringing, ringing, ringing and it did not connect and I impacted with the vehicle."'

An investigation revealed the vintage car was almost totally destroyed in the incident. The seating where Mr Carey and his wife had sat was totally detached from the vehicle.

Collision investigator Joanna Robins said there was also some damage to the lorry, adding: 'There was damage to the front of the windscreen of the Scania. It had hair embedded in the glass it is believed to be from Mr Carey.'

Mr Carey's widow listened throughout the trial on a remote link from Arizona, USA.

The trial continues.
Dyer was today jailed for four years for the drunken car crash in Wales last month

Her parents Carmen and Florin said their baby daughter was 'our miracle'

Lucy Dyer, 23, was behind the wheel of a BMW when she smashed into family car

Lucy Dyer, 23, was behind the wheel of a BMW when she smashed into a family car and killed six-month-old Eva Maria Nichifor

The grieving parents of a six-month-old baby who was killed in a drunken car crash have described how their lives were 'torn apart' after their daughter's death.

Lucy Dyer, 23, was behind the wheel of a BMW when she smashed into the family car carrying Eva Maria Nichifor in Llanelli, South Wales in a 20mph zone last month.

The six-month-old was taken to University Hospital Wales in Cardiff, for surgery but had suffered a brain stem injury.

She was put on life support but was pronounced dead at around 2pm the following day.

Dyer admitted drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving at a crossroads in the town.

She was soon arrested and later provided a specimen of breath which revealed the presence of 46 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres.

Today, Eva's parents Florin and Carmen, who had been living in Llanelli but have now returned to their native Romania, paid tribute to their daughter and said 'everywhere we look there are memories of her'.

A victim impact statement, which was read on behalf of Eva's mother Carmen, said: 'We came to this country to ensure a better life for my family and it ended up tearing it apart.

'In the house where we live we can't see it without thinking of little Eva.

'Everywhere we look there are memories of her. The house is empty without her. We want justice for our baby because she was taken away too soon'.

Last month Eva's parents said they had been left 'distraught' by their loss as they described their daughter as 'a gift from God'.

Eva Maria Nichifor was taken to University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, for surgery but had suffered a brain stem injury

They said: 'We are distraught by our loss. Eva Maria, only six months old, will be missed by us all.

'She was our miracle, our perfect baby girl, a gift from God. She will always be in our hearts.

'We would like to thank everyone for their support at this horrific time. It has meant so much to the whole family. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.'

Dyer, who has a four-year-old autistic son, was sentenced just five weeks after the tragedy - and has been in custody ever since for her own protection.

After the tragedy, the words 'Rot in Hell you Scum' were daubed on her front door along with dog excrement. She also had threats on social media.

Today, Dyer told the court the 'guilt will stay forever' and that she would 'never intentionally harm any child' as she was sentenced.

Dyer said: 'I would like to say how truly sorry I am to the family in their tragic loss. I am truly heartbroken and devastated. The guilt will stay forever.

'If I had the power to turn the clock back I would. I can't imagine all the pain that the family are going through.

'I am a caring person and I will never be able to forget this tragedy, as I know the family will also. I am truly very sorry, and I hope that one day through all of the pain, the family will be able to forgive me. May she rest in peace.'

The mother-of-one, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, admitted drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving at crossroads in the town.

Swansea Crown Court heard Dyer and a relative had been marking the anniversary of her father's death by drinking in the Carwyn James pub in the town before heading home at 9pm.

As she left the pub she downed a drink when being told by door staff she couldn't leave with the glass she was holding.

Prosecutor Carina Hughes said: 'She had been drinking where she was described as 'merry' and 'boisterous'.

'Witnesses say she was driving at speed. The junction had clear markings and road markings. She was observed entering Heol Goffa without even braking or giving way and she collided with the Vauxhall Vectra, causing it to rotate.

'The BMW continued in motion and mounted the pavement, before rolling backwards and hitting a lamppost causing it to bend.

'The impact caused the child's mother to exit the car holding her baby screaming of help'.

Dyer told police: 'I have killed someone. I have killed her. I have killed a kid haven't I? I am never going to see my kid again.

'The baby is going to die isn't she? Oh my ******* god'. She added: 'I have ruined my life'.

Eva's parents Florin and Carmen - who originate from Romania but now live in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire - described their daughter as 'our miracle'

Eva was put on life support but was pronounced dead at around 2pm the following day

The four-month-old's parents (pictured with Eva) said their daughter was 'our miracle' and 'a gift from God'

Floral tributes left at the scene of the crash on Heol Goffa Crossroads in Llanelli

Mitigating, Kate Williams said: 'She is acutely aware human life can't be restored.

'A tragic irony is she had gone out because it was the anniversary of her father's death and a friend had taken her out to take her mind off that.

'She had a few drinks and made the terrible decision to get back in the car.. She made the decision I think many people have in the past that she was ok to drive and she obviously was not.

'It is clear her remorse and she is devastated and it will stay with her forever. She can't imagine the pain the family are going thought and she acknowledges that pain and says she is truly sorry'.

After the case Emma Myles, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'This is a heart-breaking case which has had a profound impact on everyone involved in it.

'The life of a baby was ended when it had barely begun but, for the short and precious time that she was with them, Eva Maria was the apple of her parents' eye, and her loss is immeasurable. Our thoughts are with Eva Maria's family.

'Lucy Dyer, who is herself a mother, will have to live with the consequences of her actions that night for the rest of her life.'

A fundraising page has raised over 9,000 for the heartbroken parents.


The Greek PM is preparing to renew the row over the Elgin Marbles in talks with Boris Johnson tomorrow.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged to raise the future of the famous statues, currently at the British Museum, when he meets Mr Johnson in Downing Street.

However, Mr Mitsotakis is unlikely to be delighted by his host's response, with the UK adamant that the marbles were legally obtained after being removed from the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens more than 200 years ago.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left) has pledged to raise the future of the famous statues, currently at the British Museum, when he meets Boris Johnson (right) in Downing Street

The marbles, 17 figures and part of a frieze that decorated the 2,500-year-old Acropolis monument were taken by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, in the early 19th century

A LONG-RUNNING HISTORICAL DISPUTE: WHAT ARE THE ELGIN MARBLES? The Elgin Marbles are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, inscriptions and architectural members that were mostly created by Phidias and his assistants. The 7th Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce, removed the Parthenon Marble pieces from the Acropolis in Athens while serving as the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799 to 1803. In 1801, the Earl claimed to have obtained a permit from the Ottoman authorities to remove pieces from the Parthenon. As the Acropolis was still an Ottoman military fort, Elgin required permission to enter the site. His agents subsequently removed half of the surviving sculptures, as well as architectural members and sculpture from the Propylaea and Erechtheum. The excavation and removal was completed in 1812 at a personal cost of around 70,000. The sculptures were shipped to Britain, but in Greece, the Scots aristocrat was accused of looting and vandalism. They were bought by the British Government in 1816 and placed in the British Museum. They still stand on view in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery. Greece has sought their return from the British Museum through the years, to no avail. The authenticity of Elgin's permit to remove the sculptures from the Parthenon has been widely disputed, especially as the original document has been lost. Many claim it was not legal. However, others argue that since the Ottomans had controlled Athens since 1460, their claims to the artefacts were legal and recognisable. Advertisement

A Greek government spokesman the issue would be raised by Mr Mitsotakis tomorrow.

The marbles, 17 figures and part of a frieze that decorated the 2,500-year-old Acropolis monument were taken by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, in the early 19th century.

Britain maintains that Elgin acquired the sculptures legally when Greece was ruled by the Ottomans.

The Greek spokesman said: 'The obligation to return the Parthenon sculptures is entirely up to the government of the United Kingdom,' Mr Oikonomou said.

He added that the Greek request for government-to-government talks on the issue was backed by the United Nations' cultural agency, Unesco.

Greece has said the new Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009 would be used to display the sculptures if they were returned.

Mr Johnson earlier this year ruled out returning the marbles to Greece, telling Greek newspaper Ta Nea: 'I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people  and indeed Prime Minister Mitsotakis  on the issue.

'But the UK Government has a firm longstanding position on the sculptures which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum's Trustees since their acquisition.'

The Elgin Marbles are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, inscriptions and architectural members that were mostly created by Phidias and his assistants.

The 7th Earl of Elgin, Thomas Bruce, removed the Parthenon Marble pieces from the Acropolis in Athens while serving as the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire from 1799 to 1803.

In 1801, the Earl claimed to have obtained a permit from the Ottoman authorities to remove pieces from the Parthenon.

As the Acropolis was still an Ottoman military fort, Elgin required permission to enter the site.

His agents subsequently removed half of the surviving sculptures, as well as architectural members and sculpture from the Propylaea and Erechtheum.

The excavation and removal was completed in 1812 at a personal cost of around 70,000.

The sculptures were shipped to Britain, but in Greece, the Scots aristocrat was accused of looting and vandalism.

They were bought by the British Government in 1816 and placed in the British Museum. They still stand on view in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery.

Greece has sought their return from the British Museum through the years, to no avail.

The authenticity of Elgin's permit to remove the sculptures from the Parthenon has been widely disputed, especially as the original document has been lost. Many claim it was not legal.

However, others argue that since the Ottomans had controlled Athens since 1460, their claims to the artefacts were legal and recognisable.
A British pensioner is jailed for 12 years after paying 3,000 to a mother in the Philippines to have regular online sex with her six-year-old.

Stephen Aspinall, 68, from Bournemouth, Dorset, was arrested and charged with offences of child exploitation at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 12 following international police investigations.

He admitted 67 separate offences, which involved multiple counts of paying for the sexual services of a child, causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography and making indecent images of a child.

The victim in the case was aged between six and nine years old during the period of offending, from December 2017 to September 2019.

Pensioner Stephen Aspinall, 68, from Bournemouth, Dorset, was arrested and charged with offences of child exploitation at Bournemouth Crown Court on November 12

Aspinall, who admitted the charges at Bournemouth Crown Court was jailed for 12 years and told he will also serve another four years on licence.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said that Aspinall, from Knole Road, Bournemouth, carried out the offences between December 2017 and September 2019.

'A detailed investigation by Dorset Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) produced evidence to show the defendant using Skype to contact the mother of the child in the Philippines and making online payments to her in order to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the child victim and sending images of the abuse.

'After receiving evidence from the National Crime Agency (NCA) relating to online payments made by the defendant to an account in the Philippines, POLIT officers established that Aspinall had made 86 financial payments totalling 2,916.37 to recipients in the Philippines.

'On 7 November 2019 officers attended the defendant's address, arrested him and seized his computers and digital devices. An examination of the devices revealed evidence of the Skype conversations with the victim's mother, as well as a large number of indecent images, which are graded between category A and category C, with category A being the most serious.

'More than 150 category A images were found, as well as more than 800 category B and more then 3,000 category C images. Many of the images were of the victim in the Philippines.'

Detective Constable Steve Cartwright, of POLIT, said: 'This is a deeply disturbing case involving the repeated sexual exploitation of an innocent young victim on the other side of the world.

'With the assistance of the Dorset Police's Digital Forensic Unit, we have been able to compile a huge amount of evidence to show the extent of Aspinall's despicable offending and bring him before the court to be held accountable for his actions.

'Through work with the NCA and Philippines authorities we have been able to ensure that the victim has been safeguarded and an investigation is ongoing in relation to criminal offences committed in their jurisdiction.

'The POLIT team is committed to working with partners such as the National Crime Agency, other police forces and a wide range of other agencies and organisations to minimise the risk to children by proactively identifying people who use the internet to further their sexual abuse in children.

'We urge anyone to contact Dorset Police or Crimestoppers if they suspect someone is using the internet to groom or gain indecent images of children.'
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says the FBI's raid on Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe's home 'has serious consequences for press freedoms' despite the conservative activist group engaging in 'disgraceful deceptions'.

Project Veritas, founded by James O'Keefe, has come under federal scrutiny in relation to the alleged theft of the diary of President Joe Biden's daughter Ashley, which the group considered publishing but never did.

On Saturday, the FBI conducted raids at O'Keefe's New York home and those of others connected to Project Veritas early Saturday morning, seizing two of O'Keefe's cell phones, among other items, as part of its investigation into Ashley Biden's stolen diary.

Project Veritas did not publish the diary, but the group says it did discuss it with sources in the waning days of the 2020 election.

Portions of the diary were published by another conservative outlet, which said they were provided by a frustrated employee of a media outlet that passed on them.

ACLU senior attorney Brian Hauss said that although Project Veritas engaged in 'disgraceful deceptions,' the search could set a dangerous standard for journalistic rights.

'The precedent set in this case could have serious consequences for press freedom,' Hauss said in a statement.

The FBI conducted raids at O'Keefe's New York home and those of others connected to Project Veritas, seizing O'Keefe's cell phone among other items

The ACLU released a statement about the FBI's raid on O'Keefe's home, saying 'the precedent set in this case could have serious consequences for press freedom'

Ashley Biden, 40, is the only daughter of Joe and Jill Biden

Hauss added: 'Unless the government had good reason to believe that Project Veritas employees were directly involved in the criminal theft of the diary, it should not have subjected them to invasive searches and seizures.'

He urged the court to take measures to ensure law enforcement officers only review legally-obtained materials.

President Joe Biden said in May that he would not tolerate the Justice Department seizing reporter records.

'It's simply, simply wrong,' he told CNN's Kaitlan Collins. 'I will not let that happen.'

ACLU senior attorney Brian Hauss

Authorities raided O'Keefe's Westchester County residence in Mamaroneck just a day after O'Keefe himself acknowledged Project Veritas was being probed.

'I woke up to a pre-dawn raid, banging on my door. I went to my door to answer the door and there were ten FBI agents with a battering ram, white blinding lights, they turned me around, handcuffed me and threw me against the hallway,' he told Fox News.

'They confiscated my phone. They raided my apartment. On my phone were many of my reporters' notes. A lot of my sources unrelated to this story and a lot of confidential donor information to our news organization.'

'I've heard ''the process is the punishment.'' I didn't really understand what that meant until this weekend. I wouldn't wish this on any journalist,' O'Keefe said.

'If they can do this to me, if they can do it to any journalist.'

A Manhattan apartment building that was among the raid sites is seen above

'If they can do this to me, if they can do it to any journalist,' O'Keefe said of the raid

An attorney for O'Keefe last week accused the Department of Justice of tipping off the New York Times about recent raids on current and former employees, while suggesting federal prosecutors may have also leaked the group's legal communications.

And last Thursday, The New York Times published a report based on memos from the group's lawyer, revealing his legal advice on the group's use of false identities and undercover filming, tactics that are eschewed by most modern journalists.

Later that day, a federal judge ordered the DOJ to stop extracting data from the phones, granting a request from O'Keefe's legal team made the day before for an independent party to be appointed to oversee the review of the confiscated devices.

O'Keefe's attorney Harmeet Dhillon in an interview on Thursday night slammed the Times' report as a 'hit piece' and questioned whether the DOJ had leaked the legal memos to the Times, an extraordinary and possibly illegal step.

'I can't say how the New York Times got this information, but they got it in a way that is illegal and unethical,' Dhillon told Fox News.

Joined @TuckerCarlson on @FoxNews tonight re FBI raid of James OKeefes home, to which @nytimes was tipped off. Now theyre publishing privileged docs, while the DOJ was ordered to stop extracting data from his phone until further review. #ProjectVeritas pic.twitter.com/WA1pjxoNwK  Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) November 12, 2021

(2/2): Journalists deserve to be protected from the thuggish and unconstitutional behavior that the #Biden administration and the DOJ have exhibited in this case. pic.twitter.com/rp0kV9Ns1A  Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) November 12, 2021

Attorney Harmeet Dhillon in an interview on Thursday night slammed the Times report as a 'hit piece' and questioned whether the DOJ had leaked the legal memos

'We have a disturbing situation of the US Attorney's office or the FBI tipping off the New York Times to each of the raids on Project Veritas current and former employees,' Dhillon said.

'We know that because minutes after these raids occurred they got calls from the New York Times which was the only journalism outlet that knew about it. And they published this hit piece today, which is really despicable. I don't think I've ever seen this low from the New York Times before, to publish people's private legal communications,' she added.

'This is a scandal of epic proportions. Every journalist who is not worried about this should hang up their journalism card, and all First Amendment lawyers as well,' said Dhillon.

Dhillon also hailed District Court Judge Analisa Torres for her Thursday ruling, calling it a 'temporary victory' amid the federal bodies' alleged misconduct - but added that her team was a long way off from holding the FBI and DOJ accountable for the alleged leak.

Dhillon hailed District Court Judge Analisa Torres for her ruling Thursday that halted the DOJ's review of two iPhones confiscated from her client, calling it a 'temporary victory' - but added that her team was a long way off from holding the FBI and DOJ accountable for the alleged leak

'We are gratified that the Department of Justice has been ordered to stop extracting and reviewing confidential and privileged information obtained in their raids of our reporters, including legal, donor, and confidential source communications.

'The First Amendment won a temporary victory today, but Project Veritas has a long way to go to hold the DOJ and FBI accountable for their actions.'

Dhillon added that the federal government seizing any data from Project Veritas' employees containing donor information, communications with attorneys and sources from within the Biden administration raise 'multiple First Amendment issues.'

'We went to the court and asked the court to order a special master to review this information and not let the Southern District of New York prosecutors and the FBI look at it without somebody separating out this information.' Dhillon told Tucker Carlson.

'The government would not agree to do that voluntarily but we went to court and today a federal judge did order the government to stop looking at these phones. So ultimately, we're going to get some answers as to what was reviewed and what they did with it.'

The attorney went on to say that the justice department broke the law with the probe into her client, ignoring their own set regulations, and called federal agents' actions 'thuggish.'

'The DOJ has specific regulations about this. There's also a federal statute called the Privacy Protection Act that protects journalists and their information from exactly this type of thuggish behavior that the DOJ has done in this case.

'They have blown federal law, they blown the Constitution, they blown due process and civil rights and now they're so easily communicating in some level for sure with the New York Times,' Dhillon added.

According to the order, the DOJ must prove to the court by Friday that it has halted its review of O'Keefe's two iPhones, with the devices not to be touched until an independent party, referred to as a 'special master' in the document, is appointed to look through them.

A 'special master' is a legal term for a person appointed by a court to carry out an action on its behalf.

The DOJ did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com outside of business hours on Friday.

The Times report quotes legal advice that attorney Benjamin Barr gave Project Veritas about the laws surrounding covert recordings and deceptive false identities in various situations and jurisdictions.

In one case, he consulted on a plan to use Tinder to 'meet prospective agents of the 'Deep State' or those with national security clearances' and advised against attempting to obtain or publish any information related to national security.

Attorney Harmeet Dhillon calls The New York Times report a 'hit piece' and 'really despicable'

On Thursday, the New York Times published a report based on memos from the lawyer advising Project Veritas, revealing his legal advice to the group

In another, he warned that attempting to use a false identity to enter campaign events where the Secret Service vets attendees could result in federal charges of lying to a government agent.

The Times has its own longstanding feud with Project Veritas, after the conservative group published a series of undercover tapes of Times employees in 2017.

The conservative group describes itself as a journalism outlet dedicated to setting the record straight amid widespread liberal media bias, but critics say that its hidden camera tactics and selective editing are beyond the pale.

On Saturday, the FBI raided O'Keefe's home as part of its investigation into Ashley Biden's stolen diary.

Project Veritas did not publish the diary, but the group says it did discuss it with sources in the waning days of the 2020 election.

Portions of the diary were published by another conservative outlet, which said they were provided by a frustrated employee of a media outlet that passed on them.
Boris Johnson insisted today he wears a mask wherever he has to under Covid rules, after being pictured without his face covered in a hospital.

The Prime Minister faced questions over his trip to Hexham General Hospital, after it emerged he had to be reminded by NHS staff last week to put on a mask after posing with nurses.

But he declined to apologise for being photographed bare-faced with a trio of masked nurses, even elbow-bumping them as he avoided a debate on Tory sleaze in the House of Commons some 300 miles to the south.

It followed his attendance at Cop26 in Glasgow, where he was seen without a mask as he sat next to Sir David Attenborough, 95, in the audience.

But at a Downing Street press conference this afternoon a croaky Mr Johnson, who is suffering from a cold, said adhering to mask rules was 'the responsible thing to do'.

'I wear a mask wherever the rules say I should and I urge everyone else to do the same,' he said.

The Prime Minister faced questions over his trip to Hexham General Hospital, after it emerged he had to be reminded by NHS staff last week to put on a mask after posing with nurses.

At a Downing Street press conference this afternoon a croaky Mr Johnson, who is suffering from a cold, said adhering to mask rules was 'the responsible thing to do'

It followed his attendance at Cop26 in Glasgow, where he was seen without a mask as he sat next to Sir David Attenborough, 95, in the audience.

'People have actually seen me wearing face coverings quite a bit more regularly as we have seen the numbers (of infections) ticking up in the UK.

'I think that is the responsible thing to do and I am going to continue to do it.'

After Mr Johnson went to Northumberland last week Chronicle Live reported that staff had to remind him to replace his mask.

He is believed to have taken it off to do television interviews before the pictures were taken.

Hospital management insisted that he had 'followed strict measures, including wearing a mask, in each clinical area he visited.'

But rules for visitors posted on its website tells them to 'wear a face covering when you enter the hospital until you leave'.

Labour's shadow health secretary linked the mask-less images to Mr Johnson's decision not to return from the visit in time to take part in the debate on parliamentary standards, after his Government U-turned last week on its move to rip up the current probe system to investigate MP wrongdoing.

Mr Johnson today admitted that a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards as he made a desperate plea for Britons to get their booster jabs and the UK's daily Covid cases continued to rise.

The PM warned 'storm clouds' of infection were gathering over Europe and forcing nations back into restrictions, which highlighted how the UK 'cannot afford to be complacent'.

He said people should get a booster if they want to 'avoid restrictions on daily lives', adding that it would be an 'utter tragedy' if double-vaccinated people died from Covid because they didn't get one.

Mr Johnson also admitted people might need proof of a booster jab to be considered 'fully vaccinated' in the future, in a move which could cause fresh chaos for Britons' travel plans.

The warnings came as Britain recorded another 39,705 daily coronavirus infections, which were up nearly a quarter on last Monday's figure. But deaths and hospital admissions - both lagging indicators - fell week-on-week.

There were 47 Covid victims registered today, down 18 per cent on last week, and latest hospital data shows there were 976 admissions on November 9, down 7.5 per cent.

The PM issued his warning at a Downing Street press conference, where he also confirmed that people in their forties will be offered a booster jab and older teenagers will get second doses.

Asked if a lockdown would be necessary if cases continue to rise, the PM said 'clearly we cannot rule anything out' but insisted he didn't 'see anything in the data that says we have to go now'.

The comments came after Austria announced a draconian new lockdown on the unvaccinated, after a dramatic increase in infections, and the Netherlands imposed a curfew on pubs and restaurants to deal with rising cases.

Germany, France and Italy have also been seeing a significant uptick in their outbreaks. The PM was joined today by his chief scientists Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance at the Government's first Covid briefing of the month.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation earlier approved the booster vaccines to an extra 8million Britons in their forties. It said people could come forward for them 'with the confidence that they are safe and effective'. A total of 12m top-up doses have already been administered.

Data published today by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that people who get a third shot are 80 per cent less likely to get symptomatic Covid than those who had their second dose in spring.

There has not been enough time to measure the effect on hospitalisations and deaths but officials claimed protection is expected to be 'even higher'.
A Russian cannibal killer has been jailed for life after stabbing three people to death and eating their raw flesh with vodka.

Vladimir Yadne, 32, murdered the two men and one woman in one night in the remote Siberian village of Gaz-Sale.

He carried out the first killings when he found two friends, a man and a woman, embracing when he returned from a shop to buy alcohol.

A Russian cannibal killer has been jailed for life after stabbing three people to death and eating their raw flesh with vodka, Pictured: Vladimir Yadne

Yadne, 32, murdered the two men and one woman in the remote Siberian village of Gaz-Sale

This led to a dispute in which he stabbed the man, 51, and woman, 59.

'He then decided to taste the flesh of recently killed people,' said Inna Nosova, head of the criminal justice department in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region.

'He came in with alcohol on him, and drank it as he was eating the meat.'

He did not cook the flesh but ate it raw, said reports.

On the same night - March 6 this year - he killed another man, 52, and also ate his flesh.

He performed a crime reenactment showing how he murdered his victims with a knife, which was recorded by police

He carried out the first killings when he found two friends, a man and a woman, embracing when he returned from a shop to buy alcohol

The cannibal carried out the brutal killings in the tiny Russian village of Gaz-Sale which has a population of 1,721

The killer (pictured in court) was ordered to serve his life sentence in a harsh regime prison colony

Police found the remainders of the third victim in a different location to the couple.

Yadne was detained a few hours later and immediately confessed to the three killings, said reports.

He also performed a crime reenactment showing how he murdered his victims with a knife, which was recorded by police.

Psychiatric tests carried out on the murderer found he was 'sane' when he committed the killings and acts of cannibalism, said law enforcement sources.

The killer was ordered to serve his life sentence in a harsh regime prison colony.
Alex Jones, the host of Infowars and right-wing conspiracy theorist, has been found guilty by default in all four defamation cases over his claims that the Sandy Hook school massacre was 'a giant hoax' aimed at increasing gun control

A superior court judge in Connecticut made the ruling on Monday morning because Jones refused to turn over documents ordered by the courts to back up his defense, including financial records, according to the New York Times.

His conviction is a sweeping victory for the parents of eight people killed in the Newtown massacre. On December 14, 2012 gunman Adam Lanza, 20, killed 20 first-graders and six teachers. Lanza fatally shot his mother at their home before going to the school, and later killed himself as police arrived.

Juries in both states have not yet determined how much in damages Jones and the other defendants will have to pay the families. Trials on the matter are scheduled in both states for next year.

Though Jones' finances are murky, with nearly all of his income thought to be derived from the sale of dubious health supplements to his loyal followers, he is thought to have a net worth of roughly $5 million.

Alex Jones has been found guilty by default in all four defamation cases involving the Sandy Hook shooting

Jones claimed on his Infowars show that the massacre in Connecticut was 'a giant hoax' involving 'crisis actors' meant to tighten gun control laws. Pictured are children being led out of the school during the shooting on December 14, 2012

Gunman Adam Lanza, 20, shot and killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut before killing himself. Pictured are mourners gathered at a makeshift memorial following the mass shooting in Newtown

The conviction combines with three rulings in Texas last month that found Jones liable for damages in defamation lawsuits that stemmed from his statements about the Newtown massacre.

The shooting was portrayed on Jones' Infowars show as a 'giant hoax' and the families involved were all 'crisis actors' hired to perpetuate a government agenda to increase gun control. Jones has since acknowledged the school shooting did occur.

The Sandy Hook families that sued Jones claim that he profited by spreading lives about the murders of their loved ones. Jones has disputed their claims, but failed to turn over documents and financial records to support his stance after ordered todo so in court.

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis made the ruling after years of what she called inappropriate conduct by Jones and his attorneys regarding depositions and the 'callous disregard of their obligation' to turn over financial and web analytics documents as ordered by the court, reported the Hartford Courant.

Juries in both states have not yet determined how much in damages Jones and the other defendants will have to pay the families. Above, he is seen speaking at a 'ReAwaken America' event in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday

The Sandy Hook families that sued Jones claim that he profited by spreading lives about the murders of their loved ones

'Mr. Jones is very used to saying whatever he wants to say from the comfort of his own studio, but what I think this case has shown is that when he is forced to defend his conduct in a court of law and comply with court orders, that it's a very different ballgame,' attorney Chris Mattei, a lawyer representing the Sandy Hook families, told the news outlet.

He added, 'The fact that the court was left with no choice but to default him shows just how unwilling Mr. Jones was to have his conduct exposed to the light of day in front of a jury.'

The ruling is the most severe sanction Bellis could issue by sending the case directly to a jury and skipping the long-anticipated civil trial. Jones previously claimed that his statements and claims were protected by the First Amendment, despite admitting that he was wrong and conceding in court that the shooting was real.

Last month, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble in Austin, home of Infowars, entered default judgments against Jones, Infowars and other defendants for what she called their 'flagrant bad faith and callous disregard' of court orders to turn over documents to the parents' lawyers.

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, pictured on Infowars, was sanctioned by a judge earlier this year over his outburst at Sandy Hook families

Leonard Pozner, who lost his six-year-old son, Noah, was one of the families to sue Jones and Infowars, claiming defamation

Neil Heslin , whose son Jesse was among the victims, was another parent who sued Jones and others over what their attorney described as '5-year campaign of repulsive lies'

While the amount of damages has yet to be determined, it could send Jones on the brink of financial ruin. Though his finances are murky, with nearly all of his income thought to be derived from the sale of dubious health supplements to his loyal followers, he is thought to have a net worth of roughly $5 million.

In a video released on his website after the court ruling last month, Jones claimed the state of Texas was 'coming after' him because he's 'standing in their way' after they 'crucified' the First Amendment.

'Every basic form of American liberty is being abolished and overturn as we speak. They're coming after me because I'm standing in their way. They're coming after me because they're coming after you,' he said.

He also claims that Texas law states 'you can't sue someone if you didn't say their name for defamation,' he said before claiming he hadn't mentioned anyone's name.

'I'm being sued by people whose names I've never said. This is clearly a way to attack the first amendment.'

Adam Lanza, 20, killed his mother before going to Sandy Hook Elementary School and opening fire on students and staff. He took his own life as police were closing in

US libel law states the defendant can be sued for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes. Although the law can vary by state, such as the statue of limitations, the basics of the law stay the same state-by-state.

Jones also attributes his loss to his entry-level lawyers because the judge and previous judge 'will never let me have the lawyers I want that are well known, famous, First Amendment lawyers.'

He also claimed that Americans need to be 'good' and 'steadfast' and 'love each other,' before asking his followers to 'pray for our accusers and pray for those that persecute us, because that's what Christ told us to do.'

During a sworn deposition in 2019, Jones blamed his previous statements about the school shooting on 'a form of psychosis.'

'I talk four hours a day, and I can't remember what I talked about sometimes a week ago,' he claimed at the time.

Families of some of the school shooting victims sued Jones, Infowars and others in courts in Texas and Connecticut over the hoax conspiracy, saying they have been subjected to harassment and death threats from Jones' followers.

Jones and his attorney in Connecticut, Norman Pattis, criticized the Texas judge's ruling in a statement on the Infowars website.

'It takes no account of the tens of thousands of documents produced by the defendants, the hours spent sitting for depositions and the various sworn statements filed in these cases,' they said. 'We are distressed by what we regard as a blatant abuse of discretion by the trial court. We are determined to see that these cases are heard on the merits.'

The massacre claimed the lives of 20 first-grade students and six educators (pictured)

Jones' lawyers have denied the defamations allegations and argued his comments about the school shooting were protected by free speech.

One of the Texas lawsuits was filed by Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah was killed in the shooting. The two others were filed by Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, whose son Jesse was killed. Several other families of the victims are suing on similar claims in Connecticut.

Bill Ogden, a Houston lawyer representing the four parents in the Texas cases, said Jones and Infowars have failed to turn over documents for the past few years. He added such default judgments are rare.

'My clients have and continue to endure Defendants' five-year campaign of repulsive lies,' Ogden said in a statement, which quoted the judge's ruling. 'We believe the Court hit this nail on the head when it considered Alex Jones and Infowars 'bad faith approach to this litigation,' Mr. Jones' 'public threats,' and Jones' 'professed belief that these proceedings are show trials.''

Guerra Gamble said in her rulings that she was defaulting Jones and the other defendants after an 'escalating series' of admonishments by judges, monetary fines and other actions was ineffective in getting the defendants to turn over documents.

In 2019, Jones was ordered by another Texas judge to pay $100,000 in legal fees to Heslin's lawyers for disregarding a court order to produce witnesses.

Jones also was sanctioned in the Connecticut cases for violating numerous orders to turn over documents and for an angry outburst on his web show against an attorney for some of the victims' relatives.

A judge barred Jones from filing a motion to the dismiss the case - a ruling that was upheld after being appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court, which declined to hear Jones' appeal in April.
A company director who shot a love rival in the leg with a shotgun has been jailed along with his mother who helped clean up after the attack.

Jonathan Smith, 25, was blasted in the left leg at point blank range with a shotgun after being lured to a meeting with his ex-lover's new boyfriend who discovered he had been texting her.

Mr Smith was found dumped in the street in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, and underwent a total of 56 hours of surgical procedures which ultimately led to doctors having to amputating the leg just below the knee.

At Bolton Crown Court, Mr Smith who now has PTSD and still has bullet fragments and shrapnel embedded in the rest of his leg spoke out as former company director Vincenzo De Falco, 30, was jailed for 11 years and three months after admitting intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The 25-year-old has had to quit the home he shared with his partner in Ashton-under-Lyne and moved in with his aunt Lisa who gave up her own job to become his full time carer.

In an emotionally charged statement the father of three told the court how the attack had cost him his job, home, girlfriend and 'himself.'

Vincenzo De Falco (pictured left) has been jailed after shooting a love rival in the leg which caused injuries that meant it had to be amputated while De Falco's mother Patricia Dean (pictured right) was jailed for helping him clean up the blood from the car used in the attack

He added: 'The effect this horrific crime has had on my life is unimaginable. Every time I look at my leg I feel sick.

'Any dignity I had as a 25-year-old man has gone and I am dressed and washed by my auntie on a daily basis. She now feeds me and looks after my basic needs.

'My two daughters are also suffering and this kills me. They do not want to come and see me as they are scared of looking at my injuries and cannot comprehend what has happened.

'They are too young and cannot understand why Daddy isn't able to take them out like I used to. It breaks my heart to see the sadness and fear in their faces when we meet.'

The court heard Mr Smith was attacked on January 21 2019 after being lured into the back of a Mercedes C350 Sport E car by De Falco who had earlier told friends he 'wanted to put the jitters' on someone.

Philip Barnes, prosecuting, said: 'Jonathan Smith got into the rear of the Mercedes only to be confronted by De Falco, who asked if Smith had been sending messages to his girlfriend Lucy Flux.

Pictured: Vincenzo De Falco (left) and Patricia Dean (pictured right) were jailed today

'Smith said that he had been in contact with Lucy, but it was not something that De-Falco needed to worry about and that they simply remained friends.

'De Falco then began to shout at Mr Smith, saying: "You think I'm some sort of muppet?"

'He turned in the driver's seat to face Mr Smith who saw he had a shotgun in his hand and it was pointed at Jonathan Smith's legs. For a second time, De Falco shouted at him: 'You think I'm some sort of muppet?' and added the threat, 'You want to get shot?'

'Mr Smith took hold of the barrel of that gun and tried to twist the muzzle away from his leg and shuffled across the seat, intending to get out.

'But it was at that point that De Falco fired the shotgun at point-blank range into Mr Smith's left leg. He then pushed Mr Smith out of the car, leaving him to fall onto the pavement.

'Mr Smith was quickly attended to by passers-by but it was clear that his injuries were very serious. The incident has had the most profound effect upon Jonathan Smith and those who care for him.'

The mother of Vincenzo (left), hospital nurse Patricia Dean, 59, (right) who had the Mercedes used in the attack leased to her by the NHS was jailed for 18 months for assisting an offender

Whilst he was in hospital in the days after his leg was amputation, Miss Flux's sister visited Smith and offered him 3,000 as 'compensation' for his injury. He refused to accept it.

De Falco who once ran a media representation company was arrested when police stopped a BMW he was travelling in with his mother Patricia Dean.

He gave no comment in interview but in a statement read to the court said: 'From the bottom of my heart I wish it to be known I am overcome with sorrow that Mr Smith was injured in the way that he was

'I accept full responsibility and truly wish I could change the outcome. I can only imagine the suffering of Mr Smith and his family.'

The court heard the shotgun was never recovered.

Sentencing De Falco, Judge Tom Gilbart told him: 'This gross piece of violence and quite brutal attack was planned, premeditated, involved the use of a highly dangerous weapon and has changed lives.

'The victim didn't seem to understand there was any ill-feeling towards him from you yet you shot him at close range and quite callously dumped him in the street in broad daylight as he bled profusely. It was quite shocking criminality.

'Almost every aspect of Mr Smith's life has been changed forever by what you did. His life was turned upside down both physically and mentally.

'You should be utterly ashamed and appalled that you could do this to another human being.'

His mother, hospital nurse Patricia Dean, 59, who had the Mercedes leased to her by the NHS was jailed for 18 months for assisting an offender after she had the vehicle cleaned of Mr Smith's blood following the shooting.
Did you witness any of Sunday's events in Liverpool? And do you know the man in the high-viz jacket in the video? Email tips@mailonline.co.uk or jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk

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Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth has apologised for sending his 'condolences' to the family of a suicide bomber who blew up a taxi outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday

A Labour frontbench MP has apologised for sending his 'condolences' to the family of a suicide bomber who blew up a taxi outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth today told Sky News of his horror at the explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday when he made the embarrassing gaffe.

'Absolutely shocking that that would happen anywhere, but particularly outside a women's maternity hospital,' he told the broadcaster. 'Obviously we pay our respects and send our condolences to the family of the man who lost his life. I just want to thank the emergency services for the way they responded.'

Amid uproar on social media this afternoon, the MP for Leicester South apologised on Twitter, insisting he had 'misread the news ticker' and had 'thought a member of the public had now died'.

The suspected attacker was killed in the explosion outside the hospital in Liverpool just before 11am on Remembrance Sunday, as Britons paid tribute to the men and women who have died in war.

Blogger Darren Grimes raged: 'Labour frontbencher Jonathan Ashworth has sent his ''condolences'' to the family of the bloke who detonated a bomb outside a maternity hospital. You couldn't make this up.'

And political commentator Patrick O'Flynn thundered: 'One hopes that Jonathan Ashworth was speaking before it was known to be a terrorist incident here.'

During the interview with Sky News, Mr Ashworth added: 'We ought not to speculate at this stage about how it happened or the motivations and so on. We need to leave the emergency services, the appropriate services to carry out their investigations.

'But I imagine the Prime Minister, when he speaks in Parliament later today, will touch upon this and we will all look forward to hearing what he has to say about how this very desperate, shocking situation happened and how it will be properly investigated.'

Mr Ashworth today told Sky News of his horror at the explosion outside Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday when he made the embarrassing gaffe

Amid uproar on social media this afternoon, the MP for Leicester South apologised on Twitter, insisting he had 'misread the news ticker' and had 'thought a member of the public had now died'

A bomb squad has carried out a controlled explosion near a house in Liverpool this evening raided in connection to a suicide bombing outside a hospital on Remembrance Sunday. It is understood the explosion in Sefton Park was done 'as part of the ongoing investigation into the terrorist incident' outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday just before 11am and that residents 'shouldn't be concerned'

This is the moment the taxi carrying an alleged suicide bomber exploded outside a Liverpool hospital in what police and MI5 are now probing as a Poppy Day terror attack

Boris Johnson today urged the public to be 'vigilant' after the UK terror threat level was raised to severe following a blast outside Liverpool Women's Hospital

POPPY DAY HOSPITAL EXPLOSION: HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY A picture shows the burnt out vehicle outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital on Sunday afternoon Sunday, November 14 10.57am: The taxi pulls up at the Liverpool Women's Hospital and explodes seconds later. 10.59am: The vehicle is fully engulfed just before the national silence for Remembrance Sunday. The passenger was killed and the driver was left with serious injuries. The latter is said to have spotted the explosives, 'jumped' from the car and locked the other man inside. At the time, a remembrance service involving scores of military personnel, veterans and civic dignitaries, was taking place at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral less than a mile away. There are reports the taxi parked at the hospital because it could not get any closer to the Cathedral. 11.04am: Police and emergency services arrive at the scene, and it is initially thought the car might have caught alight because of a fuel leak. 1pm: Officers, who are believed to have spoken to hero taxi driver David Perry, announce the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. 4.54pm: Police seal off Rutland Avenue (right). Around a mile from the blast. Locals said armed police ordered residents to leave and head to a nearby leisure centre, saying the area 'wasn't safe' and were 'pointing guns at a house'. Counter-terror negotiators were also called to the scene. 6.59pm: The men - aged 29, 26, and 21 - were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act. Monday, November 15 3.30am: The operation at the Rutland Avenue address appears to wind down. 10am: Footage of the explosion emerges on CCTV from the scene. Midday: Police confirm it is being treated as a terror attack. And a man, 20, becomes the fourth suspect arrested 3pm: After raising the UK terror threat level to 'severe', speaking at a press conference at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the blast was a 'stark reminder' to the public to remain vigilant, adding: 'What yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence. 'And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.' Advertisement

A bomb squad has tonight carried out a controlled explosion near a house in Liverpool raided in connection to the blast.

It is understood the explosion in Sefton Park was done 'as part of the ongoing investigation into the terrorist incident', and that residents 'shouldn't be concerned'.

The UK's terror threat level was raised to 'severe' today from 'substantial' following a COBRA meeting at Downing Street. Experts from police and the security services advised the Prime Minister that another attack on British soil is now 'highly likely' after the cab bombing on Merseyside and Conservative MP Sir David Amess's murder in Leigh-on-Sea four weeks ago.

Boris Johnson urged the country to be 'vigilant' at a Covid press briefing today, calling the blast a 'stark reminder' to the public. It follows claims that the suspected terrorist settled in the UK from the Middle East several years ago and was unknown to MI5.

Mr Johnson added: 'What yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence. And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.'

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: 'The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is now increasing the UK threat level from substantial to severe. There is a reason for this, it's because the incident we saw yesterday was the second in a month.'

Detectives and MI5 spies are investigating whether the bombing was an Islamist-inspired attack and whether the attacker was motivated to kill himself and others.

The suspect is thought to have built his bomb at home in Liverpool and is understood to have settled in Britain from the Middle East several years ago, security sources said. MI5 spies were not aware of him before yesterday's bombing, MailOnline understands.

Today a witness filmed armed officers scaling the rear wall of a Kensington terraced house with a ladder after the address was linked to the suspected suicide bomber who blew himself up in a taxi outside a maternity hospital on Remembrance Sunday. The taxi blast was also captured on CCTV which also emerged today, while the driver David Perry, who managed to escape alive, has been branded a hero after apparently locking the doors to stop him entering the hospital.

Officers are still searching two addresses - one in Sutcliffe Street and a second at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, where 'significant items', believed to include bomb making equipment, have been found.

Three men aged 21, 26 and 29 were arrested yesterday under S41 of the Terrorism Act at a terraced house Sutcliffe Street, Liverpool. This morning, again in the Kensington area, a further man aged 20 was arrested on suspicion of the same terror offence when he returned home to the same property.

Investigators have 'attributed' the bomber to both the addresses but police are not yet sure where he lived, and last night at 9.45pm anti-terror officers forced their way into the front and back of the Sutcliffe Street house as they tried to establish if he was a lone wolf or part of a cell.

Suspects were seen with their hands up in the rear yard, as officers trained their rifles on them and told them to get on the floor. Matthew Heitman, 26, who lives opposite the raided house, said: 'Two of the men were marched out at gunpoint and they had them up against the wall. The people living there had not long moved in, maybe weeks or months.'

Another neighbour, Sharon Cullen, said she and her husband, 22-year-old daughter and two-year-old grandson were evacuated from their home.

She said: 'The police pounded on my door and an officer said 'we need to get you out of the house as soon as possible'. They said 'whatever is going on at the back of the house, it could blow the block'. It was really frightening.'

Mr Perry has been credited with saving many lives after keeping the suspect inside his cab in the moments before it blew up. His wife has revealed he is 'doing ok but is extremely sore', while adding that his escape was an 'utter miracle'.

Rachel Perry wrote on Facebook: 'I would just like to thank each and every one of you who has messaged asking how David is. He is doing ok but is extremely sore and trying to process what's happened.

'There are a lot of rumours flying round about him being a hero and locking the passenger inside the car. But the truth of the matter is, he is without doubt, lucky to be alive. The explosion happened whilst he was in the car and how he managed to escape is an utter miracle. He certainly had some guardian angels looking over him.'

Ahead of this afternoon's COBRA meeting, the Prime Minister said Mr Perry acted with 'incredible presence of mind and bravery'.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, added: 'The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital', adding that he had 'locked the doors' to keep the bomber in the back.

Police at the sealed off house in Sutcliffe Street where three men were arrested last night and another suspect nearby this morning

Hero taxi driver David Perry (left, and right with his wife Rachel) who apparently locked a suicide bomber in his car before a blast ripped through the vehicle outside a maternity hospital in Liverpool on Sunday

These are the events that led to the explosion outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday and the arrests and raids that followed

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West said they know the identity of the taxi passenger and believe that he made the bomb.

He said: 'It is not clear what the motivation for this incident is. Our enquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.

'The reason why he then took it to the Women's Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion. We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

'We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

'Although, the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation.

'Our enquiries will now continue to seek to understand how the device was built, the motivation for the incident and to understand if anyone else was involved in it'.
A mugging suspect has denied killing an 86-year-old woman for her groceries and just 15 in 2001 despite DNA evidence linking him to her bag.

Junior Young, now 39 but then 18, and another youth allegedly robbed Hilda Lockert as she returned to her flat on the Overton Road Estate in Bixton, southwest London, on April 30, 2001.

Her cash, bus pass and a shopping bag were taken after she was left with a broken shin bone, an injury to her head and multiple bruises to both arms.

She died in hospital on her 86th birthday on May 15, 2001, after she went into cardiac arrest.

The cause of death was a pulmonary embolus - a blood clot that moved from her legs and cut off the blood supply to her lungs.

Jurors heard today that Young had been convicted of two other robberies between 1999 and 2001.

Giving evidence Young said the woman he targeted in a robbery on Loughborough Road, Brixton, on January 8, 1991, was someone he went to school with.

Junior Young, now 39 but then 18, and another youth allegedly robbed Hilda Lockert (pictured) as she returned to her flat on the Overton Road Estate in Bixton, southwest London, on April 30, 2001

John Benson QC, defending, asked Young: 'On the 18 January 1999, when you stole a mobile phone from somebody, she was walking along towards Brixton Road and you followed her along Loughborough Road.

'The person whose phone you stole, was she known to you?'

Young replied: 'She went to the school, she lived on the block.'

At the time Young, who left school at '15 or 16' lived with his mother and siblings on the Angell Town estate in Brixton.

He told the jury he would wake up around midday and spend his days hanging out with his friends on the estate's balconies.

'We would greet each other, we would smoke sometimes and play video games,' said Young.

On the evening of the attack on Ms Lickhert, Young said his girlfriend had spent the night at his house.

'She was living between my address and her address because she had my son, who was seven months at the time,' he said.

Her cash, bus pass and a shopping bag were taken after she was left with a broken shin bone, an injury to her head and multiple bruises to both arms. GV of Overton Road where Ms Lockert was attacked

Jurors were told that on May 10, 2001, Young and two others approached a 51-year-old woman as she was getting into her car in Angell Road, Brixton.

Young 'lunged' through the open window and grabbed her by the throat, as he reached across the car to get her handbag.

He punched the victim in the face, leaving her with lacerations, before running off with her handbag and car keys.

Ed Brown, QC, prosecuting, earlier told the court Young, now 39, was one of the two muggers who attacked Mrs Lockert.

'Hilda Lockert was attacked outside her home address in Brixton on the 30th April 2001.

'She was robbed and she suffered significant injuries during that attack and she died on the 15th May 2001.

'There was a direct link between the injuries she suffered during the attack on the 30th April and her death.

Forensic scientist Huw Turk re-examined a sample of DNA taken from the handles of Ms Lockert's shopping bag and found that it was one billion times more likely to have come from Young than anyone else.

Young said he had 'no idea' how his DNA had gotten on Ms Lockert's bag but maintained he had never touched it.

His barrister asked: 'Were you involved as one of the two who were involved in that robbery?'

'No,' said Young.

'I didn't rob that lady.'

Cross-examining, Edward Brown QC asked why Young had refused to tell police then who he was with on a balcony at the time Mrs Lockert was attacked.

The prosecutor said: 'What's the problem with telling the police who your friends were who may give you an alibi?

'You told the officers you had never set eyes on Mrs Lockert and you were not there.

'It follows that these friends just could have proved it, couldn't they?'

Young replied: 'If you say so. I was not looking at it like that. I was looking at it like police were being nosy.

'I was not worried. There was no proof apart from speculation that it was me.

'At the time it was speculation that me and another person took part in this.'

Mr Brown said: 'We are in 2021 today - and this case has not gone away and we know your DNA - part of mixed DNA - is on the handle of her bag.

'Are you going to tell us who your friends were on the balcony just in case they can give you an alibi today?'

Young replied: 'I could not even remember what I was wearing, how can I say with certainty who was on the balcony?'

When quizzed on how his DNA got on to the victim's bag, the defendant said there were a lot of robberies on the estate where he lived at the time.

Mr Brown said: 'Do you want us to consider that somehow you got into contact with a robber and your robber carried your DNA to rob Mrs Lockert and somehow put your DNA on the handle?'

Young responded: 'It's a possibility.'

Mr Brown went on: 'Is it? Then who was the robber who may have done it?'

The defendant told jurors that it 'could be a number of people'.

Young, of no fixed address, denies manslaughter and robbery.

The trial at the Old Bailey continues.
A British woman once considered a shoo-in to become France's first lady today told a court that she felt 'despised and humiliated' after being convicted of fraud.

Wales-born Penelope Fillon, 66, was last year found guilty in the so-called 'Penelopegate' corruption scandal alongside her husband, former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, 67.

Judges sitting at the Paris Correctional Court ruled in June 2020 that the couple had created fake jobs that paid Mrs Fillon the equivalent of close to 1million in public funds.

Mr Fillon was given a five-year sentence, with three years suspended, while his 66-year-old wife received a three-year suspended sentence.

Today they appealed against their convictions in Paris, with Mrs Fillon telling judges: 'I don't recognise myself in this judgment.

'I felt despised and humiliated. I was paralysed. All that I have been able to achieve in the past has been minimised.'

Former France's Prime Minister Francois Fillon (L) and his wife Penelope (C) arrive at the Paris' courthouse on November 15, 2021, for their trial on appeal in the case of suspected fictitious employment

In this file photo taken on February 27, 2020 Former France's Prime Minister Francois Fillon (L) and his wife Penelope arrive at the Paris' courthouse for the hearing of their trial over claims they embezzled over one million euros in an alleged fake-jobs fraud

The scandal ended the hopes of the conservative Mr Fillon becoming President of France with Mrs Fillon as his first lady.

Instead, following a protracted court case judges found that Mrs Fillon had pretended to be his parliamentary assistant for 15 years  despite never having visited the National Assembly in Paris.

Her deception was also found to have included saying she was a 'literary advisor' to a magazine owned by a friend of Mr Fillon's which paid her thousands, despite the fact that she had never visited its Paris offices.

Francois Fillon arrives at the Paris' courthouse on November 15, 2021, for his and his wife Penelope Fillon's trial on appeal in the case of suspected fictitious employment. This second trial is being held almost a year and a half after he was convicted of embezzlement of public funds.

Independent candidate Emmanuel Macron became the country's new head of state in place of Mr Fillon, with his wife Brigitte Macron by his side.

The reality the prosecution said was that Mrs Fillon spent most of her time living on the couple's country estate near Le Mans, where she brought up their five children.

Marc Joulaud, the MP who did Mr Fillon's constituency work when he served as Prime Minister for five years up until 2012, was given a two year suspended prison sentence after being found guilty in the same trial.

Mr Jouland, 55, was said to have renewed Mrs Fillon's fake contracts and increased her salary for doing nothing.

All three defendants were originally tried for the embezzlement of public funds, fraud, theft and criminal complicity.

Former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon (R) and his wife Penelope are pictured arriving to participate in the working dinner at Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 13 June 2008.

Mrs Fillon is a solicitor's daughter from Llanover, Wales, who went to King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny.

After studying modern Languages in London, and law at Bristol University, she married Mr Fillon, whom she had met while working as a teaching assistant in his home town of Le Mans.

The Fillon's appeal started on Monday afternoon and will continue throughout the week.

Judges can reverse the verdicts, or else confirm them, and potentially increase the punishments.
Headteachers have asked for Ofsted inspections to be halted saying that teachers face burnout due to the Covid pandemic.

According to headteachers, staff are at risk of burnout which could have 'disastrous' consequences for schools as they continue to deal with the pandemic.

The charity Schools North East, which represents 1,150 schools in the region, has written to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi asking him to step in.

It has called for the suspension of Ofsted inspections, halting the league table system temporarily and stripping away bureauracy.

Director of Schools North East Chris Zarraga said that schools and the education system have experienced immense pressure during the pandemic and it has left the situation far from normal.

Director of Schools North East Chris Zarraga (pictured) said that schools and the education system have experienced immense pressure during the pandemic and it has left the situation far from normal

He wrote: 'In the face of these challenges, schools have gone 'above and beyond' to ensure that students can access both education and vital support such as food.

'This has increased staff workload significantly, with school leaders deeply concerned about the negative impact of this on staff, in particular the rising toll on their emotional wellbeing and physical health.

'Despite the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the rollout of the vaccine, North East schools continue to experience very significant Covid-related disruption.

'Managing this disruption and supporting students as they recover from the pandemic's ongoing impact has left staff exhausted, in what is always a uniquely challenging term.

'Failure to protect our schools could have disastrous long-term consequences for education in our region.'

Schools North East, a charity, represents 1,150 schools in the region and has written to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi (pictured) asking him to step in and suspend Ofsted inspections

Mr Zarraga said many teachers were subject to unrealistic expectations which risks 'increasing staff burnout and driving dedicated professionals out of education.'

He urged the Education Secretary to suspend Ofsted inspections in a bid to give schools time to recover from the pandemic.

Mr Zarraga said: 'It is not clear how Ofsted can make fair and accurate judgments considering the differences in regional impacts of the pandemic, as well as the varying experiences of different groups of students, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with special educational needs.'

According to Mr Zarraga, schools have needed to 'jump through hoops' to get Covid-related support grants and he has called for the system to be simplified.

He also said that schools who are working in extremely difficult circumstances could be unfairly punished by league tables and said that some in the North East had dealt with very high levels of disruption.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'We are incredibly grateful for the efforts of teachers and school leaders over the course of the past 18 months, supporting their pupils through the challenges of the pandemic.

'We have taken a wide range of action to address teacher workload and wellbeing, investing millions of pounds in programmes to provide mental health and wellbeing support for education staff. We are also now investing over 250million in world-class training opportunities for teachers' professional development across all stages of their careers.'
Researchers have uncovered the names - but not the graves - of 102 students who died attending the Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School, a facility built to assimilate tribal children and convert them to Christianity between 1884 and 1934.

The discovery comes amid a national push to learn the true death toll at more than 300 federally-operated Indian boarding schools established across the U.S., and a search in recent weeks for a graveyard that may have been used to inter dead students at school in Genoa, Nebraska.

Margaret Jacobs, co-director of the Genoa Indian School Digital Reconciliation Project, told the Omaha World-Herald that some of the 102 names could be duplicates, but that the actual death toll at the school may be much higher.

'These children died at the school; they didnt get a chance to go home,' Jacobs said.

'I think that the descendants deserve to know what happened to their ancestors.'

A monument at the site of the long-closed Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School, a Nebraska boarding school that pulled students from their families and tribes and converted them to Christianity, commemorates the innumerable students who died at the facility and were buried in an unknown location, never to be returned to their families

The school enrolled thousands of children from over 40 Indian nations during its 50 years of operation. In 1932, the conversion facility housed 599 students between 4 and 22 years old on its 640-acre campus in Genoa, about 100 miles northeast of Lincoln

A photograph from 1910 shows students of the Genoa U.S. Indian School in Nebraska. Researchers with the Genoa Indian School Digital Reconciliation Project have used newspapers and scattered correspondences to amass the names of 102 students who died between the school's opening in 1884 and its closure in 1934 and think that the actual death toll could be much higher

The school (pictured) enrolled thousands of children from over 40 Indian nations during its 50 years of operation in Genoa, Nebraska

At the height of its operation in 1932, the conversion facility housed 599 students between 4 and 22 years old on its 640-acre campus. This photo from the Genoa U.S. Indian School Foundation is undated

The school enrolled thousands of children from over 40 Indian nations during its 50 years of operation. In 1932, the conversion facility housed 599 students between 4 and 22 years old on its 640-acre campus in Genoa, about 100 miles northeast of Lincoln.

When it closed two years later, documents were destroyed or scattered across the country, exacerbating the task of identifying and tallying fatalities. Researchers have yet to find an official document recording student deaths.

The project has gathered information piecemeal, primarily from newspaper archives including the school's student newspaper, Jacobs told the World-Herald. Many of the children fell victim to diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Typically, researchers wrote on the project's website, overcrowding in these boarding school gave rise to the spread of these communicable diseases, and cemeteries were a 'standard feature' at the facilities.

One document among thousands uncovered, an annual report from the Genoa school's superintendent to the U.S. commissioner of Indian affairs in 1892, gave researchers some figures to work with.

'In February our school increased by about 140 Southern Indian children,' the superintendent wrote.

'Soon after their arrival, an epidemic of measles broke out; it spread rapidly through the school. At one time there were 105 in bed at once. As a sequel, we had numerous cases of lung fever, 10 of which died. With two exceptions, the deaths were all confined to two tribes. Apaches and Arapahoes.'

The names and final resting places of the children who died were not mentioned in the correspondence.

Youths at the schools were separated from their tribes, often forbidden to speak their native languages, drilled in military-style companies and converted to Christianity. Pictured are students of the Genoa, Nebraska school in 1910

The two floors of exhibits at the Genoa School Museum (pictured) include a classroom set up to look much as it did when students studied there

Using a map of Nance County from 1920, the Nebraska Commission of Indian Affairs used ground-penetrating radar in recent weeks to check three potential burial sites for the bodies of the deceased children, but did not detect any sign of graves.

Judi Gaiashkibos, the executive director of the commission and a citizen of the Ponca tribe, told the World-Herald that the lack of results was discouraging.

'I think America needs to take these little children back home, and if were not able to find them, I think we need to do something to recognize that they lost their lives there,' she said.

'I have a lot of feelings, a lot of mixed feelings... As a country, I think there was a collective decision that this isnt the history that we want to tell. That the truth is too painful to reveal. I think its time to take responsibility for that.'

Former students of the Nebraska school, researchers said, recall attending burial proceedings for classmates who died on school grounds. Multiple references to the elusive cemetery have been found in newspapers.

This photo at the Genoa school was distributed by the U.S. Department of the Interor as an effort to promote the boarding facility and its mission

Records of deadly accidents in area newspapers also contributed to the working list of dead students. One boy, the World-Herald reported, was named in a 1909 issue of the Genoa Times after he drowned.

Another student was named in an area outlet when he was hit by a freight train near school grounds, and the Columbus Journal reported that a student was accidentally shot dead on school grounds while he and another boy were playing with pistols in 1898.

In 1900, almost 21,000 Native American children - about 78 percent of all Native American children attending school in the country at the time - were living apart from their families to attend one of the boarding schools, according to the project's researchers. Many were forced to do so by officials against the wishes of their tribes and families.

More than 60,000 students in total were placed in more than 350 such boarding schools - 83 percent of all school-aged Indigenous children - during their period of prevalence, according to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.

The schools were designed, as the founder of Pennsylvania's Carlisle Indian School put it, to 'kill the Indian and save the man.'

Youths were separated from their tribes, often forbidden to speak their native languages, drilled in military-style companies and converted to Christianity.

Generally, academic instruction only took place for half of the school day - then, students labored at the institutions' laundries, kitchens, farms and foundries. It was commonplace for students to be loaned out to local non-Indian families for their labor.

Tom Torlino-Navajo is pictured at the left when he was admitted to the Carlisle Indian School in 1902 and at the right as he appeared three years later

Pictured is Thomas Moore, a student of the Regina Indian Industrial School in Saskatchewan, Canada, before and after his admission

Memoirs and oral histories of the Indian boarding schools' attendees detail exploitation and outright abuse. Rick Williams, a Cheyenne descendant and member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, told the World-Herald of his great-grandmother's permanent disability sustained at the Genoa Indian School.

Ida White Eyes, who died when Williams was 10 years old, was one of the Nebraska boarding school's first students in the mid-1880's.

She was perfectly healthy at 14 years old when she was sent to live at the school. Several months later, White Eyes was returned to her family completely blind. Williams and his grandmother, Louisa Star, suspect that lye soap was rubbed into their ancestor's eyes as punishment.

'[A doctor] had that little light and he opened her eyes and said "Oh my God, somebody has done something to this woman's eyes,' Williams recalled.

Williams' grandmother Star, who also attended the school, had a vastly different experience - she graduated in 1914 unscathed, moved on to the Rapid City Indian School and then the Colorado School of Mines and ultimately received the equivalent of a business degree.

'You have the tale of two very different experiences,' Williams mused.

Williams was the first documented Native American to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor's degree. He told the Nebraska newspaper that he was 'shocked' when he visited the Genoa school's grounds in the mid 1990s.

'There was no cemetery, and there were hints about where the cemetery was, or some suggestion that it had been covered up, but no answers,' he said. 'I was angry.'

Canada and Australia, like the U.S., removed Indigenous children from their families and placed them in boarding schools. However, the Project writes on its website, these nations have 'issued apologies and made reparations... for these practices.'

Earlier this year, more than 1,300 unmarked graves were found at the sites for four former residential schools for Indigenous children in Western Canada, which led United States Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to start the Federal Indian Boarding School Truth Initiative.

On September 30, Canada celebrated its first 'National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,' a holiday meant to commemorate victims of the school system.

The Canadian government has paid out a collective $2 billion to around 90,000 of the schools' former survivors. In 2008, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a formal apology on behalf of 'the Government of Canada and all Canadians for the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their homes and communities to attend Indian residential schools.'

Gaiashkibos told the World-Herald that she was 'dedicated to spending the rest of [her] life' to finding the graves of the children who died at the Genoa school, and hopes that the slow trickle of new information about them will lead to a similar ending for the ancestors of Native Americans.

'Im looking to see something good come out of this,' Gaiashkibos said.

'Perhaps we will find some way to restore language, to restore some of the culture that was stripped from us. Also, hold people accountable. Everyone needs to learn the stories and say, America did this and we can do better.'
An older sister of a missing six-year-old Hawaii girl who is feared dead told police their adoptive parents forced her to keep secret that her sister had died after they locked her in a dog cage in the bathroom, with duct tape on her mouth and nose.

The distressing new details over the disappearance of Isabella Kalua were revealed in documents filed in court on Friday after the arrests of Isaac Kalua, 52, and Lehua Kalua, 47 on suspicion of second-degree murder.

During an interview with a detective on November 5, Isabella's 12-year-old sister, identified by her initials I.M.K., said the Kaluas asked her about two months ago to not reveal the truth.

She told police that Isabella 'was in the bathroom in a dog cage, duct tape on her mouth and nose, and she didn't wake up,' according to the police affidavit in support of warrants for the Kaluas' arrests.

Hawaiian parents Lehua Kalua, 47 (left), and Isaac Kalua, 52 (right), appeared in court on Friday in connection with the disappearance of their six-year-old adoptive daughter. Newly filed documents allege the child's older sister told cops Isabella was kept in a dog cage

The parents of Isabella 'Ariel' Kalua have been charged with her murder. The girl was reported missing on September 13 but police say she'd been dead for a month. The cause of death is unclear and her body has not been found

The couple had adopted Isabella and two of her siblings and were foster parents to another biological sibling,

On September 13, the Kaluas reported to police that Isabella - also referred to by Honolulu police by her birth name of Ariel Sellers - was missing and that they had last seen her asleep in her room the night before.

The Kaluas claimed the girl had 'wandered off' in the middle of the night.

Police arrested the Kaluas last Wednesday, saying they believe the girl was killed a month before they reported her missing. Isabella's body has not been recovered as of Monday.

The parents were being held without bail and appeared in court via video from a cellblock on Friday. They did not make any statements, reported Hawaii News Now.

A deputy public defender entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.

The sister said she knows Isabella is 'dead because she was there,' the court documents said.

'Lehua then filled the bathtub with water and put (Isabella) in it to see if she would wake up, but it did not work,' the documents said.

The sister had to help carry Isabella to their bedroom, the documents said.

The mother then drained the tub and a few days later, Isaac Kalua went to a hospital pretending he had COVID-19 symptoms, the documents said.

The sister told police she knew he was pretending because he took time off work to 'help mom,' the documents said, 'to get rid of the stuff ... evidence.'

The sister told police Lehua Kalua bought the dog cage on the internet even though they didn't have a dog.

Kalua said she bought it because Isabella would sneak around at night and want to eat because she was hungry.

Lehua and Isaac's 12-year-old adopted daughter told police the Kaluas asked her to keep secret that Isabella 'was in the bathroom in a dog cage, duct tape on her mouth and nose,' and that she died on August 18

The sister said Isabella would be hungry because Kalua wouldn't feed her and the sister tried to sneak food to her sometimes, according to the court documents.

Isabella was kept in the cage in the bathroom at night, the sister told police.

After reporting Isabella missing, Lehua Kalua told police the girl had a habit of going into the garage and falling asleep and would sometimes leave doors unlocked, according to the affidavit. She also told police their home surveillance system constantly stops working.

According to the affidavit, police recovered surveillance footage on September 13 that showed Isabella was last seen on cameras on August 18.

During a news conference announcing the arrests of the Kaluas, police declined comment on why they believe Isabella is dead. The timing of the sister's interview last Friday with the detective coincides with Honolulu police homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes saying the case turned into a murder investigation at the end of last week.

An attorney who has acted as the Kaluas' spokesperson, William Harrison, said he is not representing them in the case but has spoken on their behalf as a family friend.

'All I can say is I'm obviously saddened by what's written,' he said of the court filing. 'I dont know the details.'

Meanwhile, Isabella's biological family gathered outside the Kaluas' home in Waimanalo, Honolulu, as police and FBI agents continued the search for the girl's body.

Lehua Kalua was arrested at her home on Honolulu on Wednesday morning. Her husband was arrested at work

Dozens of police raided the family's home in Honolulu yesterday to arrest the girl's mother

The girl's biological aunts still live on the island and have been organizing community searches for her

'Everyones very disgusted and hurt,' the child's aunt, Alena Kaeo, said. 'And this has definitely given me more of a boost to fight for the [sisters] to bring them home safely, where they belong with us as biological family members.'

Isabella was adopted by the Kaluas just two years ago out of foster care. She was removed from her biological family when she was one.

In the two years since she has lived with the couple, she has suffered two serious injuries, but in both cases, the Department of Child Services ruled no foul play had taken place, Hawaii News Now reports.

In October 2019, she suffered a broken finger, which the couple claimed came from her slamming her hand in a door. Four months later, she returned to the hospital with a broken leg, which her parents said was from a trampoline injury.

The Kaluas told police on September 13 that she had left their home in the middle of the night and that she often slept outside.

Police say that was a lie and that the girl had been dead for a month, but they have not revealed what evidence they have that points to that conclusion.

It's unclear how Isabella died, or what kind of evidence police have against the pair, but detectives say they are confident the evidence points 'to them and no one else'.

'At the onset there was a lot of questions Some things just weren't adding up for us in the last week to ten days some evidence has come to light,' said Honolulu Police Department Interim Chief Rade Vanic at a press conference last Tuesday.

The girl's biological aunts had been campaigning on Facebook and in the community for police to do more to question the adoptive parents sooner.

They said they were convinced all along that the couple had something to do with her disappearance.

The adoptive parents are being held in custody without bond pending their next court appearance on November 26.

These are recent photos of Ariel, taken after she went to live with her adoptive parents two years ago
The body of a Seattle fire chief who had gone missing nearly two weeks ago while on a scouting trip for elk in the rugged Pacific Northwest mountains was found on a snow-covered trail near his abandoned pickup truck.

Deputy Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost, 56, went missing on November 2 in the mountains near Cliffdell, about 175 miles south of Seattle, setting off a massive search for the 36-year veteran before the body was found on Sunday.

The Kittitas County Sheriff's Inspector said that the area where the body was found was 'steep, hard country' with tons of ravines and steep inclines with elevation reaching over 2,500 feet about three miles.

'Were saddened to give news of Chief Schreckengosts passing to his family and fellow firefighters, and we ask the public and press to respect their privacy as they grieve his loss,' Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers said in the news release.

'We also want to thank everyone who participated in or supported this search. It was a tremendous outpouring of resources and effort that produced a vital result: a family knows what happened to their loved one and he can be brought home to them.'

There were was also 'no preliminary evidence of suspicious activity or foul play', officials said.

His cause of death will be confirmed by the Kittitas County Coroner.

DailyMail.com reached out to the Seattle Fire Department and Kittitas County Sheriff's Office for comment.

The body of Seattle Deputy Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost, 56, was found on Sunday about a half-mile from where he parked his truck in the eastern Washington mountains 12 days before his disappearance

Schreckengost's body had been found in the mountains near Cliffdell in Kittitas County, Washington

The nearly two-week search had started after his family and the Yakima County Sheriffs Search and Rescue Team found his truck three miles north of State Route 410 in the Cliffdell area on November 3.

After finding the truck, searchers continued to comb through the area looking for the missing chief using drones, dogs, Chinook military helicopters and even professional manhunters.

Searchers then turned their focus on the Cliffdell area, which included hiking through rugged terrain and even snowy conditions.

A near two-week search was launched following Schreckengost's disappearance using 60 different agencies and organizations

Search and rescue efforts included drones, dogs, Chinook military helicopters and even professional man-hunters

Whitsett initially believed that the fire chief, who was an experienced hunter, had brought the necessary clothing and gear to survive in the outdoors.

'We are searching with all the urgency we can,' Whitsett told the Seattle Times. 'We want any chance to help him that we can.'

The inspector also said that they had received a tip about a gray Jeep that had been in the area where Schreckengost had disappeared, but the owner claimed he didn't have any information on the missing chief.

After Schreckengost's body was found, his family and the Seattle Fire Department were immediately notified of the devastating discovery.

'We are incredibly saddened by this news and are all grieving the loss of one of our own,' the Seattle Fire Department said in a statement.

'Deputy Chief Schreckengost was a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now who have been at the site every day searching alongside search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies.'

The department and Schreckengost's family escorted his body to the Johnston and Williams funeral home in Ellensburg.

Schreckengost last contacted his family on the day of his disappearance to tell them he was in the mountains searching for elk

Security footage from a gas station in Naches captured Schreckengost on the night before his disappearance
Julio Lugo, a longtime Major League shortstop who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2007, has died at age 45.

He is believed to have died from a heart attack after leaving a gym in his native Dominican Republic on Monday, his family told ESPN. Lugo was one day short of his 46th birthday.

Dominican Republic newspaper Listin Diario also reported Lugo's death.

Julio Lugo (center left, in blue, at Estadio Quisqueya in the Dominican Republic for a recent game) has died at age 45. According to his family, Lugo died from a heart attack

Lugo hit .269 with 80 home runs and also had 198 stolen bases in 12 major league seasons with the Houston Astros (2000-03), then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-06), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006), Red Sox (2007-09), St. Louis Cardinals (2009), Baltimore Orioles (2010) and Atlanta Braves (2011). He won a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2007, hitting .385 in 13 at bats in the Fall Classic against Colorado. Lugo signed a four-year contract worth $36 million with Boston in December 2006

ESPN's Enrique Rojas was told by Lugo's family that he likely died from a heart attack

'RIP Julio Lugo,' tweeted retired Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks. 'Back in 2008 I was in extended spring training getting ready for my first season with the Lowell Spinners. He spent some time with us young kids in Ft. Myers during a rehab assignment. He taught us a lot about infield routines and how to be a professional.'

Lugo hit .269 with 80 home runs and also had 198 stolen bases in 12 major league seasons with the Houston Astros (2000-03), then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003-06), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006), Red Sox (2007-09), St. Louis Cardinals (2009), Baltimore Orioles (2010) and Atlanta Braves (2011).

He won a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2007, hitting .385 in 13 at bats in the Fall Classic against Colorado. Lugo signed a four-year contract worth $36 million with Boston in December 2006.

It was in Boston that Lugo teamed with current Red Sox manager, Alex Cora.

Judging by WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a statistic aimed at gauging players' value to their teams, Lugo ranks 171st all-time among shortstops at 13.5.

Lugo played in 1,109 games at shortstop, 175 games at second base and made 31 appearances at third. He also played in 19 games in the outfield.

Born in Barahona, Dominican Republic, in 1975, Lugo attended Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma before being picked in the 43rd round of the 1994 draft.

In 2003, Lugo was arrested in Houston after allegedly hitting his wife. He was later charged with misdemeanor assault, but was acquitted when his wife testified that he did not intend to cause harm to her.
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Kyle Rittenhouse was a 17-year-old who traveled to Kenosha 'expecting and anticipating violence' on the night of August 25, 2020.

He was a teenager looking for the 'thrill' of telling people what to do, 'running around with an AR-15' with 'neither the honor nor the legal right to do so.'

This is what Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger stood to tell the jury as he began the state's closing arguments in Kenosha County Courthouse today.

Urging the jury to 'keep an open mind,' he said, 'In America it's hard these days. There's polarization, but this is not a political case and there's common ground here.

'I asked you at the beginning of this to raise your hand if you think human life is more important than property.

'We can also agree that no one person's life is more important than another. All life is sacred.'

Now that they have heard all the testimony and all the evidence, Binger told the jury, 'It's time to search for the truth.'

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger told the jury Rittenhouse was looking for the 'thrill' of telling people what to do, 'running around with an AR-15' with 'neither the honor nor the legal right to do so'. Binger held Rittenhouse's AR-15 aloft as he spoke, pointing it on the corner of the court.

Closing arguments in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse began Monday. He stands accused of shooting dead two and injuring a third

Kyle Rittenhouse is seen with his AR-15 patrolling the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin on the night he killed two men and injured a third

Binger told them he would focus in on the murders  the shootings of two unarmed men  and the wounding of another.

He asked, 'Consider whether it is honorable to provoke and shoot unarmed people. Whether it is honorable when a person lies about being an EMT.'

He told them to 'consider Anthony Huber' a man whom he painted as a 'hero' who had 'rushed towards danger to save other people's lives.'

This was a characterization from which Binger had backed away during the state's case, when the defense threatened to bring in evidence of Huber's violent criminal past.

Binger said he was going to focus on the murders, then address some background issues and finally tie it all into the jury instructions.'

In a chilling moment Binger moved to 're-enact' what he claimed was visible on blurry drone footage, controversially brought before the jury.

According to Binger, Rittenhouse can be seen placing down the fire extinguisher he was carrying, pausing and raising his gun  pointing it at an unseen person off screen.

Binger, held Rittenhouse's AR-15 aloft, as he spoke, pointing it on the corner of the court.

This, he said, was the moment Rittenhouse 'lost the right to self-defense' and 'provoked' the violence that followed.

Binger had promised that he would be replaying many of the video exhibits from the night and so he did  pointing out the narrative on which the State has insisted. It is a story in which Rittenhouse is the agitator, the aggressor, the one making the calls and taking the shots.

Using still images and showing distressing images and video once more Binger said he would 'debunk' the claim that Rosenbaum ever threatened to kill Rittenhouse that night as has been testified.

He noted that it was the only part of the night 'not caught on video' and that was because 'there was no threat.'

Rittenhouse fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum (left), 36, with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle after Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse across a parking lot and threw a plastic bag at him shortly before midnight on August 25, 2020. Moments later, as Rittenhouse was running down a street, he shot and killed Anthony Huber (right), 26, a protester from Silver Lake, Wisconsin

Binger showed the jury 'the defendant murdering Joseph Rosenbaum from three different angles:' videographer Drew Hernandez's video, drone footage and FBI surveillance footage

For the first time during the entire trial demonstrators could be heard outside the courtroom as Binger rose to continue his closing statement Monday afternoon

Several onlookers in court turned towards the windows, puzzled by the commotion. But it was not possible to make out what was being shouted below and the court's view was blocked by heavy blinds

Rittenhouse's mother says he was being 'chased by a mob' and is now being treated for PTSD Kyle Rittenhouse's mother has defended him shooting and killing two BLM protesters last summer, saying it was either their lives or her teenage son's who was being 'chased by a mob'. In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence. She said he is being treated for PTSD and that she is standing by him, claiming he would be dead if he hadn't brought his AR-15 rifle to the riot last August. 'A lot of people shouldn't have been there. He brung that gun for protection and to this day, if he didn't have that gun my son would have been dead. 'He went down there to help. And he was chased by a mob,' she said. 'Wendy said she was 'scared' ahead of the verdict, and that she was a 'nervous wreck' when her son took the stand last week. 'Twelve people have my son's life in their hands. I will always stand by him,' she said Advertisement

Binger showed the jury 'the defendant murdering Joseph Rosenbaum from three different angles:' videographer Drew Hernandez's video, drone footage and FBI surveillance footage.

He contended that at best this was a 'fist fight.' Rosenbaum was unarmed.

Binger said, 'What you don't do is you don't bring a gun to a fist fight.'

He dismissed Rittenhouse's claim that Rosenbaum was trying to take his gun and use it on him or other as 'cockamamie'

He said, 'You lose the right to self-defense when you're the one bringing the gun.'

In an odd moment of grandstanding Binger told the court to ignore talk of Joshua Ziminski  a man whom he has repeatedly referenced during the trial and the one who fired a shot moments before Rittenhouse turned and shot Rosenbaum.

Now Binger said he planned to 'carve Ziminski out of this case,' he was 'a red herring.'

He added, 'I'll deal with him at his arson trial in January.'

Where the defense has made much of the speed at which events happened  all four shots were fired within 0.76 seconds  Binger said that the ferocious pace made Rittenhouse more culpable.

He said, 'He doesn't get a pass by pulling the trigger fast. He could have stopped after the first shot.'

Instead, he said, he 'tracks Mr. Rosenbaum's body down,' shooting as he fell.

He said, 'No-one else made him do it.'

Binger's voice rose, shrill as he said that the only way the jury could find self-defense was, 'If you believe that Joseph Rosenbaum was reaching for the defendant's gun.

'And that a reasonable person in the defendant's position, with the AR-15 strapped to his chest, would think that Joseph Rosenbaum was even capable of taking the gun away, as he's falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis.

'And then that Joseph Rosenbaum was going to turn the gun around and kill the defendant. And other people.

'You'd have to find all of those things.'

For the first time during the entire trial demonstrators could be heard outside the courtroom as Binger rose to continue his closing statement Monday afternoon.

Several onlookers in court turned towards the windows, puzzled by the commotion. But it was not possible to make out what was being shouted below and the court's view was blocked by heavy blinds.

Attorney Thomas Binger enters the courtroom at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Monday

Despite that fact that Gaige Grosskreutz (pictured) testified that he had pointed his gun at Rittenhouse Binger stated, 'At no point does Mr. Grosskreutz point his gun at the defendant'

Turning his attention to Grosskreutz, Binger characterized him as a person who 'could have aimed and fired [his own gun] but he did not'. Rittenhouse is seen on the ground before shooting Grosskreutz

Binger once again played the footage filmed by Richie McGinniss as he flipped Rosenbaum onto his back and desperately tried to locate a wound to put pressure on. Rosenbaum's groans were uncomfortably audible.

'You want to talk about medics? You want to talk about people who cared? You just saw them,' Binger said. 'And while that's going on the defendant flees, callously disregarding the body of the man he just shot and killed.

'And while he's running off he's lying to the crowd about what just happened.'

Rittenhouse told a passer-by that Rosenbaum 'pulled a gun' on him.

Binger said, 'The defendant is lying to save his own skin instead of going to help the person that he just shot and killed.'

Rittenhouse told Gaige Grosskreutz and witness Jason Lackowski, both of whom he ran past as he left the scene, that he 'did not shoot anyone.'

In fact, Binger insisted, Rittenhouse did nothing to persuade the crowd that he was 'anything other than a threat to kill again.'

The crowd has the right to defend themselves, Binger insisted. And they did so  tackling Rittenhouse as he fled.

An unknown man knocked off Rittenhouse's hat, 'jump-kick man' tried to kick him in the face, Huber swung his skateboard at him

Turning his attention to Grosskreutz, Binger characterized him as a person who 'could have aimed and fired [his own gun] but he did not.'

He said, 'That is a decision he was not prepared to make. He is not the type of person who is just willing to take a person's life in an instance  unlike the defendant.'

Despite that fact that Grosskreutz testified that he had pointed his gun at Rittenhouse Binger stated, 'At no point does Mr. Grosskreutz point his gun at the defendant.'

According to Binger, Rittenhouse had, 'No remorse, no regard for human life.'

He was 'an active shooter' who 'walks away like he's some sort of hero in a Western, without a care in the world about what he's done.'

Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm

Earlier Monday morning, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Kyle Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm.

In the latest blow to the beleaguered prosecution, Judge Schroeder dropped the charge Monday morning after the defense successfully argued that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to carry a 'short-barreled rifle' - a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches - but it is legal to carry a longer rifle in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of the shootings and the prosecution was forced to concede that the AR-15 carried by Rittenhouse on August 25, 2020 was more than 16 inches, which is of legal length.

'Well then,' Judge Schroeder stated, 'Count six is dismissed.'

The prosecution staked its case on evidence that, the judge warned Monday morning, could see the case, 'fall like a house of cards.'

Judge Schroeder made his comment as he and attorneys for both sides finalized the instructions to be read to the jury ahead of closing arguments this morning.

The judge was referring to enhanced drone footage that, the state contends, shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at people before he shoots Joseph Rosenbaum.

The defense argued unsuccessfully for the images, blurry at best and enhanced using an algorithm that the state's expert witness admitted to not understanding, to be excluded from evidence.

Judge Schroeder ultimately decided to allow the images into evidence, stating that he would 'allow the jury to decide the important factors in this case.'

But today, when the point was raised once more, he warned Assistant District Attorney James Kraus, 'This [technicality] is not being used to decide which camera I'm going to buy at a store. This is being used to decide whether someone is guilty or not of a crime.

'I don't want to be meddling or commenting on the evidence, but I will tell you this assuming that there is a conviction one or more assuming that other motions don't contaminate the outcome if it comes out at some time that the method used produces unreliable results this is going to fall like a house of cards.

'You're basing an extremely important part of the evidence on something I'm really queasy about. But this is the jury's case not mine.'

He concluded, 'I'm not going to make an instruction on it, but I've made a record on the high risk I think it presents to the case.'

As he continued his closing statements Binger sought to paint two of the men shot by Rittenhouse as 'heroes' and to dismiss the notion that Rosenbaum was ever any sort of threat, describing him as nothing but a 'little dog'

Rittenhouse and the other 'vigilantes' who gathered in Kenosha that night were, Binger said, 'Just wannabe soldiers, acting tough. Just a small part of the deluge of chaos tourists trying to feed off what we were going through, despite everything we did to try to tell them to go away, stay out'

As he continued his closing statements Binger sought to paint two of the men shot by Rittenhouse as 'heroes' and to dismiss the notion that Rosenbaum was ever any sort of threat, describing him as nothing but a 'little dog.'

'Bark, bark, bark!,' he said, 'He really ain't going to do anything.'

Showing close-up and graphic images of Grosskreutz's shredded bicep Binger said,' 'It's hard to look at but this is what we're dealing with. When you fire an AR-15.

'I guarantee you the defendant had no clue what his gun was capable of, he didn't concern himself what he would be doing to other people.

'Let's not flinch away from this it's important we understand what that gun was capable of that night. It killed two people and it did this to Mr. Grosskreutz's arm.'

The way Binger told it Rittenhouse, 'should have known' that pointing his gun as someone else would have 'provoked' Rosenbaum.

He 'should have known,' the crowd was aware of the fact he had just shot someone. And he 'should have known' that they believed him to be an 'active shooter'

According to Binger, 'That crowd did something that honesty I'm not sure I'd have the courage to do.

'Anthony Huber was different, 'jump-kick man' was different, Gaige Grosskreutz was different.'

According to Binger, 'That crowd was full of heroes.' Huber was a' hero' and Grosskreutz too  both men, he insisted, were acting within their own right to defend themselves as they tried to, 'stop an active shooter from shooting others.'

The defense will state their closing arguments following Binger's statements Monday. Mark Richards, defense attorney for Kyle Rittenhouse, is seen pacing the courtroom

In contrast, he said, Rittenhouse was 'a fraud,' falsely claiming to be a certified EMT. He was, 'like a quack doctor practicing without a license,' and putting lives at risk.

He wrapped a sprained ankle, helped someone with a cut on their hand. Binger mocked, 'Yay.'

And on the other hand, he killed two people and shot another. Binger snapped, 'When we balance your role as a medic that nightI don't give you any credit.'

He dismissed Rittenhouse and lionized Grosskreutz, saying, 'For him to call himself a medic is an insult to anyone like Gaige Grosskreutz who spent hundreds of hours training to become an EMT.'

Binger described him as a 'hero,' who 'rushed into danger,' and he told the jury that Grosskreutz never pointed his gun at Rittenhouse, despite Grosskreutz's own testimony that he did.

He told the court that Grosskreutz could well have pulled the trigger of his own gun and shot Rittenhouse, but that he didn't - 'because he's not that type of person.'

And he had harsh words for Rittenhouse's witness stand performance Wednesday. He said, 'When he testified on Wednesday, he broke down crying about himself not about anyone he hurt that night, no remorse.'

Rittenhouse and the other 'vigilantes' who gathered in Kenosha that night were, Binger said, 'Just wannabe soldiers, acting tough. Just a small part of the deluge of chaos tourists trying to feed off what we were going through, despite everything we did to try to tell them to go away, stay out.'

Binger mocked the 'threat' presented by Rosenbaum that night. 'What did he do?' he said, 'He tipped over a porta-potty that had no-one in it. He swung a chain. He set an empty trailer on fire. He said some bad words. He said the N-word.'

He said, 'I'd probably try to prosecute him for arson, but I can't because the defendant killed him. That's the way we deal with arson. We prosecute you. We don't execute them.'

Binger said he would be the voice for Rosenbaum because he wasn't there to speak for himself. The picture he painted was far from flattering in its bid to minimize any threat that he night have presented.

At 5ft 4, Binger said Rosenbaum had 'Napoleon complex.' He was a 'babbling idiot.'

He said that the crowd were 'shoving him around like a rag doll,' and that he was, 'a mouthy little guya little dog.'

According to Binger, the jury was there to decide facts, 'not to buy pathetic excuses.'

He said, 'If you panic that's not reasonable. That is an excuse. And if you're 17, you don't have experienceyou're in over you head...those are excuses.

'They do not erase your personal responsibility for your own actions.'

In fact, Binger insisted, none of the people whom Rittenhouse shot, 'posed an imminent threat to the defendant's life or to cause great bodily harm.'

'Put yourself in the defendant's position,' he told them. 'Would you have made any of the reckless decisions he did? Would have you done the same thing?

'Would you have gone out after curfew with an AR-15 looking for trouble? Would you have used the gun to protect an empty car-lot?

'No reasonable person would have done these things. The defendant provoked everything.'

Wrapping up a closing statement, that lasted two hours and eight minutes, Binger concluded that there was no doubt that Rittenhouse had committed the crimes.

He said 'The question is whether or not you believe his actions were legally justified.

'I submit to you that no reasonable person would have done what the defendant did and that makes your decision easy.

'He is guilty of all counts.'

EXCLUSIVE: 'Binger was set up for failure!' Kenosha DA knew the case against Kyle Rittenhouse was a losing proposition and passed the buck to Thomas Binger whose presentation has been marked with missteps and clashes with the judge

-Martin Gould

The choice of prosecutor for Kyle Rittenhouse's murder case could be a precise pointer as to how little confidence the County District Attorney had in securing a conviction.

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger, whose presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder.

'Binger was set up for failure,' one Kenosha legal insider told DailyMail.com. 'Graveley is the superstar and he knew this one was sure to tarnish it.'

According to conservative outlet Milwaukee Right Now, Graveley 'pawned the case off to his unfortunate assistant district attorney, Thomas Binger, who was left to spin gold out of a pile of self-defense straw.'

Now court observers believe that even if Rittenhouse is found guilty, Binger's performance has given him good grounds for appeal.

'He has said things in court that have been ruled out of order, but once they have been said, you can't unring that bell,' Kevin Mathewson, a criminal defense investigator and former Kenosha City alderman told DailyMail.com.

'This is how Binger has always operated. He pushes the envelope as far as he possibly can  but this time the whole world is watching him.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999

Binger's presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder

Mathewson, who was unsuccessfully sued over a Facebook page in which he asked for people to turn up with guns to defend property during the August 2020 Kenosha riots, has been a frequent critic of Graveley's office.

But he says he respects the DA's prosecuting skills. 'He is by far the best prosecutor in the office and he should be the one prosecuting the Rittenhouse trial  the most high-profile and difficult case his office is ever likely to handle.

'It's not that he hides from publicity. Earlier this year he prosecuted a teenager called Martice Fuller who killed his high school sweetheart and shot at her mother.

'That was a high-profile case, but it wasn't a difficult case to prosecute,' added Mathewson. 'There was video of the shooting.

'Just about any prosecutor could have got a conviction.'

Mathewson is not the only one who is hammering Graveley for his absence from the Rittenhouse case. Graveley himself said he would not lead the prosecution as he was investigating the case against the cop who shot Joseph Blake, leading to the unrest in Kenosha during which Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber.

Gravely  who was named Wisconsin's prosecutor of the year earlier this month  decided way back in January that the officer should not be prosecuted for the shooting which left Blake paralyzed. The DA also said he has to prosecute another case which will likely start before the Rittenhouse case is over.

But those excuses are getting short shrift from some, who believe Rittenhouse either should never have been prosecuted or should have faced lesser charges.

'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now.

Graveley's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Binger has at times seemed out of his depth as Judge Schroeder and Rittenhouse's defense team tear into him for a series of missteps.

Former Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Daniel Adams described Binger's case as 'incredibly underwhelming.'

'He's got nothing,' Adams told the Associated Press. 'I just don't understand it. What are we doing here? We're all kind of scratching our heads.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999.

On his LinkedIn page the father-of-three says: 'I was a criminal prosecutor handling misdemeanor and felony cases, including illegal firearms cases. I also handled child welfare cases, specializing in termination of parental rights cases.'

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA, would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger. 'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now

After six years prosecuting, he went into private practice as director of litigation for a business law firm before joining the Kenosha County DA's office.

He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the post of District Attorney in neighboring Racine County in 2016, saying: 'In the last two years as a prosecutor, I have won 13 jury trials. I have convicted murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, drunk drivers, home-invading burglars and men who abuse women.'

One of the most notable cases he has previously prosecuted was of a former New Jersey fire captain who was jailed for five years in 2017 for possessing child pornography and exploiting a child for sexual purposes.

Binger insisted the sentence was not enough, telling Essex News Daily, 'The state recommended 16 years.'

He was also forced to withdraw a case against Guy Smith, a trucker who was found with a gun in his cab. Smith's defense attorney pointed out the law specifically allowed handguns in vehicles without a concealed carry permit, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Smith case was also heard by Judge Schroeder.

But those cases had nothing like the media spotlight that has shone on the Rittenhouse case.

Binger's role has been controversial since the start. He took the unusual step of objecting to the attempt by California attorney John Pierce to represent Rittenhouse, saying in a six-page motion to the court that Pierce's presence could 'materially prejudice' the case.

He said Pierce's 'personal financial difficulties raise significant ethical concerns,' adding: 'Given his own substantial personal debts, his involvement with an unregulated and opaque 'slush fund' provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud

'Money that should be held in trust for the defendant may instead be used to repay Attorney Pierce's numerous creditors.'

Pierce, who claimed the case against Rittenhouse was a 'political prosecution' eventually withdrew, leaving the defense in the hands of lawyer Mark Richards.

Binger has continued to clash with Judge Schroeder throughout the trial and even in pre-trial hearings

Binger clashed with Schroeder in pre-trial hearings. Last month the judge ruled against him saying that the men shot by Rittenhouse could not be called 'victims' during the trial but allowed a defense motion which allows them to be called rioters, looters or arsonists.

Binger said those words were more loaded than 'victims.'

The prosecutor also lost the chance to link Rittenhouse to the right-wing Proud Boys movement.

And Schroeder later slammed him after he argued that defense lawyers should not be able to tell jurors about the destructive actions of Joseph Rosenbaum, one of the men Rittenhouse admits killing, including setting a dumpster on fire.

'All we're talking about is arson. We're talking about being loud and disorderly,' Binger said.

Schroeder immediately cut him off. 'I can't believe some of what you're saying,' he said in a raised voice. 'All we're talking about is arson? Come on!'

During this month's trial, Schroeder reprimanded Binger for bringing up a video in which Rittenhouse had talked about wanting to shoot shoplifters. Schroeder had previously ruled that inadmissible

'You're an experienced trial attorney and you're telling me when the judge says, 'I'm excluding this' you decide to bring it in because you think you've found a way around it,' Schroeder asked.

Binger replied: 'You can yell at me if you want. I was acting in good faith.'

Judge Schroeder responded: 'I don't believe you. When you say you were acting in good faith, I don't believe you. There better not be another incident.'

Rittenhouse's defense accused Binger of knowingly attempting to throw the proceeding because they were going badly for the state.

The defense on November 10 demanded a mistrial with prejudice, which would mean that Rittenhouse walks free and a retrial is not possible. Schroeder said he is taking that request under advisement.
A baby elephant was forced to have her trunk amputated after being snared by cruel poachers and left behind by her herd in Indonesia.

The elephant, in Indonesia's Sumatra island, was caught in a trap set by poachers who prey on the endangered species, according to authorities.

The one-year-old is among the last of the island's 700 wild Sumatran elephants.

Conservation agency workers found her very weak with a snare embedded in her almost-severed trunk.

She was rescued on Sunday in Alue Meuraksa, a village in the Aceh Jaya district which is forested, according to Agus Arianto, who is the head of Aceh province's conservation agency.

To save the life of the baby elephant, wildlife officials today had to amputate half of her trunk at the Elephant Training Centre in Aceh Besar, Indonesia.

The elephant, in Indonesia's Sumatra island, was caught in a trap set by poachers who prey on the endangered species, according to authorities. Pictured: The injured baby elephant at the Elephant Training Centre in Aceh Besar, Indonesia

Mr Arianto said in a statement: 'This obviously was intended to poach endangered animals to earn money.

'We will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in an investigation.'

He said the elephant calf was left behind by her herd because of her deteriorating condition after she was entrapped in the snare, allegedly set by a poacher.

To save the life of the baby elephant, wildlife officials today (pictured) had to amputate half of her trunk at the Elephant Training Centre in Aceh Besar, Indonesia

Conservationists say that the coronavirus pandemic has led to increased poaching in Sumatra as villagers turn to hunting for economic reasons.

Another incident in July saw an elephant found without a head at a palm plantation in East Aceh.

A suspected poacher and four people who were accused of buying ivory were arrested.

Conservationists say that the coronavirus pandemic has led to increased poaching in Sumatra as villagers turn to hunting for economic reasons. Pictured: The baby elephant in Indonesia

Trials for the five people are ongoing since last month and they will face a jail sentence of five years and a 100 million rupiah ( 5,250) fine if they are found guilty.

Mr Arianto said the numbers of Sumatran elephants who have been snared and poisoned in the last nine years in just the East Aceh district has reached 25.

Sumatran elephants were raised from endangered to critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on its 2012 Red List.

Conservationists say that the coronavirus pandemic has led to increased poaching in Sumatra as villagers turn to hunting for economic reasons. Pictured: Wildlife officials prepare to give the injured baby elephant a wash

This was mostly because of a significant drop in the population.

It was indicated by the loss of over 69 per cent of its potential habitat over the last 25 years which was the equivalent of one generation.

Data from the Indonesian forestry and environment ministry has revealed that the population of the Sumatran elephant has shrunk from 1,300 in 2014 to 693, a decrease of nearly 50 per cent in the last seven years.

Sumatran elephants are a subspecies of the Asian elephant, one of two species of in the world.
Almost one in three Republican voters still believe that former President Donald Trump will be reinstated before the end of the year, according to a new poll.

The Economist/YouGov poll was conducted between November 6 and 9 and surveyed 1,500 Americans and found that 28 percent of respondents thought it likely or very likely that Trump would return to power before the year was out.

That is an increase from 22 percent the month before.

It suggests that far from fizzling out, the 'big lie' that Trump was unfairly robbed of election victory and will be returned to the White House is gaining strength.

Some 13 percent of Republican respondents said it was 'very like' Trump will be reinstated with 15 percent saying it was 'somewhat likely.'

Overall, just 16 percent of respondents said they thought he would return by the end of 2021.

Trump himself reportedly told close allies during the summer that he would be restored to power this year as he fought a string of ill-fated legal battles to overturn the result.

An Economist/YouGov poll found almost a third of Republicans believe Donald Trump will be reinstated as president before the year is out. That is an increase on the 22 percent last month

Trump has frequently hinted at the idea he could be reinstated as president, despite his legal challenges to the 2020 election result making little progress

In September, at a rally in Georgia, he was asked by a host for the conservative media network Real America's Voice when he would be reinstated.

'Well we're going to see,' he answered.

'There's been tremendous voter fraud. And it's being revealed on a daily basis and we'll see what happens.'

But vocal supporters have faced some humiliating setbacks along the way.

My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell - who has emerged as a key proponent of conspiracy theories - offered the date of August 13.

But he backtracked as the date approached with little indication the legal challenges would work.

'Nobody said that, nobody said that, nobody said that, nobody said that, nobody said that, nobody said that, OK? I think this interview is over,' he told Vice News.

There's no way for Trump to be reinstated and there was no widespread evidence of election fraud.

Biden won more than 7 million votes than Trump and won the Electoral College 306 to 232.

Biden became president on January 20, 2021.

Trump does have an avenue back to the White House - he could win the 2024 presidential race.

He has kept the door open to do that and said he'd make an announcement after the 2022 midterm elections.

Trump nearly lost his chance to become president again.

Had the U.S. Senate convicted him on impeachment charges of inciting an insurrection they could have also barred him from entering a future presidential race.

Details of the new poll came as it emerged that Sen. Mitch McConnell asked aides to draft a letter disinviting President Donald Trump from Joe Biden's inauguration shortly after the Capitol riot  before Trump got the jump on the situation and announced he wasn't going.

'McConnell felt he could not give Trump another opportunity to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power,' writes Jonathan Karl in his new book, Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show.

'McConnell wanted to get a letter together from the top four congressional leaders informing Trump that he had been disinvited,' according to the book, ABC News reported Monday.

The reports triggered an angry denial from Trump.

'From Election Day, November 3rd, the day I realized that the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged, I would never have agreed to go to Joe Bidens Inauguration. This decision was mine, and mine alone,' he wrote in an emailed statement.

'The old broken-down Crow, Mitch McConnell, had nothing to do with it.'
Under-pressure Tory MP Geoffrey Cox made a low key return to the House of Commons tonight amid a furore about his lucrative outside work as a barrister.

The West Devon MP quietly entered the chamber tonight at the end of a statement by the Prime Minister about the Cop26 climate conference.

He stayed for around 10 minutes, sitting on the backbenches and chatting with other Tory MPs before leaving again, according to eyewitnesses.

Labour shadow minister Luke Pollard was among those who spotted Mr Cox enter the Commons, tweeting: 'Bloody hell. Guess who has just walked into the Commons? Its only Geoffrey Cox. Can you believe it?'

The West Devon MP quietly entered the chamber tonight at the end of a statement by the Prime Minister about the Cop26 climate conference.

Labour shadow minister Luke Pollard was among those who spotted Mr Cox enter the Commons

The former attorney general is under fire for spending weeks working as a high-ranking lawyer in the Caribbean while Parliament has been sitting, apparently with the approval of the Tory Party.

Sir Geoffrey voted in Parliament remotely from the Caribbean while advising the government of the British Virgin Islands, a tax haven accused of corruption.

He has also been referred to Parliament's sleaze watchdog after appearing to use his Commons office for a hearting via Zoom.

He denies all the allegations.
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Scorpions and rattlesnakes are among the barriers major airlines are facing as they return mothballed planes to service and scramble to hire crews to meet a surging demand for air travel as pandemic travel restrictions ease.

But despite airlines nearly pre-pandemic levels ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday - when 4.2 million people are expected to travel by air - dozens of passenger planes remain stranded in the Mojave Desert, where they've been stored since the pandemic began crippling the travel industry early last year.

Meantime, chaos has erupted at airports throughout the nation this year as airlines grounded thousands of flights, blaming staff shortages with some speculating COVID-19 vaccine mandates were to blame.

American Airlines, for instance, said on October 30 that it canceled more than 1,200 flights over a single weekend due to staff shortages and unfavorable weather conditions.

Aerial photos show Delta, United, FedEx and numerous international commercial jets hibernating at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, just one of the boneyards that continues to be used for commercial plane storage.

Most of the planes in storage will be permanently kept there; about 25% of the planes will return to service. The FedEx planes there will be kept in the lot permanently.

Earlier this year, Qantas revealed its mechanics have used 'wheel whackers'  repurposed broom handles - to spook away rattlesnakes and scorpions sheltering in the wheel wells of planes grounded in Victorville.

Aerial photos taken on November 6 show numerous cargo and passenger planes grounded at the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California

Qantas airplanes are seen in protective covering. An airline mechanic said earlier this year that crews have encountered rattlesnakes and scorpions while maintaining the planes

'The area is well known for its feisty 'rattlers' who love to curl up around the warm rubber tires and in the aircraft wheels and brakes,' Tim Heywood, a Los Angeles-based Qantas engineer manager, said in a June release.

'We've encountered a few rattlesnakes and also some scorpions, but the wheel whacker does its job and they scuttle off. It's a unique part of looking after these aircraft while they're in storage and it's another sign of how strange the past year has been.'

While Qantas' A380s would seldom stay a day on the ground while in service, the airline said the fleet could now remain parked for years as it waits for international travel demand to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Scores of FedEx planes are among those grounded in the desert as some planes prepare to return to domestic and international service

Experts say extensive safety measures are being taken to protect the integrity of grounded jets, such as the Delta plane pictured here in Victorville, California

The airline made the forecast before the Australian government this month lifted its overseas travel ban for its vaccinated citizens and permanent residents.

It joins a number of airlines that plane to keep at least some jets parked until least next year, despite travel nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The American Automobile Association is forecasting 4.2 million air travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday, up from the 2.2 million passengers who traveled by plane for the holiday last year.

Although the figure represents an 80 percent spike in air travel, it is nine percent lower than it was in 2019, when 4.6 million people reached their Thanksgiving destinations by plane.

International airlines, including China Airlines, are also using the desert boneyard for storage

Experts say planes are stored in the desert because of its dry heat that prevents moisture from corroding the aluminum

Pictured: Commercial jets remained grounded in California desert as scorpions, venomous snakes, and staff shortages curtail efforts to return planes to service

Pictured: airplanes from various airlines are parked at Southern California Logistics Airport

The American Automobile Association is forecasting 4.2 million air travelers for the Thanksgiving holiday

The US Commercial Safety Aviation Team - which works to reduce aviation-related fatalities  developed an extensive list of safety elements to help guide operators through pandemic-related challenges including plane storage, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson said.

'The safety elements include ensuring equipment such as engines and pitot tubes are properly covered to prevent contamination during storage by insects, water, or other foreign objects; and checking for animals nesting in stored aircraft,' Maria Njoku told DailyMail.com.

Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents major North American Airlines, said its members follow rigorous protocols before dusting off grounded jets for takeoff.

'[The] airlines follow comprehensive storage procedures provided by the aircraft manufacturers and conduct extensive post-storage inspections as part of the process of returning aircraft to service,' spokesman Carter Yang told DailyMail.com.

Staff shortages appear to be hampering efforts to return some planes to service.

Southwest Airlines' chief operating officer Mike Van de Ven told employees last month that a 'staffing cushion' was necessary to prevent schedule reductions during the winter, Business Insider reported.

The executive in early October said staff shortages contributed to the mass cancellation of nearly 2,000 weekend flights.

Some airlines have said they're struggling with staff shortages

United Airlines did not respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment, but said in its third-quarter earnings report that returning grounded planes to service would help fuel growth next year.

It plans to bring its Pratt and Whitney-powered Boeing 777s back to its fleet next year to meet anticipated record demand for worldwide travel.

The Boeings were grounded earlier this year over faulty engine design.

'From the return of business travel and the planned re-opening of Europe and early indications for opening in the Pacific, the headwinds we've faced are turning to tailwinds,'

United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby said in a statement.

'We believe that United is better positioned to lead the recovery than any airline in the world.'

Ted Gablin, president of the Redlands Airport Association, said two-thirds of Southwest Airline's fleet was at one point grounded at the Victorville boneyard; a spokesperson for the airport confirmed that most of its planes are now back in service.

Maintenance crews take numerous measures to preserve planes and keep freeloading creatures out while they're grounded, he said.

Deserts are considered a preferred location for long-term aircraft storage because they're notoriously dry, Gablin said.

'Believe it or not, the primary metal used in aircraft is aluminum and it does corrode just like steel does,' he said. 'The magic ingredient for that is moisture.'
Vaccinating children as young as five in the UK against the coronavirus is a long way off, England's chief medical officer said today.

Professor Chris Whitty pointed out that the UK's medicines watchdog hasn't even authorised Covid jabs for under-11s, as it is yet to examine data for the age group.

And a decision on rolling out the vaccine to younger cohorts would depend on the evidence presented to the UK's top scientists, he said at a press conference.

So 'let's not rush our fences on this,' Professor Whitty added.

The press conference came after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) today announced it recommended second doses for 16 and 17-year-olds and booster jabs for 8million people in their 40s.

The UK has so far limited the vaccine rollout to over-12s, due to the small risk of serious illness youngsters face from the virus.

And those aged 15 and under are only given a single dose because cases of a very rare heart inflammation side effect called myocarditis are most common after the second injection.

But the US and a handful of other nations have already pressed ahead with the rollout to under-12s and the UK has faced mounting pressure to follow suit from certain corners of the medical community.

Professor Chris Whitty pointed out that the UK's medicines watchdog hasn't even authorised any jab for under-11s yet. And a decision on rolling out the vaccine to the age group would depend on the data presented to the UK's top scientists, he said at a press conference. So 'let's not rush our fences on this,' Professor Whitty added

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) today announced it recommended second doses for 16 and 17-year-olds and booster jabs for 8million people in their 40s. Pictured: a healthworker preparing a Covid vaccine dose

Professor Whitty suggested any decision on whether to vaccinate five to 11 year olds against coronavirus is far off.

He said: 'We haven't yet even got a licence with MHRA [Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency] so let's not rush our fences on this.

'It will depend entirely on the data that are presented to the independent regulator and the independent scientific advisory committee.'

The MHRA has not yet made a decision on whether to offer younger groups the vaccine, because it has not yet examined data from the US, which is already administering the Covid vaccine to five to 11-year-olds.

Boris says he CAN'T rule out Xmas lockdown Boris Johnson today admitted that a Christmas lockdown was not completely off the cards as he made a desperate plea for Britons to get their booster jabs and the UK's daily Covid cases continued to rise. The PM  who appeared to be suffering from a cold  warned 'storm clouds' of infection were gathering over Europe and forcing nations back into restrictions, which highlighted how the UK 'cannot afford to be complacent'. He said people should get a booster if they want to 'avoid restrictions on daily lives', adding that it would be an 'utter tragedy' if double-vaccinated people died from Covid because they didn't get one. Mr Johnson also admitted people might need proof of a booster jab to be considered 'fully vaccinated' in the future, in a move which could cause fresh chaos for Britons' travel plans. The warnings came as Britain recorded another 39,705 daily coronavirus infections, which were up nearly a quarter on last Monday's figure. But deaths and hospital admissions - both lagging indicators - fell week-on-week. There were 47 Covid victims registered today, down 18 per cent on last week, and latest hospital data shows there were 976 admissions on November 9, down 7.5 per cent. The PM issued his warning at a Downing Street press conference, where he also confirmed that people in their forties will be offered a booster jab and older teenagers will get second doses. Asked if a lockdown would be necessary if cases continue to rise, the PM said 'clearly we cannot rule anything out' but insisted he didn't 'see anything in the data that says we have to go now'. The comments came after Austria announced a draconian new lockdown on the unvaccinated, after a dramatic increase in infections, and the Netherlands imposed a curfew on pubs and restaurants to deal with rising cases. Germany, France and Italy have also been seeing a significant uptick in their outbreaks. The PM was joined today by his chief scientists Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance at the Government's first Covid briefing of the month. Advertisement

The agency examines all clinical trial and safety data from Covid vaccine makers that apply for a license in the UK before making a decision on whether the jab is safe and effective for a certain age group.

The JCVI then advises No10 on whether that cohort should be given the injections as part of the vaccine rollout after weighing up the benefits and risks.

The group advised ministers against jabbing 12 to 15-year-olds because children face such a tiny threat from Covid.

It also warned about the risk from a rare vaccine side effect called myocarditis, which can cause heart damage.

Critics say children are better off catching the virus and getting protection naturally because the risk of being admitted to ICU is about one in 500,000.

But the JCVI panel  who only looked at a rigid set of criteria  recommended the UK's chief medical officers were given the final say.

Professor Chris Whitty and colleagues ultimately decided to recommend jabs to 12-15 year olds because modelling showed it would prevent thousands from having to take time off school.

Professor Jeremy Brown, a member of the JCVI, said earlier this month that it is 'far too early' to say whether it will recommend vaccinating children aged under-12.

But he said there is 'a case for using a vaccine on those children that have underlying diseases that make them more vulnerable' to the virus.

And Professor Jonathan Van-Tam Professor, England's deputy chief medical officer, said the JCVI 'will be considering' whether to follow the US in expanding the rollout to over-fives. But the decision is 'some way down the tracks', he added.

It comes as the JCVI announced today that 16 and 17-year-olds will be offered a second dose of their Covid vaccine, which it found increases the level and duration of protection.

They will be given the second vaccine 12 weeks following their first jab because evidence suggests the longer gap reduces the risk of side effects.

Officials had delayed a decision on second doses while they investigated reports of myocarditis in young people.

But the JCVI said the most recent data from the UK and Canada, which leave three months rather than one month between doses, showed rates of the heart condition are 'closer to the reporting rate after the first dose'.

Most cases of myocarditis go away within a short time and respond well to treatment, the group said.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, the JCVI's chair of Covid immunisation, said: 'Booster vaccine doses in more vulnerable adults, and second vaccine doses in 16 to 17 year olds are important ways to increase our protection against Covid infection and severe disease.

'These vaccinations will also help extend our protection into 2022. If you are eligible, please make sure to have these vaccines and keep yourselves protected as we head into winter.'



The US, Chile, Cuba and six other countries are some of the only nations in the world vaccinating children under age 12 against Covid.

Because of its controversial nature, very few nations have made the move yet to vaccinate youngsters with only eight other countries doing so.

In El Salvador, Chile, Ecuador and Indonesia, children aged six and older have begun receiving their first shots.

In Argentina, Bahrain, China and the United Arab Emirates, vaccines have been authorized for kids under age three.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, kids as young as age two are receiving the jabs.
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Almeni, who died inside a taxi when his device blew up outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday, has been unmasked as a pizza-baking Christian convert and failed asylum seeker

The suicide bomber who died inside a taxi when his device blew up outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday has been unmasked as a pizza-baking Christian convert and failed asylum seeker.

MailOnline can reveal that Enzo Almeni, 32, arrived in the UK from Iraq several years ago and converted from Islam to Christianity in 2017 at the cathedral it is believed he wanted to attack yesterday.

Friends said Almeni was born Emad Jamil Al-Swealmeen to a Syrian father and an Iraqi mother, and is believed to have spent a large part of his life in Iraq.

He was arrested for possession of a 'large knife' after the rejection of his asylum claim in 2014. This resulted in him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and hospitalised for several months.

It is thought that Almeni was a motor racing fan who changed his name by deed poll in honour of Italian supercar creator Enzo Ferrari, and in a bid to sound more Western on his asylum application.

Almeni spent most of his time in the UK in Liverpool, where he was being supported by Christian volunteers from a network of churches who help asylum seekers. He spent eight months living with devout Christians Malcolm and Elizabeth Hitchcott at their home in the Aigburth district of Liverpool.

Almeni converted to Christianity in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral four years ago, which it is thought he had wanted to attack on Remembrance Sunday as 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen gathered to observe the 11am minute's silence.

It is thought he initially asked Mr Perry to drive him to the cathedral, but that traffic and road closures stopped him from getting there. It is believed he died after being locked in a cab by hero taxi driver David Perry as it exploded into a fireball outside Liverpool Women's Hospital.

Detectives and MI5 spies are investigating whether the bombing was an Islamist-inspired attack and if Almeni had been motivated to kill himself and others. Security sources told the Mail that Almeni's mental health problems were 'a key line of inquiry' in understanding his motivation.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline today, Mr Hitchcott, a former British Army soldier, said he met Almeni in 2015 through his work at Liverpool Cathedral when he started expressing an interest in converting to Christianity.

He also revealed that Almeni was refused asylum once before, saying: 'He was refused asylum in 2014 by the UK. He had his case decided, rejected, because he has been sectioned because of some mental health incident.'

Mr Hitchcott said: 'He first came to the cathedral in August 2015 and wanted to convert to Christianity. He took an Alpha course, which explains the Christian faith, and completed it in November of that year. That enabled him to come to an informed decision and he changed from Islam to Christianity and was confirmed as a Christian by at least March 2017, just before he came to live with us. He was destitute at that time and we took him in.'

Police said Almeni was picked up in the Rutland Avenue area of the city. As the car reached the hospital's passenger drop-off point, it exploded.

Police said he had been living at a hostel for asylum seekers - run by private contracting giant Serco - in Sutcliffe Street, Liverpool, 'for some time' before renting a 'bomb factory' two miles away in Rutland Avenue.

Four men arrested under terrorism laws in the Kensington area of Liverpool - three aged 21, 26 and 29, who were held on Sunday, and a man aged 20 who was detained on Monday - have now been released from police custody following interview, Counter Terrorism Police North West said on Monday night. MI5 is assisting police with the investigation.

Meanwhile, forensic officers continued the delicate task of searching the 'bomb factory' from where Almeni booked the taxi. Eight nearby homes have been evacuated, and officers on Monday carried out a controlled explosion on an item taken from the property in nearby Sefton Park in what they described as 'a precaution'.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Meeks of Counter Terrorism Police North West said: 'Our enquiries are very much ongoing but at this stage we strongly believe that the deceased is 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

'Al Swealmeen is connected to both the Rutland Avenue and Sutcliffe Street addresses where searches are still ongoing. We believe he lived at the Sutcliffe Street address for some time and had recently rented the Rutland Avenue address. Our focus is the Rutland Avenue address where we have continued to recover significant items.

'We continue to appeal for any information about this incident and now that we have released his name any information that the public may have about Al Swealmeen no matter how small may be of great assistance to us.'

The UK's terror threat level was raised to 'severe' today following an emergency COBRA meeting at Downing Street. Police and security services advised the Prime Minister that another attack on British soil is now 'highly likely'. It came exactly a month after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

At a Covid press briefing this afternoon, Boris Johnson dramatically urged the country to be 'vigilant' and called the blast a 'stark reminder' of the risks of terrorism.

Home Secretary Priti Patel cancelled a planned trip to Paris to discuss the Channel migrant crisis so she could be briefed on the Liverpool bombing.

Here's what we know about the terror attack so far:

Taxi containing suicide bomber pulled up outside Liverpool Women's Hospital and explodes at 10.57am;

New footage shows the driver, David Perry, jump out after the blast having apparently locked the doors to prevent him getting into the hospital;

Three men aged 21, 26 and 27, are arrested with two properties around a mile from the scene being searched by police: Sutcliffe Street in Kensington;

This morning a fourth suspect, 20, was arrested in Kensington, also under the Terrorism Act;

Armed Police surrounded a property in Rutland Avenue close to Liverpool's Sefton Park last night, where the suicide bomber had been picked up from;

Officers evacuated neighbouring properties, suggesting this is where the IED was built. The police activity reduced at 3.30am but the street remains cordoned off;

MI5 are helping police in the north-west with an Islamist terror attack among the scenarios being investigated;

One theory police are probing is that the detonators on a potential bomb exploded but not the main charge. Experts tell MailOnline that the bomb was probably not a high explosive such as TNT but of a hydrocarbon substance, most likely petrol.

Friends said Almeni was born Emad Jamil Al-Swealmeen to a Syrian father and an Iraqi mother, and is believed to have spent a large part of his life in Iraq

Almeni arrived in the UK several years ago, and mostly lived in Liverpool, where he was being supported by Christian volunteers from a network of churches who help asylum seekers, it is understood

Almeni pictured on the right being converted to Christianity in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral in 2017

Almeni pictured with Malcolm Hitchcott who took him in after Almeni left the Middle East for the UK several years ago

Almeni pictured with Malcolm and Elizabeth Hitchcott, the Christian couple who took him in after he left the Middle East

Hero taxi driver David Perry (with his wife Rachel), who apparently locked a suicide bomber in his car before a blast ripped through the vehicle outside a maternity hospital in Liverpool on Sunday

This is the moment the taxi carrying an alleged suicide bomber exploded outside a Liverpool hospital in what police and MI5 are now probing as a Poppy Day terror attack

A bomb squad has carried out a controlled explosion near a house in Liverpool this evening raided in connection to a suicide bombing outside a hospital on Remembrance Sunday. It is understood the explosion in Sefton Park was done 'as part of the ongoing investigation into the terrorist incident' outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday just before 11am and that residents 'shouldn't be concerned'

This is the moment yesterday evening when armed officers raided a property in Sutcliffe Street Liverpool with one marksman scaling the back wall with a ladder and pointing it at a man leaving the back door.

A squad of armed officers were heard telling the suspects to 'get on the floor' and 'don't f***ing move' before taking three men away

Boris Johnson today urged the public to be 'vigilant' after the UK terror threat level was raised to severe following a blast outside Liverpool Women's Hospital

Police at the sealed off house in Sutcliffe Street where three men were arrested last night and another suspect nearby this morning

A male was arrested in the area close to the house in Sutcliffe Street, Kensington, this morning. It is not known if he is the fourth suspect held by police over the taxi bombing

These are the events that led to the explosion outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday and the arrests and raids that followed

The taxi is seen travelling into the hospital car park at a fair speed at just before 10.57am, at a time when the driver may have chosen to lock the doors to keep his passenger inside having become suspicious of him

Before the car can come to a halt, it explodes, with all the windows shattered by debris from the blast

Smoke billows out of the car. Friends of the driver have said that he became suspicious of the man he had on board

A dazed Mr Perry is seen opening the door around six seconds after the blast. He is lucky to be alive and his passenger is likely to be dead

By 10.59am the car was fully alight and Mr Perry had been carried away by a member of the hospital security team

Three men have been arrested as part of a terror probe after one person died and another was injured when a taxi pulled up and exploded (pictured) at Liverpool Women's Hospital seconds before the 11am Remembrance Sunday silence began

Did you know Enzo Almeni, aka Emad Jamil Al-Swealmeen? Email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said on Monday night: 'Following interviews with the arrested men, we are satisfied with the accounts they have provided and they have been released from police custody.

'The investigation continues to move at a fast pace with investigative teams working throughout the night.

'We have made significant progress since Sunday morning and have a much greater understanding of the component parts of the device, how they were obtained and how the parts are likely to have been assembled. We have also recovered important evidence from the address at Rutland Avenue which is becoming central to the investigation.

'There is a considerable way to go to understand how this incident was planned, prepared for and how it happened. We are gaining a better understanding by the hour but it is likely to be some time, perhaps many weeks until we are confident on our understanding of what has taken place.'

Mr Hitchcott exclusively told MailOnline: 'He was Syrian through his father but I gather he spent much of his life in Iraq, where his mother came from.

'As far as I can recall, we never spoke in any great length about the situation in Iraq and Syria, we may have touched on it once or twice but he gave nothing away about what he felt about it.

'I don't think he ever went back to Iraq or Syria. I know that he had a brother who lived in Dubai and often spent time between there and Iraq. Enzo used to send him money.

'He was good company. We would sometimes go on days out, myself, Enzo and my wife Marion visited Speke Hall on one occasion and took some nice images together.

'But his behaviour changed ever so slightly towards the end of the period he lived with us. He stated to ask odd questions. I remember he came into the kitchen once and said: 'Is there anything you want to ask me?'

'I was a bit taken aback and replied ''no, why do you ask? You've been here six months.'' He then showed me a letter addressed to him that had been torn at the top of the envelope and he accused me of opening it to see what was inside.

'But I hadn't at all. The envelope was torn as as it had been pushed through the letter box. I showed him a letter addressed to me that had been torn in the same way but I don't think he was completely convinced. Myself and my wife went on holiday in November 2017 and told Enzo he could stay at our house while we were away but he said he wanted to leave and get his own place.

'He left and we had little contact with him from then on in. Apart from when he invited us to a Christmas carol concert in December 2017 at the Williamson Tunnels.'

He added: 'My wife saw him before lockdown and he seemed to be in very good spirits. He said that he'd enrolled in a catering course specialising in cake decorating at a college in Liverpool. The fact that he's blown himself up in a taxi in a terrorist attack has really shocked me. As far as I knew his only interest was go-karting and Formula 1.'

POPPY DAY HOSPITAL EXPLOSION: HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY A picture shows the burnt out vehicle outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital on Sunday afternoon Sunday, November 14 10.57am: The taxi pulls up at the Liverpool Women's Hospital and explodes seconds later. 10.59am: The vehicle is fully engulfed just before the national silence for Remembrance Sunday. The passenger was killed and the driver was left with serious injuries. The latter is said to have spotted the explosives, 'jumped' from the car and locked the other man inside. At the time, a remembrance service involving scores of military personnel, veterans and civic dignitaries, was taking place at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral less than a mile away. There are reports the taxi parked at the hospital because it could not get any closer to the Cathedral. 11.04am: Police and emergency services arrive at the scene, and it is initially thought the car might have caught alight because of a fuel leak. 1pm: Officers, who are believed to have spoken to hero taxi driver David Perry, announce the incident is being treated as an act of terrorism. 4.54pm: Police seal off Rutland Avenue (right). Around a mile from the blast. Locals said armed police ordered residents to leave and head to a nearby leisure centre, saying the area 'wasn't safe' and were 'pointing guns at a house'. Counter-terror negotiators were also called to the scene. 6.59pm: The men - aged 29, 26, and 21 - were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act. Monday, November 15 3.30am: The operation at the Rutland Avenue address appears to wind down. 10am: Footage of the explosion emerges on CCTV from the scene. Midday: Police confirm it is being treated as a terror attack. And a man, 20, becomes the fourth suspect arrested 3pm: After raising the UK terror threat level to 'severe', speaking at a press conference at Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the blast was a 'stark reminder' to the public to remain vigilant, adding: 'What yesterday showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence. 'And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.' Advertisement

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West said they know the identity of the taxi passenger and believe that he made the bomb.

He said: 'It is not clear what the motivation for this incident is. Our enquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.

'The reason why he then took it to the Women's Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion. We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

'We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing. Although, the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation. Our enquiries will now continue to seek to understand how the device was built, the motivation for the incident and to understand if anyone else was involved in it'.

Investigators have 'attributed' the bomber to both the addresses but police are not yet sure where he lived, and last night at 9.45pm anti-terror officers forced their way into the front and back of the Sutcliffe Street house as they tried to establish if he was a lone wolf or part of a cell.

Suspects were seen with their hands up in the rear yard, as officers trained their rifles on them and told them to get on the floor. Matthew Heitman, 26, who lives opposite the raided house, said: 'Two of the men were marched out at gunpoint and they had them up against the wall. The people living there had not long moved in, maybe weeks or months.'

Another neighbour, Sharon Cullen, said she and her husband, 22-year-old daughter and two-year-old grandson were evacuated from their home. She said: 'The police pounded on my door and an officer said 'we need to get you out of the house as soon as possible'. They said 'whatever is going on at the back of the house, it could blow the block'. It was really frightening.'

Mr Perry has been credited with saving many lives after keeping the suspect inside his cab in the moments before it blew up. His wife has revealed he is 'doing ok but is extremely sore', while adding that his escape was an 'utter miracle'.

Rachel Perry wrote on Facebook: 'I would just like to thank each and every one of you who has messaged asking how David is. He is doing ok but is extremely sore and trying to process what's happened.

Detectives say the male passenger who died in the blast had asked to go Liverpool's Women's Hospital, around ten minutes drive from his home in Rutland Avenue, which police have sealed off. They also evacuated eight neighbours overnight amid fears it was being used as a bomb factory.

Friends of Mr Perry believe the target may have been the city's nearby Service of Remembrance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered less than a mile from the hospital. Roads around the cathedral had been closed before the 11am Poppy Day event.

Mr Perry escaped to safety a split-second after a small blast blew out the windows and before flames spread through his vehicle.

Friends said Mr Perry had become alarmed when his passenger started 'flashing' and vibrating' as he pulled up - evidence of the device malfunctioning, experts said.

Miraculously, the driver suffered just minor cuts and bruises as well as damage to an eardrum and was discharged from hospital.

Mr Perry was hailed a 'hero', with well-wishers donating more than 50,000 to help replace his cab. His wife said the family's overwhelming emotion was that he was 'lucky to be alive'.

CCTV has emerged capturing the horrifying moment Mr Perry's taxi became a fireball outside the reception of Liverpool Women's Hospital, shortly before the 11am two-minute's silence was due to take place yesterday.

The dark-coloured taxi is seen pulling into the hospital car park at speed but it explodes before it comes to a halt outside the reception. All the windows shattered and smoke pours out of the car before a dazed Mr Perry opens the driver's door and staggers out into the road around six seconds after the blast.

The injured taxi driver then appears to warn others to stay away from the car and there has also been praise for a man in high-viz yellow who runs towards the blazing taxi to help him. Around 30 seconds after the explosion, with smoke belching out of the car, it is engulfed by flames with the bomber still inside. One witness can be seen looking into the back seat passenger. He decides the passenger is dead and can't be saved.

Police are scrambling to discover the bomber's true target. If it was the hospital, Dr Joseph Downing, a fellow in nationalism at LSE who studies security and terrorism, told MailOnline: 'It's quite strange and a worrying new pivot towards such a 'soft' target as a hospital that we have not seen before in Europe.'

If Mr Perry did lock the doors, today's terrifying video makes him look even braver, as he may have decided to stop the suspect entering the hospital's reception, even if it cost him his own life.

A friend of married father-of-two Mr Perry, 45, said that he believed that the cathedral was the target but traffic and road closures led to the passenger, who has not been formally identified, asking the driver to park at the nearby Liverpool Women's Hospital instead. If he locked him in, David appears to have stopped the man targeting the hospital as the clock struck 11am.

One theory police are probing is that the detonators on a potential bomb exploded but not the main charge. That would be a repeat of the failed 21/7 bombings three weeks after the 7/7 atrocity in 2005.

David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, said: 'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order, at a desired point, for there to be an explosion. Sometimes the components don't operate in order or when desired. It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge'.

New video and white smoke suggests the suicide bomb failed to explode due to a faulty detonator, says 7/7 cop One theory police are probing is that the detonators on a potential bomb exploded but not the main charge. That would be a repeat of the failed 21/7 bombings three weeks after the 7/7 atrocity in 2005. David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, tweeted: 'Any type of explosion in a confined space is devastating, here it blows out the windows and sends the entire windscreen into the sky. 'This makes obvious that the seat of the blast is where the taxi passenger was, and not the front where the driver was. The white smoke indicates the explosion was fuelled by some type of explosive, the fire then takes hold and the smoke changes colour as it consumes the car. 'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order, at a desired point, for there to be an explosion. Sometimes the components don't operate in order or when desired. 'It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge'. Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, said the timing of the blast was 'significant' but it was 'very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened'. Professor Clifford Jones, visiting professor at Chester University, told MailOnline: 'It seems to me that the heat, not the blast, was the lethal factor. That signifies that the bomb was composed not of a high explosive such as TNT but of a hydrocarbon substance, most likely gasoline.' He told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that from what he has seen there is 'very little blast damage' indicating that whatever was in the vehicle was 'low yield or didn't work properly, or possibly an incendiary'. Advertisement

The Prime Minister has praised the taxi driver caught up in the Liverpool explosion for acting with 'incredible presence of mind and bravery'.

Speaking at a medical centre in east London on Monday, Boris Johnson echoed the city's mayor Joanne Anderson in crediting the driver.

Mr Johnson said: 'It does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery.'

The investigation into the Remembrance Sunday explosion outside a Liverpool hospital is continuing.

A friend said: 'David noticed the man had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, it didn't look right at all. They couldn't get there, the roads were blocked off.

'The man changed his mind and asked to go to the city centre instead. But when they were going past the Women's Hospital he said to pull in there. It was just before 11. David noticed the man had some kind of light attached to his clothing and was messing around with it, it didn't look right at all.

'I don't know how he's done it with a split second's thought but David's jumped out and locked the car with this guy in the back. As soon as he did, it's gone off. If this guy got in the hospital God knows what could have happened. David's the luckiest man in Britain as well as the most heroic'.

Miraculously he suffered just minor cuts and bruises as well as damage to an ear drum. Last night he was discharged from hospital, insiders told MailOnline, while bomb squad including experts from the Army remained at the hospital.

Another friend added: 'David suffered cuts and bruises, a perforated ear drum and needed stitches in his ear. He'll be sore in the morning but he's home. I'm just glad no new babies were leaving at the time. For David to have probably been terrified and think so fast and then end up OK  it's amazing.'

Locals said armed police ordered residents to leave, saying the area 'wasn't safe' and were 'pointing guns at a house'. Residents of the street were given five minutes to grab some belongings before being evacuated. The operation appears to have ended at around 3.30am and the cordon remains in place this morning.

Carl Bessant, whose partner had just had a baby at the hospital, said: 'She was feeding the baby when it happened. We heard a loud bang and looked out of the window.

'We saw the car on fire and someone jumped out... screaming, and there was someone inside the car. The hospital shut down, no-one in or out, so they said, but people were using the back entrance.'

Sections of Boaler Street and Sutcliffe Street remained cordoned off, with a heavy police presence at the scene as inquiries continued today.

A similar police scene was in place at Rutland Avenue several miles away in Sefton Park, with a large number of armed officers seen in the neighbourhood.

Locals said police arrived from about 1pm as officers went on to guard a terraced property as the immediate surrounding area was cordoned off. Around 11:30pm, witnesses said roads were being evacuated, with taxis and at least two minibuses arriving at the scene to take residents to alternative accommodation.

Shortly before 10pm Ryan O'Neill tweeted that armed police 'pointing guns at the house' gave him five minutes to pack and leave Boaler Street with his partner and children.

Counter-terror negotiators were also called to the scene and facilities for residents were being set up in a nearby leisure centre.

Police early Monday said: 'A large cordon is in place on Rutland Avenue in Liverpool and a small number of addresses have been evacuated as a precaution. This is part of our ongoing enquiries into the car explosion outside the city's Women's hospital on Sunday morning.'

Footage filmed from the hospital showed the car burning fiercely as voices can be heard gasping in shock. A shocked man is seen holding his head in his hands before being led away by hospital staff.

Locals described hearing a loud bang and seeing smoke rising from the hospital grounds just before 11am.

Father-of-two Matt Kerr, 52, said: 'I had just sat down to watch the Remembrance Sunday service as my family have served in the army when I heard a bang.

'I did a double take and just wondered what it was. I looked out and saw smoke, then there were police everywhere and helicopters. It's scary to think someone might have wanted to hurt women and children.'

Heavily armed police, one holding a breaching gun used to blast the hinges off doors, were seen at an address in Rutland Avenue near Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday night as officers investigated an explosion at the city's Women's Hospital at 10:59am

An investigator wearing a white forensics suit and carrying a jerry can and funnel was seen outside the hospital. Two fire engines were parked in the hospital car park near a blue forensics tent.

Police activity in Sutcliffe Street in the Kensington area of Liverpool, where three men, aged 21, 26 and 27, were arrested last night. They appear to be focussing on a property next to the Sir Walter Raleigh pub

Armed police were earlier pictured at Boaler Street, Kensington, and Rutland Avenue near Sefton Park (pictured today) as officers closed the roads with vehicles and cordons

Residents were ordered to remain inside while near neighbours were evacuated but some of the locals appeared to be inside the cordon this morning (pictured)

Footage posted online showed a car engulfed in bright orange flames outside the maternity hospital in Liverpool on Sunday,

The explosion took place at Liverpool Women's Hospital. A short walk from the Remembrance Day Service at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. There were three arrests at Sutcliffe Street in Kensington and a police operation at Rutland Avenue, where armed officers swarmed around a Victorian block of flats

Mother-of-one Emily Makefield, 32, said: 'I was walking nearby when I heard a bang and saw the smoke. It's terrifying this could happen at a women's hospital. It's shocking.'

Shop worker Sandra Hughes, 35, said: 'I saw people being turned away from hospital and police everywhere. It's terrifying to think someone might have wanted to attack a hospital.'

Social media was last night flooded with praise for the taxi driver's heroism.

Stephen Thomas said online: 'He is my mate, and he spotted the passenger acting suspicious. He's in hospital, luckily he escaped just before, but he did suffer some injuries.'

Kev Cuthbertson also wrote on Facebook: 'He is a hero, when he noticed the bomb he locked the scumbag in the car but took the brunt of the blast.'

Billy Darwin added: 'I've heard he has injuries, so on behalf of us all on here I wish this Liverpool hero a speedy recovery.

'He put his life on the line and nearly paid the ultimate price to save others  apparently not giving anything a second thought besides making sure he went above and beyond to keep the people of our city safe.'

Marie Davies said: 'He stopped by the women's hospital and locked the man in his cab after noticing the device.'

Phil Garrigan, chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said the car fire was 'fully developed' when two appliances arrived shortly after 11am.

He told reporters at the scene: 'The operational crews extinguished the fire rapidly but as has been reiterated by the police chief constable, there was one fatality.

'Another individual had left the vehicle prior to the fire developing to the extent that it did. Our thoughts are with them and the families of those involved.'

Counter terrorism police launched an investigation into the explosion earlier today with raids carried out and a bomb squad (pictured) on site

A close friend of Mr Perry's told MailOnline the family believe the original target was the Remembrance service: 'The passenger asked David to go to the cathedral (pictured) so we believe that was the intended target. But they got stuck in heavy traffic so the passenger asked to go to the hospital instead'

Armed police were pictured outside two addresses on separate streets in Liverpool as officers closed the roads and residents were ordered to remain inside

In a statement, North West Ambulance Service said: 'At 10.59am today we were called to reports of a car explosion [at Liverpool Women's Hospital]. We were on scene by 11.04am.

'One person has died and another person was treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries, before being taken to hospital.'

In a statement, the hospital, which was featured on the hit Channel 4 series One Born Every Minute and looks after around 50,000 patients a year, said: 'We are reviewing our patient activity for the next 24-48 hours and patients should wait to be contacted for updates about any planned appointments or other attendance at the hospital.

'Our staff are being permitted to leave and enter the hospital under the supervision of Merseyside Police.

'We would like to say thank you for the co-operation and support of our patients, visitors and staff who have been impacted by this incident, in particular those members of staff who were at the scene at the time of the incident.'

Women were told to avoid the hospital over the next 24 hours unless directly contacted by staff and told to attend their appointments.

Counter Terrorism Police are leading the investigation, supported by Merseyside Police, a spokesman for the force confirmed
A cellphone and an iPad led rescuers to a father and his 13-year-old daughter who survived a plane crash in rural Pennsylvania and were found huddled in the woods more than seven hours later.

The unidentified father and daughter went missing after their fixed-wing single-engine 1967 Cessna 150H crashed en route to Mount Pocono on Sunday night.

Authorities asked the US Air Force to help with the search and they pinged the 58-year-old dads cellphone and 13-year-old daughters iPad to locate them.

State troopers set out looking for the father and daughter at around 9pm, and it took them another five hours to locate the survivors of the crash in the rough, rocky terrain dotted with swamps and boulders.

The man and his daughter were discovered in the woods in Bear Creek Township, suffering from injuries and hypothermia. Temperatures dipped into the 30s overnight.

'This was a miracle,' Chief James Serafin, Bear Creek Volunteer Hose Company, told PAHomepage. 'Those two individuals are very lucky.'

One of the survivors of Sunday's plane crash in rural Pennsylvania is pictured being loaded into the back of an ambulance early Monday after rescuers used pings from their electronic devices to find them in rough terrain

A 58-year-old man and his 13-year-old daughter (pictured on a stretcher) were found suffering from hypothermia

The father and daughter's Cessna 150H was last seen taking off from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Sunday evening

The pair had taken off from Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport on Sunday evening, briefly landed at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and departed again for Mount Pocono when the plane crashed in a wooded area of Luzerne County shortly after 6.30pm.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued an Alert Notice shortly after 7.30pm to public safety agencies to alert them about the missing aircraft.

The FAA said the plane had disappeared from radar after a rapid descent.

It took state troopers five hours to find the crash survivors in the woods

First responders described the survival of the father and daughter as a 'miracle'

'I've been a state trooper 28 years, and this is the first time that I've had a plane crash of this type where anybody survived, let alone two people survived,' Sgt. John Richards of the Pennsylvania State Police told WNEP.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were investigating what caused the plane to crash.

The two survivors were taken to a hospital. Their conditions were not known.

Records indicate that the Cessna was registered to Pocono Mountain Flying Club.
Protesters are planning to cause more chaos across Australia this weekend as part of a mass day of action against mandatory Covid vaccines.

Anti-vaccine demonstrators have circulated flyers on social media and encrypted messaging app Telegram calling for Australians to rally for a 'Worldwide Rally For Freedom' on Saturday at 12pm.

Protests are planned in thirteen cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Hobart.

'Freedom' protesters rallying against Covid vaccine mandates are planning their latest day of demonstrations across Australia on Saturday. Pictured: Anti-vaccine protesters in Melbourne in September

Flyers circulating on social media and encrypted messaging app Telegram are calling for Australians to rally for a 'Worldwide Rally For Freedom'

Protesters have listed a series of demands, including ending vaccine mandates, lockdown measures, 'medical discrimination' and 'unlawful quarantine detention'.

The Sydney protest meanwhile promises a speech from controversial United Australia Party anti-vax MP Craig Kelly.

The protests have been organised online using the hashtags #FreeAustralia and #wewillallbethere.

The planned rallies come after thousands of angry protesters stormed the Melbourne CBD on Saturday to demonstrate against mandatory vaccinations and new laws set to be introduced by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

The anti-government demonstrators marched through the city shouting 'kill the bill' last Saturday as they carried flags and provocative banners targeting the premier.

Families and young children were among the crowd, which included activists carrying a fake gallows and wearing horror movie masks.

One man's sign depicted Andrews wearing a Nazi officer's uniform and cap, another showed him as a gremlin and others simply displayed his face above words including 'liar' and 'scum'.

Thousands of 'pro-choice' and anti-vax protesters marched in Melbourne on Saturday against mandatory vaccination and a proposed expansion of the premier's powers

Organisers in Sydney promise a speech from controversial United Australia Party anti-vax MP Craig Kelly

The Adelaide protest flyer list a series of demands, including ending 'vaccine mandates', 'medical discrimination' and 'unlawful quarantine detention'

Protesters within the crowd chanted 'sack Dan Andrews' as they headed for Victorian State Parliament.

At Parliament House on Spring Street, the crowd was confronted with a line of Victorian mounted police.

Many of the demonstrators claimed they were not anti-vax, just opposed to Victorians being forced to get vaccinated.

Many others appeared supportive of popular conspiracy theories too.

Some carried obvious anti-vax messages, others bore anarchy insignia, attacked major media in their signs.

'Pro-choice' protestors, including one in a horror movie mask, flooded Melbourne streets displaying protest banners and even a fake gallows to protest the Andrews government on Saturday

The huge crowd was in the thousands - estimated as much as 20,000 by rogue MP Craig Kelly, who gave a dramatic speech

One man, who wore an Akubra and the flag as a cape, proudly displayed an 'Infowars' t-shirt in reference to discredited American extremist Alex Jones.

The law the 'kill the bill' signs refers to would give the premier the power to make pandemic 'declarations' which could be extended by three-months at a time - for as long as he deemed necessary.

Many held signs, some of which read 'coercion is not consent' and 'Dan is the virus'.

Other messages included 'the ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves it children'.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden will be entering Monday night's virtual summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping from a 'position of strength' - thanks to the infrastructure bill getting passed.

'Today he is signing this infrastructure bill. And this infrastructure bill is essential and important for many reasons, but one of which is for the first time in 20 years we will be investing more in infrastructure than China and that is going to strengthen our competition at home in addition to putting millions of people to work,' Psaki said at Monday's press briefing.

Biden and Xi will meet at 7:45 p.m. Washington time Monday night, which is 8:45 a.m. Tuesday in Beijing. The meeting is expected to last several hours, Psaki said.

President Joe Biden (left) will hold a virtual summit Monday night with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right). The summit is expected to last several hours as the leaders try to defuse tensions over Taiwan and other flashpoints

White House press secretary Jen Psaki argued in advance of the Biden-Xi virtual meeting that the president was coming into the meeting from a 'position of strength,' pointing to the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

The press secretary also argued that Biden will be entering the talks in good standing because he's spent his first 10 months in office strengthening relations with traditional U.S. allies.

'The president and the national security team feel that the president is coming into this meeting from a position of strength,' she said. 'If you look at where we were nine, ten months ago. And if you look at how we outline our approach to China, many months ago, we talked about the importance of rebuilding our alliances, our relationships, coordinating with Europeans and other key partners in the world on how we're approaching this relationship.'

'We have made enormous stides in building those relationships, including on the president's trip just two weeks ago where he had a range of conversations,' Psaki added, speaking of the G20 in Rome and the COP26 climate summit.

Biden has also been plagued by dragging poll numbers and the fallout from his disastrous pull-out from Afghanistan.

The aim of Monday's virtual summit with China is to defuse tensions over Taiwan and other flashpoints.

However, both sides have signaled little appetite for compromise.

'Certainly, the president will express areas where he feels China should be taking additional action, should be behaving in a different manner that is more aligned with the rules of the road and the expectations with the United States and the global community,' Psaki said.

The two leaders have spoken by phone twice since Biden's inauguration in January but with Xi refusing to travel abroad because of the pandemic, an online video meeting is the only option short of an in-person summit.

Most attention in the build-up has focused on the sparring over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by China, and Biden's aides have cast the summit as an opportunity to help prevent tensions escalating.

'We know as a responsible global leader that it's important to keep channels of communication open,' a senior administration official told reporters, adding that competition between the two countries should not lead to conflict.

'The president will also make clear that we want to build common guardrails to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.'

At the same time, the White House sought to temper expectations, with the official saying that the summit 'is not a meeting where we expect deliverables to be coming out.'

Biden, a veteran of foreign policy issues during his decades in politics, has often said phone conversations are no substitute for face-to-face meetings.

Xi has not left China for nearly two years, and Biden sharply criticised his absence at the recent COP-26 climate summit in Glasgow and G20 summit in Rome.

Relations between the superpowers plummeted during the presidency of Donald Trump, who launched a trade war with China while assailing Beijing over its handling of the pandemic.

Biden has recast the confrontation more broadly as a struggle between democracy and autocracy.

And while the day-to-day tone is more measured than under Trump, relations have worsened over Taiwan.

China has ramped up military activities near Taiwan in recent years, with a record number of warplanes intruding into the island's air defense zone in October.

The United States says it supports Taiwan's self-defense but is ambiguous about whether it would intervene to help directly. China is stepping up its rhetoric, warning Washington to keep out.

'Any connivance of and support for the "Taiwan independence" forces undermines peace across the Taiwan Strait and would only boomerang in the end,' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a weekend meeting.

China's foreign ministry on Monday put the onus on Biden to improve relations.

'We hope that the U.S. will work in the same direction as China to get along with each other,' foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.

Chinese state media on Monday also portrayed Taiwan as the key flashpoint in current US-China tensions.

The United States must 'take a step back from the Taiwan question,' the Global Times, a hawkish tabloid, said in an editorial.

However the US administration official signaled Biden would be 'very direct' on what he called 'China's coercive and provocative behavior with respect to Taiwan.'

The official also stressed that the two nations had room for cooperation in various areas, such as climate change.

This virtual meeting is being held at a time when Xi continues to strengthen his grip on power.

Top Chinese Communist Party leaders last week passed a resolution that is expected to help Xi shore up his power by setting in stone his vision for China and diminishing the role of previous leaders.

The resolution 'further cemented' power in the hands of the Chinese president, the Washington official said.

The official added, 'In our mind that just further underscores the importance of this leader level engagement.'
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Boris Johnson urged allies to 'work ever more closely with those who do share our values and instincts'

European reliance on Russia's new gas pipeline will embolden Vladimir Putin and undermine the independence of Ukraine, Boris Johnson has warned.

In a speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in the City of London last night, the Prime Minister urged EU allies to 'work ever more closely' as he issued a warning over the controversial Nord Stream 2 supply line.

Mr Johnson also accused Belarus's authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of President Putin, of an 'abhorrent' attempt to engineer a migrant crisis in an effort to undermine European unity.

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman earlier on Monday criticised the 'contrived crisis' and said the UK stands 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with its European allies as EU foreign ministers considered fresh sanctions against the regime in Minsk.

'So when we say that we support the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine, that is not because we want to be adversarial to Russia, or that we want in some way strategically to encircle or undermine that great country,' Mr Johnson said.

'And when our Polish friends asked for our help to deal with a contrived crisis on their border with Belarus, we were quick to respond.

'And we hope that our friends may recognise that a choice is shortly coming between mainlining ever more Russian hydrocarbons in giant new pipelines and sticking up for Ukraine and championing the cause of peace and stability, let me put it that way.'

Thousands of migrants, mainly from the Middle East, are trapped on the Belarus border with Poland, where the authorities are refusing to allow them to enter the EU.

Brussels has accused Mr Lukashenko of deliberately encouraging the migrants to breach its borders in retaliation for sanctions the EU has imposed in response to his repressive rule.

The Ministry of Defence announced on Friday that it was sending a small contingent of UK armed forces personnel to Poland to provide engineering support at the border.

It comes amid a build-up of Russian troops on the border of Ukraine, according to Kiev. The Kremlin has dismissed claims that it is preparing to invade, after the Ukrainian defence ministry reported that around 90,000 Russian troops were massing in the area.

Polish Territorial Defence Forces build additional fence where hundreds of migrants camp at the Belarus side of Kuznica Bialostocka-Bruzgi border crossing

Large ground forces deployment on the northern edge of the town of Yelnya, Smolensk Oblast, Russia

Map showing points of origin and destination of the Nord Stream pipe (solid line) and Nord Stream 2 pipeline (dotted line) between Russia and Germany. Putin hoped Nord Stream 2 would be finished two years ago, allowing Russia to bypass Ukraine in the south, which carries 50% of gas from Russia out via Poland

In a speech to business leaders, diplomats and dignitaries at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London on Monday night, the Prime Minister urged EU allies to 'work ever more closely' as he issued a warning over European reliance on Russian gas through the Nord Stream 2 supply line

Brussels has accused Mr Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), of deliberately encouraging the migrants to breach its borders in retaliation for sanctions the EU has imposed in response to his repressive rule

Russia is plotting to 'shatter Europe' with Belarus migrant crisis and troop build-up near Ukraine, Kiev says, as NATO warns against 'aggressive actions' and pro-Putin TV channel says Black Sea tensions are at 'boiling point' Vladimir Putin is plotting to 'shatter Europe' using the Belarus migrant crisis and a build-up of troops on the border of Ukraine, Kiev has warned. Dmytro Kuleba, the country's foreign minister, today warned the two events are not separate but part of a single Kremlin strategy to weaken and fracture alliances which bind Europe together and counter-balance Putin's power. Speaking after meetings in Brussels with NATO chief Jens Stoltenburg and EU foreign ministers, Mr Kubela said: 'When we see migrants used as a weapon, when we see disinformation used as a weapon, when we see gas used as a weapon, and soldiers and their guns  these are not separate elements.' Mr Stoltenburg added that NATO stands firmly behind Ukraine and warned Russia against any 'aggressive actions' after an 'unusual concentration' of troops was spotted along the border. Separately, a pro-Putin TV news show said tensions in the Black Sea are at 'boiling point' after two US warships - command vessel USS Mount Whitney and destroyer USS Porter - sailed into the Black Sea for a 10-day deployment. Advertisement

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'With reference to Poland, what we are seeing are the latest in a series of abhorrent attempts by the Lukashenko regime to engineer a migrant crisis to undermine Poland and others in the region.

'We stand in solidarity with our European partners and our commitment is to ensuring the Lukashenko regime is held accountable for its actions.'

EU foreign ministers are now expected to expand sanctions against Belarus to include airlines, travel agents and individuals alleged to be helping to entice migrants to Europe in what is being described as a 'hybrid attack' on the bloc.

It follows a call by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to Mr Putin to intervene to halt what she called the 'shameful manufactured migrant crisis' unfolding in the region.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, expressed concern that the situation could quickly escalate into something more serious.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and says the waters around it belong to Moscow now, despite most countries continuing to recognise the peninsula as Ukrainian.

Russian-backed separatists took control of Ukraine's eastern Donbass region that same year and soldiers on both sides continue to be regularly killed in the conflict there.

A NATO source, asked to describe how Russia is going about deploying its military equipment towards Ukraine, said: 'Large equipment such as tanks, self-propelled artillery and infantry fighting vehicles is moved at night to avoid tell-tale pictures showing up on social media as they did during the Russian military build-up in spring.'

'It can go either way,' Lithuania's foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters, also on Monday, on the margins of a meeting with his European Union counterparts.

The West cannot exclude a Russian attack on Ukraine while international attention is focused on the Belarus migration crisis, or that Russia establishes a permanent military presence in Belarus, he said.

'I would not exclude that as a possibility,' he said.

It comes as Russia dramatically stepped up its rhetoric by warning military tension with NATO is 'almost at boiling point'.

One Pro-Kremlin TV channel TV presenter warned that a 'confident and clod-blooded' Vladimir Putin was 'ready to simply destroy' in the event of a 'brazen violation' of its borders, which Moscow sees as including annexed Crimea.

The Russian blast over the presence of US battleships and NATO - including British - spy planes comes amid huge tension in the separate hot spot on the Belarus-Poland border where a rising number of migrants are seeking to force their way into the EU.

Vesti Nedeli current affairs TV host Dmitry Kiselyov - dubbed Putin's 'mouthpiece' and 'propagandist-in-chief' - claimed NATO aircraft and ships, including the USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter, were 'clearly trying to feel out the weak points in our defence'.

The alliance was 'acting more aggressively than ever', and demonstrating a 'resolve to engage in some nastiness'. The show on Rossiya 1 also accused the West of 'inciting' Ukraine to war with Russia.

Migrants gather on the Belarusian-Polish border near the Polish border crossing in Kuznica

Polish Territorial Defence Forces build additional razor wire fence where hundreds of migrants camp at the Belarus side of the border

Polish defence soldiers secure additional fencing where hundreds of migrants are camped at the Belarusian side of the border

Polish Territorial Defence Forces line the Belarusian border amid a migrant crisis

Hundreds of migrants break through Belarusian border fence in latest flashpoint at the Polish frontier: EU agrees new sanctions on Lukashenko as defiant dictator vows 'we will defend ourselves' Hundreds of migrants have broken through a Belarusian border fence with Polish guards rushing to stop them in the latest flashpoint on the febrile frontier today. Videos taken near the Kuznica border crossing point on Monday showed hundreds of people - the majority of whom appeared to be young men - pushing their way through a broken fence towards a smaller barbed wire barricade where Polish border police in riot uniforms confronted them. Polish border guard spokesman Anna Michalska said she is 'expecting an attempt at forceful crossing of the border' which she said is being carried out under the direction of Belarusian border guards. More footage showed a Polish helicopter hovering overhead as dozens of soldiers joined police in keeping the migrants back. It is just the latest en masse attempt at crossing the border by some 4,000 migrants who are gathered there, and comes as EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to sanction dictator Alexander Lukashenko's regime over the crisis. Migrants could be seen using makeshift ladders to try to scale the barbed wire fencing that separates Belarus from the EU. Advertisement

Presenter Irada Zeynalova on Gazprom-owned NTV alleged the West was 'exacerbating the situation' with the Black Sea 'almost at boiling point both in the air and the sea'.

'It is already dangerous,' she said.

She warned of a 'very alarming' military situation with NATO countries Poland and Lithuania mobilising troops on their territories, while the alliance held unplanned drills in the Black Sea.

Meanwhile, the US has been voicing increasing concern to allies over the recent Russian troop movements at the frontier with Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week it would be a 'serious mistake for Russia to engage in a repeat of what it did in 2014', when it seized Crimea from Kiev.

And on Monday, Germany's foreign ministry urged Moscow to exercise 'restraint' at the Ukrainian border.

Russia sparked major alarm at NATO back in spring that it could be looking to intervene in Ukraine with a huge build-up of troops at the border.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the latest movements were a continuation of the earlier pressure his country had faced.

'In Ukraine's view, what we currently see along the border is not a purely military buildup, because Russia already brought a military armada to our borders in spring and has never really withdrawn it since,' he said.

'What we see now is a deteriorating situation where Russia is demonstrating that it can quickly activate the already amassed troops and equipment and that every option, including the military one, is on the table for Russian leadership.'

Kuleba said that Kiev was looking to closely coordinate with its Western allies to 'take any measures which can help to deter Russia and to prevent the worst case scenarios'.

Ukraine remains locked in a festering conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country that started seven years ago.

It comes as Russia accused Britain of bearing responsibility for the migrants at the border between Belarus and Poland.

Videos taken near the Kuznica border crossing point on Monday showed hundreds of people - the majority of whom appeared to be young men - pushing their way through a broken fence towards a smaller barbed wire barricade where polish border police in riot uniforms confronted them.

More footage showed a Polish helicopter hovering overhead as dozens of soldiers joined police in keeping the migrants back, who appeared to be staging a sit-down protest on the Polish side of the crossing.

It is just the latest en masse attempt at crossing the border by some 4,000 migrants who are gathered there, and comes as EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels to sanction Lukashenko's regime over the crisis.
John James, the iconic soap opera actor brought on board to play Joe Biden in upcoming film My Son Hunter, sustained a head injury Saturday while in Serbia filming the biopic, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The actor's injury involved a lot of blood, a trip to the hospital and a bit of clumsiness as he slammed into a door while off-set at a restaurant in Belgrade.

'I was walking into a Belgrade restaurant and I collided with the side of a glass door,' he said of the incident. 'I had a large cut above my eye and there was a lot of blood on the footpath.'

James, 65, detailed: 'I was pretty stunned and went back to the Metropol Hotel where I'm staying and the manager Nicholas Kalogeras took over and personally rushed me to a hospital.'

Actor John James, who is playing Joe Biden in an upcoming movie, sustained an off-set head injury on Saturday while in Serbia for filming

James, 65, will play Biden in the My Son Hunter biopic about the president's son Hunter. Above: The actor portraying Biden on set of the movie in Serbia

James detailed that he walked into a door while eating at a restaurant on Saturday that resulted in a bloody mess requiring stitches on his forehead but persisted: 'The show must go on'

Despite a packed Serbian emergency room, James said he received 'top class treatment.'

'It was Saturday night in the ER room and like Saturday night ERs all over the world  it was pretty crazy but I received top class treatment and a couple of stitches and will be back on the set on Monday.'

'The show must go on,' he said.

Photos of the incident show James with a cloth around his head.

DailyMail.com revealed last month that James signed on to play President Biden in the upcoming movie about Hunter Biden from conservative filmmakers and married couple Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney.

Filming in Serbia began shooting the last week of October.

British actor Laurence Fox, who is playing Hunter Biden, posted a risque image last month that appeared to be from set.

In the photo, Fox was donning a white loin cloth, orange scarf and sunglasses  and nothing else  in an outfit indicative of one of the photos found on the president's son's harddrive.

'Everything is fine. I'm in a really good place,' Fox sarcastically posted in the image from the set where he was holding up a peace sign alongside a woman in lingerie.

Iconic soap opera actor John James will play Biden in the upcoming film My Son Hunter

In a 39-second clip announcing his role last month, James said: 'The script has it all. Money, power, greed, sex, drugs, and alcohol.'

'It kind of reminds me of Dynasty,' he said in a nod to his most notable TV role.

'This is a common tale of a father's ultimate love for his son, despite his major shortcomings,' the actor continued. 'My Son Hunter is an inside look at the world of politics.'

James, 65, is a veteran daytime soap opera star most known for his 1980s role of Jeff Colby in Dynasty, which ran from 1981-1989, and its spin-off series The Colbys, which ran from 1985-1987.

Most recently, James starred in 2020 film Axcellerator and will now take on playing the 46th President of the United States in a biopic about his son.

British actor Laurence Fox, who is playing Hunter Biden, shared a photo on Twitter Monday showing him donning a look the president's son was seen wearing in a photo leaked from his hard drive

The actor sarcastically wrote 'Everything is fine. I'm in a really good place.', along with the image

Conservative filmmakers and married couple Phelim McAleer (left) and Ann McElhinney (right) said when announcing the film earlier this year: 'The truth deserves to be told and it needs to be seen by as many people as possible. An entertaining and enjoyable movie is the best way to [do that]... If the media won't do their jobs, we'll do it for them'

DailyMail.com was first to report last month that British actor and politician Laurence Fox will play Hunter in the film  portraying alongside James one of the most controversial father-son duos.

'I'm especially excited to be working with a wonderful actor  Laurence Fox is going to be my son, Hunter,' James said. 'We have some interesting scenes together.'

In August, DailyMail.com reported that Bond villain and Goonies and Die Hard actor Robert Davi, 70, signed on to direct the biopic.

'I saw in him a depth, sincerity and an extreme likability which I wanted for the basis of Joe Biden, a man who has for 40 plus years been at the forefront of American politics,' Davi said of James joining the cast.

'It is important to have an actor that can measure up to such an icon, while at the same time present an endearing quirkiness without falling into the trap of belaboring his apparent frailties. John James is that actor,' he continued.

'With John and Laurence, I think audiences will be riveted by Joe and Hunters relationship and come to understand the dynamics between father and son.'

The film is described by its makers as a way to 'explore how Hunter Biden amassed tens of millions of dollars from foreign entities owned by oligarchs, and the controversial interactions between Hunter, his father and other members of the Biden family.'

McAleer and McElhinney, who are Irish filmmaker, are engaged in a crowdfunding campaign to fund the movie, which has already raised more than $1.6 million.

The budget for the film is $1.8 million, just $200,000 more than they have raised so far, and began shooting in Serbia this week and will go into November  lasting four weeks total.

Robert Davi (left), the 70-year-old known for his James Bond and Goonies villain roles, will direct the film and British actor Laurence Fox (right), 43, has signed on to play Hunter Biden

The couple have written and produced several niche films mostly backed by crowdfunded efforts and specifically targeting conservative viewers. Two of their bigger films include 'Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer', which is a true crime drama based on abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell; and 'FrackNation', which addressed what they called misinformation about hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking'.

McAleer said they are thrilled to have James joining the project to expose the 'partying lifestyle and dodgy business practices' of the president's son.

'Joe Biden is a complex character,' McAleer explained. 'At times he mumbles and stumbles but he also is one the longest serving politicians in Washington who has become very wealthy during his time in public service.'

'John is the perfect actor to portray that complexity,' he added.
Christian Porter has dismissed claims he will quit federal politics for good to return to work as a lawyer and settle down with his new girlfriend in Sydney.

Sources previously stated Mr Porter would announce his intentions to no longer run at the next election as the member for Pearce in his hometown of Perth.

However, the former attorney-general told Sky News they were false claims.

It comes less than two months after Mr Porter resigned from cabinet over revelations he accepted an undisclosed donation from a blind trust to pay for his civil lawsuit against the ABC.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Mr Porter stood down as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology and would return to the backbench.

Sources had claimed Mr Porter would announce his departure from politics ahead of the next election, slated to be held next March or May.

Sources have claimed Mr Porter (pictured) will announce his intentions to no longer run at the next election as the member for Pearce

Mr Porter's current partner, well-regarded criminal lawyer Karen Espiner, lives in Sydney

Mr Porter's rumoured departure from politics follows in the wake of a taxing year that saw him move to sue the ABC over a story that revealed a 'senior cabinet minister' was accused of raping a teenage girl.

The Western Australian Liberal Party politician chose to identify himself as the minister days later in February and vehemently denied the allegations that dated back to 1988 when the woman was 16 and he was 17.

Mr Porter sued the ABC for defamation who in turn added an editorial note to the original article stating it did not intend to suggest Mr Porter had committed the alleged offence.

The ABC agreed to pay $100,000 towards the cost of mediation to settle the matter, leaving the politician with legal bills estimated to cost $600,000 to $1million.

After mediation, Mr Porter decided to drop his case against the ABC in May.

In September Mr Porter revealed that his legal fees were partly paid for by a donation from a blind trust which means the identity of the donor or donors is kept secret.

He then tendered his resignation from cabinet after he refused to reveal the identity of the mystery donors, insisting he didn't know who they are.

Mr Porters's (pictured) rumoured departure from politics comes less than two months after he announced his resignation from cabinet

Mr Porter released a 1,600-word-long statement on his resignation that claimed he was subject to a 'trial by media' and at the time, announced his intention to remain in politics and contest the next election.

He said he did not want his donors to become the 'targets of the social media mob' and said he had been threatened since the allegations against him came to light.

'For me personally, the physical threats of violence, the experience of being spat at and publicly abused for something I didn't do has been nearly beyond comprehension in a civilised country,' he said.

Mr Porter said he does not think he has breached ministerial standards but did not want to be 'a very unhelpful distraction' for the coalition government.

Labor opposition called his willingness to accept money from an unknown source an 'outrageous abuse of his office' and his refusal to name the anonymous donors 'the cover up to end all cover ups'.

The politician is due to be formally questioned by a parliamentary committee to explain his refusal to disclose the identities of the donors in coming days.

Mr Porter (pictured with ex-wife Jennifer in 2018) is due to be formally questioned by a parliamentary committee to explain his refusal to disclose the identities of anonymous donors to help pay his outstanding legal fees

The senior cabinet minister (pictured in March) has vehemently denied historical rape allegations that date back to 1988 when he was 17 years old

In June, regarded criminal lawyer Karen Espiner confirmed she was in a relationship with Mr Porter, adding the new coupling was not a secret but a 'private matter'.

It came after Ms Espiner was spotted taking romantic strolls along Coogee Beach with the 50-year-old former attorney general.

The co-founder of local firm Younes + Espiner Lawyers, confirmed that the pair had struck up a romance.

'We are in the early stages of a relationship,' Ms Espiner said in a statement.

'That relationship has not been a secret but it is a private matter which we do not intend to talk about in any detail.'

Mr Porter split with his ex wife Jennifer in January of 2020 after almost 13 years of marriage. The pair share two children.

'It is a mutual decision and no third parties are involved,' they said.

'We have been working hard to see what could be possible because first and foremost we are loving parents to two wonderful little children.'

Mr Porter split with his ex wife Jennifer in January of 2020 after almost 13 years of marriage. The pair share two children (pictured, the former couple in 2019)

In March, the former attorney general outed himself as the senior minister accused of the historical rape allegation during a tearful press conference.

'The things that have been claimed to happen did not happen,' he said.

'I did not sleep with the [alleged] victim. We didn't have anything of that nature happen between us.

'The things I have read did not happen. And to suggest that they could be forgotten is ridiculous, they just never happened.'

Following Mr Porter's press conference, the ABC said it does not 'regret' the article.

A spokeswoman said: 'The ABC has never and still does not accept that the article suggested guilt on the part of Mr Porter.

'The article was not sensationalist. It was an accurate and factual report on a letter that had been sent to the Prime Minister and two other senior politicians.'

The accuser, who struggled with her mental health for years, told police about her allegation in February last year.

The woman, who has been named only as Kate, took her own life in June. NSW Police closed their investigation into the matter in March.
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The jury in the Kenosha shooter trial has begun deliberations.

Six of the 18 jurors who have heard the case were selected as alternates Tuesday morning and must remain in the courthouse while the remaining 12 deliberate in case any of the selected jurors are unable to continue deliberations for any reason such as ill-health. If that were to happen one of the alternates will be asked to step in.

While they wait, the alternates will be kept separate from the rest of the jurors and allowed to access their laptop computers and watch movies provided by the court but they cannot discuss the case with each other or view any information about it.

Kyle Rittenhouse himself drew the numbers of the six jurors from a brown metal tumbler, handing the slips of paper to the bailiff who handed them to the judge to be read.

The three men and three women who were drawn stood as their number were read. The remaining jury now consists of five men and seven woman and all but one juror is white.

This comes hours after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to explain on Monday why Joe Biden called Kyle Rittenhouse a 'white supremacist' immediately after the 17-year-old shot three white people during riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year.

'What I'm not going to speak to right now is anything about an ongoing trial nor the president's past comments,' she said, even though the president commented on the situation before it was litigated.

But Psaki then made her feelings clear, saying, 'What I can reiterate for you is the president's view that we shouldn't have, broadly speaking, vigilantes patrolling our communities with assault weapons.

'We shouldn't have opportunists corrupting peaceful protests by rioting and burning down the communities they claim to represent  anywhere in the country.'

The jury in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, 18, began deliberations Tuesday. Kyle Rittenhouse himself drew the numbers of the six from a brown metal tumbler, handing the slips of paper to the bailiff who handed them to the judge to be read

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to discuss on Monday Joe Biden calling Kyle Rittenhouse a 'white supremacist' last year

Six of the 18 jurors who have heard the case were selected as alternates Tuesday morning and must remain in the courthouse while the remaining 12 deliberate in case they should be re-called

Two months before Biden was elected president, he criticized then-President Trump for refusing to condemn people who are against the Black Lives Matter riots as 'white supremacists.'

The tweet from the then-candidate included an image of Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shooting.

'There's no other way to put it: the President of the United States refused to disavow white supremacists on the debate stage last night,' Biden tweeted in September 2020.

Psaki told Fox News' Peter Doocy when talking about the case Monday: 'As you know, closing arguments in this particular case, which I'm not speaking to, I'm just making broad comments about his own view  there's an ongoing trial, we're awaiting a verdict, beyond that, I'm not going to speak to any individual or this case.'

'But the president has spoken to it already,' Doocy shot back.

'I just have nothing more to speak to an ongoing case,' Biden's top spokesperson said.

Republican Rep. Dan Bishop said Tuesday of Biden's comments, 'President Biden should be held accountable for wrongfully labeling a 17-year-old kid a 'white supremacist.' The facts of this case simply never mattered to Biden, this White House, or Congressional Democrats. They want to condemn someone who acted in self-defense against rioters, but seemingly have no problem with the very riots they cheered on last year.'

Addressing the remaining 12 jury members, Judge Bruce Schroeder said Tuesday, 'It is for you to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

'You must make a finding on each count [and your] verdict on one count must not affect your finding on any other count'

The entire proceedings lasted less than ten minutes with the jury sent out at 9.14am.

Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz on August 25, 2020.

A man who claimed to be hired security for a television station is seen standing by a news vehicle outside the Kenosha County Courthouse during the Rittenhouse trial

Demonstrators protest outside the Kenosha County Courthouse, as the jury deliberates. One holds a sign that reads: Konvict Killer Kyle

One demonstrator appears in support of Rittenhouse, holding an American flag and holding a sign that reads 'Self-defense is not a crime'

Members of the Wisconsin National Guard are seen on Monday, 60 miles from Kenosha, on standby

Authorities in Kenosha insist that they are prepared for every eventuality

A boarded-up business is seen with a sign paying tribute to Jacob Blake, who was shot in the back by a police officer but survived. His shooting sparked the riots

Downtown Kenosha displayed messages in support of Jacob Blake on Monday

The city of Kenosha was boarded up on Monday, as the city braced for protests following the verdict

On Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder told the jury to ignore 'everyone's opinion' - including that of President Joe Biden, who labeled Rittenhouse a white supremacist, and Donald Trump, who has described Rittenhouse as someone who acted in self defense.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger said in closing arguments yesterday that when the shooting stopped, Rittenhouse walked off like a 'hero in a Western.'

But Rittenhouse's lawyer countered that the shooting started after the young man was ambushed by a 'crazy person' that night and feared his gun was going to be wrested away and used to kill him.

The governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers, has called up 500 members of the Wisconsin National Guard, to counter expected protest.

'We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,' Evers stated.

'The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing,' Evers said.

'I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.'

Kenosha Police Department and the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department said they are monitoring the trial and are working with local and federal authorities to ensure the 'safety of our communities.'

Defense attorney Mark Richards began closing statements Monday afternoon claiming Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger 'lied to the jury's faces'

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger told the jury Rittenhouse was looking for the 'thrill' of telling people what to do, 'running around with an AR-15' with 'neither the honor nor the legal right to do so'. Binger held Rittenhouse's AR-15 aloft as he spoke, pointing it on the corner of the court

Rittenhouse fatally shot Joseph Rosenbaum (left), 36, with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle after Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse across a parking lot and threw a plastic bag at him shortly before midnight on August 25, 2020. Moments later, as Rittenhouse was running down a street, he shot and killed Anthony Huber (right), 26, a protester from Silver Lake, Wisconsin

What charges does Kyle Rittenhouse face? Kyle Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them and wounding the third, during a protest against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year. Rittenhouse has argued that he fired in self-defense after the men attacked him. Here's a look at the charges that prosecutors carried into court, as well as lesser charges that the judge could put before the jury in final instructions: COUNT 1: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESS HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This felony charge is connected to the death of Joseph Rosenbaum, the first man Rittenhouse shot. Bystander video shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing a plastic bag at him. Rittenhouse flees behind a car and Rosenbaum follows. Video introduced at trial showed Rittenhouse wheeling around and firing as Rosenbaum chased him. Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was trailing Rittenhouse, testified that Rosenbaum lunged for Rittenhouse's gun. Reckless homicide differs from intentional homicide in that prosecutors aren't alleging Rittenhouse intended to murder Rosenbaum. Instead, they're alleging Rittenhouse caused Rosenbaum's death in circumstances showing an utter disregard for human life. Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher said prosecutors' decision to charge reckless instead of intentional homicide shows they don't know what happened between Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum and what might have been going through Rittenhouse's mind when he pulled the trigger. The charge is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The dangerous weapon modifier carries an additional five years. Prosecutors asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to let the jury also consider a lesser charge, second-degree reckless homicide, that does not require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. It's punishable by up to 25 years in prison. But after Rittenhouse's attorneys objected, Schroeder said he did not plan to give that instruction. He said he expected that a guilty verdict on that count would be overturned because the defense objected to adding it. COUNT 2: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This felony charge is connected to the Rosenbaum shooting. McGinniss told investigators he was in the line of fire when Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum. The charge is punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier carries an additional five years. Prosecutors asked Schroeder to let the jury consider a second-degree version of this charge. The difference is that the second-degree version doesn't require a finding that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. Schroeder said he was inclined to allow that instruction, though he didn't make a final ruling. The charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. COUNT 3: FIRST-DEGREE RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING SAFETY, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON Video shows an unknown man leaping at Rittenhouse and trying to kick him seconds before Anthony Huber moves his skateboard toward him. Rittenhouse appears to fire two rounds at the man but apparently misses as the man runs away. This charge is a felony punishable by 12 1/2 years in prison. The weapons modifier again would add up to five more years. Schroeder said he would decline prosecutors' request that jurors be allowed to consider this charge in the second degree. COUNT 4: FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This charge is connected to Huber's death. Video shows Rittenhouse running down the street after shooting Rosenbaum when he falls to the street. Huber leaps at him and swings a skateboard at his head and neck and tries to grab Rittenhouse's gun before Rittenhouse fires. The criminal complaint alleges Rittenhouse aimed the weapon at Huber. Intentional homicide means just that - a person killed someone and meant to do it. Bucher said that if Rittenhouse pointed the gun at Huber and pulled the trigger that would amount to intentional homicide. However, self-defense would trump the charge. 'Why I intended to kill this individual makes the difference,' Bucher said. The count carries a mandatory life sentence. The weapons modifier would add up to five years. Prosecutors asked Schroeder to give the jury the option of second-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide and second-degree reckless homicide in Huber's death. The defense objected only to the second-degree reckless homicide charge, and Schroeder said he 'embraced' that argument. Second-degree intentional homicide is a fallback charge when a defendant believed he was in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that it was necessary to use force - but either belief was unreasonable. It's punishable by up to 60 years in prison. The first-degree reckless homicide charge sought in Huber's death matches an original charge in Rosenbaum's death - it would require jurors to decide that Rittenhouse caused Huber's death with an utter disregard for human life - and is punishable by up to 60 years in prison. COUNT 5: ATTEMPTED FIRST-DEGREE INTENTIONAL HOMICIDE, USE OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON This is the charge for Rittenhouse shooting Gaige Grosskreutz in the arm seconds after he shot Huber, and as Grosskreutz came toward him holding a pistol. Grosskreutz survived. Video shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at Grosskreutz and firing a single round. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 60 years. The weapons modifier would add up to five more years. Prosecutors asked that the jury be allowed to consider lesser counts in the Grosskreutz shooting: second-degree attempted intentional homicide, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree reckless endangerment. Defense attorneys didn't oppose the first, but did oppose adding the reckless endangerment counts. Schroeder didn't rule but said he was inclined to side with prosecutors. The possible punishment for attempted second-degree intentional homicide is 30 years. DISMISSED - COUNT 6: POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON BY A PERSON UNDER 18 Rittenhouse was armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. He was 17 years old on the night of the shootings. Wisconsin law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except for hunting. It was not clear on Friday what Schroeder intends to tell jurors about that charge. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months behind bars. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet Monday morning. COUNT 7: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN EMERGENCY ORDER FROM STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT Rittenhouse was charged with being out on the streets after an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the city, a minor offense that carries a fine of up to $200. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed the charge during the second week of trial after the defense argued that prosecutors hadn't offered enough evidence to prove it Advertisement

'We recognize that there are varying opinions and feelings that revolve around the trial that may cause concerns,' the two agencies said.

On Monday the courthouse saw demonstrators calling for Rittenhouse's conviction, and supporters demanding his acquittal.

Protesters carried signs that read, 'Know justice know peace,' 'Self-defense is not a crime,' and 'Racism kills.'

Their chants could be heard inside the courthouse.

Among them were Mark and Patricia McCloskey - the Missouri couple who hit the headlines when they stood outside their St Louis mansion armed with guns as Black Lives Matter protesters passed last summer.

Mark McCloskey is now running for the U.S. Senate, hoping to represent Missouri.

'We feel for Mr. Rittenhouse,' Mark McCloskey told Fox News. 'We feel he acted in self-defense.

'We think he's been politically prosecuted, as were we, and we're hoping that the jury find him not guilty on all counts and that he can go home a free man.

'Rittenhouse is a young man.

'He was doing the best he could to help his country and to save businesses up here in Kenosha, and as his reward, he's having the rest of his life threatened.'

Residents of Kenosha were braced for unrest.

'No matter which way the verdict goes, somebody is going to be upset,' said Lyna Postuchow, owner of A Summer's Garden, a floral shop.

She told NBC News: 'You always have to be ready because you don't know what's going to happen, but we hope cooler minds prevail.'

The McCloskeys show their support: Gun-toting couple arrive outside Kenosha courthouse to back Rittenhouse who they claim has been 'politically prosecuted' Mark McCloskey, a 64-year-old personal injury lawyer, and his wife Patricia were among the Rittenhouse supporters outside court on Monday. The pair made national headlines when, on June 28, 2020, they brandished their guns at Black Lives Matter protesters walking past their St Louis house. In June they each pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge - her for harassment, him for fourth-degree assault - and agreed to pay a total of nearly $3,000 in fines. The couple, both lawyers, also agreed to give up the guns they had brandished in the confrontation. A little over a month later, they were pardoned by the Republican governor, Mike Parson. Patricia and Mark Thomas McCloskey in front of the Kenosha County Courthouse on the day of closing arguments in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial Mark McCloskey, a 64-year-old personal injury lawyer, and his wife Patricia were among the Rittenhouse supporters outside court on Monday The pair made national headlines when, on June 28, 2020, they brandished their guns at Black Lives Matter protesters walking past their St Louis house Mark McCloskey is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat, representing Missouri. On Monday they were in Kenosha to show their support for Rittenhouse. 'We feel for Mr. Rittenhouse,' Mark McCloskey told Fox News. 'We feel he acted in self-defense. We think he's been politically prosecuted, as were we, and we're hoping that the jury find him not guilty on all counts and that he can go home a free man,' he added. Advertisement

Last summer saw her shop smashed during the violent unrest following Blake's shooting, and $10,000 worth of damage was done.

'Nobody wants a repeat of last summer. Those were not Kenosha people. That's not who caused us damage,' Postuchow said.

Gus Harris, owner of Flex & Burn Fitness Center, said he plans to board up his gym like he did in the summer of 2020.

'Obviously, we're concerned. Definitely,' he told NBC.

Some were waiting to see which way the jury went, and how the crowd reacted, before deciding whether to board up their stores.

Mike Lampos, owner of the downtown bar Fec's Place, said: 'Our city is on the line. Either way, you're going to have people who are unhappy. Only half will be happy about the outcome. The other half are the people who are coming,' to possibly damage businesses, he said.

'I wouldn't say I'm not concerned, but I'm not as worried as I was. I'm not boarding up,' he continued. 'Well, if this were to turn into something we had last year and buildings are burning, I've got my boards ready. I could board up in an hour.'

Anne Benson, owner of Oliver's Bakery, agreed.

'Do I have my boards? Yes, I do.

'Do I want to put them up? No, I don't,' she said, speaking to NBC affiliate TJM4.

'I'm not sure what's going to happen. All I'm going to do is stay positive.'

John Fox, a 61-year-old Kenosha resident who lived near the scene of the 2020 protests and previously represented the business district as an alderman, said he was deeply worried.

A shopping mall in Downtown Kenosha is seen boarded up, with a Banksy-style design on the board

Kenosha was quiet on Sunday, ahead of the week when deliberations would begin. Mike Lampos, who own's Fec's Place (pictured) said he was not intending on boarding up his business but was ready in case it was necessary

Buildings are seen boarded up around the courthouse on Monday, ahead of potential unrest

Signs on a business beg potential rioters not to set fire to the building

'I am feeling, oh gosh, I am feeling hopeful that nothing gets out of hand no matter how the verdict comes in,' Fox, who has since retired, told The Daily Beast.

He said last year's unrest was 'three days of destruction and death.'

Rittenhouse's mother says he was being 'chased by a mob' and is now being treated for PTSD Kyle Rittenhouse's mother has defended him shooting and killing two BLM protesters last summer, saying it was either their lives or her teenage son's who was being 'chased by a mob'. In an interview with NBC Nightly News on Sunday, Rittenhouse's mother Wendy said she believes her son - who sobbed on the witness stand - did a 'good job' giving evidence. She said he is being treated for PTSD and that she is standing by him, claiming he would be dead if he hadn't brought his AR-15 rifle to the riot last August. 'A lot of people shouldn't have been there. He brung that gun for protection and to this day, if he didn't have that gun my son would have been dead. 'He went down there to help. And he was chased by a mob,' she said. 'Wendy said she was 'scared' ahead of the verdict, and that she was a 'nervous wreck' when her son took the stand last week. 'Twelve people have my son's life in their hands. I will always stand by him,' she said. Advertisement

He added: 'I just hope that people remain calm and don't do any damage and don't hurt each other.'

On Monday, Judge Schroeder dismissed a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared to be among the likeliest of the charges to net a conviction. It carries by up to nine months in jail.

The defense argued that Wisconsin law has an exception related to the length of a weapon's barrel. After prosecutors conceded Rittenhouse's rifle was not short-barreled, the judge threw out the charge.

Perhaps in recognition of weaknesses in their case, prosecutors asked the judge to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit him on the original counts. Schroeder agreed to do so as he delivered some 36 pages of legal instructions to the jury.

In his instructions, the judge said that to accept Rittenhouse's claim of self-defense, the jury must find that he believed there was an unlawful threat to him and that the amount of force he used was reasonable and necessary.

Prosecutor Thomas Binger said Rittenhouse was a 'wannabe soldier' and was 'looking for trouble that night.' Binger repeatedly showed the jury drone video that he said depicted Rittenhouse pointing the AR-style weapon at demonstrators.

'This is the provocation. This is what starts this incident,' the prosecutor declared.

He told the jury: 'You lose the right to self-defense when you're the one who brought the gun, when you are the one creating the danger, when you're the one provoking other people.'

Defense attorney Mark Richards said that Binger 'lied to the jury's face' in his closing statements, when he stood to address the court Monday afternoon.

'This case is not a game. It's my client's life,' said Richards.

'We don't play fast and loose with the facts, pretending that Mr Rosenbaum was citizen A, number one guy.

'He was a bad man. He was there that night causing trouble. He was a rioter. And my client had to deal with him that night alone.'

Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time of the shootings, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and other counts for killing Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz.

Richards went on to accuse Binger of raising the notion that Rittenhouse had 'provoked' events as a desperate measure  brought in 'when the case explodes in his face.'

Standing to face the jury he said bluntly, 'Mr Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client and going to kill him and take his gun and carry out the threats he had made.'

Supporters of Rittenhouse were seen on Monday demonstrating outside the courthouse

Activists chanted loudly all day, and could be heard inside the courtroom

Rittenhouse's critics were present in force, as were his supporters

Rittenhouse's opponents were also making their feelings known on the steps of the courthouse

Activists who want to see Rittenhouse convicted, and describe the three people he shot - two fatally - as 'heroes', clashed on Monday with those who believe Rittenhouse acted in self-defense

Mark and Patricia McCloskey were outside the Kenosha courthouse on Monday, ahead of the jury retiring to consider their verdict. They said they wanted to show their support for Rittenhouse

Standing to rebut, Assistant District Attorney James Kraus reiterated Binger's contention that Rittenhouse brought a gun to a fist fight.

'Forget about provocation,' he said, Rittenhouse had 'size' on Rosenbaum, 'Punch him in the face, kick him in the testicles, knee him in the face, hit him with your gun.' he said. 'You don't immediately get to shoot someone.

'Anything else and [both] Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum are still alive.'

Prosecution's star witness is a career criminal with a history of domestic abuse, prowling, trespass and burglary - but had charges DROPPED just six days before trial began and jury never learned of his past The prosecution's star witness in the Kyle Rittenhouse case had a criminal charge dismissed just six days before the trial's start, meaning the jury had no insight into his extensive criminal record nor his history of lying to police, DailyMail.com can reveal. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger was well aware of this when he paraded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, the third man shot on the night of August 25, 2020, as a paragon of selfless virtue. He was a paramedic, the court heard, just there that evening to provide medical aid, as he claimed to have done at countless other protests across the country. In fact, DailyMail.com has learned, he is a violent career criminal with a laundry list of prior offenses and convictions stretching back more than a decade. Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, was shot by Kyle Rittenhouse in August 2020, and appeared as the prosecution's star witness last week. He was the only one who survived being shot by Rittenhouse that night These include domestic abuse, prowling, trespass, two DUIs, felony burglary and two charges of carrying a firearm while intoxicated - one of which took place when he was banned as a felon from carrying a firearm. He also has a history of showing disdain for the law by lying to, and failing to co-operate with, police. Grosskreutz is seen in bodycam footage being pulled over on October 6, 2020 - less than two months after being shot by Kyle Rittenhouse DailyMail.com can reveal that less than ten days before he was shot by Rittenhouse, on August 16, 2020, Grosskreutz was arrested by West Allis Police and charged with prowling when he was caught videotaping personal police officer vehicles in the police department parking lot at 1am But the Rittenhouse jury heard none of this. Because just six days before he took the stand, Grosskreutz was before a judge himself at a hearing at which a pending DUI charge  a second offense that saw him three times over the legal limit  was dismissed on a technicality. Grosskreutz's attorney successfully filed a Motion to Suppress Evidence on the basis that the traffic stop from which it had been obtained had been unlawful. Had Grosskreutz's latest DUI charge not been dismissed in such a timely manner Rittenhouse's defense would have been allowed to question him under oath about the fact that he was on bond and the nature of his offense. The information would have severely damaged Grosskreutz's credibility and eroded the wholesome image of a law-abiding citizen offered up by the prosecution. Advertisement

Kraus insisted that, 'it is not reasonable for any 17-year-old male to not try to defend himself with some other method.

He said that the notion that Rosenbaum had made to grab for his gun was 'concocted' to justify actions that, he said, simply were not justified.

He mocked the notion that Rosenbaum could have killed Rittenhouse with his bare hands 'like a movie star.'

Kraus went onto describe Richard's closing as 'somewhat personal.'

He said, 'If he wasn't taking shots at Mr Binger it was gloating and boasting about his client's kills.'

Kraus quickly waded into controversial territory when he turned to address the defense's observation that the state could but had not brought the Ziminskis to the stand.

Joshua Ziminski fired a shot into the air moments before Rittehouse turned to shoot at Rosenbaum. He and his wife Kelly could arguably have provided important eye-witness testimony.

Kraus began, 'Knows darn well that the Ziminskis are charged by my office and have a fifth amendment right.'

At this point Richards objected pointing out that the Ziminskis plural were not charged and therefore Mrs Ziminski has no such right.

Judge Schroeder asked the jury to leave while the court reporter looked back over just what had been said before sustaining Richard's objection and bringing the jury back in.

But Kraus had barely started up again when Richards objected once more pointing out that none of this had been brough into evidence and that besides it was not true to suggest that Ziminski had no choice but to plead the Fifth for fear of incriminating himself.

Richards said, 'They can grant immunity. They hold the keys to Mr Ziminski testifying or not testifying.'

Judge Schroeder addressed Kraus, 'You're making it sound that Mr Ziminski is unavailable because of his testimonial privilege but Mr Richards is asking if he should be allowed a rebuttal so that he can explain that that is somewhat under control of the DA.

'At this point I'm just going to ask you to move on.'

Ultimately after more of the tense to and fro between attorneys and judge that has characterized this case Judge Schroeder concluded that he would simply tell the jury that either party could have called Kelly Ziminski.

Kraus had promised a brief rebuttal but spoke at length. He called the account that Rosenbaum threatened Rittenhouse, 'concocted' and dismissed the notion that Grosskreutz was a threat armed with a Glock as 'preposterous.'

He circled back to Binger's opening theme, that Rittenhouse was a 'chaos tourist.'

He said, 'We know that Mr Rittenhouse was going around that night trying to be a paramedic, a policeman and a firearm without having any real training.

'He went around with his gun trying to intimidate people.

'He's a chaos tourist. He was there to see what was going on and act important, be a big deal.

'And in the moment, some of that chaos comes back to him he cowardly shoots a man instead of fighting back.

'That is not privileged. That is not reasonable. That is not what any reasonable person in his position would have done.'

As for Richard's description of Huber's skateboard as a, 'deadly weapon,' he said, 'I supposed somebody better tell all the parents and Santa Claus who are planning on getting their kids one they're getting them a deadly weapon.

'I guess they'd better get an AR-15 instead. It's ridiculous.'

He said that Rittenhouse's motivation was simple. He wanted to 'stay in the action' and 'continue to do things that made him feel big and important.'

He said, 'He could have run he could have foughthe did not exhaust all options.

'Killing a man because you don't want to defend yourself. That's the definition of reckless homicide right there.

'And if you're shooting an AR-15 at close range at people you have no regard for human life.'

Kraus began to wind up, 'It is not up to Mr Rittenhouse to be the judge the jury and eventually the executioner.

There's a lot going on in this case. We all know that. We all knew that from the day we walked in.'

He said, 'This verdict should be about what the facts are and what Mr Rittenhouse did. That's what the 12 of you who go to deliberate will decide. You are the fact finders. You decide.'

He concluded, 'The only imminent threat that night was Mr Rittenhouse. He was not acting in legal self-defense. He's guilty.'

Immediately after Judge Schroeder uttered the solemn words, 'Members of the jury the time has come when the great burden of reaching a just fair and conscious decision in this case will be placed with you jurors.'

He reminded them that this power is handed to them and them alone.

He said, 'I charge you to keep your duty steadfastly in mind and to as upright citizens to return just and true verdicts.'

The jury will return to the court at 9am tomorrow morning when six of their names will be drawn from a tumbler and they will be 'held in reserve' and not join deliberations which will then begin.

Earlier in the day, Richards had decimated the state's 'star witness' Gaige Grosskreutz.

He asked, 'If he's just your average complaining witness why did he get a lawyer?'

'He didn't have a valid Conceal Carry permit. He lies to police. He says he dropped his gun going down the street. That's what's called obstructing.

'Most people when you lie to the cops you get in a little big of trouble,' Richards said,.

He continued, 'Not Mr. Grosskreutz because he's their star witness: bought, paid for and protected by the state.'

Richards said Grosskreutz completely misrepresented himself and his motivations that night. Richards said, 'We know what his intent was. We know what he was going to do and Kyle shot first.

'Grosskreutz decides he's going to shoot my client. Unfortunately [for him] my client shot him first. If he'd retreated it's over.'

In a thinly veiled allusion to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, the incident that sparked the nights of violence during which the Rittenhouse shot Rosenbaum, Huber and Grosskreutz, Richards said, 'Four shots in three quarters of a secondhe's backing up shooting and he shoots until the threat [is gone].

'Ladies and gentlemen other people in this community have shot somebody seven times and it's been found to be okay.'

No charges were brought in connection with the police shooting.

Richards decimated the prosecution's 'star witness' Gaige Grosskreutz, saying he is 'bought, paid for and protected by the state'

Richards said Grosskreutz's completely misrepresented himself and his motivations that night. 'We know what his intent was. We know what he was going to do and Kyle shot first.' Images of Grosskreutz's injuries on the night of the riot were shown to the jury on Monday

The jury sat rapt as Richards spoke, studying the images and video that he showed, their attention never wavering despite the long day.

Richards worked through each count in turn. Of Daily Caller Chief Video Director Richie McGinniss he said, 'As a witness I think he helped us more than hurt us.'

Indeed, McGinniss upended the state's case when he testified, as an eye-witness, that Rosenbaum, 'lunged' for Rittenhouse's gun and would not be dissuaded from that assessment.

Richards pointed out, 'My client is not responsible for endangering him when he runs into danger. His [self-defense] privilege has to count to Mr. McGinnniss.'

Where Binger had sought to paint Huber a 'hero' Richards described him as a 'rioter,' helping Rosenbaum push a lit dumpster into the road, 'pointing his middle finger at the police.'

He said that the state wanted them to consider Rittenhouse an 'active shooter' because of the loaded connotations of that term but that he was nothing of the sort.

He said, 'Kyle was a 17-year-old kid out there trying to help the community. He was asked to help provide security and he did it. He offered to provide aid.

'Mr. Binger wants to poo-poo his sincere attempt to provide aidbut [Kyle was] willing to do that.'

He told the court, 'Kyle was not an active shooter. That is a buzz word that the state wants to latch onto because it excuses the actions of that mob.'

Kyle Rittenhouse is seen with his AR-15 patrolling the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin on the night he killed two men and injured a third

Turning his attention to Grosskreutz, Binger characterized him as a person who 'could have aimed and fired [his own gun] but he did not'. Rittenhouse is seen on the ground before shooting Grosskreutz

Binger minimized every attack on Rittenhouse dismissing the notion that he could truly believe himself under threat.

But Richards doubled down on the reality of the danger. He pointed to the first assailant who Binger said, 'knocked off Kyle's hat.'

He said, 'I don't think he was trying to steal Mr. Rittenhouse's hat. I think he was trying to take his head off.'

Next came Huber  'swinging at him' with his skateboard for the first time. Then 'jump-kick man,' who may not have grievously injured Rittenhouse, Richards said, but actual harm is not the legal standard by which the jury must weigh self-defense.

Soon after, Huber came in for a second time, 'trying to take [Rittenhouse's] head off and his other hand goes grabbing for the gun.'

As for Grosskreutz, Richards, gave him short shrift. He pointed out that he had '10million reasons to lie' - a reference to the civil suit currently being brought by Grosskreutz. In the complaint he claims he was 'shot for no reason' and fails to mention that he was armed with a Glock.

Criticizing the 'shoddy investigation' and 'rush to judgement' from the DA Richards reminded the jury that police had a warrant to search Grosskreutz's phone but never executed it. Grosskreutz would not give permission.

'What was Mr. Grosskreutz afraid of? ' Richards asked. 'Why wouldn't the state execute [the warrant]?'

He accused prosecutors of 'protecting Mr. Grosskreutz' because he had something to hide and repeated the fact that Grosskreutz had, '10million reasons to lie.'

In stark contrast, he said, they had volunteered Rittenhouse's cell and offered up the code to unlock it. He said, 'Because my client has nothing to hide.'

Characterizing the thoughts of DA's office Richards mocked, 'No we're not going to reassess, we're going to march forward, we're going to throw it into the hands of 12 people from the city and let them do this case for us'

According to Richards, any red herrings in this case have all been from the state. They include lengthy questioning that dwelled on the type of ammunition used by Rittenhouse that night  questions that Rittenhouse himself could barely answer, professing himself no expert.

Richards said, 'Full metal jackets, hollow pointsbullets are bullets. At close range and close contact, they wreak havoc on the human body, and they kill people.

'He knows Kyle's not a member of the militia. There's no evidence. They went to the websites; they went to his Tik Tok and all they found was a 17-year-old kid trying to be famous.'

He said, 'My client shot Joseph Rosenbaum and I'm glad he shot him. Because if Joseph Rosenbaum had gotten that gun I don't for a minute believe he wouldn't have used it on someone else.

'He was irrational, and he was crazy.'

These are the facts, he said, but according to Richards the Assistant DA has, 'made it his personal goal to put my client's head on his wall and it means he's been cutting corners.'

Warming to his theme, Richards said, 'Rush to judgment you bet. Highly charged atmosphere? You live here, you know.'

Referring to the DA's office he said, 'They had to do something. They had to charge the white supremist who isn't a white supremist.'

He continued, 'They've never reassessed their case. They've never looked at it.'

Characterizing the thoughts of DA's office he mocked, 'No we're not going to reassess, we're going to march forward, we're going to throw it into the hands of 12 people from the city and let them do this case for us.'

According to Richards, 'This is a political case. The DA's office is marching forward with this because they need somebody to be responsible.

'They need someone to say, 'He's the person who brought terror to Kenosha.'

'Kyle Rittenhouse is not that individual.'

There was not one person with an AR-15, but many, Richards said, but, 'Kyle Rittenhouse was alone He had been taken from the herd and Mr. Rosenbaum and Mr. Ziminski were going to get him.'

The jury sat rapt as Richards spoke, studying the images and video that he showed, their attention never wavering despite the long day

Richards said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, that's the case. There was no threatening behavior that started this.

'Mr. Rosenbaum was hell bent on causing trouble. He did what he did and he started it. There are tragic parts of it but Kyle Rittenhouse's behavior was protected under the law of self-defense.

'There was no evidence that he was an active shooter other than Mr. Binger calling him that and there is no evidence that any of the individuals were attacking an active shooter.

'And if they want to be the heroes they'd better be right and they weren't.

'Kyle Rittenhouse shot Mr. Rosenbaum because he was attacking Kyle. Every person who was shot was attacking Kyle. One with a skateboard, one with his hands, one with his feet and one with a gun.'

He added that Rosenbaum might have been little but, 'he could take a 17-year-old kid nine times till Tuesday.'

Richards concluded, 'There are no winners in this case but putting Kyle Rittenhouse down for something he was privileged to do will serve no purpose. I ask you to do justice here.'

This comes after the prosecution's closing arguments earlier in the day where Binger told the jury Rittenhouse traveled to Kenosha 'expecting and anticipating violence' on the night of August 25, 2020.

He se said Rittenhouse was looking for the 'thrill' of telling people what to do, 'running around with an AR-15' with 'neither the honor nor the legal right to do so'.

Urging the jury to 'keep an open mind,' he said, 'In America it's hard these days. There's polarization, but this is not a political case and there's common ground here.

'I asked you at the beginning of this to raise your hand if you think human life is more important than property.

'We can also agree that no one person's life is more important than another. All life is sacred.'

Now that they have heard all the testimony and all the evidence, Binger told the jury, 'It's time to search for the truth.'

In a chilling moment Binger moved to 're-enact' what he claimed was visible on blurry drone footage, controversially brought before the jury.

According to Binger, Rittenhouse can be seen placing down the fire extinguisher he was carrying, pausing and raising his gun  pointing it at an unseen person off screen.

Binger, held Rittenhouse's AR-15 aloft, as he spoke, pointing it on the corner of the court.

This, he said, was the moment Rittenhouse 'lost the right to self-defense' and 'provoked' the violence that followed.

Binger had promised that he would be replaying many of the video exhibits from the night and so he did  pointing out the narrative on which the State has insisted. It is a story in which Rittenhouse is the agitator, the aggressor, the one making the calls and taking the shots.

Binger showed the jury 'the defendant murdering Joseph Rosenbaum from three different angles:' videographer Drew Hernandez's video, drone footage and FBI surveillance footage.

He contended that at best this was a 'fist fight.' Rosenbaum was unarmed.

Binger said, 'What you don't do is you don't bring a gun to a fist fight.'

Demonstrators could be heard outside the courtroom as Binger rose to continue his closing statement Monday afternoon

On Sunday, buildings around Kenosha were boarded up in anticipation of a violent response if Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted, and Governor Tony Evers has ordered 500 Nation Guard troops on standby

He dismissed Rittenhouse's claim that Rosenbaum was trying to take his gun and use it on him or other as 'cockamamie'

He said, 'You lose the right to self-defense when you're the one bringing the gun.'

In an odd moment of grandstanding Binger told the court to ignore talk of Joshua Ziminski  a man whom he has repeatedly referenced during the trial and the one who fired a shot moments before Rittenhouse turned and shot Rosenbaum.

Now Binger said he planned to 'carve Ziminski out of this case,' he was 'a red herring.'

He added, 'I'll deal with him at his arson trial in January.'

Where the defense has made much of the speed at which events happened  all four shots were fired within 0.76 seconds  Binger said that the ferocious pace made Rittenhouse more culpable.

He said, 'He doesn't get a pass by pulling the trigger fast. He could have stopped after the first shot.'

Instead, he said, he 'tracks Mr. Rosenbaum's body down,' shooting as he fell.

He said, 'No-one else made him do it.'

Binger's voice rose, shrill as he said that the only way the jury could find self-defense was, 'If you believe that Joseph Rosenbaum was reaching for the defendant's gun.

'And that a reasonable person in the defendant's position, with the AR-15 strapped to his chest, would think that Joseph Rosenbaum was even capable of taking the gun away, as he's falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis.

'And then that Joseph Rosenbaum was going to turn the gun around and kill the defendant. And other people.

'You'd have to find all of those things.'

For the first time during the entire trial demonstrators could be heard outside the courtroom as Binger rose to continue his closing statement Monday afternoon.

Several onlookers in court turned towards the windows, puzzled by the commotion. But it was not possible to make out what was being shouted below and the court's view was blocked by heavy blinds.

Attorney Thomas Binger enters the courtroom at the Kenosha County Courthouse on Monday

Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm

As he continued his closing statements Binger sought to paint two of the men shot by Rittenhouse as 'heroes' and to dismiss the notion that Rosenbaum was ever any sort of threat, describing him as nothing but a 'little dog.'

'Bark, bark, bark!,' he said, 'He really ain't going to do anything.'

Showing close-up and graphic images of Grosskreutz's shredded bicep Binger said,' 'It's hard to look at but this is what we're dealing with. When you fire an AR-15.

'I guarantee you the defendant had no clue what his gun was capable of, he didn't concern himself what he would be doing to other people.

'Let's not flinch away from this it's important we understand what that gun was capable of that night. It killed two people and it did this to Mr. Grosskreutz's arm.'

The way Binger told it Rittenhouse, 'should have known' that pointing his gun as someone else would have 'provoked' Rosenbaum.

He 'should have known,' the crowd was aware of the fact he had just shot someone. And he 'should have known' that they believed him to be an 'active shooter'

According to Binger, 'That crowd did something that honesty I'm not sure I'd have the courage to do.

'Anthony Huber was different, 'jump-kick man' was different, Gaige Grosskreutz was different.'

According to Binger, 'That crowd was full of heroes.' Huber was a' hero' and Grosskreutz too  both men, he insisted, were acting within their own right to defend themselves as they tried to, 'stop an active shooter from shooting others.'

The defense will state their closing arguments following Binger's statements Monday. Mark Richards, defense attorney for Kyle Rittenhouse, is seen pacing the courtroom

In contrast, he said, Rittenhouse was 'a fraud,' falsely claiming to be a certified EMT. He was, 'like a quack doctor practicing without a license,' and putting lives at risk.

He wrapped a sprained ankle, helped someone with a cut on their hand. Binger mocked, 'Yay.'

And on the other hand, he killed two people and shot another. Binger snapped, 'When we balance your role as a medic that nightI don't give you any credit.'

He dismissed Rittenhouse and lionized Grosskreutz, saying, 'For him to call himself a medic is an insult to anyone like Gaige Grosskreutz who spent hundreds of hours training to become an EMT.'

Binger described him as a 'hero,' who 'rushed into danger,' and he told the jury that Grosskreutz never pointed his gun at Rittenhouse, despite Grosskreutz's own testimony that he did.

He told the court that Grosskreutz could well have pulled the trigger of his own gun and shot Rittenhouse, but that he didn't - 'because he's not that type of person.'

And he had harsh words for Rittenhouse's witness stand performance Wednesday. He said, 'When he testified on Wednesday, he broke down crying about himself not about anyone he hurt that night, no remorse.'

Rittenhouse and the other 'vigilantes' who gathered in Kenosha that night were, Binger said, 'Just wannabe soldiers, acting tough. Just a small part of the deluge of chaos tourists trying to feed off what we were going through, despite everything we did to try to tell them to go away, stay out.'

Binger mocked the 'threat' presented by Rosenbaum that night. 'What did he do?' he said, 'He tipped over a porta-potty that had no-one in it. He swung a chain. He set an empty trailer on fire. He said some bad words. He said the N-word.'

He said, 'I'd probably try to prosecute him for arson, but I can't because the defendant killed him. That's the way we deal with arson. We prosecute you. We don't execute them.'

Binger said he would be the voice for Rosenbaum because he wasn't there to speak for himself. The picture he painted was far from flattering in its bid to minimize any threat that he night have presented.

At 5ft 4, Binger said Rosenbaum had 'Napoleon complex.' He was a 'babbling idiot.'

He said that the crowd were 'shoving him around like a rag doll,' and that he was, 'a mouthy little guya little dog.'

According to Binger, the jury was there to decide facts, 'not to buy pathetic excuses.'

He said, 'If you panic that's not reasonable. That is an excuse. And if you're 17, you don't have experienceyou're in over you head...those are excuses.

'They do not erase your personal responsibility for your own actions.'

In fact, Binger insisted, none of the people whom Rittenhouse shot, 'posed an imminent threat to the defendant's life or to cause great bodily harm.'

'Put yourself in the defendant's position,' he told them. 'Would you have made any of the reckless decisions he did? Would have you done the same thing?

'Would you have gone out after curfew with an AR-15 looking for trouble? Would you have used the gun to protect an empty car-lot?

'No reasonable person would have done these things. The defendant provoked everything.'

Wrapping up a closing statement, that lasted two hours and eight minutes, Binger concluded that there was no doubt that Rittenhouse had committed the crimes.

He said, 'The question is whether or not you believe his actions were legally justified.

'I submit to you that no reasonable person would have done what the defendant did and that makes your decision easy.

'He is guilty of all counts.'

Earlier Monday morning, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed count 6 from Rittenhouse's rap sheet  illegal possession of a firearm

In the latest blow to the beleaguered prosecution, Judge Schroeder dropped the charge after the defense successfully argued that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to carry a 'short-barreled rifle' - a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches - but it is legal to carry a longer rifle in Wisconsin.

Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of the shootings and the prosecution was forced to concede that the AR-15 carried by Rittenhouse on August 25, 2020 was more than 16 inches, which is of legal length.

'Well then,' Judge Schroeder stated, 'Count six is dismissed.'

EXCLUSIVE: 'Binger was set up for failure!' Kenosha DA knew the case against Kyle Rittenhouse was a losing proposition and passed the buck to Thomas Binger whose presentation has been marked with missteps and clashes with the judge

-Martin Gould

The choice of prosecutor for Kyle Rittenhouse's murder case could be a precise pointer as to how little confidence the County District Attorney had in securing a conviction.

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger, whose presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder.

'Binger was set up for failure,' one Kenosha legal insider told DailyMail.com. 'Graveley is the superstar and he knew this one was sure to tarnish it.'

According to conservative outlet Milwaukee Right Now, Graveley 'pawned the case off to his unfortunate assistant district attorney, Thomas Binger, who was left to spin gold out of a pile of self-defense straw.'

Now court observers believe that even if Rittenhouse is found guilty, Binger's performance has given him good grounds for appeal.

'He has said things in court that have been ruled out of order, but once they have been said, you can't unring that bell,' Kevin Mathewson, a criminal defense investigator and former Kenosha City alderman told DailyMail.com.

'This is how Binger has always operated. He pushes the envelope as far as he possibly can  but this time the whole world is watching him.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999

Binger's presentation of the case in Wisconsin has been marked with missteps and clashes with Judge Bruce Schroeder

Mathewson, who was unsuccessfully sued over a Facebook page in which he asked for people to turn up with guns to defend property during the August 2020 Kenosha riots, has been a frequent critic of Graveley's office.

But he says he respects the DA's prosecuting skills. 'He is by far the best prosecutor in the office and he should be the one prosecuting the Rittenhouse trial  the most high-profile and difficult case his office is ever likely to handle.

'It's not that he hides from publicity. Earlier this year he prosecuted a teenager called Martice Fuller who killed his high school sweetheart and shot at her mother.

'That was a high-profile case, but it wasn't a difficult case to prosecute,' added Mathewson. 'There was video of the shooting.

'Just about any prosecutor could have got a conviction.'

Mathewson is not the only one who is hammering Graveley for his absence from the Rittenhouse case. Graveley himself said he would not lead the prosecution as he was investigating the case against the cop who shot Joseph Blake, leading to the unrest in Kenosha during which Rittenhouse shot and killed Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber.

Gravely  who was named Wisconsin's prosecutor of the year earlier this month  decided way back in January that the officer should not be prosecuted for the shooting which left Blake paralyzed. The DA also said he has to prosecute another case which will likely start before the Rittenhouse case is over.

But those excuses are getting short shrift from some, who believe Rittenhouse either should never have been prosecuted or should have faced lesser charges.

'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now.

Graveley's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Binger has at times seemed out of his depth as Judge Schroeder and Rittenhouse's defense team tear into him for a series of missteps.

Former Milwaukee County assistant district attorney Daniel Adams described Binger's case as 'incredibly underwhelming.'

'He's got nothing,' Adams told the Associated Press. 'I just don't understand it. What are we doing here? We're all kind of scratching our heads.'

Binger, 51, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School is no rookie. He has been an assistant DA in Kenosha County since 2014, and first prosecuted cases in Milwaukee County back in 1999.

On his LinkedIn page the father-of-three says: 'I was a criminal prosecutor handling misdemeanor and felony cases, including illegal firearms cases. I also handled child welfare cases, specializing in termination of parental rights cases.'

Mike Graveley, the Kenosha County DA, would normally have taken the case himself, but instead handed it down to prosecutor Thomas Binger. 'It's time to put DA Mike Graveley's picture on a milk carton,' wrote Milwaukee Right Now

After six years prosecuting, he went into private practice as director of litigation for a business law firm before joining the Kenosha County DA's office.

He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the post of District Attorney in neighboring Racine County in 2016, saying: 'In the last two years as a prosecutor, I have won 13 jury trials. I have convicted murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, drunk drivers, home-invading burglars and men who abuse women.'

One of the most notable cases he has previously prosecuted was of a former New Jersey fire captain who was jailed for five years in 2017 for possessing child pornography and exploiting a child for sexual purposes.

Binger insisted the sentence was not enough, telling Essex News Daily, 'The state recommended 16 years.'

He was also forced to withdraw a case against Guy Smith, a trucker who was found with a gun in his cab. Smith's defense attorney pointed out the law specifically allowed handguns in vehicles without a concealed carry permit, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Smith case was also heard by Judge Schroeder.

But those cases had nothing like the media spotlight that has shone on the Rittenhouse case.

Binger's role has been controversial since the start. He took the unusual step of objecting to the attempt by California attorney John Pierce to represent Rittenhouse, saying in a six-page motion to the court that Pierce's presence could 'materially prejudice' the case.

He said Pierce's 'personal financial difficulties raise significant ethical concerns,' adding: 'Given his own substantial personal debts, his involvement with an unregulated and opaque 'slush fund' provides ample opportunity for self-dealing and fraud

'Money that should be held in trust for the defendant may instead be used to repay Attorney Pierce's numerous creditors.'

Pierce, who claimed the case against Rittenhouse was a 'political prosecution' eventually withdrew, leaving the defense in the hands of lawyer Mark Richards.

Binger has continued to clash with Judge Schroeder throughout the trial and even in pre-trial hearings

Binger clashed with Schroeder in pre-trial hearings. Last month the judge ruled against him saying that the men shot by Rittenhouse could not be called 'victims' during the trial but allowed a defense motion which allows them to be called rioters, looters or arsonists.

Binger said those words were more loaded than 'victims.'

The prosecutor also lost the chance to link Rittenhouse to the right-wing Proud Boys movement.

And Schroeder later slammed him after he argued that defense lawyers should not be able to tell jurors about the destructive actions of Joseph Rosenbaum, one of the men Rittenhouse admits killing, including setting a dumpster on fire.

'All we're talking about is arson. We're talking about being loud and disorderly,' Binger said.

Schroeder immediately cut him off. 'I can't believe some of what you're saying,' he said in a raised voice. 'All we're talking about is arson? Come on!'

During this month's trial, Schroeder reprimanded Binger for bringing up a video in which Rittenhouse had talked about wanting to shoot shoplifters. Schroeder had previously ruled that inadmissible

'You're an experienced trial attorney and you're telling me when the judge says, 'I'm excluding this' you decide to bring it in because you think you've found a way around it,' Schroeder asked.

Binger replied: 'You can yell at me if you want. I was acting in good faith.'

Judge Schroeder responded: 'I don't believe you. When you say you were acting in good faith, I don't believe you. There better not be another incident.'

Rittenhouse's defense accused Binger of knowingly attempting to throw the proceeding because they were going badly for the state.

The defense on November 10 demanded a mistrial with prejudice, which would mean that Rittenhouse walks free and a retrial is not possible. Schroeder said he is taking that request under advisement.
A Texas mother was rushed to a hospital Monday suffering from life-threatening injuries after officials say she used her body to shield her seven-year-old daughter from a gunman's bullets during a suspected road rage incident.

Gunfire erupted after 7am near Interstate 35 and Theo Avenue on San Antonio's South Side.

A 29-year-old woman was riding in the front passenger seat of her husband's silver sedan, with their daughter sitting in the backseat, when another driver flew into a rage because he thought he had been cut off in the turnaround lane, police said.

The aggrieved motorist then allegedly pulled out a gun and aimed it at the family's car.

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A husband, wife and their 7-year-old daughter were traveling in the family's silver sedan (pictured) in San Antonio when they were involved in a suspected road rage incident

Another driver flew into a rage and opened fire on the family's car because police say he thought he had been cut off near Interstate 35 and Theo Avenue

According to the authorities, the mother dove into the backseat and protected her daughter from the gunman's bullets, one of which struck the woman in the back, reported KSAT.

The victim's husband rushed her to Mission Trails Baptist Hospital, but she was transferred to a trauma center to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

As of Monday afternoon, the woman has not been identified and her condition has not been released.

The victim's family members were not physically harmed.

The 29-year-old mother riding in the front passenger seat jumped in the back and shielded her daughter with her body

The woman's husband rushed her to Mission Trails Baptist Hospital with a gunshot wound to the back; she was later transferred to a trauma center

Police said the shooter fled from the scene. Officers were searching for surveillance video that would help them track him down.

Several shell casings were collected from the scene of the shooting. So far, no arrests have been announced.
Disgraced legal heir Alex Murdaugh pleaded the fifth in court papers last week, refusing to admit whether or not he'd stolen millions from his old law firm.

Murdaugh filed the response in civil court in Colleton County, South Carolina, where he is being sued by Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, and Detrick (PMPED), his old law firm.

He has already admitted to theft but hasn't admitted how much he stole from the law firm.

Separately, Murdaugh is also a person of interest in the June murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul, 22, who were found dead at the family home next to a dog kennel.

Alex Murdaugh is shown in court on October 19. He has been charged with theft for taking money from the sons of his late housekeeper, but he is also being sued for stealing from his former law firm

In a motion filed on Friday, Murdaugh's attorneys said he would plead the fifth to allegations he stole from his old law firm, PMPED

He has been criminally charged with a different theft - the theft of nearly $4million from the sons of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.

Murdaugh is currently in jail for stealing $3.4million from the family of Gloria Satterfield, his late housekeeper who died after falling in his home in 2018

Murdaugh, through statements made by his attorney, has admitted stealing from the firm and from the housekeeper's sons to fund his opioid addiction.

He has also admitted trying to stage his own murder so that his surviving son Buster would win a life insurance payout, but he denies having any role in his wife and son's murder.

Murdaugh remains in custody awaiting his next court date on theft charges for stealing from the housekeeper's sons.

Before being arrested, he sought treatment for opioid addiction in a state rehab center.

He has only been criminally charged so far for stealing $4million from the sons of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died in 2018 after a fall at his home.

Murdaugh's wife Maggie and youngest son Paul (far left) were murdered in the family's home in June. That crime remains unsolved. He later tried to stage his own murder in a life insurance scam to benefit his surviving son Buster (right) but it fell through

Murdaugh in his mug shot after being arrested for theft earlier this year

The adult sons say Murdaugh offered to help them file a claim against him, that his insurance company would pay out, to look after them.

Instead, they say he kept all of the money that was paid out.

Last week, Murdaugh was denied bond in the case of the theft against the housekeeper's sons.

Judge Clifton Newman said he was too much of a flight risk to be granted bond.

'After considering the arguments of counsel, the evaluation submitted, pending charges and other investigations, and the apparent character and mental condition of the defendant, the Court finds that the Defendant is a danger both to himself and the community.'
Thousands of heart patients could die unnecessarily because they are having to wait up to two years for life-saving scans, research shows.

The enormous Covid backlog means 64,962 patients in England have been waiting longer than the six-week NHS target for heart ultrasounds, known as echocardiograms.

This 'distressing' waiting list is 20 times longer than the pre-pandemic list of 3,238 patients, analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shows.

Echocardiograms are scans that are used to diagnose and monitor heart disease and heart valve problems.

The enormous Covid backlog means 64,962 patients in England have been waiting longer than the six-week NHS target for heart ultrasounds, known as echocardiograms (stock image)

They look at the structure of the heart and nearby blood vessels, and are needed to decide the best course of treatment.

But spiralling waiting lists for non-Covid care mean patients face waiting months or even years for the crucial checks  causing delays to treatment and potentially leading to death or disability. About 10,000 fewer echocardiograms are being carried out each month than before the pandemic, the BHF found.

Meanwhile, a record 275,569 patients were waiting for heart treatment or surgery at the end of September as the backlog continues to grow, latest NHS England figures show.

Yesterday, a cross-party group of 52 MPs and peers wrote to Health Secretary Sajid Javid warning that delays to heart care during the pandemic have already led to 5,800 excess deaths.

Meanwhile, a record 275,569 patients were waiting for heart treatment or surgery at the end of September as the backlog continues to grow, latest NHS England figures show

The letter added: 'Treatments like heart surgery aren't a luxury. Long waits for diagnosis and treatment of conditions like coronary heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure are emotionally distressing and can increase the risk of someone becoming more unwell or even dying while they wait for care.'

Heart and circulatory diseases cause one in four deaths in the UK  160,000 each year, and about 7.6million Britons live with these diseases. Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the BHF, said: 'We need to see a specific plan for cardiovascular care recovery focused on tackling cardiology vacancies, training more heart specialists, and using new diagnostic hubs to deliver delayed heart diagnosis and care.' Waiting lists have snowballed since the start of the pandemic to 5.8million last week.

And health chiefs say the backlog will only grow this winter because A&E departments are 'overwhelmed'  some hospitals have already cancelled elective care.

Health chiefs say the backlog will only grow this winter because A&E departments are 'overwhelmed'  some hospitals have already cancelled elective care. Pictured: Number of Covid infections yesterday in the UK

Hoping to tackle the backlog, Jeremy Hunt will today pile pressure on Mr Javid to fix the NHS staffing crisis. Mr Hunt will table an amendment to the Health and Care Bill to force the Government to publish independent workforce projections every two years.

These will help ministers ensure there are enough doctors and nurses in training to meet future demand  currently, there is no such public data for England.

Projections from the Health Foundation charity show that an extra 4,000 doctors and 17,000 nurses will be required to clear the backlog.

Social care is also facing severe staffing shortfalls  and health leaders are now calling for a 500 bonus for all 1.5million workers in the sector to stop them taking Christmas jobs with firms such as Amazon.

NHS Providers warns there is already a shortage of 100,000 carers, which is preventing hospitals from discharging patients who are ready to leave. Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers, warned that large signing-on bonuses could tempt care staff to quit.
Two fishermen survived three days in the remote Australian outback fending off crocodiles and drinking Berocca mixed with their own urine after their boat capsized.

The 32-year-old and 33-year-old men were on a fishing trip on the Daly River 100km south of Darwin on Thursday when they struck a submerged object, causing their vessel to sink into the crocodile-infested waters.

As soon as they hit the water, a big crocodile attempted to attack them, forcing the men to throw their belongings at it to keep it away.

'I've been involved in this about 30 years and this is about as horrific as it gets,' Superintendent Shaun Gill said, adding they were 'extremely lucky to survive'.

Two men were on a fishing trip on the Daly River on Thursday when they struck a submerged object, causing their vessel to sink into the crocodile-infested waters

Immediately as they hit the water a large croc attempted to attack them, forcing the men to throw their belongings at it to keep it away

The pair were abandoned ship as the vessel sunk into the river near Clear Creek last Thursday. They were only rescued on Monday.

They were attempting an expedition up the river in the remote outback but instead spent a 'horrific' three days struggling to survive.

Police said the area, which is known to be crocodile-infested, was 'completely inhospitable' and the extreme weather meant the men were forced into dire circumstances.

'They had no water to drink to the point where they found bottles on the beach and tried to drink urine, and mix it with Berocca to try and get some taste, the only thing saving their lives,' Superintendent Gill said.

The pair were miraculously saved after two other fishermen happened to be passing through the area and noticed debris on the side of the river.

Police said the area, which is known for being crocodile-infested, was 'completely inhospitable' and the extreme weather conditions made their task even more difficult

'[My] friend and I were just going for a fish towards the front of the Daly River and we noticed a swag that was washed up on the bank,' Shane Taylor said.

'We'd only gone another few Ks and saw the blokes, they were waving and obviously fairly agitated. They were extremely happy to see us.'

They were taken to hospital for treatment, with police reiterating how fortunate they were to be alive.

'They did everything they could to help themselves,' Superintendent Gill said.

'But even with all that, they were extremely lucky to survive.'
As airports around Australia slowly begin to bustle with passengers again, an airfare price war could see hundreds of dollars wiped of the cost of tickets.

In a major shakeup of the east coast market, regional airline Rex is offering $79 one-way fares as standard between Melbourne and Brisbane from December 17, starting on Monday.

Rex bought former Virgin Australia Boeing 737s for the twice-daily flights as the first step to breaking into the lucrative 'golden triangle' market between Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

Regional airline Rex (pictured) is launching flights between Melbourne and Brisbane for $79 from December 17

The airline's deputy chairman said the move would cause prices to drop across the board with both Qantas and Virgin dropping fares to match Rex.

'We're determined to make up for time lost due to the Covid pandemic and push ahead with plans to expand our network, particularly in Queensland,' Mr Sharp said.

'All of our launch flights to new destinations have proved to be enormously popular and I have no doubt Brisbane will be the same, particularly with such affordable fares.'

The Melbourne to Brisbane route is one of the busiest in the country, carrying 3.5 million passengers a year before the pandemic.

Mr Sharp said though Rex was a regional airline at heart, it would be full-service and offer refreshments on board and 23kg of checked baggage.

'Consumers are the big winners from competition and Rex will continue to champion the cause of safe, reliable and affordable air travel,' he said.

Rex is offering flights between Melbourne-Sydney, Melbourne-Adelaide, Melbourne-Canberra, Melbourne-Gold Coast, Sydney-Gold Coast and Melbourne-Brisbane services from December 17.

Flights between Sydney and Brisbane are not yet offered.

With airports ramping up again across the country Qantas, Virgin and Rex are expected to battle for consumers' business with the best flight deals (pictured: Sydney airport in November)

CHEAP DOMESTIC AUSTRALIAN FLIGHTS REX - Melbourne to Brisbane $79 one-way from December 17 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA - Melbourne to Darwin $149 one-way from January 12 to March 26 and Sydney to Darwin $149 one-way from January 5 to January 30 (sale ends midnight November 19) QANTAS - Sydney to Gold Coast $77 one-way from November 17 to November 30 and Sydney to Cairns $122 one-way from November 17 to November 30 Advertisement

Qantas in recent weeks has been focused on big-spending frequent flyers, launching its third 'status fast track' offer in 12 months.

Under the program, top level members in loyalty programs of other airlines will immediately get gold status if they switch over to Qantas - provided they rack up 100 status credits by February 28.

The 100 credits is equal to a one-way business class flights to Singapore or five return economy flights between Sydney and Melbourne.

Qantas has already begun flights to London and Los Angeles from Australia with Hawaii, Singapore, and Johannesburg next on the list.

Domestic flights are booming with the national carrier revealing 500,000 domestic flights were booked in the past two weeks.

New airline, Bonza, will also enter the Australian market with an application before the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

The US-backed airline will offer regional routes at first as it tries to get a foothold in Australia.

Mr Sharp said he was not concerned about the prospect of another major airline saying it had a long way to go before it established a network in Australia.
A Northern Territory police officer is in trouble with the law after he was charged with several child abuse material offences.

The male officer, 34, was arrested and remanded in custody to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Monday.

The police officer is facing a total of nine charges, including three counts of possessing child abuse materials obtained or accessed using a carriage service, three counts of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material and two counts of using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.

A Northern Territory male police officer, 34, was arrested and remanded in custody to face Alice Springs Local Court on Monday (stock image)

The 34-year-old is also facing one count of using a carriage service to groom another person to make it easier to procure persons under the age of 16.

A NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services statement said the matter is under investigation by the Professional Standards Command.

The statement also noted that no further information will be provided on the matter as it is now before the courts.
New York City officials have unanimously agreed on a new home for a statue of Thomas Jefferson that they voted in favor of removing from City Hall after over 100 years because some workers said that the slave-owning former president makes them feel 'uncomfortable.'

The Public Design Commission voted to remove the statue before the end of the year during a lengthy hearing late last month, although they could not agree on a new location at the time. This Monday, the commission approved plans to relocate it to the New York Historical Society.

The statue will be placed in its lobby gallery for six months before being relocated to the museum's reading room for the duration of the 10-year loan agreement, both areas of which are free for public viewing, according to the New York Times.

Louise Mirrer, the historical society's president and chief executive, told the news outlet that the statue will be displayed starting in April and it will coincide with an exhibition looking at the 'principal contradiction of our founding ideals.'

New York City officials have unanimously agreed to relocate the century-old statue of Thomas Jefferson from City Hall to the New York Historical Society

The statue will be placed in its lobby gallery for six months before being relocated to the museum's reading room for a 10-year loan

The statue has resided in City Hall since 1834 and was given as a gift by naval officer Uriah Phillips Levy

'From the start, we have seen the opportunity to display the statue as consistent with the ways in which we look at history at our institution,' she said. 'Jefferson just has to be one of those figures that really draws attention to the distance between our founding ideals and the reality of our nation.'

While it will be displayed starting in April, officials planned to oust the statue at the end of last month. Now, the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus and Progressive Caucus are demanding that it be removed before the Council holds its next meeting in the chamber on Nov. 23.

The black, Latino and Asian caucus has objected to the presidential statue for years because Jefferson was a slave owner.

But the request for its removal came from the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, led by outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio's wife Charlene McCray, after black staff complained about the statue that honors a slave owner.

Before the commission made its decision, Democratic mayoral candidate Eric Adams said that he hoped the commission would consider 'uplifting underrepresented faces and communities' by removing the statue, and that he supported its removal.

A replica of the statue will continue to be featured in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington DC

Republican politicians quickly railed against the latest move to rewrite history by booting the statue of the former president who wrote the Declaration of Independence.

'The de Blasio administration will continue the progressive war on history as he, himself, fades away into a portrait on a City Hall wall,' Councilman Joe Borelli told the New York Post.

'I hope he is at least gone a couple hundred years before someone cancels him.'

The statue had resided in the City Hall's Council chambers since 1834 after it was gifted by Uriah Phillips Levy, a naval officer and an admirer of Jefferson's.

'The city would still own the plaster model, and the historical society would include it in educational exhibits and provide valuable historical context,' the spokesman said.

Councilman I. Daneek Miller, a Democrat, defended exiling the statue and told Fox News, 'There's so much about Thomas Jefferson and his own personal writings, memoirs about how he treated his slaves, his family members and things of that nature and how he perceived African Americans and slaves  that they lacked intelligence, that they were not to assimilate into society. For us to really highlight such an individual is really not who we are as a council.'

The statue of the Founding Father outside of Jefferson High School in Portland on June 14 2020 after it was removed by protesters

McCray, the head of the Commission on Racial Justice and Reconciliation, had made the decision to remove the statue following a meeting in June 2020.

The RRC was organized to 'promote social learning, collective introspection, and policy action' as well as create a historical record of racial discrimination, with an emphasis on housing, criminal justice, environmental racism and public health' in the wake of protests over George Floyd's death.

De Blasio had previously written a letter to City Hall following his wife's suggestion.

'The statue of Thomas Jefferson in the City Council Chambers is inappropriate and serves as a constant reminder of the injustices that have plagued communities of color since the inception of our country,' he wrote.

'Jefferson is America's most noted slave holder... and a scholar who maintained that Blacks were inferior to whites.'

The letter dated June 18, 2020 was signed by de Blasio and fellow Council members.

Other statues of Jefferson and fellow historical figures who had an alleged racist pasts were publicly seen being vandalized and taken down during the BLM movement.

A statue of the Founding Father was toppled on June 14, 2020 at Portland High School in Oregon by a group of protesters.

Footage of the vandalism revealed protesters tying a rope around the neck of the statue to bring it down as well as using a hammer to loosen the base of the structure.

The statue was also covered in graffiti reading 'Black Lives Matter' and 'George Floyd 8:46' in reference to the amount of time former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin had knelt on his neck for.

A replica of the statue in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C. will continue to be on display.

Jefferson was considered the largest slaveholder during his day with over 600 slaves at this Virginia home.
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Home Secretary Priti Patel last night vowed to stop '100 per cent' of migrant crossings after online crisis talks with her French counterparts

The Home Secretary last night vowed to stop '100 per cent' of migrant crossings after online crisis talks with her French counterparts.

Priti Patel was due to meet Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in person on Tuesday amid a war of words between London and Paris following a recent surge of migrant crossings.

But the Home Secretary cancelled the planned trip to France following a suicide bombing outside Liverpool Women's Hospital on Remembrance Sunday.

A joint statement released by the Home Office also said they also discussed the mounting migrant crisis in eastern Europe which Britain accused Belarus and Russia of engineering to undermine European unity.

Miss Patel and Mr Darmanin said: 'Tonight, the Home Secretary spoke to her French counterpart Gerald Darmanin to discuss the problem of small boats crossing the Channel and the operational response to it.

'Both the Home Secretary and Interior Minister agreed to strengthen operational cooperation further. More must be done to stop the dangerous crossings. They agreed to accelerate the delivery of the commitments made in the joint agreement of July 2021 to deliver on their joint determination to prevent 100 per cent of crossings and make this deadly route unviable.'

The UK's terror threat level has been raised to 'severe' following an emergency COBRA meeting at Downing Street on Monday. Police and security services advised the Prime Minister that another attack on British soil is now 'highly likely'.

At a Covid press briefing, Boris Johnson dramatically urged the country to be 'vigilant' and called the blast a 'stark reminder' of the risks of terrorism.

MailOnline exclusively revealed that the Liverpool suicide bomber, Enzo Almeni, arrived in the UK from Iraq several years ago and converted from Islam to Christianity in 2017 at the cathedral it is believed he wanted to attack on Sunday.

Emmanuel Macron's government had accused the UK of treating France like a 'punch ball' as 1,185 migrants crossed the Channel last Thursday - eclipsing the previous daily high of 853.

London has long accused Paris of failing to do enough to stop the crossings and threatened to withhold a 54million payment agreed earlier this year. France has insisted that the money would allow them to step up coastal patrols and intercept crossings.

There have been allegations of French inaction as part of a 'Brexit punishment strategy' amid ongoing rows over fishing rights and border rules in Northern Ireland.

Downing Street said it is 'wrong to conflate' the issue of migrant crossings with other issues like Brexit and added: 'This is about criminal gangs endangering lives.'

The escalating row came after shocking photos revealed the squalor of Dunkirk's 'New Jungle', where hundreds of migrants arrive each day.

Thousands of people are living in shabby tents cramped together at the Grande Synthe camp, with rubbish and debris strewn between them. It appears to be based at an industrial unit with the setting providing very little protection from the elements to the migrants.

Migrant crossings across the English Channel continued today as more people were brought into Dover on a Border Force patrol boat amid reports that a jet-ski recovered at sea by the RNLI had been used in an attempted crossing

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, the Grande Synthe migrant camp is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers

Priti Patel was due to meet her French counterpart Gerald Darmanin on Tuesday amid a bruising war of words following a surge of Channel crossings

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago

Police operation in the Jungle of Grande-Synthe in March, when the camp numbered in the hundreds and not the thousands

EXCLUSIVE: Suicide bomber who died when his device blew up outside Liverpool hospital is Syrian asylum seeker, 32, who converted to Christianity 'at cathedral he wanted to attack' and was once arrested for carrying a knife The suicide bomber who died inside a taxi when his device blew up outside a hospital in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday has been unmasked. MailOnline can exclusively reveal that Enzo Almeni, 32, arrived in the UK from Iraq several years ago and converted from Islam to Christianity in 2017 at the cathedral it is believed he wanted to attack yesterday. Friends said Almeni was born Emad Jamil Al-Swealmeen to a Syrian father and an Iraqi mother, and is believed to have spent a large part of his life in Iraq. He suffered from mental health problems and was arrested and sectioned in 2014 for carrying a knife around central Liverpool, MailOnline understands. It is thought that Almeni was a motor racing fan who changed his first name to Enzo in honour of Italian supercar creator Enzo Ferrari, and in a bid to sound more Western on his asylum application. Almeni spent most of his time in the UK in Liverpool, where he was being supported by Christian volunteers from a network of churches who help asylum seekers. He spent eight months living with devout Christians Malcolm and Elizabeth Hitchcott at their home in the Aigburth district of Liverpool. Almeni converted to Christianity in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral four years ago, which he had wanted to attack on Remembrance Sunday as 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen gathered to observe the 11am minute's silence. It is thought he initially asked Mr Perry to drive him to the cathedral, but that traffic and road closures stopped him from getting there. It is believed he died after being locked in a cab by hero taxi driver David Perry as it exploded into a fireball outside Liverpool Women's Hospital. Detectives and MI5 spies are investigating whether the bombing was an Islamist-inspired attack and if Almeni had been motivated to kill himself and others. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline today, Mr Hitchcott, a former British Army soldier, said he met Almeni in 2015 through his work at Liverpool Cathedral when he started expressing an interest in converting to Christianity. He also revealed that Almeni was refused asylum once before, saying: 'He was refused asylum in 2014 by the UK. He had his case decided, rejected, because he has been sectioned because of some mental health incident.' Mr Hitchcott said: 'He first came to the cathedral in August 2015 and wanted to convert to Christianity. He took an Alpha course, which explains the Christian faith, and completed it in November of that year. That enabled him to come to an informed decision and he changed from Islam to Christianity and was confirmed as a Christian by at least March 2017, just before he came to live with us. He was destitute at that time and we took him in.' Advertisement

There is no electricity and the mud is ankle deep when it rains. There are too few latrines for a population that grows daily, with hundreds arriving every day, and charity vans provide food once a day.

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, it is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers. Two weeks ago, an African was shot four times in a row over the price of a crossing.

The first Afghans fleeing the Taliban's takeover have arrived, as have those slipping over the border between Belarus and Poland.

They were driven there, sources said, by British traffickers in cars with UK registration plates which picked them up in Poland and made a 22-hour journey to northern France.

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago.

There are claims that the lack of enforcement on the French coast - which saw just 99 migrants intercepted on Thursday out of 1,284 who tried to reach the UK - is part of a 'Brexit punishment strategy' and has become linked to rows over fishing and Northern Ireland.

The total to have reached British shores since the start of the year stands at more than 23,500 - nearly three times the 8,400 in the whole of 2020.

But one Government source told the Times that ministers are bleak about the prospects of tougher action by France.

'They don't think the French are going to give them anything at all,' the source said. 'With the elections coming up they think it will only get worse. They think it's part of Macron's Brexit punishment strategy.'

A Home Office source added: 'We're just part of a much bigger issue with the election, Northern Ireland and fishing. They don't want to be using French taxpayers' money ahead of the election.'

Set up this year on the edge of Dunkirk, the new camp is close to favoured launch sites and is run ruthlessly by armed traffickers. Two weeks ago, an African was shot four times in a row over the price of a crossing.

Even French armed police are reluctant to enter the camp for fear a confrontation with the traffickers, and the French government turns a blind eye.

'The French know conditions are appalling,' said an informant inside the camp. 'They are deliberately creating a hostile environment so migrants want to leave and get on Channel boats.

'It has become a push factor for reaching Britain along with dreams of hotels and benefits which are not given by the French.'

Hundreds arrive every few days. One Afghan blagged his way on to a French military plane out of Kabul by using a British Border Force ID card he was given when he lived in Birmingham five years ago. 'I dream of getting back into the UK,' he told French TV as he stood on the beach.

Hundreds are marshalled out to the beaches for night-time Channel crossings organised by traffickers. The source said: 'It is a military operation run ruthlessly.'

There are five zones in the camp. Some house different nationalities, another is for children and mothers - and there is a special one for the wealthiest, the VIP Zone, for migrants with at least 6,000.

The source added: 'They are predominantly Vietnamese, Chinese and Albanians. They are put at the front of the queue and get the safest and fastest boats.'

Others are less lucky. Destitute Africans who have been in France for years languish here as they barter over the price of a place on a rickety vessel.

Last week, Mr Johnson urged Mr Macron to 'close off the door' to migrants entering French territory and attempting perilous Channel crossings.

This month, the Home Office sent the first instalments of a 54million deal with France to fund beach patrols - but migrant numbers have since soared.

Miss Patel stressed that the migrant crisis was a 'shared problem' with France, but Mr Macron's government is understood to oppose the introduction of her 'pushback' tactic to intercept small boats and direct them back to the French coast.

The Home Secretary said: 'Last week showed we must do more. I want to go further and faster, and that's why I will be holding talks with Gerald Darmanin this week.'

Border Force has been resisting requests to use the 'pushback' strategy, citing objections such as weather and size of boats being intercepted.

The PCS union representing border guards said last night it was poised to seek a judicial review into pushback tactics.

Spokesman Kevin Mills said some members had 'concerns about safety and if it is legal', adding: 'If someone dies, it won't be Priti Patel taking the body out of the water.'

The migrants call the camp the New Jungle after the infamous shanty town housing 8,000 in Calais was pulled down by the French government several years ago.

Border officers patrolling on jet skis off the coast of Kent earlier this month

It came as it emerged the outgoing head of Border Force, Paul Lincoln, described 'bloody borders' as 'a pain in the bloody a***' during a leaving speech.

However, Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said: 'Criminal gangs have been running rings around the French authorities for too long. It's important to hear France's plan to turn the tables on the people traffickers, bring an end to the migrant crisis and prevent further loss of life in the Channel.'

Former security minister Sir John Hayes urged the Government to press on with pushback and 'process all asylum applications offshore'. He said this had a 'dramatic effect' when introduced by Australia's controversial Operation Sovereign Borders in 2013.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: 'If they knew they were going to be turned around immediately and sent back to France, it would take a week and it would stop.'

Dan O'Mahoney, the Home Office's Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: 'Migrants are putting their lives at risk and it is vital we do everything we can to prevent them and break the business model of the criminal gangs exploiting people.'

Border Force has been seen off Dover practicing the pushback tactics, involving three jet skis surrounding a migrant boat and directing it back to France.

According to guidance, the tactic can only be used in the Channel sections which are 1.8 miles wide and a commander can only agree to the procedure if it is confirmed that a French navy or rescue boat can escort the boat back.

Other safety rules must also be met including weather, sea conditions, number of migrants and size of the boat.

In Australia and Greece, when similar tactics were used, migrants threatened to jump overboard in a bid to force authorities to rescue them.
Poppy Day suicide bomber Emad Al Swealmeen targeted women and babies at a maternity hospital to try and cause as many deaths as possible, terror experts fear.

Enzo Almeni, 32, was killed after a homemade ball-bearing device exploded inside a taxi he rode to Liverpool Women's Hospital just seconds before the 11am minute's silence.

The Syrian refugee, who moved to the UK from the Middle East several years ago and later converted to Christianity, was thwarted by the explosive only partially detonating.

Hospitals were urged to review their security measures last night after the Liverpool bomb attack

Enzo Almeni, 32, was killed after a homemade ball-bearing device exploded inside a taxi he rode to Liverpool Women's Hospital just seconds before the 11am minute's silence

Today, a senior former intelligence source told The Mirror: 'The bomber intended to enter the hospital and trigger his device, but for some reason it went off early and failed properly to initiate.

'Had he successfully set off the bomb inside it would have been extremely bloody and horrific.

'We believe this was a partial explosion, clearly from a device at high-chest level, aimed at causing many casualties.'

Although there have been reports the bomber could have been targeting a Remembrance Sunday service at nearby Liverpool Cathedral, hospitals have been urged to review their security measures.

Although there is nothing to suggest any linked attacks are planned, bosses at England's 213 NHS trusts have been told to make sure staff are aware of what to do in the event of a terrorist incident.

In an email to staff at a London hospital, seen by the Daily Mail, workers have been told to 'remain vigilant' and familiarise themselves with existing security arrangements.

They have also been invited to attend a free 'action counters terrorism' course.

Similar guidance is being sent to staff at hundreds of hospitals in England  but NHS England stressed this is standard procedure when the UK's terror threat level is raised.

The Liverpool bombing comes months after Islamic State called for attacks on NHS trusts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Protective security advice was distributed to NHS trusts by counter-terrorism officers last year amid fears extremists planned to exploit lockdown to radicalise new recruits.

Chief Superintendent Nik Adams, the national co-ordinator for the Prevent counter-extremism programme, warned that supporters of the terror group were 'encouraging people to target the places that appear most vulnerable'.

Although there is nothing to suggest any linked attacks are planned, bosses at England's 213 NHS trusts have been told to make sure staff are aware of what to do in the event of a terrorist incident

During lockdown, hospitals became some of the most crowded places in the country while tourist attractions and public areas were practically deserted.

Mr Adams said in April last year that jihadis were calling for attacks on hospitals in the hope that police and security services would be 'distracted and overwhelmed'.

He said: 'We're seeing the exploitation of the circumstances to encourage acts of violence.

'We are working closely with colleagues across the Five Eyes [intelligence alliance] countries, with academics and community advisory networks to monitor how that information is playing out, and making sure that protective security advice is being adapted for the places that might be considered more vulnerable now.'

In September the head of MI5 warned Britain could face a 'spectacular' attack like 9/11 after the West's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Ken McCallum, director general of the Security Service, said his staff were braced for an 'increase in inspired terrorism' and the 'potential regrowth of Al Qaeda-style directed plots' after the Taliban took over the country.
Four Kenyan police officers were last night jailed for torturing a young British aristocrat to death, following a nine-year battle for justice.

The parents of Alexander Monson, 28, listened in anguish as a judge described how he was subjected to a savage and unprovoked onslaught.

But there was insufficient evidence to convict the officers of murder and the maximum term any of them will serve for manslaughter is ten years.

His tearful mother Hilary admitted that she was 'disappointed' by the sentences.

Mrs Monson, 67, said that it was a 'poor exchange' for the pain of losing Alexander and the long years she had spent waiting for a verdict.

Standing beside her on the court steps, however, Lord (Nicholas) Monson declared himself 'happy' with the outcome.

Four police officers were last night jailed for torturing a young British aristocrat to death in a Kenyan cell, following a nine-year battle for justice

'They aren't exactly going to a five-star hotel,' said Alexander's 66-year-old father, who flew 4,500 miles from London for the hearing.

'I would rather be hanged than stay in a Kenyan prison, even for a few years,' he added. 'They aren't going to be well received by their cellmates, that's for sure.'

Kenyan high court judge Eric Ogola said Alexander had been a 'young British baron' with 'the world in his pocket' when he was arrested for allegedly smoking cannabis outside a beachfront restaurant near Mombasa in May 2012.

The following morning, a family friend found him lying unconscious in the police station, having received violent blows to his head, groin and the arm he raised when attempting to protect himself.

He later died of a 'blunt force trauma' that caused bleeding to the brain.

He had been taken to hospital and treated for a drug overdose on the insistence of the police, but the judge said this was clearly a 'red herring' invented to cover up the attack.

The parents of Alexander Monson, 28, listened in anguish as a judge described how he was subjected to a savage and unprovoked onslaught

His tearful mother Hilary admitted that she was 'disappointed' by the sentences. Mrs Monson, 67, said that it was a 'poor exchange' for the pain of losing Alexander and the long years she had spent waiting for a verdict

Standing beside her on the court steps, however, Lord (Nicholas) Monson declared himself 'happy' with the outcome

A toxicology report purportedly showing Alexander to have taken cocaine, diazepam and other substances had been falsified, the judge said.

It was 'beyond a shadow of a doubt' that the fatal injury had been inflicted by an officer at Diani police station, near Mombasa, added Justice Ogola.

He said those who tortured Alexander were known to be policemen, including Chief Inspector Charles Munyuri, Corporal Naftali Chege, and Constables Ismael Baraka and John Pamba.

But he said the court had not been able to find out exactly who killed him because of the 'blue code of silence' that protects Kenyan police who abuse their position.

The four were given manslaughter terms ranging between 15 and nine years, partly suspended. But the country's director of public prosecutions said he would appeal against the sentences and seek the strongest murder charge.

Alexander's divorced parents made heartrending victim statements to the Mombasa court.

'I'm sorry, I'm quite emotional,' Mrs Monson began, before explaining that what began as a justice campaign for her son had turned into a crusade for all Kenyan mothers whose children had been unjustly killed by the police.

She urged the judge to impose a sentence that sent out 'a firm message to others that we can't carry on in the old ways. That [the police] must reform for the sake of our sons. An example must be set'.

Mrs Monson said she did not wish to question the judge's wisdom in bringing a manslaughter verdict.

But staring directly across the court at the four officers, she said plaintively: 'I'm sorry, but I'm disappointed today.'

Lord Monson had earlier stripped off his Covid mask to glower at the officers in the dock and videoed them with his phone.

The denouement of a three-year trial, which might never have taken placed but for the Monsons' relentless campaign for justice, was played out in a stifling, windowless courtroom, cooled only by rickety fans (the new air-conditioning system was faulty).

The judge's ruling was delayed for almost two hours, and Lord and Mrs Monson sat squashed on uncomfortable benches, flanked by friends and the British consul and vice-consul.

Those who tortured Alexander were known to be policemen, including Chief Inspector Charles Munyuri (pictured, Corporal Naftali Chege, and Constables Ismael Baraka and John Pamba

Ismael Baraka and John Pamba are seen sitting in the dock in the court in Kenya on Monday

As the case is of huge symbolic significance in a nation where police brutality is 'systemic', to quote one defence barrister, TV cameras and dozens of journalists were in court to hear the red-robed judge deliver his ruling.

Outlining the evidence of 32 prosecution witnesses, most identified only by numbers, took almost three hours.

The court heard psychology graduate Alexander had been staying at the home of his mother  who moved to her family's estate on the Indian Ocean after she and Lord Monson divorced.

The night he died had started as a carefree evening when he met local friends for drinks, dancing and games of pool.

They later moved on to a second bar, where  in the early hours of the morning  a bouncer allegedly claimed to have seen Alexander outside smoking 'bhang' (the Kenyan name for cannabis). Chege was on patrol nearby and attended the scene with a colleague.

Alexander's divorced parents made heartrending victim statements to the Mombasa court. Above: Mrs Monson

A lawyer representing one of the defendants speaks during the ruling on Monday

They handcuffed Alexander and a friend and claimed to have confiscated an envelope containing roll-up papers, cannabis and pills.

The corporal agreed with onlookers that Alexander did nothing to resist and his arrest was 'uneventful'.

Other witnesses, including friends who spoke to him through a hatch at the police station and prisoners who shared his cell, testified that Alexander was in 'excellent' health when he arrived at the station at around 2am. Nor, most agreed, did he appear intoxicated.

However, the judge said, between 2.30am and 5am  during which time he was removed from his cell to discuss bail, or for 'other reasons'  his health badly deteriorated.

Chege had called Munyuri, his superior, saying he had arrested a foreigner, and the senior officer went to the station.

A witness claims to have seen the corporal with Alexander in the so-called 'tourist room', reserved for interviewing prisoners from overseas.

Because of a 'wall of silence', it was not clear who was responsible for the attack on Alexander

When he was returned to the cells, guarded by the two constables, he appeared to be unconscious.

Alerted to his condition by cell-mates, three attempts were made to carry 6ft 3in Alexander out of the cell before, finally, he was dumped by the charge counter desk.

He was left there until about 9am, when family friend Tony Kennaway arrived to bail him out.

Two more hours passed before he arrived, in handcuffs and wearing only purple shorts, at Palm Beach hospital.

His bank card and phone, which had been taken by Pamba and supposedly locked in a strongbox, were missing.

Mrs Monson had been staying in Nairobi the previous night. She arrived in Mombasa in time to hold her son's hand  still in cuffs  but efforts to revive him failed. Within an hour of her arrival, at about 5am, he was pronounced dead.

The judge outlined  then dismissed  several possible reasons for his death put forward by defence lawyers.

The denouement of a three-year trial, which might never have taken placed but for the Monsons' relentless campaign for justice, was played out in a stifling, windowless courtroom

Alexander might have suffered head wounds at the bar before his arrest, they suggested.

He could also have been injured in a drug-induced fall. Chege's lawyer even ventured that he might have been dropped on his way to hospital.

In a report submitted to the trial, eminent British forensic physician Jason Payne-James, who studied the medical evidence, police log-book, witness statements and other key evidence, concluded that Alexander's injuries could only have been caused by a violent assault.

The 'only rational explanation', the judge ruled, was that between 3am and 5am 'torture took place outside the cell and the deceased tried to defend himself'.

Justice Ogola added that the 'accused persons were persons known to this court' but because of the 'wall of silence' he had been unable to ascertain exactly who was responsible.

After the verdict, lawyers for the officers pleaded for clemency, pointing out that they had to support wives and families  who were looking on from the public gallery. But the judge said he must set sentences that proved Kenya was serious in its declared intention to tackle police brutality.

Chege was given 15 years, five suspended, Munyuri 12 years (six suspended), Baraka nine (five suspended) and Pamba 12 (six suspended).

They are expected to serve their time in one of the world's most notorious prisons, Kamiti in Nairobi, where 4,000 inmates  double the intended capacity  languish in insanitary 10ft by 10ft cells, and are put to work for a fraction of a penny a day.

A recently released prisoner described it as a living hell where new inmates are 'auctioned off' as slaves.

Before rising, the judge commended Lord and Hilary Monson for their long campaign and thanked them for 'bearing with our justice system' for nine years.

'You have come from a long way and I hope you have found justice for Alexander,' he said.

Last night, the parents of this affable young Englishman, who did indeed have 'the world in his pocket', had different opinions on that.
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This is the moment heroic cabbie David Perry holds his head in his hands as he staggers from his wrecked taxi - seconds after a Poppy Day suicide bomber detonated a ball-bearing device on the back seat.

Dramatic CCTV footage showed the scene as Emad Jamil Al Swealmeen launched his botched bid to maim patients at Liverpool Women's Hospital just before 11am on Remembrance Sunday.

Glass is sent flying as the car's windows blow out, before a plume of smoke billows upwards. Around nine seconds later, dazed driver Mr Perry opens his door and staggers out.

Despite his injuries, he warns others to stay away as he stumbles towards the hospital reception with his head in his hands. Half a minute later the car is engulfed in flames.

Security staff including a man in a high-vis jacket run towards the blaze to try to help the passenger, not realising he is a bomber.

His wife yesterday said it was an 'utter miracle' he survived with only minor injuries, as security sources revealed Al Swealmeen did not intend to set off the device in the taxi.

One suggested the detonators exploded but failed to set off the main charge, while others claimed the partition screen between him and the passenger saved his life.

Now, his wife has revealed Mr Perry is 'doing ok but is extremely sore', while adding that his escape was an 'utter miracle'.

Rachel Perry wrote on Facebook: 'I would just like to thank each and every one of you who has messaged asking how David is. He is doing ok but is extremely sore and trying to process what's happened.

'There are a lot of rumours flying round about him being a hero and locking the passenger inside the car. But the truth of the matter is, he is without doubt, lucky to be alive. The explosion happened whilst he was in the car and how he managed to escape is an utter miracle. He certainly had some guardian angels looking over him.'

Dramatic CCTV footage shows the scene as the bomb exploded outside Liverpool Women's Hospital at 10.57am on Remembrance Sunday

Around nine seconds later, dazed driver David Perry opens his door and staggers out. Despite his injuries, he warns others to stay away as he stumbles towards the hospital reception with his head in his hands

These are the events that led to the explosion outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital yesterday and the arrests and raids that followed

Police at the sealed off house in Sutcliffe Street where three men were arrested last night and another suspect nearby

New video and white smoke suggests the suicide bomb failed to explode due to a faulty detonator, says 7/7 cop One theory police are probing is that the detonators on a potential bomb exploded but not the main charge. That would be a repeat of the failed 21/7 bombings three weeks after the 7/7 atrocity in 2005. David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, tweeted: 'Any type of explosion in a confined space is devastating, here it blows out the windows and sends the entire windscreen into the sky. 'This makes obvious that the seat of the blast is where the taxi passenger was, and not the front where the driver was. The white smoke indicates the explosion was fuelled by some type of explosive, the fire then takes hold and the smoke changes colour as it consumes the car. 'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order, at a desired point, for there to be an explosion. Sometimes the components don't operate in order or when desired. 'It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge'. Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, said the timing of the blast was 'significant' but it was 'very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened'. Professor Clifford Jones, visiting professor at Chester University, told MailOnline: 'It seems to me that the heat, not the blast, was the lethal factor. That signifies that the bomb was composed not of a high explosive such as TNT but of a hydrocarbon substance, most likely gasoline.' He told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that from what he has seen there is 'very little blast damage' indicating that whatever was in the vehicle was 'low yield or didn't work properly, or possibly an incendiary'. Advertisement

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, told BBC Radio 4's Today that from what he has seen there is 'very little blast damage' indicating that whatever was in the vehicle was 'low yield or didn't work properly, or possibly an incendiary'.

David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, said: 'The white smoke indicates the explosion was fuelled by some type of explosive, the fire then takes hold and the smoke changes colour as it consumes the car.

'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order. It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge.'

The male passenger killed in the blast had asked to go to the hospital around ten minutes from his home in Rutland Avenue, but friends of the taxi driver believe the target may have been less than a mile away at the city's Service of Remembrance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered.

Police say the bomb was brought into the cab by the male passenger, who was the only person killed in the explosion. Reports also claim that Mr Perry had locked the doors to stop the suspect from running into the hospital with the bomb.

Boris Johnson hailed Mr Perry, 45 and a married father-of-two, telling reporters: 'It does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery.'

Friends have also described his escape as 'a miracle'. One said: 'I can't believe he wasn't more seriously injured. Let's be honest we're all lucky whoever made the bomb was a bit rubbish.'

Another added: 'David's the luckiest man in Britain, as well as the most heroic'.

Last night, a bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion near a house in Liverpool raided in connection to the bombing.

It is understood the explosion in Sefton Park was done 'as part of the ongoing investigation into the terrorist incident' outside the Liverpool Women's Hospital, and that residents 'shouldn't be concerned'.

The UK's terror threat level was raised to 'severe' from 'substantial' following a COBRA meeting at Downing Street. Police and the security services advised the Prime Minister that another attack on British soil is now 'highly likely' following the bombing in Merseyside and the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in Essex.

Mr Johnson dramatically urged the country to be 'vigilant', calling the blast a 'stark reminder' to the public of the risks of terrorism. It follows claims that the suspected terrorist settled in the UK from the Middle East several years ago and was unknown to Britain's security services.

The Prime Minister told a Covid press briefing: 'What [Sunday] showed above all is that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism, we will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence. And our freedoms and our way of life will always prevail.'

Security staff including a man in a high-vis jacket run towards the blaze to try to help the passenger, not realising he is a bomber

Hero taxi driver David Perry pictured with his wife Rachel

This is the moment armed officers raided a property in Sutcliffe Street Liverpool with one marksman scaling the back wall with a ladder and pointing it at a man leaving the back door.

A squad of armed officers were heard telling the suspects to 'get on the floor' and 'don't f***ing move' before taking three men away

A male was arrested in the area close to the house in Sutcliffe Street, Kensington. It is not known if he is the fourth suspect held by police over the taxi bombing

How did Poppy Day blast cabbie survive? Bomb experts say taxi driver may have been saved by partition screen or if device did not detonate properly inside his car Liverpool cabbie David Perry may have been saved by a partition screen or a faulty bomb after a device carried by a passenger exploded in the back of his taxi, security experts have suggested. CCTV captured the moment Mr Perry's cab became a fireball outside the reception of Liverpool Women's Hospital, shortly before the 11am two-minute silence was due to take place on Remembrance Sunday yesterday. The huge blast blew out the windows of cab, though Mr Perry incredibly managed to stagger to safety six seconds later. Experts believe Mr Perry's survival may have been down to the bomb not working properly - with one suggesting the detonators exploded but failed to set off the main charge. Others have suggested that the partition screen between him and the passenger saved his life. Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme that from what he has seen there is 'very little blast damage' indicating that whatever was in the vehicle was 'low yield or didn't work properly, or possibly an incendiary'. David Videcette, a former 7/7 counter-terror detective at Scotland Yard, also suggested the detonator explosion failed to set-off the main charge, which allowed Mr Perry to escape without serious injury. He tweeted: 'Any type of explosion in a confined space is devastating, here it blows out the windows and sends the entire windscreen into the sky. 'This makes obvious that the seat of the blast is where the taxi passenger was, and not the front where the driver was. The white smoke indicates the explosion was fuelled by some type of explosive, the fire then takes hold and the smoke changes colour as it consumes the car. 'Improvised Explosive Devices have various components, with each having to operate in the correct order, at a desired point, for there to be an explosion. Sometimes the components don't operate in order or when desired. It's possible what we see here is a detonator explosion that has failed to set off the main charge'. Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at UCL Andrea Sella told MailOnline: 'The obvious point to make is that whatever the device was, it ''took off'' prematurely and burned rather than properly exploded. 'Explosions are classified into two types - deflagrations and detonations. The latter is what someone wanting to do big damage because detonations involve a supersonic shock wave which will cause real damage. 'Deflagrations give you low booms, often with a lot of fire. They are very destructive too but not in the same league as a detonation. Here it appears that the material caught fire and there was then a deflagration inside the taxi. The driver was presumably protected by the partition between the driver's cab and the passenger compartment.' Examples of deflagration are gunpowder, the gas in a stove and an internal combustion engine, that rapidly combust but do not have the explosive impact of a detonation. But detonation, such as smashing something with a hammer until it blows, causes the huge shockwaves seen in other blasts such as the one in Beirut last year. Detonation is much more powerful than deflagration and happens within thousands of a second and can blow through solid objects such as concrete. Meanwhile Professor Jackie Akhavan, head of explosive chemistry at Cranfield University, said the bomb likely malfunctioned which meant the driver survived. She said: 'There was no blast wave. Therefore this was not a detonation. That is why the driver survived. Only blast waves occur when there is a detonation. I would assume that the bomb malfunctioned.' She went on: 'As this was not a detonation I am not surprised that the driver did not die. It looks as though this was an explosion with the generation of a large amount of gas at a pressure which was sufficient to blow out the windows of the car. 'The pressure of the gases was not sufficient to harm the driver. Human bodies are very flexible and therefore can survive high pressures whereas windows are very brittle and easily break.' Professor Clifford Jones, visiting professor at Chester University, said: 'It seems to me that the heat, not the blast, was the lethal factor. 'That signifies that the bomb was composed not of a high explosive such as TNT but of a hydrocarbon substance, most likely gasoline.' Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national co-ordinator, said he was unsure what caused it but pointed out it appeared to be a weak explosion. He said: 'There are many reasons why explosives behave in the way they do, ranging from chemicals being faulty to them being put together in the wrong quantities or assembled incorrectly. He added: 'It could be that any device has been assembled using a low yield explosive (such as flammable substances).' Dr Joseph Downing, a fellow in nationalism at LSE who studies security and terrorism, said he was alarmed the attack was on a hospital. He said: 'It's quite strange and a worrying new pivot towards such a 'soft' target as a hospital that we have not seen before in Europe.' The male passenger killed in the blast had asked to go to the hospital around ten minutes from his home in Rutland Avenue, but friends of the taxi driver believe the target may have been less than a mile away at the city's Service of Remembrance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, where 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen had gathered. Police say the bomb was brought into the cab by the male passenger, who was the only person killed in the explosion. Reports also claim that Mr Perry had locked the doors to stop the suspect from running into the hospital with the bomb. Advertisement

Officers are still searching two addresses - one in Sutcliffe Street and a second at Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park, where 'significant items', believed to include bomb making equipment, have been found.

Investigators have 'attributed' the bomber to both the addresses but police are not yet sure where he lived, and last night at 9.45pm anti-terror officers forced their way into the front and back of the Sutcliffe Street house as they tried to establish if he was a lone wolf or part of a cell.

Suspects were seen with their hands up in the rear yard, as officers trained their rifles on them and told them to get on the floor. Matthew Heitman, 26, who lives opposite the raided house, said: 'Two of the men were marched out at gunpoint and they had them up against the wall. The people living there had not long moved in, maybe weeks or months.'

Another neighbour, Sharon Cullen, said she and her husband, 22-year-old daughter and two-year-old grandson were evacuated from their home. She said: 'The police pounded on my door and an officer said 'we need to get you out of the house as soon as possible'. They said 'whatever is going on at the back of the house, it could blow the block'. It was really frightening.'

Mr Perry has been credited with saving many lives after keeping the suspect inside his cab in the moments before it blew up. His wife has revealed he is 'doing ok but is extremely sore', while adding that his escape was an 'utter miracle'.

Rachel Perry wrote on Facebook: 'I would just like to thank each and every one of you who has messaged asking how David is. He is doing ok but is extremely sore and trying to process what's happened.

'There are a lot of rumours flying round about him being a hero and locking the passenger inside the car. But the truth of the matter is, he is without doubt, lucky to be alive. The explosion happened whilst he was in the car and how he managed to escape is an utter miracle. He certainly had some guardian angels looking over him.'

Ahead of this afternoon's COBRA meeting, the Prime Minister said Mr Perry acted with 'incredible presence of mind and bravery'.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, added: 'The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital', adding that he had 'locked the doors' to keep the bomber in the back.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of Counter Terrorism North West said they know the identity of the taxi passenger and believe that he made the bomb.

He said: 'It is not clear what the motivation for this incident is. Our enquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi.

'The reason why he then took it to the Women's Hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion. We are of course aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away from the hospital and that the ignition occurred shortly before 11am.

'We cannot at this time draw any connection with this but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing. Although, the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation. Our enquiries will now continue to seek to understand how the device was built, the motivation for the incident and to understand if anyone else was involved in it'.

It came as more details emerged yesterday about the bomber, including how a Christian couple who opened their home to him told of their shock last night after learning he launched the attack.

Al Swealmeen, also knows as Enzo Almeni, 32, was killed after a homemade ball-bearing device exploded inside a taxi he rode to Liverpool Women's Hospital just seconds before the 11am minute's silence.

Almeni, a failed asylum seeker with Syrian and Iraqi heritage who changed his name by deed poll from Emad Jamil Al Swealmeen to sound more Western, fled the Middle East several years ago and converted from Islam to Christianity in 2017 at the cathedral it is believed he wanted to attack.

He spent most of his time in the UK in Liverpool, and spent eight months living with devout Christians Malcolm and Elizabeth Hitchcott at their home in Aigburth.

Last night Mr Hitchcott, a former British Army soldier, said he felt 'numbed' to learn that the 'lovely man' who lived at his home for eight months was behind the plot. 'It's almost too impossible to believe,' he told the Daily Mail. 'There was nothing to suggest he could go on to become radicalised.'

He said Almeni had been arrested for possession of a 'large knife' after the rejection of his asylum claim in 2014, resulting in him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and hospitalised for several months.

The couple described their 'shock' that Almeni - a 'very quiet fellow' - would try to commit an act of terror, telling ITV News they lived 'cheek by jowl' when he stayed with them at their home and that there was 'never any suggestion of anything amiss'.

A tearful Mrs Hitchcott told the broadcaster: 'What a waste of a life. But the one thing I suppose to be thankful for is that he did not kill anyone else.'

Mr Hitchcott said Almeni rejected Islam and converted to Christianity and was baptised and confirmed in Liverpool Cathedral in March 2017.

'He first came to the cathedral in August 2015 and wanted to convert to Christianity,' Mr Hitchcott told MailOnline. 'He took an Alpha course, which explains the Christian faith, and completed it in November of that year. That enabled him to come to an informed decision and he changed from Islam to Christianity and was confirmed as a Christian by at least March 2017, just before he came to live with us. He was destitute at that time and we took him in.'

It is thought Almeni had wanted to attack the cathedral on Remembrance Sunday as 1,200 military personnel, veterans and families of the fallen gathered to observe the minute's silence - but that traffic and road closures stopped him from getting there. It is believed he died after being locked in a cab by Mr Perry as it exploded into a fireball outside the hospital.

Detectives and MI5 spies are investigating whether the bombing was an Islamist-inspired attack. Security sources said Almeni's mental health problems were 'a key line of inquiry' in understanding his motivation.

Police said Almeni was picked up in the Rutland Avenue area of the city. As the car reached the hospital's passenger drop-off point, it exploded.

Police said he had been living at a hostel for asylum seekers - run by private contracting giant Serco - in Sutcliffe Street, Liverpool, 'for some time' before renting a 'bomb factory' two miles away in Rutland Avenue.

Al Swealmeen pictured with Malcolm and Elizabeth Hitchcott, the couple who took him in after he left the Middle East

Friends said Almeni was born Emad Jamil Al-Swealmeen to a Syrian father and an Iraqi mother, and is believed to have spent a large part of his life in Iraq

Al Swealmeen arrived in the UK several years ago, and mostly lived in Liverpool, where he was being supported by Christian volunteers from a network of churches who help asylum seekers, it is understood

Al Swealmeen pictured on the right being converted to Christianity in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral in 2017

Al Swealmeen pictured with Malcolm Hitchcott who took him in after Almeni left the Middle East for the UK several years ago

Four men arrested under terrorism laws in the Kensington area of Liverpool - three aged 21, 26 and 29, who were held on Sunday, and a man aged 20 who was detained on Monday - have now been released from police custody following interview, Counter Terrorism Police North West said on Monday night. MI5 is assisting police with the investigation.

Meanwhile, forensic officers continued the delicate task of searching the 'bomb factory' from where Almeni booked the taxi. Eight nearby homes have been evacuated, and officers on Monday carried out a controlled explosion on an item taken from the property in nearby Sefton Park in what they described as 'a precaution'.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Meeks of Counter Terrorism Police North West said: 'Our enquiries are very much ongoing but at this stage we strongly believe that the deceased is 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen.

'Al Swealmeen is connected to both the Rutland Avenue and Sutcliffe Street addresses where searches are still ongoing. We believe he lived at the Sutcliffe Street address for some time and had recently rented the Rutland Avenue address. Our focus is the Rutland Avenue address where we have continued to recover significant items.

'We continue to appeal for any information about this incident and now that we have released his name any information that the public may have about Al Swealmeen no matter how small may be of great assistance to us.'

The UK's terror threat level was raised to 'severe' following an emergency COBRA meeting at Downing Street. Police and security services advised the Prime Minister that another attack on British soil is now 'highly likely'. It came exactly a month after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

At a Covid press briefing yesterday, Boris Johnson dramatically urged the country to be 'vigilant' and called the blast a 'stark reminder' of the risks of terrorism.

Home Secretary Priti Patel cancelled a planned trip to Paris to discuss the Channel migrant crisis so she could be briefed on the Liverpool bombing.
A businesswoman who bombarded her ex-lover and his fiancee with messages after he announced their engagement claims she was 'pushed' by her lawyer to admit harassment.

Zoe Phillips, from Chelsea, west London, sent Ministry of Defence worker Neil Cross 60 WhatsApps and emails and threatened to kill herself when he ended their relationship in January 2019.

The 53-year-old admitted two counts of harassment without violence last July and was sentenced to a 12 month community order, but now claims she is 'not guilty' and 'never has been'.

Westminster Magistrates' Court previously heard that following the end of their relationships, Phillips went to his fiancee Serena Williams' workplace and fired off messages to her company email account after 'following Mr Cross around all evening' at a charity ball.

She also posted a selfie outside Ms Williams' family castle in Cornwall and sent a 'flurry of WhatsApp messages' to Mr Cross.

The 53-year-old admitted two counts of harassment without violence last July and was sentenced to a 12 month community order, but now claims she is 'not guilty'

The brand manager for Nestle and Biogen also contacted Major Harry Wallace on Facebook after the victim blocked her on social media to use the army officer as her 'conduit' to Mr Cross.

Phillips now insists she was badly advised by her defence lawyer and broke down in tears while she maintained her innocence at Westminster Magistrates' Court this week.

'They told me I was going to prison for 26 weeks, or that was a possibility,' she said in court on Friday (14 May).

'I wrote many times, they pushed me and said I can't avoid it. I felt very worried, very alone.

'I do believe that mistakes have been made.

As she left the court, she addressed Judge Nicholas Rimmer and said: 'I never harassed those people. I'm not guilty, I never have been.'

During court, Judge Rimmer said: 'All I can say is that this court recognises the pressures you are under.

'Unfortunately this court does not have the jurisdiction to set aside your plea and to revisit the case for trial.

'I think the law is clear.'

In a statement read in court at Phillip's sentencing last year, Mr Cross said: 'She infiltrated my social circle and manipulated my friends in order to get to me.

The 53-year-old broke down at Westminster Magistrates' Court and claimed her innocence

'This has negatively impacted every aspect of my life. I simply wish for this to be over and to do my duty without her harassing Serena in my absence.'

Ms Williams said she was unable to sleep after not knowing when Phillips might 'strike' again.

'It has led me to lock all of the doors and check under the car,' she said.

'She systematically made it her mission to force herself into our lives, this was unasked for and unwanted.

'She has written a number of times how she's going to turn up. What she will do next is the question spinning around in my mind almost all the time.'

Mr Cross said in his statement he had four dates with Phillips before deciding to end the short relationship and remain friends.

But in February last year, Mr Cross organised a charity ball which Phillips attended, and he said she followed him around all evening.

Prosecutor Johnathan Bryan previously told the court: 'Throughout 1 May to 31 December 2019 he received a number of texts and emails from Ms Phillips.

'There were a number of WhatsApp messages talking about their relationship and her apologising about contacting him and making reference to the fact that she would take her life describing how much she still likes him. I'm summarising as there are about 45 texts but the general nature is that she's upset about the new relationship and unhappy about him blocking and unblocking her.

'She was blocked but then contacted him through different avenues on his work email address, that being a Ministry of Defence email address and giving Mr Cross great difficulty to get her blocked from that address having received all those emails.

'On 4 October 2019 Ms Phillips had gone on to send a further 15 emails in a row and on that same day he received a number of telephone calls from an unknown number.'

When Mr Cross and Ms Williams announced their engagement in the Telegraph newspaper, Phillips commented on the piece on the website.

'Phillips in fact commented on that on the website making reference to the fact that she was still in love with Mr Cross and was not happy about the end of their relationship,' Mr Bryan said.

Phillips was sentenced to a 12 month community order and ordered to pay 800 costs last July.

A restraining order was put in place to prevent her from contacting the couple and attending their place of work and social club.
Divided, disillusioned and fearful - Melbourne is a city at breaking point.

How else do you explain thousands of ordinary Victorians, many with children, marching alongside radical anti-vaccination protesters and neo-Nazi goons?

The extraordinary scenes in Melbourne on Saturday were ostensibly a protest against Premier Dan Andrews' new pandemic laws.

But dig deeper and you will see revolt is in the air.

After six hard lockdowns, Victorians have had enough - and they are deeply fearful the state is slipping into a dictatorship.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was painted as a rat during Saturday's protest in Melbourne

One protester marched through Melbourne's CBD carrying nooses

Daniel Andrews was compared to some of history's greatest monsters during Saturday's protest

Under the proposed legislation, the man dubbed 'Chairman Dan' would be given the power to make a pandemic declaration off his own bat and extend it in three-month blocks for as long as he likes.

That's why on Saturday, Melbourne's streets were swamped with angry protesters, who rallied at the foot of Parliament House in driving rain to oppose the legislation.

Posters depicting Mr Andrews dressed as Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler - with his swastika armband replaced by a symbol for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation - were handed out to angry protesters in a move that has since been widely condemned.

Another protester waved a placard placing the premier alongside the names of ruthless dictators Joseph Stalin, Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Mao Zedong - the inspiration for Mr Andrews' 'Chairman' nickname.

In other scenes that sent shivers down the spines of people across the country, at least two men were seen brandishing nooses.

One man in fact carried three nooses attached to makeshift gallows.

Some waved Eureka and Trump flags - one of which portrayed the ex-United States president packing an M-60 machine gun similar to Hollywood action hero John Rambo.

Others adopted imagery of the Knights Templar and crusaders as they marched through the CBD shouting 'kill the bill'.

Another man at Saturday's protest places a noose around the neck of Victoria's 'clown' premier Daniel Andrews

A man dressed either as Santa or a Knight's Templar wielded a stick from atop of a tram stop on Saturday

A man dressed in the garb of a crusader marches down Flinders Street on Saturday in Melbourne

The Andrews Government hope to pass the bill through the Legislative Council on Wednesday in order to have it set in stone before existing emergency powers expire on December 15.

The bill had been lumped on the state opposition with little to no notice late last month.

Liberal MP Ryan Smith went viral hours later when he highlighted the dangers of the bill in parliament

'This bill allows the government to do an extraordinary number of things that ordinary Victorians would be horrified with,' he said.

'And to hear the government at press conferences get up and say "yeah but we wouldn't use it that way" is just a ridiculous comment from a government that just is trying to pull the wool over ordinary Victorians' lives.'

On Saturday, seemingly ordinary Victorians stood before the masses and spoke passionately about why they believed Mr Andrews ought be removed.

Among them were nurses Pauline Swinkley and Melissa Webster, who both delivered speeches calling for lockdowns and vaccination not to be compulsory.

Ms Swinkley told the crowd she had been a nurse for 39 years, but would now be forced to quit.

The crowd heard thousands of health professionals who had stood by Victorians during the pandemic had been stood down and replaced by foreign workers due to mandatory vaccination laws.

Ms Webster spoke of the horrific mental health toll the lockdowns had caused everyday Melburnians.

Posters depicting Premier Daniel Andrews as Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler were passed around on Saturday

Donald Trump packs a machine gun on a flag made to make the ex-United States president appear like John Rambo

A man holds a placard staing he had been locked out of church buildings

Ex Victoria Police senior constable Craig Backman labelled Mr Andrews a 'clown' as he outlined what he believed was his government's ultimate agenda.

'His agenda is to control you and everything that you do,' he said.

'This is the beginning of it.'

On Monday, the fallout from the protest continued, with one of Australia's top doctors warning the Victorian government needed to 'take a long hard look' at its 'heavy-handed' response to the Covid pandemic.

Dr Nick Coatsworth, the country's former deputy chief medical officer and face of the government's vaccine rollout campaign, said he was 'troubled' by the rallies.

'People have a right to that (protest) but Victoria in many ways has become a divided state and some of that is due to the more heavy-handed approaches of government and people are pushing back against that,' Dr Coatsworth told Today.

Dr Coatsworth said the same frequency and scale of protests being held in Melbourne wasn't being seen in other capital cities.

'I mean, we are all Australians. Why are Victorians taking the position that they feel the need to protest and I think the government needs to have a long hard look at itself as to why that might be,' he said.

Thousands of angry Victorians turned-up to show their displeasure at the Andrews Government on Saturday in Melbourne

Protesters called for Dan Andrews to be sacked on Saturday in Melbourne

Many Melburnians worry Victoria is being turned into a communist state by the premier

Angry Victorians call for Premier Daniel Andrews to be sacked

Since the pandemic began, Melburnians have been subjected to the world's longest lockdown and watched on in horror time and time again as police shut down anyone who dared to protest the premier's draconian rules.

On Saturday, thousands looked on as a violinist played a haunting rendition of the national anthem that evoked visions of the US civil war.

Next to a man holding a placard that read: 'unvaxxed sperm is the next Bitcoin' was a man holding one that stated he was a pastor that had been locked out of church buildings for being unvaccinated.

As the crowd weaved its way through Melbourne's ordinarily abandoned streets, the message was clear that Melburnians had not only lost faith in their government, but in the police and mainstream media.

'Media is the virus', the crowd scowled to 'citizen journalist' Rukshan Fernando during his four-hour live stream of the protest.

Former Yugoslavian Military Services Intelligence Officer and author of the newly released book  Blood Soaked in Soil, Mario Bekes told The Informer Victoria now resembled communist Yugoslavia.

'To control everything as a communism you need to delete the past, write the present to reflect the future ... you correct the past in a way that suits you ... so the future can be easier (accepted) for society,' he said.

'That is communism. That's the danger that you see right now.'

Protesters have now set up camp on the steps of the state's parliament in the hope of ambushing Victorian Upper House MPs in a last-ditch effort to convince them to reject the new legislation.

The new law is expected to pass this week with the support of three cross-bench MPs in the Upper House, though Victoria's Liberal Opposition has vowed to try and delay its passage.
Scientists developing a vaccine against Alzheimer's disease say they are 'hugely excited' by findings suggesting it can reverse dementia in mice.

Researchers at the University of Leicester have come up with a 'transformative' treatment that could stop the progression of the disease  or even prevent it.

The pioneering therapy, costing only 15 a dose, works by preventing the formation of harmful deposits of protein in the brain linked to memory loss. Dementia affects about 850,000 people in the UK and is currently incurable, but experts said the new vaccine could enter clinical trials in humans within two years.

Scientists are 'hugely excited' about a vaccine that may reverse dementia. The disease affects about 850,000 people in the UK and is currently incurable

Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused when naturally occurring proteins called amyloid beta clump together to form plaques in the brain.

These plaques occur when separate amyloid beta protein molecules become shortened or 'truncated', then join together to form clusters that interfere with the functioning of brain cells.

But scientists have identified an antibody  called TAP01-04  which binds to the shortened toxic form of amyloid beta, preventing the molecules clumping together to form plaques.

This antibody forms the basis of the promising new therapy. Trials on mice with Alzheimer's disease found the antibody helped to restore the function of brain cells as fewer plaques were formed, improving memory.

The scientists are working on a vaccine which triggers the body to generate TAP01-04 antibodies, and could soon be offered to people at high risk of Alzheimer's.

Co-author Professor Thomas Bayer, from the University Medical Centre Gottingen in Germany, said: 'In clinical trials, none of the potential treatments which dissolve amyloid plaques in the brain have shown much success in terms of reducing Alzheimer's symptoms

The team said its revolutionary approach shows Alzheimer's could be prevented in the first place, rather than just treating plaques which have already formed.

Professor Mark Carr, from the University of Leicester, said: 'While the science is currently still at an early stage, if these results were to be replicated in human clinical trials, then it could be transformative.

'It opens up the possibility to not only treat Alzheimer's once symptoms are detected, but also to potentially vaccinate against the disease before symptoms appear.'

Co-author Professor Thomas Bayer, from the University Medical Centre Gottingen in Germany, said: 'In clinical trials, none of the potential treatments which dissolve amyloid plaques in the brain have shown much success in terms of reducing Alzheimer's symptoms.

'Some have even shown negative side effects. So we decided on a different approach. We identified an antibody in mice that would neutralise the truncated forms of soluble amyloid beta, but would not bind either to normal forms of the protein or to the plaques.'

The study was conducted in partnership with medical research charity LifeArc. The researchers, whose findings were published last night in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, are looking to find a commercial partner to take the therapeutic antibody and the vaccine through clinical trials.
It seems even farm animals in China can't avoid being tracked by the latest technology.

Vert City Farm, based in Shanghai, is now trialing facial recognition technology to stop incest among its flock, which could be set for a full rollout in 2022.

The artificial intelligence (AI) technology uses a camera to track goats that are housed together that may be related to one another, based on colour-coding.

If two related goats start trying to mate, the technology will send staff members at the farm updates on their phone so they can put a stop to it.

The system will 'improve work efficiency and quality of livestock' by eliminating incest-related birth defects.

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Facial recognition technology can avoid inbreeding among the goats, based on colour-coding

Staff members at Vert City Farm get a livestream on their phone and updates when two related goats may be trying to mate

HOW DOES IT WORK? Vert City Farm is fitted with cameras over goat pens. These provide a stream to staff computers. The camera feed is integrated into artificial intelligence tech that estimates its weight and other factors. Colour coding identifies goats that are related and sends alerts to staff phones if related goats try to mate. Advertisement

It can also recognise other characteristics in each of the goats, including behaviour, body shape and exercise patterns, as well as early signs of disease, including sore mouth and diarrhoea.

It uses infrared to measure each goat's body temperature and can alert staff if this rises above 104F (40C).

Thanks to the technology, the farm only needs to hire seven people to manage 10,000 goats, Global Times reported.

These staff members receive updates on their phone, which means they can do other jobs at the farm while the technology keeps tabs on the goat flock.

'Workers don't have to monitor the goats' condition on the spot,' said Huang Zhen, chairman of Wanhe Technology Development Group, which has developed the system.

'For example, we currently have 11 people to manage 3,000 goats. The system can show the information of every goat on the computer screen, including its gender, age, weight, as well as state of health, vaccination and pregnancy.'

The farm based in Shanghai needs just 11 staff members to manage 3,000 goats, thanks to the technology

It uses infrared to measure each goat's body temperature and can alert staff if this rises above 104F (40C)

The system was revealed by Shanghai Chongming district government website, South China Morning Post has reported.

MailOnline has contacted the government for more information about the system, including what data needs to be fed into the system for it to accurately identify two related goats, and why the farm doesn't just keep related goats in separate pens.

Another Chinese farm has already been using facial recognition technology on pigs to help boost the animals' productivity during a pork shortage.

The artificial intelligence system helps farmers keep a 'file' on each hog's life cycle, documenting each stage from its birth to death.

The system will improve the breeding quality and health condition of the goats, according to Wanhe Technology Development Group, which has developed the system

The technology is fundamentally similar to those used on humans, by keeping a continuous stream of video frames of each pig's distinguishing features such as its snout, ears, eyes and markings on its head.

The video frames images are analysed using deep learning algorithms and uploaded to an online database.

Within seconds, the system matches and updates the individual 'pig profile', which documents details such as an ID number, its breed, birth date, weight, gender, genetic compositions and other daily activities critical for the business.

China is famous for tracking its citizens using the latest technology  notably a Black Mirror-like social rating system to restore morality' and blacklist 'untrustworthy' citizens.
Zephyr, a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Airbus, was used to deliver next generation wireless internet, as part of a test flight over Arizona.

Airbus was testing the 'High Altitude Platform Station' (HAPS), onboard the British-built UAV, as part of an 18-day flight in the stratosphere, 76,100ft above the surface.

The test was in partnership with Japanese mobile operator, NTT DOCOMO, and could one day lead to super-fast broadband in remote areas, without the need to send a fleet of satellites into low Earth orbit, according to Airbus.

It carried an onboard radio transmitter that let it provide a datalink to simulate future systems that would send internet signals between the UAV and a computer.

The successful test could pave the way for a fleet of Zephyr aircraft delivering 5G and 6G mobile internet to the most remote parts of the planet, or providing a short-term signal boost during a major event in a densely populated area, Airbus says.

Zephyr, a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Airbus, was used to deliver next generation wireless internet, as part of a test flight over Arizona

Airbus was testing the 'High Altitude Platform Station' (HAPS), onboard the British-built UAV, as part of an 18-day flight in the stratosphere, 76,100ft above the surface

THE AIRBUS ZEPHYR The Zephyr has been built by Airbus Defence and Space engineers. It is powered by the sun during the day, which also recharges its lithium-sulphur batteries to power it by night. Its huge 25m wingspan means it can be launched by four military personnel on their shoulders. The 'psuedo-satellite' can fly at more than 70,000 feet - twice the altitude of a commercial airliner. British military forces will use the high-tech aircraft to monitor targets on the ground from anywhere in the world. Advertisement

The two firms hope to build on the tests, and use Zephyr to provide communication and internet services to mountain regions, remote islands and maritime areas.

These are all locations where radio waves are difficult to reach, so having a UAV 13 miles above the surface, relaying data and calls, fills in a much needed gap.

Zephyr comes with two small propellers, and is powered exclusively by the Sun, thanks to solar panels lining its whole 82-foot wingspan.

It's typically hand-launched by four to five ground crew, fast-walking or jogging into a light wind, but it features on-board software for remote navigation.

For the new test, the team captured data at different times of the day and night, at a range of altitudes, and focused on connectivity in different weather conditions.

The goal was to confirm whether the Zephyr system is a viable platform for providing internet access to an area of about

'The demonstration confirmed the viability and versatility of the 2GHz spectrum for HAPS-based services and also the use of a narrow (450MHz) band to provide connectivity in a range of up to 140km,' an Airbus spokesperson explained.

They also found that it was a viable solution for providing direct communications to smartphones from the stratosphere.

'DOCOMO believes that HAPS will be a promising solution for coverage expansion in 5G evolution and 6G,' said Takehiro Nakamura, General Manager of DOCOMO's 6G-IOWN Promotion Department.

'In this measurement experiment, we were able to demonstrate the effectiveness of HAPS, especially for direct communication to smartphones, through long-term propagation measurements using actual HAPS equipment.

'Based on these results, we would like to further study the practical application of HAPS in 5G evolution and 6G with Airbus.'

The test was in partnership with Japanese mobile operator, NTT DOCOMO, and could one day lead to super-fast broadband in remote areas, without the need to send a fleet of satellites into low Earth orbit, according to Airbus

It carried an onboard radio transmitter that let it provide a datalink to simulate future systems that would send internet signals between the UAV and a computer

ZEPHYR SPECS Wingspan: 82 feet (25 metres) Weight: Less than 75kg Altitude: 75,000 feet Energy source: Solar Use cases: Military, broadband, crop and wildfire monitoring, disaster recovery, border protection Advertisement

The goal is to be able to fill in 5G and 6G coverage gaps, offering the next generation mobile networks to the most remote locations on Earth.

However, it isn't just for filling in gaps over the sea or in mountainous regions, as Airbus also suggests it could be used to boost coverage in densely populated areas, or it could be a short term solution to improve coverage over a music festival, major event or protest.

'Billions of people across the world suffer from poor or no connectivity. These tests show us the viability of the stratosphere to bridge this divide and provide direct to device connectivity via Zephyr without the need for base stations or extra infrastructure,' said Stephane Ginoux, Head of North Asia region for Airbus.

When fully rolled out for clients, it will be cheaper and easier to control than satellites, as well as landed and repurposed for a different mission.

And as it uses sunlight to fly and recharge its batteries, it uses no fuel and produces no carbon emissions. Secondary batteries charge in daylight power overnight flight.

Zephyr could soon be spending around six months in the air at a time, according to Jana Rosenmann, head of unmanned aerial systems at Airbus.

The successful test could pave the way for a fleet of Zephyr aircraft delivering 5G and 6G mobile internet to the most remote parts of the planet, or providing a short-term signal boost during a major event in a densely populated area, Airbus says

Zephyr is typically hand-launched by four to five ground crew, who fast-walk or jog into a light wind, but it features on-board software for remote navigation

'We have ambitions to be going for periods of months, up to six months,' she told the PA news agency.

'Our batteries are really performing extremely well. I think we're confident right now about (reaching) three months and I would say that going for six months on this air vehicle would not be a problem.'

The company is also pitching it for use in disaster zones, and other areas where real-time information is needed.

Airbus says it could revolutionise disaster management, for example, including monitoring the spread of wildfires or oil spills.
Scientists claim to have created a vegan cheese that actually tastes like the real thing.

The cheese, developed by a Singapore-based company, is made from algae  a photosynthetic microorganism usually found near water.

Vegan cheeses are already on the market and aren't renowned for their flavour, but this new version mimics traditional cheese, according to its creators.

It boasts a 'tangy taste profile' that bursts with umami, just like cheddar, and is packed with healthy B vitamins.

It can be sliced for a cheese board, melted in a toastie, added to a sandwich, or slathered over crackers or bread as a rich and gooey spread.

It's not available in the UK yet, but the firm is reportedly in talks with some major European dairy firms.

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Anything ewe can do, algae do cheddar: The new vegan cheese is available as two types of products - a semi-hard microalgae dairy-free cheese that's sliceable (pictured here) and a dairy-free cheese spread

MICROALGAE AND UMAMI Microalgae are tiny photosynthetic microorganisms found in both freshwater and marine aquatic systems, each only a few micrometres in size. Already used as a a food supplement and as aquafeed for fish, they are an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This new vegan cheese, made from Microalgae milk, packs a umami punch. Umami is one of the five tastes that register on the tongue, along with sweet, salty, bitter and sour. First identified by a Japanese researcher in 1908, it's generally used to describe a rich, meaty foods, like beef and broths, as well as yeast extracts like Marmite. Advertisement

It was created by Sophie's BioNutrients, a 'sustainable' food production technology company, together with Ingredion Idea Labs innovation centre in Singapore.

The firm announced the creation of their dairy-free, protein-rich microalgae milk  from which this new cheese has been made  earlier this year.

'Microalgae is one of the most nutrient-rich and ductile resources on the planet,' said Eugene Wang, co-founder and CEO of Sophie's BioNutrients.

'Today we have shown another facet of the unlimited possibilities this superfood can offer  a dairy and lactose-free alternative to cheese that, thanks to microalgae, offers a higher protein content than most available dairy-free alternatives.'

Developed using microalgae protein flour, the cheese is set to become available as two types of products  a semi-hard microalgae dairy-free cheese and a dairy-free cheese spread.

A one-ounce serving of the semi-hard microalgae cheese provides double the daily allowance of vitamin B12.

Already used as a a food supplement and as aquafeed for fish, microalgae are an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The tiny photosynthetic microorganisms are found in both freshwater and marine aquatic systems, each only a few micrometres in size.

Microalgae species are cultivated in big vats called bioreactors, fuelled by a constant source of light and carbon dioxide.

In May 2021, Sophie's BioNutrients revealed its microalgae-based milk (pictured), which is safe for consumption for lactose-intolerant people. This 'milk' is the starting point for making the new cheese

'At Sophie's Bionutrients, we grow micro-algae inside of bio-reactors,' the firm says on its website. 'This process can be precisely controlled to produce protein in a matter of days.

'We will use local food waste, and limited amounts of water to produce micro-algae protein within metropolitan areas in many parts of the globe.

'In addition, we can generate whole-algae ingredients in a variety of food applications in plant based meat and functional food.'

Sophie's BioNutrients' microalgae milk, revealed in May this year, starts off as a micro-algae protein flour.

This flour is homogenised with water to create the dairy-free milk alternative, which is suitable for lactose-intolerant people as well as vegans.

Microalgae species are cultivated in big vats called bioreactors (pictured here in a stock image), fuelled by a constant source of light and carbon dioxide, to form a powder

MailOnline has contacted Sophie's BioNutrients for more information of the preparation method of the cheese, as well as when it might hit the UK market.

According to the firm, it also wants to create a yoghurt, also made from its milk, as well as protein flour that can be used to make vegan 'meats', cakes and other baked goods.

The firm said vegan and dairy-free options for cheeses are on the rise in response to growing consumer demands for plant-based alternatives.

According to international market research firm Research and Markets, the global vegan cheese market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2019 and is estimated to reach $4.42 billion by 2027.

Traditional cheese is predominantly made from the milk of cows, which have a big carbon footprint.

Farmed cows and other animals release huge amounts of methane  a greenhouse gas  into the atmosphere through burps and farts.
Rising ocean temperatures in the Pacific are at the core of the West Coast's precipitation patterns, driving winter storms, and could wind up causing the climate of the Pacific Northwest and Southwest to switch, a new study suggests.

Researchers from Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Colorado have determined that ocean temperatures and not the planet's ice sheets, are 'directly responsible' for changing the North Pacific's atmosphere and the West Coast's precipitation patterns.

This happened during the Last Glacial Maximum, which occurred between 31,000 and 16,000 years ago and is currently happening now.

The changes are noteworthy given the fact it does not require an ice sheet to occur, the researchers said.

Rising ocean temperatures in the Pacific are causing changes to the West Coast's precipitation patterns

Similar to what happened during the Last Glacial Maximum, the climates of the Pacific Northwest and Southwest could switch

Scientists originally thought that during the Last Glacial Maximum, roughly 20,000 years ago, large ice sheets hovered over North America and these ice sheets caused the dramatic shift in the atmosphere's circulation.

Given that Pacific Ocean temperatures and West Coast precipitation patterns are linked, it could mean there could be a 'dramatic change' in the West Coast climate in a relatively short period of time.

'It is distinctly plausible that we could get an ocean temperature pattern in the North Pacific that looks very much like what we saw during the Last Glacial Maximum,' the study's lead author, Dillon Amaya, added.

'This could lead to dramatic changes in West Coast hydroclimate over a relatively short period of time, like decades.'

The changes do not require the presence of an ice sheet, as scientists previously thought

During the Last Glacial Maximum, large ice sheets hovered over North America that caused the dramatic shift in the atmosphere's circulation

Amaya noted that although there is no change a nearly 2 mile tall (3 kilometers) ice sheet will appear 'suddenly' over North America, the modern climate 'can produce similar changes in North Pacific ocean temperatures that could temporarily swap the climates of the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest.'

Scientists originally thought that during the Last Glacial Maximum, roughly 20,000 years ago, large ice sheets hovered over North America and these ice sheets caused the dramatic shift in the atmosphere's circulation.

'This study highlights the need for a holistic view of the climate system, especially when modeling its past and future behavior,' said coauthor and CIRES Fellow Kris Karnauskas in a statement.

'Without accounting for the interaction between the atmosphere and ocean, you can end up with the right answer for the wrong reason, which is of course risky when you try to extrapolate that information to future concerns like freshwater availability.'

The study shows that the ocean temperatures of the Last Glacial Maximum were not unique to that time period.

The researchers note that during this period, the Southwestern U.S. was full of precipitation and the Pacific Northwest was dry, drastically different from how these regions are today.

It was believed the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets acted as a barrier and pushed the North Pacific jet stream and storms south, but after researching deeper, they found that was not the case.

'There's also the thermodynamic effect of having a really bright ice sheet that reflects a lot of sunlight,' Amaya explained. 'That creates cooling that also adjusts atmospheric circulation.'

The study shows that the ocean temperatures of the Last Glacial Maximum were not unique to that time period

The researchers used a climate model that also simulated the ocean's response to ice sheets and how it interacts with the atmosphere to come up with their findings.

'This study highlights the need for a holistic view of the climate system, especially when modeling its past and future behavior,' said coauthor and CIRES Fellow Kris Karnauskas explained.

'Without accounting for the interaction between the atmosphere and ocean, you can end up with the right answer for the wrong reason, which is of course risky when you try to extrapolate that information to future concerns like freshwater availability.'

'It is distinctly plausible that we could get an ocean temperature pattern in the North Pacific that looks very much like what we saw during the Last Glacial Maximum,' Amaya said.

'This could lead to dramatic changes in West Coast hydroclimate over a relatively short period of time, like decades.

Though the ice sheets do not play the preeminent role in pushing the storms south, they do play a role, albeit one that could be considered behind the scenes.

The study was recently published in the scientific journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
Imposter syndrome has been linked with anxiety and feelings of low self-worth, but it might actually make you better at your job.

According to a new study, people with imposter syndrome who are less confident at work have better interpersonal skills, which can make for a better employee.

Imposter syndrome is the belief that one's own success in life isn't deserved or has been achieved through luck, rather than as a result of one's own efforts or skills.

People who suffer from the syndrome tend to think of themselves as a 'fraud' and fear that at any moment, everyone else will realise it too.

Imposter syndrome - an inability to believe that your success is deserved or has been achieved as a result of your own efforts or skills - may have interpersonal benefits in the workplace, reports a psychologist at MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts (stock image of a woman with imposter syndrome)

What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to believe that your success is deserved or has been achieved as a result of your own efforts or skills. It is often associated with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-sabotage and other traits, according to Thomas Jefferson University. People with imposter syndrome tend to think that their achievements in life are the result of luck or circumstance, or other factors. It affects people both in the workplace and in the classroom. While imposter syndrome isn't a clinical diagnosis, it is known to be a 'largely universal fear' that many experience at work. The psychological phenomenon was first posited in an article published in 1978, who noted imposter syndrome in women 'despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments'. Advertisement

The new study was conducted by Basima Tewfik, a psychologist at the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts and published in Academy of Management Journal.

'Prevailing wisdom paints the impostor phenomenon as detrimental,' she says in her research paper.

'In this work, I seek to rebalance the existing conversation around this phenomenon by highlighting that it may also have interpersonal benefits.'

Tewfik referred to imposter syndrome as a 'silver lining that does actually contribute to success in some respects'.

'People with impostor syndrome were basically the ones you'd want to work with,' she told New Scientist.

For the study, Tewfik measured levels of impostor syndrome among 155 employees at an investment advisory firm in the US.

The participants were presented with written statements like 'At work, others think I have more knowledge or ability than I think I do' and asked to rate the extent to which these thoughts were true to them.

Tewfik then turned to each participant's work supervisor, to see whether they saw their employee differently.

Supervisors rated the participants' performance and interpersonal skills by rating how much they agreed with statements like 'this employee creates effective working relationships with colleague'.

Tewfik found that employees with impostor syndrome were rated as having better interpersonal skills than more confident peers and were considered just as competent.

IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS COMMON AMONG HIGH ACHIEVERS IN MED SCHOOL Imposter syndrome is common among high achievers in med school, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Family Medicine. Thomas Jefferson University researchers examined imposter syndrome in 257 students using a validated survey tool called the Clance Imposter Phenomenon (IP) Scale. 87 per cent of an incoming class reported a high or very high degree of imposter syndrome. Students' higher IP scores were associated with lower scores for self-compassion, sociability, self-esteem and higher scores on neuroticism/anxiety. Therefore, a high CIP score among entering students may be an indicator of future risk for experiencing psychological distress during medical school. Advertisement

Employees who more frequently had imposter syndrome thoughts were evaluated by their superiors as 'more interpersonally effective' because they adopt a more 'other-focused orientation', she said.

At the same time, imposter syndrome thoughts can encourage those who have them to 'self-handicap'  in other words, to not really help themselves when it comes to doing their job to the best of their ability.

In a second experiment, Tewfik ascertained levels of imposter syndrome in trainee doctors and tested them with fake patients.

Doctors with higher levels of the syndrome were more likely to make statements recognising a patient's pain, ask follow-up questions, nod, use open hand gestures and eye contact, and talk with a receptive, agreeable tone, New Scientist reports.

This suggests people with impostor syndrome in all sorts of professions  not just those based in offices  are unconsciously trying to compensate for their 'self-perceived ineptitude' by being personable and easy to get along with.

However, Tewfik stresses that her findings don't mean mean having imposter syndrome is a good thing.

'Theres no neat takeaway message of "embrace your impostor thoughts!", because we know there are detriments to your well-being,' she said.

'I think the work now is on trying to figure out how we can downregulate the anxiety that comes from it so we can start to fully embrace the interpersonal upside.'

People with imposter syndrome tend to think that their achievements in life are the result of luck or circumstance, or other factors (stock image)

Researchers from Brigham Young University have previously found that if you suffer from imposter syndrome, it is best to reach out to friends and family outside of the workplace or in the case of a student, your academic superior.

'Those outside the social group seem to be able to help students see the big picture and recalibrate their reference groups,' said Jeff Bednar, a BYU management professor.

'After reaching outside their social group for support, students are able to understand themselves more holistically rather than being so focused on what they felt they lacked in just one area.'
The Leonids meteor shower will peak on Wednesday night  with up to 15 shooting stars potentially visible each hour through to dawn on Thursday  experts have said.

The spectacle, which happens every November, occurs when small rocks burn up in Earth's atmosphere after breaking off from a comet called 55P/TempelTuttle.

According to NASA, the Leonids are considered to be some of the fastest meteors known, travelling at speeds of 44 miles (71 kilometres) per second.

The annual shower takes it name from the fact that their radiant  the point in the sky from which they appear to originate  lies within the constellation of Leo.

Unfortunately for stargazers, conditions are expected to by fairly cloudy and changeable from WednesdayFriday, the Met Office forecast has predicted.

The north is expected to experience spells of showers and bouts of wind, while the south of the UK will be largely dry, but with variable cloud that could spoil the view.

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The Leonids meteor shower will peak on Wednesday night  with up to 15 shooting stars potentially visible each hour through to dawn on Thursday. Pictured: the Leonids in 1998

Unfortunately for stargazers, the skies over the UK tonight are expected to be very cloudy, the Met Office told the MailOnline

The annual shower takes it name from the fact that their radiant  the point in the sky from which they appear to originate  lies within the constellation of Leo

ABOUT THE LEONIDS The Leonids are usually one of the more prolific annual meteor showers, with fast, bright meteors associated with Comet 55P/TempelTuttle. The radiant (the point where the meteors seem to stream from) is at the head or 'sickle' of the constellation Leo the Lion, hence the name. As the comet follows its path around the sun, it leaves a path of tiny debris. The cometary debris enters our planets atmosphere at speeds of up to 43 miles (70 km) per second, vaporising and causing streaks of light. Source: Royal Museums Greenwich Advertisement

Weather permitting, the best possible views of Wednesday's peak will come in places with clear skies and far from sources of light pollution like big cities.

There is no advantage to using binoculars or a telescope  observers merely need to look up unaided and take in the widest possible view of the sky.

According to the Met Office, during the early hours of Wednesday, the north of the UK may see a mixture of cloud and rain and 'perhaps some clear spells'.

'The south will be drier but may also be fairly cloudy with some fog patches around,' Met Office senior meteorologist Greg Dewhurst told MailOnline last week.

Meteors  also known as 'shooting stars'  are typically either bits of asteroids leftover from the formation of the solar system or, as in the case of the Leonids, material ejected from the disintegration of a comet as it passes near the Sun.

Every year the Earth passes through these debris trails, resulting in material entering our atmosphere where they burn up, creating fiery and colourful streaks in the sky.

55P/TempelTuttle, the comet from which the Leonids originate, takes 33 years to complete one of its elongated orbits around the Sun.

TIPS TO SEE A METEOR SHOWER Meteor showers are best seen with a good, clear view of the stars on a night with no clouds. Try to find somewhere with dark skies, an unobstructed horizon and very little light pollution Make sure there are no direct sources of light in your eyes, so that you can fully adapt to the local conditions and ensure that fainter meteors become visible. Theres no advantage to using binoculars or a telescope; just look up with your own eyes to take in the widest possible view of the sky. Source: Royal Observatory Greenwich Advertisement

The nucleus of 55P/TempelTuttle is relatively small, measuring only about 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometres) across  comparable in size to the island of Manhattan in New York.

Its debris fragments burn up and vaporise before they hit the Earth's surface  causing a streak of hot air which we see as a 'shooting star'.

These beautiful streaks seen in the night sky can be caused by cosmic particles that are as small as a grain of sand.

'The Leonids meteor shower is named after the constellation of Leo the lion,' Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer Anna Gammon-Ross told MailOnline.

'This is because, although meteors appear all over the sky, they all appear to emerge or radiate from a single point that lies within this constellation.'

Stargazers who miss the shower's peak may still be able to catch the display in the following days  albeit at a reduced rate of meteors each hour.

'On Wednesday night, the radiant (the easiest region to see them) will be rising a little after 10pm here in the UK,' said Ms Gammon-Ross.

'So the early hours of the morning will be the best time to look out for this shower, when Leo is nice and high in the sky.'

According to NASA, the Leonids are some of the fastest meteors known, travelling at speeds of 44 miles (71 kilometres) per second. Pictured: the Leonids over New Mexico, 1998

Every 33 years, when 55P/TempelTuttle is closer to the Earth, stargazers can experience a Leonid 'storm'  one that peaks with hundreds-to-thousands of meteors per hour, depending on location.

'Viewers in 1966 experienced a spectacular Leonid storm  thousands of meteors per minute fell through Earth's atmosphere during a 15 minute period,' said NASA.

'There were so many meteors seen that they appeared to fall like rain. The last Leonid meteor storm took place in 2002.'

The next such Leonid storm is due in 15 years time.

After the Leonids, there will be another two meteor showers in 2021  the Geminids, which will peak December 1415, and the Ursids, which peak December 2122.
The scientific community has long debated what the interstellar object 'Oumuamua is, but one group of researchers believes it is not a nitrogen iceberg, according to a new study.

A team of researchers, including the Harvard astrophysicist who suggested 'Oumuamua was a 'lightsail' sent from another civilization, note there is not enough nitrogen in the known universe to make an object that size.

It is believed that 'Oumuamua is somewhere between 300 and 3,000 feet in length and could be anywhere between 115 and 548 feet thick.

As such, it's likely that it is not a chunk of a Pluto-like exoplanet that broke off 400 million years ago, as some have posturized.

'Oumuamua is not a nitrogen iceberg, Harvard researchers say, refuting a study from March

There is not enough nitrogen in the known universe to make an object that size. As such, it's likely that it is not a chunk of a Pluto-like exoplanet that broke off 400 million years ago, as some have posturized

'The necessary mass of heavy elements exceeds the total quantity locked in stars with 95\% confidence, making the scenario untenable because only a small fraction of the mass in stars ends in exo-Plutos,' the study's researchers, Amir Siraj and Avi Loeb, wrote.

A number of theories - including that it is a hydrogen iceberg or nitrogen iceberg- have been postulated about the origins or the composition of the oblong cigar-shaped 'Oumuamua since it was first discovered in October 2017.

In an interview with Live Science, Siraj said 'that there was no physical mechanism for it to work,' referencing the research put together by Arizona State University astrophysicists Alan Jackson and Steven Desch in March.

'And not even the error budget for it to work.'

In June, researchers from Yale attempted to explain why 'Oumuamua seemed to accelerated in space and suggested it was made of hydrogen.

Scientists are attempting to understand why it appeared to accelerate as it was leaving the solar system

The mysterious oblong interstellar object was first discovered in October 2017; it is one of two interstellar objects to be discovered

In the solar system, pure nitrogen has only been found on Pluto and if all the pure nitrogen came from other Pluto-like planets that are believed to exist, it still wouldn't be enough, Siraj told Live Science.

In an interview with DailyMail.com, Loeb said the argument is based on 'simple mass budget accounting.'

'We show that there is not enough nitrogen in all the stars within the Milky Way to account for a large enough population of icebergs that would explain the discovery of `Oumuamua,' Loeb said via email.

'Oumuamua was first discovered in October 2017, flying at a speed of nearly 57,000mph, making it likely that it did not originate in the solar system.'

He continued: 'Even when allowing for the most generous assumptions, the nitrogen supply is short of making enough icebergs to explain `Oumuamua.

'The discrepancy is not marginal but by orders of magnitude, especially when taking into account evaporation by cosmic rays.'

The research was published earlier this month in the scientific journal New Astronomy.
A report from NASA's inspector general said the U.S. space agency will miss its target for landing humans on the moon in late 2024 by 'several years,' just days after it pushed back its initial target date, citing cost overruns and lawsuits.

'Given the time needed to develop and fully test the HLS and new spacesuits, we project NASA will exceed its current timetable for landing humans on the Moon in late 2024 by several years,' the IG wrote in its report, issued on Monday.

The report also notes that NASA is not properly estimating all costs for the Artemis program and could spend as much as $93 billion between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2025, when taking into account the $25 billion needed for missions beyond Artemis III.

'Without capturing, accurately reporting, and reducing the cost of future [Space Launch System]/Orion missions, the Agency will face significant challenges to sustaining its Artemis program in its current configuration,' the report added.

A report from NASA's inspector general said the space agency will miss its target for landing humans on the moon in late 2024 by 'several years'

Pictured: Orion capsule. The time to develop and test the human landing system and new spacesuits are the primary reasons

NASA is not properly estimating costs for the Artemis program and could spend $93 billion between fiscal years 2021 and 2025, the office of inspector general audit report said

Last week, NASA extended its target date for sending astronauts back to the moon to 2025 at the earliest for its Artemis program.

During a November 9 media briefing, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the crewed test flight of Origin and Space Launch System (SLS) on Artemis II are now targeting May 2024  thus pushing the lunar landing to the following year.

Nelson says the seven months of litigation over the Blue Origin lawsuit, the coronavirus pandemic and unexpected cost increases have all played a roll in the schedule change.

The 2024 deadline was first unveiled by then-Vice President Mike Pence during a 2019 meeting of the White Houses space council.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says the seven months of litigation over the Blue Origin lawsuit, the coronavirus pandemic and unexpected costs increases have all played a roll in the schedule change. Blue Origin sued NASA for choosing SpaceX (pictured) to build the human lunar lander

NASA is using one provider, SpaceX, for the Human Landing System (HLS), which resulted in a lawsuit from competitor Blue Origin that the Jeff Bezos-founded company ultimately lost.

The inspector general report notes that even if NASA only used one provider because it received $2.5 billion less from Congress than it requested to develop the HLS, it runs the risk of falling behind due to technological snafus.

'Over the past year, NASA has worked to solidify its HLS requirements and standards, established insight and collaboration teams, and plans to establish resident offices at SpaceX,' the report reads.

'However, under NASAs tailored project management approach, HLS will use less standardized milestone reviews and instead utilize other techniques such as annual synchronization reviews throughout development and testing, but this approach runs the risk of technical changes later in development.'

Nelson (pictured) recently called out Congress for not providing enough funds to build the human landing system

During last week's press conference, Nelson called out Congress during the briefing for not providing enough funds to build the human landing system and 'the Trump administration target of a 2024 human landing was not grounded in technical feasibility.'

There's also the possibility that NASA's approach to use collaborative processes 'including new boards and a multi-directorate council' could backfire due to the lack of a systems integrator or program manager for Artemis.

'The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen. While these modified approaches have the potential benefit of decreasing costs and encouraging innovation, they also raise the possibility of schedule and performance risks on NASAs human-rated systems.'

The inspector general offered nine recommendation to help increase accuracy, transparency and safety of human flight:

Develop a realistic, risk-informed schedule that includes sufficient margin to better align Agency expectations with the development schedule Expand upon the existing draft Artemis IMS to include Artemis programs outside [Advanced Exploration Systems] and [Exploration Systems Development] to properly align dependencies across directorates. Develop an Artemis-wide cost estimate and update it on an annual basis. Maintain an accounting of per-mission costs and establish a benchmark against which NASA can assess the outcome of initiatives to increase the affordability of ESD systems. Definitize outstanding Artemis-related contracts within 180 days in accordance with NASA FAR Supplement 1843.7005(a). Develop a realistic funding profile and schedule given the underfunding of HLS in FY 2021, selection of one HLS award, and desire to compete a sustainability contract for future lunar missions. Identify measurable cost reduction targets for its ESD contractors. We also recommended NASAs Chief Engineer in coordination with the HLS Program Manager. Validate annual synchronization reviews meet the intent and expectations of the milestone reviews replaced by the tailored acquisition approach, and the NASA Deputy Administrator in coordination with Mission Directorate Associate Administrators. Codify the remaining governance structure such as the Federated Boards and Joint Directorate Program Management Council.

The inspector general said that NASA agreed with recommendations, 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and is set to fix them.

Recommendations 2 and 9 were 'partially concurred' with, while partially the agency did not agree with Recommendations 3 and 4.

The Biden administration proposed an increase for NASA's fiscal 2022 budget to $24.8 billion, up seven percent from fiscal 2021.

Nelson has pledged that NASA has promised to be aggressive in all ways possible to beat other nations from putting boots on the moon

However, during the conference, Nelson pledged that NASA has promised to be aggressive in all ways possible to beat other nations from putting boots on the moon.

The Artemis program will send the first woman and first person of color to the moon.

The last Artemis update was released on October 22, which said NASA's uncrewed Artemis 1 mission would not launch until February 2022, but the delay still kept the agency on track for the 2024 human lunar landing.

The last Artemis update was released on October 22 , which said NASA's uncrewed Artemis 1 mission would not launch until February 2022, but the delay still kept the agency on track for the 2024 human lunar landing

The Artemis I mission will see the Orion spacecraft (pictured), the SLS and the ground systems at Kennedy combine to launch the Orion 280,000 miles past Earth around the moon over the course of a three-week mission

The Artemis I mission will see the Orion spacecraft, the SLS and the ground systems at Kennedy combine to launch the Orion 280,000 miles past Earth around the moon over the course of a three-week mission.

This spacecraft, primarily built by Lockheed Martin, will stay in space 'longer than any ship for astronauts has done without docking to a space station and return home faster and hotter than ever before,' NASA has said previously.

In June, NASA finished assembling the $18.6 billion SLS rocket, after having announced the project in 2011.

However, during the Tuesday's briefing, NASA said it is still targeting the February 2022 deadline - and will keep the public up-to-date on developments.

The Artemis II mission plans to send four astronauts in the first crewed Orion capsule into a lunar flyby for a maximum of 21 days.

Both missions are tests flights to demonstrate the technology and abilities of Orion, SLS and the Artemis mission before NASA puts human boots back on the moon.

The Artemis mission will be the first to land humans on the moon since NASA's Apollo 17 in 1972.
New Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly ready to raid former club Rangers for Ryan Kent, according to reports.

The Liverpool legend was confirmed as Dean Smith's successor at Villa Park on Thursday on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Gerrard is expected to be backed in the January transfer window and he wants to make former Liverpool starlet Kent his first signing, according to reports in Scotland.

Steven Gerrard is reportedly ready to raid former club Rangers for Ryan Kent

Able to play on both wings or as a number 10, the 25-year-old has been a long-term target for Leeds.

But Gerrard wants a reunion with Kent, who he signed from Liverpool in a deal worth up to 7.5m in 2019.

The 22-year-old returned to Ibrox after a successful loan spell in which he won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.

Liverpool are reported to have included a 20 per cent sell-on clause as they expected Kent to return to England and the Premier League.

Liverpool received a number of enquiries from foreign clubs, rejecting a 5m offer from Krasnodar, and there was interest in the player from France and Belgium.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has revealed she felt as though 'the rug was pulled out from underneath her' when she gave birth to her first son, Jack, in 2017.

The supermodel - who is expecting her second child with 54-year-old fiance Jason Statham - confessed: 'For a period after I had my first son, there was a real shift in identity, and a sort of mourning of the loss of your old life, and who you were.'

Rosie, 34, added during a sit-down chat with Porter magazine: 'It really took me a long time to come around, but I think once I stepped into the role, embraced it, everything sort of relaxed a little bit.'

Candid: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 34, has revealed she felt as though 'the rug was pulled out from underneath her' when she gave first to her and Jason Statham's first son, Jack, in 2017

The soon-to-be mother-of-two even shared that she now realises motherhood has empowered her.

'If you're someone that, like me, attach[ed] a lot of identity to my physicality and the way that I felt and looked, I did start to feel this new sense of life,' she explained.

'And, now in my thirties, my confidence is so much [greater] and my ability to make decisions and not second-guess myself is stronger.'

Rosie added: 'I genuinely feel like my life is much more well-rounded.'

Rosie confessed: 'For a period after I had my first son, there was a real shift in identity, and a sort of mourning of the loss of your old life, and who you were'

Empowered: The soon-to-be mother-of-two even shared that she now realises motherhood has empowered her

Identity: 'If you're someone that, like me, attach[ed] a lot of identity to my physicality and the way that I felt and looked, I did start to feel this new sense of life,' she explained.

Confident: 'And, now in my thirties, my confidence is so much [greater] and my ability to make decisions and not second-guess myself is stronger' explained Rosie

Elsewhere in her interview, Rosie revealed that she and Jason relocated from LA back to London during the pandemic, and was quick to gush about the many ways in which she is inspired by her other half.

'Jay is my greatest protector,' she began.

'He has been a great mentor for me with work and navigating the industries. He's renowned for being a tough businessman.'

She elaborated: 'As someone who's probably a little bit softer by nature myself, he's given me a lot of support to make those tough decisions And he's really given me the wings to fly in that sense.'

Big move: Rosie revealed that she and Jason relocated from LA back to London during the pandemic

Mentor: Rosie said of partner Jason: 'He has been a great mentor for me with work and navigating the industries. He's renowned for being a tough businessman'

Looking to the future: Rosie said she has been thinking about what she wants to create for her family 'outside of the day-to-day running of a household and work'

Model moves: Rosie slipped into a variety of chic looks for the shoot with PORTER

Flawless: The stunner showed off her natural beauty in the photographs

Touching upon the fact that she and Jason are currently refurbishing a newly-purchased townhouse, Rosie added: '[Jason's] the real visionary in this family, and his taste and aesthetic are second to none.

'People are so surprised because that's not what they expect. Really, when it comes to furniture and architecture, I have learnt so much from him.'

However, Rosie - who also owns her own beauty brand, Rose Inc - also told the outlet that she is inspired by the mentorship she's received from the 'great women' she's been lucky enough to work with.

Gushing: Rosie was quick to gush about the many in ways in which she is inspired by Jason, saying: 'Jay is my greatest protector'

Rosie detailed: 'I've been really fortunate over the years to work with a lot of female founders and able to witness the way they work.

'There are lots of great women I feel I could pick up the phone [to] and pick their brain should I need to.

'I would love to think that people would feel open to picking up the phone to me one day. Mentorship is such a beautiful thing.'

As for her and Jason's Christmas plans, pregnant Rosie shared that it will be a 'quiet' and 'cosy' affair as she will be in full nesting mode.

Proud parents: Rosie and Jason are parents to three-year-old son Jack and are expecting their second child

'Christmas is here in the UK this year,' she said, adding: 'I'm excited to be with my family. It will be very cosy because I'm going to be nesting.

'It will be quiet well, as quiet as a Christmas can be with the Statham bunch.'

Must read: To see the full interview with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley read PORTER at NET-A-PORTER.com and/or download the NET-A-PORTER app for iPhone, iPad and Android

Looking to the future, Rosie said she has been thinking about what she wants to create for her family 'outside of the day-to-day running of a household and work'.

'For me, nature is where I find myself most restored,' Rosie explained.

'That's something I really want to achieve for my family in the near future  our own little slice of nature, and animals and all of those things around us.

'I think that will give a nice balance to the rest of our lifestyle. I'm excited to start creating that. That's one of the great things about being back here in the UK as well.'

Rosie slipped into a variety of chic looks for the shoot, including an elegant high-shine trench that boasted a sky-high thigh-gap, through which Rosie flashed her toned legs.

Elsewhere, she donned a gorgeous cream shawl teamed with over-the-knee boots and cradled her baby bump in an elegant black gown.

In August, Rosie and her fiance announced that they were expecting their second child.

She shared the happy news on her Instagram page and wrote: 'Taaa daahhh !! #round2' while showing off her growing bump.

To see the full interview with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley read PORTER at NET-A-PORTER.com and/or download the NET-A-PORTER app for iPhone, iPad and Android.
An eerie 'farewell' speech delivered by Steve Irwin just weeks before his death has haunted his best friend for 15 years.

Irwin, known as The Crocodile Hunter, died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary called Ocean's Deadliest in Queensland.

John Stainton, Irwin's close friend and the producer of The Crocodile Hunter TV series, was part of the production team and witnessed Irwin's horrific death.

'It was like a "finale" speech. Very weird': Steve Irwin's (right) best friend, TV producer John Stainton (left), has recalled the late Crocodile Hunter's eerie 'farewell' speech to his crew just weeks before his death in September 2006

'A couple of days before we started the show, he made a little speech to all the crew that were up there catching crocs for his research trip - which I joined at the end with our crew to do the [Ocean's Deadliest] movie,' he told the I've Got News for You podcast.

'And it was really weird. He was sort of thanking them all for being who they were and for helping him. It was like a "finale" speech. Very weird,' Stainton added.

'I had this idea on arriving that something was wrong, but it's just life, you never know what things are going to do to you.'

Tragic: Irwin died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary called Ocean's Deadliest in Queensland

'I had this idea on arriving that something was wrong': Stainton, who witnessed Irwin's horrific death, told the I've Got News for You podcast he 'had a bad feeling' about the documentary shoot in Queensland. Pictured at Irwin's memorial service on September 20, 2006, in Beerwah

Elsewhere in the podcast, Stainton admitted he never wanted to film the Ocean's Deadliest documentary in the first place.

He claimed he'd had a 'premonition' that he would die during the trip, and tried to convince Irwin's investors at Discovery to cancel the production.

He even wrote a will and underwent medical checks to see whether he was dying, but doctors confirmed Stainton was in fact healthy.

Bad feeling: In a bizarre twist, Stainton claimed he'd had a 'premonition' that he would die during the trip, and tried to convince Irwin's investors at Discovery to cancel the production. John Stainton, Teri Irwin and Steve Irwin are pictured in June 2002

In a tragic twist, it was Irwin who would lose his life during filming.

Stainton is credited with bringing Irwin to the small screen and creating an international phenomenon out of the knockabout Australian wildlife enthusiast.

Irwin first 'amazed' Stainton with footage of himself catching crocodiles in the 1980s, and he was by his side when a stingray took his life.

The man behind his success: Stainton is credited with bringing Irwin to the small screen and creating an international phenomenon out of the knockabout Australian wildlife enthusiast. Pictured: Irwin on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in August 1998

Special talent: Irwin first 'amazed' Stainton with footage of himself catching crocodiles in the 1980s, and he was by his side when a stingray took his life

'It was probably the worst experience I've ever felt': Unfortunately, Stainton was left with the grim task of briefing Irwin's wife Terri and the world's media about Irwin's death. Pictured: John Stainton, Teri Irwin and Robert Irwin at Steve's memorial service in September 2006

Unfortunately, Stainton was left with the grim task of briefing Irwin's wife Terri and the world's media about Irwin's death.

'It was probably the worst experience I've ever felt,' he previously told Australian Story.

Stainton recalled how he walked into his first press conference with reporters but was overcome with emotion and said 'I can't do this'.

Support: Stainton played a key role in helping the family through Steve's death. He's pictured with Bob Irwin and an Australia Zoo staff member, two days after the tragedy

After a few minutes composing himself, he willed himself to continue, telling himself Irwin would 'want you to do this'.

He sat down at the front of the room, and told the world: 'He died what he... he loved doing best. He left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, "Crocs rule." Okay. Questions?"

Irwin is survived by wife Terri, 57, daughter Bindi, 23, and son Robert, 17.
Channel 10's The Project has been forced to issue an apology after unknowingly making fun of a visually impaired woman during Thursday's episode.

The show aired a 30-second clip of Yvonne Sher, 65, who is the mother of a deceased army soldier, attending a Remembrance Day breakfast at the RSL in Doncaster, Melbourne, where she was seated next to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Ms Sher told The Australian she was left 'humiliated' when comedian and guest host Nath Valvo mocked her as she sat with her back turned to the PM, while completely unaware she was visually impaired.

Grovelling apology: Channel 10's The Project has been forced to issue an apology after unknowingly making fun of a visually impaired woman during Thursday's episode. Pictured: host Lisa Wilkinson, who did not make the offensive remark

'Scott Morrison was at an RSL having a feed, as you do, and I think this woman had absolutely no idea  or did she?' Mr Valvo said as the video aired.

As Ms Sher sat with her back facing Mr Morrison, Mr Valvo added: 'She's pulling up a seat. She is unaware... look at this, she's even shuffling back, giving him the cold shoulder.'

'Don't know if she knows? He knows,' he added, referring to the Prime Minister. 'Oh! There he is. It's the PM! Look at that.'

Unknowing: Ms Sher (second left) told The Australian she was left 'humiliated' when comedian and guest host Nath Valvo mocked her during the clip as she sat with her back facing Prime Minister Scott Morrison (centre left), completely unware she was visually impaired

Ms Sher, whose son Greg, 30, was killed during a rocket attack while serving in Afghanistan in January 2009, was devastated when the segment aired on Thursday.

She told the publication: 'They've tried to make me look like an idiot who doesn't know who the Prime Minister is  it was so humiliating.'

Ms Sher understands Channel 10 was not aware she was visually impaired when they aired the clip with Mr Valvo's commentary.

Error: As Ms Sher sat with her back to Mr Morrison, Nath Valvo (pictured) said: 'She's pulling up a seat. She is unaware... look at this, she's even shuffling back, giving him the cold shoulder'

She has since received a phone call from one of the show's producers, who apologised for what happened.

Mr Valvo also apologised to her daughter-in-law via social media, with The Australian reporting he wrote: 'Huge sorry to you and the family If we had known any of this, we would have never shown it.

'Its no excuse but please know the intention was to poke fun at the PM.'

Mr Valvo was guest hosting Thursday's show alongside Waleed Aly, Lisa Wilkinson and Amy Remeikis.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 and Mr Valvo for further comment.
Mel Gibson has confirmed that he will both direct and star in the upcoming action feature Lethal Weapon 5 - 23 years after the last instalment in the iconic franchise.

The 65-year-old performer made the big news about the project known to the public during an appearance at a special event that was held in London on Saturday evening.

The upcoming film is expected to enter the production phase at an unspecified date in 2022.

Martin Riggs is back! Mel Gibson has confirmed that he will both direct and star in the upcoming action feature Lethal Weapon 5 - 23 years after the last instalment in the iconic franchise - he is seen with Donald Glover in 1989's Lethal Weapon 2

Gibson began his address by paying tribute to the filmmaker who had previously spearheaded the action-comedy franchise via The Sun.

'The man who directed all the Lethal films, Richard Donner, he was a big guy,' he expressed.

The Mad Max star also recalled that the filmmaker had given him his blessing to continue the series in the future.

He remarked that Donner 'was developing the screenplay and he got pretty far along with it. And he said to me one day, "Listen kid, if I kick the bucket you will do it." And I said: "Shut up."'

Dual roles: The 65-year-old performer made the big news about the project known to the public during an appearance at a special event that was held in London on Saturday evening; he is seen on Saturday evening

Gibson then noted that the filmmaker made a point of telling various individuals that the actor was more than capable of keeping the franchise going after his death.

'But he did indeed pass away. But he did ask me to do it and at the time I didn't say anything. He said it to his wife and to the studio and the producer. So I will be directing the fifth one.'

An insider also spoke to the media outlet and confirmed the news about the project for a second time.

'As well as stepping up to direct Lethal Weapon 5 Mel is going to be starring in it,' they said.

Confident: Gibson then noted that the filmmaker made a point of telling various individuals that the actor was more than capable of keeping the franchise going after his death

They noted that Gibson would reprise his old character in the new film, which will have a comedic bent.

'Fans of Riggs will be pleased to see him back on screen  older but not necessarily wiser,' they said.

The source went on to express that the actor's longtime costar was being eyed to return to the series for its fifth installment.

'It is hoped Danny Glover will come back to and reprise his role of Roger Murtaugh,' they stated.

Bringing them together: The source went on to express that the actor's longtime costar was being eyed to return to the series for its fifth installment

The original Lethal Weapon, which was written by Predator actor Shane Black, was released in 1987 and was met with much critical praise upon its debut.

It starred Gibson and Glover as mismatched LAPD detectives Sergeant Martin Riggs and Sergeant Roger Murtaugh - who work together as partners.

The feature went on to be put up for the Academy Award for Best Sound, although it lost to The Last Emperor.

A sequel to the film was released in 1989, and Joe Pesci notably joined the cast of the feature.

The third installment in the franchise made its debut in 1992 and went on to become the highest-grossing entry in the series.

Raking it in: The third installment in the franchise made its debut in 1992 and went on to become the highest-grossing entry in the series

The fourth Lethal Weapon movie was made available to the public in 1998 and notably starred Jet Li as its villain.

A television series of the same name made its debut in 2016 and featured Damon Wayans and Clayne Crawford as Murtaugh and Riggs, respectively.

The show was renewed for two further seasons, and it eventually concluded in 2019.

Development on a fifth film in the Lethal Weapon series began in the mid-2000s, when several attempts to get the project off the ground were made.

Hardcore: The fourth Lethal Weapon movie was made available to the public in 1998 and notably starred Jet Li as its villain

Last January, it was confirmed that both Gibson and Glover were being eyed to return to their roles for the new installment in the franchise.

Donner later announced that he would be working on the project and that he intended for it to be his final film.

However, the filmmaker passed away this past July, which left the movie in limbo until Gibson took the director's chair.

A release date for the upcoming final Lethal Weapon feature has not been made available to the public as of yet.
More than a dozen people, wearing a bizarre masked ensemble Kanye 'Ye' West was spotted in last month, were seen Saturday in New York City in a possible promotion for his upcoming release of the deluxe remix of Donda.

The group was seen near Union Square, TMZ reported, all clad in Caucasian skin-toned full face masks and caps with Gap Round jackets, black caps, black pants and white Balenciaga sneakers. (Ye's choice of footwear was a bit different, as he wore Balenciaga rain boots in his outing.)

The group was seen in a number of social media photos and videos walking with one another and keeping to themselves.

The latest: More than a dozen people, wearing a bizarre masked ensemble Kanye 'Ye' West was spotted in last month, were seen Saturday in New York City in a possible promotion for his upcoming release of the deluxe remix of Donda

Ye, 44, has recently been promoting a potential re-release of Donda with a number of billboards, the outlet reported, with some speculation that he might conduct a listening event as he did in Atlanta twice and Chicago this past summer.

Sources told the outlet that West recently had a listening event at the Los Angeles club 1 OAK in recent days.

Ye named his latest release, his 10th studio album overall, after his late mother Donda West, who tragically died at 58 in November of 2007 from complications after plastic surgery.

Ye was seen last month wearing the ensemble in New York City as he met with Michael Cohen, ex-President Donald Trump's ex-lawyer, for coffee at the Loews Regency Hotel on the Upper East Side.

Ye was seen in the ensemble at JFK airport in NYC on October 18

The group was seen near Union Square, TMZ reported, all clad in Caucasian skin-toned full face masks and caps with Gap Round jackets, black caps, black pants and white Balenciaga sneakers

Some members of the group accessorized with headphones on the fall evening

Cohen told Page Six that the reason Ye wore the ensemble 'was so that people would not recognize him' in the busy city.

'We were just getting together,' Cohen said. 'The first 10 minutes we sat down, he was mobbed by people  who wanted photos, and to say hello. So he put on this mask to give him some anonymity, which interestingly enough, did not really work.'

The Grammy-winning artist has past also been seen sporting the outfit on other outings in New York City as well as Venice, Italy.

The group was seen crossing the street together in unison

The public outing spurred speculation Ye might be promoting a new version of Donda
Lauren Phillips may be stepping away from her television commitments to focus on her radio career.

The 34-year-old weather presenter 'is strongly tipped to exit breakfast TV' by the end of the year, reports the Herald Sun.

Phillips has been juggling her Weekend Today commitments with her KIIS 101.1 breakfast radio job since August.

Stepping away: Lauren Phillips 'is strongly tipped to exit breakfast TV' by the end of the year, reports the Herald Sun. Pictured here on Weekend Today with Chris Hemsworth in 2020

The report comes after Phillips was forced to apologise on air to the mother of a murdered child.

Aspiring dancer Rachel Barber was just 15 when Caroline Reed Robertson strangled her to death with a telephone cord in a plot to steal her identity in 1999.

Last month, Phillips disgusted the family and friends of the murdered dancer when she laughed on KIIS 101.1 while listening to a podcast describing her brutal murder.

Getting her weekends back: The 34-year-old has been juggling her Weekend Today commitments with her KIIS FM breakfast radio job since August

'Am I a psychopath?' Phillips asked during the conversation with co-host Jason 'Jase' Hawkins, outraging Elizabeth Barber, her friends and family.

Phillips told listeners earlier this month she had been unaware the audio producers played during her conversation had been taken from the the very real life CASEFILE series of true crime podcasts.

The chat saw Phillips describe how she had used the podcast discussing Rachel's tragic murder to cheer herself up.

Controversy: The move comes after Phillips (pictured in 2020) upset the friends and family of murder victim Rachel Barber with an insensitive segment on Melbourne radio

Murder: Rachel Barber, a 15-year-old dance student, was murdered by strangulation in Melbourne in 1999

Phillips cackled with laughter in the segment, which was later posted on the radio station's social media platforms.

The media personality explained she had just had an argument with her boyfriend when she decided to listen to the podcast.

Phillips claimed she had become aware over the weekend that the snippet she had laughed at had been ripped from a TikTok video.

Mugshot: Caroline Reed Robertson was 19 years old when she murdered Rachel Barber. Pictured here after her arrest

Choking back tears, Phillips said she had never intended to use audio of a real life crime to go with her on-air chat.

'All of us here on the show were devastated when we realised what we had done. The show takes full responsibility and our background checks on the source of audio should have been more thorough,' Phillips said.

Hawkins too apologised for his limited role in the conversation and thanked Rachel's mum for taking their calls to apologise in person.

'She didn't have to do that and we both had chats with her and yeah we appreciate her taking the call,' he said.

Horror: Rachel Barber's murder shocked all of Melbourne in 1999. The beloved child was only 15 when she was cruelly murdered

Phillips added that the incident had impacted deeply on the entire production crew.

'We really, from the bottom of our hearts, are very sorry that that audio was used, but we are deeply sorry and we will do everything in our power to ensure nothing like that ever happens again on our show,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia previously revealed the shocking impact of Phillips' cruel discussion on the friends and family of Rachel Barber.

The story saw Phillips viciously trolled online, with some going so far as to make threats against her life.

A life cut short: Rachel's cruel death still haunts Melburnians

Mrs Barber said she had accepted Phillips and Hawkins' apologies and thanked them for doing it again on air.

She expressed concern for Phillips' welfare amid the brutal fallout from the disrespectful on-air conversation with her co-host.

'It was a tough lesson for Lauren in particular, but I do hope it will make her more considerate. We did feel that the vitriol in the comments was a bit overboard,' Mrs Barber told Daily Mail Australia.

'It was also tough reading some of the comments because people can also be very cruel. We all make mistakes. What is important is that we learn from them and become better people for it.'

Pictured: Rachel Barber with her parents Elizabeth and Michael just before she was killed

Apology: Elizabeth Barber has accepted an apology from a pair of radio presenters who had laughed about the murder of her precious daughter Rachel (pictured)

In 2000, Reed Robertson, then 19, was jailed for 20 years after pleading guilty to the murder of Rachel, with a non-parole period of 14 and a half years.

She would be released from jail in 2015 with the forgiveness of Ms Barber's parents.

It was a case so twisted that it inspired a star-studded 2009 Australian film, I Am You (also known as In Her Skin), starring Guy Pearce, Miranda Otto, Sam Neill and Rebecca Gibney.

The murder of Rachel Barber will never be forgotten in Melbourne

Rachel Barber and her parents before she was murdered

Robertson was the victim's former babysitter, a trusted family friend and neighbour, who lured the teen to her death by manipulating her trust.

No one realised that she was plotting to kill her beautiful neighbour and assume her identity for a new start.

The Supreme Court heard that Reed Robertson had convinced herself that after killing Rachel she could in some way assume her identity.
Travis Barker turned 46 on Sunday and the drummer took to Instagram to reflect.

Under a duo of photos snapped by his go-to photographer Daniel Rojas, the drummer wrote one word: 'Blessed.'

The musician certainly has a lot to be grateful for, as he's been welcomed into the Kardashian camp with open arms, evidenced by gushing birthday posts from fiancee Kourtney Kardashian's mom and sister.

The two artful snaps are in black and white, and feature the slender Blink-182 instrumentalist without a shirt.

He wears his tattoos proudly as he covers his face with both hands.

In the photos Barker has on a sizeable chain link necklace around his neck.

'Blessed' is a sentiment close to the rocker's heart - he has the word inked under his eye, and earlier this year when his daughter Alabama asked which of his many tattoos is his favorite, he said it was that one.

Bday love: Throughout the day the music artist reposted birthday shoutouts from loved ones in his Instagram Stories

Throughout the day the music artist reposted birthday shoutouts from loved ones in his Instagram Stories.

The first one was a heartfelt social media post from future mother-in-law Kris. The momager not only shared a static post to her Instagram grid, but also doubled down on her sentiments in the app's Stories feature.

'Happy Birthday Travis!!! You are an amazing dad, friend, and fiance to @kourtneykardash!!! So happy you guys are so happy and I hope you have the most magical birthday surrounded by everyone you love!!! I love you !!!' she wrote.

It was accompanied by 10 photos with Travis, some never before seen.

The business mogul included a beachside image from their couples' trip to Mexico - the vacation marked by Travis' first time flying in thirteen years.

Feeling the love: Trav's first reshare was a heartfelt social media post from future mother-in-law Kris. The momager not only shared a static post to her Instagram grid, but also doubled down on her sentiments in the app's Stories feature

Kourtney made sure to show her man birthday affection on her Instagram page, and did so with four new photos of the two looking in love as ever.

In the set Travis wore a red beanie, ditching a shirt and adding matching red pants. Kourtney complemented her other half with a vintage Guns N Roses t-shirt and black pants.

Her edgy bob was straight and parted in the center. She captioned the snaps: 'I [expletive] love you more than anything. My favorite everything. Happy birthday to you my baby!'

Barker's heartfelt reply in the comments garnered more than 15,000 likes as he wrote, 'Youre a dream come true, my soul mate my everything I LOVE YOU.'

He reposted it in his story with three black heart emojis.

Fiancee: Kourtney made sure to show her man birthday affection on her Instagram page, and did so with four new photos of the two looking in love as ever

She captioned the snaps: 'I [expletive] love you more than anything. My favorite everything. Happy birthday to you my baby!'

Cozy morning: The birthday attention continued as the mom-of-three took to her Stories to share an intimate photo of the lovers' hands each holding mugs of matcha while in bed

The birthday attention continued as the mom-of-three took to her Stories to share an intimate photo of the lovers' hands each holding mugs of matcha while in bed.

Travis' tattooed hand was in view on top of white bedding, and Kourt's delicate, manicured hand draped over his forearm.

'Birthday morning matcha,' she wrote in white lettering. The father-of-three re-shared it.

And later there was another post featuring a birthday cake with white icing and a chocolate 'Happy Birthday' message.

The rockstar held the cake in one hand, giving viewers a look at it from his point of view, as he and Kourtney donned matching skeleton sweats and sneakers.

Birthday sweets: And later there was another post featuring a birthday cake with white icing and a chocolate 'Happy Birthday' message

On Saturday night he shared a photo of a custom Rolex watch gifted to him by Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Corey Gamble.

'Thank you. Love you guys,' he wrote, tagging the gift givers and adding a skull and crossbones emoji.

The face of the timepiece had a red background with a white skull and crossbones graphic over it.
Jack Ziebell and his fiancee Shannie Byrne celebrated the birth of their daughter Pippa earlier this year.

And now the 30-year-old AFL star has offloaded his 'bachelor pad' while he and Shannie search for a new family home, according to realestate.com.au.

The North Melbourne captain bought the Maribyrnong 'when he was single' in 2016, real estate agent Charles Bongiovanni told the site.

Growing up: Jack Ziebell and his fiancee Shannie Byrne celebrated the birth of their daughter Pippa earlier this year. Ziebell pictured in May

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold for a whopping $1.845 million via a Zoom auction.

Bongiovanni said that the athlete had hoped for $1.6 million - $1.75 million.

The home also boasts a solar heated lap pool and an alfresco area for 'sensational indoor-outdoor living' per the listing.

Gone: The 30-year-old AFL star has offloaded his 'bachelor pad' (pictured) while he and Shannie search for a new family home, according to realestate.com.au

Swinging single: The North Melbourne captain bought the Maribyrnong 'when he was single' in 2016, real estate agent Charles Bongiovanni told the site

Room with a view: The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house sold for a whopping $1.845 million via a Zoom auction

The main bedroom has access to a private balcony and an ensuite.

The residence also includes a separate dining and spacious lounge area that leads to a terrace balcony with river views.

Wodonga-born Ziebell debuted for North Melbourne in 2009, before going on to play more than 200 games for the club.

Layout: The residence also includes a separate dining and spacious lounge area that leads to a terrace balcony with river views

Mod cons: The main bedroom has access to a private balcony and an ensuite

He has served as North Melbourne captain since the 2017 season.

Ziebell and Byrne celebrated the birth of their daughter Pippa back in June.

The couple are 'getting married soon' and were in a hurry to find a family home, according to Bongiovanni.
Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli has made no secret of the fact that his wife Lisa doesn't like her engagement ring.

So when Lisa mysteriously 'lost' her emerald-cut diamond sparkler over the weekend, her Nova FM host husband was understandably suspicious.

'Yesterday there was a moment when my wife couldn't find her engagement ring,' he recalled to his radio co-hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Sarah McGilvray on Monday's show.

'Such a terrible feeling!' Sarah replied.

Wippa explained that Lisa had recently had her engagement ring remodelled, removing the diamonds and placing them into a different setting.

Even though Lisa had improved the design, Wippa admitted he was still unsure whether she secretly wanted to get rid of the ring for good.

Suspicious: Michael 'Wipfli' Wippa (right) speculated his wife Lisa (left) attempted to 'lose' the engagement she never liked by throwing it in the bin on Monday's Fitzy and Wippa radio show

'I was trying to work out, was yesterday just crocodile tears because she actually decided she wanted to get rid of her diamond ring?'

Luckily, Wippa eventually found the ring in the garbage.

'The bin had been taken out. And there I was, just like a little rat going through the garbage. Then I looked in the egg carton that has been taken out, and there, amongst the broken shell and a bit of left over yolk, was the diamond ring staring at me,' he recalled.

Ring riddle: Wippa explained that Lisa had recently had her engagement ring remodelled, removing the diamonds and placing them into a different setting. Even though Lisa had improved the design. Pictured: Lisa's original engagement ring design

'Relief though, for me to be able to say 'honey, I've got it', when she thought I was joking and would never see it again was a beautiful moment between us,' he added.

Wippa proposed to Lisa during a romantic trip to Switzerland in September 2012, presenting her with a huge emerald-cut diamond ring.

However, in recent weeks she has been sighted wearing a larger ring featuring octagonal-shaped centrepiece surrounded by a halo of round-cut diamonds.

'There I was, just like a little rat going through the garbage': Luckily, Wippa eventually found the ring in the garbage.

Making improvements: Wippa proposed to Lisa during a romantic trip to Switzerland in September 2012, presenting her with a huge emerald-cut diamond ring. However, in recent weeks she has been sighted wearing a larger ring featuring octagonal-shaped centrepiece surrounded by a halo of round-cut diamonds. Pictured left is the original design, right is the new design

In February Wippa revealed that Lisa was unhappy with the design, but that he'd refused to upgrade the ring because of its sentimental value.

'She said to me, 'I've never mentioned this to you before, but I don't like my engagement ring,' he said on-air.

'But it's almost like a snapshot in time, right? We went on a holiday, it's sentimental, we were in Switzerland, we had a beautiful moment on the balcony overlooking the lake and everything that was in that moment is in that ring.'

Romantic: Wippa proposed to Lisa during a romantic trip to Switzerland in September 2012, presenting her with a huge emerald-cut diamond ring

'Take away that ring, lose that moment,' he added.

Lisa then called into the station and insisted she 'adores the ring' and that it was her husband's idea to buy her a new one after he discovered the diamond needed to be repaired.

She explained: '[Wippa] discovered the rock was loose. He said, 'Don't wear that, let's get that fixed. And I said, 'Maybe this is a chance for me to remodel this a bit, keep the centre stone and everything.' I'm not asking for a bigger ring.'

'Take away that ring, lose that moment': In February Wippa revealed that Lisa was unhappy with the design, but that he'd refused to upgrade the ring because of its sentimental value

'And he said, "Well, hang on, that represents a time in our lives so I would rather that you keep that ring and we'll get you a new one.'''

Lisa, who didn't seem to appreciate the suggestion she was ungrateful, continued: 'Can I just say something here? To men out there who think the ring needs to stay the same forever and they get all precious about it, if I made you wear the same pair of shoes and shirt for the rest of your life, you wouldn't do it. Same as a ring!'

Wippa has clearly changed his tune, however,

The Wipflis married in September 2013 in front of 150 guests on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, a year after getting engaged.

They share three children, sons Theodore, seven, and Jack, five, and one-year-old daughter Francesca Vera Alice.
Mel B, Emma Bunton and Geri Horner were each spotted making low-key arrivals at the swanky Mandeville Hotel in London on Friday amid claims Spice Girls are reforming.

The Spice Girls are thought to be in very confidential talks to front a world tour in 2023, following the success of their UK stadium concerts in 2019.

Mel, 46, cut a casual figure in a black T-shirt featuring a Union Flag and a WWE motif, along with the text, 'England Live Tour 2021.'

Emerging: Mel B (pictured), Emma Bunton and Geri Horner were each spotted making low-key arrivals at the swanky Mandeville Hotel in London on Friday

Slipping into a pair of tight black leather trousers, Scary Spice wrapped up in a coordinating jacket and framed her face with oversized tortoiseshell shades.

She carried her dog Cookie, which sported an eye-popping pink head of fur, while Mel wore her own brown tresses in gorgeous curls.

Meanwhile Geri, 49, flashed her toned legs in a white silk skirt, which she teamed up with a coordinating polo-neck sweater and a stone coat.

She clutched a peach handbag and a transparent umbrella amid the drizzling November weather while wearing her red locks in a middle parting.

Chic: Meanwhile Geri, 49, flashed her toned legs in a white silk skirt, which she teamed up with a coordinating polo-neck sweater and a stone coat

Casual: Although Melanie C wasn't present at the meet-up, Emma, 45, certainly made up for the expected absence of sports-inspired attire

Although Melanie C wasn't present at the meet-up, Emma, 45, certainly made up for the expected absence of sports-inspired attire.

Donning a pair of navy tracksuit bottoms featuring neon yellow stripes, she strode her way into the Marylebone hotspot wearing a pair of white trainers and a black jacket while covering her blonde locks with a brown hat.

The Spice Girls are thought to be in very confidential talks to front a world tour in 2023, following the success of their UK stadium concerts in 2019.

Sporty Spice reportedly joined her bandmembers via Zoom from Los Angeles, as the four-piece continue to convince absent Victoria Beckham to appear at one show.

Exciting: The Spice Girls are thought to be in 'very confidential' talks to front a world tour in 2023, following the success of their UK stadium concerts in 2019 (pictured in 2019)

An insider told The Sun: 'The four girls have been discussing a world tour for a while, and this  very confidential  meeting was put in the diary so they could iron out the final details.

'The current plan is the tour will begin in Australia and go from there.

'They are all very excited that the wheels are now in motion, and are hoping to give their fans a 2023 tour bigger and better than 2019.'

Unsure: Melanie C reportedly joined her bandmembers via Zoom from Los Angeles, as the four-piece continue to convince absent Victoria Beckham to appear at one show (Victoria pictured in 2019)

The source went on to claim that 'superfan' Adele will 'definitely' be in the audience after telling Mel B that attending their most recent show at Wembley Stadium 'made her year'.

The Wannabe hitmakers famously toured the UK two years ago without the fashion designer after she decided not to partake - and raked in a cool 4million between them.

Posh Spice was the only member of the band not to take part.

She told Vogue Germany at the time: 'It took me a lot of courage not to go on tour with the Spice Girls again, but to be the one who says, "You know, I'm not doing it because things feel different now than they used to."

Wow! The source went on to claim that 'superfan' Adele (centre) will 'definitely' be in the audience after telling Mel B that attending their most recent show at Wembley Stadium 'made her year' (pictured in 2019)

'I'd rather concentrate on my family and my company.'

The mum-of-four also reportedly turned down the recent opportunity to 'record pieces in front of the camera' for an online game alongside her former band members.

The girls met for the first time in a year but Victoria was said to have 'no interest' in the project.

The remaining four members headed to Black Island Studios in London while Victoria remained in America with her daughter Harper.

Reunion: The Wannabe hitmakers famously toured the UK as a four-piece in 2019, after Victoria decided not to partake, and raked in a cool 4million between them (L-R, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Melanie C pictured in 2019)

A source told The Sun: 'The Spice Girls are exploring a whole manner of new projects but this one was really exciting to them  their very own Spice game.

They continued: 'The hope is that it won't be too long before they get to show it to the fans because it's something they've had in the pipeline for a while.

'It is one of several things they are working on, including an animated film, and they hope it will help celebrate the Spice Girls' legacy.'

The band's representatives, as well as that of Mel B, Melanie C, Geri, Emma and Victoria were contacted for comment by MailOnline at the time. Mel and Geri's declined.
She's known for her signature bakes and showstopping cakes.

And Prue Leith became an unexpected film star when she made a surprise appearance in the Netflix smash hit Red Notice alongside Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot this month.

The Bake Off judge, 81, popped up on screen when Gal's character The Bishop was watching the 2020 series of Bake Off, which saw Prue sampling contestant Laura Adlington's iconic Freddie Mercury cake.

Shock: Prue Leith became an unexpected film star when she made a surprise appearance in the Netflix smash hit Red Notice - which features a clip from The Great British Bake Off

Red Notice reportedly had a budget of 145million and is thought to be Netflix's most expensive movie ever.

And Prue is not the only A-lister making an appearance as Ed Sheeran also cameos in the film.

The film's director Rawson Marshall Thurber told GamesRadar+ of the hitmaker's role: 'Its actually my favorite part of the movie. Ed, from the very first pitch, was who I wanted.

'When the time came, I had a mutual friend who put us in touch and I emailed Ed  who is the loveliest person on the planet, by the way  and I sent him a picture of my notebook when I was writing the pitch. It had his name in it, so he knew I wasnt fooling.'

The Bake Off judge, 81, popped up on screen alongside Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot (pictured in the film)

Memorable: Gal's character The Bishop was watching the 2020 series of Bake Off, which saw Prue sampling contestant Laura Adlington's iconic Freddie Mercury cake

Rawson's latest film is centered on an FBI agent who enlists the help of an art thief in order to catch a budding criminal.

News about the project was first broken in 2018, when it was noted that Dwayne would both appear in the film and act as one of its executive producers.

Gal signed on to work on the project that June, and Ryan was added to its cast the following year.

Co-star: Prue is not the only A-lister making an appearance as Ed Sheeran also cameos in the film with the director Rawson Marshall Thurber saying it's his 'favourite part of the movie'

Other performers, such as Chris Diamantopoulos and Rita Arya, were revealed to have been added to the film's lineup last year.

Filming was initially set to begin in 2019, although it was delayed to the following year.

Production eventually began in January and filming was quickly shut down due to the onset of the global pandemic.

Principal photography later picked up again in September and continued for two more months before the project's crew wrapped.

The film was initially set to be released in 2020, although it was delayed twice before it was given a set release date of November 12th.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, only 43% of critics have given Red Notice a positive review, while 92% of audiences have enjoyed the feature.
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Pregnant Christina Ricci, Elle Fanning, and Issa Rae glammed up to attend the eighth annual Vulture Festival at The Hollywood Roosevelt in Hollywood on Saturday.

41-year-old Christina wore a black ruffled Vivetta maternity dress, white slouchy high-heeled boots, and a floral Jennifer Fisher broach.

Make-up artist Lottie made sure Ricci was ready for her close-up.

Lovely ladies: Pregnant Christina Ricci (L), Elle Fanning (M), and Issa Rae (R) glammed up to attend the eighth annual Vulture Festival at The Hollywood Roosevelt in Hollywood on Saturday

The expecting Emmy nominee's blunt bob was coiffed by none other than her second husband, Julian Watson Agency-repped hairstylist Mark Hampton.

Christina and the Welshman, whom she's known as far back as 2017, will soon welcome their first child together.

Ricci - who boasts 700K Instagram followers - lamented via Instastory on Sunday: 'Oh my god, I hate being pregnant. That's all.'

The former child star also co-parents seven-year-old son Frederick 'Freddie' from her six-year marriage to dolly grip James Heerdegen, which ended acrimoniously in June 2020.

Maternity chic: 41-year-old Christina wore a black ruffled Vivetta dress, white slouchy high-heeled boots, and a floral Jennifer Fisher broach

False upper and lower lashes! Make-up artist Lottie made sure Ricci was ready for her close-up

Baby on board: The expecting Emmy nominee's blunt bob was coiffed by none other than her second husband, Julian Watson Agency-repped hairstylist Mark Hampton

Newlyweds: Christina and the Welshman (R, pictured last Wednesday), whom she's known as far back as 2017, will soon welcome their first child together

'Oh my god, I hate being pregnant. That's all': Ricci also co-parents seven-year-old son Frederick 'Freddie' from her six-year marriage to dolly grip James Heerdegen, which ended acrimoniously in June 2020

Christina was promoting her role as care assistant Misty Quigley in Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson's critically-acclaimed 10-episode survival drama Yellowjackets, which premiered Sunday on Showtime.

The moderator Jen Chaney asked Ricci what her favorite part of the nineties was during the Yellowjackets Q&A.

'I wore a lot of Carhartt pants and baby tees and I really enjoyed that,' the Cali-born, New Jersey-raised actress said.

'I miss what was sort of popular and considered alluring at the time for women, which was really being as interesting as possible and contributing as much and not being overtly sexual - you didn't have to look like porn stars to be considered sexually viable. It was about being tough and artistic and interesting.'

Premiered Sunday on Showtime! The former child star was promoting her role as care assistant Misty Quigley in Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson's critically-acclaimed 10-episode survival drama Yellowjackets

Nostalgia: The moderator Jen Chaney (L) asked Christina what her favorite part of the nineties was during the Yellowjackets Q&A

Ricci said: 'I miss what was sort of popular and considered alluring at the time for women, which was really being as interesting as possible and contributing as much and not being overtly sexual - you didn't have to look like porn stars to be considered sexually viable. It was about being tough and artistic and interesting'

Her co-star Juliette Lewis then chimed in: 'That wasn't the case. I did photo shoots in the nineties and they wouldn't shoot you without make-up. So the nineties is not romantic in that way. But it was pre-social media so that was awesome'

Group shot: The Cali-born, New Jersey-raised actress later posed with her castmates Ella Purnell (L), Tawny Cypress (2-L), as well as Samantha Hanratty (R) who plays the younger version of Misty

Christina's co-star Juliette Lewis then chimed in: 'That wasn't the case. I did photo shoots in the nineties and they wouldn't shoot you without make-up. So the nineties is not romantic in that way. But it was pre-social media so that was awesome.'

Ricci later posed with her castmates Ella Purnell, Tawny Cypress, as well as Samantha Hanratty who plays the younger version of Misty.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Elle struck a pose in vintage Elle x The Row x Vivienne Westwood, Stuart Weitzman heels, and jewelry by Beladora and Anita Ko selected by stylist Samantha McMillen.

Hairstylist Jenda Alcorn blew out Fanning's signature long flaxen locks for the pop-culture extravaganza.

Corset alert! 23-year-old Elle struck a pose in vintage Elle x The Row x Vivienne Westwood, Stuart Weitzman heels, and jewelry by Beladora and Anita Ko selected by stylist Samantha McMillen

Babe: Hairstylist Jenda Alcorn blew out Fanning's signature long flaxen locks for the pop-culture extravaganza

Cameo earrings! Make-up artist Erin Ayanian Monroe brought out the former child star's rosy cheeks and big blue eyes

Premieres this Friday on Hulu! Elle (born Mary) was at Vulture Fest to promote her role as pregnant Catherine the Great in the 10-episode second season of The Great

Make-up artist Erin Ayanian Monroe brought out the former child star's rosy cheeks and big blue eyes.

Elle (born Mary) was at Vulture Fest to promote her role as pregnant Catherine the Great in the 10-episode second season of The Great, which premieres this Friday on Hulu.

Fanning was joined by her onscreen leading man Nicholas Hoult, who plays Peter III of Russia in Tony McNamara's satirical comedy.

Despite their death threat-filled marriage in The Great, the talented twosome appeared to get along swimmingly at the event.

Reunited: Fanning was joined by her onscreen leading man Nicholas Hoult (R), who plays Peter III of Russia in Tony McNamara's satirical comedy

All smiles! Despite their death threat-filled marriage in The Great, the talented twosome appeared to get along swimmingly at the event

Celeb fan: During the Q&A, Elle revealed that Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio told her he 'liked' the first season of The Great

'She was like a mother!' Fanning - who's also an executive producer - couldn't believe how much her onscreen mother Gillian Anderson fan-girled on the set of the critically-acclaimed show

The Georgia-born blonde recalled: '[Gillian was] taking photos of everything on the set. She was so flabbergasted'

And the 31-year-old Englishman (R) revealed the crew tried to feed him and Belinda Bromilow - who plays Aunt Elizabeth - prop ice cream on the set: 'But it was actually made out of lard so it wouldn't melt!'

During the Q&A, Elle revealed that Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio told her he 'liked' the first season of The Great.

Fanning - who's also an executive producer - couldn't believe how much her onscreen mother Gillian Anderson fan-girled on the set of the critically-acclaimed show.

'She was like a mother, like, taking photos of everything on the set. She was so flabbergasted,' the Georgia-born blonde giggled.

And the 31-year-old Englishman revealed the crew tried to feed him and Belinda Bromilow - who plays Aunt Elizabeth - prop ice cream on the set.

Creamsicle: 36-year-old Issa looked like a tangerine dream in a pantsuit over an orange crop-top and silver stilettos selected by stylist Jason Rembert

Plaits: Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood coiffed Rae's rear-length braids and make-up artist Joanna Simkin gave her complexion a golden glow

'Faulty, Okay?!' The Insecure creator and star was promoting the fifth and final season - airing Sundays on HBO Max - in which she concludes her role as Issa Dee

'But it was actually made out of lard so it wouldn't melt,' Nicholas dished.

'That was the closest I ever got to being really upset this whole season. They did [eventually] go and get real ice cream, chocolate.'

Elsewhere, 36-year-old Issa looked like a tangerine dream in a pantsuit over an orange crop-top and silver stilettos selected by stylist Jason Rembert.

Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood coiffed Rae's rear-length braids and make-up artist Joanna Simkin gave her complexion a golden glow.

Hey girl hey! Joining Issa (born Jo-Issa Rae Diop) at Vulture Fest was her castmate Yvonne Orji (R) - who plays Molly Carter - wearing a hot pink blazer dress

Yay or nay? During the Q&A, moderator Alex Jung (L) asked Rae whether she'd ever do an Insecure movie

The six-time Emmy nominee replied: 'No, I have no desire to do a movie. If you see that an Insecure movie is out, it means that I'm down bad. Just know she really need the money. Now I gotta keep my coin up, so now I could never do a movie'

Newlywed: On the personal front, Issa tied the knot with Senegalese businessman Louis Diame in July in France

The Insecure creator and star was promoting the fifth and final season - airing Sundays on HBO Max - in which she concludes her role as Issa Dee.

The critically-acclaimed show was originally based on Issa's YouTube series Awkward Black Girl.

Joining Rae (born Jo-Issa Rae Diop) at Vulture Fest was her castmate Yvonne Orji - who plays Molly Carter - wearing a hot pink blazer dress.

During the Q&A, moderator Alex Jung asked the six-time Emmy nominee whether she'd ever do an Insecure movie.

Buzz: Also representing Yellowjackets at Vulture were Oscar nominee Juliette Lewis (L), Sundance Jury Prize winner Melanie Lynskey (M), and When the Streetlights Go On starlet Sophie Thatcher (R)

Blonde ambition: Oscar winner Mira Sorvino - last seen in FX's Impeachment: American Crime Story - looked leggy in a coral bell-sleeved mini-dress and golden peep-toe heels

Inventing Post-Its! The 54-year-old actress gamely posed with a drag queen dressed like both characters from her iconic 1997 comedy Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

Gentlemen: Simon Rex (L), John Cho (M), and Henry Winkler (R) promoted their respective projects - Red Rocket, Netflix's Cowboy Bebop, and HBO's Barry

'No, I have no desire to do a movie,' Issa replied.

'If you see that an Insecure movie is out, it means that I'm down bad. Just know she really need the money. Now I gotta keep my coin up, so now I could never do a movie.'

On the personal front, Rae is a newlywed having tied the knot with Senegalese businessman Louis Diame in July in France.

Also representing Yellowjackets at Vulture were Oscar nominee Juliette Lewis, Sundance Jury Prize winner Melanie Lynskey, and When the Streetlights Go On starlet Sophie Thatcher.

Blowing in the breeze: Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum showcased his eccentric fashion sense in a blue suede fringed jacket at Vulture Fest

Silver fox! The 69-year-old Pittsburgh native proudly posed with a promotional, individually-wrapped cookie iced to resemble his own face

Captivating the masked crowd: Jeff was there to promote the second season of The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which started streaming last Friday on Disney+

Quirky: The Q&A was moderated by Portlandia alum Carrie Brownstein (L), who flashed a big grin while posing with Goldblum

Oscar winner Mira Sorvino - last seen in FX's Impeachment: American Crime Story - looked leggy in a coral bell-sleeved mini-dress and golden peep-toe heels.

Simon Rex, John Cho, and Henry Winkler promoted their respective projects - Red Rocket, Netflix's Cowboy Bebop, and HBO's Barry.

Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum showcased his eccentric fashion sense in a blue suede fringed jacket at Vulture Fest.

The 69-year-old Pittsburgh native proudly posed with a promotional, individually-wrapped cookie iced to resemble his own face.

Ho ho ho! Two-time Emmy nominee Seth Rogen stopped by Vulture Fest to discuss his pottery and upcoming holiday series Santa Inc. with moderator Jesse David Fox

Premieres December 2 on HBO Max! The corduroy-clad Canadian 39-year-old produces and voices Santa in Alexandra Rushfield's eight-episode adult stop-motion animated series

Random! Seth posed for a picture with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's musician children Willow (L) and Jaden (R)

Jeff was there to promote the second season of The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which started streaming last Friday on Disney+.

The Q&A was moderated by Portlandia alum Carrie Brownstein, who flashed a big grin while posing with Goldblum.

Two-time Emmy nominee Seth Rogen stopped by Vulture Fest to discuss his pottery and upcoming holiday series Santa Inc. with moderator Jesse David Fox.

The corduroy-clad Canadian 39-year-old produces and voices Santa in Alexandra Rushfield's eight-episode adult stop-motion animated series, which premieres December 2 on HBO Max.

Back together! Vulture Fest managed to reunite 3rd Rock from the Sun castmates (from L-R) John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Alien nation: The talented foursome - who played an extraterrestrial crew researching Earth - were all smiles as they caught up in a cozy circle

Time flies: It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the NBC sitcom concluded following six seasons

Randomly, Seth posed for a picture with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's musician children Willow and Jaden.

Vulture Fest managed to reunite 3rd Rock from the Sun castmates John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The talented foursome - who played an extraterrestrial crew researching Earth - were all smiles as they caught up in a cozy circle.

It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the NBC sitcom concluded following six seasons.

Speaking of small-screen reunions! The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel onscreen couple Tony Shalhoub (L) and Marin Hinkle (R) hung out at Vulture Fest

Slow dance: The 68-year-old Emmy winner playfully dipped the 55-year-old Emmy nominee and together they portray Abe & Rose Weissman, the parents of the titular comedian (Rachel Brosnahan)

No premiere date yet! On July 2, the cast and crew officially wrapped production on the fourth season of the Amazon hit series

Speaking of small-screen reunions, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel onscreen couple Tony Shalhoub and Marin Hinkle hung out at Vulture Fest.

The 68-year-old Emmy winner playfully dipped the 55-year-old Emmy nominee and together they portray Abe & Rose Weissman, the parents of the titular comedian (Rachel Brosnahan).

On July 2, the cast and crew officially wrapped production on the fourth season of the Amazon hit series.

Search Party actress Alia Shawkat promoted her role as abducted New Yorker Dory Sief in the HBO Max series while clad in a clingy striped pencil dress.

Babe! Search Party actress Alia Shawkat promoted her role as abducted New Yorker Dory Sief in the HBO Max series while clad in a clingy striped pencil dress

At the helm! Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain (M) chatted with Vulture moderator Alison Willmore about his critically-acclaimed film Spencer starring Kristen Stewart as the late Princess Diana

Hitting US theaters this Friday! Oscar-nominated screenwriter Mike Mills (R) and his C'Mon C'Mon actor Woody Norman (L) discussed the drama also starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gaby Hoffmann

Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain chatted with Vulture moderator Alison Willmore about his critically-acclaimed film Spencer starring Kristen Stewart as the late Princess Diana.

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Mike Mills and his C'Mon C'Mon actor Woody Norman discussed the drama - hitting US theaters this Friday - also starring Joaquin Phoenix and Gaby Hoffmann.

Also at Vulture Fest were five of the six remaining couples competing on the 30th season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, which airs the semi-finals this Monday.

Dance Mom alum JoJo Siwa and her dance partner Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy not only made history as the first same sex couple to compete, but they're currently the frontrunners.

Who will win? Also at Vulture Fest were five of the six remaining couples competing on the 30th season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, which airs the semi-finals this Monday
They found love on The Bachelor last year, and it looks like Locky Gilbert and Irena Srbinovska may be ready to take the next step in their relationship.

The couple, who live together in Perth, hinted that marriage was on the cards after spending the day at Leighton Beach, just north of Fremantle, on Sunday.

Locky even teased they were secretly engaged after one of his Instagram followers commented, 'Marry her already!' and he replied, 'It's coming.'

Dropping hints: They found love on The Bachelor last year, and it looks like Locky Gilbert and Irena Srbinovska may be ready to take the next step in their relationship

The post that sparked the wedding talk showed Locky and Irena in their swimwear as they cuddled up in the ocean for a selfie.

'God damn I'm punching,' the former Survivor star wrote in the caption, tagging the official Instagram account for Western Australia.

The reality TV lovebirds are believed to be tourism ambassadors for WA.

Something to tell us? The couple, who live together in Perth, hinted that marriage was on the cards after spending the day at Leighton Beach, just north of Fremantle, on Sunday

He's smitten! Locky even teased they were secretly engaged after one of his Instagram followers commented, 'Marry her already!' and he replied, 'It's coming'

It comes after Irena, 32, revealed why she decided to ditch her glamorous life as an influencer and return to her 'normal' job as a nurse.

She had worked as an anaesthetic and recovery nurse for a decade before starring on The Bachelor, and told The Daily Telegraph last month she was now ready to put her scrubs back on and return to the hospital ward.

'I got really burnt out last year. I was overwhelmed,' she said of working as a frontline healthcare worker during the Covid pandemic.

Back to business: It comes after Irena, 32, revealed why she decided to ditch her glamorous life as an influencer and return to her 'normal' job as a nurse

Service: She had worked as an anaesthetic and recovery nurse for a decade before starring on The Bachelor, and told The Daily Telegraph last month she was now ready to put her scrubs back on and return to the hospital ward after taking 'some time' out

'Every day I'd sit in the car park and just cry, and I'd struggle to get myself out of the car to get to work.'

'I have taken some time to get back into it but I am finally going back to work. Watch this space. News coming soon!' she added.

Locky and Irena are also believed to be making plans to start a family after she suffered a miscarriage in the early months of their relationship.
Farmer Wants A Wife star Matt Trewin sent tongues wagging earlier this month when he was seen hanging out with Married At First Sight bride Samantha Harvey.

But the 26-year-old put the rumours to rest on Tuesday, telling Daily Mail Australia the pair were 'good friends' and nothing more.

Matt said that while he had a great connection with Samantha, 32, a relationship would never work out because 'there is too much distance' between them.

Response: Farmer Wants A Wife star Matt Trewin, 26, has denied rumours he is dating Married At First Sight's Samantha Harvey after they were spotted partying together earlier this month

'There are a few stories going around at the moment, but the truth is Samantha and I just caught up for a few drinks,' he explained.

'We shared lots of laughs, but other than that Samantha's life is in Canberra and mine is in Orbost [in country Victoria]. There is too much distance between us, but we still remain good friends.'

Samantha agreed, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'Yes, we went on one date but do have distance between us.'

Just friends! Matt put the rumours to rest on Tuesday, telling Daily Mail Australia he had a great connection with Samantha, 32, but there 'is too much distance' to make a relationship work

Distance: Samantha agreed, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'Yes, we went on one date but do have distance between us.'

Samantha and Matt recently shared a series of photos and videos to Instagram of themselves on a night out.

The rumour mill was sent into overdrive with several publications reporting the pair were dating after failing to find love on their respective dating shows.

Samantha appeared on season eight of Nine's Married At First Sight, and was partnered with crane operator Cameron Dunne.

Remember them? Samantha appeared on season eight of Nine's Married At First Sight, and was partnered with crane operator Cameron Dunne (left)

The couple didn't last long after Cameron admitted he didn't feel a connection with the mother of two and began pursuing another bride, Coco Stedman.

Matt had similar bad luck on Channel Seven's Farmer Wants A Wife, parting ways with winner Tara Hurl shortly after the show wrapped.

During the last episode, Matt and his chosen lady explained they'd called it quits one week before the reunion was filmed.
The Bachelor star Monique Morley has made a remarkable recovery weeks after claiming she suffered a 'heart attack' as a side effect of receiving her first Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

Despite her recent health woes, the 29-year-old was a picture of vitality as she stepped out in Sydney on Monday in a revealing sundress and high heels.

The glamour model had a spring in her step as she made her way down the footpath, smiling and laughing as she caught sight of photographers.

What a remarkable recovery! Bachelor star Monique Morley, 29, was a picture of health as she stepped out Sydney on Wednesday - weeks after claiming she had a 'heart attack' from the Pfizer vaccine

Leaving little to the imagination, the reality star sported a midi length dress with racy cut-outs and a plunging neckline, matched with a pair of white heeled sandals.

She completed her ensemble with gold hoop earrings and a dramatic makeup look.

The sighting came less than a month after Monique publicly claimed she'd suffered a 'heart attack' after her first Pfizer jab - saying she'd been hospitalised and diagnosed with pericarditis, or inflammation of the sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart.

All smiles: Despite her recent health woes, the glamour model had a spring in her step as she emerged in a revealing sundress and high heels

Daring to bare: Leaving little to the imagination, the reality star sported a midi length dress with racy cut-outs and a plunging neckline, matched with a pair of white heeled sandals

Monique shared her experience in a lengthy Instagram post, which was accompanied by a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed 'shortly after getting her first Pfizer shot'.

She contrasted this with another photo, taken a week before she received the vaccine, of herself posing in a swimsuit.

'I'm sharing my story hoping to help others not feel so alone, to bring awareness that this is real. It does happen. It's not rare anymore,' the lingerie designer said.

Dressed to impress: She completed her ensemble with gold hoop earrings and a dramatic makeup look

Health claims: The sighting came less than a month after Monique publicly claimed she'd suffered a 'heart attack' after her first Pfizer jab

She claims that 15 minutes after getting her vaccine she began to 'fit uncontrollably' for 45 minutes, but her doctor said her symptoms weren't caused by the jab.

Ms Morley, who says she has no history of seizures, agreed to 'go home and rest'.

She had another fit the next day, and called an ambulance after experiencing symptoms including lockjaw, clammy hands, heart palpitations and blurred vision.

Ms Morley said the ambulance workers who arrived at her home once again told her the symptoms were unrelated to the Pfizer vaccine, and that she continued to experience chest pain and shortness of breath.

Claims: Ms Morley accompanied the post (above) with a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed 'shortly after getting her first Pfizer shot'. She contrasted this with another photo, taken a week before she received the vaccine, of herself posing in a swimsuit

Post: The lingerie designer claims that 15 minutes after getting her vaccine she began to 'fit uncontrollably' for 45 minutes, but her doctor said her symptoms weren't caused by the jab

She then allegedly woke up the next day at 4.30am having 'a heart attack'.

She was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart, which holds it in place and helps it function.

What is pericarditis? Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding your heart (pericardium). This condition often causes sharp chest pain and sometimes other symptoms. The chest pain occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Pericarditis is usually mild and goes away without treatment. Treatment for more-severe cases may include medications and, rarely, surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the risk of long-term complications from pericarditis. Source: MayoClinic.org Advertisement

After her diagnosis, doctors supposedly told Ms Morley there was nothing she could do except 'rest and take Panadol'.

'It's just so defeating having everyone tell you that it's not related [to the vaccine] when really it is,' she added, describing the experience as 'traumatic'.

Ms Morley, who has reported her symptoms to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), said she hopes her story inspires people to have an open mind when it comes to vaccine side effects.

One of her Instagram followers asked if she had any preexisting health conditions that could have caused the pericarditis.

She replied: 'Absolutely nothing. Don't smoke. Don't drink. Don't take drugs. Don't even have caffeine.'

Ms Morley accompanied the post with a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed 'shortly after getting her first Pfizer shot'.

She contrasted this with another photo, taken a week before she received the vaccine, of herself posing in a swimsuit.

In other recent social media posts, she claims she is recovering thanks to naturopathic care and IV vitamin drips.

These aren't medically recommended treatments for pericarditis.

Within 24 hours, Ms Morley's account of her suspected side effect a flashpoint for anti-vaxxers, who grossly exaggerate the number of adverse reactions to the vaccine.

Account: Ms Morley, who says she has no history of seizures, agreed to 'go home and rest'. She claims she had another fit the next day, and decided to call an ambulance after experiencing symptoms including lockjaw, clammy hands, heart palpitations and blurred vision

Pericarditis - inflammation of the outer lining of the heart - and myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle - have been observed in an extremely small number of people after receiving mRNA vaccines, of which Pfizer is one.

The cases were disproportionately teenagers and men under the age of 30 after their second dose of the jab.

British data released in August found the rate of pericarditis was 3.8 cases per one million doses of the Pfizer shot - a rate of one in 263,157.

By July 8, the TGA was notified of 50 cases of pericarditis in Australia as a result of 3.2 million Pfizer doses.

The risk of suffering a heart condition as a result of Covid-19 is much higher.

Unrelated: Ms Morley (pictured on The Bachelor in 2019) said the ambulance workers who arrived at her home once again told her the symptoms were unrelated to the Pfizer vaccine, and that she continued to experience chest pain and shortness of breath

Response: One of her Instagram followers asked if she had any preexisting health conditions that could have caused the pericarditis. She replied: 'Absolutely nothing. Don't smoke. Don't drink. Don't take drugs. Don't even have caffeine'

Ms Morley previously spoke about her pericarditis diagnosis on October 8, but did not share specific details about her symptoms until later.

In her earlier Instagram post, she made it clear she was 'not anti-vax or pro-vax' and insisted she was 'open-minded' and 'pro personal choice, whatever that may be'.

'I'm pro being kind and considerate, and not trolling and bullying on those who... just don't agree with you,' she wrote at the time.

Views: Ms Morley previously spoke about her pericarditis diagnosis on October 8. In her earlier Instagram post (pictured), she made it clear she was 'not anti-vax or pro-vax' and insisted she was 'open-minded' and 'pro personal choice, whatever that may be'

Experience: In a follow-up post, Ms Morley thanked fans for their concern and said the adverse reactions she experienced 'do not happen to the majority'

The former reality star also said she wasn't looking for sympathy.

In a follow-up post, Ms Morley thanked fans for their concern and said the adverse reactions she experienced 'do not happen to the majority'.

She said she hopes her story doesn't frighten people into not getting vaccinated, but instead raises awareness so they can make an informed decision for themselves.

Awareness: She said she hopes her story doesn't frighten people into not getting vaccinated, but instead raises awareness so they can make an informed decision for themselves

Ms Morley isn't the only public figure to get pericarditis following their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Seven News reporter Denham Hitchcock suffered from the heart condition after getting jabbed back in August.

Lee Henderson, the ex-husband of radio personality Jackie 'O' Henderson, was also hospitalised with the rare side effect after his second Pfizer jab.

Professor Jason Kovacic, the Executive Director of the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute, told Daily Mail Australia at the time that pericarditis can happen after Covid vaccines but only in 'very, very rare' cases.

Fame: Ms Morley (right) rose to fame on The Bachelor in 2019, vying for the heart of astrophysicist Matt Agnew (left). Pictured centre: fellow contestant Abbie Chatfield

'Covid-19 vaccines can cause specific heart problems such as myocarditis and pericarditis, and particularly in males less than 30 years of age - but only very, very rarely,' Professor Kovacic said.

'About 60 people per one million can get myocarditis with the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and it is generally a mild, short-lived illness. These complications cause inflammation of the heart muscle or inflammation of the lining around the heart muscle.

'These complications have been reported in just a handful of people around the world and to the best of our knowledge most of them have recovered.'

Professor Kovacic said the risks of getting heart conditions as a result of Covid are much higher, and that the vaccine is the best safeguard to preventing these illnesses.

'In contrast, the risk of having some form of heart complications if you contract Covid-19 is about 1000 times higher at ~5-10%,' he said.

'A very recent observational study has shown that young males infected with the virus are up to six times more likely to develop myocarditis as opposed to those who received the vaccine.

'Covid-19 vaccines are incredibly safe and incredibly effective at preventing people from getting seriously unwell with Covid-19 infection.

'The benefits for being vaccinated far outweigh any risk to the heart, especially given the highly infectious nature of the Delta variant which is now affecting an increasing number of young people.'
Bindi Irwin has paid touching tribute to her late father in celebration of Steve Irwin Day, an annual event honouring the life and legacy of the 'Crocodile Hunter'.

On Monday, the 23-year-old zookeeper posted a throwback image with Steve, alongside a heartwarming caption.

'Your legacy will live on forever. I love you for even longer. November 15, Steve Irwin Day,' she wrote.

Throwback: Bindi Irwin has paid touching tribute to her late father Steve Irwin. Both pictured

Steve was also father to son Robert, now 17.

It comes following reports an eerie 'farewell' speech delivered by Steve Irwin just weeks before his death has haunted his best friend for 15 years.

Irwin died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary called Ocean's Deadliest in Queensland.

John Stainton, Irwin's close friend and the producer of The Crocodile Hunter TV series, was part of the production team and witnessed Irwin's horrific death.

Grown up: The 23-year-old zookeeper posted a throwback image with Steve, along with a heart warming caption

'It was like a "finale" speech. Very weird': It comes after Steve Irwin's (right) best friend, TV producer John Stainton (left), recalled the late Crocodile Hunter's eerie 'farewell' speech to his crew just weeks before his death in September 2006

'A couple of days before we started the show, he made a little speech to all the crew that were up there catching crocs for his research trip - which I joined at the end with our crew to do the [Ocean's Deadliest] movie,' he told the I've Got News for You podcast.

'And it was really weird. He was sort of thanking them all for being who they were and for helping him. It was like a "finale" speech. Very weird,' Stainton added.

'I had this idea on arriving that something was wrong, but it's just life, you never know what things are going to do to you.'

Tragic: Irwin died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary called Ocean's Deadliest in Queensland

'I had this idea on arriving that something was wrong': Stainton, who witnessed Irwin's horrific death, told the I've Got News for You podcast he 'had a bad feeling' about the documentary shoot in Queensland. Pictured at Irwin's memorial service on September 20, 2006, in Beerwah

Elsewhere in the podcast, Stainton admitted he never wanted to film the Ocean's Deadliest documentary in the first place.

He claimed he'd had a 'premonition' that he would die during the trip, and even tried to convince Irwin's investors at Discovery to cancel the production.

He even wrote a will and underwent medical checks to see whether he was dying, but doctors confirmed Stainton was in fact healthy.

Bad feeling: In a bizarre twist, Stainton claimed he'd had a 'premonition' that he would die during the trip, and even tried to convince Irwin's investors at Discovery to cancel the production. John Stainton, Teri Irwin and Steve Irwin are pictured in June 2002

In a tragic twist, it was Irwin who would lose his life during filming.

Stainton is credited with bringing Irwin to the small screen and creating an international phenomenon out of the knockabout Australian wildlife enthusiast.

Irwin first 'amazed' Stainton with footage of himself catching crocodiles in the 1980s, and he was by his side when a stingray took his life.

The man behind his success: Stainton is credited with bringing Irwin to the small screen and creating an international phenomenon out of the knockabout Australian wildlife enthusiast. Pictured: Irwin on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in August 1998

Special talent: Irwin first 'amazed' Stainton with footage of himself catching crocodiles in the 1980s, and he was by his side when a stingray took his life

'It was probably the worst experience I've ever felt': Unfortunately, Stainton was left with the grim task of briefing Irwin's wife Terri and the world's media about Irwin's death. Pictured: John Stainton, Teri Irwin and Robert Irwin at Steve's memorial service in September 2006

Unfortunately, Stainton was left with the grim task of briefing Irwin's wife Terri and the world's media about Irwin's death.

'It was probably the worst experience I've ever felt,' he previously told Australian Story.

Stainton recalled how he walked into his first press conference with reporters but was overcome with emotion and said 'I can't do this'.

Support: Stainton played a key role in helping the family through Steve's death. He's pictured with Bob Irwin and an Australia Zoo staff member, two days after the tragedy

After a few minutes composing himself, he willed himself to continue, telling himself Irwin would 'want you to do this'.

He sat down at the front of the room, and told the world: 'He died what he... he loved doing best. He left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, "Crocs rule." Okay. Questions?"

Irwin is survived by wife Terri, 57, daughter Bindi and son Robert.
Heidi Klum has been heating things up while on break from shooting Germany's Next Top Model in Greece.

And in her latest Instagram post the longtime supermodel stripped down and went topless for a photo with Mother Nature's gorgeous sunrise used as the backdrop.

The racy exhibition comes just hours after she put on a busty display in a daring lace-up corset for a lingerie photoshoot on the beach in Mykonos over the weekend.

Mather Nature's best: Heidi Klum, 48, stripped down for a topless photo with the gorgeous sunrise of Mykonos, Greece in the backdrop on Monday

In the photo, the television personality appears to be standing on an outdoor patio with the sun, and all its lovely colors, peaking through the clouds at sunrise on Monday.

'Sunrise Mykonos... it's soooo pretty,' she wrote in the caption.

Klum, 48, can be seen covering her face with her hands, dressed only in a white towel around her waist and another towel on her head.

While on her break from shooting Germany's Next Top Model in Greece, the German native shared a few boomerang clips taken during her photoshoot on the beach in Mykonos

Scenic: The longtime supermodel frolicked along the sand just feet from the incoming ocean tide, decked out on a bold blue ensemble consisting a a long baggy top and matching pants

Just hours earlier, the German native shared a few boomerang clips taken during her photoshoot on the beach in Mykonos, seemingly on Sunday.

She frolicked along the sand just feet from the incoming ocean tide, decked out on a bold blue ensemble consisting a a long baggy top and matching pants.

On this day, she mugged for the cameras with the lovely rock formations surrounding the area, and her blonde tresses styled straight and long, with major bangs, and a part in

With the sun glaring down, Klum struck a number of poses while wearing a pair of large frame sunglasses.

Lovely: The German native struck pose after pose with the gorgeous rock formations and ocean in the backdrop

Work and play: Klum has been in Greece shooting Germany's Next Top Model

Klum also took to her Instagram Stories and posted a loved up black-and-white photo of herself with her arms wrapped around husband Tom Kaulitz.

The America's Got Talent judge circled her man's head with a big red heart for the post.

The couple were first romantically linked in the early months of 2018.

They would eventually go on to tie-the-knot in a private ceremony in February 2019.
Former Married At First Sight star Jessika Power relocated to the UK last month.

And on Sunday, the 29-year-old reality TV star rocked a $8700 outfit as she explored Manchester.

Jessika kept warm in a $3290 Burberry trench coat and $1450 Burberry hooded jumper for the outing.

She's got expensive taste! Married At First Sight's Jessika Power explored Manchester in a $8700 outfit on Sunday - after landing British reality TV gig

She teamed her ensemble with a $4000 white Louis Vuitton bag and black leather pants.

She completed the look with a pair of black boots and tied her long blonde locks in a bun.

Jessika's post comes after it was revealed she's set to star on season 10 of Celebs Go Dating on channel E4.

The 29-year-old appeared in a new promo for the reality show, released on Instagram on Friday, in which she said: 'I think British men are sexy. They have a really great accent, I love it!'

Designer: The Married At First Sight star kept warm in a $3290 Burberry trench coat and $1450 Burberry hooded jumper for the outing

'I feel like people have a preconception of me to be a husband-stealing witch, but I'm definitely not,' she explained, referring to her controversy on MAFS.

'I'm super bubbly, I'm friendly and I'm just, you know... like any other girl out here looking for a man, but just not yours,' she giggled.

The Australian beauty then joked: 'I love a good red flag, it's probably why I'm single. If you're tall, dark and look like you'll ruin my life, I'll date you.'

Get ready Brits! Jessika's post comes after it was revealed she's set to star on season 10 of Celebs Go Dating on channel E4

She said that if the show's agents can't help her then 'nothing can help me. I'm done. I'll be like a cat lady for the rest of my life'.

Jessika added that she was 'super excited' to find love in the UK and said: 'I ain't going home empty handed! Pack your bags!'

The blonde bombshell will be joined on the show alongside Geordie Shore's Marty McKenna, TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson, and Made In Chelsea's Miles Nazaire.

Jessika left her home in Brisbane for Manchester last month, alongside her brother Rhyce and his new fiancee Taylor Peters.
Dakota Johnson and Paul Mescal looked stylish as they attended the screening of The Lost Daughter at Film Independent in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The film, which is Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, stars the two actors and also has Olivia Colman in the lead role.

The Fifty Shades Of Grey star, 32, opted for a chic oversized grey suit which she paired with black slip on heels.

Looking good! Dakota Johnson, 32, and Paul Mescal, 25, looked stylish as they attended the screening of The Lost Daughter at Film Independent in Los Angeles on Sunday

Her long brunette locks were styled loose and cascaded over her shoulders effortlessly.

Dakota's natural beauty was enhanced by her subtle make up look which consisted of bright pink lip gloss and a hint of eye shadow.

Paul, 25, meanwhile cut a fashionable figure as he wore light pink trousers with a blue and white stripy shirt.

His brown hair had been cut into a mullet and he kept it comfortable in white trainers.

Stunning: Her long brunette locks were styled loose and cascaded over her shoulders effortlessly

The Normal People star, who confirmed his relationship with Pheobe Bridgers on the red carpet in LA this month, also wore his statement chain round his neck.

The pair later posed with Maggie, who looked chic in a blue patterned two piece consisting of a button up shirt and maxi skirt.

Peter Sarsgaard also appeared in the photo wearing a blue jumper and black trousers.

Looking dapper: Paul's brown hair had been cut into a mullet and he kept it comfortable in white trainers

The flick follows Leda (played by Olivia) on a beach holiday when the trip takes a unexpected dark turn and has to confront her past.

Development on The Lost Daughter began in 2018 when it was announced that Maggie had acquired the rights to the project.

The feature was based on Elena Ferrante's 2006 novel of the same name, which was originally published under the title La figlia oscura.

In addition to directing the feature, the Hank actress penned its screenplay and served as one of its producers.

The team: The pair later posed with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who looked chic in a blue patterned two piece consisting of a button up shirt and maxi skirt and Peter Sarsgaard

Principal photography on the project began in the latter part of September, with Greece serving as a primary filming location.

The feature eventually had its premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where Gyllehnaal was given the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay.

The Lost Daughter received overwhelmingly positive reviews upon its release, and it currently has a rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The feature is currently set to make its wide debut on the Netflix streaming service on December 31st.

Watch Normal People, only on Stan in Australia.
He doesn't appear in the latest Marvel film.

But, Samuel L Jackson, 72, cosied up to Eternals co-stars Angelina Jolie, 46, and Salma Hayek, 55, for a cute off-duty snap, taken during a recent fun evening together.

The trio of megastars appeared with the movie's director, Chloe Zhao, 39, and the film's producer, Victoria Alonso, 55, in a bash hosted by the King of Cool at the end of October.

Marvel-ous! Samuel L Jackson, 72, cosied up to Eternals co-stars Angelina Jolie, 46, and Salma Hayek, 55, for a cute off-duty snap, taken during a recent fun evening together

Samuel L Jackson wore a black hoodie and matching beanie as he beamed with delight, while Angelina stunned in a green number.

Posting the photo to her Instagram on Sunday, Salma wrote alongside: 'With the eternally cool @samuelljackson and my @eternals sisters @angelinajolie @chloezhao @victoriaalonso76 [photo] by @samanthalopezs.

She also added the spanish translation: 'Con el eternamente Sam Jackson y mis eternales hermanas @marvel.'

MCU debut: Salma plays Ajak in the new Marvel movie, who is depicted as the leader of the group of super-beings and the one capable of communicating with Celestial mentor Arishem

Thena: Angelina plays Thena in Eternals, an elite warrior who can form any weapon out of pure cosmic energy, and develops a close bond with Gilgamesh over the centuries

Mexican actress Salma plays Ajak in the new Marvel movie, who is depicted as the leader of the group of super-beings and the only one capable of communicating with their Celestial mentor Arishem.

Angelina plays Thena in Eternals, an elite warrior who can form any weapon out of pure cosmic energy, and develops a close bond with Gilgamesh over the centuries.

Samuel L Jackson has long portrayed Nick Fury, the founder of the Avengers, who frequently helps the team's various superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Currently, the actor is working on Secret Invasion, a new series for Disney+ in which he reprises his role as Nick Fury.

Legend: Samuel L Jackson has long portrayed Nick Fury, the founder of the Avengers, who frequently helps the team's various superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Eternals: The Eternals were created by comic book legend Jack Kirby in 1976, his first project after returning to Marvel following a well-publicized move to DC

Speaking about her new role, Salma told Variety: 'It never crossed my mind to be in a Marvel movie. I guess that I thought that boat had sailed, and it was an absolute shock.'

The Eternals were created by comic book legend Jack Kirby in 1976, his first project after returning to Marvel following a well-publicized move to DC.

The story followed The Eternals, described as a sentient offshoot of the evolutionary process that created life on Earth as we know it.

They were created by The Celestials, who intended for The Eternals to defend Earth against their more nefarious counterparts, The Deviants.
Lisa Curry revealed her excitement at becoming a 'grannie again' after daughter Morgan Gruell announced she's expecting her third child with husband Ryan Gruell.

The former competitive swimmer, 59, re-posted Morgan's photo of her growing baby bump to her Instagram on Monday, and congratulated her 'baby girl' on the news.

Morgan's pregnancy announcement comes after she commemorated one year since the death of her sister Jaimi Kenny (Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny's daughter), who passed away at age 33.

Baby joy: Lisa Curry (left) shared her excitement at becoming a 'grannie again' after daughter Morgan Gruell (right) announced she's expecting her third child with husband Ryan Gruell

'I'm going to be a grannie again,' Lisa captioned the mirror selfie that saw Morgan posing side-on to the camera in a crop top and leggings, showing off her bump.

Lisa also wrote in the post's caption: 'I'm so excited!!!! I'm going to be a grannie again. Congratulations to my beautiful baby girl @morgangruell and her beautiful hubby @ryan.gruell.'

On Sunday, Morgan, 31, shared a sonogram to Instagram and revealed that her and Ryan's baby, whose gender they are yet to reveal, is due at the end of May.

Over the moon: Lisa, 59, re-posted Morgan's photo of her growing baby bump (pictured) to her Instagram on Monday, and congratulated her 'baby girl' on the news

Heartfelt: The former competitive swimmer also wrote in the post's caption: 'I'm so excited!!!! I'm going to be a grannie again. Congratulations to my beautiful baby girl @morgangruell and her beautiful hubby @ryan.gruell'

'Life is crazy - we might as well stay in the crazy! Baby #3 due end of May!' Morgan captioned the sonogram.

Morgan also shares sons Flynn, three, and Taj, one, with Ryan.

In mid September, Lisa and her family made a poignant trip to the beach to commemorate one year since Jaimi's tragic death.

Jaimi suffered from alcoholism, depression and an eating disorder prior to her death.

Growing family: On Sunday, Morgan, 31, announced on Instagram that she's expecting her third child with husband Ryan (both pictured) - a year after her sister Jaimi's tragic death at the age of 33

Baby on the way: 'Life is crazy - we might as well stay in the crazy! Baby #3 due end of May!' the Pilates instructor captioned this sonogram

Pregnancy journey: Morgan shared this mirror selfie where she stood side-on for the camera, drawing attention to her growing baby bump in a crop top and leggings

Lisa was joined by her surviving children, Morgan and Jett Kenny, 27, and her husband, Mark Tabone, as she threw flowers into the ocean to honour Jaimi, who died on September 14, 2020.

Lisa also shared a moving quote from Dr. Joanne Cacciatore Aguerke about losing a child, which she said summed up 'what we can't express'.

It read: 'Don't forget that even if I have living children, my heart still aches for the one who is not here - for I am never quite complete without my child.

'My child may have died; but my love - and my motherhood - never will.'

Growing family: Morgan and her husband, Ryan are already proud parents to sons Flynn, three, and Taj, one (all pictured)

Grief: In mid September, Lisa and her family made a poignant trip to the beach to commemorate one year since the tragic death of Jaimi. Lisa (centre) was joined by her surviving children, Morgan (right) and Jett Kenny (left), 27, and her husband, Mark Tabone

Devastating loss: Lisa announced Jaimi's (right) death on September 15 last year, one day after she lost her battle 'with a long-term illness'

Another section said: 'There are days when I still feel paralysed. My chest feels the sinking weight of my child's absence and, sometimes, I feel as if I will explode from the grief.'

The accompanying photos showed Lisa, Morgan and her grandson Flynn, throwing flowers into the ocean.

Lisa also shared a touching photo of herself holding hands with Morgan and Jett as they gazed into the distance.

A final image captured Lisa and a group of Jaimi's friends posing for a photo, with the words 'Jaimi we love you' written in the sand in front of them.

Lisa also wore a T-shirt with an image of her late daughter on the front.

Heartbreaking: Alongside the images, Lisa shared a moving quote from Dr. Joanne Cacciatore Aguerke about losing a child, which she said summed up 'what we can't express'

Memory: Lisa also wore a T-shirt with an image of her late daughter on the front

Lisa announced Jaimi's death in a social media post on September 15 last year, one day after her passing.

'Our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning with her loving family by her side,' she wrote.

It was later reported that Jaimi had battled depression, alcoholism and an eating disorder before her death at a Sunshine Coast hospital.

For confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au. Alternatively, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Struggles: Jaimi (pictured) battled depression, alcoholism and an eating disorder before her death at a Sunshine Coast hospital last September
Tom Parker has continued to heap praise onto his bandmates, likening them to his brothers.

The Wanted star, 33, whose stage four glioblastoma is now stable, appeared on BBC Breakfast on Monday with Max George, 33, Jay McGuiness, 31, Nathan Sykes, 28 and Siva Kaneswaran, 32.

The boy band released their first album in eight years, Most Wanted, last week and the members all sung from the same hymn sheet about their reunion.

Close: 'We're brothers at the end of the day': The Wanted's Tom Parker said they will never lose their bond on Monday's BBC Breakfast

Of their bond, father-of-two Tom said: 'I don't think you'll ever lose that, we're brothers at the end of the day. The boys have been an amazing support network for me.'

When presenter Dan Walker asked about his health, the star replied: 'I feel really well. Happy to be present, happy to be here.'

The boys detailed their excitement for next year's arena tour, with Jay branding Tom 'a miracle maker' for setting his sights on numerous ventures.

Support network: The boy band released their first album in eight years, Most Wanted, last week and the members all sung from the same hymn sheet about their reunion

Nathan chimed in and agreed, reflecting on their comeback charity gig at The Royal Albert Hall back in September, the proceeds of which went to Stand Up To Cancer and The National Brain Appeal.

'It was very powerful but it was conflicting emotion. It was an amazing experience but we know we all would rather not be in that situation.

'He [Tom] is so inspiring,' he said.

Inspirational: The boys detailed how they are hoping to go on an arena tour next year, with Jay branding Tom 'a miracle maker' for setting his sights on numerous ventures

Latest music: Most Wanted was released last week and includes the band's new single Rule The World among their greatest hits

Later on during the interview, Tom explained that many people believed he was clear of cancer following his Channel 4 documentary Inside My Head.

He said: 'Ultimately, I have still got cancer,' yet insisted: 'I don't want people to treat me any differently.'

In an exclusive interview with MailOnline last week, Jay said: 'Tom has always been an incredibly determined guy and this disease can often be very aggressive so his progress is nothing short of miraculous. We're just so proud and relieved for him.'
Model Roxy Horner has shared pictures of herself injecting insulin.

The star, who is dating funnyman Jack Whitehall, shared a candid post which came shortly after discussed her debilitating autoimmune disease which has seen her hospitalised over the last six months of her life.

On Instagram she told her followers about her fight with type 1 diabetes in a bid to raise awareness of the condition during world diabetes day marking 100 years since the discovery of lifesaving insulin.

Changes: Model Roxy Horner has shared pictures of herself injecting insulin

In a chat with Marie Claire, Roxy, who was diagnosed a month before her 30th birthday, also admitted: 'Type 1 diabetes has changed my life but the silver lining is that perhaps it has taught me to stand up for myself and listen to my body.'

Roxy who said she was chronically stressed ahead of her diagnosis and 'very thirsty' admitted that her model agency had been supportive and her famous boyfriend 'incredible'.

She said: 'I'm trying to get back my peace, surround myself with loving, understanding people and just getting the hang of this. If I have shown up anywhere on my own since my diagnosis, it really has taken a lot for me to get there.

'Because when you're new to this, it's scary going anywhere on your own thinking 'what If something happens and I can't manage it on my own?'

Changes: The star, who is dating funnyman Jack Whitehall, shared a candid post which came shortly after discussed her debilitating autoimmune disease which has seen her hospitalised over the last six months of her life

She also said it was a shock to get her diagnosis and that some people have wrongly said she can be cured and also admitted she has days where it knocks her out and she feels really unwell.

She also claims she initially discharged herself too early from hospital to attend an awards ceremony and had to be readmitted that same night during the first few days of diagnosis.

The stunning model added: 'The first few months were really scary.'

After sharing the images, Roxy took to social media to document her Stateside getaway with boyfriend Jack after they headed to New York.

Loved-up: Roxy has been dating the comedian since the first lockdown after the pair met during a trip to Australia, with the model moving into his London home after just a few weeks of dating

Following the lightening of US travel restrictions, the happy couple flew to the Big Apple, where they have been soaking up the tourist attractions.

Roxy has been dating the comedian since the first lockdown after the pair met during a trip to Australia, with the model moving into his London home after just a few weeks of dating.

The Travels With My Father star previously admitted although the decision 'accelerated' their relationship, they did miss out on doing ordinary things like restaurant and cinema dates.

Speaking on the Couples Quarantine podcast, he said: 'Weirdly that was quite nice because we spent a lot of time together and it accelerates the relationship in a way.

'Then when lockdown ended, there's a lot of things we realised. We'd never gone to see a film together. We'd never been to a restaurant in England because we met in Australia.'
Doctor Who fans couldn't contain their delight during Sunday's action-packed episode, as Jo Martin's incarnation made a surprise return to the show.

In the midst of a thrilling episode which saw Jodie Whittaker's incarnation of the Time Lord flicker between parts of her own history, the Fugitive Doctor made an unexpected appearance in a showdown at the Temple of Atropos.

The cameo sparked many fans to call for a Who spin-off featuring the so-called 'Fugitive Doctor' after it was revealed she was one of many incarnations from her past that were wiped from her memory.

Surprise! Doctor Who fans couldn't contain their delight during Sunday's action-packed episode, as Jo Martin's incarnation made a shock return to the show

As The Doctor attempted to rescue her companions Yaz and Dan, and space-traveller Vinder, she found herself scattered in moments throughout her past, including a dramatic confrontation with villains Swarm and Azure.

Turning to a mirror, she's stunned to see the reflection of The Fugitive Doctor staring back at her, and she soon reveals it's possible her future self may never return to her correct time.

She tells The Doctor: 'If you've thrown yourself into a time storm and it's thrown you here, you might never get back.'

She's back! The Fugitive Doctor made an unexpected appearance in a showdown at the Temple of Atropos as the Time Lord flipped around her timestream

Bombshell: Who fans were stunned to learn that The Fugitive Doctor was a forgotten incarnation from her past that even pre-dated the so-called First Doctor, in series 12

Who fans were stunned to learn that The Fugitive Doctor was a forgotten incarnation from her past that even pre-dated the so-called First Doctor, William Hartnell, and have since called for answers about her unknown history.

Many viewers were thrilled to see actress Jo back on the show for an unexpected cameo, reigniting calls for a new run of episodes focused on her adventures.

One wrote: 'The best part of tonights ep was getting more Fugitive Doctor. Oh, and also 13 showing her inner steel, Jodie just sells that darker side perfectly.'

Grand return: Series 13 has seen the Doctor's timestream thrown into disarray by the mysterious Flux

Spin-off please! Many viewers were thrilled to see actress Jo back on the show for an unexpected cameo, reigniting calls for a new run of episodes focused on her adventures

Another wrote: 'Just watched Doctor Who Flux Chapter 3 and can I just say I love @therealjomarting's Doctor? I'm really glad The Fugitive Doctor is coming back and it would have been absolutely a shame if she didn't at least make a cameo in this season.'

A third tweeted: 'Fugitive Doctor in Once, Upon Time. Welcome back Jo Martin.'

One viewer also wrote: 'My brain definitely hurts after that episode of #DoctorWhoFlux but it's delivered another cracking story... the fact we got a look back at Fugitive Doctor adventure was incredible, also a better look at who Vinder was and another brilliant cliffhanger.'

Exciting: Many fans took to social media to share their reaction to the episode, which was the third in the six-party Flux story

Fans have been on tenterhooks as they wait for answers about the mysterious Flux, with Sunday's episode revealing that both time and space have been ripped to pieces by the unexpected force.

Last year Jo made history when she became the first ever black doctor, and this year it's been reported bosses are hoping to cast an actor of colour to play the coveted role, when Jodie Whittaker leaves the show in 2022.

The show has faced plummeting ratings and audience complaints in recent years about becoming over-politicised, with episodes featuring moments in history - including the US Civil War movement and the 1947 partition of India.

And it is now thought that BBC execs are looking to take a 'step forward for diversity' in whoever they pick to hand the Tardis keys over to - with Michaela Coel, 33, Nabhaan Rizwan, 24, and Priyanga Burford, 36, all tipped for the role.

When reports of Jodie's exit started to swirl back in January, many fans called for Jo Martin's iteration of the character to become the 14th Time Lord, with the Holby City star previously appearing in two episodes of season 12 alongside Jodie.

At the time, Jo became the first black Time Lord and played an unknown Doctor, leaving viewers to claim this meant she would be an 'obvious' successor for the part.

Jo's Doctor revealed her identity in Fugitive Of The Judoon after previously going by the name Ruth Clayton, and she appeared to be a former unknown iteration of the character; she also appeared in The Timeless Children.

Could it be? Doctor Who fans previously claimed Jo's iteration of the character should return as the 14th Time Lord as she is an 'obvious' successor to Jodie (pictured in series 12)

Showrunner Chris Chibnall, who is also leaving alongside Jodie, shared his support for Jo's version of the Doctor when she appeared onscreen in April last year.

He said: 'The important thing to say is  she is definitively the Doctor, there's not a sort of parallel universe going on, there are no tricks.

'Jo Martin is the Doctor, that's why we gave her the credit at the end which all new Doctors have the first time you see them.'

Chris went on to claim that Jo's inclusion in the twelfth series was 'very deliberate', and added: 'But as ever with Doctor Who, answers often reveal new questions.'

Doctor Who: Flux continues on Sunday at 6:20pm on BBC One.
She's always preened to perfection.

And on Monday, Amanda Holden, 50, looked chic in a pencil skirt and patterned knit teamed with a burgundy coat, as she headed to work at Heart FM in London's Leicester Square.

The Britain's Got Talent judge commanded attention in her red and white check jumper, which boasted a cinched-in waistband and elasticated cuffs.

Chic: On Monday, Amanda Holden, 50, looked chic in a pencil skirt and patterned knit teamed with a burgundy coat, as she headed to work at Heart FM in London's Leicester Square

Amanda flashed a glimpse of her toned pins in her stone coloured skirt, which featured a central thigh-high front slip.

The presenter boosted her height with similarly hued pointed stiletto heels and carried her belongings in a woven clutch.

Finishing off her look, Amanda shielded her eyes with a glamorous pair of oversized shades and styled her blonde tresses into subtle waves.

Looking good: The Britain's Got Talent judge commanded attention in her red and white check jumper, which boasted a cinched-in waistband and elasticated cuffs

Sexy! Amanda flashed a glimpse of her toned pins in her stone coloured skirt, which featured a central thigh-high front slip

The star recently gave advice on how she teaches kindness to her two daughters Alexa, 15, and Hollie, nine.

Speaking with The Sun she said: 'It's just tiny little things, like letting somebody out in the traffic, especially in London. Let that person go before you - stop, let them out!

'Thank somebody when they've been nice to you. It's just tiny little things like that that set a Domino run of goodness.'

Doing it for the gram: Amanda was sure to share her outfit on Instagram

Amanda recently landed a role on Neighbours playing the aunt of Jason Donovan's daughter, Jemma, 21.

Channel 5 released the first look images from set last month after the pair filmed in Waterloo, London, together ahead of the episodes airing in the spring.

On the show, Jemma's character Harlow will jet to the UK in the hope of figuring out a mystery about her late mother, Prue, who was played by Denise Van Outen.
Former Bachelorette Georgia Love and her husband Lee Elliott couldn't take their eyes off each other as they attended Melbourne Fashion Week on Monday.

After arriving to the star-studded event, the couple gazed adoringly at one another as they posed on the red carpet.

Georgia, 33, made a style statement in a white dress which featured a long back and short front.

The look of love! Former Bachelorette Georgia Love and husband Lee Elliott couldn't take their eyes off each other as they attended Melbourne Fashion Week on Monday

She accessorised her stylish frock with a pair of strappy grey heels and also carried a white bag.

The reality TV star tied her long brunette locks in a high bun and wore a full face of makeup to the event.

Meanwhile, Lee, 40, dressed to impress in a blue suede suit jacket, black pants and black shoes.

White on the mark! Georgia, 33, made a style statement in a white dress which featured a long back and short front

Georgia and Lee first met and fell in love on The Bachelorette Australia back in 2016.

It's been a big year for the couple who got married in March and bought a house in Melbourne last month.

The pair tied the knot at the picturesque Frogmore Creek Winery in Tasmania in an outdoor wedding and reception.

Beauty: The reality TV star tied her long brunette locks in a high bun and wore a full face of makeup to the event

The couple were due to marry in Italy last year, but they were forced to cancel their wedding because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was recently reported that the pair have just splashed out around $1.3million on a townhouse in Victoria's upmarket Hampton East.

It features a spacious four bedrooms, as well as three bathrooms, and an expansive living-dining area.
Melissa Leong never misses a beat when it comes to the style stakes.

And on Monday, the MasterChef Australia judge ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Melbourne Fashion Week 2021.

The 39-year-old opted for a bold yellow gown in a 1980s-style silhouette as she posed for photos at Plaza Ballroom.

Bright: Melissa Leong (pictured) never misses a beat when it comes to the style stakes. And on Monday, the MasterChef Australia judge ensured all eyes were on her as she attended Melbourne Fashion Week 2021

Melissa's dress featured a unique vinyl portion that clung to her slim frame and skirted her knees.

It was topped with a layer of sheer fabric in a halter-neck cut, and cinched in at her tiny waist, and also featured puffed lace sleeves.

The canary yellow frock was paired with a pale clutch in the same colour family and strappy nude heels.

A look! The 39-year-old opted for a bold yellow gown in a 1980s-style silhouette as she posed for photos at Plaza Ballroom

Wow! Melissa's dress featured a unique vinyl portion that clung to her slim frame and skirted her knees. She carried a clutch in a pale yellow tone

Fresh! She chose a fresh makeup look with lots of highlighter and a plum lipstick, while wearing her dark hair down in waves around her face

She chose a fresh makeup look with lots of highlighter and a plum lipstick, while wearing her dark hair down in waves around her face.

Melissa wore a number of rings and chose dainty earrings for accessories to complete her high fashion look.

Also making a statement was radio star Em Rusciano, 42, who opted for a deep purple velvet dress with a low v-neck cut that showed off some cleavage.

Velvet undergound: Also making a statement was radio star Em Rusciano (pictured) who opted for a deep purple velvet dress with a low v-neck cut that showed off some cleavage

Retro: It featured loose sleeves for a 1970s feel, as well as diamante accents at the shoulders

Funny folks: She posed alongside comedian Joel Creasey (right)

It featured loose sleeves for a 1970s feel, as well as diamante accents at the shoulders.

Em added a pair of slate grey heels and statement earrings, while choosing a rosy makeup look with a pink lipstick.

She posed alongside comedian Joel Creasey, 31, who looked smart in an animal print suit worn with a black t-shirt and suede shoes.
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She is a successful influencer known for her jaw-dropping curves.

And Demi Rose looked incredible as ever as she posed for a stunning new photoshoot for PrettyLittleThing as she releases her November Edit.

The model, 26, displayed her famous figure in a variety of outfits including a black bra with a knot detail and a matching wrap skirt.

Wow: Demi Rose looked incredible as ever as she posed for a stunning new photoshoot for PrettyLittleThing as she releases her November Edit

The Birmingham native also sported amulti-coloured patterned bikini and a matching mini skirt for one look.

Adding height to her frame with clear heels, she completed the outfit with a brown handbag.

Demi also donned a dark grey long-sleeved crop top that highlighted her taut abdomen.

The model wore it with a matching mini skirt and black heels while wearing her locks in a plait.

Flawless: The model, 26, displayed her famous figure in a variety of outfits

Incredible: Demi donned a black sheer top with a fishnet detail and a matching skirt while she wore her tresses in an updo

Sizzling: Demi also donned a dark grey long-sleeved crop top that highlighted her taut abdomen

In another look, Demi wore a blue top with a daring cut out across the centre along with matching high-waisted jeans.

The star then donned a black sheer top with a fishnet detail and a matching skirt while she wore her tresses in an updo.

Demi posted a series of sizzling behind the scenes shots from the PrettyLittleThing photo shoot to her Instagram on Sunday.

Pose: In another look, Demi wore a blue top with a daring cut out across the centre

Photoshoot: Demi wore a sheer cut out crop top with brown leather trousers

Glamour: The model also wore a skintight dress with a cut out across the midriff

The model looked sensational as she posed up a storm in the sexy outfit that left very little to the imagination.

Demi looked sultry in a white sheer cropped shirt that showcased her ample cleavage and gave a hint of her tiny waist.

Looking sexy but studious the model went full glam with her make, up opting for a rose gold blush on the cheeks and a bronze eye palette.

Wearing a nude gloss that accentuated her sensual pout, Demi finished the look by wearing her dark brown locks in a neat bun.

Model: The influencer sported a multi-coloured mini dress with bright blue heels

Design: One of Demi's looks featured a patterned green and brown print

Stunning: Demi also wore a green crop top and matching skirt while posing for the camera

Candid: Demi recently hit the headlines after she revealed that she was the victim of bully when she was younger

The stunning brunette also wore a pair of dark tinted glasses.

Fans quickly flocked to her page to comment on the racy snaps with one posting 'One Word: stunning' followed by a smiling emoji with dark glasses.

While another posted 'fantastic photo' followed by a series of thumbs up and fire emojis.

She said: 'I always wanted to get into modelling and when I eventually got there I classed it as a blessing because I grew up being bullied and didn't have many friends at all'

Success: Demi, who has been modelling for eight years credits her career for being a 'blessing'

Family: In 2019, both of Demi's parents died, just seven months apart and the star said going into lockdown straight after their deaths was 'a time of reflection'

Honest: She added 'having to deal with my parents' house and selling their stuff - it was a really sad place for me'

The new shots comes after the Birmingham born beauty recently hit the headlines after she revealed that she was the victim of bully when she was younger.

Speaking to Radio 1 Newsbeat, Demi previously revealed: 'I always wanted to get into modelling and when I eventually got there I classed it as a blessing because I grew up being bullied and didn't have many friends at all.'

Demi, who has been modelling for eight years credits her career for being a 'blessing'.

Looking good: Demi sent temperatures soaring when she posted a series of sizzling shots of her PrettyLittleThing photo shoot in Los Angeles on Sunday

Geeky chic: Demi rocked a sexy but studious look for her photoshoot with PrettyLittleThing

Fan appeal: Fans flocked to her Instagram page to show their appreciation of the sexy images she posted

In 2019, both of Demi's parents died, just seven months apart and the star said going into lockdown straight after their deaths was 'a time of reflection.'

She added 'having to deal with my parents' house and selling their stuff - it was a really sad place for me.'

'I wanted to go and travel but I had three months in London, which was a lot of facing what I had been through and was a time of reflection.'
Marco D'Amore and Ivana Lotito were both in good spirits as they attended the photocall for Gomorrah 5 in Rome on Monday.

The latest instalementt is set to be the final season of the Italian show, and is based on Roberto Saviano's 2006 investigative journalism book of the same name.

Marco, 40, looked stylish for the outing as he wore a long grey wool coat, smart charcoal coloured slacks and comfy looking trainers.

New release: Ivana Lotito, 38, (left) and Marco D'Amore, 40, were in good spirits as they attended the photocall for Gomorrah 5 in Rome on Monday

He donned black aviator sunglasses as he stood for photos at the event.

Ivana, meanwhile, oozed effortless glamour as she posed in a bright red pencil skirt and a light pink shirt.

The Italian star, 38, elevated her height with clear heels which put her toes on display.

Looking good: Marco looked stylish for the outing as he wore a long grey wool coat, smart charcoal coloured slacks and comfy looking trainers

Her brunette locks were swept back into a chic up do and she let her fringe fall to frame her visage.

She highlighted her natural beauty by wearing a sweep of blush across her cheeks and a slick of black eyeliner.

The show also stars Salvatore Esposito, 35, who was in attendance on the outing.

Glamorous: Ivana looked amazing as she elevated her height with clear heels which put her toes on display

Character: Ivana plays Azzurra Avitabile in the action packed drama

Salvatore looked dapper in a black polo shirt and bomber jacket as he smiled for photos.

The Sky and HBO Max show follows Marco in the role of Ciro Di Marzio who wants to become the boss of the next crime syndicate in Naples.

But the power struggle puts his life and his family's on the line and the new series will air November 19.





Stars: The show also stars Salvatore Esposito, 35, who was in attendance on the outing
Alice Evans has branded estranged husband Ioan Gruffudd's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace a 'creepy mistress' in a blistering series of tweets.

Evans, 53, confirmed her separation from the Welsh star, 48, in a string of furious tweets posted on Twitter in January, and has since documented every toxic turn in their subsequent divorce proceedings across social media.

Ioan recently went public with his new girlfriend Bianca, 29, with Alice claiming the pair had had a three year affair - which has been denied by a friend of the couple.

Fury: Alice Evans has branded estranged husband Ioan Gruffudd's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace a 'creepy mistress' in a blistering series of tweets

Sharing a snap of Bianca posted on September 12, Alice wrote: 'How to be a good Mistress, Part One: 1) Don't send out silly face-tuned Instagrams like this when you're semi-naked and horse-teethed telling people "I'm just going to miss the dog" BULL. S**T. You're going to sleep with my husband.

Another fan highlighted Ioan and Bianca's relationship confirmation on Instagram, writing: 'All they had to do was not post a photo bragging about it. So simple. Common effing sense.'

Alice responded: 'It's the fatal flaw. It shows that she just couldn't wait. (patience is the only real virtue my husband had and he has it in spades) But By God she must be good. To convince him to post a life-wrecking simple post like that. Just for her.'

Alice also reposted a now-deleted tweet which showed Bianca had liked a family photo of Ioan and Alice with their children back in 2019.

New romance: Evans, 53, confirmed her separation from the Welsh star, 48, in a series of furious tweets posted on Twitter in January, and last month Ioan confirmed his new romance with Bianca, 29 (pictured)

She wrote: 'Creepy. Bianca Wallace spent many months liking pics of our little family before stepping in and seducing the father.'

On Monday, Alice spoke of her heartbreak at the end of her 20 year relationship with Ioan, writing: 'The only question remaining in my mind is "why?" Why spend 2, maybe 3 years pretending?

'Was there not a moment where you felt it was on you to take a stance and stick to it? Were you together when we went to Moscow? (PLEASE SAY NO

'What about our trip to France? (oh god).'

'The trouble is; if you trust somebody THAT much (When everyone else has passed or lives far away) If that person convinces you, by their every day behavior, by the ticket, the notes of his love, the grandiose exclamations of love that you WILL be together for eternity - If that

Post: Sharing a snap of Bianca posted on September 12, Alice wrote: 'How to be a good Mistress, Part One'

Oh no: Alice also reposted a now-deleted tweet which showed Bianca had liked a family photo of Ioan and Alice with their children back in 2019

'Can't sleep. I used to think I would die for him. What was wrong with me? I just had total confidence that in this world, He was the one person I could absolutely count on My rock. My honey. My best friend.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Ioan Gruffudd and Bianca Wallace for comment.

This comes after Alice said she considered harming herself after husband Ioan abruptly ended their 14-year marriage, and admits she has a 'very long and messy divorce' ahead of her.

The actress is now adjusting to life without Gruffudd after he publicly confirmed a new relationship with co-star Bianca Wallace on Instagram, a move she described as 'every woman's nightmare.'

On her side: One fan commented on Ioan's decision to publicly announce his new romance

Heartbreak: Alice called Ioan her 'rock, honey and best friend' in a tweet onMonday

Questions: Alice has claimed that Ioan and Alice had a three year affair

Thinly veiled dig: Alice changed her Twitter bio in the wake of her latest string of tweets

Appearing remotely on Thursday's edition of Lorraine, Evans admitted she feared the worst when he returned to the family home in Los Angeles after filming his new show Harrow in Australia.

She said: 'He came back, hugged the kids, he very dryly gave me a kiss on the cheek and that was when I knew something was wrong.

'Wed been together 20 years. I was one of those very complacent - whats the Bridget Jones phrase? Smug married. And I think these are things like, just with other things, one can go through like loss of a parent or infertility, you dont know what its like until it happens to you.

'I thought it was never going to happen to me. He told me within the first few days - I just dont love you anymore.

'And look, Im not questioning his right to feel that - Im not bashing him - but it was so out of the blue and then for about four months we just continued here and he just kept saying, "Im sorry, I dont feel the same way for you anymore. I might leave, I might not leave."

Family: The former couple share two daughters - Ella, 12 and Elsie, eight

Devastated: This comes after Alice said she considered harming herself after husband Ioan abruptly ended their 14-year marriage, and admits she has a 'very long and messy divorce' ahead of her

She added: 'And I eventually got to the point where Id been on my own for the whole pandemic with my two kids. Ive looked after them for ten years when hes mostly filmed for those ten years, outside of Los Angeles. So I was here and he was here but he wouldnt talk to me, wouldnt look at me, and went to sleep in the spare room.

'Eventually, I thought I might do myself harm.

'I spoke to my friends and they kept saying, "This is not like him, this just doesnt sound right". I think I bored [them] and my friends just didnt know what to say to me, and at one point I just thought, "I am going to lose my mind".

'And I just tweeted, "Hes leaving us" And then all hell broke loose

Emotional: Evans broke down as she shared her mental anguish during a remote appearance on Thursday's edition of Lorraine

Evans has divided followers since going public with the split, but she insists she has no regrets in her willingness to share personal details regarding the nature of her relationship with Gruffudd, including their sex life, as she comes to terms with the collapse of their marriage.

She said: 'His reaction wasnt good. Initially, I think no one had ever really done this before and I would say the reaction was about 50:50.

'You know, there were a lot of people who were angry with me and almost didnt believe me, which is kind of weird when you think about it because its a pretty strange thing to make up if Im suddenly going to be 20 years with someone and then make up some idea that hes left me, hes leaving us, when he hadnt.

'A lot of people were shocked and there was so much talk of a dignified silence. And Im going to do this [makes quotation marks with her fingers], because I dont know how you can describe a dignified silence when Im talking about my entire life falling to pieces around me.'

She added: 'I think people use that phrase a lot but as time went on, because I did stop tweeting - because I was told legally not to - and then I went back to it.

'Its sort of, kind of a messy story, but I think as people understood what had happened, I would say support is now about 80 or 90 [per cent] in favour of me. Not in favour of me against him, but in favour of me speaking out and understanding why Im doing it.'

Happier times: Evans and Gruffudd embrace on their wedding day in Mexico on September 14 2007

Opening up: Evans admitted she feared the worst when he returned to the family home in Los Angeles after filming his new show Harrow in Australia

Gruffudd announced his new relationship with Wallace in October, and Evans says she has had no contact from her estranged husband since then.

She said: 'Hell only talk to me through lawyers. If hes talking to the children on face time, hell move away and call the lawyers. I dont know why.'

She is also adamant that her husband's relationship with Wallace, his Harrow co-star, began long before the very public collapse of their marriage.

Moving on: Gruffudd announced his new relationship with Bianca in October, and Evans says she has had no contact from her estranged husband since then

New romance: Wallace, pictured here in an undated Instagram post, worked with Gruffudd on location in Australia

Starring role: Gruffudd in a still from Harrow. Evans claims it was during a break from the show that he ended their marriage

'Its very bizarre because as a lot of people know, he insisted, I think Im OK to say this, he insisted until two weeks ago that there was nobody else,' she added.

'My phone pinged and said he has unblocked you on Instagram. I thought maybe he wants to talk. It was announced by him and his mistress that they were a couple on Instagram two weeks ago. I looked at the picture and it said something like finally someone who can make me happy.

'People from his set in Australia were saying so glad you guys are finally out and youre happy. I was slayed. This is my husband.

'I think I was owed more than an Instagram after 20 years of marriage and two children. I feel like a bit of an idiot as well. Im pretty sure this has been going on for quite a while. Its not somebody hes just met now.'

Horrified: 'People from his set in Australia were saying so glad you guys are finally out and youre happy. I was slayed. This is my husband,' said Evans

Speaking out: Alice has been vocal about the divorce on social media and hit back at those criticising her for speaking out so publicly about the split

Evans currently remains at the family home in Los Angeles with their two daughters, Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight, but admits she might be forced to move as a consequence of her ongoing divorce from their father.

She said: 'I dont know because we have a very messy and long divorce ahead of us. Divorce lawyers in America are terrifying people.

'I dont know if Im going to be able to stay here in the house. Initially o teas going to be an amicable divorce but its gotten quite nasty now and I dont know why.'

Thanking Lorraine for allowing her the opportunity to talk about the split, she said: '[Its been] very tough, but I just wanted to say thank you for having me on and letting me speak a little bit about whats being going on which is pretty much every womans nightmare.'

Proud mother: Evans currently remains at the family home in Los Angeles with their two daughters, Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight, but admits she might be forced to move as a consequence of her ongoing divorce

Evans previously claimed she was was 'heartbroken' and felt 'dead' after Ioan went Instagram official with Bianca, prompting her to accuse him of having a three-year romance.

Last month a friend and co-worker of Ioan denied his estranged wife's claims that he had a three-year affair with his now-girlfriend Bianca.

In a series of tweets, wardrobe assistant Amy Douglas, who worked with Ioan and Bianca on the Australian series Harrow, accused Alice, 50, herself of being 'abusive,' and insisted they didn't begin speaking until filming for series three began in 2020.

Amy, who said Ioan and Bianca gave her permission to speak out, defended her pals after Alice accused her estranged husband of cheating on her for three years with the Australian actress, who is 21 years her junior, telling fans she was 'lost, sad and confused.'

In her first tweet, Amy responded to a fans' claim that Ioan and Bianca's romance began while they were filming Harrow, clarifying that the actress was simply an extra and the pair didn't begin speaking until season three, which was recorded in 2020.

She wrote: '[Bianca was] an extra and didn't have contact with him in season two, I know because I was there as crew. Season three yes, but they only started talking towards the end.'

She added: 'I am also her friend and I KNOW they didn't, as I said they didn't even speak to each other until the end of season three. Don't buy into the lies you are being fed.'

All over: Gruffudd filed for divorce in March, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their split

Amy continued: 'Being her friend I KNOW it didn't happen. I know her as a person and her principals. You do not. So don't believe everything you're fed by manipulating people who try to make themselves the victim and ruin other people's reputations.'

The fashion designer then claimed that Alice threatened to divorce Ioan during the final week of filming for Harrow in 2020, and said she was aware how 'upset' he became.

Responding to another user she said: 'Your point? I saw what Alice was doing to Ioan in the last week of filming, threatening a divorce if he didn't go home. I saw how upset he was on set. And Bianca was barely even on set for season three. I know, you do not.

'She is not a home-wrecker! Who do you actually personally know here in this situation. Obviously no one. And I'm very perceptive, it didn't show on set, he is a very professional person. I saw how upset he was on the phone being abused by her.'

Bombshell: Bianca grew up in Queensland before moving to Brisbane to pursue an acting career

Amy added that both Ioan and Bianca had given their permission for her to speak out, and clarified that their early relationship on the Harrow set was strictly professional.

Gruffudd filed for divorce in March, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their split.

The document, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on March 1, revealed the former couple separated on New Year's Day - a month before they went public with their relationship status.

At the time, they had shared a joint statement that read: 'As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for our family and we remain committed to our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy.'

It was also reported the divorce papers state the exes are in a 'collaborative process and intend to resolve all issues including spousal support by written agreement'.

Family: The family are pictured in happier times

Evans, meanwhile, had addressed the pair's split in a shock statement shared to Twitter in January in which she claimed Gruffudd had 'mentally tortured' her.

The mother-of-two also accused her estranged husband of 'winding the s**t up me' as she posted a vitriolic video about their 'collaborative divorce' talks.

Evans and Gruffudd met on the set of 102 Dalmatians in 2000, when Alice was in a relationship with Pablo Picasso's grandson Olivier.

The former couple became engaged six years later after she gave him an ultimatum about their relationship, and they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Mexico in September 2007.

Gruffudd hasn't publicly addressed the couple's divorce.
Scarlett Bowman has revealed that her son Rafael had to be rushed to hospital on Friday after he fell into a glass coffee table at their home.

The former Hollyoaks star, 35, took to Instagram on Monday to share the story of the 'very scary accident'.

She wrote alongside a picture of Rafael with a bandage on: 'We had a very scary accident on Friday night just before bath time. My poor bubba fell into our almost baby proofed glass coffee table and had to be rushed to hospital.'

'Very scary': Scarlett Bowman, 35, has revealed that her son Rafael had to be rushed to hospital on Friday after he fell into a glass coffee table at their home

She said: 'We had a very scary accident on Friday night just before bath time.My poor bubba fell into our almost baby proofed glass coffee table and has to be rushed to hospital' (pictured in April)

'No ambulance was available for up to a hour (could have been longer we didn't wait more than 10 minutes and jumped into a cab).'

She went on: 'He needed surgery to repair it but as he is recovering from a respiratory virus he was not able to have it (thank god)

'We are safe back home and resting but he will have one heck of a scar [crying face emoji]. Any scar treatments pls let me know!

Family: Scarlett, who played Maddie Morrison on the soap, has two children with husband Rob Colicci, the youngest, Juno Rose only being five months old

She concluded: 'The scariest thing about the whole episode was that we couldn't get an ambulance when we most needed it. Thank you Dr Cyrus for coming to our rescue #nhs.'

Scarlett appeared in 121 episodes of Hollyoaks between 2011 and 2012 playing Maddie Morrison and left the soap when her character was killed in a bus crash.

She has two children with husband Rob Colicci, the youngest, Juno Rose, being five months old.

Scarlett and Rob tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in Portofino, Italy back in 2016.

Since leaving Hollyoaks, Scarlett has turned her hand to artwork, creating the brand Projects On Walls.

The company focuses on 'sourcing and curating art for residential and commercial interiors'.
She won the famous Glitterball Trophy with celebrity partner Joe McFadden in 2017.

But now Katya Jones wants to be the fairest of them all, as she transformed into The Evil Queen, posing in a glamorous costume for a Snow White panto photocall at King George's Hall in Blackburn, on Monday.

The Strictly pro, 32 - who, with celebrity partner Adam Peaty, recently became the sixth dancer eliminated from the current series of the BBC Dancing show - stunned in a sparkling red gown and elaborate headpiece.

Who is the fairest of them all? Katya Jones, 32, transformed into The Evil Queen to pose in costume for Snow White panto photocall at King George's Hall in Blackburn, on Monday

Katya's jaw-dropping frock boasted a plunging caged neckline and a dramatic thigh-high split.

Detached bell-sleeves were adorned with thick black feathers and the dancer accessorised with a black jewel encrusted necklace.

Katya wore her raven tresses loose while a headdress with enormous ornate horns and a gold crown balanced atop her head.

The Strictly star smiled as she posed for photographs with her panto co-stars Charlie Guest, who plays Muddle, and Chloe Carrington who plays Snow White.

Fun times! The Strictly star smiled as she posed for photographs with her panto co-star Charlie Guest, who plays Muddles

Wow! Katya stunned in a sparkling red gown and elaborate headpiece while posing with Chloe Carrington, who plays Snow White

Incredible: Katya's jaw-dropping frock boasted a plunging caged neckline and a dramatic thigh-high split, as well as detached bell-sleeves adorned with thick black feathers

The photocall comes just days after reports emerged that Katya threatened to quit her role on the show after landing in the dance off with partner Adam Peaty.

The professional dancer is believed to be convinced that the 'public have it in for her', after the dance couple were eliminated from the show last Sunday.

Katya is apparently disappointed that she hasn't finished past the half-way mark since she was crowned champion with Joe McFadden in 2017.

Back at it: Meanwhile, Katya's ex Neil Jones arrived at the rehearsal studio together with a male friend on Monday

Low key: Neil kept things casual in a burgundy hoodie, while wearing a backpack

The Russian native is reportedly worried that the backlash from her kiss with partner Seann Walsh in 2018 is affecting her scoring with the public.

The source said: 'It's no secret that that kiss did not go down well with some viewers and Katya thinks it's still affecting her results.

'There was a tantrum backstage when she found herself in the dance-off and she was again saying it was because the public have it in for her. There was talk of quitting the show but no one wants her to do that.'

A Strictly spokesperson categorically denied these allegations.

A spokesperson for Katya said: 'This is completely and categorically untrue. Strictly means everything to Katya and she looks forward to many more years there.'
She was thrilled when her on-off lover Pete Wicks revealed he had her name tattooed on his hand in a declaration of love.

And on Sunday, TOWIE's Chloe Sims, 40, had a lot to celebrate as she headed out with pals for a night out at Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch, London.

The reality TV star put on an eye-popping display as she chose to go braless in a semi-sheer black playsuit with sisters Demi, 25, and Frankie, 26.

Eye-Popping! Chloe Sims, 40, put on an extremely revealing display as she headed out braless in a sheer outfit after her ex Pete Wicks declared his love on Sunday

Chloe ensured that her ample assets were on display as she stepped out for drinks in the very busty all-black ensemble.

She layered the outfit with a longline satin blazer that she paired with matching gloves, embellished with glitzy fringed sleeves.

The TOWIE star added some daring thigh-high heeled boots and a studded leather bag to complete her glamorous look.

Busty: She had a lot to celebrate as she headed out with pals for a night out in Shoreditch, London in the very revealing number that showcased her best assets

Irreplaceable: Pete will unveil the tattoo tribute to Chloe on Sunday's episode after telling her that she is 'irreplaceable' in his life

Chloe wore her blonde tresses swept back in a sleek up do and opted for a typically glamorous makeup look.

The outing comes after her on-off flame Pete Wicks had her name tattooed on his hand.

Pete, 33, will unveil the inking to his former lover in an episode of the show after telling her she is 'irreplaceable' in his life.

His romantic tribute comes months after fans were left aghast when the duo revealed they had been sleeping together in a two-year entanglement, despite vehement insistence that they were 'just friends'.

Glam: The TOWIE star added some daring thigh-high heeled boots and a studded leather bag to complete her glamorous look

Sisters: Chloe's sister Demi was also in attendance as she added a pop of hot pink to her all-black ensemble

Pals: Chloe headed out for drinks with sisters Demi (centre right), Frankie (left) and pals

In a clip obtained by The Sun, the inked-up hunk said: 'I didn't really know what get to you for your birthday either...

'You are irreplaceable to me, so I might have got like a tattoo on my hand', before revealing the ink to the stunned star.

Clearly touched by the gesture, Chloe said: 'How have I not noticed that? Oh my god! That is so nice!' while covering her face in shock.

Pete then incredibly declared his love for the mother-of-one, saying: 'The point of that is, you do mean everything to me and for anyone else who feels like I don't or for anyone you feel like I've not justified this to, I do love you to bits.'

His love: The TOWIE star, 33, unveils the inking to his former lover, 40, in an upcoming episode of the show after telling her she is 'irreplaceable' in his life

Something to tell us? Chloe and Pete looked VERY cosy as the cast filmed a Halloween Special in Folkstone last month (pictured)

Chloe then burst into tears clearly overwhelmed by his words and declared: 'I do love you to bits, you know that - I would be lost without you'.

In September, the pair sparked reconciliation rumours when they departed the National Television Awards together in London.

However in an interview with The Sun following the red carpet event, Pete revealed they are just 'friends': 'Things are all good. We have known each other so long and we have been through so much so it is nice that we are back to having fun'.

Wow: In an episode of TOWIE that aired in May, Chloe and Pete become embroiled in a heated argument as they addressed the end of their two-year relationship

Reflecting on their split, he said: 'What happened was in the past. We are both over the situation. The foundation of me and Chloe is that we were such good friends.'

In an episode of TOWIE that aired in May, Chloe and Pete become embroiled in a heated argument as they addressed the end of their two-year relationship.

Chloe declared Pete made her feel 'like sh**' as she exposed him for playing down the intensity of their former romance.
They have been rumored to be dating since the beginning of this year.

And it certainly looks like things are getting serious between Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum.

The 32-year-old actress was seen bonding with the 41-year-old actor's daughter Everly, 8 for the first time as they enjoyed an outing at a hip flea market in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Sweet: Zoe Kravitz was seen bonding with boyfriend Channing Tatum's daughter Everly, 8 for the first time as they enjoyed an outing at a hip flea market in Los Angeles on Sunday

Sweet: The youngster seemed to be comfortable with his dad's new girlfriend as the actress wrapped her arm around the child as they walked side-by-side while perusing the shops

The youngster seemed to be comfortable with his dad's new girlfriend as the actress wrapped her arm around the child as they walked side-by-side while perusing the shops.

Zoe seemed to love at least one of her purchases as she changed up her look to a dress that she had just bought.

The stunning actress arrived at the open market wearing a white tank top with relaxed fit red corduroy pants and matching leather flat shoes on the hot day in LA.

Relaxed: The 32-year-old actress and 41-year-old actor seemed to have a blast on the outing

Quick change artist: Zoe seemed to love at least one of her purchases as she changed up her look to a dress that she had just bought

Rocking it: She later was seen switching it up to a summery white midi dress which she appeared to have purchased from one of the shops

Switching it up: Earlier the stunning actress arrived at the open market wearing a white tank top with relaxed fit red corduroy pants and matching leather flat shoes on the hot day in LA

Stylish: Zoe accessorized the look with a large pink bag and basketweave sunhat along with circular gold-rimmed shades

She later was seen switching it up to a summery white midi dress which she appeared to have purchased from one of the shops.

Zoe accessorized the look with a large pink bag and basketweave sunhat along with circular gold-rimmed shades.

Her braided brunette tresses were worn down as she let her natural looks shine by wearing minimal make-up.

Gorgeous: Her braided brunette tresses were worn down as she let her natural looks shine by wearing minimal make-up

Bond: She led Channing's daughter along

Relaxed: Channing donned a white vintage Maxell T-Shirt, baggy khaki trousers, and white slip on shoes

Just us: He looked every bit the doting dad as he held hands with his only daughter even help lift her up as she jumped up and down

Happy: Channing certainly looked excited to be spending the day with his daughter

Channing donned a white vintage Maxell T-Shirt, baggy khaki trousers, and white slip on shoes.

He looked every bit the doting dad as he held hands with his only daughter even help lift her up as she jumped up and down.

The Magic Mike actor later let his daughter sit on his shoulders as he carried along a house plant.

Moving on: He had a bandana tied around his neck

Yum: He treated Everly to a large drink

Tremendous trio: It certainly appeared to be a fun afternoon of bonding

Everly donned a yellow patterned mini dress over pink leggings and colorful trainers.

The outing comes weeks after reports that the new power couple are 'very happy' and 'don't care about hiding their relationship' from the public eye anymore.

Despite living on the west coast, Tatum has spent more time in her home of New York City recently after the pair sparked dating rumors when she cast him to star in her directorial debut, Pussy Island, in January.

Top of the world: The Magic Mike actor later let his daughter sit on his shoulders

Juggling act: Channing not only carried his child but also gripped onto the drink and a house plant with one hand

Sunny: The two actors certainly appear to have a bond

'They are more relaxed lately,' a source told PEOPLE. 'They don't seem to care about hiding their relationship anymore. It's obvious that they are very happy.'

When reports surfaced at the beginning of the year that Kravitz and Tatum were dating, the pair brushed off the rumors and claimed their relationship was strictly platonic.

Months later, though, the publication confirmed their romance status after they were spotted on 'bike rides, museum visits and coffee dates.'

Love is in the air: Channing and Zoe are 'very happy' and 'don't care about hiding their relationship' from the public eye anymore; seen at the MET Gala in September

'They are more relaxed lately,' a source told PEOPLE. 'They don't seem to care about hiding their relationship anymore. It's obvious that they are very happy'

By September, their relationship was public as he was her guest to the 2021 MET Gala, despite arriving separately but leaving together.

An insider later told PEOPLE that the couple 'did not take their hands off of each other' at one of the after parties.

Zoe was previously married to Karl Glusman in June 2019, but filed for divorce on Dec. 23 which was finalized nearly nine months later in August.

So happy together: Months later, though, the publication confirmed their romance status after they were spotted on 'bike rides, museum visits and coffee dates' (seen in August)

She told Another magazine in September: 'Separations, breakups are sad but are beautiful things, too. It's about the bittersweetness, that beginning and that end.

'It's so complex, that space, when you're in between heartbroken and mourning the loss of something and excited for what's ahead of you.'

Tatum was previously married to actress Jenna Dewan for nearly nine years before separating in April 2018 and finalizing a divorce in 2019. The couple has one daughter; eight-year-old Everly.
She's a top model who recently launched a campaign with Victoria's Secret.

And Hailey Bieber looked every inch ready for a wild night out in Miami Beach as she stepped out wearing an electric green ensemble.

The 24-year-old stunner showed off her tanned and toned legs in a skin-tight mini dress to match a structured blazer as she headed out to dinner in the bustling area of South Florida.

Out and about: Hailey Bieber looked every inch ready for a wild night out in Miami Beach as she stepped out wearing an electric green ensemble

Hailey's monochrome moment began with a wool jacket which featured padded shoulders and thick golden buttons.

Her fitted coat draped down past her hips and revealed just a peek of her ribbed jersey skirt.

She added inches to her petite frame and stayed on trend with a comfortable pair of chunky black patent leather loafers.

Matching moment: The 24-year-old stunner showed off her tanned and toned legs in a skin-tight mini dress to match a structured blazer as she headed out to dinner in the bustling area of South Florida

Classic: Hailey's monochrome moment began with a wool jacket which featured padded shoulders and thick golden buttons

Hailey, who's father is actor Stephen Baldwin, wore her dark brown hair parted down the middle and in loose curls.

She carried a black leather Yves Saint Laurent clutch underneath her arm and held onto her white iPhone in one hand.

Bieber was most recently spotted sitting next to best friend's Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid as they celebrated another pal, Lauren Perez, at her wedding on the beach last week.

She later took to Instagram for her own beach memory as she posed in a bikini and wearing Superga rainboots.

Best wedding guests: Bieber was most recently spotted sitting next to best friend's Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid as they celebrated another pal, Lauren Perez, at her wedding on the beach last week

Strike a pose: She later took to Instagram for her own beach memory as she posed in a bikini and wearing Superga rainboots

Husband and wife: Hailey recently honored Justin on their third anniversary with gorgeous throwback snaps from the event at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina on Sept. 30, 2018.

Hailey recently honored husband Justin on their third anniversary with gorgeous throwback snaps from the event at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina on Sept. 30, 2018.

She simply stunned in her custom Off-White, off-the-shoulder Virgil Abloh wedding dress in the series of photos shared to Instagram.

The couple exchanged vows in front of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Usher and Jaden Smith in the Somerset Chapel within the grounds of the lavish hotel.
Lauren Conrad and her musician husband, William Tell, made a rare appearance at a star-studded charity event on Saturday.

The power couple were seen arm-in-arm at the Baby2Baby 10-year Gala, which was held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

Lauren, 35, and William, 45, a guitarist and vocalist for the piano-rock band Something Corporate, have been married for seven years, and have two sons, Liam, four, and Charlie, two.

Gorgeous couple: Lauren Conrad and her musician husband, William Tell, made a rare appearance at a star-studded charity event on Saturday

The former The Hills and fashion designer wore an elegant red-laced gown to a Saturday evening event to raise funds for children.

The strapless gown was floor length, and had an asymmetrical hem that hung to just above the ground, showing off her pink-colored pumps with ankle straps.

The fashion designer showed off her long neckline in the gown, and wore a diamond necklace with a gold and rose colored clutch purse to round out her chic ensemble.

The event raised a record-breaking $8.5 million to support Baby2Babys critical Covid-19 and disaster relief efforts to provide children in poverty with basic necessities.

Also at the event were Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson and Jessica Alba.

This comes after news Conrad is set to add more products to her beauty brand.

Happy pair: The power couple were seen arm-in-arm at the Baby2Baby 10-year Gala, which was held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood

Their little ones: Lauren and William, a guitarist and vocalist for the piano-rock band Something Corporate, have been married for seven years, and have two sons, Liam, four, and Charlie, two

The business woman launched her company Lauren Conrad Beauty last month with just five products, and now she is expanding the brand with 26 more pieces in the makeup, skin-care, and body-care categories.

Speaking to Allure, she said: 'I started the process a couple of times, but I wanted to wait until I could check all my boxes of formulas, packaging, and affordable price point. I've worked on this line for two-and-a-half years, but I've tried for many years to make it happen.'

The long product list includes multiple types of facial cleansers, a vitamin C oil, as well as two types of body moisturizers and two eyeshadow palettes.

Floor length: The former The Hills and fashion designer wore an elegant red-laced gown to a Saturday evening event to raise funds for children

Lacy look: The fashion designer showed off her long neckline in the gown, and wore a diamond necklace with a gold and rose colored clutch purse to round out her chic ensemble. Here she is seen with Jordana Brewster

But for the former reality star, her favorite product is the liquid eyeliner after making a statement with her signature cat-eye look throughout her youth.

'Going into this process, I thought the one thing I especially had to get right was the liquid eyeliner,' she explained.

'It's one of those products that I'm always seeking out, and I've had so much trouble finding the right one over the years, so I really wanted to nail it.'

Pretty in pink: And here the TV standout is seen with Hannah Skvarla, right

Winning smile: The Baby2Baby event raised a record-breaking $8.5 million to support Baby2Babys critical Covid-19 and disaster relief efforts to provide children in poverty with basic necessities

The make-up product took a long time to develop as the team were back-and-forth trying to find the perfect formula.

'Fortunately, it was a product that we started really early on, so we had a lot of time to play with it,' Lauren continued.

What's more, The Hills' star has accommodated to every kind of makeup lover by including a variety of products to suit their needs and skin type.

'My approach has always been 'wear the make-up you really love that makes you feel like you' and 'use products that you feel good about,' she explained.
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Their relationship has been a famously high-octane romance.

And Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly were once again turning up the heat as they hopped on a motorcycle together on their latest vacation on Sunday as they zipped around in the sunshine.

The Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen actress, 35, was seen holding onto the pop punk rapper, 31, as they hopped on a two-wheeler during their trip in Tulum, Mexico over the weekend.

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Need for speed: Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly enjoyed a motorcycle ride while on vacation in Tulum, Mexico on Sunday

Megan showed off her legs in a hot pink mini dress with a nipped in waist and backless detail which showed that she appeared to go braless as she straddled the motorcycle behind MGK.

She did not wear the most traditional footwear for hopping on a motorbike as she donned white patterned slide sandals for the ride yet did keep her head protected as she sported a shiny red helmet.

After the ride, she opted for more fashionable headwear as she donned a large, fuzzy sun visor.

MGK - real name Colson Baker - definitely drew attention as he sported a mesh neon orange and yellow long-sleeved top with pink patterned shorts and white low-top sneakers. He accessorized with a baby pink trucker cap and neon green translucent sunglasses.

Hop on: The 35-year-old actress looked happy to join the 31-year-old pop punk rapper

Pin parade: Megan showed off her legs in a hot pink mini dress as she straddled the motorcycle behind MGK

Interesting: She did not wear the most traditional footwear for hopping on a motorbike as she donned white patterned slide sandals for the ride

They were joined by several pals who rode ATVs alongside the power couple.

The two have been enjoying a trip south of the border after a separate vacation in Greece the previous week.

Megan and MGK's whirlwind relationship began last year while filming Randall Emmett's crime thriller, Midnight In The Switchgrass, with Bruce Willis, Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas in Puerto Rico.

Safety first: The Transformers actress did keep her head protected, however, as she sported a shiny red helmet

Good times: Megan looked at the two-wheeler before hopping on

Wow factor: The star looked gorgeous as ever

Good times: She looked relieved after the motorbike ride was over

During an interview on Lala Kent's podcast, Megan said she 'knew right away that he was what I call a twin flame.'

She added: 'Instead of a soul mate, a twin flame is actually where a soul has ascended into a high enough level that it can be split into two different bodies at the same time. So we're actually two halves of the same soul, I think.'

Megan would have been with her ex Brian Austin Green at the time of this first meeting, with whom she shares sons Noah, nine, Body, seven, and Journey, five, with.

Peacocking: MGK - real name Colson Baker - definitely drew attention as he sported a mesh neon orange and yellow long-sleeved top with pink patterned shorts and white low-top sneakers

Wearing protection: He accessorized with a red helmet and neon green translucent sunglasses

'This weird thing happened,' Megan told British GQ Style. 'We didn't see each other. I don't remember [his] face. I just remember this tall, blond, ghostly creature and I looked up and I was like, "You smell like weed." He looked down at me and he was like, "I am weed." Then, I swear to God, he disappeared like a ninja in a smoke bomb.'

She added: 'Our souls chose this to absolutely have to face our shadow selves; to face things about ourselves we didnt want to have to know, that we tried to push away.'

MGK added, 'It should be light, but also we go to hell with each other. Its ecstasy and agony for sure... I dont want people to think anythings perfect with us.'

On-the-go: They were later seen walking around after the ride with friends

Vibes: After the ride, she opted for more fashionable headwear as she donned a large, fuzzy sun visor

'I didnt say it was the darkest fairy tale for no reason. God help you if you wouldve met us last Saturday,' he said, as Fox laughed.

They made their red carpet debut at the American Music Awards where she revealed a new tattoo likely dedicated to her musician beau with the Spanish words 'el pistolero' scrawled across her collarbone, which roughly translates to 'the gunman.'

Kelly revealed that he wears a vial of her blood on a necklace so that he wouldn't miss her when she went out of the country for a film role.

Loved up: The two seemed to be joined at the hip
Paris Hilton's new husband Carter Reum has a secret nine-year-old child from a previous relationship who he has allegedly seen 'only once.'

Millionaire entrepreneur Reum, 40, fathered a child with reality star Laura Bellizzi, known for appearing on the short-lived VH-1 show Secrets of Aspen, PageSix reported Monday.

Bellizii - a Chicago native who now lives in California with the child - also briefly dated actor Mel Gibson. Hilton and Reum tied the knot at a lavish ceremony in Bel Air on Friday.

In 2011, when Bellizzi was pregnant, it was reported that the baby was Mel Gibson's love child, though he vehemently denied the claims.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Hilton and Reum's reps who have so far been unavailable for comment.

Revealed: Paris Hilton's husband Carter Reum has 9-year-old child with reality star Laura Bellizzi who briefly dated Mel Gibson

Bellizzi also refuted the rumors to TMZ in November 2011, saying: 'Mel Gibson is not the father of my child.'

As it turns out, she was carrying Reum's child.

It is the first time that any significant details from Reum's relationship history has been revealed, after he and wife Hilton, also 40, have shared their romance openly in her new reality show Paris In Love.

A source claimed to the outlet that Carter has 'only seen [his daughter] once since she was born 9 years ago.'

In response, a spokesperson for Reum told said: 'The people who this story matters to have known about it for 10 years. Carter supports this child. While he does not have a traditional father-daughter relationship with her, he has provided for her since she was born, and will continue to do so.'

Pictured: Laura Bellizi is seen above pregnant in 2011, and at the time it was speculated she was carrying Mel Gibson's baby - both ended up denying the rumors

Bellizi has kept a low profile since hitting the headlines with Gibson in 2011.

The reality show, VH-1's Secrets of Aspen, that she appeared on in 2010, only ran for one season and she has not appeared on any other shows since.

A source close to the situation added to the outlet that her daughter had been 'triggered' by seeing Reum's lavish wedding to Hilton, and felt 'left out' of her father's life.

The source said: 'Also, she saw the articles of Paris and Carter talking about starting a family. She felt tremendous rejection and felt left out. She wants to have a relationship with him.'

Reum is worth an estimated $40million, after co-founding investment company M13 with his brother Courtney Reum. Meanwhile, Reum's wife Hilton is worth an estimated $300million.

Reality star: Laura Bellizzi pictured in April 2010

The source continued that Reum's daughter wants to 'know her daddy.'

'She just wants to really complete the missing pieces of her puzzle,' the source divulged.

'She's at that age where self-identity is so important, and children want to know who they are and where they come from. It's important for him to help her with that.'

'It's not about [Reum] or the mother. It's about making the child whole. She is absolutely an amazing little girl. She has so much love to give. And she wants to give it to him, his family and whoever he chooses to love.'

A second source told the outlet: 'She is of an age now where she is cognizant and wants her paternal family to hear her and know her. He may not claim or love her, but she claims and loves him and his family.'

PICTURED: Paris Hilton stuns in Oscar de la Renta wedding gown as she marries Carter Reum at her grandfather's Bel-Air estate... and declares 'my forever starts today'

Hilton has made no secret of her plan to start a family with Reum of their own, now they are married.

In January this year, she revealed she is undergoing IVF with Reum to ensure she can have a 'boy and girl twin', after dating him for a year.

The socialite told The Trend Reporter with Mara podcast on Tuesday that best friend Kim Kardashian had introduced her to the idea.

Paris said: '[Kim was the one] who told me about that. I didn't even know anything about it. I'm happy that she told me that advice and introduced me to her doctor.

'We have been doing IVF, so I can pick twins if I like.'

Who is Carter Reum? Meet the man who hopeless romantic Paris Hilton has FINALLY settled down with... He has been credited as the man who has finally tamed the ultimate 2000s party icon Paris Hilton. So, why is Carter Reum such a catch? DailyMail.com takes a look into the life of the entrepreneur and venture capitalist that has stolen the heart of a hotel heiress... He comes from a wealthy family, just like Paris Carter's father, the late tycoon W. Robert 'Bob' Reum, was the chairman, CEO and president of Chicago-based industrial firm Amsted Industries. The company is currently valued at $4billion, and Bob is said to have left behind $7million when he died in 2017 at the age of 74 and is also said to have had a significant property portfolio. Meanwhile, his sister Halle is married to Oliver Hammond, a scion of the extremely wealthy Annenberg family. He's an Ivy League graduate Ivy League schools are considered to be the best in the country - and Carter received a B.A. in both Economics and Business/Managerial Economics from Columbia University in 2003, setting him on his road to success. His older brother Courtney and sister Halle also attended the same school. A good catch: Carter Reum at a sustainable style event in 2019 He's a well-respected entrepreneur Carter's net worth is estimated to be between $35million-$40 million, and while that is no match for Paris Hilton's estimated $300million fortune - he has a promising career ahead. For the last four years in a row, he's been recognized as one of Goldman Sachs' Builders + Innovators Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneur. He and his brother Courtney Reum co-founded their investment company M13, named after the brightest star constellation, after selling their spirits company VEEV in 2016. M13 has invested in over 125 companies including names like Lyft, Pinterest, SpaceX, and more. He's media savvy and has appeared on reality TV in the past While Carter may be a private person, he's also a media-savvy commentator who knows how to handle his public image. He has appeared on the business reality competition show Hatched with his brother Courtney. In 2018, Carter and Courtney released a self-help book for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs titled Shortcut Your Startup. Fun: Carter (right) poses with his brother Courtney Reum (middle) and a male model at a 2006 fashion event He's accepting of his partner's 'imperfections' When asked about any of Paris's annoying habits, Carter said rather diplomatically that her 'creative mind' doesn't always make for a clean or organized house. 'Yeah, I'm not the most organized person in the world,' Paris agreed. But Carter reasoned: 'Yeah, I don't think we're gonna change that. I think we're just gonna have to accept that. If that's the only reason you're not perfect, could be way worse.' He's a private person with a child from a previous relationship It was revealed after their wedding that Carter is father to a nine-year-old daughter from a previous relationship with reality star Laura Bellizzi. In 2011, when Bellizzi was pregnant, it was reported that the baby was Mel Gibson's love child, though he vehemently denied the claims. As it turns out, she was carrying Reum's child. A spokesperson for Carter said on the matter: 'The people who this story matters to have known about it for 10 years. Carter supports this child. While he does not have a traditional father-daughter relationship with her, he has provided for her since she was born, and will continue to do so.' Settling down: The happy couple are seen in a Instagram post from Paris Advertisement
Sami Sheen, the oldest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, appears to be living her best life after moving in with her father and leaving behind her mother Denise Richards' 'hell house.'

Lounging at The Beverly Hilton Hotel with a friend, the 17-year-old posted multiple poolside bikini snaps for her Instagram followers.

While sipping on a drink and wearing a fun heart print bikini, Sami seemed to put her recent family woes behind her.

Fun in the sun: Sami Sheen, the oldest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, was seen lounging at The Beverly Hilton Hotel with a friend and sipping on a drink after leaving behind her mothers hell house.

In a new set of images, Sami is seen posing and laughing with a friend, and later having dinner and snacking on cotton candy.

Sami's happy demeanor in the photos is a far cry from September, when the budding model shocked her TikTok fans by posting a video in which she labelled her mothers home an abusive household.'

In the video  which has now been set to private  she lets her followers know that her life has changed a lot over the last year.

By the pool: The blonde teen looked happy as she posed in a fun heart print two-piece bikini. Relaxing and sipping on a drink, Sami seemed to put her recent family drama behind her.

Sami, who prior to moving in with her father had been living with her actress mother and stepfather Aaron Phypers, showed emotional footage of herself crying while describing her dire circumstances: '1 year ago today: trapped in an abusive household, hated myself, would go days without eating or sleeping, insanely depressed, hated school, etc.

The footage then cut to the teenager smiling alongside the caption: Now: finally moved out of the hell house, had a spiritual awakening, own 2 cats, happy single, full of self love, and dropped out of high school :).

Although the teen didnt specify any particular issues with her previous home, a source claimed that the root of the problem were her mothers rules.

Denise set normal rules that any parent would be setting. She's a mom and a parent and there are rules. Sami didnt want to follow the rules.

Catching a tan: the 17-year-old posted multiple poolside bikini snaps showing off her enviable slim figure to her Instagram followers.

Meanwhile, Charlies more laid-back parenting style seems to work much better for his daughter. Charlie didnt support implementing Denises rules. He has a different way of parenting and Sami decided to live with her dad.

Sami's shocking allegations didn't come out of nowhere. In July, the teen posted a video claiming that her mom tried to kick her out of the house.

Denise also touched on the subject of her parenting struggles, and her rebellious teenage daughter, during one of the episodes on the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills.

Happier than ever: With her eyes closed and her hands covering her ribs, the budding model smiled and relaxed on a lounge chair next to her happy gal pal.

She said: 'Im struggling with parenting right now with my teenagers. Sami, I think sometimes she does things hoping to get a reaction out of me. Its not easy.'

Although Richards is said to be 'saddened' by the situation, the former Two and a Half Men actor is embracing the changes and confirmed that his 17-year-old offspring has moved into his home and dropped out of high school.

Charlie told Us Weekly magazine via his representative Jeff Ballard: 'Sams amazing. I love her and all my children unconditionally. Were having a ball. GED here we come.'

Tongue out: Sami and her friend cooled down from the scorching LA sun by taking a dip in the blue pool.

Sheen also shares 16-year-old daughter Lola with Denise, and is a father to Cassandra 36, and twins Bob and Max, 12, from previous relationships.

In another clip from RHOBH, Richards gave viewers a glimpse into her marriage to Sheen, which was tumultuous. A lot of people have an impression of me being wild and crazy, but Charlie was sober when we got married, so we were not this swinging couple that people might assume. We werent.

Denise recalled that things started to change rapidly while she was pregnant with Lola. It was a very dark time, very toxic, and I filed for divorce when I was six months pregnant with her. I did whatever I could to hide Charlies behavior.'

More serious: In that same Instagram post Sami added a more somber photo of her out at dinner.

The actress would explain Sheen's absence by telling her daughters he was working. 'How do you tell kids whats really going on? I would say, Dad had to go to work, but he loves you so much. He wants to be there for you girls.

Richards has tried to keep her relationship with Sheen as amicable as possible for the sake of their children. Even though hes Charlie Sheen, that is still, to them, their dad, she said.

She has also kept mostly silent about his wild reputation in order to protect the girls. 'I never talk badly about him and I want him to be part of their lives because I met a lot of the women that Charlie entertained and a lot of them had father-daughter issues. And I do not want that to be our girls.'

Cotton candy fun: In yet another snap Sheen's daughter seemed to be having a great time as she snacked on pink cotton candy with a female friend.

Yum! Wearing a black sweater and red lipstick, Sami reached out to grab a piece of the sugar confection.

Sheen and Richards split in 2005 when she was pregnant with Lola and finalized their divorce in 2006.

Denise married Aaron Phypers in 2018. Together, they share 10-year-old adopted daughter Eloise Joni.

In 2019, Sheen filed a petition to change the child support arrangement between him and Richards.

The actor's attorney, Gregory Pedrick, claimed that Sheen had 'overpaid' Richards on his child support, but that he is not looking to receive repayment.

Thanks to Samis move, Sheens child support payments to Richards have now been adjusted to zero dollars a month by LA judge Alexander Giza.

Richards did not attend the court hearing.
She's had a busy month promoting her first book, a collection of essays named My Body.

So Emily Ratajkowski seemed to be enjoying the post-press tour calm while strolling around New York with husband Sebastian Bear-McClard and their baby boy Sylvester on Monday.

The model/author, 30, was city chic as she hit the pavement in a burnt orange coat while her other half pushed the stroller.

Slowing down: Emily Ratajkowski enjoyed a walk around New York City with husband Sebastian Bear-McClard and their son Sylvester on Monday, following her whirlwind book promo tour

Underneath Emily's chic coat was a white cardigan, ab-baring crop top, cream pants and silver sneakers.

She continued the effortless cool with sunglasses, hoop earrings, and smooth, shiny tresses.

Besides the San Diego native was her producer hubby, who bundled up in a green hoodie and quilted jacket while tending to baby Sly.

Eager to start the day, he carried a cup of coffee in hand.

Style icon: The model/author, 30, was city chic as she hit the pavement in a burnt orange coat while her other half pushed the stroller

Fashionista: Underneath Emily's chic coat was a white cardigan, ab-baring crop top, cream pants and silver sneakers

While Emily was out with her family, her social media was working hard to promote her brand Inamorata's latest collection.

She showed off a stunning blue, green and turquoise swimsuit with sultry cut-outs revealing her toned center.

Tossing on an extra layer, she donned a retro blue windbreaker while offering a smoldering stare at the camera.

Ratajkowski's family outing comes after she admitted she was 'relieved' when she learned she was having a son while in conversation with writer Lisa Taddeo for Elle magazine last month.

Looking good! While Emily was out with her family, her social media was working hard to promote her brand Inamorata's latest collection

Model behavior: She showed off a stunning blue, green and turquoise swimsuit with sultry cut-outs revealing her toned center

Emily explained how her own experiences with misogyny made her wary of raising a girl, saying: 'I wanted a daughter initially, but when I found out I was having a son, I was so relieved.'

The star welcomed son Sylvester Apollo Bear in March of 2021.

She went on to admit how raising a daughter could trigger some of her own past trauma, saying: 'I think that it would bring upI want more children, so it might be something I deal with laterbeing sexualized way before puberty and being aware of it.'

The I Feel Pretty actress recalled: 'I have a memory: I did a sexy move down the wall of my parents' kitchen.

'I was probably in first grade and my parents were like, "Where did you learn that?" I was like, "I fricking learned it. That's what women do."'

Relief: Ratajkowski told Elle magazine she was 'relieved' when she learned she was having a son

Oh boy! Emily welcomed son Sylvester Apollo Bear in March of 2021

In the interview Emily also talked about giving birth, calling it a 'the most powerful physical experiences.'

'I hate the idea that you become a mother and everything changes,' Emily, who has been wed to film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard since 2018.

'It's something I talk about in the book: You go from child to sex object to mother. But it was one of the most powerful physical experiences.'

'Being in a room and trusting my body  even though there are people around me who say that they know it better than me or that they have a right to it in some way  was hugely impactful.'
Jenelle Evans' husband, David Eason, was arrested for 'driving while impaired' and 'possession of an open container' in North Carolina on Friday.

The 33-year-old reality star was arrested on Nov. 12 on multiple charges and was booked into jail in Columbus County around 10:30 p.m., and bonded out around 2:40 a.m.

Eason, who appeared on Teen Mom 2 for years before being fired for homophobic tweets, was also charged with Driving On a Revoked License and has a Feb. 16 court date set.

Trouble: David Eason was arrested on Nov. 12 on multiple charges and was booked into jail in Columbus County around 10:30 p.m., and bonded out around 2:40 a.m.

The woodworking enthusiast was reportedly charged with similar DWI offenses in 2012, 2013 and twice in 2014, according to The Ashley's Reality Round Up.

He also has an outstanding case in Pender County with a court date set for the week before on Feb. 9, 2022.

David's recent brush with the law isn't a new theme as fans caught a glimpse of his aggressive behavior when he killed the family's French Bulldog, Nugget, in April 2019 after the animal allegedly lunged at and bit their daughter Ensley.

Following the tragic incident, their children were taken out of their custody and the couple briefly separated before reconciling earlier this year.

Not great: Eason, who appeared on Teen Mom 2 for years before being fired for homophobic tweets, was also charged with Driving On a Revoked License and has a Feb. 16 court date set; seen in 2017

Yikes: The 33-year-old reality star was arrested on Nov. 12 on multiple charges and was booked into jail in Columbus County around 10:30 p.m., and bonded out around 2:40 a.m.

She was then fired from the popular MTV program in which she starred on for nearly one decade.

He had already been fired by Teen Mom producers in 2018 for posting homophobic and transphobic comments on social media.

David, 31, was arrested in June 2020 and charged with two misdemeanors, assault with a deadly weapon and communicating threats, after allegedly brandishing a gun and threatening to kill Jenelle's friend James Spivey.

Jenelle shares co-parenting responsibilities of her seven-year-old son Kaiser with ex Nathan Griffith.

Horrible: David killed their French Bulldog Nugget in April 2019 after the animal allegedly lunged at and bit their daughter Ensley.

While her mother, Barbara, had full-custody of her 12-year-old son Jace for most of his life, Jenelle has been actively fighting to regain custody.

David and Jenelle have a four-year-old daughter, Ensley, and he also has a daughter, Maryssa, 13, and son, Kaden, from another relationship.

In 2016, David was arrested for violating a domestic violence protective order when he approached his son at a supermarket while he was with his birth mother.

Jenelle found fame starring on 16 and Pregnant, a reality show which followed the unique challenges teenagers face with their pregnancies.
They were in Miami last week celebrating their friend's wedding.

But Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, 24, ditched the high fashion as they grabbed lunch in Beverly Hills on Monday.

Even though she was no longer wearing her bridesmaids dress, Kendall, 26, looked stunning as she put her toned legs on display in a lace floral print skirt.

Just the girls! Kendall Jenner showcased her legs as she grabbed lunch with BFF Hailey Bieber in Beverly Hills on Monday

Further showcasing her gym-honed body, she wore a white tank top which drew attention to her svelte arms.

The reality star strode out wearing a glossy black loafers and carried a coordinating black bag over her shoulders.

She shielded her eyes using a pair of trendy black shades while scooping her hair back into a stylish updo with a claw clip from Emi Jay.

As for Hailey, she opted for a slightly more conservative look with her billowing green sweatshirt and matching track pants.

Flower power! The runway beauty rocked a lace skirt which exuded a vintage air, and she had her hair pulled into a chic updo with a claw clip from Emi Jay

Making them green with envy! Bieber wore all-green, even carrying a coordinating emerald handbag

In keeping with the all-green theme, she carried an emerald-hued handbag.

Hailey finished off the sporty look with taupe trainers, sunglasses, and her trademark gold hoop earrings.

The look was definitely worlds away from the glamorous bronze Magda Butrym dress she wore last week to her friend Lauren Perez's wedding.

Sparkle and shine! Hailey showed off the dress she wore to her friend's wedding in a photo dump she posted on Monday

'Loves a wedding': Bieber captioned the post

Hailey posted a throwback of her look to Instagram in a photo dump which appeared to contain photos from her Miami getaway.

'Loves a wedding,' Hailey captioned the post.

The star-studded guests attending Lauren's nuptials included Bella Hadid, who also served as bridesmaid alongside Kendall.

Hailey, who is married to Justin Bieber, attended as a guest without a plus one.

The runway beauty, who first tied the knot with Justin in a courthouse wedding in 2018, recently marked their third anniversary with photos taken from their second ceremony at the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort in South Carolina in 2019.

Strike a pose: The star showed off her abs as she enjoyed a night out
Seattle, WA (98195)

Today

Cloudy skies with periods of light rain this afternoon. High 46F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

A few showers early becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 42F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Seattle, WA (98195)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 46F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

A few showers early, becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 42F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
DARIEN  Like most children, Lara Ports youngsters are not typically thrilled to receive a shot.

But when their mother took them to get vaccinated in Stamford recently, they were really excited to feel some other measure of protection, Port said.

Now, hundreds of Darien children ages 5 through 11 will be able to get their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a pediatric vaccination clinic at Darien Town Hall on Nov. 20.

Some 300 children ages 5-11 had signed up for a first clinic last weekend, according to schools Superintendent Alan Addley. Another 300 children have been signed up for the Nov. 20 clinic.

Port, who has three kids, two in Darien elementary schools, said she had no hesitation about giving her children the vaccine. Wanting them to be vaccinated as soon as possible, she pounced on an opening at a clinic at Scalzi Park in Stamford over the weekend.

Her 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son now have the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

I trust that the (vetting) process has been done appropriately, Port said. I have friends who are pediatricians and infectious disease doctors who were first in line to get their kids vaccinated. I'm not a scientist, but they are and I trust that they understand the science and are making the most informed decision that they can.

On Oct. 29, the Food and Drug Administration authorized a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The vaccine was found to be 90.7 percent effective in preventing the coronavirus, according to Pfizer and BioNTech data.

Across Darien schools, Addley said vaccination appointments were in high demand. All 600 slots were filled within 30 minutes after the school sent out appointment links to parents last week.

The town previously said it had ordered 900 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, with more to come if demand continues.

Addley said the district will try working with the health department to see if they can secure more doses. But vaccines will also be readily available in nearby cities like Stamford and Norwalk, Addley said.

Meanwhile, around 220 unvaccinated students at the five elementary schools and one middle school have been participating in weekly COVID-19 testing, which takes place during school hours, Addley said. That number has resulted in minimal positive COVID-19 cases only around two or three, Addley said.

Port said her son, who is a third-grader at Tokeneke Elementary, has not been in a classroom without some sort of COVID-19 precautions since he was in kindergarten.

Her kids hope that if they and their classmates get vaccinated, schools can get back to some sort of normalcy, Port said.

It would be great for (my son) to not feel this level of anxiety, because he is worried that he's going to get sick, Port said. And so he could be able to have conversations with his friends without masks on.
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  A powerful Philadelphia labor leader and a city council member were found guilty of conspiracy charges Monday in a corruption trial.

Prosecutors said John Johnny Doc Dougherty kept Bobby Henon, a union electrician-turned-Philadelphia City Council member, on the payroll to help his union keep a tight grip on construction jobs.

Their convictions follow a lengthy FBI investigation of activities within the chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers that Dougherty leads, but will not mark the end of Dougherty's legal woes.

Dougherty, the business manager of the Philadelphia-area IBEW Local 98 and the business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, still faces at least one more federal trial based on charges in the sweeping 2019 indictment.

Dougherty was convicted of eight counts, including conspiracy and honest services wire fraud, while Henon was convicted of 10 counts, including conspiracy, bribery and honest services wire fraud. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Dougherty was acquitted of three fraud counts and Henon of eight fraud and bribery counts.

U.S. Attorney Jennifer Williams called the verdict a strong message to the political power players of this city and any city that the citizens of Philadelphia will not tolerate public corruption as business as usual."

Jurors deliberated for several days last week before announcing a verdict Monday afternoon. The defendants' sentencing was scheduled for February.

Dougherty, speaking briefly with reporters as he left the courthouse, didn't comment directly on the verdict.

Were going to go back and regroup. Im going to take my time, meet with my lawyers, and were going to meet with the heads of the unions, and well regroup, he said.

Henon didn't offer any comment as he left; messages were left with attorneys for both defendants.

Federal prosecutors argued that Dougherty kept Henon on the payroll in a $70,000-a-year, no-show job.

All Henon had to do to keep those benefits flowing to him (was) to use his official duties to please John Dougherty, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bea Witzleben said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Defense lawyers insisted that there had been no undue influence and argued that the city allows council members to hold outside jobs. The defense also questioned how it was a crime for union supporter Henon to side with Dougherty and the building trades workers he was elected to represent.

If you know that the person youre supposedly bribing is already going to do what you want, then there is no bribe, Dougherty attorney Henry Hockeimer Jr. said in his closing argument last week.

Williams said there was no problem with council members having outside jobs, but Henon's salary was a bribe in disguise."

Dougherty, a major force in Pennsylvania politics, has steered more than $30 million over the years to mostly Democratic candidates, and his brother sits on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Prosecutors over four weeks of testimony tried to show that Dougherty used Henon to press Comcast Corp. to steer $2 million worth of electrical work to a friend during cable contract talks with the city, to shut down the non-union installation of MRI machines at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and to investigate a towing company that seized Doughertys car.

Hockeimer called Dougherty an older-brother figure to Henon and defended his clients bombastic style. He scoffed at allegations that the salary and Philadelphia Eagles tickets he passed on to Henon amounted to bribes.

Dougherty still faces a second trial on charges he and others embezzled more than $600,000 from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

A spokesperson for Local 98 said Dougherty wouldn't be stepping down.

John Dougherty has led this wonderful union for 30 years and until an appeal process is completed, he will continue to lead this union, Frank Keel told the Inquirer.

___

This story has been corrected to correct Henon's conviction on 10 rather than nine counts.
HONOLULU (AP)  Ten years after a federal agent shot and killed a man during an altercation in a Hawaii fast-food restaurant, Honolulu's prosecuting attorney announced Monday his office will not seek a third trial in the case.

U.S. State Department Special Agent Christopher Deedy was in Honolulu helping with security for the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit when he fatally shot Kollin Elderts in a McDonalds. Deedy was off-duty and bar-hopping with friends when the altercation occurred during his first night in Waikiki.

Deedy testified at two trials that he was protecting others from the aggressive Elderts. Prosecutors have said Deedy was drunk, inexperienced and fueled by warnings from a fellow agent that Hawaii locals are hostile toward federal workers and outsiders.

A 2013 murder trial ended in a hung jury. A second jury in 2014 acquitted Deedy of murder but deadlocked on manslaughter.

A federal appeals court ruled that if prosecutors wanted to try Deedy a third time, it can only be for assault, not manslaughter.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said the evidence presented at the two trials was virtually the same, and a third trial would likely result in another hung jury.

I have made this decision carefully, after much thought, Alm said. And it wasnt an easy decision, but the job of the prosecutors office is to do justice, not win cases.

Deedys attorneys have argued a third trial would violate the U.S. Constitution's double jeopardy clause.

I think it hasn't sunk in yet for Deedy, who remains employed by the State Department, said his attorney, Thomas Otake. Deedy and his family "went to bed every night the last 10 years wondering if he was going to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Alm's predecessor had planned to pursue an assault trial.

Alm said he spoke with Elderts' family, and they are unhappy because they wanted another trial.

We believe that an assault conviction would have been possible in this new era in which the murder of George Floyd and the efforts of the Black Lives Matter movement helped reveal a consistent pattern of law enforcement brutality and a belief that they could kill with impunity," said Dr. Kalamaokaaina Niheu, spokesperson for the Justice for Kollin Elderts Coalition. Agent Christopher Deedy stated he acted as an officer of the law, when he really was drunk with a gun. This is a terrible miscarriage of justice, and the family is very upset and so should we all. A killer is walking free.

Public sentiment toward killings by law enforcement officers may have changed in the past 10 years in other parts of the U.S., but not in Hawaii, Alm said, adding that didn't factor into his decision.

So generally, the jurors are likely to give the benefit of the doubt to law enforcement, Alm said of Hawaii juries.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday filed his candidacy for a Senate seat in next years elections, walking back his vow to retire from politics when his term ends and prompting rights groups to say he is working to evade accountability for his deadly anti-drug campaign while in office.

A lawyer for the 76-year-old Duterte filed his senatorial candidacy at the Commission on Elections before the deadline for last-minute contenders in May's elections.

Duterte announced early last month that he was retiring from politics after dropping plans to run for vice president due to what he said was widespread public sentiment against the move. His initial plan to seek the vice presidency outraged activists, who have described him as a human rights calamity in an Asian bastion of democracy.

Dutertes run for the Senate is yet another attempt of the tyrant to evade accountability from the International Criminal Court and other accountability mechanisms, said Cristina Palabay of Karapatan, a left-wing alliance of human rights groups. It is as sinister, opportunist and underhanded as the attempts of his daughter and allies to run in the 2022 elections.

Duterte's daughter filed her vice presidential candidacy on Saturday.

Duterte, a longtime city mayor known for his extra-tough approach to criminality and illegal drugs, launched an anti-drugs crackdown after winning the presidency in 2016 that has left more than 6,000 mostly petty suspects dead and alarmed Western governments and human rights groups. The International Criminal Court has begun an investigation of the killings, but Duterte has vowed never to cooperate with the inquiry and allow ICC investigators into the country.

Over the weekend, Duterte said he had revived plans to run for the vice presidency. Legal experts say that could violate the Philippine Constitution, which limits presidents to a single six-year term, as the vice president replaces the elected president if the latter dies or is incapacitated.

But Duterte backed out from the plan to pursue the vice presidency after learning that his daughter, currently mayor of their southern hometown of Davao, had filed her own vice presidential candidacy without consulting her father. Duterte had wanted his daughter to seek the presidency and the two have had disagreements over her political plans.

They will never collide. They will never ever fight each other for whatever position, presidential spokesman Harry Roque told reporters on Monday, shortly before Duterte registered his Senate candidacy.

Sara Duterte is seeking the vice presidency under a major political party, LAKAS CMD, but was adopted by another party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, to be the running mate of its presidential candidate, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator. Both the current president and the late dictator have long been condemned by rights groups for gross rights violations.

The president said in an interview Sunday that Marcos Jr. orchestrated the move that prompted his daughter to settle for a vice presidential run although she has fared better in popularity polls than the late dictators son, a former senator and provincial governor. He said he would never support Marcos Jr. and would back instead his longtime aide, Sen. Bong Go, whom he asked to run for president.

Despite his current criticisms, the president has been an ally of the Marcos family and authorized the 2016 burial of the dictator in the national heroes cemetery with full military honors despite fierce opposition from left-wing activists and nationalists.

Marcos placed the country under martial law in 1972 in an era marked by widespread human rights atrocities and economic plunder. He was ousted in a 1986 people power pro-democracy uprising and died three years later while in exile in Hawaii without admitting any wrongdoing, including accusations that he and his family amassed an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion while he was in power.

Marcos Jr. has called the allegations against his father lies.

More than 18,000 government posts will be contested in the May 9 elections, including the presidency, vice presidency, half of the 24-member Senate, more than 300 seats in the House of Representatives, as well as many provincial and local offices.

___

Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report.
At least seven Connecticut residents are among more than 600 protesters who have been charged in the sprawling investigation into the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6.

In the nine months since the riots, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has tracked down hundreds of protesters using social media posts, photos, video footage and a tip hotline.

Here are the Connecticut residents charged in connection with the events that unfolded after a group, angered about the election results, stormed the U.S. Capitol.

Jeremy K. Baouche of New London

Baouche, 24, was charged on Nov. 10 following an FBI investigation into his alleged actions during the Jan. 6 riots, according to court records.

The FBI first received a tip on Jan. 13 that Baouche had entered the Capitol building during the riot, records show. FBI investigators said Baouche was an engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat at the time of the attack and held a secret security clearance as part of his job.

FBI investigators reviewed a video in which they say Baouche can be see inside the Capitol calling Whos House? into a megaphone as people in the area responded Our House, records show.

Baouche appeared before a federal magistrate judge in New Haven on Nov. 10 and was released on $100,000 bond, according to officials.

Carla Krzywicki and Jean Lavin of Canterbury

Lavin, 56, and her daughter Krzywicki, 19, are were arrested on Sept. 14 in Connecticut and charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct and parading, and demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

According to court records, the FBI received a tip that the Canterbury residents were inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 during the riot. A Facebook post from Krzywicki placed her and Lavin outside the Capitol and then showed a group of people inside the building, court documents said.

Krzywicki and Lavin appeared before a federal judge in Hartford in September and were released without bail. Krzywicki and Lavin are scheduled for a status conference on their cases in District Court in the District of Columbia on Dec. 3.

Patrick McCaughey III of Ridgefield

McCaughey, a Ridgefield resident, is facing federal charges of assaulting an officer, assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, obstructing an official proceeding and violent entry or disorderly conduct, along with other charges, court documents show.

Officials used a YouTube video as evidence to charge McCaughey, alleging that the video shows the Ridgefield man attempting to break through a line of law enforcement officers who were guarding a U.S. Capitol terrace entrance, records show. Authorities said McCaughey pinned Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges in a door frame with a riot shield as the officer appeared to be loudly crying out in pain, according to his federal arrest records.

McCaughey was arrested on Jan. 19 in South Salem, N.Y. He has been released to his mothers home in Ridgefield, where she will act as his custodian, his defense attorney said during a May hearing.

His next scheduled status hearing is on Dec. 17, court records show.

Richard T. Crosby Jr. of Harwinton

Crosby, 25, is charged with obstruction of justice, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and unlawful entry, among other charges, according to the Department of Justices.

According to court documents, Crosby said he did not engage in any confrontation or altercation with law enforcement, though he said he observed other rioters in physical confrontations with police officers.

Crosby was arrested on June 3 and indicted July 9, records show. He pleaded not guilty to all counts in July and is scheduled to have a status conference on Dec. 1

Victoria Bergeson and Mauricio Mendez of Groton

Bergeson, 40, and Mendez, 40, traveled from their shared residence in Groton to the Capitol and were among the first wave of arrests made by Capitol police the day after the riots.

Bergesons lawyer, Samuel Bogash, has said his client and Mendez did not knowingly participate in the riots and were instead only there sightseeing.

Along with multiple other individuals near the Capitol, Bergeson and Mendez were arrested on Jan. 7.

Bergeson was later charged with unlawful entry and curfew violation. According to court documents, Bergeson unlawfully entered U.S. Capitol grounds and ignored police warnings to leave.

In a September status hearing, Bergeson rejected a plea deal and requested a jury trial. Her next scheduled status hearing is Jan. 28, records show.

Mendez, 40 is also charged with unlawful entry and curfew violation.

According to court documents, Mendez also rejected a plea offer and requested a jury trial. The next scheduled hearing was scheduled for November. Updated court filings for Mendez were not immediately available in November.

The charges of unlawful entry and curfew violation are misdemeanors, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or 180 days in jail, officials said.
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Police said 27-year old Sanjith was hacked to death in front of his wife at around 9 AM when he was taking her to her place of work. (Representational image)

Palakkad: A worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was hacked to death in Mambaram in the district on Monday morning, police said.

Police said 27-year old Sanjith was hacked to death in front of his wife at around 9 AM when he was taking her to her place of work.

The role of the activists of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political offshoot of Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), is suspected in the incident, they said.

An investigation has been launched to trace the accused who fled the scene after the incident, they said.

The BJP alleged that the assailants followed Sanjith, hailing from Elappully, in a vehicle, hit his two-wheeler and when he fell down they hacked him to death in front of his wife.

Condemning the killing of the RSS worker, BJP state president K Surendran alleged it was a "planned murder" and blamed the failure from the part of the police and state government in occurring such incidents in the state.
The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, in its meeting held on September 16, had also recommended for the transfer of Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari of the Allahabad High Court to the Madras High Court. (PTI Photo)

Chennai: The Supreme Court collegium's proposal transferring Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to Meghalaya has snowballed into a controversy with voices for and against the shifting of the senior judge.

The Collegium had earlier recommended for the transfer of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to the Meghalaya High Court.

The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, in its meeting held on September 16, had also recommended for the transfer of Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari of the Allahabad High Court to the Madras High Court.

Two major lawyers' bodies here-- the Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA), the largest one with a membership of over 20,000 advocates and the Madras Bar Association, an elite group of advocates -- have joined the chorus and passed resolutions protesting against the proposal to shift the CJ.

Over 30 senior advocates of the High Court have also joined those protesting against the transfer.

This follows over 200 advocates writing to the CJI and the collegium last week, protesting against Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee's transfer to Meghalaya High Court and seeking to reconsider the proposal.

While so, there were voices in support of the transfer as well.

Advocate R C Paul Kanakaraj, former president of the MHAA and the chief of BJP Legal Wing, alleged the issue was being politicised.

He questioned the logic behind protesting against the transfer without ascertaining the reasons behind the same. There might be some strong reasons for the shifting, he claimed. The resolutions cannot be taken as the ones passed with the majority of the advocates, when there were several thousand lawyers. The transfers might be with good intentions, which would ultimately pave way for seniority and their elevation to the Supreme Court, he added.

Raising his voice against the resolution against the transfer at the extraordinary emergency meeting of the MBA at its premises on Sunday, advocate G Karthikeyan, who is also the Assistant Solicitor General of the Madras High Court, questioned the logic behind protesting against the CJ alone. Many judges including Chief Justices were shifted to other High Courts in the recent past. Why was the resolution singled out in respect of CJ Banerjee alone, he asked.

Another senior most judge T S Sivagnanam was transferred to the High Court in Kolkata recently.

The resolution passed by the MBA included his case too.

MHAA president G Mohanakrishnan said the association was distressed to note that the present Chief Justice was recommended for transfer from Chennai to Meghalaya. He had assumed office only in January 2021 and was a senior Judge. He has been effectively conducting the judicial administration in Tamil Nadu, he said and fervently requested the CJI and the Supreme Court Collegium judges to consider the views of the legal fraternity and take a good decision in the interest of all the stake-holders.

In its resolution, the MBA stated that a Chief Justice of a large chartered High Court like the one in Chennai, must be given at least two years term to study the situation prevailing in the institution and to take measures to improve the same.
Thanjavur: Union Minister for Commerce, Industry, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal on Monday virtually launched India's first Food Museum here and said measures were on to make the country go up the ladder from currently being the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world.

Highlighting the importance of focussing on quality and productivity in taking the farmers' produce to the world to become a global supplier, the Minister said "we are already the 5th largest agricultural exporter in the world and we are aspiring for more."

"By adopting global best practices, we will improve our processes, bring about system changes, reduce our unnecessary expenditure and benefit our farmers and consumers," Goyal said after launching the museum virtually from Delhi.

The world today looks upon the country as a trusted partner, he said and added, "we will continue to work towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat. In this mission, the government is working towards realising the image of strong and self-reliant farmers."

Turning to the Food Museum, Goyal said it is the first such one in India to depict India's food security story from "ship to mouth" existence to becoming one of the largest food grain exporters nations.

"Tamil Nadu will now be home to the agricultural history of India. Thanjavur is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Now it will be home to the agricultural history of India," he said.

The Food Security Museum showcases India's agri revolution from dependency to self-sufficiency. "There was a time when we used to import wheat, today we are one of the largest exporters of agri products, the Minister said and congratulated the FCI team for the inaugural of the new divisional office building at Hubballi.

This is a step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of resilient infrastructure for food security.

During the pandemic, the farmers and FCI were able to provide food to all. From food security, the nation has progressed to farmer security and consumer security. "We are all working on a mission for a strong India and strong and self-reliant farmers. I am sure with our collective efforts, our contribution to doubling farmers' income and ensuring agricultural progress will bear fruit," he said.

The Prime Minister is working towards doubling the farmers' income and feed not only India but also the deprived sections of the world, Goyal said and complimented all those who played a role in providing free food grains to the needy through the PMGKAY during COVID-19.

Recalling the numerous achievements of the Modi-government, the Minister said the Centre has strengthened the Prevention of Atrocities Act and it is establishing 10 tribal freedom fighters museums to acknowledge their contribution.

"Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee formed a separate ministry for tribal affairs while Modiji strengthened the legal protection for our tribal brothers and sisters," he said.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed the plea of a former police officer, accused of falsely implicating Nambi Narayanan in a spying case in 1994, who had alleged that the ex-ISRO scientist influenced the CBI probe against him back then.

Former Kerala Police officer S Vijayan had alleged that Narayanan influenced the CBI probe by entering into land deals worth crores with the then investigating officials of the agency.

Justice R Narayana Pisharadi dismissed Vijayan's plea. The detailed order is awaited.

Vijayan, along with 17 other former Kerala police and IB officials, is facing a CBI probe for allegedly falsely implicating Narayanan and some others in the 1994 spying case.

Vijayan had argued before the high court that he had placed before the trial court encumbrance certificates of several acres of land in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu which show Narayanan or his son as power of attorney holders.

These lands were sold to the CBI officials, Vijayan had alleged and contended that this material was sufficient for the trial court to order an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the scientist and the agency officials.

The high court, however, had said that encumbrance certificates do not prove sale of land and asked Vijayan to show the actual sale deeds.

The high court had also said that sanction to prosecute would also be required for the trial court to order an investigation.

Vijayan and three others were granted anticipatory bail by the high court in August in the CBI's conspiracy case against them.

Besides the four, 14 others are named as accused in the case for various offences, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and fabrication of evidence in connection with the arrest and detention of Narayanan in the espionage case.

Besides Narayanan, two Maldivian women -- Mariyam Rasheeda and Fouziyya Hassan -- were also arrested and detained in the case. The two women were jailed for over three years before being released.

The two Maldives nationals recently moved the CBI requesting it to place before the Supreme Court their claim for damages of Rs 2 crore from each of the 18 officers who are arrayed as accused in the conspiracy case being probed by the agency.

The women have urged the agency to place their claim for damages before the apex court when it hears CBI's appeal against the Kerala High Court order granting anticipatory bail to the four accused - a former DGP of Gujarat, two former police officers of Kerala, and a retired intelligence official - in the conspiracy case being probed by the agency.

The agency, in its appeal, has sought cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to the four accused by the high court on August 13. PTI HMP
The apex court had also expressed concern that schools in the city have opened and children are being exposed to severe pollution conditions. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Ahead of the hearing on air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the AAP government has told the Supreme Court that it was ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control air pollution.

The Delhi government has told the top court that such a step, however, would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states.

"GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control the local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have limited impact on the air quality regime.

"This issue would need to be addressed at the level of airshed involving NCR areas. In view of the above, we are ready to consider this step if the same is mandated for the entire NCR areas by the government of India or by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas," an affidavit filed by the Delhi government said.

The affidavit was submitted in response to a plea filed by environmental activist Aditya Dubey and law student Aman Banka, who sought directions to provide stubble-removing machines to small and marginal farmers for free.

Terming the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR an "emergency" situation, the apex court on Saturday suggested clamping a lockdown in the national capital as it asked the Centre and the Delhi government to take immediate measures to improve the air quality.

The court had said the situation of pollution is so bad that people are wearing masks inside their houses.

It had said there are other reasons for pollution such as vehicular emissions, firecrackers and dust, and singling out stubble burning is not the solution.

The apex court had also expressed concern that schools in the city have opened and children are being exposed to severe pollution conditions.
New Delhi: India has started getting deliveries from Russia of the S-400 Triumf, one of the most advanced anti-missile systems, which can bring down enemy fighter jets, UAVs and incoming missiles at a distance of up to 400 km.

India has started getting parts of the S-400 system from Russia and it will be deployed near the countrys western border, from where it can intercept threats from both China and Pakistan. Russia will complete the delivery of the first S-400 squadron by the end of the year, out of the five squadrons for which a Rs 35,000-crore contract was signed in 2018.

This is a major boost to the Indian air defence network at a time when the country is in the middle of a prolonged standoff with China in the Ladakh sector.

China has already deployed the S-400 air defence missile system which it had received from Russia.

The delivery process has begun ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putins planned visit to India next month. The supplies of the S-400 air defence system to India have started and are proceeding on schedule, the director of Russias Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugaev, told Russian news agency Sputnik ahead of the Dubai Air Show.

The S-400 is an upgrade of the S-300 surface-to-air missile system and can detect the target from up to 600 km. It is armed with four different types of missiles with ranges of 400 km, 250 km, 120 km and 40 km.

New Delhi will now have to see how the United States will react to the delivery of the S-400 to India as in the past Washington had indicated this could be considered as a significant transaction under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) 2017, and that it could attract sanctions. However, India is expecting a waiver from the United States.

Earlier this year, in March, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, who was in India, had said that he and defence minister Rajnath Singh had discussed Indias planned purchase of Russias S-400 air defence system. He had said the US had urged all its allies to move away from Russian equipment and avoid any kind of acquisition which can trigger sanctions (under CAATSA). He had said since there had been no delivery of S-400 systems to India, the issue of sanctions had not discussed. He had also added at that time that, if called for, any decision on sanctions would only be taken by US President Joe Biden.
DMHO Dr Leelaprasad said 11 of the affected were discharged and the rest continued under treatment in the hospitals. Representational Image. (DC File Image)

Vishakhapatanam: A middle aged woman died and 23 others are under treatment after they consumed stale meat in Bonangi village under GK Veedhi mandal in Visakhapatnam three days ago.

Reports from the agency said the villagers celebrated an event at which they took liquor and ate stale meat. They started vomiting and complained of stomach pain and diarrhoea. The affected 24 tribals including seven women were admitted to the community hospital in Chintapalle and the PHCs in RV Nagar and GK Veedhi.

The deceased was Kasulamma, who died on Sunday morning in Chintapalle. She was a chronic kidney patient and often underwent dialysis. Food poisoning did her in, said additional DMHO Dr Leelaprasad. He said 11 of the affected were discharged and the rest continued under treatment in the hospitals.

The tribals belonged to a primitive tribal group and often consumed stale meat after consuming liquor. PTG adivasis mostly consume beef and have the habit of burying the surplus meat in a pit for consumption later, a source said.
Based on a complaint from Kumars mother, the Golconda police booked a suspicious death case and are investigating. Representational Image. (DC File Image)

Hyderabad: A banker from Shaikpet ended his life by suicide at his residence on Saturday allegedly due to harassment from his wife, said the police.

Identified as 36-year-old, Santosh Kumar was an employee of Bank of America. Kumar had a love marriage with Kalyani, 30, in 2013, and the couple have a son, informed police.

The victims mother and brother, in a complaint to the police alleged that Kumar was under constant torture from his wife.

Police said the couple had issues for almost one-and-a-half year, following which Kalyani was living at her mothers place at Kulsumpura with her son from August this year. The couple was also attending counselling sessions at Bharosa centre, said the Golconda police inspector K. Chandrashekhar Reddy. However, the situation between the two worsened.

On Saturday, when the family saw Kumar frothing from the mouth they rushed him to a private hospital where he succumbed while undergoing treatment on Sunday. Based on a complaint from Kumars mother, the Golconda police booked a suspicious death case and are investigating.
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps pose for a picture at the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad. (DC)

Hyderabad: Members of the U.S. Marine Corps celebrated its 246th birthday at the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad on Sunday. Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti of Indias Eastern Fleet and employees from other consulates attended the celebration.

Were proud to host the first ever marine ball to be held in Hyderabad," said Joel Reifman, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad. Each November, marines celebrate the birth of their corps. It has become a state department tradition to work with our marine colleagues to organise an annual marine ball in our embassies and consulates around the world.

In June 2020, eight U.S. Marine Corps security guards joined the U.S. Consulate community in Hyderabad. The marine corps have been responsible for the security and protection of U.S. embassies and consulates since 1948.

We are honoured that Rear Admiral Sobti of Indias Eastern Fleet was able to join us for this celebration, added Consul General Reifman. The U.S.-India partnership covers so much ground, from business and education to cultural exchange and security cooperation. Just last month, the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations visited Indian Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, he said.
For the first time in the history of the state, the Yogi Adityanath government gave funds to cow shelters for keeping stray cattle. (PTI file image)

Mathura: The Uttar Pradesh government is all set to start an ambulance service for cows suffering from serious diseases, state Dairy Development, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary said here on Sunday.

The minister said 515 ambulances are ready for the novel scheme, probably the first in the country.

"Akin to the 112 emergency service number, the new service would pave the way for speedy treatment of seriously ill cows," he told reporters in Mathura.

An ambulance with a veterinary doctor and two assistants would arrive within a span of 15 to 20 minutes of requesting the service, he said.

Under the scheme slated to begin by December, a call centre will be set up at Lucknow for receiving complaints, the minister stated.

He said the state's breed improvement programme will get a boost with the provision of free high quality semen and embryo transplant technology.

The embryo transplant technology will virtually be a revolution in the state as it would convert even sterile cows into high milk yielding animals, the minister added.

This would automatically the solve stray cattle problem as cow keepers would desist from letting go of animals yielding at least 20 litres milk per day, Chaudhary said.

The scheme would start as a pilot project in eight districts of the state, including Mathura, he said.

For the first time in the history of the state, the Yogi Adityanath government gave funds to cow shelters for keeping stray cattle. No previous government in the state took such a step, the minister added.
Claiming that the Centre was able to achieve the distinction of administering 111 crore vaccine doses as of Sunday during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shah stated that this was a big achievement and an example of cooperative federalism. (DC Image)

Tirupati: Union home minister Amit Shah said Indias development could not be imagined without the contributions of states of southern India.

Shah on Sunday chaired the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) meeting held at Taj Hotel in Tirupati. In his opening remarks, Shah said the ancient culture, traditions and languages of southern states of India enriched the countrys ancient legacy.

The Modi government respects all regional languages of India and therefore at todays SZC meeting we made arrangements for translation into all languages of the states that are in the Southern Zonal Council, he said adding that he would be happy to see delegates feeling free to speak in the language of their state in the future.

Claiming that the Centre was able to achieve the distinction of administering 111 crore vaccine doses as of Sunday during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shah stated that this was a big achievement and an example of cooperative federalism. It is Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism to achieve all round growth in the country, he added.

When the pandemic began, it was said that India would not be able to cope with it. However, the country quickly ramped up its health infrastructure as well as domestic production of vaccines under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Today, we have overcome fear about the pandemic and the Union government will continue to do everything possible to cover all states under the vaccination programme, he maintained.

He said the Zonal Councils were advisory bodies in nature and yet they had been able to successfully solve many issues. The Zonal Councils provided an opportunity for interaction at the highest level amongst members, he added.

In the last seven years we have held 18 meetings of Zonal Councils, compared to the very few meetings held earlier, he informed, adding that now meetings of different Zonal Councils were convened regularly and this could happen only with the cooperation of all state governments as well as Central ministries and departments.
HYDERABAD: In a sudden development, Siddipet district collector P. Venkatrami Reddy quit civil services by opting for voluntary retirement on Monday. He has announced to join the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) soon.

He submitted his resignation to chief secretary Somesh Kumar, at BRKR Bhavan, which was approved and he was relieved from the service with immediate effect. Soon after his resignation, Reddy went to the Pragathi Bhavan and met TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. He

showered praises on the Chief Minister describing him as a 'visionary' who

made Telangana a frontrunner in the country in various fields within a span

of seven years.

Speculation is rife in the TRS circles that he would be either nominated as an MLC or will be given party ticket to contest as MLA in 2023 December Assembly polls from any constituency in Siddipet district.

Venkatrami Reddy, a 2007-batch IAS officer, has 10 more months of service

left as he is due for retirement in September 2022. Reddy is known as a close aide of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in political and bureaucratic circles. He was posted as Siddipet collector in 2016, the district represented by the Chief Minister as well as finance minister T. Harish Rao.

Since then, he continues to work as Siddipet collector barring a period of one month during Dubbak Assembly bypoll in October 2020, when opposition parties accused him of working in favour of the TRS following which he was transferred and reappointed soon after the Dubbak bypoll in November 2020.

Venkatrami Reddy courted several controversies during his stint as Siddipet

collector. He was recently caught on camera threatening seed dealers that he

would send them to jail if they sold paddy seeds to farmers. He even said he

would care neither the Supreme Court nor the High Court even if seed dealers moved courts and obtained orders against his ban on sale of paddy seeds.

Venkatrami Reddy also created a controversy by touching the feet of the Chief Minister during the inauguration of the new Siddipet Collectorate

Complex in June this year and taking his blessings.

This invited criticism from all quarters who questioned how an IAS officer touch the feet of political leaders. However, Reddy justified his act saying that the Chief Minister was like a 'fatherly figure' to him and took his blessings on the occasion of the Fathers' Day.

Speaking to media personnel at BRKR Bhavan later, Reddy said, "I entered into the government services in 1991 as Group-I officer in undivided AP. I served for 26 years in various capacities. Now I want to join politics. I will join the TRS as and when directed by the Chief Minister."

He served as RDO in Machilipatnam, Chittoor, Tirupati and later as HUDA

secretary and the GHMC zonal commissioner. He served as joint collector and collector for seven years. Reddy hails from Indurthi village in Odela mandal in Peddapalli district.

"The last seven years of my tenure as collector and joint collector gave me

immense satisfaction. I made Siddipet district a role model in various spheres by following the instructions of the Chief Minister and minister Harish Rao. Several new schemes were launched in Siddipet. I am ready to

accept any responsibility given by the Chief Minister in the coming days,"

Reddy said.
Australia India Community Charitable Trust chair Vasan Srinivasan said that it saddens him that someone tried to vandalise the statue within 24 hours of its unveiling. (Photo| Twitter)

Melbourne: A life-sized bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, gifted by the Indian government, has been vandalised here in an act Prime Minister Scott Morrison strongly condemned as "disgraceful", triggering shock and disappointment among the Indian-Australian community.

The incident happened hours after Prime Minister Morrison unveiled the statue at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville on Friday alongwith the Consul General of India Raj Kumar and other Australian leaders as part of a celebration of 75 years of India's Independence, The Age newspaper reported.

It is disgraceful and extremely disappointing to see this level of disrespect, Morrison was quoted as saying in the report on Sunday.

He said that attacks on cultural monuments would not be tolerated in a country which is the most successful multicultural and immigration nation in the world.

Whoever is responsible for this has shown great disrespect to the Australian Indian community and should be ashamed, he said.

The statue was gifted by the Indian government.

Victoria police said an unknown number of offenders used a power tool to decapitate the statue sometime between 5.30pm on Friday and 5.30pm on Saturday, according to ABC News.

The police said that the Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives were investigating the matter and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

The Indian community in the city expressed their shock over the incident, terming it as a "low act."

"The community is very shocked and sad. I don't (understand) why anyone would do such a low act of vandalism," Surya Prakash Soni, president of the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria, was quoted as saying in the ABC report.

He said the Rowville centre was the first Indian community centre in the State of Victoria and had been established after 30 years of effort.

Australia India Community Charitable Trust chair Vasan Srinivasan said that it saddens him that someone tried to vandalise the statue within 24 hours of its unveiling.

"They were trying to cut the head off by grinding around it," he was quoted as saying by SBS News.

He said that there are almost 300,000 Indians living in the state of Victoria and "I never expected this thing could happen in Victoria.

Srinivasan said that police could not get any fingerprints because it was raining heavily throughout the day.
Surrounded by 'Daily Prophet' front pages and books from the magical world of 'Harry Potter', graphic designer Miraphora Mina holds up an envelope countless children have surely wished to receive.

It's from Hogwarts, the school for wizards, and it is addressed to a certain "Mr H Potter, The Cupboard under the Stairs, 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey".

It was "the very first prop that I got to design on 'The Philosopher's Stone' and the whole series, rather naively thinking that it would just be one simple envelope," Mina told Reuters. "Of course we required many, many (more)."

Tuesday marks 20 years since the release of the film 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' ('Sorcerer's Stone' in the United States and some other countries). The story of how its young stars were catapulted to global stardom has often been told. But for a generation of other creative professionals it was also the beginning of a long, fantastical journey, building author J K Rowling's magical world.

Just like the characters in the films, they found themselves at a strange place a train-ride from London - Britain's Leavesden Studios - where they learned to make magic.

"The studios became a kind of Hogwarts, a place where people came in and learnt their craft through the 10 years of being involved," said Mina.

Rowling's books were already a sensation before the first film was shot, and the filmmakers knew they had to make the magic look real.

"How do you fly people around on broomsticks to play a game, you know, with a chasing a ball and they're 40 feet in the air and they're children?" recalls Nick Davis, visual effects supervisor on the movie.

Eight 'Harry Potter' movies went on to gross $7.8 billion, and a third instalment in the 'Fantastic Beasts' spin-off film series is coming soon.

Filmgoers these days are used to seeing fantastical worlds conjured up with computer-generated imagery. But for those who worked on director Chris Columbus's original vision of Harry Potter, the film was special because so many effects were achieved the analogue way, using sets, props and models built by hand, and a sprinkling of old-fashioned movie magic.

"This was 21 years ago, CGI wasn't quite where it is today and we wanted to get as much reality into everything we did," explained special effects supervisor John Richardson.

"Chris was really up for that and I think it's why those first films have got so much reality to them and the magic. Because everything we could do in camera, we did."

With child actors being taught their regular lessons off camera by teachers in tents, Leavesden became quite literally a school. Davis recalled the moment he finally saw hundreds of kids, all wearing their costume gowns, take their seats on the huge studio set of the Great Hall.

"Oh my God, you -- we're in Hogwarts."

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Sudanese security forces raided the home of Al Jazeera's Khartoum bureau chief and arrested him on Sunday, the Qatar-based news channel said, a day after street protests across Sudan against a military takeover.

Security forces used tear gas and gunfire to try to disperse the protests in the capital Khartoum and other cities.

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which is aligned with the protest movement, said the number of demonstrators killed on Saturday had risen to seven with the death of a 13-year-old girl from a bullet wound to her head.

More than 200 people were injured, more than 100 of them from gunshot wounds, the committee said. At least 11 were in serious condition. The death toll for those killed in protests since the Oct. 25 coup was 22, they said.

Pro-democracy groups led by neighbourhood resistance committees are organising a campaign of civil disobedience and protests against military rule, with another day of demonstrations planned for Nov. 17.

The coup ended a military-civilian power-sharing arrangement set up after the overthrow of autocratic ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Western powers that had backed Sudan's political transition towards elections after Bashir's ouster have condemned the military takeover and suspended economic assistance.

The European Union on Sunday condemned "in the strongest terms the violence perpetrated against peaceful civilian protesters" on Saturday, and said it was "very worried" by the detention of journalists.

"The interventions by the military since 25 October last are undoing much of the progress achieved under the civilian-led government," the bloc said in a statement. "This will have serious consequences for the support of the European Union."

Separately, a group that represents refugees and displaced people in the western Darfur region, where security has deteriorated in recent months, said that four civilians had been killed in several incidents over the past week and a refugee camp had been attacked.

Efforts to mobilise opposition to the coup have been complicated by a mobile internet blackout across the country. On Sunday a judge issued a third order for providers to restore connections.

Since the takeover, military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has moved to consolidate his position, replacing key state officials and naming a new ruling council, which held its first meeting on Sunday.

The council is expected to name a new prime minister after efforts involving the United Nations to mediate between the military and ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok stalled.

Hamdok, who is under house arrest, had demanded the release of other top civilians arrested during the coup and a return to power sharing ahead of elections in 2023.

Al Jazeera said it held Sudan's military authorities responsible for the safety of all its employees after bureau chief El Musalmi El Kabbashi was arrested.

"Al Jazeera condemns in the strongest terms the reprehensible actions of the military and calls on the authorities to release El Kabbashi immediately and to allow its journalists to operate unhindered," it said in a statement.
While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth.

In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities, United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.

But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit).

The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now it's about time to declare it dead, Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an email Sunday.

Also Read | 'Succinctly and unequivocally put across our ideas': India calls COP26 summit a 'success'

A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limit  and with it, some hope. But barely.

The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United States-China deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air.

The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord. United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report that found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees.

The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14% since 2010, Espinosa said.

German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference got work done, but did not make enough progress."

"Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity, said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on.

Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, according to scientists who run computer simulations.

Also Read | Climate experts support India's stand on 'phase down' of coal at COP26

Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming ... for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming," Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an email. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief.

MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didn't match leaders' optimism.

There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 (degrees) if coal is not phased out ... and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas, he said.

On Saturday, India got a last-minute change to the pact: Instead of the phase out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be phased down. Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming.

Lessening' will do less to slow the harmful effects of climate change than eliminating,' former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, who runs environmental research at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming.

Also Read | COP26 scorecard: What did 2 weeks of talks actually achieve?

The 1.5 figure is balanced on a knife edge, said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia.

One paragraph in the pact  which calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals aren't in line with 1.5- or 2- degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next year  gives hope, Hare said.

But US climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesn't apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the US goal is so strong.

Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigan's environment school said the pact provided watered down hope... We got an incomplete plan for slower action.

I went into the (conference) thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the world's leaders just didn't have the backbone for that, Overpeck said in an email.

Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the US national climate assessment. But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely.

But some scientists held out hope.
It was Day 13 of the COP26 summit, and even the trees inside the Glasgow venue were beginning to wilt.

With the meeting running almost 24 hours over its scheduled time and the final outcome hanging in the balance, US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, huddled together deep in conversation. At one point Kerry grasped Xies shoulder, while Chinas lead negotiator nodded and smiled as he enumerated points on his fingers.

It was a candid moment between two longtime climate diplomats that belied the global rivalry, hinting at the possibility for collaboration ahead of Mondays virtual meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. It came three days after a joint US-China agreement in Glasgow that Jochen Flasbarth, who headed Germanys delegation at COP26, described as the summits high point.

Also read: Global powers urged to go further after UN climate deal

Yet if that deal was the peak, the low point for many delegates also involved China, as it aligned with India to secure a last-minute change to the conference conclusions on coal, watering down the language calling for an end to its use. China -- the worlds biggest emitter -- was the main driver behind the push, according to several country representatives. And the US let it go.

Backstage showdown

The final text contains the first ever reference to fossil fuels in a quarter century of COP summits. But Chinas intervention -- via India -- effectively undermined COP26 President Alok Sharmas goal to consign coal to history.

COP26 seals breakthrough climate deal after major compromises

Sharma, the US, the European Union, India and China went backstage to thrash out the line on fossil fuel subsidies, according to a senior EU official. China threatened to dig in and take down the talks, and the US deal was what stopped it from pushing too hard and scuppering the whole summit, the official said. The US had in any case signaled its acceptance of the weaker language in question, according to a separate person familiar with its stance.

The result was that the worlds three biggest polluters -- China, India and the US -- overrode the concerns of the vulnerable nations most at risk of climate change.

Places like the Maldives, whose president, Ibrahim Solih, was among the many representatives of small and island states who traveled thousands of miles to appeal for help to avert an existential threat. What will it take for you to listen to us? he demanded.

An email sent to the Chinese delegation seeking a response went unanswered on Sunday. Sharma, in an interview with the BBC, said that China and India will have to justify themselves to vulnerable nations.

Also Read | After Glasgow, world needs urgent action to stave off catastrophe

Pulse is weak

The eleventh-hour drama reflected the fundamental disconnect between national interest and painful action needed to save the planet that detracted from a sense of historic progress made at the two-week United Nations climate conference.

Also Read | China, India will need to explain coal move, Sharma says

Success at COP26 was always going to be subjective. Delegates said the outcome, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, was flawed but pushed the boundaries of what was possible. The summit also concluded rules on global carbon markets and commitments to toughen up national climate plans, maintaining the key goal of limiting global warming relative to pre-industrial levels to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

We can now say with credibility that we have kept 1.5 degrees alive, Sharma said in the closing plenary session on Saturday, fighting back tears. But, its pulse is weak.

Expectations of participants going into the meeting were raised by science showing the unequivocal impact of climate change, with the last seven years the hottest on record. Global protests at the emergency facing the planet piled on pressure.

Energy crisis

Yet even as activists demanded immediate and drastic action to try and save the planet from catastrophic warming, it was clear that the political and economic calculations for governments were more complex.

Outside realities intruded from Day One, as COP26 opened against the backdrop of an energy crisis that has seen gas prices at record highs and surging demand for coal.

Saudi Arabia was painted by activists and NGOs as the villain for much of the summit, prompting an outburst by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman rejecting accusations that his country had been the main block on progress as a cheat and a lie.

In the end, the worlds largest oil exporter was content to stay out of the argument over coal and let China and India take the flak, according to a person familiar with the events. Russia, too, stayed out of the line of fire. For Riyadh, the key was that the focus was on coal rather than oil.

Domestic politics

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm attended only to be asked about oil prices and whether Biden was going to release Americas strategic reserves, after OPEC+ nations led by Saudi Arabia snubbed the presidents call to pump more crude. China hit fresh records for daily coal production during the course of the talks.

Bidens limited ability to secure his climate goals has been graphically illustrated by his dependence for passage of key legislation on Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of coal-producing West Virginia. And with Xi laying the ground for an unprecedented third term next year, domestic considerations were always to the fore for Chinas delegation.

Also read: 'Succinctly and unequivocally put across our ideas': India calls COP26 summit a 'success'

While Biden brought little new to Glasgow, at least he attended. Xi and Vladimir Putin of Russia were among the high-profile no shows, as political developments elsewhere threatened to overshadow the talks.

Still, the US-China agreement announced Nov. 10, which outlined efforts to raise climate action in this decade, was the product of protracted diplomacy, with more than 30 meetings over the space of 10 months, including virtual visits as well as sessions in London, China and Glasgow.

Warm rapport

Kerry and Xie have developed a rapport over years, and the atmosphere at their meetings was described by China as very good. During lengthy talks, they shifted easily from casual, warm conversation about family to in-depth exchanges on climate, said a US person familiar with the negotiations.

They met almost every day in Glasgow before the joint statement. With negotiating teams working on two tracks -- one focusing on the formal COP26 talks and another focused on forging their bilateral statement -- it was quite taxing, according to a senior US official.

Not as taxing as for the Chinese side, though.

China didnt have a government-backed pavilion this year, due to Covid worries, and people familiar said it was one of the delegations top objectives to not get Covid in Glasgow.

With 40,000 registered participants, COP26 was among the largest UN climate summits ever. Whereas several members of the US team stayed in a hotel next door to the conference venue, the Chinese delegation failed to secure accommodation for everyone in Glasgow, and many had to make the hourlong commute from Edinburgh before dawn each morning.

Room roulette

With negotiators working as late as 5 am, any room they were able to secure in Glasgow on any given day was allocated to the person with the most important mission, according to two people familiar with the delegations activities.

Kerry spoke with a hoarse voice on Tuesday after a late-night negotiating session he said ran to 3 am that morning. The deal was announced the following evening. Only a small circle of negotiators were read in to the US-China talks, so that it came as a surprise to some other nations notified about an hour before the joint statement was issued, according to a person familiar with the process. The EUs climate chief, Frans Timmermans, was one of those notified one hour before.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the summit host, arrived earlier that day to urge delegations to show more ambition -- only for his calls to be drowned out within a matter of hours by the US-China announcement.

Also read: Scientists skeptical on how alive 1.5 temperature limit is

For all the choreography, within 48 hours a senior Communist Party official in Beijing was rowing back. Briefing reporters on Chinas climate commitments, Han Wenxiu said it was necessary to avoid rushing for success, and invoked the Great Leap Forward, Maos campaign of rapid economic and social change that resulted in millions of deaths.

Climate guy

China needs to learn the lessons of that era, and move forward one step at a time to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality and in promoting common prosperity, said Han.

Kerry said the key to the US-China talks was being honest about the differences between them and staying scrupulously focused on the subject matter of COP without being derailed by other tensions. My job is to be the climate guy, he said.

Throughout the summit, there were bleak assessments from those on the front line, who pointed out that scientists gave the world 98 months to halve global emissions. It was a message taken up by NGOs and activists including Greta Thunberg, who dismissed the proceedings as greenwash.

With Covid-related restrictions leading to long queues, the organizers were accused of keeping out campaigners and making COP26 unnecessarily exclusive. An estimated 100,000 people marched through Glasgow last weekend at the summits midway point to demand urgent climate action.

Young people say theres a lot of blah, blah, blah here, said Wang Yi, a member of Chinas delegation, channeling Thunberg. To some degree its true.

How the summit outcome is perceived probably matters less than the concrete actions nations take once their delegations are back home. As Slovakias president, Zuzana Caputova, said: The carbon footprint from the planes we arrive on cannot be the only output.
The Union Health Ministry has notified a new protocol allowing postmortems to be conducted at night in hospitals that have facilities to carry out such procedures after sundown, benefiting the relatives of the deceased and those waiting for an organ transplant.

Changes have been made in the postmortem protocols to allow for the procedure to be conducted after sunset effective from Monday. Apart from friends and relatives of the deceased, this new procedure also promotes organ donation and transplant as organs can be harvested in the stipulated time window after the procedure, the ministry said in a statement.

However, medico-legal cases under categories such as homicide, suicide, rape, decomposed bodies and suspected foul play should not be subjected for postmortem at night unless there is a law and order situation, it clarified.

The Centre took the decision following a technical review of several representations it received, by an expert panel in the Directorate General of Health Services. The panel ascertained that some institutes are already performing night-time postmortem.

In view of the rapid advancement and improvement in technology, especially availability of required lighting and infrastructure required for postmortem, performing nighttime postmortem in hospitals was now feasible, the panel observed.

The new protocol stipulates that postmortem for organ donation be taken up on priority and be conducted even after sunset at the hospitals which have the infrastructure for conducting such post-mortem on a regular basis.

The fitness and adequacy of infrastructure shall be assessed by the hospital in-charge to ensure that there is no dilution of evidence value. It is also to be ensured by the facility that video recording of postmortem shall be done for all postmortem conducted in the night, to rule out any suspicion and preserved for future reference for legal purposes.

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China has adopted a new land border law with the professed objective of standardising and strengthening land borders, ensuring security and stability of land borders, promoting good-neighbourly friendship, exchanges and cooperation, and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The new law will come into force on January 1, 2022.

Why is India worried about China's new land border law?

Chinas new Land Border Law was adopted by the Standing Committee of its 13th National People's Congress on October 23 last, with the professed objective of standardizing and strengthening land borders, ensuring security and stability of land borders, promoting good-neighbourly friendship and exchanges and cooperation with neighbouring countries and safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The new law will come into force on January 1 next. It follows the Maritime Police Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Law, which came into force on February 1 and September 1 this year. Here is why India is worried about it?

What does Chinas new Land Border Law say?

Chinas new Land Border Law says sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation are sacred and inviolable. The law emphasizes on the role of the citizens, particularly people living in the border areas, and the civilian institutions in supporting the Peoples Liberation Army and the Peoples Armed Police Force, which have been assigned the responsibility of guarding land borders, resisting armed aggression and deal with major emergencies and terrorist activities on land borders.

It says that the state shall take effective measures to strengthen border defence construction, support economic and social development of the border and open to the outside world, promote the action of strengthening the border and enriching the border, improve the level of border public services and infrastructure construction, improve the production and living conditions of the border, and encourage and support border residents in frontier production and life, and promote the coordinated development of border defence construction and border economy and society.

Also read: China launches compulsory recruitment drive for locals in Chumbi Valley

Which are the countries China has apparently targeted with its new Land Border Law?

China shares land borders with 14 nations and it claims to have demarcated boundaries with 12 of them. It only has undemarcated boundaries with India and Bhutan. So, although Chinas new Land Border Law does not explicitly target any country, it indicates that President Xi Jinpings Government in Beijing will take a hard-line stand on its boundary disputes with India and Bhutan.

India claims that China is illegally occupying about 38,000 sq km of its territory in Aksai Chin, which borders eastern Ladakh. Pakistan also ceded to China about 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in 1963. China also claims approximately 90,000 sq km of Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh and about 2,000 sq km in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. China claims 764 sq kms of areas of Bhutan  269 sq kms in the western region and 495 sq kms in the north-central region of the country.

China last year upped the ante and also claimed the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan as part of its own territory. The 72-day-long stand-off between Indian Army and Chinese Peoples Liberation Army at Doklam Plateau in western Bhutan and the continuing stand-off between the two in eastern Ladakh since April-May 2020 renewed focus on the communist countrys boundary disputes with its two neighbouring nations.

India-China negotiations to resolve the boundary dispute remained stalled since the beginning of the stand-off in eastern Ladakh. The talks between the military commanders to end the stand-off also hit an impasse last month. Chinas boundary talks with Bhutan also remained stalled after the 2017 Doklam stand-off, but the two nations of late agreed on a roadmap to resolve the territorial disputes.

Also read: Explainer: How power and ideology define Xi's rise in China

Why has Chinas new Land Border Law triggered concerns in India?

Just as its Maritime Police Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Law signalled its intent to aggressively assert its expansive claims on South China Sea and East China Sea, its new Land Border Law too indicates Chinas resolve to manage its demarcated boundaries with other nations and seek settlement of the boundary disputes with India and Bhutan on its own terms.

Its emphasis on development of villages and towns in the border areas and role of civilians in protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity clearly indicates that China would expand settlements all along its disputed boundaries with India and Bhutan. There have been reports about China building villages in areas it illegally occupied in Bhutan as well as in Arunachal Pradesh in India.

The new law apparently seeks to legitimize Chinas use of the civilian settlement to buttress its territorial claims along its disputed boundaries with India and Bhutan. The Article VII of the 2005 India-China agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the Boundary Question says that the two sides shall safeguard interests of settled populations in the border areas while clinching a deal to resolve the boundary row. So, China is clearly preparing to cite its border villages and infrastructures to counter territorial claims of India.

As the two countries also have differences in perception about the alignment of the line serving as de facto boundary, China may also oppose construction of border infrastructure by India, citing its new law, which also prohibits building permanent structures in the border areas without permission of the Central Government in Beijing.

Also read: China not transgressing on Indian perception of LAC, building villages within its side: Bipin Rawat

How did India react to the new Land Border Law of China?

India asserted that the new Land Boundary Law unilaterally adopted by China would not have any bearing on bilateral arrangements put in place to resolve territorial row between the two neighbouring nations as well as to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

It reminded that the two sides had agreed to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution to the Boundary Question through consultations and concluded several bilateral agreements, protocols and arrangements to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC in India-China border areas in the interim.

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday called on Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed with him the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Jaishankar, who arrived in the UAE on Saturday, said that he is deeply honoured to meet the Crown Prince.

Deeply honoured to call on HH @MohamedBinZayed. Value his continued guidance in development of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the minister said on Twitter.

Jaishankar conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sheikh Mohamed, and his best wishes of more progress and prosperity for the UAE and further development for bilateral ties, Gulf News reported.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reciprocated his greetings to the Prime Minister of India and wished more development, progress and stability for the friendly people of India, it said.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the strategic ties between the UAE and India and ways to boost them in the best interest of the two friendly peoples, the report added.

Meanwhile, the Sarang aerobatics team and the Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased their flying skills on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow on Sunday.

Five Dhruv advanced light helicopters (ALHs) of the Sarang team, 10 BAE Hawk 132 aircraft of the Suryakiran team and three LCA Tejas aircraft are participating in the show that will conclude on Thursday.

The IAF has been invited to the Dubai Airshow by the UAE government to perform along with some of the best aerobatics and display teams in the world, including the Saudi Hawks, the Russian Knights and the UAE's Al Fursan.

While the Sarang team of the IAF has previously participated in the Al Ain Grand Prix in the UAE in 2005, the Suryakiran team and the Tejas aircraft are displaying their swashbuckling aerial manoeuvre for the first time in the gulf nation, according to officials.

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Two Mumbai-based women journalists, who were arrested in Tripura on charges of "creating hatred among communities" were granted bail by a court in Udaipur on Monday.

Samriddhi K. Sakunia and Swarna Jha, journalists of HW News Network, a digital media platform based in Mumbai were detained in neighbouring Assam on Sunday and were taken to Tripura for questioning. The two reached Tripura on November 11 and reported on the alleged communal violence in Gomati and North Tripura district that took place on October 26. The duo had reported on the burning of a mosque but Tripura police denied such burning.

Samriddhi and Swarna, aged 21 and 24 years were booked under section 153A (provocation with an intent to cause riot), 153B (assertion prejudicial to national integration), 193 (false evidence), 504 (intentional insult) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) IPC at Kakraban police station in Gomati district and were arrested. They were earlier issued a notice for another case registered at Fatikroy police station in Unakoti district.

Senior lawyer, Pijush Kanti Biswas, who represented the two journalists in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate in Udaipur said the court granted the bail after he objected to the sections under which they were booked. "The two reporters visited the trouble-torn area to report the news as journalists. I argued in the court that the charges were imposed with ill intention and to suppress the voice of media," he said.

BJP-led Tripura government and police denied reports that a mosque was burnt and alleged that videos of such incidents outside Tripura were being shared on social media in order to "malign" the image of Tripura and the government. Deputy Chief Minister, Jishnu Dev Varma told reporters in Agartala on Saturday that a "vested interest group" was trying to reap political mileage by sharing "fake news" about the incident.

Dev Varma made the statement after some parts of Mumbai witnessed violent protests against the alleged attack on Muslims in Tripura.

Indian Women's Press Corps and Indian Journalists Union slammed the Tripura government for arresting the journalists and demanded that they should be freed immediately to perform their duties.

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India registered anywhere between 27 lakh and 49 lakh excess deaths during the pandemic till June 2021, according to experts who have questioned the official Covid-19 death toll of 4.63 lakh citing Civil Registry Service (CRS) data, seroprevalence studies and other sources.

Indo-Canadian epidemiologist Dr Prabhat Jha, director of the Centre for Global Health Research, University of Toronto, said various data showed that Covid-19 is the main contributor to excess deaths in the pandemic months in both 2020 and 2021.

The actual numbers are at least three million or substantially higher than what has been officially reported, and with the adjustments Indias Covid deaths per million are close or similar to Latin America, he said.

Dr Jha and other experts, who spoke at a specially convened panel by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc), said the calculations were made using several sources: CRS data from states, data from the Consumer Payment Household Surveys (CPHS) and surveys by the polling agency CVoter (Since May 2020, the polling agency has been asking households if they have recorded a Covid death).

Also Read | Zydus Cadila's Covid vaccine to be administered only to adults as of now

In the first wave, there was a modest 1 per cent increase in the number of households reporting deaths but then it abated. Then from April to June, there was a colossal 6% increase in households reporting a death, said Dr Jha.

According to Dr Arvind Subramaniam, Senior Fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, the overall Indian undercounting was somewhere between a factor of 7 and 10.

Not all of these deaths were recorded as Covid-19 deaths, said Rukmini S, an independent data expert based in Chennai.

Rukmini said the Indian government's definition of a Covid-19 fatality covered people who tested positive and then died soon after with a clear progression of the disease.

Low medical certification

Most deaths in India remain without medical certification, which complicates matters.

Dr Jha, citing the United Nations, said there were about 10 million deaths a year in India out of which 3 million (30%) went unregistered.

They are just not counted but this is greater in women where close to 60% of women deaths are not counted. And of those seven million deaths registered, only about 13% have medical certification, he said.

According to an under-review study on excess mortality in India, Bengaluru suffered an excess death ratio of 2.9 in the second wave.

Many of the excess deaths have since been disclosed in the daily Covid-19 bulletins, with one source in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) saying that some deaths were held back during the second wave to avoid magnifying already high numbers and inducing greater panic in the public.

Also Read | Over 18.53 cr unutilised Covid vaccines available with states, says Health Ministry

This is borne out by data. During April and May, 4,033 Covid-19 deaths were made public. However, subsequent releases of backlog deaths, including some cases re-evaluated as Covid-19 fatalities by the death audit committee, show that 9,917 deaths actually happened during those two months.

Professor Dr Satyajith Mayor, Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and L S Shashidhara, co-organisers of the panel discussion, demanded data transparency from the government.

"These high numbers must figure in our response to the ongoing pandemic and also caution our citizens of the dire consequences of this disease, said Mayor and Shashidhara in a joint statement.
Kangana Ranaut stirred up a hornet's nest recently when she said that the freedom that India attained in 1947 was given to the nation as a handout by the British.

Kangana was speaking at a media summit when she gave the controversial statement saying that "India got true freedom only in 2014".

Several politicians have demanded an apology from her and also made an appeal to revoke her recently conferred Padma Shri award, saying that her statement insults the sacrifice of all those freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation.

Now, the actress has come out and defended herself through a series of pictures on her Instagram. Her first picture is a screenshot of a BBC article that spoke about 'Why Britain owes no reparations to India'.

Captioning the post, the actress wrote, "Why and how can white colonists or their sympathisers get away with such nonsense in this day and age? If you try to figure it out, the answer is in my Times Now Summit statement."

Also read: Mahatma Gandhis great-grandson calls Kangana Ranaut an 'agent of hate'

She adds, "It is because our nation builders did not hold the British accountable for the countless crimes they committed in India, from plundering our country's wealth to ruthlessly killing our freedom fighters to dividing our country into two parts, at the time of independence. After World War II, the British left India at their leisure, with Winston Churchill being hailed as a war hero."

Further explaining her side, Kangana states, "He was the same person who was responsible for the Bengal famine; was he ever tried in independent India's courts for his crimes? No. Cyril Radcliffe, an English white man who had never been to India before, was brought to India by the British to draw the line of Partition in just 5 weeks."

She adds, "Both the INC and the Muslim League were members of the committee that decided the terms of the Partition line drawn by the British, which resulted in the deaths of nearly a million people. Did those who died tragically gain independence? Was the British or the INC, who agreed to the Partition line, held responsible for the massacre that occurred after?"

The other pictures in the series are of a letter written by the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru and an editorial which states that India really attained freedom in 2014. The actress further writes, "There is a letter from our first Prime Minister, Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, dated 28th April 1948, to the British Monarch, requesting British approval for the appointment of the then-Governor of West Bengal as the Governor-General of India."

She goes on to state, "The letter can be found in the second image of my post. If such a letter exists, do you believe the INC attempted to hold the British accountable for their crimes? If so, please explain how my statement is incorrect!"

"Did the freedom fighters who gave their lives for an independent India know that the British and our nation-builders would divide undivided India into two parts, resulting in the massacre of one million people? I'd like to conclude by saying that if we don't hold the British accountable for the numerous crimes committed in India, we are still disrespecting our freedom fighters. Jai Hind," the actress concluded in her post.

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The anger over the ordinances to extend the tenure of directors of the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) is boiling in the Opposition camp with leaders on Monday pointing fingers at the Narendra Modi government for trying to make the officers "more pliable".

Opposition leaders said the issue would come up in the upcoming Parliament's Winter Session and will take the government to task, especially on bringing ordinance when Parliament is about to start.

The Opposition -- from Congress to Trinamool to AAP to the Left -- pointed out that the move goes against the Supreme Court order which had laid down that any extension of tenure has to be for a short period and "only in rare and exceptional circumstances" to facilitate an ongoing investigation.

Read | Govt brings ordinance to extend term of CBI, ED chiefs

They also said that the move is aimed at making officers pliable by giving an allurement of extensions.

Senior Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi said that the ordinances were an "attempt to sabotage, side-step and skirt" Parliament and that no one should be fooled to believe that it was giving a guaranteed five-year tenure to ensure independence to the CBI and ED.

"These ordinances tell an officer that I will keep you on probation, on a tight leash, will keep you on a master-servant relation. If you have behaved and done 'His Master's Voice', I may consider an extension. If you haven't behaved, then there is nothing," he told a press conference.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien tweeted about the two "brazen" ordinances, "Parliament's Winter Session begins two weeks from now. Be rest assured, Opposition parties will do all it takes to stop India from turning into an elected autocracy." Trinamool will also move a Statutory Resolution against the ordinances in Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session.

AAP Rajya Sabha floor leader Sanjay Singh said the ordinance goes against the spirit of the Supreme Court order but "Modi-Ji has brought" it to circumvent it. "Now even after retiring, Modi-ji will be able to give extension to favourite officers for up to five years in 'national interest'. By the way, only ED CBI works in the national interest," Singh said in a sarcastic tone.

Denouncing the promulgation of two ordinances, the CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement that both the CBI and ED have been functioning as the "political arm of the ruling party to advance its agenda" and opposition leaders are regularly targeted.

Read | TMC, CPI(M) target BJP for CBI, ED director tenures

"This step is meant to further subvert the autonomy of these agencies and to make the key officers more pliable. It is reprehensible that these ordinances have been promulgated on the eve of the Winter Session that is to commence from November 29. The BJPs regular resort to the route of 'ordinance raj' is anti-democratic," it said.

The CPI(M) said the ordinances also aimed to bypass the Supreme Court direction which had laid down that any extension of tenure has to be for a short period and "only in rare and exceptional circumstances" to facilitate an ongoing investigation. CPI(M) MPs will oppose the move to convert these ordinances into law in Parliament, it added.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjwala alleged that the Modi government uses the ED-CBI as "henchmen to usurp power and destabilise elected governments".

"Raids by ED, CBI on the Opposition leaders has become a norm. Now, these henchmen are being empowered and rewarded with five-year tenure, so that malicious prosecution is used to silence dissenting voices. In the Modi government, the real description of ED-CBI is: ED is Election Department and CBI is Compromised Bureau of Investigation. Naturally, retired officers were being given repeated extensions earlier. Now, a straight five-year tenure has been prescribed," he said.

Senior Congress MP Manish Tewari said both ordinances go against the spirit of Jain Hawala judgement that gave stability of tenure to directors of CBI and ED to insulate them from political interference.

"Question 1 is why extend the tenure from 2-5 years? Are there no competent officers left in the country? Question 2 is by hanging the allurement of yearly extensions before people who would occupy these sensitive offices, the NDA/BJP government wants to subvert whatever little is left of the institutional integrity of these two organisations," he said.

"The message is clear -- hound the opposition and get extensions. What is even more troublesome is recourse to the ordinance route to subvert the law-making function of Parliament repeatedly. Parliament is tentatively scheduled to meet on November 29. What was the tearing hurry to promulgate these ordinances on the cusp of Winter Session? he asked.

Former Central Information Commissioner and ex-IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad tweeted, "most disappointed with ordinances to extend the tenure of ED and CBI chiefs to five years. Catchphrase - extendable each year. Done before Parliament session. The Supreme Court had commented against extension after retirement with respect to the ED chief. RAW and IB are already on an extension after fixed tenure."

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After initially targetting Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been relentlessly attacking the BJP over the latter's alleged failures and taking to the streets on different issues, the BJP appears to have changed its strategy in Uttar Pradesh and has now decided to target the Samajwadi Party (SP) to what the political analysts say keep the electoral contest a two-cornered affair instead of multi-cornered.

The change in the strategy has come after the brainstorming session of the saffron party at Varanasi a few days back which was chaired by union home minister and ex-BJP president Amit Shah.

According to a BJP leader, who had attended the session, the saffron party was of the opinion that the SP might fare better in the forthcoming assembly polls in the state and that its tally could well cross the one hundred mark.

Also Read | Wedding invite as election propaganda? Happens only in Uttar Pradesh

''While the SP may well get over one hundred seats, the BSP is not likely to improve its 2017 performance...Congress is nowhere in the contest though it may be in the fight in pockets,'' the leader told DH here on Monday.

The SP had won 47 seats in the 2017 assembly polls while BSP managed to win 19 seats. Congress could win only seven seats.

The leader said that a better showing by the Congress could adversely impact the BJP performance as the grand old party could be cutting into the former's upper caste vote bank.

Also Read | Ignoring Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh not an option for Modi-Shah

''Any increase in the Congress' vote share will primarily hurt us...a two-way fight between BJP and SP will be better for the BJP,'' remarked a Lucknow based political analyst.

The indication of a change of strategy became evident when the BJP leaders started targetting SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav almost immediately after the Varanasi session. In the public meetings also the party leaders, including Shah and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath trained their guns mainly on Akhilesh by raking up his 'Jinnah' comment.

Sources in the BJP said that there was a feeling in the party that it might not repeat its 2017 performance when it had won 325 of the total 403 seats in the assembly. The party feels that it may lose seats in the western region following the farmers' agitation.

Also read: Ahead of UP polls, Akhilesh Yadav, Amit Shah 'JAM' over parties' stand

Interestingly the SP leaders also feel that a direct contest with the BJP will be to their benefit. ''In a direct fight with the BJP, the Muslims and other anti-BJP votes may not be divided as the voters will know that there is no use supporting any other opposition party,'' a senior SP leader said.

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The Bharatiya Janata Partys minority morcha, the wing aimed at wooing minority voters, primarily Muslims, has claimed that cognizance is being taken against perpetrators of violence against Muslims, in the BJP-governed states.

Misfiqua Hasan, partys national secretary, minority morcha, and minority morcha observer for West Bengal, has alleged that the parties in Opposition have a role to play in spreading rumours. Hasan, however, skipped the question, when asked, if the morcha has raised any concern within the party, on the violence recently reported from Tripura and Maharashtras Amravati.

The BJPs minority wing members, on Monday, gathered for an obituary meeting of Rahat Hossain, a founder-member of the party from West Bengal. For the last few years, the BJPs minority wing has actively campaigned among Bengals Muslim voters, who in vast numbers allied with the Trinamool Congress, after playing an important role in voting the Left out of power from the state after 34 years of rule.

A legislation against the practice of triple talaq, and talk of empowerment of Muslim women, however, couldnt persuade the Muslims, who went into believing that a decision (if executed) to register mandatorily in the National Register of Citizens in West Bengal, can eliminate their citizenship, and would lead them to detention camps in absence of sufficient documents, as it happened with a section in Assam.

While the party has Muslim cadres in morcha, the party has failed to produce Muslims as leaders in the state. Our obituary meeting was a packed hall. Despite stiff opposition our Muslim supporters are actively involved in the districts. We should salute them. How can you say there are no Muslim leaders in BJP? counters Misfiqua.

So far, efforts made by the minority wing to win over the Muslim vote, have been repeatedly watered by the threatening remarks made by a section of senior party leaders during election campaigns, giving the ruling Trinamool an opportunity to go out and convince the community in its favour.

With municipal elections scheduled for Kolkata, and adjoining Howrah city for December 19, the morcha is once again gearing up to reach out. Both the municipal areas have substantial Muslim population. Ali Hossain, who heads morchas state unit, claims that with three per cent seats allotted to Muslim candidates during the last state assembly elections, party got three per cent Muslim votes. Hossain expects that the party will consider more candidates than yesteryears in the upcoming municipal elections.
The CPI(M) will organise country-wide protests against the attacks on religious minorities by organisations affiliated to the Sangh Parivar on December 1, alleging that BJP-ruled states are persecuting victims and those supporting them, rather than the perpetrators.

In a statement, the party's Politburo expressed "grave concern" at the growing attacks against minority communities -- Christians and Muslims -- and cited the recent exposures in the internal documents of Facebook.

It claimed that the documents underlined how BJP leaders have promoted "highly communal messaging, provoking violence" in many instances.

"Not only do the perpetrators of such communal actions enjoy immunity from the law, instead of protecting the victims, the administration in many BJP-ruled states punishes the victims and those who support them with false cases and arrests under draconian clauses," a statement said.

Read | Namaz row: Criminalising minorities in everything they do

It cited recent reports by human rights groups which recorded around 300 attacks on Christian communities and their places of worship within the first nine months in 2021.

"Many of the victims belong to adivasi and Dalit communities. Prayer meetings are being regularly prevented and participants beaten in the name of preventing conversions. Members of the Muslim minority are targeted and there are continuing cases of lynching, police killings, false arrests and mob violence against them in the name of 'cow protection' and 'love jihad'," the statement said.

The most recent example has been in Tripura, where VHP workers attacked minority communities, including vandalising some mosques. Those reporting these attacks have been booked under UAPA, it said.

Read | No mosque vandalised in Tripura: Centre

"Another example is the prevention of the right to offer prayers, which have been curtailed in Gurgaon, part of the National Capital Region. Muslim street vendors in some parts of Madhya Pradesh have been threatened and disallowed from pursuing their livelihood. In Assam, the poor peasant families cultivating land for decades were brutally evicted only because they belong to Muslim minority. In Uttar Pradesh, the use of NSA against Muslims has become commonplace," it added.

The issue was discussed at a two-day meeting of CPI(M)'s Politburo that ended on Sunday.

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With an eye on regaining the support of tribal voters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a major outreach effort by lauding their contribution to nation-building and hitting out at the Congress for neglecting them for years.

Modi received a warm welcome in Bhopal and BJP utilised the opportunity to showcase the acceptability of the law against triple talaq with a large number of burqa-clad women lining up to greet him.

The Prime Minister launched the first-ever Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) celebrations on the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. He also declared that the Tribal Pride Day will be celebrated like Gandhi Jayanti, Sardar Patel Jayanti and Ambedkar Jayanti.

Also read: PM inaugurates memorial in Birsa Munda's honour in Ranchi

Those who ran governments in the past did not give priority to them. The country's 10% (tribal) population was neglected, he said, in an apparent attack on the Congress.

The country cannot forget the bravery of Gond queen Durgawati or the sacrifice of Rani Kamlapati, he said at a rally near Bhopal after inaugurating the re-developed Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, previously known as Habibganj.

The Prime Minister also launched several initiatives targeted at the welfare of the tribal communities such as Ration Aapke Gram' in Madhya Pradesh, genetic counselling cards to beneficiaries, marking the launch of the Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell Mission and laying the foundation stone for 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across various states and UTs, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

BJP has sensed the declining support of tribals as Congress had won 31 out of the 47 assembly seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes in Madhya Pradesh in the 2018 state elections.

The party has announced that it would aim to increase its vote share in Madhya Pradesh by 10% in the 2023 assembly elections and launched initiatives to woo SC and ST communities.

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The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take measures like stopping non-essential construction transport, power plants and implementing work from home.

Here are the key takeaways from the hearing:

1. The Centre on Monday suggested three steps to the Supreme Court to bring down pollution -- the introduction of an odd-even vehicle scheme, a ban on trucks' entry in Delhi, and lockdown, the severest option.

2. "Stubble burning is not the major cause of pollution at present in Delhi and northern states, as it contributes to only 10 per cent of the pollution," it said.

Air pollution in Delhi: Centre suggests three steps to Supreme Court to bring down pollution- Introduction of odd-even vehicle scheme, ban on trucks' entry in Delhi, and severest will be lockdown.  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

3. The Supreme Court concluded that major culprits of air pollution are transport, industries, vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some areas.

4. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and States of NCR region to consider work from home for the employees in the meantime. It has also asked Chief secretaries of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to be present for tomorrow's emergency meeting by the Centre.

5. The apex court also rapped the Delhi government for blaming corporations and said lame excuses will force it to hold audit of earnings and expenditure on popularity slogans.

6. The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to pursue the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning. "We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees," the bench said.

7. Ahead of the hearing on air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the AAP government told the Supreme Court that it was ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control air pollution. The Delhi government told the top court that such a step, however, would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states.

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Delhi government Monday told the Delhi High Court that till now, 200 liquor brands have been registered under the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 and MRP has been fixed for 184 of them.

The AAP government told Justice Rekha Palli, who was hearing pleas by several retail liquor traders, that 192 brands have already paid the registration fee under the new policy.

Out of the remaining eight, three have withdrawn and the process was ongoing for five, senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Rahul Mehra, representing the Delhi government, told the court.

The court directed that the Delhi government's status report in the matter be placed on record and listed the case for further hearing on November 16.

The petitioners are successful bidders for licences for the operation of retail liquor vends and seek to declare the decision of the Delhi government to levy licence fees with effect from November 1, 2021, as illegal.

On November 9, the high court had asked the Delhi government to inform it about the number of liquor brands where MRPs are fixed and those yet to be done under the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

It had also asked the Delhi government to inform whether registration of any liquor brands has already been done.

On November 11, the Delhi Government had orally assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against liquor retailers for the time being for not paying the licence fees.

No precipitate action would be taken against the traders for now since they are partners in the business, it was said.

The petitioners are successful bidders of L-7Z (zonal licence for retail vend of Indian liquor and foreign liquor) and L-7V (retail vend of Indian liquor, foreign liquor in a zone).

Senior advocates Maninder Singh and lawyer Tanmaya Mehta, representing the liquor retailers, had earlier argued that the government cannot direct the petitioners to pay the licence fee with effect from November 1 as the payment of licence fee depends on commencement of business and that the authorities have not fixed the MRP of most of the brands and have no right to direct them to pay the fee.

The pleas also seek to restrain the government from demanding the sums of money in the form of licence fees or security deposit and also to direct the authorities not to levy or demand licence fees from the successful bidders until the government performs its obligations under the tender terms and conditions and the Delhi Excise policy 2021-2022.

It also sought to postpone the date for the scheduled commencement of business from November 17.

One of the pleas filed by 15 retailers, through advocates Sanjay Abbot and Ankit Agarwal, said there has been a great delay in initiating the process of registration of brands and fixation of MRP by the Delhi Government under the 2021-22 policy.

It claimed that until October 30, not even a single brand had been registered within Delhi under the new excise policy, nor had the MRP been fixed or determined under the new policy.

It said the process from the determination of MRP to retail sale is a time-consuming exercise and if the scheduled date of commencement of business is November 17, is specified by the government, it is a complete breach of obligations on the part of the authorities in delaying the registration of brands and determination of MRP.

Several petitions are pending before the high court against the New Excise Policy on the ground that it is illegal, unfair, arbitrary, and violative of the Delhi Excise Act, 2009.

In July, the court had refused to stay the new Excise Policy on one of the petitions which contended that the new regime would lead to a monopoly of the few big players.

The Delhi government, also represented through standing counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi, has defended its New Excise Policy 2021, saying that the new regime would generate optimum revenue and ensure ease of doing business while eliminating cartelization, proxy players, and monopoly.

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Pakistan on Monday handed over 20 Indian fishermen, who completed their four-year prison terms for allegedly fishing in Pakistani waters, to India at the Wagah border, according to officials.

The batch of 20 Indian fishermen, who were released from the District Prison and Correctional Facility, Malir in Sindh province on Sunday, arrived here on Monday.

The Edhi Foundation received them in Lahore and provided them with food. They were taken to the Wagah border where they got through immigration process and certain COVID-19 related tests. They crossed into their homeland in the evening, an Edhi Foundation official told PTI.

The Edhi Trust Foundation, a non-profit social welfare organisation, made arrangements to transport the fishermen to the Wagah border from where they were handed over to the Indian authorities.

The Indian nationals were handed over to the Border Security Force by the Pakistan Rangers, according to officials.

Most of the fishermen were imprisoned after crossing over to the Pakistani waters four to five years ago.

These 20 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Pakistan Maritime Security Force (PMSF) and handed over to the dock police for allegedly fishing illegally in Pakistani waters.

One Arjun Babu said that he had been growing his hair from the time of his arrest five years ago.

It was for the fulfilment of my wish to be released soon. It was a wish. My hair grew so long and I believe, due to my wish, all 20 are being released today, he told reporters after his release.

He said that he would get a haircut as soon as he reaches his home but not immediately just to be safe.

I am glad to be leaving for home now but was sad about leaving behind several other Indian fishermen in jail for also having crossed over to Pakistan unknowingly like him. Please release them also so that they can be with their families, another fisherman Ravendra said.

An officer said that 588 more Indian nationals, the majority of them fishermen, are still languishing in Landhi jail.

The Pakistan government had also released 20 Indian fishermen early last year and another batch of 100 Indian fishermen in April 2019 as a goodwill gesture.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India usually end up in jails after they are arrested for fishing illegally in each others territorial waters.

A senior official of the NGO Pakistan Fishermen Forum said that due to the absence of a clear demarcation line in the coastal area of the Arabian Sea between the two countries, these fishermen who do not possess the modern-day navigation equipment mistakenly crossed the red lines and ended up in jails.

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A RSS worker was hacked to death at Palakkad district in Kerala on Monday.

Sanjith, 27, a local leader of RSS at Kinaserry in Palakkad was murdered in front of his wife.

While the police said that prima faice it was a political murder, BJP leaders alleged that workers of SDPI, which is the political outfit of the Popular Front of India, murdered Sanjith.

Sanjith was riding a motorcycle with his wife on the pillion to drop her at office in the morning. The accused came in a car and knocked down Sanjith and hacked him to death. There were four members in the gang.

BJP state president K Surendran said that the SDPI was getting the support of the ruling CPI(M) and the police.

Local BJP leaders said that Sanjith faced attacks and threats from SDPI workers earlier. BJP observed a hartal in the Malampuzha region in protest against the accused.

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The house of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid in Uttarakhand's Nainital was vandalised and set on fire by a group of Hindutva activists in response to his book on Ayodhya sparking controversy for remarks comparing Hindutva and Islamic fundamentalists like the Islamic State.

Khurshid shared the visuals and photos of his house after the vandalism on Facebook, which showed flames, charred doors and shattered window panes. He also shared a video of a group of people shouting slogans on the premises.

Also Read | Secularism to end in India if Hindus become minority, says G Kishan Reddy

"I hoped to open these doors to my friends who have left this calling card. Am I still wrong to say this cannot be Hinduism?... So such is the debate now. Shame is too ineffective a word. Besides I still hope that we can reason together one day and agree to disagree if not more," he wrote in separate posts on Facebook.

Deputy Inspector General (Kumaon) Neelesh Anand said that police have booked one Rakesh Kapil and 20 others and strict action will be taken against the perpetrators.

"I have said in my book that people who do such things do not belong to the Hindu religion. Hindu religion is a beautiful religion that has given a fantastic culture to this country and I am proud of it. This attack is not on me but on Hindu religion," Khurshid was quoted by ANI as saying.

The attack came days after his book 'Sunrise over Ayodhya' triggered a controversy after he wrote, "Sanatan dharma and classical Hinduism known to sages and saints were being pushed aside by a robust version of Hindutva, by all standards a political version similar to jihadist Islam of groups like ISIS and Boko Haram of recent years."

Also Read | Comparing Hindutva with ISIS, jihadist Islam 'factually wrong, exaggeration': Azad on Khurshid book

While another Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad found fault with the remarks, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, without referring to Khurshid's book, told a gathering of Congress workers that Hinduism and Hindutva are different and the latter propagates violence.

Reacting to the vandalism, senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted, "this is disgraceful. Salman Khurshid is a statesman who has done India proud in international forums and always articulated a moderate, centrist, inclusive vision of the country domestically. The mounting levels of intolerance in our politics should be denounced by those in power."

Also Read | Book row: Khurshid stands by his views on Hindutva

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh, who attended the book launch function, said, "I strongly condemn the attack on Salman Khurshid-Ji's residence. These illiterates don't even know what is in the book."
The security cover of the Central security forces deployed in the Maoist affected states has been beefed up after an intelligence input that forces' bases in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas may be attacked in retaliation.

According to the sources, after the arrest of top Maoist leader Kishan Bose in Jharkhand on November 11 and a successful operation by the Maharashtra Police in Gadchiroli on Saturday, killing 26, the Maoists are on the back foot and may attack security forces in revenge.

The sources, quoting the Intelligence input, said that the ultras may hit the forward operating bases in LWE affected states to boost the morale of their cadre.

In the past also, the naxals had attacked the security forces in retaliation, therefore, an alert has been sounded to follow the Standard Operative Procedures (SoPs) while patrolling or any area domination move with utmost precautions, they added.

Also Read | 100 ultras had opened fire from modern weapons on C-60 commandos and security personnel in Gadchiroli forest: Police

The battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed in the LWE affected areas.

The central forces have been asked to take local police along during patrolling and convoy movement; the road opening party must proceed ahead of the convoy.

The input also suggested strengthening of the intelligence network in the LWE areas with the concerned state police.

Prashant Bose alias Krishan Da, 75, who was carrying a cash reward of Rs one crore, was caught along with his wife Sheela Marandi, another senior Maoist leader in Jharkhand on November 11.

A number two in the extremist outfit, he also used to head the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) which he merged with CPI-ML (People's War) to form the CPI (Maoist) in 2004. His wife Sheela Marandi was reportedly the only woman member of the decision-making central committee of the CPI (Maoist).

On November 13, the Maharashtra Police killed at least 26 Maoists in a fierce encounter in the jungles of Gyarapatti in Gadchiroli district in which a top Maoist leader, Milind Teltumbde, was also killed.

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After the opposition parties' protests deploring the worsening conditions of the roads all over, the Jaganmohan Reddy government has now moved to make Andhra Pradesh a pothole free state.

The Monsoon rains had further deteriorated the road infrastructure especially in some interiors where travelling had become a backbreaking adventure.

Actor turned politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party had even carried out a social media campaign focused on the awful state of the roads. While staging demonstrations at such spots, JSP activists have been posting pictures of ram-shackle roads from across the state on Twitter with the hashtag #JSPForAP_Roads.

TDP activists too ridiculed the shape of the roads with many memes on Facebook.

Reddy who had come to power over two years back, in May 2019, had earlier blamed the improper maintenance during his predecessor Chandrababu Naidu's regime for the condition of the road.

On Monday, the Chief Minister held a review on road repairs and directed the officials to take up works in cities and municipalities on a priority basis, making Andhra Pradesh a pothole free state.

With the monsoon retreating, Jagan has asked officials to commence road works immediately, filling the pothole and repairing the about 46,000-kilometre road network in the state. By June 2022, the next monsoon season, there should be no puckered roads," he said.

Officials said that repairs on the 8,268 km stretch of roads would begin by the month-end after finalising tenders. The CM instructed that pictures should be taken of the before and after the condition of the roads, similar to the Nadu-Nedu programme initiated to improve the government schools' infrastructure.

As the Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari is scheduled to visit Andhra next month, the Chief Minister asked the officials to list the pending projects in the state to be discussed with him.

Reddy also wants to blacklist the contractors who had bagged road projects but have not initiated works.

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Polling was underway for Nellore Municipal Corporation and 12 municipalities amid tight security in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

About 30 per cent voter turnout was recorded till noon. The polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m. in Nellore Corporation and 12 municipalities including Kuppam municipality in Kuppam Assembly constituency represented by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

State Election Commissioner Neelam Sawhney said the polling was underway in a peaceful and smooth manner. She said elaborate security arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incident.

Polling was on for Akiveedu municipality in West Godavari district, Jaggayyapet and Kondapalli in Krishna district, Dachepalli and Gurazala in Guntur district, Darsi in Prakasam district, Buchireddypalem in Nellore district, Kuppam in Chittoor district, Bethamcherla in Kurnool district, Kamalapuram and Rajampet in Kadapa district and and Penukonda in Anantapur district.

Repolling, wherever necessary, will be held on Tuesday while counting of votes will be taken up on Wednesday, the SEC said.

The poll body announced that the election of the Mayor and two Deputy Mayors of Nellore Municipal Corporation and Chairpersons of 12 municipalities will be held on November 22.

The SEC had issued a notification on November 1 for polling to these municipalities and also for sarpanches and ward members in gram panchayats.

Polling was not conducted in these constituencies for a variety of reasons including the death of contesting candidates.

Polling for 36 sarpanches and 68 ward members was held peacefully on Sunday.

Meanwhile, tension prevailed in Kuppam municipality as the opposition TDP staged a protest alleging that leaders of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) were resorting to rigging.

At one of the polling booths, TDP leaders caught hold of some non-locals and handed them over to the police.

TDP General Secretary Lokesh alleged that the YSRCP has brought outsiders for bogus voting.

He said the ruling party was afraid of defeat.

Lokesh slammed the role of the police and alleged that they failed to check electoral malpractices.

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President Ram Nath Kovind has accepted the Supreme Court Collegiums recommendation to transfer Madras High Court Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to the Meghalaya High Court, notwithstanding calls for a reconsideration of the proposal by the apex court panel from various quarters.

"In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Sanjib Banerjee, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, a notification by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice said on Monday.

The notification further said President Kovind has directed Justice Banerjee to assume the office of Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. The SC Collegium had in its September 16 meeting recommended the transfer of Justice Banerjee from a chartered High Court with a sanctioned strength of 75 judges to a High Court whose current strength is just two, but the decision was made public only on November 9.

Read | CJ transfer out of Madras High Court snowballs into controversy

Justice Banerjee is the second CJ of the Madras High Court to have been recommended for a transfer to Meghalaya in two years. In 2019, the then CJ V K Tahilramani resigned in protest after she was transferred to Meghalaya.

Justice Banerjees transfer within 10 months of his assuming office triggered a massive debate with senior counsels and the Madras Bar Association taking objection to the Supreme Court Collegiums recommendation and asking for its reconsideration.

The lawyers and the Bar told the Collegium that the constant transfers and postings have left the Madras High Court in a state of constant flux.

Such short-lived tenures at the apex of the Court's hierarchy in a State bodes ill for the health of the institution and the justice delivery system. This is so not only for the High Court but any institution more so the High Court, given the significant role it plays in preserving constitutional safeguards, 31 senior counsels wrote in their representation to the Collegium.

At an emergency meeting convened on Sunday, the Madras Bar Association had expressed its deep concern at the opaqueness surrounding the transfers of Justice Banerjee and Justice T S Sivagnanam to the Calcutta High Court.

"The transfers are perceived to be in violation of the Memorandum of Procedure for transfer. Such transfers are perceived to be punitive and do not augur well for the independence of the judiciary, the association had said.

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TDP president and former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has accused the ruling YSRCP of deploying bogus voters to subvert people's mandate in Kuppam and other civic bodies.

Polls were held for several municipal bodies in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, including Naidu's Assembly constituency Kuppam where he has alleged large scale irregularities in the election process at the behest of ruling YSRCP.

The Opposition leader lauded the Kuppam voters for putting up strong resistance by coming out in large numbers to oppose the election excesses of the YSRCP leaders. They have caught hundreds of bogus voters and handed them over to the authorities. It is a black spot to democracy that the police did not act against bogus voters but resorted to lathi-charge on the people who came to halt impersonators, Naidu said addressing reporters in Amaravati.

Naidu charged Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy and his party men of committing midnight murder of democracy by getting the TDP polling agents and leaders arrested hours before the election by the police, who have become unprincipled under the present regime. Naidu said that Jagan is under delusion that he could use money and muscle power every time to sabotage elections and subvert the public mandate.

But the events today revealed how the people in the streets have begun to revolt against this lawless government, Naidu said while observing that public perception of wrongdoing has improved in his home district Chittoor from the time of Tirupati Lok Sabha bypoll held in April.

The TDP, BJP and Jana Sena parties had then alleged large scale fake voting, impersonation, and other malpractices by the YSRCP and demanded the Election Commission of India to conduct re-polling in Tirupati. The YSRCP had retained the seat by a majority of over 2.7 lakh votes.

Stating that there is video evidence showing how the YSRCP brought fake voters in buses from other districts and states on Monday, Naidu accused the State Election Commission officials and the police of becoming mute spectators to YSRCP's poll excesses including using of innocent youngsters as bogus voters. The ruling party is trapping youngsters in criminal cases and then blackmailing them to carry out such nefarious activities to favour Jagan, Naidu alleged.

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With the controversy over decisions taken by four municipal corporations including Rajkot, Vadodara, Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad banning road-side food stalls selling non-vegetarian food and affected vendors up in arms, Gujarat state BJP president C R Paatil on Tuesday said that "no such decision will be implemented as municipal corporations, which have sought to ban, have been informed to avoid taking such decisions."

The BJP chief told reporters at party headquarters in Gandhinagar, "In India, there are two kinds of people- those who take vegetarian and those who eat non-vegetarian food...this is their right and no one can stop them. There can be action if someone is selling unhygienic food but they can't be removed. BJP will never do that. They are poor people and the party keeps trying to help them irrespective of who they are."

Paatil defended the party leaders in urban bodies by saying that "there is no circular or written order but only oral instructions which have been asked to withdraw." Without taking names, Paatil also said that a minister, who supported the move, has been told to refrain from making such statements. On Monday, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel had also made a public statement stating that the government is not against people's eating preferences.

Read | Gujarat civic bodies go after non-veg street vendors

The statement came even when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and other urban bodies have started to implement their decisions and seized at least five handcarts from street-side. AMC officials claimed that all kinds of handcarts blocking traffic or footpaths are being seized.

Rakesh Maheria of Lari Galla Patharna Sangh, an association of street vendors, has been opposing the civic bodies' decision and has sought apologies from state law minister Rajendra Trivedi for calling roadside vendors as "temporary land grabbers." He told DH, "There are 15 to 16 lakh street vendors in the strate who will be rendered jobless if these decisions are implemented."

Meanwhile, Gujarat Congress Working president Hardik Patel also issued a statement claiming that "top leadership of BJP and government have entered into some sort of big financial arrangement with multinational companies and fast food chains selling non veg food items. Recent ordinance by some municipal corporations in Gujarat to regulate sale of food items is in reality another attempt by BJP and RSS to finish livelihoods of our small businessmen and shopkeepers." He claimed that he got this information through "reliable sources."

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A local court here on Monday remanded dismissed Mumbai police officer Sachin Vaze to 14-day judicial custody in an extortion case.

The city's crime branch had taken Vaze's custody on November 1 in the case, registered at suburban Goregaon police station on a complaint of builder-cum-hotelier Bimal Agrawal, in which former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh is among half a dozen accused.

After the end of his crime branch remand, the 49-year-old former Assistant Police Inspector was produced before a magistrate court, which sent him to judicial custody.

The dismissed cop had been in judicial custody after his arrest in March by the NIA in the Antilia bomb scare-Mansukh Hiran murder case.

Vaze was lodged in Navi Mumbai's Taloja jail from where the crime branch had taken his custody in the extortion case. As per the complaint by Agarwal, accused persons extorted Rs 9 lakh from him for not conducting a raid on two bars and restaurants, which he ran in partnership, and also forced him to buy two smartphones worth around Rs 2.92 lakh for them.

The incident occurred between January 2020 and March 2021, police earlier said. Accordingly, the case was filed under Indian Penal Code sections 384 and 385 (both pertaining to extortion) 34 (common intention) against the six accused and a probe was underway, they had said.

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A fire broke out in the service centre of a mobile phone company on Mumbai's Kanjurmarg on Monday.

Fire reported in the service centre of a mobile phone company at #Kanjurmarg in #Mumbai.

Seven fire tenders and water tankers rushed@DeccanHerald  Mrityunjay Bose (@MBTheGuide) November 15, 2021

Seven fire tenders and water tankers rushed to the spot. No injuries reported so far.

More to follow
Couple of days after the fierce 10-hour-long encounter between police forces and Naxalites in which 26 outlaws were killed in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil visited the Maoist-infested district on Monday and congratulated the officers and men involved in the operation.

It is a major successI congratulate and compliment all the officers and men involved in this successful operation, Walse-Patil said as he felicitated the team involved in the encounter including the C-60 commando crack team on Saturday.

They have done a great job. It is a big achievement. This will prove useful to maintain peace and take the development forward in this region, he said.

The Naxalites killed include Milind Teltumbde, the Central Committee Member (CCM) of CPI (Maoist) and the in-charge of MMC Zone, which covers as vast expanse of Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh in central India.

Meanwhile, state Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, who is the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, visited Nagpur and met the injured jawans. "We are carrying out extensive development in Gadchiroli," he said and appealed to the outlaws to surrender and join the mainstream.
From starting off as a worker in an open cast mine to becoming central Indias top Naxal commander, Milind Teltumbde has left a trail of blood.

While he operated in the field and rural areas, he also played a key role in spreading Maoism in the urban areas.

Teltumbde (57) was wanted by police forces in several states including Maharashtra, as well as by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A Central Committee Member (CCM) of CPI (Maoist), he was in charge of the MMC Zone, calling the shots in the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh confluence.

Also Read | Top Maoist commander Milind Teltumbde among 26 Naxals killed in Gadchiroli

Teltumbde was wanted in 63 cases which include ambushes, blasts, encounters, arson, robberies and killing civilians and police personnel.

Born in Rajur in Yavatmal district, he passed his matriculation and enrolled in ITI.

After that, he began working in an open cast mine in Sasti in Chandrapur and slowly entered the labour movement before joining the Naxalite movement.

Incidentally, Milind's brother is Dalit scholar Anand Teltumbde, who is married to the sister of Rama Teltumbde, the granddaughter of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Anand is a senior professor at Goa Institute of Management and is currently under arrest in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

Also Read | How its transit route makes Gadchiroli vulnerable to Naxalism

Milind is a wanted accused in the Elgar Parishad-Koregaon Bhima case.

"Milind went by various names like Jiva, Dipak, Pravin, Arun, Sahyadri and Sudhir," officials said.

His wife, Angella Sontakke was arrested in 2011 in Thane by Maharashtra police for Maoist activities.

Two of the big cases in which he was wanted are the blast in Jambulkhede in which 15 jawans died and the encounter in Koparshi.

In fact, he was responsible for the creation of the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh zone of CPI (Maoist), to focus on central India.

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Employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) remained firm on their demand for the loss-making corporation's merger with the state government and continued their strike on Monday, resulting in bus operations being shut at all 250 depots in the state, officials said.

On Sunday, nearly 4,000 employees had reported to duty and the corporation operated around 80 buses on different routes, they said. "However, bus operations at all 250 depots are shut today, though many workshop employees have rejoined duty," a spokesperson of the MSRTC said.

The employees started the indefinite strike from October 28 and intensified it earlier this month. They have refused to budge from their demand for the merger of the MSRTC with the state government. The merger will give them the status of government employees, besides better salaries.

Also Read | Two attempt suicide near Maharashtra secretariat in support of MSRTC employees' stir; held

The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to look into the demand of the employees.

Last week as well, all 250 depots of the MSRTC were closed since Monday. The MSRTC issued a pamphlet on Friday, urging the employees to call off the strike immediately.

Accumulated losses of the corporation have risen to Rs 12,000 crore, but it still paid the salaries for the last 18 months by taking a financial assistance of Rs 3,549 crore from the state government, it said.

The pamphlet had also mentioned the fulfillment of other demands such as increase in the dearness allowance and house rent allowance and a Diwali gift for the employees. Ordinary commuters have been suffering and the MSRTC is losing Rs 15 to 20 crore every day due to the strike, it had said, also warning of the long-term financial impact.

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By Stephen Mihm

Economic forecasting, a fools game in the best of times, has become increasingly useless.

A global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events have thrown conventional models into disarray. Thats led commentators to warn of growing risks to the global economy.

Thats wrong. What the world is confronting cant really be reduced to the idea of risk. The actual problem is even more vexing: widespread, growing uncertainty.

This distinction between risk and uncertainty may seem purely semantic. Its not, as the idiosyncratic economist Frank Knight recognized a century ago when he published his classic meditation on the matter. His thoughts are worth revisiting today.

Read more: COP26: India proposes 'phase down' strategy for coal use

Knight was born in Illinois in 1885, one of nine children in a deeply religious family. He had few of the markings of a future academic, save for intense intelligence. He eventually broke from his familys faith, a move that some biographers have speculated primed him to challenge other peoples cherished beliefs, especially economic orthodoxies.

He never finished high school, but managed to get to college and pursue what one biographer called a motley education, dabbling in chemistry, German and philosophy before graduating from the University of Tennessee. He then pursued a doctorate in economics at Cornell University. It was there that he wrote and revised his dissertation under the shadow of two radical ruptures: World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic, both of which may have contributed to his thinking about risk and uncertainty.

He published his dissertation in 1921 as Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit, taught at the University of Iowa for a few years, then joined the faculty of the University of Chicago, where he held sway for several decades. Always an iconoclast, he feuded with colleagues, reserving special contempt for economists who favored quantitative techniques and empirical models. Reading his classic work, its easy to understand why.

Knights book is unusual for many reasons, not least the fact that it offers one of the clearest definitions of the conditions necessary for that nirvana of general equilibrium that economists call perfect competition  and then shows how that world will never exist because of the powerful undertow of what he called uncertainty.

For most people, risk and uncertainty are more or less synonymous: things that are risky are uncertain and vice versa. Knight disagreed. In an exploration of these concepts that bordered on the metaphysical, Knight asked his readers to consider the fact that human beings  and entrepreneurs in particular  are necessarily obsessed with what will happen in the future. But Knight argued that future events fell into two distinct categories.

The first was what Knight dubbed risk: events that one could not know would happen  much less precisely when they would happen  but to which a certain probability could be assigned. As an example, he cited another economist who had described the making of champagne, which invariably resulted in a certain number of bottles bursting from an excess of carbonation. But the loss rate was consistent and predictable. As a consequence, wrote Knight, the loss becomes a fixed cost in the industry and is passed on to the consumer.

Somewhat less predictable, but still capable of control, were events that one could not predict on a case-by-case basis (a factory burning down, for example) but could be quantified as a definite risk when pooled with others drawn from the same type or category. This, explained Knight, was the insight that lay at the foundation of the insurance industry. No individual calamity could ever be foreseen, but a certain probability within a larger pool could.

It is evident, wrote Knight, that a great many hazards can be reduced to a fair degree of certainty by statistical grouping. But he warned that an equally important category cannot.

This was the dreaded world of uncertainty: a place where bad things might happen, but one had no ability to predict the likelihood. These could not be wrestled to the ground with modeling, statistical analysis or anything else in the toolkit of economics.

Knight thus posited a distinction between a measurable uncertainty (what he called risk) and unmeasurable uncertainty (which he called true uncertainty). He conceded that it might be possible to accumulate sufficient data to turn uncertainties into risk, though he noted, The use of resources in reducing uncertainty is an operation attended with the greatest uncertainty of all.

Many economists have quibbled with Knights analysis, with some pointing out that the distinctions between risk and uncertainty are rarely so clear. But his arguments continue to be influential and relevant, perhaps especially so now. Just as the reputation of the heterodox economist Hyman Minsky revived in the shadow of the 2008 financial crisis, Knights writings have a direct relevance to the present moment of radical uncertainty.

The unknowns that the world now faces  the radical disruptions of climate change, an ever-evolving deadly virus and the dissolution of carefully constructed supply chains  means that economic forecasts and predictions, which are of little use generally, should be ignored altogether.

But as Knight would tell you, the fact that nobody knows what will happen to the global economy shouldnt be cause for despair. In fact, he argued that uncertainty is the wellspring of profit. Entrepreneurs dont make money by assuming risks that can be quantified; they make money by bearing the cost of true uncertainty.

That means this moment of extreme uncertainty is a business opportunity of astonishing proportions. Of that, Frank Knight would have been certain.

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The killing of school principal Supinder Kaur and teacher Deepak Chand in Srinagar  the former a Sikh woman and the latter a Hindu  sent shivers down peoples spines in the Valley. Twelve people, including the owner of a popular chemist shop, Makhan Lal Bindroo, lost their lives due to terrorist violence in the Valley in October this year.

The series of civilian killings followed by encounters in Poonch and Rajouri in which 11 army personnel, including an officer and two Junior Commissioned Officers were martyred, has belied the claim that all is hunky-dory in the Union Territory, what with thousands of tourists having visited the Valley between July and September this year. According to available data, 36 civilians and 78 security personnel were killed in 2019. The figures declined to 33 civilians and 46 security personnel in 2020 and this year, the toll is more than 30, including non-Muslim civilians and security personnel till October 26. If militant deaths are included, the total number of terrorism-related killings is 283 in 2019, 321 in 2020 and 207 till October this year.

The spate of killings sent a few hundred Sikhs and Hindus packing their belongings and heading for secure harbours in Jammu. Rumour mills worked overtime to convince the gullible that it was a return of the 1990 violence. An impossibility in the present environment. Much water has flown down the Ganga since then. Towards the end of 1989, when militancy raised its head in the Valley, security forces were taken by surprise. Ill-prepared to take on Pakistan-backed militants, the police personnel were a demoralised lot. Massive induction of security forces  the Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)  helped wrest control over the situation.

On CRPF fell the major responsibility of restoring peace in the Valley by coordinating the deployment of the forces and organising anti-terrorist operations headed by an Inspector General of Police. A modicum of normalcy was restored at a heavy price within a few years. Hundreds of police, para-military and Army personnel sacrificed their lives to restore near-normalcy in the Valley. Jammu & Kashmir police personnel were put through intensive training sessions, equipped with modern weapons and equipment which revived their morale to take on the militants. The blend of technical inputs through modern communication interceptors with human intelligence gathered from the field enhanced the intelligence-gathering machinery, helping the security forces launch successful operations against militants.

The Special Operations Group of the state police operated in close coordination with the Army, CRPF and BSF which yielded commendable results. Several top militants belonging to various terrorist outfits were eliminated from time to time with security forces heaving a sigh of relief in the hope that militancy was on its last legs. But that was not to be. With new recruits joining the outfits, militancy has not ebbed. The handlers from across the border have lured our youngsters, trained them, equipped them with weapons and sent them back to attack security forces and civilians.

The Resistance Force (TRF)  a frontal outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba  raised last year, has owned responsibility for most of the violent incidents. Deviating from the usual ploy of projecting militants as heroes, the TRF has managed to lure young boys by exposing them to video shots of their attacks on security forces. They are trained to shoot their targets with pistols that can be easily hidden and then merge into the populace, making it difficult for the security forces to track them down. Several other new outfits like the Geelani Force, Peoples Anti-Fascist Force, Freedom Seekers of Kashmir, United Liberation Front and the Harkat-313 have emerged and need to be nipped in the bud before they turn monstrous.

Big role

While the security forces keep the militants at bay, our political leaders have a big role to play if normalcy has to return. Undoubtedly, the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A has been a cause for much disaffection among the local leaders. Ultimately, the Centre has to necessarily rely on local politicians to take over the reins of governance. The recent statement by former chief minister Farooq Abdullah that he will continue to be an Indian and will always remain with India should be reassuring to many a Doubting Thomas. Restoration of statehood followed by early elections without having to wait for the outcome of the report of the Delimitation Commission ought to be the priority of the Centre.

Without public support, security forces cannot achieve much. It is the local leaders alone who can influence public opinion to steer it favourably towards the security forces and thereby root out militancy. Despotic action serves to alienate the inhabitants of the state and can be counter-productive. With a neighbour across the border looking for opportunities to create disaffection among the masses, utmost caution is called for. It is rather ironic that while the security forces make all efforts to win over the people with various civic action projects and friendly overtures, the political leadership goes in a different direction.

Return of non-Muslims residents to other places from the Valley needs to be arrested at any cost, which is possible only when they are assured of their safety and security. Installation of CCTV cameras at all vital points and monitoring them round the clock could help the security forces rush to any spot in the shortest possible time and even avert incidents when suspicious characters are spotted. Nearly 80,000 Sikh families have stuck on to their abode in the Valley despite the shocking massacre of 36 Sikhs in Chattisinghpora in Anantnag district in 2000. They should not be let down now.

Since the tourism sector offers enormous opportunities, the state ought to open tourism institutes on the lines of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management run by the Central government not just in the Valley but also in Ladakh and Jammu. Surrendered militants could be trained on highly subsidised fees in these institutes and rehabilitated. Tackling unemployment needs to be prioritised.

(The writer is retired IGP, CRPF)
By Pankaj Mishra,

The recent gubernatorial election in Virginia and the British governments campaign against woke cultural institutions provide the latest evidence that White nationalism is becoming the unabashedly central ideology of the traditional parties of the right on both sides of the Atlantic.

Confoundingly at a time of widespread economic distress, Republicans in the United States and the Conservatives in the United Kingdom are united by their invocations of national glory, resolves to recover it, antipathy to immigrants, and targeting of institutions deemed insufficiently patriotic or overly indulgent of sexual, ethnic and racial minorities.

Remarkably, Hindu nationalists have waged each of these culture wars in India since the 1980s. Their stunning success underscores the treacherous turn lately taken by the democratic revolution that has been sweeping the world over the last two hundred years.

In recent decades, and largely due to economic globalisation and the communications boom, social hierarchies and consensuses built during a politically quiescent time have cracked even faster. Long powerless and voiceless peoples have become more vocal in their demands for individual rights and dignity. Many more of their representatives  women, people of color, Dalits, LGBTQs  have become increasingly prominent in public life.

Those who enjoyed uninterrupted authority for decades, if not centuries (Whites in Anglo-America and upper-caste Hindus in India), find their identities unnervingly destabilised.

Politicians and intellectual entrepreneurs offering to reconstruct these identities, and rebuild lost hegemony, are unsurprisingly in the ascendant after a period when social liberalism and multiculturalism seemed as irreversible as economic liberalisation.

This backlash from resentful forces of the status quo became manifest in India in the late 1980s, when the countrys democracy, manipulated for decades by upper-class paternalists, finally started to include more low-caste Hindus.

It is worth remembering that a belated extension in 1990 of affirmative action to lower-caste Hindus by a progressive prime minister was what propelled the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) out of the political margins and into the mainstream.

The party, devoted to a traditional social order, shrewdly channelled upper-caste anxieties about loss of status through a rousing cultural war. It insisted that Indias Hindu majority had been consistently discriminated against, and minorities pampered, by liberals in the centrist Congress party that had ruled India for decades. It accused its rival of instituting an educational system that disdains the religion and culture of the majority. It attacked universities for their allegedly high concentration of leftists.

Since low-caste Hindus could not be directly targeted without severe electoral consequences, the Indian Muslim came to signify the over-indulged and treacherous enemy  the figure who is insidiously undermining the social and economic order.

However, upper-caste support, and the demonisation of Muslims, werent enough for the BJP to win power in New Delhi. It took skyrocketing inequality and corruption amid an economic slowdown together with the mercurial figure of Narendra Modi, a non-upper-caste politician with a Horatio Alger-style autobiography, to cut across caste barriers and assemble a winning coalition  one that protects the interests of the partys old upper-caste base while promising equality and prosperity to newcomers.

Likewise, old elites within the Republican and the Conservative parties needed outliers like Donald Trump and Boris Johnson to break up voting patterns based on class, race and education, and to take a ruthless culture war against the liberal establishment, minorities and immigrants deep into schools, universities and homes.

The White nationalists, like the Hindu nationalists, may seem to have found an effective way of defusing the democratic revolution: converting, during a time of economic setbacks, ardent demands for equality and dignity into a catalyst for free-floating rage and rancor against multiculturalist elites and aliens. But these representatives of the challenged old order are in danger of overplaying their hand.

The problem with stoking social antagonism in irrevocably diverse societies is that, as Frank Luntz, former advisor to the Republican Party and author of a report warning against culture war in the UK puts it, the conflict and divisions never end.

India offers a grim warning in this regard. During its seven years in power, Modis party has managed to assert control over every major institution in the country  from the judiciary to the universities. The UKs Conservatives plot endlessly to subvert the BBC; and the US Republicans hope to receive unswerving loyalty from sections of the Murdoch-owned media. The BJP has ideologically co-opted almost the entire electronic media, legacy and social, in India.

However, having arrived in power after relentlessly identifying various enemies of the people, Modi has shown himself capable of little more. Unable to govern competently, he has ramped up the culture war, assisted by his mammoth propaganda machinery. Consequently, the social fabric of the country has been shredded, and economic recovery from the pandemic, if and when it occurs, is no guarantee of repair.

The Republicans and the Conservatives, currently on a winning streak against a fragmented opposition, should be wary of such catastrophic success. There is no quick or obvious way, during a devastating economic crisis, to accommodate demands for identity, security and dignity from long subjugated and silent minorities. But the White nationalist strategy of self-perpetuation through a rancorous culture war threatens to open the gateway to hell  an extensive and uncontrollable disorder.
I have spent some time wondering why R K Narayan missed the Nobel Prize for Literature. Which writer inspired a celebrated atlas of India with a town called Malgudi in it? In his speech at the University of Chicago, the author said: When I started on my first novel Swamy and Friends in September 1930, I invented this little town so that it would leave me free to meddle with its geography and other details without incurring the wrath of the city fathers...!

He created Ellaman Street, Kabir Lane, Market Square, Lawley Extension, Nallappas Grove and the Trunk Road with the River Sarayu winding its way to the Memphi Hills. Landmarks like the Albert Mission School, Banner Printing Press, Modern Indian Lodge and Gaffurs Taxi Service made this mythical town come alive.

The people inhabiting it were no less real. Sampath, the printer who never delivered in time; Margayya, the financial expert who ran a parallel banking system; Vasu, the fake taxidermist, who plundered the Memphi forests; Raju, the guide who accidentally became a godman. These timeless tricksters, along with their innocent victims, made Malgudi unforgettable.

M V Krishnaswamy, the documentary filmmaker, who knew R K Narayan in his early days, used to laugh: We were all grist to his mill. He could recognise familiar acquaintances among Malgudis delightful inhabitants. He would also see RKN, clad in a faded coat, dhoti and umbrella, walking in the marketplace, observing people around him. Sometimes, he allowed himself the luxury of an areca nut and cloves which he chewed to hide the pangs of hunger. When the struggling writer got a column in a newspaper called The Justice he spent a few annas on coffee and tiffin. What a sad irony that a person of such intellectual aristocracy was dogged by poverty, sighed MVK. Years later, when a famous R K Narayan was presented with a Mercedes Benz, he returned it saying he preferred to walk!

I had the privilege of meeting him in 1996 and whenever I went to Madras afterwards.

He was a fantastic raconteur of stories and spoke about his college days, his teachers, and his early life of poverty and denial.

I had to borrow money to send my manuscripts to England, he would recall, adding: The stories were all written on the clean side of used sheets of paper.

There was no bitterness as he remembered those hard days. There was only joy that he found a true friend in Graham Greene to whom he sent a copy of Swamy and Friends with a note to read and throw into the Thames. That one novel  the work of a genius  would have done the Nobel Prize

proud.
Five years after the demonetisation of currency notes of higher denominations was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2016, there is no evidence that it has helped the economy, but there is plenty to show that it has damaged it. What was presented as a magic remedy to cure many ills of the economy turned out to be a poison pill whose negative impact is still being felt. The countrys GDP growth rate which was 8% the previous year, started falling after that and has never recovered. Demonetisation was a major reason for that because it led to the collapse of much of the informal sector which accounted for a large part of the economy. Millions of small businesses, which had no sustaining power, were killed off in a few days by the liquidity crunch. Even the organised sectors were adversely affected by the shortage of currency and lack of demand.

The PM had said that demonetisation was meant to flush out black money. He wanted people to bear the pain for 50 days to help him deliver the India of "your dreams". But it turned out to be a nightmare. In about 50 days, 99% of the demonetised currency had returned to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Much of the money returned in bunches. That meant it was mostly black money, and that demonetisation provided hoarders an opportunity to turn it into white money. The cash to GDP ratio, which was 8.7% in 2016-17, increased to about 15% in 2020-21. Neither tax collections nor compliance increased after demonetisation. There was no impact on the generation of black money, which still pervades all sectors of the economy. The government tried to shift the goal post and claimed that demonetisation was intended to enable a shift to a cashless economy. The digital economy and transactions have grown since then but that is more because of the spread of mobile broadband and the incidence of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was the justification of a wrong action in retrospect.

Demonetisation will also be remembered for the wrong way it was done. It was done apparently without any study of its consequences. There was no prior consultation with the RBI, which was asked to endorse the governments decision. It did so and damaged its own credibility. The decision could not even be called the governments, because it was taken by one person or perhaps two who had no known credentials or expertise to take such a decision. It was an authoritarian act and showed a penchant for drama and posturing. Its postscript is pain inflicted on people, most of them poor, who were made to pay for a fanciful idea that is still hurting the country.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday claimed to have convinced Union Home Minister Amit Shah that Karnataka's viewpoint should be considered first before finalising a project that would link peninsular rivers.

Bommai was speaking to reporters after having returned from Tirupati where he attended the Southern Zonal Council meeting that Shah chaired.

Before preparing the detailed project report on interlinking of the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Palar rivers, the states share of water should be decided. I stressed this. [Shah] instructed the Jal Shakti ministry to go ahead only after considering Karnatakas contention, Bommai said.

Bommai said he strongly urged the Centre to issue the gazette notification on the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award. "The Centre has to take a stand. Its been 10 years, he said.

Also Read | Congress playing politics over Bitcoin scam, keeping 'non-issue' alive: Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai

At the meeting, Bommai said that he reiterated Karnatakas demand that the Centre should not give legal clearance for major irrigation projects of neighbouring states that violated verdicts of water tribunals. Telangana has no right to take up Palamaru Ranga Reddy and Nakkalagandi lift irrigation projects from Srisailam reservoir in Krishna basin to draw huge quantities of surplus waters, Bommai said.

He also opposed the construction of the Rajiv Gandhi Sangam Banda barrage by Telangana. Such a permanent project to draw surplus waters would deprive Karnataka of its rightful share, he said.

Further, Bommai asked Andhra Pradesh to share construction details for the Gundrevula reservoir, which would submerge villages in Karnataka.

I also raised the Mekedatu project, but it could not be taken up for discussion as the Tamil Nadu CM (MK Stalin) did not attend the meeting, he said, asserting his governments willingness to go ahead with it.

Our fight with Tamil Nadu goes back to pre-independence times. Theres always politics around water in Tamil Nadu. Whenever there's a Karnataka project, they oppose it, Bommai said.

Besides Stalin, Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan did not attend the meeting.

PRR decision soon

On the long-pending peripheral ring road project in Bengaluru, Bommai said the government would arrive at a final decision soon. I have reviewed it twice. Several revisions have been done, he said, adding that private participation in the project was yet to be finalised.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for transparency in the way information on investors is shared with states.

Bommai said this at a meeting Sitharaman chaired with chief ministers and finance ministers of various states.

Transparent mechanism to share leads about investors, was one of the areas where Bommai sought the Centres cooperation, according to a release from his office.

Bommai further told Sitharaman that the Centre had to make policy interventions in several other areas to boost investments and economic activities.

A clear policy on forest and environmental clearance is required, Bommai said. He also sought amendments to laws governing urban and rural local bodies to improve infrastructure in places where townships are being developed in special economic zones (SEZ).

Also, Bommai asked the Centre to relax regulations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) so that economic activities can be facilitated in coastal areas. Kalyana Karnataka (formerly Hyderabad-Karnataka) needs additional incentives to attract investment in Karnataka, he said at the meeting.

The CM sought a direction to banks for financing new business sectors such as electric vehicles and medical technology.

Bommai said a portion of the district mining fund should be given to the state government. This will help repair damage to other districts' infrastructure by transporting the ore, he said.

These demands came even as Karnataka is preparing to host its flagship Invest Karnataka summit next year.

At the meeting, Bommai told Sitharaman that Karnataka managed to maintain its lead in economic development despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was brought to the notice of the Union Minister that the state had higher foreign direct investment inflow last year as the state government did not cease during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued to take measures for infrastructure development and to attract investments, Bommais office said.

Bommai said new airports at Shivamogga, Raichur, Vijayapura and Karwar would be operational next year.

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SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has accused Sinn Fein and the DUP of political cowardice over the immediate introduction of vaccine passports.

The Foyle MP also blasted the two main parties of the Stormont Executive as displaying a total abdication of leadership.

Mr Eastwood made his support for vaccine passports last month and reiterated his commitment today  despite him and his SDLP colleagues receiving protests and harrassment from those against the measure.

However, he said if steps are not taken to protect the health service the North is facing the reintroduction of further restrictions and called upon Sinn Fein and the DUP to step up to the plate and make the tough decisions.

Mr Eastwood said: The message from our health service has been clear  they are on the brink of collapse and want to see urgent mitigations introduced, including the immediate introduction of vaccine certifications to take the pressure off staff and allow patients to get the care they need.

Health Minister Robin Swann has previously warned that our hospitals will have to turn people away if the situation worsens and we saw that play out last night at Craigavon Area Hospital.

Sinn Fein and the DUP have thus far shown stunning political cowardice on this issue, a total abdication of leadership.

They are unwilling to take the tough decisions needed to protect our health service and the public.

This isnt easy, since calling for the introduction of vaccine certifications myself and party colleagues have been harassed and protested against but our primary concern remains protecting people.

We now face a stark choice, time is running out and this decision should have been made weeks ago.

To protect our health service, so that cancer sufferers, people in need of urgent operations and others in desperate need of medical attention get access to the treatment they need we will have to introduce vaccine certification or further restrictions to stop the spread of the virus.

Nobody wants to see another lockdown, I dont want to see our businesses forced to close, they have been through a horrendous time since the beginning of the pandemic and many are fighting for survival.

While a vocal minority continue their opposition to vaccine certifications recent polls indicate the vast majority of people in the North are in support of them.

Our Executive has the power to make decisions quickly, Nichola Mallon (Minister for Infrastructure) has constantly fought for the introduction of this vital measure and its time Sinn Fein and the DUP listened and do whats necessary to protect our public, businesses and our health service.
Sinn Fein Foyle MLA, Ciara Ferguson, has welcomed confirmation that legislation to protect people from the Bedroom Tax and Tory welfare cuts will be extended.

Welfare mitigation payments will be extended for another three years  news of which was confirmed in a post on social media site, Twitter, by DUP First Minister, Paul Givan.

This marks the end of a stand-off between Sinn Fein and the DUP. Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, had made 40 attempts for a permanent extension to be put in place, only for the DUP to block all of them.

However, while the compromise deal is only for a three-year extension, Ms Hargey managed to broker an agreement where upon a statutory obligation to review the measures will take place in the 2024/25 financial year.

Foyle MLA Ferguson was pleased with the outcome saying the support will put money into the pockets of low-paid workers.

She said: I welcome the extension of legislation which protects ordinary people from the Bedroom Tax and cruel Tory welfare cuts.

It will also close loopholes which ensure that hundreds of families with children, who were previously denied payments, will now be paid.

Extending this support will put money in the pockets of low-paid workers and families and some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

I would like to commend Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey for ensuring this happened and for putting the interests of workers, families and vulnerable people first.

Ms Ferguson's sentiments were also echoed by the Cliff Edge Coalition  an umbrella organisation of the charity, voluntary and third sectors.

Andy McClenaghan of the British Association of Social Workers, but speaking on behalf of the Cliff Edge Coalition said: The current mitigation package provides protection to thousands of households across Northern Ireland from some of the most severe aspects of the Westminster Governments welfare reform agenda.

"While the Coalition would have liked to have seen the extension of the measures on a permanent basis, the legislation proposed by Minister Hargey will, for the next three years, deliver vital support for households that receive a mitigation payment.

This legislation will protect over 37,000 households impacted by the bedroom tax from an average loss of 50 per month, as well as protecting over 1,800 families with children impacted by the benefit cap from an average loss of 221 per month.

The extension of the mitigations provides much-needed breathing space for hard-pressed families.

However, if nothing else changes, we will face another cliff edge in three years time. The Cliff Edge Coalition calls, therefore, on all political parties to commit to placing the mitigations package on a long-term footing during the next Assembly mandate.

This is crucial to protect thousands of individuals, families and children across Northern Ireland from poverty.
Sinn Fein Councillor Christopher Jackson has accused the British Government not respecting history after it was revealed that the UK would write it's own history of The Troubles.

The Deputy Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council insisted that multiple narratives of the conflict must be respected and heard and not just review The Troubles from the point of view of only one of its protagonists  the UK themselves.

Plans from the Northern Ireland Office involve the UK Government appointing a number of historians for the documentation of the conflict from 1969 to the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

However, Cllr Jackson  who represents the Waterside ward  insisted that all communities have their voices heard and not be sidelined by only one account being cast as the official record of The Troubles.

He said: It is important to remember that history is subjective and there are multiple narratives of the past, they all must be respected.

As protagonists of the conflict the British government shouldnt be defining, outlining or articulating the narrative of the conflict.

The mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the main political parties and both governments included an Oral History Archive to provide a central place to share experiences and narratives related to the Troubles.

It is important that the Stormont House legacy mechanisms are implemented in a human rights compliant manner, to ensure full independence and transparency in the establishment and operation of all the mechanisms.

This should allow all key stakeholders and individual citizens to partake in them, thus laying the groundwork for a genuine process of reconciliation to develop.
Prithviraj teaser: Akshay Kumar becomes 'Hindustan ka Sher' Prithviraj Chauhan, is ready to die for 'Dharam'; watch...

The teaser of Yash Raj's much-awaited film, Prithviraj is here. Starring Akshay Kumar in the titular role, the film will also mark the debut of Miss World, Manushi Chillar, who would portray the character of Sanyogita. The teaser also showed us a glimpse of Sonu Sood and Sanjay Dutt, who will be playing pivotal roles in the film.

The teaser begins with a war sequence, which looks just as magnificent as we had expected. The war sequences form the major part of this minute-long teaser. It also shares glimpses of all the characters. While the war and the war cry are what will hold your attention, the teaser also shows Sanyogita eloping with Prithviraj, something that has become a symbol of true love.

It is interesting to see Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj. What makes it more exciting for his fans is the fact that the film is his first period drama. He looks impeccable as the warrior who is ready to live and die for 'Dharam'. Sonu Sood's look is also interesting. It is also great to finally see Manushi Chillar on screens and she truly brings out the beauty that Sanyogita was famed to have possessed. She looks elegant and poised. Check out the teaser here:

Prithviraj is written and directed by Chadraparaksh Dwivedi. The film is all set to hit theatres early next year, on 21st January, 2022. Are you looking forward to the trailer, and the film just as much as we are? Let us know what your thoughts about the teaser are in the comments below.
Vikram Gokhale: I agree with what Kangana Ranaut has said, we got freedom in alms, it was given

Veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, on Sunday, came out in support of Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut's controversial statement that the Independence of India in 1947 was "bheek". Gokhale, who has made a name in theatre as well as Marathi and Hindi films, while speaking to media in Pune said, "I agree with what Kangana Ranaut has said. We got freedom in alms. It was given. Many freedom fighters were hanged and the big-wigs at that time didn't attempt to save them. They remained mere mute spectators."

I agree with what Kangana Ranaut has said. We got freedom in alms. It was given. Many freedom fighters were hanged and the big-wigs at that time didn't attempt to save them. They remained mere mute spectators: Actor Vikram Gokhale in Pune pic.twitter.com/4gBSYwFjqf  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2021

On Thursday, Kangana had said that India had attained freedom in 2014 when the Narendra Modi-led government came to power and described the country's Independence in 1947 as "bheekh" or alms. Later, Kangana said on social media that she will return her Padma Shri award if anyone can prove that she has disrespected martyrs and freedom fighters.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Thalaivii (@kanganaranaut)

Previously, several politicians had reacted with outrage at her comments. Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik on Friday demanded that the Centre must withdraw the Padma Shri award from Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut for her controversial remarks on the country's Independence and sought her immediate arrest. Youth Congress workers in Indore on Friday protested against the same.

Kangana had received the prestigious award from President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital on November 8.
Earlier this year, Apple and Epic Games were embroiled in a controversy over the latter offering in-app payments that bypassed the App Stores payment gateways. One of the reasons why Epic Games offered the same was because Apple charged a 30% commission for facilitating these payments, and offering in-app payments allowed them to avoid paying the high rates. Now that Apple has reversed its charges, other apps are ready to toe the line. In that vein, Netflix users can now renew their subscriptions directly through the app when using their iPhones. In other words, you no longer have to open the website on a browser to do the same.

How does this help users?

Earlier, Netflix users had to open the Netflix website on a browser to renew their subscriptions if they were watching content on an iOS device. Now that Netflix is offering in-app payments for renewing the subscription, people can save a ton of time and effort. Do note that even with this change, you wont be able to find Netflix on the Apple TV App (as of now).

What made it especially hard for people was that Netflix was not allowed to explain how they could renew their subscription once it ran out. Users had to figure it all out on their own. All Netflix could do was display an in-app banner apologising for the inconvenience, as doing anything else would violate Apples policies.

Apple had banned Fortnite for bypassing the App Stores payment gateways, and, of course, thats the last thing Netflix would want. Apple users do represent a fair chunk of the brands customer base and alienating them in a world where a new OTT platform is launched rather frequently would certainly be a bad move.

Also Read: Netflix will soon roll out its own take on Tik-Tok
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss the future of cryptocurrencies in India. Reports suggest during the meeting, several issues including the fear of how unregulated markets could be used as fronts for "money laundering and terror financing" were discussed.

The meeting between the government and key stakeholders from the industry also involved conversations around non-transparent and misleading ads that over-promise. According to reports, the government has signaled its intent to stop such ads and introduce strong regulatory steps to govern them.

PM Modi met with regulators regarding crypto

As per a report by the Press Trust of India, the government is going in with a progressive stance on the future of cryptocurrencies and understands that it is an evolving technology. As such, it plans to keep a close watch and take proactive steps about the technology. The report further claims the government is looking to proactively engage with experts and also bring in global partnerships and collective strategies.

The move signals a change in the government's stance on cryptocurrencies, which over the past few years have had to deal with a lot of uncertainty. To recall, in 2018, the Reserve Bank of India had imposed a ban on banks dealing with crypto businesses. Since then, the Supreme Court overturned the order in 2020. However, even after that, there were reports of the government wanting to ban cryptocurrencies earlier this year.

What was discussed?

While the government hasn't released an official statement on the matter, stakeholders from the industry have started making their stance clear on the issue. "A responsible investor always follows strong research and understanding of projects before investing in a crypto or any other asset. However, advertisements and social media trends certainly have an influence on the consumption patterns of the viewers and many times retail investors do not have the time or the means to do strong research before investing. Therefore, it certainly makes sense to monitor and regulate how organizations present their offerings. Any advertisements making false promises or overpromises must be taken down immediately. This is not just imperative for users' security but also for holistic industry growth. While the regulations are still evolving, it becomes the utmost responsibility of all the stakeholders to operate carefully. In regard to money laundering and terror financing, it is better if strict policies and security infrastructure are adopted by the platforms like we do at Cashaa along with United Multistate Credit Cooperative Society," -- said Mr. Kumar Gaurav, Founder & CEO of Cashaa.
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MONROE, Snohomish County (AP)  Students and parents who say they suffered brain injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals at a Monroe, Washington, public school were awarded $62 million by a jury this week.

The Seattle Times reports that Wednesday's decision is the second successful lawsuit involving noxious conditions at the school.





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EDMONTON, Canada  Stantec, an international professional services company in the design and consulting industry, will join a diverse group of collaborators on The Study of Environmental Arctic Change, a 5-year program funded by the National Science Foundation.

The Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) will spend the next five years bringing together scientific, Indigenous and decision-making experts to understand environmental change in the Arctic more fully. The SEARCH team will make the results available to decision makers in local communities, multiple levels of government and the private sector.





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DETROIT (AP)  Tesla CEO Elon Musk sold another chunk of his stock last Thursday after pledging on Twitter to liquidate 10% of his holdings in the electric car maker.

Musk sold about 640,000 shares for roughly $687.3 million, according to two filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Last week, the eccentric CEO sold about 5.1 million shares worth about $5.69 billion.





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SEATTLE  An apparently vacant building at 8537 Greenwood Ave. N. sold for a bit under $2.8 million, according to King County records.

The seller, via two LLCs, was a local investor who acquired the property in 2007 for nearly $1.1 million.





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Three Central High students placed in their respective categories at the American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) Central District Speech Contest held in Tecumseh Nov. 4. Jamison Scott placed third in Junior Agri-Science, Tobie Mitchell placed second in Intermediate Natural Resources and Lacey Best placed first in Intermediate Ag Policy. Pictured left to right are Jamison Scott, Tobie Mitchell and Lacey Best.
Women of Independence: Part II of the Remembrance Trilogy, produced by An Tain Arts Centre in association with Upstate Theatre Project is coming next month.

An Tain Arts Centre said they are delighted to present Women of Independence Live screening Sunday 5th December at 8pm.

It will also be available to stream online from Friday 3rd December at 8pm for 48 hours.

Women of Independence is a filmed theatrical performance that presents the real-life experiences of four Irish women during the War of Independence through a cast of community actors.

This performance, from an entirely female perspective, uses the real-life testimonies of Louth Women, Deirdre Spillane, Maire Fitzpatrick, Mary Kate Harte and Marie Lea-Wilson, to explore the female experiences of the War of Independence.

A follow up to An Easter Service (2016) Women of Independence is Part II of the Remembrance Trilogy and is produced by An Tain Arts Centre and Upstate Theatre Project.

Written by Conor McGinnity, An Tain Arts Centres Writer in Residence 2020 and featuring original music composed by Zoe Conway and James Mackin, An Tain Arts Centres Musicians in Residence 2021 and directed by Paul Hayes.

Director Paul Hayes said: I first came across these four womens stories over two years ago, but due to Covid-19 we had to re-imagine how we would tell them a number of times. Im really excited for the public to hear these authentic female voices as all so often throughout Irish history womens voices go unheard.

Women of Independence is Part of the Louth Decade of Centenaries Programme 2021 funded by the Commemorations unit of the Department of of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland and Create Louth.

Women of Independence is available to watch online from Friday 3rd December at 8pm for 48 hours only and on the big screen in An Tain Arts Centre on Sunday 5th December at 8pm. Tickets cost 10 plus 1.50 booking fee per ticket/device. You can purchase tickets over the phone on 042 9332332 or online at www.antain.ie.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Senator Pippa Hackett, wants to see timber play "a big part" in the future construction of Ireland's homes.

The senator made the comments as she launched a series of statements by the National Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD).

She said, "There are clearly massive opportunities to significantly increase the quantity of timber used in houses and to consider building taller buildings using engineered wood products such as cross laminated timber."

Calling on architects and builders to "think timber", she said, "We are planning major increases in house-building. I believe we need to make sure our timber industry plays a big part in it."

The COFORD statements recommend an expansion in the use of wood in construction due to the "valuable carbon store" of long-lived wood products.

The expansion of afforestation between 8,000 and 16,000ha per year - along with a significant reduction in agricultural emissions over the coming thirty years - was noted by COFORD as "necessary" for Ireland to approach carbon neutrality by mid-century.

Deputy Francis Noel Duffy joined Senator Hackett in urging the forestry and construction industry to keep timber in mind.

The deputy said, "We export massive amounts of timber, which is used in construction in other countries, but not here. That does not make sense, and as an architect myself I am very aware of the scope there is for us to build far more timber frame housing. I know it has not been our tradition but happily attitudes among construction professionals are changing. It is now time, I believe, for regulations to change and develop to enable the industry to more easily use timber."
For more than 90 years, The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund has assisted those in need in the Merrimack Valley through generous contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals. This year the need is as great as ever.

Contribute
North Andover, MA (01845)

Today

Cloudy with rain ending for the afternoon. High 54F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 29F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
EBRD issues KZT 12,500 million in three-year bonds linked to the TONIA rate

TONIA risk-free rate to be used to calculate local-currency lending rates in Kazakhstan

Issuance continues the Banks work to develop Kazakhstans local capital market

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the development of the local capital market in Kazakhstan by issuing the first ever local-currency bond linked to the new tenge overnight index average rate, or TONIA.

KZT 12,500 million of the three-year bonds were auctioned at full issue price on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE). Tengri Partners, a Central Asia-based merchant banking group, acted as arranger.

The three-year bonds pay a flat (zero-spread) coupon of the TONIA risk-free rate, calculated using the TONIA Compounded Index (TCI).

The TONIA and TCI were developed by the KASE, with the assistance of the Money Market Working Group, comprising the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the EBRD and the countrys leading financial institutions following international best practices. The KASE publishes the rate and index.

TONIA is a robust benchmark, anchored in the liquid overnight KZT repurchase agreement (repo) market. In line with market practices for indexing transactions to similar overnight risk-free-rates in other currencies, TONIA will be compounded daily and the compounded rate then calculated at the end of each interest period. Using the TCI simplifies calculations and reduces the risk of operational error.

KASE Deputy Chair Natalya Khoroshevskaya said: The TONIA rate is an important component of the debt market of Kazakhstan, used for constructing the yield curve of government bonds. This benchmark is a reliable, representative and transparent indicator for participants in the local financial market. This bond issue is recognition of TONIAs reliability as the main money-market indicator in Kazakhstan. KASE is planning to continue implementing necessary measures to develop the debt market and improve its benchmarks."

Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD Head of Kazakhstan, said: This landmark transaction will stimulate the development of the local-currency market in the country. We also plan to use TONIA as the EBRD benchmark rate in our KZT lending. Bond issues of this kind from an AAA-lender such as the EBRD will improve the portfolio quality of any investor in Kazakhstan."

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Kazakhstan. To date, the Bank has invested more than US$ 10.2 billion in Kazakhstans economy through 293 projects.
IF you have travelled along the splendour of the Wild Atlantic Way, you have probably lamented that you cant take a piece of it home with you.

While you cant move the stunning scenery to your back yard, you can now bag yourself bespoke ceramics inspired by the sea creatures found along that spectacular coastal route.

Wacki (which stands for Wild Atlantic Ceramics Kinsale Ireland) is the brainchild of Kinsale resident Emma ODonnell.

Emma O'Connell of Wacki.

Emma had an artistic flair from a young age.

Since I was a kid, I always loved making things. Like, if my parents went away on a holiday Id have something made for them when they came back, she recalls.

Emma started making ceramics in school, where her talent didnt go unnoticed. In Junior Cert year at Kinsale Community College, the initial brief was to make a small nightlight holder, but her teacher, Miss Fitzpatrick, instead suggested she make a giant octopus lamp which took up the entire kiln space.

My teacher actually said I could make them and sell them and I always kept that in my head since she said it. And about ten years later, I decided to do it!

In the intervening years, the lure of the sea saw Emma working as an outdoor instructor teaching sailing, surfing and power boat-driving. There was also a travel stint in New Zealand plus work at her parents business, Evergreen Interiors, which she continues to this day.

Her Kinsale waterside location and her experience with water pursuits have all been building blocks towards the business she started around 18 months ago.

I love the sea and I love art, so Im doing two things I love, she says.

Her kiln is at her parents warehouse, where she works away with the radio on, handcrafting fish, whales, dolphins, starfish, seahorses, turtles, seals, and octopuses. Some of them even have names. Wandering Wallace, the octopus, popped up in various outdoor locations during the summer on her social media pictures, while Christy the Crab made himself useful as a pen holder.

Making even the smallest item is a lengthy process: I start off with a ball of clay and then make, for example, the octopus. I leave it dry for days - and now that its colder you have to leave it dry for longer because the air isnt as warm.

A crab made by Emma O'Connell of Wacki.

When its dry you have to come back and hollow it out, add eyes and stuff like that. Once it is fully dry you put it in the kiln at 1,050 degrees. And thats a day in the kiln before you can open it again.

"When it comes back out, then I glaze it and paint the colours. With glaze you have to put two or three layers to make sure it comes out well. Then it goes back into the kiln at that temperature for another day before you can take it back out.

For some of her smaller items, she can fit 30 in the kiln at the time but for her large octopuses, only two will fit. She has to be careful not to squash items in too close. When theyre being glazed, nothing can touch off each other, as theyd fuse together, she explains.

In the relatively short time shes been in business, the reaction to her artwork has been very positive. She has already sent items as far as America and Canada, although the local support has also been amazing.

Kinsales Blue Haven Hotel put in a big order to decorate its bedrooms, while the Cosy Cafe purchased a ceramic octopus for outside the premises, and her work is also on display inside.

Fish by Emma O'Connell of Wacki

Most recently, Emmas cute ceramics have been stocked in Cronins of Kinsale, the towns largest outlet for arts and crafts gifts.

In the past few months, she has introduced some framed pieces which are proving popular. Some are ordered to mark the birth of a baby, with Mammy and Daddy fish depicted alongside baby fish, personalised with names and the babys date of birth.

On the day we chat, Emma is also cooking up some festive ideas.

I just have something in the kiln at the moment, a whale Christmas tree decoration with a Santa hat on, she reveals.

Seahorses by Emma O'Connell of Wacki.

While having her own website is still on her to-do list, Emmas Wacki work can be purchased on her Etsy shop or on the Shop in Ireland platform, while she also takes orders through Instagram and Facebook.

The world is her oyster (if you pardon the sea pun!) and she seems likely to expand the business further as time goes on.

I always have ideas floating around in my head, she says. Even when I go to bed at night, Ill think of things. I need to start putting a notebook and pen next to me!

For more see: http://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/WackiArt

https://www.shopinireland.ie/store/wacki/ https://www.instagram.com/w_a_c_k_i/

https://www.facebook.com/wackiart


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Qualcomm doesn't like Apple very much, which is understandable given how Apple tried to put it out of business. Though another reason Qualcomm doesn't like Apple is that in Apple's vertically integrated world, Qualcomm is redundant.

One of the big problems for Qualcomm is that the Apple Watch remains superior in terms of features and overall capability to any watch made using Qualcomm technology. However, by tying the Apple Watch to the iPhone, Apple has cut itself off from about two-thirds of the potential smartphone total available market (TAM).

Last week, Qualcomm, which owns the dominant hardware platform for non-Apple smartwatches, articulated a plan to take advantage of Apple's mistake and replace the Apple Watch at the top of the smartwatch segment.

Let's talk about the Apple vs. Qualcomm smartwatch war for 2022. Then we'll close with my product of the week -- a new printer from HP explicitly designed for the home.

Apple's Exposure

It's odd to see the same company make the same mistake repeatedly, although it isn't unusual given that most CEOs don't properly train their successor.

With the iPod, Steve Jobs initially made the product Apple-only but quickly realized that massively reduced the total available market. Jobs later reversed himself and made the iPod available for Windows users. This change made the iPod so successful it almost singlehandedly changed Apple from a failing company to one that would later bring out the iPhone and transform the market.

With the Apple Watch, Tim Cook tossed out the Steve Jobs lesson and made it only available for iPhone users. He didn't even maintain Jobs' iPod, iPhone, and iPad naming methodology and instead named the new product Apple Watch.

Finally, unlike the colossal marketing campaigns surrounding the iPod and iPhone, the Apple Watch is vastly undermarketed, leaving it unable to reach its full potential even in the Apple ecosystem.

Apple Watch Series 7 [Credit: Apple]

These questionable decisions are why the Apple Watch is both the best smartwatch in the market, and the one that has failed to reach its full potential; with only a 10 percent attach rate with iPhones. Ninety percent of the people that could use the Apple Watch don't.

This weak spot means that if someone were able to create an Apple Watch competitor and make it compatible with iOS and Android, and did sufficient marketing, they could not only dominate Android but win up to 90 percent of the Apple market as well.

Obviously, the product would have to be more compelling than the Apple Watch and be wrapped with a solid demand generation marketing campaign.

Qualcomm's New Platform

Last week, Qualcomm teased its next-generation smartwatch platform and indicated that it would increase its overall investment in this device class by at least a magnitude next year.

I imagine a good deal of that extra money will go into demand generation marketing, targeting Android and iOS users. Google, of course, is still Qualcomm's software partner and seemed eager to go after this increased opportunity when it commented during the event. Both firms are excited about this substantially unmet market opportunity.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T





Pankaj Kedia, the Sr. Director and Global Head of Smart Wearables for Qualcomm, indicated that this new platform would have more performance and greater battery life than existing products. Meanwhile, existing Qualcomm smartwatch products already exceed the battery life of current generation Apple watches, yet they lag in features.

It's worth noting that most Qualcomm-based watches don't support 4G or 5G, and none of them have the entire sensor suite that Apple offers -- yet. However, Kedia conveyed that they would be investing heavily in more-advanced sensors and should match Apple in capabilities when the updated platform launches next year.

My take is they could possibly exceed what Apple provides. I say possibly because, despite the lackluster nature of the latest Apple Watch, it seems doubtful that Apple will hand the market over to Qualcomm and its partners.

Qualcomm can also spread costs across several watchmakers. Access to both the Android and Apple ecosystems could provide a more advanced and more capable smartwatch at a lower price than Apple. Reason being, Qualcomm's partners accept far smaller profit margins than Apple will, so Qualcomm should be able to generate more volume given this market remains under-penetrated.

The old saying goes "better, faster, cheaper; pick any two." Qualcomm's presentation suggested we'd be getting all three with this new platform next year.

Wrapping Up

An opportunity for Qualcomm has been created by Apple undermarketing its current market-leading smartwatch and not following Steve Jobs' example with the iPod to sell outside of Apple's existing customer base.

This mistake means that if another company could develop a more capable, less expensive alternative -- and market it well -- it could roll over Apple and render the Apple Watch redundant, even if it took no market share from the product.

Ironically, given Apple is undermarketing its product, a strong demand generation campaign from Qualcomm might drive more interest in Apple's base for the Apple Watch, creating a potential win for both firms with no cost to Apple.

But suppose Qualcomm is triumphant, and the market pivots to its platform? In that case, the resulting economies of scale could force Apple to exit this segment, much like it exited printers, servers and will eventually exit smart speakers (HomePod), where it hasn't been competitive, in this case against Amazon.

It is interesting to note that Apple still appears to be living on the success of Steve Jobs in terms of the product set. This outcome is because virtually nothing has come out since Jobs left that has been anywhere near as successful as the iPod and iPhone; even the iPad seemed more successful while Jobs was alive.

One company's mistake is another company's opportunity. It looks like, next year, Qualcomm, with Google's help, is stepping up.

As a result, there may be a smartwatch in your future and it probably won't be an Apple product.

HP Envy Inspire

Another market segment that Apple was forced out of was printers, which happened during Jobs' tenure. The company that knocked Apple out of that market was HP, and HP continues to stand out as the most "green" of the printer companies -- and the firm most aggressively going after the home market today with printers and related services.

HP last week announced its Envy Inspire printer, the company's strongest home printer offering.

It comes in four colors to better match your home decor, switches between photos and paper printing, has a built-in scanner, and will do two-sided printing at speeds up to 15 pages per minute.

On the green side, HP paper is sourced from 100 percent renewable resources, and the Envy Inspire printer itself is built with 45 percent recycled plastics.

A clever new feature is Quiet Mode which allows you to reduce the noise from the printer by 40 percent if you drop into a Webex call and don't want the printer drowning out your voice. I mention Webex because last week Cisco announced an open API that, if HP hooked into it, could allow this printer to do this automatically, which, when you've got kids sending stuff to the printer, could be a godsend.

Scripts can be created for repetitive printing and scanning tasks to save a ton of time, and HP's new photo paper and ink have an anti-fade life of 40 years or more. For instance, you can create a script that automatically takes what you send, files a copy in a predesignated folder, and makes the resulting PDF searchable.

You can also print a description of the picture on the back of the photo paper, so down the line you or your heirs will be able to figure out who the heck is in that picture taken decades ago.

In the future, given we now live in the post-pandemic, work-from-home world, we will likely see more vendors build green products that better fit into our work-from-home world. Until then, the HP Envy Inspire printer sets the bar, and it is my product of the week.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network.

Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob.


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Sandra Ellen Dunn Locke of Elkmont, Alabama, passed away at Cape Canaveral Hospital on October 31, 2021. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Sandra is survived by her husband, Anthony Locke and their daughter, Ashley Norman; her son, Andrew Tybergh
IBM claims it has taken a major step toward practical quantum computation. On Monday, the company unveiled Eagle, a 127 qubit quantum processor. IBM claims its the first such processor that cant be simulated by a classical supercomputer. To make sense of what that means, the company says to simulate Eagle you would need more classical bits than there are atoms in every human being on the planet. IBM is crediting the breakthrough to a new design that puts the processors control components on multiple physical levels while the qubits are located on a single layer. Its a design the company says allows for a significant increase in computing power.

One aspect of Eagle the company isnt talking about at the moment is quantum volume. Cointed by IBM, its a metric that attempts to measure the performance of a quantum computer by taking a holistic view of its different parts. Not only does it take into account qubits, but also the way in which they interact with one another. The higher the quantum volume, the more capable a quantum computer is at tackling difficult problems.

IBM

Our first 127-qubit Eagle processor is available as an exploratory system on the IBM Cloud to select members of the IBM Quantum Network, Jerry Chow, the director of IBMs Quantum Hardware System Development unit, told Engadget. Exploratory systems are early access to our latest technologies and so we do not guarantee uptime or a particular level of repeatable performance, as measured by quantum volume.

Without knowing the quantum volume of the Eagle processor, its hard to say exactly how it compares to what's out there already. Last October, Honeywell claimed its System Model H1 had a quantum volume of 128 with just 10 connected qubits. For reference, earlier in the year IBM announced a 27 qubit system with a then industry-leading quantum volume of 64. Clearly, the companys new processor is powerful, but qubits dont tell the whole story here.

Whats also notable about Eagle is that IBM is not claiming quantum supremacy. According to the company, its a step toward that milestone, but the processor is not yet at the point where it can solve problems that classical computers cannot. In 2019, Google sparked controversy when it (briefly) claimed it had achieved the feat with its Sycamore system. At the time, IBM called the companys claims indefensible based on the fact Google built the computer to solve one specific equation.

IBM will make Eagle available to select members of its Quantum Network starting next month.
January 2, 1942 - November 20, 2021 Meron Kay Highfill Burleson went home to her Lord on November 20, 2021. She will be cremated at her request. There will be no memorial service at this time. A private memorial service to celebrate her life and going home will be held at a later date. Meron
Superstar Halle Berry has officially made her directorial debut. Berry directed and starred in a new Netflix film titled Bruised. This independent film follows the story of a MMA fighter who returns to the ring while also coping with the reappearance of the son that she gave up. Berry was passionate about the project from both sides of the camera. While a seasoned on-screen veteran, Berry's decision to step behind the camera was more nerve-wracking, but she knew this was the moment to do it. She said, "I was told a long time ago if you're going to be a filmmaker and tell a story, let it be something you love and something you know, and I feel like this is something I love and know." As a boxing fan, she felt confident that this was her moment.

The film premiered on Saturday at the AFI film fest. From there, it was picked up by Netflix which alone is a testament to the quality of the piece. Berry's multi-faceted participation in the film was not the original intention. Originally Blake Lively was going to take on the leading role.

YOUTUE

However, after Lively dropped out of the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter, "Berry was sent the script and loved it so much that she convinced producers to let her refocus the story to a middle-aged Black woman living and training in Newark for her to star in." The fight for this refocus was not easy. Berry recounted, "I was like, 'Oh god, I can't seem to get a filmmaker to make this story.' And then my dear friend, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas said to me, 'Wy don't you direct?'" The rest is history.

We are so thrilled to see Berry's directorial debut be such an instant success. Bruised will be available for streaming on Netflix on November 24th.
What distinguishes the delightful act of gift-bearing from the crime of giving a bribe?

When one talks of corruption in public life, there are two primary evils that steal the show: bribery and nepotism. Nepotism is a soggy terrain because the kings daughter may as well be the best warrior in the kingdom and thus deserves to lead the army. Bribery, in contrast, hand has no benefit of such equivocation; it is universally considered wrong and immoral.

One is often confronted with the dilemma of whether to accept gifts in the course of discharging duty. So, can a gift be seen as a bribe? The definitions of gift and bribe do not merit a description here. Everyone apparently understands what they mean, especially the difference between the two. However, in public life, the line that differentiates the two is very thin, indeed blurred. This dilemma finds its best expression in the custom of bearing gifts during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. There is a long-standing tradition of offering delicious moon cakes as gifts among family and friends; as we do on Diwali. At face value, it is innocuous and, in fact, quite heartwarming. The primary ingredients required in the preparation of moon cakes are generally inexpensive. However, when such baked items are studded with exotic fruits imported from the other side of the globe at exorbitantly high rates, it raises eyebrows. Economist dubbed the otherwise humble delicacy as the controversial pastry after it became typically associated with bribery. So ubiquitous was the practice that the Chinese government had to formally issue warnings against it. What degree of opulence in gifting is permissible, so that it is precluded from being a bribe, is a matter of social and philosophical enquiry.
LOCCITANE acquires majority stake in Brazilian-inspired premium beauty brand Sol de Janeiro - LOCCITANE GROUP/PR NEWSWIRE

GENEVA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The L'OCCITANE Group, an international group that manufactures and retails beauty and well-being products that are rich in natural and organic ingredients, is pleased to announce its acquisition of a majority stake in Sol de Janeiro, an innovative leader in the global prestige body care market. Born of an authentic Brazilian philosophy of celebration and joy, Sol de Janeiro is a fast-growing, award-winning lifestyle skincare brand beloved by multi-generational, modern and global consumers from millennials to Gen Z.

Founded in the US in 2015 as a results-driven premium body care brand with highly efficacious ingredients sustainably sourced from Brazil, Sol de Janeiro is one of the fastest-growing premium skincare brands in North America, with success across body care, fragrance and hair care products. It sells both directly to consumers through its website and through various premium retailers across the globe.

The acquisition is in line with the Group's strategy of building a leading portfolio of premium beauty brands. Sol de Janeiro is a strategic fit for the Group in terms of brand recognition and identity, product quality, management capability, as well as growth, profitability and cash generation prospects. Sol de Janeiro's digital presence and established body care business is complementary to the Group's balanced geographical strategy to build a portfolio of strong brands in all major geographical regions. Meanwhile, Sol de Janeiro is expected to leverage the Group's international presence to expand into new markets.

Andre Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of L'OCCITANE, said, 'We are delighted to be further expanding our brand portfolio and accelerating our transformation into a multi-brand and geographically balanced group. With a compelling brand story and an experienced and entrepreneurial management team, Sol de Janeiro reflects our values and premium beauty image.'

Heela Yang, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Sol de Janeiro, said, 'I have always admired L'OCCITANE, a beautiful lifestyle brand anchored in a deep commitment to sustainability, and we are thrilled to have found a home with the Group to continue to drive our explosive growth. Furthermore, we are ecstatic to have found a partner who so deeply respects our brand vision and values of inclusivity, joy and self-celebration.'

The Group will acquire an 83% indirect interest in Sol de Janeiro. Upon closing, Sol de Janeiro will become a majority-owned subsidiary of the Group.

Contact: groupcommunication@loccitane.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688350/LOCCITANE_acquires_majority_stake_of_Sol_de_Janeiro.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1527234/LOCCITANE_GROUP_logo.jpg
The European Commission said it will impose sanctions on airlines that fly would-be migrants into Belarus, as the migrant crisis on the Belarusian-Polish border intensifies.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned Russia that the western military alliance was standing by Ukraine amid what he called a large and unusual concentration of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders.
Crime Stoppers

Officials are offering a $100,000 reward for the identity of the individual who shot and killed a 25-year-old on Nov. 9, 2018.

Police said Oscar Alan Thompson II was driving his friend home at around 2:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Stone Gate Drive on the West Side when someone in a maroon Ford Expedition fired multiple shots into his vehicle. Thompson was hit once and crashed into a utility pole.
A Connecticut judge found Infowars host Alex Jones liable by default Monday in a defamation lawsuit brought by parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting over the conspiracy theorist's claims that the massacre was a hoax.

The ruling by the judge, who cited Jones' refusal to abide by court rulings or turn over evidence, means a jury will determine how much in damages Jones should pay to the families.

Shortly after the judges decision, Jones went on his show and said hed been deprived of a fair trial.

These individuals, again, are not allowing me to have a jury trial because they know the things they said I supposedly did didnt happen, he said. They know they dont have a case for damages. And so the judge is saying you are guilty of damages, now a jury decides how guilty you are. Its not guilty until proven guilty.

Judge Barbara Bellis took the rare step of issuing a default judgment in the case because she said Jones and his companies, Infowars and Free Speech Systems, had failed to turn over documents including records that might have showed how, and if, they had profited from spreading misinformation about the school shooting and other mass killings.

Jose Luis Magana/AP

Norman Pattis, a lawyer for Jones, said an appeal of Bellis default ruling is planned.

The ruling is founded neither in law or fact, Pattis said in an email. We remain confident that, in the end, the Sandy Hook families cannot prove either liability or damages. We think their lawyers know this; hence, the desperate effort to obtain a default.

His lawyers have asked that Bellis be removed from the case, alleging she has not been impartial.

The ruling has the same outcome as a jury determining the case in favor of the families. A jury will now determine the damages.

Twenty first-graders and six educators were killed in the December 2012 shooting. The gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, killed his mother at their Newtown home before the shooting, and killed himself at the school as police arrived, officials said.

The shooting was portrayed on Jones Infowars show as a hoax involving actors aimed at increasing gun control. Jones has since acknowledged the school shooting did occur.

Families of the victims said they have been subjected to harassment and death threats from Jones followers because of the hoax conspiracy pushed on Infowars. They sued Jones and his companies for defamation and infliction of emotional distress. The hearing on damages before a jury is expected to be held next year.

Whats clear from Judge Bellis ruling is that Alex Jones and the Jones defendants have engaged in a long, continuous course of misconduct in this case designed to prevent the plaintiffs from getting evidence about Mr. Jones business and about his motives for publishing lies about them and their families, said Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for relatives of eight of the victims who sued Jones in Connecticut.

Messages were left for parents of some of the children killed in the shooting.

A Texas judge recently issued similar rulings against Jones in three defamation lawsuits brought by Sandy Hook families in that state, finding Jones liable for damages after defaulting him and his companies for not turning over documents. Hearings on damages also were ordered.

In one of the lawsuits, a Texas judge in 2019 ordered Jones to pay $100,000 in legal fees and refused to dismiss the suit. And a jury in Wisconsin awarded $450,000 to one of the parents in his lawsuit against conspiracy theorist writers, not including Jones, who claimed the massacre never happened.

In the three Connecticut lawsuits, Jones previously was sanctioned for violating numerous orders to turn over documents and for an angry outburst on his web show against Mattei. A judge barred Jones from filing a motion to the dismiss the case  a ruling that was upheld after being appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear Jones appeal in April.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden on Monday ordered several Cabinet departments to work together to combat human trafficking and crime on Native American lands, where violent crime rates are more than double the national average.

Speaking at a White House summit on tribal nations, Biden signed an executive order tasking the Justice, Homeland Security and Interior departments with pursuing strategies to reduce crime. Biden also asked the departments to work to strengthen participation in Amber Alert programs and national training programs for federal agents, and appoint a liaison who can speak with family members and to advocates.

The administration also announced plans to pursue a 20-year ban on oil and gas drilling in Chaco Canyon, an ancient Native American heritage site in northwestern New Mexico.

We have to continue to stand up for the dignity and sovereignty of tribal nations," Biden said at the first tribal nations summit since 2016. The two-day summit was being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected Indigenous peoples at disproportionate rates.

American Indians and Alaska Natives are more than twice as likely to be victims of a violent crime and Native American women are at least two times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted compared to other races, according to the Association on American Indian Affairs.

The administration also announced a long-sought action to protect Chaco Canyon, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the Bureau of Land Management will study the possible withdrawal for a period of 20 years from federal lands within a 10-mile (16-kilometer) radius of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Such a move would bar new federal oil and gas leasing and development on those lands. Those lands will not be eligible for leasing while the study is underway, though past administrations had already opted to impose the buffer administratively.

Environmentalists and some tribes have complained that such a move is temporary and that permanent protections are needed. But it isn't so simple; while some tribes have fought for protections, the Navajo Nation, which has more to lose by curbing oil and gas, has asked for a smaller radius around the site, an ancient center of Pueblo culture.

Chaco Canyon is a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors lived, worked, and thrived in that high desert community, said Haaland, the first Native American to lead the Interior Department, the powerful federal agency that has wielded influence over U.S. tribes for generations. Haaland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo.

Now is the time to consider more enduring protections for the living landscape that is Chaco, so that we can pass on this rich cultural legacy to future generations," she said. The secretary represented New Mexico, where Chaco Canyon is located, in the U.S. House of Representatives before she was narrowly confirmed by the Senate to take over at Interior.

First lady Jill Biden, an English teacher, addressed the summit on the importance of preserving Native languages. Vice President Kamala Harris was set to speak Tuesday, the final day.

The tribal nations summit coincides with National Native American Heritage Month and is being hosted by the White House for the first time, with leaders from more than 570 tribes in the United States expected to participate. The summit was not held during the Trump administration; past conferences took place at the Interior Department.

Since taking office in January, Biden has taken several steps that the White House says demonstrate his commitment to tribal nations.

Among them are naming Haaland to lead the Interior Department. His coronavirus relief plan included $31 billion for tribal communities, and the administration has worked closely with tribal leaders to help make COVID-19 vaccination rates among Native Americans among the highest in the country, the White House said.

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said she hoped the summit would help eliminate red tape when building critical infrastructure on tribal lands.

Biden also spoke about infrastructure, specifically to note that the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill he was signing into law Monday afternoon would direct $13 billion toward Native American communities to help provide such things as high-speed internet and clean drinking water.

Biden recently became the first president to issue a proclamation designating Oct. 11 as Indigenous Peoples' Day, giving a boost to longstanding efforts to refocus the federal holiday celebrating Christopher Columbus toward an appreciation of Native peoples.

___

Associated Press writers Colleen Long in Washington and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, N.M., contributed to this report.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Jennifer Devine, Texas State University

(THE CONVERSATION) Every year the world loses an estimated 25 million acres (10 million hectares) of forest, an area larger than the state of Indiana. Nearly all of it is in the tropics.

Tropical forests store enormous quantities of carbon and are home to at least two-thirds of the worlds living species, so deforestation has disastrous consequences for climate change and conservation. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, slowing its buildup in the atmosphere  but when they are burned or logged, they release their stored carbon, fueling further warming. Tropical forest loss generates nearly 50% more greenhouse gases than does the global transportation sector.

At the 2021 U.N. conference on climate change in Glasgow, more than 100 world leaders pledged on Nov. 1 to halt deforestation by 2030. In the Declaration on Forests and Land Use, countries outlined their strategy, which focuses on supporting trade and development policies that promote sustainable production and consumption. Governments and private companies have pledged over US$19.2 billion to support these efforts.

From my research on social and environmental issues in Latin America, I know that four consumer goods are responsible for the majority of global deforestation: beef, soy, palm oil, and wood pulp and paper products. Together these commodities are responsible for the loss of nearly 12 million acres (5 million hectares) annually. Theres also a fifth, less publicized key driver: organized crime, including illegal drug trafficking.

The dominant role of beef

Among major products that promote deforestation, beef is in a class by itself. Beef production is now estimated to be the biggest driver of deforestation worldwide, accounting for 41% of global forest losses. In the Amazon alone, cattle ranching accounts for 80% of deforestation. From 2000 to 2011, beef production emitted nearly 200 times more greenhouse gases than soy, and 60 times more than oil palm in tropical countries with high deforestation rates.

Beef is produced in many countries, but it mainly drives forest losses in Latin America. On the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa and the plains of the U.S. Midwest, cattle graze without directly contributing to deforestation.

However, beef production in these regions indirectly contributes to deforestation by increasing demand for soy-based feed. Cattle production worldwide also drives climate change because cattle emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Soy and palm oil: Ubiquitous ingredients

Together, soy and palm oil drive nearly 10% of deforestation annually  almost 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares).

Clearing land for palm oil plantations fuels large-scale rainforest destruction in Indonesia and Malaysia, where most of the worlds palm oil is produced, destroying habitat for endangered and threatened species such as orangutans, elephants and tigers. More recently, palm oil production has expanded to other parts of Asia, Central and South America and Central and West Africa.

Palm oil is the most commonly produced, consumed and traded vegetable oil. Some 60% of the 66 million tons produced globally every year is used to produce energy in the form of biofuel, power and heat. About 40% is used for food, animal feed and chemical products. Palm oil is an ingredient in half of all products found at the supermarket, including margarine, shampoos, frozen pizza and detergents.

Soy production has doubled globally in the past 20 years. Nearly 80% of global soy is fed to cows, chickens, pigs and farmed fish. This demand reflects the tripling of global meat production over the past 50 years.

The remaining soy is largely used to produce vegetable oil and biodiesel. Humans directly consume just 6% in the form of tofu, soy milk, edamame and tempeh.

The United States and Brazil produce nearly 70% of the worlds annual 350 million-ton soy crop. Brazil has rapidly caught up to U.S. production in the past 30 years, with disastrous consequences for tropical forests in the Amazon.

Wood products

Wood products are responsible for about 5% of annual global deforestation, or about 1.2 million acres (500,000 hectares) yearly. Wood is widely used for home construction and furniture, and also as a pulp source for paper and fabric. And in low-income nations and rural areas, its an important fuel source for heating and cooking.

The three largest paper-producing countries are the U.S., Canada and China, but tropical countries have also become important pulp and paper sources. Timber plantations account for a growing share of tropical wood products, but theres disagreement about whether this approach is more sustainable than logging natural forests. In Indonesia between 2001 and 2016, more forests were cleared to create wood product plantations than for palm oil production.

Illegal deforestation and organized crime

Making the supply chains for these four commodities more sustainable is an important strategy for reducing deforestation. But another industry plays an important role, especially in tropical forests: organized crime. Large, lucrative industries offer opportunities to move and launder money; as a result, in many parts of the world, deforestation is driven by the drug trade.

In South America and Central America, drug trafficking organizations are the vanguard of deforestation. Drug traffickers are illegally logging forests in the Amazon and hiding cocaine in timber shipments to Europe. In my research, I have analyzed how traffickers illegally log and raise cattle in protected areas in Central America to launder money and claim drug smuggling territory. Other scholars estimate that 30% to 60% of deforestation in the region is narco-deforestation.

Legal and illegal activities also interweave along the commodity chains for palm oil and soy. Forest Trends, a U.S. nonprofit that promotes market-based approaches to forest conservation, estimates that nearly half of deforestation for commercial products like cattle, soy, palm oil and wood products is illegal. According to the groups analysis, exports tied to illegal deforestation are worth US$61 billion annually and are responsible for 25% of total global tropical deforestation.

Not all large-scale illegal deforestation is linked to drug trafficking organizations. But it is almost always tied to organized crime that depends upon corruption to operate.

Promoting sustainable production and consumption are critical to halting deforestation worldwide. But in my view, national and industry leaders also have to root organized crime and illicit markets out of these commodity chains. Until they do, global pledges to halt deforestation will have limited effect.

[Over 115,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.]

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/organized-crime-is-a-top-driver-of-global-deforestation-along-with-beef-soy-palm-oil-and-wood-products-170906.
FORT WORTH  A dozen police officers, social workers, attorneys and others were gathered around a large white table in a glass-walled conference room.

The Tarrant County Domestic Violence High Risk Team was discussing a woman whose husband had a long history of abusing her. Hed slammed her into a wall. Hed choked her. Threatened to kill her.

Most recently, after a day of drinking, hed accused her of being too manly. Then he sexually assaulted her.

Candace Burnett, a social worker at the nonprofit SafeHaven, which assists domestic violence victims, told her fellow team members what happened next.

The woman went to Fort Worth Police Headquarters to file a report. She waited four hours for someone to help her. When no one did, she left.

The following day, she went to a police substation, where a callous remark by a male officer retraumatized her. He asked her, Did you do something to emasculate (your husband)? Burnett recalled.

On hearing this story, two Fort Worth police officials sitting across from Burnett were visibly abashed. Deputy Chief Renee Kamper  shaking her head  said she would make sure the officer received training in how to deal with victims of domestic violence.

Shelby Hopson, the departments victim assistance coordinator, wrote down the womans phone number and promised to connect her with detectives in the sex crimes unit.

Someone will sit with her as she makes the report, Hopson said. Hopefully, it wont be as traumatic for her.

* * * IT'S VERY POWERFUL

With thick manila folders and open laptops in front of them, the team members spent the next three hours trying to figure out ways to protect women in abusive relationships from being killed by their batterers.

Such teams represent a cutting-edge tool in the fight against domestic violence. At least 10 Texas cities have them. They seek to identify women at high risk of being killed or severely injured by their partners. They meet regularly to track cases and devise strategies to anticipate and interrupt violence.

The Tarrant County team was created in 2017, after a year in which 16 women were killed by their male intimate partners  a record for the county. Austin created a high-risk team the same year. Harris County followed suit in 2018.

Bexar County was slow to get on board. It finally established a team in 2020.

Women at high risk are identified through a nationally recognized questionnaire that rates their level of danger. Its administered by police officers after a family violence call, by hotline operators or by social workers.

This is often the first time a victim has had her situation reflected back to her, and its very powerful.

The 20 questions, part of a 10-page family violence packet used by law enforcement across Tarrant County, cover a gamut of risk factors:

Does he own a gun?

Does he threaten to kill you?

Has he ever forced you to have sex when you did not want to?

Have you left him in the past year?

Does he try to cut off your air?

Women who answer yes to that last question are asked additional questions. Studies show abusers who choke their victims are much more likely to kill them in a subsequent assault.

Those who score 18 or higher on the risk assessment are considered in extreme danger and are referred to the Tarrant County high-risk team.

This is often the first time a victim has had her situation reflected back to her, and its very powerful, said Kathryn Jacob, president and CEO of SafeHaven, which runs shelters for battered women in Fort Worth and Arlington. Shes director of the high-risk team.

Women at high risk are offered counseling, legal help and other services  including emergency shelter. About half of those referred to the team already are clients of SafeHaven and have a relationship with a staff member, Jacob said.

* * * TOO EARLY TO TELL

The team doesnt stop at assisting victims. It closely monitors their abusers, keeping tabs on their progress through the legal system, checking to see whether theyre abiding by terms of their probation or protective orders.

After Tarrant County leaders created the team in 2017, intimate partner homicides dropped by half, from 16 in 2016 to 8 in 2018. The number stayed there in 2019 before jumping to 17 in 2020.

Jacob said it appears the pandemic year was an anomaly  intimate partner homicides are back in single digits this year.

The reduction in overall intimate partner homicides is significant, but its still too early to tell how well its working, she said of the high-risk team. I feel like the end result can only get better the more awareness there is and the more infrastructure we have in place.

In 2020, the team split into two groups, one to focus on systemic problems, the other to track individual cases.

An Express-News reporter sat in on a session where the predicaments of specific women were discussed in detail.

Dennise Espeleta, a SafeHaven employee and the groups coordinator, opened by asking for an update on a handful of cases.

I would have dropped the charges if it werent for Dennise. She saw the danger I was in when I didnt. He never would have stopped.

One woman was able to obtain a protective order, a team member reported. A second woman was working with SafeHavens legal services to file for divorce. A third had not been returning a police detectives phone calls.

A fourth needed help breaking her lease because her abuser knows where she lives.

Hes taken a gun from their home, and she knows the only way to stop him is if (the weapon) is on him when hes arrested, a social worker said.

A fifth woman was experiencing memory loss  possibly as a result of being choked by her boyfriend. She needed a CT scan.

Yes, we can get her taken care of, said Mary Ann Contreras, a registered nurse with the county hospital who works in trauma services.

* * * GAS-LIGHTING

A new case involved a woman married to a church pastor. He is extremely controlling, has choked her and has access to a gun, Espeleta told the team.

Hes adept at gas-lighting his wife  making her think shes the abuser, Espeleta said. When police arrive, he depicts himself as the victim, and hes convincing.

The wife finally has realized shes in danger and is receiving help through SafeHaven. A team member made a note to contact the district attorneys office to ensure a protective order is in the works.

She emailed me every day  Heres whats happening. It was so much easier.

This months roster includes a male victim.

Hes been married two years to a woman with a history of misdemeanor assault. She once hit him in the chest with a hammer, injuring him severely enough to send him to the hospital.

Espeleta said the woman is skilled at honeymooning her husband: promising to change, to control her temper.

The husband has been hesitant to apply for a protective order.

He doesnt realize the danger hes in, Espeleta said. Studies show around 5 percent of intimate partner homicides involve women killing men.

* * * HE NEVER WOULD HAVE STOPPED

One female survivor said in an interview later that the team may have saved her life.

The woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she rationalized the behavior of her abuser and minimized the pain hed caused.

Their relationship started out loving, she said. She confided in him about the physical abuse shed endured as a child at the hands of her father.

He comforted her: Dont worry, Ill protect you. No one will hurt you again.

They moved in together. Soon, she said, he became controlling. He put a tracker on her phone to know where she was at all times.

He told her she could no longer wear make-up or high heels to work. Then came the ceaseless questions: Why do you always go to the same place to buy gas? Are you meeting men there? Why is there no ponytail line in your hair? Are you taking it down at the office?

He gradually cut her off from family and friends.

Sometimes she rebelled, and he would promise to go to counseling. Hed weep and beg forgiveness.

I kept telling myself, At least he doesnt beat me.

Then the beatings began.

He broke her nose, busted her lip, hurled her into the fireplace.

Try to leave me, and Ill find you, he told her.

Finally, he pinned her to the ground, wrapped his hands around her neck and squeezed. Im going to die, she thought. He finally let her go.

She went to police, filed a report and showed officers pictures shed taken of her injuries, along with harassing text messages. She moved back in with her mother.

At her mothers urging, she reached out to SafeHaven, and Espeleta became her high-risk case manager.

Before, she had tried to contact police detectives to get updates on her case and got nowhere. Espeleta took her calls, no matter the time of day.

She emailed me every day  Heres whats happening. It was so much easier.

Espeleta, who now works at the North Richland Hills Police Department, accompanied the woman to court to obtain a permanent protective order and waited with her for hours.

I would have dropped the charges if it werent for Dennise, the woman said. She saw the danger I was in when I didnt. He never would have stopped.

Staff Writer Emilie Eaton contributed to this report.

Lead image: The Tarrant County Domestic Violence High Risk Team  made up of police, prosecutors, social workers and others  tries to identify and protect women at high risk of being killed by their abusers. Dennise Espeleta, center, leads a meeting of the group. Photo credit: Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje
Update

In a tweet on Monday, SAWS officials said they believe that a non-SAWS contractor "erroneously" connected two water mains, causing the low pressure and leading to a boil water notice on Sunday for customers on the far North Side.

The tweet said the work done by the contractor caused pressure to drop to potentially hazardous levels.

SAWS said the issue was "quickly corrected." The boil water notice, however, remains in effect while the water and sewage utility runs more tests.

Original story

The San Antonio Water System issued a boil water notice on Sunday to hundreds of customers on the far North Side after pressure dropped to potentially hazardous levels.

Water pressure in the Terra Mont and Stonewall Estates neighborhoods, west of Interstate-10 near Babcock and Heuermann, dipped below 20 pounds per square inch  the required minimum established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that prompts a mandatory notice.

SAWS officials said they were working to resolve this situation as quickly as possible to the roughly 700 residents and businesses affected.

Under the notice, residents are urged to boil their water for two minutes or use bottled water for drinking, cooking and some hygiene purposes, such as washing hands and brushing teeth.

SAWS officials said they will notify customers when the boil water notice is rescinded.

eeaton@express-news.net
JOHANNES EISELE, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images

A woman was shot Monday morning during a road rage incident near the intersection of Interstate 35 and Theo Avenue on the South Side, according to San Antonio police.

Police said an unidentified man shot into the woman's car at around 7:41 a.m. The 29-year-old woman was in the car with a man and a girl when the shooting occurred, police said.
Since childhood, we have loved music of all kinds and have been privileged to often attend in person  symphony orchestras, high school, college and professional bands, jazz combos, classical quartets, popular trios and mariachi groups. They all provide joy, mindful reflection, sense of community with others, and just a peaceful and enjoyable moment.

We lived in San Antonio in the 1980s and, upon retirement, we happily returned a little over a year ago. We eagerly looked forward to enjoying the many wonderful things San Antonio has to offer, and the symphony was one of those.

We are a major metropolitan city, and, in our opinion, the efforts of the Symphony Society of San Antonio have been woefully inadequate in addressing the continuing financial situation.

When the Symphony Society spokeswoman states aggressive fundraising, we must ask, Where?

We have not seen any effort toward:

Inaugurating a capital campaign under professional and proven leadership.

Adopting an aggressive pricing of tickets to widen the audience to more residents.

Acknowledging and using the symphony as a tool for economic development.

Encouraging a more comprehensive programming plan to offer diverse music and composers, and using willing musicians to assist in calls to large corporate, foundation and individual donors.

The list could go on.

Providing and maintaining an endowment for the San Antonio Symphony is not a job for well-meaning volunteers, it is a job for a professional. Volunteers are the life blood of every nonprofit and are not thanked enough, but volunteers are just that  volunteers. They are not professional fundraisers, and the San Antonio Symphony is not a village band. Donors need to know their funds are being responsibly used in support of a foundational piece of San Antonios economic development, culture and way of life.

The Symphony Society must come to the realization that it must embrace the whole city and the whole corporate community in a professional manner to continue bringing the joy of music to all. Slashing the salary of professional, world-class musicians, who are also our neighbors, is not a viable solution; it is setting the stage for a death knell. Our residents and city deserve better.

Doug and Marie Ferrier retired and returned to San Antonio in 2020. In multiple cities, they have enjoyed volunteering in nonprofit organizations, including civic music groups.
In Shakespeare, when characters want to fulfill their desires, they escape to whats been called the Green World.

And thats what Democrats promised voters: that they could leave behind the vitriol and aggravation of Donald Trumps America and escape to an Arden that was cool, calm and reassuring.

Democrats violated that pledge. On the way to that verdant forest, we got led into a circular firing squad. Tight margins in Congress do not bring out the best in pols.

We promised to change the rancor and division, said one top Democrat. So we offered something else: division and rancor.

Many who were sick of Trump chaos and ineptitude are now sick of Biden chaos and ineptitude. Scranton Joe was supposed to be the sensible, steady one.

After all, as Democrats are keenly aware, Trump lost the 2020 race as much as Biden won it. Only 44,000 votes in Arizona, Wisconsin and Georgia saved Biden from an Electoral College tie.

And for a long time now, people have been watching the spectacle of Democrats grinding away at the sausage and fighting for their piece of the pie (to make a metaphoric meal). And it has not been a pretty picture.

The question raised by Tuesdays debacle for Democrats is, now that Bidens high poll ratings and goodwill are squandered, how do they turn the mishegoss into a winning message?

Theres some truth in what James Carville told Judy Woodruff: What went wrong is this stupid wokeness. Dont just look at Virginia and New Jersey. Look at Long Island, look at Buffalo, look at Minneapolis, even look at Seattle, Wash. I mean, this defund the police lunacy, this take Abraham Lincolns name off of schools.

Theres also some truth in what Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., a moderate in a tough re-election battle, told the New York Times Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns about the president: Nobody elected him to be FDR; they elected him to be normal and stop the chaos.

Biden has pursued his two bills with Captain Ahab-like zeal; he pines to be FDR and eclipse Barack Obama, who pushed him aside for Hillary Clinton.

Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi hail the bills as transformational. But what are you transforming into? The election cratering showed that such overweening efforts are putting off many voters who are still struggling just to get by as they move beyond the degradation wrought by Trump and COVID.

While the Democrats wallow in a family food fight, Americans are still stressed and exhausted from the whole COVID ordeal, confronting high gas prices and stymied from getting the appliances and Christmas toys they want.

I used to advise mayors, you can be as visionary as you want, but just make sure you take the garbage out and fill the potholes, said David Axelrod, who oversaw messaging for Obama.

Republicans have not lost their talent for coming up with boogeymen to scare white voters, and thanks to a dumb comment by Terry McAuliffe in a debate, they have succeeded in turning parents rights in schools into a wedge issue.

Some in the GOP see Glenn Youngkin as a template for moving beyond Trump. The members of my family who voted for Trump are eager to see their party move back to a more palatable and recognizable form of conservatism.

Well see. So far, tiptoeing around Jabba the Trump has had limited utility. Despite everything, he still has great sway in the Republican Party.

And if the Supreme Court were to outlaw abortion and approve open carry on guns, that could scramble the equation all over again, sending moderate suburbanites back into the arms of Democrats.

Most important, Democrats have to come up with a vocabulary and a vision to elucidate how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and Build Back Better will benefit people. BIF sounds like Willy Lomans son, and must we ask, to BBB or not to BBB? Yammering about the budget reconciliation process is not going to cut it. Tonally and emotionally, Democratic pols seem at odds with the electorate.

At the end of the day, Democrats are going to get some good stuff for Americans, but voters may not realize that because of the big hash the Democrats made with the bills.

Asked Friday if the Democrats could not get out of their own way, Pelosi smiled dryly and replied, Welcome to my world. This is the Democratic Party. She sanguinely referred to the damaging internecine warring as exuberance.

Right now, the bills seem like a Washington abstraction, and it feels as if Biden has been lost in a maze forever, grappling with the minotaurs of Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema and progressives.

Its analogous to Afghanistan. Biden did the right thing pulling us out of the quicksand, but people are mostly going to remember the catastrophic visuals of the botched exit.

There is a feeling, many Democrats say, that things are a little out of control  the Afghanistan departure, supply chains, crime, violence, Biden not being able to pass what he wants to pass or even pressing for the votes when he went to the Hill before he left for Europe.

The administration lost control of the virus story; it didnt seem to have it together on mask or no mask, school or no school, vaccine mandates or no.

Fridays strong jobs report and a rollout for the childrens vaccine gives Democrats a breather, but many are still wondering if Biden is up to the job. He will need to become a much better salesman than Biff Lomans dad.
Texans have already been talking about Beto O'Rourke's political future for months, and on Monday he finally set the record straight and confirmed his bid for Texas governor.

The former congressman from El Paso announced his campaign Monday morning, taking aim at the "the divisiveness, the extremism, and the real small politics and policies of Greg Abbott," the Houston Chronicle's Jeremy Wallace reported.

OnHoustonChronicle.com: As Beto O'Rourke mulled future, Gov. Greg Abbott lurched into full campaign mode

Here's everything you need to know about the Texas Democrat since he last hit the political scene.

Voter registration initiatives

He founded and currently leads Powered by People, a Texas-based organization that works to expand democracy and produce Democratic victories through voter registration and direct voter engagement. The group says it has helped register over 250,000 unregistered Texans to vote since its inception in December 2019.

Voting rights champion

O'Rourke has been a top promoter in fighting the elections bills Texas Republicans were trying to pass in this year's Texas Legislature such as voting restrictions. He co-organized a three-day, 27 mile march reminiscent of the 1960s civil rights movement in Central Texas, Wallace reported.

O'Rourke led two rallies at the Texas Capitol to block the Republicans' big elections bill, and held fundraisers with celebrities such as Willie Nelson and others, and sent big checks amounting to more than $600,000 to cover expenses for the Texas House and Senate Democrats who fled to Washington, D.C. to stop an elections the bill.

Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Past experience

He was a former business owner and member of the El Paso, Texas, city council from 2005-2011, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms from 2013-2019.

Although it's ORourke's first time to vie for governor in his home state, he's not new to campaigns that attract national attention. The Texas Democrat rose to the spotlight in his 2018 bid against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

ORourke, 49, also ran in the 2020 presidential election, but dropped out of the race in the fall of 2019.

But now, hes in a much better position than he was two years ago.

Campaign strategies

For his campaign for governor, he's focusing on expanding Medicaid, improving schools, and fixing the Texas power grid, Wallace reported, plus creating "high-quality" jobs.

Shortly after announcing his bid for the state's top commander-in-chief, governor Greg Abbott's spokesperson Mark Miner said: "the last thing Texans need is President Bidens radical liberal agenda coming to Texas under the guise of Beto ORourke," per a KHOU 11 report. "The contrast for the direction of Texas couldnt be clearer.

O'Rourke will make his way around the state this week as he kicks off his campaign with a stop in Houston Friday evening at Discovery Green Park. Earlier Friday morning, he will tour the Houston home of a victim of Winter Storm Uri.

Pronunciation guide

Many stumble on the Texas Democrat's name, so we've made it easy for you. Here's how to pronounce Beto.
After months of speculation, Democrat Beto ORourke announced this morning he will run for governor of Texas.

Im running to try to help bring this state together, ORourke said. To do the really big things that are before us right now and to get past the divisiveness, the extremism, and the real small politics and policies of Greg Abbott.

No Democrat has won a governors race in Texas since Ann Richards in 1990. But ORourke brings star power to the race that Democrats have lacked. ORourke has strong name recognition already and has proven fundraising muscle. In 2018 he raised a then-record $79 million and lost by 2.6 percentage points to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

But in taking on Abbott, ORourke is challenging one of the most powerful Republicans in the state. The 64-year-old Wichita Falls native has won seven straight statewide campaigns for office dating back to 1996 and has amassed over $50 million for his re-election.

ORourke, a former Congressman from El Paso, has been weighing running for governor since the start of the year and has been critical of Abbott for his handling of the states power grid, the pandemic and for new laws that essentially block all legal access to abortion in the state and allow Texans to carry concealed handguns without a permit.

These are the kinds of dangerous, very divisive politics that distract us from coming together and doing the big things, said ORourke, 49.

IN-DEPTH: Gov. Greg Abbott lurches into full campaign mode

Those big things he said include expanding Medicaid, improving schools and fixing the Texas grid so there cannot be a repeat of last Februarys winter storms that left millions without electricity.

My task as a candidate is to go everywhere, listen to everyone, and regardless of our differences, try to bring us together, ORourke said.

Abbott, who is seeking a third term as governor, has been anticipating ORourkes entry in the race, putting out videos criticizing ORourkes positions on issues including the border, energy policy and guns.

At a campaign stop in Corpus Christi last week, Abbott told his supporters hes been fighting Joe Biden from coming in and taking your guns the way that Beto ORourke said he was going to do.

That is a reference to ORourke in 2019 calling for a mandatory buyback program for assault-style rifles while he was running for the Democratic nomination for president. Hell, yes, were going to take your AR-15, your AK-47, ORourke said at that time.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Now ORourke says hes more than ready to have a debate about gun policy with Abbott. He said far more extreme to him is Abbott signing the permitless carry legislation that allows anyone over 18 to carry a concealed handgun without any training or permits.

I look forward to having this conversation with the governor, ORourke said. We are a proud gun-owning state. I count myself among those who grew up with guns, who grew up hunting with relatives, friends.

But ORourke said he has a different take on what he calls weapons of war, like the one used by a gunman in Midland and Odessa in August 2019 who killed seven people.

Weve got to find a way to get these weapons of war out of our communities because of the danger that they pose, he said. We can protect the 2nd Amendment and reduce gun violence in Texas.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
America is about to find out where its heart is.

The U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday is announcing where the new population center of the U.S. is located, an event that take places every 10 years after the once-a-decade census shows where people are living. The center of the U.S. population distribution has been located in Missouri since 1980, and chances are that wont change.

Somewhere in Wright County in the Missouri Ozarks is the likeliest candidate, according to calculations by urban planner Alex Zakrewsky, who accurately predicted the current titleholder a decade ago. The county seat is Hartville, Missouri.

Since the first U.S. census was taken in 1790, and Chestertown, Maryland was declared the center of the young nation, the countrys heart has been calculated after each census, shifting southwestward through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri as more people moved to Sun Belt states and immigrated from the southern border.

If Zakrewskys theory proves true, the center will have moved only 12.8 miles southwest of Plato, a tiny village in the Missouri Ozarks which was designated the heart of the U.S. a decade ago following the 2010 census.

Such a lackadaisical journey to the neighboring county would reflect a slowdown in the movement of the nation's center from 2010 to 2020 compared to other decades, said Zakrewsky, who is principal planner for Middlesex County, N.J.

It may turn out to be the slowest or second slowest advance, vying with the 13-mile shift between 1910 and 1920 when European immigration to northeastern cities counterbalanced the westward and southern expansion. By comparison, between 1850 and 1860, the great migration west moved the center 103 miles, from West Virginia to Ohio.

An aging population, ongoing economic difficulties, and the impact of the pandemic have worked to reduce the means and reason for Americans to move," Zakrewsky said.

To calculate the center of the U.S., the Census Bureau figures out which spot would be the balance point" if the 50 states were an imaginary, flat surface with weights of identical size placed on it so that each weight represented the location of one person.

Plato, located south of Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks, had a population of 82 people last year, about a quarter fewer residents than a decade ago when then-Census Bureau director Robert Groves paid the village a visit to help celebrate its status.

But don't expect to find T-shirts or coffee mugs celebrating that designation in any local stores, or any regrets as Plato loses this claim to fame. Most folks in Texas County, which is home to Plato, have no idea they're at the center of the U.S., said Scott Long, the presiding commissioner of Texas County, where beef cattle outnumber people.

I don't think it has changed the day to day lives of the people of this county, but I don't want to say that in way that means we don't care," Long said. It's one of those things most people don't even know."

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Partly cloudy and windy. High 58F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low around 30F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
In late October, Phil Teuschers supervisor showed up at his office at the Navys top weapons testing base to let him know his name was on a list of thousands of base personnel who had failed to acknowledge receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

In August, all branches of the U.S. military gave its service members and civilian employees an ultimatum: Get the vaccine or face being fired. At the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California, the remote base where Teuscher has worked for 20 years, the first part of the mandate required all personnel to officially acknowledge receipt of the directive. The next step was a signed statement saying whether they have received a shot.

But Teuscher, 58, and many others who work for the Navy on and around the base have refused to comply with either directive. Using an online messaging app, Teuscher started connecting with other like-minded China Lake workers pushing back against the requirement. The group quickly grew to more than 300 participants, all deeply concerned about receiving the vaccine or outright refusing it. Each day at lunchtime, dozens of workers gather outside the base to protest the mandate.

Some employees connected to the base, all of whom require security clearances to work there, are pointing to underlying health problems they believe the vaccine could exacerbate while others cite religious exemptions. Teuscher, a production manager for a highly sophisticated missile program at the bases Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, or NAWCWD, is not making either claim. Instead, hes choosing to fight the legality of the mandate on principle.

My situation is a little bit different. I could retire but Im choosing not to, he tells RealClearPolitics. Ive got my 20 years in.  Im choosing to fight it.

Other vaccine holdouts arent so fortunate and would be forced to find non-military work if they continue to buck the requirement.

But the Navy faces its own dilemma as the deadlines loom. With roughly 10% of the bases highly educated and trained personnel refusing the shot, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain all the classified weapons and their testing operations in top working order if all resisters are fired.

The Navy itself touts its NAWCWD employees operating at China Lake and Naval Air Station Point Mugu in Ventura County as some of the brightest minds in the world conducting work in high-tech areas including battlespace integration, airborne electronic attack, aircraft survivability, counter-improvised explosive devices, directed energy, robotics  and more.

China Lake, the Navys largest single landholding at 1.1 million acres, is also home to the air test and evaluation squadron for the Navys F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, as well as numerous other aircraft and helicopters, all requiring a highly specialized trained workforce to maintain them.

We still have a job to do, and were trying to stay focused on it, another China Lake civilian employee told RCP. But the amount of people that were hearing possibly not going through [with the vaccine] and ultimately facing separation from the service will inevitably affect our ability to complete our mission and support the warfighter.

So far, roughly 40% of the bases estimated 3,000 employees (those working for the Navy on base or nearby) are vaccinated, according to estimates circulating throughout the base. Those numbers are likely to rise as vaccination deadlines draw closer in the coming weeks, but they still could cause serious readiness problems for the Navy and its weapons systems. Active-duty sailors and Marines must by fully vaccinated by Nov. 28, while those in the select reserve have until Dec. 28. The Pentagon is requiring federal civilian employees to be vaccinated by Nov. 22.

The high number of workers  civilian and military  refusing to get the vaccine at China Lake and other key research and development bases could force the Navy to make some difficult decisions in the coming months. All of these civilian workers must hold a security clearance just to enter the base, and many hold advanced engineering degrees and extensive technical training that takes years to acquire.

Recruiting and replacing such workers wont be instant or easy  especially at China Lake. Located in Californias remote Mojave Desert, its some 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles. In recent years, the base has experienced serious attrition problems as engineers and other highly skilled workers flee for more lucrative jobs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, according to several sources familiar with the employment challenges.

It just blows my mind that they are willing to lose people that already made the essential career and life decision to move to China Lake, one civilian DoD employee remarked, adding that the nearby Walmart Supercenter is the biggest sign of civilization in the area.

The quandary the military faces isnt limited to China Lake. At the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Corona, Calif., at least 100 employees out of roughly 2,000 total are participating in an online messaging group resisting the vaccine, which just got up and running two weeks ago.

For instance, Nick Goldberg, a 36-year-old mechanical engineer at the base who is also refusing to receive the shot on principle, holds a masters degree in mechanical engineering and numerous certifications related to his job designing and building inspection equipment for weapons systems. Goldberg has worked at the center for 13 years, along the way earning patents on behalf of the U.S. government for several cutting-edge technologies.

Were all scrambling to make sense of the rules and deadlines, which keep changing, Goldberg, who organized a protest outside the base last week, said in an interview. The DoD is thinking they can just let all these people go and it will be no big deal because theyve got managers telling them they get 60 to 70 resumes a week on their desk. Well, you cant just replace that kind of knowledge easily.

A Navy spokesman declined to comment about the readiness challenges that would inevitably be created by firing hundreds of workers at military R&D installations.

We arent going to get ahead of the deadlines and speculate to possible outcomes, Lt. Cmdr. Andrew DeGarmo told RCP in an email.

So far, the Navy has tried to focus on those complying with the vaccine order. Last week, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said during a panel at the Aspen Security Forum that the service branch has a 99.4% vaccination rate for active-duty personnel. That number does not account for the civilian and military workforce at China Lake and other Naval R&D facilities.

Some of the China Lake workers who are claiming religious exemptions are working with the First Liberty Institute, a legal organization that champions religious freedom. On Tuesday, it filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of at least 35 Navy SEALs, claiming that the U.S. military is infringing on their First Amendment freedoms and intimidating them into getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some SEALs as well as fighter pilots, most of whom are young and in top physical shape, are concerned about the risk of myocarditis, a very rare but potentially fatal inflammation of heart muscles that studies show younger males have experienced after receiving the vaccine. The different branches of the military all have their own vaccination deadlines. Nearly two months after the Pentagon began requiring troops to get the vaccine, the vast majority have done so, though top officials have denied nearly all religious exemptions.

Last week, the Air Force missed its Nov. 2 deadline to vaccinate all of its active-duty airmen because officials were still sorting through thousands of requests for exemptions. An estimated 12,000 Air Force personnel rejected orders to get fully vaccinated despite the Pentagon mandate. Service officials received nearly 5,000 requests for religious exemptions but have granted none of them, Defense One reported. They approved 1,886 waivers for medical reasons.

Vaccine holdouts in the military face rank reductions and, ultimately, separation from their service branches, along with potential courts-martial and dishonorable discharges for failing to follow orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Both military and civilian vaccine protesters would also likely lose their security clearances, which would harm their ability to attain future national security-related employment.

Because a clearance is a privilege, not a right legally, [the military] can condition it on whatever they want to, said Sean Bigley, a lawyer who specializes in security clearance retaliation cases. The issue as it pertains to vaccines hasnt really been tested, but I always tell my clients, you dont want to be the test case unless youre willing to jeopardize your career over this.

Most vaccine resisters will have more time before it comes to that. Last week, a Washington, D.C., District Court judge issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction barring both civilian and active-duty military plaintiffs from being terminated after they sued the Biden administration over religious exemptions to the vaccines. Administration officials in late October also signaled that the vaccine deadlines would serve as the beginning of an education process focused on persuading those who are protesting the vaccine to reverse course.

There will be escalation in disciplinary actions that will go through a process, Steven Morani, the Pentagons assistant secretary for sustainment, told a House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee hearing in late October. Nobody is going to be fired on the 22nd. Education is critical in this space  to educate people about the safety of it and the risk of not having it.

Jeff Zients, President Bidens coronavirus response coordinator, signaled an even softer sell before the federal government or the Pentagon would order the firing of thousands of civilians, contractors and troops.

But even once we hit those deadlines, we expect federal agencies and contractors will follow their standard HR processes and that, for any of the probably relatively small percent of employees that are not in compliance, theyll go through education, counseling, accommodations, and then enforcement, Zients said at a White House media briefing in late October. So, these processes play out across weeks, not days. And so, to be clear, were creating flexibility within the system. Were offering people multiple opportunities to get vaccinated. There is not a cliff here.

Legal experts representing SEALs and other defense clients say the military is unlikely to approve the religious exemption requests unless forced to. Vaccine advocates cite a long history of the U.S. government requiring vaccine mandates dating back to when George Washington required his soldiers to be inoculated against smallpox during the Revolutionary War. But mandates have also long been controversial, and the U.S. has a history of heavy-handed enforcement. In the 1890s and 1900s, squads of policemen would enter peoples home in the middle of the night to inject them with smallpox vaccines.

In the Navy especially, where thousands of sailors spend months at a time in ships extremely close quarters, COVID has proved a big challenge. The growing coronavirus crisis aboard an aircraft carrier in the early months of the pandemic last year prompted its captain, Brett Crozier, to plea for help in a letter that went public, leading to his firing. But a new study published in the The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal found that those who have received the vaccine can spread the delta variant just as easily as unvaccinated individuals, leading to arguments that the shot only mitigates the impact of an infection but does not reduce spread.

Legal advocates supporting vaccine resisters argue the military is flouting constitutional protections that expressly protect religious exemptions.

The government has a very, very high bar that it has to meet in order to deny a religious accommodation, Mike Berry, a Marine reservist and attorney for the First Liberty Institute, recently told Fox News. But weve been told from the Pentagon, from the very highest levels, that the DoD does not intend to approve any religious accommodation requests. And to my knowledge, and Ive heard this from multiple sources, not a single religious accommodation has been approved at this point. And thats insane. That cant be the case, but yet thats where we are.

The two sides right now are locked in a game of chicken as the vaccination deadlines and penalties shift and appear to soften. Dorit Rubinstein Reiss, a law professor and expert on vaccine mandates at the University of California, San Francisco, said the Biden administrations conflicting messages on whether and when federal workers, military contractors and troops will be terminated is only prolonging the inevitable. Ultimately, she said, the vaccine holdouts shouldnt count on the courts to widely back their resistance, though she predicted they could require the Pentagon to provide more transparency about their religious-exemption denials.

In my experience, theres a lot fewer people willing to resign when it comes down to the real deadline, she told RCP. When it comes down to allowing the military to set its vaccine policy, I dont see the courts second-guessing them.

President Bidens vaccine mandate for private businesses with more than 100 workers is on hold while it faces legal challenges. A federal appeals court in Louisiana temporarily blocked the rule, saying it raises grave statutory and constitutional issues. Conversely, the Supreme Court, in late October upheld Maines vaccine mandate for health care workers.

With the legality of the mandates up in the air, Republicans in Congress are trying to limit punishments the Pentagon can impose. Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall proposed an amendment to the pending 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that would allow service members who refuse the COVID vaccine to receive an honorable discharge. Ten additional GOP senators have since backed the provision, including Kevin Cramer, Ted Cruz, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy, James Lankford, Shelley Moore-Capito, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville and Roger Wicker.

Think about the consequences for dishonorable discharge, Marshall said, ticking off a list of several, including the loss of medical and education benefits, gun-ownership rights, and the ability to reenlist in a different military branch. This is a big issue. It is a big deal.

Lawmakers have yet to address the issue of Department of Defense civilian employees, as well as those in the military, losing their security-clearances if they continue to refuse the vaccine. They may not have to if the Pentagon determines it cant risk firing so many highly skilled civilian employees and military at key weapons bases.

Thousands of civilian defense workers, as well as others in the military, who are refusing to get the shot are worried they could be forced out of their jobs by Christmas after receiving a notice that suspensions will begin Nov. 22.

Well, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, Goldberg remarked. Weve made careers out of this work. There are people who are going on more than 30 years of experience. Were all patriots. We believe the United States is the best country and has the best military in the world. We take a lot of pride in being a part of that. To say at this point in time, after decades of service, if you dont get this  drug injected into you, you can take a walk. Its just astounding after everything weve done.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

One might quarrel with Sun Tzus numbers in this famous formulation from the approximately 2,500-year-old Chinese classic The Art of War. But Western authorities on war starting with Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Clausewitz agree with Sun Tzu that knowledge of ones strengths and weaknesses and knowledge of the enemys strengths and weaknesses are essential to sound strategy.

The same applies to strategy concerning countries called, in contemporary parlance, rivals or strategic competitors. Accordingly, as the United States gears up to confront the China challenge, we would do well to improve both our self-knowledge, which encompasses Americas free and democratic form of government as well as the nations diverse population, and our knowledge of the Peoples Republic of China, which requires careful attention to the Chinese Communist Partys conduct and thinking along with the interests and beliefs of the 1.4 billion people over whom it exercises repressive, one-party rule.

According to Elbridge Colby, the single most important fact about China today is that it is a great power that seeks regional hegemony in Asia, the globes fastest-growing economic region and home to more than half of the worlds population. And the most important fact about the United States, Colby contends, is Americas interest in blocking China from dominating Asia. Because the CCP has identified reunification by 2049 with free and democratic Taiwanthrough whatever means necessaryas a central strategic objective and because such a conquest would consolidate Chinese hegemony in the Indo-Pacific, Colbys lucid, painstakingly argued book, The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict, is essential reading. Because Colby does not pursue the implications of the fact that China is an authoritarian great power rooted in Marxism-Leninism and Chinese nationalism while the United States is a great power grounded in freedom and democracy, his analysis must be supplemented by a wider appreciation of the China challenge.

A deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development from 2017 through 2018, Colby recognizes the dependence of defense strategy on grand strategythe comprehensive thinking about a nations interests, principles, and circumstances that links its short-term actions in foreign affairs to its larger purposes. However, he concentrates on elaborating a defense strategy that will enable Americans at levels of risk and cost they can realistically and justifiably bear to check Chinas hegemonic ambitions within the Indo-Pacific. Success for the strategy in this book would be, he states, a situation in which the threat of war is not salient.

The end of the uni-polar moment, according to Colby, has heightened the salience of war. China today possesses the worlds largest population; its second largest economy; and a world-class military that includes the worlds largest navy, along with formidable nuclear, cyber, and aerospace capabilities. Beijings achievement of great-power status ended the global preeminence that the United States enjoyed following the Soviet Unions 1991 dissolution. Foreign-policy experts who still consider the United States the lone superpower as well as those who think Washington must significantly cut back engagement with the world, Colby warns, neglect this substantial change in circumstances at Americas peril.

Americas surpassing interest in securing its own freedom does not entail, Colby stresses, that the United States must transform China into a liberal democracy or itself achieve hegemony in the Indo-Pacific. Nor does it mean, one should add, that the United States lacks an interest in the growth of freedom and democracy around the world or in the healthy operation of international institutions grounded in respect for national sovereignty and human rights. It does require, Colby insists, that the United States deny Chinas achievement of hegemony in Asia.

Since the international realm lacks a supreme authoritynotwithstanding the aspirations of U.N. diplomats and proponents of transnational governancethe United States must assemble a favorable balance of power in the region, Colby argues. Heightening the urgency is the CCPs steadfast and brazen defiance of international law and norms, from the partys internal oppression of Uyghurs (which, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo determined, rose to crimes against humanity and genocide), Tibetans, ethnic Mongolians, and Christians, to the use of its enormous economic clout to silence critics in corporate America and on campuses. While maintaining a balance of power involves sophisticated diplomacy and economic strength, the military component remains essential because physical force possesses, as Colby tactfully puts it, unique coercive efficacy.

To build an effective and sustainable balance of power in Asia, he counsels, the United States must reconfigure its alliance system. Reconfigure, he emphasizes, does not mean enfeeble or abandon. To the contrary, reconfiguring the U.S. alliance system in response to the China challenge calls for reinvigorating relations with allies and partners around the world and for sharing responsibilities more prudently with them. For example, as it shifts resources to deny Chinas quest to control the rest of Asia, the United States must rely more heavily on European allies to protect Europes eastern flank. At the same time, the U.S. must enhance cooperation with fellow Quad members Japan, India, and Australia as well as with other nations in the regionincluding Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesiathat share Americas interest in preventing China from establishing an illiberal and anti-democratic Indo-Pacific order.

The CCPs best option for gaining regional preeminence, according to Colby, is a focused and sequential strategy that subordinates one country at a time, avoiding a regional war while tipping the balance of power in Beijings favor. Taiwanjust 80 miles from mainland China and, according to the Wall Street Journal, the source of almost all of the worlds most sophisticated chips, and many of the simpler ones, toowould be the most attractive target. Colby writes that Xi Jinping himself has described this goal as essential to realizing national rejuvenation.

Since Taiwan seems determined to preserve its freedom, China would have to seize control of key territory on the island. A successful fait accompliwhich convinces the United States and its regional allies and partners as well as the Taiwanese that Chinas gains are irreversiblewould vitiate Americas credibility in Asia, Colby asserts. While the United States has assumed a variety of commitments to Taipei, Washington has refrained from entering into a formal agreement to preserve Taiwans independence and has maintained instead strategic ambiguity about how far the United States would go in the event of Chinese aggression. Failure by Washington to come to Taiwans aid to thwart a Chinese takeover of the island nation would show Americas allies and partners in the region that the United States is a paper tiger and would compel them to accommodate Chinese power.

The bulk of Colbys deft analysis examines the steps that the United States must undertake to form an anti-hegemonic coalition to mount a successful denial defense in the Indo-Pacific, the intricacies of executing it, and the costs and risks that the United States would incur. While preventing the CCP from reunifying Taiwan with the mainland wouldnt dispose of the China challenge, it would inflict a dramatic setback on the CCP and likely trigger a crisis of legitimacy for the party.

Although Colby warns against it, readers may come away from his book with the illusion that the China challenge consists in preserving Taiwans independence. That is crucial. But as The Elements of the China Challengean unclassified paper published in November 2020 by the State Departments Policy Planning Staff (which I directed at the time)argues, the China challenge goes well beyond the CCPs determination to impose its will on the Indo-Pacific.

The CCP seeks not merely regional but also global preeminence. Its preferred means are not military but rather a variety of schemes of economic co-optation and coercion that emanate outward from the Indo-Pacific and reach all regions of the world. These include massive intellectual property theft, the commandeering of supply chains and critical materials, the quest for dominance in key 21st-century industries, Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure projects that induce in partner nations financial dependence and produce political subordination, and Chinese-built 5G networks that provide Beijing a steady pipeline of sensitive information and massive amounts of data for developing artificial intelligence algorithms. Study of the CCPs ideas, rooted in Marxism-Leninism and traditional Chinese nationalism, shows that the partys ambitions for national rejuvenation culminate in nothing less than placing Beijing at the center of a world order revised to favor authoritarian government.

American voters and political officials still have a considerable way to go in acquiring that knowledge of the CCP and its authoritarian ambitionsand of America and the strengths and limitations of its experiment in democratic self-governmentthat will enable our nation to secure freedom.
Lakeland Dairies has announced a new payment system for farmers in Northern Ireland designed to encourage them to produce milk with higher protein and butterfat content.

The new system offers all of the co-operative's suppliers an opportunity to benefit from enhanced payments for increased constituents over current levels.

Farmers will be able to choose a base year from either 2018, 2019 or 2020 as an average benchmark, from which milk supplies from January 2022 will then be priced on both a base level and also with regard to subsequently increased milk solids, for additional payments.

After each farmer selects a preferred benchmark year, they will be allocated a monthly milk constituent base figure, for each of the 12 months of that year.

The actual milk supplied from January 2022 onwards will then be paid relative to this base figure for constituents, Lakeland Dairies explained.

For all new milk solids produced by any supplier above their chosen base constituents level, an enhanced payment will be paid for each new unit of butterfat and protein supplied.

The enhanced payments per unit of constituents will be 0.029 pence per litre for every 0.01% of extra fat and 0.056 pence per litre for every 0.01% of extra protein produced.

All other existing milk payment elements remain as they are currently, the farmer-owned co-operative added.

It emphasised that the new system will not impact negatively on any current payments and does not require the existing payment base to be increased to create a payment fund.

The enhanced milk payment system will be funded by the extra revenue generated from the extra fat and protein sold in the dairy markets.

Niall Matthews, chair of Lakeland Dairies, said the feedback gathered from co-operative's milk suppliers was a positive one.

"This will incentivise and reward the production of extra solids, while ensuring that the highest possible base price will continue to be paid to all milk suppliers in line with market conditions," he added.

"This is a positive development and we are pleased to introduce this new system for our milk producers from January 2022 onwards.

Lakeland Dairies said it will be contacting farmers directly with more information on the new system.
Morrisons has chosen to shine a spotlight on farmers as part of its Christmas advert this year, by introducing 'Farmer Christmas' to the nation.

The retailer's advert will feature 'the other hero of Christmas' as a way of commending British farmers for the work they have done during the pandemic.

The 60 second TV advert tells a tale about Farmer Christmas who works all year too in order to deliver food to tables across the country.

The advert follows the friends as they explore North Pole Farm, where the festive food is grown, before spotting Farmer Christmas version of a sleigh and the reindeers he needs to transport everything.

They then sneak a look into his workshops where magic helpers including butchers, bakers and fishmongers are helping to prepare produce.

At the end of their journey, the friends excitedly declare that hes been as they spot a table full of food and sit down to enjoy the Christmas meal with their family and share their new secret.

Morrisons says the Christmas advert is part of its ongoing support for British farmers, with other recent activity including the reduction of seasonal pork prices to help alleviate the pressures faced by pig farmers.

The retailer also it remains committed to only selling 100% fresh British, and since the start of the pandemic, it has also offered farmers a 5% discount.

Rachel Eyre, Morrisons chief customer officer, said: Told through the eyes of children, our advert reveals the secret of the other star of Christmas - not Father Christmas but Farmer Christmas.

"It aims to celebrate and showcase all the hard work, skill and dedication that goes on behind the scenes to grow and make the food for Christmas throughout the year.

"From all the British farmers and growers we work with directly, to our 105,000 colleagues who are delivering, stocking, making and preparing fresh festive food, to bring our customers a Christmas feast for their table.

The advert premieres on TV today (15 November) on ITVs This Morning followed by spots in The Great British Bake Off and Coronation Street on Tuesday night.
The Northern Irish government will introduce an NI-wide avian influenza prevention zone following multiple outbreaks in Great Britain.

The AIPZ will be introduced from midnight on 17 November, agriculture minister Edwin Poots confirmed on Monday (15 November).

The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in Northern Ireland to follow strict biosecurity measures.

This applies to anyone who keeps pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.

The decision to introduce the AIPZ comes following multiple detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds across Britain.

Cases of the H5N1 strain have been confirmed in captive birds and poultry in five different locations in the space of two weeks.

There have also been confirmed cases in wild birds across four locations in the Republic of Ireland, where similar measures are also being introduced.

Minister Poots said: The recent positive findings of H5N1 in wild birds in the Republic of Ireland suggest that the disease may already be present here in NI.

"I have therefore taken the decision to declare an AIPZ from midnight 17 November based on sound expert advice and in consultation with industry.

This is a necessary precautionary step that requires all bird keepers to take appropriate action to review and enhance the measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.

Chief Veterinary Officer for NI, Dr Robert Huey, added that the AIPZ was necessary to help prevent any contact that wild birds might otherwise have with poultry or captive birds.

"It reduces the risk of contamination from the virus to food and water provided to poultry and other captive birds therefore reducing opportunity for the disease to spread between premises," he said.

I am urging all flock keepers, even if you keep just one bird, to take action now to improve biosecurity in order to prevent an incursion of the disease into our poultry flock.

"If avian influenza were to enter our flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.
There will 'definitely' be enough turkeys for Christmas following an uptake in applications to help process them, the British Poultry Council (BPC) has said.

Around half of the visas made available by the government have been taken up by EU workers, and this should be enough to ensure ample supply of turkeys, the industry body explained.

Since the UK left the EU and the start of the pandemic, the number of overseas workers has been reducing, causing problems for agricultural sectors that rely on them.

Following lobbying from the NFU, the BPC and other industry groups, in September the government announced their decision to add 5,500 poultry workers to existing visa schemes.

Temporary workers from outside the UK have long been vital to helping the poultry sector prepare for Christmas, but given the unprecedented challenges of this year, they were needed more than ever.

The BPC told BBC News that there would be a "bird for everyone who wants one", but people would have less choice overall this year.

According to the trade body, around 2,500 to 3,000 worker applications have been made, well below the 5,500 visa cap the government had set.

But Richard Griffiths, from the BPC, told the BBC: "We've been able to streamline products and reduce the variety, so that helps with the overall volume.

"There will be a focus on whole birds and very simple crowns and roasts," he added.

Paul Kelly, owner of KellyBronze, a turkey producer based in Essex, said the temporary visa scheme meant 'Christmas has been saved'.

Its impossible to do this job without seasonal workers. People say to me, you should employ local people, he added.

"We're a seasonal agriculture business, just like raspberries and strawberries, and we need people to help with our harvest."

It comes as Christmas trees were also added to the list of items that may not be widely available this festive season.

According to retailer Christmastrees.co.uk, new Brexit rules had made importing trees more difficult, meaning a shortage of UK grown trees was likely.

Figures from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association show that between 8 and 10 million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year.

It is estimated that the UK usually imports between 1 million and 3 million of those Christmas trees each year from countries elsewhere in Europe.

UK tree growers warned of labour shortages, with the usual workforce - mainly from Eastern Europe - not available due to new immigration rules.
The total value of livestock throughput increased to over 556m at Scotlands livestock marts in 2020 despite the pandemic, according to the latest figures.

Overall throughput was up by nearly 10% year-on-year, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has said.

This is despite last year being one of the most challenging years for Scottish livestock auctioneers since the foot and mouth crisis.

IAAS, which is the representative body for livestock markets, valuers and auctioneers across Scotland, said the figures highlighted the 'critical role' marts play.

Using the experience of foot and mouth from 20 years ago, IAAS kept markets open during the pandemic as a vital part of the food chain.

The live markets and the auction system continued, albeit under different rules to normal, and was pivotal for ensuring farmers could still fairly trade their livestock, as well as aiding a buoyant trade that continues.

Neil Wilson, IAAS executive director said: "It meant that new customers came forward to use the system, as well as offering the opportunity to trade more stock.

"In a year when Defra figures noted a 3.7% drop in overall sheep production, it was pleasing to see that the number of sheep going through Scottish rings for slaughter actually rose by 10%.

"The marts exist to provide a transparent system for reaching a fair price, and these figures show that it is worth hundreds of millions of pounds to the Scottish rural economy and its farmers.

Grant Macpherson, managing director at Dingwall and Highland Marts, said that last years throughput figures were pleasing to see.

Quite simply, if we hadnt been able to have live marts, there wouldnt have been the same level of trade," he said.

"This years summer sales were fantastic too, up until recently when increases in fertiliser prices cooled the market.

"Cattle were going great, with the first couple of sales in September at about 3/kg for smaller calves. Although the fertiliser situation has dampened things, a lot of cattle have already been sold.

"Sheep though, are going well, and prime sheep are ahead of last years prices, with lambs about 40 higher.

Whilst marts offered a high performing transactional environment during 2020, Covid rules meant that mart attendances were limited purely to business interactions.

This took away one critical additional element of the Scottish live marketing system  that of social interaction.

Many sales were broadcast online so farmers could stay abreast of trade, however the opportunity catching up with friends, for knowledge exchange and keeping up with policy moves, was lost.

The merits of this type of activity, as well as helping to tackle rural isolation, were recently laid out in the Princes Countryside Fund report, More than a Mart.

All of this is returning though, Mr Wilson said. The relaxation of Covid rules means that footfall is increasing again at Scottish marts as well as buoyant trade.

"IAAS looks forward to marts continuing to play their crucial role as a rural hub."
Tenants are being sought to take on six Norfolk farms as 750 acres of Norfolk County Councils 16,900-acre portfolio is available to let.

Mendhams Farm in Outwell, part of Welney Farms in Welney, New Road Farm in Marshland St James, Willow Farm in South Burlingham are available to let.

A care farm at Ingleborough Farm in West Walton and bare land at Bank Farm in Terrington St Clement are also open for tenant farmers.

Norfolk County Council, which owns 16,900 acres of farmland across the county, said it was particularly keen to attract new entrants.

The council is holding special training days in January for those who want to apply but need more help with a business plan.

Mendhams Farm in Outwell (Photo: Norfolk County Council)

Councillor Greg Pecksaid: Farming is a key part of Norfolks economy and we want to play our part in strengthening the sector locally.

"Our county farms provide a unique entry point for new tenants in a highly competitive market."

He added: Were also delighted to be able to offer an opportunity for a new care farm in West Walton.

"Care farming is a growing practice that can bring significant benefits to a range of vulnerable groups.

"That might include those struggling with their mental health, new skills for someone with learning difficulties or placements for those with dementia.

More information on the available farms to let can be viewed on Norfolk County Council's website.
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BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Japan is on Monday scheduled to release preliminary Q3 figures for gross domestic product, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. GDP is expected to have fallen 0.2 percent on quarter and 0.8 percent on year after rising 0.5 percent on quarter and 1.9 percent on year in the previous three months. Capital expenditure is tipped to fall 0.6 percent on quarter after climbing 1.4 percent in Q2. Japan also will see final September numbers for industrial production; previously, output was down 3.6 percent on month and up 8.8 percent on year, while capacity utilization fell 3.9 percent on month. China will see October data for house prices, fixed asset investment, industrial production, retail sales and unemployment. Industrial production is expected to climbed 3.0 percent on year, easing from 3.1 percent in September. Retail sales are tipped to gain an annual 3.5 percent, down from 4.4 percent in the previous month. FAI is pegged at 6.2 percent, down from 7.3 percent a month earlier. House prices were up 3.8 percent on year in September, while the jobless rate was 4.9 percent. Indonesia will provide October figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to skyrocket 56.06 percent on year after jumping 40.31 percent in September. Exports are called higher by an annual 46.85 percent, easing from 47.64 in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $3.87 billion, down from $4.37 billion a month earlier. Thailand will release Q3 data for gross domestic product, with forecasts suggesting a decline of 2.5 percent on quarter and 0.8 percent on year. That follows the 0.4 percent quarterly increase and the 7.5 percent yearly gain in Q2. 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.








SHENZHEN, CHINA, Nov 12, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - The new e-cigarette brand COEE announces that it will hold a brand launch conference and a cornerstone customer signing ceremony in Shenzhen on April 8, which has aroused the attention of the industry. As a new player in the industry, COEE has emerged as a leading brand in the fast-changing market environment. The COEE brand has also successfully won the favor of the younger Generation Z.Full of vitality and positive energy, COEE speaks for the Gen ZCOEE recently disassembled and interpreted the connotation of his LOGO through its official announcement poster. We can find the meanings of C (Confidence), O (Optimist), E (Ego), and E (Excellence) in "COEE"."Confidence, Optimism, Ego, Excellence" advocates a life attitude of "confidence and optimism, I am who I am". Advocating to be unique and full of personality, refuse to be the same, dare to say no to mediocrity, compete with oneself, confront setbacks, and show self and individuality.COEE speaks for the young generation Z, advocating the new brand concept of self-confidence, optimism, self and excellence, and hopes to create a brand that can better express their own personality, be more favored by young users, and a newer lifestyle.Confidence and Ego: everything is possible, live for yourselfThe C and E in COEE are not only the abbreviations of the COEE brand name, but also interpret the brand spirit of Confidence and Ego. It is hoped that every young consumer group will stick to self-assertion and show a confident attitude like COEE.In addition, the COEE brand advocates Everything Can Be COEE, which means "Every thing can be okay", which embodies a feeling that everything is possible, and conforms to the personality characteristics of young people who are optimistic and confident, like to explore, and live for themselves.Optimist: Don't bow to life.The O in COEE represents the brand's "Optimist" spirit, which means "positive and upward".As society develops faster and faster, young consumer groups will always face a lot of pressure and dissatisfaction in life and work, but no matter when, there is one thing that no one but themselves can decide, that's the mood. COEE's vision is to let every consumer group feel the positive and optimistic spirit of COEE when they "interact" with COEE and its products, and not bow to life.Excellence: is an attitude to lifeThe other E in COEE refers to "Excellence". Excellence is an attitude towards life, and success is an inevitable result of this attitude. COEE upholds the spirit of craftsmanship and uses the power of technology to create higher-quality, higher-value products, and create healthier and more fashionable products and experiences for young users around the world. In addition, COEE electronic atomizer is not only a cold technology product, but also injects temperature and attitude into the product, encouraging the current young people, as long as they are firm in their hearts, they will reach the top one day.The young generation Z who advocating individuality and curious exploration is becoming the main consumer in all countries. The new generation who loves individuality and pursues pleasant consumption are the main audiences of emerging consumer products such as e-cigarettes. They are exposed to diverse cultures, pursue individuality and express themselves, and are more willing consume for emotional needs and self-pleasure behavior. COEE's brand spirit of "confidence, optimism, ego, excellence" is in line with the emotional needs of Gen Z's pursuit of individuality and self-expression, and it is bound to become a trendy brand with attitude and personality that is widely loved by young consumers. In the future, we will wait and see what brilliant achievement COEE will create in the future.For more information, visithttps://www.coee.comhttps://ca.coee.comhttps://za.coee.comhttps://coee.en.alibaba.com/'spm=a2700.shop_cp.88.4https://www.instagram.com/coee.malaysia/Media Queries:Deen Zhu+86 19928801751zhudeen@coee.comSOURCE: COEE Atomization TechnologySource: COEECopyright 2021 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
T he European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for Celltrion's regdanvimab following positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) last week (11/11/2021)

Celltrion continues to discuss supply agreements with regulatory agencies and contractors in more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and LATAM to accelerate global access to regdanvimab

The use of regdanvimab across the Republic of Korea is rapidly increasing to address the ongoing outbreaks

Celltrion Group announced today that the European Commission (EC) has approved Regkirona (regdanvimab, CT-P59), one of the first monoclonal antibody treatments granted marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The EC granted marketing authorisation for adults with COVID-19 who do not require supplemental oxygen and who are at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. The decision from the EC follows a positive opinion by the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on November 11th, 2021.1

"Today's achievement, coupled with CHMP positive opinion for regdanvimab, underscores our ongoing commitment to addressing the world's greatest health challenges," said Dr. HoUng Kim, Ph.D., Head of Medical and Marketing Division at Celltrion Healthcare. "Typically, the recommendations from the CHMP are passed on to the EC for rapid legally binding decisions within a month or two, however, given the unprecedented times, we have received the EC approval within a day. As part of our global efforts to accelerate access, we have been communicating with the governments and contractors in 30 countries in Europe, Asia and LATAM. We will continue working with all key stakeholders to ensure COVID-19 patients around the world have access to safe and effective treatments."

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins designed to attach to a specific target, in this case the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which works to block the path the virus uses to enter human cells. The EC approval is based on the global Phase III clinical trial involving more than 1,315 people to evaluate the efficacy and safety of regdanvimab in 13 countries including the U.S., Spain, and Romania. Data showed regdanvimab significantly reduced the risk of COVID-19 related hospitalisation or death by 72% for patients at high-risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

Emergency use authorisations are currently in place in Indonesia and Brazil, and the monoclonal antibody treatment is fully approved in the Republic of Korea. In the U.S., regdanvimab has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the company is in discussion with the FDA to submit applications for an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

As of November 12th, 2021, more than 22,587 people have been treated with regdanvimab in 129 hospitals in the Republic of Korea.

Notes to Editors:

About Celltrion Healthcare

Celltrion Healthcare is committed to delivering innovative and affordable medications to promote patients' access to advanced therapies. Its products are manufactured at state-of-the-art mammalian cell culture facilities, designed and built to comply with the US FDA cGMP and the EU GMP guidelines. Celltrion Healthcare endeavours to offer high-quality cost-effective solutions through an extensive global network that spans more than 110 different countries. For more information please visit: https://www.celltrionhealthcare.com/en-us.

About regdanvimab (CT-P59)

CT-P59 was identified as a potential treatment for COVID-19 through screening of antibody candidates and selecting those that showed the highest potency in neutralising the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In vitro and in vivo pre- clinical studies showed that CT-P59 strongly binds to SARS-CoV-2 RBD and significantly neutralise the wild type and mutant variants of concern. In in vivo models, CT-P59 effectively reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 and inflammation in lung. Results from the global Phase I and Phase II/III clinical trials of CT-P59 demonstrated a promising safety, tolerability, antiviral effect and efficacy profile in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID-19.2 Celltrion also has recently commenced the development of a neutralising antibody cocktail with CT-P59 against new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain information set forth in this press release contains statements related to our future business and financial performance and future events or developments involving Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare that may constitute forward-looking statements, under pertinent securities laws.

These statements may be identified by words such as "prepares", "hopes to", "upcoming", "plans to", "aims to", "to be launched", "is preparing, "once gained", "could", "with the aim of", "may", "once identified", "will", "working towards", "is due", "become available", "has potential to", the negative of these words or such other variations thereon or comparable terminology.

In addition, our representatives may make oral forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare's management, of which many are beyond its control.

Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them.

Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Celltrion/Celltrion Healthcare undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

References

1 European Medicines Agency. COVID-19: EMA recommends authorisation of two monoclonal antibody medicines. Available at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/covid-19-ema-recommends-authorisation-two-monoclonal-antibody-medicines [Last accessed November 2021].

2 Celltrion Data on file

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005312/en/

Contacts:

Holly Barber

hbarber@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 07759 301620

Donna Curran

dcurran@hanovercomms.com

+44 (0) 7984 550312
Nankang has launched the all new winter tyre Winter Activa SV-4, which is specifically developed for south European cold season. The new pattern will be available to the European market for debut from the third quarter 2021.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005001/en/

NANKANG RUBBER TIRE Test world Test Report (Photo: Business Wire)

Compared to the predecessor, SV-4 offers better performance in every category of features to deal with the winter weathers in south European. By working with the professional European proving grounds, Nankang engineers have elevated tyre's grip, acceleration and handling in wet-road conditions, to achieve B in EU label grades. When it comes to the snowy road, it outperforms the predecessor with a good improvement scale in braking, acceleration and objective handling, according to the test report.

The Winter Activa SV-4 is corresponding better to European winter conditions in particular, Nankang is confident that the new pattern SV-4 will meet our customers' high expectations.

SV-4 tyre features

The SV-4 benefits from a new structure and new materials, developed by the Nankang new product simulation system. The profile design is optimized tyre's footprint (tread contact width) which can improve snow performance.

The directional V-shape tread pattern design, with main lateral grooves stretching curvedly from center to shoulder, enhances lateral drainage and snow grip. The broad sipes on center rib provides the powerful biting edges, becoming snow rake to expel ice and snow. The recessive design on circumferential groove wall enhances the water-film breaking ability to reduce aquaplaning, and snow expelling efficiency.

On tread shoulder, lateral grooves blocks increase snow biting edges to maximize wet and snow performance. The varied shape blocks and ladder-shape pattern areas broaden the contact area with ice/snow to strengthen snow-shoveling capability and reinforce snow traction. To maximize snow grip, 3D-sipe design is adopted with different depth depending on different block location. In total, SV-4 delivers better wet braking performance than Europe prime brand, and almost 10% better than predecessor in Snow braking performance, according to the benchmark report done in Europe. (Chart 1)

Nankang new Winter Activa SV-4 will initially be available in over 20 sizes from 13 to 21 inches. A second phase with additional sizes will follow during 2022.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005001/en/

Contacts:

Representative

Vincent Lu

nanktire@nankang.com.tw
Delivering fast and reliable machine learning business solutions.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ElectrifAi, one of the world's leading companies in practical artificial intelligence (Ai) and pre-built machine learning (ML) models, today announced availability of Computer Vision (CV) and Machine Learning as a Service (MLaaS) for the Oil, Gas and Energy industries at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi. ElectrifAi will be exhibiting at Booth 13605.

More than ever, oil and gas companies need to leverage the power of Ai, ML and CV to drive operational and cost efficiencies. The challenge is how? Oil, Gas and Energy companies generate extraordinary amounts of data across the enterprise. But frequently, the value and power of that data are never fully realized due to a variety of reasons, including the inability to access siloed data, general lack of data engineering and data science talent, and an inability to connect ML and Ai to the practical needs of business units.

For over 15 years, ElectrifAi has been a leader in practical Ai, ML and CV helping enterprise and government customers globally to quickly turn their data into a strategic weapon to drive revenue growth as well as cost and risk reduction. We have one of the largest libraries of pre-structured ML models that has been built and battle tested over the past 15 years. We have also developed innovative CV models to drive workplace safety as well as to reduce costs. And now with our innovative MLaaS offering, ElectrifAi enables companies to quickly realize the benefits of Ai and ML. We do all the heavy lifting. Clients simply describe their business use case. We tell them what data is required. Clients then supply the data and ElectrifAi takes over from there by training, operating and deploying the models and delivering results quickly. It's that simple.

The collection of CV use cases ElectrifAi has created goes beyond the normal range of CV abilities yet seen. We have many CV-based solutions that could be applicable in this industry. For example: workplace safety, critical infrastructure monitoring, methane detection, and equipment surveillance.

In the Oil and Gas industry, nothing is more important than safety. Human error in high-risk environments can cause accidents, loss of life, and production stoppages. CV can play a vital role in helping to prevent injuries, keep rigs and production facilities running smoothly by alerting operators to potentially dangerous situations and remediating issues before an accident occurs. Similarly, CV can also play an essential role in monitoring valve banks and other critical infrastructure for human error as well as wear and tear leading to equipment failure. In addition to losses from production stoppages, there are also ancillary costs that can be avoided such as litigation, regulatory fines, and increases in liability insurance coverage.

MLaaS increases the efficiency and convenience of machine learning. Clients can quickly get started with machine learning without the exhaustive efforts of installation processes or providing their own servers. Although most companies are actively exploring the possibilities of Ai and ML, many struggle with basic challenges around data availability and quality as well as being able to recruit and retain data engineers and data scientists. ElectrifAi's new MLaaS offering addresses and solves these challenges. With ElectrifAi's MLaaS, companies need little to no experience to realize the maximum business and operational benefits of Ai and ML. MLaaS deploys easily within any cloud environment or on the customer premise. ElectrifAi will also develop, operate and maintain the models on behalf of the client making the MLaaS offering faster, better, cheaper and substantially less risk for clients.

By using MLaaS, clients can achieve many benefits to improve their operations and capabilities. Some of those benefits include lower costs, as one model can be cheaper than the annual cost of a single data scientist; faster time-to-deployment and lower project risk, as the average deployment is between 8-12 weeks for MLaaS versus 8-12 months to build new ML models; and faster time-to-value with a high return on investment (ROI).

One of ElectrifAi's highly successful MLaaS offerings is an ML-based spend and procurement analytics solution that has been trusted by some of the largest companies in the world. It is quick and easily deployed in a client data center or any cloud environment the client chooses. Average realized savings for our SpendAi product fall in the 2-4% range. For a company with $1B in annual indirect spend, this represents $20-$40M dollars in annual savings. Other popular use cases include demand forecasting, dynamic pricing, customer segmentation and customer engagement.

"We're pleased to introduce our Computer Vision and Machine Learning as a Service offerings to the global energy industry. Every company can now easily achieve the benefits of computer vision and machine learning with a very high ROI. We are helping energy companies across the globe grow and become more competitive through data-driven business decisions." - Edward Scott, CEO, ElectrifAi

About ElectrifAi

ElectrifAi is a global leader in business-ready machine learning models. ElectrifAi's mission is to help organizations change the way they work through machine learning: driving revenue uplift, cost reduction as well as profit and performance improvement. Founded in 2004, ElectrifAi boasts seasoned industry leadership, a global team of domain experts, and a proven record of transforming structured and unstructured data at scale. ElectrifAi has a large library of Ai-based products that reaches across business functions, data systems, and teams to drive superior results in record time. ElectrifAi has approximately 200 data scientists, software engineers and employees with a proven record of dealing with over 2,000 customer implementations, mostly for Fortune 500 companies. At the heart of ElectrifAi's mission is a commitment to making Ai and machine learning more understandable, practical, and profitable for businesses and industries across the globe. ElectrifAi is a global company with offices in Miami, Jersey City, Shanghai and New Delhi.

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HEINEKEN intends to acquire control of Distell and NBL , which will be combined with HEINEKEN S outh A frica into a new HEINEKEN majority owned business with a total valuation of approximately 4 billion



Distell is Africa's leading producer and marketer of ciders, flavoured alcoholic beverages, wines and spirits, an d NBL is the beer market leader in Namibia

B etter able to serve c onsumers and c ustomer s with a unique multi-category portfolio , led by iconic brands Heineken, Savanna, Windhoek, 4th Street wine and Amarula

Combination will have a significantly strengthened and compl e mentary route to market in South Africa and Namibia with further growth opportunit ies across Southern Africa

EPS accretion expected within one year and operating profit margin accretion over the medium term on realisation of significant synergies





Amsterdam, 15 November 2021 - HEINEKEN N.V. ('HEINEKEN') (EURONEXT: HEIA; OTCQX: HEINY) today announced that it has entered into an implementation agreement with Distell Group Holdings Limited ('Distell'), Namibia Breweries Limited ('NBL') and Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies ('O&L') to integrate their respective and relevant businesses in Southern Africa into one enlarged company ("the Transaction").

The Transaction will be implemented through a number of simultaneous and inter-conditional steps, and will involve:

A recommended offer by HEINEKEN for Distell, which values the businesses 1 to be acquired at approximately 2.2 billion and is subject to, inter alia, Distell shareholder approval;

to be acquired at approximately 2.2 billion and is subject to, inter alia, Distell shareholder approval; The proposed acquisition from NBL of its 25% shareholding in HEINEKEN South Africa ('HSA'), which values the whole of HSA at approximately 1.5 billion, and is subject to, inter alia, NBL shareholder approval; and

The acquisition of O&L's 50.01% interest in NBL Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited ('NBLIH'), the controlling shareholder with a 59.4% shareholding in NBL. HEINEKEN already owns a 49.99% interest in NBLIH. NBL's current market valuation is approximately 400 million.





At completion, HEINEKEN will contribute these acquired assets plus its 75% directly owned shareholding in HSA and certain other fully owned export operations in Africa, into an unlisted public holding company (referred to as Newco). HEINEKEN will own a minimum of 65% of Newco, with the remainder held by Distell shareholders who elect to reinvest.

HEINEKEN's CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Dolf van den Brink said:

"We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, perfectly positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in Southern Africa.

Distell is a highly regarded, resilient business with leading brands, a talented workforce and a strong track record of innovation and growth in Africa. With NBL, there are exciting opportunities to expand premium beer and cider in Namibia and grow the iconic Windhoek brand beyond its home market. Together we will be able to better serve our consumers and customers through a unique combination of multi-category leading brands and a strengthened route-to-market. The businesses share common values derived from their family heritage, long-term perspectives, entrepreneurial spirit, and care for people and planet.

We have successfully built our business in Africa over 100 years. Today's announcement is a vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of South Africa and Namibia and we commit to being a strong partner for growth and to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate."

DistellCEO Richard Rushton said:

"Together, this partnership has the potential to leverage the strength of HEINEKEN's global footprint with our leading brands to create a formidable, diverse beverage company for Africa. I am excited for what lies ahead as we look to combine our strong and popular brands and highly complementary geographical footprints to create a world class African company in the alcohol beverage sector. Our combined entity will grow our local expertise and insights to better serve consumers across the region."

NBL Chairman Sven Thiemesaid:

"What we have achieved with NBL is truly amazing, but the time has come to unleash its full potential, by giving NBL access to the world. Having worked with HEINEKEN for many years and knowing that they too are passionate about beer and share similar family values and culture to that of O&L, we are confident that HEINEKEN is best placed to do just that."

Strategic rationale

HEINEKEN's global EverGreen strategy places consumers and customers at its core whilst continually enhancing and expanding its portfolio and footprint. The Transaction will create a Southern Africa champion and an important gateway to Africa, the next frontier of growth, and will:

Strengthen its #2 position in South Africa , the largest market in Africa, with a unique multi-category portfolio Bring together the leading portfolios in premium beer, cider, flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs), wine, and #2 in spirits, with iconic brands such as Heineken, Savanna, Hunters, 4 th Street wine, and Amarula Beer to benefit from increased scale and continued premiumisation Acquire the leading Cider & FAB portfolio Wine and spirits offering complementarity and optionality Combine two highly complementary route-to-markets, reaching more consumers and customers, more often.

, the largest market in Africa, with a unique multi-category portfolio

Acquire control of the beer market leader in Namibia , providing premiumisation and other growth opportunities whilst benefitting from cost efficiencies when becoming part of the HEINEKEN group.



Strengthen and optimise its footprint across Southern Africa to accelerate growth:



Combine route-to-markets and portfolios in export countries, to increase efficiency and capture additional growth, especially in attractive markets like Kenya and Tanzania; Explore wider opportunities to grow the acquired cider and beer brands, such as Savanna and Windhoek, outside their home markets.





, providing premiumisation and other growth opportunities whilst benefitting from cost efficiencies when becoming part of the HEINEKEN group.

HEINEKEN anticipates that the Transaction will generate significant synergies, in line with comparable in-market transactions.

Financial impact for HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN's total investment in Newco will be approximately 2.5 billion, in return for a 65% shareholding. The total investment comprises: A cash pay-out of approximately 1.3 billion for the transactions involving Distell and NBL above; and The contribution of its currently owned assets, including 75% of HSA, 100% of its export businesses in certain other African markets, and its minority interest in NBL.

On realisation of significant revenue and cost synergies, the Transaction is expected to be margin accretive over the medium term.

The Transaction is expected to be EPS (beia) accretive within the first year post completion.

Upon completion HEINEKEN's pro-forma net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio is expected to increase marginally. HEINEKEN remains committed to return to the long-term target of below 2.5x.

Brew a Better World

HEINEKEN is committed to be a partner for growth in Southern Africa and aims to make a positive impact on the environment, social sustainability, and responsible consumption in the communities in which it operates. Headquartered in South Africa, the new business is ambitious for growth and will engage positively and proactively with stakeholders on measures demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region. This will include ongoing investment in the business, employment, localisation and supplier development, talent development, and contribution to the economic development of the region.

HEINEKEN is keenly aware of the importance of economic transformation in South Africa through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment ("B-BBEE") and intends to enhance the enlarged business' empowerment ownership post completion of the Transaction.

Newco will implement HEINEKEN's Brew a Better World 2030 commitments, which include an ambitious agenda aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve carbon neutrality, waste reduction, water efficiency and address harmful use of alcohol. This will include projects and partnerships with proven impact on behavioural change and reducing alcohol related harm, alongside investment in responsible consumption campaigns and ensuring that consumers always have a choice through broadening the availability of zero alcohol beverages.

Next steps

Completion of the Transaction between HEINEKEN, Distell and NBL is subject to customary and applicable (including regulatory and shareholder) approvals. Expressions of support for the transaction have been received from shareholders representing c.56% of the votes of Distell and c.68% of the votes of minority shareholders of NBL. If regulatory and shareholder approvals are successfully obtained, the Transaction is expected to complete in the course of 2022. Further announcements will be made as and when appropriate.

1 Representing the In-Scope Assets only as outlined in the Distell Firm Intention Announcement

-ENDS-

Press enquiries

Sarah Backhouse / Michael Fuchs

E-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com

Tel: +31-20-5239-355



Investor and analyst enquiries

Federico Castillo Martinez / Robin Achten

E-mail: investors@heineken.com

Tel: +31-20-5239-590

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

HEINEKEN will host an analyst and investor conference call in relation to its Southern African Transaction today at 13:00 CET/ 12:00 GMT. The call will be audio cast live via the company's website: www.theheinekencompany.com. An audio replay service will also be made available after the conference call at the above web address.

Analysts and investors can dial-in using the following telephone numbers:

United Kingdom: 0800 640 6441

United Kingdom (Local): 020 3936 2999

Netherlands (Local): 085 888 7233

USA (Local): 1 646 664 1960

USA: 1 855 9796 654

All other locations: +44 203 936 2999

Participation password for all countries: 894933

About HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 80,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt, Twitterand Instagram.

About Distell

Distell is Africa's leading producer of spirits, wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) as well as the world's second-biggest producer of ciders. Some of the company's top brands include Amarula, Hunter's, Savanna, 4th Street, Klipdrift, Nederburg, Richelieu, Viceroy, and J.C. Le Roux. Distell employs 4500 people worldwide.

About Namibia Breweries Limited

Established on 29 October 1920, NBL is one of the leading beverage manufacturing companies in Namibia and indeed in Southern Africa. Based in Windhoek, and employing more than 800 people, NBL leads the domestic beer market in Namibia and has significant share of the premium beer category in Southern Africa. Its portfolio includes a range of soft beverages, as well as low and non-alcoholic products. NBL's beer brands are brewed in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot "Purity Law" - which only uses three ingredients: malted barley, hops and water. It's brands Windhoek Lager, Tafel Lager, Windhoek Draught and Windhoek Light have earned international recognition for quality and purity. NBL's products are exported to 17 countries outside of Namibia and South Africa.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains price-sensitive information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.



Attachment
AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Heineken N.V. (HKHHF.PK) said Monday that it plans to acquire control of Distell Group Holdings Limited and Namibia Breweries Limited or NBL, which will be combined with HEINEKEN South Africa into a new HEINEKEN majority owned business with a total valuation of about 4 billion euros. Distell is Africa's leading producer and marketer of ciders, flavoured alcoholic beverages, wines and spirits, and NBL is the beer market leader in Namibia. The Transaction will involve a recommended offer by HEINEKEN for Distell, which values the businesses to be acquired at about 2.2 billion euros. The Transaction will also involve proposed acquisition from NBL of its 25% shareholding in HEINEKEN South Africa or 'HSA', which values the whole of HSA at about 1.5 billion euros. Heineken will buy Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies or O&L's 50.01% interest in NBL Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited ('NBLIH'), the controlling shareholder with a 59.4% shareholding in NBL. HEINEKEN already owns a 49.99% interest in NBLIH. NBL's current market valuation is about 400 million euros. At completion, Heineken will contribute these acquired assets plus its 75% directly owned shareholding in HSA and certain other fully owned export operations in Africa, into an unlisted public holding company or Newco. HEINEKEN will own a minimum of 65% of Newco, with the remainder held by Distell shareholders who elect to reinvest. The transaction is expected to complete in the course of 2022. 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.
FREYR Battery (NYSE: FREY) ("FREYR"), a developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity, today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Highlights of the third quarter 2021 and subsequent events:

In advanced stages of negotiations with two leading global companies to sign conditional offtake agreements representing more than 50 GWh of estimated potential cumulative demand

In negotiations with seven additional companies for offtake agreements representing more than 100 GWh of estimated potential cumulative demand with several other leads in the FREYR commercial pipeline

Concept selection for Gigafactories 1 and 2 at Mo i Rana completed, resulting in an anticipated uplift in annual throughput capacity compared to the previous estimate of 13 GWh

On track for Customer Qualification Plant start-up in 2H 2022 with initial raw materials secured

Maintain ambition for start of production from Gigafactories 1 and 2 in 2H 2023, with Final Investment Decision ("FID") targeted in 1H 2022

Signed supply contract with Glencore for the supply of up to 1,500 metric tons of high grade, sustainably sourced cobalt metal cut cathodes with cobalt produced at Glencore's Nikkelverk facility in Norway

Announced the formation of 50/50 U.S. joint venture with Koch Strategic Platforms ("KSP") to advance the potential development of an initial 50 GWh of clean, next-generation battery cells in the U.S.

In conjunction with the formation of the U.S. joint venture with KSP, announced $70 million combined investment in convertible promissory notes with 24M Technologies, Inc. ("24M") and an expanded licensing agreement between U.S. joint venture partners and 24M Technologies

"Our team continued to advance several important strategic initiatives during the third quarter," said Tom Jensen, the CEO of FREYR. "As we continue to build the foundations of our business, we will remain acutely focused on achieving commercial successes, funding our expansion efficiently, and establishing localized supply chains of clean, next-generation battery cell production in accordance with our core tenets of speed, scale and sustainability."

Business Update

Negotiating terms and conditions of potential offtake agreements with prospective customers across the energy storage systems and commercial mobility sectors exceeding 150 GWh in estimated potential cumulative demand

Increasing and advancing technical discussions across all market segments with prioritized customer leads representing 3,000 GWh of unmet estimated potential cumulative demand

Collaborating with our partners at KSP and 24M to evaluate and advance development opportunities in the U.S.

Working with our partners at the City of Vaasa and Finish Minerals Group to evaluate and advance development opportunities in Finland

Results Overview, Financing and Liquidity

FREYR Battery reported a Net Loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 of ($45.4) million or ($0.42) per share compared to a Net Loss of ($2.5) million or ($0.07) per share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020

As of September 30, 2021, FREYR Battery had cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $623.5 million compared to a pro-forma cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance at the closing of the business combination between FREYR AS and Alussa Energy of $652.8 million

Business Outlook

FREYR is focused on advancing the following strategic mandates and milestones over the next 18 months:

Grow conditional offtake commitments and pipeline of commercial opportunities across all market segments to support further capacity expansion

Proceed to FID on combined Gigafactories 1 and 2 at Mo I Rana in 1H 2022 and commence operations at FREYR's Customer Qualification Plant in 2H 2022

Accelerate additional Gigafactory developments in Norway, the U.S. and Finland to concept selection and eventual FIDs

Formalize further agreements with supply chain partners to advance operational and commercial progress and support decarbonisation of supply chain

Accelerate evaluation of debt capital solutions to fund FREYR's strategic expansion of Gigafactories 1 and 2

Presentation of Third Quarter 2021 Results

A presentation will be held today, November 15th, 2021, at 10:30 am (EST) to discuss financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021. The results and presentation material will be available for download at https://ir.freyrbattery.com.

To access the conference call, listeners should contact the conference call operator at the appropriate number listed below approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

United Kingdom: +44 3333000804

United States: +1 6319131422

Switzerland: +41 225809034

Spain: +34 935472900

Norway: +47 23500243

Luxembourg: +352 27300160

Hong Kong: +852 30600225

Germany: +49 6913803430

France: +33 170750711

Denmark: +45 35445577

Canada: +1 4162164189

The participant passcode for the call is: 59378592#

A webcast of the conference call will be broadcast simultaneously at https://streams.eventcdn.net/freyer/2021q3 on a listen-only basis. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software.

A replay of the webcast will be available at https://ir.freyrbattery.com/events-and-presentations/presentations/default.aspx

About FREYR Battery

FREYR plans to develop up to 43 GWh of battery cell production capacity by 2025 with an ambition of up to 83 GWh in total capacity by 2028 to position the company as one of Europe's largest battery cell suppliers. Five of the facilities are planned to be in the Mo i Rana industrial complex in Northern Norway, leveraging Norway's highly skilled workforce and abundant, low-cost renewable energy sources from hydro and wind in a crisp, clear, and energized environment. FREYR aims to supply safe, high-energy density and cost competitive clean battery cells to the rapidly growing global markets for electric vehicles, energy storage, and marine applications. FREYR is committed to supporting cluster-based R&D initiatives and the development of an international ecosystem of scientific, commercial, and financial stakeholders to support the expansion of the battery value chain in our region. For more information, please visit www.freyrbattery.com

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, including, without limitation, regarding the funding of FREYR's planned future expansion; FREYR's progress on decarbonizing its supply chain; the establishment of localized supply chains of FREYR's clean, next-generation battery cell production; the development, timeline, capacity and other usefulness of FREYR's CQP and planned Gigafactories; the Final Investment Decision regarding the Gigafactories; progress to complete CQP equipment tenders and progress of tendering for the subsequent Gigafactories; progress and development of customer offtake agreements and estimated potential cumulative demand from these agreements, supply chain partnerships and growing pipeline of commercial opportunities; the development and growth of FREYR's target markets and prioritized customer leads; the scale and arrangements for any FREYR production facilities in North America; the progress and development of FREYR's partnerships and plans in Finland; the development and commercialization of 24M's technology; FREYR's manufacturing capacity relative to other market participants; and the development of customer and supplier relationships are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside FREYR's control and are difficult to predict. Additional information about factors that could materially affect FREYR is set forth under the "Risk Factors" section in FREYR's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2021, as amended, and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, FREYR disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and projections could different materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) As of September 30, As of December 31, 2021 2020 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 622,582 14,749 Restricted cash 879 196 Prepaid assets 6,486 464 Other current assets 709 442 Total current assets 630,656 15,851 Property and equipment, net 5,606 80 Other long-term assets 11 Total assets 636,273 15,931 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Accounts payable 3,147 888 Accrued liabilities 9,286 2,153 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related party 1,040 322 Redeemable preferred shares 7,574 Deferred income 1,387 Total current liabilities 14,860 10,937 Warrant liability 38,438 Other long-term liabilities 38 Total liabilities 53,298 10,975 Commitments and contingencies (Note 6) Shareholders' equity Additional paid-in capital 658,868 15,183 Accumulated other comprehensive income 334 658 Accumulated deficit (76,227 (10,885 Total shareholders' equity 582,975 4,956 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 636,273 15,931 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts) (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Operating expenses: General and administrative 30,027 1,666 Research and development 5,257 283 Depreciation 30 4 Total operating expenses 35,314 1,953 Loss from operations (35,314 (1,953 Other income (expense): Redeemable preferred shares fair value adjustment Interest income 51 Warrant liability fair value adjustment (11,173 (350 Convertible notes fair value adjustment (165 Interest expense (1 (11 Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain 1,015 4 Other income 3 6 Loss before income taxes (45,419 (2,469 Income tax expense Net loss (45,419 (2,469 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments (558 (23 Total comprehensive loss (45,977 (2,492 Basic and diluted weighted-average ordinary shares outstanding 108,713,120 32,975,333 Basic and diluted net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (Note 14) (0.42 (0.07 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

FREYR BATTERY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In Thousands) (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash flows from operating activities Net loss (65,341 (4,384 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Share-based compensation expense 14,367 447 Depreciation 54 10 Redeemable preferred shares fair value adjustment (74 Foreign currency transaction loss on redeemable preferred shares 28 Warrant liability fair value adjustment 11,173 575 Convertible notes fair value adjustment 199 Other (83 81 Changes in assets and liabilities: Prepaid assets (6,065 (66 Other current assets (236 129 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,365 (385 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related party 738 11 Deferred income 1,431 Other long-term liabilities 7 Net cash used in operating activities (35,643 (3,376 Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (4,099 (35 Purchases of other long-term assets (12 Net cash used in investing activities (4,111 (35 Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from Business Combination 70,836 Proceeds from PIPE Investment 600,000 Capital contributions ordinary shares 12,349 Issuance cost (26,334 (799 Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred shares 7,500 Payments for the Norway Demerger (3,002 Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt 1,104 Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt related party 427 Payments related to convertible debt (125 Net cash provided by financing activities 649,000 12,956 Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (730 3 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 608,516 9,548 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 14,945 257 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period 623,461 9,805 Reconciliation to consolidated balance sheets Cash and cash equivalents 622,582 9,740 Restricted cash 879 65 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 623,461 9,805 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005454/en/

Contacts:

Investor contact:

Jeffrey Spittel

Vice President, Investor Relations

jeffrey.spittel@freyrbattery.com

Tel: (+1) 281-222-0161

Media contact:

Katrin Berntsen

Vice President, Communication and Public Affairs

katrin.berntsen@freyrbattery.com

Tel: (+47) 9920 54 570
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) is pleased to announce commencement of drilling at the Whroo Joint Venture project located 130 kilometres north of Melbourne within 199 square kilometres of exploration tenure in the Victorian Goldfields of Australia (Figure 1).

Key points:

The 14-kilometre long Whroo goldfield is one of the largest historic epizonal goldfields in Victoria, Australia and remains untested to depth (Figure 3);

Mawson plans to drill two deep diamond holes under the Balaclava open pit , which extracted 23,600 oz gold during the 1800s. In the only test of gold mineralization to moderate depth (110 metres vertically) along the entire Whroo goldfield, historic drilling by Newmont intersected 63 metres @ 0.35 g/t gold including 1.5 metre @ 6.1 g/t gold and 1.5 metres @ 5.3 g/t gold (Whroo1); The first drill hole, MDDBC001, is planned to intersect structurally-hosted gold within the pyritic "mine sandstone" 250 metres and 120 metres respectively vertically below the Balaclava pit and Whroo1 (Figure 2);

, which extracted 23,600 oz gold during the 1800s. The drill rig has been moved from Mawson's 100% owned Sunday Creek project to complete drilling at the Whroo JV for the next month. The rig will return to Sunday Creek after drilling has been completed;

Mawson could earn up to 70% joint venture interest in the Whroo JV by incurring exploration expenditures of A$4.0 M over 6 years and making combined cash payments of A$250,000 over 4 years;

Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman states: " There remains a lot of gold to be found in Victoria. Mawson controls 3 of the 9 historic epizonal gold fields in Victoria. Two of these historic fields also form Fosterville and Costerfield, currently the highest and sixth highest grade gold mines globally. We have extended the Whroo goldfield to 14 kilometres length with LiDAR surveying and defined 34,500 surface workings within Mawson's tenure. Yet the deepest drillhole across the field was only 110 metres vertically deep. And despite intersecting significant mineralization in 1973, Whroo1 has never been followed up. We look forward to drilling below one of the largest historic epizonal mines in Victoria, while we take a short break from our successful drill program at Sunday Creek."

Mawson plans to drill two deep holes under the Balaclava open pit. The first planned drill hole, MDDBC001, will intersect structurally-hosted gold within the pyritic "mine sandstone" 250 metres vertically below the Balaclava pit and 120 metres vertically below the only drill hole previously drilled to test mineralization at depth (Whroo 1, by Newmont in 1973). The second drill hole will test the same depth as the first drill hole, approximately 100 metres along strike to the west or east (dependent on initial results) to target the intersection of the mine sandstone trend at depth. It will also provide another test of the main reef structure.

Over the last 10 months at Whroo, Mawson has completed a detailed LiDAR survey which extended the previously mapped Whroo historic mining field from 10 kilometres strike to 14 kilometres. GIS-based data analytics also identified 34,500 individual workings over 63 km 2 (~550 per km 2) and classified the data as alluvial vs hard rock in character (Figure 2). A gradient array IP geophysical survey was conducted 8.5 kilometres west of the Balaclava open pit at Doctors Gully over a 4 square kilometre area. Mawson also completed three reconnaissance diamond drill holes for 330.5 metres at Doctors Gully at the start of 2021, with better results including 1.0 metres @ 2.9 g/t gold from 45.3 metres in MDDDG001, 3.8 metres @ 0.7 g/t gold from 71.7 metres in MDDDG001 and 1.6 metres @ 1.9 g/t gold from 24.7 metres in MDDDG003 (Figure 2). Gold distribution suggests a high degree of mobility and re-concentration in the weathered zone.

The diamond drill rig has been moved from Mawson's 100% owned Sunday Creek project to complete drilling at the Whroo JV for the next month. Plans are for the rig to return to Sunday Creek after drilling has been completed at Whroo.

Whroo History

Alluvial gold mining commenced in Whroo during the initial gold boom of the 1850s and a settlement was quickly established. Significant alluvial workings are present throughout the field. Hard rock mining commenced in 1855. Whroo consists of the Balaclava Hill area which contains thirteen named reefs, while shallow workings extend the trend over 9 kilometres to the White Hills mining area. Total production from Balaclava was estimated at 40,000 oz gold, at grades varying from 5 g/t gold to >700 g/t gold from reefs and spurs within an E-W-striking pyritic sandstone.

The largest producers at Whroo were the Balaclava Open Pit (23,600 oz gold), Albert Reef (1,170 oz gold) and Carrs Reef (913 oz gold). Balaclava Hill, Albert Reef and Stockyard Reef are associated with stibnite veins. At Balaclava Hill, a 137 metre deep shaft and an open pit (80 x 40 metres across and 30 metres deep) were developed in 1855 and although the main stratigraphic and structural orientation was east-west, mineralization was observed in both E-W, NNE and flat veins with average widths of 3.5 metres. Outside of Balaclava, veins averaged 0.5 metres width and ran multiple ounces. The Mary Reef was 2.1 metres wide on average. The Peep-o'-Day Mine, a small antimony/gold mine had workings to 61 metres depth. The Happy-go-Lucky Mine averaged 128 g/t gold. The vertical Albert Reef ranged from 0.03-3.7 metres thickness and averaged over 94 g/t gold.

Since historic mining took place, modern exploration at Whroo has been relatively limited with few drill holes testing to below the level of oxidation, and a paucity of geophysical exploration. In the early 1970s ICI Australia and Newmont diamond drilled the only hole ever drilled (Whroo 1) at depth in the field and intersected 63 metres @ 0.35 g/t gold from 140 metres beneath the Balaclava open pit including 1.5 metre @ 6.1 g/t gold from 108.0 metres , 1.5 metres @ 1.8 g/t gold from 149.5 metres and 1.5 metres @ 5.3 g/t gold from 179.5 m. Visible stibnite was recorded but antimony and arsenic were not assayed (Figure 1). MDDBC001 will be drilled 120 metres vertically below Whroo 1.

Summary of the Whroo Joint Venture Agreement

The Amended and Restated Agreement, with an effective date of 2 December 2020, amends and restates the option agreement dated March 24, 2020, between Mawson and Nagambie Resources Limited ("Nagambie") relating to the Doctors Gully retention licence (the " Original Agreement "). The Whroo JV substantially expands the area under option from that contained in the Original Agreement from 4 square kilometres to 199 square kilometres of mineral tenure and includes the 9 kilometre long Whroo gold mineralized trend. The Whroo JV consists of four granted exploration licences - EL6158 (Rushworth, 46 sq km), EL6212 (Reedy Lake, 17 sq km), EL7205 (Angustown, 69 sq km) and EL7209 (Goulburn West, 34 sq km), two exploration licence applications ELA7237 (Kirwans North 1, 20 sq km) and ELA7238 (Kirwans North 2, 9 sq km), and one granted retention licence RL2019 (Doctors Gully, 4 sq km) (collectively, the " Optioned Property ").

Under the Amended and Restated Agreement, Mawson has the option to earn an up to 70% joint venture interest in the Optioned Property by:

1. incurring exploration expenditures of A$400,000 in year 1 and an additional A$500,000 in year 2, and making cash payments equal to A$150,000, to earn an initial 25% interest;

2. incurring additional exploration expenditures of A$1,600,000 on or before the end of year 4 (cumulative A$2.5M over 4 years) and making cash payments of A$50,000 in each of year 3 and 4, to earn a 60% interest.

Upon Mawson earning a 60% interest, either party may elect by notice to the other to form a joint venture (" JV ") under which the percentage ownership of each of Nagambie and Mawson will be 40% and 60%, respectively. Should the parties not elect to form a 40/60% JV, Mawson will then have the option to earn an additional 10% interest in the Optioned Property (for an aggregate 70% interest) by incurring an additional A$1.5M of exploration expenditures on or before the end of year 6 (cumulative A$4.0M in years 1 to 6). Once Mawson earns a 70% interest, a JV between the parties will be automatically formed. Nagambie may then contribute its 30% ownership with further exploration expenditures or, if it chooses to not contribute, dilute its interest. Should Nagambie's interest be reduced to less than 5.0%, it will be deemed to have forfeited its interest in the JV to Mawson in exchange for a 1.5% net smelter return royalty (" NSR ") on gold revenue. Should Nagambie be granted the NSR, Mawson will have the right to acquire the NSR for A$4,000,000.

Mawson will have the option to accelerate its spending to achieve its various percentage ownership interests in the Optioned Property. Mawson retains its right of first refusal to take up or match proposals being considered over the remainder of Nagambie's 3,300 square kilometre tenement package in Victoria.

ESG Background

Mawson has conducted all appropriate consultation and permitting with Parks Victoria, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and Heritage Victoria, and field visits were undertaken prior to drilling, to ensure that the proposed drill site were placed to minimise any environmental, cultural, or social impact. The proposed program will be carried out as Low Impact Exploration, as defined by Earth Resources Exploration Code of Conduct. All drilling will conform to the requirements and consents of all the relevant statutory bodies, including but not limited to, the Earth Resources Regulator (ERR), Parks Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC), Victorian Heritage and the key stakeholders such as the Whroo Conservation Management Network (WCMN).

Technical Background

Tables 1 and 2 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized interval is interpreted to be approximately 70% of the sampled thickness. All drill results quoted have a lower cut of 0.5 g/t Au cut over a 1.0 metre width

A diamond drill rig from contractor Starwest Pty Ltd was used in the Doctors Gully program. Core diameter was HQ (63.5 mm) and oriented with excellent core recoveries averaging close to 100% in both oxidized and fresh rock. After photographing and logging in Mawson's core logging facilities in Nagambie, intervals were diamond sawn in half by Mawson personnel. Half core is retained for verification and reference purposes. Analytical samples are transported to On Site Laboratory Services' Bendigo facility which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Mawson consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process.

Qualified Person

Mr. Michael Hudson (FAusIMM), Executive Chairman for the Company, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure or Mineral Projects and has prepared or reviewed the preparation of the scientific and technical information in this press release. None of the historic drill and mine data have been independently verified by Mawson at this time. The historical data pre-dates the implementation of NI 43-101 and are quoted for information purposes only.

About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF)

Mawson Gold Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Finland. Mawson also owns or is joint venturing into three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 square kilometres in Victoria, Australia and is well placed to add to its already significant gold-cobalt resource in Finland.



On behalf of the Board,

"Michael Hudson"

Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman Further Information www.mawsongold.com

1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary,

+1 (604) 685 9316, info@mawsongold.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, including that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labor. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; changes in world metal markets; changes in equity markets; ability to achieve goals; that the political environment in which the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the novel COVID-19 virus; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; reliance on a single asset; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations; unexpected geological conditions; local community relations; dealings with non-governmental organizations; delays in operations due to permit grants; environmental and safety risks; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Mawson, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Mawson can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Figure 1: Plan of Mawson's Victorian tenements and joint venture areas, showing location of shallow orogenic (epizonal) Fosterville-style mineralization.

Figure 2: Cross section below the Whroo Open Pit showing planned hole MDDBC001 and historic drill hole Whroo1.

Figure 3: Plan showing detailed LiDAR survey which extended the previously mapped Whroo historic mining field from 10 kilometres strike to 14 kilometres. GIS based data analytics also identified 34.5k individual workings over 63km 2 (~550 per km 2 ) and classified the data as alluvial vs hard rock in character.



Table 1: Collar information from Mawson's drilling at the Doctor Gully Project

Coordinate Reference System GDA94, Zone 55 (EPSG:28355)

Area Hole_ID Easting Northing Dip Azimuth RL (m) Depth (m) Date Reported Doctors Gully MDDDG001 319180 5942022 -50 255 181 90.6 Here Doctors Gully MDDDG002 319144 5941919 -50 75 188.7 98.1 Here Doctors Gully MDDDG003 319131 5941912 -64 075 150 141.8 Here



Table 2: Intersections from Mawson's drilling from the Doctors Gully Project. Intersections are reported with a lower cut of 0.5 g/t Au cut over 1.0 metre width.

Hole_ID From (m) To (m) Width (1) (m) Au g/t MDDDG001 34.8 35.1 0.3 1.4 MDDDG001 36.1 37.1 1.0 1.1 MDDDG001 40.0 40.7 0.7 1.4 MDDDG001 45.3 46.3 1.0 2.9 MDDDG001 47.6 48.7 1.1 0.7 MDDDG001 66.7 67.7 1.0 0.5 MDDDG001 71.7 75.5 3.8 0.7 MDDDG003 8.4 9.4 1.0 0.8 MDDDG003 11.0 12.0 1.0 0.5 MDDDG003 24.7 26.2 1.6 1.9 SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/672795/Mawson-Drilling-Under-the-Balaclava-Open-Pit-at-Whroo-Victoria-Australia
SURREY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSXV:GUG)(OTC PINK:ASWRF) ("Gungnir" or the "Company") is very pleased to report more near surface, high-grade nickel results at the Company's Lappvattnet nickel deposit in Sweden. Today's results are highlighted by yet another wide, near surface nickel intercept in drill hole LAP21-12. Assays are pending for drill holes LAP21-13, -14 and -15.

Jari Paakki, CEO commented, "The story is just beginning for Gungnir at Lappvattnet where we are having early success expanding nickel mineralization, including both high-grade and wide-grade nickel intercepts, with only 1,300 metres of drilling which tested just a small fraction of the deposit. We have yet to test depth extent, which is largely unexplored, and the remaining 80% of the Lappvattnet deposit along strike to the east where prior drilling decreased considerably. And we have yet to drill a hole into our other Swedish nickel asset, Rormyrberget."

Results Table:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ni % Cu % Co % PGEs (g/t) LAP21-12 20.00 51.00 31.00 0.93 0.13 0.02 0.15 28.00 35.00 7.00 1.24 0.19 0.02 0.18 33.20 33.40 0.20 6.94 0.04 0.11 0.14 43.00 51.00 8.00 0.98 0.13 0.02 0.17 LAP21-11 30.00 36.00 6.00 0.59 0.10 0.01 0.04 33.80 34.25 0.45 1.70 0.03 0.08 0.13 PGEs in grams per tonne (g/t) = platinum (Pt) + palladium (Pd) + gold (Au) Length is core length in metres

Drilling Details:

The Company's recently completed its initial 2021, 15-hole (1,300 metre) drill program at Lappvattnet. Drilling covered a strike length of 140 metres which represents just 20% of the total strike length of the nickel deposit (sections 7.5E to 11E); please refer to the map in the newly updated corporate presentation on the Company's website. New drilling and assays are expected to be incorporated into future resource upgrades.

Hole LAP21-12 was drilled on Section 7.5E and hole LAP21-11 was drilled on Section 9.5E, both on sub-sections with 20 metre spacings. Hole LAP21-12 hit mineralized peridotite (disseminated and blebby sulphides) starting at a down-hole depth of 20 metres including a narrow massive sulphide section at 33.2 metres. Drill hole LAP21-11 was drilled up-dip of Gungnir's holes LAP21-09 and -10 (resulted reported in news release dated November 10, 2021) and appears to have just skimmed the top of main mineralized zone, but still contained nickel mineralization. Hole LAP21-12 was drilled 80.0 metres at a dip of -65 degrees at location 1,741,495mE and 7,165,151mN and LAP21-11 was drilled 74.60 metres at a dip of -50 degrees at the same set-up as LAP21-09 and -10 at location 1,741,530mE and 7,165,161mN. Co-ordinates above are in Swedish co-ordinate system RT90-2.5, and both holes were drilled at an azimuth of 340 degrees. Once all drill results have been received a complete set of sections will be available on the Company's website. Currently, sections 8E, 9E and 10E are available in the Company's corporate presentation.

Drill core was logged and tagged for sampling at the Company's core logging facility in Lycksele then shipped to ALS Minerals' Core Services Laboratory in Mala. Core was sawed on site in Mala by ALS staff and prepped sample material was sent to ALS's Lab in Ireland. Core was analyzed for multi-elements using code ME-MS41, Cu OG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Cu, NiOG46 analysis for >10000 ppm Ni, and Pt, Pd, and Au were analyzed using fire assay method PGM-ICP27. Blanks and certified standards are routinely included in sample batches for quality assurance and control.

Nickel Resources:

Gungnir's nickel resources in Sweden include Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget. In 2020, the Company updated both resources which collectively total 177 million pounds of nickel (see Technical Report with an effective date of November 17, 2020). The properties are accessible year-round with good transportation and industrial infrastructure including shipping facilities and are located about an hour drive from Boliden's mill complex.

Lappvattnet: Inferred Resource of 780,000 tonnes grading 1.35% nickel for 23.1 million lbs (10.5 million kg) of nickel.

Rormyrberget: Inferred Resource of 36,800,000 tonnes grading 0.19% nickel for 154 million lbs (70 million kg) of nickel.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Jari Paakki, P.Geo., CEO, and a director of the Company. Mr. Paakki is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Gungnir Resources

Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V, ASWRF: OTCPK) with gold and base metal projects in northern Sweden. Gungnir's assets include two nickel-copper-cobalt deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, both with updated nickel resources, and the Knaften project which hosts a developing intrusion-hosted gold system, and VMS (zinc-copper) and copper-nickel targets, all of which are open for expansion and further discovery. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.



On behalf of the Board,

Jari Paakki, CEO and Director



For further information contact:

Head Office/Investor Relations

Phone: +1-604-683-0484

Jari Paakki, CEO

Email: jpaakki@eastlink.ca

Chris Robbins, CFO

Email: robbinscr@shaw.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (also known as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and may cause actual results, performance or achievements or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements or industry results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "feel", "intend", "may", "plan", "predict", "project", "subject to", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations of future resource upgrades and that new drilling and assays will be incorporated into any resource upgrade, and Gungnir's plan for development of its properties and the timing thereof.

Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions made by Gungnir, including, without limitation: the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the Canadian and global economy and Gungnir's business, and the extent and duration of such impact; no change to laws or regulations that negatively affect Gungnir's business; there will be a demand for Gungnir's services and products in the future; Gungnir will be able to operate its business as planned; and Gungnir's plans for future exploration and development of its properties is reasonable and will be possible within the anticipated timelines. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Gungnir believes to be reasonable assumptions, it cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such information.

Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks related to: no certainty that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on Gungnir's properties; that Gungnir may not be able to complete its planned drilling and EM geophysics as anticipated; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; ability to access capital markets; environmental matters; changes in legislation or regulations; receipt of required licenses, permits and approvals; and resource estimates may not be accurate and may differ significantly from actual mineral resources. Management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information contained herein are based upon reasonable assumptions and information currently available; however, management can give no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Gungnir. The forward-looking information is stated as of the date of this news release and Gungnir assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Gungnir Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/672736/Gungnir-Drills-694-Nickel-within-31-Metres-Grading-093-Nickel-Starting-20-Metres-Below-Surface-at-Lappvattnet
Ms. Micallef joins previous executive appointees from companies such as Amazon, Four Seasons, American Airlines, and Warner Brothers



SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / GABY Inc. ("GABY" or the "Company") (CSE:GABY)(OTCQB:GABLF), a California consolidator of cannabis dispensaries and the parent company of San Diego's Mankind Dispensary ("Mankind"), announces the appointment of GABY Founder and CEO Margot Micallef to the Woman in Leadership Executive Program Advisory Board at the University of California, Santa Barbara ("UCSB").

Ms. Micallef's appointment to the UCSB Women in Leadership Advisory Board comes at a pivotal time in the industry with Business Insider reporting that only 22% of cannabis corporations are being helmed by female executives.

"I'm honored by the appointment to the UCSB Women in Leadership Advisory Board, especially at such a critical time in the cannabis industry," said Margot Micallef, Founder and CEO of GABY. "The industry is setting the foundations that will chart its path for years to come. I'm grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next generation of female executives and am hopeful that many of these bright, motivated young women will find the cannabis space has become more inclusive and diverse as they seek to build their careers."

Margot's appointment to the UCSB Women in Leadership Advisory Board underscores GABY's commitment to diversity in the workforce and in particular women's workplace leadership and mentorship. GABY is proud that 50% of its leaders are female.

"I'm proud to lend my voice to the leadership team at GABY and to help shape the nascent cannabis industry into the powerhouse it is anticipated to become", said Louise Bonner, founder of Lulu's Chocolates and Vice-President, Brands at GABY. "It's inspiring to work with a seasoned executive with Margot's business experience and to receive support from the whole leadership team at GABY to develop as an executive", she concluded.

"As a member of the GABY Board of Directors, I have a front row seat into seeing the benefit that a diverse board and executive team brings to the quality of decision making", said Jackie Altwasser, GABY Board member and former Vice-President, Finance at Shaw Communications Inc. (one of Canada's premier public companies, included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index). She continued: "The cannabis industry is not an easy industry to navigate and decisions have to be examined and re-examined in light of the ever-changing regulations and market forces. GABY has responded well to these dynamics and I attribute that to its diverse board and executive team and its high percentage of female leaders".

The UCSB Women in Leadership Executive Program allows renowned female business professionals to become accessible to UCSB students through email, chat or discussion forum posts in an online platform. This exclusive program allows the natural born business leader of tomorrow to interact with some of the most fascinating and successful business women in today's society as they are guided, taught, and motivated by each other throughout the course. Past Advisory Board Members include executives from Amazon, Four Seasons, American Airlines, Warner Brothers, J&J, Walt Disney, UPS, T-Mobile and Oracle.

For more information about the Women In Leadership program at USCB please go to: https://zs.professional.ucsb.edu/women-in-leadership.html.

About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. UCSB joined the University of California system in 1944, offers 87 undergraduate degrees and 55 graduate degrees, and has a student population of approximately 18,600 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students.

About GABY Inc.

GABY Inc. is a California-focused retail consolidator and the owner of Mankind Dispensary, one of the oldest licensed dispensaries in California. Mankind is a well-known, and highly respected dispensary with deep roots in the California cannabis community operating in San Diego, California. GABY curates and sells a diverse portfolio of products, including its own proprietary brands, Lulu's and Kind Republic through Mankind, manufactures Kind Republic, and distributes all its proprietary brands through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wild West Industries Inc.. A pioneer in the industry with a multi-vertical retail foundation, and a strong management team with experience in retail, consolidation, and cannabis, GABY is poised to grow its retail operations both organically and through acquisition. GABY is also proud that all of its full-time employees hold equity securities in GABY.

GABY's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "GABY" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "GABLF". For more information on GABY, visit www.GABYInc.com.

Media Contact:

Senior Communications Manager

Charlie Rohlfs

(631)579-0858

charlie@gabyinc.com

General

Margot Micallef

Founder & CEO

margot@gabyinc.com

or

Investor Relations

IR@gabyinc.com

800-674-2239

SOURCE: GABY Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/672773/GABY-Inc-Announces-the-Appointment-of-Founder-and-CEO-Margot-Micallef-to-the-University-of-California-Santa-Barbara-Women-in-Leadership-Executive-Program-Advisory-Board
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - KWG Resources Inc. (CSE: KWG) (CSE: KWG.A) (FSE: KW6) ("KWG" or the "Company") ("KWG") is pleased to announce that Megan McElwain will be appointed the Company's President & COO effective January 1, 2022. Ms. McElwain leaves her role as the Vice-President and General Manager of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She was previously Director of Development of The Fraser Institute. Frank Smeenk will continue to be KWG's Chief Executive Officer.

About KWG:

KWG is the Operator of the Black Horse chromite project after acquiring a vested 50% interest through Bold Ventures Inc. which is carried for 10% (20% of KWG's equity in the JV) by KWG funding all exploration expenditures. KWG also owns 100% of CCC which staked mining claims between Aroland, Ontario and the Ring of Fire. CCC has conducted a surveying and soil testing program to assess the prospects for the engineering and construction of a railroad along that route between the Ring of Fire and Aroland, Ontario. Currently, CCC has engaged Cormorant Utilities and Rail-Veyor Technologies for completion of Engineering Proposals for the construction of a utility corridor within the route. KWG has also acquired intellectual property interests, including a method for the direct reduction of chromite to metalized iron and chrome using natural gas. KWG subsidiary Muketi Metallurgical LP has acquired two chromite-refining patents in Canada and one in the USA and in South Africa and is prosecuting an application in Turkey.

For further information, please contact:

Bruce Hodgman, Vice-President: 416-642-3575 ~ info@kwgresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements: Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and KWG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities that may be described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such.

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 news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103502
The "United Kingdom (UK) Cards and Payments Opportunities and Risks to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the UK's cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques during the review-period (2017-21e).

The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, transaction values and volumes during the review-period and over the forecast-period (2021e-25f). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including market shares of issuers and schemes.

The report brings together the Publisher's research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers detailed regulatory policies and recent changes in regulatory structure.

The report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the UK's cards and payments industry, including -

Current and forecast values for each market in the UK's cards and payments industry, including debit, credit, and charge cards.

Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, cards, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.

E-commerce market analysis.

Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the UK's cards and payments industry.

Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, credit, and charge cards.

Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.

The competitive landscape of the UK's cards and payments industry.

Scope

To enhance competition and innovation in the banking and payments space, open banking was rolled out by the Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE) in January 2018. This allows banks' customers to give other companies permission to securely access their accounts. Customers can also access a range of services from different types of companies regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The service covers personal and business current accounts, credit cards, and online e-money accounts. OBIE is an entity created by the UK's nine largest personal and small business current account providers, collectively known as CMA9. As of August 2021, there were 327 regulated open banking providers: 234 are third-party providers and 93 are account providers, which includes banks, building societies, and payment companies.

Post-Brexit, both Visa and Mastercard have decided to increase interchange fees applicable between the UK and the European Economic Area. These changes came into effect from mid-October 2021. Consumer card-not-present transactions between the UK and European Economic Area countries are currently charged 0.20% for debit cards and 0.30% for credit cards. Going forward, these interregional transactions will be charged at 1.15% for debit cards and 1.50% for credit cards. Furthermore, the interchange rates for business cards is 1.60% while corporate and purchasing cards has been revised to 1.80%.

To improve the flexibility and transparency of bill payments, retail payment authority Pay.UK introduced the Request to Pay messaging service framework in May 2020, enabling businesses and individuals to settle bills. The framework is designed to enable payment service providers to develop interoperable solutions. Companies can utilize the new framework to create Request to Pay propositions. This helps billers request payments for a bill instead of sending conventional invoices. The new framework comprises message standards, rules, as well as terms and conditions of Request to Pay services. For each request, consumers can either pay in full or in part; decline the payment; communicate with the biller; or seek extra time. Consumers can choose from several different payment methods. The service does not affect commercial arrangements between biller and payer it simply carries the request message, including details of how to pay it.

Key Topics Covered:

Market Overview

Payment Instruments

Card Based Payments

Merchant Acquiring

Ecommerce Payments

Buy Now Pay Later

Mobile Payments

P2P Payments

Bill Payments

Alternative Payments

Payment Innovations

Job Analysis

Payment Infrastructure and Regulation

Companies Mentioned

Lloyds Banking Group

Barclays

HSBC

Tesco Bank

NatWest Group

Capital One

Santander

Nationwide Building Society

American Express

Sainsbury's Bank

Vanquis Bank

Virgin Money

The Co-operative Bank

Banco Sabadell

CYBG

Apple Pay

Google Pay

Samsung Pay

PayPal

Paym

Klarna

Amazon Pay

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wj42j3

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005653/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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LEG Immobilien SE

PARIS, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HSBC (contact: 'synd manager'; telephone: +44 207 992 8066) hereby gives notice, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities

The securities: Issuer: LEG Immobilien SE Guarantor (if any): na Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500,000,000 Description: Fixed due 19th November 2032 Offer price: TBC Other offer terms: Stabilisation: Stabilising Manager(s): HSBC Continental Europe Stabilisation period expected to start on: 15th November 2021 Stabilisation period expected to end no later than: 17th December 2021 Existence, maximum size & conditions of use of over-allotment facility [ 1] : 5% of the aggregate nominal amount Stabilisation Venue(s) Over the counter (OTC)

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.



This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation") (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State.

This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.

[1] Please note that the existence and the maximum size of any greenshoe option, the exercise period of the greenshoe option and any conditions for exercise of the greenshoe option must also be disclosed, if such option exists. In addition, the exercise of the greenshoe option must be disclosed to the public promptly, together with all appropriate details, including in particular the date of exercise and the number and nature of securities involved

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com) or visit www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/).
Major wearable cardiac devices market players include Welch Allyn, iRhythm technologies, VitalConnect, ZOLL medical corporation, Biotelemetry Inc., Quardio Inc., Cardiac Rhythm and Proteus Digital Health

SELBYVILLE, Delaware, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The wearable cardiac devices market size is anticipated to record a valuation of USD 8 billion by 2027, according to the most recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. The market growth is attributed to the increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases across various regions.

The industry is witnessing an escalation in the launch of technological innovations by leading market participants. These companies are focusing on the adoption of growth strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions for gaining market share and expanding their customer base.

To quote an instance, in November 2021, Philips announced the acquisition of a French startup, Cardiologs, which is focused on the development of AI-powered diagnostics. The software provided by Cardiologs will be folded in with Philips' wearable heart monitor devices and electrocardiograms for use in hospitals and other settings.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/4711

Citing another instance, in May 2021, Biobeat rolled out its ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device for measuring cardiac output, BP, and heart rate, in turn strengthening the position of the company.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a positive impact on wearable cardiac devices market expansion owing to the surging adoption of smart technologies and the increasing requirement for remote patient monitoring across home settings.

Here are some of the key trends that are potentially set to drive the industry expansion in the coming years:

Surging demand for Holter monitors

Holter monitors are fitted with advanced sensors that assist in the provision of real-time data for the purpose of patient monitoring. An increase in technological advancements coupled with an upsurge in the number of product offerings by the number of market players is estimated to boost product demand over the forecast period.

Owing to these aspects, the Holter monitors segment in the wearable cardiac devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% between 2021 and 2027.

Growing awareness about smart technologies in Europe

Europe is witnessing the surging prevalence rate of cardiovascular disorders and increasing awareness regarding the deployment of smart technologies in healthcare monitoring. The market progression is further propelled by escalating investments in new product development by numerous business players.

The region has further recorded the entry of numerous firms in the digital health space and an upsurge in investments. Driven by these factors, Europe wearable cardiac devices market share exceeded 300 million in 2020 and will exhibit substantial growth through the forthcoming years.

Request for customization of this research report @

https://www.gminsights.com/roc/4711

Increasing deployment of small and non-invasive devices

The wearable cardiac devices market has registered an escalation in the adoption of small and non-invasive devices for patient monitoring. This rise is due to the soaring usage of advanced technology in tracking cardiac parameters.

Moreover, wearable devices are lightweight and non-invasive in nature and this has been instrumental in escalating customer preference. The products provide continuous and efficient diagnosis, leading to better treatment outcomes.

In addition, a major number of patients and healthcare professionals have shifted their preference towards wearable devices, in turn reducing the length of stay at hospitals. These parameters have been instrumental in boosting product demand in the ensuing years.

In a nutshell, the escalating adoption of wearable technology among the population is expected to propel the demand for wearable cardiac monitor devices over the estimated period.

About Global Market Insights Inc.

Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

Contact Us:

Arun Hegde

Corporate Sales, USA

Global Market Insights Inc.

Phone: 1-302-846-7766

Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688

Email: sales@gminsights.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688181/Wearable_Cardiac_Devices_Market.jpg

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Citycon OYJ Press release 15 November 2021

HELSINKI, Finland, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Citycon will develop Oasen in Bergen into a modern mixed-use centre that includes residentials, offices, public health services and retail. Citycon develops Oasen in collaboration with the municipality as the zoning plan now is subject to political review.

Citycon and Bergen municipality share the ambition to create living urban areas connected to public transportation. A new stop for the Bergen light rail and a new bus terminal are under construction and will connect Oasen and Fyllingsdalen to Bergen city center.

Oasen will have a greater role as a transportation hub as Citycon are planning to build 300 apartments, 12,400 square meters of offices and 4,200 square meters of functions such as services, health, culture and retail.

The first phases of the development project at Oasen were completed in the summer of 2021. Oasen has opened up to the surroundings. New transparent facades and restaurants at the outside square, connect the centre's inside and outside. Over 6,000 square meters of old office space is converted into premises for a new health centre, F&B and daily shopping. A new public health centre, 'The Family House', has just opened their premises of 4,650 square meters.

Oasen has a long history in Fyllingsdalen, going back to the opening of 1971. Citycon believes that the transformation as described in the zoning plan will contribute to good urban living for the coming generation in Fyllingsdalen.

"Oasen is going through a very exciting transformation. The new light rail station and bus terminal makes mobility easier and greener, while the planned culture centre and library just opposite of Oasen, will be great additions to Oasen as a mixed-use centre. Citycon executes on its strategy by adding residentials, offices and services to our centres as we want to create long term value for local communities, tenants and owners", says Erik Lennhammar, Chief Development Officer at Citycon.

The Oasen development project has a completion target of 2027.

For further information, please contact :

Hakon Tuv Dalland

Commercial Director at Citycon

Mobile +47 41 650 605

haakon.dalland@citycon.com

Daniel Sellevoll

Senior Communications Manager at Citycon

Mobile +47 959 71 597

daniel.sellevoll@citycon.com

Citycon is the leading owner, developer and manager of multipurpose urban centres. Our centres in key urban areas combine retail, office premises and housing with well-functioning traffic connections. We are committed to sustainable property maintenance, and the total value of the property portfolio in the Nordic Countries managed by Citycon is approximately EUR 4.4 billion. Our centres offer daily consumer goods, health care services as well as other services to meet the daily needs of our customers.

www.citycon.com

CONTACT:

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/citycon-oyj/r/oasen-transforming-into-an-urban-hub,c3453917

The following files are available for download:
Reports Record First Quarter Net Sales of $6.2 million; Up 16% from the prior year first quarter

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / Luvu Brands, Inc. (OTCQB:LUVU), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of a portfolio of consumer lifestyle brands, today reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Fiscal First Quarter 2021 Highlights

Three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020:

Net sales increased 16% to a first quarter record of $6.2 million from $5.4 million.

Total gross profit of $1.5 million, unchanged from the prior year.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 24% from 28%.

Operating expenses were $1,176,000, an increase of 12%, or approximately $124,000, from the prior year.

Net income of $227,000, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net income of $329,000, or $0.00 per share in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA was $398,000 for the quarter compared to $494,000 in the prior year quarter.

Louis Friedman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "During the first quarter, our margins were negatively impacted by raw material cost increases, labor shortages and higher freight costs compared to last year. We continue to increase our retail and wholesale selling prices, we have outsourced additional manufacturing to Mexico and invested heavily in additional automation to lower our costs. Although some raw material costs have begun to come down, I anticipate continued margin pressure for the next three to six months. Despite global supply chain disruptions, we are well stocked for the upcoming holiday season and I expect sales growth to be consistent with the most recent quarter."

Fiscal First Quarter 2022 Results

Net sales increased 16% to $6.2 million, compared to $5.4 million in the same year-ago quarter. Sales of Liberator products increased 36% to $2.7 million from $2.0 million in the prior year. Jaxx product sales totaled $1.9 million, up 10% from $1.7 million in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. Avana products decreased 23% to $744,000 from $960,000 in the prior year.

Gross profit for the first quarter totaled $1.5 million, compared to $1.5 million in the prior year first quarter. Labor costs, raw material costs and transportation cost increases caused the decline in the percentage gross margin, dropping to 24% from 28% in the prior year.

Operating expenses were approximately 19% of net sales, or approximately $1,176,000, compared to 20% of net sales, or approximately $1,052,000, for the same period in the prior year.

Net income for the quarter was $227,000, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net income of $329,000, or $0.00 per share in the prior year first quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $398,000 compared to $494,000 in the prior year period.

Cash and cash equivalents on September 30, 2021 totaled $961,000 compared to $977,000 at June 30, 2021.

Working capital increased from $435,000 at June 30, 2021 to $705,000 at September 30, 2021.

Financial Outlook

The Company expects revenue to be between $6.4 and $6.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022, representing 15% year-over-year growth at the midpoint.

Conference Call Information

Management will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. CST; 8:00 a.m. PST) on November 15, 2021 to review the results for the first quarter. To listen and participate in the call, please register on this weblink https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2527/43678. After the formal presentation, there will be a Q&A session. Shareholders and other interested parties may ask questions through either the weblink or by calling 877-545-0320 (international 973-528-0002), participant access code is 927430. The replay of the call will remain available on the Company's investor relations website, www.luvubrands.com, until February 12, 2022.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'should,' 'may,' 'intends,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'projects,' 'forecasts,' 'expects,' 'plans,' and 'proposes.' These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 28, 2021 and our other filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of Luvu Brands, Inc. and are difficult to predict. Luvu Brands, Inc. does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law. The information which appears on our websites and our social media platforms is not part of this press release.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Luvu Brands' management evaluates and makes operating decisions using various financial metrics. In addition to the Company's GAAP results, management also considers the non-GAAP measure of Adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP Operating Margin. As used herein, Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation expense, and Non-GAAP Operating Margin means Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information about the Company's operating results. Neither Adjusted EBITDA nor Non-GAAP Operating Margin have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to, or more meaningful than, gross profit and net income as indicators of the Company's operating performance. Further, these non-GAAP financial measures, as presented by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company has attached to this press release a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

About Luvu Brands

Luvu Brands, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of consumer lifestyle brands through the Company's websites, online mass merchants and specialty retail stores worldwide. Brands include: Liberator, a brand category of iconic products for enhancing sexual performance; Avana, inclined bed therapy products, assistive in relieving medical conditions associated with acid reflux, surgery recovery and chronic pain; and Jaxx, a diverse range of casual fashion daybeds, sofas and beanbags made from polyurethane foam and repurposed polyurethane foam trim. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company occupies a 140,000 square foot vertically-integrated manufacturing facility and employs over 200 people. The Company's brand sites include: www.liberator.com, www.jaxxliving.com, www.avanacomfort.com plus other global e-commerce sites. For more information about Luvu Brands, please visit www.luvubrands.com.

Company Contact:

Luvu Brands, Inc.

Ronald Scott

Chief Financial Officer

770-246-6426

ron@LuvuBrands.com

Fiscal First Quarter Fiscal 2022 Summary Financial Tables

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data



Three Months Ended

9/30/2021 9/30/2020

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)





Net Sales $ 6,224 $ 5,367 Cost of goods sold 4,725 3,879 Gross profit 1,499 1,488

Operating expenses: Advertising and promotion 132 69 Other selling and marketing 261 267 General and administrative 712 664 Depreciation 71 52 Total operating expenses 1,176 1,052

Operating income 323 436 Total interest and other expense (96 ) (107 ) Income from operations before income taxes 227 329 Provision for income taxes - - Net income $ 227 $ 329

Net income per share: Basic $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Diluted $ 0.00 $ 0.00

Shares used in calculation of net income per share: Basic 75,037,890 73,452,596 Diluted 76,584,978 76,034,134

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Dollars in thousands

9/30/2021 6/30/2021 ASSETS (unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 961 $ 977 Receivables, net 1,087 1,134 Inventories, net 3,503 3,391 Prepaid expenses 159 145 Total current assets 5,710 5,647 Equipment and leasehold improvements, net 1,915 1,934 Finance lease assets 25 27 Operating lease assets 2,482 2,554 Other assets 95 84 Total assets $ 10,227 10,246 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,725 $ 2,669 Current debt 1,426 1,599 Other accrued liabilities 584 694 Operating lease liability 270 250 Total current liabilities 5,005 5,212 Noncurrent liabilities: Long-term debt 1,327 1,288 Long-term operating lease liability 2,341 2,423 Total noncurrent liabilities 3,668 3,711 Total liabilities 8,673 8,923 Stockholders' deficit: Common stock 750 750 Additional paid-in capital 6,170 6,166 Accumulated deficit (5,366 ) (5,593 ) Total stocholders' deficit 1,554 1,323 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 10,227 $ 10,246

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 September 30, 2020 Net income - GAAP $ 227 $ 329 Plus interest expense 96 107 Plus depreciation and amortization expense 71 52 Plus stock-based compensation expense 4 6 Adjusted EBITDA - non-GAAP $ 398 $ 494 Non-GAAP operating margin 6.4 % 9.2 %



SOURCE: Luvu Brands, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/672844/Luvu-Brands-Reports-Fiscal-First-Quarter-2022-Results
Moving beyond imagination, expanding art into the unknown

Following several years of preparation, Taipei Fine Arts Museum announces the initiation of its two phase expansion project titled Out of Bounds: TFAM Expansion. As Taiwan's first modern and contemporary art museum, the Museum's collection and exhibition spaces have been in urgent need of expansion to accommodate the several decades of growth experienced by Taiwan's rich and energetic art community. The Museum completed in 1983, together with the new collection storage area and second building, will gradually expand Taiwan's contemporary art vista.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005028/en/

TFAM and the new collections vault (rendering). Courtesy of Taipei Fine Arts Museum.

Consisting of two basement levels, the new collections vault will be integrated with the current collection storage area. The collections will be stored in separate areas equipped with specific environmental controls to provide suitable and stable safekeeping for each work. By building this new collection storage facility, the Museum will actively promote research and conservation education, as well as advance the protection of the rich collection of modern and contemporary artworks the museum holds.

In the second phase of the Museum expansion, a new exhibition building will also be built underground, adjacent to the existing museum. The ground level will become a metropolitan park where art and nature commingle, establishing a new urban landmark for art education and public recreation. Responding to contemporary art's dynamics, the new building will include black boxes and other galleries dedicated to facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and the creation of new art methodologies. Furthermore, an interactive learning space will be included, aiming to be an incubator of innovative arts as well as a hub of art education for future generations. Once the expansion completes, the main building will be positioned as a strategic center for research on the history of Taiwanese art, with permanent and thematic exhibitions of historically significant Taiwanese art from the collection on view.

From white cubes to black boxes, from modernist architecture to subterranean and invisible buildings, TFAM Expansion not only subverts fixed ideas of building expansion, but also makes clear the Museum's pioneering and comprehensive move toward hybrid and unknown art. The Taipei Fine Arts Museum expects to actively explore different practices, gradually construct new methodologies, and collaboratively expand art into the unknown while becoming an important hub driving the development of Asian art.

For more information, please refer to: http://expansion.tfam.museum/index_en.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005028/en/

Contacts:

Media: Yumei Sung

TEL: +886-2595-7656#107

E-mail: yumei-tfam@mail.taipei.gov.tw


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Novavax Inc. (NVAX) said that SK bioscience has summited a biologics license application for NVX-CoV2373, the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, to South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.



NVX-CoV2373 is Novavax' recombinant nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine with Matrix-M adjuvant.



In collaboration with Novavax, SK bioscience initiated the rolling submission process for NVX-CoV2373 to South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April of this year. The completion of a BLA submission to the agency marks the final review stage for authorization of NVX-CoV2373 in Korea.



SK bioscience finalized an advance purchase agreement with the Korean government to supply 40 million doses of NVX-CoV2373 to South Korea earlier this year.



Novavax recently announced authorization of its vaccine in Indonesia. The company also announced regulatory filings for its vaccine in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as the complete submission of all data and modules in the European Union to support the final regulatory review of its dossier by the European Medicines Agency.



Novavax and the Serum Institute of India also announced filings in India and the Philippines in August. Novavax expects to submit the complete package to the U.S. FDA by the end of the year.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

NOVAVAX-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

For immediate release

15 November 2021

FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC

(the "Company")

MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES

The Company announces that it has today purchased 25,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 907.20p per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company.

The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 February 2021.

Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 589,967; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 224,401,336.

The figure of 224,401,336 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

For and on behalf of

Frostrow Capital LLP

Company Secretary

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Hale

Frostrow Capital LLP

Tel: 020 3 170 8732
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0) ("QNC" or the "Corporation") announces that the Company will provide an update on its strategy and business plan for 2022 to its shareholders and interested investors.

Francis Bellido, CEO, commented: "I am looking forward to providing an update on the QeM's technology and sharing with our shareholders and interested investors the extremely exciting opportunities that lay ahead. With the completion of our product, we are now looking to develop our own applications in domains and verticals of the economy that require cybersecurity as an integral part of their value proposition. One of them are Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies applications as they make extremely high usage of cryptography, and their effectiveness will require strong random number generation to ensure inviolability."

The update will be held on November 18, 2021 at 4pm EST in a virtual-only format through the platform TEAMS.

Please join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

(https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmU5YWZkMDYtODQzZC00ZmIwLWIwN2YtMTE2YzJkNzIyNjYw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22d744da0e-4bd8-42c6-b59b-25e16a5b9b8c%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22cfa00ba0-9aa1-424c-948c-3dc6dd0ee54d%22%7d)

About QNC

The Corporation's mission is to address the growing demand for affordable hardware security for connected devices. The patented solution for a Quantum Random Number Generator exploits the built-in unpredictability of quantum mechanics and promises to provide enhanced security for protecting high value assets and critical systems.

The Corporation intends to target the highly valued Healthcare Services industry while ensuring its technology is also relevant and applicable to others, such as Financial Services, Cloud-Based IT Security Infrastructure, Classified Government Networks and Communication Systems, Secure Device Keying (IOT, Automotive, Consumer Electronics) and Quantum Cryptography.

For further information, please contact:

Francis Bellido, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 514.887.5469

Email: info@quantumnumberscorp.com

Website: www.quantumnumberscorp.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in the Corporation's periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Quantum from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103618
Fredericton, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV: TRU) (OTCQB: TRUIF) (FSE:706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire 100% ownership of a mineral license covering 200 hectares (the "Property") contiguous with the Company's flagship Golden Rose Project ("Golden Rose") in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, along with related permits and technical data (collectively, the "Purchased Assets").

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the vendor will receive the following consideration from TRU for the Purchased Assets: (i) $25,000 in cash; (ii) 135,000 common shares in the capital of TRU ("TRU Shares") at a deemed price of $0.16 per TRU Share; and (iii) the granting by TRU of a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty from any future mineral production on the Property, of which 1.0% can be repurchased by TRU for $1,000,000. All TRU Shares issuable under the Purchase Agreement will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date on which such TRU Shares are issued.

The acquisition of the Purchased Assets remains subject to customary conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed as soon as is practicable based on governmental claims transfer processing times and remains subject to regulatory approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. The transaction is an "arm's length transaction" as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and no finder fees are being paid in connection therewith.

The Company also announces that, separately, it has staked two additional mineral licenses covering 1875 hectares contiguous with Golden Rose.

Map 1



To view an enhanced version of Map 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5993/103620_10677939e421cb82_001full.jpg

Joel Freudman, Co-Founder and CEO of TRU, commented: "With soil sampling and geophysical surveying continuing to yield encouraging results, and drilling ongoing as we await initial assays, these tuck-in acquisitions of prospective ground round out TRU's existing district-scale land package at Golden Rose. As we learn more about the geology of the area as our drilling program unfolds we are commensurately becoming more enthusiastic. The Company continues to execute on its TRU Vision 2021 strategy first announced on June 15, 2021."

Barry Greene, P.Geo. is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the contents and technical disclosures in this press release. Mr. Greene is a director and officer of the Company and owns securities of the Company.

About TRU Precious Metals Corp.

TRU is drilling for gold in the highly prospective Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and has an option with a subsidiary of TSX-listed Altius Minerals Corporation to purchase 100% of the Golden Rose Project, located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone. TRU also owns 100% of the Twilite Gold Project, located along the same Shear Zone, and earlier-stage properties in the region. TRU's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "TRU", on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "TRUIF", and on the Frankfurt exchange under the symbol "706".

TRU is a portfolio company of Resurgent Capital Corp. ("Resurgent"), a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing. Resurgent works with promising public and pre-public micro-capitalization companies listing on Canadian stock exchanges. For more information on Resurgent and its portfolio companies, please visit Resurgent's website at https://www.resurgentcapital.ca/.

For further information about TRU, please contact:

Joel Freudman

Co-Founder, President & CEO

TRU Precious Metals Corp.

Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878)

Email: ir@trupreciousmetals.com

Website: www.trupreciousmetals.com

To connect with TRU via social media, below are links:

Twitter

https://twitter.com/corp_tru

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHghHMDQaYgS1rDHiZIeLUg/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TRU-Precious-Metals-Corp-100919195193616

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to the Company's ability to complete the acquisition of the Purchased Assets, exploring the Property and the prospectivity of the Property. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Purchased Assets and the execution and success of exploration plans that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Property and/or the Company's mineral exploration properties; the exploration potential of the Company's properties and the nature and style of mineralization at same; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; volatility in financial markets, economic conditions, and precious metals prices; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103620
BRUSSELS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The voices of vapers, and their personal stories about how vaping helped them quit smoking and change their lives for the better, were broadcast across Brussels today to encourage European leaders to support pro-vaping policies.

Driving through Brussels in the iconic electric pink 'Vape Bus', the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA), representing vapers worldwide, displayed a powerful selection of quit stories from around Europe. The collection of stories from individual ex-smokers was gathered as part of the Back Vaping. Beat Smoking campaign, which travelled across Europe throughout 2021.

The demonstration brought these messages from across Europe directly to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are currently debating the Beating Cancer plan which may set the direction for anti-smoking policies across Europe.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, said:

"The next few weeks will be crucial for smokers, vapers and public health in general with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan being finalised. We came here today to make sure that vapers' voices are heard and that the MEPs understand the real-life stories of people who have been able to quit smoking thanks to vaping.

European policymakers have the opportunity to make history and save lives if they back vaping as a tool to beat smoking. Our message to them is clear: choose science and save lives," he added.

19 million smokers in Europe could switch to vaping, an alternative that is 95% less harmful, if the European Parliament would support harm reduction tools, such as vaping, in all their future legislation, including Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

"There is a risk that European lawmakers - under pressure from anti-vaping activists - will introduce laws that would treat vaping the exact same as smoking. This would spell disaster for vapers, for smokers and for global public health. The best way we can beat smoking is to promote vaping as part of public health policies," Michael Landl concluded.

Notes to editor:

The Back Vaping. Beat Smoking campaign hub is available here .

. More information on the Vape Bus can be found here.

More detail on how 19 million lives can be saved is available here.

The World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) amplifies the voice of vapers around the world and empowers them to make a difference for their communities. Our members are 26 vapers associations as well as over 15,000 individual vapers from all over the world. More information on www.worldvapersalliance.com

Juan from Barcelona said: 'Four years ago I stopped smoking thanks to vaping. I improved my quality of life, I no longer have fatigue, my nose is not running in the morning and the food tastes amazing.'Nicolas from Paris said: 'I switched to vaping with the specific aim to quit smoking. So, gradually I decreased the level of nicotine and now I am on the verge of quitting completely. Vaping is a very good method to stop smoking'. More testimonials from vapers can be found here .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688508/World_Vapers_Alliance_in_Brussels.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688507/World_Vapers_Alliance_in_Brussels.jpg
Burnaby, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 15, 2021) - Smart grid technology leader Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. (TSX: GRID) ("Tantalus" or the "Company") announced today the financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

"In the third quarter of 2021, Tantalus achieved a number of important milestones. We not only witnessed our user community exceed 200 utilities by adding 7 new utilities in the quarter, but we also launched our first commercially-available predictive data analytics tool to improve the resiliency and reliability of electric distribution grids. In addition to our continued commercial success, we also closed our first prospectus-based financing to further strengthen our balance sheet in support of growth initiatives," said Peter Londa, President & CEO of Tantalus.

Extreme weather continues to challenge the resiliency of distribution grids while the availability and accelerating adoption of electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources is stressing existing grid infrastructure. Coupled with investments being made by homeowners and businesses to install roof-top solar panels to reduce carbon footprints, the utility industry continues to confront an unprecedented number of challenges that require upgrades to distribution grids across North America. "These challenges create urgency among utilities to transform their grids into digital networks that are capable of accessing granular data in order to gain situational awareness, as well as command and control of critical assets," said Londa.

To help utilities improve the resiliency of their grids by leveraging such granular data, the Company commercially launched the Tantalus Grid Reliability Analytics ("TGRA") tool. TGRA accesses data from Tantalus' edge devices installed in meters and other grid equipment in order to help utilities detect anomalies in power quality that can lead to premature failure of critical assets and sustained outages. After launching the analytics tool in September, Tantalus quickly secured subscriptions to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering from six utilities within the Company's existing user community. The tool is delivering quantifiable benefits to those utilities and will serve as the foundation for leveraging data captured by Tantalus' smart grid platform to help improve their efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

"We are extremely pleased with our team's performance during the quarter despite witnessing the continuing impact of COVID-19 and global supply chain constraints for semiconductors and other electronic components. The global supply chain challenges directly correlated to backlog revenue being pushed out of Q3 and into future periods. Coupled with the absorption of costs associated with becoming a publicly-traded company and the loss of the Canadian government's Scientific Research & Experimental Development ("SR&ED") funding as a result of no longer being a private company, we delivered negative Adjusted EBITDA for the first time in over 4 years. While it is unfortunate to see our streak of 18 consecutive quarters of delivering positive Adjusted EBITDA come to an end, we remain confident that Tantalus is extremely well positioned to deliver next-generation smart grid solutions as the utility industry accelerates their investments to build the grid of the future," said Londa.

Q3, 2021 and Year to Date Financial Summary

Financial information is reported by Tantalus in United States dollars ("US$") unless otherwise specified and is presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").

Key results for the quarter are compared to the same timeframe in the previous year unless otherwise stated.

- Revenue of US$8.5 million reported compared to US$8.8 million for the prior year and US$24.6 million during the first nine-months of 2021 compared to US$23.7 million for the same nine-month period in 2020.

- Gross Profit of US$3.6 million representing Gross Profit margin of 42% for Q3, 2021 decreased from the prior year of US$4.1 million and 47% due to the revenue mix and increasing costs associated with supply chain constraints and logistics. Gross Profit reported for the first nine months of 2021 was US$11.0 million representing Gross Profit margin of 45% compared to US$11.3 million and 48% for 2020.

- Core Business Operating Expenses for Q3, 2021 increased to US$4.2 million compared to US$3.2 million in the prior year and to US$11.5 million during the first nine months of 2021 from US$9.5 million for the same nine-month period in 2020 due primarily to increased public company expenses and loss of funding from the Canadian government's SR&ED program as a result of becoming a publicly-traded company in 2021. On a comparative basis, excluding the impact of SR&ED benefits associated with being a private company in 2020, the variance between the Operating Expenses of the Company is US$4.2 million versus US$3.4 million dollars for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively and US$11.6 million versus US$10.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

- Adjusted EBITDA decreased to (US$580,535) in Q3, 2021 compared to US$951,927 in the prior year and to (US$459,710) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to US$1.8 million in 2020 with the decline due primarily to the incremental public company expenses incurred and the reduction in SR&ED funding in 2021.

- Closed a CDN$10.6 million overnight-marketed financing on August 12, 2021 which strengthened the Company's balance sheet and positions Tantalus for additional organic growth as well as strategic partnerships and M&A opportunities.

- The Company had total assets of US$32.9 million as at September 30, 2021, inclusive of US$14.6 million in cash, compared to US$23.5 million as at December 31, 2020, inclusive of US$4.6 million in cash, with Adjusted Working Capital as at September 30, 2021 of US$15.6 million compared to US$3.5 million as at December 31, 2020.

While the growth horizon remains favorable for Tantalus and is being bolstered by the United States' unprecedented Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law on November 15, 2021, management is mindful of the ongoing worldwide disruption to the availability of electronic components, particularly with respect to semiconductors. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Tantalus through delays in project deployments, restricted access to in-person meetings with utilities as part of the sales process and delays in decision-making by utilities that are assessing modernization plans.

Management continues to implement polices to prioritize the health and safety of our employees while maintaining regular interactions with customers. Similarly, management is navigating through the semiconductor shortage by implementing a number of strategies to mitigate the impact of supply chain constraints by building inventory of long-lead components, qualifying alternative component providers, increasing buffer stock and coordinating directly with our contract manufacturer.

The Company will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Conference Call

Participant Dial In (Toll Free) 1-866-807-9684

Participant International Dial In 1-412-317-5415

Webcast

https://services.choruscall.com/links/gridt211116CVilNc92.html

Replay Information

A conference call replay will be available until November 23, 2021. The webcast will be available until April 15, 2022 at the link set out above.

To access the conference call replay, please see details below:

US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529

International Toll: 1-412-317-0088

Canada Toll Free 1-855-669-9658

Replay Access Code 10161714

Financial Statements and Management Discussion & Analysis

Please see the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") for more details. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and related MD&A have been reviewed and approved by Tantalus' Audit Committee and Board of Directors. For a more detailed explanation and analysis, please refer to the MD&A that has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and is also available on the Company's website at www.tantalus.com.

About Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. (TSX: GRID)

Tantalus is a smart grid technology company that transforms aging one-way grids into future-proofed multi-directional grids that improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of public power and electric cooperative utilities and the communities they serve. Our solutions are purpose-built to allow utilities to restore power quickly after major disruptions, adapt to rapidly shifting consumer expectations and population shifts, innovate new solutions based on the adoption of distributed energy resources and evolve their grid infrastructure at their own pace without needless cost or complexity. All this gives our user community the flexibility they need to get the most value from existing infrastructure investments while planning for future requirements. Learn more at www.tantalus.com.

Contact Tantalus:

Jacquie Hudson

Marketing Communications Manager

Tantalus Systems Inc.

613-552-4244 | jhudson@tantalus.com

Investor Relations:

Linda Armstrong

Investor Relations

647-456-9223 | larmstrong@tantalus.com

Website: www.tantalus.com

LinkedIn: LinkedIn/company/tantalus

Twitter: @TantalusCorp

Non-IFRS Measures

The preceding discussion of financial results includes reference to Gross Profit, Core Business Operating Expenses, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Working Capital, which do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Management believes that Gross Profit is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, in evaluating the operating performance of the Company and is comprised of revenues less cost of sales. Management believes that Core Business Operating Expenses is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, in evaluating the operating expenses of the Company. Core Business Operating Expenses is exclusive of depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and non-core business related expenses. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of income (loss) less interest, income tax, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign exchange gain (loss) and other non-core business related income / expenses and is provided as a proxy for the cash earnings from the operations of the business. Management believes Adjusted Working Capital is a useful indicator for investors, and is used by management, for evaluating the operating liquidity available to the Company. Adjusted Working Capital is comprised of current assets less current liabilities exclusive of the Company's bank loan.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes", "may", "plans", "will", "anticipates", "intends", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: the challenges facing utilities to upgrade distribution grids in North America, the benefits of TGRA, the realization of revenue pushed out of Q3, 2021, the positioning of Tantalus solutions, the favorable growth horizon of Tantalus, the adoption and development of new products and offerings, the ability to attract customers accessing government stimulus funding, the impact of and Tantalus' ability to manage supply chain constraints and the growth of the Company's user community,

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Tantalus has made numerous assumptions, regarding, among other things: the expected impact of COVID-19 and the expected timing of new product introductions. While Tantalus considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Tantalus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the impacts of COVID-19 are unpredictable and could have significant impacts on Tantalus' financial performance; sales cycles to Tantalus' customers can be lengthy and unpredictable and require significant employee time with no assurances that a prospective customer will select Tantalus' products and services; Tantalus' financial and operational performance significantly depends on its ability to attract and retain customers and its ability to develop new products and to enhance and sustain the quality of existing products to retain such customers; Tantalus depends on a limited number of key suppliers and if such suppliers fail to provide Tantalus with sufficient quantities of components at acceptable levels of quality and at anticipated costs, Tantalus' revenue and operating results could be materially and adversely affected; Tantalus has a prior history of operating losses and Tantalus may not sustain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis; Tantalus' quarterly results are inherently unpredictable and subject to substantial fluctuations; Tantalus' success depends in part on Tantalus' ability to integrate its technology into devices and its relationship with device manufacturers; Tantalus' marketing efforts depend significantly on Tantalus' ability to receive positive references from Tantalus' existing customers; the markets for Tantalus' products and services, smart grid, smart city, and broader IoT technology in general, are still developing - if the markets develop less extensively or more slowly than Tantalus expects, Tantalus' business could be harmed; Tantalus operates in a highly competitive industry and Tantalus competes against many companies with substantially greater financial and other resources, and Tantalus' market share and results of operations may be reduced if Tantalus is unable to respond to competitors effectively; Tantalus is dependent on the utility industry, which has experienced volatility in capital spending - this volatility could cause Tantalus' results of operations to vary significantly from period to period; Tantalus' reliance on certain infrastructure and information technology systems make it vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of cyber-attacks and other breaches; if Tantalus' products contain defects or otherwise fail to perform as expected, Tantalus could be liable for damages and incur unanticipated warranty, recall and other related expenses, Tantalus' reputation could be damaged, Tantalus could lose market share and, as a result, Tantalus' financial condition or results of operations could suffer; the nature of Tantalus' business exposes it to the unpredictable risks of contractual disputes; the loss of key employees and the inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm Tantalus' business; Tantalus' business is exposed to potential risks associated with international sales and operations; foreign exchange rate fluctuations could harm Tantalus' results or operations; Tantalus and its customers operate in a highly regulated business environment and changes in regulation could impose costs on Tantalus or make Tantalus' products less economical; Tantalus' inability to acquire and integrate other businesses, products or technologies could seriously harm Tantalus' competitive position; intellectual property infringement claims could be costly and time-consuming to prosecute or defend; substantially all of Tantalus' current products depend on the availability and are subject to the regulation of radio spectrum in the United States and abroad; and interruptions or delays in services from Tantalus' third-party data center facilities, or problems with the third-party hardware or software that Tantalus employs, could impair the delivery of its services and harm Tantalus' business.

A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Tantalus is disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Tantalus' Filing Statement dated January 28, 2021, as well as the MD&A included with Tantalus' continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Tantalus disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/103625
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 15, 2021 / GLG Life Tech Corporation (TSX:GLG) ("GLG" or the "Company"), a global leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high-quality zero-calorie natural sweeteners, announces financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. The complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The Company reported revenues of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2021, a $1.9 million decrease compared to the third quarter of 2020 ($4.0 million). The Company reported an increase of nine percentage points in gross profit margin for the third quarter 2021 (27%), relative to the same period in 2020 (18%).

The Company reported revenues of $7.9 million for the first nine months of 2021, a $4.6 million decrease compared to the first nine months of 2020 ($12.5 million). The Company reported a gross profit margin of 28% for the first nine months of 2021, a six percentage point increase from the first nine months of 2020 (22%).

The Company continues to closely manage its SG&A expenses, resulting in reduced G&A expenses in the nine-month period ending September 30, 2021, relative to the comparable period in 2020. For the three-month period ending September 30, 2021, G&A expenses would have also been lower but for one-time events in each of 2021 (increasing G&A costs) and 2020 (lowering G&A costs).

For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders of $7.0 million, or a decrease in net income of $28.1 million over the comparable period in 2020 (net income of $21.1 million). The Company reported a net loss per share of $0.18 for the third quarter of 2021, a $0.73 decrease relative to the third quarter of 2020 (income of $0.55 per share).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company's shareholders of $15.3 million, or a decrease in net income of $38.0 million over the comparable period in 2020 (net income of $22.9 million). The Company reported net loss per share of $0.40 for the first nine months of 2021, a $1.00 decrease relative to the first nine months of 2020 (income of $0.60 per share).

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS

Company Outlook

Over the past several quarters, management has focused on implementing and continuing plans that have helped stem the losses that the Company suffered in recent years and to ameliorate the Company's financial position. Those efforts have brought some success, as the Company's EBITDA has improved, due largely to significant reductions in SG&A expenses. It remains the case, however, that the Company lacks the cash necessary to fully fund the business operations and its strategic product initiatives. The Company continues to manage its cash flows carefully to mitigate risk of insolvency. Nevertheless, without an infusion of cash in the months ahead, the Company may not be able to realize its strategic plans and could eventually cease to be a going concern.

To address that cash need, management negotiated a CAD $1 million revolving loan facility with a related party for working capital purposes in 2020. Also in 2020, management realized the sale of one of its two idle assets; the sale of the "Runhao" facility resulted in significant debt reduction and better positions the Company to be able to access additional lines of working capital. Management also continues to explore options for the sale or repurposing of its idle "Runyang" primary processing facility in Jiangsu province to further address its cash needs and balance sheet.

Another factor that continues to contribute to the Company's financial situation is the competitive price pressure in the stevia market over the last two years that has reduced mainstream "Reb A" products (such as Reb A 80 and Reb A 97) to the lowest price levels in years. Monk fruit prices have also become increasingly competitive in the marketplace. To maintain margins at sustainable levels, the Company has focused on improving its production efficiencies and continues to strive a mix of products that is weighted more heavily on higher margin, specialty products.

The Company continues to explore options to significantly improve its balance sheet and cash flows, whether through restructuring of debt or other opportunities for infusions of cash to address the debt load. The Company also continues to explore options that may be complementary to the natural sweetener market, where it could leverage its production expertise and equipment towards an investment that may help grow the Company's revenues and improve its financial position.

While the Company continues to face substantial risks and 2021 remains another pivotal year for the Company, management remains optimistic about the future opportunities for the Company. Having closed the idle asset sale last year and having successfully implemented right-sizing efforts to manage costs, as well as continuing to optimize production efficiencies, costs, and planning, management is proceeding down the best available path to increased financial stability and profitability.

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

The Company announced the appointment of Edward Wang as Chief Financial Officer, effective November 12, 2021. Mr. Wang, who joined the Company in October 2019, had been serving as Acting Chief Financial Officer since June of 2020.

In view of Mr. Wang's efforts and results in overseeing the Company's financial reporting, cost controls, and financial management of both the Chinese and North American operations, the Board of Directors agreed that Mr. Wang was the right person to continue leading the Company's financial operations. Dr. Zhang expressed: "With Edward's performance since joining the Company - Edward has helped deliver significant savings in our SG&A and has managed the Company's financial reporting professionally and admirably - as a result I have full faith in him to continue driving us towards strong results, to execute on our strategy, and to help take GLG to the next level."

Mr. Wang, who joined the Company in October 2019, had been serving as Acting Chief Financial Officer since June of 2020. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree in 1992, Master of Business Administration in 2005, and earned his CPA, CGA in 2010. Prior to joining GLG, Mr. Wang worked in Kraft Foods (China) for eight years and the mining business in both China and Canada for ten years.

2021 AGM Voting Results

The Company held its Annual General Meeting virtually on June 23, 2021. The shareholders voted in all nominated directors, with favorable votes for each exceeding 99%. Dr. Luke Zhang continues as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Brian Palmieri continues as Vice Chairman of the Board.

SELECTED FINANCIALS

As noted above, the complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com.

Results from Operations

The following results from operations have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for 2020 and the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021.

3 Months Ended September 30 % Change 9 Months Ended September 30 % Change In thousands Canadian $, except per share amounts 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenue $ 2,094 $ 3,966 (47 %) $ 7,874 $ 12,507 (37 %) Cost of Sales $ (1,536 ) $ (3,239 ) (53 %) $ (5,675 ) $ (9,793 ) (42 %) % of Revenue (73 %) (82 %) 8 % (72 %) (78 %) 6 % Gross Profit $ 558 $ 727 (23 %) $ 2,199 $ 2,713 (19 %) % of Revenue 27 % 18 % 8 % 28 % 22 % 6 % Expenses $ (1,209 ) $ (1,468 ) (18 %) $ (3,495 ) $ (5,298 ) (34 %) % of Revenue (58 %) (37 %) (21 %) (44 %) (42 %) (2 %) (Loss) from Operations $ (651 ) $ (742 ) 12 % $ (1,296 ) $ (2,586 ) 50 % % of Revenue (31 %) (19 %) (12 %) (16 %) (21 %) 4 % Other Income (Expenses) $ (6,347 ) $ 18,056 (135 %) $ (14,088 ) $ 25,850 (154 %) % of Revenue (303 %) 455 % (758 %) (179 %) 207 % (386 %) Net Income (Loss) before Income Taxes $ (6,998 ) $ 17,314 (140 %) $ (15,384 ) $ 23,264 (166 %) % of Revenue (334 %) 437 % (771 %) (195 %) 186 % (381 %) Net Income (Loss) $ (6,998 ) $ 17,314 (140 %) $ (15,384 ) $ 23,264 (166 %) % of Revenue (334 %) 437 % (771 %) (195 %) 186 % (381 %) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (NCI) $ (36 ) $ (3,827 ) 99 % $ (95 ) $ 363 (126 %) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (6,962 ) $ 21,141 (133 %) $ (15,289 ) $ 22,901 (167 %) % of Revenue (332 %) 533 % (866 %) (194 %) 183 % (377 %) Net Income (Loss) per share (LPS, Basic & Diluted) $ (0.18 ) $ 0.55 (133 %) $ (0.40 ) $ 0.60 (167 %) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (1,625 ) $ 9,154 (118 %) $ (590 ) $ 6,349 (109 %) % of Revenue (78 %) 231 % (308 %) (7 %) 51 % (58 %) Comprehensive Net Income (Loss) $ (8,623 ) $ 26,468 (133 %) $ (15,974 ) $ 29,613 (154 %) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (55 ) $ (2,995 ) (98 %) $ (106 ) $ 382 (128 %) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (8,568 ) $ 29,463 (129 %) $ (15,868 ) $ 29,231 (154 %) % of Revenue (409 %) 743 % (1152 %) (202 %) 234 % (436 %)



Revenue

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2021, was $2.1 million compared to $4.0 million in revenue for the same period last year. Sales decreased by 47% or $1.9 million for the period ending September 30, 2021, compared to the prior period. The sales decrease of $1.9 million is primarily attributable to a substantial increase in orders from one customer occurring in the third quarter of 2020 (resulting in a corresponding decrease in the third quarter of 2021), as well as a significant decrease in monk fruit sales in the third quarter of 2021 arising from limited monk fruit market supply; lower market pricing for stevia products also contributed to the decrease in sales. China domestic sales decreased 15% in the third quarter of 2021, compared to the prior period, but international sales continue to predominate, making up 95% of the Company's revenues in the third quarter of 2021 (97% in the third quarter of 2020).

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $7.9 million compared to $12.5 million in revenue for the same period last year. Sales decreased by 37% or $4.6 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2021, compared to the prior period. The sales decrease of $4.6 million was driven primarily by the factors driving the decrease in sales in the third quarter of 2021, resulting in decreases in both international stevia and monk fruit sales in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the first nine months of 2020. A decrease in China domestic sales between the two periods also contributed to the overall sales decrease, but international sales predominate, making up 96% of the Company's revenues in the first nine months of both 2021 and 2020.

Cost of Sales

For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the cost of sales was $1.5 million compared to $3.2 million in cost of sales for the same period last year ($1.7 million or 53% decrease). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 73% for the third quarter 2021, compared to 82% for the comparable period, an improvement of 9 percentage points. The improvement in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the prior comparable period, is primarily attributable to (1) a higher ratio of stevia sales over monk fruit sales (monk fruit sales generally carry lower margins) and (2) a reduction in idle capacity charges.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the cost of sales was $5.7 million compared to $9.8 million for the same period last year ($4.1 million or 42% decrease). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 72% for the first nine months of 2021, compared to 78% in the comparable period in 2020, an improvement of 6 percentage points. The improvement in cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the prior comparable period, is primarily attributable to (1) a higher ratio of stevia sales over monk fruit sales and (2) a reduction in idle capacity charges.

Capacity charges charged to the cost of sales ordinarily would flow to inventory and are a significant component of the cost of sales. Only two of GLG's manufacturing facilities were operating during the first nine months of 2021, and capacity charges of $0.7 million were charged to cost of sales (representing 11% of cost of sales) compared to $1.4 million charged to cost of sales in the same period of 2020 (representing 14% of cost of sales).

Gross Profit (Loss)

Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2021, was $0.6 million, compared to a gross profit of $0.7 million for the comparable period in 2020. The gross profit margin was 27% in the third quarter of 2021 compared to 18% for the same period in 2020, an increase of 9 percentage points. This 9 percentage point increase in gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2021, relative to the comparable period in 2020, is primarily attributable to (1) a higher ratio of stevia sales over monk fruit sales (monk fruit sales generally carry lower margins) and (2) a reduction in idle capacity charges.

Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was $2.2 million, compared to a gross profit of $2.7 million for the comparable period in 2020. The gross profit margin was 28% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 22% for the same period in 2020, an increase of 6 percentage points. This 6 percentage point increase in gross profit margin for the first nine months of 2021, relative to the comparable period in 2020, is primarily attributable to (1) a higher ratio of stevia sales over monk fruit sales and (2) a reduction in idle capacity charges.

Selling, General and Administration Expenses

Selling, General and Administration ("SG&A") expenses include sales, marketing, general and administration costs ("G&A"), stock-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization expenses on G&A fixed assets. A breakdown of SG&A expenses into these components is presented below:

3 Months Ended September 30 % Change 9 Months Ended September 30 % Change In thousands Canadian $ 2021 2020 2021 2020 G&A Expenses $ 946 $ 732 29 % $ 2,638 $ 3,458 (24 %) Stock Based Compensation Expenses $ 0 $ 45 (100 %) $ 73 $ 315 (77 %) Depreciation Expenses $ 263 $ 691 (62 %) $ 784 $ 1,525 (49 %) Total $ 1,209 $ 1,468 (18 %) $ 3,495 $ 5,298 (34 %)



G&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were $0.9 million, an increase of $0.2 million compared to $0.7 million in the same period in 2020. The $0.2 million increase in G&A expenses was driven primarily by (1) a one-time court fee payment related to debt repayment negotiations ($0.1 million) and (2) a reclassification of severance pay, recorded in the third quarter of 2020, from salary expenses to cost of goods sold ($0.2 million); these factors were offset by decreases in consulting fees, office expenses and rental expenses ($0.1 million).

G&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were $2.6 million, a decrease of $0.8 million compared to $3.5 million in the same period in 2020. The $0.8 million decrease in G&A expenses was driven primarily by reductions in salaries and wages ($0.5 million), office expenses ($0.2 million), consulting fees ($0.1 million) and research and development and insurance expenses ($0.1 million); these decreases were offset by an increase in professional fees ($0.1 million).

Net Loss Attributable to the Company

3 Months Ended September 30 % Change 9 Months Ended September 30 % Change In thousands Canadian $ 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net Income (Loss) $ (6,998 ) $ 17,314 (140 %) $ (15,384 ) $ 23,264 (166 %) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (36 ) $ (3,827 ) (99 %) $ (95 ) $ 363 (126 %) % of Revenue (2 %) (96 %) 95 % (1 %) 3 % (4 %) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (6,962 ) $ 21,141 (133 %) $ (15,289 ) $ 22,901 (167 %) % of Revenue (332 %) 533 % (866 %) (194 %) 183 % (377 %)



For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company of $7.0 million, a decrease in net income of $28.1 million over the comparable period in 2020 (net income of $21.1 million). The $28.1 million decrease in net income attributable to the Company was driven by (1) a decrease in other income ($24.4 million) attributable primarily to gain in 2020 from the sale of an idle asset and (2) a decrease in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests ($3.8 million), which was offset by (3) a decrease in net loss from operations ($0.1 million).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company had a net loss attributable to the Company of $15.3 million, a decrease in net income of $38.0 million over the comparable period in 2020 (net income of $22.9 million). The $38.2 million decrease in net income attributable to the Company was driven by (1) a decrease in other income ($39.1 million) attributable primarily to debt forgiveness and gain from the sale of an idle asset, which was offset by (2) a decrease in net income attributable to non-controlling interests ($0.5 million) and (3) a decrease in net loss from operations ($0.4 million).

Quarterly Basic and Diluted Loss per Share

The basic and diluted net loss per share from operations was $0.18 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared with a basic and diluted net income per share of $0.55 for the comparable period in 2020.

The basic and diluted net loss per share from operations was $0.40 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared with a basic and diluted net income per share of $0.60 for the comparable period in 2020.

Additional Information

Additional information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Additional information relating to the Company is also available on our website (www.glglifetech.com).

For further information, please contact:

Simon Springett, Investor Relations

Phone: +1 (604) 669-2602 ext. 101

Fax: +1 (604) 662-8858

Email: ir@glglifetech.com

About GLG Life Tech Corporation

GLG Life Tech Corporation is a global leader in the supply of high-purity zero calorie natural sweeteners including stevia and monk fruit extracts used in food and beverages. GLG's vertically integrated operations, which incorporate our Fairness to Farmers program and emphasize sustainability throughout, cover each step in the stevia and monk fruit supply chains including non-GMO seed and seedling breeding, natural propagation, growth and harvest, proprietary extraction and refining, marketing and distribution of the finished products. Additionally, to further meet the varied needs of the food and beverage industry, GLG, through its Naturals+ product line, supplies a host of complementary ingredients reliably sourced through its supplier network in China. For further information, please visit www.glglifetech.com.

Forward-looking statements: This press release may contain certain information that may constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or words and phrases that state or indicate that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations about future events, the statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include amongst others the effects of general economic conditions, consumer demand for our products and new orders from our customers and distributors, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2020. In light of these factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur.

Further, although the Company has attempted to identify 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

As there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: GLG Life Tech Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/672997/GLG-Life-Tech-Corporation-Reports-2021-Third-Quarter-Financial-Results
In the future, students will have the opportunity to write for a variety of publications and contests such as college-level scholarships, magazines, and essay contests. This guide will help them get started and learn what it takes to be a successful writer.

The student should think about the target audience and the contests requirements before writing their essay or article.

Learning: Students can take online courses on writing tips, grammar, and literary theory. However, they can also be taken to develop their skills further by taking courses in creative writing workshops. The write essay for me online team of writers has completed High School students guide to write best winning contest essays!

A Quick History of Writing Contests and How Theyve Changed over the Years

While writing contests have been around for quite some time, they have changed considerably in the last few decades. Along with this change in timing and structure, there has also been a change in the audience of these contests.

This article is an attempt to understand why these changes have happened and how they are important for writers today.

Different types of writing contests are discussed in this article along with how writing contests have gone from being about prizes to being about exposure. Different types of writing contests include university competitions, school competitions, creative nonfiction festivals, poetry festivals, etc.

Quick Primer on How to Enter a Contest

Contests and contests can be a great way to gain exposure in your industry or in a specific field. They can often lead to long-term partnerships, one-off opportunities, and introductions. Get feedback on your work and get opportunities, such as prizes and grant money using AI writing assistants.

Contests are organized by public or private entities with the aim of getting more participation, which can result in new ideas, improvements, and creativity. It is easy to enter contests because there are no complicated requirements like forms or deadlines.

There are different types of contests: essay contest, poetry contest, art contest, photography contest etc.

How to Secure Prizes During a Writing Contest

It can be fairly difficult to win a prize during a writing contest. Some contests have rules that make it impossible to receive quality consideration, and there are often many more applicants than available prizes. But if you are an enterprising writer, you can win your share of the prize money by following these tips.

Prizes during a writing contest can be divided into three categories: cash prizes, gift cards or gift certificates. Cash prizes are awarded to the winners in amounts ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more for first place, and from $50 to $500 or more for second through seventh. In order to secure the prize money, the winners have to pay a percentage of it back as their entry fee.

In terms of how much it costs to enter a contest, there is quite a wide range depending on the type of contest and how long it lasts for  some contests require that entry fees be paid before they start.

What Makes Your Piece Stand Out?

Winning contest pieces can be hard to find when you are just out of college. There are a variety of contest platforms out there but it is up to you to find the one that works well for your specific needs and interests. But it is not impossible. The following are top considerations for winning contest pieces:

Creative use of words and phrases

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Pitching Your Contests Piece as a Fresh Idea That Can Sell In Todays Market

The last thing you want to do is submit a novel and spend all your time waiting for a response. It can be difficult to know when or if your work will be accepted into the writing community, so it is best to have other, non-publishing work that you can turn to for income. Instead, try pitching your novel as an idea that can sell in todays market by highlighting key features of the novel.

It is important to think about the different ways you can pitch your piece as a fresh idea that can sell now today market. For instance, use an emotional angle from your piece and share the story of the protagonist with people you know.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Competitions for High School Students in 2021

In the future, writing competitions will be a more popular source of income for high school students. We have come up with a list of competitions that high school students should try their luck in.

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Competitions for High School Students in 2021
JAL Ventures, an Israeli venture capital firm, closed its second fund, at $105m.

LPs in JAL II include Israeli Institutional investors, international financial institutions and family offices.

Launched by General Partners Amiram Levinberg, Joshua Levinberg, Tal Shaked and Yair Elbaz, JAL focuses on post-Seed and Series A rounds and invests in early revenue stage Israeli technology companies. The firm invests in B2B companies across a range of sectors, including cyber security, enterprise software, AI and fintech.

The team aims to deploy the second fund across approximately 10 startups. After initial closure, JAL II has made five investments in B2B startups, including:

insurtech companies Novidea and VOOM;

e-mobility company IRP, which provides solutions to enhance electric vehicle performance; and

cyber company Infinipoint, founded by former Palo Alto Networks executives.

The funds fifth investment will be announced in the near future.

The team also includes Tal Grinstein Vaizer, Principal, Jasmin Kelman, Director of Finance and David Sikorsky, Venture Partner.

To date, JAL has invested in 20 companies, 6 of which have already been acquired, and the rest have carried out significant late-stage investment rounds. The portfolio includes Dome9, which was acquired by Check Point, Perimeter 81, Feedvisor, Velox, Fornova, Ametrine; and Solutum.

FinSMEs

15/11/2021
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Geneva, NY (14456)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Sun and clouds mixed. High 39F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 29F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Quote: Yoooooooo Originally Posted by Everything. 550 7.3 chassis cab top trim is XL. 450 7.3 is Lariat. I dont want a 350. I want a 450 limited 7.3. And I cant even back door it with the chassis cab, and an oem bed.



Really not sure why Ford production wont provide the options.

There are quite a few options and combinations that some would like to see and that Ford doesn't offer. Many of which don't make sense.....it is what is. The Limited trim, since it was first introduced (2018?), has always been diesel only. Likewise I believe the pickup version of the F-450 has been diesel only for quite awhile. I could understand some frustration if this was something they offered but no longer do, but that is not the case.
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Should councilors and the mayor be compensated for their work in Corvallis? The City Council is going to wade in on the subject at its 6 p.m. virtual meeting Monday, Nov. 15.

The nine councilors currently serve as volunteers, with Mayor Biff Traber receiving a $100 monthly stipend.

A task force consisting of the citizen members of the citys Budget Commission held two meetings to discuss the issue, although city discussions focusing on the compensation question have taken place frequently in years past.

Residents can monitor the session by registering at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9001270006678257168.

The task force, chaired by longtime city and Benton County budget commissioner Curtis Wright, met Sept. 21 and Oct. 12 and has come up with a proposal that would end the volunteer status of councilors and give a boost to the mayoral stipend. It also recommends giving elected officials the ability to opt out of compensation should the council approve the plan.

The report calls for:

 $425 per month for the mayor, which adds up to $5,100 per year.

 $325 monthly ($3,900 annually) for the council president, currently Ward 3 Councilor Hyatt Lytle.

 $275 a month ($3,300 a year) for the council vice president, currently Ward 9s Andrew Struthers.

 $225 a month ($2,700 per year) for the remaining seven councilors.

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Not included are health care coverage and pensions.

If approved by the council, the new salary structure wouldn't be put in place until after the next general election, per state conflict of interest law. City Manager Mark Shepard said he expects that the council will hear the presentation Monday and ask questions but to not make a decision. Shepard said Dec. 6 was a likely date for a decision.

Task force members said that they favor the compensation package to offset business expenses and provide some recognition for their service to the community.

The total cost of the program would be $31,200 per year. Task force members noted in their report that the city currently pays $30,000 for a seasonal parks maintenance employee for six months of service.

Councilors and the mayor currently are eligible for reimbursement of business expenses. Such compensation would cease if the stipends are approved. The elected officials would be allowed to claim expenses for approved training and conferences, including registration, travel, lodging and meals.

Councilors and Mayor Traber also would continue to receive a city-purchased laptop/tablet and be eligible to print city materials and documents at city expense. Carving out office space for councilors (Traber has an office at City Hall) also has been discussed, but the task force did not address that issue.

The task force also conducted research on how comparable cities deal with the compensation issues. Research by the League of Oregon Cities found that 25% of cities responding paid a stipend. The most common types of compensation were reimbursement for travel, continuing education, membership dues and fees.

Corvallis also surveyed the six comparator cities that it uses when evaluating compensation for employees. These are Lake Oswego, Tigard, Albany, Springfield, Medford and Bend. Staff surveyed these six cities in July.

Two cities do not pay any compensation for councilors or the mayor. Four cities pay the mayor and councilors a stipend. No cities pay councilors a salary or health benefits. One city, Tigard, pays the mayor a salary. Of the four cities that pay their mayor and councilors, Bend, the largest city, pays the highest stipends, more than $1,000 per month for the mayor and $533 for councilors.

Albany pays the lowest, the city research found. Councilors receive $130 per month and the mayor $185, according to communications and engagement officer Matt Harrington, who added that the elected officials also are eligible for a $50 monthly internet stipend.

Contact reporter James Day at jim.day@lee.net or 541-812-6116. Follow at Twitter.com/jameshday or gazettetimes.com/blogs/jim-day.

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A Lebanon man was arrested following reports of shots fired through the wall of an apartment building on Saturday evening, the Lebanon Police Department reported.

Daniel Joseph Olsen, 37, is suspected of firing an unspecified type of firearm through the wall of his apartment at 356 E. A St. Police say the bullet traveled through the wall and television of the adjacent unit.

While there were two occupants in the neighboring apartment at the time, no injuries were reported, according to Lebanon police.

Officers spent an hour attempting to contact Olsen but were unsuccessful, a Lebanon police news release states. The Linn County Sheriffs Office then assisted officers with continued attempts to contact Mr. Olsen and to devise a strategy to take him into custody safely.

Police obtained a search warrant and armored vehicles were called to the scene. Using a loud-hail speaker, detectives were able to contact Olsen and bring him into custody, the release states.

Lebanon police seized two pistols, two rifles and multiple rounds of ammunition from the scene. Olsen was lodged temporarily at the Lebanon Justice Center and then was transported to the Linn County Jail on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon, reckless endangering, second-degree disorderly conduct and second-degree criminal mischief.

Olsen is not currently listed as being lodged at the jail.

He arraigned on charges of two counts of recklessly endangering another person on Monday afternoon, according to Oregon's online court database.

The investigation is still active, and those with information regarding this incident should contact Detective James Glover at 541-258-4326.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Gettysburg, PA (17325)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 47F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 29F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
A boneyard at the Eagle Butte coal mine north of Gillette is filled with old mining equipment. Eagle Butte was one of several coal mines to temporarily close in 2019 due to Blackjewels bankruptcy.
COP 26 - Introducing the Global Soil Health Programme

Were pleased to extend this invitation to our COP 26 event Introducing the Global Soil Health Programme  Restoring the health of the worlds soil at scale and on time. The Universities of Glasgow and Sydney are jointly leading the Global Soil Health Programme delivered via a precompetitive consortium including Bayer, BASF, UPL, RaboBank, Microsoft and PWC to address this gap.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Rattan Lal (The Ohio State University), Ronald Vargas (UN FAO), Arlene Cotie (Bayer), Andy Beadle (BASF), Jonatas Alves (UPL) and Leigh Ann Winowiecki (Coalition for Action on Soil Health) who will outline the vision and activities of the Programme.

Please note this is a hybrid event that will be open for both physical participants (at the Kelvin Gallery, University of Glasgow) as well as online.

Date: Monday 08 November

Time: 09.00  10.30

Register here
Pune, India, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. generator sales market size is expected to showcase exponential growth by reaching USD 6.94 billion by 2028. Fortune Business Insights in its report titled, U.S. Sales Market, 2021-2028., mentions that the market stood at USD 4.68 billion in 2020 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.13% between 2021 and 2028. Factors such as the rising oilfield activities and the increasing focus on development of infrastructure in the U.S. is likely to boost the products demand during the foreseeable future.

COVID-19 has resulted in several economies facing unprecedented loss. Owing to the lockdown announced by the government agencies globally, several manufacturing facilities have been at a standstill with limited operational activities. However, a collective effort from the government and the industries to bring the economy back is expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Request to Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/u-s-generator-sales-market-106160

List of the Companies Operating in the Market:

Generac Power Systems (U.S.)

American Honda Motor Corp. (U.S.)

Caterpillar Inc. (U.S.)

Cummins Inc. (U.S.)

Ingersoll Rand (U.S.)

John Deere (U.S.)

Briggs and Stratton (U.S.)

HiPower Systems (U.S.)

Kohler  SDMO (France)

Wacker Neuson (Germany)

Market Segmentation:

Based on the power rating, the market is segregated into below 75 kVA, 75-375 kVA, 375-750 kVA, and above 750 kVA. On the basis of fuel type, the market is trifurcated into diesel, gas, and others.

Based on fuel type, the diesel segment held the U.S. generator sales market share of about 58.4% in 2020. The segment is expected to dominate owing to the increasing adoption of diesel generators as a backup for emergency situations.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into Continuous Load, Peak Load, and Standby Load. Furthermore, On the basis of end-user, the market is divided into Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Residential, Marine, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Commercial, Telecom, and Others.

What does the Report Include?

The market report for United States generator sales includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of several factors such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact growth. Additionally, the report provides insights into the regional analysis that covers different regions, contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies to announce partnerships, introduce new products, and collaborate to further contribute to the growth of the market between 2021 and 2028. Moreover, the research analyst has adopted several research methodologies to extract information about the current trends and industry developments that will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Ask for Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/u-s-generator-sales-market-106160

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Incidence of Power Outages in the U.S. to Propel Growth

A devastating tornado traveled from Texas to Maine from April 12 to April 14, 2020, leading to over 4.3 million people experiencing power outage and further it affected around 9.3 million people. Similarly, several other natural hazards lead to a massive power outage affecting the electricity supply in the U.S. The rising incidence of power outages propelled the manufacturers to provide solutions and work towards power restoration across the country. Moreover, the surging energy demand on account of the development of infrastructures is anticipated to contribute to the U.S. generator sales market growth during the forecast period.

COUNTRY INSIGHTS

The market is experiencing positive growth owing to the presence of supportive government initiatives that focus on providing energy security and aids in connecting rural citizens with access to electricity. In addition to this, rapid-paced urbanization has led to the development of several commercials, industrial, and residential projects that are projected to surge the products demand in the forthcoming years.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Major Companies Invest in R&D Activities to Strengthen Their Market Positions

The global market is fragmented by major companies that are focusing on maintaining their presence. They are doing so by proactively investing in R&D activities to develop advanced generators and further boost the United States generator sales during the foreseeable future. Additionally, other key players are adopting organic and inorganic strategies to maintain a stronghold that will contribute to the growth of the market during the forecast period. The market in the country stood at USD 4.68 billion in 2020.

Quick Buy  Process Mining Software Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/106160

Industry Development:

May 2021 - Caterpillar Inc. introduced around 31 new models of CAT GC diesel generator sets. These sets are likely to be utilized for stationary standby power applications ranging between 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

Closure of Industrial Operations in the U.S. amid COVID-19 Led to Lower Growth Rate of -6.7% in 2020

The lockdown announced by the government agencies of several states to control the spread of the coronavirus led to a standstill of several industrial operations. This further impacted the economic growth of several industries with supply chain disruption and hampered activities. Owing to this, the market exhibited a lower growth rate of -6.7% in 2020.





Speak to Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/u-s-generator-sales-market-106160

Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Function Generator Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Analog and Digital), By Output Frequency (Up to 50 Mhz, 50100 Mhz, and Above 100 Mhz), By Application (Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Automotive, Energy, Wireless Communication and Infrastructure, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Diesel Generator Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Power Rating (Below 75 kVA, 75-375 kVA, 375-750 kVA, and Above 750 kVA), By Portability (Stationary and Portable), By Application (Continuous Load, Peak Load, and Stand By Load), By End User (Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Residential, Marine, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Commercial, Telecom, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Generator Sales Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Power Rating (Below 75 kVA, 75-375 kVA, 375-750 kVA, and Above 750 kVA), By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gas, and Others), By Application (Continuous Load, Peak Load, and Stand By Load), By End User (Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Residential, Marine, Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Commercial, Telecom, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

Green Hydrogen Generator Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Traditional Alkaline Electrolysis, PEM Electrolysis, and Solid Oxide Electrolysis), By Application (Power Plants, Steel Plant, Electronics and Photovoltaics, Industrial Gases and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

Russia Gas Generator Market Size, Share and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Power Rating (Up to 100 kVA, 100-350 kVA, 350-750 kVA, 750-1000 kVA, 1000-2000 kVA, 2000-3000 kVA, and Above 3000 kVA), By End-user (Mining, Data Centers, Construction, Manufacturing, Tourism/Hospitality, Oil & Gas, Residential, Agricultural/Greenhouse, Water Treatment/Landfill, Power Utilities, Cold Storage Warehouse, and Others) and Forecast, 2021-2028

About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

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English Dutch

Papendrecht, 15 November 2021



Boskalis and its co-shareholder KS Investments Pte. Ltd. (Keppel) have signed an agreement relating to the sale of their harbor towage activities in Singapore and Malaysia to Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A. The sale transaction relates to Keppel Smit Towage Private Limited (KST) and Maju Maritime Pte Ltd (Maju). Under the terms of the agreement, Boskalis expects to receive approximately EUR 80 million in cash for its 49% equity stake. The contribution of KST/Maju to the net profit of Boskalis over the last two years was EUR 4 million per annum.

Keppel Smit Towage (KST) was established in 1991 as a joint venture between Keppel and SMIT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boskalis. Over the past thirty years, KST has developed into one of the largest and leading harbor tug service providers in Southeast Asia. KST operates a combined fleet of 58 tug boats in Singapore and through its joint venture in Malaysia.

The sale of KST follows the strategic decision taken by Boskalis in 2019 to divest its harbor towage activities. Boskalis divested its stakes in Saam Smit Towage and Kotug Smit Towage in 2019.

Rimorchiatori Mediterranei S.p.A. is a subsidiary of Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group, a leading maritime service provider headquartered in Genoa, Italy established in 1922. Rimorchiatori Mediterranei operates a fleet of more than 100 modern vessels in more than 20 major ports employing approximately 900 people.

The agreement is subject to approval from the regulatory agencies in Singapore and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Investor relations:

Martijn L.D. Schuttevaer

ir@boskalis.com

Press:

Arno Schikker

press@boskalis.com

T +31 786969310

This is a Boskalis press release on the grounds of article 17 paragraph 1 of the European Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014).

Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. is a leading global services provider operating in the dredging, maritime infrastructure and maritime services sectors. The company provides creative and innovative all-round solutions to infrastructural challenges in the maritime, coastal and delta regions of the world. With core activities such as coastal defense, riverbank protection and land reclamation Boskalis is able to provide adaptive and mitigating solutions to combat the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather conditions and rising sea levels, as well as delivering solutions for the increasing need for space in coastal and delta regions across the world. The company facilitates the development of offshore energy infrastructure, including renewable wind energy. Boskalis is furthermore active in the construction and maintenance of ports, waterways, access channels and civil infrastructure, thus helping to facilitate trade flows and regional socio-economic development. In addition, Boskalis is a global marine salvage expert and has a number of strategic partnerships in harbor towage and terminal services (Keppel Smit Towage and Smit Lamnalco). With a versatile fleet of more than 700 vessels and floating equipment and 9,600 employees, including associates, Boskalis is creating new horizons around the world.

This press release can also be found on our website www.boskalis.com .

Attachments
HEINEKEN intends to acquire control of Distell and NBL , which will be combined with HEINEKEN S outh A frica into a new HEINEKEN majority owned business with a total valuation of approximately 4 billion



Distell is Africa's leading producer and marketer of ciders, flavoured alcoholic beverages, wines and spirits, an d NBL is the beer market leader in Namibia

B etter able to serve c onsumers and c ustomer s with a unique multi-category portfolio , led by iconic brands Heineken, Savanna, Windhoek, 4th Street wine and Amarula

Combination will have a significantly strengthened and compl e mentary route to market in South Africa and Namibia with further growth opportunit ies across Southern Africa

EPS accretion expected within one year and operating profit margin accretion over the medium term on realisation of significant synergies





Amsterdam, 15 November 2021  HEINEKEN N.V. ('HEINEKEN') (EURONEXT: HEIA; OTCQX: HEINY) today announced that it has entered into an implementation agreement with Distell Group Holdings Limited (Distell), Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) and Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies (O&L) to integrate their respective and relevant businesses in Southern Africa into one enlarged company (the Transaction).

The Transaction will be implemented through a number of simultaneous and inter-conditional steps, and will involve:

A recommended offer by HEINEKEN for Distell, which values the businesses 1 to be acquired at approximately 2.2 billion and is subject to, inter alia, Distell shareholder approval;

to be acquired at approximately 2.2 billion and is subject to, inter alia, Distell shareholder approval; The proposed acquisition from NBL of its 25% shareholding in HEINEKEN South Africa (HSA'), which values the whole of HSA at approximately 1.5 billion, and is subject to, inter alia, NBL shareholder approval; and

The acquisition of O&Ls 50.01% interest in NBL Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited (NBLIH), the controlling shareholder with a 59.4% shareholding in NBL. HEINEKEN already owns a 49.99% interest in NBLIH. NBLs current market valuation is approximately 400 million.





At completion, HEINEKEN will contribute these acquired assets plus its 75% directly owned shareholding in HSA and certain other fully owned export operations in Africa, into an unlisted public holding company (referred to as Newco). HEINEKEN will own a minimum of 65% of Newco, with the remainder held by Distell shareholders who elect to reinvest.

HEINEKENs CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Dolf van den Brink said:

We are very excited to bring together three strong businesses to create a regional beverage champion, perfectly positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in Southern Africa.

Distell is a highly regarded, resilient business with leading brands, a talented workforce and a strong track record of innovation and growth in Africa. With NBL, there are exciting opportunities to expand premium beer and cider in Namibia and grow the iconic Windhoek brand beyond its home market. Together we will be able to better serve our consumers and customers through a unique combination of multi-category leading brands and a strengthened route-to-market. The businesses share common values derived from their family heritage, long-term perspectives, entrepreneurial spirit, and care for people and planet.

We have successfully built our business in Africa over 100 years. Todays announcement is a vote of confidence in the long-term prospects of South Africa and Namibia and we commit to being a strong partner for growth and to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate.

Distell CEO Richard Rushton said:

Together, this partnership has the potential to leverage the strength of HEINEKENs global footprint with our leading brands to create a formidable, diverse beverage company for Africa. I am excited for what lies ahead as we look to combine our strong and popular brands and highly complementary geographical footprints to create a world class African company in the alcohol beverage sector. Our combined entity will grow our local expertise and insights to better serve consumers across the region.

NBL Chairman Sven Thieme said:

What we have achieved with NBL is truly amazing, but the time has come to unleash its full potential, by giving NBL access to the world. Having worked with HEINEKEN for many years and knowing that they too are passionate about beer and share similar family values and culture to that of O&L, we are confident that HEINEKEN is best placed to do just that.

Strategic rationale

HEINEKENs global EverGreen strategy places consumers and customers at its core whilst continually enhancing and expanding its portfolio and footprint. The Transaction will create a Southern Africa champion and an important gateway to Africa, the next frontier of growth, and will:

Strengthen its #2 position in South Africa , the largest market in Africa, with a unique multi-category portfolio Bring together the leading portfolios in premium beer, cider, flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs), wine, and #2 in spirits, with iconic brands such as Heineken, Savanna, Hunters, 4 th Street wine, and Amarula Beer to benefit from increased scale and continued premiumisation Acquire the leading Cider & FAB portfolio Wine and spirits offering complementarity and optionality Combine two highly complementary route-to-markets, reaching more consumers and customers, more often.

, the largest market in Africa, with a unique multi-category portfolio

Acquire control of the beer market leader in Namibia , providing premiumisation and other growth opportunities whilst benefitting from cost efficiencies when becoming part of the HEINEKEN group.



Strengthen and optimise its footprint across Southern Africa to accelerate growth:



Combine route-to-markets and portfolios in export countries, to increase efficiency and capture additional growth, especially in attractive markets like Kenya and Tanzania; Explore wider opportunities to grow the acquired cider and beer brands, such as Savanna and Windhoek, outside their home markets.





, providing premiumisation and other growth opportunities whilst benefitting from cost efficiencies when becoming part of the HEINEKEN group.

HEINEKEN anticipates that the Transaction will generate significant synergies, in line with comparable in-market transactions.

Financial impact for HEINEKEN

HEINEKENs total investment in Newco will be approximately 2.5 billion, in return for a 65% shareholding. The total investment comprises: A cash pay-out of approximately 1.3 billion for the transactions involving Distell and NBL above; and The contribution of its currently owned assets, including 75% of HSA, 100% of its export businesses in certain other African markets, and its minority interest in NBL.

On realisation of significant revenue and cost synergies, the Transaction is expected to be margin accretive over the medium term.

The Transaction is expected to be EPS (beia) accretive within the first year post completion.

Upon completion HEINEKEN's pro-forma net debt/EBITDA (beia) ratio is expected to increase marginally. HEINEKEN remains committed to return to the long-term target of below 2.5x.

Brew a Better World

HEINEKEN is committed to be a partner for growth in Southern Africa and aims to make a positive impact on the environment, social sustainability, and responsible consumption in the communities in which it operates. Headquartered in South Africa, the new business is ambitious for growth and will engage positively and proactively with stakeholders on measures demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region. This will include ongoing investment in the business, employment, localisation and supplier development, talent development, and contribution to the economic development of the region.

HEINEKEN is keenly aware of the importance of economic transformation in South Africa through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and intends to enhance the enlarged business empowerment ownership post completion of the Transaction.

Newco will implement HEINEKENs Brew a Better World 2030 commitments, which include an ambitious agenda aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve carbon neutrality, waste reduction, water efficiency and address harmful use of alcohol. This will include projects and partnerships with proven impact on behavioural change and reducing alcohol related harm, alongside investment in responsible consumption campaigns and ensuring that consumers always have a choice through broadening the availability of zero alcohol beverages.

Next steps

Completion of the Transaction between HEINEKEN, Distell and NBL is subject to customary and applicable (including regulatory and shareholder) approvals. Expressions of support for the transaction have been received from shareholders representing c.56% of the votes of Distell and c.68% of the votes of minority shareholders of NBL. If regulatory and shareholder approvals are successfully obtained, the Transaction is expected to complete in the course of 2022. Further announcements will be made as and when appropriate.

1 Representing the In-Scope Assets only as outlined in the Distell Firm Intention Announcement

-ENDS-

Press enquiries

Sarah Backhouse / Michael Fuchs

E-mail: pressoffice@heineken.com

Tel: +31-20-5239-355



Investor and analyst enquiries

Federico Castillo Martinez / Robin Achten

E-mail: investors@heineken.com

Tel: +31-20-5239-590

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

HEINEKEN will host an analyst and investor conference call in relation to its Southern African Transaction today at 13:00 CET/ 12:00 GMT. The call will be audio cast live via the companys website: www.theheinekencompany.com. An audio replay service will also be made available after the conference call at the above web address.

Analysts and investors can dial-in using the following telephone numbers:

United Kingdom: 0800 640 6441

United Kingdom (Local): 020 3936 2999

Netherlands (Local): 085 888 7233

USA (Local): 1 646 664 1960

USA: 1 855 9796 654

All other locations: +44 203 936 2999

Participation password for all countries: 894933

About HEINEKEN

HEINEKEN is the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and specialty beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management. Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geographic footprint with leadership positions in both developed and developing markets. We employ over 80,000 employees and operate breweries, malteries, cider plants and other production facilities in more than 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V. shares trade on the euronext in Amsterdam. Prices for the ordinary shares may be accessed on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN has two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programmes: Heineken N.V. (OTCQX: HEINY) and Heineken Holding N.V. (OTCQX: HKHHY). Most recent information is available on HEINEKEN's website: www.theHEINEKENcompany.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

About Distell

Distell is Africas leading producer of spirits, wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) as well as the world's second-biggest producer of ciders. Some of the companys top brands include Amarula, Hunters, Savanna, 4th Street, Klipdrift, Nederburg, Richelieu, Viceroy, and J.C. Le Roux. Distell employs 4500 people worldwide.

About Namibia Breweries Limited

Established on 29 October 1920, NBL is one of the leading beverage manufacturing companies in Namibia and indeed in Southern Africa. Based in Windhoek, and employing more than 800 people, NBL leads the domestic beer market in Namibia and has significant share of the premium beer category in Southern Africa. Its portfolio includes a range of soft beverages, as well as low and non-alcoholic products. NBLs beer brands are brewed in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot Purity Law - which only uses three ingredients: malted barley, hops and water. Its brands Windhoek Lager, Tafel Lager, Windhoek Draught and Windhoek Light have earned international recognition for quality and purity. NBLs products are exported to 17 countries outside of Namibia and South Africa.

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release contains price-sensitive information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.



Attachment
English Dutch French

Press Release

Outside trading hours - Regulated information*

Brussels, Sofia, 15 November 2021 (7.45 a.m. CET)

KBC acquires Bulgarian operations of Raiffeisen Bank International

This morning, Belgium-based KBC Bank (KBC) and Austria-based Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) reached an agreement for KBC to acquire 100% of the shares of Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) EAD, comprising RBIs Bulgarian banking operations.

The transaction also includes Raiffeisenbank Bulgarias fully-owned subsidiaries Raiffeisen Leasing Bulgaria, Raiffeisen Asset Management (Bulgaria), Raiffeisen Insurance Broker (serving Raiffeisenbank Bulgarias leasing and corporate clients) and Raiffeisen Service.

The deal, involving a total consideration of 1 015 million euros paid in cash, reflects the quality of the Raiffeisen franchise and the synergies potential.

The transaction will be EPS accretive from year one onwards, whereby the purchase price represents a 1.64x multiple of the 2022E Tangible Book Value of the target and a 13 x P/E (based on 2022E Earnings). Leveraging on the combined entity and KBCs expertise, benefits from synergies are expected to quickly ramp up from ~12m EUR in 2022 to ~29m EUR in 2024 and remaining above ~25m EUR from 2025-2031 (pre-tax numbers).

The transaction will have a capital impact of around -1pp on KBC Groups CET1 (3Q21: 16.4% fully loaded, Danish Compromise) upon closing.

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected by mid-2022.

Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria), an established and trusted nationwide universal banking franchise in Bulgaria with a proven track record

Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) has developed its banking business since entering the market in 1994. It is a leading universal bank in Bulgaria, offering a full range of banking, asset management, leasing and insurance brokerage services to retail, SME and corporate customers.

It ranks 6th in the market with a market share of 7.9% in assets and 8.4% in loans. Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) operates a network of 122 bank branches across the country, complemented with an agent network of mobile banking consultants, external partners and credit intermediaries. Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) employs 2,500 staff servicing 635,000 customers.

At the end of 1H2021, the entity had a 3.3 bn EUR loan portfolio (o/w 36% corporate and 64% retail incl. SME/micro), 4.2 bn EUR deposits and 5.2bn EUR assets and boasted net profit of 27m EUR. Its CET1 ratio at 1H2021 amounted to 16.4%.

Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) enjoys strong customer satisfaction/NPS across all segments and is focused on innovation and digital banking.

The transaction also includes Raiffeisen Leasing Bulgaria, the number 4 leasing company in Bulgaria (10.5% market share), Raiffeisen Asset Management (Bulgaria), the number 3 asset management company in Bulgaria (9.7% market share and 106m EUR AUM), Raiffeisen Insurance Broker (distributes products from 12 insurance companies; 1% market share) and Raiffeisen Service. These four companies are 100% owned by RBI Bulgaria.

Raiffeisenbanks risk appetite / profile and compliance governance is similar to KBC Groups.

KBC Group has been present in the Bulgarian financial sector since 2007. In 2009, KBC Group defined Bulgaria as one of its core markets. Today, KBC Group is present in Bulgaria through United Bulgarian Bank (UBB), DZI (Insurance), UBB Interlease, UBB Pension Insurance, UBB Asset Management, UBB Factoring, UBB Insurance Broker and KBC Branch Bulgaria. On 30 July 2021, KBC acquired NNs Bulgarian life insurance and pension fund activities.

UBB is a top 3 bank in Bulgaria in terms of assets whereas DZI retains the number one market share position in the insurance market. UBB Interlease has a leading position in Bulgaria. UBB Asset Management is the local asset management entity of the group now dominating the domestic market with over a quarter of the total assets held by Bulgarian funds.

The Group boasts a well-developed distribution network throughout the country, but has equally proven to be the digital reference with numerous digital solutions launched over the course of the past few years.

It is the intention, after regulatory approval, to proceed with the merger of Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) and UBB, which will allow KBC to strengthen its position in the Bulgarian banking market. The proforma combined entity (Raiffeisenbank and UBB) would reach 18.2% market share by assets (versus 10.3% for UBB), very close to the number 1 (19.8%) and number 2 (18.4%) players. Additionally, the combined UBB-Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) would become the number 2 player in loans (17.0% proforma market share).

Raiffeisenbanks strategy has been very similar to KBCs in Bulgaria. Strategic focus points for 2022-2023 include digital transformation and innovation, smart use of data (insights), agility, efficiency and E2E process automation and integration of ESG in the business model.

In addition, this acquisition will significantly strengthen UBBs market leadership in the asset management business and its leading position in the provision of leasing solutions, and will create significant cross-sales opportunities with DZI in the insurance area.

KBC will further consolidate its position as the number 1 integrated financial group in Bulgaria.

Pending closure of the deal and the subsequent integration of the entities into KBCs Bulgarian operations, Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) will continue to honour its commitments to the market while continuing to provide professional service of the highest quality to its customers.

Johan Thijs, KBC Group CEO, commented as follows on the deal: I am really delighted with this second Bulgarian acquisition in a year. Weve established ourselves as a strong local player, offering a full range of high-quality banking, insurance, asset management and leasing services. Acquiring Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) is another testimony to our commitment to the Bulgarian market and support to the Bulgarian economy. Were extremely happy to acquire a high-quality business with an excellent reputation and management team. Its clear focus on innovation and digitalisation, combined with a high customer satisfaction rating, mirrors our own Digital First strategy and will allow us to further expand our Bulgarian business, reaffirming our leading position in the Bulgarian financial market.

Peter Andronov, CEO of KBC Groups International Markets Business Unit added: We have always stated our interest in opportunities to grow our business in our core markets through bolt-on acquisitions, provided they meet our criteria and are in line with our strategy. The acquisition of Raiffeisenbank (Bulgaria) is fully in line with this strategy and further strengthens our already strong position in our Bulgarian core market. This investment allows us to deploy part of our groups capital into a franchise-enhancing, synergetic and value accretive investment opportunity in a market the group knows intimately. Ultimately we believe that all Raiffeisenbanks and KBCs stakeholders will benefit from our combined strengths.

Peter Roebben, country manager for KBC in Bulgaria concluded: Expanding our activities in Bulgaria, integrating Raiffeisenbanks high-end products while building on the competence and dynamism of both UBB and DZI, will help us to achieve our objectives and ensure future success. I look forward to welcoming Raiffeisenbanks staff and management team and am convinced that, together, we will further consolidate our leading position to the benefit of all our customers and other stakeholders.

For more information, please contact:

Viviane Huybrecht, General Manager, Corporate Communication/Spokesperson, KBC Group

Tel +32 2 429 85 45 - E-mail: pressofficekbc@kbc.be

Kurt De Baenst, General Manager, Investor Relations, KBC Group

Tel. +32 2 429 35 73 - E-mail : IR4U@kbc.be

* This news item contains information that is subject to the transparency regulations for listed companies.



KBC Group NV



Havenlaan 2  1080 Brussels



Viviane Huybrecht



General Manager



Corporate Communication /Spokesperson



Tel. +32 2 429 85 45







Press Office



Tel. +32 2 429 65 01 Stef Leunens



Tel. +32 2 429 29 15 Ilse De Muyer



Tel. +32 2 429 32 88 Pieter Kusse



Tel. +32 2 429 85 44 Sofie Spiessens



E-mail: pressofficekbc@kbc.be







KBC press releases are available at www.kbc.com or can be obtained by sending an e-mail to pressofficekbc@kbc.be



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Attachment
Pune, India, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global home infusion therapy market size is likely to USD 86.89 billion by the end of 2027 owing to the increasing adoption of home medical services worldwide. In a home infusion therapy setting, a patient receives all medical assistance at home including drugs and biologics via a subcutaneous or an intravenous administrative route.

According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights titled, Home Infusion Therapy Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Devices, Drugs, and Services) By Indication (Anti-Infective, Chemotherapy, Hydration Therapy, Enteral Nutrition, Total Parenteral Nutrition, Immunoglobulin Therapy, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027, the value of this market was USD 27.25 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2% between 2020 and 2027.





Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/home-infusion-therapy-market-102989





The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this, too, shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. Some industries are struggling, and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic.

We are making continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future.





Report Scope & Segmentation

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 CAGR 2.2% 2027 Value Projection USD 86.89 billion Base Year 2019 Market Size in 2019 USD 27.25 billion Historical Data for 2016 to 2018 No. of Pages 128 Segments covered By Product, Immunoglobulin Therapy, By Indication, Anti-Infective, Growth Drivers Drugs Segment to Hold Dominance Owing to Increasing Incidences of Cancer North America to Dominate Market on Account of Rising Adoption of Innovative Technologies Handful of Vendors Covering Majority Shares Attributed to Massive Investment on Innovative Devices





Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market.

Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/home-infusion-therapy-market-102989





The Report Answers the Following Queries

What is the nature of the market and how fierce is its competition?

What are the key industry insights to the market?

What strategies are adopted by players to gain momentum in the market?

How is the COVID19 pandemic helping the market to grow?





Drivers & Restraints-

Lockdowns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic to Bode Well for the Market

The increasing prevalence of the geriatric population and their vulnerability towards chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiac issues among others stands as major home infusion therapy market devices. In addition to this, the increasing cases of hospital-acquired infections are also propelling people to opt for medical services at home. This, coupled with cost-efficient home treatment faster recovery at home than hospital are likely to bode well for the market.

On the flip side, most of the developing nations lack reimbursement structure and policy for home treatment which ultimately increases the out-of-pocket expenditure. This, coupled with a lack of proper medical assistance and limited sources in a home setting, may cause hindrance to the market. Nevertheless, the increasing number of innovations in the medical sector and the advent of devices such as portable infusion pumps, and others are likely to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market. Furthermore, the current pandemic of coronavirus that propelled people to stay at home is projected to promote the home infusion therapy market growth.

Segment-

Drugs Segment to Hold Dominance Owing to Increasing Incidences of Cancer

Based on segmentation by product, the drugs segment earned the highest home infusion therapy market share on account of the increasing number of immune diseases worldwide and the rising prevalence of cancer. Besides this, the devices segment earned a 6.6% share and is likely to witness significant growth in the coming years on account of increasing technological advancements in the delivery of home medication system for various purposes.





Quick Buy - Home Infusion Therapy Market: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102989





Regional Analysis-

North America to Dominate Market on Account of Rising Adoption of Innovative Technologies

Regionally, North America emerged at the top with a revenue of USD 10.53 billion in 2019. The growth of this region is attributable to the development of delivery devices for home medication and its increasing adoption. Besides this, the rising number of patients and rapid adoption of the latest technologies are factors responsible for the dominance of this region.

Besides this, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness rapid growth in the forecast duration on account of the increasing prevalence of diabetes, heart issues, cancer, and other long-lasting diseases in the region.





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Competitive Landscape-

Handful of Vendors Covering Majority Shares Attributed to Massive Investment on Innovative Devices

The global home infusion therapy market is dominated by a handful of companies thereby depicting a consolidated nature of the market. These include Option Care Health Inc., Optum Inc., Melsungen AG, and Braun. The dominance of these players is accountable for the expansion of geographical footprint, major investments in the development of innovative devices, and infusion pumps.





Notable Industry Developments of the Home Infusion Therapy Market include:

July 2019  Food and Drug Administration approved the first and ready-to-use insulin called Myxredlin manufactured by Baxter.

December 2019  Diplomat and Optum Inc. entered into a partnership for specialty infusion and pharmaceutical services in the U.S. The key objective behind this merger strategy is to serve patients with chronic diseases with therapeutic measures such as oncology and immunology in the entire U.S.





Fortune Business Insights lists out the names of market manufacturers. They are as follows:

Optum, Inc.

Infusystem

Option Care Health Inc.

Moog Inc.

CareCentrix, Inc.

B. Braun Melsungen AG

Lincare Holdings Inc.

Baxter

Promptcare

BriovaRx Infusion Services

Other players





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Some major points from Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Prevalence of Key Chronic Diseases, 2019, Key Countries/Regions New Product Launches for Home Infusion Therapy Covid-19 Impact on the Home Infusion Therapy, and Key Steps Taken by Market Players Key Industry Development such as Mergers, Acquisition, and Partnerships Global Home Infusion Therapy Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Devices Drugs Services Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Indication Anti-Infective Chemotherapy Hydration Therapy Enternal Nutrition Total Parenteral Nutrition Immunoglobulin Therapy Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country/Sub-region North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the World North America Home Infusion Therapy Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Devices Drugs Services Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Indication Anti-Infective Chemotherapy Hydration Therapy Enternal Nutrition Total Parenteral Nutrition Immunoglobulin Therapy Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country U.S.

Continued...





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Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Portugal-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





The MVNOs collectively have only managed to secure about 3% of the market, by subscribers. This dominance of the main players is expected to be reduced following the auction recently completed by the regulator, which saw the market entry of Dixarobil and Nowo. Both will provide 5G services. The auction marked the entry of Romanias Digi in Portugals mobile market, as also of Masmovil which had hitherto focussed on fibre deployment in Lisbon and Oporto.







Key developments:



5G auction is completed, with three new entrants;



Eutelsat and Hispasat sign deal to provide wholesale satellite capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite;



Social broadband tariff for low-income households to come into effect in early 2022;



EC opens infringement procedures against 24 EU member states for failing to enact the European Electronic Communications Code into national legislation;



Competition Authority fines MEO 84 million for anti-competitive behaviour;



Masmovil becomes sole shareholder of Nowo;



Fixed broadband internet traffic up 53% in the third quarter of 2020, FttP accounting for 53.8% of fixed broadband accesses;



Vodafone and NOS sign a network-sharing agreement, NOS sells towers to Cellnex;



EU to investigate whether the regulators draft 5G auction terms contain state aid;



Altice Portugal assesses feasibility of tender for the installation of the undersea cables between the mainland, the Azores and Madeira;



Equiano (Google) submarine cable due for completion later in 2021;



Portugal aims for 90% LTE coverage in rural areas by 2025;



Report update includes the regulators market data to Q3 2020, telcos operating and financial data to December 2020, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.





Companies mentioned in this report:



Altice Portugal (MEO), NOS (Optimus, Zon Multimedia), Vodafone Portugal, CTT, Lycamobile, Sonaecom, Cabovisao. Google, Masmovil, Oni Communications, Nowo, RedCLARA



Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Portugal-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

This has had some results thus far, with the government in 2017 having largely financed the Coral Sea Cable linking Australia with PNG and the Solomon Islands. Vocus secured the contract to build the system, neatly addressing the security concerns over the initial choice of Huawei being involved in the cable project.





In mid-2021 the Australian government pressed Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The $1.6 billion deal was agreed in the following October, with Telstra to contribute $270 million and the Australia government making a $1.33 billion contribution via Export Finance Australia (EFA).



Key developments:





PIPE Pacific Cable is upgraded from 8Tb/s to 12Tb/s;

Kumul Submarine Cable Network System 1 is lit;

Digitec builds out a greenfield LTE network;

PNG rolls out Get Connected training with the ITU to boost digital transformation;

Australian government provides funds to acquire Digicels Pacific operations;

Kacific-1 satellite services are made available;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.



Companies mentioned in this report include:



Kumul Telikom, Telikom PNG, PNG DataCo, Bmobile (Vodafone), Digicel, Kacific Broadband Satellites



Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Croatia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The largest players in the sector remain Hrvatski Telekom, United Group, and A1 Croatia. United Group in July 2021 acquired Optima Telekom, the second largest provider after Hrvatski Telekom.





There will be significant developments in the mobile market later in 2021 after the regulator issues licences for 5G services following a multi-spectrum auction. The deployment of 5G is considered crucial to meeting the governments broadband targets, which are themselves aligned to the European Commissions Digital Europe 2025 ambitions.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Croatia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Morocco-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

This has helped it maintain service levels throughout the countrys long and arduous Covid-19 State of Emergency, which is expected to remain in place through to at least the end of October 2021.





The enforced lockdown across many of Moroccos major centres has pushed up demand in all telecom segments  even for fixed-line telephone services, which grew by 15% in 2020. This runs counter to the downwards trend seen in most other parts of the world, although the growth in Morocco has largely been driven by the need for many consumers to be able to access a DSL broadband service to work or study from home during the lockdowns. At less than 1% penetration, fibre-based broadband is still at a nascent stage of development in Morocco.





Moroccos mobile sector exhibits far more universal coverage, along with a competitive and balanced market across three mobile network operators. Penetration is already at 137%, partly a reflection of the preference for prepaid subscriptions (with more SIM cards likely being in circulation than are actually in use) and also the increasing popularity of dual-SIM handsets. Differentiated pricing for mobile voice and date versus mobile broadband also encourages many consumers to keep separate handsets for each purpose; more than 93% of the internet accesses in Morocco are through mobile networks.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Morocco-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Armenia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW







The purchase ended a long-running process beginning when Telecom Armenias previous owner, VEON, broke off talks with Ucom itself. This followed the arrest on corruption charges of a former finance minister who held a majority stake in Ucom, and the subsequent disappearance of his son and the head of Ucoms Board of Directors.





Having pulled out of the deal with Ucom, VEON immediately went ahead and sold its local unit to Team. Ucom attempted to block the sale through the courts, but was unsuccessful. The sale represented a wider policy by VEON to focus on markets where it has better prospects of revenue growth.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Armenia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Yemen-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW







Rising poverty means that for a significant proportion of the population there is little chance of securing telecom services, and thus for telcos it is a challenge to generate revenue and secure sufficient surplus to invest in network maintenance or upgrades. As a result, mobile networks are largely based on GSM technology, which in turn has forestalled the creation of a mobile broadband sector.





Faced with these various difficulties, MTN Group recently confirmed its decision to exit Yemen, on the basis that its efforts provided insufficient compensation.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Yemen-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Guyana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Initial estimates project the resource could almost double the size of the countrys economy to $13 billion annually. It is hoped that Guyana can avoid the institutional problems such as corruption and political conflict that are often the outcomes of sudden oil wealth, and that its discovery will also lead to a major boost in consumer spending power.





The telecom sector is certainly in some need of a shot in the arm, with fixed-line teledensity and penetration for mobile and broadband services at the low end of the scale for Latin American countries. That is typically a reflection of a countrys GDP, so a major injection of revenue into the broader economy is certain to have positive flow-on effects in telecom markets.





That appears to be evident already, based on the recent financial performance of the countrys telcos. With Guyanas GDP increasing a whopping 16% in 2020 (in spite of the pandemic sweeping the globe), the country also saw healthy growth in the number of mobile (5.6%), mobile broadband (6%), and fixed broadband subscribers (10%). The recent market liberalisation, along with the prospect of additional mobile spectrum allocations, should help propel Guyana from the bottom tier to at least the middle tier in terms of telecom maturity.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Guyana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) is pleased to announce preliminary metallurgical test results at its 100% owned 17,623-hectare Shovelnose gold property. Shovelnose is located within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB), which borders the Coquihalla Highway 30 kilometers south of Merritt, British Columbia.



Gareth Thomas, President & CEO of Westhaven Gold, states: We are pleased that two tranches of initial metallurgical test work undertaken by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops demonstrate high gold (average 95%) and silver (average 96%) recoveries from three quartz vein systems that comprise the South Zone. Mineralization is non-refractory and amenable to recovery by a standard industry process flowsheet. Results will support our maiden resource estimate on the South Zone, due in early Q1 2022.

Highlights of Work by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops:

representative samples (14.5 to 18.0 kg mass) were submitted from each of the three main quartz vein systems within the South Zone (four from Vein Zone 1, and one each from Vein Zones 2 and 3)

feed grades for the six samples assayed between 3.3 and 37.1 g/t gold, and between 12 and 136 g/t silver  see table below for details

sulphur measured between 0.3 and 0.7%; nearly all as sulphide sulphur

carbon measured between 0.04 and 0.7%; with low levels of organic carbon (0.03 to 0.04%) with a low percentage as coarse nugget gold

combined flotation recovery and cyanidation extraction of gold ranged from 93 to 98% (average 95%), and for silver from 95 to 98% (average 96%)

recoveries through an industry standard process flowsheet were comparable for both lower and higher-grade samples, and for each of the three vein zones

Metallurgical Test Programs and Results:

Westhaven prepared six composite samples for preliminary metallurgical work from archived jaw crushed coarse (>70% passing 2mm square mesh sieve) reject drill core material associated with routine sampling activities. This crushed drill core should be sufficient for scoping level testing, but there may be some degradation in the performance of the samples during testing. Westhaven has collected additional drill core from the South Zone during 2021 and, once the maiden mineral resource estimate has been completed, this fresh uncrushed core would be available for additional metallurgical testwork beyond scoping levels. Samples ranged from 14.5 to 18.0kg each (combined total of 97 kg), with four composite samples submitted to ALS Metallurgy Kamloops from Vein Zone 1 mineralization, and one each from Vein Zones 2 and 3. Results of two tranches of test work completed in 2021 are compiled in the table and figure below. A point form summary of the two metallurgical test results is also provided.

A table accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b983c9d-b43a-42d8-802e-23bb97560b5a

A graph accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/313a6608-8e1c-4f39-ae70-212e485c1ed3

Notes:

Achieved lengths for samples VnZn121 and VnZn21933 show a slight difference due to missing coarse reject material. In VnZn1-21 a single 0.35m interval could not be found. Three samples totaling 2.1m length were missing from VnZn21933. As reported by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops (ALS), an ISO 9001:2015 certified testing laboratory. Gold head grade in g/t from nominal 500g screened metallic assay as reported by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops. Silver head grade from aqua regia digestion (g/t) as reported by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops. Silver head grades were also derived from 4 acid digestion carried out by ALS Geochemistry Vancouver, and agree within a few percentage points. Check assays on select sample materials returned from the metallurgical test work, including head feed and concentrates, were submitted by Westhaven to an independent third-party analytical facility whose results support those reported by ALS. Primary grind sizing was a nominal 75 micron K 80 (80% of material passing through a 75 micron mesh screen). Gold and silver recovery percentages are for combined flotation recovery and cyanidation extraction, as reported by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops.

Two tranches of metallurgical testwork were undertaken by ALS Metallurgy Kamloops in 2021. Primary objectives of the first program (KM6326) were to:

Assess the chemical content of six provided samples through standard chemical assays, screened metallic gold assays, and multi-element ICP analyses.

Assess the amenability of the gold and silver within the six samples to gravity concentration through laboratory scale Knelson gravity testing with hand panning of the Knelson concentrate.

Assess the amenability of the gold and silver within the six samples to bulk froth flotation separation through rougher flotation testing.

Assess the cyanidation extraction potential of gold and silver within the six samples through cyanidation leach extraction bottle roll tests.

The second program (KM6393) was conducted as a follow-up to the initial testing to assess finer primary grind sizings and additional flowsheet configurations using the remaining sample mass. The primary objectives of the second program were to:

Assess the effect of a finer primary grind sizing on the gold and silver recovery for the six samples using bulk rougher flotation separation.

Assess the cyanidation extraction potential of gold and silver for the six samples at a finer primary grind sizing through whole ore cyanidation leach extraction bottle roll tests.

Investigate a flowsheet incorporating bulk froth flotation with cyanidation of the flotation tailings at both primary grind sizings, through cyanidation bottle roll testing on rougher tailings.



Results of the two metallurgical programs are summarized below:

Screened metallic gold grades for the six feed grades measured between 3.3 and 37.1 g/t.

Silver content by wet digestion ranged between 12 and 136 g/t.

Sulphur measured between 0.3 and 0.7 percent; nearly all as sulphide sulphur.

Carbon measured between 0.04 and 0.7 percent; with low levels of organic carbon (0.03 and 0.04 percent), suggesting that there should not be issues with reagent consumption or gold/silver preg-robbing during a cyanidation leaching procedure.

Initial investigations used a primary grind sizing of 150um K 80 , and supplementary work used a 75um K 80 grind.

, and supplementary work used a 75um K grind. A Bond ball work index test for a composite prepared from the remaining sample mass of four of the six original samples was calculated at about 20 kWhr/tonne.

Gravity recovery and screened metallic analyses indicate that there was likely not a presence of coarse nugget gold, and that a gravity recovery circuit would not likely be included in mine design.

Combined flowsheet test results recorded reagent consumptions slightly lower at the coarser primary grind sizing with sodium cyanide consumptions recorded at 0.46 kg/tonne leach feed and lime consumption at about 0.66 kg/tonne leach feed. At the finer primary grind sodium cyanide consumptions averaged about 0.63 kg/tonne leach feed and lime consumption was recorded at about 0.74 kg/tonne leach feed.

ALS Metallurgy Kamloops concluded that the highest recoveries/extractions of gold and silver were produced through initial rougher flotation with cyanidation leaching of the rougher tailings. At the finer primary grind sizing, the average combined flotation recovery and cyanidation extraction of gold and silver measured 95 and 96 percent, respectively.



Recommendations for future testing include optimization of rougher tailings cyanidation conditions, cyanidation of rougher concentrates, cleaner flotation testing and a more extensive variability program  all of which would require larger masses of feed material  as well as confirming marketability of the final concentrate.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.



"Gareth Thomas"



Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

Qualified Person Statement

Peter Fischl, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 has read and takes responsibility for this release. Results for the two metallurgical test programs were provided and approved by Robert Sloan, P.Eng, VP ALS Metallurgy Americas, a Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Westhavens ongoing Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs include auditing of all exploration data. Any significant changes will be reported when available.

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.

About Westhaven Gold Corp.

Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canadas newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 37,000 hectares (370 square kilometres) with four 100% owned gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration.

Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhavens website at www.westhavengold.com.
MADISON, Miss., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vertex Aerospace announced today that it received the 2022 Military Friendly Employer designation and ranked number six in the nation on the 2022 Military Friendly Supplier Diversity Program list.

This is the third year Vertex has been recognized as a Military Friendly Employer With more than 60 percent of our workforce being Armed Forces veterans, this accomplishment aligns with our culture, said President, and Chief Executive Officer, Ed Boyington. We are extremely pleased to be recognized by Military Friendly as a desired employer. This award supports and highlights our efforts within the veteran community.

Vertex also ranked number six in the nation within the $500 million to $1 billion Military Friendly Supplier Diversity Program category. Generated each year, this ranking is based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 employers nationwide, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly Companies survey from participating companies. The survey questions, methodology, criteria, and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm. Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services, independently evaluated the scoring methodology used for the Military Friendly Supplier Diversity Program list using the criteria set forth by the VIQTORY assessment survey.

We are constantly looking for ways to support the veteran community, said Kelly Miller, senior vice-president of Vertex Aerospace Logistics. We also recognize that the inclusion of veteran-owned business suppliers in our Supplier Diversity Program is critical to our economic growth, stability, and continued success, while also supporting our veterans and their families.

Companies earning the Military Friendly Employers designation create and evaluate the standard for military programs across the globe, they have invested in substantive programs to recruit, retain and advance the veterans and service members within the organizations, said Kayla Lopez, director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. To them, hiring veterans and service members is more than just the right thing to do. It makes good business sense.

Vertex Aerospace will be showcased along with the Military Friendly Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on www.MilitaryFriendly.com.

###

About Military Friendly  Employers:

Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organizations commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 1,500 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly designation. Military Friendly ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.

About Vertex Aerospace

Vertex Aerospace offers a global capability and complete solution for government and commercial customers. The mid-level aerospace company operates in over 100 locations worldwide providing aftermarket aerospace services for more than 2,400 fixed and rotary wing airframes. Vertexs agility, rapid deployment capability, and customer optimization have distinguished it from competitors for over half a century. Vertex has over 3,500 employees, with over 60 percent of the workforce being Armed Forces veterans, the Mississippi-based company understands the challenges faced by the defense sector. Information about Vertex can be found at vtxaero.com.

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To celebrate the Los Angeles debut of the dynamic international touring exhibition WAVE | New Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles , a Japanese cultural destination in the heart of Hollywood, today announces a sweepstakes giveaway of artwork by two of the exhibitions featured artists. One lucky entrant will win Resolution Matryoshka No.006 (2021)  a new, original piece by Jenny Kaori, a rising star contemporary artist known for her colorful riffs on pop culture. A second winner will receive Tangle (2016)  an original piece by exhibition curator, Hiro Sugiyama, whose prolific output includes figurative and abstract painting, superrealistic portraiture, prints, photography, and collage. Kaori and Sugiyama are two of 55 Japanese contemporary artists spotlighted in the exhibition  based on the popular art exhibition WAVE, held annually at Arts Chiyoda in Tokyo  many of whom are showing their work outside Japan for the first time. The traveling exhibition introduces a diverse array of artists, from established to emerging, showing how their creations in books, magazines, comics, animation, posters, and other media extend far beyond the well-known manga and anime styles and represent the full spectrum of Japanese graphic art today.

Kaori works in animation, character design, and apparel, using vivid colors and a predominantly pink color palette to create strong, mischievous female figures transcending gender boundaries and challenging stereotypes of femininity and girlishness. In much of his work, Sugiyama explores points of intersection between dualities  life and death, reality and unreality, abstract and concrete, digital and analog  expressing the narrow space where opposites meet.

There are two ways to enter the sweepstakes:

Enter on Facebook by liking and following JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles , liking the sweepstakes announcement post, and tagging two friends with their social media handle in a comment on the sweepstakes announcement post. Enter via mail by mailing a postcard with your name, address, phone number, and email address with a note referencing the WAVE Sweepstakes, to: JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Attn: PR & Marketing Department, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 167, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Upon receipt of the mail-in entry, you will receive one (1) entry into the sweepstakes. All mail-in entries must be hand-printed.

The sweepstakes begins on Monday, November 15 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on Wednesday, December 15 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the U.S. and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older; or legal residents of Japan, 20 years of age or older. There is no limit on the number of entries per person, but there may only be one entry per day. For the complete official rules, including detailed entry instructions and prize details, visit https://www.japanh o usela.com/events/wave-exhibition-sweepstakes/ .

WAVE  New Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts is on display at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles through November 28, 2021. The exhibition introduces work by artists ranging from veteran professional illustrators, such as Teruhiko Yumura, Akira Uno, and Keiichi Tanaami, to young artists like Kaori, as well as Masanori Ushiki, Yusuke Hanai, Jun Oson, and Mayu Yukishita. Styles of the drawings, paintings, and prints vary widely, from Tanaamis vibrant, detailed fantasies, Ayako Ishiguros Japanese folklore-inspired characters, and Hiroshi Nagais bright summer landscapes to Yukishitas dark realism and Masaru Shichinohes haunting portraits.

For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube and LinkedIn .

ABOUT JAPAN HOUSE

JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative, worldwide project with three hubs  London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo  conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It seeks to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. Occupying two floors at Hollywood & Highland, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.

Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

Website: www.japanhousela.com

ABOUT JENNY KAORI

Self-taught artist Jenny Kaori (b. 1987) works in animation, character design, and apparel. She typically depicts the young people who inhabit Japans sub- and mainstream cultures. She uses vivid colors  and a predominantly pink color palette  to create strong, mischievous female figures who transcend gender boundaries and challenge stereotypes of femininity and girlishness. Though typically rendered using a playful, cute aesthetic, the girls in her illustrations overflow with attitude. Kaori has worked with Shibuya-based fashion brand, galaxxxy, and has collaborated with Betty Boop, FLCL, Adobe & FUJIFILM. She has also worked with the k-pop group EXID, and in 2020 she created four bold new designs for adidas. She has exhibited her work in WAVE 2019 and WAVE 2020 in Tokyo, and her work has been published in ILLUSTRATION 2016 (Shoeisha, 2016), Fashion illustration: Outfit of the Day (PIE Creators' File Series, 2020) (Japanese Edition), New Retro Illustration (Pie International, 2020) and Roller Derby / Girl Gang: An Art Anthology (Schiffer, 2020).

ABOUT HIRO SUGIYAMA

One of the organizers and curators of the Tokyo WAVE exhibition and this JAPAN HOUSE touring exhibition, Hiro Sugiyama (b. 1962) is a Tokyo-based artist whose prolific output has included figurative and abstract painting, superrealistic portraiture, prints, photography, and collage. In much of his work, he explores points of intersection between dualities  life and death, reality and unreality, abstract and concrete, digital and analog  expressing the narrow space where opposites meet. Over the past decade, Sugiyama has held regular solo exhibitions in Tokyo galleries including Hiromi Yoshii Roppongi, AD Gallery, and WATOWA Gallery. He has also been featured in solo and group exhibitions in Shanghai, London, Italy, Germany, and South Korea, and he was one of 19 Japanese artists spotlighted in the 2001 Superflat exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. He has also published numerous books including Abstract Portrait (2011), Vision Quest (2005) and Out of Science (2002).

Media Contacts:

Nerissa Silao | 310-874-9230 | nerissas@ca.rr.com
Lee, MA, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing (BSM), a biotech company producing medicines in Lee, Massachusetts, honored its employees that have served or are serving in the US Armed Forces, last week, and will be supporting local veterans that reside at Berkshire Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Sandisfield through donations.

Over 10% of BSMs staff are veterans, including several of the companys leadership team. On Veterans Day, the company invited their employees who have served or are serving for an appreciation lunch.

A number of our employees are veterans or actively serving, said cofounder and CTO, Dr. Andrea Wagner, and many of us who work here werent aware of it. I believe its a small but necessary act to recognize and thank family, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers for serving. These individuals gave precious time out of their lives to protect our freedoms and we are so proud and honored to have them as part of our company.

Following the lunch, BSM will be initiating a wish list campaign at the company to encourage employees to gift requested items for veterans residing at the Berkshire Rehabilitation and Skill Care Center in Sandisfield. The gifts will be collected at BSM and delivered to the home by BSMs veterans. The center is the only veteran residential care center in Berkshire County. They support 56 vets, including 22 who served in the Army, 17 in the Marines, nine in the Air Force, seven in the Navy, and one in the Coast Guard.

Many of these veterans are low income or are not in contact with their family, so when they request items such as warm clothing, books, movies, music, and other items, their need is not met, commented Berkshire Sterile cofounder and CEO, Dr. Shawn Kinney. This year, we hope to deliver everything on their wish list.

This year, residents are asking for items such as long sleeve tee shirts, flannel shirts, sweatpants, art books, drawing pads, wall calendars, CDs, CD players, DVDs, hats, and gloves. BSM will write out the items on small American flags then post them in the entrance to the company. Employees can take a flag, purchase the item listed on it, and return the item with the flag to the companys Executive Assistant to donate. BSM has organized a similar wish list campaign for its onsite daycare, Busy Bee, to gift local, at-need children Christmas gifts in 2020 with great success. They will be initiating this campaign, too, for a second year.

We have so many generous people working at BSM. We offer several opportunities to give back to the local community, and our expectations are always exceeded by their kindness and generous donations, said Wagner.

If you are interested in donating to veterans at the Berkshire Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Sandisfield, please contact Lisa Hirle, Recreation Director.

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Tech Corp, a leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) in the D.C. metro area, today announced a partnership with Check Point Software Technologies to provide an integrated IT Security Suite bundle to government, commercial, international, and non-profit organizations.

"This partnership with Check Point represents an alliance with one of the leading IT Security providers worldwide. It complements our Managed Security Services with one of the most effective tools to combat Cyber Attacks in our Customers throughout North, Central, and South America," said Wilmers Perdigon, Eagle Tech Corp President.

Check Point's Harmony Suite is a Modern Workforce security bundle that is the industry's first unified security solution for users, devices and access, consolidating six applications to provide uncompromised security and simplicity for everyone. With Harmony, your users get the same level of protection regardless of where they are, the applications they access, or devices they use. Whether it is a phishing attempt, a malicious email attachment, or zero-day ransomware, the solution protects them from all cyber threats, across all attack vectors. Powered by revolutionary AI and the industry's most extensive threat intelligence networks Harmony stops attacks before they happen. Harmony consolidates six security products to provide uncompromised protection. It protects devices and internet connections from the most sophisticated attacks while ensuring ZTNA to corporate applications. Securely connect users to any resource, anywhere, with cloud-delivered network security powered by 11 SASE services. Enable a secure, fast, and private internet browsing experience with the industry's first in-browser protection to inspect 100% of SSL traffic. Prevent threats on user devices with complete endpoint protection and a mobile threat defense solution.

"I commend Eagle Tech Corporation for their steadfast dedication to secure their customer community, as customers conduct business from anywhere. Their bundled Harmony Suite solution is enterprise-grade endpoint security that is scalable, and is provided as a monthly service to customers, making it a streamlined implementation for users. Check Point is delighted to join forces with Eagle Tech Corp on this endeavor, now and beyond," said Coletta Vigh, Head of WW Channel Strategy and Growth Initiatives for Check Point.

About Eagle Tech Corp

Eagle Tech Corporation was founded in 2012 as an IT Solutions Provider, With headquarters in Springfield, Virginia, Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Eagle Tech Corp is enabling to deliver Cyber Security services not only nationwide but also internationally. Please visit www.EagleTechCorp.com for more information.

About Check Point

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading provider of cyber-security solutions to governments and corporate enterprises globally, protecting over 100,000 organizations of all sizes. Its solutions protect customers from fifth-generation cyber-attacks with an industry-leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other types of attacks. Check Point offers multilevel security architecture, with advanced threat prevention, which defends enterprises' cloud, network and mobile device-held information. Check Point provides the most comprehensive and intuitive one point of control security management system.

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LAS VEGAS, NV, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPO Plus, Inc. (OTCQB: GPOX), a publicly traded company of diversified industry-specific Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), today announced Laurence Ruhe has joined GPOX as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Laurence Ruhe is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the capital markets driving strong financial and operational results for publicly traded and private companies. Mr. Ruhe has international business experience working with multi-national enterprises operating in multiple countries with multiple currencies.

Mr. Ruhe brings over 34 years of financial and business experience to the Company, previously holding senior positions with Progressive Gaming, Konami Gaming, Wells Fargo, BMM International, Deutsche Bank, and other publicly traded companies. Mr. Ruhe joins the company as GPOX achieves its first financial milestone recently generating their first $1M in revenue (unaudited).

GPOX Chairman and CEO Brett H. Pojunis , said, Laurence is an established global CFO with a strong history of delivering results to public companies. Mr. Pojunis continued, Laurence has a solid track record keeping public companies compliant by implementing rigorous financial controls and ensuring timely SEC filings. He understands our needs and is coming on board during a crucial growth period for our Company. I feel he will make an immediate impact on our financial strategy moving forward while serving our company and our shareholders well. Laurence possesses leadership qualities needed by the Company and will be a fantastic addition to the GPOX Executive team!

As CFO, Mr. Ruhe will drive GPOXs financial strategy and will lead the financial operations which include corporate finance, internal and external reporting, providing the Company with accounting oversight, and timely preparation of financial statements and related SEC filings. Additionally, Mr. Ruhe will help execute the Companys acquisitive growth strategy by providing oversight and managing the financial due diligence process of potential acquisition targets.

Im honored to join GPOX as an officer and member of the executive team alongside its Chief Executive (CEO) Brett H. Pojunis, to work in an industry that I am passionate about, said Mr. Ruhe, GPOXs new CFO. He continued, I look forward to strategically advancing the Company to achieve new levels of growth and success.

$5 Million Equity Crowdfunding Offering

The Company recently announced the launch of its $5,000,000 equity crowdfunding offering . Investors are encouraged to learn more about GPOXs direct investment. Details of the Companys offering, Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), how to invest, and investor presentation can be found at https://invest.gpoplus.com .

Sign up for your FREE account on the GPOX Investor Portal:

Once you Activate your GPOX Investor Account you will have immediate access to real time information available on GPOX. Sign up for alerts (email and SMS) to be the first to know about news, SEC Filings, Investor Events, updated Investor Presentations, and more: www.GPOPlus.com/ir

About GPOPlus+ (GPOX)

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, GPOPlus+ (OTCQB: GPOX ) is a publicly traded company of diversified industry-specific Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs).

Our Purpose is to create efficient GPOs and our Mission is to create value for our GPO Members, partners, and suppliers while creating long-term shareholder value.

Our Mantra:

We Aggregate, Negotiate + Share!

Aggregate - We aggregate the purchasing power of our Members.

- We the purchasing power of our Members. Negotiate - We leverage buying power to negotiate discounts.

- We leverage buying power to discounts. Share - We share the discounts with our Members and save them money.

For more information, please visit www.GPOPlus.com . To activate your free GPOX Investor Account at www.GPOPlus.com/ir .

Information about Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that include statements regarding expected financial performance and growth information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the control of the Company and its officers and managers, and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or managements good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to; inability to gain or maintain licenses, reliance on unaudited statements, the Companys need for additional funding, governmental regulation of the cannabis industry, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the demand for the Companys products, and other risks that are detailed from time-to-time in the Companys filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can typically identify these forward-looking statements through use of words such as may, will, can anticipate, assume, should, indicate, would, believe, contemplate, expect, seek, estimate, continue, plan, point to, project, predict, could, intend, target, potential, and other similar words and expressions of the future. The Company expresses its expectations, beliefs and projections in good faith and believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, there is no assurance that these expectations, beliefs and projections will prove to have been correct. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to its operations and future events, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its proposed operations, including the risk factors set forth herein. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Companys actual results may vary significantly from those intended, anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or planned. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any favorable forward-looking events discussed herein might not be realized and occur. The Company has no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting GPO Plus, Inc. GPOX, please refer to the Companys recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

GPOPlus+ Contacts:

Shareholder Success Team + Investor Inquiries:

Brett H. Pojunis, CEO

Email: ir@gpoplus.com

Shareholders Line: 855.935.GPOX (4769)

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OTTAWA, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas unions welcome todays long-delayed child care agreement between Canada and Alberta and thanked all the advocates who have worked so long to make this deal happen.



With workers and their families facing higher costs for just about everything, bringing affordable, public child care within reach of parents from coast-to-coast-to-coast is a vital way governments can make life more affordable, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. So many advocates have worked tirelessly for decades, in Alberta and across Canada. Now we need all governments to reach child care agreements, alongside increased investment in early learning and child care workers.

Following the announcement of a deal with Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick remain the largest jurisdictions without affordable child care agreements in place. Bruske urged the federal government to redouble its efforts to reach deals with the remaining provinces and territories.

Watching Conservative premiers dragging their heels on making child care more affordable has been maddening to watch, especially for all the women pushed to the economic sidelines during the pandemic, said Bruske. High costs combined with a lack of affordable spaces have pushed too many parents, mostly women, to the economic breaking point. It is imperative that governments work together on helping women find a path back into the labour force.



To arrange an interview, please contact:

CLC Media Relations

media@clcctc.ca

613-526-7426
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, has launched an investigation into whether the officers or directors of CoreSite Realty Corporation (NYSE: COR) breached their fiduciary duties or violated the federal securities laws in connection with the companys acquisition by American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT).



Click here to learn more and participate in the action.

On November 15, 2021, CoreSite announced that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by American Tower in a deal valued at approximately $10.1 billion. Pursuant to the merger agreement, CoreSite stockholders will receive $170 in cash for each share of CoreSite common stock owned. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2021.

Bragar Eagel & Squire is concerned that CoreSites board of directors oversaw an unfair process and ultimately agreed to an inadequate merger agreement. Accordingly, the firm is investigating all relevant aspects of the deal and is committed to securing the best result possible for CoreSites stockholders.

If you own shares of CoreSite and are concerned about the proposed merger, or you are interested in learning more about the investigation or your legal rights and remedies, please contact Melissa Fortunato or Alexandra Raymond by email at investigations@bespc.com or telephone at (646) 860-9157, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you.

About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Cancer Support Community (CSC) convenes its 3rd Annual Utilization Management Summit this Tuesday, November 16 at 1 p.m. ET.

This years Summit focuses on health equity, and features a keynote address from Dr. Karen Winkfield, Executive Director of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, and recent appointee to the White Houses National Cancer Advisory Board.

The Summit is the cornerstone event of the CSCs Forum on Utilization Management, which was formed in 2019 to focus on the impact of utilization management practices, such as prior authorization, clinical pathways, and step therapy, on patient access and affordability to care. Bringing together more than 100 health care professionals, patient advocate organizations, and various stakeholders in the utilization management space, this years Summit will examine how utilization management practices can increase health disparities.

The Utilization Management Summit is a part of CSCs ongoing commitment to examining the healthcare system from every angle to identify factors that contribute to and widen existing health disparities, said Phylicia L. Woods, Executive Director of the Cancer Support Communitys Cancer Policy Institute.

Dr. Danielle Carnival, Senior Advisor to the Director at the White Houses Office of Science and Technology Policy, will also offer brief remarks at the Summit, which marks her first public engagement since being appointed to this post by President Biden.

Following remarks from Drs. Winkfield and Carnival, Eucharia Borden, Senior Director of Health Equity at CSC, will moderate a panel discussion with healthcare leaders:

 Adrienne Simmons, PharmD, MS, BCPS, AAHIVP, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable -a program of HEP

 Gary Puckrein, PhD, National Minority Quality Forum

 Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, BCD, FAOSW, Association of Community Cancer Centers

 Surya Singh, MD, Singh Healthcare Advisors, LLC

For more information and to register for the Summit, go to https://t.co/jEfP4hKdYO?amp=1

About the Cancer Support Community

As the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, the Cancer Support Community (CSC), including its Gildas Club affiliates, is dedicated to ensuring that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. CSC achieves its mission through three areas: direct service delivery, research, and advocacy. The organizations Institute for Excellence in Psychosocial Care includes an international network of affiliates that offer the highest quality social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer, as well as a community of support available online and over the phone. The Research and Training Institute conducts cutting-edge psychosocial, behavioral, and survivorship research. CSC furthers its focus on patient advocacy through its Cancer Policy Institute, informing public policy in Washington, D.C. and across the nation. For more information, please call the toll-free Cancer Support Helpline at 888-793- 9355, or visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org.
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., (NYSE: VSH), one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, announced the appointment, effective January 1, 2022, of two new independent members to its Board of Directors, Dr. Renee B. Booth and Dr. Michiko Kurahashi. Dr. Booth will also be appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee.



Dr. Booth has served since 1999 as President of Leadership Solutions, Inc., a boutique human resources consulting firm specializing in leadership assessment, selection, development and motivation. Prior to founding Leadership Solutions, Inc., Dr. Booth was the Eastern Regional Practice Leader for the Human Capital Group of Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Dr. Booth also served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources of financial services company ADVANTA Corporation, and spent more than a decade in senior positions with Hay Management Consultants. Dr. Booth is a Board of Trustee member at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia where she serves on the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Education Committee and past Chair of the Compensation Committee. She previously served as a Board member of Kenexa, a human capital solutions provider, which was acquired by IBM and where she was Chair of the Compensation Committee. Dr. Booth received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland and a M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from the Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Kurahashi has served since 2020 as an adjunct professor at Baruch College educating executives, graduate students, and undergraduates in the current trends in marketing, communications, public relations, and digital marketing technology applicable to a wide range of businesses and industries. From 2016 to 2020, Dr. Kurahashi was Chief Marketing Officer at AXIS Capital (NYSE: AXS), a global commercial insurer and reinsurer. In that role, Dr. Kurahashi launched the firms new One AXIS brand, implemented AI-driven marketing initiatives and streamlined marketing processes. Prior to that, Dr. Kurahashi was Head of Marketing at CIT Bank, an online bank, and held senior marketing and communication positions at global financial institutions including UBS AG and HSBC Private Bank. Throughout her career, Dr. Kurahashi has won numerous industry awards for her work. Dr. Kurahashi received a B.A. in sociology from the University of Michigan  Ann Arbor; a M.A. in social stratification theory and a Ph.D. in quantitative research, labor markets from Cornell University.

Marc Zandman, Executive Chair, said of the appointments, These appointments are indicative of our continued efforts to align our Board with corporate governance best practices. Drs. Booth and Kurahashi each add diversity of viewpoints and broadened knowledge to the Board. Dr. Booth brings extensive organizational experience with leadership assessment and development. Additionally, her current and prior positions as a director provide important expertise with organizational human capital matters. Dr. Kurahashis deep knowledge of corporate brand strategy and digital marketing expertise bring a key strategic and operational perspective in a continuously changing marketplace. We welcome them to the Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions, expertise and insights to Vishays strategic direction and growth plans.

About Vishay

Vishay manufactures one of the worlds largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components that are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Serving customers worldwide, Vishay is The DNA of tech. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH). More on Vishay at www.Vishay.com.

Contact:

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

Peter Henrici

Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications

+1-610-644-1300

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c036edfb-42d1-4114-b2a4-5254360c4d2c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9856812-717c-441f-81cb-18d18d5d4e83
Melbourne, Australia  November 16th, 2021  Atos has been appointed to the Australian Federal Governments Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) Software Marketplace to provide its solutions to public organisations to support their transition towards more efficient digital processes. This agreement includes AMPS7, Atos new Australian made smart asset management and planning platform, and Atos Evidian cybersecurity solutions for identity and access management.



We are really pleased to be part of the DTA Software Marketplace. We look forward to help Federal Agencies in leveraging its use of digital technologies to accelerate and simplify their processes. said Mike Green, Managing Director of Atos in Australia. By applying predictive analytics for intelligent asset management and planning system, organisations can create more value out of data at a reduced cost. In addition, protecting and managing the access to their data has become crucial. We believe Atos solutions AMPS7 and Evidian will enable a more secure, efficient and even faster public service.

Part of Atos cybersecurity product portfolio, the Evidian range of solutions enables a step-by-step integrated approach to identity and access management. By using Evidian, organisations are better able to operate their key business processes with ultimate security, comply with regulatory requirements and respond to change with speed, flexibility and control over their data access.

Atos AMPS7 platform  Australian Made Product registered with the not-for-profit Australian Made Campaign Ltd (AMCL)  delivers smart logistics support via a web-based application that can be readily integrated into legacy systems. The platform can be scaled to match the requirements of any organisation, enabling a tailored approach to project implementation, and addresses four key challenges:

Flexibility: cross industry enterprise asset management and logistics platform fitting the needs of a large range of organisations.

cross industry enterprise asset management and logistics platform fitting the needs of a large range of organisations. Operational effectiveness : smart management of data and resources increase productivity and ultimately decrease operational and lifecycle costs.

: smart management of data and resources increase productivity and ultimately decrease operational and lifecycle costs. Digital platform readiness : mobile, able to connect to drones, IoT and Digital Twin ready, powered by digital analytics, with ERP/SAP plug-and-play and a cross application workflow.

: mobile, able to connect to drones, IoT and Digital Twin ready, powered by digital analytics, with ERP/SAP plug-and-play and a cross application workflow. Deployability: deployable synchronisation tools and decentralized architecture to support offline service operations.

This is the fourth appointment to the Australian Federal Governments Digital Transformation Agency Marketplace for Atos. Atos has already been appointed to the DTA Telecommunications Marketplace , the Cloud Marketplace , as well as the hardware Marketplace.

For more information on AMPS7 please go to atos.net/en/lp/asset-management-platform For more information on Atos Cybersecurity please go to https://atos.net/en/solutions/cyber-security

***

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 107,000 employees and annual revenue of over  11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 71 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on Euronext Paris and included on the CAC 40 ESG and Next 20 Paris Stock Indexes.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact:

Lucie Leonardi | lucie.leonardi@atos.net | +61 458 670 271

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Palm City - Margaret Jan Crandall passed away at home on November 14. Her daughter Martha and her husband Robert were at her side. Jan Crandall, nee Schmults, was born on June 2, 1935, in Barrington, Rhode Island. During WWII, the family lived in Newport where her father, Ernest, worked at t
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He followed him closely throughout the race, finishing behind him. Were talking about Franco Morbidelli, who ended up with an 11th place in Valencia behind Franco Morbidelli. The Yamaha rider ended a 2021 season out of the top ten, with a bitter aftertaste.

First he had to deal with an M1 far from the potential expressed by the official bike, then with his knee injury that kept him away from the track.

It was an up and down season for me, Franco admitted. In the last few races, however, I regained my smile and the hope of getting back to being the best for 2022. Well soon be going to Jerez for testing, where the goal will be to continue development and be prepared for next year.

Then he talked about the race.

I was lucky to race alongside Vale. I tried not to get too close to him, to avoid any problems. But, at the same time, I must say that Vale was really fast. In fact, there was no way to try to overtake him. It was an incredible day, because I saw he was fast, really competitive. It was a great ending for me and for him.

With Valentinos retirement, Franco is now the oldest rider among the Academys youngest. One wonders if all this implies more responsibility or not?

Vale will always be our mother hen! Hes the most experienced and the wisest among us all, also because I dont have much to talk about with the other guys at the Academy.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation, and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. jointly announced that, toward the achievement of carbon neutrality, they will take on the challenge of expanding fuel options through the use of internal combustion engines at the (three-hour) Super Taikyu Race in Okayama on 13-14 November.

Specifically, to expand options for producing, transporting, and using fuel, the five companies intend to unite and pursue the three initiatives of:

Participating in races using carbon-neutral fuels; Exploring the use of hydrogen engines in two-wheeled and other vehicles; and Continuing to race using hydrogen engines.





Participating in races using carbon-neutral fuels

Taking on the challenge of racing using a 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D engine fueled with next-generation biodiesel (Mazda). Mazda believes that it is important to provide customers with a variety of options to achieve carbon neutrality. To do so, the company plans to expand its powertrain offerings by adding plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models to its current model lineup, which includes conventional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), diesel engine, and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models.





MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Bio concept DEMIO

It also plans to enter the ST-Q class of the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama in its MAZDA SPIRIT RACING Bio concept DEMIO vehicle, which is equipped with a 1.5-liter SKYACTIV-D (diesel) engine that runs on 100% bio-based fuel made from used cooking oil and microalgae fats supplied by Euglena Co., Ltd. By repeatedly conducting verification tests in races, Mazda intends to increase the reliability of its technologies. Mazda intends to conduct verification tests in various environments and conditions to contribute to the expansion of the use of next-generation fuel.

Taking on the challenge of racing in the Super Taikyu Series next year using biomass-derived synthetic fuel (Subaru and Toyota). Subaru and Toyota are promoting efforts that include vehicle electrification, such as by introducing the jointly developed Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X BEVs, which are scheduled for global launches in mid-2022.

To study new options, the two companies plan to enter and conduct verification tests of two new vehicles powered by carbon-neutral synthetic fuel derived from biomass in the ST-Q class of the 2022 season of the Super Taikyu Series.

Specifically, Subaru intends to race in a Subaru BRZ-based vehicle and Toyota in a Toyota GR86-based vehicle. By collaborating and competing together in racing, the two companies plan to accelerate the development of technologies for all options and take on the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality.

Exploring the use of hydrogen engines in two-wheeled and other vehicles

Initiating consideration of the possibility of joint research for hydrogen engine development (Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yamaha Motor). Since 2010, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has been focusing on hydrogen as a next-generation energy source and has been developing technologies for producing, transporting, and using hydrogen throughout the entire supply chain needed to support society. The company is currently conducting verification tests for transporting large-quantity, low-cost hydrogen to Japan produced from Australian lignite.

By the end of fiscal 2021, it plans to transport hydrogen using its in-house-constructed, first-in-the-world purpose-built liquefied hydrogen carrier, the Suiso Frontier. Also, based on hydrogen combustion technologies cultivated through the creation of the worlds first successful urban-area, 100% hydrogen-fueled gas turbine power generation technology for which it completed development in 2018, Kawasaki Heavy Industries is developing hydrogen-fueled engines for land, sea, and air mobility applications, such as for aircraft, ships, and two-wheeled vehicles.

Yamaha Motor is developing hydrogen engine technology for possible use in its two-wheeled vehicles, ROV (four-wheeled recreational off-highway vehicle) series, and other products. To accelerate this technology development, it is preparing to introduce new equipment and is strengthening its in-house development structure.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yamaha Motor have started considerations toward the joint development of a hydrogen engine for possible use in two-wheeled vehicles. Going forward, they are planned to be joined by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corporation, and the four companies intend to jointly explore the possibility of achieving carbon neutrality through the use of internal combustion engines in two-wheeled vehicles. To maintain a distinct line between cooperation and competition, they intend to proceed after establishing a framework that will clearly define areas of cooperation and collaborative research.

Continuing to race using hydrogen engines

Entering a hydrogen-engine vehicle in the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama (Toyota and Yamaha Motor). Toyota has been working with Yamaha Motor, Denso Corporation (Denso), and other related parties to develop a hydrogen engine since 2016.

Yamaha Motor is in charge of designing select engine components, in addition to providing support for engine prototyping, combustion considerations, power performance improvement, race homologation (type certification), and race endurance testing. Denso is in charge of the development of direct-injection injectors and spark plugs.

Toyota has entered a vehicle equipped with an under-development hydrogen engine in three races: the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours Race, the Super Taikyu Race in Autopolis, and the SUZUKA S-TAI, and it has been working with companies and local governments to expand the options for producing, transporting, and using hydrogen.

Toyota plans to also compete in the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama through a vehicle entered by ORC ROOKIE Racing, with Toyota President and CEO Akio Toyoda taking stints at the wheel in his Morizo driver persona.

The challenge of producing hydrogen fuel. In addition to the companies and municipalities that have supplied hydrogen for Toyota's hydrogen-engine vehicle that has been competing in the Super Taikyu Series, Toyota is now collaborating with Fukuoka City, which is to supply Toyota hydrogen derived from sewage biogas.





Fukuoka City hydrogen production facility

Since 2015 and as a world first, Fukuoka City has been taking on the challenge of producing and commercializing hydrogen from domestic wastewater sewage. The city is producing non-CO 2 -increasing green hydrogen from biogas generated during sewage treatment at the Fukuoka City Chubu Water Treatment Center and has a daily hydrogen production capacity of 3,300 Nm3roughly equivalent to the daily amount of hydrogen used by 60 units of the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, based on a per-unit daily hydrogen requirement of 55 Nm3. The city is also conducting verification tests with corporate partners, such as supplying green hydrogen to fuel cell-powered trucks, motorcycles, and power supply vehicles.

The challenge of transporting hydrogen fuel. For the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama, hydrogen is to be transported using large and midsize trucks of Toyota Transportation Co., Ltd. fueled by Euglenas next-generation biofuel. Also, Toyota and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) have started considering how to solve the transportation efficiency challenges of small fuel cell-powered trucks as identified at the SUZUKA S-TAI.

Challenge 1: Metal tanks are heavy, limiting the number of tanks that can be loaded onto a small truck.

Challenge 2: Matters related to the allowable pressure of metal tanks limit the amount of hydrogen that can be filled per tank.

To overcome these challenges, Toyota and CJPT are employing CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) tank resin-liner technologies developed through Toyotas experience with the Mirai, making lightweight, high-pressure transport of hydrogen possible. The two companies are on the verge of significantly improving transportation efficiency compared to when using conventional metal tanks, and they are advancing development and considerations that should enable them to actually transport hydrogen in the future.

The challenge of using hydrogen fuel. Toyota has advanced the speedy development of its hydrogen engine by competing in the harsh environment of motorsports in the form of the past three races of the Super Taikyu Series. Since the engines first Super Taikyu Series race, which was the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours Race, improvements have been made to it after each race.

In the six months leading up to the Super Taikyu Race in Okayama, its output has been improved by about 20% and torque by about 30%, and in the two months since the SUZUKA S-Tai, its output and torque have been improved by 5% to 10%, giving it performance superior to that of a similarly-sized gasoline engine.

Meanwhile, fuel economy has been kept the same. (If output were to be set the same as that at the time of the Fuji Super TEC 24-hour race, fuel economy would improve by about 20%.)

The engines connected system, which was newly introduced during development before the SUZUKA S-Tai, has been improved to be able to process and analyze more data. Using the system in test runs further accelerated development, and increasing the pump pressure rating reduced hydrogen filling time to two minutes or less.
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Olivia Troye lost an argument, and she was angry. The former homeland security, counterterrorism and coronavirus adviser to then-Vice President Mike Pence vehemently disagreed with a colleague during a meeting at the start of the pandemic and decided to take refuge in her office and let off some steam.

She queued up Taylor Swift and played the pop star's music on top volume.

Then, a colleague knocked on her door.

"He said, 'Are you trying to get fired?'" Troye told MSNBC's Chris Hayes last week, adding that she was confused by the question.

"For being blunt in meetings or for what?" she asked her colleague.

"I don't think she's a fan of Trump's," Troye said her colleague replied, referring to Swift. "And so, if somebody hears that, you should really watch your back. You should be careful on that."

Troye's comments followed a piece published Tuesday in the Atlantic by Jonathan Karl, ABC News's chief Washington correspondent. The story chronicled the rise of Johnny McEntee, Trump's former personal assistant turned head of the Presidential Personnel Office, and his oversight - and loyalty assessments - of employees during the administration's final months.

Troye resigned from her role in the White House in August 2020 and endorsed Joe Biden for president. Pence's national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, said he fired Troye. She is now the director of the Republican Accountability Project, an anti-Trump organization focused on defending democracy and holding those who tried to overturn the 2020 election accountable.

She has since been an outspoken critic of former president Trump, accusing him of caring more about his reelection and the economy than about people dying during the coronavirus pandemic.

During her appearance on Hayes's show, Troye said she "chuckled a bit" when she read an anecdote in the Atlantic piece that referenced Swift. Karl described an incident in which Trump's chief of staff, Mark Meadows, received a call after he'd requested information about an assistant at the Department of Housing and Urban Development who had liked one of Swift's Instagram posts endorsing Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

"We really can't have our people liking posts promoting Joe Biden," Meadows reportedly said.

Swift has made headlines in recent days following the Friday release of "Red (Taylor's Version)," a rerecording of her 2012 album. She appeared on NBC's late-night shows and premiered a short film accompanying the 10-minute version of fan-favorite song "All Too Well." She also performed the song on "Saturday Night Live."

The 11-time Grammy Award winner famously remained apolitical until the 2018 midterms, when she announced she was voting for Democrats to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate and House. In 2020, Swift tweeted of Trump in the months leading up to the election, "We will vote you out in November."

Troye affirmed the Atlantic's reporting that former Trump aides privately compared McEntee's team to the Gestapo, Nazi Germany's secret police.

"This is sort of how this White House was run," Troye said. "And that is what I fear for the future of our country."

She added that the assertion that she could be fired over listening to Swift in the White House was "astonishing."

"I'm allowed to listen to whatever music I want," she said.
GREENWICH  The YMCA of Greenwich on Monday announced its new chief executive officer.

Matthew Skaarup, who was selected and appointed by the Board of Directors, will succeed Patrice Francois, who has been serving as the interim chief executive officer.

In his new role, Skaarup will be responsible for increasing membership services and family and youth programming, and further developing community wellness initiatives. He will assume responsibilities on Dec. 6.

It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has such a meaningful impact on the lives of the Greenwich community, Skaarup said in a statement. I look forward to continuing the vital work the YMCA has provided for over a century and finding new ways to serve the people of Greenwich.

Skaarup began his YMCA career in New York State with the Capital District YMCA in Albany. In his tenure there, he assumed progressively responsible roles at multiple branches within the association. Skaarup is currently district executive director with oversight of the Guilderland and Duanesburg branches and is project lead for the management agreement with the Fulton County YMCA in upstate New York.

During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates throughout the tristate region, but Matts energy and vision for the Greenwich YMCA are what made him stand out, said Shahryar Oveissi, chairman of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greenwich.

With Matts extensive experience in nonprofit management and passion for social responsibility and healthy living, we know that the YMCA of Greenwich will have outstanding leadership for years to come. We welcome Matt as the Greenwich YMCA celebrates its 105th anniversary serving the community, Oveissi said.

Skaarup has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. He is a seasoned mission-driven leader and critical thinker who has a proven track record developing effective community partnerships and fundraising on behalf of the underserved members of the community, according to a statement from the YMCA.

The YMCA of Greenwichs Board of Directors would also like to take this opportunity to thank Pat Francois who has been serving as the Interim CEO, added Oveissi. Her dedication and commitment to the Y allowed our organization to function smoothly and efficiently while we searched for the right candidate.

Skaarup received his bachelor of arts degree from Manhattan College.

The YMCA of Greenwich is one of the largest community-based organizations in Greenwich. Founded in 1916, it offers programs and services that promote and sustain healthy living, youth development and social responsibility in order to nurture the potential of everyone in the community.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greenwich visit www.greenwichymca.org.
Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland

In September 2014, Yemen broke out into civil war. Years of corruption and oppressive economic conditions meant the country was already in crisis before the war, an attempt to bring political stability to the country after the Arab Spring uprisings, had failed. While the conflict has caused mass suffering, hunger, and death among Yemenis, Saudi Arabia has used it as a proxy war against Iran, with continued support from the United States government. By 2017, with the war still raging, the U.N. warned that the country was facing the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, amidst the worlds worst cholera outbreak  and this was before the Saudi blockade of Yemens ports. The next year, the U.N. said that the country could suffer the worlds worst famine in a century. In the United States, Yemeni Americans rushed to bring over the immediate and extended families theyd been supporting back home. What other choice did they have?

Right before the war started, the embassy had closed, recalls Yahay Obeid, who was born in Yemen in 1983 and moved to the U.S. in 1991. Citizens brought their families to the United States  a lot of cases were expedited. The people coming to America in 2014, 2015, and 2016 especially all had to go somewhere, and for a variety of reasons, many landed in a Bronx neighborhood that has since become known as Little Yemen. Those were three huge, huge years that brought Little Yemen where it is today, says Obeid, who bought a house in the neighborhood at the end of 2015.

Only a few years ago, referring to this pocket of the Bronx  a portion of Van Nest bordering the Bronxs other Little Italy in Morris Park  as Little Yemen would have been a stretch. The neighborhood then was home to just three restaurants serving Middle Eastern food and a handful of markets, but the past three years have seen an explosion of growth. The local businesses now include multiple restaurants, coffee shops, and sweets stores; the supermarkets Dar Al Hajar and Al-Quds (named for the famous stone palace in Yemens capital, Sanaa); several hookah lounges; barbershops; and Yemeni-owned travel agencies. Hungry visitors will find saltah, the lamb stew topped with whipped fenugreek, or they can pair Yemeni-style coffee with bint al-sahn, a layered, flaky bread drizzled with honey and garnished with nigella seeds.

Fadhel Alesayi at his restaurant Shawati Aden. Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland

Ive been in the Bronx for 20 years, says Fadhel Alesayi, who was born in Yemen and moved to the United States as a child. I never expected that this would happen. Alesayi is now the owner of the restaurant Shawati Aden  where one speciality is mandi, lamb thats traditionally pit-roasted but here is prepared in a specialized pressure cooker  which he opened this past January, making it the ninth Middle Eastern food business in the neighborhood, seven of which are Yemeni (not counting Yemeni-owned delis and markets).

The areas first Yemeni restaurant was opened in 2008, when Aziz Albaydani and Younis Alnaqeeb took over a corner space that had been home to a pizzeria and named it Arth Aljanatain. The decorations include two windows that face White Plains Road and are now covered over with large posters showing roast chickens on a spit. On the walls, there are images of historic sites from Yemen and the Middle East. Order the saltah, a bubbling volcano of a stew topped with whipped fenugreek foam, and youll get giant rounds of puffy flatbread lightly charred on the grill.

In 2013, a second and much larger restaurant named Oasis opened across the street. Along with the dining room, there are wedding halls for men and women, designed to look like they would in Yemen. The expansive menu features hamburgers alongside Lebanese dishes like arayes, which is grilled pita stuffed with minced meat, and Yemeni dishes, including galabah, a dish of minced lamb with tomatoes and onions.

Grilled fish from Shawati Aden. Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland

In 2019, Albaydani, Alnaqeeb, and a third partner, Shoqi Hauter, took over Oasis and renamed it Alwaha. That same year, Albaydani and Alnaqeeb expanded by opening Arth Alsaeedah, where a worn-out Free Palestine sticker adorns the register and the brilliant-orange zorbian  a pilaf fragrant with allspice and saffron  is dotted with green onion. By then, operators from outside the neighborhood had also taken notice, and the Bay Ridgeborn smoothie shop Hemos Spot expanded to Morris Park Avenue.

Even the pandemic couldnt slow the neighborhoods rapid growth. In 2020, more food businesses opened, including a casual takeout restaurant called Tasty Choice, which serves shawarma and quesadillas; a Yemeni coffee shop called Buun Cafe, where you can drink qishr, or spiced cascara tea, while biting into cheese-filled honeycomb bread; and a Middle Eastern bakery that opened last July called Damascus Sweets, which has an embarrassment of baklava, several kinds of knafeh, and marzipan. Down the street, at the corner of White Plains Road and Morris Park Avenue, another restaurant and wedding hall is being built.

Clockwise from left: Outside Arth Aljanatain; inside the Bronx Muslim Center; Arth Alsaeedah on Morris Park Avenue. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland. Clockwise from left: Outside Arth Aljanatain; inside the Bronx Muslim Center; Arth Alsaeedah on Morris Park Avenue. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland.

Shawati Aden, Fadhel Alesayis restaurant, is next door to Buun. On a recent night, around 8 p.m., the small restaurant was filled with a few tables of young men who all seemed to know Alesayi. Shawati Aden is his first restaurant, but hes had a lifelong interest in cooking. As a teenager growing up in and around Dearborn, Michigan, he says he worked in an Italian restaurant and later learned how to cook Lebanese, American, and Greek food. Im a cook, he says proudly. At Shawati Aden, for the rice in his sayadieh, a fish pilaf which has its origins in Lebanon, Alesayi supplements the usual smoky-sweet caramelized onions with two kinds of raisins and strips of pepper buried beneath the grains. Bites alternate between tangy and spicy, sweet and savory.

The growth in the neighborhood can be traced not only to the violence in Yemen but also to gentrification in Brooklyn. People were really pushed out from Downtown Brooklyn  thats really where New Yorks Yemeni community has its roots, says Dr. Debbie Almontaser, who is the founder of Bridging Cultures Group (an organization committed to helping end hate crimes in America), as well as a co-founder of the Yemeni American Merchants Association. (YAMA sprung out of the Yemeni bodega strike in 2017.)

Badr Alsaidi, the director of merchants services for YAMA, says that when he was growing up in the Bronx before there was a Little Yemen, he and his dad would make the trip to Downtown Brooklyn for the restaurants (the neighborhood is home to the famous Yemen Cafe), mosque, and stores selling traditional clothing. We used to go there every Friday because we felt like thats the place we feel like we belong, he says. We would drive for an hour just to get that sense of feeling of belonging.

From left: Damascus Sweets; making coffee at Buun Cafe. DeSean McClinton-Holland.. From left: Damascus Sweets; making coffee at Buun Cafe. DeSean McClinton-Holland..

Boerum Hill started to gentrify in the late 90s, and subsequently, more Yemeni Americans moved to Bay Ridge, which has a significant Arab community dating back to the 1940s. Yemen Cafe opened another restaurant in the neighborhood, which is also home to places like Yemen Whdah and the coffee and honey shop Asal; younger entrepreneurs have made their mark with businesses like Yafa Cafe in nearby Sunset Park. (Yafa is also part of a wave of Brooklyn coffee shops opened by second-generation Yemeni Americans.)

Of course, rents all across Brooklyn continued to rise, and the Bronx became a more affordable destination. Ask anyone on Rhinelander Avenue or White Plains Road, and theyll tell you Little Yemen exists today because of the Muslim American Societys Bronx Muslim Center, which currently occupies a house on Rhinelander Avenue that was purchased in 1998. Even before we had the mosque, a few of the brothers used to rent spaces or met in basements, says Abdelelah Nofal, the BMCs chairman of the board.

Clockwise from left: Pastries from Damascus Sweets; a sandwich from Alwaha; lamb from Shawati Aden. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland. Clockwise from left: Pastries from Damascus Sweets; a sandwich from Alwaha; lamb from Shawati Aden. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland.

The civil war in Yemen is ongoing, and the crisis extends beyond the violence, exacerbated by famine and mass unemployment. As of December 2018, 20.2 million, or roughly three-fourths of the population, were in need of food assistance. By December 2020, the World Food Programme called the situation a ticking time bomb and said 360,000 children were at risk of dying from malnutrition without medical care. Millions of residents have been displaced, but only some have been able to come to the U.S. In 2016, nearly 13,000 immigrants from Yemen were given visas, almost all of them for immediate relatives and family preference. In 2020, that number was a little under 5,000. Yemenis have continued to face hurdles in immigrating to the U.S. since President Joe Biden repealed the Muslim ban.

While Little Yemen has grown out of tragedy, it has also allowed a space for people to create better lives for themselves. Even a decade ago, many men living in the neighborhood were separated from their families who stayed behind in Yemen. My kids were living back home for a while before they came over, says Alesayi. Id see them, what? Once a year? Thats not a life. But now, he says, Im happy because most of the Yemenis here have family and kids  theyre going to see their kids grow in front of their own eyes.

Summer Nasser grew up partly in the Bronx and is now the CEO of the humanitarian organization Yemen Aid. As she says, There are bittersweet moments to this, you know? Were a people separated from their homeland  thats just what it is  but the reality is also there are positives to that.

Clockwise from left: Yahay Obeid in the office of the Bronx Muslim Center; a plate of haneeth, marinated and roasted lamb, from Alwaha; outside Alwaha. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland. Clockwise from left: Yahay Obeid in the office of the Bronx Muslim Center; a plate of haneeth, marinated and roasted lamb, from Alwaha; outside Alwaha... more Clockwise from left: Yahay Obeid in the office of the Bronx Muslim Center; a plate of haneeth, marinated and roasted lamb, from Alwaha; outside Alwaha. Photos: DeSean McClinton-Holland.

As Little Yemen has grown, cultural organizations have started planting roots. The Yemeni American Association relocated its Brooklyn office to the neighborhood four years ago, and YAMA is in the process of opening an office in the area as well. Yahay Obeid became Community Board 11s first Arab American member  there are now three  and is the man who literally put Little Yemen on the map (that is, Google Maps, which he did by submitting a request through the companys My Business app). More recently, he started a successful petition to get a stretch of White Plains Road renamed Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way, after the former Yemeni president. Along with the community board, Obeid does public outreach for the mosque and has organized the annual Yemeni American Day Parade for the last three years. Other rallies have been held in the neighborhood, including one this May in support of Palestine.

Now, Little Yemen has grown so much that the current mosque is no longer big enough. During Friday prayer, the crowd can spill out onto the street and reach as many as 1,000 people. In 2014, the Muslim American Society of New York purchased multiple lots on Amethyst Street, and its constructing a new mosque that will be 32,000 square feet and able to fit more than 2,000 people.

Nasser, for one, recognizes what this community has gained: educational opportunities they wouldnt have otherwise had, which theyll maybe be able to use to rebuild Yemen or give back to younger generations. If it wasnt for this conflict, all this that you see, all these organizations, all this  it wouldnt exist, she stresses. The reality is, well, its sad that were here, to support our own. Its still a positive because there are results coming out, she adds. I think weve built something so nice here, but we still have a long way to go.
Despite the fairly recent European debut of the Honor 50, it seems the brand is gearing up to release its Honor 60 series as early as next month. Chinese leakster @WhyLab teased three devices coming up with the Honor 60, 60 Pro and 60SE. The SE model will apparently do 40W charging while the vanilla and pro are said to offer 60W speeds.



Alleged Honor 60 series design (image: @WhyLab)

In addition, a listing on Chinas 3C agency revealed an Honor phone bearing the GIA-AN00 model number which is believed to be the vanilla Honor 60. The listing confirms 60W charging rumor. It remains to be seen if the Honor 60 Pro will top the 100W charging speeds of the China-exclusive Honor 50 Pro.



Honor 60 listing on 3C

In other rumors Honor 60 Pro is expected to arrive with Qualcomms Snapdragon 870 SoC at the helm and a 4,500 mAh battery. Other speculations include a five rear camera setup and punch hole display.

Source (in Chinese) | Via 1  Via 2
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Guam Memorial Hospital Authority staff lined the hallways, cheered, danced, and even cried as Justina Garcia, a COVID patient who was 37 weeks pregnant when she was admitted in September, was released from the hospital Saturday.

The hospital issued a news release Monday describing the womans recovery.

On Sept. 11, Garcia, 25, came into the emergency room with worsening flu-like symptoms. She had already tested positive for COVID-19. She couldnt feel her baby move, so she went to the ER as soon as possible.

The last thing Garcia remembers from that day was the doctors telling her the babys heart rate was dropping because of her fever. She was led straight into an emergency C-section in the hospitals Labor and Delivery unit.

Garcia, who gave birth to her daughter that day, woke up in late October in the hospitals Intensive Care Unit, intubated and with a tracheostomy.

I woke up not knowing where I was, what happened or anything. I didnt know I had COVID pneumonia or that it was that serious, Garcia stated in the news release. My parents have had my daughter this whole time  since I gave birth. I cant wait to hold her  to meet her. I missed out on a lot and Im really excited to be with her.

For about six weeks, Garcia was sedated and intubated in the ICU, due to a severe case of COVID pneumonia.

Hospital staff and Garcias parents held on to hope and continued working around the clock to ensure her survival.

It was a battle for life throughout most of Ms. Garcias stay in the ICU, Dr. Joleen M. Aguon said in the news release. Aguon is the hospitals COVID medical director and associate administrator of clinical services. She is also a pulmonary and critical care physician. Our ICU team fought alongside her, with the primary goal of getting Ms. Garcia home to her newborn and family.

After nine weeks in the hospital, she was released to the care of her family on Saturday.

They were overjoyed and filled with gratitude for the hospital staff who saved their daughters life.

In celebration, dozens of hospital employees cheered on, as Garcia was wheeled out the front doors that afternoon. She will be able to continue recovering at home, with her baby, through GMHAs newly launched oxygen home loaner program.

Garcia was equipped with the supplemental oxygen she needs to safely be home with her family and baby girl.

Garcia expressed great thanks to the hospital staff for taking care of her, not giving up, and making sure she survived the ordeal.

This is such an emotional time for our staff. Weve worked so tirelessly to get through COVID-19. Watching this young woman battle through her COVID pneumonia and fight to survive  thats just the most incredible feeling for our entire GMHA family, hospital Administrator and CEO Lillian Perez-Posadas stated in the news release.

Perez-Posadas also thanked Garcia for her bravery, and for sharing her personal experience so others may take the actions necessary to protect themselves and their families.

Her fighting spirit, along with all our front liners, reminds us that we will get through this pandemic together. We wish Ms. Garcia and baby a happy and healthy recovery, said acting Gov. Josh Tenorio.

Garcia was not vaccinated while pregnant, but plans to get the vaccine now.

She says if she could go back in time, she would have gotten the COVID-vaccination during her pregnancy.
The second day of trial for former Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority attorney Mark Smith was spent by his lawyer cross-examining a former public housing director.

Smiths counsel, Michael Phillips, spent all of Monday questioning Michael Flores, who worked for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the director of the Office of Public Housing until 2012.

Phillipss line of questioning for Flores primarily consisted of asking what someone associated with GHURA would have to go through to benefit from the program. Flores responded saying they needed to fill out a conflict of interest waiver, which needs to be approved by HUD.

However instead of asking Flores about Smith, who is alleged of benefiting from the GHURA program as a landlord while hired as their attorney, Phillips asked about conflicts of interests years before Smith.

At the end of proceedings, prosecuting attorney William Dolittle remarked Phillipss cross-examination went well over the amount of time it took for the government to question Flores.

Dolittle explained Phillips had been rereading exhibits the prosecution had already discussed with Flores on the opening day of trial.

We appreciate the need to be thorough, but we would also appreciate an encouragement to make efficient use of this mans time so he can go home, Dolittle said of Flores, who resides in Hawaii but has been in Guam for weeks now in preparation of the trial.

When asked how much longer Phillips will take for cross-examination, he said, We havent even started with Mark Smith.

Flores has been the first witness to testify.

Smith is being tried on federal charges of fraud, money laundering and other crimes that allegedly took place when he served as a landlord for GHURA property while also representing the agency as an attorney.
A Superior Court judge will consider whether to revoke attorney John Bordallo Bells pre-trial release after multiple violations.

Bell appeared before Judge Maria T. Cenzon who will make a decision at a later date whether to keep Bell at the Department of Corrections after he was arrested following violations of his pre-trial release.

While on pre-trial release, Bell admitted to violating house arrest and using meth. He is also being alleged by probation of harassing one of the victims on social media.

One of the victims testified about the alleged harassment on social media at the hearing Monday afternoon.

Bell is currently being held at DOC after a warrant for his arrest was executed following the violations.

In August, Bell was charged in connection with holding multiple women hostage at a Tamuning residence, according to the magistrates complaint.

When officers arrived at the residence, three women came running out screaming and crying, and later said Bell had threatened to cut off their hands and bash their heads.

Bell allegedly slammed a womans head against a desk and broke another womans phone when they tried to leave or call the police, documents state.

At the time of the incident, Bell said the mafia and government senators were out to get him.

Bell was charged with three counts of terrorizing and felonious restraint both as third-degree felonies and three counts of assault as misdemeanors.
Two more people have died from COVID-19, and two previously reported cases have been reclassified as not being related to the virus, according to the Joint Information Center.

Meanwhile, the former chair of the governors physician advisory group is saying that people who got their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before April should no longer be considered fully vaccinated.

COVID deaths

A woman, 27, unvaccinated with underlying health conditions, died at Guam Memorial Hospital Saturday. She was a known COVID-19 positive patient.

Also Saturday, at Guam Regional Medical City, an 83-year-old unvaccinated woman with underlying health conditions died.

Two COVID-19 positive patients who died on Sept. 30 and Oct. 12 did not die from virus-related causes, according to the Joint Information Center. The COVID-19-related fatality count is 258.

There were 29 new cases of COVID-19 reported Monday, and 30 people were hospitalized with the virus.

Fully vaccinated

Dr. Hoa Nguyen, who previously led the governors advisory committee, warned that for anyone vaccinated before April, immunity has likely fallen below what it was with just the first shot.

Remember, the first dose we get up to about 70%, 80% efficacy and a second dose is 90%, Nguyen said. Many people, mostly elderly, got fully vaccinated in the first months shots were available and they should be down to about 40% (efficacy).

A number of patients who got vaccinated early in the year still believed they had the same immunity they would have right after getting their second shot, Nguyen said, a growing source of concern for many local doctors.

People think that theyre fully vaccinated, and they dont need another (shot) till January, he said.

Guams population was quick to get vaccinated, with about 64,000 adults getting two shots by April 30, and about 96,000 doing so by July 29. As of Nov. 14, only 20,313 booster doses had been given, according to the Joint Information Center.

There needed to be a bigger push for people to get the booster shot, or another surge was likely after the holidays, Nguyen said. According to him, the number of people with the immunity of a fully vaccinated person was likely closer to just 50% of the eligible population.
The Health Professional Licensing Office, which licenses professionals from cosmetologists to medical doctors on Guam, may need full-time lawyers on staff to handle complaints against licensees, according to officials.

The Health Professional Licensing Office and all nine of the licensing offices under its purview, were the subject of an oversight hearing on Monday.

Licensing Office Administrator Zennia Pecina said that the boards needed at least one attorney to prosecute complaints against licensees, and another to act as a hearing officer.

So in 2019, after reviewing all the cases here at the (Health Professional Licensing Office), we had a lot of outstanding, Pecina said, and the office had managed to contract legal counsel to clear some of the caseload.

But the money eventually ran out to pay the contracted lawyers, Assistant Attorney General Rob Weinberg said, and the Licensing Office had put out a request for a quote to hire another three early this year.

The need for somebody to do prosecution, I would estimate is getting close to a full-time requirement, Weinberg said.

The boards had to be prepared to go to court immediately if they took action against a licensee, he said.

If you have the authority to suspend a doctor or a healthcare professional and you suspend them, you have to be ready within 30 days to have a full-blown hearing before that board and its nearly  with the resources and not having a lawyer on staff there ready to go  its just impossible, he said.

Dr. Nathaniel Berg, chair of the Guam Board of Medical Examiners, and Mamie Balajadia, chair of the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners, have both cited lack of legal counsel as a challenge to prosecuting complaints. Neither of those boards have prosecuted a complaint since 2015.

Pecina said that hiring full-time legal staff had been discussed, but she was not sure how it would be feasible.

Appropriations made for the Licensing Office for all nine boards in fiscal year 2021 totaled $296,921, a presentation from Speaker Therese Terlaje showed. According to the speaker, the money came from fees collected by the boards, but several chairs had not updated their fees since the 1990s.

In the case of Guam Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, fees had not been updated since 1980s, chair Jenneth Quimbao said. Terlaje said that some all-volunteer boards had approached her because they did not know how much money they had or how they could spend it.

Additionally, most of the boards did not have rules or regulations to handle complaints beyond the general guidelines provided for all boards under the Administrative Adjudication Act, Weinberg said.

Terlaje asked whether the rules needed to be updated. As a legal answer, I dont think that there is a need, he said, but new rules and regulations would help the public, licensees, and the board members themselves understand the complex laws and processes that applied to handling complaints.

Each of the boards reported to Terlaje that they were making progress toward doing so, though Weinberg said it would take time.

For one board, the Emergency Medical Services Commission, Weinberg said it would take six months at most to finalize their rules if he had a few others lawyers assisting him and nothing else on his desk. But he had other responsibilities, and prosecution always took priority, he said.

The truth is I do have a backlog of rules that these boards have been getting to, which were all still in the advisory stage, he said. Weinberg is the only counsel available to the boards from the AGs office.
A syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic at the Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pa., Sept. 14, 2021. U.S. regulators have opened up COVID-19 booster shots to all adults.




Haiti - FLASH : Sunrise Airways resumes its flights to Cuba





The Haitian airline, Sunrise Airways after being forced in February 2021 to suspend its flights to Cuba due to the Covid-19 epidemic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32918-haiti-flash-cancellation-of-all-flights-to-cuba.html , announces the resumption of its air link between Port-au-Prince and Cuba, with two weekly connections to Santiago and Havana from November 29



A Port-au-Prince flight to Santiago de Cuba will leave every Monday, from Monday November 29, 2021 and the Port-au-Prince / Havana connection will resume on Tuesday November 30, 2021, then every Tuesday.



Our flights will be operated on an Airbus A321, a modern and spacious aircraft allowing our passengers a comfortable journey and room for their luggage.



With these new rotations also opens up a new opportunity for travelers to and from Santo Domingo. Flights to and from Cuba will also connect Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo-Las Americas.



Thanks to this new link, passengers will therefore be able to connect PAP-SDQ Santo Domingo-Las Americas and transit to the multiple destinations offered by this hub on Mondays and Tuesdays. Sunrise Airways is pleased to be able to re-establish the connection between the two islands after more than 9 months of interruption, due to the Covid19 pandemic. Cuban health authorities having given the green light.



Visit www.sunriseairways.net for more information on flight times and prices, as well as health requirements for entering Cuban territory.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-35108-icihaiti-sunrise-airways-a-second-emb120-for-haiti.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31736-icihaiti-cap-haitien-plaque-of-honor-and-merit-to-sunrise-airways.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26527-haiti-sunrise-airways-the-haitian-company-has-transported-250-000-passengers-in-2018.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-24704-haiti-flash-sunrise-airways-a-haitian-success-story.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22369-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-takes-delivery-of-its-new-boeing-737-800.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19865-icihaiti-sunrise-airways-commissioning-of-an-airbus-a320.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Health : 40% of total deliveries in Dominican public hospitals are Haitian





A report published by the Dominican Ministry of Public Health (MSP-DESP-02043-2021) on the current situation that public hospitals are going through nationwide with illegal Haitian immigrants receiving services and care, reveals that in 2018, 102,205 deliveries were carried out nationwide 87% Dominican and 12.50% Haitian (14,693 births).



In 2019, 117,507 deliveries were carried out nationwide 76% Dominican and 23% Haitian (27,984 births).



In 2020, 111,090 deliveries were carried out nationwide 72.5% Dominican and 27.20% Haitian (30,322 births).



In 2021, (partial figure as of September 2021) 82,521 births were carried out nationally 70% Dominican and 30% Haitian (24,376 births). The trend for daily births (January to September) in public hospitals was 159 deliveries for Dominican women and 88 deliveries for Haitian women.



If the trend continues by the end of 2021, the number of births to Haitian women could rise to 36,000, or 40% of all deliveries carried out in public hospitals in the Republic Dominican



The provinces most affected by this phenomenon are the District Nacional, Santo-Domingo, Santiago, Altagracia and Valverde.



According to the report of the Dominican Ministry of Health, Haitian nationals pay for a birth 25,000 Gourdes in Haiti, or 252 US dollars (conversion rate Sept 13, 2021). In the Dominican Republic, childbirth in public hospitals is fully assumed by the Dominican State. "This is why Haitian women choose to turn to our health system, in search of safe, quality and more economical care"



Each natural birth costs 5,348 pesos and cesarean sections 10,917 pesos. Citing as an example the case of the Estrella Urena hospital in Santiago, which for the first 9 months of 2021 invested more than 14 million pesos to cover Caesarean sections and natural childbirths for Haitian women (1,436 natural childbirths and 591 Caesarean sections) to which is added the cost of complications for Haitian women indicates the report which underlines "The severity of the state of health of Haitian patients is much higher compared to Dominican women, because of their lifestyle. They suffer from anemia, they do not do timely prenatal check-ups, forcing some patients to be admitted to intensive care, consuming more than 1 million to 2 million pesos if they require respiratory assistance laboratory tests, medicines, among others..."



In addition Jesus Vasquez Martinez, the Minister of the Interior and the Police referring to the case of Haitian women who come to give birth in the Dominican Republic reiterated Sunday November 14 that "[...] the country is unable to provide assistance to the large number of Haitian women in labor who arrive in the country [...] The Dominican State is not able to solve the problems of Dominicans and Haitians together, it should be understood that from now on only emergency cases will be taken care of in the Republic Dominican [for Haitians in an irregular migratory situation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35171-haiti-dom-rep-end-of-health-services-to-illegal-haitians-except-in-emergencies.html], other cases, it is Haiti which has to endure this problem [...]" concluding "We have a commitment, we must respond to Dominicans and foreigners living legally in the Dominican Republic."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35236-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35171-haiti-dom-rep-end-of-health-services-to-illegal-haitians-except-in-emergencies.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-33527-icihaiti-dr-29-of-dominican-maternity-beds-are-occupied-by-haitians.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33196-haiti-dr-towards-the-end-of-free-deliveries-for-haitian-women-in-the-dominican-republic.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25827-icihaiti-social-the-number-of-haitians-giving-birth-in-dr-would-have-dropped.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21694-haiti-dr-nearly-8-billion-pesos-in-hospital-care-and-services-for-haitians.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21014-haiti-dr-more-than-5-billion-pesos-for-the-delivery-of-women-from-haiti.html



S/ HaitiLibre


















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Korean Movie | 2021

 Animation

Directed by Lee Sun-myung ()

79min | Release date in South Korea: 2021/05/05

Synopsis

Kongsooni who wants a new toy decides to change her old one to a new one per a happy suggestion by the toy store's monkey robot.

When she got home, there were so many new toys in the room it seemed like a lie!



But wait! Mom, dad, Kongkong disappeared?!



"Yo~ Kongsooni! Your mom's gone? Leave it to me!"

To save the missing family, Kongsooni leaves for the toy country with Song-i and Bam-i!

Kongsooni's adventure begins!
Published on 2021/11/15 | Source

New poster added for the upcoming Korean documentary "I Am Chosun People" (2020)

Advertisement

Directed by Kim Cheol-min

Synopsis

In October 2002, a South Korean documentary film director Kim Cheol-min attends an event hosted at Mt. Geumgang: National Rally for Reunification by Students and Youths from South and North Korea and Abroad. It was influenced by the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration. In the hope of contributing to the nation's reconciliation, unity, and reunification, around 500 students and youths from South and North Korea and abroad attended the event. Here, Kim encounters the Korean Japanese (Zainichi) for the first time. To get to know them better and deeper, he grabs his camera and heads to Japan. The Korean Japanese are neither 'South Korean' nor 'North Korean'. They refer to themselves as 'Chosun people'. Many people find the term difficult and awkward because the word 'Chosun' cannot be defined simply. Multiple discussions intertwine the word. In Japan, 'Chosun' is consciously and unconsciously connected with North Korea, making the word a form of hate speech. When the Korean Japanese say "I am from Chosun", they are making a declaration or pledge to proactively rescue the word that is engraved with a history of oppression and ordeal. LEE Jong-chan

Diaspora Film Festival 9

Release date in Korea : 2021/12/09
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The silver lining on the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic is that it helped bring
From Montana Department of Transportation

The Montana Department of Transportation announced  and invited the public to comment on  a proposal to resurface approximately 9.5 miles of U.S. Highway 2, east of Havre.

The project begins at 22nd Ave. N. and extends east for approximately 9.5 miles ending near a private approach near mile marker 393.

Proposed work includes milling the existing surface, applying a new overlay, and finishing with a chip seal. The project also includes new pavement markings, installation of new roadway signs, and guardrail updates. The purpose of the project is to extend the service life of the roadway, provide additional skid resistance, and take a cost-effective action to preserve and maintain the existing roadway.

The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in 2023, depending on completion of all project development activities and availability of funding.

No new right-of-way or utility relocations will be needed.

An important part of properly planning for future projects is partnering with the community. The Montana Department of Transportation welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Great Falls office at PO Box 1359, Great Falls, MT 59403-1359. People should note that comments are for project UPN 9952000.

The public is encouraged to contact Great Falls District Preconstruction Engineer Jim Combs at 406-788-2773 or Design Supervisor Jeania Cereck at 406-454-5898.

Alternative accessible formats of this document will be provided on request. People who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.
And the sources of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that ISIS mercenaries attacked sites of the Damascus government forces and the groups loyal to it, during the past hours, in the vicinity of Palmyra in the eastern desert of Homs, where clashes took place between the two parties, without information about casualties until now.

The mercenaries also kidnapped two shepherds in the Al-Talila area, more than 25 km east of Palmyra, in addition to stealing dozens of livestock heads as well.

Yesterday, the Syrian Observatory documented killing of 13 members of "Asoud al-Sharqiya al-Shaitat" loyal to the Damascus government, in addition to the injuring others, in an ambush by ISIS mercenaries in the Al-Masrib desert in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor.

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Cloudy and damp with rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. High 52F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

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JOHN HOWELL had a second job providing advice to SP Broadway, a public relations company that specialises in planning and development.

He received 800 a month for two hours work.

Mr Howell said he gave up this role on November 1 because he had too much to do in Parliament as leader of the UK delegation to the Council of Europe, a role to which he was appointed in January.

He said: I gave it up long before the Owen Paterson business was discussed.

Mr Howell said he had declared his second job in the proper way and that his role was limited to strategic long-term advice. He said he was given the role as he is an expert in communications involving planning.

Despite this, posters have been placed around Henley which suggest a link between Mr Howells work as an advisor and his support for the amendment.

The Welcome to Henley sign in Reading Road was changed to read Henley on Sleaze on Friday.

On Monday, posters appeared on a bus stop in Reading Road.

Mr Howell said: Im very sad to see that some people have taken to putting posters up. Its not a particularly persuasive way of making their point. He said he had also received emails from constituents on the subject, adding: I find the accusations they are making in regard to corruption absolutely disgusting.

The Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle is planning to launch a review which will look at what second jobs MPs should be able to hold and Labour MP Richard Burgeon is planning to bring forward a Bill which would ban MPs from holding second jobs, except in exceptional circumstances.

Mr Howell said: I think MPs and others outside Parliament can benefit from MPs having other roles.
A WOMAN from Henley helped to stage a magical event for refugees who have fled Afghanistan.

Sam Jonkers is regional lead for the Care4Calais refugee crisis charity, which is helping families who were brought to Britain after the Taliban took control of their homeland.

Sixty-five refugees, including 35 children aged between two and 16, were invited to the 30-minute show by bubble artist Eran Backler, who performs as the Highland Joker.

He offered his services to the charity after reading about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and how many of the refugees here were still being housed in hotels.

Mrs Jonkers, who owns Jonkers Rare Books in Hart Street, Henley, with her husband Christiaan, said: Eran had seen all the news about the Afghan crisis and he wondered what he could do to help. He offered us his services and so we hired out a church hall in Reading.

In preparation, I went to the Mr Simms sweet shop in Henley to buy pick and mix and when I told them what I was doing they said they didnt want paying for it.

I then went into Bagatelle toys in Bell Street and the same thing happened  they gave us bubbles for all the children.

Refugee families who are living relatively close to the venue were invited so that they could walk there while other invitees included people from other ethnic minorities as well as some British children to help with their integration.

Mrs Jonkers said: Eran made snowman bubbles, bounced bubbles off the childrens hands, put children inside big bubbles and set some bubbles on fire.

The families had no idea what was being said but they loved it. Having been stuck in a hotel for quite a long time, they must have been bored stiff until then.

It was such a wonderful occasion that we are going to look at doing similar events in other areas so other refugees can attend. Were also looking at doing something in December because who doesnt love a party at Christmas time?

Mr Backler, who lives near Brighton, said it was important to bring joy to the lives of people who face adversity.

He said: I used to be in the army and after three years I realised that it wasnt the career for me, so instead of carrying a gun into war I blow bubbles for peace.

After the show Sam told me it was the first time she had seen a smile on some of the refugees faces since they came here, which was really heartwarming.

The charity has come into contact with about 500 Afghan refugees being looked after in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire since they first arrived in August when it appealed for donations of clothes and basic essentials. It has helped women with bra fittings and given children school uniforms and shoes.

One volunteer gives up a day each week to help set up wifi in the dispersal housing while English lessons and haircutting sessions are also organised.

Mrs Jonkers, who lives in Lower Assendon, said: They learn things like how to use our bus and train services. We have been really lucky with the teachers who have come to help, quite a few of them from Henley.

They came forward after seeing articles about what we were doing in the Henley Standard. We also have a hairdresser evening where a lady from Henley comes along and provides tools for a refugee lady who was a hairdresser but had to leave all her equipment behind. It is great to see the Henley community being supportive.

We are a bit better now at dealing will all the donations and we are putting out more tailored requests.

At the moment we need laptops to give these children access to education, so if anyone is thinking of upgrading theirs, please consider donating it to us.

We also need suitcases as we are really hopeful that the refugees will be on the move soon.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, email Reading@care4Calais.org
ABOUT 70 people took part in a march in Henley in support of climate justice.

They assembled in front of Friends Meeting House in Northfield End on Saturday morning, carrying placards and banners.

The group then walked half a mile via Bell Street and Hart Street to St Marys Church, where they stopped for a two-minute silence.

The march was organised by environmental campaign group Greener Henley to mark Global Day of Action for Climate Justice as world leaders were gathered in Glasgow for the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26.

Participants held placards and banners with slogans including Environment first, Together we can protect our planet and COP26, too little, too late.

One read: Rich countries like ours have done most to cause the climate crisis and owe the rest of the world immense climate debt.

Diana Barnett, one of the organisers, said: We were really keen on doing something to mark this day, which is the middle point of COP26.

Im very pleased with the turnout as you never know how many people are going to come when you organise something like this.

We had a good mix of people and its great that they want to stand up and show they really care about this issue. The aim was to highlight those people who dont have a voice in the climate justice debate, those who are really suffering the effects of climate change because of where they live.

It is about raising awareness because I think we in this country believe climate change is not something we should worry about right now but there are people around the world who are suffering the effects of it right now and they need help.

Most of the damage has been caused by industrialised nations like the UK, while the countries that have played little part in it are suffering the most.

I was inspired when at COP26, Guinea asked for a minute of silence for all the non-human life that has been lost because of the climate crisis. That is why we wanted a two-minute silence too.

If you think about the coral reefs or the wildfires in Australia, so much wildlife has been lost. We have to start thinking as a united world and not just about ourselves.

Sara Kandiah, another member of Greener Henley, held a banner reading protect and reverse nature loss.

She said: We are in a natural crisis and its time for action, not words. Together, we can really make a difference. We want to remind people that there is a lot that can be done and that it will help change things.

Julia Samyui-Adams, who is also a member of Greener Henley, said: I wanted to be a part of this because people need to understand what climate justice is  its about being active and aware of the situation we are in.

It is not just about Henley but about understanding that this is a global problem and that much more needs to be done, despite the discussions that are happening at COP26.

Rev Jeremy Tayler, rector of Henley with Remenham, led the two-minute silence as the group arrived at the church.

He said: Its wonderful to see everyone gathered here to show they care about the planet and about the part we have in taking care of it.

This is a moment of reflection and prayer for the situation we are in. I feel very strongly about the issue and I thought it was lovely to see so many people here to show their concern.

Jo Robb, who chairs South Oxfordshire District Council and represents the Green Party in the Woodcote and Rotherfield ward, took part in the march.

She said: I care deeply about this issue and its great to see people coming together locally and showing they care. There was a good turnout and a lovely variety of people from all walks of life.

I think most people see COP26 as a farce and a sham: the real hope for us is local action.

Town and county councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, who also joined the march, said: This was an opportunity for Henley to do something visible to show we care about this issue rather than just talking about it.

Many people are going to lose their homes because of the effects of climate change and we have a responsibility to help them.

Nan Brandsma walked with her daughter Esme, 12, and held a sign reading There is no planet B.

She said: It felt good to make my voice heard and act for the planet.

It was so important to have young people here too as they understand how important this is and represent our future.

Environmental campaigner Ed Atkinson and his wife Maggie also took part in the march together with Henley naturalist and palaeontologist Richard Fortey.

 Greener Henley has organised a climate crisis discussion event called Together we can make a difference at Kings Arms Barn on Tuesday at 7.30pm. It is free to attend. For more information, visit https://greenerhenley.org.uk
A RAIL campaigner is calling for trains on the Henley branch line to fully return to being half-hourly.

Trains on the line were cut to hourly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Half-hourly services have now resumed during commuter times but are yet to return during off-peak hours.

Neil Gunnell, who runs the train passenger support group Henley Trains, is asking Great Western Railway to resume the full service early next year.

The branch line is used by passengers travelling from London Paddington, who then change at Twyford to come to Henley.

Great Western Railway says passengers have not returned to using the line in sufficient numbers to justify reinstating the full service.

But Mr Gunnell argues that until the half-hourly trains return, people wont use the service. Mr Gunnell said: They cut it to hourly during covid when it wasnt in use, which is understandable.

But its taking longer than we would like for full service to return. It has been restored in the morning and evening and for the school run, which is good, but not in the evening and in off-peak times.

The next time Great Western will be making changes is in December. They have been engaging with stakeholders and we hope there will be improvements then and full service will return early next year.

Mr Gunnell conceded that as few as five people were using some of the late-night branch line trains. Numbers arent recovering but is that because theres not demand or because the service isnt there? he said.

If you only run a service every hour people will drive to Twyford and park there instead. If Im going to London now, I will just drive to Twyford. You can get back to Twyford from London more regularly but then you cant get on to Henley.

Theres no fast service at 20 past from Paddington anymore so people have to take the slow service.

You then miss the connection and have to wait for up to an hour in Twyford. Its a jigsaw and a piece has been removed.

If you dont have a service you wont have numbers. Its a chicken-and- egg situation.

The branch line brings workers into Henley, it brings tourists into Henley and it enables people to live in this lovely place and still have access to the city. Rail passenger journey recovery is coming faster for leisure than for business, so why are the commuter services coming back but not the trains at leisure times?

At the moment, if youre coming back from London theres a train at 10.20pm, which is quite early, and 11.20pm, which is very late.

There are other issues that make it hard for GWR to bring the service back, for example, they couldnt find train drivers during the pandemic because they couldnt have a trainee in the cabin with the driver as only one person could be in there. We understand all that but we hope we will see the service returned in full.

Great Western Railway said services on the Henley branch line would return to half hourly from December 12, when the company would next update its timetables.

 What do you think? Write to: Letters, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley or email letters

@henleystandard.co.uk
THE Tamesis Chamber Choir is staging its first concert since the start of the coronavirus pandemic at Shiplake Memorial Hall tomorrow night (Saturday).

Titled Blue Skies Ahead, the 7pm concert is billed as an optimistic and joyful celebration of being able to make music together again.

The 25-strong choir will also share the stage with international vocal duo Indigo May.

Julie Kench, from Caversham, and Meinir Ann Thomas, from Wales, met while touring the world as members of Grammy Award-winning a cappella group The Swingle Sisters.

Julie also teaches singing at Shiplake College, where she is a colleague of Tamesis musical director Louise Rapple Moore.

Louise, who previously taught piano but is now the schools head of careers, said: Were full of excitement and enthusiasm to be performing again.

This concert reflects our hope and optimism for the future as well as making reflective acknowledgement of the challenging times weve all endured.

Were thrilled to have Indigo May with us to make it even more special.

Among the expected highlights of the programme are Rutters Birthday Madrigals, Labi Siffres (Something Inside) So Strong, Simon and Garfunkels Bridge Over Troubled Water, Burgons Ave Verum Corpus, perhaps better known as the theme to Brideshead Revisited, and Irving Berlins Blue Skies. Louise added: The concert also includes a live world premiere of the beautiful spiritual, Shenandoah. This was arranged especially for Tamesis during lockdown by talented Maidenhead-based composer Andy Milburn.

Its the first time weve performed it in person for an audience, which will be a very moving moment.

Tickets for the concert cost 12 with a half-price reduction for students.

To book, call 0118 934 3200 or visit www.tamesischamberchoir.co.uk where a video recording of the choirs lockdown recording of Shenandoah is available to view.
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Lima, OH (45805)

Today

Partly cloudy, becoming mostly sunny late in the afternoon. High 36F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low around 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Now Open

15 November 2021

Hyatt Place Kathmandu, the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Nepal, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand's footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand's intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as Free Wi-Fi Everywhere and 24-hour food offerings. Ownership of the hotel includes Akshay Golyan, Executive Director and Shakti Golyan, Chairman of City Hotel Ltd.

Because Hyatt's efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today's multitasking traveler. Hyatt Place Kathmandu is located in the lively city of Kathmandu, set in a valley surrounded by the beautifully scenic Himalayan mountains. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is steeped in rich history, long associated with ancient traditions and a vibrant culture. The hotel is only a short two-and-a-half-mile (four-kilometer) journey from the bustling city center and its attractions, which include many World Heritage sites like the remarkable ancient temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the sacred Hindu temple in Pashupatinath. For those looking for some retail therapy, the hotel is close to several popular shopping centers including New Road, Thamel and Durbar Marg.

Hyatt Place Kathmandu offers:
Pipeline

15 November 2021

Hyatt celebrated today Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City's topping out, which recognizes the accomplishment of reaching the final design height of a building under construction. Located at 170 South West Temple, the 686,784 square foot Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City is on time and on budget and is slated to open in the fall of 2022.

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City will be a 25-story convention hotel that will offer 700-rooms, approximately 60,000 square feet of meeting space for seamless gatherings, two restaurants, two lounges, and a grab-and-go market. The lobby will allow guests to enjoy inviting spaces anchored by an elegant and striking double-sided stone clad fireplace.

Expected to open in the fall of 2022, Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City will be situated in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, attached to the Salt Palace Convention Center, and will attract a multitude of groups and conventions. The hotel will be a major participant of Salt Lake City's vibrant and thriving urban hub, while providing breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains.
Now Open

15 November 2021

Travelers now have a new escape when visiting the capital of French Polynesia, with the opening of the new 200-room Hilton Hotel Tahiti. Conveniently offering easy access to the downtown attractions of Papeete and Maritime Port, the resort is situated just two miles from the international airport, allowing guests to quickly start their visit.

Hilton Hotel Tahiti honors a rich island heritage. Formerly known as Hotel Tahiti, it was the first hotel in the destination to attract international attention in 1960. Built on land that formed part of the Tahitian royal family estate, the hotel became a hub of Tahitian social life and welcomed personalities - including movie stars, politicians, and royal families - from all over the world.

Hilton Hotel Tahiti, Hilton's third property in French Polynesia, has been reimagined for today's sophisticated traveler and features new interiors, concepts, and services that celebrate the very best of Tahitian elegance. Extensive renovations have introduced more natural light to shared areas offering an open-air lobby and stunning ocean views, bringing the natural beauty of Moorea Island and the Pacific Ocean to every corner.

Signature Hilton hospitality paired with an array of on-site amenities create an environment that speaks to chic and refined travel. The three onsite restaurants provide elevated fine dining experiences with thoughtfully curated menus that focus on sustainably sourced, fresh ingredients and reflect island culture and culinary influences. Guests can enjoy traditional Tahitian fare at Moevai; fish and steak with a French bent at Taitea Brasserie; and Southeast Asian cuisine at The Asian. These offerings are rounded out by the hotel's two bars: the Heiva Lounge in the open-air lobby, offering spectacular ocean views and a bespoke collection of wine; and the Vaipuna poolside bar that offers unique, tropical libations as well as traditional cocktails.

The resort's grounds are equally distinct and have been designed to bring the beauty of nature in, while also providing spaces that are accessible, yet elegant. The pool, the largest in Tahiti, overlooks Moorea Island and has six private cabanas as well as a poolside restaurant. A boutique-style spa is available for those looking to be pampered and guests looking to keep up their workout routine while in paradise can visit the fitness center. Hilton Hotel Tahiti features the largest ballroom and meeting space in French Polynesia, a space that aptly lends itself to gatherings and events of all sizes, large and small.

The resort is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check in, choose their room and access their room using a Digital Key.

About Hilton Hotel Tahiti

Located in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, the 200-room Hilton Hotel Tahiti honors a rich island heritage and has been reimagined with the sophisticated traveler in mind. With its spa, three on-site restaurants and the largest pool on the island, the resort is the perfect place for travelers to experience true Polynesian culture or as a respite to relax and refresh between islands.
Press Release

15 November 2021

London, UK - Up to 180,000 jobs could be lost across the UK Travel & Tourism sector this year, if travel restrictions are reimposed this winter, according to alarming new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

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WTTC, which represents the global private Travel & Tourism sector, made the warning after an analysis which showed the impact caused by a further tightening of borders.

The figures were revealed today by Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, during the 2021 Tourism Alliance Conference, a major event where industry leaders will discuss how to rebuild the UK Travel & Tourism sector.

Further damage could be made to the already embattled sector if new restrictions are imposed, such as the new potential measures which would see all travellers requiring a booster jab before they travel overseas.

Recent reports suggest this is being considered by ministers in an attempt to increase protection from COVID-19 for the fully vaccinated.

Currently only available to the over 50s, so far, less than 20% of population in the UK have received the booster jab. This represents a minority of those able to travel, and such a move would once again leave millions unable to go abroad, with a huge economic impact as a result.

If wide scale restrictions, such as limiting travel only to those with the booster jab were enforced in 2022, more than half a million jobs could be at stake next year.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: The very real prospect of more than 500,000 people losing their jobs across the UK Travel & Tourism sector because of unnecessary travel restrictions is a huge concern to WTTC."

We cannot afford to let all the hard-earned progress weve made this year, slide back and be reversed. Too many peoples livelihoods are at risk, as well as the continuing economic recovery of the UK.

Last year, WTTC research revealed 307,000 Travel & Tourism jobs were lost, causing misery to those whose livelihoods rely on a thriving sector.

Furthermore, a recent report by WTTC showed how severe restrictions imposed by the UK government, such as the damaging traffic light system, will see international visitor spend fall by almost 50% on 2020 figures, making the UK one of the worst performing countries in the world.

WTTC fear that any further measures which would impact the Travel & Tourism sector, could make the UK a less attractive destination amongst travellers and in turn, the UK would lose competitiveness as a result.

Further analysis from WTTC shows the government could see up to 5.3 billion wiped from the sectors contribution to the economy before the end of 2021 if severe travel restrictions come back into force.

The global tourism body fears that if punishing restrictions were to remain locked in place for much of next year, it could result in a loss of up to 21.7 billion from the UK economy.

*Potential jobs and GDP losses are based on the current rate of recovery, versus a slower recovery (i.e., if restrictions return and booster vaccine is needed for travel).
Press Release

15 November 2021

When businesses across the globe were forced to shutter in 2020, the leaders at one regional North American bank shifted to virtual mode. Anticipating that customer-call volumes would remain elevated through the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, bank leaders created a streamlined training module to cross-train sidelined branch workers. The extra support from branch colleagues helped the bank to manage the high volume of calls. Better still, because the supporting workers were branch personnel, their knowledge of the banks processes, products, and culture helped maintain the high level of customer satisfaction that the bank had worked so hard to achieve. Leaders learned that this internal gig worker approach could be a solution for managing future spikes in demand, whether from unforeseen events or seasonally based capacity increases. And, during a time of great uncertainty, it gave employees new opportunitiesto work flexibly, learn new skills, and even find new career paths. That flexibility may give companies an edge now that many are fighting a Great Attrition.

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The COVID-19 lockdowns sparked a major scramble to move business to online and phone-based channels. Not every company, however, was prepared to handle the ensuing digital deluge; at this point, there are little data on how effectively companies coped. But the experiences of companies to date show that many organizations are now rethinking how they staff customer-care operations.

Flexible staffingthe use of external talent from outsourcing providers or independent freelancershas been a staple of customer service for decades. But the pandemic may well be the first time that the redeployment of in-house talent from other departments has occurred on a relatively large scale.

Both approaches, externally and internally sourced, constitute the core of what we call gig customer-experience operations, or Gig CX. And it behooves companies from across the industry spectrum to consider making this strategy a part of their regular operations. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of Gig CX and identify four essential elements that must be in place to make it work.

The gig advantage

The idea of Gig CX arose as a natural offshoot of the ever-expanding gig economy, manifesting in high-profile companies in sectors ranging from ride hailing and food delivery to cleaning and odd-job services. More generally, the gig economy refers to the use of independent contractors, freelancers, contract-firm workers, and other temporary workers. Typically, gig workers connect with clients or customers through an online platform.

Gigs greater numbers

The size of the gig economy is hard to ascertain for a number of reasons (not least because tracking gig jobs is not well established). Gallup, for example, used what it described as a broad definition in 2018 to estimate that 36 percent of US workers had a gig-work arrangement in some capacity, including independent contractors, online-platform workers, contract-firm workers, on-call workers, and temporary workers. 1

Roughly two decades ago, companies began outsourcing in earnest, primarily as a cost-saving measure. Customer service, in particular call centers, was perhaps the most common business process to go that route. Over time, the use of gig labor has evolved beyond sheer cost savings into more of a general efficiency lever, allowing companies to focus on core competencies and manage demand volatility and resources more strategically.

The role of gigs in customer experience

In customer-experience operations, the advantages of gig labor can be many, for companies and workers alike. In addition to the greater flexibility that an on-demand model confers, using gig workers can help overcome geographic limits to talent sourcingit offers efficiencies by reducing the need for physical infrastructure, allowing costs to be scaled more closely to output requirements.

Companies can also tap domain experts (such as brand advocates) to interact with customers, creating a more informed and enthusiastic service environment. Workers, for their part, get the opportunity to work with multiple client companies simultaneously, which can translate into broader exposure, potentially higher earning potential, and greater scheduling flexibility.

Photo: McKinsey & Company

Gigs go internal

The use of internal talent in a gig manner is relatively new and has its own set of advantages. For one, companies gain flexibility and can optimize staffing by moving away from a shift model to a more on-demand model. Within days of the first COVID-19 lockdowns, a European bank converted several branch sites into call centers and moved nearly half of its support staff to a work-from-home arrangement; today, the banks contact center operates out of several dozen locations.

Exhibit 1 shows how a gig approach can solve the mismatch in supply when call volumes spike. By supplementing with gig workers (either external workers, redeployed internal employees, or a combination of the two), companies can quickly meet fluctuating demand.

Click here to read the full article on mckinsey.com
Press Release

15 November 2021

Les Roches will collaborate on both the design of the passenger cabin and hospitality concepts for OceanSky Cruises.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra, General Director of Les Roches Marbella, participated in Expo 2020 Dubai, together with other experts to analyze the future of airships in tourism while offering an alternative to dependence on fossil fuels.

Conceived as a five-star hotel, the OceanSky Cruises dirigible airship aims to make history and become the first aircraft to land at the North Pole. It is scheduled to launch in 2024.

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Marbella / Madrid - The Managing Director of Les Roches in Marbella, considered one of the three best hospitality management schools in the world, participated in the round table titled Leading the future of sustainable travel: The rebirth of airships, held at Expo 2020 Dubai. The session addressed the future of the next generation of airships, which hopes to provide clean and efficient aviation to cope with dependence on fossil fuels.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra shared his insights with a panel of experts made up of leading figures in technological innovation being applied to travel and luxury tourism. The panel included Eckhard Breuer, CEO of ZLT (Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik), Alan Weston, CEO of LTA Research and Exploration, Gennadiy Verba, President of Atlas LTA Advance Technology, Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation and National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Sebastien Bougon, Founder and CEO of Flying Whales; Bruce Dickison, CEO of Cardiff Aviation (and leader of the Iron Maiden gang), and Robert Swan, founder of "2041" and activist for the protection of Antarctica and renewable energy.

Invited to the panel for its role as a globally leading school focused on educating managers for the hospitality sector, Les Roches is a privileged witness into how tourism evolves from its earliest stages. Thanks to the cross relationship it maintains with the luxury sector, which is also growing in sophistication, Les Roches network of professors, professionals and students manifests both the need and desire, through an invigorating academic environment, to generate tourism-related projects that differentiate. One of the latest milestones in projects that will mark the future is the inclusion into the SPARK Innovation Sphere by Les Roches of the first commercial passenger airship carrier of the 21st century, OceanSky Cruises.

Les Roches took on the challenge posed by OceanSky Cruises due to the comprehensive nature of its innovative project. OceanSkys airship project is a combination of pioneering technology with a very high level of customer hospitality experience, and this is the area where Les Roches has provided its breadth of experience and knowledge. For Carlos Diez de la Lastra, OceanSky Cruises meets all the parameters required by luxury tourism today: They offer technological innovation that allows tourists to visit regions of the world that are difficult to reach otherwise, and they respect the 'must' of sustainability principles, as well as the exclusivity of luxury tourism.

SPARK Innovation Sphere by Les Roches

Launched in late 2020, Spark is a global ecosystem designed to foster innovation (especially among hotel, tourism, luxury, and restaurant players), be part of the economic development strategy, and attract a growing number of startups.

Spark offers consulting, research, and project support services with advanced technological and digital resources. It also provides pre-incubation and incubation services for young companies with innovative ideas.

Today, Spark brings together an important network of experts both locally and internationally. More than 35 partner companies already work together in the center of Marbella on large-scale projects, including Airlander 10 (OceanSky Cruises), the new luxury airship that will fly to the North Pole in 2024.

Integrated into the academic program, Spark places innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of the Les Roches way of life by inviting students, graduates, and industry partners to work together to develop and test new solutions in on-campus laboratories. Students are afforded the opportunity to work on real business consulting and academic challenges facing real business cases provided by Spark partners.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra, general director of Les Roches Marbella, states: "Our objective is to foster the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of our students; therefore, part of our mission is to support technological projects and give them a space to grow on our campus. We are excited and we are passionate about being part of the future of the industry by working on the ideas that will change and evolve the world of travel and luxury. OceanSky Cruises is just one example of what awaits us."

About Les Roches

Les Roches is a Swiss institution focused on creating the innovative and entrepreneurial minds of tomorrow. Founded in 1954, Les Roches offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management following the Swiss model of education. With three campuses across Switzerland, Spain, and China; a student body of more than 100 different nationalities, the institution provides students with a unique culturally diverse experience. As of 2021, Les Roches also has an academic alliance with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) with a partner campus in Gurugram (Delhi NCR).

Les Roches ranks worlds four for higher education institutions in Hospitality Management, and three for Employer Reputation (QS World University Rankings, 2021). Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

For more information, visit Les Roches.

MEDIA CONTACT

Patricia Rodiles, Institutional Development & PR Manager, Les Roches Marbella Global Hospitality Education, [email protected], T. 952 764 145.
WASHINGTON - After two weeks of around-the-clock negotiations, government officials left the COP26 conference in Glasgow Saturday with limited pledges to curb reliance on fossil fuels and no agreement on how to stop the world from breaching the temperature limit scientists say could wreak havoc on the planet.

Instead, leaders said they would take up the issue at next years climate summit in Egypt, drawing criticism from some environmentalists that governments were not taking seriously scientists warnings about exceeding a 1.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. Instead, environmentalists said, political leaders were again kicking the can down the road, leaving oil and other fossil fuels as the mainstays of the worlds energy system.

The holdup comes amid a spike in energy prices in Europe and Asia attributed in part to declining investment in natural gas production, as well as increasing questions from some policy makers of the feasibility of reducing emissions at the speed scientists recommend.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Natural gas prices are soaring. How long will it last?

It is an enormously tall order to get to 1.5 degrees. Its not clear its even possible, said Nat Keohane, who was the special adviser on energy and environment to former president Barack Obama, who now heads the think tank Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. To pretend it would be good for countries to come forward with made-up targets would not be smart. We need a balance in setting (national emissions targets) between what is achievable and what is ambitious.

Under existing policies, the world is on track to hit average temperatures 2.7 degrees Celsius above those at the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 1750s, according to recent projections by the scientific consortium Climate Action Tracker. As of 2017, the Earth was already 1 degree above pre-industrial levels.

At 1.5 degrees higher, scientists warn of a cataclysmic rise in sea levels, severe droughts and flooding and unpredictable shifts in weather.

Such a future poses a particular challenge for Houston, which, as the capital of the worlds oil and gas industry, already faces a shrinking economy as nations shift to clean energy. Houston also is a low-lying city on the Gulf Coast and particularly vulnerable hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding.

Efforts to reduce emissions span almost every sector of the global economy, with President Joe Biden pledging in April to reduce U.S. emissions 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. Even large oil and gas companies such as Exxon Mobil and BP are setting their own targets for emissions reductions.

Yet global emissions continue to rise, driven by a growing population and rising middle class and an energy system that has only in the last decade made a substantial shift towards renewable sources of energy like wind turbines and solar panels.

At COP26, efforts to scale back the role of fossil fuels met with resistance, with nations watering down a pledge to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels. The United States, United Kingdom and close to 20 other countries pledged to halt public financing for fossil fuel development by the end of next year, but the language was so vague experts did not expect the pledge to have much impact.

The surge in oil and natural gas prices since COVID-19 restrictions began to lift earlier this year has left some political leaders wary of reducing production of those fuels, said Frank Maisano, a Washington energy consultant.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Ahead of climate summit, nations struggle to turn goals into

The pandemic underscored how much we rely on oil and gas, he said. In 50 years, well probably have a different energy system, but in the meantime we still have to meet the needs of consumers today.

Some progress on emissions reductions was made during COP26. Governments agreed on a system through which to track whether countries are meeting their climate targets. And some nations agreed to halt construction of new coal plants without equipment to capture emissions, as well as curbing deforestation and methane emissions.

But with scientists emissions need to be cut in half over the next nine years, the limited progress of this climate summit spurred outrage, with close to 100,000 protestors marching through Glasgow last week.

Its an agreement that well all cross our fingers and hope for the best. Its a polite request that countries maybe, possibly, do more next year. Greenpeace International Executive Director Jennifer Morgan said Friday of a draft version of the COP26 agreement. Well, thats not good enough.

But in Texas and other places where fossil fuel production is a mainstay of the economy, resistance to climate policy is rife. Even efforts to eliminate coal, the most carbon intensive of the fossil fuels struggled during COP26.

Although coal consumption has generally been declining, countries such China, India and Australia remain reluctant to give up a fossil fuel that is both an important energy source and major export.

These economies collectively produce and consume around two-thirds of global coal, wrote Sandeep Pai, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. It is not just unrealistic, but naive, to expect countries for whom coal occupies such a key political-economic position to operate otherwise.

Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox

And the hard work of climate change has barely begun.

In the years ahead, nations will be expected to move beyond pledges to create policies to reduce emissions. Already such efforts have met with resistance in the United States, where both Republicans and Democrats have questioned the impact on the economy and energy security.

The true test of this COP will be in a year or two. Are we really seeing the focus on policy implementation to back up these pledges? Keohane said. Were already seeing the impacts of warming and its only going to get worse once we breach 1.5.

james.osborne@chron.com
The metaphor invoked a classic sitcom, but Chris Hanslik, chairman of BoyarMiller, was dead serious in conveying how his Houston law firm recently met the challenge of conducting an all-hands meeting with almost half of the employees out of the office.

Were all on the Zoom-panel, Brady Bunch tiles, said Hanslik. Everyone in the room has a device in front of them so that everyone can see everyone.

U.S. companies were forced to overhaul their working protocol just 20 months ago to contend with the public health threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Now, many of the changes that benefited employees  such as working from home  have gone from temporary adaptations to permanent fixtures, say local companies and consultants.

Outside of industries such as retail and hospitality that require personal contact, companies are investing in improving communications technology and bolstering on-site safety to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while vowing to provide enough flexibility to workers to dictate the place and often the time of their weekly employment.

Much of this investment is out of necessity as companies compete for workers in a tightening labor market. Unemployment in the Houston metropolitan fell to 5.5 percent in September 2021 from 9.1 percent a year earlier, according to the Labor Department. Nationally, the unemployment rate slid to 4.8 percent in September from 7.8 percent a year earlier.

Job openings nationally are near record levels, exceeding 10 million in August, according to the most recent government data. Meanwhile, more than 30 percent of applications to paid U.S. job postings on LinkedIn were for remote positions, up from 10 percent a year earlier and 3 percent in January 2020, shortly before the pandemic began, according to LinkedIn.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Employer-employee relationships are facing tougher challenges in pandemic's second year

Its a buyers market in terms of labor, said Rachel Everaard, a principal and human resources expert with the consulting firm Ernst & Young. Theres such an increase in the war for talent.

As the economy continues to shake off the effects of the pandemic, workers have leverage they have not had in decades. Heres how the pandemic and its aftermath have changed the workplace for the better.

Scheduling flexibility

The pandemic accelerated a trend toward hybrid or fully remote work schedules, in which employees could choose to work all or part of the workweek from home.

One myth is that we cant be productive if we cant be together, added Elena Richards, chief diversity & inclusion officer at KPMG. We have to continue to evolve and reimagine that you dont have to do everything inside of an office.

At Smith, a distributor of electronics components, about 200 of its 300 Houston headquarters employees worked remotely earlier in the pandemic; today, about 100 continue to work primarily remotely. Many of BoyarMillers 32 attorneys work one to two days a week from home.

Many other companies are sticking with remote working arrangements. Office occupancy in Houston was 51 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to an analysis of keycard, fobs and other electronic access data by the security-management firm Kastle Systems. Additionally, companies are being more flexible with daily in-office work hours to allow for employees to avoid rush hours.

Peoples tolerance for a long commute is much less now than pre-pandemic, said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.

Better technology

Remote working arrangements succeeded during the pandemic because companies provided workers with the technology needed to be mobile. Laptops replaced desktops and better communications software enabled video conferencing, group chats and long-distance collaboration.

Those investments paid off as employers fears that remote work would lower productivity never materialized. In addition to keeping employees connected, companies also found communication tools such as Zoom and Webex, both efficient and effective in keeping clients happy  so effective that few analysts expect business travel to return to its pre-pandemic levels.

When the pandemic hit, companies had to invest in collaboration technology and communication tools, said Everaard.

Better offices

For companies whose businesses required in-office workers, onsite protocols shifted dramatically at the beginning of the pandemic to adhere to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For office workers, that meant mask-wearing, extensive hand sanitizing and social-distancing.

For companies such as Smith and BoyarMiller, it also meant limiting visitors to the office or warehouse. Smith took the added precaution of building plexiglass dividers around many of its office cubicles. Additionally, with a third of its local workers dedicated to purchasing and shipping, Smith had to stagger its six- and seven-hour shifts so that only half of the purchasing and shipping staff was on site at a time.

TOMLINSON: After COVID, workers want better conditions to return to work

Permanent changes in office design and layouts are coming along with new working arrangements, experts said. Companies, for example, will need large conference rooms to accommodate all-hands meetings and team-building activities for workers coming in from home offices.

With much of the staff coming into the office only a day or two a week, companies can afford to have fewer workstations, which would be shared by several employees, and spread them out to meet social-distancing standards. Many companies are also setting aside collaboration space for remote workers to use when they come into the office.

The design of workstations was steadily drifting towards the trading-floor model of higher density, said Harvey. COVID has caused us to think about whether a super-high-density workplace will be the norm.

Focus on mental health

While greater scheduling flexibility and less commuting have been a boon for workers, the combination of less interaction, greater isolation and the anxiety of a global pandemic has pushed companies to invest in mental health services for their workers.

Theres a whole generation of people starting with organizations who havent actually met people (in person), said Richards. Building depth in the work relationships is not impossible, its just different.

As a result, many companies are offering or expanding employee access to mental-health services, such as online for therapy and support groups, according to Everaard.

Remote work, Harvey said, tends to make employer-employee relationships more transactional, emphasizing productivity to the exclusion of other aspects such as team building, human interaction and contributions to company culture.

As a result, companies are looking at ways to simulate the in-office environment to preserve company cultures and maintain a sense of inclusion for remote workers. One example is lengthening team meetings that include remote workers to set aside time for socializing.

Taking time even in a Zoom meeting to make sure that, instead of getting on at 10 sharp and ending at 11 sharp, we give ourselves a little time for the kind of interaction that used to occur in the hallway, Harvey said. Were going to have to think more explicitly about what activities are building company culture.
Earlier this month, when Lisa Sadoughi touched down in Houston, the accessories designer had two must-dos on her agenda: shop for a Bayou City storefront and sell some rodeo-appropriate merchandise.

Headband fans know her, and her brand, best as Lele Sadoughi. Shes a maximalist whose entire aesthetic is built around a more-is-more sensibility.

Pre-pandemic, her shoulder-dusting acrylic floral earrings were all the rage. A popular version featured an entirely rhinestoned gynoecium. Most of Sadoughis ear candy are clip-ons  that way, almost everyone can wear them.

After coronavirus hit and forced her customers to stay home, another one of her products caught on like wildfire: the headband.

Given all the Zoom happening during the pandemic it was the perfect accessory, she says.

Three years ago, Sadoughi had a different motivation for elevating the hair piece. When I started my company it was a jewelry company. Then I had two kids, and no time to do my hair. So I started wearing headbands, but couldnt find one fancy enough that was elevated  yes, you can buy one at the drugstore, but I wanted something with a more design-focused mentality.

She incorporated a few styles into her collection around May 2018. Some were knotted, like a turban, at the crown. Others were swathed in pearls or velvet or crystals. A few months later, Prada sent bejeweled headbands down the runway during Fashion Week. Sadoughi says it was a fortuitous moment. Hers were already at tradeshow markets, which solidified the trend for fashion editors. Headbands were back.

It kind of became a new category for department stores, she says. I already worked with all the jewelry buyers who now were like, Do I buy this or does the hat buyer buy this? Now theres a tremendous budget for headbands every season.

They retail at an accessible price-point, too, ranging from $45 to $195. A limited-edition Swarovski crystal design might cost a high-end customer $650, though thats an outlier. Sadoughis base likes to collect her wares, and inclusivity is part of the brands ethos.

Were very lucky that everything we make is age and size inclusive, anyone can wear it, she says. You need to wear clothes and you need to wear shoes, but you dont really need to wear most of the things I make  they just make you happy.

Sadoughi describes her fan base as women who arent wallflowers and love fashion. Loyalists already have great dresses in their closets and shop to add an extra-special touch. Its the reason why she has no interest in designing clothes.

When I first got into fashion 25 years ago I was in apparel working with pattern-making, she explains. In my span of working at J. Crew and Tory Burch, I felt that accessories were sometimes an after-thought. So thats what we focus on, creating a one-stop shop for accessories.

Lele Sadoughi the brand is a treasure trove of jewelry, sunglasses chains, socks and belts. More recently, cold weather beanies, scarves, gloves, and headbands with earmuffs (all heavily embellished, of course) were introduced, too. With COVID-19 came requests for masks and the aforementioned surge in headband purchases.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Reese Witherspoon's fourth Draper James retail store opens in Houston Galleria

Now that shes on track to celebrate both record revenue and a 10-year anniversary in 2022, the timing feels right to expand her business. Sadoughi, a Dallas-native, opened her first brick and mortar store in Highland Park Village last spring.

I spent a lot of time in Texas during COVID, my family is here, she shares. I signed the lease without ever seeing the space. It just kind of all came together.

A Houston storefront may not be too far behind. The designer scouted prospective locations when she was in town for Recipe for Successs annual Fashion in the Field event at Hope Farms. There, items that are currently available at Neiman Marcus were showcased in a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo appropriate pop-up. This season, Sadoughis merchandise was inspired by Southwestern flair. Attendees shopped turquoise, horse shoe and longhorn charms, spurs, and faux-cowhide wrapped headbands and bucket hats.

Unsurprisingly, most guests were dressed like Sadoughi, in bright colors and stacks of accessories.

Its just about having fun, owning the basics and elevating your accessories to look like an individual, she says. You should invest in a great blazer, shift dresses and cashmere sweaters. Keep those forever and change up your accessories.

amber.elliott@chron.com
KENOSHA, Wis. (AP)  Kyle Rittenhouse provoked bloodshed on the streets of Kenosha by bringing a semi-automatic rifle to a protest and menacing others, and when the shooting stopped, he walked off like a hero in a Western, a prosecutor said in closing arguments Monday at Rittenhouses murder trial.

But Rittenhouses lawyer countered that the shooting started after the young man was ambushed by a crazy person that night and feared his gun was going to be wrested away and used to kill him. Defense attorney Mark Richards said Rittenhouse acted in self-defense.

After a full day of arguments, the jurors were told to return Tuesday morning for the start of deliberations in the case that has stirred fierce debate in the U.S. over guns, vigilantism and law and order.

Eighteen jurors have been hearing the case; the 12 who will decide Rittenhouse's fate and the six who will be designated alternates will be determined by drawing numbers from a lottery drum.

Rittenhouse, then 17, shot two men to death and wounded a third during a tumultuous night of protests against racial injustice in the summer of 2020.

Now Playing: Attorneys presented closing arguments Monday in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He is charged with shooting three people, killing two during unrest in the summer of 2020. (Nov. 15) Video: Associated Press

Rittenhouse said he went to Kenosha from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to protect property from rioters in the days after a Black man, Jacob Blake, was shot by a white Kenosha police officer. Rittenhouse, a former police youth cadet, is white, as were those he shot.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Thomas Binger said Rittenhouse was a wannabe soldier and was looking for trouble that night. Binger repeatedly showed the jury drone video that he said depicted Rittenhouse pointing the AR-style weapon at demonstrators.

Now Playing: The jury that will decide Kyle Rittenhouses fate will be allowed to consider some lesser charges in addition to those prosecutors originally brought against him. (Nov. 12) Video: Associated Press

This is the provocation. This is what starts this incident, the prosecutor declared.

He told the jury: You lose the right to self-defense when youre the one who brought the gun, when you are the one creating the danger, when youre the one provoking other people.

Rittenhouse, now 18, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge against him, first-degree intentional homicide, which is Wisconsins top murder count.

Binger zeroed in on the killing of 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, who was the first man gunned down that night and whose shooting set in motion the ones that followed. The prosecutor repeatedly called it murder, saying it was unjustified.

The prosecutor reminded jurors that Rittenhouse testified he knew Rosenbaum was unarmed. Binger also said there is no video to support the defense claim that Rosenbaum threatened to kill Rittenhouse.

Binger disputed the contention that Rosenbaum was trying to grab Rittenhouses rifle. Mr. Rosenbaum is not even within arms reach when the first shot occurs, Binger said. He rejected the claim that Rittenhouse had no choice but to shoot, saying he could have run away.

And Binger argued that once Rosenbaum was wounded, he was not even capable of taking away the gun, which was strapped to Rittenhouses body, since he was falling to the ground with a fractured pelvis. Rittenhouse kept firing, delivering what the prosecutor called the kill shot to Rosenbaums back.

I think we can also agree that we shouldnt have 17-year-olds running around our streets with AR-15s, because this is exactly what happens, Binger said.

In his own closing argument, Richards, the defense attorney, called Rosenbaum a crazy person who was hell-bent on causing trouble that night and went after Rittenhouse unprovoked.

Mr. Rosenbaum was shot because he was chasing my client and going to kill him, take his gun and carry out the threats he made, Richards said, adding that Rittenhouse never pointed his gun before being chased: It didnt happen.

Richards said an enlarged image that prosecutors said shows Rittenhouse pointing his gun at protesters is hocus pocus that doesnt prove anything.

Rittenhouse himself looked largely impassive during the arguments, occasionally jotting notes. His mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, listened intently behind him.

With a verdict near, Gov. Tony Evers said that 500 National Guard members would be prepared for duty in Kenosha if requested by local law enforcement.

After killing Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse shot and killed Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, while trying to make his way through the crowd. Rittenhouse testified that Huber hit him with a skateboard and that Grosskreutz came at him with a gun of his own  an account largely corroborated by video and Grosskreutz himself.

But the prosecutor said Rittenhouse provoked that bloodshed, too. He said Huber, Grosskreutz and others in the crowd were trying to stop what they believed was an active shooter.

When it was all over, Rittenhouse walked away like a hero in a Western  without a care in the world for anything hes just done, Binger said.

The defense, though, said Rittenhouse was set upon by a mob. Richards accused prosecutors of using the term active shooter for Rittenhouse because of the loaded connotations of that word.

And in an apparent reference to the police shooting of a Black man that touched off the protests, Richards said: Other people in this community have shot people seven times, and its been found to be OK. (No charges were brought against the white officer.)

When the prosecutor displayed a photo of Rosenbaums bloodied body on a gurney during his autopsy and another of his mangled hand, some jurors appeared to avert their eyes. Later, when Binger displayed a close-up of Grosskreutzs bicep largely obliterated by a bullet, several jurors winced and turned away.

The sound of a small group of protesters chanting outside the building could be heard at one point, but it wasnt clear from inside the courtroom what they were saying or whether the jury heard them.

Supporters have hailed Rittenhouse as a hero who took a stand against lawlessness; foes have branded him a vigilante.

Binger began his closing arguments by questioning whether Rittenhouse was genuinely trying to help.

The prosecutor noted that Rittenhouse had ammunition capable of traveling the length of five football fields and passing through cars, and asked the jury: Why do you need 30 rounds of full metal jacket (ammo) to protect a building?

But Richards said Rittenhouse, who worked as a lifeguard in Kenosha and helped clean up graffiti before the shootings, feels for this community and came down here trying to help, to see the damage.

The defense attorney branded the trial a political case brought by prosecutors who he said need someone to blame for the violence.

Earlier Monday, Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed a count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared to be among the likeliest of the charges to net a conviction. It carries by up to nine months in jail.

The defense argued that Wisconsin law has an exception related to the length of a weapons barrel. After prosecutors conceded Rittenhouses rifle was not short-barreled, the judge threw out the charge.

Perhaps in recognition of weaknesses in their case, prosecutors asked the judge to let the jury consider several lesser charges if they acquit him on the original counts. Schroeder agreed to do so as he delivered some 36 pages of legal instructions to the jury.

In his instructions, the judge said that to accept Rittenhouses claim of self-defense, the jury must find that he believed there was an unlawful threat to him and that the amount of force he used was reasonable and necessary.

___

This story has been updated to correct Gaige Grosskreutzs age to 28.

___

Bauer reported from Madison and Forliti reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press writer Tammy Webber contributed from Fenton, Michigan.

___

Find APs full coverage of the Rittenhouse trial: https://apnews.com/hub/kyle-rittenhouse
ELLSWORTH, Maine (AP)  A former U.S. Senate candidate is due in court for a hearing about allegations he pointed a gun at a former campaign staffer.

Max Linn ran as a conservative independent in a 2020 Senate race that was won by incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He gained notoriety for his antics during the debates, including a stunt in which he cut up a mask from the podium. He also replied request denied when debate moderators asked that he stay on topic.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  To operate a casino at a Nebraska horse racetrack companies will have to pay $1 million for a 20-year license and follow a litany of other rules.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission released the new casino rules on Friday. Voters authorized casino gambling at horse tracks in Nebraska in 2020.

Racing and Gaming Executive Director Tom Sage said an industry consultant helped the state draft its rules by looking at what has worked well in other states.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported that in addition to the $1 million up-front license fee, casino operators will have to pay an annual assessment to the state.

All six licensed horse tracks, in Lincoln, Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island and Hastings, have announced plans to add casinos.

Besides the six existing tracks, there also have been proposals announced for new tracks in Bellevue, Gering, Kimball, Norfolk, North Platte and York. All of them are likely to seek casino licenses as well.

Lynne McNally, executive vice president of the Nebraska Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association, which is partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc. to build casinos in Lincoln, Omaha and South Sioux City, said the rules are very thorough.

The Racing Commission worked efficiently and diligently, and we really appreciate their efforts, McNally said.

Fonner Park racetrack CEO Chris Kotulak said he's worried the state may wind up with too many racetracks because of companies wanting to operate casinos.

Theres not the human or equine infrastructure in place to support any more racing than we already have, Kotulak said.
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A man was found shot to death late Sunday in the parking lot of a pharmacy chain in Midtown.

A shooting was reported about 10:30 p.m. at a CVS at Fannin and Elgin. Police said two men were found shot in the back of the store. One was shot in the head and pronounced dead and the other was shot several times. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in serious condition.
The first lady was delayed, and Dr. Peter Hotez was hungry, so the venerable vaccine researcher dug into a salami sandwich ahead of Jill Bidens whirlwind visit to a vaccine clinic at Texas Childrens Hospital on Sunday.

Sated, the bow-tied pediatrician and co-director of the hospitals Center for Vaccine Development was among the hospital brass to greet Biden, who was in Houston for a few hours to promote the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 and up.

Also on hand were several dozen kids who had the distinction of being both lucky recipients of the newly-approved shot and audience members for Bidens speech about the importance of inoculating children against the virus. The rainbow-colored balloon decorations  hastily fashioned Saturday night by staff members who could only guess at the mystery VIPs identity  and the atmosphere of anticipation may have lessened the pain for some kids who received their first dose Sunday afternoon.

Not a lot of criers today, Charlotte Mathis, the nurse manager of the vaccine clinic said. They tend to feed off each other.

Lashonne Harris and her daughter Rayne first noticed something was amiss when they exited the elevator. The Katy residents were puzzled by the number of security guards present for a routine clinic. Only when they were asked to sign a release form did they realize the security guards were actually Secret Service members, and the first lady was en route.

We were totally clueless, Harris said.

Ten-year-old Rayne pronounced the first lady cool, and said the shot didnt hurt that much. The nurses told her to do the chicken dance to stave off unpleasant soreness.

Biden arrived at the hospital straight from Camp David, her spokesman said, and departed for the White House soon after the visit. She is set to attend Mondays ceremony for President Joe Biden's signing of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. On Tuesday, shell be back to her teaching duties at Northern Virginia Community College.

After meeting hospital leaders, Biden chatted with a group of children who had already gotten their first dose of the vaccine and greeted two furry attendees oblivious to the luminary in their midst: Elsa and Pluto. The therapy dogs, who ordinarily comfort the clinics anxious vaccine recipients, happily received the first ladys attentions.

Hi, Im Jill, she said, turning to 11-year-old Jerren Monroe.

Unfazed by the click-click-click of cameras or the phalanx of reporters just feet away, Monroe showed her a placard he had written listing the reasons he got vaccinated. Among them: Visit Japan.

By comparison, the first ladys reasons for getting the jab were decidedly down-to-earth. Family, my students, exercise class, she wrote on her own placard.

Monroe was enrolled in phase two of the hospitals vaccine trials earlier this year. But two weeks ago, his parents discovered he had gotten a placebo shot, so they quickly made an appointment for the real deal.

Monroes father is Jermaine Monroe, a hospital administrator and co-chair of its COVID Task Force working to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccine in the Houston area. The elder Monroe said he enrolled his son in the trial to break the stigma of persons of color not getting their kids vaccinated and because he was confident in its efficacy.

Doctors themselves have kids in the trials because they believe in the safety of the vaccine, he said.

The younger Monroe said he was excited and nervous to meet the first lady, but not star-struck.

Im hoping to be president myself one day, he said.
DANIEL SLIM, Contributor / AFP via Getty Images

A Cypress woman is accused of assaulting a United Airlines flight attendant after the flight attendant tapped the passenger's sleeping husband on the shoulder and asked him to put his mask back on during a flight from Alaska to San Francisco.

Debby Dutton, 50, is charged with interference with an aircraft flight by assault upon a flight attendant in San Francisco federal court, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of California. The alleged assault occurred on June 29. Dutton appeared in federal court in Houston on Friday, Nov. 12.
Alice Torres and her family have been trying since early 2019 to receive aid from a program meant to help repair damage from Hurricane Harvey. Every time theyve provided requested documents, she says, the program later asks for more.

So when she received a notification in a group message with other Harvey survivors that the Texas General Land Office was soon closing its doors to uncompleted Harvey Homeowner Assistance Programs in Houston and Harris County, her heart sank.

Im between a rock and a hard place, she said. I just want this to go through  so we can be at peace.

It was the latest instance of confusion surrounding the programs. A GLO spokesperson said the alarm felt by those such as Torres who believe they will be shut out of the program after months or years entangled in an involved intake process is misplaced. Applications are considered completed if theyve been submitted, and those going back and forth about required documentation wont be shut out at the deadline, which was originally this Friday before it was extended to Dec. 31.

But theres a bigger point of confusion: Even with the time to sort out their documents and prove they qualify for the program, the majority of Houston applicants will not receive aid.

Questions about Harvey Homeowners Assistance? The Texas General Land Office says it takes questions by email and phone: houston.glo@recovery.texas.gov harriscounty.glo@recovery.texas.gov 1-866-317-1998 See More Collapse

Thats because the Houston program already has enough applications in its pipeline to claim all of the funds allocated to homeowners in the city, according to the GLO.

While the GLO did not break out the numbers for Houston and Harris Countys individual programs, between the two, more than 12,000 applications have already been submitted. There are funds to help only about 3,000, roughly half of which have already been approved. The program that is oversubscribed, the GLO said, is Houstons.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston homeowners say state is coercing them to rebuild smalle homes with Harvey funds

The Harvey Homeowner Assistance Programs have different allocations for different regions: $425 million for Houston homeowners, $286 million for Harris County homeowners who live outside of Houston and $1.3 billion for homeowners elsewhere in the state (this program closed its applications in December 2019).

If Harris Countys program does not use all of its funding, excess funds may be moved to Houstons program, said the GLO spokesperson, Brittany Eck. She also suggested it was possible the city of Houston could add additional funds. If the program receives additional funds, the wait list of unserved applications will be reviewed for eligibility in the order submitted.

Everyone believes theyre going to get aid, said Julia Orduna, regional director for the housing advocacy group Texas Housers. That theyll only do 3,000 in the entire county when we already know that the need is greater is not something that I think has been put into perspective.

The fact that many Houstonians have been living in flood-damaged homes for more than four years can be attributed in part to the political sparring between the Democrat-led city and Republican-led GLO over control of the program. Houston, which first ran the program, accused the GLO of continually changing its eligibility requirements, slowing the processing of applications that suddenly needed additional documents. The GLO accused Houston of being slow to disburse the funds. In 2020, the GLO took over the program, a transition that confused many homeowners.

It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, Torres said of her familys protracted struggle with Hurricane Harvey damage to their Glenbrook Valley home north of Hobby Airport.

They had both homeowners insurance and flood insurance at the time of the storm; when the flood insurance did not cover all of the necessary repairs, such as replacing the flooring and cabinetry, they took out a loan to pay a private contractor who disappeared with their money. Though nonprofits have helped return the kitchen and bathrooms to working order, the family is still living with windows broken by the hurricane, damaged gutters and mold growing in the ceiling. Many of their possessions have been stored in boxes and stashed in the garage for years, awaiting the day when the home is restored.

The process for seeking aid has been complex. After her mother, with whom she lived and whose name was on the deed, died from COVID in 2020, Torres had to start the process over. Most recently, she said, the program asked for a document from her brother  the other heir  giving permission for the application. After she provided it, she said she was told it wasnt needed after all. But she has yet to receive any confirmation that the application is complete.

That families such as her own are still awaiting disaster aid four years later seemed to Torres a Kafkaesque failure of government.

This happened four years ago, she said. And the scary part is that this isnt going to be the last hurricane. This is not going to be the last natural disaster. And they have yet to learn how to do this effectively and efficiently.  Its the people who are left holding the bag.

rebecca.schuetz@chron.com

twitter.com/raschuetz
Regarding On Veterans Day, a mural to Marcario Garcia connects generations of brotherhood, (Nov. 11): On Veterans Day, the Chronicle featured two different stories about being American. A new mural in Houstons East End commemorates World War II decorated veteran Marcario Garcia, who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism under fire. Garcia, who wasnt even a citizen when he enlisted, became the first Mexican to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. Returning home after President Truman had personally bestowed his medal, Garcia was ordered out of an all-white restaurant in Richmond, Texas. When he protested, the owners pressed charges, which were later dropped.

At his trial, Scott Fairlamb pled guilty to breaking into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. As he was leaving that day, he approached police officers, shouting, Are you an American? Act like it! and then shoved a police officer and punched his face. Fairlamb was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

Being American isnt about what you look like, where you live, or how you worship. Being American means loving America  its aspirations, its faith in ordinary people, its hope and its laws. Around the world, freedom-loving people have taken courage from Americas example, and are American in their hearts.

But some Americans believe might makes right, and have attacked our government at home. Nobody elected armed vigilantes, however patriotic they claim they are. Trying to replace legitimate authority with whoever has the most firepower and the fewest scruples means the death of democracy and everything people everywhere believed America to be.

Nancy Perich Daly, Houston

Regarding EXPLAINER: Who has the Jan. 6 panel subpoenaed  and why? (Nov. 11): The more I read, the more I am struck by the parallels between the tragedy at the Astroworld Festival and the capitol riot of Jan. 6. Both events were instigated by charismatic performers who feed the rage of a devoted following. In fact, the unleashing of that rage seemed to be the ultimate goal of both events. In neither case did those involved in planning make adequate preparation for the consequences of that rage. And, once that rage was set in motion, the respective instigators, Travis Scott and President Trump, were slow in responding. As a result, law enforcement and security forces were overwhelmed and people were crushed in the melee. Just as the organizers of Astroworld need to be held to account, so too must our former president and those who planned the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Ron Siemers, Houston

Conservatism

Regarding How conservatives can get nationalism right, (Nov. 12): From some academic vacuum, columnist Henry Olsen labors under the delusion that Locke and de Montesquieu have any currency in the modern American Right. Where a so-called Freedom Caucus advocates the banning of books. Where 13 congressional Republicans have been branded as traitors for voting on a bipartisan infrastructure bill promised, but never delivered, by the previous Republican administration. Where extremists routinely make death threats against politicians, election workers, health care professionals and school boards  while party leaders refuse to disavow or distance themselves.

There is no Enlightened ideology left in the husk of American conservatism, certainly no application of it on the political ground. Instead, it more resembles a radicalized fundamentalist cult devoted to one individual whose own beliefs are impossible to pin down. Meanwhile, that radicalism grows more toxic with every election cycle. I cant tell if Olsen is wishing us back to normal, or burying his head in the sand and pretending were already there. Either way, conservatism has a much further way to go.

Robert Campbell, Katy
Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the signing of the infrastructure bill Monday afternoon, his office announced.

President Joe Biden will sign the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed earlier this month. The measure will fund rebuilding roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water and improve access to high-speed internet.
While Democrat Beto ORourke kept the political world waiting, Gov. Greg Abbott was striking early in ruby red conservative bastions with his reelection campaign to shore up his defenses and make his pitch directly to Hispanic voters.

In the last week, Abbott has made campaign stops in Midland and Corpus Christi at events sponsored by Hispanic Republican groups where he has slammed Democrats for promoting what he calls socialist economic policies that threaten the Texas economy.

Heres the deal: We know that Hispanics, they support the high-paying energy sector jobs that we have in Texas. And you support energy independence for the United States of America, said Abbott, who twice during his speech reminded the crowd of more than 200 people that his wife, Cecilia Abbott, is Hispanic. We see Joe Biden and the Democrats killing those high-paying energy jobs.

And it didnt take long for Abbott to zero in on ORourke, the El Paso Democrat who announced Monday hes getting into the race. ORourke, 49, has to decide by Dec. 13, the deadline for Republicans and Democrats to file papers to get on March 1 primary ballots.

Key upcoming 2022 election dates Saturday: Candidate qualifying period began Dec. 13: Candidate qualifying period ends Jan. 15: Overseas and military ballots are sent out for the primary elections Jan. 31: Last day to register to vote in the primary elections Feb. 14: Early voting begins for the primary elections Feb. 25: Early voting ends for the primary elections March 1: Primary election begins May 23: Primary runoff elections Source: Texas Division of Elections See More Collapse

Though ORourke just announced he's in the race, hes been jabbing at Abbott for months, blasting him for his handling of the pandemic and the failures of the power grid that left millions of Texas without heat and electricity during the February winter storm. Hes also been critical of Abbott sending thousands of police and National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border, which he has called a political ploy.

IN-DEPTH: 5 reasons Beto ORourke is a better candidate for Texas governor than he was for president in 2019

Abbott made sure to remind Republicans at a honky-tonk in Corpus Christi about the Democrats statements during his campaign for president in 2019, when he declared, Hell, yes, were going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.

Abbott, who is seeking a third term as governor, said he signed gun rights legislation into law this year that will prohibit Joe Biden from coming in and taking your guns the way that Beto ORourke said he was going to do.

When ORourke made those comments in 2019 during a Democratic primary debate in Houston, it was just two weeks after a gunman killed seven and wounded 22 others during a shooting spree in Midland and Odessa. A month earlier, a different gunman used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 23 people at a Walmart in ORourkes hometown of El Paso.

ORourke said talking to the mother of a teenager who bled to death on the sidewalk in Odessa after being shot with an AR-15 convinced him that just banning future sales is not enough  assault-style rifles need to be taken off the streets with a mandatory gun buyback program.

You saw the energy in the room

Abbott is already going after ORourke on TV, too.

Abbott sees ORourkes vulnerabilities as border security, gun control, health care and climate change policy, judging from the three different 30-second ads he has put out over the last month. Abbott brought up all four of those topics in his speech Nov. 7 at Brewster Street Icehouse in Corpus Christi.

It all shows that Abbott is taking O'Rourke more seriously than U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz did in the early months of the 2018 campaign for the Senate.

ORourke went from a regional candidate few had ever heard of outside of El Paso to a household name in Texas by running a viral, go-everywhere campaign that shattered national fundraising records and caught Cruz by surprise. The skateboarding former punk rock guitarist raised a then-record $79 million for his campaign and lost to Cruz by 2.6 percentage points.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/5-reasons-Beto-O-Rourke-is-a-better-candidate-16484540.php

In 2019, ORourke was an early front-runner for the Democratic nomination for president until Joe Biden jumped into the race. ORourkes campaign struggled after that, both financially and in the polls. Republicans are convinced ORourke veered too far to the left to appeal to Democratic voters, hurting him with the moderate voters in Texas who viewed him favorably in 2018. Like Abbott did Nov. 7, moderate voters frequently point to the gun control issues as a sticking point.

Abbott, who turned 64 on Saturday, made clear in an interview after his speech in Corpus Christi that he will travel all over Texas to prepare for 2022.

You saw the energy in the room tonight, Abbott said after shaking hands and posing for pictures with supporters for almost an hour after his speech. People are excited for the elections coming up.

He said that coming off the Republicans big election wins in Virginia this month, hes convinced the momentum in 2022 is with the GOP.

But before Abbott can go head to-head with ORourke and the Democrats, he first has to get through something of a rarity in his political career: a GOP primary.

Emphasize the border

After winning seven statewide political campaigns dating back to 1996 with no significant Republican primary challengers, Abbotts facing at least two major contenders. Former Florida Congressman Allen West and former state Sen. Don Huffines both announced earlier this year that they are taking on Abbott, whom they have criticized for being too heavy-handed during the pandemic, citing mandates for masks and business closures Abbott enacted during the pandemic, before there was a vaccine available.

West and Huffines have already been crisscrossing the state. Huffines has put up billboards and bought TV commercials going after Abbott.

Abbott didnt address either of them or the primary in his speeches in Corpus Christi or Midland, but his attempt to fire up Republicans in otherwise safe GOP territory shows hes also not taking his primary lightly.

We are taking nothing for granted, said Dave Carney, Abbotts senior campaign adviser.

Abbott is doing the right thing by showing up in places such as Nueces County and focusing on the border and the oil industry, said Maria Luthiger, vice chair of the San Patricio County Republican Party, who was among those to attend his event. She said those issues are vital to South Texas and that Republicans have to stay focused on them if they are going to run up big numbers.

He needs to be even more aggressive on the border, Luthiger said. He has to use the power he has and emphasize the border.

Brandon Hodge of Corpus Christi said it was good to see Abbott spending time working the grassroots of the Republican Party in Nueces County. He said it wasnt long ago that Corpus Christi was a battleground with Democrats, but Republicans have really started to pull away.

Former President Donald Trump narrowly carried Nueces County by 1 percentage point in 2016 and expanded that to 3 percentage points in 2020. ORourke proved to be the exception in 2018, when he carried the county over Cruz.

Republicans across Texas see an opening with Hispanic voters, given how much better Trump did in counties along the Rio Grande than many expected in 2020. While he still lost key counties along the border, Trump did 10 percentage points or better compared with 2016 in Cameron, Hidalgo and Webb counties  three of the most populous counties along the border, with huge Hispanic populations.

Abbott said he believes illegal immigration is a big issue pushing more Hispanic voters in South Texas toward the Republican Party.

That is something that people are coming to realize, Abbott said after his speech. Hispanic voters do care about true border security, and they disagree with open border policies.

The open borders attacks from Republicans ignore that the Biden administration has kept travel from Mexico limited for most of the year and has continued to immediately expel thousands of immigrants who cross the border using a public health order enacted by Trump during the pandemic.

Saturday was a key date in the start of the 2022 election cycle, in which most of the statewide elected offices in Texas plus every U.S. House seat and every seat in the Legislature will be up for reelection. Saturday was the beginning of candidate qualifying, when anyone wanting to get on the March 1 primary ballots must pay a fee or submit a petition to run. The qualifying period ends Dec. 13.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Human Rights Foundation requests Justin Bieber, others drop shows as 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

The Human Rights Foundation has called upon celebrities including Justin Bieber, David Guetta, Jason Derulo, and more to drop out of their scheduled shows in Saudi Arabia due to the human rights issues in the nation.

A guest post by Ian Courtney of Celebrity Access

International advocacy group The Human Rights Foundation has called on Canadian recording artist Justin Bieber to cancel a scheduled performance at the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021, a state-sponsored music festival funded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

The Human Rights Foundation noted that Saudi Arabia has an appalling human rights record and urged Bieber to boycott the event and instead use his global stature to issue a statement in support of human rights in the nation.

It would be disastrous for Justin Bieber, an artist with a vast global following, and who is idolized by millions, to be used as a pawn by MBS murderous regime, said HRF President Celine Assaf-Boustani. Instead of giving into MBS plot to launder his image, as other artists have done since MBS ascent to power, Mr. Bieber should follow the lead of his fellow artist Nicki Minaj, who boldly shut down MBS and refused to perform for him.

In particular, the HFR claims that Bieber would be profiting off of a government that criminalizes homosexuality and in April 2019, were reported to have beheaded five gay men who confessed their sexual orientation after being subjected to torture.

As someone who has articulated a commitment to civil rights and social justice, Mr. Bieber should stay true to his words and use his platform to raise awareness about the atrocities being perpetrated every day in Saudi Arabia, especially against members of the LGBTQ+ community, added Assaf-Boustani. This performance would stand in stark contrast to the core values he claims to subscribe to. Music is not just a business, but also an influential art form that should not be purchased by a brutal dictatorship.

The Human Rights Foundation also cited the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose murder was confirmed by Agnes Callamard, who, at the time, was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary killings.

HRF also sent letters to A$AP Rocky, David Guetta, Tiesto, Jason Derulo, and Mohamed Hamaki calling on them to drop out of their participation in the event as well.

A representative for Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Ventfort Hall Presents Certified Psychic Medium

LENOX, Mass. "Messages from Heaven" with Certified Psychic Medium Rebecca Anne LoCicero is a group presentation during which she will atempt to communicate with the afterlife.

She will appear at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

"My messages come through with bold validation while challenging audience skepticism and bringing healing," LoCicero said. "This communication with the dead is presented with compassion through validating readings for attending guests."

Rules will be read at the start of the session, followed by readings and closing with Q&A. Any attendee under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

"Messages from Heaven" is LoCicero's trademark presentation involving "readings" for those who have lost loved ones. She has presented her program at www.thebeyondcenter.com on Thursday nights for over fourteen years as well as in almost fifty states through retreats, conferences, businesses and client gatherings.

She is the proprietor of The Beyond Center in Vernon, Conn., where she hosts private sessions, teaches classes and holds small presentations. Each year, she produces Connecticut's largest Psychic & Beyond Expos. Two years ago, the program included eighty vendors and 2,000 attendees.

LoCicero is the contributing author of "Adventures in Manifesting: Success and Spirituality," the illustrator for "I Am the Beyond" and the author of "Living with Messages from Heaven: A Guide to Conversations with the Beyond." She is an advisory board member of the Spirit Alliance for COPE presented by the Yale Mental Health Department, which is presently studying the connections between seeing and hearing voices.

The admission for the LoCicero talk is $40 per person at Ventfort Hall. Reservations for attending the talk are required by calling 413-637-3206. Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event. Proof of vaccination, ID and masks are required. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
SVMC is First in Vermont to Receive American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation

BENNINGTON, Vt.  The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has granted a 4-year accreditation to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), for its Practice Transition Program.

It is the first program in the state and one of only 208 in the United States to have received the accreditation.

"This new distinction validates that SVMC is a wonderful place to start your career in nursing," said Pamela Duchene, the chief nursing officer and vice president for Patient Care Services at SVMC. "It shows that we are following evidence-based practice to support our new nurses. That improves recruitment and retention in ways that make a big impact on maintaining the very high quality of care we provide."

Receiving the accreditation required a years-long expansion of the program to welcome new graduate nurses. In the past, SVMC welcomed new nurse graduates with an internship, which included 1  2 weeks of intensive classroom time and an orientation on the unit. Alongside a nurse trainer, known in health care as a preceptor, they demonstrated competence in their specialty with a standardized validation tool before being released to work with patients independently. Managers and educators checked to ensure that they were on track and that they had all the support that they needed.

"We approached this accreditation, because we were interested in doing more to welcome new nurses in a way that would contribute both to the excellent quality of care SVMC is known for and long and rewarding careers for our nurses," said Program Director Alison Camarda.

In February 2018, SVMC hired more new nurses in the Emergency Department than usual. Instead of a solid block of classroom time, this group had just three days of classroom time before beginning one on one work with their preceptors. They met once or twice a month for a curriculum and discussion. The combination allowed them to identify potential challenges and bring them to the group sessions, which facilitated shared learning among participants.

"We knew it was really good right from the start. The new nurses seemed to learn their jobs more quickly and were more satisfied with their work," Camarda said. "In fact, all of the participants are still employed in the department today."

They replicated the program for summer cohorts in 2018 and 2019, and by 2020, they were ready to launch the first nursing residency for new graduates throughout the hospital. It's called the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Transition to Practice Program. Participants received a week of classroom instruction and met for a day once a month for six months. The program has since been extended to 12 months, which allows new graduate nurses to join the program at any time.

The year-long program connects RNs with nurse educators, leaders, and skilled preceptors for mentorship. It incorporates clinical skills assessments and hones the interpersonal and organizational skills needed to coordinate care with a team of health care providers on the job. Topics for group sessions include communication, leadership, inter-professional teamwork, evidence-based practice, and ethics. Skill sessions provided new graduate nurses opportunities to gain confidence in the hands-on aspects of their work.

To earn the accreditation, a transition-to-practice program must show how it is meeting the ideal program criteria. There are more than 30 standards that the program must meet. For instance, the ANCC asks applicants to, "describe and demonstrate how residents are assimilated into the organization."

SVMC had to provide an in-depth answer and an example of the process in action. The application document featured 117 pages of descriptions and examples. In addition, a three-person team from ANCC conducted a virtual site visit to validate the document.

SVMC submitted additional materials, which demonstrated achievement of five additional standards, in order to receive the accreditation "with distinction." Beyond that, the ANCC appraisers commented on the extraordinary commitment from every level of the team, including the organizational leadership, nursing leadership, program faculty, and preceptors.

The June 2020 cohort included 13 participants or "residents" and 14 preceptors. Nurses from the Emergency Department, the Medical/Surgical units, and Women's and Children's Services participated in the inaugural year. Because they were the only units who had graduates during the accreditation period, they are the only ones that are officially accredited. New graduate nurses from all hospital units have the same benefits, and their departments will be added to the hospital's accreditation as graduates complete the program.

As in the past, each nurses' skills are validated before they begin regular patient interaction.

Katherine Doucette, BSN, RN, in the Emergency Department was in the first group to complete the nurse residency program. "The support that we got, the number of educational opportunities," she said. "And the organization of the program made the transition to practice a lot less stressful."

Brittany Priggen, BSN, RN, was also in the first group and went on to become a preceptor for the current group.

"There's just so much minutiae in nursing, and it's all important," she said. "The program helped me learn the skills and gain knowledge, but it also helped me build my confidence in nursing. I learned how to access my resources, manage my time, prioritize, and sharpen my assessment skills."

The program also ensures nurses have the emotional support they need, Priggen explains. "It teaches you that you can ask for help. That it is OK." She especially valued the connections she made with her director, preceptor, and mentor throughout the program. "You can tell that your success as a nurse is important to them."

Maintaining the accreditation requires reporting annually. The accreditation by the ANCC is valid for four years. As a part of the accreditation, the program is also noted as an Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program by the U.S. Department of Labor.

"The accreditation sends a message to nurses everywhere that if you come to SVMC to start your career, you will be met with evidence-based approaches designed specifically to support you in your transition to clinical practice," said Duchene.
FILE - Employees of two departments at the Smithfield pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, S.D. report to work on Monday, May 4, 2020, as the plant moved to reopen after a coronavirus outbreak infected workers. Federal workplace safety regulators announced Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, they have reached an agreement with Smithfield Foods to settle a contested citation of the company's coronavirus safety measures during a massive outbreak last year at a South Dakota pork processing plant.
On November 14, the Sudanese authorities arrested the bureau chief of Al Jazeera in his home in Khartoum. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urges the Sudanese authorities to release him immediately.

A man chants slogans near a flying Sudanese national flag as people protesting against the military coup in Sudan demonstrate in "Street 60" in the east of capital Khartoum on November 13, 2021. AFP

El Musalmi El Kabbashi, Sudans bureau chief for Al Jazeera, was arrested at night after the military forces raided his home. His arrest is likely in connection with the broadcaster's live coverage of the anti-coup protests taking place in Sudan since last months military coup.

In a statement, Al Jazeera condemned "in the strongest terms the reprehensible actions of the military and calls on the authorities to release El Kabbashi immediately and to allow its journalists to operate unhindered, free to practice their profession without fear or intimidation."

Crackdown on media

Sudanese authorities routinely arrest media workers and prevent agencies from doing their work in Sudan while several media outlets have been suspended.

In July 2021, Sudanese security forces had arrested Al Jazeera journalist Ali Abou Shaleh for a few hours while he was covering anti-government protests in Khartoum. In the same month, the Sudanese authorities blocked more than 30 news websites in the run up to protests demanding the resignation of the government, while in October 2021, several journalists were arrested and media offices stormed during the unfolding of a military coup in Khartoum.

The IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: Journalists in Sudan must be allowed to do their work without intimidations, threats, and arbitrary arrests. The authorities must release Musalmi El Kabbashi immediately and drop all charges against him. This is an unacceptable attack on press freedom.
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The Indian power sector presents opportunities for foreign investors due to increased industrial consumption and renewable push for electricity generation. India allows 100% FDI into the sector and has plans to monetize assets in the power transmission and power generation sectors. The Electricity Amendment Bill, 2020 if passed, will allow for new market entrants, favoring private sector players, and increasing scope of green energy. The government is keen to reform the Indian power sector by increasing privatization, inviting technology transfers through greater foreign investment, and reducing the extent of distribution and transmission losses.

The evolution of the Indian power sector, a core pillar of infrastructure, has been the key driver of Indias socioeconomic growth. Indias diverse power sector depends on conventional sources like coal, natural gas, and oil to hydro, nuclear energy, wind, solar, and bio-waste etc. The country is both a leader in global energy production and consumption, next only to China and the US.

In recent times, there has been a visible increase in the deployment of clean renewables and grid-connected distributed generation. Given the expanding demand due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, the Indian power sector presents huge opportunities to global investors. It is forecast that the countrys electricity demand will surge at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of seven percent to reach 1894.70 Terawatt-hour (TWh) by FY 2022. At the same time, current annual demand outstrips supply by 7.5 percent, implying the need for more capacity installation.

The power sector was temporarily hit due to market disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but is on its way to a swift recovery, led by a slew of robust measures  such as the of privatization of electricity distribution companies (discoms) in the Union Territories, the special liquidity infusion of INR 900 billion (US$12.16 billion) into distribution utilities, and the increased focus on consumer rights.

Outlook for the Indian power sector for 2022 looks promising propelled by improved investor sentiment shaped by developments like the implementation of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for solar photovoltaic modules and gradual replacement of coal by other renewable energy sources. The Electricity Amendment Bill 2020, which will delicense power distribution and open the sector to new players, is currently under consideration by industry experts and bureaucratic bodies. A key push of the bill is obligating discoms to buy a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources. Opposition to the bill raises concerns of national regulators overruling state regulators and fears of a concentration of cherry-picked private players.

Opportunities for foreign investment in Indias power sector

Indias electricity consumption patterns are indicative of surging demand, presenting opportunities for foreign investors. The industrial sector accounted for 42 percent of total energy consumption in FY 2019. The sector is projected to attract investment worth INR 9.5 trillion (US$135.37 billion) between FY 2019 to FY 2023. In the last two decades, the power sector in India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$15.36 billion, accelerated by the liberalized FDI policy allowing 100 percent on the automatic route.

As per the federal governments National Infrastructure Pipeline (2019-2025), energy sector projects accounted for 24 percent of the total expected capital expenditure of US$1.4 trillion, the highest share among all sectors. In addition, the ambitious National Monetization Pipeline (2021-2025) is also a major push in the direction, seeking investments worth INR 452 billion (US$6.12 billion) and INR 398 billion (US$5.40 billion) by monetizing assets in the power transmission and power generation sectors, respectively. The government intends to reap the benefits of foreign investment as well as associated technology transfer for modernization of the Indian power sector, while simultaneously promising mutually beneficial returns.

Indias power sector: An overview

As of June 2021, India is the third-largest producer and second-largest consumer of electricity in the world, with an installed power capacity of 384.11 Gigawatt (GW). India generated 1506 TWh of electricity in 2020, followed by China (7790 TWh) and US (4286.6 TWh). Furthermore, as of 2020, India ranked fourth in wind power, fifth in solar power, and fourth in renewable power installed capacity.

In fact, Indias energy firms have a significant global footing with firms like Reliance Industries Ltd. and Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. ranking 19th and 25th respectively, according to the S&P Global Platts Top 250 Global Energy Rankings 2019.

In financial year (FY) 2021, the total electricity generation in India from conventional sources stood at 1234.44 billion units (BU), comprising of thermal energy (1,032.39 BU), hydro energy (150.30 BU) and nuclear energy (42.94 BU). The electricity generation saw a decline of 11.1 percent in 2021 as compared to 1389.1 BU in FY 2020. Between FY 2016 to FY 2021, electricity production in India increased at a CAGR of one percent.

In FY 2022 (until June 2021), the total thermal installed capacity in India stood at 234.05 GW. The installed capacity of renewable, hydro, and nuclear energy totaled 96.95 GW, 46.32 GW, and 6.78 GW, respectively. By 2022, India also has a target to achieve total production of 227 GW from renewable resources, of which 114 GW will be produced from solar power. As part of the green corridor project, power lines would transmit 20 GW of power capacity from 34 solar parks across 21 states.

Sources of power in India

Thermal: The thermal sector contributes 60.9 percent of total electricity generation in India. Coal: India has vast reserves of coal. By June 2021, the total installed coal thermal power capacity in India stood at 202.00 GW. By 2022, it is expected to witness total installed capacity addition of 47.86 GW. By 2040, this capacity is expected to reach 330-441 GW. Gas and lignite: Indias gas thermal power capacity stood at 24.9 GW, as of June 2021. By 2022, it is expected to witness total installed capacity addition of 0.41 GW. Lignite thermal power capacity stood at 6.62 GW as of June 2021. Diesel: Indias diesel thermal power capacity stood at approximately 0.51 GW, as of June 2021.

The thermal sector contributes 60.9 percent of total electricity generation in India. Renewable: The renewable sector contributes 25.2 percent of total electricity generation in India, with wind energy being the largest renewable energy source. Projects like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, which aims to generate 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022, are creating a positive environment among investors keen to exploit Indias renewables potential. There are plans to set up four solar power plants of 1 GW each. As of June 2021, India had 96.95 GW of renewable energy capacity. The target is to achieve installed capacity of 227 GW by FY22.

The renewable sector contributes 25.2 percent of total electricity generation in India, with wind energy being the largest renewable energy source. Projects like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, which aims to generate 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022, are creating a positive environment among investors keen to exploit Indias renewables potential. There are plans to set up four solar power plants of 1 GW each. As of June 2021, India had 96.95 GW of renewable energy capacity. The target is to achieve installed capacity of 227 GW by FY22. Hydro : Given the large number of rivers and water bodies in the country, India has massive potential for developing hydropower. The hydro sector contributes 12.1 percent of total electricity generation in India. As of June 2021, Indias hydro power generating capacity stood at 46.32 GW. By 2022, it is expected to witness total installed capacity addition of 6.82 GW.

Given the large number of rivers and water bodies in the country, India has massive potential for developing hydropower. The hydro sector contributes 12.1 percent of total electricity generation in India. As of June 2021, Indias hydro power generating capacity stood at 46.32 GW. By 2022, it is expected to witness total installed capacity addition of 6.82 GW. Nuclear: The nuclear sector contributes 1.8 percent of total electricity generation in India. As of June 2021, India had 6.78 GW of installed nuclear capacity. With one of the worlds largest reserves of thorium, India has immense untapped potential in nuclear energy. By 2022, total installed capacity addition of 3.30 GW is expected.

Space for startups in the energy sector

The urgent push for renewable energy capacity expansion has thrown light on various inefficiencies in the sector and exposed the long-standing challenges plaguing Indias power transmission infrastructure.

Over the last few years, several technology startups have emerged in this space, providing end-to-end solutions for market providers and final consumers.

Some prominent examples are:

ReNew Power

Funding US$2 billion

A wind energy firm with various projects under development, including a 25 megawatt wind farm in Gujarat.

Funding US$2 billion A wind energy firm with various projects under development, including a 25 megawatt wind farm in Gujarat. Bounce

Funding US$252.7 million

Bangalore-based startup that manages over 17,000 electric and gasoline scooters.

Funding US$252.7 million Bangalore-based startup that manages over 17,000 electric and gasoline scooters. Avaada Energy

Owned by Vineet Mittal, the former promoter of Welspun Energy. Mittal left Welspun Group after selling the entire 1.1 GW renewable energy portfolio of Welspun Energy to Tata Power for US$1.4 billion. As reported by MoneyControl, Avaada Energy is front-runner to acquire around 340 MW of solar power assets owned by the Subhash Chandra-backed Essel Group. The assets are housed in nine special purpose vehicles (SPVs) of Essel Infraprojects located in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.

Owned by Vineet Mittal, the former promoter of Welspun Energy. Mittal left Welspun Group after selling the entire 1.1 GW renewable energy portfolio of Welspun Energy to Tata Power for US$1.4 billion. As reported by MoneyControl, Avaada Energy is front-runner to acquire around 340 MW of solar power assets owned by the Subhash Chandra-backed Essel Group. The assets are housed in nine special purpose vehicles (SPVs) of Essel Infraprojects located in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. ZunRoof

Based in Gurugram, the clean energy startup leverages unutilized rooftops of houses and offices to set up panels to tap solar energy. It claims to have grown 3-4X year-on-year to hit US$1 million in monthly revenue in February 2020 as reported by YourStory. As of August 18, 2020, the startup had assessed over 250,000 homes, designed more than 30,000 rooftop solar systems across 75+ cities in India[and] installed 15 MW+ of rooftop solar and 50,000+ IoT devices.

Based in Gurugram, the clean energy startup leverages unutilized rooftops of houses and offices to set up panels to tap solar energy. It claims to have grown 3-4X year-on-year to hit US$1 million in monthly revenue in February 2020 as reported by YourStory. As of August 18, 2020, the startup had assessed over 250,000 homes, designed more than 30,000 rooftop solar systems across 75+ cities in India[and] installed 15 MW+ of rooftop solar and 50,000+ IoT devices. MYSUN

Delhi based, founded by Gagan Vermani. End-to-end solar rooftop solar solutions provider and has tied-up with various manufacturers for the procurement of solar systems. MYSUN has reportedly completed solar projects for Du Pont and Godrej and several SMEs across multiple states. In 2020, MYSUN said it had more than 80,000 registered customers in commercial, residential, and retail spaces.

Policies governing the Indian power sector

The India power sector is mainly governed by the Electricity Act, 2003. Other policies and projects impacting the sector are:

National Policy on Biofuels (2018) : The Indian federal government approved the National Policy on Biofuels in 2018 to aid the transition to a clean environment, generate employment, reduce import dependency, and boost infrastructural investment in rural areas.

: The Indian federal government approved the National Policy on Biofuels in 2018 to aid the transition to a clean environment, generate employment, reduce import dependency, and boost infrastructural investment in rural areas. National Electricity Policy, 2021: In April 2021, the Ministry of Power released the draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2021.

In April 2021, the Ministry of Power released the draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2021. Green Energy Corridor Project: Under the Union Budget 2021-22, the government has allocated INR 30 billion (US$40.54 million) to increase the capacity of green energy production under the Green Energy Corridor Project, along with INR 11 billion (US$148.65 million) for wind and INR 23.69 billion (US$ 320.15 million) for solar power projects.

Under the Union Budget 2021-22, the government has allocated INR 30 billion (US$40.54 million) to increase the capacity of green energy production under the Green Energy Corridor Project, along with INR 11 billion (US$148.65 million) for wind and INR 23.69 billion (US$ 320.15 million) for solar power projects. Ultra-Mega Power Projects (UMPPs) : Tariff-based competitive bidding to facilitate ease of land possession, provision of fuel, water, and necessary clearances for enhancing investor confidence.

: Tariff-based competitive bidding to facilitate ease of land possession, provision of fuel, water, and necessary clearances for enhancing investor confidence. R-APDRP: This platform links the disbursement of federal funds to states, with actual reduction in transmission and distribution losses. So far, projects worth more than US$5.8 billion have been sanctioned under it.

This platform links the disbursement of federal funds to states, with actual reduction in transmission and distribution losses. So far, projects worth more than US$5.8 billion have been sanctioned under it. In 2018, a draft amendment to Electricity Act, 2003 was introduced to ensure separation of content & carriage, direct benefit transfer of subsidy, 247 power supply as an obligation, penalization on violation of power purchase agreement (PPA), setting up smart meter and prepaid meters along with regulations related to the same.

Additionally, other policy measures like Feed-in Tariff scheme for promoting generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, Smart Meters, Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme etc., have contributed to the growth of the sector.

Moreover, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) notified its latest regulation, dated October 2021, about the Manner and Intervals for Conduct of Energy Audit in Electricity Distribution Companies. This is expected to ensure better measurement and tracking of the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses of electricity distribution companies (discoms). See New Audit Norms for Indian Electricity Distribution Companies to Reduce Transmission and Distribution Losses.

Major players in the Indian power sector

NTPC, a statutory corporation under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Power, is the largest power producer in India and is also the sixth-largest thermal power producer in the world. It has diversified into hydro power, coal mining, power equipment manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, power trading and distribution. With a total installed capacity of 65.81 GW, NTPC has 73 power stations comprising 24 coal, seven combined cycle gas/liquid fuel, one large and small hydro and 14 renewables, along with 26 subsidiary and joint venture (JV) power stations.

Tata Power is Indias largest integrated power company with presence in solar, hydro, wind and geothermal energy. The company accounts for 52 percent of the total generation capacity in the private sector.

Adani Power is one of Indias largest private thermal power producers, with total capacity at 12.45 GW in 2019; the company aims to generate 20 GW of power by 2020.

NHPC, the Indian government hydropower board under the ownership of Ministry of Power, is the largest hydro power utility in India with extensive plan to add about 6 GW of hydropower capacity by 2022.

CESC Limited is a vertically integrated player engaged in coal mining and generation and distribution of power.

Renewable energy pivot to drive new investments, capacity generation

Indias commitment to transitioning to green energy is consistent with its recent pledge at the 26th Conference of Parties in Glasgow. India aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 and is swiftly shifting its policies to reduce heavy dependence on coal.

The importance of such objectives comes in the aftermath of an unprecedented power outage experienced in October 2021 due to supply shortage of coal in the thermal power plants in the states of Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The power crises crippled some of the most energy hungry industries, highlighting the urgent need to switch to alternative non-depleting sources of power generation.

According to the statutory policy advisory body Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates, by FY 2030, the share of renewable energy generation will increase from 18 percent to 44 percent, while that of thermal is expected to reduce from 78 percent to 52 percent. With respect to India, wind energy is the largest contributor to renewable energy, accounting for 41.23 percent of total installed capacity. It is followed by solar power, which is the second largest source of renewable energy in India. The Indian government intends to achieve 100 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2022. Additionally, 15 GW of hybrid capacity of wind-solar energy is expected to be installed by 2025.

In July 2021, the federal government-owned GAIL earmarked INR 50 billion (US$675.14 million) for setting up two plants each for producing ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG) from municipal waste. Simultaneously, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is also expected to construct five nuclear energy parks with a capacity of 10,000 MW.


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A few days after they visited a temple in Himachal Pradesh, their first public appearance together after Kundra was arrested in an alleged porn films case, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra have once found themselves in hot soup.

A cheating case was registered against the couple and others recently and Shetty said that she was in deep pain to see that. Trouble seems to be never-ending for them.

Instagram

(Also Read: Who Is Ripu Sudan AKA Raj Kundra? Everything You Need To Know About The Director Of 9 Companies)



Taking to Twitter, she wrote, "Woke up to an FIR registered in Raj and my name! Shocked! To set the record straight, SFL fitness, a venture run by Kashiff Khan. He had taken naming rights of brand SFL to open SFL fitness gyms around the country. All deals were struck by him and he was signatory in banking and day-to-day affairs. We are not aware of his transactions nor have we received a single rupee from him for the same. All franchisees dealth directly with Kashiff. The company closed in 2014 and was entirely handled by Kashiff Khan."

Instagram

"I have worked very hard over the last 28 years. And it pains me to see that my name and reputation is getting damaged and dragged so loosely. To get eyeballs. My rights as a law abiding proud citizen in India should be protected. With gratitude. Shilpa Shetty Kundra (sic)," she added.

For the unversed, Pune-based businessman Yash Barai has reportedly lodged a complaint against Kundra, Shetty and Fashion TV MD Kashiff Khan for breach of contract at Mumbai Police Bandra Police Station.



The complainant has claimed that he was lured to invest in a fitness scheme and was promised profits. However, that did not happen. When the complainant asked for the money back, he claimed, he was threatened. The incident allegedly took place in July 2014.



(Also Read: Sherlyn Chopra Accuses Raj Kundra Of Sexual Assault, Says She Had To Hide In The Washroom)






We all know the tragic way humans are polluting the planet. However, there are some good Samaritans out there who are working towards making things better so that our future generations do not suffer.

But do things go according to plan? Sometimes, the answer is no.

Shutterstock (Representational image)

A town in Denmark spent $150,000 (Rs 1,11,70,455) for cleaning a beach, and then dumped the debris back into the water. According to a report in Vice, Danish national broadcaster Danmarks Radio (DR) said that the bulldozer was found driving up and down the Stillinge beach in the Slagelse municipality twice a week during the summer months. A video released by DR shows the bulldozer driving a few yards into the water before dumping its contents into the sea."



Katherine Richardson, a professor in biological oceanography at the University of Copenhagen told Vice that the cleaning drive did nothing for nature.

On the contrary, it is bad for the small organisms that live between the small grains of sand that are torn through or crushed by the tractor. And of course there is far more of that than seaweed being collected. This is about one thingconvenience for beach goers," Richardson told Vice.

However, the move was defended by Deputy Mayor Villum Christensen and said that people wanted beaches as clean as they are in southern Europe.

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Henry County, Georgia, Police Officer Paramhans Desai is shown here with his wife, Ankita, and his two sons Om and Namah. The 38-year-old career law enforcement officer died Nov. 8 of a gunshot wound he had suffered four days earlier while intervening in a domestic dispute. (GoFundMe photo)
Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning light rain. High 52F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Showers early, then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High 52F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time.
The global reinsurance landscape is an interconnected, intertwined marketplace that continues to grow and evolve. As insurance companies, agencies, program administrators and other industry actors continue to expand their creative horizons and develop innovative insurance products, the need for reinsurance coverage has accelerated as well. The evolution of sophisticated insurtech managing general agents requiring fronting insurance company relationships has also driven the demand for more creative, international reinsurance solutions.

Just as emerging insurance needs generate a robust agency market, so have reinsurance intermediaries flourished in facilitating reinsurance covers around the world. Yet, the reinsurance intermediary regulatory landscape is intricate and unique. It is a common misconception to assume that reinsurance intermediaries are less-regulated than their insurance agency counterparts simply due to the fact that clients are sophisticated insurance company actors. When entrepreneurs consider the acquisition or disposition of a reinsurance intermediary firm, or when reinsurance intermediary executives and compliance officers are tasked with evaluating the permissibility of its operations, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of the legal landscape that reinsurance intermediaries must navigate. This article attempts to identify a few of the regulatory hurdles that reinsurance intermediaries must navigate to comply with U.S. law.

1. Most states separately regulate reinsurance intermediary-brokers and reinsurance intermediary-managers.

Most state reinsurance intermediary licensing laws are modeled after the Reinsurance Intermediary Model Act (RIMA) as promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Under the majority rule, a reinsurance intermediary is categorized as either a reinsurance intermediary-broker (RB) or a reinsurance intermediary-manager (RM). The difference between the two is which party the reinsurance intermediary is representing. If acting as a broker for the ceding company, the reinsurance intermediary is acting in a broker capacity. Whereas, when acting as agent for the reinsurer, reinsurance intermediaries are commonly referred to as managers.

Some states, such as New York, do not draw this distinction, but most states, as well as the RIMA, do. This distinction is important when contemplating an M&A transaction involving a reinsurance intermediary as the regulatory standards are quite different, as will be further discussed.

2. Licensing standards are relaxed in some, but not all, states for reinsurance intermediary firms.

Under the RIMA, a reinsurance intermediary that is licensed as an RB or insurance broker in at least one state need not necessarily hold a non-resident RB license in most other states. Rather, under Section 3.A of the RIMA, an RB need only hold an RB or insurance producer license in a state if it maintains an office in the state. Otherwise, as long as it holds an insurance producer or RB license in another state with substantially similar laws, no additional reinsurance intermediary licensure is required.

However, not all states follow the RIMAs standard. For example, New York requires a separate reinsurance intermediary license in the state to conduct any reinsurance intermediary business there (although New York provides an exemption for licensed insurance agents acting within the scope of their agency authority in the placement or acceptance of reinsurance on risks produced or managed by such agents, see N.Y. Ins. Law  2101(f)(3)). Some states, like North Carolina, require an application for an exemption from RB licensing, which is nearly as rigorous as applying for an actual RB license itself. There are over a dozen U.S. jurisdictions that differ from the RIMAs RB licensing standards in some respects.

RBs must also be aware of other licensing requirements. For example, if an RB also underwrites an amount of gross written premium equal to or more than five percent (5%) of the insurers policyholder surplus, it may need to obtain an MGA license or registration (in addition to an insurance producer license) in many states.

The licensing standards for RMs are similar to those applicable to RBs, but there are some instances where an RM is required to hold a reinsurance intermediary license when an RB is not. Under the RIMA, an RM or insurance producer license is required in the states where the RM maintains offices and, in addition, an RM or insurance producer license is also required when the RM is acting on behalf a reinsurer domiciled in a state. Again, like RBs, RMs are subject to non-resident RM licensing requirements in a minority of U.S. jurisdictions that differ from the RIMA.

3. Individuals at reinsurance intermediary firms must be aware of their licensing and appointment obligations as well.

Fortunately, most U.S. jurisdictions do not require the licensing of individuals as reinsurance intermediaries if acting under the license of the entity in that state. Under Section 3.D of the RIMA, a reinsurance intermediary license issued to a firm will authorize all the members of the firm or association and any designated employees to act as reinsurance intermediaries under the license, and all such persons shall be named in the application and any supplements thereto. However, again, not all states follow the RIMAs exemption from individual licensing. For example, Ohios reinsurance intermediary licensing laws do not contain such exemption (see Ohio Rev. Code Ann.  3905.81).

A nuance that is often missed on the individual licensing front is that even the states that allow for individuals to act under a firms license do not expressly exempt individuals from licensing standards when they are acting under their firms license in a different jurisdiction. In other words, while the firm may be able to act as a reinsurance intermediary in a certain state by virtue of holding a reinsurance intermediary or insurance producer license in another state having substantially similar laws, the individual would also have to separately meet an exemption from reinsurance intermediary licensure and cannot necessarily borrow the exemption from his or her firm.

In addition, some states require carrier appointments of reinsurance intermediaries. For example, in Florida, under Fla. Stat.  626.7492, [r]einsurance intermediaries shall be licensed, appointed, renewed, continued, reinstated, or terminated as prescribed [under Floridas insurance laws]. (Emphasis added).

4. What does it mean to act as a reinsurance intermediary?

In the insurance producer world, a states regulatory and licensing standards generally kick in when the insurance producer sells, solicits or negotiates insurance in the state. On one level, the rule is generally the same with respect to reinsurance intermediaries, where the cedent can be equated to the insured and the assuming reinsurer deemed to be the insurance company in the transaction. But, such view doesnt capture the full picture. For example, RMs are required to be licensed in the state where its assuming reinsurer client is domiciled, even if all activities are conducted elsewhere; this is in contrast to traditional insurance agency licensing standards that focus primarily on the location of the insured rather than the issuing carrier.

Generally, states will not attempt to exercise jurisdiction over a reinsurance intermediary simply because a portion of the reinsured risk portfolio resides in a particular state. However, with respect to RBs, some states will require an RB to hold an RB or insurance producer license (or utilize or apply for an exemption therefrom) and will otherwise apply their RB laws when the ceding company is a foreign insurer that is only licensed rather than domiciled in the state. For example, in Alaska, under Alaska Stat.  21.27.690, [a]n insurer may use a nonresident [RB] who is not licensed [in Alaska] if the [RB] has filed a certification with the director that the [RB] is operating only for a foreign insurer and the person is licensed in good standing as a resident [RB] by an insurance regulator of another state that is accredited by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (Emphasis added). By contrast, in New York, under OGC opinion No. 10-01-06 (January 19, 2010), [t]he fact that the ceding insurer is authorized to do business in [New York] has no bearing on whether the [RB] must be licensed here.

One practical implication of the foregoing is that, even if a state does not affirmatively require the RB or RM to obtain a license, such state may nonetheless require certain additional clauses be inserted into the applicable RB or RM agreement with its ceding company or assuming reinsurer client (as further discussed below) or otherwise assert its rights to inspect the records of the RB or RM.

5. Reinsurance intermediary-broker agreements are highly regulated and must contain certain provisions.

Insurance producers generally have wide discretion regarding how they structure their agreements with clients or carriers (assuming they do not trip the legal definition of managing general agent which can impose additional contractual obligations). Reinsurance intermediaries, by contrast, must insert very specific provisions into their agreements with their ceding company clients (commonly referred to as brokerage authorization agreements or BAAs).

Under the Section 5 of the RIMA, all arrangements between an RB and its ceding company client must be in writing and must contain certain provisions, including (i) allowing the insurer to terminate at any time, (ii) requiring the RB to render certain accounts to the insurer detailing transactions effectuated under the agreement and to remit funds to the insurer within 30 days of receipt, (iii) stipulating that funds will be held in a fiduciary capacity in the qualified U.S. financial institution, (iv) mandating that the RB will comply with the insurers reinsurance and retrocession underwriting guidelines, (v) indicating that the RB will disclose any relationship it has with any potential assuming reinsurer and (vi) requiring that the RB will comply with the books and records requirement as set forth under Section 5 of the RIMA.

Some states require additional clauses in the governing agreement between the RB and the insurer beyond what is required by the RIMA. For example, New York requires that the agreement provide specific authorization for the RB to place reinsurance and set forth certain underwriting standards in the agreement itself, see N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 11,  32.1. Each states RB laws must be carefully analyzed to determine what must be inserted into the applicable RB agreement.

6. Reinsurance intermediary-manager agreements cannot escape regulation either.

RMs are also subject to rigorous standards relating to their agreements with their assuming reinsurer clients. Under Section 7 of the RIMA, each agreement between an RM and a reinsurer must be approved by the reinsurers board of directors and filed with the commissioner of the applicable state for approval. The agreement must contain similar provisions applicable to RBs but also must contain additional provisions as provided under the RIMA or applicable law.

7. Some states require that specific clauses relating to the reinsurance intermediary be contained in the reinsurance agreement.

Some states require express reference to the reinsurance intermediary in the reinsurance agreement between the carriers. In New York, N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 11,  125.6 notes that [w]here a ceding insurer obtains reinsurance through a reinsurance intermediary,  from an assuming insurer which is neither licensed in this State nor has placed funds with the ceding insurer  the ceding insurer shall not be allowed credit unless  the reinsurance agreement includes a provision whereby the reinsurer assumes all credit risks of the intermediary related to payments to the intermediary.

8. The books and records requirements applicable to reinsurance intermediaries are robust.

As noted above, one of the requirements for RB and RM agreements is that they set forth how the RB or RM, as applicable, will handle their books and records. Under the RIMA, such standards are comprehensive and, in comparison to analogous laws applicable to insurance producers, are often more robust. In particular, under Section 5 of the RIMA, RBs must, for at least 10 years after the expiration of a reinsurance treaty, keep a complete record of the transaction showing, among other things, the type of contract and parties (including addresses), limits, underwriting restrictions, classes or risk and territory, applicable period, effective and expiration dates, cancellation provisions, balance and premium reporting, commissions, proof of placement, certain correspondences and memoranda, retrocession details, certain financial records, and written evidence in certain cases that the assuming reinsurer has agreed to take on risk. Similar requirements apply to RMs under Section 7 of the RIMA.

Again, certain states differ from the RIMA as to their books and records requirements. Some states require that reinsurance intermediaries abide by the books and records requirements but do not affirmatively require that such provisions be inserted into the applicable agreement. A few other states differ from the RIMA books and records requirements in substance; for example, in Oregon, an RB need only keep books and records related to first party property reinsurance coverages for five years, see Or. Rev. Stat.  744.806.

9. Reinsurance intermediaries must be aware of state-specific premium trust requirements as well.

The RIMA requires that funds collected by an RB or an RM be held in a fiduciary capacity in a bank that is a qualified U.S. financial institution, which effectively requires reinsurance intermediaries to establish premium trust accounts. Reinsurance intermediaries must therefore pay careful attention to state-specific laws applicable to premium trust accounts generally, such as whether general operating funds may be co-mingled with fiduciary funds, if the premium trust accounts are subject to any naming or labeling requirements, whether such accounts must be set up with a bank physically located in a particular state, and whether multiple accounts must be established dependent upon the location of the reinsurance intermediarys client or where business is generated.

10. Anti-inducement laws, in some instances, apply to reinsurance intermediaries as well.

Like insurance producers, reinsurance intermediaries are often paid a form of commission as well (commonly referred to as brokerage). In addition, RBs often enter into separate revenue-sharing agreements under brokerage services agreements or BSAs. This can present an issue in some states under anti-inducement laws that traditionally prohibit insurance brokers from sharing commissions with their customers unless expressly stipulated in the insurance policy. Fortunately, some states have expressly contemplated this issue and have exempted reinsurance intermediaries from such inducement prohibitions. For example, in New York, N.Y. Ins. Law  2324(e) states that the inducement prohibitions shall not apply to any policy or contract of reinsurance . Many states remain silent on this issue, but some states have promulgated guidance expressly extending their anti-inducement laws to reinsurance transactions in some instances.

These are just a few of the regulatory issues that face reinsurance intermediaries across the United States. As the global reinsurance market becomes further interconnected we expect to see insurance departments increase their focus on the reinsurance intermediary space.

Topics Reinsurance
There is little surprise when a conversation about cannabis and insurance turns to the subject of capacity.

Really when it comes to cultivation, processing, there is a bit of a hiccup, it seems in the overall market space, I think in terms of capacity from a property perspective for a total package solution, said Keith Distel, casualty team leader in Admirals Chicago office and vice president of cannabis underwriting. I know obviously the two of us are in kind of the same playing field when it comes to capacity. But capacity, its difficult. Its limited.

Distel was speaking during Insurance Journals annual Insuring Cannabis Summit on Oct. 14 on a panel titled Cannabis Insurance Intelligence: The Essentials and Beyond.

Distels comment on capacity was in answer to a question from moderator Charles Pyfrom, chief marketing officer at CannGen Insurance Services. The other panelists were Erich Schutz, a broker at Jencap Specialty Insurance Services focusing on the hemp and marijuana industry nationwide, and Alan Devey, a cannabis-focused producer out of Lockton Chicago who works with several publicly traded cannabis companies.

Distel blamed the lack of capacity on the continued status of cannabis as a controlled substance, making it illegal in the eyes of the government. Its really putting a limit on capacity overall, Distel said. And so on the general liability side, what I see, especially a huge pain point, as operators grow by leaps and bounds every single year. The majority of our accounts that we work with are growing. They might be estimating sales at $2 million one year, and all of a sudden, next year rolls around, they have a handful more licenses, better capitalization behind them.

Devey tied the capacity conversation in with his experience insuring special purpose acquisition corporations.

So interesting to track but capacity is limited already in the cannabis industry. And when you tie a SPAC to it, its very difficult to place coverage, especially because a lot of the times these are being transitioned from a privately held company to being traded on multiple exchanges. And the risks are very difficult to quantify, Devey said. Any IPO is a huge magnifier on the risk because the lawsuits will eventually come, he explained.

Its just a matter of when, Devey said. And so the carriers are almost signing their death wish to say, Okay, is this what I want to sign on to? And these deals are just theyre very tricky, and it has caused a lot of trouble in the insurance market with the influx of SPACs both cannabis and non-cannabis.

Schutz said while the industry has additional capacity, its still not enough.

We got a lot more capacity this year. And its still insufficient, Schutz said. And were having issues with certain placements when it comes to equipment breakdown. And its just getting a little bit more hairy. Crop coverage, were seeing some rate changes there. Again, crop coverage is limited peril. So still not the most robust product out there. And something that wed like to see kind of strengthen over time as more entrants come in.

Pyfrom described the difficulty of explaining to insurance buyers about the lack of capacity or certain lines of insurance. Honestly weve found with a lot of our buyers and brokers we talked to where theyll say, What do you mean its not available?' Pyfrom said.

Equipment breakdown, cyber, directors and officers and claims were other topics covered in the panel.

Schutz said the most common claim hes seeing in cannabis is from theft, but other claims are making themselves known.

But what Im seeing in some of the markets where I am in Massachusetts, where risks are built very well, because of the regulations, Schutz said. So were not seeing as many theft claims as we are in other parts of the country. But uninsured EPLI claims, wage and hour, or other related issues, Ive seen a number of those coming through, and thus far, unfortunately, all of them have been uninsured. The take up on EPLI is still incredibly low, he said. But I think our retailers really need to take a hard look at cyber and EPLI and consider putting that spend there.

Topics Cannabis
A chemical company has agreed to pay $34 million to compensate residents of a Vermont town for chemical contamination in groundwater and soil.

The ChemFab plant in Bennington, owned by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, used industrial chemicals that spread throughout the town and into the groundwater supply, The Bennington Banner reported.

The plant was closed in 2002, but PFOA, one of a group of contaminants often known as forever chemicals, was discovered in 2016 after a similar situation in a nearby New York town.

PFOA has been known to cause kidney, testicular and other cancers and diseases. Levels of PFOA in the blood decrease over a number of years, the newspaper said.

Saint-Gobain will also provide up to $6 million for continued medical monitoring for those who have higher-than-usual background levels of PFOA in their blood.

A spokesperson for the plaintiffs said that the settlement will provide the compensation necessary to aid the Bennington community affected by the PFOA contamination, and we strongly support it.

A judge must approve the settlement before the funds are allocated to the property owners who were affected by the containments.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Chemicals
GLASGOW  U.N. climate talks ended Saturday with a deal that for the first time targeted fossil fuels as the key driver of global warming, even as coal-reliant countries lobbed last-minute objections.

While the agreement won applause for keeping alive the hope of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, many of the nearly 200 national delegations wished theyd come away with more.

Draft COP26 Climate Deal Tries to Balance Demands of Developing and Richer Nations

If its a good negotiation, all the parties are uncomfortable, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said in the final meeting to approve the Glasgow Climate Pact. And this has been, I think, a good negotiation.

The two-week conference in Scotland delivered a major win in resolving the rules around carbon markets, but it did little to assuage vulnerable countries concerns about long-promised climate financing from rich nations.

The British COP26 president, Alok Sharma, was visibly emotional before banging down his gavel to signal there were no vetoes to the pact, after the talks had extended overtime  and overnight  into Saturday.

There was last-minute drama as India, backed by China and other coal-dependent developing nations, rejected a clause calling for the phase out of coal-fired power. After a huddle between the envoys from China, India, the United States and European Union, the clause was hurriedly amended to ask countries to phase down their coal use.

Indias environment and climate minister, Bhupender Yadav, said the revision reflected the national circumstances of emerging economies.

We are becoming the voice of the developing countries, he told Reuters, saying the pact had singled out coal but kept quiet about oil and natural gas.

We made our effort to make a consensus that is reasonable for developing countries and reasonable for climate justice, he said, alluding to the fact that rich nations historically have emitted the largest share of greenhouse gases.

The single-word change was met with dismay by both rich countries in Europe and small island nations along with others still developing.

We believe we have been side-lined in a non-transparent and non-inclusive process, Mexicos envoy Camila Isabel Zepeda Lizama said. We all have remaining concerns but were told we could not reopen the text  while others can still ask to water down their promises.

But Mexico and others said they would let the revised agreement stand.

The approved texts are a compromise, said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. They reflect the interests, the conditions, the contradictions and the state of political will in the world today.

Carbon Market Breakthrough

Reaching a deal was always a matter of balancing the demands of climate-vulnerable nations, big industrial powers, and those like India and China depending on fossil fuels to lift their economies and populations out of poverty.

Sharmas voice broke with emotion in response to vulnerable nations expressing anger over the last-minute changes.

I apologize for the way this process has unfolded, he told the assembly. I am deeply sorry.

The overarching aim he had set for the conference was one that climate campaigners and vulnerable countries said was too modest  to keep alive the 2015 Paris Agreements target to keep global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5C (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. Scientists say warming beyond this point could unleash irreversible and uncontrollable climate impacts.

In asking nations to set tougher targets by next year for cutting climate-warming emissions, the agreement effectively acknowledged that commitments were still inadequate. National pledges currently have the world on track for about 2.4C of warming.

The talks also led to a breakthrough in resolving rules for covering government-led markets for carbon offsets. Companies and countries with vast forest cover had pushed hard for a deal, in hopes also of legitimizing the fast-growing global voluntary offset markets.

The deal allows countries to partially meet their climate targets by buying offset credits representing emission cuts by others, potentially unlocks trillions of dollars for protecting forests, expanding renewable energy and other projects to combat climate change.

The Era of Coal Is Ending

Jennifer Morgan, executive director of the campaign group Greenpeace, saw the glass as half-full.

They changed a word but they cant change the signal coming out of this COP, that the era of coal is ending, she said. If youre a coal company executive, this COP saw a bad outcome.

Developing countries argue rich nations, whose historical emissions are largely responsible for warming the planet, must finance their efforts both to transition away from fossil fuels and to adapt to increasingly severe climate impacts.

The deal offered a promise to double adaptation finance by 2025 from 2019, but again no guarantees. A U.N. committee will report next year on progress towards delivering the $100 billion per year in promised climate funding, after rich nations failed to deliver on a 2020 deadline for the funds. Finance will then be discussed again 2024 and 2026.

But the deal left many vulnerable nations despondent in offering no funding for climate-linked losses and damages, a promise made in the original pact, called the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992.

Rich nations once again resisted acknowledging financial liability for their years of emissions that drove climate change as they rose to economic prosperity.

While Glasgow agreement laid out a pathway for addressing the issue by establishing a new secretariat dedicated to the issue, vulnerable countries said that represented a bare minimum of acceptability.

This package is not perfect. The coal change and a weak outcome on loss and damage are blows, said Tina Stee, climate envoy from the Marshall Islands. Still, elements of the Glasgow Package are a lifeline for my country. We must not discount the crucial wins covered in this package.

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper, Jake Spring, Simon Jessop, Andrea Januta and Richard Valdmanis; writing by Katy Daigle; editing by Daniel Wallis and Lincoln Feast.)

Topics Personal Auto Climate Change Energy Oil Gas
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS) announced it is strengthening its leadership team, hiring internal and external talent for executive positions in its regional management, underwriting and risk consulting functions, all market-facing roles.

Alfredo Alonso who currently leads AGCS Regional Unit London & Nordics will become global head of Liability with immediate effect. Contributing 20% to AGCSs global premium volume in 2020, the liability line of business is the largest underwriting unit at AGCS.

Alonso will be succeeded in May 2022 by Nadia Cote who joins AGCS as the new regional managing director for London & Nordics from her current role as head of Major Accounts Europe and International Broking Distribution for Chubb. Alonso will remain based in London and, in the interim, will retain his regional responsibility for London & Nordics in addition to his Liability leadership role. (Detailed biographies follow below).

Gianluca Piscopo will be appointed regional managing director for the Ibero/LatAm region, also effective from May 2022. In this role he will succeed Nuno Antunes who continues to oversee the Ibero/LatAm region until the handover next year and will then move to a new role which will be confirmed in due course. Piscopo is currently CEO for W.R. Berkley Spain & Portugal. He will continue to be based in Madrid.

AGCS has also appointed a new global head of Energy & Construction, Max Benz. He will join in February 2022. Benz was previously AXA XLs global chief underwriting officer (CUO) for Construction as well as regional product CUO, Construction, for Asia Pacific & Europe. He will drive further growth opportunities for the energy & construction line of business which generated about 13% of AGCSs gross written premium in 2020.

Michele Williams will take over as global head of Allianz Risk Consulting (ARC) in Munich with immediate effect from Thierry Portevin who leaves AGCS to pursue interests outside Allianz. Williams started at AGCS in 2004, working in various risk consulting and underwriting roles. She most recently led the CEO office for AGCS CEO Joachim Mueller in Munich.

Cote and Piscopo, as regional managing directors, will report to Henning Haagen, AGCS chief regions & markets officer. Benz and Williams will report to Tony Buckle, AGCS chief underwriting officer, Corporate.

As our portfolio turnaround and wider business transformation program advance as planned and we pivot to growth again, we are pleased to attract top talents for these core positions, all of which are directly connected to our customer-facing activities, commented AGCS CEO Joachim Mueller. Its a good balance of talented members of our internal team and high-profile external hires. I look forward to working with these energetic managers  both familiar and new colleagues  to drive our ambitious transformation and growth agenda over the next years.

These appointments are subject to regulatory approval, where relevant.

Detailed biographies of the new AGCS executive appointments follow here:

Alfredo Alonso is currently regional managing director for AGCS Regional Unit London & Nordics. He moved to AGCS in 2020 from Bermudian insurer ArgoGlobal where he was head of Europe/Middle East and chief underwriting officer for Europe. Before that, he worked for eight years in chief underwriting roles in emerging markets and UK for RSA Group and 12 years for Zurich Financial Services. Alonso began his career at Winterthur Insurance in its claims department, before joining Winterthur International as a senior casualty underwriter. He holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland and Vlerick Leuven in Belgium.

Nadia Cote has more than 20 years experience in the corporate insurance market. Since March 2020 she has been head of Major Accounts at Chubb Europe. In this role, she sets and implements the business strategy for the Major Accounts Division and is responsible for global broker relationships outside North America. Before that she was country president for Chubb Europe in France for seven years. She had started her insurance career as a financial lines underwriter first at AIG and later at Chubb. She holds a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Sherbrooke and Simon Fraser University (Canada).

Max Benz, a Swiss national, is currently global chief underwriting officer, Constructionm at AXA XL as well as regional product CUO, Construction, for Asia Pacific & Europe. Until the merger of AXA and Catlin XL in 2018, he was a construction underwriting manager, overseeing all markets outside of North America for XL Catlins insurance operations. From 1999 to 2015, he filled similar underwriting roles for XL and Winterthur International. As a trained mechanical engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering from ZHAW Winterthur, he worked for industrial companies for several years before ultimately moving into corporate insurance in 1994.

Gianluca Piscopo, an Italian national, is currently CEO of W. R. Berkley Spain & Portugal. He began his career as actuary in a trainee program at Zurich Financial Services in Switzerland in 2002 and moved to Zurich Global Corporate Spain in 2004 as chief pricing actuary. In the following years, he took over various management roles in operations, IT and underwriting before being appointed to the role of CEO Spain at Zurich in 2013, subsequently adding responsibility for LatAm in 2015. He is a trained actuary and graduate of the University of Bern.

Michele Williams assumed the role of head of CEO office in May 2020 after two years leading AGCSs digital transformation and innovation focused department, known as XSE. Prior to this, she worked as Global Practice Group leader for Heavy Industries & Manufacturing, Base Industries & Construction in the chief underwriting office, Property, in Munich. She joined AGCS in 2004 as a regional manager for Allianz Risk Consulting in London, a role she held for nine years. She holds a masters degree in Fire and Explosion from the University of Leeds and worked for several years as design engineer with the industrial company Kidde.

Topics Leadership Allianz
A jury is set to hear closing arguments on Monday in a trial in federal court in Cleveland focused on claims by two counties in Ohio that three major retail pharmacy chains  CVS, Walgreens and Walmart  fueled the U.S. opioid epidemic by failing to stop addictive painkilling pills from reaching the black market.

The arguments will cap off a trial in a lawsuit by Lake and Trumbull counties accusing CVS Health Corp., Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Walmart Inc. of bearing responsibility for the deadly effects of the epidemic in those communities.

The counties accused the companies of creating a public nuisance and seek to force them to pay to address the epidemics devastation. Plaintiff lawyers have said those costs are potentially $1 billion for each of the counties.

The trial is the first that the pharmacy operators have faced in lawsuits by states and local governments seeking to hold them liable for an epidemic that, according to U.S. health officials, has led to nearly 500,000 deaths from opioid overdoses in the past two decades.

The counties accused the pharmacies of failing to prevent excessive amounts of opioid pills from flooding their communities, identify red flags of misuse or properly train pharmacists to avert the diversion of pain pills for drug abuse.

The companies have denied wrongdoing and have said the blame falls on others including doctors and government regulators.

Should the jurors find that the pharmacies created a public nuisance, U.S. District Judge Dan Polster would decide how much they owe to abate, or address, it.

Regional pharmacy operator Giant Eagle, originally named as a defendant in the lawsuit, reached a settlement with the counties during the trial. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Ohio trial follows recent setbacks for plaintiffs pursuing some of the 3,300 opioid cases filed against drug manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.

Oklahomas top court on Tuesday overturned a $465 million judgment against drugmaker Johnson & Johnson, and a California judge this month ruled in favor of four drugmakers in a case brought by several large counties.

Those lawsuits also accused the companies of creating a public nuisance. A similar lawsuit by Washington state against three drug distributors heads to trial on Monday.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Will Dunham and Noeleen Walder)

Topics Ohio
ID Federation Offers Multi-Factor Authentication Resource for Agencies

Insurance carriers and their agency partners face a gathering storm of confusing requirements and changes in the area of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to improve secure logons, according to ID Federation, the nonprofit coalition that developed the free SignOn Once, a single-sign-on service for online security.

The volunteer-led organization announced an information resource for the independent agent distribution channel to improve MFA in agent-facing technology portals. The executive brief provides information on MFA implementation.

MFA allows a user to gain access to a website or application only after accurately presenting two or more pieces of evidence. Also called two-step authentication, MFA is an additional component beyond ID and password to create a more secure connection.

Some carriers that are implementing their version of MFA may not fully understand the impact on their agents, especially if every carrier mandates a different solution, the executive brief says. The coming requirement for cyber carriers to mandate MFA for policyholders adds yet another level of confusion.

While creating value for customers and business partners, every insurance organization must also avoid damage to client relationships, agent relations, operations and brand value, says Irv Kantar, business manager of ID Federation. As the basics of security change, carriers and business partners need to remain up to speed.

Regulatory bodies, such as the New York Department of Financial Services and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, have released rules in recent months on when MFA must be used in conducting business.

The executive briefing, called Multi-Factor Authentication for Independent Agencies: A Gathering Storm? was prepared by ID Federations volunteer leaders with experience across the independent agency channel.

Insurity Announces Growth Investment from TA Associates

Insurity, a provider of cloud-based software for the property/casualty insurance industry, announced that private equity firm TA Associates is making a strategic growth investment in the company. According to the announcement, TA, together with Insuritys current investor GI Partners plan to further accelerate Insuritys growth.

This investment  the amount was not disclosed  marks a return to TA to Insurity, in which it invested in 2014 and then sold to GI Partners in 2019.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, Insuritys software serves P/C carriers, brokers and managing general agencies.

GCube Unveils Renewable Energy Insurance With AI-Analytics

Renewable energy underwriter GCube has launched a data-powered insurance unit called Clir that will leverage AI-led analytics and data sets to offer enhanced terms and reduced premiums for wind and solar operating companies.

GCube said it will leverage Clirs data from more than 200 gigawatts of operating assets to better understand claims scenarios and provide more accurate insurance quotes, subsequently driving better terms for the industry. By having Clir onboard a wind portfolios data set onto its platform,

GCube can uncover the assets meteorological and operational loading, overall component health and reliability, and the impact of current operations and maintenance. These insights give GCube clarity on its underwriting pricing, and offer more competitive terms where operating projects model with lower risk factors.

Over the last 10 years, renewable energy insurance has been characterized by significant losses that have resulted in the market altering terms in order to compensate. Moreover, as the wind and solar industries have expanded in scale, claims severity has increased. With insurance premiums resetting to a new base, renewable energy project operators face increasing insurance costs.

Insuring renewable energy has been a tumultuous process over the last decade, said Fraser McLachlan, chief executive officer, GCube Insurance Inc. Claims from equipment failure, natural catastrophe loss and contractor error have forced some underwriters to exit the market. To continue to offer insurance at sustainable rates for clients, we need to have deeper insights into the risk of failure and operational management of renewable energy equipment.

McLachlan said that the data analysis from Clir gives clients a better understanding of their project risks, and, incentivizes best practice in the operational asset management of wind and solar.

Weve seen insurance in other sectors become more competitive, and better serve the needs of its clients, through utilizing AI-led approaches to data  be that telematics for motor insurance, or wearable technologies for health coverage  and its time that we harnessed the same value for the hugely important task of building and sustaining low carbon power generation, he added.

Topics Agencies InsurTech Tech Energy Data Driven
Annual U.S. severe weather insured losses for 2021 have surpassed $20 billion after a rough October, even before the year is complete, according to a new Aon report.

Multi-billion-dollar natural catastrophe-related insurance losses in the U.S. were caused in part by heavy rainfall along the West coast known as an atmospheric river and a flash flood emergency that left at least four people dead near Birmingham, Alabama.

Also, a late-season severe weather outbreak in the Southern Plains and Midwest generated large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes on Oct. 10-11. Total economic losses were expected to reach at least $300 million, mostly covered by public and private insurers.

October is typically considered a second season for severe weather in the United States as it marks a transition from summer warmth to cooler autumn temperatures, Brian Kerschner, senior catastrophe analyst for Aons Impact Forecasting team, said, noting that this year saw one of the highest tornado tallies for the month on record in what is shaping up to be another year with insured losses exceeding $20 billion.

Heavy weather hits for the month werent limited to the U.S. Kerschner said Australia also suffered from sizable October thunderstorm activity causing an insurance catastrophe for multiple states, due in large part to large hail.

Internationally, thunderstorms in South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania in late October caused widespread damage, prompting the Insurance Council of Australia (ICAUS) to declare an insurance catastrophe for the event. Total economic and insured losses were each estimated at more than $100 million.

Other natural catastrophe activity that occurred in October included:

Cyclone Shaheen (Gulab) made landfall in northern Oman on Oct. 3 as a tropical storm in an area that previously had no record of such a landfall dating back to at least 1890, killing at least 14 people in Oman (12) and Iran (two). Total economic losses were expected to be in the hundreds of millions (USD) at a minimum.

Windstorm Aurore, also known as Hendrik, became the first significant event of the 2021/2022 European windstorm season. Insurers across Europe anticipated tens of thousands of claims with total losses expected to reach into the hundreds of millions (EUR).

Significant flooding impacted parts of northern China in October, with the heaviest damage registered in Shanxi and Shaanxi. Additional flooding occurred in 14 other provinces. Total economic losses exceeded CNY11.3 billion (USD1.8 billion).

Widespread monsoonal flooding in Thailand since late September, enhanced by tropical systems Dianmu, Lionrock and Kompasu, continued through the month of October. National authorities noted more than 330,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with large swaths of agricultural land.

The arrival of La Nina resulted in enhanced rainfall during the second rainy season of the year in Colombia, with heavy precipitation affecting the country beginning the last week of October. The three hardest-hit departments included Antioquia, Meta and Putumayo.

The full report is Aons Global Catastrophe Recap for October.

Source: Aon

Topics USA Profit Loss
The Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pools demand for a refund from an injured worker must first be addressed by the state workers compensation board, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided.

The comp board should now decide if Victoria Palmer, who was seriously injured in an automobile accident in 2017, will have to repay thousands of dollars, including more than $21,000 that was paid directly to medical providers.

After the accident, the workers comp insurer for Palmers employer became insolvent. The state insolvency pool issued payments of $26,600 on her claim. Only about $3,200 was paid to Palmer for wage-loss benefits, the court explained in Palmer vs. Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool, published this month.

But because Palmer also settled with the at-fault drivers insurance company for the policy limits of $25,000, and her own insurer for $50,000 in underinsured motorist coverage, the Insolvency Pool filed a subrogation suit, seeking reimbursement of its own comp benefits payments.

The pool sought a set-off of $75,000 and a full refund from Palmer. The Superior Court of DeKalb County agreed, and Palmer appealed. Palmer has said that she has incurred medical bills of more than $85,000 since the accident.

The appeals court noted that while state law appears to allow the insolvency pool to seek reimbursement for other insurers payments on a claim, it does not authorize the pool to seek remedy in trial court before the Board of Workers Compensation has made a determination. The matter is still pending before the comp board, the appellate court explained.

To the extent that the insolvency pool wishes to litigate the issues raised in this case at this time, it must do so before the Board, Appeals Court Judge John Pipkin wrote in the opinion. For these reasons, we vacate the Superior Courts grant of summary judgment to the insolvency pool and remand this case to the Superior Court with direction to dismiss the insolvency pools complaint.

Topics Workers' Compensation
What happens when a workers injury needs follow-up surgery many years later, requiring the employee to miss months of paychecks?

In Florida, hes probably out luck if hes hoping for workers compensation wage-loss benefits. But the law that created that gap in coverage and a statute of limitations on benefits is not unconstitutional, a Florida appeals court decided last week.

In Ted Doss Jr. vs. United Parcel Service and Liberty Mutual Insurance, the 1st District Court of Appeals was asked to equate Doss situation with that of Bradley Westphal, the claimant in one of the most significant workers comp court decisions in Florida in the last two decades, Westphal vs. the City of St. Petersburg.

It is clearly true that, like the injured worker in Westphal, claimants eligibility for temporary total disability benefits terminated under the statute without regard to his actual disability from the compensable injuries, Appeals Court Judge Clayton Roberts wrote in the Nov. 10 opinion. But the ultimate question here is whether the statute, with this 401-week limitation, passes constitutional muster' and preserves the workers comp system as a viable remedy and reasonable alternative to tort litigation.

Applying this standard to these facts, we conclude that this statute is constitutional as applied to claimant, the court said.

Doss, while working for UPS in 1997, sustained a knee injury on the job. He received authorized medical care and eventually returned to work, the court explained. Some 19 years later, he was authorized for arthroscopic knee surgery and had to recuperate at home, from September 2016 to January 2017.

The employer and insurer paid no temporary disability benefits, even though Doss missed 15 weeks of work while he recovered from the surgery. A judge of compensation claims denied Doss claim for TTD, noting that state law limits benefits to 260 weeks of payments, all of which must be made within 401 weeks, just under eight years, of the date of injury.

Doss attorney appealed and argued that the statute of limitations left a big gap in benefits and deprived the worker of his constitutional right to seek legal remedy. The 1st DCA, which handles workers comp appeals, disagreed, noting that Doss really didnt have it so rough.

In stark contrast to the injured worker in Westphal, claimant here worked for many years after his workplace accident, Roberts wrote. He was off work for only four months following his September 2016 surgery and never asserted any related loss in wages.

Doss had received a 14% impairment rating and continues to work without functional limitations. Doctors have said he has reached maximum medical improvement and is not precluded from pursuing permanent benefits, the court noted. Permanent partial disability would provide significantly less in weekly benefits than would TTD, according to a compilation of state laws done by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

In the famous Westphal decision, the Florida Supreme Court in 2016 declared that the 1997 law that limited TTD to 104 weeks was unconstitutional and violated Westphals right to legal remedy in the courts. The Florida Constitution provides that the courts shall be open to every person for redress of any injury, and justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.

The 1997 reduction of benefits, from 260 weeks to 104 weeks, was so great that it had caused the Florida workers comp system to reach a tipping point that deprived the worker of basic rights. Westphal, unlike Doss, was severely injured and remained totally disabled after receiving the maximum weeks of TTD benefits, the Westphal court said.

In Doss case, no evidence suggests that any timely tort litigation would have assured claimant any recovery for future damages similar to the benefits sought here, the 1DCA said.

Amie DeGuzman, who represented Doss in the appeal, declined to comment extensively on the case or say if an appeal to the state Supreme Court is likely, because the appellate court decision is not yet finalized. She did note that few Florida court cases have examined the late-stage gap in benefits that Doss experienced.

Topics Florida
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier has approved a 4.9% average decrease in workers compensation rates for 2022, as recommended by the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

The decrease is the sixth straight for Florida, and for the first time in four years, Altmaiers office did not ask the NCCI to revise its plan and produce a larger reduction in overall rates. Last year, the NCCI proposed a 5.7% cut but the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation demanded more and ultimately approved a 6.6% decrease for 2021.

Safer workplaces, innovative techniques and improved risk management practices have resulted in the continued decline in workers compensation claims, ultimately benefitting Florida businesses, Altmaier said in a news release issued Friday.

Rates jumped in 2017, after a landmark court ruling struck down statutory limits on attorneys fees. But loss costs and rates have fallen every year since then.

The latest rate decrease will take effect Jan. 1 for new and renewing policies. An actuarial analysis by the NCCI can be seen here. It shows that while changes in experience, trends and medical and indemnity benefits have declined almost 7% in recent years, loss adjustment expense, or the costs associated with handling claims, increased slightly.

The NCCIs recommendation, filed earlier this year, did not include data or adjustments needed for the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on Florida comp insurers. Instead, the rating organization proposed a separate catastrophe fund to help manage nationwide, non-terrorism events that result in workers compensation losses of more than $50 million. The fund would have required extra charges to be paid by Florida employers.

But the OIR announced that the NCCI has withdrawn its catastrophe provision recommendation. A Nov. 11 letter from NCCI said the provision will be resubmitted at a future date as and when appropriate.

Topics Florida
The creme de la creme of vehicles for college students, the Chevy Astro provides all the utility you need around Ames until you want to go visit your family and have to ask them to pick you up.


This week the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be cut by a further 50 as part of the gradual phasing out of the payment by February next year.

Anyone who has not returned to work when their entitlement to the PUP ends and who meets the stricter qualifying conditions will transfer over to the ordinary 203 unemployment payment.

The relative generosity of the 350 emergency income supports for workers in response to Covid-19 has ignited public interest in our threadbare social safety net.

A recent OECD survey of public opinion found very high demand in Ireland (70%) for more action by government to ensure peoples financial security and address gaps in social protection  highest out of 10 rich EU member states included in the survey and markedly higher than the average for this group (54%).

An unusual feature of Irelands social welfare system is that payments are paid at a flat rate (typically 203 per week) and priced below the poverty line, designed to offer no more than minimal financial support when a person is out of work.

This is in contrast to other rich EU countries, where short-term welfare benefits are paid as a percentage of a workers previous wage, designed to secure normal living standards during temporary breaks in employment.

Payments become less generous the longer the time spent out of work and there is a cap on the weekly amount paid to high-earners.

By way of demonstration, a low-paid (27,000) worker in Ireland aged over 25 years has just 39% of their gross wage replaced by our 203 unemployment payment if they lose their job.

The same worker would have 91% of their wage replaced by social welfare in Belgium, 82% in Denmark and 71% in the Netherlands.

Because welfare payments are a fixed amount in Ireland, the replacement value falls as earnings rise leaving middle-income workers exposed to an even bigger drop in their living standards during periods of unemployment, illness, maternity and family leave.

For example, a worker earning the average annual wage (40,000) has just a quarter (26%) of their wage replaced by unemployment benefit.

There is a means-tested top-up payment to cover some of the cost of housing if renting in private rented accommodation. But there is no extra income support available to workers with a mortgage to repay.

Our social welfare system performs slightly better if instead of comparing single people we compare couples with children.

Unlike in other EU member states, means-tested top-up payments are paid in Ireland for a dependent spouse or partner (134.70) and for each dependent child (38 if aged under 12 years and 45 if 12 years or over).

However, entitlements for single people show how well a welfare system protects workers in their capacity as workers. In this regard, social welfare in Ireland is exceptionally weak by EU standards.

Unlike our flat-rate payments, the European-model of pay-related benefits ensure workers can continue to pay their mortgage and other bills during short interruptions in earning a wage.

They also promote greater public support for social spending, making the welfare budget less susceptible to attacks that there are people who pay for everything while getting nothing in return.

During economic downturns pay-related benefits protect consumer demand and jobs in sectors reliant on discretionary spending.

Critics however point to the unfairness of short-term benefits for workers with sufficient PRSI contributions being more generous than long-term benefits paid to vulnerable groups outside the workforce such as lone-parents, carers, and people with a disability.

Ireland is atypical in there being no difference in the value of contributory benefits and non-contributory benefits.

Unlike in other EU member states, being in employment in Ireland does not confer additional income protection from the welfare system.

The only advantage to being an insured worker is freedom from means-testing for those living in households with another source of income such as a working spouse or savings.

When lockdown was imposed to slow the spread of the virus in March 2020, the 350 Pandemic Unemployment Payment had to be created overnight and later devolved into a European-style benefit with four payment rates that closely aligned to the claimants previous earnings.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to consider a permanent move to a pay-related unemployment payment. However, it will be a full two years before the details of such a payment will be finalised.

In the meantime, a Commission on Taxation and Welfare has been established to make recommendations on the future design of our tax and welfare systems and is currently holding a public consultation.

In advance of our submission, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is today launching our campaign for the social safety net to be strengthened for workers and a move to pay-related short-term benefits.

Dr Laura Bambrick is social policy officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
The Taoiseach has said that the Government is now "extremely concerned" about the rising number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations in Ireland.

Micheal Martin has also warned that nothing can now be ruled out in terms of the reintroduction of Covid restrictions, and has stressed the need to scale back the level of social contacts people have.

Speaking after attending the annual Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen, Mr Martin said "we are in a much better position" than last year as a result of vaccinations, but "nothing can be ruled out in respect of Covid-19, we know that by now."

The Taoiseach's comments come as a further 3,805 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland have been reported by the Department of Health said.

As of Sunday morning, there were 582 patients in hospitals with the disease, of which 106 were in ICU.

Meanwhile, the rollout of subsided rapid antigen tests will be approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, the Taoiseach has confirmed.

Mr Martin also ruled out providing antigen tests for free, but said the Health Minister will bring proposals to make the tests cheaper to Cabinet for approval this week.

The latest advice from National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has recommended the wider regular use of antigen testing, especially among those who take part in what it calls high-risk activities, such as going to nightclubs and bars.

"We are looking into expanding testing and tracing, particularly antigen testing. The Minister for Health will be bringing forward proposals in respect of the wider deployment of antigen testing and also making it more affordable for people.

"We don't envisage tests being made free in the general sense, but we do want to encourage people to utilise antigen testing more frequently more regularly. Therefore we'll be looking at making them more affordable for people," said Mr Martin.

The latest advice from National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has recommended the wider regular use of antigen testing, especially among those who take part in what it calls high-risk activities, such as going to nightclubs and bars.

Meanwhile, Dr Nuala OConnor, the Covid-19 lead for the Irish College of General Practitioners and a member of the State's vaccine task force, has said that the decisions people make now will influence the next few months.

Stay at home if you have signs of infection, halve the number of social contacts over the next few weeks if you want to have a nice Christmas, she said.

Everybody needs to reduce the number of social contacts they have over the next three or four weeks.

She said it clear vaccines have reduced the impact of the virus and praised the enormous buy-in from the public.

However, relying on vaccines alone is not enough, and people should resume following guidance around mask-wearing, hand-washing and ventilation for extra protection, she added.

I think people are taking action too late, and there has been onward spread already, she said.

Dr OConnor said they are getting outbreaks in workplaces, funerals, weddings, parties.

She urged the public to risk-assess their activities.

"We need to live our lives. We can live our lives, but it is about staying safe between now and Christmas."
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has said a decision at Cop26 to water down commitments on the phasing out of fossil fuels is gut wrenching but urged people to look at the bigger picture.

A global agreement to keep temperature rises below 1.5C was reached at the climate conference in Glasgow on Saturday, but saw a commitment to phase out the use of coal reduced to a promise to phase down the fuel, following interventions by China and India.

The Environment Minister said the move was disappointing but necessary to secure the agreement.

There isn't another way, it does require that seeking of consensus

We shouldnt let that gut-wrenching amendment at the very last minute to distract from that bigger picture, he said.

It wasnt in the actual legal structures. That political wording can be changed.

But what was significant in Glasgow, coming out of it, was effectively it has taken us six years, which is too long, this is too slow, but it does actually put legal bones on the Paris Climate Agreement.

It does actually give us real strong confidence that the whole economic system, the finance system, is going to have to switch to this decarbonised direction.

Mr Ryan said the compromise was necessary in a deal that 197 countries worldwide had signed up to.

He told RTEs This Week: There isnt another way, it does require that seeking of consensus.

That wont stop and the search for greater ambition wont stop.

But I think what we should do now is deliver on what was committed and deliver it here at home. This does give real momentum.

Mr Ryan denied he was trying to out a positive spin on developments.

If I just came here and said  which I dont believe to be true  that its all bad, that theres no hope, I think people would give up hope and might give up taking some of the actions, he said.

Speaking in Enniskillen on Sunday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin echoed Mr Ryans comments.

He said: I would share the disappointment in terms of that particular language. But in the overall context I think weve made good progress internationally.

Much more work needed after #COP26 - but real progress made in the global fight to reduce greenhouse gases.



The key will be delivering on pledges made. We can all play our part in tackling climate change. https://t.co/zM9PZ5Hlo0  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 14, 2021

I think the big change has been the American input, through President Bidens commitment to climate change, the Paris Accords, partnership with the European Union and indeed the agreement with China to engage with climate change.

We should be very clear that one conference isnt going to resolve the climate change issue. We have to make significant steps forward.

I think progress has been made, but a lot more progress needs to be done.

The key challenge for us as a country, and the key challenge for other countries in the world, is to deliver on the commitments and the pledges that have been made at Cop26.

Its not enough to just make the pledges. Its really time for action.

Earlier, Sinn Fein's climate action spokesperson, Darren O'Rourke said it was a "very disappointing outcome".

"Row back on coal is insult to injury, and shows just how far we have to goand with such little time" he tweeted.

"Climate Justice and Just Transition must move beyond soundbites or were doomed to failure."

Former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson said while Cop26 has made progress, it is "nowhere near enough to avoid climate disaster.

"While millions around the world are already in crisis, not enough leaders were in crisis mode, she said.

"People will see this as a historically shameful dereliction of duty.
Stigma still exists around HIV in Ireland, a charity has warned.

Stephen OHare, executive director of HIV Ireland, warned on Monday that stigma around diagnosis is still a major problem for many people.

Speaking at the launch of the organisations annual report, he said: What we need to do is reduce the incidence of HIV-related stigma, because we will not reduce HIV transmission without tackling stigma.

If you dont tackle stigma, youre not going to get your HIV transmission to go downwards.

Mr OHare said that the European Centre for Disease Control is currently conducting an EU-wide survey on stigma surrounding HIV.

He added: Obviously, in times gone past, the stigma around HIV was very, very, very severe, very, very significant, very pronounced.

Perhaps it isnt to the same degree, but its there and it affects people.

Its very difficult to find people in Ireland who will be public about their HIV status because of the stigma and the difficulties that surround that.

It's very difficult to find people in Ireland who will be public about their HIV status because of the stigma and the difficulties that surround that

Figures from the organisations annual report show that it saw a significant rise in the number of people living with HIV seeking support and advocacy services since the pandemic began.

Calls to HIV Ireland rose 49% in 2020, with over 2,800 interventions recorded by the organisation throughout 2020.

These interventions included advocacy, counselling and providing information to those living with HIV.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who was meant to attend the launch but was instead required to take part in the Covid-19 Cabinet sub-committee, said in a statement that the organisation was playing a vital role in implementation our national sexual health strategy.

The Rock of Cashel will be lit up in red later this year as part of World Aids Day (Maxwells/PA)

He said that the service provided in 2020 speaks for itself in terms of the importance of the support HIV Ireland provides in the community.

Mr OHare said that access to HIV testing had been difficult in 2020 but that it was slowly returning to normal.

He also said that health officials and policymakers dealing with the pandemic could perhaps learn from the history of HIV.

He added: I think we anticipated as an organisation that stigma would play a role in how the public perception of Covid-19 played out. I think you began to see that towards the latter half of 2020.

I think there are a lot of lessons to be learned from how HIV was dealt with in the past, to how we can deal with Covid-19 and stigma going forward.

On World Aids Day on December 1, famous buildings across Ireland will light up in red to raise awareness of HIV.

Dublin Castle and the Rock of Cashel will be among the settings that will light up red next month.

The point of it is not to turn on the Christmas lights. The point of it is to raise awareness in relation to HIV and particularly reducing HIV related stigma, Mr OHare said.
A professional mixed martial arts fighter who repeatedly punched a taxi driver in a row over a fare will be discharged from the indictment if he meets the judge's conditions, a court has heard.

Dylan Tuke, 25, called the taxi driver a sap and a fool and told him you're not in your country now before he punched him in the head and face, breaking the man's front teeth.

The assault occurred in the early hours of December 16, 2018, after Tuke hurriedly jumped into the taxi without asking if he was available and told him to go to the city centre, Garda Elaine Duffy told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The taxi driver was uneasy by Tuke's behaviour and asked him to pay the fare upfront, which led to the argument. After Tuke assaulted the driver and got out of the cab, he briefly returned to the car, causing the driver to run into a nearby fast food restaurant. Tuke then left the scene in another cab.

Another taxi driver who witnessed the assault said it was horrific and that Tuke was like a man possessed, the court heard.

After dash cam images of Tuke were circulated among gardai, he was identified by a garda who recognised him from the media, the court heard.

No previous convictions

Tuke, with a former address at Edenmore Avenue, Raheny, and who now resides in Bathgate, Scotland, pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm to the driver at Main Street, Swords. He has no previous convictions.

At a sentencing hearing on Monday, Judge Pauline Codd said the most significant aggravating factor was the threatening demeanour of Tuke and the threats he issued to the taxi driver.

Judge Codd said the offence was also aggravated by him pursuing the victim on foot and the victim being a taxi driver who was conducting a public service.

She said the court must take into consideration his co-operation, his age at the time, his remorse and the garda evidence that the offence was out of character. She noted that while drinking alcohol was not a mitigating factor, it contributed to his acting out of character on the night concerned.

The judge said Tuke comes from a very difficult background and has had a very difficult upbringing.

She noted he had not come to adverse attention since the offence and that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had originally consented for summary disposal of the matter in the district court.

Judge Codd said the appropriate sentence was 18 months imprisonment, but said she would defer the sentence until April 4, next, and impose a 200 fine.

She said if Tuke did not come to adverse attention during the adjournment, she would deal with the matter under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. This section allows the court to discharge an accused person from the indictment.

Judge Codd also ordered that the 3,000 which Tuke had in court was to be handed over to the victim or to a charity of their choice.

Previous sentencing hearing

At previous sentencing hearing, Tuke addressed the court directly, telling Judge Codd there was no excuse for his behaviour that night.

My grandad was a taxi man and I'm so ashamed I did that, he said. ...Violence is never the answer.

In a victim impact statement handed up to court, the victim said he now feels defenceless while driving his taxi and he no longer enjoys his work. He said his two front teeth were broken in the assault and he still suffers from headaches and has a facial scar.

Garda Duffy told defence barrister Aidan McCarthy BL she believed Tuke was acting out of character that night, after he had a few drinks. She said he was extremely remorseful when interviewed by gardai and he cried while watching the dash cam footage of the incident.

Mr McCarthy said Tuke became a professional mixed martial arts fighter at the age of 19 and has travelled abroad to partake in the sport.

He is not currently competing as he is helping to bring up his two younger siblings. The court heard his parents are both drug addicts and Tuke's childhood was marred by violence and addiction. He was mostly raised by his grandmother, who was in court to support him.

Mr McCarthy said it was to Tuke's credit he had never been in trouble with the gardai before, despite his difficult upbringing. He said on the night in question, Tuke got drunk at a Christmas night out with his club, which was unlike him given his profession.

Counsel urged Judge Codd to consider imposing a sentence on Tuke that would avoid giving him a criminal conviction.

A conviction could stop him in his tracks in terms of his chosen career, he said. It could prevent him travelling to competitions abroad, which are the main source of his income.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following an incident outside University Hospital Kerry, Tralee in which a man (60s) sustained a head injury.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that the man sustained a head injury in the course of an incident outside the entrance of the hospital with hospital personnel.
It should come as no surprise that Richard Browne is grasping a phone in each hand before our chat gets going.

He gives the impression of a man with a lot to do and little time, which may be why he talks so quickly.

In the world of cyber security  a land impenetrable to most and dull to many  you have to concentrate hard to keep up.

That's not helped by the fact that the cyber world is swirling with acronyms, terminology, and buzzwords.

Mr Browne is the Government's 'cyber man', who formerly ran the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and led the Department of Communications' internet policy up to the end of 2020.

He then landed a prestigious role as deputy director of the new National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC) in the Department of the Taoiseach, but was then sucked back into his old job as "acting director", pending a new appointment.

But unlike, say, An Garda Siochana, or the Defence Forces, the NCSC does not have a presence in the publics mind.

It rarely engages with the media and its parent department, the Department of Communications, does not often put the body out there.

Hence, this interview is rare and does not include an opportunity to photograph the interviewee.

Given the year that was, the obvious place to start is the HSE cyber-attack of May.

NIGHTMARE SCENARIO

"The HSE spotted it," Mr Browne says.

"At some point in the middle of the night, we know the exact time the system shut down. They spotted it, because everything was encrypted. That's the nightmare scenario. I can't go into detail, because we are still in the statutory process, but that's as bad as it gets."

Someone at the HSE picked up the phone and said, "We've got a problem." Mr Browne was, at the time, in NSAC.

He spoke to the head of Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), the unit within NCSC that responds to incidents.

"I said, 'Clearly, we are setting up the critical national infrastructure response plan?' That was already effectively in train and that has an escalation procedure." This plan sits within the Governments emergency management process.

The system moved quickly: "The HSE had malware samples immediately and we took the sample and pinged it across a system called Malware Information Sharing Platforms (MISPS) globally, so everyone knows what we have. That's all by 8am, so at 9am in Brussels, when they log in, they have the sample." The mechanism of these digital attacks  the malware, or malicious software  is not unknown to cyber authorities.

"We are dealing with these issues all the time," Mr Browne says.

"It's not like, 'Oh my God, what is this?' We can say, 'This is the one that landed in country X last week, this is the one that landed the week before.' We can tell what it is and what's changed." The NCSC took the lead in the response, which brought other departments and agencies, such as the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), as well as the Defence Forces, into assisting the HSE recover and restore systems.

The attack paralysed not just HSE systems for months, but systems linked to it, such as the email systems of GPs, Tusla, and others, affecting tens of thousands of patients and clients.

"The HSE attack was clearly a crime, but we led in the response for the first six weeks or so," Mr Browne says. "The priority was to get the system back, rather than prosecute the crime. We then step off. Right now, gardai have the lead on the HSE process. The gardai role will continue on, depending on when they get to a criminal prosecution."

The GNCCB investigation led to a disruption operation in September, in which the bureau, with the assistance of foreign law-enforcement agencies, targeted and seized the "technical infrastructure" of the Contigang suspected of being behind the attack.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner a month ago, bureau boss, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, said they had also gained an insight into the workings of the group and their finances.

He said there was "more to come", but declined to go into specifics.

Shortly after the GNCCB disruption operation, the NCSC reported on estimates from the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency that 400 US and international organisations had been hit with a ransomware attack similar to the one that had hit the HSE.

HEALTH SYSTEMS VULNERABLE

"Health systems are uniquely vulnerable," Mr Browne says.

"Its a function of distributed ownership and the pressing needs of clients."

"In this office, if someone wants a software package and IT thinks it's not exactly secure, it doesn't happen, but if a person is keeping someone alive and needs access to clinical data faster, then the balance shifts in favour of the user rather than security. That happening once, that's an issue; it happening over a long period, decades, its a challenge." Some countries have been repeatedly hit in the healthcare sector by this cyber group and NCSC spoke, after the cyberhack on our systems, to sister bodies in those countries.

"The only difference with the HSE is that the centre of the system was the victim," Mr Browne says, "not individual hospitals or healthcare provider."

Mr Browne says the HSE is a tangled web of services, with its own hospitals, voluntary hospitals, and private hospitals.

"A lot of these hospitals, or all of them, have some instances  and instances is the correct term  of HSE systems on their systems."

For hospital systems to be able to access files from each other, they have to be able to talk to each other with an open flow of information.

"So, if you patch a system, it has to be patched everywhere at the same time, so that creates a huge number of problems for any entity to manage that IT estate, not least because they own this bit, but they don't own the ICT system over there," Mr Browne says. "This is a global phenomenon and they are very, very difficult to secure."

Cyber minister Ossian Smyth. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Dublin

In recent weeks, the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador suffered a cyber-attack that severely disrupted healthcare providers and hospitals, while, in Israel, which has a sophisticated cyber-security set-up, hospitals experienced a series of cyber-attacks.

The NCSC statutory duties are now beginning to kick back in with the HSE.

"We now have a process to go through around the resilience of the HSE," Mr Browne says. "Under the European Information Network Security (NIS) Directive, we have statutory powers around resilience of critical national infrastructure."

PROTECT WHATS CRITICAL

70 or so entities in Ireland were designated OES (Operators of Essential Services).

They include entities in energy, transport, banking, financial infrastructure, health, water, and digital infrastructure.

"The directive says this service is essential to the economic and social life of the country and you must protect it," Mr Browne says.

"Their responsibility is to secure their own system. Our responsibility  and the way the directive is worded is messy  is to check on them that they are doing it, rather than police it per se." In 2018, the NCSC started recruiting cyber-security compliance officers and took on four or five of them.

They provided information to the bodies concerned, which, in turn, had to carry out a self-assessment process and correct any shortcomings.

"We audit against that," the NCSC chief says. "We've done a number and more are on the way."

This is "boring" compliance work that involves "chasing people down", but a crucial part of the overall jigsaw.

The HSE crisis "absolutely helped" to focus minds in companies and agencies and ensure that everyone  the IT teams, middle management, and the board  is on the "same page" on cyber security and "aware of the risks" and the importance of treating it seriously, he says.

Speaking of realising the importance of cyber security, the NCSC is at last  way past time, many experts believe  getting proper recognition of its crucial work.

This includes government plans to set the body up on a proper legal foundation, give it greater powers, and increase its staffing levels and funding.

In September 2018, the Comptroller and Auditor General revealed the lack of funding to the centre.

While it received an initial budget of 800,000, in 2011, it got just 250,000 from the Department of Communications between 2012 and 2015.

Describing the centre as providing a "critical function", the State's auditor said its staff grew from just five in 2012 to eight in 2016.

It was only when its budget increased to 1.95m, in 2017, that staff reached 14.

PROPER RECOGNITION

Three years later, a heavily redacted summary of a review of the NCSC, commissioned prior to the HSE attack, said the centre was understaffed and overworked.

The review, published last September, furthermore, said the centre lacked the laws and structures to do its job.

It recommended staffing be brought from 25 to 41, "at a minimum", by the end of 2022.

Cyber minister Ossian Smyth  who himself has a background in IT  has said all the report's recommendations would be implemented.

But he said it "will be a challenge" to fulfil the Government's own promises, made last July, to boost staff to 45 by the end of next year, with targets to reach 70 staff within five years.

The capacity review said the necessary increase in staff was against the background of the centre's workloads having "increased significantly".

It said forthcoming EU cyber-security measures will "add considerable strain" to the centre in the coming years.

It recommended:

Providing the centre with a single HQ facility;

That the centre's operations team be increased "as a priority" and have a dedicated intelligence team;

Regulatory functions of the centre be transferred to separate body;

New laws to formally and fully make the centre a national security and intelligence body, with the ability to detect and disrupt sophisticated cyber attacks. The report said laws setting up the centre on a statutory basis, with full cyber capabilities, were "critical" for its operational future.

It said legislation should set the centre up as an "independent organisation", define its national security remit, provide it with a dedicated budget, and enable it to "properly monitor" cyber threats.

On this, Mr Browne says: "We have a number of legislative shortcomings right now, which prevent us from doing the things that we need to do." He says the Government's decision committed to a legal instrument for NCSC, establishing it, and giving it formal legal roles.

He says the EU GDPR law in 2018 "imposed restrictions" on what they can do with data.

"We have a lot of powers regarding critical infrastructure under European legislation, but we ran out of road quickly in some cases on the Government, so that's the first thing: The primary legislation will give us a formal set of roles and powers," Mr Browne says. Some of those powers are in relation to threat intelligence and collection. He says the centre was constrained with the handling of some IOCs (indicators of compromise), where they are considered personal data.

"In terms of the broader question  what does the NCSC need to be?  the capacity review is very clear that we are fit for purpose on the basis of the limited functions we are doing right now, but it needs to expand significantly to deal with things that are coming." Cyber attacks are "getting messier and more complicated".

The centre is completing its national incident response plan, including lessons from the HSE attack.

"We learned a lot in that, so we need a much more expanded operations team in the NCSC." The important part of the 20 new staff, for him, is that it includes an "entirely new senior management team", including a director, two deputy directors, and six more principal officers.

There are currently only two principal officers, so the expansion will bring that to eight, three of whom will be assigned to the operations team.

"The operations team is going to get far larger and much more capable, particularly in dealing with these rolling, technologically complicated attacks," Mr Browne says.

GETTING INTO PEOPLES FACES

In addition, a government monitoring platform needs to be expanded.

"Sensor sits on government networks and watches for certain types of activity, primarily at APTs [advance persistent threats], serious persistent threats to IT departments," Mr Browne says. "That system needs to expand to cover a lot more of critical infrastructure."

The centre also wants to put in its own structure to look at key parts of the internet, something that will also require a legal basis.

"This is not surveilling people, its not picking someone's email," Mr Browne says. "We are looking for signatures associated with known threat actors, so if actor X, who has just attacked somebody in the UK, who is known to everyone in Europe because we have the IOCs, we need a means to pick that up, that's what Sensor is.

Mr Browne says the staff increase will also boost the centre's Engagement Team, which has currently five or six staff.

"That will need to grow significantly and become segmented to cover particular industry types."

The public-sector group, which currently has two staff, will need to "expand dramatically" to roll out the public-sector baseline standard that they had built and which will be published soon.

"There's a decision to be taken how that is implemented: That is pending," Mr Browne says. "But that engagement team will be much larger and engage with entities in a much more forceful way. That, in itself, is a whole challenge."

The EU cyber legislation already in existence, and coming down the tracks, is "much larger and more intrusive" than people realise. It has "real implications" for the NCSC and the State, with the centre involved in implementing or overseeing the laws.

Much of this, Mr Browne says, is due to the 'Anglocentric' nature of the industry in Ireland.

Many of the major cyber vendors are either US or UK companies, with many having their European headquarters in Ireland.

And there is a growing complexity to cyber-attacks: "Cyber is changing very dramatically: We are having much more dynamic incidents. It's always been dynamic, but they are getting more messy."

All this, he says, is pointing to the need for a more assertive NCSC: "We are seeing a requirement for much more intervention by us into industry, not just hand holding, but getting into people's faces and saying, 'These vulnerabilities that you have, they need to be fixed'."

Catching the attackers is the next step: "Underpinning all of this is finding the bad guys, watch what's happening. If you can't see it, you can't prevent it and that's an issue we've always faced." Some countries have "extremely expansive means" of overseeing what's happening. Mr Browne picks up his mug, which has GCHQ  the British signals intelligence agency  emblazoned across it.

Other countries don't have such agencies, and, he says: "Until you can proactively chase down, you are always going to be responsive, so you have to get out there and into people's faces." But outstanding obstacles remain over data protection and GDPR.

"There has been a vast series of consequences, intended and unintended, particularly with the gardai, from data protection, that complicated things, so there are changes needed in our legislation to bring it up to speed for post GDPR. That's a given," Mr Browne says. There are other implications: "I think some of it is the private sector now realising when they share a vast amount of threat intelligence data, there might be intelligence that is personal data and thats a challenge.

"We spent quite a lot of time on the new privacy directive to try and ensure that the upcoming European legislation didn't make the same mistakes." They are now working on rewriting the heads of bill that will form the draft laws on the NCSC, updating them on lessons from the HSE attack and other developments.

CYBERGEDDON

Mr Browne finishes by commenting on a dramatic term recently raised at an Irish cyber seminar: 'Cybergeddon'.

Essentially, it's the digital version of Armageddon, with Hollywood bells on.

"It's very dramatic," Mr Browne says. "This is a trope, particularly coming out of the US, the 'doomsday scenario'. Basically, if all the computers stopped working: The Die Hard 4 scenario, which is essentially what it is. In the US, you see arm-waving hysteria about the 'cyber Pearl Harbour' or the 'cyber Hiroshima, or whatever.

"The term means lots of different things to different people: It's usually a traumatic, dramatic cyber-security event that cripples the internet or large amounts of computers. It's not impossible, it's just an extremely low probability event," Mr Browne says. He says the fragmented nature of the internet protects against this, that it was designed to survive a nuclear war.

So, a cyber superbomb is possible in theory, but low in probability?

"It's not impossible," he says, "but we have more pressing problems right now."
Interview Junta-Linked Company in Bid to Take Stake in Telenor Myanmar

A Telenor SIM card.

With Norwegian telecom operator Telenors plan to exit Myanmar by selling its telecom operations in the country to Lebanese investment firm M1 mired in uncertainty, local firms have indicated their interest in taking a stake in Telenor Myanmar.

Amara Communications Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the IGE Group of Companies owned by U Nay Aung, a brother of Myanmar Navy chief Admiral Moe Aung, is one of them.

U Myint Ko Ko, the head of Legal and Regulatory at Amara Communications Co Ltd, spoke to The Irrawaddy about the companys interest in Telenor Myanmar.

Can you tell us more about Amaras interest in investing in Telenor Myanmar?

When Telenor announced its plans in July to leave Myanmar, they invited us to put in offers. At that time, they made a list of prioritized companies that had put in offers. We stayed silent after Telenor announced officially that they had chosen M1.

We are engaged in the telecom market and so we put in an offer at their request. It was not that our company was the only one to make an offer. We made the offer together with internet service providers in the market. At that time, there were some 70 local companies that had put in offers. Our company was just one of them.

With Telenors plan to sell its Myanmar business to M1 uncertain, is Amara still trying to acquire a stake in Telenor Myanmar?

What we know is that Telenor Myanmar sought permission in July from the Posts and Telecommunications Department (PTD) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for its sale to M1. But the PTD has not made any decision. In fact, whether we can have a stake in Telenor Myanmar is out of our control. As the PTD has said nothing, we know nothing so far.

There might have been some discussions between them, but we dont know. If there is an opportunity, we will be in. But the situation depends not only on the PTD, but very largely on Telenor and M1 as well.

To what extent is Amara prepared to invest if it is allowed to do so?

Even if there is an opportunity and we decide to take that opportunity, our maximum stake wont be more than 0.2 per cent. Still, it depends on Telenor, M1 and the PTD, and our financial capacity. Because if we invest a lot in Telenor Myanmar, it could have a negative impact on our existing business.

What else can you tell us about the potential investment?

We have nothing to hide about this and we will announce publicly if we buy a stake in Telenor Myanmar. If we are allowed to take a stake and join the operation, what we can assure people is that we will provide a service that is under no influence from anyone. We wont join the operation if it might impact the privacy of the public or if the concession is not transparent.



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Burma Myanmar Coup Leader Meets Senior Officials From China, Japan and Thailand

The Special Envoy of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Sun Guoxiang (C) arrives for the opening ceremony of the second session of the Union Peace Conference - 21st century Panglong in Naypyitaw, 24 May 2017. / EPA

Senior officials from China, Japan and Thailand landed in the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw over the weekend to meet with coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Sun Guoxiang, the Special Envoy of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, arrived unannounced in Myanmar and is set to meet the countrys military leadership, sources monitoring the Sino-Myanmar relationship told The Irrawaddy.

Suns visit is his second to Myanmar since the February 1 coup. In August, he met Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and members of the regimes governing body, the State Administration Council, during a week-long visit to the country.

At that time, the military regime rejected Suns request to meet detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Details of the special envoys current visit are still unknown, but political analysts have suggested that he may urge the coup leaders to implement the five-point consensus agreed with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as reiterating calls for dialogue between Myanmars political stakeholders.

The country has been in political, economic and social turmoil since the coup. ASEAN, which Myanmar is a member of, has tried to mediate the crisis but with little success so far.

The junta has still not implemented the five-point consensus, including ending the violence in the country and allowing the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar to visit, that the coup leader agreed with the regional bloc in April.

[Sun] might try again to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, apart from discussing the political crisis and peace in Myanmar, said one political analyst.

However, the regime has not yet officially announced Sun Guoxiangs visit to Myanmar.

Japans special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, is also in the country. He met Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday and discussed the current situation and the peace process in Myanmar, as well as Japans assistance to the country, said the regime.

On Monday, Japans envoy visited camps for internally displaced Rohingya in Sittwe, the Rakhine State capital, and is scheduled to meet representatives of ethnic political parties on Wednesday.

Yohei Sasakawa successfully mediated a ceasefire between Myanmars military and the ethnic Rakhine armed group the Arakan Army before last years general election. Fighting stopped for around a year, before renewed fighting broke out last week in Maungdaw in northern Rakhine.

Thailands Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai, arrived in Naypyitaw on Sunday and met the junta leader.

Diplomatic sources stated that the Thai delegation comprised five members, including a senior advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister, his chief of staff and the counselor of his office. However, the Thai ambassador to Myanmar was not present at the meeting. It is believed sensitive topics were discussed, possibly including the issue of anti-regime activists based in Thai towns along the Thai-Myanmar border.

No press statement has been issued by the military regime about the sudden visit of the Thai Deputy Prime Minister.

Along with the Indonesian foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai met the junta-appointed foreign minister U Wunna Maung Lwin in Bangkok after the February coup.



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Burma Myanmar Junta Continues to Seize Homes of Those With Ties to NLD, NUG

A building and land plot confiscated from an NLD member in Pakokku.

Junta forces have confiscated more homes from lawmakers of Myanmars ousted ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), accusing them of being affiliated with civilian resistance forces fighting the regime.

On Thursday last week, security forces sealed off the residences of NLD lawmakers Daw Zin Ni Ni Win, U Thet Kyu and U Pike Ko in Pakkoku town of Magwe Region. U Pike Ko is a former MP elected in 2012 and 2015 and the chairman of the towns NLD chapter. The other two were elected as lawmakers in 2015 and 2020.

The junta has charged them with sedition under Section 505-A, which carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment. They are in hiding.

A relative of one of the trio confirmed the confiscations.

After sealing off the homes on Thursday, junta forces placed a large notice at the entrance of each building reading: This land and building are confiscated as state property for having connections with the terrorist PDF.

The regime has branded civilian resistance groups, known locally as Peoples Defence Forces (PDFs), and the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) as terrorist organizations.

Similiary, about five houses of NLD members and lawmakers in Kenma Township and Nat Mauk in the same region were grabbed recently.

In addition to arbitrary arrests and killings of political activists, especially NLD members, junta forces have been grabbing properties and houses of political dissidents across the country, accusing them of having links to the NUG.

Properties and houses of NLD members and NUG-linked activists in Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Magwe and Mandalay regions and Chin State have been seized. Among those who have had homes seized is Dr. Lian Mmung Sakhong, who heads the NUGs Federal Affairs Ministry and is also vice chairman of the Chin National Front.

According to sources, the junta seized about 100 properties and houses from NLD- and NUG-linked activists, including about 40 in Sagaing Region and over 20 in Magwe Region.



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Danny Fenster and Bill Richardson at Yangon International Airport on Monday. / Richardson Center

Myanmars junta released and deported the US journalist Danny Fenster on Monday, three days after sentencing him to 11 years for incitement, contacting an illegal organization and breaching visa regulations.

The regimes spokesman confirmed the 37-year-olds deportation after his release from Yangons Insein Prison.

The release followed the former US diplomat and ex-New Mexico governor Bill Richardsons meeting with the regimes leader Min Aung Hlaing.

On Monday, the Richardson Center tweeted that Fensters release was secured following a private humanitarian visit by Richardson and negotiations with Min Aung Hlaing.

The tweet said We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

It was posted with a picture of Fenster and Richardson at the airport in Yangon.

Fenster, the managing editor of the online news site Frontier Myanmar, was arrested on May 24 at Yangons airport shortly while boarding a flight to Malaysia. He was held in Insein.

We are relieved that Danny is finally out of prison  somewhere he never should have been in the first place, said Frontier editor-in-chief Thomas Kean.

Before working for Frontier Myanmar, Fenster was with Myanmar Now after joining The Irrawaddy for a few months.

On Friday, the US State Department condemned the sentence as an unjust conviction of an innocent person.

Fenster is the third foreign journalist to be detained by the junta. Two freelancers, Robert Bociaga from Poland and Yuki Kitazumi from Japan, were detained before Fensters arrest. Both were later freed and deported.

Since the military takeover, the regime has targeted journalists with arrests, lawsuits, raids on newsrooms and violence in an attempt to suppress coverage of the juntas lethal crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters.

Around 100 journalists have been detained by the regime since the coup. Around 50 of them remain in prison.



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Burma Myanmar Military-Linked Trio Claim to Be on Shadow Govts Hit List

U Aung Naing Oo (last row, second from left), U Hla Maung Shwe (last row, third from left) and Dr. Min Zaw Oo (middle row, third from left) at the signing ceremony of the draft nationwide ceasefire text between ethnic armed groups and the U Thein Sein government in Yangon in March 2015, when former chief peace negotiator U Aung Min and President U Thein Sein (both in front row, left) were present. / The Irrawaddy

Three people known for their proximity to the Myanmar military and involved in the previous military proxy governments and the current regimes peace process have claimed they are on a hit list put out by Myanmars parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force (PDF), according to a complaint one of them sent to international embassies.

Viewed by The Irrawaddy, the aim of the letter is basically to alert diplomats that the trio face death threats from the NUG and PDF, and to urge them to take appropriate action against the organizations. The letter states that businessmen, politicians, actors/artists/performers who they think are supporting or working with the military regime were also under threat.

I would like to draw your attention to the secret death threat that the NUG/PDF has issued to assassinate U Hla Maung Shwe, Dr. Min Zaw Oo (MIPS) and myself, writes U Aung Naing Oo, adding that the targeted killings are against all the norms and values you hold dearly.

The NUG was formed by elected lawmakers from the ousted National League for Democracy government and their ethnic allies in the wake of the coup in February to challenge the regimes legitimacy. It has formed PDFs to topple the junta and defend the people against its troops brutality. Myanmar today has hundreds of locally formed civilian forces across the country; some are under the control of the NUG while others are not. Their activities range from deadly hit-and-run attacks to planting bombs at military targets to gunning down regime-appointed officials and collaborators and ambushing junta troops. The regime has branded them as terrorist groups.

The NUG rejected the accusation last Monday. Its spokesperson Dr. Sasa said they did not have such a hit list, adding that the NUG does not, has not, and will not engage in the same barbarity and sadism as the military.

According to the letter, the complaint would be sent to government officials, including those from the State Department, Brussels, Canberra, London and elsewhere through their contacts, adding they would also be reaching out to ethnic armed organizations that have assisted the NUG/PDF.

Imaginary Hit List?

The letters author doesnt provide solid evidence for the claims to be on a hit list. Moreover, he doesnt say whether each of the three directly received a threat, or confirm the existence of the list. The author only says he got a call on Nov. 6 from a highly reliable source who has a friend in the NUG/PDF, warning him about the threat against the trio.

While saying the NUG/PDF has carried out targeted killings mostly of unarmed civilians on the mere suspicion of working or spying for the military junta, the author said now they were stepping up their game and have included the trio and many others on the priority hit list.

The threat is real, and we are greatly concerned, U Aung Naing Oo wrote.

However, Dr. Tu Hkawng, who heads the NUGs Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MONREC), wondered why the trio didnt raise the issue first with the NUG if they took the threat seriously, as they have some close friends in the NUG leadership.

They can contact them any time. Instead, they secretly sent a complaint letter to embassies. It seems dishonest to me. We really dont have a list; its not even been discussed, he told The Irrawaddy.

In the letter, U Aung Naing Oo implored the diplomats and others to take appropriate action against the excesses of the NUG/PDF, saying I believe that you have both moral and political authority to put a stop to the NUG/PDF becoming the MONSTER they are fighting against.

We take this threat against me, my colleagues, and others who have not taken sides in this current conflict extremely seriously, given the number of unarmed civilians the NUG/PDF has killed over the past few months, he said.

He said the trio have been involved in the Myanmar peace process and stressed that different notions of conflict resolution in Myanmar does not mean that we support or work for the military, adding that they denounce violence of all kinds by anyone, not only the military but also any other groups in Myanmar.

We want to get rid of the military just like anyone else in Myanmar, he added.

Who They Are

Despite professing anti-military sentiment in the letter, the trio is widely regarded as having cozy relations with the military. They have all been openly criticized along with some Western-funded local peace think tanks for not speaking out against the military takeover and especially the atrocities that have followed, saying only that the coup was not a good thing. This is quite a contrast to their former selves, who were quite critical of every move the ousted National League for Democracy government made when it was in power.

Describing himself as a democracy and freedom activist who has not stopped fighting for peace and democracy in Myanmar, U Aung Naing Oo was a member of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), a student rebel group born out of the 1988 pro-democracy movement.

Later, he worked for the military proxy U Thein Sein government on peace negotiations with Myanmars ethnic armed groups under the supervision of ex-Major General Min Aung. To make it happenwith full blessings from Thein Seinthey founded the Myanmar Peace Center (MPC), a government-affiliated, Western-funded NGO where everyone, most of them anti-Suu Kyi and NLD, had a good time enjoying a cash bonanza out of the as-yet-unfinished peace process. The key achievement for them was the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. One of the key members of the negotiation committee at the time was Khin Yi, who is now the immigration minister in the regimes cabinet.

A former ABSDF and former democracy activist, Dr. Min Zaw Oo has worked at the MPC along with U Aung Naing Oo and is an adviser to the military under the hybrid civil-military government. He was also an adviser to the peace process under the NLD government from 2016 to January 2021, while he is also director of the Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security.

U Hla Maung Shwe was a one-time NLD member. After his arrest for his affiliation with the party in the early 1990s, he looked for greener pastures; he first became a businessman and then helped form the pro-military think tank Egrass, which advocated for the militarys role in politics and supported the previous military regimes election in the 2010 vote, which the NLD and ethnic political parties boycotted. He then landed at the MPC as a peace adviser along with U Aung Naing Oo and Dr. Min Zaw Oo under the U Thein Sein government. Now he is a member of the juntas newly formed peace committee.

Hla Maung Shwe is not alone in joining the junta from the MPC. Another member of the MPC and the trios close friend and colleague, Salai (Andrew) Ngun Cung Lian, is among the advisers for the current military regime. According to reliable sources, not only these two but some more members of the MPC have secretly or unofficially been working for the junta since its coup on Feb. 1.

The trio said no comment when The Irrawaddy asked them about the death threats.

One observer noted that those individuals are over-dramatic or just want to distort the peoples movement against military rule with their claims to be greatly concerned over the imaginary list.

Another political analyst who has known them for years rejected the hit list assertion, pointing out the alleged military involvement in a series of political assassinations in Myanmar since independence to as recently as that of NLD legal adviser U Ko Ni in 2017.

They speak like the regime. They are now leaning heavily on the miltairy, he said.

The NUG said the rumor is meant to discredit the peoples struggle for freedom and democracy, adding that it doesnt tolerate a victory at all costs mentality.

Its spokesman Dr. Sasa said, Everyone needs to understand that spreading and validating knowingly false gossip such as this not only muddies the political waters, but it disrespects the thousands of Myanmar people who have taken up the struggle for freedom and democracy.

As the complaint letter of the hit list began to draw peoples attention, veteran student leader Ma Nilar Thein wrote on her Facebook account:

You failed to stand with people when the regime brutalized them. Now, haunted by the stance, you are sending letters, complaining your life is in danger. No one will waste bullets on those whose history has already died for the road they took with their own self.

Ma Nilar Thein is the wife of a veteran student leader Ko Jimmy, who has now been detained by the regime last month. He was accused of being the leader of Operation Moonlight, a local PDF active in Yangon.



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Qualcomm state that with proven technology and an open, cross-device horizontal platform and ecosystem, Snapdragon Spaces delivers the tools to bring developers ideas to life and revolutionise the possibilities of headworn AR. Snapdragon Spaces is in early access with select developers and is expected to be generally available in the Spring of 2022 (Autumn here).

Proven technology and innovation

Qualcomm Technologies says it is a pioneer in augmented reality with over a decade of AR research and development. Utilising these years of innovation and expertise, Snapdragon Spaces offers robust machine perception technology that is optimised for performance and low power for the next generation of AR glasses.

The Snapdragon Spaces platform provides environmental and user understanding capabilities that give developers the tools to create headworn AR experiences that can sense and intelligently interact with the user and adapt to their physical indoor spaces. Some of the marquee environmental understanding features include spatial mapping and meshing, occlusion, plane detection, object and image recognition and tracking, local anchors and persistence, and scene understanding. The user understanding machine perception features include positional tracking and hand tracking, the company says.

Qualcomm Technologies states it has acquired the team and certain technology assets from HINS SAS and its wholly owned subsidiary, Clay AIR, Inc., a provider of hand tracking and gesture recognition solutions, which allows developers the ability to create interactive experiences that have natural and intuitive user interactions with their hands.

To continue to drive AR technology innovation, Qualcomm Technologies said it has welcomed Wikitude, a world-class AR technology provider to the Qualcomm family. With the launch of Snapdragon Spaces, the existing community of 150K+ registered Wikitude AR developers can join Qualcomm in accelerating the transition from smartphone to headworn AR.

Open cross-device platform and ecosystem

The company says that reducing development and commercialisation friction for the developer is at the heart of Snapdragon Spaces. The platform takes a direct-to-consumer approach that allows developers to build immersive applications for AR glasses and make them accessible to end users leveraging existing smartphone digital distribution stores globally.

Qualcomm says that Snapdragon Spaces includes software developer kits (SDKs) for leading 3D Engines, including Epic Games Unreal Engine so developers can create experiences using familiar 3D tools and workflows like Unreals real-time 3D creation tool for photoreal visuals and immersive experience. Niantic Inc.'s Lightship developer platform, launched this week, will integrate with Snapdragon Spaces to enable developers to create planet-scale AR experiences. The Lightship Platform will expand reach to outdoor headworn use cases and inspire people to explore outside, and to connect and play with others in real time through multi-player functions. This builds on the ongoing collaboration to create a reference design for AR headsets to accelerate AR software and hardware development. The Snapdragon Spaces platform also supports app portability and unified workflows with Unity AR Foundation and Unity MARS, enabling developers on the platform to create experiences that fully integrate with the real world. Snapdragon Spaces is based on the Khronos OpenXR specification to enable application portability and is the first headworn AR platform optimised for AR Glasses tethered to smartphones with an OpenXR conformant runtime, the company said.

The company went on to say that leading smartphone and AR hardware OEMs including Lenovo, Motorola, OPPO, and Xiaomi are initial partners to support Snapdragon Spaces in 2022, with the Lenovo ThinkReality A3 smart glasses paired with a Motorola Smartphone as the first to commercialise Snapdragon Spaces. Qualcomm Technologies is also working with an ecosystem of global operators, including Deutsche Telekom, NTT DOCOMO, INC. and T-Mobile U.S., with more global operators to be announced later. The operators will help scale and bring AR glasses tethered to smartphones supporting Snapdragon Spaces to commercialisation starting next year. To help fuel innovation and application development in the U.S. and Europe, both T-Mobile U.S. and Deutsche Telekom will support Snapdragon Spaces with their T-Mobile Accelerator innovation programs for developers of tech incubator hubraum.

Developer-first AR platform

Qualcomm said that Snapdragon Spaces enables developers to build 3D applications for AR glasses from scratch or simply add headworn AR features to existing Android smartphone applications to drive a unified, multi-screen experience between the smartphone screen in 2D and the real world in 3D. Developers will also receive a robust resource library that includes documentation, sample code, tutorials, knowledge bases, and tools to help accelerate their development. Snapdragon Spaces is in early access with innovative AR developers including Felix & Paul Studios, holo|one, Overlay, Scope AR, TRIPP, Tiny Rebel Games, NZXR, forwARdgame, Resolution Games, and Trigger Global.

Qualcomm also launched the Snapdragon Spaces Pathfinder Program, designed to support AR innovators through early access to platform technology, project funding, co-marketing and promotion, and hardware development kits to help grow an active community of Snapdragon Spaces developers. Interested developers can learn more and apply to the program by visiting the Snapdragon Spaces product page here.

The Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform underscores our commitment to empowering developers to explore bravely and create confidently, paving the way to a new frontier of spatial computing, said Qualcomm Technologies vice president and general manager of XR Hugo Swart. Snapdragon Spaces is designed to support the democratisation of XR by taking a horizontal, open channel approach so developers can rapidly bring their ideas to life and reach a wide range of end users. We welcome developers to join us in this journey to reimagine reality.

Epic Games vice president and GM unreal engine Marc Petit said, "At Epic we are working to build an open metaverse where creators can conceive, share, and deliver incredible real-time 3D experiences and find success through favourable business models. Today we're thrilled to be here with Qualcomm Technologies for the launch of Snapdragon Spaces, supporting their developer-first approach with Epic MegaGrants for AR glasses creators -- the first project being with the award-winning team at Felix & Paul.

Integrating Unreal Engine with Snapdragon Spaces will empower creators to build beautiful, high-fidelity AR apps that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. We look forward to working with Qualcomm Technologies to accelerate the dynamic, socially connected worlds of the future."

Deutsche Telekom AG head of group partnerships and devices Sean Seaton said, Deutsche Telekom engagement in augmented and virtual reality had already several successful XR product launches for both consumer and business customers.

Our ambition is to actively support and accelerate the Snapdragon Spaces platform with the best of our expertise and indispensable assets we have: 5G Network, content & services and hubraum, our developer and tech incubation arm, which successfully executed world class innovation programs with developers. We are excited to push headworn AR together with the power of T-Mobile USA and other leading Telcos towards the next level.

NTT DOCOMO general manager of product department Seiji Abe said, INC We believe that Snapdragon Spaces addresses the developer issue of fragmentation. This will help accelerate adoption of the use-cases that our customers want to see in AR.

XR has the potential to change the current paradigm and create a new communication culture in the 5G era. Headworn AR use-cases are a great example of the need for high bandwidth, low latency that our 5G networks provide. As a network operator, DOCOMO is passionate about contributing to the development of the XR domain in the Japanese market through a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies with Snapdragon Spaces.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 10 November 2021.
Technology consultancy Mantel Group launches the Emerging Talent Program to capture tech talent and will invest millions to grow its existing hiring and training initiatives.

The talent program will include separate programs, coupled with an expanded in-house learning academy. It will consist of:

1. Pathway Programs  Launched in July and set over 12 weeks, this traineeship is focused on enhancing prior work experience and recently acquired tech knowledge through immersion in practical on-the-job experience, 1:1 mentoring and development workshops. It is ideal for people with little or no prior tech experience, with a focus on women, gender minorities, and career changers. Mantel Group expects to offer each trainee a permanent role in the business upon completion of the program.

2. Future Associates Program  A new 13-month program that lets employees co-design their own journey as they start their career in tech with optional rotation and enrolment in all three tiers of Peak Academy (see below).

Participants have the option to rotate across brands and disciplines to gain exposure to different technologies. This is open to anyone with an IT degree, tech certification, bootcamp qualification, as well as self-taught coders.

3. Emerging Tech Talent Academy - A six-month, early career program for students starting their studies and looking to gain first-hand insights, practical experience, and grow their tech and consulting skills. It will include workshops, fireside chats, team challenges, and micro-internships across Mantel Groups seven brands to develop real-world skills.

4. Peak Academy  Mantel Groups in-house development program tailored to support team members at every stage of their career to achieve their personal and professional goals. Built upon three pillars, the blended curriculum consists of different modules focused on technical upskilling and professional development. The academy will form part of the learning plans in each of the above programs, as well as being accessible to all Mantelorians.

Mantel Group says the Emerging Talent Program will welcome up to 150 people over the next three years. Twenty-three trainees have already joined Mantel Group this year within the Pathway Program.

Mantel Group people and culture specialist Kerry Callenbach devised the strategy to address the various bottlenecks in the talent pipeline.

Companies across Australia and New Zealand are struggling to find great people with technology skills. What amazes me is that most of those companies are running the same internships and graduate programs they were ten years ago, Callenbach says.

Going down traditional institutional pathways doesnt automatically equate to role success and bypasses a big pool of talent. Rather than limiting ourselves to these pathways alone, we are taking a bigger picture approach to allow people to bring their talent to us, whether through a traditional degree, skills acquired in the workplace, or raw passion for tech, and nurturing that talent in one of our programs.

Mantel Group co-CEO of AWS specialist consultancy Adam Durbin welcomes the program.

I started my career in IT over 15 years ago in IT software support moving to system engineering and virtualisation, then into cloud. After working in various roles across private enterprise, government and consulting organisations, I took the leap and co-founded CMD Solutions. Going straight into the workforce at a young age, I never got a uni degree and dont feel it has ever held me back. With the pace of technology change, the level of focus put on formal qualifications in IT has changed, Durbin recalls.

This program removes the hurdles that companies put up unnecessarily on degrees and experience. Instead, we focus on attitude and aptitude. If youre interested in a tech career and have the skills and willingness to learn to be a great consultant, we can find a place for you and help you build the role, Durbin notes.

Mantel Group currently has 150 open roles across its seven brands and is actively recruiting across Australia and New Zealand.

To further attract the best talent, Mantel Group has established five new workplace hubs including a workspace on Queenslands Magnetic Island, responding to employee demand created by the pandemic for ongoing flexibility and greater lifestyle choices.

The Emerging Talent Program is part of Mantel Groups continued commitment to culture and providing its employees with outstanding opportunities.
GUEST OPINION: Data creation continues to grow exponentially with an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes produced globally every day. It is important for organisations to harness that power and create useful insights and business outcomes.

However, there is a vast gulf between what can be considered good data, which is complete, instantly available, and structured for consumption by enterprise-grade applications, and bad data, which is incomplete, inaccurate, duplicate or siloed data sets, from legacy systems.

Poor data quality costs businesses an average of $12.9 million each year. Apart from the immediate financial impact, poor data quality or siloed complex data can lead to ill-informed decision-making in the long run. Additionally, 20% of companies have lost a customer due to incomplete or inaccurate information about them.

The cost of not having an effective data management strategy is risky. According to our research, half of the companies that implement data management at scale are projected to achieve 10% or more revenue growth, which is more than three times the average. Furthermore, roughly 15% of companies project increases of more than 10% in cash flow, profitability, and revenue through the strategic use of data combined with enhanced data quality and visibility.

This research is reinforced by the Australian and New Zealand governments, indicating that companies have accelerated their digital transformation initiatives in light of the pandemic. This has resulted in increased spending that IDC predicts will grow by over 2.1% to reach US$84 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach US$93 billion by 2025.

Despite this rather overwhelming evidence, most companies do not realise the potential their data holds. According to a survey of 100 CXOs at global enterprises, data is widely viewed as crucial to business viability, but there remains a chasm between this belief and the companies ability to capitalise on their data resources.

Even more concerning though, is new research indicating that while 90% of C-level executives at Fortune 2000 companies consider data as a critical business success factor, 75% admit they do not have a very high level of trust in their data.

Clearly poor data quality is a huge problem for businesses and the economy.

A few years ago, The Economist published a story titled, The worlds most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. Since its publication, this assertion is no longer controversial. Data is the new oil has become a common refrain, and this is placed in an even more stark context in light of the new digital path and business challenges that the pandemic disruption has defined.

COVID-19 illuminated the data challenges within organisations. Improved control and management around cashflow, supply chain, inventory, working capital and business agility with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures have all become significant. In this uncertain environment, data is either an accelerant or an impediment to an organisations ability to respond to change.

Organic or acquisition growth of businesses and heterogeneous application environments have led to data sprawl and pockets of siloed and duplicated data everywhere. Businesses pay to capture, store and refine data, often without getting benefits or value from it. Tactical work-arounds or manual reviewing of data is still prevalent, but they cause inaccuracies and are slow. Further to this, they rarely address the underlying data challenges, but rather band-aid the symptoms of poor data management.

Proper management of a companys data assets is essential, and this relies on efficient capture, storage, company-wide buy-in, effective data platforms and appropriate governance.

Todays enterprise organisations must go beyond viewing data as a technical responsibility and make it Business Ready and ubiquitously available and usable. Digital transformations are likely to disappoint if there hasnt been a focus on data as a fundamental component. They must address management of data and data quality through holistic data management tools. By doing so, organisations will unlock the value of their data in an increasingly digital world.

Data management should be business-led and a self-funding exercise. Businesses can realise efficiencies that will benefit the top-line and bottom-line that can be amplified when the organisation moves towards business-driven innovation and transformation.

It is fair to suggest that the way in which an enterprise prioritises data as a strategic company asset can determine its future success, if not, its very survival.

The high cost of bad data

Syniti supports leading businesses in tackling their toughest data transformation and migration challenges. We regularly see the scale at which poor data quality impacts businesses and the economyand the apathy that many companies have about resolving these issues with permanent and repeatable solutions.

Over the past few years, we have identified that almost 90% of operational business issues are caused by a data problem. Talk to a C-level executive about the challenges they face, and theyll mention an inventory problem, or that their supply chain has issues. In reality however, they are usually referencing an underlying data issue.

Rectifying these issues with a connected platform approach, supported by appropriate governance and resourcing will lead to positive business outcomes that cannot be realised by investment in people alone. No one wants to spend their time cleaning data, so you need to support your business users and make it as easy as possible for them.

Were living in an on-demand economy where consumers expect more than quality products and services. They expect a positive experience every time they deal with a company. Quite simply, those that deliver will win. This is reinforced by the fact that our research indicates that 80% of executives foresee data to be a top priority investment area in 2022, due to its strategic value and potential.

Moreover, as companies increasingly focus on digital products or services which rely on data, it is critical to move forward in conjunction with the right choice of technologies. Approximately 80% of executives strongly agree that disruptive technologies fuelled by data, such as RPA, blockchain, AI and ML, will transform the competitive landscape.

The impact of data problems must be understood from a digital transformation perspective. Every digital transformation requires a data transformation. In the digitally transformed world, data is an extremely powerful asset, if its well managedand data-empowered companies are reinventing industries and shaping the world.

Knowing this, investment priorities will change rapidly over the next two years. Our research shows that companies are planning to invest more in security and data protection, support for artificial intelligence and automated machine learning, and advanced analytics and predictive modelling.

These priorities all depend on having quality data that they trust. In turn, that means having the tools and expertise in place to cut down on bad data, and create fast, secure and frictionless pathways to harness the potential of your data. As the saying goes, data really IS the new oil, and those who capitalise on it will be the big winners.
Consumers in the Asia region have significantly increased their use of digital channels to engage with businesses and service providers since the outbreak of COVID-19.

According to a global survey by cloud communications provider Vonage, Asia consumers have incresed their use of digital channels by 52 percent in the retail & ecommerce sector along with, 51 percent in education, 49 percent (banking & finance), 46 percent (healthcare services), 43 percent (media, gaming & online dating) and 31 percent in the transportation and travel sectors.

Vonage says its 10th Global Customer Engagement Report, based on a survey of 5,000 consumers from 14 countries, uncovered just how much the pandemic accelerated the global adoption of newer communications channels while increasing fragmentation in channel preferences, especially in the ways that consumers interact with organisations.

According to Vonage the research highlights changes over the past two years that reinforce the need for businesses and service providers to transform their customer engagement strategies to become more agile and adapt to permanent changes accelerated by the COVID era.

The report notes that consumers who embraced new and emerging channels of communication during the pandemic did not revert back to old habits and Vonage says customer engagement has permanently changed and there will be no return to the pre-2020 era.

The usage of digital channels (video, chatbots, non-SMS messaging apps, etc.) has grown considerably, while more traditional channels (mobile voice calls, email) have held steady.

"COVID-19 has fundamentally changed how businesses operate and how consumers interact with those organisations," said Joy Corso, Chief Marketing Officer for Vonage.

"Our research shows that digital channels have rapidly emerged alongside traditional methods of communication, with sharp and sustained growth in video, chatbots, app-based messaging and calling, while email and traditional voice calls remain relatively status quo.

This underscores the need to connect with and engage with customers in multiple ways, in their preferred modality. We are in an age where customers expect ultra-fast, seamless and dynamic communications and engagement.

Vonage reveals that it explored some of the customer service hurdles that surveyed consumers reported and the business impact of these frustrations.

For example, 46 percent of consumers are very likely to stop buying from a business or using its services if their calls repeatedly go unanswered with no other channels available for help.

Vonage says this highlights the importance of secondary and tertiary choices for communication and offering another channel such as live chat can ensure that the customers needs are still met.

Observing that video is the new phone call, Vonage says the research revealed that since January 2020, globally, there has been a 300 percent growth in the number of people who prefer to connect with businesses via video.

Three in five consumers worldwide are video chatting with a business or service provider more now than they were 18 months ago, according to the research, and four in five expect their video chats with friends and family to stay the same (55%) or increase even further (35%) during the next six months.

Additionally:

Consumers are using video chat to connect with healthcare services 50 percent more today than they were during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

With the advent of widespread distance learning, 37 percent of consumers prefer video chat when learning and studying remotely with a tutor.

At work, 38 percent of respondents favor video calls when collaborating with their team or customers on an important project. Digital engagement while working increased for at least half of respondents in each region. APAC saw a 65 percent increase since the start of the pandemic.



The research found that emerging communications channels that saw an increase in preference include messaging via social messaging apps and chatbots - and consumer preference for messaging apps has doubled since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Additionally, consumers now use and prefer WhatsApp both to call and text more than any other messaging channel, beating even SMS and Facebook Messenger.

In fact, the research reveals that WhatsApp is now 160 percent more popular than SMS - 27% of users prefer to use WhatsApp to communicate with a service provider, making it the preferred messaging app in Asia, followed by SMS (22%), WeChat (16%) and Line (14%).

Vonage says that businesses must always be agile and ready to adapt to changes in the market, but the pandemic made the call for agility even louder.

While a remote delivery of services is crucial to business survival today, that ability will mean little if the experience isnt frictionless, seamless and embedded into the applications customers are already comfortable using.

Organisations that meet consumers on their communications channel of choice, while limiting frustrations, may emerge from this turbulent era stronger than before, Vonage predicts.

Vonage points out that Thinca, Japan-based provider of cloud-based CTI solution, KAIKURA, has been able to enhance its CRM solution and meet its customers desire for omnichannel communications, via the Vonage SMS API and Vonage Video API.

"Business communication needs are constantly evolving and that has only accelerated more so since the start of the pandemic, says Takahiro Ejiri, CEO of Thinca.

Our customers rely on us for seamless and effective tools to improve work processes, enhance customer experience and stay connected with their stakeholders through omnichannel communications.

To download Vonages full report click here.
A new attack operation by a malware family known as BazarBackdoor or BazarLoader begins with a highly targeted malicious spam campaign, according to a blog post detailed by SophosLabs researchers.

The campaign delivers malware through a novel mechanism: the abuse of the appxbundle format used by the Windows 10 App installer, a technique that does not appear to be widely used, according to SophosLabs researchers.

Last Thursday, 4 November 2021, Sophos employees were targeted with emails concerning an apparent customer complaint against them and alleging to come from a company manager.

The recipient was addressed by their name and that of the company and the wording of the message was abrupt and threateninga classic scam technique to increase stress levels for the recipient.

The recipient is urged to click to a website where the complaint has allegedly been posted for them to review. This link, if clicked, will eventually lead the user to the malware.

Sophos researchers have analysed the malware and the attack tactics and techniques. The technical blog detailing their findings has been published on SophosLabs Uncut.

The blog reveals the attack chain that unfolds after the link in the email is clicked:

 The page that appears abuses the Adobe brand and asks users to click on a button marked Preview PDF

 However, the link from this button doesnt start with the expected prefix: https:// but with the prefix: ms-appinstaller

 The unusual prefix triggers the browser to invoke a tool called AppInstaller.exe to download and run whatever is at the other end of the link

 In this attack, the other end of the link turns out to be a text file named Adobe.appinstaller that, in turn, points to another URL where a larger file, containing the malware is located

 The app appears to be signed with a digital certificate to make it look trustworthy and legitimate

 If the user grants permission the malware is installed

 The malwares behaviour identifies it as BazarBackdoor. The first thing it does is profile the infected system and identify its public facing IP address and send that information to its command-and-control

 The infected device has then successfully been co-opted into the BazarBackdoor botnet, with a backdoor implant installed for the delivery of further malicious payloads if needed

Spamming a security company with malicious emails featuring a novel attack technique might not have been the best decision by the operators. Malware that comes in application installer bundles is not commonly seen in attacks, Sophos principal researcher Andrew Brandt. Unfortunately, now that the process has been demonstrated, it's likely to attract wider interest. Security companies and software vendors need to have the protection mechanisms in place to detect and block it and prevent the attackers from abusing digital certificates.

Like most backdoor programs of this sort, this malware deliberately includes a function to download and install yet more malware. So, the danger of attacks like this is that although an infection may look and feel like the end of an attack chain, it is really just the beginning of the next one, Sophos principal research scientist Paul Ducklin explains.

And you can't tell in advance what malware comes next. Also, it's easy to dismiss as mostly harmless the profiling data that this malware steals up front, such as the amount of RAM and CPU power that each infected device has. But the criminals love to know those details, because it helps them decide which computers in their botnet are best suited to which sort of future malicious activity, Ducklin concludes.

SophosLabs has published Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) relating to this attack on its Github page. Microsoft turned off the pages hosting the malicious files on Thursday, 4 November 2021.
Indian retail outlet Future Retail has released details of dealings with global retail giant Amazon in a bid to break off a deal between the two companies.

The details were released to the Indian law enforcement agency, the Enforcement Directorate, by independent directors of Future.

Reuters reported that a 160-page stock exchange filing on Sunday showed the directors had reviewed the 2019 deal between Amazon and Future Coupons, a sub-unit of Future Retail.

The directors said Amazon's statements to the Competition Commission of India seeking the green light for the agreement did not match the US firm's internal statements.

Futureits retail assets to India's Reliance Industries for US$3.4 billion (A$4.57 billion) last year.

This deal has now been frozen after Amazon claimed Future had broken contracts with the US retail giant by the Reliance sale.

The directors said in a 10 November letter that Amazon's stated reasons for investing in Future Coupons did not match what it had said in internal emails.

An Amazon India executive had reportedly said in an email that the US company was using a "'twin-entity investment' structure to invest in Future Retail" due to restrictions in Indian law.

The directors argued that this meant the deal with Amazon had to be scrapped.

This is the second case in India where Amazon has been involved in recent days; last month the US company was accused of copying Indian products and manipulating search results to favour its own products over private Indian brands. Amazon has denied the claims.
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Staff Writer

Jonathan Roberts is a reporter and photographer for the Johnson City Press covering Jonesborough, healthcare and higher education. He is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and has been with the Press since 2019.
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Joe Hadsall is the digital editor for The Joplin Globe. He has been the editor of the former Nixa News-Enterprise and has worked for the Christian County Headliner News and 417 Magazine.

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Betty Jean Pulley, 95, passed away November 4, 2021, at Windridge Nursing Home, Miami, Oklahoma. Betty was born September 7, 1926, at home in Riverton, Kansas, to Albert Petty Cutright and Alta Elizabeth (Newkirk). She graduated from Riverton High School Class of 1944, and attended Joplin Ju
The US Central Command said Sunday that a 2019 airstrike that killed civilians in Syria was legitimate, after a New York Times investigation said the military had concealed the death of dozens of non-combatants.

The newspaper published the results of its investigation on Saturday saying a US special task force operating in Syria  sometimes leaving its military partners in the dark to preserve secrecy  dropped three bombs on a cluster of civilians near the Islamic State group bastion of Baghouz, killing 70 people, mainly women and children.

The report says a US legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime but that at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike.

Drawing from confidential documents, interviews with personnel directly involved and officials with top security clearance, The New York Times found that the strike was one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against the Islamic State, albeit never publicly acknowledged by the US military.

The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized and classified. United States-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified, the report said, adding the Pentagons independent inspector generals probe findings were stalled and stripped of any mention of the strike.

In a detailed response, Central Command (CENTCOM) said an investigation found the strike was legitimate self-defense, proportional and that appropriate steps were taken to rule out the presence of civilians.

It added an investigation was launched after a military report found there had likely been civilian casualties.

Along with 16 IS fighters determined to have died in the bombing, the investigation concluded at least four civilians were killed and eight wounded.

We self-reported and investigated the strike according to our own evidence and take full responsibility for the unintended loss of life, said CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Bill Urban.

He said the investigation could not conclusively characterize the status of more than 60 other casualties, adding that some women and children, whether through indoctrination or choice, decided to take up arms in this battle and as such could not strictly be classified as civilians.

 Circumventing the safeguards 

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their US-led coalition allies declared the defeat of a self-proclaimed IS caliphate in March 2019 after years of fighting culminated in ousting jihadists from their last Syrian stronghold in the eastern village of Baghouz.

According to the Times, the strike was carried out despite the presence of civilians by the special operations unit Task Force 9 after a request from the SDF and ignoring military directives in place to protect civilians.

Each bombardment was meant to be preceded by checks, sometimes lasting days or weeks.

But over time, some officials overseeing the air campaign began to believe that the task force was systematically circumventing the safeguards created to limit civilian deaths, the report said.

On March 18, 2019, Task Force 9 circumvented oversight by reporting imminent danger and invoking self-defense, as in many other strikes during this conflict, according to the Times.

Urban said that morning, an SDF position under heavy fire and in danger of being overrun called for defensive airstrikes on ISIS fighter positions, adding the SDF and on-the-ground special operations forces reported no civilians in the area.

The investigation determined that no disciplinary action was required after the bombing, but that it led to new requirements for high-definition video for future, similar strikes and further coordination with surveillance assets in the strike area.

bur-sw/mlm

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
Jules Lepoutre is a professor of public law at the University of Corsica in France. He is a specialist in nationality law. His doctoral thesis was entitled nationality and sovereignty. So not surprisingly his attention was drawn to an April 8, 2021 ruling of the State Council, Frances highest administrative court, confirming rejection of a naturalization application by a Rwandan woman who had been living in France for 27 years, on grounds that her husband had been convicted for his role in the 1994 genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda and that she had not broken up with him.

In their decision, the judges noted that the initial rejection of her naturalization application was based on the circumstance that her husband, Mr. D., had, in his capacity as Planning Minister of Rwanda, directly and publicly incited genocide in 1994 genocide, for which he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on December 18, 2014. They then note that Mrs. C. was still married to Mr. D. and continued to maintain relations with him, which had led the Interior Ministry to reject her naturalization application. The State Council concluded that there was no error in law.

Does being married mean sharing ideology?

In a solid analysis of the decision, entitled Spouse of a genocide convict and naturalization request: dangerous liaisons published in the administrative law journal AJDA (Editions Dalloz), Professor Lepoutre wonders what conclusions should be drawn. It is considered that by remaining married to a man convicted of genocide, she would have shared or validated the acts committed by her husband that led to his conviction for genocide. But neither the decision by the State Council nor the conclusions of the public rapporteur report any positive acts or behaviours that could lead to such an affirmation. The reasons for the decision are based solely on her marital status and on the maintenance of the relationship after the conviction. This is what particularly troubles the law professor: It is undoubtedly the applicants choice to maintain her marital ties despite her husbands conviction that led the French authorities to consider her naturalization application undesirable. In short, a divorce might have made the matter easier. Everything suggests that, in the minds of the administration and then the judges, this was what was expected of the applicant when she applied for naturalization, writes Lepoutre.

For the scholar, the decision thus reveals, in the context of access to nationality, that the merits of a woman to become French are assessed according to her ability to break with a husband convicted of a mass crime. The jurist questions the logic behind such a conclusion. Does the maintenance of the marital relationship necessarily imply first of all a validation of the acts committed by the husband? he asks. How much of the womans autonomy is recognized in this case? Without questioning her relationship to the acts committed by her husband, the judges suggest that marriage implies a harmony of views between spouses. However, communal life does not mean thinking alike and it is not inconceivable that the applicant does not share or validate the acts committed by her husband  without nevertheless life together and maintaining the marital bond appearing to be unbearable to her.

Wife and daughter of genocide defendants

Lepoutre dwells on this case because he considers it contains an unprecedented assertion in France, destined to become a precedent: the public authority, in order to pronounce naturalization, can take into consideration the particular ties of the applicant with a third party, in particular the spouse, in order to evaluate whether such ties are likely to affect the interest that the granting of French nationality to the applicant would present for the country. Here, the State considered that it was contrary to the interest of France to grant naturalization to this lady.

The young professors article is rich in historical reflections, and enlightening on the dilemmas posed. But there is something he does not reveal: the identity of the applicant. And it appears she is at the heart of an extraordinary family and judicial saga.

The rejected applicants name is Felicite Mukademali. She is the wife of Augustin Ngirabatware, who was Planning Minister in the interim government in place from April to July 1994 during the genocide in Rwanda and who was sentenced by the ICTR to 30 years in jail. She is also the daughter of Felicien Kabuga, a former Rwandan billionaire who managed to evade international criminal justice for 25 years before being arrested in France, near Paris, in May 2020. Kabugas children are suspected of having aided and abetted his many years in hiding from justice.

French protection

After the violence began in the Rwandan capital Kigali on the evening of April 6, 1994, Felicite Mukademali took refuge in the French embassy, as did several other dignitaries. On April 12, she was evacuated by plane to Burundi. While her husband remained in Rwanda for the next few weeks, it is unclear whether his wife joined him or not. According to Peter Robinson, a lawyer for Kabugas children, Mukademali left Rwanda in June 1994 and arrived in France the same month. According to this American lawyer, Ngirabatwares wife has live and worked in France for more than 25 years without ever being arrested for any crime, has two children and two grandchildren who are all French citizens. He therefore thinks the decision to reject her naturalization application is quite unfair.

This rejection contrasts with the support French authorities gave her husband for a long time after his departure from Rwanda in 1994. This support is discussed by French researcher Andre Guichaoua in his book Rwanda: from war to genocide. In an appendix entitled The long years on the run under protection of Augustin Ngirabatware, Planning Minister in the interim government and under an ICTR arrest warrant, the sociologist mentions, among other things, the fact that the Chief of Protocol of the French Foreign Ministry granted Ngirabatware on April 20, 1998 a special card from the Immunities and Privileges Service acting as a residency permit valid up to and including April 2000. A copy of this special card is published at the bottom of the annex. Intense lobbying was then carried out by Foreign Ministry staff to help Ngirabatware obtain a status that could protect him from prosecution by the ICTR, continues Professor Guichaoua.

The indictment against Ngirabatware was signed by the ICTR Deputy Prosecutor on September 27, 1999 and an arrest warrant was filed at the French Embassy in Tanzania on October 11. According to Guichaoua, the arrest was scheduled for November 24 in Paris. However, he reports, the accused, who had been present a few days earlier, had opportunely returned to Gabon

The shadow of Kabuga

It was not until September 17, 2007 that Ngirabatware was arrested by German police in the Frankfurt area. According to some media reports, his father-in-law Felicien Kabuga, the man most wanted by the ICTR, was in the same house at the time. According to a judicial source, it was also shortly after this that Kabuga secretly moved to the suburbs of Paris, where he remained in hiding until May 2020 with the help of his children.

In the meantime, the protections of yesteryear have disappeared and the French governments main concern today is to restore good relations with Rwanda. The State Councils decision in the Mukademali case therefore comes in a context that is politically  and even judicially  highly unfavourable to the applicant.

Could the reasoning of the top administrative court be used to withdraw citizenship from naturalized persons whose spouses have subsequently been convicted of international crimes? This is unlikely, says Professor Lepoutre. The conditions for withdrawal of citizenship are strict and the occurrence of a fact subsequent to naturalization can never justify a withdrawal. Withdrawal can only be justified by the administrations discovery of a fact prior to naturalization that had been hidden by the candidate for nationality. So there is no risk in this respect, Lepoutre told Justice Info. This case is fairly emblematic of the administrations discretionary power in naturalization matters  that is, its ability to assess an individual situation as it sees fit, beyond the criteria set by law. The legislation on withdrawal of nationality does not recognize such a wide discretionary power. Once you become French, your situation is generally protected. This should appease other Rwandans who might be potentially concerned.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday filed to contest the Senate elections next year, seeking a way to stay in politics while facing an international probe into his deadly drug war.

Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second six-year term, filed his candidacy at the Commission on Elections office, minutes before a deadline to join the race.

A lawyer submitted the paperwork on behalf of the president, according to documents seen by AFP, quelling speculation he would run for vice president  the same post his daughter, Sara, is contesting.

Duterte, 76, had previously said he would run for vice president, before changing his mind and announcing plans to retire from politics.

But presidential communications chief Martin Andanar told local media on Saturday that Duterte had flagged plans to run for the countrys second-highest office after all, and would file his candidacy on Monday.

There were questions over whether Sara Duterte would make a late switch into the presidential race, after hundreds of her fans gathered outside the Commission on Elections office on Monday.

Sara had been widely expected to seek the presidency in a bid to succeed her father, and potentially protect him from criminal charges in the Philippines and ICC investigators.

But on Saturday she filed for the vice presidential race and that appeared unchanged by Mondays 5:00 pm (0900 GMT) deadline.
Due to growing concerns about Taiwan and Beijings nuclear arsenals, the US and Chinese heads of state held a virtual meeting on Monday, where Joe Biden and Xi Jinping will discuss how to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict.

The two leaders held two conference calls this year, but people familiar with the virtual conference said that both sides are lowering their expectations for the outcome of the discussion, which is not called a summit.

National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan said last week that the United States and China are in stiff competition, but there are There is no reason to turn competition into conflict. He said that both parties must ensure that this is indeed the case.

The biggest hot spot is Taiwan. Washington was shocked by the fact that China drove a fighter plane into the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone. Beijing is concerned that Biden may weaken the one China policy of the United States since 1979 to recognize Beijing as the sole seat of government in China.

In his speech to Asia-Pacific leaders last week, Xi Warn other countries Avoid cold war confrontation and division. His comments were made two months after the establishment of a security partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia to help Canberra obtain nuclear-powered submarines. This move is designed to help it strengthen its defense against China and strengthen cooperation with the United States.

On Friday, Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton emphasized growing concerns about Taiwan, which he said was IncredibleCanberra will not support the United States in any campaign to defend Taiwan against China.

Michael Green, a former White House senior adviser to Asia by George W Bush, said: The facts he said aloud are new and show the extent to which Chinas coercion has changed all parts of Asia. Security relationship.

After the Pentagon warned that China would be in a virtual meeting, Biden was also expected to raise the issue of nuclear weapons. Quadrupled its nuclear warhead arsenal This decade. But China has no interest in nuclear stability negotiations, partly because the United States has more weapons.

The United States has many concerns about China, from the repression of Uyghurs and the repression of Hong Kong democracy activists to disappointment with Chinas trade practices. China hopes that the United States will stop interfering in its core interests and return the relationship between the United States and China to a less antagonistic era.

Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund, said: Beijing is eager to use this summit to signal to domestic audiences and other countries that U.S.-China relations are back on track. But the Biden administration hopes to avoid such a situation. The Chinese see this summit as a realignment of relations.

The leaders of both sides will hold meetings when facing major political events in the coming year.Xi Jinping will host Beijing Winter Olympics In February, and plan to get the third party general secretary term in November. Biden and the Democrats are trying to avoid losing their majority in Congress in the November midterm elections.

Myron Brilliant, head of international affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that any progress requires constructive pragmatism at the highest level, but added that, given political constraints, it is not clear how to translate this into concrete action.

The Chinese may want to cool down, Brilliant said, but are they willing to contribute to important issues for the Biden administration? This is a big question mark.

Zhu Feng, an expert on foreign relations at Nanjing University, said that because of the increasing polarization of domestic politics between the two countries, he does not expect any substantial progress to be made at the meeting.

Zhu said: What we can realistically expect at the summit is that the two sides once again understand each others bottom line.

Biden has taken a series of actions to respond to challenges from China, from strengthening alliances in Europe and Asia, imposing sanctions on Chinese officials to describing the suppression of Uyghurs as genocide.

Given that Xi Jinping has not changed his course, he faces some criticism about whether he is on the right track. But US officials said that Biden is more focused on shaping the international landscape in a way that confronts China.

Respected

Carolyn Bartholomew (Carolyn Bartholomew), chairman of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, said that if Xi Jinping takes improving relations seriously, it is also important for Xi Jinping, not Biden, to take on more responsibility.

Bartholomew said: Xi Jinping must view this meeting as an opportunity to respect and make specific commitments to resolve a wide range of issues of common concern to the United States and other countries.

[This includes] China has become increasingly aggressive towards Taiwan and Japan, and continues to adopt unfair economic and trade practices such as coercion and subsidies, human rights violations against Uighurs and other ethnic minorities, and the destruction of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong. 

But while emphasizing the tension between the two countries, Wu Xinbo, director of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that Washington should not have too much expectations for an increasingly confident Beijing.

The Biden administrations China policy has not worked so far, and the United States has realized the need for adjustment, Wu said. I hope China will stick to its bottom line and urge the United States to make changes.

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On Friday, a federal court refused to revoke the Biden administrations vaccine authorization for companies with 100 or more workers.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans last Saturday approved the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administrations requirements for these workers to be vaccinated before January 4th or for masks and weekly tests.

Lawyers from the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor submitted a response on Monday, stating that preventing the authorization from taking effect will only extend the COVID-19 pandemic and will cause dozens or even hundreds of lives to be lost every day.

The appeals court rejected this argument on Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the suspension was fully in the public interest.

Engelhardt wrote: From economic uncertainty to workplace conflicts, in recent months, the specter of commission alone has caused unspeakable economic turmoil.

After OSHA issued the rule on November 4, at least 27 states have challenged at least six federal appeals courts. The submitted challenges should be randomly selected for listening on November 16.

Government lawyers stated that there is no reason to shelve the vaccine mission when the court where the case will eventually settle is still undecided.
Main distribution center Freddys Flower -A flower delivery business focused on London-in most respects, it seems to be exactly as expected.

In an old high-ceiling factory near the River Wandle in Earlsfield in the southwest of the city, long stacks of cardboard delivery boxes stand in a corner of the unit. However, instead of delivery vehicles, the center has a long line of electric assisted bicycles equipped with a large carrying platform.

Freddie Mac is one of a growing number of companies aiming to deal with urban congestion, parking restrictions and Shortage of commercial drivers Most deliveries are made by bicycle.

The courier piled about 45 boxes on a container built in the Netherlands City arrow Ride a bike and set foot on destinations in central and southwestern London.

Respected

This type of business represents a rapidly growing niche market in the logistics business of many companies. Express parcel operators such as DHL, professional low-carbon express companies, and some other mainstream logistics companies are all taking advantage of the flexibility and speed of logistics. Cargo bike Because they have carried out some business in many parts of the industrialized world.

The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford used the local bicycle courier company Pedal & Post to send the samples to the train station, ready to be shipped to London for processing.

Mark Philpotts, a British bicycle design expert at the Swedish consultancy Sweco, said that this method of transportation has special advantages in handling perishable goods, on-time goods and last-mile delivery of high-value goods.

It is a direct competitor of electric trucks, Philpotts said. You can park where you like. You can repair the building more easily. You can take your bike to awkward places-and you wont have parking problems or loading problems.

Alice Scobie, head of delivery in the United Kingdom, said that after Freddies Flowers began to be delivered in vans at the beginning of the business in 2014, it almost happened on bicycles as a delivery method.

Alice Scobie, head of delivery in the UK, says Freddies Flowers  Anna Gordon for the Financial Times

We had problems transporting to central London, especially offices and apartment buildings, because our trucks started transporting at around 2 am, and it was almost impossible to get in at the time, Scoby recalled.

Therefore, in 2018, the company turned to the most difficult delivery through Step on me, A bicycle taxi service, also carries a lot of goods.

We realized that this is a very good delivery method because the customer got their box, and it is not in the truck, and it does not use diesel, which is a big deal for us, Scoby said.

Delivery driver Jamie Kay  Anna Gordon for the Financial Times

Freddies Flowers transformed its delivery business from outsourcing to internal transfer. Shown: Drew Thompson, Freddie Flowers mechanic  Anna Gordon for the Financial Times



She explained that the company quickly decided to buy its own bicycle and operate it on its own. After seeing the advantages, we thought:Why dont we do it internally?'

Respected

For some companies that relied on trucks in the past, the switch to bicycles represented a major change.

David Squire, co-founder DeliveryTollcross, located on the edge of Edinburghs city centre, operates a cargo bike express business. The company said that so far, his company has mainly relied on small local companies to carry out its business. He hopes to see more cooperation among small local express companies to provide large companies with services within the UK.In the Netherlands, a Local Express Association Such services are provided in the 40 largest cities and towns in the country, where the freight cycle service is relatively developed.

I think we see huge potential in the connections between different small courier companies, Squire said.

He pointed out that if these services are also connected by long-distance rail services, then this idea may be particularly powerful.

Respected

Squire, whose service is mainly made in Denmark Bullitt Cargo Bike, Said that customers continue to be surprised by the capacity of the bicycle. They can withstand loads of up to 100 kg, and if the bicycle is towing a trailer, they can even carry up to 250 kg. People usually think they cant carry more things like a van, Squire said. But in most cases, the truck is 30% full, 30% of a truck-you can almost carry that much with a cargo bike.

Philpotts said that cargo bikes will never challenge motor vehicles to transport bulk cargo such as cement. But modern improved batteries and powerful electric motors have changed the effectiveness of transportation methods.

The whole question of whether people are healthy enough to use bicycles is a bit different now, Philpotts said. Electronic assistance is indeed a game changer in various cycles.

At Freddies Flowers, Londons shift in bicycles has had a knock-on effect on the way the business operates. Because bicycles face less traffic congestion, the working hours of riders are standard time between 9 am and 5 pm, while truck drivers tend to start work at 4 am or earlier.

Petal Pusher: Freddies Flowers riders like Charlie Hill discovered that bicycles can be delivered in more social time and reduce parking troubles  Anna Gordon for the FT



This encourages riders like freelance graphic designer Charlie Hills to join the company. Because work is very flexible and working hours are long, which means we also have time to do other work in the afternoon, he said.

Respected

Although Freddie Mac still uses vans for some deliveriesespecially in businesses outside of Londonit increasingly relies on bicycles for deliveries in the capital. Now it is delivered by bicycle from the Earlsfield warehouse and another warehouse in Bermond West, south-east London. According to Scoby, a planned warehouse in north London will increase the number of bike deliveries per week to around 12,000 to 13,000.

Currently, 75% of the companys London deliveries are done by bicycles, and it plans to complete 50% of all its deliveries in the UK within six months without emissions.

However, Scobie cited reasons far beyond environmental benefits, and was happy to switch to bicycles.

None of us realizes how successful it will be, how positive it will be, she said. [Thats] Not only environmental factors, but also service factors are much better than customers letting them ride in a van. 

She added that the drivers interacted well with the customers. It really works-basically, it has to be.
According to a new report, the UK has misdiagnosed its productivity crisis, and if it continues to seek to improve the performance of a large number of extremely inefficient companies, it will not be able to improve living standards.

The findings of the Resolution Foundation and the Economic Performance Center of the London School of Economics challenged the governments view that upgrading poorly performing companies or poor areas will significantly increase productivity across the UK.

The report found that increasing the productivity of 40% of workers in low-productivity companies by 10% would only increase the overall performance of the UK economy by 1.2%, because the long tail of weak companies lags far behind those that run more efficiently.

The results of the work are contradictory Boris Johnsons perspective The high-wage, high-skills, and high-productivity economy comes from restricting immigration so that truck drivers and other shortage occupations can get more compensation, thereby upgrading the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Resolution Foundation, Torsten Bell, aims to formulate policies to improve the lives of low- and middle-income families. He emphasized that the governments ambitions to improve weaker companies are very important to employment and locality.

But he added that pulling people with poor performance cannot be the answer to the countrys productivity and living standards.

The study used new data to examine the productivity of individual British companies in more detail than before. As with previous studies, this shows that there are a large number of extremely inefficient companies. The productivity levels of the worst-performing companiesmeasured by the value created by each employee per hourare 16 times lower than the top 10% companies.

But research shows that, contrary to earlier research, the UK has a large number of low-productivity companies, which is far from unusual. This means that the long tail effect of weak companies does not explain why the hourly output of British companies is 16% lower than that of economies such as France, Germany, and the United States.

Greg Thwaites, head of research at the Resolution Foundation, said: The UK has a terrible productivity record into the 2020s, and there is a misdiagnosis of the reasons for this.

He added: Instead of focusing on the long tail of non-productive companies in the UK, we also need to see improvements in the way companies invest and innovate as well as employee management and training across the economy.

The report said that instead of pulling the weaker companies, it is better to let stronger and more efficient companies do more work. This will involve a lot of redistribution of work and the closure of many companies.

Although the research admits that it is impossible to relocate workers from small local companies to Goldman Sachs, they argue that the country should pay more attention to investments in machinery, personnel, and better management practices to improve overall performance.

This will not be free, but will depend on the countrys willingness to reduce consumption while increasing investment in the short term in order to become richer and more productive in the future.

These are not rapid productivity fixes. They may cost money in the short term. But they need to be implemented as part of a new economic strategy to achieve stronger growth and higher living standards in the coming years, Thwaites Say.
Abandonment: A tourist watches Ever Ace leaving the port of Felixstowe in September  Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

Two months ago, the worlds largest container ship Ever Ace arrived at the port of Felixstowe on the east coast of England on its maiden voyage. The ship carrying 23,992 containers took two months to climb from Qingdao in eastern China to Suffolk Port. It transports goods, including computers, games, clothes and food-and then picks up a large number of empty containers and transports it back to China.

These huge new ships require very large infrastructure, as the sister ship Ever Ace anchored in the Suez Canal earlier this year demonstrated. This may require expanding the docks where ships are anchored, dredging channels to provide access, as well as improving roads, heightening bridges and wider canals.

In Felixstowe, some berths have been expanded, and the local Harwich Haven Authority has begun to deepen the waterway at a cost of 120 million pounds by 2023.

However, if there is a clear need to adapt ports to new large ships before Covid-19, the supply chain congestion caused by the pandemic brings new urgency to the need for port modernization and automation.

The pandemic shows us how fragile the supply chain is and how we fall behind [behind] Christian Roeloffs, CEO of Container xChange, said the company provides an online platform for the industry to buy, sell and lease containers.

Covid-19 border restrictions, social distancing requirements, and factory closures have all caused severe damage to the traditional supply chain, leading to soaring freight rates on major routes between China, the United States and Europe.

Since then, ships outside the port have continued to be in trouble, with a shortage of truck drivers on land, leading to shortages of inventory and delays in deliveries-as the online shopping boom caused by the pandemic has increased the demand for next-day deliveries, prices have increased and Make consumers feel frustrated.

Analysis shows that productivity gains from automation are inconsistent-sometimes negative

According to John Manners-Bell, the chief executive of the consulting firm Transport Intelligence, in many cases, the lack of automation and outdated labor practices in ports compound the problem. This is especially true in the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex on the west coast of the United States. In September, 76 ships had to stay at sea waiting to unload, a record. In China, many ports operate around the clock. In contrast, many people in the United States only work 112 hours a week and have rest days.

But analysts say that automation can improve the efficiency and safety of port services, reduce labor costs by 40% to 70%, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The automation of the container terminal began in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in the early 1990s, where they used unmanned portal cranes and automated guided vehicles. According to Roeloffs, there are now nearly 40 partially or fully automated container terminals in operation worldwide.

Shanghai Yangshan Deepwater Port can handle more than 40 million containers per year  Bloomberg

One of the largest terminal development projects is the Shanghai Yangshan Deepwater Port in eastern China, which opened three years ago and can handle more than 40 million containers each year. It replaces a large group of workers with bridge cranes, automated guided vehicles and rail-mounted gantry cranes-all of which can be driven from a long distance from the control room.

Other Asian countries have followed suit. In Singapore, the Tuas Super Port, which is planned to be opened in phases, will become one of the largest and most automated ports in the world. Its technological innovations include unmanned vehicles, drones, data analysis and unmanned trucks for port transportation. Digital platforms will also be used to reduce port congestion and bureaucracy.

However, although the pandemic highlights the necessity of modernization, it also highlights its limitations.

Manners-Bell said that although China has some of the worlds largest and most modern ports, Beijings hardline approach to Covid in terms of labor means that port operations are often closed.

Due to the accumulation of containers waiting to be loaded, ships anchored at anchorages outside major ports such as Ningbo and Yantian, which caused serious land congestion.

In addition, the new technologies that must be acquired in order to save labor costs are still expensive.

Tuas Port, Singapore  Bloomberg

A 2019 report by rating agency Moodys questioned the high capital investment costs required, warning of political risks from uncertain productivity growth, operational disruptions and potential conflicts with unions.

Many analysis of productivity indicators between automation and traditional terminals shows that the productivity indicators brought by automation are inconsistent, and in many cases, automation has brought negative productivity gains, Moodys said.

There is also the question of who should pay for infrastructure improvements, especially if the port is privately owned. For example, in the UK, most ports are owned by private equity, sovereign wealth and offshore fund consortia.

Environmental issues have intensified this debate. This month, the major British port group, the trade association of Britains largest port operator, called on the government to set up a special green port fund to invest in green infrastructure together with the industry.

Such infrastructure may include charging points for ships in the port and a new generation of electricity and hydrogen-powered equipment that can help the port achieve the British governments net zero emissions goal.
The union representing 36,000 Kaiser Permanente employees plans to hold a one-day strike on Thursday to support the International Operations Engineers Union, which has been in northern California since September.

The sympathy strike will begin at 7 am Pacific time and will be held at 21 Kaiser Permanente facilities in northern California, involving optometrists, clinical laboratory scientists, respiratory and X-ray technicians, licensed professional nurses, and certified nursing Assistants, surgical technicians, a press release said, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists, medical assistants and housekeepers, and other personnel represented by the International Service Employees Union-United Medical Worker West.

We voted with a 97% advantage for the sympathy strike for Local 39 engineers to help them reach a fair contract. We understand how disrespectful they are to Kaisers unfair labor practices, Kaiser Permanente ultrasound technologist Georgette Bradford Sacramento The medical center said in a press release. When our unit does not have enough staff to safely take care of patients, we see this situation every day. Caesars is putting its profits on people, which harms the interests of our patients and colleagues.

Kaiser Permanente stated that it continues to negotiate in good faith with Local 39 Operation Engineers and National Union of Healthcare Workers and believes that it will reach an agreement with these unions soon. Earlier Monday, the health system reached a preliminary agreement with the Professional Pharmacists Association of Northern California on a three-year contract that cancelled the strike originally scheduled to begin that day.

As always, our top priority is our members and patients, and we have taken steps to ensure that in the event of these strikes, they will continue to receive high-quality and safe care and services, Caesars Medical Institution says In a written statement.

SEIU-UHW will join other unions in the one-day strike, including the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 29 and Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20. NUHW plans to hold a one-day strike on Friday.

Kundera Vaughan, a pharmacy technician at the Kaiser Oakland Medical Center and member of OPEIU Local 29, said at a press conference: We are embarrassed. Kaiser dragged the engineers on strike for 8 weeks. Kaiser should be a labor-friendly health plan. They have lost their way.

Vote on strike in two days Kaiser Permanente reached an agreement with the Healthcare Alliance Alliance, A coalition of 21 labor organizations, including the California Association of Nurses/Health Care Professionals, Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, and the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, to avoid the event scheduled for Monday 50,000 people went on strike.
Argentina is brewing a new crypto tax paradigm, and two of the provinces have now approved crypto tax laws. This means that Argentine citizens must disclose their cryptocurrency and pay taxes based on their transactions in Tucuman and Cordoba provinces. This is because cryptocurrencies have been classified as one class with all other international currencies and therefore require taxation.

Certain provinces in Argentina will impose taxes on cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrency tax has arrived in Argentina, at least in some provinces. Now, users who trade and hold cryptocurrency must disclose their income and taxes in at least two provinces: Cordoba and Tucuman. The reason behind this is a new regulation passed at the provincial level, stipulating that cryptocurrencies will be taxed like other international currencies when they are traded.

This means that, in fact, in these two provinces, cryptocurrencies are regarded as other international currencies according to regulations.Tucuman Province recently approved a Amendment Article 223 of the law states:

Buy and sell foreign currencies and government securities. This section covers the trading operations of digital currencies.

Cordoba, another province that approved a similar resolution earlier this year, also decided to impose a tax on cryptocurrency transactions, but it extended this tax rule to individuals or companies that pay for their products or services in cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency is becoming more and more popular

Due to the increasing popularity of these tools as asset classes and payment methods, some countries in the world are considering including cryptocurrencies in the scope of these laws. The government is beginning to realize that if these payments are not regulated, they will lose a lucrative source of income.

In fact, the Mexican government has proposed a 20% fee for such transactions.After the Argentine government announced the cryptocurrency, the cryptocurrency began to heat up limit The amount of dollars that each citizen can buy per month. This is a breakthrough point for a country that is not known for participating in cryptocurrencies. It has developed an interest in these new cryptographic tools, which provide an alternative to savings in the above-mentioned situations.

But its not just cryptocurrency payments that have succeeded in Argentina.Because of its cheap energy, the country has become an interesting choice for Bitcoin mining companies such as Bitfarms, which have architecture A large Bitcoin mining farm to take advantage of affordable energy prices in the region.

What do you think of Argentinas new cryptocurrency tax? Tell us in the comments section below.

Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
According to reports, the Cameroonian government is keen on regulating cryptocurrencies and will hold a seminar to discuss the challenges and risks of using such digital currencies in the country.

Scams are rampant

According to a report The seminar organized by the Cameroon Ministry of Commerce and the Cameroon Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications will be held in Yaounde on November 15. At this conference, participants are expected to review mechanisms that help the government regulate the cryptocurrency sector.

The ministry stated that the countrys lack of a regulatory framework has led to the proliferation of fraud, prompting the government to organize the seminar. The report also revealed that the ministry will not only emphasize the importance of supervision, but will also seek to map out the cryptocurrency participants that exist in Africa and national territories.

The report explained that, in addition, the ministry will try to use this meeting to estimate the extent of utilization of the services provided by these participants.

Electronic money supervision

According to a report Cameroon Prime Law Office was released in December 2020 and has a very small community of blockchain dealers. There is no single law to regulate cryptocurrencies. According to the report, the only legal framework that regulates digital currency is the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)s regulation of the use of electronic currency.

Nevertheless, the law does not specifically regulate cryptocurrency transactions. The lack of specific laws governing the use of cryptocurrencies and the increasing use of such currencies seem to force the Cameroonian government to take action.

What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
The Financial Committee of the Indian Parliament met with representatives of the cryptocurrency industry and other stakeholders on cryptocurrency and its supervision. There is an understanding that cryptocurrency cannot be blocked, but must be regulated and It is agreed that a regulatory mechanism should be established to regulate cryptocurrency.

The first cryptocurrency parliamentary meeting with stakeholders and industry experts

The Standing Committee on Finance of India held a meeting with representatives of the crypto industry on Monday. This is the first time that India has held parliamentary discussions on the broad topic of crypto finance involving the industry.

According to the notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the official agenda of the meeting distributed to members of the Parliament is to listen to the opinions of associations and industry experts on the topic ofcrypto finance: opportunities and challenges. The meeting was hosted by Jayan Sinha of the Peoples Party.

Sinha told the news agency PTI before the meeting:

We convened stakeholders from the entire industry, including operators of major exchanges and members of CII [Confederation of Indian Industry] And scholars from Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), who have conducted very in-depth research on crypto finance.

According to reports, representatives from the crypto industry include executives from crypto exchanges and members of the Blockchain and Crypto Assets Committee (BACC). The purpose of the conference was to discuss the direction of the encryption industry and the promotion of encryption in India.

Meeting results and the need for encryption supervision

After the meeting, the source told the ANI publication:

There is an understanding that cryptocurrencies cannot be blocked, but they must be supervised People agree that a regulatory mechanism should be established to supervise cryptocurrencies.

However, the publication added that industry associations and stakeholders are not clear about who should be the regulator overseeing the Indian crypto industry.

In addition, the safety of investor funds is the most serious concern expressed by members of Congress at the meeting. A lawmaker emphasized concerns about full-page encrypted advertisements in national newspapers.

Another congressman pointed out that El Salvador is the only country that recognizes cryptocurrency as legal tender along with the U.S. dollar. Experts say that cryptocurrency is a kind of investors democracy, the publication noted, adding:

Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance now want government officials to appear before them and address their concerns.

Recently, the governor of the central bank stated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has serious and significant concerns about cryptocurrencies. From a macroeconomic and financial stability perspective, cryptocurrency is a serious concern for the Reserve Bank of India, Said Governor Shaktikanta Das.

What do you think of the meeting between the Indian Parliamentary Committee and crypto industry experts? Let us know in the comments section below.

Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
In a few months, the No Accident Law will come into effect. For patients, this means less worrying about unexpected medical expenses from doctors or hospitals outside the network. For providers and payers, the Biden government rule issued on September 30 means insurance for patients who did not accidentally or deliberately receive a balanced bill, because the rule will bring significant penalties.

Chip Kahn, President and CEO of the American Hospital Federation, joined The Check Up again to discuss how hospitals should prepare for implementation and what this means for the future relationship between industry giants.
A government minister stated that Zanzibar is keen to solicit opinions from stakeholders on the feasibility of adopting digital currencies before making a final decision.

The importance of obtaining stakeholder opinions

In his speech interview In speaking with citizens, Secretary of State Mudric Soraga revealed that his government plans to meet with stakeholders in the third week of November. Kongjia also explained why such a meeting is needed. He said:

We are seeking advice on this matter before deciding whether it is feasible. Without the opinions of stakeholders (including banks, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), such a decision cannot be made.

According to The Citizen report, Soraga has met with Hypertech representative Joe Chuene, and they discussed how the island nation can best adopt cryptocurrency.

The report also quoted Haji Semboja, a professor of economics at Zanzibar State University, who agreed with the governments decision to involve stakeholders first. However, Semboja warned that because finances are an alliance issue, the Zanzibar government is obliged to contact the Tanzanian government through the Bank of Tanzania.

The report explains that through this arrangement, the two governments will formulate policies to explain the goals, operation methods and benefits of digital currencies.

Definition of cryptocurrency key

At the same time, Sandra Chogo, a cryptocurrency expert and author of the book Jielimishe Kuhusu Blockchain, was cited in the report, emphasizing the importance of first defining or clarifying the status of cryptocurrencies. Only by doing so can the government formulate regulations and which agency should regulate cryptocurrencies.

Although many experts cited in the report seem to support the Zanzibar governments tilt towards cryptocurrency, an economist who asked not to be named took a different view. According to the economist, if cryptocurrency is to become an efficient and effective medium of exchange, it needs to be accepted by global central banks.

The economist explained: Global currencies are stable because they are supported by the central banks strong monetary policy.

What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
Last week, mainstream media has been reporting that Bitcoins creator Satoshi Nakamoto may be in [a] Trial in Florida. In addition, the name Satoshi Nakamoto has been popular in peoples discussions on social media in the past few days.

Discussions on the Internet about the mysterious creator of Bitcoin are in full swing

Last week, the long-awaited Kleiman v. Wright case started trial in Florida. This case aroused great interest in mainstream media publications, such as Fox News, this Daily mail,as well as Wall Street Journal. Vertical trends on Twitter are also show The name Satoshi Nakamoto has appeared in many conversations this week. According to statistics, since October 2nd, peoples interest in Bitcoin creators has increased by 48.71%. Google Trends search query score The theme is Satoshi Nakamoto.

The aforementioned media publications asserted in some editorials that the Florida trial can reveal the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto. Ira Kleiman, brother of the Kleiman family and the late computer forensics expert Dave Kleiman, believes that their Daves wealth has been manipulated.Kleiman Estate Accuse Craig Wright implemented a plan against Daves estate to confiscate Daves Bitcoin and his rights to certain intellectual property rights related to Bitcoin technology.

Speaking Together with Paul Vigna of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Kleimans family lawyer, Vel Freedman, explained that the plaintiffs believed they had made strong accusations against Craig Wright, who claimed to be the inventor of Bitcoin. We believe that the evidence will show that there is a partnership to create and mine more than 1 million bitcoins, Friedman told Vigna.

Skeptics criticize media reports discussing so-called revelations

After the Wall Street Journal reporter Shared this story On Twitter, Vinia was blamed for promoting Wrights story. Wizsec Bitcoin Research is a group of researchers who have criticized Wrights story on various occasions in the past, calling Vignas Wall Street Journal editorial irresponsible.

It is irresponsible for you to deliberately ignore or downplay proven lies, forgery and fraud while expressing their claims, ??Wizsec Said Go to Vigna on Twitter. You deliberately introduced a scam to your readers without properly warning them that it was a scam. Any future victims in it are on you. Another person wrote to Vigna and Ask:

What happened to the fact check?

Wrights supporters believe the high-profile court case will solve the problem

At the same time, Wrights followers and Bitcoin (BSV) Supporters wholeheartedly believe that this case will solve the problem once and for all.An enthusiastic follower wrote: Dr. Craig Wright is Satoshi Nakamoto  BSV Its the real Bitcoin. 

On November 15th, gambling tycoon and billionaire Calvin Al Tweet News about the Florida trial is spreading and shared a editorial Fox News wrote: Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto may be exposed in the Florida trial.

Al wrote on Monday: The news of the Nakamoto trial is leaking, and now the full history of the launch of Bitcoin in Florida will have a large audience.

Wright went on to swear that he invented Bitcoin alone  Wrights critics still dont believe him

So far, the case has revealed some interesting things because court officials and lawyers were told that Wright has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although Kleiman tried to make this unacceptable, the jury decided to consider the matter. Wright continues to argue that he invented Bitcoin himself, and Dave Kleiman was not his partner when he created the technology.

In addition, this artist is called @Fractal encryptionWrights statement was transcribed on the seventh day of the trial. Fractal encrypted Long tweet thread It started at the end of the sixth day and has been very popular. According to the transcription of Fractalencrypt, faced with numerous documents, Wright kept arguing throughout the trial that Kleiman was a friend, but not the co-creator of Bitcoin.

What do you think of the Kleiman v. Wright case and the discussions surrounding this case on social media? Please tell us your thoughts on this topic in the comments section below.

Image Source: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons
SBS' new drama "Now, We Are Breaking Up," starring Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong, continues to score impressive ratings after its much-anticipated premiere. Meanwhile, the lead stars increased their chemistry level after uploading their selfie together to thank fans!

'Now, We Are Breaking Up' Dominates Friday-Saturday Slot

"Now, We Are Breaking Up" episode 2 beats its previous record and topped the weekly mini-series and all channels with an average record of 8 percent nationwide and 9 percent in the metropolitan area.

The figure rose 1.6 percent nationwide and 2.4 percent in the Seoul area, which is said to be the highest viewer rating per minute, soaring to 10.5 percent.

Kdrama fans were in awe after watching the first two episodes of "Now, We Are Breaking Up."

On November 12, the much-awaited series finally met the viewers and kicked off with its impressive premiere.

"Now, We Are Breaking Up" also dominated the trends list during the release of its first two episodes.

In "Now, We Are Breaking Up" episode 2, Yoon Jae Guk (Jang Ki Yong) and Ha Young Eun (Song Hye Kyo) reunited in Seoul. The designer tried to keep her distance from the photographer. As they are just getting to know each other, viewers were shocked by the unexpected twist from the characters' back stories.

Jang Ki Yong and Song Hye Kyo Share First Selfie Together

Amid the successful "Now, We Are Breaking Up" premiere, drama's lead stars Jang Ki Yong and Song Hye Kyo surprised fans with their first selfie together.

On November 14, the drama's official Instagram page unveiled an adorable photo of Song Hye Kyo and Jang Ki Yong. In the image, the two are just inches close to each other, exhibiting their overflowing chemistry.

The photo is one of their ways to thank viewers for their support for "Now, We Are Breaking Up." Apart from this, other close friends of the cast showed their love for the series.

Song Hye Kyo showed through her Instagram stories her friends enjoying her drama. She also received a bouquet of flowers from her celebrity friend Park Hyun Sik, who stars with Han Hyo Joo in tvN's "Happiness."

Meanwhile, Kim Jun Hun and Choi Hee Seo also revealed a series of snaps from their previous magazine shoot. Their tandem is already gaining a lot of interest from the viewers.

Catch "Now, We Are Breaking Up" episodes 3 and 4 on November 19 and 20 on SBS at 10 p.m (KST).

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Now, We Are Breaking Up' Episode 2: Song Hye Kyo Gives Jang Ki Yong a Bittersweet Farewell

Have you seen "Now, We Are Breaking Up" episodes 1 and 2? How's the plot so far? Let us know in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this.

Reported by Shai Collins.
Netflix entices fans with a thrilling poster featuring Yoo Ah In, Kim Hyun Joo, Park Jung Min and more in the upcoming Kdrama "Hellbound."

The streaming giant highlights the chaos brought by the supernatural phenomenon.

Netflix's 'Hellbound' Releases Second Main Poster

The second main poster showed off a rundown city with unknown creatures attempting to escape the tumultuous scenario.

"There are not many days left to go to hell. What will happen in the new world?" the caption reads.

In the official poster, Yoo Ah In harbors an unreadable expression as he leads the group of survivors.

The 35-year-old award-winning actor portrays Jung Jin Soo, a leader of an emerging religion known as Saejinrihwe.

Interestingly, the cult leader believes God has intentions behind the strange phenomenon and must seek the truth to uncover its mystery.

On the other hand, Kim Hyun Joo, who dons a determined expression, plays lawyer Min Hye Jin.

Unlike the majority of the people, she is against Jin Soo's Saejinrihwe and doubts the religion's motive.

Meanwhile, Park Jung Min took on the role of Bae Young Jae, a program director for a broadcasting station who gets caught up in a big mess after trying to dig out the truth about the emerging religion.

In the middle of the crisis, he and his wife Song So Hyun, played by Won Jin Ah, physically and emotionally struggle to survive the massive chaos as they protect their son from the unexplainable scenario.

'Hellbound' Release Date and More

Helmed and written by Yeon Sang Ho, who is the genius behind the blockbuster zombie Kdrama "Train to Busan," the mystery thriller series depicts a battle between human and supernatural creatures.

All hell breaks loose as "Hellbound" is set to be released on November 19, exclusively on Netflix and will be the newest Kdrama that would keep viewers at the edge of their seats.

Apart from the roster of talented stars, the forthcoming series also boasts impeccable visuals, giving fans another reason to look forward to the show.

'Hellbound' Cast Members Share their Thoughts About the Upcoming Netflix Series

In an interview cited by an outlet, the award-winning actor described his character as not the "typical cult leader.

"I polished the character as I imagined and discussed [with others] his unique qualities," he said.

"Hellbound" is Yoo Ah In's comeback drama after starring in the 2017 Kdrama "Chicago Typewriter" alongside Im Soo Jung, Kwak Si Yang, Go Kyung Pyo and more.

As for the ever beautiful Kim Hyun Joo, she says that playing the role of Min Hye Jin "poses the primitive question regarding life and death to herself."

The South Korean beauty recently appeared in the thriller crime Kdrama "Undercover" where she played the character of human rights lawyer Choi Yeon Soo together with Ji Jin Hye.

KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
Kim Tae Ri graced Elle Korea's December issue flaunting her undeniable charms and captivating beauty.

Apart from it, the "Mr. Sunshine" star shares her thoughts regarding her team up with Kdrama heartthrob Nam Joo Hyuk.

Kim Tae Ri Stuns in Elle Korea's December Cover

The 31-year-old actress surprises fans with her age-defying beauty donning trendy outfits and playful expressions.

Kim Tae Ri also showed off her toned abs sporting cropped tops that highlighted her slim figure.

Over the publication's official Instagram, fans showed the actress with hearts and smiley emoji expressing their support for the "Space Sweepers" star.

Her Elle Korea's December cover comes ahead of her comeback Kdrama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" with the "Start-Up" star.

Kim Tae Ri's New Drama with Nam Joo Hyuk

In September, tvN announced the cast lineup for the upcoming romance series featuring Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk with WJSN's Bona, Choi Hyun Wook and Lee Joo Myung.

The broadcast network confirmed that the 31-year-old beauty and the "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" will be headlining the upcoming Kdrama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One."

It follows the story of a budding romance between an 18-year-old and a 22-year-old, who managed to rekindle their connection after four years.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: 'Space Sweepers' Starring Song Joong Ki in Talks to Have an Upcoming Sequel

Apart from the heart-fluttering moments between the main characters, the highly-anticipated series depicts a friendship that turned into romance.

During her appearance with Elle Korea, Kim Tae Ri gave a glimpse about the forthcoming Kdrama.

Playing the role of fencer Na Hee Do pushed her to do more physical activities to prepare for her new project.

Moreover, she also says that she's been exercising and stretching from time to time, pointing out that she is "really working hard on filming a drama."

"Twenty-Five Twenty-One" is still in the middle of production but said to be released sometime in 2022.

Kim Tae Ri's new drama comes after her 2018 series "Mr. Sunshine," where she took on the role of an aristocrat's granddaughter named Go Ae Shin and worked alongside award-winning actor Lee Byung Hun.

Kim Tae Ri on Her Upcoming Movie 'Alien + People'

Apart from her Kdrama comeback, the South Korean beauty will be starring in a new movie, "Alien + People."

The sci-fi fantasy film is helmed and written by "The Thieves" PD Choi Dong Hoon and set under the Goryeo dynasty.

It also stars Kim Woo Bin, Ryu Joon Yeol, Honey Lee, So Ji Sub and more.

As her interview with Elle Korea continues, the actress shares her preparation for the movie.

She revealed that she learned mechanical gymnastics and said that the exercise "worked really well" for her, adding that the "Little Forest" actress immediately fell in love with it.

Kim Tae Ri Spills Her New Hobby

Despite being booked and busy in the coming year, the actress ensured that she had time for herself and to discover more of her capabilities.

With this, she revealed her fascinating hobby--and that is bird watching.

Kim Tae Ri says she finds "happiness" just hearing the sound of the birds.

"Now, when I hear a bird sound, I look back. A little happiness has been added to my daily life."

KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
CHILOQUIN, Ore.  A deputy with the Klamath County Sheriff's Office was injured in a crash on Sunday while responding an emergency call in the Chiloquin area, according to the agency.

Deputies responded along with multiple other agencies to the Chiloquin-area call around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday night. One of the deputies was involved in a crash along Highway 97 just north of Klamath Falls near Hanks Marsh, KCSO said.

An ambulance from Klamath County First District 1 took the deputy to SkyLakes Medical Center for treatment. KCSO said that they remain hospitalized with "moderate injuries" as of Monday morning.

The occupants of the other vehicle reported no injuries.

Oregon State Police is investigating the crash., KCSO said.
SALEM, Ore.  With the 2022 primary election just over six months away, one of the declared Democratic candidates for governor received the endorsement on Monday of Oregon's largest private sector union.

Former New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof announced at the end of October that he would run for governor of Oregon, having grown up in rural Yamhill County. Kristof left the NYT a few weeks before declaring his candidacy.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, which represents over 29,000 workers across four states, announced Monday that it voted to "enthusiastically" endorse Kristof for governor.

We have heard from a number of other candidates in this contest, said UFCW 555 President Dan Clay, But frankly our Board felt, as I do, that its foolish to support the politicians who praised essential workers during the pandemic while neglecting necessary worker protections. We need leadership that is willing to actually deliver solutions when they get to Salem, instead of trying to get in their sound bytes.

Kristof faces a primary field that includes several established Democratic politicians, including House Speaker Tina Kotek and Treasurer Tobias Read. The Republican field includes Salem oncologist Bud Pierce, southern Oregon entrepreneur Jessica Gomez, and Sandy mayor Stan Pulliam.

"While we appreciate the sentiments expressed by all the candidates who applied for the endorsement, we can no longer wait and see if this time those sentiments are translated into action, Clay continued. When we met with Nick Kristof, he not only articulated a bold vision, but also outlined his plans to make it a reality. Thats what were looking for. In recent years, lifelong politicians in Oregon have shown little interest in taking bold action for working families.

Despite Kristof's status as a newcomer to Oregon politics, the Oregonian/OregonLive reported earlier this month that he had raised just over $1 million in the space of a few weeks, outstripping all other candidates during this early stage of the race.
Police evacuate local residents during an incident at an address in Rutland Avenue in Sefton Park after an explosion at Liverpool Women's Hospital in Liverpool, England Sunday Nov. 14, 2021. British police arrested three men under terrorism laws Sunday after a car exploded outside the hospital in Liverpool. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
If Republicans get their way, many of the elected officials currently in the Legislature would continue to represent most of the people they currently represent. If Democrats get their way, the maps crafted by the so-called Peoples Maps Commission, created by Gov. Tony Evers, would lead to more drastic changes for who represents which parts of Wisconsin.

Republicans have the advantage. They staved off legal challenges that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 after gerrymandering allegations were levied against the current maps  it didnt help the GOPs image when it became public that its members were required to sign nondisclosure agreements before being allowed to look at map drafts  were put in place with then-Gov. Scott Walkers signature 10 years ago.

But this time around, Gov. Tony Evers has vowed he will veto Republican maps if their new proposals are similar to the current maps  and they are almost identical.

A court battle is brewing. Both asides are already lawyering up.

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin state Senate on Nov. 8 approved a redistricting plan similar to one passed a decade ago in an apparent attempt to hold the line on GOP majorities in the Legislature.

The Senate voted along party lines, 21-12, in favor of GOP-drawn maps that would stay in place for the next 10 years in legislative and congressional districts. The Assembly passed their plans Thursday on a 60-38 vote, along strict party lines.

Lets look at whats included in the maps proposed by both sides, and whats included in them.

Major points

Locally, under Republicans new proposals, each of the elected officials who live in Racine and Kenosha counties would still live in what is effectively same district, with some minor changes.

Under the Democrats proposals  of which there are two options for both the Senate and the Assembly, and three for Wisconsins eight Congressional seats  theres some distinct changes if either would be chosen. Such as:

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, would only represent western Racine County and then parts of other surrounding areas, not anything east of Interstate 94. Currently, Vos, the state Legislatures leading Republican, represents most of the land in Racine County, from its western border into Mount Pleasant.

Both the cities of Racine and Kenosha could be cut in half for Assembly districts, splitting the north and south sides. Currently, the in-place districts keep them mostly insulated.

Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard, whose address is in the City of Racine, would no longer be able to represent a largely rural/suburban district from his current home on Blaine Avenue.

Heres how the proposed districts would respectively change Racine and Kenosha counties:

Congress

Republicans proposed maps still include Republican Bryan Steils native Janesville in a district that includes all of Racine and Kenosha counties.

One of the three congressional district proposals from the Peoples Maps Commission would keep Steil as the Congressman for all of Racine and Kenosha Counties.

But under another proposal, rather than combining Racine and Kenosha with western areas in Walworth and Rock counties, the City of Racine would be combined with most of Milwaukee; Janesville would then be part of a district including Kenosha County, the area between Waukesha and Madison, and then all of the way west from Janesville to the Mississippi River.

The final proposal could make it tougher for Steil to hold onto his seat, as Janesville would be part of the same district as southern Madison, as well as New Glarus to the southeast and north to Beaver Dam and Waupun.

Kenosha County Assembly districts

Evers commission proposal 1: The heart of the City of Kenosha would become one district  with Carthage College at the north, 47th Avenue to the west and 39th Street to the south. The outer parts of the city on all sides would become its own district  including eastern Somers, touching the interstate and including the airport to the west, and Pleasant Prairie down to the state line on the south.

Evers commission 2: The City of Kenosha would basically be split in two, more similar to the current maps, although a little more contiguous. The south side would include south of 50th Street to the east, 60th Street between 31st and 51st avenues, south of 67th Street between 52nd and 60th avenues, and south of Highway 50 until the district ends to the west of Green Bay Road. The north side would include up to Highway KR and then west to include the airport, but not include Somers.

The district that includes Somers would hug around the City of Kenosha, reach north to include Sturtevant, Union Grove and Yorkville, and part of Mount Pleasant, then reach south to include Bristol and Paddock Lake, not include Twin Lakes, and would include the western part of Pleasant Prairie but not the lakefront side of Pleasant Prairie.

Racine County Assembly

Evers commission proposal 1: The City of Racine would basically be kept as one unit, with Wind Point to the north not included and including the shoreline down to Highway KR (which would suck in part of Mount Pleasant)  thus, Democrat Greta Neubauers district would be largely unaffected. The western outskirts of the City of Racine would be part of a district that includes southern Caledonia, Sturtevant, and the more developed parts of Mount Pleasant stretching west to the Interstate. Then, most of Caledonia (excluding its southern areas) would be combined with Wind Point and be part of a district that goes north to include Oak Creek and would be bordered to the north by General Mitchell International Airport, but not include the City of South Milwaukee.

Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, and the southern areas of Caledonia would be combined into one district; Van Wanggaard would live in this district  if he lived a couple blocks south, hed be in the City of Racines district.

Southern and western Mount Pleasant would be in the same district as Yorkville and Union Grove, as well as central and western Kenosha County including part of Somers, and all of Twin Lakes, Paddock Lake and Bristol.

Vos, who lives in Rochester, would now only represent about the less-populated western half of Racine County: not including Union Grove and nothing east of the Interstate. His district would add Mukwonago and dip into Walworth County to take the land east of East Troy.

Evers commission proposal 2: The City of Racine would basically be split in two: Downtown, the south side and Elmwood Park would be combined with Uptown in a district that would be bordered by Highway KR to the south and Highway 31 to the west, excluding a patch of Mount Pleasant that includes Oakes Road. The north side would be held in the same district as Wind Point, as would northwestern Mount Pleasant, Batten International Airport and eastern Caledonia.

As such, Neubauer would have the chance to represent just about half of Racine with a Democrat having an advantage in the other half.

But, whichever Democrat runs to represent Racines north side would likely have to face off against incumbent Republican Bob Wittke of Wind Point.

West of that area, the rest of the northern half (from Waterford through Wind Lake, Norway and Raymond, and then including the eastern half of Caledonia) would be in one district that would also include Muskego (where state Rep. Chuck Wichgers lives) and western Franklin (where state Sen. Julian Bradley of Franklin lives).

Vos would now only represent about the less-populated western half of Racine County (now no longer representing anything east of Union Grove, including the village itself) and much of western Kenosha County including Twin Lakes. His district would go further west and include everything east of Lake Geneva; to the northwest, Vos district would add Spring Prairie in Walworth County and stretch to the east edge of Elkhorn.

Senate districts

Each Senate district continues three times as many people as Assembly districts  as there are 99 Assembly members but only 33 senators. Each Senate district is created by combining three contiguous Assembly districts.

Lets look at what could happen with the current senators who live in Racine and Kenosha counties currently.

Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and Bob Wirch, D-Somers

Under neither of Evers Commissions proposals would Wanggaard be able to continue representing rural Racine and Kenosha counties and instead include the entirety of the City of Racine.

Under the Commissions first proposal, the City of Racine, Wind Point and eastern Caledonia would be tied into a district that includes Oak Creek and is bordered to the north by General Mitchell International Airport. That area in southern Milwaukee County is currently represented by Democrat Chris Larson, but he would no longer be eligible to represent it since he lives in the heart of Milwaukee.

Under the second of the Commissions proposals, the district Wanggaards home is in would become narrower, including less of Caledonia and instead including Cudahy and South Milwaukee. It would largely be a lakefront district.

Responding to the proposals, Wanggaard said: I am surprised that Evers maps put most of the city of Racine with the Milwaukee suburbs and east side of Milwaukee, rather than Kenosha. That seems to make no sense, in an email to The Journal Times.

Under both of the Commissions proposals, Democrat Bob Wirchs Somers would largely be part of the district that includes the City of Kenosha, but the more rural parts of his district would be significantly changed. Right now, Wirchs district is mostly urban, along the lakefront from the City of Kenosha up to part of southern City of Racine.

Under both of the Democratic proposals, he would get Union Grove added to his district.

Under proposal No. 1, he would get the entirety of Kenosha County and a slice of Mount Pleasant.

Under proposal No. 2, he would get all of Sturtevant and still have Paddock Lake and Bristol, but then not the west parts of Kenosha County, such as Brighton, Wheatland and Twin Lakes.

Under the Republicans proposal, Wanggaards district would have the Bohners Lake area in southeastern corner of Racine County added. That area is currently represented by state Sen. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, who under the Republicans proposed maps would no longer represent any part of Racine County.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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In a 1968 episode of Star Trek, Captain Kirk is kidnapped by humanoid aliens, tortured unrelentingly, and shackled to the ceiling by his wrists. Science officer Spock and Dr. McCoy find him disheveled and minimally responsive. They release him from the chains and set him on a nearby table for examination. Dr. McCoy urgently takes out his medical tricorder, a device that can check organ function and detect disease with a wave of its detachable probe. He hovers it just above Captain Kirks chest, and within seconds, he notes severe heart damage, signs of congestion in both lungs, and evidence of massive circulatory collapse.

This scene was featured in a YouTube video from 2009, which cuts to the videos narrator discussing this powerful, compact medical scanner that has been a key tool for the science fiction doctors of Star Trek.

I should think the tricorder will be a real thing in the future, pondered Alexander Siddig, who played Dr. Julian Bashir in the early 1990s. A diagnostic device which is really based on scanning. How on earth they are going to do that is for them to work out.

That episode aired just three years after Dr. Feigenbaum, the father of echocardiography, for the first time figured out how to visualize a pericardial effusion with ultrasound, at a time when the only way to diagnose thoracic disease at the bedside was still with Dr. Rene Laennecs stethoscope and the field of auscultation he pioneered.

The path toward medical progress is neither linear, trivial or certain. And it often snowballs out of humble solutions to unexpected conundrums.

A case in point was Laennecs clinical exam of an obese female patient in 1816. His normal routine of placing the ear directly on the chest in what was called immediate auscultation was rendered inadmissible by the age and sex of the patient, and percussion was not possible due to the great degree of fatness. He recollected the experience of an augmented impression of sound when conveyed through certain solid bodies  as when we hear the scratch of a pin at one end of a piece of wood, on applying our ear to the other.

Laennec proceeded to roll some paper into a cylinder, and with one ear on one side, he placed the other on her chest wall, revealing a treasure trove of thumps, wheezes, and murmurs he detailed extensively in his immortal text.

Through his exhaustive exam-to-autopsy correlations of thousands of patients, he perfected the stethoscope design and developed the field of auscultation to accompany it; a field that to this day still relies on the principles Laennec first described, that a diseased organ emits an SOS signal in its native tongue of wheezes and rales, and it is the clinicians job, with the help of a stethoscope, to translate these sounds into actionable diagnoses.

This bicentennial tool and technique are quite a testament to the influence this brilliant young doctor from Quimper has had on our current medical practice.

For 149 years, the only practical method of diagnosing diseases of the thorax was still Laennecs audible portal into the chest until Dr. Feigenbaum published Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pericardial Effusion in 1965, sending shockwaves across the pond of bedside diagnostics. Here, for the first time, was a teaser of a visual window into the chest of a living human, a pie-in-the-sky pipe dream for the likes of Laennec and other physical exam pioneers.

Yet it was met with bitter opposition and heel-digging, a response not unlike what Laennec experienced when introducing his tool over a century prior.

As Feigenbaums heart ultrasound was evolving into the field of echocardiography, ultrasound machines were rarely spotted outside radiology departments, and even less frequently at the patients bedside.

Dr. Jos Roelant, a dutch cardiologist from the 1970s, was one of the first physicians to incorporate point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in his physical exam as early as 1978. He and his colleagues constructed a handheld battery-powered ultrasound imager they named the ultrasound stethoscope, that he used in his patient examinations. He was able to diagnose pericardial effusions, estimate heart size, and look for valvular disease. But the real origin of evidence-based, empirical POCUS came a decade later, arising from the tireless work of another Frenchman by the name of Daniel Alexandre Lichtenstein.

At the time, the idea of ultrasound at the bedside was unheard of and forbidden. Lichtenstein learned sonography basics from a radiologist a few years prior, and during one of his night shifts, those lessons would prove their worth. One of his patients was getting worse, and a chest X-ray revealed near white-out of both lungs, a sign of impending respiratory doom.

Yet was this pneumonia?

Was it infectious fluid accumulating around the lungs and preventing them from expanding?

The chest X-ray resolution was not sufficient to tell.

When midnight struck, and the radiologists left, Lichtenstein snuck into the radiology department, unplugged the ultrasound machine, and rolled it into the patients room. He squirted ultrasound gel on the surface of the probe, gently placed it on the patients flank, and the diagnosis revealed itself. Centered on the screen was a compressed lung bobbing in the pleural fluid like a buoy in the ocean. This pleural effusion was drained and the patient improved.

These U-turns in a patients clinical trajectory after a bedside ultrasound exam are such a common experience among POCUS-wielding clinicians that they even have a name. Dr. Nilam Soni, a pioneer in the field of internal medicine POCUS and co-author of the seminal point-of-care ultrasound textbook, calls it the POCUS Kiss, or PO-kiss for short.

Dr. Lichtensteins PO-kiss that night in the ICU ignited a fire inside him that would forever change bedside diagnostics. A few years later, Lichtenstein went to work at Ambroise Pare Hospital under the famed Dr. Francois Jardin. He chose this ICU because it was the only ICU in the world which was equipped with ultrasound.

We can say he created echocardiography in the ICU.' It was exclusively used for cardiac ultrasound until Lichtenstein began experimenting with imaging of other portions of the body. At the time (and still to this day for clinicians not familiar with Lichtensteins work), since the lungs are filled with air, the general consensus was that lung ultrasound is not possible.

As recently as 2008, even Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine, the seminal modern medical textbook, incorrectly reported that lungs are a major hindrance to ultrasound imaging.

Yet Lichtenstein noted various sonographic artifacts arising from the lung surface that was not thought of as anything other than useless noise until that point. Through his research challenging the status quo of the time, Lichtenstein showed that these artifacts are useful and map directly to various pulmonary diseases, much in the same way Laennec demonstrated with wheezes or rhonchi.

Lichtenstein showed that just by using a standardized protocol to detect the presence or absence of three basic lung findings called lung sliding, A-lines, and B-lines, he could arrive at the correct diagnosis almost every time.

Lichtensteins work revolutionized the bedside evaluation of a patient with cardiopulmonary disease. Yet outside the intensive care unit or emergency department, this technique is seldom used in place of our stethoscopes. Despite the strong clinical evidence to support his findings corroborated by multiple studies around the world, the bedside deployment has been hindered by misguided preconceptions, cost, portability and lack of training for the busy clinicians expected to adopt it.

This juxtaposition between highly accurate clinical techniques to diagnose our most common diseases and a lack of training or affordable pocket-sized devices creates a chasm between idealism and practicality, which has played out repeatedly in the medical literature and mainstream media.

For example, in 2016, Dr. Sanjiv Kaul, the head of the division of cardiovascular medicine at the Oregon Health and Science University, thought it was time to discard the inaccurate, albeit iconic, stethoscope and join the rest of mankind in the technology revolution, he explained in a Washington Post article, arguing instead that we should focus on the abilities of handheld ultrasound. We are not at the place, and probably wont be for a very long time, countered Dr. W. Reid Thompson, an associate professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where listening to the bodys sounds is replaced by imaging.

This may have been true at the time, yet just 20 months later on September 6, 2017, the FDA would approve the Butterfly IQ, the first handheld full-body, smartphone-connected ultrasound device, ushering the field of bedside diagnostic medicine  kicking and screaming  into the POCUS Era that Dr. Kaul presciently described.

POCUS is the natural progression of what Laennec started over 200 years ago, a tool he would undoubtedly add to his diagnostic repertoire were he able to, as he did with Auenbruggers percussion or Hippocratess succussion. It enables a clinician to digitally peel back the epidermis and observe the ecosystem of internal organs functioning in real-time, an ability our forefathers, foremothers, and stethoscope-monogamous colleagues could infer only through skin changes, audible noises, or subjective symptoms. The pocket-sized ultrasound probe is a non-fiction device of today that was a science-fiction device of the 1960s.

This handheld scanner enables us all to be modern-day Dr. McCoys and instantly diagnose disease. With the introduction of multiple portable ultrasound probes on the market coupled with a 20x reduction in cost, the financial barrier to wide adoption is quickly being flattened. To achieve an ionizing-radiation-free diagnostic utopia our patients need and our clinicians desire, we must continue to cross this chasm, one Po-kiss at a time.

Larry Istrail is an internal medicine physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Jasmine Joof said she has been sick with congestion, coughing and headaches for several weeks after discovering the mold growing in her Howard University dorm caused an allergic reaction.

The sophomore said she reported the mold issue to a residential adviser in September, but it was never addressed. So in October, she along with other students facing similar living conditions in their dorms decided they would sleep in tents and air mattresses at the university's Blackburn Center to protest and demand that officials address their concerns. Some have also complained about flooding, roach and mice infestation and non-working Wifi in their dorms at the historically Black university in Washington, DC.

"It's active negligence to their students," said Joof, who's also a spokeswoman for the #BlackburnTakeover. "They have had every opportunity to fix these dorms."

Student activists and civil rights leaders say the controversy is indicative of a widespread issue with crumbling buildings on century-old HBCU campuses that are often underfunded compared to predominately White institutions. The Howard protests have gained support from students at other historically Black colleges including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman. The Atlanta-based schools held a joint protest last month against poor living conditions and housing shortages on their own campuses.

The protests at Howard -- one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country -- have now been going on for a month. The sit-ins have garnered national attention with lead civil rights activists that include Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. William Barber II and Martin Luther King III publicly supporting the students. Jackson was on campus earlier this month attempting to mediate the situation with students and Howard administration.

The student protesters have asked for a meeting or town hall with university officials and for them to provide a comprehensive plan to fix the building issues and be more transparent. More than 4,500 people have signed a petition for Howard to cancel its contract with Corvias Inc., the corporation that maintains and operates residential buildings on campus.

CNN has reached out to Corvias for comment.

While students say the meeting with officials has yet to happen, on Nov. 5, Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick acknowledged their complaints about the deterioration of dorms and said the university is working to solve some of the issues.

"This is an aging campus," Frederick said during his state of the university address.

Frederick's office declined an interview with CNN citing pending litigation.

Some Black leaders say the outcry should signal to lawmakers that the government needs to prioritize funding for HBCUs. According to the Brookings Institution, HBCUs are vastly underfunded due to state underinvestment, lower endowments and lower alumni contributions as a result of lower Black incomes. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that HBCUs have an average endowment of $15,000 per student, compared to $410,000 at non-HBCUs.

President Joe Biden's spending plan in the Build Back Better Act includes $2 billion for educational programs and infrastructure at HBCUs.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she expects the House to pass the legislation by Thanksgiving. The bill will then go to the Senate.

Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard alumna, declined through aides to comment on the controversy at Howard. During the National Action Network's Anniversary Awards event, Harris said HBCUs were "critical to our nation's future" and acknowledged the "historic investment" for them in the Build Back Better framework.

'Enough is enough'

Leaders from the NAACP are standing in solidarity with the students at Howard.

Wisdom Cole, national director of the NAACP Youth & College Division, said while insufficient funding is a factor in the housing crisis at HBCUs, he questions whether Howard is delegating enough money to its campus buildings.

"This has been a long-lasting issue and this is at a boiling point where students have said enough is enough," Cole said. "For students who want to be able to be here, to be retained here and to graduate from here, the funds must be allocated appropriately."

High-profile celebrities and figures such as Sean "Diddy" Combs' and alumni Eddie C. Brown and C. Sylvia Brown have made headlines for making million-dollar donations to the university.

But some students say the housing woes prove they aren't seeing all the benefits of the money.

Channing Hill, president of the NAACP student chapter at Howard, said students not only live in aging dorms, but they don't have access to adequate mental health services and academic advisers are short-staffed in some departments.

Hill said there has been an "unimaginable burden" placed on students and Howard needs to be held accountable.

"Students do not feel safe in their own rooms," Hill said. "We are dealing with misallocation (of funds). But we're also dealing with a scarcity issue that has everything to do with the fact that HBCUs need funding."

Rev. Barber said he recently visited Howard's campus and prayed with the student protesters.

He said the students have a right to clean, safe housing and the university should be willing to work with the students and address their concerns.

"When I hear that the administration has not had a town hall with them, that's wrong headed," Barber said. "These students are simply saying 'we want these dorms fully inspected and we want them fully cleaned.'"

'Funding is the key'

Students at other HBCUs are expressing similar concerns with their housing conditions.

In mid-October, students at Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman held a protest to demand improved student housing from their administrators and that lawmakers provide more funding for their schools.

Alivia Duncan, a senior at Clark Atlanta, said students are living in crumbling buildings with outdated furniture and appliances, water-stained ceiling tiles and mold is often spotted in the dorms.

The university also has a housing shortage, Duncan said. In August, some Clark freshmen arrived on campus to learn that their dorms were still undergoing renovations. The university reportedly had to place those students in off-campus housing.

"Funding is the key to all of this," Duncan said, adding that it could help the university build and provide more housing. "I'm not saying the schools don't have responsibility but with more funding, we are able to make sure that all of the (dorms) are up to date."

Martin Luther King III said HBCUs are overburdened and underfunded and it continues to result in challenges to housing quality. King, a Morehouse alum, said he believes the money in Biden's spending plan will help schools remediate some of the problems.

"I don't think it's just straight negligence," King said. "In general, HBCUs have never had enough money to do what they need to do."

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LEBANON, Ore.  A bullet flew through a wall into an apartment on Saturday, and two people were inside, police say.

It happened at about 6:30 p.m. in the 300 block of East A Street in Lebanon.

Police said Daniel Olsen, 37, fired his weapon into an adjoining apartment, and the bullet flew through the apartment wall, a television and a window before stopping.

The people inside the apartment were not injured. Neighboring apartments were evacuated following the incident as a precaution.

Officers spent about an hour trying to contact Olsen but werent successful, and the Linn County Sheriffs Office was brought in to help. An armored vehicle and a loud-hail speaker were used to take Olsen into custody.

Detectives obtained and served a search warrant, and police said they found two pistols, two rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition.

Olsen faces two counts of recklessly endangering another person.

If you have any information, contact detectives at 541-258-4326.
ADRIAN, Ore.  An Oregon school district is facing a fine of $11,000 for not upholding the state indoor mask mandate for its students and other violations.

The current state mandate requires students to wear masks indoors and for months, Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) has been handing out fines to places not enforcing Governor Kate Brown's mask mandate and other COVID-19 safety guidelines.

This time, the Adrian School District, near the Oregon-Idaho border, is facing a hefty fine. It's a small district, that includes an elementary and high school with about 300 students total.

"So what the report is all about was an inspection that we conducted in response to three complaints about a lack of mask usage at the school facilities," said Aaron Corvin with OSHA.

Those complaints led to on-site visits by OSHA inspectors who found four violations. Two related to COVID-19, and two related to OSHA standards not related to the pandemic.

Two of those violations are marked as "serious" at $420 each. Another citation is defined as "other than serious" at $100 and a "willful violation" related to mask-wearing comes out to $10,500.

"I think bottom line though, when you look at the willful violation and you look at the overall penalty it certainly is the largest penalty we've issued over COVID requirements to a school district," said Corvin.

Back in August, the Adrian School District fired superintendent Kevin Purnell. The school board wanted him to defy the governor's mask mandate but he wouldn't so, he was voted out. A new superintendent started just this week.

The school district's website does include a safe return to school plan saying students and staff are required to wear face coverings. School officials say they filed an appeal and requested a hearing for three out of the four violations, including the one for $10,500 related to the wearing of masks.
Former president Mary Robinson has hit out at a lack of ambition at COP26 with people facing up to a world in which extreme weather events will be more common.

She said that the lack of ambition means that anyone under the age of 60 is likely to inhabit a world that is less livable in and facing extreme weather events, while anyone under 30 is "sure to live in that world".

She said the prediction of a future climate of 2.4 degrees would mean that people will be facing "terrible fires, terrible floods and millions of people having to leave their homes".

On Saturday, nearly 200 nations reached a deal to combat climate change after two weeks of negotiations in Glasgow.

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Ms Robinson said big emitter countries  US, Australia, China, Mexico and Brazil - did not increase ambition, while there was also a lack of ambition on the financial side.

Former President Mary Robinson on 'a shameful dereliction of duty' at COP26. pic.twitter.com/njKUH2KZwK  RTE News (@rtenews) November 15, 2021

She noted that progress was made in a range of areas, including commitment to finance to help poorer countries adapt to the shocks of climate change, a pledge on methane and a push to reduce coal usage.
Minister for Culture, Arts and Media, Catherine Martin has launched a new report of a national survey of children, their parents, and adults regarding online safety today.

The report has revealed that 62% of children aged between 9-17 use social media.

The report was commissioned following a recommendation put forward by the National Advisory Council for Online Safety (NACOS) that acknowledged a need for up-to-date research and evidence about the state of online safety in Ireland.

The findings of the report revealed that:

83% of children believe the internet is positive and good elements exist online for their age group.

24% of young people are upset when people are nasty and 22% struggle with bullying.

53% of parents say they help their child when the Internet bothers them, and only 19% of children tell their parents about issues they have on social media.

26% of 910-year-olds report having a social media profile which rises to just under half (45%) for 1112-year-olds.

73% of 1314-year-olds have a social media page, and 87% of 15-17-year-olds.

Childrens digital literacy is advanced and almost half of the 9-12 age group know how to create and post online video or music. For 13-17-year-olds, this rises to 85%

The top apps and services, as reported by children of all ages, include YouTube (51%), Snapchat (43%), Instagram (26%), TikTok (22%) and Facebook (11%).

Minister Catherine Martin described the report as 'crucial' and 'shines a light' on how people use the internet.

She said: "While illuminating both the positive and negative parts of the online world, the risks identified in this report underline the need for regulation, for example, the prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly among 13-14-year-olds."

Minister Martin said she is progressing the 'Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill' as a matter of urgency as a result of the report.

"The Bill will establish a robust Online Safety Commissioner, as part of a wider Media Commission, whose goal will be to tackle the availability of defined categories of harmful online content, including cyberbullying content, through binding Online Safety Codes." she added.

NACOS was established in 2018 as a forum to discuss and work on online safety issues and provides advice to Government on online safety issues, and emerging issues where government intervention might be needed.
Butler Gallery in Kilkenny is to receive 10,000 from the St Patrick's Festival X TikTok Creative Fund for their project which will see them work with artist Mary Conroy, the local community and Kilkenny environmental activist groups, to address the plight of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

Through a process of creative workshops, walks, talks and river exploration, they will learn conservation skills and explore natural materials such as clay harvesting, natural dyeing and pigment making, and print making techniques. They will create a sculptural intervention on the river that will address this threatened species.

The fund, which was designed to support and inspire creativity in Irish communities, will be distributed to ten community groups and charitable organisations in counties Dublin, Cork, Offaly, Louth, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Cavan, and Donegal.

This 10,000 project award will support the work of these local groups in developing and delivering creative responses to their own unique community challenges. A pop-up community choir, dance workshops, heritage projects and tours, and arts and craft therapy sessions are just some of the projects which will be supported by the St Patricks Festival x TikTok Creative Fund.

The creative investment forms the final part of the 500,000 commitment made by TikTok earlier this year to support St Patrick's Festival 2021. This took place over six days in March through SPF TV, a dedicated online TV channel, and an historic partnership with Oireachtas TV which brought the Festival to 1.1 million homes in Ireland during lockdown.

The St Patricks Festival team will now commence work with each of the ten selected community groups to realise

their ambitious creative projects.

Butler Gallery is committed to participative and hands-on creative learning, fostering the creativity of every person as they engage with urgent societal issues like the climate crisis.

Speaking about the funding, Hollie Kearns, Learning and Public Engagement Curator, Butler Gallery Kilkenny said:

Were delighted that with this award, Butler Gallery can work together with our local community in Kilkenny, led by

artist Mary Conroy, to address the plight of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel through shared learning and artistic

interventions. Together we will have a dynamic, creative and exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on

biodiversity loss in our local area, and the award will empower us to be the next generation of river keepers on the

River Nore.
CHARLES CITY, Iowa  Attacking someone in their vehicle lands a suspended sentence for a North Iowa man.

Aaron Michael Romig, 36 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary for an incident in Charles City on May 26.

Police say Romig approached a vehicle and hit someone inside in the face.

Romig has been ordered to spend up to 180 days at a residential correctional facility, complete all recommended substance abuse, mental health, and anger management treatment, and serve five years on supervised probation.

Romig was charged with burglary instead of assault because he attacked someone inside an occupied structure, in this case a vehicle.
WINONA COUNTY, Minn. - A 23-year-old St. Charles man was airlifted from the scene of a one-vehicle rollover crash on Sunday afternoon.

The Minnesota State Patrol said it happened on Highway 74 near milepost 30 in Saratoga Township.

The vehicle, driven by Sky Tyler Walkenhorst, crossed the centerline and rolled in the southbound ditch. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and taken to St. Marys by air ambulance. The injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Nearly 70 percent of people say they're stressed around this time of year, according to the American Institute of Stress.

Clinical Director of Family Service Rochester Ashleigh Dowis said the first step to dealing with these stressors is to normalize someone's response to stress. Recognize your triggers to stress so you are able to set boundaries for yourself.

Dowis said learning to say "no" allows us to have more control over how we spend our time and emotional energy.

"If I was to walk through those steps, I'd help folks recognize what the triggers to their stress are," said Dowis. "What are the demands or pressures they are experiencing? Help them create a realistic plan to move through those - which might be creating a budget."

For holiday budgeting, Bank of America recommends price checking with your phone and considering crafting homemade gifts.

Through all the holiday stress, Dowis reminds us that we are not alone in these feelings.

"Making sure that there are routines that you're keeping, and really giving yourself some grace and honoring that during this adjustment you might be feeling a little bit differently and that's okay," said Dowis. "And keeping in the back of your mind that it's going to get better. The sun is going to continue to come out."
Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat and the longest serving US senator still in office, announced Monday he won't seek reelection next year. Leahy is seen during a Judiciary Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in June 2020 in Washington, D.C.
COLUMBIA - Columbia Police has arrested a suspect from a "mass casualty" shooting that killed another suspect and injured five people early Sunday morning.

According to a release, Todd Duron Nesbitt Jr. is charged with armed criminal action and first degree assault.

Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said the other suspect, Quillan Jacobs, shot toward a crowd of people while fleeing the scene. Officers then ran after him and shot and killed Jacobs.

"This is not a policing issue anymore, this is a community issue," Chief Jones said in a community briefing Sunday morning.

Many mid-Missourians were vocal on social media and throughout the community. State Rep. David Tyson Smith posted on Twitter:

The prevalence of guns in the wrong hands is now an epidemic. The inability of our police to work with the feds has exacerbated the issue. Also, the City Council has voted to weaken the CPRB which will make it more difficult to uncover the truth in the Officer involved shooting.  David Tyson Smith (@dts4mo) November 15, 2021

In Columbia, community leaders and activists told KOMU 8 it's time for the community to start making changes.

"That's great to be able to ensure that we secure downtown, but the violence is just going to move back to the neighborhoods where it started," Columbia Public Schools board member and mayoral candidate David Seamon said.

Seamon said he's started to recognize "victims and perpetrators of these shootings" as people his own age.

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"This is unfortunately going to continue to happen as we grow unless we can actually solve the problem," he said. "And doing so in a way that doesn't just flood the streets with police officers."

He says understanding community violence means you have to consider all factors: "poverty, low wages, inadequate housing and systemic racism."

Community activist Rev. James Gray was on the scene of the shooting shortly after it happened. He said he's spent time with the family of one of the suspects who died.

"Our young kids are seeing stuff that they shouldn't see," Gray said.

Gray echoed many other community members and said it's time to stop making suggestions and start taking actions.

"The solution is to come to city council meetings," he said. "The solution is to come to events, to hold one another's hand and not be so separate."

Gray told KOMU 8 News he spoke with a city council member Monday who told him the council plans to discuss actions at Monday night's meeting. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on KOMU.com.
COLUMBIA  Some University of Missouri students have concerns about their safety on and near campus following multiple shootings downtown this fall.

An MU Alert was sent to students early Sunday morning to notify them about the deadly police-involved shooting outside of Vibez lounge.

There was a shooting outside of Silverball on Oct. 10 and a shots fired incident outside of Gold Bar on Nov. 6. MU Alerts were not sent in response to these situations.

In a press release Sunday, MU Police announced it will work with the Columbia Police Department to "discuss solutions after a series of gun-related incidents in the downtown area."

MUPD said it will develop new protocol for sending MU Alerts in the future and look into installing more lights and cameras downtown.

Luis Flores, a graduate student at MU, said his biggest fear of being involved in a violent situation downtown is the fact that he uses a wheelchair.

"Everybody has that joke of like say, youre chased by a bear. You only have to run faster than the guy next to you," Flores said. "Well Im the guy next to you."

Flores said he wants to get more MU Alerts in the future.

Its better to have more than to be missing anything," Flores said. If it doesnt affect me, Ill just ignore it. If it does, Ill heed the warning.

MU spokesperson Christian Basi said the university has criteria it follows to determine when it's appropriate to send out an alert.

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"When we send out an alert, we are looking for 'Is this a threat to campus?'" Basi said. "'Is this something that is still ongoing and has the potential to harm individuals?'"

Basi said MU Alerts weren't sent in response to the shootings outside of Silverball and Gold Bar because CPD had already handled the situation.

"By the time we're able to communicate with the responding officers, many minutes have passed," Basi said. "At that point in time, it does not become feasible, nor responsible for us to put something out like that."

MU senior Taran Canady said he would like to see more timeliness and consistency with getting alerted.

That means I know that somebody is consciously looking at my whereabouts and making sure that everybody on campus and everybody involved off campus, either east, west or south side of town is taken care of," Canady said.

Basi said the university must carefully choose which situations to alert students about.

"If we start sending out alert after alert, after alert, how many people will eventually not pay attention to them at all?" Basi explained.

Basi said the MU Alert system isn't meant to constantly notify students of all incidents close to campus.

"An MU Alert is designed as a critical emergency alert to allow people to make a decision immediately about their safety. It is not necessarily a news distribution system," Basi said.
Prosecution says Kyle Rittenhouse provoked fatal shootings, while defense says he feared for his life
Participants of the 17th Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum pose at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, Nov. 8. They include the Korea-Arab Society Secretary-General Ma Young-sam, fifth from left; Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-kun, sixth from left, and Bader Mohammad Al-Awadi, seventh from left, the ambassador of Kuwait to Korea and the dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps. Courtesy of the Korea-Arab Society



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Participants of the 17th Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum discussed future directions of strategic partnership between Korea and the Middle East in the post-COVID-19 era at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, Nov. 8.



Co-organized by the Korea-Arab Society (KAS), the Jeju Peace Institute, and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the forum aims to promote mutual understanding between Korea and the Middle East as well as build a human resources network.



"This forum is held at a time of great change in the political and economic situation in the Middle East. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the middle of the threatening climate change crisis, the Middle East and Korea have reached a point where they need to find a new direction outside their existing development models," Ma Young-sam, the secretary-general of the KAS, said in the opening remarks.



Bader Mohammad Al-Awadi, the ambassador of Kuwait to Korea and the dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Seoul, gave congratulatory remarks, stressing the need to develop a "roadmap that includes a clear vision for the areas of cooperation for the next five years."



"In Kuwait, we are developing an action plan for our vision in regard to future areas of cooperation with Korea in line with the implementation of Kuwait's 'Vision 2035' as well as the cooperation in the fields of energy, cyber security and smart technology," the ambassador said.



Envoys from a number of Middle Eastern countries attended the forum, including: Chafik Rachadi, the ambassador of Morocco; Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the ambassador of the UAE; Hazem Fahmy, the ambassador of Egypt; Antoine Azzam, the ambassador of Lebanon; Sami Alsadhan, the ambassador of Saudi Arabia; Khalid Ebrahim Al-Hamar, the ambassador designate of Qatar; Asal Al-Tal, the charge d'affaires ad interim of Jordan; and Thaer Abdulrahman Thabet, the charge d'affaires a.i. of Iraq.



Korea's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-kun delivered a keynote speech on the future-oriented development of relations between Korea and the Middle East.



Choi suggested expanding the horizon of cooperation to new fields such as green energy, smart agriculture and health and medical care, and asked for continued support for peace on the Korean Peninsula.


Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, left, and Shinsegae Group Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin / Korea Times file



By Kim Jae-heun



Local retail giants like Lotte Shopping, Shinsegae and GS Retail suffered poor performances in Southeast Asian markets in the third quarter of this year. They have changed their global business strategies to shift toward the U.S. market instead.



Lotte Shopping's supermarket brand Lotte Mart recorded respective 2 billion won ($1.69 million) losses in Vietnam and Indonesia, for a total loss of 4 billion won ($3.38 million). Lotte is operating 49 stores in Indonesia and 14 stores in Vietnam, a considerable number of stores, but its sales has been decreasing. Lotte Mart's accumulated sales between January and September this year showed 911 billion won, down by 13 percent year-on-year.



Shinsegae's E-mart, the country's largest retailer, entered the Vietnamese market in December 2015 but failed to expand there. The retailer further attempted to open more supermarkets there, but the local government kept delaying its approval and E-mart decided to sell off its branch share to THACO Group and only receive royalty fees under a master franchise contract. THACO Group established a joint venture with Shinsegae to introduce E-mart stores when it first entered the Vietnamese market.



After turning its business in Vietnam into a franchise system, E-mart turned its eyes toward the U.S. It started by acquiring five supermarket brands there and plans to open a direct management store in Los Angeles early next year.



"We will strengthen our business in the United States with local supermarkets we took over. There is less regulation there and local customers have higher purchasing power," an E-mart official said.



E-mart is already running 51 stores in the U.S. and will open 10 more in 2022. Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin visited the United States recently with E-mart CEO Kang Heui-seok to inspect the retail operation.



E-mart's U.S. performance is improving. Its American subsidiary PK Retail Holdings turned a surplus in the third quarter of this year, reaching a 5.3 billion won profit. In last year's third quarter, the company marked an operating loss of 1.2 billion won.



GS Retail, another retail giant operating GS25, one of the top convenience store brands here, entered the Mongolian market last September by signing a master franchise contract with local firm Shunkhlai Group.



It entered the Vietnamese market by creating a joint venture with a local firm in 2018 but has failed to turn a profit there. The joint venture's net loss has kept growing, from 2 billion won three years ago to 6 billion won now.



"One of the reasons that GS Retail never made a profit in Vietnam is because the local government is supporting Vingroup Company, operator of the largest convenience store brand there," an industry source said.



After learning its lesson in the Southeast Asian country, GS Retail is only seeking to establish master franchise businesses including a new contract in Malaysia. It has yet to find the right business partner.


In this Dec. 6, 2019, file photo, the Angkor Wat temple is reflected in a pond at sunrise in Siem Reap province. Cambodia has announced that fully vaccinated foreign travelers can visit the kingdom without quarantine from Nov. 15, giving a boost to the COVID-hobbled tourism industry. AFP-Yonhap



Cambodia has announced that fully vaccinated foreign travelers can visit the kingdom without quarantine from Monday, giving a boost to the COVID-hobbled tourism industry.



Travel restrictions imposed to tackle the pandemic put the brakes on Cambodia's burgeoning tourism industry  revenue plummeted to $1 billion last year, down from nearly $5 billion in 2019, when the country attracted 6.6 million visitors.



Prime Minister Hun Sen made an unexpected announcement on Sunday night that all fully vaccinated international travelers, tourists and businesspeople could visit the whole of Cambodia freely without quarantine from Monday.



The decision overrode the previous reopening plan, under which popular beach spots Sihanoukville and the island of Koh Rong, as well as Dara Sakor  a Chinese-developed resort zone  were set to welcome visitors from November 30.



And the reopening of Siem Reap  the gateway to the world heritage-listed Angkor Wat complex  is brought forward from January.



Hun Sen said travelers would have to show two negative COVID tests  one taken no less than 72 hours before travel and one on arrival in Cambodia.



"When they arrive and we see they have received two doses of vaccine, we will take swabs for rapid tests. After results show they are free of COVID-19, they are allowed to travel across Cambodia," Hun Sen said in an audio message posted on his Facebook page.



"I order the ministry of health, the ministry of tourism and relevant sectors to implement these measures from November 15, 2021 onwards," he said, adding that the move was a quick way to re-open the country.



Hor Sophea, a tour guide at Angkor Wat, welcomed the move.



"It is a positive step for the survival of our tourism," she told AFP.



Unvaccinated travelers will have to quarantine for 14 days, Hun Sen said.



Cambodia was spared the worst of the pandemic in 2020, but has recorded the bulk of its nearly 120,000 cases since April this year.



The country has won praise for its swift vaccination program  88 percent of its more than 16 million population have been fully jabbed. (AFP)


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High around 35F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 23F. Winds light and variable.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High near 35F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - A Portland police officer's patrol vehicle was hit by an impaired driver late Sunday night. During the crash investigation, police said another officer was struck by another impaired driver while interviewing witnesses on the sidewalk.

At about 11:19 p.m., an officer was driving to a call with their lights and sirens on while traveling down Northeast Sandy Boulevard when a driver leaving a parking lot attempted to cross all lanes of travel to head west on Northeast Prescott Street and crashed into the officer. Police said the officer's patrol vehicle continued down NE Sandy, hitting and knocking down a utility pole.

Portland police chief, union president share concern for officers after suspects fire shots PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - Two suspects are still on the loose after shooting at Portland police officers Saturday night while running away from them.

The officer, who has not been identified, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released from the hospital.

The other driver, 51-year-old Bonnie L. Harvey, of Portland, was also taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She was issued a citation for DUII and reckless driving.

During the crash investigation, police said officers were talking with witness on the sidewalk in front of a driveway when an "irate" driver pulled up yelling at everyone to move and to get off of his property. According to police, the driver grew impatient and drove his car into the group of six people standing on the sidewalk, striking one officer with the car while the others were able to jump out of the way.

Police said the driver, 46-year-old Paul Daniel Dillon, of Portland, was uncooperative when officers told him he was under arrest. During a brief struggle with Dillon, a taser was used against him in order to take him into custody.

Dillon was booked into the Multnomah County Jail for charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and resisting arrest. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be recommended.

Police said the officer struck by Dillon was not injured.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - Two suspects are still on the loose after shooting at Portland police officers Saturday night while running away from them.

Police said at around 5:30 p.m., officers tried to stop a car near Northeast 92nd Avenue and Northeast Halsey Street for a wanted suspect. Officers popped the tires with spike strips, but the two people inside - a man and woman - got out and ran away into the neighborhood while firing gunshots, requiring the specially trained Special Emergency Reaction and Crisis Negotiation Teams to come out.

Lockdown lifted in NE Portland, suspects not found PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV)  The Portland Police Bureau said it has not found the suspects wanted after a traffic stop, and a neighborhood shelter 

No officers were hurt but at least one of those bullets hit a patrol car, and police found many shell casings.

"Theres a lot of things that are difficult about being involved in a circumstance like that, especially when the person is still outstanding. Obviously, youre concerned about your coworkers, youre concerned about your community. Youve got to call your family and you figure a lot of police officers, their family may be at home watching the news or tucking their kids into bed," Portland Police Association President Sgt. Aaron Schmautz said.

Sgt. Schmautz said anyone firing at police is willing to do anything to escape, putting officers and people in the area at risk. He said this comes during a scary time for law enforcement, with six officers killed across the country in the last six days, and as an Oregon State Police trooper is fighting for his life after being hit by a fleeing suspect Thursday.

Oregon State trooper critically injured during chase on Highway 30 COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV)  Oregon State Police say a trooper was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle Thursday afternoon.

"My heart goes out to those officers and also their families; its just a very scary deal for all of us," he said.

As for what happened Saturday night, Portland police Chief Chuck Lovell shared a statement, saying hes appalled and outraged by these acts of attempted murder: "Please rest assured there is currently a very active investigation being spearheaded by the bureaus homicide unit. I expect to be able to release more in the near future. Until then, please know we are doing everything we can to ensure these dangerous suspects will be held accountable in a court of law. Facing ones mortality can be traumatic and jarring. Last night was a challenging situation, but as usual, bureau members met it with the courage and dedication theyre known for."

Anyone who has information on about the case or suspects is asked to email crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 21-318162.
The minor child has been located and is with law enforcement in Elko Co Nevada. An arrest warrant has been served on the party believed to have kidnapped the minor child. Read more
Hoboken, New Jersey, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Americans are deeply conflicted about the promise and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. While they have numerous concerns about the harm the technology is doing now and could do in the future to individuals and society, many still believe there is more of an upside than a downside to the growing use of AI.

Thats according to Stevens TechPulse Report: A Perspective on Americans' Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence, a new national poll of 2,200 adults conducted on behalf of Stevens Institute of Technology by Morning Consult examining Americans views on a wide range of AI-related issues.

Almost half (48%) of Americans feel the positives of greater AI adoption in everyday life outweigh the negatives, while 29% believe the opposite. A majority also holds the opinion that in the future, AI should play a greater role in a variety of industries including technology (66%), manufacturing (61%), logistics (58%), and retail (52%).

Despite that enthusiasm, people are far more comfortable with humans, rather than AI, being in charge of performing most jobs and, in general, express a good deal of apprehension and mistrust of the technology.

As the world and our lives grow increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence, its essential to assess its perceived impact, as well as identify gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed, said Jason Corso, Brinning Professor of Computer Science and director of Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Stevens Institute of Technology. Its clear from this research that, while people recognize the positives of AI, they also see much to be wary of  based, to some extent, on misunderstandings of the technology and what could help protect against those negative consequences.

Fears of greater AI adoption include:

- Loss of Privacy: Tops the list of concerns about the negative consequences of AI, with three in four adults voicing that concern. However, age affects those opinions: among generations, GenZers are least concerned (62%), while Baby Boomers are most concerned (80%).

- Abuse of the technology: Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents are concerned that countries or businesses will use the technology irresponsibly and 71% believe AI will likely be misused by individuals.

- Job Losses: Seven-in-10 Americans (71%) are concerned that greater adoption of AI will lead to reduced employment opportunities. However, more than half (53%) also think it has the potential to create better working conditions and reduce the risk of dangerous jobs (70%).

Threats to Fairness and Democracy

The research shows that Americans believe AI has played a part in eroding the foundations of democracy. Most Americans think AI has had a role in Americans loss of trust in elections (57%), in threats to democracy (52%), and in loss of trust in institutions (56%). Additionally, 58% of respondents say it has contributed to the spread of misinformation. Almost two-thirds (64%) are concerned that greater adoption of AI in the future could lead to more of this problem and six in 10 people express concern that it could further increase political polarization.

There are also significant misgivings about its impact on the issue of fairness and equity. Nearly half (47%) think it is likely that greater AI adoption will result in racial/ethnic bias and contribute to human rights abuses. Fewer believe that greater adoption of AI will lead to gender bias (37%); surprisingly, women (36%) think that is less likely to happen than men (43%).

Additionally, the research finds that there are qualms regarding AIs effect on relationships. About seven-in-10 adults worry that greater adoption of AI will result in less personal interactions and reduced human connectedness.

Out of Control AI

Many Americans surveyed also express a number of dystopian views about artificial intelligence. Over half of those polled believe AI will likely become smarter than humans (52%), are concerned AI could gain consciousness (57%) and believe that people will be unable to control the technology (51%); nearly three-quarters (72%) of Millennials and over two-thirds (69%) of Baby Boomers are worried AI could become uncontrollable. Additionally, 63% of adults say its likely AI will control too much of our lives.

Facial Recognition and Deepfakes

In contrast to futuristic fears of AI, people are by and large comfortable employing facial recognition technology for a wide range of uses  an AI application that has spawned a good deal of controversy. Almost two-thirds (62%) of those polled think it is a responsible use of artificial intelligence. Sizable majorities are comfortable with facial recognition being used to find missing persons (71%) and lost pets (68%), and for various law enforcement purposes including identifying and monitoring criminals (68%), identifying fraudulent behavior in retail (64%) and aiding in police investigations (62%). There is also substantial comfort with the use of facial recognition to monitor people at rallies and marches (48%), with fewer people (37%) expressing discomfort with doing so. More Democrats (56%) than Republicans (42%) are comfortable with this use of the technology.

Americans are almost evenly divided on the issue of using AI to create deepfakes, highly convincing digitally altered sound and images that are made to appear real: 38% believe its a responsible use of the technology, while 36% think it is not. Millennials are most supportive, with more than half (51%) saying that creating deepfakes is a responsible use of artificial intelligence.

This survey indicates that there is a significant need for education, well-informed and holistic policy development and ethical leadership in the deployment of rapidly advancing technology throughout industry and society, said Nariman Farvardin, president of Stevens Institute of Technology. I am delighted that Stevens is playing a leadership role in this space through the Stevens Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

This survey is the first in the Stevens TechPulse Report series conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Stevens Institute of Technology to elucidate public understanding, acceptance and concerns about emerging technology, and its impact on humanity and society.

For more information, visit https://www.stevens.edu/ai-survey.

Methodology

This poll was conducted between Sept. 8 and Sept. 10, 2021, among a sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.

 Stevens 

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier, private research university situated in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since our founding in 1870, technological innovation has been the hallmark of Stevens education and research. Within the universitys three schools and one college, 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students collaborate closely with faculty in an interdisciplinary, student-centric, entrepreneurial environment. Academic and research programs spanning business, computing, engineering, the arts and other disciplines actively advance the frontiers of science and leverage technology to confront our most pressing global challenges. The university continues to be consistently ranked among the nations leaders in career services, post-graduation salaries of alumni, and return on tuition investment.

Stevens media contacts:

Thania Benios, Director of Public Relations, tbenios@stevens.edu, 917-930-5988

Robin Deehan, Media Relations Manager, rdeehan@stevens.edu, 973-216-8402

Attachment

Thania Benios Stevens Institute of Technology tbenios@stevens.edu
GWANGJU, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 15, 2021--

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO, President & CEO: Cheong Seung-il) (KRX:015760) and six public power enterprises declared 'ZERO for Green,' the vision for carbon neutrality at the BIXPO 2021 opening ceremony held on November 10 at Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005625/en/

Korea Electric Power Corporation and six public power enterprises declared 'ZERO for Green,' the vision for carbon neutrality at the BIXPO 2021 opening ceremony held on November 10 at Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju. (Photo: Business Wire)

The vision declaration was organized for public power companies to express their strong commitment to fulfilling the responsibility for carbon neutrality and turning it into a new opportunity.

At the same time, the companies announced the joint technology development strategies for supporting the fulfillment of the vision along with a key project to implement the strategies and entered into a business agreement to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

The 'ZERO for Green' conveys the public power companies strong commitment to leading innovation for achieving carbon neutrality throughout the value chain process of the power industry, such as energy production (power generation), distribution (power network), and use (efficient consumption). The 'ZERO' stands for Zero Emission, Reliable Energy, and On Time.

To achieve ZERO for Green, it is necessary to select essential technologies for realizing carbon neutrality in the energy transformation sector and to improve technological level by expanding investment in the technologies.

For the carbon-neutral technology development strategies announced together with the vision declaration, improving the efficiency of energy supply and consumption, expanding renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions in power generation industry, transforming to hydrogen and ammonia fuel, and establishing an intelligent power grid for power distribution to consumers were set as the key technological development areas, and the promotional directions for each area were suggested.

Recognizing the importance of cooperation in developing, verifying, and spreading key technologies in the process of realizing carbon neutrality, the public power companies entered into a business agreement for carbon neutrality in order to solidify and declare their cohesive power, and thus further promote solidarity and cooperation in all areas of the power industry ecosystem.

The vision declaration holds significance as it was the first official declaration of public power companies will to establish and implement a joint vision and strategies for realizing carbon neutrality as the key players for energy transformation.

While continuously focusing their capacities on achieving 'ZERO for Green,' the carbon neutrality vision, the public power companies will encourage domestic and international stakeholders participation in the energy industry ecosystem for de-carbonization and technology innovation based on solidarity and cooperation, and ultimately promote joint effort to realize the national goal of carbon neutrality.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005625/en/

CONTACT: For KEPCO

PR HOUSE

Ara Jo

+82 (70) 4278-1938

ara.jo@pr-house.co.kr

KEYWORD: ASIA PACIFIC SOUTH KOREA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENERGY ENVIRONMENT OTHER TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

SOURCE: Korea Electric Power Corporation

Copyright Business Wire 2021.

PUB: 11/15/2021 08:00 AM/DISC: 11/15/2021 08:01 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005625/en
Lake Geneva residents and visitors will be able to park for free in the downtown area during the next two months beginning Monday, Nov. 15.

The citys free parking season will be offered from Nov. 15 through Jan. 31, during which is often considered the citys off-tourism season. Paid parking will resume Feb. 1 and will last through Nov. 14, 2022.

Parking Operations Manager Seth Elder said information about the free parking season will be posted on the citys website and social media sites, parking kiosks and Parkmobile app.

Information about the free parking season also will be distributed to downtown businesses.

We will hand out fliers that people can hang in their windows if they like just notifying customers that they dont pay for parking again until Feb. 1, Elder said.

Elder said the city collected about $2 million in paid parking revenue this year. He said about $1.5 million was collected through the parking kiosks, and about another $500,000 was generated through the Parkmobile app.

He said the number of people who pay for their parking through an app has increased during the past few years.

That percentage continues to rise. Its about 25%, Elder said. Hopefully, it will keep going up as people get more and more comfortable with it. They try it out for the first time and figure out its pretty nice.

Elder said parking revenue increased this year compared to previous years, but it is difficult to determine by how much because the paid parking season began in February whereas in previous years it began in March.

City officials approved to begin the paid parking season in February to obtain additional parking revenue from Winterfest, which is held in early February. The city obtained about $114,350 in parking revenue that month.

Paid parking also was suspended from mid-March through late April in 2020 when downtown businesses were closed because of the coronavirus.

Parking revenue is used to help pay for the citys parking operations with any additional money going into the citys general fund.

Elder said there are several options for people to obtain a parking permit.

Parking permits are available for residents, which give them three hours of free parking a day. The permits are free and are good for two years.

Elder said expiring resident parking permits should be renewed by Jan. 31, 2022.

We encourage people to renew their resident stickers sooner than later, Elder said. We have them in-house.

Parking permits also are available for people who operate a business in Lake Geneva. The permits cost $50 and last for two years.

That has the same rights and privileges as a resident sticker, Elder said. So it gets you three hours of free parking per day when you put that on your vehicle.

The city offers parking permits for Walworth County residents, which cost $160 and are good for two years. The permits allow for three hours of free parking each day.

Parking lot permits, which allow people to park in city lots near Cook Street, Center Street and Geneva Street without paying a meter, are also available. The parking lot permits cost $400 a year.

Elder said more people have purchased parking permits during the past few years.

Pass revenue is up year to year, Elder said. Some of that is timing for when the two-year passes expire, but weve definitely seen more people applying for the resident passes, especially.

For more information about the citys parking program, visit www.cityoflakegeneva.com.

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KENOSHA  Is it legal for 17-year-olds to walk around with AR-15s? It appears so.

That was a question at hand Monday morning in the Kyle Rittenhouse homicide trial in the Kenosha County Courthouse.

Judge Bruce Schroeders answer to that question is, essentially, yes. That it is legal for teenagers to open-carry most long guns, but not handguns, down the street. As such, the charge of possession of a firearm by a minor was dismissed Monday before attorneys made closing arguments in the case.

Why was charge tossed?

Jillian Slaight, managing legislative analyst for the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, came to a similar conclusion as Schroeder when asked by a reporter.

Slaight wrote in an email: A person under the age of 18 may possess a rifle or a shotgun as long as 1. The weapon is not a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun, and 2. The person is not violating hunting statutes under Wisconsin statutes 29.304 and 29.593.

These statutes generally prohibit anyone younger than 16 from hunting or carrying a firearm, unless certain conditions are met. For example, a person who is 14 or 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; enrolled in a hunter education course and carrying a firearm to, from, or during that course; or issued a certificate of accomplishment indicating that he or she has successfully completed a hunter education program.

Additionally, a person born on or after January 1, 1973, generally may not obtain approval authorizing hunting unless the person is issued a certificate of accomplishment indicating successful completion of a hunter education program.

On Monday, Rittenhouses defense attorneys argued that under a strict reading of Wisconsin statute 941.28, 16- and 17-year-olds are allowed to carry rifles so long as the barrel of the rifle is longer than 16 inches, and thus are not legally considered short-barreled. That same law also allows 16- and 17-year-olds to carry shotguns so long as the barrel is longer than 18 inches.

The origins of that law and associated statutes are to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to hunt.

On Aug. 25, 2020, the night Rittenhouse shot three men, killing two of them, he was carrying an AR-15, a rifle. No evidence was presented at trial that showed the barrel of the gun Rittenhouse had was shorter than 16 inches.

Reactions

Patrick Cafferty, a Racine-based defense attorney who has acted as a legal analyst for numerous media outlets during the Rittenhouse trial, said he has seen the law interpreted both ways: that it prohibits 16- and 17-year-olds from carrying firearms at will, and now  in the Rittenhouse trial  that 16- and 17-year-olds can carry firearms at will.

That is basically the way the judge has interpreted the law, Cafferty said of Schroeders Monday ruling in a text message to a reporter.

Schroeders ruling appears to conflict with the legal opinion stated in a 2018 memo from the Wisconsin Legislative Council, which said: Under federal law, with certain exceptions, a person under age 18 is generally prohibited from possessing a handgun. Under Wisconsin law, with certain exceptions for hunting, military service, and target practice, a person under age 18 is generally prohibited from possessing or going armed with a firearm.

Assistant District Attorney James Kraus argued that reading the statute to allow minors to carry any weapon except a short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun basically negates the prohibition on minors carrying weapons.

I believe that this . . . essentially swallows the entire statute, Kraus said before losing in the attempt to keep the charge in the case.

During Mondays proceedings, Schroeder had noted that state law was poorly worded in this instance.

Kenosha defense attorney Michael Cicchini, who is not involved in the case, said legal doctrine demands that when statutes arent clear they must be read in favor of the defense.

This is the price the government must pay when it is incapable of drafting clear laws, Cicchini wrote in an article discussing the doctrine.

Prosecutors can ask a state appeals court for clarifications and rulings in the middle of a case; they dont have to wait until a verdict comes down. But usually prosecutors dont make such a move unless a judge hands down an adverse decision, Cicchini said. In Rittenhouses case, Schroeder didnt rule against Kraus until minutes before closing arguments began.

Reacting to the charge being dropped, Its very significant, former federal prosecutor Phil Turner, who is not involved in the case, said of Schroeders decision. Had Rittenhouse been convicted of the gun possession charge but nothing else, Turner said that the Kenosha County District Attorneys Office can at least assuage the public youve got something as opposed to coming away with absolutely nothing, which is a distinct possibility in this case.

Turner said prosecutors should have realized the issue wasnt settled and headed Schroeder off by asking an appellate court for a ruling or filing more briefs.

Im hesitant to jump to the conclusion that the judge is doing something unfair to (prosecutors), Turner said. When the judge expressed skepticism early, they should have done something to make sure its clear. In a case of this magnitude, if Im the prosecutor and the judge has expressed some skepticism or doubt about this, Im going to do everything I can to sustain that count. When you heard early on there was some doubt, youve got to get on this.

Prosecutors could immediately ask the court of appeals to stop the proceedings pending a ruling on the charges validity, but there was no indication Monday that they planned to do so.

Former Waukesha County District Attorney Paul Bucher downplayed the dismissal of the charge. He argued that it might even clarify the case for jurors.

Youre talking about this extremely minor charge, Bucher said, adding that prosecutors are missing the boat. This is a homicide case. We had two individuals killed and one almost killed and theyre focusing on possession of a firearm. If the government thought this was the only count they could succeed on, yikes.

Long battle over misdemeanor

Prior to the trial, which began Nov. 1, several of Rittenhouses current and prior defense attorneys had tried to get the charge of underage gun possession dropped.

Last month, lead prosecutor Thomas Binger had argued in a pre-trial hearing that since the law was written to allow kids to hunt, the defense attorneys can submit evidence that the defendant had a certificate to hunt and he was engaged in legal hunting on the streets of Kenosha that night.

In an email, state Sen. Van Wanggaard, a Racine Republican and retired police officer whose district includes much of Kenosha County, said he believes Wisconsins law on this topic is strong and appropriate.

I was surprised that this charge was even brought in the Rittenhouse case. The law on this has been clear for 30 years, when a Democratic Legislature passed (Wisconsin Statute) 948.60(3), allowing minors over the age of 16 to possess rifles. Its been law for 30 years without a problem or outrage, and it doesnt need to be changed now.

Another offense Rittenhouse faced, a citation for breaking Kenoshas curfew, was dropped during the trial since the prosecution did not present evidence that he had in fact been out during the 8 p.m. curfew imposed during rioting following the police shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23.

Rittenhouse still faces the following charges:

First-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Joseph Rosenbaum

First-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for killing Anthony Huber

First-degree recklessly endangering safety with use of a dangerous weapon for having opened fire with

standing nearby when Rosenbaum was killed

First-degree recklessly endangering safety with use of a dangerous weapon for having fired toward an unidentified person referred to in court only as Jump Kick Man in the moments surrounding the shooting of Huber

Attempted first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon for having shot Gaige Grosskreutz

The jury is expected to begin deliberating Tuesday following closing statements Monday.

Other laws

Other laws regarding underage carrying of guns in Wisconsin: Children ages 12 and 13 can carry a firearm for the purposes of hunting but must be supervised; children who are at least 14 may hunt while armed and unsupervised; children may also carry firearms as part of a gun safety program, according to research by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Todd Richmond of the Associated Press contributed to this report.
TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD  A new driveway is getting closer to reality for Steve Roudebush.

The 200-yard stretch of narrow asphalt is pocked with potholes and less than a smooth ride to his familys farm, which shares space with Roudebushs machine shop.

The delay hasnt been about money, supplies or finding a contractor.

Instead, Roudebush, owner of SPEC Machine, is waiting until he finishes the longest and largest job in his companys history.

When the project finally leaves his shop on a 13-axle trailer, it will weigh about 180,000 pounds and likely do further damage to his already challenged driveway.

Thats why Roudebush is waiting, while at the same time putting in long hours to complete the $2 million restoration started in late 2013 of a historic steam engine for the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom.

Were coming to an end, Roudebush said last week as he stood near the front of the engine. Hopefully in a year or so, it will be done and out of here.

About 75% of the locomotive remains original but has undergone extensive restoration. The remaining 25% consists of new parts built to the exact specifications from when it was constructed in 1907 at American Locomotive Co.s Schenectady Works in New York.

The goal is to get the steam locomotive back on the tracks of the museum, which has 3.5 miles of rail winding through central Sauk County, eight miles west of Baraboo.

Museum officials and Roudebush thought the project would take about 14 months and be focused primarily on the locomotives running gear and boiler. But once they got into the project, it didnt take long to realize a full restoration and rebuild was necessary.

It took a St. Louis company two years just to build a new boiler, while Roudebush and his son, Tyler, have machined scores of new parts, including hundreds of bolts. The locomotive arrived in pieces, but to accommodate the project the shop was rearranged, a 14-foot-wide, 16-foot-high door to the shop was added and 80 feet of train track constructed. In 2017, an addition was put on to the west side of the shop to give the locomotive its own private space.

I dont think anyone had a true feeling of the scope and size of this project, said Jeff Huttenburg, who lives near the shop and has been involved with the museum for the past eight years. When we started out it was just to fix a few things here and there.

A brief history

The 1385 was a workhorse for the Chicago & North Western Railroad for nearly five decades but was retired in 1956.

Mid-Continent members in 1961 scraped together $2,600 to buy the locomotive, and from 1963 to 1998 it was used to pull cars on the museums tracks. In the mid-1980s, it pulled the Great Circus Train for three straight summers from Baraboo to Milwaukee and back, and in the 1990s made trips on the mainline to Brodhead, Mazomanie and Wausau before being taken out of service in 1998 for what they thought would be $125,000 in boiler repairs.

A closer inspection revealed the engine, which is on the state and national registers of historic places, needed much more work. The project was initially stalled by fundraising challenges, the recession and a flood at the museum in 2008 that caused extensive damage and closed the museum for the summer.

The Wagner Foundation, however, stepped in with an initial $250,000 matching grant and has continued to add more funds to the project, about 75% of which is funded by the foundation created by Bobbie Wagner and her now-late husband, Dick, founders of Wag-Aero, an aviation parts and delivery company.

The Wagner Foundation also helped fund the $677,000 reconstruction of a bridge over the Baraboo River that was severely damaged during the 2008 flood. That project has created longer runs for trains at the museum that specializes in railroad equipment from between 1885 and 1915.

In addition, the museum has just completed work on a 2,400-square-foot storage facility that will be used to hold excess parts from the 1385 and other locomotives and train cars.

Your opportunity to rebuild an engine like this is pretty unique, said Huttenburg, a retired attorney. But everybody up at the museum is just really interested in getting this thing back.

Then, a pandemic

When the boiler arrived in September 2019, the locomotive was rolled out of its quarters so a 100-ton crane could lift the boiler into place. That turned out to be the last large public event as COVID-19 hit six months later.

But despite the lockdowns, the progress on the locomotives restoration has been steady over the past two years and is now entering a more aggressive phase as Steve Roudebush said he is now dedicating more of his time to the project and putting some of his other jobs on the back burner.

The boiler has been fitted to the chassis and mounted to the saddles with custom bolts and fittings. It includes on the rear of the boiler steel plates that allow the boiler to slide up to three quarters of an inch as the boiler expands when it is heated. Rocker grates, used to dump ash and fire out of the fire box, were installed last week, while throttle valves, exhaust nozzles, pistons and air compressors are either finished or more than halfway toward completion.

Installing the ash pan is one of the next tasks on the never-ending list of tasks.

Theres nothing on this that we regret, Roudebush said. If we werent uncomfortable (with a job) we went back and resolved the issue. Thats how we do all of our work around here.

Grit and labor

When we arrived at the shop on Thursday morning, Roudebush was underneath the locomotive installing one of the last rocker grates, which need to be operational in heat that can reach up to 1,600 degrees. His son Tyler, 31, was in the firebox using a chain to help hoist the 140-pound grate into position. Tyler, a volunteer firefighter in Waunakee, had accessed the space by crawling through a 2-foot opening, normally used to pass coal or wood through.

Well train getting through tight spaces, Tyler said of his firefighting work. Its all about manipulating your body and learning how to move it the right way. Its amazing how small of a hole you can fit through.

For Steve Roudebush, the last year has been filled with milestones. He became a grandfather for the first time, built his wife a she shed, put the wraps early on a fall harvest of 220 acres of corn and soybeans, purchased a more than 100-year-old steam engine that needs restoration and in October for his 58th birthday, hunted and shot his first bull elk in the mountain terrain of southwestern Colorado.

His group started the hunt at 9,000 feet of elevation, and he found success just before dark. That meant working in the dark to skin and quarter the elk and pack it out on horses. They returned to their camp at 4 a.m. the next day. Roudebush called it the toughest thing hes ever done in his life, but was asked how it compared to his eight years of detailed work on the 1385.

Theyre both tough in different ways, Roudebush said. This (the 1385) is more emotionally challenging.

Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for On Wisconsin at 608-252-6148 or by email at badams@madison.com.
The Maryland State Grange gathered to celebrate people who are working to improve rural life, and to learn how Grangers can help with that cause.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Two female maids from West Bengal were found dead at their employer's house in southeast Delhi's Jungpura Extension on Monday morning, police said.

The two women -- aged 35 and 40 -- hailed from Darjeeling in West Bengal and had been living in the staff quarters of the house since they started working there as maids in June, they said.

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Police said no injury marks were present on the body of any of the deceased but the cause of death will be clear only after post-mortem.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Esha Pandey said a PCR call was received at 9.45 am regarding two maids lying unconscious in a house at Jungpura Extension here.

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When the police went to the spot and met the caller, she told them that the two maids were lying dead in the house, the DCP said.

According to police, the owner of the house was sleeping on the ground floor while the two women stayed on the first floor and allegedly the hands and legs of the deceased were tied. Nothing has been taken from the house.

"A case has been registered under Sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and investigation is in premature stage. We are investigating the case from all angles," the DCP said.

Police said that the crime and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams inspected the scene of crime. The bodies were preserved in the mortuary of AIIMS hospital.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 15 (ANI): The Calcutta High Court on Monday adjourned the hearing for Nandigram vote-counting case to December 1.

In this matter, the Court asked the BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari to file a written response by November 29.

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The results of the state assembly polls were released on May 2.

On July 13, after Justice Kausik Chanda recused himself from the hearing of the petition filed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over Nandigram poll results, the matter has been allotted to the Bench of Justice Sampa Sarkar of Calcutta High Court.On July 7, the Calcutta High Court imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakhs on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for putting the judiciary in a bad light.

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The Calcutta High Court's single bench led by Justice Kausik Chanda had passed the order while hearing Mamata Banerjee's election petition challenging Adhikari's victory from the Nandigram Constituency in the recently held state assembly polls.

At the outset of the argument, Justice Chanda refused to withdraw the case but later changed his decision to say that he was recused from the case.

The West Bengal Chief Minister had earlier moved an application to change the judge in the case and alleged that Justice Chanda has connections with the BJP.

The Election Commission had declared BJP's Suvendu Adhikari the winner in the fiercely contested election for the Nandigram constituency. After her defeat in Nandigram, Banerjee alleged that the Returning Officer of the Assembly seat had said he was threatened against recounting of votes.

Despite Banerjee losing the seat to Adhikari, who was once her close aide, the TMC registered a landslide victory in polls winning 213 seats in the 294-member West Bengal assembly. While the BJP lost the polls but emerged as the second-largest party with 77 seats.

The TMC even wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal seeking "immediate re-counting of votes and postal ballots" in the Nandigram constituency, but recounting was refused for reasons unknown. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Amaravati (Maharashtra) [India], November 15 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya on Monday said that he will be visiting the violence-hit Maharashtra's Amaravati district on November 17.

Incidents of stone-pelting were reported on Friday from Nanded, Malegaon and Amaravati in the backdrop of protests staged against the violence that took place in Panisagar in Tripura on October 27.

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Condemning the violence in Nanded, Malegaon, Amaravati and other places during protests against violence in Tripura, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil had assured that investigation into the violence during protests will be carried out.

"We'll definitely investigate this. We'll investigate the rallies that were taken out in Maharashtra over the incidents that may or may not have taken place in Tripura, we will also assess the damages," he had said.

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"The situation in Amravati is under control and no casualties have been reported in the violence", said Dilip Walse Patil while commenting on the Amravati violence.

"We condemn the violence. I spoke to Devendra Fadnavis, Amravati MP, to help maintain social harmony and peace. We are focusing on how to keep the situation under control and maintain peace," Patil said.

Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the violence and demanded strict action against leaders making inciting speeches. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], November 15 (ANI): As many as three National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-KYA) terrorists were on Monday neutralised around the Longding area in South Arunachal Pradesh by the troops of 6 Assam Rifles, informed sources.

The operation is still underway.

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More details are awaited.

The Assam Rifles has launched several operations against militant organisations after the attack on 46 Assam Rifles in which its Commanding officer, his wife and son and four soldiers were killed last week.

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The incident had taken place in the Churachabdpur district of Manipur in the hilly area. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Ride-hailing app Ola's General Counsel Sandeep Chowdhury has resigned after a nine-month stint with the company, according to sources.

The development comes close on the heels of Ola's Chief Financial Officer Swayam Saurabh and Chief Operating Officer Gaurav Porwal also leaving the company. These exits come ahead of Ola's plans to go in for an initial public offering (IPO).

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Chowdhury, who had joined Ola from Nuvoco Vistas Corp Ltd, has quit after a nine-month stint at Ola, according to sources.

Ola did not respond to emailed queries seeking response on Chowdhury's resignation and the spate of senior-level exits being seen at the company.

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As per Chowdhury's LinkedIn profile, he has also worked with companies including UPL, Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages, Baxter India and Bharti Walmart.

In October, Ola had also restructured the organisation and expanded roles for some of its top leaders.

Vinay Bhopatkar, the CEO of Ola Delivery business, was given additional responsibilities of the driver and supply ecosystem of the mobility business. Ola Chief Marketing Officer Anshul Khandelwal was given additional responsibility to drive revenue as well.

Ola is said to be working towards launching a USD 1-1.5 billion (Rs 7,324-10,985 crore) IPO. The company is expected to file the DRHP (draft red herring prospectus) in the December quarter and is working with select banks, including Citigroup Inc and Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, to manage the IPO.

The company, however, has not officially commented on the timeline yet. HRS hrs

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], November 15 (ANI/Sputnik): The Ethiopian government is calling on the United Nations to condemn the "terrorism" of TPLF in the country, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States, Fitsum Arega, told Sputnik.

The UN Security Council has recently held a special meeting on Ethiopia after which it issued a statement expressing concern over the escalation of fighting in northern Ethiopia and called on all sides to negotiate a lasting ceasefire.

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"The United Nations can play a big role. But it must start with respect for Ethiopia's sovereignty and dignity. As a founding member of the UN, Ethiopia deserves universal respect for its territorial integrity and sovereignty as a nation. The UN Security Council must condemn TPLF terrorism. That's the first thing it needs to do. But they have failed to do that," the ambassador added.

Northern Ethiopia has been engulfed by an internal conflict since November of last year, when the central government accused the TPLF of attacking a military base and launched a counter-operation in Tigray.

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Earlier this month, the country declared a six-month state of emergency nationwide as TPLF threatened to advance on the capital of Addis Ababa. (ANI/Sputnik)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Tel Aviv, Nov 15 (PTI) Indian Army chief Gen MM Naravane on Monday met with Major General Tamir Yadai, Israeli Army's Chief of the Ground Forces, and discussed ways to bolster bilateral military cooperation and also visited the Special Operations Unit of the Israel Defence Forces where he was briefed on various aspects of counter-terrorism operations.

Gen Naravane, who arrived in Israel on Sunday on his maiden visit to further strengthen India's defence and security cooperation with the Jewish state, also received a Guard of Honour at Latrun, Israel.

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"General MM Naravane #COAS interacted with Major General Tamir Yadai, Chief of the Ground Forces, Israel Defence Forces #IDF and discussed aspects of bilateral military cooperation, the Indian Army said in a tweet.

On the first day of his visit to Israel, General Naravane also received a Guard of Honour at Latrun, Israel. "COAS complimented the Guard for impeccable Turnout & Parade, it said in another tweet.

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"General MM Naravane #COAS visited the Special Operations Unit of Israel Defence Forces #IDF & was briefed on aspects of conduct of counter-terrorism operations. #COAS was also briefed about specialist weapons & equipment used by #IDF," it tweeted.

His five-day visit to Israel comes weeks after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar travelled to Tel Aviv.

In August, then Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria also paid a four-day visit to Israel.

During the visit, Gen Naravane will be meeting the country's senior military and civilian leadership where he will discuss avenues for further enhancing Indo-Israel defence relations," the Indian Army had said in a statement.

He will take forward the "excellent" bilateral defence cooperation between Israel and India through multiple meetings with senior officials of the security establishment and exchange views on various defence-related issues, it added.

In reflection of growing bilateral defence ties, India and Israel last month agreed to form a task force to develop a 10-year strategy for identifying new areas of collaboration in the defence sector.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kabul [Afghanistan], November 15 (ANI): Iran is concerned with the increased terrorist activity in Afghanistan and has received information about the presence of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the troubled country, Sputnik reported citing the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday.

"We are very concerned with the growing extremism, terrorism [in Afghanistan], and its worst form is the attacks on Muslim congregants," The Russian News Agency quoted the ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying.

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"Unfortunately, we have a message about the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) presence there, this is very concerning," Khatibzadeh added.

On Monday, the Iranian special representative for Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, arrived in Kabul to hold meetings with officials of the interim Afghan government appointed by the Taliban.

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According to the Khaama Press media outlet, the agenda of talks between the Iranian envoy and Taliban officials include trade, the formation of an inclusive cabinet, and refugees.

Iran Kabul-based embassy said that Qomi will discuss regional issues, immigrants, humanitarian aid, the formation of an inclusive government, and economic issues.

Meanwhile, the security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly since the Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15.

ISIS has carried out several attacks including an attack on Kabul Airport during an evacuation by the US forces following the fall of Kabul. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Glasgow [UK], November 15 (ANI): Despite calling the deal reached at COP-26 a game-changing international pact, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson voiced some dismay over the result of the conference, reported The Hill.

"My delight at this progress is tinged with disappointment," Politico quoted Johnson as saying after his government hosted the COP-26 climate conference in Glasgow. "Those for whom climate change is already a matter of life and death, who can only stand by as their islands are submerged, their farmlands turn to desert, their homes battered by storms -- they demanded a high level of ambition for this summit," Johnson said.

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"While many of us were willing to go there, that was not true of everybody. Sadly that is the nature of diplomacy."

The high-profile COP-26 conference began here on October 31 and marked the participation of world leaders joining voices to prevent the world from climate change. The participating countries reached an agreement on Saturday to strengthen their 2030 climate goals before the end of next year. (ANI)

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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, November 15: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will also consider the names of some retired apex court judges to monitor day-to-day investigation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident. The top court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade its task force investigating the matter with some high-ranking officials. Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted that the top court can appoint a retired judge to monitor the SIT probe. A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said, "Now, we have a lot of freedom for a retired SC or HC judge. Let us see..."

The bench noted that it will find out a judge who is willing to take up the assignment. During the hearing, the top court emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh government should upgrade the task force investigating the matter. It said the officers must be high-ranking officers, currently there are local Lakhimpur Kheri, sub-inspector level and DSP level officers on the task force. Lakhimpur Kheri violence: CBI is Not The Solution of Every Problem, Says SC.

The bench told Salve that it needs one more day's time to finalise the name of the judge. "We are considering Rakesh Kumar Jain (former Punjab and Haryana HC judge) or others. We have to consult them," said the bench. Salve submitted, "Judge can be appointed from any other state". Earlier, the top court had said it wanted to appoint a judge outside of Uttar Pradesh. Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: Supreme Court Expresses Dissatisfaction With Investigation, Mulls Appointing Retired HC Judge to Monitor Probe.

Concluding the hearing, the top court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to look into grievances of the victim's families, who have not been paid compensation. Additional Advocate General Garima Prasad submitted that the state would take necessary steps. The violence occurred on October 3, resulting in the killing of eight persons, including four farmers who were allegedly mowed down by the vehicles in the convoy of Ashish Misra, the son of Union Minister and BJP MP Ajay Kumar Misra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2021 02:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Diabetes has emerged as a major health problem in the world seen mainly in population experiencing a sedentary lifestyle. According to the Indian Diabetes Federation (IDF), about 70 million people in India are diabetic. Diabetes also paves way to many other diseases. World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 to raise awareness about metabolic disease. Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels over a long period of time. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. To prevent this disease, not only awareness but also lifestyle changes are important. Due to irregular eating habits and less physical activity, the number of diabetic patients are staggering. IDF i.e. International Diabetes Federation chooses a theme for World Diabetes Day every year. Fruits for Diabetes Patients: 10 Diabetic-Friendly Fruits Rich in Fiber and Can Slow Down the Sugar Spikes!

World Diabetes Day Date and History

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 as the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin in 1922 along with Charles Best. World Diabetes Day was observed first in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in view of the growing concerns about this disease and to spread awareness about it. Since then it is celebrated every year with different themes.

World Diabetes Day Significance

World Diabetes Day is the largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching more than 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws the world's attention to issues related to diabetes and places it firmly in the public and political spotlight. It also provides a global forum for issues related to diabetes. Apart from this, the work of expediting the process of concrete action against the disease is also encouraged on World Diabetes Day.

This campaign is represented by the blue logo from 2007. It was adopted after the resolution was passed in the United Nations. It reflects the unity of global society in its response to diabetes that runs every year with a dedicated theme and awareness of diabetes is the main goal of this day and campaign.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2021 11:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one of the actors in Hollywood who seriously take the gym seriously. He already acted in various action films, such as "Fast and the Furious." Because of his great physique, he also starred in other movies, portraying some godly figures.

These include "Hercules," a Hollywood film released back in 2014 where he played the role of demigod Hercules. Thanks to Dwayne's passion for bodybuilding, he became one of the most famous movie artists across the globe.

Just like other individuals, Johnson still has some weird habits that some people might find disgusting. Since he is frequently asked about his bottle peeing activity in the gym, The Rock finally shared why he is still doing it even though it is quite weird.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Bottle Peeing Habit

According to Self's latest report, Dwayne said that he usually pees in a bottle because he has no time to go to the bathroom. The actor explained that he always does heavy workouts when he is in the gym, which requires him to stay hydrated all the time.

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"I just realized you all just saw my big bottle of pee. Look, I go hardcore when I train. I don't have time to go to the bathroom. I find a bottle, I pee in it, and I keep training like a beast," said the former WWE wrestler in an interview.

He even said that he is 100% comfortable when it comes to peeing in empty water bottles. Johnson further explained that he usually does this to have more time lifting dumbells and other heavy equipment.

Aside from this, the Hollywood star also said that the bottles he pees on are the ones no longer used, as reported by Yahoo News.

Going to Gyms Without Bathrooms

Hola reported that The Rock usually visits gyms that have no bathrooms at all. He added that he prefers these places since they have more equipment than other gyms with bathrooms.

Since this is the case, he has no choice but to use bottles, especially since Dwayne Johnson confirmed that he drinks a lot of water to complete his routines. If you ever watch his videos on YouTube, you can see him pumping weights that normal people couldn't even lift once.

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The Taliban flashed U.S.-made weapons and armored vehicles with Russian helicopters during a military parade in Kabul, Afghanistan in light of the graduation of the 250 newly trained soldiers.

Defense Ministry Spokesman Enayatullah Khwarazami announced the event of flaunting the large stock of weapons and equipment left behind by the former U.S.-backed government when the Taliban successfully overhauled their forces with the exit of U.S. troops, Reuters reported.

The exercise included dozens of U.S.-made M117 armored security vehicles and MI-17 helicopters patrolling overhead. Many of the soldiers were also carrying M4 assault rifles that the U.S. made.

Taliban officials said that pilots, mechanics, and other specialists from the former Afghan National Army would be merged into a new force that has also started wearing conventional military uniforms.

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U.S.-Made Weapons and Vehicles

Most of the equipment was left behind when U.S. troops evacuated Afghanistan by the end of August. It is not yet clear how many operational vehicles and aircraft were handed over to the Taliban, with some already flown to other nearby countries, Local 12 News reported.

The U.S. troops destroyed many of the aircraft and armored vehicles left behind before officially leaving the country. They destroyed more than 70 aircraft, dozens of armored vehicles, and disabled air defenses before flying out of the Kabul International Airport.

Some of the aircraft were flown into nearby Central Asian Countries by fleeing Afghan forces. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction noted that the U.S. government had sent more than $28 billion worth of defense equipment and services last year.

It includes weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and night-vision devices. Aircraft and surveillance systems were also provided to Afghanistan between 2002 and 2017.

U.S. Troops Withdrawal from Afghanistan

Former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as Taliban leaders took his place in the presidential palace, signifying the official control of the militant group in the country.

According to The New York Times report, the Taliban's reign had driven tens of thousands of people to the country's borders. Meanwhile, others crowded the Kabul International Airport hoping to get on board one of the planes flying out of the country.

On August 26, a suicide bomber attacked the airport, which killed as many as 180 people, including 13 U.S. troops. U.S. President Joe Biden earlier announced the U.S. had already accomplished its mission of denying terrorists a safe place in Afghanistan.

He then said that all U.S. troops would leave the country by September 11, which was then moved to an earlier date to August 31. The U.S. government initially planned to leave behind around 650 troops to secure its embassy in Kabul.

However, the sudden takeover of the Taliban forced the embassy into a swift shutdown.

Sensitive documents were shredded and burned before staffers went to the airport. Taliban members had reportedly gone door-to-door in some neighborhoods, searching for anyone who had supported or helped the government or the U.S. goal.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Taliban Hold Military Parade With U.S.-Made Weapons in Kabul - From Reuters






The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would "vigorously defend" President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate after an appeals court upheld its decision to put it on hold.

On Friday, a three-member panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed its ruling to halt implementation of the vaccine mandate for companies with 100 workers or more, with the deadline set on January 4, 2022.

The DOJ's comments were confirmed by a source, saying that its move to defend Biden's vaccine mandate is "just the beginning" of the review of the standard from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Daily Mail reported.

"The Department will continue to vigorously defend the standard and looks forward to obtaining a definitive resolution following the consolidation of all the pending cases for further review," a spokesperson from the DOJ noted.

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U.S. Appeals Court on Joe Biden's Vaccine Mandate

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed its ruling on the OSHA order in a new opinion published Friday, CNBC reported.

The appellate court called Biden's vaccine mandate "fatally flawed" and "staggeringly overboard," arguing that the requirements surpass the authority of the federal government and raise "serious constitutional concerns."

The appeals court, which is considered one of the most conservative in the country, initially blocked the mandate on November 6 pending review in response to challenges by the Republican attorneys general of Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, Utah, and South Carolina.

Although the court has not yet ruled on the "constitutionality" of the said vaccine requirements, the three-judge panel from the court of appeals made it clear that the lawsuits that aim to overturn Biden's vaccine mandate would likely "succeed on the merits."

It can be recalled that at least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules regarding Biden's vaccine mandate on November 4.

Joe Biden Admin Says Court's Decision Could Cost 'Hundreds of Lives' Per Day

The Biden administration has already asked the court to lift the pause. The administration warned that delaying implementation "would likely cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day" as the coronavirus spreads.

The lawyers representing the Biden administration argued in their court filings that the reopening of workplaces and Delta variant remains a threat to the American workers.

The OSHA developed the said vaccine requirements under the emergency authority established by Congress, which allows the agency to shorten the process in issuing workplace safety and health standards. Such standards are normally known to take years before enforcement.

Last week, White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said they are "confident" about the OSHA rules imposing compulsory vaccines on private companies.

Jean-Pierre noted that the Biden administration has the authority to protect the American workers, adding that actions announced by the president were made to save lives and stop the spread of COVID-19.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Covid Vaccine Mandate Battle Continues Across the U.S. - From NBC News
Former President Donald Trump has agreed to sell his Washington D.C. hotel to an outside firm and turn it over to the Hilton group for management.

Citing people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the hotel is selling to the Miami-based investment firm CGI Merchant Group for $375 million. The group is also looking to remove the Trump name from the building, the Independent reported.

CGI reportedly intends to have Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.'s Waldorf Astoria group manage the property. The Trump Organization won the rights to lease the building, which was a federal property before.

However, the Trump International Hotel reportedly turned into a political and "financial boondoggle" for the former president. It was a hotel that turned into a gathering spot for Republican politicians, lobbyists, and other executives in the hope of being close to Donald Trump.

The Washington D.C. hotel had garnered criticisms from ethics experts for earning millions from foreign governments sending their personnel to stay there.

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Sale of the Washington D.C. Hotel

The House Oversight and Reform Committee is currently looking into possible conflicts of interest and emoluments issues connected to Donald Trump, The Hill reported.

The House Committee is also looking into how the General Services Administration (GSA) managed the lease for the establishment.

Democrats claimed that Trump had hidden a large amount of debt during GSA's initial bidding process for the hotel. They also said that Trump's organization excluded loan balances he owed for his properties in Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New York.

Democrats also argued that Deutsche Bank gave Trump special treatment when it allowed him to put off some payments on the $170 million loan for the hotel.

However, the Trump Organization maintained that it did not commit any wrongdoing.

In addition, the organization has defended that it did not advertise its establishment to notable foreign individuals, adding that the company has repaid the government for money it made off of official guests through checks addressed to the Treasury Department.

The Democrat-controlled committee found that the hotel had received more than $3.7 million in payments from foreign governments, which is equivalent to more than 7,400 nights at the hotel, CNBC reported.

The Washington D.C. hotel is in the city's second-tallest structure next to the Washington Monument. It was previously home to the U.S. Post Office Department Headquarters.

Donald Trump's Businesses

Donald Trump's business owes around $1.3 billion, which is around $200 million more than it did when he left office, Forbes reported.

However, Forbes noted that it does not mean that Trump's under more financial pressure. It said the former president's balance sheet is in better shape today as compared to what it was months ago.

It was because JPMorgan Chase helped loan $1.2 billion earlier this year against a San Francisco office complex, wherein Trump has a 30 percent minority interest. Trump reportedly has around $738 million of debt coming due over the next three years.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Says He Does Not Care if People Think He's 'Satan Reincarnate' After Expressing Support On Bipartisan Probe of Capitol Riot

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Trump Hotel in Washington DC Is Up for Sale - From Inside Edition






A passenger boarding a flight at Dallas Love Field is facing assault charges after she punched a Southwest Airlines employee on Saturday afternoon, police said.

According to The Dallas Morning News, officials noted that the airline's passenger verbally and physically assaulted the unidentified female employee. She was taken to a hospital after being punched in the head but was later released.

Passenger Punches Southwest Airlines Employee

According to the Dallas Police Department, Southwest Airlines passenger Arielle Jean Jackson went to the back of the plane during boarding and had a "verbal altercation" with an employee who then requested her to leave the plane.

Police noted that while exiting the plane, the 32-year-old woman got into another verbal dispute with a second employee. She then allegedly punched the employee in the head with a closed fist.

Authorities said Jackson was arrested at the airport after the incident. She's now facing one charge of aggravated assault and was being held in Dallas County jail on a $10,000 bond as of Sunday afternoon. It was still not clear if she had an attorney.

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Southwest Airlines on the Passenger-Employee's Altercation

In a statement, Southwest Airlines spokesman Chris Mainz said the entire Southwest Family wished the employee a speedy and full recovery as they sent their "thoughts, prayers, and love" to the employee.

The investigation of the incident is still ongoing. It's still not clear to the authorities what led to the argument.

According to Mainz, Southwest Airlines maintained a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully supported its employee as they cooperated with local authorities regarding what they considered as an "unacceptable incident."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already reported more than 5,000 incidents of unruly passengers across all airlines this year. The FAA said about 3,700 of which were related to the wearing of face masks.

The FAA has launched 973 investigations into these incidents. Most of those reports also involved physical assault.

Richard Johnsen, a representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, noted that the rising violence at airports showed that authorities must increase penalties for unruly passengers who assault airline workers.

Last week, the FAA announced that more than $225,000 in civil penalties were imposed against 10 airline passengers for their alleged unruly behavior. This month, the agency referred more than three dozen passengers to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for possible criminal charges.

In a statement released last week, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, said that passengers with a history of assaulting airline employees or other passengers should be banned from flying on all airlines.

Nelson emphasized that a passenger who physically assaulted crewmembers or other passengers on an airline posed a risk to passengers and crew at every airline.

READ MORE: 5 Hurt, Including 2 CHP Officers, After Crash on Golden Gate Bridge During Anti-Vax Mandate Rally

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Southwest Airlines Employee Taken to Hospital After Being Assaulted by Passenger at Dallas Love Field - From WFAA
A new photo that surfaced on Twitter suggested that Brian Laundrie's father, Chris Laundrie, may have planted the notebook and other items found near skeletal remains in a Florida park.

It can be recalled that after a month-long manhunt for their son, the elder Laundries directed the North Port police and FBI agents to a swampy area in the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park where Laundrie's remains, white plastic dry bag, and notebook were found.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie Case: Here's Why Dog the Bounty Hunter Thinks Remains Found May Not Be Gabby Petito's Fiance

Chris Laundrie Carries a White Bag with Alleged Notebook

A photo shared on Twitter by user @johnmarchetti showed that Chris Laundrie carried a white bag similar to what was discovered at the Florida park. A rectangular object can be seen at the bottom part of the said bag together with some various items inside.

Some netizens claimed it could be the notebook discovered at the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, while others also suggest it was a different bag. However, there were reports that Chris' shirt in the photo is similar to what he wore when they joined the search that day.

A Twitter user said it was "insane" that the public no longer hears anything from authorities about Laundrie's case and the notebook nowadays.

Its insane we are hearing nothing about this case anymore nothing about the notebook  or anything its like this never even happened but I think about it everyday  just mind blowing  to me  cyndi downs (@CynChic) November 13, 2021

Another user shared her theory about Chris jumping through the bushes "to get to it while Roberta was waiting," and they reunited with "no emotions."

Yes, he jumped through bushes to get to it while Roberta was waiting. Then they reunited and was like ohhh goodie. No emotions.   Jnette  (@BolfJeanette) November 13, 2021

Twitter user @DavesSweeps uploaded a video of Chris searching in the bushes as he found a backpack near his son's skeletal remains and said it was "convenient" for the elder Laundries to find the said bag.

On this episode of the #dirtylaundries#ChrisLaundrie found a bag containing #BrianLaundrie's notebook and items, officers find his backpack on the other side of trail which was near the remains.



"Found a bag" Convenient#justiceforgabby#GabbyPetitoCase#justiceforgabbypetito pic.twitter.com/eZtE7s8TPT  #DavesSweeps (@DavesSweeps) October 21, 2021

TikTok User Claims Brian Laundrie's Parents Know the 'Exact Location' of the Notebook

A Twitter user, known as Olivia, claimed that Chris Laundrie probably knew the exact location of his son's belonging as he made a 90-degree turn and walked into dense woodland while searching in the Florida wilderness, The Sun reported.

Olivia wrote in the caption: "This is crucial. Chris Laundrie took a 90-degree turn from Live Long Trail into dense brush and briers and walked 75 feet directly to Brian's dry pack without stopping."

In the video, a woman said that Chris cut through something that nobody else would have done "unless they were fluent in this area and knew exactly where they were going and what they were looking for."

A man added that Laundrie's dad came exactly where the bag was and where the remains were found.

Laundrie Family Attorney Disputed Claims of Parents Planting Their Son's Remains, Items

Questions surrounding the timeline of events between Brian Laundrie's parents telling authorities they were going to search for their son and the discovery of his belongings have been raised recently by many people.

Former chief of detectives Robert Boyce of NYPD earlier told ABC 7 that it's quite strange that the elder Laundries went "to this exact spot" and found the backpack and the notebook in this particular area.

Boyce noted that there were just too many strange turns that Laundrie's parents have not been involved in it "to not believe that something is amiss here."

"So, they go to this one remote location, all of a sudden we found something, we found the remains... There's a lot of things here that don't add up to coincidence, so you wonder how they got there and what they knew all along," Boyce said.

But Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino, disputed claims that the elder Laundries could have planted their son's remains and personal items, calling it "ludicrous."

"Do you really think that the Laundries has skeletal remains of their son, you know, in a plastic bag, and brought them to present to the [Carlton Reserve]," Bertolino earlier told NewsNation Prime.

He added: "Do you realize how ludicrous that is... How aggravating, how maddening it is to even hear those things?"

The North Port police had also said they were "100 percent confident" that the elder Laundries never brought anything with them into the park when Laundrie's remains and some of his items were discovered.

The FBI said the skeletal remains found in the Florida park on October 20 were confirmed to be Laundrie after a review of dental records.

Brian Laundrie was named a person of interest by the North Port police after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family.

Petito disappeared on a cross-country road trip with Laundrie. The couple was traveling to Oregon when the YouTuber stopped communicating with her family in Wyoming in late August.

Gabby Petito's body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19.

A Teton County, Wyoming coroner said she was strangled to death by a "human being," and the manner of death was homicide.

Meanwhile, the initial autopsy of Laundrie's remains did not uncover a cause or manner of his death. Bertolino said the remains of Gabby Petito's fiance were already sent to a forensic anthropologist for further examination.

He noted that the results of the forensic anthropologist's examination are expected this month.

READ MORE: Gabby Petito's Mom Shares Heartbreaking Message After Seeing Documentary About Daughter's Murder in 'Hulu Picks'

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Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: WFLA Now: Could Brian Laundrie's Notebook be Returned to His Family? - From WFLA News Channel 8
The Royal Family has reportedly been told that they can sue video-streaming platform Netflix for their "The Crown" portrayals.

Friends of the Royal Family spoke to the Queen's lawyers, who revealed that they had legal grounds for a lawsuit. They were also depicted in the new series, according to The Mirror report.

Many of those worried about their own portrayals in the series sought advice from the Queen's favored law firms such as Farrer & Co and Harbottle & Lewis.

Those people were informed that they are entitled to sue the show's makers. The friends close to the monarchy have shared the advice with the Royal Family, according to The Sun report.

A source said that friends of the Royal Family sought legal advice and said that the advice they received is also applicable to the members of the monarch.

The source added that it was not legal advice given directly to the Queen and her family, but noted that they have been made aware of the advice.

READ NEXT: Meghan Markle Says She Forgot She Told Royal Aide to Brief Finding Freedom Autobiography Authors After Denials of Cooperation With the Writers

Issues Surrounding The Royal Family

In August, the Queen was reportedly ordering officials to plan a legal clapback against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Sources noted that the Queen told palace officials to "lawyer up" with libel experts after the attacks on the Royal Family from the Sussex family, who are currently residing in the United States, according to the Daily Mail report.

There were claims made in the interview that an unnamed royal had raised concerns over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son Archie's skin color before his birth.

Buckingham Palace released a statement days after saying that "recollections may vary" in response to the claims in the interview.

Sources close to the Queen previously said that there was a feeling coming right from the top that "enough is enough."

Meanwhile, The Crown is set to feature controversial issues such as the divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as Diana's death.

There would also be an entire episode dedicated to Marti Bashir's 1995 interview with Diana.

A source noted that the next series of "The Crown" could be "very damaging" as many viewers believe the show to be a documentary rather than a drama.

The British Government previously requested the makers of the show to include a disclaimer in an effort to combat the confusion.

However, the disclaimer message has yet to be included in the show.

Princess Diana's film "Spencer" was released last weekend and was described as a "horror movie" that portrays the royal family as "sadistic monsters."

Spencer depicted Diana's relationship with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as the way she navigated the press.

Kristen Stewart was the lead role and has been tipped for an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the late royal.

Royal experts branded the film as "cruel" and "unnecessarily gratuitous," adding that the film strips the late princess of her "respect and dignity."

READ MORE: Prince Charles Won't Allow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Kids to Receive Royal Titles When He Becomes King

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Royals look sombre at Remembrance Sunday service at Cenotaph after Queen pulls out with back sprain - from The Sun






Queen Elizabeth failed to appear on Remembrance Sunday, as the British royal sprained her back before the annual event.

The news about the Queen spraining her back was announced by the Buckingham Palace through a statement which was released hours before the ceremony held in the London's war memorial, E! News reported.

READ NEXT: The Queen Directs Senior Aides to Plan Legal Fightback Against Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Amid Hurtful Attacks

Queen Elizabeth Sprained Her Back

According to Buckingham Palace, the Queen decided in early Sunday morning "with great regret" to not attend the said gathering.

"The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph," the Buckingham Palace said, adding that "Her Majesty is disappointed" that she missed the service.

The Buckingham Palace did not further on the condition of Queen Elizabeth, nor mention details why the Queen sprained her back.

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the Queen was "very well" when he saw her last week.

"I know that everybody will be wanting to offer their best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and I just wanted to reassure everybody by saying that I did see the Queen for an audience last week on Wednesday in Windsor, and she's very well," Johnson said.

The British prime minister then said that his update about Queen Elizabeth is not "needed" but he wanted to say it anyway.

Although she was absent on Remembrance Sunday, other members of the Royal Family were present at the event.

Prince Charles laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, which she has done in the previous years.

Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, was also present in the event as well as Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton. The wife of Prince Edward, Sophie, was also present at the event.

Camilla, Kate, and Sophie were reported to the ceremony together from a balcony.

Queen Elizabeth Hospitalized

Queen Elizabeth sprained her back came weeks after she was hospitalized at the Edwards the VIII Hospital in London, for "preliminary investigations," ABC AU reported.

Despite being hospitalized, a statement from Buckingham Palace said that Queen Elizabeth returned to Windsor Castle during lunchtime on October 21. A royal source confirmed to Reuters that the Queen stayed in the medical healthcare facility as her medical team had taken a "cautious approach."

The reason for her hospitalization was not disclosed, but authorities confirmed that it was not COVID-19 related.

Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth's hospitalization in October was believed to be the Queen's first time to stay in the hospital overnight since 2013.

She was advised by her doctors to "rest for a few days," as her hospitalization prompted the cancellation of her trip to Northern Island.

More than three weeks have passed since Queen Elizabeth made her public appearance where she hosted the reception for business leaders at the Buckingham Palace ahead of the COP26 climate conference.

READ NEXT: Queen Elizabeth's New Puppy Dies One Month After Prince Philip's Death

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Queen Elizabeth's Health Has Us Worried, And Here's Why - From The List
Bureau of Prisons has been found to be a hotspot for abuse, graft, and corruption, with more than 100 federal prison workers being arrested over such crimes.

Those who have been arrested, convicted, or sentenced for crimes since the beginning of 2019, includes the case of a warden indicted for sexual abuse; an associated warden charged with murder, and guards taking cash to smuggle drugs and weapons, according to an Associated Press News report.

There were also reports of supervisors stealing property such as tires and tractors.

The federal Bureau of Prisons has an annual budget of around $8 billion. The agency has failed to suspend officers who themselves had been arrested for crimes in some cases.

Federal prison workers were involved in criminal cases against Justice Department personnel in recent years.

Out of the 41 arrests this year, 28 were of BOP employees or contractors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation had just five, while the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives each had two.

The Justice Department said that it will not tolerate "staff misconduct, particularly criminal misconduct."

The department also noted that it is committed to holding accountable any employee who abuses a position of trust.

READ NEXT: Texas Radio Host Doc Gallagher Gets Life Imprisonment Sentence for Conning Millions From Elderly Listeners

Bureau of Prisons Abuse

U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona of the Northern District of Alabama said that sexual abuse of prison inmates by federal corrections officers is intolerable, according to a Justice Department News release in October.

Escalona was referring to Eric Todd Ellis's case, who was a corrections officers sentenced to 18 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

Ellis earlier pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a ward and one count of tampering with a witness.

Ellis knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate while in the back of the laundry room of the prison. He was at the time on duty and acting in his capacity as a corrections officer.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division said that prison employees who abuse their positions of power to sexually assault inmates will be held accountable.

One incident includes a teacher who pleaded guilty in January to falsifying an inmate's high school equivalency, according to a U.S. News report.

A chaplain also admitted taking at least $12,000 in bribes to smuggle Suboxone, which is used to treat opioid addiction.

The chaplain also smuggled marijuana, tobacco, and cell phones. The said person also left items in a prison chapel cabinet for inmates to retrieve.

The warden of a federal women's prison in Dublin, California, was also arrested in September and indicted this month on charges that he molested an inmate several times.

The warden also scheduled times where he demanded the inmate to undress in front of him and collected a series of nude photos of her on his government-issued phone.

The warden was identified as Ray Garcia and was placed on administrative leave after the FBI raided his office in July.

Garcia allegedly told the woman that there was no point in reporting the sexual assault as he was close friends with the person who would investigate the claims of abuse.

READ MORE: Foul Play Suspected as Another Missing Fort Drum Soldier Found Dead

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Corrections employees having sex with inmates - from ABC15 Arizona






Las Vegas officials pinned the blame on squatters for dismembering the remains of a Las Vegas woman, who turned up dead and buried in her own yard.

The settlers reportedly took over the 82-year-old's home and sold off her belongings, living off of her wealth, according to a Law and Crime report.

The Las Vegas woman was identified as Lucille Payne. She was buried in a shallow grave in her property, with investigators saying that they believe Payne died alone in the home in the summer of 2018.

Payne's death had been unnoticed as she lived alone. She bought the house in 1999 and had no close family or friends, according to investigators.

In addition, all of her bills were reportedly set to auto-pay.

READ NEXT: FBI: U.S. Dismantles Global Drug and Money-Laundering Hub in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Woman's Home and Squatters

Las Vegas police said that the squatters could face fraud or theft-related charges for selling Payne's car and improper burial for leaving her body in a shallow grave, according to an NBC News report.

Homicide Lt. Ray Spencer said that the decision was made between several people that they were going to dismember and bury Payne's body, drain her finances, and sell off her belongings after finding the 82-year-old's body.

The home had appeared empty for years, according to Payne's neighbors.

In April, someone had called the police to provide information regarding the matter. There were first thoughts that Payne had been murdered.

Neighbors told investigators that they heard digging at the time.

Spencer said that she was not buried deeply. When an officer started to move the dirt, he found an arm inside a very shallow grave in the backyard.

There was evidence of blunt force trauma as well as sharp force injuries, which led the coroner to dub Payne's death as a homicide.

However, the suspected squatters had not been arrested as of Wednesday, according to a New York Post report.

One of several suspected squatters admitted to entering Payne's home and then burying her body instead of reporting it, according to Spencer.

Two primary squatters were involved, but several others were seen entering and leaving the elderly's home.

Police also noted that they were trying to track down Payne's next of kin.

Spencer said that there are a lot of people without family, advising people to check their neighbors as it was said that Payne had been there for so long and nobody had checked on her.

Spencer said that people might not have a family but as a community, one needs to check their neighbors.

Meanwhile, the investigation is still open, and police have not released the names of anyone involved yet.

It is not yet known how many alleged squatters took part in the alleged activity. Police said that one of the people was arrested after admitting everything to detectives.

A lawyer that is working on behalf of Payne's estate is now selling the 82-year-old woman's home. Her home is currently valued at $435,000.

READ MORE: California Man Laundering Money for Mexican Drug Cartel Gets Nearly 5 Years in Jail

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Squatters dismembered 82-year-old woman's body in Vegas home - from KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas






A Laois group working to improve the lives of young people has been awarded a grant for their work to support the LGBTI+ community.

Based in Portlaoise, Youth Work Ireland Laois is the only fully integrated Youth Service in Laois.

They deliver quality programmes and projects to socially disadvantaged and universal young people living or attending school in the county. YWI Laois also gives supports and training to youth clubs and groups, and offer services and development opportunities for people aged 10 to 25.

They have just been awarded 46,475 funding under the 2021 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call.

Sean Fleming TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance was pleased to confirm the funding on Monday, November 15.

"The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 adopted by Government and launched in November 2019 is based on providing a vision of an Ireland where members of the LGBTI+ community are visible and included, treated equally, healthy, and safe and supported.

"I would like to congratulate Youth Work Ireland Laois on their successful application and their great work in our local communities," Minister Fleming said.
The Taoiseach has said that Ireland is not looking at implementing a lockdown for people who are unvaccinated.

Speaking in Navan today, Micheal Martin said that he would look at how Austria implements its lockdown for the unvaccinated, which starts today, but that Ireland is in a very different position with 93 per cent fully vaccinated compared to Austria's 65 per cent.

Mr Martin did maintain that the situation with spiking cases is serious but added the booster campaign was already showing promising results, with a reduction in serious illness among those in their 80s.

The Cabinet Committee for Covid-19 is due to meet later today to discuss recommendations on what measures should be taken to try and curb the rising numbers as well as NPHET's advice on the extended use of digital certs in different sectors.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said we would be in lockdown if not for the high level of uptake in vaccinations. This evening, the Cabinet Committee on Covid-19 will meet to consider what action should be taken to stem the spike in infections | Read more: https://t.co/3U4RGuKxTb pic.twitter.com/703HVhQOjT  RTE News (@rtenews) November 15, 2021

Meanwhile, Ireland's hospital system is reaching full capacity and is now under widespread pressure all over the country.

Speaking on RTE's News at One, HSE's Chief Operations Officer Anne O'Connor said there is "a worrying impact" of the virus in hospitals, with just 94 beds available in hospitals across the country, adding that it is now "inevitable" that more scheduled care will be cancelled.

"We are reaching a point where it is becoming difficult. In reality, there is only so much we can do as a health service", she said.

She continued to say that there has been a 25 per cent rise in admissions in the last week with ICU admissions up 41 per cent adding that people who are coming into the hospital with the virus are much sicker with 81 out of 117 patients requiring ventilation.

Dr O'Connor urged people not to attend emergency departments where possible and for older people to be supported at home, adding staff are very worried and cannot see where the surge will end.
The death has occurred of Rosanna (Rose) McCabe

Rathcurragh, Newbridge, Kildare



McCabe, Rosanna (Rose) Rathcurragh, Newbridge, Co Kildare - 14th November 2021. Sadly missed by her loving family.





Funeral Arrangements Later

The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) O'Meara

Dunbrin, Barrowhouse, Athy, Kildare



Peacefully, at Midlands General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Devoted husband to wife Tina and loving father to Colm, Mark, Gemma and Nessa. Predeceased by parents James and Agnes, brother Joseph and sister Marie. Deeply regretted by his brother Bob and sisters. Greatly missed by his adored grandchildren Charlie, Alex, Millie, Noah, Ely, Isabella, Senan, Conal, Molly and Erin. Fondly remembered by his sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.

May his gentle soul rest in peace

Reposing at Rigneys Funeral Home, Athy, from 6pm to 8pm on Monday evening (November 15th). Please wear face coverings and adhere to social distancing.

Funeral to arrive at St.Mary's Church, Barrowhouse, for Requiem Mass at 11am on Tuesday morning followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

- House strictly private -

Please adhere to H.S.E guidelines, strictly no handshaking, wear face coverings and ensure social distancing. Family would appreciate your cooperation at this difficult time.

The death has occurred of Elizabeth (Liz) Walsh (nee Lyons)

Coarsemoore, Straffan, Kildare / Robertstown, Kildare



Walsh (nee Lyons), Coarsemoore, Straffan and late of Littletown, Robertstown, Co. Kildare, November 13th 2021, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in the tender care of the staff of Ryevale Nursing Home, Leixlip. Beloved wife of the late Joey and mother of the late Robbie. Deeply regretted by her loving sons Kevin and Glenn, grandson Joe, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Rest In Peace

Elizabeth will be reposing at Oliver Reilly Funeral Home, Woods House, Clane, on Tuesday from 5-8pm. Removal from her residence on Wednesday morning at approx. 10.40am to arrive at St. Brigid's Church, Straffan, for 11am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Straffan Cemetery. Those who would like to the line the route, may do so in a safe and socially distanced manner.

The Funeral Mass can be viewed on Wednesday at 11am by clicking on the following link : https://www.celstra.ie/live-feed/

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society by clicking on the following link : https://www.cancer.ie/ways-to-help/donate/donate

Please adhere to HSE and Government guidelines at all times

Those who are unable to attend the funeral, please leave a personal message for the family in the condolences section below.

For all enquiries, please contact Oliver Reilly Ltd. Funeral Directors on (045) 868230

Those who would liked to attend the funeral but cannot due to current restrictions may leave a message in the condolence section below.

The death has occurred of Brigid CRAWLEY

Liffey Terrace, Newbridge, Kildare / The Curragh, Kildare



CRAWLEY Brigid, Liffey Terrace, Newbridge and late of Maddenstown, The Curragh - 12th November 2021 (peacefully) in Naas Hospital. Predeceased by her husband John, brother Sean, sisters Winnie and Ann. Sadly missed by her loving sisters Liz, Mary and Frances, brother Patrick, nieces and nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.



May Brigid Rest in Peace





Reposing at Anderson & Leahy's Funeral Home, Newbridge on Monday from 4 o'clock with prayers at 7 o'clock. Removal on Tuesday morning at 10.30 o'clock to arrive at St Conleth's Parish Church, Newbridge for 11 o'clock Mass. Funeral afterwards to St Conleth's Cemetery, Newbridge. Brigid's Funeral Mass will be live streamed on https://www.newbridgeparish.ie/parish-church

The death has occurred of Maurice BRENNAN

Naas, Kildare



Brennan (Naas)  Nov 12, 2021, (peacefully), after a long illness bravely borne, at home, Maurice, beloved partner of Margaret and dear father of Maurice and Mahon; Sadly missed by his loving partner, sons, sister Aoife, daughters-in-law Denise and Martina, brother-in-law Paddy, grandchildren Orla, Lily, Conor, Sam and Ollie, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Reposing on Saturday from 4pm to 7pm at Murphy Brothers Funeral Home, Church Lane, Naas. Removal on Monday to Mount Jerome Crematorium arriving for 3pm Service. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society. Enquiries to Murphy Brothers Funeral Directors Church Lane, Naas Ph: 045 897397.

The Funeral Service can be viewed by clicking on the following link: www.vimeo.com/event/139693

Ar Dheis De go raibh a Anam Dilis
Convicted killer Stephen Penrose has been found guilty of murdering his friend Philip Finnegan, who was missing for three weeks before his decapitated remains were found in a shallow grave in a Kildare woods.

The 12 jurors took five hours and 46 minutes over two days to unanimously reject Penrose's defence that he had last seen Mr Finnegan being stabbed in the back during an attack by a group of men at "a forest" or "close to a wood", having arranged to collect firearms from them.



Instead the jury accepted the prosecution's case that Mr Finnegan had met "a gruesome death" at the hands of Penrose and attempts had been made to cut up and burn the victim's body. In his opening speech, counsel for the DPP, Brendan Grehan SC, said Penrose told "lie after lie" to gardai about where he had last seen Mr Finnegan to "keep them from discovering the location of the body and put them off the scent of Rahin Woods".

This was Penrose's second time to stand trial for murder. In 2010, a Central Criminal Court jury found the killer not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after he admitted stabbing David Sharkey (28) to death in Navan following a row over drugs and then putting the body in the boot of a car. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for that offence.

The five-week trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that Mr Finnegan was missing for just over three weeks before a dog walker and his two pets found his "skeletonised" remains buried in Rahin Woods on September 2, 2016.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the decapitated remains of Mr Finnegan were found curled up in a foetal position in the grave and attempts had been made to burn his body. In the expert witness's view, Mr Finnegan's death was caused by multiple stab wounds to the body, including two fatal ones to his liver and aorta.



The pathologist had testified that the majority of the 13 stab wounds were to Mr Finnegan's back.

The identity of the father-of-four was confirmed by fingerprint after skin that had "slipped away" from a finger was recovered from the soil of the gravesite.

A forensic scientist gave evidence that a DNA profile generated from a bloodied glove discovered near Mr Finnegan's remains matched the DNA of Penrose.

Penrose (38), of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, had pleaded not (NOT) guilty to murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016.

The accused dispensed with two legal teams during the trial and on occasion would "re-engage" them only to "once again dismiss" their services.



In the absence of the jury, Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he regarded these "hirings and firings" as serious abuses of the legal system and any litigant allowed "willy nilly" to fire counsel in that fashion "was simply not on".

On day two of the trial, Penrose cross-examined Mr Finnegan's mother, Angela Finnegan, where she told him she believed another man was involved in the killing of her son. However, Mrs Finnegan also agreed with prosecution counsel, Mr Grehan, that the person she referred to was in Portlaoise Prison at the time her son went missing.



Whilst representing himself at trial, Penrose had an "outburst" in the courtroom and accused a garda Inspector, who he was cross-examining, of lying under oath. "He is telling bullshit about me," Mr Penrose shouted, before demanding that the witness be "dismissed" from his trial as his "word" could not be accepted.

Penrose refused to continue attending his trial after this and said he would represent himself "from the cells". The defendant called his trial a "miscarriage of justice" and said he had no confidence in his former legal teams carrying out his instructions. The case proceeded for the next four weeks in his absence.



Following today's verdict, the deceased's mother, Angela Finnegan, gave the jury a short clap.



Mr Justice Owens then thanked the jury for their attendance and the full attention they had given "this very serious trial".

Penrose, who had previously refused to call evidence in his defence or to give a closing speech, had asked not to be present in the courtroom for the verdict.

Addressing the jury for a final time, Mr Justice Owens asked that they leave all their materials in their jury room.

The judge exempted the eight men and four women from jury service for 15 years.

When Mr Justice Owens asked prosecution counsel Mr Grehan what date would Penrose's sentence run from, the barrister said that was a matter for the court but outlined that the accused had been in custody since he was charged and was still serving a number of other sentences.



Mr Justice Owens said in that case Penrose's sentence will date from today.



However, Mr Grehan asked that the court might hear a submission on that matter on the next date just in case Penrose had any legal representation at his sentence hearing.



The judge said he would postpone the formal imposition of the sentence "but that is likely to be the result".

The judge will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Penrose on December 13 and remanded the accused in custody until that date.

On that date, the Finnegan family will have an opportunity to make a statement to the court about the impact Philip's death has had on their lives.

Mr Finnegan was last seen alive with Penrose at Sweeney's filling station in Edenderry, Co Offaly on the afternoon of August 10. Rahin Woods, where the deceased's remains were discovered by a man out walking his two dogs 23 days later, is a few kilometres north of the filling station.



It was the prosecution's case that Penrose murdered Mr Finnegan shortly after he was seen leaving the garage in the accused's blue Alfa Romeo car, which had a distinctive dark-coloured bonnet and alloy wheels. CCTV footage showed two people travelling in the car past Grangewest in Co Kildare and in the direction of Rahin Woods at 4.10pm that day.

The same blue car was next seen on CCTV footage at 5.13pm at Balrinnet in Co. Kildare, which is a short distance to the east of Rahin Woods. The prosecution case was that Mr Finnegan went into Rahin Woods with Penrose after 4.10pm, where he met his "gruesome death" in that one hour interval.

Evidence was also given that Penrose's phone connected to a cell site, which covered the area of Rahin in Edenderry, and is close to the area where the victims body was found. The last activity of the deceased's phone identified two cell sites in Edenderry on the same afternoon.

Penrose was first arrested on August 31, 2016 for withholding information in relation to a serious assault on Mr Finnegan and interviewed on ten occasions at Kilmainham Garda Station.

The accused had told gardai in these interviews that he and Mr Finnegan met a number of men in a black car that day. Penrose maintained that a man had stabbed him in the left arm through the driver's window before Mr Finnegan was "bundled" into the black car. The accused said he then drove off at speed.

Penrose went on to tell gardai that he heard his missing friend was "sitting in Jamaica eating a Big Mac" and that he had been "chopped up" in the Dublin mountains. The defendant insisted that he would not be going on trial for "any Finnegans. "Put me in custody. I'll be swinging on a rope. I don't know anything," he said.

After the remains of Mr Finnegan were discovered, Penrose was rearrested on November 16, 2016 on suspicion of murdering his friend on August 10 and interviewed on nine occasions at Leixlip Garda Station. In his first interview, he produced a handwritten statement to gardai saying: "I had nothing to do with Philip's killing. All this had nothing whatsoever to do with me and that's why I tried to distance myself from it".

Throughout his 19 interviews, the accused gave at least five different locations to detectives of where he had last seen Mr Finnegan. Penrose initially said that both he and Mr Finnegan got attacked by the group of men on the outskirts of Kilcock in Co Kildare.

However, it was not until his 18th interview that Penrose told detectives that he saw Mr Finnegan being stabbed in the back at "a forest" or "close to a wood", having arranged to collect firearms from the group of men.

Officers asked Penrose in his final interview if he had Mr Finnegan "dig his own grave" in the Kildare woodlands where his body was eventually discovered. "You came fully prepared: you came with your fork, your spade, came with your gloves, you came with your petrol can, you came with your knife. Did you have him dig his own grave?" asked gardai.

In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Owens said the State's case was that the "only logical explanation" for the accused's lies was that he did not want to disclose the location of where he left Mr Finnegan in Rahin Woods as this would lead gardai to discovering the body.
The Special Criminal Court will deliver a judgement in the New Year in the trial of property magnate Jim Mansfield Jnr, who denies setting up one of his employees to be kidnapped by a criminal gang.

Mr Mansfield pleaded not guilty before the three-judge, non-jury court in October last year but due to a number of lengthy adjournments, the trial continued until last month. Mr Justice Alex Owens, presiding, had indicated that a judgement might be delivered today, Monday, November 15. At a brief hearing this morning Mr Justice Owens indicated that the court has not concluded its consideration of the evidence and judgement will be delivered on January 17 next.

Mr Mansfield Jnr (54), of Tasaggart House, Garters Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with one or more persons to falsely imprison Martin Byrne on a date unknown between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2015.

He also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice by directing Patrick Byrne to destroy recorded CCTV footage, with the alleged intention of perverting the course of public justice in relation to the false imprisonment of Martin Byrne (53) at Finnstown House Hotel, Newcastle Road, Lucan, Co Dublin between June 9, 2015 and June 12, 2015.

Mr Byrne told the trial that Mr Mansfield was present at an office when he was taken prisoner by violent criminals Dessie O'Hare and Declan 'Whacker' Duffy. Mr Mansfield's defence counsel Bernard Condon SC described Mr Byrne as an unreliable and dishonest witness and said there is no evidence linking his client to the abduction.
Minister for Disabilities in the Department of Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Anne Rabbitte has critcised the Health Service Executive (HSE) for an "indefensible" delay in assessment of needs for children who are now waiting an average of 17 months.

It was revealed that files had not been transferred to newly configured assessment groups, established to overhaul and ramp up the assessment of children, effectively, leaving them in limbo.

Minister Rabbitte accused the HSE of "not giving a full and true reflection of what is actually happening on the ground" adding "if the HSE is trying to deplete the minister's confidence in their ability to deliver on their commitments they are doing a very good job".

Of the 1,270 applications for assessment received by the HSE between June and September this year, just 14 per cent were actioned and referred on to the relevant services with some areas in Cork and Dublin failing to process a single application within the three months.

A report from each of the nine community healthcare organisations (CHOs), that the HSE is divided into, has been requested by Ms Rabbitte detailing how many of the reconfigured assessment groups have actually received files for children.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Minister Rabbitte said:

"The teams have reconfigured but they haven't handed over the files, so we have teams but we don't have files for children to match them.

"I am not a spokesperson for the HSE, I will not be an apologist for the HSE, and sometimes when things are wrong you can't defend the indefensible".

Parents are waiting an average of over 17 months for an initial assessment to identify their child's health needs, despite a legal requirement for it to be completed within six months.

In the past, children's disability services have been provided by a range of statutory and non-statutory service providers that delivered services based on a child's diagnosis or age and the level and type of service provided was widely varied across Ireland.

Under the new system, however, every child with complex needs arising from their disability will have access to one on the 91 children's disability network teams (CDNTs)

A HSE spokesperson has said:

As part of the safe transition of children to their new teams, summary reports on individual children are transferred until electronic or hard copy files are transferred over.

"This enables CDNTs to prioritise both children in service and new children who can now access services based on complex needs for the first time", adding that during the transition to the new CDNTs, services will continue to be provided to children based on "robust risk assessments" and "prioritised needs".
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, today voiced his concern about the potential impact of rising input costs on the market across a range of agriculture product sectors.

Speaking at todays Agrifish Council in Brussels, where the main discussions centred on the current state of agriculture markets, Minister McConalogue said: "I am concerned about the negative developments in the fertiliser market and the rising costs of other inputs. Producers are facing significant input price increases in fuel, fertilisers, feed and energy, which will put margins under significant pressure if they are sustained over time. We need to examine all relevant factors, including the issue of anti-dumping duties on fertilisers."

Trade on agricultural markets was also a feature of the discussion on the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference, which takes place in Geneva shortly. The Minister said: I would urge the Commission to be cautious on proposals for future work programmes in relation to domestic support. Our hard-won CAP reforms cannot be undermined." The Minister also highlighted the need to ensure the maintenance of fuel detaxation subsidies for fisheries.

Other items discussed at the Council included new Council conclusions on the EU Forest Strategy. The Minister welcomed the agreement on the new Strategy, which will be a key reference point in forest-related policy development. Ireland has now begun preparation of its own new National Forest Strategy, declared Minister McConalogue. Our Strategy will take into consideration the EU Forest Strategy, the EU Biodiversity strategy and the ambition outlined in the Green Deal.
A MECHANIC who gardai allege is a major player in the wholesale distribution of drugs in Munster has pleaded guilty to several charges relating to a significant drugs seizure in Limerick earlier this year.

When arraigned at Limerick Circuit Court, Anthony Sexton, aged 40, of Cahaska, Corofin, County Clare admitted possession of cocaine, worth nearly 250,000, for the purpose of sale or supply.

Around three-and-a-half kilograms of the drugs were seized when gardai intercepted an Audi car on the R510, at Raheen on January 23, last.

The father of three has also pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, possession of a flick knife and causing criminal damage to an official garda patrol vehicle at the same location on the outskirts of the city.

Additionally, he has pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating to offences in County Clare on the same date including possession of a '20 ton press, a Kenwood blender, a Nutri Bullet and a quantity of white powder' which gardai believe was to be used for the "preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence".

Mr Sexton has also admitted suspicious possession of a .22calibre air rifle and four 12-gauge shotgun cartridges.

After his client entered his guilty pleas, Brian McInerney SC asked that a probation report be prepared before the sentencing hearing take place.

Judge Tom O'Donnell granted the application and adjourned the matter to next February.
MORE than 1,500 people, including over 70 TDs, Senators and councillors, have signed a petition objecting to planning permission for a Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facility at the landbank at Tarbert/Ballylongford.

But a counter-petition, supporting the project, has clocked up over 800 signatures.

Shannon LNG lodged a new planning application last August with An Bord Pleanala for an LNG terminal and a 600 megawatt gas power plant on the Tarbert Ballylongford site.

This application for a ten-year permission followed on from a decision by the High Court in November 2020, to quash a five-year extension of the original planning permission. The owners, Next Fortress Energy, estimated the overall cost of the new project to be 650 million.

The company said it would not utilise fracked gas at the plant and would transfer to hydrogen at some point in the future.

By the deadline for submissions to An Bord Pleanala on October 22, a Safety Before LNG petition against the application had clocked up 1,544 signatures, among them MEPs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, Senator David Norris and TDs Holly Cairns and Ivana Bacik and Limerick councillor Elisa ODonovan. Dozens more have added their names since.

Meanwhile, the Green Party in Limerick, Kerry and Clare consulted with their members and collaborated on a joint document opposing the proposal which was submitted to An Bord Pleanala.

Green Party TD for Limerick, Brian Leddin, speaking on behalf of Limerick party members, said: The proposed development is against clearly-stated government policy and would lock Ireland into a highly polluting source of fuel. The proposed Energy Park does not align with the urgent global ambition to maintain temperatures on earth at a level where it is safe for human civilisation, he added.

In its joint submission, the Green Party noted that Shannon LNG was being promoted as an economic driver for the area.

However, the Green view is that this is a false promise as the LNG terminal and associated power plant would be unable to operate past 2040 due to legally binding carbon emission reduction targets. In a best case scenario, Shannon LNG would be constructed and operational by 2027  this would result in the facility becoming a stranded asset by 2040; a lifespan of a mere 13 years, the statement continued.

As it stands, the project is incompatible with government policy and is unlikely to be permitted to proceed.

But individuals and groups in the North Kerry/West Limerick area who support the Shannon LNG proposal have also written to An Bord Pleanala to make their views known.

The submissions are currently being processed but among them was one from the Ballylongford/Kilcolgan Development Group who pointed out that Ireland is importing gas, including fracked gas, from the UK.

We believe the only way to stop fracked gas coming in to this country is to build our own LNG Terminal, where we can dictate what type of gas we import, they said.

The site, they also pointed out, is uniquely suitable for industrial projects requiring deepwater berthing facilities. In the process of assembling the landbank, many neighbours, relations and friends sold their land to the state in the expectation that a major suitable industry would be attracted to the site, they said.

They had supported the Shannon LNG proposal, the first realistic proposal, from the outset, and we continued to support it despite many unwarranted delays.

A decision from An Bord Pleanala is expect in March 2022.
THERE is now light on the horizon, Askeaton-based councillor Kevin Sheahan has declared, and he is confident that a new sewerage system for the town is on its way.

This follows a meeting over the weekend with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien who was accompanied by Minister of State, Niall Collins.

Speaking following the discussion, Minister OBrien said he had discussed with Cllr Sheahan and Minister Collins the need to progress the upgrade and expansion of the towns waste water treatment plant.

The meeting comes after months of agitation by local politicians over the continued spillage of raw sewerage into the River Deel.

Minister O'Brien's comments were made in a video which was posted on Deputy Collins' social media accounts (see below) over the weekend.

I have committed to continuing to work with Kevin and Niall, Minister O'Brien said. I will be raising it with Irish Water. I know it is longstanding. We want to get it done.

"I would be hopeful the matter will be progressed," Minister Collins said following the meeting.

Minister OBrien told me I have the funding. He said get in there as early as possible and I will fund it, Cllr Sheahan said afterwards.

But what was urgently needed now, he added, was action from Limerick City and County Council as the new sewerage scheme would be routed through them and not Irish Water.

I am now applying all the pressure I can on the council to accept this as an opportunity and to prepare the paperwork, the Fianna Fail councillor continued.

The site is there for a new plant, he said, land that was bought years ago by the council.

There are also plans available, drawn up years ago but which would, he said, need to be upgraded. And now, Cllr Sheahan pointed out,, funding had been identified.

We have to do a Part 8 and get the plan through, he said. It can be done rapidly. I am confident I am dealing with a chief executive who will be committed to this.

I cant see any reason we cant have it in two years, he declared. I am overjoyed that at long last, there is light on the horizon.

The issue of an inadequate sewerage system Askeaton goes back several decades, Cllr Sheahan pointed out.

But a new system he said would open up big, new opportunities for Askeaton from the point of view of housing and industrial development. He believed the absence of a proper system was a factor holding back the promotion and development of the 230-acre industrial site on the outskirts of the town.

I am now reactivating my efforts to get that site or part of that site promoted and utilised, he concluded.
Washington: The high-stakes meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be held virtually on Monday (local time), the first-ever interaction between the two leaders since the former assumed office.

The meeting is likely to cover a range of topics including tensions over China's military activity near Taiwan and human rights, as well as cooperation on climate change, reported The Hill.

In October, an agreement in principle was reached for Biden and Xi to meet virtually sometime before the end of this year. And since then officials had been working for several weeks to schedule the meeting.

The two leaders spoke twice over the phone earlier, the most recent conversation took place in September.

On Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement, "The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align." The meeting will be a testimony to Biden's approach of trying to work with China on areas of potential compromise, like the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, while raising objections to China's behaviour on human rights, its trade practices, and its military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, according to The Hill.

The US-China tensions on various issues which escalated during the Trump administration continue to persist in the Biden administration due to disagreements on several fronts.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan had earlier met their Chinese counterparts in Alaska this year. The meeting was memorably tense and raised questions about the way forward, reported The Hill.

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Some of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history have doomed whole civilizations and brought once powerful nations to their knees, killing millions. While these terrible disease outbreaks still threaten humanity, thanks to the advances in epidemiology we no longer face the same dire consequences as our ancestors once did.

Here are 20 of the worst epidemics and pandemics in history, dating from prehistoric to modern times.

Related: Spanish Flu: The deadliest pandemic in history

1. Prehistoric epidemic: Circa 3000 B.C.

The discovery of a 5,000-year-old house in China filled with skeletons is evidence of a deadly epidemic. (Image credit: Photo courtesy Chinese Archaeology)

About 5,000 years ago, an epidemic wiped out a prehistoric village in China. The bodies of the dead were piled inside a house that was later burned down. No age group was spared, as the skeletons of juveniles, young adults and middle-age people were found inside the house.

The archaeological site is now called "Hamin Mangha" and is one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in northeastern China. Archaeological and anthropological study indicates that the epidemic happened quickly enough that there was no time for proper burials, and the site was not inhabited again.

Before the discovery of Hamin Mangha, another prehistoric mass burial that dates to roughly the same time period was found at a site called Miaozigou, in northeastern China. Together, these discoveries suggest that an epidemic ravaged the entire region.

2. Plague of Athens: 430 B.C.

Remains of the Parthenon, one of the buildings on the acropolis of Athens. The city experienced a five year pandemic around 430 B.C. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Around 430 B.C., not long after a war between Athens and Sparta began, an epidemic ravaged the people of Athens and lasted for five years. Some estimates put the death toll as high as 100,000 people. The Greek historian Thucydides (460-400 B.C.) wrote that "people in good health were all of a sudden attacked by violent heats in the head, and redness and inflammation in the eyes, the inward parts, such as the throat or tongue, becoming bloody and emitting an unnatural and fetid breath" (translation by Richard Crawley from the book "The History of the Peloponnesian War," London Dent, 1914).

What exactly this epidemic was has long been a source of debate among scientists; a number of diseases have been put forward as possibilities, including typhoid fever and Ebola . Many scholars believe that overcrowding caused by the war exacerbated the epidemic. Sparta's army was stronger, forcing the Athenians to take refuge behind a series of fortifications called the "long walls" that protected their city. Despite the epidemic, the war continued on, not ending until 404 B.C., when Athens was forced to capitulate to Sparta .

3. Antonine Plague: A.D. 165-180

Roman soldiers likely brought smallpox home with them, giving rise to the Antonine Plague. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

When soldiers returned to the Roman Empire from campaigning, they brought back more than the spoils of victory. The Antonine Plague, which may have been smallpox, laid waste to the army and may have killed over 5 million people in the Roman empire, wrote April Pudsey, a senior lecturer in Roman History at Manchester Metropolitan University, in a paper published in the book "Disability in Antiquity," Routledge, 2017).

Related: Plague doctors: Separating medical myths from facts

Many historians believe that the epidemic was first brought into the Roman Empire by soldiers returning home after a war against Parthia. The epidemic contributed to the end of the Pax Romana (the Roman Peace), a period from 27 B.C. to A.D. 180, when Rome was at the height of its power. After A.D. 180, instability grew throughout the Roman Empire, as it experienced more civil wars and invasions by " barbarian " groups. Christianity became increasingly popular in the time after the plague occurred.

4. Plague of Cyprian: A.D. 250-271

The remains found where a bonfire incinerated many of the victims of an ancient epidemic in the city of Thebes in Egypt. (Image credit: N.Cijan/Associazione Culturale per lo Studio dell'Egitto e del Sudan ONLUS)

Named after St. Cyprian, a bishop of Carthage (a city in Tunisia) who described the epidemic as signaling the end of the world, the Plague of Cyprian is estimated to have killed 5,000 people a day in Rome alone. In 2014, archaeologists in Luxor found what appears to be a mass burial site of plague victims. Their bodies were covered with a thick layer of lime (historically used as a disinfectant). Archaeologists found three kilns used to manufacture lime and the remains of plague victims burned in a giant bonfire.

Experts aren't sure what disease caused the epidemic. "The bowels, relaxed into a constant flux, discharge the bodily strength [and] a fire originated in the marrow ferments into wounds of the fauces (an area of the mouth)," Cyprian wrote in Latin in a work called "De mortalitate" (translation by Philip Schaff from the book "Fathers of the Third Century: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, Novatian, Appendix," Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 1885).

5. Plague of Justinian: A.D. 541-542

A mosaic of Emperor Justinian and his supporters. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Byzantine Empire was ravaged by the bubonic plague, which marked the start of its decline. The plague reoccurred periodically afterward. Some estimates suggest that up to 10% of the world's population died.

The plague is named after the Byzantine Emperor Justinian (reigned A.D. 527-565). Under his reign, the Byzantine Empire reached its greatest extent, controlling territory that stretched from the Middle East to Western Europe. Justinian constructed a great cathedral known as Hagia Sophia ("Holy Wisdom") in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the empire's capital. Justinian also got sick with the plague but survived. However, his empire gradually lost territory in the time after the plague struck.

6. The Black Death: 1346-1353

Plague victims are buried at Tournai in what is now Belgium, circa 1349 (Image credit: Getty / Photo 12)

The Black Death traveled from Asia to Europe, leaving devastation in its wake. Some estimates suggest that it wiped out over half of Europe's population. It was caused by a strain of the bacterium Yersinia pestis that is likely extinct today and was spread by fleas on infected rodents. The bodies of victims were buried in mass graves.

The plague changed the course of Europe's history. With so many dead, labor became harder to find, bringing about better pay for workers and the end of Europe's system of serfdom. Studies suggest that surviving workers had better access to meat and higher-quality bread. The lack of cheap labor may also have contributed to technological innovation.

7. Cocoliztli epidemic: 1545-1548

Aztec Ruins National Monument. (Image credit: USGS)

The infection that caused the cocoliztli epidemic was a form of viral hemorrhagic fever that killed 15 million inhabitants of Mexico and Central America. Among a population already weakened by extreme drought, the disease proved to be utterly catastrophic. "Cocoliztli" is the Aztec word for "pest."

A recent study that examined DNA from the skeletons of victims found that they were infected with a subspecies of Salmonella known as S. paratyphi C, which causes enteric fever, a category of fever that includes typhoid. Enteric fever can cause high fever, dehydration and gastrointestinal problems and is still a major health threat today.

8. American Plagues: 16th century

Painting by O. Graeff (1892) of Hernan Cortez and his troops. The Spanish conqueror was able to capture Aztec cities left devastated by smallpox. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The American Plagues were a cluster of Eurasian diseases brought to the Americas by European explorers. These illnesses, including smallpox, contributed to the collapse of the Inca and Aztec civilizations. Some estimates suggest that 90% of the indigenous population in the Western Hemisphere was killed off.

The diseases helped a Spanish force, led by Hernan Cortes , to conquer the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1519. Another Spanish force led by Francisco Pizarro conquered the Incas in 1532. The Spanish took over the territories of both empires. In both cases, the Aztec and Incan armies had been ravaged by disease and were unable to withstand the Spanish forces.

When people from Britain, France, Portugal and the Netherlands began exploring, conquering and settling the Western Hemisphere, they were helped by the fact that disease had vastly reduced the size of any indigenous groups that opposed them.

9. Great Plague of London: 1665-1666

A microscopic engraving of a flea by English scientist Robert Hooke (1635-1703) in 1665. Fleas transmitted the plague (Image credit: Getty / Photo 12)

The Black Death's last major outbreak in Great Britain caused a mass exodus from London, led by King Charles II. The plague started in April 1665 and spread rapidly through the hot summer months. Fleas from plague-infected rodents were one of the main causes of transmission.

By the time the plague ended, about 100,000 people, including 15% of the population of London, had died. However, this was not the end of that city's suffering. On Sept. 2, 1666, the Great Fire of London started, lasting for four days and burning down a large portion of the city.

10. Great Plague of Marseille: 1720-1723

An 18th Century engraving of the plague in Marseille (Image credit: Getty / DEA / M. SEEMULLER)

Historical records say that the Great Plague of Marseille started when a ship called "Grand-Saint-Antoine" docked in Marseille, France, carrying a cargo of goods from the eastern Mediterranean. Although the ship was quarantined, plague still got into the city, likely through fleas on plague-infected rodents.

Plague spread quickly and, over the next three years, as many as 100,000 people may have died in Marseille and surrounding areas. It's estimated that up to 30% of the population of Marseille may have perished.

11. Russian plague: 1770-1772

Portrait of Catherine II by Vigilius Erichsen (ca. 1757-1772). Even Catherine the Great couldn't bring Russia back from the devastation caused by the 1770 plague. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In plague-ravaged Moscow, the terror of quarantined citizens erupted into violence. Riots spread through the city and culminated in the murder of Archbishop Ambrosius, who was encouraging crowds not to gather for worship.

The empress of Russia, Catherine II (also called Catherine the Great ), was so desperate to contain the plague and restore public order that she issued a hasty decree ordering that all factories be moved from Moscow. By the time the plague ended, as many as 100,000 people may have died. Even after the plague ended, Catherine struggled to restore order. In 1773, Yemelyan Pugachev, a man who claimed to be Peter III (Catherine's executed husband), led an insurrection that resulted in the deaths of thousands more.

12. Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic: 1793

Painting of George Washington's second inauguration at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, March 4, 1793. An epidemic of yellow fever hit Philadelphia hard in the first half of 1793. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

When yellow fever seized Philadelphia, the United States' capital at the time, officials wrongly believed that slaves were immune. As a result, abolitionists called for people of African origin to be recruited to nurse the sick.

The disease is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes, which experienced a population boom during the particularly hot and humid summer weather in Philadelphia that year. It wasn't until winter arrived  and the mosquitoes died out  that the epidemic finally stopped. By then, more than 5,000 people had died.

13. Flu pandemic: 1889-1890

Wood engraving showing nurses attending to patients in Paris during the 1889-90 flu pandemic. The pandemic killed an estimated 1 million people. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the modern industrial age, new transport links made it easier for influenza viruses to wreak havoc. In just a few months, the disease spanned the globe, killing 1 million people. It took just five weeks for the epidemic to reach peak mortality.

The earliest cases were reported in Russia. The virus spread rapidly throughout St. Petersburg before it quickly made its way throughout Europe and the rest of the world, despite the fact that air travel didn't exist yet.

14. American polio epidemic: 1916

A doctor and two nurses tend to children suffering from paralysis due to the 1916 polio epidemic in Beacon, New York (Image credit: Getty / Bettmann )

A polio epidemic that started in New York City caused 27,000 cases and 6,000 deaths in the United States. The disease mainly affects children and sometimes leaves survivors with permanent disabilities.

Polio epidemics occurred sporadically in the United States until the Salk vaccine was developed in 1954. As the vaccine became widely available, cases in the United States declined. The last polio case in the United States was reported in 1979. Worldwide vaccination efforts have greatly reduced the disease, although it is not yet completely eradicated.

15. Spanish Flu: 1918-1920

Emergency hospital during influenza epidemic, Camp Funston, Kansas. (Image credit: Otis Historical Archives, National Museum of Health and Medicine)

An estimated 500 million people from the South Seas to the North Pole fell victim to Spanish Flu . One-fifth of those died, with some indigenous communities pushed to the brink of extinction. The flu's spread and lethality was enhanced by the cramped conditions of soldiers and poor wartime nutrition that many people were experiencing during World War I.

Despite the name Spanish Flu, the disease likely did not start in Spain. Spain was a neutral nation during the war and did not enforce strict censorship of its press, which could therefore freely publish early accounts of the illness. As a result, people falsely believed the illness was specific to Spain, and the name Spanish Flu stuck.

16. Asian Flu: 1957-1958

Chickens being tested for the avian flu. An outbreak of the avian flu killed 1 million people in the late 1950s. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Asian Flu pandemic was another global showing for influenza. With its roots in China, the disease claimed more than 1 million lives. The virus that caused the pandemic was a blend of avian flu viruses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the disease spread rapidly and was reported in Singapore in February 1957, Hong Kong in April 1957, and the coastal cities of the United States in the summer of 1957. The total death toll was more than 1.1 million worldwide, with 116,000 deaths occurring in the United States.

17. AIDS pandemic and epidemic: 1981-present day

AIDS became a global pandemic in the 1980s and continues as an epidemic in certain parts of the world. (Image credit: Mario Suriani/Associated Press, via the New York Historical Society)

AIDS has claimed an estimated 35 million lives since it was first identified. HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS, likely developed from a chimpanzee virus that transferred to humans in West Africa in the 1920s. The virus made its way around the world, and AIDS was a pandemic by the late 20th century. Now, about 64% of the estimated 40 million living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live in sub-Saharan Africa.

For decades, the disease had no known cure, but medication developed in the 1990s now allows people with the disease to experience a normal life span with regular treatment. Even more encouraging, two people have been cured of HIV as of early 2020.

18. H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic: 2009-2010

A nurse walking by a triage tent set up outside of the emergency room at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch, California on April 30, 2009. The hospital was preparing for a potential flood of patients worried they might have swine flu. (Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new strain of H1N1 that originated in Mexico in the spring of 2009 before spreading to the rest of the world. In one year, the virus infected as many as 1.4 billion people across the globe and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people, according to the CDC .

The 2009 flu pandemic primarily affected children and young adults, and 80% of the deaths were in people younger than 65, the CDC reported. That was unusual, considering that most strains of flu viruses, including those that cause seasonal flu, cause the highest percentage of deaths in people ages 65 and older.

But in the case of the swine flu, older people seemed to have already built up enough immunity to the group of viruses that H1N1 belongs to, so weren't affected as much. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus that caused the swine flu is now included in the annual flu vaccine.

Related: How does the COVID-19 pandemic compare to the last pandemic?

19. West African Ebola epidemic: 2014-2016

Health care workers put on protective gear before entering an Ebola treatment unit in Liberia during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. (Image credit: CDC/Sally Ezra/Athalia Christie (Public Domain))

Ebola ravaged West Africa between 2014 and 2016, with 28,600 reported cases and 11,325 deaths. The first case to be reported was in Guinea in December 2013, then the disease quickly spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The bulk of the cases and deaths occurred in those three countries. A smaller number of cases occurred in Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, the United States and Europe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

There is no cure for Ebola, although efforts at finding a vaccine are ongoing. The first known cases of Ebola occurred in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, and the virus may have originated in bats.

20. Zika Virus epidemic: 2015-present day

A worker sprays pesticide to kill mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus. Zika is most prevalent in the tropics. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

The impact of the recent Zika epidemic in South America and Central America won't be known for several years. In the meantime, scientists face a race against time to bring the virus under control. The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, although it can also be sexually transmitted in humans.

While Zika is usually not harmful to adults or children, it can attack infants who are still in the womb and cause birth defects. The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika flourish best in warm, humid climates, making South America, Central America and parts of the southern United States prime areas for the virus to flourish.

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Director John Doyles electrifying staging of Assassins, Stephen Sondheims macabre masterpiece about our national infatuation with fame and our appetite for violence, is a revival to die for  figuratively, of course.

A musical featuring some of the most infamous cutthroats in our nations history, Assassins was shocking when it premiered Off Broadway in 1990 at Playwrights Horizons, and then again on Broadway in 2004. The shows exquisitely inventive handiwork showcases more guns than youd find at a Texas swap meet, from the clumsy .442 Webley revolver that Charles J. Guiteau used to shoot President James Garfield to the secondhand 6.5 caliber Carcano rifle that Lee Harvey Oswald brought to work at the Texas School Book Depository on the day that JFK happened to be visiting Dallas.

The bigger, painfully timely question posed by this new revival (now playing at Classic Stage Company) is: Are we now so jaded as a nation that this modern classic has lost some of its shock value after 30 years? And the answer is: Nope. Between the musicals powerful content and Doyles inventive presentation, Assassins is still a killer show.

Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company, The Color Purple) is a past master of ensemble showpieces, and this musical plays right to his strengths. The lineup here includes some of our most versatile performers, from Steven Pasquale as a fiery John Wilkes Booth to Ethan Slater as the twitchiest Lee Harvey Oswald imaginable. But plucking out any more players seems unfair to the flawless teamwork although I just cant resist the inspired pairing of Judy Kuhn as Ronald Reagans foiled assassin Sara Jane Moore and Tavi Gevinson as a spooky Squeaky Fromme. The scene with the two of them bickering over lipstick (Nights of Ecstasy by Max Factor) is just too weirdly funny.

The sheer cynicism of the opening number that introduces the nine assassins can take your breath away: So much anger in the insidious music, such profound despair in the fevered lyrics! According to the Proprietor (the formidable Eddie Cooper) of the shows bizarre carnival world, Everybodys got the right to be happy / Everybodys got the right to their dreams.

So far, so good. But the song doesnt stop there: A free country, it promises us, means your dreams can come true  a sentiment too often misconstrued as meaning your dreams will come true. Thats the dangerous misinterpretation of the freedom to dream that brings all those angry assassins to the stage  and to life.

Some of these outcasts  like the would-be killer of Ronald Reagan, John Hinckley (a hinky looking Adam Chanler-Berat)  are all too familiar. Others like Charles Guiteau (a raffish fellow, in Will Swensons handsome performance), who picked off James Garfield at the Buffalo State Fair, are more esoteric assassins. Each of them believed in the fiction of an American Dream that always comes true.

So, no, our dreams dont necessarily come true. Life just doesnt work out that way. But thats the bogus American Dream weve all bought, consumed and digested. It almost seems inevitable that certain everybodies like the fanatics and would-be killers assembled here should feel duped, cheated, deprived and murderously angry. After being denied the entitlements promised by the myth of American exceptionalism that defines us, who wouldnt pick up a gun?

Hey, fella, feel like youre a failure? tempts the devilish Proprietor. Feel misunderstood? Cmere and kill a President. Sure, thatll heal your wounded soul. And one after another, they step forward to receive their guns, in a collective handout staged as a ceremony in which guns are received with the reverence of a religious communion. As cannily staged by Doyle, this scene really sizzles.

I want prize! You gimme prize! demands the would-be anarchist Giuseppe Zangara (a wild-eyed Wesley Taylor), who used that prize to shoot (and miss) President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. All I want for Christmas is my Constitutional right! declaims Samuel Byck (Andy Grotelueschen, resplendent in a shabby Santa Claus costume), who tried to hijack an airplane with which to assassinate Richard Nixon.

Aim for what you want a lot / Everybody gets a shot, as one cynical lyric exhorts losers like John Wilkes Booth (so desperately sincere in Pasquales seductive perf), who dreamed of being a hero when he struck down Lincoln. They say you killed a country, John / Because of bad reviews, the dispassionate Balladeer (Slater again) taunts him.

Tell em, boy, our would-be savior exhorts the balladeer, who sings his story in what might be the shows saddest lyric. Tell them how the country is not what it was / Where theres blood on the clover / How the nation can never again / Be the hope that it was.

Promises made, promises broken: That does seem to be the whole point of this politically piercing and tragically funny musical. We promise the world to our gullible kind, and recoil in horror when some among us take that word as gospel  and feel so aggrieved that they become violent when they fail to win the prize that was promised at the sharpshooter booth of this carnival country.

Classic Stage Company (CSC); 196 seats; $150 top. Opened Nov. 14, 2021. Reviewed Nov. 11. Running time: 1 HOUR, 45 MIN.

Production

A Classic Stage Company (CSC) presentation of a musical in one act, originally produced by Playwrights Horizons, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr.

Music By

Stephen Sondheim.

Crew

Directed & designed by John Doyle. Costumes, Ann Hould-Ward; lighting, Jane Cox & Tess James; sound, Matt Stine & Sam Kusnetz; projections, Steve Channon; wigs, Charles G. Lapointe; orchestrations & music director, Greg Jarrett; production stage manager, Bernita Robinson.

With

Steven Pasquale, Ethan Slater, Eddie Cooper, Will Swenson, Judy Kuhn, Tavi Gevinson, Andy Grotelueschen, Sam Bolen, Brad Giovanine, Lee Harrington, Bianca Horn, Benjamin Magnuson, Rob Morrison, Wesley Taylor, Brandon Uranowitz, Katrina Yaukey, Whit K. Lee.

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The hybrid in-person and online VIEW Conference 2021 was the most successful in the events 22-year history, according to figures released by conference officials.

Over the course of the weeklong event last month, about 210,000 people logged in online, while roughly 300 people attended in Turin, Italy, at the OGR venue. The conference featured 297 speakers, who participated in 160 talks, panels, workshops, masterclasses and keynote speeches. The event was free to all attendees.

Delivering a hybrid event of this magnitude was unbelievably challenging, says conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez. I am delighted to say that everything ran like clockwork, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who helped make this years event such a record-breaking success. I am truly honored that so many masters of their craft gave up their time to speak at VIEW Conference this year. Between them, they have inspired nearly a quarter of a million people around the globe, including large audiences in emerging economies such as Mexico, India and Brazil.

Keynote speakers included Jorge Gutierrez, whose Maya and the Three limited animated series is airing on Netflix; The Boss Baby: Family Business director Tom McGrath; and Cartoon Saloon co-founder Tomm Moore (Wolfwalkers). Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, who received the conferences VIEW Visionary Award, took part in a special Q&A with How to Train Your Dragon franchise director Dean DeBlois.

This was our first experience with VIEW Conference and we enjoyed it very much, said Deakins. We loved the chance to sit with our friend and collaborator, Dean DeBlois, and talk about vision. And we thought the questions from the audience were great. Thanks to the VIEW Conference for holding such a stimulating program and allowing us to be a part of it.

Gutierrez also was impressed with his VIEW Conference experience.

As an insane lover of the astounding magical gathering that the VIEW Conference has become over the years, it was my great honor to be the keynote speaker for the 2021 edition, he said. I leave with not only a full heart but a revived spirit after everything I witnessed at this years astounding and profound event. The amount of talent gathered is nothing short of miraculous. May we all be so lucky as to be a part of VIEW 2022!

The VIEW Conference is amazing, echoed Rianda. Its both a place for industry artists to meet and exchange ideas  but more importantly for students and animation fans around the world to get skills, knowledge, and inspiration! Its both indispensable and a ton of fun!

Moore noted the conferences importance in bringing together creators to share ideas.

This years hybrid event reminded me how important it is to hear from other creators and share our passion. It elevates the art form when we come together like this, he said.

McGrath, who attended the event in person, agreed. The VIEW Conference is the most beautiful expression of the enthusiasm and passion we all share for animation. After 20 months of isolation, it was a healing experience to meet people in person that I admire from different studios and positions and become forever bonded by our shared experience.

Other speakers included Byron Howard, director of Disneys upcoming Encanto; Mike Rianda, who directed Sony Pictures Animations The Mitchells vs. The Machines; Enrico Casarosa, director of Pixars Luca; and Kirk DeMicco, directors of SPAs Vivo.

The complete 2021 program is available on-demand for three months. Tickets are available at the VIEW Conference website.

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Steve Mnuchin and Mike Pompeo discussed a plan to remove Trump from office after the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to Jonathan Karls new book Betrayal, which chronicles the final days of the former presidents time in office.

Then-Treasury Secretary Mnuchin reportedly called then-Secretary of State Pompeo on the evening of Jan. 6 to suggest using the 25th Amendment, which outlines the protocols for how to replace the president or vice president in the event of their death, removal from office, resignation, or incapacitation. I learned that Mnuchin had several conversations about the 25th Amendment and, further, that Mike Pompeo actually asked for a legal analysis of the 25th Amendment and how it would work, Karl said during an appearance on MSNBC Monday morning.

According to Karl, the idea was quickly jettisoned the next day as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao resigned, leaving Mnuchin to realize that using the Constitution to push Trump out of office would take too much time and would almost certainly face legal challenges. Mnuchin, however, did not resign.

It would not be quick enough and it would be subject to legal challenges, Karl said, explaining why the plan was abandoned. But in the hours after the riot, there were high-level conversations about this.

Karl said that his sourcing on the story is rock solid, although Pompeo issued a statement through a spokesperson denying he was involved in any 25th Amendment conversations. Karl added that although he made multiple attempts to reach out to Pompeo and Mnuchin to confirm the story, neither would agree to speak with him. In fact, it wasnt until a couple hours after Karls final interview with former President Trump for the book, during which Karl mentioned the 25th Amendment discussion between Mnuchin and Pompeo, that a spokesperson for Pompeo sent a statement denying the former secretary of state engaged in any conversations about it.

Pompeo through a spokesman denied there have ever been conversations around invoking the 25th Amendment, the statement read.

Mnuchin will surely draw MAGAlands ire for trying to preserve American democracy at a time when Trump was pretty much over it, but if he did anything wrong, its that he didnt go far enough. It appears little came of the 25th amendment discussions, and they came years after it was clear that Trumps avarice and incompetence were a lethal threat.
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Taskovski Films has picked up Turn Your Body to the Sun, which world premieres in the International Competition section of IDFA, one of the worlds top documentary film festivals. Another film represented by the sales agency, Radiograph of a Family, won Best Feature-Length Documentary Award at last years festival.

Turn Your Body to the Sun, directed by Dutch filmmaker Aliona van der Horst, tells the story of a Soviet Tatar prisoner of war. After World War II, he is sent to one of Stalins brutal camps where the love for an unknown girl becomes his salvation. Sixty years later his daughter Sana is tracing the path of her silent father.

Sana tries to understand what made him the man she knew as a child, through his diaries, various personal and public archives, and registries. As she accompanies the daughter in her journey, the filmmaker excavates film archives, to find traces of those millions of Soviet soldiers who were caught in the fire of dictators fighting, who were there but were left out of the narrative of the war.

Van der Horsts last film, Love Is Potatoes, a first-person doc that deals with post-memory in contemporary Russia, won the Golden Calf Award, the top prize in Dutch filmmaking, in 2018. Her film Boris Ryzhy won the IDFA Mid Length Competition Award in 2008. Her films revolve around the question of how ordinary peoples lives are shaped by big historical events, often focusing on Russia, where she was born.

Van der Horst commented: I am convinced that Russias unresolved past strongly determines the present. My previous film, Love Is Potatoes, dealt with Stalins inhuman treatment of the peasants and the resulting intergenerational traumas of my own peasant family. In my new film Turn Your Body to the Sun I take a look at another part of Russian history: The fate of the World War II prisoners of war, but always with an eye to the ways in which history influences the present.

Sana Valiulina, the films protagonist, had a father who suffered an impossible fate. He never spoke about this fate during his life  its hard to find words for such overwhelming, traumatic experiences, and the Soviet Unions psychological terror denied him the chance to speak out. In the narrative of the Great National War, as World War II is called in Russia, there is still little place for the common mans shocking, horrifying experience of war and labor camps.

The film is produced by Ilja Roomans at Docmakers, a collective of documentary filmmakers led by Roomans.

Roomans has 20 years of experience producing both Dutch productions and international co-productions. Recent work and films in production include On Day Eight by Yan Ting Yuen and Robert Kosters, Heart of Democracy by Suzanne Raes, Crazy Days by Sanne Rovers, Justice Under Suspicion by Maria Ramos (in co-production with Gebrueder Beetz), A Parked Life by Peter Triest (in co-production with Savage Film), Master of Light by Rosa Ruth Boesten (in collaboration with One Story Up).

Taskovski Films CEO Irena Taskovski said: We have been attracted by the masterful skill of telling the eternal story of human-beings who got caught in the turmoil of war, stuck between the narratives of good and evil and condemned to silence and oblivion. We are happy to collaborate with such a powerful female director and amazing Docmakers collective whose films have strong sales potential, finding unique intimate stories from the past that still resonate in our presence.

Roomans said: We feel Taskovski Films is the perfect match for such a strong film. It is good to be part of their radiant catalog of award-winning titles.

Turn Your Body to the Sun was produced in co-production with NTR, and in co-operation with Sudwestrundfunk. It is supported by The Netherlands Film Fund, The Netherlands Film Production Incentive, NPO Fund, CoBO, AFK and Wilhelmina E. Jansenfonds.

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The brush guide of the female migrant who was fatally struck by a civilian vehicle in south Laredo has been arrested, according to court documents.

Darwuin Sai Kabrera-Garsia was charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport migrants for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain, states an arrest affidavit filed on Friday.

The case happened at about 9 p.m. Nov. 9, when U.S. Border Patrol agents operating cameras observed four people crossing into the United States at One River Place on the west side of U.S. 83. Scope truck operators observed the individuals crossing U.S. 83 north of Mangana-Hein Road at about 9:15 p.m.

A scope truck operator notified Laredo Sector Communications that a civilian vehicle described as a black 2007 Cadillac Escalade had struck an individual while running east on the southbound lane of traffic. Border Patrol responded and apprehended the other three individuals. All were identified as migrants who had crossed the border illegally.

There were no agents actively chasing the subjects across (U.S.) 83 when the subject was struck by the vehicle, states the affidavit.

Laredo Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and attempted to provide aid to the subject. But she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homeland Security Investigations responded to take over the investigation. Special agents would identify Kabrera-Garsia as the brush guide for the migrants, including the woman that was fatally struck by the civilian vehicle.

Kabrera-Garsia stated he was guiding the group of three other (migrants) after illegally crossing the Rio Grande River into the (United States). Kabrera-Garsia stated he was working as a brush guide to pay his own smuggling fee of $6,800, states the affidavit.

Laredo police are investigating the fatal auto-pedestrian incident. Authorities identified the migrant as a 21-year-old woman from Oaxaca, Mexico. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Authorities said the driver of the Escalade did not have any signs of intoxication and volunteered a sample of his blood for analysis to investigators. The investigation continues.
A woman was sentenced to prison for smuggling a child via a Laredo international bridge claiming that she was her daughter, according to court documents.

Gisell Guerra, 19, had pleaded guilty on Sept. 9 to making a false or fictitious statement. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana sentenced Guerra to 142 days in prison followed by one year of supervised release.
BRUSSELS (AP)  French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin talked on the phone Monday about the need for de-escalating the tensions around the growing migrant pressure on the European Union's borders with Belarus, Marcon's office said.

In the almost two-hour talk, they also agreed upon the need for a humanitarian effort for the migrants but did not announce any concrete steps, according to the Elysee statement.

The EU says Moscow has a role in building the migration pressure and could actively help in easing it.

The Kremlin's account of the conversation said Putin informed Macron about his contacts with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and emphasized the necessity of discussing the problems that had arisen directly between the leaderships of the EU countries and Belarus.

Putin also noted the extremely harsh treatment of refugees by Polish border guards, according to the Kremlin. Polish forces are blocking people from entering Poland and are pushing back to Belarus those migrants who cross the border.

Also Monday, Lukashenko spoke on the phone with Germanys outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel for 50 minutes about the situation with refugees on the Belarusian-Polish, Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Latvian borders, according to Belarusian state news agency Belta.

They discussed ways and prospects of resolving the crisis and preventing its escalation, as well as humanitarian aid to the migrants, Belta said.

The calls took place as the EU ratcheted up pressure on Belarus by agreeing to slap sanctions on airlines accused of helping Lukashenko wage a hybrid attack against the entire bloc using migrants.

The EU is also calling for humanitarian aid as up to 4,000 migrants are stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather in Belarus while Poland has reinforced its border with 15,000 soldiers, in addition to border guards and police. The EU has expressed solidarity with Poland's guarding the bloc's external border. At least 11 migrants have died in recent weeks.

Polish authorities said Monday that Belarusian services had led a large group of migrants to a border crossing with Poland and made them believe they would be transported by bus to Germany. Polish police broadcast messages across the border telling the migrants that they have been deceived.

The Belarusian side is deliberately escalating the situation, said Marcin Przydacz, a deputy foreign minister. The situation is unprecedented and unpredictable."

Belarus' borders with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are also the eastern borders of both the EU and NATO. The EU says Lukashenko's authoritarian regime has for months invited migrants to the Belarusian capital of Minsk, many of them Iraqis, Afghanis and Syrians, with the promise of helping them across the border.

Meanwhile, Lithuanian officials said they were seeing a rising number of attempts by migrants to cross its border from Belarus.

The 27-country EU has already imposed four sets of sanctions on Belarus authorities and senior officials over the disputed election last year that returned Lukashenko to office and his government's brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. Opposition leaders and Western nations have described the vote as a sham.

The EU is preparing a fifth lot of sanctions on Belarus. On Monday the blocs foreign ministers extended the scope of those measures to add airlines, travel agents and others accused of helping to bring migrants to Minsk.

Todays decision reflects the determination by the European Union to stand up to the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes. We are pushing back on this inhuman and illegal practice, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

EU headquarters said the bloc will now be able to target individuals and entities organizing or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that facilitate illegal crossing of the EUs external borders.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the administration of President Joe Biden was also preparing follow-up sanctions in close coordination with the EU and other partners and allies that will continue to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy, on human rights on international norms.

The EU believes Lukashenko began luring migrants to Belarus as a retaliatory measure to destabilize the bloc, which has been deeply divided over how to manage migration since well over 1 million people entered the bloc in 2015.

Germany allowed in hundreds of thousands of people that year, but doesn't want to encourage more now.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was asked in Brussels if he would support Germany taking in people now on the Belarusian side of the border if the flow of migrants to Belarus is stopped.

He replied: No. I would argue for the people who are there, who were brought there under false pretenses by the Lukashenko regime, being taken back to their countries of origin, and for the countries of origin to take their share of the responsibility.

German federal police said Monday that they registered 1,708 unauthorized entries to the country with a connection to Belarus in the first 14 days of November, bringing the total this year so far to 9,549.

Also Monday, the United Arab Emirates banned travelers from several Middle Eastern countries from boarding flights to Belarus, cutting off one of the last major air routes for would-be migrants. Most airlines with flights to Minsk now say that wont allow Iraqis, Syrians or Afghans to travel there.

Lukashenko, meanwhile, brushed aside the threat of fresh sanctions.

We will defend ourselves. Thats it, theres nowhere to retreat further, he was quoted as saying by the state news agency Belta.

Lukashenko once again denied that his government organized the migrant influx, saying that it isnt worth the effort, and he insisted the migrants are resisting Belarusian efforts to encourage them to return home.

Belarus flag carrier Belavia is among the airlines likely to be hit, and Maas warned other companies to follow the example of Turkish Airlines by restricting flights to the Belarus capital.

He warned of a possibility of denial of overflight rights and landing permission in Europe.

_____

Associated Press writers Monika Scislowska and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw; Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania; Daria Litvinova in Moscow; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Sylvie Corbet in Paris; and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 37F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said it was extraordinary to hear Taoiseach Micheal Martin dismiss an independent report by KPMG into the impact of emissions ceilings on farming as scaremongering, while the Government hasnt done an economic impact assessment themselves.

Tim Cullinan said the report commissioned by the Irish Farmers Journal, and carried out by KPMG, shows what the economic impact of various sectoral emissions ceilings would be, including the 21-30% range reported to be the ceiling for agriculture the Government is planning to impose.

The conclusion is that a 21% emissions cut would result in 10,000 job losses, while a 30% cut would result in over 56,000 job losses and reduced output of nearly 4bn.

We have repeatedly asked for such an exercise to be carried out by our Government, but they have refused to do so. Micheal Martin is shooting in the dark and he has no idea what the economic or social impact of these ceilings will be in rural areas, he said.

If anything, the KPMG report might underestimate the impact of carbon budgets on farmers as it does not factor in the cost increases for energy and transport which farmers will also have to carry, he said.
According to a poll conducted by the Sunday Times, Sinn Fein has seen a continued surge in support from Irish voters.

Sinn Fein Leader, Mary Lou McDonald's public satisfaction rating reached 50%, which was 9 points ahead of the current Taoiseach Michael Martin.

Sinn Fein, as a whole, saw an increase in popularity as their poll figures reached 37%.

This figure places them 16 points ahead of Fine Gael, and 17 points ahead of Fianna Fail.

Fine Gael saw 21% support, and Fianna Fail came in at 20%, according to the latest poll figures.

The Green Party is on 5%, Labour and Social Democrats came in at 3%, and People before Profit and Aontu polled at 1%.

The Independents tallied at 8% support.

The survey was conducted among 912 Irish voters between October 28 and November 9.

Previous polls have shown a steady increase in support for Sinn Fein, after the party saw a record-breaking election in February 2020 by securing 37 seats in the Dail.

At Sinn Fein's annual Ard Fheis, Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Fein wants to 'lead a government that puts workers and families first'.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2021

Ceremony held at Veterans Plaza at Huntington Town Hall to honor veterans of the Town of Huntington and across our Nation.

Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad. A Lupinacci, Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Town Clerk Andrew Raia were joined by the Huntington Veterans Advisory Board, New York State and Suffolk County officials for a Veterans Day Ceremony on Veterans Plaza at Huntington Town Hall to honor veterans of the Town of Huntington and across our Nation.

One hundred years ago, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11th, 1921. The Tomb itself represents the service, sacrifice and unknown that awaits every soldier. Every serviceman and woman, every name on each of these memorials on Veterans Plaza, those living and those taken from us, the final resting place for any one of them could have been at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year we honor our veterans and we speak of their bravery, service and sacrifice  but the risk for the reward of freedom is visualized at Arlington National Cemeterys most iconic memorial. I am thankful for our veterans, their families, and to be here with you all, in this community that so deeply respects our veterans and our fallen soldiers, said Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci.

Joining Town officials were Councilman-elect Dr. Dave Bennardo, Councilman-elect Sal Ferro, and Superintendent of Highways-elect Andre Sorrentino. Attending from New York State were State Senator Mario Mattera, Assemblyman Steve Stern and Assemblyman Keith Brown. From Suffolk County, Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Tom Donnelly and Legislator-elect Stephanie Bontempi attended.

Veterans Day 2021 commemorates the centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located at Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb was initially dedicated by the Army on Armistice Day, November 11, 1921, with the burial of an unknown service member from World War I. Over the past century, additional unknowns have been buried at the Tomb, and the site has become a peoples memorial that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice and mourning.

2021 also marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Veterans Advisory Board member Mortimer Roberts, a World War II veteran, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The World War II Memorial on Veterans Plaza now displays 365 new names added at a special ceremony on October 3, 2021 after a years-long outreach effort to properly recognize all Huntington residents who served in World War II. The names on the memorial now total 6,365.

Veterans Advisory Board Chairman Bill Ober served as Master of Ceremonies and Veterans Advisory Board member Albert Butch Jensen served as Sergeant at Arms, who also led the presentation of colors by local veterans organizations Color Guards and the U.S. Coast Guard Eatons Neck Station Color Guard. Veterans organizations represented included Phil Rhoades, Commander, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19; John Carvajal, Commander, Elwood/Commack VFW Post 9263; Gary Steinmueller, Commander, Nathan Hale VFW Post 1469; Donna Boyle, Commander, Greenlawn American Legion Post 1244; Andrew Brady, Commander, Huntington American Legion Post 360; Bruce Brenner, Commander, Combat Infantrymens Association; Harry Arlin, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post 488; and Rocco Paduano, Commandant, Marine Corps League Huntington Detachment 792.

An invocation and benediction were delivered by Rev. Edward Sheridan from St. Anthony of Padua Church in East Northport. The ceremony featured patriotic music performed by Teri George, soloist from Peoples United Bank Bayport Office, Tom Butterfield, who played Taps, and Brad Davidson led Amazing Grace with the Northport Pipe and Drum Band. A wreath was laid at the flag pole to honor all veterans. A rifle salute by members of the Elwood-Commack VFW Post 9263 was led by Commander John Carvajal.

Attendees included Mrs. Connie Mangano, Gold Star Mother of Sgt. First Class Anthony Mangano, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Afghanistan in June 2008; Lou Pagano, head of the Huntington High School 50th Anniversary for Vietnam Veterans held on Veterans Plaza; Chief Dave Kaufman and members of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad; and members of the Sons of Italy, Perry Como Lodge in Northport.

The ceremony took place on Veterans Plaza amid the American flag display known as the Field of Honor, as well as a 30-foot American flag displayed between fire trucks from the Huntington Fire Department and Huntington Manor Fire Department. Refreshments donated by Buttercooky Bakery and Dunkin Donuts were served after the ceremony. South Huntington Cub Scout Pack 406 volunteers will be assisting with program distribution.

The Kiwanis Club of Huntington is sponsoring a Field of Honor of American flags on display at Huntington Town Hall. 3x5 American flags are mounted on 8 poles surrounding Veterans Plaza on the front lawn of Huntington Town Hall. Each flag has its own custom-printed gold ribbon personalized and dedicated to each veteran honoree. Flags can be purchased at BuyAFlag.org for $35. Flags were assembled in early September 2021 and will be taken down in December 2021. Net proceeds benefit veterans and childrens causes in Huntington.
Local News, Arts & Culture, Travel & Local Attractions

By Chris Boyle Published: November 15 2021

"Without understanding history, Veterans Day becomes just another date on the calendar."

Armor Museum historians Gloria Sesso (left) and Dr. Libby O'Connell (right) will create educational programs for the Museum of American Armor inside Old Bethpage Village Restoration that engage a new generation of Americans about the legacy of our veterans.

The Museum of American Armor has announced the appointment of Gloria Sesso, to serve in the newly created role of Education Coordinator. Ms. Sesso is currently president of the Long Island Council of the Social Studies with some forty years of experience as a social studies teacher and chairperson of social studies departments at two of Long Islands school districts.

Observing Veterans Day without an understanding or appreciation of the role our veterans have played in protecting our nation makes that holiday just another day on the calendar, stated Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the museum. We need to advocate on behalf of classroom time that allows students to better understand our nations military heritage, and Ms. Sesso is recognized as an extraordinary social studies educator on Long Island.

Kadish further stated, Putting Veterans Day into context is just part of the challenge. Teaching about World War II is critical, as it is the seminal conflict of the 20th Century that continues to define our geo-political world. Yet it is barely given sufficient classroom time for students to establish who the combatants were, much less cause, effect, and legacy. Ms. Sesso's new professional role is to help the Armor Museum address that deficit and expand its outreach by working with students, parents, and educators to tell that story. We intend to be an innovative advocate on behalf of military history.

Ms. Sesso was named New York State High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year (1999-2000), is Past President of the New York State Council for History Education, and received her Masters in History from Columbia University. She is the author and editor of numerous articles regarding history and has appeared at seminars and symposiums throughout the nation to examine aspects of our American history.

She is also a consultant to the New York State Social Studies Department, the Global History, and the U.S. History and Government regarding the states Regents examinations.

Uniquely qualified

With the creation of Education Resource Coordinator, Armor Museum Senior Trustee Michael Sapraicone stated, Gloria is uniquely qualified to take the museum to the next level as an educational resource through her extraordinary tenure as an educator, her unmatched advocacy of history education, and her long-standing professional relationships across Long Island. She is a nationally respected educator, and her list of accomplishments underscores her passion and commitment to teaching history to a new generation of Americans.

Dr. Libby OConnell, History Channel Chief Historian Emeritus and Chairperson of the NYC World War I Centennial Commission, has agreed to serve as an educational advisor to the Armor Museum. As one who has known and worked closely with Gloria for years, I can think of no more effective an advocate for placing history squarely before students. We have previously worked together to advance the Armor Museums educational mission, and this appointment will only strengthen that partnership.

The Museum of American Armor presents some 40 operational armor vehicles within 25,000 square feet of space on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York. Throughout the year, it conducts public programs that pay tribute to our American veterans in cooperation with Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Museums.

Its current hours are Friday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. An admission donation of $15 for adults is requested, $10 for seniors and veterans, and $8 for children.
(Alliance News) - Shares rose in CloudCoCo Group PLC on Monday after it announced the winning of a multi-year contract with a new, unnamed customer in the digital services sector.

Shares in the London-based IT and communications services provider were 16% higher at 1.98 pence on Monday in London.

The contract has a value of GBP3 million over a three-year period, and is the largest managed services contract signed by the company since its formation in 2018. Under the contract, CloudCoCo will provide the customer with a high availability hosted cloud platform service.

"It has been a busy few months from an M&A perspective, so I'm delighted to be able to follow that activity with a new business win of this magnitude. We look forward to working with our new customer to take their IT infrastructure to the next level," said Chief Executive Officer Mark Halpin.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC - Nicosia-based lender - Sells portfolio of non-performing loans and properties to funds affiliated with Pacific Investment Management Co LLC, better known as Pimco, for EUR385 million in cash gross. The loan portfolio comprises 20,000 loans with a contractual balance of EUR993 million and a gross book value of EUR577 million. The properties have a book value of EUR121 million. The deal will reduce Bank of Cyprus's stock of non-performing exposures by 36% and properties by 9%. It is expected to improve the banks' CET 1 capital ratio by 66 basis point. For the third quarter of 2021 alone, the sale will boost net profit by EUR10 million and the CET 1 ratio by 7 basis points.

"We are reaching the end of a long journey that started in 2014," says Chief Executive Panicos Nicolaou. "Overall, since the peak, we have now reduced the stock of NPEs by EUR14.1 billion or 94% to less than EUR1 billion and the NPE ratio by 54 percentage points, from 63% to less than 9%. We are pleased with the progress achieved on our medium term strategic objectives, and remain fully committed and on track to achieve an NPE ratio of 5%."

NPE ratio is non-performing exposures as a percentage of total credit exposure.

Current stock price: 89.00 pence, down 1.1% on Monday

Year-to-date change: up 35%

By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Kin & Carta PLC - London-based business consultancy - Says it has successfully completed the sale of its two remaining venture businesses, Edit Agency Ltd and Relish Agency Ltd for a total of GBP18.6 million in cash before costs and adjustments for debt and working capital. The net proceeds of the disposals move the company into a net cash position, further strengthening balance sheet and capacity for selective acquisitions, it notes.

Current stock price: 342.00 pence

Year-to-date change: more than double from 142.00p

By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - S4 Capital PLC on Monday said it has acquired Rome, Italy-based creative content marketing agency Miyagi Srl for an undisclosed sum.

Also on Monday, the London-based advertising and marketing firm announced the appointment of Mary Basterfield as chief financial officer with effect on January 3.

She will be replacing Peter Rademaker, who will step down from his role after six years since 2015, though he will remain on S4 Capital's board as a non-executive director.

Basterfield's most recent executive role was as finance director at London-based Just Eat Takeaway NV for a year from 2019 to 2020, and prior to that was CFO at UKTV Media Ltd, a British multi-channel broadcaster owned by BBC Studios from 2018 to 2019.

"We are delighted to have been able to attract someone of Mary's calibre to the CFO role at S4 Capital. Her extensive experience in the media and technology industries in the UK and beyond will be invaluable over the coming years at S4 Capital," said Executive Chair Martin Sorrell.

S4 Capital will combine Miyagi with its content business Media.Monks, which is expected to add to the group's existing content, data and digital media capabilities in Italy.

"We are delighted to welcome Francesco, Tommaso, Felice, Giuseppe and Francesco to Media.Monks and S4 Capital. We look forward to developing an even stronger content practice in Italy to complement our Data & Digital Media practice and form a base for Technology services, building on the impressive success Miyagi has already had and broadening our base in Western Continental Europe," Sorrell said.

Shares in S4 Capital were down 1.1% at 665.36 pence on Monday morning in London.

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Monday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Kingswood Holdings Ltd - London-based wealth manager - Agrees to acquire Money Matters Ltd, a privately owned wealth management business, primarily offering its services in the North East of England, for total cash consideration of GBP3.4 million, paid over 2 years. Notes GBP1.7 million will be paid immediately, with further GBP1.7 million paid on achievement of performance targets. Money Maters North East business holds about GBP115 million assets under administration from about 600 clients. Kingswood's UK CEO David Lawrence says: "We remain committed to perpetuating our stated growth strategy within the UK and internationally. This is our second acquisition of 2021 and we continue to have a strong pipeline of high-quality UK opportunities under negotiation, six of which are in exclusive due diligence as we continue to grow our financial planning and investment management reach across the UK. We expect to be making more announcements over the coming weeks.''







Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Ltd - invests in UK commercial real estate, seeking income and capital growth from active management - Exchanges or completes 13 new lettings, renewals and reviews which will generate GBP300,000 per annum of rental income and increase contracted rental income by GBP185,000 per annum since September 20. Notes set to deliver 80,000 square foot of operationally net zero carbon industrial, storage and distribution space at Stanley Green Trading Estate after receipt of a resolution to grant planning permission.







Helios Underwriting PLC - London-based investment vehicle, which acquires and consolidates underwriting capacity at Lloyd's - Notes December 31 expected capacity value to rise to GBP60.2 million from GBP30.8 million a year earlier. Expecting to acquire 29 LLVs during 2021 with capacity of GBP35.4 million, which was valued at 2021 capacity prices at GBP18.0 million. Chief Executive Nigel Hanbury says: "I am delighted that the value of the capacity portfolio will increase to GBP60 million with the revaluation of the existing portfolio adding 9.6p to the tangible net asset value per share - a 6.6% increase." Company adds: "Helios continued to manage the capacity portfolio discarding unwanted syndicates and taking positions on syndicates, in particular syndicate 510 and syndicate 2689, taking the total additional capacity acquired at auction to GBP23.8 million for consideration of GBP2.6 million."







Thalassa Holdings Ltd - British Virgin Islands-based investment company in real estate, fintech and robotics - Subsidiary id4 delivers "client space solution" to Swiss-based asset manager Geneva Management Group. "The id4 client space solution, delivered using cloud-based technology, will enable GMG to onboard clients remotely and to review KYC profiles periodically," company says.







Insig AI PLC - London-based machine learning and data science firm serving asset management industry, formerly known as Catena - Signs proof of concept exercise with unnamed European asset manager with assets under management of several billion euros. "In this initial proof-of-concept exercise on one of the client's larger funds, valued in excess of EUR1 billion, Insig AI has been tasked to use its machine learning data and expertise to analyse and categorise the client's portfolio," company says.







Diurnal Group PLC - Cardiff, Wales-based pharmaceutical company focused on hormonal diseases - US partner Eton Pharmaceuticals signs co-promotion deal for Alkindi Sprinkle with Tolmar Pharmaceuticals. As part of deal, Tolmar's 62-person sales force will promote Alkindi Sprinkle to their paediatric endocrinology targets alongside its own existing product. "Eton has indicated that it expects the co-promotion agreement to translate to significantly faster adoption of Alkindi Sprinkle and to accelerate the time to reach peak conversion of patients from existing therapy. The terms of Diurnal's licensing agreement with Eton are unaffected by Eton's agreement with Tolmar," Diurnal says.







Panthera Resources PLC - gold exploration and development company with assets in West Africa and India - Settles agreements with Metal Mining India Private Ltd to buy its Indian joint venture partner for AUD1.8 million, just under GBP1 million. Issues 3.0 million shares and pays GBP500,000 to close deal. Notes ownership interest in the Bhukia and Taregaon projects in India via IGL has increased to 100%, giving Panthera a 95% interest, if prospecting licences are granted in the future.







Mkango Resources Ltd - Vancouver-based explorer for rare earth elements - German subsidiary HyProMag Ltd creates new business HyProMag GmbH alongside Pforzheim University professor Carlo Burkhardt. HyProMag will own 80% of new business, while Burkhardt will take own remaining 20%. "Germany is a major producer and market for rare earth magnets in Europe, and the establishment of HyProMag GmbH provides a strong platform to grow the business in the region. Germany has no domestic sources of primary rare earths. Development of domestic sources of recycled rare earths via the patented HPMS is a significant opportunity to diversify and strengthen development of a more resilient rare earths supply chain in Europe," company explains.







W Resources PLC- tungsten, tin and gold mining and exploring in Spain and Portugal - Raises GBP750,000 from placing 12.5 million shares at 6 pence each. "Following the award of the mining licence at the RAgua tungsten mine in Portugal, the majority of the funds raised from the placing will be used to progress the mine development and to accelerate the environmental impact study report this quarter, as the team works towards first production in the second half of 2022," company says. Notes it will also use part of the funds at the La Parrilla mine in Spain to improve the laboratories, finished goods warehouse and spare parts warehouse. Enlarged share capital now 133.1 million.







Bradda Head Lithium Ltd - Isle of Man-based exploration and mining services provider - Signs binding letter of intent for royalty agreement with Lithium Royalty Corp for 2% gross overriding royalty for sedimentary lithium claims in central Arizona. Value of agreement worth USD8 million. Notes USD2.5 million will be paid on closing of deal, USD2.5 million will be paid after Bradda obtains 1 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent; and finally, USD3 million to be paid after Bradda obtains 2.5 million tonnes lithium. Chief Executive Charles FitzRoy says: "We are delighted that Lithium Royalty Corporation has chosen to partner with us. This agreement further endorses the confidence in and inherent value that we believe our assets have; as well as in the future potential of the Company and our strategy given LRC's investment in Bradda."







Chaarat Gold Holdings Ltd - gold miner in Armenia and mine developer in Kyrgyz Republic - Chief Financial Office Chris Eger to leave firm on November 30. Company says CFO will "pursue other opportunities". "Chris leaves with the board's appreciation and thanks for the role he has played in the development of Chaarat over the last three years," company adds. Starts search for replacement, and says current management team will assume Eger's responsibilities.







By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 15, 2021

Contact: Emily Cook

207-441-0405



Maine State Archives Shares Railroad Accident Report of the Death of Civil Rights Leader James Weldon Johnson



AUGUSTA  The original report of the 1938 railroad accident that killed famed Civil Rights leader James Weldon Johnson in Wiscasset, which is held by the Maine State Archives, is now available for viewing on DigitalMaine.com.

James Weldon Johnson was a famous author and Civil Rights activist during the early twentieth century. He is most famous for writing the lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing, commonly referred to as the Black National Anthem. Johnson accomplished much in his life  he was the first African American to serve as Executive Secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); he was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt to serve as U.S. Consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua; he was the first African American professor at New York University and later taught creative writing at Fisk University; and he was well known and respected within the Harlem Renaissance for his poems and literature.

On June 28, 1938, while vacationing in Maine, the car Mr. Johnson was traveling in with his wife, Grace Johnson, was struck by an oncoming Maine Central Railroad train at the railroad crossing on what is now Route 1, in Wiscasset. Mr. Johnson was killed instantly, and his wife sustained serious injury, necessitating recovery in a Damariscotta hospital for months.

At the time, railroad accidents such as this one required investigation by the Maine Public Utilities Commission. That investigation file, and others like it, are now held by the Maine State Archives. The complete file can be seen at https://digitalmaine.com/hist_docs/15/.

The Maine State Archives, a bureau within the Department of the Secretary of State, maintains approximately 100 million pages of official State records considered to be permanently historical and valuable.




Jefferson, GA (30549)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 63F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Widespread frost likely. Low near 30F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Manchester Center, VT (05254)

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Rain showers this morning with mostly cloudy conditions during the afternoon hours. Morning high of 44F with temps falling to near freezing. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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A few clouds. Low 23F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The following editorial was published in the Nov. 2 edition of the Detroit News:

(AP) Throughout the pandemic Michigan employers have felt the sting of government interference. Those who didnt follow Gov. Gretchen Whitmers constantly changing rules faced serious fines and even closure. Now some are pushing back on citations, and exposing even more secrecy within this administration.

The Detroit News this week uncovered some alarming details in one investigation related to the city of Port Huron, including how a state workforce safety inspector burned (literally) documents and destroyed notes and emails related to the case. That alone calls for a close look at this agencys practices and leadership.

Did anyone instruct Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Inspector Matthew Hartman to take such curious action? And did he violate state policy or the law in destroying the evidence?

These are important questions that deserve answers. Setting records on fire while cases could still be appealed seems unusual, and the destruction leads the public to assume that they contained information that the agency didnt want the public, or Port Huron, to know.

Late last month, MIOSHA, facing the threat of having Director Bart Pickelman deposed, filed to dismiss the citation against the city. Again, what information were they trying to keep secret?

In their role, MIOSHA inspectors are law enforcement officers. Notes and emails that contain information on how they built their case should be retained as long as a case is pending. We do not want a state that incinerates potentially exculpatory information while a case is still being adjudicated.

In the Port Huron case, MIOSHA was charged with enforcing Whitmers COVID orders and fining businesses and employers if they didnt fully comply.

The agency, which falls under the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, has levied more than 500 COVID fines and publicly reported the names of the businesses penalized through press releases.

The city of Port Huron decided to fight back and appeal the $6,300 fine it received in the summer of 2020 for reported violations of workplace safety rules.

City Manager James Freed referred to the case as a sloppy attempt to disparage employees and an example of MIOSHAs harsh pandemic enforcement.

Freed noted the citys legal fees totaled at least $15,000  an amount many small business owners wouldnt be able to swing.

The Legislature should take a close look into how MIOSHA conducted its investigations, and why emails and notes that relate to the case were incinerated.

House Oversight Committee chairman Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, has held hearings on the failings of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, also under the labor department, during COVID, and this has led to the recent resignation of the acting director, Liza Estlund Olson. He should now turn to MIOSHA.

MIOSHA will continue to play a large role in overseeing business compliance, and it will be the state agency to implement President Joe Bidens impending vaccine and testing mandate on businesses with more than 100 employees.

Michigans businesses should have confidence they will be treated fairly, and at the very least, with transparency.
FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Proud Boys leader Henry "Enrique" Tarrio wears a hat that says The War Boys during a rally in Portland, Ore. Complaining about jail conditions, the top leader of the Proud Boys far-right extremist group asked a judge on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, to free him before he finishes serving a five-month sentence for burning a Black Lives Matter banner taken from a historic Black church in Washington
Lewis Hamilton ended up winning the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, but the event didn't pass without its controversy.

Hamilton and Max Verstappen were engaged in a battle that has been seen countless times previously, and the Brit tried to overtake the Dutchman on Lap 48 of 71. But Verstappen resisted and the two went off the track at Turn 4.

The decision was taken to not penalise either, and Hamilton eventually got in front of Verstappen on Lap 59. However, the question is, should the Red Bull driver have been punished for running his rival off track?
After a weekend of penalties, Lewis Hamilton has been given one final slap on the wrists after his win at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Brit and Mercedes caught the eye for their incredible speed on the day, with Hamilton coming from 10th on the grid to take the chequered flag.

But Hamilton's post-race behaviour might has landed him in trouble, as unbuckled his seatbelt in the cool-down lap after having wrapped up the win at Interlagos.

After being found guilty of breaching Appendix L, Chapter III, Article 4 of the FIA's sporting code, Hamilton has been given a fine of 5,000 euros, with a suspended amount of 20,000 euros also handed out.

"The driver of car 44, Lewis Hamilton, undid his seat belts on the in-lap at the end of the race," a statement from the FIA read.

"While the stewards are sympathetic to the desire to celebrate, it is fundamentally unsafe to undo the seatbelts while the car is in motion."

Hamilton is 14 points behind Max Verstappen in the race for the F1 Drivers' Title after his win at Interlagos.
Right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin has signed a one-year contract to remain with the Colorado Rockies through 2022, the team announced Saturday.

The contract guarantess the Venezuela-born player a $1.25 million deal and allows him to earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses.

Chacin, who turns 34 on January 7, broke in with the Rockies in 2009 and was a starter through 2014, then pitched for six other clubs before returning on a one-year contract on the eve of Opening Day 2021.

He became like the godfather to a lot of players. Colorado Rockies?general manager Bill Schmidt

Used as a versatile bullpen piece, Chacin went 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA in 46 appearances, at first in long relief, including one spot start, then becoming a dependable seventh- and eighth-inning reliever for manager Bud Black.

"He did a great job," general manager Bill Schmidt said during this week's General Managers Meetings in Carlsbad, California, when asked if the Rockies were interested in re-signing Chacin.

"He became like the godfather to a lot of players," Schmidt said.

Free agent following the World Series

Chacin was 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA in a career-high 45 relief appearances and one start for Colorado, which signed him on April 1 of this year after he was released from a minor league contract by the New York Yankees near the end of spring training. He became a free agent after the World Series.

Chacin is 81-89 with a 4.06 ERA in 227 starts and 76 relief appearances in 13 seasons with Colorado (2009-14, 2021), Arizona (2015), Atlanta (2016), the Los Angeles Angels (2016), San Diego (2017), Milwaukee (2018-19), Boston (2019) and Atlanta (2020).

Chacin would earn $125,000 for making five starts and for each additional five through 20 and $125,000 for 30 pitching appearances and each additional 10 through 60. His total bonuses are capped at $500,000.

He had an $800,000 base salary with the Rockies last season and earned $100,000 in bonuses: $50,000 each for 30 and 40 games.
Julia A. Johnston, 68, of Wilburton, OK passed away at her home in Wilburton on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Services will be on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, OK with the burial to follow in the Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, Oklahoma. O
Meadville, PA (16335)

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Cloudy skies. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

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Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 25F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Page Content

November 19, 2021 marks the 80th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney (II) and HSK Kormoran

The lives of all 645 men on HMAS Sydney (II) were lost

The Deep Light: Illuminating the Wrecks of Sydney and Kormoran free exhibition will be shown at the Museum of Geraldton and WA Museum Boola Bardip to mark the anniversary

For more than 66 years the wrecks of two ships sat silently on the ocean floor, their location a mystery.

HMAS Sydney (II) and the German raider HSK Kormoran both sank after a short, fierce battle on November 19, 1941. 81 men from Kormoran died. All 645 men on Sydney were lost. It is still Australia's worst naval disaster.

The Western Australian Museum is marking the 80th anniversary of the 1941 disaster with the display of Deep Light: Illuminating the Wrecks of Sydney and Kormoran at the Museum of Geraldton and WA Museum Boola Bardip.

The poignant exhibition features remarkable underwater images of the wrecks and excerpts of interviews with families of those who were lost.

Both wrecks were eventually located in 2008, 200km west of Shark Bay at a depth of 2,500m.

The discovery and inspection of the wrecks helped shed light on one of Australia's most enduring maritime mysteries.

In 2015 the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University, with vital assistance from DOF Subsea, the Commonwealth Government, GMA Garnet and other supporters, returned to the wrecks and captured stunning underwater images that revealed much about the fate of the ships.

Deep Light is on display at the Museum of Geraldton from November 19, 2021 until February 13, 2022. An exhibit and moving 3D film of the wrecks named From Great Depths is also permanently on display at the Museum.

The WA Museum Boola Bardip is displaying the same exhibition until February 2, 2022 but includes 3D short film Fire on the Water, which uses the images to portray the encounter and final events of the World War II battle off Shark Bay.

Entry to both exhibitions is free.

Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts and Heritage Minister David Templeman:

"The display of Deep Light is an important part of the program of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney (II).

"The wreck sites of Sydney and Kormoran have a special association with the Australian and German communities - especially the family and friends of the men who were lost.

"The technology used to capture the images shown in Deep Light revealed new information about that fateful day in 1941 which helped understand how both ships met their fate.

"This exhibition also commemorates those brave men on both ships who lost their lives as a result of this encounter."

Comments attributed to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:

"This poignant and important exhibition will be coming to Geraldton from November 19 until February 13 and I urge everyone with an interest in maritime history to go and see it.

"I am particularly pleased to hear that the exhibition will be free so it will be accessible to everyone."

Minister's office - 6552 5400
Akshay Kumars Sooryavanshi is making the cash registers ringing right now. The cop drama helmed by filmmaker Rohit Shetty is an addition to his growing Singham universe. One of the biggest points of criticism that is doing the rounds around the movie is the representation of Muslims in the movie. After much ado about it, Rohit gracefully accepted the question and decided to answer it. He explained that there was no specific thought of choosing a particular narrative.



In a recent interview with The Quint, Rohit Shetty was asked again about the bad Muslim-good Muslim narrative in Sooryavanshi, to which he responded sternly. If I ask you one question - Jaykant Shikre (the antagonist in Singham, essayed by Prakash Raj) was a Hindu, and then came in this universe, a Hindu Godman who was the villain. In Simmba, Durva Yashwant Ranade (played by Sonu Sood) was a Maharashtrian. In these three films, negative forces were Hindu. Why wasnt that a problem?

The movie follows a plot line around cops chasing terrorists who are planning an attack on Mumbai with RDX. The antagonists shown in the movie are shown to have crossed borders from Pakistan. If there is a terrorist who is from Pakistan, what caste will he be? We are not talking about caste, he added. He further explained that while a lot of people might view it to be a problematic narrative, he never thought of it that way.

 Instagram

There is a thought with which a film is made. We never thought that way. Why is it being discussed? If we have a sleeper cell then what caste will a sleeper cell be? Why is a bad and good person being linked to caste, when we as makers never thought about it? If it was wrong, everyone would have talked about it...few people are talking, it is their point of view which they need to change, not us, he said.


Meridian, MS (39302)

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Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 61F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph..

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A clear sky. Scattered frost possible. Low 33F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
November 15, 2021

From November 8 to 12, IAEA held the conference for strengthening nuclear safety at Vienna on a decade of progress after the nuclear accident at Fukushima-Daiichi.

Minister Hagiuda delivered a greeting via a video message in the special session by the DG on safety related aspects of ALPS treated water after the accident.

The conference organized by IAEA was held with the aim of looking back on the lessons learned, experiences shared, results and achievements from actions undertaken by national, regional, and international communities following the accident and identifying ways of further strengthening nuclear safety. It was attended by ministries and delegates including regulatory authorities from many countries, electric power companies and nuclear experts.

Following opening remarks by Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossii and Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna, HIKIHARA Takeshi and experts from many countries conducted panel discussions on a variety of topics.

On November 10th, during the special session by the DG on safety related aspects of ALPS treated water after the Accident, Minister Hagiuda stated that it was the responsibility of Japan to share its experience and lessons learned from the accident with nuclear safety experts around the world, and to make best use of that experience and those lessons learned to strengthen nuclear safety, and that Japan would ensure safety in their operations and take appropriate measures in a highly transparent manner.

In addition, Minister Hagiuda stated that the Government of Japan will sincerely engage in strict reviews conducted by the IAEA in accordance with international safety standards, and will widely communicate the outcomes of those reviews.

Related Document

Related website

Division in Charge

Nuclear Accident Response Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently resumed in-person award presentations for staff at the Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting, held Nov. 10 at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing. The department recognized conservation officers Tyler Sabuda and Andrea Erratt and retired Cpl. Ivan Perez. Sabuda received a distinguished service award, and Erratt and Perez were presented as the 2019 and 2020 Shikar Safari Officer of the Year recipients - the DNR Law Enforcement Division's highest honor, awarded annually. The Shikar Safari award presentations were previously delayed due to the pandemic. Conservation Officer Tyler Sabuda, Distinguished Service Award Contact: Lt. Brandon Kieft, 989-275-5151, ext. 272-7100 Conservation Officer Tyler Sabuda, Iosco County, was honored with a distinguished service award after risking his own life to save the driver of a vehicle submerged in the Au Sable River. July 13 was a rainy and overcast day. At 4:06 p.m., Sabuda received a call regarding a fully submerged vehicle in the river, near Cooke Dam in Oscoda. The driver, Joseph Sand, 82, from Davison, was trapped inside the vehicle. The water temperature was 72 degrees, and the air temperature was 69 degrees. At the location just below Cooke Dam, the river is approximately 230 feet wide with a fast-moving current. Sand and Rodney Weinzierl, 70, of Millington, were visiting Sand's nearby property. The two stopped at the lower Cooke Dam boat launch, where Weinzierl exited the vehicle to smoke a cigar. Weinzierl said Sand was turning the vehicle around and somehow drove into the river. Sabuda arrived at the scene at 4:19 p.m. When Sabuda reached the edge of the water, he could see a red vehicle completely submerged in 6 feet of water, approximately 125 feet downstream of the launch and approximately 50 feet from the river's edge. Sabuda was advised by a bystander that Sand was in the vehicle and nobody on shore had yet attempted to enter the fast-moving water. Sabuda removed his uniform in preparation to attempt a water rescue, at which point Greg Alexander, an officer with Oscoda Township Police Department, arrived on scene and prepared to enter the water as well. Sabuda entered the water with his DNR-issued inflatable life vest and a window punch. As Sabuda approached the vehicle, he could see Sand in the driver's seat with his seatbelt on and the window down. Fighting the strong current, Sabuda forced the door partially open, but the current kept closing the door on Sabuda's body while he attempted to remove Sand from the vehicle. Alexander arrived and was able to hold the door open so Sabuda could dive under the water, unfastem the seatbelt and remove Sand from the car. Sabuda and Alexander put the life vest on Sand and began swimming against the current toward shore. An individual on a kayak assisted Sabuda, Alexander and Sand in getting back to shore. As Sabuda approached shore, he asked a firefighter to retrieve his automated external defibrillator out of his patrol truck. When Sabuda arrived on shore, Danny Gallahar, an officer with Oscoda Township Police Department, handed Sabuda his AED. Gallahar began CPR on Sand while Sabuda prepped Sand for treatment with the AED. The AED advised no shock so Sabuda ran to his patrol truck, got his Ambu Bag and returned to provide rescue breaths while Gallahar did chest compressions. The AED, again, advised no shock. At 4:33 p.m., paramedics transported Sand to Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Tawas City, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 5:06 p.m. "Sabuda selflessly put his life in harm's way, in an attempt to save another, without hesitation," said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Sabuda received numerous cuts and bruises due to the harsh environment of the riverbed and fast current. While the outcome of events was unfortunate, it doesn't change the exemplary courage displayed by Sabuda." Conservation Officer Andrea Erratt - 2019 Shikar Safari Officer of the Year Contact: Lt. James Gorno, 989-732-3541 Andrea Erratt began her career as a conservation officer in November 1997. During her first month she made 25 arrests for violations, including loaded guns in motor vehicles, illegal deer, untagged deer and traps and two drunken drivers. Erratt patrolled nearly 10 years each in Cheboygan and Charlevoix counties and is currently assigned to Antrim County. During her career, she has helped resolve a wide variety of violations on behalf of the DNR and Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, including fish, game, snowmobile, marine, ORV, illegal burning, timber theft, litter and illegal disposal of solid waste. Some of her accomplishments include: Collecting over $22,000 in reimbursements due to game arrests, including illegal bull and cow elk, deer, trumpeter swan, bobcat, mink, otter and nonresident license fee cases.

Receiving a grant from International Wildlife Crimestoppers, Inc., for a new mechanical deer decoy and additional funding from the Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club.

Preparing 14 briefs for prosecution cases, ranging from unregistered snowmobiles and illegal burning to illegal deer and fish snagging.

Receiving a 2020 Citation of Professional Excellence for assisting with a hunter casualty investigation that resulted in a manslaughter conviction.

Locating more than 90 individuals with illegal blinds and tree stands, which she found by patrolling state land on foot. "Erratt is an exemplary conservation officer and conducts herself with the highest level of professionalism, which makes her a role model in the community and to other officers," said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. "Her enthusiasm and dedication to the resources and her team make her an outstanding game warden." Retired Cpl. Ivan Perez - 2020 Shikar Safari Officer of the Year Contact: Lt. Tom Wanless, WanlessT@Michigan.gov A Texas native, retired Cpl. Ivan Perez grew up hunting and fishing and was interested in pursuing a career as a conservation officer. While enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, Perez was stationed at U.S. Coast Guard Station Saginaw River, where he met conservation officers who docked their boats at the same pier. In 1995, Perez fulfilled his childhood dream and became a conservation officer, assigned to Ottawa County. During his 26-year career, Perez was involved in numerous lengthy investigations and prosecutions, including boating fatalities, working undercover to stop the spread of invasive species into the state, and several significant trophy deer and turkey investigations. Based on his extensive knowledge and experience in boating and marine safety, in 2019 Perez was promoted to a marine specialist corporal in the Law Enforcement Division's Recreational Safety Education and Enforcement section - the first person to be placed in the new position. Within a year, Perez investigated 10 permanent local watercraft controls, which are special rules for boating, and 10 temporary local watercraft controls, requiring extensive communication and data collection. He also took it upon himself to research local boating events and contact the event coordinators to ensure the presence and participation of conservation officers. During the coronavirus pandemic, Perez assisted with establishing online boating safety classes for numerous state and federal entities so more people could safely enjoy the outdoors. "Perez's success can be attributed to his ability to create positive and long-lasting relationships within his community and local municipalities, including local, state and federal officials," said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who protect natural resources, ensure recreational safety and protect residents by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Due to the nature of their job, these officers often work with federal, state and local law enforcement officers to ensure public safety. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
State, county and township officials are working cooperatively in Ontonagon County's Greenland Township to answer questions about an unlicensed water source some locals have been using for drinking and other household needs for many years. In the Lake Mine area, northeast of Mass City, the water is being drawn from a hose, after running through an old watermain that travels nearly a mile along the Bill Nichols Rail-Trail. The trail is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Water samples have been collected from the site and tested. The preliminary test results met safe drinking water standards, but the water is not routinely sampled, nor regulated as a public water source in line with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. Additional heavy metals water sample test results are pending. The exact origin of the water is undetermined. Without the ability to locate and inspect the source, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy cannot deem the water safe to drink. Area residents are getting water from the old steam locomotive filling station, which has degraded over time to a flooded pit. The plumbing at the water access site does not meet minimum code requirements to provide safe and sanitary water to the public. The DNR posted signs alerting the public that the water is not drinkable (non-potable). The Michigan Plumbing Code requires that all non-potable water outlets, such as hose connections, open-ended pipes and faucets, be identified with signs that read: "Caution: Non-potable water - Do not drink." Recently, the signs have been removed by vandals and discarded. "We are working to conduct more extensive testing and resolve questions about this water source," said Ron Yesney, DNR Upper Peninsula trails coordinator. "In the meantime, we are urging people to leave the signs up until we come up with a long-term plan for the water well and piping." DNR conservation officers have been made aware of the sign vandalism and are monitoring the situation. The DNR is exploring options and costs involved in trying to find the water's source. Residents living in houses in the immediate vicinity have been contacted and are being provided bottled water for drinking. In September 2020, the DNR learned that a watermain was discovered buried in the Bill Nichols Rail-Trail. "At the time, it was believed to be a dormant main that surfaced as a result of grading and compacting equipment working on the trail," Yesney said. "Upon further investigation by trails staffers, the main was discovered to be coming from a historic working water source, which was built by the Copper Range Railroad in the early 1900s." The rail line was purchased by the DNR in 1974 to be developed into a public trail - now the Bill Nichols Rail-Trail. The watermain supplied an old steam locomotive filling station and the community of Lake Mine, which was first settled in 1840 and had a population of roughly 150 residents by the early 1900s. For more information, contact John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer, in Marquette at 906-226-1352 or PepinJ@michigan.gov.
Gov. Whitmer Declares November 15 to 21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week

Gov. Whitmer Declares November 15 to 21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 15, 2021

Contact: Elyse Walter, waltere@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Declares November 15 to 21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared the week of November 15 to 21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week to highlight the vital role registered apprenticeships play in supporting both employers who need skilled talent and Michigan's workers who gain skills toward rewarding, high-demand and high-wage careers. As part of this week, the governor encouraged Michiganders to consider earning while learning through a paid registered apprenticeship program.

"Registered apprenticeships offer a pathway to a good-paying career for thousands of Michiganders and help employers have access to the highly skilled talent they need to succeed," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Michigan is proud to be a national leader in using the Registered Apprenticeship Program model for skill development, and we are excited about the benefits it offers students, career seekers, workers, and businesses throughout the state as we continue to work to close the skills gap."

Michigan is among the nation's leaders in registered apprenticeships, with nearly 20,000 active apprentices in more than 1,000 registered apprenticeship programs in 2020.

"Registered apprenticeships provide tremendous opportunity and a pathway for hardworking Michiganders to succeed in high-demand, high-wage careers," said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director Susan Corbin. "We continue to focus on the growth of registered apprenticeships in Michigan by encouraging citizens to explore opportunities to gain in-demand skills without extensive tuition debt, and by helping employers grow the needed skill talent, creating more and better jobs."

Registered apprenticeship programs enable employers to immediately begin a transfer of knowledge from current to future high-value workers. They are industry-driven, high-quality career training programs in which employers develop and prepare their future workforce. Apprentices get a paycheck from day one; obtain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion; and most importantly, the right skills in a new and promising career.

"As we celebrate Apprenticeship week, we would like to thank Gov. Whitmer for recognizing the value of apprenticeship-based careers in our state," said Price Dobernick, President of Michigan Pipe Trades Association. "Gov. Whitmer has worked tirelessly to support apprenticeship-based careers through restoring prevailing wage, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and investing in infrastructure projects across the state. All these initiatives help our industries thrive and provide opportunities for Michiganders from all trades to launch their careers."

According to the most recent statistics available through the U.S. Department of Labor's (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Management Data System, Michigan ranks fifth nationally in active apprentices (19,397), seventh in active programs (1,085) and seventh in new apprentices (5,384).

"When celebrating this year's Apprenticeship week, we should remind those that view building trades work as a second-rate career of the endless opportunities right here in Michigan. Michigan Building Trades Unions debt-free earn-as- you- learn registered apprenticeship programs provide a pathway to secure employment while providing high earnings and benefits," said Steve Claywell, President of the Michigan Building Trades Council. "These apprenticeship programs offer industry driven state-of-the-art curriculum with training facilities second to none. We would like to thank Governor Whitmer for her continued support of apprenticeship programs and infrastructure investment in Michigan. The opportunity for registered apprenticeship programs to thrive in Michigan have never been greater and our time is now."

Michigan obtained federal funds this past year to support its registered apprenticeship expansion efforts, including a $10 million USDOL grant in July. These funds support activities to help those most severely impacted by COVID-19, expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities for women, people of color, individuals with disabilities and those without a high school diploma or equivalent.

Employers and labor organizations offer registered apprenticeship opportunities and training in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology and mobility, ensuring Michigan's economy continues to grow and thrive.

"Apprenticeship Week helps industries across the state showcase skilled trades apprenticeships, as well as share how these programs provide career pathways for underserved communities including women, communities of color, veterans and people with disabilities," said Jonas Talbott, president of the IBEW State Conference. "IBEW registered apprenticeship programs produce highly skilled, highly paid workers through debt-free, technologically-advanced education. They offer opportunities for individuals to earn as they learn while earning competitive wages and valuable benefits."

Registered apprenticeship program completion also results in a national, industry-recognized credential upon completion, supporting Governor Whitmer's Sixty by 30 initiative to increase the number of working-age adults in the state with a skill certificate or college degree to 60 percent by the year 2030.

Employers and career seekers interested in starting registered apprenticeships should visit www.Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship. Additionally, an informational webinar on registered apprenticeships will be held for employers and interested individuals on Wednesday, November 17 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For those who would like to learn more about the benefits of registered apprenticeship, as well as hear directly from employers and their apprentices, please register for this free, online event at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g2U8YliZScy0rMg6fQu22w.

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Gov. Whitmer Delivers Free or Low-Cost Childcare to 105,000 More Kids and Working Families

Gov. Whitmer Delivers Free or Low-Cost Childcare to 105,000 More Kids and Working Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 15, 2021

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Delivers Free or Low-Cost Childcare to 105,000 More Kids and Working Families

Childcare investment in budget expands eligibility criteria, makes working families of four earning up $49,000 eligible for free or low-cost childcare

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrates the expansion of free or low-cost childcare to 105,000 more kids accomplished by expanded income eligibility criteria to include more working families. Families of four earning up $49,000 will be eligible for free or low-cost childcare under new criteria, boosting Michigan's economic momentum by helping parents go back to work knowing that their kids are cared for.

"We need to continue working hard to drive down costs for families and expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare so parents can go to work knowing that their kids are safe and learning," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "I was proud to put childcare first in the bipartisan budget I signed in September. Together, we lowered costs for working families by expanding low or no-cost care to 105,000 kids and providing grants to improve childcare programs and empower childcare professionals. Countless working parents rely on childcare, and we must continue expanding high-quality care to help every working family thrive. With this investment, we can ensure kids and working families succeed as we continue ushering in a new era of prosperity for our communities."

In addition to expanding eligibility, beginning immediately, family contributions (the amount parents receiving state childcare support are required to pay toward the cost of care) are waived until September 30, 2022. This lifts some of the financial burden on the nearly 40,000 families currently receiving state childcare support.

"Workforce shortages have become the top concern among most small business owners. Providing support to Michigan families for quality childcare will make it possible for more parents to reenter and stay in the workforce," said Brian Calley, President of the Small Business Association of Michigan. "This bipartisan initiative to remove barriers to employment will to be a game changer for many Michigan families."

"Affordable childcare is essential to building a thriving workforce throughout the state," said Ben Damerow, Director of Michigan Works! Southwest. "We know parents want to work and that access to quality, reliable childcare is a huge barrier to employment. Prioritizing childcare is good for kids, families, employers, and our economy."

"Today there are still over 200,000 women who haven't returned to the workforce. Access to affordable childcare that meets their needs is a huge reason why. Increasing access to state childcare support helps women continue their economic recovery and strengthens Michigan families," said Muna Jondy, Chair of the Michigan Women's Commission.

Details

Eligible families must apply to receive childcare support through the Child Development & Care Program, commonly called the childcare subsidy. Families must be income eligible, have a child under age 12, and have an eligible need, such as working or going to school, to qualify.

Visit NewMiBridges.Michigan.gov to apply today.

Need help finding childcare? Visit GreatStarttoQuality.org to find care that meets your needs.

Budget

In September, the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2022 budget bill that includes game-changing investments in childcare and delivers on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small business. The budget puts 167,000 Michiganders on a tuition-free path to higher-education or skills training, repairs or replaces 100 bridges while creating 2,500 jobs, and makes a $500 million deposit into our rainy day fund, the largest one-time ever, bringing its balance to nearly $1.4 billion, the highest ever.

Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer and legislature worked together to put Michigan students first and passed the largest significant education investment in state history, closing the funding gap between schools in Michigan and including a historic amount of resources for schools to hire more nurses, counselors, and social workers. Early investments in mental and social health help reduce crime in the long run.

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Monday marked one of the most eagerly anticipated mornings of the entire year: Opening day of the firearm deer hunting season.

This year, more than 550,000 deer hunters are heading into the woods and fields of Michigan to try their luck at bringing home tasty venison to feed their families, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division.

Though the number is high, it's down from last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic pushed people out of offices, movie theaters and restaurants and into the outdoors.

In 2020, nearly 675,000 people took to their deer blinds in Michigan, which was an increase of 5.5% for a pastime that has endured a quarter-century of declining participation, according to reporting by Bridge Michigan, meaning participation has decreased roughly 18% compared to last year.

Additionally, hunters have until Nov. 30 to use regular firearms, with bow hunting beginning again on Dec. 1 until Jan. 1.

"We want to remind hunters to be safe in the field and back at deer camp," the DNR Wildlife Division stated in a press release. "If you are staying at a camp with folks outside your household and arent vaccinated, remember to wear a mask if you are indoors or cant be 6 feet apart, and sleep in separate rooms, tents or trailers, if possible. Sanitize hands and surfaces regularly, stay well and have fun."

Hunters are an integral part of Michigans heritage and economy, per a study released recently by Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The study estimates that hunting and fishing in Michigan generate $11.2 billion each year, with the state's hunters contributing $8.9 billion  about 80%  of those dollars.

Findings show 171,000 jobs are created and supported annually across Michigan by hunting and fishing, putting those related activities in the top 10% of the states job-creation industries. The greatest impact occurs in Southeast Michigan.

Graphic provided/MUCC

The study also shows that for every $1 million spent on hunting- and fishing-related purchases in Michigan, 19.61 jobs are created for residents. Michigan tops the Great Lakes states by this measurement, followed by:

Ohio, where every $1 million spent on hunting- and fishing-related purchases creates 19.58 jobs

Minnesota, where every $1 million spent creates 19.48 jobs

Pennsylvania, where every $1 million spent creates 19.35 jobs

New York, where every $1 million spent creates 18.89 jobs

Indiana, where every $1 million spent creates 15.13 jobs

Illinois, where every $1 million spent creates 15.03 jobs, and

Wisconsin, where every $1 million spent creates 15.01 jobs

Hunters can use the DNR's "Michigan Hunting Digest" to find license information, hunting zones and hours, rules and more. The digest is available online here and at michigan.gov/dnr.
STAMFORD  The parent company of Stamford-based Patriot Bank announced Monday a merger intended to create the largest digital bank in the U.S., but officials say they are keeping branches open and are not planning layoffs.

Through a reverse subsidiary merger, Patriot National Bancorp will acquire American Challenger Development Corp., which was formed in January 2020 to establish a new digital national bank headquartered in Stamford.

Patriot is the latest of several Connecticut banks to announce a merger deal this year. Bridgeport-based Peoples United Bank is being acquired by M&T Bank, and Waterbury-based Webster Bank is combining with Sterling National Bank.

The markets are moving to more of a digital banking environment. For Patriot, this is a transformational opportunity to leap to the forefront of the future of banking, Patriot Chairman Michael Carrazza, who will remain on the companys board as vice chairman following the merger, said in an interview. Patriot will stay intact, and that just creates even more opportunities for its employees and customers.

Following the announcement, Patriot shares closed Monday at about $15, a 50 percent jump from Friday. After the merger is completed, Patriot will continue to trade under the ticker PNBK.

The merger, whose implied total transaction value is approximately $119 million, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022. To support the transaction, Patriot announced agreements with investors to provide $540 million as part of an $890 million recapitalization program.

Patriot has 130 employees and operates branches in Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, Milford, Norwalk, Orange, Stamford, Westport, as well as Scarsdale, N.Y. It also operates express banking locations at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, in downtown New Haven and at Westfield Trumbull mall. In addition, it maintains Small Business Administration lending offices in Stamford, and across locations in Florida, Georgia, Ohio, along with a Rhode Island operations center.

This merger is about building, not consolidating, Carrazza said. We intend to be hiring more employees  particularly in the state of Connecticut  and not having any people leaving.

Raymond Quinlan, chief executive officer and board member of American Challenger, will serve as CEO of the post-merger company.

We are building a digital bank that will leverage the best in technology and operational excellence to serve our customers and communities, Quinlan said in a statement. This will be evident in the design and pricing of our banking products, in our delivery of superior personal service and in our clear commitment to corporate social responsibility. We believe in banking for good and through our actions we will demonstrate that we are a purpose-driven financial institution.

American Challenger will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Patriot, and the bank will operate as two divisions. The Patriot Bank division will continue to operate Patriot Banks existing business, alongside an American Challenger division.

Patriot will adopt American Challengers proprietary technology platform for its operations  allowing the bank to operate with a technology cost structure that is largely fixed, in contrast to the typical, more variable cost structure at most banks, company officials said in their announcement.

We have a world-class team, Carrazza said. Second, we have a significant amount of capital. Third, we have a team that can execute and a track record to back it up. And we have a compliant, well-operating platform from which to springboard. Those four ingredients will make it the largest digital bank in America. Theres no other competitor that has all those ingredients.

Customers can expect to see post-merger benefits, including competitive rates on its products and offerings such as video-based customer service, account opening and funding initiation in less than a minute, as well as mortgages that close in as few as 20 days, according to Patriot officials.

The branch network will remain in place, Carrazza said. Customers are free to continue to using the traditional branch banking network. This is augmenting it by allowing those capabilities to be digitally remote.

As of Sept. 30, Patriot operated with total assets of about $952 million, net loans of about $705 million and total deposits of around $735 million. For the first nine months of 2021, it recorded net interest income of nearly $19 million, up 16 percent from the same period in 2020.

Also Monday, American Challenger announced a plan to launch a strategic partnership with a subsidiary of Sunlight Financial Holding, a financing platform for U.S. residential solar and energy-efficient home improvement projects, related to a loan-purchase program for up to $1.75 billion. The initiative will focus on loans for solar energy systems, as well as battery storage.

American Challenger was founded to share digital cost efficiencies with the consumer through better rates and bring a new banking experience to the segment of the population who research has shown is looking for a partner to help them achieve even more, in a simpler, smarter way, American Challenger Chairman and President Felix Scherzer said in a statement. This segment consists of savvy consumers of banking products and services, spanning generations from millennials to Gen X; from those who have begun to build their personal wealth, to entrepreneurially minded people in the prime of their lives.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott
MIDDLETOWN  Site plans for a new, 193,000-square-foot science center to be built at Wesleyan University were recently approved by members of the citys Planning and Zoning Commission.

The facility, which will include renovated laboratories, is estimated to cost $255 million, university spokeswoman Olivia Drake has said.

Work will primarily affect 265 Church St., but will include the entire block of Church and High streets, Lawn Avenue and Pine Street.

The area is designated as an institutional development zone.

We worked closely with the city planner to come up with a site plan that adheres to the city of Middletowns plan of conservation and development, Wesleyans Manager of Media and Public Relations Steven Scarpa said Friday afternoon. With this approval, we are poised to move forward and complete the design of the new science building and renovations to Shanklin.

The measure was approved 5-1 at the commissions Oct. 27 meeting, with Commissioner Catherine Johnson the lone dissenter.

Scarpa said the project is on schedule, and the goal is to complete the construction documents for summer 2022.

Work includes renovations to the Shanklin Building, demolition of the Hall Atwater building, as well as four houses on Lawn Avenue, City Planner Marek Kozikowski said Friday.

Wesleyan representatives will be working with the city, because part of the proposal calls for narrowing a portion of Church Street by eight feet, Kozikowski said.

The proposal was to narrow Church Street four feet from each curb near Allbritton Hall, Scarpa said. However, we understand that the commission and the fire department was not in support of such a dramatic change to the street profile, so we will go back to the drawing board to come up with a plan that helps assure the safety of pedestrians, drivers and the surrounding neighborhood.

We will do whatever we can to work with the city and community at large to make them feel comfortable with the design, he said.

At the meeting, the city planner shared comments from the Middletown fire marshal, who recommended only reducing the width on one side.

There are concerns about access for emergency equipment, such as fire trucks and emergency vehicles, Kozikowski said. Its too narrow to safely navigate the fire trucks.

Commissioner James OConnell also expressed concern about the 20 percent reduction of the width of Church Street, as it could cause a hazard to fire and emergency services, he said, according to the minutes.

During the public hearing, Wesleyan University project manager Alan Rubacha introduced the project and the development team. Bob Shafner of Payette Architects described the overall project, including the sizing and massing of the building on the site, and presented building elevations, the meeting minutes say.

The location is, in part, due to the need to keep the Hall Atwater building until the new structure can be moved into, according to the minutes.

The science center will be made of stone, and will use a quarter less energy than the current building, presenters told PZC commissioners.

When Hall Atwater is removed, the space will be used for a new quadrangle.

The site plan shows pedestrian walkways, parking, drainage, lighting, utilities, landscaping and other outdoor amenities, the minutes say.

During the public session, Steve ONeil, principal and director of transportation engineering at the civil engineering consulting and design firm VHB in Middletown, described the traffic circulation of the project.

There is no projected increase in traffic generation, he said, and pedestrian mobility will be enhanced on Church Street. A 36-foot cross section on Church Street is proposed to be reduced to 28 feet to slow traffic, and reduce the time it takes to cross the street, he said.

Street trees will also be added to reduce travel speeds. A pedestrian barrier is proposed along the sidewalk to concentrate pedestrians into the crosswalk.

All 23 new parking spaces will be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden signed his hard-fought $1 trillion infrastructure deal into law Monday before a bipartisan, celebratory crowd on the White House lawn, declaring that the new infusion of cash for roads, bridges, ports and more is going to make life change for the better for the American people.

But prospects are tougher for further bipartisanship ahead of the 2022 midterm elections as Biden pivots back to more difficult negotiations over his broader $1.85 trillion social spending package.

The president hopes to use the infrastructure law to build back his popularity, which has taken a hit amid rising inflation and the inability to fully shake the public health and economic risks from COVID-19.

My message to the American people is this: America is moving again and your life is going to change for the better, he said.

With the bipartisan deal, the president had to choose between his promise of fostering national unity and a commitment to transformative change. The final measure whittled down much of his initial vision for infrastructure. Yet the administration hopes to sell the new law as a success that bridged partisan divides and will elevate the country with clean drinking water, high-speed internet and a shift away from fossil fuels.

Folks, too often in Washington, the reason we didn't get things done is because we insisted on getting everything we want. Everything, Biden said. With this law, we focused on getting things done. I ran for president because the only way to move our country forward in my view was through compromise and consensus.

Biden will get outside Washington to sell the plan more broadly in coming days.

He intends go to New Hampshire on Tuesday to visit a bridge on the states red list for repair, and he will go to Detroit on Wednesday for a stop at General Motors electric vehicle assembly plant, while other officials also fan out across the country. The president went to the Port of Baltimore last week to highlight how the supply chain investments from the law could limit inflation and strengthen supply chains, a key concern of voters who are dealing with higher prices.

We see this as is an opportunity because we know that the presidents agenda is quite popular, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday before the signing. The outreach to voters can move "beyond the legislative process to talk about how this is going to help them. And were hoping thats going to have an impact.

Biden held off on signing the hard-fought infrastructure deal after it passed on Nov. 5 until legislators would be back from a congressional recess and could join in a splashy bipartisan event. On Sunday night before the signing, the White House announced Mitch Landrieu, the former New Orleans mayor, would help manage and coordinate the implementation of the infrastructure spending.

The gathering Monday on the White House lawn was uniquely upbeat with a brass band and peppy speeches, a contrast to the drama and tensions when the fate of the package was in doubt for several months. The speakers lauded the measure for creating jobs, combating inflation and responding to the needs of voters.

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican who helped negotiate the package, celebrated Biden's willingness to jettison much of his initial proposal to help bring GOP lawmakers on board. Portman even credited former President Donald Trump for raising awareness about infrastructure, even though the loser of the 2020 election voiced intense opposition to the ultimate agreement.

This bipartisan support for this bill comes because it makes sense for our constituents, but the approach from the center out should be the norm, not the exception, Portman said.

The signing included governors and mayors of both parties and labor and business leaders. In addition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the guest list included Republicans such as Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, New York Rep. Tom Reed, Alaska Rep. Don Young and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

In order to achieve a bipartisan deal, the president had to cut back his initial ambition to spend $2.3 trillion on infrastructure by more than half. The bill that becomes law on Monday in reality includes about $550 billion in new spending over 10 years, since some of the expenditures in the package were already planned.

The agreement ultimately got support from 19 Senate Republicans, including Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell. Thirteen House Republicans also voted for the infrastructure bill. An angry Trump issued a statement attacking Old Crow McConnell and other Republicans for cooperating on a terrible Democrat Socialist Infrastructure Plan.

McConnell said the country desperately needs the new infrastructure money, but he skipped Mondays signing ceremony, telling WHAS radio in Louisville, Kentucky, that he had other things to do.

Historians, economists and engineers interviewed by The Associated Press welcomed Bidens efforts. But they stressed that $1 trillion was not nearly enough to overcome the governments failure for decades to maintain and upgrade the countrys infrastructure. The politics essentially forced a trade-off in terms of potential impact not just on the climate but on the ability to outpace the rest of the world this century and remain the dominant economic power.

Weve got to be sober here about what our infrastructure gap is in terms of a level of investment and go into this eyes wide open, that this is not going to solve our infrastructure problems across the nation, said David Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Biden also tried unsuccessfully to tie the infrastructure package to passage of a broader package of $1.85 trillion in proposed spending on families, health care and a shift to renewable energy that could help address climate change. That measure has yet to gain sufficient support from the narrow Democratic majorities in the Senate and House.

Biden continues to work to appease Democratic skeptics of the broader package such as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, while also holding on to the most liberal branches of his party. Pelosi said in remarks at the Monday bill signing that the separate package will pass hopefully this week.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz expressed concern during a Fox News interview Sunday that Republican support for the infrastructure law could ultimately lead Democrats to rally and back the second package

They gave Joe Biden a political win," Cruz said of his fellow Republicans. He will now go across the country touting, look at this big bipartisan win. And that additional momentum, unfortunately, makes it more likely that they whip their Democrats into shape and pass some multitrillion-dollar spending bill on top of this.

The haggling over infrastructure has shown that Biden can still bring together Democrats and Republicans, even as tensions continue to mount over the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump who falsely believe that Biden was not legitimately elected president. Yet the result is a product that might not meet the existential threat of climate change or the transformative legacy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose portrait hangs in Biden's Oval Office.

Yes, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a big deal, said Peter Norton, a history professor in the University of Virginia's engineering department. But the bill is not transformational, because most of it is more of the same.

Norton compared the limited action on climate change to the start of World War II, when Roosevelt and Congress reoriented the entire U.S. economy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Within two months, there was a ban on auto production. Dealerships had no new cars to sell for four years as factories focused on weapons and war materiel. To conserve fuel consumption, a national speed limit of 35 mph was introduced.

The emergency we face today warrants a comparable emergency response, Norton said.
SOUTHINGTON  Police say they are investigating a series of recent store thefts, including at least one that is believed to be connected with a group captured on viral videos shoplifting around the state.

Just before 8 p.m. Nov. 7, three individuals walked in to the BJs on Spring Street together and left with multiple televisions and sound bars without paying, police said.

Police said employees reported seeing the three men walking toward the door with a car loaded with televisions and other electronics. When an employee tried to stop the individuals, they walked faster and left the store, getting into a gold Honda Odyssey that was parked outside the front door, police said. Police said these same individuals might be tied to thefts at other BJs stores.

Police said the same group is believed to be behind thefts in at least a dozen Connecticut municipalities, including a brazen daylight larceny at a grocery store in Oxford on Nov. 9. A witness captured the group on video as they filled up an Odyssey minivan and an SUV with laundry detergent and paper towels, before driving off.

The BJs crimes are definitely linked, Southington police spokesperson Lt. Keith Egan said. Police are also looking into whether a theft at a Stop & Shop on Nov. 9 is also related to the same crew, he said, but its not clear from surveillance footage and the suspects were wearing masks.

State police have said two of the four suspects have tentatively been identified, and the minivan believed to have been used in the thefts was recovered in New Haven and is being processed for evidence. State police had said both vehicles used in the thefts were believed to have been stolen.

The group was also caught on camera weeks earlier in Wallingford, police said. Police said a caller reported two men and a woman stealing several TVs, loading them into the back of a waiting minivan and a tan Chevy Suburban  both of which matched the description of other incidents involving the same group.

Police said a store employee was assaulted during the Wallingford theft, but didnt have any notable injuries.

The store employee tried to regain control of one of the TVs being stolen, when the suspect struck his hand to break his grip, police said.

Wallingford police estimated the value of the three TVs taken to be around $3,300. Wallingford police said they are working with several other law enforcement agencies on the case.

The incident was also filmed by a person at the scene and the footage was later posted on social media. Police have distributed stills of the suspects in that video.

Other Southington incidents

Southington police said they are also investigating two other shoplifting incidents that occurred last week.

Around 12:40 p.m. Nov. 7, a woman with blonde hair, wearing a gray sweatshirt, black leggings and glasses, threatened to stick employees at ShopRite on Queen Street with a needle, police said.

A store employee saw the woman put items in her cart, pass all check-outs without paying and then walk out of the store, police said. The employee confronted the woman, which police said led to a tug-of-war over the shopping cart. During the struggle, police said, the woman pulled out a hypodermic needle and threatened to stab the employee if he didnt let go. The employee was able to get the cart and the woman ran away, police said.

Shortly before noon on Nov. 9, two men and a woman went into the Stop & Shop on North Main Street and tried to take paper towels and baby diapers from the store without paying, police said.

As the group was leaving with the cart full of items, police said, a store manager asked if they paid. Police said one of the men pushed the manager, who fell and hit their head on the ground. Police said the manager was injured, but declined medical attention. The group took off in a blue van with no plates. Officers spotted the van soon after on Meriden Avenue and tried to get it to pull over, but the driver instead sped up and the officer did not give chase, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 860-621-0101.
TOKYO (AP)  U.S. and Japanese officials agreed Monday to launch talks aimed at settling a dispute over American tariffs on imports of Japanese steel and aluminum.

The agreement came in a meeting between visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Japans minister of economy, trade and industry, Koichi Hagiuda, Japanese officials said.

Japan hopes to convince Washington to lift tariffs imposed during President Donald Trumps administration.

The U.S. recently resolved a similar dispute with the European Union in a deal officials said addresses excess capacity that can distort the steel market. It patched up a trans-Atlantic rift and is meant to create a framework for reducing the carbon-intensity of steel and aluminum production that contributes to the warming of the earth.

Trump ordered the extra tariffs, 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum, in March 2018, asserting they would protect U.S. jobs and national security.

Hagiuda made it clear in the meeting that Japan wants the tariff issue completely resolved, in line with the World Trade Organization, trade and industry ministry officials said after the talks. Japan considers U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imported from Japan as problematic, they said.

Raimondo responded to a request by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi during a meeting Monday to scrap the extra tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum exports to the United States by saying she planned to tackle the issue as a priority, the Foreign Ministry said.

Late last week, the Commerce Department issued a statement announcing the start of consultations with Japan by Raimondo and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to address global steel and aluminum excess capacity, take effective measures to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and find solutions to strengthen our democratic alliance."

Excess steel and aluminum capacity has worsened over the decades as China ramped up its output to levels that dwarf production by other nations. China produced 1.06 billion tons of crude steel in 2020, according to the World Steel Association. The next largest producer, India, put out 100 million tons, while Japan produced 83.7 million tons and the U.S. nearly 73 million tons.

China also accounts for more than half of all world aluminum output.

The two sides also issued a statement saying they will set up the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership. The Commerce Department and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said they are committed to working through JUCIP to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency, and security of both economies.

It is so important for both of our countries and coordination in these key areas is essential for our global economic recovery, and our ability to seize our opportunities in a post-pandemic world, Raimondo said in opening remarks to the meeting.

She said the Department of Commerces commitment to Japan is unwavering, as is our desire to strengthen our economic partnerships with like-minded countries.

Raimondo is expected to visit Malaysia and Singapore after Tokyo. Tai is visiting Japan for several days beginning Tuesday.

Japanese officials said Raimondo stressed the importance of strong Japan-U.S. ties and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. The two officials also agreed to cooperate in coping with other challenges such as climate change.

For Japan and the United States that lead the global economy and share values such as free and fair economic order, it is essential that we strengthen economic and technological cooperation including supply chain resilience, Hagiuda said.

___

AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has deployed 500 National Guard troops to the Kenosha area as the homicide trial of Kyle Rittenhouse comes to an end.

Closing arguments are expected to begin Monday, after which the jury will deliberate.

The Guardsmen will remain on standby unless law enforcement requests their backup on the streets. The mission is made up of soldiers from multiple units from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, according to a Guard spokesperson who would not go into detail on where the troops are staged, citing security concerns.

For civil unrest missions, Guardsmen often deploy with batons and riot shields and, in some cases, M4 rifles and less-than-lethal munitions such as rubber bullet weapons. Last year, 1,200 Wisconsin troops responded to protests in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Racine and Kenosha.

"I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully," Evers said in a statement.

Guardsmen have been deployed frequently by governors in the last few years, especially during civil unrest. In 2020, units responded to dozens of protests -- including one in Kentucky during which Guardsmen shot and killed a protester. The protests were mostly reactions to the police killings of George Floyd and other unarmed Black Americans. During that summer, protests culminated in a violent showdown between Guardsmen and law enforcement against protesters in front of the White House.

Read Next: The Top Killer of Soldiers, Army Vehicle Deaths Are Tied to Poor Training, Though Numbers Down

The Wisconsin Guard is being deployed under state active-duty orders, meaning the soldiers remain under the command of the governor and the mission is fully funded by the state. Because of that, troops don't earn federal benefits such as the GI Bill, and they cannot claim disability through the Department of Veterans Affairs if injured.

Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with six criminal counts in the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and injuring Gaige Grosskreutz, 27, in Kenosha. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges. Rittenhouse was 17 on Aug. 25, 2020, when he carried an assault rifle on the streets of Kenosha during chaotic protests after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot in the back by a white police officer who has not faced charges.

Rittenhouse faces a possible life sentence.

"We stand ready to support our communities during times of need," Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general, said in a statement. "In close coordination with the governor, we have assembled approximately 500 Soldiers to help keep the Kenosha community safe, should a request from our local partners come in."

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Army General Who Allowed Helicopter to Fly Low Over DC Protesters Failed to Give Clear Orders, IG Finds
With some 100,000 Russian troops now massed on Ukraine's eastern border, the Biden administration is leaning toward providing Kyiv with battlefield intelligence, according to a former senior NATO official briefed by administration officials.

Such a move would represent a significant escalation in the military aid that the United States has provided to Ukraine so far and underscore President Joe Biden's determination to push back against Moscow's efforts to intimidate or reassert its control over the Western-leaning former Soviet republic.

"They are deeply, deeply, deeply concerned about what's happening," Ivo Daalder, who served as the U.S. ambassador to NATO during the Obama administration, said of the Biden administration officials who briefed him on the Russian buildup of forces on Ukraine's border. "Hints I'm getting from friends in the administration is that what we should really be doing is sharing battlefield intel, providing surveillance and reconnaissance, flying drones over [the Russian buildup] to really figure out what's going on."

Daalder said that, unlike a Russian troop buildup in the same region last spring, administration officials told him the current concentration of forces, as well as their night-time maneuvers and Moscow's claims of Ukrainian provocations, closely resemble Russia's military moves prior to its 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.

"There is a real worry that something really bad is afoot," Daalder, now president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, told me.

Until now, Biden has maintained former President Donald Trump's policy of providing lethal military assistance to Kyiv. Over the past year, the United States has given Kyiv nearly $200 million in weapons, including short-range air defense systems, small arms, anti-tank weapons and naval patrol boats.

Douglas H. Wise, a former deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, noted Trump's motivation in helping Ukraine was personal--to obligate Kyiv to dig up dirt on both Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, as a way of improving Trump's 2020 reelection prospects--while Biden's assistance stems from a deeper understanding of how to deal with Russia.

Toe to Toe

"Biden finally realized something no other president has since Kennedy, and that's the fact you can't shame, cajole, manipulate, influence or otherwise change Russian behavior except by confronting them when they are being dangerous," Wise told SpyTalk.

Under Obama, U.S. military assistance to Ukraine was restricted to non-lethal aid, such as blankets, field rations and first aid equipment, out of concern that any so-called "combat" assistance would upset the Russians and jeopardize their support for Obama's top foreign policy priority, the 2015 Iran nuclear accord.

"Every time we did something, the Russians would signal their displeasure," said Wise, who retired in 2016 as a senior CIA official after a 20-year Army career. "At one point we could not provide rations or boots/clothing because the word 'combat' was on the box, as in 'boots, combat, 1pr.'"

Providing battlefield intelligence would involve sharing images and analysis of the Russian military buildup from U.S. satellites and drones, giving the Ukrainians a clear picture of the Russian forces massing on their border and their posture.

Wise added, however, that it was likely the Russians would intercept such intelligence reports.

"The reality is we would have to provide that with a high confidence it would get to the Russians," he said. "That said, even if it went to the Russians fairly quickly, I&W [intelligence and warning] would still be useful to the Ukraine government."

The first intelligence reports of the Russian military buildup appeared at the beginning of November, revealing the movement of armored units from bases near Moscow to the Ukrainian border. The reports, based on sattelite images, prompted Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan to consult with NATO allies and other European partners.

Red Line

Around the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of Ukrainian "attempts to carry out provocations. . . and drag Russia into some kind of combat." Earlier, Russian President Valdimir Putin had characterized U.S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Ukraine in October as paving the way for the country to join NATO--a red line for the Kremlin. Austin dismissed the claim.

Earlier this month, CIA Director William Burns visited Moscow and told Putin the United States has "serious concerns" about the Russian troop buildup on the Ukrainian border. A few days later, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Moscow against making a "serious mistake" in Ukraine.

In addition to the military assistance that the United States already provides Ukraine, NATO rotates four battalions of combat troops and armor to Poland and the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuanian and Estonia.

More than a dozen Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee recently sent a letter to Biden, urging him to deploy U.S. troops to the Black Sea and supply Ukraine with a wider range of defensive weaponry, such as portable Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and Iron Dome air defense systems, along with battlefield intelligence.

Writing in The Hill, William Courtney, a former U.S. ambassador to several former Soviet Republics, said Russia's intentions in Ukraine remain unclear. "But the West will be watching," he said.

-- SpyTalk Editor-in-Chief Jeff Stein contributed reporting to this story.

-- This article by Jonathan Broder first appeared on Spytalk.co.
The Coast Guard will ditch its current operational dress uniform in favor of a blue version of the Navy's Type III working uniform beginning in late 2022, service officials announced last week.

The new uniform, called the Coast Guard working uniform, or CGWU, will be introduced at the Coast Guard Academy; Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey; and other accession points at the end of next year -- the first quarter of fiscal year 2023.

After that, the uniforms should be available at Coast Guard exchanges and online at ShopCGX later in fiscal 2023 with a goal to replace the operational dress uniform completely by 2025, according to an announcement posted Nov. 10 by Hayes Davis, the Coast Guard's Military Uniforms Branch program manager.

According to Davis, the service had intended for the initiative to already be underway, with rollout to the entire fleet starting next year, after working closely with the Navy to develop and field the new uniforms.

But the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the timeline, causing most textile plants in the U.S. to shut down temporarily and diverting garment makers from manufacturing clothing to fabricating personal protective equipment instead.

Some Coast Guard members already are familiar with the uniform, as it has been worn by those who work in maritime law enforcement and port security or deploy with the Navy on operational missions.

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Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz also wore a prototype in March when he delivered his annual State of the Coast Guard address in San Diego.

The Coast Guard will ditch its current operational dress uniform in favor of a blue version of the Navy's Type III working uniform beginning in late 2022, service officials announced last week. (Coast Guard photo)

"Using these uniforms in these particular environments has demonstrated that this type of uniform is perfect for all Coast Guard missions," Davis said in an article posted on the MyCG website. "We've received positive feedback ... and it makes sense for the Coast Guard to adopt that uniform overall as our new operational uniform."

The two-piece uniforms will be the same for both men and women, with blouses sized by chest measurement and shirt length, and trousers sized by waist and inseam.

Unique features that aren't available on the current operational dress uniform include a Mandarin collar that allows for quick shifts to battle conditions; a rank tab that can be switched out after a promotion, rather than embroidery that needs to be tailored or requires a uniform replacement; an extra pocket; self-blousing trousers; and spaces for organizational patches.

Another benefit to the uniform, according to Davis, is that it is already fielded by the Navy, which lowers production costs. He said the savings will be passed on to the service member.

Enlisted personnel will see an adjustment to their monthly clothing allowance in fiscal 2022 to cover the cost of the new uniforms.

Davis said the change will allow members to be paid the replacement value ahead of the uniforms being available and required.

The Navy tested blue and khaki versions of a flame-resistant, two-piece uniform similar to the Coast Guard's new version in 2019 at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, but the service continues to use desert or green camouflage Type III uniforms, as well the improved flame-resistant variant coverall, aboard ships.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime

Related: After Pandemic Hiatus, America's Only Heavy Coast Guard Icebreaker Returning to Antarctica
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Perry Paegelow, 71, passed away on Oct. 27, 2021, at Canyonlands Care Center. At Perrys request, cremation has taken place and no services ar
Indian crypto currency players are bombarding citizens with advertisements across platformsdoubling down on their marketing spend even when cryptocurrencies are yet to be accepted as legal tender and lack a legal framework and regulatory norms in the country. On Saturday, a meeting chaired by prime minister (PM) Narendra Modi reviewed issues related to cryptocurrencies in India. Last week, only Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das raised the alarm by calling cryptocurrencies a grave concern from a macroeconomic and financial stability point of view.

According to reports, there was a consensus at the meeting that the government should not make any private digital currency as a legal tender since unregulated cryptocurrencies have exposed gullible Indians to financial risks.

Quoting a person familiar with the matter, a report from Hindustan Times says, While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is open to using the technology behind cryptocurrencies, it is not in favour of making them legal tender as these currencies are highly volatile and a threat to the financial stability. Most of the government departments concur with RBI, but they are under pressure from various lobby groups who want a status quo. A final view will, however, be taken by the top leadership.

Unregulated crypto markets should not become avenues for money laundering and terror financing, people aware of the proceedings told the Economic Times

The high-profile review led by the PM comes ahead of a meeting of the parliamentary committee on finance with industry representatives and stakeholders on Monday on cryptocurrency.

Ahead of the committee meeting, its chairman Jayant Sinha, who is also the former minister of state for finance, had told reporters that representatives of crypto exchanges, Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council (BACC), industry bodies and other stakeholders would make their submissions on crypto finance.

Quoting sources, a report from IANS says, after listening to the stakeholders' views, the majority of the members of the Parliamentary committee were of the opinion that the advent of digital currency is inevitable but it cannot go ahead without regulation.



During the meeting, the discussion led to a consensus that there is a need to have a regulator and there is a need for a regulatory mechanism for the same. However, as this is an emerging field, there was no clarity as to who or which department should be regulating it.



"The government representatives have been asked to appear before the panel and address the concerns raised by the Parliamentary panel," the sources added.

Read: Crypto Currencies Spread Like MLM Schemes while Government Watches in Silence ) As reported by Moneylife, the Union governments stubborn reluctance to ban or regulate the spread of cryptocurrencies through advertisements, paid influencers and content marketing to create the same cult-like mania promoted by multi-level marketing (MLM) companies and pyramid scheme operators tells its own story. (

In a memo outlining the summoning of a meeting of PM Modi and the crypto industry players late on Saturday, the government has clearly shown its displeasure over such mushrooming advertisements that promise wild profits.

The crypto stakeholders and the government have reached a consensus that such advertisements are misleading youths and must be curbed.

The government is cognizant of the fact that [blockchain] is an evolving technology; hence the government will keep a close watch and take proactive steps, according to the memo.

A recent advertisement by the Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council (BACC), a part of Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), and industry players like CoinSwitch Kuber, CoinDCX, WazirX and Zebpay, claimed that crores of Indians had invested over Rs6 lakh crore in crypto assets.

While crypto is spreading like wildfire in India, there is no regulation for it. Without specific approval from the Parliament and amendment in the RBI Act, private currency like crypto cannot be treated as valid legal tender.

According to experts, a Bill on cryptocurrency is expected in the winter session of Parliament and, until the whole picture is clear, investing in cryptocurrencies can be dangerous.

According to experts, robust mechanisms need to be put up to prevent innocent citizens from becoming victims, who do not fully understand the legal and policy ramifications, of an impending economic disaster.

Currently, RBI is the nodal agency responsible for all issues about crypto assets in India, thanks to a recent Supreme Court (SC) judgement. On 4 March 2021, the SC had nullified a circular from RBI that had banned cryptocurrencies. RBIs circular on 6 April 2018 had prohibited banks and entities regulated by it from providing services to virtual currencies.

The apex court ruling effectively lifted the ban on cryptocurrency trading in India, leading to the crypto craze in India. An increasing number of crypto platforms started luring the public into investing from as low as Rs100 into cryptocurrencies in an incomprehensible manner amidst the absence of a dedicated law on crypto assets and cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, a lawyer has filed public interest litigation (PIL) before the Bombay High Court, seeking directions to the Union government to formulate a comprehensive mechanism to rectify the risks involved in Indiasargely unregulated cryptocurrency market. There is no central authority to manage or control the value of cryptocurrency, unlike the normal currencies. The petition notes that the absence of laws and regulatory bodies in the realm of crypto trade might result in a scam of the magnitude of the 2013 NSEL case. The petitioner has also annexed an analytical study of cryptocurrency with the petition, says a report from LiveLaw.in

Millions of innocent Indian users are risking their hard-earned money in highly-volatile cryptocurrencies that are not legal tender. Due to this, the country stands on the cusp of an economic disaster in the making as self-styled crypto cartels bombard citizens with misleading advertisements. At the same time, relevant government authorities quietly watch the whole saga from the sidelines.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Dubai's biennial Air Show opened Sunday to a world still reeling from the pandemic and an aviation industry hard-hit by the coronavirus, but on the mend.

Boeing and Airbus have traditionally been the stars of the aviation trade show, competing for multibillion-dollar Gulf-based airline purchases and hammering out final details minutes before back-to-back press conferences. This year, however, the five-day exhibition is expected to be more muted than in the past due to the subdued state of flying and travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rather, the air show's first day drew eyes toward defense and military hardware from countries like Russia and Israel.

The day's blockbuster commercial deal by Airbus was a sale of 255 new aircraft to Indigo Partners' various low cost carriers. The agreement sees budget carriers Wizz Air purchase 102 new planes, U.S. Frontier with 91, Mexicos Volaris with 39 and South American JetSmart with 23. The package includes a mix of A321neo and A321XLR aircraft. At Airbus' pre-pandemic list prices, the order would clock in at well above $30 billion. The company declined to provide any details on the sale price.

Airbus also secured an order for two additional A330 aerial refueling aircraft with the United Arab Emirates' Air Force, bringing to five the country's Airbus multirole tanker transport fleet.

The star on the tarmac outside the exhibition hall was Russias Checkmate fighter jet, which was shown to the press in a custom-built hangar with a display of laser lights bouncing off a mirrored ceiling. The jet, with a baseline $35 million price tag, is a less costly competitor to the U.S. F-35, which the UAE has been trying to acquire since formally recognizing Israel last year in a deal brokered by the Trump administration. That sale has slowed under U.S. President Joe Biden.

In a dramatic promotional video, the Checkmate soared through burnt orange skies, blasting away targets in the desert as music blared in the background and a thundering voiceover rattled off the planes features.

"The idea was born as we used all the experience that Russia got during its Syria operations and many of the features of the aircraft came from realistic situations that we experienced," said United Aircraft Corporation CEO Yuri Slyusar through a translator at the unveiling. In Syria's devastating civil war, Russian fighter jets have supported President Bashar Assads forces.

UAC is a holding company of state-owned Rostec, Checkmates parent company. Production of the jet is expected to start in 2025.

Also, more than 100 American companies are exhibiting at the air show, including defense giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

We are committed to deepening and strengthening this vital strategic relationship, said Sean Murphy, the U.S. Embassy's charge daffaires. At the opening of the U.S. pavilion, he also thanked the UAE for its help in the U.S.-led evacuations out of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Brazils President Jair Bolsonaro roamed the tarmac outside the booth of iconic Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, inspecting the interior of the companys hulking C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, smiling and waving to crowds of reporters.

French Defense Minister Florence Parly surveyed the range of helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft at the Airbus pavilion, surrounded by French airmen in uniform.

Boeing brought its new 777-9 passenger jet from Seattle in the longest flight to date for the aircraft as it undergoes continued tests and awaits regulatory approval. Boeing says it will be the worlds largest and most efficient twin-engine jet. The Middle East's largest carrier, Emirates, has ordered 126 of this 777X, but the Dubai-based airline has expressed frustration with delays around its delivery, which is not expected before late 2023.

Airbus took journalists through a version of the A320neo, which had been converted into a luxury corporate jet replete with a large bed, walk-in shower and sprawling sitting area with couches and coffee tables. China's state-owned defense firm CATIC displayed a range of anti-aircraft missiles, munitions and fighter jets. An Emirati airman inspecting a U.S.-made Chinook CH-47 noted that the transport helicopter had been supporting Emirati forces on recent missions in Yemen and Afghanistan.

Israeli companies displayed their hardware for the first time at the air show following Israel's normalization of diplomatic ties with the UAE last year. The state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries company showed off a range of manned and unmanned naval and aerial drones.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems displayed its drone dome that detects and destroys drones with lasers. Emirati defense officials were seen asking about the range and weight of the anti-drone system at the Israeli pavilion. In all, six Israeli companies are taking part in the air show.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz described the UAE-Israel partnership as a strategic asset, saying in a statement that the Defense Ministry's participation reflects the deepening relations" between the two nations. The two countries share deep concerns over Iran, which is set to resume negotiations over its tattered nuclear deal with the U.S. and other world powers.

The air show is taking place near Dubai's Al Maktoum Airport, a second and smaller international hub to Dubai's main airport, which is the world's busiest for international travel.

With vaccine rollouts ongoing in many nations worldwide, the airline industry as a whole is recovering from last year's roughly $138 billion net loss.

Still, the industry continues to face losses this year and next. The International Air Transport Association forecasts a net loss of $11.6 billion for airlines in 2022, and nearly $52 billion in losses this year.

Although commercial travel remains uncertain amid the pandemic, cargo volumes are already above pre-pandemic levels. Some airlines have ripped out seats on their grounded passenger flights and transformed their aircraft into cargo planes.

On the back of that growing demand, Boeing announced plans to add three conversion lines  one in the U.K. and two in Canada  to covert commercial aircraft to freight carriers. Boeing also signed an order with Icelease for 11 of its 737 freighters.

___

Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  Film industry crew members have narrowly voted to approve a pair of contracts with Hollywood producers after a standoff that came within days of a strike that would have halted productions across the U.S., union leaders said Monday.

The agreements passed 56% to 44% among delegates from the 36 local unions of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees in the voting system that resembles the U.S. Electoral College.

But in the popular vote, 50.3% said yes and 49.7% no to the two contracts combined of the 45,000 members who cast a ballot in voting held from Friday through Sunday. And the larger of the two contracts, which primarily covers film and TV production on the West Coast, actually lost the popular vote by a narrow margin.

The razor-thin totals stood in contrast to the last vote from union members, in which 98% approved giving union leaders the authority to call a strike.

We were very fired up, that really gassed up the membership, we were ready to strike, said Brandy Tannahill, who works as a grip setting up lighting equipment on sets.

A victorious no vote would have reopened negotiations and brought back the possibility of a work stoppage.

There was relief among many members when the three-year deal was reached with producers on Oct. 16, two days before a strike deadline.

But many others were disillusioned with the details, saying the contracts didn't go far enough to address issues like long workdays that may lack breaks or lunch, and the debilitating fatigue it causes.

Veteran stagehand Jason Fitzgerald said in an email after the results were announced that he was Disappointed. Disgusted. Sold out by leadership. Not surprised.

Tannahill said that membership was left in the dark immediately after the agreement was reached.

It was very frustrating to see the strike was called off without us seeing any of the tentative agreements in the contract," she said.

A late series of unsanctioned, grass-roots town halls organized by Tannahill and other members and other unofficial communications on what was in the contracts and how a strike and further negotiations would work shifted the momentum, though not in time to change the outcome.

I think if we had to redo this election, it would be an overwhelming no, Tannahill said.

The vote also took place in the shadow of the shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza on the New Mexico set of the film Rust.

Alec Baldwin, the films star-producer who fired the gun, called it a one-in-a-trillion event, but many felt like the incident was emblematic of the industrys corner-cutting and critical flaws.

According to the union, core safety and economic issues are addressed in the proposed agreements covering workers on film and TV productions.

Our goal was to achieve fair contracts that work for IATSE members in television and film  that address quality-of-life issues and conditions on the job like rest and meal breaks, IATSE International President Matthew Loeb said in a statement. We met our objectives for this round of bargaining and built a strong foundation for future agreements.

The agreements include across-the board wage increases and increased compensation paid by streaming services, who had long been allowed lower pay rates, union leaders said.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Hollywood studios and other production entities, said in a statement that "throughout the negotiations, IATSE leadership advocated changes to improved quality of life" and the "agreements meaningfully reflect the industrys endorsement of those priorities and keep everyone working.

IATSE represents about 150,000 behind-the-scenes workers, including stagehands, cinematographers, costumers and others employed in all forms of entertainment, from movies and TV to theater, concerts, trade shows and broadcasting.

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Follow @AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  They were only 6 years old, aware of the tumult going on about them but not completely understanding the importance of what they were doing.

I was just afraid. I didn't know what was going on and what they were thinking, Gail Etienne said of the angry crowds on the day, 61 years ago, when she was escorted into McDonogh 19 elementary school in New Orleans. She was one of four first-graders integrating the city's public schools amid protests from angry white mobs.

I just knew I was going to a new school," she said following a news conference kicking off a weekend of events heralding the New Orleans Four  Etienne, Leona Tate and Tessie Prevost, who entered the previously all white McDonogh 19 on Nov. 14, 1960; and Ruby Bridges, who that same day was escorted into William Frantz Elementary in New Orleans, a moment made famous in a Norman Rockwell painting.

The activities come a year after the city honored the four on the 60th anniversary, but without a major public celebration because of COVID-19 restrictions.

In a ceremony held Sunday outside McDonogh school, the screams and hate of 61 years ago were replaced with cheering crowds and expressions of gratitude. The building, badly damaged in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck, is now being developed into the Tate Etienne Prevost Center, a civil rights museum.

The ceremony began with U.S. marshals escorting Etienne, Tate and Prevost to the school just as they did 61 years ago. Three young African American girls walked with them. Marshals placed a wreath of flowers at the school and the ceremony concluded with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Tate, on Friday, said she didn't know what to make of the crowds when she approached the school as a child. Reared in a city famous for its Mardi Gras processions, she wondered if a parade was on the way.

That's what it looked like, she said. All I could see was police on horseback, holding the crowd back. And that's the only thing I could relate to."

Prevost remembers keeping eyes forward that day. I really didn't see the crowd, she recalled. I could hear them. When my daddy and I got out of the car, he just told me to take his hand and look forward.

The three remember being the only students at McDonogh after white parents withdrew their children. And they became more aware of the significance as they grew older  becoming among the first black students at junior high and high schools.

Prevost credits a high school American History teacher with helping her realize the full significance of what she had done when he assigned her to research and teach a lesson on Brown v. the Board of Education, the 1954 Supreme Court case that led to school integration. It was then that she realized that we had a part of history that changed the state, the city. Not only that but this country. It made an impact on the country. On the world, really.

It was a conversation with a high school gym teacher that brought home the legacy to Tate. She said, Im reading a book, and you're in it.' And that's when I started to think about how important what we had done was."

Events also included a Friday night private screening of a video production described as a tribute to the four women and a special Sunday service at New Orleans Abundant Life Tabernacle.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the spelling of Tessies last name is Prevost, not Provost.

___

Ted Jackson contributed to this report from New Orleans.
David and Ashley Dill Distinguished Professorship in Accounting

A generous gift of $1 million from David and Ashley Dill, both graduates of Murray State University, has funded the Department of Accountings first and only Distinguished Professor of Accounting. The department has also received $250,000 of state matching funds. The faculty initiated a search for a distinguished teacher and scholar to fill the position. The Department of Accounting selected Dr. Samer Khalil as the David and Ashley Dill Distinguished Professor of Accounting.

Samer Khalil (PhD, CVA) serves as the David and Ashley Dill Distinguished Professorship in Accounting. Dr. Khalil holds a PhD in Accountancy from Concordia University (Montreal, Canada) as well as a Master in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon). He is also certified as a business valuation expert by the U.S. National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts since 2008.

Dr. Khalil joined Murray State University at the Associate Professor rank and as the Dill Distinguished Professor in Accounting in 2019. Prior to that, he served as an Associate Professor in Accountancy at the American University of Beirut (2006-2019) and as the Chairperson of the Finance, Accounting, and Managerial Economics Track for 6 years (2012-2017). Before that, and straight after completing his PhD, he was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Accountancy at HEC, Montreal (Canada).

At the Academic level, Dr. Khalil teaches accounting and governance related topics at various programs. He teaches introductory as well as intermediate financial and managerial accounting courses for undergraduate and graduate students. He further lectures on Corporate Governance, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Financial Modelling in addition to Business Valuation for graduate students. Dr. Khalil is also involved in teaching courses at the Executive Masters of Business Administration program as well as in executive education.

Dr. Khalils research focuses on various aspects of Corporate Governance including ownership structure (namely family ownership), auditing, board composition and board members compensation in addition to the market for corporate control. His research appeared in reputable Accounting and Finance journals including Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Accounting Horizons, Journal of Corporate Finance, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Financial Stability, Journal of Business Finance and Accounting among others.

At the professional level, Dr. Khalil serves a member of the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Audit Committee at Fenicia Bank, Lebanon since 2020. Dr. Khalil is also actively involved in business valuation. Over the past years, he has been actively engaged in the valuation of companies operating in various economic sectors including Banking, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Construction, Fragrances, Education, Logistics, Farming and Agri-Business among others. He also lectured on Business Valuation related topics and conducted hands-on, applied valuation workshops in more than six different countries. He served as a member of the board of directors at Al Ajlan Global over the period 2013-2014.

At the service level, Dr. Khalil currently serves as a member of the Senate at the Murray State University. Dr. Khalil is also an Editorial Board member at Auditing: Journal of Practice and Theory since 2014, and is a member of the scientific committee for the European Accounting Association Conference since 2018. Dr. Khalil also serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for reputable journals including Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Banking and Finance, Auditing: Journal of Practice and Theory, Accounting Horizons, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Journal of Business Finance and Accounting among others.

Over the past years, Dr. Khalil was a member of the Scientific Committee for the Canadian Academic Accounting Association over the period 2011-2014. Dr. Khalils membership also includes various university committees including the Research, Administrative, Library Committee, Graduate Studies, Academic and Curriculum Review Committees among others. Dr. Khalil also acted as a moderator for a panel discussion on Women in Governance in 2017, served as a panelist on Deloittes conference on Governance in family firm in the Middle East region in 2014, and was invited to attend the World Bank MENA Region Exchange Event.
Recent Graduates

May 2014

Nicholas Blumenberg

Major: Chemistry

Mentor:Dr. Greenwood

Fallon Carpenter

Major: Music Education

Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Rea

Kristen Garcia

Major: Engineering Physics

Mentor: Dr. Aleck Leedy

Jasmine Middlebrook

Major: Telecommunications Systems Management

Mentor: Marcia Ford

Vincent Miller

Major: Philosophy and Political Science double major

Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Gayman

Hannah Robbins

Major: Agronomy

Mentor: Dr. Iin Handayani

Demi St John

Major: Physics and Math

Mentor: Dr. Joshua Ridley

Shaun Strawser

Major: Sociology

Mentor: Dr. Scott Byrd

Sara Wallace

Major: Psychology-Gender & Diversity Studies

Mentor: Dr. Jana Hackathorn

December 2014

Allie Daniel

Major: Geoarchaeology

Mentor: Dr. Lara Homsey

Benjamin Ray Linzy

Major: History and Criminal Justice

Mentor: Dr. David Pizzo

May 2014

Jayme Brandenburg

Major: Youth and Nonprofit Leadership

Mentor: Jeff Wylie, M.S.W.,L.C.S.W.

Courtney Brasher

Major: Communication Disorders

Mentor: Dr. Pearl Payne

Research Topic: Culturally and linguistically diverse populations

Hannah Robbins

Major: Agronomy

Mentor: Dr. Iin Handayani

Cash Willis

Major: Manufacturing Technology with special interest in Robotics Engineering Research

Mentor: Dr. Robert Pilgrim

Science in art preservation

Preserving aural history

A team of researchers in chemistry professor Stephen Morgan's laboratory are helping preserve recordings from the second half of the 20th century.

Former Murray State University McNair Scholar Brianna Cassidy enjoys taking on challenges in two fields that many see as worlds apart: science and art. And now as a graduate student at the University of South Carolina, she has found a way to contribute to both.

Shes working to help preserve an important part of the nations artistic history. In the same way that oil and canvas are mediums for a painting, magnetic tape is the medium for the second half of the 20th century, Cassidy says. Preservation is really important.

Reel-to-reel tapes were the dominant means of recording audio after World War II. A large part of our cultural heritage from that era is stored on those tapes, from concert recordings to oral histories to speeches.

There are 46 million tapes in storage in the United States, says Stephen Morgan, a chemistry professor at South Carolina who runs the lab where Cassidy works. And few of them are digitized.

Thats been changing as libraries and other repositories convert recordings to a digital format. One problem that theyve encountered along the way, though, is whats called sticky-shed syndrome.

Audiotape can deteriorate over time. During playback, the tape is placed under tension and friction that can cause layers to separate in degraded tapes, resulting in permanent data loss. In addition to destroying the recorded material, sticky-shed syndrome also fouls the playback device, which requires expensive, time-consuming repairs. The worst part is that theres no way to tell the difference between good tapes and ones that will cause problems.

Cassidy is working in Morgans lab to help develop a nondestructive approach he devised for predicting which tapes are in need of restoration. The method combines infrared spectroscopy with statistical pattern recognition.

Over the past two years, Cassidy has been part of the team that analyzed hundreds of tapes, some degraded and some not. The team noted infrared spectral peaks that differed markedly for each type of tape and developed a method to predict when problems might occur.

Cassidy has helped move the project forward these past two summers by traveling to Washington, D.C. She spent time in the Preservation and Conservation Division at the Library of Congress, working with tapes stored there.

The first summer involved collecting data that helped establish that the technique held promise. The teams efforts were rewarded when Morgans lab earned a $500,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences for the project.

For Cassidy, her doctoral work satisfies a desire to contribute to artistic preservation. Working in the lab might involve discussing the finer points of attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and linear discriminant analysis, but she has another side.

As an undergraduate majoring in chemistry at Murray State, Cassidy minored in art history and oil painting. That was my right-brain, left-brain balance, chemistry and art, she says.

Shes continued with painting in her spare time, having recently completed a copy of a Toulouse-Lautrec piece. For conservation and restoration, they like for you to have this ability, she says.

After finishing a research project that examined levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in bottled water as an undergraduate, she came to South Carolina to study environmental chemistry. After hearing about Morgans project involving preservation, things changed.

"I didn't expect the opportunity to incorporate my passion for art during my chemistry Ph.D.," Cassidy says. "I can't wait to see where this takes me!"
Ridley and St. John to Study Eight Recently Discovered Pulsars

Physics faculty member, Dr. Joshua Ridley, and physics/math major and McNair Scholar, Demi St. John, will work to characterize eight newly discovered pulsars. Visible only from the Southern hemisphere, Ridley and St. John traveled to Australia in November of 2013 to use the Parkes Radio Telescope in New South Wales.

A pulsar, or rapidly rotating neutron star, is born when a very massive star ends its life in a supernova explosion. They can be discovered by observing the radio emission that they emit. As the pulsar spins, observers on the Earth detect a periodic signal, similar to what you might see when looking at a lighthouse. The discovery of these eight pulsars was originally published in a paper by Ridley et al. (2013) in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. This project aims to measure the pulsars positions, ages, rates of rotation, magnetic field strengths and rates of energy loss.

To study the pulsars, the research team has been awarded 35 hours of telescope time spread over seven observational dates on the Parkes telescope. While the telescope may be operated remotely, Ridley and St. John needed to travel to Australia to receive training on how to use and operate the telescope. They will be able to complete all subsequent observations from Murray.

Collaborators on the project include Dr. Froney Crawford III from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Franklin and Marshall College and Dr. Duncan Lorimer from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at West Virginia University. While in Australia, Ridley and St. John worked with John Sarkissian, a Parkes Observatory staff member, post-doctoral researchers Ryan Shannon and Matthew Kerr, and graduate student Dusty Madison, from Cornell University.

Ridley joined Murray States Department of Engineering and Physics in 2011. He obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in physics from West Virginia University and a B.S. in applied physics from Grove City College. His research includes pulsar searches, pulsar timing, and statistical simulations of pulsar populations in both our Galaxy and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.

St. John is a Murray State junior and a native of Edwardsville, Illinois. She joined the McNair Scholars Program, a Department of Education funded initiative at Murray State that prepares undergraduates from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups to enter Ph.D. programs in their chosen discipline, in August of 2012. In addition to supporting research trips like the one St. John went on to Australia, the McNair program provides Scholars with research stipends, scholarship support, and support for visiting graduate schools and participating in professional society conferences. St. John is the President of the Murray State Chapter of the Society of Physics Students and a member of Murray State's Honors Program.

Support for Ridley and St. Johns trip to Australia was provided by the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Murray State's McNair Scholars Program, the Department of Physics and Engineering, and through a housing award from the Australia Telescope National Facility.

Hannah Robbins Wins Poster Competition at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy

Competing against students from schools like Purdue University, Texas A & M, Tarleton State University, Western Kentucky University and Mississippi Valley State University, Murray State University senior agronomy major and McNair Scholar, Hannah Robbins, won first place in the undergraduate research poster competition at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy in Dallas, Texas.

Robbins project entitled, Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Aggregate Stability Associated with Common Agroecosystems in Western Kentucky, was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Iin Handayani, Associate Professor of Agronomy in the Hutson School of Agriculture. Winning recognition for her research is not new to Robbins. She has previously won awards for her research posters and oral presentations at the Kentucky Academy of Sciences, Murray State University Sigma Xi Poster Competition, and the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy conference in Orlando, Florida.

Results from Robbins project show that various agroecosystems in western Kentucky have different effects on the total carbon and nitrogen content and aggregation. The carbon results for wooded areas was only slightly higher than that found for pasture and crop fields. The highest total nitrogen was found in pasture and wooded areas (1.7 to 2.1 g kg-1). Crop fields had the lowest amount of total nitrogen (1.13 g kg-1). Wooded and pasture areas had the best aggregation as indicated by the highest macro-aggregate percentage and the ratio of macro-aggregates to micro-aggregates. The results support the hypothesis that the least disruptive management system will have the highest total nitrogen, total carbon and more desirable aggregation.

The annual meeting of the Southern Branch of the American Society of Agronomy, held in conjunction with the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists, provides a venue for collaboration and networking among agronomy professionals and students in the Southern region and an opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students to present their research findings.

Murray State's McNair program, which is intended to help prepare undergraduates for doctoral studies in their chosen fields, provided support for Robbins research project, travel support to the Southern Branch conference and other conferences and travel support to enable her to visit a number of graduate programs in her field. Robbins has been in the McNair program since August 2012 and will graduate from Murray State in May, 2014. She has applied to the agronomy graduate program at the University of Kentucky and is considering agronomy programs in North Carolina and Texas. Murray State's McNair program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and through matching support from Murray State University.
Dramatic changes are occurring in higher education. Instead of simply memorizing copious pages of lecture notes, today's undergraduates are being challenged to become active contributors to the development of new knowledge. Murray State University is working to become one of Kentucky's institutions of choice for students who want to perform significant research and do real scholarly or creative work.



At Murray State, we also understand that student retention is an important University concern. We know that students leave college for a wide variety of reasons, not the least of which is that they have not connected with the university community. Providing students with an opportunity to build close working relationships with faculty members and peers is an important component of any universitys retention strategy. At Murray State, we have embarked on a program that engages students in faculty-guided research and scholarly work that begins when the students arrive at Murray State as freshman and continues until they receive their degrees.



To encourage and facilitate this important new teaching and learning paradigm, Murray State University has created The Office of Research and Creative Activity (ORCA). (Formerly known as Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity, or URSA.) The office has developed a number of initiatives to support faculty-mentored scholarly, creative, and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines across the university.



The kinds of undergraduate projects we envision often require some financial support. The ORCA Grants program has been created to address this need. These awards will provide up to $1,000 to support faculty-student collaborations for supplies, literature searches, equipment, travel to field sites, and other costs associated with approved projects.



We have also organized an annual campus-wide celebration of undergraduate and graduate student scholarship to be held in the months of April and November. Called Scholars Week, this event enables students to present the results of their work to the campus and local community in a variety of formats, including oral presentations, poster displays, performances, and exhibits.



Another important initiative developed by the office is Posters-at-the-Capitol. Since its inaugural year in 2001, Posters regularly hosts over 200 students from Kentucky's eight public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System at the Capitol Building in Frankfort. These students help carry the message to those who fund higher education in Kentucky that involving undergraduates in the scholarly pursuits of the faculty is an extremely important and effective in teaching and learning methodology.



Our recently-launched journal, Steeplechase, provides a forum for students to publish the results of their research, scholarly and creative endeavors, as well as discuss their personal experience with the research process. We encourage all students to submit their best work for publication in the new journal.



The office works closely with Murray State faculty to ensure programs are developed that meet the needs of the faculty, our students, and the University. The ORCA Faculty Advisory Board, therefore, is key to the success of the office . With representatives from each college and school, as well as the University Libraries, the Advisory Board has played an important role in shaping and developing the programs of the office.



We encourage both the students and faculty of Murray State University to take advantage of the programs that have been created and work with the office in helping to create an even more effective teaching and learning environment at Murray State.
Want to talk with Daniela? Contact us at: msu.intl@murraystate.edu

Why did you decide to study outside of your home country?

When I was younger, some of our vacations were to the States. Ever since my first trip, I have wanted to come study here. I have always had the desire to learn the language and learn more about the American culture.

How did you choose Murray State University?

A few of my relatives came to Murray State University to pursue their masters degree. They had nothing but good things to say about the university as a whole, as well as the environment in Murray, Kentucky. After hearing about what they had to say, I began to look more into the university and what the ESL program had to offer. When I graduated high school, I wanted to improve my English and I was impressed by the curriculum in the program and the affordable prices. A small city was also a great aspect because I thought that would be best for me in the transition of leaving home at the age of 17.

Why did you choose to study biology?

Ever since I was little, I have always been intrigued by the human body and how it operates. This is why I chose to study biology. I have had many different opportunities to volunteer in medical missions growing up. I feel like I can achieve my goal of helping others through improving their healthy by obtaining a degree in Biology. After I finish my Bachelors degree at Murray State, I want to continue my education and attend medical school here in the States.

What do you enjoy most about being a student at Murray State University?

I love the community. You can walk around campus and everyone is so friendly. The class sizes are small, but I feel like you can learn better in that small environment, and there is a relationship with the professors. When you get the opportunity to have that relationship with your professors, the experience is more enjoyable. They truly care about your success, not only in your professional career but also in your personal life.

What is your favorite thing about Murray State University?

One of my favorite aspects about Murray is the diversity. During my time here at Murray State, I have been able to meet people from all over the world. Also, Murray State University has given me the opportunity to get involved on campus and hold different leadership positions in the different organizations. It has had a big impact on my personal growth.

How is studying in the USA different than Colombia?

Unfortunately, I cannot compare USA and Colombia because I came to the states straight after my high school graduation. I know the colleges in Colombia do not have dorms like here in the States. I got to experience the college dorm life for three years. I lived in Elizabeth College - Lizo, you know - and it was a great experience. Each residential college has the sense of family environment. That is really comforting to have when you enter the atmosphere of college life.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from Murray State University?

After I graduate, I plan to attend to medical school. I want to pursue a medical degree and hope to become a successful pediatrician.

What was the biggest challenge that you faced as a new student?

When I first arrived at Murray State, I did not speak English. Not being able to express myself was definitely one of the biggest challenges. The people at Murray made this transition very smooth though. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. After a few months, Murray State felt like home.

What would you tell students in Colombia who want to study in the US?

As my chapter at Murray State University is coming to an end, I begin to realize all the opportunities Murray State has offered me. These opportunities have opened so many doors while I was a student and provided different opportunities that will benefit my future. Being a student here has enabled me to become a well rounded person. It can feel daunting to take those first few steps in your professional career, but anything is possible if you set your mind to it. I often thought that studying in the United States was impossible, but the opportunity and scholarships provided a way for me to achieve my dream.

Are you a member of any clubs or student organizations?

Member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Fall 2016- Present

Member of Tri Beta Biology Honor Society

Member of Pre-Health Professionals

Member of Executive Board Up Til Dawn Murray State University.

Member of ISO- International Student Organization at Murray State University

Member of Residential College Council as an international representative 2014-2016.

Vice President and founder of Rotaract Club at Murray State University 2015-present.

Member of Sigma Alpha Lambda 2015-Present

Member of Diversity Council at Elizabeth College 2015-2016
On Monday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, urged the U.S. Senates Environment and Public Works Committee to strengthen public health and environmental protections against "forever chemicals," a class of highly toxic chemical compounds known as poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These chemicals are widespread, persistent contaminants in the environment, including in drinking water.

In a letter addressed to EPW leadership, Raoul and the coalition argue that the serious dangers posed by PFAS, combined with the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that Illinois and other states are currently spending to protect residents from these dangers, call for swift congressional action.



"These 'forever chemicals' pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of our communities and cause long-lasting damage to the environment," Raoul said. "I urge the Senate to provide funding and support to areas that have high levels of these chemicals, and work to reverse the damage from their use."



Raoul and the coalition are urging the EPW Committee to "pass or build on" the bipartisan PFAS Action Act of 2021, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in July. Specifically, the attorneys general's letter identifies several legislative priorities, including:



 Promoting the prompt and effective cleanup of PFAS by designating the chemicals as "hazardous substances" under the federal Superfund law.

 Protecting public health by designating PFAS as "hazardous air pollutants" under the federal Clean Air Act and prohibiting the unsafe incineration of the chemicals.

 Protecting public health by establishing national drinking water standards for PFAS and controlling PFAS discharges.

 Providing funding for drinking water suppliers to clean up PFAS in their drinking water.

 Providing funding to states to protect against and respond to PFAS contamination.

 Making medical screening available to all U.S. Department of Defense personnel and members of the public who may have been exposed to elevated levels of PFAS.

 Prohibiting the use and limiting the storage of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at federal facilities.



PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used to produce countless consumer products since the 1940s, including textiles with Scotchgard; Teflon products, including nonstick cookware; food packaging; and waterproof clothing. Firefighting foam containing PFAS also has been used for decades by the U.S. military, airports, industrial facilities and local fire departments. PFAS are estimated to be detectable in the bloodstream of 99% of the U.S. population.



PFAS generally appear to be highly toxic to humans and animals, and they are extremely resistant to degradation in the environment, which is why PFAS are known as "forever chemicals." Although scientific knowledge regarding PFAS still is developing, some PFAS are linked to serious adverse health effects in humans and animals. Exposure to the two most studied types of PFAS are associated with kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, immune system effects and other conditions.



The other attorneys general writing to the Senate EPW Committee included those of California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.


Former Madison County Assistant State's Attorney Don Weber has some choice words for the recent Illinois Prisoner Review Board decision to grant parole to Paula Sims, an Alton woman who killed her two infant daughters in the late 1980s.

Weber, 73, prosecuted the case and later co-authored a true-crime book called "Precious Victims: The Horrific Crime that Shocked America," which was made into a TV movie.

Weber said Sims, who was released Oct. 29 after more than 30 years in prison, "conned" her way to freedom.

"These nitwits on the parole board and these urban bumpkins who came to support her were just that," Weber said. "They could have never stood up in a court of law in front of a jury and made their case.

"I would've loved to cross-examine them," he added.

Weber said he had been "neutral" on whether Sims, 62, deserved parole because he hadn't seen her since 1990, when she was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 6-week-old daughter Heather, and he didn't know what she'd done with her life or whether she was remorseful.

Weber's objection relates to what he calls "ridiculous" reasons the Review Board decided to release Sims from prison, based on arguments by the board member in charge of researching her case, her attorney and two psychologists at an Oct. 28 hearing in Springfield.

They argued that Sims committed the crimes due to postpartum psychosis, a rare mental illness that causes some new mothers to experience delusions, hallucinations and paranoia; that experts didn't fully understand it three decades ago; and that a new Illinois law allows it to be a mitigating factor in sentencing.

"We knew about postpartum depression back then," Weber said. "It was looked at very carefully. She didn't have it."

Weber maintained that:

Sims clearly demonstrated that she knew right from wrong during police investigations and the trial.

She continued telling the lie that a masked intruder had kidnapped 13-day-old Loralie in 1986 and Heather in 1989.

She was represented by a "dream team" of capable attorneys who decided against an insanity defense due to her claims of innocence.

She admitted to killing the babies only after a jury convicted her and she faced a possible death-penalty sentence.

In later years, Sims told another book author, Audrey Becker, that she didn't suffocate Loralie or Heather, as alleged by prosecutors, but allowed them to drown in their baths.

Not true, according to Weber.

"I asked Dr. Mary Case, a pathologist (who) did the autopsy on Heather ... I said, 'Is it possible that Paula drowned Heather?' She thinks that's kinder somehow rather than smothering her," he said.

"And the answer was, 'No. Scientifically, that cannot have happened.' Baby Heather had some striations, some bruises on the inside of her upper lip in the center. Those are always an indication of smothering, and there was no indication of drowning. That is a scientific fact, and it shows that Paula is still lying about it."

After the trial, Weber went on to serve as state's attorney, assistant Illinois attorney general and circuit court judge and now is semi-retired as an attorney in private practice.

Waukegan attorney Jed Stone represented Sims at the Review Board hearing with input from psychologists Susan Feingold and Diane Sanford, who had diagnosed and treated Sims.

Board member Donald Shelton made a presentation on Sims' behalf, describing his extensive research on postpartum psychosis and expressing his belief that she wasn't an "evil" person.

"I trust in the judgment of the psychologists," he said.

Shelton said Sims had an "outstanding" prison record, receiving only two tickets for non-violent incidents and earning a long list of educational certificates. She mentored other inmates and co-authored state legislation related to postpartum illnesses.

Review Board Chairman Craig Findley also spoke in support of Sims at the hearing. He had visited her years ago while doing research for another case in which a mother killed a child.

"I found Paula Sims to be a very gentle and kind soul, someone who said, 'I accept my fate. I understand that I will spend the rest of my life in prison,'" Findley said.

In March, Gov. J.B. Pritzker commuted Sims' sentence from life in prison without parole to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The Review Board voted 12-1 to grant it.

Weber also is accusing Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine of not fighting hard enough to keep Sims in prison. No one from Haine's office attended the Oct. 28 hearing.

"They didn't bother to call me and check out some of these things (that Sims claimed)," Weber said. "It sort of makes me think they were asleep at the switch on this."

"Whose job was it to make the state's case and who didn't do it?" he asked.

Haine said his office regularly gets Review Board requests for comment on Madison County cases involving prisoners up for parole and that it can't send someone in person to every hearing.

Haine said his office did extensive research on the Sims case and sent a detailed, five-page letter to the Review Board. The letter argued that Sims lied about her crimes for years to avoid punishment and confessed only after she was found guilty of murder and wanted to avoid the death penalty.

The letter characterized Sims' request for clemency as a "shifting and far-fetched psychological story" that shouldn't change the conclusions of jurors at her trial or the decisions of judges who handled appeals, petitions and other court reviews.

"I think it's a travesty of justice that Paula Sims is on parole right now," Haine said in an interview last week. "And I think that's clear by the content of the very strongly worded letter of opposition that we sent to the Prisoner Review Board."

Tom Haine's father, the late William Haine, was state's attorney when Sims was charged and prosecuted.

Other Illinois officials also have spoken out against the Review Board for granting parole to Sims. State Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, released the following statement:

"At the time of her trial, Sims created a fabricated story under oath, showed no remorse for murdering her daughters and as a result, worked to delegitimize mothers who suffer from postpartum mental health issues.

"The decision to grant parole to Sims is truly insulting to those whose lives were destroyed by her crimes. To secure justice for victims and protect the integrity of our criminal justice system, individuals must be held accountable for their vile actions."

State Sens. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, Steve McClure, R-Springfield, and Terry Bryant, R-Murphysboro, released a statement that focused mainly on their previous criticisms about the board's make-up.

"Yet again, the 14-member Prisoner Review Board, 10 of which are acting and serving unconfirmed, has voted to release another individual who has committed heinous, unspeakable crimes," it read.

"It's the gravity of these crimes and the heavy responsibility that these board members hold that make it vital and imperative that they go through the constitutionally-required vetting process and come before the Illinois Senate for confirmation."

Paula Sims and her husband, Robert Sims, reported Heather missing from their Alton home on April 29, 1989. The baby's partially-frozen body was found four days later, wrapped in a garbage bag and dumped in a trash can in a public park in West Alton, Missouri.

Three years earlier, Loralei's skeletal remains had been found in a wooded ravine near the family's former home in Jerseyville.

In both cases, Paula Sims told police that the babies were abducted by a masked gunman. In the second, she described being knocked unconscious for 45 minutes.
Walking for Wellness: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Jacksonville High School Bowl, 215 S. Church St. Free | Indoor walking program open each day Jacksonville schools are in session.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 316 E. State St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Free Noon Meal: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. | Meals in to-go containers and can be picked up at side door.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: 3-7 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free. | Sign up at tinyurl.com/y2c2wb or call 217-243-5435.

Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Tuesday

Walking for Wellness: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Jacksonville High School Bowl, 215 S. Church St. Free | Indoor walking program open each day Jacksonville schools are in session.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 316 E. State St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Free Noon Meal: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. | Meals in to-go containers and can be picked up at side door.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

Jacksonville Promise Night: 2-10 p.m., Leos Pizza, 230 S. Main St. | Every third Tuesday of the month, mention Jacksonville Promise scholarship program when you order and Leos will donate 15% of total to the program. Call 217-243-3413.

Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Newspaper Archive Informational Session: 6:30 p.m., Jacksonville Public Library, 201 W. College Ave. Free | Learn how to use the Newspaper Archive, a library database used to search for historic Jacksonville newspapers. In-person program in meeting room. No registration required.
Choppers rescue travelers on Canada highway after mudslides View Photo

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)  Nearly 300 people trapped overnight in their vehicles by mudslides on a highway in British Columbia were being flown to safety by helicopters Monday while authorities sought to determine if anyone was swept up in the flow of debris set off by torrential rain.

A yellow Cormorant chopper dropped people off near the community center in the town of Agassiz before taking off for another rescue trip.

Trapped between two slides are approximately 275 additional people, including 50 children, who were advised to shelter in place overnight as debris was unstable and unsafe to cross, the City of Vancouver and Canada Task Force 1 said in a joint release.

Multiple highways in British Columbia were closed due to the downpour.

Melanie Forsythe said her drive home from Vancouver to Hope, British Columbia, had her making at least five detours as rain washed out a bridge, closed roads and trapped her overnight between two mudslides before a helicopter landed on the highway and carried her to Agassiz.

Forsythe, who was with her boyfriend, Shawn Ramsay, and a friend, made it to the town about 18 hours after they were forced to stop on Highway 7 with nearly 300 other travelers.

All three of us were kind of hyping each other up, saying its going to be good, were going to get out of here. But then we all had moments like, Is this it? Is this the last time were going to see our kids? We were talking to our parents and our families, but it was just a scary situation, she said.

Forsythe said everyone in her vehicle joined about two dozen people on the flight to Agassiz, where nearly 80 others from the highway had already arrived.

Forsythe said their vehicles were expected to be towed. Her group was about a nine-hour drive from home and couldnt find a hotel room to spend the night.

Twelve people had been rescued from Highway 7 by the local fire department Sunday evening before the Vancouver Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team was called in Monday

Jashanpreet Singh and his wife, Harleen Kaur, were also caught between the two slides Sunday and said they came upon a vehicle that had been partially crushed by a slide.

A 9-year-old boy was injured and had blood coming out of his nose and ears, Kaur said. Firefighters who were first to the scene Sunday were able to take the boy to care, she said.

The couple was flown out Monday. Singh said they learned a valuable lesson because they had no food or water with them.

The deluges in parts of the province also caused the interior town of Merritt to issue an evacuation order Monday, warning its 7,000 residents not to use water from faucets or flush toilets.

Flood warnings and watches were issued on rivers and streams for areas from Merritt south to the border with the United States, the lower Fraser region and sections of southern Vancouver Island.

___

Associated Press Writer Jim Morris in Vancouver contributed to this report.
Kosovo governing party loses capital in runoff mayoral vote View Photo

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP)  Kosovos governing party suffered a heavy blow Sunday by losing the capitals mayoral post in runoff municipal elections held in almost two-thirds of the country after center-right opposition parties dominated in the first round.

About 1.26 million voters in the small Balkan nation were eligible to cast ballots in the second round to elect mayors in 21 out of 38 municipalities. Preliminary turnout was 38% Sunday.

The voting was peaceful. Police reported minor incidents not affecting the vote.

The governing left-wing Self-Determination Party, or Vetevendosje!, of Prime Minister Albin Kurti lost the race in Pristina where it had nominated its former health minister, Arben Vitia. It won in four other communes, one more than 2017.

The center-right Democratic League of Kosovo won in Pristina. The league, the center-right opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo of former independence fighters and the Alliance for Kosovos Future together won 21 mayoral seats.

The Srpska List party of Kosovos ethnic Serb minority, which is close to the Serbian government in Belgrade, won one more mayoral post, adding to nine it won in the first round in the northern Kosovo districts.

Dukagjin Gorani, an independent analyst, said a landslide loss for the governing party could have a negative impact on the overall legitimacy of both the political party and the government.

One might also expect early parliamentary elections, sometimes next year, Gorani added.

A European Union team was monitoring the election.

Kosovo, which has a majority ethnic Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia has not recognized the move.
Critics: Greece criminalizes migration, prosecutes helpers View Photo

CHIOS, Greece (AP)  Among the prison inmates of the Greek island of Chios, three young men from Afghanistan and Somalia are serving dramatically long sentences: 50 years for two of them, a staggering 142 for the third.

But these are not violent criminals, even according to their trial verdicts. They were convicted for steering inflatable dinghies carrying them and other migrants after they say smugglers abandoned them in the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.

I didnt think saving people is a crime, said Hanad Abdi Mohammad, 28, a soft-spoken Somali charged as a smuggler after arriving in Greece last December and sentenced to 142 years.

Mohammad told journalists and European Parliament lawmakers visiting the three in prison last week that he had no choice but to drive the boat. The smuggler forced him to take over, hitting him in the face and threatening him with a gun before abandoning the dinghy in rough seas. And peoples lives were at stake. Even with hindsight, he said, I would do it again, as long as I am saving lives.

Critics say the mens cases, as well as prosecutions or threats of criminal proceedings against aid workers, illustrate the expanding arsenal of techniques authorities in Greece and other countries are using to deter asylum-seekers.

Its not possible that someone who comes to claim asylum in Greece is threatened with such heavy sentences simply because they were forced, by circumstances or pressure, to take over handling a boat, said Alexandros Georgoulis, one of the lawyers representing the three imprisoned in Chios.

Greek authorities, he said, are essentially baptizing the smuggled as the smuggler.

Mohammads journey is also a stark indication of the chaos asylum-seekers may experience as they migrate between two countries long divided by deep-seated mistrust.

Fearing for their lives after the smuggler fled, the nearly three dozen panicked passengers abandoned their quest to reach Greece. Mohammad says he called the Turkish coast guard repeatedly, begging for a rescue. But when it arrived, the Turkish patrol boat circled the migrants vessel sharply, sending water into the dinghy and gradually pushing it toward Greece. In the chaos, two women fell overboard and drowned.

The Greek coast guard rescued the survivors, and Mohammad helped other passengers onto the rescue boat. He admitted to having driven the boat after the smuggler left. It didnt cross his mind that would lead to him being prosecuted as a smuggler.

Aid workers and volunteers have also found themselves in the crosshairs of Greek authorities. In one widely publicized case, Syrian human rights worker Sarah Mardini, a refugee herself, and volunteer Sean Binder were arrested and detained for months in 2018 on suspicion of espionage, money laundering and a litany of other offenses. They deny all charges, and say they were doing nothing more than helping rescue people.

Its not just Greece. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Germany, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Spain and Greece have initiated 58 investigations and legal proceedings since 2016 against private entities involved in search and rescue.

I think its important to challenge these in the courts, to not at all sit back and accept that we should be cast as smugglers or spies because I offered CPR, (or) more often than not just a smile, to someone in distress, Binder told the AP. It is preposterous that we should be cast as criminals. I dont accept it.It doesnt matter who you are, you dont deserve to drown in the sea.

Binder and Mardini go on trial on the island of Lesbos on on misdemeanor counts of espionage, forgery and unlawful use of radio frequencies on Nov. 18. They face a maximum eight-year sentence, convertible into a fine. They are still under investigation for felonies which could carry 25 years.

Dimitris Choulis, a lawyer on the island of Samos who frequently represents asylum-seekers and is not involved in Binders case, thinks criminal prosecutions or threats of prosecution are partly designed to deter nongovernmental organizations from documenting practices such as the illegal summary deportation of migrants before they can apply for asylum.

The only way to stop humanitarian organizations from watching what is happening in the Aegean is to criminalize rescue, said Choulis, who along with Georgoulis is representing the three men imprisoned in Chios.

Greek officials strenuously deny the country performs illegal pushbacks despite mounting indications to the contrary. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis dismissed such claims again last Tuesday, saying his government follows a tough but fair migration policy.

Most cases involving NGOs are intended more to intimidate than to win convictions, Choulis argues, noting most remain in the investigative phase. Three years after his arrest, Binder has yet to be charged with any of the felonies hes under investigation for.

In July, Greek police announced a felony investigation into 10 people, including four foreign NGO workers, on migrant smuggling allegations. No charges have resulted so far.

The short but often perilous sea crossing from Turkey to nearby Greek islands is a popular route into Europe for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. To crack down on smuggling, Greece introduced a law in 2014 imposing severe penalties on people smugglers: 10 years imprisonment for each smuggled person, or 15 years per person if there was danger to life, and life imprisonment if someone died.

But smugglers quickly adapted. Instead of ferrying people themselves, they persuaded or forced their passengers to drive the boats, something borne out by numerous testimonies of arriving asylum seekers. The result has been the convictions of migrants as smugglers.

Our prisons are full of asylum-seekers who drove a boat, Choulis said. This is absurd.

Although the sentences are draconian  apart from Mohammads 142 years, Afghans Amir Zaheri and Akif Rasouli, both in their 20s, received 50 years each  actual servable time under Greek law is capped at 20 years, reducible to 12 with good behavior. With prison work counting toward sentence reduction, they could be released after about eight years.

Still, thats a long time to spend incarcerated instead of building a new life.

Zaheri, accompanied by his pregnant wife and young child, and Rasouli arrived in the same boat about two years ago. From different parts of Afghanistan, they had never met before. Like in Mohammads case, the smuggler abandoned their dinghy and the passengers took turns steering, they said.

Both were tried as smugglers. They saw their court-appointed lawyer for the first time at their trial, which lasted just a few minutes. The judge spent a minute each asking them questions, Rasouli said.

For one minute, 50 years, he said. I cried for one month.

With new lawyers now representing them, Zaheri and Rasouli have an appeal hearing set for March. No appeal hearing date has yet been set for Mohammad.

____

Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed

___

Follow APs migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

By ELENA BECATOROS

Associated Press
UK says Liverpool taxi blast was a bomb, raises threat level View Photo

LONDON (AP)  British authorities raised the countrys threat level to its second-highest rung on Monday, after police said a blast in a taxi outside a Liverpool hospital was caused by a homemade bomb.

Investigators said they were treating Sundays explosion  which killed the suspected bombmaker and injured the cab driver  as a terrorist incident, but that the motive was unclear.

Counterterrorism police named the dead man as 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen. They did not give further details, though Britains Press Association news agency and other media reported that he had not been on the radar of the security services.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the U.K. threat level from substantial  meaning an attack is likely  to severe, meaning it is highly likely, following the U.K.s second fatal incident in a month. Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in October in what police said was an act of terrorism.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the sickening attack at Liverpool Womens Hospital and told reporters that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism.

We will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence, he said.

The male passenger in a taxi was killed and the driver injured when a blast ripped through the vehicle as it pulled up outside the hospital on Sunday morning. Russ Jackson, the head of Counterterrorism Policing in northwest England, said the explosion was caused by the ignition of an explosive device that was brought into the vehicle by the passenger.

Three men in their 20s were arrested elsewhere in the city Sunday under the Terrorism Act and a fourth was detained on Monday. All are believed to be associates of the dead passenger, police said.

Suspicions about a motive for the explosion have been aroused by the timing  just before 11 a.m. on Remembrance Sunday, the moment when people across Britain hold services in memory of those killed in wars.

Jackson said investigators had not found a link to remembrance events but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

Although the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident, he said at a press briefing.

He said the passenger had been picked up by the cab a 10-minute drive away and asked to be taken to the hospital, where the explosion occurred. The driver, named by local media as David Perry, managed to escape from the car. He was treated in the hospital and released.

Police said officers had searched two addresses in the city linked to the passenger  one where he had lived and a second he had recently rented  and found significant items at the latter. Officers performed a controlled explosion as a precaution as part of the investigation.

Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said the taxi driver had locked the doors of his cab so the passenger couldnt leave. Police did not confirm that account.

The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital, Anderson told the BBC.

The prime minister also said the driver appeared to have behaved with incredible presence of mind and bravery.

Nick Aldworth, a former senior terrorism investigator in Britain, said the taxi appeared to have sustained a lot of fire damage with very little blast damage.

He said whatever was in that vehicle was either a low yield, or didnt work properly, or possibly an incendiary. So I think its very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened.

Britains official terrorism threat level was lowered from severe to substantial in February. It has been at severe most of the time since 2014, briefly rising to critical amid a spate of violent attacks in 2017. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre sets the threat level based on intelligence about international terrorism at home and overseas.

Britain has experienced attacks by both Islamic and far-right extremists over the years, including a May 2017 suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that killed 22 people.

Amess was stabbed to death Oct. 15 while meeting with constituents, in what police said was an act of terrorism by a supporter of the Islamic State group. His slaying came five years after Labour Party lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death by a far-right extremist.

By JILL LAWLESS and DANICA KIRKA

Associated Press
Marijuana Grow in Sierra National Forest View Photo

Sierra National Forest, CA  A resident of Mexico was arrested for growing marijuana in the Sierra Nevada and also fined for the damage he caused.

Federal officials report that 25-year-old Lester Eduardo Cardenas-Flores cultivated 2,307 marijuana plants in the Sierra National Forest. He was spotted carrying fertilizer into the grow site in Madera County and later apprehended there. Investigators determined that he caused significant damage to the area that serves as critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and the California spotted owl. Agents report finding deadly, banned, pesticides that were sprayed directly onto plants. In addition, 8.5 million gallons of water had been diverted from a nearby stream to irrigate the marijuana plants.

Cardenas was sentenced to two years and five months in prison and slapped with a $48,000 fine for the environmental damage.

A co-defendant, who was also at the grow site, 37-year-old Luis Madrigal-Reyes of Mexico, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison this past October.
Gov hopeful Cunningham would suspend South Carolina gas tax View Photo

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  As pandemic-related supply shortages drive gas prices to record highs across the country, a Democrat seeking to become South Carolinas next governor is suggesting a temporary halt of the states gas tax as a way to alleviate cost burdens at the pump.

Joe Cunningham previewed his proposal in an interview with The Associated Press, saying hed utilize federal relief aid and the states budget surplus to keep tax-funded infrastructure projects on track.

A suspension would also require approval from a Republican-controlled Legislature thats technically out of session until January  and which overwhelmingly passed the tax in the first place, more than four years ago, with bipartisan support. Cunningham argued that lawmakers adjournment allows them to return to Columbia to debate any measure related to the pandemic.

Weve got to get creative on how we lessen the burden on South Carolina families, Cunningham told the AP. This is a no brainer.

South Carolina currently has a gas tax of just more than a quarter per gallon, part of a multiyear phase-in of a law passed by formidable majorities in 2017. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster fulfilled his pledge to veto any increase, but lawmakers in both chambers combined to overturn that move by more than 80%.

Cunningham said his suspension could save South Carolina drivers about $5 for each fill-up of a 20-gallon (75-liter) tank. The former one-term congressman, who planned to roll out his proposal later Monday, said his plan would last through the fiscal year, which ends June 30, about two weeks after the states primary elections.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline decreased by a penny last week to $3.41, according to the AAA, but the agency warned that consumer prices would likely stay high as long as oil prices remain higher than $80 per barrel.

South Carolinas per-gallon gas price had one of the largest over-the-week decreases, dropping two cents, to $3.14 for a gallon of regular. According to AAA, thats still 10 cents higher than a month ago, and up from $1.90 at this time last year.

The gas tax had been debated for decades before finally becoming law as a way to fund billions in infrastructure projects.

To pay for the tax shortfall while keeping those efforts on track, Cunningham said hed propose using federal pandemic relief money, as well as some state funding.

South Carolinas Board of Economic Advisers said last week that state lawmakers would have nearly $1 billion more to spend this budget year than expected, thanks to a quick recovery from the economic shock of the pandemic, and people spending money much faster than experts predicted.

The windfall boosts the money controlled by the General Assembly to nearly $11 billion, not counting the roughly $3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money coming to South Carolina.

House and Senate leaders have not officially called lawmakers back to either chamber before Januarys session convenes. The window on such a move is tightening, although its still possible.

Cunningham, who will face other fellow Democrats in next Junes primary, has been focusing his campaign thus far on McMaster, who is seeking his second full term in office. Like Nikki Haley before him, McMaster was vehement in his opposition to efforts to raise the gas tax.

South Carolina is a great place  and you deserve better than this, he said, in an online video explaining his veto.

On Monday, McMasters campaign manager laid blame for climbing gas prices at the foot of Democratic President Joe Biden, whom Cunningham supported.

The governor vetoed the increase on gas taxes, so hes clearly not in favor of them  but lets be clear here: since Joe Biden took office the average price of gasoline in this country has increased by more than a full dollar, Mark Knoop told AP. Joe Cunninghams friends have created this problem, and hes certainly not capable of fixing it.

Asked if he felt McMaster and other Republicans would support his proposal, Cunningham said the tax cut should transcend partisanship.

The question in my mind isnt why would we do it; its why should we not do it, Cunningham said. McMasters administration has been bankrupt on solutions.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.

By MEG KINNARD

Associated Press
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP)  Two more Sudanese protesters died in the hospital from wounds after being shot during mass protests over the weekend against last months military coup, a doctors union said Monday.

That raises the death toll from Saturdays protests to seven, all but one from gunshots, the Sudan Doctors Committee said. More than 200 others were wounded when security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital of Khartoum and its twin city, Omdurman, the committee said.

Sudanese police denied using live ammunition, saying its forces only resorted to tear gas to disperse demonstrators allegedly attacking police stations and vehicles. They said at least 39 policemen were wounded in Saturdays clashes.

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets across Sudan on Saturday to rally against the militarys takeover last month.

The Oct. 25 coup upended a fragile planned transition to democratic rule, more than two years after a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government.

The coup has drawn international criticism and massive protests in the streets of Khartoum and elsewhere in the country. At least 23 protesters were killed since Oct. 25, according to the doctors committee.

The committee said the new deaths include 13-year-old Remaaz Hatim al-Atta, who was shot in the head in front of her family's home in Khartoum, and Omar Adam who was shot in the neck during protests, also in Khartoum. Both were shot on Oct. 25 and pronounced dead in the past 24 hours, it said.

Saturday's demonstrations came as the military has tightened its grip on power, appointing a new, military-run Sovereign Council. The council, chaired by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, held its first meeting on Sunday, and issued a statement saying that a civilian government would be formed in the coming days.

The appointment of the council has angered the pro-democracy alliance and frustrated the United States and other countries that have urged the generals to reverse their coup.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee was in Sudan to push for a solution to the crisis, through the release of government officials and politicians arrested since the coup, the return of Prime Minister Abddalla Hamdok to office and the restoration of his government, according to a statement from the State Department. Hamdok has been under house arrest since the military's takeover.

Phee's visit includes meetings with Sudanese leaders from the government, political parties and civil society, the statement said.

Cracks, meanwhile, started to surface among the pro-democracy movement over a call by a group of political parties and movements to return to the pre-coup power-sharing deal between the protesters and the generals.

The Sudanese Professionals Association, which spearheaded the uprising against al-Bashir, criticized the call, insisting on the military fully handing power over to civilians.

The association said it would work with the Resistance Committees and other groups that are part of Sudan's pro-democracy movement to topple the military council and establish a civilian government to lead the transition to democracy.
On July 25, Jeremy McAnulty, the director of health protection for the Australian state of New South Wales, turned himself into a meme. While presenting the state's daily covid-19 hospitalization numbers, McAnulty said 141 people were in the hospital with covid, 43 of those in intensive care. He provided an age breakdown of the hospitalized and of those in the ICU. And then he said something utterly unexpected: "All but one are vaccinated."

This was, to anyone who knew anything about the coronavirus and the vaccines, not just improbable but effectively impossible. The simplest, most obvious explanation was that McAnulty had misspoken, saying "vaccinated" when he meant "unvaccinated." And this was exactly what had happened. When he took questions a short while later, a reporter asked about his statement, and he said: "I think I misspoke before. Of the 43 people in intensive care units, 42 have not been vaccinated."

But it was too late. Anti-vaxxers around the world flooded Facebook and Twitter with clips of McAnulty's misstatement. The right-wing "news" site Gateway Pundit picked up and amplified the false information. These posts and tweets of course omitted the fact that McAnulty had quickly corrected himself, with some adding a lie by claiming that McAnulty had been speaking not just of ICU patients in New South Wales but of all the covid hospitalizations there. They trumpeted what he had said as evidence that the vaccines were "literally useless" at best and downright harmful at worst.

The speed and efficiency with which McAnulty's misstatement traveled testify to the way anti-vaxxers and vaccine skeptics use social media to disseminate the message that the vaccines are unnecessary, ineffective and dangerous. But they also demonstrate how the successful spread of that message depends on an unfortunate fact: An awful lot of people just don't do math. The message lands easily because of the general innumeracy - and specifically the ignorance of statistics - of the people consuming it. It takes only an elementary grasp of math to see that McAnulty's initial statement was self-evidently unbelievable. At the time, most of New South Wales's population was unvaccinated. So even if the vaccines were totally ineffective, meaning vaccinated and unvaccinated people were equally likely to be hospitalized, some unvaccinated people would have ended up in the hospital with covid. But tens of thousands of people happily believed otherwise without a second thought.

What's often called motivated reasoning is at least partly to blame - people believed something that was mathematically nonsensical because they wanted to believe it. But too many people couldn't recognize it as mathematically nonsensical. Americans are generally bad at math. A 2012 global study of the math skills of 16-to-65-year-olds found that American adults were less numerate than adults in most other developed countries. On a scale ranking skills from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 5 the highest, 60% of Americans were at Level 2 or below, and almost 30% were at Level 1, which meant they struggled with even two-step calculations. That's a serious problem when it comes to evaluating vaccine effectiveness, since doing so requires multiple steps: looking at what percentage of total covid hospitalizations or deaths are among the vaccinated, looking at what percentage of the population is vaccinated, and then adjusting for that and for age to calculate how much more likely an unvaccinated person is to be hospitalized or die.

Lots of people, of course, never get that far. They make simpler mistakes: thinking that if 30% of people testing positive are vaccinated, that means 30% of vaccinated people tested positive, or believing that if a vaccine is 95% effective against hospitalization, that means 5% of vaccinated people will end up in the hospital. And it isn't just random people on Twitter who make these errors. CNN, in an article on how to fly safely, infamously suggested that a 90% effective vaccine would still mean that 10% of vaccinated fliers might catch the coronavirus. (What it really means is that a vaccinated person's risk of being infected on the plane would be 90% lower than an unvaccinated person's risk.)

Innumeracy, as the CNN example suggests, is not the province of any one group. And both sides in the information war over vaccines have used dubious statistics. But since the numbers show that vaccination offers excellent protection against hospitalization and death, covid skeptics and anti-vaxxers have become adept at exploiting people's innumeracy to instill doubts.

Some of these tricks are straightforward. When Vermont, which has the highest vaccination rate of any state, saw coronavirus cases rise from a very low base in late summer to a few hundred a day, and saw hospitalizations climb into the double digits,vaccine skeptics didn't say that Vermont still had some of the nation's lowest case and hospitalization rates, or that its absolute numbers were still very small. Instead, they said Vermont's cases were up "10,000%." Saying "Vermont has 300 cases a day" wouldn't have had quite the same effect, especially given that states like Florida were recording five times as many cases at the time. They also failed to mention that unvaccinated people in Vermont were far more likely to test positive for the coronavirus and to be hospitalized for it. The mere fact that Vermont's cases were up was taken as evidence that the vaccines don't work.

Similarly, when vaccine skeptics focus on countries that have had (or have) high case rates despite also having high vaccination rates, like Israel and Britain, and compare them unfavorably with the United States, they never mention that these other countries test far more than the United States does. That means that those countries identify many more infections than the United States does, and that their larger per capita caseloads are largely an artifact of testing. This summer, for instance, Southern states with low rates of vaccination had much higher positive test rates than Israel did, suggesting that their coronavirus infection rate was much higher as well. But because they were testing so much less, the states' case counts looked better. And so the most common social media refrain from vaccine skeptics in July and August was "What about Israel?," not "What about Tennessee and Mississippi?"

The most important place where innumeracy has helped foster vaccine skepticism is in the debate over vaccine effectiveness against severe illness and death. Vaccinated people can, and do, get severely ill and die of covid. So skeptics regularly point to the absolute number of deaths from breakthrough cases, or the share of total covid deaths accounted for by vaccinated people, as proof that the vaccines are failing.

The problems with this "analysis" are straightforward. First, if you're trying to determine the effectiveness of vaccines, you need to know more than the percentage of hospitalizations and deaths that vaccinated people account for. You also need to factor in the percentage of people who have been vaccinated, and adjust accordingly to determine the mortality and hospitalization rates for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Second, to get a true picture of vaccine effectiveness, you also have to adjust for age. There are two basic facts about covid and vaccines: Since the pandemic began, seniors have accounted for most covid deaths and severe illness; and seniors are the most vaccinated group, while most unvaccinated people are young. As a result, naive comparisons of the covid mortality and hospitalization rates for vaccinated and unvaccinated people understate vaccine effectiveness, since so many unvaccinated people are young and therefore less likely to be hospitalized with covid or to die of it.

To correctly measure vaccine effectiveness, then, you need to compare the mortality and hospitalization rates for vaccinated and unvaccinated people of the same age. And when you do this, it becomes clear how risky being unvaccinated is. In Oklahoma, for instance, the state says around 17% of seniors are not fully vaccinated. But those 17% account for 70% of all senior hospitalizations in the state over the past month. That means unvaccinated seniors in Oklahoma are 11 times more likely to be hospitalized for covid than vaccinated seniors are.

The math behind that "11 times" number isn't complicated. But it isn't obvious, either, and it does take a willingness to do it yourself, which lots of people understandably can't or don't want to do. As a result, simply presenting big numbers without context - a 10,000% increase; 3o% of hospitalizations - ends up being an effective technique for making vaccines look bad. And while there are lots of people on social media debunking fake stats and providing more rigorous statistical analysis, if you don't trust them, there's no reason you'll trust their math.

Public health authorities have often made this situation worse by the way they collect (or don't collect) data and present it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's state vaccination numbers, for instance, sometimes conflict with the numbers provided by state departments of health, and it's not clear why.While some states - among them Oklahoma and Connecticut - do a good job of presenting data on cases, severe illness and death among the vaccinated and unvaccinated, plenty of other states do much less. Go to Florida's covid-19 website, and you will search in vain for the daily numbers of reported cases and tests. And the state offers no data at all on hospitalizations and deaths by vaccination status.

Public health officials have also hurt their credibility by oscillating between making statistically dubious claims about vaccine effectiveness - Anthony Fauci's saying that coronavirus surges like the ones we saw last year were unlikely once the vaccination rate reached 50% in a community, for example - and making scary, dubious claims about the risks of the delta variant to the vaccinated. There is no quick fix for innumeracy. But public health officials can help mitigate the problem by being rigorous in their messaging and careful to present data in a clear, comparative way. (Connecticut's weekly covid reports, for instance, show not just the absolute numbers but also the relative risk of infection and hospitalization for unvaccinated people in an easy-to-understand format.) If they don't, their mistakes will be weaponized by anti-vaxxers to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt.

- - -

James Surowiecki is the author of "The Wisdom of Crowds" and a business columnist for Marker by Medium.
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A 9-year-old Dallas boy who had been on life support after being injured at Travis Scotts Astroworld Festival died Sunday. He became the tenth fatality from the melee that unfolded during Scotts performance in Houston Nov. 5.

The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son, said Ben Crump, the attorney for the family of young Ezra Blount, in a statement Sunday night. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration. Ezras death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer.

Crumps law firm had already filed suit over Ezra Blounts injuries against Scott, promoters Live Nation and Scoremore, Cactus Jack Records and other defendants.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted about Blounts death: I am saddened to learn of Ezras death this evening. Our city tonight prays for his mom, dad, grandparents, other family members and classmates at this time. They will need all of our support in the months and years to come.

Eight attendees were declared death in the immediate aftermath of the concert. A ninth victim, Bharti Shahani, a 22-year-old senior at Texas A&M University, died Wednesday night from her injuries.

The 9-year-old boys father, Treston Blount, had talked with local media about attending the concert and the calamity as NRG Field.

He was so stoked, the father told ABC13 in Houston. He said he had had his son on his shoulders toward the back of the crowd, but got pushed forward when a surge began. Treston said he lost consciousness in the crush, and Ezra was apparently trampled upon falling to the ground. After awakening and trying to find his son at medical tents, then filing a police report, the father was emailed a photo of the injured boy, and learned he was in Texas Childrens Hospital on life support with damage to his lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

The others to die from their Astroworld injuries ranged in age from 14 to 27: Madison Dubiski, 23, Brianna Rodriguez, 16, Rodolfo Pena, 23, John Hilgert, 14, Danish Baig, 27, Franco Patino, 21, Jacob Jurinek, 20, Bharti Shahani, 22, and Axel Acosta, 21.

Crump was not the first to file suit against Scott and others over the tragedy, but he has been a prominent face of the lawsuits in the lst week, saying he is filing suit on behalf of more than 200 Astroworld attendees. Initial reports out of the festival said that more than 300 fans were treated for injuries that night.

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Robin Jerstad, San Antonio Express-News / Contributor

San Antonio is weeks away from enjoying one of its time-honored traditions. For decades, the town of Windcrest has become aglow with light displays that attract caravans of holiday revelers journeying through the neighborhoods. The event has become a staple of the area's holiday celebration, alongside events like the downtown tree lighting and Light the Way at the University of the Incarnate Word.

The light display, which is organized by Windcrest, dates back 62 years. Each year, neighborhoods put up holiday lights, coordinating with the community theme. Once the lights are switched on, lines of cars parade through the streets each night of the holiday season to take in the magical displays. Standouts, like 2020's "Pan Dulce Over Pandemic" set up, become the backdrops for family photos each year.
After close to 20 months of being closed to Mexican tourists due to COVID-19 restrictions, the border finally reopened this week. However, the big boom of visitors expected was not that large as very few people crossed during the first few days of reopening the border.

Even though estimates up to just hours before the bridges reopened stated that the lines of people and vehicle traffic could be unlike anything locals had ever seen, there was instead very modest traffic on Bridges I and II on Monday and up to Thursday.

On the first day of the reopening of nonessential traffic, Nov. 8, CBP at Laredo Port of Entry saw about a 5% increase in vehicles, processing about 12,000 compared to 10,000 in an average day the previous week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Officer Rick Pauza said. CBP officers saw a 43% increase in pedestrians, about 7,000, and CBP officers processed about 1,000 tourist permits (I-94s).

However, things began to change on Friday as more people began to cross into the United States. Figures for the weekend were not immediately available, but visibly traffic was up significantly from earlier in the week.

Pauza also said the increases Friday were common as weekends and holidays neared  in Mexico, there was a three-day weekend to celebrate Revolution Day on Monday, which led to many having the day off from work.

Traffic ebbs and flows, and we do expect to see increases on the weekends, Mexican holidays and another influx of shoppers for Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Pauza said.

Some people who crossed on Friday evening stated they were waiting both for the weekend and also to know a bit regarding how strict CBP officers were when it came to checking vaccination documentation.

I wasnt going to cross on the first days, as I wanted to know whether they were really allowing people in or not, said local Noraida Parras on crossing the Juarez Lincoln International Bridge. Once I heard many people crossing without any problems, and also knowing that this Monday we also dont work in Mexico, it was the perfect opportunity to go.

Jose Luis Sanchez shared the same sentiment, but he also said crossing on the weekend was better to enjoy some of the Black Friday sales ongoing in the city.

I have seen laptops being just $150 and TVs as low as $100 this weekend and the next. It is time to finally cross for good electronics, as we did save some money back home, Sanchez said.

Even though the reopening of the border has been slow until Friday  with more seen trying to cross into the country  Pauza does state CBP is fully ready for any future large influx of people wanting to come into the United States.

Traffic has increased slightly, but we know that this can change at any moment, Pauza said. We have prepared for the reopening. We have sufficient CBP officer staffing to process the traffic. We monitor the traffic flow and make adjustments, opening and closing lanes as needed.

Even though the reopening of the border started slower than expected, the economic development director of the city says this is not bad for the economy as  contrary to popular opinion  Laredo does not entirely depend on Mexican tourism and retail sales from these shoppers in efforts to survive. He says this only helps the economy rebound, as this is happening slowly but surely.

I hope you can understand that Laredos economy is not totally dependent on non-essential bridge crossings, City of Laredo Economic Development Director Teclo J. Garcia said. Without these crossings, our retail is up 12.6% this year over last. Our commercial crossings are up 13-15% and new home construction is near an all-time high.

According to Garcia, unemployment is also down to 5.4% from a horrible high of 14% a year ago. Moreover, he says industrial real estate vacancy is down to just 1% in the city.

Given that information, I would challenge the notion that the economy is running slow and is still trying to recover, Garcia said. Can we do more and get better? Yes, of course. However, we have already bounced back nicely.

Garcia said several representatives for Laredo are actually currently in Mexico City trying to promote tourism to the city in the wake of the border reopening.

Although CBP did not make any comment whether some people have been denied entry into the country due to a lack of vaccination records or not showing proof of vaccination, Pauza did reiterate that anyone caught with fake documentation regarding vaccinations will be denied entry into the country with a possible revoking of their tourist visa.

Pauza says falsifying any information or lying to a federal officer can result in denied entry and adverse enforcement actions. He makes clear that CBP officers make admissibility determinations on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the statements made, the documentation presented and the totality of the circumstances.

Pauza also says visitors to the country should take advantage of the CBPs online website in efforts to process their permits and any other documentation they might need in efforts to travel into the interior of the United States.

As we approach the holiday season, we strongly encourage travelers seeking tourist permits to apply for them online by using the CBP One mobile app, Pauza said. They can apply electronically, pay for the permit online and doing so will facilitate their processing at the port of entry. We are also evaluating traffic flows and are looking at possibly opening a satellite I-94 tourist permit processing kiosk at the Outlet Shoppes of Laredo.

More about the CBP One online application can be found at www.cbp.gov/about/mobile-apps-directory/cbpone.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
Beto O'Rourke officially announced he is running for governor of Texas on Monday, November 15. He broke the news after months of speculation he would challenge Governor Greg Abbott. In an interview with the Associated Press, he said "it won't be easy, but it is possible."

"I do believe, very strongly, from listening to people in this state that they're very unhappy with the direction that Greg Abbott has taken Texas," O'Rouke said.

Shortly after the news broke, Abbott tweeted all the things he believes O'Rourke wants to do, like "defund the police," "take your guns," and "impose socialism."

"Bring it," he wrote to his challenger.

In 2018, O'Rourke narrowly lost the U.S. Senate seat to Ted Cruz. The closer-than-expected race pushed him into the national spotlight and he decided to run for president in 2020, but he dropped out before the primaries began.

Regardless of his past political performance, Texas Democratic leaders are showing support for O'Rourke amid his announcement (Republicans, however, are a bit quiet this morning). San Antonio Congressman Joaquin Castro tweeted his support for O'Rourke, adding "Abbott has failed us, and has a vision too small and divisive for" Texas.

"Let's get to work and vote him out," Castro added.

On the other side, Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz wrote he isn't surprised with O'Rourke's announcement. He tweeted a clip of one of the campaign ads he used when running against O'Rourke in 2018. It was a song that sang some of the following lyrics: "If you're going to run in Texas, you can't be a liberal man."

"With Beto's unsurprising announcement of yet another failed political run, it seems like a good time to reprise a classic," Cruz tweeted.

Scroll to see more reactions from Texas leaders:
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP)  Before her daughters birth, she spent weeks in bed. Another difficult pregnancy would be worse as she tried to care for her toddler.

Faced with that possibility, the 28-year-old Texas woman did what a growing number of people have considered: She had a friend in another state mail her the pills she needed to end her pregnancy. She took the pills, went to bed early and describes the experience as calm and peaceful.

If people can have births at birthing centers or in their own homes, why shouldnt people be able to have abortions in their own homes? said the woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she worries about legal reprisals as Texas moves to join several other states in disallowing mail delivery of abortion medications. Its a comfort thing.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Texas near-ban on abortion fueled increased interest in obtaining abortion medications by mail. But with the legality in doubt in several states, some people looking to get around restrictions may not see it as worth the risk. The matter is taking on new urgency with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments next month in Mississippi's bid to erode the Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion.

Some abortion-rights advocates worry that whatever state officials and anti-abortion groups promise, people ending their pregnancies at home will face criminal prosecutions.

We dont think that people are doing anything wrong to order medication from an online site, said Elisa Wells, co-founder and co-director of Plan C, which provides information about medical abortions. I mean, thats how men get Viagra. They order it online, and nobodys talking about that and asking, is that illegal?

Medication abortions have increased in popularity since regulators started allowing them two decades ago and now account for roughly 40% of U.S. abortions. The medication can cost as little as $110 to get by mail, compared with at least $300 for a surgical abortion.

However, people seeking abortion pills often must navigate differing state laws, including bans on delivery of the drugs and on telemedicine consultations to discuss the medication with a health care provider. And until Democrat Joe Biden became president, U.S. government policy banned mail delivery nationwide.

We just didnt want women to use these medications and not have any protections, any guidance, any consultation, said Oklahoma state Sen. Julie Daniels, a Republican and lead sponsor of her states law banning delivery of abortion medication by mail, which is on hold amid a legal challenge.

Plan C saw roughly 135,000 hits on its website in September, about nine times the number it had before the Texas law that bans abortion as early as six weeks into a pregnancy took effect Sept. 1, Wells said.

Aid Access, which helps women get abortion pills and covers costs for those who can't afford them, says it can't yet provide data from recent months. It saw a 27% increase in the U.S. in people seeking abortion pills as states instituted restrictions early in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a University of Texas study. The biggest increase was in Texas, which had limited access to clinics, saying it was necessary to check the coronavirus' spread.

Aid Access has a physician based in Europe, Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, provide prescriptions to clients in 32 states that only allow doctors to do so. The pills are mailed from India.

I dont think that any state level regulation is going to stop Dr. Gomperts from what shes doing, said Christie Pitney, a California nurse-midwife who is Aid Access' provider for that state and Massachusetts.

Indeed, Aid Access defied a 2019 order from the Food and Drug Administration to stop distributing medications in the U.S. In April, the Biden administration dropped the FDA ban on mail delivery of abortion medications during the pandemic.

The divide among Democratic-leaning and Republican-leaning states is stark in the St. Louis area. On the Illinois side, Planned Parenthood offers telemedicine consultations and prescriptions by mail. Missouri, however, bars telemedicine and requires a pre-abortion pelvic exam, which providers see as unnecessary and invasive.

In Missouri, we dont actually provide medication abortion because of the state requirement, said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer of the regional affiliate.

Abortion opponents don't expect the FDA restriction on abortion medication to be reinstated under Biden. GOP lawmakers in Arkansas,Arizona, Montana and Oklahoma already were working on new laws to ban mail delivery when the FDA acted. Texas' mail-delivery ban takes effect Dec. 2. South Dakota GOP Gov. Kristi Noem issued an executive order in September.

Even some abortion opponents believe it will be difficult for states to crack down on providers and suppliers outside their borders, especially outside the U.S.

Obviously it would be a lot easier if we had the cooperation of the federal government, said John Seago, Texas Right to Lifes legislative director. Theres no silver bullet yet identified of how were going to approach this kind of next frontier of the fight.

Still, Seago says tough penalties give prosecutors an incentive to pursue violators. The Montana law, for example, mandates a 20-year prison term, a $50,000 fine, or both to anyone who mails pills to a state resident.

Pregnant people seek telemedicine consultations and abortion pills by mail because they don't want to or can't travel or can't arrange time off or child care, abortion-rights advocates said.

Just because somebody cant access an abortion doesnt mean that theyre going to all of a sudden want to continue a pregnancy that originally was not desired, right? said Dr. Meera Shah, chief medical officer for the Planned Parenthood affiliate outside New York City, who also does abortions in Indiana.

A person in Ohio who identifies as nonbinary said they used an herbal remedy to self-manage an abortion alone in their college dorm room in 2016, before Aid Access launched its site, telling their roommate they had the stomach flu. They said they didnt have a car and didnt know they could get financial help, and called the Aid Access model fantastic.

Any avenue to help pregnant people facilitate their own abortions and have that experience in whatever way best suits them is a great way to give bodily autonomy back to a wider range of patients, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they fear harassment from anti-abortion protesters.

The new laws in Montana, Oklahoma and Texas say people cant face criminal penalties for having medication abortions. Yet those provisions  and assurances from abortion foes that their goal is not to prosecute people who have ended pregnancies  don't comfort some abortion-rights advocates.

They say roughly two dozen women have been prosecuted since 2000 in the aftermath of self-managed abortions. An Indiana woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for feticide in 2015 for a self-induced abortion spent more than a year behind bars before her conviction was overturned.

Some abortion-rights advocates said prosecutors also can use child endangerment or manslaughter charges against people who have had abortions  or who have had miscarriages that authorities deem suspicious. They worry that the poor and people of color are especially vulnerable.

They cant get drugs where they are, and so they may purchase pills from informal networks or online sites, said Melissa Grant, chief operating officer of carafem, which operates clinics in four states and provides abortion medications in nine. But thats riskier in this country than actually taking the medicines.
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By Jessica Corbett. Originally published at Common Dreams

Advocacy groups, human rights defenders, fellow reporters, and other readers of The New York Times were outraged Saturday after journalists Dave Philipps and Eric Schmitt published their investigation into a deadly 2019 U.S. airstrike in Syria and all that followed.

This NYT report on the cover-up of U.S. war crimes in Syria should make your blood boil, Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the anti-war group CodePink, tweeted Sunday. The U.S. wantonly kills civilians, covers it up, and then tells other countries how democracy works. Infuriating.

Evan Hill, a journalist on the Times visual investigations team, said that this is a long, complicated story, but its one that touches on nearly every problem with the global U.S. air war. At every attempt, the military tried to cover it up.

US forces arent good at policing themselves. Surprised? At nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized & classified. [They] bulldozed the blast site.https://t.co/BUOXiqhwGB  Jon Rainwater (@jonrainwater) November 14, 2021

The Times began by detailing the scene over two years ago, when the U.S. military was using a drone near the Syrian town of Baghuz to search for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria militants, and encountered women and children along a river bank:

Without warning, an American F-15E attack jet streaked across the drones high-definition field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb on the crowd, swallowing it in a shuddering blast. As the smoke cleared, a few people stumbled away in search of cover. Then a jet tracking them dropped one 2,000-pound bomb, then another, killing most of the survivors. It was March 18, 2019. At the U.S. militarys busy Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, uniformed personnel watching the live drone footage looked on in stunned disbelief, according to one officer who was there. Who dropped that? a confused analyst typed on a secure chat system being used by those monitoring the drone, two people who reviewed the chat log recalled. Another responded, We just dropped on 50 women and children. An initial battle damage assessment quickly found that the number of dead was actually about 70.

After the strike, civilian observers found piles of dead women and children, reported Philipps and Schmitt, who spent months investigating one of the largest civilian casualty incidents of the war against ISIS, relying on confidential documents, descriptions of classified reports, and interviews.

A legal officer flagged the strike as a possible war crime that required an investigation. But at nearly every step, the military made moves that concealed the catastrophic strike, the pair explained. The death toll was downplayed. Reports were delayed, sanitized, and classified. United States-led coalition forces bulldozed the blast site. And top leaders were not notified.

There are many, many worrying details in the story but two in particular raise concerns. The strike was called in by a secretive special forces unit called Tasked Force 9, under the principle of imminent danger. This designation meant that oversight was loosened. pic.twitter.com/ZAfIWxkS0X  Airwars (@airwars) November 13, 2021

Gene Tate, a former U.S. Navy officer who worked on the Defense Department inspector generals inquiry into the strike, told the Times that he criticized the lack of action and was ultimately forced out of his position.

Leadership just seemed so set on burying this. No one wanted anything to do with it, Tate said. It makes you lose faith in the system when people are trying to do whats right but no one in positions of leadership wants to hear it.

According to Philipps and Schmitt:

This week, after The New York Times sent its findings to U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, the command acknowledged the strikes for the first time, saying 80 people were killed but the airstrikes were justified. It said the bombs killed 16 fighters and four civilians. As for the other 60 people killed, the statement said it was not clear that they were civilians, in part because women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms. We abhor the loss of innocent life and take all possible measures to prevent them, Capt. Bill Urban, the chief spokesman for the command, said in the statement. In this case, we self-reported and investigated the strike according to our own evidence and take full responsibility for the unintended loss of life. The only assessment done immediately after the strike was performed by the same ground unit that ordered the strike. It determined that the bombing was lawful because it killed only a small number of civilians while targeting Islamic State fighters in an attempt to protect coalition forces, the command said. Therefore no formal war crime notification, criminal investigation, or disciplinary action was warranted, it said, adding that the other deaths were accidental.

Both Tate and an Air Force lawyerwho didnt respond to the Times requests for commentreached out to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee to share concerns. Chip Unruh, a spokesperson for the panels chair, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), declined to comment on the incident.

However, Unruh told the Times more broadly that when tragic errors occur on the battlefield, the United States, as the leader of the free world, has an obligation to be transparent, take responsibility, and do everything we can to learn from and prevent future mistakes.

There have long been allegations that imminent danger leads to greater risks for civilians.

But the article claims in the final months of the war it was invoked in four out of five strikes.

Airwars documented hundreds of civilian deaths in those monthshttps://t.co/wlsGspdkcc  Airwars (@airwars) November 13, 2021

Gene Tate, a former U.S. Navy officer who worked on the Defense Department inspector generals inquiry into the strike, told the Times that he criticized the lack of action and was ultimately forced out of his position.

Leadership just seemed so set on burying this. No one wanted anything to do with it, Tate said. It makes you lose faith in the system when people are trying to do whats right but no one in positions of leadership wants to hear it.

According to Philipps and Schmitt:

This week, after The New York Times sent its findings to U.S. Central Command, which oversaw the air war in Syria, the command acknowledged the strikes for the first time, saying 80 people were killed but the airstrikes were justified. It said the bombs killed 16 fighters and four civilians. As for the other 60 people killed, the statement said it was not clear that they were civilians, in part because women and children in the Islamic State sometimes took up arms. We abhor the loss of innocent life and take all possible measures to prevent them, Capt. Bill Urban, the chief spokesman for the command, said in the statement. In this case, we self-reported and investigated the strike according to our own evidence and take full responsibility for the unintended loss of life. The only assessment done immediately after the strike was performed by the same ground unit that ordered the strike. It determined that the bombing was lawful because it killed only a small number of civilians while targeting Islamic State fighters in an attempt to protect coalition forces, the command said. Therefore no formal war crime notification, criminal investigation, or disciplinary action was warranted, it said, adding that the other deaths were accidental.

Both Tate and an Air Force lawyerwho didnt respond to the Times requests for commentreached out to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee to share concerns. Chip Unruh, a spokesperson for the panels chair, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), declined to comment on the incident.

However, Unruh told the Times more broadly that when tragic errors occur on the battlefield, the United States, as the leader of the free world, has an obligation to be transparent, take responsibility, and do everything we can to learn from and prevent future mistakes.

The article also documents how time and again military officials blocked questions and investigations into the strike. One section shows something we have long argued  without media & civil society pressure investigations into civilian harm arent taken as seriously. pic.twitter.com/PYMhvbZUXc  Airwars (@airwars) November 13, 2021

The breathtaking cover-up, as Washington Post investigative reporter Craig Whitlock called it, sparked criticism of the Defense Department as well as demands for accountability and reforms.

Nahal Toosi, senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico, asked what the point is of having a Defense Department inspector general if they a) dont do their job b) never release public reports of what they find in a case like this.

This story raises so many questions. I dont know where to start. But one worth asking is WTF is the point of having a DOD inspector general if they a) dont do their job b) never release public reports of what they find in a case like this. They are supposed to be the watchdogs!  Nahal Toosi (@nahaltoosi) November 13, 2021

This is nothing short of criminal conspiracy, said Daniel Mahanty of the Center for Civilians in Conflict. They bulldozed the strike site and manipulated logs. Who is going to jail for this?

America continues to kill Arab women and children without being held accountable. #syria #warcrimes https://t.co/uuKehnoAy9  Arabs For Bernie (@ArabsForBernie) November 13, 2021

The U.S. needs to leave Syria ASAP, declared Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Our military presence there makes us LESS safe!

CodePink reached the same conclusion of the U.S. presence in the Middle East, tweeting Saturday: Make no mistake. There will be more of these atrocities and more dirty cover-ups if we if stay. We cannot allow that.
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Yves here. Im running this post because it makes a very important headline statement, that COP26-type official efforts to address climate change are tantamount to rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. But otherwise this article is a hot mess.

The piece does stress that deaths resulting from climate change will dwarf Covid deaths, even allowing for a substantial official undercount. It would be nice if an article using Covid as a significant anchor got basic concepts right. For instance, it compares vaccine administration levels to full three dose vaccination requirements. Its embarrassing that the author Paul Rogers hasnt gotten the memo that vaccine-induced immunity is severely diminished by six months, so vaccinations more often than annually would be needed.of course assuming no variants that substantially or totally escape the vaccines. And he like too many commentators overlook morbidity cost. From GM via e-mail:

The risk has never been explained to the public properly and is constantly being minimized in the media. This is not a common cold virus, it does lasting damage to internal organs, even in mild cases, and it destroys your immune system in ways that might not be apparent now but very much will be years down the line. And that the media is entirely silent about.

In other words, a more accurate picture of Covid as a hazard to humanity would not in any way undermine Rogers point, that climate change damage is on track to be vastly, immeasurably worse.

The other, far more peculiar element is that Rogers does notice that COP26 is pointedly silent about the military, but the Rogers shies away from making the obvious observation that armed forces, above all Americas super-sized operations, are a major greenhouse gas producers. Instead he pumps for a nicer, friendlier role (so they become the worlds National Guard?) as if that has any impact on the direct harm they do at their present scale.

And as far as a more cooperative military is concerned, perhaps Professor Rogers should become acquainted with the fable of the scorpion and the frog.

By Paul Rogers, professor in the department of peace studies at Bradford University, northern England. He writes a monthly briefing for the Oxford Research Group. His latest book is Irregular War: ISIS and the New Threat from the Margins (IB Tauris, 2016), which follows Why Were Losing the War on Terror (Polity, 2007), and Losing Control: Global Security in the 21st Century (Pluto Press, 3rd edition, 2010). He is on Twitter at: @ProfPRogers. Originally published at openDemocracy

Three issues arise directly from COP26. Firstly, the architects of the COP21 Paris agreement, Christiana Figueres and Laurence Tubiana, believe that yet more negotiations will have to follow COP26 next year. Secondly, the respected Climate Action Tracker put the consequences of what had so far been agreed, both before and during the summit, at a 2.4C rise in temperature. Thirdly, and perhaps most daunting of all, even if a firm agreement is reached to keep the increase to 1.5C, we are already experiencing the severity of climate change at the present 1.2 level.

When extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires and storms affect the Global North, they attract plenty of attention. There is still much less focus on the far greater impact of extreme weather on the Global South, which is a persistent source of bitterness given the failure of richer countries to implement the agreement for $100bn of support for poorer states.

Meanwhile, in what might be considered a side issue this week, but most certainly is not, Britains chief scientific advisor, Patrick Vallance, has warned that climate change poses a much greater risk to humanity than COVID-19. He said: The reason I say it is a bigger problem is because in terms of the overall effect on humanity, if this is not stopped it is a bigger, bigger challenge to the way we live, and lives will be lost.

His view is widely shared by climate activists, but its significance increases when we take a hard look at where we are with the pandemic.
(Natural News) Mousepox is a disease caused by a virus that attacks soft tissues of mice, including an acute form of infection that bears a high mortality rate. The disease is a relative of the smallpox virus and has been carefully researched and analyzed by scientists in Australia, who recognized the virus as being a mouse-specific virus of the mammalian pox viruses. It was never a problem in the United States, until the US government funded a scientist in 2003 to deliberately create a highly lethal form of mousepox called modified mousepox, using genetic modification (GM), also known as genetic engineering.

No antiviral drugs or vaccines work against this deadly GM mousepox. Caused by the human-specific variola virus, mousepox now raises fears that technology enables its use for biowarfare. Will modified mousepox be accidentally released into the USA, to add to the Covid chaos? Will a mousepox mRNA vaccine follow as a new form of pest control?

Australian research team accidentally creates a virus with 100% kill rate as it wipes out key part of the immune system

Although mousepox does not affect humans, neither did Covid-19 before it was given gain of function and genetically modified to specifically target and attack human lung tissue. Modified mousepox could easily be used in biowarfare by the nefarious CCP or the insidious CDC, or both. Closely related to smallpox, modified mousepox is being adapted to be much more deadly just like the China Flu virus.

The researchers in Australia claimed to have no intention of producing this lethal virus. It was just about pest control (another name for population control). One of the researchers, who formerly worked on the Soviet germ-warfare program, said it was a good way to show how smallpox could be altered to make it more virulent. Sure. The research and virus modification was focused on stimulating antibodies that kill the mouse eggs, making the animals infertile.

The virus was the transporter, a vehicle, for implanting egg proteins (think spike proteins in a vaccine) into mice to trigger this antibody response. Get it? They found out that the modified mousepox virus they created completely suppressed the arm of the immune system that combats viral infection. Next they go to work on cowpox virus, which does infect a very wide range of animals, including humans.

Australian researcher who discovered how to make mousepox more deadly is supposedly concerned about GM monkeypox virus that can now cross species

Will mild infections for humans suddenly become lethal due to rogue scientists in laboratories figuring out how to make animal viruses lethal to humans? Why are they even studying this? They will tell you to prevent biowarfare, but they are creating biowarfare via accidents, theft and other bio-terrorists (CCP and CDC) getting a hold of these new creations.

How to you prevent genetically modified monkeypox? Avoid contact with animals that could harbor it, like dead ones in regions where monkeypox occurs frequently. Also avoid bedding materials where those sick animals might be kept. Monkeypox causes serious skin lesions that leave scars, and it has a high fatality rate of killing 1 in every 6 victims.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease common in tropical rainforests, but it gets transported to other regions of the world through animals and people (via rodents and primates). Human-to-human transmission does happen through respiratory droplets and other body fluids. Sound familiar? About one in ten people die who catch monkeypox, with most of those deaths happening among youth.

Though a new third generation vaccine is now approved for preventing monkeypox (at an 85% success rate) along with smallpox, it is not available to the public sector. Clinically, monkeypox is not as severe as smallpox, but genetic modification can change all of that. Human cases of monkeypox date back to 1970 as reported by a dozen different African countries.

Over the past 4 years, monkeypox has been imported to Israel, the United Kingdom and Singapore by travelers from Nigeria, including a health worker, who did not show symptoms until after arrival.

Get ready for more gain of function animal viruses to be accidentally released or stolen from communist labs around the planet. Then watch for mutant vaccines also that are supposed to keep you from getting such a bad case of GM-2022-mousepox and monkeypox. For the best in truth news on your internet dial tune to Pandemic.news because it doesnt take a scientist or doctor to see that Covid vaccines, Remdesivir, masks, ventilators and bad CDC advice have created a pandemic of their own.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com

NewScientist.com

WHO.int/news

Academic.oup.com
(Natural News) A researcher named Albert Benavides conducted a data analysis on Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And what he found is that there are hundreds of serious adverse events associated with Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines that these two federal agencies are concealing from the public.

More than 200 different symptoms, if you can believe it, have been completely swept under the rug by both the CDC and the FDA, which continue to claim that Fauci Flu shots are safe and effective.

All 200 of these serious adverse reactions occur at a much higher rate than myocarditis, the heart condition that is exploding particularly among young people who take the jabs in obedience to the government and their local school boards.

All together, there were over 4,000 VAERS adverse event codes that were elevated by these vaccines by a factor of 10 or more over baseline that the CDC should have warned people about, reported investigative reporter Steve Kirsch on his Substack.

COVID vaccines cause more adverse events than all of the other 70-plus jabs forced on children

As we reported, hospitals all across America are now being flooded with vaccine-injured patients, many of them children and even infants, who are suffering from these adverse events concealed from the public by the CDC and the FDA.

Parents everywhere are wondering what happened since the media-pharma-government trifecta claims that these injections are basically the same thing as vitamins when it comes to boosting immunity.

The truth, of course, is that these chemical vials are killing people either slowly or quickly, depending on the person. In time, the full impact of this injection genocide will become apparent, but by then it will already be far too late to do anything about it.

Another little tidbit uncovered by Benavides analysis is the fact that Chinese Virus injections are causing more adverse events than all of the other 70-plus injections that have been included in the governments tracking protocol since the program was launched 30 years ago.

This means that Wuhan Flu shots are by far the deadliest vaccines to ever hit the market.

Thats a stunning statistic, nobody can deny it, but nobody in the mainstream medical community (or mainstream media) seems to care much, noted Kirsch. Its not even worth noting in passing. Wow.

All in all, Chinese Virus shots are 800 times more deadly than the smallpox vaccine, which was the previous record holder. Fauci Flu jabs have already killed at least 150,000 Americans and permanently disabled countless more.

Not only that. Only one life is supposedly saved for every 22,000 people that get injected. This is according to a six-month trial from Pfizer that was probably skewed in the companys favor, meaning the true numbers are likely far worse.

It also appeared from the trial that the drug killed more people than it saved (there were 20 deaths in the treatment group vs. 14 in placebo after unblinding), Kirsch added. So we are saving fewer than 10,000 lives at the expense of over 150,000 deaths. In short, we kill 15 people to save 1. Thats incredibly stupid.

Kirsch and his team have attempted to meet with officials from the Biden regime to discuss this incriminating data, but thus far they have refused.

They basically dont want to hear the truth, Kirsch said. Instead, they focus on deplatforming and censoring us which are techniques that are effective when the data doesnt work out for you.

The latest news about the COVID-19 vaccine genocide can be found at Genocide.news.

Sources for this article include:

SteveKirsch.substack.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) there is always a temptation to invoke security necessities to justify an encroachment upon civil liberties. For that reason, the military-security argument must be approached with healthy skepticism: Its very gravity counsels that courts be cautious when military necessity is invoked by the Government to justify a trespass on First Amendment rights.  Brown v. Glines, 444 U.S. 348, 369 (1980) (Brennan, J., dissenting)

(Article by Pam Long republished from ChildrensHealthDefense.org)

Thousands of military members, up to 30% of the armed forces, face dishonorable discharge, court-martial and loss of retirement benefits for refusing the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine mandate.

In the military, there are seven pending legal challenges against the Department of Defense (DOD) mandates for the SARs-CoV-2 vaccine. The links below provide the legal cases and language, with parenthetical references to the attorneys and judicial process updates, along with a brief summary of the arguments in each case.

1. Childrens Health Defense v. FDA (Barnes, Jordan, Kennedy, Holland, Childrens Health Defense (CHD)

The Defender in September reported on CHDs lawsuit challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) approval of Pfizers Comirnaty COVID vaccine.

According to the lawsuit, the FDA violated federal law when it simultaneously licensed Pfizers Comirnaty vaccine and extended Pfizers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for its vaccine that has the same formulation and can be used interchangeably, according to the FDA.

Despite DODs claim that BioNTech and Comirnaty are interchangeable, the FDA upholds that BioNTech and Comirnaty are legally distinct:

Comirnaty has the same formulation as the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and can be used interchangeably to provide the COVID-19 vaccination series without presenting any safety or effectiveness concerns. The products are legally distinct with certain differences that do not impact safety or effectiveness.

Service members are refusing the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine mandate based on an illegal order because the EUA BioNTech is voluntary, while an FDA-approved and licensed Comirnaty vaccine can be mandated  yet the Comirnaty vaccine does not exist in the U.S. yet.

The FDA also prohibits labeling one drug as another drug by a different name. The FDA has not published an exception to a policy that BioNTech labeled drugs can be relabeled with a Comirnaty label.

Even if both drugs are made by Pfizer, and hypothetically have the same exact formulation, they are legally distinct. Pfizer has also yet to publish where and when people could obtain the Comirnaty-labeled product in the U.S.

Officers-in-Charge of military vaccine clinics have written affidavits that they do not have Comirnaty-labeled vaccines, and available EUA drugs are voluntary. Service members are within their rights to refuse a BioNTech labeled drug.

2. John Doe, Jane Doe v. DOD, HHS, Air Force, Navy, FDA, Army (Reyes, Defending the Republic)

Defending the Republic in October filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government  including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, III, Department of Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock  on behalf of 16 active-duty military service members in support of their right to refuse the unconstitutional and unlawful COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

According to Defending the Republic:

The core claims raised in the lawsuit ask the court to bar the FDA and DOD from using deceptive bait-and-switch tactics and to uphold the constitutional right of every citizen to refuse an unwanted, unnecessary and unproven vaccine. The bait-and-switch involves the FDAs approval of the Comirnaty vaccine, which is not available, while the FDA and DOD instead seek to administer the experimental, unapproved version of the vaccine (which cannot be mandated) to trick service members to forfeit their rights to informed consent and to refuse an experimental vaccine.

This lawsuit challenges the FDAs unlawful approval of the Comirnaty Vaccine. This approval violated the Administrative Procedure Act, contradicted the FDAs own rules, was based on flawed and incomplete scientific studies, and was made despite unprecedented numbers of adverse events  including deaths  related to the vaccine.

The complaint also alleges the FDA acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner, in that it excluded certain groups from clinical trials, including those with previous COVID-19 infection and pregnant women.

DOD adamantly claims BioNTech and Comirnaty are the same product. However, a trove of evidence shows not only are the two products different in formulation, but Comirnaty has not even begun production, and Pfizer has no intention to begin production until pandemic stockpiles of the liability-free EUA products are exhausted.

As a matter of due diligence, it would be simple for DOD to confirm or deny this lack of FDA-approved drug supply by demanding clarification from the FDA and Pfizer, to ensure that service members rights are not being railroaded by an industry with a monopoly acting with the collusion of captured agencies.

Instead, the chain of command complies without any resistance to a force-reduction crisis, and holds disciplinary hearings for separation using the convenient industry-provided mantra of interchangeable.

In documentation of the fraud that is occurring, a TRICARE physician wrote the following email communication:

Per the memo attached, On September 13, 2021, the National Library of Medicine within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reported, [a]t present, Pfizer does not plan to produce any product with these new [Comirnaty National Drug Codes] and labels over the next few months while EUA-authorized product is still available and being made available for U.S. distribution. Therefore, Pfizer has not made any Comirnaty. There is no expected date when we will receive Comirnaty.

3. Robert & Mulvihill v. DOD, HHS, FDA (Callender, Americas Frontline Doctors)

In this case, two active duty service members seek a temporary restraining order from the DOD vaccine mandate based on prior COVID infections and naturally acquired immunity.

The case cites that AR40-562 has a longstanding exemption for vaccines when service members demonstrate natural immunity with serologic testing. In an unprecedented unilateral decision, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has redefined immunity by vaccine only, and thereby denies science in the validity of natural immunity in a new policy for the vaccine mandate.

The case demonstrates potential harm to the plaintiffs by incomplete clinical trials ending in 2023, a new experimental technology of mRNA without general population data on long-term effects and the 837,595 adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (as of Oct. 22).

The United States Military Academy at West Point has already discharged Army cadets with natural immunity for refusing the vaccine.

West Point only has a few young, healthy cadets seeking vaccine exemptions, and yet has created a policy of expulsion and separation that denies a >95% vaccinated population at the academy can protect the few unvaccinated. This is a denial of science; herd protection was originally established that 60% natural immunity would protect vulnerable elderly and infants.

The affidavit of Lt. Col. Theresa Long, MD, MPH, FS, in support of this case as a military whistleblower makes compelling arguments that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is putting all service members at serious health risks, with toxic ingredients not previously used in humans

Long recommended the Secretary of Defense ground all vaccinated pilots until they can be evaluated for cardiac symptoms.

4. Church v. Biden (Yoder, Temporary restraining order granted Oct. 29 in favor of military and federal employees)

This case exposes that the Nov. 8 deadline for vaccine mandates imposed on military and federal employees was created by President Bidens Safer Federal Workforce Task Force in a scheme to use the deadline as a forcing function to coerce vaccine uptake, to collect data on the scope of how many religious exemptions would be requested, to collect extensive information on religious beliefs and to ultimately refuse all religious accommodations with any criteria an agency chooses.

This case outlines the longstanding protections in the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fifth Amendment, and the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act.

The case articulates the sincerely held religious objections to aborted fetal cells in all of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The case highlights the preferential exemptions for federal employees in the federal Executive Branch (White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and select federal agents.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act also protects the plaintiffs because the FDA-approved Comirnaty is not available to anyone in the U.S.

Mike Yoder, attorney for the plaintiffs, said: The DOD OIG COVID-19 Coordinator has confirmed that the Pentagon does not have COMIRNATY and does not know when COMIRNATY will be available.

Yoder referenced a letter addressed to Pfizer, in which the FDA clarifies any uncertainty that BioNTech is labeled as EUA and therefore voluntary: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine vial label and carton labels are clearly marked for Emergency Use Authorization.'

Ultimately, the case argues the federal vaccine mandate violates fundamental rights without a compelling governmental interest using the least restrictive means: right to freely exercise religion, right to earn a living and right to remain free from the forcible injection of a medication, such as a vaccine to a nonconsenting persons body.

5. Costin v. Biden (Yoder)

This case also represents various federal and military plaintiffs. It details the fraud of agencies misinforming employees that BioNTech is FDA-approved and mandatory, and reports that DOD is falsifying medical records with Comirnaty for service members who received BioNTech.

From the lawsuit:

93. On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved Pfizers COMIRNATY (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA) (COMIRNATY), which is legally distinguishable from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BioNTech) as evidenced by the FDAs COMIRNATY vaccine approval announcement published on August 23, 2021.

94. The FDA approval letter only states that COMIRNATY is FDA-approved; Pfizer-BioNTech, is not, nor has it ever been approved by the FDA.

95. It could not be clearer that BioNTech is not FDA-approved and therefore, the vaccine remains subject to the EUA provisions of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

96. As a result, a mass misinformation campaign has construed the two legally distinct vaccines to be considered by the public-at-large as a single Pfizer vaccine  this is not correct.

97. The two Pfizer vaccines are legally distinct and include differences. For example, the two vaccines have different numbers of ingredients: COMIRNATY has eleven (11) ingredients while Pfizer-BioNTech has just ten (10) ingredients.

6. Navy Seals v. Biden (Gannam, Liberty Counsel)

This case challenges the blanket refusal of religious accommodation of service members, federal employees and federal civilian contractors.

The federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate violates the voluntary conditions of an EUA drug, the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

According to the complaint:

Plaintiffs have demonstrated their commitments to the United States Constitution and the Nations future comfort, security and prosperity. This Court should demand that the Nation return the favor. Telling Plaintiffs they must accept or receive a shot they oppose according to their sincerely held religious beliefs, or face court-martial, dishonorable discharge, and other life-altering disciplinary measures, disgraces the sacrifices these heroes have made.

Defendants vaccine mandate, ostensibly responding to a public health crisis, has created a national emergency of much greater magnitude. The mandate attacks the military from within by removing brave servicemembers from defending the Nation by land, air and sea, and from without by eliminating the dedicated civilian defense contractors and employees providing everything from boots and uniforms, to cyber security, to the worlds most advanced stealth fighter jet  the F-35 Raptor solely because these protectors of our constitutional freedoms requested accommodation of their sincerely held religious beliefs under the same Constitution.

The crisis created by Defendants mandates, applied to two million federal employees, is unnecessary and completely avoidable, but nonetheless imminent and real.

Despite the willingness of applicants for religious accommodations to undertake reasonable protocols for public health as they did prior to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine rollout, most Navy personnel are immediately removed from positions and declared not physically qualified while expected to take a risk of myocarditis even if they have natural immunity from a prior infection.

The lawsuit states:

For example, on October 14, 2021, Vice Admiral William Galinis, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), sent a warning to his entire command, comprising more than 85,000 civilian and military personnel: The Executive Order mandating vaccinations for all federal employees has provided clear direction. We are moving quickly toward a workforce where vaccinations are a condition of employment. Frankly, if you are not vaccinated, you will not work for the U.S. Navy.'

7. Navy Seals v. DoD (Berry, First Liberty Institute)

First Liberty reported the U.S. Navy has written a policy that discharged Seals can be required to pay back the cost of years of training:

Collectively, our clients have more than 350 years of military service and more than 100 combat deployments. But under the Pentagons current policy, their careers decades of experience, leadership and training  could be on the verge of destruction if they choose not to be vaccinated.

Navy SEALs are brave and fierce fighters who dedicate years of their lives, sacrificing themselves physically and mentally to serve our nation and defend our liberties. Plus, it costs millions of taxpayer dollars in training  approximately $2 million per Navy SEAL  to prepare the most elite fighting force on the face of the earth.

Its vindictive and punitive that the DOD is threatening to expel them from the Navy or even send them to jail. Even more shocking, the government could also force these elite fighters to repay the nation for their training  all for simply asking for a religious accommodation. Again, this is a right they have under both federal and military law.

Its not only the Navy SEALs themselves who face harassment, but also their families. First Liberty has documentation from the DOD stating military service members and their dependents (who are not subject to military orders) cannot travel until they are vaccinated. Thats unjustified and outrageous.

The Navy policy is to discharge all unvaccinated service members without an approved exemption on Nov. 28.

Many of these lawsuits are taking donations to offset the cost of litigation to service member plaintiffs. The court precedents won in these military lawsuits will also benefit civilians facing similar employer mandates.

Even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and

forgotten.  Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, 141 S. Ct. 63, 68 (2021)

Read more at: ChildrensHealthDefense.org
(Natural News) Randi Weingarten, the mask queen president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), was recently caught removing her face covering during the 2021 SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico.

Claiming that those in attendance were having a hard time hearing her through all that cloth and plastic, Weingarten took off the mask and potentially exposed the entire room full of people to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

After possibly igniting a superspreader event with this action, Weingarten made headlines for her hypocrisy. After all, this is the same Weingarten who has been pushing for universal masking for children in public schools.

A concerned parent named Adriana Aviles tweeted a photo of Weingarten unmasked and surrounded by many others who were also unmasked and in close proximity to her  you know, like how children are in the classroom.

Gotta love when school teachers @rweingarten @DOEChancellor mingle with others  in a packed room  with no masks  yet  I wonder if everyone needed proof of Vax to attend this work vaca  they sure didnt need masks, Aviles wrote, also tagging @AppletoZucchini, @daniela127, and @Chalkbeat.

In response, Weingarten claimed that she had to show proof of vaccination upon entry into the event.

I had also just done a rapid Covid test & was negative, she further added.

Randi Weingarten is a hypocritical tyrant

In the rest of her nonsensical and grammatically incorrect response, Weingarten issued a feigned apology and admitted that she is a hypocrite. But unlike the students her mask policies punish every single day, Weingarten will presumably not face any consequences.

Instead, she will continue on as normal pushing for more tyranny in public schools while flouting her own rules whenever she attends packed events full of other potential superspreaders.

Rules for thee and not for me seems to be the ethos of the ruling class, which is comprised of Branch Covidians like Weingarten who flagrantly do whatever they want in public while demanding that others below them follow extreme rules to keep everyone safe.

You enjoyed not having to wear a mask, right? asked Daniela Jampel, a founding member of the grassroots nonpartisan group Keep NYC Schools Open, in another tweet to Weingarten.

While students in the city you live in  many of whom are vaccinated  have to wear their masks for 6+ hrs every day, even outdoors, while theyre in school. If you claim to be pro-student, as you claim, its time to take a stand.

In response to this tweet, a flustered Weingarten claimed that she wears a mask most of the time indoors, but not always. The students that Weingarten rules over, meanwhile, are forced to always wear a mask indoors or else get suspended or possibly expelled from receiving an education.

Ms. Weingartens response articulates what so many parents already know  masks are a hindrance to communication and to learning, Jampel, a mother of three, later told Fox News in an interview about Weingartens hypocrisy.

But unlike adults, when kids in school cant understand or hear their teacher, or cant be understood or heard themselves, they do not have the option of simply removing their masks.

Jampel further explained that while Weingarten was hobnobbing it up unmasked in Puerto Rico, school children in New York City are being forced to mask up for six hours a day while at school, even while outside during recess.

Weingarten should use her own experience to lead in calling for all schoolchildren to have the option to attend school unmasked as soon as possible, Jampel added.

The latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) mask tyranny can be found at Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

FoxNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Back in September, Democrat Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy demanding an immediate review of the companys algorithms for censoring covid misinformation. One of Warrens primary targets for elimination at the time was Dr. Joseph Mercolas The Truth about COVID-19 book, a move that prompted Dr. Mercola to sue her in response.

According to Warren, Dr. Mercolas book should not have been allowed to reach the number one slot on Amazon when searching for the words covid-19 or vaccine. Warren wrote to Jassy that Dr. Mercolas book contains dangerous conspiracies about the Chinese Virus and false and misleading information about vaccines.

It asserts that vitamin C, vitamin D and quercetin  can prevent COVID-19 infection, Warren lamented in her letter. And the book contends that vaccines cannot be trusted.

As a government official, Warren should know that trying to silence free speech is illegal. The First Amendment protects it, and for her to try to pressure a private retailer into overriding it is a serious constitutional breach, especially for a public servant.

As a government official, it is illegal for Warren to violate the U.S. Constitution, and pressuring private businesses to do it for her is not a legal workaround, Dr. Mercola says.

Cummins and I, along with our publisher, Chelsea Green Publishing, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who wrote our foreword, are now suing Warren, both in her official and personal capacities, for violating our First Amendment rights and scaring book sellers into pulling and / or suppressing sales of our book.

Elizabeth Warren is an enemy of the Constitution

There is no doubt whatsoever that Dr. Mercolas book qualifies as protected free speech. He is also a medical doctor who is sharing his medical expertise  Warren, on the other hand, is not a doctor.

In our book, we share viewpoints, ideas, opinions, verifiable facts and factual hypotheses that our federal government just so happens to disfavor, as it counters their chosen narrative that SARS-CoV-2 emerged naturally, cannot be prevented by any means other than experimental gene therapy, and cannot be treated by any other means than certain experimental and exorbitantly costly drugs, Dr. Mercola further says.

Since the start of the pandemic, government has systematically sought to suppress the kind of information shared in our book, using the same tactic as Warren used against us here  warning Internet-based companies that if they dont censor these views, the full weight of the governments wrath will be turned against them.

For Warren to call the contents of Dr. Mercolas book vaccine misinformation is propaganda, plain and simple. Just because she personally disagrees with the books premise does not make it false, and yet Warren assumes that her own opinions somehow trump the First Amendment.

The fact that Warren also called out vitamins C and D by name, claiming that these two powerful nutrients are not beneficial for human health, is even more egregious. Peer-reviewed science disagrees with Warren, and Dr. Mercola points this out in his lawsuit.

Dr. Mercola says that Warren is purveying false information that could lead to COVID deaths by telling people that vitamin D levels dont matter for COVID. Instead of letting an accredited doctor speak, in other words, Warren is trying to silence him with her own uninformed opinions on the matter.

In addition to the lawsuit, Dr. Mercola and the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) are launching a campaign to stop the type of censorship that Warren wants to see expanded.

This includes unraveling the threads that lead back to the fake fact checkers and disinformation agents in the media, but all of this will take time, so be patient, Dr. Mercola says.

The latest news about government tyranny against free speech can be found at Censorship.news.

Sources for this article include:

Mercola.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Vaccine mandates need to be lifted immediately.  Senator Gerard Rennick

During an appearance on Sky News, Australian Senator Gerard Rennick spoke out for the people who have suffered adverse events from Covid shots. Despite the Sky news host trying to silence the Senator, he slammed his government for mandating the experiment mRNA shots, which has caused adverse effects in many people. Furthermore, he called it downright inhumane to force someone to take a second shot if they suffered an adverse event from the first.

(Article by Amy Mek republished from RairFoundation.com)

The Liberal Queensland senator addressed several troubling cases where people suffered serious side effects from receiving the jab. Recently, Rennick spoke with a 37-year-old Australian female police officer who had a stroke fifteen minutes after receiving the vaccine. The severely ill woman was threatened if she did not receive a second jab, she would lose her job.

Next, he discussed a 19-year-old woman who is suffering from blood clots in her legs and lungs. Shes in the hospital after receiving the Pfizer shot last Thursday night, reported the Senator.

Senator Rennick also spoke with a 31-year-old man paralyzed on one side of his body since September. He has been without income for two months and had just taken took out a mortgage before he got the injection. Despite his injuries due to the first injection, the Australian government informed the man that he must still get a second shot.

Its bad enough that people arent allowed to choose whether to take a vaccine. Still, its even worse than theyre forced to get a second vaccine after experiencing a severe side effect. Furthermore, the government doesnt even offer financial support when they cannot work, exclaimed the Senator. He vowed to continue to fight to ensure people receive immediate income support for those who cannot return to work.

Watch Liberal National Party Senator, Gerard Rennick, heated discussion on Sky News with Labor Party Senator Murray Watt:

Following the Senators October 26, 2021, interview on Sky News, he posted a letter on Facebook that he sent to Austalias left-wing Prime Minister, Scott Morrison denouncing his Covid policies. Rennick explained that he would not vote with the government until he enacted several policies, including stopping all vaccines for children, overturning workplace vaccine mandates, and ending coronavirus domestic travel restrictions.

Read more at: RairFoundation.com
(Natural News) If you are a medical professional with serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines  or really any element of the plandemic  then Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla wants you in jail.

In a recent interview, Bourla accused anyone in the medical profession who does not accept the plandemic narrative hook, line and sinker of being criminals. He further suggested that they should be locked up for allegedly killing people with their misinformation.

There is a very small part of professionals which they circulate on purpose misinformation so that they will mislead those that they have concerned, Bourla rattled with a heavy accent.

Those people are criminals; theyre not bad people, theyre criminals, because they have literally costed millions of lives.

Bourlas interviewer, Atlantic Council CEO Frederick Kempe, agreed wholeheartedly. Towards the end of the interview, (watch below), Kempe said that doctors who question the Pfizer injections should be treated as criminals as well, those who have done that.

JUST IN: People who spread misinformation on Covid-19 vaccines are criminals, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/wkoo7rCTPd  Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) November 9, 2021

It turns out that Bourla is actually working with the CIA and FBI to go after doctors and other medical professionals who question his companys injections.

Bourla has a lot of money on the line, after all. Bad press threatens his stock options, so it must be silenced in the name of public health.

Albert Bourlas millionaire lifestyle would not be possible without crimes against humanity

Bourla, by the way, is from Greece, which apparently has a different mindset concerning free speech. He apparently missed the memo that in the United States, Americans are protected under the First Amendment to speak freely about whatever they wish.

It is not criminal to warn people that Pfizer injections promote antibody dependent enhancement (ADE), for instance. It is also not criminal to point out that forcing people to take an endless line of boosters means a never-ending stream of revenue for Pfizer.

Bourlas millionaire lifestyle depends upon forcing people to take pharmaceuticals that they do not want. Bourlas entire existence, it appears, depends upon using the power of force to commit crimes against humanity.

This is not constitutional nor is it legal, wrote one Natural News commenter about Bourlas statements and position regarding free speech. This is medical apartheid.

What criminal Bourla calls disinformation is backed by honest data and honest science. Bourla is in desperate need of investigation for his corrupt Pfizer drug trials, and for his genocidal, transhuman experiments called covid mRNA gene therapies.

Another pointed out that Bourlas claim that the jabs are safe and effective is the definition of criminal. He and everyone else like him should be jailed or worse, this person wrote, for committing atrocities that have led to countless injuries and deaths all around the world.

So, the FBI and CIA, which are government agencies, are working for the private pharmaceutical industry as their speech police, opined another. Really folks, it is time to lock and load.

Over at Citizen Free Press several commenters noted that the true misinformation spreaders are the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other so-called public health entities that participated in planning all this tyranny in advance, hence why we call it a plandemic.

Scumbag CEOs who would endanger children to make money should be taken out behind the barn and dealt with, one of them wrote.

I have to say I agree with him about the criminality of him and others who spread misinformation about covid-19 vaccines, commented another about how Bourlas statements apply to himself, not to the people he wants to silence and imprison.

The latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) When all is said and done, most people realize that pharma tycoons are just in it for the money. Maybe this time, the vaccine-induced atrocities that besiege the planet can come to an end, and humane, sensible medicine can be used to prevent and beat back infectious diseases, including Covid.

Pfizer stocks surge as they set to release the new revolutionary Covid pill

Merck came out with a pill called molnupiravir, for Covid, and recently gained approval to release it in the UK, so now, their biggest rival, Pfizer, is about to do the same, but in the USA. High risk patients can be more at ease now with their worries of Covid. The Pfizer pill outpaces Mercks pill in efficacy, showing 89 percent as opposed to Mercks 50 percent, in preventing or knocking down Covid during a viral attack. Pfizer is submitting their plans for their miracle pill Paxlovid to the FDA right now for emergency use authorization (EUA). Experts have already touted the drugs safety profile (like Ivermectin).

They should get the approval, seeing as how the pill is MUCH SAFER than taking clot shots that have already proven to cause hyper-inflammation, rare blood clots, abortions and myocarditis. EUA approvals, once granted, set precedents for distribution all around the world. Money, money, money.

The irony comes though, as these Covid pills function just like Ivermectin, yes, the prescription Joe Rogan and countless others have used to kill pathogens and parasites in the human body, including keeping the Covid virus from replicating in our cells (Google hides the search results about Ivermectins high success/low risk). Who in their right mind needs to risk taking vaccines ever again?

Vaccines dangerous, pills safe? Back to normal now?

Pfizer executive Annaliesa Anderson is thrilled with the drugs potential to  have a big impact on helping all our lives go back to normal again and seeing the end of the pandemic. Pfizer stocks surged. Vaccine fanatics are stunned. The Biden Regime is already in negotiations with Pfizer for up to 3 million courses of the Paxlovid treatment as a litmus test on America, according to senior officials.

Although the treatments are geared toward patients at high risk (seniors, obese folks, anyone fighting cancer, diabetes, etc.), weve seen the vaccines being forced on everyone (including children and pregnant women), so a pill with those kinds of amazing results and minimal side effects should be made available worldwide for everyone, literally overnight.

So why vaccinate? All vaccine mandates should end with this pills general approval, even an emergency authorized use approval. That was good enough for the vaccines. No more vaccine requirements at employers, so everyone back to work. No more choke-you-to-death respirators/ventilators and no more kidney-decimating Remdesivir. No more vaccine passports shoved down our throats, and freedom to travel internationally again should resume.

The Pfizer pills function like Ivermectin, so can the mainstream news and every medical doctor and scientist in America please finally come out and admit THAT? The Pfizer pill, a.k.a. PF-07321332, is a protease inhibitor (oral and bio-available), shown in clinical trials, to have success treating SARS CoV-2 infections. Ivermectin is a protease inhibitor also, but anyone who takes it in America is blasted for taking horse de-wormer thats not FDA approved! So, you were saying?

This pill will be much safer than any vaccine. The molecule is small and simple. The Covid pill by Pfizer should ELIMINATE the need for any Covid vaccines or boosters. Still, theyll probably come up with pill passports, but anything is better than the cancer-promoting clot shots.

For the best in truth news on your internet dial tune to Pandemic.news because it doesnt take a scientist or doctor to see that Covid vaccines, Remdesivir, masks, ventilators and bad CDC advice have all created a pandemic of their own.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

TruthWiki.org

NaturalNews.com

ZeroHedge.com

Go.Drugbank.com
(Natural News) Ive been covering the ongoing practice of locking up biological males identifying as transgender in this space now for several years. Most recently, I noted the brutal new policy of potentially adding time to the prison sentences of female prisoners for misgendering male convicts identifying as women, regardless of how dangerous these convicts are.

(Article by Jonathon Van Maren republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

Many are dangerous. There have already been many rape claims, with pressure being put on some victims to retract their allegations, calling them transphobic. The percentages of transgender prisoners are understandably spiking, with some violent criminals taking advantage of their ability to self-identify however they like to get sent to cushier prisons surrounded by women, who have all too often become secondary victims. Most of these instances have been studiously ignored.

According to the National Review, at least a dozen male prisoners identifying as transgender who have been convicted of violent or sexual crimes have been transferred to female prisons in the last 18 months alone in Scotland. Only one of those twelve had actually undergone sex change surgery, while the others had gotten transferred simply by claiming to be women. According to NR:

The new figures come as a review by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) into the countrys transgender prison policy could result in an end to the practice of transitioning male inmates who request a move to female housing. Those who oppose the prisons current policy, which allows prisoners to self-identify without the need for a gender recognition certificate, say it is not legal and is traumatizing for female prisoners, many of whom have trauma from having experienced violence at the hands of men.

Despite widespread cowardice on this issueit is staggering to consider that this has been happening in the first placeRhona Hotchkiss, the former warden of Cornton Vale Womens Prison in Stirling, Scotland, has condemned the practice of locking men up with women.

My experience is that it is always an issue to have trans women in with female prisoners and you have to think beyond the obvious which is physical or sexual threat, which is sometimes an issue, to the very fact of the presence of male-bodied prisoners among vulnerable women causes them distress and consternation, Hotchkiss told the Times. As NR reported:

As the review is carried out, prison leaders say they will consult with advocates, female inmates, prison officers and the general public in response to criticism that they failed to consult these groups when the original policy was put in place in 2014. At that time, the SPS spoke only with transgender activists as it worked to improve the working and living environment by ensuring it is free of any transphobic and homophobic behaviour. The SPS spokesman told?The Times?that one of the groups we will be particularly keen to consult is the female prison population, who have not been specifically consulted about this before.

Unfortunately for some female prisoners, the review comes too late. Being trapped behind bars with rapists and other violent criminals has predictably resulted in sexual assaults, with the trauma being magnified by the fact that the victims could not even accurately identify their perpetrators. Men with fully-functioning male genitalia claiming to be women have the right to be referred to as women, while women apparently do not have the right to be safe.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
(Natural News) South Carolinas Republican Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order Thursday to ensure that state agencies not only abstain from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for their own employees, but also cooperate with efforts to legally resist federal mandates.

(Article by Calvin Freiburger republished from LifeSiteNews.com)

Executive Order 2021-38 prohibits all state agencies in his cabinet from requiring employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and directs every agency in state government to immediately notify the Office of the Governor and the Office of the South Carolina Attorney General upon receiving any communication or directives from the Biden Administration concerning COVID-19 vaccination requirements, the governors office announced Thursday.

McMaster, who along with state Attorney General Alan Wilson is preparing to challenge in court the White Houses vaccine mandates on federal contractors and private employers with 100 or more workers, said Thursday he is stunned at the overreach of the Biden Administration in forcing South Carolinians to choose between a vaccine and their jobs  I have never seen a president go out of bounds, out of bounds of the law as this one.

On September 9, President Joe Biden announced that he was directing the U.S. Department of Labors (DOLs) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to draft a rule that will, according to the White House, require all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require any workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work. He also announced new vaccination rules for federal employees and government contractors.

Yesterday, almost two months later, OSHA released the official details of the rule, which will take effect January 4, 2022. It is expected to affect around 84 million employees from around 1.9 million private businesses, further exacerbating staffing shortages across the U.S. economy.

South Carolina recently joined Georgias lawsuit against the contractor mandate, and McMaster says additional steps against the business mandate are in the works.

Such mandates are a reaction to the fact that many Americans continue to harbor reservations about the COVID vaccines, stemming from the fact that they were developed and released far faster than any previous vaccine.

Defenders stress that their development did not start from scratch, but rather relied on years of prior research into mRNA technology; and that one of the innovations of the Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed was conducting various aspects of the development process concurrently rather than sequentially, eliminating delays unrelated to safety. However, those factors do not fully account for the condensing of clinical trial phases  each of which can take anywhere from 13 years on their own  to just three months apiece.

While cases of severe harm reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) after taking COVID shots represent less than one percent of total doses administered in the United States, a 2010 report submitted to the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) warned that VAERS caught fewer than 1% of vaccine adverse events. May reporting from NBC News quotes several mainstream experts acknowledging gaps in federal vaccine monitoring.

Further, a growing body of data indicates that the mass vaccination strategy for defeating COVID-19 has failed, thereby undermining the rationale for mandates. The federal government considers more than 193 million Americans (58% of the eligible) to be fully vaccinated, yet ABC News reported last month that more Americans died of COVID-19 this year (353,000) than in all of 2020 (352,000), according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com
A 57-year-old British father named Paul Millachip was killed by a humongous great white shark in Australia while snorkeling off from a beachfront where his spouse and kids gathered.

Great White Shark Killed Yet Another Victim

A 14-foot-long monster appeared out of nowhere as Mr. Paul Millachip, went swimming at a seafront in Western Australia wherein he frequently swims.

At a news appearance on Sunday afternoon, his widowed wife paid tribute to his dead husband calling him as a great person and amazing parent.

"He was a good man, a fantastic parent, and he enjoyed working out."

A clique of youths reported to police that they allegedly witnessed the heinous crime which resulted for the dispatching of rafts and choppers on Saturday, 10:00 A.M.

The victim was said to be preparing for a 1KM swim before things got bad.

Mrs. Millachip claimed she only ventured for a little swim on Saturday morning since the temperature became too chilly.

She said: "I simply got into and out of the water since it was freezing, and I'm not a big lover of cold running water."

While the victim's wife applauded the youths who hurried to the coastline when they saw Paul has been in jeopardy and expressed her sincere thanks.

"I truly appreciate what they have done," Mrs. Millachip remarked.

While Australian Leader Mark McGowan called the tragedy heartbreaking and expressed sympathies to the victim's family.

"A really horrible circumstance, and extremely painful for the victim and his household," he added.

McGowan alike with Mrs. Millachip applaud everyone who helped pull the victim out of the sea, notably the group of teenagers.

Only Mr Millachip's binoculars were found during the hunt for his corpse, which have since been called off. Deputy Sergeant Troy Douglas of the WA Police Fremantle local office said the investigation will be resumed unless there was rationale.

Also read: Millions of Giant Yellow Spiders Invade Georgia With Webs 10 Feet Thick

Similar Shark Attack Incident

However, this occurrence seems to have repeatedly happen as a similar incident occur in Tasmania's idyllic Bay of Fires.

For a brief time, the crystal-clear seawater under Hannah Mighall, 13, discolored. She and her cousin were straddling their surfboards, savoring the sunlight as they prepared for another waves in Tasmania's picturesque Bay of Fires.

Mighall reflexively lifted her legs in response to the unexpected shade underneath, balls of seaweed frequently snapped off adjacent rock formations and flowed in the ocean.

As one five-meter-long white shark hooked upon Mighall's right leg, the water surrounding her erupted.

Mighall's cousin, Syb Mundy, whom were resting on his own surfboard barely a few yards away, dashed up and starts striking the monster in the head area. The shark drew back of him and, as it moved underneath, go of Mighall, leaping anyway for her board, which was still tied to her thigh by a cable.

The shark dragged Mighall deep in the ocean again for brief moment, this time with the surfboard in its jaw. She reappeared on the sea floor a few shortly afterward, carrying her broken surfboard. The creature had chewed all the way through fiberglass and foam.

Also read: A Single Protein in Ants Can Determine if it is a Worker or a Queen, Reveals New Study
In this photograph taken on November 11, 2016, an Indian snake-catcher displays the fangs of a Russel Viper at the venom extraction center of the Irula snake-catchers cooperative on the outskirts of Chennai. A small scythe, a crowbar and a bundle of canvas bags are all that Kali and Vedan carry when they venture into the fields of southern India to catch some of the world's deadliest snakes. Their skills, passed from generation to generation of the Irula tribe they belong to, are crucial for the production of anti-venom in the country with the world's highest number of deaths from snake bites. (Photo : Photo credit: ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

A snake bit a man's genitals on a surprising yet horrific accident in South Africa, wherein a 47-year-old male was reported to suffer from scrotal necrosis or also known as tissue death on the scrotum.

His doctors wrote in Urology Case Reports that the 47-year-old victim from Netherlands was vacationing on a wildlife sanctuary. When toileting in one of the spots in the open area, a snake striked from the toilet and bit his genitals.

Luck is indeed different when you're bitten on the penis hours away from medical help.

The predator was later then identified by the authorities to be a snouted snake or most commonly known to the term Naja Annulifera.

Man Bitten by a Naja Annulifera in the Wilderness

The patient who suffered wounds from the horrific snake had to wait for three hours to be airlifted to the nearest local emergency hospital facility since the location of the incident where the victim was, was way far from the main hospital.

The 47-year-old victim was in excruciating discomfort from his crotch to his upper torso before arriving at the hospital.

More so, the patient also suffered from a burning feeling in his genitals.

As per the press release, the patient remained entirely cognizant after they reached at the medical facility. Though he was suffering from a fever and had scrotal necrosis resulting to enlarged genitals with a pronounced purplish hue.

Despite the fact that the snake's venom is neurotoxic, he escaped any neurological symptoms.

Experts says that the snake, while not normally hostile, has a defense mechanism to readily defend itself whenever it is sense disturbance and threat from other animals as well as humans who are frequent in the territory.

Such as if someone else's butt cheeks are in its way and genitals are blocking their exit from a toilet.

Also read: A Single Protein in Ants Can Determine if it is a Worker or a Queen, Reveals New Study

Experts Warns Us about Snakes

Photographs of the patient's genital was also attached in the case report however medical experts did not allow others to have a look of it.

His genital necrosis stabilized as well, and the medical team did a surgical debridement to remove the dead tissue.

After intensive check-up and care he was given eight doses of venom antiserum then admitted to intensive care, where he required dialysis for acute kidney injury eventually stabilizing.

The wound caused by the snake wonderfully healed one year later as group of doctors was able to remove more dead tissue after the patient was transferred to the Netherlands, before executing a successful graft on the man's penis and scrotum, substituting the dead tissue with tissue taken from his groin.

The medical literature describes Annulifera genital neurotoxic venom.

"What is our take-home message?" the team of medical experts who has help the patient to recover asks at the end of the press conference.

"When visiting a country known for its snake abundance, always flush the toilet before sitting down," one of the doctors finally said putting a close to the case and interview

Also read: Glow-in-the-Dark Worms Reveal the Secrets of Regeneration
MILFORD HAVEN, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 09: Pipes dominate the Elf/Murco oil refinery on August 9, 2006 in Milford Haven, Wales. Oil prices this week have hit record highs at just below $79 a barrel recorded on Tuesday. Many fear that the growing conflict between Israel and Lebanon could spread to other oil producing countries in the Middle East sparking a greater global oil crisis and ever higher prices. (Photo : Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

New analysis warns that around 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide will be unleashed in the atmosphere if drilling and Permian Basin fracking will not end this year.

As if we are not yet in a climate emergency, the next three decades will face a catastrophic climate crisis if oil and gas executives refuse to "keep fossil fuels in the ground". While International Energy Agency and activists at the COP26 summit continue to advocate decline of fossil fuel production, Permian oil companies plan more production than ever before.

"Unless President Biden defuses the Permian climate bomb exploding in my backyard," said one opponent from El Paso, "we won't prevent catastrophic climate change."

If projected extraction and drilling that has turned the Permian Basin, U.S. Southwest into 'the world's single most prolific oil and gas field' persists, nearly 40 billion tons of carbon emissions will generate by mid-century.

Permian Climate Bomb Series

In the first chapter of the six-part multimedia series of Common Dreams, it was detailed how expanded fossil fuel extraction in the basin harms vulnerable communities from New Mexico to the Gulf Coast and beyond. The report reveals that global climate targets do not coincide with the current trajectory of oil and gas production in the Permian Basin.

"The Permian Basin has, for the past decade, been the site of an oil and gas boom of unprecedented scale," said research co-director at Oil Change International, Lorne Stockman. "Producers have free rein to pollute and methane is routinely released in vast quantities. Oil exports fuel Permian production growth and today they constitute around 30% of US oil production."

"While climate science tells us that we must consume 40% less oil in 2030, Permian producers plan to grow production more than 50% from 2021 to 2030," said Stockman. "This must not happen."

"If left unchecked, the Permian could continue to produce huge amounts of oil, gas, and gas liquids for decades to come. With global markets flush with Permian oil and gas, it can only be harder to steer the world's economy toward clean energy."

"With global markets flush with Permian oil and gas, it can only be harder to steer the world's economy toward clean energy."

Also read: Toxic Trees: 'The Tree of Death' Known to be So Deadly You Can't Stand Under it

A vow to tackle the climate crisis

While it is beyond the power of climate justice advocates to halt fossil fuel industry's plan to expand oil and gas production in the Permian Basin, they call on President Joe Biden to take this opportunity to meet national climate commitments.

Steven Feit, senior attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, said that the Biden administration "must use all of the tools at its disposal to prevent the next decade in the Permian from being a repeat of the last. At a minimum, that means rejecting permits for new export facilities, petrochemical plants, and other fossil fuel infrastructure."

There's a little hope brought by the report as much of the projected carbon dioxide emissions could be prevented by simply ceasing to drill new wells.

Also read: Majority of the Electricity from Industrialized Nations Come from Wind and Solar Power Sources, New Study Says
It is possible that the soot particles emitted by the massive flames reach as far north as the Arctic, where they may be accelerating warming. New study suggests the impact of these soots may be much greater than scientists believed.

Arctic Expected to be Ice-free During Summer by Mid-century

An assistant professor of environmental research from Japan's University of Nagoya revealed to Insider that the quantity and volume of biomass burning are growing as global warming increases.

Particles in the soot from the flames are referred to as "black carbon." Experts told Insider that scientists are attempting to figure out how their emissions could affect the rate at which global temperatures increase.

The Arctic is becoming twice as hot as other places on earth. Ice sheets in the Arctic reflect sunlight back into space, protecting the Earth from the sun's heat. As the Arctic fades away, the sun's rays warm the Earth, causing global warming.

The Arctic is expected to be ice-free during the summer by the middle of the century, according to current scientific predictions. Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics on Thursday found that current climate models underrated what wildfires contributes to Arctic's black carbon by a factor of three.

Also Read: Wildfires Are a Real but Undisclosed Risk for Millions of Areas and Homes

Black Carbon Could Speed-up the Rise in Temperature

According to Makoto Koike, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo, CO2 emissions are the primary engine behind global warming. Besides being a co-author on the article, Koike also conducted the research.

Black carbon may possibly contribute to the fast rise in temperature, although there are huge doubts about this as well.

Fires like the Zombie Siberian wildfire and the ones that devastate North America year after year produce black carbon, which travels to the Arctic and contributes to global warming.

A senior scientist at the British Antarctic Survey revealed to Insider that the Arctic is influenced quite a lot because these emission sources are very near, but the Antarctic is much, much farther away.

Does Black Carbon Warm the Atmosphere?

Experts told Insider that the darkening of the ice makes it have a greater chance of melting, which is an undeniable impact of black carbon. In terms of whether black carbon warm the atmosphere, there is considerable doubt.

Black carbon's impacts, according to professor and author of a recent Arctic Council study on the subject, Mikael Hilden, may cut both ways.

It is possible to cool the atmosphere by reflecting light back into space from forest fires by emitting sulfur with the black carbon. As long as this effect dominates other warming effects, it may not be as disastrous for the earth.

In contrast, other black carbon particles may be coated with compounds that make them more absorbent, resulting in even more heat being released, according to Ohata.

A "cooling effect" or a "warming effect" might be achieved depending on the source of the black carbon and the amounts, said Hilden.

Related Article: Over 80 Percent of All Wildfires in the Past 20 Years Were Caused by Humans, Study Shows

For more news, updates about wildfires and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
A new species with striking beak feature that has evolved significantly over the past 500,000 years has been discovered by international scientists. Their findings show that the sea creature is not another other beaked whale of the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.

Ramari's beaked whale, named after Ramari Stewart, a Maori whale expert, was the first member of the species discovered in November 2011, after a pregnant female washed up on the west coast of New Zealand's Te Waipounamu, Aotearoa on the South Island. It is roughly 17 feet long and weighs over 2,000 pounds, and resides more than 6,000 feet beneath the sea to hide from predators.

Although scientists have not exactly determined its population size, they initially mentioned they were "equally elusive and is rarely seen by humans", but has increased their total number to 24.

Distinct and Special Species

As the study provides a combined genomic and morphometric analysis of the Southern Hemisphere ziphiid species (Mesoplodon eueu), researchers noted that Ramari's beaked whale is "linked to the Indigenous peoples of the lands from which the species' holotype and paratypes were recovered."

While beaked whale was first introduced by Frederick W. True in 1913, experts soon realized that the newly identified species has distinctively different body from other beaked whales. Its genetics, bones, and skull structure suggest that the whale was 'special'.

"Molecular and morphological data reveal that True's beaked whales from Northern or Southern Hemisphere form two distinct, long-divergent evolutionary lineages, consistent with species under the Genealogical Concordance Species Concept. Therefore, we propose that the SH form should be reclassified as a new species," the authors wrote.

Scientists noted that Ramari's beaked whale has distinct tusks positioned at the tip of the mandible. It also has smaller, less triangular tusks, "having relatively shorter rostrum with a wider base."

Also read: 57-Year-Old Man Killed by 14ft Great White Shark While Swimming in Australia

Species diversity in the vast habitat

"As one of the few mammalians deep sea specialists, it is perhaps not surprising that ziphiids are among the most speciose cetacean lineages. Our results emphasize this pattern and corroborate the idea that the deep sea is more biodiverse than previously thought," the authors discussed.

However, they noted that the whale's diversity and ecology remain obscure, as records are scarce despite technological advances.

In addition, beaked whales typically spend limited time at the surface so they are difficult to distinguish. The handful discoveries of incomplete skeletons also added up to the challenge.

"Describing a new species requires important decisions around the naming of the new taxon. We sought to recognize Indigenous peoples' deep connection with, and knowledge of, the natural environment by consulting with them on potential species and common names.

This is part of a critical shift in the global science community, which strives to collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders in ecology and conservation biology. Here, this has resulted in one of the first cetaceans named after an Indigenous woman."

Scientists believe there is still so much biodiversity waiting to be discovered in the deep sea.

Also read: Should You Be Worried When Flies Land on Your Food?
HOUSTON (AP)  A 9-year-old Dallas boy has become the youngest person to die from injuries sustained during a crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival in Houston.

Ezra Blount of Dallas died Sunday at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, family attorney Ben Crump said.

Ezra was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering serious injuries in the Nov. 5 crush of fans during a performance by the festival's headliner, rapper Travis Scott.

He is the 10th person who attended the festival to die.

The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son, Crump said in a news release Sunday night. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration.

Treston Blount, Ezra's father, described what happened Nov. 5 in a post on a GoFundMe page that he set up to help defray Ezra's medical expenses. He said Ezra was sitting on his shoulders when a crowd surge crushed them. The father lost consciousness and when he came to, Ezra was missing, Blount said. A frantic search ensued until Ezra was eventually found at the hospital, severely injured.

The child incurred severe damage to his brain, kidney, and liver after being kicked, stepped on, and trampled, and nearly crushed to death," according to a lawsuit his family has filed against Scott and the event's organizer, Live Nation. The Blount family is seeking at least $1 million in damages.

The others who died ranged in age from 14 to 27. Some 300 people were treated at the festival site and 13 were hospitalized.

Houston police and fire department investigators have said they are reviewing surveillance video provided by concert promoter Live Nation, as well as dozens of clips people at the show widely shared on social media. Investigators also planned to speak with Live Nation representatives, Scott and concertgoers. Scott and the event organizers are now the focus of a criminal investigation.
New Castle, PA (16103)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 36F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.


Diocese grows chaplaincy team for older people Diocese grows chaplaincy team for older people

The Diocese of Norwich has appointed four Anna Chaplains to provide pastoral support to older people in Norfolk.

Bishop Jane Steen of Kings Lynn commissioned the four at a service in Norwich Cathedral. The chaplains will be working in Norwich, Kings Lynn and the Yare Valley, and each chaplain will work closely with the leadership of the local church.



The four new chaplains share a little of their story:



Margaret Blackshaw



My Anna Chaplaincy journey began with a simple prayer, What now?, when wondering what post lockdown might look like for me. The next day my Vicar emailed, suggesting Anna Chaplaincy might be a good fit for me. After many months of careful consideration and prayerful discernment I became convinced God was indeed Setting before me an opened door. Following my Commissioning, Im looking forward to my training and working with the pastoral team at St Stephens, to further this ministry to people in their later lives both within the church and the community.



Margaret will be serving within St Stephens parish, in the heart of Norwich city.



Gayes journey



My mother was in a residential care home for the last 18 months of her life and during that time no representative from any Church ever visited the home, and as my mother had been a regular Church-goer this left a huge gap in her life. It made me aware of the real need to take Gods word and His love to those who can no longer attend Church services. The seed was sown and I felt God was calling me to do something about it , and although I tried to ignore Him he didnt give up. So, eventually with His help and with the support and encouragement of the Rector I now lead a team of people who each month take a simple service of worship into the four residential care homes in our parish. I know there is so much more to do, we need to reach all those elderly people in the community who are living on their own, offering them companionship and support, and walk alongside them on their spiritual journey.



Gaye will be serving within the Yare Valley Churches parish.



Sues journey



I first became interested in the Anna Chaplaincy movement when my husband and I were studying for a certificate in Older Peoples Ministry at Cliff College, led by Debbie Thrower, the pioneer of this ministry. In my previous existence as a Methodist layworker, the emphasis was always on family and youth work, perhaps often ignoring the contribution of older members of the church, and their evangelistic potential in reaching out to others of the same age.



After reflecting on my own experience with Age UK, Cruse and my work with older people within the church and community, I started to think and pray about the possibility of becoming an Anna Chaplain myself. When I got home, I asked whether there were any Anna Chaplains in the Norwich diocese but no one seemed to know anything about them, so I almost forgot about it, moved house and got on with the lockdown and endless zoom meetings.



It was during one of these that I mentioned that I was interested in becoming an Anna Chaplain and somehow my name was passed to Revd Peter Leech who had been tasked with forming the first group of Anna Chaplains in the Diocese! It was an out of the blue moment that leaves me in no doubt that God often works by himself when he wants something done. The opening words of the commissioning service (which have followed me around for the past 20 years) seemed to confirm both this and my call to this ministry: I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth. I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)



Sue will be serving within the parish of St Faiths, Gaywood



Petas journey



Having got to know the people who came to the weekly Forget Me Not Cafe (a cafe for those on the dementia pathway and their carers), I started to help and later, share leading the monthly Forget Me Not service. A short time of familiar hymns and a short Bible story. It was after sometime that Gaye mentioned Anna Chaplaincy. At first I wasnt sure this was for me, but once I started the training, going in the village residential homes and the resumption of the Forget Me Not service, I knew this was where I was called to be. This led to Mondays lovely commissioning service by Bishop Jane and surrounded by many Church friends.



Peta will be serving within the Yare Valley Churches parish.



The training that is provided by the national Anna Chaplaincy team, alongside the supervision and support provided locally, means that each Anna Chaplain within the Diocese is equipped, empowered and released to support some of the most vulnerable in our communities.



Image of Bishop Jane Sheen with the new chaplains, and quotations, from Diocese of Norwich.









Eldred Willey, 15/11/2021
Church & Tenant Empowerment Worker Church & Tenant Empowerment Worker

Hope Into Action are looking for someone to join the Norwich team for 18 hours a week as an Empowerment Worker. The primary work location is Great Yarmouth but you will also need to work in Norwich.



Hours: 18 hours per week

Location: Norwich

Closing date: 17th December 2021 @ 5 PM

Salary: 10,355.23 per annum (23,011.62 per annum full time pro rata)

Interview date: 10th January 2022

Interview location: Norwich or potentially Great Yarmouth

Annual Leave: 25 days pro rata plus Bank Holidays & working days Christmas to New Year

The role is primarily empowering churches and tenants. You will be working with our partner churches  each house is partnered with a local church  to train, equip, encourage for their role in mentoring, befriending and giving practical support to tenants. You will also be supporting our tenants who have been homeless. In this role you will be primarily working with single male tenants with support needs and you would empower them towards a fulfilled life.You will be responsible for 2 houses, each with a partnered church, and up to 6 tenants. As a growing charity it is highly likely that there will be opportunities to increase hours.For this role, you would be someone with a passion for the homeless and our values, who is able to work with church leaders and church members. You will need to be able to work with tenants with support needs, including poor mental health, past offending, and drug and alcohol dependency issues. We value good listening skills. The ability to work in a flexible team and learn new skills is important as we foster working within a strong supportive team.We love diversity and we value your unique skills, strengths, knowledge and experience. Becoming one of our team may realise your potential, helping us to raise our performance in empowering those we serve.Please contact Tony Gray via 07519 109027 (mobile) or tony.gray@hopeintoaction.org.uk (email) for an informal discussion about this role.We provide not just shelter and housing know-how, but also the friendship of a church. Together with over 50 churches, we provide direct support to people whom others have often given up on. Our first home had a real heart for men coming out of prison Homes are now available for a wide range of people experiencing homelessness: people in recovery from addiction, people sleeping rough, women and children fleeing domestic violence, people coming out of rehab, former prostitutes, refugees, those suffering mental health issues and survivors of human trafficking.We are now partnering with churches across the country. We encourage others to use our model by franchising the idea. Our vision is for every church to lovingly provide the homeless with a home. The tragedy of homelessness is in every community. We believe that with our help, every church can do something about it.Please read the job description and fill in the application form on the links below.which we look forward to receiving.Send your completed application form to:
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French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin have talked on the phone about the need to deescalate the tensions around the migrant pressure on the European Union's border with Belarus and about the need for humanitarian aid there
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People living with neurodegenerative diseases could live longer, healthier lives due to innovative new research, following a government commitment to invest 375 million over the next 5 years.

At least 50 million will be made available specifically for research to help find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) - a condition that affects the brain and nerves and affects 5,000 people in the UK. New, innovative projects will help researchers to better understand the disease and its related conditions, develop and test treatments and improve care for those living with MND.

The full 375 million investment will fund projects into a range of diseases such as Pick's Disease, Fronto-temporal dementia, wernicke-korsakoff, Parkinson's disease dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, improving our understanding while searching for new treatments.

For MND, a new NIHR Research Unit will be set up to coordinate research applications for the new funding, encouraging more innovative studies with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

The government has already invested millions of pounds in MND research, including over 7 million to support pioneering clinical trials, which have led to major advances in how the disease is understood. This includes improving our understanding of how different types of MND are passed on genetically which could unlock new treatment options for patients using gene therapy.

There is currently only one drug licensed in the UK to treat MND - Riluzole - which slows the progression of the disease and extends someone's life by a few months. The funding announced today will accelerate progress across the UK to find better treatments for MND, and give people living with the condition the chance of a better quality of life, and more good years with their loved ones.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said:

Neurodegenerative conditions like MND can have a devastating impact on people's lives and I'm committed to ensuring the government does everything we can to fight these diseases and support those affected. We've already invested millions in understanding and treating MND and our new funding commitment will back more research into this and other neurodegenerative diseases. The UK is a global leader in medical research. Our world-class research sector was central to the discovery of lifesaving treatments for COVID-19 like dexamethasone and Tocilizumab, as well as the development of the vaccine programme which has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. We will continue to harness this expertise and innovation to support pioneering projects to find better treatments for those living with motor neurone disease, like the excellent work underway at NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre where scientists are trialling new drugs to treat the condition."

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

The UK is home to some of the most transformative and innovative medical research in the world, and the availability of this research funding, alongside the work of our strong life science and pharmaceuticals sector, will make the most of that research to help those living with motor neurone disease. It is vital that we increase our understanding of this condition in pursuit of new treatments and better care, and I am pleased to see UK institutions at the forefront of that work."

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has committed to ongoing research into MND, reinforced by issuing a Highlight Notice inviting applications from ambitious research projects to take potential treatments from the lab to the clinic, as part of scaled-up efforts to significantly improve the care and support available.

The NIHR has also awarded a prestigious Research Professorship to leading motor neurone disease researcher Professor Chris McDermott. The award will focus on improving care for people with MND, bolstering leadership in this area of research, and strengthening the design of clinical trials to help more people with the disease take part.

While there is still work to be done, significant progress is already being made - including through the development of better data resources such as MND Register and MND Biobanks which support researchers working to better understand the disease.

Improved data sets make it easier for scientists to monitor responses to treatment in clinical trials. And through innovative and flexible trial designs, researchers are able to conduct faster and cheaper trials which will deliver potential new treatments to patients more quickly.

As well as the funding for research into neurodegenerative diseases, a new motor neurone disease partnership will be formed to pool expertise and resources across the research community to accelerate the delivery of new treatments. The partnership, backed by 4 million, is co-funded by the National Institute for Health Research, UK Research and Innovation, Life Arc, MND Association and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Researchers can apply for funding via the NIHR and UKRI websites.
A team of United States-based scientists recently conducted a study to evaluate the effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection on the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

The findings of this study, which is published on the preprint server bioRxiv*, reveal that mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This resistance is induced by expansion of T- and B-cell subsets in the lungs upon secondary viral challenge.

Study: Mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are resistant to secondary infection with SARS-CoV-2. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a pathogenic bacterium belonging to the family Mycobacteriaceae. Like SARS-CoV-2, the causative pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes severe and often fatal lung infection called tuberculosis.

Both tuberculosis and COVID-19 are associated with high mortality rates in humans. Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting that the mortality rate of COVID-19 is relatively low in countries where tuberculosis is prevalent.

In the current study, the scientists investigate the clinical consequences of mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in mice.

About the study

The scientists developed two mouse models of COVID-19 using mice that were chronically infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To this end, human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2)-expressing mice were infected with low-dose mycobacterium tuberculosis via aerosol-based delivery.

After 30 days, secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection was induced in these mice through the intranasal route. The researchers subsequently assessed the clinical consequences of co-infection at days 4, 7, and 14 post-viral challenge. The controls in this study were mice infected with either Mycobacterium tuberculosis or SARS-CoV-2.

Clinical consequences of co-infection

The highest reduction in body weight was observed in mice infected with only SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, co-infected mice did not show any significant body weight loss and were comparable to mice infected with only Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A significantly lower lung viral load was observed in co-infected mice compared to SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Moreover, no change in the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed in the lungs, liver, and spleen after the viral challenge.

Immune response to co-infection

The challenge of mice with SARS-CoV-2 caused a significant increase in the levels of proinflammatory mediators including interferon g (IFN-g), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1b. Mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis only exhibited even higher levels of inflammatory mediators in the lungs.

Importantly, the levels remained unchanged upon challenge with SARS-CoV-2. The resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice to SARS-CoV-2 was not associated with an elevated expression of anti-inflammatory mediators.

Regarding histopathological changes, SARS-CoV-2-infected mice showed significant levels of alveolar necrosis and infiltration of proinflammatory mediators. A significantly higher level of pneumonia and hyaline membrane formation was observed in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. However, these changes were not seen in the lungs of co-infected mice.

The viral resistance due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection observed in ACE-2-expressing mice was also observed in mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2. Immune cells isolated from the lungs of mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or both were subjected to single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing to determine the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced viral resistance.

The findings of RNA sequencing revealed that the immune environment in the lungs of co-infected mice was similar to that observed in the lungs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice, with the exception of expanded B-cell and T-cell subsets.

Study significance

The current study reveals that mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are resistant to secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related pathologies. To this end, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection appears to create an inflammatory microenvironment in the lungs, which is unfavorable for SARS-CoV-2 propagation.

The presence of a wide variety of innate immune cells due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection may prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced adaptive immune response may cross-react with viral antigen to induce resistance. The expansion of B-cell and T-cell subsets after the SARS-CoV-2 challenge supports the explanation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced SARS-CoV-2 resistance.

*Important notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
To date, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected about 251 million individuals and claimed more than five million lives worldwide.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced this outbreak to be a pandemic, which is popularly known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has been characterized as a positive sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae.

Study: SARS-COV-2 Delta variant displays moderate resistance to neutralizing antibodies and spike protein properties of higher soluble ACE2 sensitivity, enhanced cleavage and fusogenic activity. Image Credit: Vitalij Terescusuk / Shutterstock.com

SARS-CoV-2 infection and evolution

SARS-CoV-2 consists of four structural proteins that include the spike (S), envelope (E), nucleocapsid (N), and membrane (M), and several accessory proteins. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S glycoprotein, which is present on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, binds the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of the host cell to facilitate infection. This is the reason why the S protein has been the primary target of current therapeutic neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and vaccines.

The continual evolution of SARS-CoV-2, owing to mutations, resulted in the emergence of several variants. These variants have been categorized as variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI).

Scientists have stated that VOCs like the UK-B.1.1.7 (Alpha), South Africa-B.1.351 (Beta), and Delta (B.1.617.2) strains are more virulent and are associated with greater transmissibility than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Mutations in the RBD region of the S protein have increased affinity towards ACE2 and contributed to immune escape.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has posed a threat to the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, as all current COVID-19 vaccines have been developed against the S protein of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Previous studies have shown a significant reduction in the neutralization potency of convalescent and vaccine sera. Mutations owing to substitution and deletion at the S and N protein sites lead to enhancement in the ACE2 binding, which increases the rate of transmission and evades immune protection induced by either vaccination or natural infection.

At present, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has been the dominant variant of B.1.617 lineage, which is constantly evolving. This demands continual characterization to evaluate the neutralization potency of convalescent and vaccine-elicited sera, as well as the potency of therapeutic neutralizing antibodies.

About the study

A new study published on the bioRxiv* preprint server has estimated the efficacy of the immune response induced by vaccination and natural COVID-19 infection, as well as therapeutic neutralizing antibodies against the Kappa (B.1.617.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2, AY.1) lineages.

During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 lineage variants include the Kappa (B.1.617.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2, AY) strains occurred. However, the Delta variant has become dominant worldwide and continues to mutate. Researchers of the current study also determined the influence of the RBD substitutions in conferring resistance.

In the current study, researchers investigated the cross-neutralization potency of sera from individuals in the United States who recovered from SARS-COV-2 infection against pseudoviruses bearing spikes of B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 variants and their corresponding RBD mutations. Pseudoviruses with the B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2, and AY.1 S protein revealed partial reduction (1.5 to 4.4-fold) in neutralization titer by convalescent sera and vaccine-elicited sera.

The current study evaluated 23 therapeutic neutralizing antibodies, among which the Kappa and Delta pseudoviruses showed complete resistance to five and partial resistance to one antibody. Researchers revealed that the two-doses of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines will possibly induce protective immunity against the tested B.1.617 variants.

Additionally, 17 of the 23 tested therapeutic neutralizing antibodies were found to completely neutralize B.1.617 variants. However, five therapeutic neutralizing antibodies that showed resistance may be due to RBD substitutions like L452R, K417N, and E484Q, but not T478K.

The authors emphasized the importance of continuously monitoring B.1.617.2 variants to detect new substitutions in S protein. This is because mutations at S protein could hamper the efficacy of vaccines, as well as therapeutic neutralizing antibodies.

Importantly, this study demonstrated that P681R substitution confers enhanced furin processing in the S protein of B.1.617 lineage variants, which is correlated to increased cell-cell fusion activity. There researchers have also revealed that only the Delta S protein displayed greater sensitivity to soluble ACE2 inhibition, thereby suggesting enhanced ACE2 affinity. These two features of the Delta variant are the foremost reasons for its global dominance.

Conclusion

The current study has a few limitations that include a smaller number of sera samples of SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and vaccinated individuals. Furthermore, the neutralization titer is dependent on the COVID-19 severity of the individual and the time of sample collection.

The researchers also found that the resistance to immune responses induced by both vaccination and natural infection was mainly due to RBD substitutions E484Q, T478K, and L452R. Neutralization titers and antigenic maps exhibited a full set of RBD substitutions.

The scientists have also pointed out that the combination of RBD substitution with mutations outside the RBD contributes to antigenic differences among B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2, and C.37 variants. More studies are required to elucidate the differences between convalescent and vaccine-elicited immune responses that could be impacted by the recent global dominance of B.1.617.2 and its sublineages.

*Important notice

bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.
A regular, affordable antibiotic treatment significantly reduced the risk of underlying rheumatic heart disease progression in children and adolescents, according to a new study.

The research, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Uganda Heart Institute and the Children's National Hospital in Washington, also showed that early screening was critical in preventing serious rheumatic heart disease progression and death in young children.

Rheumatic heart disease affects 40.5 million people globally and causes at least 306,000 deaths every year. The chronic disease is caused by damage to the valves of the heart, following a case of Strep throat.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Associate Professor Andrea Beaton said that until this study, it was unknown if antibiotics were effective at preventing the progression of latent rheumatic heart disease.

The trial is the first contemporary randomized controlled trial in rheumatic heart disease. The results are incredibly important on their own, but also demonstrate that high-quality clinical trials are feasible to address this neglected cardiovascular disease." Andrea Beaton, Associate Professor, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

The trial involved 818 Ugandan children aged 5-17 years with latent rheumatic heart disease. The participants either received four-weekly injections of penicillin for two years, or no treatment. All underwent echocardiography screening, where ultrasound waves produce images of the heart, at the start and end of the trial.

The findings from the screenings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reported just three (0.8 per cent) participants who received penicillin experienced latent rheumatic heart disease progression, compared to 33 (8.3 per cent) who didn't receive the treatment.

MCRI's Dr Daniel Engelman said the results showed a significant reduction in disease development and was more substantial than what was predicated.

"The results suggest that for every 13 children with latent disease who receive treatment for two years, one child will be prevented from developing more severe disease. As a preventative strategy for a severe, chronic disease, this is a very important finding," he said.

MCRI Professor Andrew Steer said screening for latent rheumatic heart disease was critical to stop progression because heart valve damage was largely untreatable.

"Children with latent rheumatic heart disease have no symptoms and we cannot detect the mild heart valve changes clinically," he said.

"Currently, most patients are diagnosed when the disease is advanced, and complications have already developed. This late diagnosis is associated with a high death rate at a young age, in part due to the missed opportunity to benefit from preventative antibiotic treatment. If patients can be identified early, there is an opportunity for intervention and improved health outcomes."

Uganda Heart Institute Dr Emmy Okello said the Ugandan government should strengthen programs that promote screening of rheumatic heart disease and the availability of penicillin.

In 2018 Uganda supported the World Health Organization's resolution to make the condition a global priority.

"Our study found a cheap and easily available penicillin can prevent progression of latent rheumatic heart disease into more severe, irreversible valve damage that is commonly seen in our hospitals with little or no access to valve surgery," Dr Okello said.
In a recent study published on the preprint server medRxiv*, researchers assess the need for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in children who are 12 years of age or younger. To this end, the researchers compared the clinical characteristics observed in unvaccinated children during the Delta surge (B.1.617.2) in China with that of a vaccinated group aged above 12 years.

This analysis found that young children may be critical hidden spreaders of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19). Thus, the current study indicates that young children 12 years and younger are in urgent need of vaccination to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 spread caused by this particular population.

Study: A need of COVID19 vaccination for children aged <12 years: Comparative evidence from the clinical characteristics in patients during a recent Delta surge (B.1.617.2). Image Credit: smile23 / Shutterstock.com

Background

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 250 million infections and over 5.1 million deaths globally. Several new mutants of SARS-CoV-2 include the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Lambda, and Delta.

The Delta variant, which was first identified in Maharashtra, India in late 2020, has rapidly spread worldwide. In Guangzhou, China, the Delta variant was first reported on May 21, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccines have been effective against the Delta variant. To this end, these vaccines appear to provide protection and reduce the severity of symptoms and hospitalization rates in individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19. Despite these observations, neutralizing antibodies produced from either vaccination or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection are less effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant as compared to their effectiveness against other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Importantly, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who have not been vaccinated are 11 times more likely to get infected with COVID-19, thus indicating the important role of vaccines and the protection it renders from the Delta variant. The lack of mass vaccination globally for children and adolescents under the age of 12 years may cause this population to harbor the Delta variant, as well as additional SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains to further aggravate the epidemic.

With the weak vaccine-elicited by neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, there is an impending fear of severe breakthrough infections.

Study findings

The study cohort included a total of 226 individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC, which was confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. All study participants were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University.

The researchers divided these individuals into two groups including those 12 years and younger who had not been vaccinated. This group consisted of 77 individuals with the median age of 9.

The second group included those above the age of 12, most of whom had been vaccinated with Chinese inactivated viral vaccine from Sinopharm or Sinovac. This group consisted of 149 individuals with the median age of 39.

The researchers measured cycle threshold (CT) values from the SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR and serological results, which included blood test, biochemical analysis, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titer, blood coagulation function, and microbe testing. They also obtained the data on the clinical presentations and compared the observations.

The children presented mild symptoms, an activated innate immunity highlighted by higher lymphocyte counts, lower overall inflammatory responses, and a good prognosis. However, the nucleic acid CT value of the vaccinated group increased to a greater extent as compared to the unvaccinated individuals, thus indicating a faster virus clearance due to vaccination.

The researchers also assessed the nucleic acid negativization (NAN), which is defined as the duration from the first day of the positive nucleic acid report to the time of the second negative nasopharyngeal swab testing of the two successive negative nucleic acid tests. To this end, the vaccinated patients over the age of 12 years had lower COVID-19 antibodies of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG but longer NAN time as compared to those who were unvaccinated at 18 days versus 16 days, respectively. The NAN time is closely related to the elimination of the virus and its infectivity.

Dots represent IgM/IgG level in children aged <12 years (group1) and those aged 12years (group2). Box plots indicate the median and interquartile range (IQR) and the whiskers represent the maximum and minimum values. The results showed lower COVID antibody IgM and IgG level on admission, and IgG level in convalescence [0.13(0.00,0.09) vs. 0.12(0.03,0.41), p<0.05; 0.02(0.00,0.14) vs. 1.94(0.54,6.40), p <0.05; 5.46(2.41,9.26) vs. 73.63(54.63,86.55), p< 0.05, respectively], but higher antibody IgM level in convalescence [1.05(0.51,2.31) vs. 0.51(0.20,1.69), p=0.016].

Therefore, based on these observations, the researchers hypothesized that there is slow virus clearance in the unvaccinated younger group. This observation suggests that if children 12 years of age and younger remain vaccinated, they may carry the virus longer and become sources of viral transmission.

Conclusions

The current study reported increased NAN time in the young children and contrastingly, increased nucleic acid CT value and rapid and higher COVID-19 antibodies in the vaccinated population over the age of 12. Based on these results, the researchers suggest that unvaccinated children are critical hidden spreaders of the virus; thus, COVID-19 vaccination for children should be promoted in an orderly manner, monitoring closely for effectiveness and any adverse reactions.

While the Chinese government has recently approved the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged between 3-17 years, this study critically compares the clinical characteristics that support the need for vaccination among children.

The researchers called for further studies to determine the underlying mechanisms of immune function in children under 12 years old.

*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.
We know little about the origin and reservoir of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). However, horseshoe bats tested in Yunnan province, China, have been found to carry the closest relatives of SARS-CoV-2.

Now, a new study published in the journal Nature Communications reports the identification of SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses in two horseshoe bats sampled in Cambodia in 2010.

Coronaviruses and bats

The origin, reservoir, diversity, and extent of circulation of SARS-CoV-2 ancestors are unknown; however, Horseshoe bats are believed to be the primary natural reservoirs for SARS-related coronaviruses. Horseshoe bats from several provinces in China have been found to carry several coronavirus species. Southeast Asia is home to more than 25% of the world's bat species and is considered a hotspot for emerging zoonotic diseases. A close relative of SARS-CoV-2 was identified in bats captured from a cave in Thailand in June 2020.

a Maximum likelihood phylogeny of the subgenus Sarbecovirus (genus Betacoronavirus; n = 39) estimated from complete genome sequences using IQ-TREE and 1000 replicates. The coronaviruses of the SARS-CoV-2 lineage are color coded by country of sampling as on the map. In orange, Cambodia, light orange, Thailand and blue, China. Taxa names include the isolate name, country and province of sampling, and host. The scientific names of the hosts are abbreviated as follows: Bats: R. affinis, Rhinolophus affinis; R. sinicus, Rhinolophus sinicus; R. ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum; R. malayanus, Rhinolophus malayanus; R. acuminatus, Rhinolophus acuminatus; C. plicata, Chaerephon plicata; R. pusillus, Rhinolophus pusillus; R. macrotis, Rhinolophus macrotis; R. monoceros, Rhinolophus monoceros; R. cornutus, Rhinolophus cornutus; Pangolin: M_javanica, Manis javanica and human: H. sapiens, Homo sapiens. A maximum clade credibility tree is available in Supplementary Fig. 3. b map of parts of China and Southeast Asia. Regions where viruses of the SARS-CoV-2 lineage were sampled are colored as in the tree. A black dot indicates a sampling site when known, and the red dot shows the location of Wuhan, where the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported.

Cambodia

UNESCO and the National Authority of Preah Vihear mandated the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN, Paris, France) to conduct a mammal survey in northern Cambodia in 2010. During this survey, bats were captured using mist nets and harp traps from two provinces, Preah Vihear and Ratanakiri. Bat diversity on the two sides of the Mekong River was compared.

Likewise, USAID funded the PREDICT project to sample bats to detect and discover viruses with a pandemic and zoonotic potential. Oral and rectal swabs were collected from bats from 2012 to 2018.

The samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 related viruses. Two bats positive for viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 were collected during the MNHN mission.

The investigators tested 430 archived samples, including 162 oral swabs and 268 rectal swabs. Sixteen rectal swabs (3.72%) tested positive for coronaviruses - 11 alphacoronaviruses and five betacoronaviruses. Two of the five betacoronavirus samples further tested positive using a specific reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) test. These two samples were from rectal swabs of Shamel's horseshoe bats sampled in December 2010 in the Steung Treng province in Cambodia. Oral swabs from these bats tested negative for betacoronaviruses.

a Homology modeling of the RBD structure. The three-dimensional structure of the RshSTT200 Spike RBD was modeled using the Swiss-Model program employing the structure of SARS-CoV-2 (PDB: 6yla.1) as a template. The core and external subdomains are colored orange, and gray for RshSTT200 and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The shortening a loop near the receptor-binding site of RshSTT200 are indicated by a black rectangle. The cysteines involved in a conserved disulfide bond are indicated. b Alignment of the receptor-binding motif amino acid sequences of selected betaCoVs. c RshSTT200 spike (deleted for the last 21 amino acids) pseudovirus entry into HEK293T cells transfected with either RshACE2, hACE2 or an empty vector (pLenti-puro). d SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudovirus entry into HEK293T cells transfected with either RshACE2, hACE2 or an empty vector (pLenti-puro). Data are represented as mean  standard deviation of technical replicates (n = 4) and are representative of three independent experiments. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.

Genetic similarity with SARS-CoV-2

The RNA from the two coronaviruses was then processed for next-generation metagenomic sequencing. The sequenced genome was compared to the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

The two genomic sequences were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, with 92.6% identity across the genome. They also exhibited identical genomic organization. Thus, these two coronaviruses are a sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 related viruses, even though they are geographically distant.

A portion corresponding to the N terminal domain of the spike protein was dissimilar with SARS-CoV-2. This region was similar to more distantly related betacoronaviruses.

This data suggests that the ancestors of these viral sublineages co-circulate within a wider geographic area and more distinct bat species.

Receptor-binding domain

In silico structural analysis suggested that the external subdomain of the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) structure is highly similar to SARS-CoV-2. Six amino acid residues determine efficient receptor binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. Five out of six amino acid residues are conserved.

The investigators then performed pseudovirus entry assays using HEK293T cells expressing either the bat ACE2 receptor or human ACE2 receptor. Viral pseudoparticles packaged a coronavirus spike from SARS-CoV-2 or the bat coronavirus. Pseudoviral particles expressing the bat coronavirus spike were not able to infect HEK293T cells expressing human ACE2 but they were able to infect HEK293T expressing bat ACE2. In addition, the pseudoviral particles expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike were able to infect HEK293T cells expressing bat ACE2.

Conclusions

This study discovered SARS-CoV-2 related viruses in a bat species not found in China. This implies that these viruses have a much wider geographic distribution than previously reported. This study also suggests that Southeast Asia should be considered for future surveillance for coronaviruses.

Southeast Asia has a high diversity of wildlife. There also exists extensive trade in wild animals. Moreover, there is a dramatic land-use change due to infrastructure development, urban development, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment upon wildlife. Due to these factors, human contact with wild hosts of SARS-like coronaviruses has increased. Therefore, Southeast Asia may represent an area to consider for the ongoing research for the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

This study also suggests that Southeast Asia should be considered for future surveillance for coronaviruses.

According to this study, continued and expanded surveillance of bats and other wild animals in Southeast Asia is crucial for future pandemic preparedness and prevention.
Falls, confusion, cognitive decline, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. In a new NPS MedicineWise podcast episode released today, Dr Kate Annear, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP talks about the new NPS MedicineWise educational program on the cumulative effects of anticholinergic medicines. Reviewing peoples multiple medicines and considering deprescribing or finding alternative treatments can reduce anticholinergic burden.

Medicines with an anticholinergic effect are useful to treat many conditions such as depression, dementia with changed behavior and chronic non-cancer pain, says Dr Kate Annear, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP.

However, cumulatively, they can cause serious adverse effects which are particularly problematic for older people who may be more susceptible to anticholinergic burden and who may be taking multiple medicines.

It is important to keep anticholinergic burden in mind. It is easy for older people experiencing symptoms to put them down to just getting older, she says.

Anticholinergic burden is associated with poor health outcomes, particularly for older people, including a 60% increase in fall-related hospitalizations, 50% increased risk of dementia and a 30% increased mortality.

The NPS MedicineWise Anticholinergic burden: the unintended consequences for older people program aims to improve the health outcomes of older people living in the community and residential aged-care facilities (RACFs) by promoting the safe and effective use of medicines with anticholinergic effects and, as a result, reduce anticholinergic burden.

A Home Medicines Review (HMR), or a Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) if the person lives in an aged-care home is an important way to review medicines. It is important for the GP to provide the pharmacist with a detailed referral to get the most out of the review. Demographic and social history, medical and surgical history, relevant pathology results and a complete list of medicines with indications are all important. Dr Kate Annear, Medical Adviser, NPS MedicineWise

The program includes resources to support conversations with patients about anticholinergics, deprescribing and medicine reviews, including a fact sheet, a decision aid, an action plan and Choosing Wisely 5 questions that a person can ask about anticholinergic medicines.

There is also a report for GPs participating in the MedicineInsight program, providing them with individualized data on their patients who are exposed to high anticholinergic burden. The report is based on the Drug Burden Index (DBI), which is a measure of the cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medicines. Professor Sarah Hilmer, Dr Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell and Associate Professor Danijela Gnjidic, supported by the Northern Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydneys Faculty of Medicine and Health, provided expertise and resources related to the DBI to inform the report.

Visit the NPS MedicineWise website for more information and resources for health professionals and consumers from the Anticholinergic burden: the unintended consequences for older people program.
Batson's Drug Store seems like a throwback to a simpler time. The independently owned pharmacy in Howard, Kansas, still runs an old-fashioned soda counter and hand-dips ice cream. But the drugstore, the only one in the entire county, teeters on the edge between nostalgia and extinction.

Julie Perkins, pharmacist and owner of Batson's, graduated from the local high school and returned after pharmacy school to buy the drugstore more than two decades ago. She and her husband bought the grocery store next door in 2006 to help diversify revenue and put the pharmacy on firmer footing.

But with the pandemic exacerbating the competitive pressures from large retail chains, which can operate at lower prices, and from pharmaceutical intermediaries, which can impose high fees retroactively, Perkins wonders how long her business can remain viable.

She worries about what will happen to her customers if she can't keep the pharmacy running. Elk County, with a population of 2,500, has no hospital and only a couple of doctors, so residents must travel more than an hour to Wichita for anything beyond primary care.

"That's why I hang on," Perkins said. "These people have relied on the store from way before I was even here."

Corner pharmacies, once widespread in large cities and rural hamlets alike, are disappearing from many areas of the country, leaving an estimated 41 million Americans in what are known as drugstore deserts, without easy access to pharmacies. An analysis by GoodRx, an online drug price comparison tool, found that 12% of Americans have to drive more than 15 minutes to reach the closest pharmacy or don't have enough pharmacies nearby to meet demand. That includes majorities of people in more than 40% of counties.

From 2003 to 2018, 1,231 of the nation's 7,624 independent rural pharmacies closed, according to the University of Iowa's Rural Policy Research Institute, leaving 630 communities with no independent or chain retail drugstore.

Independent pharmacies are struggling due to the vertical integration among drugstore chains, insurance companies and pharmaceutical benefit managers, which gives those companies market power that community drugstores can't match.

Insurers also have ratcheted down what they will pay for prescription drugs, squeezing margins to levels that pharmacists call unsustainable. As the insurers' drug plans steered patients to their affiliated drugstores, independent shops watched their customers drift away. They find themselves at the mercy of pharmaceutical intermediaries, which claw back pharmacy revenue through retroactive fees and aggressive audits, leaving local pharmacists unsure if they'll end the year in the black.

That has a direct impact on customers, particularly older ones, who face higher copays for prescription medications if they have a drug plan, and higher list prices if they don't. If their local pharmacy can't survive, they may be forced to travel long distances to the nearest drugstore or endure waits to get their prescriptions from understaffed pharmacies serving more and more patients.

"Living in an area with low pharmacy density could increase wait times, decrease supply, and make it harder to shop around for prescription medications," said Tori Marsh, GoodRx's lead researcher on the drugstore desert study.

The financial pressures on independent drugstores began mounting two decades ago when Medicare instituted its Part D program using private insurance plans: Pharmacies' most frequent customers went from paying cash for list prices to using insurance coverage that paid lower negotiated rates.

"A market clearance occurred, a big bolus of pharmacy closures," said Keith Mueller, director of the Rural Policy Research Institute.

Independent pharmacies saw their margins shrink. On average, a pharmacy's cost of dispensing a single prescription, factoring in labor, rent, utilities and other overhead, ranges from $9 to $15. But the reimbursement is often far less.

Multiple pharmacists said that about half of drug plan reimbursements fail to cover the costs of drugs and their overhead.

"What you're left with is that 50% of claims that you can make some money on, and really, the tiny percentage of claims where you make an extremely high amount of money," said Nate Hux, who owns an independent pharmacy in Pickerington, Ohio.

It's that tiny sliver of wildly overpaid drugs, especially generics, that determines whether a pharmacy can survive. A generic drug that costs $4 might get reimbursed by a drug plan at $4,000.

"Filling a generic prescription, from a financial standpoint, is like pulling the slots at a casino," said Ben Jolley, an independent pharmacist in Salt Lake City. "Sometimes you lose a quarter, sometimes you lose a buck, and sometimes you make $500. But you have to have those prescriptions that you make $500 on to make up for the losses on the rest of your meds."

Some pharmacies increase their list prices to ensure they capture the highest reimbursements that drug plans are willing to pay. But that raises prices for patients paying cash.

Jolley, who also works as a consultant for pharmacies across the country, said some pharmacists game the system by billing excessive charges for drugs they mix on-site or calling physicians to switch patients to more profitable drugs.

"Pharmacies that play this game get exceptionally wealthy," he said. "Most pharmacies either don't feel comfortable playing this game or aren't aware that that's how the system works, so they get left behind. That's why you see all these pharmacies closing."

Pharmacy benefit managers, brokers known as PBMs, also steer customers away from independent pharmacies to affiliated chain, mail-order or specialty pharmacies with lower out-of-pockets costs. Some PBMs prevent local pharmacies from offering the most expensive drugs at all.

The benefit managers counter that there are more independent pharmacies today than there were 10 years ago. An analysis conducted on behalf of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, a trade group that represents pharmacy benefit managers, showed a 13% increase in the number of independently owned pharmacies from 2010 to 2019. However, many of those new stores opened in communities that already had pharmacies.

"PBMs are not seeking to put independent pharmacies out of business," said Greg Lopes, a spokesperson for the trade group. "PBMs are trying and often succeeding in lowering drug costs."

The insurers' trade group, AHIP, formerly America's Health Insurance Plans, declined to comment.

Katie Koziara, a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, an industry group representing drugmakers, said the large market power of PBMs can leave patients with fewer choices.

"The system might work well for health plans and these middlemen, but it creates difficult access barriers for vulnerable patients," Koziara said. "We're concerned about the emerging issue of 'pharmacy deserts' where patients, particularly among communities of color, cannot readily access a community pharmacy for their medications."

Independent pharmacists routinely identify those middle-manager companies as the leading cause of their troubles. At Batson's drugstore in rural Kansas, Perkins recently had a customer who had been taking Emgality, an injectable monoclonal antibody treatment for migraines made by Eli Lilly and Co., that typically retails for up to $760 a month. But the customer's drug plan wouldn't pay Batson's to fill it, forcing her to wait until it could be mailed from a specialty pharmacy.

Frustratingly, Perkins said, patients who get pushed to order drugs by mail often bring them to her when they need help deciphering how to use them.

Even when pharmacies make money on a prescription, there's no guarantee they can keep much of the profit. Drug plans charge pharmacies fees every time they need to interact with the PBM's claims database. While those fees average only 10 to 15 cents per transaction, a busy pharmacy might need to check the database hundreds of times a day.

PBMs also have implemented retroactive fees based on performance metrics they set. Pharmacies can wind up losing money on a prescription filled months earlier. PBMs describe these as quality measures, but pharmacists complain they are more about sales volume. Many of the metrics track how diligently patients take their medication, which pharmacies can hardly control.

One PBM's contract, obtained by Axios, showed only 1% of pharmacies are able to avoid retroactive fees.

Jeff Olson, who owns three rural pharmacies in Iowa, said he paid $52,000 in retroactive fees on revenue of $6 million in 2015. While his annual revenue remained flat through 2020, those retroactive fees last year totaled $225,000.

"Thats money that cant be used for payroll, that cant be used to add those other services that your community needs," Olson said.

Moreover, Olson said, he doesn't know what metrics insurance plans use to evaluate his performance and calculate the fees.

"They define quality themselves," said Ronna Hauser, vice president of pharmacy affairs for the National Community Pharmacists Association. "If you have 20 Part D plans you contract with, that's 20 different quality programs that you're supposed to be aware of and keep up with."

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, such retroactive fees were 915 times as high in 2019 as in 2010. The resulting higher prices mean Medicare beneficiaries burn through their initial coverage period faster and enter a coverage gap, or "doughnut hole," sooner.

At Olson's pharmacy in St. Charles, Iowa, a town of fewer than 1,000 people, fees and other financial pressures forced Olson to scale back and operate the store as a telepharmacy. Technicians fill prescriptions under the eye of an off-site pharmacist, and customers see a pharmacist only one day a week.

For a town with no other health care provider, that means six days when no one can provide vaccinations or test for strep throat.

Back in Howard, Debbie Lane, 70, likes the personal service Perkins offers at Batson's.

"Its a lot easier to go down to a local store, and if it happens to be after hours or an emergency, shell open up for us," Lane said.

Perkins will tell her if Lane can save money by driving to a chain drugstore in Wichita instead. And, recently, Perkins ran the numbers to help Lane decide which Medicare plan would be the least expensive given the medications she takes. Lane knows it's a struggle to keep a small-town pharmacy open and fears what might happen if Batson's closed.

"It'd be devastating," Lane said. "There are a lot of us like me, who will sometimes pay a little extra to make sure that Julie stays in business."
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen possibly the largest modern outpouring of research focused on a single pathogen or disease condition because of its high transmission rates coupled with its mortality rate, which, though not extremely high in itself, amounted to five million documented deaths over the less than two years since the outbreak began in December 2019.

Study: Quantifying changes in vaccine coverage in mainstream media as a result of COVID-19 outbreak. Image Credit: ezphoto/ Shutterstock

To control this pandemic, containment of viral spread is essential. This led to the implementation of a host of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as physical distancing from non-family members when outside the home, social distancing in public places, mask use, and finally, vaccine development and deployment. The latter has raised hackles in many skeptics worldwide, despite the impressive reduction in severe disease and hospitalizations that follow mass vaccinations.

A recent study available on the medRxiv* preprint server explores how vaccine coverage has come to the forefront of modern news media following the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Background

Vaccine hesitancy has been a stumbling block for almost every government in the developed world that seeks to enforce a universal COVID-19 mandate in adults barring a few essential exemptions. However, it is not a COVID-19-specific phenomenon, having been named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top ten global health threats. For many scientists, vaccine hesitancy is due to misperception, which results from the kind of information that the hesitant individual is open to or receives.

Social media is the biggest source of information for many people, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Whatsapp messages or forwards. One recent report shows that while the majority of tweets about vaccines are positive towards it, much misinformation is also being disseminated. Some of this, if not all, is potentially a coordinated attempt to sow fear and distrust of vaccines and the authorities recommending their use.

In fact, one study has shown that the more fake information about vaccines that appears in tweets, the lower is the vaccine uptake in that country. Twitter users who spread vaccine disinformation typically appeal to the emotions and the love of mystery, spouting conspiracy theories. Moreover, in the partisan world of today, vaccines have become a matter of political affiliation rather than of medical science, sadly enough.

Vaccine-related discussions also show different sides of the individual, with those favoring vaccination speaking of social responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus to high-risk individuals and cut short the pandemic as soon as possible. Conversely, the other side defends individual liberty to the death.

What did the study show?

The current study focuses on mainstream news media, which can be important in the stand they take on vaccines. This seems to be the first such study on how online mainstream news media portray the vaccine and vaccine-related news, using approximately 28 million news headlines from 11 different countries. Hopefully, this information will shape how public health authorities communicate about the vaccine and perhaps reduce vaccine hesitancy.

The researchers classified online coverage of vaccine news as:

Pre-pandemic: July 2015 - 8 January, 2020  on the latter day, the media began to provide daily coverage of the virus

Pre-vaccine rollout from 9 January, 2020 - 9 November, 2020  on the latter day, following the report by Pfizer/BioNTech that their experimental vaccine had 90% efficacy

During vaccine rollout from 10 November, 2020 - 2 April, 2021

The results show that most of the vaccine coverage was due to reporting on the pandemic. The focus of the coverage was on the pandemic, however, and not on vaccines used before the pandemic.

As such, vaccine-pandemic headlines kept increasing in frequency until they comprised 6-8% of the total. They then remained stable at this level until the end of the study period. This was attributed to the intense excitement engendered by the early news release on November 9, 2020, that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine had 90% efficacy, following which it was rolled out within a month in the UK.

While negative coverage increased by a factor of four, in absolute terms, over the pandemic period, to over 28,000, more than 60% of articles on this topic were positively slanted during the pandemic period, vs. 43% before the start of COVID-19.

Most of the articles were linked to the major manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines. Still, AstraZeneca garnered largely negative coverage compared to even Johnson and Johnson, despite both having the same type and number of complications. While most of these firms were negligible (0.01%) in terms of media mention before the pandemic, they became frequently mentioned (~3.9%) during this time.

What are the implications?

The results of this study are important in revealing the kind of media articles that were available for people to learn about vaccines during this period. These would play a big role in shaping the attitude of people towards the COVID-19 vaccines.

The study demonstrated how both the number of mentions and the tone of the reporting changed over the course of the pandemic. The largely positive overtones of the reporting, despite the occurrence of side-effects with each of the vaccines, is a reassuring finding. Surprisingly, firms that collaborated on vaccine development were not always correlated in the coverage, reflecting in the negative or positive light in which the dominant firm was viewed, with less mention of the other.

Overall our results provide a quantification of the increased vaccine reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. How the increased coverage will translate into public perception of vaccines is yet to be seen by traditional survey-based studies.

*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.
Mindful awareness is about both accepting and engaging with lifes challenges, and thats what popularized concepts of mindfulness tend to miss, new research has found.

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Studying popular concepts of mindfulness, the researchers found most laypeople are confusing the practice with passive acceptance of problemsa misconception scientists say ignores the important work of engaging with them.

Originating in Buddhist religious practice, much of the mindfulness movements popularity grew from clinical research affirming its potential for reducing stress and related health disorders.

Scientific understanding of mindfulness goes beyond mere stress-relief and requires a willingness to engage with stressors, said Igor Grossmann, corresponding author of the project and a professor of social psychology at Waterloo. It is, in fact, the engagement with stressors that ultimately results in stress relief. More specifically, mindfulness includes two main dimensions: awareness and acceptance.

Grossmann and colleagues compared critics claims to popular interpretations of mindfulness to evaluate how people understand and apply the concept in their daily lives. They found that in practice, most people conflate acceptance with passivity or avoidance.

The research team conducted an extensive empirical project that examined the meaning of mindfulness in three parts: analyses of the semantic meaning of the term mindfulness in the English language, meta-analysis of the results from a widely used mindfulness measure, and empirical tests of association with markers of wisdom and effective emotion regulation.

While we found that people seem to conceptually understand that mindfulness involves engagement, the general public is not walking the talk. Our results suggest that laypeople may understand what awareness is, but the next step of acceptance may not be well understood  limiting potential for engaging with problems, said Ellen Choi, lead author on the paper and an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Ryerson University.

Using social media as a topical example, Grossmann says that with algorithms curating increasingly hateful content, the ability to be mindful of others perspectives has never been more critical.

Mindfulness might not provide an easy answer to the divisiveness that surrounds us, but an accurate understanding that includes the practice of acceptance may herald the re-emergence of sincere discussion and authentic connection. Igor Grossmann, Professor of Social Psychology, Waterloo

The paper, What do people mean when they talk about mindfulness?, authored by Grossmann, Choi, Norman Farb of the University of Toronto, University of Guelphs Ekaterina Pogrebtsova and Jamie Gruman, was recently published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review
The rapid outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has massively impacted school operations worldwide. In the United States, many K-12 schools have resorted to online teaching or have remained open with various mitigation strategies in place.

A new study published on the medRxiv* preprint server aims to better understand the role of schools in SARS-CoV-2 transmission by evaluating infections at two independent schools in Nashville, Tennessee during the 2020-2021 school year.

Study: Minimal in-school SARS-CoV-2 transmission with strict mitigation protocols at two independent schools in Nashville, TN. Image Credit: Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com

Background

Research has shown that children are less likely to become symptomatic or have more severe clinical COVID-19 outcomes than adults. Prior to the vaccination campaign in the U.S., 10% of all cases and 0.1% of all deaths were among children and adolescents aged 5 through 17 years. However, as vaccination rates have increased among adults, children may now account for a larger fraction of cases and deaths.

Some previous studies have found no significant relationship to exist between in-person learning or school re-openings and community transmission, especially when strict mitigation measures are in place. However, other studies have shown that transmission may be more common among children in school environments than in community settings.

Overall, there remains uncertainty about how to safely operate schools. In the current study, scientists have described the distribution and characteristics of COVID-19 cases at two independent schools in Nashville, which remained open during the 2020-2021 school year with strict mitigation measures in place.

About the study

Data were collected from two independent schools in Nashville, where school A included students in Kindergarten through 12th grade and School B included students in pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. School A staggered its in-person opening by grade level, whereas School B began for all students on the same day. During these periods, all suspected and known cases of COVID-19, including students and staff, were reported to the school health team.

Each school implemented strict mitigation measures throughout the study period, such as daily symptom and exposure screening, physical distancing, strict hand hygiene, and universal masking of all ages at all times. Students were categorized into three groups: lower school (Kindergarten through 4th grades), middle school (5th through 8th grades), and high school (9th through 12th grades).

Study results

The scientists documented that most COVID-19 cases among school-aged children, with strict mitigation measures and quarantine protocols, were not due to in-school transmission. This is consistent with other studies that found that student-to-teacher transmission is rare.

Specifically, a recent study showed that in-person schooling was associated with higher COVID-19 rates among household members; however, that the risk was no longer significant when effective mitigation measures were used in schools. In the schools considered in this study, the most important mitigation measures to reduce risk were daily symptom screening and mask mandates. Contrary to a previous report, the results did not support a strong association between cases reported to school settings and local transmission rates.

The researchers also highlighted the fact that many students were quarantined, corresponding to a high number of missed in-person school days during the study period. This was surprising, despite the minimal in-school transmission risk, with mitigation measures in place.

Number of cases of COVID-19 at School A and School B (left y-axis) by week (x-axis) and exposure setting (color), compared to weekly case rate of COVID-19 among school-aged children in Davidson County (right y-axis) from August 18, 2020 through February 12, 2021.

One reason why more research is not being published is due to the lack of data on appropriate quarantine strategies and how to define close contacts aside from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 at both schools during the study period was slightly higher than reported in children in the entire county. It has been widely reported that population-based COVID-19 surveillance underestimates SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.

Diagram of case clusters among students and staff at School A and School B, including transmission route.

In this study, students were asked to get tested following suspected exposure or when they exhibited COVID-like symptoms. This strategy likely improved the SARS-CoV-2 infection data. It should, however, be considered that students and families who were included in the study population represent a demographic that is more probable to access testing.

Limitations

Detailed data were collected at each school throughout the year; however, the final data were not validated until the time of this analysis, which means that some cases may have gone undiagnosed or unreported. Second, the data used as the control group may not have reflected the distribution of school-aged children in Tennessee.

Also, the data were collected prior to the widespread rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations and when there were limited local data on variants of concern.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study showed that SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools was limited when strict mitigation measures were used. The results also suggested that quarantining following in-school exposure to infection may be unnecessary, even if strict mitigation measures are in place.

*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.
insights from industry Warren Mino Managing Director of Biotechnology Smiths Detection

In this interview, we spoke to Warren Mino, the Managing Director of Biotechnology for Smiths Detection, about their innovative technology and its involvement within biothreat detection.

Please can you introduce yourself, and give us some background on Smiths Detection?

My name is Warren Mino, and I am the Managing Director of Biotechnology for Smiths Detection. I am responsible for the overall operations of the biotechnology business including daily operations, administrative functions, and finances.

Smiths Detections mission is making the world a safer place and we specialize in developing technology that protects our aviation operations, ports, and borders, military personal and first responders, and critical infrastructure. We are a trusted partner to government agencies and corporations where safety and security are paramount.

How is Smiths Detection providing global coverage and achieving its goal of making the world safer, healthier, and more productive?

Our goal is simple  to provide security, peace of mind, and freedom of movement, upon which the world depends. We have over 40 years of experience protecting society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

We have over 3000 employees, with offices in 13 countries and a large network of service technicians that ensure our equipment maintains the security that our customers depend on. We have a presence in the US, Canada, Singapore, China, Japan, India, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, the UK, The Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, and the UAE.

Smiths Detection - Making the world a safer place Play

Smiths Detection is renowned for its biological threat detection systems. What different systems do Smiths Detection offer and how can these be used for a wide range of applications?

Smiths Detection offers a wide range of products and technologies which support our customer's safety and security mission. Smiths Detections bio-threat technology uses CANARY, which is a tested and proven method of pathogen threat detection, providing users with an unprecedented level of speed and sensitivity in both commercial and defense applications. Originally developed by MIT, CANARY technology allows the detection of a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

Our biological threat detection systems can be deployed for applications in biodefense, food safety, agriculture, and emerging disease. We offer two solutions:

BioFlash Biological Identifier  mobile, high sensitivity bio-threat detector capable of detecting mail room threats such as anthrax or airborne viruses like COVID-19 in minutes. Our biological detectors are easy to use, fast, and with high sensitivity rates.

Zephyr  allows for improved food safety testing at the point of origin helping to expedite production and reduce risk and waste.

In addition to Biological Threat Detection, we specialize in X-ray inspection, Chemical Agent Identification, Explosive Trace Detection, Radiation Detection across all of our sectors of operation, globally.

Why is biothreat detection such a crucial task in todays society?

In light of the recent COVID pandemic, the definition of biothreat is rapidly changing. In previous years, this definition was narrowly focused on classic biothreat agents which could be created by rogue state agencies or other radical groups.

Now, these agents could include synthetic organisms made by lone individuals or, in the age of globalization, naturally occurring infectious agents. We believe it is important to have the ability to monitor for the presence of any of these agents in order to give the appropriate agencies the intelligence and time needed to implement mitigative actions.

The threat of COVID-19, and the ongoing opening up of our society, has made its biological detection a critical health and security need. There has never been a greater need for dynamic, practical, high speed, and highly sensitive pathogen detection.

Image Credit: David Pereiras/Shutterstock.com

How do Smiths Detection make their products cost-effective, sustainable, and low-risk?

With over 40 years of experience, we have worked to ensure our products and solutions are market-leading, and therefore low-risk. We understand that reliability and trust are critical components to our customers. They need our product and solutions to operate in extreme and high-stress conditions, where situational awareness can save lives and safeguard society.

For BioFlash, a significant amount of engineering design was put into our platform's checks and verifications. The BioDiscs have positive and negative controls integrated into each consumable to assure the capabilities of the biosensors to perform properly. Each consumable is uniquely barcoded for tractability.

The BioFlash device itself has pressure, temperature, light, and other real-time sensors built into the design to verify the correct internal operation of the device, so that when a pathogen detection/identification test is performed, the end-user can have confidence in the result.

We have both theoretical and 10 years of in-field usage false positive rates that are well below 0.05% (a significantly low percentage for platforms of this nature). Electrical components and motors were selected for longevity and robustness, and are put through stress tests and burn-in periods to assure reliability in our customer's hands - our first-sale device is still operating on a daily basis after 10 years in the field.

Tell us about BioFlash, how it works, and its capabilities.

The BioFlash Biological Identifier is a bio-aerosol collection and identification system. It uses CANARY technology along with proprietary aerosol collection techniques to provide a low-risk, cost-effective biological sampling and identification solution for environmental monitoring. BioFlash works by collecting and analyzing air samples using sensitive, specific, and rapid detection technology to identify the presence of dangerous pathogens on-site without the need to involve a laboratory.

The BioFlash operates using BioDisk consumables that contain genetically engineered biosensors, expressing both the agent-specific antibodies and the calcium-sensitive bioluminescent molecules that are needed to produce light emissions.

Each BioDisk contains a total of sixteen cuvettes. Twelve cuvettes have different agent-specific biosensors in specific cuvettes. We have an additional dedicated positive and additional dedicated negative control cuvette. The remaining two cuvettes are empty so that samples can be brought back to a lab for further analysis. This allows more than one agent of interest to be detected and identified.

The BioFlash is capable of being used in a variety of different environments, for example, hospitals, schools, offices, and airports. We have connected the BioFlash to a portable battery and we can transport the BioFlash from room to room to sample and test the air for SARS-CoV-2 and other biothreats.

The BioFlash is routinely used in mail screening applications, where we can rapidly screen bulk mail for the presence of ricin, anthrax, and other biothreat agents of concern. We can easily change the biosensors in the device as threats emerge, meaning customers can use the same equipment and test for other threats as they emerge.

What makes BioFlash such a universal tool?

BioFlash is portable, easy to use and clean, and relatively low cost. It has a compact and lightweight design and an extremely low false alarm rate. The BioFlash can produce results in under three minutes onsite.

The BioFlash has the ability to screen for a range of aerosolized threats in different configurations. The underlying technology, CANARY, provides the ability to create biosensors for specific agents of concern  the most recent example being our development of a SARS-CoV-2 biosensor with the onset of the pandemic. We can add the ability to identify new pathogens of concern to the same instrument providing flexibility and applicability to a range of markets and use cases including naturally occurring viruses and bacteria or biowarfare agents intentionally created and disseminated.

The instrument is an air collection device so it can be configured to perform that air collection function in different scenarios creating universal applications for biological detection and identification. It can be used to screen mail for dangerous biologicals or just pull an air sample from the ambient air to identify the presence of a virus-like SARS-CoV-2, or it can be networked into a larger system for more constant monitoring.

How was BioFlash used in universities to stop the spread of COVID-19?

Smiths Detection began a collaborative pilot project with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), to offer the onsite testing capability for real-world use, aiming to help their Environmental Safety and Health (ESH) team with COVID-19 mitigation strategies on campus. One early testing success came when a student working in a research facility tested positive for COVID-19 on a diagnostic test.

The ESH team used the BioFlash to test the facilitys air in three locations and received no positive result, confirming the space was safe to re-enter for students and staff, who could be comfortable in the knowledge that the area was COVID-free. Environmental swabs were used in the study as a confirmatory method to determine the virus was, indeed, present in rooms

Separately, in a collaborative effort with the Sports Medicine Department, an aerosol test conducted in a locker room following a teams practice resulted in a positive detection on the BioFlash. As the result of the positive environmental test, UMBC was immediately able to have the team and staff tested for COVID and found three individuals were positive for COVID. These two real-world applications of the BioFlash demonstrate how the system can be used to both confirm the safety of a site and to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

In this case, it was possible to immediately identify and assist the COVID-positive individuals, preventing further potential transmissions among the team and staff and at the teams future athletic competitions.

BioFlash and COVID-19 Play

How could BioFlash be used to tackle emerging variants of COVID-19?

As the viral structure of what the BioFlash is detecting is unchanging, the BioFlash is able to detect COVID-19 in all the current  and we believe future  variations.

Why is the detection of emerging variants such an important step in the journey to ending the COVID-19 pandemic, and what part will Smiths Detection play in this?

As the virus continues to infect the population, it could acquire mutations that make it more infective or resistant to countermeasures such as vaccines or therapeutic agents. It is important to have robust detection technologies capable of detecting these variants even though they may have acquired novel mutations. Smiths Detection has worked hard to develop such a technology in order for our customers to confidently monitor for the presence of this deadly virus.

Technology is available to support and enhance mitigation strategies cost-effectively and efficiently. The more quickly we can deploy complementary virus mitigation techniques, the quicker we can get back to normal life.

How will Smiths Detection continue to provide game-changing technologies in future world crises?

Our mission to safeguard the world drives our innovation. We continually invest in ourselves to develop new technology and push the boundaries of what is achievable, we research the latest technological advancements at Universities, Labs, and the market, and we stay up to date on emerging threats and position ourselves as a leader in the industry and a trusted partner for security technology.

We will continue to prioritize safety and the well-being of society. We will continue to partner with governments, agencies, and companies to identify security risks and create solutions to meet those needs. We will self-fund development projects to prepare for next-generation detection needs and focus on enhancing situation awareness for our customers.

What is the next step for Smiths Detection?

Bio threats are always evolving  whether that be an intentional or accidental bio threat release of naturally occurring biothreats such as SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, we know there will be a SARS-CoV-3, we just dont know when and where it will originate. Our current research and development allow us to respond quickly to emerging threats and continually innovate on bio-threat detection and identification technologies.

Additionally, all of the typical next steps in any technology-based business are just as applicable to Smiths Detection  reducing platform costs, decreasing the size and weight of our instruments, and making them easier to use whenever and wherever in the world they are needed.

The end goal has already been visualized for us in the mythical Star Trek Tricorder - a multifunction hand-held device that performs sensor environment scans, data recording, and data analysis, in a unit about the size of a cell phone. While that may be a century or more in the future, we feel that we can play a significant role in advancing that path.

Where can readers find more information?

About Warren Mino

As the Managing Director of biotechnology for Smiths Detection, Warren Mino is responsible for running all facets of the biotechnology business. Warren has a proven track record and over 10 years of experience driving sales growth and developing new technologies in the Safety and Security industry. Smiths Detection is a world leader in the application of technologies to provide safety and security in aviation, ports & borders, infrastructure, and military markets.

Before his Managing Director role, Warren has held roles in Product Management and Business Development with Smiths Detection. He was responsible for growing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Radiation Detection businesses, managing a team of Product Managers, and developing Market Strategy for the Urban Security Business Line. He was also the Senior Scientist and Analytical Research Manager at 1st Detect, a miniaturized mass spectrometry start-up in Houston, TX.

Warren earned his Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Florida and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut.
Some new strains of Covid-19 are not being picked up by standard PCR tests, reveals leading testing expert Dr Quinton Fivelman. He warns that new mutations mean some variants are not being picked up by the standard, widely-used, single gene tests.

The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) blood test is considered the gold standard in detecting Covid-19 infections. However, one of the UKs leading experts in Covid-19 testing, Dr Quinton Fivelman PhD, claims some strains of the virus have now evolved in a way that evades detection by many standard PCR tests.

Dr Fivelman, the Chief Scientific Officer at London Medical Laboratory, says: Scientists have noted some variants of the Covid-19 virus are not being detected by the traditional PCR test, which is considered superior to the quicker and less sensitive lateral flow test. Changes to the SARS-CoV-2 genomes  including some of those found in currently circulating variants  mean that key virus genes have altered so significantly that they can muddle PCR tests and give the wrong result.

Scientists in France and Finland first noted that some Covid-19 mutations were evading detection earlier this year, and now new strains have been found in the UK that are not being picked up using the traditional tests. Standard PCR tests that just target one specific gene may not detect these variants if the gene has even slightly altered.

London Medical Laboratorys PCR test targets two Covid-19 genes: nucleocapsid (N2) and envelope (E). Last month alone, we had three patient samples that tested negative for the N gene but positive for the E gene. Had the test just been focused on the N gene, the cases would have gone undiscovered and these people would have returned to work, potentially infecting others with undetectable Covid-19.

There is growing concern that traditional single gene PCR tests used by many hospitals to diagnose Covid-19, and to ascertain if people are fit to fly, could be missing cases, leading to the increased spread of the virus and cases going untreated for too long.

London Medical Laboratory is calling on all testing facilities to adopt tests targeting at least two genes immediately, to ensure the UK can continue to treat patients effectively and retain an accurate picture of the number of cases there are in the community. If too many cases go undetected, the Governments entire plan to contain the virus this winter will the thrown into jeopardy and we could see the return of lockdowns.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread to almost every country in the world, causing over five million deaths and forcing many governments to enact costly and restrictive lockdown measures. These have included mandatory mask-wearing, the closing of public spaces, and even full lockdowns/stay-at-home orders.

Study: Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 related hospital admission in the Netherlands: a test-negative case-control study. Image Credit: People Image Studio/ Shutterstock

While mass vaccination schemes have allowed some developed countries to remove these restrictions, many warn of new variants emerging. The Delta strain currently accounts for over 90% of new cases and has shown the ability to evade both vaccine-induced and natural immunity.

Researchers from University Medical Centre Utrecht have been investigating the efficiency of vaccines against the alpha variant in the Netherlands. A preprint version of the study is available on the medRxiv* server while the article undergoes peer review.

The study

Most variants are formed by mutations in the spike protein. This homotrimer sits on top of the virus particle surface and is key to pathogenicity in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and is formed of two subunits, S1 and S2. Variants normally have mutations altering residues in the receptor-binding site (RBD) in S1, as this binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to permit cell entry or the conformation of the homotrimer itself is altered.

The researchers gathered data across six hospitals across the Netherlands. Individuals were eligible for inclusion if they were admitted to the hospital with respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath and if they were also eligible for COVID-19 vaccination when admitted. They must have also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within the last 14 days. Patients were split into categories based on age and date of admission, as the Dutch immunization program only allowed individuals of certain ages to be vaccinated after specific dates. Readmitted patients or patients transferred from another hospital were not eligible.

The scientists also gathered data such as the medical history, medication, vaccination status, disease course, test results, and demographic characteristics from the Dutch nation vaccination registry and retrospective chart review. Individuals were considered fully vaccinated if they had received both doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine or partially vaccinated if they had received one dose of a two-dose vaccine. Any others were considered unvaccinated.

Comorbidity data were collected through chart review and classified based on underlying medical conditions. Patients using immunosuppressant drugs were considered immunocompromised. Differences in patient characteristics between cases and controls were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-squared test. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated for both full and partial vaccination by one minus odds ratio, using logistic regression taking into account age, week of symptom onset, sex, nursing home residency, and underlying diseases.

In total, the data of 634 patients were investigated, 379 cases, and 255 controls. Most patients had at least one additional comorbidity, and the median age was 68. One hundred ten patients were partially vaccinated, and 45 were fully vaccinated. The vast majority had been vaccinated with Comirnaty, but Vaxzevria, SpikeVax, and Janssen were all represented. All fully vaccinated individuals who contracted COVID-19 had at least one comorbidity, and many were immunocompromised. Length of stay remained constant across all vaccination statuses, but no fully vaccinated individual died or entered the ICU.

The adjusted VE against hospitalization was found to be 70% for partially vaccinated individuals and 93% for fully vaccinated individuals, with no difference found for which type of vaccine was administered. There was no significant effect of sex on VE. Comparing the data they had gathered to nationwide registration data, very similar results can be seen, with 79% VE for partially vaccinated individuals and 94% for fully vaccinated individuals. While the study does not assess the VE in immunocompromised individuals, the researchers refer to U.S. data indicating large drops in VE in immunocompromised individuals. At the same time, the alpha variant was the cause of most new cases  with VE against hospitalization in immunocompromised individuals at 63%.

Conclusion

The authors highlight the importance of their study in confirming high vaccine effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against COVID-19 related hospitalization while the alpha variant was dominant, even amongst at-risk groups. This data could be essential for public health policymakers, healthcare workers, and vaccine manufacturers in estimating the future spread of the pandemic, deciding where to focus vaccination efforts, and choosing if restrictions need to be introduced at any point. With more variants emerging, the ability of these vaccines to protect against the alpha variant will be a relief to many.

*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.
The Centre for Food Safety today suspended the import of poultry meat, poultry products and eggs from areas in Korea, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland and Japan.

The ban was issued in response to notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Polish General Veterinary Inspectorate and the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries about the outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5 avian influenza, the centre explained.

The centre has contacted the Korean, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish and Japanese authorities and will monitor information from the organisation and the relevant authorities on the outbreaks.

In the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong imported about 10 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and 280,000 poultry eggs from Korea.

About 15 tonnes of frozen poultry meat were imported from Norway, while about 730 tonnes of frozen poultry meat were imported from the Netherlands.

Around 4,070 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and 24.82 million poultry eggs were imported from Poland.

Additionally, about 40 tonnes of chilled poultry meat, 2,530 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and 210.28 million poultry eggs were imported from Japan.
Jeffersonville, IN (47130)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 42F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 23F. Winds light and variable.
(Newser)  Update: The conviction of a Saudi man sentenced to death in a controversial case has been overturned by Saudi Arabia's top court, human rights groups announced last week. Abdullah al-Huwaiti, now 19, was found guilty of killing a police officer after robbing a jewelry store when he was 14, but human rights advocates said he confessed under duress. International conventions also bar those who were minors at the time of their crimes from being sentenced to death. A retrial is now expected in a lower court, but it's not clear whether the death penalty will still e sought by prosecutors, the New York Times reports. Our original story from Aug. 16 follows:

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Saudi Arabia claimed last year that it would no longer sentence minors to death in most cases, and yet a 19-year-old currently sits on the country's death row for a crime he was found guilty of committing at age 14. The case, like other recent ones, raises questions about how sincere Saudi Arabia was in its promises of criminal justice reform, the New York Times reports in an extensive look at the case of Abdullah al-Huwaiti. The teen was convicted of robbing a store, shooting two employees, and killing a police officer, and since the crime is in a category whose punishment is dictated by Islamic scriptures (violent robbery), the country's reforms don't apply to him.

But, as the Times explains and as organizations like Human Rights Watch and Reprieve have pointed out in the past, questions swirl around al-Huwaiti's conviction. The teen says his confession was coerced by interrogators who claimed his mother and sisters were in custody and would not be released unless he admitted to the crime, threatened to harm his relatives, beat him, and kept him from sleeping. But the court ignored his request to revoke the confession, and also dismissed evidence that celphone data and surveillance footage placed him somewhere else when the robbery took place. His case is currently before Saudi Arabia's highest court for review. (Read more Saudi Arabia stories.)
(Newser)  Joe Gilliam has been a force in Oregon state politics for more than two decades as head of the influential Northwest Grocery Association. Or at least he had been until recently. For the better part of the last year, the 59-year-old has been in a vegetative state at an undisclosed medical facility in Washington state, writes Nigel Jaquiss at Willamette Week. The reason for his coma? Authorities say somebody poisoned him in June 2020 with the lethal toxin thalliumknown as the "poisoner's poison"then gave him another dose in November when the first failed to kill him. The reason his medical facility is undisclosed? Authorities fear the still-unidentified poisoner will attempt to finish the job. The story digs into the case, sussing out possible motives and providing details on the two men who have been identified as suspectsone of them being Gilliam's son.

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While the elder Gilliam made plenty of political enemies over the years given the nature of his job, ex-wife Lisa Gilliam thinks the motive lies elsewhere. "I dont think this was about politics," she says. "Joes poisoning was a very personal crime." Police seem to agree. One suspect is Ronald Smith, a 68-year-old who had a falling out with Gilliam over a financial deal involving a home purchased in in Arizona. The other is 32-year-old Joey Gilliam, the victim's only son, who has come under suspicion after withdrawing big sums of money from his father's account once he became incapacitated. The younger Gilliam won't talk about the money, but he adamantly denies poisoning his father. "Until they solve it, everybody should be a suspect," he says. "But I had nothing to do with it." (Read the full story, which suggests that the elder Gilliam will never recover.)
(Newser)  A real woman tried to hire a hitman on a fake website. Wendy Lynn Wein, 52, found Rent-A-Hitman online and filled out a form asking for help killing her ex-husband. Unfortunately for Wein and perhaps fortunately for her ex, that site is owned not by a hitman but computer professional Bob Innes who initially launched it in 2005 to promote a hacking prevention business. Years later he started checking the sites inbox and found a lot of disturbing requests not related to that business. Since then, hes made the site into an obvious joke, and, when he gets requests, he turns them over to police, KPIX reports.

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Thats what he did with Wein, who used a pseudonym but her otherwise real contact information. Wein put in her service request on the site that her ex had stolen $20,000 from her, and said she didnt want to commit the crime herself. I prefer not going to jail, she wrote, per the Daily Mail. Innes forwarded that to Michigan State Police, who posed as people affiliated with the site to contact Wein. She gave a detective her exs address and told them when and where he works, and a $200 down payment on the $5,000 tab for the murder. They charged her, and she pleaded guilty Friday and could serve up to 9 years in prison, FOX2 reports. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
(Newser)  While some US Catholic bishops continue to denounce President Joe Biden for his support of legal abortion, their conference as a whole is likely to avoid direct criticism of him at its upcoming national meeting. The highest-profile agenda item is a proposed teaching document about the sacrament of Communion. Months of work on the document, by the conferences Committee on Doctrine, coincided with sometimes heated debate among the bishops as to whether Biden and other Catholic politicians who support abortion rights are unworthy of receiving Communion. A draft of the document circulating ahead of the Nov. 15-18 meeting in Baltimore breaks little new ground, though its language could be toughened during the gathering. The draft mentions abortion only once and doesnt name Biden or other politicians, though it says at one point, Lay people who exercise some form of public authority have a special responsibility to embody Church teaching.

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A member of the doctrine committee, Bishop Michael Olson of Fort Worth, Texas, said he and his colleagues decided that the document should avoid any trace of partisan politics. Yet Olson remains an outspoken critic of Bidens abortion stance. Hes gone on record as saying abortion is a fundamental right while presenting himself as an exemplary Catholic, Olson told the Associated Press. The issue of public confusion is really at stake here. While some bishops have made clear that they would deny Communion to Biden, there is no national policy on the matter. Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has affirmed that Biden is welcome to receive Communion there.

Last month, after a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Biden said the subject of abortion was not raised, but indicated he had the pontiffs general support. We just talked about the fact he was happy that I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving Communion, Biden said. One conservative bishop, Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, had urged Francis to confront Biden over abortion. Please challenge President Biden on this critical issue, Tobin tweeted before the Vatican meeting. His persistent support of abortion is an embarrassment for the Church and a scandal to the world. Throughout the year, Francis and some of his high-level aides have sought to tone down the anti-Biden sentiment with USCCB ranks, calling for dialogue and an approach to Communion that is pastoral rather than punitive. (Read more Pope Francis stories.)
(Newser)  "Princess Mako," who is in actuality no longer a princess, arrived in the US Sunday. The daughter of Japan's Crown Prince Akishino gave up her royal title to marry a commoner, and he has a job at a law firm in New York City, the BBC reports. He also attended law school there. The couple, who have been together since college and are both 30, are expected to rent an apartment in the city. Their move to the states has long been rumored.

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Mako's new husband Kei Komuro, however, reportedly failed New York state's bar exam, so he's working as a legal clerk for the time being. The couple has been called "Japan's Harry and Meghan" due to Mako's exiting the royal family; the niece of Emperor Naruhito is the first female member of the royal family to decline both the royal wedding rites as well as the payment women are offered upon leaving the royal family.

The wedding followed years of outcry over the relationship and what the Guardian calls a "minor financial scandal" involving the ex-princess's new mother-in-law, and Mako Komuro suffered complex post-traumatic stress disorder following all the media attention paid to her situation. She has called Komuro "someone I cannot do without." (Read more Japan stories.)
(Newser)  For more than 40 years, the tricolor French flag has sported a bright shade of blue to match that found on Europe's flag. If you've been wondering over the past year, however, why that blue seems darker of late, you don't need an eye examyou've simply noticed that the French president made a subtle swap last summer, even though almost no one else seemed to have caught on. Local media reports that flags raised at the presidential palace starting in July 2020 have featured a darker navy blue vertical stripe, alongside its usual red and white bars, "without any accompanying fanfare," per the BBC.

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It appears the reasons for the change are twofold. First, "there are aesthetic reasons," a Macron administration staffer says, per Sky News. "This blue is more elegant." But that same employee notes there's a "very political" angle as well: The shade was selected as a symbol of the French Revolutionbecause, as the broadcaster Europe 1 puts it, Macron felt the urge "to reconnect with the French flag of 1793."

The dark blue version has actually been in use on some French flags for years. The country's navy, for example, has long opted for the darker shade, as have many official buildings. But in 1976, under the rule of President Giscard d'Estaing, the lighter version debuted, mainly because some thought the French flag clashed with Europe's when they flew next to each otherwhich is why some balked at Macron's decision to reintroduce the darker version at the Elysee Palace, the building where the National Assembly meets, and other official government offices, per the Local.

But others welcomed the retro look, even though no official announcement was made about the shift, and Macron didn't order other institutions to start flying the "new" blue. While there may still be some disagreement among the ranks about which flag is better, everyone is stressing one thing: The darker blue is not meant to be a diss against the European Union. (Read more Emmanuel Macron stories.)
(Newser)  It's not the first asteroid near Earth to show up in astronomers' telescopes, but this one appears to have a rare distinction. The rock dubbed with the Hawaiian name Kamo`oalewa seems to have come not from deep space, but from our own moon, reports the Guardian. Assuming the theory laid out in Communications Earth & Environment holds up, that would make Kamo`oalewa the first known asteroid to originate from the moon, notes Live Science. Kamo`oalewa is about the size of a Ferris wheelnot quite 200 feet in diameterand is technically considered a quasi-satellite, per a release from the University of Arizona.

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Meaning, it orbits the sun but stays relatively close to Earth as it does so. In this case, "relatively" means it comes within 9 million miles at its closest point, making it impossible to see with any but the most powerful telescopes on Earth. When first discovered in 2016 by a Hawaiian telescope, astronomers figured the asteroid had the usual mineral composition of asteroids. But the New York Times explains that scientists observing the asteroid during moments when it was lit by the sun found that it actually had the same makeup as the moon. The theory is that a long-ago meteor slammed into the moon and sent Kamo`oalewa flying.

Perhaps the only way to confirm for sure is to send a spacecraft to take samples. Until then, were left with the possibility that, on our journey through space, were accompanied by the remains of a collision that punched a hole in the moon, says Dr. Paul Byrne of the Washington University of St. Louis, who was not involved with the research. And thats pretty cool. The unique name translates roughly to wobbling celestial object" in Hawaiian. (A NASA spacecraft named Lucy is on it way to explore asteroids elsewhere.)
(Newser)  The UK has raised its terror level threat after Sunday's explosion in Liverpool as authorities work to suss out what happened. Authorities say one personthe bomberwas killed when an explosive device detonated in a taxi cab outside the city's Women's Hospital, reports the Guardian. One other personthe cab driverwas injured, though he managed to exit the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames and escaped serious harm. The driver has been identified as David Perry, and both the city's mayor and UK leader Boris Johnson have been praising him as a hero who potentially saved lives. The narrative that has emergedone that hasn't been confirmed by policeis that Perry locked the vehicle's doors and prevented the bomber from exiting.

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"The taxi driver in his heroic efforts has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster," Mayor Joanne Anderson tells the BBC. "The taxi driver locked the doorsour thanks go to him." Johnson, for his part, said that it "does look as though the taxi driver in question did behave with incredible presence of mind and bravery." Perry was treated and released from a local hospital and has not spoken publicly about what happened. Friends have begun an online fundraiser to help him and his family. "David remembers a bang then going unconscious then managing to escape the car luckily by a strand of hair," it reads. (Read more terrorist attack stories.)
(Newser)  The son and one-time heir apparent of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi has announced his candidacy for the country's presidential election next month, per the AP. Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, who's wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, submitted his candidacy papers in the southern town of Sabha on Sunday. Gadhafi's son was captured by fighters in the town of Zintan late in 2011, the year when a popular uprising, backed by NATO, toppled his father after more than 40 years in power. The younger Gadhafi was released in June 2017 after more than five years of detention. His father was killed in 2011 amid the fighting that would turn into a civil war.

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In a video shared by an election official, Seif al-Islam Gadhafi addressed the camera, saying that God will decide the right path for the country's future. The 49-year-old, who earned a PhD at the London School of Economics, wore a traditional Libyan robe, turban, and spectacles. It was the first time in years that he appeared in public. The second-born son to the longtime dictator, he was seen as the reformist face of the Gadhafi regime before the 2011 uprising. He's wanted by the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the first weeks of the 2011 uprising, while his father was still in power.

Seif al-Islam's campaign may focus on the failure of political parties and armed groups to establish a government capable of stabilizing and uniting the fractured country since the 2011 overthrow and killing of his father. However, he's likely to face stiff resistance from armed groups and militias, particularly in the capital, Tripoli, and the western town of Misrata. Following the overthrow of Gadhafi, oil-rich Libya spent most of the last decade split between rival governmentsone based in Tripoli and the other in the eastern part of the country.

(Read more Saif al-Islam Gadhafi stories.)
(Newser)  Steve Bannon didn't just surrender to the FBI on Mondayhe livestreamed the moment for supporters and remained defiant about the controversy. The ally of former President Trump has been indicted on charges of contempt of Congress for refusing to testify or hand over documents to a House panel investigating the Capitol riot. Coverage:

Message: "We're taking down the Biden regime," Bannon said on a livestream via the Gettr social media service, per USA Today. "I want you guys to stay focused, stay on message," he said in the livestream for his War Room podcast. "Remember, signal, not noise."

"We're taking down the Biden regime," Bannon said on a livestream via the Gettr social media service, per USA Today. "I want you guys to stay focused, stay on message," he said in the livestream for his War Room podcast. "Remember, signal, not noise." Charges: The 67-year-old faces two misdemeanor counts of contempt, each of which carries up to a year in jail and fines if he's convicted. Bannon was expected to make a brief court appearance Monday afternoon to enter his plea before being released, reports the New York Times.

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Context: As Politico notes, "contempt of Congress cases have rarely succeeded in history." On the other hand, "few targets have ever defied a congressional subpoena as brazenly as Bannon." Lawmakers on the Jan. 6 panel hope that the case against Bannon will send a signal to other potential witnesses. (Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows also defied a subpoena and could face contempt charges next.)

As Politico notes, "contempt of Congress cases have rarely succeeded in history." On the other hand, "few targets have ever defied a congressional subpoena as brazenly as Bannon." Lawmakers on the Jan. 6 panel hope that the case against Bannon will send a signal to other potential witnesses. (Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows also defied a subpoena and could face contempt charges next.) Payback? As the Bannon case unfolds, Republicans already are warning about payback, reports the Washington Post. They accuse the Biden White House of disregarding the notion of immunity for presidential advisers and say that Biden officials could be hauled before Congress if Republicans take control in the midterms. "There are a lot of Republicans eager to hear testimony from Ron Klain (chief of staff) and Jake Sullivan (national security adviser) when we take back the House," tweeted GOP Rep. Jim Jordan. Rep. Elise Stefanik says Biden is "weaponizing" the Justice Department for political purposes.

(Read more Steve Bannon stories.)
(Newser)  Sen. Mitch McConnell wanted to shut Donald Trump out of President Bidens inauguration, a new book claims. ABC News Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl says in Betrayal that the Kentucky Republican was more concerned with the danger of giving the outgoing president an opportunity to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power than he was with appearances, Politico reports. McConnell wanted four congressional leaders to send a letter to Trump telling him he was no longer invited to the event, but House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy protested. When word got back to Trump, via McCarthy and a McConnell adviser, separately, the then-president abruptly announced on Twitter that he wouldnt attend.

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That tweet was Trumps last communication on that platform before being banned to prevent "risk of further incitement of violence." Karls book also says that while McConnell rebuked Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, he didnt vote to impeach him, and encouraged Republican Rep. Liz Cheney to back off from calls for a bipartisan investigation of Trump's role. Trump has lashed out at McConnell most recently for backing the infrastructure bill, and says he never heard of McConnells proposed letter disinviting him from Bidens inauguration, the Louisville Courier Journal reports. Trump said would "never have agreed" to attend the event, adding that the "old broken-down Crow, Mitch McConnell," had nothing to do with it. (Read more Mitch McConnell stories.)
(Newser)  Before closing arguments began in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse Monday, the judge dismissed the charge that had been seen as most likely to result in a conviction. Rittenhouse, who was 17 years old when he killed two men and wounded a third during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was on trial for a misdemeanor count of possession of a dangerous weapon by someone under 18, as well as five felonies. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed the charge after the teen's defense team argued that RIttenhouse could be covered by an exemption in the Wisconsin law if the AR-15-style rifle he used wasn't short-barreled, NBC Chicago reports.

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Prosecutors conceded that the rifle wasn't short-barreled. Schroeder said he believed the statute was poorly written. "I have big problems with this statute, I've made no bones about that from the beginning," the judge said, per the Hill. The charge carried a maximum sentence of nine months in jail and a $100,000 fine. Rittenhouse still faces the five felony charges, including two counts of homicide. Prosecutors have asked Schroeder to allow the jury to consider lesser charges if they acquit the 18-year-old on the more serious counts.

Rittenhouse's defense team has claimed he shot the men in self-defense. In his closing arguments Monday, prosecutor Thomas Binger argued that Rittenhouse, who traveled 30 miles to Kenosha from his home in Illinois, was not "protecting his home or his family" on the night of Aug. 25, 2020, and had failed to "exhaust all reasonable means of escape" before opening fire, CNN reports. The jury is expected to start deliberating Monday. Some 500 National Guard troops are on standby outside Kenosha. (Read more Kyle Rittenhouse stories.)
(Newser)  Mudslides ahead of them and behind them have trapped more than 100 people in their cars along a British Columbian highway. Rescue crews said Monday they were trying to find out the extent of the slides and debris so they could reach the cars safely, the CBC reports. "What complicates this situation is we have two slides on Highway 7 and we have people that were trapped in the debris," said David Boone, a search-and-rescue boss for the Vancouver Fire Department. Officials suspect there are approximately 50 vehicles caught between the two debris fields on Highway 7, with possibly two or three people in each.

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One woman stuck in her car with her daughter said she's stressed by it and called the situation "very scary." Martina Martinkova said Monday that people were sharing food and water with others. At least one family includes a baby, she said. "We don't have any information," Martinkova said, though she'd been trying to learn the status of the rescue for hours. A nurse trapped in her vehicle said everyone's safe at the moment, Boone said. Merritt, a city of 10,000 about 165 miles northeast of Vancouver, issued an evacuation order, and parts of the region declared a state of emergency, per the AP.

The slides took place Sunday after torrential rain in the southern parts of the province. British Columbia's minister of public safety, said Monday it's still too dangerous for crews to try to reach the site. Officials will make the next determination Tuesday morning, he said. Another driver who's been stranded since 7pm Sunday said he and his fiancee were going home to Richmond when "all of a sudden, I noticed there's no vehicles behind us." Adam Wuisman said he thinks the number of vehicles is more like 200 to 300. They're worried about another slide. "It's a very eerie feeling here," he said, especially when people turn their headlights off in the dark. "I definitely heard people screaming for help," Wuisman said. (Read more mudslides stories.)
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'Let us do good'

Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/STAFF PHOTO During Sundays service at Zions Reformed United Church of Christ, Ashland, R. Craig Rhoades speaks of a monument crafted from the remains of the World Trade Center. Rhoades spoke of the symbolism of the monument, which was gifted to Coal Township, and his work with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

ASHLAND  The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, R. Craig Rhoades stated during Sundays service at Zions Reformed United Church of Christ, has become one of the greatest charitable organizations in the United States.

While touching a nearly 200-pound monument the foundation crafted by using two pieces of steel from the remnants of the Twin Towers, the long-time Shamokin firefighter praised the foundation for its continued effort to assist disabled first responders, veterans and widows of those who lost their lives while serving the country.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of Stephen Siller, a Brooklyn firefighter who was last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the burning Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. It also honors military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

Rhoades explained his work as a project manager for the Tunnel to Towers Foundations Smart Home program, which builds mortgage-free homes for the countrys most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The homes, he explained, have a myriad of features, such as automated doors and lighting, wider halls and doorways, special showers to accommodate wheelchairs and automatic door openers.

I dont call what I do a job  I call it a position of helping disabled veterans, Rhoades said. The day these homes are given to these veterans is one of the most rewarding days of my life.

Rhoades went on to describe the foundations Gold Star Family Home Program, which honors the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country by providing assistance to widows and their families, and the annual 5K run and walk that retraces Sillers footsteps on that fateful day.

Let us do good, Rhoades stated, continues to serve as the motto of the foundation in recognition of Sillers ultimate sacrifice.

Prior to introducing Rhoades, parishioner Dave Sage, who is also a Coal Township patrolman, explained that the monument, along with a nearly identical piece, were gift to Coal Township and the City of Shamokin by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at the 20th anniversary remembrance march and program at Claude Kehler Community Park in Shamokin.

Artifacts, like this, are gifted to various groups, such as municipalities, schools, etcetera, Sage said. Theyre a reminder to all of us about what occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

Sage said the monument is in memory of those who died on 9/11, the first responders who have suffered from the effects of the attack and service members who lost their lives in the subsequent wars.

Please look at this artifact, and be reminded of those people who have died because of the attack on the World Trade Center that day, Sage said. The memory of those people will live through artifacts like this.

The Rev. Dean Luther, pastor of Zions Reformed United Church of Christ, thanked the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and similar organizations for continuing to help those who were impacted by the terror attacks.

He remarked, Let us never forget what happened. Let us not take for granted the freedom that we have: freedom that we have in Christ, freedom that we have in our nation (and) freedom to come here and worship you as we desire.

Sage previously said that Shamokin Area Middle/High School students, under the direction of industrial arts teacher Tony Lesher, are constructing housing units for the monument that was gifted to Coal Township.

According to Lesher, there are three separate pieces being built: A permanent display case, which will be housed at the Coal Township municipal building, a transport case and a cart for the transport case.

The primary material for all three pieces will be cabinet-grade red oak lumber, which has been donated by Leshers grandfather, Ernest Heim. The transport case will have four handles on the sides to allow multiple people to help carry it due to the weight of the monument. The base of the transport case will be felt lined in order to protect the monument from scratches while loading and unloading it for transport.

Lesher said the cart will be a more simple design as its sole purpose is to place the transport case into so that the heavy monument can be rolled while safely inside the transport case.

The permanent display case for housing the memorial at the municipal building will be approximately 6 feet tall. There will be glass on three sides along with LED lighting internally for viewing the monument while it is on permanent display. The base of the permanent display is being built in such a way that it will be able to house the transport case underneath the memorial.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The institutional role played by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) to promote the work environment according to the highest international standards in a way that ensures the protection of the rights of all production parties has been praised by a delegation from the US Senate and House of Representatives has praised.

LMRAs institutional role is reflected in a package of initiatives and programmes aimed at protecting the rights of workers and combating trafficking in persons.

The US Congress delegation commended LMRAs launch of the Optional Insurance System for Domestic Expatriate Employees, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Bahrain Insurance Association, being among the programmes that support the protection of domestic workers and guarantee their rights.

The statements were made during a joint meeting held between LMRA and the US Congress delegation, currently on a visit to the kingdom.

Deputy LMRA Chief Executive for Resources and Services, Ashraf Hafedh Emam, Advisor to the CEO for Planning and Development, Duaij Khalifa Al Binali, and Director of Grievances and Protection, Shereen Khalil Al-Saati, in addition to the representatives of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, were present during the meeting, held at LMRAs headquarters.

During the meeting, LMRA officials reviewed the main initiatives and measures taken by the kingdom to reform the labour market, including the Optional Insurance System for Domestic Expatriate Employees aimed at ensuring more protection for employers and domestic workers, as well as compensating them or their legal heirs in case of injury, disability or death of the insured.

They also shed light on the Wages Protection System, whose third phase will begin next January, noting that it is a system that enables the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to know the extent of the commitment of private sector enterprises to paying wages as agreed and on time through financial transfers through the service providing banks and financial institutions that are approved by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

They emphasised that the kingdom, represented by LMRA, will continue to evaluate all aspects of work and the procedures followed in dealing with labour issues, to avoid any cases of forced labour, exploitation or suspicion of trafficking in persons, in addition to putting in place measures to protect workers and the employers alike, to provide an appropriate healthy and safe work environment that contributes to achieving protection and justice.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Salam Bank was recently awarded as the Best Domestic Bank in Bahrain  2021 as part of Asiamoney Middle Easts lineup of awards for Best Bank, in light of the Banks solid financial performance and unwavering initiative in providing a diversified portfolio of banking products and services.

The Asiamoney Awards, which fall under Euromoney Global Ltd, aim to highlight regional pioneers of the banking industry and celebrate their success and accomplishments.

The prestigious award was earned as a result of several achievements in the past year, recognizing Al Salam Banks excellence in providing the ideal model for exceptional and integrated banking.

Rafik Nayed, Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) of Al Salam Bank, said, We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which highlights Al Salam Banks milestone achievements in the banking industry, and robust financial results, particularly in the wake of the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

As a Bank, weve been able to effectively pivot our strategic direction in the face of these challenges and have succeeded in achieving impressive growth across all fronts. With our flexible and proactive mindset, we have emerged in a position of strength, having placed clear strategies in place to keep pace with the everchanging nature of these times.

On the heels of completing our transformation journey, we continue to invest in cementing the Banks leading position in the banking and finance industry.

Ultimately, our commitment to our clients lies at the heart of our operations and ethos as a Bank, and the initiatives we have undertaken, in the likes of accelerating the roll-out of key digital initiatives and advanced solutions to accommodate the new normal, the Group CEO added.

Besides consistently expanding its scope of activities in the Kingdoms banking sector, particularly in terms of savings deposits and financing solutions, Al Salam Bank has forecasted positive results and robust performance of its financial results for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.
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Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones and the owner of Vibez address downtown violence issues after one man was killed
DANBURY  The city already hopes a faster train ride can connect Danbury to New York.

Now, Danbury is exploring creating a recreational trail that would connect to an existing trail in Putnam County, N.Y.

Danbury is applying for a state grant to cover the $50,000 cost to study the feasibility of linking New Yorks paved Maybrook Trailway, which ends at the state line at Farrington Woods, to the Ives Trail and Tarrywile Park in Danbury.

Part of what the study would explore is whether this trail could safely be built along the abandoned Maybrook train tracks  the same line that could be reopened to create that faster ride to New York City. Other routes would be considered.

We want to make sure a trail and a train can co-habitat without difficulties, Mayor Joe Cavo said. We dont want the trail to jeopardize the rail.

Cavo expects the city will hear in a couple months the findings from a study on the feasibility of reopening the Maybrook line. If the project is viable, it could be one of the main priorities for the $5.38 billion Connecticut will receive in federal infrastructure funding.

For Cavo, both the trail and rail line are priorities.

I would love to see both, he said. The recreational portion is valuable, and I think the train from Danbury to New York is extremely valuable, and I would hope that this study comes back and says the trail can certainly co-exist with the rail.

The Maybrook Trailway is part of New Yorks Empire State Trail, while the Ives Trail extends 20 miles through Redding, Bethel, Danbury and Ridgefield.

Tremendous asset

The project excited City Council members at a recent meeting, with members unanimously approving Danbury to apply for the grant.

Council member Irving Fox said he uses the Maybrook trail often and described it as popular at all times.

Something like that extended into our city would be a tremendous asset for the community, especially with the large number of people moving in on the west side, he said at last Thursdays meeting. Not only for people in the region, but locally, this trail will get an extensive amount of usage once its complete.

Danbury is seeking funding from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Recreational Trails Grant Program to hire a consultant who would study the appropriate route and uses for the trail. The grant would cover 80 percent of the cost, so the city would contribute $10,000.

Sharon Calitro, the citys planner, told council that she expects the study could be complete by the early part of 2023. The study would include public outreach.

The city would ask the consultant to explore the various ways a trail could go from Farrington Woods to Danburys downtown and Tarrywile Park, she said. This could mean the trail could go on Mill Plain Road, state land or even a right-of-way connected to the Interstate-84 project, she said.

So, how do you get from point A to point B? Calitro said to the council. Thats what were going to be looking at.

Officials with the Putnam County Department of Planning, Development & Public Transportation couldnt be reached for comment.

This is one of few trail projects connected to Danbury.

Brookfield looks to bring its Still River Greenway to Danbury and New Milford. Brookfield is waiting to see whether it received a $229,000 state grant to study the project.

New Fairfield is pushing for the Margerie Reservoir Trail to be built between that town and the Hat City. The state recently approved $484,000 to the project New Fairfield officials have said they want to create an advisory committee with Danbury for the effort.

Cavo said hes waiting to hear more information from New Fairfield before the city joins onto the committee.

He said hes excited about the opportunities to provide more recreational opportunities for residents.

Everywhere there are trails they seem to be widely used by many different groups, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, sightseers, bird watchers, he said.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

WESTON  The Devils Den Preserve will be closed to the general public on several weekdays in November and December as part of an annual organized deer hunt.

Deer hunting season for firearms opens to hunters on Wednesday. The firearms season runs through Nov. 27 for Lottery A on state land and through Dec. 7 for Lottery B. Archery season for deer began on Sept. 15.
MONTREAL, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Just after announcing a $24M (USD) raise to further deploy its AI technology and fuel global growth, BrainBox AI , a leader in autonomous building technology, shared plans for the future and presented a pilot project of its next innovation at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26. Applying the latest autonomous AI technology, BrainBox AI is developing a solution that addresses the energy transition challenge by creating energy demand flexibility from a cluster of diverse commercial buildings.

To-date, BrainBox AI has transformed over 100 million ft2 of building space across five continents, with a scalable and impactful tool to achieve aggressive net-zero objectives. The technology is installed in both developed and developing nations, addressing the equity, accessibility, and affordability challenges the world faces in its fight against climate change.

The pilot project harnessed the power of BrainBox AI's core autonomous AI solution to provide electrical grid operators with the flexibility required to create an environment of cleaner, more efficient consumption, and minimize the reliance on fossil fuels. Using existing data from BrainBox AI-enabled retail stores, schools, hotels, shopping malls and office buildings, the company demonstrated the ability of a group of buildings to behave together in order to reduce grid congestion through energy demand management.

The pilot has also shown that sub-groups of buildings can follow separate pre-set load profiles to manage system congestion, reducing the need to expand the distribution networks or add more generation to serve load. By aggregating thermal storage signatures of different buildings, BrainBox AI has created portfolios that are able to sustain a wide array of demand reduction profiles, as necessary to maintain grid stability and reliability.

Most notably, the pilot was selected as the winner of the Tech for Our Planet Challenge from the cohort of ten finalist start-ups selected for their highly innovative climate tech solutions.

"We are extremely excited to have been awarded the top honor at this world stage event and express our gratitude for the recognition of our commitment to the fight against climate change," said Sam Ramadori, President of BrainBox AI.

While BrainBox AI is well on its way to reaching its net-zero target by 2030, the company's greater target is to get its customers to net zero via its innovative AI technology.

The Quebec government delegation in attendance at the conference offered senior executives of BrainBox AI the opportunity to discuss the company's progress and future potential impact on its climate change targets.

"At the Glasgow Climate Conference, we demonstrated that we have many assets for succeeding in our climate transition and even helping other states to do so. One of these assets is the innovative capacity of our companies, and the success of BrainBox AI is an excellent example of this. Thanks to artificial intelligence, energy efficiency offers new potential for reducing our energy needs at the source," said Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the fight against climate change.

BrainBox AI's deep learning and cloud-based computing algorithms produce a saving in total energy costs of up to 25%, a 20  40% reduction in carbon footprint and a 60% increase in occupant comfort. Building operators can also see up to 50% extension in the service life of the HVAC equipment.

In 2020, BrainBox AI was recognized by TIME as one of the Top 100 best inventions and by CB Insights as one of the Top 100 AI start-ups redefining industries in 2021. The company is also a member of the MaRS Discovery District, the largest urban innovation hub in North America.

About BrainBox AI

Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI is redefining building automation and pioneering grid-interactive buildings through artificial intelligence to address the energy transition challenge. Headquartered in Montreal, a global AI hub, BrainBox AI has a workforce of over 125 employees and supports real estate clients in numerous sectors, including office buildings, airports, hotels, multi-residential, long-term care facilities, grocery stores and commercial retail.

BrainBox AI works in collaboration with research partners including the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) as well as educational institutions including Montreal's Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS) and McGill University.

Learn more about BrainBox AI.

SOURCE BrainBox AI

For further information: For media inquiries: Murssal Akramy, NKPR, [email protected]
Capital investment program signals commitment to local communities and Canada's economic recovery

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada is fuelling Canada's economic recovery with a direct injection of $461.5 million through its capital program focused on sustainability, innovation and production enhancements that will have significant impact on its breweries and operations across the country. Labatt has 174 years of history of substantial investments in its brewing operations and in supporting national, provincial, and local economies across Canada with a total investment of $1.125 billion between 2011-2021.

The 2019-2022 capital investment demonstrates Labatt's ongoing commitment to Canada and the local communities where its seven key brewing facilities are located. They will benefit from upgrades and expansions that will help make our operations more sustainable  from reducing plastic use to energy and water savings.

"We all know how challenging the past 18 months have been for our country. This important investment is a commitment to our communities and to our people, ensuring they have the resources needed to do what they do best so Labatt can contribute to Canada now and for years to come," said Jeff Ryan, VP Legal & Corporate Affairs, Labatt Breweries of Canada. "It will allow us to reduce our environmental footprint and enable our breweries for future growth as we continue to meet the changing needs and tastes of Canadians and work toward our global sustainability goals."

A major part of the investment is the introduction of the KeelClip packaging system  a minimal material fastener solution made of recyclable fibre paperboard  at Labatt's London and Montreal breweries. The high-tech, automated system is the first of its kind in North America and will replace the use of plastic rings, tops and shrink film, reducing the company's overall single-use plastic usage in early 2022 by nearly 152,000kg. This weight is equivalent to removing 117 mid-sized cars from the landfill. Labatt aims to reduce 242,000 kg of single-use plastic by 2024.

"The introduction of KeelClip at our London and Montreal breweries will revolutionize the way we package our products from both an environmental and merchandising standpoint. It offers unique branding and marketing benefits," said Bryan Derr, VP of Supply, Labatt Breweries of Canada.

Labatt's Vancouver, Creston, Halifax, and St. John's breweries will also benefit from the capital investment. This will include technology and equipment upgrades that will drive production and environmental efficiencies and prepare the breweries for future growth. Non-brewery investments will benefit provincial operations such as technology and warehousing enhancements, and commercial initiatives.

About Labatt's 2019-2022 Capital Program

Labatt's capital program includes $461.5 million being invested over 2019-2022 throughout its operations across Canada, broken down by province as follows:

$145 million will be invested in Ontario with $52.6 million going directly into the London brewery for major initiatives such as KeelClip, and a new state-of-the art can line that increases packaging flexibility and supports product innovation.

will be invested in with going directly into the brewery for major initiatives such as KeelClip, and a new state-of-the art can line that increases packaging flexibility and supports product innovation. $110 million will be invested in Quebec with $43.7 million going directly into the Montreal brewery for significant projects like KeelClip and the installation of a new fermentation tank to increase brewing capacity.

will be invested in with going directly into the brewery for significant projects like KeelClip and the installation of a new fermentation tank to increase brewing capacity. $38 million will be invested in British Columbia with $4.6 million going directly into the Creston brewery's warehouse expansion and upgrades and $2.9 million going into brewing enhancements at Vancouver's Turning Point Brewery.

will be invested in with going directly into the brewery's warehouse expansion and upgrades and going into brewing enhancements at Turning Point Brewery. $25.2 will be invested in Nova Scotia with $11 million going directly into the Oland Brewery in Halifax for equipment and process improvements including a new leading-edge pasteurizer  a one-of-a-kind in North America .

will be invested in with going directly into the Oland Brewery in for equipment and process improvements including a new leading-edge pasteurizer  a one-of-a-kind in . $9.9 million will be invested in Newfoundland with $2.8 million going directly into the St. John's brewery for two new modular boilers that are up to 80 per cent more efficient, and other upgrades and enhancements.

will be invested in with going directly into the brewery for two new modular boilers that are up to 80 per cent more efficient, and other upgrades and enhancements. $119 million will be invested into Alberta , with $69 million going directly into the Edmonton brewery for new equipment, technology and upgrades, new warehouse space, and a 30,000 square-foot ready-to-drink building to support expanded brewing type and capacity, all of which will result in job creation.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries of Canada has been one of Canada's most respected companies for close to 175 years with roots dating back to 1847 in London, Ontario, when a farmer named John Kinder Labatt first entered the business of brewing. Since then, the company has grown to include seven key breweries from coast-to-coast, as well as four craft breweries, 75 brands and over 3,600 skilled craftspeople and professionals. We know that we're only as strong as the communities where we live and work, and we've been making positive contributions since before Confederation. Today, that dedication to supporting Canadian communities, which includes our many responsible drinking and environmental sustainability programs, is summed up in our dream to Bring People Together for a Better World. Our employees are the driving force behind these efforts, rising to the challenge time and time again to lend a hand. And with their dedication to supporting their fellow Canadians matched only by their passion for brewing Canada's best-loved beers, we know that Labatt is here to stay.

SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada

For further information: Tamar Nersesian, Director of Communications, Labatt Breweries of Canada, [email protected], 416.318.3989; Jeff Blay, Enterprise, [email protected], 289.241.5114
MONTREAL, Nov. 12, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Enerkem, a world leader in the production of biofuels from waste materials, is proud to have achieved a major breakthrough in converting carbon from forest biomass into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using its proprietary thermochemical process. This important milestone was achieved at Enerkem's Innovation Centre in Westbury, Quebec. It will be followed by the demonstration phase, which will lead to commercialization in the near future. This research is part of The Sky's the Limit Challenge organized by Natural Resources Canada and for which Enerkem was selected as a finalist.

The aviation sector alone accounts for 3% of total global GHG emissions and its carbon footprint appears difficult to reduce. With the favorable support provided by the Renewable Transportation Fuels Regulation, the production of sustainable aviation fuel from end-of-life materials has emerged as a future solution that will be the cornerstone of aviation's efforts to reduce its GHG emissions and eliminate them completely by 2050.

Currently, sustainable aviation fuel can be produced from a number of sources, including waste materials, corn grain and CO 2 . Enerkem is already working with Shell on the use of waste materials for its Rotterdam project, and as part of The Sky's the Limit Challenge, Enerkem has chosen a fourth source: forest biomass.

"Our diligent and innovative approach in developing our forest biomass conversion technology has enabled us to produce a sustainable aviation fuel that will reduce the full life cycle carbon emissions of the aviation industry by over 90% compared to conventional fuel. This breakthrough will allow travelers to take flights that emit significantly less GHGs," says Michel Chornet, Enerkem's Executive Vice President, Engineering, Innovation and Operations.

Enerkem's aviation fuel is already in the process of being certified by Canadian, American and European authorities. Enerkem already has the infrastructure in place to move to the commercialization stage (plant in Edmonton and innovation center in Westbury) and will be able to proceed as soon as the market conditions are met.

Agroforestry for sustainable aviation

Agroforestry captures atmospheric CO 2 and, through photosynthesis, water and nutrients, converts the carbon in the CO 2 into biomass molecules. The transformation of biomass into biofuels and marketable bioproducts represents a unique opportunity for innovation. It is this eco-friendly approach that inspired Enerkem to take part in the The Sky's the Limit Challenge and convert Canadian forest biomass residues into sustainable aviation fuel.

The benefits of this approach are numerous: creation of partnerships with regional communities, sustainable economic development, job and wealth creation in the region, diversion of urban biomass from landfill and valorization of residual forest biomass.

Strong commercialization potential

"Our technology is proven. We already have a commercial-scale biofuel plant in Edmonton, Alberta. It converts residual municipal waste into biofuels. A second plant is currently under construction in Varennes, Quebec, in partnership with Shell, Suncor, Proman, the Quebec government and with support from Infrastructure Canada. This plant will process forest biomass in addition to non-recyclable and non-compostable waste. In addition, last June, due to the substantial demand for sustainable aviation fuel, we decided, with our partners Shell and the Port of Rotterdam, to transform the proposed Rotterdam plant in the Netherlands. The planned production at this plant will now focus on converting waste materials into aviation fuels rather than renewable chemicals. The commercialization potential is there and we believe in it," adds Dominique Boies, Enerkem's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

About Enerkem

Enerkem has developed and commercializes a disruptive technology producing advanced biofuels and renewable chemicals from non-recyclable waste. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Enerkem operates a full-scale commercial demonstration facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada as well as an innovation centre in Quebec. A full-scale commercial facility in Varennes, Quebec, Canada is currently under construction and commissioning is scheduled for 2023. Enerkem's technology is a prime example of how carbon in agroforestry residues and in urban residues can be recycled into new products, diversifying the energy mix and making everyday products greener while offering a smart, sustainable alternative to landfilling and incineration. For more information, visit www.enerkem.com, follow us on Twitter@Enerkem or consult our LinkedIn or Facebook pages.

SOURCE Enerkem Inc.

For further information: Media Contact: 514 375-7800, [email protected]

Related Links

www.enerkem.com


To take a lead in the new space, it is pertinent that India not only takes proactive steps but also launch its own cryptocurrency.

The waves of change are favouring a shift towards a digital mode of payment. Cryptocurrency is now no longer a alien concept to Indians and the world at large. By definition, Cryptocurrency refers to a collection of binary data, which is designed to work as a medium of exchange. It is a digital or vitual currency that is secured by cryptography. Some popular cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether among many others.

Even though cryptocurrency is beyond the purview of legal regulation in India, the government of the day has taken note of what lies ahead of us. So much so that the Centre is likely to table a bill in the upcoming Winter session. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday also chaired a key meeting with experts and other key stakeholders on the evolving technology, its regulation, the way forward and related issues.

According to reports, Government strongly feels that attempts to mislead the youth through over-promising and non transparent advertising have to be stopped. It was also discussed that unregulated crypto markets cannot be allowed to become avenues for money laundering and terror financing. Meanwhile, there was consensus also that the steps taken in this field by the Government will be progressive and forward-looking. It was felt that it would also require global partnerships and collective strategies.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance will also be holding a meeting with industry experts on the subject CryptoFinance: Opportunities and Challenges at 3 pm today. However, to take a lead in the new space, it is pertinent that India not only takes proactive steps but also launch its own cryptocurrency. This is the time that Indian players step forward to make optimal use of opportunity.
As per an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will launch the Ration Aapke Gram scheme in Madhya Pradesh, during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Amar Shaheed Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Monday which the Centre is celebrating as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh to participate in Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan at Jamburi Maidan, Bhopal, where he will launch multiple initiatives for the welfare of the Janjatiya community at around 1 pm.

As per an official statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will launch the Ration Aapke Gram scheme in Madhya Pradesh, during the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan. It is aimed at delivering the monthly quota of PDS Ration to beneficiaries from janjatiya community in their own villages every month so that they dont have to travel to the Fair Price Shop to collect their ration, said PMO.

During the Mahasammelan, the Prime Minister will also hand over genetic counselling cards to beneficiaries, marking the launch of the Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell (Hemoglobinopathy) Mission. The Mission has been developed to screen and manage patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia, Thalassemia and other Hemoglobinopathies and to increase public awareness about these diseases, whose impact is seen to be more profound on the janjatiya community of Madhya Pradesh.

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across the country in states and UT including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

The PMO further said, Prime Minister will also walk through the exhibition of products made by janjatiya self-help groups and a photo exhibition of martyrs and heroes of the freedom struggle from the Janjatiya community of Madhya Pradesh. He will also hand over appointment letters to newly appointed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups teachers.

During the event, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Governor Mangubhai C Patel, Union Ministers Dr Virendra Kumar, Narendra Singh Tomar, and Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Ministers of State Prahlad S Patel, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Dr L Murugan will also be present. During the visit, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway Station and launch multiple initiatives of Railways in Madhya Pradesh, said PMO.
The meeting is likely to cover a range of topics including tensions over China's military activity near Taiwan and human rights, as well as cooperation on climate change, reported The Hill.

The high-stakes meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be held virtually on Monday (local time), the first-ever interaction between the two leaders since the former assumed office. The meeting is likely to cover a range of topics including tensions over Chinas military activity near Taiwan and human rights, as well as cooperation on climate change, reported The Hill.

In October, an agreement in principle was reached for Biden and Xi to meet virtually sometime before the end of this year. And since then officials had been working for several weeks to schedule the meeting. The two leaders spoke twice over the phone earlier, the most recent conversation took place in September.

On Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement, The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align.

The meeting will be a testimony to Bidens approach of trying to work with China on areas of potential compromise, like the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, while raising objections to Chinas behaviour on human rights, its trade practices, and its military activity in the Asia-Pacific region, according to The Hill.

The US-China tensions on various issues which escalated during the Trump administration continue to persist in the Biden administration due to disagreements on several fronts. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NSA Jake Sullivan had earlier met their Chinese counterparts in Alaska this year. The meeting was memorably tense and raised questions about the way forward, reported The Hill.
The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around Rs 35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km. The first squadron deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of this year.

In a major boost to Indian capabilities to take out enemy fighter aircraft and cruise missiles at long range, Russia has started supplying the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system to India. Russia has started supplying S-400 air defense system to India, Director of Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) Dmitry Shugaev said in Dubai air show. FSMTC is the Russian governments main defence export control organisation.

Sources in the Indian defence industry said the parts of the air defence system have started reaching India and they would be first deployed at a location close to the Western border from where it can tackle threats from both parts of the Western and Northern borders with Pakistan and China both.

The S-400 air defence system was contracted for by India in a deal worth around Rs 35,000 crore and five squadrons would be provided to India for tacking air threats from up to 400 km. The first squadron deliveries are expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Sources said the equipment is being brought to India through both sea and air routes. Sources said after the first squadron is deployed, the Air Force would start focusing on the Eastern borders along with providing resources for training of personnel within the country.

Indian Air Force officers and personnel have trained in Russia on the system. The air defence system would give India an edge in South Asian skies as they would be able to take out enemy aircraft and cruise missiles from 400 km distance. The S-400 missile defence system is equipped with four different missiles which can engage enemy aircraft, ballistic missiles, and AWACS planes at 400 km, 250 km, the medium-range 120 km and the short-range 40 km.

Due to tough bargaining and negotiations, India managed to bring down the S-400 price by almost a billion dollars, sources said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping's more than three-hour virtual talk concluded with the leaders of the superpowers agreeing they need to tread carefully as their nations find themselves in an increasingly fraught competition.

Facing domestic pressures at home, both Biden and Xi seemed determined to lower the temperature in what for both sides is their most significant  and frequently turbulent  relationship on the global stage.

As Ive said before, it seems to me our responsibility as leaders of China and the United States is to ensure that the competition between our countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended, Biden told Xi at the start of their virtual meeting Monday. Just simple, straightforward competition.

The White House set low expectations for the meeting, and no major announcements or even a joint statement were delivered. Still, White House officials said the two leaders had a substantive exchange.

Xi greeted the U.S. president as his old friend and echoed Bidens cordial tone in his own opening remarks, saying, China and the United States need to increase communication and cooperation.

The relationship has had no shortage of tension since Biden strode into the White House in January and quickly criticized Beijing for human rights abuses against Uyghurs in northwest China, suppression of democratic protests in Hong Kong, military aggression against the self-ruled island of Taiwan and more. Xis deputies, meanwhile, have lashed out against the Biden White House for interfering in what they see as internal Chinese matters.

The White House in a statement said that Biden again raised concerns about China's human rights practices, and made clear that he sought to protect American workers and industries from the PRCs unfair trade and economic practices. The two also spoke about key regional challenges, including North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran.

As the U.S.-China tensions have mounted, both leaders also have found themselves under the weight of increased challenges in their own backyards.

Biden, who has watched his poll numbers diminish amid concerns about the lingering coronavirus pandemic, inflation and supply chain problems, was looking to find a measure of equilibrium on the most consequential foreign policy matter he faces.

Xi, meanwhile, is facing a COVID-19 resurgence, rampant energy shortages, and a looming housing crisis that Biden officials worry could cause tremors in the global market.

Right now, both China and the United States are at critical stages of development, and humanity lives in a global village, and we face multiple challenges together, Xi said.

The U.S. president was joined in the Roosevelt Room for the video call by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a handful of aides. Xi, for his part, was accompanied in the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People by communist party director Ding Xuexiang and a number of advisers.

The high-level diplomacy had a touch of pandemic Zoom meeting informality as the two leaders waved to each other once they saw one another on the screen, with Xi telling Biden, Its the first time for us to meet virtually, although its not as good as a face-to-face meeting.

Biden would have preferred to meet Xi in person, but the Chinese leader has not left his country since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The White House floated the idea of a virtual meeting as the next best thing to allow for the two leaders to have a candid conversation about a wide range of strains in the relationship.

Xi told Biden that while it was nice to see him that a virtual meeting wasn't as good as a face-to-face meeting.

Chinese officials said in advance that Taiwan would be their top issue for the talks. Tensions have heightened as the Chinese military has dispatched an increasing number of fighter jets near the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. Chinese military forces held exercises last week near Taiwan in response to a visit by a U.S. congressional delegation to the island.

The Taiwan issue concerns Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Chinas core interest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations.

The White House said Biden reiterated the U.S. will abide by the longstanding U.S. One China policy, which recognizes Beijing but allows informal relations and defense ties with Taipei. But Biden also made clear the U.S. strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the White House said.

With Beijing set to host the Winter Olympics in February and Xi expected to be approved by Communist Party leaders to serve as party leader next year and then a third term as president in 2023  unprecedented in recent Chinese history  the Chinese leader may be looking to stabilize the relationship in the near term.

China and the United States should respect each other, coexist in peace, and pursue win-win cooperation, Xi said.

Despite his domestic problems, White House officials made the case that Biden was coming into the meeting from a position of strength.

Earlier Monday, Biden signed into law a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, legislation to upgrade the nations crumbling infrastructure that the Democrat argued is crucial for the U.S. as it seeks to retain a competitive edge over China.

Because of this law, next year will be the first year in 20 years American infrastructure investment will grow faster than Chinas, Biden declared at his signing ceremony. We will will once again have the best roads, bridges, ports and airports over the next decade.

Both leaders gave nods to their history with the other. Biden noted that the two have spent an awful ... lot of time speaking to each other over the years, and have never walked away wondering what the other man is thinking. During their talk, both leaders recalled things that the others had said in past conversations as they sought to counter and drive home arguments, according to a senior Biden administration official who briefed reporters after the meeting on the condition of anonymity.

But the public warmth  Xi referred to Biden as his old friend when the then-vice president visited China in 2013, while Biden spoke of their friendship  has cooled now that both men are heads of state. Biden bristled in June when asked by a reporter if he would press his old friend to cooperate with a World Health Organization investigation into the coronavirus origins.

Xi, however, seemed interested in publicly reviving the warmth of the earlier days of their relationship, saying, I am very happy to see my old friend."

During the early going of the Biden administration, the two sides have frequently traded recriminations and the presidents' top advisers have engaged in unproductive exchanges. But there have been moments of progress.

Last week, the U.S. and China pledged at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, to increase their cooperation and speed up action to rein in climate-damaging emissions.

Republicans have accused the Biden administration of failing to hold Beijing accountable on human rights for the sake of pursuing its climate agenda.

As he turns a blind eye to human rights atrocities to pursue his political agenda, Biden has allowed China to threaten American security and our allies sovereignty, while undermining the advancement of freedom across the globe, the Republican National Committee said in a statement shortly before the start of the leaders' meeting.

The White House has said it views cooperation on climate change as something in Chinas interest, something the two nations should cooperate on despite differences on other aspects of the relationship.

"None of this is a favor to either of our countries  what we do for one another  but its just responsible world leadership," Biden told Xi. Youre a major world leader, and so is the United States.

___

Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Hundreds of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers living in Indonesia rallied in front of the U.N. refugee agency office in Jakarta on Monday to urge it to speed up their resettlement.

They held large banners reading Our families are in danger. Please act now" and "Resettle refugees and save lives during the rally in front of the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Some children of asylum seeker joined the rally and held banners in their hands.

Bibi Rahima Farhangdost, 31, said she left her job as a teacher in Afghanistans Ghazni province and arrived in Indonesia in 2014 after the Taliban ordered her not to work outside her house.

She said she received a refugee card from the UNHCR in 2016, but since then there has been no further action on her resettlement.

I only stay home as I cannot work here. I feel disappointed. Eight years is a very long time, she said.

Indonesia is not a signatory to the U.N. Refugee Convention, and the government does not allow asylum seekers to work or have access to schools or public hospitals. It is surrounded by countries that host large numbers of asylum-seekers and refugees such as Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.

In December 2020, almost 14,000 refugees from 50 countries were registered in Indonesia, most of them Afghan refugees.

Many asylum seekers have fled to Indonesia as a jumping-off point to reach Australia by boat. Since 2013, the Australian government has sent the often barely seaworthy vessels back to Indonesian waters.
BERLIN (AP)  Austria took what its leader called the dramatic" step Monday of implementing a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated people who haven't recently had COVID-19, perhaps the most drastic of a string of measures being taken by European governments to get a massive regional resurgence of the virus under control.

The move, which took effect at midnight, prohibits people 12 and older who havent been vaccinated or recently recovered from leaving their homes except for basic activities such as working, grocery shopping, going to school or university or for a walk  or getting vaccinated.

The lockdown is initially being imposed until Nov. 24 in the Alpine country of 8.9 million. It doesnt apply to children under 12 because they cannot yet officially get vaccinated  though the capital, Vienna, on Monday opened up vaccinations for under-12s as part of a pilot project and reported high demand.

Officials say police patrols and checks will be stepped up and unvaccinated people can be fined up to 1,450 euros ($1,660) if they violate the lockdown.

We really didn't take this step lightly and I don't think it should be talked down, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told Oe1 radio. This a dramatic step  about 2 million people in this country are affected. ... What we are trying is precisely to reduce contact between the unvaccinated and vaccinated to a minimum, and also contact between the unvaccinated.

My aim is very clearly to get the unvaccinated to get themselves vaccinated and not to lock down the vaccinated," Schallenberg added. In the long term, the way out of this vicious circle we are in  and it is a vicious circle, we are stumbling from wave to lockdown and that can't carry on ad infinitum  is only vaccination.

About 65% of Austria's population is fully vaccinated, a rate Schallenberg described as shamefully low. All students at schools, whether vaccinated or not, are now required to take three COVID-19 tests per week, at least one of them a PCR test.

The leader of the far-right opposition Freedom Party vowed to combat the new restrictions by all parliamentary and legal means we have available. Herbert Kickl said that two million people are being practically imprisoned without having done anything wrong.

On Monday, Kickl announced on Facebook that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and must self-isolate for 14 days, so he wont be able to attend a protest in Vienna planned for Saturday.

Authorities are concerned about rising infections and increasing pressure on hospitals. Austria on Monday recorded 894.3 new cases per 100,000 residents over the previous seven days. That is far worse than neighboring Germany, which has set its own pandemic records of late, and has 303 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.

Berlin on Monday became the latest of several German states to limit access to restaurants, cinemas, museums and concerts to people who have been vaccinated or recently recovered  shutting out other unvaccinated people, even those who have tested negative. Under-18s are exempt.

On Thursday, the German parliament is due to vote on a new legal framework for coronavirus restrictions drawn up by the parties that are expected to form the country's next coalition government. Those plans are reportedly being beefed up to allow tougher contact restrictions than originally planned.

Separately, one of the three German parties hoping to take office next month said they will consider introducing a vaccine mandate in some areas, a step that officials so far have balked at.

We will need compulsory vaccination ... in nursing homes, in day care centers and so on, said the Greens' parliamentary group leader, Katrin Goering-Eckardt.

Germany has struggled to bring new momentum to its vaccination campaign, with just over two-thirds of the population fully vaccinated, and is trying to ramp up booster shots.

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a new appeal Saturday for holdouts to get vaccinated. Think about it again, she said. The country's disease control center called last week for people to cancel or avoid large events.

To Germany's west, the Netherlands on Saturday night implemented a partial lockdown that is to run for at least three weeks, forcing bars and restaurants to close at 8 p.m. In the northern Dutch city of Leeuwarden, hundreds of young people gathered in a central square to protest the restrictions, setting off fireworks and holding flares, before riot police moved in to push the protesters out.

The Austrian government's next move may well be to tighten the screws.

Health Minister Wolfgang Mueckstein told ORF television that he wants to discuss further coronavirus restrictions on Wednesday, and said one proposal is limits on going out at night that would also apply to the vaccinated.

But Schallenberg sounded more cautious.

Of course I dont rule out sharpening the measures, he said, but he indicated that he doesnt expect restrictions on bars and nighclubs at present.

___

Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
MILFORD  A Waterbury man will spend more than a decade in prison after pleading guilty Monday to raping a 75-year-old woman on the Derby Greenway in 2019.

Artay Drinks, 49, pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree sexual assault, third-degree assault of a victim over 60, third-degree robbery, and third-degree burglary Monday before Judge Peter Brown.

A plea deal in the case calls for the judge to hand down a 20-year prison sentence, to be suspended after 13 years, when Drinks returns to court for sentencing Feb. 2, 2022.

The victim was not in court Monday. The prosecutor in the case, Supervisory Assistant States Attorney Howard Stein, said the woman was aware of the plea deal and could appear to speak at Drinks sentencing.

Stein said Derby cops were called to the Greenway in the area of lower Caroline Street about 1:30 p.m. Nov. 2, 2019 after passersby found the victim, whose face was bloodied after the assault.

She told police that someone had pushed her to the ground from behind before raping her and robbing her of her car keys.

The woman suffered two fractured wrists, the prosecutor said.

Stein said police identified Drinks as a suspect in the rape after linking him to other crimes in the lower Naugatuck Valley, including a break-in at St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church hours afterward for which Drinks pleaded guilty to the burglary charge.

Westport police arrested Drinks two days after the rape on larceny charges. Derby police interviewed Drinks at the Westport police station.

In their discussion with Mr. Drinks he subsequently admitted to being the person who had attacked the victim in this particular case, Stein said.

When his clothes were searched, cops found the rape victims car keys, in addition to items taken from the church in Ansonia, Stein said.

The prosecutor said DNA also linked Drinks to the attack.

Drinks lawyer, Jamie Alosi, told the judge her client decided to plead guilty after much discussion, declining further comment immediately after the hearing.

In addition to the prison time, Drinks sentence will include at least 10 years of probation and lifetime registration as a sex offender, the judge said Monday.

The rape victim sued the city of Derby in 2020, alleging officials didnt do enough to protect people using the popular walking trail.

The case was thrown out of court but has since been appealed.
NEW HAVEN  The Dominican friars have found a new home in New Haven, and it has a strong connection to their order.

Albertus Magnus College, which was founded by the Dominican Sisters of Peace in 1925, has offered their former convent at 490 Prospect St. to the three friars who will be staying in New Haven after they leave the priory at St. Mary Church on Dec. 1.

They offered that house as an initial place to move the community to, said the Rev. Jordan Lenaghan, subprior of the New Haven Dominicans. We saw in the Dominican connection to the building a sign of God providing for us.

He said the offer will allow us to live our community life. It also allows us to explore new possibilities for deepening our relationship with Albertus Magnus College and the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

Albertus has a Dominican ministries office and Lenaghan serves as chaplain.

One of the things we think is a great blessing is that, rather than the priory ending, the priory community is merely changing addresses, Lenaghan said.

St. Mary Church once owned the three-story house and the sisters who lived there taught at St. Mary Elementary School nearby. When the parish decided to close the school, the sisters left, and the house was bought by the Overseas Ministries Study Center. That group merged into Princeton Theological Seminary in 2019 and sold the building to Albertus for $5 million, according to city property records

Archbishop Leonard Blair had told the Dominicans they must leave St. Marys priory by Dec. 1 because it is planned as a residence for priests of the Archdiocese of Hartford who would minister to New Havens 10 Catholic churches in a citywide parish. That includes St. Marys, where the Dominicans have served for 135 years.

However, while the Rev. John Paul Walker, pastor of St. Marys, and the Rev. Angelo Henry Camacho, who is retired, will be leaving New Haven, the three other friars have positions outside the parish and needed a new home.

Lenaghan is executive director of religious life at Quinnipiac University as well as Albertus chaplain, and the Rev. Joachim Kenney, who was on staff at St. Marys, also is Catholic chaplain at Quinnipiac. He is likely to be named chaplain at the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace, a community of cloistered Dominican nuns in Guilford, Lenaghan said.

The third friar who will live at 490 Prospect St. is the Rev. Jonathan Kalisch, who works for the Knights of Columbus as shrine director. The Rev. Michael McGivney, who founded the Knights at St. Marys and who is entombed in the church, was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in October 2020.

The friars had declined offers from the archdiocese for other ministries in the archdiocese because, Lenaghan said, they needed a residence that meets their needs to live, dine and worship in community and a place to welcome guests.

The archdiocese offered a rectory in the New Haven area, Lenaghan said, but by then Albertus had invited them to the former convent, which is more suited to Dominican life. There is space for a refectory (a large dining area), a meeting area and guest rooms. While we are very appreciative of the archdioceses offer, its hard to live Dominican life in a rectory, Lenaghan said.

The connections to the Dominican orders and St. Marys, as well as the proximity to Albertus, all make 490 Prospect feel like a gift from God, Lenaghan said.

The friars will live at the house for at least seven months, but their long-term future is dependent on decisions made by the chapter of the Province of St. Joseph, which meets in July, Lenaghan said. At that time, invitations to the Dominicans are considered and voted on by the approximately 40 members of the chapter.

Sarah Barr, spokeswoman for Albertus, issued a statement, saying: Throughout the Colleges history, Dominican Sisters and Dominican Friars have served in academic, administrative, and pastoral roles at Albertus, including Sisters serving today in mission, ministry, and administrative capacities and a Friar serving as the Colleges Chaplain.

She said the house is not currently being used for student housing. This will support the Dominican Friars who remain in the New Haven area with their continued ministries, including at Albertus Magnus College.

edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  The Oklahoma Legislature convened a special session on Monday to approve new maps for the states legislative and congressional districts, while hundreds of protesters descended on the Capitol to express their opposition to vaccine mandates.

The House and Senate met briefly for procedural votes on bills containing the maps that will be in effect for the next 10 years. Lawmakers are expected to wrap up their work by the end of the week. The new maps typically are approved during the regular session, which ends in May, but a special session was required this year because of a delay in the release of the latest U.S. Census data.

Democrats have criticized the new congressional maps as a clear example of gerrymandering, particularly the proposed new 5th District, which Democrat Kendra Horn won in an upset in 2018. Republican Stephanie Bice won the seat back in 2020, and GOP lawmakers have redrawn the map to make it more Republican.

The proposed new map carves out a large portions of Democratic precincts on the south side and central core of Oklahoma City and places them in the heavily Republican 3rd District that stretches across northwest Oklahoma into the Panhandle. The new map also adds more rural voters in Logan and Lincoln counties.

If you look at Oklahoma County, it looks like they took a big ol' bite out of the southwest corner," said Rep. Forrest Bennett, a Democrat from south Oklahoma City.

About 181,000 residents of Oklahoma County, many of them Hispanic from the city's south side, are moved into the 3rd District under the GOP plan.

Democrats have introduced proposals to have congressional district maps they drew and a proposal to create a new bipartisan redistricting committee considered, but they're unlikely to get much traction in the GOP-controlled Legislature.

Republicans said one of their top priorities was to ensure that military installations and communities surrounding Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and Fort Sill near Lawton remain in the 4th Congressional District.

We are proud the Oklahoma map is more compact overall, protects military bases and incorporates widespread public input that the Democrat map ignores," House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said in a statement.

While lawmakers met, hundreds of people flooded the Capitol to protest vaccine mandates for workers. Holding signs that read I Have Natural Immunity" and Welcome to the Next Civil Rights Movement," the protesters chanted and urged lawmakers to pass bills prohibiting vaccine mandates.

Oklahoma's newly appointed Republican Attorney General John O'Connor, who has filed federal lawsuits challenging the Biden administration's vaccine mandates for federal contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees, spoke to the raucous crowd.

I've had a vaccine. I don't oppose vaccines. What I oppose are mandates," he said.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Stress dissolves when Dena Kurt is out on the water. She paddles on the Mississippi River around 15 hours a week, but she might be on the river twice as long while training for marathon canoe races.

My favorite times to paddle are early in the morning or in the evening when the wildlife is beginning to move either to bed or to come out to play, said Kurt.

The Grant County resident paddles the river from near Galena, Illinois, to as far north as Wyalusing, gliding through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. In the shallow backwaters of the refuge, Kurt said she feels like shes a million miles away.

The federal wildlife refuge is a haven not only for her, but for fish, wildlife and migratory birds that use it as their breeding grounds within the Mississippi Flyway. Millions of birds fly through the refuge, and its the only stopping point left for many migratory birds.

Kurt said she fears they, along with other rare and endangered species, are at risk if several utilities are allowed to build its $492 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line through the refuge, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

I dont go out on the river to look at high-voltage transmission lines. I dont go out on the river to listen to them hum, said Kurt. I go out on the river to find wildness. I go out on the river to get away from all our manmade constructs, and its becoming harder and harder and harder to do that.

American Transmission Co., ITC Midwest and Dairyland Power Cooperative, the projects co-owners, announced recently they were beginning work on the eastern segment of the 345-kilovolt power line in Dane County. The line would stretch from there for 102 miles to Dubuque County in Iowa. The projects owners say it will help connect renewable energy to the regional power grid, support carbon reduction goals and relieve congestion on the system.

The transmission line is the target of multiple legal challenges in state and federal court brought by the Driftless Area Land Conservancy and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. Opponents say the project, with its nearly 20-story tall towers, threaten farms, rural communities, the refuge and the scenic landscape of the Driftless Area in southern Wisconsin.

The groups are questioning state and federal approval of the project. They argue construction must be stopped to avoid environmental damage that cant be undone once work begins.

On the same day that utilities began work, U.S. District Judge William Conley granted a preliminary injunction to prevent construction in and around federal waters, agreeing that environmental groups are likely to suffer irreparable environmental harm.

The judges ruling should prompt ATC and other co-owners of the project to pause its plans and review the overall project, according to Howard Learner, lead attorney representing the groups and executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center.

Lets see if theres some better alternatives here in order to achieve the clean energy results that the public wants and do it in a way that doesnt have so much environmental damage and saves money for consumers, said Learner.

The projects owners said in a statement that theyre disappointed with the judges order, but they note it only impacts about 15 acres of federal waters along the Wisconsin portion of the project.

So, therefore, and meanwhile, the utilities can continue project construction in Wisconsin within these areas that are not affected by a preliminary injunction, said Alissa Braatz, spokesperson for the projects co-owners.

Braatz argues the line is needed as 114 projects that include 17 gigawatts of renewable energy generation rely on it to transmit power to millions of homes as part of the clean energy transition. Residents like Kurt and environmental groups would like to see the projects owners examine other alternatives like rooftop solar and battery storage.

Officials with RENEW Wisconsin said they believe the transmission line is necessary for Wisconsin to reach its goal of consuming carbon-free electricity by 2050. Michael Vickerman, policy director for RENEW, said theres no one silver bullet to help the state transition to clean energy. He noted that 60 percent of all renewable generation serving Wisconsin electric providers currently comes from out of state.

We will need many, many different approaches, strategies for approaching the net-zero goals of 2050, but Cardinal-Hickory Creek and transmission upgrades in general are a strategy that we can ill afford to do without, said Vickerman.

But, project opponents are continuing to fight in state court to stop construction of the line elsewhere in Wisconsin.

In a state court case, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost recently granted a temporary injunction to halt work on the line if groups could post a $32 million bond to pay for project delays as part of a requirement under state law.

Learner said theyve asked the judge to reconsider the bond amount, noting his clients cant afford it. He maintains the requirement to put up millions of dollars also violates his clients rights under the U.S. and state constitutions.

The judges found were likely to succeed on the merits ... but unless you can post a $32 million bond, then they get to do what they want to do anyway, and thats not right, said Learner. Thats not constitutional.

Attorneys for the Environmental Law and Policy Center have sent a letter notifying Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul of the groups constitutional challenge, saying the case raises questions about access to justice. Theyre urging Kaul to make it clear to Frost that the requirement of a $32 million bond violates federal and Wisconsin constitutional law.

Braatz argues the projects co-owners can move forward with construction unless the groups post the $32 million bond, adding an injunction would mean further delays and costs.

It would postpone the central project benefits to electric consumers and ultimately add some unnecessary costs to the capital project, which ultimately do get passed down to energy consumers, said Braatz.

Wisconsin ratepayers are already set to pay around $67 million of the total project costs, and utilities estimate a 60-day injunction along the entire route in Wisconsin would add another $12.7 million to the overall total.

Tom Content, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, said they have concerns about the bond requirement in state court, noting it could impact customers ability to challenge utilities activities in future cases. He would also like to see a resolution on whether the project can move forward.

So there isnt a concern that customer dollars are spent for no reason, said Content.

Federal and state judges have held that environmental groups could succeed on the merits of the cases brought against the Public Service Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies.

The case before Frost specifically challenges the projects authorization by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, claiming that two members of the commission should have recused themselves due to a perceived conflict of interest.

PSC Chair Rebecca Cameron Valcq had previously worked as an attorney for a law firm representing We Energies whose parent company, WEC Energy Group, owns about 60 percent of ATC. At the time of the decision, Huebsch served as an advisory committee member for the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which operates the regional electric grid and supports the project. Both have maintained they were not biased in their review of the project.

The court will hear arguments about the merits of the agencys approval of the project on Nov. 19, but the court will not take up any claims of bias.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has agreed to hear whether Huebschs relationships with utility employees qualifies as a conflict of interest that could invalidate the PSCs approval of the project. The lines owners revealed Huebsch sent encrypted messages to an ATC employee and a former independent contractor for ITC in June. They asked the PSC if they could refile an application for the project, but regulators havent acted on their request.

In the federal case, groups are alleging several agencies violated federal law in authorizing the line. They say the Army Corps violated the National Environmental Policy Act by granting a general permit because the agency failed to examine other alternatives to reduce environmental impacts.

Conley found the groups may have some likelihood of success because theres no evidence that shows the Corps analyzed whether the project had cumulative environmental effects that were no more than minimal. The judge also questioned whether the project qualified for a general permit.

A ruling in the federal case is expected within the next 30 to 60 days, and the injunction will remain in effect until then.
The Group Managing Director (GMD) of an oil marketing firm, Triumph Oil and Gas Madagascar Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud has ...

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of an oil marketing firm, Triumph Oil and Gas Madagascar Nigeria Limited, Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud has been charged with an attempt to defraud the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the tune of $100 million.

Mahmud, who was arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a six-count charge, marked: CR/1041/2020 was also accused of forging the signatures of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Special Assistant to the President, Sabiu Yusuf and the GMD of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mahmud, who allegedly claimed to be a Deputy Governor in CBN, was said to have taken the said forged documents to the apex bank to demand payment of $100m for the contract he claimed his firm was awarded by the CBN.

Mahmud was said to have also claimed that his firm was engaged to monitor and supervise major Federal Governments infrastructure projects, forfeited assets and government businesses, for which the CBN approved the payment of the $100m.

Upon being confronted with Mahmuds claims, the CBN was said to have referred the case to the EFCC for investigation, following which the investigating agency found that, not only was his firm not registered, the documents he paraded were of doubtful origin.

Mahmud, who, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Justice Halilu Yusuf, was, on Monday, ordered to be returned to the Kuje prison following his inability to meet the bail conditions.

At the mention of the case on Monday, prosecuting lawyer, Benjamin Manji said the case was for trial and that he was ready and has his witness in court.

Defence lawyer, J. K. Kolawole pleaded for time to enable him familiarise himself with the case, claiming he was new in the matter.

With EFCCS lawyer not opposing the defence lawyers application, Justice Yusuf adjourned till January 24 for a definite trial, during which an official of the CBN is expected to testify for the prosecution.

Some counts in the charge read: That you Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud on or about 8th May 2020 at Abuja, fraudulently made a false document to wit: Central Bank of Nigeria certificate of ownership, dated 6th May, 2020, purportedly signed by Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and National Assembly of Federal Republic of Nigeria signature stating that you are the rightful beneficiary of US$100,000,000.00 only with the intention of causing same to be believed that the said document was genuine and emanated from Central Bank of Nigeria, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 362 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cup, 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (Abuja) 1990.

That you Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud on or about 18th May, 2020 at Abuja, fraudulently made a false document to wit: Central Bank of Nigeria deposit certificate dated 18th May, 2020, purportedly signed by Mr. Mele Kyari, Chairman of NNPC and Mr Godwin Emefele, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria depositing US$50,000,000.00 only wit the intention of causing same to be believed that the said document was genuine and emanated from Central Bank of Nigeria, which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to 362 and Punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cup, 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (Abuja) 1990.

*That you Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud on or about 22 July 2020 at Abuja, fraudulently used as genuine a forged document to wit: Centre Bank of Nigeria deposit certificate dated 18th May, 2020 purportedly signed by Mr. Mele Kyari, Chairmen of NNPC and Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, when you presented the said document to the Central Bank of Nigeria to support your claim of USS50,000,000.00 only which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Cup, 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (Abuja) 1990.

That you Ibrahim Olanrewaju Mahmud on or about 5t October 2020 at Abuja, with the intent to defraud, had in your possession, a document titled: Federal Republic of Nigeria Confirmation of Appointment, dated 15th January 2018 purportedly signed by Sabiu Yusuf, Special! Assistant to the President, printed from your email account  ibrahimmahmud29@gmail.com wherein you presented yourself as Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 6 & 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Benjamin Okaba, president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has described the bill seeking to add Lagos, Kogi and Bauchi to the Niger D...

Benjamin Okaba, president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has described the bill seeking to add Lagos, Kogi and Bauchi to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a mockery of the regions essence.





The bill seeking to include the three states as part of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) passed the second reading at the senate last Thursday.

It has since become a polarising topic of debate among stakeholders in the country.

Adding his voice to the debate, Okaba, in a chat with Arise TV on Monday, said the bill is unacceptable because the NDDC has a clear geographical definition and characterisation.

He said other oil-bearing states outside the region should only get the 13 percent derivation given to oil-producing areas but not included in the commission.

The NDDC, in the first instance, has a clear geographical definition and characterisation. Its not about oil-bearing. And to understand all of these, we need to go back far into history, from the reports of the Willinks commission that recognised the peculiarity of the region the major challenges and therefore recommended the establishment of a board that will alleviate the fears of the people and act as a special agency for the rapid development of people of the region. At this time when this recommendation was made, there was no oil, the INC president said.

Then we now have the NDDC in 2000 to cater for the mandate of the region. The NDDC act provides for, in addition to the 13 percent derivation, another 10 percent to address the challenges of the people. Around that time, when states that was not part of the region were included, people protested.





We have a natural area called the Niger Delta, and the politicisation of the Niger Delta is unacceptable. And we foresaw further bastardisation. The inclusion is to say that what was envisaged long ago is coming to pass. The point we are making is that if oil is now found in other places, theres a law that says that for oil-producing land, 13 percent should be given to them. But that should not qualify them as Niger Delta. This is a bastardisation and unacceptable to us. Its making a mockery of our essence.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the Nigerian government will continue to support efforts to broaden the economy through multilat...





President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the Nigerian government will continue to support efforts to broaden the economy through multilateral financing.





Buhari spoke at a parley with Prof. Benedict Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.





They met on Sunday in Durban, South Africa, ahead of Mondays opening ceremony of the 2nd Intra-African Trade Fair Conference.





The President thanked Afreximbank for supporting Nigerian businesses and, by extension, the economy.





Rest assured you can count on me as you seek a better trade and investment climate in Africa, he said.





Oramah hailed Buhari for honouring the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the Afreximbank-backed Fair, joining other leaders.





He said the President understands the importance of trade and how Intra-African trade can help transform Nigerian and African economies.





Oramah also thanked Buhari for granting the land and accepting to grace the ground-breaking ceremony of the banks Africa Medical Centre of Excellence project in Abuja in December.





He described Nigeria as an important market for the bank with an exposure of N5.5billion.





Oramah recalled that Nigerian businesses got deals worth over N3.3billion during the fairs first edition in Cairo, Egypt, assuring that this years would witness more.





Nigerias participation was essential as the largest economy in Africa. Africa needs Nigeria as Nigeria needs Africa.





Anything we do at the continental level that does not have Nigeria is seen globally as incomplete, Oramah added.
Unknown gunmen attacked the Gwarjo Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed about six persons on Friday. A source in the affected a...





Unknown gunmen attacked the Gwarjo Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed about six persons on Friday.





A source in the affected area identified those killed by the attackers as Abdullahi Ulli, Ali Niga, Bello Yusuf, Dan Ulli, Abdu Bahillace and Samia Ayya.





According to the source, The gunmen also injured nine others. They are Mamuda Yahaya, Abubakar Sada, Ibrahim Garba, Buhari Mamman, Lawal Muhammed, Muhammed Sani, Isyaku Yahaya, Gambo Arasi and Muawiya Dogon.





He explained that as of Sunday, some residents could not be accounted for, adding that those killed were buried on Saturday.





The source attributed the attack in the community to the shutdown of telecommunications, saying that residents could not call for assistance from security operatives and neighbouring communities while the attack was on.





He explained that the gunmen invaded the area around 9 pm and started shooting sporadically on Friday till the early hours of Saturday.





Efforts to get the confirmation of the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah on the incident proved abortive as he did not pick calls put through to him.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Sunday, confirmed asking Keystone Bank to conver...

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Sunday, confirmed asking Keystone Bank to convert the sum of $40m to naira before remitting the same to the coffers of the Federal Government.

Malami, while noting that the order and remittance happened in 2017, stated that the idea behind it should be commended.

The minister, while appearing on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television monitored by NigerianEye on Sunday, recalled that he ordered the conversion based on the official exchange rate then, which was N305 to a dollar.

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Assessment and Status of All Recovered Loot Movable and Immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective Efficient Management and Utilisation had on Wednesday hinted that Malami might be invited for ordering the bank to convert revenue collected in dollars to naira before remittance.

Keystone Bank had told the committee that Malami instructed it to remit part of the $136,676,600.51 in its custody in naira while also determining the exchange rate, a revelation that the lawmakers criticised.

The Executive Director, North and Public Sector Directorate, Keystone Bank, Lawal Ahmed, had at an investigative hearing by the committee in Abuja also told the committee that remittances to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation were being made to the Brass LNG Investment Account but the AGF gave the directive, he instructed that the funds be credited to the FGN Assets Recovery Account.

Speaking on the programme on Sunday, Malami explained that he ordered the conversion of funds to ease revenue remittance to the governments coffers. He said the funds were part of the monies outside the Treasury Single Account of the government, which were stuck in Deposit Money Banks also known as commercial banks.

He said, No kobo was missing. The monies were recovered and 100 per cent deposited into the Treasury Single Account and no kobo was lost. And that was a 2017 affair. Why is it being raised now in 2021  four to five years after such recovery? I think those are the elements that once can conclusively, perhaps, look into to bring about some levels of political undertones associated, with what is unfolding day in day out against the person of Abubakar Malami and against the Office of the Attorney-General, taking into consideration that it is a 2017 affair when naira was officially being exchanged at N305, and not a 2021 affair when naira is being exchanged in parallel market at over N500.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said Nomthi Odukoya, the late wife of the senior p...

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said Nomthi Odukoya, the late wife of the senior pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Taiwo Odukoya, is in heaven.

Recall that Nomthi died last Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.

Adeboye, who paid a condolence visit to the Odukoyas, expressed delight in the knowledge that the deceased knew, loved and served the Lord with fervency.

He wrote on Facebook, Earlier today, I paid a condolence visit to one of my sons, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, whose wife transitioned into glory last week.

We are deeply comforted in the fact that Pastor (Mrs) Nomthi Odukoya knew, loved and served the Lord with such fervency. And so we rejoice that she is in heaven; a place where there is eternal peace and rest.

Indeed, God is unquestionable. My prayer is that The Almighty God continues to strengthen the Odukoya family and grant them the grace needed for this period.

I pray for Gods divine protection over Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the children, and the Fountain of Life ministry. In JESUS name. Amen!

Nomthis funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, by 11.00am.
Former National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has described the northern states as the region wi...





Former National Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has described the northern states as the region with the highest indexes of social challenges bedeviling Nigeria.





Jega said this during the Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture Series organised by the Coalition of Northern Nigeria (CNG) on Monday in Katsina even as he challenged Northern leaders to imbibe a selfless leadership.





He noted that the fundamental causes of the crises originate from poor leadership and selfishness, with narrow vision and ideas to develop Nigeria.





Jega said, Whether it is poverty, unemployment, insecurity, infant mortality, out-of-school children, poor girl-child education, or even early marriage challenges.





Everything you can think of, the terrible statistics always come from the northern part of this country, he said.





Jega urged northern leaders to emulate erstwhile northern leaders, such as Maitama Sule and others, who led the country at their youthful ages, and each did very well in protecting and developing the region and ensuring its integrity, NAN reports.





But several decades later while cherishing these heroes past memories of leaders, what kind of leadership qualities does the north have now, Jega asked.





He urged the youth to take up the great task of developing themselves through active participation in politics in order not to let vandals destroy the nation economically.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday gave the Federal Government an ultimatum of three weeks over failure to fulfill lingering...









The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday gave the Federal Government an ultimatum of three weeks over failure to fulfill lingering demands.

This is coming as the Senior Staff Association of Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities met today to deliberate next moves over the failure of the Federal Government to meet the unions demands.

The Federal Government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the unions last year and had promised to fulfill demands ranging from payment of earned allowances, introduction of the UTAS platform for University workers, payment of revitalization fund for Universities among others.

Speaking at the University of Abuja on Monday, the National President of the Union, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, lamented the failure of the Federal Government to attend to the needs of the union which has left them with no choice.

We are giving the Federal Government a three week ultimatum, if after three weeks they dont meet our demands, we will be going on strike.

We believe we have tried enough by giving them enough time.

Details later
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Mostly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 22F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Eight years ago, Mitch Landrieu stood outside Gallier Hall and asked the city to join him in taking a momentous step, to declare that New Orleans was done with recovering.

He asked the people who had elected him mayor in a landslide to stop thinking about rebuilding the city we were before Hurricane Katrina, and start dreaming about the city we want to become.

This was the ambitious vision that would guide Landrieus tenure  that he would remake a broken police force, confront a culture of death that left hundreds murdered each year and erase City Halls reputation for corrupt dealing.

GAMBIT: Exit interview with New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

It was probably inevitable that grand visions would collide with reality in some ways.

Eight years later, New Orleans is still a poor city compared with regional rivals like Houston or Atlanta. Its economy is still dominated by low-wage jobs in hotels and restaurants. It still struggles with a murder problem that places it among the most violent cities in the country.

But ambition has led to accomplishment as well. Taking office after the profligate final years of Ray Nagin's administration, Landrieu clawed his way out of a budget deficit nearly $100 million deep.

He imposed the more transparent contracting practices that Nagins administration had resisted, and he has avoided the type of scandal that eventually landed Nagin in prison.

Rather than deflect criticism of the local police force, he invited the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate abuses and draw up a landmark reform plan to be overseen by a federal judge.

And while some neighborhoods still languish, whole swaths of the citys landscape have been remade  new libraries, police stations and thoroughfares, built with extra recovery dollars wrung from the federal government.

Can't see the video below? Click here.

Mitch Landrieu for president? Here's why you shouldn't count it out WASHINGTON  Mitch Landrieu is not, at this very moment, running for president.

A new airport terminal is rising out of the ground  a goal that had eluded New Orleans mayors for decades  and officials broke ground Wednesday on redeveloping one of the biggest pieces of underutilized real estate in the city, the old World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street.

Landrieu himself still speaks as confidently about his own abilities as he did the day he took his first oath of office.

In a wide-ranging interview during his last week in office, the mayor flipped through a tall stack of completed projects, which his staff has had bound into a hardcover book titled, The Will and the Way.

I think that you will agree with me, after you look at this, he said, that this is a book of accomplishments that is admirable at least, and miraculous at best.

He does not admit failures: If the old Six Flags amusement park site still sits fallow in New Orleans East, it is because the time simply wasnt ripe for redevelopment. If the Sewerage & Water Board, widely blamed for last years flooding, needs reform, its still in much better shape than the way he found it, the mayor insists.

Grim inheritance

Landrieus case that he has had a successful tenure begins with the grim conditions he inherited in 2010.

The list of disasters that preceded his election still rolls off his tongue like a well-rehearsed grocery list: hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the worst national recession since the 1930s and a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that was threatening the citys restaurant and tourism industries.

Landrieu, the scion of a political dynasty that began four decades before with his fathers two terms as mayor, had served in the state Legislature and as lieutenant governor. He had promised voters that he knew what to do and how to do it.

And the first thing he had to do was cut. We were balancing the budget on the head of a pin for the first two to three years, said Andy Kopplin, who served as chief administrative officer for most of Landrieus tenure.

Landrieu imposed 11 days' worth of furloughs on city workers and leveled a hiring freeze across all departments. The belt tightening would eventually draw bitter complaints from groups representing the citys firefighters and police officers. Staffing shortages at the Police Department in particular would be blamed for a spike in response times and continued high crime rates.

Walter Isaacson: Mitch Landrieu's legacy? Leaving New Orleans better than he found it Wherever I go, people pepper me with questions when they find out I'm from New Orleans. In the past, they mainly asked about the music, food o

But in the short term, Landrieu managed to balance the budget. And as he leaves office, the city has enough money on hand to set millions aside as an emergency reserve.

The mayor also gets credit for establishing a more professional operation at City Hall. Where Nagin was accused of doling out professional services contracts to favored vendors in return for bribes and other perks, Landrieu put a committee of staffers in charge of hiring outside firms and ordered that they meet in public to make their decisions.

He brought in subordinates with polished credentials and sought to hold them accountable by collecting reams of data on his various initiatives, most notably the effort to get blight under control. Under a program called BlightStat, officials met regularly to track the citys progress.

A basic attribute, not fully appreciated, of the Landrieu administration was that it was filled with people who were smart, honest and innovative, said Walter Isaacson, a longtime friend and ally of the mayors who led the Aspen Institute before returning to New Orleans. "There were no big scandals; they did their jobs imaginatively and with an innovative spirit.

His boosters argue that Landrieus moves paved the way for greater private investment, the establishment of new retail outlets like Costco and the boom in condo and hotel building that is still remaking the Central Business District.

The fundamental task of economic development is to create conditions where people feel comfortable investing their capital, said Michael Hecht, president of the nonprofit regional economic development organization GNO Inc. And this administration, which has done so much to reintroduce stability and growth in New Orleans in a broad way, has helped radically transform New Orleans in that regard.

Trouble seeing this graphic? Click here

Dissent not welcome

In approaching his goals, Landrieu prized unanimity, embodied in one of the slogans he introduced during his first campaign: One team. One fight. One voice. One city. He still often cites how frequently the City Council approved new policies on unanimous votes during his tenure.

Critics, on the other hand, complain that Landrieu's aversion to conflicting views lent his administration an authoritarian streak. They accused the mayor of behaving like a bully behind closed doors while keeping up a mostly affable public face.

The local political consultant Cheron Brylski once famously sent around a newsletter arguing that Landrieu was doing a great job  even while conceding that he was an asshole.

There are assholes and then there are productive assholes, Brylski wrote. And in politics, the productive ones are often what you need when you have some place to go and no easy road to get there.

On many of the citys most intractable problems, Landrieu clashed openly with those he felt stood in his way.

When the U.S. Justice Department and Sheriff Marlin Gusman worked out a reform agreement for the local jail that would cost the city millions of dollars a year, Landrieu lashed out at both of them. He accused the feds of unbalancing a delicate city budget and slammed Gusman for mismanaging the jail.

Landrieu family built 58-year political dynasty; will Mitch Landrieu keep it going on national scene? On April 19, 1960, the Eisenhower administration escalated its criticism of Cuban strongman Fidel Castro, Jimmie Davis cruised to victory in t

When the judges at Civil District Court wouldnt go along with Landrieus plans for renovating the old Charity Hospital building, he accused them of lacking vision and refused to get on board with their own plans for a new courthouse on Duncan Plaza.

When firefighters accused the mayor of shortchanging their pension fund, the mayor insisted that the city simply couldnt afford bigger payments, and that the blame should fall on those who had made poor investments on the funds behalf.

Even after a judge ruled against Landrieu in a lawsuit over the fund, Landrieu for months refused to pay and insisted he would stay under house arrest for two years if held in contempt of court.

Probably no fight has won Landrieu more anger or accolades than the one over his decision to remove four Jim Crow-era monuments from their pedestals, a move that prompted death threats, several lawsuits and a dive in Landrieus popularity among white voters.

His defenders say the mayors approach was sometimes necessary. Its a high-stress gig, and its tough to be charming all the time, former Mayor Marc Morial said. Some situations require directness ... bluntness, and decision-making that may ruffle some feathers, he said.

Can't see the video below? Click here.

Problems old and new

For all his accomplishments, Landrieus successor will inherit a city that is struggling with many of the same problems as eight years ago, and some new ones.

In a poor city, the median household income hasnt registered any measurable increase during Landrieus tenure, and black households have actually seen a decline. More than half of local renters are spending at least 30 percent of their income on housing, and some residents complain that ineffectual city policies and enforcement against the rampant use of sites like Airbnb have turned their neighborhoods into virtual tourist districts, with few places for permanent residents.

Landrieu himself concedes that heavy lifting remains to be done at the Sewerage & Water Board. The flooding that struck in August of last year caught his administration uncharacteristically flat-footed.

And the bungled response, in which officials repeatedly put out false information about the status of pumps, turbines and manpower, put a dent in the image of assured competence that Landrieu has worked so hard to project.

The mayor insisted that the agency is much better today than when we got here, citing millions of dollars worth of recent repair work that has added more power capacity to the citys pumps than theyve had in years.

But he has said incoming Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration will have big decisions to make about how to overhaul the citys drainage infrastructure, which is still woefully outdated, and how to pay for that overhaul.

Cantrell will also take over a road repair program that has gotten off to a slower start than anticipated. Landrieu secured another $2.4 billion from FEMA to rebuild many of the citys roadways and the pipes underneath them, but projects remain hung up by a lengthier federal approval process than expected.

Then theres the citys other major intractable issue: crime.

Landrieu has described an almost personal relationship with victims of the citys violence, keeping binders with photos and details about each person killed. He has pushed a handful of initiatives aimed at pre-emptively stopping violence, grouped under the umbrella of NOLA For Life.

But it's still unclear whether any of it will produce a lasting decline in the number of people murdered here in a typical year. The figure was 175 in 2010 and was down to 157 last year  a measure of progress, but still leaving New Orleans with among the highest per-capita murder rates in the country.

And the year-to-year fluctuations in the counts of murders and violent crimes overall make it difficult to say whether any decreases will truly stick. The number of shootings taking place in the city each year  considered by many criminologists a more reliable yardstick of violent crime than murder  has hardly changed since he took office.

Landrieu argues he has still made headway in restoring the reputation of the Police Department.

There have been 17 new recruit classes during his tenure. Officers now wear body-worn cameras meant to record potentially controversial encounters, and the city has settled civil rights claims brought by the families of those wounded or killed by police officers in the chaotic aftermath of Katrina.

Today, the department's approval ratings have gone from a low of 22 percent to well above 70 percent, Landrieu said.

"So when you think about whats been going on around the country in the last eight years, with things going in the other direction ... the Police Department has been doing a really good job, he said.
The Jefferson Parish Librarys Harry Potter Yule Fest is back with a twist. Instead of a one-day event, it will be a monthlong experience featuring ongoing activities and grab-n-go crafts.

Starting Nov. 29 and running until Jan. 6, 2022, activities can be completed to earn points toward Harry Potter-themed raffle prizes.

These activities include:

Weekly Harry Potter grab-n-go craft kits. Patrons may request kits online and have them sent to any library location. Weekly kits will feature one of the following each week: wands, potions, Patronus scratch art, and a Marauder's Map ornament.

A weekly downloadable craft that will be made available at the same time as the grab-n-go crafts

A Harry Potter activity book with puzzles and coloring sheets that can be downloaded or picked from a Jefferson Parish library branch

Snitch Scavenger Hunt  find the hidden snitches and decipher the magical spell.

House Elf on the Shelf Hunt  Find the hidden Dobby and earn a secret code word

Photo booth  Harry Potter-themed photo booths will be available at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, and the West Bank Regional Library, 2750 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, as well as other larger branch libraries. Patrons can pose in Harry Potter photo booth and tag us on social media - #HPYule2021.

Keep track of your completed activities and crafts at jplibrary.beanstack.org and patrons will entered into drawings for Harry Potter themed prizes.

Sign up starts on Monday, Nov. 29, at jplibrary.beanstack.org.

TALKING BOOKS AND BRAILLE: The library partners with the state Library of Louisiana Talking Books and Braille Library to provide free public library service to Louisiana residents of all ages who cannot easily read standard printed materials due to a visual impairment, physical disability or a reading disability, whether it is permanent or temporary.

Anyone who is legally blind or totally blind is eligible. People with a physical disability that prevents them from holding a book or turning its pages are also eligible. Individuals with a reading disability certified by a doctor may also use the services.

The collection consists of more than 75,000 titles in nonprint formats (Braille, cassette, digital cartridge, and large print) on a broad range of fiction and nonfiction subjects, for all ages. The library lends playback machines to those using the recorded materials. Recorded magazine subscriptions are also available.

Books and magazines are mailed free to and from library patrons wherever they reside. Currently, more than 6,000 Louisiana residents actively use the library service.

WORLD WAR II DISCUSSION GROUP: David Stone, former foreign service officer at the U.S. Department of State, will discuss the Munich Conference of 1938, at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, at the River Ridge Library, 8825 Jefferson Highway.

The controversial event allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland in west Czechoslovakia. The agreement was reached by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy.

WHO?: The Dr. Who group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

Doctor Who is a cult favorite about the journeys of a time-traveling eccentric. Members of the librarys Doctor Who Video Club watch episodes and discuss them afterward. Bob Sylvia hosts.

LEARN HEBREW: Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Rededication, begins at sundown Nov. 28. Its a great time to commit to learning Hebrew.

The Jefferson Parish Library offers a free language-learning program called Mango that features dozens of languages, including Hebrew.

Go to the librarys website, click on the databases tab at the top of the page, and scroll down the left-hand side of the page. Modern Hebrew is the official language of Israel, while premodern Hebrew is used for prayer or study in Jewish communities.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.
From Hurricane Katrina 16 years ago to the global pandemic of today, Justin Templet has always found strength, unity and gratitude at Chalmette High School.

A senior there when Katrina decimated St. Bernard Parish, Templet is now in his fifth year teaching at CHS and recently was named its Teacher of the Year.

Templet said his own teachers inspired him to return to his alma mater.

I became a teacher because I was fortunate enough to have incredible teachers who consistently demonstrated not only the power that learning has on ones life, but also the power that effective and compassionate teaching has on learning.

He was also certain about the subject he would teach.

From my earliest education in preschool in the back room of a Baptist church, there was English and only English, he said. While I found other subjects interesting, nothing from then on held the significance that reading others dreams, thoughts and experiences, and also communicating my own, had in my life.

He listed three of his teachers as major influences. Liz Dunn, Patricia Elliott, and Tom Dugger modeled for me that English is the subject that not only enables our success in all pursuits, it also is the one that connects us with one another and gives us the opportunity to simply enjoy the great literary works of mankind.

In his classroom, Templet emphasizes the power of language. It can create worlds, bring a character to life, stop wars and persuade someone to agree with your ideas.

He stresses the importance of effective communication.

I begin the first day of school each year by reminding them, If you can say what you mean and mean what you say, the world is your oyster. Grab the pearl!

Templet serves as the assistant director of the schools drama club, the sponsor of its literary magazine, the co-sponsor for the CHS Ambassadors, a writer of English II and English III curriculum for the district, and a member of the Student of the Year selection committee.

He said the commitment and compassion shown by his teachers during the Katrina year fostered his gratitude for education and for CHS.

+2 Counselors create book to help kids cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida A Category 4 hurricane and its aftermath can traumatize anyone  especially kids. The howling wind and widespread devastation, along with the 

The disruption students have experienced over the last several years of the pandemic has some similarities to my own history as a senior in high school during Hurricane Katrina  particularly regarding the disruption of life and a loss of innocence.

He credits the school board and the staff of the districts Unified School, a group of trailers housed in the parking lot of Chalmette High School, for providing a safe place during a difficult time.

They gave us a home when we had no other, he recalled. That home they provided for us was not just a place, it was people. That sense of home is something I have not witnessed since except within the walls of Chalmette High School now.

He said his gratitude has increased over time.

Like many teenagers, I only viewed my experiences at the Unified School from my own limited perspective  what it meant for me. As a teacher now, I recognize the sacrifices that every single one of the teachers in that building made for us.

"They were undoubtedly dealing with their own loss, but we, as students, never saw that. Instead, our teachers were there for us, providing the stability and confidence, both academically and socially, that we needed.

In addition to his fond memories, Templet also has another tangible reminder of his transformative senior year in high school: the 2005-2006 school yearbook, Reflections. He was its editor and calls the publication one of his proudest accomplishments of my life.

With none of the equipment or resources available at that time to do a traditional yearbook, The Atlantic Monthly in Washington, D.C., stepped in, donating staff, money and expertise to create Reflections, a testament to the tragedies and triumphs that were part of the Katrina school year.

Reflections was a true labor of love for the yearbook staff, myself, our adviser Tom Dugger, and the wonderful collaborators we had from The Atlantic Monthly, Templet remembers. The Atlantics staffs interest in helping us and providing us with a platform, showed that we and our parish mattered, that our stories mattered.

"Thats an incredibly powerful realization for an 18-year-old from Meraux. With that yearbook, we were able to share our stories with the public and affirmatively declare, We are here! We are still here!

Templet draws parallels from his senior year to those of his students today.

Hurricanes and pandemics have a way of potentially washing away a complete way of life. ... I still identify Aug. 29, 2005, as the day my life changed irrevocably  something that, once I emerged from it, separated my identity into a before and after that I had to reconcile with even years later.

He said during COVID-19, he has tried to mirror his high school teachers. Despite everything around us seeming to change, I am their support both interpersonally and intellectually.

"It has been important to consistently demonstrate that their well-being and learning are my priorities. That I am OK, and by extension the world, and ultimately they as individuals, will be, too.
In its observance of the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, the National World War II Museums exhibit features fragments of ships that were destroyed in the assault, stories of heroic men and women, and  Elvis Presley?

The King of Rock n Roll was not stationed at Pearl Harbor for the air strike that propelled the United States into World War II  he was only 6 years old  but he did play a role in raising money to build a floating monument to the U.S.S. Arizona, one of the ships that was sunk during the raid in which 1,177 crew members died, said Tom Czekanski, the museums senior curator and restorations manager.

By early 1961, he said, Congress had approved the monument but not the money to pay for it. Since Presley was going to be in the Aloha State shooting a movie  Blue Hawaii  his manager, the entrepreneurial Col. Tom Parker, suggested a concert at the Alamoana Shopping Center to raise money.

According to the concert poster at the museum, which shows Presley in a gold lame suit, tickets cost $3 to $10 apiece (the equivalent of $26.47 to $88.24 today)  no freebies  for the March 25, 1961, concert. Also on the bill were Minnie Pearl, of the Grand Ole Opry; the Jordanaires, a quartet; the drummer D.J. Fontana; and Scotty Moore, a guitarist who had played in Presleys backup band.

The concert raised about $54,000 (nearly $477,000 in todays money), but it was about $150,000 shy of the goal, Czekanski said. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, of Hawaii, a World War II veteran who would participate in museum programs decades later, got Congress to approve the rest.

This relatively light-hearted story is a sharp contrast to the rest of Infamy: Pearl Harbor Remembered, which will have its official opening on Nov. 16 and be on view through June 7 in the museums Joe W. and Dorothy D. Brown Special Exhibit Gallery.

Visitors can see a 20-inch steel fragment from the Arizona, which shares a glass case with a chunk of wood from the U.S.S. Oklahoma. In a frame on a nearby wall is the flag that, Czekanski said, was being raised aboard the U.S.S. St. Louis when the Japanese raid began.

Remember Pearl Harbor! became a rallying cry, and the attack was the theme of propaganda posters in the exhibit.

Also on display are thumbnail sketches of notable people who played roles in what President Franklin D. Roosevelt called a date which will live in infamy.

One was Doris Dorie Miller, a Navy mess attendant aboard the U.S.S. West Virginia who passed ammunition to men at anti-aircraft machine guns. Even though he had had no training with that weapon, Miller took over one and shot down two Japanese planes. A machine gun similar to the one he manned is on display.

For this action, Miller became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross, which, Czekanski said, is one step below the Medal of Honor. He was killed in November 1943 in the South Pacific when he was 24.

Lt. Anne G. Fox, the subject of another display, was the chief nurse in the Army Nurse Corps at Hickam Field during the Pearl Harbor attack. She was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart for combat.

She was not wounded, but, Czekanski said, people didnt have to be injured then to qualify for that decoration. When criteria for a Purple Heart were changed, Fox was awarded a Bronze Star for her heroism on Dec. 7, 1941. She died in 1987, when she was 93.

While Miller and Fox are part of the exhibit for their bravery during the attack, U.S. Rep. Jeannette Rankin is included for what she did  or, rather, didnt do  on the other side of the world.

Rankin, a Republican from Montana and a lifelong pacifist, had been one of 50 House members in 1917 to vote against declaring war on Germany. In December 1941, she was the only House member to oppose declaring war on Japan.

As a woman, I cant go to war, she said, and I refuse to send anyone else.

Two days later, she voted present when Congress declared war on Germany and Italy.

It was the end of her political career. She knew it, and she said she had no regrets.

If youre against war, youre against war, regardless of what happens, she said. Its a wrong method of trying to settle a dispute.

She died in 1973, when she was 92.
In this series, Lagniappe presents a different work each week from the collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art, with commentary from a curator.

Edward Steichen led several lives in photography. Born in Luxembourg, Steichen demonstrated artistic aptitude as a young man in Milwaukee before studying art and living in Paris.

He collaborated with Alfred Steiglitz in the first decades of the 20th century, helping to legitimize photography as fine art. At the time, Steichen practiced a pictorial style of photography characterized by elaborate printing methods and delicate retouching. During World War I, Steichen pioneered new uses of photography to aid the U.S. military (a role he reprised in his 60s during World War II).

In New York during the 1920s, Steichen went to work for the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency and Conde Nast magazines. Steichen utilized common elements of art and stage photography  like elaborate studio lighting or high contrast  in his commercial work, driving consumption and making photography an ever-more pervasive element in American culture.

His dynamic images of celebrities, fashion and consumer products established Steichen as the highest paid photographer of the era. From 1947-1961, Steichen served as the head of the photography program at the Museum of Modern Art, where he curated a number of globally influential exhibitions.

The Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital was founded in 1869 as a nonprofit institution to serve New Yorkers living in poverty, and in 1931 Steichen made this promotional photograph.

By that time, Steichen had left pictorialism behind in favor of a distinctly modernist approach (think clean lines and sharp focus). Theatrical and narrative, "On the Clinic Stairs" suggested the hospitals need for resources and encouraged individual support for public health at the beginning of the Great Depression.

Vanity Fair published the photo in 1932 with the subtitle: Hope on the Staircase. Looking at the photograph, the viewers eye follows those of the patients upwards toward the clinic door, before the dramatic chiaroscuro effect directs the gaze back downwards, to begin the circuit again from the bottom steps.

Steichen has left visible space at the end of the line where viewers might imagine themselves joining the queue. Presumably, the viewer could shorten everyones metaphorical wait-time by supporting the hospital and other public health initiatives in the real world. In this season of vaccines and boosters, when so many people are making personal choices to ensure our collective well-being, that sense of standing together and looking hopefully forward  while enduring a seemingly interminable wait  feels remarkably familiar.
President Joe Biden will name Mitch Landrieu to oversee the roughly $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill expected to be signed into law Monday, placing the task of running the administration's signature legislative achievement into the hands of New Orleans' former mayor.

As Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator, Landrieu will be charged with overseeing the rollout of one of the largest U.S. investments in roads, bridges, broadband and other infrastructure projects in decades, the White House said.

The package includes roughly $550 billion set aside for state infrastructure funding over the next five years, and Louisiana's share of that is expected to be roughly $5.8 billion for bridges and highways. The state is also expected to benefit from investments in initiatives to clean drinking water, combat extreme weather and bolster broadband internet access, to name only a few.

And while the money coming to states will be dictated by a funding formula, Landrieu's role overseeing billions of dollars in projects adds another influential advocate for New Orleans and the state to a prominent White House post. U.S. Rep Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, became a senior Biden Administration advisor after the 2020 election.

The White House announced the appointment in a news release Sunday, noting that Landrieu's work leading New Orleans during the recovery from Hurricane Katrina was one reason he was tapped for the role.

The administration added that Landrieu had relationships with state and municipal leaders across the U.S. due to his former role as chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The White House also touted his ability to work with business and labor groups.

In a prepared statement, Landrieu thanked Biden and underlined the importance of making sure the federal dollars reached across racial and class lines.

"Our work will require strong partnerships across the government and with state and local leaders, business and labor to create good-paying jobs and rebuild America for the middle class," Landrieu said. "We will also ensure these major investments achieve the presidents goals of combating climate change and advancing equity."

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, one of the GOP senators who worked across the aisle to pass the legislation, praised Landrieu's understanding of disaster recovery and coastal restoration while noting it would be important for Louisiana to have a person in charge who understands the region's infrastructure needs.

"Mitch Landrieu knows firsthand the devastation Hurricane Katrina caused on the Gulf Coast, and in turn, this devastation shows the importance, for Louisiana and the United States, of the investments the IIJA makes in coastal restoration, hardening the electrical grid and flood mitigation," said Cassidy in a prepared statement. "Having a Louisianan head this for the White House can only benefit our state."

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Landrieu left office in 2018 and is broadly seen as having helped set New Orleans on a better course after its recovery from Katrina sputtered under his predecessor, Ray Nagin.

During his term, the city spent tens of millions in federal money on road projects and other infrastructure, and Landrieu secured $2.4 billion in additional FEMA money that went towards underground culverts and roads. He was responsible for the $1 billion new terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and helped usher the redevelopment of the former World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street along the Mississippi River.

He also gained a reputation outside of New Orleans for his decision to remove four monuments to Confederate leaders and White supremacists, including the statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee.

But his term was also marked by some infrastructure stumbles. The airport's completion date was delayed by over a year and flyovers from the interstate to the terminal are still under construction. His administration wasn't able to secure a deal to redevelop the abandoned Six Flags site in New Orleans East. And in August, 2017, a torrential downpour resulted in widespread street flooding due to pump failures and other stumbles at the Sewerage & Water Board. Cedric Grant, the agency's director, stepped down soon after amid widespread criticism of the agency.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the failures of the S&WB under her predecessor a part of her campaign and devoted her first year to securing more funding for the financially-strapped utility. She has also argued that the miles of roadwork clogging city streets today is partly due to the need to quickly spend FEMA money that was secured by Landrieu but never spent.

After his second term ended, Landrieu launched the E Pluribus Unum Fund, a nonprofit focused on trying to find common ground on issues of race and class. He was rumored to be considering a presidential run in 2020 but ultimately never threw his hat into the race.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to create an average of 2 million jobs per year over the next decade, and it includes money for strengthening the power grid and responding to global warming in addition to more traditional infrastructure spending.

The bill cleared the House on a 228-206 vote earlier this month, ending weeks of intraparty negotiations in which liberal Democrats insisted the legislation be tied to a larger, $1.75 trillion social spending bill  an effort to press more moderate Democrats to support both.

The Senate passed the legislation on a 69-30 vote in August after rare bipartisan negotiations, and the House kept that compromise intact. Thirteen House Republicans voted for the bill, giving Democrats more than enough votes to overcome a handful of defections from progressives.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Three people reported they were victims of carjackings or attempted carjackings during a 15-minute span in the Bywater/Marigny area Sunday around 6:30 p.m., police said.

Each carjacking remains under investigation, and although detectives can neither confirm nor speculate that the crimes are connected, they are investigating that possibility, a public information officer said.

Police responded to the first carjacking at 6:35 p.m. in the 3100 block of Burgundy Street. Two men approached a 35-year-old woman and demanded her vehicle. She complied and fled, police said.

Police were then summoned to a carjacking attempt at 6:41 p.m., this one a half-mile away in St. Roch Avenue's 800 block. Three men approached a 36-year-old woman in her vehicle, but as they tried to pull her door open, she drove off.

At 6:50 p.m., police responded to another carjacking attempt at the intersection of Royal and Piety streets. A 31-year-old man was sitting in his parked vehicle when a man approached and told him to exit. The victim drove away.

No other information was immediately available.
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Nancy Marie Spears, a Gaylord News reporter based in Washington, is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories from Gaylord News visit GaylordNews.net.
Selinsgrove, Pa.  Susquehanna University and Lehigh Carbon Community College have partnered to make it easier for Lehigh Valley students to continue their education and earn a bachelors degree.

Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green and Lehigh Carbon Community College President Ann D. Bieber signed a transfer agreement that will offer Lehigh Carbon graduates guaranteed admission to Susquehanna University.

Susquehanna has been identified among the top 10% of higher education institutions for return on investment, highlighting the advantages of a liberal arts education as preparation for navigating the complexities of our evermore dynamic world, Green said. A college degree remains one of the best investments a family can make, and in particular a liberal arts education provides students with the soft skills necessary for lasting career success. We believe our mission aligns perfectly with that of Lehigh Carbon and we look forward to ensuring a seamless transition for Lehigh Carbon graduates who choose Susquehanna to complete their journey toward a bachelors degree.

Students at Lehigh Carbon who submit a letter of intent to attend Susquehanna University prior to completing 30 transferable credit hours will have the following benefits:

Guaranteed admission into a bachelors degree program with third-year (junior) status at Susquehanna University upon completion of an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree.

Eligibility for an academic scholarship from Susquehanna University of up to $32,000 per year based on their grade point average at Lehigh Carbon during the application phase.

Eligibility for an additional $5,000 scholarship from Susquehanna University per year if students are members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

This agreement is another example of how strong partnerships and collaborative efforts provide expansive opportunities for students, said Bieber. Our partnership with Susquehanna University paves the way for our students to achieve a seamless transfer to earn their bachelors degree and provides access to generous scholarships, ensuring an affordable pathway to a transformative education from two excellent institutions.

For information about admission to LCCC, email admissions@lccc.edu or call 610-799-1575. For information about admission or transfer to Susquehanna, email suadmiss@susque.edu or call 570-372-4260.
Williamsport, Pa. As State Troopers conducted a canvas of an area near a reported vehicle that was stuck, a man emerged, identified himself, and told authorities he had methamphetamine.

Kent Otto Hartford, 43, of Shunk was taken into custody and searched by troopers, who said they discovered a needle and methamphetamine. Hartford allegedly told troopers he pulled behind a shed on the property to get high and take a nap.

According to the report from Montoursville Trooper Robert Jacobs, several pieces of wood and metal could be seen by the shed and vehicle. Hartford allegedly entered the shed on the property and removed several blocks of wood and pieces of metal as he attempted to get his vehicle unstuck.

Jacobs said Hartford went to the callers residence and asked for chains, which were discovered tied off to a tree. The caller told troopers Hartford did not have permission to enter the shed or use anything to get his vehicle unstuck.

Hartford was charged with two felonies in first-degree burglary and third-degree criminal trespassing. He was also charged with two misdemeanors in third-degree theft by unlawful taking and an ungraded charge or use of possession of drug paraphernalia. A summary charge of criminal mischief was also issued.

Hartford is being held at the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $25,000 monetary bail. A docket sheet shows a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 17 with Judge William Solomon.

Docket sheet
Napoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Windy. Mostly cloudy skies will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 39F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 24F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The White House has ardently denied Intel's plan to boost semiconductor manufacturing in China as it may be detrimental to national security. Intel wishes to help resolve the chip supply problems that are affecting the US. However, the Biden administration aims to revitalise local manufacturing.

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The Biden administration has rejected Intels proposal to enhance chip production in China due to strong hesitations about national security. Intel originally planned to produce silicon wafers in a facility in Chengdu, China. The tech company aimed to alleviate the supply chain issues in the US and requested federal aid to accelerate production. However, government officials were vehemently against the proposal.

The ongoing chip shortage has greatly hindered many tech and auto industries and resulted in the loss of jobs and profits. The US government emphasised that its goal is to resolve supply deficiencies while also revamping domestic manufacturing. Consequently, President Biden has put forward the CHIPS Act to allocate US$52 billion for local research and production to compete with China. Intels project in China poses a direct contradiction to this goal.

Furthermore, the Whitehouse is deliberating whether specific investments in China should be limited; and the National Security Advisor stated that officials are contemplating executing an outbound investment screening process. The US government is concerned that China will adopt the countrys leading-edge technologies, which may foster human rights abuses or endanger national safety.

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Janna Martinek Works Behind the Scenes To Solve Some of NRELs Most Complex Problems

Nov. 15, 2021

Since joining the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2012, Janna Martinek has developed a reputation across the laboratory as a leader in numerical modeling and related engineering. She is also known as someone who can handle any problem that is thrown her wayno matter how complex.

"The thing about Janna is that she's really, really good at any type of modeling or design effort that you put in front of her," said Mark Mehos, who manages the Thermal Systems Research and Development Group. "She can take something she knows little about, become an expert in it in a short amount of time, and then provide a top-notch product."

Janna Martinek

Janna's expertise ranges from computational fluid dynamics modeling to grid modeling to optical and thermal modeling of solar receiversa remarkable range.

"I'd go as far as to say that she has single-handedly increased the reputation of our work at NREL," Mehos said. "That's a bold statement, but she is involved in such a variety of projects that she bolsters NREL's reputation across the board."

Though Janna's expertise is wide-ranging, her primary research is focused on concentrating solar power (CSP)a technology that uses mirrors to focus concentrated sunlight on a receiver, which in turn produces thermal energy that can be used to generate electricity or to generate heat to drive industrial processes.

"I often get pulled into many different areas," Martinek said. "But my focus is on producing CSP models that are as accurate as possible to understand how we can change the designs to get them to perform optimally."

That research plays an important role in decarbonization efforts, particularly in utility-scale applications, but it often flies under the radar.

"Outside of those who work in CSP, many people don't realize that the field exists. People hear 'solar' and they automatically think of photovoltaics, but CSP has so many interesting characteristics that are distinct from photovoltaics," Martinek said. "I think it's important that we get the technology out there more broadly."

Martinek first began working on CSP as a graduate student, but her interest in science and mathematics started when she was young.

"My family is very science- and math-minded, so I was exposed to it a lot growing up, and I always knew I'd do something in those fields," she said.

And although her career path looks linear on papershe received both her B.S. and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado, then joined NREL as a chemical engineerMartinek was not initially sure about pursuing a career in research.

"I really didn't know whether I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. until the day before I submitted the application," she said. "I decided to apply because I had a professor who talked me into working in a lab one summer. The experience opened my eyes to what doing research meant and took a bit of the mystique out of it."

Martinek's colleagues at NREL and beyond are glad that she chose to pursue this path.

"The last presentation I heard Janna giveat a DOE workshop on Generation 3 CSPwas just amazing," Mehos said. "She explains things in a way that's very easy to understand for very complex material. And she did it in a way nobody else could have done."

Despite her extraordinary talents and contributions, Martinek's work has remained largely behind the scenes.

"Janna doesn't like the limelight," Mehos said. "But for every project that she's worked on, she has been instrumental in making it a success."
NTV News 24 is a service of Nippon Television, Japan's leading broadcasting network. This page provides a selection of today's stories in English.
Virginia's Lt. Governor-elect Winsome Sears, left, meets with Senate Clerk Susan Schaar at the Capitol in Richmond on Tuesday.
Todd Gilbert nominated by Republicans to be Speaker of the House
Since Santa has his day (or should we say night), its only fair that Sinterklaas, known in the Netherlands as the original St. Nicholas, gets to shine as well on Dec. 3 for the celebration of Sinterklaas Eve. It all starts with paper lantern making at the Holland Arts Council at 150 W. 8th St.

For those who want to skip the craft making, 300 pre-made lanterns will be distributed to children on a first-come, first-served basis the center. In keeping with the Dutch tradition, the lanterns are carried by those accompanying Sinterklaas. Worried about not knowing who he is? Dont, as Sinterklaas is very noticeable dressed in garb that includes the tall and pointed red and gold mitre hat perched on his head, the gold scepter he holds in his hand, and the red flowing cloak edged with yellow fringe on the sleeves. He also has a beard that is as long and white as any Santa can boast.

While Santa rides in his sleigh pulled by reindeer, Sinterklaas rides a white horse in a procession through the city streets. Following that, theres the opportunity to take photos with Sinterklaas.

The Holland Symphony Orchestra is presenting its "Home for the Holidays" concerts at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Dimnent Chapel on the Hope College campus.
GARY  Three men were killed and three were wounded in three separate shootings from Friday to Sunday, officials said.

The three homicides brought Gary's total for 2021 to 44. In all of 2020, the city recorded 54 homicides, police said.

Jediah Perry, 21, of Gary, was found shot to death about 8:40 p.m. Friday after Gary police were dispatched to the 5000 block of West Fifth Avenue for a report of a suspicious vehicle, according to the Lake County coroner's office and Gary police.

Officers arrived and found a man, who was seated in the driver's seat, had been shot, police Cmdr. Jack Hamady said.

Perry was pronounced dead at the scene, a coroner's release said.

Perry had been wanted on a warrant issued in October after he failed to appear in Lake Criminal Court on charges linked to a shooting March 6, 2020, at 15th Avenue and Broadway in Gary, records showed.

Perry was shot in the arm during the 2020 shooting, and another man was airlifted to an Illinois hospital with gunshot wounds to his back and arm, police said.
"It was Columbus Day, so court was closed," McDermott said. "I thought it would be a good day to come in and just kind of go through the boxes, because we've been looking to clean some out."

As the judge sifted through papers, she discovered two firearms at the bottom of a box.

The handguns  a .45-caliber Colt Model 1911 pistol and a Harrington & Richardson revolver  still had tags attached bearing the Madonna murder case number and the date they were entered into evidence.

The only other item in the box linked to the case was a transcript of a hearing, McDermott said.

The judge wasn't sure how the two guns ended up in the Circuit Court's closet.

When the case began, the Lake County Government Complex hadn't been built yet.

Monserrate was tried twice  in November 1967 and again in January 1972  at the old Lake County Courthouse on the Crown Point square in what was then known as Lake Criminal Court.

By the time Monserrate was released from prison in 1983, Lake Criminal Court had been redesignated as Lake Superior Court Criminal Division and the courts had moved to the government complex, which opened in 1974 at 93rd Avenue and Main Street in Crown Point.
HIGHLAND  After serving as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam during 1967-68, Pat ODonnell can still remember his reception home. Arriving in Chicago in 1968 at the height of the Democratic National Convention, ODonnell was greeted with eggs and tomatoes.

Still in his military uniform, ODonnell took a cab home to Hammond, only to learn he owed nothing for the ride. I owe you, the cab driver said.

I never forgot that, ODonnell said at Sundays Northwest Indiana Vietnam veterans tribute dinner.

Bob Carnagey, vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana, organized the dinner at the Wicker Memorial Park Social Center, where he was expecting 300 veterans.

"A certain number of vets never came home because they are still fighting the battles and don't feel they were welcome home," Carnagey said. " I hope the evening will give those who attend some kind of closure."

Bill Altgilbers, of Schererville, who served with the Army in Vietnam during 1969-70, recalled being spat upon and called a baby killer back home. Retiring as a colonel in 1995, Altgilbers is proud of his Vietnam tour.

We were ending communism, he said.
MERRILLVILLE  In partnership with the Adam Benjamin Jr. Outpatient Clinic and the Porter County Veterans Service Office, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provided nearly 400 veteran families with more than 50 pounds of groceries during two recent Mobile Market food distributions.

Veterans also received access to VA benefits, flu shots, COVID vaccinations and booster shots.

These two food distributions are just the beginning of our commitment to providing food and support to veterans," said Victor A. Garcia, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. Partnerships with these and other veterans service organizations will help bridge gaps and address critical needs among individuals who have served our country," Garcia said.

The Food Bank hosted the food distributions at the recommendation of U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland. Mrvan, himself a veteran, also has been a longtime advocate for veterans rights.

Mrvan attended both events, volunteering to help load veterans cars with groceries and personally greeting veterans.
VALPARAISO  Visitors to the Porter County Museum got a glimpse recently of how soldiers from various nations were equipped for World War I.

Ezra Parker, of Aurora, smoked a hookah between answering questions about the Turkish infantry during one of the last gasps of the Ottoman Empire.

The Turks working in small factories followed German designs, especially, for weapons and French designs for other much of the other gear, he said.

Industrial production in Turkey was still a cottage industry, so six guys with sewing machines would look up at a sketch on a chalkboard to follow the design for a soldiers coat, for example.

The Ottoman Empire was vast at the time. It was the largest front in World War I, Parker said.

The United States, which didnt enter World War I until 1917, didnt go up against them, focusing their fight elsewhere instead.

Skylar Zenisek, of South Bend, portraying a German soldier in 1914, said the British blockade of German seaports had a profound effect on German gear as the war dragged on.
WikiLeaks did not identify the source of the documents, which it called Vault 7, but said they had been circulated among former U.S. government hackers and contractors in an unauthorized manner, one of whom has provided WikiLeaks with portions of the archive.

WikiLeaks said the source, in a statement, set out policy questions that urgently need to be debated in public, including whether the C.I.A.s hacking capabilities exceed its mandated powers and the problem of public oversight of the agency. The source, the group said, wishes to initiate a public debate about the security, creation, use, proliferation and democratic control of cyberweapons.

But James Lewis, an expert on cybersecurity at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, raised another possibility: that a foreign state, most likely Russia, stole the documents by hacking or other means and delivered them to WikiLeaks, which may not know how they were obtained. Mr. Lewis noted that, according to American intelligence agencies, Russia hacked Democratic targets during the presidential campaign and gave thousands of emails to WikiLeaks for publication.

I think a foreign power is much more likely the source of these documents than a conscience-stricken C.I.A. whistle-blower, Mr. Lewis said.

At a time of increasing concern about the privacy of calls and messages, the revelations did not suggest that the C.I.A. can actually break the encryption used by popular messaging apps. Instead, by penetrating the users phone, the agency can make the encryption irrelevant by intercepting messages and calls before their content is encrypted, or, on the other end, after messages are decrypted.

WikiLeaks, which has sometimes been accused of recklessly leaking information that could do harm, said it had redacted names and other identifying information from the collection. It said it was not releasing the computer code for actual, usable weapons until a consensus emerges on the technical and political nature of the C.I.A.s program and how such weapons should be analyzed, disarmed and published.

The codes names used for projects revealed in the WikiLeaks documents appear to reflect the likely demographic of the cyberexperts employed by the C.I.A.  that is, young and male. There are numerous references to Harry Potter, Pokemon and Adderall, the drug used to treat hyperactivity.
The first signs of the tourism season creeping back to life were visible at Greeces ports and airports on Saturday as the country officially opened its doors to international visitors.

After lifting quarantine requirements for dozens of countries last month, the Greek authorities expanded the eligibility to more nations on Friday and relaxed some restrictions. Travelers must present a certificate of vaccination, proof of recovery from Covid or a negative PCR test.

The first flights arriving at Athens International Airport came from France, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia and Switzerland, with most visitors heading for the Greek islands. Hundreds lined up for ferries at the countrys main port of Piraeus, near the capital, joining Greeks taking advantage of the ending of a ban on travel between the countrys regions.

Heraklion Airport on Crete was buzzing for the first time in months, with Germans, French and Israelis among the first arrivals, and the authorities said they expected 10,000 arrivals on the island over the next three days. Mykonos and Santorini, two of the countrys most popular summer destinations, welcomed just a handful of flights, as hotel occupancy remains set at around 30 percent for May. But hopes are high for the summer, with bookings for July close to 90 percent.
In 2016, drawn by the smell of Easter cookies, I ventured into a small bakery in the village of Olympos, on the Greek island of Karpathos. The owner, a woman named Kalliope, was going about her work while wearing what looked to me like a traditional costume.

After chatting for a minute or two, I asked if she was dressed this way because it was Easter.

What do you mean? she asked. These are my clothes.

You are the one, she added, who is dressed in a European costume.
Season 5 Episode 4: Faulty, Okay?!

Nathan, Nathan, Nathan. Theres a lot we still dont know about Nathan but we know that Issa likes him, or at least likes to keep him around. This week, the former and possibly future couple move past their emotional mix-up in the bedroom, from this seasons second episode, and head into new territory in more ways than one.

The episode starts at the beach, where Nathan is celebrating his barbershop with his friends. When Issa shows up, with Molly and Kelli, shes desperate to see if Nathan will be as warm with her as he was before she cried in his mouth, as she put it. Its been a week and even though they have texted, the matter was not discussed.

As usual, Issa gets awkward when she is insecure. Watching her talk to Nathan is like hearing nails scratch a chalkboard  its beyond cringey. She asks about the weather and talks out of turn. Everything comes out of her mouth except how she feels about the other night. Nathan doesnt reciprocate her attention and seems cold, which makes Issa think he doesnt like her anymore.

We also dont know why Issa is nervous here  as far as we knew, she was happy being single. Shes at the beach with Nathan because she wants to be, but why exactly does she want to be there? Its as if she hasnt thought it all through herself. Nathan also doesnt know what she wants, and it seems the failed cuddle muddled what he thought she wanted. He says as much to his friends as they drive to the bar Sharkys, after an earthquake and the threat of a possible tsunami broke up the beach party.
Action on climate change now rests with a handful of nations

The U.N. global conference on climate change closed on Saturday in Glasgow with calls for countries to return next year with stronger emissions-reduction targets and promises to double the money available to help nations cope with the effects of global warming.

A handful of political leaders hold much of the influence over whether those promises are kept. They face competing demands from industry interests that oppose regulation, developing countries that need aid and a vocal citizenship that wants to rein in emissions more quickly.

But even if countries fulfill all the emissions promises they made, they will miss by a wide margin the target of limiting warming by a level that scientists say is necessary to avert the worst consequences of warming.

The key nations: The U.S., China, India, Britain and Brazil are among the countries facing the biggest pressures for fast results.
New York City encouraged everyone 18 and older to get a booster shot if they want it. Austria locks down the unvaccinated as virus resurges in Europe.

The Florida legislature kicks off a special session to pass bills curtailing federal Covid mandates. Image Representative Anna Eskamani, Democrat of Florida, and other Democratic lawmakers and invited speakers spoke of their opposition to a special legislative session targeting vaccine mandates, in Tallahassee on Monday. Credit... Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press At the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has used his opposition to coronavirus vaccine and mask mandates to build up his national political profile, Florida lawmakers kicked off a special legislative session on Monday to take up legislation aimed at restricting such measures. Mr. DeSantis, who is seen as a possible presidential candidate in 2024, has cast the session as a high-profile effort to counter the vaccination rules set by the Biden administration. The Biden administration has ordered federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated, as well as employees of health care companies that receive Medicare and Medicaid. The federal government also plans to put in place workplace-safety rules in January mandating that all businesses with 100 or more employees require them to be vaccinated or be tested frequently. Several states with conservative governors, including Florida, have already challenged those federal mandates in court. To also pass laws curtailing them would put Florida at the forefront of what has become a highly politicized fight between Republican-led states and the White House. Nobody should be losing their jobs because of these jabs, Mr. DeSantis, who has taken to calling the vaccinations jabs or injections, said last week. Florida Covid-19 Hospitalizations All time Last 90 days 5,000 10,000 15,000 hospitalized Mar. 2020 Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 2021 Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 7day average 1,386 Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seven-day average is the average of a day and the previous six days of data. Currently hospitalized is the most recent number of patients with Covid-19 reported by hospitals in the state for the four days prior. Dips and spikes could be due to inconsistent reporting by hospitals. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government. About 60,700 people have died of Covid-19 in Florida. The state was hit hard by the virus this summer, when the Delta variant filled hospitals in much of the state with more patients than at any time during the pandemic. That wave has burned itself out, and in recent days new cases and hospitalizations have fallen to some of the lowest levels in the country. Just over 60 percent of Floridas population is vaccinated, according to federal data. Critics of the governor have said that his fight against mandates resulted in needless deaths. Florida experienced its worst daily death tolls during the summer surge, when vaccines were already widely available. As cases surged, Mr. DeSantis fought local school districts and governments that required masks or vaccines, withholding funds, fining them or taking them to court. (Most school districts have now loosened their mask restrictions, in light of the falling virus levels.) The special session is intended to carry the state Republican Partys opposition to mandates even further. Business leaders, however, have expressed fears that any new Florida laws might force them to face conflicting state and federal mandates. Democrats have decried the move as mere political theater. This entire special session is a political stunt, Representative Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa Democrat, said on Monday. But the governor, who formally announced his 2022 re-election last week, is too popular among conservatives in the Republican base for his wishes to be ignored. We dont believe that the federal government should be in a position to force vaccines, Speaker Chris Sprowls of the House said in the State Capitol on Monday. None of the four proposed bills under consideration would ban employee vaccine mandates outright. Private employers would be able to require vaccinations, but they would also have to allow for exemptions for medical issues or pregnancy, and religious reasons. Employees willing to be periodically tested or wear protective equipment could also opt out. Employers would have to pay for the tests or provide protective equipment, like masks. Public school districts and local governments would be prohibited from requiring vaccinations. Lawmakers would also give parents the sole discretion over whether students should get vaccinated or wear masks.

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Austrias new lockdown applies only to the unvaccinated. Video The lockdown, expected to last 10 days, requires those age 12 and older who are not vaccinated for Covid-19 or immune from a past infection to stay in their homes except for essential reasons, such as doctor visits or grocery shopping. Credit Credit... Barbara Gindl/Agence France-Presse, via Apa/Afp Via Getty Images Unvaccinated Austrians ages 12 and older awoke on Monday morning confined to their homes for all but essential activities, as one of the strictest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe went into effect to battle a surge in infections. Under new rules announced by the government on Sunday, adults and minors 12 and older who have not been vaccinated or recovered from a coronavirus infection cannot go outside except to buy groceries, seek medical care or travel to school or work. They are the toughest of a new wave of restrictions across Europe, as governments try to contain near-record numbers of cases. Our task as the federal government is to protect the people of Austria. We are fulfilling this responsibility, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told a news conference on Sunday. The move was described as temporary, but the government did not immediately say how long it would remain in effect. About 65 percent of Austrias 8.9 million people are vaccinated, one of the lowest rates in western Europe, according to the Our World in Data Project at the University of Oxford. Over the past two weeks, average daily cases have risen by 134 percent to nearly 11,000, the highest since the pandemic began. Mr. Schallenberg said that the vaccination rate was a significant cause of the spike in infections, and added that cases among the vaccinated were decreasing. Since February, unvaccinated people account for 83 percent of symptomatic infections, according to Austrian officials. Speaking on Monday, Mr. Schallenberg said that there were no immediate plans to expand restrictions for vaccinated people. That ran counter to a suggestion by his health minister, who said that the government might consider a more generalized lockdown, such as closing bars or restaurants. Austria Coronavirus Cases All time Last 90 days 5,000 10,000 cases Mar. 2020 Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 2021 Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 7day average 13,852 Source: Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. The daily average is calculated with data that was reported in the last seven days. My aim is very clearly to get the unvaccinated to get themselves vaccinated and not to lock down the vaccinated, Mr. Schallenberg told Austrias O1 radio, according to The Associated Press. In the long term, the way out of this vicious circle we are in  and it is a vicious circle, we are stumbling from wave to lockdown, and that cant carry on ad infinitum  is only vaccination. Europe, which threw off lockdowns this summer but has seen vaccination rates level off, is back at the epicenter of the pandemic globally, Hans Kluge, the regional director for the World Health Organization, said last week. The continent accounted for 59 percent of the worlds newly reported coronavirus cases last week, and for nearly half the worlds Covid-related deaths, the organization said. Over the weekend, the three parties that are set to form the next government in Germany agreed to impose stricter rules against unvaccinated people, including mandating that they obtain a negative coronavirus test before traveling on buses or trains, as infection rates reach new records. Spains Basque region is also expected on Tuesday to announce new restrictions on gatherings in municipalities with the highest infection rates. But Austrias move stands out as among the toughest imposed in Europe or elsewhere in the world, experts said. In Britain, where cases have risen sharply since May, the Conservative lawmaker Oliver Dowden said on Sky News on Monday that the government would not follow Austrias lead, saying that we have no plans to have that kind of differentiated approach between between those who are vaccinated and those who are not. Robert West, a professor of health psychology at University College London, said that Austrias rules might encourage more people to get vaccinated, but risked eroding trust in the government. Its sort of like jumping in with the nuclear option without having considered the other options, he said, adding that it would have been better to address the causes of vaccine skepticism among parts of the Austrian public. I think this is a disaster on all fronts, he said. Isabella Kwai and Raphael Minder contributed reporting.

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Europe toughens rules for the unvaccinated as another Covid wave arrives. Image A Covid-19 rapid test centre in Duisburg, Germany, last week. New nationwide restrictions have been announced to counter a surge in infections. Credit... Friedemann Vogel/EPA, via Shutterstock ROME  As temperatures drop and coronavirus infections spike across Europe, some countries are introducing increasingly targeted restrictions against the unvaccinated who officials say are driving another wave of contagion and putting economic recoveries, public health and an eventual return to prepandemic freedoms at risk. On Monday, the Austrian government cracked down on its unvaccinated population over the age of 12, restricting their movement to traveling for work, school, buying groceries and medical care. New cases have more than doubled in Austria in the last two weeks. Across Europe countries are passing rules and measures to make life harder for the unvaccinated with the goal of motivating them to get a shot. Global coronavirus cases by region This chart shows how reported cases per capita have changed in different parts of the world. All time Last 90 days Africa

Asia-Pacific

Europe

Latin America

Middle East

U.S. and Canada 20 40 60 cases per 100,000 Feb. 2020 Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. 2021 Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Sources: Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and state and local health agencies (cases); World Bank and U.S. Census Bureau (population data). In Italy, vaccination, recent recovery from the virus, or frequent negative swabs are required to work. In Germany, the incoming government has said it will impose stricter rules against unvaccinated people, including mandating that they obtain a negative coronavirus test before traveling on buses or trains. In France, booster shots will become requisite for people 65 and older who want to secure a health pass. Taken together, the measures are a bleak sign that a virus is still a threat to Europe, which reported a 10 percent increase in deaths and a 7 percent increase in new infections in the first week of November, compared to the previous week. The World Health Organization warned recently that half a million people on the continent could die from Covid in the next few months. While the hospitalizations and deaths were mostly in Eastern Europe, the new wave threatened economic recoveries and Christmas vacations across the continent. A return to normalcy predicated on the success of vaccination campaigns seemed increasingly threatened by the unvaccinated who offered the virus room to run. This is especially the case in Eastern Europe. Romania, which has Europes second-lowest vaccination rate, recently reported the worlds highest per capita death rate from Covid-19. In Bulgaria, hospitals are inundated. Last month, the small Baltic nation of Latvia responded to its outbreak with a full lockdown. Russia and Ukraine, which each have vaccination rates below 50 percent, also introduced widespread restrictions.

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As remote work empties San Francisco, can theaters fill their seats? Image A new production of Ludwig van Beethovens Fidelio ran for two weeks in October at the opera house in San Francisco. Credit... Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera SAN FRANCISCO  As live performance finally returns after the pandemic shutdown, cultural institutions are confronting a long list of unknowns. Will audiences feel safe returning to crowded theaters? Have people grown so accustomed to watching screens in their living rooms that they will not return to live events? And how will the advent of work-from-home policies, which have emptied blocks of downtowns and business districts, affect weekday attendance at theaters and concert halls? Nowhere is that last question more urgent than here in San Francisco, where tech companies have led the way in embracing work-from-home policies and flexible schedules more than in almost any other city in the nation. As people work from home, it is going to change our demographics, said Matthew Shilvock, the general director of the San Francisco Opera. Its something that could be a threat. Arts groups are trying to gauge what the embrace of more flexible work-from-home policies will mean for their ability to draw audiences. Close to 70 percent of the audiences at the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Symphony live outside the city, according to data collected by the two organizations. There were some patches of empty seats across the Davies Symphony Hall the other night, as the San Francisco Symphony presented the United States premier of a violin concerto by Bryce Dessner. Attendance in October was down 11 percent compared to before the pandemic, though the symphony said advance sales were strong, suggesting the spring might bring normal audiences. Some nights have been a little thinner than others, said Esa-Pekka Salonen, the symphonys new music director. By and large, the energy is good. Our worst fears have been dispelled. The San Francisco Opera began its new season with a new music director, Eun Sun Kim, the first woman to hold the position. She conducted a new production of Beethovens Fidelio this fall that incorporated chain-link fences and flickering video screens to update the story of the liberation of a political prisoner. Even so, the opera, which can seat 2,928 with Covid restrictions, sold an average of only 1,912 tickets per show for Fidelio. Attendance has been spotty in other venues as the citys art scene climbs back. Just 50 percent of the seats were filled the other night for a performance of The Displaced, a gentrification horror play by Isaac Gomez, at the Crowded Fire Theater. We had sold-out houses on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and much lower participation on Wednesday and Thursday night, said Mina Morita, the artistic director. Its hard to tell if this is the new normal.

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Japans economy shrinks, but ebbing cases are cause for optimism. Image Coronavirus vaccinations being administered in a pachinko parlor last month in Osaka, Japan. The government has lifted nearly all restrictions on the economy as the Covid caseload has dropped to one of the lowest levels in the world. Credit... Carl Court/Getty Images Japans economy continued to wobble in the third quarter of 2021, tipping back into contraction, but the success of its coronavirus vaccination campaign suggests that brighter days may be ahead, at least in the near term. In the July-to-September period, the countrys economy, the third largest after the United States and China, shrank by an annualized rate of 3 percent, government data showed on Monday. The result, a quarterly drop of 0.8 percent, indicated an economy struggling to find its footing in the face of coronavirus restrictions and a supply chain crunch that hit its biggest manufacturers. The previous three-month period saw a slight expansion. But Japan now has one of the highest vaccination rates among major nations, and it has lifted virtually all restrictions on its economy as its virus caseload has fallen in recent weeks to one of the lowest levels in the world. Seventy-five percent of the country is fully vaccinated. And coronavirus case counts have hovered in the low hundreds since mid-October, a decline of about 99 percent since their August peak, heralding the return of long-suppressed consumer spending. Bolstering the positive outlook, policymakers, fresh off an election, are preparing a new round of stimulus that would provide support to ailing businesses and put cash in the hands of people nationwide. Japan Coronavirus Cases All time Last 90 days 10,000 20,000 cases Feb. 2020 Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. 2021 Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. 7day average 137 Source: Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. The daily average is calculated with data that was reported in the last seven days. The country started the July-to-September period on the back foot because of a clunky vaccine rollout that left it far behind its peer countries. The Delta variant caused cases to surge just as Tokyo prepared to kick off the Summer Olympics, which were conducted without spectators and failed to deliver the economic boost that had been promised when the country was chosen as host. As the virus spread, Japan entered a new state of emergency. Restaurants and bars closed early and travel dried up, with many people deciding to stay home rather than brave record-high case counts. Since the country ended its state of emergency last month, however, foot traffic has nearly returned to prepandemic levels, said Tomohiko Kozawa, a researcher at the Japan Research Institute. Theres a risk that infections could begin to spread again, but for the moment, the outlook points to recovery, he said, adding that we can expect high growth in domestic consumption in the coming months.

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The U.S. surgeon general says blocking vaccine rules creates a setback for public health. Image Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, says the vaccine mandate aims to create safer workplaces for workers, for customers and to increase vaccination rates overall. Credit... Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. surgeon general, said on Sunday that if courts continue to block the Biden administrations efforts to soon compel large companies to require a Covid vaccine or face weekly testing, it would be a setback for public health. A federal appeals court issued a ruling on Friday that continued to block the administrations rule, saying the federal agency that drafted the order had grossly exceeded its purview. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency within the Labor Department, issued a rule this month that companies with 100 or more employees must put a vaccine mandate in place by Jan. 4 or comply with weekly testing, as well as mandatory masking in December. The administrations attempts  which could affect 84 million private-sector workers, 31 million of whom were believed to be unvaccinated  have met with considerable resistance. A diverse group of states and business organizations immediately contested the order and the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans issued a stay. The ruling by a three-judge panel on Friday affirmed the stay, turning aside a challenge by the Justice Department. On Fox News Sunday, Dr. Murthy said that vaccine mandates are well-established and highly successful in achieving more widespread vaccination. Schools, the military and workplaces such as hospitals have long required vaccines. Many companies have leapt ahead of a federal order, he noted, and imposed one on their own employees. At the heart of the vaccine mandate strategy, he said, is the creation of safer workplaces for workers, for customers and to increase vaccination rates overall, because thats ultimately how were going to end this pandemic. But Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, one of the plaintiffs that challenged the mandate, said on the same news program that the ruling was a victory against the Biden administrations attempt at what he has called bullying of businesses. Texas employers, he has stated, should be allowed to make their own decisions about the vaccine. Chris Wallace, the host of the program, pointed out that Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has banned businesses from ordering vaccine mandates. He asked Mr. Paxton to address the seeming incongruity between his attack on the federal mandate and his support of the state ban of individual employers mandates. Mr. Paxton refused to say whether he thought that, unlike the federal government, a state had the right to tell a private business what to do. He replied: The federal government has limited authority. He continued: States have a lot of authority to deal with whats going on in their states.

Dozens of N.Y.C. sanitation workers were suspended during an inquiry into the use of fake vaccine cards. Image A New York City sanitation truck in Brooklyn last month. Several dozen sanitation workers have been suspended without pay as fraudulent vaccine cards are being investigated. Credit... Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Several dozen New York City workers have been suspended without pay as a part of an investigation into the use of fake Covid vaccine cards at the Department of Sanitation, a city official with knowledge of the investigation said. The investigation will include a thorough review of vaccination records to determine how widespread the fraud might be, said the official, who was not authorized to comment on the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The development is the latest in a protracted debate over the citys vaccine mandate for municipal workers. The mandate took effect on Nov. 1, and roughly 9,000 city workers who had not received the shot were placed on unpaid leave, with thousands more applying for exemptions on medical or religious grounds. In the past month, vaccination rates have risen across city agencies, particularly in places like the Fire and Police Departments where opposition to the mandate had taken a strong hold. The Department of Sanitation garnered particular attention for a single-day increase of nine percentage points  taking its ranks to 76 percent vaccinated from 67 percent almost overnight, according to City Hall. Very encouraging progress, Mitch Schwartz, a spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, tweeted on Oct. 29. The possibility that some of those vaccinations might have been fraudulent has shaken the department. A vast majority of the roughly 10,000 sanitation workers  over 87 percent  have received at least one shot, according to a city spokesman. These are very concerning allegations, and we take them very seriously, Vincent Gragnani, press secretary for the sanitation department, said on Sunday. Getting vaccinated is important to public health, and we do not tolerate anyone faking something that is a requirement of city employment. He confirmed that the department was actively investigating this situation, in coordination with the citys Department of Investigation. The investigation department said that it was aware of allegations involving the issuance of bogus vaccination cards and declined further comment. The allegations were first reported in The New York Post on Saturday. It remains to be seen if criminal charges will be pursued. New Yorkers have been criminally charged for creating or using fake vaccine cards. Harry Nespoli, president of the Teamsters Local 831 union representing sanitation workers, said that the investigation was still in its early stages, and he was not yet sure how many workers might be involved. It could be 50, it could be 15, he said. Everything has to be proven. Mr. Nespoli has been a critic of the mandate, arguing instead for a testing option. He said that while the union disavowed any falsification of records, it would defend its members.

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WASHINGTON  A coalition of conservative religious groups is waging an intensive lobbying effort to remove a nondiscrimination provision from President Bidens ambitious prekindergarten and child care plans, fearing it would disqualify their programs from receiving a huge new infusion of federal money.

The fight could have major consequences for a central component of Mr. Bidens $1.85 trillion social policy bill, which the House is to consider as soon as this week. It could go a long way toward determining which programs, neighborhoods and families can benefit from the landmark early-childhood benefits established in the legislation, given that child care centers and preschools affiliated with religious organizations make up a substantial share of those offered in the United States  serving as many as 53 percent of families, according to a survey last year by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

The provision at issue is a standard one in many federal laws, which would mandate that all providers comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes. Religious organizations, whose child care programs are currently exempt from some such laws, argue that it would effectively block many of their providers from participating, while civil rights advocates contend it is long past time for such institutions to comply.

Some of the faith groups are pressing lawmakers to scrap or modify the nondiscrimination language, asserting that it would essentially shut them out of the new federal program unless they made major changes to the way they operate. For instance, it could bar federal funds from going to programs that refused to hire a gay employee, gave preference to applicants of their faith or failed to renovate their facilities to accommodate disabled students.
Mr. Trumps critics filed lawsuits against him, arguing that business that the hotel received from foreign governments violated the so-called emoluments clause of the Constitution, which prohibits federal officials from taking gifts or payments from other governments.

Mr. Trumps company said that it voluntarily did not solicit business from foreign embassies, given the potential accusations of influence peddling. Mr. Trump also donated profits received from visits by foreign government officials, including those from Saudi Arabia, to the Treasury Department.

The controversies put a crimp in the hotels profits, people with knowledge of its finances have said, which worsened as the coronavirus pandemic dragged on, limiting travel and gatherings. Even as the hospitality industry has recovered, Mr. Trumps departure from Washington sucked some of the energy out of the property.

But during Mr. Trumps presidency, the hotel served as a magnet for his allies and top administration officials, who were often seen at the lobby bar, as well as Christian conservative groups and Republican congressional candidates who wanted his support.

The political operations run by Mr. Trump and his family, as well as the Republican National Committee, also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at the hotel, as it became a frequent spot for fund-raising events. In total, more than $3 million in payments from political committees came in since early 2020 to the Washington hotel, Federal Election Commission records show.

The hotel, according to audits turned over to House investigators, still lost about $5 million to $10 million a year before depreciation losses were accounted for, meaning a total loss of about $74 million from 2016 to 2020, the audits showed.

But if the reported price for the purchase of the lease is completed as planned, it appears that the Trumps will gain a considerable profit on the sale, as the payment is higher than the capital investment the family made when renovating and opening the hotel. The sale of the lease allows the Trumps to pay off a loan they obtained for the property.
SAN FRANCISCO  As live performance finally returns after the pandemic shutdown, cultural institutions are confronting a long list of unknowns.

Will audiences feel safe returning to crowded theaters? Have people grown so accustomed to watching screens in their living rooms that they will not get back into the habit of attending live events? And how will the advent of work-from-home policies, which have emptied blocks of downtowns and business districts, affect weekday attendance at theaters and concert halls?

Nowhere is that last question more urgent than here in San Francisco, where tech companies have led the way in embracing work-from-home policies and flexible schedules more than in almost any other city in the nation. Going to a weeknight show is no longer a matter of leaving the office and swinging by the War Memorial Opera House or the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall.

As people work from home, it is going to change our demographics, said Matthew Shilvock, the general director of the San Francisco Opera. Its something that could be a threat. Were all trying to wait and see whether theres a surge of interest in live activity again or is there a continuation of just being at home, not coming into the city from the suburbs.
Sesame Street is welcoming its first Asian American Muppet to the neighborhood. Ji-Young, a Korean American 7-year-old who loves playing her electric guitar and skateboarding, will make her debut next week.

Ji-Young wont just be sharing her love for rock music and tteokbokki, or Korean rice cakes, on the show. She will also play a role in countering anti-Asian bias and harassment at a time of heightened awareness around the issue.

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that produces Sesame Street, said it created Ji-Young to support families of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage as part of its racial justice initiative, Coming Together. Sesame Workshop introduced the initiative in the summer of 2020, after the murder of George Floyd and as racism and violence targeting Asians and Asian Americans surged during the pandemic.

Sesame Street has been on air for more than 50 years, but Ji-Young is its first Asian American Muppet.
CHOUETTE

By Claire Oshetsky

Visitors to this years wildly popular Alice Neel retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art were treated to portraits depicting pregnancy at its most candid. These renderings resulted from Neels grappling with the dual responsibilities of mother and artist, a dilemma she referred to as that awful dichotomy. Directly born from this dichotomy is Claire Oshetskys searing and ethereal debut novel, Chouette.

Tiny, a professional cellist living in Sacramento, has stepped out on her dull husband to have an affair with a beloved friend from her youth, a female owl, and is now pregnant with a baby who is half human, half owl. She wrestles with the effect this baby will have on her music career, not to mention her reputation within her husbands equally dull family. The novel is named for the owl-daughter who arrives and proceeds to overturn every system in Tinys life.

The fables metaphors leap organically from the page, contouring the dichotomy as capably as do Neels oils: a newborns vulnerability and destructive power; the mothers isolation; her tender, feral nature. A spate of recent fiction about motherhood (Claire Vaye Watkinss I Love You but Ive Chosen Darkness, Torrey Peterss Detransition, Baby) has helped broaden a canon that has been historically inaccessible to writers who, whether by raising children or working long hours or caring for elders, spend their days in service of others. Sometimes these books simply reiterate the sentiment that parenting  even when rich and white  is difficult, but at their keenest, they offer complex reimaginings of societal roles.
And for donors looking to outsource overhead while still giving responsibly, consultants fill the gap between Jack Dorseys spreadsheet of gifts and a full-blown foundation with offices on Fifth Avenue.

Bridgespan occupies a unique perch in the landscape of professional-services organizations serving foundations and high-net-worth families, said Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation. Mr. Walker, who has worked with Bridgespan since he was with the Abyssinian Development Corporation two decades ago, said no firm had been more influential in the past 20 years.

When a group of billionaires and scholars gathered last year to brainstorm reforms for the charitable sector, they met at Bridgespans offices in New York. When the Open Society Foundations, by most measures the second-biggest foundation in the United States after Gates, recently began a significant restructuring, it brought in Bridgespan. And, of course, there is Ms. Scott, who shook up the world of philanthropy with donations of more than $8 billion in 11 months.

Image The philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made donations totaling more than $8 billion. Credit... Evan Agostini/Invision, via Associated Press

But some philanthropy experts say relying on consultants can skew which groups get the most funding. Consultants at places like Bridgespan are setting the menu of what philanthropists can and should do, said Megan Tompkins-Stange, an assistant professor of public policy and scholar of philanthropy at the University of Michigan. The organizations that are stamped with the managerial brand are more likely to get funding.

Bridgespan was started in 2000 by three men with ties to the for-profit management consultant Bain & Company, including Bains then-worldwide managing partner Thomas Tierney. The founders received $1.3 million from the consulting firm and $5.5 million from a group of foundations to see if a dedicated nonprofit could do a better job than for-profit consultants dabbling in pro bono work.

Bridgespan got its start during an era of venture philanthropy and philanthrocapitalism. In essence, the billionaires knew best and they were going to bring their vaunted analytic practices to the world of nonprofits. A whole crop of groups came up at around the same time, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Center for Effective Philanthropy and the consultants FSG among them. (All received funding from Ms. Scott in her last round of giving.)
Such shortcomings were highlighted in a letter that Mr. Loeb, the chief executive of Third Point, a New York-based fund management firm, wrote to investors in October. Mr. Loeb said Shell lagged rivals like Exxon Mobil and Chevron in share price performance despite having a higher-quality and more sustainable business mix and called for a breakup of the firm into renewable energy and legacy oil units.

Third Point has taken a stake in Shell worth about $750 million, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Shell appears to be trying to address such concerns. In a news release on Monday, Shell said a single share structure would be simpler for investors to understand and value. And in a letter to shareholders, Shells board said the new legal structure would make it easier to sell assets and even to break up the company, although it said such a move was not under active consideration.

The new setup would remove a limitation that Shell has faced when it offers share buybacks.

Under arrangements dating to 2005, Shell has class A shares, which are subject to a Dutch withholding tax on dividends, and B shares, which are not. Dividends to the two classes of shareholders are paid from profits generated by separate business groups. In practical terms, this situation means that the company can buy back only class B shares, limiting the size of the pool, while management must be careful not to sell assets that might constrain funding for the B share dividends.

The company said the new arrangement would allow it to accelerate share buybacks by creating a larger pool of shares available for them.

Many analysts welcomed the proposals, although the move could result in the companys owing taxes of up to $400 million to the Netherlands, Shell estimates.

It removes a disadvantage Shell has faced versus rival companies, Oswald Clint, an analyst at Bernstein, a market research firm, wrote in a note to clients on Monday. Shells share price rose 2.5 percent in trading on Monday.
Trials in Australia and elsewhere have experimented with lower levels of hydrogen in the fuel blend, and the Netherlands allows blends of up to 12 percent, but the gas network operators organizing the 670-home Winlaton trial say this is the first time a 20 percent hydrogen blend has been put into an existing gas grid with normal gas appliances.

The firms argue that it is an important step toward reducing Britains greenhouse gas emissions, and they hope it will encourage the eventual use of 100 percent hydrogen in the home heaters that the government says account for about 14 percent of the nations greenhouse gas emissions.

With the government concentrating on supporting the use of hydrogen for industrial customers rather than home heating, the gas companies are desperate for their huge pipe networks to retain a central role in the nations heating, and part of their strategy is to convince the public that switching to hydrogen would be clean, easy, cheap and safe.

A few people were dubious at first about Is my boiler going to blow up? but it has all gone well and they are quite chuffed with it now, said Ms. Thompson, who lives on site and manages the 55-unit complex for people over 65.The older ones think that cleaning up the environment is great for their grandkids, and it really strikes a chord here because of our history, she said. We might be just a little village but we have got a big coal heritage.
For the fledgling cook, Thanksgiving dinner can seem like the most intimidating meal to make. Its not often that a civilian is asked to knock out a long succession of dishes, including a giant bird, for a crowd with fixed ideas of how it should all be done.

But it doesnt have to be like that. I set out to devise a scaled-down menu for beginners  or anyone who wants to achieve the same flavor touchstones without doing more work than necessary.

Most of the dishes can be prepared with little more than a sheet pan and a large skillet. Everything cooks at one temperature  350 degrees  so youre not performing mental or physical gymnastics with the oven.

The shopping is easy because these recipes call for a limited number of essential ingredients, many of which are shared across the menu. Forget the fresh herbs  theyre just one more thing youd have to wash. Instead, rely on a single dried herb (oregano, thyme or sage are all fair game) to act as a flavor motif throughout the meal.
Mr. Lieber said only that transit officials were taking fare hikes off the table for at least six months and maybe well beyond that. When asked in a radio interview when the next fare increase might come, he said it was not the moment to speculate.

But Mr. Lieber acknowledged that the agency was still facing a looming deficit it would need to address.

Before the pandemic, fares accounted for about 38 percent of the agencys total revenue. But transit ridership  and with it, fare collections  plummeted when the virus upended life in New York City.

Since then, subway and bus ridership has slowly recovered, but it remains about 40 percent below prepandemic levels, raising fears that the M.T.A. will soon face a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall.

The agency is expected to present its latest financial plan, with more details on its 2022 budget, at its board meeting on Wednesday.

But Mr. Lieber said that officials expected that the infrastructure bill would reduce the agencys need to borrow money, easing pressure on its operating budget in the next year. Still, he warned that large shortfalls were expected in the future.

Were going to be counting on the Legislature and other stakeholders to figure out a way to put Humpty Dumpty back together again, to help us balance the budget without a lot of service cuts and fare hikes, Mr. Lieber said. We need that help. But it doesnt have to all be solved in the next year.
We need to make sure that families get the financial access that they need to be able to shop and have access to food, he said, so people dont wind up trading off rent for food.

The Foundation for University Hospital in Newark received more than $1 million through the program. It provides the hospitals patients and their caregivers with meal tickets to use to get free meals from nearby restaurants.

Jess Backofen, executive director of the foundation, said it was not unusual for people to come into the emergency room and then be referred to the hospitals social work team, because doctors determined they might not have a medical issue but were seeking shelter or food.

They want to almost get admitted so that they can get fed, she said. Now were able to give them a meal, and really avoid backing up the emergency department for someone who doesnt need medical attention.

A wide range of factors contribute to the high number of food insecure people in the state, and experts said common perceptions about who was actually struggling with reliable access to food were misleading.

Its so much deeper than just being homeless, said Niki Graham, the manager of community engagement at Rescue Mission of Trenton, an organization that helps people get back on their feet by providing shelter and through programs like vocational development and addiction treatment counseling.
In New York City, new cases have increased recently, according to a New York Times database: The average of daily cases stood at 1,074 as of Sunday, which is 32 percent higher than it was two weeks ago. Average hospitalizations have fallen 17 percent over the same time period.

The citys encouragement comes after California, Colorado and New Mexico have broadened access to boosters.

On Monday afternoon, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York echoed city leaders pleas. I am strongly encouraging all New Yorkers who live or work in a high-risk setting to get the booster, she said in a statement. I received the booster, and believe no one who feels they are at risk should be turned away from getting a Covid-19 booster shot.

In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said on Monday that he had directed the state health department to issue new guidelines on boosters to allow all adults to get one, provided they meet the timing rules.

In an statement, a spokeswoman for the department said it had updated its recommendations and would be advising health care providers that they can administer the boosters to adults.

What were finding is that we want more people to get their booster shot and that this is somewhat confusing and limiting as to the eligibility of those that ought to be getting their booster shot and so in consultation with the Department of Health, this, were changing that, Mr. Hutchinson said.

If federal regulators sign off on Pfizer and BioNTechs request, it would make official what health authorities say they already see happening frequently  that many people appear to be getting boosters whether or not they are technically eligible. In mid-August, President Biden announced plans to make boosters available to all adults, but the beginning of the campaign was delayed after regulators insisted they needed more time to review data.
But it is not clear how many New Yorkers have appropriate shelter, nor how many know what to do if a tornado strikes. A series of national surveys, done yearly from 2017 to 2021, asked 516 New York City residents how much time they believed they would have to reach safety after a tornado warning was issued. About 75 percent of them said they would have more than one hour. In reality, its about 15 minutes.

You can imagine how dangerous that would be if people are thinking: Well, the tornado warning came. I better hop in a cab and get home, said Dr. Joseph Ripberger, associate director of the National Institute for Risk and Resilience and an author of a study on the surveys. (Experts say cars are particularly dangerous during tornadoes.)

Some experts said that while the city had more urgent, climate-change-driven problems to address  namely hurricanes and flooding  more tornado education was needed.

I work in disaster response, and I wouldnt know what to do if there was a tornado, said Amy Chester, managing director of Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit that works on infrastructure.

New York is utterly unprepared for tornadoes, and we saw what happened when we were unprepared for the flash floods, Ms. Chester said.

Heather Roiter, assistant commissioner of New York Citys office of emergency management, said the city was always trying to get the message out about how to be prepared for emergencies, including tornadoes.

She said the city was trying to focus at the community level, noting an event her office hosted in July in partnership with Oklahoma Citys emergency management agency.
The Penguin complaint focuses on the potential harm to the authors who get the largest payments from publishers, people like Mr. King and the Obamas. Its not a particularly sympathetic group of possible victims, but the choice is strategic. Antitrust minimalism is deeply ingrained in the federal judiciary. The Biden administration is trying to shift 40 years of legal thinking. It makes sense to start with a narrow case where the facts are relatively clear.

The idea that antitrust enforcement should be restricted to consumer welfare was introduced in the 1970s by conservative economists and lawyers who believed the economy did not require government supervision. They believed the self-interested behavior of corporations was generally in the public interest, too, and that market forces would check misbehavior.

In an influential 1978 book, The Antitrust Paradox, the conservative jurist Robert Bork argued that the governments conduct of antitrust enforcement was arbitrary and economically damaging. He couldnt erase the existence of antitrust laws, so instead he articulated a new, minimalist consumer welfare standard: Absent clear evidence of harm to consumers, he said, the government should not intervene. (In keeping with the norms of conservative discourse, Mr. Bork also insisted that his new standard wasnt actually new.)

Mr. Biden has presented his approach to antitrust as a break with Mr. Bork. Forty years ago, we chose the wrong path, in my view, following the misguided philosophy of people like Robert Bork, and pulled back on enforcing laws to promote competition, Mr. Biden said this year in signing an executive order detailing areas in which the government would seek to increase competition. He said he wanted to restore what he described as the antitrust tradition of the two Roosevelts  Franklin and Theodore.

But according to the historian Alan Brinkley, a decisive moment in the decline of antitrust came several decades before Mr. Bork, when Franklin Roosevelts administration shifted from a focus on restructuring the economy to a focus on redressing inequity. The New Dealers arrived at a truce with their opponents. The government would not try to redistribute economic power and limit inequality so much as it would create a compensatory welfare system (what later generations would call a safety net) for those whom capitalism had failed, Mr. Brinkley wrote. It would not reshape capitalist institutions. It would reshape the economic and social environment in which those institutions worked.

Another way of putting the same point is that ever since Franklin Roosevelt, liberals have focused on improving the lives of Americans as consumers while substantially ignoring their welfare as producers. Mr. Borks circumscription of antitrust is a logical, if extreme, expression of that worldview. One might say that he spelled out the consequences of Mr. Roosevelts choice.

In acting to protect producers, the Biden administration is not just breaking with Mr. Bork. Its breaking with Mr. Roosevelt, too. Its a break thats long overdue.
To the Editor:

Re Menace Grows Commonplace Among G.O.P. (front page, Nov. 13):

It is appalling what our country has become. There have always been dissension and clashes between the two political parties, but there has rarely been anything as utterly ugly as what is going on today.

That a young man at a rally can ask when can we start killing Democrats and get a round of applause is a travesty. Threats of violence have become the norm in the Republican Party, fueled by the unscrupulous twice-impeached promoter of the Big Lie.

Representative Paul Gosar should be ousted for the video in which he portrays slaying Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene should be ousted as well for promoting vile conspiracy theories and listing as traitors the 13 Republicans who voted to pass the infrastructure bill.

Because of her they are getting death threats. Their biggest crime was daring to vote for a bill that would benefit all Americans, instead of toeing the party line. The Republicans who stand by and do nothing and say nothing are equally guilty in their silence.
When Carol Baltosiewich was a Catholic nun, she spent 10 years caring for young men dying from AIDS. Even so, the first time I spoke to her, in 2016, I was terrified to tell her Im gay.

As a reporter who covers the church, I had started interviewing Catholics who worked and fought during the height of the H.I.V. crisis in the United States, roughly 1982 to 1996. People like Ms. Baltosiewich persisted amid frequent hostility from church leaders toward gay people and the broader stigmas of the time. A poll in 1987 found that 43 percent of Americans agreed with the statement, AIDS might be Gods punishment for immoral sexual behavior.

A Catholic myself, Id long internalized that being honest about my sexual orientation could be dangerous. L.G.B.T. people have been fired from their jobs at Catholic organizations. Some groups supporting L.G.B.T. Catholics have been barred from parishes. So even someone like Ms. Baltosiewich, who has loved and served countless gay men, could feel risky.

But my conversations with Ms. Baltosiewich and others like her  the fellowship, gratitude and moments of revelation we exchanged  had a profound effect on my own faith. So much so that recently, I wrote a letter to Pope Francis to share the book I wrote based on those conversations, and even to tell him a little about myself as a gay Catholic. To my surprise, he wrote back. His words offer me encouragement that dialogue is possible between L.G.B.T. Catholics and church leaders, even at the highest levels.
In the interview, Roe also said:

If youre an Asian American family going to Thomas Jefferson School and they lower the standards to let more kids who arent in accelerated math into the best school in the country, thats pretty important to you. Advanced math is a big dang thing. But it also is to the Republicans: Why would you not help and want your children to succeed and achieve?

This is the type of direct messaging that should work for a lot of Asian American voters. Forget about making some unified, antiracist edict that you hope will capture the entirety of a population made up of people who may not think of themselves as a people at all. Instead, focus on the things a specific population of Asian voters actually do care about and try to sound empathetic when you talk about them, even when you disagree. Its not that complicated.

So, whats the future of the Asian American vote?

Prior to the 90s, Asian Americans were generally thought of as a reliable Republican voting bloc who supported Ronald Reagan-style economic policies. There was a lot of truth to this, but it also was belied by the fact that political participation was low in many Asian American communities. A more accurate statement would be: Asian Americans used to vote Republican, but a majority did not vote at all. Bill Clintons second presidential campaign was seen as the start of a shift toward the left, one that became more pronounced during the 2008 election, when Barack Obama captured an estimated 62 percent of the Asian American vote.

There are a lot of theories about why this happened, but most people agree that it has been because of some mix of outreach and a generational shift from immigrant parents, whose politics are shaped by their homelands, to their children, who are acculturated in the United States.

I want to focus here on the generational question because it stands to reason that if young Asian American voters are reliably liberal, then the Democrats will keep or possibly even expand their gains over the past 30 years. The idea is that bumps in the road like this years New York City mayoral election should be contextualized within a long-term trend toward the Democratic Party.

It still feels too early to tell what might happen 20 or even 10 years down the line with Asian American voters. A study released this summer by Tufts University found a surge of political participation among Asian American youth, many of whom did cite racism as one of their top priorities. But they still did not vote at the same rate (47 percent) as white youth (61 percent) and still cite a lack of outreach by political campaigns, which means that a lot of votes are still up for grabs.

More important, generational divides are not static or fixed in time. The children of immigrants who came to the United States in the 70s and 80s may very well now be voting Democratic, but nearly 60 percent of people of Asian descent in America are foreign-born. The politics of recent immigrants, especially those who live in enclaves like the ones who turned out for Sliwa, are still in flux, and theres no guarantee that their children will follow the same pattern as earlier, second-generation Asian Americans.

This means that Democrats shouldnt simply sit back and wait for the first generation to die out. There are new first generations arriving every day.
While this may be technically correct, it misses the bigger geopolitical picture. The incremental development of U.S. missile defenses cannot explain the relatively abrupt Chinese buildup. Rather, President Xi Jinpings March order to further accelerate the construction of advanced strategic deterrent systems most likely reflects his deepening concern that Chinas inferior nuclear capability could embolden U.S. hostility and undermine Beijings rise at a critical moment in great power competition.

Chinese officials have expressed the belief that the United States has become more desperate in seeking to forcibly disrupt China from surpassing the United States economically (in the near term) and militarily (down the line). They see growing U.S. pressure on China over human rights, the rule of law, Hong Kong and Taiwan as evidence that Washington is willing to take greater risks to stop Chinas rise by delegitimizing the government, destabilizing the country and blocking national unification.

I did a brief stint as a local civil servant in Beijing working on matters of foreign affairs more than a decade ago and have spent the past seven years as an independent nuclear policy expert. Its clear to me that Beijings nuclear buildup is ultimately an attempt to force Washington to drop the perceived strategic assault and accept a mutual vulnerability relationship  in which neither country would have the capability or will to threaten nuclear war without risking its own destruction.

The United States has been reluctant to address Chinas desire for such a relationship, which has contributed to anxiety in Beijing about U.S. pursuit of absolute security. To prevent their nuclear competition from escalating, it is time for the United States to acknowledge the de facto existence of mutual nuclear vulnerability with China.

This might sound like a bold move, but we must remember that there is precedent for this. And the grim alternative demands the effort.
After the surprise announcement last week that the Bottega Veneta creative director Daniel Lee was leaving the Italian luxury house, a successor has been named: Matthieu Blazy, who may not be widely known outside of fashion (much like Mr. Lee when he took on the job in 2018) but is well regarded within the industry.

Mr. Blazy, whose resume suggests a cool, craftsmanship-oriented aesthetic, has worked with Mr. Lee as the design director for ready-to-wear collections at Bottega Veneta since 2020. His promotion is effective immediately, and his first collection will be presented in February.

Before he arrived at Bottega, Mr. Blazy, 37, spent three years at Calvin Klein designing mens and womens collections under Raf Simons, then its chief creative officer, who called Mr. Blazy a genius with people and ready to lead.

Hes a great creative spirit, Mr. Simons said. He comes with lots of ideas and willingness to experiment, and that is a source of great motivation for his team.
Finally, this past May, my Bulgarian husband and I took the train to Ablanitsa. The village is home to a few hundred people who live along dirt roads on a steep hill. From the top of the village, you can breathe the crisp mountain air and see clear across the valley to the nearby peaks of the Rhodope Mountains. There was once a rug-making factory here, along with a school and a medical clinic, but all those are gone now. There are no shops or restaurants. The only public building is a small mosque that was locked when I walked past.

Sabie welcomed me with a warm embrace. Her grown son, Musa, brought chairs into the yard, and her daughter-in-law followed, carrying glasses of homemade ayran and a massive jar of blueberry juice. (The Pomaks are known for making products from the wild blueberries they collect.) Musa showed us the barn that houses two cows, a calf and a horse. He also showed us the rest of the little homestead, where the family raises rabbits and chickens.

Although modest and a bit shy, Sabie eventually agreed to let me photograph her daily routine. In following her, I got a better understanding of just how important the train is to local residents.
An 18-year-old college student was charged with arson on Monday in an attack on a synagogue in Austin, Texas, on Halloween night that caused extensive damage to the building, the authorities said.

Stickers with Nazi propaganda and swastikas on them were recovered from the student, Franklin Barrett Sechriest, according to an F.B.I. special agent, who said in a criminal complaint that Mr. Sechriest wrote about the arson in a journal that included racial slurs.

The target of the attack, Congregation Beth Israel, a reform synagogue serving about 710 households, estimated that the damage exceeded $150,000.

I set a synagogue on fire, Mr. Sechriest, a student at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, wrote in the journal, according to the complaint, which included photos of the entries.
As you probably remember, the winter coronavirus surge in California last year was nothing short of catastrophic.

Emergency rooms were so full that ambulances often had nowhere to drop off patients desperate for treatment. Hospitals needed refrigerated trucks to manage the overflow of bodies in their morgues. In less than three months, Californias death toll from Covid-19 more than doubled.

So, with our second pandemic winter nearly upon us, will disaster strike again?

Coronavirus cases in California have been ticking up since late October. The state is preparing for the possibility of a winter surge  what Gov. Gavin Newsom last week called his biggest anxiety.

But unlike last year, 76 percent of Californians have gotten at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. That means that while the holiday season may again lead to more transmission of the virus, the consequences will be less ruinous, experts say.
WASHINGTON  A state court in Connecticut granted a sweeping victory to the families of eight people killed in a 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., who had sued the far-right broadcaster and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his Infowars media outlet for defamation.

The judge ruled on Monday that because Mr. Jones had refused to turn over documents ordered by the courts, including financial records, he was liable by default. The decision, combined with previous rulings in Texas in late September, means Mr. Jones has lost all the defamation lawsuits filed against him by the families of 10 victims.

Lawyers for Mr. Jones said he would appeal.

Mr. Jones for years spread bogus theories that the shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators was part of a government-led plot to confiscate Americans firearms and that the victims families were actors in the scheme. People who believed those false claims accosted the families on the street and at events honoring their slain loved ones, abused them online, contacted them at their homes and threatened their lives.

The parents of Noah Pozner, the youngest Sandy Hook victim, whose parents were the first to sue Mr. Jones, have moved nearly 10 times since the shooting, and live in hiding.
WASHINGTON  Stephen K. Bannon, who served as a senior aide to President Donald J. Trump, surrendered to authorities and appeared in federal court on Monday, three days after he was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of contempt of Congress for refusing to provide information to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Mr. Bannons formal booking and first court appearance in the case  and his promise to fight back aggressively against what he characterized as a political prosecution  marked an escalation in the clash between Mr. Trumps allies and the committee, which has issued scores of subpoenas seeking testimony and documents that could help it assemble a definitive account of the attack and what led to it.

The charges against Mr. Bannon served as a warning to those who choose to defy the committees requests for information. But Mr. Bannon also showed that he intends to use the attention on the criminal case to push his own views to a broad audience.

Before entering the F.B.I.s Washington field office, where he surrendered at around 9:30 a.m., and after leaving court later that afternoon, Mr. Bannon made statements that falsely implied that Mr. Trump had won the 2020 election. He told his supporters to remain focused on taking on the illegitimate Biden regime.
This is Rwanda-esque, added Patricia Haslach, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia from 2013 to 2016. Ms. Haslach stopped short of saying that genocide might be occurring in the country, but other experts have called that a realistic possibility in a conflict increasingly defined by ethnic identity. The Clinton administrations failure to intervene and potentially prevent the massacre of as many as 800,000 ethnic Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994 has haunted former U.S. officials for decades.

Ms. Haslach said her immediate concern was the prospect of mass starvation in Tigray, where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds government has been choking off food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies to millions of people.

Some critics say the Biden administration has been inattentive to Africa, a common complaint about U.S. foreign policy but one that has gained more currency as China, Americas top strategic competitor, plants deeper political and economic roots on the continent and anti-American jihadist groups continue to thrive there. Mr. Blinken had planned to visit Africa in late summer, but postponed the trip after the sudden Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August.

The Biden administration has not articulated its vision for the continent, something Mr. Blinken was to address during a stop in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, where he planned to deliver a speech on the United States Africa policy. He plans to conclude his trip with a visit to the Senegalese capital of Dakar.

American officials are concerned by democratic backsliding across Africa, which has seen a wave of military coups in recent months  notably including in Sudan, where a coup last month squashed a democratic transition that followed the 2019 ouster of the countrys longtime autocratic ruler, Omar Hassan al-Bashir. Experts say the four successful military coups in Africa this year  also in Guinea, Chad and Mali  are the highest number in more than 40 years.
The prosecution supported the request.

The government agrees that a fresh look would be appropriate in light of a significant intervening factual change that affects a central predicate of the court of appeals Eighth Amendment analysis, wrote Elizabeth B. Prelogar, who has since been confirmed as the U.S. solicitor general.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Eighth Amendment, which bars cruel and unusual punishment, forbids the execution of people who are intellectually disabled. The appeals court had ruled that Mr. Coonce did not qualify under the criteria set out in a 2002 Supreme Court decision, Atkins v. Virginia, which drew on clinical definitions of intellectual disability.

The Atkins decision defined intellectual disability to have three components: low IQ scores; a lack of fundamental social and practical skills; and the presence of both before the age of 18.

There was substantial evidence that Mr. Coonce satisfied the first two prongs of the test. But his intellectual deficits were apparently the result of a traumatic brain injury when he was 20.

Before the appeals court, Mr. Coonces lawyer had argued that the professional consensus on that third prong was evolving. A leading professional organization, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, they wrote, was considering changing its definition.

That was not enough, a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled. The court said it would not consider predictions that medical experts will agree with Coonces view in the future, adding that such evidence is not sufficient for us to divine any current Eighth Amendment limitation.

Understand the Supreme Courts Momentous Term Card 1 of 5 The Texas abortion law. After the court let Texas effectively outlaw most abortions in a 5-4 decision, the justices heard arguments that could allow it to reverse course. The case puts Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the spotlight as the most likely member to switch sides. The Mississippi abortion case. The court is poised to use a challenge to a Mississippi law that bars most abortions after 15 weeks to undermine and perhaps overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a constitutional right to abortion. A major decision on guns. The justices will consider the constitutionality of a longstanding New York law that imposes strict limits on carrying guns in public. The court has not issued a major Second Amendment ruling in more than a decade. A test for Chief Justice Roberts. The highly charged docket will test the leadership of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who lost his position at the courts ideological center with the arrival last fall of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. A drop in public support. Chief Justice Roberts now leads a court increasingly associated with partisanship. Recent polls show the court is suffering a distinct drop in public support following a spate of unusual late-night summer rulings in politically charged cases.









After Mr. Coonce asked the Supreme Court to hear his case, the association revised its criteria, saying the relevant developmental period extended to the age of 22.
Sometimes a preoperative test of questionable value results in unanticipated complications, as happened to a man in his 50s scheduled for repair of a very painful hernia. Two Colorado doctors reported in 2014 that the mans lab tests and physical exam were normal. But a chest X-ray, ordered because he had a history of mild asthma, suggested he had a nodule on a lung.

Doctors delayed the surgery until he got a CT scan, which did not confirm a lung nodule but did find one on an adrenal gland. Again, doctors postponed surgery to allow for further work-up of the adrenal nodule, which was ultimately found to be benign. The man finally had his hernia repaired after six additional months of debilitating pain and repeated anxiety over incidental test findings suggesting he could have cancer.

However, doctors are making some headway. In 2019 in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. John N. Mafi, an internist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and his colleagues described an effort to reduce low-value preoperative care for patients about to have cataract surgery. New guidelines were issued, and a specially trained quality improvement nurse advised the surgeons about the new recommended protocol. The result, as assessed in a controlled clinical trial of 1,054 patients, was a dramatic decline in preoperative testing, a significant projected cost saving after the first year and no measurable adverse effects on the patients surgery, he said.

Cardiac stress tests show over-testing persists.

Perhaps most problematic among common preoperative procedures is a cardiac stress test, which assesses blood flow to the heart while patients exercise. Dr. Alana E. Sigmund, an internal medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York who has studied physicians responses to preoperative guidelines, said in an interview, Cardiac stress testing is over-ordered. If theres no indication of a heart problem, like shortness of breath, theres no reason to do this test prior to surgery.

The latest guidelines, which the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association issued in 2014, advise that a cardiac stress test before surgery is generally not recommended for patients lacking symptoms suggestive of heart disease. The guidelines leave the decision to test up to the doctor, and you might think its better to rule out a possible heart problem before surgery. But existing evidence shows no health or lifesaving benefit from a preoperative stress test when the patient lacks cardiac symptoms or has fewer than two major risk factors for having a heart attack, like high blood pressure and smoking, especially when the prospective surgery itself is low-risk.
Demonstrators largely stayed off the streets of Cuba on Monday during what had been a highly anticipated nationwide march, with the police, state security agents and even civilians fanning across the country to prevent dissidents from leaving their houses.

The show of force demonstrated the vast security apparatus at the governments disposal in quashing dissent. It also underscored the challenges the opposition faces in Cuba, where fear of a crackdown often overpowers activism.

For months ahead of the planned demonstration, government critics had sought to reignite the popular discontent that erupted into protests over the summer. But uniformed police officers, plainclothes state security agents and government supporters holding picket signs surrounded the homes of dissidents, human rights activists said.

My house has been under siege for three days, Manuel Guerra, a doctor in Holguin, in eastern Cuba, said in a text message. Cuba is in mourning.
Rodrigo Duterte, the president of the Philippines, will run for Senate in next years elections, the secretary-general of Mr. Dutertes political party said on Monday. The announcement was a reversal of Mr. Dutertes previously stated plan to retire and came just days after Sara Duterte, his daughter, filed her papers to run for vice president.

Mr. Duterte entered the race just before the final filing deadline. On Saturday, his press secretary said Mr. Duterte intended to run for vice president, against Ms. Duterte.

That political intrigue was another twist in the start of a competitive and unpredictable election, which will take place in May. More than 90 candidates have entered the race for president, including Manny Pacquiao, the former champion boxer, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, a top aide to Mr. Duterte.

Ms. Duterte had been widely considered a presidential front-runner before Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator, said on Saturday that she would back him as president and run on his ticket as vice president.
NEW DELHI  Two journalists in India were arrested after they went to cover religiously motivated violence in a northeastern state, the latest in a series of efforts to punish the media for news that casts the ruling Hindu nationalist party in a critical light.

The journalists, colleagues at a digital news network, were on assignment in the state of Tripura to report on right-wing protests and mosque vandalism that took place there this month in reaction to a deadly, days-long attack on Hindu gatherings and temples in neighboring Bangladesh.

The government has disputed news media accounts of the violence. On Saturday, Indias home ministry said reports that mosques had been vandalized in Tripura were fake and a complete misrepresentation of facts. The Tripura police described video posted by one of the journalists on social media as contrary to the findings so far revealed by the police investigation.

The two journalists, Samriddhi K. Sakunia and Swarna Jha, visited some of the mosques in Tripura that had been attacked, posting footage on social media of a fire-damaged mosque and a mans account of a copy of the Quran, Islams holy book, being burned.
Mr. Fenster is the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar magazine. The prosecution based its case on his prior employment with the online news outlet Myanmar Now, which the regime has banned. Mr. Fenster left Myanmar Now in July 2020, more than six months before the coup, but the court found him guilty anyway.

His family said it was overjoyed that he was on his way home.

We cannot wait to hold him in our arms, the Fenster family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken praised administration officials and Mr. Richardson, a former congressman and governor of New Mexico, for having secured Mr. Fensters release.

We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma, Mr. Blinken said, using the countrys former name.

In a brief interview with The New York Times, a spokesman for the regime, Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun, said Mr. Fensters release was unlikely to improve relations with the United States, which has repeatedly denounced the militarys seizure of power. We did not release him with that expectation, he said.

A post on the militarys Facebook page reported that Mr. Fenster had been released on humanitarian grounds at the request of Mr. Richardson and representatives of two Japanese organizations with ties to Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, president of the Nippon Foundation, and Hideo Watanabe, chairman of the Japan Myanmar Association.
No relationship is shaping the planet more. And no relationship seethes, across such a wide and consequential set of issues, with more tension and mistrust.

The United States and China are profoundly at odds on how people and economies should be governed. The two powers jockey for influence beyond their own shores, compete in technology, and maneuver for military advantages on land, in outer space and in cyberspace. But they are also major trade and business partners, making their rivalry more complex than those of the Cold War, to which it is sometimes compared.

A virtual summit in November between President Biden and Chinas top leader, Xi Jinping, produced no breakthrough steps toward better relations. Instead, both sides reiterated points of longstanding contention, agreeing only on the need to prevent competition from escalating into broader conflict.

Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, has called managing the relationship with China the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century. Yet China has vexed American policymakers ever since Maos armies took control of the nation  liberated it, in the Communist Partys parlance  in 1949.
Go here for the latest on the flooding in British Columbia.

Hundreds of people were rescued from highways in British Columbia on Monday, officials said, after torrential rain set off mudslides that trapped people in their cars and prompted evacuations.

Officials said that about 275 people who had been stuck on Highway 7 near the town of Agassiz, a small community east of Vancouver, since Sunday evening had been rescued. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the helicopter rescue operation had ended by nightfall.

Jordan Turner, British Columbias communications director for emergency management, said by telephone late Monday night that approximately 150 more people had been saved from other stretches of highway in the area. He said that crews had whisked drivers away by helicopter and cleared debris from the road.

There are no longer any people or vehicles stranded between slides at this point in time, he said.
Unvaccinated Austrians ages 12 and older awoke on Monday morning confined to their homes for all but essential activities, as one of the strictest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe went into effect to battle a surge in infections.

Under new rules announced by the government on Sunday, adults and minors 12 and older who have not been vaccinated or recovered from a coronavirus infection cannot go outside except to buy groceries, seek medical care or travel to school or work. They are the toughest of a new wave of restrictions across Europe, as governments try to contain near-record numbers of cases.

Our task as the federal government is to protect the people of Austria. We are fulfilling this responsibility, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told a news conference on Sunday.

The move was described as temporary, but the government did not immediately say how long it would remain in effect.
Follow our live coverage of the migrant crisis at the Belarus-Poland border.

SOKOLKA, Poland  A few miles from here, in the small Polish town of Bohoniki, a young Syrian, Ahmed Al Hasan, was buried Monday. The 19-year-old man died in late October in a river in this freezing, forested buffer zone where thousands of migrants and asylum seekers have been sent by the Belarus government to try to break through into Poland and the European Union.

As the funeral proceeded in Bohoniki, Belarusian forces were massing large groups of migrants and encouraging them to force their way across the Polish border at Kuznica-Bruzgi, a 15-minute drive to the northeast. There, Polish troops and police officers were deployed in long lines to defend the border, which is festooned with large spirals of razor wire.

In Brussels, European Union foreign ministers adopted new sanctions on the government of Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, the Belarus leader, who has already been sanctioned for fraud in claiming a sweeping re-election victory in August and for a subsequent harsh suppression of dissent.
Nevertheless, some European leaders considered Austrias new measure a step too far.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, which has suffered a rash of new cases in recent weeks, kept his resistance to mask mandates and health passes.

Our friends on the continent have been forced to respond with various degrees of new restrictions, from full lockdowns, to lockdowns for the unvaccinated, to restrictions on business opening hours and restrictions on social gatherings, Mr. Johnson said Monday, but he doubled down on vaccinations, saying boosters would be offered to those aged 40 and older, and second doses made available to those aged 16 and 17 who have so far been allowed one. He said he worried about storm clouds that are gathering over the continent.

This is especially the case in Eastern Europe, where the scars left by decades of misinformation under Communism seemed to have opened up and spread skepticism about medical expertise. Romania, which has Europes second-lowest vaccination rate recently reported the worlds highest per capita death rate from Covid-19. In Bulgaria, hospitals are inundated.

Last month, the small Baltic nation of Latvia, where resistance to vaccination is high, especially among the ethnic Russian population, responded to its outbreak with a full lockdown. Russia and Ukraine, which each have vaccination rates below 50 percent, also introduced widespread restrictions.

Infections have erupted over the borders in Western Europe.

In Germany, which has suffered a dizzying increase in cases in part because of a slow rollout of booster vaccines, officials had hoped that charging people for swab tests would motivate them to get vaccinated. But they will once again try and keep closer tabs on the virus by making free coronavirus tests available to all adults in the country. The government has suggested that those tests could be required to enter events and certain venues, even for the vaccinated.

Over the weekend, the three parties joining to form Germanys next governing coalition agreed to impose stricter rules against unvaccinated people, including mandating that they obtain a negative coronavirus test before traveling on buses or trains, as infection rates reach new highs.
Three men aged 21, 26 and 29, were detained in the Kensington area of Liverpool hours after the blast on Sunday, the police said, and a fourth man, age 20, was arrested on Monday. But they were all released later in the evening after being questioned, the police said.

While attacks of this kind are rare in Britain, the country has been hit by high-profile suicide attacks in recent years. In 2005, there was a series of suicide attacks across London that killed 52 people, and in 2017, an attack on the Manchester Arena, carried out by an Islamist extremist who had met with members of ISIS, killed 22.

According to the BBC, MI5, a British intelligence service, is involved in the Liverpool investigation. While the authorities cautioned that there was no specific ongoing threat, Britains national terrorism threat level was raised from substantial to severe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said during an afternoon news briefing, indicating that another attack was highly likely.

Mr. Jackson, the police official, described how the blast had unfolded shortly before 11 a.m., when the taxi driver, identified by local news media as David Perry, picked up a man who asked to be taken to the Liverpool Womens Hospital. As the taxi approached the drop-off point at the hospital, an explosion went off inside the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. Remarkably, the driver escaped with minor injuries.

An initial investigation determined that the passenger had taken an explosive device into the cab.

Security camera footage taken at the scene shows the moment the taxi pulled up at the hospital entrance, before a blast appears to blow the windows out of the vehicle. White smoke can be seen rising from the car as the driver leaps out of the front seat.
Our concern is that Russia may make the serious mistake of attempting to rehash what it undertook back in 2014 when it amassed forces along the border, crossed into sovereign Ukrainian territory, and did so claiming falsely that it was provoked, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken told journalists in Washington last week.

The battle came at an increasingly volatile moment in the conflict. This fall, commercial satellite photos and videos posted on social media have shown that Russian armored vehicles had massed near the Ukrainian border; Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has estimated the buildup at 100,000 troops. And Russian rhetoric toward Ukraine has hardened.

Amid this heightened tension, the drone strike in particular became a flash point for the Kremlin. Alarmed that Ukraine possessed this highly effective new military capability, Russia called the strike a destabilizing act that violated the cease-fire agreement reached in 2015.

Mr. Putin has twice in the past week pointed to the drone attack as a Ukrainian escalation, justifying a potential Russian response. He raised the issue in a phone call with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany.

Asked on Saturday about accusations from Washington that Russia was massing troops on the Ukraine border, Mr. Putin responded by criticizing the United States for supporting the drone strike, as well as for conducting a naval drill in the Black Sea, which he called a serious challenge for Russia.

A sense is created that they just arent letting us relax, he said. Well, let them know we are not relaxing.
On 16 November 2021, the OECD GREEN Action Task Force organised an expert meeting on Fossil-fuel subsidies in Armenia in the context of the SDG reporting framework with the participation of key Armenian government offices.

Reforming and phasing out fossil-fuel subsidies (FFSs) lies at the heart of combating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions. As a result of the various negative impacts of FFSs, their reform was also turned into Target 12.c and Indicator 12.c.1 that call for the rationalisation and phase-out of inefficient, economically wasteful and environmentally-harmful FFSs under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns).

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as a custodian of the SDGs, has developed a template which will allow countries to report on SDG12 and the related Target 12.c and Indicator 12.c.1. Given that this is the first time countries will be asked to report on this target and indicator and given the OECD experience with compiling FFS policy measures through its Inventory database (https://www.oecd.org/fossil-fuels/data/), UNEP, in close cooperation with the OECD, has identified pilot countries to test the reporting template and provide feedback on the facility of its completion.

The OECD analysis shows that of all EUs Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries Armenia has made the most significant progress in eliminating and phasing out subsidies that go to the energy sector. Armenia has the smallest number of subsidy schemes (6) and the lowest level of government support, which amounted to USD 5 million in 2019 compared to USD 42 million in 2014.

Given Armenias success with FFSs reform and UNEP interest to test the reporting template also in a non-OECD country, Armenia has been suggested as a very good candidate to participate in the test group of countries under the UNEP and OECD work. Preparing and submitting this first report can help raise Armenias profile in the international arena.

Objectives of the meeting

To finalise the process of FFS report completion, the OECD organised a joint meeting with key relevant government institutions of Armenia. The main objectives of the meeting were to:

Present the main findings of the OECD work on fossil-fuel subsidies in the EaP region including in Armenia and discuss Armenias progress with FFS reform;

Clarify any methodological issues related to the identification and measurement of FFSs in Armenia;

Present and discuss Armenian experience with completing the SDG-related FFSs reporting template and agree on the final version of the report that could be submitted to the UN;



Clarify the process of submission of the report to the UN and identify the government institution that will lead the process and further communicate with UNEP.



Participants

The meeting brought together representatives of the key government institutions in Armenia working on energy sector reform and reporting. These included, among others, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Finance, Statistical Committee, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure. Experts from the OECD, United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) working on fossil-fuel subsidies participated as well.

meeting documents

Presentations

RELATED PUBLICATIONS, WEBSITES
An incredible Offaly nun has celebrated her 100th birthday in style with her family.

On Sunday, October 24, Sr Barbara Cleary, a native of Shinrone, celebrated her 100th birthday in St Mary's Convent, Hanwell, London.

She is pictured here with her nieces, Geraldine Hoare and Catherine Cleary, and her nephews, Joe Cleary and Martin Cleary, who travelled to London to be with their aunt for the special occasion.

Sr Barbara was also joined by other members of her Order, the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, including Sr Lorette Bergin, a native of Boulerea, Roscrea, her carers, members of the local community in Hanwell and three priests who called to give her a blessing.

Sr Barbara left Ireland in 1938 and joined the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace in Nottingham. Two of her sisters, Sr Thecla and Sr Anna also joined the Order.

Apart from a few years in the early 1940s when she lived in Dublin, she has spent all of her religious life in the United Kingdom. However, the three nuns made regular visits to Shinrone over the years to visit family and friends.
A punter in the Midlands had a weekend to remember after a tiny flutter on the Lotto saw them pocket a tasty four-figure sum.

The anonymous winner placed a simple 1 bet in a BoyleSports shop in Longford and picked four numbers to come out in the Irish Lotto Plus 2 draw.

They were left waiting on numbers 1, 4, 16 and 22 to come out within the main six numbers against odds of 7,500/1.

However, the odds soon started to plummet and were smashed completely when all four rolled out.

As a result, the lucky customer was able to return to the shop to swap their 1 bet slip for an astonishing total of 7,501.

Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: Huge congratulations to our County Longford customer on their big win. It only took a tiny investment, but it certainly went a very long way and we have to say fair play to them for dreaming big.
Former Minister for Agriculture and Laois-Offaly TD Barry Cowen is facing calls to apologise for a controversial tweet seemingly about a political opinion poll at the weekend.

The Clara deputy tweeted in the wake of a Sunday Times poll that showed Sinn Fein's support with voters at a record high.

The poll also showed that Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald enjoys a public satisfaction rating of 50%, nine points ahead of the current Taoiseach and Cowen's Fianna Fail colleague Michael Martin.

Sinn Fein, as a whole, saw an increase in popularity as their poll figures reached 37%. This figure places them 16 points ahead of Fine Gael, and 17 points ahead of Fianna Fail.

The numbers suggest Sinn Fein would be the largest party after the next general election, once again increasing the possibility of them leading the next government.

After the poll was published, Barry Cowen tweeted:

Reminded of Larry Dunne famously remarking 'if you think we're bad, wait till you see what's coming after us'  Barry Cowen (@CowenBarry) November 14, 2021

Larry Dunne was a notorious drug dealer in Dublin in the 1980s, the man thought by gardai to have introduced heroin to the capital.

One Sinn Fein councillor based in Ballyfermot has demanded an apology, according to 98FM. Cllr Doolan also tweeted:
Convicted killer Stephen Penrose has been found guilty of murdering his friend Philip Finnegan, who was missing for three weeks before his decapitated remains were found in a shallow grave in Rahin woods just outside Edenderry.

The 12 jurors took five hours and 46 minutes over two days to unanimously reject Penrose's defence that he had last seen Mr Finnegan being stabbed in the back during an attack by a group of men at "a forest" or "close to a wood", having arranged to collect firearms from them.

Instead, the jury accepted the prosecution's case that Mr Finnegan had met "a gruesome death" at the hands of Penrose and attempts had been made to cut up and burn the victim's body. In his opening speech, counsel for the DPP, Brendan Grehan SC, said Penrose told "lie after lie" to gardai about where he had last seen Mr Finnegan to "keep them from discovering the location of the body and put them off the scent of Rahin Woods".

This was Penrose's second time to stand trial for murder. In 2010, a Central Criminal Court jury found the killer not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after he admitted stabbing David Sharkey (28) to death in Navan following a row over drugs and then putting the body in the boot of a car. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for that offence.

The five-week trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that Mr Finnegan was missing for just over three weeks before a dog walker and his two pets found his "skeletonised" remains buried in Rahin Woods on September 2, 2016.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the decapitated remains of Mr Finnegan were found curled up in a foetal position in the grave and attempts had been made to burn his body. In the expert witness's view, Mr Finnegan's death was caused by multiple stab wounds to the body, including two fatal ones to his liver and aorta.

The pathologist had testified that the majority of the 13 stab wounds were to Mr Finnegan's back.

The identity of the father-of-four was confirmed by fingerprint after skin that had "slipped away" from a finger was recovered from the soil of the gravesite.

A forensic scientist gave evidence that a DNA profile generated from a bloodied glove discovered near Mr Finnegan's remains matched the DNA of Penrose.

Penrose (38), of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin 17, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016.

The accused dispensed with two legal teams during the trial and on occasion would "re-engage" them only to "once again dismiss" their services.

In the absence of the jury, Mr Justice Alexander Owens said he regarded these "hirings and firings" as serious abuses of the legal system and any litigant allowed "willy nilly" to fire counsel in that fashion "was simply not on".

On day two of the trial, Penrose cross-examined Mr Finnegan's mother, Angela Finnegan, where she told him she believed another man was involved in the killing of her son. However, Mrs Finnegan also agreed with prosecution counsel, Mr Grehan, that the person she referred to was in Portlaoise Prison at the time her son went missing.

Whilst representing himself at trial, Penrose had an "outburst" in the courtroom and accused a garda Inspector, who he was cross-examining, of lying under oath. "He is telling bullshit about me," Mr Penrose shouted, before demanding that the witness be "dismissed" from his trial as his "word" could not be accepted.

Penrose refused to continue attending his trial after this and said he would represent himself "from the cells". The defendant called his trial a "miscarriage of justice" and said he had no confidence in his former legal teams carrying out his instructions. The case proceeded for the next four weeks in his absence.

Following today's verdict, the deceased's mother, Angela Finnegan, gave the jury a short clap.

Mr Justice Owens then thanked the jury for their attendance and the full attention they had given "this very serious trial".

Penrose, who had previously refused to call evidence in his defence or to give a closing speech, had asked not to be present in the courtroom for the verdict.

Addressing the jury for a final time, Mr Justice Owens asked that they leave all their materials in their jury room.

The judge exempted the eight men and four women from jury service for 15 years.

When Mr Justice Owens asked prosecution counsel Mr Grehan what date would Penrose's sentence run from, the barrister said that was a matter for the court but outlined that the accused had been in custody since he was charged and was still serving a number of other sentences.

Mr Justice Owens said in that case Penrose's sentence will date from today.

However, Mr Grehan asked that the court might hear a submission on that matter on the next date just in case Penrose had any legal representation at his sentence hearing.

The judge said he would postpone the formal imposition of the sentence "but that is likely to be the result".

The judge will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Penrose on December 13 and remanded the accused in custody until that date.

On that date, the Finnegan family will have an opportunity to make a statement to the court about the impact Philip's death has had on their lives.

Mr Finnegan was last seen alive with Penrose at Sweeney's filling station in Edenderry, Co Offaly on the afternoon of August 10. Rahin Woods, where the deceased's remains were discovered by a man out walking his two dogs 23 days later, is a few kilometres north of the filling station.

It was the prosecution's case that Penrose murdered Mr Finnegan shortly after he was seen leaving the garage in the accused's blue Alfa Romeo car, which had a distinctive dark-coloured bonnet and alloy wheels. CCTV footage showed two people travelling in the car past Grangewest in Co Kildare and in the direction of Rahin Woods at 4.10pm that day.

The same blue car was next seen on CCTV footage at 5.13pm at Balrinnet in Co. Kildare, which is a short distance to the east of Rahin Woods. The prosecution case was that Mr Finnegan went into Rahin Woods with Penrose after 4.10pm, where he met his "gruesome death" in that one hour interval.

Evidence was also given that Penrose's phone connected to a cell site, which covered the area of Rahin in Edenderry, and is close to the area where the victims body was found. The last activity of the deceased's phone identified two cell sites in Edenderry on the same afternoon.

Penrose was first arrested on August 31, 2016 for withholding information in relation to a serious assault on Mr Finnegan and interviewed on ten occasions at Kilmainham Garda Station.

The accused had told gardai in these interviews that he and Mr Finnegan met a number of men in a black car that day. Penrose maintained that a man had stabbed him in the left arm through the driver's window before Mr Finnegan was "bundled" into the black car. The accused said he then drove off at speed.

Penrose went on to tell gardai that he heard his missing friend was "sitting in Jamaica eating a Big Mac" and that he had been "chopped up" in the Dublin mountains. The defendant insisted that he would not be going on trial for "any Finnegans. "Put me in custody. I'll be swinging on a rope. I don't know anything," he said.

After the remains of Mr Finnegan were discovered, Penrose was rearrested on November 16, 2016 on suspicion of murdering his friend on August 10 and interviewed on nine occasions at Leixlip Garda Station. In his first interview, he produced a handwritten statement to gardai saying: "I had nothing to do with Philip's killing. All this had nothing whatsoever to do with me and that's why I tried to distance myself from it".

Throughout his 19 interviews, the accused gave at least five different locations to detectives of where he had last seen Mr Finnegan. Penrose initially said that both he and Mr Finnegan got attacked by the group of men on the outskirts of Kilcock in Co Kildare.

However, it was not until his 18th interview that Penrose told detectives that he saw Mr Finnegan being stabbed in the back at "a forest" or "close to a wood", having arranged to collect firearms from the group of men.

Officers asked Penrose in his final interview if he had Mr Finnegan "dig his own grave" in the Kildare woodlands where his body was eventually discovered. "You came fully prepared: you came with your fork, your spade, came with your gloves, you came with your petrol can, you came with your knife. Did you have him dig his own grave?" asked gardai.

In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Owens said the State's case was that the "only logical explanation" for the accused's lies was that he did not want to disclose the location of where he left Mr Finnegan in Rahin Woods as this would lead gardai to discovering the body.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, is praising Ireland's "expanding global footprint" as a new embassy opens in the Philippines.

His comments come after the tricolour was raised above the embassy, which is based in Manila.

Minister Coveney posted about the news on social media and said, "Our expanding global footprint continues. This is a very important step, with a great team representing Ireland in Manila."

Our expanding Global Footprint continues. This is a very important step, with a great team representing #Ireland in #Manila #Philippines @dfatirl https://t.co/OKVZTeMPSW  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 15, 2021

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, H.E. William Carlos has responsibility as Ireland's first resident Ambassador to the Philippines.

He also formerly served as Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda (also accredited to Rwanda) between 2018 and 2021 and as Ambassador of Ireland to Mozambique (and accredited to Botswana and Angola) between 2014 and 2018.

On their newly created Twitter account, Irish Embassy Manila tweeted, "Another significant day for Ireland and the expansion of our diplomatic network under Global Ireland. Irelands national flag joins the Manila skyline as the tricolour is raised above Irelands new Embassy in the Philippines."
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08/15/2021 - Finedon, UK: Take care of the moths before it becomes a challenge to get rid of. MothKillers.co.uk, a professional moth control and treatment company in the UK offers affordable moth eradication service specifically curated for your residential or commercial buildings. Following all safety measures, their pests prevention specialists engage the cutting-edge industry leading technology to ensure the Pest control treatment is done perfectly. Our 3 step approach, 1) 
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Agency Main Content

The Wildfire Programs Advisory Council was established in 2021 following the passage of Senate Bill 762. Senate Bill 762 is the product of years of hard work by the Legislature, state agencies and many volunteers. This comprehensive legislation passed with bipartisan support and will provide more than $220 million to help Oregon modernize and improve wildfire preparedness through three key strategies: creating fire-adapted communities, developing safe and effective responses, and increasing the resiliency of Oregons landscapes.



Together, the Wildfire Programs Advisory Council will work to recommend and implement policies that will help prevent and better respond to wildfire, and create more fire resilient communities and landscapes in Oregon.



Council Membership 



Chairperson, Mark Bennett (Baker)

Member representing county government



Vice Chairperson, Chase Browning (Medford)

Member r epresenting fire marshals with wildland-urban interface firefighting experience



Samantha Bayer (Eagle Point)

Member r epresenting farmers whose land is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface



Allen Berreth (Portland)

Member r epresenting a utility company



Susan Jane Brown (John Day)

Member r epresenting environmental interests



Nick Browne (Clackamas/Canby)

Member r epresenting fire chiefs with wildland-urban interface firefighting experience



Bradley Clark (Grants Pass)

Member who is a land use planning director for a wildland-urban interface city



Tamarah Cline (Umatilla)

Member r epresenting public health professionals



Karna Gustafson (Bend)

Member r epresenting land and housing development interests or real estate industry interests



Dave Hunnicutt (Hillsboro)

Member r epresenting rural residential property owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface



Jim McCauley (League of Oregon Cities)



Member r epresenting city government



Mary Kyle McCurdy (Portland)

Member r epresenting state or regional land use planning organizations



John OKeeffe (Ad el) Member r epres enting ranchers whose land is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface



(Ad Amelia Porterfield (Portland)

Member r epresenting forest resiliency interests



Steve Rondeau (Klamath Tribe)

Member r epresenting federally recognized Indian tribes with land wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface



Joshua Shaklee (Douglas County)

Member who is a land use planning director for a wildland-urban interface county



Alessandra de la Torre (Phoenix)

Member r epresenting the environmental justice community



Carol Whipple (Elkton)

Member r epresenting forestland owners whose property is wholly or partially within the wildland-urban interface 

Ian Yocum (Dayton)

Member r epresenting firefighters with wildland-urban interface firefighting experience

Staff Support

Doug Grafe, Wildfire Programs Director



Jacque Carlisle, Policy Assistant to Doug Grafe, Wildfire Programs Director












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Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals.

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BIG RAPIDS  It was eight years ago when Casey Keysor answered what he referred to as a calling, which led him to a new career of caring for others.

Keysor, an Evart native, is currently a registered nurse case manager with Hospice of Michigan and works within the Big Rapids area. Keysor shares his story of switching careers this month in honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Prior to his career in the healthcare world, Keysor worked in sales with his father and grandpa at their family business, Twin Creek Reality.

Keysor said he and his grandpa, Lloyd Keysor, shared a tight-knit relationship. In December 2012, while wintering in Florida, Lloyd Keysor became ill. Family members helped move him back to Michigan, and from there, Casey Keysor  without knowing it yet  would get an understanding of his soon-to-be new role in life.

My grandpa and I were always the best of buddies, he said. I wanted to spend a lot of time with him, but he felt more comfortable with me helping care for him.

Keysor said his family enrolled his grandpa with Hospice of Michigan.

It was necessary care and time I could spend with him, Keysor said. I felt that was probably one of the most rewarding things I could do in life.

Lloyd Keysor passed away July 4, 2013, and with his passing, Casey Keysor said he started to feel an emptiness working at the family business.

I felt a calling out of that position like I needed to do something else, he said.

Prior to his grandpas passing, Keysor said the two discussed Casey moving onto another career. Without hesitating, Keysor said his grandpa gave him his blessing to do so.

In fall 2013, Keysor began his new journey. At 34 years old  and with a wife and four children  Keysor enrolled at Baker College of Cadillac to pursue a nursing degree. After years of hard work and dedication, Keysor graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

When a position with Hospice of Michigan became available, Keysor recalled quickly jumping at the opportunity. He became a registered nurse case manager with HOM in July 2019.

Hospice of Michigan is the states most experienced provider of hospice care. Annually, the organization serves over 4,000 patients in 50 of Michigans counties.

Anyone considering hospice service for their loved ones, I would always encourage checking into it sooner rather than later, Keysor said.

As a hospice case manager nurse, Keysor works to educates families patients on recognizing potential symptoms and providing safe and competent care for the patient.

It really is an honor and a blessing to be allowed into these personal and intimate settings, Keysor said. You really become almost like family when youre caring for someone that has end-of-life needs on hospice care.

The way I look at it is Im helping these patients live well, he added. Im helping them live to their highest ability for as long as possible.

Since beginning his new career, Keysor said hes enjoyed every aspect of the job. He also encourages others to follow their dreams and make a shift in careers, if they desire.

Its not abnormal. I was nervous at first, too, to make that jump, he said. In my new field, I find each day rewarding.
Pioneer photo/Catherine Sweeney

BIG RAPIDS  Operation Good Cheer is set to land at the Roben-Hood Airport in Big Rapids on Saturday, Dec. 4, to spread the holiday cheer to youth across Northern Michigan.

This volunteer program brings donors, pilots and nonprofit agencies together with one goal in mind; to make Christmas special for thousands of kids in foster and residential care. Volunteer pilots will start landing at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the afternoon as they transport thousands of gifts from generous donors and sponsors for the children in care at Eagle Village, Mecosta/Osceola DHHS and Lake/Newaygo DHHS.
(Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

Michigan drivers can now register their vehicles for two years instead of an annual basis.

Signed into law last week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, House Bill 4117 allows Michiganders to extend their registration for two years instead of the traditional one year when they renew on their birthdays.
Midland County had 301 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths reported from Nov. 11-15.

Due to technical difficulties, the state's COVID-19 tracking website was unable to update the individual county numbers by press deadline on Friday. The numbers below were recorded between Thursday and Monday. The overall state numbers were updated.

COVID-19 numbers reported from Nov. 11-15

Midland County: 301 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total is 10,337 cases, 958 probable cases, 139 deaths and 11 probable deaths.

Bay County: 442 cases and six deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 14,911 cases, 1,227 probable cases, 391 deaths and 20 probable deaths.

Gladwin County: 67 cases and one death were added; pandemic total stands at 2,973 cases, 583 probable cases, 75 deaths and four probable deaths.

Isabella County: 211 cases were added; pandemic total stands at 8,284 cases, 1,544 probable cases, 130 deaths and seven probable deaths.

Saginaw County: 676 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 27,368 cases, 2,232 probable cases, 661 deaths and 24 probable deaths.

The state added 21,034 cases and 95 deaths from Saturday through Monday. Overall, Michigan is at 1,209,712 cases and 22,862 deaths.

Recovered

According to the Midland County Health Department website, which was updated Nov. 1, 9,330 Midland County individuals have recovered from COVID. The state reported that as of Nov. 5, a total of 1,026,195 persons statewide have recovered.

Testing

Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Nov. 9 was listed at 15.7% and Gladwin Countys was listed at 14.5%. Our 12-county region was listed at 19.4% and Michigan was at 14.9%.

MidMichigan Health statistics

As of Nov. 15, MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland was listed as having an 76% bed occupancy, with 41 COVID patients and 11 in the ICU. MidMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin was listed as having a 43% bed occupancy with four COVID patients and none in the ICU.

Both medical centers reported having at least 15-30 days worth of personal protection equipment (N95, surgical masks, gowns, gloves and eye protection) on hand.

Schools

As of Friday, Midland Public Schools reported 336 staff/students were close contacts to an individual who was confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 84 staff/students tested positive for the virus.

Schools with one or more staff/students confirmed positive for COVID-19 as of Friday included Dow High (1), Midland High (10), Jefferson Middle (12), Northeast Middle (22), Adams Elementary (6), Central Park Elementary (3), Chestnut Hill Elementary (12), Plymouth Elementary (7), Siebert Elementary (1), Woodcrest Elementary (7) and Carpenter Pre-Primary (3).

Bullock Creek School District reported on Monday that four staff members and 14 students were current positive cases. There are also 97 students (but no staff members) in quarantine.

Bullock Creek schools with one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Friday include Bullock Creek Elementary (1), Floyd Elementary (2), Bullock Creek Middle (2) and Bullock Creek High School (11).

Midland County vaccinations

Midland County Health Department is hosting a weekly walk-in COVID vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday in November and December. Clinics by appointment will be available 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday on the second floor of the Midland County Services Building, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the clinics. The health department will vaccinate anyone ages 12 and up who needs a first or second dose; those who need their second dose must bring their vaccination card.

The health department will soon be going to all Midland County school districts to offer first and second COVID vaccine doses for children ages 5-11. It will also host a community vaccine clinic for kids prior to Thanksgiving.

Future COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Midland County are listed at www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx. Those with questions may call 989-832-6380 or email MCDPH@co.midland.mi.us.
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U.S. President Joe Biden is slated to head to Michigan on Wednesday to visit a General Motors electric vehicle factory in Detroit to promote the impacts of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package passed by Congress on Nov. 5.

GM, the largest U.S. automaker, said its EV factory, called Factory Zero, will mark its grand opening during Biden's visit Wednesday, with GM Chief Executive Mary Barra in attendance. The plant, spanning parts of Detroit and Hamtramck, actually opened in 1985 but GM said in 2020 it would repurpose it to build electric trucks and SUVs with a $2.2 billion investment, according to reporting by Reuters.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Jewish settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the occupied West Bank on Monday and injured three people, according to an Israeli human rights group, in what has become a near-daily occurrence in recent weeks.

Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, said one of its researchers went along with more than a dozen Palestinian farmers to tend their land in the northern West Bank area of Burqa, where the Israeli settlement outpost of Homesh was evacuated in 2005.

Lior Amihai, the director of the group, tweeted that settlers attacked the Palestinians with stones, clubs and pepper spray. He posted videos showing the confrontation from a distance and pictures of those who were hurt, one of whom had a bloody gash on his head.

Israeli and Palestinian rights groups say settlers attack Palestinian farmers on a near-daily basis, often as Israeli soldiers look on.

The Israeli military said its soldiers were called to the scene of a violent confrontation" in which both sides threw rocks and the Israelis fired shots in the air. It said soldiers dispersed the crowds.

In a report issued Sunday, the Israeli rights group B'Tselem said Israel uses settler violence to drive Palestinians off of farm and pasture land in the occupied West Bank as part of its continual expansion of Jewish settlements there. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 war, and the Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state.

Israeli leaders spoke out against settler violence after dozens of settlers attacked a Palestinian village in late September, wounding a toddler, but there have been several attacks since then.

Nearly 500,000 Jewish settlers live in more than 130 settlements scattered across the West Bank, many of which resemble towns and suburbs, with built-up neighborhoods and shopping malls. More radical settlers have established dozens of additional outposts without Israeli authorization.

The Palestinians view all the settlements as the main obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel, which is still seen internationally as the only way to resolve the conflict. Most of the international community views the settlements as illegal.

Israel considers the West Bank to be the biblical and historical heartland of the Jewish people. Its current prime minister, Naftali Bennett, is a strong supporter of settlements who is opposed to a Palestinian state and has shown no interest in reviving the long-dormant peace process. But he has called for steps to reduce friction and improve economic conditions for Palestinians.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  Turkey's deputy president said on Monday that his country is not afraid of anyone" and won't be deterred from continuing drilling for oil and gas in disputed waters that have been a source of tension between Ankara and ethnically-divided Cyprus.

We are not afraid of anyone. Those who seek an adventure in the eastern Mediterranean will get an answer," Deputy President Fuat Oktay said during a ceremony to mark the 38th anniversary of the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence.

Oktays remarks come after the Cypriot government said that ExxonMobil and partner Qatar Petroleum would resume in a few weeks drilling in an area southwest of Cyprus where theyre licensed to prospect for oil and gas.

A consortium made up of energy companies Total of France and Italian Eni will also resume drilling off Cyprus southern coast in the first half of next year.

Turkey doesnt recognize Cyprus as a nation and contests waters where the Cypriot government claims exclusive economic rights. Ankara says a large chunk of those waters either overlap its continental shelf or belong to the Turkish Cypriots.

The Cypriot government insists Turkey's actions contravene international law.

Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Cypriot's declaration of independence in the islands north, where it maintains more than 35,000 troops.

Last week, the French frigate Auvergne docked in Cyprus to show according to the ship's captain that respect of international law and especially freedom of navigation matters to France.

Captain Paul Merveilleux de Vignaux said the frigate's deployment in the region underlines how important France considers this part of the Mediterranean sea, as well as the countrys willingness to contribute to the stabilization of this strategic area.

France is also keen to make its presence felt to send signals to Turkey not to interfere with offshore drilling.

In February 2018, Turkish warships prevented a drill ship leased by Eni from conducting exploratory drilling in waters southeast of Cyprus.

___

AP writer Suzan Frazer in Ankara contributed.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - As the humanitarian crisis grows in Ethiopias conflict-affected north, the UN announced on Monday that $40 million in funds had been made available to scale up emergency operations
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)  The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is to generate data on forest emissions i Kenya with the intent of using the data to compensate owners of the forests
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid al-Dbaiba has stressed the important role of women in society and urged them to participate in the political field through elections
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Second Meeting of the Parties (MOP2) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products began here Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced in a press release
Photo: (Photo : JASPER JACOBS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

A mother from New Jersey is seeking answers about a potential child identity theft case after her family got a letter informing them of her daughter's jury duty schedule.

Laura Behrmann informed CBS New York that the jury duty letter, with the official U.S. District Court letterhead, came as a surprise because only voters on the registration list should receive this notice. However, her daughter, Madison, is only three years old, which means her identity on a government voter's list should not even exist.

The mom is curious and concerned about how the court got Madison's name and address. She implied that perhaps a child identity theft might have taken place after filing a police report.

"Did somebody vote in her name?" Behrmann said. "Is there somebody impersonating her out there, credit cards, taking out a loan in her name?"

Read Also: Mom Claims She's Getting Death Threats After Sharing an Unpopular Parenting Opinion on TikTok

Kids Targeted Just Like Adults

Cyber security expert Ian Marlow said that children are targets just as much as adults when it comes to identity theft. He warned that it could "happen for years under your nose" and by the time the person finds out "massive damage" might have been done.

Marlow advised parents to contact a credit agency and make a request for "locking credit," which will prevent unscrupulous individuals from opening a new account using someone else's identity. Per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), stolen identities are used for loans, credit card or utility service applications, claiming government benefits, or even in rental contracts.

Parents may also run a free credit report regularly for themselves and for their children. Per the FTC, children under 18 years old should not have any credit report and if they turn out to have one, it could be an indication that someone has been using the child's identity for fraud.

Moms and dads also have to be more conscious of protecting important details like birthdays or Social Security numbers. The FTC suggested shredding documents that are no longer needed or completely deleting personal information on a computer or cellphone if parents are disposing of digital gadgets.

Parents must also be wary of school employees asking for their children's complete Social Security number. While this may seem official and harmless, many identity theft cases could arise from willingly divulging information to someone they are familiar with.

No Voter Registration

Madison's mom has informed the court of the mistake and has asked that she be taken off the list for jury duty. Despite the worrying incident, Behrmann still managed to be humorous about the idea of a toddler doing her civic duty.

"She might be really good at it," Behrmann said. "But she will need an adult to take her to the bathroom."

Meanwhile, the mom was informed by a state senator that they looked into Madison's case and said that her daughter is not a registered New Jersey voter. Thus, it's still a wonder how the court has her name and address for jury duty.

Related Article: Parents Angry at Young Mom Who Gives up 2-Year-old Son With Autism for Adoption
Photo: (Photo : Daniel_B/Pixabay)

The children of Maya Millete, the Filipino-American mom whose disappearance grabbed national headlines, are going to remain with their father, Larry Millete's parents, a California judge has ruled. Larry, however, has been in police custody since October 2021 and is barred from contacting his kids after he was charged for the murder of his wife.

According to Fox News, Judge Julia Kelety ruled that all three of the Millete kids, who are in the ages 5, 10 and 11, will remain with their grandparents, Benito and Judith Millete, following a guardianship hearing asked by Maricris Drouaillet, Maya's older sister. Kelety, however, has granted Drouaillet and Maya's other family members visitation rights to Maya's kids every Sunday afternoon.

The judge has also ordered Larry's parents to provide mental health support for the kids despite an assessment that they are not struggling in school nor exhibiting changes in behavior as a result of the tragic events in their family.

Maya's family reported her missing on Jan. 9, 2021, after calls to her phone went to voice mail for days. Investigators eventually learned that Maya was a victim of domestic violence and had planned on divorcing her husband. Larry became a person of interest in July and was subsequently arrested. He has entered a plea of not guilty for his wife's murder and has been awaiting his trial.

Read Also: Owen Wilson Not Involved in Only Daughter's Life, Ex-partner Calls Actor an 'Absent Parent'

Two Families Fighting for Guardianship

Drouaillet insisted that her house is big enough to accommodate Maya's children and they would have no problems staying with her family because they also grew up with their cousins, celebrating every birthday or holiday together. However, since Maya has been reported missing, her kin hasn't seen the children.

Larry and her parents, on the other hand, objected to Drouaillet's petition since that would entail putting the kids in a new community and a new school environment. Alice Famador, the Millete family's neighbor, wrote to the courts that such a transition could be traumatic for the children.

Famador also said that since Larry's imprisonment, his parents have been looking after the kids. It is believed that Benito and Judith plan to file a formal guardianship after November 10.

"They draw love and support from their grandparents," Famador said in her testimony. "The children don't want to be separated from their grandparents."

Kelety's decision on the guardianship was also based on the forensic interview of the kids. Meanwhile, the Child Welfare Services has an ongoing investigation regarding the safety of the children.

Dad Makes 129 Calls to His Kids

It comes as a judge has barred Larry from having phone privileges in prison because he violated orders not to contact his children. The prosecutor told the court that Larry made at least 129 calls and some of these were during inappropriate hours.

The father not only disrupted his children's sleep or homework but he also allegedly made disparaging comments against Maya or her family. Larry also asked his 10 and 11-year-old children to watch the movie "Shot Caller," which is about a businessman who lands in jail, because he wants his children to understand the situation he's in.

The judge has ruled that Larry may only contact his children through his lawyers as a restraining order is still in effect.

Related Article: Judge Bars Father From Seeing Daughter, Unless He Gets COVID-19 Vaccine, or Submits to Weekly Tests
Photo: (Photo : Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Nearly two years since the conclusion of the Flint water crisis trial, a federal judge has approved a settlement of $626 million, which will mostly go to the thousands of children exposed to lead poisoning.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy said in her 178-page decision that this case has been a "remarkable achievement" as it will set forth a proper compensation program for anyone who suffered health consequences from drinking tainted water. The compensation will come from the state for overlooking the dangers of drawing drinking water from the Flint River in Michigan without conducting water treatments.

Read Also: Sodium Nitrate Poisoning Ruled as Cause of Death for Former Child Actor Matthew Mindler

Collecting the Flint Water Crisis Payout

In 2014, the source of Flint's problems started when the water supply was shifted from Lake Huron to the river to cut down the cost to $5 million. However, polluted water flowed through the river with lead leaching from the pipes. Soon, residents suffered a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that afflicted more than 100,000 African-American families.

The outcome prompted parents to sue the state after tests showed that their kids acquired high blood levels of lead poisoning. Experts warned that lead could bring about developmental disorders and other illnesses.

The $626 million payouts will follow a formula that will route most of the money to the children. The state will announce the application process in due time. Over 81,000 residents have signed an agreement on behalf of the kids and at least 4,000 children are expected to benefit from the payout. Mom Melissa Mays, whose three children have exhibited medical problems and learning disabilities as a result of lead poisoning, said that she plans on using the money for her children's medical care and tutors.

Nine state officials were then accused of committing crimes against the residents, including involuntary manslaughter. Gov. Rick Snyder, on the other hand, was charged with neglect of duty in January 2021, more than a year after his term ended. He had his pre-trial hearing in June and has entered a not guilty plea.

State to Pay $300,000 to Wrongfully Fired Employee

The massive payout comes as Michigan agreed to pay Liane Shekter Smith the amount of $300,000 for her wrongful discharge. She was the only employee who lost her job because of the Flint water crisis.

Shekter Smith was the head of Michigan's drinking water division during the worst environmental crisis in the U.S. Some believed that she was made the "public scapegoat" to cover for the shortcomings of other officials.

Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's order, Hugh McDiarmid Jr. of the state's Department of Environment said that Shekter Smith will get 56 percent more than what was originally decided. However, according to ABC News, the compensation still falls short of what the former director was asking for her lost compensation, which amounted to $900,000.

Meanwhile, Whitmer said that "no amount of money" could compensate for the health issues that Flint residents have endured and will continue to suffer. However, she also hopes that the settlement will help with the healing of the community as a whole.

Related Article: Half of Kids Under 6 Exposed to Lead Poisoning, New Study Says
Photo: (Photo : JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Due to a looming workers' shortage during this COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Claus might not be coming to the malls this Christmas after all.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Christmas event bookings are on the rise this year, with more demands for a Santa Claus appearance. However, many agencies have been struggling to fill the spot for an older, overweight worker to play jolly old Saint Nick because of their risks against the virus.

Data showed that a popular Santa Claus service in the U.S. has only 15 percent of professionals on board, while Santa bookings are up by 120 percent. Unfortunately, a lot of their regular players have either died from COVID or are turning down in-person events because of their health concerns.

Read Also: Uber Launches New Baby and Kids Essentials Delivery Services Across America

Picture Taking With Santa Back

Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the risk of hospitalization or dying from the virus is greater for those above 50 years old. To protect the workers, malls decided to shift Santa appearances to the virtual environment or have installed plexiglass around their talents.

However, because of the vaccination rollout and with restrictions easing off this Christmas season, some malls are resuming picture taking with Santa with mask policies enforced. The only problem is they do not have enough workers to fill the demand.

Rick Rosenthal, who runs a booking agency in Atlanta, told WSBTV that they have had a Santa staff shortage since September. He said that they don't usually "run out of Santa" until mid-November.

One town in California is foregoing its traditional meet and greet with Santa Claus because they still could not book an elderly person willing to take the job. They will not be having the Santa visits as well since the workers are afraid to interact with unvaccinated kids. Even Mrs. Claus workers are not signing up for gigs for the same reason as the men.

Increase in Compensation

Meanwhile, workers who do sign up for the job may now ask for better compensation. In Orlando, Santa Claus actors can command a 25 percent increase in rates. In other states, Santa workers could charge between $175 to $300 an hour.

Susan Mesco of the Professional Santa Claus School in Denver said that their talents are working through weekends and weekdays to cover the demand. On a regular year, the Santas do two or three jobs a week but this has increased to five or six jobs a week for a year.

Meanwhile, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced that children may start sending their postmarked letters to Santa Claus by November 15. They should iinclude their specific requests for a gift.

By November 29, these letters will be uploaded on the USPS Operation Santa official site, with the children's personal details omitted, to allow generous and verified businesses to get involved and help Santa grant the kids' wishes. Operation Santa has been a USPS project for the last 109 years.

Related Article: Halloween Canceled: Michigan School District to Forgo Traditional Activities Due to Inclusion Concerns
Photo: (Photo : Fotogrias-Con-Alma/Pixabay)

It's general knowledge that when a woman has a baby, her period will stop flowing for the next nine months but this was not the case for Nydia Maritza, who was shocked to learn that she has been pregnant for six months but her period was still regular.

Maritza, who hails from Kansas, shared in a now-viral video on TikTok that she took a pregnancy test upon her sister and friend's prodding because she seemed "different." She noted that she was certain she wasn't pregnant because she was on birth control pills and just had her period three weeks prior.

A few minutes into her home pregnancy test, Maritza learned that was positive so she immediately set up an appointment to see a doctor. At the clinic, she was initially told that she was likely six weeks in the family way based on the bump on her belly. However, following an ultrasound, the doctor informed her that she was entering her 24th week of pregnancy. The ultrasound also revealed that her baby has formed "limbs, toes and facial features."

Read Also: Access to Abortion Pills That Women Can Use as Contraceptives Rolls Out Across All States

More Women Claiming Pregnancy with Period

Maritza realized that she has only three more months before she's emotionally, mentally and physically ready to have the baby. She has never suspected the pregnancy because her stomach remained rock hard, apart from having her regular monthly period. However, following the check-up with the doctor, Maritza said that her baby belly "grew overnight."

Though her pregnancy might be a rare case, some TikTok users posted in the comments that they also didn't suspect a pregnancy because they were menstruating every month. One mom said that she had regular periods, no weight gain, and no morning sickness but she delivered twins in the seventh month of her surprising pregnancy.

TIKTOK VIDEO LINK - https://www.tiktok.com/@nydiamv/video/7010572912339979526

What Really Happened to Nydia

In a separate video, Maritza played a "doctor" and gave the facts about her pregnancy with period. She said that her "menstruation" might have been pregnancy spotting because she still taking birth control pills. When she went off the pills, her "menstruation" also stopped.

Dr. Mary Minkin, a Yale University of Medicine OBGYN professor who is not Maritza's doctor, believes that the mom could be bleeding from other causes and she interpreted this as "having her period." This is part of the reason why all OBGYNs require pregnant moms to report any signs of bleeding as there could be many factors.

The doctor also said that a woman's biological makeup while pregnant leads to a high amount of progesterone hormone. If she has high progesterone, it is, therefore, impossible for her body to have periods since periods cause progesterone withdrawal.

Minkin also said that birth control pills can still be inconsistent and fail to prevent pregnancy, especially if a woman skips it. Studies show that it is common for women to forget their pills at least four times during a cycle. Fortunately, Maritza gave birth to a healthy baby named Roman and said that she now knows better about the chances of getting pregnant while on birth control pills.

Related Article: Florida Mom Has 3 Daughters Born on the Same Date 3 Years Apart
Photo: (Photo : meandcolors/Pixabay)

A mother from Dewitt, Iowa, who experienced going through an adoption process with her 11-year-old daughter, has opened "The Adopted Closet," a clothing store that aims to raise funds for other families' adoption fees.

Brittany Berrie has been Gracie's caregiver since her birth more than 11 years ago. However, Berrie and her husband, Branden Johnson, did not have enough money to pay for Gracie's adoption fees since the couple has other obligations and raised two biological children.

One day, a cousin asked about Gracie's status and wondered why it had never been formalized. Upon learning of the family's dilemma about the high cost of adoption fees, the cousin agreed to pay for everything.

Last November 2020, Berrie started the adoption process, and by July 2021, Gracie became Berrie's legal daughter, thanks to her cousin's help.

Read Also: Birth Mother Meets Daughter She Gave up for Adoption 19 Years Ago After Sister Spots Her in the Mall

Paying it Forward

Following Gracie's adoption, Berrie thought of a way to show her gratitude for her cousin for the generous gift. She figured she could pay it forward by helping another family pay off the adoption fees. Typically, the legal cost of adoption starts at $12,000, depending on the attorney's fees, the child's situation in foster care, or the circumstances of the birth parents.

Berrie, a stay-at-home mom, initially established a garage sale over the summer with Gracie and their relatives to raise the money. They also planned on selling the rest of the items online to raise more funds to help more families.

However, their garage sale expanded into a full-blown store after the community got behind Berrie's idea. The mom said that they received boxes of clothing donations from their neighbors almost daily, prompting her to open "The Adopted Closet."

"I know what that feels like to hear the words of it's going to be taken care of," Berrie said. "The fact that I can do that for somebody else, it's the purpose of everything; it's the purpose of the whole store."

First Beneficiaries of The Adopted Closet

The Adopted Closet is located in Berrie's home garage, which she and three other family members manage at least three days a week. The store's first beneficiaries have been Adam and Cassandra Holdorf, who were able to finalize the adoption process for their two sons on November 6.

Berrie knew Holdorf through the church, and she is familiar with the family's foster kids. The Holdorf have wanted to make their sons' adoption legal, and Berrie also helped them negotiate with a lawyer.

Meanwhile, to keep her store up and running, the mom is also in the process of setting up the store's e-commerce site and has set up donation boxes around Salt Lake City to replenish their inventory. For now, however, interested people who want to support their cause can look up The Adoption Closet on Facebook.

Berrie said that her cousin's offer changed their lives forever, now that Gracie is legally their child. She plans on continuing to thank her cousin with this initiative.

Related Article: Arkansas Launches 'Everyday Counts' Campaign to Get 349 Children in Foster Care Adopted
Photo: (Photo : NWimagesbySabrinaEickhoff/Pixabay)

The first few months of the resumption of in-person classes in the U.S., post-pandemic, has laid bare what many experts have anticipated. Students, especially first graders, are falling behind on their reading skills.

Per a report on USA Today, the pandemic disruption to learning is mostly affecting elementary students because it's these kids who have to grasp basic math or reading skills, as well as social and emotional skills. Unfortunately, the children cannot fully experience a rewarding classroom learning experience with a looming COVID-19 crisis.

Experts said that if the kids struggle to read in the first grade, they will likely need to catch up with basic reading skills until the fourth grade. According to educator Heather Miller, the first grade is crucial because it is the "reading year."

"[The students] really grow as readers and writers in first grade," Miller said. "It's where they build their confidence in their fluency."

Read Also: Florida Student Could Repeat 2nd Grade After Her 36 Suspensions for Disobeying the School Mask Mandate

Spending More Time with the Lessons

A month into this new school year, Miller noticed that she had to spend more time with the lessons for her first-grade class. She tried to shift to teaching kindergarten-level instructions when she saw that the kids were struggling. The teacher acknowledged they missed out on their development when schools were mostly shut down in 2020, leaving the children to learn through iPads and computers.

According to experts from Stanford, reading assessments for students between first to fourth grade took a deep dive in a recent survey. According to researcher Ben Domingue, the kids' reading skills became stagnant after spring 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. While it somewhat picked up in the fall, as educators prepared for a different kind of instruction, the growth was "not robust enough to make up for the gaps from the spring."

Stanford's study showed that the children are at least 30 percent behind the reading level they should have achieved in a given school year. Reading fluency is crucial to the children's academic progress; as Domingue said, this skill is the "gateway" to their development of other skills "across all disciplines."

Some States Taking Action

Before the pandemic, the reading achievement of elementary kids in America has been lagging behind other countries, and the pandemic has widened the gap further. Some states, such as Texas, have passed laws requiring school districts to match children who fall behind in their academics with highly-rated teachers. However, finding suitable tutors has been a daunting task for school districts already coping with other issues like a face mask or vaccine mandates, school lunches, bus services, and the lack of teachers.

North Carolina has established a new law that requires all educators in elementary schools to focus on uniform reading instruction. Teachers will also have to undergo a Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) program to help the kids pass their NAEP.

The District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, and Tennessee will use their COVID-19 federal funding to improve its literacy plans. Some California school districts have also developed teacher and student training programs for guided reading, while Alabama has expanded its reading programs with more paraprofessionals.

Related Article: Parents Given Option To Let Children Repeat a Grade or Course if Online Learning Was Hard
Microsoft has begun taking an even more aggressive stance in its efforts to prevent users from choosing their own browser on Windows 11, blocking a small developers tool that served as a workaround to enable browser choice.

Microsofts Windows 11 Insider preview build 22494, released last week, blocks EdgeDeflector, according to Daniel Aleksandersen, the apps developer. The small app takes Windows 11s built-in microsoft edge:// links and redirects them to a generic https:// link instead.

In Windows 11, this matters. As our Windows 11 review indicates, Microsoft has implemented changes to its default apps settings that require users to go on a file-type by file-type basis to change browsers. Put another way, while Windows 10 allows users to set a default browser like Mozilla Firefox for doing everything involved with browsing the web, Windows 11 requires users to select a browser for each file type: .DF, .HTML, .TML, .EBP, and so on. Its possible, but a pain.

In Windows 11, though, theres another file type, the microsoft edge:// link. Here, Microsoft uses these links for the web-connected portions of Windows 11: the Search icon in the Taskbar, for instance, or the search box at the top of the Widgets panel. In this case, those search requests are parsed as microsoft edge:// requests and specifically call the Microsoft Edge browser to handle them.

What EdgeDeflector did was simply re-route those requests to the users browser of choice, whether it be Firefox, Chrome, or some other browser. Now, with the new preview build, Edge and only Edge will handle these requests.

Windows 11 already requires users to specify a browser on a perfile type basis. Mark Hachman / IDG

You cant change the default protocol association through registry changes, OEM partner customizations, modifications to the Microsoft Edge package, interference with OpenWith.exe, or any other hackish workarounds, Aleksandersen wrote in a blog post late last week. Any attempts to work around Microsofts decision would require making destructive changes to Windows, decisions that he said he refused to make.

Microsoft confirmed its decision in a statement to The Verge, telling the publication that the change to the browser behavior was a fix that will eventually roll out to the stable version of Windows 11 as well. A similar statement was later provided by Microsoft representatives to PCWorld.

Windows openly enables applications and services on its platform, including various web browsers, the statement reads. At the same time, Windows also offers certain end to end customer experiences in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, the search experience from the taskbar is one such example of an end-to-end experience that is not designed to be redirected. When we become aware of improper redirection, we issue a fix.

Aleksandersen, for his part, chose to recall the 1999 ruling to break up Microsoft, as well as the appeals court ruling that overturned the decision, alongside Microsofts agreement to provide customers in the European Union with a browser ballot to provide greater browser choice. That arrived after Opera Software complained that Microsoft was preventing competition by tying Internet Explorer to Windows. The EU then fined Microsoft $732 million after Microsoft claimed that a technical oversight had failed to show the ballot to customers for 14 months.

Weve asked Microsoft to comment further, specifically what end-to-end experiences within Windows 11 would be improved by using Edge as opposed to a third-party browser. Wed also like to know why Edge allows the use of third-party search services like Google, but actively is trying to block the use of third-party browsers. Microsoft hasnt yet responded to those questions, instead issuing the statement which we included, above.

This story was updated at 1:10 PM PT with additional comments from Microsoft.
Dr Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Ghana, has urged the Government to pay attention to sectors that will create "massive" employment for young people in the 2022 Budget.



She said focus should be on the agro-processing and manufacturing sectors, especially because they were the real sectors of the economy.



In a discussion on the budget, Dr Baffour said the countrys 2020 growth rate, which stood at 0.4 per cent, spoke volumes of the state of the economy and its impact on livelihoods.



The way out for the Government is to consistently work on developing the real sectors of the economy. We should focus on sectors that are massive on employment generation for young people. In that regard, we are looking at agro-processing, and the manufacturing sectors, she said.



She attributed the countrys economic challenges to the impact of COVID-19, saying the ordinary Ghanaian was feeling it through increasing transportation fares and food prices, among other things.



Dr Baffour, therefore, advised governments communication machinery to be sensitive to the plight of the people in its response to criticisms about the state of the economy and the welfare of the people.



If you say the critics should prove what they are saying, I do not know how best they can prove that but the reality is that people need jobs, rent is going up, fuel prices are up, she said, adding; The strategy for government going forward should not be to attack the messengers but look at the merit of it.



Mr Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, a member of the Legal Team of the National Democratic Congress, accused the Government of spending so much on consumption and investing less in capital projects that would yield returns for the country.



The COVID-19 pandemic could not be an excuse for government, he said, stressing that the countrys current debt stock suggested that it (government) benefitted from the pandemic.



Dr Stephen Amoah, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), said an assessment of the economy should be made in its totality taking into consideration the state of the economy prior to the assumption of office in 2017 of the President Akufo-Addo-led Administration.



Last year, our revenue generation shortfall was over 14 billion cedis and yet we had statutory and interest payments. These are realities of the global impact on us and they are things you cannot do much about, he said.



The 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government will be presented to Parliament on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.



This is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 21 (3) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921).

Source: GNA









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He had a bachelors degree in Business Management from the University for Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana. But that did not stop him from going to the streets of Kantamanto to learn the art of watchmaking, thats the story of Chief Executive Officer of Caveman Watches, Anthony Dzamefe.



In his sitdown with Kwabena Kyenkyenhene Boateng on the Business edition of 21 minutes with KKB, Anthony Dzamefe recounted how he quit his job as a hotel employee to venture into entrepreneurship.



Anthony was decisive enough after realizing he was not built for a typical 8-5 work schedule. So he quit trying anything but a regular white-collar job.



He failed! But that did not deter him. Anthony kept thinking of new ideas and finding ways of implementing them just so he would make it in life.



All work and no play, they say, makes Jack a dull boy so every once in a while, Anthony would take pictures of himself and share on social media for some accolades  of course, hes an extremely good-looking gentleman, you cant blame him for serving some sauce every once in a while.



But the play would soon become the entry point to work for the aspiring entrepreneur.



After purchasing a watch for GHC 50 from a vendor and sharing photos of himself wearing the watch, fans instantly turned into a business opportunity as Anthony recounts.



I saw somebody selling a watch on one of these online platforms for 50 cedis so I just called the person and I bought the watch just to use for myself. I happened to wear the watch, I took a picture of it and someone said chale your watch dey bee oooo, are you selling it, and I said yeah. So he came and bought the watch [and] I think that was the light-bulb moment for me so I was like wow, maybe I could make a business out of this so I called the supplier back and bought two more, I sold the two and bought three, sold the three and bought four, that was the beginning of my wristwatch adventure.



After realizing his natural flair for selling watches, Anthony Dzamefe took to the streets of Accra, in a bid to make some more money, to hawk watches.



He moved from one office to another, and from one person to the other, convincing them of the need for them to purchase his products.



This would go on for three years.



While hawking though, Anthony realized that a number of his customers persistently complained about how bad the straps of their watches were and how quickly they deteriorated so in thinking of ways to solve that problem, he decided to become an apprentice to a shoemaker in order to learn leathercraft.



Anthony Dzamefe did all this while also understudying multiple roadside watch repairers so he could fix the watches of his customers should they require such a service.



After every time I would add something new. It was three years after selling watches and repairing watches and getting to know a lot about watches from the entire industry knowing how they are made because I could break down different watches, take their components out and form a new watch with it that kept an accurate time.



Soon, Anthony would graduate from the street hustle into starting his own company, except, his curiosity got him thinking about the best possible way to break into the market.



Research was the key.



I used to research about African watch brands and I couldnt find any African watch brand so all those things led to me being very curious that I know how all these things are made but how come no African has done anything like this? and that question led to the birthing of Caveman Watches.



Today, people such as the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, celebrated music icon, Akon, as well as a host of celebrities across the length and breadth of Africa use his products.



Watch the full interview of Caveman Watches CEO, Anthony Dzamefe on the business edition of 21 minutes with KKB below:





Source: Kwabena Kyenkyenhene Boateng | 21 minutes with KKB









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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will compete for a seat in the country's Senate in elections next year, his top aide said on Monday, ending speculation that he would run for vice president against his own daughter.



The latest twist came as Monday's deadline neared for political parties to finalise candidates, keeping voters on the edge, with last-minute changes still possible in unpredictable but significant presidential and vice-presidential races.



Duterte's closest aide, Christopher "Bong" Go, a senator who is running for the presidency, in a text message to Reuters confirmed a radio report that Duterte will vie for a senate seat in the 2022 polls.



Duterte is not eligible to run for president again, but he can run for other posts.



Go's remarks run counter to those on Saturday by Duterte's communications chief, who said the president would run for vice president, and challenge his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, a mayor who is vying for the same position.



Presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque, ruled that out earlier on Monday.



"What I can say is  the father and daughter, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Mayor Inday Sara, love each other," Roque said after filing his candidacy for senator, referring to Duterte-Carpio by her nickname.



"They will never run against each other, they will never fight each other for any position."



In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected in separate contests.



Duterte's 43-year-old daughter had been expected to run to succeed him as president due to her popularity and clear lead in all opinion polls this year on preferred candidates.



She however signed on to run for the vice president's post, but can still change her mind.



It was not yet clear who Duterte-Carpio will run with, but presidential aspirant and son of late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said he wants her to be his running mate.



Candidates have until 0900 GMT on Monday to withdraw or switch positions by way of substitution.

Source: REUTERS









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The son of Libya's late leader Muammar al-Gaddafi has registered as a candidate in the country's first direct presidential election next month.



Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was once the heir apparent to his father, but his support for a brutal crackdown on protesters 10 years ago tarnished his image.



Since that 2011 uprising, Libya has been riven by conflict.



Rights groups have raised fears the vote, scheduled for 24 December, will not be free and fair.



World powers and the UN secretary-general have warned that anyone who tries to obstruct it or falsify the outcome will face sanctions.



Photos and video circulating online show Saif al-Islam Gaddafi sitting in front of a poster for the upcoming poll, signing electoral papers.







Bearded and wearing traditional Libyan clothing, he addressed the camera and cited a verse from the Koran that translates as, "judge between us and our people in truth"."God always prevails in his purpose," he also said, citing another chapter of the Muslim holy book, and adding from another section - "even if the unbelievers hate it".It is a very different image from the one he presented before the uprising that brought down his father in 2011.In the aftermath of Muammar Gaddafi's brutal end, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was himself captured by a militia.He was held for six years, receiving a death sentence that was later overturned.Mr Gaddafi is still wanted on war crimes charges by the International Criminal Court but has gradually re-emerged onto the public stage, including via an interview to the New York Times from his villa in Zintan earlier this year

Source: BBC









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Two hundred and fifty selected journalists are set to benefit from a Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) annually paid for by the Ministry of Information.



The Ministry of Information which announced this at the launch of the programme in Accra on Sunday, November 14, 2021, said the programme is expected to provide continuous in-service training for media personnel drawn from across the country in order to improve their skills for the industry.



The role of the Ministry is simply to provide bursaries to participant from the media landscape who will benefit from this capacity enhancement programme annually. Under the programme, a skills gap analysis has been conducted by a working committee of experts and a curriculum based on gaps has been developed. The independent committee has also selected a faculty comprising academics and senior media practitioners from across the country, to administer the program.



Deputy Information Minister Fatima Abubakr who led a Press Briefing to launch the program said the programme is in line with one of the key strategic objectives of the Ministry which is to assist in the development of the information sector for which reason a successful implementation of the programme is expected to transform Ghanas media landscape.



Present at the launch were the heads of the implementing partner Organisations the programme including the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Prof. Kwamena-Kwansa Aidoo, Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh and the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Roland Affail Monney as well as members from media umbrella bodies such as the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).



On his part, Prof. Aidoo who is also the Chairman of the committee tasked to provide support for the full implementation of the programme was excited about the rolling out of the programme. He said the programme will help equip journalists in the country with the right skill set to be able to go about their jobs.



Mr. Monney also indicated that the programme could not come at a better time than this. He encouraged journalists to take advantage of it and gain the requisite skills in journalism and media practice.



The MCEP will provide continuous on the job training at regular intervals for media practitioners to improve their skills, support training targeted at content creation for media practitioners, provide a regular platform to support media introspection on subjects related to media management, corporate governance, and media business models and encourage ethical journalism.



Journalists interested in the program will have to apply online and be selected by the working committee comprising representatives of partner organisations.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









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Founder and CEO of the Atta-Mills Institute (AMI), and immediate-past Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Operations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has described the Managing Director of the Despite Media Group, Dr. Fadda Dickson Narh as a rare gem in the media landscape in the country.



According to him, his touch and skill in managing a media conglomerate like the Despite Media Group is very profound.



Speaking highly of him on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme about some recent awards he has received, he noted that his exemplary leadership, loyalty, dedication and hard work has sustained the DMG in its number one spot in the media landscape in this country.



"If media managers are picking a clue from his managerial skills, I think the media's contribution towards the development of the country would be enhanced. The role of the media in the development of the country is very critical and so you need people with such "midas touch" to complete the work their staff are putting in their various programmes."



"We need more of the Fadda Dicksons in the media industry," he added.



Watch video below





Dr. Fadda Dickson Narh, Managing Director of Despite Media, has been honored with a doctorate degree conferred by the George Fox University at Newberg (USA) for his excellence, hard work and outstanding service to community.Dr. Fadda Dickson was honored with the Doctor of Philosophy in Executive Leadership and Business Administration.The honor, which is under the auspices of the World Dipomatic Federation and Rectitude International Mission, two reputable organizations responsible for awarding persons that positively impact society, came off on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.His Emeritus Eminence, Prof. Joseph Tyler Cuddeford, an Associate Dean of George Fox University; His Right Noble Lord Provost Commissioner of North America, Daniel Bach De Haven; His Meritorious Eminence, Chief Executive Chancellor, Dr. Christian Kwetey Kweitsu and His Right Noble Lord Provost Commissioner, Nana Obokrom Atta IX who is also the Odikro of Gomoa Dasum Amankorahene of Gomoa Akyenpim, presented Dr. Fadda Dickson with a prestigious medal of excellence and citation of his good works.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









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Chief Executive Officer of the defunct UT Financial Services, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (Rtd), has authored a new book highlighting the successes and twilight of his company.



The book titled 'THE UT STORY: Humble beginnings' is set to teach the youth and all Ghanaians about the hidden realities of UT Financial Services and some moral lessons for young entrepreneurs.



Actually, any person interested in knowing the story of the man who is known to be one of the most successful business magnates in Ghana and what led to the downfall of UT Financial Services should grab a copy of this book.



UT Financial Services was among some financial institutions that were shut down upon the inception of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



Government took over this institution after declaring it insolvent.



However, a secret that may intrigue Ghanaians has maybe for the first time been revealed as Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (Rtd) pitches his book for public consumption.



According to him, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta requested a loan from UT Financial Services before the collapse of the institution, although he wasn't a minister at the time.



The book disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta came to UT Financial Service "bearing their shares in Enterprise Insurance as collateral for a loan".





In an exclusive interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on'Kokrokoo', Capt. Kofi Amoabeng(Rtd) authenticated the claim saying, "I don't lie or you think they will say it's untrue. It's not just about me. I wasn't personally giving out the loans. I had a system and a structure and institution that granted the loans, so my entire staff were aware. So, it wasn't a situation of I took him to a room like it was done secretly. No! This is a UT Financial Services issue''.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Hohoe District Police Command in the Volta Region has arrested a driver and his conductor to assist in an investigation over the ownership of ammunition found on their commercial vehicle.



The suspect driver, Robert Ofosu Nyanor, 50, and his conductor, Godwin Aniwo, 32, were arrested upon a tip-off.



The Volta Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Effia Tenge, who confirmed the incident to DGN Online said the ammunition intercepted included two cartons of AAA and BBB cartridges which were on board their red Yutong bus with registration number GT 5919-16.



According to her, the 29 passengers on board the vehicle which was en-route to Kpassa in the Oti Region have all denied ownership of the cartridges.



She added that the driver was traveling from Accra when the police traveling on intelligence, flagged it for a search at 3:45 p.m.



Meanwhile, the two cartons containing the cartridges were found concealed in the side compartment of the bus during the search.



The vehicle carrying the ammunition has since been impounded as the suspects have been released on inquiry bail while the investigation is ongoing.







Source: Daily Guide









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Founder and Director of the World Sustainability Organization, Paolo Bray has called on the Government of Ghana to develop policies targeted at preventing the exploitation of the countrys natural resources.



Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV's Natalie Fort, he noted although Ghana has an impressive story of economic growth, the impact of economic development on the countrys natural resources is alarming and must be reduced, while sustainability should be prioritized.



According to the World Bank Ghana Country Environmental Analysis (CEA), environmental degradation costs Ghana $6.3 billion annually, nearly 11% of Ghanas 2017 GDP. Poor land management further leads to land degradation, costing over US$500 million a year and resulting in deforestation costing Ghana US$400 million annually.



Government should set limits to the exploitation of natural resources while motivating and supporting both local and foreign companies in the change towards sustainable operations to preserve the countrys natural resources. said the Founder and Director of the World Sustainability Organization, Paolo Bray.



Over the past 30 years, an increase in the price and production of cocoa, gold, and oil helped transform Ghana: real GDP growth quadrupled, extreme poverty dropped by half, and in 2011, Ghana moved to a Lower Middle-Income Country status.

However, in spite of the economic successes chalked, five million hectares of forest were lost between 2001 and 2015. Over the past decade, artisanal gold mining aggravated the degradation; as streams and rivers were dug up to find gold.



Global Leader in Sustainable Certification Programs, Paolo Bray further noted Efforts by the Government of Ghana to clamp down on illegal mining are commendable, and the ban on illegal mining operations has yielded some results. However, the government should also proactively promote major conservation initiatives, develop policies to prevent degradation, expand protected areas and integrate them with the communities needs.



He called for urgent action to prevent the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on vulnerable people in Ghana.



The World Sustainability Organization is a global organization whose key objective is the conservation of ecosystems, aimed at protecting critical habitats and endangered species globally by means of the sustainability certifications - Friend of the Sea and Friend of the Earth and the related conservation and awareness projects, it is headquartered in Italy



Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









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Abiola Bawuah Foundation(ABF), has donated to people of Nsiakrom and Adinkrakrom in the Ashanti region.



This exercise is part of The 100 Girls Support Project which was launched on October 11, 2018, while the world observed the International Day of the Girl. The project is supposed to cover all the 16 regions in Ghana.



The award-winning non-profit organization, ABF once again set the Thames on fire as they gave out some items to school girls and parents in the Nsiakrom and Adinkrakrom township.



Nsiakrom, a hamlet in the Asante-Akyem Central Municipality in the Ashanti region was the first to receive the donation after which the team headed to Adinkrakrom.



There was a small durbar organized by the Queen Mother of the town to welcome the ABF team led by the project officer, Geraldine Osafo Ntiri. Teachers and parents in the town also graced the occasion as they welcomed the ABF team for the second time in two years due to the pandemic.



The schoolgirls received items such as books, school bags, school uniforms, socks, and deodorants. Life have always been difficult for the people of Nsiakrom especially pupils, due to the absence of electricity, they hardly study at night. ABF recognizing this problem came to the aid of the schoolgirls by giving them torchlights. The schoolgirls expressed their contentment while they moved from one friend to the next comparing the items they received.



Parents also received used clothes' so they could wear them to the farm since the area was a farming community. This was quite a bolt from the blue, however, one could see the joy that covered the faces of these parents.



Adinkrakrom was not left out, there also, schoolgirls and some parents received their share of the donation. This was when Geraldine Osafo Ntiri and her team had finished with Nsiakrom. Items such as school uniforms, school bags, socks, deodorants, and more were given out.



Excitement filled every part of their bodies while they received the items in exchange for thanksgiving.



The whole donation wouldnt have been successful but for the kind courtesy of companies such as UNFPA, Unilever Ghana Limited, Coca-Cola, FanMilk Ghana Limited, Lexta Ghana Limited, and Energprojekt Ghana Limited who reached out to ABF when the need arose.













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The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has given an assurance that it will continue to facilitate the adequate production and reliable supply of cocoa beans for local processing and export.

That plan is also part of an initiative to support the private sector and position the country to become the chocolate and confectionery hub of Africa by 2030.



That, the regulator said, was the surest way to leverage Ghanas increasing trend of cocoa production to become a key player in the global value chain and achieve prosperity for farmers.



The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, who gave the assurance at the third Ghana Cocoa Awards in Accra last Friday, challenged entrepreneurs, investors and other relevant stakeholders to partner the government to establish chocolate manufacturing firms that could profit Africas over 1.2 billion consumers and beyond.



Is it not ironic that the continent that produces nearly 75 per cent of global cocoa is an importer of chocolate and confectionary products?



All five of Africas biggest economies  Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria and Morocco  are importers of chocolate from the same Western countries to which Africa supplies raw cocoa, he said.





Unfortunate situation



Mr Aidoo observed that it was an obvious unfortunate situation to create job opportunities in already developed economies, while leaving the youth of Africa with limited choices.



We need to redirect our efforts towards value addition, while taking advantage of opportunities offered us by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to turn Africa into a cocoa manufacturing and consuming region, he said.



According to him, the demand for cocoa products continued to be on the ascendancy in emerging economies of the Middle East, Turkey, Russia and Asia, which added another impetus.



Let us move away from being comfortable with the meagre US$3 billion foreign exchange to a US$50-billion earner by 2030.



And, yes, cocoa being the most important raw material for the worlds number one sweet presents us that leverage, he added.



Farm gate price



The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, said the government would continue to take keen steps to improve the cocoa value chain.



In spite of international pressure, the President reinforced his commitment to the countrys cocoa farmers by maintaining the farm gate price in the early period and tasked the cocoa regulator to devise a sustainable solution to the challenge.



Through a historic joint effort by the President and his Ivorian counterpart, we have succeeded in achieving a living income differential of $400 per tonne of cocoa for our cherished farmers, expressed through a major leap in the producer price of cocoa, she said.



Positive for farmers



Mrs Osei-Opare said farmers in Ghana and Cote dIvoire were now better off compared, to farmers in other cocoa-producing countries.



He said the government would continue its effort to ensure that the welfare of farmers was paramount, as it strived to achieve a sustainable cocoa economy.



Having come this far in the areas of farmer welfare protection, cocoa production, among others, this government wants to turn its attention to local cocoa processing, value addition and consumption.



The government has already demonstrated that it can achieve what it sets out to accomplish within the cocoa industry, she said.



She challenged the management of COCOBOD to take the industry to the next level by expanding the cocoa processing sub-sector and increasing consumption, both locally and within the sub-region.



That, she said, had the potential to significantly increase the revenue generated from the cocoa industry for the country.



The awards night



There were 37 awards presented to various organisations and personalities whose exceptional contribution to the cocoa industry, and by extension the Ghanaian economy, could not be overlooked.



Some of the organisations which received awards were Olam Ghana, ECOM Ghana, Cocoa Life Ghana, Fairafric Ghana, GLICO General and AMP Logistics (GH) Limited.



Personalities such as Vincent Okyere Akomeah (CMC), Edmund Agyapong Poku, Nicholas Kumah (ELIHO Ghana), Charity Naa Anima Sackitey and Nana Kwabena Ponkoh II were also rewarded.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Twenty-four persons, including Members of Parliament from the Minority side, were on the Governments delegation to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.



Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources said: Its not correct that the Government sent a delegation of 300 people to Glasgow.



Mr Jinapor gave the number in reaction to a mention of 337 persons being on governments delegation to the conference, held from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.



The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Andrew Amoako, chairing proceedings on the Floor of Parliament, gave Mr Jinapor the opportunity, when he stood for a point of correction, in reaction to Mr Rockson-Nelson Etse Dafeamekpors statement that records from the conference organisers indicated that 337 persons from Ghana participated.



Its not correct that the Government sent a delegation of 300 people to Glasgow, Mr Jinapor said, adding that such conferences had attracted three kinds of delegations; the Presidents Delegation, Government Delegation, and Country Delegation.



He said there were also civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations represented.



The government delegation involved both the Ranking Member on Lands and Forestry and his deputy, to the conference, he said.



Mr Joseph Cudjoe, the MP for Effia, who is also a finance analyst, said others apart from the Governments delegation were at the conference to prospect for investment.



Space had been created by global financial bodies for climate change activities, he said, and urged for business opportunities to be developed to take advantage of the space provided.



The Chair could not agree less.

Source: GNA









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Former President John Dramani Mahama has donated assorted relief items to the victims of last weekend's storm surge in communities along the coast of the Volta Region.



The items, including 1,000 bags of five kg rice, 3,000 pieces of mattresses, 2,000 pieces of canned fish, 2,000 pieces of canned tomatoes, and 2,000 litres of cooking oil, were given to the Members of Parliament (MPs) of the various Constituencies for onward distribution to the victims.



A storm surge last Saturday and Sunday flooded homes in communities in Ketu South and Keta and collapsed buildings, including homes and school blocks in the Anloga District and rendered about 4,000 people homeless.



Mr Mahama, in a speech Saturday at the forecourt of Keta Municipal Assembly to present the items, said he could not sit and not respond to the cries of the people, who had been ravaged by the sea thus his widow's mite to alleviate their sufferings.



He said the items were procured through the assistance of some Ghanaians to support the victims.



The former President decried the devastating effects of the ravaging sea on coastal communities, saying the coastal flooding currently happening along Volta's coast and the Volta River estuary in the South Tongu District as a result of climate change, noting that natural disasters would occur but what mattered was the reaction towards them.



Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, MP of Ketu South, said the situation in Ketu South was even dire because apart from suffering from the sea's attacks, the border on which the majority of the people depended for their livelihood had since been closed, likening it to "killing one fowl and taking two hearts from it."

Source: GNA









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The incarcerated founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, has been granted permission to marry his partner, Stella Moris, at Belmarsh prison in the UK.



The couple received permission to marry inside the high-security prison where Mr. Assange has been lodged since 2019 after the US took legal action to extradite him. Mr. Assanges application was received, considered, and processed in the usual way by the prison governor, as for any other prisoner, a Prison Service spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Associated Press on Thursday.



Ms. Moris told the PA news agency: I am relieved that reason prevailed and I hope there will be no further interference with our marriage.



Assange, 50, met his future wife in 2011, while he was living in the Ecuadorean embassy in the capital. Ms. Moris is a South Africa-born lawyer and was on his legal team. She has been in a relationship with him since 2015 and has been fighting for him to be released on bail.



The couple got engaged in 2017 and have two children, Max, two, and four-year-old Gabriel, both of whom are British citizens.



Mr. Assange has continued to fight a long-drawn-out legal battle to avoid extradition to the US, where he could be questioned over the activities of WikiLeaks.



He is facing 17 charges of espionage over his role in obtaining and disclosing national defence information following WikiLeakss publication of thousands of documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.



The leaked documents included footage from April 2010 that showed US soldiers shooting and killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq.



If found guilty he could face up to 175 years in prison.













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

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The founder and leader of Heavens Gate Ministries, Prophet Nicholas Osei (Kumchacha), has entreated pastors not to overestimate themselves.



According to Kumchacha, pastors just as any other human beings are susceptible to things that affect the health and should therefore act like they are superhumans.



Ive thought my church members and Ive made them understand that I am human, I can fall sick at any time. Death can come for me at any time and so when you hear that Kumchacha is sick or dead, as my member you would not be worried, he stated.



Kumchacha noted in an interview with Oman Channel that some pastors have assumed godlike status in the eyes of their members and therefore make it look like they have the solution to everyone problem including all health-related issues.



He however notes that hospitals exist for the purpose of healthcare and therefore pastors must rather ensure their sick members seek proper healthcare as and when necessary while they support them in prayers.



There are pastors who have assumed the status of God in the eyes of their members. They make hospitals look useless and when some of the members are sick, they refuse to understand that not all sicknesses can be cured with prayers.



The truth is that when a member of your church is having a headache, as a pastor preach to him and entreat them to seek medical attention while you support them with prayers. When a church member is having health problems ask them to go to the hospital for the doctor to give them medication and then support them in prayers. Some pastors have condemned hospitals and any pastor who does that lacks knowledge, he said.









Source: graphiconline.com









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Motoyoshi Okamura Wins Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Holdem/Pot-Limit Omaha for $209,716

November 15, 2021 Liam Gannon

After seven hours of play on Day 3, it was music producer Motoyoshi Okamura who outlasted the other eight players to bring home his first WSOP bracelet in Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Holdem/Pot-Limit Omaha. Prior to this event, Okamura had a career-best score of $122,000 after coming second in a $10,000 buy-in tournament at Aria earlier this month. Now with this score of $209,716, he moves up to 25th on Japans all-time money list.

Winning the bracelet has been a dream of mine, said Okamura after winning heads up against Rafael Mota. Okamura has only been playing poker for just over a year. This is my first time playing the WSOP, and I will surely be back next time.

This is Japans second bracelet of the series after Kazuki Ikeuchi won Event #5: $1,000 No-Limit Holdem for an online bracelet, but it is Japans first live bracelet of the series.

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1st Motoyoshi Okamura Japan $209,716 2nd Rafael Mota Brazil $129,621 3rd Nick Yunis Chile $91,989 4th Leonid Yanovski Israel $66,249 5th Mike Takayama Philippines $48,428 6th Jordan Spurlin United States $35,942 7th Marc Lange Germany $27,088 8th Tim Grau Austria $20,737

Day 1

Phil Hellmuth didn't make it past Day 1

The tournament field started with 846 entrants, creating a prize pool of $1,129,410, which quickly got whittled down to the money on the first day of play with 126 players remaining at the end of Day 1. Many famous notables tried to get into the money but fell short like Jake Schwartz, Phil Hellmuth, Chino Rheem, and Michael Wang.

It was the dual elimination of Peter Wirth and Matt Higgins by Chris Ball and eventual winner Motoyoshi Okamura that brought the end of play on Day 1.

Day 2

Nohad Teliani burst the final table bubble

The first two levels of the day saw the original field of 126 quickly go down to 54, and the following levels of play saw eliminations at a quicker than normal pace. Players like Diogo Veiga (94th - $2,641), Robert Mizrachi (91st - $2,641), Manig Loeser (45st - $4,429), and current player of the year leader Josh Arieh (40th - $5,057) were all eliminated on Day 2 while collecting a cash.

It was eliminations of Jerry Wong (10th - $12,748) and the start of Day 2 chip leader Nohad Teliani (9th - $16,128) that ended the day with the final eight players set to come back the following day.

Day 3

The action kicked off very quickly at the beginning of the day with Tim Grau going all-in on the first hand for his last 360,000 in pot-limit omaha against chip leader Rafael Motas raise. Mota called and saw he was behind with against , but a flopped two-pair for Mota saw Grau eliminated in eighth place for $20,737.

Shortly after in a holdem round, Leonid Yanovski went all-in from the small blind, covering Marc Lange in the big blind who ended up calling him. Lange held ace-two suited, but it was well behind the ace-queen of Yanovski, and no sweat on the flop meant an exit for Lange, and he collected $27,088 for his seventh-place finish.

Jordan Spurlin was eliminated in sixth place for $35,942 in a holdem round, when his king-queen couldnt find any improvement against Nick Yunis pocket eights on a seven-high board.

Just before players went on their first break, Mike Takayama was out in a holdem round when he jammed his ace-seven for 12 big blinds on the button, and Yunis called in the big blind with pocket nines. A queen high board brought no help to Takayama, and he was eliminated in fifth place for $48,428.

Nick Yunis fell in third

It would be another hour of playing four-handed before the next elimination came, and Yanovski was the fourth-place finisher. In an Omaha round, he got in a preflop raising war with Mota, who put him all in. Yanovski called with ace-ace-eight-two against queen-jack-ten-nine and flopped a set on an ace-high board. A turn flush would spell the end for him as he was unable to catch up on the river and collected $66,249 for his efforts.

Yunis found himself getting shorter during three-handed play and eventually found himself moving all-in during a holdem round from the big blind, only to get snapped off by Okamura, who had pocket kings. Yunis pocket threes could not make a set, and he was eliminated in third place for $91,989.

Heads Up Play

Heads up play began close to even with Okamura only slightly ahead of Mota. This was not for long as Mota pulled ahead rather quickly and after only 40-minutes of play, created a 4:1 chip lead for himself versus Okamura.

In another 40-minutes, Okamura would find himself going from on the ropes into the driver seat when he check-raised the river in a holdem round, when Mota had raised the turn. He gained the chip lead at that point and did not relinquish it for the remainder of the match.

The match came to an end when during an omaha round, Mota got in his stack on a board with an overpair and the nut flush draw. Okamura called with top pair, which turned into two pair on the turn, then into a full house on the river. Rafael Mota shook hands with his opponent and collected $129,716 for his second-place finish.

Congratulations to Motoyoshi Okamura on winning his first bracelet in Event #72: $1,500 Mixed No-Limit Holdem/Pot-Limit Omaha!

Stay tuned for more updates on the 52nd World Series Of Poker at The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.
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COLUMBIA  A public funeral for state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, who died last week at age 90, will be 3 p.m. Nov. 19 in Florence, his Senate office announced.

A service celebrating the life of the powerful Pee Dee senator will be at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, one of many Florence-area projects he helped fund as the lawmaker who most controlled the state's purse strings for two decades.

Leatherman's family will host a reception immediately after the funeral, according to the Nov. 15 statement.

People wanting to attend are encouraged to arrive early, due to limited seating and parking at the downtown venue, located at 201 S. Dargan St. The 61,000-square-foot performing arts center, where a bust of Leatherman has greeted visitors since its 2011 opening, seats about 850 people.

There were no immediate plans included for any sort of formal remembrance at the Statehouse.

Leatherman, who represented the Pee Dee for 41 years, died at home Nov. 12 of cancer, a few weeks after entering hospice care.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, and six children. A formal obituary and more details about the service, including who will give the eulogy, will be released later this week.

Leatherman, who first won his Senate seat in 1980, was just the fifth Senate Finance Committee chairman since World War II. He became chairman in 2001 after helping to orchestrate the chamber's flip from Democrat to Republican control, six years after he switched parties himself.

That role alone, which also put him on various other state fiscal oversight boards, made him one of the state's most powerful lawmakers. He unquestionably took the top spot in 2014 when his colleagues elected him Senate president pro tempore, making him the chamber's official leader, with additional appointment powers. He held both leadership positions until a voter-approved change in the Senate's presiding officer eliminated the pro tem title entirely in 2019.

Leatherman was instrumental in economic development deals across the state, including securing Boeing's move to North Charleston in 2009. His negotiations to build the port's new container terminal on the former Navy base in North Charleston and build two inland ports with rail access are why the terminal that opened earlier this year bears his name.

"Few people have made such a profound impact on the state of South Carolina as Hugh Leatherman," Francis Marion University President Fred Carter said in a statement. "The region and the state have lost a great leader, and I have lost one of my best friends."

Leatherman grew up on a farm in Lincoln County, N.C., and graduated from North Carolina State University as a civil engineer in 1953. He received an honorary degree from Francis Marion in 1987. He had been a trustee emeritus of the university since 1988, and his daughter Karen Leatherman is a university board member.

Carter's statement noted it was Leatherman who made it possible for Francis Marion to add many of its campus buildings and academic programs. Its new medical education complex is named for Hugh and Jean Leatherman.
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COLUMBIA  Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and at least one other Midlands elected leader traveled to Washington, D.C., for the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Benjamin, a former president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, was among a group of officials invited to the White House for the bill signing Nov. 15 with President Joe Biden and members of Congress. The bill is slated to bring $6 billion to South Carolina for roads, bridges, public transportation and broadband projects.

Lexington Town Councilwoman Kathy Maness also planned to attend the bill signing. Maness is the current president of the National League of Cities, a municipal advocacy organization that helped lobby for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan.

South Carolina's allotted money will ultimately be designated to specific projects by state officials, but the federal allocations include $510 million for water infrastructure, $70 million to expand electric vehicle charging stations and $18 million toward cyber security efforts.
Two women were shot and killed in a Gaston neighborhood on the morning of Nov. 15, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.

Jaimey McKenzie Green, 20, and Jazzmyne Ajytia Onisha Green, 25, died as a result of gunshot wounds, Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said in a statement.

The suspected gunman was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in a car parked in Richland County, according to a tweet from the sheriff's department.

Neighbors reported gunfire around 9:15 a.m. in the 200 block of Woodcote Drive, the sheriff's department said. Sheriff's deputies are investigating the deaths and interviewed residents of the neighborhood, which is located off U.S. 321, about two miles from the Gaston Food Lion.

The sheriff's department believes the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the neighborhood, according to a statement. There are no other suspects or person's of interest in the shooting, the sheriff's department said.
GEORGETOWN  The Waccamaw Neck might be getting a new representative.

Local businesswoman Stella Mercado announced her candidacy for Georgetown County Council District 6 seat, which includes Pawleys Island, according to Mercado.

Additionally, two other seats will be open for reelection in 2022 including; District 1 and 7.

Councilman Steve Goggans, who currently serves District 6, confirmed to The Post and Courier he doesn't plan to run for a third-term clearing the path for Mercado.

"I think Stella Mercado would be a very very good candidate," Goggans, the Pawleys Island-based architect, said. "I wish her luck and success."

Councilman Louis Morant also confirmed he is running for reelection in District 7, which covers the western portion of the county including Plantersville.

"We're still working on developing the western part of the county and also trying to still work towards getting broadband in that particular area," Morant said about why he wants to run for reelection.

Mercado is the CEO of Mercom Corporation a Pawleys Island information and technology company that contracts out to the federal government.

Back in 2016, Mercom Corporation announced a $6 million expansion that would create over 150 jobs in the county, according to prior reporting.

It is not clear if Councilman John Thomas is running for reelection in District 1, which encompasses Georgetown's side of Murrells Inlet.

While candidates might begin their campaigns now, the filing period for the Nov. 8 Georgetown County Council election is March 16, 2022, through March 30, 2022.
GREENVILLE  Some Greenville County school board members carried four books into an Oct. 26 meeting, each one up for debate.

A parent requested in May the board reconsider the books, part of a reading list of 25 in his child's advanced-placement (AP) language and composition class at Mauldin High School.

While the parent submitted thick paragraphs in his requests, his primary objections revolved around a single point: No other books on the list presented an opposing view to each of the four.

Each book was reviewed by a committee  comprised of teachers, students and community members  which voted the books should stay in place. It was then appealed to the school board, and members discussed at length on two occasions the nuances of the policies the parent used to justify his objections.

When it came time to vote, the language of opposing viewpoints factored into many of their decisions. The choice was made to keep the books but implement a new materials selection process.

Requests for reconsideration

Students in the AP class at Mauldin High School last school year were asked to select one book to read from the list of 25. The class is a college-level English course for 11th and 12th graders that focuses on argumentative writing and rhetorical strategies in nonfiction texts.

One student did not select a book from the list by the deadline, so they were assigned one. The student's father, James Brundege, contacted the teacher in January 2021 to object to the book assigned.

Complaints about instructional materials fall under board policy KNBA, which states: Any individual residing within the attendance area of the school district or who has a child who attends a school in the school district may lodge a complaint against any reading material used in the school system. A student who objects to or finds offensive any instructional materials should be given alternatives.

The teacher responded to Brundege that the student could choose another book from the list or suggest one outside the list for consideration. The student did not make another selection or submit an alternative.

In May, Brundege submitted reconsideration requests for four of the 25 books: Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich; Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell; The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander; and Dark Money by Jane Mayer. The requests were the first submitted to the district since the 2007-08 school year.

Attached to policy KNBA is the request form that asks nine questions, including what the person would like the school to do about the material. The three responses are do not assign it to my child, withdraw it from all students in the grade level, as well as my child, and send it to the districts material review committee for reevaluation. Brundege chose the last option for all the requests. He also noted that he had not read any of the books fully but rather random paragraphs.

Brundege repeatedly referred to board policy IFA, which gives school personnel the authority to select their own materials. Part of the policy states, personnel should provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that students may develop, under guidance, the practices of critical reading and thinking.

Brundege stated in his requests that the books did not have another book that represented opposing views of these issues as required by policy IFA.

The high school material review committee is composed of three parents of high school students, two students, two people not employed by the district, three teachers, one media specialist and one clergy member. The committee is organized by a non-voting member, Charlotte McDavid, the district's executive director for academic innovation and technology.

The committee met in July, August and September to deliberate about each book individually. Each member had the opportunity to read the texts in full. The committee does not require a quorum to operate so not every person attended each meeting and commented on each book. Members could submit written thoughts if they were unable to attend.

The committee reviewed the material on six categories: age-appropriateness, the purpose of the material, any mandatory use of the materials, educational value, basis of the complaint and relevant community standards.

Each book was found to be age-appropriate for the AP language and composition course. Each was acceptable for the purpose of analyzing rhetoric, aligned with the focus of the class and educationally valuable. The committee also found that the complaints were taken out of context from the overall themes of the books.

The committee has three options when considering texts: to take no action, remove it at certain levels or remove it in its entirety. The body unanimously voted to take no action to remove any of the books and informed Brundege in September of the decision.

Brundege then appealed to the board.

Opposing viewpoints

The board was first given the opportunity to discuss the appeal during its Oct. 12 committee of the whole meeting with an information-only presentation of the findings by McDavid. Board members asked a wide-range of questions, such as how one determines the maturity level of a book, how the committee was chosen, the meaning of opposing viewpoints and whether the book list accomplished that goal.

During the Oct. 26 meeting, the board discussed each book individually when voting.

I feel like these books violate our board policy, not because of content that is in them but because there is not opposing content, Trustee Sarah Dulin said during the Oct. 26 meeting. So for that reason I will be voting no on these books. Not that I think they should be banned, but I think they need a partner if they are going to be taught in the classroom.

Trustee Michelle Goodwin-Calwile jumped in after Dulin saying, There were 25 books on the list, so you dont know whether you have opposing views in those other 21 or not because you didnt read them.

Youre going to have controversial issues, but what is this world coming to when we are telling our children, we are basically telling them how to think, Goodwin-Calwile said.

Trustee Lisa Wells also called the idea of trying to match every book with an opposing book a slippery slope.

Even as the board debated the topic, confusion stirred about what the vote would accomplish since they were simply asked to either uphold the committees decision or side with the parent. The parent, however, did not formally ask for the books to be removed but rather that opposing viewpoints be made available.

Trustee Derek Lewis finally asked for clarification from the boards legal counsel. It was determined that if the board voted yes to a book, it would be left as an option for future reading lists. If they voted no, the book would be removed as an option.

A voice vote was taken for each book. There were both yes and no votes for each, but it was not clear how each board member voted due to the method of voting. The board upheld the committee's decision for all four books.

Trustee Lynda Leventis-Wells said she was frustrated by the voice vote because there was clear opposition that could not be accounted for. She said she wants more roll call votes moving forward.

Change in approach

As a result of the debate, the district plans to change how it approaches selecting reading materials.

Associate Superintendent for Academics Jeff McCoy and his staff created a draft process for how books could be selected for reading lists, and that process has been sent to principals for input and feedback.

Teachers in a department within a school will have to work together to develop lists which would then be approved by that schools principal, making sure the list aligns with district policy. Previously, teachers made decisions individually or as a group.

When Leventis-Wells asked why there wasn't a universal reading list for all 15 high schools, Superintendent Burke Royster said the district did not want to immediately jump to a restrictive approach to material selection.

The new process is expected to be implemented by the end of November.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

Today

Cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. Areas of patchy fog. High 63F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 36F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.
SUMMERVILLE  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and other officials see the Berlin G. Myers Parkway's final phase approval as a case study in getting a project "unstuck."

On Nov. 15, officials from the S.C. Department of Transportation, Army Corps of Engineers and the town of Summerville gathered at a break in the Sawmill Branch Trail to celebrate and update the community on the parkway's third and final phase.

Around 12 of the 17 years spent on the project involved it being stuck in a permitting process, officials said.

"It's time that this project be built," said DOT Secretary Christy Hall.

The final phase of the parkway went through years of delays due to its connection with the Sawmill Branch Canal.

The canal was built by the federal government in the 1970s as a way to address flooding concerns. Because of this, officials with the Army Corps of Engineers had to ensure that any permit applications that affected the canal had to also avoid any impacts to the Sawmill Branch's original effectiveness around flood mitigation.

Officials on Nov. 15 pointed at the partnership and hard work between the multiple agencies involved as the reason for the project's approval.

Mayor Ricky Waring thanked Graham, a South Carolina Republican, for his support and said the project couldn't have been done without it. Waring framed a big portion of his mayoral campaign around finishing the project.

"It's a dream come true," he said. "We're excited in Summerville because we can't get around."

Once completed, the parkway will connect East 5th North Street to U.S. Highway 17A. Officials estimate it will help move around 30,000 cars per day off Summerville's Main Street.

In addition to thanking Hall, Graham pointed to the people of Summerville for helping him realize there was a huge traffic problem. That, plus a visit to the town, helped.

"It took me about an hour to get out of town," he said.

The update comes after some recent tension arose over Graham's support of the Biden administration's infrastructure package, which Congress passed earlier this month.

Following his vote in support of the plan, the Dorchester County Republican Party and some groups in other counties issued a "censure" against the senator and his vote.

According to Graham, the federal government has to partner with state and local communities. If there isn't a partnership, there will be concerns, he said.

"We're going to hit walls all the time," he said.

The Berlin G. Myers Parkway project is slated to cost more than $120 million. Around $60 million of that will come from the federal government. About $30 million is coming directly from the infrastructure package.

Graham said the funding is one thing, but one of his deciding factors to support the plan came down to regulatory reforms in the bill. He said those reforms should allow projects like the parkway to move along faster.

He also said he doesn't mind working with Democrats when it makes sense. Around $6 billion is coming to South Carolina through the infrastructure plan, Graham said.

Though it will be spread throughout the state, he said all of that could be spent in the Lowcountry and areas like Summerville alone to address infrastructure.

"Everybody seems to want to come here," he said. "Summerville is a beautiful community."

Construction for the Berlin G. Myers Parkway's final phase will begin in spring 2022. It is estimated to take three years to finish.
North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 35F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
WASHINGTON  South Carolina U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace is spearheading an effort to federally decriminalize and also tax marijuana, leaving it up to individual states to choose whether they would prohibit the drug.

Mace said she's been working on the legislation released Nov. 15 since arriving in Congress early this year. South Carolina is one of only 14 states that does not allow the medical use of cannabis while numerous marijuana reform efforts in the Statehouse have failed.

The freshman congresswoman said her bill would not force South Carolina to adopt marijuana legalization, acknowledging it's not an overwhelmingly popular topic among Statehouse lawmakers.

"When we're looking at cannabis reform at the federal level we have to look at what is existing at states across the country," Mace, R-Charleston, said in a Washington news conference. "It's not going to force cannabis on South Carolina" if the state doesn't want it, she said.

The bill immediately drew a strong condemnation from Mace's own South Carolina Republican Party, where party Chairman Drew McKissick said the effort doesn't align with the party's values.

"Unequivocally, the South Carolina Republican Party is against any effort to legalize, decriminalize the use of controlled substances, and that includes this bill," McKissick said.

Known as the "States Reform Act," the bill would remove cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Agency's list of Schedule I narcotics, where it is currently listed alongside drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin and LSD.

It would regulate cannabis federally, like alcohol is, under the Department of Agriculture for growers, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would regulate cannabis products and the Food and Drug Administration would oversee it for its purported medical uses.

The measure additionally would include a 3 percent federal excise tax on cannabis products which would assist in funding law enforcement and small business and veterans mental health initiatives, according to a statement from Mace's office.

There are four Republican co-sponsors for the bill: U.S. Reps. Tom McClintock of California; Don Young of Alaska; Brian Mast of Florida; and Peter Meijer of Michigan. No Democrats are listed as supporters.

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The States Reform Act also asks for the release and expungement of those convicted of nonviolent, cannabis-only related offenses. It excludes cartel members, agents of cartel gangs or those convicted of driving under the influence.

Mace's office approximates there will be 2,600 federal releases. States would determine through their own court systems if prisoners should be released or expunged.

At the news conference, Mace introduced several veterans advocates, including Dan Caldwell from Concerned Veterans for America, who said the legislation would help service members who struggle with physical and mental issues caused by deployments. The bill includes wording that says veterans can't be discriminated against in federal hiring for their cannabis use or lose their VA health care benefits.

"For many, these deployments have taken a toll on the mind and body," Caldwell said. "For many veterans, medical cannabis has proven to be a better solution than the high doses of medication that the VA supplies."

Mace's marijuana proposal comes as cannabis legalization has become more favorable among Palmetto State residents and Americans nationwide. A 2019 poll from Benchmark Research showed 72 percent of 400 South Carolinians polled support legalizing medical marijuana, including 84 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of independents and 63 percent of Republicans.

In 2018, a poll from Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy showed that 61 percent of respondents supported a bill that would allow South Carolina doctors to prescribe medical marijuana for specific conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorders.

Earlier this month, a nationwide poll from Gallup showed that more than two in three Americans support legalizing marijuana.

"I put in a lot of thought into how we can make this legislation palatable on both sides of the aisle," Mace said. "This legislation has something good for everyone whether you're a Democrat or Republican."
'Diwan is the child of Cairo': An Egyptian bookshop beat the odds to write its own story
At first glance, it might seem the Daily Mail is going into competition with the Babylon Bee, but I think this is a straight news story, and at this point nothing would surprise me in these crooked times:

Would you buy a political correctness police-bot? Trigger warning device for classrooms and parties sounds alarm when it detects offensive language or jokes A new trigger-warning detector which sound alarms when it detects offensive speech has been unveiled at Dubai Design Week. The Themis is a lamp-sized device intended to moderate debate in classrooms and universities and manifest political correctness into a product. . . Zinah Issa, who unveiled the device in Dubai, told The Telegraph: Through the use of speech recognition and sound sensors we were able to program Themis to detect offensive terms  racial slurs, offensive jokes  through the microphone. Extremely bothersome alarms last approximately two minutes, after which Themis turns off, allowing an open, understanding discussion among people on the possible trigger matter and the potential reasons behind Themiss activation. The device is named for Themis, the Greek goddess of justice and social order. Themis is being currently trialled in classrooms and universities with a view to a wider roll-out soon.

First of all, Themis is the perfect name for a device for people and institutions that have lost their Thumos.

Second, look at the bright side: with this advance in mindless automation, we can reduce the number of mindless automatons in the various offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion (starting with Yale Law School), and disband the Maoist bias incident response teams that PC universities have set up in recent years. Progress!

P.S. Anyone remember this feature of Demolition Man? (Language warningbut another example of life imitating art.)
The mainstream media are beginning to crawl backwards like sand crabs from the Steele Dossier. Linking to Paul Farhis Washington Post story on its confrontation with its own reporting, Sara Fischer highlights the medias epic fail. (Syntax is apparently part of the fail.) Becket Adams expands on the doings at the Post in the Examiner story Washington Post edits and adds editors notes to at least a dozen Steele dossier stories.

Despite the supposed epic fail, the media gloriously succeeded in its mission to defame Donald Trump and to cripple the Trump presidency. It was a job well done.

What did Post reporters Tom Hamburger and Rosalind Helderman have to say to Farhi about the Posts correction and excision of key parts of their 2017 and 2019 stories identifying Sergei Millian as one of Steeles key sources (Source D)? Farhi tells us: They declined to comment. That is pathetic.

Recall that BuzzFeed published the Steele Dossier in January 2017. It is posted online here. Howard Blum usefully extracted Steeles identification of unnamed sources in his ludicrously breathless Vanity Fair story:

Source Ato use the careful nomenclature of his dossierwas a senior Russian Foreign Ministry figure. Source B was a former top level intelligence officer still active in the Kremlin. And both of these insiders, after speaking to a trusted compatriot, would claim that the Kremlin had spent years getting its hooks into Donald Trump. Source E was an ethnic Russian and close associate of Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump. This individual proved to be a treasure trove of information. Speaking in confidence to a compatriot, the talkative Source E admitted there was a well-developed conspiracy of cooperation between them [the Trump campaign] and the Russian leadership. Then this: The Russian regime had been behind the recent leak of embarrassing e-mail messages, emanating from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to the WikiLeaks platform. And finally: In return the Trump team had agreed to sideline Russian intervention in Ukraine as a campaign issue and to raise US/NATO defense commitments in the Baltic and Eastern Europe to deflect attention away from Ukraine. Then there was Source D, a close associate of Trump who had organized and managed his recent trips to Moscow, and Source F, a female staffer at the Moscow Ritz-Carlton hotel, who was co-opted into the network by an Orbis ethnic Russian operative working hand in hand with the loquacious Trump insider, Source E.

I thought at the time that Steeles sources were a joke and so they have proved to be. Did the veteran reporters (as Farhi describes them) Hamburger and Helderman really think that Steele had picked up the phone and debriefed a senior Russian foreign ministry figure or former op level intelligence officer still active in the Kremlin?

We now know that the Steele Dossier was commissioned by Glenn Simpson/Fusion GPS working on behalf of the Clinton campaign. It was paid for by campaign counsel Marc Elias and the law firm Perkins Coie. Rep. Devin Nunes pierced the veil of the law firm cutout in late 2017 and called out the FBI for its reliance on the dossier in taking out FISA warrants on Carter Page without relevant disclosures. The memo setting forth Nuness findings is posted online here. What we have are intimations of immorality: the biggest scandal in American political history by far.

Yesterday Chuck Todd interviewed Adam Schiff in an eight-minute Meet the Press segment. Though the competition is stiff and there is room for argument, Schiff may be the most despicable man in Congress. Todd raised the issue of the Steele Dossier with Schiff in the last three minutes and let Schiff move on with the assertion that he was right to raise questions. Todds performance was characteristically lame, as is his crawl backwards from the dossier.

Todd welcomed Fusion GPS principals Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch to promote their book on the dossier in November 2019 (video below). The book is aptly titled Crime In Progress. Simpson is a perpetrator and the crime is still in progress. Chuck Todd et al. are aiders and abettors.

PAUL ADDS: I agree with Scott that the mainstream media did not fail (epically, or otherwise) in its treatment of the Steele dossier. The Washington Post and other MSM organs were determined to destroy Donald Trump. They seized on the dossier because it was the weapon they thought might do the trick. They didnt care about its veracity.

Anything that came out of Trumps mouth, the Post treated as presumptively false. To say the least, such skepticism did not apply to derogatory information about Trump.

This was the equivalent of the CBS story about George Bush shirking his National Guard duty. CBS didnt care whether the story was true. It ran with the story because the story served its purposes.

So too here.

The BS dossier didnt destroy Trump. It played no part in his 2020 defeat. However, this fabricated story defamed Trump and impaired his presidency, as Scott says.

Thus, this wasnt an epic failure by the mainstream media. It was a partial success.

The Washington Post has corrected a report on this matter from a 2017. I view the correction as a continuation of the Posts deception.

First came the bogus stories. Now, when the stories have been thoroughly discredited, comes the Posts bogus attempt to convince the public that it wishes it hadnt promoted lies about the President of the United States.
Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed its initial stay of Joe Bidens vaccine mandate. The Court ordered that Enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing; Emergency Temporary Standard remain[] stayed pending adequate judicial review of the petitioners underlying motions for a permanent injunction. It further ordered that OSHA take no steps to implement or enforce the Mandate until further court order.

Behind this language lies a forceful critique of the Biden mandate. The opinion is here.

One of the factors a court considers in deciding whether to issue a stay is the likelihood that the party seeking it will prevail on the merits. The petitioner must make a strong showing of likelihood of success.

The Fifth Circuit found that the petitioners in this case made that showing. This finding means that the Biden administration almost surely will lose in the Fifth Circuit when the court makes its definitive ruling on the merits.

The court cited a multitude of reasons why those challenging the mandate will likely succeed on the merits. The first one, which it described as obvious, is this:

The Occupational Safety and Health Act, which created OSHA, was enacted by Congress to assure Americans safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources. See 29 U.S.C.  651 (statement of findings and declaration of purpose and policy). It was notand likely could not be, under the Commerce Clause and nondelegation doctrineintended to authorize a workplace safety administration in the deep recesses of the federal bureaucracy to make sweeping pronouncements on matters of public health affecting every member of society in the profoundest of ways.

Furthermore, the sweeping pronouncements implicit in OSHAs order are badly flawed. For example, the court noted that the mandate is both over-inclusive and under-inclusive. On one hand, it covers employees in nearly every industry regardless of their risk of exposure (there is little attempt to account for the obvious differences between the risks facing, say, a security guard on a lonely night

shift, and a meatpacker working shoulder to shoulder in a cramped warehouse) and doesnt exempt those with natural immunity. On the other hand, it arbitrarily excludes employers with fewer than 100 workers.

Fatally to the mandate, the court found that its promulgation grossly exceeds OSHAs authority. It noted that OSHAs statutory authority to establish emergency temporary standards is an extraordinary power that is to be delicately exercised in only certain limited situations.

To meet this standard, an emergency order must:

(1) address substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmfulor new hazardsin the workplace; (2) show that workers are exposed to such substances, agents, or new hazards in the

workplace; (3) show that said exposure places workers in grave danger; and (4) be necessary to alleviate employees exposure to gravely dangerous hazards in the workplace.

An airborne virus like covid does not fall within the first two of these elements, the court said. It pointed out that the virus is, and has for some time been, widely present in society (and thus not unique to the workplace) and is non-life-threatening to a vast majority of employees. Thus, the court called it a transparent stretch to characterize the virus as either a new hazard or a toxic one. Indeed, OSHA has previously said in court that the virus is a recognized hazard.

On the element of grave danger, the court pointed out that Biden had earlier refused to impose a vaccine mandate. It said:

Because it is generally arbitrary or capricious to depart from a prior policy sub silentio, agencies must typically provide a detailed explanation for contradicting a prior policy. . . . The Mandate makes no serious attempt to explain why OSHA and the President himself were against vaccine mandates before they were for one.

As to the element of necessity, the court again noted the over-inclusiveness of the mandate. Whatever necessity there may be to have a fully vaccinated workforce for some jobs, it isnt necessary to have one for others.

If anything, the under-inclusiveness of the mandate cuts even more forcefully against the claim of necessity. If this is a true emergency, why exempt smaller employers? The court noted that under-inclusiveness of this sort is often regarded as a telltale sign that the governments interest in enacting a liberty-restraining pronouncement is not in fact compelling.

In this case, said the court in a statement that goes to the heart of the matter:

The under-inclusive nature of the Mandate implies that the Mandates true purpose is not to enhance workplace safety, but instead to ramp up vaccine uptake by any means necessary.

(Emphasis added)

The courts parting shot is this:

The Constitution vests a limited legislative power in Congress. For more than a century, Congress has routinely used this power to delegate policymaking specifics and technical details to executive agencies charged with effectuating policy principles Congress lays down. In the mine run of casesa transportation department regulating trucking on an interstate highway, or an aviation agency regulating an airplane lavatorythis is generally well and good. But health agencies do not make housing policy, and occupational safety administrations do not make health policy. In seeking to do so here, OSHA runs afoul of the statute from which it draws its power and, likely, violates the constitutional structure that safeguards our collective liberty.

I cant conclude this post without pointing out that top Biden adviser Ron Klain made his way into the opinion. In a footnote (#13; see also #18)), the court noted that Klain retweeted MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhles tweet that stated, OSHA doing this vaxx mandate as an emergency workplace safety rule is the ultimate work-around for the Federal govt to require vaccinations. The court references Klains retweet of the description of the OSHA mandate as a workaround to support its view that OSHAs alleged basis for issuing this mandate is pretextual.

Klains own-goal didnt cost Biden victory here, but it helped run up the score.
The New York Times has run four stories on the FBI raids predicated on the alleged theft of Ashley Bidens diary. The FBI has executed two raids on James OKeefe and others associated with Project Veritas in the case.

OKeefe says Project Veritas was never able to authenticate the diary and that it had nothing to do with its theft, if that is what it was. We can infer that the FBI has authenticated it, but we remain unsure how its theft became a federal case. Despite the numerous reporters and researchers the the Times has lavished on its four stories, the details remain opaque in critical respects.

We learned from the fourth Times story that both FOX News and the Times now have a copy of the FBI search warrant  the Times got it courtesy of FOX News  but we have yet to see the warrant ourselves. FOX News asked the Times for a comment on the allegations of OKeefes counsel that the Times was tipped to the raids. What did the Times say? They dont tell us. As I say, the stories are opaque in critical respects.

Over the weekend Project Veritas emailed out Josh Gersteins Politico story on the FBIs raids. Gersteins story takes up the aspect of the case that implicates press freedom. Gersteins story suggests that he too has reviewed the search warrant (e.g., Some language in the warrant suggests prosecutors are examining whether a bidding process for the diary violated laws against fencing stolen items). Gerstein has also reviewed relevant emails:

Emails obtained by POLITICO show prosecutors declined to tell Calli whether the Project Veritas searches were approved by a Justice Department committee that oversees investigations impacting the news media. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Manhattan declined to comment on the offices handling of the inquiry. A Justice Department spokesperson also declined comment.

One can hardly imagine the firestorm that would arise if the Times were treated like Project Veritas. Coincidentally, I wrote about the First Amendment issues that are routinely raised by the conduct of the Times itself in the 2006 Weekly Standard column Exposure, which cites the unnamed Supreme Court case to which Gerstein alludes in his story. They are the same issues in play here. In any event, I recommend Gersteins story for readers interested in this aspect of the case.
Kto szuka: Nordea Bank Abp SA Oddzia w Polsce Stanowisko: Data Analyst (Non-IT) Numer referencyjny: 1683 Lokalizacja: Gdynia pomorskie

Wymagania stawiane pracownikowi:

We are looking for a self-driven and analytic candidate whos eager to work with master data maintenance and processes around it. This is an opportunity for you to grow while working with a variety of challenging tasks and contribute to the consolidation of common master data in Nordea.



In Nordea, were harnessing the power of technology to reinvent the future of banking. A tech revolution is underway  and you can make an impact. Though were a Nordic bank, were also one of the largest IT employers in Tricity and Warsaw. Working with international teams in an inspiring working environment, youll have lots of opportunities to expand your skills and advance your career.



About this opportunity

Welcome to Master Data Management unit (GDMO).

We build the bridge between business processes and data management. We focus on simplification and compliance by leverage a single trusted view of high-quality master data across all channels and in all business processes enabling digitalization and the future relationship bank of Nordea Group.

In Master Data Operations team we aim to ensure that data is managed to meet the desired quality, as well as support the group simplification and meet the needs in the regulatory and compliance. We are responsible for Data Quality Operational tasks and Data Custodian work with Customer and Counterparty data and Common Master Data.

As a Data Analyst, you will be a key team member to manage common master data. On a daily basis, you will be responsible for processing various requests related to master data by performing manual updates, data analysis and data quality improvement activities. Youll be driving a continuous improvement culture and play an active role within current projects and data streams which aims to establish a single trusted source for Master & Reference data and consolidating the relevant data there from multiple domains and sources.

What you will be doing:

Driving manual changes, updates and control of Master Data and Reference Data (such as Customer and Counterparty data, Product structure data, Organisational data, etc.)

Solve master data related incidents

Closely collaborate with Data Asset Owners within Data Governance Recipe as a Data Steward

Operational Business Support in Mercury Feature team/other data initiatives

Perform data quality/process analysis and improvements

Support during On-Call duty

Youll join a collaborative and dynamic team/unit. The role is based in Gdynia.



Who you are

Collaboration. Ownership. Passion. Courage. The four key values that guide us in being at our best and that we expect all our colleagues to be committed to.

To build a successful career with us, youll work well with others and always act with the customers needs in mind. You love learning and trying new things, and youre excited about bringing your ideas to the table. Youre honest and dependable, willing to speak up even when its difficult, and committed to empowering others. Youre passionate about doing a great job.

To make an impact in this role, you are also analytical, systematic and result oriented. You enjoy working in a global environment together with remote teams in different countries.

To succeed in this role, we believe you need:

Attention to details and ability to understand and follow complex guidelines

Can Do attitude. Comfortable in meetings and driving business related discussion.

Ability to interface and communicate effectively with all levels of employees, management, etc.

Ability to perform data quality analysis (SQL would be an asset  but is not required!)

Strong stakeholder engagement ability, demonstrating influencing and negotiating skills with excellent relationship building skills

Experience working cross-functionally with departments such as Finance, IT, Legal, HR, etc.

Ability to influence and shape work, progress, and processes

Proactive, independent, pragmatic and solution oriented

Eager to learn new things and continuously develop yourself

Experience with SAFe (would be an asset)

English on a professional level.

If this sounds like you, get in touch!

Firma oferuje:

Next steps



Submit your application no later than 26/11/2021.

At Nordea, we know that an inclusive workplace is a sustainable workplace. We deeply believe that our diverse backgrounds, experiences, characteristics and traits make us better at serving customers and communities. So please come as you are.



Please include permit for processing personal data in CV as following:



In accordance with art. 6 (1) a and b. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) hereinafter GDPR. I agree to have: my personal data, education and employment history proceeded for the purposes of current and future recruitment processes in Nordea Bank Abp.



The administrator of your personal data is: Nordea Bank Abp operating in Poland through its Branch, address: Aleja Edwarda Rydza Smiglego 20, 93-281 odz. Your personal data will be processed for the recruitment processes in Nordea Bank Abp. You have a right to access your personal data, right to rectify and right to delete. Disclosing the personal data in the scope specified by the provisions of Polish Labour Code from 26 June 1974 and executive acts are mandatory. Providing personal data is necessary to conduct the recruitment processes. The request for the deletion of your personal data means resignation from further participation in recruitment processes and causes the immediate removal of your application. Detailed information concerning processing of your personal data can be found at:



We reserve the right to reply only to selected applications.

Kontakt do pracodawcy:
Nigerias cash-strapped government will likely do everything to meet its big-on-paper-light-on-impact budgets except one: cut its administrative cost.

As the government deals with budget deficits year after year, it prefers to pile debt rather than cut back on a costly lifestyle that has eaten away at national budgets for decades. A key beneficiary of that extravagant culture is President Muhammadu Buhari. The president preaches prudence in government spending in public, but the budgets he signs off annually tell a different story.

In 2022, the presidents office will spend a whopping N1.6 billion on new vehicles  the fourth largest by any government office. That comes just a year after the office spent nearly half a billion on the same item.

Since coming to power six years ago, the presidents office has spent N5 billion on vehicles  enough to build 500 health centres at N10 million each. It has spent billions more on food, uniforms, travels, a huge presidential air fleet, presidents hospital and more.

The expenditures are an example of how Nigerias federal and state governments annually channel scarce public resources into projects that sustain their flashy lifestyles while critical programmes that should benefit citizens are perpetually underfunded.

While the Buhari government has successfully increased Nigerias aggregate spending compared to previous administrations, a bulk of that rise still finances non-essential items.

As the budgets and their deficits rise since 2015, so has the cost of governance that covers everything from fuel to printing paper to welfare packages.

The N16.4 trillion budget for 2022 has a shortfall of more than N6 trillion and recurrent expenditure of more than N4 trillion, meaning that for every N160 the government spends, N60 will be borrowed and N40 will go to financing government operations, not building badly needed roads and hospitals.

Nigerias public debt has risen the most under the Buhari administration when compared to previous governments since 1999, and foreign debt has grown three times more than the combined figure recorded by the past three administrations, a PREMIUM TIMES analysis showed.

The revenues are simply inadequate to fund fundamental expenditure, therefore, every available fund should be spent with the greatest value for money, tied to a high-level national policy framework and aimed at improving livelihoods, growing the economy, reducing poverty and inequality, said Eze Onyekpere of the Centre for Social Justice, whose organisation launched an initiative to identify wasteful items in the 2022 budget.

It is against this background that the pull-out of frivolous, inappropriate, unclear and wasteful expenditure calls the attention of the executive, legislature, private sector, civil society including the media to these frivolities at a time of grave national crisis.

Mr Onyekpere condemned the culture of assigning billions of naira annually to projects such as routine maintenance, foreign and local travels and purchase of computers.

According to the 2022 budget call circular, resources are to be allocated based on actual needs, in line with the immediate needs of the country as well as governments developmental objectives and priorities. Starting from the presidencys state house headquarters, the pull-out calls on the leadership to lead by example.

Spending billions of naira every year on routine maintenance of statehouse facilities is a huge waste. All statutory transfers are stated as lump-sum provisions without details. No person, government agency or organisation has the right in a constitutional democracy to spend public funds in a way and manner that is unknown to the ultimate sovereigns, being the taxpayers and citizens.

Rising Administrative Cost

The spending on vehicles follows a trend. For 2021, the president requested the National Assembly to approve N18.9 billion for the purchase of new vehicles for government offices. Of that amount, N336 million was proposed to buy new vehicles for the president.

In the new budget, the president will spend N1.6 billion on new vehicles while the vice president will spend N30 million on new vehicles.

In this regard, the presidents office is only surpassed by the Federal Road Safety Commission which intends to spend N1.7 billion on operational vehicles; the Nigerian Correctional Service (N1.1 billion); Ministry of Works and Housing (N720 million) and Ministry of Health  headquarters (414 million) and Ministry of Defence ministry (N835 million).

The presidency is also seeking the allocation of N21 billion for the construction of a new presidential wing for the president and his family as well as vice president and his family. The government plans to spend N19 billion on software, with the presidency amongst the biggest spenders.

For a government that routinely allows medical practitioners to go on strike on the excuse of lack of resources and a president that routinely indulges in medical tourism, this vote is a waste. It is better channelled to the health of the entire population. Save this vote, Mr Onyekpere said of the new clinic.

Personnel cost has continued to rise yearly despite the government not conducting a major recruitment.

In 2022, it hopes to spend N350 billion more on personnel costs and N167 billion more on the overheads than it did in 2021.

Overhead (costs related to administration) totals N792.4 billion for 2022, meaning spending on overheads will surge by more than a quarter in the year ahead should the legislature go ahead to assent to the appropriation bill.

The government got approval of N3.76 trillion for personnel costs for this year and wants N4.11 trillion for that same purpose for 2022.

The combined overhead and personnel expenses proposed for next year sum up to N4.9 trillion, 8.9 per cent higher than Nigerias entire budget of N4.5 trillion for 2015, the year Mr Buhari began his first term in office.

Those two expenditure categories also exceed the cash Africas largest economy intends to commit to developmental projects in 2022, estimated at N4.89 trillion.

Government Concerned

The rising expenditure is of concern even to the government. In October, the finance minister, Zainab Ahmed, said the government was incurring huge debt as a result of a bloated payroll.

Our debt service to overall revenue is high because we have a very large expenditure base, Mrs Ahmed, the minister of finance, budget and national planning, told Bloomberg TV this month.

We have a large proportion of our budget dedicated to payroll, and Mr President had decided from the beginning of his administration that we were not going to disengage staff.

The governments spending on non-debt recurrent expenditure in the last decade totalled N29.3 trillion, way too high when considered alongside a consolidated revenue of N33.2 trillion in the period in question.

There have been claims of ghost workers in the employ of the government, prompting it to introduce the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System. Mrs Ahmed did not immediately respond to a phone call and text message seeking comment.

The head of the governments budget office, Ben Akabueze, however, had a slightly different opinion from the ministers position about big spending. He disagreed the countrys expenditure base was large and said Nigeria was indeed spending too little and had the lowest expenditure to GDP ratio in all of Africa.

Mr Akabueze, however, argued the government needs to spend smartly and effectively on important things.

Our revenue to GDP ratio is also the lowest in Africa, he said at a meeting with journalists on Friday in Abuja.

As I said earlier, it is about 9 per cent. So, if our revenue to GDP ratio is at 9 per cent and our public expenditure to GDP ratio with recent significant growth is about 14 per cent, then already you see a gap between 9 and 14 and that gap is funded by debt.

That gap of 5 per cent is funded by debt. We must fix our revenue challenge because oftentimes people just say cut expenditure.

The truth is cutting expenditure is not currently a viable option for two main reasons. Firstly, our public expenditure to GDP ratio is about the lowest even on the continent of Africa. As a country, our public expenditure to GDP ratio is under 15 per cent.

Even on the continent of Africa, that ratio, the average is over 30 per cent. The global average is over 30 per cent. I am talking of the whole of the federal, state and local governments.

The reality is that in aggregate, governments in Nigeria are not spending too much, they are spending too little, he added.

He said the solution is not to cut government spending.

The solution is to make government spending more efficient and increase the scope for the government to be able to spend more because our public expenditure to GDP is so low, that is why the delivery of public goods and services is weak, Mr Akabueze noted.

He noted that cutting personnel cost which currently stands at N4.11 trillion would not be right because public sector wages are already low compared to the private sector.

There is a correlation between low public expenditure to GDP ratio and low revenue to GDP ratio.
Seplat Energy Plc has confirmed the currency exchange rates to be applied in determining the interim dividend for the third quarter of 2021.

The companys Chief Financial Officer, Emeka Onwuka, disclosed this in a notice sent to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Monday.

It noted that the currency exchange rate would be applicable to shareholders that qualify for and elected to receive the dividend payment in naira or pound sterling (GBP).

It said: Exchange rate: one dollar to N413.64 and one dollar to 0.7468 GBP.

The exchange rate for the naira or pound sterling amounts payable was determined by reference to the exchange rates applicable to the U.S. dollar available on Nov. 12.

The closing date for dividend currency election to the companys registrars is Nov. 30.

In the absence of a qualifying dividend currency election by shareholders to the appropriate registrar, dividends will be paid in their default currency.

Shareholders should refer to the companys announcement on Oct. 28 2021 for definition of default currency and dividend currency election forms can be found on the company website, it said.

(NAN)
The organisers of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards have announced plans to bestow Special Recogniation Awards on the late Nigerian filmmaker, Chico Ejiro, and veteran actress, Madam Kofo, for their contributions to Nollywood.

Seun Oloketuyi, BON Awards organiser, said both personalities would be honoured at the 2021 BON Awards scheduled for December 11, at Lokoja, Kogi State.

Mr Oloketuyi stated that it is important to celebrate our known and recognised industry icons. He said Not only does this encourage the spirit of growth in the industry, but we would also be doing these three parties a major disservice if we do not recognise them.

Madam Kofo is a veteran who has quietly worked on putting Nollywood on the map of world for more than five decades. A thespian with both stage and screen presence, Madam Kofo worked with the likes of the late Hubert Ogunde and is today still relevant. Such a woman deserves all the accolades we can give her.

Africa Magic is perhaps another underserved brand. Nollywood of today owes a lot to that brand, and because it is an organisation, we many times forget to give them the credit they deserve, which is why we have deemed it fit to recognise them and say thank you for their contributions to the industry.

Finally came Chico Ejiro. This special recognition even though posthumous struck the team the most because we would have loved that he was alive to receive the award himself. Many in Nollywood owe their careers and success to Chico and even though we are sad to have lost him, this award is to help people remember his enormous contribution to the industry.

Chico Ejiro

Before his death, Ejiro, fondly called Mr Prolific, was a veteran Nigerian movie director, screenwriter, and producer.

He was the most popular Nigerian filmmaker from the late 90s to the early 2000s.

He directed over 80 films which included block bluster movies like Full Moon (1998), Blood money (1997), Outcast (2001), Outkast (2001/2002), Ashanti (2003) and Deadly Desire (2004).

He died on Christmas day December 25, 2020, from a seizure at the age of 57 and was buried on February 20, 2021.

Madam Kofo

Nollywood veteran actress, Abiola Atanda, is popularly known as Madam Kofo.

The veteran is known for her gigantic and unique gele styles in movies.

Most younger Nigerians would not know that Madam Kofo, who has dominated the acting scenes for 51 years, was part of the Hubert Ogunde Theatre group way back.

She featured in movies like Alter Ego (2017), The Narrow Path (2006), and The Campus Queen (2004).

Oluketuyi says the 2021 BON Awards promises to be the most superlative so far as.

The host governor, Yahaya Bello, has promised stars, guests, and other industry professionals a show like no other.
The short-stay apartment where Michael Ataga, the chief executive officer of Super TV, was murdered in Lagos has no closed-circuit television (CCTV), the defence lawyer has found out.

Nkechi Mogbo, the owner of the apartment at 19, Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, where Mr Ataga was murdered confirmed this during her cross-examination at the Lagos State High Court on Monday.

Mrs Mogbo, during her evidence, narrated how a lady named Jewel called her to inquire about the apartment which she later took for an initial three days for herself and the deceased.

Jewel was later found to be Chidinma Ojukwu following the investigation of the police.

Mr Ataga was found in his own pool of blood at the aforementioned address after being stabbed several times, the police had said.

Ms Ojukwu, who was apprehended by the police on June 23, earlier told the press that she stabbed the deceased with a kitchen knife after he allegedly made advances on her.

No video surveillance

On Tuesday, the Lagos State High Court resumed trial proceedings over the murder of Mr Ataga.

Mrs Mogbo, the apartment owner, was cross-examined by the lawyer to Ms Ojukwu, Onwka Egwu.

During the questioning, Mr Egwu asked whether there was any CCTV, also known as video surveillance, within the premise, as at the time the crime was committed.

At the time of the incident, the installer hadnt completed the installation of the CCTV, Mrs Mogbo answered.

When further queried on the safety measure provided in the facility for guests, the apartment owner said there is 24 hours security and adequate monitoring of the facility as to who enters and when they enter.

Mrs Mogbo, who studied at Coventry University, United Kingdom, said aside from the apartment being registered as a business location with the Corporate Affairs Commission, she didnt require a licence from the Lagos state government to run the apartment for the purpose for which it was used.

It is not a body which I should register under, she said.

Also, during the questioning, Mrs Mogbo explained that she leased the property from the owner in December 2019, but only started using it for business in March/April 2021.

Mr Egwu asked further whether there is a physical lodgers register in the facility to show the name, address, time of arrival and departure of guests, and whether she availed the police of the ledger in the cause of investigation.

Mrs Mogbo, who explained that she was not asked by the police to provide a ledger, said the record book she has was for her own record keeping, and she inputs data on clients from conversations had with them.

When Jewel called you and you answered go see the property and you handed over the key to the property, did you ask her to sign into any ledger?, Mr Egwu asked.

She said she was a student and had just returned from travel and need to be in self-isolation for three days and that her international passport was held at the immigration, the apartment owner explained.

Mrs Mogbo said it was on this explanation that she gave Jewel a waiver on the use of her passport for identification.

The waiver on the use of her international passport for identification equally extended to Jewel not entering her name in the physical ledger you said you have on the property, Mr Egwu further queried.

The ledger that I have is for my documentation and record keeping as to when a client comes in, how long they come to stay, and when they leave. Lodgers are not required to fill out their names and other details.

We usually have protocols before granting access to guests,  she said.

Mrs Mogbo further explained that she did not bother to ask for other means of identification from Ms Ojukwu because her name and phone at the time were foreign, she didnt know she was Nigerian.

Mr Egwu also asked the witness to provide the names of other lodgers on the premises between June 11 and 17.

The question, which was objected to on privacy grounds by Olayinka Adeyemi, the Director of Public Prosecution, was allowed by the judge, Yetunde Adesanya, after the defence lawyer argued that anyone loses their privacy in the event of a crime.

Mrs Mogbo identified the other lodgers as Babatunde, Omolara, and Jewel and friend.

The identity of the clients and IDs were handed over to the police to aid their investigation. The Babatunde left June 17, Omolara, one month after the incident, she said.

The lawyer also asked how regularly Mrs Mogbo takes inventory of the utensils provided in the apartment such as teacups, big spoons, table knives, blender, electric stove, a set of multipurpose knives, pots and other cooking utensils.

The apartment owner said they go over all the utensils and equipment after clients leave.

I put it to you that the multipurpose knife you left in the apartment was for a predestined purpose that eventually occurred, the lawyer said.

Thats wrong, thats false. I had no idea who the lady was, never met her in my life. I had no idea as to the reason she came besides what I was told. I was only running business, just like any other hardworking Nigerian, Mrs Mogbo replied.

Mr Egwu also asked why Mrs Mogbo did not raise any alarm after receiving the sum of N105, 000 payment from a different name.

Anybody could make payment, nothing to arouse suspicion as to foul play as she sent the proof of payment herself, she replied.

I put it to you that you did not raise an eyebrow when you received the payment because you already knew the deceased, the lawyer said.

False, I have no knowledge of who the initiator of the payment was, if I did as he claimed, I would have called the person because it would make me believe that the person would give more clarification about the lady herself, she replied.

Mr Egwu also said Babalola Disu, the occupant of the apartment closest to where Mr Ataga was murdered, required a carpenter before the incident and that the property owner knew about the nature of the carpentry job.

Mrs Mogbo denied being aware of this, saying she was not at the property around the time of the incident.

The Lagos State government earlier arraigned Mr Disu, Onoh Ojukwu, Chidinmas father, and three others, at the magistrate court, in connection with the case.

Messrs Disu and Ojukwu were to face trial on charges of obstructing the police from performing their duties and failing to report a crime to the police.

Mrs Mogbo, however, said during the period the crime was committed, only herself, her brother, the security man at the premises, and the police were aware of what had happened.

Following a series of questions directed at the witness, Mrs Adesanya adjourned the matter till November 16 for the continuation of trial.
The Ogun State government has said the sudden death of Soji Amosu, the Nigeria Union of Journalists chairman in the state, in the early hours of Sunday shook the entire state.

The government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Waheed Odusile, described the deceased as a quintessential journalist and humble person. It added that as the NUJ chairman, Mr Amosu had a robust official and personal relationship with the state government.

Mr Amosu, a staffer of the National Orientation Agency, died after a brief illness, NUJ officials said.

Ogun State wishes to commiserate with the family of Comrade Olusoji Samson Amosu the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over his death, Mr Odusile said in the statement.

The state government equally expresses its deep condolences to the entire members of the Ogun NUJ, over this sad occurrence.

The death of the chairman on Sunday morning was received with a rude shock and his sudden demise shook the entire state.

Amosu, as the NUJ chairman had a robust official and personal relationship with the state government, and ensured a synergy between the Ogun state government and journalists in the state.

The government also commiserated with his former colleagues at the National Orientation Agency, NOA, where had served as a deputy director.

Our hearts, however, go out to his immediately family he left behind, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) where he was a deputy director until his demise and the entire Ogun NUJ family.

We pray God to give his family fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We also pray that his soul find repose in the bosom of the Lord.

Soji Amosu, rest on, the statement stated.

Funeral arrangements

On Monday, there was a graveyard silence at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta. Businesses in and around the press centre were closed while the main entrance was under lock and key.

Journalists stood in pairs within the compound, while visitors were not allowed into the premises.

According to the deceaseds family, a Christian wake/night of tribute will be held on Thursday, followed by a lying in state service on Friday. Both events will be held at the NUJ secretariat. There will also be a church service at Antioch Baptist Church, Akorede community, Bode olude, Abeokuta on Friday.

His body will be interred at his residence at Surudara, Bode Olude in Abeokuta on same day.

A great loss

Ibikunle Amosun, the senator representing Ogun Central, described the death of the NUJ boss as a great loss not only to his immediate family, but to the entire journalists in Nigeria and Ogun State.

Comrade Olusoji Amosu discharged himself creditably well in the many capacities that he served during his sojourn at the Ogun State Council of NUJ, Mr Amosun said in a statement.

As a two-term Secretary and later Chairman of the Council, Soji served selflessly, and left indelible imprints in the sands of time.

It is sad that the NUJ Chairman would answer the call at this critical moment when his wealth of experience and professional competence are mostly required, Mr Amosun said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo, those familiar with the matter have told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Okonkwo was recently appointed managing director of First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings Plc.

Details of Mr Okonkwos arrest remained sketchy Sunday night although some sources said he was being questioned over his role in the transfer of $153.3 million from the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission in favour of Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigerias former petroleum minister. The banker was managing director of Fidelity Bank at the time.

A source claimed the banker spent at least three days in EFCC custody but another said he was only quizzed on Tuesday and allowed to go home.

The EFCC had on April 28, 2016, detained Mr Okonkwo over the same matter and later slammed a 14-count charge, including money laundering, on him. The status of the case is unclear as of the time of filing this report on Sunday morning.

It is also unclear if there are fresh evidences against the banker which has now necessitated a fresh round of investigation. EFCC officials contacted declined to provide details.

The board of FBN Holdings Plc had on October 28 appointed Mr Okonkwo the new GMD of the company with effect from January 1, 2022. He will succeed U.K. Eke, who will step down on December 31, according to the companys note to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

The boards decision came five days after the chairman of Geregu Power Plc, Femi Otedola, declared his 5.07 per cent stake in the group, making him a substantial shareholder.

It also came a day after Tunde Hassan-Odukale (FirstBanks chairman) responded to a query from the exchange to FBN Holdings, seeking clarification on why the shareholding of Mr Hassan-Odukale and related parties were classified into two parts of 4.16 and 1.20 per cent respectively, totalling 5.36 per cent.

EDITORS NOTE: This post has been updated to reflect new findings that Mr Okonkwo has since been released.
It is now more than five years since the Nigerian Army forced 38 senior officers out of service, an action the court has repeatedly declared to be illegal. Following the court judgements and repeated appeals to President Muhammadu Buhari for redress by the affected officers, PREMIUM TIMES can report that the matter has become a subject of memos exchanged in the high government circles, including the presidency, the justice ministry, and the defence headquarters.

Letters seen by PREMIUM TIMES suggest that the reality of the arbitrariness, as well as its consequent implications, is not clear to the authorities. For example, in a letter dated July 6, 2021, to the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, admitted to the impropriety of the militarys action against the 38 officers, many of them the countrys finest.

In the letter, Mr Irabor, a general, mentioned court judgements for the reinstatement of the officers that the authorities have continued to disregard and said, if that continues, it would affect the psyche and motivation of serving and future personnel of the armed forces.

PREMIUM TIMES also understands that Mr Buhari has, through his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, sought advice from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on how to ensure justice. Subsequently, Mr Malami has sought comment from the defence chief, Mr Irabor. Insiders said Mr Irabor has claimed difficulty in determining the best course of action to handle the matter.

PREMIUM TIMES obtained submissions from military sources, including serving and retired officers, who suggested ways they said the authorities could take to deliver justice. These ways are summarised below:

Those Senior officers that have reached their Run Out Date

All affected senior officers of the rank of Major Generals that have reached their run out date should have their retirement converted to Voluntary Retirement and effective from their actual run out date. Outstanding salary up until the effective date of voluntary retirement should then be paid to them.

Senior officers of the rank of Brigadier Generals that have reached their run out date should be promoted to voluntary retirement in the rank of Major General. Voluntary Retirement should be effective from their run out date or date of exit of their course mates while their salary is paid up till the date of voluntary retirement.

Those that still have Active Years of Service Left

a. Immediate reinstatement of unjustly retired officers with years of Active Service left and with an immediate promotion to their respective next higher rank  this is to ensure justice to them by putting their careers back on course as all the victimized officers are already behind their coursemates by at least one promotion due to no fault of theirs.

b. Those that are already 2 ranks down relative to their coursemates should be promoted to their second rank under special consideration using only one-year Personal Evaluation Report  thus, a second promotion after one year of reinstatement.

c. Payment of all outstanding salary/allowances from Jun 9, 2016, till the date of reinstatement.

d. Outstanding career courses ie National Defence College (NDC) should be undertaken with their promoted rank  after Immediate promotion to brigadier general, those yet to do NDC will undertake NDC abroad or attend the National Institute at Kuru with their Brig-Gen ranks. Similarly, the Colonels that are due for the same course should also be nominated to attend either overseas Colleges or National Institute.

The Late Officer  Lieutenant Colonel Baba-Ochankpa

a. Posthumous promotion to immediate next rank effective his promotion due date.

b. Classification of his death as Active-Duty Death, as he was supposed to be serving at the time of occurrence.

b. Payment of all outstanding salary/allowances from Jun 9, 2016, to the time he died.
Bandits on Sunday night carried out a punitive attack on Kwarin Mai Saje community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State over the failure of the residents to pay a N3 million levy.

During the attack, the bandits raped women and abducted six people after looting the village of valuables, according to a resident.

The brutal outlaws had initially imposed levies on 13 communities in the area, but Kwarin Mai Saje was not included.

However, a gang associated with banditry kingpin, Ada Aleru, dragged Kwarin Mai Saje into its own illegal tax net two weeks ago.

Samaila Tsafe, a native of the area, told PREMIUM TIMES that the bandits felt the residents disrespected them by not paying up.

The village was attacked yesterday by bandits numbering about 100. They looted the village of every important property and raped many women in their houses. They also kidnapped six people during the attack that lasted for several hours.

It was not as if the villagers didnt pay, they couldnt gather the whole three million naira. They sought for assistance and came up with N600,000 but the bandits felt bad that they couldnt get the whole money imposed on the villagers, he said.

He said the attack on Kwarin Mai Saje will probably serve as a warning to other defaulting villages in the area.

The states police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, did not respond to calls and SMS sent to him on the attack.

The phone number of Mamman Tsafe, a retired deputy inspector-general of police who is the Special Adviser to Governor Bello Matawalle on security matters, was also not available.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the report submitted by a committee in its Owerri, Imo State zone, on the appointment of Nigerias minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Ibrahim, popularly known as Pantami, as a professor of cybersecurity by the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

The president of the lecturers union, Emmanuel Osodeke, a professor, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday at the end of its two-day meeting of the National Executive Council, said there are many unanswered questions on Mr Ibrahims professorship.

He also said the public should await its verdict at the end of the probe by another panel it had already set up.

He said; ASUU NEC members, like many other concerned Nigerians, did not accept the report of the ASUU FUTO congress. There are serious doubts and unanswered questions bordering on the qualification of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) for the position. The FUTO Branch Committees report failed to justify Dr. Isah Ali Ibrahims (Pantamis) appointment to professor on the bases of requisite experience, professional suitability and antecedents at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (ATBU).

ASUU called on the management of Nigerian universities and other academic institutions to join in its efforts to safeguard what it called the waning image of Nigerias university system, saying the vice-chancellors have no business trading honorary degrees and academic positions for personal and immediate gains.

ASUU said doing so will continue to smear the collective integrity of committed scholars and other patriots who are working day and night to uplift the system that produced them.

The union said even though the congress of its FUTO branch had endorsed the appointment of Mr Ibrahim as a professor, the secretary of the committee the FUTO branch set up had made a u-turn to reject the verdict, giving a dissenting report.

The union said it would probe the activities of its members in the award of the professorship, saying the report raised more questions than answers.

Mr Osodeke said: Some critical questions begging for answers include the following: Has Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) met the 12-year post-qualification requirement as contained in the advertisement? Does he possess the required relevant academic publications and 70 per cent being in web presence? Can a serving minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria take a tenured appointment in the university? Is he capable of carrying out his official duties as required of a professor at the same time as a serving minister? Has Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) met the conditions of teaching, supervision, mentorship of younger academics and academic leadership required of a professor?

What did the external assessors reports on the documents submitted by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) say about his publications? As it has always been the culture of academics, what did the referee reports from his places of previous employment say about him? What is the general assessment of the students previously taught by him? Did the Governing Council meet to approve the appointment?

In view of the foregoing and having rejected the ASUU-FUTO Committees report, NEC set up an independent committee to investigate all issues surrounding the controversial appointment of Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) as a Professor of Cyber Security in the University. Thereafter, the position of ASUU-NEC shall be made known to the public. In addition, another committee shall visit the ASUU-FUTO branch with a view to determining the role of members in the controversial appointment and report back to NEC for further action.

Backstory

In September, Mr Ibrahim was among seven academics who were elevated by the council of FUTO to the position of professorship at the councils 186th meeting.

The university, in a statement listed others to include Lawrence Ettu as a professor of civil engineering; Godfrey Emeghara as a professor of maritime management technology; Okechukwu Onyelucheya as a professor of chemical engineering; Alex Opara and Chikwendu Okereke as professors of geology, and Conrad Enenebeaku as a professor of chemistry. The university said they were all associate professors, also called readers, before their elevation.

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Mr Ibrahim, who recently attracted a public storm over past controversial religious comments which many described as inciting and disturbing was also criticised over the appointment.

The university was also not spared as many scholars and activists described the ministers appointment as patronising and an assault to Nigerias academic system.

The backlash led to ASUU national leaderships decision to set up a probe committee through its Owerri zone.

The report of the committee, which was last week leaked in the media, had cleared the minister, noting that the appointment followed due process.

The union, apparently dissatisfied, has, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to await the report of another committee it had set up during its executive council meeting at the weekend.

It listed reasons for its doubt of the committees report and also pledged to investigate its members roles in the alleged fraudulent appointment.
The Katsina State Government has set up a committee to count the indigenes who fled to neighbouring states or countries as a result of security challenges.

The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Masari on Security Matters, Ibrahim Katsina, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Katsina that the exercise is aimed at exploring the possibility of rehabilitating the victims.

According to him, the committee is under the supervision of the states deputy governor, Mannir Yakubu.

The committee has already commenced its assignment; areas of need for assistance are being identified, especially with regards economic empowerment.

There are widows and orphans; the state government has plans to empower those widows, while the orphans will be sponsored to go back to school.

ALSO READ: Attacks on Katsina communities continue as six people killed in latest incident

Those that need medical support, as well as guidance and counseling, will also be assisted by the state government, he promised.

He, however, explained that the priority of the state government was how to bring an end to the security challenges, adding that without checking the menace, all rehabilitation efforts would be an exercise in futility.

He expressed optimism that the efforts of the government would fast-track community reintegration of victims and their problems. (NAN)
Former Zamfara senator, Kabiru Marafa, on Sunday, questioned the legitimacy of the Yobe State governor, Mala Buni, to oversee the affairs of the party while serving as the executive governor of Yobe State.

At a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, Mr Marafa said Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State cannot operate as a governor and at the same time chairman of the party.

The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) was constituted in 2020 after the controversial exit of the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

Mr Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central in the upper chamber for eight years, said he would be heading to court to challenge the legality of the committee and the appointment of Mr Buni as chairman.

Mai Mala Bunis CECPC is an illegal committee. It cannot conduct anything. Whatever it does is a nullity and it cannot stand in this country. We are going to challenge him on that in court and I dont care what anyone will say. Buni looked for my trouble and I will give him ten times of that.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear that you cannot hold an executive position and hold party position at the same time. Our APC constitution is also very clear in Article 2 which is the supremacy of the constitution.

In Section 17(4), it says no officer of the party shall hold any executive position in government concurrently with the party position. He is an Executive Governor.

He cannot be the Chairman of APC and if he can, let the courts tell us. I am going to court, I am going to challenge that.

And whatever he did from the time he was appointed to this time will be questioned. We have one APC.

Remove this man so that he doesnt bring everybody down. I am on a salvage mission.

Article 20 of the same constitution says all party posts prescribed by this constitution shall be filled by democratically conducted elections at respective national convention or congress subject where possible to reach consensus.

Who elected Buni and his committee? At which convention or congress? Are we throwing away this constitution?

Then the judgment of the Supreme Court on the Ondo election is a clear indication of where APC is headed but because some people who have never gone to school but who God has elevated to certain positions, have forgotten how they got to the positions.

For God sake and with all sense of modesty, I and Governor el-Rufai of Kaduna State almost single-handedly with the help of some people made Buni the National Secretary of the party some years ago.

We will force him to resign and I am sure the President will also do that, he added.

The issue of the legality of the CECPC was raised earlier in the year by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu and former senator, Ita Enang.

The party at the Supreme Court narrowly got a verdict in favour of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, when the legitimacy of the party chairman that approved his candidacy was tested in the court.

Buni fights back

Mamman Mohammed, the spokesperson to the Yobe Governor, in a rebuttal issued on Sunday night, described Mr Marafas statement as nothing but an empty ranting of an ant.

He noted that the criticism of his boss by the party chieftain is an outburst from the latters loss at the last congress held in Zamfara State.

He described the Zamfara Congress as an illegality, if it is so, why did he participate and if he is in doubt of the partys leadership why did he adhere to every directive it issued?

He is only complaining now because his camp failed the congress and lost out. He wouldnt have been shouting if he had won. Marafa is a sinking politician who lost out and held everyone responsible for his self-inflicted political misfortune. As a responsible politician, he should just approach the court and stop being the complainant and juror, Mr Mohammed said.

With Mr Marafas threats, the polarisation of the party in the state may be far from over despite the defection of the incumbent governor, Bello Matawalle to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Following the release of the abducted staff and students of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Abdul-Rasheed NaAllah, has said the 44 workers of the institutions safety unit, who took part in the rescue operation, will be rewarded for their gallant roles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the university and signed by its head of information and university relations, Habib Yakoob, noting that the honorees would receive a token as a mark of its appreciation.

Mr NaAllah commended the workers, saying the university is proud of the security forces including the police, DSS, Military and civil defence corps, who allegedly prevented the gunmen from abducting more staffers and ensuring the release of the abductees without ransom.

He said: I am pleased to express the profound appreciation of the University management for your role in the combined efforts that resulted in the rescue of our staff and their children abducted by the bandits on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 from the Staff Quarters in Giri.

You demonstrated exceptional commitment and bravery in the discharge of your duty, which led to the timely rescue of our staff and their children from the clutches of the hoodlums. But for your courage, the story of the abduction might have been different. It is in recognition of this feat that the management today decided to honour you all. Indeed you have given the university community the hope of protection.

Background

On November 2, gunmen invaded the staff quarters of the university and abducted a professor of economics, Obansa Joseph, two of his children, and other people.

A resident said the gunmen stormed the senior staff quarters at Giri in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at 1 a.m that day and operated for about an hour.

A few days after the abduction, the vice-chancellor announced the release of the victims, saying the success was recorded without payment of ransom.

A statement by the university and signed by Mr Yakoob noted that the abductors had demanded N300 million as ransom but that the university paid nothing.

The statement reads in part; The victims were rescued following the operations of the combined security forces including the police, DSS, Military, and University of Abuja Safety Officers.

Though the abductors earlier demanded payment of three hundred million (N300, 000,000) naira ransom, our staff were rescued without any payment at all.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Monday, granted a N10 million bail to a 43-year-old businessman, Afamefuna Udensi, charged with alleged importation of fake Tramadol.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant is being prosecuted by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The defendant, who was arraigned on November 10 before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a three-count charge of importation and sale of fake and unregistered drugs, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After the plea of the defendant, the Defence Counsel, Emeka Okpoko (SAN), had informed the court that his client was granted an administrative bail by NAFDAC, and urged to appear for his arraignment.

He also told the court that he had yet to file a motion for bail for the defendant, and so, would do the needful in no time.

The court had consequently adjourned the case till November 15, for hearing of the bail application.

After the defence counsel had moved the bail application on behalf of the defendant on Monday, the prosecutor, Barthlomew Simon, raised objection, saying that the defendant might abscond.

In his response, the defence counsel reminded the court that the defendant had been granted administrative bail by NAFDAC, adding that he (defendant) had accordingly appeared in court for his arraignment.

He urged the court to grant the defendant bail in the interest of justice.

In his ruling, the judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million which, he said, must be deposited in the name of the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

He also added that the defendant must produce a surety on grade level 12 in the civil service.

Mr Osiagor, thereafter, adjourned the case till February 11, for trial.

In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, who resides at No. 2, Ezinwanne St., Onitsha, Anambra, committed the offence on October 26.

It further said that the defendant imported 100g of Phini Tramadol, which was discovered to be unregistered and fake.

The prosecution said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 1(c), 1(1) and 3(1) of Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, (Miscellaneous Provisions Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

It added that the offence also contravened the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration) Act, Cap. F33, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

(NAN)
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) agreement will assist in increasing revenues and jobs creation for the young population in Africa.

Mr Osinbajo made this known on Monday at the Fourth Edition of the National Tourism Transportation Summit and Exhibition in Abuja.

The theme of the summit was: Tourism Transportation Connectivity and Partnership: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Regime for Economic Sustainability.

The vice president, represented by Folorunsho Coker, the Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), described the AFCFTA agreement as great mutual benefits for countries that signed it.

The AFCFTA action agreement is a wonderful thing to happen at this time because of the increase in revenue that it will generate, particularly jobs for young population in Africa.

It will also enhance an increase in disposable incomes for households, those increases we need and it is a good thing that we are in this collaborative agreement with 51 countries that have signed it, Mr Osinbajo said.

He called for the review of laws regulating the tourism industry in order to meet international standards.

A lot of rules and regulations are a bit old; they need to be 2025 laws for us to be able to compete with the rest of African countries that recognised their laws.

We need to review our laws, taking advantage of our population, he said.

The vice president identified human capital development, funding and use of technology as requirements to properly implement the AFCFTA agreement.

The new technology that needs to be brought to bear for the freedom with which we want people on goods and services to move across Africa.

Funding has to be well utilised in an appropriate technology at an appropriate time so that the country will not be left behind by its neighbouring countries or countries that seek to compete with us in goods and services.

One of the most important things is the sustainability of this new idea; it is a noble idea that is sustainable; it is a policy that must embrace and stand with for the rest of time, Mr Osinbajo said.

In his goodwill message, Abiodun Odusanwo, the National President, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria and Chairman Inter-ministerial Organising Committee, said that the summit focused on economic sustainability.

Mr Odusanwo said the summit also aimed at bringing African countries together to promote free trade capable of enhancing transportation and tourism within the continent.

(NAN)
Some young men in Edo State, Nigerias South-south, filmed themselves assaulting an elderly man who is a local leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The men  about five of them  are members of the PDP in Edo.

They took on the elderly man, alongside three other men, because of a power struggle at the local level between two factions of the party, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

A clip showing the assault is being circulated on Facebook.

The incident which has unsettled the PDP and the Edo State Government appeared to have happened in November, although its exact date is unknown.

Video it now! One of the assailants is heard screaming in the clip as the elderly man is brought out from a house, dragged on and beaten with sticks and a machete.

They threw him down on the ground near a tarred road and forced him to pull off his clothes. The man did not put up any resistance, he only cried out as he writhed in pain.

I am on (the) media, direct, one of the assailants is heard saying, apparently informing the others that he was filming the scene, and perhaps uploading it on social media.

Its wicked and shameful

The Chairman of PDP in Edo, Tony Aziegbemi, in a statement on Sunday, identified the assaulted man as Samuel Dania, the vice chairman of the PDP in Ward 8, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Aziegbemi condemned the assault which he said was unwarranted and unacceptable.

He urged the security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute the assailants.

Edo PDP is known as a peaceful, united and vibrant political party, where dialogue is our watchword.

No political party, especially PDP, will be at ease seeing the said video. It pricks at the sensibilities of all of us and we must all condemn it.

We are PDP, this does not depict our PDP, he said.

Dan Orbih, the PDP national vice chairman, South-south, described the incident as wicked and shameful.

He said the assailants were politically patronised youths and called on the security agencies in the state to fish them out and punish them to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Edo State Government condemned the assault and vowed to prosecute those who did it.

With its uncompromising commitment to maintaining law and order, the government frowns at all forms of violence and is particularly appalled with the contents of the video.

Government has ordered security agencies in the state to thoroughly investigate the incident to ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of extant laws in the state, particularly the Violence Against Persons Law, Osaigbovo Iyoha, the chief of staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki said in a statement on Saturday.

Edo State is ruled by the PDP.

The governor, Mr Obaseki, was first elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he defected to the PDP after a prolonged political battle with his erstwhile godfather and predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, who was the national chairman of the APC.

There had been some internal wrangling within the PDP at the state level recently. It is, however, unclear if there was any link between this and the assault incident.
eSwatini has been engulfed in escalating civil unrest and protest for the past six months. At least 46 people have died and many more injured as security forces have used live ammunition to quell the protests.

In the most recent spate in October, one person was reported killed and hundreds injured as pupils and teachers protested against the continued incarceration of civil society and opposition leaders from the June-July unrest.

The excesses and opulence of the king and his family amid abject poverty are spurring on citizens demands for democratisation, civil liberties and greater participation in the economic and political affairs of the kingdom.

With the situation deteriorating, and parties and civil society movements such as the banned Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and Swaziland Multi-Stakeholders Forum (MSF) continuing to support pro-democracy demonstrations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has had to intervene. SADCs efforts have, however, yielded little. King Mswati III has not shown genuine interest to engage with his aggrieved citizens, and the pro-democracy forces are yet to consolidate and present a unified voice.

On November 2, SADCs chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa, travelled to eSwatini to engage directly with the king. He had sent an envoy to talk with the eSwatini government in October. The envoy accepted the kings call to dialogue after the failed July Sibaya, a customary dialogue forum, that turned into a monologue by the king.

The anticipation was that Mr Ramaphosa would indulge no nonsense from the king on his November visit and return with a clear roadmap for national dialogue. It was expected that the king would have made clear concessions pointing to his readiness to engage in genuine talks.

The only significant outcome of Mr Ramaphosas visit, however, was that the king agreed that the SADC Secretariat would work closely with the Government of eSwatini to draft the terms of reference for the national dialogue. This is an important initial step in setting the tone of a genuine process of dialogue that is not dictated by the king. The dialogue process would also be broadened to include the Parliament, Mr Ramaphosa said.

Notwithstanding, much more needs to be done and the king does not seem to be willing to concede further than this. Neither do the pro-democracy forces. The MSF in a detailed press statement dismisses both the Sibaya and the Parliament as appendages to the king. They say none of these platforms is credible enough for a genuine dialogue towards democracy.

They also want to see the army removed from the streets and for two jailed parliamentarians to be set free.

The kings stance on national dialogue has not really moved since his earlier pronouncement on the issue. He is still very much bent on setting the tone and character of the dialogue that he wants.

This does not engender trust and confidence in the national dialogue process on the part of the various pro-democracy movements in eSwatini. Given that civil unrest has been ongoing in eSwatini for over two decades, SADC should be taking a clear, assertive stance to define the pathway to resolve the impasse between the king and the countrys citizens.

Some seasoned diplomats in the region argue that allowing the king to set his own timelines without questioning them only encourages him and shows SADC to be in a weak position. Given the gravity of the unrest and the unpredictability of events in eSwatini, SADC should insist that the dialogue takes place immediately.

Without taking this firm position, the king will probably believe he has Mr Ramaphosas support, and when he returns from his planned three-month retreat next year, he will think he is off the hook. We cant wait for January because the king will feel emboldened, says a former diplomat who requested anonymity.

PUDEMO, who has mounted spirited campaigns against the monarch for over two decades, decries the lack of urgency with which SADC is treating the unrest. The party has vowed to maintain momentum with the street protests and civil unrest, expressing anger at SADCs lack of decisiveness.

The kings insistence that national dialogue take the form of the traditional Sibaya does not create a conducive political context for national dialogue. The Sibaya is structured in a way that reinforces the king as the sovereign and the citizens as his subjects. Those wishing to speak up during Sibaya sessions are often scared of being targeted for doing so.

The opposition rejects this approach. The core of the pro-democracy movement in eSwatini is to redefine the relations between the king and the citizens from being subjects of the monarch to active rights-holding and -claiming citizens.

Presently the king is doing everything to emphasise his position as absolute sovereign, and SADC is tacitly complicit in this. SADC has been losing credibility with the way it has been handling conflicts and crises in the region. While the principle of sovereignty seems to reign supreme among heads of state, the regional bloc continues to create a gap between itself and the aspirations of the regions citizenry.

The current situation in eSwatini requires SADC to be seen as an honest broker. This entails activating and setting in motion its own mechanisms created for this purpose, such as the SADC Mediation Support Unit for eSwatini. The bloc must be assertive with the king and actively participate in creating a conducive platform for national dialogue.

A credible broker who has the respect of the king would need to facilitate the mediation process. All parties must agree on clear milestones, outcomes, and success factors in a collaborative and consultative process. Nothing should be left to chance, says the former diplomat.

Every detail should be thought through and clearly set down  from the venue to the agenda  with emphasis on neutrality and acceptability to all parties without giving in to the whims of anyone. A comprehensive and well-planned dialogue that is seen as credible by all parties in the country is the only way out of the current impasse.

Liesl Louw-Vaudran, ISS Senior Researcher, Ringisai Chikohomero, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Research Consultant

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).
Following the news of the death of Itunu Babalola, a Nigerian sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in Cote Divoire for alleged human trafficking, the Nigerian government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has demanded an autopsy.

Ms Babalola is suspected to have died from diabetes complications a few days after she was rushed to the hospital from a prison in Cote DIvoire.

According to the commission, its attention was drawn to the case five months ago.

The Chairman of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa described Ms Babalolas death as a tragic blow which came at a time the Nigerian mission in Cote Divoire had paid and engaged the services of a lawyer to handle her appeal case.

Unfortunately, Itunnu died abruptly while all hands were on deck to seek both legal and diplomatic intervention for her by Nigeria. Itunnu was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for an offence she did not apparently commit, Ms Dabiri-Erewa said.

Her death, will, however, not stop the appeal in court in order to vindicate her of the charges against her, Ms Dabiri-Erewa assured in her statement.

Outrage

Nigerians were outraged by what many described as negligence on the part of the Nigerian government and NIDCOM.

A Twitter user, Demola Olarewaju, wrote, understand that every failure of government kills the fire of patrotism in citizens, one candle at a time. Itunu Babalola did not just die alone, her death has snuffed out the light of hope in those who dared to believe that just maybe this time, Nigeria would turn up differently.

Another user, Olufemiloye, asked rhetorically, what is the value of the life of a Nigerian to the Nigerian government?

He added that what Itunu went through in Cote DIvoire is heart wrenching and she was failed by both Nigeria and Cote DIvoire.

Who is Itunnu Babalola?

Itunnu Babalola, 23, was a Nigerian who lived in Bondoukou, Cote DIvoire.

According to NIDCOMs account, Itunnu had accused an Ivorian of robbery at her residence and insisted on filing a case against him.

The accused, who happens to be related to an Ivorian policeman, asked her to drop the case, but she refused.

Itunnu went ahead to file charges against him and allegedly used a different name (not her real name ) to file the case and somehow a case of robbery which she filed mysteriously turned to a case of human trafficking against her.

She was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment while the Nigerian mission in Cote Divoire supported by the Nigerian community, got her a lawyer, paid part payment of legal fees for the lawyer, to appeal the judgment , while at the same time seeking diplomatic intervention from the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The staff of the Nigeria mission had also visited Itunu in prison, a distance of over four hours from Abidjan.

While the appeal case was on , Itunu was said to have had complications from diabetes and was rushed to the hospital where she died.

According to NIDCOM, the hospital bills were paid by the Nigerian mission through the lawyer whose services were engaged by the mission.
About eight months after Nigeria commenced the vaccination of its citizens against the coronavirus pandemic, more than three million eligible persons have been fully vaccinated.

The executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this at a briefing by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on Monday.

Mr Shuaib said 5,891,305 eligible persons have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 5.3 per cent of the eligible population.

He said; As of this morning, Monday, November 15th, 2021, a total of 5,891,305 eligible persons have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

This represents only 5.3 per cent of the overall eligible population while 3,252,067 have received their second dose and are fully vaccinated, thereby representing only 2.9 per cent of the overall population of eligible persons.

He explained that the overall population of eligible persons targeted for COVID-19 vaccination to enable the country to reach herd immunity against the disease is 111,776,503.

Vaccine availability

Mr Shuaib said the government has adequate doses of vaccines in store to cover a large percentage of the population.

He said Nigeria had received 3,924,000 doses of AstraZeneca (AZ) in batches between October 22nd and 25th from the COVAX facility.

He noted that the country also received a combination of 1,022,400 doses of AZ as donations from the Governments of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, last week, through COVAX.

Mr Shuaib said the Nigerian government has received commitments of over 11.99 million and 12.2 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines respectively.

We also have received a commitment of 4,953,600 doses of Moderna as donation from the U.S. government through COVAX. These are a few of the doses coming in batches in December and January 2022.

We would also like to remind us that the Federal Government of Nigeria procured 39,800,000 doses of J&J COVID-19 vaccine through the AVATT and these have been coming in batches, he said.

He appealed to persons 18 years and above and unvaccinated to simply walk into the nearest vaccination site to take their COVID-19 vaccine.

It is free, safe, effective and protects you, your family and your community. And if you have taken your first dose, check your vaccination card for your due date and ensure you take the second dose for full protection, he said.

Mass vaccination

The official said the agency is initiating the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign to reach more persons with the vaccines.

He said the idea of mass vaccination campaign is to quickly increase the number of fully vaccinated eligible population in Nigeria.

This, he said, will move the country towards achieving herd immunity and creating an enabling environment for economic recovery and a return to social normalcy in the country.

The mass vaccination campaigns will require mass mobilisation of Nigerians for increased vaccine uptake.

This cannot be done successfully without the support of all critical stakeholders including governors, commissioners, the LGA chairmen, traditional and religious leaders, the civil society organisations, the state ministries of health, the state primary healthcare boards, all health professionals and our professional media community, he said.

Mr Shuaib said efforts are ongoing to engage with stakeholders to promote awareness and vaccine confidence.

He said the government aims to vaccinate at least 50 per cent of the population by the end of January 2022.

We will be conducting the National flagoff of this mass vaccination campaign this Friday November 19th 2021 by 10 a.m., he said.

Fake vaccination cards

Mr Shuaib said any Nigerian found obtaining the COVID-19 vaccination card illegally (buying or selling) will be made to face the law.

He said the Joint Task Force on COVID-19 which includes security agents from the ICPC, DSS and other relevant security agencies remain on alert at every corner of the country and are regularly making impromptu checks.

He noted that it would also be extremely difficult to use fraudulently obtained cards outside the shores of the country.

There is a case of one Mr Amako who attempted to travel outside the country with a vaccination card that could not be validated.

Upon investigation, the reason for the non-validation was that the expiry date of the 1st and 2nd dose was altered, there were inconsistencies with the vaccine expiration dates and batch number and the QR code scanned belonged to another person.

This clearly showed that Mr Amako illegally obtained the vaccination card without getting vaccinated. He was denied travel and his case is currently with the law enforcement authorities, he said.
The Nigerian government has said it would not relent on the mandatory vaccination policy, especially for civil and public service officers, saying the country is experiencing an increase in case fatality ratio.

The chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, reiterated this at its briefing on Monday.

Mr Mustapha said that some countries in Europe are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases due to under vaccination, and urged Nigerians to reward the governments efforts at procuring the vaccines with massive turnout at vaccination centres.

He said: We are currently seeing some surges in cases in some countries in Europe (especially Eastern Europe) due to under vaccination. In other territories where massive vaccinations have occurred, the infections are rising. What we see in Nigeria right now is that there is an increase in case fatality ratio, which calls for great concern.

In our last briefing, we announced the Vaccine Mandate for 1st December, 2021. I will like to state that this is in the best interest of Nigeria looking at what is happening globally. We are gearing up to further engage with the Nigerian Governors Forum to push through the mass vaccination programme and mandate for our citizens.

Mr Mustapha added that the vaccination results will henceforth be verified, alleging that some citizens have started procuring vaccination cards through the black market.

We have received intelligence and even detected that some unscrupulous citizens are procuring vaccination cards through the black market. Let me assure everyone that the vaccination records/certificates will be verified and this should serve as a warning to those criminally minded persons to desist because they will be prosecuted accordingly, he said.

Travel protocol

Mr Mustapha said travellers leaving the country should ensure they adhere to all travel protocols of all countries.

In addition to the above, travelers leaving the country are encouraged to be conversant with the travel protocols of all countries (origin, transit and destination). This has become necessary because of comments and reports in the media that some citizens are denied boarding due to lack of pre-departure protocol compliance.

The protocols are clear and simple and they should be observed accordingly, he added.

He also assured that the international travel protocol portal has been upgraded to meet existing protocol and the demands of those travelling.

Vaccination campaign

Speaking further on the provision of vaccines, the PSC boss noted that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has concluded arrangements to roll out a mass vaccination plan with effect from Friday, November 20, 2021.

He said; The PSC wishes to assure Nigerians that the NPHCDA has enough vaccines in the pipeline to vaccinate about 50% of the target population by the end of January, 2022, he said Efforts are also ongoing to bring on board the booster dose so as to build a healthy level of antibodies.

Mr Mustapha concluded that while the PSC is approaching the end of its nine months mandate by the end of December 2021, a national summit to end COVID-19 in 2022 and to strengthen Global Health Security, is being planned to be held in Abuja from December 6 to 8, 2021.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed more than 50 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the recent counter offensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, a brigadier general, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, in Abuja.

Mr Nwachukwu said the counter offensive led to the killing of top commanders of ISWAP and many foot soldiers.

He said the gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and several gun trucks.

Mr Nwachukwu said that troops of 115 Task Force Battalion had on Saturday, engaged in fierce encounter with ISWAP terrorists in Askira Uba.

He said the troops aggressively defended their location and followed up with a ferocious counter attack during which the Commander 28 Task Force Brigade along side three of his soldiers paid the supreme price.

According to him, while the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit.

Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment in the encounter that ensued.

The equipment destroyed by troops include, an MRAP vehicle and 11 Gun Trucks.

The troops also recovered large cache of arms and ammunition viz., Five Gun Trucks, two Anti Aircraft Guns, five AK 47 rifles, one HK Machine Gun and one HK Machine Gun links.

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Also, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion conducted a dawn exploitation towards Leho village and environs, where they discovered three corpses of the fleeing terrorists and also recovered 2,560 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 29 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by the terrorists.

In a separate operation, troops have also recovered one AK 47 rifle and uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a patrol in Karawa village and Baga Fish Dam area respectively.

The IED has been safely detonated by a team of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, he said.

Mr Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, a lieutenant general, had on Sunday led a team of top brass of the Nigerian Army to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Commander 28 Task Force Brigade, Dzarma Zirkusu, and commiserated with families of the fallen heroes.

(NAN)
Once the recipient of large investments and a big employer of labour, of late the domestic manufacturing sector has spent considerable time in the doldrums. Quite easy to ask, then, by how much the recovery of domestic manufacturing capacity may help in tamping down our high and sticky unemployment numbers? One response to this question is self-evident.

Given how poor the data out of Nigeria have been of late, it is difficult to resist the urge to disaggregate the numbers on the economy  in search of silver linings in an otherwise overcast weather. One conclusion from this: If the let to the services sector from the restrictions that were necessary to hold down the spread of the coronavirus pandemic until effective vaccines could be deployed against it are obvious, the challenges to the manufacturing sector are not immediately so.

Once the recipient of large investments and a big employer of labour, of late the domestic manufacturing sector has spent considerable time in the doldrums. Quite easy to ask, then, by how much the recovery of domestic manufacturing capacity may help in tamping down our high and sticky unemployment numbers? One response to this question is self-evident. Because our youth are at the short end of the most harmful effects of high unemployment rates, any recovery on the back of manufacturing will not happen without conscious and concerted investment in improving both social infrastructure and services.

All of which lead to a second question. With better schools, vocational and health services, how long will it take to get the larger part of our unemployed youth into work training schemes, educational institutions or employment? On the balance of available evidence, globally, at least, the payback period of any investment today designed to boost both employment and productivity in the domestic manufacturing sector, will be long enough to see us miss out on the skill and work transitions currently taking place in Asia. The wave of globalisation which slowed considerably in the latter half of the last decade, allowed an emergent China to become the worlds workshop. Back in the 1980s, though, China began its growth spurt at the lower rungs of global production competence, where its cheap labour was an advantage and the relatively non-technical nature of the manufactures imposed a low quality control hurdle.

Even now, the basic outlines of the required structural reforms remain unchanged, even though some of the details may have altered since we embarked on this current democratic phase. Under the broad rubric of promoting competition in the economy, reforms should pare the bureaucracy, reducing its processes and making compliance with the few rules and procedures that remain easy.

In a sense, globalisations ongoing reversal is a backhanded compliment to the progress China has since made as a manufacturing hotspot over the last four decades. Understandably, the West was already irritated by the giant sucking sound of jobs being off-shored to China as global production chains sought more efficient processes; but the changes in the composition of demand that COVID-19 was responsible for, drew a line under the full extent of the resulting vulnerabilities. Still, both near-shoring and on-shoring, as the Wests response to Chinas industrial dominance, miss the fact that much of global lower level manufacturing has moved to Southeast Asia, where much cheaper labour, market reforms, and a more expensive Chinese production base had pushed them

For a brief period following the re-democratisation of Nigeria in 1999, hope flickered on the possibility of pursuing the same set of reforms that now confer advantages to Southeast Asia in the global supply chain  i.e. those ones that change the structure of an economy, and not the cosmetic ones since favoured by successive governments here. After all, the Chinese template was barely two decades old in 1999.

Even now, the basic outlines of the required structural reforms remain unchanged, even though some of the details may have altered since we embarked on this current democratic phase. Under the broad rubric of promoting competition in the economy, reforms should pare the bureaucracy, reducing its processes and making compliance with the few rules and procedures that remain easy. At heart, this is both an improved governance and enhanced regulatory competence conversation. And so, without a root-and-branch review of the criminal-justice system, it is not an agenda likely to succeed.

while manufacturers may respond to poor demand through single-use packaging, other sectors of the economy will struggle to profitably deliver their services in bite-sized quantities. And that is why this economy might be doomed to move round in ever narrowing circles.

However, a way of looking at things and a bad habit have hampered the possibility of this transition: A native and surprisingly deep-rooted attachment to communitarian values, and an addiction to the foreign exchange earnings from crude oil exports. Very recently, both of these still helped make the case for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) very difficult to swallow domestically. Our policymakers and critical segments of the populace did not see a walled-off market of about 1.3 billion people into which a strong Nigerian economy could make inroads or even ultimately dominate. They saw instead threats to domestic competences from the likes of Rwanda and Togo!

Of course, deep down inside we realised that this potential could only ride on the back of reforms that freed up the supply side of the economy. But with oil prices trending up and the prospects of increased sales looming a walk down, the reform part remains as unappetising as it has been all these years. And so our manufacturing sector continues to struggle. In part because of our reluctance to reform the economy. But increasingly because large pools of the unemployed, a consequence of the former failure, continue to depress final demand.

However, while manufacturers may respond to poor demand through single-use packaging, other sectors of the economy will struggle to profitably deliver their services in bite-sized quantities. And that is why this economy might be doomed to move round in ever narrowing circles.

Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin.
There is no doubt that many are rooting for him to succeed, and he will enjoy the support of many in his bid to grow Anambra State. In his acceptance speech, he posited that, My role will be that of your chief servant, and I will work every minute of the day with you to make you profoundly proud. I will need the guidance, advice and contribution of everyone to succeed. He will need to rally every citizen of Anambra to work with him to achieve these expectations.

At face value, the Anambra gubernatorial election is over, but the lessons have far broader implications that will endure. Beyond these lessons, of what is considered the most consequential election in 2021, is the management of the peoples expectations and the governor-elects ability to fix the jigsaw puzzle of the many contradictions that Anambra represents.

Lets begin with the election, context and lessons learnt. Anambras most recent poll was an off-season election, and historically, off-season elections are indicators of what to expect in the succeeding general elections. As Dr Chidi Amuta has pointed out in his column elsewhere, Anambra is unique for many reasons and whatever happens in the State applies to other States in Nigeria, perhaps in different dimensions.

First, the contest of the election was defined by the peculiarities of insecurity in the State, where non-state actors are angling for power and enjoying semi-legitimacy due to the apparent support they are getting from locals. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)s persistent sit-at-home regime preceding the election caused a low turnout of voters, and contestants campaigned under a canopy of the mortal fear of real danger. The fear of unknown gunmen pervaded the entire space.

Second, the government demonstrated its powers to provide security to citizens of Anambra to participate in democracys most important ritual of casting votes, against the afront of IPOB and unknown gunmen, who threatened to unleash mayhem in the State against candidates and citizens who planned to participate in the election. Whether the relative peace enjoyed by citizens is a function of the deployment of massive security or the effect of the suspension of the sit-at-home order by IPOB will make an interesting study.

Third, the historical peculiarities of Anambra States gubernatorial elections, which have seen a series of pitched battles among unruly factions of desperate political hustler; a high-level religious incursion into civil politics; a tale of high drama, crude machinations, and the deployment of violence; even dark juju, and cultic mindlessness. The governors power is the ultimate power in a State like Anambra, with more than the usual number of billionaires hustling to capture or possibly buy state power, not necessarily for the peoples good.

The November 6th and 9th elections came and passed with little sinister drama, as some pundits predicted. Anambra citizens defied odds to heed the call to vote. Comparatively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted a credible election by Nigerian standards and declared Professor Charles Soludo the governor-elect. INEC may indeed have fallen short of its benchmark, but yet Anambra 2021 represents hope. In the circumstance of the challenge of logistics and the pervasive threat of the attack of local militia, the Nigerian security agencies deployed to Anambra in their thousands also did a fantastic job of providing security to the life and property of people and defying non-state actors who threatened to derail the electoral process. IPOB, in the last few days before the elections, called off the general sit-at-home in Anambra and other South-East states, thereby reducing the tension in the polity.

Candidates for the governorship election were generally peaceful and resisted any tendency for violence or encouraging their supporters to perpetrate electoral violence. Although there were alleged pockets of electoral malpractices, here and there, there was no major incident of large-scale rigging reported in the national media. Overall, the exercise was a success. That the election held and produced a winner is an incredible feat to accomplish, given the uncertainties and nature of events before the election.

There are so many lessons to draw from this election by Nigeria and Nigerians. The first is that when the Nigerian state decides to protect its interest and citizens against non-state actors, it goes out of its way to do so. The sheer massive deployment of security agents and the bravery with which they protected lives and property during the election is worthy of note. Such attitude and courage are needed to combat banditry and kidnapping in various parts of the country. Although the militarisation of the election process is against democratic precepts, in this case, it was a welcome development. Nigerians should have hope that the Nigerian state cannot be held to ransom by non-state actors, no matter how legitimate their claims may be. The counter-argument is that this level of deployment is only possible because this is an off-season, isolated election. This advances the case for staggered elections.

After November 9, Governor-elect Soludo will notice that a governor by appointment and another by election are two different scenarios, with no meeting point. The meaning of words and concepts are different and new realities will replace old ones. Pre-election truth will substantially differ from post-election truth. Intellectualising governance and leadership are more straightforward than practising it.

The second lesson is the efficacy of the deployment of technology in election management. INEC showed great confidence in these technologies. The Anambra elections allowed INEC the opportunity to test-run some of the recently added technologies for conducting free and fair elections. Although a few glitches were recorded during the polls with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), INEC has reassured Nigerians of the importance of using this technology and hopes to use it effectively and efficiently in subsequent elections.

The third lesson is that all politics is local. The people know what they want, and given the right environment, they can express their preference for the kind of leadership they believe can help them fix their challenges and achieve their aspirations. The people of Anambra have consistently shown preference for accomplished professionals, technocrats or intellectuals, and this latest election follows that trend. We expect a new renaissance in politics where young intellectuals and people from the private sector would take up politics and have the realistic expectation to win if there is a level playing field for all. Soludo signifies this ideal. His pedigree and knowledge in management and leadership excited many voters, who feel that such knowledge and expertise will translate into good governance and development of the State. Other technocrats and citizens are watching to see how all of these play out and shape the future of politics in South-East Nigeria.

After November 9, Governor-elect Soludo will notice that a governor by appointment and another by election are two different scenarios, with no meeting point. The meaning of words and concepts are different and new realities will replace old ones. Pre-election truth will substantially differ from post-election truth. Intellectualising governance and leadership are more straightforward than practising it. If academic brilliance makes for good governance, Ashraf Ghani would have delivered in Afghanistan. Being a state governor is not an easy task, much more being the governor of Anambra State with its convoluted contradictions. A State where high net worth individuals and non-state actors clamour to capture or influence leadership structures and processes, sometimes at all costs. A State with a relatively thriving economy based on industrialisation and enterprise and massive potential for growth. The State of the likes of Azikiwe, Ekwueme, Ojukwu, and more recently, Peter Obi.

The peoples expectations of governor-elect, Professor Soludo, is very high. It is very high not only because he ran an eloquent campaign on Solutions to Anambra problems and made several promises on how to tackle most of the problems bedevilling the growth of the State, but his pedigree as an intellectual, technocrat and one of the best minds Anambra has produced in recent times, imbued in people high hopes that he will perform well as a governor.

The enormity of expectation is seen in the reactions of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to his election. Some are seeing him as the pivot of Nigerias turnaround to the path of progress on all fronts, because they believe a man with a good head will run Anambra State, and by extension, other states will emulate Anambra in voting credible candidates, given how good Professor Soludo will be as a governor. Some even believe that the emergence of Soludo could open up a new vista of lthe upgrade of eadership quality in the country.

During his campaign, he highlighted that in Anambra State he would improve education, increase local and foreign direct investment, increase the internally generated revenue, provide about 130,000 jobs, and create 1,000 millionaires annually. It is one thing to inspire people to dream big, share a vision, and aspire to great heights, and another to design the How to bring the vision to life. The common assumption is that the people of Anambra voted for Soludo because he is a man of ideas, a proven technocrat and intellectual per excellence. I hope that these exceptional qualities that stand him out will manifest in his delivery of good governance.

There is no doubt that many are rooting for him to succeed, and he will enjoy the support of many in his bid to grow Anambra State. In his acceptance speech, he posited that, My role will be that of your chief servant, and I will work every minute of the day with you to make you profoundly proud. I will need the guidance, advice and contribution of everyone to succeed. He will need to rally every citizen of Anambra to work with him to achieve these expectations.

Whilst managing these huge expectations, Soludo must develop a great strategy to accomplish great things in Anambra and make Igbos proud. He is the only governor from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and he must think deeply about the future of the party and whether to expand and go national or remain local. He will be compared with his predecessors, and he must not pale in comparison. He must not fail.

I implore him to start on time to manage peoples expectations and be realistic about his potentials and limitations in providing solutions to the myriads of problems of Anambra people. He should always carry people along to understand his vision, agenda, strategy, and policies. This action is essential because rising expectations sometimes lead to increasing frustrations. Even when working hard and putting his best in leading Anambra, if people expect Eldorado and want it pronto, whatever effort and accomplishments he may have made will be seen from a narrow prism.

There are three main areas Anambra people will expect the governor-elect to focus on immediately he takes over the State. One is in tackling the debilitating insecurity in Anambra. Through dialogue or use of force, the governor must confront insecurity in the State; deal with IPOB and the agitation for Biafra; contain the rising cases of kidnapping, criminality and killings, especially politically motivated ones. He and other South-East governors must work together to bring sanity and peace to the South-East.

The second area is infrastructural development. The lack of infrastructure is the bane of Nigeria. At the state level, infrastructural development will open the economy of Anambra and provide a high-quality standard of living for residents. The people of Anambra are known for their entrepreneurial spirit. All they need is the right environment to evolve to a modern-day industrial hub.

The last is human capital development. The governor must come up with a way of harnessing the entrepreneurial skills and spirit of the people for the good of all. He must work hand in gloves with the private sector to create businesses and jobs for the residents, whilst upskilling them through the provision of high-quality education and professional training.

Like him or loath him, Professor Soludo is the governor-elect of Anambra State. And come March 2022, he will become the next executive governor of the State, barring any legal manoeuvrings. He is riding on great populism, on the basis of his antecedents and pedigree. This has brought huge expectations from most Nigerians, especially given that he symbolised the incursion into politics by technocrats and intellectuals, who usually would rather stay aloof before now. He is a game-changer.

Whilst managing these huge expectations, Soludo must develop a great strategy to accomplish great things in Anambra and make Igbos proud. He is the only governor from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and he must think deeply about the future of the party and whether to expand and go national or remain local. He will be compared with his predecessors, and he must not pale in comparison. He must not fail. My advice to the governor-elect is: focus on the people! Power belongs to God and the people.

Dakuku Peterside is a policy and leadership expert.
A Non-Governmental Organisation, African Women Forum for Good Governance, has commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for rewarding a woman who refused to sell her vote during the just concluded governorship election in the state.

The woman, identified as Ngozi Onuegbusi from Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, was seen in a viral video refusing to accept a N5,000 bribe at a polling unit from an agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mrs Onuegbusi opted instead to vote for a candidate of her choice.

Her rare show of courage and uprightness earned her a reward of N1 million from Governor Obiano, who invited her to Government House, Awka for recognition.

Chinwe Iyizoba, founder of the NGO, which advocates good governance and the socio-economic development of Africa through gender empowerment, made the commendation in a statement issued in Awka on Friday.

Mrs Iyizoba, a retired justice of Court of Appeal, said Mrs Onuegbusi should be a model to womenfolk.

She said that one of the visions of her NGO was to identify such women and empower them in their businesses or political aspirations.

She said her NGO would support such women in their endeavours to create a new crop of rural women and the bulk of voters in elections, who would always eschew money politics.

According to her, it is necessary for politicians to learn that the only way to make progress in politics is to provide the people who elected them into office with good governance.

What people need is (the) provision of the necessary social amenities to make life worth living, these include good roads, good schools, jobs, good healthcare, water supply, electricity, and others.

Government, public and private institutions recognise the importance and relevance of women in the scheme of things.

Women deserve greater representation in governance at all levels and as mothers of the nation, we know where the shoes pinch and have a lot to say and contribute towards making things better, she said.

Charles Soludo, a candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, won the Anambra governorship election.

He defeated 17 others, including Andy Uba of the APC and Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party.

(NAN)
Oyo State is yet to domesticate the disability law because it is amending it to properly suit the needs of physically-challenged persons in the state, an aide to Governor Seyi Makinde has said.

Ayodele Adekanbi, special adviser to the governor on matters relating to persons with physical challenges spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

He said some aspects of the law signed at the National Assembly needed to be reviewed in order to fully accord persons with special needs their rights.

When we assessed the disability law at the national level, we observed that principal functions of the commission established by the Federal Government are to be performed by persons without any form of disability.

In addition, we discovered that the commission is populated by persons without disability and we felt that it should not be so.

These are the reasons why I advised governor Makinde to ensure that the law is first amended before domesticating it in Oyo State.

In Oyo State, we have decided that the executive chairman and secretary of the commission must be physically challenged persons.

It was also agreed that 50 per cent of members of the commission must be persons with physical challenges.

We are doing this because we know that persons living with disability should know the best form of policy that will suit them, Adekanbi explained.

According to the special adviser, the recommendations are already before the states Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for final inputs before amendment by the state House of Assembly.

NAN recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill prohibiting all forms of discrimination or stigmatisation against people with disability in 2019.

(NAN)
The Lagos judicial panel of inquiry has submitted the reports on the Lekki shooting incident and police brutality cases to the state government on Monday.

The panel led by a retired judge, Doris Okuwobi, submitted the reports at the Governors Office in Alausa, Ikeja.

On October 20, the Nigerian army shot at the people protesting police brutality at the Lekki tollgate, but have continuously denied

involvement in the incident despite several accounts of witnesses, including hospitals where victims were taken to, showing that there were casualties.

The reports were submitted one month after the panel concluded its year-long sittings to investigate and award compensations to victims of police brutality.

Formal committee

The governor said a formal committee, which would be headed by the Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, would look into the reports within two weeks and bring forward the white paper that would be considered at the Lagos state executive council and presented as the white paper coming from the panel of inquiry.

I imagine that they would immediately read through and bring forward every little thing that has been recommended in this report, he said.

Other members of the panel include the commissioner for youth and social development; Olusegun Dawodu, special adviser on works; Aramide Adeyoye, and the permanent secretary of the cabinet office.

Independent panel

Mr Sanwo-Olu, while receiving the reports, said the panel had no external influence whatsoever.

It is instructive for us to put it out on record that the panel has been totally independent, he said.

The panel has had its full request and has been given full authority to summon to inquire, to ask, to request anybody or anything so wish that would help them come to conclusion, he said.

As the governor, I have not seen any of the panel members including the chairperson who I saw last on October 19.

Neither have I put a phone call to her or paid her any visits or asked her for anything. In fact, before then I had never met her until the 19th of October.

He said he believes that the submission of the reports would kickstart healing for those that have suffered in the hands of the police.

He also commended the conduct and proceedings of the panel.

He noted that he would forward copies of the reports to the National Executive Council (NEC) this week.
Larry Rock, 76, of Charles Way, passed away on November 17, 2021 at his home. He was born May 17, 1945 the son of Clarence and Rose (Rell) Rock. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Larry will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery in Champlain. Arrangements ha
Southbury, CT (06488)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Cloudy skies. High near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 28F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
OSLO, Norway, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Reference is made to the announcement on 26 August 2021 regarding the entering into of a strategic partnership with SalMar ASA ("SalMar") to establish a global offshore aquaculture company. The closing of the transaction has now taken place and the new joint company, SalMar Aker Ocean AS ("Salmar Aker Ocean") has been established.

SalMar Aker Ocean will operate within offshore fish farming, including offshore and semi-offshore. By combining Aker and SalMar's industry experience, leading competence in salmon production, software, and cleantech the aim is to create the world's most reliable and intelligent offshore farming operations with the highest requirements for fish welfare and a zero-emissions value chain ambition.

SalMar Aker Ocean will be at the forefront of ensuring sustainable growth on the salmon's terms. The company will initially focus on establishment of offshore fish farming in Norwegian waters, which will require establishment of a regulatory framework for offshore fish farming. SalMar Aker Ocean will collaborate with Norwegian authorities, the aquaculture industry, and other interested parties for the establishment of a regulatory framework.

Atle Eide will chair the Board of Directors of SalMar Aker Ocean and Gustav Witze, Kjell Inge Rkke, yvind Eriksen and Torger Rd will take on the positions as board members from today. As announced by SalMar on 9 November 2021, the company has started a process for the recruitment of a new CEO, as the current CEO of SalMar Aker Ocean Olav Andreas Ervik will step down from the position during the spring 2022, but continue as an advisor to the company.

"SalMar Aker Ocean and its owners look forward to join forces developing offshore aquaculture as an important contributor to the future supply of healthy seafood globally," says CEO in SalMar ASA Gustav Witze.

"The efficient closing process underlines SalMar's and Aker's dedication to be at the forefront of ensuring sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry", says Witze.

For further information, please contact:

Investors:

Joachim Bjrni, Head of Investor Relations, Aker ASA

Tel: +47 924 22 106

E-mail: joachim.bjorni@akerasa.com

Media:

Atle Kigen, Head of Media Relations and Public Affairs, Aker ASA

Tel: +47 907 84 878

Email: atle.kigen@akerasa.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-asa/r/aker-asa--salmar-aker-ocean-established,c3453515

SOURCE Aker ASA
- Increase in demand for biosimilars for the treatment of neutropenia and shift of pharmaceutical companies toward biosimilar drug development drive the growth of the global filgrastim market.

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Filgrastim Market by Drug Type (Biologic and Biosimilar), Indication (Chemotherapy-induced Neutropenia, Chronic Neutropenia and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030." According to the report, the global filgrastim market generated $562.50 million in 2020, and is estimated to reach $745.90 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.8% from 2021 to 2030.

Download Sample Report- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3643

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Increase in demand for biosimilars for the treatment of neutropenia and shift of pharmaceutical companies toward biosimilar drug development drive the growth of the global filgrastim market. However, complexities in manufacturing biosimilar and rise in use of pegfilgrastim biologic hinder the market growth. On the other hand, surge in awareness and rise in investment in R&D activities create new opportunities in the coming years.

Covid-19 Scenario

The Covid-19 pandemic made a disruptive impact on oncology clinical trials and treatments. There have been immediate and delayed consequences. As per the study carried out by the Cancer Research U.K. in July 2020 , one in three cancer patients revealed that the pandemic impacted their treatments.

, one in three cancer patients revealed that the pandemic impacted their treatments. The hospital staff and resources were shifted to take care of Covid-infected patients. Moreover, trials for vaccines and potential treatments for Covid-19 have been conducted.

The reduction in recruitment for ongoing trials and delay in the launch of new oncology products would negatively impact the filgrastim market.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Filgrastim Market- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/3643?reqfor=covid

The biosimilar segment to continue its lead position during the forecast period

Based on drug type, the biosimilar segment accounted for the largest share in 2020, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global filgrastim market, and is expected to continue its lead position during the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is projected to manifest the largest CAGR of 3.4% from 2021 to 2030. This is attributed to low cost, ease in availability in developing countries, ongoing R&D activities, and strong pipeline drugs. The research also analyzes the biologic segment.

The chemotherapy-induced neutropenia segment to maintain its dominant share during the forecast period

Based on indication, the chemotherapy induced neutropenia segment contributed to the largest share in 2020, accounted for nearly three-fifths of the global filgrastim market, and is estimated to maintain its dominant share during the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is expected to portray the highest CAGR of 3.0% from 2021 to 2030. This is due to the association of this side effect with life-threatening infections. Moreover, this may alter the schedule for chemotherapy and impact the early and long-term outcomes. The report also analyzes the segments including chronic neutropenia and others.

For Purchase Inquiry- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3643

Europe, followed by North America, to continue its leadership status by 2030

Based on region, Europe, followed by North America, held the largest market share in 2020, accounting for around one-third of the global filgrastim market, and is projected to continue its leadership status by 2030. This is due to developed healthcare infrastructure, supportive reimbursement policies, increase in prevalence of infectious diseases, and availability of research grants and funding. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period, owing to surge in the number of cancer patients, specifically in developing countries such as China and India.

Leading market players

Abbott Laboratories

Amgen

Apotex

Cadila Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories

Kirin Holding (Kyowa Kirin)

(Kyowa Kirin) Novartis

Pfizer

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Toksoz Group (Arven)

Official Press Release: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/filgrastim-market.html

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Rising investments in residential infrastructure for the construction of multi-story buildings along with the developing real estate sector will favour the multi-family residential heating and cooling industry dynamics. Refurbishment and expansion of sustainable heating networks in line with the energy efficiency standards will complement the business dynamics.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/4380

Increasing energy demand along with large & medium-scale investments toward the adoption of sustainable district heating units will boost the business landscape. The district heating segment has observed a substantial development owing to its environmental-friendly and economical nature. The heat delivered from these units is produced in an eco-friendly manner that reduces the effect of GHG emissions, positively encouraging the technology demand. Favourable government policies restricting carbon emissions together with the accelerating adoption of green energy will thrust the industry outlook.

Some prime findings of the global heating & cooling market report include:

The heating & cooling industry is anticipated to grow owing to rising demand for sustainable heating along with rising investments in residential and commercial infrastructures.

Ongoing technological developments to deploy enhanced thermal heating & cooling units will positively encourage the business outlook.

Eminent players operating across the global heating & cooling market include Siemens, Johnson Controls, Daikin, Engie, Trane, and Haier Group, amongst others.

Large-scale renewable integration followed by shifting focus toward the adoption of smart heating units will positively influence the industry scenario.

Browse key industry insights spread across 1,175 pages with 2,285 market data tables & 31 figures & charts from the report, "Heating & Cooling Market Forecasts By Category (Heating, Cooling), Application (Industrial, Residential, Service Sector), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2021  2027", in detail along with the table of contents:

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/heating-cooling-market

The COVID-19 has hit the world in an exceptional manner and affected the global economy drastically. The pandemic has resulted in lockdowns and curfews across the globe to avoid virus transmission and has further led respective governments to promote social distancing. In addition, the lack of labour and unavailability of raw materials have further resulted in ceased production and disruptions in the supply chain & distribution network. However, proper vaccination programs and beneficiary measures by governing authorities will lead the industry to come back to its normal position.

Middle East heating & cooling market is set to gain momentum owing to the rapidly changing technological advancements along with extreme climatic conditions. Growing inclination toward advanced district cooling infrastructure favoured by commissioning of large number of projects across the region will foster the industry dynamics. For, instance, in 2020, Empower connected Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites an urban project to its cooling network supplying cooling capacity of TR 2,610 connecting 527 hotel & residential units along retail outlets as well as advanced office spaces. Moreover, the rising per capita income coupled with shifting consumer focus toward luxury & smart technological units will positively sway the business outlook.

Browse the Toc of this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/heating-cooling-market

About Global Market Insights

Global Market Insights Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider, offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

Contact Us:

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Global Market Insights Inc.

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SOURCE Global Market Insights Inc.
With the MPS, the car is able to drive itself through a narrow street by avoiding obstructions, drive through the revolving gate of an underground parking lot, or drive backwards at a dead end where two cars are facing each other. All these are made possible at the press of a button.

Hyundai Mobis developed this technology using its own software logic and mass-produced ultrasonic sensors. This technology is based on the fact that, while RADAR and LiDAR sensors are useful for recognizing objects located far away or in high-speed driving, ultrasonic sensors are rather more suitable for narrow streets or underground parking lots. The ultrasonic sensors recognize objects over a short distance, while the software logic and the control system perform self-driving.

One of the core technologies of this system is Narrow Space Assistance (NSA). The car needs only 16 inches of extra space on both sides to drive through a narrow street by itself.

Another core technology is Reverse Assistance (RA). It records the car's travel route on a real-time basis and creates the reverse route by itself at the press of a button. The steering wheel and vehicle speed are controlled automatically.

Aside from the MPS, various other technologies for safety and convenience have been integrated into the system, thereby further enhancing the competitiveness of the driver assistance solution.

The Remote Smart Parking Assistance (RSPA) system is capable of parking a car at a right angle or in parallel by finding an empty space when the driver is out of the car and presses the remote. 3D Surround View Monitor (SVM) provides a better parking experience by showing the area 360 degrees around the car three-dimensionally. Rear-autonomous Emergency Braking (R-AEB) is also noticeable.

Hyundai Mobis will preemptively suggest global automakers to apply related technologies. The application scope will be expanded to purpose-built vehicles (PBV) as well as large SUVs whose popularity is now growing rapidly.

Hyundai Mobis is showing one automated urban driving technology after another and is resolved to lead the new future vehicle market represented by PBV. The company presented its M.Vision Pop, an exceptionally small urban mobility concept, in March, and has also succeeded in developing a foldable steering system and a 90-degree rotating e-corner module for shared autonomous vehicles last month.

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no.7 global automotive supplier, with annual sales of nearly $30 billion USD. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis aims to become a lifelong technology partner for vehicles and people. The company has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis currently employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. With the R&D headquarter in Korea, Mobis operates 4 technology centers in Germany, China, India and the United States.

For more information, please visit the website at http://mobis.co.kr/

Media Contact

Jihyun Han, jihyun.han@mobis.co.kr

Choon Kee Hwang, ckhwang@mobis.co.kr

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrOTXYgAlyo

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SOURCE Hyundai Mobis
NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive paint market is expected to record a revenue of US$ 23,244.2 Mn by the end of year 2027.

Request for a sample report: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/automotive-paint-market

The global automotive paint market is expected to expand in terms of value and volume during the forecast period, with growth attributed to various factors such as increasing production of vehicles which has a direct impact, supported by shift in consumer awareness and developments in paint technologies. In 2019, the top five car producing countries were China, United States, Japan, Germany, and India, with China, Europe, and North America contributing 25.6%, 17.1% and 11.4% respectively in 2020.

Automotive industry production has been seeing a dwindling production, affected by different causes over the past few years. Currently, shortage of chips has affected the production and industry is expected to see recovery to a steady trend towards first half of 2022. This has a direct impact on demand for automotive paints and subsequently market growth rate. Another challenge faced by paint industry is the emission of VOCs that may have health and environmental effect. For instance, China, which is the largest producer of vehicles over the past years, had announced mandatory national standards in August 2020 limiting the use of (VOCs) and other substances used in coatings, inks, and adhesives. The limit imposed on VOC is proposed towards supporting China's 2020 Volatile Organic Compounds Management Plan to attain the goal of reducing VOC emissions by 10% by confining the use of VOCs products. This may pose a challenge the market demand for automotive paint and restrain the market growth.

Automotive Paint Market by Type

The study provides market analysis based on of types of automotive paint, segmented into four types: Electrocoat, Primer, Basecoat, and Clearcoat. Clearcoat has the largest market share in the automotive paint market when compared to other types of automotive paint. The segment accounted for 37% share in 2020 due to higher adoption as it offers the car a shinier and deeper appearance while also protecting the paint from the sun and UV rays. It is projected that electrocoat is expected to develop at the fastest segment with CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period due to its capacity to deliver entire surface coverage with unsurpassed film uniformity due to throw power. Electrocoat paint producers seek acrylics, epoxies, and hybrid formulations that meet their quality, performance, cost, and environmental goals.

Automotive Paint Market by Regional Analysis

Geographically, Asia Pacific manufactures more vehicles than any other region, making it the automotive coatings industry's most important market. Asia Pacific holds the highest share in revenue of the global market by 58% across the globe and it is projected to maintain the dominance in the market because of the rapid pace of economic activity and technological improvements in the region. The reason behind the dominance is the huge expansion in automobile production in China, India, Indonesia, and other Asian countries in recent years, there have been an increase in demand for automotive coatings in the region. With rising demand has come the need to develop coatings that are more ecologically friendly and have better performance features

Get Full Research Summary on "Automotive Paint Market": https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/automotive-paint-market

Covid  19 Impact on Automotive Paint Market

The global automotive paint market was critically affected when the covid-19 outbreak increased. The market saw a significant drop in investment and demand. The pandemic disrupted the whole supply chain by forcing the whole world into lockdown. The distribution of automotive paints to OEMs completely halted. Many ongoing projects and plans were suspended due to the pandemic. The market decreased the production of vehicles and use of automotive paints. As per the researchers, in 2020, the global sale of automobiles dropped from 90.42 Mn Units to 77.9 Mn Units.

Market Dynamics

Drivers: The rising demand in automobile industry and increasing product of vehicles leads growth opportunity in automotive paint market and higher usage of polyurethane paints urethane resins held approximately 21% of the global demand for resins in coatings. Usage of polyurethane resins has been growing over the past several years due to their performance properties and their ability to be used in lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) formulations.

Restraints: Rising production of vehicles in turn creating the demand for automotive paints for the furnishing and coating purposes on vehicles. Rising use of automotive paints in turn emit VOC that may have health and environmental effect. VOC are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids that may have short- and long-term adverse health effects and environmental effects as well.

Opportunities: Water-borne paints and primers produce significantly lesser amounts VOC emissions when compared with Solvent-borne paints. Water-borne paints contain more than 70% of water solvents.

Trends: Companies like BASF are releasing their trending color collection to show their innovation and modernism. Several consumers opt for customizable paint for their automobiles to display their individuality. In 2020, at least 15 high-end manufacturing automobile companies launched new exterior colors.

Competitors in the Market

Old players existing in market has a good brand value with loyal customer base. With their huge distribution network and presence everywhere from small cities to globally make it difficult for new players to enter or exist in market for long time. Complying with rules and maintaining standards for environment protection creates a barrier for new players.

The study in the global automotive paint market shows companies like PPG, AkzoNobel, Axlata, and Nippon hold a cumulative ratio of 63.60%, top market players hold around 90% of market share across the globe, whereas rest of the market is captured by other local players.

Segmental Overview

By Type

Electrocoat



Primer



Basecoat



Clearcoat

By Technology

Solvent borne



Waterborne



Powder Coating

By Resin

Polyurethane



Epoxy



Acrylic



Other Resins

By Texture

Solid



Metallic



Matte



Pearlescent



Solar reflective

By Vehicle

Passenger Cars



Light Commercial Vehicle



Heavy Commercial Vehicle

By Channel

OEMs



Aftermarket

By Region

North America

US



Canada



Mexico

South America

Argentina



Brazil



Rest of South America

Europe

UK



Germany



Italy



France



Spain



Russia



Poland



Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China



Japan



India



ASEAN



South Korea



Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

& UAE



Saudi Arabia



South Africa



Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost effective, value added package from us, should you decide to engage with us.

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Brand Potential was founded by Mary Say, Tom Lovett, and Chris Molloy in 2010. The head office of the agency is located just outside London (Windsor) and employs over 30 consultants. Brand Potential is a high-end brand consultancy and works with clients around the globe such as Unilever, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Costa Coffee, Johnson & Johnson, innocent drinks, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Kaspersky. Brand Potential specializes in transforming brands to achieve accelerated growth through insights, innovation, brand strategy, and design. Brand Potential has a unique positioning in that it not only combines commercial and creative delivery, but also has a Brand Due Diligence service to assess the potential of brands when going through merger or acquisition.

Brand Potential will continue to operate under its own name as an autonomous agency within the Candid platform. This is in line with Candid's T-shaped philosophy, which allows agencies to continue to play to their strengths and entrepreneurial spirit; whilst opening up the skills of all relevant communication, digital, design, and media disciplines to all clients of all agencies within the Platform.

"We really like the cultural fit with Candid and the agencies which operate on the platform. Candid understands that agencies are at their best when they continue to work in the way that is most motivating for their people and clients," explains founder Mary Say. "By joining Candid, we can continue to realise our mission to unlock potential for our clients and their brands, both in the UK and internationally, while still retaining our values and culture. We look forward to working alongside the other Candid agencies and opening Brand Potential Amsterdam."

Candid's CEO  Rudiger Wanck  says, "Through our platform strategy of bringing together and fostering strong independent agencies in a unified collective, we have been able to develop the fastest growing agency group in The Netherlands, already surpassing several of the global agency holding groups. The acquisition of Brand Potential marks our first step in the United Kingdom and the starting point for the development of the Candid platform strategy outside of the Netherlands. With Brand Potential, we immediately gain traction at a brand consultancy level, providing a strong starting point for the further development of the platform in the UK. The platform agencies and clients in the Netherlands will also immediately benefit from the knowledge and experience of Brand Potential, and we look forward to launching Brand Potential in Amsterdam very soon."

Chairman of the board Gerard Ghazarian adds: "When we started with Candid as a platform strategy, we always envisioned The Netherlands being the starting point for an international proposition. Brand Potential adds a new and important discipline to our growing platform and marks the start of our ambitions to achieve growth in the UK. Candid is unique in its approach to the market in bringing together agencies as part of a platform approach, meaning that agencies retain their individuality whilst at the same time operate at scale within the wider group. Candid is also unique in that we are fully independent* and agency leadership and talent within the organisation have a shared ownership into the platform."

*note for the editors: Candid is owned by it's founders Gerard Ghazarian and Youri van der Mijn and Rudiger Wanck who recently joined as the CEO of the platform.

About the Candid platform

We unite the creative and strategic strengths of  among others  media agencies Stroom, de Media Maatschap, and M2Media; the digital agencies Online Company and Havana Harbor; the social media expert Daily Dialogues; advertising agency XXS; PR & corporate communication agency Coopr; marketing innovation agency Cogonez, and brand identity specialist Millford.

In recent years, Candid has developed into the first fully integrated communications platform in the Netherlands. We bring together the skills, cultures, and identities of these powerful, independent, specialized agencies on a single platform while also ensuring that they collaborate optimally thanks to our candid company culture based on transparency and our T-shaped organization.

In this way, Candid provides marketing and communications solutions for which data provides the inspiration, technology provides the support, and creativity drives the process. Above all, we achieve growth for our clients.

SOURCE Candid
ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CarNow, www.carnow.com the leading automotive digital retailing company, and J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics and consumer intelligence and a leading provider of automotive finance & insurance (F&I) software used by automotive dealerships nationwide, today announced a strategic alliance which integrates the J.D. Power market-leading F&I presentation solution with CarNow's Real Time Retail platform.

The direct integration of J.D. Power with CarNow's platform provides car shoppers online access to the J.D. Power F&I product presentation menu. CarNow's industry-first, Real-Time Retail platform unifies the shopper's online activity with the in-store experience. CarNow allows dealers to view and serve shoppers in "real-time" as they engage with a dealer's virtual or physical showroom. Improving the customer buying process with no disruption to the dealers existing process.

"This alliance is a significant step forward in the evolution of the dealer-customer interaction, and a win for our dealers and consumer shoppers who are asking for a user friendly and accurate F&I shopping experience. J.D. Power enables CarNow to deliver on that promise. Today's automotive retail buying experience frustrates consumers because there are too many points where communication with the dealership or the accuracy of the transaction breaks down and restarts. These break downs lengthen the process, disrupt the flow of information, and weaken the transition between the online and in-store experience. Our platform solves that," said Andy Park, CEO and founder of CarNow.

"Consumers want an easy-to-use F&I experience when moving from the web to the dealership, so this integration will provide a seamless transition into the dealership and into our flagship menu application," said Phillip Battista, president of dealership technologies at J.D. Power. "When the capabilities of two companies are shared for the benefit of both dealers and vehicle shoppers, it's a notable achievement. Dealers will see the advantages right away and the customer experience will be better than ever."

"The partnership between CarNow and JD Power moves US one step closer to the seamless, streamlined process so many consumers wish to experience when buying a car. While most digital retail platforms are nothing more than glorified lead generation tools. CarNow continues to innovate, getting dealers that much closer to delivering the 'start to signature' omni-channel experience." Said Andy Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships.

The partnership will be launched in the first quarter of 2022.

About CarNow

CarNow is market leader in digital retailing solutions for the automotive industry. CarNow creates frictionless, real-time enterprise software solutions to facilitate the transaction between dealers and consumers. Through our solutions, shoppers receive enhanced virtual showroom services, live support at anytime, anywhere, delivered to them on any device. With 5,000 dealership customers and over twenty manufacturer certifications, CarNow is one of the fastest growing companies in automotive. CarNow is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at https://carnow.com

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business or https://darwinautomotive.com/.

SOURCE CarNow

Related Links

http://www.carnow.com


SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --CBC Group ("CBC"), Asia's largest healthcare-dedicated investment firm, announced today a partnership with APG Asset Management ("APG"), the largest pension provider in the Netherlands, in a new Asia-Pacific healthcare platform, CBC Healthcare Infrastructure Platform ("CBC HIP") and China-focused life science venture, CBC China Life Science Infrastructure Venture ("CLSIV"). CLSIV has held a first close of US$500 million with a hard cap of US$1.5 billion of total equity commitments and will be dedicated to providing best-in-class facilities for life science research, manufacturing and support services catering to biotechnology incubators through to large multinational pharmaceutical companies in China.

CBC and APG recognize the pivotal role integrated healthcare infrastructure solutions play in facilitating the robust growth of healthcare sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. To address changing demands and more complex healthcare challenges, CBC HIP will develop and invest in high-quality healthcare assets including life science research and manufacturing facilities, hospitals, medical offices and senior living accommodation in Asia-Pacific. CBC HIP has established CLSIV, a China-focused vehicle which is the first within CBC HIP's intended suite of managed products, to empower its life science partners with sustainable and resilient, state-of-the-art facilities to meet the demands of this rapidly developing industry.

"We are delighted to embark on the journey to build China's largest life science platform with APG. Healthcare infrastructure provides compelling risk-adjusted returns which are underpinned by strong secular tailwinds as healthcare is a necessity. In China, we will witness healthcare expenditure double to RMB 13 trillion by 2026," Hans Kang, Chief Executive Officer of CBC HIP said. "We are excited to become the first mover in this space in China which is the most in-demand life science market globally and represents a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. It is critical that scientists and researchers are provided with world-class facilities to explore potential biotech and pharmaceutical breakthroughs that are needed today more than ever."

"With aging populations and an ever-changing global environment, healthcare is an increasingly important sector for economies around the world and nowhere is this more so than in China where the advancement of healthcare and the development of the life sciences sector is a key objective for the country," commented Graeme Torre, Head of Asia-Pacific Real Estate for APG Asset Management. "As a long-term responsible investor on behalf of our pension fund clients, our intent is always to invest alongside the most capable and knowledgeable operating partners in key sectors for our strategy. We are delighted therefore to partner with a market-leading organization like CBC to establish the CBC HIP platform and to make the seed investment in its first life science real estate venture."

"CBC has worked alongside the world's top scientists and entrepreneurs to fulfill unmet medical needs globally which have seen the firm incubate over 12 successful biotech and pharmaceutical companies over the past seven years," Fu Wei, Chief Executive Officer of CBC added. "In addition to our current pharma, medtech and services portfolio in Asia-Pacific, providing market-leading life science infrastructure contributes towards delivering affordable medical care to China's 1.4 billion population. We believe that a one-stop and integrated healthcare infrastructure solution is a prerequisite for accelerating world-class scientific research."

CLSIV has already secured land to develop nearly one million square meters of life science facilities in Shanghai with further opportunities identified in Beijing as well. It aims to further develop its portfolio in key life science clusters in the top nine cities in China, being Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chengdu.

APG was advised by BofA Securities on this transaction.

About CBC

CBC Group, Asia's largest healthcare-dedicated investment firm, is committed to creating value and integrating global resources. Partnering with the world's top entrepreneurs and scientists, its unique "investor-operator" approach has empowered global leading healthcare companies to widen access to affordable medical care, catalyze innovations, and improve efficiency in fulfilling unmet medical needs worldwide. Founded in 2014, CBC has a leading team of investment, industry and portfolio management professionals headquartered in Singapore with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and New York, and presences in Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, and Tokyo. CBC focuses on platform-building, buyout, credit and growth-focused opportunities across multiple core areas within the healthcare sector, including pharmaceutical and biotech, medical technology and healthcare services. For more information, please visit www.cbridgecap.com.

About APG

As the largest pension provider in the Netherlands, APG looks after the pensions of 4.7 million participants. APG provides executive consultancy, asset management, pension administration, pension communication and employer services for pension funds and employers in the sectors of education, government, construction, cleaning, housing associations, sheltered employment organizations, medical specialists, and architects. APG manages approximately 610 billion (September 2021) in pension assets. With approximately 3,000 employees APG has offices in Heerlen, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. For more information, please visit www.apg.nl.

SOURCE CBC Group

Related Links

http://www.cbridgecap.com


View FREE Sample: to know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and how they will impact in coming years.

Vendor Insights

The corporate compliance training market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of several global and regional players. The vendors are deploying growth strategies such as focusing on eLearning app development and developing e-platform and apps for online corporate compliance training to compete in the market.

Skillsoft Ltd.- In June 2021, Churchill Capital Corp II and Skillsoft Ltd. announced the closure of the business combination and subsequent acquisition of global knowledge to create a leading corporate digital learning company.

The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including:

Blackboard Inc.

City & Guilds Group

EI Design Pvt Ltd.

GCPlearning.com

GP Strategies Corp.

John Wiley and Sons Inc.

LRN Corp.

SAI Global Pty. Ltd.

Skillsoft Ltd.

TRAININGFOLKS

Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings. Read Sample Market Research Report.

Geographical Market Analysis

North America will provide maximum growth opportunities in the corporate compliance training market during the forecast period. According to our research report, the region currently holds 32% of the global market growth and is expected to dominate the market through 2025.

In addition, countries such as the US, India, UK, Germany, and Japan are expected to emerge as prominent markets for corporate compliance training during the forecast period.

Key Segment Analysis

The online corporate compliance training type segment held the largest market share in 2020 and will continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. Organizations view compliance training through online mediums as a new way of delivering training instruction to employees. This method is considered to boost employee productivity, broaden training opportunities, improve the efficacy of instruction, and motivate employees to remain updated concerning compliance policies.

Know more about this market's geographical distribution along with the detailed analysis of the top regions. https://www.technavio.com/report/corporate-compliance-training-market-industry-analysis

Key Market Trends & Challenges:

The growing popularity of mobile-based compliance training will drive corporate training market growth. Several companies are increasingly encouraging the adoption of mobile devices across enterprises to conduct compliance training with the growing trend of bring your own device (BYOD) and corporate-owned personally enabled (COPE) policies in workplaces. This, in turn, will fuel the preference for corporate compliance training market in the coming years.

The report identifies the increasing deployment of analytics in compliance training as one of the key trends. Organizations can extract and analyze the data with the help of learning analytics tools. Companies can use technology to monitor the learning activities of their employees. In addition, the analytical tools and learning analytics further helps in assessing the performance of the learners, resulting, in organizations to successfully personalize their content for individual learners.

The intangible nature of outcome measurement is a major challenge for the corporate compliance market growth. Organizations provide training without the ability to measure whether ROI has been achieved effectively or not. This inability stems from the lack of proper measurement methods to evaluate training outcomes.

View free sample for highlights on market Drivers, Trends & Challenges affecting the corporate compliance training market.

Corporate Compliance Training Market Value Chain Analysis

The report includes the following core components:

Inputs

Operations

Marketing and sales

Support activities

Innovations

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Corporate Training Market by Product and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025

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Corporate Compliance Training Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 7% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 2.43 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.98 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 32% Key consumer countries US, India, UK, Germany, and Japan Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Blackboard Inc., City & Guilds Group, EI Design Pvt Ltd., GCPlearning.com, GP Strategies Corp., John Wiley and Sons Inc., LRN Corp., SAI Global Pty. Ltd., Skillsoft Ltd., and TRAININGFOLKS Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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

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UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer (B3: EMBR3,NYSE: ERJ) has announced today, at the Dubai Air Show, a firm order for three new E175, plus three purchase rights for the same model of aircraft, with Overland Airways, from Nigeria. The 88-seat aircraft, with premium class cabin configuration, will be delivered from 2023. The deal is worth at USD 299.4 million, at list price with all purchase rights being exercised.

These aircraft will increase the domestic flights and allow to expand more regional routes. The president and CEO of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, said, "we are confident that this is the right moment to invest, as regional aviation is on an optimistic post-pandemic recovery. Our customers will really enjoy all comfort in the E175, and we appreciate our partnership with Embraer."

Cesar Pereira, Vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Embraer Commercial Aviation said, "we are proud of this partnership with Overland and to support their regional expansion. We are seeing growing long-term demand for rightsized aircraft to deliver profitable domestic connections in Nigeria."

During the pandemic, the E175 has been a vital tool for many regional airlines, as they are perfectly suited to rebuilding network, enhancing frequencies and efficiently adding capacity to meet demand that has been gradually recovering.

About Overland Airways

Overland Airways operates from Nigeria across West Africa providing scheduled and charter flight services. The Airline commenced flights in 2002 with the aim of increasing the prosperity of the Nigerian hinterland by providing seamless and reliable air transportation of business and leisure travelers and interconnecting hub cities and remote economies. The Airline is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified, and Member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) the association of leading global airlines that control over 83% of scheduled global traffic.

Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer

About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On the night of Nov 12, organized by Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office, the closing ceremony of the 5th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (the "Guangzhou Award"), the 2021 Global Mayors' Forum and the 13th World Congress of the World Association of Metropolis was held in Guangzhou Yuexiu International Congress Center in an online + offline hybrid format.

Chongqing, China; Union of Dannieh Municipalities, Lebanon; Quito, Ecuador; Vienna, Austria; and Saint Louis, Senegal won the 5th Guangzhou Award. Odisha, India claimed the honor of the "Online Popular City ".

To advance global urban governance and innovative development, Guangzhou, the UCLG and Metropolis created the Guangzhou Award in 2012, which is held every two years. It has gone through a ten-year journey. Each cycle of the Guangzhou Award has attracted more than 150 cities from more than 50 countries to participate, and has so far collected more than 1,300 cases of urban governance innovation from all over the world, providing significant reference for cities around the world to enhance their urban governance capacity.

Against the background of the global pandemic, this cycle of the Award still received 273 project submissions from 175 cities of 60 countries and regions, the numbers of participating cities and projects at par with those of previous years. It reflects the growing attention paid to urban governance innovation and sustainable development by the world in face of the pandemic, and highlights the increasing international appeal and influence of Guangzhou Award.

From November 8 to 10, the representatives of shortlisted cities were divided into in four groups, namely "inclusive cities", "innovative cities", "resilient cities" and "green cities", to present their projects and take questions from the audience, including the experts of the jury. According to Yu Keping, chairman of the fifth Guangzhou Award jury, the selection criteria for the award-winning projects by the jury members are innovation, participation, influence, importance, replicability, learnability and inclusiveness. The five projects that win the final award is widely representative in terms of their diverse innovation themes, geographical locations, development levels and city sizes. "They meet the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs), and indicate the important role of urban innovation in improving residents' lives, advancing civilization and progress, and containing the pandemic. In this sense, these cases have a significant guiding role in the future global urban innovation".

It is worth mentioning that Chongqing, China is granted the Award with its initiative of "Innovative emergency solutions to pandemic-related urban medical waste disposal". It provides a model of collaboration, which involves a large number of people based on a clear division of responsibilities, thus enabling quick responses to an emergency. It provides a good model for emergency disposal of medical waste for improving urban safety resilience under pandemic and also alerts other cities in the world the importance of medical waste disposal in controlling the spread of disease. Moreover, Vienna, Austria becomes a second time winner in ten years' time. Recognized by the first Guangzhou Award with the initiative "New Immigrant Integration", it is selected as the winner again for "Werkstadt Junges Wien" initiative in this cycle.

On the same night, Octavi de la Varga, Secretary-General of Metropolis announced the result of the painting contest "Metropolises through Children's Eyes". The award ceremony of the contest wrapped up the 2021 Global Mayors' Forum, the 13th World Congress of the World Association of Metropolis and the 5th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation.

In the past few days, under the theme "Moving Forward Together, Modernizing Global Urban Governance" and "Metropolises and Cities in Transformation: Rethinking our Future Together", more than 800 urban manager, heads of international organizations, specialists and experts from 126 cities and 9 international organizations engaged actively in the discussion of the advanced experience of local government governance and the future path of urban international cooperation, so as to make suggestions for improving urban governance and accelerating global economic recovery in the post Covid-19 period.

Zhang Shuofu, Secretary of CPC Guangzhou Committee; Wen Guohu, Mayor of Guangzhou; Shi Qizhu, Director of the Standing Committee of Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress; Li Yiwei, CPPCC Chairman; Cang Feng, Deputy Director General of Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office; other leading officials of Guangzhou, including Pan Jianguo, Wang Huanqing, Zhang Yajie, and the officials from foreign consulates general in Guangzhou attended the offline activities.

List of winners and words from the Jury

VIENNA, AUSTRIA:

Werkstadt Junges Wien

Over the past 50 years, Vienna has shifted from a shrinking and ageing city into a young and growing one. How to stimulate children and youth to participate in city decision-making and management? Vienna rolls out an innovation plan -- Werkstadt Junges Wien. The objective is to put social inclusion of all children and young people living and growing up in Vienna at the heart of policy-making and city administration.

CHONGQING, CHINA

Innovative emergency solutions to pandemic-related urban medical waste disposal

Due to Covid-19, there has been a surge in urban medical waste. How to effectively dispose urban medical waste, thus preventing secondary infection and virus spread? The Chongqing Municipal Ecological Environmental Bureau used an innovative emergency solution of "3-Level Emergency Mechanism". This solution combines a novel technology to deal with urban medical waste disposal with strict supervision of hospitals. It was implemented in Chongqing to ensure effective regulation and disposal of medical waste.

QUITO, ECUADOR:

Eco-efficiency tool for the Metropolitan District of Quito

In 2016, guided by the Eco-Efficiency Ordinance for the Metropolitan District of Quito, Quito has relied on partnerships with community leaders and universities to not only determine the parameters of local area plans around transit stations, but also incentivize the construction of high density "green" buildings on key transport nodes and with provisions for affordable housing. In addition, the Ordinance also provides for land value capture to ensure that the city retains a financial share of increments generated by greater density and land use allowances in designated zones.

UNION OF DANNIEH MUNICIPALITIES, LEBANON

COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan of the Union of Dannieh Municipalities, Lebanon can cope with the consequence of Covid-19, make up for the shortage in staff and funding, and encourage citizens (especially young people) to participate in co-governance. With the support of Civil Society Organizations(CSOs), the union of Dannieh has established an Emergency Response Plan with 15 committees of highly educated youth volunteers.

DEPARTMENTAL COUNCIL OF SAINT LOUIS, SENEGAL

Inter-municipal approach to safeguard mangrove ecosystems

The mangroves of Saint-Louis (1,000 ha) are threatened with extinction due to climatic and anthropogenic pressures. To restore these mangroves, the Departmental Council of Saint Louis in Senegal developed an innovative approach to environmental governance -- Inter-municipal approach to safeguard mangrove ecosystems, which integrated the restoration of mangrove ecosystems across three municipalities with strategies for addressing urgent urban climate challenges and enhancing livelihoods.

Winner of "Online Popular City":

Odisha, INDIA:

Urban Wage Employment Initiative

The national lockdown caused by COVID-19 in India has led to an exodus of the urban workforce. How to ensure their wages and livelihood? The provincial government of Odisha, India launched Urban Wage Employment Initiative (UWEI) whereby the urban workforce has been guaranteed a minimum number of workdays annually at specified daily wage. The workers are being engaged in public works and the resources are drawn from on-going welfare schemes of the national and provincial governments.

SOURCE Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office
Flapper currently uses Caravan aircraft for its scheduled service in the state of Sao Paulo, as well as cargo flights across Latin America. By partnering with magniX, the company aims to decrease operating costs, reduce carbon emissions and activate new routes abandoned by regional aviation years ago. In the 1960s, Brazil had more than 260 airports connected by scheduled flights, compared to only roughly 110 today.

"We are excited to partner with a company considered the leader in the electric aviation industry," said Paul Malicki, CEO of Flapper. "Together, we will work towards promoting clean and cost-effective aviation in Latin America, with safety as our top priority."

The propulsion technology offered by magniX has shown a proven capacity to power a range of different aircraft, including the world's most popular turbo-prop, the Cessna Grand Caravan. With high levels of reliability, unparalleled performance and operational practicality, magniX EPUs can work with multiple sources of energy, including batteries and fuel cells.

"Our agreement with Flapper paves the way for zero-emission passenger and cargo air transportation across Brazil and Latin America," said Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX. "Through the electrification of the Caravan planes, we are not only providing cleaner transportation, but opening up access to airports no longer in use due to noise from traditional aircraft. Together, our companies are ushering in the new age of electric flight across one of the world's most populated regions."

As a part of the agreement, Flapper will assist magniX with planning, reviewing, and coordinating all aspects of certification processes, according to the requirements of the local civil aviation authorities. This includes jointly orchestrating the project, providing technical advice and conducting flight tests to show compliance.

The Future is Green

Flapper has built a proprietary aircraft sourcing inventory and mobile marketplace technology and today counts 270,000 mobile app users and 800 safety-vetted aircraft registered in its fleet. It actively works with numerous Part 135 and Part 121 air carriers on commercializing their fleets under the Flapper-branded passenger experience, which includes full charters and by-the-seat flights. The company aims to neutralize its carbon emissions by 2025, and is actively working with companies, such as magniX, to reduce its carbon footprint. Although business aviation is responsible for just over 0.6% of all CO2 emissions, it is considered strategic in terms of the future application of new technologies focused on reducing carbon footprints.

About Flapper

Launched in 2016, Flapper is the first on-demand private aviation company in Latin America. Headquartered in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and with local offices in key cities in Latin America, the company commercialized scheduled flights in Brazil and boasts more than 800 safety-vetted charter aircraft on its regional marketplace platform. Flapper reports more than 270,000 users of its mobile app and is both ARGUS- and Wyvern-certified. www.flyflapper.com

About magniX

Headquartered in Everett, WA, magniX is on a mission to lead the commercial aerospace and defense industries by providing high performance, reliable and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions. Developed with proprietary technology, magniX offers a range of revolutionary electric propulsion solutions, including motors and power electronics, which produce zero emissions at lower operating costs. For more information, please visit: www.magnix.aero .

Media Contacts:

Barokas, A FINN Partners Company

[email protected]

Felipe Reisch

[email protected]

+56 9 9231 7622

SOURCE magniX
"Comma achieves that which very few designs can: the rare combination of quietness and character. A practical and rational design, though with proportions and details which captivate," says Noah Schwarz, Creative Director at Herman Miller and Design Within Reach. "While a natural fit for the home, Comma is versatile, and appropriate for a variety of settingsanywhere a beautiful chair or stool might be needed."

"The starting point of this project was the idea of communicating comfort through a simple gesture. It begins with a sleek backrest design that wraps around the chair which then becomes the structure for its legs," says Anastassiades. "The chair simultaneously communicates an invitation to sit down while at the same time providing a sense of enclosure. Between the frame sits the seat, which appears as a floating element."

While keeping with Herman Miller's tradition of a modern aesthetic, Comma introduces a new material palette and design language to its acclaimed dining chair and stool portfolio by adding a collection celebrating the beauty of wood.

"The new collection needed to embody the warmth and craft evident in the best 20th century chair designs, yet develop its own unique personality," says Schwarz. Comma's distinct appearance seems to do just that, offering chairs and stools pared down to their essential elements, geometric with circle seats and frames at right angles. Blending the minimalist Scandinavian/Japanese aesthetic with comfort, each Comma option exhibits expressive, fluid sculptural lines able to work in a broad range of settings.

This is the fourth time the brand has partnered with Michael Anastassiades.

"We knew Michael was the right partner for the project. He has an innate ability to create iconic formsminimalist, yet full of grace and beauty," says Schwarz.

Comma Seating includes chairs with and without arms, in addition to stools available at both bar and counter heights. The collection is available in a variety of woods and stain colors, with the option to add a leather seat pad. Pricing begins at $595 USD. Comma is available to order now, both through Herman Miller dealers and for residential needs, at store.hermanmiller.com.

About Michael Anastassiades

Michael Anastassiades is a London-based company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-quality lighting and objects. Established in 2007, it was founded to increase the availability of Michael's signature pieces. The objects are fabricated by family-run workshops worldwide, selected for their unique manufacturing skills and traditional use of materials. Each product is handcrafted and stamped with the designer's mark. Michael Anastassiades' design philosophy is to produce exceptionally designed objects of permanent value. His work is featured in permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, the MAK in Vienna, the Crafts Council in London and the FRAC Centre in Orleans France. In 2015, Anastassiades received the Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) award from the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) in recognition of outstanding contribution to design and society. He has gone on to win the Designer of the Year award for Elle Decoration International Design Awards (2019), The Design Prize (2019) and Maison&Objet (2020).

About Herman Miller

Herman Miller is a globally recognized leader in design. Since its inception in 1905, the company's innovative, problem-solving designs and furnishings have inspired the best in people. Herman Miller is guided by an enduring legacy of design, innovation, and social good. In 2021, Herman Miller and Knoll created MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in.

About MillerKnoll

MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. Powering the world's most dynamic design brands, MillerKnoll includes Herman Miller and Knoll, plus Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Fully, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, naughtone, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. Together we are redefining modern design for the 21st century and changing the world for the better. As MillerKnoll, we form an unparalleled platform from which to imagine a more sustainable, caring, and beautiful world for everyone.

SOURCE Herman Miller, Inc.

Related Links

www.hermanmiller.com


While Honda previously performed testing with an earlier generation of the Honda AWV, this field test was the first to deploy multiple units working collaboratively to support construction use cases.

First introduced as a concept at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, the Honda AWV combines the company's rugged and durable off-road side-by-side platform with emerging advanced autonomous technology. The result is a new category of capable work vehicle that can be deployed in a variety of dynamic work environments. The Honda AWV employs a suite of sensors to operate autonomously, using GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and stereoscopic (3D) cameras for remote monitoring. The vehicle also can be operated by remote control.

Black & Veatch, a global engineering, procurement and construction company focused on construction optimization and technology innovation collaborated with Honda to provide a real-world testing ground to validate the Honda AWV technology at an active construction site. The company's personnel were trained by Honda's engineers on the operation and safety protocols of the vehicles to effectively use the technology in the field. Black & Veatch provided detailed feedback for product and business requirements that will help enhance the Honda AWV's capabilities and services.

"Black & Veatch's pursuit of construction innovation and safety on job sites has led us to this relationship with Honda," said Mario Azar, president of Black & Veatch's global power business. "With our leading market position in solar power, the testing of this new autonomous work vehicle aligns with our focus on advancing the industry through new and innovative ways to work at project sites."

"With our test partner, Black & Veatch, Honda was able to demonstrate the performance of our rugged all-electric Autonomous Work Vehicle prototype in a large-scale construction environment," said Kenton Williams, U.S. project lead for the Honda AWV. "We believe the Honda AWV has the potential to bring greater efficiencies, higher levels of safety and better environmental performance to the construction industry, and to other industries seeking an autonomous off-road solution."

Field Test Performance

In order to validate the capabilities of the Honda AWV, the company selected a solar energy construction site where support structures for solar panels are laid out in a grid pattern at regular intervals. The site was an ideal environment to test the ability of the Honda AWV to stop at precise points along a pre-set route.

Honda produced a high-definition map of the 1,000-acre site that allowed Black & Veatch operators to precisely set start and stop points for multiple Honda AWVs using a cloud-based app interface that runs on tablets and PCs. The vehicles successfully delivered materials and supplies along a calculated route and proved capable of stopping within centimeters of the pre-set points.

The field test also demonstrated the viability of the Honda AWV battery system to support energy intensive sensors and provide vehicle propulsion, while operating up to eight hours in a high-temperature environment. The vehicle carried payloads of nearly 900 pounds, and in a separate use case towed a trailer carrying over 1,600 pounds.

Solutions and Services for a Variety of Industries

Based on the capabilities verified in this field test, Honda believes the Honda AWV will be capable of providing a wide range of services to a variety of industries that need a rugged off-road autonomous solution, especially where workforce constraints and safety concerns make other solutions impractical. The ability to operate autonomously  or via remote control  and carry large payloads, along with the potential to add attachments and tools, makes the Honda AWV a suitable platform for many work environments.

Honda has not announced commercialization plans for the Honda AWV, but continues to advance the platform through field testing. Companies interested in testing the Honda AWV to assess applicability to their work environment can contact Honda at: [email protected].

Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle Gen 2 Prototype Specifications

Honda anticipates further improvements to performance and design specifications as development of the Honda AWV prototype continues to advance.

Vehicle dimensions 9' 6"L x 4' 8"H x 4' 11"W Unladen vehicle weight 721kg (1590lbs) Maximum loading capacity 399kg (880lbs) Towing weight limit 750kg (1653lbs) (including the weight of a trailer) Minimum turning radius 3.9m (12ft. 9.5in.) Range at maximum loading capacity Up to 45km (27.9 miles) depending on the use case Charge time Up to 6 hours (120V)

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

About Honda

Honda started U.S. operations with the establishment of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959. Today, Honda employs 30,000 associates in America engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales and service support of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment, Honda powersports products, and the HondaJet advanced light jet.

Honda operates 19 research and development facilities in America that fully design, develop and engineer many of the products the company manufactures in America. Based on its longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda also operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, working with more than 620 U.S. suppliers to produce the diverse range of Honda products using domestic and globally sourced parts. In 2020, more than two-thirds of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America.

SOURCE Honda
RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 2021 elections, the United Police Fund, a national pro-police political organization, sent out almost 2.5 million "Voter Awareness Alerts," contacting voters in Virginia, Seattle, and Missouri by phone, text, and email on issues in support of law enforcement and crime prevention, and in opposition to the movement to "Defund the Police."

In October, as Virginia held a crucial statewide election, the group sent over 800,000 messages to voters in Fairfax, Henrico, and Loudoun counties, and the City of Richmond as Virginia held a crucial statewide election. As a 527 organization, the United Police Fund does not endorse or oppose candidates, but advocates for pro-police political issues.

On November 2, pro-police candidates were victorious in Virginia. In Minneapolis, voters defeated an effort to abolish the police force. And even in liberal Seattle, candidates who urged "defunding the police" and who called themselves "abolitionists" were soundly rejected by the voters.

"In many urban areas, crime, violence, and lawlessness are out of control. This poses a danger to the entire nation - and the entire state of Virginia. We are all at risk," read one of the email alerts send out by the group. "Every day, our brave police officers put their lives on the line to protect us, our families, and our communities. Yet, just when we need our police the most, extremists are promoting an aggressive anti-police movement. We've had enough! That's why we at the United Police Fund are working to build a citizen's movement to block the anti-police extremists."

UPF's Voter Awareness Project is part of a national effort that will be replicated in other cities and states throughout the country in 2022. Concerned citizens can support the UPF's mission by visiting www.unitedpolicefund.org

For more information and/or to interview a United Police Fund spokesman, contact Steve Beren at [email protected] or (425) 785-2016.

United Police Fund is a 527 political organization which is engaged in grassroots advocacy on behalf of police officers. UPF aims to counter that pressure and influence elected officials in the interests of public safety and crime prevention.

SOURCE United Police Fund

Related Links

http://www.unitedpolicefund.org/


LIMA, Peru, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Orazul Energy Peru S.A. (f/k/a Orazul Energy Egenor S. en C. por A.) ("Orazul") today announced the expiration of the early tender period, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 12, 2021 (the "Early Tender Date"), of its previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for its 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP Nos. 68559B AA5; P7372B AA1) (the "Notes"). In addition, Orazul announced that it has extended the payment of the Early Tender Payment (as defined below) through the Expiration Date (as defined below) (the "Extension"), such that the Total Consideration (as defined below) payable to holders who validly tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes on or prior to the Expiration Date will include the Early Tender Payment.

On October 29, 2021, Orazul commenced the Tender Offer for up to an amount of its outstanding Notes that would not result in the aggregate purchase price exceeding $41,800,000 (the "Maximum Tender Amount"). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the offer to purchase, dated October 29, 2021 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, including pursuant to this press release, the "Offer to Purchase"), and remain unchanged except for the Extension.

Holders who validly tendered their Notes on or prior to the Early Tender Date and do not withdraw such tendered Notes on or prior to the Expiration Date, and whose Notes are purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer, will be entitled to receive the "Total Consideration" of $1,007.50, which includes an "Early Tender Payment" of $50.00, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase. In addition, holders will receive accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes tendered and accepted for payment in the Tender Offer from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the Settlement Date for the Tender Offer, together with additional amounts thereon.

Holders of Notes who have not already tendered their Notes may do so at any time on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 29, 2021, unless extended or earlier terminated by Orazul (the "Expiration Date"). Pursuant to the Extension described above, any such tender will also be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment. Payment for the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) on or prior to the Expiration Date and that are accepted will be made on the Settlement Date, which is expected to happen on December 1, 2021. Notes tendered may be withdrawn any time prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 29, 2021, unless extended by Orazul.

Subject to applicable law, Orazul may further amend, modify or terminate the Tender Offer at any time in its sole discretion.

The Tender Offer constitutes an asset sale offer pursuant to the requirements of the indenture governing the Notes, in connection with Orazul's sale in October 2021 of its indirect ownership in the thermal power generation and hydrocarbon businesses, Termoselva S.R.L. and Aguaytia Energy del Peru S.R.L., to a special purpose vehicle of Nautilus Energy Partners LLC.

Orazul has retained Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Santander Investment Securities Inc. to act as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Information Agent and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the Tender Offer should be directed to Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC at (800) 820-1653 (toll-free) or (212) 538-2147 (collect), or Santander Investment Securities Inc. at (855) 404-3636 (toll-free) or (212) 940-1442 (collect). Requests for documentation should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (800) 370-1749 (toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or at [email protected]. This press release is for informational purposes only.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country, and the Offer to Purchase or any related documents have not been reviewed or approved by the Peruvian Superintendency of the Securities Market (Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores) or the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima). No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. The Tender Offer is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

This press release is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase with respect to any Notes or any other securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase. The Tender Offer is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. None of Orazul, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent makes any recommendation as to whether holders should tender or refrain from tendering their Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase and the related materials, because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not based on historical facts and are not assurances of future results. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and estimates about future events and financial trends, which affect or may affect Orazul's businesses and results of operations. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect" and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to forward-looking statements about the Tender Offer, including whether the Tender Offer is consummated in whole or in part. Although Orazul believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, these statements are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made in light of information currently available to Orazul. Estimates and forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and Orazul's future results may differ materially from those expressed in these estimates and forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement contained in this document. Orazul undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

SOURCE Orazul Energy Peru S.A.
CARMIEL, Israel, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: PLX) (TASE: PLX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, production and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins produced by its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 and provided a financial and business update on recent corporate, clinical and regulatory developments.

"We are pleased with the progress we have made over the past few weeks with respect to the regulatory path forward with PRX-102 for the treatment of Fabry disease with both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency," stated Dror Bashan, Protalix's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Following our Type A meeting with the FDA, we believe there is now an established pathway to resubmit the PRX-102 BLA. We remain focused on our mission to bring to the market another important potential alternative treatment for all adult Fabry patients. We are grateful for the continued support from our team members, advocates and external partners who remain as steadfast and focused as ever; they see the value of having an alternative treatment for patients, especially one with our profile. Following the note exchange agreement we completed in August, we now have additional financial flexibility and sufficient capital to fund our operations through important milestones in 2022. We are committed to executing our strategy and are looking forward to converting the momentum of the last quarter into a successful 2022."

2021 Third Quarter and Recent Business Update

Regulatory Updates

On October 11, 2021, the Company, together with its development and commercialization partner, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., or Chiesi, provided a regulatory update regarding PRX-102, which included the announcement of the receipt of the official Type A (End-of-Review) meeting minutes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the Complete Response Letter (CRL) received in April 2021 for the biologics license application (BLA) for PRX102 for the treatment of adult patients with Fabry disease, and confirming the pathway for resubmission of a BLA for PRX102. The PRX102 biologics license application (BLA) resubmission to the FDA is anticipated in the second half of 2022.

On October 8, 2021, the Company, together with Chiesi, held a meeting with the Rapporteur and Co-Rapporteur of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) regarding PRX-102. At the meeting, Chiesi and the Company discussed the scope of the anticipated Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) submission for the European Union, and the Rapporteur and Co-Rapporteur were generally supportive of a planned MAA submission for PRX-102. This is an important step in the necessary pre-submission activities leading up to a MAA submission. The Company and Chiesi expect to submit an MAA to the EMA for PRX-102 during the first quarter of 2022.

Clinical Advancements

On October 15, 2021, the Company, together with Chiesi, announced the final dosing of the last patient in the Company's phase III BALANCE clinical trial, or the BALANCE study, for the proposed treatment of Fabry disease. The BALANCE study is a 24-month, randomized, double blind, active control study of PRX-102 in Fabry patients with impaired renal function. Unblinded final data is anticipated to be released in the second quarter of 2022 after all remaining patients have completed the 24-month treatment period.

clinical trial, or the study, for the proposed treatment of Fabry disease. The study is a 24-month, randomized, double blind, active control study of PRX-102 in Fabry patients with impaired renal function. Unblinded final data is anticipated to be released in the second quarter of 2022 after all remaining patients have completed the 24-month treatment period. Given the changed regulatory landscape in the United States , the planned data package for the PRX-102 BLA resubmission will include the final two-year analyses of the BALANCE study.

Corporate & Financial Developments

On August 25, 2021, the Company completed exchanges, or the Exchanges, of a substantial majority of the Company's outstanding 7.50% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2021, or the 2021 Notes, with institutional note holders. In the Exchanges, an aggregate of $54 .65 million principal amount of outstanding 2021 Notes were exchanged for an aggregate of $28 .75 million principal amount of newly issued 7.50% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2024, $25 .90 million in cash, and approximately $1 .1 million in cash representing accrued and unpaid interest through the closing date of the Exchanges.

.65 million principal amount of outstanding 2021 Notes were exchanged for an aggregate of .75 million principal amount of newly issued 7.50% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2024, .90 million in cash, and approximately .1 million in cash representing accrued and unpaid interest through the closing date of the Exchanges. The maturity date of the 2021 Notes is November 15, 2021, on which date the Company is required to settle all of the remaining 2021 Notes then outstanding, and pay all accrued but unpaid interest thereon. On November 9, 2021, the Company delivered the necessary funds under the indenture governing the 2021 Notes to effectively discharge the remaining outstanding 2021 Notes.

Third Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights

The Company recorded revenues from selling goods of $4 .5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $1 .2 million, or 36%, compared to revenues of $3 .3 million for the same period of 2020.

.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of .2 million, or 36%, compared to revenues of .3 million for the same period of 2020. Revenues from license and R&D services for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 were $7 .5 million. Revenues from license and R&D services are comprised primarily of revenues the Company recognized in connection with its license and supply agreements with Chiesi. A revenue increase of $1 .0 million recognized from the Kirin feasibility study was offset by a $1 .0 million decrease in revenue generated under the Company's license and supply agreements with Chiesi.

.5 million. Revenues from license and R&D services are comprised primarily of revenues the Company recognized in connection with its license and supply agreements with Chiesi. A revenue increase of .0 million recognized from the Kirin feasibility study was offset by a .0 million decrease in revenue generated under the Company's license and supply agreements with Chiesi. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $3 .7 million, an increase of $0 .8 million, or 28%, compared to $2 .9 million for the same period in 2020. The increase resulted primarily from higher sales.

.7 million, an increase of .8 million, or 28%, compared to .9 million for the same period in 2020. The increase resulted primarily from higher sales. Research and development expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 were $7 .3 million, a decrease of $0 .4 million, or 5%, compared to $7 .7 million for the same period of 2020. The decrease was primarily the result of the completion of two out of the three phase III clinical trials of PRX102 and reduced costs related to the BALANCE study. The Company expects research and development expenses to continue to be its primary expense as it enters into a more advanced stage of preclinical and clinical trials for certain product candidates.

.3 million, a decrease of .4 million, or 5%, compared to .7 million for the same period of 2020. The decrease was primarily the result of the completion of two out of the three phase III clinical trials of PRX102 and reduced costs related to the study. The Company expects research and development expenses to continue to be its primary expense as it enters into a more advanced stage of preclinical and clinical trials for certain product candidates. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3 .0 million, an increase of $0 .2 million, or 7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $2 .8 million for the same period in 2020. The increase is primarily the result of an increase of $0 .4 million in corporate costs mainly related to insurance and a $0 .2 million increase in sales and marketing costs, partially offset by a decrease of $0 .5 million in share-based compensation.

.0 million, an increase of .2 million, or 7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to .8 million for the same period in 2020. The increase is primarily the result of an increase of .4 million in corporate costs mainly related to insurance and a .2 million increase in sales and marketing costs, partially offset by a decrease of .5 million in share-based compensation. Financial expenses, net, were $2 .3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and $1 .9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase resulted primarily from loss on extinguishment related to the Exchanges of the Company's 2021 Notes.

.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and .9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The increase resulted primarily from loss on extinguishment related to the Exchanges of the Company's 2021 Notes. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits were approximately $48 .7 million at September 30, 2021.

.7 million at September 30, 2021. Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was approximately $4 .2 million, or $0.09 per share, basic and diluted, compared to a net loss of $4 .4 million, or $0.14 per share, basic and diluted, for the same period in 2020.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will host a conference call today, November 15, 2021, at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time, to review the corporate, clinical and regulatory developments, which will also be available by webcast. To participate in the conference call, please dial the following numbers prior to the start of the call:

Conference Call Details:

Monday, November 15, 2021, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Domestic: 877-423-9813

International: 201-689-8573

Conference ID: 13724767

The conference call will be webcast live from the Company's website and will be available via the following links:

Webcast Details:

Company Link: https://protalixbiotherapeutics.gcs-web.com/events0

Webcast Link: https://tinyurl.com/3c2wwhza

Please access the websites at least 15 minutes ahead of the conference to register, download and install any necessary audio software.

The conference call will be available for replay for two weeks on the Events Calendar of the Investors section of the Company's website, at the above link.

About Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.

Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell-based expression system, ProCellEx. Protalix was the first company to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a protein produced through plant cell-based in suspension expression system. Protalix's unique expression system represents a new method for developing recombinant proteins in an industrial-scale manner.

Protalix's first product manufactured by ProCellEx, taliglucerase alfa, was approved by the FDA in May 2012 and, subsequently, by the regulatory authorities of other countries. Protalix has licensed to Pfizer Inc. the worldwide development and commercialization rights for taliglucerase alfa, excluding Brazil, where Protalix retains full rights.

Protalix's development pipeline consists of proprietary versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins that target established pharmaceutical markets, including the following product candidates: pegunigalsidase alfa, a modified stabilized version of the recombinant human GalactosidaseA protein for the treatment of Fabry disease; alidornase alfa or PRX110, for the treatment of various human respiratory diseases or conditions; PRX115, a plant cell-expressed recombinant PEGylated uricase for the treatment of refractory gout; PRX119, a plant cell-expressed long action DNase I for the treatment of NETs-related diseases; and others. Protalix has partnered with Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., both in the United States and outside the United States, for the development and commercialization of pegunigalsidase alfa.

Forward-Looking Statements

To the extent that statements in this press release are not strictly historical, all such statements are forward-looking, and are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The terms "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "project," "may," "plan," "will," "would," "should" and "intend," and other words or phrases of similar import are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk and the final results of a clinical trial may be different than the preliminary findings for the clinical trial. Factors that might cause material differences include, among others: risks related to the timing and progress of the preparation of an updated BLA addressing the CRL for PRX102; risks related to the timing, progress and likelihood of final approval by the FDA of a resubmitted BLA for PRX102 and, if approved, whether PRX-102 will be commercially successful; the risk that the FDA, the EMA or other foreign regulatory authorities may not accept or approve a marketing application filed for PRX102 or any of our other product candidates; failure or delay in the commencement or completion of our preclinical studies and clinical trials, which may be caused by several factors, including: slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; unforeseen safety issues; determination of dosing issues; lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; inability or unwillingness of medical investigators and institutional review boards to follow our clinical protocols; inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; and or lack of sufficient funding to finance our clinical trials; the risk that the results of our clinical trials will not support the applicable claims of safety or efficacy and that our product candidates will not have the desired effects or will have undesirable side effects or other unexpected characteristics; risks relating to our ability to make required payments under our outstanding convertible notes or any other indebtedness as they come due and our ability to obtain additional financing and raise capital as necessary should the regulatory approval process become more extended; risks associated with the COVID-19 outbreak and variants, which may adversely impact our business, preclinical studies and clinical trials; risks relating to our evaluation and pursuit of strategic alternatives; risks relating to our ability to manage our relationship with our collaborators, distributors or partners; risks relating to changes to interim, topline or preliminary data from clinical trials that we announce or publish; risks related to any transactions we may effect in the public or private equity markets to raise capital to finance future research and development activities, general and administrative expenses and working capital; risk of significant lawsuits, including stockholder litigation, which is common in the life sciences sector; our dependence on performance by third-party providers of services and supplies; the impact of development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies; risks related to our supply of drug product to Pfizer; risks related to our expectations with respect to the potential commercial value of our product and product candidates; risks relating to the compliance by Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, an arm of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, with its purchase obligations under our supply and technology transfer agreement, which may have a material adverse effect on us and may also result in the termination of such agreement; potential product liability risks, and risks of securing adequate levels of related insurance coverage; the possibility of infringing a third-party's patents or other intellectual property rights and the uncertainty of obtaining patents covering our products and processes and successfully enforcing our intellectual property rights against third-parties; risks relating to changes in healthcare laws, rules and regulations in the United States or elsewhere; and the possible disruption of our operations due to terrorist activities and armed conflict, including as a result of the disruption of the operations of regulatory authorities, our subsidiaries, our manufacturing facilities and our customers, suppliers, distributors, collaborative partners, licensees and clinical trial sites; and other factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are valid only as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update this information, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact

Chuck Padala, Managing Director

LifeSci Advisors

646-627-8390

[email protected]

















PROTALIX BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U.S. dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)



September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

















ASSETS





























CURRENT ASSETS:













Cash and cash equivalents

$ 10,642

$ 18,265

Short-term bank deposits



38,017



20,280

Accounts receivable  Trade



5,561



2,000

Other assets



2,274



2,096

Inventories



14,730



13,082

Total current assets

$ 71,224

$ 55,723

















NON-CURRENT ASSETS:













Funds in respect of employee rights upon retirement



1,948

$ 1,799

Property and equipment, net



5,065



4,845

Operating lease right of use assets



5,245



5,567

Total assets

$ 83,482

$ 67,934

















LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NET OF CAPITAL

DEFICIENCY)





























CURRENT LIABILITIES:













Accounts payable and accruals:













Trade

$ 8,436

$ 7,221

Other



14,694



13,926

Operating lease liabilities



1,235



1,420

Contracts liability



15,160



5,394

Convertible notes



3,239



54,427

Promissory note









4,086

Total current liabilities

$ 42,764

$ 86,474

















LONG TERM LIABILITIES:













Convertible notes

$ 27,816

$



Contracts liability



5,895



1,716

Liability for employee rights upon retirement



2,353



2,263

Operating lease liabilities



4,441



4,467

Other long term liabilities









51

Total long term liabilities

$ 40,505

$ 8,497

Total liabilities

$ 83,269

$ 94,971

















STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CAPITAL DEFICIENCY)



213



(27,037)

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (net of capital deficiency)

$ 83,482

$ 67,934

































PROTALIX BIOTHERAPEUTICS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)



Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended







September 30, 2021

September 30, 2020

September 30, 2021

September 30, 2020



REVENUES FROM SELLING GOODS

$ 12,260

$ 11,975

$ 4,506

$ 3,296



REVENUES FROM LICENSE AND R&D SERVICES



17,541



31,428



7,548



7,494



TOTAL REVENUE



29,801



43,403



12,054



10,790



COST OF GOODS SOLD (1)



(13,201)



(8,121)



(3,703)



(2,868)



RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES (2)



(22,093)



(27,214)



(7,282)



(7,688)



SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (3)



(9,263)



(8,197)



(2,954)



(2,816)



OPERATING LOSS



(14,756)



(129)



(1,885)



(2,582)



FINANCIAL EXPENSES



(6,613)



(7,150)



(2,410)



(1,973)



FINANCIAL INCOME



403



359



96



118



FINANCIAL EXPENSES  NET



(6,210)



(6,791)



(2,314)



(1,855)



OTHER INCOME



51





















NET LOSS FOR THE PERIOD

$ (20,915)

$ (6,920)

$ (4,199)

$ (4,437)



LOSS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK  BASIC AND DILUTED

$ (0.48)

$ (0.25)

$ (0.09)

$ (0.14)



WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK



























USED IN COMPUTING LOSS PER SHARE  BASIC AND DILUTED



43,761,769



27,758,104



45,556,647



32,863,788



(1) Includes share-based compensation

$ 217

$



$ 65

$





(2) Includes share-based compensation

$ 524

$ 635



154



562



(3) Includes share-based compensation

$ 1,216

$ 1,477

$ 344

$ 852





SOURCE Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.
STERLING, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- REI Systems won the Contractor of the Year Award in the $75 million$300 million category at the Greater Washington GovCon Awards. The Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards, co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council (PSC), honors the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of businesses in the region's government contracting community. 2021 was an extremely competitive year with 126 nominations for all categories of awards. In the government contracting community, the award is one of the highest honors a company can achieve, and it is often called "The Academy Awards of Government Contracting."

"I'm filled with immense gratitude. I thank REI employees, the NOVA Chamber of Commerce, and PSC for this prestigious recognition. Being named 'Contractor of the Year' is a testament to REI employees' dedication to helping federal agencies leverage innovative technologies that deliver mission impact. I'm so proud of the work our people do, from building solutions that support small business innovations to solutions that speed up grants to communities for expanded medical services to low-income Americans," said Shyam Salona, chief executive officer at REI Systems.

The GovCon Award is one of five significant awards REI Systems has received this year. For the fifth time, REI Systems was named Top Workplace by The Washington Post and received a FedHealthIT Innovation Award and an ACT-IAC Igniting Innovation Award for modernizing a case management system that speeds services to victims of human trafficking. Lastly, an REI Systems executive won a Federal 100 Award to support the transformation of federal acquisitions across government.

About REI Systems

REI Systems provides reliable, effective, and innovative technology solutions that advance federal, state, local, and nonprofit missions. Our technologists and consultants are passionate about solving complex challenges that impact millions of lives. We take a Mindful Modernization approach in delivering our application modernization, grants management systems, government data analytics, and advisory services. Mindful Modernization is the REI Way of delivering mission impact by aligning our government customers' strategic objectives to measurable outcomes through people, processes, and technology. Learn more at REIsystems.com.

Contact

REI Systems

Marketing Department

[email protected]

SOURCE REI Systems

Related Links

http://www.reisystems.com


BOSTON, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SimpliSafe , the Boston-based maker of award-winning home security systems, today announced that it will relocate and significantly expand its corporate headquarters with the execution of a lease at 100 Summer Street in Boston. The move, slated for fall 2022, will significantly expand SimpliSafe's presence in Downtown Boston and demonstrates its commitment to a people-first approach, even as the company continues to grow.

The expansion, executed in partnership with commercial real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield and brokerage company Newmark Group Inc. , is the largest existing office building relocation in Boston since 2019. The new headquarters, owned by Rockpoint Group and managed by Rockhill Management, will occupy approximately 150,000 square feet across four floors, a roughly 70,000 square foot upgrade from SimpliSafe's current office located at 294 Washington Street.

Presently, the majority of SimpliSafe's Boston-based workforce is working from home. Once the custom buildout of the new corporate headquarters is complete, the company anticipates adopting a hybrid approach that incorporates both at-home and in-office work time.

"We're thrilled to expand our presence in Boston in a way that supports the needs of our dynamic and growing business and team," said SimpliSafe CEO, Christian Cerda. "SimpliSafe offers a truly unique opportunity for people in the Boston area to apply their functional expertise and passion to help us achieve our mission of making every home secure. As we continue to aggressively hire, specifically in disciplines like engineering, we hope to bring together at-home flexibility with a highly concepted in-person workspace in a way that's beneficial for present and future employees."

"A one-size-fits-all proposition no longer suits today's workforce, which is why we're excited to introduce a new office that is designed to empower the SimpliSafe team to work with flexibility," said SimpliSafe Chief People Officer, Ai-Li Lim. "We've heard from our employees that they want to have a centralized location where they can come together to collaborate and engage in person, while still having the flexibility and autonomy that comes with working from home. "

100 Summer Street is a 1.1 million square foot, landmark, class-A tower located in the heart of Boston's Financial District. The new headquarters will feature a mix of independent workspaces, focus pods and collaborative group spaces. Additionally, it will offer:

Dedicated lab and maker space -- specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our product and engineering teams, which intersects hardware, software and firmware

-- specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our product and engineering teams, which intersects hardware, software and firmware Exclusive roof deck patio space -- serving as both a place to socialize and hold meetings for those who may feel more comfortable in open-air spaces

"IA is thrilled to partner with SimpliSafe on their post-pandemic hybrid workplace, a dynamic space rooted in four pillars defining a new way of work: agility, community, technology and health, safety and wellness," said Reetika Vijay, Managing Principal at IA Interior Architects. "SimpliSafe's goal is to have a workplace that is not only empowering for the organization, but also respects individual employees' decisions on this new definition of what work should be. We are so proud to be able to support that."

"Cushman & Wakefield is honored to be a part of such a landmark Headquarters relocation," said John Boyle, Vice Chairman at Cushman & Wakefield. "The thoughtfully designed workplace at 100 Summer will amplify SimpliSafe's unique culture and brand. This location offers direct access to New England's most robust transportation infrastructure, offering current and future employees increased transportation options."

In addition to its headquarters in Downtown Boston, SimpliSafe also operates a state-of-the-art warehouse in Taunton, Massachusetts, as well as a customer care center in Richmond, Virginia -- both of which were opened last year. The company recently announced it will further expand its presence in Richmond with the opening of a fully owned-and-operated professional monitoring center.

To learn more about SimpliSafe, please visit SimpliSafe.com .

About SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe fundamentally changed the alarm industry, pioneering a new way to make home the safest place on earth for everyone. Founded in 2006, SimpliSafe now protects millions of people and is committed to its founding goal: to make every home secure. SimpliSafe has been coined the number one home security pick by several highly-esteemed publications and was recently awarded in multiple categories for " Best Home Security Systems of 2021 " by U.S. News & World Report. SimpliCam, SimpliSafe, and the SimpliSafe logo are the registered trademarks of SimpliSafe, Inc. in the US and other countries.





SOURCE SimpliSafe
Thirty years ago, Bono described Achtung Baby as "the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree" while Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote that " stripped-down and defying its old formulas, U2 has given itself a fighting chance for the 1990's ". The album won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance and became one of the most significant records of the nineties and of U2's career.

Recorded over six months at Hansa Studio in Berlin and Windmill Lane in Dublin, Achtung Baby is U2's seventh studio album. Produced by long-time U2 collaborators Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno with Steve Lillywhite, Achtung Baby was engineered by Flood and released on November 18, 1991. Lead by The Fly, four other singles followed: Mysterious Ways, One, Even Better Than The Real Thing, and Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. Watch here:

In celebration of Achtung Baby's anniversary, the band have collaborated with Berlin-based French artist Thierry Noir (the first artist to paint on the Berlin Wall) for a special one-off installation at the legendary Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg. Thirty years ago, the band commissioned Noir to paint a series of now iconic Trabant cars, which featured on the album artwork, as well 1991's Zoo TV Tour. U2 x THIERRY NOIR sees Noir return with a newly painted Trabant for 2021, as well as an exclusive mural painted on a section of the Berlin wall. For free access and information, visit:

The bonnet of the Trabant will be auctioned at Phillips, London, on December 9, as part of their New Now sale, with proceeds going to the Berlin Institute for Sound and Music. For more information, visit:

Achtung Baby (30th Anniversary Edition) is available on Standard black vinyl and Deluxe color vinyl on November 19, with Achtung Baby (2018 Remaster) and Achtung Baby (Unter Remixes) also available digitally that day. A 50-track digital boxset  to include Uber Remixes, Unter Remixes, B-Sides with 22 tracks never-before available digitally  will be released on December 3, 2021.

U2 X-Radio, the band's SiriusXM channel, will this month present an Achtung Baby special to include interviews with band members and album collaboration Daniel Lanois, Flood, and Anton Corbijn. More information here:

Pre-order Achtung Baby (30th Anniversary Edition) here:

For track listing and details of content and formats, visit U2.com

Download press images here:

www.U2.com

SOURCE UMe
SYDNEY, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The iQ Group Global Ltd (iQG Ltd) (NSX:IQG) on behalf of Life Science Biosensor Diagnostics Pty Ltd (LSBD), has announced the successful completion of a clinical validation study showcasing the efficacy of its rapid SARS-Cov-2 Antibody test.



The results of the validation study, conducted at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, are a significant milestone for the Biosensor Platform and its advancement towards clinical trials.



Among the major findings it was reported:



- The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody biosensor assay was 100% sensitive and 100% specific using clinical COVID-19 positive and negative SARS CoV-2 human samples.

- The time in obtaining results was less than 10 minutes.

The study is the first step towards the validation of a rapid point-of-care diagnostic that LSBD intends to develop and commercialize for the quantitative measurement of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. The company will now work with Johns Hopkins University to commence clinical trials.

"We are very excited with the outcome of this program and are eager to validate the test in saliva. There is evidence in recent scientific literature correlating IgG, IgM responses to spike and receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the serum positively correlated with matched saliva samples." Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of The iQ Group Global, Dr. George Syrmalis said.



"This evidence confirms that serum and saliva IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are maintained in most COVID-19 patients for at least three months post symptom onset. Our objective is to deliver a SARS-CoV-2 test that is calibrated against the WHO reference preparation, non-invasive and easy to use by everyone."



"We anticipate three urgent applications for the technology including population screening; diagnosis as a complement to the RNA virus test for patients presenting late onset of symptoms; and post-vaccination screening to determine whether booster vaccines are required by assessing the degree of the antigen-specific antibody responses to a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that's been administered."



About Life Science Biosensor Diagnostics Pty Ltd (LSBD)

Life Science Biosensor Diagnostics Pty Ltd (LSBD) is the company that owns and manages the intellectual property of the diagnostic Biosensor.

About The iQ Group Global Limited (NSX: IQG)

The iQ Group Global Ltd is a life science company that finds, funds and develops bioscience discoveries to create life-changing medical innovations.

About The iQ Group Global

The iQ Group Global is a group of companies that find, fund and develop bioscience discoveries to create life-changing medical innovations. Recognised by The Australian Financial Review for the second consecutive year as one of the country's Most Innovative Companies in 2020, The iQ Group Global's flagship innovations include the Biosensor Platform and TEX Core, a first-in-class oncology drug platform with the ability to develop a pipeline of novel oncology compounds. Visit our website: www.theiqgroupglobal.com

Media Contact:

James Gorman

+61 (0)2 8239 5400

[email protected]

SOURCE The iQ Group Global Ltd

Related Links

http://www.theiqgroupglobal.com


The WYSS, co-sponsored and co-hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, is joined by young talents from around the world annually. It has become one of the important international sci-tech events and an innovative platform gathering global resources.

Peter Gluckman, president of the International Council for Science, and Zhong Nanshan, one of China's top epidemiologists, made opening remarks via video.

Zhang Yuzhuo, a senior official from the CAST hailed the increasing international influence of the event, which was held for the first time two years ago, as well as the stronger ties among young talents from various countries fostered by the Summit.

The Summit provides young scholars with opportunities for open and earnest exchanges, fosters an ecology of mutual benefit and shared innovation, and builds a youth community that features openness, mutual trust and inclusive innovation, he added.

Wang Hao, a senior official from Zhejiang Province, introduced the accelerated sci-tech and institutional innovation made by the province over the past two years, adding that Zhejiang has built a high-capacity innovation platform system in order to attract and retain more talents.

The province will keep enhancing the research on core technologies and accelerate the development of high-tech industries to provide a strong impetus for high-quality development and set an example of building common prosperity, Wang added.

Gluckman remarked that technology needs more open international exchange and cooperation, in which young scientists and organizations shall play a greater role..

Liu Xiaotao, a senior official from Zhejiang's Wenzhou, said the city took the Summit as an opportunity to promote innovation among its market entities, and fuel innovation with scientific outcomes.

The Summit included 47 online and offline activities, such as the International Forum on Biodiversity Conservation and Biotechnology and the 2021 Resilient Cities International Symposium.

The Summit is also planning to launch a summer school program, offering academic visits, as well as exchanges and research internships.

SOURCE 2021 World Young Scientist Summit
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Abraham Bergman has assumed the positions of president and CEO of Eastern Union, one of America's largest commercial real estate finance companies. He had previously served as Eastern Union's managing partner since co-founding the firm with Ira Zlotowitz in 2001.

Mr. Zlotowitz had served as the company's president and CEO since its inception. He will now be pursuing other activities in the commercial real estate field.

Abraham Bergman has been named president and CEO of Eastern Union, one of America's largest commercial mortgage brokerage firms.

"Eastern Union has established itself as one of the industry's most respected commercial mortgage brokerage firms," said Mr. Bergman. "Our national client base is steadily expanding, and so are our relationships with lenders across America. Powered by these competitive assets, I am committed to ensuring the company's continued growth."

From the moment of the company's founding through to the present time, Mr. Bergman has been playing an active and central role in shaping Eastern Union's corporate strategy and structure. He has also been a leader in sales and relationship-building across each of the company's commercial real estate sectors. These elements have included conventional commercial mortgages, structured debt, healthcare, hospitality, mobile home parks, investment sales, and -- handled in conjunction with company affiliate Eastern Equity Advisors -- equity placement.



To fortify the firm's brokerage component, Eastern Union also announced that its two most productive brokers, Marc Tropp and Michael Muller, had been named to the company's board. They each hold the title of senior managing director.

Both Mr. Muller and Mr. Tropp possess excellent, national reputations within the commercial brokerage world. Mr. Muller has been the firm's leading broker in the New York City market over the past 20 years. Mr. Tropp has been Eastern Union's number-one broker in the Mid-Atlantic regional market for the last 16 years.

Moshe Maybloom -- a 14-year veteran of the firm -- has also been named to the company's board. Eastern Union also announced that Mr. Maybloom has assumed the position of senior managing director of operations.

The number of mortgage originations secured by Eastern Union in October ranked the second-highest by the company over the past eighteen months.

Eastern Union has additional new hires and promotions in the pipeline to help accommodate growing deal volume. Among the new hires, Eastern Equity Advisors -- the Eastern Union affiliate -- will be bringing on a senior underwriter and placer to help manage and broaden the company's wide network of capital sources.

Abraham Bergman's assumption of Mr. Zlotowitz's prior positions at Eastern Union is taking place "on the best of terms and with complete good will," Mr. Bergman said.

Mr. Bergman holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Touro College and a master's degree in general business administration from Baruch College.

Abraham Bergman is active with a number of philanthropic organizations both on the national level and also within his own neighborhood of Flatbush in Brooklyn.

About Eastern Union

Founded in 2001, Eastern Union is a leading, national commercial mortgage brokerage firm. It employs more than 125 real estate professionals and closes an average of $5 billion in transactions annually. Eastern Union leverages its relationships with lenders and its marketplace knowledge to secure the best available rates and terms.

Eastern Union, headquartered in New York, closes transactions of all sizes across the United States. It secures financing for all asset types. Transactions -- which can include multi-state and multi-site portfolios -- encompass both conventional and structured financing. Capital introductions are handled through Eastern Union's affiliate, Eastern Equity Advisors.

For more information, visit www.easternunion.com.

Media contact:

Steve Vitoff

Eastern Union

516 652 0785

[email protected]

SOURCE Eastern Union
Trending among the retail trading market, social copy trading continues to grow in popularity among investors. With AETOS social copy trading platform, expert traders with great trading experience and successful achievements can be verified as the Signal Provider to share trading strategies for other investors to follow and replicate. Due to its inherent ability to share trading ideas and market information, social copy trading is widely accepted as an efficient and effective way to learn and master investment skills. Under AETOS social copy trading system, investors are connected with expert peers, whose past trading performance/ROI, portfolio components, trading experience are fully transparent and presented visually and clearly. By utilizing AETOS social copy trading system, followers can make their consideration and selection confidently by referring to a signal provider's profile page. Consistent with other premium services exclusive to AETOS customers, AETOS offers the proprietary copy trading service complimentarily without extra cost, instead a featured profit-sharing scheme between followers and signal providers. This drives a win-win relationship among system users, and incentivizes signal providers to perform to the best of their ability.

Commenting on the new release of social copy trading service, AETOS Capital Group Chairman said "As a trading service provider, we've seen a lot of such customers coming to us as a complete novice, but eager to diversify their investment portfolio as markets move. Those customers are easily overwhelmed by continuous bombardment of market news, and as a result struggle to build up practical and profitable trading strategies. There are lot of elements to learn and consider as that's how investment works. We think the social copy trading is a good way for investors not only to learn profitable trading strategies but also master risk management by following the lead of professional investors. We are very glad to offer the social copy trading service as we believe it's a great alternative way to help a beginner trader to eventually grow to be an investment guru."

As a leading brand in online trading industry, AETOS has been renowned for its premium service quality and the Fintech powered platform. If you are still looking for a world access with an enhanced trading execution and competitive service cost, AETOS aligns with your goal perfectly. Now head to create a free account with AETOS by visiting the official website www.aetoscg.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1684356/AETOS_Copy_Trading.jpg

SOURCE AETOS Capital Group
While well versed in producing cinematic product and lifestyle videos, "Flora's Place" was Affinity's first foray into narrative filmmaking. Directed and shot by cinematographer Trevor Hooper, with creative support from Digital Media Director Justin Witt, the team relied on adaptability and instinct to finalize the film. In true spooky season spirit, Affinity filmed the 15-minute short in three overnight sessions with a skeleton crew. Scrappy problem-solving was required to figure out how to safely blow up a light bulb and create practical effects, such as rigging sets to create the illusion of doors or other props that didn't exist.

Like all project challenges encountered, the Affinity team met this one with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm. The short film premiered on Saturday, October 23rd, at Austin Film Festival to a standing ovation from attendees, followed by a short Q&A afterward.

Justin Witt remarked, "It was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a storied festival. The quality and creativity of all participants was astounding, and we were honored to be included in such good company. A huge congratulations and a big thank you to our client, host and festival sponsor, Bogle Vineyards!"

About Phantom Wines:

The seductive and hauntingly delicious Phantom Red Blend and Phantom Chardonnay are made with California grapes chosen for their exceptional quality. The wines are handcrafted through fermentation and aged in small oak barrels.

Follow the Phantom:

About Bogle Vineyards:

The Bogle family has been farming in the Delta since the late-1800s, but the first wine grapes did not appear until 100 years later. The father and son team of Warren and Chris Bogle planted the first 20 acres of vines in Clarksburg, California in 1968. Today, Bogle Vineyards farms 1,900 acres of grapes using the latest sustainable growing techniques and processes. Bogle is one of just a handful of wineries that pays its partner growers a per ton bonus for adhering to stringent voluntary sustainable practices and regulations. Bogle was awarded the Green Leader Award for sustainability as well as Wine Enthusiast's 2019 American Winery of the Year.

About Affinity Creative Group: From our unique creative campus, along historic officer's row on Mare Island, California, Affinity Creative Group provides brand design, digital media, and retail activation marketing services, particularly for wine, spirits, and other luxury categories. Please visit affinitycreative.com for more information.

SOURCE Affinity Creative Group

Related Links

www.affinitycreative.com


Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company (NYSE: ABBV), is celebrating their biggest event of the year with consumers all over the United States. The third annual BOTOX Cosmetic Day is Wednesday, November 17, 2021. This annual holiday was the busiest day for BOTOX Cosmetic treatments last year, according to Alle, Allergan Aesthetics' Consumer Loyalty Program.1 This year, Allergan Aesthetics is aiming to celebrate the number one selling treatment of its kind2 with even more participants.

For BOTOX Cosmetic Day 2021, the brand is sharing two different offers, fueled by Alle. The first offer is a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) gift card while supplies last. For every $50 gift card purchased on November 17, consumers will get an additional $50 gift card to use for themselves or gift to others. And what is even better than one deal? TWO! The brand is celebrating for the full week by offering Alle members double points on BOTOX Cosmetic treatments received from November 15th to November 21st. Points earned can be used toward future treatments. Be sure to check out https://alle.com/botoxcosmeticday for the terms and conditions of both offers.

"We look forward to BOTOX Cosmetic Day each year. It's our chance to celebrate with the customers and consumers who have shaped the aesthetic industry," said Carrie Strom, President, Global Allergan Aesthetics and Senior Vice President, AbbVie. "Now in its third year, I'm looking forward to seeing BOTOX Cosmetic Day serve as a catalyst, encouraging people across the country to do something for themselves."

"Alle is an integral part of BOTOX Cosmetic Day and of the aesthetics experience for millions of consumers," said Jasson Gilmore, Senior Vice President, Global Digital and Consumer Marketing. "It's more than just a loyalty program. Alle provides an in-depth education on aesthetics, personalized access to promotions, and connectivity to providers."

Only new or existing members of Alle can participate in the exclusive BOGO gift card and Double Points offerings tied to BOTOX Cosmetic Day. The BOGO gift card offer will become available on November 17 at 9 am Pacific Time at https://alle.com/botoxcosmeticday. It is recommended that consumers new to Alle sign up for the loyalty program in advance.

"Since starting my practice, I have relied on BOTOX Cosmetic. I trust it to deliver subtle and predictable results for my patients," said Dr. Robert Anolik, Board Certified Dermatologist. "The response for BOTOX Cosmetic Day and the enthusiasm for treatment that I see in my practice has only strengthened with the holiday and launch of the 'See Yourself' campaign. My patients appreciate that the campaign dives into the stories of real BOTOX Cosmetic patients  people with varying backgrounds and lifestyles from across the country. It has helped to create a supportive, open, and inclusive space for patients in my practice to proudly choose aesthetic treatments for themselves."

"Each year, my patients look forward to joining in on the celebration and sharing the special offer with a friend or family member because BOTOX Cosmetic is a treatment that they trust," said Nancy Pellegrino, Nurse Practitioner. "Being Alle members helps my patients to make the most out of their treatments, earning points and access to exclusive offers, driving excitement all year."

BOTOX Cosmetic is the first and only neurotoxin FDA-approved to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow's feet lines, and glabellar lines in adults, and physicians have relied on it for more than 19 years.3,4 Recognized by National Day Archives as an official holiday on the National Day Registry, BOTOX Cosmetic Day is held annually on the third Wednesday in November.

Visit https://alle.com/botoxcosmeticday for more information and to purchase a gift card. Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply.

BOTOX Cosmetic Important Information

BOTOX Cosmetic may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Get medical help right away if you have any of these problems any time (hours to weeks) after injection of BOTOX Cosmetic:

Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing, due to weakening of associated muscles, can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months.

Spread of toxin effects. The effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including: loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

BOTOX Cosmetic dosing units are not the same as, or comparable to, any other botulinum toxin product.

There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when BOTOX Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines, crow's feet lines, and/or forehead lines.

BOTOX Cosmetic may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems, or dizziness within hours to weeks of taking BOTOX Cosmetic. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Serious and/or immediate allergic reactions have been reported. They include: itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Get medical help right away if you are wheezing or have asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint.

Do not receive BOTOX Cosmetic if you: are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX Cosmetic (see Medication Guide for ingredients); had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB), Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), or Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA); have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

Tell your doctor about all your muscle or nerve conditions, such as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, as you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing from typical doses of BOTOX Cosmetic.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including: plans to have surgery; had surgery on your face; have trouble raising your eyebrows; drooping eyelids; any other abnormal facial change; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant (it is not known if BOTOX Cosmetic can harm your unborn baby); are breast-feeding or plan to (it is not known if BOTOX Cosmetic passes into breast milk).

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using BOTOX Cosmetic with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you have received BOTOX Cosmetic in the past.

Tell your doctor if you have received any other botulinum toxin product in the last 4 months; have received injections of botulinum toxin such as Myobloc, Dysport, or Xeomin in the past (tell your doctor exactly which product you received); have recently received an antibiotic by injection; take muscle relaxants; take an allergy or cold medicine; take a sleep medicine; take aspirin-like products or blood thinners.

Other side effects of BOTOX Cosmetic include: dry mouth; discomfort or pain at the injection site; tiredness; headache; neck pain; and eye problems: double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids and eyebrows, swelling of your eyelids and dry eyes.

APPROVED USES

BOTOX Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe forehead lines, crow's feet lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows in adults.

For more information refer to the Medication Guide or talk with your doctor.

To report a side effect, please call Allergan at 1-800-678-1605.

Please see BOTOX Cosmetic full Product Information including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.

About Allergan Aesthetics

Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, develops, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of leading aesthetics brands and products. Their aesthetics portfolio includes facial injectables, body contouring, plastics, skin care, and more. Their goal is to consistently provide customers worldwide with innovation, education, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence, all with a personal touch.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE AbbVie

References:

Data on file, Allergan, BOTOX Cosmetic Treatments in Alle 2020. Data on File. AbbVie. Annual Neurotoxin Monthly Tracker Report, September 2021 . BOTOX Cosmetic Prescribing Information, July 2020 . Department of Health and Human Services FDA Approval Letter for BOTOX Cosmetic for Glabellar Lines, 2002.

SOURCE AbbVie

Related Links

abbvie.com


DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Data Center Colocation Market in Americas - Industry Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Americas data center colocation market by investment is expected to reach USD 11.78 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.67% during 2021-2026



The Americas is the largest market in terms of data center operations, and it is continuing to grow because of the high consumption of data by end-users. The demand for data centers grew significantly due to the pandemic, with most of the region's workforce shifting to remote working.

The demand for colocation services led to substantial utilization of existing facilities space and drove service providers' revenues in 2020. The adoption of cloud-based services, big data analytics, and IoT services has grown significantly across the region, boosting the colocation demand. The data center colocation market in the Americas witnessed investments from several providers such as Aligned, American Tower, Archer Datacenters, and more.

MARKET SEGMENTS & SHARES

Colocation services in data centers are offered through retail and wholesale colocation. The Americas colocation services market by retail colocation is expected to reach around USD 15 billion by 2026.

The R&D activities surrounding hydrogen fuel cell generators might lower the adoption of diesel generators along with the installation of co-generation plants in data centers by 2025

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Over 24 hyperscale colocation projects were identified from colocation providers building mega facilities with more than 15 MW of IT load. NTT Global Data Centers Sacramento data center has procured high intelligent operation control to monitor its power infrastructure in the facility.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America is among the top locations in terms of colocation market growth. Some of the major contributors of market growth in North America are Equinix, Digital Realty, Compass Datacenters, Cologix, Vantage Data Centers, NTT Global Data Centers (RagingWire Data Centers), QTS Realty Trust, CoreSite Realty, CyrusOne, and Switch.

VENDOR ANALYSIS

Digital Realty invested in around 10 data center projects across the US and Canada and around seven data centers across Brazil, Chile, and Mexico via Ascenty.

Vantage Data Centers invested in developing around four colocation facilities in 2020 at locations such as Santa Clara, Phoenix, Ashburn, and Montreal. Hypertec invested in the development of about three data centers in 2020.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the Americas data center colocation market during the forecast period:

Growing hyperscale colocation developments

Increasing adoption of Growing 5G & Edge Data Center Deployments

Rising Acceptance of Innovative Data Center Technologies

Growing Rack Power Density

Prominent Data Center Colocation Providers

Compass Datacenters

COPT Data Center Solutions

CoreSite Realty

CyrusOne

Digital Realty

Equinix

NTT Global Data Centers

QTS Realty Trust

Switch

Vantage Data Centers

Other Prominent Data Center Colocation Providers

365 Data Centers (Stonecourt Capital)

Aligned

American Tower

Archer Datacenters

Cologix

Cyxtera Technologies

DataBank

DC BLOX

DRFortress

EdgeConneX (EQT Infrastructure)

EdgeCore Internet Real Estate

eStruxture Data Centers

Fibre Centre

Fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547)

Flexential

GIGA Data Centers

H5 Data Centers

HostDime

Iron Mountain

KDC Real Estate Development & Investments

Millicom (TIGO)

Novva Data Centers

ODATA

Prime Data Centers

Purecolo

Quantico Data Center

Sabey Data Centers

Scala Data Centers

Serverfarm

Servpac

STACK INFRASTRUCTURE

Stream Data Centers

T5 Data Centers

TierPoint

Urbacon Data Centre Solutions (UDCS)

US Signal

New Entrants in Americas Data Center Colocation Market

Cirrus Data Services

CloudHQ

EdgeMicro

EdgeX Data Centers

Element Critical

PointOne

Quantum Loophole

Yondr

Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope Of The Study

4.4 Market Segments



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance



7 Introduction

7.1 Internet & Data Growth In Americas

7.2 Data Center Site Selection Criteria

7.3 Electricity Pricing Across Major Data Center Locations In Americas



8 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.1 Increasing Adoption Of Renewable Energy

8.2 Growing M&As In Americas

8.3 Growing Rack Power Density

8.4 Growing 5G & Edge Data Center Deployments

8.5 Innovative Data Center Technologies



9 Market Growth Enablers

9.1 Growing Hyperscale Colocation Developments

9.2 Increasing Data Center Investments

9.3 Impact Of Covid-19 On Data Centers

9.4 Tax Incentives For Data Centers

9.5 Growing Demand For Cloud Connectivity

9.6 Growing IOT & Big Data Adoption

9.7 Growing AI Adoption

9.8 Growing Submarine & Inland Connectivity



10 Market Restraints

10.1 Rising Carbon Emissions From Data Centers

10.2 Security Challenges For Data Centers

10.3 Lack Of Skilled Workforce

10.4 Location Constraints For Data Centers

10.5 Power & Water Consumption By Data Centers



11 Market Landscape

11.1 Market Overview

11.2 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

11.3 Area: Market Size & Forecast

11.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

11.5 Colocation Revenue: Market Size & Forecast

11.6 Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast

11.7 Five Forces Analysis



12 Colocation Services

12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

12.2 Market Overview

12.3 Retail Colocation

12.4 Wholesale Colocation



13 Infrastructure

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 Market Overview

13.3 Electrical Infrastructure

13.4 Mechanical Infrastructure

13.5 General Construction



14 Electrical Infrastructure

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 UPS SYSTEMS

14.3 Generators

14.4 Transfer Switches & Switchgear

14.5 Power Distribution Units

14.6 Other Electrical Infrastructure



15 Mechanical Infrastructure

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Cooling Systems

15.3 Racks

15.4 Other Mechanical Infrastructure



16 Cooling Systems

16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.2 CRAC & CRAH UNITS

16.3 Chiller Units

16.4 Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

16.5 Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

16.6 Other Cooling Units



17 Cooling Technique

17.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

17.2 Air-Based Cooling Technique

17.3 Liquid-Based Cooling Technique



18 General Construction

18.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

18.2 Core & Shell Development

18.3 Installation & Commissioning Services

18.4 Engineering & Building Design

18.5 Physical Security

18.6 DCIM/BMS Solutions



19 Tier Standards

19.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

19.2 Market Overview

19.3 TIER I & TIER II

19.4 TIER III

19.5 TIER IV



20 Geography

20.1 Investment Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.2 Area: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.3 Power Capacity: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.4 Colocation Revenue: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ikt8td

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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SOURCE Research and Markets

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-ATG-101, a novel PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, shows potent in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in checkpoint inhibitor resistant/relapsed models while mitigating liver toxicity risk, computational analysis adds support to dosing strategy

-ATG-017, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, in vivo combination supports clinical development strategy

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class therapeutics in hematology and oncology, today announced the presentation of three posters at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. (https://www.sitcancer.org/home).

"Antengene is very pleased to present preclinical data on two of our Phase I programs, for ATG-101 and ATG-017, at the 2021 SITC meeting on November 12, 2021. The unique mechanisms, promising preclinical safety and activity of these exciting new compounds are very much in keeping with Antengene's mission to develop first-in-class, best-in-class medicines for cancer," said Jay Mei, M.D., Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Antengene.

Dr. Mei continued, "These presentations also highlight the breadth and depth of Antengene's drug development capabilities. The Antengene management team and I look forward to reviewing these posters, detailed below, and the Company's exciting portfolio at our upcoming R&D Day, planned for November 16th (virtual, details below) and November 18th (in person, details below)."

Summary of Poster Presentations

Poster #893: ATG-101: Active in "Cold" tumors, No Preclinical Liver Toxicity

ATG-101 is a PD-L1 / 4-1BB bi-specific antibody that was designed to activate tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and inhibit immune checkpoints, without inducing liver toxicity. Antengene presented data from in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated ATG-101 activity in several T-cell activation assays and multiple in vivo models, including those resistant to anti-PD(L)1 therapies.

Data in the poster showed that ATG-101 was active in anti-PD-L1 resistant and relapsed tumor models. In addition, ATG-101 increased the activation of T-cells and exhausted T-cells upon PD-L1 crosslinking (required for ATG-101 activity), rendering "cold" tumors "hot". Importantly, ATG-101 showed no liver toxicity in a GLP toxicity study (differentiating the drug vs other 4-1BB targeted monoclonals/bi-specifics) and did not induce cytokine release syndrome in an in vitro assay. ATG-101's unique safety and efficacy properties make it a promising potential therapy for solid tumors and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Poster #608: Promising ATG-017 in vivo Combination Study Add to Clinical Strategy



ATG-017 is a potent small molecule kinase inhibitor targeting the extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Antengene presented data on an in vivo study that evaluated ATG-017 in combination with an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (atezolizumab), in an aggressive, immune checkpoint inhibitor resistant mouse cancer model.

Data in the poster showed that the combination enhanced the antitumor efficacy as well as increasing the percentage of infiltrating CD8+ T cells, NK cells, CD8:CD4 ratio and M1:M2 macrophage ratio in the tumor microenvironment, rendering a "cold" tumor "hot". These results demonstrated that ATG-017 has potential synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a rationale for exploring combination therapy in the clinic in the pursuit of improved efficacy in solid tumors, including those resistant to checkpoint inhibitions.

Poster# 227: Computational Analysis Tool Enables ATG-101 Clinical Dose Selection

Bispecific antibody ATG-101 acts by forming a trimer (comprised of ATG-101 bound to PD-L1 and 4-1BB expressing cells) that activates tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and inhibits immune checkpoints. Measuring trimeric complexes is important in defining optimal clinical doses but is very challenging to do in the clinic.

Antengene and its collaborators at Applied BioMath, LLC reported on the development of a computational semi-mechanistic pharmacology model that could be used to define the clinical dose of ATG-101. It works by simulating in vivo tumor growth inhibition and predicting trimer formation, free drug levels and receptor occupancy over time. This work has enabled Antengene to define a clinically effective dose range of ATG-101 that induces >90% PD-L1 receptor occupancy, a key metric of drug activity. This valuable pharmacology tool, which may also be applied across other compounds in Antengene's pipeline, reflects the Company's enthusiasm to utilize novel technologies and partnerships to enhance drug development capabilities.

Details on the posters, published on the SITC website, are shown below:

Abstract Number: 227

Title: A computational semi-mechanistic pharmacology model of ATG-101, a PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody for treatment of solid tumors and NHL

Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021

PresenterDr. David C. Flowers, Applied BioMath, LLC

First Author: Dr. David C. Flowers, Applied BioMath, LLC

Abstract Number: 608

Title: Synergistic effect of the combination of ATG-017, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, and immune checkpoint inhibitor in preclinical cancer models

Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021

PresenterDr. Bing Hou, Antengene Corporation Limited

First Author: Dr. Peng Chen, Antengene Corporation Limited

Abstract Number: 893

Title: ATG-101, a novel PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, augments anti-tumor immunity through immune checkpoint inhibition and PDL1-directed 4-1BB activation

Time: 7:00-17:00 EST, November 12-14, 2021

PresenterDr. Bing Hou, Antengene Corporation Limited

First Author: Dr. Hui Yuwen, Antengene Corporation Limited

About ATG-101

ATG-101 is a novel PD-L1/4-1BB bi-specific antibody being developed for the treatment of multiple kinds of cancer. ATG-101 can activate anti-tumor immune effectors by simultaneously blocking the binding of PD-L1/PD-1 and inducing 4-1BB stimulation. In PD-L1 over-expressed cancer cells, ATG-101 has shown potent PD-L1 crosslinking-dependent 4-1BB agonist activity, thus potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy, whilst mitigating risk of hepatoxicity. Antengene has received U.S. FDA approval for the IND for a Phase I trial of ATG-101 in solid tumors and non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is currently conducting a Phase I study of ATG-101 in Australia for the treatment of patients with metastatic/advanced solid tumors and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

About ATG-017

ATG-017 is a potent and selective small molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor. ERK1/2 are related protein-serine/threonine kinases that function as terminal kinases in the RAS-MAPK signal transduction cascade. This cascade regulates a large variety of cellular processes, including proliferation. The RAS-MAPK pathway is dysregulated in more than 30% of human cancers with the most frequent alterations being observed in RAS or BRAF genes across multiple tumor types. An ERK inhibitor enables the targeting of both RAS and BRAF mutant diseases. In nonclinical pharmacology studies, ATG-017 has demonstrated potent inhibition of ERK1/2 enzyme activity and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Antengene is conducting an open-label Phase I, dose-escalation study of ATG-017 in Australia for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

About Antengene's R&D Day

Antengene's R&D Day will include presentations from Dr. Jay Mei, Founder, Chairman and CEO; Mr. John Chin, Chief Business Officer; Dr. Kevin Lynch, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Bo Shan, Chief Scientific Officer, and other Company management.

The meetings will be held virtually in English on November 16, 2021, and on-site in Mandarin on November 18, 2021. A live webcast will be available on the Antengene website under "Investor Relations", on the Event Calendar page.

To attend the event, please register in advance at links below:

R&D Day English Session  Virtual Conference

Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Time: 8:30 am  11: 30 am, Eastern Time / 9:30 pm  12: 30 am, Beijing Time

 11: 30 am, Eastern Time /  12: 30 am, Beijing Time Register at: https://www.micecube.com/sign/pfrKl2

R&D Day Mandarin Session  Live Webcast of On-Site Meeting

Date: Thursday, November 18 , 2021

, 2021 Time: 1:30 pm  5:30 pm , Beijing Time

 , Beijing Time Register at: https://www.micecube.com/sign/hylbfK

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading clinical-stage R&D- driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutic medicines for oncology and other life-threatening diseases. Driven by its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders", Antengene aims to provide the most advanced anti-cancer drugs to patients in the Asia Pacific Region and around the world. Since initiating operations in 2017, Antengene has obtained 18 investigational new drug (IND) approvals, submitted 6 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for selinexor/ATG-101 in South Korea already approved through a priority review process. Leveraging partnerships as well as in-house drug discovery, Antengene has built a broad and expanding pipeline of 13 clinical and pre-clinical assets. The Company has global rights on 8 programs and Asia Pacific rights, including the Greater China region, on 5 programs.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in our periodic reports filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for year ended December 31, 2020, and subsequent filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited

Related Links

www.antengene.com


Aquafin and Dockwater sign a Memorandum of Understanding to explore using treated wastewater in Dockwater's Desalination Plant Tweet this

Aquafin's Antwerpen Noord Wastewater Treatment Plant is located nearby Dockwater's location at the Port of Antwerp. The ability to make use of wastewater will allow Dockwater and its customers to achieve full circularity in their water use and gives Dockwater a second, redundant source of water supply.

Jan Goossens, Aquafin's Chief Executive Officer said: "Aquafin is committed to work with private and public entities that are interested in exploring reuse opportunities where it makes ecological, social and economic sense. Our MOU with Dockwater demonstrates our commitment to advance the Blue Deal agenda and circular economy initiatives in Flanders. Treated wastewater is a valuable resource which is otherwise released into local waterways and eventually mixed with sea water."

Mark McComiskey, a representative of Dockwater said, "From inception, the Dockwater project has been conceived as a fully sustainable, green new source of water for the Flemish region, one that will help reduce industrial consumption of limited freshwater resources. While the plant will initially use salty water from the docks, our vision is to achieve full circularity and source all of our water from wastewater. This undertaking with Aquafin marks an important step in that direction. In parallel we are in discussions with industrial companies at the Port about also using their wastewater at our plant. Our Dockwater plant is uniquely placed to take advantage of these reuse opportunities as it is the only facility situated at the Port near the customers."

Media enquiries

DOCKWATER

Mark McComiskey

[email protected]

http://www.avaiocapital.com

About Aquafin

Aquafin is a Belgium company owned by the Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen specialized in wastewater treatment with its main operations in Flanders. Aquafin manages over 300 wastewater treatment plants, more than 6,000 kilometers of municipal wastewater collectors and about 2,000 pumping stations and retention basins. Aquafin also uses its knowledge of the water cycle to work towards a living environment in harmony with water.

About DOCKWATER

DOCKWATER BV is developing a desalination plant to provide process water to industrial companies operating in the Port of Antwerp, allowing industry to substantially reduce its consumption of drinking water as well as its overall consumption of water, while increasing the resiliency of water supply in the whole Flemish region. The development of the DOCKWATER project is being led by AVAIO Capital, and DOCKWATER BV is jointly owned by AVAIO Capital and Macquarie Capital.

AVAIO Capital is an infrastructure investment firm focused on the development and construction of new sustainable infrastructure assets throughout North America and Europe in four sectors: digital, water, energy transition and transportation. Macquarie Capital is the advisory, capital markets and principal investment arm of Macquarie Group, and specializes in infrastructure development with more than US$ 20 billion of projects under construction or development.

SOURCE Dockwater BV
LONDON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Brandessence market research, the global live cell imaging market size reached USD 1724.5 million in 2020. The market is likely to grow at 8.6% to reach USD 3072.4 million in 2027. The advantage of live cell imaging in clinical research for chronic diseases like cancer, and increasing investments in imaging techniques like ion imaging, Froster Resonance Energy Transfer, Total Internal Reflection, and Multiphoton Excitation.

Live Cell Imaging Market: Key Trends

The live cell imaging technology continues to offer smaller, and smarter solutions for researchers to observe cells in real-time. This continues to remain a key development in the market, which is essential for generating time-lapse images, automated creation of data, and video-imaging.

Advanced incubators offer a near perfection reflection of physiological conditions, which is necessary for observing cell's health. The new state allows researchers to keep the cells in ideal state, with minimum changes to their health during the metabolic state. This is ideal for observing cells in normal conditions like temperatures of 37 degree Celsius and measuring CO2 concentration in a human body.

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The CO2 incubator promises more efficient options with reduced involvement of microscopic function. The new method allows for increased monitoring and expansion of live cell imaging. The increased incubator capabilities also allow researchers to offer abilities to conduct multiple assays concurrently. Moreover, it also allows for more controlled experimentation with increased control on parameters.

New imaging technologies like Super Resolution Microscopy or SRM allows optical microscopy below the diffraction limit of light. The advanced visualization makes way for advanced monitoring, and new insights into cellular details. These advancements are essential in cell biology, microbiology, neurobiology, and drug discovery. The high costs, and lack of established protocols still remains a challenge to expansion of new technologies. However, the growing list of research and publication in this area remains a major promise for their utility in the near future.

Scope of Live Cell Imaging Market

Increased demand for clinical research, growing burden of chronic diseases, and increased elderly population remain key drivers of growth for live cell imaging. The technology has firmly established itself as the modus operandi for studying single-cell cultures. Increased ability of researchers to study the dynamic morphology of cell culture, thanks to growing advancements in tools like machine learning, virtualization, and AI open new opportunities for clinical research. The live cell imaging also promises to get invaluable information from clinical research including cell interactions, operation inside the incubator, environmental cues, and more. Ability to study cells in real-time, observe dynamic changes in cells, and aid of revolutionary imaging like light microscopy promise to keep live cell imaging way ahead of its alternatives for clinical research.

Live cell technology offers key advantages to conventional methods like fixed cell microscopy. The technology offers benefits like real-time understanding, and longitudinal ability to study cells. The technology provides a way to gain continuous way while staying further way for experimental errors while studying artifacts. The covid-19 pandemic has also had a positive impact on the growth of the live cell imaging. The Covid-19 pandemic necessitated a tremendous increase in clinical research. The covid-19 cases had reached billions in 2019-2020 period, with key regions like Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific still remaining highly vulnerable to the spread of the disease. The pandemic increased investments in orders for microscopic instruments.

Studying Toxicity Remains a Key Commercial Application

The increasing demand for studying toxicity in food, drugs, and testing remains a key application for growth. The toxicity study conventionally involves expensive procedures with low-success rates. The procedure also remains time-consuming, resource intensive. These procedures have resulted in tremendous costs with niche applications like high-content screening, and high costs of pharmaceutical research continues to drive advancements in new procedures. The toxicity tests with live cell imaging offers many new advantages like mitochondrial of drug toxicity, drug development studies, with key niche applications.

Chronic Diseases to Drive Major Growth

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 40 million fatalities were attributed to chronic diseases. These include cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, among others. Furthermore, diseases like cardiovascular diseases with worsening lifestyle, and worsening environmental conditions are expected to increase in the near future. The growing demand for advanced health care facilities, and increased penetration of chronic diseases like heart disease among other remain key challenges for policy makers around the world. The advancements in technologies like quick diagnosis, and early detection are key for limiting the spread of chronic diseases like cancer. The growing support for clinical research by both private and public funding, and increased penetration of advanced technologies like machine learning, and AI remain key drivers of growth for the live cell imaging market.

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Growing Investments in North America Remains Key Geographic Opportunity

The live cell imaging market report is divided into key geographies including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, North America is expected to occupy highest share of total revenues globally. The North America region is home to some of the largest investments in clinical research, growing inventions in AI, and Machine Learning, and vast private infrastructure for healthcare. The growing expansion of healthcare through people-friendly healthcare policies also remains a key promise for players in the North America region. The large population in Asia Pacific, the increased expansion of health facilities to cater to local population, increased demand for medical tourism, among others remain key drivers of growth in the live cell imaging market.

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Sweden

Netherland

Turkey

Switzerland

Belgium

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

South Korea

Japan

China

India

Australia

Philippines

Singapore

Malaysia

Thailand

Indonesia

Rest Of APAC

South America

Mexico

Colombia

Brazil

Argentina

Peru

Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Egypt

South Africa

Rest Of MEA

Live Cell Imaging Market: Competitive Analysis

The live cell imaging market is a fragmented, and competitive landscape. The growing innovation in live cell imaging technologies, thanks to growing demand for drug discoveries, and clinical research remains key prospects for innovation. Some major players in the live cell imaging market are Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, GE Healthcare, Olympus Corporation, Danaher Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Danaher corporation, Carl Zeiss AG Nikon Corporation, Olympus Corporation, PerkinElmer, Inc., Bruker Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Sartorius AG, Oxford Instruments, BioTek Instruments, Etaluma, Inc., CytoSMART Technologies, Phase Focus Limited , Tomocube, Inc., and others

Global Live Cell Imaging Market Segmentation:

By Technology:

Fluorescence Recovery after Photo bleaching (FRAP)

High-content Screening (HCS)

Time-lapse Microscopy

Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)

By Type:

Cell Analyzers

Accessories

Consumables

Reagents

Assay Kit

Instruments

Microscopes

Standalone Systems

By End-Users:

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Academic & Research Institute

Key Benefits of Global Live Cell Imaging Market Report

Global Non Live Cell Imaging market report covers in-depth historical and forecast analysis.

Global Live Cell Imaging market research report provides detail information about market introduction, market summary, global market revenue (revenue USD), market drivers, market restraints, market opportunities, competitive analysis, regional and country level.

Global Live Cell Imaging market report helps to identify opportunities in marketplace.

Global Live Cell Imaging market report covers extensive analysis of emerging trends and competitive landscape.

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Blog: Liquefied Natural Gas Companies

Mr. Vishal Sawant

Email: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Corporate Sales: +44-2038074155

Asia Office: +917447409162

SOURCE Brandessence Market Research And Consulting Private Limited
ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With utility scams on the rise, it is more important than ever for customers to be vigilant and know what steps to take to prevent themselves or their families from falling victim.

Atlanta Gas Light is joining 150 U.S. and Canadian energy companies Nov. 15-19 for Utility Scam Awareness Week, a weeklong annual campaign created by Utilities United Against Scams, to raise awareness of and help educate customers on the tactics used by scammers.

"The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority," said Pedro Cherry, Atlanta Gas Light president and CEO. "That's why we're partnering with energy companies across the country to educate our communities about this important issue throughout Utility Scam Awareness Week. The first step in protecting our customers from a scam is making them aware of the common tactics that scammers use."

According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams cost consumers more than $3.3 billion in 2020  an increase of nearly $1.5 billion from 2019. Nearly $1.2 billion of the losses reported were due to imposter scams.

In recent years, scammers have gotten deceptively creative with increased calls, texts, emails and in-person tactics, contacting electric and gas customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.

Atlanta Gas Light strongly encourages customers to stay vigilant of potential scam activity such as:

Threats to disconnect their natural gas service  usually within an hour  if payment is not made

Requests that payments be made from a single method, such as a debit card, prepaid card, checking account, cryptocurrency or to send funds via a mobile app to make a bill payment

Claims they have overpaid, and their banking account or credit card number is needed for a refund

Requests to vacate their home so that a meter or other natural gas equipment can be replaced

Suggestions through social media that their bill will be covered by a charity after they make a partial payment by way of a wire transfer

Atlanta Gas Light holds itself accountable to customers and the communities it serves, which is why it reminds Georgia marketer customers that it will never contact them regarding their natural gas bill. While Atlanta Gas Light maintains the region's pipeline infrastructure, responds to emergencies and reads meters every month, it does not bill customers directly. Only certified natural gas marketers in Georgia sell natural gas to customers and subsequently bill these customers for their natural gas use.

Customers who suspect or experience fraud should hang up, delete the email or shut the door, then immediately contact local authorities.

In addition, whenever an Atlanta Gas Light field service representative or one of its contractors visits a customer's home or business, they will provide Atlanta Gas Light identification. And, as an additional safety measure to protect customers, anyone who signs up to receive the company's Keep Me Informed appointment status text messages can access a photo of the technician assigned to perform work at their property.

For more information, visit atlantagaslight.com/fraudprotection.

About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.7 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit atlantagaslight.com.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .

SOURCE Atlanta Gas Light

Related Links

http://www.atlantagaslight.com


DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Baby Day , the first and only statewide celebration of babies and toddlers presented by leading statewide nonprofit, First3Years , announces their fourth annual event. The free, week-long celebration will take place online from February 6 - 12, 2022. Embarking on their second online event, Baby Day provides critical early childhood education resources to families and caregivers across Texas  ensuring children receive the education and enrichment needed to not only learn and grow, but to succeed.

Baby Day is offering its free programming online with a full week of educational activities planned for children, parents, professional caregivers, and family members across the state and beyond. Registration is free and activities will be hosted by over 110 local organizations. Live and on-demand baby and toddler events include music, art, yoga, reading, dance, caregiver classes and resources, and more, all designed to support the healthy development of children. Baby Day activities will be live streamed and on-demand and will be part of Baby Day's online library of content that can be accessed year-round.

In 2022, Baby Day will partner with community-based child care organizations to ensure caregivers have the necessary resources to help young children learn and develop  supporting a brighter future for our Tiniest Texans. This year, Baby Day has a specific focus on early childhood professionals with new offerings of free caregiver continuing education opportunities with programming geared toward professional development - a critical resource for many childcare facilities.

"As we prepare for our fourth year, we're keenly focused on putting Baby Day's valuable resources into the hands of as many parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers as possible. Given the long-term benefits early childhood education and experiences have on lifetime outcomes, we know that partnering with caregivers is vital. As a child's first teacher, parents and caregivers are provided with engaging opportunities to connect with their children on Baby Day. They are also encouraged to continue their journey of being an informed parent throughout the year through online activities that encourage their role as an active teacher and guide in their child's growth and development. Family engagement during the first three years of life supports a child's readiness for school and ongoing academic and lifelong success." Ashley Borthick, Interim CEO for First3Years.

Access to high-quality early childhood education is proven to lead to better long-term outcomes for children overall, such as an increase in educational and socioeconomic level, which is why Baby Day will now partner with child care organizations to provide critical resources to the children they serve and their caregivers. This year, Baby Day hopes to improve lifelong outcomes and create opportunities for a brighter future for children in Texas.

Registration for Baby Day 2021 is now open: https://first3yearstx.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/first3yearstx/eventRegistration.jsp?event=2970&

Participants who reside in Texas will receive a free Baby Day educational package containing development tools to help children participate in the event from home.

Community organizations and child care centers can reach out about receiving free resources from Baby Day by emailing [email protected] .

About Baby Day and First3Years

Baby Day is the only statewide celebration of the first three years of life, a day established to celebrate the excitement and opportunity of our tiniest Texans. Behind the Baby Day vision stands First3Years, the statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, advocate, and collaborate to advance the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and their families. Each year, First3Years partners with like-minded organizations across the state to host a day of bonding and delight between caregivers and children. Baby Day activities range from infant yoga to music classes to dancing, curated art, storytime and more. Baby Day 2022 will take place online from February 6-12, 2022, with an estimated turnout of more than 10,000 adults and children.

SOURCE First3Years
BALDWIN CITY, Kan., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker University's Department of Applied Health Sciences will get a new home thanks to a $2 million gift that honors Joanne M. Howard, PhD, who graduated from Baker in 1962 and passed away in 2018. The gift was made by her husband, Cleve Howard, and son, Nathan Howard.

Jolliffe Hall

The funds will be used to renovate Jolliffe Hall, which was built in 1940 and served as a residence hall until the summer of 2008. The Joanne M. Howard Hall for Applied Health Sciences will house classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, and faculty offices for one of the most quickly growing departments on campus. Students in Applied Health Sciences major in either public health or exercise science.

"Baker University is so grateful to the Howard family and their incredible generosity and commitment to our university. This gift will provide students who aspire to careers in public health, research, biomechanics, physical and occupational therapy, and exercise science the physical resources to prepare for jobs in these important fields. This state-of-the-art facility will be a fitting tribute to Dr. Howard, who maintained strong ties to Baker and forged an impactful career mentoring medical students," said Baker University President Lynne Murray.

Joanne Howard earned a master's degree in anatomy in 1966 and a doctoral degree in anatomy in 1970 from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She became the first female faculty member at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where she was a member of the Department of Anatomy in the Dental School and Medical School. From 1976 to 2006, she taught at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where she was a member of the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy. At the University of Miami she received the George Paff Teaching Award several times.

Because of Howard's devotion to Baker and her long career as an educator, her husband and son want to honor her legacy by supporting students at the university that laid the groundwork for her many professional accomplishments.

"On several occasions Joanne shared her experience of entering the Baker campus and seeing the science building for the first time, suddenly realizing that the building would be her first step toward the goal of becoming a scientist, which was her intellectual passion all her professional life," said her husband. "She always looked back at her time at Baker as a very deep and important part of her adult life, with the friends that have bonded for a lifetime of shared memories and experiences."

Design work on the Joanne M. Howard Hall for Applied Health Sciences will begin soon. Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2023.

About Baker University

Founded in 1858 as the first university in Kansas, Baker University is a private institution that educates traditional and nontraditional students through small classes, innovative instructors, and rigorous course work. Fortune 500 CEOs, New York Times best-selling authors, and Super Bowl champions all proudly claim Baker as their alma mater. The university is home to four schools: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Education, and School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Baker offers undergraduate through doctoral programs. Visit bakerU.edu to learn more

Media Contact:

Courtney Haller, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

785.594.1216

SOURCE Baker University
"There is a sense of urgency today to move beyond the current commodity food system to meet the growing consumer demand for better food choices," said Matt Crisp , Chief Executive Officer of Benson Hill. "The team at Benson Hill embraces this challenge through a novel combination of CropOS  and an integrated go-to-market approach. We believe we can unlock the natural genetic diversity of plants to create more nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food, feed and ingredient options. Now is the time for bold action to take advantage of a tremendous opportunity in the plant-based protein market."

Crisp continued, "In the third quarter, we continued to see strong year-over-year revenue growth, particularly in our Ingredients segment, and we are on track to meet or exceed our 2021 revenue guidance of $127 million. The harvesting of our proprietary soybean crop for this year is nearing completion, and farmers are committing now to plant our Ultra-High Protein soybean acres for the 2022 planting season. In addition, we recently achieved two milestones in the execution of our strategy with the opening of our Crop Accelerator and the startup of our recently acquired Indiana-based soy crush facility. Our momentum continues, and we believe we are positioned to create significant value for our shareholders as the 'picks and shovels' in the rapidly growing plant-based food revolution."

Third Quarter 2021 Results as Compared to The Same Period of 2020

Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures can be found on page 9.

Revenues were $32.0 million , an increase of $3.8 million , or 13%. Excluding $4.4 million in revenues from a barley business sold in October 2020 , revenues grew 35%. The performance in the quarter was driven by strong results in the Ingredients segment.





, an increase of , or 13%. Excluding in revenues from a barley business sold in , revenues grew 35%. The performance in the quarter was driven by strong results in the Ingredients segment. Gross profit was $0.4 million , a decline of $0.9 million . Excluding $0.7 million in gross profit contribution from the barley operations in Q3'2020, gross profit declined $0.2 million . Gross profit margins in the quarter were 1.3%.





, a decline of . Excluding in gross profit contribution from the barley operations in Q3'2020, gross profit declined . Gross profit margins in the quarter were 1.3%. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $28.1 million , which included $11.7 million of transaction and public company expenses related to the merger with Star Peak Corp II on September 29, 2021 . SG&A was in line with expectations, excluding these expenses.





, which included of transaction and public company expenses related to the merger with Star Peak Corp II on . SG&A was in line with expectations, excluding these expenses. R&D expenses were $10.5 million , an increase of $3.7 million , primarily to continue expanding scientific capabilities to support the current and future product pipeline.





, an increase of , primarily to continue expanding scientific capabilities to support the current and future product pipeline. Reported net loss was $34.3 million compared to a net loss of $16.9 million .





compared to a net loss of . Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $20.1 million compared to a loss of $12.0 million . The Company recognized a loss of $11.7 million on the extinguishment of $37.5 million of high-cost debt.

Ingredients Segment

Revenues for the segment were $23.1 million , an increase of $5.9 million , or 34%. Excluding the $4.4 million contribution from the barley operations, which was sold in October 2020 , revenues grew 80% The performance in the quarter includes the introductory year of proprietary high protein soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal products from the 2020 crop and higher volumes and average selling prices for commodity yellow pea.





, an increase of , or 34%. Excluding the contribution from the barley operations, which was sold in , revenues grew 80% The performance in the quarter includes the introductory year of proprietary high protein soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal products from the 2020 crop and higher volumes and average selling prices for commodity yellow pea. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was a loss of $5.3 million , an increase in loss by $3.1 million . The introduction of new products, startup costs for the acquired soy crush facility, and higher research and development costs to support existing and future products impacted year over year results.

Fresh Segment

Revenues for the segment were $8.8 million , a decrease of $2.1 million , or 19%. The decline in revenue was primarily driven by lower average selling prices and sales volumes. The U.S. produce industry continues to have an oversupply condition as a result of higher regional and ex-U.S. crop yields.





, a decrease of , or 19%. The decline in revenue was primarily driven by lower average selling prices and sales volumes. The U.S. produce industry continues to have an oversupply condition as a result of higher regional and ex-U.S. crop yields. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.4 million , which was a decline of $0.9 million .

Innovation and Technology Initiatives

Benson Hill opened its state-of-the-art, technology enabled Crop Accelerator facility on time and under budget. The Crop Accelerator aims to help reduce lead times associated with crop innovation by doubling the plant growth cycles per year. The facility is also expected to provide a more than twenty-fold expansion in testing capacity and incorporate automation and imaging capabilities. This advances the Company's breeding programs, particularly in soybean and yellow pea, and is expected to generate additional proprietary data streams for incorporation into the predictive and simulation capabilities in the CropOS technology platform. The Crop Accelerator is an example of Benson Hill's ability to rethink the product development process to increase efficiency and speed to market for current product improvements and contribute to the development of future innovations planned for its proprietary ingredient pipeline.

Business Execution Update

The harvest of the 2021 proprietary soybean crop is nearly complete with extensive data collection of protein, yield, phenotypes, soybean composition, soil health, and other variables. These data streams will help us work with farmers to optimize their profitability and sustainability on farm. The data is also expected to enhance the CropOS technology platform at the field level, which is helping to refine farmer contracting plans for the 2022 planting season. The Company is currently contracting acres for 2022 with a large proportion of Ultra-High Protein acres already committed by farmers.

In addition, Benson Hill commenced operations of its soy crush facility in Seymour, Indiana. The facility was acquired to help enable the planned commercialization of its proprietary soybean portfolio. The Company made investments for the startup of the facility and plans further upgrades for dependable and cost-effective soy crushing. The integrated business model for soy is a critical component to deliver on the rapidly growing demand for plant-based protein ingredients.

Consolidated Nine Month 2021 Highlights as Compared to The Same Period of 2020

Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures can be found on page 9.

Revenues were $103.5 million , an increase of $12.7 million , or 14%. Revenues increased 33% excluding $13.0 million in revenues from the barley business sold in October of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by sales of proprietary soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal, higher average selling prices on yellow peas and higher sales volumes of fresh produce. Partially offsetting these increases was the impact of lower average selling prices of fresh produce.





, an increase of , or 14%. Revenues increased 33% excluding in revenues from the barley business sold in October of 2020. The increase was primarily driven by sales of proprietary soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal, higher average selling prices on yellow peas and higher sales volumes of fresh produce. Partially offsetting these increases was the impact of lower average selling prices of fresh produce. Gross profit and gross profit margin were $0.9 million and 1%, respectively. The positive impact from the favorable market for yellow pea ingredient was offset by lower average selling prices for fresh product, higher than planned transportation costs, initial startup costs of the soy crush facility, and losses generated by the commercial launch of the proprietary soy products. The company incurred a one-time $2.8 million excess freight expense during the second quarter to ship seeds from South America for the planting season. In the prior year, the barley operation generated $2.0 million in gross profit. Excluding these non-recurring items, adjusted gross profit was $3.7 million , a decline of $4.4 million . Gross profit margins excluding the excess freight costs were 3.6%.





and 1%, respectively. The positive impact from the favorable market for yellow pea ingredient was offset by lower average selling prices for fresh product, higher than planned transportation costs, initial startup costs of the soy crush facility, and losses generated by the commercial launch of the proprietary soy products. The company incurred a one-time excess freight expense during the second quarter to ship seeds from for the planting season. In the prior year, the barley operation generated in gross profit. Excluding these non-recurring items, adjusted gross profit was , a decline of . Gross profit margins excluding the excess freight costs were 3.6%. Reported net loss was $84.0 million compared to a loss of $41.8 million . Net loss includes $18.2 million for transaction and public company costs related to the business combination with Star Peak Corp II and acquisitions.





compared to a loss of . Net loss includes for transaction and public company costs related to the business combination with Star Peak Corp II and acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $50.8 million compared to a loss of $29.7 million .





compared to a loss of . Cash on hand was $257 million as of September 30, 2021 .

Webcast

A webcast of the conference call will begin at 8:30 am ET today. The link to participate is available here.

About Benson Hill

Benson Hill moves food forward with the CropOS platform, a cutting-edge food innovation engine that combines data science and machine learning with biology and genetics. Benson Hill empowers innovators to unlock nature's genetic diversity from plant to plate, with the purpose of creating nutritious, great-tasting food and ingredient options that are both widely accessible and sustainable. More information can be found at bensonhill.com or on Twitter at @bensonhillinc.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this press release, the Company includes non-GAAP performance measures. The Company generally uses these non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate management's financial and operational decision-making, including evaluation of the Company's historical operating results. The Company's management believes these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating the Company's operating performance and are similar measures reported by publicly listed U.S. competitors, and regularly used by securities analysts, institutional investors, and other interested parties in analyzing operating performance and prospects. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company's operations that, when viewed with GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures, may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company's business. By providing these non-GAAP measures, the Company's management intends to provide investors with a meaningful, consistent comparison of the Company's performance for the periods presented. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company's definition of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly titled measures of performance used by other companies in other industries or within the same industry.

Because non-GAAP financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the Company's reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the Company's consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and the Company's definition of these non-GAAP measures is included in the tables accompanying this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or the Company's future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding financial or other information based upon or otherwise incorporating judgments or estimates relating to future performance, events or expectations; our strategies and plans for growth; expectations about our future positioning, resources, and capabilities; estimates and forecasts of financial and other performance metrics; projections of market opportunity; other expectations regarding our future performance; and financial and other guidance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "intend," "will," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," or similar words. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions made by us as of the date hereof and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, our ability to achieve anticipated benefits of recent business combinations, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and achieve growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers, and retain its management and key employees; our ability to execute our business plans; our transition to becoming a public company; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward looking statements will be achieved. There may be additional risks that we presently does not know or that we currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We expressly disclaim any duty to update these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law.

Contacts

Investors: Ruben Mella: (314) 714-6313 / [email protected]

Media: Melanie Bernds: (314) 605-6363 / [email protected]

Benson Hill, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Thousands)



September 30,

2021

December 31,

20

(Unaudited)



Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 257,036



$ 9,743

Marketable securities 

100,334 Accounts receivable, net 11,595

14,271 Inventories, net 22,422

13,040 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,627

3,061 Total current assets 301,680

140,449 Property and equipment, net 64,952

31,624 Right of use asset, net 32,628

34,117 Goodwill and intangible assets, net 25,967

24,083 Other assets 1,514

1,512 Total assets $ 426,741



$ 231,785







September 30,

2021

December 31,

20

(Unaudited)



Liabilities and stockholders' equity





Current liabilities:





Accounts payable $ 23,391



$ 16,128

Revolving line of credit 





Current lease liability 1,961



1,627

Current maturities of long-term debt 1,872



5,466

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,881



12,315

Total current liabilities 50,105



35,536

Long-term debt 9,317



24,344

Long-term lease liability 33,831



33,982

Warrant liabilities 43,541



5,241

Total liabilities 136,794



$ 99,103

Stockholders' equity:





Redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000 and 105,922 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 





Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 440,000 and 128,467 shares authorized, 178,059 and 108,697 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 18



11

Additional paid-in capital 528,640



287,318

Accumulated deficit (238,363)



(154,322)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (348)



(325)

Total stockholders' equity 289,947



132,682

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 426,741



$ 231,785



Benson Hill, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In Thousands, Except Per Share Information)



Three Months

Ended September 30,

Nine Months

Ended September 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020 Revenues $ 32,000



$ 28,202



$ 103,494



$ 90,816

Cost of sales 31,591



26,895



102,546



80,620

Gross profit 409



1,307



948



10,196

Operating expenses:













Research and development 10,458



6,758



26,403



21,524

Selling, general and administrative expenses 28,076



9,170



57,570



24,633

Total operating expenses 38,534



15,928



83,973



46,157

Loss from operations (38,125)



(14,621)



(83,025)



(35,961)

Other (income) expense:













Interest expense, net 1,498



2,580



4,033



5,009

Loss on extinguishment of debt 11,742







11,742





Change in fair value of warrants (15,244)



(141)



(12,525)



738

Other (income) expense, net (2,065)



(119)



(2,453)



61

Total other (income) expense, net (4,069)



2,320



797



5,808

Net loss before income tax (34,056)



(16,941)



(83,822)



(41,769)

Income tax expense 218







218





Net loss $ (34,274)



$ (16,941)



$ (84,040)



$ (41,769)

Net loss per common share:













Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.29)



$ (0.19)



$ (0.71)



$ (0.51)

Weighted average shares outstanding:













Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 118,709



90,752



117,714



81,940



Benson Hill, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) (In Thousands)



Three Months Ended

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2021

2020

2021

2020 Net loss $ (34,274)



$ (16,941)



$ (84,040)



$ (41,769)

Foreign currency:













Comprehensive income (loss) 31



(211)



30



(454)

Marketable securities:













Comprehensive (loss) income (121)



(116)



150



(225)

Adjustment for net income (losses) realized in net loss 144



(8)



(203)



162

Total other comprehensive income (loss) 54



(335)



(23)



(517)

Total comprehensive loss $ (34,220)



$ (17,276)



$ (84,063)



$ (42,286)



Benson Hill, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In Thousands)



Nine Months Ended September 30,

2021

2020 Operating activities





Net loss $ (84,040)



$ (41,769)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:





Depreciation and amortization 8,460



5,346

Share-based compensation expense 2,769



751

Bad debt expense 184



71

Change in fair value of warrants (12,525)



738

Amortization related to financing activities 1,329



1,912

Loss on extinguishment of debt 11,742





Other 1,766



224

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Accounts receivable 2,492



1,544

Inventories (5,450)



(1,190)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (7,567)



(792)

Accounts payable 3,917



(5,920)

Accrued expenses 3,340



3,074

Net cash used in operating activities (73,583)



(36,011)

Investing activities





Purchases of marketable securities (100,278)



(92,900)

Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 2,155



2,500

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 198,195



48,514

Payments for acquisitions of property and equipment (26,603)



(6,798)

Payments made in connection with business acquisitions (10,853)





Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 62,616



(48,684)

Financing activities





Net contributions from Merger and PIPE financing, net of transaction costs of $34,940 285,378





Payments for extinguishment of debt (43,082)





Principal payments on debt (3,917)



(1,629)

Proceeds from issuance of debt 19,816



24,534

Borrowing under revolving line of credit 20,464



21,473

Repayments under revolving line of credit (20,464)



(19,822)

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of costs 



80,503

Repayments of financing lease obligations (600)



(80)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants 635



62

Net cash provided by financing activities 258,230



105,041

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 30



(454)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 247,293



19,892

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 9,743



2,616

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 257,036



$ 22,508

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information





Cash paid for taxes $ 30



$ 

Cash paid for interest $ 4,782



$ 3,117

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities





Issuance of stock warrants $ 4,551



$ 4,580

Conversion of warrants upon Merger $ 4,576



$ 

Warrants acquired in Merger $ 50,850



$ 

Merger transaction costs included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 4,231



$ 

Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 4,123



$ 1,086

Business acquisition purchase price included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 3,714



$ 

Financing leases $ 735



$ 33,523



Benson Hill, Inc.

Supplemental Schedules - Segment Information and Non-GAAP Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

The Company defines and calculates adjusted EBITDA as earnings (loss) from continuing operations before net interest expense, income tax provision and depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation, and the impact of significant non-recurring items.

The Company defines and calculates adjusted revenue as revenue as determined under GAAP, excluding revenues of $4.4 million and $13.0 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively contributed from the barley operation sold in October 2020.

The Company defines and calculates adjusted gross profit as gross profit as determined under GAAP, excluding (i) gross margins of $0.7 million and $2.0 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020, respectively, contributed from the barley operation sold in October 2020 and (ii) one-time excess freight costs of $2.8 million incurred in the second quarter of 2021 to ship seeds from South America.



Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended September 30, 2021





Fresh $ 8,812



$ (2,402)

Ingredients 23,129



(5,292)

Unallocated and other 59



(12,450)

Total segment results $ 32,000



$ (20,144)



Adjustments to reconcile consolidated loss from operations to adjusted EBITDA:

Consolidated loss from operations







$ (38,125)

Depreciation and amortization







3,030

Stock-based compensation







1,413

Other nonrecurring costs, including acquisition costs







741

Merger transaction costs







11,693

Non-recurring public company readiness costs







1,104

Total Adjusted EBITDA







$ (20,144)







Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA Three Months Ended September 30, 2020





Fresh $ 10,900



$ (1,533)

Ingredients 17,254



(2,159)

Unallocated and other 48



(8,295)

Total segment results $ 28,202



$ (11,987)



Adjustments to reconcile consolidated loss from operations to adjusted EBITDA:

Consolidated loss from operations







$ (14,621)

Depreciation and amortization







2,317

Stock-based compensation







247

Other nonrecurring costs, including acquisition costs







70

Total Adjusted EBITDA







$ (11,987)







Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021





Fresh $ 43,282



$ (2,574)

Ingredients 60,048



(18,489)

Unallocated and other 164



(29,702)

Total segment results $ 103,494



$ (50,765)



Adjustments to reconcile consolidated loss from operations to adjusted EBITDA:

Consolidated loss from operations







$ (83,025)

Depreciation and amortization







8,460

Stock-based compensation







2,769

Other nonrecurring costs, including acquisition costs







1,268

South America seed production costs







2,805

Merger transaction costs







11,693

Non-recurring public company readiness costs







5,265

Total Adjusted EBITDA







$ (50,765)







Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020





Fresh $ 42,845



$ 940

Ingredients 46,808



(6,784)

Unallocated and other 1,163



(23,891)

Total segment results $ 90,816



$ (29,735)



Adjustments to reconcile consolidated loss from operations to adjusted EBITDA:

Consolidated loss from operations







$ (35,961)

Depreciation and amortization







5,346

Stock-based compensation







751

Other nonrecurring costs, including acquisition costs







129

Total Adjusted EBITDA







$ (29,735)







SOURCE Benson Hill

Related Links

bensonhill.com


AURORA, Ill., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BERNINA of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, is proud to announce their Red is The New Black Friday Sale. Starting on November 19 through November 30, customers will be able to access specials deals on a variety of BERNINA and bernette machines. They will also be able to get 0% interest for 60 months on purchases on $3,000 or more if they use a BERNINA Credit Card.



BERNINA of America Announces Special Black Friday Deals

"BERNINA is ready to paint the town red this holiday season," said Paul Ashworth, President of BERNINA of America. "We are thrilled to offer a new generation of sewists who have yet to experience the quality and craftmanship of a BERNINA or bernette machine the opportunity to purchase one at a reduced price. We are confident whichever machine you choose, it will inspire endless amounts of creativity for years to come."

BERNINA's Black Friday sale will give customers the opportunity to buy a bernette 64 AIRLOCK, bernette 77 or BERNINA 325 for $999. MSRP for these machines is between $1,299 and $1,749. Customers can also purchase a bernette 33 for $199 ($309 MSRP) and a BERNINA 480 for $1,999 ($3,149 MSRP). These deals will be available at your local BERNINA Dealer starting November 19-30.

Starting on November 19, these deals will be available at your local BERNINA Dealer.

For more information on BERNINA, please visit BERNINA.com.

About BERNINA



BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer of quality state-of-the-art sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, overlockers and embroidery software. Since being founded over 125 years ago, BERNINA has maintained a strong commitment to serving the creative community. This dedication threads through the swiss precision found in every machine, the training and education available through our over 400 fully trained independent BERNINA Dealers and the endless tutorials and content shared on BERNINA's blog and social media channels. BERNINA products are designed for beginning to advanced sewists and priced to meet a variety of budgets, with new products being introduced every year. Shop for BERNINA products online or buy directly from your nearest BERNINA Dealer. Follow BERNINA on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. BERNINA's sister machine, bernette, can be found on Instagram. You can also find helpful tips and tutorials for every skill level on BERNINA's Blog, WeAllSew.

Media Contact

Tyler Rabel

Two by Four

[email protected]

(312) 445-4728

SOURCE BERNINA of America

Related Links

http://BERNINA.com


NEW YORK and IOWA CITY, Iowa and LONGMONT, Colo., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Buffalo 3D, Alquist, and Revive Hemp Industries have committed to a collaboration, leveraging sustainable materials and joint R&D to create a structural hemp-based 3D construction ink. The group's mission is to introduce a greener alternative to traditional building materials  used for infrastructure, housing, and commercial applications. The joint venture begins at the farm with technology that creates a supply of industrialized hemp ingredients. Initial experiments with industrialized hemp have uncovered an ability to sequester tons of carbon with the potential to be a net-zero environmentally-friendly alternative to cement.

Black Buffalo 3D | Alquist | Revive Hemp Industries Black Buffalo 3D, Revive Hemp and Alquist intend to create a structural hemp-based concrete that will offer structural properties not found in existing hempcrete. With the goal of 3D printing plant-based structural walls and components that will be used in place of lumber and cement-based products.

Black Buffalo 3D is the manufacturer of large-scale, 3D construction printers that are capable of printing structural components and buildings one-to-four stories high, as well as construction ink. Its materials science division is committed to standardizing innovative construction materials and 3D inks to increase the acceptance of safe and sustainable 3D construction printing.

"Black Buffalo 3D is committed to increasing the adoption of 3D printers in construction, and helping its clients provide consumers with a more affordable and sustainable approach to meeting housing and infrastructure demand," states Michael Woods, CEO/COO of Black Buffalo 3D, a Big Sun Holdings Group company.

Alquist specializes in creating affordable housing throughout the United States. As one of the first companies to adopt 3D construction printing, they have taken the technology from concept to application by printing homes for families in Virginia, and they have hundreds more on the horizon.

Zachary Mannheimer, founder and CEO of Alquist adds, "Alquist continues to build on its reputation of providing affordable home solutions by leveraging large-scale 3D construction printers. Working with Revive and Black Buffalo, we believe that by introducing hemp into our homes, we'll not only strengthen the wall systems, but also the home itself will sequester carbon every day, contributing to greener construction."

Revive Hemp Industries provides the highest-quality, cost-effective, processed American industrial hemp. Revive will supply materials to be studied and integrated into a new form of sustainable ink, which can replace cement-based concrete used in 3D printing and traditional construction projects.

"The Revive Hemp team is excited to contribute to creating another excellent industrial hemp application, in particular for affordable, high-quality housing, which is so badly needed around the world today. The versatility, strength, and natural qualities of the hemp plant, combined with its ability to offset carbon, have the potential to change the construction industry on a massive scale," explained John Rose, Founder of Revive Hemp Industries.

The companies will form a green box solutiona perfect trifecta of hemp processing, construction ink development and printingthat begins at the farm level creating jobs, training opportunities and innovation with the potential to change the world. Follow each company for progress and updates as they dedicate time and resources to printing a smarter and more sustainable society.

Black Buffalo 3D Corporation (www.bb3d.io) is a leading provider of 3D construction printers and construction ink. Its commitment to R&D, education, and standardization will help create a more sustainable future and evolve the construction industry. NexCon printers are available now.

Revive Hemp Industries (www.revivehempindustries.com) exists to help clean up the planet, and it does so by leveraging its proprietary milling technology to process industrial hemp in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Alquist (https://www.alquist3d.com/about-us) creates affordable housing communities by leveraging 3D print technology and exceptional design, focusing on rural America. Alquist uses 3D and other technologies to introduce cost-effective ways to build housing units. Its committed to working toward net-zero home building without sacrificing efficiency, safety, or affordability.

Media Contacts

Peter Cooperman

Black Buffalo 3D Corporation

[email protected]

(646) 491-9860

Alquist

[email protected]

Revive Hemp

[email protected]

SOURCE Black Buffalo 3D
Announces Director Resignation

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - BlueRush Inc. ("BlueRush" or the "Company") (TSXV: BTV) (OTCQB: BTVRF), an emerging personalized video Software as a Service (SaaS) company, is pleased to announce today that it has retained the services of Independent Trading Group (ITG), Inc. ("ITG") to provide market making (liquidity and stability) for the Company's listed shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

ITG is dedicated specifically to professional trading. ITG employs real traders, the latest in trading technology and risk management tools and in-depth market structure expertise. ITG, a Proprietary Trading and Market Making firm, is a member of IIROC, CIPF, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Canadian Securities Exchange. ITG provides various services such as Price Discovery and Market Making for Traders, Marketplaces and Issuers. ITG operates out of two offices in the Greater Toronto Area (Ontario, Canada). For further information regarding ITG, please visit ITG's website at https://independent-trading-group.com.

The fees incurred by BlueRush in consideration for the services provided by ITG consist of cash consideration of $5,000 per month, effective November 5, 2021, and each month thereafter during the initial three-month term. The term will renew for subsequent one month terms, at $5,000 per month, unless either party provides 30 days written notice prior to the end of a term.

BlueRush and ITG act at arm's length, and ITG has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in BlueRush or its securities. The fee paid by BlueRush to ITG is for services only. The engagement of ITG by BlueRush is subject to approval of the Exchange.

Company also announces the resignation of Michael Beckerman as a director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Beckerman for all of his efforts and commitment to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

About BlueRush

BlueRush develops and markets IndiVideo, a disruptive, award-winning interactive personalized video platform that drives return on investment throughout the customer lifecycle, from increased conversions to more engaging statements and customer care. IndiVideo enables BlueRush clients to capture knowledge and data from their customers' video interaction, creating new and compelling data driven customer insights. For more information visit: http://www.bluerush.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.

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "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, and current 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. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. These factors include, without limitation: changes in law; the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities; state of the capital markets; the availability of funds and resources to pursue operations; a novel business model; dependence on key suppliers and local partners; competition; the outcome and cost of any litigation; the general impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; as well as general economic, market and business conditions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in disclosure documents filed by the Company 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.

SOURCE BlueRush Inc.

Related Links

bluerush.com


Update on Michigan Development, Arkansas Cultivation and FY2021 Financials

LAS VEGAS and VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state operator focused on limited license markets, is pleased to report Body and Mind branded products are available in Ohio and provide an update on operations in Michigan and Arkansas.

FY2021 Year End Financials

The Company anticipates reporting FY2021 (period ending July 31, 2021) year end financials on or before Thursday November 18th. The Company has an earnings call scheduled for Friday, November 19th and please see conference call dial in details at the end of this release.

Body and Mind Expands Branded Products to Ohio

The new Ohio processing facility is located next to the Body and Mind dispensary west of Cleveland and has been designed to produce popular Body and Mind concentrates using hydrocarbon extraction as well as edibles and oils. "We are excited to have the first of many SKU's in the Ohio market as our team brings years of experience with a wide range of hydrocarbon extraction products," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "We designed the production facility as a top-of-the-line hydrocarbon facility to give the largest breadth of extraction products and we are in the process for approval of a full range of products to service the growing Ohio medical market. As early entrants to the Ohio market, our team has a deep understanding of consumer trends in the state and we look forward to the addition of our award winning concentrates, oils and edibles."

Michigan Development

The Body and Mind dispensary in Muskegon, Michigan is moving quickly through renovation of a pre-existing bank building located on a well trafficked thoroughfare with significant parking. The Company has hired a general manager for the location and training has commenced. The Body and Mind branded dispensary is anticipated to be operational in late 2021 or early 2022.

The Company has received building permits for phase 1 of the cultivation and production facility and is in the final stages of contractor selection and ordering long lead items. The cultivation and production facilities have received local approval and state pre-approval for a 25,000 square foot cultivation and 5,000 square foot production facilities within the same existing building. The Company anticipates commencing construction shortly with construction plans for 25,000 square feet of cultivation to be built in phase 2.

Arkansas Cultivation

Comprehensive Care Group and BaM have commenced the first cultivation harvest at the West Memphis location and anticipate Body and Mind branded flower to be available in Arkansas before the end of November. "We are excited to bring Body and Mind quality flower to the state of Arkansas and look forward to producing many new strains in the near future," stated Trip Hoffman, COO of Body and Mind. The cultivation facility is designed to produce enough flower to supply the Body and Mind dispensary as well as generate revenue from wholesales.

FY2021 Year End Conference Call Details

The Company will be hosting earnings call on Friday, November 19th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.

Participants can dial 1-888-664-6392 or 416-764-8659 and use confirmation number 13970998.

A replay of the conference call will be available at 1-888-390-0541 until November 26, 2021. Please use replay number 970998 #

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, Ohio and Michigan and is dedicated to increasing shareholder value by focusing 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

www.bodyandmind.com


PANNINGEN, Netherlands, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bruynzeel Storage Systems, the European market leader in space-saving storage systems, has equipped the new storage facility of the famous British Science Museum with its storage systems. The contract for the new National Collection Centre in Swindon is worth more than 1.5M. Bruynzeel is the world's leading supplier of storage systems for museums. The company is a supplier to Boijmans Van Beuningen, Centre Pompidou, Louvre, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. Bruynzeel has its head office and factory in Panningen, The Netherlands.

New depot Science Museum

Founded in 1857, the Science Museum is one of the largest science and technology museums in the world. The collection includes an important part of scientific, technological and medical achievements from across the globe. The Science Museum shared their former Blythe House depot in West London with the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum. However, the government decided to change the purpose of the building a few years ago and this meant that the collections had to be moved.

Storage of 300,000 objects

A total of 300,000 objects will be stored in the new depot, the National Collection Centre in Swindon. To house this extensive collection, Bruynzeel has supplied fixed storage systems from its product range. This involves a total length of 33 kilometres shelving. The Bruynzeel systems store, among other things, small and large objects, small samples, paintings, large collections of plans and drawings. The building has an area of 27,000m.

Sustainability is at the heart of the new depot, which is the Group's most energy efficient building of the Science Museum Group. In addition, the energy generation largely takes place by means of solar energy, one of the largest solar parks in the country has been built on the site. By opting for a highly insulated and airtight building, there are optimal environmental conditions for the valuable and partly centuries-old collection.

Opening in 2024

The new facility is due to open for public tours, school and research visits from early 2024. Relocation of the 300,000 objects of the Science Museum has already started.

Publicly accessible depots

Bruynzeel strives to open up museum depots to the public - increasingly with the aid of its smart mobile systems. On average 90-95% of the collection is located in depots and until recently these were almost without exception hardly accessible to the public.

Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp and Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam are at the forefront of this development worldwide. Bruynzeel has contributed to the development of publicly accessible depots for both museums. Numerous international museums have already shown an interest in this concept at Bruynzeel.

About Bruynzeel Storage Systems

Bruynzeel Storage Systems is the market leader in the European market for intelligent and space saving storage systems in the archive, library and museum segments. The company from the Netherlands is also growing rapidly in storage solutions in pharma, horticulture, industry, retail, urban farming and hospitals. Space is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive internationally and with the help of space-saving, mobile storage systems, usage of space can be realized much cheaper, faster and more sustainably than, for example, new construction.

Bruynzeel Storage Systems was founded in 1953 as part of the Bruynzeel group that grew into bathrooms, doors, cabinets, kitchens, floors and pencils. Bruynzeel Storage Systems has been privatized since the 1980s. With its 'best-in-class' production process, it is able to realize storage systems with high-quality design and quality within the fastest production and delivery times.

In addition to its own offices in Europe and the United States, the company operates through an extensive network of distributors in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, North America, Australia and Asia. All systems are produced in the factory in Panningen, the Netherlands. The company has more than 200 employees and often collaborates with architects and designers to design custom-made mobile and fixed storage systems for each application.

Since August 2021, the Dutch private equity firm Gilde Equity Management (GEM) has a majority stake in the company. With roots dating back to 1982, GEM is a leading investor in medium-sized companies in the Benelux with  1.5 billion in committed capital.

With the support of Gilde Bruynzeel will accelerate the execution of its international growth strategy by further gaining market share, growing through geographical expansion, by developing new promising segments and by leading in sustainability. Besides autonomous growth, acquisitions in key geographies and segments are part of the growth strategy.

SOURCE Bruynzeel
GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union, in partnership with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, invites you to make a difference in a child's life this holiday season by participating in its Holiday Toy Drive.

Through December 17th, California Credit Union encourages community members to drop off a new, unwrapped toy to any of its branch locations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Donations needed include toys or gifts appropriate for any age, up to 17 years old. All gifts will be distributed during the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club annual holiday celebration on December 21st. A complete list of California Credit Union locations is available here.

"We hope everyone will pick up an extra gift during their early holiday shopping and drop it off at a branch to help us make the holidays bright for all the kids and families participating in Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club programs," said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. "The holidays are a challenging time for many, and simply adding one gift to your list can bring holiday magic to a child's life. Together, we can make sure the holidays are a special, joy-filled time for the children in our community."

This year, the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club plans to distribute over 600 holiday gifts to the Club families it serves in communities across Northeast Los Angeles. The organization's mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, care and responsible members of the community. Throughout the pandemic, it has provided weekly food distribution to anyone in need, as well as helped children and teens access technology, complete schoolwork and receive tutoring. Classes for teens include gang prevention, Relationship Smarts, social interaction, wellness, the arts, and physical fitness. For more information about the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, please visit labgc.org.

More information about California Credit Union's Holiday Toy Drive can be found here.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Visit ccu.com for more information, or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion.

SOURCE California Credit Union

Related Links

http://www.ccu.com


Participants may enter the Spiritaneous giveaway between 8-8:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 17, near Spirit's counter in Concourse J, inside Door 33 on the first floor. Nineteen pairs of winners will be selected at random and can fly to most nonstop destinations that Spirit serves from MIA on Nov. 17.

Spirit Airlines Nonstop Routes from MIA







Destination: Start Date: Destination: Start Date:

Atlantic City (ACY) Oct. 6 Detroit (DTW) Nov. 17

Atlanta (ATL)* Oct. 6 Hartford-Bradley (BDL) Nov. 17

Baltimore (BWI) Oct. 6 Houston (IAH)* Nov. 17

Bogota (BOG)* Oct. 7 Myrtle Beach (MYR) Nov. 17

Guatemala City (GUA)* Oct. 7 New York LaGuardia (LGA) Nov. 17

Medellin (MDE) Oct. 6 Orlando (MCO)* Nov. 17

Newark (EWR) Oct. 6 Philadelphia (PHL)* Nov. 17

Santo Domingo (SDQ)* Oct. 6 Raleigh-Durham (RDU) Nov. 17

Las Vegas (LAS)* Nov. 16 San Juan (SJU) * Nov. 17

Barranquilla (BAQ)* Nov. 17 San Pedro Sula (SAP)* Nov. 18

Boston (BOS) Nov. 17 Tegucigalpa-Palmerola (XPL)** Nov. 24

Cali (CLO)* Nov. 17 Minneapolis (MSP)* Jan. 7

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) Nov. 17 San Jose, C.R. (SJO)* Jan. 7

Cleveland (CLE) Nov. 17 San Salvador (SAL)* Feb. 17

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Nov. 17 St. Thomas (STT) * Feb. 17

Denver (DEN) * Nov. 17





















*Not eligible for contest due to early time of flight on Nov. 17, start date, or entry requirements ** Pending government approval

"We're thrilled to continue growing Spirit's presence at MIA and help our Guests get where they want to be with the launch of these 19 new routes," said Lania Rittenhouse, Vice President of Guest Experience & Brand. "The best part of this celebration is all the fun we're going to have along the way with Spiritaneous. In addition to a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets for the adventure of a lifetime, every Spiritaneous contestant will receive 1,000 Free Spirit bonus points when they sign up for the Free Spirit loyalty program to help get them on their way to their next flight faster."

Contest rules

Click here to view full contest rules.

Promotion only applies to nonstop flights departing MIA between 11:40 a.m. EST and 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 17, 2021 .

applies to nonstop flights departing MIA on . Roundtrip tickets include one checked bag and one carry-on bag (taxes and fees included).

Contestants limited to one contest entry per person.

Guests must be present in contest area near Spirit's counter located at the arrival level of Concourse J, inside of Door 33, on the day of the event to qualify. Guests must submit their entry form between 8 a.m. EST and 8:30 a.m. EST . The individual drawings for 19 pairs of tickets will start at 8:45 a.m.

. The individual drawings for 19 pairs of tickets will start at Parking in the Flamingo Garage is closest access to Spirit's ticket counters in Concourse J.

Guests must come with their bags packed and ready to go.

Winners must show required government identification and applicable vaccination/testing documentation at the time of booking.

Travelers must review travel-related requirements for the destination they plan to visit and the requirements for reentry back into the U.S. before their flight is booked. For more information on entry or re-entry requirements, please click here and scroll down to the "Travel Requirements" section.

the requirements for reentry back into the U.S. before their flight is booked. For more information on entry or re-entry requirements, please click here and scroll down to the "Travel Requirements" section. Airlines and airports remain subject to federal law requiring Guests to wear an appropriate face covering at airports and on flights.

About Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments and refreshments  something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com.

SOURCE Spirit Airlines, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.spirit.com


MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cano Health, Inc. (NYSE: CANO), a leading value-based primary care provider for seniors and underserved communities, today announced it will participate in the Wolfe Research Virtual Healthcare Conference on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Dr. Marlow Hernandez will participate in a virtual fireside chat at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

The appearance will be webcast live, and can be accessed at https://wolferesearch.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BSqGOCiLTt--1ZxCclxmrg.

Related presentation materials will be available at investors.canohealth.com.

About Cano Health

Cano Health operates value-based primary care medical centers and supports affiliated medical practices that specialize in primary care for seniors in Florida, Texas, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, California, Illinois, and Puerto Rico, with additional markets in development. As part of its care coordination strategy, Cano Health provides sophisticated, high-touch population health management programs including telehealth, prescription home delivery, wellness programs, transition of care, and high-risk and complex care management.

Cano Health's personalized patient care and proactive approach to wellness and preventive care sets it apart from competitors. Cano Health has consistently improved clinical outcomes while reducing costs, affording patients the opportunity to lead longer and healthier lives. Cano Health serves a predominantly minority population (80% of its patients are Latino or African American) and low-income population (50% of its members are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid). For more information visit www.canohealth.com or www.canohealth.com/investors/.

Investor Relations Contacts:



Alan Oshiki or Sydney Isaacs

Abernathy MacGregor

(212) 371-5999 / (713) 817-9346

[email protected] / [email protected]

Media Relations Contact:



Patricia Graue

Brunswick Group

(212) 333-3810

[email protected]

SOURCE Cano Health, Inc.

Related Links

https://canohealth.com


CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The era of remote work will allow many Americans to spend more time with family this Thanksgiving weekend. With increased flexibility, 65% of remote or hybrid workers will drive over flying to their destinations this holiday and are staying longer than usual, according to a national survey by Cars.comTM (NYSE: CARS), a leading car shopping marketplace. Overall, 57% of Americans plan to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, with 84% choosing to drive. In fact, of those planning to drive, 1 in 4 say they originally booked a flight but canceled due to factors beyond their control, such as rising rental car prices and flight disruptions.1

"With more companies turning to permanent remote or hybrid schedules for American workers coupled with ongoing pandemic concerns, holiday travel decisions are shifting and providing a more compelling reason to drive personal vehicles over other forms of transportation," said Mike Hanley, Cars.com senior editor. "For many, the lower costs, increased flexibility and added convenience are enough to tip the scale in favor of road trips this holiday season."

Additional insights revealed by Cars.com's survey on Thanksgiving travel include:

More flexibility, more distance traveled. With more time to travel and a willingness to venture farther from home, more than half of respondents (58%) plan to travel farther this year for Thanksgiving than they did last year. The most popular region for travel is the South (36%).





With more time to travel and a willingness to venture farther from home, more than half of respondents (58%) plan to travel farther this year for Thanksgiving than they did last year. The most popular region for travel is the South (36%). Thanksgiving rush hour peaks the weekend before. With the ability to work away from the office now an option for many Americans, nearly half of respondents (48%) plan to leave the weekend prior to Thanksgiving (Friday through Sunday).





With the ability to work away from the office now an option for many Americans, nearly half of respondents (48%) plan to leave the weekend prior to Thanksgiving (Friday through Sunday). Precious cargo also plays a role for drivers. For drivers with children, 65% say they plan to road-trip due to increased convenience that personal transportation provides, such as with car seats. Nearly 80% of respondents are pet owners and 39% of them will bring their pets along. Another 18% of pet owners said they typically fly but are now driving in order to bring along their animal companions.

To learn more about the recent Thanksgiving travel survey, great deals and other car-buying tips and tricks, please visit Cars.com/news .

1Cars.com's survey results Nov. 1, 2021; 1,010 responses

About Cars.com

CARS is a leading digital marketplace and solutions provider for the automotive industry that connects car shoppers with sellers. Launched in 1998 with the flagship marketplace site Cars.com and headquartered in Chicago, the Company empowers shoppers with the data, resources and digital tools needed to make informed buying decisions and seamlessly connect with automotive retailers. In a rapidly changing market, CARS enables dealerships and OEMs with innovative technical solutions and data-driven intelligence to better reach and influence ready-to-buy shoppers, increase inventory turn and gain market share.

In addition to Cars.com, CARS brands include Dealer Inspire, a technology provider building solutions that future-proof dealerships with more efficient operations and connected digital experiences; FUEL, which gives dealers and OEMs the opportunity to harness the untapped power of digital video by leveraging Cars.com's pure audience of in-market car shoppers, and DealerRater, a leading car dealer review and reputation management platform.

The full suite of CARS brands include Cars.com , Dealer Inspire , FUEL , DealerRater , Auto.com , PickupTrucks.com  and NewCars.com . For more information, visit www.Cars.com .

SOURCE Cars.com Inc.

Related Links

https://www.cars.com


Planned transaction builds on Cboe's footprint in North America , adding a registered Canadian securities exchange with diverse product set

, adding a registered Canadian securities exchange with diverse product set Next step in Cboe's pursuit to build one of the world's largest global securities and derivatives trading networks to service diverse customer needs

Deal is expected to close in the first half of 2022, pending regulatory review

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of global market infrastructure and tradable products, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aequitas Innovations, Inc., more commonly known as NEO1, a fintech organization that comprises of a fully registered Tier-1 Canadian securities exchange with a diverse product and services set ranging from corporate listings to cash equity trading.

Ownership of NEO will help allow Cboe to provide a more fulsome Canadian equities offering, operating the NEO Exchange, a national securities exchange with trading, listings and other services, in addition to MATCHNow, the alternative trading system (ATS) acquired by Cboe in 2020. This strengthened offering is expected to drive more trading activity on Cboe markets and improve efficiencies and opportunities for investors and capital-raisers in both Canada and the U.S.

Fully operational since 2015, the NEO Exchange is a Toronto-based Canadian stock exchange operator with business lines across listings, trading and market data. Its sister company, NEO Connect, provides a distribution platform supporting mutual funds, private funds and private corporates. With ownership of the MATCHNow and NEO businesses, Cboe will be able to provide a comprehensive equities platform for the Canadian markets with over 16.5% combined market share expected at close2, market data feeds, access services, listings and distribution services for non-listed securities.

Ed Tilly, Chairman, President and CEO of Cboe Global Markets, said: "Adding NEO to the Cboe network better enables us to create a first-class equities offering in Canada, bolstering our global markets in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, and bringing us one step closer to our vision of building one of the world's largest global derivatives and securities trading networks. With MATCHNow and NEO, Cboe can achieve scale in Canada, creating efficiencies for our combined customers with familiar technology and consistent market models. I look forward to working with the entire NEO team, whose innovative spirit, customer-first approach and drive for change will not only help us grow the NEO business, but also bring greater choice to market participants in Canada and across the globe."

NEO has built a unique and exciting corporate listings offering for Canadian companies focused on the innovation economy. With NEO, Cboe plans to evaluate a potential expansion of its successful listings business into other geographies as it explores opportunities to power the success of these Canadian companies internationally through global capital raising opportunities.

Jos Schmitt, President and CEO of NEO, said: "We are excited to draw upon Cboe's core strengths as a leading global market infrastructure provider to further develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of investors and capital-raisers around the world. Our commitment to innovation, fairness and putting investors and capital-raisers first will not only continue under Cboe's ownership, but now benefit from the strength and support of Cboe's technology, market expertise and global client distribution."

Cboe has a proven track record in integrating and growing acquisitions. It plans to support NEO's growth, and deploy NEO's innovative market models, solutions and industry expertise to serve Canadian equity markets and global investors and issuers. The transaction reflects Cboe's broader growth strategy, which includes targeting acquisitions that have the potential to accelerate its geographic and asset class presence, while deepening its customer reach.

NEO operates a next generation stock exchange, the NEO Exchange, focused on fairness, liquidity, transparency and efficiency that brings together investors and capital-raisers, serving as a central force driving the Canadian capital markets forward. As the second most active stock exchange in Canada, the NEO Exchange provides three market models: NEO-L, a make-take model, NEO-N, an inverted model, and NEO-D, a darkpool. It also offers a robust corporate, exchange traded product (ETP) and Canadian Depository Receipt (CDR) listings business and real-time market data services. NEO also operates a distribution platform for unlisted securities, NEO Connect, and an automated workflow supporting private placements via DealSquare, a NEO Connect partner.

The transaction, which Cboe plans to fund with cash on hand, supplemented by increased debt, if needed, is expected to close in the first half of 2022, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, however, the company noted that the purchase price is not material from a financial perspective and expects it to be nominally accretive.

Legal advisors to Cboe Global Markets on the transaction are Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, with TD Securities, Inc. serving as financial advisor.

About Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), a leading provider of market infrastructure and tradable products, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to operating a trusted, inclusive global marketplace, providing leading products, technology and data solutions that enable participants to define a sustainable financial future. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more, visit www.cboe.com.

About NEO

NEO is a bold and disruptive capital markets fintech company designed for and led by the industry to enable change for the better. NEO consists of the NEO Exchange, Canada's Tier 1 stock exchange for the innovation economy that brings together investors and capital raisers within a fair, efficient, and service-oriented environment; and NEO Connect, a multi-asset distribution platform supporting mutual funds, private funds, and private placements for corporates.

CBOE-C

CBOE-OE

Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Cboe Media Contact NEO Media Contact

Cboe Analyst Contact Angela Tu Joanne Kearney

Kenneth Hill, CFA +1-646-856-8734 +1-416-804-5949

+1-312-786-7559 [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes or changes in tax regimes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; factors that impact the quality and integrity of our indices; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC.

We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

1 Neo is the aggregate business name for Aequitas Innovations, Neo Exchange and Neo Connect

2 Source: Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) reports of market share by marketplace through September 30, 2021.

SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.cboe.com


DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Champion Aerospace and S3 AeroDefense held an official signing ceremony today at the Dubai Airshow to celebrate and solidify their new agreement. In attendance at the signing from Champion Aerospace was Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Andrew Wall. S3 AeroDefense founders Jeff Wnuk and Sebastien Imbert were present in Dubai, joined by members of the S3 Executive board to celebrate the new partnership. Champion has selected S3 as the exclusive worldwide distributor of their aircraft POWER SOLUTIONS products. This new relationship will allow S3 to leverage their global reach to deliver Champion products to customers around the world.

"S3 AeroDefense is honored and excited to enter into this partnership with Champion Aerospace. Merging Champion's innovation and broad range of product lines with S3's global market presence will provide operators worldwide with value add solutions," said Jeff Wnuk, S3 AeroDefense Founder and Senior Vice President of Operations.

This new agreement includes all military Power Solutions product lines exclusively supporting global operators. Power products include solutions for Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and Transformer Rectifier Units (TRU) which are used in a variety of military fighter jet and helicopter applications including the UH-60 Blackhawk and F-16 Fighting Falcon, which are key platforms in the S3 suite of services.

"Champion is proud to work with S3 AeroDefense to provide the gold standard in power handling equipment for global operators," said Dan Massett, Champion Aerospace Business Unit Manager  Piston & Power. "We look forward to supporting customers unique demands with proven equipment. If a customer is developing a new platform or upgrading existing equipment, Champion and S3 have the capability and drive to generate solutions."

Champion Aerospace's engineering and design teams are constantly producing industry leading innovations and technological advancements. Over the past century, Champion Aerospace has earned a global reputation for high quality and performance-proven aviation solutions. Their dedication to product excellence aligns well with S3's mission to provide worldwide customers the best solutions for prolonged component life and reduce maintenance time and cost, all while adding the assurance of safety.

About S3 AeroDefense:

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, S3 AeroDefense is a recognized Worldwide leader in providing aircraft spares, component repair services and supply chain solutions to Military Aircraft Operators. Since its inception in 2005, S3 has been focused on quality, innovation and dedication to exceptional customer support. With a focus on OEM strategic distribution, S3 is the trusted solution provider to Customers and OEMs.

About Champion Aerospace LLC:

Champion Aerospace LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Transdigm Group, is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of aircraft ignition system technology and airfame power solutions for use on nearly all commercial, piston and military aircraft in service today.

SOURCE S3 AeroDefense
BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Champlain College Online, a leader in career-focused adult higher education, today announced the addition of a fully online Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology. The new program is designed for IT professionalscomputer network architects, software developers, web developers, and morelooking to deepen their technical expertise, develop advanced analytical skills, and rise to the top of their fields.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment in computer and IT professions is expected to see rapid growth, increasing by 13% from 2020 to 2030much faster than the average for all occupations. Champlain's new degree seeks to meet the demand for these roles and positions graduates as leaders in the attractive field. Through the choice of graduate certificates with concentrations in business management, data science, or digital forensics and incident response, Champlain enables talented IT experts to rise to the next level in their careers.

"IT is no longer a behind-the-scenes, tactical function, but has become a highly strategic role. It's central to every modern organization's success and business growth. As such, IT professionals must be prepared to think strategically and take a seat at the table. We created this program with necessary skill sets for the modern technical workforce in mindincluding giving IT professionals the tools to lead," said Kathleen Hyde, Chair of Cyber Security Programs for Champlain College Online. "Our new program will give students a hands-on, holistic education so they can succeed as lifelong learners both now and in the future."

Champlain recognizes the dynamic nature of the IT field, incorporating the development of leadership skills, such as communication and critical thinking. It provides a robust framework to enable today's IT professionals to innovatively approach complex organizational challenges, so they can adjust with the field.

Application-focused coursework in areas including the classification of systems and information, database design, and programming will allow students to meet the requirements of today's technological workforce. The degree offers graduate-level courses in project management, software engineering, security, and more.

Prospective students can apply for the next session by the December 10 deadline with courses starting January 2022. To learn more about the new degree, visit: https://online.champlain.edu/degrees-certificates/masters-information-technology .

To explore Champlain's more than 60 online degree programs, visit https://online.champlain.edu/ .

Prospective students are invited to attend a webinar scheduled for November 18 at 11 a.m. to learn more about the new program. To register, please visit: https://online.champlain.edu/experience/attend-webinar?wid=92012867239

About Champlain College Online

As one of the first online programs in the United States, we are proud to be part of the distinguished history of regionally accredited, not-for-profit Champlain College, founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1878.

Champlain College Online is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a leader in online higher education. Our nationally recognized programs address industry trends and critical skills gaps. We serve more than 3,000 students through 60+ online undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and stackable credentials in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, business, healthcare, and information technology.

Through our workforce development program called truED, we partner with some of the nation's leading businesses and organizations in a bold reimagining of workplace learning that enables employees to flourish and organizations to grow. For more information, visit online.champlain.edu.

SOURCE Champlain College

Related Links

http://www.champlain.edu


GOTEBORG, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Erik Lewenhaupt will take over as CEO of Concordia Maritime on 1 January 2022. Erik succeeds Kim Ullman, who has informed the Board of his wish to step down as CEO and retire.

Erik Lewenhaupt has a long track record in tanker shipping. He started his tanker career at Nordstrom & Thulin in 1996, and was later recruited to Stena Bulk, where he was tanker chartering manager in both Gothenburg and Singapore. His most recent position has been Head of Sustainability at Stena Line, where he has been instrumental in transforming Stena's ferry services into one of the transport sector's most sustainable operations.

Erik takes over from Kim Ullman, who was involved in starting and establishing Stena's tanker shipping business, now Stena Bulk and Concordia Maritime. Kim Ullman has been both influential and instrumental in several crucial transactions. In addition to his position as Vice President of Stena Bulk for many years, Kim has also been CEO of Stentex, Head of Stena Bulk's Houston office and CEO of Stena LNG and Stena Weco. For the last eight years, he has been CEO of Concordia Maritime.

"After 45 years in the shipping business, Kim Ullman has decided to retire. Kim is recognised in the market as a skilled and driven "shipping man" and as such has made important contributions in a cyclical and at times challenging market. We will miss Kim's drive, market insight and friendship," says Carl-Johan Hagman, Chairman of the Board of Concordia Maritime, who goes on to say:

"It is really exciting to be able to welcome Erik Lewenhaupt back to tanker shipping. Erik has extensive experience in both tanker shipping and sustainability - two key areas as we look ahead. We wish him success in navigating the cyclical and volatile tanker market from his new position."

This information is information that Concordia Maritime AB (publ) is obliged to publish in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was provided by the contact persons above for publication on 15 November 2021 at 18:15.

CONTACT:

For more information, please contact:

Carl Johan Hagman

Chairman

Tel: +46 704 85 50 12

Email: [email protected]

Kim Ullman

CEO, Concordia Maritime AB

Tel: +46 704 85 50 03

Email: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/concordia-maritime/r/change-of-ceo-for-concordia-maritime,c3454297

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1948/3454297/1496702.pdf Change of CEO for Concordia Maritime (PDF)

SOURCE Concordia Maritime
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With utility scams on the rise, it is more important than ever for customers to be vigilant and know what steps to take to prevent themselves or their families from falling victim.

Chattanooga Gas is joining 150 U.S. and Canadian energy companies Nov. 15-19 for Utility Scam Awareness Week, a weeklong annual campaign created by Utilities United Against Scams, to raise awareness of and help educate customers on the tactics used by scammers.

"The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority," said Pedro Cherry, Chattanooga Gas president and CEO. "That's why we're partnering with energy companies across the country to educate our communities about this important issue throughout Utility Scam Awareness Week. The first step in protecting our customers from a scam is making them aware of the common tactics that scammers use."

According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams cost consumers more than $3.3 billion in 2020  an increase of nearly $1.5 billion from 2019. Nearly $1.2 billion of the losses reported were due to imposter scams.

In recent years, scammers have gotten deceptively creative with increased calls, texts, emails and in-person tactics, contacting electric and gas customers asking for immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.

Chattanooga Gas strongly encourages customers to stay vigilant of potential scam activity such as:

Threats to disconnect their natural gas service  usually within an hour  if payment is not made

Requests that payments be made from a single method, such as a debit card, prepaid card, checking account, cryptocurrency or to send funds via a mobile app to make a bill payment

Claims they have overpaid, and their banking account or credit card number is needed for a refund

Requests to vacate their home so that a meter or other natural gas equipment can be replaced

Suggestions through social media that their bill will be covered by a charity after they make a partial payment by way of a wire transfer

Chattanooga Gas holds itself accountable to customers and the communities it serves, which is why it reminds customers that it will never use aggressive or intimidating tactics to pressure them into making a payment toward their natural gas bill.

By phone: When a customer service representative contacts a customer by phone regarding the status of their account or to discuss payment, they will identify themselves as a Chattanooga Gas employee. To verify the legitimacy, customers can request that the representative confirm information about their account that only they and the company would know, for example:

When a customer service representative contacts a customer by phone regarding the status of their account or to discuss payment, they will identify themselves as a Chattanooga Gas employee. To verify the legitimacy, customers can request that the representative confirm information about their account that only they and the company would know, for example: The date of their last payment



The amount of their last payment



Their account number

By email: Chattanooga Gas will never ask for account or credit card information in an email. Customers can safely access and make changes to their account information and payment methods using the secure My Account online portal.

Customers who suspect or experience fraud should hang up, delete the email or shut the door, then immediately contact local authorities.

In addition, whenever a field service representative or one of Chattanooga Gas' contractors visits a customer's home or business, they will provide Chattanooga Gas photo identification. And, as an additional safety measure, customers who sign up to receive the company's Keep Me Informed appointment status text messages can access a photo of the technician assigned to perform work at their property.

For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com/fraudprotection.

About Chattanooga Gas

Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 69,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

SOURCE Chattanooga Gas

Related Links

https://www.chattanoogagas.com


FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's specialty retailer Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) (the "Company") will host a conference call with security analysts on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET to review the operating results for the third quarter ended October 30, 2021.

The conference call is being webcast live over the Internet, which you may access in the Investors section of the Company's corporate website, www.chicosfas.com. A replay of the webcast will remain available online for one year at http://chicosfas.com/investors/events-and-presentations.

The phone number for the call is 1-877-883-0383. International callers should use 1-412-902-6506. The Elite Entry number, 1141281, is required to join the conference call. Interested participants should call 10-15 minutes prior to the 8:00 a.m. start to be placed in queue.

ABOUT CHICO'S FAS, INC .

Chico's FAS is a Florida-based fashion company founded in 1983 on Sanibel Island, Fla. The Company reinvented the fashion retail experience by creating fashion communities anchored by service, which put the customer at the center of everything we do. As one of the leading fashion retailers in North America, Chico's FAS is a company of three unique brands - Chico's, WHBM and Soma - each thriving in their own white space, founded by women, led by women, providing solutions that millions of women say give them confidence and joy.

Our Company has a passion for fashion, and each day, we provide clothing, shoes and accessories, intimate apparel and expert styling in our brick-and-mortar boutiques, digital online boutiques and through Style Connect, the Company's proprietary digital styling tool that enables customers to conveniently shop wherever, whenever and however they prefer.

As of July 31, 2021, the Company operated 1,284 stores in the U.S. and sold merchandise through 66 international franchise locations in Mexico and 2 domestic franchise airport locations. The Company's merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.chicosofftherack.com, www.whbm.com and www.soma.com as well as through third-party channels.

To learn more about Chico's FAS, please visit our corporate website at www.chicosfas.com. The information on our corporate website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into our federal securities law filings.

Investor Relations Contact:

Tom Filandro

ICR, Inc.

(646) 2771235

[email protected]

Chico's FAS, Inc.  11215 Metro Parkway  Fort Myers, Florida 33966  (239) 277-6200

SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.chicos.com


Christian Mumenthaler said: "I feel privileged to take on this role at such a crucial time for both our industry and society more broadly, as re/insurers mobilise to confront immense challenges, namely climate change and the after effects of COVID-19. I thank Charles Brindamour for his outstanding leadership over the past three years. Under his Chairmanship, The Geneva Association has deeply transformed. Through its rich portfolio of research and dialogue activities, the organisation makes an essential contribution to the debate on strengthening the world's resilience to global risks. I look forward to further increasing the impact we have for all our stakeholders."

Lee Yuan Siong commented: "It is an honour to be appointed Vice Chairman of The Geneva Association. The enormous positive difference that insurance can bring to the lives of our communities has never been more relevant than it is today. I look forward to collaborating closely with Christian and members of the Board as we work together to address the global strategic and risk management issues facing our industry, while playing our part in the transition to a better, more sustainable future."

Amanda Blanc said: "I look forward to working with Christian, contributing to the Geneva Association agenda and supporting the critical role which the global insurance industry plays in the resilience of our economy and society."

Jad Ariss, Managing Director of The Geneva Association said: "It has been my privilege to work with Charles Brindamour since I joined the organisation in 2019. I am very pleased that Christian Mumenthaler has accepted to become the Chairman of The Geneva Association and am grateful to the Board for running the succession smoothly. I look forward to working with Christian as new Chairman and Lee Yuan Siong as new Vice Chairman. I also warmly welcome Amanda Blanc as new Board member. Together with the rest of the Board we will ensure The Geneva Association  through its programme of research, discussions and outreach  continues to provide meaningful support to the insurance sector in its mission to make the world a more sustainable, equitable and resilient place."

About The Geneva Association

The Geneva Association is the only global association of insurance companies; its members are insurance and reinsurance CEOs. Based on rigorous research conducted in collaboration with its members, academic institutions and multilateral organisations, The Geneva Association investigates key risk areas that are likely to impact the insurance industry, develops corresponding recommendations and provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss them. In total, the companies of Geneva Association members are headquartered in 25 countries around the world; manage USD 17.1 trillion in assets; employ 2.4 million people; and protect 1.8 billion people.

SOURCE The Geneva Association
Chrysler Pacifica earned recognition in the ninth annual Vincentric Best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Value in America Awards, taking honors as the Vincentric Best CPO Value in America winner in the Minivan segment.

Chrysler Pacifica remains the most awarded minivan over the last five years, earning close to 160 honors and industry accolades.

The Vincentric Best CPO Value in America Awards use a statistical analysis that incorporates the total cost of ownership and current market price of all CPO vehicles for applicable model years to identify the model with the best CPO value per segment.

Chrysler Brand

The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler invented, with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling and the most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class. The available innovative hybrid powertrain takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves more than 80 MPGe in electric-only mode, has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. Chrysler Voyager offers fleet owners a budget-friendly minivan that also provides a well-equipped, exceptional driving experience. The Chrysler 300 lineup delivers on the brand's promise of iconic and elegant design executed with world-class performance, efficiency and quality  all at an attainable value. Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Chrysler brand: www.chrysler.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysler

Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler or @StellantisNA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/chrysler or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis

Related Links

http://www.stellantis.com


ZURICH, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB) announced today that its subsidiary, Chubb INA Holdings Inc., has priced a public offering of $600 million of 2.85% senior notes due 2051 and $1.0 billion of 3.05% senior notes due 2061. The notes are guaranteed by Chubb Limited.

Chubb intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund up to $1.1 billion of the purchase price associated with its previously announced agreement to acquire Cigna's personal accident, supplemental health and life insurance business in seven Asia-Pacific markets. Chubb intends to use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the repayment at maturity of its 2.70% senior notes due March 13, 2023.

The joint book-running managers for the offering are BofA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the senior notes or any other securities, nor will there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the senior notes or any other securities, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, copies of which may be obtained by calling BofA Securities, Inc. at 1-800-294-1322, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC at 1-866-718-1649 or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at 1-800-645-3751.

Alternatively, the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained by visiting EDGAR on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at www.sec.gov.

About Chubb

Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Forward-looking statements made in this press release, such as statements regarding acquisitions and repayments, reflect the company's current views with respect to future events and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially as set forth in these statements. Additional information regarding factors that could cause differences from these forward-looking statements appears in the company's filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

SOURCE Chubb Limited

Related Links

http://new.chubb.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) has posted a shareholder letter containing its 2021 third quarter financial results on its Investor Relations website at: https://ir.clearme.com/ .

CLEAR will host a conference call to discuss those results at 8:00 AM (ET) today. Investors and analysts can access the live teleconference call by dialing toll-free 877-407-3089 for U.S. participants and 215-268-9854 for international participants. Listeners can access the live webcast HERE . A webcast replay and transcript of the webcast will be available after the event on the investor relations website.

About CLEAR

With CLEAR, you are always you. CLEAR's mission is to enable frictionless and safe journeys using your identity. With more than 8 million members and 100+ unique locations and partners across North America, CLEAR's identity platform connects you to the cards in your wallet - transforming the way you live, work and travel. Trust and privacy are the foundation of CLEAR. We have a commitment to members being in control of their own information and never sell member data. CLEAR is at the highest level of security by U.S. government regulators and is also certified as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology under the SAFETY Act.

SOURCE CLEAR

Related Links

https://www.clearme.com


The Computershare and Proxymity collaboration represents a key milestone in transforming a market used to operating by paper-based proxy voting, with meeting announcements, agendas, and votes traditionally sent by post or fax.

As the industry moves towards real-time online investor communications, Computershare clients can now use Proxymity's digital-native platform to deliver electronic meeting announcements, agendas, and documents instantly and accurately. Investors and intermediaries receive these as "golden source" directly from the issuer, which removes human error and provides transmission as originally intended.

The enhanced speed of communication aims to add up an additional 6 days for investors to research their vote and enables voting right up to the meeting deadline. This leaves ample time for issuers and investors to communicate productively in advance of the meeting itself, supporting better outcomes through timely engagement. The digital connection also provides real-time status updates and transparency, including post-meeting vote confirmation, representing another first for the market.

"With Computershare's connection to Proxymity live and ready for the 2022 season, we are excited to be offering the benefits of digital-first voting to our New Zealand clients," said Stuart Jury, Managing Director of Computershare New Zealand. "We expect the speed, accuracy and flexibility provided by this platform to be game-changing for issuers and their shareholders in the months and years to come."

The connection between Computershare and Proxymity also provides unprecedented transparency, aligned with global regulatory trends and the growing focus on ESG, as it allows issuers to see voting information in real-time, and provides auditable confirmation for shareholders that their votes were received at the meeting.

The launch will be supported by Proxymity's new customer APAC hub in Melbourne, also known for being Computershare's original home. Working in collaboration with local and global partners, including the region's top custodians, Proxymity's commitment to APAC ensures both a local presence and excellent service and support for our in-region customers.

Jonathan Smalley, Co-Founder and COO of Proxymity said: "Over the past few years Proxymity and Computershare have partnered across the globe, and we're delighted to be able to collaborate in New Zealand, one of their core markets. This launch highlights the positive transformations that digital connections are bringing to the industry, and we look forward to showing the immediate and direct benefits for issuers and investors throughout this upcoming season."

About Computershare Limited (CPU)

Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, mortgage servicing, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialize in corporate trust, bankruptcy, class action and utility administration, and a range of other diversified financial and governance services.

Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in high integrity data management, high volume transaction processing and reconciliations, payments, and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world's leading organizations use us to streamline and maximize the value of relationships with their investors, employees, creditors, and customers.

Computershare is represented in all major financial markets and has over 14,000 employees worldwide.

For more information, visit www.computershare.com

About Proxymity

Proxymity's pioneering investor communications platform connects issuers, intermediaries, and investors in real-time via its unique digital pathway, bringing efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to every participant in the global custody chain.

Our solutions give public companies confidence that their AGM/EGM agendas are transmitted as "golden source" and provide institutional investors with the time they need to research and vote on corporate decisions, as well as actual digital confirmation that their votes have been received.

Proxymity promotes enhanced environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) by improving communication between issuers and investors and making it easier for intermediaries to be efficient, timely and compliant when servicing their clients.

The company is backed by a global consortium of the industry's most influential financial institutions (BNY Mellon, Citi, Clearstream, Computershare, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, State Street).

For more information, visit www.proxymity.io

Contact:

Kobi Omenka

[email protected]

SOURCE Proxymity
On the bottle, Gran Reserva is spotlighting its protected watersheds, biodiversity and conservation efforts with updated certifications, color palette, and the new tagline "Preserving Nature." Imported to the U.S. by fellow B Corp Fetzer Vineyards, Gran Reserva is aimed at climate-conscious consumers, with some 58% of U.S. consumers saying they worry about climate change, with 40% indicating they will always buy sustainable products where possible.2 Beyond the bottle, Concha y Toro's pacesetting biodiversity and sustainability initiatives come to life in crafting Gran Reserva, from soil to cellar.

Notably, Gran Reserva is making good on new tagline "Preserving Nature," building on Vina Concha y Toro's legacy of sustainability leadership and landmark B Corp certification3 with concerted efforts around water, energy, sustainable sourcing and conservation. Gran Reserva wines are certified sustainable4, produced using 100% renewable energy,5 and crafted with a water footprint 22% below the global wine industry average.6 These green commitments are clearly identified on labels with third party certifications from B Lab, Water Footprint Network, Green-e Framework for Renewable Energy, and Sustainable Wines of Chile.

In partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council, Vina Concha y Toro preserves 3,530 acres of protected forest40% of which call Gran Reserva vineyards their homeas part of the winery's Mediterranean Forest Conservation Program. The winery also cultivates biological corridors for flora and fauna around its vines, and recently announced a collaboration leveraging eDNA technology to contribute genetic information from these vineyards to a global biodiversity map created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and NatureMetrics.

Marcio Ramirez, Gran Reserva winemaker, has observed the success of this nature-first approach to vineyards, particularly where wildlife are concerned. "We are recreating the natural conditions for the basin to become a 'Great Reserve' of biodiversity," he said, of the winery's initiatives to preserve and protect native forests. "We are seeing wildlife roaming around the vineyard, returning to their original habitat." These efforts are complemented by impact-reducing initiatives at the winery, with the nature-first approach ultimately benefiting wine quality.

Ramirez aims to capture the unique terroir positively influenced by each vineyard's neighboring river and biodiversity-rich watershed, and noted of the wines: "The riverbanks moderate the temperature and help produce a much slower maturation process, creating aromas, flavors, and colors that are much more concentrated and wine with a great fruity expression and color." With nearly 50 scores of 90 and above from top wine publications over the past 10 vintages,7 Gran Reserva's global portfolio is lauded for elegant offerings evocative of their river-adjacent terroirs.

On the waves of +41.4% volume growth for the imported super premium Cabernet Sauvignon category,8 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $17) successfully relaunched with the new packaging in October 2021. South American favorite Malbec (SRP $17) will launch this month; both reds are vegan-certified and hail from the Palo Santo Vineyard on the terraced hillsides of the Tinguiririca River.9 Gran Reserva's Pacific Coast Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $15) is from Ucuquer Vineyard and will debut in January 2022. It is poised to make a splash in the ascendant Sauvignon Blanc category,10 where volume growth of Chilean super premium Sauvignon Blanc is outpacing that of the super premium category overall.11

View the collection and dive into Gran Reserva's story at granreservawineus.com, and follow Gran Reserva's journey online at Instagram and Facebook.

About Gran Reserva

Carved over millennia, rivers are the lifeblood of Chile's terrain, bringing mountain-fresh water to the country's arid interior and leaving an indelible impression on its world-class winegrowing regions. Expertly crafted from prized estate sites along Chile's spectacular rivers, Gran Reserva wines deliver vivid expression and balance in the glass, evocative of their riverbank terroirs and rooted in a steadfast commitment to preserving watersheds. Acclaimed Colchagua Valley varietals, sourced entirely from certified sustainable vineyards, include Sauvignon Blanc from estate vines on the southern bank of the Rapel River, and estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the terraced hillsides above the Tinguiririca River. In reverence to the vital rivers that shape its vineyards, Gran Reserva protects 3,530 acres of riverside forest, preserves biodiverse habitats, employs stringent water conservation efforts, and uses 100% renewable energy in its vineyards and winery.

2021 Fetzer Vineyards, Mendocino County, California USA.

1 IRI Total US MULO+C+Liquor; Latest 52 Weeks Ending 09-19-21

2 Wine Intelligence, Vinitrac 2020 (n=17,852) wine drinkers in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and US global wine markets

3 Vina Concha y Toro is the world's largest Certified B Corp winery, certified in 2021.

4 Wines of Chile Certified Sustainable

5 Green-e Framework for Renewable Energy Certification

6 Water Footprint Network, https://waterfootprint.org/en/resources/interactive-tools/product-gallery/

7 Vintages 2011-2020; Publications: James Suckling, Tim Atkin, Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits, The Tasting Panel, SOMM Journal, Vinous, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, Wine.com

8 IRI Total USMULO+C+Liquor 52 weeks ending 09-19-21

9 V-Label certification from European Vegetarian Union

10 IRI / TTL US / TOP 15 VARIETALS BY $$ SALES/ LAST 52 WEEKS W/E 8/29/2021 (Sauvignon Blanc has fasted growth of top 15 varietals by $ sales)

11 IRI Total US MULO + Liquor Stores; Latest 52 weeks ending 09-19-21 (Chilean super premium Sauvignon Blanc +8.8% in vol.; super-premium Sauvignon Blanc +4.6% in vol.)

SOURCE Concha y Toro
"This is a massive endorsement from the federal government of X-energy's first commercial deployment in Washington State and the opportunity for advanced nuclear energy in creating jobs as well as rebuilding U.S. infrastructure," said Clay Sell, X-energy CEO. "We are very appreciative of the continued strong bipartisan support from Congress and the President."

In March 2021, X-energy signed the Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) Cooperative Agreement. This officially marked the beginning of the company's participation in ARDP and partnership with the DOE. This project enables X-energy to build the world's first commercial scale advanced nuclear reactor in Washington State through a partnership with Energy Northwest. ARDP is designed to spur domestic private industry to demonstrate advanced reactors in the United States and the global export market.

By passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress and the Administration continue to demonstrate their leadership by acknowledging clean energy supply as a significant piece of our nation's infrastructure and economic health. It's a vote of confidence in advanced nuclear energy as a vital carbon-free base-load power source that will allow the US and the world to achieve our global carbon reductions by the middle of this century.

"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act sends a strong message that the U.S. will support the Advanced Reactor Demonstrations to their full and successful completion." said Darren Gale, X-energy Vice President and ARDP Program Manager. "This support ensures the success of our reactor and fuel technology at commercial scale".

X-energy's high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) is a game-changer for nuclear energy. It enables flexible siting, lowers the cost of building nuclear plants, and is powered by TRISO-X, which the Department of Energy has called the "the most robust fuel on Earth." The Xe-100 reactor does not need to be located near water and could be a great alternative for areas that are retiring coal plants by providing clean energy and jobs to local communities.

In addition to clean, around-the-clock carbon-free electricity, the steam from the Xe-100 can be used in applications including clean hydrogen production, desalination, and other energy-intensive industrial processes. Our reactor is a revolution in the way the US produces energy and the infrastructure bill is an important step toward making it a reality.

About X-energy

X-energy is redefining nuclear energy. It manufactures fuel that seals uranium particles in a protective coating, which makes meltdown impossible and retains the uranium fuel forever. X-energy also designs plants that unlock the fuel's energy potential in a process that's as clean as wind or solar. When combined, the result is reliable carbon-free baseload power, produced more safely and affordably than ever before and available anywhere, at any time. For more information, visit https://x-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter , LinkedIn or Instagram .

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE X-energy

Related Links

http://www.x-energy.com


"It is an honor for the experts at WOOD Magazine to recognize the significance of the new DEWALT POWERSTACK Battery and how our pouch cell technology is one example of the long history of innovation leadership from DEWALT," said Jaime Ramirez, Executive Vice President & President of Global Tools & Storage for Stanley Black & Decker. "Our groundbreaking design offers users the lightest and most powerful compact battery from DEWALT helping to further realize the potential of the cordless jobsite of the future."

The DEWALT POWERSTACK Battery is ideal for cutting, drilling and fastening applications, precision and finishing tasks, and when working in tight spaces. The battery is compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX* tools and chargers in the 20V MAX* system.

The DEWALT POWERSTACK 20V MAX* Compact Battery is one of only nine products of the year to receive a WOOD Magazine 2022 Innovate Award.

The battery will begin to rollout to North American DEWALT distributors, retailers, and e-commerce channels beginning December 2021. The global roll-out will continue through spring 2022.

To learn more about the DEWALT POWERSTACK 20V MAX Compact Battery, please visit: www.dewalt.com/powerstack.

* Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

1vs. DCB203 Battery, not in application

2Footprint vs. DCB203 Battery

3vs. DEWALT 20V MAX* Batteries 2Ah or lower; not in application.

4 vs. DCB203 Battery

5Charge cycles vs. DCB203 Battery

About DEWALT

DEWALT is obsessed with how users work in the real world and is relentlessly pursuing total jobsite solutions. By incorporating its latest technology and industry innovations, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker

Headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a leading $14.5 billion global diversified industrial with 56,000 employees in more than 60 countries who make the tools, products and solutions to deliver on its Purpose, For Those Who Make The World. The Company operates the world's largest tools business featuring iconic brands such as DEWALT, STANLEY, BLACK+DECKER and CRAFTSMAN; the world's second largest commercial electronic security company; and is a global industrial leader of highly engineered solutions within its engineered fastening and infrastructure businesses. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com .

DEWALT Media Contact:

Emily Noto, Sr. PR Manager

(443) 564-7446

[email protected]

SOURCE DEWALT
The online survey, conducted in February, included 42 questions designed to gather feedback about how informed the paralysis community was about the COVID-19 vaccine, insights around vaccine hesitancy and how many were planning to be or were already vaccinated. The survey, distributed by the Reeve Foundation via email to individuals with paralysis or affected by paralysis, was completed by 1,014 respondents: 829 persons with paralysis (PWP) and 185 non-disabled (ND) family members/caregivers.

Nearly one-quarter (22%) of PWP respondents indicated they had safety concerns, yet nearly 60% had already spoken with their medical providers about the vaccine. This number is aligned with data from the general population collected during the same timeframe, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation's (KFF) February COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor. The KFF Monitor reported that the share of adults who would "wait and see" how the vaccine is working for others before getting vaccinated themselves decreased from 31% in January to 22% in February.1 By April, this number appeared to have plateaued at 15%, according to that month's KFF Monitor.2

"Like the general population, our findings demonstrate that substantial numbers of our community were and are impacted by vaccine misinformation. Some respondents said they heard that people were dying from the vaccine, and we also heard about concerns regarding the idea that the vaccine contains a microchip," said Claire Burdick, Research Assistant at Vanderbilt and co-author of the study.

"These findings point to the critical importance of dialogue with health professionals, particularly rehabilitation psychologists and physiatrists, and we were heartened to see that the majority of our respondents had discussed the vaccine with their physicians. As the pandemic continues and as new questions emerge regarding vaccine boosters, it is imperative that doctors and other medical professionals help counter misinformation that could harm public health by providing clear communication that is specific and directed toward the disability community," Burdick added.

Key findings of the survey included:

Nearly 20% (19.8%) of PWP had received one dose of the vaccine at the time of the survey; 15.5% of PWP received two doses. Half of the ND respondents had received either one or both doses of the vaccine. Of note, the single-shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was not available at the time of data collection.

80.6% of PWP indicated they would get the vaccine when it became available to them.

Of those not planning to get the vaccine (96 PWP), the major reasons cited were concerns about side effects (88.5%)  the vaccine is not recommended for some people with underlying medical conditions that are related to paralysis, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome; distrust of the government (63.2%); and wanting to know more about how it works (54.3%).

Comparing participant responses about safety concerns, the researchers found no statistically significant differences between the PWP and ND groups, though verbatim articulated responses revealed interesting differences. For instance, the PWP group was significantly more concerned about how the vaccine may affect their preexisting conditions/disability. The ND group cited concerns about childbearing that were not reflected specifically by PWP.

The majority of PWP who had family or professional caregivers expressed that it was very important that their caregivers receive the vaccine (62.2% for professional caregivers and 70.4% for family caregivers). However, most family caregivers (59.8%) had not yet received the vaccine at the time of the survey, and of these, 77.1% planned to when it was made available to them.

"It was encouraging that at the time of the survey, early in the vaccine rollout, the rate of vaccination among people living with paralysis was roughly paralleling that of the non-disabled population. However, access for family caregivers in the survey group lagged," said Burdick. "We know that this was an issue for many across the nation who are caregivers, and it should be considered with regards to eligibility, supply and demand of vaccines/treatments for similar public health efforts."

Unpaid and family caregivers were not mentioned in many states' vaccine distribution plans, causing concern in many families due to the necessary proximity of a disabled individual and their caregiver and the reality that many would be left without essential services if their family caregivers were to become sick. Of the states that included family caregivers in their plans, some included age requirements that excluded the caregivers of many disabled individuals  including those living with paralysis or other disabilities that extend across the lifespan. Further, the pandemic exacerbated the stress of both persons living with paralysis and their caregivers due to the potential of infection and the impact that would have on highly vulnerable family members.

Vanderbilt and the Reeve Foundation are preparing to launch a follow-up survey on the paralysis community's perspectives around COVID-19 booster shots. That data and the current Vanderbilt-Reeve Foundation survey add to a growing body of research that is helping to paint a clearer picture of the specific effects of COVID-19 on the disability community.

Additionally, the Reeve Foundation is supporting a survey underway by the Kessler Foundation, Spinal Cord Damage Research Center at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Craig H. Neilson Foundation, Northwell Health and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai about the effects of COVID-19 on people living with a spinal cord injury. Other organizations, such as the National Council on Independent Living, have also conducted surveys to better understand the issues surrounding COVID-19 among those living with disabilities.

"Insights from our survey and others are crucial to informing public policies that take into account the unique considerations that come with living with paralysis and other disabilities," said Kim Beer, Director of Public Policy at the Reeve Foundation. "The Reeve Foundation is proud to partner with Vanderbilt University to understand, amplify and prioritize the voices of our community, who have suffered disproportionately in this pandemic."

Visit the Reeve Foundation website to learn more about its COVID-19 resources.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Ranked No. 14 among national universities, Vanderbilt offers an immersive living-learning undergraduate experience, with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, education and human development. The university also is home to nationally and internationally recognized graduate schools of law, education, business, medicine, nursing and divinity, and offers robust graduate-degree programs across a range of academic disciplines. Vanderbilt is committed to inclusive excellence, drawing the world's brightest students, faculty and distinguished visitors from across all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and provides a collaborative atmosphere of discovery that drives positive change in the world. Learn more at www.vanderbilt.edu.

About the Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discovery across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation's National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community's voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

1 https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/kff-covid-19-vaccine-monitor-february-2021/

2 https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/kff-covid-19-vaccine-monitor-april-2021/

SOURCE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Related Links

www.christopherreeve.org


NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Daily Harvest , the customer-first platform reimagining the future of food, today announced that it has secured Series D funding, valuing the company at over $1 billion. The round was led by Lone Pine Capital with existing company investors. Founded by Rachel Drori, 39, Daily Harvest plans to leverage the investment to advance the company's mission and make organic and regenerative fruits and vegetables more accessible across the country.

"Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of living a longer life on a healthier planet. The Daily Harvest platform has removed the friction between the intent and the action of eating more of them every day," said Founder and CEO Rachel Drori. "With this investment, we will continue to anticipate the needs of our growing customer base, meeting them in new places with new food."

In the coming year, Daily Harvest will accelerate the expansion of its platform. By investing further in data and technology, the company will enhance customer personalization to meet individual eating preferences and ensure Daily Harvest is always on hand for an extremely convenient and tailored experience. Daily Harvest will also expand its data-driven culinary portfolio, currently comprised of more than 100 items across 10 different collections. The company innovates rapidly, introducing new food in a matter of weeks instead of the months it can take a legacy food company to go to market.

A direct-to-consumer business, Daily Harvest will increase its footprint in 2022, allowing customers to purchase its food offline to meet growing customer demand. In January, the company will open The Tasting Room in Chicago, the first of many new strategies to provide consumers with more opportunities to eat fruits and vegetables daily.

Finally, Daily Harvest will amplify its efforts in regenerative agriculture, forming partnerships with American Farmland Trust, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and others to help more farmers improve farm viability and advance the adoption of regenerative farming practices. The company's mission to increase access to organic and regenerative fruits and vegetables correlates directly to better human and planetary health.

Since its inception, Daily Harvest has consistently challenged the status quo. In an industry rampant with healthwashing and greenwashing, Daily Harvest has been committed to transparency from the start, using whole fruits and vegetables instead of fillers, additives or synthetics in any of its food. The company is headquartered in New York City.

About Daily Harvest

Daily Harvest is reimagining how food can nourish both humanity and the planet by making it easy to eat more organic and regenerative fruits and vegetables every day. Through a combination of data science and a future-focused supply chain, Daily Harvest co-creates food with its customers and leverages its direct-to-farmer relationships as well as a robust technology platform to bring food to market in a rapid and highly personalized way. Launched in 2016 by founder and CEO Rachel Drori, Daily Harvest helps people form sticky habits around fruits and vegetables and works with farmers to support organic and transitional organic farming practices.

We take care of food, so food can take care of you. For more information, visit dailyharvest.com.

Daily Harvest, the Daily Harvest logo, and "We take care of food, so food can take care of you" are trademarks of Daily Harvest, Inc.

SOURCE Daily Harvest

Related Links

http://www.daily-harvest.com


LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A fully functional dental clinic for public school students, oral health educational resources in Spanish, and emergency tooth extraction services are among the projects that will be awarded a total of nearly $400,000 through 2022 grants from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation.

Eighteen Arkansas non-profit and community organizations will receive individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for community-focused oral health initiatives. Awarded through the Foundation's annual Community Grants Program, the funding will benefit tens of thousands of Arkansans, mainly low-income, uninsured and underserved residents.

"Oral health is vital to overall health and quality of life," said Chrissy Chatham, the Foundation's executive director. "But many Arkansas lack equitable access to dental care and oral health education and suffer from painful tooth decay or gum disease as a result. These grants will help restore healthy smiles. The difference can change lives."

The 2022 Community Grants will support projects that offer educational programs, preventive measures or treatment services related to oral health. The funds, a total of $392,277, will be distributed in January 2022.

Organizations receiving a total of $113,920 for programs with a primary focus on oral health education include:

1. Arkansas Foodbank, Central Arkansas

2. Baptist Health Foundation, Central Arkansas

3. Carter's Crew, Central Arkansas

4. Hispanic Community Services, Inc., Northeast Arkansas

5. Pulaski County Youth Services, Central Arkansas

6. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, Central Arkansas

Organizations receiving a total of $55,000 for projects with a primary focus on preventative measures include:

7. Little Rock School District, Central Arkansas

8. Neighbor to Neighbor Inc., Southeast Arkansas

9. Special Olympics Arkansas, Central Arkansas

Organizations receiving a total of $223,357 for projects with a primary focus on dental treatment services include:

10. CARTI Foundation, Central Arkansas

11. Community Dental Clinic, Northwest Arkansas

12. Mainline Health Systems, Inc., Southeast Arkansas

13. River City Ministry of Pulaski County, Central Arkansas

14. Samaritan Community Center, Northwest Arkansas

15. Shared Beginnings, Northwest Arkansas

16. UA Little Rock Children International, Central Arkansas

17. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Foundation, Central Arkansas

18. WelcomeHealth, Northwest Arkansas

Each year, the Community Grant program seeks to improve the oral health of Arkansans through community partnerships by funding oral health education, preventative services and/or treatment for underserved individuals of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic statuses in Arkansas. Grants of up to $30,000 are available for eligible organizations and are awarded based on the applicants' ability to meet any of the four funding goals of the Foundation: support low-cost clinics; provide oral health educational opportunities; service connecting organizations, and incorporate oral health into broader social determinants of health.

Applications are typically accepted in mid-summer, with selections made in November and grant funds issued in January.

About the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is committed to fulfilling Delta Dental of Arkansas's mission to improve the oral health of all Arkansans. Since 2015, the Foundation has contributed an average of $1 million per year to local communities to support oral health education, prevention and treatment programs. More information is available at https://www.deltadentalar.com/giving-back/delta-dental-of-arkansas-foundation/about.

Media Contact: Chrissy Chatham

Executive Director

(o) 501-992-1698

(c) 501-912-6311

[email protected]

www.deltadentalar.com

SOURCE Delta Dental of Arkansas

Related Links

deltadentalar.com


MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- eCapital Corp. ("eCapital" or "the Company"), a leading capital solutions provider for small and medium-sized businesses in North America and the United Kingdom, today announced that they have acquired the assets of Flexible Funding, a payroll funding company for staffing agencies across multiple industries, along with its freight factoring subsidiary, InstaPay.

"The acquisitions of Flexible Funding and InstaPay supports our commitment to providing industry-leading financing solutions to staffing and transportation businesses," said Marius Silvasan, CEO of eCapital. "Establishing a foothold in Dallas/Fort Worth will allow us to better serve our clients in the region and ensure we are well-positioned for further growth."

eCapital plans to keep a presence in Fort Worth, including Flexible Funding and InstaPay staff to support the existing client base.

"Joining the eCapital family is the right next step for Flexible Funding, and our team looks forward to continuing to provide excellent service to the staffing and transportation industries under the eCapital umbrella," said Paul DeLuca, Managing Member of Flexible Funding.

This is the 10th acquisition for eCapital in the last four years. The purchase underscores the company's goal of being the leading alternative financing provider throughout North America.

About eCapital Corp.

eCapital Corp. is committed to supporting small and middle-market companies in the United States, Canada, and the UK by accelerating their access to capital through financial solutions like invoice factoring, factoring lines of credit, and asset-based lending. Through its Commercial Finance and Freight Factoring divisions and its portfolio companies Advantedge Commercial Finance Ltd. and Gerber Finance, Inc., eCapital offers capital solutions to a broad set of industries. Based in Miami, Florida, eCapital is an innovative leader in providing flexible, customized cash flow to businesses. For more information about eCapital, visit eCapital.com.

SOURCE eCapital Corp
"U.S. military force should not be engaged or deployed in the Tigray conflict in Ethiopia's Northern region." Tweet this

"The Tigray conflict is an internal conflict that needs to be addressed only by the Ethiopian people and their democratically-elected government.

"On behalf of Ethiopian Americans, EACC urges the U.S. government to stop the escalation of the situation in Ethiopia. Recent statements suggesting direct intervention are reckless and misguided. Considering what occurred in the final days of the 20-year Afghanistan occupation, the EACC doubts that most Americans would even support such an action.

"Instead, EACC has been advocating to the U.S. government to create a balanced foreign policy towards Ethiopia by advancing Ethiopia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and a strong bilateral partnership. Without a balanced approach, Ethiopia will be compelled to forge closer ties to foreign powers that will not fringe upon its sovereignty. We believe the faint suggestion of military intervention in Ethiopia could lead into a never-ending geopolitical crisis that will have far reaching impact for the region and global security.

"The EACC recognizes the vital national security importance U.S.-Ethiopian military missions with joint efforts to deter terrorist cells in the Horn of Africa. To this end, it is important to note that the Ethiopian people have paid the ultimate price in defending the national security of the United States.

"Now more than ever the United States needs to reexamine its policy approach to further strengthen its 118-year relationship with a democratic Ethiopia to remain a stable leader in the Horn of Africa. These objectives can only come to fruition through bilateral engagement by advancing national respect and mutual interests."

--EACC Chairman and Co-Founder Deacon Yoseph R. Tafari

Ethiopian American Civic Council: Is one the largest Ethiopian American diaspora community in the United States with approximately 750,000 supporters in all 50 states. The EACC represents all of the nearly 90 Ethiopian ethnic groups. The EACC is a US-based, 501(c) 4, nonprofit organization.

SOURCE Ethiopian American Civic Council (EACC)
"We want to give everyone the opportunity for an up-close look at exocad's workflow-streamlining technology," said Larry Bodony, president of exocad America. "Participants can experience exocad's variety of software solutions, including DentalCAD , ChairsideCAD and exoplan while connecting with colleagues and learning from dental industry trailblazers."

At this year's GNYDM, exocad plans a varied educational program for on-site attendees. The Smile Creator Experience will showcase a fully digital workflow from start to finish and demonstrate how an individual mock-up can be designed and created in a single session.

Attendees can learn more about exocad's newly launched CAD Configurator, an online portal designed to help customers, partners and resellers create individualized CAD software packages. exocad will also provide educational seminars, that offer CE credits, with the following guest presenters:

Prosthodontist Dr. Michael Scherer , an assistant clinical professor at Loma Linda University and clinical instructor at University of Nevada, Las Vegas , will discuss the ways exocad software can be used in daily clinical and lab practice.

, an assistant clinical professor at and clinical instructor at , will discuss the ways exocad software can be used in daily clinical and lab practice. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Diana Tadros will teach practical approaches to designing cosmetic cases in the digital world.

will teach practical approaches to designing cosmetic cases in the digital world. Dr. Richard L. Zimmermann , assistant professor of Comprehensive Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio, will demonstrate how to reach new levels of implant planning with open-architecture CAD software.

Additional information is available at exocad.com/gnydm

About exocad

exocad GmbH, an Align Technology, Inc. company, is a leading dental CAD software provider. exocad vigorously pushes the boundaries of digital dentistry, providing flexible, reliable, and easy-to-use CAD/CAM software for dental labs and dental practices worldwide. exocad America, Inc., a subsidiary of exocad GmbH, is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts. More than 45,000 valued customers plan implants and create functional and refined restorations with exocad's DentalCAD, ChairsideCAD and exoplan software. For more information and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit exocad.com

SOURCE exocad GmbH

Related Links

http://exocad.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FarmTogether, a technology-powered investment platform enabling investors to channel funding into natural assets, starting with U.S. farmland, today announced the addition of Ranjan Seetharama as its Head of Engineering and Boyd Corkins as its Head of Farmland Asset Management. These hires join as the company looks ahead to a year of accelerated growth.

Ranjan Seetharama will leverage his pragmatic, data-driven engineering approach to enhance FarmTogether's product and scale its investment infrastructure to meet the company's growth demands. Ranjan will additionally use his experience building high-performing teams to lead the expansion of the company's engineering team.

"Ranjan's role comes at a pivotal time at FarmTogether," said Artem Milinchuk, FarmTogether CEO. "Ranjan has both the leadership experience and proven track record of building and scaling leading payments systems that will be crucial for the kind of growth we're experiencing."

Most recently, Ranjan served as Senior Software Engineering Manager at Roku, where he built a team responsible for Roku's billing, payments, e-commerce, and payouts platform. The distributed, scalable, and high-performance micro-services that his team created handled more than $2 billion worth of transactions each year, supporting all billing and marketing needs of Netflix, Disney, HBO, Hulu, and other media organizations.

Boyd Corkins will bring his nearly three decades of experience spanning farm management, acquisitions, regenerative agriculture, agriculture business development, and analytical models to oversee FarmTogether's farmland investment portfolio. Boyd will work with key stakeholders across our sourcing and investment teams to align our farming operations, farm budgeting, risk/regulatory compliance, and financial reporting.

"Boyd's experience will be core to our plans for expansion into new crop types and geographic locations," said Josiah Terrell-Perica, Director of Farmland Investing at FarmTogether. "Further, Boyd's background in ESG will be paramount as we advance our commitment to sustainable agriculture across our portfolio."

Most recently, Boyd was the Chief Operations Officer for one of North America's largest farmland investment funds, Hancock Farmland Services, where he managed more than 150,000 acres. Previously, Boyd worked for Wonderful Citrus, Tejon Ranch, and Reiter Berry. He is both an Accredited Farm Manager and an Accredited Agriculture Consultant with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. He has managed more than 35 different crops across 16 North American States and has experience in South American agriculture.

To learn more about FarmTogether and its current properties, please visit farmtogether.com.

About FarmTogether

FarmTogether is a technology-powered investment platform that enables investors to channel funding into natural assets, starting with U.S. farmland. . Founded with a mission to bring creative and transformative capital to farming while opening up a vital asset class to all investors, the company is driving agriculture toward sustainability on a massive scale. FarmTogether has developed an end-to-end platform where users can browse carefully vetted farmland investments, review due diligence materials, invest in properties, and sign legal documents, all in a secure online environment. FarmTogether's team and partners are cross-industry professionals with over 100 years of experience across farmland investing, agriculture, tech, and climate in the U.S. and globally.

Media Contact: Rebecca Bauer, [email protected]

SOURCE FarmTogether Inc

Related Links

farmtogether.com


CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National partners of Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, are supporting neighbors in need during this busy holiday season. Several Feeding America partners, including American Eagle, Crate and Barrel, The Fresh Market, Giving Good Cards, Kiehl's and Pampered Chef are giving back to help people who may not know where they will find their next meal.

The Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs has been on the front lines responding to increased demand for food assistance this year. There were tens of millions of people in America facing hunger before the pandemic and that is still true today. More than 38 million people, including nearly 12 million children are food insecure, and 1 out of 5 people turned to the charitable food sector for help in 2020.

"For millions of people, the holiday season can look very different as they turn to food banks to help provide nourishment for their families," said Casey Marsh, chief development officer at Feeding America. "We are grateful to our many partners for their commitment to fighting hunger and for helping to provide everyone an opportunity to give back this holiday season."

Here is how shoppers can help fight hunger during this giving season:

American Eagle/Aerie. American Eagle and Aerie Brands are encouraging customers to donate at the register in-store and online this holiday season. Any in-store donations made through December 25 and online donations made through December 27 will benefit the Feeding America network.



and online donations made through will benefit the Feeding America network. Crate and Barrel. Crate and Barrel is inviting customers to celebrate the holiday season by donating at the register or online through Dec. 26 . One hundred percent of funds raised in-store will benefit each store's local Feeding America member food bank. Additionally, Crate and Barrel will donate $10 for every Papa Leo's Pasta Ornament Set sold.



. One hundred percent of funds raised in-store will benefit each store's local Feeding America member food bank. Additionally, Crate and Barrel will donate for every Papa Leo's Pasta Ornament Set sold. The Fresh Market. At all 159 The Fresh Market stores, guests will be asked if they would like to round up at the register in support of Feeding America, from November 3 to December 28 .



. Giving Good Gift Cards. For every Giving Good Cards purchased now through Sept. 22, 2022 , Giving Good Cards will donate three percent of the total amount loaded onto the card to Feeding America.



, Giving Good Cards will donate three percent of the total amount loaded onto the card to Feeding America. Kiehl's. This holiday season, Kiehl's is encouraging its community to join their first-ever Holiday Digital Fundraiser to further help support families in need. For every purchase of Kiehl's Limited-Edition charitable gift sets, Merry Masking or Hydration Starter Kit, they will donate $1 , helping provide at least 10 meals to families in need. Kiehl's stores will also be hosting canned food drives in the five most impacted areasNew York City, Los Angeles , Chicago , Dallas and San Francisco .



, helping provide at least 10 meals to families in need. Kiehl's stores will also be hosting canned food drives in the five most impacted areasNew York City, , , and . Pampered Chef. Pampered Chef's Round-Up from the Heart campaign will help provide at least 10 meals* for each Stone Loaf Pan, Stoneware Starter Set, or Quick Bread Set sold. Pampered Chef also invites customers to host a fundraiser or "round up" their orders to the nearest dollar or more to benefit their local Feeding America member food bank.

People can help fight hunger this holiday season in other ways, such as volunteering, making a donation or engaging on social media. Contact your local food bank to see how you can help during the holidays and beyond. For more information on ways you can fight hunger year-round, visit feedingamerica.org.

*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks.

Contact

Zuani Villarreal

Feeding America

312.641.6532

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE Feeding America

Related Links

http://www.feedingamerica.org


PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "FinTech Lending Market by Offering (Business Lending and Consumer Lending), Business Model (Balance Sheet Lenders and Marketplace Lenders), Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises and Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)), and Lending Channel (Online and Offline): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20212030." According to the report, the global fintech lending industry generated $449.89 billion in 2020, and is expected to generate $4,957.16 billion by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 27.4% from 2021 to 2030.

Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

Shift from traditional lending to digital lending, surge in government initiatives, and focus on digitalization of lending processes drive the growth of the global fintech lending market. However, rise in security & compliance issues hinders the market growth. On the other hand, technological innovations in fintech lending and rise in demand for cloud-based integrated products present new opportunities in the coming years.

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COVID-19 Scenario:

Fintech firms have been shifting their preferences toward digitization of their financial assets and lending schemes. This has been helping them in capturing the huge customer base even in the lockdown.

However, various government authorities across the world restricted banks and lenders to change their debt reconstruction and other policies. This is expected to negatively impact the growth of the market.

The Business Lending segment to continue its leadership status during the forecast period

Based on offering, the business lending segment accounted for the largest share in 2020, contributing to nearly two-thirds of the global fintech lending market, and is projected to continue its leadership status during the forecast period. This is due to rapid business loans, changes in business preferences, and surge in small business administration (SBA) lending programs. However, the consumer lending segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 29.7% from 2021 to 2030, owing to preference toward online platforms for availing loans, customized lending services, changing borrowers' trends, and technological advancements.

The Online segment to continue its lead position throughout the forecast period

Based on lending channel, the online segment contributed to the highest share in 2020, accounting for nearly four-fifths of the global fintech lending market, and is expected to continue its lead position throughout the forecast period. Moreover, this segment is estimated to manifest the largest CAGR of 28.5% from 2021 to 2030. This is due to hassle-free lending process, customization of small-ticket loans, and mitigation of risks associated with unsecured lending. The research also analyzes the offline segment.

North America to maintain its dominant share by 2030

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in 2020, accounting for nearly half of the global fintech lending market, and is expected to maintain its dominant share by 2030. This is due to development of interactive and consumer-friendly user interface of websites and applications, advanced collection and recovery consumer base, presence of major global players, and massive product awareness. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the largest CAGR of 32.0% during the forecast period, owing to rise of the digital lending landscape along with surge in the number of start-ups and several government initiatives toward FinTech lending across developing countries such as India, China, and Japan.

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Leading Market Players

Avant, LLC

Braviant Holdings

Fundbox

Funding Circle

Kabbage Funding

LendingClub Bank

OnDeck

RateSetter

Social Finance, Inc.

Tavant

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
Analytics and AI leader SAS again allies with the ACFE for International Fraud Awareness Week, Nov. 14-20, spotlighting the social and financial harms of this global scourge, and how leading fraud analytics can help businesses turn the tide. The week will bring several engagement opportunities, including:

SAS virtual sessions: Fraud Week 2021: Industry Insights , Tuesday, Nov. 16 to Thursday, Nov. 18 , various start times, live and on demand. No industry is immune to fraud, though some are more susceptible than others. Join 15 SAS experts over three days for industry-focused, anti-fraud know-how in banking and anti-money laundering, health care, insurance, retail, and manufacturing.

No industry is immune to fraud, though some are more susceptible than others. Join 15 SAS experts over three days for industry-focused, anti-fraud know-how in banking and anti-money laundering, health care, insurance, retail, and manufacturing. ACFE webinar: Intelligence Insights from the Industry: How Organizations Can Move Past Pandemic Problems to Better Protect Their Customers , Tuesday, Nov. 16 , 1 p.m. ET (and later on demand) . More than half of small businesses have experienced a data or security breach in the past 24 months; 40% of large businesses are in the same boat. How can they break the cycle? Exclusive to ACFE members, this webinar will gather industry experts from SAS, the American Bankers Association and the Identity Theft Resource Center to explore how organizations can improve both security and customer convenience.

. More than half of small businesses have experienced a data or security breach in the past 24 months; 40% of large businesses are in the same boat. How can they break the cycle? Exclusive to ACFE members, this webinar will gather industry experts from SAS, the American Bankers Association and the Identity Theft Resource Center to explore how organizations can improve both security and customer convenience. Live Twitter chat: Hiding in Plain Sight: The Rise of Global Fraud Scams, Friday, Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. ET . It's no secret that fraud is on the rise  but scam artists aren't just more pervasive; they're more sophisticated. How can businesses of all sizes use data analytics to stop scammers in their tracks? Join SAS and friends on Twitter for a lively #SASchat.

"Beyond raising awareness and training employees, data analysis and emerging technology adoption are the most effective ways governments and businesses can proactively detect and prevent fraud," said ACFE President and CEO Bruce Dorris. "As we observe Fraud Week, support from advocates like SAS highlights the critical need for organizations to leverage anti-fraud technology to protect themselves and the public."

Banking on AI and machine learning to curb fraud

In the fraud realm, there's no bigger target than the banking sector, hemorrhaging billions in fraud losses each year. A recent study by TransUnion revealed a 149% spike in digital fraud attempts against financial services worldwide in the early months of 2021  no doubt fed by the pandemic's digital banking boom. Forward-thinking banking leaders have already armed their organizations with advanced analytics from SAS.

OCBC Bank recently became the first Singaporean bank to deploy AI and machine learning to combat fraud. Its SAS-powered Fraud Surveillance System led the financial institution to recover SG$8 million (nearly US$6 million) in fraudulent transactions in Singapore alone in its first year. OCBC has since extended its real-time surveillance coverage to international branches in Hong Kong and will add branches in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, in late 2021.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has also embraced SAS' AI and machine learning capabilities, deploying SAS Fraud Management on Microsoft Azure as part of its cloud-first strategy. Deployed in just six months, the solution enables ADIB to detect, mitigate and even predict fraud in real time, delivering rapid value.

"ADIB operates in a risk-heavy environment, and our threat-management solution needs to be integrated across systems, portfolios and departments and able to instantaneously uncover new and complex fraud schemes," said Mamoun Alhomssey, Chief Information Officer of ADIB. "With the AI-powered fraud detection offered by SAS and the scalable cloud platform of Microsoft Azure, we now can proactively identify emerging threats and automatically suggest new rules and scenarios in real time, further reducing our risk from exposure to fraud, waste and abuse."

Detecting fraud and risk on the high seas

COVID-19 has roiled the world's supply chains. But even as congested cargo ports and threats of bare shelves steal headlines, costly risks loom unseen. Dark ports of call. Suspicious ship-to-ship transfers. Dubious loitering.

With billions of dollars at stake each year, AI is being applied to tens of billions of data points to illuminate vessel behavior like never before. Lloyd's List Intelligence and SAS this summer debuted Seasearcher Advanced Risk and Compliance, a maritime risk analysis platform. The data models, developed in collaboration with leading shipping, commodities, finance, legal and insurance experts, aid cross-industry evaluation of deceptive shipping practices and illicit activities. This helps compliance professionals act quickly to avoid fines, sanctions and reputational damage.

"Our collaboration with SAS has pushed our analytical capabilities into another realm," said Michael Dell, President of Lloyd's List Intelligence. "We are now providing our customers with a new level of risk detection and assessment that resets the bar for maritime intelligence and drives transparency in the industry."

The future of anti-fraud technology

In the summer of 2019, SAS and the ACFE collaborated on the inaugural Anti-Fraud Technology Benchmarking Report. The more than 1,000 ACFE members who contributed to the research study foresaw the rise of AI, machine learning and biometrics; increasing anti-fraud tech budgets; and shifting data analysis techniques.

How has the landscape changed since the report debuted? SAS and the ACFE conducted a follow-up survey this fall and will unveil the results in early 2022. Preliminary findings signal that advanced analytics have become even more indispensable for fighting fraud in its many forms.

"Organizations are reporting significant COVID-driven upticks in their application of anti-fraud technology, with 43% of respondents indicating they've accelerated their use of analytics to combat fraud amid the pandemic," said Stu Bradley, Senior Vice President of Fraud and Security Intelligence at SAS. "Further, 60% expect bigger anti-fraud tech budgets over the next two years. As organizations modernize their technology, operations and customer engagement models, these investments can become the foundation of a broader enterprise customer decisioning strategy that fuels even greater innovation, from the back office to customer-facing engagement."

Learn more about SAS' unified approach to fraud, compliance and security, and follow #FraudWeek on Twitter to join the conversation online.

About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2021 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:

Danielle Bates

[email protected]

919-531-1959

sas.com/news

SOURCE SAS

Related Links

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LOS ANGELES and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Surf Yoga, Animal Yoga and Dino Yoga are just some of the videos now available on the free early learning app Khan Academy Kids, thanks to a new partnership with Alo Gives.

"As families return to routines of school, work and daycare, it's more important than ever to provide a fun way for young children to unwind," said Khan Academy Kids founder and CEO Caroline Hu Flexer. "We're delighted to partner with Alo Gives to provide free yoga lessons that encourage mindfulness and wellbeing."

In each Alo Gives video, yoga teachers guide children through a healthy routine for mind and body. The videos are designed to teach kids to quiet their minds, find calm when challenged, mute negativity and gain focus so that they can learn more easily.

"Spreading mindful movement is Alo Yoga's mission, and Alo Gives is our nonprofit dedicated to sharing that with children," said Danny Harris, co-founder of Alo Yoga and Alo Gives. "Through our partnership with Khan Academy Kids, we are able to help students learn yoga and meditation's powerful, life-changing lessons at a young age to alleviate anxiety, promote learning, and build emotional and physical resilience."

Both Alo Gives and Khan Academy Kids have nonprofit missions to cultivate a whole child approach to learning that is free for everyone. Alo Gives, the foundation for activewear label Alo Yoga, aims to help children be happier, healthier, more focused and equipped with the ability to learn with more ease, calm and confidence. Khan Academy Kids highlights movement, creativity and social emotional skills as an integral part of early learning for children ages two to eight.

Khan Academy Kids is 100% free without ads or subscriptions. The app is available on the App Store , Google Play and Amazon Appstore .

MEDIA CONTACT

Alo Yoga

Maxine Silva, 818-640-3225

[email protected]

About Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga (Alo) is a Los Angeles-based premium lifestyle brand with a mission to spread mindful movement, inspire wellness and create community. Since launching in 2007, Alo has become a global leader in activewear design and its franchised fabrics. Alo is eco-aware and has been WRAP Certified in a humane and sweatshop-free environment since day one. An acronym for Air, Land and Ocean, Alo has a studio-to-street mentality that transcends fashion and goes beyond the mat. Alo is available online at www.aloyoga.com and Alo Sanctuaries in Los Angeles, New York, San Diego and Austin as well as select retailers. For more information visit www.aloyoga.com .

About Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Our free early learning app, Khan Academy Kids, is designed for children ages two to eight. Khan Academy Kids covers core subjects like early literacy, reading, writing, language and math, while encouraging creativity and building social-emotional skills. The Khan Academy Kids team is a passionate group of educators, engineers, artists and designers who've won 22 Parents' Choice Awards, 19 Children's Technology Review Awards, and a KAPi award for Best Children's App at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Khan Academy Kids is 100% free without ads or subscriptions. For more information visit www.khankids.org .

SOURCE Alo Yoga

Related Links

www.aloyoga.com


VIENNA, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Frontpoint Security ("Frontpoint"), a leading provider of premium do-it-yourself ("DIY") home security and smart home technology in the United States, announced today that Derek Carder has joined the company as its new chief operating officer. He will be responsible for leading the company's service operations and helping to architect and execute a world-class customer experience.

"We are honored to have such a dynamic and highly skilled operations leader as Derek Carder join Frontpoint as chief operating officer. Derek brings over 15 years of management experience and a proven track record of designing and scaling customer-centric service delivery. Together, we will build a disciplined operational infrastructure that will advance Frontpoint's leadership in the smart home security industry," said Michael Lacorazza, chief executive officer, Frontpoint Security.

Derek Carder is an accomplished operations executive leader with extensive experience in entrepreneurial environments. Previously, Derek served as vice president of customer experience and technical operations at Geotab, the number one commercial telematics vendor worldwide, where he ran global support operations and the digital customer experience. In addition, he held operations positions with increasing responsibilities at Strategic Telecom Solutions, TELUS International, and Zappos.

About Frontpoint Security Solutions LLC

Founded in 2007 with a mission to create a better home security experience, Frontpoint empowers customers to simply and easily install a home security system customized to their needs, backed by best-in-class customer service and professional monitoring. It was the first home security company to offer a 100% wireless and cellular home alarm system and continues to be a top-rated home security company. Frontpoint has customers in all 50 states and Canada. Visit Frontpoint at: www.FrontpointSecurity.com

SOURCE Frontpoint Security Solutions, LLC
BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaotu Techedu Inc. ("Gaotu" or the "Company") (NYSE: GOTU), a leading online large-class tutoring service provider in China, today provided business updates following the recent regulatory developments relating to after-school tutoring services, including the "Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education" published in July 2021 by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council of the PRC and the related implementation rules, regulations and measures promulgated by competent authorities (collectively, the "New Regulations").

In compliance with the New Regulations, the Company will cease offering tutoring services related to academic subjects to students from kindergarten through grade nine (the "K-9 Academic AST Services") by the end of 2021 (the "Cessation"). The Company expects that the Cessation will have a substantial adverse impact on the Company's revenues for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 and the subsequent periods.

The Company will continue to consider appropriate strategic opportunities that can effectively leverage the resources and knowhow accumulated through its past K-9 Academic AST Services, and will provide updates as appropriate. The Company will also continue to operate its business outside of the K-9 Academic AST Services and shift its focus towards developing course offerings and services for professional education, explore possibilities in digital products and vocational education, and continue to provide quality learning experience for its students.

The Company is committed to complying with all applicable PRC laws and regulations, including the New Regulations. To this end, the Company will continue to seek guidance from and cooperate with all relevant government authorities in China in connection with its efforts to comply with the policy directives of the New Regulations. The Company will further adjust its business operations as required and provide updates as appropriate.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's reports filed with, or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Gaotu undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Gaotu is a technology-driven education company and online large-class tutoring service provider in China. The Company offers foreign language, vocational, professional, admission courses and STEAM courses. Gaotu adopts an online live large-class format to deliver its courses, which the Company believes is the most effective and scalable model to disseminate scarce, high-quality teaching resources to aspiring students in China. The Company leverages big data analytics and the latest technologies in multiple aspects of its business to improve teaching delivery, student learning experience, and operational efficiency.

For further information, please contact:

Gaotu Techedu Inc.

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China

Ms. Vivian Wang

Phone: +852 2232 3978

E-mail: [email protected]

In US

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Phone: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Related Links

ir.gaotu.cn


"E.V. Motors and its subsidiaries have been constantly researching and developing a solution to the challenges of the transition from fossil fueled vehicles to electrically driven ones. We are very glad to have connected with GenCell to provide sustainable and environmental fuel cells for our charging stations, thus offering the market a reliable, clean and effective solution," remarks Ohad Seligmann, Chairman, E.V. Motors. "Our engineers have been working closely with the GenCell team to integrate its technologies into our off-grid charging stations solution, and we are confident that the cooperation between the two companies is bringing a unique and state-of-the-art complete solution for autonomous, off-grid, hybrid EV charging that will disrupt the EV charging landscape, first in Israel and later around the globe. We trust that this cooperation will introduce an effective EV charging business model that will serve drivers and consumers, provide an innovative solution to a wide spectrum of clients, lay solid grounds for the continued expansion of the EV revolution and bring revenues to both companies."

Comments Rami Reshef, "GenCell is extremely excited about this agreement with E.V. Motors and the opportunity to demonstrate the significant value that alkaline fuel cells can contribute to maintaining zero-emission continuous power at autonomous off-grid hybrid EV charging stations. As the number of electric vehicles increases, the demand for a wide network of distributed EV charging stations will grow exponentially. On the one hand, forecasts indicate that grid power will not be sufficient to power the estimated quantity of EVs that will reach the roads, and on the other, many destinations to which EVs will need to travel will be beyond the power grid. In both of these scenarios, autonomous off-grid EV charging stations powered by hydrogen and ammonia will be a key solution."

Reshef continues, "As a fuel cell pioneer based in Israel, GenCell is proud to be able to resolve this important challenge for the Israeli market and will be even more excited to demonstrate the proven use case to e-mobility providers around the globe. As the world's eyes are focused on COP26 and climate issues, GenCell is proud to bring innovative clean energy technologies that can play an important role in accelerating the transition to renewable energy in Israel and around the world."

*Source: Guidehouse Insights, 13/10/2021 - https://guidehouseinsights.com/news-and-views/electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-market-is-expected-to-exceed-$207-billion-by-2030

About E.V. Motors

EV Motors is a direct importer specializing solely on public transportation and private electric vehicles. The company is owned by Mr. Eliyahu Gridish, Mr. Ohad Seligmann, Chairman of the Group, and Mr Edward Doron partner and owner. EV Motors imports electric vehicles of the highest quality to international standards from leading global manufacturers. Some of the brands we market are JAC, ANKAI and LEVC. The company imports charging systems from SSE and provides a full package to the customer including charging stations and full charging solutions, inertia solutions and off-grid energy storage. EV Motors aims to operate the next generation charging model in Israel.

About GenCell Energy

GenCell Energy (TASE: GNCL) develops total green power solutions based on reliable, zero-emission alkaline fuel cells and green ammonia-to-energy technology which deliver uninterrupted power to help the world #SayNoToDiesel and transition to clean energy. The ability to produce not only clean power from GenCell's fuel cells, but also the green fuel on which the fuel cells run, sets GenCell in a far superior position as a well-to-wheel total green energy solution provider. GenCell delivers resilient, robust and weather-resistant backup power for utilities, telecom and other mission-critical applications which have been deployed in 22 countries. Our hydrogen-on-demand solution provides primary power for off-grid and poor-grid sites, as well as for rural electrification. GenCell Energy numbers more than 110 employees, including veterans of space and submarine projects. The Company is headquartered in Israel with a worldwide distribution and support network and retains unique intellectual property that includes patents, trade secrets and know-how.

Contacts for GenCell: Babel PR Tel: +44 (0)74 3600 2058 [email protected] Shelli Zargary GenCell Energy Tel: +972 54 5617161 [email protected] Contacts for E.V. Motors Zvi Vilder Vilder PR Tel: +972 3 6869005 Cel: +972 50 555 9966 [email protected] Ofer Segal E.V. Motors Tel: +972 9 965 9000 Cel: +972 54 731 7703 [email protected]

SOURCE GenCell Energy and E.V. Motors
DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supply Chain" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This study analyzes the COVID-19 impact on the global PPE supply chain, focusing on healthcare PPE. Other segments covered include industrial and consumer PPE.

The analysts examine the workings of the PPE value chain before and during the pandemic and highlights weaknesses amplified by the global healthcare emergency. We also studied the impact on various value chain participants such as raw material producers, PPE contract manufacturers, top PPE brands, and distributors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed several aspects of global manufacturing and supply chain ecosystems. One of the most notable changes is in the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain.

The pandemic revealed an over-dependence on selected Asia-Pacific countries, such as China and Malaysia, for PPE raw materials and products. This led to severe shortages in the pandemic's initial phases, forcing some medical professionals to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber gloves instead of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) gloves.

The pandemic led governments worldwide to realize the need to localize essential goods manufacturing to better prepare for future disruptions. In response, they have launched initiatives to secure PPE supply chains, including encouraging reshoring by offering grants to PPE manufacturers.

Through this research service, the analyst's provides industry stakeholders insights into growth opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other trends affecting the PPE supply chain are:

Strategic national stockpiles

Demographic changes in the working population

New business models

Manufacturers' focus on comfort

Resource scarcity

Digital supply chain and manufacturing

Key Topics Covered:

1. Strategic Imperatives

Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow?

The Strategic Imperative

The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on the PPE Supply Chain

Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2. Growth Opportunity Analysis

Key Findings

Post-COVID-19 PPE Value Chain

PPE Product Family Ecosystem

3. COVID-19 Impact on the PPE Supply Chain

PPE Supply Chain Scenario - Before and During the Pandemic

Reshoring

Strategic National Stockpiles

Other Trends

4. Growth Opportunity Universe

Growth Opportunity 1 - Invest in Healthcare PPE Manufacturing to Alleviate Global Shortage

Growth Opportunity 2 - Invest in Digital Technologies to Increase Production and Supply Chain Efficiency

Growth Opportunity 3 - Increased Demand for Strategic National Stockpiles to Increase Localized Production Capacities

5. Next Steps

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yi93rb

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

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DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Porphyria: Pipeline Review, Developer Landscape and Competitive Insights, 2021-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report features an extensive study on the marketed, clinical and preclinical molecules available/being developed for the treatment of Porphyria.

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the product pipeline and developer companies, highlighting the current treatment practices, emerging drugs, and market share of the individual therapies.

In addition to other elements, the study includes detailed assessment of the current market landscape, providing information about the product's mechanism of action, dosage and administration, and pharmacological studies, regulatory milestones, and other development activities.

One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and the future opportunity of therapies for Porphyria, over the next decade. Based on multiple parameters, such as disease prevalence, anticipated adoption of the forecasted therapies and the likely selling price of such therapeutic products, we have provided informed estimates on the evolution of the market for the period 2021-2030.

The report features:

A detailed review of the current market landscape of porphyria targeting therapies providing information on phase of development, drug class (biologic, small molecule), route of administration (oral, intravenous, subcutaneous), mechanism of action, type of porphyria (Acute Hepatic Porphyria, Acute Intermittent Porphyria, Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria, Erythropoietic Protoporphyria, Hereditary Coproporphyria, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Variegate Porphyria, X-Linked Protoporphyria), drug designations (breakthrough therapy designation, fast track, orphan drug designation)

A detailed review of the current market landscape of porphyria targeting therapies developers providing information on year of establishment, headquarters, company size (in terms of employee count), type of player (industry, non-industry) and ownership (public, private, non-profit)

An insightful case study on terminated and dormant programs highlighting the terminated and dormant clinical studies in this domain.

An in-depth clinical trial analysis providing information on trial status, trial registration year, trial phase, number of patients enrolled, geographical distribution, type of treatment, type of sponsors, active players, study design, type of allocation, type of intervention and type of porphyria.

An insightful key opinion leader analysis highlighting the key principal investigators, appointed to lead clinical investigations and examine therapies targeting porphyria using our proprietary scoring based on parameters such as number of publication, number of citations, number of clinical trials, work experience, number of affiliated companies, number of LinkedIn connections and number of affiliated organizations.

An insightful competitiveness analysis of the players engaged in the development of therapies targeting porphyria, taking into consideration their portfolio strength (in terms number of drugs in pipeline, phase of development and drug class), number of partnerships, patent portfolio, google hits, year of establishment and size of the company.

An analysis of publications that have been published related to this domain based on key parameters such as year of publication, top authors, top journal and emerging focus area.

An analysis of the partnerships that have been inked by stakeholders in this domain, in the period between 2010 and 2020, covering product development and commercialization agreement, clinical trial agreement, product development agreement, product licensing agreement and other relevant types of deals.

Elaborate profiles of key players developing porphyria targeting therapies. Each company profile features a brief overview of the company (including information on year of establishment, number of employees, location of headquarters and key members of the executive team, financial/funding information and product portfolio), recent developments and an informed future outlook.

Key Questions Answered

What are the prevalent R&D trends related to Porphyria?

What are the key challenges faced by stakeholders engaged in this domain?

What are the principal therapies developed by the companies in this domain?

Who are the leading industry and non-industry players in this market?

What are the key geographies where research on Porphyria is being conducted?

Who are the key investors in this domain?

Who are the key opinion leaders/experts in this field?

What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by industry stakeholders?

What are the factors that are likely to influence the evolution of this upcoming market?

How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Key Topics Covered:

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. Context

1.2. Project Report

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3. INTRODUCTION

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1. Market Landscape of Porphyria Drugs

4.2. Market Landscape of Porphyria Drug Developers

5. CASE STUDY

5.1 Case Study on Terminated and Dormant Programs

6. KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

6.1. Clinical Trial Analysis

6.2. KOL Analysis

6.3. Company Competitiveness Analysis

6.4. Publication Analysis

6.6 Partnership and Collaborations

7. COMPANY PROFILES

7.1. Agios Pharmaceuticals

7.2. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

7.3. Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals

7.4. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma

7.5. Moderna Therapeutics

7.6. Palatin Technologies

7.7. Recordati Rare Diseases

8. MARKET FORECAST

8.1. Drugs Forecasted and Sales Estimated

8.1.1. GIVLAARI

8.1.2. PanhematinT

8.1.3. SCENESSE

8.1.4. MT-7117

8.1.5. Colestid

8.1.6. HARVONI

8.2. Global Market Forecast, Till 2030

8.3. Distribution by Drug Class

8.4. Distribution by Type of Porphyria

8.5. Distribution by Route of Administration

8.6. Distribution by Region

9. APPENDICES

9.1. Clinical Trial Analysis

9.2. Publication Analysis

9.3. List of Figures

9.4. List of Companies and Organizations

9.2. Publication Analysis

9.3. List of Figures

9.4. List of Companies and Organizations

Companies Mentioned

Access Biotechnology

Agios Pharmaceuticals

Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Association pour la recherche en medecine interne (armi)

Atlas Molecular Pharma

Atlas Ventures

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

Beam Therapeutics

Biotech Lab Singapore

Bioprofarma Bago

Blackstone

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Celnova Pharma

Chiesi Farmaceutici

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals

Committee for Medicinal Products of Human Use (CHMP)

Cycle Pharmaceuticals

Das Nationale Centrum fur Tumorerkrankungen (NCT)

Digna Biotech

Disc Medicine

FARMOVS

Forge Biologics

Gilead Sciences

Hong Kong Winhealth Pharma Group

Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre

Icahn School of Medicine

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals

Italchimici

Lundbeck

Medison Pharma

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma

Moderna Therapeutics

Mount Sinai Morningside

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NeuroDerm

Nordlandssykehuset

Novartis

Novo Holdings

Office of Rare Diseases (ORD)

Palatin Technologies

PANTHERx Rare

PAREXEL

Recordati Rare Diseases

Roche

Strasbourg University Hospital

SurModics

Taiba

The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Health

The University of Navarra

The University of Texas

The University of Texas Medical Branch

Medical Branch Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

uniQure

University of Alabama

University of California

University of South Florida

University of Tromso

University of Utah

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o07prn

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

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YUBA CITY, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Promising new research from a first-of-its-kind study provides men with an easy, food-based option to help benefit their bone health. Often known as the 'silent disease' and traditionally associated with women, osteoporosis can also affect men. However, a new study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, saw positive effects on markers of bone health after men ate prunes. Good news for the estimated two million American men who already have osteoporosis and the 12 million more who are at risk.1

"After so many years of studying the positive effect of prunes on bone health in women, we are so pleased to see that prunes can also play a beneficial role in the bone health of men too," says Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, RD, Professor of Nutrition, San Diego State University. "We are looking forward to continuing to study the role of prunes on bone health in men to further understand the mechanisms at play."

The researchers divided a group of sixty-six men into two treatment groups  half of the men were asked to eat 10-12 (100 grams) prunes per day for a period of one year, the other half of the men did not eat prunes. At the end of the year-long study, researchers saw that the men who ate prunes experienced bone-protective effects compared to those who did not eat prunes.

This study is the first clinical trial to look at the effect of prunes on bone health in men. Previous clinical trials have found that prunes can be beneficial for bone health in women. A study published in Osteoporosis International found that eating just 5-6 (50 grams) prunes per day may help to prevent bone loss in post-menopausal women.2 While a prior study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that eating 10-12 (100 grams) prunes per day for one year was associated with increased bone mineral density and improved indicators of bone turnover in postmenopausal women.3 Prunes have vitamins and minerals that likely work together to protect the bone, including fiber, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, boron, copper and polyphenols.4

"Eating prunes is a delicious way to help improve bone health that people can feel good about," says Stephanie Harralson, Director of Marketing, North America, at Sunsweet Growers Inc. "Men over the age of 50 are actually more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer. This new research gives men an easy way to take action to help improve their bone health."

For more information on prunes and bone health, visit https://www.sunsweet.com/products/benefits-of-prunes.

About Sunsweet

Sunsweet Growers Inc., established in 1917, has over 100 years of experience and heritage in producing the highest quality dried fruits. The Yuba City, Calif.-based cooperative of 200+ grower/members is the worldwide leader in prunes and related products. Most recently, the product portfolio has been expanded to include a full line of dried fruit snacks and juices, all designed to fit today's need for healthy and convenient food choices. For more on Sunsweet products, visit www.Sunsweet.com.

Contact:

Audrey Klackner

[email protected]

1 Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. "Just for Men". Accessed 11.8.21. https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/just-for-men/

2 Hooshmand S, et al. The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial. Osteoporos Int. 2016 Jul;27(7):2271-2279. doi: 10.1007/s00198-016-3524-8. Epub 2016 Feb 22. PMID: 26902092.

3 Hooshmand S, et al. (2011) Comparative effects of dried plum and dried apple on bone in postmenopausal women. Br J Nutr. 106(6):923-30. doi: 10.1017/S000711451100119X.

4 Arjmandi H, et al. "Bone-Protective Effects of Dried Plum in Postmenopausal Women: Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms." Nutrients vol. 9,5 496. 14 May. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9050496

SOURCE Sunsweet Growers Inc.
MUSKEGON, Mich., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Join us as we celebrate Impactful Wealth Solutions' Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on 11/17/21 at 11:30am. Impactful Wealth Solutions is a newly Registered Investment Advisory firm in Muskegon, Michigan that is 100% African American and woman-owned.

Impactful Wealth Solutions is a financial planning focused firm offering Insurance, Retirement Plans, Investment Management and Tax Planning & Preparation Services. Our mission is simple: to make financial principles easy to apply and comprehend while helping our clients achieve financial independence. For nearly 20 years, we have provided our clients trusted counsel and valuable financial solutions to help them achieve their goals and realize their dreams. We pride ourselves in helping women win in their finances and assisting small businesses develop a solid financial plan that will increase profits year after year.

Transparency, Collaboration, Respect and Trust are the qualities owner, Tiffany Tippins believes every great advisor should possess and best describes how she works with her clients and runs her practice. Her career achievements encompass administering and managing employee benefits and retirement plans for several multimillion-dollar corporations and hospitals, self-publishing "Your Journey to Wealthy Living," and being recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Dallas Business Journal just to name a few.

Before transitioning back to Muskegon where she was born and raised, Tiffany lived and worked in Dallas, TX where she first launched her RIA. She understood the importance of integrating tax into financial planning while working with Avantax Wealth Management. Today, she has grown her tax practice alongside her financial planning practice and teaches clients why every investment decision should be evaluated with taxes in mind.

In August of 2020, Tiffany was professionally recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as their featured "People On The Move" professional. And exactly one year later she continues to stay on the move by bring her talents back to West Michigan by launching her Small Business "Financial Readiness" Bootcamp on December 18, 2021.

Before we talk numbers, it is essential for us to get to know you. We want to understand your money mindset and what's most important to you. For more information on Impactful Wealth Solutions, contact us at (888) 828-7526 or visit us at www.impactfulsolutionsgroup.com.

#Financial Planning #Insurance #Investments #Taxes

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

SOURCE Impactful Wealth Solutions

Related Links

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CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HCPLive, a multimedia platform offering physicians up-to-date specialty- and disease-specific information to help them provide the best in patient care, is thrilled to welcome three new groups to its Strategic Alliance Partnership (SAP).

"We are very excited to announce the latest additions to our Strategic Alliance Partnership program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of HCPLive. "With their collaboration, the SAP program will continue to work on projects that benefit patients."

The new partners are:

The SAP program builds a community of advocacy groups, medical associations, and medical institutions to foster collaboration and an open exchange of information among trusted peers, for the ultimate benefit of patients and their families. As part of this joint effort, HCPLive, will work with the partners to share exclusive information and improve patient outcomes.

For the full list of HCPLive SAP partners, click here .

About HCPLive

HCPLive is a comprehensive clinical news and information portal that provides physicians and other health care professionals with up-to-date specialty- and disease-specific resources to help them deliver better care to patients. Readers have access to breaking news, video interviews with physician experts, in-depth conference coverage, finance and practice management updates, insights and analysis from physician contributors and other resources. HCPLive is a brand of MJH Life Sciences , the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Media Contact

Alyssa Scarpaci, 609-250-4365

[email protected]

SOURCE HCPLive

Related Links

https://www.hcplive.com


LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Bello , the leading brand of premium, affordable baby and family care products, today revealed They Call Me, the company's first brand campaign and commercial featuring Co-Founders Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. The campaign takes a fresh approach and focused lens on the profound endeavor of parenthood; while the whimsical commercial pays homage to moms and dads and the many identities of parenting.

"They Call Me" Commercial

They Call Me is not just a first for Hello Bello, but also the first-of-its-kind campaign for a family care company and industry that has traditionally focused advertising and marketing on joyful babies/kids. They Call Me positions Hello Bello as not just a baby company but also a parent company, demonstrating how the brand supports families at every stage of their journey.

"The foundation of Hello Bello is built on the premise that parenting is a wholly imperfect pursuit. Most of us are really just winging it. But it's also filled with life's most unmissable joys," said Kristen Bell. "Hello Bello is a place to explore all the things that being a parent does to your identity as a human. That's so important to us, and to our community that has embraced that idea. This campaign truly reflects that."

The new campaign was architected by creative agency Brains on Fire and the commercial was directed by In the Heights' Emmy-nominated choreographer Christopher Scott. With an inspired version of Donovan's classic song, "Mellow Yellow," Hello Bello transformed the song into "They Call Me Hello Bello." Coinciding with the campaign, the song will be commercially released widely across streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. For every stream through 2021, Hello Bello will donate a diaper to an organization supporting those in need.

"Hello Bello's growth and success is born from the strength of our relationship with our community of parents and caregivers. And we're proud of the trusted voice we've created in this industry, one that's always transparent, authentic, committed and supportive," said Erica Buxton, president of Hello Bello. "As we approach our third brand anniversary, we're thrilled to share our first brand campaign that has so endearingly captured our spirit."

Hello Bello, known for its premium and affordable products, manufactures and distributes over 100 family essentials, including diapers, wipes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, seasonal goods and more to leading retailers across North America, including Walmart. Since the brand was founded in 2019, Hello Bello has continued to carefully craft all products with babies, parents and the planet in mind and has maintained the signature accessibility and affordability throughout continued growth.

Beyond the commercial, the larger They Call Me campaign will run throughout 2022 in Walmart and additional national retail partners with focused digital activations, as well as through supplementary creative, activations, and community elements. The messiness of parenting doesn't end when babies graduate from diapers. They Call Me will serve to highlight all the next stages of childhood and parenthood, and how Hello Bello is there to help.The marketing effort follows the October grand opening of Hello Bello's first U.S. diaper factory in Waco, Texas.

Assets for the campaign can be found here and the commercial can be viewed here .

About Hello Bello:

Hello Bello, launched in February 2019, makes premium and affordable baby products designed to eliminate the choice many parents have to make  deciding between what's best for their kids and what's best for their budget. From extremely adorable and soft diapers made with sustainably harvested fluff pulp and premium body care with organic botanical extract blends to mineral sunscreens, organic multivitamins, refillable cleaners, and more, Hello Bello's products give parents comfort about what they're putting on their baby and bringing into their home. Hello Bello was co-founded by Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Sean Kane, Jay McGraw and Jennifer Pullen. For more information, please visit hellobello.com or follow @hellobello on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and @myhellobello on Pinterest.

SOURCE Hello Bello
BERLIN, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultimate, the #1 customer support automation platform according to G2 customer reviews, is today celebrating a series of expansion milestones on the eve of its 5th birthday, with two new executives joining to lead go-to-market expansion globally, a record-breaking Q3, and continued product innovation in the application of AI to solve costly problems in customer service.

To spearhead global growth Henrique Moniz de Aragao joins as EVP, Sales with Will McInnes joining as Chief Marketing Officer. Aragao joins to lead Ultimate's commercial teams following a highly successful period of >100% year-on-year growth at G2 as General Manager of the EMEA business, leading new market entry and expansion across the region. G2 recently raised $157m Series D at a $1.1bn valuation. McInnes joins after 7 years as an executive at Brandwatch based in NYC, USA and Brighton, UK, scaling from $20m revenues to $105m culminating in a successful exit to Cision in June this year.

Reflecting on these two senior go-to-market appointments, CEO & Co-Founder Reetu Kainulainen said "Henrique and Will bring deep expertise in scaling internationally and the domain expertise to lead their respective areas - we've been growing fast, now with them onboard we have the leadership team in place to double down on our market-leading approach".

In Q3, the company celebrated 120% growth against target, acquiring new brands including Vodafone, Gorillas & F-Secure in addition to strong organic customer expansion, with one global Fortune 500 brand expanding by 600%+. The company's partnerships are scaling too: Ultimate is partnering with hyper-growth startup Dixa to provide a best-in-class automation experience as both companies rapidly grow their US market presence.

In October virtual agents powered by Ultimate automated 43% of all interactions, delivering faster resolutions for consumers - by collecting and validating customer information, automatically responding to customer inquiries and automating back office processes - while presenting human agents with the prioritized customer care issues that most needed their support.

Deploying funds from its $20M Series A in December 2020, Ultimate now numbers over 109 full-time employees across the globe. To deliver on its mission to build the most powerful platform in the industry the company continues to invest substantially in innovation - with over half of all team members in R&D, and a commitment to substantial quarterly product releases. In Q3 the company launched a pioneering Training Center, giving non-technical customer support teams an intuitive, no-code toolset for training their virtual agents. Prior to this, product launches centered around an industry-leading Impact Report, providing a data-driven roadmap of automation priorities based on historical support data, and a brand-new Ticket Automation product, using AI to free up human agents from the most repetitive support ticket tasks.

With an eye on continued acceleration in 2022, CEO Reetu Kainulainen said: "Since raising Series A 11 months ago we have been intensely focused on execution: our team is now 3x the size, our customers are rolling out our platform to new territories and languages, and with these two new revenue leaders and our first sales team in the US hired we are incredibly excited. But - and there is a but - this market is huge and accelerating. Improving the way customer service happens globally is an absolutely massive opportunity and one we are committed to for the long haul, so even with the excitement we are also feeling like we're just a fraction of the way towards our end goal".

About Ultimate

Ultimate's AI-powered virtual agent platform helps customer support teams to reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction. It does this by providing end consumers with the frictionless, fast and on-brand support experiences they expect, across chat, email and messaging and in 96 languages. The company's technology integrates with Zendesk, Salesforce and Freshworks, providing a seamless customer experience by connecting front-office touchpoints to back-office systems. Headquartered in Berlin with offices in Helsinki and New York, customers include Vodafone, Finnair, Cox & Cox, Gorillas and Teleclinic. Customer reviews on G2 rate Ultimate as the best provider in its category.

SOURCE Ultimate
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlands College , a biblical higher education institution based in Birmingham, Alabama, invites business and ministry leaders to attend the annual Impact Leadership Conference on December 8, 2021. While the conference is typically a ticketed event, this year's Impact Leadership Conference is a free virtual event as a gift from Highlands College to you and your team.

Highlands College - Dr. John C. Maxwell

Hosted by Highlands College's President, Mark Pettus, and ESPN's award-winning broadcaster, Lauren Sisler, this year's conference theme is Transcendent Leadership, a timely lesson on transcendent influence from world-renowned leadership experts including Dr. John C. Maxwell, High Point University President Dr. Nido Qubein, and Highlands College Chancellor and Sr. Pastor of Church of the Highlands Chris Hodges. Attendees will learn what it means to be a transcendent leader in an unparalleled time, gain expert insights to elevate their skills, and learn the best actionable ways to apply these principles in their day-to-day lives.

"We are constantly challenged by the increasing complexities of our world and faced with the temptation to compare ourselves and our circumstances to others," says Mark Pettus.

"A leader's responsibility is to rise above the noise and create space for positive change."

"We are passionate about this year's message and its potential to make a true impact in the lives of the leaders attending and those they lead," said Kay Hargrave, who leads the College's Office of Institutional Advancement and serves as an organizer of the Impact Leadership Conference.

"The Impact Leadership Conference began as an opportunity to give business leaders exclusive access to world-renowned leadership experts. Last year pushed us to go beyond our walls. We opened the conference to an online audience and felt challenged to ensure they felt as though they were in the room. By popular demand, we are thrilled to offer this virtual half-day leadership intensive to the public again, at no charge as a gift from Highlands College. We believe this year's theme, Transcendent Leadership, will resonate with a large audience who can benefit both personally and professionally."



Last year's "A Masterclass in Resilience" Impact Leadership Conference equipped leaders with the strength and flexibility to bounce back after an exceptionally trying year due to the global pandemic. The virtual event captured national attention and garnered an attendance of nearly 6,500.

For more information, and to register for this year's virtual Impact Leadership Conference on December 8th, click here .

About Highlands College

Highlands College is a first-of-its-kind Biblical education institution that exists to develop leaders of competence, character, and spiritual maturity, holistically trained to lead lives of eternal impact by expanding the Kingdom of God. Its vision is a ministry academy model where students are educated, equipped, and empowered to reach people and graduate debt-free. Highlands College graduates are leading in churches in 34 states and 10 countries around the world. Highlands College is an integrated auxiliary of Church of the Highlands, a multisite church with campuses across the states of Alabama and Georgia.

Media Contact:

Blaine Lindsey

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(205) 731-7339

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CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP), an operating company within Hilco Global, today announced it is donating 4,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to underserved communities in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Richmond, CA.

The initiative is part of HRP's ongoing support for causes and not-for-profit organizations that help improve the lives of those in need. Last year, as part of Hilco Global's Hilco Helps initiative, HRP helped donate over $1 million worth of winter jackets and cold weather accessories in addition to holiday meals, school supplies, and more to thousands of Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston residents.

"HRP doesn't just focus on sustainable redevelopment, we are also determined to be good neighbors by helping improve the lives of community members," said Roberto Perez, CEO of HRP. "As many families continue to get back on their feet from the economic disruptions over the past year and a half, we are proud to donate 4000 turkeys this Thanksgiving. Philanthropy and community are key pillars of our business, and we hope this initiative makes Thanksgiving a little bit brighter for our friends and neighbors."

In Philadelphia, HRP is partnering with the Philadelphia City Council and working with local Supermarket entrepreneur Jeffrey Brown, of Brown's Shop Rite, to distribute turkeys to families from November 12th  November 23rd. In Boston, HRP is collaborating with the South Boston Association of Non-Profits and the woman owned business Dole & Bailey to make organic turkeys available for pick up on November 19th. In Chicago, HRP is working with Beyond the Ball, Casa Central, and Instituto del Progreso Latino to hand out turkeys on November 17th. And in Richmond, California, HRP is working with Richmond CF to give out turkeys on November 22nd.

About Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP):

HRP is a vertically integrated real estate investment and redevelopment company that reimagines, remediates, and redevelops obsolete industrial sites across the United States with a uniquely holistic approach to development that prioritizes economic, community and environmental sustainability.

HRP is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Miami. Since inception, HRP has acquired assets valued in excess of $3.0 billion and its current portfolio includes over 20 million square feet of existing buildings and future development assets. In addition to its internal capital, HRP also invests external capital through joint ventures with real estate private equity funds, institutional investors, and family offices. HRP is an operating company within Hilco Global. To learn more about HRP, visit hilcoredev.com.

About Hilco Helps : Hilco Helps (www.hilcohelps.com) serves as a Hilco Global worldwide initiative to support causes and not-for-profit organizations that help enhance the lives and maximize the potential of the world's most important assets: Human Assets. Through many Hilco Helps programs, the organization works to improve the lives of those in need (often children) in communities that are under served and require assistance to maximize their full potential. Hilco Helps provides millions of dollars of support (through in-kind donations, direct donations, and marketing efforts/sponsorship) to non-profit groups doing outstanding work. In addition to direct financial support, the company's employees donate time to relief efforts in disaster zones, churches, schools, etc. across the country, and offers internship opportunities to mentor and engage young people around the world.

SOURCE Hilco Redevelopment Partners
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivantis Inc., developer of the novel Hydrus Microstent, a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) device intended to lower eye pressure for open-angle glaucoma patients, has announced new data from its five-year HORIZON pivotal trial showing that the Hydrus Microstent lowers the rate of visual field loss by 47% versus cataract surgery alone. The breakthrough findings position the Hydrus Microstent as the first glaucoma procedure to reduce vision loss compared to standard medical treatment in a large randomized clinical trial since trabeculectomy, the gold standard surgical intervention for glaucoma, first did so in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study over 20 years ago.

The preliminary findings were presented on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 8 a.m. CST during the Original Paper session at the 2021 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting by Dr. Iqbal "Ike" Ahmed, research director at the Kensington Eye Institute and director of the Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery (GAASS) Fellowship Program at the University of Toronto. The visual field findings are from work done by Dr. Gus Gazzard, professor of ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

"This is a game-changer. Since the inception of MIGS, the impact narrative has been largely restricted to surrogate endpoints  IOP lowering and medication reduction. At three years, we saw that Hydrus was impacting the rate of invasive secondary surgery, which was exciting. Now at five years, we have data indicating the Hydrus is affecting the underlying disease itself, which alters forever how we think of MIGS," said Dr. Ahmed. "I applaud Dr. Gazzard and commend Ivantis for its tireless commitment and investment in furthering the science of MIGS, without which we would not have these significant outcomes."

About Visual Field Loss

It is well documented that each decibel reduction in visual field loss from glaucoma has a dramatic impact on patient quality of life and healthcare costs1. Even a slight loss of vision can create a cascade of medical costs, from added glaucoma medications, surgeries, and doctor visits to additional hospitalizations from fractures and falls, to lost productivity at work.

The new five-year data derive from a review of all visual field follow-ups from baseline through five years for patients in the HORIZON study.

Involving over 3,000 data points, eyes treated with the Hydrus Microstent show 47% lower rate of Visual Field loss after 5 years 2 .

. The retrospective analysis was led by Professor Gus Gazzard , chief of the glaucoma service at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, United Kingdom . Full analysis will be presented in its entirety by Dr. Gazzard in early 2022.

"The public health implications of these findings are enormous as a reduction in the rate of visual field progression has the potential to delay or prevent vision loss and blindness in millions of individuals afflicted with glaucoma worldwide," said Dr. Douglas Rhee, professor and chair of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals and president-elect of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS). "Several studies have shown that even small amounts of visual field loss can lead to limitations in common activities such as driving, reading, and a patient's ability to exercise or go outside the house. Combining Hydrus with cataract surgery is an opportunity to treat patients early in their disease state. With a safe glaucoma surgery like Hydrus, the procedure can be performed in mild or early onset disease before significant visual loss has occurred."

"In 1925, Dr. J. Stefansson of Winnipeg, Canada published results of his pioneering bypass glaucoma drainage procedure using a T-shaped tube device in the American Journal of Ophthalmology3," said Dave Van Meter, Ivantis president and CEO. "Nearly 100 years later, his vision has come full circle with the pivotal findings that the Hydrus technology, and its revolutionary, flow enhancing design, reduces vision loss. Overnight, this finding makes MIGS one of the most essential solutions for the globally escalating glaucoma burden and further demonstrates the clinical benefit being provided to patients by Hydrus. It is tremendously gratifying to see the singularly significant impact of Hydrus on glaucoma patients and their quality of life."

Key Five-Year HORIZON Findings

The HORIZON study is the largest prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted for a MIGS device and the first with continuous five-year follow-up. HORIZON included 556 patients with mild to moderate glaucoma treated in 38 centers in nine countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. Patients were treated with cataract surgery plus the Hydrus Microstent or cataract surgery alone, respectively. Earlier results showed significant reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP), medication use, and secondary glaucoma surgeries:

73% of "mild" Hydrus Microstent patients (those on one glaucoma medication at baseline) remained medication-free at five years , compared with 48% in the cataract surgery-alone arm.

, compared with 48% in the cataract surgery-alone arm. There was a 20% to 30% improvement in the medication-free rate in the Hydrus group versus control at all time points. This represents the highest margin total of medication eliminations compared to a control group reported for any MIGS pivotal trial.

This represents the highest margin total of medication eliminations compared to a control group reported for any MIGS pivotal trial. With Hydrus, patients had a more than 60% (2.8x) reduction in the likelihood for requiring subsequent invasive glaucoma surgery  a clinically meaningful and statistically significant difference. Hydrus had a 2.5% rate of subsequent invasive glaucoma surgery, compared with 6.4% for cataract surgery alone.

Confirmed safety at five years, including continued stability of endothelial cell loss compared to control.

About the Hydrus Microstent

Roughly the size of an eyelash, the Hydrus Microstent is a next-generation MIGS device designed to reduce eye pressure by reestablishing flow through Schlemm's canal, the eye's natural outflow pathway. When placed in the canal during minimally invasive microsurgery, the device restores the flow of fluid in the eye, using a Tri-Modal mechanism of action:

The Hydrus Microstent dilates and scaffolds Schlemm's canal to augment outflow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber. It maintains an opening through the trabecular meshwork from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal. Its length spans approximately 90 degrees of the canal to provide consistent access to multiple fluid collector channels in the eye.

Approved by the FDA in August 2018 for use in conjunction with cataract surgery, the Hydrus Microstent is one of the most rigorously researched and thoroughly studied MIGS devices, with more than 4,000 cases treated globally in controlled clinical studies and registries in patients with a wide range of disease severities.

About Ivantis

Ivantis Inc. is a privately held company established in 2007 to design, develop, and commercialize new technologies to treat eye disease. Investors include New Enterprise Associates, Delphi Ventures, Foresite Capital, RA Capital Management, Ascension Ventures, EDBI, GBS Ventures, MemorialCare Innovation Fund, Merieux Development, and Vertex Healthcare. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Ivantis, Hydrus, and Tri-Modal are registered trademarks of Ivantis Inc. All rights reserved 2021.

References

Wang, Yue MD; Alnwisi, Sameh MD; Ke, Min PhD* The impact of mild, moderate, and severe visual field loss in glaucoma on patients' quality of life measured via the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 Questionnaire, Medicine: December 2017 - Volume 96 - Issue 48 - p e8019 Gazzard et al. AGS 2022 Abstract (in review) Stefansson J. An operation for glaucoma. Am J Ophthalmol 1925;8:681-693.

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

INDICATIONS FOR USE:

The Hydrus Microstent is indicated for use in conjunction with cataract surgery for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

The Hydrus Microstent is contraindicated under the following circumstances or conditions: (1) In eyes with angle-closure glaucoma; and (2) In eyes with traumatic, malignant, uveitic or neovascular glaucoma, or discernible congenital anomalies of the anterior chamber (AC) angle.

WARNINGS

Clear media for adequate visualization is required. Conditions such as corneal haze, corneal opacity, or other conditions may inhibit gonioscopic view of the intended implant location. Gonioscopy should be performed prior to surgery to exclude congenital anomalies of the angle, peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), angle closure, rubeosis, and any other angle abnormalities that could lead to improper placement of the stent and pose a hazard.

PRECAUTIONS

The surgeon should monitor the patient postoperatively for proper maintenance of intraocular pressure. The safety and effectiveness of the Hydrus Microstent has not been established as an alternative to the primary treatment of glaucoma with medications in patients 21 years or younger, eyes with significant prior trauma, eyes with abnormal anterior segment, eyes with chronic inflammation, eyes with glaucoma associated with vascular disorders, eyes with preexisting pseudophakia, eyes with uveitic glaucoma, eyes with pseudoexfoliative or pigmentary glaucoma, eyes with other secondary open-angle glaucomas, eyes that have undergone prior incisional glaucoma surgery or cilioablative procedures, eyes that have undergone argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), eyes with unmedicated IOP < 22 mmHg or > 34 mmHg, eyes with medicated IOP > 31 mmHg, eyes requiring > 4 ocular hypotensive medications prior to surgery, in the setting of complicated cataract surgery with iatrogenic injury to the anterior or posterior segment, and when implantation is without concomitant cataract surgery with IOL implantation. The safety and effectiveness of the use of more than a single Hydrus Microstent has not been established.

ADVERSE EVENTS

Common postoperative adverse events reported in the randomized pivotal trial included partial or complete device obstruction (7.3%); worsening in visual field MD by > 2.5 dB compared with preoperative (4.3% vs. 5.3% for cataract surgery alone); device malposition (1.4%); and BCVA loss of  2 ETDRS lines  three months (1.4% vs. 1.6% for cataract surgery alone). For additional adverse event information, please refer to the Instructions for Use.

MRI INFORMATION

The Hydrus Microstent is MR-Conditional, meaning that the device is safe for use in a specified MR environment under specified conditions; please see the Instructions for Use and Patient Information Card for details.

Please refer to the Instructions for Use for complete product information.

www.IvantisInc.com

Media Contact

Capwell Communications

[email protected]

949-999-3303

SOURCE Ivantis, Inc.

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"Just in time for the biggest food and family holiday of the year, we're proud to unveil "How Homemade is Made," our first fully integrated brand campaign that captures the love and joy that comes from enjoying a beloved family recipe," said Fidji Simo, CEO at Instacart. "To date, Instacart's sweet spot has been unmatched speed and selection, which has served millions of busy customers well as they discovered the time-saving convenience of online grocery. Over the course of the pandemic, many people rediscovered the joy of cooking at home - whether serving up a favorite recipe or trying their hand at a fun new food trend. As we look ahead, Instacart's opportunity is to partner with grocery retailers to also inspire people across all of their food needs, whether it's cooking your mom's short ribs or putting together a quick lunch box for your kids. With this campaign, we hope to remind people that food is more than sustenance; it's an opportunity for human connection."

"How Homemade is Made" comes to life in a new film created in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P) and directed by award-winning director Ian Pons Jewell , that centers around a message of celebrating the food we make with love and care. The story's narrative is served up in a fresh, playful way, encouraging viewers to imagine a world where one-of-a-kind family dishes were commercially available. The campaign includes TV commercials -- which will run in 60 and 30-second spots from November 14, 2021 through January 2, 2022 -- on ABC, CBS, and NBC, online video (YouTube), paid social, influencer marketing (#HowHomemadeIsMade), programmatic advertising, and digital out-of-home (OOH) activations, which will run through the holiday season. The campaign also comes to life with every dish shown being instantly shoppable with live QR codes that take customers to a shoppable recipe on the Instacart app. In conjunction, Instacart has also refreshed its visual identity, bringing images of craveable, mouth-watering food shared in familiar settings among family and friends into brand creative and the Instacart app.

"Instacart combines the speed and convenience of technology with one of the most emotionally resonant human experiences - the shared meal with loved ones," said Rich Silverstein, co-founder and co-chairman of GS&P. "We developed the 'How Homemade is Made' campaign to highlight how the traditional concepts of food, family and shared meals that we know consumers crave can not only live alongside modern technology, but actually be fueled by it."

Instacart's brand strategy was developed in partnership with TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, the "How Homemade is Made" film and campaign were created in partnership with GS&P, the media planning and execution were led by GroupM and the social media and influencer campaign was developed in partnership with Media.Monks.

About Instacart

Instacart is the leading online grocery platform in North America. Instacart shoppers offer same-day delivery and pickup services to bring fresh groceries and everyday essentials to busy people and families across the U.S. and Canada. Instacart has partnered with more than 700 beloved national, regional and local retailers, including unique brand names, to deliver from more than 65,000 stores across more than 5,500 cities in North America. Instacart's platform is available to over 85% of U.S. households and 90% of Canadian households. The company's cutting-edge enterprise technology also powers the ecommerce platforms of some of the world's biggest retail players, supporting their white-label websites, applications and delivery solutions. Instacart offers an Instacart Express membership that includes reduced service fees and unlimited free delivery on orders over $35. For more information, visit www.instacart.com . For anyone interested in becoming an Instacart shopper, visit https://shoppers.instacart.com/ .

SOURCE Instacart

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LAKE MARY, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) issued the following statement from IIA president and CEO Anthony Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP on the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, signed into law today by President Joe Biden.

"The IIA commends this bipartisan, timely legislation - the largest federal investment in infrastructure in more than a decade - to improve the nation's roads, bridges and waterways. The infrastructure bill is great for business and the country and will spark important upgrades and projects. Internal audit has an important role to play here - organizations should use their internal audit activity to ensure integrity and compliance of these infrastructure projects."

The IIA recommends that each organization, company, financial institution and governmental entity receiving funds should disclose in contracts and project scoping statements that there will be objective assurance over the system of controls via an internal audit activity that's independent of management.

The new law includes roughly $550 billion in new funding for transportation, utilities and broadband. It also invests $110 billion in roads, bridges and other major projects, directs $66 billion toward passenger and freight rail and $39 billion into public transit. The bill will invest $65 billion in expanding broadband access. It will put $55 billion into water systems, including lead pipe replacements. The legislation also includes a provision for cryptocurrency tax reporting.

About The Institute of Internal Auditors

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the internal audit profession's most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications. Established in 1941, The IIA today serves more than 200,000 members from more than 170 countries and territories. The IIA's global headquarters are in Lake Mary, Fla. For more information, visit www.globaliia.org.

SOURCE The Institute of Internal Auditors

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To this end, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of National Defense are joining forces to conduct a variety of Digital New Deal projects that aim to promote digital transformation across the defense field.

First, the ministries plan to establish the National Defense ICT Support Group that will perform systematic research and development (R&D) on defense-related information and communications technology (ICT), with the aim of innovating military operations and strength.

Being launched within the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), a national defense-related R&D firm, the ICT Support Group consists of experts in strategies, planning, and evaluation. They will devise R&D strategies and technology roadmaps, identify and plan business opportunities, and manage and support upcoming projects.

Cutting-edge technologies, including data, network, and artificial intelligence (AI), will be applied to the entire defense area. The ministries will focus on identifying and developing high demand technologies in both the military and the public sector and manage the entire circle of the R&D process.

The existing military-broadband convergence network (M-BcN) will be enhanced, while commercial 5G networks will be used in the defense system. In addition, the ministries will strengthen the existing integrated defense data center by putting high performance computing and machine learning technology in place to perform systematic collection and management of military-related data.

Customized Online Technology Training

Starting in 2022, the ministries will foster technological talents across the military by providing soldiers with online courses on AI and software (SW). The aim is to produce 50,000 professionals eligible for future industries and more than 1,000 AI experts by 2026.

During their military service period, soldiers will be given 15-month online training courses on AI and SW. Using an online platform, they will learn coding and have one-on-one sessions with experts who will give them feedback on their work. The military servicemen and women will also have a chance to participate in AI-specialized courses run by professionals from industries, academics, and research institutions.

In particular, the participants are allowed to select courses tailored to their individual level of knowledge. Those who complete a course and pass an evaluation test will receive a certificate. To help the soldiers pursue a post-military career, the ministries will continue to provide those discharged from military duty with intensive training courses designed to help them start a business or look for a relevant job.

Soldiers Leading the Digital Era

The educational project, set to kick off next year, already garners interest from military personnel. According to a survey, many soldiers consider the educational courses as a great perk that will help their future careers by enhancing their technological skills and knowledge. More than 60 percent of the respondents said that they are willing to take the programs when they become available next year.

On October 26, the ministries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and launched a training operation division to expedite the implementation of the project.

The division of more than 20 members -- academic professionals, military personnel, and their families -- will perform various tasks to maximize the benefits of the project for the military. For example, they will set up yearly action plans and strategies on how to implement the courses, monitor the status of the programs, and collect opinions from experts from various sectors.

The government hopes that the project will help military servicemen and women strengthen skills required in future industries, enhance national readiness with the Intelligent AI Forces armed with high technology prowess, and make Korea an AI leader on par with the world's tech powers.

"The military can serve as a test bed for cutting-edge technologies developed in the private sector. The military can also contribute greatly to the success of the Korean Digital New Deal as it is where we can identify early-stage markets and foster young talents," said the science ministry. "We believe that next year's AI and SW education project will play a crucial role in helping young men and women better prepare for the future in the digital transformation era that we live in," it added.

For more detailed information on Digital New Deal, contact [email protected].

Media contact

Born2Global Centre: [email protected]

SOURCE Born2Global Centre
RARITAN, N.J., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb today announced results from the Phase 2 AXIOMATIC-TKR study, which showed investigational oral milvexian reduced the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a dose dependent manner without increasing the risk of bleeding compared with enoxaparin in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. These data were presented today at a Late-Breaking Science session at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2021 and simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

"This study establishes proof-of-principle for milvexian as a differentiated antithrombotic agent," said Jeffrey Weitz, M.D., Professor of Medicine & Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University and Executive Director of the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute.i "Furthermore, the consistently low rates of bleeding across a 16-fold range of milvexian doses suggest that it has a wide therapeutic window, which opens the opportunity to explore milvexian across a broad range of patients including those for whom factor Xa inhibitors are underutilized or not indicated."

The trial met both of its pre-specified proof-of-principle requirements: the dose response for efficacy with twice-daily milvexian was significant (p<0.001), and the 12% rate of VTE with combined twice-daily doses of milvexian was significantly lower (p<0.0001) than the prespecified benchmark rate of 30%.

At daily doses of at least 100 mg, the rates of VTE with milvexian were significantly lower than with enoxaparin (p0.014).



Milvexian Twice Daily Milvexian Once Daily Enoxaparin

Once Daily 25 mg 50 mg 100 mg 200 mg 25 mg 50 mg 200 mg 40 mg No. of patients evaluated 129 124 134 131 28 127 123 252 Venous thromboembolism* 21% 11% 9% 8% 25% 24% 7% 21% No. of patients evaluated 148 148 149 148 33 150 147 296 Any bleeding 1% 5% 5% 3% 0 5% 6% 4% Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding 0 1% 1% 1% 0 1% 1% 2% Major bleeding 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.3%





* Primary efficacy outcome defined as the composite of asymptomatic deep-vein thrombosis (detected by mandatory unilateral venography performed 10 to 14 days after surgery), confirmed symptomatic venous thromboembolism (symptomatic deep-vein thrombosis of the leg or nonfatal pulmonary embolism), or death.  Safety outcomes were assessed in the safety population, which consisted of all patients who received at least one dose of trial medication.

There were no major bleeds with milvexian and one with enoxaparin. The rates of major plus clinically relevant nonmajor bleeds (CRNM) with milvexian and enoxaparin were 0.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Across a 16-fold range of doses, milvexian demonstrated a low risk of major plus CRNM bleeding with no major bleeds and no dose-response on this composite outcome.

"These promising Phase 2 data support a profile that is consistent with better efficacy and safety than enoxaparin and reinforce our confidence in milvexian," said James List, M.D., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Cardiovascular, Metabolism, & Retina, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We're optimistic about the milvexian program and its potential impact for patients."

The TKR study is the first of two studies to read out from the Phase 2 milvexian program. Results from the ongoing Phase 2 study of milvexian for secondary stroke prevention (AXIOMATIC-SSP) are expected in the first half of 2022. Janssen and Bristol Myers Squibb thank the patients and investigators involved in this clinical trial.

About AXIOMATIC-TKR

AXIOMATIC-TKR is a Phase 2, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, dose-ranging multicenter study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of milvexian, an oral factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor, versus subcutaneous enoxaparin in patients undergoing elective TKR surgery. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of total VTE up to 14 days. The principal safety outcome was any bleeding, defined as the composite of major, clinically relevant nonmajor and minimal bleeding.

A total of 1,242 patients were randomized to receive one of seven regimens of oral milvexian given twice or once-daily or to receive 40 mg of subcutaneous enoxaparin once-daily. The assignment to milvexian or enoxaparin was open label, but the milvexian dose assignment was blinded. Treatment was given for 10-14 days. More information can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03891524).

About Milvexian*

Milvexian is a potential first-in-class oral factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor (anti-thrombotic) for the prevention and treatment of major thrombotic conditions. Phase 2 TKR data, complementing human genetic, epidemiologic, and preclinical evidence, now provide further support for the hypothesis that inhibiting FXIa can reduce the risk of vascular events without increasing the risk of bleeding. The milvexian Phase 2 clinical trial program consists of two Phase 2 studies: AXIOMATIC-TKR (NCT03891524) evaluating milvexian in TKR surgery and AXIOMATIC-SSP (NCT03766581) evaluating milvexian for secondary stroke prevention (SSP).

*Milvexian is an investigational agent and has not been approved for use in any country, for any indication.

About The Bristol Myers Squibb-Janssen Collaboration

Bristol Myers Squibb and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., two leaders in thrombosis treatment and care, are collaborating to develop and commercialize milvexian, a potentially first-in-class oral factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor, with the goal of improving upon the benefit-risk profile of existing anticoagulants. With extensive expertise and unparalleled leadership in cardiovascular treatments spanning decades, Bristol Myers Squibb and Janssen share a long-standing commitment to improving treatment options for patients with life-threatening cardiovascular conditions.

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Learn more at https://www.janssen.com/. Follow us at @JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding milvexian. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2021, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

i Dr. Weitz is affiliated with McMaster University, and was provided payment for his participation in the Phase 2 AXIOMATIC-TKR clinical trial.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Silvent

Mobile: (973) 479-9845

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Investor Relations:

Jennifer McIntyre

Phone: +1 732-524-3922

U.S. Medical Inquiries:

+1 800-526-7736

SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson

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NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LeafLink , the unified B2B platform for cannabis, today released its 2021 LeafLink List, an annual cannabis industry award series celebrating the incredible businesses in the LeafLink community and how they're molding the future of the industry with their expertise and innovation. This year's list features more than 230 winners from 30 North American cannabis markets across 33 overall categories and 54 market-specific categories

LeafLink List 2021 was created by analyzing orders through the LeafLink marketplace from January 1st to September 30th, 2021. Brands are recognized in categories such as Top Selling, Fastest Growing, Customer Favorite, Early Adopter, Best Branding Profile, Best Advertising, and Community Favorites. Retailer awards include Top Buyers, Fastest Growing, Industry Innovators, Early Adopter, Community Favorites and the data-driven accolades Market Influencers, Taste Testers, and Best Purchase Variety.

LeafLink is excited to introduce a few new categories as well, including infused beverages, Best Selling and Fastest Growing brands in nine key product categories, as well as the Top Brand and Top Retailer in 27 of LeafLink's individual markets, to celebrate the top cannabis operators across North America.

"Each year through LeafLink List, we celebrate the amazing brands and retailers that make up the powerful community within LeafLink's platform," said Ryan G. Smith, LeafLink CEO and Co-Founder. "It has been another strong year for cannabis, with the industry seeing continued growth thanks to the hard work of these amazing businesses and the exceptional people behind them. We're excited to celebrate this year's winners, and we can't wait to see what next year has in store."

LeafLink List also highlights the overall growth and advancement of the cannabis industry in 2021. In addition to showcasing Early Adopters, the awards highlight the year's most dominant product trends. As of September 2021, the wholesale cannabis industry had grown by 65% year-over-year, and the top performing brands and retailers contributed directly to this growth. This year's five Top Performing retailers purchased 9.3% more in 2021 compared to the top retailers in 2020. This year's five Top Performing Brands sold 41% more in 2021 compared to 2020. You can find the full list of top brands, products, and retailers in each category according to LeafLink data here .

About LeafLink

LeafLink is the unified B2B platform for the cannabis industry that has revolutionized the way thousands of brands, distributors, and retailers manage their operations. Their industry-defining suite of tools makes it easier for cannabis businesses to create, manage, pay for, and ship their orders, so they can focus on growing their businesses. LeafLink's marketplace processes over $4.6 billion in annual orders, making up an estimated 39% of U.S. wholesale cannabis commerce. Currently, LeafLink serves 30 markets across the U.S. and Canada with a team of 200+ in offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Backed by leading venture capital firms and strategic investors such as Founders Fund, Thrive Capital, Nosara Capital and Lerer Hippeau, LeafLink has raised more than $131 million to date. Learn more at https://leaflink.com/ .

Media Contact:

Renee Cotsis

[email protected]



SOURCE LeafLink

Related Links

https://leaflink.com


FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Enabling brokers to close loans faster and more efficiently, loanDepot Wholesale, a top five wholesale lender, has launched the newest iteration of its mello broker portal. A number of new and enhanced "Closing Connection" features within the portal use loanDepot's proprietary technology to streamline the closing process for brokers.

loanDepot Wholesale is the third-party origination division of loanDepot, licensed to serve mortgage originators in 48 states and the District of Columbia. loanDepot Wholesale provides a fast, integrated and seamless technology-based lending experience for business partners and their customers. To learn more and apply for partnership visit LDWholesale.com.

"In today's market, speed can be a key factor in the homebuying process. The enhanced functionality in our broker portal allows loanDepot's wholesale partners to better serve their buyers, providing a quicker, more intuitive closing process," said Jeff Walsh, senior executive vice president and chief revenue officer, loanDepot. "Our continued investment in proprietary technology provides brokers and the customers they serve an advantage in the buying and refinancing process, and we'll continue to innovate our mello platforms to build on improving the user experience."

loanDepot's new Closing Connection in-portal functionality includes:

Closing validations  Listed at the top of the screen to let brokers know what steps are needed before scheduling closing; allows brokers to provide loanDepot important information such as trust and power of attorney information.

 Listed at the top of the screen to let brokers know what steps are needed before scheduling closing; allows brokers to provide loanDepot important information such as trust and power of attorney information. Verify final fees  Fees can be entered, updated, and approved; a cash-to-close summary is available.

 Fees can be entered, updated, and approved; a cash-to-close summary is available. Request documents & schedule closing  When all validations are met, brokers can schedule closing; closing dates can be updated or cancelled.

 When all validations are met, brokers can schedule closing; closing dates can be updated or cancelled. Pre-closing package  Brokers can generate an informational pre-closing package to review pertinent documents and accurately calculate recording fees based on number of pages.

 Brokers can generate an informational pre-closing package to review pertinent documents and accurately calculate recording fees based on number of pages. Upload documents  "Prior to documents" conditions can be viewed; outstanding documents can be uploaded.

Additional upgrades coming soon include the ability to retrieve and upload the closing package and confirm wire details. Closing agents will also be invited to access Closing Connection for a streamlined closing collaboration process between broker, loanDepot Wholesale and the closing agent.

About loanDepot

loanDepot (NYSE: LDI) is a digital commerce company committed to serving its customers throughout the home ownership journey. Since its launch in 2010, loanDepot has revolutionized the mortgage industry with a digital-first approach that makes it easier, faster and less stressful to purchase or refinance a home. loanDepot enables customers to achieve the American dream of homeownership through a broad suite of lending and real estate services that simplify one of life's most complex transactions. With headquarters in Southern California and offices nationwide, loanDepot is committed to serving the communities in which its team lives and works through a variety of local, regional and national philanthropic efforts.

Media Contact:

Jonathan Fine

VP, Public Relations

(781) 248-3963

[email protected]

SOURCE loanDepot, Inc.
Founded in the US in 2015 as a results-driven premium body care brand with highly efficacious ingredients sustainably sourced from Brazil, Sol de Janeiro is one of the fastest-growing premium skincare brands in North America, with success across body care, fragrance and hair care products. It sells both directly to consumers through its website and through various premium retailers across the globe.

The acquisition is in line with the Group's strategy of building a leading portfolio of premium beauty brands. Sol de Janeiro is a strategic fit for the Group in terms of brand recognition and identity, product quality, management capability, as well as growth, profitability and cash generation prospects. Sol de Janeiro's digital presence and established body care business is complementary to the Group's balanced geographical strategy to build a portfolio of strong brands in all major geographical regions. Meanwhile, Sol de Janeiro is expected to leverage the Group's international presence to expand into new markets.

Andre Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of L'OCCITANE, said, 'We are delighted to be further expanding our brand portfolio and accelerating our transformation into a multi-brand and geographically balanced group. With a compelling brand story and an experienced and entrepreneurial management team, Sol de Janeiro reflects our values and premium beauty image.'

Heela Yang, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Sol de Janeiro, said, 'I have always admired L'OCCITANE, a beautiful lifestyle brand anchored in a deep commitment to sustainability, and we are thrilled to have found a home with the Group to continue to drive our explosive growth. Furthermore, we are ecstatic to have found a partner who so deeply respects our brand vision and values of inclusivity, joy and self-celebration.'

The Group will acquire an 83% indirect interest in Sol de Janeiro. Upon closing, Sol de Janeiro will become a majority-owned subsidiary of the Group.

Contact: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688350/LOCCITANE_acquires_majority_stake_of_Sol_de_Janeiro.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1527234/LOCCITANE_GROUP_logo.jpg

SOURCE LOCCITANE Group
BROOKLYN, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Long Island University announced plans to launch its School of Film and Digital Media, which will be led by a distinguished advisory board that includes renowned film producer and former Paramount Pictures executive Michael Tadross, Academy award-winning actor Whoopi Goldberg and legendary Broadway producer Wendy Federman.

The LIU School of Film and Digital Media's program, which starts Fall 2022, will offer a comprehensive curriculum that exposes students to each aspect of filmmaking and helps them develop into thoughtful, powerful media executives who master all facets of interactive media production.

LIU's program will offer four degrees:

Bachelor ' s of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film

s of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film Bachelor ' s of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for Film, Theater & Television

s of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting for Film, Theater & Television Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media Arts

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing and Producing for Television

"Our School of Film and Digital Media will provide students the opportunity to transform their vision into reality, studying with prestigious faculty and industry players to master the art of filmmaking," said Long Island University President Dr. Kimberly Cline. "We encourage our students to create impactful films that captivate and explore all means of interactive media production."

Enrolled students will have access to state-of-the-art production equipment at LIU as well as prestigious faculty, skilled professional mentors, and acclaimed guest lecturers. By senior year, students will be equipped with the experience and resources for their Senior Capstone Project  creating a full-length feature film.

First-year students will be tasked with studying pre-production and creating short films, while sophomores will be tapped to focus on cinematography and diverse film formats. During junior year, students will be responsible for producing a documentary. The goal is for students to master a different skill set that contributes to high-quality filmmaking throughout each academic year.

"I started out in this business as an assistant film editor, and I have worked in nearly every aspect of film making," said Tadross, who is the Chairman of the Advisory Board. "I know how important it is to understand the full scope of producing a film, from the camera person's angle to the financing, to the editing and so on. I'm thrilled to be working with LIU students to prepare them for this exciting career."

The LIU School of Film and Digital Media has a project-based curriculum to ensure students make films  individually and with teams  and enable them to graduate with a versatile portfolio and a robust Rolodex of professional connections.

Those relationships include strategic guidance from the likes of Tadross, Goldberg and Federman, whose pristine resumes and experience helped propel them into the upper echelon of the film industry.

As Executive Vice President in charge of production at Paramount Pictures, Tadross oversaw the production of blockbusters such as Forrest Gump, The Firm, Clear and Present Danger, Wayne's World, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Beverly Hills Cop III, Adams Family Values, Coneheads, and Sliver. Tadross has also produced over 35 major motion pictures including Ocean's Eight with Sandra Bullock, Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr., Hitch and I Am Legend with Will Smith, Winter's Tale with Collin Farrell, Run All Night with Liam Neeson, Die Hard with a Vengeance with Bruce Willis, The Devil's Advocate with Al Pacino, The Thomas Crown Affair with Pierce Brosnan and many others.

Goldberg has hundreds of movie and television credits to her name and is one of the few people to achieve the EGOT, the four major American awards for professional entertainers: an Emmy (Television), a Grammy (Music), an Oscar (Film), and a Tony (Theater). She is the only Black woman to have achieved the feat. In 1990, Goldberg won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as psychic Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, simultaneously becoming the first black woman to win an Academy Award in 50 years. She also earned a "Best Actress" nomination for her performance in The Color Purple (1985).

Federman is an eleven-time Tony Award-winning theatre and film producer. She has also received two Olivier Awards, ten Drama Desk Awards, eighteen Outer Critics Circle Awards, and sixteen Drama League Awards for many of her 90-plus co-productions. She was a producer of Wakefield, starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, an official selection of the Telluride Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Hamptons International Film Festival. She has also worked on several well-known plays such as "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "Dear Evan Hansen," among many others.

About Long Island University

Long Island University, founded in 1926, continues to redefine higher education, providing high-quality academic instruction by world-class faculty. Recognized by Forbes for its emphasis on experiential learning and by the Brookings Institution for its "value added" to student outcomes, LIU has a network of 285,000 alumni that includes industry leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe. Visit liu.edu for more information.

SOURCE Long Island University
By combining an analysis of nearly 5 million de-identified aggregated Quest Diagnostics test results, including over 475,000 from 2020 alone, with a survey from the Harris Poll of more than 500 primary care physicians, "Drug Misuse in America 2021: Physician Perspectives and Diagnostic Insights on the Drug Crisis and COVID-19," provides a unique snapshot of prescription and illicit drug misuse in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership to End Addiction was an advisor to the report's development.*

The new report comes on the heels of the approximately 96,779 drug overdose deaths between March 2020 and March 2021, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).i It also builds on prior Health Trends research, including a 2019 report that examined physician attitudes on drug misuse and a 2020 report that showed positivity increased by 35% for non-prescribed fentanyl and 44% for heroin among tested individuals during the early months of the pandemic.ii

To access the 2021 Health Trends report, visit Quest Diagnostics Newsroom - Health Trends.

"Today, America faces a triple threat to our collective health as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, mental health issues increase and drug misuse skyrockets," said report co-author Harvey W. Kaufman, M.D., Senior Medical Director and Director, Health Trends Research Program for Quest Diagnostics. "Quest undertook this Health Trends research to provide insights into physician's perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on the drug crisis and their confidence in their ability to manage patients amid the risks. We discovered that physicians on the front lines are worried about their patients prescribed controlled medications and need comprehensive resources and education to identify and combat drug misuse."

Among the key findings:

Physicians fear they didn't spot signs of addiction amid the pandemic:

67% of physicians worry that they have missed signs of drug misuse and use disorders (indicating addiction) among one or more of their patients during the pandemic.

94% of primary care physicians report seeing more patients experiencing stress, anxiety or other mental health issues because of the pandemic and fear a correlation between rising mental health issues and prescription drug misuse.

Moreover, 98% of physicians say they are concerned about misuse of controlled substances in general compared to 75% saying the same for opioids.

Telehealth hinders the ability of physicians to recognize danger signs:

While many practices substituted or expanded telehealth for in-person care during the pandemic, 75% of physicians believe telehealth visits limit the ability to determine if patients are at risk for or are already misusing prescription drugs.

91% of physicians feel confident they can recognize the signs of prescription drug misuse during in-office interactions with patients, but only 50% report the same confidence via telehealth visits.

Physicians are concerned patients will turn to illicit fentanyl given the lack of treatment options for chronic pain combined with reduced opioid prescribing; Gabapentin leads as medication of choice for chronic pain:

87% of physicians said they prescribed gabapentin for chronic pain in the past 6 months, far more than the two-thirds who prescribed opioids (65%), likely reflecting concerns about potential opioid misuse.

Indeed, 78% of physicians fear patients will turn to illicit fentanyl if they cannot get a prescription medication and 86% worry that illicit fentanyl will claim more lives than prescribed opioids.

Quest Diagnostics laboratory data shows positivity for non-prescribed fentanyl increased by 35% during the pandemic (from 4.3% to 5.8%) in tested patients.

Despite physician confidence in counseling patients, nearly half of tested patients show drug misuse:

88% of physicians report feeling confident (19% very confident) they can identify patients at risk for drug use and misuse; yet,

Quest Diagnostics data shows nearly half of all patients (48%) tested in 2020 showed signs of drug misuse. Of these, one in two (50%) engaged in drug combining, a particularly dangerous form of misuse.

Clinical drug testing is deemed critical, but clearer guidelines would help optimize its use:

81% of physicians believe clinical drug testing is critical to preventing overdose deaths and 85% report that such testing gives them confidence they are prescribing safely.

Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) believe that better guidelines would help ensure that clinical drug testing is used equitably, and 50% strongly agree.

69% report needing more tools to be able to address racial/ethnic health disparities in prescription drug addiction management.

Moreover, approximately half of physicians (51%) do not follow up with definitive tests when presumptive tests are positive, a potential concern given presumptive point-of-care tests miss a substantial proportion of specimens with fentanyl (74%), the drug responsible for most overdose deaths. The data also found that only about one-third of physicians (34%) said they are very confident in their ability to prescribe naloxone, a medication for opioid overdose, to patients who may be at risk of overdose.

"COVID-19 exacerbated longstanding public health issues, including mental health, drug misuse and social disparities, while supercharging telehealth, at-home care and other consumer-centric approaches," said Jay G. Wohlgemuth, M.D., Senior Vice President, R&D and Medical, and Chief Medical Officer, Quest Diagnostics. "Our latest Health Trends findings reveal the need to arm physicians with comprehensive resources to identify and combat drug misuse amid this shifting landscape. Such resources may include clearer guidelines on when and how to employ optimal drug monitoring, including both presumptive and definitive testing, as well as guidance on employing telehealth to deliver care for patients taking controlled prescription medications or struggling with substance use disorders."

"Clinical drug testing gives physicians the ability to uncover insights into problematic drug use before the worst outcomes can occur, and our research shows physicians overwhelmingly value clinical drug testing in patient management. Yet there remains an unmet need for clear clinical guidelines regarding when and how to test, which tests to use, and the frequency of testing," said report co-author Jeffrey Gudin, M.D., Senior Medical Advisor, Drug Monitoring, Quest Diagnostics. "Clinical drug testing has the potential to improve patient care and save lives, but physicians need to be empowered to optimize this tool."

"Physicians serve a crucial role in reducing opioid misuse and addiction, but it requires having the right tools and processes in place to help identify at-risk patients," said Creighton Drury, Chief Executive Officer of Partnership to End Addiction. "This has never been more important, as we continue to experience the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and are faced with an increasingly dire opioid crisis in the U.S."

About Clinical Drug Testing

Clinical drug testing (also known as drug monitoring) provides objective information that can assist healthcare providers in assessing patients' use of prescribed medications, other controlled non-prescribed drugs and illicit drugs. Presumptive testing methods include rapid point-of-care (POC) devices as well as more sensitive laboratory immunoassays. While POC testing devices (e.g., cups or dipsticks) provide rapid and inexpensive qualitative results (i.e., negative, positive), when compared to definitive testing, they often have lower sensitivity and specificity, which may lead to false-negative and false-positive results and may not be readily available for some of the commonly used and potentially misused medications such as tapentadol, carisoprodol, gabapentin, and emerging synthetic drugs of abuse. Definitive testing utilizes highly complex laboratory instruments to identify and quantify prescription medications, illicit substances, and specific parent drugs and their metabolites often missed by POC testing. Its greater sensitivity can confirm or refute presumptive test results and reduces the occurrence of false positive/negative results. However, definitive testing can take days to produce a result and is typically more expensive than presumptive testing. Definitive testing is recommended for certain situations, such as for a positive or inconclusive presumptive test from a patient showing signs of misuse. To learn more about the different types of drug tests visit Clinical.QuestDiagnostics.com/WhyClinicalDrugTesting

Methodology

The 2021 survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Quest Diagnostics from August 12-19, 2021 among 505 physicians who specialize in family practice, general practice, or internal medicine, and are licensed in the state where they practice. Results are weighted for years in practice by gender and region to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Nearly all of the survey respondents (97%) claim to have prescribed opioids or other controlled medications within six months of taking the survey. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

The Health Trends laboratory analyses examined de-identified results of patients tested using the proprietary Quest Diagnostics prescription drug monitoring service and the company's medMATCH reporting methodology for tests of commonly prescribed and abused drugs, including pain medications, central nervous system medications including amphetamines, as well as certain illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.

The study's strengths include its size, geographic scope, multiple years of test results and its use of validated testing by mass spectrometry, the most sensitive and specific drug testing method. Its limitations include geographic disparities and inability to validate or contextualize test results with medical records.

Quest Diagnostics Health Trends studies are performed on aggregate de-identified data in compliance with applicable privacy regulations and the company's strict privacy policies, and follow procedures approved by the Western Institutional Review Board. For the complete methodology, please refer to the full report at: Quest Diagnostics Newsroom - Health Trends

About Quest Diagnostics Health Trends

Quest Diagnostics Health Trends is a series of scientific reports that provide insights into health topics, based on analysis of objective clinical laboratory data, to empower better patient care, population health management and public health policy. The reports are based on the Quest Diagnostics database of more than 60 billion de-identified laboratory test results, believed to be the largest of its kind in healthcare. Health Trends has yielded novel insights to aid the management of allergies and asthma, cancer, clinical (prescription) drug monitoring, COVID-19, diabetes, heart disease, influenza, Lyme disease, and workplace wellness. Quest Diagnostics also produces the Drug Testing Index (DTI), a series of reports on national workplace drug positivity trends based on the company's employer workplace drug testing data. Quest Diagnostics Newsroom - Health Trends

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com

About Partnership to End Addiction

Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit uniquely positioned to reach, engage and help families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in research, direct service, communications and partnership-building, we provide families with personalized support and resources  while mobilizing policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to better address addiction systemically on a national scale.

*Quest Diagnostics has financially sponsored certain Partnership to End Addiction activities, but not their advisory role in the development of this report.

____________________ i FB, Rossen LM, Sutton P. Provisional drug overdose death counts. Data as of 10/3/21. National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. ii Niles JK, Gudin J, Radcliff J, Kaufman HW. The opioid epidemic within the COVID-19 pandemic. Pop Health Manag. 2021;24(S1):43-51. doi.org/10.1089/pop.2020.0230

SOURCE Quest Diagnostics

Related Links

https://www.questdiagnostics.com/


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In Florida, preterm births decreased slightly from 10.6% to 10.5% in 2020, again earning the state a D+ grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In Florida, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 53% higher than the rate of all other women.

The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families. A challenge as complex as the maternal and infant health crisis in Miami, for example, requires the dedication and resources of cross-sector partners working together. Over the past several months, March of Dimes has formed partnerships with the local community and public and private organizations to improve the health of all moms and babies. Through a multi-year effort, the partners of the Local Collective Impact Initiative in Miami, one in Broward County and seven others throughout the country, will align on the underlying challenges affecting moms and babies locally, establish a shared vision, and build infrastructure and partnerships to deploy strategies and solutions that can drive improved, measurable health outcomes.

Stakeholders in Miami finalized a common agenda to guide their work that includes a main objective of ensuring all women and birthing people, especially those who identify as Black and/or Hispanic, in Miami Dade County are healthy before, during and after pregnancy and have positive birth outcomes. The agenda focuses on work in three areas: increasing access to affordable, equitable & respectful care; helping families achieve economic independence; and building safe, connected, and supportive communities.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births fell in the U.S. from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in Florida, 17.4% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Florida Report Card shows direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are allowed to practice in the state. However, doulas are not covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Florida Report Card shows direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are allowed to practice in the state. However, doulas are not covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at Florida , 29.6% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate. The 2021 Report Card reveals Orlando received an D grade, with a rate of 11.2% for preterm birth.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

In addition to the Local Collective Impact work in nine U.S. communities, March of Dimes is also working to close the health equity gap on a national level. Serving as convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners nationally through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN). M-BAN will engage in cross-sector partnerships that invest in, influence and leverage collective action to lead broad changes in policy, research, funding and systems to address the root causes of inequities in maternal and infant health.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In Georgia, the preterm birth rate fell from 11.7% to 11.4% in 2020, earning the state a D- grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In Georgia, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 45% higher than the rate of all other women.

The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families. A challenge as complex as the maternal and infant health crisis in Atlanta, for example, requires the dedication and resources of cross-sector partners working together. Over the past several months, March of Dimes has formed partnerships with the local community and public and private organizations to improve the health of all moms and babies. Through a multi-year effort, the partners of this Local Collective Impact Initiative in Atlanta and eight others throughout the country, will align on the underlying challenges affecting moms and babies locally, establish a shared vision, and build infrastructure and partnerships to deploy strategies and solutions that can drive improved, measurable health outcomes.

Stakeholders in Atlanta finalized a common agenda to guide their work that includes a main objective of ensuring all Black mothers, parents, families and birthing people in Atlanta's Fulton County have positive outcomes before, during and after pregnancy. The agenda focuses on work in three areas: dismantling racism and unequal maternity care treatment; increasing access to equitable and affordable care; and educating, engaging, and collaborating with the community in supporting Black mothers, parents and families to achieve healthy birth outcomes.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births fell from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in Georgia, 17.1% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Georgia Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Georgia Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean Births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at Georgia , 28.2% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate. The 2021 Report Card reveals Atlanta received an F grade, with a rate of 11.7% for preterm birth.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

In addition to the Local Collective Impact work in nine U.S. communities, March of Dimes is also working to close the health equity gap on a national level. Serving as convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners nationally through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN). M-BAN will engage in cross-sector partnerships that invest in, influence and leverage collective action to lead broad changes in policy, research, funding and systems to address the root causes of inequities in maternal and infant health.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In Illinois, the preterm birth rate decreased from 10.7% to 10.3% in 2020, also earning the state a C- grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In Illinois, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 51% higher than the rate of all other women. The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births fell from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in Illinois 13.9% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Illinois Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state. However, doulas are covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Illinois Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state. However, doulas are covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean Births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at Illinois , 24.7% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate. The 2021 Report Card reveals Chicago received a D grade, with a rate of 11.0% for preterm birth.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

March of Dimes is working at the national and community-level to close the health equity gap: Serving as a convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners at the national level through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN) and currently in nine U.S. communities through local collective impact initiatives. At both levels, they leverage Collective Impact, a proven approach of working with multi-sector stakeholders to solve intricate challenges. Learn more at IgnitingImpactTogether.org.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In North Carolina, the preterm birth rate increased from 10.7% to 10.8% in 2020, earning the state a D grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In North Carolina, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 48% higher than the rate of all other women. The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births in the U.S. fell from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in North Carolina, 17.1% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the North Carolina Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the North Carolina Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean Births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at North Carolina , 22.5% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate. The 2021 Report Card reveals Charlotte received a D grade, with a rate of 11.1% for preterm birth.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

March of Dimes is working at the national and community-level to close the health equity gap: Serving as a convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners at the national level through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN) and currently in nine U.S. communities through local collective impact initiatives. At both levels, they leverage Collective Impact, a proven approach of working with multi-sector stakeholders to solve intricate challenges. Learn more at IgnitingImpactTogether.org.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In Oklahoma, the preterm birth rate fell from 11.5% to 11.2% in 2020, earning the state a D- grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In Oklahoma, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 39% higher than the rate of all other women. The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births fell in the U.S. from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in Oklahoma, 15.2% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Oklahoma Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Oklahoma Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean Births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at Oklahoma , 24.5% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate. The 2021 Report Card reveals Oklahoma City received an F grade, with a rate of 13.3% for preterm birth.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

March of Dimes is working at the national and community-level to close the health equity gap: Serving as a convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners at the national level through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN) and currently in nine U.S. communities through local collective impact initiatives. At both levels, they leverage Collective Impact, a proven approach of working with multi-sector stakeholders to solve intricate challenges. Learn more at IgnitingImpactTogether.org.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nation's leader in mom and baby health, today released its 2021 Report Card revealing that for the first time in six years, the U.S. preterm birth rate declined slightly from 10.2% to 10.1%, with the nation keeping it's C- grade. In Washington, D.C., the preterm birth rate decreased from 10.4% to 9.8%, earning the city a C grade on this year's Report Card. Despite fewer preterm births and a continued decline in infant deaths nationwide, maternal deaths and women suffering from severe health complications due to pregnancy are continuing to rise. More than 700 women in the U.S. die from pregnancy-related causes each year and over the last 30 years these deaths have more than doubled.

These statistics are far worse for moms and babies of color, as deeply entrenched structural racism is directly impacting their health. In Washington DC, there is much work to be done as the preterm birth rate among Black women is 85% higher than the rate of all other women. The Report Card highlights the stark disparities that cut across all measures of maternal and infant health and outlines the policy actions and partnerships needed to improve the health of our nation's families.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. The Report Card shows the number of preterm births fell in the U.S. from 383,061 to 364,487, but Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are still up to 60% more likely to give birth preterm compared to White women. We see the same disparities trend with infant death, which has slowly declined over the past several years. However, Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native babies are still twice as likely as White babies to die before their first birthdays. Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die than their White counterparts are.

The complexity of this crisis is anchored in the fact that it does not have one root cause, nor a single solution. Factors such as where a person lives and the structural and societal systems they live under all impact the health of moms and babies and lead to a health equity gap. For example, in Washington DC, 17.5% of women receive inadequate prenatal care during their pregnancy. More research and data collection are needed to better understand and track changes in preterm birth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that reason, March of Dimes is working to develop a greater understanding of late-preterm birth and the data during the pandemic overall.

"While we've seen a small improvement in preterm births and infant deaths, communities of color are still disproportionately impacted," said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. "We see these same disparities trend with maternal health and are a result of a complex web of factors that are fueling this health equity gap. We know it is possible for every family to have a healthy start and we must work together to change the course of this crisis to ensure that they all do."

Present day structures and systems, rooted in racist, biased, and unfair policies and practices over centuries contribute to and magnify racial differences in access to resources, social conditions and opportunities. These policies that have systematically disadvantaged under-resourced and communities of color over centuries result in persistent, inequitable poor maternal and infant health outcomes for communities of color.

In an effort to address these racial disparities and understand all factors that lead to them, the Report Card features several new measurements aimed to improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness, including:

The CDC's Social Vulnerability Index shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes.

shows counties with populations that have higher levels of vulnerability and therefore at greater risk of poor health outcomes. Midwifery and Doula Care Legislation/Policies: Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Washington, D.C. Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid.

Both of which can help improve access to care in under-resourced areas, improve birth outcomes and reduce rates of maternal death and illness. For example, the Report Card shows both direct entry midwives and certified nurse midwives are not allowed to practice in the state and doulas are not covered by Medicaid. Low-risk Cesarean Births: A cesarean birth is considered low-risk if a single infant is delivered head-first to a mom who is at least 37 weeks pregnant and has not given birth before. In 2019, one quarter of births (25.6%) were delivered by cesarean birth that were considered low-risk. Looking specifically at Washington, D.C. , 28% of low-risk births were delivered via cesarean.

"By looking at the new social vulnerability measure, low-risk cesarean birth rates, and state adoption of doula and midwifery legislation, we are providing additional information to help us identify under-resourced areas and improve access and quality of care," said March of Dimes Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Zsakeba Henderson.

Dr. Henderson noted that even in low-risk women, there are multiple reasons a cesarean birth would be the safest option for mom and baby. Variations in practice patterns among hospitals nationwide may be one of the driving forces behind the overuse of this procedure.

2021 March of Dimes Preterm Birth Grades

Each year, the March of Dimes releases its Report Card with grades for individual states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and top 100 cities. The Report Card shows that overall preterm births worsened in 13 states, with six states and Puerto Rico earning a failing grade, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Vermont is the only state to receive an "A" grade.

Additionally, the Report Card looks at the 100 U.S. Cities with the greatest number of births, assigning a grade based on the preterm birth rate.

Actions to Address the Crisis

March of Dimes leads the fight for all moms and babies through research, education, programs and advocacy. Since its inception, the organization has worked with a multitude of partners on the national and local levels to address the biggest threats facing moms and babies. Towards that end, March is Dimes is rallying partners to urge policymakers to prioritize the health of our nation's families. Through our #BlanketChange policy agenda we focus on all of these policy items mentioned in our Report Card and the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 . Join the #BlanketChange movement to demand policy makers prioritize our nation's moms and babies and take immediate action to improve health by visiting BlanketChange.org .

March of Dimes is working at the national and community-level to close the health equity gap: Serving as a convener, March of Dimes mobilizes partners at the national level through the Mom and Baby Action Network (M-BAN) and currently in nine U.S. communities through local collective impact initiatives. At both levels, they leverage Collective Impact, a proven approach of working with multi-sector stakeholders to solve intricate challenges. Learn more at IgnitingImpactTogether.org.

To view the Report Card and actions you can take to support moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/ReportCard.

ABOUT MARCH OF DIMES

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. For more than 80 years, March of Dimes has helped millions of babies survive and thrive and is now building on that legacy to level the playing field for all moms and babies, no matter their age, socio-economic background or demographics.

Before becoming leaders in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes was known for conquering the polio epidemic (Historical footage and photos available). President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, now known as March of Dimes. The organization pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and then shifted focus to address some of the biggest health threats to moms and babies.

SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marchofdimes.org


CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a research report "Marine Battery Market by Battery Type (Lithium, Nickel Cadmium, Fuel Cell, Lead-acid), Propulsion Type (Fully Electric, Hybrid, Conventional), Ship Type, Sales Channel, Nominal Capacity, Battery Design, Battery Function, & Region - Global Forecast to 2030", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Marine Battery Market size is projected to grow USD 374 Million in 2021 to USD 1,897 Million by 2030, at a CAGR of 19.8% from 2021 to 2030.

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The market is driven by various factors, such as rise in conversion of propulsion system in passenger vessel, Increasing sea borne trade across globe and growing maritime tourism industry.

The Marine Battery Market includes major players such Wartsila (Finland), Akasol AG (Germany), Corvus Energy (Canada), Enchandia AB (Sweden), Saft Total (France), Siemens (Germany), and Leclanche SA (Switzerland). players have spread their business across various countries includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. COVID-19 has impacted their businesses as well. Industry experts believe that COVID-19 has affected electric ship production and services globally in 2020.

The Lithium battery segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on the battery type the lithium battery operated vessels are projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the Marine Battery Market during the forecast period. With the increasing demand for commercial vessels across regions throughout the industry the demand for battery operated vessels is also increasing. A battery operated vessel helps in giving a more eco friendly solution to maritime operations along with more efficiency and reliability.

Commercial vessels are projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on ship type, the commercial vessels segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the Marine Battery Market during the forecast period. Commercial vessels are as varied as the jobs they are required to do. Different type of commercial vessels according to the purpose they serve are passenger vessels, cargo vessels, and others. Further, passenger vessels is segmented into yachts, ferries, cruise and others. Under which the passenger and cargo vessels will be seeing the maximum growth as these are the short ranged vessels which require less power to operate efficiently.

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75-150KW are projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Based on power, the 75-150KW power is projected to grow at the highest CAGR for the Marine Battery Market during the forecast period. Medium-size passenger ferries are considered under ships having power between 76150 kW. The need for a reduced, or zero-emission transport system across countries is high. Countries such as Japan, New Zealand, and Australia are also moving toward using fully electric ferries for passenger transport. Norway has incorporated fully electric, and hybrid technology in its ferries.

The European market is projected to contribute the largest share from 2021 to 2030

Europe is projected to be the largest regional share of the Marine Battery Market during the forecast period. The key factor responsible for Europe, leading the Marine Battery Market owing to the rapid growth of the technologically advanced electric ships in the region. In Europe, the rise in manufacturing industries and growing commercial and defence maritime industry is encouraging manufacturers of electric ships to introduce technologically advanced and efficient products across various vessel type. The increasing demand for electric ship and the presence of some of the leading players operating in the market, such as Wartsila (Finland), Akasol AG (Germany), Corvus Energy (Canada), Enchandia AB (Sweden), Saft Total (France), Siemens (Germany), and Leclanche SA (Switzerland). These players are focusing on R&D to increase their product lines and using technologically advanced systems, subsystems, and other components for manufacturing electric ship.

Related Reports:

Autonomous Ships Market by Autonomy (Fully Autonomous, Remote Operations, Partial Automation), Ship Type (Commercial, Defense), End-Use (Linefit, Retrofit), Solution (Systems, Software, Structures), Propulsion and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

Marine Engines Market by Power (<1, 1-5, 5-10, 10-20 & >20) 000 hp, Vessel (Commercial, Offshore), Fuel (Heavy, Intermediate, Marine Diesel and Gas Oil), Engine (Propulsion & Auxiliary), Type, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model  GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

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RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) today announced that it is winding down Lodgepine Capital Management Limited (Lodgepine), its retrocessional Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) fund manager based in Bermuda.

Markel launched Lodgepine in 2019, with product offerings focused on property catastrophe retrocessional investments. In 2021, Lodgepine wrote a portfolio of property retrocessional business that consisted of approximately $230 million of initial limits. The Lodgepine Fund launched July 1, 2021 with initial investor capital of $98.9 million, including an initial investment by Markel of $18.9 million.

Despite best efforts and in light of headwinds in the retrocessional ILS market, including a challenging fundraising environment, Lodgepine will cease to write any new business and commence the orderly run-off of its existing portfolio and the return of capital to investors.

The company has entered into a consultation period with Lodgepine's 18 employees and will look for redeployment opportunities for these employees within Markel's operations.

About Markel Corporation

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at www.markel.com .

Disclaimer

Certain of the statements in this release (and any related oral statements) may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Markel's beliefs, plans or expectations, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Markel's current plans, estimates and expectations. There can be no assurance as to the timing, frequency or amounts of capital distributed to Lodgepine investors in connection with the run-off of the existing portfolio. There are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements. Markel assumes no obligation to update this release (including any forward-looking statements herein) as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise. This release speaks only as of the date issued.

SOURCE Markel Corporation

Related Links

www.markel.com


IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations today hosted the virtual world premiere of the first-ever Mazda CX-50. A completely new model, CX-50 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022.

Mazda Reveals All-New CX-50

"This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region," Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said. "The CX-50 encourages people to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on the premium design and outstanding on-road performance Mazda is known for."

As a new addition to the Mazda lineup, CX-50 maintains key attributes expected of all Mazda vehicles, including superior driving dynamics and beautiful design. In addition, Mazda has extended this vehicle's capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains.

The first-ever CX-50 emphasizes Mazda's trademark natural driving experience to help create greater confidence on and off-road. Enhancing this experience, it will be equipped as standard with the latest i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology and new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive. The new drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive switch and will help the crossover SUV drive naturally in a wide variety of conditions, such as in exciting off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities. At launch, CX-50 will be available with Mazda's efficient powertrains, Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine and paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model. More information about our electrified models will be shared at a later date.

The CX-50 creates a new styling expression in the Mazda lineup that blends the brand's striking Kodo design with an outdoor capable presence that respectfully interacts with the surroundings. The sleek, long silhouette and wide stance help give the vehicle dynamic proportions that balances design elements that are geared toward outdoor ruggedness. As expected with any current Mazda, the interior of CX-50 is well-crafted and features a layout focused on the driver. Blended seating materials and details inspired by technical, modern outdoor gear all help create a welcoming atmosphere fitting for both adventurists and those just starting their journey into an active lifestyle. A new panoramic moonroof, a first for Mazda, helps the occupants feel more connected to nature. The CX-50 will also debut new color options, such as Zircon Sand exterior paint and an available terracotta interior color.

To further support CX-50's presence in the outdoor space, its designs are more than just beautiful, they are also functional. While the interior provides comfort to all passengers, the cargo space is thoughtfully designed to help support and enable outdoor activities. The vehicle's height and length are ideal for easily loading and securing common outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof of CX-50. This all-new vehicle will help encourage our customers to explore the outdoors without having to compromise on distinct designs or dynamic driving.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Related Links

www.mazdausa.com


Revenue was $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2021, up 575%, compared to $3.7 million over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

in the third quarter of 2021, up 575%, compared to over the prior three-month period ending . Gross profit was $10.5 million in the third quarter of 2021, up 1,288%, compared to $753,535 over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

in the third quarter of 2021, up 1,288%, compared to over the prior three-month period ending . Net income was $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a net loss of $8.7 million over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Medivolve Inc. ("Medivolve" or the "Company") (NEO: MEDV)(OTC: COPRF)(FRA: 4NC), a healthcare technology company that seeks to reinvent the US healthcare system by leveraging a bespoke telehealth platform, clinical diagnostic network, and data driven AI to improve patient care, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

"Medivolve delivered a quarter of strong results, achieving an impressive 575% increase in revenue growth compared to Q2," said David Preiner, CEO of Medivolve. "We're incredibly proud to see our testing services grow and exceed expectations. From here on out, everything we do is focused on furthering our mission and pushing the boundaries of what's possible  not just for our company and shareholders, but also for physicians and patients, and for the future of healthcare."

Q3 Financial Highlights

Revenue was $25.3 million in the third quarter of 2021, up 575%, compared to $3.7 million over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

in the third quarter of 2021, up 575%, compared to over the prior three-month period ending . Gross profit was $10.5 million in the third quarter of 2021, up 1,288%, compared to $753,535 over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

in the third quarter of 2021, up 1,288%, compared to over the prior three-month period ending . Net income was $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a net loss of $8.7 million over the prior three-month period ending June 30, 2021 .

in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a net loss of over the prior three-month period ending . Cash on balance sheet of $0.9 million and $1.9 million of debt at the end of third quarter 2021

Q3 Developments and Business Highlights

Closed $12 million in funding needed to consolidate legacy debt and strengthen the Company's balance sheet

in funding needed to consolidate legacy debt and strengthen the Company's balance sheet Transitioned from a cash pay business model to Insurance Reimbursements increasing daily gross revenue and revenue per patient compared to the legacy cash-based business model used since the Company's inception

Boosted testing services revenue by automating claim submissions to over 8,700 insurance carriers; this, combined with access to respective government programs for the uninsured and undocumented, the Company estimates a population coverage of over 99.7% of individuals could be eligible for COVID-19 testing at no cost to patients.

Launched plans and began the hiring process to build network of medical professionals including doctors, physician assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and therapists to expand the Company's clinical diagnostic network

Finalized acquisition of CalVax licensed Marbella Pharmacy, an open-door pharmacy, providing the ability to deliver patient care through immediate access to pharmaceutical distribution throughout the state of California

Launched initiative and began hiring software engineers and developers to sustain the Company's rapid growth rate, while developing additional successful applications

Released Medivolve 2.0, a HIPAA-compliant patient portal that introduced new opportunities to support the Company's change in COVID-19 testing operations

Expanded nationwide B2B employee programs bringing on-site COVID-19 testing services to schools, workplaces, and events

Closed $1.2 million Convertible Note Financing to support strategic plan including next phase of growth for AI technology platform

Q4 Outlook

The recent surge of COVID-19 cases across America continues, strengthen Medivolve's case for more frequent testing. Organizations nationwide, including government officials, are requiring employees to be vaccinated, and submit to routine testing.

Infectious disease experts are predicting another spike of COVID-19 cases during and after upcoming holiday season. Medivolve's medical directors also say cases could simply increase as people move indoors during the cold winter months.

"As the number of cases of COVID-19 rise, it's the latest sign that regular testing will continue to emerge as a potential fallback for organizations to retain employees without full vaccination coverage," shared David Preiner. "Everywhere from workplaces to schools, to concert or large event venues, people are being asked to show proof that they are not infected; therefore, testing remains a critical part of our business model."

Upcoming Analyst & Investor Webinar

Medivolve will host a live webinar with analysts and investors on Tuesday, November 30, at 2:00pm Eastern Time.

The webinar can be accessed by registering online, at which time registrants will receive a calendar invite with a link and dial-in information.

To register for the webinar, please visit: Medivolve Q3 Webinar Registration.

About Medivolve, Inc.

Medivolve, Inc. (NEO: MEDV; OTC: COPRF; FRA: 4NC) is a healthcare technology company that seeks to reinvent the US healthcare system by leveraging a bespoke telehealth platform, a clinical diagnostic network, and a data-driven AI framework to improve patient care.

The company was born out of the healthcare crisis; to rethink, relearn and ultimately, reimagine a better way for the healthcare system to operate. Our network of retail collection sites play an important role in recovery by giving all Americans access to fast, accurate, and inexpensive clinical services when and where they need it. These centers will also play a pivotal role in diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and other point-of-care services. We are building disruptive technologies to make it easier and faster to identify, treat, and prevent medical issues. In doing so, we are working to give patients a holistic and empowered view of their personal health.

Our long-term mission is to permanently fix systemic issues in the nation's fragmented, overly complex, and expensive healthcare system. Medivolve's next phase of growth is about pivoting the model and putting the pieces together to build a profitable, SaaS-based health-tech company. We are bringing data-driven clinical diagnostics, physician recommendations, and prescription medications directly to people, all powered by a singular, streamlined technology network. Our team is united by a powerful, singular purpose: harnessing the transformative power of technology to create healthier lives.

Underpinned by a bespoke, AI-driven platform, we're developing a stealth system that constantly gets smarter, takes the guesswork out of diagnostics, and flags critical health issues immediately to deliver an unparalleled level of personalization for each patient. We are determined to push the boundaries of what's possiblenot just for our business and our shareholders, but for physicians and patients, and for the future of healthcare. We are striving to achieve a continuity of care never seen before, a game changer for our business and for patients in the communities we serve.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to financial results, operational results, projections related to the COVID pandemic, the deployment of the Company's AI technology platform and patient portal, the effectiveness of the Company's testing programs, and financial guidance and projections. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE Medivolve Inc.

Related Links

www.medivolve.net


TEL AVIV, Israel and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd. (Memic), a medical device company dedicated to transforming surgery with its proprietary surgical robotic technology, today announced the expansion of its management team with the appointments of four seasoned executives, including Duncan Moffat as executive vice president of corporate operations, Chad Zaring as chief commercial officer, Stavit Cohen as vice president of research and development (R&D) and Gus Castello as principal operations advisor.

"Adding top talent to our leadership team is essential to our success," said Dvir Cohen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Memic. "We are honored to have Duncan, Chad, Stavit and Gus join our team as their broad industry experience including at prominent surgical and robotics companies will be instrumental as we expand commercial opportunities for Hominis. I look forward to working with them closely as we plan for continued growth in our global operations."

Duncan Moffat, Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations

Mr. Moffat joins Memic as executive vice president of corporate operations, bringing more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership roles in operations for medical device companies. Previously, he was senior vice president of operations at MAKO Surgical Corporation and a key member of the management team who built the company and led it through the $1.7 billion acquisition by Stryker Corporation in 2013. Mr. Moffat also previously held various roles at Philips Healthcare, most recently vice president and general manager of operations.

Chad Zaring, Chief Commercial Officer

Mr. Zaring joins Memic as chief commercial officer, bringing nearly 20 years of industry experience including essential roles in driving commercial results at innovative robotic surgery companies including Intuitive Surgical and Mazor Robotics (acquired by Medtronic plc in 2018).

Stavit Cohen, Vice President, R&D

Ms. Cohen joins Memic as vice president of R&D where she brings deep experience in R&D leadership at companies with advanced medical technologies. Previously, she served as senior director of R&D and site leader at EPD Solutions, a Philips company, where she played key roles in expanding partnerships with Medtronic, Inc.

Gus Castello, Principal Operations Advisor

Mr. Castello brings 35 years of experience in product development and operations with multi-national medical device companies responsible for bringing disruptive technologies to industries including conventional and robotic-assisted laparoscopy industries. He currently serves as a consultant at Cognos-Lux Consulting, LLC, a product development and operations medical device consulting practice. Previously, he served as senior vice president of product operations at Intuitive Surgical.

About Memic

Memic, founded in 2013 and based in Tel Aviv, Israel with a wholly owned subsidiary based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a medical device company dedicated to transforming surgery with its proprietary surgical robotic technology. For more information, visit: https://memicmed.com/.

Media Contact:

Lynn Granito

Berry & Company Public Relations

[email protected]

973-818-3732

Investor Contact:

Greg Chodaczek

Gilmartin Group

[email protected]

347-620-7010

SOURCE Memic
QP enables creators to engage, interact & monetize their content in a private & secure way

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - QP, the revolutionary messenger-first social media platform designed to help creators of all kinds engage, interact & monetize their content, today announced the launch of the latest release of its highly anticipated app. Available for download on the App Store and Google Play, QP is jam packed with unique features that empower all creators to take back privacy, security, ownership and control of their content and audience base.

In this latest release of QP, the following features are available to all users:

Messaging : Creators can access premium messenger with privacy, content editing/delete functions & much more.

: Creators can access premium messenger with privacy, content editing/delete functions & much more. Channels: Users can create and subscribe to channels or easily collaborate with other creators to build content together. QP has launched its own channel which features exclusive content with key creators.

Users can create and subscribe to channels or easily collaborate with other creators to build content together. QP has launched its own channel which features exclusive content with key creators. Donations: Creators can easily get paid for their creativity and expertise through seamless tipping & donation options that are built into QP.

Creators can easily get paid for their creativity and expertise through seamless tipping & donation options that are built into QP. New ways to connect: Users can connect with others via a unique connection or QR code instead of giving up their phone number and other personal info.

Users can connect with others via a unique connection or QR code instead of giving up their phone number and other personal info. Multiple Profiles: Creators can leverage multiple, personalized profiles to brand themselves more effectively to different audience types.

Leveling the Playing Field for Creators

QP was purpose-built with the goal of elevating the content creator journey by solving the common challenges that today's major social media platforms present both creators and the consumers of their content. To fuel the creation and launch of the app, QP recently closed $7.54 million in seed capital.

"The big social media players have clearly lost the trust of their users by putting profits before people," says Alex Clark, Founder, and CEO of QP. Apps like Facebook utilize ad-based business models which force creators to choose a platform that is inherently incentivized to sell their privacy and the creators as the 'product' itself. That's a major problem and that's exactly what we set out to fix with QP."

QP's ground-breaking creator-first approach disrupts the social media market by enabling pressure-free communication between content producers and their fans while ensuring that creators retain 90% of their hard-earned income. "At QP, we're all about empowering talented creators to harness their passions to become creative entrepreneurs and business owners," says Clark. "Content creators are now flocking to alternative apps, like QP, that focus on driving creator equity. Today's creators have the power and the choice to switch to new tools that are specifically built to help them get paid fairly for their creative talents."

QP's Growing Content Creator Community

QP is quickly becoming the front runner in the next wave of social media, signing the likes of popular creators such as Team USA Swimmer, Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist and World Champion Ed Moses, acclaimed Canadian actress Jewel Staite , and Discovery Channel's The Deadliest Catch reality TV star Josh Harris to name a few. Ed Moses recently shared his experience as a content creator on QP's Instagram Live and on the first episode of QP's digital talk show, Chirp & Chat . QP's content creator community represents 52.1 million followers and the company has sets its sights on a user benchmark of 100 million by early 2022.

Jewel Staite says, "QP is a great platform where everyone can be their authentic self, have different profiles, and connect with 100% of their audience. It's proof that social media can be a force for good and a great way to reach fans rather than a wedge between creators and their communities."

Join QP's Virtual Launch Event on Nov. 16

QP is hosting its first virtual launch event on November 16, 2021. Join this event to hear QP's Founder & CEO, Alex Clark discuss his vision for the company, the app and how QP plans to solve some of the biggest challenges with social media today. You'll hear from QP's original creator, Nick Daryanani, who'll interview Alex and discuss Chirp & Chat, QP's online talk show that focuses on the digital content creator scene.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE: November 16, 2021

TIME: 5:00  5:45 pm (PST)

ZOOM LINK: https://zoom.us/j/94213750969?pwd=WmoxNzZSRFArL3VzNUY3bHRpZFZoQT09

Clark's History of Disrupting Markets with Innovative Tech

QP is introduced to the market by seasoned technology innovator, Alex Clark, who was a Co-Founder and Chief Software Architect at Bit Stew Systems, the premier data integration platform for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In 2016, Bit Stew was acquired by General Electric for $153 million (USD) and made waves by becoming one of the largest venture-backed exits in Canadian tech history.

About QP

QP is a messenger-first social media platform designed to help creators of all kinds engage, interact & monetize their content. Access QP's premium messenger with end-to-end encryption which allows you to keep your messages secure. You can start creating content and subscribing to channels on QP, and easily collab with other creators to build awesome content together. Through the tipping & donation options on QP, you can get paid for what your expertise and creativity is actually worth. To learn more, download QP on the App Store or on Google Play or visit qp.me. Connect with QP on Instagram: @qp_me_, Facebook: QP , Twitter: @qp_me_ and Linkedin: QP

SOURCE QP
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is announcing the launch of a new fundraising initiative called Foundations for Success , with the goal of raising $200 million to increase access to its top-ranked business programs and support students at the school.

The Foundations for Success Initiative aims to boost the business school's ability to recruit exceptional students through scholarships and provide funding for educational and experiential opportunities at Michigan Ross and beyond.

One of the new gifts to the initiative was in the amount of $2.5 million from Ross School Advisory Board member Bill Stein, BBA '84, to create the Stein Scholarship Cohort Fund. The Stein fund will be used to provide scholarships and programming for Ross students with a demonstrated financial need in the Bachelor of Business Administration Program .

Fellow board member Jane Okun Bomba, MBA '89, with her husband Gary Bomba, also committed $2 million in need-based scholarship support for students affiliated with the Michigan Ross Business+Impact initiative and/or who are involved in social impact or sustainability.

The third gift that the school is pleased to announce today is a $4 million endowed estate gift from anonymous donors that will be added to an established scholarship fund.

"Attending the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business changed the trajectory of our lives in ways we never thought possible," said the anonymous donors. "By contributing to the Foundations for Success Initiative, we hope to give this same opportunity to others."

Creating educational opportunities that support the school's mission

As exemplified by these gifts, the Foundations for Success Initiative will help Michigan Ross continue its focus on attracting and supporting a diverse student community and developing business leaders who seek to make a positive difference in the world. Funds raised will also go toward creating more opportunities for action-based learning, leadership development, and critical thinking  all signature aspects of a Ross business education.

"I have been a professor at Ross for more than 30 years and am passionate about our mission of building a better world through business," said Francine Lafontaine, interim dean of Michigan Ross and William Davidson Professor of Business Administration. "I believe the most effective way to make real progress toward our mission is to keep opening our doors to promising and ambitious students through the power of scholarships  and to provide them with as many enriching learning experiences as possible while they are here. Among our foremost priorities is mobilizing financial support for students."

Expanding scholarship opportunities made possible by student-support gifts

The Foundations for Success Initiative will continue to build on the many other significant student-support gifts Michigan Ross received and announced in the past academic year. Among those gifts are:

Stephen M. Ross , BBA '62, and Jeff Blau , BBA '90, committed $6 million to help Michigan Ross further its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by establishing the Blau Initiative for Diversity in Real Estate and Infrastructure, and the Related Scholars Fund.

, BBA '62, and , BBA '90, to help Michigan Ross further its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by establishing the Blau Initiative for Diversity in Real Estate and Infrastructure, and the Related Scholars Fund. An anonymous donor gave $5 million to create the True Grit Scholarship Fund to provide need-based tuition support for Ross students who demonstrate notable determination to succeed in business and life.

to create the True Grit Scholarship Fund to provide need-based tuition support for Ross students who demonstrate notable determination to succeed in business and life. The Patricia W. Mitchell Trusts contributed $2.5 million to the John H. and Patricia W. Mitchell Scholarship Fund, which augments another $5 million that the estate gave to Ross in 2019 to create the Mitchell Program for Business Ethics and Communications.

to the John H. and Patricia W. Mitchell Scholarship Fund, which augments another that the estate gave to Ross in 2019 to create the Mitchell Program for Business Ethics and Communications. Applebaum Family Philanthropy allocated more than $1 million to support the school's Business+Impact initiative, which focuses on multidisciplinary, action-based learning in social impact, sustainability, poverty alleviation, and related policy.

Michigan Ross also recently introduced two merit-based, full-tuition scholarships for Full-Time MBA students: the Dean's Impact Scholarship and the Dean's Fellowship . Beyond tuition assistance, Dean's Impact Scholarship recipients receive a $10,000 annual stipend to support their educational travel, leadership development experiences, and non-tuition expenses, while Dean's Fellows receive exclusive opportunities to meet with the school's leadership and advisory teams and build unique connections with other fellows and faculty members.

The impact of scholarship opportunities on Michigan Ross students

Gifts made to the Foundations for Success Initiative are already making a positive impact on students' ability to attend the business school and engage in the opportunities created through the scholarships.

This year, Michigan Ross Full-Time MBA student Kate Salomon, MBA '23, was one of the first students selected as a Related Scholar. A first-generation student, Salomon said receiving the scholarship enabled her to attend Ross and pursue her academic goals.

"An MBA seemed like a far-off dream without the support. Being able to devote myself to this experience has given me a drive and enthusiasm to lean-in and make the most of these two years," she said. "I am able to dream big dreams for myself because of [the donor's] generosity, and I am so thankful to be a Related Scholar."

For more information and to contribute to Foundations for Success, visit michiganross.umich.edu/foundations .

About Michigan Ross

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a better world through business. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society.

Michigan Ross is consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the Bachelor of Business Administration, Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA (Online and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Management, Master of Supply Chain Management, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers open enrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic human resource management. For more information, visit MichiganRoss.umich.edu.

SOURCE Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Related Links

https://michiganross.umich.edu/


PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Hermes, Inc. today announced that monthly fund composition and performance data for Federated Hermes Premier Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: FMN) as of Oct. 30, 2021, is now available in the Products section of FederatedInvestors.com. To order hard copies of this data or to be placed on a mailing list, call 800-245-0242 x5587538, email [email protected] or write to Federated Hermes, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Floor 23, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI) is a leading global investment manager with $634.1 billion in assets under management as of Sept. 30, 2021. Guided by our conviction that responsible investing is the best way to create wealth over the long term, our investment solutions span equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset and liquidity management strategies. Providing world-class active investment management and engagement services to more than 11,000 institutions and intermediaries, our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes' nearly 2,000 employees include those in London, New York, Boston and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com.

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SOURCE Federated Hermes, Inc.

Related Links

http://FederatedInvestors.com


IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Unity Project announced today that Dr. Robert Malone, MD, MS, has been named the organization's chief medical and regulatory officer. Dr. Malone is an internationally recognized physician-scientist who specializes in advanced development of medical countermeasures to infectious diseases. He is perhaps best known for his trailblazing work as the original Inventor of the mRNA vaccine platform used in the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines as well as the DNA vaccine platform used by Inovio.

"Dr. Malone is a brilliant and esteemed expert in virology, immunology and molecular biology," said Laura Sextro, CEO of The Unity Project. "He is also a courageous and honest leader whose understanding of mRNA technology is unmatched and whose scientific integrity and lifelong commitment to bioethical principals will help guide The Unity Project's mission to oppose the proposed forced vaccination of school-aged children in California."

Dr. Malone will also serve on the strategic advisory council of the non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to unify, resource, and amplify the best strategies of countless grassroots community organizations across the state of California and beyond that are opposed to the proposed K-12 COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Although The Unity Project officially launched just last week, the organization came to market announcing existing strategic partnerships with over sixty grassroots organizations across the state and beyond. In fact, the current portfolio of partnerships reflects nearly 350 county or school district-based chapters across 32 states nationally.

Dr. Malone commented, "As these vaccines are not yet market authorized and licensed, coercion of human subjects, particularly our youth, to participate in medical experimentation is specifically forbidden. Therefore, public health policies which meet generally accepted criteria for coercion to participate in clinical research are forbidden."

Dr. Malone is an internationally recognized scientist and the original inventor of mRNA vaccination, DNA vaccination, and multiple non-viral DNA and RNA/mRNA delivery technologies. He holds numerous fundamental domestic and foreign patents in the fields of gene delivery, delivery formulations, and vaccines, including for fundamental DNA and RNA/mRNA vaccine technologies. He has approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications and published abstracts and about 12,000 citations of his peer reviewed publications (per Google Scholar with an "outstanding" impact factor rating). He has been an invited speaker at over 50 conferences, has chaired numerous conferences and he has sat on or served as chairperson on numerous National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Department of Defense study sections.

Dr. Malone received his medical degree from the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. He completed the Harvard Medical School fellowship as a global clinical research scholar in 2016 and was scientifically trained at the University of California at Davis, the University of California at San Diego, and at the Salk Institute Molecular Biology and Virology laboratories. Dr. Malone has served as an assistant and associate professor of pathology and surgery at the University of California at Davis, the University of Maryland, and the Armed Forces University of the Health Sciences.

About The Unity Project

The Unity Project, a non-partisan, non-profit educational organization, works to support, coordinate and amplify the efforts of the various California-based community organizations opposed to the state's proposed K-12 COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Unity Project was launched and is led by a highly diverse board of directors, credentialed strategic advisory council and executive management team; members include successful business leaders, globally recognized and respected scientists and doctors, and engaged local, regional and national community leaders. In bringing together various grassroots groups under its "broad tent," The Unity Project promotes a "parents-first" agenda focused on integrity, care, rationality, and evidence-based motivation. For more information, visit https://www.unityprojectonline.com/

Contact: Damon Elder

Spotlight Marketing Communications

949.427.1377

[email protected]

SOURCE The Unity Project
DENVER, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX, LLC and RISMedia are pleased to announce Gary Acosta, Co-Founder & CEO of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), received the "On the Shoulders of Giants" award during the RISMedia Power Broker & Newsmaker Reception and Dinner on November 12 at the Marriott San Diego Marina in California.

The "On the Shoulders of Giants" award was created to recognize individuals whose efforts, works, deeds and character exemplify superior achievements in and for the real estate industry, yet whose efforts often go unnoticed.

As CEO of NAHREP, Acosta has been instrumental in its development and growth, advancing the organization to become the nation's largest Hispanic business association with over 40,000 members and more than 80 local chapters.

Acosta also created the Hispanic Wealth Project, a non-profit organization aimed at tripling Hispanic household wealth by 2024. Additionally, Acosta co-founded L'ATTITUDE, an annual event celebrating the achievements of the Latino community and their commitment to the economy.

"Gary is quite modest about the work he does. He doesn't do it for the accolades or attention and that's what makes this award so appropriate," says Mike Reagan, RE/MAX Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Global Growth & Development. "Gary's commitment to the Latino community and betterment of Hispanic business owners is influential to our industry and the economy and we're proud to recognize him for these important efforts."

RE/MAX has been a proud national partner of NAHREP since 2015 and has sponsored the "On the Shoulders of Giants" award, presented in conjunction with RISMedia, for the past 15 years.

Previous "On the Shoulders of Giants" honorees include NAHREP leader and RE/MAX Broker/Owner Daisy Lopez-Cid, RE/MAX Alliance Broker/Owner Chuck Ochsner, and RE/MAX Co-Founder Dave Liniger. Additionally, RE/MAX Co-Founders Dave and Gail Liniger were named 2021 Newsmaker Hall of Fame recipients at the Power Broker and Newsmaker Dinner.

About the RE/MAX Network

As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in over 8,600 offices across more than 110 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about RE/MAX, please visit news.remax.com.

SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yonder, a booking platform for nature tourism, today announces a new program called "Yonder Steward Equity, LLC" which offers an initial 5% allocation of Yonder Global shares. This industry-first program makes equity access available to all Yonder worldwide hosts (known as Yonder Stewards) and fosters a connection between their business success and Yonder's success.

"We're proud to introduce a new plan that benefits Stewards with the opportunity to receive ownership in the Yonder Global PBC. This new wealth building reciprocal relationship demonstrates our commitment to a shared purpose and reinvests in property owners and operators while recognizing their contribution to our mutual success," said Bill Lee, CEO of Yonder.

The Yonder nature tourism platform offers a variety of overnight stays and activities at farms, ranches, private rentals and other nature immersive accommodations. The Yonder Stewards are the living example of the company's commitment to the natural world, and ensuring that their business thrives is an essential aspect of Yonder's success. They help support the higher purpose of Yonder by not only listing their properties and activities, but by creating moments of nature connection with guests. Through their commitment to their land, community and hospitality, Stewards are answering Yonder's highest calling  to preserve and grow people's connections to the natural world.

"Yonder's announcement represents the high level of integrity that our hospitality industry is capable of," said Matt Landau, short term rental industry thought leader and founder of VRMB. "Yonder is a fresh kind of solution. When you start with conscientious business practices and weave your core stakeholders into everything you do, so much of the other stuff falls into place."

Yonder's new equity program involves grants of shares that will be awarded to Stewards based on tenure, booking velocity, guest reviews and sustainability practices. The criteria for the issuance of stock grants will be distributed to Yonder Stewards in early 2022.

"This program is revolutionary for an OTA platform," said Sheron Scurlock, Yonder Steward and owner of Scurlock Farms. "Yonder makes us feel like we're more than just hosts with a listing, but true partners in its business."

To learn more about becoming a Yonder Steward visit: https://www.yonder.com/stewards

About Yonder

Yonder believes that reconnecting people with nature will help heal the planet and humankind  and the stays and activities it offers support this connection. Yonder Stewards range from owners of rural properties to those who are actively regenerating local ecosystems and communities. Established in Montana in 2018 by Tim & Sarah Southwell and expanding across Europe, Yonder is a member of 1% for the Planet and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and a Public Benefit Corporation in the US. Yonder is also in the process of achieving Certified B Corporation Status. For more information, visit: https://www.yonder.com/

SOURCE Yonder

Related Links

https://www.yonder.com/


WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 60% of those tasked with thwarting the multi-billion dollar threat posed by global crime rings are not yet up to the task, reports a new Globalization of Insurance Fraud Study by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud on Monday. The study was conducted in partnership with IBM and Luxoft. The study surveyed financial crimes experts, data security analysts, government regulators, insurance professionals and others to better understand how anti-fraud experts from around the world are dealing with international fraud rings. The research found that fraud fighters  professionals tasked with investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud  in North America were the least prepared for threats from abroad.

"Organized rings, both foreign and domestic, are stealing billions," Coalition Co-Chair David Rioux of Erie Insurance said. "We've seen organized scammers exploit the telehealth system; intercept personal information through phishing scams and other data harvesting schemes; carry out ransomware attacks; and run a number of insurance scams using stolen or synthetic IDs off the dark web. These are all attacks that can be launched from anywhere in the world with a decent internet connection."

Key Takeaways from the Research:

Fraud fighters must prepare in the present to fight globalized fraud in the future Globalized insurance fraud is not a priority at all for 27.7% of respondents and a low-to-medium priority for 57.5% of respondents, leading to a lack of resources and time invested in day-to-day operations fighting global insurance fraud. Respondents from North America assign a lower priority for global fraud reflecting a smaller number of companies that underwrite global insurance lines.

Globalized insurance fraud is not a priority at all for of respondents and a low-to-medium priority for of respondents, leading to a lack of resources and time invested in day-to-day operations fighting global insurance fraud. Respondents from assign a lower priority for global fraud reflecting a smaller number of companies that underwrite global insurance lines. Recent attacks make the threat of global insurance fraud hard to ignore Technological advances, recent attacks by individuals and groups in the news as well as the onslaught of cyber crimes could increase the overall level of concern. Nearly half ( 48.5%) of respondents say they are either " very concerned " or " extremely concerned " about the future threat of global insurance fraud.

Technological advances, recent attacks by individuals and groups in the news as well as the onslaught of cyber crimes could increase the overall level of concern. Nearly half ( of respondents say they are either " " or " " about the future threat of global insurance fraud. Deeper investments in anti-fraud technology and staffing are needed to keep pace with the threat of global insurance scammers.

Most fraud fighters (56.8%) said they do not have dedicated resources or a fraud department specialized in dealing with globalized fraud especially in North America . The EU/UK were more likely to have dedicated internal resources to fight global fraud. More than half of respondents said technology was either a component (41.3%) or the primary method (11.06%) by which their organization identifies, tracks, and responds to global fraud. The study found that organizations that have both a program and dedicated resources use technology more often.

The study surveyed fraud fighters living in 33 countries across North America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Globalization Study was released to an international audience at the Global Insurance Fraud Summit as the keynote address during International Fraud Awareness Week. Analysis of the full Globalization of Insurance Fraud Study: New world, new challenges study is available online .

While there is no single estimate of the annual cost of insurance fraud around the world. An Insurance Europe report estimated there were 13 billion of fraudulent claims in the EU in 2017. The Insurance Information Institute found that fraud accounted for about 10% of the property/casualty (PC) insurance industry's incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses each year or $38 billion in 2020. The Coalition estimates U.S. insurers and consumers suffer $80 billion in fraud across all lines of insurance each year. The FBI believes this costs the average American family between $400 and $700 in increased premiums per year.

"The Globalization of Insurance Fraud Study is an excellent initiative to better understand the gap between threat and the preparedness of the insurance sector. As a coalition, we need to help our members face the new challenges of improving insurance fraud management in an increasingly digital and interconnected world," said Maxence Bizien, Executive Director of ALFA, a French non-profit professional organization dedicated to the improvement of insurance anti-fraud activities.

The survey also identified preparedness gaps in planning for coordinated fraud attacks from abroad. "There's a lack of confidence in the tools, resources and knowledge organizations have in place to combat globalized insurance fraud," reads one of the study's key findings. Less than half of the worldwide respondents felt even "Somewhat confident" their organizations are equipped to address global fraud as opposed to the 4% who are "Extremely confident" their team is prepared for the challenge ahead.

"The risk is real. The time to act is not tomorrow, but today," concludes the Globalization Study in an industry-wide call to action to: conduct more in-depth research on the globalization of insurance fraud; make deeper investments in A.I., data analytics, and emerging technology in the fraud detection space; promote knowledge sharing among fraud fighters; and to conduct threat analyses and develop internal plans and procedures to guard against global insurance fraud.

Formed in 1993, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud is America's only anti-fraud alliance speaking for consumers, insurance companies, government agencies and others. Through its unique work, the Coalition empowers consumers to fight back, helps fraud fighters better detect this crime and deters more people from committing fraud.

IBM is a leading provider of Hybrid Cloud and A.I. For more information about IBM's insights and solutions for the global insurance industry, please visit www.ibm.com/insurance.

Luxoft is a leader in insurance technology and operations with next-generation solutions that serve every segment of the global insurance market.

For more information or further press inquiries please contact Arinze Ifekauche, Director of Communications at [email protected] .

SOURCE Coalition Against Insurance Fraud

Related Links

http://www.InsuranceFraud.org


The film is set to release November 25, 2021 nationwide and can be streamed via Amazon Prime Video and LouisJonesTV.com

Emmy Award Winner and co-director, Dr. Louis Deon Jones, states, "Intended Parents strives to normalize surrogacy, love, support and advocacy, for the transgender community." In addition, the beautifully directed film has been co-directed by Jabari Redd and executive produced by; Taylor Bryan Barr, Andre Davis, Tori Kay, & Shar Jossell.

Unfortunately, 2021 has already seen 45 transgender or gender non-conforming people fatally killed. With the fatal violence disproportionately affecting transgender women of color, particularly Black transgender women, showing films like 'Intended Parents' is imperative to dismantle a culture violence and shame against the transgender community.

About Dr. Louis Deon Jones

Dr. Louis Deon Jones is a screenwriter, producer, director and psych doctor originally from Chicago, IL but resides in Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Louis is known for his award winning digital series, Cycles and NoHo: A North Hollywood Story. He is the writer, producer, and director of several short films such as The Good Teacher, A Hopeless Father, Can I Be Me?, Divided, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? and Produced the Daytime Emmy Award winning film, 'The Girl in Apartment 15' which earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Fiction Program.

Follow Dr. Louis Deon Jones

Instagram | Website

Media Contact:

Austin Thach

The Forefront Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Intended Parents
DALLAS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New Western , a national real estate investment company that provides solutions for both homeowners and real estate investors through its exclusive inventory of off-market properties, releases its third-quarter results reporting 99% year-over-year growth.

The company's hyper-growth is attributed to the aggressive expansion of its national footprint. In the third quarter alone, New Western expanded into five markets (Columbus, Ohio; Greensboro, North Carolina; Boston, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; Las Vegas, Nevada) and opened two additional offices in Austin (South) and Atlanta (North East). To date, there are a total of 40 offices and 22 markets across 16 states.

"Since our inception, we have experienced nearly 50% annual growth for the past 13 years. Our current growth has doubled over the last year, and we expect this to continue into 2022," said Kurt Carlton, co-founder and president of New Western. "Our teams nationwide have worked diligently to provide residential real estate investors with much-needed inventory. We look forward to continuing the momentum we gained from a robust third quarter of transactions and will continue to acquire properties that are ideal for investors to revitalize."

New Western's expansion has fueled its need for additional employees. As a result, the company hired 140 new team members across all of its offices this quarter. The new hires helped support thousands of new transactions closed during Q3.

"Based on our current run rate and strategic plan of market expansions in 2022, we will need to double our headcount in the next 12 months. We will be making additional investments in our technology platform and leadership team," continued Carlton.

For 13 years, the company has been buying distressed residential properties and selling them to qualified real estate investors looking for a fix-and-flip opportunity. New Western delivers one property to a real estate investor every 13 minutes and works with nearly 100,000 active investors.

The company's three divisions include:

New Western - sells properties to its 100,000 active investors

- sells properties to its 100,000 active investors HomeGo - purchases residential properties from sellers or their agents

- purchases residential properties from sellers or their agents Sherman Bridge Lending - offers investors fix-and-flip loans to buy and rehab properties

Together, the family of brands helps homeowners move on from difficult properties while providing opportunities for real estate investors to invest in their local communities.

About New Western

New Western is a national real estate investment company that provides solutions for both homeowners and real estate investors through our exclusive marketplace. Our portfolio of companies helps homeowners move on from difficult properties while providing opportunities for local real estate investors to invest in their communities. New Western operates in most major metropolitan areas across the nation. Our brands include New Western , HomeGo and Sherman Bridge Lending . Each of these divisions focuses on helping to solve a specific need. For more information, visit www.newwestern.com .

SOURCE New Western
RESTON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Noblis , a leading provider of science, technology and strategy services to the federal government, today announced that Mark Simione, senior vice president, chief financial and administrative officer and treasurer, plans to retire on July 8, 2022, following a distinguished career with the company. In addition, the company also announced that Gary Sladic, Noblis' vice president of Finance and Accounting, has been appointed deputy chief financial officer (CFO) and will assume the CFO role following Simione's retirement.

"As one of the first executives to help establish Noblis in 1996, my tenure with the company has been an incredible journey. I'm honored to have helped build and lead in such a phenomenal organization and team," said Mark Simione, Noblis CFO. "I am also pleased to pass the baton to Gary Sladic upon my retirement. Gary and I have worked together for the past 25 years and I'm confident he's the right leader for this next phase of growth."

"During his time at Noblis, Mark has helped expand our mission areas, acquired key companies and capabilities and established a strong foundation for sustaining growth," said Amr ElSawy, Noblis president and chief executive officer. "On behalf of the entire Noblis family, I want to thank Mark for his leadership and dedication and wish him much happiness in his next chapter."

ElSawy continued, "I also want to congratulate Gary on his new appointment. His deep institutional knowledge, demonstrated financial acumen and leadership skills will serve him well in his new role as CFO."

"It has been a privilege to work with Mark and learn from his extensive experience over the years. He has been an outstanding leader and mentor," said Gary Sladic, Noblis deputy CFO. "I look forward to partnering with him on a successful transition and am honored to be named his successor."

About Mark Simione

Simione helped establish Mitretek Systems, now Noblis, in 1996 where he has served as the senior vice president, chief financial and administrative officer and treasurer. In this role, he is responsible for financial, operating and administrative activities within the corporation. Before Noblis, Mr. Simione was with The MITRE Corporation where he held several management positions. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Noblis and on the Board of Directors for AllCom Global Services. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the Washington Society of Investment Analysts and The Association for Corporate Growth. Mr. Simione holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

About Gary Sladic

Sladic was appointed Noblis deputy CFO in October 2021. Prior to this role, he served as Noblis vice president of Finance and Accounting, where he was responsible for financial accounting, tax, audit and treasury functions. Sladic has 28 years of experience in government contracting and financial systems where he has worked across various financial areas to ensure Noblis' long-term fiscal stability. Since joining Noblis in 1996, he has held multiple positions in the company's Finance organization and has adapted to the growing complexities within government compliance. He has also played a pivotal role in each of the company's merger and acquisitions over the years.

ABOUT NOBLIS

Noblis is a dynamic science, technology and strategy organization dedicated to creating forward-thinking technical and advisory solutions in the public interest. We bring the best of scientific thought, management and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, homeland security, intelligence, law enforcement and federal civil sectors. Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries, we tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions.

SOURCE Noblis, Inc.

Related Links

www.noblis.org


STOCKHOLM, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre today opened the new energy recovery plant at Elkem Salten in the northern part of Norway. The installation positions Elkem Salten as one of the most energy effective silicon plants in the world, in line with the ambitions of Elkem's climate roadmap towards net zero by 2050, further strengthening its competitiveness.

The new energy recovery plant will recover 28% of the electrical energy used at Elkem Salten, equal to the power consumption of about 15,000 Norwegian households. Together with other energy recovery installations implemented at Elkem plants, this brings the total energy recovery of the group to approximately 900 GWh per year, similar to the capacity of the largest wind park in Norway.

"Elkem aims to be part of the solution to combat climate change  and to be one of the winners in the green transition. The new energy recovery plant at Elkem Salten, developed together with our partners in Kvitebjrn Energi and with financial support from Enova, further strengthens our efforts to ensure environmentally friendly silicon and ferrosilicon production with the lowest possible emissions and lowest possible use of resources," says Elkem's CEO, Helge Aasen.

Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Stre marked the official opening of the energy recovery plant with a visit to Elkem Salten, and was on Monday 15 November given a tour of the facilities by plant manager Ove Srdahl.

The energy recovery plant, built in partnership between Elkem, Kvitebjrn Energi and financing partner Nordea, represents an around NOK 1.2 billion investment. Enova, the Norwegian government's funding agency for energy efficiency improvements, has approved a grant of up to NOK 350 million. At the time it was awarded, this was the third largest industry grant that Enova has ever provided.

Elkem has a strong position to contribute on climate. The company already uses 83% renewable electricity in its operations. Elkem is also externally recognised for climate actions: Ranking among the world's top 5% companies rated by CDP in 2020. Elkem aims to reduce its total fossil CO2 emissions by 28% from 2020-31 while growing its supplies to the green transition.

For more information

Odd-Geir Lyngstad

VP Finance & Investor Relations

Tel: +47 976 72 806

Email: [email protected]

Fredrik Norman

VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Tel: +47 918 66 567

Email: [email protected]

About Elkem

Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced material solutions shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 6,800 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2020, Elkem was rated among the world's top 5% on climate and achieved an operating income of NOK 24.7 billion. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK). www.elkem.com

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PROVO, Utah, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) today announced it has reached the milestone of providing 750 million meals for children since 2002 through its Nourish the Children initiative. Malnourished children in more than 50 countries around the world have been fed VitaMeal,* a nutrient-dense food, from one of NTC's third-party charity partners after Nu Skin sales leaders, customers or employees purchase and donate bags of food.

"It is amazing to think about the impact of providing 750 million meals to malnourished children during the past two decades," said Steven J. Lund, Nu Skin executive chairman of the board and executive director of Nourish the Children. "Reaching such a significant milestone is a testament to the compassion and generosity of Nu Skin's sales leaders, customers and employees and to the collective good we can do. We realize that much more still needs to be done to fight childhood malnutrition, and it's our desire to help even more children as we aim to provide one billion meals."

About VitaMeal

Unlike simple grains with a mostly caloric benefit, VitaMeal is a nutrient-dense food scientifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of malnourished children. As part of the overall development of VitaMeal, Nu Skin's nutritional scientists determined the ingredients and ratios that were well suited for a malnourished child. The result is a product that provides the essential vitamins and minerals, with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber.

About Nourish the Children

In 2002, Nu Skin took action to address the tragedy of childhood hunger and malnutrition with the development of the Nourish the Children initiative with a highly nutritious food known as VitaMeal, developed by Nu Skin's nutritional scientists. The company's sales leaders, customers and employees can purchase VitaMeal and then choose to keep it or donate the food to a third-party nonprofit organization that specializes in distributing relief to those suffering from malnutrition and famine.

About Nu Skin Enterprises

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: NUS) is a leading beauty and wellness company, powered by a dynamic affiliate opportunity platform. The company helps people live, look and feel their best with products that combine the best of science, technology and nature. Backed by more than 35 years of scientific research, Nu Skin develops innovative products including Nu Skin personal care, Pharmanex nutrition and the ageLOC anti-aging brand which includes an award-winning line of beauty device systems. Nu Skin operates in approximately 50 markets worldwide in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. Rhyz Inc. is the company's strategic investment arm that includes a collection of technology and manufacturing companies to support growth in the core Nu Skin business. Nu Skin is committed to sustainability, including global initiatives such as transitioning to reduced and sustainable packaging for all products by 2030. The Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation also strives to improve children's health, education and economic circumstances throughout the world. For more information, visit nuskin.com.

* Nu Skin is a for-profit distributor of nutritional and skin care products. The initiative enables Nu Skin's sales force and customers to purchase VitaMeal from Nu Skin and donate it to charitable organizations. As is the case with other Nu Skin products, our sales force receives compensation, and Nu Skin earns a profit margin from the sale of VitaMeal. For more information, go to NourishtheChildren.com.

Follow Nu Skin's Force for Good efforts:

fb.com/forceforgood twitter.com/forceforgood

SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises
The Omron PoCC at DFW is the newest in a group of regionally located innovation centers, allowing Omron engineers to collaborate with local integrators and manufacturers to develop innovative yet practical solutions for complex problems. With nine PoCCs located in the Americas, Omron is committed to improving efficiencies and overall performance by letting customers experience and test state-of-the-art factory automation technology before implementation. The PoCCs provide hands-on technology demos, technical training, industry/application expertise, and feasibility studies for advanced sensing, robotics and automation technologies.

"Today's manufacturers face many challenges, including a rapidly changing environment which requires agility and flexibility. We understand that existing production set-ups are complicated, and changing them can be a huge investment" says Robb Black, President and CEO of Omron Automation Americas. "The Omron PoCC in Dallas/Fort Worth bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing peace of mind that the solution will work in new and existing applications."

Globally, Omron Automation has opened 35 PoCCs to serve customers in their home locations. These PoCCs, along with investing 7% annually into R&D, demonstrate how Omron is committed to developing technology and innovation. Omron owns the technology behind its 200,000+ products, and is dedicated to continuously improving it to ensure their customers receive the high level of quality and safety they have come to rely on with seamless integration into their systems.

"As a solution partner, it's critical that we have the capabilities and facilities to co-develop and realize innovation with our customers where they operate," says Black. "Omron's PoCCs are where our customers can test solutions in realistic environments and see how they make machines, production lines, and even whole enterprises safer and more efficient. But most importantly, it's where our engineers, customers, and integrators come together locally to collaborate, brainstorm, and innovate."

The Omon PoCC at DFW is located at 2801 West Rochelle Road, Building 100, DFW Airport, Dallas County, Texas, 75261. Automation and manufacturing professionals who would like to tour the facility, meet Omron experts, and learn more about its service can schedule at https://automation.omron.com/en/us/our-value/atc-poc/dallas



About Omron Automation Americas

Omron Automation is an industrial automation partner that creates, sells and services fully integrated automation solutions that include sensing, control, safety, vision, motion, robotics and more. Established in 1933 and currently headed by President Yoshihito Yamada, Omron's 30,000 employees help businesses solve problems with creativity in more than 110 countries. Learn more at automation.omron.com.

CONTACT:

Amy Wang

[email protected]

SOURCE Omron Automation Americas

Related Links

www.omron.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("Oppenheimer")  a leading investment bank, wealth manager, and a subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings (NYSE: OPY)  today announced the launch of its new Global Fund Placement and Advisory Group ("FPA Group"). The FPA Group will provide services to leading alternative investment firms to help them fulfil their fundraising ambitions and strategic plans. Services will include strategic and tactical advice as well as fundraising services, both for primary funds and transactions.

Robert Lowenthal, Oppenheimer's Senior Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, said, "The Investment Banking Division is expanding its efforts around private capital formation with a focus on institutional private market investors. The FPA Group will provide the Division with enhanced capabilities to offer alternative investment firms an even broader and deeper portfolio of value-added services that complements the resources, relationships and thought leadership of the global Oppenheimer platform. The service the FPA group will provide includes a specialized level of expertise in advising global alternative investment firms. We are excited to launch this new Group as we establish a greater presence in the rapidly-growing global fundraising market."

The Global Fund Placement and Advisory Group will be led by Tanya McHale, Managing Director, who will be based in London. Ms. McHale will report to Mr. Lowenthal, Head of Investment Banking in North America, and Max Lami, Oppenheimer EMEA Chief Executive and Head of Investment Banking.

Ms. McHale will be joined by Managing Director Andrew Roberts, Director Marcus Klasse and Associate Curran Gaur, who all join Oppenheimer from MVision Private Equity Advisers ("MVision"), a widely-respected independent international alternative assets advisory firm. The team will operate globally with further hires in process in the US and Asia.

Max Lami said, "It is a pleasure to welcome Tanya and the team to Oppenheimer. This team brings over 30 years of combined experience in successfully advising alternative investment firms and raising private equity funds. This talented and entrepreneurial group brings a proven track record of developing long-term relationships with private equity firms and institutional investors on a global basis. Adding this new dimension to our service platform is an important step toward strengthening our private capital markets business and will provide powerful growth opportunities for many of our clients."

Prior to joining Oppenheimer, Ms. McHale served as a Managing Director at MVision, which she first joined at its founding in 2001. At MVision, Ms. McHale was a member of the firm's leadership team and played a prominent role in global origination, execution and strategic advisory work for leading alternative investment firms, as well as distribution to institutional investors. Prior to MVision, she held positions at Credit Suisse First Boston and DLJ in London.

At MVision, Mr. Roberts played a leading role in origination, fundraising execution and strategic advisory work, as well as distribution, with a focus on investors in the UK and DACH region. Prior to MVision, Mr. Roberts worked at Cebile Capital in London for five years. Mr. Klasse spent five years at MVision, working on a number of leading fundraisings in EMEA as well as distribution, with a focus on investors in the Nordic region. Mr. Gaur focused on origination and research during his four years at MVision, as well as distribution to investors in the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Ms. McHale said, "With Oppenheimer's depth of expertise, global scale and prominent relationships, our new FPA Group will be ideally positioned to play a leading role in the global funds placement market. On behalf of my team, we are very pleased to be joining such a strong international platform, and we are excited about the synergies the FPA Group can bring to complement the services already offered by Oppenheimer while contributing to its further growth and success."

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a principal subsidiary of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY on the New York Stock Exchange), and its affiliates provide a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage and investment banking services to high net-worth individuals, families, corporate executives, local governments, businesses and institutions.

Media Contacts:

Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens

Haven Tower Group

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
Peerage Realty Partners strengthens its presence in the premium markets of upstate New York and the Hudson Valley. This is Peerage Realty's fifth partnership with Sotheby's International Realty.

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Peerage Realty Partners Inc. ("Peerage Realty") is pleased to announce a strategic partnership on behalf of its partner, Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty with Select Sotheby's International Realty and Gary DiMauro Real Estate Inc. This transaction will expand the company's market presence into the mid-Hudson Valley Region and Upstate New York. This is Peerage Realty's fifth partnership with Sotheby's International Realty.

This new partnership will significantly enhance Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty's position as a leading player in the premium residential real estate market throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and now Upstate New York, positioning it for further growth and future partnership investments.

As result of this transaction, Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, with which Peerage Realty partnered in July 2021, will now have over 303 agents, 48 employees in 23 offices across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. The firm's sales are projected to exceed US$2.0 billion (C$2.5 billion) in residential real estate in 2021.

The combined company will continue to be led by CEO and Partner Alan DiStasio and President and Partner Laurie Mecier-Brochu. Dan Collins and Lou Izzo from Select Sotheby's International Realty and Gary DiMauro from Gary DiMauro Real Estate will continue with the company as EVPs, VPs, Partners, and Brokers. Andrea Demoracski from Select Sotheby's International Realty will serve as EVP, Regional Manager for the Upstate New York region.

Gavin Swartzman, CEO of Peerage Realty Partners, commented, "We are pleased to support such a strategic partnership on behalf of Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, expanding its offerings across the region. We are thrilled to welcome the Select and DiMauro teams to the Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty family. The combined company is even better positioned to dominate its market, extending the Sotheby's International Realty brand, offering new and existing clients with a luxury experience and the highest standard of service."

Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty CEO Alan DiStasio said: "We are proud to be partnering with Select Sotheby's International Realty and Gary DiMauro Real Estate. All three companies share many of the same values. This partnership will significantly enhance our ability to reach the desirable buyer origination markets of Greater Metro NY, providing even greater exposure for our listing clients and marketing reach for our associates."

President Laurie Mecier-Brochu added: "All three companies specialize in lake and ski resort homes, country properties, and equestrian estates. It was natural for us to come together under the Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty banner. We are truly excited about the possibilities provided by these partnerships and the support of Peerage Realty Partners."

Dan Collins and President Lou Izzo of Select Sotheby's International Realty said: "Creating our partnership with Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty is a perfect way for us to continue and expand on our commitment to providing our agents, employees, and clients with the finest tools and leadership in real estate."

Gary DiMauro from Gary DiMauro Real Estate noted: "We're very excited to join forces with Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty. Their experienced team and expanded tools and exposure allow our agents to provide even better service to our clients and customers.

ABOUT FOUR SEASONS SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty offers residential real estate services throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, focusing on providing the highest level of service, innovative marketing, and best performance throughout its markets.

Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty's Vermont and New Hampshire roots run deep. As a company it is both homegrown and historied and committed to investing in the communities and people it serves. Many associates are second, third, and even fourth-generation natives. They play where they live, making them the experts on regional lakefront properties, mountain retreats, ski houses, farmland and land development, equine estates, private neighborhoods, city homes, and more.

To Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, New England is more than a place  it's a way of living, of enjoying life thoroughly. Whether a native to Vermont or New Hampshire or a longstanding transplant, these stories begin with a love of the places they live and the passion for sharing that dream and intimate knowledge with others.

While Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty's markets are local, its reach is global as part of Sotheby's International Realty. As a premier brand, Sotheby's International Realty is an exclusive gateway to the best and brightest in real estate worldwide, including an innovative marketing platform that showcases listings to qualified buyers both around the corner and around the globe.

ABOUT PEERAGE REALTY PARTNERS

Peerage Realty Partners is a leading residential real estate services firm, serving luxury markets across North America.

Peerage Realty brokerage partners include leading Sotheby's International Realty franchisees, and renowned independent firms in both re-sale residential real estate brokerage, and new construction marketing.

Peerage Realty core service activities include real estate financing, transaction services, asset management, and home improvement for purpose-built rental properties. Peerage Realty has the unique benefit of being a privately-owned enterprise that is positioned to commit to long-term partnerships and investments.

Peerage Realty is projected to sell over US$26 billion (C$33 billion) in 2021 through its partner firms. It has over 3,000 best-in-class sales representatives and employees with 169 offices in Canada and the United States. To support growth and expansion among partners, Peerage Realty consistently provides strategic input, capital, technology, operational expertise, marketing, communications, and value-added products and services that differentiate and strengthen its partner firms in competitive markets. Its goal is to expand the suite of services that its partner firms can offer to enhance the client experience through all phases of a real estate transaction and beyond. www.peeragerealty.com

ABOUT PEERAGE CAPITAL

Peerage Capital is a leading North American business services and private investment firm. Peerage Capital is focused on partnering with exceptional, entrepreneurial management teams to form long-term investments across several strategic business services platforms including real estate services, real estate development and management, land assembly, self-storage, asset management and wealth advisory services.

A growing network of partner companies has approximately 3,000 sales representatives and employees across Canada and the United States with approximately US$8 billion (C$10 billion) in total assets under management (AUM) and administration. Peerage Capital focuses on service sectors where there are opportunities to achieve scale through both organic growth as well as through acquisition, operating synergies, and brand differentiation. It supports the partner firms in which it invests by providing capital as well as a team of experienced professionals who add value in such areas as strategy, finance, technology, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and communications.

Peerage Capital believes that superior talent is the ultimate driver of long-term growth and success. It operates with a strong culture of partnership, collaboration and alignment of interests, both economic and cultural. Peerage Capital's unique "Professional Partnership" model has been refined over 40 years to accelerate growth through value-added services that enhance the sustainable, profitable growth rate of the organization, maximizing value for all stakeholders. www.peeragecapital.com

ABOUT SELECT SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Select Sotheby's International Realty offers exemplary service to real estate buyers and sellers in the Upstate New York area, with a specialized focus on unique and distinctive properties. Our real estate brokers and agents are locals with in-depth knowledge of the Upstate New York real estate market and the surrounding real estate markets of Lake George, The Catskill Mountains, Lake Placid, Saratoga, and Central New York. Select Sotheby's International Realty's clients should expect personal attention and extraordinary marketing from the most knowledgeable agents in the Upstate New York area. Servicing a broad geographic area from the Catskills north to the Canadian border and Vermont west past the Finger Lakes and Thousand Islands. We specialize in Saratoga Springs Real Estate, Catskills Real Estate, Lake Placid Real Estate, Lake George Real Estate, Central New York real estate, and many other local communities.

ABOUT GARY DIMAURO REAL ESTATE

Established in 1993, Gary DiMauro Real Estate has grown into the premier boutique real estate agency in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with five offices serving Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, and Ulster counties. They specialize in the most stylish & interesting antique country homes, fabulous modern architecture, and historic townhouses.

SOURCE Peerage Realty Partners Inc.

Related Links

www.peeragerealty.com


CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Petland Charities is excited to announce its renewal of support for Heartland Canines for Veterans at the ribbon cutting of Heartland's new training facility in Neosho, Missouri.

Petland Charities renewed its commitment to support the breeding, raising and training of one service dog per year for five years. The average cost to raise and train each service dog is $8,000. Petland, Inc. has committed to supporting the cost of one dog per year for five years.

Heartland Canines For Veterans celebrates new training facility with ribbon cutting.

"Petland Charities is an extension of the charitable giving Petland has done for almost 50 years," said Ed Sayres, Executive Director of Petland Charities. "We know the benefits of animal companionship and for some veterans, it is the difference between life and death. We are very pleased and honored to support the work of Heartland Canines for Veterans and are grateful to be able to help enhance a veteran's life with a service dog specifically trained to meet their needs."

On November 2, the Neosho Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon, opening the doors officially to the new Chad Carroz Heartland Canines for Veterans Training Center. The three-acre facility has a 6,000 square foot building that includes office space, boarding facilities, training room and an apartment for veterans to use during training. It also houses All Dogs Dream, a boarding and daycare facility. The property also features a one acre play yard.

Heartland Canines for Veterans is a 501c3 organization that provides companion, service and therapy dogs for disabled veterans. Since their inception in 2015, they have provided 35 veterans with service dogs.

Joel Whiteis, a veteran currently in training with a Heartland Canine named Mikey, was on hand for the celebration.

"This animal will rely on me as much as I rely on it. I will have another purpose in my life and it's another way for me to know I've got to keep going," Whiteis said. "I'm looking forward to being able to say he (K9 Mikey) has opened up doors for me spending more time going to the places that normally I would avoid. Having that comfort with me all the time is something I'm really looking forward to."

According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the suicide rate among Veterans rose 35.9% from 2001 to 2019, from 23.3 per 100,000 in 2001 to 31.6 per 100,000 in 2019.

Today, more evidence and studies are pointing to the benefits service dogs provide veterans with PTSD. A 2018 Purdue University study found veterans coping with PTSD experienced reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression if they were paired with a service dog. Veterans with service dogs also missed less work and were more productive than their dog-less counterparts. Similar studies reported that veterans with service dogs experience less anger, less anxiety, and better sleep.

"These dogs are often the first of many steps in the healing process for some Veterans. We are honored to be a part of that process," said Heartland Canines Executive Director Kevin Pruitt. "Our organization is made up of veterans, military family, and dedicated military and veteran supporters with the motto 'So They Never Walk Alone.' Our relationship with Petland not only allows us to place purpose bred service dogs with veterans in need, but also provides us the opportunity to continue to spread awareness of veteran suicides."

The mission of Heartland Canines for Veterans is to provide purpose-bred, professionally-trained service dogs to veterans in need. These service dogs are provided to the veteran at NO COST to them; Heartland bears all costs relating to procurement, general and veterinary care, training and equipment during the training and pairing process. Heartland's Service Dog candidates are donated by professional breeders and must undergo rigorous evaluation trials and screenings before being accepted into the training program. A typical service dog training program lasts about 12-14 months, sometimes longer for specialized individual tasks; the ultimate goal is to assist veterans who suffer from illnesses/injuries such as depressive disorders, anxiety, mobility issues and/or Post-Traumatic Stress. Each veteran candidate also completes a thorough application and selection process, designed to identify individual needs, and our board members work with several affiliate veteran organizations to ensure timely and accurate submissions.

Veterans can go to the www.heartlandk9s.org website for more information and to fill out an initial application.

Petland's and Petland Charities' national Community Service outreach includes offering support to local police, sheriff and fire departments as well as support for military veteran service dogs. The assistance for protective K9 units is most often a feeding program, supplies or fundraising for specific items, such as bite-suits or training gear. Petland stores currently support more than 200 K-9 units across the country. Support for veteran service dogs often goes towards the costs associated with raising, training and on-going care.

Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia. For more than 53 years, Petland Pet Counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right person and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond. Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com.

Contact:

Elizabeth Kunzelman

Petland, Inc.

(740) 775-2464

[email protected]

SOURCE Petland

Related Links

http://www.petland.com

http://www.heartlandk9s.org


GENEVA and CASTRES, France, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The EspeRare Foundation and the Pierre Fabre group announced today the start of the EDELIFE clinical trial aimed at confirming the safety and efficacy of ER004, a prenatal treatment for XLHED (X-linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia), a rare and debilitating congenital disease. If positive, the study could lead to the first approved treatment for XLHED by 2026.

XLHED is a rare disease which affects approximately 4/100,000 live male births every year. This genetic disorder is a dermatologic-related condition which leads to abnormal development of the skin, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, oral cavity and respiratory mucosal glands resulting in serious clinical manifestations such as hyperthermia, craniofacial anomalies and recurrent respiratory infections.

"Starting patient enrolment in the EDELIFE clinical trial is a huge milestone for the Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia community," said Caroline Kant, the Co-founder and CEO of the EspeRare Foundation, the primary sponsor of the study. "Administered during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, ER004 has the potential to become a 'single-course treatment,' which significantly improves the symptoms of this debilitating disease throughout the lives of patients. If successful, ER004 could fundamentally change the lives of these patients and may also pave the way for other prenatal therapies to correct genetic diseases before birth."

The EDELIFE clinical trial will investigate the efficacy and safety of intra-amniotic ER004 as a prenatal treatment for male foetuses who have been confirmed to have XLHED. In the main study phase, efficacy and safety of approximately 15 treated children will be assessed up to 6 months of age and safety of the mothers will be assessed up to 1 month after delivery. In the long-term follow-up phase, efficacy and safety of the treated children will be assessed up to 5 years of age. Treated children's sweating ability will be compared to that of an untreated affected relative, when available, or to that of a genotype-matched control subject coming from disease natural history data. The main phase of the clinical study is expected to last until 2025.

The study starts first in Germany, at the University Hospital of Erlangen, with Pr Schneider as the study coordinating investigator. Additional study centers will be progressively opened in France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the USA.

"The EDELIFE study truly exemplifies Pierre Fabre's commitment to supporting those with rare dermatologic diseases as we have already done in infantile hemangiomas," said Eric Ducournau, CEO of the Pierre Fabre Group. "Our priority is to enrol 20 pregnant women with a confirmed diagnosis of XLHED in the foetus. As this is a very rare condition, together with the patient community, we are doing everything we can to support these women participate in the study, including helping them travel to a nearby country if there is no open investigational site in their own country."

The treatment ER004 has received the "breakthrough therapy" designation in 2020 by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Its clinical development also benefits from the European Medical Agency's (EMA) PRIME (PRIority MEdicines) program.

A dedicated web site (www.EDELIFEclinicaltrial.com) is being made available for interested families, providing details on the clinical trial and the conditions for enrolment. Details are also available on www.clinicaltrial.gov.

About XLHED

XLHED is a severe genetic disorder that affects the structure of the ectoderm, the most exterior part of the three primary germ layers formed during early embryonic life, from which the skin and its appendages are derived. XLHED is caused by mutations in EDA, a gene that encodes an important developmental signaling protein, EDA1. The absence of functional EDA1 in the ectoderm results in abnormal development of the skin, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair, oral cavity, and respiratory mucosal glands.

About ER004

ER004 is a pioneering in-utero therapy designed to replace the function of endogenous Ectodysplasin A1 (EDA1), a protein key to the normal development of ectodermal structures in the foetus. ER-004 is a recombinant, soluble, and humanized form of EDA1 that is given as a single course treatment and delivered through intra-amniotic injections during the late stage of pregnancy. This approach has already demonstrated a significant potential in humans where it normalized sweat gland function in three patients treated in this fashion by Prof. Holm Schneider at the University Hospital Erlangen in Germany. First results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine[1] and in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology[2] as well as featured in Nature Medicine's Research Highlights[3].

For more information on the EspeRare Foundation, please visit www.esperare.org.

For more information on the Pierre Fabre Group, please visit www.pierre-fabre.com.

References

1. Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia. Schneider H, Faschingbauer F, Schuepbach-Mallepell S, Korber I, Wohlfart S, Dick A, Wahlbuhl M, Kowalczyk-Quintas C, Vigolo M, Kirby N, Tannert C, Rompel O, Rascher W, Beckmann MW, Schneider P. N Engl J Med 2018; 378: 1604-1610.

2. Safety and immunogenicity of Fc-EDA, a recombinant ectodysplasin A1 replacement protein, in human subjects. Korber I, Klein OD, Morhart P, Faschingbauer F, Grange DK, Clarke A, Bodemer C, Maitz S, Huttner K, Kirby N, Durand C, Schneider H. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020;86(10):2063-2069.

3. In utero correction of a genetic disorder. Stower H. Nature Medicine 2018; 24: 702.

Contacts:

EspeRare Foundation

[email protected]

Pierre Fabre

[email protected]

SOURCE Pierre Fabre; EspeRare foundation
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Prelude Growth Partners, a private equity firm focused on high potential, fast-growing consumer brands, today announced that it has sold its stake in Sol de Janeiro (the "Company"), a top-selling, Brazilian-inspired, lifestyle skincare brand, to L'OCCITANE International S.A (HKG: 0973). The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Sol de Janeiro is an iconic skincare brand that promotes self-love and joy. Since investing in the Company in 2019, as the only institutional investor, Prelude Growth Partners has worked closely with Heela Yang, Co-Founder and CEO, and the Sol de Janeiro team to build brand awareness, expand the product offering and drive growth through both direct-to-consumer and selective retail partners to become a leading lifestyle skincare brand.

"Prelude Growth Partners has been an exceptional partner," said Heela Yang, Co-Founder and CEO, Sol de Janeiro. "As entrepreneurs themselves, Prelude Growth Partners really understood us. Their partnership approach and shared commitment to our vision was invaluable as we dramatically scaled our business, both in terms of product line and reach. Following two years of significant growth, we are ready to take our business to the next level and look forward to entering that chapter with L'OCCITANE."

"It has been a privilege to support Sol de Janeiro to become a leading lifestyle skincare brand," said Alicia Sontag, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Prelude Growth Partners. "Born from an authentic Brazilian philosophy of self-love and joy, Sol de Janeiro delivers exceptional, iconic products to an ever-growing set of passionate consumers. We are proud to have played an integral role in the Company's growth story over the past several years and are thrilled for Sol de Janeiro to become part of the L'OCCITANE family."

Financo Raymond James served as financial advisor and Cooley LLP and Finn, Dixon & Herling LLP served as legal counsel to the sellers.

About Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro is an innovative leader in the premium lifestyle skincare category that creates highly efficacious and sensorial body care, haircare and fragrance products. Inspired by an authentic Brazilian philosophy of self-love and joy, Sol de Janeiro's award-winning collection is known for luscious textures, effective and clinically-proven formulations, and transportive, gourmand fragrances. Beloved by multi-generational, modern and global consumers, Sol de Janeiro is available at various premium retailers and e-tailers across the globe as well as on its own website.

About Prelude Growth Partners

Prelude Growth Partners is a growth equity firm that supports brands made for the new modern consumer. By partnering with founders and CEOs, Prelude Growth Partners provides deep category experience, value-added operational support, and a broad network to power the high potential, fast-growing consumer brands of tomorrow. Prelude Growth Partners seeks to make investments of $10 million to $50 million in each company, across branded consumer categories including personal care, beauty, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer product, service and technology companies. Investments include: Banza, Sol de Janeiro, Summer Fridays, So Good So You, Westman Atelier, 8Greens, Bachans, dpHUE and Fly By Jing. For additional information on Prelude Growth Partners, please visit www.preludegrowth.com.

Media Contacts for Prelude Growth Partners

Andi Rose / Haley Salas

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

212-355-4449

SOURCE Prelude Growth Partners

Related Links

http://www.preludegrowth.com


ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- RESICAP, a leading provider of institutional-caliber, single-family rental services, and real estate private equity firm Rockpoint Group, are expanding their single-family rental (SFR) strategy. In October 2020, RESICAP and Rockpoint formed a joint venture targeting the acquisition of $1.0 billion of single-family homes, which has acquired or is under contract on over 2,000 properties to date. Expanding on the success of this partnership, Rockpoint and RESICAP have committed to a series of follow-on joint ventures collectively targeting an additional $2.5 billion of SFR acquisitions. The ventures expect to continue acquiring, renovating, and leasing homes in undersupplied housing markets, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, Indianapolis, Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City.

In addition, Rockpoint and Resibuilt Homes, a subsidiary of RESICAP, are expanding their initial $1.0 billion venture which first launched in December 2020, with a follow-on $2.0 billion venture focusing on the build-to-rent (BTR) strategy. The BTR venture is currently developing over 2,000 homes in the Southeast, with a pipeline of future projects in Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Resibuilt will perform both the subdivision development and new home construction for the venture, and with a current pipeline slated to add over 9,000 new homes, will become one of the region's largest homebuilders. This venture is expected to meaningfully expand the opportunity for residents seeking quality rental homes in undersupplied communities.

"We truly value Rockpoint's partnership, investment discipline and strategic vision at a time when demand for single-family rentals has never been greater," said Lance Popp, RESICAP co-CEO.

"The expansion of our partnership with RESICAP and Resibuilt underscores our belief that single-family rental housing is an attractive core real estate holding for institutional investors, particularly given the strong supply/demand dynamics and favorable secular trends in residential housing today," explained Jason Chiverton, Senior Managing Director at Rockpoint Group. He added, "We are thrilled to work alongside the RESICAP team to create quality homes in these demand-driven markets."

RESICAP has strategically developed experienced and dedicated teams within each market, including its Atlanta-based headquarters. "We have spent years building what we think is one of the most talented management teams in the SFR space," said Andy Capps, RESICAP co-CEO, "and our focus is now shifting to building partnerships with local vendors who share our vision and who are dedicated to delivering best-in-class rental homes."

RESICAP was rated a Top Workplace by the AJC for two years in a row and currently has over 50 positions available across all markets. For career opportunities, visit resicap.com.

ABOUT RESICAP

RESICAP is the leading vertically integrated solution for institutional owners of single-family residential assets in the United States. Primary services include acquisition and valuation, construction, maintenance, property preservation, leasing, property management, and dispositions. To learn more about RESICAP, visit resicap.com.

ABOUT ROCKPOINT

Rockpoint is a real estate private equity firm headquartered in Boston with additional domestic offices in San Francisco and Dallas. Rockpoint employs a fundamental value approach to investing and targets select product types located in major markets in the United States. Rockpoint utilizes a consistent strategy across distinct return profiles through its opportunistic and growth and income investment programs. Rockpoint targets assets with intrinsic long-term value, at attractive prices relative to replacement cost and stabilized cash flows, and with particular emphasis on value creation opportunities and complex situations. Since 1994, Rockpoint's co-founders with others have sponsored 15 commingled funds and related co-investment vehicles through Rockpoint and a predecessor firm. In total, they have raised approximately $25 billion in capital commitments and invested or committed to invest in 447 transactions with a total peak capitalization of approximately $67 billion (inclusive of fund equity, co-investor equity and debt). To learn more about Rockpoint Group, visit www.rockpoint.com.

Media Contacts:

Lisa Baker

Lambert & Co.

603-868-1967

[email protected]

Gregory Higgins

[email protected]

470-788-0210

SOURCE Rockpoint Group

Related Links

https://www.rockpoint.com


Firehouse Subs is a differentiated, fast-growing brand that is complementary to RBI's family of iconic brands

High-quality menu offering frequently rated #1 in food quality in QSR sandwich category

Compelling unit economics and a substantial long-term growth opportunity across the U.S. and internationally

$1 billion all-cash transaction that is immediately accretive to RBI's diluted net earnings per share

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSP) and Firehouse Restaurant Group Inc. ("Firehouse Subs") announced today that they have reached an agreement for RBI to acquire Firehouse Subs for $1.0 billion in an all-cash transaction. The transaction offers significant long-term unit growth potential to drive attractive returns for all stakeholders and is expected to be immediately accretive to RBI's diluted net earnings per share.

Firehouse Subs adds a strong and loved restaurant brand with attractive unit economics in a complementary category to RBI's existing family of iconic quick service restaurant ("QSR") brands, Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes.

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of culture rooted in public service, creating hot and hearty subs piled high with the highest quality meats and cheeses and a commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

The brand is a strong and growing player within the $30 billion U.S. QSR sandwich category and since 2010 has increased its number of restaurants 3x to ~1,200 and its system-wide sales1 4x to an expected approximately $1.1 billion for 2021. This momentum extends into 2021, with October year to date U.S. comparable sales2 versus 2019 of 20%. The brand benefits from a strong family of franchisees who own and operate 97% of the brand's restaurants across 46 U.S. States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Firehouse Subs is expected to generate roughly $50 million of 2021E Adjusted EBITDA3.

Firehouse Subs is frequently rated the #1 brand in its QSR sandwich category for food quality and has one of the strongest brand-love ratings in its category  driven by the Foundation that has now granted $62.5 million in essential life-saving equipment and other support to public safety organizations.

Jose Cil, Chief Executive Officer of RBI commented, "Firehouse Subs is a special brand with a talented team, impressive culture and community focus that resonates with guests and closely aligns with our core values at RBI. We see tremendous potential to accelerate U.S. and international growth at Firehouse Subs with RBI's development expertise, global franchisee network and digital capabilities. We are excited to welcome the Firehouse Subs team to the RBI family and to continue our ambitious dream of building the world's most loved restaurant brands."

Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse Subs said, "At Firehouse Subs we are united in our commitment to and passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service, and public safety. Joining the RBI family of brands provides an energizing opportunity to assist more communities, not only across America and Canada, but around the globe. The donations we generate for our Foundation through our restaurants means changing and saving lives, so we can't wait to accelerate our journey at home and around the world."

Firehouse Subs Highlights

Differentiated, Purpose-Driven Brand. Supporting local communities is a core pillar of Firehouse Subs' operating philosophy and a key differentiator for the brand in the sandwich QSR category. Firehouse Subs' commitment to the communities where they operate is a leading reason guests choose the brand's restaurants and has been a driver of overall positive brand metrics. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted $62.5 million to public safety organizations across 49 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. For the third consecutive year, based on recent Technomic Insight consumer data, Firehouse Subs was named the No.1 brand in the restaurant industry that "Supports Local Community Activities."

High-Quality Menu Offering Frequently Rated #1 in Food Quality in the QSR Sandwich Category. Firehouse Subs offers hearty, hot specialty subs featuring steamed meats and cheeses on a toasted sub roll. The brand rounds out its fulsome menu offering with chopped salads, chili and soups, signature sides, and local specialties with inspiration across its menu pulling from its namesake - with fan favorites such as the Hook & Ladder. The brand has a strong focus on maintaining quality and consistency for its guests at attractive price points and has frequently been rated number 1 in both food quality and food taste and flavor across a number of consumer surveys in the U.S. QSR sandwich category.

Experienced Leadership Team with a Demonstrated Track Record. Firehouse Subs is led by a team of industry veterans with proven capabilities in operations, marketing, and development and a keen focus on franchisee profitability. Following the transaction, Firehouse Subs' management team will continue leading the brand's day-to-day operations, building on its proven track record of tripling unit count and more than quadrupling system-wide sales since 2010, while benefiting from RBI's global scale, resources and digital capabilities to accelerate growth for years to come.

Strong Unit Economics with Compelling Paybacks. Firehouse Subs is expecting its 1,200 locations to generate total 2021 system-wide sales of approximately $1.1 billion, driving a compelling three and a half-year average payback period (based on company store performance). The brand is generating strong sales momentum in 2021, with 20% U.S. comparable sales versus 2019 year to date through October 2021.

Proven Brand Across 46 U.S. States, Canada and Puerto Rico with Significant Unit Growth Potential. Firehouse Subs has a proven, successful model with the opportunity to grow significantly across the U.S. and internationally. The brand's already strong growth prospects are expected to be further enhanced by RBI's robust franchisee network, development expertise and ability to accelerate global unit growth, increase overall brand awareness, and drive further improvements in unit economics, all of which will create a reinforcing cycle of growth. The concept has successfully traveled across 46 states and grown into Canada, which has strong AUVs that are generally above the system average.

Clear Digital Expansion Opportunities. Firehouse Subs has a solid digital foundation with a mobile app including mobile order and pay and loyalty capabilities, in addition to a strong delivery sales mix. The brand's loyalty program boasts nearly 3.5 million subscribers, enrolling approximately 50 thousand additional customers per month and representing over 10% of transactions. This transaction would augment Firehouse Subs' capabilities by leveraging RBI's in-house tech-stack, engineers and continued investments in digital and technology to accelerate the brand's digital transition.

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the agreement, RBI will acquire Firehouse Subs for $1.0 billion in an all-cash transaction. RBI plans to fund the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and debt. The transaction is expected to close in the coming months subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Following the closing of the transaction, Firehouse Subs will remain based in Jacksonville, Florida, and will continue to be managed by Chief Executive Officer, Don Fox, and Chief Financial Officer, Vincent Burchianti.

Advisors

BofA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison acted as legal advisors to RBI. Firehouse Subs was advised by TD Securities and Latham and Watkins.

About Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs is a restaurant chain with a passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. Founded in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, hot and hearty subs piled high with the highest quality meats and cheeses and its commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation and the brand is a family of franchise operators who share their same passion for generously serving food and community.

Enjoy more subs. Save more lives. To learn more, visit http://www.firehousesubs.com.

About Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $34 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. RBI owns three of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands - TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, and POPEYES. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 45 years.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and include statements regarding (1) expectations regarding whether a transaction will be consummated or, if consummated, whether Firehouse Subs will benefit from the global scale and resources of RBI, (2) expectations regarding whether the transaction will be immediately accretive and/or drive attractive returns for all stakeholders, (3) expectations regarding Firehouse Subs' growth and RBI's ability to accelerate such growth in development, brand awareness, unit economics and digital, (4) projected 2021 system-wide sales and resulting average payback period as well as projected 2021E Adjusted EBITDA and (5) expectations regarding financing the acquisition. These forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of RBI and Firehouse Subs and market conditions, and include the following: (1) the risk that the acquisition will not close when expected or at all, (2) the risk that the conditions to the acquisition will not be satisfied, (3) the risk that the Company's business will be adversely impacted during the pendency of the acquisition or will not meet projected financial and sales targets, and (4) the risk that the operations of the two companies will not be integrated successfully. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by RBI with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities regulators, including RBI's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. RBI cautions readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect actual results and could cause actual results for subsequent periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made herein. RBI does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

1 System-wide sales represent sales at all franchise restaurants and company-owned restaurants and are driven by sales at franchised restaurants, as approximately 97% of current Firehouse Subs restaurants are franchised. Franchise sales are not recorded as revenues; however, franchise revenues include royalties based on a percentage of franchise sales. 2 Comparable sales refers to the percentage change in restaurant sales in one period from the same period year over year for restaurants that have been open for 52 weeks for Firehouse Subs. Additionally, if a restaurant has been approved for temporary closure, the restaurant is excluded from the comparable sales calculation for the period of time they are closed. Comparable sales are measured on a constant currency basis, which means that results exclude the effect of foreign currency translations. Key operating metrics are analyzed on a constant currency basis as this helps identify underlying business trends, without distortion from the effects of currency movements. The 2-year comparisons are calculated on a geometric stacked basis by using the 2020 and 2021 growth metrics. 3 2021E Adjusted EBITDA is an operational metric representing the expected 2021 full year revenues and expenses of the acquired business adjusted for non-cash compensation, non-operating or non-recurring items and the impact of terminations of area representative agreements as if they had occurred at the beginning of the period.

SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc.
Sharpton, Bryant and Crump are urging other faith leaders and activists to join the prayer vigil and remain supportive of the Arbery family as they endure weeks of emotional and traumatic testimony throughout the trial proceedings. "This is a blatantly racist and abundantly bigoted move by the defense to specifically limited Black leaders of faith from supporting a family who has already endured the unimaginable loss of their loved one  Ahmaud Arbery," said Dr. Bryant. "We are calling on faith leaders, the Brunswick community and those who long to see justice for Ahmaud to join us for a moment of prayer and encouragement to support a grieving family in need of spiritual support as we fight the forces that seek to censure and silence our rallying cry for justice and truth."

WHO: Faith leaders include Rev. Al Sharpton and Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant will join attorney Benjamin Crump and others for a prayer vigil in support of Ahmaud Arbery's family and loved ones.

DATE: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021

TIME: 11 A.M.

LOCATION: Glynn County Superior Court, 701 H Street, Brunswick, GA 31520 (outside of the courthouse building)

Contact:

Erik Burton

[email protected]

770-294-8475

SOURCE New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
DUBLIN, Nov. 15, 2021 The "Russia Data Center Market - Investment Analysis and Growth Opportunities 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Russia data center market size will witness investments of USD 2.02 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.56% during 2021-2026



This report analyzes the Russia data center market share. It elaboratively analyzes the existing and upcoming facilities and data center investments in terms of IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, tier standards, and geography. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments.

Around 1.2 million square feet of data center space will be added across Russia during 2021-2026. Over USD 1.9 billion will be invested in the core & shell development of data centers across Russia in the coming years.

Russia is a major data center market in Eastern Europe and one of the rapidly advancing markets worldwide. Over the past 4-5 years, the market has grown significantly with the increase in the development of hyperscale data centers.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH?

Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and colocation revenue.

An assessment of the investment in Russia by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators.

by colocation, hyperscale, and enterprise operators. Data center investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country.

A detailed study of the existing market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Russian data center market size during the forecast period.

Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party facilities in Russia

Facilities Covered (Existing): 68

Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 13

Coverage: 2+ Cities

Existing vs. Upcoming (Data Center Area)

Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity)

Data center colocation market in Russia

Market Revenue & Forecast (2020-2026)

Retail Colocation Pricing

The Russian data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services, with sizing and forecast.

A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry.

Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry.

A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspect of the market.

REPORT COVERAGE:



RUSSIA DATA CENTER MARKET OUTLOOK

In 2020, Russia's data center market size witnessed an investment of USD 1.38 billion .

data center market size witnessed an investment of . Within Russia , the number of data centers is higher in Moscow , St. Petersburg , and Novgorod. Moscow currently accounts for over 70% of the overall data center space in Russia .

, the number of data centers is higher in , , and Novgorod. currently accounts for over 70% of the overall data center space in . The rapid investment in 5G technology and its deployment lead to the generation of a substantial amount of data, further increasing investments in data centers. Commercial 5G is expected to be launched in the country by 2022/2023.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

Rapid development in connectivity and adoption of cloud and IoT have been strong enablers of Russia's growth of the data center industry.

growth of the data center industry. In Russia , Moscow is one of the major data center markets, which has a strong base of colocation data center providers and cloud service providers.

, is one of the major data center markets, which has a strong base of colocation data center providers and cloud service providers. In July 2021 , Huawei opened its Arm-based data center in Moscow , which was built by Huawei's Intelligent Computing Systems Department.

EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS

Existing Facilities in the region(Area and Power Capacity)

Moscow

Other Cities

List of Upcoming Facilities in the region(Area and Power Capacity)

RUSSIA DATA CENTER INVESTMENT COVERAGE

Infrastructure Type

IT Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

General Construction

IT Infrastructure

Server

Storage Systems

Network Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches and Switchgears

PDUs

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Rack Cabinets

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units

Chillers Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers

Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

Other Cooling Units

General Construction

Building Development

Installation and Commissioning Services

Building & Engineering Design

Physical Security

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)

Tier Segments

Tier I & Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Geography

Moscow

Other Cities

RUSSIA DATA CENTER MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE

In January 2021 , Rostelecom opened a data center facility in Novosibirsk, Russia , which hosts around 300 rack cabinets.

, Rostelecom opened a data center facility in , which hosts around 300 rack cabinets. Yandex is expanding its Vladimir Data Center (Phase 2) in Vladimir with an IT load of around 10MW.

IT Infrastructure Providers

Atos

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

NetApp

Oracle

Super Micro Computer

Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors

Arup Group

Aurora Group

Datadome

Free Technologies Engineering

GreenMDC

Haka Moscow

SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDERS

ABB

Aksa Power Generation

Aermec

Carrier

Caterpillar

Climaveneta Climate Technologies (Mitsubishi Electric)

Cummins

Delta Electronics

Daikin Applied

Eaton

Emicon

HiRef

HITEC-Power Protection

Johnson Controls

KOHLER-SDMO

KyotoCooling

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Perkins Engines

Rittal

Rolls-Royce Power Systems

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Vertiv Group

Data Center Investors

3data

DataPro

IXcellerate

MobileTeleSystems (MTS)

Rostelecom Data Centers (RTK-DC)

Yandex

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lri0lr

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advocate Health Advisors, Your Local Medicare Guide, will be hosting a drive-up event that will be held in the large parking lot in front of The Arizona Cafe', 1111 S. General McMullen Drive, San Antonio, Tx. 78237. Event Time: 10 am to 12 noon.

Each recipient will receive a 6lb. bag of produce, one per person, while supplies last!

Please note: You may call ahead and reserve your produce bag.

Please call Rey at 210-296-8651.

There will also be Raffle Prizes.

Licensed insurance agents from Advocate Health Advisors will be on hand to assist any persons with Medicare questions and providing no obligation Medicare 2022 plan reviews. A plan review is not required to receive produce.

About Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

Every year from October 15 through December, Medicare beneficiaries can review the upcoming year Medicare health and drug plan offerings and make a plan switch if they choose to do so. Changes become effective on January 1, 2022. In certain cases, consumers may qualify for a special needs plan or other Medicare health and drug plans which may offer additional benefits. These plans may allow enrollment at different times during the year. Consumers should speak with a licensed insurance agent to learn if they qualify.

About Advocate Health Advisors-Your Medicare Guide

Veteran-owned and operated since 2005, Advocate Health Advisors has faithfully served the community with free, no obligation Medicare health plan guidance and support. Advocate is 100% independent and holds contracts with over 50 carrier plans nationwide. Healthcare is local and so is Advocate Health Advisors. For more: www.advocatehealthadvisors.com

SOURCE Advocate Health Advisors

Related Links

https://www.advocatehealthadvisors.com/


SCL Health's digital communications efforts are nationally recognized for helping educate and engage patients. Tweet this

Mark Gothberg eHealthcare Organizational Commitment Award: Winner

Best Doctor Directory: Platinum

Best Digital Patient Experience: Gold

Best Internet Home Page: Gold

Best Intranet: Gold

Best Annual Report: Gold

Best Site Design: Silver

SCL Health was one of only three healthcare organizations from around the country that received the Mark Gothberg eHealthcare Organizational Commitment Award -- the highest honor, recognizing industry leadership, innovation, and commitment. Craig Richardville, SCL Health's Chief Information and Digital Officer, said, "SCL Health is part of an exciting and dynamic industry, and we are proud to help lead the way in digital transformation for our patients and consumers. We believe there is no limit to innovative ideas and approaches in our industry and are always happy to be the accelerator to pursue the possibilities."

This year, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards recognized winners in 22 categories . Read an overview of the 2021 eHealthcare Leadership Awards program here .

About SCL Health

SCL Health is a faith-based, nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to improving the health of the people and communities we serve. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1864, our health network provides comprehensive, coordinated care through eight hospitals, 160 physician clinics, home health, hospice, mental health, and safety-net services in Colorado and the Montana-Wyoming region.

Media Contact:

Gregg Moss

Vice Pesident Communications

M: 303.378.7466 | [email protected]

SOURCE SCL Health

Related Links

www.sclhealth.org


Because of a decade-long lack of investment in special education, students with disabilities are being left behind. Tweet this

Since 2012, not-for-profit schools serving children with disabilities who cannot be served by their local school districts have received significantly less aid than local districts. As a result, a certified special education teacher with 5 years of experience may earn as much as $30,000 less than someone with the same experience working in a public school. Not-for-profit schools have been challenged to recruit and retain qualified teachers, teacher assistants, and related service therapists because of this disparity.

Parents, providers, and advocates are calling on Governor Hochul to sign the tuition parity bill for special education (S.6516-A/A.8013), that unanimously passed the State Senate and Assembly earlier this year. By signing the bill into law, the Governor would put an end to funding discrimination for schools serving thousands of children and families across New York.

Who: John Mannion, New York State Senator

John Liu, New York State Senator

Parents, teachers, education providers and advocates

Hawthorne Foundation Inc., AHRC New York City, ADAPT Community

Network



When: Monday, November 15, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.



Where: Hawthorne Country Day School - Manhattan

156 William Street (Entrance on Ann Street)

New York, New York 10038

COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to-Masks are Required



RSVP Please RSVP to Winifred Schiff, [email protected], 917-750-1497

SOURCE AHRC New York City

Related Links

http://www.ahrcnyc.org


"Serkan brings tremendous indexing experience and market knowledge to Qontigo," said Lomholt. "In this key new role, he will help to shape Qontigo's indexing strategy in the German market, expand the range of DAX 's ESG offerings overall, and lead the management and strategic development of the DAX business on a day-to-day basis."

At BlackRock, Batir most recently served as both Head of Portfolio Management for EEGA (Eastern Europe, Germany and Austria) and Switzerland, and as Head of Product Management, Germany. He joined the company in 2008 as a Senior Portfolio Manager. His responsibilities included overall trading and management responsibility for German and Swiss domiciled index funds in various asset classes, including equities, fixed income and physical and synthetic commodities.

Batir was previously with UniCredit Bank AG  London for three years, as an equity derivatives trader in the firm's proprietary quantitative trading hedge fund. He began his career at HypoVereinsbank, a member of UniCredit, as a Junior Trader in 2001.

Batir holds a degree in International Relations from Eastern Mediterranean University, a graduate degree in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford-Said Business School, and a certificate in Algorithmic Trading from the University of Oxford Executive Programme.

About Qontigo

Qontigo is a leading global provider of innovative index, analytics and risk solutions that optimize investment impact. As the shift toward sustainable investing accelerates, Qontigo enables its clientsfinancial-products issuers, asset owners and asset managersto deliver sophisticated and targeted solutions at scale to meet the increasingly demanding and unique sustainability goals of investors worldwide.

Qontigo's solutions are enhanced by both our collaborative, customer-centric culture, which allows us to create tailored solutions for our clients, and our open architecture and modern technology that efficiently integrate with our clients' processes.

Part of the Deutsche Borse Group, Qontigo was created in 2019 through the combination of Axioma, DAX and STOXX. Headquartered in Eschborn, Germany, Qontigo's global presence includes offices in New York, London, Zug and Hong Kong.

www.qontigo.com

SOURCE Qontigo

Related Links

http://www.qontigo.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hoegh LNG Partners LP ("Hoegh LNG" or the "Partnership") (NYSE: HMLP) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 21-cv-19613, is on behalf of persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded Partnership securities between April 3, 2020 and July 27, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff seeks to recover compensable damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

If you are a shareholder who purchased Hoegh LNG securities during the Class Period, you have until December 27, 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]

The Partnership was formed by Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd., a leading floating liquefied natural gas ("LNG") service provider. The Partnership's purported strategy is to own, operate, and acquire floating storage and regasification units ("FSRUs") and associated LNG infrastructure assets under long-term charters. The Partnership has interests in five FSRUs, including the PGN FSRU Lampung based in Indonesia. Through agreements and business structures briefly described below, the Partnership has a 100% economic interest in the PGN FSRU Lampung.

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Partnership was facing issues with the PGN FSRU Lampung charter; (2) as a result, the PGN FSRU Lampung charterer would state that it would commence arbitration to declare the charter null and void, and/or to terminate the charter, and/or seek damages; (3) the Partnership would need to find alternative refinancing for its PGN FSRU Lampung credit facility; (4) the PGN FSRU Lampung credit facility matured in September 2021, not October 2021 as previously stated; (5) the Partnership would be forced to accept less favorable refinancing terms with regards to the PGN FSRU Lampung credit facility; (6) Hoegh LNG would not extend the revolving credit line to the Partnership past its maturation date; (7) Hoegh LNG would reveal that it "will have very limited capacity to extend any additional advances to the Partnership beyond what is currently drawn under the facility"; (8) as a result of the foregoing, the Partnership would essentially end distributions to common units holders; (9) the COVID-19 pandemic was not the sole or root cause of the Partnership's issues in Indonesia, in 2019, before the pandemic, there were already a very low amount of demand in Indonesia for the Partnership's gas; (10) the auditing, tax, nor maintenance of PGN FSRU Lampung were not the sole or root cause(s) of the Partnership's issues in Indonesia; and (11) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

On July 27, 2021, the Partnership issued a press release which announced that: (i) the Partnership had reduced its quarterly cash distribution to $0.01 per common unit, down from a distribution of $0.44 per common unit in the first quarter of 2021; (ii) the refinancing of the PGN FSRU Lampung credit facility, which had been scheduled to close by the end of the second quarter of 2021, was not yet completed due to the failure by the charterer of the PGN FSRU Lampung to consent to and countersign certain customary documents related to the new credit facility; (iii) the PGN FSRU Lampung charterer stated that it will commence arbitration to declare the charter null and void, and/or to terminate the charter, and/or seek damages in relation to the operations of the vessel and its charter; (iv) the revolving credit line of $85 million from Hoegh LNG will not be extended when it matures on January 1, 2023; and (v) Hoegh LNG will have very limited capacity to extend any additional advances to the Partnership beyond what is currently drawn under the facility.

On this news, the Partnership's common unit price fell $11.57 per common unit, or 64%, to close at $6.30 per common unit on July 28, 2021, on unusually heavy trading volume, 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

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NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Lightning eMotors, Inc. ("Lightning eMotors" or the "Company") f/k/a GigCapital3, Inc. ("GigCapital3") (NYSE: ZEV) (NYSE: ZEV.WS) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, and docketed under 21-cv-02774, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Lightning eMotors securities between May 7, 2021 and August 16, 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.

If you are a shareholder who purchased publicly traded securities during the Class Period, you have until December 14, 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]

Lightning eMotors designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles. The Company produces electric fleet medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including delivery trucks, shuttle buses, passenger vans, chassis-cab models, and city transit buses.

Prior to its business combination with Lightning eMotors, as described below, GigCapital3 was a special purpose acquisition company, also known as a blank check company, incorporated for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

On May 6, 2021, Lightning eMotors consummated a business combination (the "Business Combination") with Lightning Systems, Inc. ("Lightning Systems") pursuant to a certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2020, by and among GigCapital3, Project Power Merger Sub, Inc, and Lightning Systems. In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company changed its name from GigCapital3, Inc. to Lightning eMotors, Inc. On May 7, 2021, the Company's common stock and warrants began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "ZEV" and "ZEV.WS", respectively.

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 Company would record a substantially greater net loss per share in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020 and would pull its full year guidance for the remainder of 2021; (ii) accordingly, the Company materially overstated its financial position and/or prospects; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On August 16, 2021, post-market, Lightning eMotors announced the Company's financial results for the second quarter of 2021, including a net loss per share of $0.79 compared to a loss of $0.10 in the second quarter of 2020. The Company also pulled its full year financial guidance for the remainder of 2021, just days after announcing a multi-year agreement with Forest River, a Berkshire Hathaway company.

On this news, Lightning eMotors's stock price fell $1.63 per share, or 16.93%, to close at $8.00 per share on August 17, 2021.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com

CONTACT:

Robert S. Willoughby

Pomerantz LLP

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Amplify Energy Corp. ("Amplify" or the "Company") (NYSE: AMPY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Amplify and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On October 4, 2021, Amplify issued a press release announcing a large oil spill in Southern California. Specifically, the press release stated that "on Saturday, October 2, 2021, Beta Offshore (a subsidiary of Amplify Energy) first observed and notified the US Coast Guard of an oil sheen approximately four (4) miles off the coast in Southern California and initiated its Oil Spill Prevention and Response Plan. The Company has sent a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to investigate and attempt to confirm source of the release. As a precautionary measure, all of the Company's production and pipeline operations at the Beta Field have been shut down." On this news, Amplify's stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on October 4, 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

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

www.pomerantzlaw.com


The brand known for its expertise on skin barrier health receives the private equity firm's first investment to fuel growth and innovation.

HALIFAX, NS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Skinfix, the clean, clinically proven and dermatologist-endorsed skincare brand, today announced a minority investment from Stride Consumer Partners. The deal marks the first investment from the new private equity firm started by a former team from Castanea Partners. Stride's stake in Skinfix furthers their mission to work with passionate founders and women-led businesses to build the next generation of great consumer brands.

The best-selling Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, an Allure Best of Beauty winner and one of Women's Wear Daily's 100 Greatest Skincare Products of All Time. (CNW Group/Skinfix)

Founded by Amy Gordinier in 2014 after she discovered a powerful 19th century formula for treating eczema, Skinfix has since expanded to heal, replenish and maintain the vital skin barrier for healthy skin on both face and body. The brand is growing 300% versus prior year and its bestselling Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is the number four moisturizer at Sephora North America (based on retail dollar sales).

With the investment, Skinfix plans to amplify brand awareness to continue the explosive growth both on its own e-commerce platform and at Sephora, its exclusive retailer. The company will also support ongoing product innovation and rigorous testing practices as well as build out its team.

"Skinfix was on our list of brands to watch from the start because of its unique and powerful positioning in the space of 'cleanical' skincare," said Nicole Fourgoux, Stride operating partner. With a clear mission to improve skin barrier health and their addictive, clean and clinically performing formulas, the Skinfix team has built an amazing brand with great potential."

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Stride team and benefit from their deep and varied experience building timeless brands," said Amy Gordinier, Skinfix founder and CEO. "As a white-space brand looking ahead to the future of science-led skincare innovation, we believe that Stride is the right partner to help us grow and realize the possibilities ahead."

"Joining forces with Skinfix is a perfect match for our mission at Stride," said Steve Berg, Stride partner. "Amy is a dynamic, passionate founder joined by a talented team. They're building the next great skincare brand and we're honored to work alongside them."

Nicole Fourgoux and Steve Berg will join the Skinfix board of directors.

Piper Sandler represented Skinfix in the transaction.

ABOUT SKINFIX

Skinfix is the first clean and clinically active skincare brand tested and recommended by unbiased dermatologists to promote optimal skin barrier health. Founded by Amy Gordinier in 2014 after she discovered a powerful 19th century formula for treating eczema, Skinfix has since expanded to heal, replenish and maintain the vital skin barrier, the body's first line of immune defense. All Skinfix products are fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan or beegan and have earned the Planet Love seal for environmentally mindful packaging. Products are available at Sephora North America, Sephora at Kohl's and Sephora Australia in-store and online as well as on Skinfixinc.com (Canada) and Skinfix.com (United States). 1% of all sales are donated to the nonprofit YourMomCares, the organization dedicated to providing mental wellness resources to children. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn and tune into the Total Skin Nerds podcast featuring interviews with top dermatologists and skincare authorities.

ABOUT STRIDE CONSUMER PARTNERS

Stride Consumer is a private equity firm that specializes in partnering with talented and dynamic founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to build the next generation of great consumer brands. Founded by a passionate group of experienced and successful investor-operators, our unique approach brings together a fully integrated team of successful investors working alongside seasoned operators to assist high-growth and disruptive consumer products and services businesses to hit their stride. Together, we support our partners on their journey as they take decisive steps toward delivering on their vision. During our time together in private equity, the Stride Consumer team has had the pleasure of working side by side with the founders and teams of Brew Dr, drybar, Essentia, First Aid Beauty, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Simms Fishing Products, Tatcha, Urban Decay, and Yasso. All are dynamic, distinctive, beloved brands which became amazing success stories.

For more information, please visit Stride Consumer Partners | Private Equity Firm.

SOURCE Skinfix
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SWX) ("Southwest Gas" or the "Company") today confirmed that Icahn Enterprises LP ("Icahn") has provided notice of its intent to nominate 10 candidates (the "Icahn slate") to stand for election to take control of the Company's Board of Directors at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the date of which has not yet been determined.

The Company issued the following statement regarding Icahn's director nominations:

Under the Board's oversight, we have created a company that is poised for further value creation across each of its businesses and the Company as a whole. Icahn's nomination of the Icahn slate follows the Board's rejection of Icahn's unsolicited, inadequate, structurally coercive, highly conditional and illusory tender offer to acquire the outstanding shares of the Company. The nomination of the Icahn slate is the latest step in Icahn's efforts to take control of Southwest Gas without paying a control premium to Southwest Gas stockholders and otherwise pursue his self-serving agenda.

The Board values constructive dialogue with its investors with the mutual goal of enhancing value for all stakeholders  including for our local communities in partnership with our regulators in each of our three state commissions. As we do with all stockholders, members of the Company's management team have engaged directly with Icahn to hear his views and share ours. In these conversations, Icahn has criticized the pending Questar Pipelines acquisition and pressured Southwest Gas to pursue different alternatives for financing the acquisition  some of which treat Icahn differently than other stockholders.

The Questar Pipelines transaction is compelling for stockholders both strategically and financially, adding scale and value through an attractive, high-return suite of assets, with unique strength and stability. In addition, our unregulated utility services business, Centuri, has nearly doubled its revenue over the last four years and has strong continuing growth potential. The recent acquisition of Riggs Distler follows the acquisition of Linetec, and is expected to help accelerate Centuri's growth.

The Southwest Gas Board is committed to determining the financing strategy for the Questar Pipelines acquisition that is in the long-term best interest of all Southwest Gas stockholders. No decisions on permanent financing for Questar have been made.

In addition, Southwest Gas recently announced the culmination of a months-long board refreshment process with the appointment of two new, independent and highly qualified directors with proven industry experience and financial and operational expertise to our Board, effective January 1, 2022. With these appointments, the Board has added four independent directors since 2019. The Board also appointed a new Chairman, effective at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The newly refreshed Board will comprise 10 diverse and experienced professionals, nine of whom are independent and all of whom bring decades of industry experience and expertise in key areas including management, operations, finance, administration and strategic transactions. With significant experience in the industries that matter most to our business, the Southwest Gas directors bring a variety of important skills and perspectives to the boardroom and have delivered impressive growth in both of the Company's business segments while overseeing a constructive and supportive relationship with our regulators. The Board is focused on creating long-term value for the Company and all of our stockholders, and we believe that the Board's relevant skills and experience enhance the Board's ability to make decisions that further this objective.

In contrast, the Icahn slate has been assembled with one goal in mindto facilitate Icahn's effort to take control of Southwest Gas without paying a control premium.

As previously announced on November 9, 2021, the Southwest Gas Board, after a thorough review with the assistance of its external financial and legal advisors, has unanimously determined that the unsolicited, highly conditional and illusory tender offer from Icahn to acquire the outstanding common shares of the Company for $75.00 per share in cash (the "Offer") is inadequate, undervalues the Company, is structurally coercive and is not in the best interests of all of its stockholders. Accordingly, the Board recommends that stockholders not tender any of their shares into the Offer.

The basis for the Board's decision with regards to Icahn's tender offer is set forth in the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 that was filed on November 9, 2021, with the SEC and was also mailed to stockholders.

Consistent with the provisions in the Company's governance arrangements, the Board will review the Icahn slate with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Company will announce the date of the 2022 Annual Meeting in due course and file proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which will include the Board's recommendation with respect to the election of director nominees and other matters.

Lazard and Moelis & Company LLC are serving as financial advisors to Southwest Gas and Morrison & Foerster LLP and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP are serving as legal advisors.

About Southwest Gas

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing and transporting natural gas, and providing comprehensive utility infrastructure services across North America. Southwest Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, safely and reliably delivers natural gas to over two million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. Centuri Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, is a comprehensive utility infrastructure services enterprise dedicated to delivering a diverse array of solutions to North America's gas and electric providers.

How to Find Further Information

This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval in connection with the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders of Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") (the "Annual Meeting"). In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Company will file a proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which the Company will furnish, with any other relevant information or documents, to its stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, WE URGE STOCKHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN SUCH INFORMATION IS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE ANNUAL MEETING. The proposals for the Annual Meeting will be made solely through the proxy statement. In addition, a copy of the proxy statement (when it becomes available) may be obtained free of charge from www.swgasholdings.com/proxymaterials. Security holders also will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and any other documents filed by Company with the SEC in connection with the Annual Meeting at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the companies' website at www.swgasholdings.com.

Important Information for Investors and Stockholders

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities. In response to the tender offer for the shares of the Company commenced by IEP Utility Holdings LLC and Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., the Company has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF SOUTHWEST GAS HOLDINGS ARE URGED TO READ THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and stockholders may obtain a free copy of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , and at the Company's website at www.swgasholdings.com . In addition, copies of these materials may be requested from the Company's information agent, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, toll-free at (877) 825-8621.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains 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. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about, among others, the industry, markets in which Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (the "Company," "Southwest Gas Holdings," "SWX," or "we") operates, and the matters described in this press release. While the Company's management believes the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, such information is necessarily subject to uncertainties and may involve certain risks, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company's management. A number of important factors affecting the business and financial results of the Company could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the timing and amount of rate relief, changes in rate design, customer growth rates, the effects of regulation/deregulation, tax reform and related regulatory decisions, the impacts of construction activity at Centuri, future earnings trends, seasonal patterns, and the impacts of stock market volatility. In addition, the Company can provide no assurance that its discussions about future operating margin, operating income, pension costs, COLI results, and capital expenditures of the natural gas segment will occur. Likewise, the Company can provide no assurance that discussions regarding utility infrastructure services segment revenues, operating income as a percentage of revenues, interest expense, and noncontrolling interest amounts will transpire, nor assurance regarding acquisitions or their impacts, including management's plans related thereto, such as that currently planned in regard to Riggs Distler & Company, Inc. and the pending acquisition of Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline, LLC and related entities (the "Questar Pipeline Group"). Additional risks include the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Sale and Purchase Agreement by and between Dominion Energy Questar Corporation and the Company (the "Questar Purchase Agreement"), the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company and others following announcement of the Questar Purchase Agreement, risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations, the risks related to the ability of the Company to integrate the Questar Pipeline Group, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the transaction and the actual terms of certain financings that will be obtained for the transaction, potential negative impacts to the Company's credit ratings as a result of the transaction, the disruption to the Company's stock price and the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to, and the distraction of management's attention in connection with, any proxy contest or other stockholder related or similar matters, as well as other risks that are set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021 and in future filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the cautionary statements in this section. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.

Participants in the Solicitation

The directors and officers of the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and officers and their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise is available in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and its most recent definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such potential participants is or will be included in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC, when they become available.

Contacts

For stockholders information, contact: Ken Kenny (702) 876-7237 [email protected]

For media information, contact: Sean Corbett (702) 876-7219 [email protected]; or

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, Dan Katcher / Tim Lynch, (212) 355-4449

SOURCE Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.
MANCHESTER, N.H., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) celebrates the launch of two more nonstop routes on Spirit Airlines this week, to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers four times weekly and Tampa International Airport (TPA) three times per week.

The new flights to Fort Myers and Tampa start on November 17 and 18, respectively, and come in time for the busy holiday travel season.

"It's exciting to see Spirit expanding to two more Florida destinations from MHT," said Airport Director Ted Kitchens, A.A.E. "These flights also come just before the busy holiday travel season after a year when many people were unable to visit their loved ones."

The two routes join Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, bringing Spirit's total number of destinations at MHT to four. Spirit will be adding a fifth destination, Myrtle Beach, on April 20, 2022.

As the doors reopen for international travel, passengers are using MHT to connect across the globe. Fort Lauderdale in particular is a popular connection point for Spirit passengers looking to head farther south.

"These new flights and low fares allow our passengers to connect on Spirit flights for winter getaways in the Caribbean and Central and South America and enjoy a brief respite from the cold winter," Kitchens said.

When Spirit's new flights start this week, the airline is changing the departure time for the daily Fort Lauderdale flight from an 8:10 a.m. departure to 6:10 a.m. This earlier departure from Manchester will allow passengers to connect in Fort Lauderdale in time to meet at least 14 international flights taking off in the late morning.

These destinations include:

Armenia , Colombia

, Barranquilla, Colombia

Bogota, Colombia

Cali, Colombia

Cartagena , Colombia

, Cancun, Mexico

Guatemala City , Guatemala

, Kingston, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Medellin, Colombia

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

San Salvador , El Salvador

, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

San Jose, Costa Rica

"Time and time again, our passengers are showing us that they prefer to fly out of MHT, even to connect internationally," Kitchens said. "I appreciate our ongoing partnership with Spirit Airlines that allows us to bring more destinations to our travelers."

In 2019, over 15,000 passengers connected out of MHT to reach 163 international destinations.

Spirit Airlines is the first new airline at MHT in 17 years and was first announced on June 16, 2021.

ABOUT MANCHESTER-BOSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT

Strategically situated in the heart of New England, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located less than fifty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and less than an hour's drive from the region's most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. MHT is the premier aviation gateway for the region. For more information, visit www.flymanchester.com.

ABOUT SPIRIT

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments and refreshments  something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com.

SOURCE Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Music Hall-of-Famer Steven Page and The Strumbellas will lead an all-star cast of performers aboard the CP Holiday Train for the 2021 "Holiday Train at Home" concert. The concert will be streamed on Facebook, YouTube and www.cpr.ca/holidaytrain on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. MT/8 p.m. ET.

"With the 'Holiday Train at Home' concert, CP hopes to inspire support for food banks across North America," said CP President and CEO Keith Creel. "Though we are disappointed we again cannot bring an in-person show to communities along our rail lines, it fills us with joy to bring together such outstanding musicians for a performance that will help feed Canadians and Americans in need. The CP family looks forward to bringing the Holiday Train back on tour as soon as it's safe."

The virtual concert will also feature performances by Keb' Mo', The Trews, Tanika Charles, Odds, Aysanabee and Sierra Noble. Full biographies for all performers are available at www.cpr.ca/holidaytrain.

CP will donate $1.24 million this year to 198 food banks in communities that ordinarily host CP Holiday Train events. In a normal year, CP calls on attendees at local shows to make a cash or non-perishable food donation. Viewers seeking to donate will be directed to Food Banks Canada and Feeding America, the national organizations that support community food banks in their respective countries. Viewers are also encouraged to give to their local food bank.

"I'm delighted to be a part of the 23rd year of the Holiday Train program, shedding a light on hunger issues across North America and raising funds for those in need," said Steven Page. "Tune in to the concert on Dec. 18, and give back to those in need in your community if you are able."

CP's 2021 corporate donation will bring the total amount of money raised at CP Holiday Train stops to $20.64 million since the train's inception in 1999. Food banks have also collected 4.9 million pounds of food donations at local Holiday Train events.

About Canadian Pacific

Canadian Pacific is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to major ports on the west and east coasts. CP provides North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of CP.

SOURCE Canadian Pacific
Darren Skarecky

PHOENIX, Nov. 15, 2021 "The express car wash industry has amazing momentum and we are very excited about launching this new brand," said Kyle Squillario, Co-Head and Partner at Susquehanna Private Capital. "We see significant growth potential in building a national platform that is focused on elevating the customer experience and increasing operational efficiencies. We are delighted to be teaming up with such seasoned leaders as Darren and JT to launch this company together."

Skarecky will serve as CEO and Thomson will be President and Chief Development Officer for LUV Car Wash. Headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, the company plans to invest heavily in building out its corporate infrastructure to support its future growth. LUV Car Wash expects to deploy a multi-pronged growth strategy focused on acquisitions, partnerships and new site build outs.

"Darren and I love the car wash industry and plan to leverage our track record in this segment to create an amazing car wash company," Thomson said. "Our focus will be on teamwork and having fun while creating a great guest experience."

"We are excited to partner with Darren and JT and have been impressed with the level of professionalism and sophistication they bring to the highly fragmented car wash industry," said John McGinley, Vice President at Susquehanna Private Capital. "We look forward to supporting LUV Car Wash as the company continues to expand throughout the nation."

The all-new concept has its sights set on aggressive development and expects to open its first locations in Florida and Georgia by next month. Additional locations in five markets are anticipated to follow in the next 90 days.

To learn more about LUV Car Wash, visit LUVCarWash.com.

About LUV Car Wash

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, LUV Car Wash is a nationwide express car wash platform focused on enhancing the customer experience. Through its aggressive, multi-pronged growth strategy, the company plans to expand across the country, starting with locations in Florida and Georgia in 2021. For more information about LUV Car Wash, visit LUVCarWash.com.

About Susquehanna Private Capital

Susquehanna Private Capital was founded in 2016 and is funded by the founders of Susquehanna International Group, LLP, which is one of the world's largest privately held financial services firms. With its flexible approach to investing, SPC partners with founders, entrepreneurs, and operators to build businesses with enduring value. SPC targets companies in the U.S., Europe and Israel in the business services, consumer and franchise services, healthcare services, and industrial technology sectors with $3 million to $15 million in EBITDA.

Contact:

Cami Studebaker

Champion Management

972.930.9933

[email protected]

SOURCE LUV Car Wash
FRIENDSHIP, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of Teamsters Local 264 employed at Friendship Dairy, a subsidiary of Saputo Dairy, have voted by over a two-to-one margin to ratify their most recent collective bargaining agreement with the company. The three-year contract comes after the workers went on strike for ten days.

"It was a privilege to stand in solidarity with the members at Friendship Dairy," said Darrin Ziemba, Teamsters Local 264 Recording Secretary and Business Agent. "We made the necessary preparations to run a formidable strike and the members took ownership from there  rotating in and off the line so others could grill food for members, cut wood for the fire, keep the generators going and more. The comradery I witnessed was inspiring, and for that reason the faces of these members will be burned in my memory for life."

The workers initially went on strike primarily because the company sought to drastically cut their health care benefits. The new collective bargaining agreement not only preserves their current health care plan, but also includes four percent raises through the lifetime of the agreement. Dustin Davis is one of the workers who participated in the strike.

"I think it's a very fair offer and I love how we all stuck together and did what we needed to do," Davis said. "Everybody's gotten along incredibly well and we're just a big family."

Teamsters Local 264 represents over 4,000 workers in the private and public sector throughout upstate New York. For more information, go to http://www.teamsters264.org/

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (617) 894-0669

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 264
As an enabler, it will provide R&D advisory and pilot-scale manufacturing facilities to support food-tech businesses accelerate their product commercialisation;

As an operator, it will provide manufacturing capabilities, along with market insights into commercialisation opportunities to support scaling up across Asia ; and

; and As an investor, it will also provide businesses with a network of strategic connections and allocate capital to promising food-tech start-ups.

"Asia is expected to require around US$1.55 trillion of investment over the next decade to satisfy growing consumer demands for healthier and more sustainable food options. We need to evolve our current capabilities to bolster food security and strengthen supply chains," said Yeoh Keat Chuan, Deputy Head, Enterprise Development Group at Temasek.

"Temasek has invested over US$8 billion in the global farm-to-fork value chain since 2013, and will continue to increase our investments in this space. Singapore has a significant role to play in the transformation of the agri-food sector. The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform aims to support local and regional businesses, innovate, scale up and commercialise," he added.

The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform will be managed by a core team of food-tech professionals, led by newly appointed CEO, Mathys Boeren. Prior to joining the Platform, Mr Boeren worked in the food and food-ingredients industry for more than 25 years, amongst others for Unilever, Givaudan, Symrise and Kerry. More recently, he has advised start-ups in the sustainable food space on the alignment of product attributes and consumer preferences.

Mr Boeren highlighted that "Our key differentiating factor is our end-to-end enabler, operator, and investor capabilities that provide bespoke solutions and support to aspiring food-tech companies at every stage of their growth cycle. With our support to remove friction-to-adoption, companies can speed up their product development and pilot launch, as well as accelerate their commercial scale-up and go-to-market. In the end, it is our goal to delight consumers across Asia with tasty, fresh, traceable and sustainable food."

Accelerating Product and Process Development with the Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC)

The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform and A*STAR's Singapore Institute of Food & Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) have committed to invest over S$30 million in the Food Tech Innovation Centre (FTIC) over the next three years, to provide tailored infrastructure and service offerings to promising food-tech start-ups.

FTIC will be a one-stop shop where aspiring food-tech start-ups will have access to a

food grade pilot scale facility with extrusion and fermentation equipment, shared labs, test kitchens, co-working spaces, as well as A*STAR's deep R&D know-how.

"SIFBI is excited to partner with Temasek's newly established Asia Sustainable Foods Platform on the FTIC, which will provide much-needed pilot scale capabilities for Alternative Protein (AP) companies to shorten time to market. We expect that this partnership will help anchor AP companies, and to contribute significantly to the flourishing and vibrant food-tech landscape here in Singapore," said Dr Hazel Khoo, Executive Director, SIFBI.

This will address pain points food-tech businesses face in bringing their innovations to market, such as long wait-times for pilot-scale facilities and equipment; the lack of deep product & process development capabilities; and the difficulty in navigating regulatory processes and understanding unfamiliar markets in other parts of Asia.

FTIC is also pleased to announce that its first partner, Next Gen Foods, will be setting up their global R&D and innovation centre within FTIC. Next Gen Foods is a food start-up that is creating a portfolio of delicious, nutritious and sustainable plant-based foods  beginning with its popular chicken made from plants, TiNDLE, now available in over 150 restaurants across seven markets in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

"At the core of Next Gen Foods is a dedication to creating plant-based foods that are not only sustainable  but also delicious, nutritious and scalable," says Timo Recker, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Next Gen Foods. "We can only do this through a commitment to continuous product innovation and growth, and we're thrilled to become the first company to put down roots in the brand-new FTIC. It is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to build a global impactful player based in Singapore, and we are grateful to our partners at A*STAR and Temasek's Asia Sustainable Foods Platform for joining us on our mission to create a better food system for future generations to come."

Robust Co-manufacturing Capacity with Leading Industry Players

The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform is exploring two joint ventures with global industry experts in plant-based and microbial proteins.

A partnership with CREMER, a German agri-food multinational with expertise in plant-based protein, through a joint venture company, will augment the Platform's manufacturing capabilities for plant-based protein products. Key to this process is high moisture extrusion (HME), a new technology for producing texturised proteins that more closely resemble meat than other plant-based manufacturing techniques. The Platform's investment in, and the operation of, the joint venture company are subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals and consents.

Given the nascent technology, CREMER's expertise in contract manufacturing and operating other HME plants globally will provide essential support for businesses in this area where few companies have mature HME capabilities and capacity, particularly in Asia.

"For CREMER, the customer has always been the starting point of our decisions. We are constantly improving and developing value-added services and products for our customers in tomorrow's world. Recognising the growing importance of sustainability, health and plant-based foods in supporting the global food ecosystem, CREMER wants to play a major role in driving these trends by contributing production knowledge we have gained over decades. By bringing HME capabilities to Asia, CREMER aims to provide production support to the fast-growing plant-based community here," said Damian Krueger, General Manager of Sustainable Nutrition at CREMER.

The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform has also signed an agreement with ADM, a global leader in nutrition, that will pave the way to form a joint venture that enables contract development and manufacturing services for microbial proteins produced via precision fermentation. ADM's global capabilities, and innovative fermentation-based expertise, will help enable smaller existing food-tech companies to efficiently scale their fermentation innovations through to the pilot scale. This project is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).

"We've talked to innovators, from startups to mature food providers, in Singapore and across APAC, and they have told us that they are eager and waiting for a partner that can provide support for food-grade precision fermentation technology," said Joe Taets, president of ADM's APAC business. "This first-of-its-kind joint venture in Singapore would meet that demand, and in doing so, will help further the development of the alternative protein industry in APAC."

"EDB is pleased to be supporting ADM and Temasek's Asia Sustainable Foods Platform efforts in building up precision fermentation expertise in Singapore. The joint venture addresses the needs of innovators in developing and scaling fermentation-based solutions, allowing them to serve global customers from Singapore. This will also strengthen our agri-food ecosystem through ensuring that the suitable infrastructure and technological capabilities are in place to spur innovation of agri-food technologies," said Damian Chan, Executive Vice President, Singapore Economic Development Board.

To explore business partnerships with the Asia Sustainable Foods Platform, please scan the QR code:

About Temasek

Temasek is a global investment company with a net portfolio value of S$381 billion

(US$283b, 241b, 206b, RMB1.86t) as at 31 March 2021. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices in 9 countries around the world.

The Temasek Charter defines Temasek's three roles as an Investor, Institution and Steward, which shape its ethos to do well, do right, and do good. As a provider of catalytic capital, it seeks to enable solutions to key global challenges.

With sustainability at the core of all Temasek does, it actively seeks sustainable solutions to address present and future challenges, as it captures investible opportunities to bring about a sustainable future for all.

For more information on Temasek, please visit www.temasek.com.sg.

About Asia Sustainable Foods Platform

The Asia Sustainable Foods Platform, a wholly-owned company of Temasek, aims to delight consumers across Asia with tasty, fresh, traceable and sustainable food by accelerating the commercialisation of sustainable foods in the region. It provides solutions and support to aspiring food-tech companies at every stage of their growth cycle, alleviating friction-to-adoption as they advance from product development and pilot launch to commercial scale-up and go-to-market.

About CREMER

CREMER was founded in 1946 by Peter Cremer. Today, in its third generation of family ownership, the company has grown to become an established German multinational with a long-standing history of success in trade, logistics and industry. With over 2,000 employees in over 60 companies and holdings, CREMER is active on all continents.

In recent years, recognising the growing market for healthy and sustainable food products, CREMER embarked on a growth strategy in the plant-based protein segment.

The company has now committed investments into plant-based contract manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe and Asia, and is well-equipped to

help clients in the plant-based space with their various contract manufacturing needs.

For more information on CREMER, please visit www.cremer.de/.

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over.

Learn more at www.adm.com.

About Next Gen Foods

Founded in 2020, Next Gen Foods is a food-tech startup developing and commercializing innovative and sustainable plant-based food products -- starting with TiNDLE. Next Gen Foods is backed by top-tier investors and led by a team with proven experience in plant-based foods technology, along with global brand development and operational scaleup. For more information, visit www.nextgenfoods.sg.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

A*STAR is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR's R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.

About the Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI)

The Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) was inaugurated in 2020 with a vision to be a global leader by providing end to end capabilities in the food innovation value chain while establishing a sustainable food ecosystem. Our core capabilities include discovery, strain engineering, biotransformation, nutrition and food process engineering.

About Economic Development Board

Economic Development Board ("EDB") is a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is responsible for strategies that enhance Singapore's position as a global centre for business, innovation, and talent. EDB undertakes investment promotion and industry development, and work with international businesses, both foreign and local, by providing information, connection to partners and access to government incentives for their investments.

SOURCE Temasek

Related Links

https://www.temasek.com.sg/


This year's CIIE not only brought fancy products but also avant-garde consumption concepts as well as innovative ideas. The importance of CIIE continues to grow as it becomes an economic hotspot for countries and enterprises.

A total of 281 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders were present at the fourth CIIE. Among these, nearly 40 joined for the first time and over 120 were four-time participants.

The display area for consumer goods this year occupied 90,000 square meters of exhibition space, the largest among all areas. The Food and Agricultural Products exhibition area accommodated the most exhibitors, attracting more than 1,200 enterprises from 102 countries. All the world's top 10 carmakers attended the expo.

The Online Country Exhibition enabled 58 countries and three international organizations to showcase their development achievements, leading industries, and tourist attractions. Pageviews reached 58 million, and leaders of participating countries and organizations expressed high praise for the CIIE's furtherance of global openness and cooperation.

The fourth Hongqiao International Economic Forum focused on green development, digital economy, and new forms in consumption. The World Openness Report 2021 and the index on openness for 129 economies since 2008 were released.

A total of 95 supporting activities for matters such as policy interpretation, joint signing, and investment promotion were held during the fourth CIIE to promote trade, two-way investment, and industrial cooperation.

Having experienced the benefits of the fourth CIIE, enterprises hailed it as an event that allows them to tap into China's massive consumer population and a multitude of opportunities therein.

Registration for the fifth CIIE has already started. Up to 150,000 sq m of exhibition area has already been booked for next year's expo, a considerable increase in sign-up rate compared to last year.

Contact: Nie Qingxin

Tel.: 0086-21-67008870/67008988

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ANr4DGFoTC0

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688391/CIIE_see_you_in_2022.mp4

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077995/CIIE_Logo.jpg

SOURCE CIIE
"We are proud to deliver phase one and break ground on the second phase of this catalytic project east of the river," said Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO, The Menkiti Group. "We believe MLK Gateway is an innovative example of community-led participative development and demonstrates how the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors can truly drive neighborhood impact."

The first phase of MLK Gateway includes a mix of uses and features the restoration of 14,000 square feet of ground floor retail as well as 20,000 square feet of newly built office space. The project is anchored by Enlightened Inc., an award-winning Black-owned information technology and cybersecurity firm that has relocated its nearly 150 District-based employees to this new headquarters in historic Anacostia. Additional tenants at phase one include Capital One Cafe, a full-service coffee and tea bar with collaborative workspaces and meeting rooms for public use, and a new restaurant run by The Gaston Group, a Ward 8-based business. The phase one building's design embraces and incorporates the site's existing historic facades, a vibrant mix of neighborhood-serving retail, and provides a backdrop for a new epicenter of commerce, culture, and technology in Anacostia.

"Enlightened is proud to be a part of this community and to be an agent of positive economic development," said Antwanye Ford, President and CEO, Enlightened Inc. "Bringing training programs and jobs is what we love to do, and we are looking forward to leading the charge in developing local entrepreneurs, launching businesses, and creating a national tech hub at the entrance to Anacostia."

The second phase of MLK Gateway will include construction of a new building at 1909 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE with street-level retail and multistory office space above. The project is anchored by Washington, D.C.'s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) which will be retaining its headquarters in the historic Anacostia neighborhood and is part of Mayor Muriel Bowser's initiative to locate public agencies on the east side of the Anacostia River. Additionally, phase two will be home to a new Keller Williams Capital Properties (KWCP) office bringing a national real estate chain east of the river. At MLK Gateway, KWCP will found the East of the River Real Estate Academy, a training center for aspiring real estate entrepreneurs designed to open doors to new opportunities for local residents.

"At MLK Gateway, we're collaborating with partners and leaders who know DC and who know Ward 8. And, together, we're delivering results: jobs, opportunity, a new restaurant, and more," said Mayor Bowser. "This is the second Neighborhood Prosperity Fund project that we're celebrating in the past three days  on Saturday we were in Bellevue to open the new Good Food Market. We made a commitment to the community, and now we're delivering. Today, we're back in Ward 8, welcoming a Black-owned technology firm and celebrating all the opportunity that this site represents."

Through numerous meetings and engagement with community groups, residents, and local businesses, The Menkiti Group has been able to bring to life the city and local residents' vision for the neighborhood. The Menkiti Group is honored to execute on that vision and further realize its mission of transforming lives, careers, and communities through real estate and they remain dedicated to driving neighborhood impact as they continue on into the second phase of this project.

"MLK Gateway demonstrates what we can deliver when the public and private sectors work together to make big, strategic investments in existing communities," said John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. "We triple downed on this project using New Tax Credits, Opportunity Zone, and Neighborhood Prosperity funds to make sure the residents of Ward 8 were supported."

Both phases of MLK Gateway are models for public and private collaboration. The partners for phase one include The Menkiti Group, Enlightened Inc., the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), PNC Bank, RMS Investment Group, and City First Bank of DC. The partners for phase two include The Menkiti Group, Enlightened Inc., SHIFT Capital, DMPED, DHCD, EagleBank, LISC Black Economic Development Fund, Chestnut Funds, Chase Bank, Harbor Bank, NCIF, and Industrial Bank.

"It's an exciting experience to leverage District assets in a purposeful manner with the clear intention of strengthening the Ward 8 economy," said Department of General Services (DGS) Director Keith A. Anderson. "That's precisely what we achieved when we negotiated a new headquarters lease for the Department of Housing and Community Development; this space will ensure their staff can continue providing and creating innovative programming services for the District."

Bo Menkiti and The Menkiti Group were joined at Monday's ceremony by Mayor Muriel Bowser, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio, Enlightened Inc. President and CEO Antwanye Ford, SHIFT Capital CEO, Brian Murray, and community members as well as representatives and partners of the projects.

"At The Menkiti Group we have remained diligent over the last 17 years to pursue our mission of transforming lives, careers, and communities through real estate and this project is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the fabric of life in America's urban communities. We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone in bringing to life the community's vision for the historic MLK Gateway alongside partners who share a similar commitment to driving neighborhood impact for Anacostia. We look forward to continuing to work with the community to show the power and strength of D.C. residents east of the river," said Menkiti.

ABOUT THE MENKITI GROUP

Founded in 2004, The Menkiti Group is a 100% minority-owned Certified Business Enterprise headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional offices in Worcester, Massachusetts. The organization was founded with the mission to transform lives, careers, and communities through real estate. The Menkiti Group is a double bottom line company, measuring success in terms of financial and positive social impact. The company's approach to urban neighborhood transformation and investment is centered upon residential and commercial development, residential sales, and commercial brokerage.

The Menkiti Group invests in abandoned and underutilized properties and transforms them into exciting and affordable homes and workspaces. Projects range from single-family residential renovations and the development and tenanting of main street commercial properties to large-scale, mixed-use, transit-oriented development projects. Over the past 17 years, The Menkiti Group has invested over $225MM in DC's emerging neighborhoods, worked on the development of over 2.1MM SF of real estate, and has assisted over 2,000 families in purchasing their first homes. For more information, please visit MenkitiGroup.com or call (202) 733-5455.

SOURCE The Menkiti Group

Related Links

www.MenkitiGroup.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, the firm will distribute thousands of free turkeys throughout the State of Florida where it conducts business. As an offering of goodwill, the firm's staff will personally distribute truckloads of turkeys at five of their office locations.

The Pendas Law Firm continues its tradition of giving back to the community. The firm will distribute the turkeys to families in need, in Miami, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando. Listed below are the event dates and locations:

Friday, Nov. 19 , 8:30 am - 10:30 am , Kiwanis of Little Havana, 1400 SW 1st Street, Miami , FL 33135

, , Kiwanis of Little Havana, 1400 SW 1st Street, , FL 33135 Sunday, Nov. 21 , 10:00 am - 12:00 pm , 4244 Evans Avenue, Fort Myers , FL 33901

, , 4244 Evans Avenue, , FL 33901 Monday, Nov. 22 , 8:30 am - 10:30 am , 3250 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville , FL 32207

, , 3250 Beach Blvd., , FL 32207 Monday, Nov. 22 , 8:30 am - 10:30 am , 816 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Tampa , FL 33603

, , 816 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., , FL 33603 Tuesday, Nov. 23 , 8:30 am - 10:30 am , 625 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando , FL 32803

"Many families are in an even worse position this year due to the ongoing pandemic. We've decided to continue our Annual Turkey Giveaway, with a feeling that the need is now greater than ever. It makes a really big impact for people and it gives us great joy to give," said attorney Lou Pendas, owner of the firm.

Any families in need are welcomed to stop by the firm locations and receive free turkeys. However, the distribution is on a first come, first serve basis and is estimated to be limited to the times listed, or until the supply lasts. Social distancing measures will be required. This is the 13th year that the firm has provided its Annual Turkey Giveaway in Florida.

With 100 employees dedicated to offering extraordinary client service, The Pendas Law Firm is one of Florida's most prominent personal injury firms with offices located in Orlando, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The firm delivers solutions with personal injury cases, automobile accidents, slip & falls, medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, insurance claims, wrongful death and whistleblower claims.

More info: http://www.pendaslaw.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Scott Feltman

407-920-2373 / [email protected]

SOURCE The Pendas Law Firm

Related Links

www.pendaslaw.com


Driving through Brussels in the iconic electric pink 'Vape Bus', the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA), representing vapers worldwide, displayed a powerful selection of quit stories from around Europe. The collection of stories from individual ex-smokers was gathered as part of the Back Vaping. Beat Smoking campaign, which travelled across Europe throughout 2021.

The demonstration brought these messages from across Europe directly to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who are currently debating the Beating Cancer plan which may set the direction for anti-smoking policies across Europe.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, said:

"The next few weeks will be crucial for smokers, vapers and public health in general with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan being finalised. We came here today to make sure that vapers' voices are heard and that the MEPs understand the real-life stories of people who have been able to quit smoking thanks to vaping.

European policymakers have the opportunity to make history and save lives if they back vaping as a tool to beat smoking. Our message to them is clear: choose science and save lives," he added.

19 million smokers in Europe could switch to vaping, an alternative that is 95% less harmful, if the European Parliament would support harm reduction tools, such as vaping, in all their future legislation, including Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

"There is a risk that European lawmakers - under pressure from anti-vaping activists - will introduce laws that would treat vaping the exact same as smoking. This would spell disaster for vapers, for smokers and for global public health. The best way we can beat smoking is to promote vaping as part of public health policies," Michael Landl concluded.

Notes to editor:

The Back Vaping. Beat Smoking campaign hub is available here .

. More information on the Vape Bus can be found here.

More detail on how 19 million lives can be saved is available here.

The World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) amplifies the voice of vapers around the world and empowers them to make a difference for their communities. Our members are 26 vapers associations as well as over 15,000 individual vapers from all over the world. More information on www.worldvapersalliance.com

Juan from Barcelona said: 'Four years ago I stopped smoking thanks to vaping. I improved my quality of life, I no longer have fatigue, my nose is not running in the morning and the food tastes amazing.' Nicolas from Paris said: 'I switched to vaping with the specific aim to quit smoking. So, gradually I decreased the level of nicotine and now I am on the verge of quitting completely. Vaping is a very good method to stop smoking'. More testimonials from vapers can be found here .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688508/World_Vapers_Alliance_in_Brussels.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688507/World_Vapers_Alliance_in_Brussels.jpg

SOURCE World Vapers Alliance
The company will showcase these relationships, as well as new additions to its industry-leading offering of mass spectrometry (MS) and chromatography instruments, during the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) Reconnect event, being held virtually November 15-19.

"Proteomics research has the potential to expand our scientific understanding and uncover new biomarkers to meet unmet medical needs," said Andreas Huhmer, senior director, life sciences research omics marketing, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "While there has been significant progress in our ability to perform advanced analyses such as single-cell and translational proteomics, there are still improvements needed in the efficiency and reproducibility of workflows. The agreements we're announcing today, will enable us to continue to deliver innovative proteomics solutions to customers with a goal to make these workflows accessible to everyone."

New co-marketing agreements accelerate proteomics workflows

Enhanced quantitation capabilities for high-throughput proteomics

Thermo Fisher is extending their co-marketing agreement with Biognosys, a leading developer of next-generation proteomics solutions, to provide laboratories performing high-throughput plasma analysis with innovative and streamlined instruments, kits and software to enable efficient and accurate workflows at scale. The PQ500 Reference Peptide Kit from Biognosys is able to quantify more than 500 proteins in human plasma/serum samples as part of the SureQuant IS-PRM workflow, enabled only with the Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer, delivering sensitive and accurate quantitation to drive scientific progress or clinical decision making. Biognosys' SpectroDive software extends research applications to targeted proteomics enabling automated MS method set-up, signal processing and analysis of targeted experiments, such as the SureQuant IS-PRM workflow.

New liquid chromatography (LC) solution and acquisition strengthen separations for proteomics

The Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) System complements high-resolution Thermo Scientific Orbitrap mass spectrometry for proteomics analyses, minimizing sample loss and delivering the highest quality of data. The new system is designed for high-sensitivity LC-MS applications, with excellent analytical performance at flow rates from 1 nL/min to 100 L/min up to 1500 bar. The separation capabilities and reproducibility of this all-in-one nano-, capillary- and micro-flow LC system will help users to overcome limitations of existing low-flow LC instruments.

Thermo Fisher has also extended its chromatography portfolio through the acquisition of Belgium-based PharmaFluidics, the developer of the PAC range of micro-chip-based chromatography columns. The PAC portfolio of columns enhance LC performance in biomarker, proteomics and drug research and development applications, helping biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies uncover new insights and advance scientific discovery.

Expanding single-cell proteomics workflow with sample preparation

One of Thermo Fisher's goals is to provide customers with a platform to effectively and efficiently analyze thousands of single cells. A co-marketing agreement between Thermo Fisher and Cellenion, experts in single-cell sample preparation solutions, will deliver a full workflow, from sample to results, for scientists performing single-cell proteomics analysis. Laborious sample preparation has typically held back single-cell MS methods. To overcome this, Cellenion's sample preparation solution, cellenONE, combines single-cell isolation and nanoliter dispensing to perform every step of the sample preparation using a single device. With single-cell proteomics providing vital information on the state of individual cells within heterogeneous environments, the combination of this sample preparation technology with Thermo Fisher's TMT multiplexing technologies and Orbitrap mass spectrometers will open new doors for researchers.

To find out more about Thermo Fisher's proteomics solutions, please visit www.thermofisher.com/proteomics.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $35 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 90,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:

Laura Bright Thermo Fisher Scientific +1 562-335-8318 [email protected] Janice Foley

BioStrata +1 617-823-5555 [email protected]

SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific

Related Links

http://www.thermofisher.com


Challenges and Triumphs in the Pursuit of Employee Happiness

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - A Thriver survey in October 2021 of 179 company leaders, representing HR and people operations professionals, revealed significant insights into the greatest struggles they have faced since March 2020.



Mental health is the biggest challenge for employees and HR teams

Isolation, rapidly changing social norms, fear of the unknown: the pandemic threw a lot of curveballs that have a major impact on mental health. Thriver's survey shows that 58% of HR professionals identify mental health as the number-one challenge faced by employees and 57% identify it to be their major personal challenge.

Companies looking to genuinely support their workforce need to focus on mental well-being now more than ever.



Work-from-home came with benefits and drawbacks

At the start of the pandemic, many businesses worried employee productivity would plummet when offices closed. The survey revealed that HR and people operations teams found the opposite to be true. Sixty three percent of the respondents agreed that productivity has increased over the last two years. However, bringing work home made it harder for employees to draw the line between their job and their personal time. Work-life balance was employees' second biggest struggle, according to 44% of survey respondents.

Employee engagement is at the center of company culture

HR and people operations teams are responsible for booking and scheduling many workplace activities and events for their teams. Their number-one roadblock in doing so is employee engagement (55%), followed by trying to satisfy their teams' different preferences (45%) and employee mental health concerns (37%). To tackle these challenges, Thriver offers ratings and reviews by participants from other companies, plus a polling feature to allow employees to vote for their preferred services.

Professional struggles impacting HR and people operations teams

71% of HR and people operations professionals felt that the past two years have proven professionally challenging for them and 67% also indicated struggling on a personal level. Two of the most notable difficulties they encountered included meeting the demands of their role (32%) and dealing with change (26%).

The results of this survey highlighted actionable things company leaders can do to better support employees and prepare them for greater success. These include prioritizing mental and physical health, and supporting everyone in defining solid work-life boundaries. For more detailed information on these insights from HR professionals, view the Thriver report here .



About Thriver

Thriver is the trusted marketplace for all your company culture needs. The Thriver technology platform offers flexible and scalable programs to bring teams together no matter where they work, including workplace meals and catering; virtual experiences for wellness and professional development; corporate gifts and swag. For more information visit Thriver.com , or follow along on LinkedIn , Instagram or Facebook . For more on the company culture revolution, visit the Thriver blog .

SOURCE Thriver Technologies Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO and AUSTIN, Texas and NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Three market leaders in the global digital asset regulatory and compliance space have formed a partnership to create a one-stop solution for firms across the digital asset ecosystem, solving for cryptocurrency anti-money laundering (AML), trade surveillance, as well as Travel Rule compliance for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

TRM Labs, a blockchain analytics provider, Eventus Systems, global provider of digital asset trade surveillance solutions, and end-to-end Travel Rule solution provider Notabene today announced the formation of "Project TEN," which will provide the marketplace with a comprehensive offering to address a host of risk management and compliance challenges facing firms in the digital asset space.

With the launch of Project TEN, crypto-native firms as well as traditional financial institutions moving into virtual assets will benefit from a joint service designed to help maximize the efficiency of regulatory compliance operations. The offering will feature Eventus' trade surveillance and market risk applications; TRM Labs' transaction monitoring , wallet screening and forensics tools; and Notabene's counterparty risk management and Travel Rule compliance software .

Esteban Castano, Co-founder and CEO of TRM Labs, said: "Organizations operating in the crypto space are tasked with managing a complex regulatory landscape in a rapidly evolving market. Project TEN helps organizations address this complexity by bringing distinct areas of risk management expertise into one comprehensive offering."

Eventus CEO Travis Schwab said: "We're delighted to join forces with two other market leaders in the global digital asset space to introduce efficiencies and make lives easier for crypto firms striving to hold themselves to the highest standards, both to attract investment flows and meet regulatory obligations. Powered in part by our Validus trade surveillance platform, the Project TEN partnership offers a compelling solution to a wide cross-section of participants, including traditional financial institutions looking to enter the digital asset space while ensuring they have the same robust processes in place that they apply to other asset classes."

Pelle Brndgaard, CEO of Notabene, said: "There are many distinct tasks that must be addressed by any institution offering digital asset services. Project TEN creates a comprehensive compliance solution for firms across the rapidly growing global digital asset space. Partnerships are critical as many complex components must work together to manage overall compliance risk. We're thrilled to embed our privacy-preserving Travel Rule solution into Project TEN, the first comprehensive offering allowing institutional clients to enter the crypto space in a regulatory-compliant manner."

For more information on Project TEN, visit https://info.eventussystems.com/project-ten.

About TRM Labs

TRM Labs provides blockchain intelligence to organizations who need to monitor, detect and investigate crypto-related fraud and financial crime. Trusted by financial institutions, crypto businesses and government agencies across the globe, TRM's platform includes tools for crypto wallet screening, transaction monitoring, VASP due diligence and investigative tracing. www.trmlabs.com.

About Eventus Systems

Eventus Systems is a leading global provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions. Its powerful, award-winning Validus platform is easy to deploy, customize and operate across equities, options, futures, foreign exchange (FX), fixed income and digital asset markets. Validus is proven in the most complex, high-volume and real-time environments of tier-1 banks, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), proprietary trading groups, market centers, buy-side institutions, energy and commodity trading firms, and regulators. The company's rapidly growing client base relies on Validus and Eventus' responsive support and product development teams to overcome its most pressing regulatory challenges. For more, visit www.eventussystems.com.

About Notabene

Notabene is a reg-tech Software-as-a-Service solution that turns regulatory compliance into a competitive advantage. Notabene is working to make crypto transactions a part of the everyday economy by providing software, tools, and comprehensive data to manage regulatory and counterparty risks in crypto transactions. Companies leverage our end-to-end FATF Travel Rule solution to identify virtual asset accounts , perform mandated VASP due diligence , and manage global transactions from one dashboard. Trusted by leading exchanges, Luno, Bitso, Crypto.com, and more. Notabene is headquartered in New York with offices in Zug and Santiago de Chile. To learn more, visit www.notabene.id .

SOURCE Eventus Systems; TRM Labs; Notabene
DULLES, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) has named Unanet to the organization's annual Tech 100 Companies and Tech Executives lists, which recognize groundbreaking companies, leaders, and innovators in the greater Washington region's technology community. This is the fourth consecutive year Unanet has made the list and the first year that CEO Craig Halliday has been recognized as a Tech 100 Executive.

"Despite the curveballs of the last year, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major government regulatory changes, and new cybersecurity threats across all industries, Unanet continues to innovate and deliver features that our customers need to break out of siloed systems and maintain holistic project management functionalities," said Craig Halliday, Unanet CEO. "Being recognized by NVTC for this commitment to our customers, and to this region, is an honor."

From its origins as one of the first female-founded and managed technology companies, to its current role as a large employer and corporate benefactor to the Northern Virginia region, Unanet has consistently received industry recognitions. This year, the company was awarded the 2021 Gold-level Stevie Award in the 19th Annual American Business Awards and recognized for a variety of 'best of' honors from the leading analyst firm G2. Unanet's CRM solution was also selected by CUSTOMER Magazine for its 2021 CRM Excellence Award.

This year, Unanet demonstrated significant commitment to the Northern Virginia region through its Unanet United program, one of the region's most robust corporate efforts. The program is the center of Unanet's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives such as the company's 'returnship' program which enables people who have left the workforce due to family needs to re-engage and continue their careers. Unanet also partners with George Mason University and Athens State University to support their curriculum for government contract accounting and, this year, awarded $30,000 to The Women's Center to fund teen mental health initiatives for the next three years.

Unanet recently announced it completed the third quarter of 2021 with an almost 30 percent increase in the number of new customers from Q2 to Q3.

"While our nation continues to adapt to our new normal of living during a global pandemic, I am pleased that Virginia continues to be a leading tech hub of flourishing businesses and career opportunities. I am proud to announce that Unanet and Craig Halliday are 2021 NVTC Tech 100 honorees," said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC. "Unanet and Craig are key contributors to making our region a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work and learn."

About Unanet

Unanet is a leading provider of project-based ERP and CRM solutions purpose-built for Government Contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. More than 3,400 project-driven organizations depend on Unanet to turn their information into actionable insights, drive better decision-making, and accelerate business growth. All backed by a people-centered team invested in the success of your projects, people, and financials. For more information, visit www.unanet.com.

SOURCE Unanet

Related Links

http://www.unanet.com


SAINT-HUBERT, QC, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Urbanimmersive Inc. ("Urbanimmersive", the "Company" or "UI") (TSXV: UI) (OTCQB: UBMRF) is pleased to announce today a general business update of its activities as the Company accelerate onboarding of new noticeable clients in the real estate market and other verticals while scaling volume and use of UiMeet3D through its monthly subscription packages.

Some of those recent highlights are included as follows:

Real Estate Marketing: Offerpad

Offerpad Solutions Inc. ('Offerpad') (NYQ: OPAD), a leading real estate solutions platform which empowers homeowners to buy and sell properties online quickly and easily, has recently started using Urbanimmersive' 3D tours in some of their geographic locations (www.offerpad.com). UI's 3D tour capture quick processing time and 2D editable floor plans have proved to generate Offerpad significant productivity gains while compared to competitive solutions. As each of Offerpad transactions require the production of a 3D tour for the acquisition of the property and an additional one for marketing purpose, a full rollout of UI's 3D tours within Offerpad operations should translate in a potential of 40,000 3D tours per year for Urbanimmersive, representing approximately $US 1.6M in annual revenues. Even though both parties have signed an agreement establishing a mutual collaboration and agreed on a roll-out calendar, nothing guarantees that Offerpad will complete the full roll-out of UI's 3D tours within their operations neither keep using Urbanimmersive technology for their actual locations.

Asset Management: Alimentation Couche-Tard

The Company is pleased to announce Alimentation Couche-Tard has recently started using UI's 3D tours to remotely manage all of its stores with regards to maintenance and refurbishment planning, among other things, with its goal to have a digital twin of all of its 14,200 convenient stores around the world. The possibility of UI's technology of archiving 3D tours for offline usage and the fully integrated 2D editable floor plans of scanned spaces have been key elements in their decision to choose Urbanimmersive's 3D technology. Alimentation Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience sand fuel retail, operating in 26 countries and territories, with more than 14,200 stores, of which approximately 10,800 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the world employing approximately 124,000 people through its extended network (www.corpo.couche-tard.com/en/).

Commercial Real Estate : NAI Terramont Commercial

The Company is pleased to announce that NAI Terramont Real Estate Commercial ('Terramont') has recently started using both Urbanimmersive 3D tours and UiMeet3D subscription packages for all of its commercial properties in the province of Quebec. Terramont is one of the largest commercial real estate brokerage firms in the Montreal area and is part of the NAI international network covering 375 offices in 36 countries with more than 6,000 brokers specialized in commercial real estate and annual transaction volume exceeding $ 20 billion (www.naiterramont.ca/en_us/). One key element of NAI Terramont in their decision to switch to UI's 3D tours has been the unique capability of Urbanimmersive's technology of generating extremely large and precise 2D editable floor plans of commercial spaces.

Local Merchant Market: Tuango

The Company is pleased to announce that Tuango, an e-commerce marketplace connecting consumers with local merchants by offering coupons and marketing services has recently started offering Urbanimmersive 3D tours for their Hotel & Resort packages. The package will include a 3D tour of the hotel, UiMeet3D avatars and interactive UiTags to better engage users. UiMeet3D avatars and the capabilities to gamify 3D tours using interactive UiTags have been key elements in Tuango decision to select Urbanimmersive's 3D technology. The capability to brand 3D tours using 3D Pocket Website design overlay skins has also played an important role in their decision. Tuango is a leading e-commerce platform in the province of Quebec (www.tuango.ca/en).

Asset Management: Centriq

The Company is pleased to announce that Centriq, an all-in-one home appliances management solution for property managers will include Urbanimmersive 3D tours within their product offering (www.mycentriq.com). The collaboration will enable property managers to better manage all information related to home appliances by providing 3D contextualized visual contents of all its appliances. Both parties are currently working together to integrate and promote Urbanimmersive 3D tours to be added on Centriq home app in markets with dual need for 3D tours which will include residential long-term rentals (i.e. SFR & apartments), short-term rentals (i.e. hotels & resorts), building management (i.e. multi-tenant office buildings) as well as any organizations with multiple locations that centrally managed such as offices and commercial (banks, retail chains, convenience stores, etc.). The high customization capabilities of UI's 3D tours hot spot (UiTag) have been the key element in their decision to select UI 3D technology.

Asset Management: Train Wagons

The Company is pleased to announce that one of the largest passenger rail service companies in Canada has recently started using UI's 3D tour with regards to maintenance and refurbishment planning of their train wagons. The train wagon company, that can't be named for now, has acquired Urbanimmersive' 360 hardware, training and license to be totally independent in the 3D scanning and documentation of their 3D tours. The ability to easily archive 3D tours has been a key element in their decision to select Urbanimmersive technology.

Home Builders: Bonneville Homes

The Company is pleased to announce that Bonneville Homes, the largest pre-fabricated homes for sale business in Quebec is in the process of digitalizing all of its pre-fabricated model homes with the goal of using UiMeet3D for remotely assisting, guiding and informing online visitors through the virtual 3D visit of the homes (www.maisonsbonneville.com/en). The ability to greet, meet and interact with online visitors through UiMeet3D has been the key element of Bonneville Homes to extend their usage of Urbanimmersive' 3D technology.

Acquisitions

The Company is pleased to announce the signature of three (3) binding Letter of Intents (LOI) with well-established real estate photography businesses in strategic locations in Canada and United States. Those contemplated acquisitions, which are all profitable, have generated total revenues of approx. $5.6M over the last twelve months and should, when and if completed, allow Urbanimmersive to accelerate the adoption of its UiMeet3D monthly subscription plan. Total purchase price for those contemplated accretive acquisitions is approx. $6.6M plus contingent earn-outs driven by both photography service and SaaS revenue growth milestones, and should be paid through a mix of Company's liquidities, long-term debt and shares issued to the sellers. Closings of those acquisitions are expected for the end of this calendar year but no later than the beginning of 2022. The Company is still conducting due diligence and nothing guarantee the closing of any of those acquisitions.

2021 Financials

The Company wishes to announce that Q4-21 and 2021 audited annual financial results should be released on January 13, 2022, once the financial integration and record of the recent acquisitions and the ongoing annual financial audit are completed.

TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed this press release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

About Urbanimmersive

Urbanimmersive develops and commercializes real estate photography technologies and services focused on redefining industry visual content standards. The Company all-in-one platform enables high-volume photography businesses to increase operational productivity delivering feature-rich 3D tours and floor plans, leading-edge property websites and high-resolution AI-indexed images. The Company operating segments include software (SaaS), 360 camera hardware and, in a growing number of North American cities, technology-powered real estate photography service business units leading the industry photo-shoots standards transformation.

Caution of Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information that involves various risks and uncertainties. Such statements relating to, among other things, the prospects for the company to enhance operating results, are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature. These uncertainties may cause actual results to differ from information contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of the management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management estimates or opinions change.

SOURCE Urbanimmersive Inc.

Related Links

http://www.urbanimmersive.com


The Open Doors 2021 report, released by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE), has been an important benchmark for international educational exchange to the U.S. for over 70 years. In the 2020/21 academic year, the Open Doors report included international students enrolled at U.S. higher education institutions in the United States and online from abroad, and those on Optional Practical Training (OPT).

In the 2020/21 academic year, 914,095 international students pursued studies at U.S. colleges and universities, a decrease of 15% from the previous academic year. These students represented 5% of all students in U.S. higher education and, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, contributed $39 billion to the U.S. economy in 2020.

U.S. remained open to international students during the COVID-19 pandemic

More than 710,000 international students enrolled at the undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree levels from more than 200 places of origin. In addition, more than 200,000 international students pursued OPT, a welcome opportunity for students to gain practical work experiences in the U.S. after academic study.

The COVID-19 global pandemic primarily impacted international students studying at a U.S. university for the first time, or new international students. This segment declined by 46%, in line with anticipated declines reported last November in the Fall 2020 International Student Enrollment Snapshot . Despite challenges due to travel and enrollment, 145,528 international students were able to begin their studies in person or online in the United States or from abroad.

International students already enrolled at U.S. universities, or continuing students, largely remained committed to their U.S. education experience. The total number of continuing students at U.S. universities decreased by just 3%. "International students are central to the free flow of ideas, innovation, economic prosperity, and peaceful relations between nations," said Matthew Lussenhop, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. "As reiterated in the recent Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education by the U.S. Departments of State and Education, the United States is strongly committed to international education as we continue to build back better."

Chinese, Indian students continue to seek an American education

Chinese and Indian students continued to pursue their education at U.S. institutions in large numbers. While both groups declined this year (by 14.8% and 13.2%, respectively), they did so by less than the overall rate, illustrating the strength and appeal a U.S. education holds in both countries. All places of origin and regions saw declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa saw relatively smaller declines, with potential ease of access to the U.S. during the pandemic and the ability to begin or continue programs virtually within a similar time zone as many U.S. institutions.

"U.S. colleges and universities remained open and welcoming in face of COVID-19 challenges and are well prepared for what's ahead," said IIE Chief Executive Officer, Allan E. Goodman. "The Open Doors 2021 report gives us all a benchmark to gauge the progress we are making to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic."

STEM fields remain a strong focus of international students

As in previous years, most international students (54%) pursued a major in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field (engineering, math and computer science, physical and life sciences, health professions, or agriculture). Engineering continued to be the most popular major, with one in five (21%) international students pursuing it. Intensive English Programs (IEP) were most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as many were canceled or postponed. This contributed to the wider decrease (of 64%) in non-degree programsprimarily IEPs and J1 exchange programs, many of which were canceled in the 2020/21 academic year.

Study abroad is as important as ever

The COVID-19 global pandemic affected U.S. study abroad programs across the country, and to all global destinations, resulting in a 53% decline overall. In the 2019/20 academic year, 162,633 American students studied abroad for academic credit. Declines in U.S. study abroad programming occurred primarily during the 2020 spring and summer durations. Summer programs, which comprised 39% of all U.S. study abroad programming in 2018/19, decreased by 99% in 2019/20. During Spring 2020, 867 U.S. higher education institutions launched emergency efforts to return students to the United States, bringing a reported 55,000 students home from their studies early amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to these efforts, U.S. study abroad programs were able to pivot and offer alternative modes of study abroad. For example, 242 institutions reported offering online global learning experiences to over 10,400 students.

European countries remain the most popular destination for American students, welcoming more than half (58%) of total U.S. study abroad students. However, some of these countries were also the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. As a result, these programs saw declines of 41% to 53%. Americans studied in more than 180 countries and had a presence on every continent, including Antarctica. In addition to the 162,633 U.S. students who received academic credit for study abroad in 2019/20, 252 institutions reported that an additional 11,256 U.S. students participated in non-credit work, internships, volunteering, and research abroad.

"Our commitment to Americans studying abroad is a commitment to our collective future," said Ethan Rosenzweig, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. "As study abroad slowly returns, we must recommit ourselves to ensuring that study abroad becomes ever more accessible to, and reflective of, the rich diversity of the United States."

U.S. Institutions Report International Student Surge for Fall 2021

Following a challenging year in international educational exchange, the findings of the 2021 Fall International Student Enrollment Snapshot reflect the resilience of U.S. higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher education institutions reported a 68% increase in the number of new international students enrolling for the first time at a U.S. institution, a notable surge from the 46% decline reported in Fall 2020. Overall, the total number of international students (enrolled and OPT) increased by 4% in Fall 2021, a rebound from the 15% decrease in Fall 2020. In addition, 99% of responding U.S. institutions reported that they are holding classes in-person or implementing a hybrid education model, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to return students to campus or offer options to study online. Over 860 U.S. higher education institutions participated in the 2021 Fall International Student Enrollment Snapshot, an increase from the 710 institutions that participated in the previous year.

To learn more about Open Doors, visit opendoorsdata.org .

To learn more about IIE's Fall Snapshot Survey, visit: https://www.iie.org/Research-and-Insights/Open-Doors/Fall-International-Enrollments-Snapshot-Reports .

About Open Doors

Open Doors is a comprehensive information resource on international students studying at U.S. higher education institutions, and U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit. Open Doors also reports on the number of international scholars at U.S. universities and international students enrolled in pre-academic Intensive English Programs. Further details on the Open Doors 2021 findings are on the Open Doors website. For more data, infographics and resources visit opendoorsdata.org .

About the Institute of International Education

Established in 1919, IIE is a global not-for-profit that creates and implements international education programs, conducts research, and provides life-changing opportunities for students and scholars worldwide. IIE collaborates with a range of corporate, government, and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training, and leadership development programs. IIE has a network of 18 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,450 member institutions. Visit iie.org .

About the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) builds relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. These exchange programs improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping break down barriers that often divide us. ECA sponsors the flagship Fulbright Program, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships for U.S. undergraduates with financial need, the Critical Language Scholarship Program in support of U.S. foreign language study abroad, and the EducationUSA network of over 430 advising centers worldwide, which provides information to students around the globe who wish to study in the United States. Visit eca.state.gov .

SOURCE Institute of International Education

Related Links

http://iie.org


ASBURY, N.J., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fran Brunelle, President of Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers, Inc. recently discussed how the vaccine mandate is creating the best opportunity in decades for small manufacturers to gain workers.

The vaccine mandate creates a huge opportunity for small manufacturers to gain needed workers. But they need to act NOW. Many people don't want the vaccine for medical or religious reasons. Many don't need it because they have antibodies. Others simply don't want the government telling them what to do with their own bodies.

Manufacturers should be thinking of what functions they need to hire for. Once they know what positions need to be filled, they should post on free social media venues the fact that they're hiring for those functions, and not requiring the vaccine as a condition of employment. If they have a career page on their website, this would also be a good place to insert this information so it's very easy to find. Manufacturers might even consider adding this to their home page as an alert to visitors.

Manufacturers who are proactive about ensuring access to future skilled labor are valued higher than those that don't. See our article on Business Valuation to learn about 15 factors that affect manufacturing business valuation.

The courts may ultimately squash the mandate. However, small manufacturers should be touting the benefits of working for a smaller firm to potential workers, including the following:

In a smaller company, it's easier to interact with C-Suite executives and owners. The employees are more visible.

Employees can generally contribute more ideas in a smaller firm, without having layers of management to sift through to make improvements.

Employees often get to wear more hats in a small company, thus providing them with more valuable experience and cross-training.

Small companies are generally more flexible for needed time off.

There's more visibility into what it takes to be an entrepreneur at smaller firms

Small firms facilitate more comradery and strong relationship building. Fewer people means you get to know people better.

Many machinists have never worked for a smaller manufacturer and don't understand the above benefits. The vast majority of US manufacturers are small. By highlighting their strengths, they can win over the bigger players.

About Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers, Inc.:

Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers, Inc., specializes in the sale of manufacturing companies nationwide, with generally $2 - $20 million in revenue. The firm is exclusively dedicated to helping manufacturers sell their businesses and transition into retirement. The firm's mission ensures the continuity of U.S. manufacturing by connecting a new generation of entrepreneurial owners. The upfront guidance is offered without a fee; the assessment and how to optimize the manufacturing enterprise for sale is a unique hallmark of the Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers' value proposition.

Media Contact

Company Name: Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers, Inc.

Contact Person: Frances Brunelle, President

Phone: 908-387-1000

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.AcceleratedMfgBrokers.com

SOURCE Accelerated Manufacturing Brokers, Inc.
CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Valor Equity Partners (together with its predecessors and affiliates, "Valor" or the "Firm"), a leading growth and technology focused private equity investment firm with offices in Chicago, Miami, New York City, Seattle, and San Francisco, announced today the promotion of Jonathan Shulkin to Co-President of the Firm and of Christopher Murphy and Bradley Sheftel to Partner.

Jon joined Valor in 1998 and has over 20 years of experience in private equity investing. Over the years, Jon has served on numerous Valor portfolio company boards, is a member of the investment committees of all Valor funds, and is the fund manager for Valor Siren Ventures (a venture fund focused on food technology, retail technology, and sustainability within food and retail). As Co-President, Jon will continue his work in investments and maintain oversight of the Firm's internal functions. Antonio Gracias, Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Valor said, "We are very pleased to announce Jon's promotion to Co-President. I first met Jon in 1998 and he joined me at the same time. I am very grateful to Jon for the many leadership roles he has played building our Firm, and for his unwavering commitment to Valor over so many years. I look forward to working closely with Jon and the rest of our 70-person team in the years to come as we continue to support entrepreneurs and invest in disruptive and technology enabled companies transforming their industries."

Chris and Brad joined Valor in 2011 and 2005, respectively. Over many years, Chris and Brad have been strong representatives and dedicated members of the Valor team, as well as important culture carriers. Regarding their promotion, Antonio stated, "Chris and Brad's promotion to Partner reflects both of their significant contributions to Valor and our confidence in their ability to help grow our Firm. We are very fortunate to have a deep and long-tenured leadership team at Valor." As a Partner, Chris will continue to lead the expansion of Valor's research team, a growing area of focus for the Firm. Brad will continue his focus as a senior member of Valor's investment team, working across verticals and helping lead investment generation in life sciences.

About Valor Equity Partners:

Valor Equity Partners is an operational growth investment Firm focused on investing in high-growth companies across various stages of development. For decades, Valor has served its companies with unique expertise to solve the challenges of growth and scale. Valor partners with leading companies and entrepreneurs who are committed to the highest standards of excellence and the courage to transform their industries. For more information on Valor Equity Partners, please visit www.valorep.com.

SOURCE Valor Equity Partners
WEST CHESTER, Pa., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Venerable Holdings, Inc. ("Venerable"), the leader in providing innovative risk transfer solutions to variable annuity issuers, today announced a transaction with Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC) ("Manulife") to reinsure approximately US$22 billion of variable annuity business from its U.S. subsidiary John Hancock.

The reinsured business primarily comprises contracts with guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (GMWB), issued between 2003 and 2012 by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), a Michigan domiciled entity. A small block of policies with only guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB) is also included. John Hancock will retain administration of the block as part of the agreement.

"Today's announcement evidences the continued execution of Venerable's growth strategy, demonstrates the strength of our team, and further establishes us as the partner of choice in the variable annuity risk transfer space," said David Marcinek, Chairman of Venerable. "Manulife is a sophisticated counterparty with exacting risk management objectives, and we look forward to working with them to realize the value this agreement will deliver to both of our organizations."

On a pro forma basis, as of 3/31/2021, the transaction will increase Venerable's assets under risk management from US$71 billion to US$94 billion.

Pat Lusk, Venerable's CEO, said, "We value the opportunity to work with Manulife on this transaction, and our organization stands ready to execute a successful close early next year. Our unique risk transfer offering and accomplished team, coupled with our robust valuation, hedging, and risk management practices, continue to provide exceptional value to counterparties."

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is serving as financial advisor, and Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal counsel to Venerable in connection with this transaction.

About Venerable

Venerable is a privately held company with business operations based in West Chester, Pennsylvania and Des Moines, Iowa. Venerable owns and manages legacy variable annuity business acquired from other entities. Created by an investor group led by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC, Crestview Partners, Reverence Capital Partners, and Athene Holdings, Ltd., Venerable is a business with well-established, strategic investors, experienced in successfully building and growing insurance businesses with patient, long-term capital. For more information, please visit www.venerable.com.

Contact:

Venerable

Allison Proud

Corporate Communications

+(610) 249-9730

SOURCE Venerable

Related Links

http://www.venerable.com


MARIETTA, GA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vertafore and Cogitate Technology Solutions (Cogitate) announce their partnership to assist MGAs, MGUs, wholesalers, and insurers to increase efficiency and productivity.

As the newest member of the Vertafore Orange Partner Program, Cogitate's digital platforms and adaptive APIs now integrate with AIM, Vertafore's core management system for MGAs. Working in tandem, Vertafore will provide core usability while Cogitate enables unique and leading-edge digital distribution capabilities.

This partnership highlights the distinctive capabilities of Vertafore and Cogitate, providing their customers with an intuitive, end-to-end solution to create, initiate and scale innovative solutions. Cogitate is a modern digital platform galvanizing insurance value chain users to build new solutions using a low-code no-code (LCNC) configuration hub while decreasing implementation time. Through adaptive APIs and cloud-native architecture, Cogitate's platform allows customers to create solutions faster, that are easier to manage and are cost-effective.

"We are excited to work with a great team that is focused on providing digital tools for MGAs, MGUs, and wholesalers," said Doug Mohr Vice President of Industry Relations & Partnerships at Vertafore. "The AIM integration the Cogitate team has built comes from years of experience as a customer of Vertafore in this segment. They know the needs of our MGA customers and their solutions provide exceptional value to this very important segment of the independent agent channel."

Arvind Kaushal, Co-Founder & CEO of Cogitate, explained, "With this partnership, AIM and ImageRight users can take advantage of platform acceleration technology that improves distribution with on-demand access and provides an optimal, digital client experience. Our mutual customers will also continue to do business as usualas their current processes will be uninterruptedsince Cogitate's platform seamlessly integrates with AIM."

The program's latest integration partners are made possible through Vertafore's unique, API-backed open platform that enables complementary technologies to integrate with Vertafore solutions. Orange Partners, like Cogitate, undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet Vertafore's standards.

The Vertafore and Cogitate partnership launch will be introduced at the WSIA Annual Marketplace in San Diego, California, November 1719, 2021.

About Cogitate Technology Solutions

Cogitate Technology Solutions, Inc., develops modern and innovative technology products and solutions for the Property & Casualty Insurance Industry. It helps insurance companies transform their business models to create a competitive advantage in a time of rapid industry change. Cogitate's next-generation technology products and solutions are helping insurance carriers, brokers, MGAs, and agents to accelerate digitalization and expand their businesses.

About Vertafore

As North America's InsurTech leader for more than 50 years, Vertafore is modernizing and simplifying insurance distribution so that our customers can focus on what matters most: people. Vertafore's solutions provide end-to-end connectivity, improve the client and agent experience, unlock the power of data, and streamline essential workflows to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability for independent agencies and carriers.

2021 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Additional Resources

Cogitate DigitalEdge Insurance Platform

Cogitate Digital Insurance

Cogitate Distribution Management

Cogitate Intelligent Claims

Media Contact:

Michael Palmisano

954 Digital, Inc.

[email protected]

1904 Leland Drive, Marietta,

GA 30067 USA.

Web: https://www.cogitate.us/

Blog: https://cogitate.us/blog/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cogitate-technology-solutions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cogitate-Technology-Solutions-313805012108651

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ctsimumbai

All other registered trademarks, trademarks, or service marks belong to their respective companies.

SOURCE Cogitate Technology Solutions, Inc.
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to The Insight Partners study on "VHF Radio Market Forecast to 2028  COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis  by Type, Application, and Geography," the market is projected to reach US$ 6,218.05 million by 2028 from US$ 3,718.78 million in 2021; it is expected to register a CAGR of 8.9% during 20202027.

Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in US$ 3,177.37 Million in 2019 Market Size Value by US$ 6,218.05 Million by 2027 Growth rate CAGR of 8.9% from 2020-2027 Forecast Period 2020-2027 Base Year 2020 No. of Pages 133 No. Tables 56 No. of Charts & Figures 70 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Type; Application Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA Country scope US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Get Exclusive Sample Pages of VHF Radio Market - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00017020/

VHF radio system is considered a reliable tool for emergency communications. When mobile phone signals get jammed in events of hurricanes or earthquakes, VHF radios can create lines of communication between rescue services. In Europe, although the UK is moderately protected from massive natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, civil emergencies caused by flooding are becoming a progressively common, putting people's lives in danger. To handle such a situation, the country is highly adopting VHF radio for better communications. Companies are highly focused on designing efficient VHF radio systems to address emergencies. For instance, DCS 2-Way Radio Ltd, a UK-based company, designs VHF radios, supporting hospitals and emergency services.

Situational awareness of a location is vital among the soldiers during a battle. The modern battlefield presents several challenges, which pose a substantial threat to the dismounted soldiers and vehicles (land, air, and naval). If enemies or militant forces use advanced systems, it creates challenging situations for armed forces during decision making. To enhance situational awareness among the on-battle soldiers, the demand for VHF radios is consistently growing. Harris Corp. designed RF-7800V-HH Falcon III next-gen VHF handheld tactical radio for the networked battlefield. It supports real-time voice and data transfer to enable users to talk while sending situational-awareness data. With a GPS receiver and a TDMA waveform, the VHF radio allows communication of situational-awareness data to battlefield management systems. Thus, there is an increase in demand for VHF radios across the world to handle emergencies and easily transmit mission information.

The US is a prominent market for VHF radio, especially aviation and marine sectors. The huge increase in the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and rising reported deaths in the country affected both manufacturing and sales of VHF radio components. The factory and business shutdowns across the US, Canada, and Mexico impacted the adoption of VHF radios. North America is home to many manufacturing and technology companies, and thus the impact of COVID-19 outbreak was quite severe in 2020 and likely to continue in 2021. Hence, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and critical situation in the US will negatively impact the VHF radio market growth in North America for the next few quarters.

Download the Latest COVID-19 Analysis on VHF Radio Market Growth Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/covid-analysis-sample/TIPRE00017020/

Growing Demand for VHF Radio in Marine Applications to Propel its Market Growth in Coming Years

The adoption of effective systems in maritime processes and operations to increase security and reduce operational costs has been growing rapidly. VHF radio, one of the most cost-effective systems, enables to communicate with a broad range of people and organizations, such as the commercial ships, the US Coast Guard, the Rescue 21 network, bridge tenders, race committees, and TowBoatUS. Since VHF signals travel in a straight line, antenna at a higher level boosts a VHF signal to reach distant stations. The VHF radio system is highly adopted in marine emergency situations by search and rescue (SAR) organizations.

In the maritime industry, the VHF radio system is considered as an effective communication channel. Conditions such as noise and bad weather in the form of rain can negatively impact radio message transmission. Thus, various associations are focusing on building better communication to handle such situations.

VHF Radio Market: Application

The global VHF radio market, based on application, is segmented into marine, aviation, and land. The land segment held the largest market share in 2019. VHF radio systems are used in various areas, such as paramilitary police, border security, coast guard, and national defense forces. Land-based radio communication has progressed over time from conventional to digital, allowing features such as high-quality audio, rapid voice call-setup, group calling, and priority access to the end user. With the growing terrorism and natural disasters, various counties are procuring VHF radio to deliver an effective response in real time. Growing applications of land-based VHF radios in diverse industriessuch as defense, law enforcement, and transportationand increasing significance of efficient critical communication operations are among the factors driving the demand for VHF radios for land applications.

VHF Radio Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

Jotron, Icom Inc., RAYMARINE (FLIR SYSTEMS), SAILOR (SATCOM GLOBAL), UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION, YAESU USA, Cedar Electronics, JVC Kenwood Holdings Inc., NAVICO, and Entel UK Limited are among the key players in the global VHF radio market. The leading companies focus on the expansion and diversification of their market presence, and acquisition of new customer base, thereby tapping prevailing business opportunities.

Order a Copy of VHF Radio Market Shares, Strategies and Forecasts 2021-2028 Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00017020/

In 2018, Uniden introduced MHS335BT VHF Marine Radio. Its 6-watt, Class D, floating, handheld VHF combined with Bluetooth marine radio is the new trend in the Uniden Marine Division's lineup of radios with the most advanced features.

In 2018, Cobham SATCOM, the leading manufacturer of SAILOR communications equipment, issued a mandatory software update for the SAILOR 63xx MF/HF DSC Class A Series, both version A and version B.

Browse Related Reports and get Sample copy

Military VHF Radio Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type (Handheld, Fixed-Mount); Application (Aircrafts, Naval Ships, Ground Vehicles, Soliders); Frequency Range (Less than 30 MHz, 30 MHz-80 MHz, 80 MHz-200 MHz, 200 MHz-500 MHz, More than 500 MHz) and Geograph - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00019358/

Marine VHF Radio Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type (Handheld, Fixed-Mount); Applications (Fishery, Transport, Leisure and Recreation, Other) and Geography - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00018387/

Radio Transmitter Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Power Capacity (Up to 5 kW, 5-20 kW, Above 20 kW); Type (Shortwave Radio Transmitter, Medium Wave Transmitter, VHF Radio Transmitter); End User (Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Electronics, Others) and Geography - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00013805/

About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact Us:

If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:

Contact Person: Sameer Joshi

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +1-646-491-9876

Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/vacuum-insulated-pipe-market

More Research: https://www.einpresswire.com/newsroom/the_insight_partners/

SOURCE The Insight Partners
NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Anderson, co-founder of Vote.net, accepted a Gold Stevie Award for Student-run Business of the Year.

More than 3,800 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration by more than 250 professionals worldwide, whose average scores determined the winners.

"This year's Stevie-winning nominations in The American Business Awards are testament to the ingenuity, the commitment, the passion, the adaptability, and the creativity of the American people. We look forward to celebrating this year's winners during our virtual ceremony on June 30," said Stevie Awards president Maggie Gallagher.

"It was exciting to have been selected. It was a big boost to the entire team," said Eric Anderson.

About Vote.net

Vote.net was conceived, built and launched during 2017 as a non-partisan student effort to engage young voters in the political process. The site debuted together with a weekly student forum. Vote.net's mission is to create a constructive outlet for the expression of differing political viewpoints and to provide a practical approach to impacting the political process through student activism.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.

Media Contact

Eric Anderson

[email protected]

347-543-6621

SOURCE Vote.net
"I am thrilled to be joining W. P. Carey and ASU and am looking forward to the continued growth of an already outstanding school," said Kadan. "One of the things that most excites me about W. P. Carey is our commitment to inclusive access to world-class business education."

Kadan joins W. P. Carey during a crucial period for higher education. "W. P. Carey prides itself on channeling ASU's spirit of innovation and rethinking what's next in business education," he said. "I am excited to lead the school into emerging areas, while never losing sight of our commitment to student success and cutting-edge research."

In his current role, Kadan oversees the Olin Business School's undergraduate, graduate, and global programs, as well as Olin's Center for Digital Education. An award-winning researcher and educator, his research covers different aspects of liquidity, information, risk, and incentives in financial markets, and his work regularly appears in top academic journals in his field. As vice dean, he has spearheaded the introduction of multiple innovative programs with an emphasis on values, data, global orientation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Kadan holds a PhD degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

He takes over the role from Interim Dean Amy Ostrom, a professor of marketing and PetSmart Chair in Services Leadership. "It has been an honor to serve the school through this period of transition, and I am equally honored to hand the reins over to Ohad. He will be an excellent steward of our school, pushing us to achieve new heights while staying committed to our values of excellence, integrity, impact, and community." Ostrom has served as interim dean since January 2021.

As interim dean, Ostrom succeeded Amy Hillman, who had served as dean since 2013. Hillman, the Rusty Lyon Chair of Strategy and an ASU Foundation Professor, remains on faculty in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship. Hillman led the W. P. Carey School through a period of tremendous growth, including the addition of McCord Hall, the launch or reconceptualization of 20 new academic programs, and a tripling in the number of U.S. News-ranked programs and disciplines.

W. P. Carey has continued this pace of growth  increasing enrollment by 8% in fall 2021  and offering new degrees in Los Angeles at the ASU California Center. "W. P. Carey is already leading business education into new frontiers. I'm honored to join that movement and continue to guide the school through a period of educational transformation," said Kadan.

About the W. P. Carey School of Business

The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is one of the top-ranked business schools in the United States. The school is internationally regarded for its research productivity and its distinguished faculty members, including a Nobel Prize winner. Students come from more than 100 countries and W. P. Carey is represented by alumni in over 160 countries. Visit wpcarey.asu.edu.

For more information, contact:

Shay Moser, W. P. Carey School of Business

[email protected]

SOURCE W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University

Related Links

https://wpcarey.asu.edu


WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, as President Biden signs the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law, delegates return from COP26 in Scotland, and new research reveals that 85% of the world is experiencing climate change, the Walton Family Foundation Environment Program Director Moira Mcdonald released the following statement:

"The full impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the commitments that came out of COP26 will be fully realized when governments, philanthropy, and businesses invest in scalable, local solutions that will help nature and people thrive together."

"Climate change is impacting nearly every community and person on Earth, and the clearest way that we all feel the impact is through water. Protecting and conserving water is key to living with a changing climate now, and for the future."

"Learning to do more with less water in regions facing drought, or working with nature to mitigate flood damage in places where megastorms are becoming the new normal is work best done by communities on the ground -- and they should also be front and center in decision making as we move forward."

Just last week, in partnership with PBS Newshour, the Walton Family Foundation supported a discussion on water in the Western U.S. where communities along the Colorado River Basin are facing historic droughts and developing new conservation strategies. To watch the program, visit the PBS Tipping Point website .

About the Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving K-12 education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. To learn more, visit waltonfamilyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

SOURCE Walton Family Foundation

Related Links

https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org


KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yes Lender has adopted a new name  Fintegra. Glenn Forman, the company's CEO, commented "Our new name combines 'fintech' with 'integrity' and serves as a daily reminder to our customers and colleagues of our mission and values, which we take very seriously."

Fintegra

Coinciding with the rebranding, Fintegra announced that Roger Ferguson, a prominent and well-respected business leader, has joined the company's leadership team and investor group, which further strengthens the company's position in the small business financing space. Fintegra was recently recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal as the sixth fastest growing company in the Philadelphia metro region.

Fast, Secure, Data-Driven Funding Solutions

Fintegra aims to disrupt small business financing by transforming the experiences of business owners. Mr. Forman commented "We're committed to putting capital in the hands of entrepreneurs so they can grow their businesses and improve the lives of their customers, suppliers and employees, and we'll continue to do so in a highly ethical and empathetic way."

Far too many of the nation's 30 million small businesses do not have access to a reliable source of working capital. Traditional bank loans are difficult to secure and involve a slow and arduous application process. In contrast, Fintegra satisfies the capital needs of small businesses through a painless online application process that frequently disperses cash to businesses within 24 hours.

Kobi Ben Meir, Fintegra's CMO, commented "Our new brand reinforces our position as a trustworthy, technology-driven creditor that is making small business financing more accessible." Fintegra aspires to be the preferred funding partner of every small business in the U.S.

Roger W. Ferguson Brings Highly Credible Expertise

Dr. Ferguson's addition to Fintegra's leadership team and investor group signals exciting things for the company's new brand. Earlier this year, Dr. Ferguson retired as President and CEO of TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association), a role that he held since 2008, where he more than doubled the company's assets under management to over one trillion dollars. As Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve (1997-2006), Dr. Ferguson spearheaded the central bank's response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and was heralded by Alan Greenspan as "one of the most effective Vice Chairmen in the history of the Fed."

Dr. Ferguson serves on the boards of numerous corporates and nonprofits, including Alphabet (Google's parent), Corning, International Flavors & Fragrances, Klarna, The Aspen Institute, The Conference Board, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Forman noted "We're incredibly fortunate to be able to tap Roger's wisdom and experience to accelerate Fintegra's growth. His track record of success and impeccable ethics are perfectly aligned with our brand. While it's been a few years since we worked together at McKinsey & Company, it feels great to be joining forces again to take Fintegra to new heights."

New Logo, Tagline and Website

The Fintegra team is proud to showcase the company's new brand via their website (www.getfintegra.com). The company has embraced the tagline "Small Business Financing Done Right" and is working on an exciting campaign to promote its brand.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact Kobi Ben Meir at 315-450-7672 or [email protected].

SOURCE Fintegra

Related Links

http://www.getfintegra.com


BEIJING, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD) ("Yiren Digital" or the "Company"), a leading digital personal financial management platform in China, announced that it plans to release its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 before U.S. market opens on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.

Yiren Digital's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on November 24, 2021 (or 8:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on November 24, 2021).

Participants who wish to join the call should register online in advance of the conference at:

http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/8382762

Please note the Conference ID number of 8382762.

Once registration is completed, participants will receive the dial-in information for the conference call, an event passcode, and a unique registrant ID number.

Participants joining the conference call should dial-in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until December 2, 2021:

International +61 2-8199-0299

U.S. +1 646-254-3697

Replay Access Code: 8382762

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.yirendai.com.

About Yiren Digital

Yiren Digital is a digital personal financial management platform, and provides both wealth management and credit services. For its wealth management business, the Company targets China's mass affluent population and strives to provide customized wealth management services, with a combination of long-term and short-term targets as well as different types of investments. For its credit business, we provide an effective solution to address largely underserved individual borrower demand in China through online and offline channels. Yiren Digital's marketplace provides borrowers with quick and convenient access to consumer credit at competitive prices. For more information, please visit ir.Yirendai.com.

SOURCE Yiren Digital

Related Links

http://ir.yirendai.com/


PHOENIX and PRESCOTT, Ariz., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AZTV Channel 7, announced the kick-off if its 6th annual Hometown Heroes Toy Drive! Over the years, this community initiative has brought holiday joy to hundreds of Arizona children and families in need. Through the help of viewers, generous business partners, and local first responders, we have been able to support the families of our fallen, wounded and deployed military service members, as well as families in special need each year.

AZTV Channel 7's 6th Annual Hometown Heroes Toy Drive! Visit aztv.com/hometownheroes for more info.

The official donation drive for this great cause-related initiative starts November 15th and runs through December 18th. However, we've opened it up on November 1st in anticipation of supply-chain challenges, and to ensure Arizona's most vulnerable children are not forgotten. You're invited to make a difference, and share some love this holiday season, by visiting our website aztv.com/hometownheroes to make your online toy donation or financial contribution to this worthy cause.

Our amazing sponsors and partners will share their stories of why this is so near and dear to their hearts, in special features on the Arizona Daily Mix with Brad Perry, weekdays at 8am and Saturday at 7am.

"The holidays are always a special time for me and my family, so it's always a joy to see how viewers and the community come together to help create that special time for those in need"  Brad Perry, Host, Arizona Daily Mix

To help bring holiday cheer to Arizona families in need or for more information about the campaign, visit aztv.com/hometownheroes.

ARIZONA DAILY MIX with Brad Perry is a morning show on AZTV Channel 7, airing weekdays from 8am-9am, and now Saturdays from 7am-8am! It features Brad Perry sharing trending topics, highlighting the local businesses and people in our community, and offers a fun alternative to other morning news stations.

AZTV7 (KAZT-TV), the only locally owned and operated broadcast station in the Phoenix (Prescott) DMA, is licensed to broadcast across Phoenix and Northern Arizona with studio locations in both Phoenix and Prescott. AZTV7 (Channel 7.1) is home to the locally produced morning show, The Arizona Daily Mix, as well as broadcasting today's top programs including: Family Feud, Young Sheldon, The Goldberg's, Rachael Ray, The Doctors and more! Our mission is to be the most-loved station in Arizona. We utilize media to both entertain and create a sense of community. We engage with local businesses and events, sharing peoples' stories and offering opportunities to support and connect with your neighbors. AZTV7 is also home to MeTV, America's #1 all classic television network with timeless and memorable television programs (Ch. 7.2); HSN Home Shopping Network (Ch. 7.3); Charge Network (Ch. 7.4) and AZTV Local Plus (Ch. 7.5). Visit aztv.com

Holly Tubbiolo, AZTV7

602.977.7700

[email protected]

aztv.com

SOURCE AZTV

Related Links

aztv.com


WARSAW, Ind., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH) (the "Company") today announced the commencement of tender offers (collectively, the "Tender Offers" and each a "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash (i) any and all of its 3.700% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "Any and All Notes") and (ii) up to $1.5 billion aggregate purchase price (excluding accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date and excluding fees and expenses related to the Tender Offers) (the "Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price") of its 3.550% Senior Notes due 2025, 3.550% Senior Notes due 2030, 4.450% Senior Notes due 2045, 3.050% Senior Notes due 2026, 4.250% Senior Notes due 2035 and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2039, subject to the tender caps, as applicable, and the acceptance priority levels noted in the second table below and proration procedures, as applicable (collectively, the "Maximum Tender Offer Notes," and together with the Any and All Notes, the "Securities"). The purpose of the Tender Offers is to reduce the principal amount of the Company's outstanding debt securities. Securities purchased in the Tender Offers will be retired and cancelled.

Any and All of the Any and All Notes Listed Below

Title of Security CUSIP Number Principal Amount Outstanding U.S. Treasury

Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread (basis points) Early Tender Payment (1)(2) 3.700% Senior Notes due 2023* 98956PAQ5 $300,000,000 1.375% UST due

2/15/2023 PX4 20 $30.00

Up to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price(3)

for the Outstanding Maximum Tender Offer Notes in the Priority Listed Below

Title of Security CUSIP Number Principal Amount Outstanding Tender Cap (4) Acceptance Priority Level U.S. Reference Treasury Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread (basis points) Early Tender Payment (1)(2) 3.550% Senior

Notes due 2025* 98956PAF9 $2,000,000,000 N/A 1 1.125% UST

due 10/31/2026 PX1 0 $30.00 3.550% Senior

Notes due 2030* 98956PAT9 $900,000,000 N/A 2 1.375% UST

due 11/15/2031 PX1 65 $30.00 4.450% Senior

Notes due 2045* 98956PAH5 $395,424,000 $75,000,000 3 2.000% UST

due 08/15/2051 PX1 105 $30.00 3.050% Senior

Notes due 2026* 98956PAS1 $600,000,000 $75,000,000 4 0.375% UST

due 11/30/2025 PX6 40 $30.00 4.250% Senior

Notes due 2035* 98956PAG7 $253,417,000 N/A 5 1.375% UST

due 11/15/2031 PX1 135 $30.00 5.750% Senior

Notes due 2039 98956PAB8 $317,773,000 N/A 6 1.750% UST

due 08/15/2041 PX1 105 $30.00



(1) Per $1,000 principal amount.

(2) The Total Consideration (as defined below) for Securities validly tendered prior to the applicable Early Tender Date (as defined below) and accepted for purchase is calculated using the applicable fixed spread and is inclusive of the applicable Early Tender Payment (as defined below and as set forth in the tables above).

(3) All references to the aggregate purchase price for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes include the applicable Total Consideration or Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below) and exclude applicable accrued interest and fees and expenses related to the Tender Offers. The Company will purchase an aggregate principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes having an aggregate purchase price up to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price and subject to the Tender Caps (as set forth in the second table above), as applicable, the Acceptance Priority Level (as set forth in the second table above) and proration procedures as described in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below). The Company reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase or decrease the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price at any time, including on or after the Price Determination Date (as defined below), subject to applicable law, which could result in the Company purchasing Maximum Tender Offer Notes having a greater aggregate purchase price in the Maximum Tender Offers (as defined below) than the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price.

(4) Each Tender Cap (as defined below) represents the combined maximum aggregate principal amount of such series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes that will be purchased pursuant to a Maximum Tender Offer. The Company reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase, decrease or eliminate any Tender Cap at any time, including on or after the Price Determination Date, subject to applicable law, which could result in the Company purchasing an aggregate principal amount of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes at Acceptance Priority Levels 3 and 4 in excess of the applicable Tender Cap.

* Denotes a series of Securities for which the Total Consideration and the Tender Offer Consideration will be determined taking into account the par call date, instead of the maturity date, of such Securities in accordance with standard market practice.

The Tender Offers are being made upon, and are subject to, the terms and conditions, including a financing condition, set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated November 15, 2021 (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Tender Offers will expire at 11:59 p.m. New York City time, on December 13, 2021, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Company (the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of Securities may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 29, 2021, but may not be withdrawn thereafter except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law.

The consideration paid in each Tender Offer for Securities that are validly tendered and accepted for purchase will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the applicable fixed spread for such Securities plus the applicable yield to maturity of the applicable U.S. Treasury Reference Security specified in the tables above and in the Offer to Purchase (the "Total Consideration"). Holders of Securities that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 29, 2021 (the "Early Tender Date") and accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Total Consideration, which includes an early tender payment as set forth in the tables above and in the Offer to Purchase (the "Early Tender Payment"). Holders of Securities who validly tender their Securities after the Early Tender Date but prior to the Expiration Date will only receive the applicable "Tender Offer Consideration," which is an amount equal to the applicable Total Consideration minus the applicable Early Tender Payment. The Total Consideration will be determined at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on November 30, 2021 (the "Price Determination Date"), unless extended by the Company.

Payment for Securities purchased will include accrued and unpaid interest from the applicable last interest payment date for the relevant series of Securities up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below) for such Securities accepted for purchase. The Company may choose to have an early settlement. If so, the settlement date for the Securities that are validly tendered prior to the applicable Early Tender Date is expected to be on or after December 1, 2021, the second business day after the applicable Early Tender Date (the "Early Settlement Date"). The settlement date for the Securities that are validly tendered after the Early Tender Date but prior to the applicable Expiration Date is expected to be December 15, 2021, the second business day after the applicable Expiration Date (the "Final Settlement Date," and each of the Early Settlement Date and the Final Settlement Date is referred to as a "Settlement Date"). Securities may be tendered and accepted for payment only in principal amounts equal to minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Subject to the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price, all Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the applicable Early Tender Date will be accepted based on the Tender Caps, as applicable, and the Acceptance Priority Levels noted in the second table above, with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 6 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level and will have priority over Maximum Tender Offer Notes tendered after the applicable Early Tender Date, regardless of the Acceptance Priority Level of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes tendered after the applicable Early Tender Date.

As indicated in the second table above, the Maximum Tender Offer Notes at Acceptance Priority Levels 3 and 4 are also subject to a tender cap (each, a "Tender Cap"). Each Tender Cap represents the combined maximum aggregate principal amount of such series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes that will be purchased pursuant to the applicable Maximum Tender Offer.

Maximum Tender Offer Notes of a series may be subject to proration, as described in the Offer to Purchase, if the aggregate principal amount of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes of such series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn would cause the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price to be exceeded. Furthermore, if the Tender Offers are fully subscribed as of the Early Tender Date, holders who validly tender Maximum Tender Offer Notes following the Early Tender Date but prior to the Expiration Date will not have any of their Maximum Tender Offer Notes accepted for purchase.

The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to (i) waive any and all conditions, including the financing condition, to any of the Tender Offers; (ii) extend or terminate any of the Tender Offers; (iii) increase or decrease the Aggregate Maximum Purchase Price; (iv) increase, decrease or eliminate any Tender Cap or (v) otherwise amend any of the Tender Offers in any respect.

Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are acting as the lead dealer managers for the Tender Offers (the "Lead Dealer Managers"), Mizuho Securities USA LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as the dealer managers (the "Dealer Managers"), and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., BofA Securities, Inc., DNB Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. are acting as the co-dealer managers (the "Co-Dealer Managers"). The information agent and tender agent is D.F. King & Co., Inc. Copies of the Offer to Purchase and related offering materials are available by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc. by telephone at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 859-8509 (for all others toll-free) or via email at [email protected]. Questions regarding the Tender Offers should be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. by telephone at (800) 438-3242 (toll-free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect) or via email at [email protected], Citigroup Global Markets Inc. by telephone at (800) 558-3745 (toll-free) or (212) 723-6106 (collect) or via email at [email protected] or Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC by telephone at (800) 828-3182 (toll-free) or (212) 902-5962 (collect). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy or an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The Tender Offers are being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and only in such jurisdictions as is permitted under applicable law.

About Zimmer Biomet

Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. Zimmer Biomet seamlessly transforms the patient experience through its innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Zimmer Biomet's legacy continues to come to life today through its progressive culture of evolution and innovation.

For more information about Zimmer Biomet's product portfolio, its operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining its team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow Zimmer Biomet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the cash tender offers for certain outstanding senior notes of Zimmer Biomet. Forwardlooking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "assumes," "guides," "targets," "forecasts," and "seeks" or the negatives of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. For a list and description of some of such risks and uncertainties, see Zimmer Biomet's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in Zimmer Biomet's filings with the SEC. Zimmer Biomet disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be set forth in its periodic reports. Accordingly, such forwardlooking statements speak only as of the date made. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, since, while management believes the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.zimmerbiomet.com


Jerusalem, Nov 15 : Israeli Air Force commander has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is the first visit of a senior Israeli military official to the Gulf state, Israeli military has said in a statement.

Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin attended the Dubai International Air Chiefs' Conference last week, a meeting for air force commanders from around the globe held in the UAE, Xinhua news agency quoted the military saying on Sunday.

Norkin also visited the Dubai Airshow, an international aerospace exhibition in Dubai, it added.

The trip, which marks the first time a commander of the Israeli Air Force visits the UAE, "demonstrates the developing cooperation between the two air forces at the national and strategic levels following the Abraham Accords," noted the military.

It was the latest sign of the strengthening military ties between Israel and the UAE, read the statement.

In late October, Commander of the UAE Air Force Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi visited Israel and attended the "Blue Flag" international exercise.
Quito, Nov 15 : Ecuadorian authorities have identified 34 of the 68 prisoners killed in the violent riot at the Litoral Penitentiary, the main prison in the city of Guayaquil.

In a statement on Sunday, the General Secretariat of Communication for the Presidency said their mortal remains will be handed over to their families, as authorities continue to work to identify the other victims, reports Xinhua news agency.

The revolt, which also left 25 inmates injured, occurred on Friday night and early Saturday.

The incident took place in pavilion 2 of the prison, which houses some 700 inmates and included explosions, the use of knives, and the burning of mattresses.

It has been attributed to power struggles between gangs linked to drug trafficking.

The National Police deployed 900 troops in and around the prison to restore order and curb violence.

President Guillermo Lasso convened a "crisis cabinet" on Saturday and met an international advisory team and representatives from civil society to analyze the incident.

Clashes between rival gangs are frequent in Ecuadorian prisons and have caused more than 300 deaths so far this year, according to police reports.

The Litoral Penitentiary in Guayaquil was the scene of another revolt on September 29 in which 118 prisoners died.

It was considered as the worst prison riot to have occurred in the country's history.

This event led the President to decree a state of emergency for 60 days in the country's prison system to stop the wave of violence.
New Delhi/Pune, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray grieved the demise of eminent litterateur and historian Balwant Moreshwar alias 'Shivshahir' Babasaheb Purandare, who passed away aged 100, in Pune early on Monday.

"I am pained beyond words. His demise leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," said Modi.

"Even if you search, you will not find such a devotee of Shiva immersed in his meditation... The Shiv devotee is now at Shiva's feet... My deepest respects to the family and admirers on the passing of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare," said Thackeray.

The PM described Babasaheb Purandare -- with whom he had the honour of interacting very closely over the years, including his birth centennial in July -- as "witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history".

In a special gesture, the CM has directed that the last rites of Babasaheb Purandare -- conferred the Padma Vibhushan -- should be performed with full state honours, later in the day in a Pune crematorium.

Besides, top leaders across the political, theatre world and literary spectrum have condoled the death of Babasaheb Purandare, who breathed his last around 5 a.m. at a private hospital after a brief illness.
Seoul, Nov 15 : North Korea will hold a conference on the country's "three-revolution movement" aimed at developing its ideology, technology and culture, state media reported on Monday.

Participants for the 5th Conference of Frontrunners of the Three Revolutions "who set practical examples in carrying out the revolutions" arrived in Pyongyang the previous day, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The three-revolution movement is a mass movement devised under Kim Il-sung, the North's late founder and grandfather of the current leader Kim Jong-un, to continue "the revolution in the realms of ideology, technology and culture even after the establishment of the socialist system", Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA report as saying This year's conference will be the second of its kind held under the current leader after the fourth event took place in November 2015.

The previous sessions were held in 1986, 1995 and 2006.

The KCNA report did not elaborate on the date or other details of the event, but it is expected to touch upon the first year outcome of the country's five-year economic development plan as it comes at a time when efforts are "briskly underway on all fronts" to successfully conclude the campaign for this year.

At the country's eighth party congress in January, North Korean leader Kim admitted to a failure in his previous development plan and unveiled a new scheme focusing on self-reliance amid a protracted border closure due to Covid-19 and global sanctions.

It remains unclear if Kim will attend the event in person.

During the 2015 conference, Kim sent a letter to the participants, calling for utmost efforts to build a "thriving socialist country".
Bengaluru, Nov 15 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is facing a storm over the sensational charges in the Bitcoin scandal, has got the backing of the BJP high command, sources in the party said.

According to party sources, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed party President J.P. Nadda to contain and rein in BJP leaders in Karnataka who are indulging in spreading rumours to create confusion in the political scenario of the state.

Bommai had briefed Amit Shah about two cabinet ministers who are spreading rumours and leaking information to the Congress party leaders on the Bitcoin scandal. Bommai had requested to contain the activities of these ministers who are trying to bring uncertainty to the government.

Amit Shah had assured Karnataka Chief Minister that the party will take care of these leaders and see to it that they are tamed and warned. Accordingly, J.P. Nadda has taken the leaders indulging in spreading rumours on the Bitcoin scandal for their political advantage to task and reprimanded them to face the opposition in unity, sources explain.

Bommai is taking on the Congress confidently ever since the BJP high command assured him of their support. The Karnataka Police Department had given point to point rebuttal to the allegations made by Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala and state Congress MLA Priyank Kharge.

As per the directions of the high command, the BJP leaders have started issuing rebuttals ridiculing the Congress leaders. BJP MP Pratap Simha chided a Congress leader that his name was 'very feminine'. "You kept the name of the daughter of Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi," he ridiculed.

The police department press note claimed their investigations 'could not be guided by the Twitter handles, but they have to carry out due procedure in accordance with law in connection with the Bitcoin scandal investigations.

Bommai and state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra openly challenged the opposition to submit documents on the scandal to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa also came forward to defend his protege Bommai over allegations.

However, while the BJP is in damage control mode, Congress leaders are celebrating as they were able to embarrass the ruling BJP in state and raise questions on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi.

Sources in the Congress said that the infighting within Karnataka BJP has not been quelled. The BJP leaders, who don't want Bommai to be the face of the party during the next general elections, will continue to come out with documents in connection with the Bitcoin scandal, sources added.
Los Angeles, Nov 15 : A nine-year-old boy from Dallas, who had been on life support after being injured at rapper Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival, has died.

He became the 10th fatality from the melee that unfolded during Scott's performance in Houston November 5, reports variety.com.

"The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son," said Ben Crump, the attorney for the family of young Ezra Blount, in a statement Sunday night.

"This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert, what should have been a joyful celebration. Ezra's death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer." Crump's law firm had already filed suit over Ezra Blount's injuries against Scott, promoters Live Nation and Scoremore, Cactus Jack Records and other defendants.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted about Blount's death: "I am saddened to learn of Ezra's death this evening. Our city tonight prays for his mom, dad, grandparents, other family members and classmates at this time. They will need all of our support in the months and years to come." Eight attendees were declared death in the immediate aftermath of the concert. A ninth victim, Bharti Shahani, a 22-year-old Indian-origin senior at the Texas A&M University, died on November 10 from her injuries.

The nine-year-old boy's father, Treston Blount, had talked with local media about his son attending the concert and the calamity that followed.

"He was so stoked," the father told ABC13 in Houston. He said he had had his son on his shoulders toward the back of the crowd, but got pushed forward when a surge began.

Treston said he lost consciousness in the crush, and Ezra was apparently trampled upon falling to the ground.A After awakening and trying to find his son at medical tents, then filing a police report, the father was emailed a photo of the injured boy, and learned he was in Texas Children's Hospital on life support with damage to his lungs, kidney, heart and brain.

The others to die from their Astroworld injuries ranged in age from 14 to 27: Madison Dubiski, 23, Brianna Rodriguez, 16, Rodolfo Pena, 23, John Hilgert, 14, Danish Baig, 27, Franco Patio, 21, Jacob Jurinek, 20, Shahani, 22, and Axel Acosta, 21.

Crump was not the first to file suit against Scott and others over the tragedy, but he has been a prominent face of the lawsuits in the first week, saying he is filing suit on behalf of more than 200 Astroworld attendees.

Initial reports out of the festival said that more than 300 fans were treated for injuries that night.
Los Angeles, Nov 15 : Actress and model Emily Ratajkowski has revealed the best pasta she has ever eaten was in Rome but she has forgotten the name of the restaurant.

During an appearance on the 'Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware' podcast, Ratajkowski said: "This summer I had these, I don't know the name, but I think the translation is strangled priest. It's these little kind ofathey're dense but twisted, so good." Strozapreti is a type of twisted Italian pasta, which literally means priest strangler - 'strozza', meaning to choke or strangle and 'preti' meaning priest, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

She added: "It's going to be so embarrassing if I just made this up and I'm wrong." Her other last meal requests included an unconventional side order of Vietnamese spring rolls with peanut sauce alongside the Italian main.

She said: "I'm going all over the place - I'm not saying that these things go well together." Ratajkowski credits her love of food to her childhood holidays spent in Europe, as she would spend half the summer in Majorca and the other half of the summer in Ireland.

She added: "My parents as teachers always had the summers off, July and August. They decided to invest with some friends in these two properties.

"I would have to pack sweaters and coats for the second half of the trip and sun dresses for the first." Ratajkowski said being thrown into both situations was great for learning not to be a fussy eater.

She said: "It was amazing for a kid learning not to be a picky eater as I was thrown into situations were in Ireland you eat meat and potato and veg and its delicious.

"In Majorca you've got the paella and a lot of seafood. I kind of learnt to love it as a young kid." Ratajkowski is a big fan of Irish food despite others calling it simple.

She added: "It's funny because people always make jokes obviously about Irish food being so simple but I always say it's so delicious. Partly because down there everything is from local farms it's all so fresh."
Kuwait City, Nov 15 : Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has accepted the resignation of the country's government.

According to local media reports, the Emir instructed the government to act as a caretaker until a new cabinet is formed, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The resignation of the Prime Minister and the Ministers is accepted, and each Minister will continue in his position until the formation of the new government of Kuwait," the reports quoted the Emir as saying.

On November 8, the Kuwaiti government had submitted its resignation.

The resignation came on the eve of a parliamentary session, the agenda of which includes interpellation against the Prime P=Minister and a number of members of his government.

On January 24, the Emir appointed Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister and assigned him to form a government.

On March 2, the emir issued a decree forming the new government under the Prime Minister.

Kuwait experiences frequent cabinet reshuffles.
Lucknow, Nov 15 : Former Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi has a penchant for controversies. He has now released a video-recorded message expressing his desire to be cremated according to Hindu rituals and not buried.

In the video released on Sunday, Rizvi mentioned that his body must be handed over to his Hindu friend, Mahant Narasimha Nanda Saraswati of the Dasna temple, and he should light his pyre.

Wasim Rizvi has earned the ire of his entire community after he challenged 26 'ayats' of the Quran and then claimed to have written a new Quran.

He has reportedly received death threats from Muslim groups for filing a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking the removal of verses from the Quran, which he alleges "teach violence".
Mumbai, Nov 15 : Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji is thrilled that her daughter Adira, who had never seen any Rani starrer before 'Bunty Aur Babli 2', has thoroughly loved the comedy film, which is slated to release this Friday.

Rani said: "'Bunty Aur Babli 2' is a special film for me for several reasons. Not only am I getting to play a character like Vimmy who I have loved and related to always and am working with Saif after years, but what's giving me abundant joy is that 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' is the first film of mine that Adira has seen and thoroughly loved.

"Nothing can beat this moment for me and my career. It was amazing to see her reaction to the film and what I have done on screen." Rani revealed that Adira was laughing and rolling watching the "mad comedy that we have done. I'm so happy that I could make her laugh. It fills my heart with so much happiness. She had the best time and it means the world for me.

"We rarely make family entertainers today and 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' is a true blue comedy that you can take your entire family to and enjoy laughing your hearts out with them.

"It's a quintessential Hindi film that everyone has missed for some time now and I'm confident that it will entertain audiences worldwide." Calling it a "genuinely good, clean comedy", she said: "'Bunty Aur Babli 2' is meant for all audiences, across all age groups and that's a rarity because the industry is not making such universal films these days."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
San Francisco, Nov 15 : Apple is reportedly asking states in the US to partially pay for people to use its iPhones as digital identification cards.

According to a CNBC report citing documents, each state will have to "allocate reasonably sufficient personnel and resources to support the launch of the Programme on a timeline to be determined by Apple".

Apple gets "sole discretion" over a number of aspects of the programme, including its device compatibility, the service's launch date, states' marketing campaigns, as well as how states report on the initiative's performance.

"The company requires states to maintain the systems needed to issue and service credentials, hire project managers to respond to Apple inquiries, prominently market the new feature and push for its adoption with other government agencies, all at taxpayer expense, according to contracts signed by four states," the CNBC report said on Sunday.

Apple is also holding states accountable for the authenticity of the programme's identity verification.

"Apple shall not be liable for any Verification Results, and the Agency acknowledges that all Verification Results are provided 'AS IS' and without any warranty, express, implied or otherwise, regarding its accuracy or performance," according to the Apple contract signed with several US states.

The tech giant in September announced that it is working with several states across the country, which will roll out the ability for their residents to seamlessly and securely add their driver's license or state ID to Wallet on their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Arizona and Georgia were the first states to introduce this new innovation to their residents, with Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah to follow.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will enable select airport security checkpoints and lanes in participating airports as the first locations customers can use their driver's license or state ID in Wallet.

"The addition of driver's licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet is an important step in our vision of replacing the physical wallet with a secure and easy-to-use mobile wallet," said Jennifer Bailey, Apple's vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Delhi government has told the Supreme Court that it is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control the local emission, which would help in bringing down the air pollution in the national capital, but added that it will have only a limited impact.

In an affidavit, the Delhi government said: "GNCTD is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have limited impact on the air quality regime".

The government said this issue would need to be addressed at the level of airshed involving NCR areas.

The Delhi government, listing the steps taken so far, said no physical classes would be held in schools this week and the government officials would work from home, and private offices have also been advised to allow work-from-home for their employees.

"All construction and demolition activities will be closed with immediate effect till November 17", said the affidavit.

On November 13, the Supreme Court took a serious view of the severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and suggested that if needed the government can declare a two-day lockdown to bring down the levels, which has been caused by stubble burning, vehicles, firecrackers, industries and dust.

At the outset, a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that the "situation is very bad... In the house we are wearing masks. It is a bad situation".

"How to control air pollution in Delhi, two days lockdown or what. How will people live in Delhi?" queried the Chief Justice. The top court will continue to hear the matter Monday.
Tel Aviv, Nov 15 : An Israeli couple arrested in Turkey on espionage charges for taking pictures of President Tayyip Erdogan's residence were "innocent", claimed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The couple, who arrived in Turkey's Istanbul as tourists, took photos of the Ottoman-era Dolmabahce Palace during a ferry tour, and parts of the building are used as the Istanbul office of Erdogan, Xinhua news agency quoted Israel's state-owned Kan news TV as saying in a report.

Speaking at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Bennett said that he had spoken with the family of Mordy and Natali Oknin, the married Israeli couple detained by the Turkish police on Friday.

"They are two innocent civilians who have been mistakenly caught up in a complex situation," he said.

"We are doing everything to resolve the issue," the Prime Minister said, adding that his office, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and other Israeli officials had "dealt with this throughout the weekend".

Bennett voiced his hope that the family of the couple would stay strong despite the difficulty.

On Friday, Lapid denied in a statement that the couple work for an "Israeli agency".
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 : A 26-year-old RSS worker was killed allegedly by a group of the SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) members at Ellapully in Palakkad district on Monday morning.

A group of four men waylaid and attacked the youth when he going on a motor-cycle with his wife at 9 a.m.

Speaking to media, Palakkad BJP district president K.M. Haridas termed it a "well-planned" political murder by the SDPI.

"A Sanjith was going with his wife when he was stopped and brutally attacked. The SDPI in the state has got the ruling party's backing," he alleged.

A police team has reached the crime spot and started investigation.

Even though Sanjith was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

The area has been cordoned off and the security beefed up.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : This may be the "Asian century", but pitfalls still abound for the region, among which contested geopolitics are the most prominent, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said in a report.

In fact, the Asia region is now looking similar to late 19th-century Europe (not a good sign), with territorial disputes among neighbouring countries; intensifying competition between a rising power (China) and an established one that is reluctant to cede influence (the US); and the lack of a recognised arbitration framework with which to manage this conflict, the report said.

A geopolitical split in Asia, driven by the US-China rivalry, would derail Asia's economic prospects, the EIU said.

Most countries are desperate to avoid taking sides, as they balance economic ties to China with support for the security role played in the region by the US. Their ability to be neutral, however, will be tested as superpower competition deepens and is dictated more by ideology. Any conflict in the South China Sea or a Chinese attempt to annex Taiwan, for instance, would force the issue.

If obliged to choose sides, Asia's democracies, led by security allies such as Australia, Japan and South Korea, will lean towards the US. China only has one formal ally to call upon, and a weak one at that, in North Korea but, in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has developed a recognised economic bloc while simultaneously cultivating closer security ties with Russia. This makes it challenging to predict the side that many Asian countries would choose.

The emergence of competing cold war-type blocs in Asia would have far-ranging consequences. First of all, it would unwind the connections and supply chains that have been at the core of the region's economic success. Fiscal priorities in the region would shift from development needs to those of national defence, fuelling poverty and delaying economic convergence. The broader policy agenda, including climate change, would also be sidelined. It is an outcome that nobody wants, but one that all must prepare for, EIU said.

In a related report, EIU said around 15 years ago, even close observers of Chinese politics would have struggled to predict that Xi Jinping would become not only the leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but also that he would reshape domestic politics and China's international relations. A low-profile regional leader at that time, the party elders that signed off on Mr Xi's appointment as CCP leader in 2012 did so thinking he would be a consensus-builder and a safe pair of hands.

"On the contrary, Xi has proven ruthlessly ambitious and a consistent risk-taker. He has centralised power, dismantling the idea of collective leadership; backed an anti-corruption campaign that has affected all levels of society; attempted to defuse the debt problems that pose the greatest risk to China's economic trajectory; launched hardline security and ideology drives in Hong Kong and Xinjiang; and gone toe to toe with three US presidents in what has become an all-encompassing US-China rivalry," the EIU said.

The recent crackdown by the Chinese government to curb the country's technology giants suggests Xi has no intention of letting up. The individual's role in shaping history can be difficult to discern against broader, structural forces, but it is difficult to imagine Xi's predecessors or rival candidates for CCP leadership charting a similar course.

Debate over the wisdom of the direction in which he has taken China at home and internationally will last for many years, but there can be little doubt over the force or permanence of his impact, the EIU said.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at sanjeev.s@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Nov 15 : China's property slump has deepened, official data showed, with new home prices seeing their biggest month-on-month decline since 2015, the BBC reported.

New construction starts in January to October also fell 7.7 per cent, compared to a year earlier.

The country's property market has been shaken in recent months as real estate giant Evergrande struggles to keep up interest payments on its huge debts, the report said.

China has also been hit by a new wave of Covid cases and major power cuts.

The 0.2 per cent drop in new home prices in October was the biggest fall seen in China since February 2015, the report added.

It also marks the first decline in new home prices since March 2015.

Sentiment in China's property market, which accounts for about a quarter of the country's economic activity by some measures, has been rocked as major property developers grapple with huge debts, the report said.

The industry has come under intense scrutiny as fears continue over the future of companies including real estate giant Evergrande.

Other Chinese home builders have also struggled to find the money to make debt repayments.

Shares of developer Fantasia plunged by 50 per cent last week after it said there was no guarantee it would be able to meet its other financial obligations following a missed payment of $205.7 million in October, the report said.

And earlier this month, trading in shares of Kaisa Group and three of its units was halted in Hong Kong after one of its businesses missed a payment on a wealth management product.
Patna, Nov 15 : A college girl was allegedly gang-raped by two persons, including her boyfriend for eight days in Delhi, an official said on Monday.

The victim, who hails from Traiya village in Chapra town, was in a relationship with a youth named Rajiv Kumar employed in Delhi.

His friend Sanjiv Kumar, a resident of Chapra town, also knew about their affair.

"On October 28, when the victim was on the way to Traiya for taking an examination, Sanjiv met her at Khadara bridge and convinced her to go to Delhi to meet her boyfriend," an officer of Traiya police station said.

"The girl finally agreed and went to Delhi with Sanjiv. There they met Rajiv and stayed with him in his rented accommodation. During their stay, Rajiv and Sanjiv assaulted her sexually for next eight days," the officer said.

Rajiv convinced the victim that he will marry her and took her to back to the village. He asked her to stay silent about the incident.

The victim, after reaching home, went to Traiya police station and reported the matter to police.

"We have a registered zero FIR and sent it to our Delhi counterpart for action as the crime was committed there," he said.
India and Pakistan are poised against each other, to play a more proactive and constructive role in Afghanistan's redevelopment, trying to negate each other's initiatives.

The ascendancy of Taliban to power in Afghanistan almost two-and-a-half months ago, after the hasty and chaotic withdrawal of the US forces from the country had raised hopes that Afghanistan may see the dawn of a peaceful era and the Taliban 2.0 might be able to establish a stable and secure government in the country.

Since August, a lot of regional and multilateral meetings and conferences have been hosted to find a roadmap to lead Afghanistan to peace and stability, besides various country's representatives meeting Taliban representatives in Doha.

Countries that have a lot of stake in Kabul and are affected by the Afghanistan affairs both internally and externally have taken most of these initiatives.

Meetings on Afghanistan Russia hosted the first regional conference titled Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan in which all the Central Asian republics, China, Iran, Pakistan and India and a high-level Taliban delegation also participated.

Its objective was to find "a regional consensus" amongst the participants regarding the Taliban 2.0. But the primary objective was to get the Taliban to form a broad-based government in Kabul, reflecting the country's ethnic and religious diversity, ensure basic human rights of all Afghans, particularly the women and children, and get an assurance from the Taliban that Afghan territory will not be allowed to be used as a launchpad for terrorist attacks on other countries.

Soon after, Tehran hosted a similar conference of regional and neighbouring states to discuss how to deal with the Taliban. Once again, the de facto objective was to find a regional consensus and to pressurise the Taliban to adhere to its commitments. Its additional aim was to ensure the welfare and safety of the Hazara community and other Shias of Afghanistan.

DRSD and T+ Meetings However, the most curious meetings were hosted by India and Pakistan on 10 and 11 November in New Delhi- called Delhi Regional Security Dialogue and Islamabad-called Troika Plus, respectively. It seems as if the two regional foes wanted to establish their supremacy over each other, in order to play a crucial role in the redevelopment of Afghanistan.

But more curious play out during these meetings was that no Taliban representative was present at either of the two, though the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government, Amir Khan Muttaqi was present in Islamabad from 10 to 12 November. He had to contend with meeting the participating special representatives of Pakistan, US, Russia and China and Pakistan prime minister and foreign minister separately.

In yet another twist Russia, issued a statement of its own after the release of the Delhi Declaration, based on a twist of words and technicalities, but this is uncalled for in diplomatic circles.

Pakistan and China didn't attended the DRSD, Pakistan's NSA Moeed Yusuf said he would not attend the New Delhi meeting saying "spoiler can't be a peacemaker". India called Pakistan's decision unfortunate and said it reflects its mind-set of viewing Afghanistan as its protectorate. Its comments against India are an unsuccessful attempt to deflect attention from its pernicious role in Afghanistan On China skipping the dialogue, sources said that though it is not attending the conclave because of the scheduling difficulties, it has conveyed its readiness to maintain contacts with India on Afghanistan through bilateral and multilateral channels.

Why so much worry about Afghanistan? Now the question that arises is why are different regional and international players so interested in Afghanistan? The US which entered Afghanistan twenty years back, following the traces of its one time prodigy in the name of War on Terror, is also seen kowtowing to the same Taliban with which it fought for twenty long years.

The underlying reason seems to be based on reports, which originated at different times during the last twenty years, but were described as controversy theories and were brushed under the carpet. But now the turn of events shows that they indeed were true.

According to reports published by Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, the country possesses at least $1 trillion of untapped mineral resources. A country of 38 million people is estimated to hold more than 2.2 billion tonnes of iron ore, 1.3 billion tonnes of marble and 1.4 million tonnes of rare earth minerals like Lithium, Chromite, Aluminium etc. besides Gold and Silver.

According to geologist Scott Montgomery, a minimum of seven to 10 years is required to develop large-scale mining in Afghanistan, to become a major source of revenue for the poor country. On September 2, the Taliban said that the group would rely primarily on financing from China, which already holds several long-term mining leases around the country.

So one can deduce that this newfound love for Afghanis and Afghanistan is based on the hunger for these minerals. During the last twenty years the American geologists might have identified the key areas and processes to be adopted to mine these resources, yet the US based on experience understands very well that to commercially exploit this natural wealth of Afghanistan, a peaceful and business conducive atmosphere is needed, otherwise in a war ravaged country the cost of mineral commercialisation may shoot up very high. That's why it seems to have propped up Taliban 2.0, ensuring that they are able to establish their government and promising them to give a small percentage of the revenues back to it as Developmental Aid and pocket the big chunk of revenue and utilising the rare minerals for its industries. The rest of the international community too seems to be following on this blueprint. A classic case of present day economic imperialism.

As far as India is concerned, it wants to play a constructive role in Afghanistan, so as to ensure that the still present rogue terrorist elements in Afghanistan do not find their way to Indian Kashmir. Though it established contacts with Taliban last, but was seen as lagging behind to pursue them proactively, perhaps because of internal political dynamics. But it will have to take a calculated risk to engage with Taliban with foresight, so as to manage Pakistan's rude attitude on the issue, which considers Afghanistan as its protectorate and can't tolerate any Indian play. Only then India could claim to be a regional power.

(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. He writes on Muslims, educational, international affairs, interfaith and current affairs. Views expressed are personal)
New Delhi, Nov 15 : At least a dozen students were injured as clashes erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), here, between the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Left alliance of AISA and SFI, sources said here on Monday.

The clashes occurred on Sunday evening around 9.30 p.m. after an argument between the two groups, on account of organising a seminar, turned violent.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest district) Gaurav Sharma said they received complaints from both sides and are currently probing the incident. "We are soon going to register an FIR into the case," he said.

Sharing pictures of injured students, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Aishe Ghosh accused the members of ABVP of unleashing violence on students, and time and again disrupting campus democracy.

Sources told IANS that some of the injured students were admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the national capital.

"Will the JNU Administration still be silent ? Will no actions be taken on the goons ?," Ghosh questioned on Twitter.

On the other hand, the right wing ABVP levelled counter allegations on the Left student parties -- AISA and SFI.

They alleged that the Left parties violently attacked a peaceful meeting of the ABVP activists in JNU. "Finger of an MA student was broken in this assault, a Divyang student was manhandled, and various ABVP activists were hit," the party said.

ABVP further demanded stringent actions against the people involved in the violence. "They (Left parties] have time and again destroyed the peace of JNU campus," a party member said.

Meanwhile, the ABVP has planned to conduct a "Save JNU March" around 2.30 p.m. Monday against the violence.

"Leftists have once again launched their tyrannical attack on JNU on the same lines of Jan 5 attack. It's high time to expose these goons and stand in solidarity with the victims," the party tweeted announcing their 'Save JNU March'.
Los Angeles, Nov 15 : English actor Henry Cavill believes that there is still "a lot of storytelling" for him to do as Superman and revealed that he would be prepared to don the cape once again.

He played the iconic superhero in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) but believes that lack of follow-up to the 2013 movie 'Man of Steel' has left him with more stories to tell as the character, report femalefirst.co.uk.

Cavill told The Hollywood Reporter: "There is a lot of storytelling for me to do as Superman, and I would absolutely love the opportunity.

"The killing of Zod gave a reason for the character never to kill again. Superman falling to the ground and screaming afterward - I don't think that was originally in the script, but I wanted to show the pain he had. He just killed the last remaining member of his species. That's the choice he made in that moment, and he'll never do that again." The 'Enola Holmes' star said: "There's an opportunity for growth after that, to explore the psyche of Superman as a deep, seemingly invulnerable god-like being but with real feeling on the inside. As I always say, 'The cape is still in the closet.'" Cavill has been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 and admits that the prospect of landing the role of the iconic spy is "very exciting" to him.

Asked about his interest in the part, he said: "I think it would be very exciting to have a conversation with the producers... In an ideal world, I'd never have to turn anything down. Nothing is off the table. It's an honour to even be part of that conversation." Cavill is set to star in the upcoming spy film 'Argylle' from director Matthew Vaughn, who has tipped 'The Witcher' actor as a potential 007.

Matthew, who sees 'Argylle' as a potential franchise, said: "I needed someone who was born to play Bond - which Henry is - and then nick him before Bond did."
Lucknow, Nov 15 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's scheduled visit to Moradabad on Monday has been cancelled.

According to Congress spokesman, Priyanka is unable to attend the scheduled office-bearers' meeting in Moradabad as she is suffering from viral fever.

The meeting will be conducted by the state Congress president and other leaders.

Priyanka will reschedule the meeting at Moradabad as soon as she is better, the spokesman said.
Gandhinagar, Nov 15 : The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has seized 120 kg of heroin valued at around Rs 600 crore from Zinzuda village in Morbi district and arrested three persons in connection, police said on Monday.

According to the police, the contraband seized on Sunday was being transported to Africa via Gujarat.

Addressing the media, Director General of Police (DGP), Ashish Bhatia said: "Based on intelligence inputs, the Gujarat ATS learnt that drugs were being brought here. Based on this information, a team of ATS raided the house of one Mukhtar Hussein Syed in Zinzuda village of Maliya-Miyana in Morbi district and recovered 120 kg of heroin, with an estimated international value of Rs 600 crore.

"We have arrested three persons, Mukhtar Hussein, resident of Jodiya, Jamnagar; Shamshuddin Husseinmiya Syed, resident of Zinzuda, Morbi; and Ghulam Hussein Umar Bhagad, resident of Salaya, Devbhumi Dwarka.

"The drug consignment was sent by one Zahid Bashir Baloch, a resident of Pakistan. Baloch had been absconding in an earlier case of seizure of 227 kg heroin registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. The present consignment was delivered in Devbhumi Dwarka district's Salaya during the last week of October. The narcotics was initially hidden and subsequently moved to Zinzuda village. The consignment was intended to be sent to Africa via the Gujarat route. During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused persons decided to misappropriate the consignment and sell it buyers in India.

"We are yet to arrest two other persons in Gujarat regarding the case."
Chikmagalur : , Nov 15 (IANS) Police in Karnataka on Monday arrested seven people, including three women and a minor boy, in connection with the vandalisation of a liquor shop.

The arrests were made early in the morning from Muslapura village in Chikmagalur district.

Family members have however alleged that the seven people were allegedly dragged out of their homes by police officials after they broke open the doors.

On Saturday, a group of women barged into the liquor shop in the village and smashed the furniture in protest against the opening of the outlet.

The women had opposed the opening of the liquor shop in the village twice before.

The liquor shop was opened in spite of the resistance, and about 50 women from the surrounding villages and with the help of locals decided to get the liquor shop closed.

The women claimed that their husbands will spend everything on liquor if the bar is allowed to open and leave them with nothing.

The women first questioned the persons who were in charge at the liquor shop and later, when they did not agree to close the shop, they barged inside and smashed the tables and chairs.

People have appreciated the courage of the women for taking on the powerful liquor lobby in the area.

The police department is drawing flak from all corners for its crackdown on poor families who are raising their voices against the opening of liquor shop.
Chennai, Nov 15 : BJP national General Secretary C.T. Ravi on Monday called upon the Tamil Nadu government to provide Rs 5,000 to each family below poverty line who are affected by the incessant rains in the state.

He also called upon the government to provide a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre to the farmers whose crops were destroyed.

Around 1.5 lakh acres of crops were inundated across the state during torrential rains and waterlogging in the past week.

In a statement, Ravi also charged the state government with not catering to the issues faced by the people of the state.

He said that the previous DMK government had focused on amassing wealth and called upon the Stalin government to focus on the welfare of the people of the state.

BJP Tamil Nadu state president K. Annamalai also demanded the state government to waive crop loans availed after 2016-17.

Annamalai said that the farmers whose crops were lost in heavy rains would benefit from the Central government crop insurance scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He also said that Union Minister of state L. Murugan had visited the rain-affected areas and would provide details to the Central government.

Annamalai said that the state BJP would make every effort to get funds for Tamil Nadu after the committee led by L. Murugan provides an estimate on the crop losses to the Central government.

The Tamil Nadu BJP president also said that he supported the extension of last date of payment of premium for the crop insurance scheme.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Los Angeles, Nov 15 : Actor Tom Felton almost beat actor Daniel Radcliffe to his iconic role of Harry Potter.

The actor is best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the wizarding saga but director Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two movies, has revealed Warner Bros. officials were keen to cast him in the lead role, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The filmmaker "knew" the young actor would be better as the villainous schoolboy, explaining: "Tom was a great actor as well, so we thought, let's just dye Tom's hair, give him a scar, give him the glasses and let's see. He did a great Harry Potter reading. The problem is you can really kind of tell when an 11 or 12-year-old kid's hair is dyed." "He was so good at Malfoy. I just couldn't pass that up. I knew Tom had to play Malfoy." Columbus had been keen to cast Radcliffe as Harry from the moment he saw the then-11-year-old actor's "complex and interesting" onscreen presence on TV.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: "I was up late one night in London watching BBC (TV) , and there was a miniseries of David Copperfield. There was a young Dan Radcliffe in it, for about two or three scenes. But I thought, 'That's Harry Potter.' " After requesting a meeting, casting directors warned him to "forget about" Daniel. They told Chris, "'You're never going to get him. His parents are in the industry. They have no desire for him to do this. Just forget about him.'" "Harry Potter" producer David Heyman travelled to meet Radcliffe's family and spoke with them during the interval at a theatre show.

Columbus said: "In David's usual charming way, he was able to convince them to come in for a meeting. That was sort of the end of it." The deal was sealed when Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling hailed Daniel as the "perfect" choice to play her boy wizard.

"So, when the studio heard that she loved him, and I loved him and David loved him, they said yes," he added.

"Two days later, we made the announcement in London. The rest is history."
Mumbai, Nov 15 : The Congress has nominated Dr. Pradnya Satav -- the widow of the late MP Rajeev Satav as the party candidate for the upcoming by-elections for a single seat to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, an official said here on Monday.

A medico, Dr. Pradnya Satav is an OBC face of the party, and had missed the race for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in September, but is now being fielded for the MLC by-elections.

The MLC bypolls will be held on November 29 for which the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has nominated its Aurangabad city president Sanjay Kinekar, and the tenure of the seat going for the by-elections will be till July 2024.

The indirect elections shall be held with the legislators casting their votes. Since the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi has a majority in the House, Dr. Pradnya Satav is likely to have a smooth sailing.
Mumbai, Nov 15 : The domestic capital markets continue to remain on an upward trajectory after a strong performance in FY2021.

The average daily turnover (ADTO) increased to Rs 27.92 lakh crore in FY2021 from Rs 14.39 lakh crore in FY2020, registering an annual growth of 94 per cent. Transaction volumes remain strong in the current fiscal, with the markets clocking an ADTO of Rs 56.36 lakh crore in H1 FY2022.

As per ICRA, the market performance has been supported by favourable liquidity in both domestic and international markets, optimism related to a recovery after the graded reopening of the economy, progress on vaccination rollout and steady retail investor momentum.

Throwing more light, Samriddhi Chowdhary, Vice President & Sector Head - Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA says, "The pool of ICRA-rated bank brokerages reported a strong performance in FY2021 with the estimated average daily turnover (ADTO) increasing 28 per cent Y-o-Y to Rs 1.51 lakh crore from Rs 1.18 lakh crore in FY2020, led by the healthy growth in the retail segment.

Despite the changes in the margin requirements, the performance remained healthy in Q1 FY2022 with an estimated ADTO of Rs 1.64 lakh crore, driven by favourable retail investor sentiment. However, the market share of the sample pool of ICRA-rated bank brokerages in terms of transaction volumes declined in FY2021 and moderated further in Q1 FY2022 as they continue to lose share to discount brokers." Bank-brokerages reported a strong uptick in earnings in FY2021 registering a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 40 per cent in total revenues and 80 per cent in profit after tax. The cost structure and operational efficiency of the bank brokerage companies also improved over the past few years with focus on the rationalisation of branches coupled with cautious efforts towards the transition to a digital business model, thereby improving the operational efficiency across brokerages.

Bank-brokerages have been increasingly looking at other non-broking sources of income, namely capital market lending business, distribution income and investment banking revenue. Bank-brokerages have significantly scaled up the margin funding business over the past fiscal, moving in line with the capital market rally, which has resulted in an increase in their borrowing level.

The retail broking segment has witnessed a significant disruption in the last few years due to the growing prominence of discount brokerages. The competitively priced offerings of discount brokers and the no-frill basic accounts and services have resulted in the realignment of the pricing strategy across the industry.

Adds Chowdhary, "apart from attracting clients from full-service providers, discount brokerage houses have helped expand the market by bringing on board a large number of first-time investors. While the market share for bank brokerages in terms of active clients moderated in FY2021, primarily owing to the faster scaling up of the discount brokerage houses, they reported a strong performance as reflected by the healthy operating metrics and surge in earnings." ICRA expects bank brokerages to continue to build their retail franchise and focus more on technology and digital models for customer acquisition. Supported by these factors, bank brokerages are expected to register a healthy growth in client addition as well as transaction volumes, though their share in total active clients would moderate owing to the rapid expansion of the discount broking model. The blended yields are expected to compress going forward, though the focus on fee and fund-based income would support the profitability.

Adds Chowdhary, "Bank brokerages are expected to continue to enjoy better brand recall, trust, higher credibility and financial flexibility by virtue of being a part of banking groups and would, therefore, remain a prominent part of the industry value chain. Bank brokerages are also increasingly looking at the emerging demographic opportunities and new geographical base, which is facilitated through online channels. Going forward, the ability of the bank brokers to effectively ramp up their digital initiatives, attract millennial clients and expand to a newer geographical base such as Tier II and Tier III cities would be critical." ICRA expects the net operating income (NOI) of bank brokerages to grow 20-25 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in FY2022 supported by steady broking income along with an uptick in the margin funding and distribution businesses; the ramp-up of other capital markets related businesses could further support the earnings profile. The net profit for bank brokerages is expected to grow 17-20 per cent during the same period.

The borrowings levels of bank brokerages are expected to increase in the current fiscal to support their margin funding business. The gearing levels of bank brokerages are expected to be in the range of 1.5-2 times in FY2022 at an industry level while the gearing across entities would vary between 1 to 3 times based on the scale of margin funding operations.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 : Eyebrows have been raised after the pictures of State Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu attending the wedding ceremony of the daughter of an accused, who is on the run, surfaced on Monday.

The father of the bride -- Ambili Mahesh was one of the director board members of the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank in Trissur where an over Rs 100 crore fraud has surfaced.

A few of the office-bearers of the bank and the members of the director board, who are known CPI-M party members and fellow travellers, have by now been arrested, but Mahesh continues to be on the run and despite several months passing, the police have still not been able to arrest Mahesh and one more person.

The issue of fraud had rocked the Kerala Assembly and the Congress-led UDF and the BJP have by now held numerous protests against the Pinarayi Vijayan government for shielding the accused, even as innocent depositors of the bank are running from pillar to post to get back their deposits.

Even though the wedding ceremony that was attended by Bindhu, who is also the wife of acting CPI-M state secretary A.Vijayaraghavan, was held in the last week of October at her constituency in Irinjalkuda, it has become a controversy now after the pictures of Bindhu having food with the new couple, surfaced on Monday.

The party leadership in her constituency said the Minister was invited by the groom, whose family has been close with Bindhu's family for long, and 'nothing else needs to be dwelled into'.

Incidentally at the height of the protests by the opposition, the allegation that was raised was that a portion of the swindled funds was used in the election campaign of Bindhu.

The fraud turned serious when a 64-year-old depositor committed suicide after he received a foreclosure notice for recovering amounts that he never borrowed and it was then things turned murkier. The protests became louder which led to the arrest of a few employees and the board members.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 : The Congress on Monday asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to come clean and order a probe into why a CAG special audit report on KIIFB that came out a few months ago was kept under wraps for so long.

The special audit report on KIIFB came out in April this year, but the Vijayan government kept it under wraps, accused V.D. Satheesan, the leader of Opposition. He said this report saw daylight only because of an RTI plea.

"The government had placed the CAG report in the Assembly last week, but even though the special audit report is not required to be placed before the Assembly, all wish to know why it was not made public. Now it has come out through an RTI query and the report speaks volumes of numerous discrepancies and violations. It is clear that the Vijayan government did not want people to know of it and hence it was kept under wraps. We demand a probe into this," said Satheesan.

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) was established as the principal funding arm of the Government of Kerala in 1999.

The objective of KIIFB is to channelise funds for critical and large public infrastructure projects in the state and it was during the first term of the Pinarayi Vijayan government, the then economist turned Finance Minister Thomas Isaac gave it a new face and began off-budget borrowings.

Incidentally, the special audit report into the activities of KIIFB, according to Satheesan, revealed a few 'shady activities' which had led to the loss for exchequer and the basic rules that have to be followed were also not followed.

State BJP president K.Surendran said now that it has been revealed why Issac early this year had gone hammer and tongs against the CAG.

"He knew that this special audit report when it comes out will cause problems as the discrepancies will cause a dent to the image of the Vijayan government. And that's why he was then fiercely attacking the CAG, like none has ever done," said Surendran.

Incidentally, it must be recalled that the Kerala Assembly in January this year passed a resolution against the CAG report (which termed the off-budget borrowings through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) as unconstitutional).

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
November 15 : Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are currently enjoying a vacation in the Maldives along with their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. The star couple will ring in Aaradhyas 10th birthday in the island nation tomorrow.

Aishwarya and Abhishek took to their respective social media pages and revealed the mesmerising view they woke up to. The Bachchans have checked into the luxury resort Amilla. Sharing a picture of the view he woke up to, Abhishek captioned the picture as, Not a bad view to wake-up to. @amillafushi @pickyourtrail. Aishwarya also shared a picture capturing the pool view, and wrote, Sun Breeze and Paradise. Abhishek also shared a boomerang video on his Instagram stories in which he was standing at the shore while the waves hit his feet. He also clicked a picture of the mesmerising clouds that hovered over the sea.

On the weekend, Abhishek and Aishwarya were spotted at the Mumbai airport with Aaradhya. On landing in the Maldives, both Abhishek and Aishwarya offered a glimpse of the paradise.

Last month, Abhishek, Aishwarya and Aaradhya were holidaying in Paris. Abhishek shared a video from his holiday in Paris with his wife and their daughter. He had shared a short boomerang clip of the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Paris when it sparkles, Abhishek had captioned it. He had added the song La Vie en Rose in the background.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Abhishek Bachchan was recently seen in The Big Bull, in which he played a character inspired by the scam-tainted stockbroker Harshad Mehta. The film was released on Disney+ Hotstar. The actor has Dasvi and Bob Biswas in the pipeline. He was recently working on Oththa Seruppu Size 7's remake. It is being directed by R Parthiban, who had helmed and acted in the original. Abhishek has bought the rights for the Hindi remake of the film. Apart from this, the actor will also be seen in the new season of his Amazon Prime series Breathe: Into The Shadows.

Aishwarya, on the other hand, walked the ramp at Paris Fashion Week recently. The actress walked the ramp for the cosmetic brand, L'Oreal Paris. On the professional front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will make her come back to the big screen with Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan. The period drama is slated to hit the theatres in 2022.
November 15 : Arjun Rampal has kickstarted shooting for Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla and Mustan Alibhai Burmawallas forthcoming film Three Monkeys today. The film is the Hindi adaptation of the popular Spanish series, Money Heist.

Taking to his Instagram handle today, Arjun shared his picture from the sets of Three Monkeys, and revealed that she has started shooting for the film. He captioned the picture as, Lights camera action. On set again. A new journey begins. #ThreeMonkeys #abbasmustanhusain #Mumbai #filmset. The actors girlfriend, model Gabriella Demetriades, dropped a heart-eyed emoji in the comments section.

While Arjun will play the lead role of the Professor, Abbas son, Mustafa, will play the other robber. It is reported that Abbas Mustan will bring in their own flavour to Three Monkeys. The film will be shot at multiple locations, including Mumbai. Referring to his character, a fan wrote on his comment section, Aray desi professor. I hope Bollywood can give a tough competition to Money Heist. Another fan wrote, Our Indian professor.

Three Monkeys will mark Abbas Mustans return to filmmaking, who had last directed Machine five years back. Some of their popular films include Khiladi, Baazigar, Soldier, Ajnabee, Baadshah, Aitraaz, and Humraaz.

Money Heist is about a mysterious man known as Professor, who makes a group of eight people, and carry out a grand plan that involves entering the Royal Mint of Spain and robbing 2.6 billion. The series bagged several awards including Best Drama Series at the 46th International Emmy Awards. By 2018, the series was the most-watched non-English-language series and one of the most-watched series overall on Netflix.

Abbas Mustan is currently gearing up for the release of Penthouse on Netflix starring Bobby Deol and Arjun Rampal among others. On other work front, Arjun Rampal will next be seen in Kangana Ranaut starrer Dhaakad. He also has The Battle of Bhima Koregaon and Hari Hara Veera Mallu in the pipeline.
Kasganj : Nov 15 (IANS) The Kasganj case of the custodial death of a 22-year-old Muslim boy is turning murkier by the day.

After alleging that he was forced to give a clean chit to the local police, the deceased's father, Chand Miyan, has claimed that he was paid Rs 5 lakh cash by the policemen after forcing him to put his thumb impression on paper and telling him to keep quiet on the issue.

Chand Miyan's son, Altaf, was allegedly found hanging from a 3 feet-high water pipe in the washroom of the police station lock-up on Tuesday, last week.

Chand Miyan claimed the policemen told him that the money was from the government, and asked him not to proceed with the matter. He also claimed that he was provided the cash in bundles of Rs 500 notes in the presence of senior officials of the police and the administration at the Goraha police outpost.

Chand Miyan said the money is still with him. "I am ready to return it. All I want is justice for my son," he said.

The father said that in the paper (which has now gone viral), it was written that his son was suffering from depression and had committed suicide in the washroom of the lock-up at Kotwali Sadar police station.

He said that his relatives were also warned not to speak about the matter to the media and ensure the body is buried peacefully.

"Station house officer (SHO) Virendra Singh Indolia (now suspended), along with some other policemen, a sub-divisional magistrate and a local activist were present at the Goraha police outpost when the money was handed over to Altaf's father," said another relative of the deceased.

Kasganj Superintendent of Police (SP) Botre Rohan Pramod, however, denied the allegation.

"Police did not give any cash to Altaf's father. A request was made to the district magistrate to consider providing monetary assistance to the family," said Pramod.

When asked about the matter, District Magistrate Harshita Mathur said, "As of now, there is no declaration of monetary compensation for the deceased's family. We have sent a proposal to the state government in this regard. We will also try to give a job to one of the family members of Altaf." Additional DGP Rajeev Krishna said, "I have no knowledge about any such transaction. Even if the cash was handed over to cover-up the entire matter, it is irrelevant now. An FIR has been registered on a complaint by the deceased man's father. The focus of the investigation is on custodial death. A magisterial and departmental probe is also being conducted." Meanwhile, the Kasganj police have recovered the 16-year-old Hindu girl who was allegedly kidnapped by Altaf and an "unknown friend". She will be produced in court to record her statement, a senior police officer said.
New Delhi: Doctors and nurses of Hindu Rao Hospital protest alleging non-payment of salaries over the last few months, in New Delhi on Oct 10, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Hindu Rao hospital temporarily stops taking new patients. This is after a nurse was found positive, hospital authorities say until the trail is traced, no new patient will be taken in. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Nov 15 : Doctors at Delhi's Hindu Rao Hospital went on a half-day pen-down strike on Monday over the non- payment of salaries for the past three months.

The resident doctors have also not got their dearness allowance (DA) since the past five months.

A total of 200 doctors staged the strike from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and will again protest in a similar manner on November 16 and 17.

Hindu Rao hospital RDA president Tanuraj Tyagi told IANS: "We have not been paid salary for past three months and our DA is pending for five months. From today onwards, we have started pen-down strike for three days, thereafter we will go on an indefinite strike." The RDA doctors, in a letter to the Medical Superintendent (MS) dated November 11, had threatened to go on a pen-down strike on November 15, 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and an indefinite strike from November 18, if pending salaries and DA are not paid by the evening of November 14.

"If our salaries and DA up to date are not released on or before November 14, we will go on pen-down strike strike on November 15, 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and unfortunately we will go on indefinite strike from November 18 on Thursday," read the letter to the MS. The nurses of the hospital are also protesting over salary issues.

As the RDA doctors staged the protest, senior doctors attended to the patients, Tyagi said.

Over 50 per cent nurses' posts and a large number of doctors' posts are lying vacant in the MCD-run 980-bed Hindu Rao hospital.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Pakistans decision to form a complete strategic alliance with China may invite the "wrath of the US and its allies", the countrys policymakers anticipated during their last weeks closed-door briefing to the lawmakers on national security issues, The Express Tribune reported.

The members of the Pakistan Parliament were told that the country was manoeuvring to maintain a "balance" in ties with the US and China.

However, Pakistan's efforts to seek that balance seem to have not produced the desired results, the report said.

The lawmakers were informed that the country's relationship with the US, Pakistan's traditional ally, is confronted with further perils in the wake of recent developments, particularly the chaotic exit of the US from Afghanistan, the report said.

"The ties with the US at the moment are at the lowest ebb," an MP quoted a senior figure as saying.

Pakistan's longstanding ties with China have in the past helped Islamabad to act as a bridge between Washington and Beijing, acquiring a somewhat win-win situation. But finding itself in an altered geostrategic setup, Pakistan no longer views it as an easy task, the report said.

As China inches closer to matching the US on all fronts, there have been visible signs of what observers see as a 'new cold war'. Against this backdrop, Pakistan is confronted with the daunting task of sustaining a balance in its alliances.

On one hand, Beijing has stood by Islamabad in difficult times and has emerged as a major investor but on the other, Islamabad also has to take into account Washington's huge leverage over international financial and other institutions, the report said.

Briefing the lawmakers, the policymakers highlighted that while China has been Pakistan's long-standing "friend and ally", the US still holds the key in terms of IMF and FATF. Therefore, Pakistan is striving for maintaining a balance.

According to the Pakistani assessment, the US could tighten the screws on Pakistan through the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and other means, the report said.

The prospects of any positive development on the Pakistan-US ties are grim. "Sanctions, least likely, coercion through IMF and FATF highly likely," according to the assessment of Pakistani policymakers.

The US could also resort to putting curbs on Pakistani exports, it was feared.

The report said Pakistan is already struggling to revive the $6 billion bailout program because of the stringent conditions the global lender wants the country to first fulfil. Similarly, despite the substantive program on the action plan, the FATF has kept Pakistan on the "grey list." The policymakers fear that the US Congress could move new legislations penalizing Pakistan for its role in Afghanistan, the report added.

But the US' priorities have visibly undergone a shift following its withdrawal from Afghanistan and is once again looking to abandon Pakistan.

Last month, when US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited both Pakistan and India she had said Washington had "no interest" in going back to the days hyphenating India and Pakistan, and that her trip to Islamabad is only for "specific and narrow purpose".

Sherman, who was speaking at an event in Mumbai during the last day of her two-day visit to India, also said her Pakistan visit was for a "particular set of reasons" and is not meant to once again rebuild a broader relationship with the country.

A western diplomat while speaking on condition of anonymity said some of the statements made by Prime Minister Imran Khan after the US exit from Afghanistan did not help Pakistan's cause. It sent the wrong message to the US. There was no need to "putting salt on the wounds," remarked the diplomat, the report added.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Two panchayats in Rajasthan say 'No' to liquor via voting. Image Source: IANS News

Two panchayats in Rajasthan say 'No' to liquor via voting. Image Source: IANS News

Jaipur, Nov 15 : Turning up in large numbers, the women of two Panchayats-- Barar and Weir-- in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan voted for the removal of a liquor shop, thus sealing the fate of sale of alcohol in the village.

These two panchayats are now the fourth and fifth in the district to vote for the removal of a liquor shop in the village on Saturday. Earlier, polling has been held in Kachbali, Mandawar and Thaneta panchayats of Bhima subdivision of Rajsamand for the same.

The voting took place under the relevant section of the Rajasthan Excise Act following a movement by the villagers.

The Rajasthan Excise (Closure of Country Liquor Shop by Local Option) Rules, 1975, has a provision to close liquor shops through a panchayat voting if enough people vote against it.

The voting started at 8am and continued till 5pm registering 64 per cent voting mostly by the women.

The minimum votes required is 51 per cent of the total registered 5,632 voters.

While a total of 3,326 votes were cast in favour of the move, 175 voted against the proposal.
Ramallah, Nov 15 : The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) may not be able to pay the salaries of its employees in the coming months as its financial situation was "extremely dangerous", a spokesman for the agency warned.

"The lack of sufficient funds and the absence of a continuous flow of grants will affect the agency's ability to pay the salaries of its employees on time during the next two months," Xinhua news agency quoted Sami Mshasha, spokesman of the UNRWA, as saying to the official Voice of Palestine radio.

"Hopes are still pinned on the donor countries meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in Brussels, to raise the level of support and draw up sustainable long-term financing mechanisms for the agency," he noted.

Mshasha revealed that the UNRWA's financial deficit has reached about $100 million and is in dire need of quick financial resources for November and December.

Without long-term sustainable financing mechanisms, "the UNRWA will not be able to carry out its work and provide its services or improve it", he concluded.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949, the UNRWA was mandated to provide assistance and protection for some 5.6 million Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
November 15 : Actor Kavita Kaushik questioned why Priyanka Chopra never received the Padma Shri while taking a dig at Kangana Ranaut, who recently received the nations honour. While Kaushik praised Priyanka as an apt candidate for the nations honour, she missed out that The White Tiger actress was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016.

Taking to Twitter, Kavita Kaushik took a dig at Kangana, who is in the midst of a controversy for her controversial and inflammatory statements. Kavita tweeted, Why didnt she get padamshree!? Fantastic actor, Brilliant human being, Globally a huge success and has put Indian culture on a pedestrial without holding a flag about it! And yes has never insulted any senior or contemporary artist or anyone for that matter! She is awesome!!

Why didn't she get padamshree!? Fantastic actor, Brilliant human being, Globally a huge success and has put indian culture on a pedestrial without holding a flag about it ! And yes has never insulted any senior or contemporary artist or anyone for that matter! She is awesome!! pic.twitter.com/Pp2wzso5pN  Kavita Kaushik (@Iamkavitak) November 14, 2021

Kangana Ranaut is facing the anger of the politicians after she said that India had gained real freedom in 2014, and described the countrys Independence in 1947 as bheek.

Meanwhile, Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) Swati Maliwal was the latest to write to President Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to withdraw Kanganas Padma Shri. Maliwal also demanded sedition charges against the Panga actor. These statements reflect her hatred for our great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and countless others who laid down their lives for the nation! We all know that our nation got its Independence from British rule through ultimate sacrifices and martyrdom of our great freedom fighters, she wrote.

Meanwhile, music composer Vishal Dadlani took to social media and shared a picture of himself wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the face of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, and wrote, Remind the lady who said our Independence was bheekh, he wrote. Vishal further wrote, The man on my t-shirt is Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, atheist, poet philosopher, Freedom Fighter, son of India, and son of a Farmer. He gave his life for our freedom, for India's Independence at age 23, and went to the gallows with a smile and a song on his lips. Remind her of him, of Sukhdev, of Rajguru, of Ashfaqullah, and all the many thousands of others who refused to bow, refused to beg. Remind her politely, but strongly, so she never again dares to forget.

Recently, at the Times Now Summit, while speaking about India and its fight for Independence, Kangana Ranaut had said that Congress is an extension of the British rule and India attained her real freedom in 2014. The actress referred to the year when Narendra Modi was elected as the Prime Minister for the first time. The actress further said that India got Independence as bheek (alms) in 1947.
Mumbai, Nov 15 : Kangana Ranaut stirred up a hornet's nest recently when she said that the freedom that India attained in 1947 was given to the nation as a handout by the British.

Kangana was speaking at a media summit when she gave the controversial statement saying that "India got true freedom only in 2014".

Several politicians have demanded an apology from her and also made an appeal to revoke her recently conferred Padma Shri award, saying that her statement insults the sacrifice of all those freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation.

Now, the actress has come out and defended herself through a series of pictures on her Instagram. Her first picture is a screenshot of a BBC article that spoke about 'Why Britain owes no reparations to India'.

Captioning the post, the actress wrote, "Why and how can white colonists or their sympathisers get away with such nonsense in this day and age? If you try to figure it out, the answer is in my Times Now Summit statement." She adds, "It is because our nation builders did not hold the British accountable for the countless crimes they committed in India, from plundering our country's wealth to ruthlessly killing our freedom fighters to dividing our country into two parts, at the time of independence. After World War II, the British left India at their leisure, with Winston Churchill being hailed as a war hero."

Further explaining her side, Kangana states, "He was the same person who was responsible for the Bengal famine; was he ever tried in independent India's courts for his crimes? No. Cyril Radcliffe, an English white man who had never been to India before, was brought to India by the British to draw the line of Partition in just 5 weeks."

She adds, "Both the INC and the Muslim League were members of the committee that decided the terms of the Partition line drawn by the British, which resulted in the deaths of nearly a million people. Did those who died tragically gain independence? Was the British or the INC, who agreed to the Partition line, held responsible for the massacre that occurred after?"

The other pictures in the series are of a letter written by the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru and an editorial which states that India really attained freedom in 2014. The actress further writes, "There is a letter from our first Prime Minister, Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru, dated 28th April 1948, to the British Monarch, requesting British approval for the appointment of the then-Governor of West Bengal as the Governor-General of India."

She goes on to state, "The letter can be found in the second image of my post. If such a letter exists, do you believe the INC attempted to hold the British accountable for their crimes? If so, please explain how my statement is incorrect!"

"Did the freedom fighters who gave their lives for an independent India know that the British and our nation-builders would divide undivided India into two parts, resulting in the massacre of one million people? I'd like to conclude by saying that if we don't hold the British accountable for the numerous crimes committed in India, we are still disrespecting our freedom fighters. Jai Hind," the actress concluded in her post.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Seoul, Nov 15 : The first tourists from Singapore since the start of the coronavirus pandemic arrived on Monday in South Korea under a bilateral travel bubble agreement.

A travel bubble refers to a quarantine-free travel partnership between two or more cities or countries with similar levels of Covid-19 cases, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The tourists landed at Incheon International Airport earlier in the day and will be free to travel around the country without quarantine if they test negative on a polymerase chain reaction test, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said.

Among them, a group of Singaporeans working in the tourism industry and reporters were invited by KTO to visit major tourist attractions in the greater Seoul area and Gangwon Province this week.

On Monday, KTO signed another pact with the Singapore Tourism Board and agreed to cooperate in promoting tourism between the two countries, including in marketing and support for venture companies.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Wellington, Nov 15 : New Zealand will start administering Covid-19 booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine from November 29, a Minister said here on Monday.

The country's regulatory authority Medsafe has already approved the use of Pfizer as a booster for people above 18, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins told a press conference.

The decision followed further advice to the cabinet from the vaccine technical advisory group, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Vaccination is the best protection against Covid-19. Booster doses will be available free for anyone in New Zealand aged 18 or older who has completed their two-dose course more than six months ago," Hipkins said, adding people will be able to access boosters in New Zealand, whether they received their earlier doses here or overseas.

The Pfizer vaccine will be used for boosters, regardless of which vaccine was used for earlier doses. It is the same one used for the first two doses in the vaccination rollout, he said.

"While most other countries are rationing boosters to certain groups, we have made the decision to make boosters available to everyone. That ensures simplicity and equity," said the minister.

"People are eligible to take up the offer of a booster once six months have passed since their second dose, but there's no need to rush to get the booster. The science shows fully vaccinated people remain really well protected from infection, and from being seriously ill if they do get Covid-19," he added.

Hipkins said healthcare and border workers are a priority group for booster vaccine doses because they are on the front line against Covid-19 and because large numbers of them completed their vaccine course six months or longer ago.

Older people including people in residential care are also a priority to access booster doses.

There are currently 144,000 people in New Zealand who have been vaccinated for six months and 455,847 who will be by the end of the year, he said.
Canberra, Nov 15 : The state government of South Australia (SA) on Monday announced major changes to isolation requirements for contacts of Covid-19 cases ahead of border reopening.

SA Premier Steven Marshall announced that from November 23, fully vaccinated South Australians who are deemed a close contact of a coronavirus case will only have to quarantine for seven days, reports Xinhua news agency.

Fully vaccinated casual contacts will only be required to self-isolate until they test negative for Covid-19.

Currently anyone deemed a contact of a positive case in SA must quarantine for 14 days regardless of their vaccination status.

"We will be very, very significantly reducing the test, trace, isolate and quarantine requirements," Marshall told reporters.

"In the past, we've had to take a pretty heavy-handed approach, quite frankly, because a single case could set off a cluster which would lock down our state." The change will coincide with SA opening its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales and Victoria when it is expected to reach 80 per cent of over-16s fully vaccinated on November 23.

It will mark the first time since August that travellers from those regions, which were under Covid-19 lockdowns in the past months and account for more than half the Australian population, will be allowed into SA without quarantining for 14 days.

"We are going to do it in a careful and considered way. In the first instance we are only going to have those people who are fully vaccinated able to come into South Australia," Marshall said.

"We know this is going to be a huge relief for families, for businesses, those state borders have been extraordinarily punishing." On Monday morning, Australia reported 1,035 new locally-acquired Covid-19 cases, all of which were in the ACT, NSW and Victoria with six deaths, as the country continues to battle the third wave of COVID-19 infections.

As of Monday, 90.5 percent of Australians aged 16 and older had received one vaccine dose and 83.2 per cent were fully inoculated, according to the latest data released by the Department of Health.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 : The stage is all set for Jose K. Mani, who is the third biggest ally in the CPI-M led Left Kerala government, to get renominated to the Rajya Sabha, a seat which he held till he resigned early this year.

On Monday, he arrived at the Kerala Legislative Assembly and filed his nomination papers before the secretary.

The election to the seat will be held on November 29 here, when the state legislators will vote.

Jose K. Mani, son of late K.M. Mani who was the founder of the Kerala Congress (M), had quit his Rajya Sabha seat which he had won when his father was with the Congress-led UDF in 2018.

Jose K. Mani had quit the post as after the death of his father, the Kerala Congress (M) was at war, with veteran legislator P.J. Joseph heading one faction and the other one led by the former. Following serious difference of opinion between the two, the faction led by Jose K. Mani decided to leave the UDF and joined the Left last year.

Jose K. Mani suffered a setback when he was defeated by sitting legislator Mani C. Kappan from the Pala Assembly seat in Kottayam district, which was represented by his father K.M. Mani for the past 52 years.

Kappan won the seat when he was with the NCP, an ally of the Left in a by-election in 2019.

After the Left decided to field Jose K. Mani in the April 6 Assembly polls, Kappan quit the NCP, formed his own party, joined the Congress-led UDF, contested the seat and won.

Jose K. Mani's political fortunes nosedived when he saw three others from his party becoming legislators, of which Roshy Augustine became the State Water Resources Minister.

With the victory of Jose K. Mani a foregone conclusion, the Congress-led opposition is yet to name its candidate, as they do not wish to give an easy walkover to Mani.

The Left is returning the sitting seat in the Upper House for the second time to the political turncoats who dumped the Congress-led UDF and joined the ruling party.

The first to get this was media baron M.P.Veerendrakumar who joined the Left after dumping the Congress-led UDF.

After he passed away, his seat was given to his son Shreyams Kumar, who too had a similar fate like Jose, as he also lost the April 6 Assembly polls.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Nov 15 : All efforts are being made to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir, after the delimitation process gets over, said BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh and in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Telangana in an exclusive interview with IANS.

Here are some excerpts of the interview: Q. The BJP is going to contest elections in Punjab for the first time without the support of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)? How will the BJP be able to fight against Congress, SAD and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)? A. Yes, this time the BJP will contest forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab on its own. We have been contesting elections continuously since 1952. We fought earlier under the banner of Jana Sangh and from 1980 with the poll symbol of the BJP and in 1992 also as a party, although the circumstances were different then. This time we are ready to give a tough fight to the Congress, SAD and the AAP, including all opposition parties. We have made preparations right to the booth level of all 117 Assembly seats.

Q. Amarinder Singh is constantly speaking about the possibility of a possible alliance with the BJP, with the latter calling him a nationalist leader. When will the BJP make the final decision about an alliance with Amarinder Singh? A. It is for the BJP high command to decide what kind of alliance the party will have with Amarinder Singh. Punjab is a border state, its peace and security is of utmost importance. The BJP will take a decision at an appropriate time.

Q. On Sunday, a delegation of Punjab BJP leaders met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded the reopening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. How big is this an issue for Punjab? A. Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was opened even earlier because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which the Sikhs all over the country have been demanding for the last seven decades. Along with this, the Prime Minister has taken many remarkable steps for Punjab and Sikhs, so the Punjab BJP delegation thanked him and urged him that before celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 19, the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor must be reopened again so that with full enthusiasm and reverence, the Sikhs can visit the Gurudwara and pay their respects. The 1984 riots accused were penalised only after the Modi government made efforts and Sikhs got justice. We also thanked PM Modi for this.

Q. What is the biggest issue for the BJP in the Punjab Legislative Assembly elections? With what promise will you seek votes from the public? A. Mafia Raj is the most serious issue in all areas of Punjab. There are drug mafia, sand mafia, transport mafia, etc. The law and order situation in Punjab has completely collapsed. The economy of Punjab is in bad shape. There is no development in agriculture or industry, trade. All these issues will be part of our campaign.

Q. While removing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and reorganizing the state, it was promised that Legislative Assembly elections will be held at an appropriate time, what is the preparation for this? A. The removal of Article 370 has been welcomed by all. Democracy has been strengthened. On the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted in lakhs and have shown faith in the policies of the government. Preparations are afoot to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir soon. The matter of delimitation is already being looked into by the Election Commission. After the delimitation work is completed, the central government will take a decision on it soon.

Q. But the same question is being asked again and again that when will the Legislative Assembly elections be held in J&K? A. Elections will be held soon. As we told you, the central government wants to hold the elections as soon as possible.

Q. What will be the target of the BJP in the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir? Will you contest elections alone or join other parties as well? A. It is too early to say anything on this. Let the elections be announced first, then the party will see what to do.

Q. The way terror incidents have increased in recent days, what do you see is the motive behind the targeted killings? A. This is a conspiracy of Pakistan and ISI to spread terror in the Kashmir Valley and Indian security forces will deal with it effectively. Jammu and Kashmir has moved from terrorism to tourism. People have realized that for so many decades Abdullah, Mufti and Congress have fooled them.

Pakistan will be defeated in its nefarious design. The Modi government is continuously working on the eradication of terrorism and taking the UT to the path of development and ensuring security to all. Terrorists killed 2,081 people during 2004-2014 while 239 civilians were killed during 2014 to 2021, which is again a testimony of peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.

Q. The opposition parties keep raising the demand for full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir again? As BJP in-charge, what do you have to say on this? A. All such people should understand that J&K has moved on. A new chapter of development and progress is being written. The decision about restoring the statehood will be taken at the right time.

Q. It has been a common complaint of the people of Ladakh that the pace of their development is very slow. How far have you been able to resolve the grievances of the people there? A. Ladakh remained neglected for decades due to the policies of Abdullah and Mufti. Ladakh region was never respected, but now new development works are taking place and people of Ladakh are feeling proud of it. The Centre will make Ladakh a developed region where people will find new avenues of development and progress and connectivity.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The security of the Central security forces deployed in the Maoist affected states has been beefed up after an intelligence input that forces' bases in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas may be attacked in retaliation.

According to the sources, after the arrest of top Maoist leader Kishan Bose in Jharkhand on November 11 and a successful operation by the Maharashtra Police in Gadchiroli on Saturday, killing 26, the Maoists are on the back foot and may attack security forces in revenge.

The sources, quoting the Intelligence input, said that the ultras may hit the forward operating bases in LWE affected states to boost the morale of their cadre.

In the past also, the naxals had attacked the security forces in retaliation, therefore, an alert has been sounded to follow the Standard Operative Procedures (SoPs) while patrolling or any area domination move with utmost precautions, they added.

The battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are deployed in the LWE affected areas.

The central forces have been asked to take local police along during patrolling and convoy movement; the road opening party must proceed ahead of the convoy.

The input also suggested strengthening of the intelligence network in the LWE areas with the concerned state police.

Prashant Bose alias Krishan Da, 75, who was carrying a cash reward of Rs one crore, was caught along with his wife Sheela Marandi, another senior Maoist leader in Jharkhand on November 11.

A number two in the extremist outfit, he also used to head the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) which he merged with CPI-ML (People's War) to form the CPI (Maoist) in 2004. His wife Sheela Marandi was reportedly the only woman member of the decision-making central committee of the CPI (Maoist).

On November 13, the Maharashtra Police killed at least 26 Maoists in a fierce encounter in the jungles of Gyarapatti in Gadchiroli district in which a top Maoist leader, Milind Teltumbde, was also killed.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bhopal, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the contribution and sacrifices made by the tribals were ignored and not told properly to the nation. Tribals fought against draconian rules of British, but they were not given the space in the history just because of the lack of intent by the political parties which ruled in the states and at the Centre for the last 70 years, he said.

The contributions made by the tribals must be taught at every stage now, the Prime Minister said while addressing a gathering of tribals at Bhopal's Jamburi Maidan on Monday.

"The Congress claims it had roots in the villages and especially in tribal areas but they always used tribals for vote bank. They took votes in the name of poverty but did nothing to improve their condition," Modi said.

He said he started working for tribals during his first tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.

"I had a long association with you (tribals) as I have spent several years roaming in tribal areas before becoming the chief minister of Gujarat. And therefore, I am aware of the kind of problems you face in forest areas," he added.

During his speech for over 30 minutes on the occasion of 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas', Modi narrated the stories of sacrifices made by tribal people, including Birsa Munda and Rani Kamlapati.

He said that the Centre has introduced many changes in new forest policies which will create jobs and business opportunities for tribals in their areas.

PM Modi congratulated Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for organising first ever 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' in the country.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Panaji, Nov 15 : The Congress in Goa is in talks with the Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward for the formation of an anti-BJP alliance, All India Congress Committee secretary in-charge of the coastal state Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday.

Rao also refused to set any deadline for the formation of an alliance for the Assembly polls which are scheduled to be held in early 2022, but added that mistakes in alliance formation like those in 2017 would not be repeated this time round.

"(We are) in discussion with NCP, MGP, Goa Forward. They are in discussion with us. All of them are feeling that this BJP government has to go. But ultimately an alliance requires proper alignment, but that has to play out properly," Rao told reporters at a press conference in Panaji.

"We cannot have alliances when there is no alignment. Last time, the alliances did not have a proper alignment. We cannot repeat those mistakes. The mistakes of the past should not be repeated and we should do it in a proper manner. We will take a decision at the right time, after everything is aligned properly," he also said.

"I have also said that we are open for having an alliance with people who are from the soil, who identify with the Goan soil and community and share values with the Congress. So definitely, we will be open for that. Our main thing is to see that this government should go," he also said.

In the run-up to the 2017 state Assembly polls, the Congress had a loose understanding with several independent candidates who eventually supported the BJP to later form the government.

Rao also said that the Congress continues to be the main opposition party in the state, stating that the party was also ready to contest polls in all 40 Assembly seats if need be.

"Congress party has got its own strength, so we can contest all 40 seats also. But at the same time we understand that our first aim is to see that the BJP government goes, so we are working on it in different ways," Rao said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Abu Dhabi, Nov 15 : India will have "massive additional" areas for oil exploration and production by 2025, said Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Housing and Urban Affairs, at an event here.

"As far as the government of India is concerned, we are going to step on the accelerator in terms of exploration and production in a very big way," Puri said after opening the India pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) on Monday.

India will double its oil and gas exploration acreage in the northeast part of the country.

"In the northeast, we will increase the area under E and P (exploration and production) from 30,000 square km to 60,000 square km," he said.

The minister said that India aims to expand its gas pipeline network to 34,000 km.

"This means $60 billion investment in gas pipeline infrastructure alone, increasing the refining capacity from 250 million metric tonnes to 400 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030 and gas mix from 6 per cent to 15 per cent," he said.

The ADIPEC returns as a face-to-face and in-person event presenting the global energy industry with its first opportunity to discuss the impact of the key decisions of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), and define the energy agenda for the next three decades.

The minister said that at the COP26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

"At the Glasgow COP26 Summit, the Prime Minister made some very bold announcements and committed us to net zero by 2070," he said.

At the ADIPEC, Puri will be engaging in bilateral meetings with his counterparts.

"The last year hasn't been easy as the Covid-19 pandemic subjected us to confront challenges, which were not experienced for a long time. This is one of the major global events. I am delighted to be here," he said.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ADIPEC welcomes more than 30 government ministers from around the world, which is a record number for the largest and most influential global energy forum.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kabul, Nov 15 : The delay in providing right to education and employment to women by the Afghan Taliban led interim government in Afghanistan has triggered protests and uproar in the country.

On Sunday, dozens of Afghan women took to the streets of Kabul again, demanding their right to learn and seek employment under the new Islamic Emirates rule.

Chanting slogans for their rights, protesters also lashed out at the international community for what they called ignoring the dire need for provision of basic rights to women in the country.

"We can tolerate hunger, can live without food, but we cannot tolerate injustice. We ask for freedom and justice in our country", said one of the protesters.

The latest protest is part of a series of protests that the Afghan women have been staging since the time Taliban took control of Afghanistan.

In the recent past, the Taliban security officials manhandled female protesters while media persons covering the protest were also assaulted and kept under custody.

The Afghan Taliban interim government later announced through its Ministry of Interior (MoI) that demonstrations without the permission of the relevant ministry would not be allowed.

Later, a pro-Taliban female rally was held in Kabul, where women chanted pro-Taliban slogans and expressed their support to the newly imposed Islamic law in the country.

The Taliban claims of ensuring provision of all basic rights to women as per the teachings under the Islamic rule of law, will be provided to its female citizens, including right to work and education, they said.

Recently, a girls' school in Herat was opened while Taliban claimed that female nurses and doctors have been coming to work without any problems.

"The Islamic Emirate does not cause discriminatory treatment for any part of the society, the problems and issues existed, we promise to resolve the problems," said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (IEA).

But many believe that majority of women are still prohibited and restricted from employment or education.

"Women are half of the society, they have rights, there should be opportunities for learning and working based on the customs and culture of Afghanistan", said Abdul Qadir, a local resident of Kabul.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Rugram, Nov 15 : The fourth family member of the former Sarpanch of Kasan village in Gurugram, who was injured after armed assailants opened fire at the family, also succumbed to his injuries. Three persons from the same family had died earlier.

The deceased identified as Balram (40) had suffered gunshot injuries and was admitted in a private hospital.

The family of the victim protested before the hospital on Monday against the police for inaction against the criminals and refused to take the body for the last rites.

"Several days after the incident, the police is yet to arrest the alleged criminals. Family members of the victims are getting threatened by the criminals and despite our complaints police have failed to nab the criminals. The police must kill the alleged criminals. We will not take our family member's body till the police carries out an encounter of the criminals," a protesting family member said.

Subhash Boken, the Gurugram police Spokesperson, said, "Three persons -- Vikas (21), Sohanpal (35) and Praveen (38) had died earlier. The fourth person Balram, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Two persons from the same family, including an 8-year-old boy, are undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger." Complainant Rajesh Kumar had said Yogender alias Rinku of Kasan village, Deepak alias Bholu of Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh), Manish Rana of Bhiwani, Amit alias Gaath of Sonipat and a few other assailants had barged into the house of former Sarpanch Gopal at 8 p.m. on Diwali night and opened indiscriminate fire.

Six members of Balram's family, his eight-year-old son Yash, maternal uncle Rajesh Kumar, his first cousin Praveen, Sohanpal and Rajesh's son Vikas had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The police have identified the prime suspect, Yogendra alias Rinku. The police claim that he had planned the attack to avenge his brother Manoj's murder in 2007.

The sarpanch's sons -- Balram and Sohanpal -- had allegedly killed Manoj, the brother of the prime suspect, after an altercation during Holi. Both were sentenced to life imprisonment but were released on bail seven years ago, the police said.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Maharashtra government is awaiting a nod from the Supreme Court for an almost 400-year-old tradition of bullock cart race that was banned by the Bombay High Court.

Called 'Shankarpaat', the bullock cart race is a traditional attraction at the fairs in villages across Maharashtra.

It starts soon after the Ganesh festival and continues right through the remaining Kharif, the entire rabi season and ends around April, ahead of summer.

It is not just popular because of the crowds it attracts, but it gives a push to the local economy wherever the events are held coinciding with fairs. This is a popular sport among the farming community.

Similar bullock cart races are held in Karnataka too, especially the areas that are adjoining Maharashtra.

There have been obvious comparisons with Jallikattu, another traditional sport from Tamil Nadu related to bullocks.

The Nagaraja case had resulted in the Supreme Court banning all such bull-related sports. While in Jallikattu, the men are directly in contact with the bullock, pouncing on the running bull, holding it by the hump and using other means to tame it, in Shankarpaat or the bullock cart race, a pair of bulls or a single bull will race along with the cart with the farmer holding the reins and goading the animal.

In April 2017, the state government passed an act that regularised the sport of Shankarpaat.

A PIL was filed in the Bombay High Court, which put a ban on the bullock cart races.

After the ban, the Maharashtra government approached the Supreme Court, which referred the matter to a five-judge bench.

This year, possibly as an antidote to the lockdown induced lull, there have been multiple attempts in Maharashtra where local farmers have resorted to organising such bullock cart races.

On Sunday, Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar accompanied by the state's Animal Husbandry Commissioner Shailesh Kende met Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi and the Maharashtra government's counsels on the issue.

Patil told IANS: "We are hoping that the Supreme Court will be hearing our case on Tuesday." Kedar was supposed to attend the hearing, which was originally expected on Monday, but rushed back to Mumbai for a meeting.

"This is a topic very close to the hearts of hundreds and thousands of farmers in Maharashtra. It also impacts the rural economy," Kedar said before leaving for Maharashtra.

Bharatiya Bailgada Sanghatana representative Ramkrishna Takalkar, who also accompanied the government delegation, said: "We farmers look after our bullocks just like our family members. There is no torture or cruelty involved with the animal during the bullock cart races, it is a misinformation campaign by animal lovers. The bullocks are fed regularly. What would we get by torturing the animal?" Takalkar focussed on the economic aspects of the bullock cart races in Maharashtra.

"If there are no race events at the local village fairs, the farmers have valid question to ask: why should we continue to have these bulls?" He had an even more pertinent question: "On the one hand, you allow horse races and on the other, you ban bullock cart races? Why the partiality?"
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 : Heavy rains that continue to lash almost all districts of Kerala for the past few days has caused damages to agricultural crops worth Rs 400 crore, said a state Minister.

State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad told the media on Monday that the damage to crops is around Rs 400 crore.

"We will now approach the Centre for the compensation and for that to happen, we request all those who have suffered damages to their crops in the next 10 days to raise their request for it," said Prasad.

Heavy rains have thrown life out of gear in many parts of Kerala including the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, besides Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kasargod districts.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked people to be cautious in the next few days following the heavy rains that have been lashing the state.

On Monday in the state capital district, two deaths have been reported when a tribal man was found dead after being washed away, while a four-year-old girl child fell into a overflowing well and died.

With these two deaths, the death toll due to heavy rains has risen to five, after three deaths took place on Sunday.

Consequent to the rains, the government declared holidays for educational institutions in nine districts of the state.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Central government on Monday extended the tenure of the Home Secretary, Defence Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau and Secretary of Research and Analysis Wing for a period of two years.

According to the gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension on November 15, the tenure of these officials can be extended up to five years.

"Provided also that the Central government may, if it considers necessary in public interest to do so, give extension in service to the Defence Secretary. Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau, Secretary of Research and Analysis Wing and Director of Central Bureau of Investigation appointed under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (25 of 1946) and Director of Enforcement appointed under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (45 of 2003) in the Central government for such period or periods as it may deem proper on a case-to-case basis for reasons to be recorded in writing, subject to the condition that the total term of such Secretaries or Directors, as the case may be, who are given such extension in service under this rule, does not exceed two years or the period provided in the respective Act or rules made thereunder, under which their appointments are made." According to the gazette notification: "The chiefs of the Central agencies currently have a fixed two-year tenure, but the government can now give three annual extensions from case to case basis." The Union government on Sunday issued a notification to extend the tenure of the Directors, Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate up to five years.

On May 27, the Centre had extended the tenure of Intelligence Bureau Chief Arvind Kumar and Secretary, Research and Analysis Wing, Samant Kumar Goel by one year. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla was also given an extension of one year beyond his tenure on August 12, 2021.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Hyderabad, Nov 15 : S.S. Rajamouli, who is ready with his upcoming movie 'RRR', took to his social media to thank Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming movie 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has averted a clash with 'RRR', and has postponed the release date. Touched by this gesture, Rajamouli thanked the producer Jayantilal Gada and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The Alia Bhatt-starrer 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' was originally slated for January 6 release. The makers issued a statement on Monday, announcing the new release date of the film. It is reported that the release of 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' has been postponed to February 18, avoiding a box-office clash with 'RRR'.

In much appreciation, SS. Rajamouli took to his Twitter Rajamouli wrote, "The decision by Mr. @JayantilalGada and Mr. #SanjayLeelaBhansali to move their release date is well appreciated. Our heartfelt wishes to #GangubaiKathiawadi." Alia Bhatt plays the lead actress in both 'RRR' and 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'. Rajamouli's directorial 'RRR' is a pan-India movie, which is being made in multiple languages and stars Telugu's biggest duo NTR and Ram Charan.

'RRR' is slated for its release on January 7.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Hyderabad, Nov 15 : Siddipet district Collector P. Venkatarami Reddy, who grabbed headlines for touching Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's feet and making alleged contemptuous remarks against a court, on Monday took voluntary retirement from service.

He is likely to join the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

A 2007 promoted IAS officer submitted his resignation to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, who accepted it.

Reddy is likely to join TRS and the chief minister is likely to nominate him to the State Legislative Council.

The officer's resignation came on the day when TRS is scheduled to announce its candidates for Council polls.

Meanwhile, Venkatarami Reddy said he would join TRS after receiving an invitation from the chief minister. Stating that the TRS government is working for the welfare of people, he said he would work under the guidance of KCR.

The 1996 batch Group I officer was conferred with IAS rank in 2007. A native of Peddapalli district, he was appointed Collector of united Medak district in 2014 after formation of Telangana state. He also served as the Collector of Rajanna Sircilla district.

Reddy's remarks at a meeting with seed sellers on October 25 had triggered a row with opposition parties demanding action against him. Telangana High Court had also taken note of his remarks.

On December 2, the High Court recommended criminal contempt proceedings against Venkatarami Reddy. The court asked as to why he was behaving as if the state had included paddy in the list of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances.

Justice T. Vinod Kumar, while directing the government not to harass paddy seed sellers, had referred the issue of contemptuous behaviour of the collector to Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma.

The court was hearing the petition filed by a farmer, who questioned the orders of the collector. During a meeting with seed sellers, the Collector had warned that their licenses would be cancelled if they sell paddy seeds and that he would not honour the court orders, even if they secure a stay.

The officials' warning came in view of the state government's advice to farmers not to grow paddy in the coming season as the Centre had refused to lift the stocks from the state.

The Collector later clarified that he never intended to speak against the honour and respect of the courts.

In June, Venkatarami Reddy had drawn the ire of many by touching the feet of Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao.

Reddy had touched the feet of the chief minister to seek his blessings at the inauguration of the newly-constructed collectorate at Siddipet district headquarters.
Chennai, Nov 15 : Senior advocates of the Madras High Court on Monday held a protest march against the Supreme Court collegium's decision to transfer Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee to Meghalaya.

Almost all the senior advocates of the Madras High court participated in the protest march. The Bar association of the Madras High Court has already passed a resolution against the transfer of the Chief Justice to a relatively very small state.

Justice Sanjib Banerjee, who joined Madras High Court as its Chief Justice, has only served for ten months since January 2021. He brought out several landmark judgments antagonising the power centres at both state and central governments.

The protesting advocates want the transfer to be cancelled or dropped so that Justice Sanjib Banerjee continues in office. He was serving at the Kolkotta High Court before his transfer to Tamil Nadu.

Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA) President, G. Mohanakrishnan told IANS, "We are distressed to note that the present Chief Justice was recommended for transfer from Chennai to Meghalaya. He had assumed office only in January 2021 and was a good judge. We fervently appeal to the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court Collegium to consider the views of the legal fraternity and take a decision in the interest of all the stakeholders." However Advocate G. Karthikeyan, Assistant Solicitor General of the Madras High Court and President, Madras Bar Association, questioned the logic behind the protest only for the Chief Justice and said many judges were shifted to other high courts in the recent past.

Karthikeyan also questioned the rationale behind the passing of a resolution in respect of Justice Banerjee alone.

MHAA has over 20,000 members.
New Delhi, Nov 15: Imran Khan has been hit by a pincer strike. On the one side, the ferocious Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has trapped him and on another axis, the Afghan Taliban is targeting him. This is the general perception that is emerging at the grassroots level in Pakistan, where the people are angry and hurt by the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Imran Khan government and the TTP, a UN banned outfit.

"Extremist group TTP should be held accountable for the killings of thousands of people before any negotiations for bringing them into the national political mainstream can take place," said Hina Jilani, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Pakistani daily The News reports.

The opposition parties too are angry because they were kept dark about Imran Khan's secret deal with TTP.

"The problem is that the government hasn't taken parliament into confidence and has gone about talks with the TTP unilaterally, which is not right. There need not be a binary between kinetic war and talking to militants," said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chief of Pakistan People's Party. He asserted that the only way to hold talks with the TTP is from a position of strength.

"We need real Red Lines especially with respect to the Constitution," he pointed out.

Though both sides are silent on the terms and conditions of the secret deal, Pakistani media has reported that the Imran Khan government has laid three conditions before the TTP -- accept the constitution, lay down arms and get an identity card. In response, the militant group too has forwarded its own conditions -- Shariat system & courts in tribal belt & Malakand, removal of Pakistani military fences from Durand line, the TTP to be allowed to keep weapons in tribal areas and withdrawal of Pak Army from tribal belt.

Pakistani experts believe that the TTP and the government both are engaged in a tactical game. While Imran Khan's strategy is to divide the group and check on its eagerness to reconcile, the statements emanating from the TTP do not appear to suggest that they are negotiating from a position of weakness.

Amid the talks, Imran Khan got slammed by the Pakistani Supreme Court, which summoned Khan and grilled him for more than two hours over the "secret" deals with the TTP militants, who are the main accused of killing 140 school children in 2014 among other crimes.

"Why are we bringing them (TTP) to the negotiating table instead of taking action against them?" a judge asked Khan.

The court asked the Prime Minister to pay heed to the parents' demands and take action against the school attackers and submit the report in four weeks.

According to Pakistani analysts, the deal is brokered by the Interior Minister of the Taliban regime and the Chief of terror outfit, Sirajuddin Haqqani -- it is like one terror group is mediating talks between another terror group and the government -- it is in a very uncomfortable situation.

"Who is the guarantor -- Haqqanis? A terror outfit, how can Imran Khan trust these terror outfits," ask one analyst.

Some Pakistani observers feel that Imran Khan was doing deals with the militant organisations first with the TLP and then with the TTP for his survival as his government is losing the grip over the country. The worsening economic situation is haunting Imran Khan who is already in many controversies, including on the appointment of the ISI Chief.

Even supporters of Imran Khan's slogan of change, "Naya Pakistan", have started talking about his mistakes and biases.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
November 15 : Bobby Deol shared an unseen picture from his childhood that features his father, veteran actor Dharmendra. Taking to his Instagram handle, Bobby shared the picture and skipped a caption as the photo said it all.

In the picture, Dharmendra can be seen sitting on a lounger amid hills and greenery. A toddler Bobby can be seen sitting on the veteran actors lap while his sisters Vijeta and Ajeita are sitting next to Dharmendra on the lounger. Bobby captioned the picture with a few heart emojis. Dharmendra can be seen wearing a brown blazer and brown pants.

Dharmendra dropped a comment on it as he wrote, Love you my darling kids. Lovely memories. Abhishek Bachchan and Darshan Kumaar dropped heart emojis on the post.

Last month, on brother Sunny Deols 65 birthday, Bobby took to social media to wish him with a sweet post. He had shared yet another unseen picture with his siblings, which featured Sunny Deol, Bobby himself and their two sisters, Ajeita Deol and Vijeta Deol. The siblings can be seen hugging tightly in the photo. Sharing the lovely picture, Bobby wrote, Happy birthday Bhaiya you mean the world to me (several heart emojis). Sunny, Bobby, Ajeita and Vijeta are Dharmendras children with his first wife Prakash Kaur. Both Ajeita and Vijeta, who are settled in the US, have stayed away from Bollywood.

Meanwhile, Bobbys web series Ashram is still facing protests. Recently, its filmmaker Prakash Jha was roughed up and his face smeared with ink when a group of Bajrang Dal members went on a rampage on the set of his web series being shot in Bhopal. Bajrang Dal members chased down crew members, and beat them up mercilessly.

Bajrang Dal members said Prakash Jha's web series was an assault on Hinduism and they will not allow its filming till the title was changed. Bajrang Dal members shouted slogans like "Prakash Jha Murdabad", "Bobby Deol Murdabad" and "Jai Shri Ram" as they attacked the set in Bhopal. They also said that they were looking for Bobby Deol.

On the work front, Bobby Deol was seen in successful web series like Aashram, and film like Class of 83. He will be seen in Penthouse on Netflix, which also stars Arjun Rampal.
Imphal, Nov 15 : After a deadly terror attack which killed seven persons, including an Assam Rifles Colonel, the security forces recovered powerful IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) fitted with a mobile phone handset and digital watch from three locations in Manipur, the police said on Monday.

The police added that a powerful IED, wrapped in black polythene, was found near the house gate of one Aribam Sashikumar Sharma at Khongman in Imphal East district on Monday.

Bomb and dog squads were rushed to the area and defused the IED fitted with a digital watch connected with two 9-volt battery along with one tiffin box.

One special detonator, gelatin (500 gm) and splinters were found inside the tiffin container.

On Sunday, another powerful IED fixed with a mobile phone handset was recovered by the police near the residence of MLA, L. Shusindro Singh at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai under Porompat police station in the same Imphal East district in which one person was arrested.

In another incident on Sunday, the police recovered a bag containing as many as 20 hand-made crude bombs from the roadside near Yangbi primary school under Hiyanglam police station in Kakching district.

On Saturday, Assam Rifles in a joint operation with Manipur Police recovered 20 M-79 grenade also known as 'Lathode' hidden in a jute bag near Wabagai Yanbi High school in Kakching district.

The recovered ammunition was destroyed by the bomb disposal squad, officials said on Monday.

Assam Rifles Colonel Viplav Tripathi and four soldiers of the paramilitary forces were gunned down by People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Manipur Naga People's Front (MNPF) militants in the bordering Churachandpur district along Myanmar.

Tripathi's wife and their nine-year-old son were also killed in the militant attack. For the first time, the militants in the northeast killed the family members of a security official.

A combined force of the Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police commandos continued their operation on Monday to nab the militants. The incident took place near Sekhen village, as the militants first detonated IEDs and then fired on the convoy of 46 Battalion Assam Rifles, when Col. Tripathi along with his family members was going to supervise a civic action programme in Churachandpur.

Police and intelligence officials suspect that the guerrillas came from Myanmar and after the attack went back over the border.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with Delhi High Court's interim order on door-to-door supply of food grains by the Delhi government.

The Delhi High Court had on September 27 cleared the way for the implementation of the doorstep delivery of ration scheme, against which the Centre moved the Supreme Court.

The Delhi government assured the Supreme Court that it will not implement its door-to-door ration delivery scheme till the Delhi High Court takes up the main petition pending there against the validity of the scheme on November 22.

The Delhi government also brought on record that its scheme is "fully compatible with one nation one ration card (ONORC) scheme".

A bench headed by justice L. Nageswara Rao and comprising justice B.R. Gavai queried Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Delhi government: "Have you started implementing the scheme (doorstep delivery of ration)?" Singhvi submitted that 90 per cent of the citizens have applied for this scheme -- 69 lakh people out of 72 lakh have been registered.

Singhvi added that these days Amazon is making home deliveries, food is being delivered at home, and also liquor, therefore there is nothing wrong in delivery of food grains at the doors of poor people under public distribution system (PDS).

He added that there are lobbies, which do not want the Delhi government to fill the leakage in the system.

The bench queried, "Has the Delhi government implemented the scheme?" Singhvi replied, "Not started in full swing, preparations are going on".

The bench posed the second query, does it take care of ONORC scheme? Singhvi replied the Delhi government takes pride in making the scheme absolutely free from corruption, as everything has been computerised, and biometrics is also there. "Fully compatible with ONORC scheme", submitted Singhvi.

After hearing the arguments in the matter, the bench initially recorded in the order that the Delhi government should not implement the scheme till the disposal of the matter by the High Court.

However, Singhvi pressed that this will become a long stay on the scheme and insisted that the government will not implement it till November 22.

Singhvi requested the bench to record in the order his submission that there is no possibility of the scheme being implemented within a week.

"These words may propagate that there is complete stay on scheme", said Singhvi.

The bench said it will examine Singhvi's submission, when the final order is passed.

The bench also said it is not inclined to entertain Special Leave Petitions filed by the Centre and Delhi Sarkari Ration Dealers Sangh against the Delhi High Court order passed on September 27, 2021.

The top court also asked the parties not to take adjournment in the matter, when it comes up for hearing at the High Court.

The Centre, in its plea, had told the top court that the Delhi government's door-to-door ration scheme will create an "opaque" PDS, which will put at risk numerous beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, who are covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the national capital.

The Centre contended that the door-to-door ration scheme not only has "material deficiencies" but is also in stark contradiction to the NFSA, 2013, and may also have adverse implications in the implementation of the ONORC scheme.
Chennai, Nov 15 : The Madras High Court on Monday barred the state government's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department from opening new colleges in the state. The department was planning to open eight new arts and science colleges in various districts of Tamil Nadu.

The first bench of the Madras High Court comprising of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D. Adikesavalu issued the orders on a public interest litigation filed by one T.R. Ramesh challenging the government order of the Tamil Nadu Higher Education department permitting the HR&CE department to open new colleges.

The petitioner alleged that steps for establishing a college by the Kapaleeshwar temple at Kolathur, the Assembly constituency of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, were taken in a rush and proper procedures were not followed in establishing the college.

Ramesh in his petition alleged that funds of the temples should be used for the restoration and renovation of the temples concerned. In the petition, he said decisions on financial matters can be taken only by the trustees and not those persons appointed on an adhoc basis for managing the administration of the temples.

Tamil Nadu advocate general (AG), R. Shanmugasundaram informed the court that of the eight colleges sanctioned by the Higher Education department, four have already started functioning -- Kolathur in Chennai, Thiruchengode in Namakkal, Oddanchathram in Dindigul and Vilathikulam in Thoothukudi, and admission proceedings have started. The AG told the court that four other colleges would be set up soon.

He informed the court that once a part of the temple fund is deposited under the common goods funds with the HR&CE Commissioner, it could be utilized for opening new colleges. He said the process of opening educational institutions by the HR&CE department is not new and cited the example of Paraskathi college under the department at Kuttalam which was functioning in a commendable manner for the past six decades.

However, the Court restrained the HR&CE department from opening new colleges without appointing trustees for those particular temples as also without the consent of the court other than the four already set up.

The bench said only the trustees are allowed the powers to manage the properties and offerings of a temple and another person cannot decide on financial matters as he was only a stop-gap arrangement.

The court directed the HR&CE department to introduce a new subject on Hindu religion on a regular stream basis within four months in the colleges under the department that have already started functioning. The court directed the AG that these colleges will not be allowed to function if a new subject on Hindu religion is not taught on a regular basis.
Patna, Nov 15 : Ahead of an assessment meeting on liquor scheduled on Tuesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reiterated on Monday that people can die if they consume liquor.

"People can die if they consume liquor. It is a bad substance. I don't understand why people drink liquor," Nitish Kumar said while interacting with mediapersons after the 'Janta Darbar' on Monday.

The Chief Minister said that he would interact with every district magistrate, superintendent of police and senior officials of the state at the assessment meeting scheduled on Tuesday. The meeting comes after over 40 persons died in the state after consuming illicit liquor in the past few weeks.

"We will try to find out the loose gaps besides strictly implementing the rules to prevent violations. We will take stringent action against the violators," he said.

The Chief Minister also said that the ban on liquor in the state was imposed with the consent of the opposition leaders in April 2016, but now some people are opposing the same.

"We had imposed the ban on liquor after receiving complaints from women, and the opposition leaders and MLCs had passed the resolution then. After the ban, a large number of people had quit drinking. But some people are still addicted to alcohol and they are the ones indulging in wrongdoings. We will take stringent action against them," Nitish Kumar said.

"We have decided to conduct the assessment meeting on Tuesday to take further decisions in the matter. We are also making efforts to educate the people about the negative consequences of consuming liquor. We have directed the concerned officials to take adequate measures in their respective jurisdictions. People involved in illicit liquor trade will be punished," he said.

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of opposition in the Bihar Assembly, said: "He (Nitish Kumar) used to hold high-level meetings with the same officials and ministers. What change has he made? Liquor tragedies keep occuring in Bihar with people losing their lives." "I firmly believe that the gangs of Nitish Kumar are involved in these incidents," Tejashwi Yadav said while pointing at the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual assault on minor girls and the latest murder of Rintu Singh Purnea where the family members of the deceased alleged the involvement of cabinet minister Lesi Singh.

"In every case of murder, kidnapping or any other crime, the people of JD-U or the BJP are involved," Tejashwi Yadav said.
Mumbai, Nov 15 : Kartik Aaryan has been keeping busy with the promotions of his upcoming action thriller 'Dhamaka'. Continuing the promotional spree, the actor recently visited the 'Bigg Boss 15' sets.

The actor was left pleasantly surprised to find a fan in none other than the 'Bhaijaan of Bollywood' Salman Khan. The 'Dabangg' actor heaped praises on Kartik for his choice of projects.

Salman said, "Feels good that you are doing such wonderful films Kartik. Your choice of films have started getting better, earlier too you did good films but your choices have gotten better".

Kartik and Salman spoke on a range of subjects as the two had an amazing time together on the sets. From rapid fire questions, to identifying real news from fake ones, to industry talks, the actors shared a good rapport and gave the audiences a lot of reasons to laugh.

Talking about 'Dhamaka' the film directed by Ram Madhvani of 'Neerja' fame, features Kartik as a journalist. It shows how being over-ambitious can lead to dangerous consequences.

Recently, the makers released the song 'Khoya Paya' from the film which showcases Kartik questioning his own actions.

The film which also stars Mrunal Thakur and Amruta Subhash is all set to stream on Netflix from November 19.

Latest updates on Bigg Boss Season 15
Srinagar, Nov 15 : An encounter has started between terrorists and security forces at Hyderpora in Central Kashmir's Srinagar district on Monday, officials said.

"Encounter has started at Hyderpora Srinagar. Police and Security Forces are on the job," police said.

The firefight between terrorists and security forces took place after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of terrorists.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : India, Singapore and Thailand carry out joint naval exercise in Andaman Sea to imbibe best practices adopted by each country.

"Indian Naval Ship (INS) Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette is participating in the 3rd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX - 21, from November 15 to November 16, 2021 in Andaman Sea," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is being represented by RSS Tenacious, a Formidable Class Frigate and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) by His Majesty's Thailand Ship (HTMS) Thayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft.

SITMEX is being conducted annually since 2019 with an aim to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between Indian Navy, Singapore Navy and Thai Navy.

The maiden edition of SITMEX was hosted by Indian Navy off Port Blair in September 2019. Singapore Navy hosted the second edition of the exercise in November 2020. The 2021 edition of the exercise is being hosted by Thai Navy in Andaman Sea.

The exercise is being conducted as a 'non-contact, at sea only' exercise in view of Covid-19 restrictions and highlights growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies.

The two days of maritime drills will witness the three navies engaged in a various tactical exercises including naval manoeuvres and surface warfare drills.

"The drill will fortify the long-standing bond of friendship and further enhance the cooperation between the participating navies towards augmenting the overall maritime security in the region," said Indian Navy.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Woman power may make a strong statement in next years Union Budget as the economic policy recommendations may come from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the top, ably guided by a first-ever woman Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).

The process of selection of the new CEA, which is underway now, has participation from more women this year with a strong chance that the country for the first time may have a dual combination of a woman FM and CEA guiding the Budget making process for 2022-23.

Sources said that three names are being bandied about in the corridors of power. These include Dr Pami Dua, Professor at Delhi School of Economics; Poonam Gupta, Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Gita Gopinath, chief economist at the IMF, who vacates her office in January 2022 making her available for assignment in India.

The government has invited applications for the post of CEA which will fall vacant next month (December 7) as present incumbent K V Subramanian completes his three-year tenure. Subramanian has said that he will be leaving the finance ministry to return to academia following the completion of his tenure.

Sources said that though the applications invited from the Department of Economic Affairs are valid till next week, some of the candidates already identified by it may get preference and it is here that the chances of getting the first woman CEA get stronger. Sources also said that the current Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal may emerge as the dark horse for the position as he has been with the government for some time and is aligned to its thinking that would hold the key to framing next year's Economic Survey.

With regard to women candidates, Dr Pami Dua was picked by the Modi government in 2016 as the first woman member of the RBI's all powerful Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) for four years. Poonam Gupta, on the other hand, was the RBI Chair Professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy and was recently appointed as one of the seven members of the reconstituted Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

The name of Gita Gopinath, 50, is also doing the rounds over her strong India connections and talks on pandemic economics where India's role has been lauded. The only drawback in her candidature comes from her holding US citizenship.

In these circumstances, sources said that Sanyal could be the right candidate. But as the budget is already round the corner, there is also thinking that the government delay the release of the Economic Survey 2021-22, till the appointment of the CEA is completed and the person is able to oversee the survey. However, this would mean that Budget announcements may come without a survey, an unprecedented event.

The process of appointing the CEA involves vetting of candidates by a search committee which will then shortlist at least three candidates whose names will go for approval before the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.
London, Nov 15 : A UK-based company is soon set to begin clinical trials of an easy-to-administer skin patch against Covid-19, the media reported.

While Covid vaccines target antibody responses -- getting stuck to the virus and stopping it from infecting cells -- Emergex's vaccine uses T-cells to find and kill infected cells thus preventing viral replication and disease, the Guardian reported.

The vaccine will be administered as a skin patch the size of a thumbnail bristling with micro-needles that releases the shot within seconds. It can last for up to three months at room temperature, unlike other jabs that need to be stored in the freezer or fridge.

The skin patch consists of tiny gold particles coated in peptides (bits of proteins) designed to generate the T-cell response in the body, the report said.

Other Covid vaccines developed by Pfizer and AstraZeneca also produce a T-cell response, but to a lesser extent.

Further, the currently available Covid vaccines mainly elicit an antibody response that wanes over time, meaning people need booster shots.

But, Emergex's vaccine works differently. It kills infected cells quickly, which means it could offer longer lasting immunity -- possibly for decades -- and could also be better at fighting virus mutations, Robin Cohen, the firm's chief commercial officer, was quoted as saying.

The Swiss drugs regulator has granted approval for Emergex to conduct the initial human trial in Lausanne. The trial involves 26 people who will receive a high and a low-dose of its experimental Covid-19 vaccine, starting on January 3. Interim results from the trial are expected in June. However, the Emergex shot will not be available until 2025 at the earliest, the report said.

"This is the first time a regulator has approved a Covid vaccine to go into clinical trials whose sole purpose is to generate a targeted T-cell response in the absence of an antibody response and those T-cells look for infected cells and kill them," Cohen said.

"The virus is the asteroid: it fires into the planet and a viral code, a signature for that virus, is rapidly displayed all over the surface. These signatures are read by T-cells as foreign, and the T-cells kill the cell before it can produce new live viruses," he explained.

According to Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, a T-cell vaccine may not "do the job on its own" but could complement the current vaccines as boosters as T-cell vaccines might be more impervious to virus mutations.

"Antibodies are very sensitive to mutations while T-cells can see many other parts of the virus. Maybe that's a selling point for T-cell vaccines," Altmann was quoted as saying.

Emergex is also testing another T-cell vaccine against dengue fever on humans in a separate Swiss trial, with initial results due in January. The firm also wants to deploy its T-cell vaccines against influenza, Zika, Ebola and other infections.
Hyderabad, Nov 15 : The workers of BJP and TRS clashed in Miryalguda on Monday after the visit by Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar to some paddy procurement centres triggered tension.

Demanding that Kumar should secure an assurance from the Centre for the procurement of paddy during the upcoming Rabi season, the leaders and workers of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) tried to disrupt his visit.

The two sides pelted stones on each other, forcing the police to resort to lathi charge to disperse the clashing groups.

Kumar, who is also an MP, visited the procurement centres in Nalgonda and Suryapet districts to 'expose' what he calls TRS government's failure to procure paddy from the farmers.

He, however, had to face protest from the TRS cadres. Holding black flags and raising slogans of 'Bandi Sanjay go back', the protesters tried to stop him.

Before Kumar's visit, local TRS MLAs also visited the procurement centres, claiming that the state government is committed to procure the entire paddy crop cultivated during the Rabi season. They alleged that the BJP leader was trying to provoke the farmers.

Kumar, however, alleged that the farmers at the procurement centres were facing severe hardships as the state government was not procuring the paddy. He alleged that the TRS government is blaming the Centre for its failure to come to the rescue of the farmers.

Claiming that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had promised to procure the last grain from the farmers, the BJP leader said that KCR, as the CM is popularly know, has gone back on his word to escape from his responsibility.

The BJP leader said that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is ready to procure 60 lakh tonnes of paddy, but the state government has so far procured only seven lakh tonnes during the ongoing season.

Kumar first visited the IKP centre at Arjalabhavi in Nalgonda district. He, however, had to face a protest by TRS workers who were carrying black flags. The BJP supporters raised counter slogans and the two sides nearly came to blows. The police had to intervene to disperse the TRS workers.

Kumar claimed that posing as farmers, the TRS workers came to the centre and attacked his party workers.

Later, the BJP leader's visit to another procurement centre at Vemulapalem village in Miryalguda also led to tension. TRS cadres who had gathered there raised slogans asking Kumar to go back. The BJP workers raised counter slogans. Both sides pelted stone on each other, resulting in injuries to a few workers. The BJP leaders alleged that TRS men attacked them with eggs and tomatoes.

The clash between the two parties came close on the heels of a war of words between the Chief Minister and Kumar. KCR had slammed Kumare for what he called provoking the farmers by asking them to grow paddy while the Centre had made it clear that it will not lift paddy in the next season.

TRS had staged protests in all the Assembly constituencies on November 12, demanding the Centre to procure the entire paddy crop from the state. Ministers, MPs and state legislators had participated in the protest.

Meanwhile, TRS has announced that a meeting of its legislators will be chaired by Chief Minister and TRS chief KCR on Tuesday to discuss the Centre's stand on paddy procurement.

The meeting will chalk out the future course of action. The ruling party alleged that the Centre and the BJP are adopting double standards and misleading the farmers and people of the state.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat visited defence establishments in Nagpur to have deliberations with indigenous private defence manufacturers on Monday.

He was briefed on projects undertaken by indigenous private defence manufacturers as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India) initiative.

He visited Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), Nagpur and was given an overview on the latest products being developed by the company including Multi-mode hand grenades and various other explosives, missiles and armed drones. He was briefed by the Chairman EEL Satyanarayan Nuwal on various manufacturing facilities.

On his arrival, the Chief of Defence Staff was received by Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary, Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOC-in-C), Maintenance Command and General Officer Commanding (GOC) Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area, Major General Dinesh Hooda.

Subsequent to the EEL visit, General Rawat visited the Airforce Maintenance Command at Nagpur and was briefed by Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary on the role played by the Command to ensure all time serviceability of different kinds of aircraft and AF equipment.

Later, Major General Dinesh Hooda briefed General Rawat on the proactive role played by the formation in Covid-19 mitigation, ex-servicemen welfare and extending relief during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

The Chief of Defence Staff was later shown the infrastructure development, ecological works and other initiatives undertaken by the formation since its relocation from Mumbai to Nagpur in March 2018.

In August, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Southern Command on Friday and reviewed the engineering research centre and strategic systems complex of big private firms engaged in defence manufacturing. He had visited INS Hansa in Goa.
Patna, Nov 15 : Three youths kidnapped a minor girl from Bihar's West Champaran district, took her to Gorakhpur and gang raped her for one month, an official said on Monday.

As per the complaint lodged by her father at Gauhana police station, the victim had left her house on October 7 to defecate in the open.

The accused, Anil Inshearul and two of his friends who were on a three-wheeler, kidnapped the girl from a farm land while she was on her way back home. They then took her to Narkatiaganj railway station.

The victim's father said on Sunday after the girl escaped: "On their way to Narkatiaganj, they injected a medicine to make her unconscious. Following that, they took her to Gorakhpur and held her captive in a room. When she regained consciousness, she found herself locked in a room.

"As my daughter has not returned home since October 7, we asked the local police to immediately register an FIR but they registered it on October 20." As per the victim's statement, the trio held her captive in a room and gang raped her. They also brutalised her for hours every day.

On Sunday, the victim managed to escape from the clutches of the trio. She took help from a person who also gave her train fare to reach Narkatiaganj.

However, when she reached Narkatiaganj railway station, the trio who were already present there, injected her and left her in a lane behind her house in an unconscious state.

"We have conducted medical examination of the victim which confirms rape. The accused will be put behind the bars soon," said Kundan Kumar, SDPO of Narkatiaganj range in West Champaran district.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : India on Monday decided to reopen the entry of all foreign tourists following a sharp and sustained decline in Covid-19 cases.

According to the officials, now the foreign travelers will be allowed to visit India without a mandatory quarantine. The government's move came 20 months after the pandemic situation improved in the country.

India has now allowed entry to fully inoculated tourists from 99 countries including the UK, USA, Israel, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Kuwait, Colombia, Russia and Germany, who have already recognized the Indian vaccination certificates or WHO-recognised vaccinated Indian travelers in their countries.

The government only requires that such tourists monitor their health for 14 days after their arrival in India.

In case of a foreigner who has taken only one shot, will have to go for RT-PCR test at the airports or any entry points in India and will have to go for seven days self home quarantine stay in case of a positive report and on the 8th day, the RT-PCR test will be done again and then they can walk free in the country.

In case a person is found positive in the second RT-PCR test, he will have to stay in home quarantine for another eight days.

Earlier, the Indian authorities had allowed foreign tourists through chartered flights and they had to go for 14 days home mandatory quarantine but now that restrictions have been eased off.

In March 2020 the government suspended visas of all foreign nationals as the Covid-19 pandemic was on a steep hike. In December 2020, the government launched an 'air bubble' or 'air corridor' scheme with 19 countries such as USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, the Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan so that the stranded passengers in India can leave to their countries and the Indians who were stuck in these countries might return to India.

The Indian authorities allowed the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cardholders to visit here.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand over Light Combat Helicopters, indigenously designed drones, advanced electronic warfare suits and other military equipment to armed forces in Jhansi on November 19.

The prime minister will also unveil the first project that starts at Jhansi in the UP defence corridor. A unit for manufacturing of Bharat Dynamics Ltd for developing propulsion system for anti guided missiles worth Rs 400 will be set up over there.

Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) would be handed over to the Air Force, drones to the Army and advanced electronic warfare suits to the Navy. The Defence Acquisition Council had approved 40 such helicopters to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

LCH is a new addition to HAL's helicopter division. This twin-engine helicopter is a dedicated combat helicopter of 5-8 tonne class.

LCH incorporates advanced technologies and stealth features for effective combat roles and is designed to carry out roles such as destruction of enemy air defence, counter insurgency, search and rescue, anti-tank, Counter Surface Force Operations etc. LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world which can land and take-off at an altitude of 5,000 m (16,400 ft) with considerable load of weapons & fuel.

Initiatives include setting up of 100 new Sainik Schools, launch of NCC Border and Coastal Scheme, NCC Alumni Association and national programme of Simulation Training for NCC cadets would also be carried out over there.

Digital kiosk at National War Memorial to pay tribute to fallen heroes and National War Memorial mobile app will also be launched, the Defence Ministry said.

The Ministry said that they are formally dedicating a number of schemes to the nation in a celebration titled 'Rashtra Raksha Samparpan Parv' being organised from November 17-19, 2021 in Jhansi.
GADCHIROLI : Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Monday visited Gadchiroli and felicitated the entire police team which carried out the forest encounter in which 26 Maoists were killed on Saturday. Image Source: IANS News

GADCHIROLI : Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Monday visited Gadchiroli and felicitated the entire police team which carried out the forest encounter in which 26 Maoists were killed on Saturday. Image Source: IANS News

GADCHIROLI : Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Monday visited Gadchiroli and felicitated the entire police team which carried out the forest encounter in which 26 Maoists were killed on Saturday. Image Source: IANS News

Gadchiroli : , Nov 15 (IANS) Two days after the Maharashtra Police's crack teams eliminated 26 Maoists in an encounter here, Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil on Monday congratulated the force for the huge success achieved against the insurgents.

"This is a major achievement, and I congratulate and compliment all the officers and men involved in this daring operation," Walse-Patil said while interacting with the Special Operations Squad (C-60) Commandos, who led the attack with around 500 men on Saturday.

He said the mega operation will give a fillip to the peace efforts in the Maoist-infested regions and the government can concentrate on the development process.

Among the top officials present were Gadchiroli Range IGP Sandip Patil, Gadchiroli SP Ankit Goyal, Additional SPs Sameer Shaikh, Somay Munde, Anuj Tare, and Vaibhav Rankhamb of C-60 and his commandos.

He said the government is planning to launch some special schemes for the Gadchiroli Police as well as consider the demands of the families of the martyrs who want jobs in the government.

"We must now concentrate on development, employment opportunities for the local people, proper housing, appropriate remunerative prices for the local farmers etc.," said Walse-Patil.

Realtime intelligence inputs of a major Maoist convention being held in the forests of Mardintola ahead of the upcoming 'Maoist Week' had prompted the C-60 team to launch a massive combing operation late on Friday.

Around dawn on Saturday, the force virtually came face-to-face with the estimated 100-strong heavily armed Maoist warriors, and ordered them to surrender, but they retaliated by opening indiscriminate fire at the police personnel.

This triggered a nearly 10-hour-long gun-battle in which the police managed to kill 26 Maoists, including six women, all of them totally carrying a bounty of Rs 1.380 crore, while some 70-odd Maoists managed to flee from the fierce police assault.

Later on Sunday, it was confirmed that among those neutralised was the dreaded and most wanted Maoist leader of the region, Milind Teltumbade (57), who carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head.

The security forces seized a large cache of arms and ammunition comprising 5 AK-47 rifles, one AKM-UBGL, 9 SLRs, one three mm pistols, one INSAS rifle, nine 2.2 single bore-guns, three .303 rifles, besides explosives in huge quantities and other articles of normal use.

The major anti-Maoist achievement notched in Gadchiroli has been lauded by the top leaders of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi partners Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress, among others.
Mumbai, Nov 15 : A Special PMLA Court on Monday sent Maharashtra ex-home minister Anil Deshmukh to 14 days' judicial custody, two weeks after his remand with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ended.

Special PMLA Court Judge H.S. Satbhai also permitted a bed and prescribed medicines to Deshmukh,72, given his advanced age and health conditions, though the ED's Special Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar opposed the demand.

The senior Nationalist Congress Party leader was arrested early on November 2 in connection with a money-laundering case filed by the ED and has since been in the agency's custody.

The ED's case followed a corruption FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh - currently 'missing' - wrote a letter in March accusing Deshmukh of allegedly asking a sacked cop Sachin Vaze to collect Rs 100 crore from Mumbai hoteliers between December 2020 and February 2021.

The Special Judge Satbhai heard Special Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar and Deshmukh lawyers Inderpal Singh and Aniket Nikam, and after the ED did not seek further remand, ordered judicial custody for the NCP leader.
Bhopal, Nov 15 : On the occasion of freedom fighter Birsa Munda's birth anniversary on Monday, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh tried to present itself as more sympathetic towards the tribals.

To reach out to them, in view of the next Assembly polls due in 2023, both the parties organised events at different places to celebrate the occasion. While the Shivraj Singh Chouhan led BJP government organised a mega event -- 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' at Bhopal's largest ground Jamburi Maidan -- the Congress celebrated the occasion in Jabalpur, around 300 kms from the state capital.

In Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced several tribal centric schemes. Two Congress leaders and former Chief Ministers of the state -- Digvijaya Singh (1993 to 2003) and Kamal Nath (December 2018- March 2020) -- accused the BJP of using the occasion for political gains.

Addressing a gathering of over two lakh people (as estimated by the MP government) at a colourful event in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the Congress responsible for not giving deserving space for the heroic stories of sacrifices by the tribals and their contribution in developing India.

Naming a dozen tribal heroes, Modi congratulated the gathering announcing that Birsa Munda's birth anniversary will be celebrated like that of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.

"Tribal cultures are our heritage. Tribals are skilled in the arts but they were not given a marketplace in the last 70 years. Their poor condition was used for just political gains. But, this have started changing since the last 7 years. I have made some changes in policies of forest and mining which create job opportunities for tribals at their places. Handmade crafts of tribals are given space for business and their arts are in global markets through online." He said that dozens of schemes introduced by the Chouhan-led BJP government will bring more changes in the lives of tribals in Madhya Pradesh. "I am happy to know that tribals deprived of public services will be getting foodgrains at their doorstep. The Centre has also made some policies which are going to bring changes in tribals' lives," Modi added.

Chouhan has announced distributing foodgrains in tribal areas in several districts at their doorstep. "Our government is committed to provide ample opportunity for tribal children to grow up. All vacant posts for tribals will be filled in all departments soon," Chouhan said while addressing the gathering.

In Jabalpur, Kamal Nath said the BJP has never been for the poor and the tribals. "Shivraj Singh announces a new scheme every day, but they remain on paper only. Why did he (Shivraj Singh) suddenly think of organising the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas after 18 years? Because they know the people of Madhya Pradesh are fed up with the BJP government," Nath added.

The BJP government has spent around (as per official announcement) Rs 23 crore, including Rs 12 crore for transportation of tribals from different parts of the state.

The BJP also changed the name of Habibganj Railway Station after tribal queen Rani Kamlapati.

The celebrations in the name of tribal freedom fighters was not limited to just Bhopal and Jabalpur as local leaders of both the parties participated in programmes held in several tribal areas.

Tribals celebrate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda with joy, beating drums and dancing in their traditional attire.

As per the National Crime Record Bureau data, Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes at 2,401. In 2019, this figure was 1,922, while in 2018 it was 1,868.

In the last two years, the state reported a 28 per cent increase in atrocities against tribals.
Kolkata, Nov 15 : Considering the widespread allegations related to misappropriation of flood relief funds for Malda and Murshidabad districts, the Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the CAG to investigate the matter.

The court also directed the state government to assist in the investigation and submit a report by February 14, 2022.

Following the floods in Malda and Murshidabad in 2017, the central government had sanctioned Rs 70,000 for each affected family, but there were widespread allegations that the money didn't reach the flood-hit people.

There were also allegations that some people received money more than once. Though the local administration had started an investigation, a PIL was filed at the Calcutta High Court demanding proper investigation into the misappropriation of funds.

The local administration had filed an affidavit, saying that the money received more than once was not because of financial misappropriation, but a result of some technical glitch.

However, the division bench of Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava, paying no heed to the local administration, asked the CAG to investigate the matter, directing the state government to assist in the probe.

Last year, Cyclone Amphan had caused extensive damage in several districts of south Bengal, including North and South 24 parganas. The Centre had sent money for relief, which was squandered, the BJP had alleged.
Patna, Nov 15 : A day after an Indian Army personnel posted at Danapur cantonment was detained for leaking secret information to a Pakistani woman, the Bihar police booked him under the relevant IPC sections for sedition at the Danapur police station.

The Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Bihar police arrested the man for leaking secret information to a Pakistani handler on Sunday.

The accused Janardhan Prasad Singh was interacting with a Pakistan based woman over the phone and also video calling. The ATS arrested the accused following information provided by the Intelligence Bureau.

"The accused confessed that he has shared some information pertaining to army cantonment Danapur during chats with a Pakistani woman," an official said.

The official believes that Singh, a native of Nalanda district and posted in Danapur cantonment, was honey trapped by the Pakistani woman.

"He was probably blackmailed by the Pakistani woman to share secret information about the army establishments in the country. He has also shared some classified documents with her as well. Further investigation is on to ascertain if his handlers are also in Bihar or not," the official said.
Patna, Nov 15 : Despite prohibition, cases of liquor consumption, trade and smuggling are rising in Bihar. In Aurangabad district, a woman got her husband arrested when he came home in a drunken state.

The incident took place in Neem Tola village under Barun police station of Aurangabad. In a written complaint to the police, the woman named Suman Devi alleged that her husband Pawan Chaudhary was a habitual drinker.

"Chaudhary, in an inebriated state, was trying to seek sexual favour from his wife Suman Devi on Monday. As he was in a drunken state, his wife refused. This led to a heated exchange of words between them. The woman took the help of other family members to overpower him and informed us," said Dhananjay Sharma, SHO of Barun police station.

"Suman handed over her husband to the police when we reached the village. Pawan Chaudhary was found in a drunken state. He also underwent a medical examination where doctors found traces of alcohol in his blood," Sharma said.

The accused was booked under relevant sections of the prohibition law.

In the last 17 days, over 50 persons died and around 40 lost their eyesight after consuming spurious liquor in Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Bettiah, Samastipur and Vaishali districts.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : An authoritative biography of tribal leader Birsa Munda (Nov15, 1875-June 9, 1900), who, in the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "shook the British empire" with his traditional bow and arrow, will be published in December, the publisher said on his birth anniversary on Monday while releasing the trailer of the book.

Modi declared on Monday that henceforth, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary would be celebrated in line with that of Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Here's a sneak preview of "The Legend of Birsa Munda" by Tuhin A. Sinha and Ankita Verma: In 19th century India, deep in the heart of what is now the state of Jharkhand, the Adivasis have been leading a life of absolute misery and darkness. The colonial state, with the help of its scheming local collaborators, has cast a net of abuse and exploitation that is tightening around these Adivasis, much like a hangman's noose does. Everything they hold dear - their land, homes, history, traditions, religion, families - has fallen victim to the grand colonial plan of building a magnificent but merciless empire for the Queen.

However, when a people are all but crushed into dust and their identities threatened with a complete erasure, they erupt like a hot, angry whiplash of fire with a roaring so loud that it reverberates in the very heart of the empire and sends a frisson of fear up the spines of those in power. A fire that stokes a rebellion. And at the heart of this rebellion is the twenty-five-year-old Birsa Munda. He decides what must be done to save his community and leads the Adivasis in fighting back to reclaim their lives.

He was a lion-hearted warrior; a healer, a spiritual guide, a forgotten hero.

Based on true events, this epic tale of courage is a tribute to the life of Birsa Munda, who in his very short life, mobilized the tribal community, rebelled against forced conversions, envisioned a fairer, more just society and died fighting for it. A thrilling account that chronicles what most history books don't mention, "The Legend of Birsa Munda" (Amaryllis) is the story of a subaltern tribal hero, whose contribution to India's struggle for independence must never be forgotten.

Tuhin A. Sinha is a bestselling author, screenwriter and politician. Tuhin is acknowledged among the most prolific Indian writers with a maverick knack to experiment with new genres. He has authored eleven books. Tuhin's books traverse a wide range of genres and include socio-political thrillers and romantic sagas. He has also written extensively on all political issues including Kashmir.

Ankita Verma is a communication specialist and the author of two books. An economics graduate from Mumbai University, she is also trained in advertising communication and marketing from Xavier Institute of Communication. She spent more than a decade in the advertising industry before starting her own communications consultancy in 2003.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Provincial officials in the southern Kandahar province said that Taliban officials conducted large-scale operations against ISIS-K fighters in four districts of Kandahar province, Khaama Press reported.

It is the first time that the Taliban launched operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan (ISIS-K) branch in Kandahar province.

Local residents have said that the operations started at midnight and continued until early morning the following day and claimed that three civilians have also been killed during the operations.

Taliban's provincial officials in Kandahar said that they killed three ISIS-K affiliates and arrested ten more but did not say anything about civilians, the report said.

In the meantime, it is rumoured that an ISIS-K affiliate has blown his explosives in a room that killed the affiliate, the report said.

The provincial officials and interior ministry have not said anything about the casualties of the Taliban fighters.

The ISIS-K has recently escalated their attacks in Afghanistan and has lately claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Saturday in Kabul that left three killed and six wounded.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-Khorasan branch (ISIS-K) confirmed that Saturday's explosion in the western part of Kabul was conducted by them, Khaama Press reported.

The explosion that happened on Saturday, November 13 in Dasht-e-Barchi of Kabul left three dead and six more wounded.

It was first believed that the Afghan journalist Hameed Saighani was among those who died in the explosion but sources have told Khaama Press that Saighani was assassinated in the northern part of Kabul.

ISIS-K has claimed that they have planted bombs in a minivan that killed 20 people but the Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid had said the incident that killed a civilian and wounded three more happened after the car caught fire, the report said.
Kolkata, Nov 15 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday directed the leader of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, to file an affidavit detailing his petition filed in the Supreme Court to shift the Nandigram election result case to any other court outside West Bengal.

Adhikari will have to file the affidavit on or before November 29. The next hearing is scheduled on December 1.

Adhikari had moved a petition in the Supreme Court pleading to shift the Nandigram election result case to any other court outside West Bengal. The Calcutta High Court, which was supposed to hear the case on Monday, asked Adhikari to file an affidavit on the petition filed in the Supreme Court, which said that he has no faith in the Calcutta High Court. The court will decide whether the case should be shifted in the next hearing on December 1.

The Nandigram election result case got involved in a legal tangle after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filed a petition challenging the result alleging manipulation after she was defeated by Adhikari by a margin of 1,965 votes. The case was initially assigned to the bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda but Banerjee filed a separate petition requesting to change the judge as he was associated with the BJP legal cell before he was elevated as a judge.

However, Chanda recused himself from hearing the petition, but imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the Chief Minister for "the manner in which she levelled charges against the judge".

The case was reassigned to the bench of Justice Shampa Sarkar by then acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal. The case came up at Sarkar's bench in August, but was adjourned till November 15.

A day after Chanda recused himself from the case, Adhikari had moved the Supreme Court pleading to shift the case from the Calcutta High Court to the high court of any other state.

According to top sources, the single judge bench of Justice Hima Kohli may hear the case.

The Calcutta High Court has asked the Election Commission to preserve all the documents relating to the election and results in Nandigram.
Mumbai, Nov 15 : The stocks of PB Fintech, which owns brands like Policybazaar and Paisabazaar, gained over 22 per cent on the listing day of its shares.

The stock on Monday gained 22.7 per cent or Rs 222.90 to Rs 1,202.90 from its offer price on the BSE. The stock had an issue price of Rs 940-980.

Initially, the stock was listed with gains of 17.35 per cent. It touched an intra-day high of Rs 1,249 and an intra-day low of Rs 1,145.

It touched a market capitalisation of Rs 54,070.33 crore.

PB Fintech is one of the largest online platforms for insurance and lending products in India. The company provides access to insurance, credit and other financial products.
Abu Dhabi, Nov 15 : International community must urgently step in to address humanitarian issues in Afghanistan, top experts said during the eighth Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A panel discussion on the second day of the ADSD focused on Afghanistan's current political and security landscape.

"Over the past 20 years the Afghans have experienced an unprecedented era of freedom of liberties that include freedom of education, expression and assembly and the reversal of this is disappointing," Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Afghanistan in Geneva, said.

"In the early days of the Taliban's forced entry into Kabul there was hope in many parts of the country for a lasting peace. However, two events set back Afghanistan: The Taliban's announcement of their cabinet and the attack on Panjshir as it started a cycle of revenge." Dr Marvin G. Weinbaum, Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said there is a crisis of administration in the country.

"For Afghanistan, it is the end of the crisis of conflict, there is a period of relative peace that the country has not experienced in 40-45 years. Now there is a transition into a series of crises, such as an economic crisis and a crisis of administration." Andisha said the Taliban's cabinet formation was a huge disappointment.

"The cabinet is completely far from inclusive, it's 100 per cent Taliban, zero woman and no other religious minorities of Afghanistan." Andisha said that different stakeholders must come together to resolve the situation.

"The Taliban may reach out to the international community where the UN and other regional actors could be involved, and this could be complemented by a regional plan." Weinbaum said there is a grave humanitarian crisis that needs to be urgently looked at.

"The international community must address the humanitarian issue in Afghanistan first, it is a matter of humanity. The international community has a good deal of influence on the Taliban. The Taliban want international recognition and the continuation of aid flows. The Taliban wasn't to be recognised as part of the system." Weinbaum said there is no other industry or source of profit other than poppy, which was also adding to the discontent among Afghans.

"There is no industry in Afghanistan except poppy growing and there is a liquidity crisis, this is leading to the start of the flow of refugees from Afghanistan." The ADSD was held by the Emirates Policy Center (EPC) with focus on the regional and international environments in the post-Covid-19 era.
Agartala, Nov 15 : Two Delhi-based women journalists, who were arrested by the Tripura police on Sunday for "creating hatred between communities by concealing record and criminal conspiracies", were granted bail on Monday by the chief judicial magistrate's court in Tripura's Gomati district.

Senior lawyer Pijush Kanti Biswas, who sought bail for journalists Samriddhi K. Sakunia and Swarna Jha, said that the court granted bail on a surety of Rs 75,000 and asked them to report before the Kakraban police station on Tuesday.

"I have told the court that if necessary, the police can question the journalists," Biswas told IANS.

Sakunia and Jha were detained by the police in Assam's Karimganj district on the request of the Tripura police. A Tripura police team then went to Assam and arrested them on Sunday night before bringing them to Gomati district.

A statement by Tripura police said on Sunday that the two journalists had come to the state on Thursday, and a case was filed against them in the Kakraban police station on Sunday under various sections of the IPC for "creation of hatred between communities by fabricating, concealing of record etc. in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy as revealed from the Twitter posts by Samriddhi Sakunia".

"Taking cue from the recent state of violence in Amravati and other parts of Maharastra as a repercussion of communal incident, it has become clear that some vested interests are trying to flare up the communal incident in Tripura.

"The investigating officer felt it wise to lodge a suo-moto complaint for creating hatred between religious groups by false fabrication and concealing documents etc.," said the statement.

It said the police asked the two journalists to share the documents visible in their videos, but instead of coming to Agartala, the two reporters made an escape towards Assam.

They were also found involved in spreading communal hatred at Paul Bazaar in North Tripura district, and another case was also registered against them at the Fatikroy police station under various sections of the IPC, the statement said.

The Fatikroy police station served a notice to the duo and asked them to appear before the investigating agency by November 21, according to their convenience.

Sakunia and Jha work for HW News Network.

In a statement criticising the Tripura police and questioning the procedure of the arrest of the two journalists, the media house said: "This is sheer harassment and targeting of the press on the part of Tripura police and Tripura government to suppress us from reporting the facts of the case." The FIR was on the basis of a written complaint submitted by Kanchan Das, who is a member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the media house claimed.
Glasgow, Nov 15 : As the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow comes to a close, members and partners of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) on Monday reiterated their rejection to false climate solutions reflected in the summit outcomes that further burden grassroots women and perpetuate plunder of resources of global south countries.

APWLD member and executive director of Aksi! for gender, social and ecological justice in Indonesia, Titi Soentoro, detests that the COP26 has failed to address roots of climate injustices raised by activists and environmentalists both in Glasgow and in virtual platforms during the two-week run of the conference.

"The COP26 has essentially served as a platform for developed countries to skirt responsibility by diverting public attention from irreversible environmental and social impacts to false solutions that perpetuate capitalist drive for profit," Titi says.

According to Titi, the push for net zero emissions instead of 'real zero' is nothing but a decorative cover for unrestricted emissions.

"The current proposed net zero pledges are not grounded in deep decarbonisation, and instead rely on other false solutions including nature-based solutions (NBS) as sinks, to sequester the carbon emissions; as well as on carbon-markets to deliver carbon offsets in developing countries. We also demand for a complete phase out of fossil fuels," Titi explains.

An indigenous woman and APWLD Climate Justice Feminist Participatory Action Research (CJ FPAR) partner, Delima Silalahi of Kelompok Studi dan Pengembangan Prakarsa Masyarakat (KSPPM) of Indonesia adds that it is critical for rural and indigenous women on the ground to really understand these false climate solutions and the impacts to their lives and survival.

"The outcome of the negotiation on market mechanism is a huge threat for indigenous communities in Asia and the Pacific. World leaders are not even brave enough to commit to the protection of human rights along with the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples. Above all, a market-based mechanism is never a true climate solution. It is a dirty business tactic, putting profits over peoples," Delima notes.

"We reject false climate solutions. We want just and equitable transition. The market mechanism, especially carbon trading, will aggressively violate Indigenous Peoples' rights to land and forest in the name of battling climate catastrophe. It is a massive land grabbing plot threatening our survival. It is a matter of life and death for us in the community," she adds.

Meanwhile, APWLD member Ana Celestial of Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) in the Philippines underscores the importance of continuing the fight for climate justice and demanding accountability for the climate crisis.

"Feminists, activists, and environmental and land rights defenders are either killed, criminalised, or subjected to various forms of harassment for protecting mother earth. Their perpetrators, the authoritarian governments and massive foreign corporations, continue to plunder our lands and natural resources, yet get off scot-free. Worse, these are the same people who are among the most powerful dominating the global climate negotiations now, including the recently concluded COP26l," Ana says.

Ana adds that the failure of member countries to walk out of COP26 with real commitments on financing for loss and damage is outrageous especially amid increasing climate-induced natural disasters that have devastated many developing countries including the Philippines.

She explains that it is critical to continue demanding more financing from the developed and capitalist countries to deliver their promise of USD100 billion a year and additional public climate finance based on the needs of the affected communities.
Bengaluru, Nov 15 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday that Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to consult the state before preparing a detailed project report (DPR) in connection with the Peninsular Interlinking River Project.

Speaking to the media on his return from Tirupati after attending the chief minister's meeting chaired by Shah, Bommai said, "I have voiced my concern that before the DPR is prepared on the interlinking river project, in which linking of Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery and Palar rivers is proposed, the share of water of states must be finalised. Amit Shah has directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to consider Karnataka's demands." Shah has also asked them to discuss the issue with Karnataka and directed them not to continue with the DPR without consulting the state, Bommai said.

"Likewise, the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal 2 notification is yet to be turned into an order. The petition is lying before the Supreme Court. The Central government will make its stand clear soon in this regard. I have insisted on issuing a notification since the matter has been pending for 10 years," Bommai said.

"The Mekedatu project was also discussed. But the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister was absent and so we didn't get a response. We are in touch with the ministry of water resources and during my recent trip, I discussed the issue with the advocates. It will be resolved soon," he said.

The dispute dates back to the pre-Independence period.

"Tamil Nadu is always indulging in water politics," the CM said.
Bengaluru, Nov 15 : The decision of the Department of Pre-University Education in Karnataka to conduct mid-term board exams amid fears of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a row in the state.

The All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) has called for a bundh on Tuesday against conducting the board exams instead of regular midterm exams.

The department has prepared question papers on lines of annual examination and will hold the exams for 6.5 lakh students at a time between November 29 and December 10. Sources in the education department said that the decision has been taken in the backdrop of fears of a possible third Covid wave.

Earlier, mid-term exams were not conducted simultaneously. The Pre-University College Principal's Association prepared question papers in every district and evaluated the answer sheets at the college level. The results were not sent to the department.

But this time the education department is conducting mid-term exams on the lines of CBSE and ICSE.

The results for the 2020-21 academic year were announced after considering the mid-term results and SSLC scores. Many colleges weren't able to conduct the mid-term exams. It has become a challenge for the education department to announce PU results.

The AIDSO has urged the state government not to pressurise the students and lecturers amid severe academic crisis, terming the decision to hold mid-term exams as undemocratic and unscientific.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations on two groups, one engaged in real estate and hospitality sector and the other, a tools and equipment manufacturing group at Gurugram.

The department has found various incriminating documents and electronic data relating to unaccounted investment in real estate, unaccounted sales and purchases, difference in stock, acquisition of shell companies, benami properties and transactions, bogus unsecured loans and share application money, evasion of capital gains, etc, which were seized.

Further, evidence of large sums of money having been received in the form of salary and remuneration by family members without any commensurate qualification or participation in the management of the businesses has been found and seized in one of the groups, the department said in a statement.

Total cash amounting to Rs 3.54 crore and Jewellery valued at Rs 5.15 crore have been seized. In total, 18 bank lockers have been placed under restraint.

The search action, in these groups, has led to the detection of estimated unaccounted income to the tune of Rs 600 crore. Further investigations are in progress.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Parshottam Rupala on Monday launched a three-month long nationwide campaign during which the benefits of Kisan Credit Card will be expanded to all eligible animal husbandry, dairy and fishery farmers in the country.

The campaign will last for three months from November 15, 2021 to February 15, 2022.

The circular conveying the detailed guidelines for organizing this 'AHDF KCC Campaign' was issued to the states on November 10. The necessary instructions to banks as well as the State Government have also been issued by the Department of Financial Services.

Livestock sector is crucial to the Indian economy today, comprising one third of the agriculture and allied sector gross value added and having over 8 per cent Compound annual growth rate. At the same time, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries activities play a significant role in generating farmers income, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food to millions of people.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, in a statement, said it is the need of the hour to provide reverential recognition to landless, small and marginal farmers and women involved in Animal Husbandry activities in the country and meet their institutional credit requirement for working capital needs through KCC so as to tap the potential of the sector and increase employment generation and income.

Notably, a Special Drive was organized last year, from June 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in association with the Department of Financial Services, for providing AHDF KCC to eligible dairy farmers of Milk Cooperatives and Milk Producer Companies.

As there are nearly 10 crore AHD farmers across the country, there is ample scope for expansion of this exercise beyond dairy cooperatives to cover other eligible dairy farmers as well as other animal husbandry activities, the Ministry added.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : India's October merchandise exports rose to $35.65 billion, higher by 43.05 per cent on a year-on-year basis, official data showed on Monday.

Exports during October 2020 stood at $24.92 billion.

The data by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that in comparison to October 2019, last month's exports rose by 35.89 per cent.

"Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in October 2021 were $26.09 billion, as compared to $20.43 billion in October 2020, registering a positive growth of 27.75 per cent," the Ministry said.

"As compared to October 2019, non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in October 2021 registered a positive growth of 36.82 per cent." Similarly, India's merchandise imports in October 2021 increased, rising by 62.51 per cent over last year to $55.37 billion from $34.07 billion.

"Oil imports in October 2021 were $14.43 billion which was 140.47 per cent higher in dollar terms, compared to $6 billion in October 2020. Non-oil imports in October 2021 were estimated at $40.94 billion which was 45.85 per cent higher in dollar terms, compared to $28.07 billion in October 2020." "Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports were $35.84 billion in October 2021, recording a positive growth of 40.14 per cent, as compared to non-oil and non-gold imports of $25.57 billion in October 2020. Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports in October 2021 recorded a positive growth of 35.66 per cent over October 2019." Consequently, trade deficit widened by 115.50 per cent on a year-on-year basis to $19.73 billion in September 2021 from $9.15 billion in the like period of 2020.

It had widened to $11.75 billion in October 2019.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : With a view to enhance the investment climate in the country in the wake of strong recovery and the opportunities accorded by a shift in geo-political realities post the Covid-19 pandemic, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday virtually interacted with the Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of all the states along with Lieutenant Governors of the UTs.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, along with the Lt Governors of Jammu and Kashmir, and Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi.

State Finance Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal; and state government officials of Ladakh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Andaman and Nicobar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep also attended the meeting.

In her opening remarks, Sitharaman emphasised that the economy has been growing significantly post the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and indicators such as imports, exports, PMI manufacturing, digital payments, etc. have already reached pre-pandemic levels.

Sitharaman highlighted that with favourable international perception of India's growth and in light of the structural, sectoral abd financial reforms undertaken by the government of India, global and domestic investors are upbeat about the investment attractiveness of the country.

The states should leverage this opportunity to scale up investments and growth, she said.

The Finance Minister also said that the government of India has taken concrete steps to increase capital spending and drive an infrastructure and investment-led growth.

Benefits of higher investment in infrastructure manifest in the form of increased employment opportunities, access to market and materials, improved quality of life and empowerment of vulnerable sections, she said.

The Union budget for FY2021-22 has allocated Rs 5.54 lakh crore capital outlay, an increase of 34.5 per cent over last year. Additionally, around Rs 2 lakh crore allocation is for states and autonomous bodies for their capital expenditure. Over and above this, a new incentive scheme was launched by the government for states that could achieve at least 15 per cent of the target set for FY21-22 by the end of the first quarter, 45 per cent by end of the second quarter, and 70 per cent by the end of the third quarter.

States that achieve their targets become eligible for incremental borrowing. After the end of the first quarter, 11 states got permission to mobilise an additional total amount of Rs 15,271 crore.

Sitharaman further said that the recently-launched national monetisation pipeline includes only Central government assets, while state assets have been out of its purview as of now.

The minister suggested that there is a significant potentially monetisable asset base in states which could be leveraged to enhance the capital available for new infrastructure creation and other social sector pressing priorities.

Sitharaman urged the states to help India become the fastest growing economy in coming years, through facilitating investment attractiveness and expediting ease of doing business measures and undertaking power reforms with regard to reduction in AT&C and ACS-RRR.

The Finance Minister further emphasised that since in many cases land is one of the major bottlenecks for project on-grounding, states must contrive to smoothen land acquisition procedures and create land banks to be tapped at the time of investment.

She urged the states to strengthen their urban local bodies (ULBs) in light of the fact that there has been decidedly a larger allocation to ULBs than earlier.

Since infrastructure projects require technical assistance in addition to financial resources, Sitharaman said that the line ministries and the Department of Economic Affairs would extend all possible cooperation for technical or advisory assistance to the states.

Moreover, the viability gap funding provision will help finance socially relevant but financially unviable projects, especially across social sectors.

The Finance Minister said that she is looking forward to listening from the states and understand their ideas and plans in the direction of investment enhancement.

In the open interaction, each of the states enumerated the list of reforms and pro-active policies they are pursuing to establish good governance and to facilitate investment.

Some of the ideas shared by by the states to facilitate investment promotion during the meeting were: Affidavit-based clearance system; Transparent mechanism for investment facilitation that involves sharing with states; leads of prospective investors who are in touch with the Centre etc.

The states also emphasised the need for a clear-cut policy and SOPs on environment and forest clearances by the government of India, on the lines of 'Eco-Economics', and more power to states under forest/environmental matters.

The states also sought fast-track clearance and approval for the externally-aided projects by the government of India.

The states also suggested the need for a legal reassessment and intervention on the legality of conversion of several different types of lands into industrial parks. They also said that there is a need to strengthen the dispute resolution mechanism, post-award contract enforcement etc.

The states sought continuation of the Centre's scheme of loan for capital expenditure beyond the current financial year.
Itanagar, Nov 15 : Two days after a deadly terror attack which killed seven persons, including an Assam Rifles Colonel in Manipur, the security forces have gunned down three militants of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang's Yung Aung faction) in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, officials said.

Police and the district officials said that the Assam Rifles troopers during a routine patrolling at Khogla village in Longding district (in southern Arunachal Pradesh) found that the NSCN (KYA) Guerrillas are moving along the Myanmar border and then a gun battle ensued between the two sides.

"Three extremists were killed and three weapons were recovered from the forested areas. The slain NSCN (KYA) cadres had 'kidnapped' two persons from Lahu village in neighbouring Tirap district and attempted to take them across the border before the gun fight," a district police official said adding that the bodies of the NSCN (KYA) rebels are being collected.

Further details are awaited.
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Union Health Ministry on Monday allowed hospitals to perform post-mortem even after sunset with adequate infrastructure and facilities. The new post-mortem rules will be effective from Monday onwards.

The new procedure will also promote organ donation and transplant, as organs can be harvested in the stipulated time window after the procedure, said the Health Ministry. The protocol stipulates that post-mortems for organ donation be taken up on priority and be conducted even after sunset at the hospitals which have the infrastructure for conducting them on a regular basis.

The fitness and adequacy of the infrastructure at the hospitals for post-mortem shall be assessed by the hospital-in-charge to ensure that there is no dilution of evidentiary value.

The Health Ministry said that video recording will be done for all post-mortems conducted at night to rule out any suspicion and for future reference for legal purposes.

"In response to the multiple references that have been received by the Health Ministry from various sources and in line with the government's commitment to promote ease of living by reducing the burden imposed due to compliance to government processes, changes have been made in the post-mortem protocols to allow for the procedure to be conducted after sunset effective from today," the ministry said.

The ministry further said that it has been ascertained that some institutes are already performing night-time post-mortems. In view of the rapid advancement and improvement in technology, especially the availability of required lighting and infrastructure required for post-mortems, performing night time post-mortem in hospitals is now feasible.

However, cases under categories such as homicide, suicide, rape, decomposed bodies and suspected foul play should not be subjected for post-mortem during night time, unless there is a law and order situation.
Bengaluru, Nov 15 : The Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the central government to make its stand clear on the state government's move making study in local language Kannada compulsory for graduation level students.

The division bench headed by Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi gave the direction on the PIL filed by Samskruta Bharati Trust.

S.S. Naganand, senior counsel for petitioner submitted that the government's decision of making learning of Kannada language compulsory is against the Supreme Court order and the spirit of the constitution.

The decision has been creating problems for students who come to study in Karnataka from other states. The students have written letters to principals in this regard, he said.

The language should not be imposed on others forcefully. It is not fare to make students from other states to learn the local language. It is not tenable to make Kannada language compulsory in higher education. The counsel Naganand requested the court to issue stay on the order of the government.

Prabhuling Navadagi, the Advocate General appearing for government, stated that, the decision is in accordance with the policy of the government. No student has filed a petition opposing the move. If at all they were to be affected, they would have come forward to submit the application.

The decision is being questioned by third parties. The petition has been submitted with vested interests. They are trying to save jobs of teachers of languages other than Kannada. This is not a PIL, it is submitted in personal interest and it should be quashed, the Advocate General argued.

He also submitted that, the decision is not against the National Education Policy (NEP). The students have been asked to choose Kannada as one of the languages. Separate syllabus has been created for non-Kannada students which is easier for them. The court can't interfere with policy decisions of the state government.

Advocate General has also told the bench that Supreme Court has refused to interfere in the matter of learning of Marathi language in Maharashtra.

The bench questioned that, though it is right to encourage the learning of Kannada language, is it correct for the government to make it mandatory? The matter has been adjourned to Nov 29.
New Delhi : Sheel Vardhan Singh on Monday assumed charge as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)in New Delhi, November 15,2021.(PHOTO:@CISFHQrs Twitter) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi : Sheel Vardhan Singh on Monday assumed charge as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)in New Delhi, November 15,2021.(PHOTO:@CISFHQrs Twitter) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi : Sheel Vardhan Singh on Monday assumed charge as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)in New Delhi, November 15,2021.(PHOTO:@CISFHQrs Twitter) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi : Sheel Vardhan Singh on Monday assumed charge as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)in New Delhi, November 15,2021.(PHOTO:@CISFHQrs Twitter) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Nov 16 : Sheel Vardhan Singh on Monday assumed charge as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Singh became the 29th Director General of the central force, which provides security to the important installations in the country, besides providing VVIP security.

Singh, a 1986 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre, was the Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau prior to this appointment.

Singh joined the Indian Police Service in 1986 at the age of 23 and during his career spanning 35 years, he has held many important positions.

As part of his central deputation, Singh has served in the Ministry of External Affairs at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, and later on on his deputation in the Intelligence Bureau, he served as the Additional Director and Special Director.

He has been decorated with the President's Police Medal for meritorious service in 2004 and President's Police Medal for distinguished service in 2010.

National Security Guard (NSG) DG, M.A. Ganapathi, was holding additional charge of the CISF till now. The post of DG fell vacant after former DG Subodh Kumar Jaiswal was appointed as the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in May 2021.
New Delhi, Nov 16 : The Centre on Monday said it has been able to create, with the help of state governments, 69 LMT extra storage by effectively utilising the covered storage space for ensuring food security.

"The Government's vision to create adequate storage for food grains has resulted in the creation of scientific godowns and modern storage silos. Besides, the government is also creating modern storage silos in the 'Hub and Spoke model' for 108 LMT across the country," Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal said at a virtual event.

'Hub and Spoke' method is a type of logistics methodology.

He thanked FCI for its dedication & effort in food distribution to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries at an expenditure of Rs 2 lakh crore under Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), ensuring 'no poor person sleeps hungry'. Every beneficiary was given 5 kg of rice/wheat & 1 kg of pulses/ month.

During the pandemic induced lockdown, all the agencies under the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Indian Railways transported record food grains in every nook and corner of the country, Goyal said, adding, "as much as 180.83 LMT of food grains under PMGKAY were distributed free of cost to all the needy people ever since the pandemic started over and above the food grain distributed under NFSA." Goyal was inaugurating, virtually, a National Museum on Food Security at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, which he said, was a first such museum in the country that will depict the efforts of all stakeholders of food security maintenance.

He also inaugurated a new building of Divisional Office at Hubballi in Karnataka.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Nov 16 : Ahead of the upcoming Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of first Sikh guru Guru Nanak, the government is set reopen the Kartarpur Corridor with Pakistan shortly.

Decision came following a meeting of BJP MPs from Punjab with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

However, the Sikh pilgrims have already been allowed to travel to the Kartarpur gurudwara via the Attari-Wagah border.

Earlier during the last week, Pakistan, which had twice this year denied the permission for a visit by Sikh pilgrims to the country, too had urged the Indian government to reopen the corridor.

Inaugurated in 2019, the corridor was closed last year in March after the Covid-19 outbreak.

The decision to reopen the corridor has came at a time when the assembly elections in Punjab, slated for early next year, are drawing nearer.

Citing the significance of Gurupurab, the Centre had recently decided that a 'jatha' of around 1500 pilgrims will be allowed to visit Pakistan from November 17-26, 2021 via the Attari-Wagah Integrated Check Post.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mrs. Han is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with people presenting a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, relational difficulties, grief/loss, life adjustments, and spirituality.

Oak Health Center, Southern California's premier comprehensive mental health outpatient care organization, is excited to welcome Yunhee Han, LMFT, to its Fullerton office. Mrs. Han is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with people presenting a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, relational difficulties, grief/loss, life adjustments, and spirituality.

Mrs. Han has worked across diverse clinical settings, including community mental health clinics, a university counseling center, an in-patient psychiatric unit, and private practice. She primarily utilizes an attachment-based psychodynamic approach as well as the Bowen Family System modality.

Her goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment where people can develop self-awareness, get to the heart of the matter, and process toward healing and growth in their personal journey. Mrs. Han continues, After having gone through life struggles in healthy ways, some come out not regretting pain but even appreciating the experience and finding meanings in life which they would never see otherwise."

Mrs. Han is fluent in both Korean and English, and accepts both Korean-speaking and English-speaking patients.

To make an appointment with Mrs. Han, patients may call the Oak Health Center Fullerton office at 714-706-0206 or send an email to contact@oak.care.

More information about the growing Oak Health team is available at http://www.oak.care/our-team

About Oak Health Center

Oak Health Center offers comprehensive mental health outpatient care through our team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists, and tele-behavioral health clinicians. With the increasing prevalence of mental illness, the company is looking to make a positive impact on this struggling population. To learn more, visit http://www.oak.care.
Dr. Gordon Jones, a noted entrepreneur, educator, author, and philanthropist has been tapped to join a distinguished group of his peers as a Fellow for the iSchool at the University of South Carolina. Currently serving as the entrepreneur-in-residence for the school, Dr. Jones is also one of the Co-Founders for Validide, a cryptographic-based decentralized digital identity wallet system utilizing blockchain that was launched out of the school in early 2020.

Dr. Jones graduated from The Citadel, and then served two tours with the 82nd Airborne Division before going on to a distinguished career in the private sector. He earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Health Administration from the Medical School at the University of South Carolina. Working for several large corporations such as McKesson, National Data Corporation, and West Corp/Intrado. Dr. Jones ultimately went on to launch his first of several successful technology products and applications.

With his appointment as a Fellow, Dr. Jones and his colleagues are tasked with ensuring that the University transforms how they are preparing the next generation of professionals within the walls of the School of Information Sciences. Specifically, they will be asked to provide input on curriculum and course design, insight on research projects, advise faculty and students, and serve as guest speakers. During his tenure at the University, Dr. Jones has already established a strong track record of success developing future entrepreneurs with his launch of Validide.

Marrying his passion for inspiring entrepreneurship with his deep belief in the power of Blockchain, Dr. Jones has been known for challenging his students to identify real-world problems that can be solved using Blockchain as its backbone or infrastructure. This was how Co-founder and VP of Marketing at Validide, Erica Barnette, first came together with the Dr. She defined her problem for her final project of the course, which ultimately spurred the evolution of the company that is now approaching its first year in business. I knew that my problem, which was giving away too much personal information every time we showed an ID or driver's license at the point of purchase or to enter an establishment, could be solved with blockchain technology. I also knew there was a real business model for bringing that solution to market, said Erica Dr. Jones not only inspired me to figure out how to make the vision a reality, but he also continues to be a mentor on how to build a real business that can truly impact the greater community. Its inspiring to have a professor make academics come to life.

As a Fellow with the University, Dr. Jones and the rest of the cohort will be actively looking at how to engage and excite the student body so that more students like Erica across the college can transcend the classroom and carry the textbook lessons into real-world applications. We are very excited to have Dr. Jones, and all of our Fellows, represent the iSchool as we work together to create one of the top academic programs in the country, said Professor Karen Gavin, interim Director of the College of Information Science.

About Validide

Founded in 2021 in Columbia, South Carolina by blockchain expert and entrepreneur Dr. Gordon Jones, along with Erica Barnette, Seth McGaugh, and Nicole Spracale, Validide aims to empower people to transform their personal information into a verifiable credential without their data being sold, stolen, or stored. In a world where data and information are stockpiled by Big Tech companies, Validide was created to be the premier solution for businesses and individuals looking to take control of their identities through a virtual wallet. For more information, visit validide.com.
Karen Struck has completed her new book Three Paws to the Rescue: a captivating childrens story in which the wilderness friends find their rafting experience a wild ride full of unexpected surprises from whirlpools to waterfalls. Yet, the wildest ride of all is about to begin once their rafting trip ends.

Author Karen Struck writes, Autumn finally arrived in Alaska. The leaves peppered the ground with speckles of red, orange, and yellow. Pepe hurried along the path toward the den he shared with Boots and Sockeye. He stoppedglancing over his shoulderas he felt a pair of eyes following his every step. A high-pitched chattering noise echoed from the trees above him.

Published by Page Publishing, Karen Strucks engaging tale follows Boots, Chinook, Sockeye, and Pepe as they endure an event that could change their lives forever. They discover that courage, strength, friendship, and love will reveal the hero in all of us.

Readers who wish to experience this original work can purchase Three Paws to the Rescue at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Marina Riggins, whose motto is Love, Compassion, and Respect towards the residents, has completed her new book Alzheimers Disease and other Dementias Specialized Visual Trivia: a useful book of therapeutic trivia carefully designed to help patients suffering from Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia to reconnect with their most cherished long-term memories.

Marina Riggins, MA, specializes in music, art, and recreational therapeutic activities for persons suffering from Alzheimers Disease and other forms of Dementia. She has devoted most of her adult life to helping these individuals, visiting them in dementia care facilities on a weekly basis.

Author Marina Riggins describes her work, writing, This is a specialized visual therapeutic trivia, which include pictures, questions, answers, and fun facts about famous musicians, actors, and comedians. It has been designed exclusively for dementia-care facilities or to be used at home. This particular therapeutic trivia is very helpful for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and other related forms of dementia. The main goal is to spark a conversation and invoke long-term memories, which is one of the cornerstones to performing successful therapeutic activities with the goal of reducing agitation and enhancing overall welfare. This book is printed in large bold-text format where the pictures are black and white to not confuse patients with visual issues. If some of the patients cannot join activities, the printed version of this book could be offered to them as well.

Published by Page Publishing, Marina Rigginss engaging work is intended to help activities personnel, recreational therapists, caregivers, as well as people who may be confined at home or otherwise not able to participate in the daily activities offered within dementia care facilities. The goal is to achieve more successful participation to improve the overall well-being of residents by reducing agitation, sparking conversations, and most importantly, bringing the joy of shared memories and experiences to their lives. This book was based upon many years of experience and observation in these environments. It was constructed with love, compassion, and respect toward our fellow human beings.

Readers who wish to experience this helpful work can purchase Alzheimers Disease and other Dementias Spec at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
We couldnt be more excited to see our commitment to providing customers with best-in-class technology, strategic services and data-driven insights recognized by Loyalty360, said Tom Caporaso, CEO, Clarus Commerce.

Clarus Commerce, a leading provider of end-to-end loyalty solutions, along with recently acquired PrizeLogic, today announced it has been named the winner of three Loyalty360 awards across the Technology, Agency & Strategy and Customer Insights & Metrics categories at the 2021 Loyalty360 Loyalty Expo.

The Loyalty360 Best In Class Awards recognize top Loyalty360 members across 12 categories for their continued commitment to the customer loyalty industry as well as their program, process and platform excellence. Nominations were based on several factors, including Loyalty360 Award entries, nominations from other members of Loyalty360 (supplier, partner, and brand), in-depth feature interviews for Loyalty Management magazine, overall program impact, approach and program performance, as well as active industry and association involvement over the past 18 months.

We couldnt be more excited to see our commitment to providing customers with best-in-class technology, strategic services and data-driven insights recognized by Loyalty360, said Tom Caporaso, CEO, Clarus Commerce. Its a true testament to all of the hard work and dedication our team has put into ensuring our clients have what they need to successfully deliver engaging experiences that instill long-term loyalty among their customers.

Clarus Commerce won the Best-in-Class Award for its Technology while recently acquired PrizeLogic received an award in the Agency & Strategy category. Client Johnson & Johnson won a Bronze Loyalty360 Award for Customer Insights & Metrics. Collectively, each of the awards demonstrates Clarus Commerces ability to serve as a trusted, end-to-end loyalty solutions provider.

The Loyalty360 team is thrilled to honor these achievements, including the recent Best in Class Awards and client success at the 2021 Loyalty Expo, said Mark Johnson, CEO & CMO, Loyalty360. Its great to see Clarus continued commitment to customer loyalty and customer experience pay off. We cant wait to see what the future holds for the company throughout the remainder of the year and into 2022.

For the full list of 2021 Loyalty360 Award winners, click here. To learn more about Clarus Commerce, visit https://www.claruscommerce.com.

About Clarus Commerce

Clarus Commerce is a leading provider of customizable end-to-end loyalty solutions. The company provides the full suite of technology and services needed for a successful loyalty program, which includes the platform, client services, strategy, creative, marketing, analytics, IT and operations. Clarus Commerce was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. For more information, please visit https://www.claruscommerce.com
Land of Lots By Christian Carl There are universal characteristics among children, which I wanted to illustrate throughout each character the readers meet. I wanted to build a world filled with wonder and new friends for all families to enjoy as each story will be timeless.

Every child has an imagination, and Christian Carl offers a new place for readers to escape in his new book series, Land of Lots. The series follows Lovelot, a young girl wandering through space who stumbles on a land in a strange and magical place that introduces her to new friends.

The series begins with Lovelot exploring this new land called Land of Lots, where she meets and gets to know an adorable community of animals called Oomlots. Throughout the series, children will meet each Oomlot who embody different characteristics that make up this enchanting place and will see little pieces of themselves with every new friend they meet. Each book is dedicated to a different Oomlot and activities they love to do. From a fish named Gill, who loves to talk to a cat named Paige, who loves to read, Lovelot devises plans for each furry friend to help them understand essential life lessons.

The Land of Lots book series focuses on different characteristics that are seen among every child. Readers will be able to use their imagination while learning new things along the way. As parents read this series with their little ones, they will see their child in every Oomlot they meet.

After having three kids who grew up in different generations, I realized they all had similar traits, said Carl. There are universal characteristics among children, which I wanted to illustrate throughout each character the readers meet. I wanted to build a world filled with wonder and new friends for all families to enjoy as each story will be timeless.

From the importance of friendship to understanding one another, parents will see how timeless this book series is for their children and children of the future. By the end of the series, readers will have 13 new friends and will enjoy learning about their stories and what makes up who they are. The Land of Lots series is illustrated beautifully for every family to enjoy.

Land of Lots

By Christian Carl

ISBN: 978-1-6655-2577-0 (softcover); 978-1-6655-2576-3 (hardcover); 978-1-6655-2578-7 (eBook)

Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Land of Lots Plan Gill

By Christian Carl

ISBN: 978-1-6655-2580-0 (softcover); 978-1-6655-2579-4 (hardcover); 978-1-6655-2581-7 (eBook)

Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Land of Lots Plan Paige

By Christian Carl

ISBN: 978-1-6655-2583-1 (softcover); 978-1-6655-2584-8 (hardcover); 978-1-6655-2582-4 (eBook)

Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Christian Carl has helped raise three kids ages 27, 17 and 6. Though the world has changed a lot over nearly three decades of parenthood  some things stay the same. Kids are reckless, impatient, moody, imaginative, loving and need two things from their parents  patience and a plan. In Carls newly released book series, Land of Lots, he allows young readers to escape to a faraway planet where they will meet 13 new friends and will be able to relate to all of their stories. Not only is the author an experienced parent, but he has spent numerous years as a Creative Director working among various marketing campaigns bringing different worlds to life. Much like his professional work, in his 13-book series, he creatively builds a world of everything he has loved and learned for any parent or child to adore. To learn more, please visit https://www.thelandoflots.com/.

General Inquiries, Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Grace Connor

480-998-2600 | gconnor@lavidge.com


"Last year, we saw great popularity with Disaronno Velvet with spirits drinkers and thus have executed cross promotions in partnership with other major spirits brands to launch cocktails that illustrate the versatility of this product.

Disaronno International announced today a $3 million advertising spend to highlight Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur within the The New Dolce Vita campaign from November 15th to December 31st. The campaign will run on streaming platforms and social media during these 7 weeks and is expected to garner 167 million impressions from spirits drinkers around the country. Disaronno continues to make the strategic decision to run the commercial entirely on digital and social to reach their target audiences through a bold, multi-platform approach across different touch points.

Elegant yet lighthearted, the The New Dolce Vita commercial stars Disaronno Velvet and showcases a modern, cosmopolitan sensibility that keeps in line with Italys timeless style. The commercial depicts a sophisticated black and white rooftop terrace setting in Rome, until the final scene which transforms the commercial into full color revealing Disaronnos contemporary all-white bottle design as The New Dolce Vita  once again bringing Disaronnos timeless style and unmistakable flavor into the modern world. Disaronno Velvet was launched in 2020, blending the distinctive flavor of Disaronno with the richness of a velvety cream. The New Dolce Vita can be viewed here.

We are excited to continue to support this media campaign featuring Disaronno Velvet throughout the holiday season, says Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President of Brand & Trade Marketing for Disaronno International. The New Dolce Vita brings to life the sophisticated and elegant qualities of Disaronno Velvet with a beautiful backdrop of Rome, Italy. Last year, we saw great popularity with Disaronno Velvet with spirits drinkers and thus have executed cross promotions in partnership with other major spirits brands to launch cocktails that illustrate the versatility of this product.

Last summer, Disaronno International originally launched this media campaign with a $2.5 million advertising spend that garnered 138 million impressions from spirit drinkers around the country. The commercial will be seen on social media channels Instagram and Facebook. The commercials will air in the USA during June and July on YouTube and multiple streaming platforms and networks including NBC, CBS, ABC, Univision, FOX, HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, BET, TBS, USA, CNN, MTV, TNT, Food Network, The Weather Channel, AMC, BBC America, BET, CMT, Comedy Central, Cooking Channel, Discovery, DIY, E!, Freeform, HGTV, History Channel, ID, IFC, Lifetime, MSNBC, OWN, Oxygen, Reelz, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, TV Land, USA Network, VH1, Vice and more.

DISARONNO

Disaronno is the worlds favorite Italian liqueur. Featuring an original taste and unmistakable aroma, Disaronno stands out on the world stage with distribution in more than 160 countries. The Disaronno bottle has a unique design and a cap, which lends elegance and modernity, embellished with a golden label that enhances its contemporary style. Disaronno is a pleasure to enjoy on the rocks as well as in its various mixed drinks, including the new Disaronno Fizz. Recognizable and versatile, it makes every cocktail one-of-a-kind.

http://www.disaronno.com

https://www.facebook.com/Disaronno

https://www.instagram.com/disaronno_official/

About Disaronno International

Disaronno International is a subsidiary of Illva Saronno SpA, a leader in the global wine and spirits business. Disaronno International has always centered on the values of heritage, innovation, and quality. The companys heritage dates back to 1525 with the creation of Disaronno Originale, and today has grown to include 7 distinct brands with 31 unique products. Disaronno International is the exclusive importer and marketer of Disaronno Originale  the worlds favorite Italian liqueur, Disaronno Velvet, The Busker Irish Whiskey, Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, Tia Maria Matcha, EnGINe Gin, Rabarbaro Zucca Amaro, Duca di Salaparuta & Corvo, and Florio Marsala.

For more information, visit http://www.disaronnointernational.com.
Leaders from DuPont and local government As an important milestone in DuPonts history, this investment reinforces our commitment to advance auto electrification and sustainability while strengthening our leadership in China and the Asian market, said Tina Wu, Global Vice President, Advanced Solutions for DuPont Mobility & Materials

DuPont announced today it is breaking ground on its new $30 million facility which will produce a range of materials to advance applications for electrification and lightweighting in support of growing demand for its automotive adhesives. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony were Yi Zhang  Regional President, DuPont Asia Pacific, Tina Wu - Global Vice President, Advanced Solutions and Asia Pacific Regional Leader for DuPont Mobility & Materials, as well as Cai Jianfeng, Zhangjiagang Municipal Government Vice Chief and Acting Mayor.

The new facility will offer state-of-the-art process capability and quality, capacity to serve regional needs, excellent access to transportation for shipping and logistics advantages and technical support to help ensure a world-class customer experience.

It will be built at the Yangtze River International Chemical Industrial Park in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone and is expected to be fully operational by early 2023 and will provide advanced solutions in adhesive technology including:



BETAFORCE TC and BETATECH thermal interface materials that help support battery thermal management during hybrid/electric vehicle charging and operation

BETAFORCE multi-material bonding adhesives for battery sealing and assembly

BETAMATE structural adhesives for vehicle body structure and battery bonding to support crash durability and lighter weight vehicle structures

As an important milestone in DuPonts history, this investment reinforces our commitment to advance auto electrification and sustainability while strengthening our leadership in China and the Asian market, said Tina Wu, Global Vice President, Advanced Solutions for DuPont Mobility & Materials. This new manufacturing facility will produce industry-leading innovative products to support our auto customers as they transition to electric and hybrid vehicles.

As one of the first foreign companies to enter the China market, DuPont has a clear growth strategy that aligns with the objectives of transforming Zhangjiagang city through innovation, laying the foundation for mutual collaboration. said Cai Jianfeng, Zhangjiagang Municipal Government Vice Chief and Acting Mayor, This collaboration not only marks a new chapter for DuPonts business in China, but also accelerates the development of Zhangjiagangs innovative platform and high-quality growth advantages.

DuPont Mobility & Materials business has manufacturing operations and R&D capabilities globally, in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

About DuPont Mobility & Materials

DuPont Mobility& Materials (M&M) delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to the automotive, electronics, industrial, consumer, medical, photovoltaic and telecom markets. DuPont M&M partners with customers to drive innovation by utilizing its expertise and knowledge in polymer and materials science. DuPont M&M works with customers throughout the value chain to enable material systems solutions for demanding applications and environments. For additional information about DuPont Mobility & Materials, visit http://www.dupont.com/mobility.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at http://www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

# # #

DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ,  or  are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.  2021 DuPont.

11/15/21
DuPont (NYSE:DD) today announced that it will highlight opportunities for collaborative medical device partnership with its DuPont Liveo Healthcare Solutions and DuPont Intexar brands at MEDICA 2021, November 15 to 18 in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Technical representatives will be on the show floor at booth D21 in hall 12 to discuss the companys ongoing partnership with TNO Holst Centre and Pronat Medical who have designed and produced the Nighthawk wearable adhesive patch. The concept patch combines DuPont material solutions for the medical device market, through Intexar stretchable materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films and stretchable conductive inks, with DuPont Liveo silicone skin adhesives, suitable for attaching wearable devices to the body, and Liveo biosensing technology. The combination of these innovative materials in a connected wearable medical patch offers conformability, biocompatibility, breathability and patient comfort.

Innovative technologies for wearable medical devices are highly valued because of the huge market growth potential for such devices and the need to improve their performance to positively impact patient comfort and compliance. DuPont offers a collaborative ecosystem for designers and manufacturers to work with the companys medical device experts and innovative material technologies to create next-generation wearable devices.

Attendees also can hear from DuPont Healthcare TS&D/R&D medical devices expert Alexis Bobenrieth, Ph.D., during the MEDICA DISRUPT Diagnostics and health monitoring session scheduled from 12:15 to 2:30 p.m. CET on Nov. 17.

In his talk, Partnering to enable next-generation smart wearable patches, Bobenrieth will describe how DuPont worked with technology partners to develop a wearable smart patch that is ready to be commercialized; he also will explain how the DuPont Toolbox can help enable next-generation wearable design that improve device performance, wearability and patient comfort throughout the lifecycle of the wearer.

MEDICA 2021 participants can attend the session in person in Hall 12 or view it virtually. Visit the MEDICA website at medica-tradefair.com for more information.

About DuPont Liveo Healthcare Solutions

DuPont Liveo is a globally recognized leader in technology for a broad range of innovations in medical devices, biopharmaceutical processing and pharmaceutical solutions. DuPont high-performance materials help create safer healthcare environments and protect the health of patients and healthcare providers worldwide. We help enable smarter healthcare and positive patient outcomes. More information can be found at liveo.dupont.com.

About DuPont Electronics & Industrial

DuPont Electronics & Industrial is a global supplier of new technologies and performance materials serving the semiconductor, circuit board, display, digital and flexographic printing, healthcare, aerospace, industrial, and transportation industries. From advanced technology centers worldwide, teams of talented research scientists and application experts work closely with customers, providing solutions, products and technical service to enable next-generation technologies.

About DuPont Microcircuit and Components Materials

DuPont Microcircuit and Components Materials (MCM) is a leading global supplier of printable, stretchable, and moldable functional inks and pastes. With over 50 years of developing products for our customers, we are relied upon every day in automotive electronics, telecommunications systems, consumer electronics, aerospace, satellite communications, military, industrial, bio, and healthcare applications. We are committed to innovation through seamless collaboration with customers, providing cutting-edge products and solutions to address critical challenges of today and tomorrow. To learn more about the MCM business, please visit http://mcm.dupont.com.

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at http://www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

# # #

DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , SM or  are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. Nighthawk is a trademark of TNO Holst Centre.

11/15/21


This is one of our favorite parts of the year, said Emler CEO Greg Laird. Gathering food on behalf of these critical community organizations and spreading the word about the work they do is something we always look forward to.

Award-winning Emler Swim School kicked off its yearly food drive Friday to ensure that kids and families have enough food during the winter months. Emler welcomes its loyal customers, as well as the public, to donate goods to the charities it has formed relationships with throughout the years.

Now through Nov. 21, Emler is collecting any form of nonperishable food in the following areas: Dallas- Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Kansas City. No food items in glass containers will be accepted, as glass can break easily in transport and become a safety hazard.

This is one of our favorite parts of the year, said Emler CEO Greg Laird. Gathering food on behalf of these critical community organizations and spreading the word about the work they do is something we always look forward to.

In DFW, Emler is sending all items to Lovepacs, a nonprofit that primarily serves children who qualify for free or reduced lunches during extended school breaks when the food they receive from the local backpack program will not be enough. The swim school is donating food in Austin, Houston and San Antonio to the Central Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank and San Antonio Food Bank, respectively. Harvesters will receive the Kansas City area donations.

The food drive comes on the heels of its first post-Halloween candy drive. With the help of customers and many community members, Emler was able to donate more than 2,000 pounds  over a ton  of candy to Operation Gratitude. The nonprofit distributes the candy to deployed troops, local military units, veterans and first responders.

We were beyond thrilled to have such an incredible response from the community for our first candy drive, Laird said. We look forward to participating next year and making it even bigger and better.

For addresses and information about Emler Swim School location hours, visit https://emlerswimschool.com/locations/

About Emler Swim School

In 1975, Emler Swim School was founded on two principles, that every child should experience a fun lesson that causes them to fall in love with the water, and that every parent should receive a guarantee that their child will learn to swim.

Emler utilizes a proven, ever-evolving curriculum, a quality staff that undergoes thorough training and  above all  a passion to nurture children in a healthy, safe and fun environment.

With more than 20 different classes and levels, the award-winning swim school is proud to meet the need of every swimmer with the same Emler Sure, 100 percent guarantee. For more information on each location, visit emlerswimschool.com. Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter.
The Tempo Temporary Pacing Lead (BioTrace Medical Inc, Menlo Park CA) The Tempo Lead is very useful for the support of temporary bradyarrhythmias that require reliable early- or medium-term temporary pacing as a bridge to resolution or permanent pacemaker implantation, said Anish K. Amin, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

BioTrace Medical, Inc., the leader in innovative temporary cardiac pacing technology, today announced the companys Tempo Temporary Pacing Lead was featured in a clinical study presented at the American Heart Associations Scientific Sessions 2021, held November 13-15 in Orlando, Florida.

The study, titled A Retrospective Analysis of a Single-Center Experience with the Tempo Temporary Pacing Lead in Management of Bradyarrhythmia and Other Cardiac Electrophysiology Procedures, analyzed a series of twelve consecutive patients who underwent Tempo Lead placement for temporary pacing at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Twelve consecutive patients (83% male, mean age 71.3  10.1 years) who underwent Tempo Lead placement for temporary pacing were retrospectively reviewed (75% symptomatic bradyarrhythmia, 25% other indications including permanent lead malfunction, permanent pacemaker infection, and complete heart block.) The Tempo Lead was successfully positioned and fixed in the right ventricle in all twelve cases with no perforations, pericardial effusions, or device-related arrhythmias. Access was femoral in eight patients (67%) and jugular in three patients (25%), with one access point not indicated.

Procedural mean pace capture threshold (PCT) was 0.96  0.74 mA (n=10). Mean lead indwelling duration was 53.5 hours with a range of 20.9 hours to 5.9 days (n= 11). Three patients were ambulatory (at least bed-to-chair) with the Tempo Lead in place without complications and with maintenance of thresholds <1mA.

The Tempo Leads novel design  featuring retractable stabilizer loops and a soft tip  minimizes the risks of dislodgment and perforation, ensures stability during rapid pacing, and facilitates patient ambulation in recovery.

The Tempo Lead is very useful for the support of temporary bradyarrhythmias that require reliable early- or medium-term temporary pacing as a bridge to resolution or permanent pacemaker implantation, said Anish K. Amin, MD, cardiac electrophysiologist at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. Its unique design provides temporary pacing without the risk of dislodgment, loss of pace capture, or perforation inherent in conventional temporary leads.

With U.S. FDA clearance and CE certification, the Tempo Lead is the only active fixation temporary pacing lead available in the world. The Tempo Lead has been used in more than 12,000 U.S. procedures with an excellent safety and performance profile, as demonstrated by reported real-world 0.04% cardiac perforation rate and a 0.11% intermittent/loss of pace capture rate.1 (Conventional temporary pacing leads exhibit cardiac perforation rates ranging from 0.6% to 4.0%, and dislodgment/loss of pace capture rates between 10% and 37%.2)

About BioTrace Medical

BioTrace Medical, Inc., a private venture-backed company based in Menlo Park, California, is dedicated to reinventing temporary pacing to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital costs. For more information, visit http://www.biotracemedical.com.

(1) Company data on file as of October 2021.

(2) Metkus, et al. Chest. 2019; Lopez, et al. Rev Esp Cardiol. 2004; Betts, Postgrad Med J. 2003; Jowett, et al. Postgrad Med J. 1989; Austin, et al. Am J Cardiol. 1982; Gammage, Heart 2000; Lumia et al. Chest 1973

APM042-01.A
By providing fine-grained access control to data and further opening the software to preferred analytical tools, scientists can now perform data analysis in an automated yet flexible manner. We believe automating processes improves accuracy, workflow efficiency, and consistency of operations.

Genedata, the leading provider of enterprise software solutions for biopharmaceutical R&D, today announced the release of a new version of Genedata Profiler, the innovative platform for translational and exploratory clinical research. The new 16.0 release enhances process automation in R&D enabling biopharmaceutical companies to streamline the generation of life-changing precision medicines while reducing costs.

Genedata Profiler empowers translational research scientists at the interface between pre-clinical and clinical R&D to find, access, integrate and leverage multi-omics, imaging, clinical, and digital biomarker data. For a holistic biological view and scientific insight generation, Genedata Profiler automates the processing, harmonization, and integration of different data types, making it analysis-ready for bioinformaticians, data, biomarker, and clinical scientists. This efficient combination of data from various sources is possible due to the new automation capabilities that enable real-time updates of large and complex datasets.

With permission-based and object-level access controls, the collaborative software allows rigorous regulation of users access to data. At the same time, the software provides users with self-service access to structured, quality-controlled data for analysis using a wide range of analytical tools. Users of Genedata Profiler obtain a greater understanding of the right patient profile for a particular medicine and the expected response to treatment. This has resulted in improved patient stratification and the development of diagnostic tools for clinical use.

The new release focuses on efficiently delivering the right data to the right user in their preferred format for further downstream analysis. Featuring new capabilities to eliminate bottlenecks during translational R&D, Genedata Profiler 16.0 improves data organization and automates processes required for regulatory compliance.

Highlights of Genedata Profiler 16.0 include:



Enhanced Interoperable Data Analytics

Large data sets can now be integrated and presented to business intelligence and expert analytical tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau, RStudio, Jupyter, SAS, and others) in a highly performant manner. This facilitates rapid data query and live visualization from a variety of interfaces. While providing further flexibility and additional analytical approaches, the software allows data consumers to use their preferred tools without limitations on the amount of data or its complexity.



Enhanced Automation of Data Ingestion and Processing

The entire cycle from import, processing, quality control, transformation to publishing is now automated. This eliminates the need for error-prone manual data handling while providing additional timesaving.



Improved Data FAIRness

Users are now equipped with user-friendly yet stringent metadata management controls. With this fine-grained user-specific regulation, biopharmaceutical companies can ensure metadata is harmonized and easily validated across studies. This improves data organization allowing the right data to be easily found by the right users.



Automation of Computer System Validation (CSV) Testing

CSV testing is automated enabling easy and efficient assessment while reducing the cost and time required for software validation following upgrades.

We are pleased to support biopharmaceutical companies in improving the quality of their research by structuring the data in an organized manner. This is the foundation of ensuring data is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) said Othmar Pfannes Ph.D., CEO of Genedata. By providing fine-grained access control to data and further opening the software to preferred analytical tools, scientists can now perform data analysis in an automated yet flexible manner. We believe automating processes improves accuracy, workflow efficiency, and consistency of operations. Together, this will result in time savings and cost-effectiveness during drug development."

About Genedata

Genedata transforms data into intelligence with innovative software solutions that incorporate extensive biopharma R&D domain knowledge. Multinational biopharmaceutical organizations and cutting-edge biotechs around the globe rely on Genedata to digitalize and automate data-rich and complex R&D processes. From early discovery all the way to the clinic, Genedata solutions help maximize the ROI in R&D expenditure. Founded in 1997, Genedata is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland with additional offices in Boston, London, Munich, San Francisco, Singapore, and Tokyo.

http://www.genedata.com

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________________________________________

Genedata Contact

Rebecca Finck

Genedata

Public Relations

Phone: +41 61 511 84 40

pr@genedata.com

Disclaimer

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with uncertainties related to contract cancellations, developing risks, competitive factors, uncertainties pertaining to customer orders, demand for products and services, development of markets for the Company's products and services. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

All product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.
Green Home Systems is urging Californians to take prompt action against utility companies that are proposing drastic changes to net metering and solar fees making owning a solar panel system possibly twice as expensive and  as valuable.

According to Save California Solar, Big utilities like PG&E, are standing in the way of future progress. They are lobbying the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to add a monthly solar penalty fee to ratepayer bills and drastically reduce the credit solar consumers receive for selling excess power back to the grid.

If they get their way, Californians access to solar power will be blocked.

This is a big utility profit grab at the expense of the public and planet that is out of step with Californias clean energy goals.

What is net metering and why is it important?

Net metering is used when a solar panel system produces more electricity than is needed by a home or building. The owner of the system can then sell that electricity to the utility companies for another person to use. The owner of the solar system then receives a bill credit for usually around the amount they would otherwise pay for electricity. This is a huge financial benefit for solar owners.

Managing Director at Green Home Systems, Robbie Hebert, states, It would be a travesty to make solar less financially beneficial. We as a collective have come so far in the journey to make solar affordable over decades, and to put obstacles in the way of making solar as financially beneficial as possible would be detrimental to the progression of clean energy and our environment.

Solar energy is currently the only effective way to produce clean energy for the masses. Benefits, outside of financial, include reducing the risk of climate change, helping to maintain clean, breathable air, eliminating dangerous practices like mining for toxic fossil fuels and countless others.

What can you do?

GHS strongly urges Californians to take immediate action and sign the petition on Save California Solar. Save California Solar is trying to put an end to the attempt by utility companies to monopolize the market and make solar out of reach for many home and business owners.

The petition reads:

Dear Governor Newsom,

(cc: CA Public Utilities Commission),

California is a solar state where power from the sun belongs to everyone. Our commitment to growing local rooftop solar is critical to meeting our ambitious clean energy goals.

Popular policies like net metering helped California reach one million solar rooftops and are growing solar in working and middle-class neighborhoods, which make up nearly half of all new solar installations.

Big utilities are standing in the way of Californias progress. They are lobbying the CA Public Utilities Commission to add a $65-90 monthly solar penalty fee to their energy bills and drastically reduce the credit solar consumers receive for selling the excess energy they produce.

This is an effort by utilities to grab more profits at the expense of the public. The utility profit grab is out of line with Californias clean energy vision. It takes us back to a time when solar was only affordable for wealthy households. It would also cost California tens of billions over time and each ratepayer $295 a year.

Californians are counting on you to support rooftop solar and stop the utility power grab. Keep California a solar state by protecting the successful policies that are driving our success.

Save California Solar currently has nearly 83,000 supporters who have signed the petition with a goal of 100,000.

To be a part of the solution, sign here.

On behalf of the California solar industry, GHS thanks you for your support.
Solita and the Purple Moon By Miriam Isabel Elliott "I wanted to bring awareness for what these children go through when their parent cannot tuck them in every night or is not present every day. Solita and her new friend will show children who are separated from their mom or dad that they are not alone."

Many children worldwide are separated from their parents due to their mother or father being deployed for war. In Miriam Isabel Elliott's debut bilingual children's book, Solita and the Purple Moon, she provides a heartwarming story that will help kids who are missing their loved ones through an imaginative friendship.

The book follows a young girl named, Solita, whose mother is serving her country, and how much she misses her every night. Elliott pens a poetic and straightforward story that describes a child's feelings while they are separated from their parent and creates an imaginary friendship in search of hope and understanding. Solita finds refuge in her bedroom at night, looking outside her window to process missing her mother.

As she is looking outside her window one evening, Solita discovers a smiling purple moon that blossoms a beautiful friendship. Her new friend embodies the maternal instinct of a mother and the cleverness of a teacher. The moon becomes comforting and playful, devoting her time and companionship to a child in need. Readers will witness Solita going on an adventure with her new friend, who shows the young girl the beauty of her country, making the days she is away from her mother go by even faster.

"'Solita and the Purple Moon' was inspired by my granddaughter Madison when her mom was deployed to Iraq," said Elliott. "I wanted to bring awareness for what these children go through when their parent cannot tuck them in every night or is not present every day. Solita and her new friend will show children who are separated from their mom or dad that they are not alone."

Ultimately, Solita and the Purple Moon will bring attention to the sacrifice of the children of service members. Readers will be able to use their imagination throughout the pages and be introduced to a powerful friendship.

Solita and the Purple Moon

By Miriam Isabel Elliott

ISBN: 978-1-4343-4932-3 (softcover); 978-1-4634-6453-0 (eBook)

Available at AuthorHouse, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Miriam Isabel Elliott arrived in the United States from Cuba in 1970, along with her mother and brother, searching for the opportunity and freedom denied to them by a communist regime. Elliott has two daughters, Rebecca and Melissa, both of whom were born in the United States. It has always been her mission to teach her children to value their freedom and to love America. Through her work, the author's intention is to honor the children of the American military during these difficult times and to bring attention to their silent sacrifice. Elliott's found inspiration for "Solita and the Purple Moon" when her daughter, Melissa, a United States Marine, was serving Iraq and how that affected her daughter, Madison. Elliott resides in North Arlington, NJ. To learn more, please visit https://www.miriamelliott.com/.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Grace Connor

gconnor@lavidge.com | 480-998-2600


Woody Harris His extensive background managing construction projects for military installations worldwide as well as airport modernization programs in the U.S. further elevates the knowledge and best practices we bring to our JFK and Port Authority clients.

HNTB Corporation announced program management expert David (Woody) Harris, PE, has joined the firms aviation practice. Based in HNTBs New York office, Harris is deputy program executive for the John F. Kennedy Airport Redevelopment Program, the nations largest public-private aviation terminal effort.

We are honored to have an engineer and program manager of Woodys caliber on our team, said Stephen Dilts, HNTB New York office leader and senior vice president. His extensive background managing construction projects for military installations worldwide as well as airport modernization programs in the U.S. further elevates the knowledge and best practices we bring to our JFK and Port Authority clients.

Harris has 20 years of construction management experience with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command on military installations worldwide. He also has 17 years of aviation and light-rail construction management experience.

Before joining HNTB, Harris worked for another consulting firm where he was instrumental in successfully delivering large airport programs.

Woody is a veteran in delivering large, complex airport programs, said Lou Russo, national aviation market sector leader. His experience on Pittsburgh International Airports Terminal Modernization Program, the Silver Line Metro Extension at Dulles International Airport, the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 1 Redevelopment, and the Washington National/Dulles International Airports Expansion deepens our bench of expertise and will be invaluable to our aviation clients.

Harris is a registered professional engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Florida, and a Master of Arts degree in national security/strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

HNTBs aviation practice continues to provide industry-leading services to impactful projects at the largest airports across the United States, including program management/construction management services at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, program manager for the redevelopment program at John F. Kennedy International Airport, architect of record for South Terminal C, Phase 1, at Orlando International Airport, lead architectural designer for the automated people mover stations and maintenance facility at Los Angeles International Airport, and design services for Concourses A and B West at Denver International Airport.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving public and private owners and contractors. With 107 years of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, and program and construction management. For more information, visit http://www.hntb.com, or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Regardless of geographic location, the fact remains that governments who embrace digital solutions to handle urban growth are the most successful at providing services on-time and at scale. - Michael Guido, CEO of Kinetech Cloud

Kinetech, a low-code pioneer with leading capabilities in cloud / digital transformation, and the State of Michigan, today announced they have distributed over $350 Million in COVID relief funds by implementing the Kinetech GovTech Cloud - a low-code template for digitizing paper processes and streamlining case management. This now puts the State of Michigan within the top 10 States for funds distributed according to the US Treasury Department.

Kinetechs GovTech platform allowed us to get up and running quickly and their team has been very responsive to our changing needs as the program evolved," said Kelly Rose, Chief Housing Solutions Officer. " They have provided a seamless way to monitor our grantees performance and ensure people across the state are being served quickly and efficiently.

This is in stark contrast to other jurisdictions. According to the Associated Press, as of October state and local governments had distributed between 2.5 - 8.5% of the initial allotment distributed by Congress said Aja Emmanuel, Director of GovTech Sales at Kinetech. To accelerate the distribution of funds, we have streamlined the procurement process through a ride-along clause for interested state and municipal leaders.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has been live on Kinetechs GovTech Cloud since April, providing a single digital experience for its citizens, employees, and partners. Together, these solutions create an agile, scalable, single end-to-end platform for MSHDA and its 50+ subrecipient agencies and their 1500 employees.

The execution of the cloud-first transformation was led by Kinetech, leveraging its Digital Execution Strategy, Mendix / lowcode expertise, and proven track record of helping organizations optimize and digitize their processes. The entire implementation was run remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the efficacy of Mendix / low-code software and Kinetechs proven process.

Regardless of geographic location, the fact remains that governments who embrace digital solutions to handle urban growth are the most successful at providing services on-time and at scale, said Michael Guido, CEO of Kinetech Cloud. MHSDAs successful cloud implementation helps it deliver a secure, mobile-first, and intuitive experience while complying with federal reporting requirements.

About the MSHDA / CERA:

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is administering the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program through its network of local nonprofit Housing Assessment & Resource Agencies (HARA) partners since March 15, 2021. CERA can provide rental and utility assistance for eligible renter households so that they retain their housing stability.

About GovTech:

The GovTech Cloud is a governments innovation engine. Using Kinetechs lowcode templates, any paper-based process can be digitized to support document upload, case management, automated notifications, reporting and analytics. Get your organization communicating with a single point of record. Deploy agile, secure, government specific technology cost effectively using the cloud. Improve the digital services provided to citizens through intuitive, always on solutions. Uncover trends with rich analytics. Typical use cases include Housing, Rental, Utility, Mortgage, and Internet Assistance.

About Kinetech:

Kinetech, a platform Mendix partner, is a provider of custom enterprise software, delivered through the cloud with a focus on improved business productivity. The company focuses on cloud, mobile, and integrated technologies that solve real client problems. Kinetechs service offerings are configured and integrated with other web services (APIs), platforms, and enterprise applications (CRM, ERP, HCM). The company delivers its offerings via internet browsers and on mobile devices. Kinetech designs, builds, and supports mission-critical applications, client/vendor portals, and modernizes legacy systems. Its cloud offerings include Digital Factory (Manufacturing), Kinetech PM (Construction / Project Management), GovTech (Government Technology) Cloud, and other bespoke solutions (Enterprise Cloud).
The Merlot Marketing team after being honored as one of Sacramento Business Journals 2018 Best Places to Work. Throughout our 20 years, Merlot has been through so many cultural moments of adversity for small businesses9/11, the Great Recession, COVIDand our resilience is a testament to Merlots talented team who bring it each and every day for our clients, and each other.

Merlot Marketing, Inc. (Merlot) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by welcoming six new clients this year: ENGEO, Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds, Nexgrill, Otto Construction, Regional San and Water, Inc. The national marketing agency specializes in PR.0, the integration of public relations, social media and digital marketing tools, and will serve as Agency of Record for these local, regional and national clients.

Throughout our 20 years, Merlot has been through so many cultural moments of adversity for small businesses9/11, the Great Recession, COVIDand our resilience is a testament to Merlots talented team who bring it each and every day for our clients, and each other, said Debi Hammond, founder and CEO of Merlot Marketing. And we owe a great deal to our amazing clients who have been with us through it all. Passion, determination, talent, fearlessness and a desire for growth and success is what has fueled Merlot and our clients and it is what will keep us growing over the next 20 years!

National #pr agency @MerlotMarketing celebrates 20 years by signing 6 new clients: @engeorocks, @kindred_living_, @nexgrill_ind, @OttoCons, @regionalsan & @Water_Inc. Cheers @DebiHammond #agencylife #grateful https://youtu.be/28vBMUuzpKU

Since 2001, Merlot has served local, national and international clients from its headquarters in Sacramento. At the outset of last years pandemic, the marketing agency implemented a hybrid work model that enables the Merlot team to serve its geographically diverse clients while positioning the team for growth across the U.S.

Learn more about Merlots latest clients (listed in alphabetical order):



ENGEO: ENGEO is an employee-owned firm of approximately 350 geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, hydrologists, water resources engineers and other specialists. The company serves a diverse range of public and private clients on projects in transportation, infrastructure, water resources, geologic hazard abatement, flood control, disaster recovery, energy and residential and mixed-use communities. ENGEO has offices located in California, Nevada, Washington, Guam, New Zealand and Australia.

Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds: Distinguished by craftsmanship, accentuated by firelight, and designed to gather around, Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds creates memorable spaces that bring people together through thoughtful composition and functionality. With hand-forged fire bowls, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor kitchens, friends and family can commune, converse and unwind in comfort, both inside and outside of the home.

Nexgrill: Headquartered in Southern California, and built for the world, Nexgrill is a leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor cooking products. Whether its gas, charcoal, pellets, flat tops, portables, fryers, and even accessories, Nexgrill is the grill and outdoor lifestyle company where Everyones Invited. For 28 years and counting, the company offers a wide range of products for the backyard pro to the weekend warrior, and everyone in-between.

Otto Construction: Otto Construction was founded in 1947 by John F. Otto and has remained a family-owned business for three generations, with Allison Otto becoming President and CEO in 2021. With offices in Sacramento and Monterey, Otto Construction builds high-caliber projects including senior living complexes, historical renovations, educational facilities, healthcare buildings and parking structures throughout Northern and Central California.

Regional San: Regional San owns and operates the regional wastewater conveyance system and the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located near Elk Grove, California. It provides wastewater conveyance, treatment and disposal service to about 1.6 million people throughout the Sacramento region.

Water, Inc.: Since 1977, Water, Inc. has been at the forefront of healthy and sustainable living by offering the latest technologies in water filtration and purification for the home. It is the premier distributor and supplier of water filtration and purification products, whole house water treatment systems, decorative plumbing and luxury appliances.

For more information about Merlot Marketing, Inc. and how it builds traction and grows businesses with a proven process that articulates a brand story and inspires action, please visit merlotmarketing.com.

About Merlot Marketing

Celebrating 20 years of articulating and sharing brand stories, Merlot Marketing is an award-winning, national marketing agency that focuses on public relations (PR.0), brand strategy, social media, advertising and digital communications. Headquartered in California, with satellite offices located across the country, Merlot promotes brands throughout North America and Canada. The agency specializes in the home and building products category, and has helped numerous companies rediscover their brand position and promise through its proprietary REDiscover Process and then promotes it through PR.0. Discover our passion, creativity and results at merlotmarketing.com.
For Operation Smile, Molnlyckes donation will allow more medical volunteers to safely provide surgery, comprehensive care and training for local health workers.

In collaboration with fellow Partnership for Quality Medical Donations (PQMD) member organizations, global surgical nonprofit Operation Smile is distributing 1.9 million N95 particulate respirators to health workers in low- and middle-income countries worldwide from a donation received from Molnlycke Health Care.

Molnlycke is a subsidiary of the Swedish company Molnlycke Heath Care AB, a global leading provider of single-use surgical and wound care products. Molnlycke seeks to advance performance in health care around the world, providing professionals with the tools they need to achieve the best clinical, patient and economic outcomes.

This donation follows a history of corporate support between Molnlycke and Operation Smile that began in 2004. Over the years, Molnlycke has donated nearly 1.4 million pairs of Biogel surgical gloves to Operation Smile, helping the nonprofit deliver the safest and highest quality surgical care to patients in resource-limited environments. In addition to providing free reconstructive surgery to people born with cleft conditions, Operation Smile donates medical equipment and trains local medical professionals in best wound care and other surgical practices.

Its important to really understand that these masks are needed now, said Patricia Bacuros, Operation Smiles vice president of gifts in kind, about the urgency created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If we can really work together to deploy the 1.9 million masks within the next six months, we are going to have a broader reach and a bigger impact.

The masks are to be distributed across Africa, Latin America and the Middle East through a partnership between Operation Smile and fellow PQMD-member nonprofit organizations.

PQMD is a highly respected global alliance of more than 40 corporations and nonprofit organizations leading the development and championing of high standards in medicine and medical equipment and services donations. Operation Smile will receive slightly over 1 million N95 particulate respirators with the remainder being allocated between PQMD members Project C.U.R.E., MAP International, and CMMB.

This donation will clearly help several of our member organization protect health care workers and patients in multiple countries, said Elizabeth Ashbourne, PQMDs executive director. These are organizations that work worldwide and have very sophisticated operations in-country that are led by local individuals and local doctors.

For Operation Smile, Molnlyckes donation will allow more medical volunteers to safely provide surgery, comprehensive care and training for local health workers. More information about Operation Smiles mission to provide free reconstructive cleft surgery and related care to areas of the world where its needed most can be found at https://www.operationsmile.org/.

About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a global surgical nonprofit that improves the health and dignity of patients living with cleft lip and cleft palate in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Its training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at https://www.operationsmile.org/ or by following @operationsmile on social media.

About Molnlycke

Molnlycke Health Care is a provider of high-quality healthcare solutions for customers, healthcare professionals and patients worldwide. We develop and bring to market innovative wound care and surgical solutions along the entire continuum of care  from prevention to post-acute settings. Our value-based solutions provide reduction of healthcare-acquired conditions supported by scientific, clinical, and health economic evidence. Since our beginning in 1846, weve grown into a global company and customers use our solutions in almost 100 countries. Several Molnlycke facilities are located in the US, including manufacturing, distribution and office locations, and our headquarters are in Gothenburg, Sweden. To learn more about our story, brands and what we care about, visit http://www.molnlycke.us.

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Colombia Arcila Cinnamon Pink Bourbon Coffee "With subtle cinnamon notes, a floral aroma and a creamy mouthfeel, this sweet cup offers a delightful complement to pumpkin pie and other seasonal desserts." - Greg Ubert, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Monday, November 15 is the deadline to order rare Colombia Arcila Cinnamon Pink Bourbon coffee for Thanksgiving delivery. Award-winning coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea airlifted this experimental micro lot to the U.S. especially for the holidays.

With subtle cinnamon notes, a floral aroma and a creamy mouthfeel, this sweet cup offers a delightful complement to pumpkin pie and other seasonal desserts, said Greg Ubert, founder and president.

We invite coffee enthusiasts to savor this unique coffee and relish the story of how it made its way to their cup.

Customers can order a 12-ounce box of whole bean coffee for $70 on the Crimson or Crimson Cup websites. When brewed, each box will yield about 26, 8-ounce cups of coffee.

Crimson Cup will roast this exceptional coffee on Tuesday, November 16 and ship orders the next day with free shipping to arrive before Thanksgiving.

The coffees cost stems from its rarity, risks of experimentation, transportation costs and the many hands that labored to produce this one-of-a-kind cup.

This experimental coffees tale begins 1,480 meters above sea level in the mountains of Colombias Quindio Region.

There, Grower Jairo Arcila has transitioned 10 hectares of his Finca Villarazo from avocados to coffee. His farm focuses on the superb Pink Bourbon variety.

A hybrid of Yellow and Red Bourbon, this variety has a high glucose content. It yields a sweet cup, with a silky body and luscious mouthfeel.

Some farmers report Pink Bourbon resists coffee leaf rust, a fungal disease threatening coffee crops in Central and South America.

As fourth-generation coffee growers and exporters, the Arcilas of Cofinet specialize in alternative fermentation processes that create exotic coffee varieties and unique profiles.

After visiting Finca Villarazo in October 2018, Crimson Cup Sustainability Director Brandon Bir met with Felipe Arcila in Armenia and Bogota.

We developed a friendship that grew over three years, culminating in our purchase of this experimental micro lot, he said.

Everything starts at origin, where the time we spend with small-plot farmers and communities yields remarkable coffees.

To create the unique coffee, Finca Villarazo workers exposed a micro lot of their best cherries to dry anaerobic fermentation of 72 hours.

During fermentation, they added tartaric acid and cinnamon to enhance the flavor. In the last step, they dried the cherries on raised beds to 10.5 percent moisture content.

The result is a sweet cup with subtle notes of cinnamon, Bir said. By any standard, its an outstanding cup.

Im thrilled were able to bring this competition-quality coffee to our coffeehouses and consumer tables.

About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Columbus, Ohio, coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a 2020 Good Food Award winner, 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee for consumers and wholesale coffee customers.

Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program, the company teaches entrepreneurs to run independent coffee houses in their local communities. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop.

Crimson Cup also supports life-enriching projects through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, promoting the education, health, sustainability and economic growth of small-plot coffee farmers and their communities.

Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses and a new Crimson retail flagship store. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook and Instagram.
With over 500 active recurring customers and estimated ThreatAdvice software revenue growth of 50%+ in 2021, CEO David Brasfield believes that ThreatAdvice is well-poised to operate and thrive independently from NXTsoft.

NXTsoft, a company focused on data security, data connectivity, data analytics, data management and data migration announced today that it is spinning off its ThreatAdvice division, which is focused on providing the highest standard of excellence in cybersecurity solutions, into its own company.

The new company, eponymously named ThreatAdvice after its cybersecurity brand, will be anchored by its flagship solution, ThreatAdvice vCISO (virtual chief information security officer), which utilizes a combination of employee education, skilled senior cybersecurity personnel and software, and sophisticated tracking and monitoring solutions to help businesses ensure that they are maximizing their cybersecurity posture.

In addition to ThreatAdvice vCISO, ThreatAdvice offers ThreatAdvice Educate, an employee cybersecurity education and phishing simulation solution that prepares an organizations employees to serve as the first line of defense when it comes to cyber-attacks. ThreatAdvices Managed Security Services (MSSP) offers SOCaaS (24/7 security operations center), SIEM & advanced EDR and PEN testing among others. The companys Managed Services (MSP) provide help desk functionality, mobile device management, cloud services, hosted telephony and more.

By spinning ThreatAdvice off from NXTsoft, we can focus on allocating the appropriate resources to continue to offer optimal solutions and exceptional service, while strengthening our marketing message, said Brandon Jarrett, president of ThreatAdvice. Most of NXTsofts other solutions are focused exclusively on the financial industry, while ThreatAdvice is industry agnostic. As both sides of the business continued to grow, the NXTsoft management team felt the time was right for ThreatAdvice to stand on its own, Jarrett continued.

With over 500 active recurring customers and estimated ThreatAdvice software revenue growth of 50%+ in 2021, CEO David Brasfield believes that ThreatAdvice is well-poised to operate and thrive independently from NXTsoft.

ThreatAdvice has proven solutions, an established customer base and robust pipeline, said David Brasfield, CEO of NXTsoft and ThreatAdvice. By separating ThreatAdvice from NXTsoft, we can focus more specifically on what has made the ThreatAdvice brand thrive and can continue to capitalize off that success, he said.

While ThreatAdvices solutions can benefit any business, the company is focused on serving SLED, government contracting, healthcare, legal, manufacturing, transportation and financial industries.

ThreatAdvices headquarters will be in Atlanta, Ga., and the company has launched a standalone website at http://www.threatadvice.com.

About NXTsoft

NXTsoft is headquartered in Birmingham and has offices in Orlando, Atlanta, and Denver. NXTsoft is the market leader in secure, comprehensive, and complete workflow API connectivity, connecting fintech companies to banks and credit unions throughout the United States. NXTsofts other solutions include data analytics, data management and data migration. NXTsofts products and services help businesses secure, connect and optimize their data to maximize revenue opportunities and enhance profitability. For more information visit http://www.nxtsoft.com, email info@nxtsoft.com or call 1-800-915-3381.

About ThreatAdvice

ThreatAdvice, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., is focused on providing world-class cybersecurity solutions to a variety of industries. The companys flagship service ThreatAdvice vCISO, serves to maximize a business or organizations cybersecurity posture and is complemented by a standalone cybersecurity education solution ThreatAdvice Education, as well as a variety of MSSP and MSP solutions. For more information visit threatadvice.com or call 770-451-1111.
Thanks to our generous partners, Holiday Meals for Military allows us to provide much-needed support to military families so they can enjoy the holidays and a "thank you" from the communities they've worked so hard to protect. - Brig Gen (ret) John I Pray Jr, Operation Homefront President and CEO

Operation Homefronts Holiday Meals for Military program has launched with the goal of putting meals on the tables of more than 15,000 American military families by December 17, 2021. The program, which is in its 12th year, provides junior- and mid-grade enlisted military families with all the grocery items necessary to prepare a traditional holiday meal, helping to ease their financial hardships and to make the holiday season brighter for those who sacrifice so much on behalf of all Americans. The national nonprofit expects to achieve a key milestone this holiday season of serving its 550,000th military family member since the program officially began in 2010.

Thanks to the generous support of partners including Chobani, P&G, Grunt Style Foundation, Lockheed Martin, Food Lion, Bob Hope Legacy, San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS), and others, meals are being distributed at more than 80 events across the country this holiday season, starting with Fairchild, Washington and ending at Travis Air Force Base, California. This valuable program connects civilians to military families helping them start strong and stay strong this holiday season and beyond.

Military families are often far from their loved ones during the holiday season, making it difficult for them to enjoy the traditions many Americans look forward to, said Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. Thanks to the unwavering support of our many generous partners, our highly-regarded Holiday Meals for Military program allows us to provide much-needed support to our military families so they can enjoy the holidays and a tangible thank you from the communities they have worked so hard to protect.

Chobani is a pivotal partner of Operation Homefront and its programs, including Holiday Meals for Military. Chobani is dedicated to making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating its communities and making the world a healthier place.

As a proud American company, Chobani is honored to partner with Operation Homefront, said Peter McGuinness, Chobani President and Chief Operating Officer. Since 2018, Chobani has donated more than $2.25 million through our charity product, Hero Batch. This is a special red, white and blue yogurt we designed specifically to shine a spotlight on the U.S. military in stores all across the country and to raise money and support for military families in need all year long.

In addition, Chobani allocated donations to help military families directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in California and Texas.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) joins Operation Homefront for the 6th year to provide an assortment of useful household and personal care items for the families attending our distribution events across the country. This ties to the Start Strong Stay Strong initiative launched with P&G earlier this year to brighten the lives of those that serve our nation and their families.

P&G has been committed to supporting the military community for over 150 years and we are proud to partner with Operation Homefront, said Marc Knowles, Global Military Team Leader at Procter & Gamble. Through our partnership, we have seen how their programs impact the lives of our nations military families and together, we are steadfast in our commitment to help these families start strong in their communities and stay strong throughout their journeys.

For the 5th year in a row, thanks to a donation from Bob Hope Legacy, any military families on the waitlist will be moved up to ensure they also receive a meal. Bob and Dolores Hopes enduring wish to take care of the military and their families lives on through this impactful contribution.

Registration is now open for eligible military families to receive holiday meals nationwide, including events in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, Tampa, FL, Washington D.C., San Diego, CA, and Norfolk, VA. The annual program will conclude on December 17. To see all Holiday Meals for Military event locations and to register, visit OperationHomefront.org/holiday-meals-for-military.

In addition to distributing meals in November and December, Operation Homefront holds Holiday Meals for Military events throughout the year for Easter, Independence Day, Veterans Day, and more.

The Holiday Meals for Military program was born from a chance encounter in a supermarket in Utica, New York near Fort Drum. A soldier, his wife, and infant were in line with a handful of grocery items for their Thanksgiving meal. At the register, the family realized they were short money and began to remove items from their cart. A Beam Suntory executive was in line behind them, and he paid the $12 total for their groceries. In talking to the family, the executive learned the soldier had just returned from deployment and was having trouble providing for his family due to some unexpected expenses.

From that chance meeting, Holiday Meals for Military was born. A pilot program was launched to distribute 500 holiday meal kits to military families. Since 2010, the program has grown every year. The growth is due to the generous support of many sponsors who provide funding, food items, venues, storage, shipping and valuable volunteer hours.

This years Holiday Meals for Military program will comply with all federal, state, and local COVID-19 guidelines and deliver meals in a safe, socially distant drive-through format. Meals will be distributed as traditional meal kits or in the form of a gift card, giving families the opportunity to purchase their own holiday meal contents.

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit OperationHomefront.org/holiday-meals-for-military.

# # #

About Operation Homefront

Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive  not simply struggle to get by  in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 90 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves Americas military families. For more information, visit OperationHomefront.org.

About Start Strong, Stay Strong

Operation Homefront launched Start Strong, Stay Strong, a national brand campaign in March 2021. The initiative brings much-needed attention to the dedicated service of our military families and the support that Americans can provide to build the stability, connections and comfort these families deserve to start strong in their communities and stay strong throughout their journeys. #StartStrongStayStrong. Find out more at operationhomefront.org/startstrongstaystrong.
This presentation will focus specifically on applications related to the use of specific-pathogen free and germ-free mice as preclinical models.

Even if the causality is not always established, a microbial imbalance or dysbiosis are being increasingly linked to several diseases, including gastrointestinal and dermal diseases, metabolic disorders, CNS pathologies and cancer. Furthermore, the microbiome has been shown to influence the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents and the metabolism of drugs. Based on preclinical and clinical studies, different strategies (e.g., fecal material, defined consortium, single strain) are adopted to modulate the composition of the microbiome and exploit its immunogenicity to treat diseases in first line treatment or to circumvent primary resistance to standard of care.

Owing to their scientific and technological expertise, Oncodesign and Taconic propose tailor-made strategies to clients for investigating the safety/efficacy of their microbiome-based therapeutics. This presentation will focus specifically on applications related to the use of specific-pathogen free and germ-free mice as preclinical models.

It will be a unique opportunity to interactively discuss, debate and have questions answered about how current in vivo preclinical models meet the needs of microbiome research and innovation while outlining their limitations and the challenges still to be overcome in this growing field.

Join Sylvie Maubant, Head of Study & Research Unit - In Vivo Sciences Department, Oncodesign; and Ivan Gladwyn-Ng, Field Application Scientist, Taconic in a live webinar on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11am EST (4pm GMT/UK) to gain deeper insight into preclinical models for evaluating microbiome products.

For more information, or to register for this event, visit Preclinical Models for Microbiome Research in Oncology and Inflammatory Diseases.

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/


Andrew and Carly Reeves I have a deeply rooted sense of responsibility that stems from a desire to protect the industry that has made my dreams come true. ~ Paul Porter, founder

Premier Pools and Spas, the world's largest swimming pool builder, and winner of several awards, including the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) International Award of Excellence for Design, is excited to announce two new build franchises: Davenport, Iowa, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Owned respectively by Garret Lass & Jesse Pennock, and Andrew & Carly Reeves.

Founder of PPAS, Paul Porter, and the President of Premier Franchise Management, Aaron Gurley, are selective about who becomes a Premier franchise owner. Because at Premier, gaining quality people comes before producing a quantity of exceptional work.

"I have a deeply rooted sense of responsibility that stems from a desire to protect the industry that has made my dreams come true."

~ Paul Porter, founder

Premier continues building its reputation for innovative design and excellent customer service as it expands into these new territories. Though the locations are new, they're backed by a nationwide company. Each Premier franchise is an extension of over 30 years of experience, so Albuquerque and Davenport residents can rest assured that they're choosing the best.

Premier began offering franchise opportunities in 2014 to like-minded entrepreneurs with high standards for quality and value. If you're interested in owning a Premier franchise, please visit premierpoolsfranchise.com or call (844) 366-2102.

Davenport, Iowa | Owners: Garrett Lass & Jesse Pennock

Garrett Lass previously had a career in logistics management for the fiberglass division of Latham Pool Products. He also started a pilot car company that specializes in the transportation of fiberglass pools. Jesse Pennock has owned and operated a landscaping and lawn care business for ten years. Garrett and Jesse make the perfect team to deliver the Premier experience to their community with their combined backgrounds.

During Garrett's time with Latham, he witnessed the rapid growth of Premier in the Midwest, which piqued his curiosity. "After our trip to California to learn about the PPAS opportunity, I was so impressed by the family aspect that Paul and Brian showed us. It was a parallel to how I've run my business, and I valued that mindset," said Jesse. They both look forward to working with their customers to bring their backyard dreams to life and create memories for their families for years to come.

Garrett and Jesse attended Dewitt community schools, and Garrett graduated in 2015 from the University of Dubuque. Garrett is recently engaged to his fiance Brittany and looks forward to marrying her next year. Jesse resides in DeWitt with his fiancee, Karolyn.

Albuquerque, New Mexico | Owners: Andrew & Carly Reeves

Andrew has supported his wife Carly Reeves in running an online marketing business for six years and learned what it takes to succeed. Andrew was inspired by Carly's willingness to push herself to the next level, which led him to seek an opportunity with Premier.

They're excited about becoming the go-to pool builders in Albuquerque: "We're hoping to be the leader in fiberglass in the market. I want to change the perception of fiberglass pools in New Mexico and show clients that not only can they be the more affordable option, but the better option all around."

Carly and Andrew reside in Corrales, New Mexico, where they live with their three kidsBeckam, Olive, and Everett. Music is a driving force in Carly's life, as she was in a band in her twenties that went on a few tours and even opened up for some prominent artists. Andrew is an outdoor junkie who loves to fly fish and has been all over the world doing it, from Iceland to Peru. Family is the driving force of why they are so successful and will continue being successful.

About Premier Pools & Spas

Founded in 1988, Premier Pools & Spas (PPAS) has a reputation for first-class results within the customer's budget. PPAS builds and services swimming pools and spas for homeowners across the country.
Davina Porters voice has been connected to Outlander since the very first book. Many Outlander fans cant imagine any other voice but Davinas when they hear Claire. Im forever grateful to Davina and Recorded Books for bringing my books to life!Diana Gabaldon

RBmedia, the largest audiobook producer in the world, today announced the upcoming release of its exclusive audiobook recording of Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, the ninth book in Diana Gabaldons bestselling Outlander series. Recorded Books, RBmedias flagship audio brand, is the producer for all of the Outlander audiobooks, including Bees. With nearly 100,000 pre-orders, this hotly anticipated audiobook is poised to be an instant bestseller.

The newest Outlander audiobook follows the eighth book in the series, which was published in 2014. Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall were torn apart by the Jacobite Rising in 1746, and it took them 20 years to find each other again. Now, the American Revolution threatens to do the same in Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.

Diana Gabaldon said, Davina Porters voice has been connected to Outlander since the very first book. Many Outlander fans cant imagine any other voice but Davinas when they hear Claire. Im forever grateful to Davina and Recorded Books for bringing my books to life!

Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer for RBmedia said, 2021 commemorates 30 years since the 1991 publication of the first Outlander bookDianas sweeping historical fiction of time travel, war, and romancewhich inspired the bingeworthy TV series on Starz. Over the last three decades, Outlander has become a worldwide phenomenon with a following of millions of readers and listeners. Were honored to continue as the audiobook publisher for this unforgettable series.

Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone is available for preorder now on Audible, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, and many other audiobook retailers. The audiobook will be published in North America on November 23, 2021, and will be available for digital download wherever digital audiobooks are sold. W. F. Howes, RBmedias international publishing brand, will publish the audiobook in the UK and Australia.

Recorded Books is partnering with Random House on a special virtual event with Diana Gabaldon on Monday, November 22 celebrating all things Outlander and launching the new novel.

###

About RBmedia

RBmedia is the largest audiobook producer in the world. With more than 50,000 exclusive titles, our audiobooks continually dominate key literary awards and bestseller lists. The companys powerful digital retail and library distribution network reaches millions of listeners around the globeat home, in the car, and everywhere their mobile devices go. Our titles are available on leading audio platforms, including Audible, Apple Books, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, OverDrive, Hoopla, and many more. RBmedia is owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. Find out more at rbmediaglobal.com.


RouteOne We take our responsibility to provide a safe, engaging workplace and culture where our talented team of FinTech professionals can build their careers.

RouteOne, a Detroit-based fintech, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by The Detroit Free Press. This is the fifth year RouteOne has received this distinction. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology service provider Energage, LLC. The anonymous employee survey uniquely measures drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization.

Additionally, in June 2021, RouteOnes Senior Manager, Human Resources, Nichole Roumayah Shaya, was honored by Crains Detroit Business in its 2021 Excellence in HR awards. This years Excellence in HR Awards winners reflected all of the resilience, resourcefulness, and big thinking this past year required, in business and life. The honorees moved quickly to roll out remote and flexible work plans  and found perks and productivity gains along the way. Ms. Roumayah Shaya was the winner in Employee Engagement for improving communication and collaboration across the company.

Finally, in August 2021, RouteOnes Chief Product Officer, Amanda George, was recognized as an honoree among an elite group of women named in Auto Fin Journals 2021 Women in Auto Finance. This recognition is for women who thrive in their specialties. Honorees will speak at a panel discussion in November on the challenges the pandemic created and their stories of perseverance and successes with their wide-ranging responsibilities at finance companies and other service providers. RouteOne is a joint venture of Ally Financial, Ford Credit, TD Auto Finance, and Toyota Financial Services; established to improve the finance and insurance process for automobile dealers and their customers. Since its inception, RouteOnes dedication to answering the ever-changing demands of the vehicle-finance industry remains constant. It is the connection point for 18,000+ dealers, 1,500+ finance sources, and 200+ integrated dealer service providers. RouteOne is relied on to build the tools industry partners require to facilitate a modern purchase experience that can take place in-store, remotely, or a combination of both. Its over 400 employees, located throughout the US and Canada, enjoy a hybrid remote work environment and excel in a collaborative, innovative, and agile atmosphere that helps the company better respond to industry demands. RouteOnes core values, RISE (Respect, Integrity, Security & Service, and Excellence), foster dedication and inclusiveness amongst the teams.

We are humbled by the awards that RouteOne and our team have earned. Amanda and Nichole are outstanding leaders, and it is gratifying to see these industry recognitions of their contributions. We are equally excited by the accomplishing placement in The Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces for the fifth year. We take our responsibility to provide a safe, engaging workplace and culture where our talented team of FinTech professionals can build their careers.

Interested in joining an award-winning company and being part of a fast-paced team that is driving the industry forward? Check our opportunities at http://www.routeone.com/careers

About RouteOne

RouteOne was formed in 2002 by Ally Financial, Ford Motor Credit Company, TD Auto Finance, and Toyota Financial Services to improve the F&I process for automobile dealers and their customers. Connecting thousands of dealers and finance sources in North America for vehicle financing, RouteOnes platform delivers a comprehensive suite of F&I solutions across multiple channels: in-store, online, mobile, and via third-party solutions. Its product line-up includes digital retail, credit application, eContracting, menu, and compliance solutions. In addition, RouteOne enables dealer choice across a wide variety of best-in-class providers through open integrations with over 200 DSPs. More information is available at http://www.routeone.com.
Intelligent Health, Safety and Security Solutions T-Mobile shares our commitment to improving public health so that we can safely get back to the life we once knew.

Vizsafe, Inc. today announced it has selected T-Mobile as the preferred wireless provider to connect its Health Screening and Health Pass Verification solutions over the nations largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network. Vizsafe has also joined the T-Mobile for Business Partner Program to provide their health, safety and security solutions to enterprise customers.

As COVID-19 and new variants continue to strain the public health system, economic infrastructure, and our way of life, innovative solutions are needed that can address both the immediate and long-term impact of this pandemic, as well as other infectious diseases. Throughout this crisis, Vizsafe has been delivering the most advanced capabilities available on the market to help organizations of all sizes protect the safety of their employees and visitors while reducing health risks, processing more than 5 million transactions per month.

Vizsafes patented Geoaware Access products and services are proudly Made in the USA, offering a wide range of flexible options, including:



Touchless Health Screening & Health Pass Verification Kiosks - Verifies identity credentials, scans SMART Health Cards and measures vital signs using AI powered medical grade sensors.

Health Pass Verification Tablets - Validates testing, vaccination credentials and SMART Health Cards for intelligent access control.

Self-Attestation/Symptom Checker Apps - Provides configurable health self-attestation/symptom checker forms with QR codes using web and mobile apps.

Incident Management Dashboards & Analytics - Uses real-time web dashboards for insights, analytics and compliance reporting.

The pursuit of health, safety and security deserves 4G LTE that covers 99% of people across the country for today and the largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network for wireless connectivity to power future innovation, which is why we didnt look any further than T-Mobile, said Peter Mottur, President and CEO of Vizsafe. T-Mobile shares our commitment to improving public health so that we can safely get back to the life we once knew.

About Vizsafe

Vizsafe, Inc. is a leading provider of health, safety and security solutions, delivering its patented Geoaware intelligence dashboard with location-powered mobile apps, touchless AI-driven health screening, real-time communications and incident manangement. Vizsafes innovative technologies are proudly Made in the USA and are enabling smarter and more responsive communities globally. Their platform is HIPAA compliant and has been awarded SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, supporting the most demanding safety, security and risk management applications.

For more information, please visit: https://www.vizsafe.com

SMART(TM) and the SMART logo is a trademark of The Childrens Medical Center Corporation. Used with permission.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.Purdue Universitys Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture will provide a home and care for the National Thanksgiving Turkey and alternate following this weeks National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House. The turkeys will live at Purdues Animal Science Research and Education Center, where they will reside in a separate enclosed indoor setting with access to a shaded grassy area.

Purdue Agricultures Department of Animal Sciences includes a nationally recognized poultry program, with experts in nutrition, health, education, behavioral neuroendocrinology, management, behavior and animal welfare.

The turkeys were raised under the supervision of Phil Seger, 2021 National Turkey Federation chairman, and by southern Indiana turkey producer Andrea Welp in cooperation with Farbest Farms. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey and alternate, then both turkeys will return to Indiana to live at Purdue University following their trip to Washington, D.C.

Indiana is the fourth largest turkey producing state in the nation and ranks first in duck production and second in egg production. The poultry industry contributes more than $12 billion in total economic activity to Indiana and employs more than 12,000 people.

Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of Purdue Agricultures connection to Indiana poultry.

Purdue Agricultures animal sciences faculty and Extension educators have a long history with the Indiana poultry industry, including working alongside the Indiana Turkey Market Development Council and Indiana State Poultry Association. We value the importance and potential of our collaborations, she said.

John Blanton, Animal Sciences department head and professor, looks forward to highlighting the many strengths of Purdues poultry program.

We are extremely fortunate at Purdue to have faculty with a wide range of expertise as well as talented students, he said. I am grateful to Dr. Marisa Erasmus and Dr. Greg Fraley, the Terry and Sandra Tucker Endowed Chair of Poultry Science, co-advisors of the Purdue Poultry Club, for leading this project and maximizing the benefits for students and the community.

Erasmus spoke about this opportunity to educate people about turkeys:

Although turkeys are an important American cultural tradition, most people do not know much about turkey production and management, so this is an amazing chance for us to increase awareness and knowledge of turkeys behavior, personalities and welfare, Erasmus said.

Educating students will also be a primary focus in the coming months, Fraley said.

The turkeys will provide a great resource for students to learn more about the poultry industry and about policies that impact poultry production, he said.

The turkeys, whose names will be announced later this week, will officially be welcomed to Purdue with the Boilermaker Special 1-2 p.m. (weather permitting) Nov. 29 on the Memorial Mall. Animal sciences professors Marisa Erasmus and Greg Fraley will be in attendance and available for interviews.

You can follow the turkeys trip to the White House and back home again to Indiana on social media.

Purdue Agriculture:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurdueAg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PurdueAg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/

The National Turkey Federation:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatlTurkeyFed

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natlturkeyfed

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natlturkeyfed/

Indiana Turkey Market Development Council:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourINturkeyfarmers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourinturkeyfarmers/

Indiana State Poultry Association:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INPoultry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inpoultry/

Media contact: Maureen Manier, mmanier@purdue.edu

Sources: Marisa Erasmus, merasmus@purdue.edu

Greg Fraley, gfraley@purdue.edu

Rebecca Joniskan, President, Indiana State Poultry Association, rjoniska@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Initial phase begins this fall, calls for 14 new faculty in public health

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue University is launching one of the largest faculty hiring initiatives in its history as a key part of a $75 million Equity Task Force effort to diversify the racial makeup of its faculty, staff and student ranks. Over the next five years, 40 full-time faculty will be added through several academic clusters as part of this initiative.

The plans initial phase, begun this fall, will focus on hiring 14 faculty in public health, including areas such as policy, equity, communications, nursing, pharmacy and nutrition. The goal is to expand Purdues proven public health program, to better respond to the growing industry workforce demands in Indiana and the region, to enhance the universitys research excellence, and to provide greater career opportunities for underrepresented minority faculty.

Our land-grant mission is deeply rooted in the ideas of access and equity, said John Gates, vice provost for diversity and inclusion. Through this comprehensive five-year, $75 million effort, our goal is to further enrich and significantly diversify Purdues faculty, staff and student body  to maximize the success of all Boilermakers.

A more diverse faculty and student body lifts the research and learning enterprise of our entire university. We see an intrinsic connection between diversity and excellence.

Through the multiyear effort, the 10-member Equity Task Force Implementation Team has been tasked by the Purdue Board of Trustees to elevate the university's diversity efforts as a leader in attracting Black students and faculty and fostering their success through transformative education and world-changing research.

Peter Hollenbeck, Purdue vice provost for faculty affairs, is leading the team identifying areas for cluster hires of new tenure-track faculty in public health. Additionally, Hollenbeck's team is collaborating with Purdue's academic and research community to determine the number and cadence of other cluster hires. Two new hires in African American studies also are planned.

The demand is high, the need is great and the timing is optimal," Hollenbeck said. "Launching this many cluster hire searches at once is unprecedented and truly exciting. We're sending the message that Purdue is looking to establish a large footprint in public health, that we are taking the necessary steps to expand mentoring and community-building initiatives, and enhancing career development opportunities and professional recognition for diverse faculty members."

Initial hires in public health

An emerging practice in higher education that originated during the late 1990s, cluster hiring involves adding faculty into multiple departments or colleges around interdisciplinary research topics, or clusters, according to the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Purdue has successfully used this strategy to strengthen specific research areas before.

The first step in this current effort will see hires in the colleges of Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Pharmacy, and in Purdue Libraries and the School of Information Studies.

Marion Underwood, HHS dean and distinguished professor of psychological sciences, said potential areas within this initial phase are public health, social demography, health policy analysis, public health administration, public health education and communication, health science information, specialties, health science analytics, and health equity and disparity. Of those 14 prospective hires in public health, nine are projected to be through Health and Human Sciences.

Purdue is uniquely positioned to help meet the need for additional public health care workers and to enhance public health and health equity in Indiana and the nation, said Underwood, who authored a proposal for a significant Purdue investment in public health in December 2020. Purdue has particular strengths in pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, food science, nutrition science, biomedical engineering and Extension. All can contribute to a distinctively Purdue effort in public health and health equity thats untouchable by other universities in Indiana and nationally.

Significant foundation to grow public health

Much of Indiana has a shortage of basic, primary medical care: 87% of Indianas rural population and 62% if its urban population live in areas with primary care shortages. The state also faces serious challenges in health equity. Almost 29% of Indianas Black and 22% of Hispanic residents, for example, live in food deserts, geographic areas where access to healthy, fresh food is limited by proximity to a grocery store.

To help respond to that challenge, HHS created the Department of Public Health in June 2019, building on the strengths of its new masters degree in public health and including an undergraduate major in public health.

In January 2020, the College of Pharmacy launched the Center for Health Equity and Innovation to address the needs of underserved populations locally and globally.

This initiative will provide a great boost to the efforts already underway, said Eric Barker, dean of the College of Pharmacy. The last nearly two years really exposed needs in various aspects of public health, particularly in underserved areas. Once again Purdue is providing leadership that will lead to societal solutions.

Dr. Jerome Adams, former Indiana state health commissioner and the 20th U.S. surgeon general, was recently appointed as Purdues first executive director of health equity initiatives and is playing a key role in the public health cluster hire process. This Purdue effort, he said, comes at critical time in the nations need for addressing and equipping the next generation of academic and industry leaders in public health, health equity and pharmacy.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has shined a stark light on the price we pay for the equity gap in our nations health care system, Adams said. Building the best, brightest and most diverse team of faculty members and researchers in public health and health equity will have a lasting impact in advancing solutions to this significant challenge in our world  bridging that gap and helping ensure the health and well-being of our local, regional and national communities.

Adams also serves as a Presidential Fellow, a professor of practice in the departments of Public Health and Pharmacy Practice, and a faculty member of the Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering at Purdue, which, since its launch in 2005, has focused on examining evidence for the effectiveness and successful adaptation of interventions and policies to improve the quality, accessibility, equity and affordability of health care delivery.

And through Purdue Extension, the university is connected to all 92 Indiana counties, where Purdue Health and Human Sciences educators collaborate with locals to strengthen communities and families by offering educational programs centered on health, family and finances.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last four years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/.

Writer: Phillip Fiorini, 765-430-6189, pfiorini@purdue.edu

Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496, oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates
The University Senate passed a proposal supporting new policies to address sexual assault and misconduct on campus Monday.
If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.

Submit
BIG E VS. ZIGGLER, LIV VS. BIANCA, ROMAN VS. NAKAMURA & MORE: WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS 2021 REPORT

Welcome to PWInsider.com's 2021 WWE Tribute to the Troops on FOX report. This special aired in different slots depending on your local market.

The show opened with Lilian Garcia appearing to sing the national anthem.

WWE aired a video package on the past Tribute to the Troops events.

In a cool effect, they had a CGI battleship.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee are the announce team.

WWE Champion Big E vs. Dolph Ziggler.

They locked up with Ziggler trying to use a waistlock to take E down but the champ was too strong and easily warded him off. Ziggler nailed him. Big E did a leapfrog and then caught Ziggler with an abdominal stretch, peppering the challenger's side with punches. E dragged Ziggler to the apron outside, beating on his chest and then nailing a big splash on the apron.

Big E pulled him back to the apron outside and went for a suplex but Ziggler landed in the ring. Robert Roode tried to interfere but was kicked off. This allowed Ziggler to drill a distracted E as they went to commercial. When they returned, Ziggler had Big E caught in a sleeper while riding the champion's back. E flipped him over and nailed an overhead belly to belly suplex, then followed up with another. E played to the crowd and nailed a big splash, then rallied the fans to chant for him.

Ziggler cut him off with a Famouser for a two count. Ziggler went for a piledriver. E went to backdrop him over Ziggler landed on his feet and struck the champ with the ZigZag for a close two count. Ziggler came off the ropes with a bodypress but was caught and hit with the Big Ending for the pin.

Your winner, WWE Champion Big E!

Robert Roode immediately attacked him and went for a DDT but E recovered and nailed another Big Ending.

Solid, standard, enjoyable fare for WWE.

They aired a video package on the the Marine Lance Corporal Nhatalyne Bordes, noting she signed up during war-time. They noted that she passed on Colombia University to join the Marines. She didn't know how to swim and is now taking water survival training. They showed how hard her training is and how strong her work ethic is.

They showed a video package on a Marine, Cpl. Matthew Stitt, an air traffic controller who emanated from Brazil to the United States and became a Marine, following in his father's footsteps.

Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair.

Some back and forth wrestling and near falls early. Pure friendly babyface vs. babyface 101 as they each try to one up each other and smiling about it before they go to commercial. When they return, Bianca caught Morgan with a spinebuster for a two count. Bianca went for a powerbomb but Liv rolled through into a sunset flip near fall. Morgan followed up with an enziguiri. Morgan missed a charge into the corner. Morgan tried to come off the ropes with a rana but was caught and transitioned into the KOD for the pinfall.

Your winner, Bianca Belair!

Short but fun match with the story being they were having a friendly scrap with each getting a quick spotlight move before the finish.

They shook hands after the bell.

WWE promoted their new partnership with the National Medal of Honor Museum.

They then went to a really great video piece on Hershel "Woody" Williams, the oldest living recipient of the Medal of Honorfor heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Williams told the story that two of the others who received that Medal from the battle died protecting him that day and said that he doesn't consider himself a hero and that those who deserved that recognition are the ones who didn't get to come home after defending the United States. This was a really wonderful piece.

WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman came to the ring.

They went to a video package on a retired United States Navy member, Matt Lewis. He said that the Navy brought him up and he's still giving back to the Nacy.

Rick Boogs played Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring.

WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura.

Reigns controlled early until Nakamura hit a leaping knee strike, then another, scoring two near falls. Nakamura worked him over in the corner and used his leg to kick away as Boogs played the guiltar. Reigns nailed several clotheslines in the corner, then a leaping lariat as they went to commercial.

When they returned, they ran a video package on the highest ranking cadet at West Point, Cadet Holland Pratt, who is currently in the United States Military Academy. She talked about how West Point shapes you as a person. Her great grandfather died in a concentration camp and her Grandmother grew up in post-WW2 Germany. She told a story about how their entire village hid under a bridge until someone told them it was OK, because it was the Americans. She was inspired to go and save lives by those stories. She is the sixth female first captain at West Point.

They had a CGI military chopper above the ring as they returned to action. Roman nailed a big Uranage for a two count. Roman set up for a Superman punch but Boogs began playing the guitar, distracting and annoying the champion. Reigns went to exit the ring but Paul Heyman talked him out of it. Nakamura ducked the Superman Punch attempt and was nailed with a kick. Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa but The Usos attacked Boogs on the floor. Nakamura went to assist him but Roman nailed the Superman Punch on the floor.

Nakamura was tossed back in the ring, speared and pinned.

Your winner, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns!

Overall, a slickly produced special with the in-ring reaction really a backdrop for WWE promoting the United States Armed Forces. From an in-ring standpoint, there was nothing you would likely feel you missed out on had you not seen the special, but for 60 minutes of WWE giving back to the military, this was nice feel good show.

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Paulie Velez was arrested and charged with committing a rape in Central Park last Thursday. He was caught in Howard Beach on Saturday morning.
The M-Net and Fremantle series, co-produced by Harriet Gavshon for Quizzical and Serena Cullen for Serena Cullen Productions, is Fremantles first ever South African drama. Described as a unique and ground-breaking English language drama, Reyka follows a flawed but brilliant criminal profiler, Reyka Gama (Kim Engelbrecht,). Haunted by her past, she investigates a string of brutal murders committed by a serial killer in the sugar cane fields of KwaZulu-Natal.Having been abducted as a child by a farmer named Speelman, Reyka is traumatised by the experience but this also helps her enter the minds of Africa's most notorious criminals and turn them inside out. Manipulative and charming, Speelmans hold on Reyka, 20 years later, forms part of the backbone of the story, as does Reykas relationship with her mother Elsa. Reyka exposes secrets and lies, truth and trust, damage, healing and forgiveness. With a backdrop of sugar cane fields, tropical beaches, stifling heat, dangerous wildlife, a criminal underworld, and shadowy politics - each place is connected by sugar but divided in so many other ways.The series is currently the highest rated South African drama for the broadcaster M-Net. There series has now been sold to SVOD rights for North America to the local version of BritBox which will launch the service on 16 November. CBC has picked up the series for Canada and Channel 4 will bring Reyka to audiences in the UK. Public broadcasting heavyweight SBS recently launched Reyka in Australia, and TVNZ will broadcast for audiences in New Zealand. Meanwhile in Europe, Canal+ has acquired the series for numerous territories including Poland and France. RTL has acquired the rights for Germany, Cosmote TV for Greece and Sky Italia will be bringing Reyka to Italy. HBO LATAM will launch Reyka in numerous countries following a pan-regional deal struck by Sheila Aguirre, EVP content distribution and format sales LATAM, Caribbean and Hispanic US. Other territories that have boarded the series include: Marjan Television (MENA Farsi), OSN Streaming (MENA Region) HOT (Israel), RTL Klub (Hungary) Viasat (Russia & CIS, Georgia & Ukraine) and NOW TV (Hong Kong & Macau).We are delighted that so many exciting broadcast partners will be bringing our first South African scripted series to audiences across the world, reinforcing the global appeal of this captivating drama, commented Julie Hodge, editorial director, global drama for Fremantle and executive producer for Reyka. With compelling scripts, world class performances and astonishing production values, it is not a surprise the series has performed excellently for M-NET and I have no doubt that success will be emulated in the international market, cementing Fremantle as a key player in the English language drama space.
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My previous article, Deficits are a waste of Time, Government spending is the problem, failed to address one key point in the argument against deficits.

Many economists claim that Borrowing allows government to expand public expenditures with a facility unknown in Taxation. This is certainly true. The ability of government to raise funds via Taxation is much restrained by the retardant fines and penalties imposed upon economic activity; Whereas Borrowing, in which lenders are rewarded with return of principle and the reward of interest, is devoid of such deterrence. Thus, government certainly may garner and spend far greater sums through the comparatively easy extraction of borrowed funds. Therefore, to limit the threat of plunder posed to a nations resources by government, they argue only Taxation should be employed.

Up to the end of the 19th century, government funded public expenditures almost exclusively with Taxation, save in time of emergency or war, as incurring public debt was considered ruinous policy. Government still wasted large fractions of the resources seized, the iniquitous practice stretching back millennia. But such lamentable squander was curtailed by the pain inflicted by Taxation. However, times have changed, and the strictures against public debt diminished, and, recently, have all but disappeared. Government is expanding at unprecedented rates with a Soviet future appearing more realistic every passing day.

However, advocates for Full Taxation have not fully considered a third option: a system in which government borrows exclusively and procures all funds directly from resident citizens. The disregard of this third option, whether intentional or through ignorance, has contributed greatly to the cause of despotism and tyranny.

If a communitys government adhere to two simple conditions: that government borrow exclusively from resident citizens and borrow in the currency of the land, the method of revenue collection and, hence, government operation would be turned on its head.

Government, inured to vigorously and ruthlessly muscling funds from taxpaying slaves and spending wildly, quickly must convert to charm and persuasion to entice perpetual, petulant, scrutinizing public banker to lend. Present methods of accounting benefits of public expenditures are primitive. With confiscation prohibited and a capital charge introduced, the contrivance and advent of new methods of public accounting will force government to financially justify every public expenditure and investment.

The people or resident lenders, informed by the novelty of financial scrutiny, shall become the arbiters of which public expenditures are worthy and deserving of funding, and which are unworthy and deserving of rejection. Government shall submit every government program to a complete examination of costs and benefits. Most programs, borne of government arrogance and greed, shall not survive such piercing scrutiny, and those that do shall be completely reformed.

How could the US Federal Government charm free-lending citizens of Florida or Maine to support gifts to politically connected farmers in Illinois or Iowa, or charm free-lending citizens of Illinois and Iowa to support vast US Naval operations throughout the world including the construction of new aircraft carrier groups? People, seeking value for money, would prefer lending to worthy public projects in the immediate vicinity, not in distant lands where projects and returns possess dubious value.

Why would the lender or Public Banker offer copious and direct financial support through costly welfare administration to able-bodied persons and favoured corporations? Why fund an unwinnable drug war, Marxist dominated public education systems, or corrupt and perverted law enforcement and court systems?

If in the era of the Public Banker malfeasance and mal-administration should persist, the people shall reprise neglect and derelictions by withholding funds and depriving government of the means to operate until the culprits are investigated, identified, arrested, charged, prosecuted, sentenced, jailed, and, if the penalty allows, executed.

One does not like to see savings or pension holdings diminished or destroyed by those entrusted with their money. The same fears that motivate the private lender motivate the Public Banker. Violate the public trust or offend the majority, the public shall cease lending, and perhaps start selling large amounts of bonds, lessening their value and causing great losses to all bondholders, among whom one may count public servants, labourers, professionals, and tradesman.

Government shall have every incentive to ensure the profitable and efficient provision of public goods. In summary, one learns quickly to treat his banker far better than his taxpaying slave.

With government compelled to seek profitable public investments the wealth of a community should explode. Imagine an economy producing 100 units with 40 to government and 60 to the people. By imposing a capital charge overseen by the vigilant Public Banker, government expenditure should decline sharply, to perhaps 10 units. The potent deterrent effect of Taxation, which so many right wing economists advance as a barrier to expansive government, shall disappear. The annual product of 100 units could easily rise to 135. Instead of a meager 60 units, the people would enjoy 125 units of product, better than a doubling of income.

Imagine a corporation that borrowed 10 units and created 65 units of assets every year, a return of 550%. Who wouldnt buy their stock or lend them money!

If economists were to recognize the consequences of imposing a capital charge on all public expenditures, they would welcome rather than ridicule such a profoundly benign and enriching measure. Let the era of the taxpaying slave yield to the age of the Public Banker.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/15/2021



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JENNY AND SUMIT

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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

: The Other Way featured Sumit Singh getting "cold feet" over filing a marriage application, Kenny Niedermeier's children disappointing him, Ariela Weinberg contemplating a Biniyam Shibre reconciliation, Evelin Villegas doubting the future of her marriage to Corey Rathgeber , and Ellie and Victor fighting over money during Sunday night's Season 3 episode on TLC.: The Other Way follows American citizens moving to foreign countries for the sake of love and their future spouses, and they must marry within 90 days in order to stay.The third-season of : The Other Way stars Victor, a 28-year-old from Providencia, Colombia, and Ellie, a 45-year-old from Seattle, WA; Biniyam, a 31-year-old from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Ariela, a 29-year-old from Princeton, NJ; and Corey, a 34-year-old from Mill A., WA, and Evelin, a 28-year-old from Engabao, Ecuador.The series also stars Jenny Slatten , a 63-year-old from Palm Springs, CA, and Sumit Singh, a 33-year-old from New Delhi, India; Steven, a 25-year-old from Salt Lake City, UT, and Alina, a 20-year-old from Russia; and Armando Rubio, a 32-year-old from Mexico, and Kenny, a 58-year-old from St. Petersburg, FL.Below is what was shown on the eleventh episode of : The Other Way's third season.Sumit's parents said they were no longer going to object to Jenny and Sumit getting married, and so the couple decided to go forward with their wedding.Sumit, however, worried the stars were not aligned properly for Jenny and himself, and so the pair met with an astrologer to make sure the timing of their union would be perfect.The astrologer told the couple to get married whenever they pleased and it would be "no big deal," and Jenny gushed about feeling so relieved to finally have approval from Sumit's parents as well as those associated with Sumit's cultural and spiritual beliefs.But Sumit thought a wedding would take more time, and he admitted "cold feet" were settling in because he had expected the planning process to take much longer.The astrologer told Jenny and Sumit to wait at least nine days to get married, and so Jenny wanted to say "I do" to Sumit on the tenth day. Sumit initially agreed but confessed he had gone through a lot in his last divorce and was scared.Sumit feared Jenny might leave him to return to the United States or end their marriage. He said he was "shivering" and "shaking" over the idea of another divorce, and Jenny said she understood where he was coming from because his previous divorce had been "hell" for him.Sumit broke down into tears during the conversation and admitted he never wanted to lose Jenny because she's the only person in his life."You couldn't get rid of me if you tried! I love you so much. I love you more than anything. Don't have any doubt in your mind about me... I will love you conditionally forever. I will never stop loving you, and I will never leave you," Jenny shared with Sumit.Sumit said he did absolutely everything with Jenny -- including shopping and eating -- and so he apparently couldn't picture a day without her.Jenny thought Sumit's fears and reservations were natural, but all she could do was promise him everything was going to be alright.Jenny and Sumit, however, were advised by the astrologer to get married in court instead of within a temple.Jenny and Sumit then learned Jenny must file an application for marriage registration and provide certain documents and then wait 30 days to be legally married. Jenny worried something may go wrong or Sumit's parents would change their minds in the meantime.Jenny and Sumit immediately filled out and filed the application, beginning their marriage process, despite Sumit's obvious nerves and anxiety.Sumit just didn't want Jenny to change after getting married, as his first wife had allegedly became controlling once they tied the knot. Sumit's friend, however, advised Sumit not to compare Jenny to his past -- an alleged "controlling and domineering" woman.Sumit's friend told Sumit to get married because it's what he's always wanted with Jenny, whom he had been living with in India for a while.Sumit then admitted, "I was not ready for the filing. When we were done with the meeting, I called the lawyer and I [asked] him to hold, like, don't file for the marriage," Sumit confessed. "[Jenny] don't know about it."Sumit figured Jenny would be very mad and hurt upon finding out about what he had done in secret, and Sumit feared he was going to break her trust.Since Evelin had agreed a few weeks prior to move forward with their wedding, Corey and Evelin picked their wedding date and were shown meeting with their wedding planner.Evelin seemed bitter about having given Corey a second chance, and she was apparently in "a b-tchy mood" after having a bad dream about Corey and Jenny from Peru in which she had slapped both individuals.Evelin had the tendency of waking up "super mad" at Corey, even though she was trying incredibly hard to forget the past and look forward to the future.Evelin said her wedding should be officiated by a person with no religious background because in her faith, marriage is until death. Corey told Evelin that's exactly the purpose of tying the knot, but Evelin apparently felt differently about her relationship with Corey after his betrayal."It's like you're already thinking about divorce," Corey explained.It appeared Evelin would want an out from the marriage if Corey hurt her again down the line, but she told Corey there would be no reason to divorce him if he ends up being a good husband."I'm not trying to be mean to Corey or try to punish him. I just feel like one of my biggest fears is giving him the opportunity to hurt me again. That's why I warn him that if this time it doesn't work, we're just gonna get a divorce," Evelin shared in a confessional.A few weeks before her wedding, Evelin was excited but still hesitant about sharing the rest of her life with Corey.Corey wanted Evelin to ask her family's pastor to marry them in order to take their marriage very seriously, but Evelin wanted to have divorce be an option."I'm just taking my protections in case something goes wrong. You know I always prepare for the worst," Evelin explained to Corey, adding how separating or divorcing would be a big issue if the church is involved.Evelin said she just wanted to know "where the exits are," but Corey said it scared him to hear that Evelin was even thinking about exiting the marriage.Evelin realized she should be nicer to Corey because her stress about marriage and divorce was having a negative impact on him. Evelin then suggested that instead of having a pastor, she'd like her sister Lesley to marry them."She's the last person on earth that makes sense... because she doesn't want us to be together," Corey argued with his bride-to-be.Evelin insisted Lesly would be their best option and she would like her husband and sister to get along better. Evelin pointed out how Lesly was aware of the highs and lows she and Corey had been through as a couple, but Corey said he didn't want to be disrespected or for his wedding to be a joke.Armando was relieved was his father had decided to attend his wedding, but she worried he was only making an appearance to due to pressure from Armando's mother. Armando didn't want Armando Sr. to feel "forced" into being a part of his big day.Once Armando's family arrived, Armando said it felt great to hug his father and see him with a smile on his face. He was excited to be with his family for his entire wedding weekend.Armando wished his father could talk to him more openly and express how he was feeling, and he learned from his mother and sister how Armando Sr. had made a "last minute decision" about the wedding.Armando's mother tried to tell her husband that he cared too much about other people's opinions and needed to focus on the importance of his relationship with his only son. The situation was clearly hard for Armando Sr., and Armando was worried about his father watching him kiss and dance with Kenny at the wedding.Kenny's children and grandchild Cooper then traveled to Mexico for the wedding, and Kenny gushed about how wonderful it was going to be to have his family meet Armando's family for the first time.Kenny hadn't seen all of his children in a year-and-a-half, so he was just ecstatic about their arrival, including Kenny's son Bricen. Kenny's daughter Cassidy was also noticeably pregnant, which showed Kenny how much time he had missed with her.The two families seemingly enjoyed a fun and interactive day of grilling and storytelling."We're really starting to feel like a blended family. Armando and I have been talking about growing our family more, but I haven't found the right time to talk to my kids about it yet... I just want to tell them altogether and face to face," Kenny explained.Kenny wanted to fulfill his younger husband's dreams and wishes, and so he hoped to have his children's support about growing his already-large family even more.Kenny later talked to his children about adopting Hannah and potentially adopting another child in an orphanage since Armando is only 32 years old. Kenny acknowledged it wouldn't be an easy road and there were some unknowns about the future.Kenny shared how Armando had also brought up surrogacy and in vitro fertilization, which shocked Kenny's daughter. Kenny's kids didn't like the idea of Kenny having four children in the United States and a whole other family in Mexico.Kenny's adult kids were afraid their father would ignore them and their grandchildren and essentially forget about them. Kenny's kids didn't want to have to travel to Mexico every time they wanted to see him.Kenny's daughter Taylor called the whole situation "crazy," and Kenny discovered his children would probably resent him a little bit in the case.Kenny admitted he was disappointed in his children's reactions and assumed he would've received a little more support. However, he promised his kids that he would never leave them behind and forget about them.Kenny told the cameras it was "really hard" to prioritize and put his soon-to-be husband first over his children, especially since Kenny's kids have always been his priority.After a big fight with Biniyam, Ariela said she wasn't sure there was any hope for the future of her relationship with him.Ariela admitted she was tired, and so she left her mother Janice to sit down with Biniyam for a chat with a language translator in Kenya. Biniyam wished Ariela would give him the benefit of the doubt, and he hoped Janice would understand his point of view.Janice explained to Biniyam that Ariela had received messages informing her that Biniyam had turned their home into a party place, with women coming and going as they pleased.Biniyam explained he had turned his house into "a studio" to work on music, which resulted in eyewitnesses speculating and causing problems. Ariela had lost trust in Biniyam and wondered if he had found another woman he liked more."When Ari was gone, did you cheat on Ari?" Janice asked.Biniyam smiled, hesitated and responded, "No... Absolutely it's not like that."Janice believed that Biniyam was telling the truth -- based on his response and body language -- and so she apparently felt happy and relieved.Biniyam said he had lied to Ariela about a lot of things and went to clubs when she wasn't around just to avoid confrontations and possible arguments, but he said he regretted not being honest with Ariela all the time.Lying to Ariela about small things apparently made her suspicious of Biniyam, which then upset Biniyam. Janice assured Biniyam that Ariela loved him and had cried every day for about two months over Biniyam's behavior.Biniyam promised Janice that he loved Ariela and was "trying" to make things right."I really love Ari, from the bottom of my heart," Biniyam insisted. "I will go to great lengths to try and fix this."Ariela was optimistic she and Biniyam may be able to repair their relationship and fix things after Janice had questioned Biniyam and pressed him for an explanation.Janice advised her daughter to set boundaries for Biniyam and discuss her expectations and exactly what she'd want for her relationship going forward. Janice also told Biniyam to always tell the truth and "face the music right away" in order to build trust.Ellie and Victor were still working on their house on Providencia Island in Colombia after the hurricane, and the couple was feeling a bit more positive after having an argument.Victor brought Ellie to his sister's house to show her the wreckage and where he had sought shelter during the storm when he had texted Ellie, asking her to pray for him.The ceiling and roof had been ripped off the house, and Victor showed Ellie how his loved ones had squeezed into their sink cabinets, where they waited and prayed for survival for six hours.Ellie couldn't believe what she was seeing, and she said she wasn't sure how to help somebody who went through such a traumatizing and frightening experience. Ellie told Victor, "I'm sorry," and hugged him closer that day, and Victor felt mixed emotions about what he had gone through.Ellie determined she must have more patience and be on Victor's side. She decided to stop taking Victor's alleged mood swings personally since he had faced so much adversity within just a couple of weeks of their reunion.Victor later revealed to the cameras that he was "waiting on the right moment" to propose marriage to Ellie. But first, he asked Ellie if she'd be ready to have a child with him."You know that I would try, but I don't know if I'm able to get pregnant," Ellie said. "I feel like we have been trying.""We're going to start tonight, last night and every night," Victor joked.Ellie revealed how Victor would like to have "a ton" of children but she didn't want to get her hopes up since her probability decreases as she ages.Victor suggested they should build another room in their house, but Ellie told Victor that babies cost a lot of money and they had to think about expanding their family from a financial perspective as well.The couple had planned to open a bar in Providencia and live a chill life, but the hurricane had changed all that since tourists weren't visiting the island due to the hurricane.Ellie and Victor's conversation about money turned into an argument, and Ellie accused Victor of denying what's right in front of him.Ellie called Victor "stubborn," but Victor told Ellie, "I think you have a money problem. All you think about is money and how something is too expensive... or how much something is going to cost."Victor argued that money isn't everything and he could make his own money by playing music. Ellie said she had given Victor quite a lot of money, but Victor pointed out how he didn't even own a bike.Victor walked away from the conversation, and Ellie was clearly angry and frustrated.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
Heather Gay says it was "horrible" to see Jen Shah's arrest play out on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

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Gay reacted on Sunday's episode of Watch What Happens Live to the RHOSLC footage of the federal raid on Shah's home.

Sunday's RHOSLC showed NYPD officers, Homeland Security and SWAT team members arrive at Shah's home with their weapons ready. At one point, one of Shah's sons was seen being escorted out of the house with his hands in the air.

Shah and her assistant, Stuart Smith, were arrested in March and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Shah and Smith both pleaded not guilty to the charges in April.

On RHOSLC, Shah was about to leave on a trip with the other women when she received a phone call and left the bus. The women then learned about Shah's legal issues.

Gay said she "felt horrible" to see the armed officers swarming Shah's home.

"I would have loved to see [CSI: Miami actor] David Caruso because that guy with the heavy artillery marching her 15-year-old son out and her nephew? It was very upsetting to me. I thought it was horrible," Gay said.

Gay also reacted to Whitney Rose saying that she had attributed Shah's lifestyle to a possible sugar daddy.

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"No, we'd never discussed it," Gay said of Shah. "I think a lot of times when there's a really beautiful woman who seems to live outside of her means, we just assume that a man is financing it."

Gay previously said on WWHL that Shah's legal issues haven't affected their friendship.

RHOSLC is in its second season on Bravo. The series also stars Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Meredith Marks and Jennie Nguyen.
Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Cloudy skies. Windy this morning. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 24F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Rain likely. Areas of patchy fog. High 58F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Widespread frost likely. Low near 30F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students from Windham Elementary School get a surprise visit from the plow truck they named as part of the Vermont Agency of Transportation's Name a Plow program on Wednesday, 11/17/21.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Morning high of 48F with temps falling to near 40. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low 26F. Winds light and variable.
Don Turner is a former state representative from Milton, former House minority leader, current Milton town manager and longtime member of the Milton Fire and Rescue departments. He was a candidate for lieutenant governor in 2018. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
BRIDGEWATER  The person who tested positive the day after a town Veterans Day celebration was fully vaccinated, the towns first selectman said Sunday.

This was definitely a breakthrough case, said First Selectman Curtis Read, who also attended the event. Officials estimate that 75 people were exposed as a result.

Bridgewaters Hilltop Senior Center has been aired out throughout the weekend after a person who attended a Veterans Day event there on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19 the following day.

The event, which was open to the public, was the senior facilitys annual veterans celebration. It was held indoors in a large room at the facility.

Read said when he got to the event, he made sure doors and windows were open a crack and there was cross ventilation.

While no one at the event was asked for proof of vaccination against COVID-19, it was brought up early that anybody who was not vaccinated was required to wear masks, Read said.

The event lasted from about 10:45 a.m. to noon and served food. Read said most of the guests were town residents and well known to those who live in town.

I can tell you everybody who was there, and so could other people, he said. There was also a sign-in sheet.

The following day, Read received a call from a person who attended the event, who said they started to feel bad Thursday night and in extreme caution got a COVID-19 test.

Everyone who attended the event was notified about the positive case by midday Saturday.

The individual has since been in touch with the Newtown Health District, which also serves Bridgewater and Roxbury.

Read worked with Donna Culbert, the health director, to ensure the town is aware in case theyve been in touch with someone who attended the event.

He said he wants everyone to be aware of the exposure so precautions can be taken to prevent the incident from becoming a spreader event.

I decided to go public on this because I think the people who were there are known in town, and have other family and friends who werent there and they may have seen them in the interim time. So, they needed to get out of public circulation, he said. Usually (the virus) takes two to five days to show up and be traceable or have any symptoms.

Read said he wants to remind residents and the public at large that, despite what many may think, COVID is still alive and can spread.

Its a learning opportunity for people and a reminder that if they are not vaccinated they are extremely vulnerable, he said. He advised seniors and those who are immunocompromised to get a booster dose of the vaccine, which is now available.

He said he believes the virus didnt start at Hilltop.

I think it came in. People had some limited exposure to somebody who may have been contagious at the time they were there, he said.Were trying to nip that in the bud and make people aware that it is easy to get exposed. They cant let their guard down yet  Thats the critical thing.

In an alert sent to on the towns website Saturday, Culbert has recommended multiple safety measures those who were exposed and those who were or are now in contact with these individuals can take.

Shes asking those who attended the event to wear a mask when in public or around others and refrain from unnecessary time in public venues until next Tuesday when it is recommended they get tested for the virus.

If symptoms develop before next Tuesday, exposed individuals should self-isolate and get tested, Culbert said.

Anyone who has been around or visited those who attended the event should be aware that they can become positive within two to five days of being directly exposed, but the incubation period may take up to 14 days, the alert reads.

The alert also said the delta variant strain of COVID-19 is highly contagious. Unvaccinated people have an elevated risk of contracting the virus.

People with two original vaccinations and a booster shot more than two weeks ago have the best protection against breakthrough cases which occur approximately in less than 5 percent of new cases by some reports, the alert states.

Bridgewater is asking that people take these precautions seriously to protect themselves and each other.

According to state data, the town of Bridgewater with a population of 1,635, has 1,211 or 74 percent of its residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Bridgewater has been off the color chart for a long time as far as far as the state goes for the number of cases, Read said, referencing an alert designation given by the Department of Public Health that denotes cases levels in towns and cities. Weve been running zero cases per week for a long time.

Bridgewater Hilltop Center will open at its regularly scheduled time of 10 a.m. on Monday.

They are making sure the place is clean, things are put away. I instructed staff to open all the windows and doors for awhile on Saturday and make sure things were wiped down on the food counter, and that it be aired out, he said.

While Bridgewater doesnt offer a COVID testing facility, testing is available in nearby towns towns of New Milford and Brookfield and Southbury.

sfox@milfordmirror.com
NEWTOWN - Sandy Hook families who sued conspiracy extremist Alex Jones in Connecticut have won their case by default, a state Superior Court judge ruled Monday.

What the judge said was Mr. Jones and the other corporate defendants he controls have engaged in such a long course of willful misconduct of withholding evidence that the court was left with no choice but to default, said Chris Mattei, an attorney with Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, which represents the families. Whenever a court enters a default it is an indication that the process has become so unfair - as it has to our families - and so impeded the plaintiffs from proving their claim that a default has to be entered.

The eight families who lost loved ones in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre and an FBI agent who responded to the scene represent the fourth defamation case that Sandy Hook families have won by default against Jones, the Texas-based host of Infowars, who called the worst crime in Connecticut history staged, synthetic, manufactured, a giant hoax, and completely fake with actors.

In September three parents won separate defamation cases by default against Jones in a Texas court.

The next step in both the Texas cases and the case in Connecticut is for a jury to decide damages.

Norm Pattis, one of Jones attorneys here, promised to appeal, saying I am very confident it will be overturned if not sooner, later.

We are actively at work doing our level best to make sure Mr. Jones defense is presented to the jury, Pattis said. Obviously we are disappointed but not surprised in the judges ruling. It is very difficult for Alex Jones to get a fair hearing in a Connecticut court, but it will happen. Watch.Bellis default decision against Jones caps a three-year case that made headlines more for fights over pre-trial procedure than whether Jones was entitled to broadcast his conspiracy theories under the First Amendment.

The families attorney said during an interview on Monday that Jones antics were intentional.

Mr. Jones deprived the (families) of their ability to present evidence in support of their claims because he withheld it and made false representations about whether the evidence existed, Mattei said. We were determined to get this evidence.

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis announced in October that she would take up the question of sanctions against Jones - including a potential default - based on (Jones) conduct in this matter to date, including conduct relating to discovery.

On Tuesday, the judge read her decision into the record to default Jones.

The families are looking forward to justice, Mattei said.

I am grateful that the court system has responded the way it has to Mr. Jones misconduct and refusal to recognize that he was bound to the law like anyone else, Mattei said. What inspires us is the courage of our clients and their determination to uncover the truth.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-334
Paul J. Fusco / Contributed photo

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds residents that a variety of hunting seasons are underway or about to begin, most notably the opening of the fall firearms deer season Nov. 17. Specific deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/2021-Connecticut-Hunting-and-Trapping-Guide/Deer-Hunting

This is a popular time for residents to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities our state has to offer, such as hiking and biking, even more so now due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson. Therefore, it is especially important for all outdoor users to respect the rights of others and be aware of all activities that may be occurring outdoors. Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record, and awareness on the part of all outdoor users can help in our efforts to keep hunting safe for everyone.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the prosecution team that won the conviction of ex-officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, announced Monday he will seek a second term.

Ellison assembled a team of attorneys in private practice and from his office that persuaded jurors earlier this year to convict Chauvin of murder. Floyds death last year became a flashpoint in the national conversation about the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement and sparked worldwide protests.

The announcement via Zoom featured some of Ellisons endorsers, including Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a former prosecutor who touted Ellison's handling of the Chauvin trial, calling it an act of courage and citing the international attention the proceedings received.

He didn't make it about himself and he didn't make it about the lawyers. What he made it about was George Floyd and the people in the community, she said. What people took away from that case was not hot dog lawyering, what people took away from that case was the witnesses.

Ellison is Minnesota's first Black attorney general, as well as the first Muslim elected to Congress  a job he left in 2018 to run for attorney general. He was a prominent booster for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential bids.

He vowed to continue fighting for a fair economy, and touted his efforts to combat wage theft and protect tenants, help rural communities secure better broadband and enforce Gov. Tim Walz's COVID-19 safety orders, among others.

Minnesotans all over the state are struggling to make ends meet, and we're going to continue to fight for fair wages and fair prices in consumer areas and we're going to make sure that people have a place to live, he said. We are in it to make sure that everyone can enjoy their lives and live with dignity, safety and respect.

His office also represented the state when a pharmaceutical trade group sued to overturn the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act passed last year, which helps provide insulin to diabetics who can't afford it. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in March, though the trade group is appealing.

The law is named for an uninsured 26-year-old Minneapolis man who died in 2017 while rationing his insulin because he couldnt afford the drug and test supplies after he aged off his mothers insurance. Nicole Smith-Holt, his mother, endorsed Ellison for his efforts to protect the legislation.

I've come to see firsthand that Keith truly believes that everybody counts and everybody matters, Smith-Holt said.

Democratic state attorneys general, including Ellison, gained new policymaking importance during Donald Trumps presidency, leading the charge with litigation to block his administrations initiatives on a wide range of issues including health care, environmental rollbacks and immigration.

Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington led a task force that proposed steps in 2020 to reduce police-involved deadly force encounters, several of which have become law.

Ellison was a strong supporter of a defeated ballot initiative in Minneapolis to remake law enforcement in the city, but was critical of the defund the police slogan that some advocates used early on. Minnesotas three declared GOP attorney general candidates  former state Reps. Doug Wardlow and Dennis Smith and defense attorney Lynne Torgerson  have joined Republicans across the country in stressing law-and-order themes.

Wardlow lost to Ellison by fewer than 4 percentage points in 2018. That was a strong showing in a state that hasnt elected a GOP attorney general since Doug Head in 1966. But no Republican has won statewide office in Minnesota since Gov. Tim Pawlenty was reelected in 2006.

Wardlow is general counsel for MyPillow, whose CEO, Trump ally Mike Lindell, promotes baseless claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged for Joe Biden. Wardlow has criticized Ellison for failing to stop the rioting and looting that broke out after Floyds death.

As Attorney General, I will ensure that the violent criminals who terrorize our communities are prosecuted aggressively," Wardlow said in a statement. "I will make sure that lawbreaking has consequences."

___

Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski contributed to this report. Ibrahim 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.
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (AP)  Recent instances of retail thefts at Connecticut stores are reflecting a nationwide trend.

Several stores in Southington and Oxford were hit recently by thieves who walked out with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in goods and threatened workers who tried to stop them.

Video posted online last week showed two men and a woman loading up a van with items from a supermarket in Southington then driving away in a van with no license plates. One of the men had shoved a manager to the ground who had asked if the items had been paid for, the Hartford Courant reported.

In Oxford, thieves in two vehicles got away with about $1,600 in laundry detergent, toiletries and other items, state police told the Courant. In a separate incident, three men sped away with multiple TVs from a store in Southington.

The National Retail Federation said a recent survey of retailers has found stores are seeing an uptick in thefts, with the perpetrators being more aggressive. The organization said one of the factors may be state laws that have raised the threshold for what constitutes a felony, or more serious crime.

Experts also say stores are using a less confrontational approach to shoplifters over the years and the ease of reselling stolen goods online are factors.

Ben Dugan, director of organized retail crime and corporate investigations at CVS Health, recently told the Senate judiciary committee that an estimated $500 billion in illicit stolen and counterfeit goods are sold on third-party marketplaces each year.
Pottsville, PA (17901)

Today

A few showers early, then clouds lingering for the afternoon. High near 45F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 28F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
In an anti-terror operation on Monday, three terrorists from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) were neutralised by Assam Rifles in the South of Arunachal Pradesh. The anti-terror operations are being launched in retaliation to the Manipur Convoy attack, which killed five Indian Army personnel, including a Commanding Officer (CO) and his wife and son. A massive anti-terror operation is launched in the border areas of North-East to bring a crackdown on terror.

Manipur-based terrorist groups, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Manipur Naga Peoples Front (MNPF) claimed responsibility for the ambush attack. The terrorist groups also condoled the demise of CO's wife and son. They said that Saturday's ambush was carried out in retaliation to hostility by Assam Rifles in the name of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

Terrorist attack in Manipur

Martyred Colonel Viplav Tripathi's convoy was at Sehkan village when an IED exploded on a hill road followed by bullets from hilltops as security personnel ducked for cover and fired from behind trees and boulders.

"Five soldiers including Col Viplav Tripathi Commanding Officer of 46 Assam Rifles have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The family of the Commanding Officer i.e. wife and child also lost their lives in the incident. DG and all ranks of Assam Rifles offer condolences to the brave soldiers and families of the deceased," the force said in a press statement.

Manipur Police, Assam Rifles recover Arms cache with 20 rounds of M79 grenade in Kakching

A day after the deadly ambush attack, the Phundrei Battalion of the Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Manipur Police, recovered a massive arms cache in the Kakching area, close to the Indo-Myanmar border. Sources informed that during the late hours of November 14, the security personnel unearthed unused 20 rounds of M79 Grenade Launcher also known as 'Lathode' hidden inside a jute bag.

Army officers killed in Manipur ambush

The four Assam Rifles personnel killed in the attack were Rifleman (Rfn) Shyamal Das, Rfn Suman Swargiary, Rfn RP Meena and Rfn Khatnei Konyak. Col Tripathi was a resident of Raigarh in Chattisgarh. Rfn Das was a resident of Murshidabad in West Bengal and Rfn Swargiary belonged to Baksa district in Assam. Rfn Konyak was from the Mon district in Nagaland, while Rfn Meena was a resident of Dausa district in Rajasthan.

Image: Republicworld.com/PTI/Representativeimage/
Following the suspension of trade ties with India in 2019, Pakistan's export to New Delhi plunged 90.4% in Financial Year 2021. As per data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the exports dipped to $0.099 million this year from $1.035 million, which was recorded last year around the same time. On the other hand, imports from India also sank to 14.9% i.e. $42.502 million against $49.947 million last year, the Dawn reported.

As per ANI, the recorded figures come after Pakistan completely suspended bilateral trade ties with India in August after expelling the Indian envoy to Islamabad. The move was a retaliation to PM Narendra Modi's decision to scrap Article 370 of the Indian Consider in 2019, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's export to regional countries shot up by 31.56%

While trade relations with India saw a newer low, Pakistan's export to at least nine regional countries displays growth of 31.56%. Meanwhile, imports in the first quarter of the current Financial Year (1QFY22), also grew by nearly 43%. Although it is to be noted here that exports to Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives (the regional nations) account for just 13.5% of the country's global export of $6.997 billion in 1QFY22, The Dawn reported.

As per a Bloomberg report from September 9, Pakistan's dependence on liquified natural gas has also rendered pressure on the slugging economy due as it forced Islamabad to pay most ever for spot shipments to ensure supply under long-term contracts. In 2020, Pakistan became the world's ninth-largest LNG imposter in just six years, Bloomberg reported. However, with the surge in international prices of gas and fuel followed by an energy crisis in the UK and China, there has remained a shortfall in Pakistan triggering fears of lack of electricity in winter.

China remains at top of Pakistan's export list

Meanwhile, as reported by Dawn citing the SBP report, China has remained at the top of the list of countries in terms of Pakistan's exports to regional nations. The increase in imports from these countries was also registered at 42.6% amounting to $4.128 billion in the July-September time frame this year. As per the report, owing to increased imports, Pakistan's trade deficit with the region has also expanded during the period.

Image: PTI/AP/Pixabay (representative)
NASA is nearing the launch of its first planetary defense test called the Double Asteroid Defense Test or DART, for which it has kept the anticipations high through various means. The agency has now shared a fun video featuring astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet, who demonstrated how the mission will actually work. This one-of-a-kind mission has high stakes as the scientists will deliberately ram a spacecraft into an asteroid system to see if the same measure can be used to protect Earth from hazardous asteroids.

Meanwhile, the video shared by the administration was shot before Kimbrough and Pesquet, who were part of NASA's Crew-2 mission, returned to Earth last week after spending nearly 200 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In the clip, both the astronauts tried to explain the purpose of the DART mission in a Q&A session. What was interesting was the unique way in which the duo demonstrated how NASA plans to execute the plan of destroying an asteroid. Check out the video below.

 How will our #DARTMission change the motion of an asteroid? Spoiler alert: it's kind of like a pillow fight in microgravity.@Astro_Kimbrough & @Thom_Astro demonstrate: https://t.co/Mbnstv06Zh pic.twitter.com/4B2c1mJiMb  NASA (@NASA) November 13, 2021

To explain the viewers in an easy and fun way, the astronauts agreed upon using the micro-gravity of space and the goods aboard the space station. Here Kimbrough was made to stay stable and resemble NASA's target, the Didymos asteroid system, while Pesquet pushed an object towards the former in order to "redirect" his position. When the object hit Kimbrough, the impact and lack of gravity pushed him away from his spot, making Pesquet giggle as the mission looked like a pillow fight in microgravity. "I've redirected Shane successfully", Pesquet said with a laugh.

DART mission: simplified

The DART spacecraft is scheduled to launch on November 24, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Scientists have planned to ram it into Dimorphos, a moonlet that orbits a bigger asteroid named Didymos. The intention behind this mission is to test the kinetic impactor technology can serve as a reliable method of asteroid deflection heading towards our planet.

SpaceX's launch of the NASA Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is planned for Nov. 24 at 1:20 a.m. ET on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base.



Press release: https://t.co/nSLLmxfo8s pic.twitter.com/KSSNHa9DLX  Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) October 4, 2021

According to NASA, the asteroid system is located approximately 109.4 crore kilometres away from Earth, and the suicidal spacecraft has been programmed to collide into the system at a speed of 24,140 kmph. Several astronomers and scientists have warned that asteroids will be one of the many natural phenomenons that can be prevented but can also cause the most damage if we do not have a proper defence system against them.

Image: Twitter/@NASA
In a major discovery, mineralogists identified a never-before-seen mineral in a diamond unearthed from a mine in Africa's Botswana. Little black specks seen in the diamond excavated from deep below the lithosphere, about 410 miles (660 km) below the surface of the earth, has shed light on the planet's unexplored secrets that remain hidden in layers under the terrestrial surface. The diamond has been named after prominent geophysicist Ho-Kwang (Dave) Mao, Live Science reported.

The mineral, named 'davemaoite', is the first-ever example of a high-pressure calcium silicate perovskite (CaSiO3) found on the earth. While another form of the same compound, called wollastonite, is commonly found across the globe, davemaoite is rare and unique. Its uniqueness comes from the crystalline structure that forms only under high pressure and temperatures in Earth's mantle, the mainly solid layer of the planet trapped between the outer crust and inner core, Live Science mentioned.

International Mineralogical Association confirms discovery of 'new mineral'

The never-before-seen mineral was expected to be in large quantities in the earth's mantle owing to its geothermal importance. However, scientists had never directly discovered its evidence as the mineral has a tendency to break down into other minerals as pressure decreases while moving towards the earth's surface. Thus, the sample of the intact davemaoite inside the diamond was confirmed to be a 'new mineral' by the International Mineralogical Association.

"The discovery of davemaoite came as a surprise," Oliver Tschauner, a mineralogist at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and lead author of the study told Live Science.

The davemaoite sample was excavated using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The technique focuses on a micro-precision high-energy beam of X-rays in certain spots within the diamond. The experts deciphered the content by measuring the angle and intensity of the returning light, Tschauner told Live Science. However, in this case, the quantity of davemaoite inside the diamond was so less (a few micro-centimetres) in size that even powerful sampling techniques could have missed it, he added.

As per Tschauner, davemaoite is an important geothermal mineral found in the earth's mantle. The mineral also contains trace elements, including uranium and thorium, which release heat via radioactive decay. Hence, Tschauner informed, this mineral could also be instrumental in generating a substantial amount of heat in the mantle.

(Image: Shutterstock)
Keeping an eye on the recent tensions in eastern Europe, outgoing head of British armed forces, General Sir Nicholas Carter warned that the military must be 'on guard for war' with Russia. While he 'distinctly hoped' that Moscow would refrain from engaging in a physical war, but North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) must be ready. Speaking at an interview with a British broadcaster on the Poland-Belarus border crisis, he stated that Russian was now a greater threat than it was eight years ago, the Irish Times reported.

Shedding light on the standoff between Poland, Belarus and the role of Russia in massing troops along the border with Ukraine, General Carter also highlighted that NATO must be ready even though he did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin might want to engage in "hot war" with the West. The outgoing General's assertions come a day after UK's foreign secretary, Liz Truss urged Putin to intervene in the shameful manufactured migrant crisis" reaching harrowing levels at the eastern European borders.

EU accuses Belarus of 'trafficking' migrants

Following the increased influx of undocumented migrants along the eastern borders of Poland, the European Union (EU) on November 10 accused Belarus of sponsoring "trafficking" of human lives with false promises. A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Steffen Seibert on Wednesday stated that Minsk is engaged in "state-run smuggling and trafficking...100% at the expense of the people who are lured into the country with false promises," the Associated Press reported. Siebert's remarks come after Merkel engaged in a phonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking him to "exert his influence" on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as "people are being used" in the country.

"Hostile Conduct"

EU's accusations come a day after Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lambasted Putin, blaming him for orchestrating an attack with a wave of migrants. Calling it a part of a "bigger operation," PM Morawiecki stated that he was convinced of a potential coordinated attack...or a new kind of war, in which people are used as living shields." He also alleged that Belarus is being helped by the "enabler" Putin with a "special purpose of destabilising the situation in the EU," in what is described as "hostile conduct" by Warsaw.

With inputs from AP

Image: AP
Saudi Arabia has finally approved the COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, which is developed by the Serum Institute of India, as an authorised Covid vaccination for entrance into the kingdom. Following the recognition of the vaccine by the nation, Covishield has made its place with eight other vaccines which include Pfizer BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, Comirnaty, Oxford AstraZeneca, Vaxzevria, Moderna, SK Bioscience and Spikevax.

After this announcement came, it will allow Indian travellers can set their feet in the nation without needing to go through institutional quarantine. As per the statement released from the Saudi Arabia authority, visitors travelling to the nation have to follow certain regulations. Prior to the arrival, visitors have to be sure that they have a valid tourist visa. For health and safety considerations, the visa on arrival is still suspended.

Regulations to be followed while traveling to Saudi Arabia

Further, they will have to provide a negative PCR test that has been taken not more than 72 hours before departure. They must have COVID 19 insurance and it must include all new tourism visa issues.

Meanwhile, according to the Saudi tourism authority, Indians who have stayed 14 days in a nation that has been not on the list of nations where the entrance is temporarily barred are also authorised as long as they are completely vaccinated from the above-mentioned approved vaccines. In addition to this, Vaccine certificates supplied by recognised health officials from the nation where the arriving tourists were vaccinated are required.

The statement further revealed that the final dosage which can be the second of a two-dose vaccination or first of vaccination should be obtained at least 14 days prior to travel to Saudi Arabia. Vaccine certificates or evidence of vaccination status through applications authorised in Saudi Arabia should be carried by travelers.

On the other hand, people who have been completely inoculated against COVID-19 with vaccinations recommended by the WHO but not recognised in Saudi Arabia are required to stay in a specified hotel for five days. Following a negative PCR test on the fifth day after arrival, the quarantine will be released and they will be allowed to enter the nation.

Furthermore, in the month of August, according to the Indian embassy, Saudi Arabia had removed the quarantine requirement for Indians who have obtained both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination in the Gulf Kingdom.

(Image: AP)
A British woman who was found guilty of taking her toddler son to join the Islamic State in Syria now claims that she regrets taking the wrong path. Tareena Shakil in 2014 had fled to the Middle East with her then one-year-old son. In 2016, she was convicted of being a member of ISIS and encouraging acts of terrorism after she returned to Britain.

Previously, Shakil had said that she told her family she was taking her son on a Turkish beach holiday. However, she used her student loan to fund the trip and crossed the border into Syria and headed for Raqqa, a stronghold of ISIS in Syria. During her trial, Shakil had denied the terrorism charges and claimed that she only travelled to Syria because she wanted to live under strict Islamic law. But photos on her phone showed her wearing an ISIS balaclava and posing with an AK-47.

Now, in her first interview since being released in 2018, Shakil said that she regrets taking the wrong path. In a televised ITVs Exposure programme, the 31-year-old said that that was someone who just lost her way in life, found a very wrong path, when confronted with the AK-47 picture. Shakil admitted to knowing of Islamic State atrocities before she left for Syria.

She said, I was aware of the violence that had taken place at the hands of ISIS. I can't lie and say that I didn't because it was everywhere.

Being aware of horrific things that were happening in that place and still deciding to run away, not just on your own, with your child  I understand that is hard for people to understand. And to just say you didn't pay much attention to it, but that's what it was  I just, I didn't, she added.

'I was far from the best version of myself'

Further, Shakil went on to say that her decision to take her toddler son to join a terrorist organisation is not something she is happy about. However, she added that at the time the only thing I can say is that I was far from the best version of myself. It is to mention that Shakil, who remains the only woman in Britain to have been imprisoned for joining ISIS, now lives in Birmingham, UK. She has served less than half of her six-year sentence and has undergone a deradicalisation programme as well.

During her 2016 trial, Judge Melbourne Inman had said that Shakil had embraced the Islamic State group and was willing to become a martyr. It was also believed that she wed an IS fighter in Syria, however, the marriage had quickly turned sour. When asked what she thinks of ISIS bride Shamima Begum, who has been stripped of British citizenship and languishes in a Syrian camp, Shakil said, I can't say, Don't bring them back  that makes me a hypocrite because I've been in a very similar situation.

It's not the same situation because I escaped. There may be reasons these people didn't escape. It's not easy to escape from there  it's life and death, not everybody has it in them, she added.

(Image: Twitter)
Speeding Wall, seemingly of Chinese origin, is alleged to have launched cyberattacks on Cambodias opposition.

Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen testifies before a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Capitol Hill, October 5, 2021, in Washington, DC.

A hacker collective with suspected ties to Chinese intelligence has engaged in consistent and long-term targeting of officials from the Cambodia National Rescue Party, an internal investigation by Facebook found.

A report on the investigation was posted to Facebooks internal social network on April 1, according to disclosures made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to the U.S. Congress in redacted form by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions received by Congress were reviewed by a consortium of news organizations, including RFA.

Dubbed Speeding Wall and seemingly of Chinese origin, the hacker group is alleged in the report to have launched cyberattacks from Cambodian government servers against the CNRP. The party was the countrys main opposition bloc prior to its dissolution by the Cambodian Supreme Court in 2017.

Leaders and followers of the CNRP have been targets of Speeding Wall through Facebooks apps and services (notably, Messenger, Pages, and through comments and posts), writes the reports author, whose name is redacted.

A spokesperson for Facebook refused to speak about the report, citing a company policy of not commenting on specific incidents.

According to the report, Facebooks investigator tracked four individuals they assessed with a high degree of confidence to be members of Speeding Wall logging on to Facebook from IP addresses belonging to Cambodias Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.

Its probable these servers may have been compromised by these threat actors, the reports author wrote, noting that in 2017 hackers targeting Cambodian opposition and civil society groups hosted malicious files on government servers.

A 2018 investigation by US cybersecurity firm FireEye described the 2017 hack as an example of aggressive nation-state intelligence collection and concluded that it would likely provide the Chinese government with widespread visibility into Cambodian elections and government operations.

Kem Monovithya, a Cambodian political activist and daughter of Kem Sokha, the jailed leader of Cambodia's main opposition party, poses for a portrait on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, July 17, 2018. Credit: AP Threat to sovereignty

Among those targeted in 2017 was Kem Monovithya, CNRP deputy director-general of public affairs. She told RFA that Facebook has not contacted the CNRP about Speeding Walls alleged targeting of the party.

However, on Oct. 12 last year she received a pop-up alert on Facebook that her account had been the target of an attempted hack, she said. It is unclear whether the hack she was alerted to was linked to Speeding Wall.

Regardless, she said, the notion that hackers linked to the Chinese state might be targeting her and her colleagues no longer shocked her.

This time it doesnt surprise me at all. My concern now is beyond their espionage on our communication, but the exploitation of Cambodias sea and soil at large, Monoivthya said. Cambodia lost democracy and also is on the brink of losing our sovereignty.

Cambodia has become a focal point of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, with China becoming the Kingdoms largest source of foreign investment in 2019. With that increased investment has come what many observers view as an outsized role in Cambodias economy and politics.

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications spokesman Meas Po told RFA that he was unaware of any activity by Chinese hackers.

I dont have any information about this, but if you do please share it, Po said, adding that he was traveling and unaware of any issues at the ministry.

The author of the Facebook report also suggested that Speeding Walls activities might be the product of a collaboration between Prime Minister Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party and the Chinese government, working together  to counter the Cambodian opposition party.

This theory offers an explanation why we're seeing Speeding Wall actors using Cambodian Government infrastructure to target the CPP's opposition party, the reports author wrote.

Support for this theory was discovered by the investigator through Centra, a controversial tool reportedly used by Facebook to track users across the internet, whether they are logged in to their account or not.

Chinese-language titles

Accessing the profile of one of the suspected Speeding Wall hackers, the author noted that the hacker had imported contact information for individuals with the Chinese-language titles Chief, Section Chief, Team lead, Military, Military Chief Staff Officer, and teacher.

These titles typically indicate an intelligence organizations structure, the author wrote.

Another suspected Speeding Wall member had multiple contacts linked to the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, the author noted. The CATTC is part of a Chinese government program to promote research and technology exchanges between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It established a presence in Cambodia in 2014.

The presence of CATTC employees in a Speeding Wall hackers contact list could be an indication of collaboration between the CPP and China, the reports author wrote.

Alternatively, the author countered, the Speeding Wall hackers could be using employment with the CATTC as a cover to target Cambodia writ large.

While theres no evidence to prove this assumption, their targeting of Cambodian government servers and long-term targeting of Cambodia may be some indication, the author wrote.

The CATTC and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to emailed requests for comment on the allegations in the report.

CPP spokesperson Sok Ey San rejected any suggestion the hackers were in cahoots with Cambodias ruling party. He said that the government had no cause to spy on the CNRP.

We have nothing to do with it. Dont be suspicious of us. They just want to put the blame on us, he told RFA. The winning CPP has been busy rebuilding the country and maintaining peace. We dont have time to investigate those rebels.

Cambodian authorities have arrested and imprisoned dozens of CNRP activists since the party was outlawed in 2017  a move that effectively criminalized the main political opposition to longtime ruler Hun Sen.
Some 800,000 people in Dalian and Zhuanghe are now confined to their homes, as schools close.

People line up for nucleic acid testing at a testing site in Jinpu New Area following an outbreak o COVID-19 in Dalian, in northeast China's Liaoning province, Nov. 8, 2021.

China placed parts of the northeastern city of Dalian under lockdown over the weekend, amid a fresh wave of cases of the delta coronavirus variant.

Health authorities said they had confirmed 32 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Nov. 14, most of which were domestically transmitted in Dalian, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since Oct. 17 to 1,308, Reuters reported.

Neighboring cities are now quarantining arrivals from Dalian for 14 days before allowing them to move around freely, the agency said.

Schools have been closed, and some 800,000 people in Dalian, a city of 7.5 million, are now confined to their homes, with municipal officials citing large numbers of asymptomatic infections linked to clusters in schools, companies and families.

A resident of northeast China surnamed Li said the ongoing pandemic in the region is likely linked to the low effectiveness of domestic COVID-19 vaccines.

"They force us to get vaccinated, then they don't worry too much about people catching it after that," Li said. "But even [premier] Li Keqiang has said the quality of [Chinese-made] vaccines isn't high enough."

"The people who have to suffer for all of this are those stuck at home in isolation," she said. "Restrictions in Dalian are pretty tight -- don't even think about going anywhere."

"One social media user in Dalian said they had all had to do a PCR test for the third time [since the outbreak began], and there was always someone testing positive," Li said.

The Dalian Epidemic Prevention and Control Center also imposed a lockdown on Zhuanghe city, which it administers, warning the city's 400,000 residents to stay home on pain of penalties if they try to go out, amid a cluster of dozens of COVID-19 cases among students in the city.

Sources never clear

Zhang Hai, a family member of one of the earliest victims of the pandemic in the central city of Wuhan, said the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) doesn't seem to be able to deliver its "zero-COVID" policy on the ground.

"We keep getting an outbreak here, an outbreak there," Zhang said. "I always think that it's never clear what the source of each outbreak is."

"They get a problem here, and try to imposed restrictions and lockdowns, then it pops up over there, and they lock down, and so it goes," he said.

"They really need to get a clear handle on the source to control these outbreaks effectively."

People line up for nucleic acid testing at a residential compound in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning province, Nov. 10, 2021. CNS photo via Reuters





Outbreaks at universities

Meanwhile, new clusters of delta cases were also being reported at universities in Beijing.

Peking University closed its gates on Nov. 12 after a number of cases were confirmed on campus, and staff in full protective gear were seen disinfecting public areas of the university.

Local media quoted a staff member as saying that while the measures were in response to students who had caught "colds," the university isn't under lockdown, however.

Coronavirus expert Liang Wannian told state broadcaster CCTV that the government is no longer trying to maintain a "zero COVID" policy, but instead zeroing in on emerging clusters with targeted measures.

Commentator He Bin, who is familiar with public health procedures, said the partial lockdowns are now just "face-saving" exercises for local officials.

"Any action that is part of pandemic measures in China is political," He said. "The 'targeted measures' for COVID-19 is a face-saving project, much like the 'elimination of poverty'."

He said the failure to contain delta didn't bode well for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.

"I don't think it will be possible to clear this outbreak by then," he said.

He said the current method of scattergun lockdowns had spawned all manner of economic benefits for cash-strapped local governments, who he said were profiteering from supplying groceries and PCR tests to people under lockdown.

"The pandemic economy is pretty profitable right now," He said.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Current tensions in the bilateral relationship are unlikely to be resolved when the two leaders hold remote talks.

US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping are shown in a combined image taken from file photos.

Damage control, rather than resolution of key differences, is likely to be the main focus when U.S. President Joe Biden meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at a video summit late on Monday Washington time.

U.S. officials have indicated via media reports that the Biden administration isn't expecting any breakthroughs, but is hoping to stop bilateral tensions -- fueled by a trade war, Beijing's threat that it may invade democratic Taiwan, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s human rights record -- from escalating to a dangerous degree.

The talks look set to last for several hours and touch on the climate emergency, trade, and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as Taiwan, with U.S. officials briefing the media that Washington doesn't want open conflict, but rather "fierce competition."

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the relationship with the U.S. is at a "critical crossroads," calling for dialogue and cooperation to resolve sensitive issues.

Chinese state media said Beijing's anger over the Biden administration's growing willingness to voice public support for Taiwan, which has never been ruled by the CCP, nor formed part of the People's Republic of China, will likely top Beijing's agenda at the talks.

"It is expected that the virtual meeting between the two heads of state will also give an important place to the Taiwan question which will be one of the biggest difficulties of the meeting," the CCP-backed Global Times newspaper said in an editorial dated Nov. 14.

"The most critical and urgent [issue] is to defuse the explosive question concerning Taiwan, because the Taiwan Straits is the most likely flashpoint to trigger the confrontation between China and the U.S.," the paper said, dismissing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's call for "meaningful dialogue" on the matter as "hypocritical cliche and nonsense."

It accused Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under president Tsai Ing-wen as "promoting Taiwan secession," referring to Tsai's refusal to entertain Beijing's territorial claims, saying the island is already a democratic, self-governing state whose 23 million people have no wish to live under the CCP's authoritarian rule.

"Yes, the Chinese mainland has been stepping up its preparations for a military conflict across the Taiwan Straits in recent years," the Global Times said. "Apart from making the Taiwan authorities aware that the risk of war is approaching them, is there any language in the world that can help them understand what they are doing is extremely dangerous?"

"The Taiwan question is the ultimate red line of China," it added, calling on the U.S. to "take a step back," to avert a strategic collision.

"Washington must understand that it has gone too far, leaving China with no way back," it said, citing recent reports of military cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Biden will tell Xi that China must "play by the rules of the road" like a responsible nation, a senior U.S. administration official told Reuters.

"This is an opportunity for President Biden to tell President Xi directly that he expects him to play by the rules of the road, which is what other responsible nations do," the official said. "This is not a meeting where we expect deliverables to be coming out," the official added.

Agence France-Presse quoted a U.S. official as saying: "The president will also make clear that we want to build common guardrails to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding."

But officials in Washington seem unwilling to comment on whether U.S. will send officials to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022, amid growing calls from activists and U.S. lawmakers for a boycott on human rights grounds.

The summit also comes soon after a report from the Pentagon, which said Beijing is significantly expanding its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

'Slim chance' of improvement

Matsuda Yasuhiro of the University of Tokyo said the chances of any improvement in the relationship were "very slim" with Xi Jinping looking likely to extend his term in office next year, after amending the constitution to abolish presidential term limits.

He cited a CCP communique on party history that left out any mention of "mistakes" by late supreme leader Mao Zedong, and situates Xi as the supreme heir to a long line of autocratic Chinese leaders.

"The communique mentions Mao Zedong seven times, Deng Xiaoping five times, Jiang Zemin once, Hu Jintao once, and Xi Jinping 16 times," Matsuda told RFA in a recent interview. "Basically, he elevated himself to the highest position."

"Xi Jinping's re-appointment in Dalian next year is basically assured," he said.

Wang Hsin-hsien, director and professor of the Institute of East Asia Studies at Taiwan's National Chengchi University, said Xi is unlikely to want any escalating foreign conflict ahead of the 20th Party Congress in 2022, however.

The real wolf warrior diplomacy, or you could call it the nationalistic diplomatic line, probably ended in March [2021]," Wang said. "That was peak wolf warrior diplomacy, and its purpose was to test Biden's limits."

"The wolf warrior rhetoric and the nationalistic mood will diminish ahead of the 20th Party Congress," he said. "The CCP will want to create a favorable international environment."

Promoting an authoritarian model

Wang said Xi's ultimate goal, however, is to export China's authoritarian model of governance to the rest of the world.

"The main point is that he is taking a path that is totally divergent from that of the U.S., and he wants the rest of the world to follow China's plan, too," he said.

"The CCP is telling the story that democracy has different flavors -- that's it's not all Coca-Cola according to [foreign minister] Wang Yi -- and that ... its brand of 'full-process democracy' is a true form of democracy," Wang said.

"This argument has some appeal to developing countries."

Taiwan political analyst Shih Chien-yu said one of the key indicators of Sino-U.S. relations in the months to come will be whether the U.S. boycotts the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.

Regardless of whether China makes concessions on Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, if the U.S. Secretary of State or another official from the executive branch ... is sent to the Winter Olympics, they will be turning out on parade for Xi Jinping," Shih said.

"It's possible that this summit may address this issue ... but we may not hear the final decision until later."

Wu Qiang, former politics lecturer at Beijing's Tsinghua University, said China is unlikely to extend an invitation at all, given its vulnerability to criticism over its human rights record.

"If Xi were to invite Biden to the Winter Olympics ... it would put him in the embarrassing position of having Biden counter it with Xinjiang or Hong Kong," Wu said.

"And if Beijing were thinking about inviting Biden to turn the Olympics into a staged political event, then Biden could use that opportunity to talk about China's domestic political issues."

"I think both sides are going to want to avoid doing this at the current juncture."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
From left to right, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, chairman of the Lao National Assembly, and Viengthong Siphandone, president of the People's Supreme Court.

Senior posts in the government of Laos are being given mainly to the children of Party leaders, with seven out of 17 new cabinet members drawn from two famous families alone, in a trend some observers are calling cases of inherited power, Lao sources say.

The seven, who hold ministry-level positions or top posts in the Supreme Court or National Assembly, are all members of the powerful Siphandone and Phomvihane families, according to a list announced on March 22 by the countrys prime minister, Phankham Viphavanh, who replaces Thongloun Sisoulithnow Party General Secretaryin the post.

One member of the Phomvihane family, Santiphab Phomvihanea son of the late Lao president Kaysone Phomvihaneis now the governor of Savannakhet province, according to Phankhams list of top Party assignments.

Inheriting power has been a common practice for a long time in Laos. Everybody knows that, a Lao scholar in Luang Prabang province told RFA in an interview this week. In order for somebody to climb up the ladder, first and foremost he or she has to have a blood connection, he said.

Qualifications are secondary.

Most children or relatives of prominent Party leaders will inherit their power. This has become a tradition, said Adison Seumyaem, a Thai expert on Laos at the Institute of Asian Studies in Bangkoks Chulalongkorn University.

In Laos, power inheritance is more visible than it is in Vietnam and China, he added. Chinas so-called princelings hold commanding positions in that Communist state, and the club includes President and party chief Xi Jinping.

Also speaking to RFA, a Lao government official said however that the members of the new cabinet had risen to their posts based on merit, and not on family connections.

They have been in the Party for a long time, and are very knowledgeable and capable. Thats why most of them are in the cabinet, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Having children of the former revolutionary leaders in the cabinet is good for the development of the country, because theyre well-disciplined and law abiding and are grateful to their parents, the official added.

Their parents accomplished great things, and now their children will do the same, he said.

If someone else were appointed minister, he or she might think differently or do something different, something that wouldnt be right, he added.

Cracking down on corruption

Many in Laos say they hope the countrys new prime minister and a National Assembly elected in February will make long-needed changes in the governing of the one-party communist state.

One businessman in the capital Vientiane told RFA, [The new prime minister] should do what he said he was going to dothat is, crack down on corruption, drugs, and the illegal trade in logs and wood.

Its difficult to crack down on corruption, though, another Vientiane resident said. Some officials always ask for kickbacks. Many people complain about this.

Corruption is still widespread in Laos, a businesswoman in Pakse city, Champassak province, in southern Laos said. For example, many state employees at financial departments are all rich and have luxury cars and homes, though their salary is only about 3 million kip [U.S. $300] a month.

The government should inspect all that, she said.

Untouchable by inspectors



An employee of the government inspection office in Vientiane meanwhile told RFA that top Party figures in Laos appear to be out of bounds for a closer scrutiny of their wealth.

I have been working in this office for 10 years now, and I have never inspected any top Party or government leaders in the capital. Weve only inspected low-ranking officials and departments within the administration of the capital, he said.

In the past, the top leaders declared their assets, but only a small portion, and they hid most of them, a former Party member agreed. And the audit agency is not powerful enough to inspect them. So the new government needs to reverse that practice, he said.

Today's elites are the offspring of leaders of the Lao People's Liberation Army, or Pathet Lao, a communist movement organized, equipped, and guided by Vietnam's Communist Party that overthrew the Lao monarchy in 1975. The Lao People's Revolutionary Party is the only party the landlocked country of 7 million people has ever known.

Laos has a history of widespread government corruption, with the Government Inspection Authority (GIA) reporting in early 2020 that the government lost up to $120 million in 2019 to corruption, disciplined 700 state employees, and fired 400 of them.

In the previous year, the GIA found 970 were involved in corruption amounting to $107 million.

Transparency International reported in January 2021 that Laos corruption ranking had worsened, dropping from 130th in 2019 to 134th in 2020 out of 180 countries.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Mixed reactions greet the move, with some in Laos expressing support and others fearing possible arrest.

A Lao social media user checks the news on an online site in an undated photo.

Lao government authorities have announced the creation of a task force set up to monitor social media use, focusing especially on so-called fake news and postings criticizing the government or ruling communist party, sources in the country say.

The task force will include police officers and members of the governments Media Department, an official from the Lao Ministry of Public Security told RFA on May 26, five days after the task force was formally announced.

Our job is to give advice and to lay out the rules and punishments for those who misuse social media, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Well give a warning to first-time offenders, and then fine people for a second offence.

For a third offence, we will put them in jail, he said.

Speaking to RFA, some social media users applauded the move, while others said they were opposed to putting more control in the hands of a one-party communist state that controls all print media, radio, and television.

I totally agree with the move, one Facebook user said. There have been far too many news items online these days that twist the facts and could lead to social disorder and damage to the country, he said.

Another frequent Facebook user agreed, saying, Social media in our country should be better regulated, and those who post false information should be prosecuted. There are laws that we must follow.

The Lao government was forced to set up the task force because there may have been some groups of people who misuse social media to attack the government, a woman living in Savannakhet province said, adding, Under the Lao political system, people like this are monitored and restricted.

'A useful mirror'

Social media use can hold up a mirror to everything that happens in the country, though, including the misconduct of government officials and workers, one Lao scholar told RFA.

Facebook is especially popular in Lao because its so accessible, RFAs source said.

Some people say that social media use can be toxic, but social media can actually be quite useful if its used correctly, he added.

A young man living in the capital Vientiane who sometimes posts stories and comments on his personal Facebook page voiced concerns for his safety, however, saying he is never sure which story is true and which is not.

Im scared, he said. If one of those stories turns out to be fake, I could get in trouble.

Call for activists' release

Rights groups have called for the release of three young Lao workers who had criticized the government on Facebook while working in Thailand and are now serving long prison terms following a secret trial in April 2017.

Somphone Phimmasone, his girlfriend Lod Thammavong, and Soukane Chaithad disappeared in March 2016 after returning to Laos to renew their passports, and were later shown on television making what appeared to be forced confessions for what they called the mistake of protesting their countrys policies.

Somphone was sentenced to a 20-year term and was fined 210 million kip (U.S. $26,000), while Soukane was sentenced to 16 years and was fined 106 million kip (U.S. $13,000), the source said.

Lod was handed a 12-year sentence and was fined 110 million kip (U.S. $14,000).

On May 24, the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism issued an order to provincial-level departments to register all owners of websites, Facebook pages, and other social media news outlets, while in August 2020, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications warned social media users against posting content criticizing the countrys government.

Hootsuite, a tech company in Vancouver, Canada, reported two months ago that the number of social media users in Laos had increased from 3.1 million in 2019 to 3.6 million in 2020.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney.
He was released to former governor Bill Richardson and the two are en route to the US via Qatar.

US journalist Danny Fenster (left) and former governor Bill Richardson (right) at the airport in Naypyidaw, Nov. 15, 2021.

Myanmars military regime on Monday released American journalist Danny Fenster just three days after he was sentenced to 11 years of hard labor in prison for encouraging resistance to the junta and other alleged crimes.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was released after nearly six months in jail to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who met with junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing two weeks earlier as part of a humanitarian mission to Myanmar. The two were on their way back to the U.S. via a flight to Qatar early on Monday.

Junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun confirmed to RFAs Myanmar Service that Fenster had been freed from Yangons Insein Prison and deported, although he was unable to explain why the journalist was freed.

As usual, in this kind of case, he has to be deported. And so, he was released and deported, the spokesman, adding that the reason for his release and other details will be announced later.

A court found Fenster guilty of encouraging resistance to the junta, unlawful association and violating immigration laws on Nov. 12 in a ruling that the U.S. State Department called an unjust conviction of an innocent person.

On Monday, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed his release, which he credited Richardson for helping to facilitate.

We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma, Blinken said in a statement.

Richardson, the former governor of New Mexico who once served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has a history of serving as a kind of intermediary between the U.S. and nations with whom Washington maintains few or no ties, including North Korea and Venezuela. The U.S. has sanctioned the junta for its use of violence against opponents to its rule and relations are at a low.

On Monday, the Richardson Center released a statement by the former governor in which he said that securing Fensters release was the outcome you hope will come when you do this work.

We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds, Richardson said.

Fensters brother, Bryan Fenster, expressed relief that his sibling had been freed in a tweet that began by noting that Monday marked Day 176 of the ordeal.

We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, the tweet said.

We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially @GovRichardson  as well as our friends, family and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

Journalists targeted

Fensters charges were in part based on his former work at Myanmar Now News, which continued to broadcast after the junta ordered it and other outlets to close. But the journalist had stopped working for Frontier Myanmar in July 2020, months before the military seized power in a Feb. 1 coup.

Thirty-four journalists who were arrested in Myanmar following the coup remain in custody following prisoner amnesties that many had hoped would see them freed, sources in the country say.

Many of the reporters who remain jailed have been charged with defaming Myanmars military or for suspected ties with the opposition National Unity Government or the local Peoples Defense Force militias set up to resist military rule, sources say.

Paris-based RSF ranked Myanmar 140th out of 180 countries in the 2021 edition of its annual World Press Freedom Index and singled out junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing as among the worlds 37 worst leaders in terms of media restrictions.

The country has fallen in position every year since it was ranked 131st in 2017.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Isa, 54, saw both of his parent perish in China's internment camp system.

World Uyghur Congress President Dolkun Isa (center) and top WUC leaders at a news conference following the announcement of his re-election, in Prague, the Czech Republic, Nov. 14, 2021.

Veteran activist Dolkun Isa, whose elderly parents both died in custody at the start of a Chinese mass internment campaign, has been re-elected president of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) in a vote by Uyghur diaspora delegates from 25 countries, the group said Sunday.

The return of the 54-year-old Isa to a second three-year term at the helm of the WUC, which serves as the de facto government in exile for the Uyghur diaspora, comes after years of intensifying repression in Xinjiang and rising world attention to the plight of the vast regions 12 million Uyghurs.

Chinese policies toward the Uyghurs and fellow Turkic-speaking Muslims -- including mass internment, forced labor and coercive birth control -- have drawn accusations of genocide from rights groups and several Western nations and led to Western sanctions on top Chinese Communist Party officials in the region.

We have been doing everything in our power to stop Chinas genocide against the Uyghur people since 2017, Isa told RFA after his re-election was announced after the WUC General Assembly in the Czech Republic capital Prague.

For the next three years, Ill closely work with the WUC leadership as a team and fulfill our campaign promises of raising the Uyghur issue at the global level.

Early 2017 marked the beginning of the mass internment campaign, under which as many as 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities have been put through a network of detention camps and related labor facilities under what China claims is a residential vocational training center, Beijing angrily rejects genocide accusations, saying it is fighting terrorism in Xinjiang.

Isa, born in the oasis town of Aksu (Akesu in Chinese) in western Xinjiang, was a student leader of 1988 pro-democracy demonstrations at Xinjiang University in Urumqi, capital of the region. He fled China in 1994 and sought asylum in Germany, where he played a role in the establishment of the WUC in 2004.

Isa has paid a high personal price for his advocacy for the Uyghur cause, with authorities jailing many family members, including his parents and siblings.

His mother died in May 2018 at the age of 78 at a detention center in her home prefecture of Aksu, where she was detained for exhibiting religious extremism.

In early 2020, Isa learned that his father had also perished in one of the camps about a year after he was incarcerated in mid-2017.

Isa -- who has played a major role in garnering global support for Uyghurs from governments, religious leaders and celebrities -- won re-election with 198 of the 204 votes cast by delegates from 25 countries in Prague on Saturday.

Erkin Ekrem, Zubeyre Shemsidin, and Perhat Yorungqash were chosen to serve as vice presidents, the WUC said.

In August, the Munich, Germany-based WUC held its first democratic vote to choose the 210 delegates who voted in Prague, selecting them from 320 candidates in an expansion of voting to include youth representatives, women independent activists and those not working for Uyghur organizations.

In addition to Europe and North America, where the main Uyghur advocacy group are based, significant Uyghur populations live in fellow Turkic-speaking nations Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

Expressing gratitude Sunday to the people who re-elected him, Isa said: I know our burden is heavy and our mission is critical, but well never let our people down."

Reported and translated by Alim Seytoff for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Paul Eckert.
Vietnam has 49 or 51 outposts in the South China Sea spread across 27 features, says a U.S. think tank.

Satellite imagery on Nov. 2 of Sand Cay, a Vietnamese-held feature in the Spratlys, shows construction underway, probably of a new ship docking area. The construction was not visible in the image from Oct. 19.

Vietnam is carrying out construction on three islands in the South China Sea at the same time, satellite imagery shows.

Images from Planet Labs analyzed by RFA show works are being conducted on Pearson Reef, Namyit Island and Sand Cay, all in the disputed Spratly Islands.

RFA was the first media outlet to report the new development on Pearson Reef on Oct. 20. Since then, more works have been carried out there to build what appears to be a large two-section marina or harbor.

Pearson has already been expanded by about six acres but all of that previous landfill was done prior to 2014, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).

Similarly, on Namyit and Sand Cay - other features under Vietnams control - authorities seem to be building ship docks to improve access and provide shelter to boats.

Satellite imagery from Nov. 14 shows the construction of a marina or harbor taking place on the left side of Pearson Reef, the latest indication of building at the Vietnamese-held feature, also pictured on Nov. 1. Imagery: Planet Labs Inc. Analysis: RFA Vietnamese analysts said their country carries out work to prevent erosion and landslides to protect but not to expand or change the island features under its control.

Under a new government strategy, Vietnam is seeking to civilianize islands in the South China Sea in order to promote economic development and to better protect the countrys sovereignty, Lt. Col. Luu Van Nhiem, a senior official at the Naval squadron 11, First Regional Coast Guard, recently told domestic media.

Vietnam has 49 or 51 outposts in the South China Sea spread across 27 features including 10 islets, according to AMTI. Since 2014 Vietnam has modestly expanded many of the features it occupies in the South China Sea, it said. At least four of the features have harbor facilities for civilian boats to access for resupply or shelter from bad weather.

China, which claims most of the South China Sea for itself, has been criticizing other countries, especially Vietnam, for construction efforts on islands in the region.

The South China Sea Probing Initiative, a Beijing-based think tank, alleged that an area of more than 17,000 square meters (4.2 acres) has been reclaimed on the western tip of the Namyit Island which had not seen discernible reclamation work up to now.

According to AMTI, by 2016, Vietnam had created just over 120 acres of land in the South China Sea compared to 3,200 acres created by China.

Yet while the scale is different the principles of Vietnams and Chinas as well as the Philippines reclamation works on their islands are the same, argues Mark Valencia, a scholar at the Chinese National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

In his opinion, China and all the other claimants are undertaking actions that increase tension.

There are no angels in the South China Sea, Valencia said.

Since 2014, China has also installed military infrastructure in the Spratly and Paracel islands, including radar facilities, airstrips and surface-to-air and anti-ship cruise missile systems, AMTI reported.

Vietnam has only one air strip on the Spratly island that it has occupied since the beginning of the 20th century.
YEREVAN -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has accused Azerbaijani troops of violating the border between the two South Caucasus states and replaced his defense minister over the alleged incident.



Over the weekend, Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of cease-fire violations along the border amid persistent heightened tensions between the two neighbors after they fought a 44-day war over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region a year ago.



Speaking at a Security Council session on November 15, Pashinian addressed "the incursion into the territory of the Republic of Armenia by the Azerbaijani troops in one of the eastern sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border."

There was no immediate reaction from Azerbaijan.



Pashinian did not say on what scale the incursion had taken place, but he announced he had dismissed Defense Minister Arshak Karapetian, who had held the position since August.



Karapetian was replaced by Suren Papikian, who had been deputy prime minister.



President Armen Sarkisian signed the relevant decrees, his office said.



Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but had been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994.



Last year's war ended on November 10 when a Russia-brokered cease-fire granted Azerbaijan control of parts of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as adjacent territories previously held by ethnic Armenians.

The truce accord also led to the deployment of 2,000 Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and the so-called Lachin corridor connecting the territory to Armenia.



Armenia says more than 3,700 Armenians and Nagorno-Karabakh residents died in the war. Azerbaijan said it lost 2,900 people.
BAKU -- A member of the opposition Popular Front Of Azerbaijan (AXCP) who has openly criticized the government of authoritarian President Ilham Aliyev for "ignoring the needs of children" in lower-income families has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on a stabbing charge he vehemently denies.



A court in Baku sentenced Aqil Humbatov on November 15 after it found him guilty of stabbing Yaman Mammadov in August.



Humbatov has rejected the charge, claiming that he was framed by the police. He insists that Mammadov purposely injured himself with a knife after staging a confrontation with him.



Humbatov's lawyer, Nemat Karimli, told RFE/RL that his client will appeal the ruling.



Last year, Humbatov was placed in a psychiatric clinic against his will after he criticized the tightly controlled South Caucasus state's leadership and demanded social allowances for the children of poorer families.

Critics of longtime President Aliyev's government say the authorities in the oil-rich former Soviet republic frequently seek to silence dissent by jailing opposition activists, reporters, human rights defenders, and civil society advocates without grounds.



Dozens of AXCP members have been arrested, and some imprisoned, in recent years on what their supporters have called trumped-up charges.



Aliyev denies any rights abuses in the country. He took power in 2003 shortly before the death of his father, Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB officer and communist-era leader who had ruled Azerbaijan since 1993.
Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka held crisis talks with outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel on November 15, official media reported, as the European Union and the United States said they would slap fresh sanctions on Minsk for perpetuating a migrant crisis at the bloc's border with Belarus.

Poland, meanwhile, warned that more migrants were moving toward its border with Belarus amid the escalating diplomatic row.

Thousands of people, mainly from the Middle East, are stuck in makeshift camps in dire conditions on the Belarusian side of the border, trying to illegally enter the EU, which accuses Lukashenka of flying in migrants and funneling them to the bloc's borders to retaliate against Brussels for sanctions imposed following last year's disputed presidential election.

On November 15, the EU's 27 foreign ministers updated their Belarus sanctions package to include airlines, travel agents, and individuals allegedly involved in the standoff at Belaruss borders with Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, which form the eastern flank of both the EU and NATO.

The bloc's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, told journalists after the ministers met in Brussels that agreement was reached on what will be a fifth round of sanctions to be announced in the coming days and target "quite an important number" of individuals and entities for "facilitating illegal border crossings into the EU."

The measures are expected to involve asset freezes and travel bans.

The United States said it was preparing new sanctions targeting the Belarusian regime in coordination with the EU over the "inhumane facilitation" of migrants.

State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that the sanctions would "continue to hold the Lukashenka regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy and human rights and international norms."

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki also weighed in on the crisis, saying the United States is working with European Union allies and other partners on the issue.

"We are still calling on Russia and encouraging them directly to use its influence to press the Lukashenka regime to cease its callous exploitation and coercion of vulnerable people," Psaki said.

Belarusian state news agency Belta said Lukashenka and Merkel spoke for around an hour -- the Belarusian strongman's first phone call with a Western leader since he suppressed mass anti-government protests against the results of presidential elections last year.

According to Belarusian state media, the pair discussed ways to solve the crisis, and Merkel raised the issue of bringing humanitarian aid to the thousands stuck at the border.

In was not immediately clear who initiated the call, but last week Russian President Vladimir Putin had called on EU leaders to talk directly to Lukashenka and said Merkel was ready to do so.

Also on November 15, Putin discussed the crisis with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both sides saying the standoff should be de-escalated.

"The goal of this call was to put an end to this crisis," an adviser to Macron told reporters after the one-hour-and-45-minute call initiated by the French leader.

Lukashenka's government, which is backed by Russia, has denied the EU charges and accuses the bloc of violating human rights by refusing to allow the migrants to apply for asylum.

In response to the migrant crisis, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have been reinforcing their borders with Belarus. Polish border guards on November 15 warned migrants on the other side of the frontier over loudspeakers that force could be used against them if they disobey orders, after Poland and Lithuania reported they stopped more than 100 people each attempting to enter the previous day.

The presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia said in a joint statement after meeting with Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda via videolink on November 15 that Lukashenka and his government must be held accountable for human trafficking.

"We ... condemn the actions taken by the Lukashenka regime instrumentalizing migrants for political purposes," the three leaders said.

In a Twitter post earlier in the day, the Polish Defense Ministry said that "more and more groups of migrants are being brought to the Kuznica border crossing by Belarusian forces." A video attached to the post showed a big crowd behind a razor wire fence at the border.

The EU has already slapped four rounds of sanctions on Belarus over what the opposition and the West says were fraudulent presidential elections in August 2020 that handed Lukashenka power for a sixth consecutive term, and a security crackdown on the opposition and peaceful protesters that followed the vote.

With reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, and Reuters
An Iraqi Kurdish man told RFE/RL that the Belarusian police had forced him and other migrants to cut through the barriers on the Belarusian border with Poland. He sent RFE/RL a video message on the night of November 14-15. RFE/RL has hidden the man's identity for security reasons.
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Poland's Defense Ministry released videos on November 15 showing thousands of people gathered on the Belarusian side of a border crossing with Poland. According to ministry, large groups of migrants were escorted to the Kuznica border crossing by Belarusian forces.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called on Russia to be transparent about its military activities amid what he called a "large and unusual concentration of Russian forces close to Ukraine's borders in recent weeks.

The United States and several European members of the alliance have raised alarm bells over Russian military activities near Ukraine, where Kremlin-backed separatists control swaths of territory in an ongoing seven-year conflict that has claimed more than 13,200 lives since April 2014.



"Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern," Stoltenberg told a joint news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Brussels on November 15.

While in Brussels, Kuleba also met with French and German foreign ministers Jean-Yves Le Drian and Heiko Maas, who also warned Russia against harming Ukraine's territorial integrity.

"Any new attempt to undermine Ukraines territorial integrity would have serious consequences," Le Drian and Maas said in a joint statement after the talks, reaffirming that "Germany and France are steadfast in their unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and urging Russia to "adopt a posture of restraint."

In London, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on November 15 that Britain, too, remains "unwavering" in its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.

"We are seeing a concerning situation at that border. We remain in unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and will continue to support them in the face of Russian hostility," the spokesman told reporters.

On November , U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed "reports of concerning Russian military activity in and near Ukraine" with his French counterpart, according to the State Department.



Spokesman Ned Price said in a statement on November 14 that Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also addressed their countries' "ironclad commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."



Last week, Blinken warned Russia against making another "serious mistake" on Ukraine as Washington sought information about an alleged Russian troop movement near the border that the Pentagon called "unusual in its size and scope."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Western suggestions that Moscow might be considering offensive military action and accused Washington of aggressive moves in the Black Sea, where Ukraine and the United States have held major military drills in recent months.

Stoltenberg said on November 15 such exercises in the Black Sea region are "defensive and transparent."

On November 15, Putin signed a decree allowing goods produced in eastern Ukraine to be sold more easily in Russia.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa
SOFIA -- A newly formed anti-graft party appears to be winning Bulgaria's general elections with more than a quarter of the vote, according to partial official results, opening the door to difficult coalition talks in a deeply divided parliament.



Bulgarian voters went to the polls on November 14 to elect a parliament -- and a president -- in a bid to break a monthslong political deadlock and secure a government to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as well as rising energy prices and endemic corruption.



But early results from the third general elections in the European Union's poorest member state this year suggest the next parliament will be more fragmented than in April and July, with seven parties represented.



With more than 75 percent of ballots counted, We Continue the Change, a centrist movement led by two Harvard-educated former businessmen, had nearly 25.3 percent of vote, data from the Central Election Commission showed on November 15.



The center-right ruling Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov was second, with 22.4 percent.



Five other parties were set to enter the 240-seat chamber: the Socialist Party, the ethnic Turkish-backed Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), the anti-elite There is Such a People party, the liberal anti-corruption group Democratic Bulgaria, and the nationalist Revival party.



In the race for the largely ceremonial presidency, incumbent Rumen Radev, who ran as an independent and received the support of three parties in parliament, was set to win a second five-year term, partial official results showed.



Radev had a commanding lead of 49.4 percent but may still have to face Anastas Gerdzhikov, who was second with 22.4 percent, in a runoff on November 21 as voter turnout remained below the needed 50 percent.



Final turnout figures were not yet released, although local media estimated it at 40 percent.



If confirmed, the victory of the We Continue the Change movement would represent a major surprise in the country of some 7 million people.



Kiril Petkov and Asen Vasilev formed the movement in September following massive street protests against corruption earlier this year.



"Bulgaria is taking a new path," the 41-year-old Petkov said after polls closed.



"Left, center, or right, it doesn't matter," he said, suggesting that his movement was willing to partner with all parties that would join the fight against corruption.



"If we can stop [corruption] and redistribute money for the well-being of the taxpayers, then we should be able to come to an agreement with several parties," he said.



The movement said that Petkov will be the candidate for prime minister while Vasilev would likely be nominated for the post of finance minister.

"I do not know a more prepared person in Bulgaria than Asen Vasilev for finance minister," Petkov told Bulgarian TV.

Petkov has said his movement is willing to partner with all parties that would join the fight against corruption in the European Union member.

"We will be the No. 1 political force," Petkov said. "We will have a majority of 121 deputies in the 240-seat parliament, and Bulgaria will have a regular coalition cabinet."

Failure to form a government could slow Bulgaria's plan to adopt the euro currency by 2024 and delay measures to soften the impact of high energy costs on consumers this winter.

A member of both NATO and the EU, Bulgaria has been plagued by rampant corruption since overthrowing communism more than three decades ago. It is the EU's poorest member and routinely comes in at the bottom of the bloc for perceptions of corruption and media freedom.

Borisov, who was at the helm for more than a decade, stepped down as prime minister in April after widespread anti-corruption protests against him and his GERB party.

That led to two inconclusive parliamentary polls in April and July, prompting this third attempt.

With reporting by AFP, AP, and RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service
WASHINGTON -- U.S. lawmakers called on Bulgaria to respect democratic values and the rule of law as it prepares for national elections next month, warning the current state of its domestic affairs is posing serious challenges to the bilateral relationship.

In a statement issued late on March 4 -- a day before campaigning officially begins for Bulgarian parliamentary elections in early April -- the lawmakers said they would like to see stronger relations with the Eastern European nation, including on security and energy issues.

However, persistent corruption, declining media freedom, politicization of the judiciary, and other threats to the rule of law pose serious challenges to the U.S.-Bulgaria bilateral relationship, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (Democrat-New Jersey) and ranking member Jim Risch (Republican-Idaho) said in the statement.

"As the April parliamentary elections draw near, it is imperative that the government of Bulgaria protect these values," they said.

Bulgaria was rocked by demonstrations last summer as thousands of citizens took to the streets to protest against a growing perception of corruption under Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who has led the country for most of the past decade.

Bulgaria, a member of the European Union and NATO, scored lowest in the bloc on both Transparency Internationals 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index and Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index.

Delyan Peevski, a media mogul and lawmaker close to Borisov, accounts for some 80 percent of the print media in Bulgaria, as well as private television networks and websites, according to Reporters Without Borders, giving him enormous influence, especially during an election season.

These rankings underscore the breadth of the challenges facing Bulgaria. The Bulgarian government and judiciary must work to uphold the rule of law for all, not just some, and the media must have the freedom to report the truth without facing harassment, violence, or punishment, the lawmakers said.

Last years anti-government protests were driven in part by claims that Borisovs ruling GERB party is controlled from behind the scenes by Peevski and his Movement for Rights and Freedom.

President Rumen Radev, who supported the protesters, has charged that a "mafia" controls Borisov's government and the country's notoriously politicized Prosecutor-Generals Office.

Two wealthy Bulgarian families hired Washington-based lobby firm Alexandria Group International last year after the Borisov government opened criminal cases against them. The families claim the government is trying to illegally seize their assets.

In a report issued to lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Alexandria Group described Peevski as one of the key architects of Bulgarias democratic decline and devolution into a criminal state, including the capture of privately held assets by extralegal means.

Peevski in December hired BGR Group, Washington's third-largest lobbying firm by revenue, to help him with issues in the U.S. Neither a Peevski representative nor BGR responded at the time to a request for comment.

Borisovs party is expected to come in first in the April elections, according to the latest polling data. His GERB is facing off against a host of parties, including several start-ups.

Borisovs failure to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law arent the only issues that have rankled the United States.

Bulgaria has continued to move ahead with its section of a pipeline that will carry natural gas from Russia to Serbia via Turkey and Bulgaria.

The pipeline enables Russia to reroute some natural gas exports destined for the Balkans and Central Europe around Ukraine.

Washington opposes the project and has threatened to sanction it on the grounds that it strengthens the Kremlins influence on Europes energy sector and deprives Kyiv of needed transit fees.
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The Russian government has launched a campaign to close the prominent human rights groups Memorial, a startling new step in the ongoing clampdown on civil society, independent media, and public dissent. Meanwhile, the migrant crisis on Polands border with Belarus persists as winter approaches. Moscow-based journalist Matthew Luxmoore joins host Steve Gutterman to discuss.
TBILISI -- Georgia's Special Penitentiary Service has again barred former President Mikheil Saakashvili from attending his trial on embezzlement charges, saying it created a security risk.



In a statement issued hours before a hearing on November 15, the service added that Saakashvili, who is in the seventh week of a hunger strike to protest his arrest on a different charge, also cannot be present in the courtroom due to his poor state of heath.



Saakashvili's trial on November 15 on embezzlement charges comes a week after a hearing in a court case against him over his role in the violent dispersal of opposition protesters in November 2007. He was not allowed to attend that trial either.

The trial that started on November 15 was adjourned until December 2 after Saakashvili's lawyers again demanded their clients presence in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, activists of Saakashvili's United National Movement (ENM) party and his supporters marched in Tbilisi, demanding his immediate transfer to a civilian clinic.

Several lawmakers announced on November 15 that they have started hunger strikes to support Saakashvili.

Saakashvili was arrested on October 1 for allegedly illegally entering Georgia when he returned after an eight-year absence.



Saakashvili, who was president from 2004 to 2013, left the country shortly after the presidential election of 2013 and was convicted in absentia in 2018 of abuse of power and seeking to cover up evidence about the beating of an opposition member of parliament.



Saakashvili has said all of the charges against him are politically motivated. His supporters have been protesting his arrest since early October. They have been demanding his transfer to a civilian medical clinic as his health fails due to the hunger strike.



The government has refused to transfer Saakasahvili, instead placing him in a prison hospital.
The head of the UN nuclear watchdog has been invited to visit Iran "probably soon," the country's Foreign Ministry said, amid concern over a lack of contact with Iranian authorities ahead of the expected resumption of negotiations with world powers on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "has been invited to travel to Tehran. A date has been set in this regard and we are waiting for his response to the specified date. He will visit Iran probably soon," spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.

Grossi is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the country's atomic energy chief, Khatibzadeh told journalists, adding, "we await his response."

The announcement came after Grossi last week described a lack of contact with the Iranian government as "astonishing."

"There's a long list of things we need to discuss," he said.

Grossi, who last visited Tehran in September, had voiced hope he could visit Iran before the next meeting of the IAEA's Board of Governors starts on November 22.

The invitation comes as talks are expected to resume on November 29 in Vienna aiming to revive a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was intended to curtail Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

The United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, and Iran has since consistently increased activity in its nuclear program, including expanding its stockpile of enriched uranium, arguing that it was no longer subject to the terms of the vacated deal.

Trump's successor, President Joe Biden, has expressed interest in rejoining the pact if Iran returned to full compliance.

However, indirect negotiations between the deal's signatories that started in April in Vienna were put on hold in June after the Islamic republic elected hard-liner Ibrahim Raisi as president.



On November 15, Khatibzadeh reiterated Tehran's demands for guarantees that Washington would not pull out of the deal again, adding that progress in negotiations was contingent on the lifting of sanctions.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP
A mural of Bosnian Serb wartime commander Ratko Mladic that has been at the center of a tug-of-war between supporters and detractors of the convicted war criminal was defaced by unidentified protesters on November 15 only to be quickly restored.

The protesters threw a bucket of black paint at the mural early in the morning, but several hours later a group of six hooded youths cleaned the paint and partially repainted it. The youths told RFE/RL they were people "from the neighborhood."

No uniformed police were seen in the area.

Mladic, 79, led Bosnian Serb forces during Bosnia's 1992-95 war and was convicted by a United Nations tribunal of war crimes, including the killing of more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the eastern town of Srebrenica in 1995.

He is serving a life sentence, and his appeal of his 2017 conviction for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes was rejected by the tribunal, based in The Hague, in June.

But many in Serbia still see Mladic as a hero of the war, and his mural, which appeared on the facade of a building in central Belgrade one month after the war crimes court confirmed his conviction, has reignited passions among supporters and enemies of the man dubbed the Butcher of Bosnia.

Since then, the mural was targeted by paint throwers several times, and each time it was quickly returned it to its original state.

Last week, protesters gathered in central Belgrade in response to the arrest of two activists who threw eggs at the mural, but police cordoned the area off, preventing protesters from approaching the painting. Mladic supporters also staged a counterprotest. The two groups were separated by police and no incidents were reported.

The two activists, Aida Corovic and Jelena Jacimovic, were released after a brief detention.
Romania is one of the most productive wine countries in the world, but only a tiny fraction of its output is bought abroad. Experts explain why, and what can be done to revive the sparkle of Romanian wine. Romanias vineyards enjoyed a bumper harvest in 2021. The country produced 530 million liters of wine -- around as much as Hungary and Austria combined. Romania now ranks sixth in the EU for volume of wine produced, and 12th in the world. But despite a bounty of rich reds and dry whites this year, as usual, the vast majority will be drunk inside Romania. Only around 7 percent of the countrys wine production for 2021 will be exported. In recent seasons, foreign sales made up an even smaller amount, with Romania shipping out less than 5 percent of its wine.

Romania currently imports around 65 million euros' worth of foreign wines each year ($74 million), while earning just 35 million ($40 million) from exports. Exported wine is sold to the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and Japan. Why Does Romania Sell So Little Of Its 'Vin' Abroad? Many believe the biggest hurdle facing Romanias wine industry is the poor reputation acquired during the countrys years of communism. Under Nicolae Ceausescu, the authorities focused on quantity over quality from their state-controlled wineries. Many family traditions and techniques dating back centuries were broken up as the state stepped in to take over wine production.

According to a paper by Professor Paul Taylor, an expert in International Marketing at Germanys Hochschule Furtwangen University, a key weakness of Romanias wine industry is the hundreds of thousands of landholders who work tiny plots of land. Although several large-scale operations own vast swaths of Romanias vineyards, the remainder is split into countless swimming-pool-sized vineyards that are difficult to farm efficiently or profitably for export, Taylor writes. Some small vineyard owners are still fighting to recover land seized under communism. There is also a drastic shortage of skilled workers. Since Romania joined the EU in 2007, many vintners emigrated for jobs that offer substantially larger salaries in wine countries such as Italy, Spain, and Germany. Since the fall of communism, Romania has suffered from emigration of skilled workers, Taylor writes, a situation that worsened with membership of the European Union. Nearly 20 percent of Romanias working-age population live abroad, mostly in Western Europe. Romanian vintners have benefited from EU funds, however. Romania has received around 45 million euros ($51 million) annually for its wine industry since 2013. Most of the money has been spent on replanting vineyards.

Romanias wine industry also suffers from not having a state-backed marketing body pitching the countrys unique grape varieties and long history of winemaking to the world. But there is some optimism that the country will capture the high-end wine market through grassroots efforts. Andreea Siposean, the manager of a Romanian travel agency told RFE/RLs Romanian Service that -- after a weekend getaway to a winery with her husband in 2020 -- she immediately realized the potential of a trip like this and her agency joined a growing number of companies offering wine tours for domestic and foreign tourists at a fraction of the cost of equivalent experiences in France or Italy.
Activists of Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (ENM) and other supporters marched in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, on November 15, demanding his immediate transfer from a prison hospital to a civilian clinic. They say the former Georgian president's health is failing while he is on a hunger strike, but the government has refused to transfer him. Saakashvili was convicted of abuse of power in absentia and jailed upon his return to Georgia last month.
WASHINGTON -- Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic highlighted what he said were good personal relations with U.S. President Joe Biden amid expectations that the new U.S. administration could take a tougher stance on the rollback of democracy in the Balkan nation.



In an April 22 interview from Belgrade with the Washington-based think tank the Atlantic Council, Vucic said he was actively seeking stronger ties with the United States, but admitted there were difficulties in the bilateral relationship, especially differing views on peace talks with Kosovo.



Vucic, who has met Biden five times, described the U.S. president as "politically the best prepared man I ever talked to."



Biden has considerable Balkan experience and oversaw the region while serving as vice president from 2009 to 2017.



"He always had a good sense and he always wanted to listen to us, which was very good for [Serbia]," Vucic told the audience in English.



Vucic had expressed a preference for former President Donald Trump in the run-up to the divisive 2020 election, raising some concerns his comments could now impact his relationship with the Biden administration.



However, the Serbian leader sought to downplay talks of warm ties with the former U.S. president, saying he knows Biden "much better" than Trump and knows more people from his administration, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.



Vucic, who will seek reelection next year, has been accused of tightening his grip on power and clamping down on the media.



Biden has said he will make strengthening democratic institutions a key focus of his foreign policy, potentially setting the two up for a tough first call.



The two leaders have yet to speak since Biden took office on January 20.



Vucic admitted his country was "not perfect," but said his government was making progress on rule-of-law issues.



"I don't expect an easier time for Serbia because politics is not always about personal issues, but we will do our best to boost the friendship between our two countries," Vucic said.



The Serbian leader has installed a close confidant as ambassador to Washington, expanded the diplomatic mission in Chicago, and taken steps to open a mission in San Francisco as part of a larger attempt to enhance ties with the United States.

Vucic said Serbia needs U.S. support to achieve faster progress, including greater economic growth.



U.S.-Serbian relations were severely strained after the breakup of Yugoslavia three decades ago, though ties have gradually improved.



The United States led a NATO air campaign against Serbian forces in 1999 to stop a deadly crackdown on its ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo.



Washington then led an international campaign to recognize Kosovo's independence in 2008.



Serbia has yet to recognize Kosovo as an independent nation, preventing both countries from joining Western-led organizations, including the European Union and NATO.



During the April 22 talk, Vucic criticized the United States and Europe for its approach to a settlement between Belgrade and Pristina.



"They always just say 'we will just wait for Serbia to recognize Kosovo's independence.' When you ask someone what they offer, you hear nothing. No one can even guarantee you full-fledged membership status [in the EU]. No one can guarantee nothing to you when you ask them, okay, what might Serbs get,'" Vucic said.



He said that, even if a Serbian politician were to cave in to Western demands, the Serbian people would not accept it.



Vucic criticized the European Union for not strongly backing a Belgrade-led plan to create an economic zone for free trade and travel throughout the Balkans.



Currently, only Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia are part of the free economic zone.



Vucic said other countries like Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina may worry that Serbia will dominate the free trade zone and garner most of the benefits.



"We need to understand their fears. We need to convince them that its not good for Serbia only, [but] that its even better for them," he said.

Vucic addressed the recent controversy that erupted following reports that Slovenian President Borut Pahor last month broached the possible "dissolution" of Bosnia-Herzegovina.



The multiethnic country is governed as a Bosniak and Croat federation along with a Serb-majority entity called Republika Srpska.



Separately, a "nonpaper," supposedly by Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, had been circulating proposing that proposed "the unification of Kosovo and Albania" and "joining a larger part of the Republika Srpska territory with Serbia.



Vucic, who previously belonged to a radical nationalist party, said his government was "not interested in creating any kind of greater Serbia."



The president said his focus was on making Serbia "great" through economic growth led by foreign direct investment.
PRAGUE -- Four years after Beijing launched a brutal crackdown that swept more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Muslim minorities in detention camps and prisons in its western Xinjiang Province, members of the Uyghur diaspora and activists are frustrated over a lack of international recognition for alleged atrocities committed by the Chinese government.

Chinese authorities have been accused of imposing forced labor, mass internment, forced birth control, erasing Uyghur cultural and religious identity, and separating children from incarcerated parents.

These actions have drawn accusations of genocide from international rights groups and several Western governments that have resulted in sanctions on some top Chinese officials in Xinjiang.

Despite such moves and a growing body of evidence documenting such abuses, members of the Uyghur community and researchers focused on the issue say there has not been enough international political or legal action and called for greater global pressure at a November 11-14 meeting in Prague by the World Uyghur Congress, an international organization of the ethnic groups diaspora spread across 25 countries in Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

On the whole the international response has been abysmal and utterly shameful. It has been extremely inadequate given the scope of the atrocities, Adrian Zenz, an expert on Chinas ethnic policies who has published detailed evidence of Beijings alleged abuses against Uyghurs, told RFE/RL on the sidelines of the event.

Though the focus of the meeting was to elect the organizations leadership for a three-year term, the gathering also featured panels with legal experts, human rights groups, and survivors of Chinas camp system -- all of whom expressed disappointment over what they described as a lagging international response given the scale and severity of Beijings policies in Xinjiang.

The Uyghurs are becoming hopeless because the world is letting them down, said Zenz. In 2019, they were more hopeful because there was a feeling that more evidence would lead to action, but nothing has changed. People and governments are not acting on the evidence that is out.

'Unprecedented' Level Of Evidence

A German academic who works for the Victims of Communism, a U.S.-based research organization, Zenz has been at the forefront of the effort to gather and publish evidence about the mass detention and repression of Uyghurs as well as ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other groups from Xinjiang that have also been caught up in the Chinese dragnet.

His investigations have helped reveal the scale of Beijing's security buildup in Xinjiang, showing billions of dollars spent toward building internment camps and high-tech surveillance networks, as well as a large-scale recruitment drive for police officers and officials to run them. Other research by Zenz documented forced sterilizations among Uyghur women, which has led international rights groups to accuse the Chinese government of genocide in pointing to plunging birthrates and mass detentions.

Chinese officials have rejected the genocide and rights abuse allegations as groundless and characterized the camps as vocational training centers to teach the Chinese language, give job training, and help combat radicalism. China saw a wave of Xinjiang-related terror attacks through 2016.

But some of the strongest evidence showing the full scale of Beijings policies towards Xinjiang, researchers say, have come from China itself. In 2019, The New York Times disclosed more than 400 leaked internal Chinese government documents that outlined detailed policies for how to repress Xinjiangs Muslim minorities -- and placing Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the center of the decision to do so.

Weve never had this level of documentation for an atrocity in real time. Its unprecedented, Rian Thum, a senior research fellow at the University of Nottingham and an expert on Xinjiang, told RFE/RL. We continue to learn more as new information is revealed, but there isnt any scarcity of evidence. In fact, most of what we do know comes from the Chinese governments own documents.

China has long struggled to integrate Uyghurs, a historically Muslim group of 13 million people with close linguistic, ethnic, and cultural ties to Turkey and Central Asia. Policy in Xinjiang has swung back and forth for decades, but took a harsher direction under Xi that culminated in the crackdown and camp system that took hold in 2017.

Beijing has also silenced Uyghurs living abroad, monitoring the diaspora and locking up and abusing relatives in China of members of the community who speak out.

The scale of this effort was documented in a series of reports released in 2021 by the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, a Washington-based research organization, and the Uyghur Human Rights Project.

In addition to showing the scope of intimidation toward the global Uyghur community, the reports also showed how Beijing has co-opted governments in Central and South Asia -- such as Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan -- to help in its efforts to silence discussion over the camps and extradite Uyghurs from the region back to China.

Tajikistan is also the subject of a recent filing by Uyghur groups to the International Criminal Court alleging that the Central Asian government has allowed Chinese officials to operate on its territory in order to deport Uyghurs back to China and to coerce them into becoming informants.

The new evidence alleges that due to these efforts the Uyghur population in Tajikistan decreased by more than 85 percent and in Kyrgyzstan by 87 percent.

First-hand testimony from those who have been interned or forced to work at the camps have also played a central role in raising awareness over alleged atrocities in Xinjiang.

Kazakhstan, which shares a lengthy border with Western China, became an unexpected flashpoint of activism on the issue due to family connections between Kazakhs and Xinjiangs ethnic Kazakh minority, with several former detainees publishing testimonies after fleeing China for the Central Asian country.

We are giving the world evidence, so why arent they believing us? said Qelbinur Sidik, an Uyghur teacher who was forced to work at a camp and has since received asylum in the Netherlands.

Pushing For A Response

Calls for stronger international pushback against China over Xinjiang are likely to increase following U.S. President Joe Biden's virtual summit with Xi on November 15, the first time in Bidens term that the two leaders have communicated face-to-face in a formal summit format.

So far, the U.S. government and parliaments in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada have declared that Beijings policies against the Uyghurs amount to genocide and crimes against humanity. The United States has gone further, blocking imports of cotton and tomatoes from Xinjiang and companies linked to forced labor in the region. The European Union and the United Kingdom have also imposed sanctions on lower-ranking Chinese officials reportedly involved in organizing the camp system.

Calls have also grown to boycott the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, with Human Rights Watch calling on major sponsors of the event to press China's government and the International Olympics Committee about the host nation's human rights violations.

It also remains unclear if the economic sanctions would compel Beijing or Chinese companies linked to forced labor in Xinjiang to change their ways.

China has retaliated against economic pressure by imposing sanctions of its own on Western individuals and institutions. It has also called for boycotts against leading retailers such as Nike and H&M after they expressed concerns in March about forced labor in Xinjiang.

Diplomatically, Beijing has also managed to weather pushback.

While more than 40 mainly Western countries criticized China at the UN in October -- a new high for the number of signatories expressing concern over abuses in Xinjiang -- 62 countries expressed support for Beijing.

The statement of support, which said that the matter was an internal affair, was put forward by Cuba and backed by a large group of countries across the developing world, many of whom benefit from Chinese investment and receive vitally needed aid from Beijing.

The Chinese government is only going to react so much to pushback that is mostly coming from the West, said Thum. A global response would be different, but thats difficult to imagine given the number of countries that depend on Chinese economic engagement right now.
Rocky Mount, NC (27804)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Areas of patchy fog. High 54F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with mostly clear conditions overnight. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
The Republic of South Africa (South Africa) is the worlds leader in terms of reserves and the production of many types of mineral resources. The diversity of mineral resources, as well as the heavy reliance of the world powers on some of them, make South Africa the subject of the continuing competition for access to its deposits and securing a reliable supply of raw materials.

The South Africas non-energy mineral reserves are estimated at $2.4 trillion to $3 trillion. This makes the country one of the richest non-oil powers in the world. For example, South Africa accounts for more than 90% of the global reserves of platinum group metals (PGMs), 80% of manganese, 72% of chromium, 32% of vanadium, and 13% of gold. However, most of the resources were discovered using outdated exploration methods. This means that with the use of advanced technologies, there is a huge potential for discovering new deposits of world importance.

The countrys mineral wealth is the basis of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. South Africa accounts for more than 59% of the world production of platinum group metals, 30% of manganese ore, 25% of ferrochrome. South Africas mining industry provides about 78% of the global supply of primary chrome ore, 54% of aluminosilicate, and almost 50% of manganese ore.

Transformation of the South African economy - from agrarian to post-industrial one

Until the end of the 1860s, South Africa remained predominantly an agricultural country. Structural changes in its economy became possible thanks to the revolution in raw materials, which began with the discovery of a diamond on the bank of the Orange River in 1866, and of large diamond deposits - the kimberlites - in the 1870s in the Kimberley area. Later on, the town gained the status of a diamond capital, which is still one of the worlds diamond mining centers.

The search for diamonds resulted in the discovery of gold deposits in 1886 in the Witwatersrand (now the Gauteng province). Later, the deposits of coal, manganese, chromium, copper, platinum, uranium, and other minerals were discovered.

The development of the coal industry was closely related to the growing demand for fuel in mining gold and diamonds. In particular, the rapid development of new coal basins in Transvaal (Boksburg, Witbank) in the 1880s through 1890s was linked to the growth of the gold mining industry.

With the richest coal reserves on the African continent and very rich iron ore resources, South Africa created powerful ferrous metallurgy. The manufacturing industry appeared mainly after the Second World War.

The South Africas economy today

Today, South Africa is an industrialized country that, according to the World Bank classification, is an upper middle-income country (in 2020, its gross national income (GNI) per capita was $5.410). South Africa is the only African country that is a full member of such a prestigious forum as the Big Twenty (G20). In February 2011, it officially joined the BRIC bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), which became the BRICS, an unofficial club of the worlds largest developing economies.

Until 2012, South Africas economy was the largest on the African continent, but later on, the country lost its leading position to Nigeria. In 2020, Nigerias GDP ($432 bn) still outperformed South Africas GDP ($302 bn). The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the countrys economy as in 2020, its GDP showed the strongest drop in the history of South Africa (minus 7%).

The mining industry has suffered greatly from strict, in my opinion, lockdown due to the COVID-19 epidemic, which led to a significant reduction in the production of gold, diamonds, and PGMs. In addition, commodity prices are highly volatile, and the volatility increases during uncertainty periods and global crises.

Nevertheless, South Africa remains a regional leader and a manufacturing hub maintaining a higher level of GNI per capita and a diversified economy. South Africa accounts for most of the continents economic and industrial infrastructure, with its first-class network of roads, railways, and ports. The state-owned company Eskom produces about 90% of the electricity consumed domestically and about 45% of the electricity used on the continent.

South Africa is a leading producer and supplier of a variety of minerals, with more than 1,800 mines and quarries throughout the country. In 2020, the mining industry accounted for 8.2% of the countrys total GDP and provided 451,427 jobs directly (excluding the employees in the related sectors of the economy).

As the world economy recovers, I believe that it is South Africas rich mineral resource base that can serve as a driver for the growth of South Africas economy.

Mineral resource base of South Africa

It was with the discovery of diamonds and gold that the development of South Africa as a mining power began. Thanks to the development of these industries, roads, and railways were built, and South Africas economy became the largest on the continent. Meanwhile, both industries have undergone dramatic changes for more than a century and a half.

As of 2020, South Africas diamond reserves were estimated at about 130 mn carats. According to this indicator, the country ranks fourth after Russia, Botswana, and Congo. Diamond mining amounted to 8.5 mn carats and ranked sixth in the world. By 2023, the South African government intends to leave about 70% of the diamonds mined in the country for further processing. Nowadays, just about 4% of the diamonds mined in the country are cut and polished locally.

South Africa dominated global gold production in the 20th century, with over 75% of the worlds gold reserves in 1970. But due to resource depletion and high operating costs, the countrys dominance in the global gold sector has since declined from 1st place in the 1970s to 8th place in 2018.

South Africa has significant reserves of non-ferrous metals, including nickel, copper, zinc, lead, titanium, zircon, antimony, and cobalt. This industry employs about 17,000 workers.

South Africa is the largest producer of platinum group metals, including platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium. In particular, it accounts for over 80% of the world's platinum production, over 30% of palladium, and about 80% of rhodium. It employs about 38% (172,000 people) of the total workforce in South Africas mining industry.

For the first time since 2010, the PGM sales outperformed the coal sales and made the largest contribution to the total mining industrys sales, reaching R190 bn in 2020. This was more than the value of the iron ore and gold sales combined.

Of the six PGMs, rhodium is the most expensive metal, as it is extremely rare. It is also used to neutralize toxic gases (carbon monoxide) in a vehicles exhaust system.

The rhodium and palladium sales account for 72.7% of the total PGM sales, with the remainder being platinum. A decade ago, platinum accounted for 68.1% of PGM sales.

The coal industry is the most significant component of the mining industry in terms of added value. It accounts for about 24% of the total volume of the mining sector. In 2020, the proved coal reserves amounted to approximately 9.9 bn tonnes. South Africa consumes approximately 75% of its coal production.

Although coal still dominates South Africas energy mix, it has given way to other energy sources in recent years. While in 2013, renewable energy sources (water, wind, and sun) contributed 0.4% to the total volume of electricity produced, this figure increased to almost 5% in 2019. Over the same period, the share of coal decreased from 88.3% to 87.2%. In 2006, the share of coal was 92.8%.

South Africas uranium reserves account for 6% of the global ones. South Africa has the largest uranium reserves in Africa and ranks fifth in the world for this indicator. Most of the uranium volume is produced mainly as a by-product in processing gold-bearing ores, so its generation is highly dependent on gold mining productivity.

South Africa, with its two nuclear reactors at the Koeberg power plant in the Western Cape, is the only country on the African continent to produce nuclear energy.

South Africa does not have significant proven oil and gas reserves, producing oil and gas from coal, and importing crude oil as well. If offshore exploration and shale gas exploration are successful, South Africa will have localized oil and gas supplies to the country, which will help diversify the countrys energy balance.

South Africas ferrous metallurgy is based on its local raw materials, being an important export industry and a source of income. The country has the largest deposits of chromium, manganese, and vanadium, as well as significant deposits of iron ore, antimony, copper, nickel, lead, titanium, zinc, and zirconium.

South Africa is the worlds largest producer of chrome ore, a key ingredient in stainless steel production. In 2019, it supplied 12.5 mn tonnes of this mineral to China or 83% of Chinas total chromium imports.

In 2019, South Africa became the largest manganese ore producer and exporter in the world, accounting for 30% of the global production and nearly 50% of the global exports. The country supplied manganese ore (mainly to China, India, Japan, and Norway) for $3.16 bn, which made this metal the eighth largest export product.

South Africa was the first African country to start commercial copper mining after launching the Palabora copper mine in 1966. This mine remains one of the largest and deepest open-pit mines in the world. Rio Tinto, a subsidiary of the Palabora Mining Company, operates the mine, smelter, and refinery complex, South Africas only refined copper producer. With an annual production of about 80,000 tonnes, it provides for most of South Africas copper needs and exports the rest of copper volumes.

At present, China dominates the rare earth market and produces about 60% of the worlds rare earth metals, recycles about 80%, and is a key player in the global supply chain. The largest economies in the world are completely dependent on Chinese imports as 80% of the imports to the USA and 98% of imports in the EU come from China. Therefore, the possibility of limiting its supplies or even stopping them could seriously damage the industry and the decarbonization plans. This forces the countries to look for alternative sources.

In the future, South Africa will be able to compete with China in the world market for rare earth metals. The Steenkampskraal mine is located in the Western Cape, which is the high-grade rare earth metal mine in the world. Its reserves are estimated at almost 790,000 tonnes, and it is among the top ten countries for this indicator.

***

As the global economy recovers from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of traditional ties, transport and logistics chains, and the revival of demand, South Africa has the potential not only to rather quickly reach the pre-pandemic production level, but also to significantly ramp up its production, processing, and export.

The demand for raw materials in the future will remain and will also increase for some types. In the era of digitalization, the demand for rare earths, also called technological metals, is increasing. The composites will gain in importance with the transition to the fourth industrial revolution. Given the global trend towards sustainable production, the demand for platinum group metals will increase.

The leading powers understand the dangerous dependence on one single supplier, so the drive towards diversifying the sources of raw materials will be one of the cornerstones of ensuring their national security. There is already fierce competition for access to South Africas natural resources and, most likely, it will only intensify.

Taking into account the above, South Africa, whose subsurface resources virtually have the entire Periodic Table, will undoubtedly play an increasingly significant role both on the African continent and in international affairs.

Margarita Obraztsova for Rough&Polished
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This combination photo shows cover art for "The 1619 Project: Born On the Water" based on a student's family tree assignment, with words by Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson and illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, left, and "The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story".
Ten years ago today, Pappalecco was born in San Diego with its first cafe in Little Italy. This month, the companys founders  Tuscany-raised brothers Francesco and Lorenzo Bucci  are celebrating their companys recent expansion into North County.

In January, they opened a location in Del Mar Heights and on May 3, theyll host a grand opening party for their new cafe in Cardiff. As at all the other locations, the Cardiff celebration will feature a free round of imported aperitivo (Italian after-dinner digestif spirits) for all comers over 21. The new North County cafes bring the total number of Pappalecco locations to five.

Francesco, 44, and Lorenzo, 35, grew up in Pisa, where their family is in the hospitality business. Their brother, and silent partner, Giovanni, runs a restaurant just a few minutes walk from the citys famous leaning tower.

A dozen years ago Francesco said he acted on a long-incubating dream to move to the U.S. after getting some good advice from an Italian friend and his American wife after they tasted some of his homemade pistachio gelato.

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They told me if you sold this in the United States, you could make a killing, Francesco said.

With his younger brother Lorenzo, who also dreamed of moving to the U.S., Francesco chose San Diego as their new home at the recommendation of a fellow Italian expatriate.

After opening their first shop in Little Italy on April 27, 2007, they expanded to Hillcrest and Kensington. Theyve also opened a headquarters office and commercial kitchen in Point Loma that supplies all the stores daily with homemade pastries, breads and gelatos.

Francesco, who lives in Bankers Hill, oversees the business operations and self-trained chef Lorenzo, who lives near Talmadge, oversees the food operations and menu. The company employs about 70 full- and part-time employees.

The brothers describe Pappalecco as a traditional Italian cafe that serves simple, authentic (and often organic) food and drinks.

The company name was created from the Italian words pappa (a nickname for gelato that translates as baby food) and lecco (to lick). The recipes and many of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Those ingredients purchased or produced locally are prepared in the Italian style.

The panini breads and pizzas are made with imported Italian flour, which is lower in gluten than American flour and easier to digest. Some of the gelatos are made with imported ingredients, like pure pistachio, hazelnut and vanilla bean pastes.

The organic wines (served by the glass and bottle) are all Itailan, including Campo de Marzo, Castellani, Il Burchino and Barbaresco brands. And the Pappalecco-brand coffee is roasted in the Italian style (smoother and less bitter) by an Italy-born roaster who lives in Temecula.

The brothers say their goal is to re-create the style and flavors of the Italian cafes they grew up with. The key, Francesco said, is menu purity with each item made from just a handful of fresh ingredients and no additives, preservatives or fillers.

Simplicity is our trademark, Francesco said. Thats the Italian way.

The companys top-selling items are its Pappalecco gelato (chocolate and hazelnut), its Toscano panini (with imported prosciutto, mozzarella, tomatoes and basil) and its coffee drinks made with imported Italian espresso machines. Coffee prices range from $2.65-$4.75, gelatos from $5 to $7, paninis from $9.95 to $13.25 and breakfasts from $6.75-$13.

Francesco said the company plans to continue expanding, even beyond San Diego County, though for now they want to keep the ownership in the family to ensure quality and authenticity.

Both brothers say they spend every day driving from one location to another for every meal and coffee break to ensure consistency and a good guest experience.

I love it, Lorenzo said. I can be my own boss and keep my own schedule and keep a close eye on things.

Customers who would like to attend the free grand opening event from 5 to 7 p.m. May 3 are required to RSVP since alcohol will be served. Visit https://bit.ly/2okAyX6.

Pappalecco

Hours: Open at 7 a.m. weekdays, 7:30 a.m. weekends. Closing hours vary from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., depending on location.

North County locations: 2101 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff. 12925 El Camino Real, Suite AA5, Del Mar Heights.

Phone: (760) 230 2940

Online:pappalecco.com

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Voters in Seattle's District 3  which includes Capitol Hill, the Central District and surrounding neighborhoods  will soon receive their ballots in the mail for the Dec. 7 special election which will decide whether Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant will keep her seat on the council or be recalled.

Keep reading for what voters need to know about the upcoming vote.

Why is there a recall?

The recall complaint against the council's only socialist member began last fall when resident Ernest Lou filed a formal petition with the county alleging that Sawant had "used her position in violation of the law or has recklessly undermined the safety of others."

The charges included giving Black Lives Matter protesters access to City Hall, leading a march to Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan's private residence, delegating hiring/firing decisions to the Socialist Alternative and using city funds to promote a Tax Amazon ballot initiative. In September, a King County Superior County judge allowed the four charges alleged in the petition to move forward.

Sawant filed an appeal to dismiss the charges which went before the Washington State Supreme Court in January. A decision on the appeal was not made until April 2021 when the court ruled that the charges of opening City Hall to protesters, leading a protest to Durkan's home and using public funds to promote a ballot initiative were factually and legally sufficient and could proceed in the recall.

Why is the vote now?

Petitioners spent the rest of the spring and summer collecting over 10,700 signatures to get the recall onto the ballot for voters in Sawant's District 3 to decide. However, the organizers did not submit the signatures in time to make the Nov. 2 ballot, a move that those in the solidarity group defending Sawant say was intentionally meant to force the issue to a winter special election

"This is a classic right wing voter suppression tactic," Sawant said during a virtual debate Wednesday. "Having an election between Thanksgiving and Christmas, they are hoping ... for a broad disenfranchisement of young people, workers and renters."

Henry Bridger II, manager of the Recall Sawant campaign, denied that the recall effort purposefully delayed submitting the signatures to the county and instead blamed the solidarity group's effort to also gather signatures, some which Bridger said were unverifiable, for not making the county's deadline.

"We wanted to go to the November election and we were trying to get there," Bridger said during the debate. "When [Sawant] got her people to turn in 3,200 more signatures, that put our small staff under great pressure that they could not meet the deadline of August 3."

Who gets to vote?

Nearly 75,000 registered voters in District 3 are eligible to vote in the election. Ballots will be mailed Nov. 17 and county drop boxes will officially open on Nov. 18. Voters have until Nov. 29 to register for the election.

Ballots must be postmarked or turned into ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 to be counted. Voters can also register and vote in person at a county vote center, which will open on Nov. 17.

Who is funding the campaigns?

In the interim months since the recall was argued in court, both sides have continued to raise significant amounts of money. According to data from the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, the recall effort has raised $684,191 as of Thursday while the solidarity effort has raised $798,422.

Filings show that a total of 4,838 individuals have donated to the recall effort, averaging $141.40 per donor. Some of the largest donors represent real estate, construction and property management interests in the city with many donors also supporting the Compassion Seattle initiative that was struck down by a King County Superior Court judge in September.

On the other side, the solidarity group has a total of 8,841 individual donors averaging contributions of $89.67. Filings show that many of the donations were from outside of Seattle as Sawant's political group, Socialist Alternative, has also been coming to her defense.

What happens if Sawant is recalled?

If a majority of voters in District 3 vote yes to the recall, the Seattle City Council will then select a replacement who will serve until the city's next general election.
ELLENSBURG, Wash. (AP)  The body of Seattle Deputy Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost was found Sunday afternoon near Cliffdell, Kittitas County, after a two-week search.

Schreckengost, 56, had gone elk hunting and was last heard from on Nov. 2. His body was found about a half-mile from where his pickup was parked, according to the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office. Officials say there was no preliminary evidence of foul play, the Seattle Times reported.

Kittitas Sheriff Clay Myers said in a Facebook post, Were saddened to give news of Chief Schreckengosts passing to his family and fellow firefighters.

We also want to thank everyone who participated in or supported this search," he said. "It was a tremendous outpouring of resources and effort that produced a vital result: a family knows what happened to their loved one and he can be brought home to them.

In an Instagram post, the Seattle Fire Department wrote, Deputy Chief Schreckengost was a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now who have been at the site every day searching alongside search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies.

The cause of death will be released after an examination by the Kittitas County coroner.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Energy ministers from across the developing world gathered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Monday and stressed the need for continued investment in fossil fuel production  a message just days after these same nations joined around 200 countries in accepting a compromise deal aimed at limiting rising global temperatures and curbing greenhouse emissions.

Energy ministers from two key OPEC nations  the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia  pointed to the rising price of natural gas and the energy crunch this has created in Europe and China as examples of what happens when demand outstrips supply. They say this has raised the price of energy across the board, impacting oil prices now hovering around $80 a barrel.

After almost a decade of under-investment in our industry, the world has sleepwalked into a supply crunch. It is time to wake up, said Managing Director and CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Sultan Al-Jaber.

The remarks came at the start of the annual Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference.

Al-Jaber argued over $600 billion annually will need to be invested in the oil and gas industry until 2030  just to keep up with expected global demand. Al-Jaber, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabis renewable energy firm Masdar, said that while a future run on renewable energy is coming it is not here yet and the world is still heavily reliant on oil and gas.

President Joe Biden's administration, while rallying nations to shift away from burning fossil fuels, has simultaneously called on OPEC to increase production as prices climb for consumers at the pump, including singling out Saudi Arabia. Major oil producers in the OPEC+ group have so far refused to veer from their gradual approach of restoring production levels slashed amid the pandemic of 2020.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei told The Associated Press that the OPEC+ group, which includes Russia and other non-OPEC oil producers, is relying on independent technical data that shows there will be a surplus of oil early next year.

In 2022, in the first quarter, we will have a surplus of supply than the demand," he told The Associated Press at the ADIPEC conference. The balance will not be negative, (it) will be positive.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman rejected any suggestions of political pressure by the U.S. to pump more oil.

There is always a dialogue. I dont think the media is tagging it with the right name. Its called dialogue and discussions, he told journalists in Abu Dhabi.

The deal reached in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday by nations around the world contained a last-minute change that watered down crucial language about coal. Several countries expressed disappointment by the change promoted by India to phase down, rather than phase out coal power, the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, told the audience in Abu Dhabi that his nation was a the forefront of the energy transition and seemed to try and suggest India wasn't behind that change in wording. He also brushed aside criticisms of India's pledge to reach net-zero by 2070, which skeptics have described as making a mockery of the global effort to cut emissions.

Our per capita consumption of energy compared to global averages is about one-third, he said, but added the figure is quickly rising amid India's population boom and economic growth.

Puri warned against an energy transition that results in unrealistically high costs for consumers. He said it was important that the ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi was being held just after the COP26 summit in Glasgow so focus can be on both on what the reality on the ground is and the need to manage the transition.
BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged Russia on Monday to be more transparent about its military activities near Ukraine but he stopped short of suggesting that Moscow might be preparing to invade its former Soviet neighbor.

Ukraine claims that Russia kept tens of thousands of troops and equipment near their common border after conducting war games earlier this year. Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has supported a separatist insurgency that broke out that year in eastern Ukraine and still controls territory there.

The United States has warned the European Union to be wary of Russias intentions, but EU diplomats say that while they have noticed Moscows military buildup, they do not believe that Russia might launch action anytime soon.

We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities, Stoltenberg told reporters after talks in Brussels with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. It is important to prevent escalations and reduce tensions.

Asked whether he fears a possible invasion, Stoltenberg said: what we see is a significant, large Russian military build-up. We see an unusual concentration of troops. And we know that Russia has been willing to use these types of military capabilities before to conduct aggressive actions against Ukraine.

I think its important also that we dont now increase tensions, but we have to be clear-eyed, we need to be realistic about the challenges we face, he said.

Ukraines defense ministry claims that about 90,000 Russian troops are stationed not far from their border and in rebel-controlled areas in Ukraines east. It said units of the Russian 41st army have remained in Yelnya, a town 260 kilometers (about 160 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

Kuleba said we have to be ready for all scenarios, for all options, and he called for help from the 30-country military organization to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Germany and France warned Russia against taking any military action in Ukraine.

Against the backdrop of renewed concerns about Russian movements of troops and hardware near Ukraine, we call on Russia to adopt a posture of restraint and provide transparent information about its military activities. Any new attempt to undermine Ukraines territorial integrity would have serious consequences, the ministers said.

The ministers, Heiko Maas and Jean-Yves Le Drian, also urged Ukraine to maintain a posture of restraint and said they regret Russia's refusal to meet with them in the Normandy format; a reference to the group that France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine organized to settle the long-running conflict.

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
Leaders from the two companies responsible for America's most-used COVID-19 vaccines looked back Saturday at how they were able to develop the lifesaving shots so quickly  and offered a glimpse of what might lie ahead in the fight against the coronavirus and other maladies.

Dr. Mikael Dolsten, chief scientific officer at Pfizer who oversees its worldwide research, and Stephane Bancel, Moderna's chief executive officer, spoke at the American Heart Association's virtual Scientific Sessions.

Dolsten said that from the start of the pandemic, Pfizer was planning not just for the immediate challenge of developing a vaccine that worked, but for everything that would follow. "We really tried to take a holistic, comprehensive approach," with "end-to-end planning."

Vaccine developers usually wait for one step of the development process to conclude before moving on to the next. "But this was a pandemic," he said.

So as soon as the company had promising data from early tests, it was setting up advanced clinical trials and preparing for manufacturing.

The approach of "working in parallel, rather than serial" paid off, Dolsten said. Not only is the company on track to deliver up to 3 billion doses of its vaccine by year's end, it recently announced promising results for an antiviral COVID-19 pill.

The process was always about finding "maximum benefit and the best safety profile," he said.

Moderna's Bancel echoed that emphasis on safety.

"The thing that was always our North Star was to never take any risk to a clinical trial participant," whom he called "the unsung heroes of the pandemic, like the health care workers, of course."

Like Pfizer, Moderna was able to do "everything in parallel, as long as it was safe. That was of course the No. 1 criteria. But we took a lot of business risks."

Those, too, paid off. Moderna, as a company, made less than 100,000 doses of any vaccine in all of 2019, he said. It is on track to ship up to 800 million doses this year.

He and Dolsten both foresee a long-lasting role for their products. "Because unfortunately, we think we're going to need more boosters," Bancel said. "COVID is going to become endemic. It's not going away."

Dolsten expects such vaccine boosters to be annual. The effectiveness of a third shot has been impressive in studies, he said. "Projections are that an annual vaccination is likely going to be very helpful to refill your immune response defense line, and to further train it for any future needs," although those needs might be different for people in high-risk groups, such as people with cancer or cardiovascular conditions.

Bancel envisions a single annual shot that would combine a COVID-19 booster; a flu vaccine that has "a much higher efficacy than what we have seen so far in older-technology vaccines;" and a vaccine for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, an illness that's common but sometimes severe in children younger than 2.

"So one shot and you'll be set for the fall and winter," he said.

Beyond COVID-19, both men saw exciting potential in the technology behind their companies' vaccines, which use a molecule called messenger RNA, or mRNA, to deliver information that allows cells to make proteins.

With traditional technologies, the majority of promising drugs don't make it from the lab to market, Bancel said. "We think mRNA is going to change that in a very profound way," because the chemistry and process in mRNA technology is the same for all cell types.

"Once you get the mRNA inside the cells, you can make any protein you want," or combinations of proteins, he said.

Researchers are exploring mRNA treatments that might repair blood vessels harmed by diabetes, treat heart failure or repair damage from heart attacks. Moderna also is testing a vaccine for cytomegalovirus, or CMV, which sometimes causes long-term health problems such as hearing loss in babies whose mothers are infected.

As part of Saturday's presentation, Dr. Biykem Bozkurt, professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, summarized findings on COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Bozkurt was lead author of a study published in July in the AHA journal Circulation that looked at myocarditis and COVID-19 vaccines and concluded that the "the risk of hospitalization, ICU stay and death with COVID infection itself far outweighs the risk of myocarditis following mRNA COVID vaccination," she said.

She noted a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, based on a national database from Israel, estimated the risk of myocarditis at one to five cases per 100,000 people vaccinated. The risk of myocarditis from a COVID-19 infection was much higher, she said, and infection also raised the risk of other problems, including heart attacks.

The risk of myocarditis after vaccination is slightly higher in young males. But overall, cases tend to be mild and resolve in four or five days, she said.

She asked whether the pharmaceutical companies would be willing to partner with others on finding the mechanisms that underlie the problem to potentially adjust the vaccines to reduce or silence those mechanisms. Both leaders agreed.

"Once we know the mechanistic understanding, there could be tweaks that allow us for the future to do even more sophisticated design," Dolsten said, "whether we speak about COVID or future viral challenges."

Find more news from Scientific Sessions.

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KABUL (AP)  A roadside bomb blew up on a busy avenue in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, wounding two people, police said.

The bomb detonated as a taxi was passing by in the Kota-e Sangi district of western Kabul. The Taliban spokesman for Kabul police, who goes by a single name Mobin, said two people were wounded. Witnesses said one was a woman in the taxi and the other a man passing by.
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Cal Fire Director Thom Porter on Monday announced he would retire from the agency in December after three years leading the state through an unprecedented wildfire crisis.

Porter leads the $2.9 billion agency charged with safeguarding people and property amid one of the states most vexing crises exacerbated by drought and climate change.

Porter took the helm as acting director of Cal Fire in December 2018, just one month after the states most deadly and destructive wildfire, the Camp Fire, destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. In the years since, wildfires have burned across nearly 7.5 million acres in the state, shattering records for acres burned.

Gov. Gavin Newsom commended Porter in a written statement, thanking him for his decades-long service and his work to tackle this existential threat head-on.

Chief Porter has seen the state through unprecedented wildfire challenges over the past three years, and Californians are fortunate to have had his steadfast leadership guiding our preparedness, response and recovery efforts, Newsom said.

Porters last day will be Dec. 10. A Governors Office spokesperson said no information about a successor was available Monday.

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot called the news bittersweet, in a tweet acknowledging Porters plan to retire.

I cant think of a tougher job in California and Thom brought focus, integrity and incredible perseverance and sense of purpose, Crowfoot said. An incredible leader in unprecedented times.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Porter joined Cal Fire in 1999 after working as a forester with private industry in Washington, Oregon and in the Sierra Nevada.

With Cal Fire, Porter served as chief of the San Diego County Fire Authority, then headed up Cal Fires Southern Region. He served as chief of strategic planning in Sacramento before then-Gov. Jerry Brown designated Porter in December 2018 to serve as acting director of the agency with the retirement of former Director Ken Pimlott. Newsom appointed Porter as director in January 2019.

Julie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: Twitter: @juliejohnson.
San Diego police did not violate the rights of a 24-year-old woman who groaned and screamed for help in the back seat of a patrol car but received no medical aid until after she passed out at the police station and fell into a fatal coma, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.

In a 2-1 ruling, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said the son of Aleah Jenkins had no grounds for a lawsuit against the city or the officers because they did not act with deliberate indifference or unreasonableness toward Jenkins either before or during the one-hour drive to the station.

Police stopped a car with an expired registration tag in November 2018 and then removed Jenkins, a passenger in the back seat, because of a misdemeanor drug warrant, the court said. After being handcuffed and seated in a patrol car, she started groaning and vomiting, and officers asked if she was suffering drug withdrawal, the court said, but she replied that she was pregnant and did not want to go to jail. They canceled a call to paramedics and drove toward the police station.

During the drive, the court said, Jenkins periodically groaned and screamed for help. They kept going but stopped when she fell silent for 10 minutes. Officer Lawrence Durbin told her to stay awake, patted her on the stomach and said she was fine. When she screamed some more, Durbin called, Knock it off, according to the court.

When they arrived at the police station Jenkins was lying face down on the car seat. The officers pulled her up to fingerprint her, gave her water which she agreed to drink, then left her alone for more than 11 minutes. When they returned, she was unconscious and was taken to a hospital, where she died nine days later, the court said.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Jenkins young son, said officers should have known Jenkins was overdosing on drugs and needed immediate treatment. But a federal judge dismissed the suit and the appeals court upheld that ruling Monday.

Jenkins exhibited signs of medical distress but also obscured the seriousness of those signs with statements about being pregnant, not ingesting drugs, and wanting to avoid jail, Michael Fisher, a judge from the federal appeals court in Philadelphia temporarily assigned to the Ninth Circuit, said in the majority opinion.

He said Durbin and his colleagues had not acted with objective unreasonableness or objective deliberate indifference to Jenkins health, the legal standard for a suit against police.

Judge Patrick Bumatay joined Fishers opinion. In dissent, Judge Paul Watford said a jury should be allowed to decide whether Durbin, in particular, had disregarded obvious signs of Jenkins serious medical problems.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Based on the allegations in the lawsuit, and evidence from a police body-camera video, Durbin may have disregarded obvious signs of Jenkins medical distress, evidently because he thought she was faking her symptoms, Watford said.

If those facts can be proved, Watford said, Durbin, who was assigned to keep watch on her in the patrol car, was required to summon immediate medical care. ... He instead did nothing, despite objective signs of medical distress that literally cried out for action.

The familys lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment. The family could ask the full appeals court to order a new hearing before a larger panel.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.comq
A deal struck early Monday averted a strike by Kaiser Permanente pharmacists in Northern California, officials said.

The strike had been slated to begin Monday and last eight days, temporarily limiting access to outpatient pharmacy services.

However, normal operations were expected after the tentative agreement was reached at about 1 a.m., according to a news release from Kaiser.

The deal includes guaranteed yearly wage increases for the duration of the three-year contract, with opportunities for bonuses, plus retention of retirement benefits and no cuts in health coverage, according to Kaiser.

The move came after a separate group of unions representing 50,000 Kaiser workers, the Alliance of Health Care Unions, reached a tentative contract agreement with Kaiser on Saturday. That agreement averted a strike by workers that would have begun Monday in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii.

The union representing Kaiser pharmacists, the Guild for Professional Pharmacists, could not immediately be reached for comment Monday. The guild represents about 2,100 Kaiser pharmacists in Northern California.

More for you Kaiser deal averts major strike Monday, but pharmacists set to picket

Another union for Kaiser workers  Local 39, which represents operating engineers  is slated to continue its strike that began last month after its contract expired. In support of the engineers, several other unions have authorized one-day sympathy strikes on Thursday, and the California Nurses Association and National Union of Healthcare Workers on Friday.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

We are continuing to bargain in good faith with Local 39 Operating Engineers and the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), and are confident we will reach agreements with these unions very soon, Kaiser said in the news release.

Some appointments and procedures may be affected, and Kaiser said it will reach out in those instances to reschedule. All hospitals and emergency departments will remain open during a strike, Kaiser said.

Catherine Ho and Anna Buchmann are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com
A Texas woman accused of assaulting a flight attendant who told the womans husband to put on his face mask while en route to San Francisco was charged with interfering with aircraft operations, and faces a potential 20-year prison term if convicted.

Debby Dutton, 50, of Cypress, Texas, who is out of custody, appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Houston on Friday in the case involving the incident on a June 29 United Airlines flight from Anchorage to San Francisco, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of California. Prosecutors were pursuing a judges order to require she face the charge in federal court in San Francisco.

The alleged assault was among a string of recent violent incidents reported on aircraft, a number of them confrontations over pandemic mask rules. Mask requirements, meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, are fueling a dramatic increase in reports of unruly passengers interfering with air crew duties, putting staff, passengers and employees at risk, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The federal government this month reported that 5,114 unruly passenger reports have been filed this year, a fivefold increase from 2020.

Dutton and her husband had been in the air about 3 hours when the flight attendant walked down the aisle to collect trash and check for mask compliance, officials said.

The attendant tapped the shoulder of Duttons sleeping husband and asked him to replace his mask, which had slipped down his face, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The husband complied, but Dutton appeared to become enraged, getting up from her seat and yelling, You dont touch my husband, why you wake him! according to the criminal complaint.

Dutton followed the flight attendant down the aisle, shouting and pushing the attendant multiple times, according to the complaint. She finally returned to her seat at her husbands request, according to prosecutors. The flight attendant reported the incident to the captain.

The altercation left bruises on the flight attendants bicep, prosecutors said.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

After landing, San Francisco International Airport police officers interviewed the flight attendant and several passengers.

The FAA last week announced it was seeking to levy financial penalties exceeding $225,000 against 10 passengers reported to have harassed and assaulted flight attendants and other employees in separate incidents.

And on Saturday, a Southwest Airlines employee was hospitalized after being assaulted by a passenger at Dallas Love Field Airport, according to multiple news accounts. Dallas police said a 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of punching one agent after getting into an argument with another while boarding a plane, according to the news report.

Julie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: julie.johnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @juliejohnson
Terra Fritch awoke May 26 to a quiet house.

It was a Wednesday, shortly after 7 a.m., so she expected to hear husband Alexs diesel truck rumbling to the curb and the family dog barking to welcome him to their San Jose home. Typically, he would enter the bedroom, untie his boots and crawl into bed beside her after working the night shift at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authoritys Guadalupe light-rail yard across the city.

Terra texted him from the kitchen while brewing coffee. But the next message she received was an urgent one from a friend: Theres been a shooting. She woke up her two teenage sons and turned on the TV to see that dozens of sheriffs deputies in tactical gear had swarmed the rail yard.

Immediately, Terra remembered how, several months earlier, Alex had come home shaken after overhearing a co-worker threaten to put a bullet in someones head.

Now, her fear rising, Terra called an acquaintance at the county coroners office, who pointed her to San Joses trauma hospital, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. As a friend drove her, she spoke over the phone to a hospital employee who told her Alex was there, alive.

At the hospital, a social worker led her to an empty room that was soon filled with doctors. They told her Alex had been shot in the head and did not have long to live, and then they led her to his bedside. As she took in the sight of her 49-year-old husbands swollen head, matted with blood, she felt only disbelief at first. You should be crying, she told herself. Why arent you crying?

Then Terra put her head on her husbands chest and began to sob. She steeled herself for what would come next: summoning loved ones to the hospital to say goodbye.

Provided by Terra Fritch

What she didnt fully appreciate in those first hours of May 26 was the difficulty that lay ahead for her and her family over the coming weeks and months  the wrenching private fallout from Northern Californias deadliest-ever mass shooting. At age 43, she would confront not only the loss of her partner, but also her belief that the VTA and the federal government had failed to protect him.

Nearly six months after the VTA gunman killed nine colleagues and himself in a warehouse at the rail yard, the attention has faded. Most friends have stopped calling to check in. Terra and the couples children are left figuring out how to move forward without Alex. While many people touched by firearm violence become advocates for gun control, Terra is more interested in making it easier for families to get the resources they need after tragedy strikes.

Clearly, after Sandy Hook, our country is OK with kids getting killed, she said, referring to the 2012 elementary school shooting in Connecticut. If you cant keep mass shootings from happening then, just like earthquakes, you need to prepare for when they happen.

Terra met Alex Ward Fritch at the Saddle Rack, a country-style bar in Fremont complete with a mechanical bull, after each went dancing with friends one March night in 2001. Unlike the other men who approached Terra, Alex seemed shy, and she liked his Blue Steel smoldry look. She asked him to dance.

The attraction was mutual, but Alex left after their brief dance, afraid he might bungle an instant connection that he later told her had been something special. Their first date started with lunch in Cupertino and stretched late into the night.

They discovered they were both rugged country kids whod spent their childhoods building forts and hunting in the woods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Terra grew up without electricity in the wilderness south of Los Gatos, traveling more than an hour to attend school each day. Alex was raised by a German mother and an American father in the small community of Ben Lomond.

They bonded over a shared love of dirt-biking and discovered they both frequented an old mining tract in San Benito County favored by serious riders. Alex doubted Terras skills  until he realized she could shred trails as well as any man.

Six months after their first dance, they married on a weekday morning at a Santa Clara County courthouse.

The relationship faced early trials: the demands of parenthood and strained finances amid a series of medical crises. Terra underwent two surgeries for a back injury, one while pregnant with the couples second child. Months later, Alex was hospitalized after he was severely burned while fixing an ambulance as a mechanic.

Terra felt grateful to have a stable partner in Alex. She admired his ability to remain optimistic, even when they lost their first house to bankruptcy in the financial crash of 2008. She experienced abuse when she was younger, she said, and learned to hold back her emotions to survive. For the first six years of their marriage, she never let Alex see her cry.

I thought: Crying makes things worse. So you dont cry, she said. You dont show weakness.

But Terra began to let down her guard. She learned to be vulnerable with another person.

The pressure of supporting a young family weighed on Alex, she said, and after several years fixing commercial trucks as an itinerant mechanic, he sought the stability of a government job. The VTA hired him as a bus mechanic before he apprenticed as a utility pole repairman, then he took a graveyard-shift job repairing the electrical substations that power the agencys trains.

He found the hours grueling and the work unfulfilling, but stayed for the job security. Terra encouraged him to find joy in other parts of his life.

After a visit to Smugglers Cove, San Franciscos famed Tiki bar, Alex became enamored with craft cocktails, teaching himself everything he could about rum. He built a tropical-themed Tiki bar in their backyard to entertain friends.

The coronavirus pandemics restrictions were hard on Alex, Terra said. He found he craved the company of friends more than he had realized.

When all of this is over, he told her, I think Im going to become a hugger.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Watching early news coverage of the shooting, Atticus Fritch, 18, tried to remain calm. Thousands of people worked at VTA  there was little chance his father was among those shot, he reasoned. When his mother left for the hospital, Atticus went to the kitchen to fix breakfast for his younger brother, Justin.

Within minutes, a family friend arrived to escort the brothers to the hospital, too. Atticus left uneaten toast on the counter. As they drove, Justin, then 16, used his phone to tell his physics teacher over email that he wouldnt be there to race cardboard boats in the school pool.

Arriving at the trauma center, the brothers saw three sheriffs deputies sitting in the lobby, one covered in blood. Terra emerged through double doors.

Dad was shot in the head, she said. He doesnt look like himself right now.

Atticus could tell she was trying not to alarm them. She sounded calm, almost casual. Surely they wouldnt show us if it was really bad, Atticus thought as Terra led them to their fathers bedside.

Taking in the sight of his fathers unrecognizable face, Atticus felt his stomach churn. His mind went blank. Atticus and Justin whispered farewells, not knowing how long their dad would live: Thank you for everything youve done. Thank you for being our father.

Before long, Stephanie, Alexs 30-year old daughter from a previous relationship, arrived from San Diego. Together, the three siblings sat at his bedside for hours. They cracked jokes to break the tension, just as their dad would have done. When the breathing tubes emitted snorts of air, Stephanie said, Hey, dont make that noise unless youre going to make a miracle happen!

As their fathers condition deteriorated, Justin and Stephanie asked to go home. After the three siblings left, Terra prepared a do-not-resuscitate order, in keeping with Alexs wishes.

Then she gave her husband a sponge bath, cleaning his face and washing the blood from his hair and ears. She wanted to undo the gunmans work, to show Alex the tenderness he deserved. It was evening when she finished.

Climbing into bed beside him, Terra looked down at the Star Wars tattoos they had each gotten for their 15th anniversary. She pressed the Princess Leia tattoo on her right forearm to the Han Solo tattoo on Alexs right arm.

She forced her hand into his closed palm. To her surprise, he squeezed her hand back.

He knows youre here, a nurse said.

Terra was astonished to see tears streaming down Alexs face. She felt an electric current radiate through her body.

I think he just passed, the nurse said.

I know he did, Terra replied. I felt it.

Terra lay in silence for several minutes beside her husband. She kissed him a final time. Then she climbed out of the bed and waited in the hallway for the coroner, because now her husbands body was evidence.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Terra quickly realized she would struggle to find the time or space to grieve. A few days after the shooting, a letter arrived stating that her familys health insurance had been canceled. Insurance coverage for a deceased employee, the letter explained, stops upon that persons death.

She was confused and incensed.

The letter had been generated in error by an automated system. Staff members called each victims family to inform them that VTA intended to provide health coverage for one year.

Soon, Terra was deep into funeral planning. She considered an open casket, but decided against it due to the extent of Alexs injuries. She splurged on a blue pearl granite headstone she knew her husband would have liked before returning it, uneasy about her mounting expenses.

A thick manila envelope of paperwork arrived within days from the VTA, explaining the benefits available to victims families. Overwhelmed, it would take Terra more than a month to navigate the papers in order to begin receiving Alexs pay. To her, the process seemed unnecessary and bewilderingly complicated.

Annette Romo, whose husband, Timothy Michael Romo, was also among those killed at the rail yard, recalled the daze of grief that persisted for weeks. Romo asked her brother-in-law to handle conversations with VTA administrators about benefits. In the meantime, she worried about falling behind on her mortgage.

Unlike Romo, who had help, Terra was alone.

With each passing day, she knew she was approaching the moment she would have to face the finality of Alexs absence.

Eight days after the shooting, Atticus graduated from high school in a sea of students wearing orange ribbons in solidarity against gun violence. In an Instagram post ahead of the ceremony, he asked his classmates for privacy: Please do not approach me to give me a hug or condolences.

No one knows what to say, he explained later, and yet people feel obligated to say something.

His parents had promised a graduation present: to pay for Atticus to legally change his name and gender, fulfilling a desire he had held since hed come out as trans five years earlier. But amid the tumult, neither he nor his mother had the energy to go to the courthouse.

Atticus had chosen his name at age 14 in part because it was reminiscent of Alex Jr., the name his parents would have chosen.

The transition caused a lot of tension in the household, Atticus recalled. His father was stoic at first. But slowly, Atticus noticed, Alex developed greater emotional awareness and empathy. They would have long conversations, Atticus said, in which his father would try to relate in any way he could.

Humor was their shared language. The afternoon before the shooting, Atticus remembers his father picking him up from a doctors appointment. As he stood outside the office, he heard Alexs truck barreling down the one-way street in the wrong direction. When Atticus got in, his father kicked the pickup into reverse and drove backward out of the parking lot.

Why? I wish I knew, he said. But it made me laugh.

One afternoon, Atticus asked his friend Jack to join him online in a multiplayer video game. As their elfin avatars fought monsters, Atticus described his dads final hours at the hospital.

They talked through their computers for hours, until they reached the ruins at the outermost limit of the virtual world. Their avatars walked through the mountains to the edge of an abyss and, for a brief spell, Atticus felt less alone.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Grieving, Terra realized, was like building a house of cards. Every flashback of Alex, and every new revelation about his killing and his killer, arrived like a gust of wind to blow it all down.

Terra often lingered on the memory of those mornings when Alex returned home, slipped off his steel-toed boots and climbed into bed. Most days, as they sipped coffee in bed, she would ask about his night and he would say, Lovely, his hint that he didnt want to talk about work.

But she kept thinking of the day last November when Alex had overheard one co-worker tell another: You need to be careful, because one day Im going to put a bullet in your head. The man making the threat was Samuel James Cassidy, the gunman who would kill Alex and the eight others six months later.

Terra said she asked her husband if he thought Cassidy would act on the threat. I dont know, hes scary, Alex responded. Hes freaking me out. They discussed what Alex would do in the event of a shooting.

I would run and hide, he told her. I would run and hide because you and the kids need me.

Alex told her he had discussed the incident with his supervisor, who he said had pushed it off. (VTA officials declined to comment on the allegation, saying they were awaiting results of an internal third-party investigation.)

The more Terra learned about Cassidys history at VTA, the more questions she had.

Josie Lepe / Special to the Chronicle

A redacted personnel record released by VTA documented a string of confrontations in the last two years. In January 2020, several employees witnessed Cassidy shouting and pointing at a co-worker and calling her the most corrupt person at VTA.

Supervisors learned that one employee had said, He scares me. If someone was to go postal, itd be him.

VTA investigated the incident but referred the matter to Cassidys manager after determining there was nothing in Cassidys disciplinary history, or additional information to explain or support that concern. The agency said after the shooting that it had found no indication of records in Cassidys VTA personnel file of any formal discipline for threatening behavior or violence during his 20-year career at VTA.

Terra said Cassidys threats were well known among VTA families like hers but were not addressed. This should have been prevented, she said.

As it turned out, Cassidys co-workers knew little about other issues in his troubled past. In a 2009 civil court declaration, an ex-girlfriend had accused him of raping and abusing her, and said he had complained about co-workers getting preferential treatment at the rail yard.

In 2016, Homeland Security agents searched Cassidys luggage as he arrived at San Francisco International Airport following a trip to the Philippines. In an internal report, the agents, who suspected Cassidy of participating in sex tourism, wrote that they found some books about terrorism and fear, and manifestos ... and also a black memo book filled with lots of notes and how he hates the VTA.

But the federal agency did not report the episode to local law enforcement or to the VTA, officials said.

Terra believes VTA must be held accountable for the violence that, she notes, could have been worse given Cassidys access to trains and buses. Her family and the families of other victims have been pursuing a potential lawsuit against public agencies, though they have declined to discuss details.

Terras attorney, Jeff Rickard, told The Chronicle, The legal process for these survivors is expected to be formally initiated very soon.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

How is a widow supposed to behave? Terra would find herself wondering. Was she allowed to chase her boys around the backyard with squirt bottles? If someone saw her laughing, would they think she didnt miss Alex?

Neighbors stopped her on the street and strangers recognized her in restaurants. Her new prominence often felt burdensome.

More worrisome, though, was the prospect of forgetting details about her partner of two decades  his gestures, his witticisms  as days turned to months.

She took comfort in the sight of Alexs belongings, which, for a long while, remained just as he had left them. She couldnt bring herself to erase the note hed made on the whiteboard in their bedroom  a reminder to renew his drivers license.

She would linger over her husbands flannel shirts, still smelling of his cologne, that hung in their shared closet. She would sit for hours in his elaborate backyard bar, admiring his meticulous woodwork and ordered rows of rum bottles. But she longed to hold his favorite possession again: a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses hed bought 13 years earlier.

He took such good care of them, Terra said. We had lots of arguments and conversations about those damn sunglasses.

Alex usually kept the sunglasses tucked in his button-up VTA shirt. But when Terra tried to retrieve the shirt from investigators, they told her the bullet-ridden item was evidence. Thats how she learned, more than a month after her husbands death, that he had been shot in the chest, too.

Her next thought was that the sunglasses might have fallen during the shooting, so she asked a VTA worker who had witnessed the shooting to describe everything that hed seen happen to Alex. Then she persuaded a sheriffs captain to accompany her to the rail yard in July.

Terra retraced Cassidys path through the warehouse as he stalked his victims with three semiautomatic pistols, then entered the hallway where he had shot her husband. She lay on the floor where Alex had fallen, mimicking his posture as described by the co-worker. She tried to imagine her husbands final lucid moments.

With the autopsy and sheriffs investigative report not expected to be released for months, she wondered: In which order had the bullets pierced his body?

If he was shot first in the head, he may have lost consciousness before he knew what was happening, Terra reasoned. If he was shot first in the chest, he likely suffered longer and was aware of the chaos unfolding around him. She understands that many in her position would not want or need to know such details. But she does, for closure.

Alex and I shared everything. We had no secrets. We shared in every joy, every heartache, she said. We shared every single experience for 20 years. This is his last experience, so why wouldnt I share in that?

In the warehouse, Terra shined her cell phones flashlight beneath a nearby row of lockers. The sunglasses werent there.

In any event, she had already replaced them: While shopping for a black dress to wear to Alexs funeral, Terra bought a new pair of Ray-Bans for Alex. They sit atop the box of ashes beside her bed.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

In the months after the shooting, Terra sought out the other eight victims families, one by one; she found some relatives through GoFundMe pages and others on Facebook.

They started a group text and then began meeting regularly on Zoom, united in their belief that VTA had failed their loved ones by overlooking Cassidys red flags. Now, they thought, the agency was ignoring their financial needs.

Stacey Hendler Ross, a VTA spokesperson, said victims families received workers compensation and life insurance benefits, donated funds from VTA employees and private funds raised by GoFundMe accounts, the transit union and other groups.

But after months of tense exchanges with the families, the agency granted additional support. In August, it agreed to pay a full years salary to the families of each victim. The first payments were issued in October, Ross said, and will continue until next summer.

For Terra, the move offered a step toward stability, but was not enough for a family that lost its sole provider.

She would like to see VTA pay each victims salary until their planned date of retirement. For Alex, that would have been 12 more years. She also wants spouses like her to retain medical benefits for life, and for dependents, like Atticus and Justin, to keep their health insurance until they turn 26.

Families also struggled with the emotional fallout of the shooting. A veteran VTA employee who witnessed the shooting died by suicide in August; his family said hed suffered severe post-traumatic stress. Following the suicide, the president of the VTAs biggest employee union lambasted a thicket of bureaucratic hurdles that restricted workers access to care.

Ross said hundreds of VTA employees, including those who were at the yard the morning of the attack, went through mandatory trauma recovery training, and that all but 21 have returned to work. Trauma recovery counselors were made available around the clock to victims families, employees and their families, she said.

Terra began treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder in early November. That Alex survived long enough for her and their children to see him before he died proved to be a blessing, but a painful one. She is hopeful that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy  commonly used to treat PTSD  will diminish her distressing flashbacks.

While Terra is a gun owner, she sees little gain adding her voice to the chorus of calls for reform. Instead, she wants to find practical ways to support future victims.

Terra says she was shocked to learn that Cassidys assets did not become the property of those he killed. In recent months, she has lobbied lawmakers for legislation that would allow this.

I have two goals: To make sure our families are cared for, and to pass legislation to seize shooters assets, she said. After that, Im out.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

In October, Terra made a handshake deal with a friend to sell Alexs beloved Ford truck, and she and her sons  Justin, whod started his senior year of high school, and Atticus, whod gotten a job at GameStop  decided to redecorate their house.

They removed family photos from the living room walls, realizing it had become too painful to pass Alexs face every day. They picked out a new couch and painted a purple accent wall.

Terra was mindful of a lesson that her relationship with her husband had taught her: Dont get stuck in the past.

When we got married, Alex was a mans man, she said. He rode dirt bikes. He fixed things. He was old-school. For a long time, he thought that because he made the income, he knew better than I did.

But Alex witnessed how Terra coped with the pain of two surgeries, how she managed their household and cared for two children. He saw that she kept up with him when they rode their matching KTM 450 dirt bikes. When she lost strength in her right foot due to her spinal injury, Alex adapted her bike so she could still ride.

He started to see that My wife is a badass, and she has value that I dont. That we were partners and equals, Terra said.

Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

They began to have deeper conversations about the abuse Terra suffered growing up. Then came the #MeToo movement, and Atticus gender transition.

Alex realized he hadnt been the husband he wanted to be, she said. He hadnt been the father he wanted to be, because no one had modeled that for him. He realized he had some traits that were harmful, and he was working on adjusting them.

He was in the midst of growth, Terra said. It was really beautiful to watch.

Realizing Alexs personal journey was cut short was yet another cause of pain for Terra.

In early November, she took a solo trip to Tahoe. She rented a cabin in the woods with a hot tub and no cell phone reception. It was the first time in months she had let herself relax.

On her last day at the cabin, Terra woke up to find snow blanketing the treetops. In the distance, the mountains had turned white. She felt clarity.

The fact is that when you are in the middle of your own hell, and you are put in an environment that is so much bigger, it makes you realize your hell is small. You can choose to see the hell or see the beauty, she said. I can suffer more or I can choose to change my perspective. I know which one Alex would want me to do.

One day, when shes ready, Terra plans to drive 60 miles southeast to the Panoche Inn, a hideaway bar her husband loved in the San Benito County community of Paicines. Shell drink a cold beer, camp at his favorite spot nearby and scatter a handful of Alexs ashes on the sun-scorched hills where they used to ride together.

Nora Mishanec is a former San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Twitter: @NMishanec Email: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com
The California Attorney Generals Office has reached an agreement with Amazon about how the company reports COVID-19 outbreaks and notifies employees, ending a legal tug-of-war dating back to last year between California and the e-commerce giant over its virus prevention protocols.

The agency has pressured the company in court since last year to turn over detailed information on how it was preventing and reporting COVID-19 cases, saying its communications with workers and the state were vague and insufficient under state virus prevention rules.

Amazon will change how it notifies its workers in California and state and local health agencies about infections, submit to monitoring and pay a $500,000 fine to the state. The company entered into the agreement without admitting to allegations about its workplace safety outlined in a complaint.

Were glad to have this resolved and to see that the AG found no substantive issues with the safety measures in our buildings, Amazon spokeswoman Barbara Agrait said in an emailed statement. Weve worked hard from the beginning of the pandemic to keep our employees safe and deliver for our customers  incurring more than $15 billion in costs to date and well keep doing that in months and years ahead.

Agrait said the company is committed to being transparent with health officials and workers about new cases and conducts contract tracing as soon as it become aware of an infection.

The Attorney Generals Office said the development was especially important given the impending crush of holiday packages that will move through the companys facilities in California.

State Attorney General Rob Bontas office said the move would bring the companys virus prevention and notification rules in line with a state law, AB685, that took effect this year that requires employees and the state health department to be notified about workplace outbreaks.

Todays first-of-its-kind judgment will help ensure Amazon meets that requirement for its tens of thousands of warehouse workers across California, Bonta said in an emailed statement. Bottom line: Californians have a right to know about potential exposures to the coronavirus to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

The legal agreement, called a stipulated judgment, still has to be approved by a judge.

It will see the company notify its tens of thousands of warehouse workers in California within one day of the number of new COVID-19 cases in their workplaces. The company will also be required to notify local health agencies of COVID-19 cases within 48 hours with the goal of stopping outbreaks, according to the Attorney Generals Office.

State law requires companies to notify employees and contractors in writing who were on-site on a given day if there was an infection. Companies also have to report outbreaks to their local health departments, who in turn report that information to the California Department of Public Health.

Standing in front of an Amazon facility in San Francisco during a press conference Monday, Bonta said the agreement also sent a message to other companies.

Its important we announce this stipulated judgment with respect to Amazon today so that the message is clear to all businesses through the state of California, he said.

The announcements came after the state Attorney Generals Office under Xavier Becerra pressed Amazon to comply with a subpoena last year that demanded details about the companys coronavirus prevention program. Becerras office sought information on sick leave rules and cleaning methods as well as data on virus cases and deaths at Amazon facilities statewide.

Amazon said at the time it had complied with the agencys request and was puzzled by the ratcheting up of legal pressure.

The back and forth between companies and legislators over what has to be disclosed to workers and the public about outbreaks at job sites stretches back to last year.

Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, D-San Bernardino, pushed through AB685 last year despite opposition from business groups. The law requires companies to notify workers of outbreaks, develop virus prevention plans and allows state workplace safety regulators to fine and shut down job sites for serious violations.

The law also requires the state health department to publish workplace outbreak data by industry, but fell short of naming companies and their locations where they happen, which some counties, including Los Angeles, have been doing since last year.

I am happy that our Attorney General, Rob Bonta, is demanding accountability and transparency from employers who have been unwilling to follow a straightforward law designed to keep workers and their families safe in these challenging times, Gomez Reyes said in a statement.

Follow-up legislation sponsored by Gomez Reyes this year originally included language that would have identified individual worksites with outbreaks. It was removed when the bill did not have enough votes to pass the Assembly and faced opposition from Republican lawmakers.

The changes could also have significance for future Amazon workers in San Francisco, as the company recently proposed building an enormous warehouse and shipping facility near downtown that would employ hundreds of people.

Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  South Carolina officials are returning to in-car road tests for driver's licenses as the number of COVID-19 across the state decline, the Department of Motor Vehicles said.

Starting Monday, the agency will have walk-in tests in the morning and take appointments for driving tests in the afternoon on its website SCDMVOnline.com.
MAZOMANIE, Wis. (AP)  A woman suspected of stealing a dog from a Mazomanie residence was arrested Sunday and the canine was returned home safely, authorities said.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office says a 13-year-old German shorthaired pointer named Jackson was reported missing Thursday afternoon. There were no signs of forced entry and nothing else was missing from the home, according to the sheriffs office.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indiana's largest teachers union is calling on state lawmakers to address educator burnout and ongoing teacher shortages during the next legislative session that begins in January.

The state is slowly making progress on teacher pay, but additional action is needed to attract and retain teachers, Indiana State Teachers Association President Keith Gambill said during a news conference Monday. Teacher workload and burnout already issues before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Gambill said, but the onset of the virus has since worsened the states teacher shortage.

It is important now more than ever, to retain our current teachers, Gambill said. We are now going into the third consecutive school year impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Our educators, already overburdened, are facing unsustainable levels of stress and stress-related illness.

The shortage of teachers  compounded by a substitute shortage  has meant more educators are required to work longer hours without time off or time for classroom planning, Gambill continued. For some of ISTA's teachers, Gambill said that's included working 12-hour days or longer, on top of second or third jobs.

Gambill added that educators cite a lack of professional respect as a contributing factor in the states lack of teachers. In response, he said the union is calling on the legislature to restore teachers ability to bargain contracts that include health and safety conditions, class sizes and prep periods for teachers to prepare lessons and grade work.

Our kids have experienced significant academic impacts during the pandemic. And everyone seems to agree that we need to get them back up to grade level, Gambill said. However, this important work is hampered by overworked staff and growing class sizes. We must do better for our kids and our educators.

ISTA additionally debuted a statewide map Wednesday to track school districts that have lifted starting teacher salaries at or above the union's goal of $40,000.

Since 2018, when ISTA began the Red For Ed movement that mobilized thousands of teachers across Indiana to demand better pay from the Republican-dominated state government, the number of districts meeting the increased starting teacher salary jumped from 79 districts to 212, according to the new online tracker.

Clearly, we are making good progress ... and we remain steadfast in ensuring this progress doesnt slow over the coming years, Gambill said.

The Republican-dominated state Legislature has over the past decade restricted teacher union contract negotiations to only pay and benefits such as health care coverage, prohibiting those contracts from covering any other subjects.

Republicans have touted base funding increases of about 4.5% for K-12 schools this year and next year as covering the $600 million a year in additional money the governors teacher compensation commission found was needed to significantly boost Indianas lagging teacher pay in comparison to nearby states.

Republican House Speaker Todd Huston responded Monday when asked about the ISTAs call for greater contract bargaining leeway by saying: I like the collective bargaining law as it sits today.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Im thrilled, by the way, with the amount of teacher raises that were seeing throughout the state, Huston said.

Gambill said the teachers union will release its full legislative priorities next month, ahead of lawmakers' return to the Indiana Statehouse for the start of the 2022 legislative session that begins in January.

___

Casey Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
In Open Forum (The GOP is winning over parents, Nov. 13), Pat Reilly suggests Virginia voters favored a Republican due largely to pandemic-related campus closures. NBC News exit polls show education was the top issue for only 24% of voters, and only a 1% difference in voter preferences based parental status; the Democrat also garnered more votes from women with children (54%).

And in California? Citing data from her companys polling (without mentioning her connection), Reilly states 52% of parents called the recall appropriate. Heres some other data. The Public Policy Institute of California found last April, over a year into the pandemic, that 64% of public school parents approved of Gov. Gavin Newsoms handling of education.

As a public school teacher, I welcome parent engagement in public education policy. I question the wisdom of looking backward regarding campus closures and wonder at Reillys spin on election data to fit her narrative. We should influence policymakers using good ideas and information, rather than misleading claims that the GOP is winning on education or public health policies.

David Cohen, Palo Alto

Message from the stars

Recently intercepted transmission from UFO: The dominant species fancies itself as intelligent, but look at how they treat themselves and the planet. They distrust, hate and kill based upon what part of their planet they were born. Minor physical differences engender war and destruction. There is misunderstanding of science and no apparent logic to their behavior. Their planets abundant resources are being squandered. The atmosphere of their planet is heating and ecological disasters ensue. Little hope of productive engagement with this still primitive species. Set course for next star system. Nothing to see here.

Clarence Boyd, Oakland

Skip a day

Regarding California's water shortage, one letter writer recently suggested Navy showers as a way to save water. For those who hate standing wet in a shower stall with the water turned off while soaping down, I suggest simply showering on alternate days (still keeping it short, of course). Many of us have become accustomed to daily showers, which are not necessary. A quick sponging of certain areas suffices on off days. Having grown up in a situation where bathing required the heating of water on a stove, I know that even once a week is doable.

Helen Ogden, Pacific Grove (Monterey County)

Switch locations

Regarding (Serving in two wars didnt kill me, but the VA might, Nov. 7): I respect Joseph Holsworths service and his personal experience at the Oakland Veterans Administration. I have never been to the VA in Oakland but have been going to the facility in Martinez for more than six years as a patient from the Vietnam War  and as a volunteer in the Surgery Recovery Unit since 2018. All I can say is my experience is polar opposite of Joes. Everyone at the Martinez VA has been exceptional, professional, caring, and, most importantly, respectful and appreciative of our service to the country.

I would respectfully suggest Joe drive the extra miles to see how caring the doctors, nurses and all other employees are at Martinez. Joe, I am sure your opinion will change. That being said, it does not excuse the treatment you and fellow vets received at the VA in Oakland.

John Cahill, Orinda
Efforts to legalize cannabis have largely been the work of Democrats, with Republicans usually leading the efforts to prevent it. That dynamic appears to finally be changing today with the introduction of the States Reform Act, or SRA.

Introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and co-sponsored by five other Republican representatives from across the country, SRA proposes an end to the federal prohibition of cannabis while allowing states to maintain their right to decide its legal status within their own borders. (Full disclosure: We provided policy support for lawmakers as they crafted the bill.)

Prior to SRA, most of the efforts nationwide to push cannabis reform were led by Democrats  most recently the introduction of the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act in July. It proposes descheduling cannabis from the list of banned substances and regulating the legal use of cannabis products across the nation, and is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore. California passed legislation allowing medical use of cannabis in 1996 and legalized adult recreational use in 2016. But despite bold leadership from a host of Democratic lawmakers and a supermajority of Americans  roughly 70%  who support cannabis legalization, efforts in Congress have encountered numerous obstacles from Republicans.

Traditionally, Republicans have pushed back on cannabis reform with concerns over youth use and a failure to respect states rights to regulate use of intoxicants within their borders. The SRA provides answers to both issues. It ensures a nationwide minimum adult-use age of 21, prevents advertising to young Americans and provides set-aside funds for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to help prevent youth dependency. States will choose how cannabis is legal within their borders, full stop.

For decades, Americans have disagreed on what the best approach is to regulating a plant that is both a cash crop and a medical compound. Some believe that it should only be treated as a pharmaceutical regulated by the Federal Drug Administration under the strictest standards, while others see potential in industrial and adult uses of cannabis products in addition to its medical value. The comprehensive reform structure of SRA appeals to a wide variety of stakeholders, including industry, advocates, evangelists and skeptics.

For example, public safety advocates will appreciate that the FDA will regulate medical products and that there will be a national age limit unless proscribed by a doctor. Medical cannabis companies will be allowed to have their existing products grandfathered, which avoids punishing first-movers in the industry while leaving room for researchers to develop more sophisticated medical products. California cultivators will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency to maintain environmental standards and to create best practices for cultivating  just as they always have.

Many critics of the cannabis industry and progressive lawmakers have raised questions about the industrys economic growth, and the fairness of large cannabis companies and their investors enjoying profits while Americans remain in prison for growing and consuming cannabis. SRA addresses these concerns as well  something missing from most Republican legalization efforts.

The bill offers nonviolent cannabis offenders second chances in society. In keeping with its respect for states to determine their own legalization posture, the bill grandfathers existing state-based social equity programs to ensure that those harmed by past cannabis criminal convictions still have an opportunity to participate in this emerging industry.

Veterans will welcome similar consideration. Currently, the Veterans Affairs Department is not allowed to recommend cannabis to patients suffering from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia, among other conditions. The passage of SRA would change that while ensuring veterans do not face discrimination in federal hiring for cannabis use.

Like Florida oranges or Vermont maple syrup, California cannabis promises to become a luxury, exported around the world. Small operators and entrepreneurial individuals also deserve the opportunity to take part in this brand-new industry. Envisioning a day soon when America exports this highly desirable product, Rep. Maces proposal leaves very few barriers to entry for entrepreneurs.

The prospect of cannabis legalization in our lifetime is no longer a pipe dream. Mace and her co-sponsors have offered their vision of how to accomplish such a reform. This sets the stage for a robust, bicameral and bipartisan discussion on how to best move toward true comprehensive cannabis reform.

Certainly, there will be spirited debate about numerous provisions in the bill, including tax rates, the proper role for the FDA in this emerging industry and how to work to end the illicit market. The States Reform Act floats a 3% federal excise tax  welcome news for an industry that already shoulders high state taxes  a rate that is below the target of other Democratic-led bills.

That our national conversation on cannabis legalization has reached this stage demonstrates just how much progress we have made as a country in finding the bipartisan and comprehensive solution needed to bring about cannabis reform.

Rezwan Khan is the president of the Global Alliance for Cannabis Commerce. Randal John Meyer is the executive director of the alliance and steering committee member of the Cannabis Freedom Alliance.
A group of Black leaders rallied Monday to demand that San Francisco give the Fillmore Heritage Center, a mostly vacant city-owned building, to a soon-to-be-formed nonprofit representing Black business, cultural, religious and community groups.

At a rally in front of the center, actor Danny Glover and NAACP San Francisco chapter President Rev. Amos Brown, as well as other Black leaders, said the 50,000-square-foot complex, which has languished since it shuttered in 2019, should be donated to a nonprofit as reparations for the city destroying the once vibrant Black Fillmore neighborhood during urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s.

I was born here and came here with my dad when there was magic on this street, Glover said while standing in front of the building at 1330 Fillmore St. They have not delivered on their promise. Thats what we have to fight for.

The group pushing for the transfer of the building  but not the adjacent structure that holds residences  includes members of the citys recently formed African American Reparations Advisory Committee. The committee is charged by the Board of Supervisors with exploring what reparations for Black residents might look like.

For years and through any number of revitalization dreams and promises, the complex, which covers much of a city block, has been an underperforming asset. Among the ventures that have tried and failed were Yoshis jazz club and several restaurants in the marquee storefront at the corner of Fillmore and Eddy streets.

But whether the plan is viable isnt clear. Mayor London Breed was noncommittal Monday about whether she supported the proposal and said transferring the building may not be legal under state law.

Im not sure if the ability to provide it to the community is even an option without financial support being attached to it in some capacity, Breed said.

As a supervisor, Breed helped negotiate the departure of one of the buildings tenants, the St. John Coltrane Church, over a rent dispute in 2016, so shes familiar with the financial challenges.

I would like to see the venue open. I would like to see the venue become a huge success, she said. I dont want to see the venue continue to be a financial drain on the city. And so thats one of the things that we need to work towards, but ultimately a lot of the guiding principles are how we make good decisions about them and have everything to do with state law.

Breeds spokesperson, Jeff Cretan, later added, There is no pending sale of the Fillmore Heritage Center. The city is currently exploring options for the future of the site, but no decisions have been made about what path to take. Any sale or transfer of the site would require a robust and open public process.

Despite the difficulties over the years, operators have continued to express interest in the center. But it hasnt always been clear what the city was looking for in an operator. In 2017 the city rejected all the bidders who wanted to run the center, angering some in the community.

In 2018, the city filed suit to recover $5.5 million it loaned to developer Michael Johnson to finance a return of the concert venue under the name the Addition, and a corner restaurant called 1300 on Fillmore. Both ventures failed. The City Attorneys Office said the lawsuit is heading to trial in April.

Then after a shooting outside the building in 2019, the space went dark despite several nonprofits continuing to express interest in activating it.

None of these challenges have shaken the resolve of people who either remember or have heard the stories of when the strip of lower Fillmore Street was the hub of a nightlife scene that earned it the nickname the Harlem of the West.

Then came redevelopment, in which much of the Fillmore was destroyed and rebuilt in the name of urban renewal.

Redevelopment was about Black removal, and it is about to happen again, said Brown. We will have a revival of the Harlem of the West. Thats why we were here today.

Organizers said they decided to hold the rally because theyd heard that the citys Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure, which manages the building, plans to sell the center on the open market. OCII, a successor to the redevelopment agency, did not respond to requests for comment.

If we are going to have reparations in San Francisco, there must be the deeding of this building to the African American Community, said Brown. We are here to let the world know that San Francisco has the moral obligation to include African Americans in the rainbow of this city.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The heritage center, which is now sparsely occupied as office space, has become the focal point of the reparations movement.

At the rally, attendees did a call and response of It starts with the building. A Dixieland band played When the Saints Go Marching In, and Supervisor Matt Haney promised that as chair of the budget committee, hed make sure the building would stay in the community.

Its unclear when the nonprofit entity the group would like to form would be created or what it would be named.

Haney suggested that it is the citys obligation to pay off whatever debt is owed and settle the lawsuit and any other encumbrances on the property.

No one said it is going to be easy, he said after his turn at the podium. Its complicated, but its the right thing to do.

Supervisor Dean Preston, whose district includes the Fillmore property, said in a statement he is opposed to the idea of selling the building to the highest bidder.

At the end of the day, our office stands with the community in demanding that the Fillmore Heritage Center remain a community asset that celebrates the Fillmore and redresses past wrongs to the Fillmore and, specifically, the Black community, Preston stated.

Chronicle reporter Trisha Thadani contributed to this report.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com. Twitter:@samwhitingsf
Muni bus operator Mc Mack Allen is developing quite a fan following for his humorous reality check on the wild San Francisco bus scene in Marvels Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

The thrilling 6-minute scene features a battle between Marvel superhero Shang-Chi, played by Simu Liu, and a group of adversaries, and includes plenty of kicking, punching and flying bodies as the bus races through the Stockton Tunnel and whizzes by Ghirardelli Square.

In a viral Twitter thread that has racked up more than 33,000 likes (and counting) and an enthusiastic response from Liu  as well as retweets from the likes of Mayor London Breed and state Sen. Scott Wiener  Allen takes readers on a meticulously crafted breakdown of the runaway San Francisco bus scene from the perspective of a bus driver.

I enjoyed the scene tremendously, he said. I thought it was incredibly fun.

However  just to be clear  he also said, Ive never driven a bus that aggressively, and hope I never have to drive a bus that aggressively.

Allen is actually quite new to SFMTA, and became a full-time operator only at the beginning of this month after graduating from operator training on Nov. 5. He applied for a job in August 2019, but the pandemic hit before he could start training.

Jeremy Menzies/San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency

Allen, who lives in San Franciscos Dogpatch neighborhood with his wife and two kids, has been an avid Muni rider for 20 years, and has been on every line. He even wrote a series of poems about different Muni lines for the now-defunct Bay City Beacon.

I love the Muni, he said. I knew that one of the things really required to help the system improve, and to serve the city better, is more operators. Theres a clear need for that still, and a tremendous demand for bus operators across the country.

On Saturday, Allen and his family settled down to watch the movie, which began streaming on Disney Plus on Friday. While he had heard a lot about the epic bus scene, he hadnt watched it all the way through until that day.

As a newbie bus operator with a wealth of training fresh in his mind, he noticed some fantasy vs. reality moments throughout. They only got halfway through the film, but his wife suggested he tweet about the scene. So he started sharing stream of consciousness thoughts, maxing out the number allowed in a thread, and would start again.

Marvel/Disney / Courtesy of Marvel Studios

I was sitting with my laptop, playing the scene and pausing it when I had a thought, and I would screen cap that and make a tweet about it, he said. I had a thought almost every 10 seconds... I didnt proofread it or check for spelling errors.

With about 1,000 followers at the time, he expected maybe a few hundred people to see it. But it caught on quickly, and once Liu himself commented on it, the thread exploded. Allen had to get to a nine-hour shift, where operators must turn off their phones and cant have any devices on them.

When I turned my phone back on there were hundreds of thousands of views of the tweet, and its still going, he said. It is so incredibly entertaining. Ive never gone viral before.

The buses in the film are not actually Muni buses. The films director, Destin Daniel Cretton, pointed out to The Chronicle in September that the film crew used real buses shipped to Sydney, where the film was shot. But they couldnt get the rights to use Muni, so the vehicles were branded SFT'' for the fictitious San Francisco Transit.

The route labeled on the bus, 1-California, is real, but as Allen astutely points out at the start of his Twitter thread, they are already off track before the action even begins, cruising south on Noe Street at 21st Street. The Muni route normally travels east and west, primarily on California and Clay streets from Embarcadero Center to the Seacliff area. (Allen said he drives various lines for the Woods Division, which means he wont ever drive the 1-California route.)

Allen said many San Franciscans who have responded to the thread agree the route the driver takes is pretty crazy. He said some people got a kick out of calling the Stockton Street Tunnel MC Eschers Hill because, as Allen points out, there would be no way to go through it without going back uphill in real life.

Allen then gets into the nitty gritty of the bus features and driver protocols. As the fight first breaks out, Allen tweets that this is the moment I pop my parking brake and open the doors. He said any bus operator is trained to stop the bus and open the doors if a fight breaks out, let passengers off and then contact the transit center.

When Razor Fist, a villain with a machete for an arm, first cuts through the articulated section of the bus (the pivoting joint that holds the two main sections of the bus together), he severs the brake lines, which Allen said would let the air out of the system. He said normally, a backup spring brake system would activate, which would have automatically stopped the bus very violently. Instead, the driver of the bus, played by actor Michael-Anthony Taylor, punches the brake pedal to no avail.

Allen further critiques the driver for not wearing a seat belt, and for looking over his shoulder instead of through the mirror to see whats happening behind him. This causes the bus to clip a car and knock the driver out, who tumbles out of his seat.

Shang-Chi jumps in to gain control of the bus, and Allen breaks down the scene piece by piece, noting whats missing (a compartment with electronics behind the drivers seat) and what is there (bus operators lunch box). He gives Shang-Chi props for using his rearview mirror, but takes off points for not wearing a seat belt.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

When Shang-Chi becomes preoccupied with the bad guys again, Katy (played by Awkwafina) takes control of the wheel. Shang-Chi finds himself hanging off the side of the bus, banging on the window for Katy to open the front doors, to which Allen quips: This is how everyone asks to be let into the bus when we aren't at a stop.

He said this has resonated with other bus operators across the country and the world, including from the U.K., Australia and Germany.

Theres something universal about a passenger who really wants to be picked up even though the bus needs to keep moving, Allen said.

As for Awkwafinas wild bus driving skills, making sharp turns at high speeds, Allen said its possible to turn a bus way faster than anyone would have experienced it  it would just be incredibly uncomfortable to the passengers.

Allen rejoices in the stop-request gag, where Shang-Chi pulls the cord as a signal to Awkwafina. Allen tweets: On Muni, someone would absolutely have used this within 20 seconds of the start of the fight.

He jokes that Awkwafinas expression as the bus finally comes to a stop is is the look I give passengers when I stopped too far from the curb, and offers his condolences to the bus driver, who isn't going to keep his job as a bus operator.

Allen has received requests to critique other films, including Speed, but he said hes hesitant since he doesnt know Los Angeles very well. He said hes interested in breaking down the much more subdued and realistic film Paterson, which stars Adam Driver as a bus driver in a small town and  get this  a poet.

Its a quiet and meditative film really more about the inner life of a person who drives a bus extremely responsibly, he said. I dont think it will have the same mega audience. There are no crashes, no big events.

Allen is tentatively scheduled to appear on the TotalSF podcast on Dec. 3 to discuss what its like to be a new driver for Muni.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released on Sept. 3 and is now streaming on Disney Plus. Read The Chronicles review of the film here.

Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang
It has been over two years since WeWorks first attempt at an IPO blew up spectacularly and the infamous CEO and co-founder Adam Neumann lost his job.

Neumann had yet to speak publicly about the office-sharing venture's near failure, but last week he sat down with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the New York Times DealBook Online Summit and reflected on what happened.

Neuman expressed regret for his employees who were laid off but denied walking away with hundreds of millions of dollars.

I have had a lot of time to think, and there have been multiple lessons and multiple regrets, Neuman told Sorkin in the exclusive interview. (Watch the full interview at the New York Times.)

Raising billions for WeWork as CEO, Neumann built a real estate empire of shared workspaces that included more than two dozen locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. WeWork leases massive amounts of office space and then charges companies, small businesses and individuals to use it.

The company was valued at a mind-blowing $47 billion in 2019 when it was considering an IPO. Investors began to buck, fed up with exorbitant spending and erratic behavior from Neumann.

In the interview, Neumann admitted the valuation "went to his head."

"You lose focus on really the core of your business and why this business was what it meant to be," he told the Times.

Japanese venture capital company SoftBank stepped in to save WeWork, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. Its value plummeted, falling to about $9 billion.

Neumann reportedly walked away from the imploding company with hundreds of millions of dollars, and Sorkin asked Neumann how he was able to do that.

This perception that as the company went from $47 billion valuation down to nine and I profited somehow while the company is going down is completely false, Neumann said.

Neumann's first public comments were made nearly three weeks after WeWork went public on Oct. 21  an IPO that succeeded this time.

WeWork is emerging more than a year into a pandemic that closed millions of square feet of office space, and the hope is that a work environment turned upside down is the ideal time for a company that sells shared workspace to thrive.

SoftBank holds a majority stake as part of the SPAC, a group of investors that band together to speed a company to a public listing, usually at the expense of transparency for outside investors. Neumann is not out of the picture either, and will hold voting power of more than 10% in the newly formed company.

WeWork Inc. is trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WE.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
BOISE, Idaho (AP)  A Republican representative is warning the head of the states top business lobby not to show up at the Statehouse as lawmakers reconvene Monday to consider COVID-19 legislation.

Rep. Chad Christensen in a social media post on Saturday issued the warning to Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry President Alex LaBeau.

Alex, I don't want to see your face at the Capitol Building, Christensen wrote in a post that was deleted by Monday morning. You should stay away. At least stay in the Governor's office.

Lawmakers are gathering to consider legislation regarding President Joe Biden's COVID-19 requirements. But some far-right Republican lawmakers, including Christensen, want Idaho lawmakers to ban businesses from requiring vaccines.

LaBeaus group is against government inserting itself between employees and employers. The group also opposes Biden's requirements that employers with more than 100 employees require workers get vaccinated or frequently tested.

LaBeau declined to comment on Monday.

Christensen on Monday denied that his post was a threat or could be interpreted that he was telling an Idaho resident not to come to the Statehouse.

I didnt tell him not to come, I said I didnt want to see him here, Christensen said Monday morning.

Christensen, from the eastern Idaho town of Ammon, is known for carrying a sidearm while in the Statehouse, and has mentioned taking a bulletproof vest into his Statehouse office area. He's in his second two-year term, and the legislation he brings forward typically involves expanding gun rights.

Republican Rep. Megan Blanksma, the Republican majority caucus chair, said the Idaho House Republican Caucus had no comment on Christensen's post as it doesn't control social media posts.
A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week:

Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods reports its fourth-quarter results Monday. The Arkansas-based meat packer is expected to say it earned $2.09 a share in the quarter, up from $1.81 a year earlier, according to a survey by FactSet. Tyson's shares have risen about 14% since August, when it turned in better-than-expected second-quarter results. Tyson is one of four companies (Cargill, JBS, Tyson Foods and National Beef Packing) that control over 80% of the U.S. beef market.

Walmart

Retail giant Walmart reports its third quarter results on Tuesday. The Arkanasas-based chain is expected to report profit of $1.40 a share, up from $1.34 a year earlier. In August Walmart raised its sales outlook for the year as Americans returned to shopping for back-to-school clothes and travel goods during the second quarter. But Walmart and other retailers face rising costs for everything from labor to shipping as supply chain back-ups hit companies worldwide.

Victoria's Secret

Lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret reports its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday. The Ohio company's shares have soared since August, when Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works were split into separate companies. Analysts surveyed by FactSet forecast it made 70 cents a share in the quarter. The company has said it expects third-quarter sales rose in the mid- to high-single digits versus last years third-quarter sales of $1.35 billion.
Matt Dunham

ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greece is renewing a bid to seek the return of ancient sculptures removed from the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens more than 200 years ago from the British Museum, a government official said Monday.

Giannis Oikonomou, a government spokesman, told reporters the issue would be raised at a scheduled meeting in London Tuesday between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  TWICE, the nine-member K-pop band with over 9 million Twitter followers, says they feel their growing popularity overseas.

People didnt know as much about us as they do now, band member Jihyo told The Associated Press ahead of last weeks release of the bands third full-length album Formula Of Love: O+T=3, adding that the growing popularity of K-pop around the world has allowed the band to release more English tracks.

The new album has 17 tracks with three all-English songs. On Monday, they announced a tour that will start in Seoul on Dec. 24 and will bring them in February to five U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,

TWICE released their first full English-language single The Feels in October, which was their first song to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

TWICE is a household name in South Korea and Japan  where the band regularly tops the Oricon music charts, Japans equivalent of Billboard. (Members Sana, Mina, and Momo of TWICE are from Japan.)

The bands success comes after years of hard work. TWICE, which debuted in 2015, walked into the interview with full energy even after undergoing five hours of intense dance practice ahead of the album release.

Jeongyeon had surprised her bandmates by announcing that shed briefly helped out a friend by working as a barista  a breath of fresh air for the star whod announced a hiatus since September citing mental health issues.

She said no one had recognized her and said she didnt play TWICE songs at the cafe.

Jihyo, who co-wrote several songs for the new album, said shed taken inspiration from real-life events, including the death of a houseplant.

I used to own a cactus, really, Jihyo recounted, adding that shed failed to water the plant and take care of it citing her busy schedule. I totally forgot, and a few months later, I realized that itd died, she said. I felt so bad. I even named it.

She said the song, Cactus, was written from the plants perspective, seeing its owner walking in and out of the room and ignoring it.
Left-Handed Twin by Thomas Perry (Mysterious Press)

Since she married a wealthy surgeon, Jane Whitefield has been trying to leave her old life behind, but when a friend sends a terrified young woman named Sara to her, Jane feels compelled to help.

Working with her boyfriend, Sara had been making a lot of money as a Hollywood party planner. But that was before she cheated on him and he found out. After he killed her lover right in front of her, she testified against him. But when a jury failed to convict him, he vowed to kill her for her double betrayal.

So begins The Left-Handed Twin, the ninth novel in Thomas Perrys series featuring Whitefield, a modern woman with the sensibilities of her Seneca Native American ancestors, who is an expert at helping terrified people disappear.

This time, however, it isnt just the person Jane is helping who is being hunted.

Saras boyfriend seeks the Russian mafias help to track her down. They agree, but not because they care about finding Sara. Theyve heard whispers about the mysterious woman who has helped dozens of people disappear and know that there are others who would pay dearly to learn the womans secrets.

So it is Jane, not Sara, whom they are really after.

The result is a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that unfolds as Jane, intent on protecting Sara even at the expense of her own life, leads pursuers on an often violent chase that begins in the Buffalo, NY, suburbs and veers from New York City to Boston to Maines Appalachian wilderness.

The tension is thick, the story unfolds at a rapid pace, the characters are well developed, and, as usual in a Thomas Perry novel, the tale is tightly written.

___

Bruce DeSilva, winner of the Mystery Writers of Americas Edgar Award, is the author of the Mulligan crime novels including The Dread Line.
What's in a name? Well, for Ji-Young, the newest muppet resident of Sesame Street, her name is a sign she was meant to live there.

So, in Korean traditionally the two syllables they each mean something different and Ji means, like, smart or wise. And Young means, like, brave or courageous and strong, Ji-Young explained during a recent interview. But we were looking it up and guess what? Ji also means sesame.

At only 7 years old, Ji-Young is making history as the first Asian American muppet in the Sesame Street canon. She is Korean American and has two passions: rocking out on her electric guitar and skateboarding. The childrens TV program, which first aired 52 years ago this month, gave The Associated Press a first look at its adorable new occupant.

Ji-Young will formally be introduced in See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special. Simu Liu, Padma Lakshmi and Naomi Osaka are among the celebrities appearing in the special, which will drop Thanksgiving Day on HBO Max, Sesame Street social media platforms and on local PBS stations.

Some of Ji-Youngs personality comes from her puppeteer. Kathleen Kim, 41 and Korean American, got into puppetry in her 30s. In 2014, she was accepted into a Sesame Street workshop. That evolved into a mentorship and becoming part of the team the following year. Being a puppeteer on a show Kim watched growing up was a dream come true. But helping shape an original muppet is a whole other feat.

I feel like I have a lot of weight that maybe Im putting on myself to teach these lessons and to be this representative that I did not have as a kid, Kim said. But fellow puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph  who performs Abby Cadabby  reminded her, Its not about us ... Its about this message.

Ji-Youngs existence is the culmination of a lot of discussions after the events of 2020  George Floyds death and anti-Asian hate incidents. Like a lot of companies, Sesame Street reflected on how it could meet the moment, said Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vice-president of Creative and Production for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street.

Sesame Workshop established two task forces  one to look at its content and another to look at its own diversity. What developed was Coming Together, a multi-year initiative addressing how to talk to children about race, ethnicity and culture.

One result was 8-year-old Tamir. While not the show's first Black muppet, he was one of the first used to talk about subjects like racism.

When we knew we were going to be doing this work that was going to focus on the Asian and Pacific Islanders experience, we of course knew we needed to create an Asian muppet as well, Stallings said.

These newer muppets  their personalities and their looks  were remarkably constructed in a matter of a months. The process normally takes at least a couple of years. There are outside experts and a cross-section of employees known as the culture trust who weigh in on every aspect of a new muppet, Stallings said.

For Kim, it was crucial that Ji-Young not be generically pan-Asian.

Because thats something that all Asian Americans have experienced. They kind of want to lump us into this monolithic Asian,'" Kim said. So it was very important that she was specifically Korean American, not just like, generically Korean, but she was born here.

One thing Ji-Young will help teach children is how to be a good upstander. Sesame Street first used the term on its The Power of We TV special last year, which featured Tamir.

Being an upstander means you point out things that are wrong or something that someone does or says that is based on their negative attitude towards the person because of the color of their skin or the language they speak or where theyre from, Stallings said. We want our audience to understand they can be upstanders.

In See Us Coming Together, Sesame Street is preparing for Neighbor Day where everyone shares food, music or dance from their culture. Ji-Young becomes upset after a kid, off screen, tells her to go back home, an insult commonly flung at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But she feels empowered after Sesame Street's other Asian American residents, guest stars and friends like Elmo assure her that she belongs as much as anyone else.

The fact that Ji-Young was created to counter anti-Asian sentiment makes her more special to Kim in some ways.

I remember like the Atlanta shootings and how terrifying that was for me, Kim said. My one hope, obviously, is to actually help teach what racism is, help teach kids to be able to recognize it and then speak out against it. But then my other hope for Ji-Young is that she just normalizes seeing different kinds of looking kids on TV.

Vanessa Leung, co-executive director of Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, is excited about Ji-Young. The organization was not involved in Ji-Young's creation but previously consulted on anti-racism content for Sesame Workshop. It matters when Asian American families, especially with many of them being immigrant families, can see themselves reflected in an institution like Sesame Street," Leung said.

It sparks curiosity and early understanding of the diversity of our community, the beauty in the diversity of our community, Leung said.

Ji-Young will be heavily present throughout the show's 53rd season next year, Stallings reassured. She also won't just be utilized for content related to racial justice. She will pop up in various digital programs, live-action and animated.

As the new kid on the street, Ji-Young is looking forward to showing her friends and neighbors aspects of Korean culture such as the food. She loves cooking dishes like tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes) with her halmoni (grandmother). And she already has one Sesame Street friend who wants a sample.

I would love to try it, said Ernie, who joined Ji-Young's interview. You know, Ive tried bulgogi. I really like bulgogi. Im gonna guess that maybe old buddy Bert has not tried Korean food.

Having already made several famous friends on Sesame Street, is there anyone Ji-Young still really wants to meet?

The Linda Lindas because they're so cool, Ji-Young said, referring to the teenage punk rock band. And they rock out and theyre cool girls and most of them are Asian. Theyre my heroes. If we can get the Linda Lindas on Sesame Street, I would show them around.

___

Terry Tang is a member of The Associated Press Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ttangAP
A long time ago in a Bay Area before BART, before even the Bay Bridge, an inventor named Fletcher E. Felts had a wild idea.

In a 1910 San Francisco Call article, he presented his vision:

3 p. m.  All aboard for Oak-land!

3:05 p. m.  Oak-land, Oak-land. All off!

Thats what youll be hearing some day when the Suspended Auto Motor Railway is in operation.

The 37-year-old Los Angeles inventor and private detective, who had previously resided in San Francisco, envisioned cigar-shaped steel cars ferrying passengers between the old San Francisco Call building (now the Central Tower office building) and Oakland City Hall in 5 minutes flat. In a futuristic design still uncommon for railways today, Felts cars would hang from a track built above, suspended 14 feet in the air.

The floating railway was to be exceedingly efficient, with cars powered by electricity hurtling by at 100 miles per hour, carrying as many as 100 passengers each.

It will be a case of on again, off again, for you will have scarcely made yourself comfortable in your seat when, b-r-r, buz-z-z, buz-z-z, and you are flying across the bay in midair with the speed of a gun projectile, and almost before you can say Jack Robinson you have landed in the Athens of the Pacific, declared the fawning Call article.

Felts believed his invention would free up lots of time for commuters between San Francisco and Oakland, who had no other means of transportation but the slow steam-powered ferries of the time.

It would add to the joys of shopping, declares your wife, who could linger at the bargain counter to study the $2.98s and the $4.95s, and yet be home in a jiffy.

You, too could linger a bit, yourself, with the boys, and be speedily whisked to the family fireside. And no longer would you encounter that hackneyed greeting, Late again for dinner!

Courtesy of United States Patent and Trademark Office

But Felts, who registered a patent for his Suspended Auto Motor Railway in 1909, didnt stop there with his ambitious vision. In his minds eye was an even loftier goal: to build a suspended railway from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

At the time, a ride on the steam railway between the two cities took 13.5 hours. Felts innovation would hypothetically cover the same distance in a mere four hours.

The only issue? He needed more than $16 million to make the Bay Area line happen alone (thats about $466 million in 2021 dollars).

Felts ended up building a model of his suspended railway at the Los Angeles City Hall in 1912 to much admiration from city officials, but still, it was never built  not even after Capt. James McDowell of the Los Angeles Police Department wrote an op-ed in ardent support of Felts invention in 1924, declaring it would eliminate congestion in our present crowded district."

While even today Felts railway appears a bit pie in the sky, more suited for the Jetsons than the old-fashioned folks of 1910, it wasnt impossible  similarly designed hanging monorails had already been built in Germany by the turn of the 20th century. In fact, a suspended railway built in Wuppertal, Germany, in 1901 called the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn is still operational today, moving 25 million passengers annually suspended 39 feet above the river Wupper.

Despite Felts insistence that his design would be cheaper than building a more traditional railroad, the $50,000 per mile projected cost was probably just too exorbitant to actually get built. Interest in railways was also starting to fade as the automobile grew in popularity and availability in the 1920s. Rather than Felts more whimsical designs for transportation across the San Francisco Bay, in 1936, the Bay Bridge opened.

By the late 1920s, newspapers had gone silent on the fantastical suspended railway. This isnt, however, where Felts story ends.

From inventor to murderer

In 1938, the 66-year-old Felts made headlines for a more gruesome reason. On a street car in Los Angeles, he murdered a Los Angeles police officer.

Officer George C. Howard had asked Felts to stop arguing with the street-car motorman  an argument that happened to concern his overhanging trolley invention  and instead of complying, Felts shot Howard to death.

Ultimately, Felts escaped a murder trial by a court ruling of insanity after telling a long, rambling story of events leading up to the fatal shooting, reported the Los Angeles Times. A close friend of Felts, John Anson Ford, testified that his friends mind was unbalanced, claiming that the inventor had developed a persecution complex.

He was nervous and excited and his ideas of personal persecution which he had always had, had become greatly exaggerated, testified Ford. During his talk, which was disconnected and incoherent, he broke down and wept.

Felts for years had complained persons were persecuting him and attempting to rob him of his inventions, the paper reported Ford said.

He was sent to Mendocino State Hospital, an insane asylum. While Felts requested his release in 1941, declaring he had regained his sanity, the judge denied his request.

If a murder trial ever took place, there was no news of it  most likely, Felts passed the remainder of his years in the mental hospital. In 1946, he died at the age of 73. He is buried in the Los Angeles National Cemetery for his service in the Spanish American War.

Felts never saw his suspended railway realized and died a disgraced murderer, but in a way, his dreams did come to fruition. No, theres still no high-speed rail system from San Francisco to Los Angeles (maybe in 2026?). But in the 70s, the Bay Areas BART opened, ferrying passengers from San Francisco to Oakland at nearly 80 miles per hour through the Transbay Tube.

Today, you actually can get from the Embarcadero BART station to West Oakland in about 5 minutes  a feat that, as a San Francisco Call reporter wrote in 1910, would surely make a citizen of 111 years ago scoff, Oh, pshaw!  its only a dream.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  An Alabama judge accused of violating judicial rules with her comments and actions in death penalty cases  including a 2016 scathing order that listed concerns with how capital punishment is decided went before a disciplinary court Monday on ethics charges.=

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Tracie Todd, who ruled the states capital punishment law unconstitutional five years ago, is accused of abandoning the detachment and neutrality required of a judge. She is also accused of being improperly embroiled in the issue of the death penalty and of flouting state appellate court precedent and directives.

Todd has been was suspended with pay and could be removed from office if convicted.

The state's Judicial Inquiry Commission, which investigates complaints against judges, accused her of wrongdoing in April. The nine-member Court of the Judiciary is hearing the case in a trial-like proceeding and will decide if she should remain on the bench or be removed.

In opening arguments Monday, Todds lawyer said her actions in death penalty cases were based on her understanding of a then-recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. A commission attorney, though, argued Todd demonstrated a pattern of behavior that showed she was not acting with the neutrality required of a judge.

Judge Todd abandoned her judicial role to become an advocate, commission attorney Elizabeth Bern told the nine-judge panel in opening statements.

Todds attorney, Emory Anthony, said the judge followed her understanding of the law in ruling the states old death penalty sentencing scheme unconstitutional. He disputed that Todd was a death penalty opponent, noting that she had handed down a death sentence previously.

The only thing she attempted to do was her job, Anthony told the court. He suggested the case was fueled by dislike of Todd in the district attorneys office.

Todd handles cases in Alabamas most populous county around Birmingham. She made national news in 2016 when she ruled the state's death penalty sentencing procedure was unconstitutional and barred prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against four men charged in three killings. Her ruling was later overturned.

Much of the early testimony centered on Todds decision that year and the aftermath.

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of Floridas capital punishment sentence because it gave jurors an insufficient role in deciding whether defendants should be put to death, Todd held a hearing on defense lawyer motions arguing Alabamas system was similarly unconstitutional.

A deputy district attorney testified that immediately at the conclusion of the hearing, Todd began reading her 28-page ruling which indicated she had already decided the matter before calling the hearing.

However, Todds attorney noted in cross-examination that the two sides had made court filings on the issue before the hearing, which gave her time and material to draw conclusions.

In her ruling, Todd said Alabama' sentencing system was unconstitutional and said the death penalty system had been tainted by politics that encouraged judges to impose death sentences over a jurys recommendation. Alabama was one of the last states to allow judicial override. The law has since been changed to require judges to follow a jurors sentence recommendation.

It is clear, from here on the front line, that Alabamas judiciary has unequivocally been hijacked by partisan interests and unlawful legislative neglect," Todd wrote in 2016.

An attorney for the commission noted that her ruling contained multiple criticisms of the states death penalty law that were outside the scope of the issue at hand and referenced material and media articles not introduced at the hearing. She then gave media interviews afterward.

The commission also accused Todd of failing to respect and follow clear directives and rulings of the appellate courts. In one instance she acted in a case by scheduling a conference even after she was directed to recuse by the appellate court.

In 2018, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals urged that Todd be investigated for "her seemingly cavalier disregard for the orders of this court and the Alabama Supreme Court.

Todd is a Democrat who first took office in 2013. The complaint that resulted in judicial ethics charges was filed by a former Republican district attorney, court documents showed.

The trial is expected to take several days.

___

AP writer Jay Reeves contributed from Birmingham.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Alaska doctors plan to ask the State Medical Board to investigate concerns about the spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and treatments by other physicians.

Merijeanne Moore, a private practice psychiatrist, said she drafted the letter out of concern over an event about COVID-19 treatments that featured prominent vaccine skeptics in Anchorage last month, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

Moore said Saturday that nearly 100 doctors had signed the letter and more could before she plans to submit the letter on Tuesday.

We are writing out of concern that medical misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment is being spread in Alaska, including by physicians, the letter stated.

The letter added: We hope that you will investigate this seriously, as the spread of misinformation has been identified as a threat to public health by the US Surgeon General, the Alaska Chief Medical Officer, and three medical specialty boards.

An Alaska Early Treatment Medical Summit last month featured doctors, mostly from other states, who have been criticized within the medical community for questioning the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and for advocating treatments with drugs such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said it has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19. The agency last year also said hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were unlikely to be effective in treating the coronavirus.

The Anchorage Daily News reported that two Anchorage doctors spoke at the event. The letter circulated by Moore called local doctors involvement in the event a grave concern.

Moore said she believed it is the job of the medical board to investigate claims that were made at the summit.

The State Medical Board is next set to meet on Friday.

There have been calls nationally for state boards to discipline medical professionals who spread misinformation or disinformation during the pandemic.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Amazon has agreed to pay $500,000 and be monitored by California officials to ensure it properly notifies its workers about new coronavirus cases, the state's attorney general said Monday.

Amazon employs about 150,000 people in California, most of them at 100 fulfillment centers  sprawling warehouses where orders are packed and shipped. The agreement, which must be approved by a judge, requires the Seattle-based retailer to notify its workers within a day of new coronavirus cases in their workplaces.

Amazon also agreed to notify local health agencies of new virus cases within 48 hours and will stop issuing notices that Attorney General Rob Bonta said do not adequately tell employees about Amazon's safety and disinfection plan and workers' rights related to the pandemic.

As the company enjoyed booming and historic sales with its stock price doubling, Amazon failed to adequately notify warehouse workers and local health agencies of COVID-19 case numbers, often leaving them unable to effectively track the spread of the virus, Bonta told reporters in San Francisco at an event held across the street from an Amazon warehouse.

Bonta added: This left many workers understandably terrified and powerless to make informed decisions to protect themselves and to protect their loved ones," like getting tested for the virus, staying home or quarantining if theyve been notified of a potential workplace exposure.

Amazon spokesperson Barbara Agrait said in a statement that the company was glad to have this resolved and to see that the AG found no substantive issues with the safety measures in our buildings.

Former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who now heads the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, last December asked a judge to order Amazon to comply with subpoenas his office issued nearly four months earlier as part of its investigation into how the company was protecting workers from the coronavirus at its facilities.

The state attorney generals office first disclosed the investigation in a filing in July 2020 in a San Francisco Superior Court case in which an employee accused the company of not doing enough to safeguard staff.

It's not known how many Amazon employees have been exposed to the virus at work during the course of the pandemic. In October 2020, the company disclosed that nearly 20,000 of its front-line U.S. workers had tested positive or were presumed infected.

The judgment, which applies only in California, requires the company to allow monitoring of its virus notifications by the attorney generals office for a year and to pay the half-million-dollar settlement that will go to enforce the states consumer protection laws.

Bonta said the judgment is the first of its kind in the U.S. and complies with a state right-to-know law that took effect last year. The stipulation was signed on Friday and both the complaint and stipulation were filed with the Sacramento County Superior Court on Monday.

California's law, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, requires employers to notify employees of coronavirus cases at their worksites, tell the workers about pandemic-related protections, benefits, disinfection and safety plans and to report cases to local health agencies.

Gomez Reyes said her bill was enacted after lawmakers heard stories of workers who were not told that they might have been exposed. Many California companies have since complied, she said, but some found loopholes and they either failed or chose not to comply with the law.

The agreement came as Amazon gears up for the holiday crush of package deliveries. Bonta said compliance is particularly important as the state prepares for another possible winter surge in cases as people gather indoors for the holidays.

California this year also became the first state to prohibit big retailers from firing warehouse workers for missing quotas that interfere with bathroom and rest breaks.

That law prohibits Amazon and similar companies from disciplining workers for following health and safety laws, and allows employees to sue to suspend unsafe quotas or reverse retaliation.
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP)  A baby elephant in Indonesia's Sumatra island has had half of her trunk amputated after being caught in what authorities said Monday was a trap set by poachers who prey on the endangered species.

The 1-year-old female is among the last of the island's 700 wild Sumatran elephants. She was found very weak with a snare still embedded in her almost-severed trunk on Sunday in Alue Meuraksa, a forested village in the Aceh Jaya district, said Agus Arianto, the head of Aceh provinces conservation agency.

This obviously was intended to poach endangered animals to earn money, Arianto said in a statement. We will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in an investigation.

Arianto said the elephant calf was apparently left behind by the herd due to her deteriorating condition after being caught in the snare trap, allegedly set by a poacher.

He said that wildlife officials on Monday had to amputate half of the trunk in a life-saving operation.

Conservationists say that the coronavirus pandemic has led to increased poaching in Sumatra as villagers turn to hunting for economic reasons.

In July, an elephant was found without its head at a palm plantation in East Aceh. Police arrested a suspected poacher along with four people accused of buying ivory from the dead animal. Their trials are still ongoing since last month. They face up to five years in prison and a fine of 100 million rupiah ($7,000) if found guilty.

The number of Sumatran elephants that have died as a result of being snared and poisoning has reached 25 in the past nine years in East Aceh district alone, Arianto said.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has raised the status of the Sumatran elephant from endangered to critically endangered in its 2012 Red List, mostly because of a significant drop in the population as indicated by the loss of over 69% of its potential habitat in the last 25 years  the equivalent of one generation.

Indonesian forestry and environment ministrys data showed the Sumatran elephant population has shrunk from 1,300 in 2014 to 693, down nearly 50% in the past seven years.

Sumatran elephants are a subspecies of the Asian elephant, one of two species of the large mammal in the world.

____

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  President Joe Biden's pick to oversee U.S. mine safety is the second straight choice to lead the office from West Virginia.

Christopher Williamson was nominated by the president on Friday as assistant secretary for mine, safety and health at the Department of Labor.

A native of Dingess in Mingo County, Williamson currently is a senior counsel with the National Labor Relations Board. Williamson previously served on the leadership team at the Mine Safety and Health Administration under President Barack Obama.

He also worked as labor counsel in the U.S. Senate to then-Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee chairman Tom Harkin of Iowa and as a legislative assistant to West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin.

The White House said Williamson was Manchin's primary policy adviser on labor, mine safety and health, pensions and agriculture issues and also assisted him on energy and environmental policy.

Chris Williamson is the most knowledgeable expert on mine safety and health in Washington today," the United Mine Workers union said in a statement. His in-depth understanding of what it takes to keep miners safer and healthier at work is unmatched, and I expect that the Mine Safety and Health Administration will be a stronger advocate for miners under his watch.

Williamson would replace David Zatezalo of Wheeling, who retired in 2014 as chairman of Rhino Resources and was Donald Trump's pick as MSHA chief in 2017.

Williamson's nomination must be confirmed by the Senate.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP)  Cambodia reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers on Monday, two weeks earlier than originally planned, as it emerges from a lengthy lockdown bolstered by one of the world's highest rates of immunization against COVID-19.

The program allows visitors to skip quarantine measures if they are fully vaccinated, test negative 72 hours before they enter the country and test negative upon their arrival.

Prime Minister Hun Sen decided to move up the opening from Nov. 30 to Nov. 15 to start revitalizing the country's economic and social activity as soon as possible, buoyed by the fact that 88% of Cambodians are now fully vaccinated.

The situation has changed, Hun Sen said in an audio message shared on social media.

The previous plan had been to phase in the reopening by initially restricting travelers to two seaside provinces, but the new scheme means fully vaccinated travelers will be free to visit anywhere in the country after a negative test, the ministry said.

Unvaccinated travelers will still have to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine upon arrival and undergo a series of coronavirus tests before they can travel further.

Cambodia in 2019, before the pandemic, received 6.6 million foreigners who accounted for nearly $5 billion in revenue. Most of them visited the famous Angkor temples in Siem Reap province and seaside destinations, according to the Tourism Ministry.

In 2020, the number of visitors dropped sharply to 1.3 million and earnings from them plunged to about $1 billion.

Cambodia's vaccination drive started slowly but has ramped up rapidly. Children from age 5 and up have been included in the program since the beginning of November.

Restrictions on domestic tourism, schools and other sectors were also lifted at the start of the month.

The Health Ministry reported 52 new COVID-19 cases Monday and five deaths, bringing Cambodia's total to 119,588 cases and 2,872 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.
BEIJING (AP)  A stock exchange set up in the Chinese capital to serve entrepreneurs opened trading Monday with 81 companies amid a crackdown on tech giants that has wiped more than $1 trillion off their market value abroad.

The Beijing Stock Exchange joins other mainland Chinese exchanges in Shanghai and the southern city of Shenzhen. They are mostly off-limits to foreign investors, but some companies have shares traded in Hong Kong, a separate Chinese territory that is open to global capital.

The ruling Communist Party has promised more support for entrepreneurs who generate wealth and jobs but is tightening control over tech companies. They are under pressure to invest their own money in Beijing's industry plans.

President Xi Jinping said in September the Beijing exchange would create a service-innovation-oriented main position for small and medium-size enterprises, the ruling party's term for private companies.

Chinese stock exchanges were set up to raise money for state-owned companies, which prompted entrepreneurs to go abroad for capital.

Investors are uneasy about the status of Chinas entrepreneurs after the ruling party tightened control on tech companies by launching data-security and other crackdowns last year. Investors have knocked more than $1 trillion off the value of Tencent Holding and other tech giants on Wall Street and the Hong Kong exchange.

The Beijing exchange will accept smaller companies and wider price swings than Shanghai or Shenzhen, according to official media.

After their first day, prices will be allowed to fluctuate by a daily limit of 30% before trading is suspended. The Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges are 10% one way or the other for the main bourse and 20% for their high-tech and small company boards.

On Monday, a maker of industrial parts, Henan Tongxin Transmission Co., soared by just over 500% in its market debut. Most other companies, many of which moved from other exchanges, rose or fell by single digit margins.

The Beijing Stock Exchange has yet to announce an index to track the overall market's movement. The name is a potential challenge: BSE already is used for India's main exchange and indexes.

Shenzhen added a separate trading board in 2004 for private enterprises. Shanghai added a board for technology companies in 2019.
ST. LOUIS (AP)  U.S. Rep. Cori Bush is officially seeking a second term.

The St. Louis Democrat announced Friday that she will seek another term representing Missouri's 1st Congressional District. She defeated longtime incumbent Democrat William Lacy Clay in 2020.

A video released by Bush's campaign lauds passage of the COVID-19 relief package and cites her role in getting the federal government to remove radioactive waste from Coldwater Creek in St. Louis County.

Bush is a nurse and an activist who made a name for herself protesting on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, after a white police officer fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was Black, in 2014.

One other Democrat, Earl Childress, has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission indicating hell challenge Bush. Childress, on his website, says he is a pastor and economic rights leader who is running as a moderate.

St. Louis businessman Andrew Jones announced earlier this month that he would seek the GOP nomination.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP)  The deadline to get state-mandated training to run a marijuana dispensary or similar business in Arizona as part of a social equity ownership program" is fast approaching.

Wednesday is the last day for applicants to take free classes so they can try to obtain the 26 licenses set aside for people from communities disproportionately impacted by previous marijuana laws," the Arizona Daily Star reported. Completing the courses is part of the application process.

A lot of people dont know about that deadline, said Rana Lashgari, president of Arizona Municipal Strategies, a Phoenix lobbying group partnering with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 99, to create the Arizona Marijuana Equity Center. The center serves potential social equity ownership applicants.

There may be few people able to apply for the licenses if they don't get the coursework done on time, Lashgari added.

Recreational marijuana was legalized in Arizona after Proposition 207 won voter approval in November 2020.

But the measure came with a caveat to ensure that people in areas heavily impacted by old marijuana laws would be able to run marijuana establishments.

Social equity applicants must be principal company officers or board members with at least 51% ownership in the business entity.

License applicants must show they have resided for at least three years between 2016 and 2020 in areas identified as disproportionately affected by previous marijuana laws. The state Department of Health Services looked at socioeconomic data to come up with its list of zip codes that qualify.

Applicants must take the courses about challenges of a marijuana-oriented business, according to the state Department of Health Services website. All the recorded training sessions are accessible on the site. Anyone can set up an account to watch them, whether they apply for the licenses or not.

Its an educational opportunity that all the applicants must take, said Tom Salow, branch chief for the department. Its going to cover a variety of topics. Some of those areas, some folks may need some education on.

The free classes with industry experts address topics including legal compliance and regulatory statutes, branding and marketing.

Other requirements for social equity marijuana license applicants include a $4,000 application fee. Also, people who have been convicted of low-level marijuana-related offenses will have to file a court petition to get them expunged.

Lashgari said the courses probably take two days for most people.

The Arizona Marijuana Equity Center is willing to help anyone with questions and filling out applications. It's also offering scholarships to offset the license application fee.

We want to get this message out, Lashgari said. We want to support the social equity applicants in the industry.

Completed applications for the licenses will be accepted throughout the first two weeks of December.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  The campaign for Democratic lieutenant governor became a three-way race among state lawmakers Monday when Rep. David Bowen announced he was running for the position.

Bowen said he wrestled with the decision to run for lieutenant governor but said a primary faceoff is good for democracy, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
MIAMI (AP)  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a $25 million investment to repair Miamis Freedom Tower, a historic building also known as the Ellis Island of the South, where Cuban refugees received government help after leaving the communist island.

DeSantis said the amount will be included as part of his legislative budget recommendations. The Republican governor said the 96-year-old tower needs urgent structural repairs, but the money also will be used to redesign the exhibits to welcome more visitors.

Hundreds of thousands of people came right through here, the Freedom Tower in Miami, to be able to have a chance at freedom, DeSantis said. We need to be good stewards of this history.

The announcement came on the day of a planned opposition protest march Monday in Cuba. DeSantis called out the Biden administration for what he said was a lack of support for activists in Cuba following the July demonstrations.

In July, thousands of Cubans took to the streets to protest power outages, shortages, high prices and to denounce the government. The planned march on Monday was meant to demand that authorities release people arrested on July 11 and 12. The gathering was banned by the Cuban government, but organizers still urged people to demonstrate.

You've had almost no support whatsoever from the Biden administration, said DeSantis, who is up for reelection and considering a 2024 presidential run. They are missing a historic opportunity to be able to make common cause with people who just want to be able to live in freedom.

In July, the Biden administration announced new sanctions against Cubas national revolutionary police and its top two officials as the U.S. looked to increase pressure on the communist government.

Ellis Island in New York Harbor was the nations busiest immigration station and welcomed more than 12 million immigrants to American shores before it closed in 1954.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  Eight people were wounded by gunfire in a North Carolina city over the weekend, including three people who were shot while they were in their vehicles, according to police.

Winston-Salem police said four people were wounded early Saturday after gunfire erupted at a party, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. A 38-year-old man whom police have not identified was shot in the head Saturday night when someone shot into a home, police said.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A Florida-based company that owns the Firehouse Subs chain is in contract to be purchased by a Canadian company that owns Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons fast-food restaurants, corporate leaders said Monday.

Restaurant Brands International said it had reached an agreement to acquire Jacksonville-based Firehouse Restaurant Group Inc. in a $1 billion all-cash transaction, the Toronto-based company said in a news release.
BOSTON (AP)  International students are returning to U.S. colleges in stronger numbers this year, but the rebound has yet to make up for last years historic declines as COVID-19 continues to disrupt academic exchange, according to a new survey.

Nationwide, American colleges and universities saw a 4% annual increase in international students this fall, according to survey results released Monday by the Institute of International Education. But that follows a decrease of 15% last year  the steepest decline since the institute began publishing data in 1948.

The upturn is better than many colleges were forecasting over the summer as the delta variant surged. But it also reflects continued obstacles as visa backlogs persist and as some students show reluctance to study abroad during the pandemic.

Universities and U.S. officials hope this years uptick is the start of a long-term rebound. As international travel ramps up, there's optimism that colleges will see growth past their pre-pandemic levels.

We expect a surge following the pandemic, Matthew Lussenhop, an acting U.S. assistant secretary of state, told reporters. This years increase indicates that international students continue to value a U.S. education and remain committed to pursuing studies in the United States, he added.

Overall, 70% of U.S. colleges reported an uptick in international students this fall, while 20% saw decreases and 10% remained level, according to the institute. Thats based on a preliminary survey of more than 800 U.S. schools.

At least some of the increase is due to new students who hoped to come to the U.S. last year but delayed their plans because of the pandemic. All told, there was a 68% increase in newly enrolled international students this year, a dramatic increase compared with last year's decrease of 46%.

For many schools, even a modest upturn is a relief. Over the summer, officials at U.S. universities worried that the delta variant would dash any hopes of a rebound. But for many, that did not come to pass.

In August, U.S. embassies and consulates in India reported that they had issued visas to a record 55,000 students even after starting the process two months late because of COVID-19.

Among those was Kedar Basatwar, who enrolled this fall in a graduate program for business analytics at Northeastern University in Boston, one of the nations most popular destinations for foreign students. The 24-year-old from Pune, India, held off applying to American schools at the height of the pandemic because he wanted to make sure hed be able to attend classes in-person.

My plan was always to come to the U.S. because the opportunities after getting a masters are so much more, said Basatwar. Also, getting a U.S. visa is one of the biggest achievements that we consider in India.

At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, officials are seeing a return to normal for our international populations, said Andy Borst, director of undergraduate admissions. The university enrolled more than 10,000 international students this fall, which nearly offsets a 28% decline from last year.

We just had this pent-up demand, Borst said. A lot of Big Ten schools saw increases beyond what we were expecting.

At some schools with big brands overseas, enrollments rebounded past their 2019 figures.

At the University of Rochester in New York, enrollments from abroad surged 70% over 2019 levels, driven by a boom in graduate students, according to school data.

The vast majority of U.S. colleges returned to in-person learning by this fall, but not all international students are physically on campus. After last years shift to remote learning, many schools have continued offering online classes to students abroad.

Out of all international students enrolled at U.S. colleges this year, the survey found that about 65% were taking classes on campus.

Fangzhou Gu, a 21-year-old senior from Beijing, is among those who opted not to return to New York Universitys Greenwich Village campus for her final semester this fall before graduating in December.

Instead she's taking classes at the universitys outpost in Shanghai, an option offered throughout the pandemic by NYU, which has seen international enrollments increase 14% from 2019.

Gu said her remaining course load doesnt require her to be in New York, and her parents are concerned about her venturing too far from home.

Class and classmates are more close, which really gives me a sense of community that I have longed for, she said. Plus, the living expenses are less of a burden here.

For some colleges, the new flexibility of online learning helped avoid further enrollment setbacks. In the past, students at the University of San Francisco might have been able to start the term a week late if they faced visa or travel problems. Now, those facing visa delays can arrive halfway through the term or later, and in the meantime study online from abroad.

That was the case for Vinh Le, who was unable to get to the airport in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City in time for the start of fall classes. Instead, the graduate student studied online for more than two months until he could get his first vaccine shot, which allowed him to travel. He arrived at the University of San Francisco on Nov. 1.

International students are seen as important contributors to U.S. campuses for a variety of reasons. Colleges say they help provide a diverse mix of cultures and views on campus. Many end up working in high-demand fields after graduating. And some colleges rely on the financial benefits of international students, who are typically charged higher tuition rates.

Although many colleges avoided a second year of declines, there's still concern that the upturn may be isolated to certain types of colleges. The survey found that, last year, community colleges suffered much steeper declines than four-year universities, with a 24% backslide nationwide.

Researchers are still analyzing this years data, but some worry community colleges may continue to lag behind.

There are also questions about whether the rebound will continue. New vaccine requirements for foreign travelers could make it harder for some students to get here, and colleges are expecting continued competition from colleges in Australia, Canada and other nations looking to boost international populations.

Still, officials at many colleges are optimistic. More vaccines are being sent overseas, and newly lifted travel bans promise to reduce barriers to travel.

Some also credit President Joe Biden for sending a message that America wants students from abroad. In July, the administration issued a statement promising a renewed commitment to international education, saying it would work to make overseas students feel welcome.

For Paola Giammattei, a 21-year-old junior studying at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, the concern now isnt so much her classes, but whether companies will still be willing to hire foreign graduates on short-term visas, given the current job market.

In the meantime, the chemical engineering major has embraced the return of campus life after she attended classes remotely at home in El Salvador early in the pandemic.

Being in a classroom, being able to engage with other peers and professors is awesome, Giammattei said. It is easier to differentiate and have a good life-work balance when everything is in-person and you have different interactions in different settings, not through a screen.
MIAMI (AP)  Raul Rivero, a one-time foreign correspondent for official Cuban media before he broke with the government and was jailed for months in a widespread crackdown, has died at age 75.

Rivero's death on Nov. 6 following respiratory problems at a Miami hospital was confirmed Monday by his wife, Blanca Reyes. She said his death was not related to COVID-19. Rivero's passing had gone largely unnoticed outside the Spanish-speaking exile communities in South Florida and Spain.

Born in Moron in the Cuban province of Ciego de Avila in 1945, Rivero co-founded the literary magazine El Caiman Barbudo" in 1966. He was Moscow correspondent for Cuba's Prensa Latina from 1973 to 1976 and upon his return to Havana oversaw the agency's science and culture coverage.

But he broke with the government during Cuba's so-called Special Period following the collapse of the Soviet Union and in 1991 joined other intellectuals in calling for the release of political prisoners.

Rivero in 1995 founded the independent Cuba Press agency, which offered stories by dissident writers to U.S. and other foreign media outlets.

Rivero became well known internationally and in 1999 was awarded the Maria Moors Cabot prize for international journalism from Columbia University. The following year, he was named one of the International Press Institute's 50 World Press Freedom Heroes of the previous half-century.

But he was swept up with 74 other dissidents during the Cuban governments 2003 crackdown on the opposition and was sentenced to 20 years.

Rivero spent a year and a half behind bars before being released and allowed to leave for exile in Spain. Shortly thereafter, he was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

After a decade, he and Reyes moved to Miami in 2014 to be closer to family. Reyes had co-founded the Ladies in White, whose members once held a silent march every Sunday to protest the jailing of their relatives.

Reyes said Rivero continued to write until early this year. He published numerous volumes of poetry and journalism over his career.

In addition to Reyes, Rivero is survived by three daughters and three grandchildren. Reyes said that no memorial service was planned in accordance with his wishes.

He was very discreet, she said.
FULTON, Mo. (AP)  Police in east-central Missouri are investigating after the bullet-riddled body of a man was found early Monday in a creek in Fulton.

The body was found in Stinson Creek around 1 a.m. Monday, television station KOMU reported. Fulton police announced the discovery in a Facebook post.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Funeral services have been scheduled later this week for state Sen. Hugh Leatherman, long South Carolinas oldest and most powerful state lawmaker.

Leatherman's funeral will be held Friday at the Francis Marion Performing Arts Center in Florence, his office announced on Monday.

Leatherman's family will host a reception immediately after the service on the grounds of the performing arts center, according to his office, adding that a formal obituary and further details would be released later in the week.

Leatherman died Nov. 12 at the age of 90, weeks after he entered hospice care following the diagnosis of an inoperable cancer. The Republican had represented the Florence area in the state Senate for 40 years.

In his 11th term, Leatherman was among the longest-serving lawmakers in South Carolinas Legislature. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and in a state where the governor has less control, he was long considered South Carolinas most powerful politician for his dominance over the state budget.

Leatherman also sat on a number of fiscal oversight boards, including the State Fiscal Accountability Authority and the Joint Bond Review Committee. A new port terminal in Charleston bears his name.

He also played a key role in building up the states business economy, including backing a massive tax incentive package that helped lure Boeing to the state.

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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia House Republicans on Monday rubber-stamped the new districts that state senators drew for themselves, completing redistricting for both chambers of the General Assembly.

Lawmakers must still tackle district lines for the state's 14 congressional seats. Senators have proposed a plan, but the House Republican majority has yet to release a proposed map. While the House and Senate deferred to each other on redistricting for their respective chambers, they must agree on a congressional map.

The House voted 96-70, mostly along party lines, to approve Senate Bill 1EX, which draws lines for the 56 Senate districts. The map is projected to keep 59%, or 33, of the Senates 56 seats in GOP hands. Thats down from 34 right now. Democrats said again Monday thats too many, considering President Joe Biden carried Georgia with a narrow majority last year and nonwhite people make up most of the new Georgians added in the past decade.

We are a 50-50 state; we are a battleground state," said Rep. Bee Nguyen, an Atlanta Democrat. "We are a swing state. This map tells us a different story. This map creates a 60-40 split with the advantage given to the Republican Party for the next 10 years.

Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment Committee Chairman Bonnie Rich, a Suwannee Republican, defended both the process for drawing the maps and the outcome.

We believe it is in compliance with the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, Rich said.

The General Assembly must redraw electoral districts at least once every decade to equalize populations after the U.S. census. Georgia added more than a million people from 2010 to 2020, with urban districts generally growing and rural districts generally shrinking.

We cannot ignore who those Georgians are, said Democratic Rep. Derrick Jackson of Tyrone. The entirety of the growth over the last decade was a result of the growth in the number of minority residents.

The Senate map does not pair any incumbents who intend to seek reelection to that body.

Criticism has zeroed in on a handful of districts. Democrats have been critical of changes to Senate District 48, now held by Sen. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat. The new plan draws the district into Forsyth County, making it whiter and more likely to be won by a Republican.

The majority party drew a map that targets the only Asian woman in the Senate and they did so by diluting the voices of Black and brown voters, Nguyen said.

Rich said claims that Au's district had been targeted was an overly simplistic analysis of an extremely complicated process that has many layers."

Democrats suggest that district, as well as one drawn for Republican Sen. Brian Strickland of McDonough, may violate the federal Voting Rights Act. Democratic Rep. Debra Bazemore of South Fulton said majority-Black Henry County is egregiously split. Those criticisms could lead to a lawsuit challenging the plan.

The Senate passed a House map last week that's projected to keep 54% of the House seats, or 98 of 180, in Republican hands.

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Follow Jeff Amy at http://twitter.com/jeffamy.
TBILISI, Georgia (AP)  Several thousand people rallied in the Georgian capital on Monday, demanding that authorities in the ex-Soviet nation transfer the jailed ex-president to a civilian hospital amid reports that his health is deteriorating after weeks of being on a hunger strike.

Mikheil Saakashvili, 53, announced a hunger strike shortly after his arrest last month and has been refusing food for 46 days. His doctors say his health is quickly deteriorating, and his lawyers argue that the prison hospital Saakashvili has been transferred to lacks security and necessary equipment.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP)  Federal health experts are visiting the University of Michigan to learn more about hundreds of flu cases diagnosed by the campus health service.

While we often start to see some flu activity now, the size of this outbreak is unusual, said Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director at the Washtenaw County health department.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)  Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced actions on Monday to address anti-Asian hate and bias crimes that have increased since 2019.

The initiatives are the product of a workgroup the Republican governor formed in April. They include enhanced safety and enforcement measures, increased access to community resources and additional tools for educators and students.

Our Asian-American community is facing challenges worse than they have seen in decades," Hogan said at a news conference. "The actions that were announcing here today are the beginning. We will use every tool at our disposal to help provide additional protection to those who are impacted by these crimes.

Hogan made the announcement with first lady Yumi Hogan, who was born in South Korea, and former Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert Hur, who is Asian American and led the statewide workgroup. Jaymi Sterling, Hogan's daughter who served on the workgroup, also attended the announcement.

As part of the public safety and enforcement component, the state will update hate and bias training for law enforcement agencies to include reporting of hate and bias incidents and crimes. Hogan also said a Maryland State Police commander will be named to act as liaison for hate crimes and racially biased incidents.

The governor said state and local law enforcement agencies will be directed to prioritize diversity in recruiting, and offer incentives for officers who are proficient in multiple languages.

To increase local resources, Hogan said the state will increase funding aimed at battling against hate crimes from $3 million to $5 million. He said the Governors Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs will conduct outreach efforts regarding the availability of funding.

The governor also is focusing on adding ways of reporting hate and bias incidents, including making 211 Maryland a resource for reporting incidents and providing information about services and resources in Asian languages. The state will develop alternative reporting channels, including community organizations, nonprofits and faith centers, Hogan said.

The Maryland Center for School Safety has been directed to develop resources for educators, parents and students on how to identify and report hate and bias incidents.

Hogan said nearly one-third of all Asian Americans say that they have experienced some type of discrimination since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

Since the coronavirus was first reported in China, people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have been treated as scapegoats solely based on their race.

Nationwide data from law enforcement and surveys in Asian communities have shown a significant increase in hate crimes and hate-based incidents since 2019, Hur said, adding that data so far for 2021 is still being compiled.

We look to be on a trajectory for a slight decrease for this year," Hur said. "It depends on how the data for the rest of the year pan out, but the data from 2019 to 2020 show a significant increase within the state of Maryland.
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  Spanish rescuers say 10 migrants have died while trying to reach the Canary Islands archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rescuers said Monday they found a migrant boat drifting 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the Canary Islands and saved 40 people but recovered two bodies.

The boat is believed to have departed from Dakhla on the coast of Western Sahara five days ago. A Spanish rescue plane spotted it drifting in the Atlantic Ocean. At least five people had to be evacuated by helicopter to a hospital on the island of Gran Canaria for urgent medical attention. The other survivors were being brought back to the port of Arguineguin on the same island in one of Spain's rescue ships.

The deaths on Monday were reported a day after eight other people died aboard another migrant boat en route to the Spanish archipelago. The Red Cross said one migrant died shortly after reaching land late Sunday.

Spains Maritime Rescue Service said more than 100 people have been rescued from migrant smuggling boats and brought to the Canary Islands in the last two days. So far this year, more than 17,000 migrants and refugees have reached the Canary Islands by boat, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year.

Some 900 migrants have reportedly died or gone missing on the dangerous migration route from West Africa to the Canary Islands, according to the U.N. migration agency. Experts say even that number is an undercount as many migrant ships sink with no confirmation.

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Follow APs migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
WASHINGTON - Republicans are rallying around former White House adviser Steve Bannon after his indictment on charges of contempt of Congress on Friday, warning that Democrats' efforts to force Bannon to comply with what they say is an unfair subpoena paves the way for them to do the same if they take back the House in 2022.

Bannon, like former president Donald Trump, has refused to comply with an order from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection to turn over records and testify about his actions leading up to the attack, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol trying to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's electoral college win.

Bannon is expected to turn himself in to law enforcement Monday ahead of a court appearance that afternoon. Democrats and a handful of anti-Trump Republicans argue that the indictment was necessary to enforce subpoenas issued by the Jan. 6 committee to Trump associates who are resisting cooperation and to witnesses summoned by other congressional panels.

Many GOP leaders, however, are seizing on Bannon's indictment to contend that Democrats are "weaponizing" the Justice Department, warning Democrats that they will go after Biden's aides for unspecified reasons if they take back the House majority in next year's midterm elections, as most political analysts expect.

"For years, Democrats baselessly accused President Trump of 'weaponizing' the DOJ. In reality, it is the Left that has been weaponizing the DOJ the ENTIRE TIME - from the false Russia Hoax to the Soviet-style prosecution of political opponents," Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the third-ranking House Republican, tweeted Saturday.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, suggested that Republicans would seek payback if the GOP regained control of the House, signaling that in challenging the doctrine of executive privilege, Democrats were making it easier for Republicans to force Biden's top advisers to testify before a future GOP Congress.

"Joe Biden has evicerated Executive Privilege," Jordan wrote on Twitter. "There are a lot of Republicans eager to hear testimony from Ron Klain and Jake Sullivan when we take back the House." Sullivan is Biden's national security adviser, and Klain is the White House chief of staff.

The Jan. 6 committee may also refer former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to the Justice Department for possible criminal prosecution in coming days. Meadows, like Bannon, has also been subpoenaed by the committee, and he did not appear Friday for a scheduled deposition.

Democrats argue that the doctrine of executive privilege - intended to shield confidential communication between a president and his advisers - was never meant to apply to the kind of information the committee is now seeking. The panel is exploring conversations between Bannon and Trump that occurred when Bannon held no government position. And committee members say they are interested in interactions related to an insurrectionary attack on the U.S. Capitol, not in talks involving legitimate government business.

More broadly, they say that far from being political, the Jan. 6 committee is investigating an effort to overturn a legitimate election, including an attack on Congress that resulted in five deaths and injuries to some 140 law enforcement officers. Nine Republicans joined all House Democrats in voting to hold Bannon in contempt last month.

But many Republicans are dismissing such distinctions, and Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., issued an especially direct payback threat.

"Now that Democrats have started these politically-motivated indictments for Contempt of Congress, I look forward to seeing their reactions when we keep that same energy as we take back the House next year!" Boebert declared on Twitter Saturday.

Stefanik, to bolster the contention that Bannon's indictment is politically motivated, pointed out that when congressional Republicans voted to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in 2012 and former IRS official Lois Lerner in 2014 in contempt, the Justice Department under President Barack Obama did not pursue criminal charges against them.

Even as a handful of Republicans urge former Trump aides to cooperate with the Jan. 6 committee's investigation, most high-profile GOP leaders have quickly turned Bannon's indictment into the latest litmus test for loyalty to the former president.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., an unapologetic supporter of Trump and his base, simply tweeted the hashtag "#TeamBannon," along with a photo of the two of them chatting near Air Force One.

The resistance has come from the top, and Trump has continued to maintain he will deploy executive privilege claims to defy the House select committee's requests. An attorney for Trump also recently told former advisers not to comply with subpoenas from the committee, citing "executive and other privileges."

On Saturday, Trump released a statement excoriating Republican members of Congress who had voted to either pass Biden's $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan or hold Bannon in contempt, or in some cases both, listing the lawmakers individually and promising to support anyone who runs primary campaigns against them.

"Saving America starts by saving the GOP from RINOs, sellouts, and known losers!" Trump, who is permanently suspended from Twitter after Jan. 6, said in a statement through his Save America PAC. RINO is a derisive acronym for "Republican in name only."

The former president continued his drumbeat of support for Bannon throughout the weekend, saying Sunday, "This Country has perhaps never done to anyone what they have done to Steve Bannon and they are looking to do it to others, also."

Bannon himself kept up his characteristically aggressive rhetoric in the hours before news of his indictment broke, declaring on the Friday episode of his podcast, "Bannon's War Room," that "thugs" run the New York Times and boasting that pro-Trump Republicans are "taking over all the elections."

"We're taking action, and that action is we're taking over school boards, we're taking over the Republican Party through the precinct committee strategy," he said. "We're taking over all the elections. Suck on this!"

Republicans who are challenging Bannon's defiance of the Jan. 6 committee have become targets of attacks by Trump and his supporters. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who voted for both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the contempt motion against Bannon, has since received death threats, he said. On CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, Upton defended his decisions, saying Bannon did not cooperate with the committee in any way and that he would await the panel's next steps.

"Former president Trump said early on he did everything totally appropriate. Those were his words. So we have to let the sun shine in, be fully transparent. And that means get to the truth, find out exactly what happened," Upton said. "And if you stonewall Congress . . . if you refuse to participate in that, all of a sudden, you don't really have an equal branch of government trying to get to the answers on this."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., who has been an outspoken critic of Trump and has for months urged his party, in vain, to distance itself from the former president, over the weekend mocked Trump's threats to primary Republicans who went against his wishes as the "latest dispatch from Worriedville." Kinzinger is one of two Republicans on the Jan. 6 committee, along with Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.

GOP strategist Doug Heye, a Trump critic, warned on "Fox News Sunday" that Republicans' defense of Bannon could have implications for Congress's oversight authority as an independent branch of government.

"Congress takes these things very seriously, and whether you're talking about a Republican House or a Democratic House, the primacy of Congress and its oversight is paramount," Heye said. "Republicans and Democrats should be able to unify on this. They obviously won't. But if we have a Republican House in the future, they will have no hesitation in holding Democrats in contempt just as we're seeing right now."

- - -

The Washington Post's Steven Zeitchik contributed to this report.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  A South Florida city has hired an outside investigator to look into allegations of racial, gender and sexual-orientation discrimination in its police department.

The city of Fort Lauderdale hired former prosecutor Gregg Rossman to look into discrimination complaints by four officers that the police department discriminates when it comes to internal promotions. The officers lawyer said complaints have been filed with the local district office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which investigates workplace discrimination, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz will visit Morocco later this month and sign an agreement with his counterpart on enhancing security cooperation, his office said Tuesday.

Morocco was one of four Arab countries that agreed to normalize ties with Israel last year under the so-called Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan.
CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP)  A judge cleaning a courthouse closet said she discovered two handguns linked to a 1967 homicide that shocked northwestern Indiana.

Its interesting how something could sit in a box for 50 years and then kind of bring a light, Lake County Judge Marissa McDermott told The Times of Northwest Indiana. It was so important and in the public eye at the time.

In 1967, Sharon Potts, a 19-year-old hospital aide, was found dead behind a church in East Chicago. Police said she had threatened to report that she had been sexually assaulted at a party. It became known as the Madonna murder.

Luis Montes, who was 16 at the time of the homicide, died in prison in 1980. Luciano Monserrate was sentenced to death, but the Indiana Supreme Court ordered a new trial. After more appeals, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was released from prison in 1983.

McDermott said she would like to see the two guns made inoperable but then kept as part of Lake County history. They are a .45-caliber Colt pistol and a Harrington & Richardson revolver.

As far as who would maintain custody of them, Im not sure," the judge said.
Jaber Abdulkhaleg/AP

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Kuwait has temporarily handed its crown prince some of the ruling emir's constitutional duties, the royal family's secretariat announced on Monday, without explaining why the transfer was necessary.

The brief statement published by the state-run KUNA news agency said only that the government had issued an order for the crown prince to assume some duties of the 84-year-old ruling emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah. In the past, the royal office has made the move due to a ruler's poor health.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana voters have filled three vacant state legislative seats in the just-ended election, without needing runoffs and with no changes to the partisan makeup of the Legislature.

Results from the secretary of state's office showed that Republican Jeremy Stine will head to the Louisiana Senate, while Democrats Adrian Fisher and Delisha Body will take over House seats.
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP)  A Salvadoran immigrant who admitted killing four people in northern Nevada in 2019 is expected to plead guilty to all remaining related charges in Carson City Nov. 23 in the final leg of a plea deal that will spare him from the death penalty and send him to prison for life with no chance for parole.

Wilber Ernesto Martinez Guzman, 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Nov. 9 in Douglas County in the fatal shootings of Connie Koontz and Sophia Renken at their homes in Gardnerville during a two-week rampage in January 2019. He pleaded guilty in Washoe County on Oct. 21 to the same charges in the deaths of Gerald and Sharon David at their Reno home.
NEW CARROLTON, Md. (AP)  Maryland State Police are investigating a hit and run crash that left a 26-year-old man dead.

Police responded early Sunday morning to reports of a person in the roadway and an overturned vehicle on eastbound Route 50 at the on-ramp from southbound Interstate 495 in Prince George's County. When they arrived, they found a pedestrian in the roadway.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified him as John Alieu Ted Fofana, of Landover Hills, Maryland.

A preliminary investigation indicates that Fofano was pulled over on the shoulder and outside his silver Infinity passenger vehicle when a Chevy Silverado struck the Infinity and Fofano. The truck overturned, crossed two lanes of traffic and then came to rest on the right shoulder of the on-ramp of I-495 before the driver was able to flee on foot.

Police identified the driver as Remington James Culver, 32, of Washington, D.C. After a 40-minute search, Culver was found, taken into police custody and transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Police said charges are pending.

The investigation is ongoing.
NORTON, Mass. (AP)  A Massachusetts police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was charged with drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident that left a woman injured.

Norton Officer Joshua Archer, 31, was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Attleboro District Court. It was not clear if he had an attorney.
HILLSIDE, Ill. (AP)  A mausoleum where eight Chicago Catholic leaders are interred was briefly opened to the public to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.

More than 50 people toured the site Sunday at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Michigan state Sen. John Bizon faces misdemeanor assault charges after he was accused of inappropriately touching a nurse practitioner.

The Lansing State Journal reported that the nurse told law enforcement that on Aug. 14 the Battle Creek Republican came into Oaklawn After Hours Express in Marshall. The nurse said Bizon grabbed her by the wrist during the appointment and pulled her into his body, squeezing her hip, according to the Marshall Police Department report.

The police report doesn't say what Bizon came in for but said Bizon reported he tested for COVID-19, had been in quarantine since Aug. 14 and couldn't meet with law enforcement for an interview.

Bizon did not immediately return a request for comment from The Associated Press.

The nurse told police in the report she was so shocked by the incident that she didn't tell him to stop. When she recommended over-the-counter medication for his symptoms, she said he questioned her decision and became visibly angry.

After Bizon left, the nurse said that she told a medical assistant what had happened and the medical assistant said he had grabbed her too, the report said.

The medical assistant told police that when she had taken Bizon's vitals for the appointment, he grabbed her arm and said, My blood pressure is up because she was in the room.

Bizon is scheduled for arraignment Jan. 19.

He is a medical professional, an otolaryngologist, which treats the ears, nose and throat. He is a past president of both the Michigan State Medical Society and the Calhoun County Medical Society. He chairs the state Senate's Families, Seniors, and Veterans Committee, and serves on the Energy and Technology, Health Policy and Human Services and Oversight committees.

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Anna Liz Nichols 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.
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP)  Last year, like many Americans, Matt Fahrenbruch found himself suddenly doing his job from home. He lived in Topeka, Kansas, where he audited programs for the state Legislature.

As remote work continued during the pandemic, and his teams productivity didnt suffer, he began to realize that if he could work from home, then home could be anywhere he wanted. He and his wife had often thought about relocating to the Upper Midwest. Fahrenbruch, 39, had studied at the University of North Dakota, and they loved the region.

It was just a question of, how are we going to end up back up here? Because we both have professional degrees, he said. Were talking about areas that have much smaller economies.

Earlier this year, they saw a job possibility for his wife with the city of Bemidji. But he didnt see anything for himself. Then, he read about Bemidjis 218 Relocate program, which offers $2,500 to help cover moving or telecommuting expenses for people who move to Bemidji from more than 60 miles away and bring a job with them, Minnesota Public Radio news reported.

So he pitched the idea to his boss. He could telecommute for his job  with the Kansas Legislature  from Bemidji, Minnesota.

And theyre like, All right, lets try this,  he recalled them saying. We want to keep you, you know, we want to retain our talent. Lets try this out as a pilot program. 

In July, he moved to Bemidji with his wife and 2-year-old. And after a three-month tryout, his job is now permanent. They bought a house, and he feels like theyre already fitting into the fabric of the community  his neighbor has even taken him crappie and walleye fishing.

I mean, its everything I could have asked for. To be honest, he said.

The Fahrenbruchs are one of 22 families who have qualified so far for the relocation program since it began in February. Its run by the economic development organization Greater Bemidji, with funding from a local foundation and Paul Bunyan Communications.

Greater Bemidji hatched the idea for an incentive to help lure people to town before the pandemic, but assistant director Erin Echternach said they launched it after hearing stories of people teleworking from cabins in the area last year after COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect.

It was this light bulb moment of Oh my gosh, we have to promote this,  she said.

A key part of Bemidjis sales pitch is its high-speed internet. Paul Bunyan has built one of the largest rural, all-fiber broadband networks in the country in north-central Minnesota.

For them to move up to their cabin, and then connect with us and say, I get better internet service at my little cabin in Bemidji than I do down in Maple Grove, Minnnesota, that was pretty special, said Echternach. And thats when 218 Relocate was born.

218 Relocate is one of several resident recruitment programs that have sprouted up around the state in recent years, with names like the Get Rural initiative in western Minnesota, The Good Life campaign in the north-central part of the state, and Live Like a Local, in Grand Rapids.

Those efforts grew out of research from the University of Minnesota that highlighted what researcher Ben Winchester calls the Brain Gain. Contrary to the popular narrative of dying small towns, Winchester said many rural communities have attracted newcomers in recent years in search of what he calls a life-work balance.

And I say it that way because I think we have shifted away from a work-life balance, to a life-work balance, he explained.

The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality has surveyed more than 2,000 people who have relocated to rural communities around the state in the past five years, part of a larger Rural Movers study.

Winchester said they found that people move away from larger metro areas for three key reasons: a slower pace of life, a safer place to live and a lower cost of housing.

And even before the pandemic, Winchester said 14 percent of the people they interviewed who moved to rural areas were telecommuters  they took their job with them. Many more didnt even have a job lined up.

Just one-quarter of our new residents in this study had shown that they moved with a job or a job offer in hand, Winchester said.

That flips traditional economic development thinking on its head. Communities used to focus on luring businesses to town, figuring that people would follow the jobs. Now, communities are increasingly focusing on improving and promoting their quality of life, to attract talented workers who increasingly can work wherever they live.

I strongly believe and I have believed for 10 years that economic development isnt a race for companies. Its really a race for talent, said David Hengel, executive director of Greater Bemidji.

Hengel said Bemidji has always been that place people go to vacation, at a resort on a lake, or a cabin, or to go hunting or fishing.

The opportunity is there now for them to stay here if they choose to change their lifestyle, he said. And I think we are in a unique time right now for that message to resonate.

That message already seems to be resonating in the Bemidji region. Paul Bunyan Telecommunications installed broadband services to over 3,000 new locations in 2020, more than any other year in the cooperatives history and about twice as many as previous years, said marketing supervisor Brian Bissonette.

This year we are on pace for between 2,500-3,000, very similar to 2020, he added.

The 218 Program is working to approve relocation incentives for four additional families this month, and Echternach said shes working with more than 60 families moving to the area.

Despite recent trends, rural communities face significant challenges in recruiting newcomers. Many places do not have robust internet service. Smaller towns can feel insular or constraining. Winters up north are long and cold.

Hengel likes to say that Bemidji is an acquired taste. Its not for everyone.

Echternach said she makes a point of having honest conversations with everyone who inquires about the 218 Relocate program. Im not here to sell you that Bemidjis going to be 70 degrees throughout the entire year, she said.

Locals want to attract newcomers who are more likely to last. That, in part, is why theyre offering only $2,500 to new residents. Other parts of the country, from northwest Arkansas to Topeka, are offering up to $15,000 to lure new folks to town.

We knew that we had this very niche market that we were going to be catering to, explained Echternach, people who were attracted to Bemidjis outdoor lifestyle. And we wanted this to just be the cherry on top.

But as rural communities roll out their welcome mats, a key challenge they face is to be welcoming to newcomers, in places where sometimes locals want their towns to stay the way they are.

Winchesters research finds that when a community is perceived as being welcoming, residents are much more likely to see themselves there in the future. Eighty-six percent of those surveyed who felt the community is welcoming believed they would likely still be living there in five years.

Thats why in Bemidji, the 218 Relocate program matches newcomers up with locals with shared interests through something called the Community Concierge program.

Sarah Sanchez, who moved from Phoenix to Bemidji in the middle of winter  and in the middle of the pandemic  said thats been a lifesaver.

It was very difficult because everythings closed, she said. How do you get connected with community when everyones social distancing?

Sanchez is working remotely as a grant manager for a Phoenix nonprofit; her husband is a youth director at a Bemidji church. Shes fourth-generation Mexican American, and left all her family in Arizona. But she and her husband got matched with a local family. And she said they hit it off.

And for me, that was really like the part where I felt like there are people out here that I really connect with and that I have a lot in common with, she said. Because of that experience, she said I can really see myself establishing some roots here and building relationships.

Last year Beltrami County, of which Bemidji is the county seat, made national headlines for being one of the first in the country to reject refugee resettlement.

The vote divided the community. But Mayor Jorge Prince, who immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico as a child and became a U.S. citizen at 15, said that vote didnt reflect how people feel about immigrants, or having a community made up of people of diverse backgrounds.

I am a first-generation immigrant, Prince said. And so, I would tell you if, if our city truly wasnt welcoming, truly didnt have space for immigrants, I would find it hard to believe that I would be elected mayor 60-40.

Prince is also an entrepreneur, and knows how crucial it is to attract more newcomers like Sanchez to rural communities, that have older populations than the state as a whole, and lose younger people every year to school and jobs in larger cities.

As we look forward, I only see our city growing, and I only see our city becoming more diverse, Prince said. And Im excited about that.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Republicans at the North Carolina legislature on Monday rolled out their final two-year budget bill, hopeful that sweeteners on employee pay raises, infrastructure and tax cuts for individuals will attract enough Democratic support so the long-delayed plan can become law.

The consensus agreement from House and Senate leaders was negotiated with input from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who left the door open last week to signing the final plan after General Assembly votes this week.

The measure would give public school teachers average pay raises of at least 5% over the next two years and one-time bonuses reaching about $2,800, according to news releases from GOP leaders. That teacher pay average could reach 6.7% when a new salary supplement favoring low-wealth counties is included. Rank-and-file employees would get roughly 5% raises and at least $1,000 bonuses. There would be close to $6 billion for state agencies and higher education building projects and $800 million in lottery funds for public school construction.

But Cooper also would have to swallow many provisions  some that he's vetoed before  or omissions he probably wont like.

They include inserted language that would increase scholarship funds for K-12 students to attend private schools, eliminate the state's corporate income tax over time and rein in Cooper's emergency powers, such as during a pandemic. And while, as expected, a broad expansion of Medicaid to cover hundreds of thousands of additional adults  a goal of Cooper's since taking office in 2017  isn't included, the budget would authorize a legislative committee to study health care access and recommend a bill next year. There is no commitment to pass any legislation, however.

A stalemate over Medicaid expansion two years ago prompted Cooper to veto the GOP's budget, leading to a deadlock that never got fully resolved. This year, House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate leader Phil Berger and Cooper have held more earnest dialogue toward a budget everyone could accept.

We have made significant progress over nearly two months of good-faith negotiations with the governor, and Im optimistic that the budget will have a strong bipartisan vote and that Gov. Cooper will sign it into law," Berger said in a news release.

Cooper and his staff were reviewing the budget bill Monday, spokesperson Jordan Monaghan said.

Cooper also could be influenced by how many House and Senate Democrats vote for the GOP plan. Republicans probably would only need the votes of three House Democrats and two Senate Democrats to override a Cooper veto. He could also let the bill become law without his signature.

Many lawmakers are eager to enact a budget that was supposed to be approved before the new fiscal year began July 1. North Carolina is now the only state in the nation without an enacted budget, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The plan spends $25.9 billion in state funds this fiscal year and $27 billion next fiscal year, as well as distributes billions in federal COVID-19 relief funds. About $1 billion in federal dollars would go to high-speed internet expansion. The measure also would provide COVID-19 relief grants to specific industries and give additional state tax breaks to businesses that took federal loans to weather the pandemic.

On taxes, the bill would lower the personal income tax rate from 5.25% to 3.99% over six years, increase standard and per-child deductions and eliminate taxes on military veterans pension income. A phase-out of the corporate income tax, currently at 2.5%, would start in 2025, reaching zero by the end of the decade.

The measure also designates Fayetteville State University, a historically Black college, as the fourth University of North Carolina system campus in the states public college system where in-state students pay just $500 in tuition per semester. There would be an extension of Medicaid coverage in the budget to pregnant women who have recently delivered.

Under the provision limiting gubernatorial emergency powers, which would take effect in January 2023, a governor would have to receive support from a majority of Council of State members to expand an emergency declaration beyond 30 days. The General Assembly would have to act for one to go beyond 60 days.

Another provision would prevent Attorney General Josh Stein, another Democrat and possible 2024 candidate for governor, from entering into certain legal settlements without the OKs from the Senate leader and House speaker when they are named parties. GOP legislators are still unhappy about an agreement that Stein's office helped finalize ahead of the 2020 election that expanded the number of days that mail-in ballots could be collected.

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Follow Anderson on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BryanRAnderson and Robertson at https://twitter.com/garydrobertson.

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Anderson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  Nebraska officials including Gov. Pete Ricketts put out a call Monday for people to adopt foster children, as the numbers have declined during the pandemic.

State officials said there have been 304 adoptions so far this year and 360 in 2020. But in each of the preceding five years, Nebraska logged more than 500 adoptions.
BEIJING (AP)  China has confined nearly 1,500 university students to their dormitories and hotels following an outbreak of COVID-19 in the northeastern city of Dalian.

The order was issued Sunday after several dozen cases were reported at Zhuanghe University City and hundreds of students were transferred to hotels for observation.

Students were attending class remotely and having their meals delivered to their rooms.

The lockdown is the latest example of Chinas zero-tolerance approach to the outbreak, which has brought considerable disruption to peoples lives and livelihoods.

Quarantines, obligatory testing and travel restrictions have become the new normal for those even remotely caught up in outbreaks. The country's vaccination rate is among the world's highest and authorities have begun administering booster shots as winter descends.

While those measures have met little open resistance, the recent killing of a quarantined persons pet dog by health workers brought a wave of complaints online. The incident in the central city of Shangrao prompted local authorities to issue a statement saying the pet owner and health workers had reached an understanding."

Following the incident, the China Small Animal Protection Association called for a quarantine system to care for pets caught in such situations.

Pets are people's spiritual partners and should not be harmed under the pretext of fighting the pandemic," it said in a statement. If you bring the hand of doom down on an innocent life without the slightest ability to defend itself, then how can you even talk about humanitarianism?"

Among other new measures, Beijing starting Wednesday will require all people arriving from other parts of the country by plane, train, bus or car to produce a negative virus test taken over the previous 48 hours.

Despite isolated cases in various parts of the country, China has been able to suppress major outbreaks over the past year, with its total number of reported cases standing at 98,315 with 4,636 deaths.

On Monday, the National Health Commission announced 32 new cases of local transmission over the previous 24 hours, 25 of them in Dalian.

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This story has been corrected to say that Dalian is a northeastern Chinese city, not a northwestern one.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)  Kaiser Permanente reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with pharmacists in its Northern California region early Monday, the company said.

In light of this, the Guild for Professional Pharmacists has canceled the strike that was expected to begin November 15 and our pharmacies will return to normal operations later today, Kaiser Permanente said in a statement.
SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (AP)  A Minnesota woman and her 1-year-old baby died in a crash in northwestern Iowa that also injured four others, including womans two other children, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

The crash happened around 11:30 a.m. Saturday at a rural intersection northeast of Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, the patrol said. A patrol investigation found that an eastbound car driven by Mariah Nelson, 29, of Jackson, Minnesota, ran a stop sign and collided with a southbound pickup truck driven by Allen Weinzetl, 63, also of Jackson, Minnesota.
LANCASTER, Ky. (AP)  A central Kentucky food pantry that helps feed hundreds of people each month has been destroyed by an arson fire less than two weeks before Thanksgiving, officials said.

After the blaze on Sunday, the Garrard County Food Pantry was deemed a total loss after Sunday's blaze, said Gregory Cash, who helps run the pantry. He told news outlets that 200 Thanksgiving turkeys that were brought in the day before were among the items destroyed.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP)  As a jury was deliberating over his fate, a Georgia district attorney on Monday pleaded guilty to several charges stemming from improper acts while in office and agreed to resign.

Mark Jones had already been suspended as Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit district attorney after the state attorney generals office obtained the indictment on Sept. 7. It accused him of trying to influence a police officers testimony, offering bribes to prosecutors in his office and trying to influence and prevent the testimony of a crime victim.

Jones took office in January, overseeing the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, which serves Muscogee, Harris, Chattahoochee, Marion, Talbot and Taylor counties in west Georgia.

After deliberating briefly Thursday and then all day Friday, jurors had indicated Friday afternoon that they were unanimous on three of the nine charges, and the judge instructed them to keep working on the others, according to local news outlets. After about an hour of deliberations Monday, jurors said they had reached a consensus of guilty on five charges, but Jones had decided to agree to a plea deal, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported.

He pleaded guilty to four counts in the indictment in exchange for a sentence of five years  one year to be served in prison and the remainder on probation  and a $1,000 fine, Attorney General Chris Carr said in a news release. Jones also agreed to resign, submitting a resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp.

By abusing his power and abdicating his responsibility as district attorney, Mark Jones did a disservice to those he was elected to protect and put our very justice system at risk," Carr said in the release. "This outcome is a victory for integrity in prosecutions and the rule of law.

Superior Court Judge Katherine Lumsden had Jones taken into custody immediately, denying his request to turn himself in on Friday.

The governor can now appoint a district attorney to serve until one can be elected. Until he does, Acting District Attorney Sheneka Terry, who took over when Jones was suspended, will continue to hold the role.

The judge noted that the corruption case against Jones was different from some others.

You didnt line your own pockets. You didnt do some of the things that normally are involved when we think of public corruption, she said. But I think you got so caught up in being the DA that you forgot about the people you ran to represent.

Jones pleaded guilty to one count of influencing witnesses for telling a police officer to testify a certain way. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted violation of oath by a public officer for offering two prosecutors in his office $1,000 each in exchange for following instructions he gave them. And he pleaded guilty to one count of violation of oath by a public officer for not helping a crime victim's nephew understand the court system and his rights.

Juror Iesha James told reporters after the plea that jurors had reached guilty verdicts on five counts, the Ledger-Enquirer reported. That included two of the ones involved in the plea agreement.

Jurors heard three days of testimony from prosecution witnesses last week. Jones defense attorney, Katonga Wright, didnt call any witnesses. Jones didnt testify.

Before sentencing Jones, the judge mentioned an encounter Jones had with a homicide detective outside a downtown Columbus bar late at night. Jones was captured on body camera video saying the officer should have charged a shooting suspect with murder instead of involuntary manslaughter.

When I watched that body cam video, all I could think was, This does not make people trust the system, Lumsden told Jones. Justice, she said, does not mean winning at any cost: If it becomes that, then we have much bigger problems than the criminal justice system has already, and we cant afford to let that happen.

Two prosecutors in the district attorney's office also testified that Jones had offered them $1,000 even thought they'd taken an oath only to accept the compensation they were due. He offered to pay one to secure a murder conviction and to pay the other to say a case was ready for trial when it wasnt. In addition to the two counts of attempting to get them to violate their oaths of office that Jones pleaded guilty to, he had also faced bribery charges for those allegations.
WASHINGTON  A year before the polls open in the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans are already poised to flip at least five seats in the closely divided House thanks to redrawn district maps that are more distorted, more disjointed and more gerrymandered than any since the Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965.

The rapidly forming congressional map, one-quarter of which has taken shape as districts are redrawn this year, represents an even more extreme warping of American political architecture, with state legislators in many places moving aggressively to cement their partisan dominance.

The flood of gerrymandering, carried out by both parties but predominantly by Republicans, is likely to leave the country ever more divided by further eroding competitive elections and making representatives more beholden to their partys base.

At the same time, Republicans upper hand in the redistricting process, combined with plunging approval ratings for President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party, provides the party with what could be a nearly insurmountable advantage in the 2022 midterm elections and the next decade of House races.

The floor for Republicans has been raised, Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, the chairman of House Republicans campaign committee, said in an interview. Our incumbents actually are getting stronger districts.

Congressional maps serve, perhaps more than ever before, as a predictor of which party will control the House of Representatives, where Democrats now hold 221 seats to Republicans 213. In the 12 states that have completed the mapping process, Republicans have gained an advantage for seats in Iowa, North Carolina, Texas and Montana, and Democrats have lost the advantage in districts in North Carolina and Iowa.

All told, Republicans have added a net of five seats that the party can expect to hold while Democrats are down one. Republicans need to flip just five Democratic-held seats next year to seize a House majority.

Theyre really taking a whack at competition, said Michael Li, a redistricting expert at the Brennan Center for Justice. The path back to a majority for Democrats if they lose in 2022 has to run through states like Texas, and theyre just taking that off the table.

Competition in House races has decreased for years. In 2020, The New York Times considered just 61 of the 435 House elections to be battleground contests. The trend is starkest in places like Texas, where 14 congressional districts in 2020 had a presidential vote that was separated by 10 percentage points or less. With the states new maps, only three are projected to be decided by a similar margin.

Redistricting, which happens every 10 years, began late this summer after states received the much-delayed results of the 2020 census. The process will continue, state by state, through the winter and spring and is to be completed before the primary contests for next years midterm elections.

In most states, the map drawing is controlled by state legislators, who often resort to far-reaching gerrymanders. Republicans have control over the redistricting process in states that represent 187 congressional seats, compared with just 75 for Democrats. The rest are to be drawn by outside panels or are in states where the two parties must agree on maps or have them decided by the courts.

Gerrymandering is carried out in many ways, but the two most common forms are cracking and packing. Cracking is when mapmakers spread a cluster of a certain type of voters  for example, those affiliated with the opposing party  among several districts to dilute their vote. Packing is when members of a demographic group, like Black voters, or voters in the opposing political party, are crammed into as few districts as possible.

The Republican gains this year build on what was already a significant cartographic advantage. The existing maps were heavily gerrymandered by statehouse Republicans after the GOPs wave election in 2010, in a rapid escalation of the congressional map-drawing wars. This year, both parties are starting from a highly contorted map amid a zero-sum political environment. With advancements in both voter data and software, they have been able to take a more surgical approach to the process.

Republicans are cautious about doing a premature victory lap in case the countrys political mood shifts again over the next year. Democrats believe that while keeping their House majority will be an uphill battle, they have a stronger chance of maintaining control in the Senate, where Vice President Kamala Harris currently breaks a 50-50 tie.

Republicans also argue that there could in fact be many newly competitive House districts if Bidens approval ratings remain in the doldrums and voters replicate the GOPs successes in elections this month.

Democrats, without much to brag about, accuse Republicans of being afraid of competitive elections.

Fear is driving all of this, David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chairman, said on Wednesday at a hearing to discuss a proposed map that would give Republicans 13 of the states 15 congressional seats. Fear of what would happen if we actually had a real democracy.

More districts are certain to shift from Democratic to Republican in the coming weeks. Republican lawmakers in Georgia and Florida will soon begin debating new maps.

Several other states have completed maps for the 2020s that entrench existing Republican advantages. Republicans in Alabama and Indiana shored up GOP-held congressional districts while packing their states pockets of Democrats into uncompetitive enclaves. In Utah, a new map eliminates a competitive district in Salt Lake City that Democrats won in 2018. Republicans have made an Oklahoma City seat much safer, while Colorados independent redistricting commission shored up the district of Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Republican and Donald Trump ally, so much that her leading Democratic opponent, who had raised $1.9 million, dropped out of the contest to defeat her.

And in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a map that protects the states 23 Republican incumbents while adding two safely red seats, a year after the party spent $22 million to protect vulnerable House members.

The competitive Republican seats are off the board, said Adam Kincaid, executive director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, the partys clearinghouse for designing new maps.

In one of the few states where Democrats are on offense, Illinois will eliminate two Republican seats from its delegation and add one Democratic one when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the map that the states Democratic-controlled Legislature approved last month. New York is likely to add seats to the Democratic column once the partys lawmakers complete maps next year, and Maryland Democrats may draw their states lone Republican congressman out of a district.

Democrats in Nebraska also managed to preserve a competitive district that includes Omaha after initial Republican proposals sought to split the city in two.

Calling the Republican moves an unprecedented power grab, Kelly Burton, president of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said that the GOP was not successfully taking over the battleground but instead proactively and intentionally trying to remove competitive seats.

Several other states where Republicans drew advantageous districts for themselves a decade ago will now have outside commissions or courts determining their maps.

Wisconsin Republicans on Thursday passed a congressional map that would shift a Democratic seat to certain Republican control, though Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, promised to veto it. Michigan and Virginia, which had gerrymandered districts, have adopted outside commissions to draw new lines. Pennsylvania has a Democratic governor certain to veto Republican maps.

And its not clear what Californias independent commission will do when it completes the states process later this year.

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, the chairman of House Democrats campaign arm, said the party still had a path to hold its majority.

Weve got a battlefield that we can win on; I think we are very much in the fight, he said in an interview. No one is declaring victory just yet.

Still, Republicans have far more opportunities to press their advantage. GOP lawmakers in New Hampshire proposed changing a congressional map largely unaltered since the 1800s to create a Republican seat. In Georgia, Republicans are set to place Reps. Lucy McBath and Carolyn Bourdeaux, Democrats who hold seats in Atlantas booming northern suburbs, into a single Democratic district while forming a new Republican seat.

Officials in both parties are preparing for years of legal fights over the maps, with the potential for courts to order the redrawing of maps well into the decade. Lawsuits have already been filed over maps in Oregon, Alabama, North Carolina and Texas.

But the legal landscape has shifted since the last redistricting cycle: The Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that federal courts were not the venue to bring lawsuits regarding partisan gerrymandering. (Lawsuits claiming racial gerrymandering under the Voting Rights Act are still an option.)

This is always in every decade a very accelerated process in the courts, but it is even more so this year because of the four months that were lost because of the delayed release, said Thomas A. Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, a group involved in multiple redistricting lawsuits. The question is, will the courts run out of time and allow even maps that are legally flawed to be used for one election cycle in 2022?

Among the states with completed maps, nowhere more than North Carolina represents the vigorous Republican effort to tilt the scales of redistricting in the partys favor.

Republicans who control the Legislature in North Carolina, the only state forced by courts to completely redraw its congressional maps twice since 2011 for obvious partisan gerrymandering, this month approved highly gerrymandered districts that essentially revert the state to a map similar to the ones thrown out by the courts.

The map Republicans passed gives the GOP an advantage in 10 of the states 14 congressional districts, despite a near 50-50 split in the statewide popular vote for president in 2020. Trump carried the state by 1.3 percentage points. (The current congressional breakdown is eight Republicans and five Democrats, the result of a court-ordered redrawing of the map for the 2020 election.)

The map packs Democrats into three heavily blue districts around Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte, as well as one competitive district in the northeast with a significant Black voting population that would put a Black congressman, G.K. Butterfield, in danger of losing his seat.

Republicans in the state argued that their redistricting process had been race blind because they drew maps without looking at demographic data. But the result, critics say, was even worse.

To pretend to be race-neutral and then draw these districts that are so harmful to Black voters flies in the face of why we even have federal law, said Allison Riggs, an executive director of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, which is suing the state. The process is so broken.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
LONDON (AP)  Royal Dutch Shell proposed moving its headquarters from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom and streamlining its structure Monday in hopes of making it easier to move forward in a world transitioning away from a dependence on fossil fuels.

The company, which has been incorporated in the U.K. with Dutch tax residency and dual class shares since 2005, said it wanted to move to a more conventional structure to make the company more competitive as it seeks to meet the challenges of shifting toward cleaner energy.

Dutch officials said they were unpleasantly surprised."

The government deeply regrets that Shell wants to move its head office to the United Kingdom, Dutch Economic Affairs and Climate Minister Stef Blok said. We are in talks with the top of Shell about the implications of this move for jobs, critical investment decisions and sustainability.

He said the company had assured the government that the personnel consequences of this decision will be limited to the relocation of a number of executive, board positions from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom.

Shell said that while it was proud of its Dutch heritage, the changes mean it would no longer use Royal Dutch" in its name.

The simplification will normalize our share structure under the tax and legal jurisdictions of a single country and make us more competitive," Shell Chairman Andrew Mackenzie said in a statement. As a result, Shell will be better positioned to seize opportunities and play a leading role in the energy transition."

Shareholders will be asked to vote on the measure at a meeting Dec. 10.

The proposal hints at the complications Shell and other energy giants face as they plan for the day when demand for oil fades and major economies turn to electric-powered cars. Chief Executive Ben van Beurden has made it clear in the past that he intends to have the company remain competitive in a world that gets more of its energy from renewable sources.

His comments came amid an increased focus on the future of the industry after the 2015 Paris climate agreement led governments to commit to tougher action on emissions and shareholders push for more long-term plans.

Shifting from a company that makes fossil fuels to net-zero emissions businesses will involve decreasing investment in one part of the firm and increasing it in another, said David Elmes, an energy expert at the Warwick Business School.

Shell has been challenged, meanwhile, by activist investment firm Third Point to split into a legacy fossil fuel company that returns funds to shareholders from producing oil and a net-zero firm that raises its own capital from markets, Elmes said.

Shell have replied that its both the funds from declining fossil fuel activities and their transferrable capabilities that will allow them to be successful in making the transition as a single firm,'' Elmes said. They have resisted Third Points call to split the company.''

At a time of pressure, the company is proposing more clarity. Shell's dual share structure is a legacy of a 2005 merger that created the company as it is known today. The structure makes it less clear to investors what they were buying and who they could expect payments from  or at least more complicated than many similar firms.

Unifying the share structure is a step to make this whole process of transforming the company more transparent and simpler for shareholders," Elmes said.

There are other pressures as well. Shell lost a landmark case brought by climate activists in the Netherlands earlier this year. The Hague District Court ordered the company to cut its carbon emissions by a net 45% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels, a decision activists hailed as a victory for the planet.

Peer de Rijk of Friends of the Earth Netherlands said Shell's changes would have no effect on the case. Shell said in July it was appealing the ruling.

This news has no negative consequences for Milieudefensies climate case against Shell. In any case, this lawsuit will remain with the Dutch courts," De Rijk said.

Rather, moving to the United Kingdom opens up a new front, including for future cases, he added.

Shell is not the first multinational company to turn its back on the Netherlands. Last year, consumer goods giant Unilever  owner of household brands such as Dove, Lipton teas and Ben & Jerry's ice cream  said it was ending its Anglo-Dutch corporate structure and would be headquartered in London.

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Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP)  A South Carolina sheriff's deputy was injured in a shooting early Monday morning while on patrol near a construction site, authorities said.

The Greenville County Sheriff's Office said deputies were on foot patrol in Greenville just before 1 a.m. when they encountered a suspicious vehicle.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) 

Street gang members in Rapid City are becoming less fearful of consequences.

Thats according to Tony Harrison, captain of Investigations for the Pennington County Sheriffs Office, who has been investigating street gang activity in Rapid City and Pennington County over the course of his 25-year career in law enforcement.

Since the beginning of his career, Harrison said street gangs in the area have become noticeably more prone to use violence than in past years.

The fear of consequences seems to be less, he said. Consequences can be many things, it could be getting assaulted by another person, arrested, put in jail, killed. Some of the consequences are implemented by the legal system and some of them are implemented by the gangs own justice system.

Harrison said there are several large street gangs in Rapid City, including the Boyz, North Side Gangster Disciples, and the North Side Family, the Rapid City Journal reported.

There are also offshoots of those gangs, because they didnt like the way things were going and maybe started their own gang, he said. That doesnt include members that come from Denver, Sioux Falls or Minneapolis and try to start their own set.

Many gang members start young, Harrison said.

I have seen pictures of toddlers dressed in gang attire. In terms of dealing with kids who claim activity, they can start at the age of 10, he said. If you showed me an 8-year-old throwing gang signs, I wouldnt be shocked. But for a lot of them, thats how they grew up. So thats all they know and they kind of emulate that activity. Some of its very generational. Its very much a unique hybrid of criminal activity and a social calling where they are looking for a sense of belonging, theyre looking for a desire to be wanted and needed, which often times they dont have in their personal lives.

Most of the gang violence in the area goes unreported.

Its internal fights and assaults. We dont know the amount of crime thats committed because thats part of the gang subculture, Harrison said. You dont snitch.

Erik Bringswhite, a former gang member, explains gang violence like this: Hurt people hurt people and everyone in the community is impacted.

Many mistakenly believe that it doesnt affect them, Bringswhite said. But it does because this trauma is strange. Nobody is immune. So how I see the trauma on the north side reflected back at us is through negative personal opinions, through biases and even prejudices. And that  if we look at how hurt people hurt people  that means their healing is our healing. And our healing is their healing.

Bringswhite was actively involved in Rapid Citys gang activity for over 30 years. Now, hes the founder of I Am Legacy, a local non-profit offering resources and support to the Indigenous community.

The organization is working to help provide an outlet and services to the youth before they become wrapped up in the criminal justice system and doing away with the fallacy where that way of life is the only option.

Gravitating towards something that ultimately is going to cause you or someone around you pain, hurt, and suffering is a poor, poor attempt at surviving, Bringswhite said. I dont even know if you can call it surviving because youre really limiting your choices to the penitentiary or cemetery. Were seeing that here and all of it is preventable.

Bringswhite knows better than most the real fear and trauma of gang life in Rapid City.

The level of fear, they say its hella toxic here. If the system doesnt get you, the Indians will. It is kind of true. But the level of fear that people, especially our youth, are living with isnt sustainable, he said. A person cannot live with that level of intense emotion and be OK. Its going to have lasting effects on their psyche, their physical state. It may even be doing damage to their hearts.

Bringswhite said a generational aspect plays a large role in why Rapid City youth are gravitating toward gang activity.

Thats embedded. I think a part of that is the system has a part to play in that, he said. Many of these issues here are the product of colonization. None of this was an Indigenous issue. These are all products and outcomes of the strategies of us trying to assimilate and not really doing a good job of it.

To be born on a reservation is essentially to be born into captivity, Bringswhite explained.

We dont have many resources here, we dont have corporate sponsors or anybody thats investing in the health, wellness and healing of these certain demographics in the community. But everyone has an opinion about them, he said. Everybody wants to pass the buck to law enforcement. Hey, this is your job man, but its not. These are community issues that deserve the entire communitys strategies and solutions. Because trauma is a strange, strange animal.
MADRID (AP)  Spains foreign minister said Monday that the Cuban government's decision to revoke the press credentials of journalists working for the Spanish state news agency in Havana is unacceptable and demanded that all the credentials be returned.

The Cuban government has given no explanation for its decision to revoke six EFE press credentials last Saturday, two days ahead of planned protest marches in Havana that have generated tension.

We do not think it is acceptable to revoke credentials for no reason. Freedom of the press is vital in any country in the world, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares said.

Albares on Sunday summoned the charge daffaires at the Cuban embassy in Madrid  Cubas top diplomat in Spain because it currently has no ambassador there - to the foreign ministry for a meeting about the issue.

But the Cuban official said he couldnt attend the Monday talks due to COVID-19, providing no further explanation.

Albares said that Juan Fernandez Trigo, Spain's Secretary of State for Ibero-America and the Caribbean, discussed the matter on the phone with the charge daffaires.

Albares said he has also asked the Spanish ambassador to Cuba to stay on top of the issue.

The Cuban government revoked the credentials of six journalists, including three text reporters, two photographers and a cameraman. Two of them, a text writer and a cameraman, had the passes returned to them on Sunday.

Gabriela Canas, EFEs president, said that returning two credentials was insufficient. Albares said We will not cease to demand the return of all credentials.

Another journalist working for foreign media, Abraham Jimenez Enoa, a regular contributor to the Washington Post, has not been allowed to leave his house by authorities.

It is not unusual for the Cuban government to limit the movement of journalists, especially when demonstrations are expected.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Police are investigating two fatal traffic crashes in Providence early Monday.

A 17-year-old boy died and four other people were injured when a car struck a parked car carrier at about 12:30 a.m., police said.

The car was traveling at a high rate of speed on Niantic Avenue when it crossed the double yellow lines at a curve and struck the stationary truck, police said. It was raining and the road was wet at the time, police said.

The teenage driver died at the scene.

Four passengers were taken to area hospitals.

One of the passengers told police they were on their way home from work.

The car transporter was unoccupied.

No names were made public.

A 52-year-old man died in an unrelated two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 at about 5:20 a.m., state police said.

The man, Roger Hall, was driving south when he lost control of his car and veered left, striking the center median barrier, police said. His car came to rest in the high-speed lane.

A pickup truck also heading south then struck the car, police said.

Hall was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. The pickup driver was also taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.

Both crashes remain under investigation.
QUINCY, Mass. (AP)  A former Massachusetts middle school teacher accused of inappropriately touching a student is scheduled to go on trial Monday.

Jeffrey Knight, a former Cohasset Middle School teacher, faces multiple indecent assault and battery on a child charges in Quincy District Court, The Patriot Ledger reported.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon appeared before a judge on Monday to face criminal contempt charges for defying a subpoena from Congress' Jan. 6 committee, then declared combatively outside court that he was taking on the Biden regime in fighting the charges.

Bannon did not enter a plea and is due back in court on Thursday for the next phase of what could be the first high-level trial in connection with Januarys insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Combative outside court, he said he was going on the offense against the attorney general, the speaker of the House and President Biden. He declared, This is going to be a misdemeanor from hell for Merrick Garland, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden."

The 67-year-old Bannon surrendered earlier in the day to FBI agents. He was indicted on Friday on two federal counts of criminal contempt - one for refusing to appear for a congressional deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committees subpoena.

Federal Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather released him without bail but required him to check in weekly with court officials and ordered him to surrender his passport. If convicted, Bannon faces a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year behind bars on each count, prosecutors said.

Outside the courthouse, a large inflatable rat made to look like Republican former President Donald Trump was on the sidewalk as a crowd waited for Bannon to leave. Some in the crowd shouted expletives at him and called him a traitor, and one man paraded around with a sign that read: Clowns are not above the law.

The indictment came as a second expected witness, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, defied a separate subpoena from the committee on Friday and as Trump has escalated his legal battles to withhold documents and testimony about the insurrection. Bannon and Meadows are key witnesses for the committee because they both were in close touch with Trump around the time of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

If the House votes to hold Meadows in contempt, that recommendation would also be sent to the Justice Department for a possible indictment.

Meadows was Trumps top aide at the end of his presidency and was one of several people who pressured state officials to try and overturn the results of the 2020 election won by Democrat Biden. Bannon promoted the Jan. 6 protests on his podcast after predicting the day before that all hell is going to break loose.

The committee said that Bannon urged Trump to focus on the congressional certification and was present at an event at the Willard Hotel on Jan. 5 in which Trump allies tried to persuade members of Congress to vote against the results.

Bannons lawyer, David Schoen said his client didnt appear before Congress because he was told by another lawyer not to come after Trump claimed executive privilege would apply.

Mr. Bannon is a lay person. When the privilege has been invoked by the purported holder of privilege, he has no choice but to withhold the documents. You cant put the genie back in the bottle, he said. Mr. Bannon acted as his lawyer counseled him to do by not appearing and by not turning over documents in this case. He didnt refuse to comply.

Schoen also decried the Justice Departments decision to prosecute Bannon, claiming it runs counter to Attorney General Garlands statement of commitment to equal justice under the law.

Officials in both Democratic and Republican administrations have been held in contempt by Congress, but criminal indictments for contempt are exceedingly rare.

The indictment against Bannon comes after a slew of Trump administration officials  including Bannon  defied requests and demands from Congress over the past five years with little consequence, including during an impeachment inquiry. President Barack Obamas administration also declined to charge two of its officials who defied congressional demands.

The indictment says Bannon didnt communicate with the committee in any way from the time he received the subpoena on Sept. 24 until Oct. 7 when his lawyer sent a letter, seven hours after the documents were due.

Bannon, who worked at the White House at the beginning of the Trump administration and currently serves as host of the conspiracy-minded War Room podcast, is a private citizen who refused to appear to give testimony as required by a subpoena, the indictment says.
LONDON (AP)  British authorities raised the country's threat level to its second-highest rung on Monday, after police said a blast in a taxi outside a Liverpool hospital was caused by a homemade bomb.

Investigators said they were treating Sunday's explosion  which killed the suspected bombmaker and injured the cab driver  as a terrorist incident, but that the motive was unclear.

Counterterrorism police named the dead man as 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen. They did not give further details, though Britains Press Association news agency and other media reported that he had not been on the radar of the security services.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the U.K. threat level from substantial  meaning an attack is likely  to severe, meaning it is highly likely, following the U.K.'s second fatal incident in a month. Conservative lawmaker David Amess was stabbed to death in October in what police said was an act of terrorism.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the sickening attack at Liverpool Women's Hospital and told reporters that the British people will never be cowed by terrorism.

We will never give in to those who seek to divide us with senseless acts of violence, he said.

The male passenger in a taxi was killed and the driver injured when a blast ripped through the vehicle as it pulled up outside the hospital on Sunday morning. Russ Jackson, the head of Counterterrorism Policing in northwest England, said the explosion was caused by the ignition of an explosive device that was brought into the vehicle by the passenger.

Three men in their 20s were arrested elsewhere in the city Sunday under the Terrorism Act and a fourth was detained on Monday. All are believed to be associates of the dead passenger, police said.

Suspicions about a motive for the explosion have been aroused by the timing  just before 11 a.m. on Remembrance Sunday, the moment when people across Britain hold services in memory of those killed in wars.

Jackson said investigators had not found a link to remembrance events but it is a line of inquiry we are pursuing.

Although the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances, it has been declared a terrorist incident," he said at a press briefing.

He said the passenger had been picked up by the cab a 10-minute drive away and asked to be taken to the hospital, where the explosion occurred. The driver, named by local media as David Perry, managed to escape from the car. He was treated in the hospital and released.

Police said officers had searched two addresses in the city linked to the passenger  one where he had lived and a second he had recently rented  and found significant items at the latter. Officers performed a controlled explosion as a precaution" as part of the investigation.

Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said the taxi driver had locked the doors of his cab so the passenger couldnt leave. Police did not confirm that account.

The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital, Anderson told the BBC.

The prime minister also said the driver appeared to have behaved with incredible presence of mind and bravery.

Nick Aldworth, a former senior terrorism investigator in Britain, said the taxi appeared to have sustained a lot of fire damage with very little blast damage.

He said whatever was in that vehicle was either a low yield, or didnt work properly, or possibly an incendiary. So I think its very much open to debate at the moment about what has happened.

Britains official terrorism threat level was lowered from severe to substantial in February. It has been at severe most of the time since 2014, briefly rising to critical amid a spate of violent attacks in 2017. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre sets the threat level based on intelligence about international terrorism at home and overseas.

Britain has experienced attacks by both Islamic and far-right extremists over the years, including a May 2017 suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester that killed 22 people.

Amess was stabbed to death Oct. 15 while meeting with constituents, in what police said was an act of terrorism by a supporter of the Islamic State group. His slaying came five years after Labour Party lawmaker Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death by a far-right extremist.
TOKYO (AP)  A team from the U.N. nuclear agency arrived in Japan on Monday to assess preparations for the release into the ocean of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant.

The six experts on the team from the International Atomic Energy Agency are to meet with Japanese officials and visit the Fukushima Daiichi plant to discuss technical details of the planned release, Japanese officials said.

The government and the plants operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, announced plans in April to start gradually releasing the treated radioactive water in the spring of 2023 to allow for the removal of hundreds of storage tanks to make room for facilities needed for the destroyed plant's decommissioning.

The plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, local residents and Japans neighbors, including China and South Korea.

Japan has requested assistance from the IAEA to ensure the discharge meets international safety standards and to gain the understanding of the international community. The team currently in Japan includes three IAEA officials and one each from South Korea, France and Russia. A larger 11-member IAEA mission is expected next month.

Japanese economy and industry minister Koichi Hagiuda pledged last week that Japan will explain the outcome of the IAEA reviews to the international community in a courteous and transparent manner."

A separate IAEA taskforce on water testing earlier collected fish samples from the Fukushima coast as part of a routine review along with technical assistance for the plants decommissioning. That team also included an expert from South Korea.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 knocked out the Fukushima Daiichi plant's cooling systems, triggering the meltdown of three reactors. Since then, large amounts of water used to cool the still highly radioactive reactor cores has leaked extensively. The contaminated water is being stored in about 1,000 tanks which are expected to reach their capacity next year.

Japanese officials say the water must be removed to allow the decommissioning of the plant, and that its release into the ocean is the most realistic option.

Government and TEPCO officials say tritium, which is not harmful in small amounts, cannot be removed from the water, but all other isotopes selected for treatment can be reduced to safe levels. Controlled release of tritium from normal nuclear plants is a routine global practice, officials say.
The U.S. military killed dozens of people in Syria, including women and children, in airstrikes conducted during the final days of the war against the Islamic State, but did not disclose its actions for more than two years, defense officials said Sunday.

The attacks on Baghouz, along Syria's border with Iraq, were carried out March 18, 2019, after Syrian forces allied with the United States requested assistance and nearby U.S. troops reported seeing no civilians in the area, Navy Capt. Bill Urban, a U.S. military spokesman, said in a lengthy statement. The United States determined that at least 16 Islamic State fighters and four civilians were killed, he said.

But the U.S. military was "unable to conclusively characterize the status of more than 60 other casualties," Urban said. That group, Urban said, included "multiple armed women" and "at least one" armed child.

"Likely a majority of those killed were also combatants at the time of the strike, however, it is also highly likely that there were additional civilian casualties," Urban said.

Details of the strike were not disclosed until Saturday, when the New York Times published a report saying that some U.S. officials - including military and CIA personnel - had questioned the strike's legitimacy, whether it constituted a war crime, and if there was a deliberate effort to hide the truth about what happened. The Times reported that military officials sought to conceal the strike, and that multiple investigative reports scrutinizing what had happened were "delayed, sanitized and classified."

A U.S. military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity, said that the units involved - including elite personnel from the Army's 5th Special Forces Group - quickly reported the possibility of civilian casualties internally.

For reasons that remain unclear, U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in that region, never released any details about the incident, this official said. The military did not explain why the strike was not disclosed until now, nor did it address whether the incident will be reviewed or if there are other similar cases that remain undisclosed.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in an email Sunday that the Defense Department and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin take seriously "the obligation to avoid civilian harm" in military operations.

"Without speaking to this specific event or any potential future decisions, Secretary Austin remains focused on making sure we do everything we can to both prevent these tragic outcomes and to be as forthcoming as we can be about them," Kirby said.

The airstrikes occurred near the Euphrates River in the southeastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour, where Syrian forces aligned with the United States sought to end the multiyear war with the Islamic State. The terrorist group made a last stand, and "multiple entreaties to ISIS to allow family members to depart the area were rebuffed," Urban said.

The day of the incident, the Islamic State before dawn attacked U.S.-backed Syrian fighters using rocket-propelled grenades, suicide bombings and small arms, Urban said. Numerous U.S. aircraft conducted airstrikes and departed the area after depleting their weapons.

About 10 a.m., the Syrian forces called for help saying they were in danger of being overrun, Urban said. A U.S. drone remained overhead, but it was out of missiles and "unable to discern any civilians in the area."

The only remaining coalition aircraft that could assist was an F-15E carrying 500- and 2,000-pound bombs. It dropped three, U.S. military officials said.

Urban said that after the airstrikes, a coalition drone operator who was watching the situation on high-definition, full-motion video reported the possibility of civilian casualties. U.S. Special Operations troops who relayed the request for airstrikes "did not have access to their feed," he added.

A U.S. military investigation concluded that the airstrikes were legitimate in defense of the U.S.-backed Syrian fighters on the ground, and proportional because of the unavailability of smaller bombs or missiles at the time, Urban said. The investigation recommended requiring high-definition video for similar strikes in the future.

An investigating officer determined that no discipline was warranted, Urban said.

"It is important to understand that ISIS decided to put their own families at risk when all avenues of escape were afforded to them," Urban said. "It is also important to note that some women and children, whether through indoctrination or choice, decided to take up arms in this battle and as such could not strictly be classified as civilians."
WASHINGTON (AP)  A coalition of organizations working to evacuate people who could be targeted by the Taliban rulers in Afghanistan appealed Monday for more assistance from the U.S. government and other nations as conditions deteriorate in the country.

Members of the AfghanEvac Coalition met in a video call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to press the case for additional resources to help tens of thousands of people get out of Afghanistan, now faced with a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis in addition to a precarious security situation following the U.S. withdrawal.

Participants said afterward they were grateful for what the State Department has done so far, including helping to arrange a series of evacuation flights for U.S. citizens and residents since the withdrawal, but more will be needed in the months ahead.

The State Department doing enough isnt enough; we need whole of government solutions; we need the international community to step up and we need it quickly, said Peter Lucier, a former Marine who served in Afghanistan who works with coalition-member Team America. Winter is coming. There is a famine already. 

Private groups, particularly with ties to the veteran community, have played an important role in the evacuation and resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans since the U.S. ended its longest war and the government fell to the Taliban. Members of the coalition, which includes about 100 organizations, have been working to help people get on the scarce flights out of the country and helping them get settled in communities once they reach the United States.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the call included discussion of what he called our collective efforts to aid visa holders and applicants and to facilitate the departure of these individuals who are at a stage where it is appropriate to do so.

About 82,000 people have come to the U.S. so far under what the Biden administration calls Operation Allies Welcome. The Department of Homeland Security said 10% were American citizens or permanent residents.

The rest were a combination of people who had obtained special immigrant visas, for those who had worked for the U.S. government as interpreters or in some other capacity; people applying for one of the visas but who hadnt yet received it; or other Afghans who might be vulnerable under the Taliban, such as journalists or government officials, and qualified to come as refugees. Nearly half were children.

As of Monday, DHS said about 46,000 are still being housed at domestic U.S. military bases until they can be resettled by private refugee organizations around the country. Another 2,600 remain at overseas transit points, dubbed lily pads, as they undergo security vetting and health screening before coming to the U.S.

The State Department said separately Monday that some people coming to the U.S. from countries other than Afghanistan under the broader refugee program would be temporarily delayed so refugee agencies can focus on resettling Afghans. The pause would run through Jan. 11 and wont apply to certain categories, including urgent cases, family reunifications and those who have already made travel arrangements.

The AfghanEvac Coalition has urged the U.S. government to establish more of the lilly pads, and work with other nations to create more pathways for people to reach safety. It's unclear how many people need to be evacuated but organizations have estimated the number conservatively in the tens of thousands. Aid agencies said about 300,000 have fled Afghanistan into Iran, including many members of Shiite communities seeking refuge from both the Taliban and attacks by the Islamic State affiliate in the country.

Lucier and Shawn VanDiver, a founder of the coalition, said without providing specifics that they raised specific stumbling blocks and choke points, that are preventing people from reaching safety in the U.S. or elsewhere. Both said it will require more time and input from other parts of the government to solve those problems.

The answers are complex, Lucier said. There are no simple technical fixes to a lot of this.

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of intense criticism by some Republicans in Congress, attacking a frantic evacuation, which was set in motion by President Donald Trump's decision to sign a peace deal with the Taliban and set a withdrawal date, and for what they have alleged is insufficient vetting of refugees. They have also accused the administration of understating the number of American citizens left behind.

Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee wrote Blinken on Monday seeking interviews with more than 30 State Department officials to address what they called the many unanswered questions about the planning  or lack thereof  that preceded the drawdown and evacuation. Those include the number of American citizens and residents still in Afghanistan and mechanisms for continued evacuations.

As of Monday, the U.S. has assisted the departure of 435 American citizens and 325 permanent residents since Aug. 31, including with some recent flights, Price said.

Blinken said Friday that the U.S. has offered the opportunity to leave Afghanistan to all American citizens and permanent residents it has identified as remaining in the country who wish to depart and have appropriate travel documents. Several hundred Americans are reported to still be in Afghanistan, though not all have indicated they want to leave, Biden administration officials have said.

The Gulf nation of Qatar has agreed to represent the United States in Taliban-run Afghanistan following the closure of the American Embassy in Kabul and will handle consular services for American citizens in Afghanistan and will deal with routine official communications between Washington and the Taliban government.

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Associated Press writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available $650 million to help farmers markets and specialty food producers cover the costs of safety measures implemented during the pandemic.

The grants can range in size from $1,500 to $20,000, USDA Undersecretary Jenny Moffitt told Vermont Public Radio.
DENVER (AP)  Amid an increase in coronavirus cases in Colorado, people will be asked to show proof of vaccination to attend indoor, unseated public events with more than 500 people in the Denver area starting Friday.

Under an order issued Sunday by the state health department, venues that already require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from patrons can continue accepting proof of a negative test through Dec. 1. After that, anyone wanting to attend events will have to show proof they are fully vaccinated through Dec. 31.
LAS VEGAS (AP)  A Las Vegas business executive whose claim of voter fraud was featured by state Republicans in November 2020 as proof of tainted votes has agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge of voting more than once in the same election.

Donald Kirk Hartle is expected to pay a $2,000 fine and receive the equivalent of one year of probation when he's sentenced, according to a plea agreement filed Monday ahead of his scheduled plea on Tuesday in state court in Las Vegas.

Hartle, 55, had faced two felony charges in a criminal complaint alleging that he used his dead wifes ballot. Hartles wife, Rosemarie Hartle, died in 2017 at age 52.

Hartles attorney, David Chesnoff, on Monday called the plea deal fair and said Hartle accepted responsibility for his actions.

Through a spokesman, state Attorney General Aaron Ford declined immediate comment.

The state Republican Party featured Hartles account as an example of widespread voter fraud in Nevada, where now-President Joe Biden, a Democrat, defeated then-President Donald Trump by 33,596 of 1.4 million votes cast, or about 2.4%.

Records showed a ballot for Rosemarie Hartle was submitted with a signature that matched Clark County voter records.

State and federal courts in Nevada and other states rejected dozens of election challenges by Republicans and Trumps presidential campaign, including claims of widespread voter fraud.

Ford, a Democrat, has called voter fraud rare and vowed that his office would not tolerate it.

In an earlier Nevada case, a 53-year-old man was sentenced last July to up to two years of probation for his guilty plea to one felony charge of voting twice  in Benton, Arkansas and in Las Vegas  during the 2016 presidential election.

At least five other people have been convicted in Nevada since 2011 of registration fraud during voter recruitment, and one woman pleaded guilty to trying to vote twice in 2012.

When Hartle was charged, he became the only person currently being prosecuted on voter fraud allegations in Nevada.

Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, said in April that reviews of election fraud claims delivered to her office by the state GOP in March found that some cases were already under investigation but that most were baseless or inaccurately interpreted.

Hartle is an executive at Ahern Rentals, a company that hosted a re-election campaign event in September 2020 for then-President Donald Trump.

Company owner Donald Ahern also owns a Las Vegas hotel at which a national group espousing fringe QAnon conspiracy theories met in October for an event with speakers featured on Fox TV, News Max, The Victory Channel, One America Network and other sites favored by Trump.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Virginia Republicans are on track to win a majority in the House of Delegates, according to results certified by the state on Monday. But two races where Republicans are leading by razor-thin margins are eligible for recounts, leaving open a remote possibility of a 50-50 split in the chamber.

The certified results from the Nov. 2 election show Republicans leading in 52 districts and the Democrats leading in 48.

The Associated Press hasnt called the two races that are within the margins for recounts: District 91, where Republican A.C. Cordoza leads Democratic Del. Martha Mugler by 94 votes out of 27,388 votes counted; and District 85, where Republican Karen Greenhalgh leads Democratic Del. Alex Askew by 127 votes out of 28,413 votes counted. The margin in both races is under 0.5%, which allows losing candidates to request state-funded recounts.

House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn said Monday that recounts appear likely.

It looks like it's moving in the direction, that they are moving forward with the recounts, Filler-Corn said, although she added that the final decisions will be up to Askew and Mugler.

We are close enough that the state will pay for these. If they make that decision and head in that direction, we need to be patient, Filler-Corn said. We want to make sure every vote counts and that we go through the process.

Neither candidate has said yet whether they intend to seek recounts. Spokespersons for the candidates did not respond to text and voicemail messages left by The Associated Press on Monday. Kate Sarna, a spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus, declined to comment.

Under state law, once the state certifies the results, the losing candidates have 10 days to file petitions in court seeking recounts. Because the courts will be closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, the deadline is Nov. 29.

Department of Elections Commissioner Chris Piper told a Richmond civic group last week that recounts are unlikely to change the outcomes of the races because of the size of the margins.

We conducted a safe, secure and incredibly smooth election, Piper told the Board of Elections just before it voted 5-0 to certify the election results.

If Republicans hold onto districts 85 and 91, they will control the House, 52-48, and complete an elections sweep in which they also reclaimed the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. The state Senate has a slim 21-19 Democratic majority, with elections scheduled for 2023.

Democrats conceded control of the House to Republicans several days after the election, but tempered that concession after it became clear that the 85th and 91st districts appeared headed for recounts.

Republicans have repeatedly said they are confident the recount will not change the results of either race and that they will control the House when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

Recounts in Virginia are not automatic. Under state law, a candidate cannot request a recount until the results are officially certified by the State Board of Elections.

If Mugler and Askew file petitions, a recount court of three judges would oversee the recounts. It is unclear how long the process would take, but in 2017, when partisan control of the House came down to a pivotal Hampton Roads seat, the recount was not held until late December.

The Republican victories are seen in part as a backlash against a series of progressive reforms that the former Democratic majority pushed through over the past two years, making Virginia an outlier in the South. Those included repealing the death penalty, loosening abortion restrictions and legalizing marijuana.

Democrats held a 55-45 majority in the House heading into the election.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP)  The man who counts the dead sees them everywhere.

Theyre in the handwritten lists of names smuggled out of a region cut off from the world by war. Theyre in the images of people shot and tossed off a cliff, tortured and pushed into a river, left unburied for days. Theyre announced by grieving families in social media posts.

They are the first thing he sees in the morning when he checks his messages. They are the last thing he sees at night, when they enter his dreams.

He has been living with the dead for a year, since war erupted last November in Ethiopias Tigray region. Tigrayans, a minority of some 6 million, were encircled as a falling-out with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, turned deadly. It became an ethnic clash when Amhara fighters from a neighboring region allied with Ethiopias government poured in.

Many Tigrayans joined the fight. But the man who counts the dead is in Sweden and could not.

So he quickly decided what he could do to help. In his small, neat apartment at the end of a metro line in Stockholm, Desta Haileselassie would apply his computer science background and research skills to compiling a list of Tigrayan victims, name by name.

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This story was funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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It is slow, difficult work. Almost all communication with Tigray has been cut off, and foreign media is banned. Many in the diaspora have waited for months to know whether loved ones are alive, terrified to receive messages from home even as they yearn for news.

In the confused first days and weeks, Desta issued pleas on social media for help. He told anguished families that a list of the dead would be a memorial of a war Ethiopias government seemed determined to hide. He made dozens of phone calls, then hundreds more.

The work took over his life. He stopped hiking, swimming or going to the gym, and he sleeps poorly. The guitar and keyboard he once played sit in his Stockholm apartment, untouched.

He has collected handwritten testimonies and photographs that make him feel sick or bring him to tears. He tries to calm weeping family members from afar, never meeting them in person. Months of exhaustion have collected under his eyes.

There are days when I end up crying the whole evening, Desta says softly. A very, very hard job to do, but I have to do it .This is the least I can do to help my people.

Now, a year on, he has confirmed 3,080 names of the dead. The Associated Press has verified 30 of them chosen randomly, speaking with families and friends.

Victim Number 2,171 was Gebretsadkan Teklu Gebreyesus, shot dead by soldiers in the presence of his two young sons, the AP confirmed. Victim 1,599, Zeray Asfaw, was a bridegroom pulled from his wedding party and killed along with his best man, his friends and the father of the bride while the women screamed. Victim Number 2,915 was Amdekiros Aregawi Gebru, an ambulance driver gunned down while driving a woman in labor to a clinic, making it there before bleeding to death.

Desta has another 1,000 names hes still trying to verify.

Its very, very disturbing, Im very sorry, he says as he shows photos of corpses on the ground.

His list does not include ethnic Amhara, who are some of the wars latest victims after Tigray forces started moving toward Ethiopias capital.

The Amhara Association of America has its own list of the dead, starting with the killing of hundreds of Amhara in the Tigray community of Mai Kadra in the earliest days of the war. The list has reached 1,994.

The two ethnicities are separate even in death. The United Nations says that while war crimes may have been committed on all sides, the most atrocities have been reported against Tigrayans by Ethiopian soldiers and their Eritrean allies.

One thing all agree on, including experts: The lists represent just a fraction of the dead.

Desta is certain that every Tigrayan has lost someone, whether to fighting or to house-to-house massacres or to starvation under an Ethiopian government blockade. To emphasize the shattered connections, he often mentions when a victim is a parent, or is killed alongside one. The word mother appears 43 times.

His mother alone had to cry over her sons body all day long, one entry says.

Desta too has lost loved ones, 19 of them. The self-contained 36-year-old gently deflects questions, saying every victim on his list is like family.

But the thought of adding one name especially close to him is too much to bear. It brings him to tears when her name is mentioned. The single photo on display in the room where he works shows him embracing her as she smiles.

He calls her Amlishaway.

She is his mother.

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Victim Number 51: Haben Sahle

Destas list includes 102 children. The news of the death of a 15-year-old boy was among the first to reach him.

Haben Sahle was a top student in the border town of Zalambessa and an only son. When the war engulfed Tigray, connection with him was lost.

In faraway California, the boys uncle, Angesom, received the first word in a phone call weeks later, in December. It was a well-intended lie.

Relatives in neighboring Eritrea told Angesom that family members in Zalambessa were fine. But Angesom knew that in their culture, the death of a loved one usually wouldnt be shared over the phone.

A trio of Ethiopian Orthodox priests broke the terrible news in a surprise visit the following Sunday.

When priests come to your house without warning, somethings wrong, Angesom says.

The priests hadnt known the boy. They didnt know how he died. It took five more months for Angesom to reach his sister by phone for details.

She told him Ethiopian soldiers, and allied ones from Eritrea, were seeking out and killing men and teenage boys. Decades of rivalries and resentments over Tigray leaders long, often repressive hold on power had turned into slaughter.

As the soldiers approached their home, Haben Sahles mother said no one was there but her. But the soldiers fired at random and shot her son hidden inside.

As she recounted the killing, Angesom could finally begin to grieve.

For six horrible months, I didnt eat normal, sleep normal, work normal, he says.

The distance was made worse by fears that Ethiopian authorities were monitoring phone calls. You could only ask loved ones vaguely if they were OK and had food and water, Angesom says.

Now silence has descended again, and he hasnt reached his family in Tigray for the past four months. If he could speak with them again, he would tell them this: He will be their voice forever.

If this is not genocide, he says, there will be nothing that will be labeled as genocide.

With Angesoms confirmation of the teenagers death, Desta added him to his list. More than 90% of the names there are of men and boys, reflecting survivors accounts that they were often singled out for killing.

His work had barely begun.

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Victim Number 70: Sibhat Berhe Desta. Killed with other civilians by the Eritrean soldiers near Goda Bottle and Glass Share Company.

On Dec. 23, a phone connected.

It was Destas brother in the Tigray capital, and he was in tears. Nineteen of their family members had been killed.

They were cousins and uncles from their mothers birthplace. Desta knew some of them well. He had grown up with them, played with them as a child during visits to the village.

I have a strong attachment to that place, he says. He recalls Sibhat Berhe Desta as a very protective and generous uncle. Thats what I vividly remember about him.

His brother told him that on Dec. 2, Eritrean soldiers had forced their relatives to do manual labor while they stripped down a glass factory and carted the pieces away, part of widespread looting. Then the soldiers killed them.

Family members were forbidden to bury the bodies for 20 days, a grotesque practice widely reported in the war and meant as further insult to the dead.

I was shocked, but over time I got so emotional, Desta says. His voice wavers, then steadies.

He has not yet grieved. First, the fighting must end, he says.

Until then, as he counts the dead, he worries about his mother.

Shes a very brave woman, and shes my best friend, Desta says. He covers his face and cries. Shes always been there.

In December, he was excited yet terrified to see a social media message from a friend about his mother. It said that with no other way to communicate inside Tigray, she had walked more than 130 kilometers, or 80 miles, from her home to the regional capital, Mekele, to see whether relatives were still alive.

In her late 50s, she hiked through mountainous terrain, sometimes sleeping in caves, taking part in a perilous migration by many Tigrayans searching for loved ones in the chaos. Walking along roads patrolled by hostile forces meant almost certain death.

She could have been killed any second, Desta thought.

On Jan. 4, or 62 days after the war began, he finally reached his mother by phone. She confirmed that she had gone to Mekele on foot twice and kept both journeys a secret from him. She didnt want him to worry.

He was angry at her risk-taking, then relieved.

As they chatted, he decided not to mention his work counting the dead. She didnt need any more stress.

But as they slipped back into daily conversations, he hit record each time, and saved the digital files.

He feared each call might be their last.

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Victim Numbers 333 and 334: Meaza Goshu and Kalayou Berhe. Killed a few days after their wedding.

Victim Number 933: Mariamawit Alemayo, 6 years old. Killed from heavy artillery shelling in Shire by the Eritrean soldiers. She was the only child to her mom.

Victim Number 1,577: Aba Gebreselassie. He was an Orthodox Christian monk.

The death toll is one of the biggest unknowns of Ethiopias war.

Among the worlds most successful projects in counting the dead is The Kosovo Memory Book. It is a near-comprehensive, well-funded list of people killed in a war in a small geographic area that lasted for less than two years in the 1990s. But the Kosovo Memory Book is still updated even now.

Determining Ethiopias death toll will be considerably more difficult, says Michael Spagat, chair of the nonprofit Every Casualty Counts, which focuses on how to count the dead in conflict.

The group discovered Destas efforts as well as a parallel project by researchers centered at Ghent University in Belgium. Their lists are similar, Spagat says, but they capture a relatively small fraction of it all.

The Belgian researchers fear that, too.

If theyre killing 10 people per village, then its easily in the tens of thousands, says Tim Vanden Bempt, whose wife is Tigrayan. For months, he was tweeting a name from the list of dead every hour. That ended when a renewed government blockade on Tigray cut off the flow of information.

Spagat, an economics professor, calls the work ahead in Ethiopia challenging in the extreme. With communications links severed, its impossible to conduct even a standard sample survey of households to estimate the dead.

Its likely that Ethiopian authorities will never help, a stance he describes as common among governments in similar situations around the world.

In many cases, they have done the killing, he says. Theyd rather it stay as buried as possible.

The warring sides have claimed tens of thousands of deaths among fighters alone.

Spagats hopes are with the network of Ethiopian Orthodox priests in communities who traditionally are informed when residents die. But Tigrayan leaders in the church say scores of priests and other clergy members have been killed, too.

Despite the painstaking work to bring Ethiopias dead out of the shadows, Spagat puts the chances of reaching a final toll at possibly never.

The war has not just taken lives. In a nation that takes vast pride in its 3,000-year history, it has also ruptured Ethiopias culture of honoring the dead.

It is usually the responsibility of the elderly to announce the death of a loved one. Now many families are scattered, with members missing or unreachable. With Tigray cut off from the world, people often dont know whether to mourn.

When were mourning, were not even together, says a Tigrayan woman in the diaspora, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for loved ones still in Ethiopia. You cant even cry loudly because of whats going on.

___

Victim on the Amhara side: Mekonen Girma, a farmer

The victims on the Amhara list are arranged by community rather than by number. While Tigray forces say they are fighting to pressure Ethiopias government to end the blockade of their homeland, some Amhara have described house-to-house killings and other atrocities against civilians as revenge in communities like Chenna Teklehaymanot.

Once again, no one knows how many people have been killed. Tewodrose Tirfe, the chairman of the Amhara Association of America, is trying to find out.

The numbers are probably much higher. We just dont have the bandwidth to investigate every atrocity, he says. But knowing hes drawing attention to victims means he at least can feel at peace.

His team seeks out Amhara survivors like Zewditu Tikuye, who says her husband, farmer Mekonen Girma, was killed in the town of Kobo in July as Tigray forces swept in.

Zewditu fled her home as her husband stayed behind with their cattle. She heard about his death from people who buried him.

Someone told me he was killed in a very cruel way, she says. I wish I died with him.

She is bewildered because she says her husband had no interest in politics. Now she raises seven children alone.

I have no idea why this war is going on, she says. I dont even know if my relatives are still alive.

Amhara and Tigrayans had lived peacefully for many years and even intermarried, she says. But she is not sure they can coexist in the future.

The war has also split Ethiopias diaspora, estimated at more than 2 million people. Horrified Tigrayans distance themselves from Amhara friends who cheer advances by Ethiopian forces, and vice versa. Once-favorite Ethiopian restaurants, a taste of home, are now avoided.

Tewodrose had not known of Destas efforts to count the dead. He believes as many people as possible should document the horrors of the war.

But his group only counts Amhara. And Desta only counts Tigrayans.

I have to prioritize my people, Desta says.

A red-and-yellow Tigray flag is displayed on his computer rather than the Ethiopian one. He says he no longer feels Ethiopian and is ready to throw away his passport at any time.

___

Victim Number 3,081: Yet to come

Its impossible not to fear the worst.

Starvation is sweeping Tigray, and even basic medicines are running out under the blockade. The government has again bombarded the region with airstrikes. Residents say they kill civilians, including children.

Tigray forces, which one of Destas brothers has joined, are approaching the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopias government calls this an existential war.

Desta hasnt spoken with his mother since June 26. The phone no longer rings through in a new blackout. Every days attempt meets silence.

Their last conversation was a normal one, much like the chats many Tigrayans had until a year ago. Sometimes, to escape the dead, Desta tries to feel that sense of normalcy again.

Alone in his apartment, he turns to his dozens of recorded calls with his mother in Tigray.

He presses play.

____

Anna reported from Nairobi, Kenya.

___

Ethiopia coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/ethiopia-erasing-ethnicity
Jason DeCrow/AP

NEW YORK (AP)  Law professor Zephyr Teachout, who lost the 2018 Democratic primary for New York state attorney general to Letitia James, announced Monday that she will seek the nomination again next year.

My name is Zephyr Teachout, and I am running to be the next attorney general of the state of New York, Teachout said at a campaign launch in Brooklyn where she was joined by supporters including Democratic Assembly members Ron Kim and Emily Gallagher.
PETALUMA (BCN)

Authorities are hoping that a little space and some time will allow a bear to climb down a tree and leave a Petaluma neighborhood on its own.

As of noon Sunday, the bear was still high up in a tree in southwest Petaluma, according to the California Fish and Wildlife Service.

North Bay Animal Services and the state wildlife agency are hoping that the animal can leave safely on its own, said Ken Paglia, spokesman for the state fish and wildlife service.

"We don't want to hurt the bear by tranquilizing it and making it fall," Paglia said. Authorities have decided to back off and give it some space, he said.

Police warned the public about 2:30 a.m. after the bear was first sighted in the city, advising people to shelter indoors after the bear was seen in the area of 6th and I streets.

A few hours later, another advisory was issued in the 20 block of Raymond Heights, two blocks away from the first sighting, where the bear had clambered up a tall tree.

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Imagine a darkened stretch of highway. There arent many cars around, and no street lights to illuminate your path. You find your turn, pull through a set of foreboding metal gates, and inch your way down a winding driveway. You park in a dirt lot, lit only by a single generator-run spotlight, and walk towards the shadowy hills in front of you.

Then, in a moment, a dazzling display comes into view. Thousands upon thousands of softly glowing lights illuminate the night. At once, theyre all around you, stretching high above on the hillside and out into the distance. Youve found the Field of Light at Sensorio, the art installation by Bruce Munro in Paso Robles.

The art installation has been around for a couple of years and has probably popped up in your social media feed. The Los Angeles Times described Field of Light as an artsy superbloom, a fitting way to describe 58,000 colored LED lights planted across 15 hilly acres. The New York Times has it No. 6 on its 2020 list of 52 Places to Go, before the pandemic shut the attraction down for months at a time  twice  last year.

Chris Hardy, Courtesy of Sensorio

Ive now been twice: once when Sensorio opened in May 2019, and then again for this story. Both times I was totally arrested by how overwhelmingly impactful the place is  you cant see any of Sensorio Field of Light from Highway 46, and thats by design. That wow moment of the grand reveal is part of the experience, the rush of the attractions beauty hitting you all at once. You are in absolute darkness, and then you are in the most dazzling light.

I wasnt alone in that feeling on my return trip. Next to me, a mother pushing a double stroller stopped to take it in and was immediately met with tiny shouts of Mom, go, go, go! The kids were just too excited to get nearer to the scene. (While you cant walk among the lights, you can get close: there are paths around the perimeter and through the deep center of the valley.) A bit farther down the path, two parents were walking with their three small kids. Woooooooow, their tiny, awed voices chanted over and over. Woooooooow.

Same kids, same.

What I especially love about Sensorio is that it never looks the same twice. Im not talking about the experience changing from visit to visit; Im talking about moment to moment changes to the lights, which are perpetually morphing their colors. Look once, then turn to look at something else, and youll never recapture the view you first had. The combinations of hues among the lights in the field are just too varied.

Chris Hardy, Courtesy of Sensorio

This time, though, there was something I hadnt seen before. In addition to the Field of Light, there is now Light Towers, added earlier this year. This second attraction is a tribute to Pasos winemaking heritage: 17,000 wine bottles illuminated by LED lights inside, built into 69 six-foot towers. The bottles of each tower change colors in unison to a musical score, and unlike the flower-like LED lights, you can get as close as you want to them. It felt a little bit Close Encounters of the Third Kind to me, but mostly in the sense of wonder it inspired as I watched the lights change to the music.

If Im struggling to explain what a beautiful experience it was, its because at a certain point I stopped thinking in words while I was there, and just let the aesthetics of the event fill my senses. There are very few places Ive been where I experienced such a serene sense of meditative contemplation of the power of art.

CHRIS HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY/photo by Chris Hardy, Chris Hardy, Courtesy of Sensorio

Originally, Sensorio was supposed to run from May to December 2019, but the attraction proved so popular that its been extended several times since then, as crowds continue to pour in and press coverage comes in from around the world. The first extension announcement, the Los Angeles Times reported, was because Sensorio said the event captured an international audience, significantly exceeding all attendance expectations, with thousands of visitors arriving from around the globe.

The current plan is for Sensorio to run through Jan. 2. But there are rumors of big plans in the works  though artist Bruce Munro has not revealed details of what hes working on yet. There are also whispers of an event facility being designed, and the possibility of other artists being invited to add to the attraction, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reported.

Something tells me Field of Light isnt closing any time soon.
Sharon, PA (16146)

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Democrat Beto ORourke is running for governor of Texas, pursuing a blue breakthrough in Americas biggest red state after his star-making U.S. Senate campaign in 2018 put him closer than anyone else in decades.

O'Rourke's announcement Monday kicks off a third run for office in as many election cycles. He burst into the 2020 Democratic presidential primary as a party phenomenon but dropped out just eight months later as money and fanfare dried up.

It's not going to be easy. But it is possible," O'Rourke said in an interview with The Associated Press ahead of his announcement. I do believe, very strongly, from listening to people in this state that theyre very unhappy with the direction that (Gov.) Greg Abbott has taken Texas.

O'Rourke's return sets up one of 2022s highest-profile  and potentially most expensive  races for governor. Abbott, a Republican, is seeking a third term and has put Texas on the vanguard of hard-right policymaking in state capitals and emerged as a national figure. A challenge from O'Rourke, a media-savvy former congressman with a record of generating attention and cash, could tempt Democrats nationwide to pour millions of dollars into trying  again  to flip Texas.

Still, O'Rourke is coming back an underdog. Although the state's growing population of Latino, young and college-educated voters is good for Democrats, the party's spending blitz in the 2020 presidential election left them with nothing.

Texas has not elected a Democratic governor since Ann Richards in 1990. And freshly gerrymandered political maps, signed into law by Abbott in October, bolster Republicans' standing in booming suburban districts that have been drifting away from the party. That could mean fewer competitive races and lower turnout.

ORourke, 49, will have to win over not only hundreds of thousands of new voters but some of his old ones. When O'Rourke lost to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018 by just 2.5 percentage points, Abbott won reelection by double digits that same year, reflecting a large number of Texans who voted for O'Rourke and for the GOP governor.

That crossover appeal was a hallmark of a Senate campaign propelled by energetic rallies, ideological blurriness and unscripted livestreams on social media. But as a presidential candidate, ORourke molded himself into a liberal champion who called for slashing immigration enforcement and mandatory gun buybacks.

In one pronouncement heard far and wide in firearm-friendly Texas, O'Rourke declared: Hell, yes, were gonna take your AR-15."

Abbott has already begun working to make sure voters do not forget that and other stances O'Rourke took as a presidential candidate. As O'Rourke got in the race Monday, Abbott was on the U.S.-Mexico border, where a longtime Democrat in the statehouse announced he was switching parties and joining the GOP. Sharp inroads Republicans made with Hispanic voters along the border last year alarmed Democrats, and O'Rourke will spend the first days of his campaign this week trying to make a fast impression in South Texas.

They weren't just at odds with Texans. They were hostile to Texans, Abbott said of O'Rourke's positions during his White House run. He wants to go take your guns and deny your Second Amendment rights. We will not let that happen.

In the interview, O'Rourke signaled he'll try to reclaim the middle in his bid for governor. He blasted Abbott for a very extremist, divisive agenda that caters to the hard right.

Asked about gun control, he said he does not believe Texans want to see their families shot up with weapons that were designed for war." But he pivoted quickly to slamming Abbott abolishing background checks and training for concealed handgun permits, gun regulations that once had bipartisan support.

O'Rourke argued that the broad coalition of voters that powered his near-upset in 2018, which included Republican moderates, could be formed again.

What Im going to be focused on is listening to and bringing people together to do the big work before us," he said. And obviously that first big job is is winning this election. But the voters and the votes are there.

O'Rourke officially announced his candidacy in a two-minute video, in which he directly speaks to the camera and criticizes a GOP agenda that he says ignores things voters actually agree on," such as expanding Medicare and legalizing marijuana. Those in positions of public trust have stopped listening to, serving and paying attention to the people of Texas," he said.

ORourke isnt the only one in the race out to regain his footing in Texas.

For most of his six years in office, Abbott has had an aura of political invincibility. But his job approval rating has slipped during the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 70,000 Texans, combined with a deadly winter blackout and a legislative session that passed new barriers to voting and effectively banned most abortions in the state. Abbott also aggressively bucked the Biden administration's pandemic policies, angering some of Texas largest schools and employers by banning mask and vaccine mandates.

Despite the conservative policy victories, Abbott faces pressure from the right flank of his party. Two conservative firebrands, including former Florida congressman Allen West, have launched primary challenges. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Abbott but also has pressured him to audit the state's entire 2020 election results over false claims of fraud, even though he won Texas. Abbott has refused.

Still, the Texas governor enters the race with a $55 million campaign war chest, the biggest of any incumbent governor in the country.

Trump's was a narrow victory by Texas standards, 5.5 percentage points, a closer finish than his win in the storied battleground of Ohio. For deflated Democrats, it was proof that Texas is turning  albeit painfully slowly.

The party struggled for months to identify a challenger to Abbott, resulting in a Beto or bust plan reflecting the enduring skepticism even in their own ranks. No other Democrats have entered the race or have flirted with challenging Abbott.

Actor Matthew McConaughey, who lives in Austin, has teased a run for governor for months but has not said whether he would make one as a Republican or a Democrat.

Any shot for O'Rourke will require at least a touch of the magic of his Senate run against Cruz, when the onetime punk rocker from El Paso won over suburban moderates and road-tripped to the reddest of Texas' 254 counties. He said he will again show up in tough places for Democrats, who for decades have failed to translate torrid growth and demographic shifts in Texas to a path out of the political wilderness.

Supercharged Texas has boomed to nearly 30 million people over the last decade and has five of the nation's 12 largest cities. Texas' explosive growth is driven almost entirely by new Latino and Black residents, traditionally Democratic voters, and Democrats say those demographic shifts combined with fatigue over crises and GOP culture wars could drive Abbott out of office.

Republicans have mocked O'Rourke as overhyped since he dropped out of the presidential race. One of O'Rourke's first projects after ending his White House bid  leading a charge to flip the Texas House  failed to pick up a single additional seat for Democrats.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced legislation Monday to federally decriminalize marijuana, a measure she said would give states freer rein to pass their own laws and regulations without fear of federal reprisals.

The measure, which Mace said she hoped would garner broad GOP support, was met immediately with criticism from conservatives in her home state, some of whom vowed opposition to any effort toward legalization.

In announcing the bill during a Washington news conference on Monday, Mace said a half-dozen GOP House members would be original co-sponsors of the bill, which she said would aim to regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol and prohibit its use for anyone under 21 years of age.

The measure would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, an impediment cited in many states that have opted not to pursue legalization on their own. But it would not change local-level restrictions, meaning that states would still determine their own marijuana statutes.

It protects each states unique laws and reforms, Mace said. It takes into account at the federal level that every state is different.

American support for marijuana legalization has grown, underscoring a national shift as more states have embraced cannabis for medical or recreational use. According to a Gallup survey conducted earlier this year, more than two in three Americans supported legalizing marijuana, maintaining a record-high reached a year earlier.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states and four territories allow medical cannabis use, while 18 states, two territories and the District of Columbia allow non-medical, adult use.

But in South Carolina, where lawmakers have only passed one marijuana-related bill, allowing prescriptions for products with CBD  a hemp component that alone does not cause a high"  Mace swiftly drew criticism from some conservatives over her proposal.

Calling marijuana the number one gateway drug to the exploding opioid crisis that is ravaging our state, Dave Wilson, president of Palmetto Family, a conservative Christian lobbying organization, warned in a statement that efforts to decriminalize marijuana will make this crisis exponentially worse.

Winning back Mace's 1st District was among South Carolina Republicans top priorities in 2020, with GOP Chairman Drew McKissick appearing alongside Mace the day after she defeated U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham.

But on Monday, McKissick swiftly released a statement rebuking Maces bill, not referencing her by name but saying the state GOP opposed any effort to legalize, decriminalize the use of controlled substances, and that includes this bill.

In his own campaign for South Carolina governor, Cunningham has already introduced a marijuana legalization proposal of his own.

Mace's proposal did garner support from some groups, like South Carolina's arm of Americans for Prosperity, a political advocacy group funded by the Koch brothers, which lauded the effort as a step in the right direction for the leeway it would give states to determine the best policies for cannabis governance in their states.

The measure would tackle regulation of marijuana in three silos, giving the U.S. Department of Agriculture purview over growers, while the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives would oversee the cannabis industry. Medical marijuana would be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Mace said, adding that she would propose the drug be regulated similarly to alcohol.

It would also levy a 3% federal excise tax on all cannabis products, proceeds from which would go to small businesses, retraining law enforcement and mental health services, among other services. The measure would also expunge nonviolent, cannabis-only related offenses.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
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During an appearance on the 'Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware' podcast, Ratajkowski said: "This summer I had these, I don't know the name, but I think the translation is strangled priest. It's these little kind ofathey're dense but twisted, so good."

Los Angeles, Nov 15 (IANS) Actress and model Emily Ratajkowski has revealed the best pasta she has ever eaten was in Rome but she has forgotten the name of the restaurant.

Strozapreti is a type of twisted Italian pasta, which literally means priest strangler - 'strozza', meaning to choke or strangle and 'preti' meaning priest, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

She added: "It's going to be so embarrassing if I just made this up and I'm wrong."

Her other last meal requests included an unconventional side order of Vietnamese spring rolls with peanut sauce alongside the Italian main.

She said: "I'm going all over the place - I'm not saying that these things go well together."

Ratajkowski credits her love of food to her childhood holidays spent in Europe, as she would spend half the summer in Majorca and the other half of the summer in Ireland.

She added: "My parents as teachers always had the summers off, July and August. They decided to invest with some friends in these two properties.

"I would have to pack sweaters and coats for the second half of the trip and sun dresses for the first."

Ratajkowski said being thrown into both situations was great for learning not to be a fussy eater.

She said: "It was amazing for a kid learning not to be a picky eater as I was thrown into situations were in Ireland you eat meat and potato and veg and its delicious.

"In Majorca you've got the paella and a lot of seafood. I kind of learnt to love it as a young kid."

Ratajkowski is a big fan of Irish food despite others calling it simple.

She added: "It's funny because people always make jokes obviously about Irish food being so simple but I always say it's so delicious. Partly because down there everything is from local farms it's all so fresh."

--IANS

dc/ksk/
There are two trends among Indian Students. One is a Government Job and Another is an Engineering Job. To be specific, it is a software engineering job. However, there is also a set of students who are confused and want to decide between these two options. This confusion is also very popular among students who have got their sarkari result. Well, we have good news for them. In this article, we shall discuss a detailed comparison between Engineering Job and Government Job.

What is a Government Job in India?

The term "government" refers to the "Government of India" or a "State Government" that has a need for a specific sort of job vacancy. In other words, A government is a group of people who work together to lead a unit or community efficiently and successfully. Furthermore, The government sets and administers various policies.

Thus, there are various departments of governments. Also, the governments can be working at state level or at central level. So each government job is different. Thus, Government Job is a job which employees candidates after they qualify in the sarkari result of a competitive exam.

What is an Engineering Job?

Similar to Government Jobs in India, there are several domains in Engineering. To name a few, the most popular engineering jobs in India are -

Aerospace Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Civil Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Software / Hardware Engineers

Engineering Technician

Each engineer plays different roles as per their domain. For example, a software engineer creates and designs the software. On the other hand, A hardware engineer builds processors and other stuff. Students generally need not to get an excellent sarkari result to get the engineering job in private companies.They also work for the government in order to create edistrict websites or other apps and websites.

Reasons to choose Government Job

Job security is the primary reason why all Indians (especially those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) prefer to work for the government. The general perception is that if you work for the government, no one will be able to replace you. Job security is even more vital when the entire globe is suffering as a result of Covid19.

In the northern portion of India, even a grade 4 government job earns a person more social respect than a Project Manager in a major IT firm.

If you are hired for a government position, the government will cover all of your expenditures, including medical, travel, and phone costs. You will not need to be concerned about your retirement.

People can work in different domains such as online govt jobs working on edistrict portal.

Cons of Government Job

Promotions are not given on the basis of merit. Someone in a reserved category will advance in three years, but you will advance in five. They are really depressed as a result of this.

Your boss is unchangeable. For decades, people have been saddled with lousy employers.

In addition, the pay is not competitive. It makes no difference whether you have a prestigious engineering degree from IIT or a correspondence degree from IGNOU. If you passed the same graduate-level test, your compensation will most likely be the same.

Despite getting a good sarkari result, Employees who have worked for the government for ten years are often uninteresting, lethargic, overweight, and without any sense of fashion.

Conclusion

Jobs after sarkari results(Government Jobs) and Engineering Jobs have specific advantages and disadvantages. However, the best way is to get the blend of both these jobs. There are also engineering departments in the government sector. You can apply for them. You can also get technician jobs at government sites like edistrict.
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Luckily the traditional cold and wet June festival weather returned in November. In hot and steamy conditions, all this sex might have overheated the cinema airconditioning. Hidetoshi Nishijima, left, and Toko Miura in Drive My Car. Credit:Sydney Film Festival The more serious concerns of major international filmmakers naturally featured throughout the festival, including war crimes, refugee crises, oppressive regimes, injustice of all kinds, Indigenous issues, lost love, identity struggles and cinema itself. But just why there was so much sex is fascinating to consider: it could be the pandemic has encouraged filmmakers to think about it more, except that these films were largely written before COVID-19. Have quality dramas on streaming services pushed writers and directors to be more adventurous? Is it no longer taboo to show both male and female genitalia on screen? Or, as director Radu Jude suggests in Bad Luck Banging, is daily life now full of so many things that are more obscene than sex. A smaller festival program than usual to allow COVID-safe protocols included more films from Cannes, Venice and Toronto as well as first looks at Hollywood cinema releases, including Denis Villeneuves impressive first instalment of sci-fi blockbuster Dune.

Other stand-outs included The Rescue, Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chins gripping documentary about the Thai cave rescue in 2018, and Pedro Almodovars Parallel Mothers, with Penelope Cruz and Milena Smit as two women who bond in a maternity ward. In the festival competition, there was Danish director Jonas Poher Rasmussens inventive animated documentary Flee, about a gay Afghan refugee recalling the traumatic escape from his homeland, and Bosnian director Jasmila Zbanics Quo Vadis, Aida?, an intense drama about a UN translator trying to save her family during the Srebrenica massacre in 1995. Jonas Poher Rasmussens inventive animated documentary Flee. Credit:Sydney Film Festival The opening night attraction was Here Out West, a likable drama from eight emerging writers and five female directors that is a fresh take on contemporary western Sydney. There was also a warm reception for Leah Purcells fierce Indigenous western The Drovers Wife The Legend Of Molly Johnson . Sydney Film Festival On Demand continues until November 21.

Banned Iranian film-maker wins $60,000 competition Sydney Film Festivals competition for audacious, cutting-edge and courageous film has been won by banned Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulofs There Is No Evil, four short dramas about official executions in his country. Winner of the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize: Mohammad Rasoulofs There Is No Evil. Credit:Sydney Film Festival The winner of the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival last year, it was shot secretly after Rasoulof was threatened with a jail term and banned from filmmaking for spreading propaganda against the Islamic republic. He overcame the ban by submitting fake scripts for four short films under false names then posing as a crew member on set - with a pretend director - lest the authorities arrive. He also grew his beard and wore glasses to be less recognisable in public.

With the competition returning after missing last years digital-only festival, the awards were announced at the closing night gala before the Australian premiere of Wes Andersons The French Dispatch. Jury president David Michod described There Is No Evil as a moving, multi-angled exploration of a singular theme - the ways a culture can carry the burden of institutional cruelty. Winner of the Documentary Australia Foundation Award for best Australian documentary: Im Wanita. Credit:Sydney Film Festival Its a movie adventurous with form and genre, beautifully performed and realised with a deft touch for simple, elegant filmmaking craft, he said. In a strong field, equally worthy winners would have been Flee, Bad Luck Banging Or Loony Porn, Quo Vadis, Aida? or Drive My Car. It is the second Iranian film to win the award after Asghar Farhadis masterful A Separation in 2011.

Accepting the $60,000 Sydney Film Prize on video from Tehran, Rasoulof said he was happy there was something more than simple appreciation in the award. Something like being heard, being understood, he said. This is what keeps hope alive. The jury also gave a special mention to Ben Sharrocks Limbo, a deadpan comic drama about a young Syrian refugee on a remote Scottish island. Director Matthew Walker won the $10,000 Australian documentary competition for Im Wanita, which follows Tamworths damaged queen of honky tonk as she goes to Nashville to record an album. The jury called it observational documentary at its finest ... made with great empathy, respect and intimacy. It also highly recommended Jeff Daniels Television Event, about the 1983 nuclear attack telemovie The Day After, for showing that films really can change the world. In the Dendy Awards, the winner of the $7000 prize for best live-action Australian short was Sophie Somervilles Peeps, about the turbulent world of teenagers on a shopping trip.
High stakes have always been required for Succession to shine brightest, and with the future of the company on the line, this was a study of the Roy family at its very best (which is to say, worst). Having pushed himself to the outer this season, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) has looked to co-opt the controversy around Waystars cover-up of sexual assault cases and position himself as a saviour of sorts. Its an unconvincing act and the exact kind of cringeworthy move that Logan doesnt need on the day of this all-important shareholder meeting. Kendall, shouldnt you be on a rainbow soapbox screaming TimesUp? quips Sandy.

Meanwhile, slimy Roman does his best to play both sides against the middle. In one breath, he labels Logan, who has a UTI, the demented f---ing piss-mad king of England, before flipping sides to publicly back his fathers decision to withdraw from the deal. Loading Roman is most watchable when heaping scorn on the people below him (which includes everyone, really, besides his father) and as the company hangs in the balance he really hits his stride. Tomorrow, were all going to look for jobs at the same branch of Target, he jokes, and you suspect hes never set foot inside a Target. Succession is, at its core, more comedy than drama and Retired Janitors of Idaho is one of the funniest episodes so far  thanks to the two consistent fall men, cousin Greg and Tom.

Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) finds himself on piss duty, shadowing Logan (Brian Cox) to the bathroom each time nature calls. Logan screams out for help during one trip, forcing Tom to barge through the door and ask, Are you OK? You dont need me to hold the sceptre? It is Tom to a tee, unsure of what to do or say but willing to do or say anything to get back in the good books. Laugh or youll cry. Cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun) and Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) are often the dark punchlines of Succession. It seems Greg (Nicholas Braun) is also willing to do anything when he learns that his beloved grandpa Ewan (James Cromwell) intends to leave his entire inheritance to charity. Backed into a corner, Greg proves that he is a Roy after all.

I cant technically sue my grandpa, but I can sue Greenpeace, he explains to Tom. Youre going to sue Greenpeace? I like your style, Greg, replies Tom. Who are you going to go after next? Save the Children? Far from finished, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) is up to his old tricks. Ironically, Save the Children could have been an alternative title for this episode, such is the cruelty Logan shows toward his offspring. Despite Shivs (Sarah Snook) legwork trying to save the company, he tears her down instantly when she tries to propose a toast. Shiv, I am trying to talk to Gerri about something important; stop buzzing in my f---ing ear, rages Logan, reducing his adult daughter to nothing more than a teenage annoyance.

Loading Similarly, Logan can still exert power over Kendall, even from afar. The episode ends with Kendalls assistant telling the eldest Roy son his father would like a word. Without hesitation, Kendall trots off but is stood up, the made-up meeting nothing more than a flex. Kendall dials his fathers number, only for it to ring out. Block this number for me, permanently, huffs Logan to his assistant. When it comes to being the worst, he is still the absolute best. Succession season three is available to watch on Foxtel and Binge.
Israel Folaus mammoth legal fight against Rugby Australia for terminating his contract over his social media post which said homosexuals and other sinners would go to hell, appears to have given the 6ft 4 rugby union player a taste for the political.

Will Israel Folau join Clive Plalmers United Australia Party? Credit:Illustration: John Shakespeare

CBD has learnt that Folau has been considering a tilt at politics at the behest of billionaire Clive Palmer to stand on a ticket for Palmers United Australia Party for a Queensland Senate seat.

The UAP wouldnt confirm or deny if they had discussions with Folau.

So far, the only announced UAP candidate is Liberal Party rebel Craig Kelly. Nominations as a UAP candidate closed on Monday and the candidates will be announced next month.
Plans by the NSW government to ship toxic waste from the construction of the Northern Beaches Link to Newcastle have been thrown into disarray after both the local council and port indicated there was no agreement they would accept the material.

The Herald on Monday revealed the government was planning to barge 12,000 cubic metres of material containing heavy metals, and toxic chemicals from Sydneys Middle Harbour to a site in Newcastle as part of the slated Beaches Link project. Further analysis has also discovered it contains poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and dioxins.

Toxic waste from Sydneys Middle Harbour will be shipped to Newcastle under a government plan. Credit:Wolter Peeters

While Transport for NSW said the material would be transported to Newcastle for a month and trucked to another waste facility, both the City and Port of Newcastle said nothing had been agreed upon with the government.

A Port of Newcastle spokeswoman said the government had not received a green light to move the waste through the port during future construction of the project.
NSWs former Transport chief Rodd Staples was so concerned about the safety of the states rail network that he raised it in a special meeting with then premier Gladys Berejiklian, and three months later he was fired without cause.

Mr Staples has detailed the lengths he went to, to warn the states most senior figures about the major risks the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) posed to the long-term integrity of the rail network.

The government pushed ahead with the controversial $40 billion rail corporation despite Mr Staples concerns raised at his meeting with Ms Berejiklian in August last year as well as warnings outlined in multiple reports, including by consultancy giants PwC and KPMG.

Former Transport chief Rodd Staples appears before the inquiry on Monday. Credit:Edwina Pickles

Summoned to a parliamentary inquiry on Monday, Mr Staples said he was shocked to learn that he had been excluded from a key meeting about TAHE in September last year, which included Ms Berejiklian, then treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Treasury secretary Mike Pratt. Of course I would have expected to be at that meeting, he told the inquiry into TAHE.
A man accused of illegally crossing the border into Queensland, stealing several cars and dangerous driving has fronted a Brisbane court on 11 charges.

Callum James Hedlefs, 30, appeared in Brisbane Arrests Court via video-link on Monday morning.

Accused Queensland-NSW border runner Callum James Hedlefs. Credit:Facebook

Mr Hedlefs is charged with three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and one count each of bringing stolen goods into Queensland, failing to comply with COVID-19 directions, fraud, wilful damage, interfering with a fire apparatus, burglary, stealing and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

The allegations include that Mr Hedlefs drove a car he stole from Ballina in northern NSW across the border at Dalcouth, 165 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, on January 29 without a border pass.
We have made a formal offer to purchase the site, he said. Were waiting for the approval. Its progressing through.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on Tuesday told ABC Radio that council had made a formal offer to purchase the Montague Road site, where a glass factory sits.

A formal offer has been made by Brisbanes council to buy a West End factory to host a broadcasting centre for the 2032 Olympics.

The IOCs International Host Commissions report shows the 2032 International Broadcasting Centre on Montague Road at South Brisbane. Credit:IOC Host Commission Report.

Earlier this year, the site was flagged as the venue for the International Broadcast Centre, with an Olympics report saying the 57,000 square metre property would offer an attractive location within walking distance of five venues and would meet the needs of the IBC.

In July, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said it sent the wrong signal to discuss closing down industrial estates and putting workers out of jobs six days into a 4000-day project.

Cr Schrinner on Tuesday said the factory had another site in south-east Queensland to which it could be relocated.

Any arrangement that we would enter there would allow them to stay for a period of a number of years, so they can have their alternative facility being constructed. So, well be very reasonable with that, he said.
Queensland is ahead of schedule on its first major easing of border restrictions, leading to hopes the changes planned for December can be moved forward.

No new community cases of coronavirus were recorded in the state on Monday.

Queensland hit the target of 70 per cent of the population fully vaccinated on Sunday, triggering planned changes to the states hard border.

As at 5pm on Monday, people from coronavirus hotspots in Australia could apply to travel to Queensland as long as they were fully vaccinated and had a negative COVID test 72 hours before travel.
Andrew Cobby has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife Kym, whose body was found in the street 200 metres from her Gold Coast home.

Andrew Cobby was arrested the day after his wife was murdered in 2017. Credit:Nine News

Sentencing him to life in prison, Justice Peter Callaghan told Cobby, its just frightening that you could maintain a murderous intent at the time that it took to extinguish Kims life, even as she fought valiantly, it seems, to remove your hands from her throat.

Your crime was clearly premeditated and it was also sickening.

Sobs were heard during the sentencing from family and supporters as Cobby stood still as her was being sentenced.
The Victorian government has delayed plans for changes to bail and sentencing laws that would have cut the states prison population in an apparent attempt to avoid a law-and-order showdown with the Coalition before next years state election.

Senior government insiders have confirmed that proposals to rework Victorias controversial bail laws and the finalising of a review of the Sentencing Act have been postponed until after the 2022 poll.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes. Credit:Eddie Jim

However, the sources, who were not authorised to comment publicly, said the government planned to legislate changes to the police oversight and complaints system in 2022, four years after a parliamentary committee called for change.

The government is under growing pressure to wind back laws that have put hundreds of low-level offenders in prison on remand who would not otherwise be there. There has been a notable increase in female and First Nations prisoners in particular.
Theyre not just pieces of cloth  many items, big or small, in Museums Victorias clothing and textile collection have a story to them, even performer Bernice Kopples little red feather and lurex bra.

Ms Kopple was a showgirl, snake dancer and zookeeper. After she died in 2011, her friends donated to the museum photos, theatre programs and newspaper clippings from her full, creative life.

Museums Victoria clothing and textiles collection manager Hannah Perkins with Bernice Kopples costume bras and a chiffon skirt. Credit:Justin McManus

The friends mentioned that theyd just dropped her costumes at an op shop. They didnt think wed be interested, said the museums clothing and textiles collection manager, Hannah Perkins.

A quick-thinking museum curator asked the friends to retrieve the costumes, including the feather bra, which are now in the museums permanent collection.
Since 2000, 19 people have been killed in shark attacks off the WA coast.

November 6, 2021: Swimmer Paul Millachip is killed in a shark attack at Fremantles Port Beach. The attack is witnessed by a group of teenagers on a boat, but the 57-year-olds body is never found.

November 22, 2020: A swimmer was killed after he was bitten on the hand and thigh at Broome's Cable Beach. The man was pulled from the water and treated by paramedics, however he died from his injuries.

October 9, 2020: Surfer Andrew Sharpe, 40, went missing at popular surf break Kelp Beds at Wylie Beach in Esperance, with authorities of the belief he was taken by a shark after widespread reports of a sighting at the beach and the recovery of his surfboard.

January 5, 2020: Experienced local diver Gary Johnson, 57, was scuba diving off Cull Island, about seven kilometres offshore from Esperance, with his wife Karen Milligan, when he was attacked by a great white shark.
The Glasgow climate summit ended at the weekend with a deal that targeted fossil fuels for the first time.

But many member states and observers were disappointed after a last-minute intervention from India meant a planned call for member states to phase out coal use was diluted to read phase down coal.

In the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the agreement keeps the target of limiting global warming to 1.5-degrees ambition alive, but on life support.

Despite the setbacks, there were gains, including a global pledge to cut and reverse deforestation by 2030.
Sydneysiders already pay more than their fair share of road tolls. They support 12 of Australias 21 tolled roads and put more than $1.5 billion a year into the pockets of private toll road operators.

Now the government is contemplating slugging motorists more  imposing tolls on both directions across the Harbour Bridge and tunnel. The proposal is outlined in transport documents for the Northern Beaches Link.

Transport Minister Rob Stokes has not ruled out privatising the bridge and tunnel crossings, two of the last publicly owned toll roads in Sydney. A final decision is expected next year, with the 30-year Sydney Harbour Tunnel toll due to expire on August 31, 2022.

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Depending on the time of day, weekday tolls on southbound trips on the Harbour Bridge and tunnel range from $2.50 to $4, with no charges for northbound trips.
Republic Bank Limited would like to advise all members of the public that there have been fraudulent WhatsApp messages in circulation which include the unauthorized use of our logo and website.

These messages appear to be a Republic Bank promotion and when the links are accessed, users are re-directed to a separate website to answer and provide personal details and qualify for a chance to win a cash prize.

Republic Bank Limited urges persons to refrain from clicking on any links, replying to messages, or downloading any items surrounding this scam. Even if the link looks legitimate, we can confirm that it is a phishing link, said Sherwin Forte, Manager Corporate Security. He adds that customers and the general public should always go to a companys website and social media pages to verify and authenticate any such cash promotions. These scammers are creating fictitious websites, deceiving customers, and stealing their banking information. We would like to remind customers that the Bank and other reputable companies would never ask for sensitive and confidential information using this channel

For persons who clicked on the link, do not answer any of the questions and if details have already been submitted, scan your phone for any malware using the following steps:

For Android devices:

1. Go to the Google Play Store app.

2. Tap the menu button.

3. Next, tap on Play Protect.

4. Tap the scan button to force your Android device to check for malware.

5. If you see any harmful apps on your device, you will receive an option to remove it.

For iOS devices:

Due to security restrictions on iOS devices, it is impossible for any app to scan the system or other apps for malware. However, it is recommended to restart the phone.

Customers are also advised that they should report the contact to WhatsApp when the message is received.
THE HAGUE:--- The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary hosted a day of commemorations comprising of two parts. In the afternoon, Minister Violenus hosted a luncheon for Seniors of Sint Maarten descent. During the lunch, memories of Sint Maarten of olden days were shared and the seniors and staff were offered the opportunity to extend their well wishes to family and friends on Sint Maarten.

The evening activity in the form of a reception centered around this years theme Standing Triumphant, even in the face of adversity.

Ambassadors and representatives of befriended countries, members of the Second Chamber along with representatives of the various Sint Maarten organizations in the Netherlands were in attendance.

The representative of the French Embassy, Colonel Christian Bachmann, spoke of the relationship between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin over the decades and the joint corporation in moments of adversity during his congratulatory remarks.

Henk Brons, Director-General of the Ministry of Kingdom affairs, in his congratulatory remarks spoke of the relationship with Sint Maarten within the Kingdom. He expressed the hope that this relationship, even though strained at times, would mature into a stronger bond for the sake of both countries and its people.

Minister Violenus began his address with the following quote by Lucia Marinac,

If we only walk on days when there is sunshine then we will never reach the destination.

Minister Violenus in his address went on to share the following.

It is with great pride and reverence that I address you on this momentous occasion which is the commemoration and celebration of our 62nd of our National Day of Saint Martin.

The theme for this years celebration, We Stand Triumphant, (even) in the Face of Adversity, is a reminder that, now more than ever, we must remember the challenges and setbacks we as a small island have overcome, particularly in the recent past. It is also important for us to recognize that this resilience is a model that is in keeping with Caribbean traditions even prior to European contact. Since the first peoples set foot on our archipelago ours has been a history of adaptation and overcoming.

Speaking specifically about our island, from the indigenous peoples, who rightfully named her SOUALIGA meaning Land of Salt and OUALICHI meaning Land of Strong Women, to those enslaved persons who were brought over from Africa, to us the current generation (still) weathering the storms, both physical and mental both literally and figuratively, we have all had to face (the) adversities and uncertainties, that came, come and are yet to come with living in our region.

Through our encounters and experiences with adversity, primarily hurricanes, droughts, and flooding we the people of Sint Maarten have always found the strength to rise once more. Our resilience has been tested, time and time again, through natural disasters, economic hardships, personal setbacks and many other forms of difficulty. Every setback has tested our resolve, yet today we still stand in triumph in the face of calamity. This is part of our DNA, a core part of who we are. As a people we have learned to work interdependently to contract/process whatever comes our way and not be defeated. We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, whose legacies have instilled in us a mentality of pushing through and never giving up in defeat. (Semper Pro Gradiens)

Even now, in the aftermath of hurricane Irma and as we confront the impacts of this global pandemic, difficult choices had to be made to ensure the survival of our country and her people. We have again had to use the knowledge weve amassed across centuries to surmount the trials and move forward. Adversity stills knock at our door, but we remain positive and find ways to cope.

We even today as the celebrations take place across our island (we) see the ways in which art, folklore, sports, music, food, and spoken word reinforce our collective sense of self and community and celebrate our collective will to carry on. Here, as we gather in The Hague, we mimic this same spirit of community and recognize the importance of the arts in sustaining our desires to triumph in the face of any challenges which may come our way.

Considering this, today, the results of our resilience and our triumphs are visible on many levels. We have examples of overcoming and succeeding right here in our midst this evening. These persons exemplify the true St. Maarten spirit and are making their mark in their areas of expertise. For that we are more than thankful and proud.

St. Maarten is home to over 121 different nationalities all living peacefully together. All putting their hands to the plow to move our island forward. If this is not a symbol of Triumphing in the face of adversity, then what is. We live communally, we share in our triumphs and in our grief bearing each others hardships and celebrate our wins together. I dare to say that each nationality represented here today form part of our unique St. Martin make-up. For that we are thankful.

We are also thankful for those of you present here with us in the Hague today and are happy for your acceptance of our invitation to celebrate with us.

To the previous speakers, I say thank you for your well wishes and cooperation over the years. We are grateful and honored with your presence. At this moment I am honored to make a toast, together with you, to our island Sint Maarten as we celebrate 62 years of STANDING IN TRIUMPH, even in the face of adversity.

A Thomas Paine quote that comes to mind states The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the person that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow.

During the reception, four Sint Maarteners were recognized for their outstanding contributions. In the field of Sports, Denzel Richardson and Dudley Leonora, in the field of research Ms. Lysanne Charles was recognized and Lisandro Suriel in the field of digital arts and photography.

Mr. Suriels work was showcased during the event, whereby the pieces on display were a clear representation of ancestors in their natural state and grace. Musical accompaniment during the evening was by Mr. Quincy Adolphin.
Trying to Grab Smoke  When an American founder of an illegal adults-only site is killed in Prague, the team is tasked to locate his co-founder, who is still on the run in the Czech Republic. Also, Kellett struggles to maintain a relationship with her mother due to the complications of working so far from home, on the CBS Original series FBI: INTERNATIONAL, Tuesday, Nov. 16 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Understandably, people are skeptical of the emergence of descriptive domain extensions, from .travel to .live. After more than two decades of navigating an internet dominated by .com and .net top-level domains (TLDs), there have been mixed reactions to disruptions to this familiar landscape, but the fear and skepticism arent based on facts. They tend to stem instead from a few common misconceptions.

Despite more and more global brands and organizations choosing descriptive domains for their websites, landing pages, products, marketing campaigns and more, there are still a few lingering misconceptions about descriptive domains that have discouraged businesses from using them. Here are three we frequently encounter:

Misconception 1: Websites with descriptive domains arent as secure or trusted as websites with .com or .net domains. People are increasingly aware of the threats of phishing attacks, with 76% of businesses falling victim to such attacks in 2019. Based on the length and specific characters in your domain name, there could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few million homographic variations of your domain available for fraudulent use in phishing schemes. But thanks to new, built-in homographic blocking technology offered by some registries, purchasing a newly minted TLD can actually keep your business safer than opting for a legacy extension. Misconception 2: Customers may be confused by descriptive domains. According to another misconception, people who arent tech-savvy dont understand descriptive domains  and will automatically add a .com to the end of a URL that contains one. But these days, most people navigate to websites by typing keywords (like Google Maps) into a search engine  not remembering and spelling out an entire URL (like www.maps.google.com) in their browser. While its true that descriptive domains are fairly new and it will take time for everyone to become accustomed to them, it's unlikely that theyll lead people to the wrong website. Misconception 3: Domains with new extensions are bad for SEO. Contrary to outdated false statements, descriptive domains dont damage your websites SEO or search engine results page citation. In fact, Google says that all TLDs are equal in the eyes of search engines, making this claim 100% baseless. With more availability on new extensions, a keyword-rich descriptive domain that has not been compromised with prefixes, hyphens or misspellings, can have more SEO impact than its .com counterpart.

Related: The Benefits of Using Multiple Domains for Your Business

Why people are resistant to descriptive domains

If these claims arent true, how are they so widespread? Throughout history, humans have always been slow to adopt new technologies.

It takes time for new ways of doing things to grow, and for the status quo to change.

Ecommerce, for instance, was introduced about 40 years ago in its earliest form but it wasn't until more recently that it became a large representation of shopping behavior. In 2020 alone, over two billion people purchased goods or services online, and during the same year, e-retail sales surpassed 4.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.

However, businesses are pivoting to new domain extensions. A report published by NetNames found that 92% of large companies surveyed in the U.S., Britain, France and Germany have already or plan on investing in descriptive keyword domain names with extensions like .studio or .life, over the next three years. The tide is turning as business owners and entrepreneurs are becoming familiar with the many benefits descriptive domains offer. It wont be long until these domain extensions become ubiquitous.

Related: Should Your Business Try Domain Hacking?

Embrace the descriptive domain change

Descriptive domains are an increasingly popular choice for businesses looking to establish an authentic digital identity. In a crowded market, theyre a highly impactful differentiator, standing out from competitors using antiquated traditional domain names.

Rather than settle for your second- or third-choice domain, you can still choose from several descriptive domains that are relevant to both your brand and business, just like voila.coffee or cove.cleaning. Where there was once a scarcity of domain options, theres now abundance.

Just as the skeptics came around to the utility of cellphones and electric cars, theyre warming up to descriptive domains  and joining the thousands of business owners who are already using them to strengthen their brand. A number of trailblazers, from Fortune 500 companies to nascent startups, have already taken the first step in adopting new domain extensions. But, as with any technological innovation, the opportunity to get in on the ground floor wont last forever. In time, youll be thankful you seized yours when you did.

Related: How to Negotiate the Price of a Pricey Premium Domain

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Noted conspiracy theorist Alex Jones near three-year legal battle with eight families of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting reached a resolution Monday when a Connecticut superior court judge declared the families victorious by default.

Judge Barbara Bellis said Jones was in default related to pre-trial procedure. She has yet to decide on the damages that he owes the families and an FBI agent who brought the defamation suit hinging on comments Jones made on his popular Infowars platform that questioned whether the shooting ever happened.

The case, which has been fraught with charged statements both inside and outside court, has led to sanctions over child porn allegations, drawn in well-known names and challenged the limits of free speech.

Here are five key moments in case:

Sandy Hook families file defamation suit against Jones

The families first filed the suit against Jones in December 2018, seeking millions of dollars in damages against the Texas-based radio host and conspiracy theorist.

The suit focused on statements Jones made through his program, Infowars, alleging he was one of the strongest voices spreading untruths about the shooting that killed 26 children in 2012.

Alex Jones does not in fact believe the Sandy Hook Shooting was a hoax  and he never has, the lawsuit read.

Instead, the families lawyers argued, Jones has deliberately employed those false narratives about the Sandy Hook shooting, the victims, and their families as part of marketing scheme that has brought him and his business entities tens of millions of dollars a year.

Judge sanctions Jones for claiming families tried to frame him with child porn

Bellis sanctioned Jones in June 2019 for claiming publicly that the Sandy Hook families suing him for defamation tried to frame him with child pornography.

An attorney for the families, William Bloss, said the FBI determined that Jones received the child pornography in emails. which he then inadvertently included in the material he forwarded to them.

Jones made comments about the child pornography on a video posted to his website that included his attorney, Norm Pattis, specifically saying Chris Mattei, an attorney for the families, tried to frame him.

Bloss told the judge he believed this was a threat against Mattei.

Bellis denied to rule Jones was in default at the time, as was requested by the attorneys for the Sandy Hook families.

Jones, families square off in CT Supreme Court

The justices of the Connecticut Supreme Court heard arguments from Jones attorney that his comments regarding Mattei, the families attorney, were not a clear and present danger.

Pattis told the justices: Mr. Jones is unpopular and he says things that I often disagree with. I would rather have him at my side in almost any circumstance than an officious instrumental(ist) thats going to tell me that I am notoriously bad because I dont like what you say.

The justices eventually sided with the lower court judge that sanctioned Jones.

[T]he sanctions did not run afoul of the First Amendment because they addressed speech that was an imminent and likely threat to the administration of justice, the Supreme Court said in its ruling.

Jones says shooting happens in filing that compares him to investigative journalists

In a motion to the court, Jones admits that he does believe the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened, in turn comparing himself to investigative journalists pursuing a lead.

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein relied on allegations from Deep Throat to link the Nixon administration to the Watergate break-in, Jones attorney Jay Wolman wrote in the motion. Such journalism, questioning official narratives, would be chilled if reporters were subject to liability if they turned out to be wrong.

Jones was using this to argue the case should be dismissed, however it was allowed to proceed.

Jones seeks to question Hillary Clinton in defense of suit

Jones attorney sought to question the former secretary of state in connection with the defamation suit, arguing that the legal battle was part of a vendettadirected in whole or in part by Hillary Clinton.

The families attorneys argued that the request to depose Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, was illogical and groundless.

Bellis, the judge hearing the matter, denied Jones legal teams request in a one-word order.

Judge promises to sanction Jones again after confidential information released

One of the final legal twists in the three-year case came in October when Bellis promised to sanction Jones again after confidential information appeared in a filing from his lawyers.

I do intend to impose sanctions, Bellis said after questioning his for using confidential testimony given in a deposition as the basis to subpoena Hillary Clinton.

Bellis called the behavior unconscionable. The testimony in question came from a family member of a Sandy Hook shooting victim. Bellis voiced concerns about a chilling effect it would have on the other witnesses.

She did not say at the time what sanctions should would impose but made clear her intentions to address them in a November hearing. In that hearing, she in turn ruled Jones in default.
NEW YORK (AP)  After disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide behind bars, a judge invited his accusers to court to vent their anger at a man they called a coward for taking his own life to escape accountability for sexually abusing them.

The coming weeks will still see, in a way, Epstein prosecuted by proxy: his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, will stand trial in Manhattan federal court. Some of his accusers, identified in court by pseudonyms or first names, will get a chance to play a key role as government witnesses.

Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges she groomed underage victims to have unwanted sex with Epstein. She has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

I have not committed any crime, the jailed Maxwell blurted out at a recent pretrial conference. She was made to wear shackles coming and going from the courtroom, accentuating the severity of the allegations  although the restraints were gone at a hearing last week.

The questioning of jurors by Judge Alison J. Nathan begins Tuesday as a pool of over 600 potential jurors is whittled down to 12  and six alternates  just before opening statements start Nov. 29 in Maxwell's highly anticipated trial.

Epstein, who died at 66, was arrested on multiple sex trafficking charges in New York in 2019. His lawyers contended the charges violated a 2008 non-prosecution deal with federal prosecutors in Miami that secretly ended a federal sex abuse probe involving at least 40 teenage girls. After pleading guilty to state charges in Florida instead, he spent 13 months in jail and paid settlements to victims.

The New York case took a shocking turn when Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial two years ago.

After his death, prosecutors turned their sights on Maxwell. The wealthy, Oxford-educated British socialite was the daughter of British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, who died in 1991 after falling off his yacht  named the Lady Ghislaine  near the Canary Islands while facing allegations he'd illegally looted his businesses' pension funds.

Behind the scenes of a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors say, Maxwell seized the role of satisfying Epstein's proclivity for luring young victims into sexualized massages." They plan to show jurors a picture of Maxwell and Epstein swimming nude together to illustrate their close relationship.

The trials drama will revolve around testimony from four women who say they and others were victimized as teens from 1994 to 2004 at Epsteins estate in Palm Beach, Florida, his posh Manhattan townhouse and at other residences in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and London.

Prosecutors say theres evidence Maxwell knew that the victims, including a 14-year-old, were below the age of consent and arranged travel for some between Epsteins homes. Defense lawyers are still trying to reduce or eliminate the testimony of one of the four because she was 17 at the time in a jurisdiction where that wasnt legally underage.

And prosecutors this past weekend asked the judge to let them reveal to the jury statements Epstein made to an employee about Maxwell's involvement with procuring underage girls.

The indictment said Maxwell would try to normalize sexual abuse for a minor victim by, among other things, discussing sexual topics, undressing in front of the victim, being present when a minor victim was undressed, and/or being present for sex acts involving the minor victim and Epstein.

The Epstein and Maxwell cases have fueled a cottage industry of podcasts and documentaries, like Netflix's Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich," as well as conspiracy theories and conjecture.

Reports that investigators seized Maxwells address books have sparked speculation that the trial could explore Epsteins connections to Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and former O.J. Simpson lawyer Alan Dershowitz. But the judge has made clear there will be no name-dropping at trial, saying only certain pages of an address book  showing a section naming the alleged victims under the heading massage  will come into evidence.

And she blocked prosecutors' attempt to introduce emails they said would show Maxwell tried select women for other men, saying she was using her access to women as a form of social currency with other influential men with whom she sought to ingratiate herself.

Epsteins name, however, is expected to come up frequently, and Maxwell's lawyers have complained that Maxwell has already suffered from the negative publicity surrounding him. A questionnaire used to screen potential jurors inquired whether they had ever posted anything or an opinion about Maxwell or Epstein on social media.

The defense has signaled it wants to portray Maxwell as a victim of sorts.

Jeffrey Epstein was a brilliant man who was flawed by enduring personality traits familiar to psychiatrists, her lawyers said in a recent court filing. Like many people who achieve great power and wealth, Jeffery Epstein exploited the Halo effect to surround himself with people who would serve his needs.

Nathan has four times rejected Maxwell's bail requests, noting the ease with which the holder of U.S., French and British citizenships could use wealth and global connections to flee.

The judge also questioned Maxwell's integrity, saying that she told authorities after her July 2020 arrest that she possessed around $3.5 million in assets, when she later admitted controlling $22.5 million with her husband.

In a letter to Nathan last week, defense lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said her client is eager for her day in court.

Maxwell "looks forward to her trial and to walking out of the courthouse uncuffed and unshackled following her acquittal, wrote the lawyer who has repeatedly complained about Maxwell's jail conditions, contending Maxwell's been punished for Epstein's suicide by guards who shine a light into her cell every 15 minutes and treat her harshly.

At a hearing last year where Maxwell was denied bail, some Epstein accusers made clear they believe she was equally culpable.

One called Maxwell a sexual predator who groomed and abused me and countless other children and young women. In a statement read aloud by a prosecutor, another said, Without Ghislaine, Jeffrey could not have done what he did.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's modern gun deer season has opened.

The season opened statewide on Nov. 13 and continues through Nov. 28, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said in a statement.

Deer hunters contribute about $550 million in economic benefit annually, with about 300,000 residents participating, officials said. Revenue from hunting also supports natural resource conservation, the statement said.

Kentuckys 16-day modern gun season is designed to coincide with the peak of fall breeding when deer are most active.

Hunters in five western Kentucky counties Calloway, Marshall, Graves, Fulton and Hickman  must use check stations because chronic wasting disease was recently confirmed near the state border.

Deer hunting began with archery season on Sept. 4. Bowhunters can hunt through Jan. 17.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth.

In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities, United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.

But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit).

The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now its about time to declare it dead, Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an email Sunday.

A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limit  and with it, some hope. But barely.

The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United States-China deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air.

The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord. United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees.

The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14% since 2010, Espinosa said.

German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference got work done, but did not make enough progress."

"Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity, said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on.

Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, according to scientists who run computer simulations.

Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming ... for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming," Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an email. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief.

MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didnt match leaders optimism.

There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 (degrees) if coal is not phased out ... and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas, he said.

On Saturday, India got a last-minute change to the pact: Instead of the phase out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be phased down. Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming.

Lessening will do less to slow the harmful effects of climate change than eliminating, former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, an environmental researcher at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission-cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming.

The 1.5 figure is balanced on a knife edge, said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia.

One paragraph in the pact  which calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals arent in line with 1.5- or 2- degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next year  gives hope, Hare said.

But U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesnt apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the U.S. goal is so strong.

Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigans environment school said the pact provided watered down hope. ... We got an incomplete plan for slower action.

I went into the (conference) thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the worlds leaders just didnt have the backbone for that, Overpeck said in an email.

Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the U.S. national climate assessment. But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely.

But some scientists held out hope.

For the first time, I can really see a potential path forward to limiting warming to 1.5C, Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann said in an email. But it will require both (a) countries making good on their current pledges and (b) further ratcheting up their current commitments.

Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact and Research in Germany highlighted the optimistic scenario he and a few others see if all the countries that have promised net-zero emissions by mid-century actually achieve the goal  something most havent started concrete action on.

In that case, warming could be limited to 1.8 degrees or 1.9 degrees, Rockstrom said.

That is a significant progress, but far from sufficient, he said.

___

Follow APs climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate

___

Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears

___

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 November 14, 2021. It was updated on November 15, 2021 to correct former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalatis current role.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Senior U.S. and South Korean diplomats discussed how to restart stalled talks with North Korea on Thursday, days after the North conducted artillery firing drills in its latest weapons tests.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink was in Seoul for talks on security issues including North Korea, economic cooperation and other matters.
Terry Mattingly leads GetReligion.org and lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He is a senior fellow at the Overby Center at the University of Mississippi.


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Ashtabula, OH (44004)

Today

Overcast skies and windy. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 31F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Published: 15 November 2021

Turnover in trade grew by 7.9 per cent in September

According to Statistics Finland, turnover in total trade adjusted for working days increased in September by 7.9 per cent from September 2020. Over the same period, the working day adjusted volume of sales in total trade, from which the impact of price changes has been eliminated, increased by 0.3 per cent. Turnover increased in all industries of trade.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G), %

Department store trade showed good growth in September

In retail trade, working day adjusted turnover increased in September in total by 4.5 per cent and sales volume by 2.7 per cent from last years September. Among retail trade industries, department store trade grew most, as turnover went up by as much as 8.4 per cent and sales volume by 7.7 per cent. Turnover in daily consumer goods trade rose by 2.2 per cent while sales volume fell by 0.3 per cent. Turnover in specialised store trade grew by 5.2 per cent and sales volume by 3.0 per cent from the year before.

Turnover in the trade industry with the biggest turnover, wholesale trade, grew in September by 10.3 per cent but sales volume decreased by 1.8 per cent year-on-year. The more favourable development in turnover than in sales volume in wholesale trade is explained by higher prices especially of processed petroleum products.

In September, turnover in motor vehicle trade increased by 5.7 per cent and sales volume by 2.8 per cent from one year back.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover and sales volume in industries of trade, September 2021, % (TOL 2008)

Seasonally adjusted turnover grew compared to August

Seasonally adjusted turnover in total trade grew by 0.4 per cent in September compared to August. Seasonally adjusted sales volume went down by 0.3 per cent over the same period. In August, turnover grew by 0.1 per cent while sales volume went down by 0.5 per cent compared to the month before.

Change in seasonally adjusted turnover and sales volume in total trade (G) from the previous month, %

Trend of turnover and sales volume in total trade

The calculation of indices of turnover of trade is based on the Tax Administrations data on self-assessed taxes, which are supplemented with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The volume index of sales is calculated by removing the effect of price changes from the value index series.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and they may become significantly revised particularly on more detailed industry levels in coming months.

Source: Turnover of trade, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Lauri Pullinen 029 551 3043, Mauri Niiniaho 029 551 3409, kauppa.suhdanne@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (286.8 kB)

Updated 15.11.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Turnover of trade [e-publication].

ISSN=1799-0939. September 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 22.11.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/klv/2021/09/klv_2021_09_2021-11-15_tie_002_en.html
Published: 15 November 2021

Turnover in industry grew by 19.4 per cent in September

According to Statistics Finland, working day adjusted turnover in industry (TOL BCD) increased in September by 19.4 per cent year-on-year. Turnover grew in almost all main industries. The development was partly due to the exceptional situation caused by the coronavirus one year earlier. Among the main industries, turnover grew most in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, up by 46.1 per cent, and in the chemical industry, up by 34.7 per cent from one year back. Seasonally adjusted turnover in industry (TOL BCD) grew by 0.2 per cent in September compared with August.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover in manufacturing (BCD), % (TOL 2008)

Working day adjusted turnover in the forest industry grew by 26.5 per cent year-on-year in September. Turnover in mining and quarrying was 15.7 per cent higher and turnover in the metal industry 11.0 per cent higher than one year earlier. In the food industry, turnover grew by 2.8 per cent. Turnover decreased in two main industries: in the electrical and electronics industry by 4.5 per cent and in the textile, clothing and leather industry by 4.0 per cent from one year ago.

Annual change in working day adjusted turnover in manufacturing by industry, September 2021, % (TOL 2008)

Export turnover grew in September in nearly all main industries

In September, export turnover grew most in the chemical industry, by 36.3 per cent, and in the forest industry, by 25.4 per cent from one year earlier. In mining and quarrying, export turnover increased by 20.6 per cent. In the metal industry, the growth amounted to 8.3 per cent and in the food industry to 3.9 per cent. Export turnover decreased in the electrical and electronics industry, by 7.7 per cent, and in the textile, clothing and leather industry, by 5.4 per cent.

Annual change in working day adjusted export turnover and domestic turnover in manufacturing by industry, September 2021, % (TOL 2008)

Domestic turnover in the chemical industry increased most among the main industries, by 31.4 per cent year-on-year. The forest industry went up 28.3 per cent. Domestic turnover in the metal industry grew by 16.3 per cent and in the electrical and electronics industry by 14.9 per cent. Domestic turnover in mining and quarrying was 7.3 per cent higher than one year earlier. Domestic turnover grew by 2.7 per cent in the food industry and domestic turnover decreased equally much in the electrical and electronics industry.

Trend series of turnover, export turnover and domestic turnover in manufacturing (BC), 1/2007 to 9/2021, % (TOL 2008)

The index of turnover in industry describes enterprises whose main industry is manufacturing. The calculation of the indices is based on the Tax Administrations self-assessed tax data which are supplemented with data obtained with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnovers of manufacturing enterprises can vary considerably, especially in the metal industries. The variation is mainly due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major machinery deliveries and projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the delivery had required the work of several months or years.

The factors caused by the variation in the number of weekdays are taken into account in adjustment for working days. This means taking into consideration the lengths of months, different weekdays and holidays. In addition, seasonal variation is eliminated from seasonally adjusted series, on account of which it makes sense to compare observations of two successive months as well.

The data for the latest month are preliminary and are released at a delay of around six weeks. The data may become significantly revised particularly on more detailed industry levels in coming months. Revisions to the data may be particularly significant on the more accurate industry levels of export turnover and domestic turnover.

Source: Index of turnover in industry 2021, September, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Jussi Haavisto 029 551 3341, Heli Suonio 029 551 2481, myynti.teollisuus@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Katri Kaaja

Publication in pdf-format (333.3 kB)

Updated 15.11.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover in industry [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-596X. September 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 22.11.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tlv/2021/09/tlv_2021_09_2021-11-15_tie_001_en.html
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The interim Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, participated on Monday in Brussels in the ministerial meeting of the Eastern Partnership, on which occasion he underlined the importance of concrete results in the reform processes in the partner states, in particular with regard to the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the judicious use of EU support.

According to a press release sent by the Foreign Ministry (MAE) on Monday, the head of Romanian diplomacy highlighted the need for the EU to respond adequately to the needs of cooperation and ambitions of partner states, including through a commitment to consistent assistance for reforms, adequate funding and increased access to the European market. Such an EU commitment will substantially contribute to the democratic transformation of the region, the quoted source said.

Minister Aurescu presented Romania's vision on the defining strategic priorities for the post-2020 period of the partnership, including based on the conclusions of the diplomatic tour he conducted with counterparts in Austria and Lithuania, in the South Caucasus countries, with the mandate and in coordination with the High Representative Josep Borrell.Conclusions include: stepping up the joint commitment to an ambitious and strengthened partnership that reflects the need to recover, strengthen resilience and deepen reforms in the region.Bogdan Aurescu also pointed out the importance of recognizing and supporting European aspirations and efforts towards European integration by the associated states (Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine).According to the MAE, the Romanian official called for increased attention to respect for common core values, as well as for the identification of concrete options for intensifying sectoral cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries in the fields of transport, energy, digital, green economy, environment, trade and investment.The Romanian minister also called for the consolidation of the security dimension in the Eastern Neighborhood and the initiation of dedicated dialogue formats on the subject with interested partners, in order to support them in combating the hybrid threats they face and increase their resilience, as well as more efficient EU involvement in facilitating the resolution of protracted conflicts - a topic included on the Foreign Affairs Council agenda at the initiative of the Romanian foreign minister.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, attended the ministerial meeting of the Eastern Partnership with his counterparts from EU member states and partner states - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu reiterated on Monday, in Brussels, at a meeting of the heads of diplomacy from EU member states, Romania's "strong" support for the initiation of accession negotiations between the EU, on the one hand, and the Republic of Macedonia and Albania, on the other hand.

According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), the Foreign Affairs Council meeting agenda included, as main topics, the Western Balkans and the Sahel region. In the Current Affairs chapter, the ministers addressed issues such as the situation in Belarus, Cyprus/Varosha, Ethiopia, Sudan and relations with Latin America.

"During the discussion on the Western Balkans, Minister Bogdan Aurescu highlighted the need for a strategic EU approach in the current regional context and keeping the issue a priority on the FAC agenda. He reiterated Romania's strong support for the initiation of the EU accession negotiations for the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Albania this year and recalled, in this context, that the European commitment in the Western Balkans region cannot be dissociated from the Union's enlargement policy. The Romanian high official also showed that the pandemic amplified the existing challenges in the region even more, while referring to the influences of third actors on the region and underscoring the importance of aligning partners in the region in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)," the same press release reads.Regarding the recent developments in the region, the minister voiced concern about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina."He pleaded for maintaining a strong political commitment, including through continued EU-US coordination, and welcomed the UN Security Council's expansion of the Althea mission for another year. He also underscored the importance of making progress in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, showing support for the work of the EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajcak, who is trying to engage the two sides in a constructive dialogue. Moreover, the minister pointed out a series of concrete proposals meant to increase EU's commitment in the region, at all levels, increasing partner resilience, combating hybrid threats and strengthening strategic communication to ensure better visibility of EU action in the Western Balkans," according to the same source.Regarding the situation in Sahel, the Foreign Minister voice concern about the deteriorating security context and underscored the importance of fighting terrorism to avoid creating an arc of instability from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, passing through Sahel, Sudan and Ethiopia."In this context, he reiterated Romania's firm commitment, together with its European partners, to ensuring stability and security in the region. He also highlighted Romania's decision to participate in the Takuba Task Force, as well as our country's decision to increase its presence in the EU Training Mission in Mali starting with the year 2022. At the same time, Minister Aurescu reminded about the substantial contribution of our country for the same region, in the field of education, through granting scholarships," reads the abovementioned press release.Regarding the recent developments in Mali, Minister Aurescu underscored the importance of maintaining international pressure, in the context of the deteriorating political situation with implications for the EU training mission (EUTM Mali) and the EU-Mali relationship as a whole."He supported the use of all instruments available to the EU, including sanctions, to increase pressure on the Malian authorities and prevent them from concluding an agreement with the Wagner group and observing the established electoral timetable. Such sanctions should target the involvement of this entity in other states as well, in Africa or in the Eastern Neighborhood," said the MAE.Regarding Belarus, Bogdan Aurescu voiced solidarity with the Member States (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia) facing the effects of the crisis caused by the Minsk regime by unacceptably exploiting migration, in an attempt by the Belarusian authorities to put pressure on the European Union. He also voiced support for the swift adoption of a new package of sanctions targeting both those involved in the migration crisis and the economic sector.Minister Aurescu also encouraged the European External Action Service to continue the dialogue with third countries for crisis management and on the component regarding the migrants' countries of origin.On the sidelines of the FAC meeting, the head of Romanian diplomacy attended an informal breakfast with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, organized at the initiative of Poland. Aurescu voiced concern about the security developments in the Union's Eastern Neighborhood and the Black Sea region and shared some of the conclusions on the topic discussed with US Secretary of State Blinken, one week ago, during his visit to Washington. Moreover, the Romanian Minister reiterated our country's support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and mentioned the need for increasing resilience in maintaining a sustained pace of the reforms.Ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit, which will take place in December, Bogdan Aurescu reiterated his support for Ukraine's EU accession aspirations.
The environment volunteers will plant, throughout November, 50,000 saplings of 55 species in Giurgiu County, in a campaign dedicated to building the first community forest in Romania, shows a press release of the MaiMultVerde Association, sent on Monday to AGERPRES.

The activity is organized as part of the program "Romania plants for tomorrow", supported by OMV Petrom with the aid of the Giurgiu City Hall and in collaboration with Studio Poteca.

Thus, the Cama Community Forest will be created on a 10-hectare area, on the bank of the channel with the same name that connects Giurgiu to the Danube. The site belongs to a key landscape in the ecology and biodiversity of the Danube Green Corridor, and the land has the potential to increase the value of the natural patrimony of the city of Giurgiu and to become a center for education and a link for the community."The land proposed for planting by the MaiMultVerde association in collaboration with landscape architect Alexandru Gheorghe is on the social border of the city and has true potential to become a link between the city and the Danube, a connection between the city and Ramadan Island. The spot represents a key landscape in the ecology and biodiversity of the Danube Green Corridor and has the potential to become a center for education and a link of the community to the valuable natural patrimony of Giurgiu. The residents of Giurgiu are invited to get involved in the development, maintenance and management of the forest. It will need the community to exist. Whether we are speaking of watering the saplings in times of drought, cutting spontaneous plants that compete on the nutrient and water level with the good development of roots for the saplings, defining path to explore biodiversity, protecting wild bird nests, etc.," the quoted release mentions."Romania plants for tomorrow" is the most important private planting initiative in Romania, supported by OMV Petrom, through the Tara lui Andrei (Andrei's Country - e.n.) programme, and by partner NGOs: Plantam fapte bune in Romania (Planting good deeds in Romania), Vacaresti Natural Park, Act for Tomorrow, ViitorPlus, Padurea Copiilor (Children's Forest). The program started in 2020 and will run for a period of 3 years, with the objective to plant 1.5 million saplings on a 300 hectare surface area.So far, as part of the campaign, with the aid of over 500 volunteers, 150,000 saplings of various species were planted on a 30-hectare area of degraded land, in Marsa commune (Giurgiu County), Talpa commune (Teleorman County), Videle (Teleorman County) and Mischii (Dolj County).The MaiMultVerde Association is implementing, starting in 2008, projects for environment protection in accordance to its mission to build a culture of responsibility and environment volunteering in Romania. In ten years, the organization has drawn 5,827,714 euro for activities to protect the environment, funds obtained from sponsorships of large companies in Romania, individual donations and non-refundable public financing.
Senior official for defence policy, planning and international affairs with Romania's Defence Ministry (MApN) Simona Cojocaru is taking part November 15-16 in a meeting in Brussels of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council (EAC) in a defence ministers format that is expected to host a first debate on the Strategic Compass, EU's future instrument for security and defence guidance.

"The meeting will start with a joint session with the EU foreign ministers on 15 November dedicated to the Strategic Compass. That will be an opportunity for a first debate on the Strategic Compass project, the future instrument of the European Union on security and defence policy that will guide the action of the member states for the next 5-10 years," according to a press statement released on Monday by MApN.

A meeting of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board is scheduled for Tuesday. Defence ministers and officials will discuss options for strengthening the EDA's role in defence innovation and promoting opportunities for collaboration in future technologies at EU level.

"The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, will present developments in a number of important issues, such as Operation EUFOR Althea in the Western Balkans, the Coordinated Maritime Presences, Military Mobility and the current state of PESCO [Permanent Structured Cooperation. Talks will continue with a session dedicated to the European Union's military training missions. At the moment, such missions are ongoing in Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic, and, more recently, in Mozambique," the MApN release reads.

Part of the meeting will be a working lunch to be also attended by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg designed for an exchange of ideas on the drawing up of the Strategic Compass and the Strategic Concept of NATO.

According to MapN, ways to intensify EU - NATO co-operation, including in new areas, will also be discussed, given the potential for a new joint statement, Agerpres informs.
Military divers on Monday, November 15, celebrated the Day of Romanian Military Divers in the military port of Constanta and at the headquarters of Diving Centre 39, according to the Navy Staff HQs (SMFN).

After the military ceremonies, dozens of divers took part in a blood donation event.

"During the ceremonies, the achievements of the military divers and their contribution to the development of diving in Romania were presented, after which approximately 30 military divers participated in a blood donation action to the benefit of the local community, at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Constanta."According to SMFN, the events were carried out in a restricted format to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infections.On November 15, 1967, Commander Constantin Scarlat laid the foundations for the first diving unit in the Romanian Navy, the 279th Diving Group that operated in the Mangalia garrison until October 1, 1976, when the Diving Centre was established and the Mangalia divers' group became subordinate to the new body.During its more than five decades of existence, Diving Centre 39 has recorded in the recent history of the Romanian Navy the names of 17 heroes who lost their lives on combat missions and actions both on the national soil and in the Afghanistan war zone.
At a plenary sitting on Monday, the Senate appointed a new leadership for the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR), voting Liviu Jicman as the new chairman, Mirel Talos and Attila Weinberger deputy chairs and 14 members to the ICR Board of Directors.

The senators cast their secret votes in person.

Prior to the plenary meeting, the Senate foreign affairs and culture committees heard the candidates put forth by the parliamentary groups or creative unions.Under Law 356/2003, the Romanian Cultural Institute is organised and operates under parliamentary control as an autonomous administrative authority with a legal personality.The operative management of the institute is provided by a chairman in the rank of a minister, assisted by two deputies in the rank of under-secretaries of state appointed to and dismissed from office by the Senate in plenary sitting, by the vote of the majority of senators present, acting on a proposal from the Standing Bureau.Office tenure of the members on the Board of Directors is four years that can be extended.
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AP: Perhaps your most iconic design is the curtain rod dress for a Gone with the Wind spoof on Carol Burnett. How did that happen?

MACKIE: Her name was Starlet in our version. She went to the window and took down the green velvet drapes and drug them up the staircase. And of course, that happens in the real movie as well. So that was already funny to me. And then all of a sudden they stuck it in the sketch, and I had to do something that was funny and I thought, Well, how do I do this now? What do I do thats different? And that was the best I could do, and it was a hit. Thank God, it was a hit and it got more laughs per second or whatever than anything ever had before. So that was kind of really fun. And its in the Smithsonian now.

AP: At one point you were designing costumes for both Carol Burnett and Cher simultaneously?
HOWARD, Kan.  Batsons Drug Store seems like a throwback to a simpler time. The independently owned pharmacy in Howard, Kansas, has an old-fashioned soda counter and sells hand-dipped ice cream. But the drugstore, the only one in the entire county, teeters between nostalgia and extinction.

Julie Perkins, pharmacist and owner of Batsons, graduated from the local high school and returned after pharmacy school to buy the drugstore more than two decades ago. She and her husband bought the grocery store next door in 2006 to help diversify revenue and put the pharmacy on firmer footing.

But with the pandemic exacerbating the competitive pressures from large retail chains, which can operate at lower prices, and from pharmaceutical intermediaries, which can impose high fees retroactively, Perkins wonders how long her business can remain viable  and she worries about what will happen to her customers if she cant keep the pharmacy running. Elk County, with a population of 2,500, has no hospital and only a couple of doctors, so residents must travel more than an hour to Wichita for anything beyond primary care.

Thats why I hang on, Perkins said. These people have relied on the store from way before I was even here.
Daniel Neman Daniel Neman is a food writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Daniel Neman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The old Pratzels Bakery in University City is said to have had a family feel. The customers felt like they belonged when they came in the door, like they were part of the family.

Michael Pratzel  grandson of the founder and son of the one of the second-generation family members who ran it  worked at the bakery when he was a teenager in the 1970s; he would make grocery-store deliveries in his Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

He left St. Louis to go to the University of Wisconsin in 1974, intending to return to the bakery after he received his degree in business. But he never moved back; he stayed in Madison, Wisconsin, because he met a young woman named Barb over a bowl of chili in the student dormitory cafeteria, and they have been together ever since.

After a belated honeymoon in San Francisco, where they first encountered the concept of a bed-and-breakfast, they decided to open one of their own in Madison. The Collins House, which opened in 1985, gave Mike Pratzel a chance to run his own small business and allowed Barb Pratzel to indulge in her love of cooking.

The bed-and-breakfast  only the third in Madison when they started  was a success. It was open for 20 years, until their lease was up and the city, which owned the building, wanted to sell it.
He said the county had more than $200 million in unmet needs. Doug Moore, Pages spokesman, said later that the county executive hoped the money would cover a portion of the projects on the list.

Moore said the $200 million included road work, sidewalk construction, multimodal corridor creation and reworking some of the countys most dangerous intersections.

He said some intersections that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act are included on the unmet needs list.

Moore said the list did not include buildings. Page said some county buildings require repair as theres been serious deferred maintenance for the past 10 years because we just havent had the money.

Page also said the county and the city of St. Louis were partnering to study MetroLink expansion. Well be talking about that as well, he said.

Pages comments came hours before Biden, a fellow Democrat, signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law.

Jones spokesman, Nick Dunne, said the law would allow the mayor to build on more than $1.5 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan she has already allocated for improving internet access in the city.
Kansas City Star. November 10, 2021.

Editorial: Questioning Josh Hawleys sexuality is not OK, even if it is Josh Hawley

Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, as weve maybe said a time or two, is an elitist who never stops complaining about the elites and an insurrectionist who even now pretends ignorance about what he was part of on Jan. 6. No, he told Axios, he doesnt regret that fist-pump to rioters who would have killed Vice President Mike Pence had they found him. I dont know who came into the Capitol or not, he said, all innocence. If they did come into the Capitol and they violated the laws, theyre criminals, and they should be prosecuted  and theyll get no support from me. If?

None of the above, however, makes it OK to answer his ridiculous recent steak tartare speech about the lefts supposed War on Men by questioning his sexuality.

The Missouri senators lecture to the National Conservatism Conference was his usual all-you-can-eat buffet of victimhood. Men are so fragile, he argued, that a harsh word can turn them into layabouts and porn addicts.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP)  Police shot and killed one man as they responded to a shootout in downtown Columbia that left five people injured early Sunday morning.

Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones said two people were exchanging gunfire outside the Vibez Lounge around 3 a.m. Sunday. One of the suspects fired into a crowd of people as he ran from police before two officers chased him into an alley where they shot and killed him, Jones said.

The second shooting suspect fled the area, and police were still looking for that person, Jones said at a Sunday morning news conference.

Five people were wounded in the shooting. Jones said they were all in stable condition afterward.

It concerns me deeply that I have to speak about a mass casualty in Columbia, Missouri, Jones said. We will follow every lead to determine how this transpired and we will do everything necessary to prevent further incidents like this.

Mayor Brian Treece said the gun violence is a community issue, and the city will meet with leaders in the area, including University of Missouri officials, to address it.
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China appears to have solved some of its key problems with building high-performance military jet engines. Its WS-10C engine is now in mass production with factories equipped to build it operating in multiple shifts to deal with the backlog. The WS-10 family of engines was designed to replace jet engines China had to import from Russia plus Chinas inability to obtain the latest version of the Al-31F engine, the AL-41F1, used in the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter. The WS-10C is an improved, and reliable, WS-10 that makes the J-20 more effective but not equal to the F119 engines that power the F-22 and F-35. Russia and China are both trying to build an engine that will match the performance American F119. With the F119 the F-22 is capable of very agile maneuvering as well as supercruise (efficient supersonic speed without using the afterburner). Getting the WS-10 and more powerful WS-10C into production replaces the Russian AF-31 engines used in most modern Chinese fighters. The WS-10C makes the twin engine J-20 more effective, but not as effective as the F-22 with two F119 engines. The F-35 is powered by one F-135 engine, which is a variant of the F119. The Chinese version of the F119 is the WS-15, which is still trying to overcome reliability problems. Despite that China has been closing in on Russian engine performance and reliability and beginning to surpass the Russians in some categories. Currently, China is seen more likely to match F119 performance before Russia does.

Engines, more than anything else, determine when a new aircraft is ready. In mid-2020 China revealed that its J20 stealth fighter had officially entered mass production. This was not the original J20 prematurely declared ready in 2017, but a much-improved J20B. This came two years after China admitted that production of the J20 was stalled and the manufacturer confirmed the reasons why. The details were explained on state run television, in part to help recruit the skilled workers needed to produce the J20. There is a labor shortage in China, largely because of the decades of low birth rates mandated by the one child policy. The Chinese aircraft manufacturing industry, for both military and commercial aircraft, is booming and workers able to fabricate and assemble components are in short supply. Building the J20 requires a disproportionate number of skilled workers. Parts of the fuselage are made of alloys that are particularly time-consuming to mold and then fabricate into complex structures. Many of the components come from Chinese suppliers who are still developing and perfecting their production capabilities. In general, the J20 requires a lot of exotic components and supplies are tight. China also revealed that development of the J20 has cost $4.4 billion as of 2018, and that the construction cost for each aircraft is $110 million. In addition to the manufacturing difficulties, there were performance problems with the prototypes and six production models turned over to the Chinese Air Force by 2018.

At that time, it was known that there were several potential problems with the J20 production but the main ones had to do with stealth and the delicate materials added to the airframe that make radar detection less effective, and engines. The most obvious problem was the engines. In 2018 the WS-10 engines installed were a stopgap and not efficient enough to support supercruise.

China has been developing the more powerful (and supercruise ready) WS-15 engine since the 1990s, for a larger aircraft like the J20. Despite a lot of effort, the WS-15 was still not able to work reliably enough for service (rather than a prototype) aircraft. Officials also confirmed rumors that a WS-15 exploded during a 2015 static (on the ground) test. That failure had been a secret, but when an engine this important fails by blowing up, the incident is difficult to hide. It also turned out that the WS-15 design and manufacturing problems were less difficult to fix than those encountered with other components and the skilled labor shortage.

In 2018 no date was given as to when the WS-15 would be available for use or whether it would have the same vectoring (ability to move the hot jet exhaust in different directions in order to make the fighter more maneuverable) the American F-22 uses. At first, a more powerful and reliable version of the WS-15 for J20 was believed possible by 2020, but changes in the shape and weight of the WS-15 would require modifications to the shape of the J20 which would require a lot of testing to ensure that stealth was not compromised. The factory would have to install new or modified manufacturing equipment and suppliers would have to do the same to produce the new airframe components. Apparently, the claim was that most of those problems were solved by mid-2020. This included the WS-15 reliability problems. The claim turned out to be premature. The WS-15 saga was one of repeated disappointments and there may be more of that. Some high-performance jet engines are more reliable than others. Western engine manufacturers have been through this for decades as each new generation of engines was developed. China knows of that history and is resigned to repeating it.

The J20 made its first flight in 2011, a year before the rival J31. Before the originally scheduled mass production could begin in late 2015, eight prototypes were built. There were at least two original J20 prototypes, and in 2013 a new prototype appeared that had several modifications and is estimated to have a max weight of 37 tons. By 2018 several more prototypes have been built along with at least six production models plus over a dozen stalled on the assembly line. All of these were built with the understanding that some major (and time-consuming) refurbishing might be needed once the WS-15 engine was ready for service.

Work on the J20 began in the late 1990s, and the Chinese went forward on the assumption that it could be 25 years or more before they had a competitive stealth fighter-bomber in service. The twin-engine J20 first appeared to be about the same weight class as the non-stealthy American 30-ton F-15C, but the production model was closer in weight to the F22. By comparison, the U.S. F-35A stealth fighter-bomber is a 31-ton, single engine fighter, while the twin-engine F-22 is slightly larger at 38 tons. The Russian Su-57 weighed in at 37 tons and its production is also stalled over technical issues. The Russians can make more powerful (and reliable) engines than the Chinese but are still having problems with their other techs, like stealth coatings and electronics. Russia has officially put production of its Su-57 stealth fighter on hold as it suffers from some of the same production problems as the Chinese.

While the J20 looks like the American F-22 when viewed head-on, it's overall shape, weight, and engine power is closer to the older, non-stealthy American F-15C. In other words, the J20 is 20.4 meters (67 feet) long, with a wing span of 13.5 meters (44 feet). The J20 has about the same wing area as the F-15C, which is about 25 percent less than the F-22, which is a few percent larger than the F-15 in terms of length and wingspan. Worse for the J20, is the fact that its engine power is about the same as the F-15C, while the F-22 has 65 percent more power. With the afterburner turned on, the J20 has more power than the F-15C and nearly as much as the F-22. But because the afterburner consumes so much fuel you can't use more than a few minutes at a time. The afterburner also generates a lot more heat which makes an aircraft more visible to heat sensors. The J20B appears able to supercruise with a powerful enough engine, joining the F-22, Eurofighter, and Swedish Gripen as aircraft that can supercruise. The J20B appears capable of doing lots of engine-dependent things during tests or in theory that it has not been able to sustain in regular service.

The J20 has some stealthiness when it's coming at you head on. But from any other aspect, the J20 will light up the radar screen unless it has effective radar absorbing material on the exterior. For this reason, the J20 initially appeared to be a developmental aircraft, not the prototype of a new model headed for mass production. China soon made it clear that the J20 was indeed the basis for a new fighter and would go through as many design and shape changes needed to become combat ready. Based on recent Chinese warplane development projects (J-11 in particular) it was believed that the J20 had a long development road ahead of it. There were some obvious changes between the first and the later prototypes, but nothing all that drastic. Thus, it was surprising when the J20 was declared ready for service in 2017 but not so surprising when production was quietly halted because of unspecified problems. Yet the Chinese have been competent and relentless in developing complex technologies and there was no reason to believe they wont get the J20 working. That has apparently happened but that wont be confirmed until J20Bs show up in an operational J20 fighter squadron.

The J20 is only the fourth stealth warplane to fly, the others being the American F-22 and F-35, plus the Russian Su-57. The older U.S. F-117 was a light bomber and the B-2 was obviously a heavy bomber. While the shape of the J20 confers a degree of stealthiness (invisibility to radar), even more electronic invisibility comes from special materials covering the aircraft. It's not known how far along the Chinese are in creating, or stealing data on, these materials. China would most likely use the J20 singly, or in small groups, to seek out and attack American carriers. For the J20 to be a superior fighter capable of that, it would need electronics (including radars and defense systems) on a par with the F-35 and F-22 as well as powerful and reliable engines and effective radar absorbing materials.

The J31 and J20 are further evidence that China is determined to develop its own high-tech military gear. While China is eager to develop advanced military technology locally, it recognizes that this takes time and more effort than nations new to this expect. Thus, China is trying to avoid the mistakes Russia made in this area. That means having competing designs and developing necessary supporting industries as part of that. All this takes a lot of time and involves lots of little (and some major) failures. The Chinese are doing it right and are willing to wait until they get the military tech that is truly world class.
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Tokai Carbon (Tianjin) Co., Ltd from Tokai Carbon Group for $9 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The carbon black manufacturing facility was commissioned in 2006 and is located in close proximity to Cabots current carbon black and specialty compounds facility in Tianjin, China. The acquisition is expected to support the growth of Cabots Battery Materials product line, while continuing to serve existing carbon black customers.

The growth of electric vehicles has led to rapid development in lithium-ion batteries. Conductive carbon black additives play a key role in battery chemistry to increase the range and cycle life of lithium-ion batteries. The site currently can produce up to 50,000 metric tons of carbon black annually and Cabot plans to invest to upgrade the capabilities to produce battery grades.

The acquisition of Tokai Carbon (Tianjin) is a natural extension for us as it aligns with our strategy to strengthen our global leadership positions while pursuing advantaged growth opportunities in high-growth, high-performance markets such as battery materials, said Cabot President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Keohane. With this acquisition, we will be better positioned to deliver solutions to meet the rapidly increasing demands for lithium-ion batteries and will do so by operating responsibly and investing in advanced environmental controls to reduce our impact.

President and CEO of Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd., Hajime Nagasaka, said, We are very pleased to transfer the business to Cabot and wish the employees great success with the new owner.

Cabot will run the plant and intends to continue to supply current customers while conducting technology upgrades. The upgrades to manufacturing and environmental equipment will enable the site to manufacture conductive carbon black for battery materials as well as other carbon black products while meeting environmental standards.

The parties expect to close the transaction in the second fiscal quarter of 2022.

About Cabot Corporation

Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is a leading provider of carbon black, specialty carbons, activated carbon, elastomer composites, inkjet colorants, masterbatches and conductive compounds, fumed silica and aerogel. For more information on Cabot, please visit the company's website at cabotcorp.com.

About Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. (Tokai Carbon)

Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Tokai Carbon has for over 100 years been the market leader in a broad range of high-quality carbon and graphite products servicing numerous global customers in wide range of industries such as steel, aluminum, autos, semiconductors, and electronic components. Tokai Carbon maintains a global network of over 40 business locations across 10 countries in Asia, Europe and North America. It posted consolidated sales of JPY 202 billion and total assets of JPY 460 billion in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. Tokai Carbon is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For further information: www.tokaicarbon.co.jp/en/

Forward-Looking Statements

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release involving the Company that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions, events, and results. Such forward looking statements include statements regarding Cabots expectations pertaining to the timing of completion of the acquisition, Tokai Carbon Tianjins capacity for growth over the next several years and the expected benefits of the acquisition, including to Cabots future financial performance. Such expectations are based upon certain preliminary information, internal estimates and management assumptions, expectations, and plans. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005311/en/

Vanessa Craigie

Corporate Communications

(617) 342-6015

Steve Delahunt

Investor Relations

(617) 342-6255

Source: Cabot Corporation
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, a leading global provider of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-fraud solutions, has announced an agreement with Nova KBM Slovenia to supply its NetReveal Compliance Suite in a five-year deal to drive significant improvements at the bank.

Trusted by more than 200 financial institutions, NetReveal is BAE Systems leading financial crime, fraud, and anomaly detection platform and will drive improvements in operational efficiency, reduce false positives and better meet the banks compliance obligations. NetReveals intelligent post-processing reduces false positive alerts by at least 30 percent and its centralised 360-degree customer view consolidates alerts, evidence, and metrics, resulting in up to 40 percent faster profiling and detection reduction.

At Nova KBM, we are committed to ensuring compliance with the highest standards in the area of prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as in the identification of fraud and managing illicit practices. The implementation of BAE Systems NetReveal tool will help us manage all aspects of AML detection, investigation, and reporting, said Jon Locke, Deputy CEO and Chief Risk Officer of Nova KBM Slovenia.

We aim to reduce the number of false-positive hits and achieve faster customer profiling and detection. At the same time, we plan to simplify our internal processes and mitigate all relevant risks in this area. We believe that selecting a vendor trusted by many top global banks will provide us with both the solutions and experience to support us in our effort to further improve our operational efficiency and continue the digital transformation of our bank while defending Nova KBM against financial crime, Locke concluded.

Nova KBM Slovenia will benefit from the following NetReveal capabilitiesdelivered via a single interface and with unified case management and reporting:

AML Transaction Monitoring  Enhanced Edition + AAP

WLM Transaction Screening - Enhanced Edition

WLM S&P Screening - Enhanced Edition

We are pleased to partner with Nova KBM as it looks to enhance its critical compliance capabilities and drive major operational and cost improvements. With more than half of money laundering remaining undetected over the last year, we know how essential it is to have the right tools and systems in place to defend customers and institutions against this crime. We welcome the steps Nova KBM is taking and look forward to helping them detect more and fight crime together, said Enda Shirley, Head of Compliance at BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

NetReveal is designed to be adaptable to the evolving nature of the financial services sector; to deliver power and flexibility in analytics, investigation, integration, security. Its advanced data analytics engine provides effective detection of anomalous behaviour and is some of the most effective at positive/negative detection and false-positive reduction on the market.

Notes to Editors

About BAE Systems Applied Intelligence

At BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, we help nations, governments and businesses around the world defend themselves against cybercrime, reduce their risk in the connected world, comply with regulation, and transform their operations. For further information about BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, please visit www.baesystems.com/financialservices

About NetReveal

NetReveal is a single, integrated platform for anti-money laundering compliance and fraud prevention enabling Financial Institutions to benefit from lower total cost of ownership across their compliance and fraud teams with a single solution. A comprehensive range of compliance and counter-fraud solutions can be deployed individually or collectively.

ref no. 139/2021

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005487/en/

For UK:

Nick Haigh, BAE Systems

+44 (0) 7525 390982

nick.haigh@baesystems.com

For USA:

Brad Grantham, BAE Systems

(919) 519-8528

brad.grantham2@baesystems.com

Source: BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
CEO Debi Hammond looks back on two decades with gratitude and optimism

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Merlot Marketing, Inc. (Merlot) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by welcoming six new clients this year: ENGEO, Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds, Nexgrill, Otto Construction, Regional San and Water, Inc. The national marketing agency specializes in PR.0, the integration of public relations, social media and digital marketing tools, and will serve as Agency of Record for these local, regional and national clients.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005177/en/

The Merlot Marketing team after being honored as one of Sacramento Business Journals 2018 Best Places to Work. (Photo: Business Wire)

Throughout our 20 years, Merlot has been through so many cultural moments of adversity for small businesses9/11, the Great Recession, COVIDand our resilience is a testament to Merlots talented team who bring it each and every day for our clients, and each other, said Debi Hammond, founder and CEO of Merlot Marketing. And we owe a great deal to our amazing clients who have been with us through it all. Passion, determination, talent, fearlessness and a desire for growth and success is what has fueled Merlot and our clients and it is what will keep us growing over the next 20 years!

Since 2001, Merlot has served local, national and international clients from its headquarters in Sacramento. At the outset of last years pandemic, the marketing agency implemented a hybrid work model that enables the Merlot team to serve its geographically diverse clients while positioning the team for growth across the U.S.

Learn more about Merlots latest clients (listed in alphabetical order):

ENGEO: ENGEO is an employee-owned firm of approximately 350 geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, hydrologists, water resources engineers and other specialists. The company serves a diverse range of public and private clients on projects in transportation, infrastructure, water resources, geologic hazard abatement, flood control, disaster recovery, energy and residential and mixed-use communities. ENGEO has offices located in California, Nevada, Washington, Guam, New Zealand and Australia.

Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds: Distinguished by craftsmanship, accentuated by firelight, and designed to gather around, Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds creates memorable spaces that bring people together through thoughtful composition and functionality. With hand-forged fire bowls, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor kitchens, friends and family can commune, converse and unwind in comfort, both inside and outside of the home.

Nexgrill: Headquartered in Southern California, and built for the world, Nexgrill is a leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor cooking products. Whether its gas, charcoal, pellets, flat tops, portables, fryers, and even accessories, Nexgrill is the grill and outdoor lifestyle company where Everyones Invited. For 28 years and counting, the company offers a wide range of products for the backyard pro to the weekend warrior, and everyone in-between.

Otto Construction: Otto Construction was founded in 1947 by John F. Otto and has remained a family-owned business for three generations, with Allison Otto becoming President and CEO in 2021. With offices in Sacramento and Monterey, Otto Construction builds high-caliber projects including senior living complexes, historical renovations, educational facilities, healthcare buildings and parking structures throughout Northern and Central California.

Regional San: Regional San owns and operates the regional wastewater conveyance system and the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located near Elk Grove, California. It provides wastewater conveyance, treatment and disposal service to about 1.6 million people throughout the Sacramento region.

Water, Inc.: Since 1977, Water, Inc. has been at the forefront of healthy and sustainable living by offering the latest technologies in water filtration and purification for the home. It is the premier distributor and supplier of water filtration and purification products, whole house water treatment systems, decorative plumbing and luxury appliances.

For more information about Merlot Marketing, Inc. and how it builds traction and grows businesses with a proven process that articulates a brand story and inspires action, please visit https://merlotmarketing.com/.

About Merlot Marketing

Celebrating 20 years of articulating and sharing brand stories, Merlot Marketing is an award-winning, national marketing agency that focuses on public relations (PR.0), brand strategy, social media, advertising and digital communications. Headquartered in California, with satellite offices located across the country, Merlot promotes brands throughout North America and Canada. The agency specializes in the home and building products category, and has helped numerous companies rediscover their brand position and promise through its proprietary REDiscover Process and then promotes it through PR.0. Discover our passion, creativity and results at www.merlotmarketing.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005177/en/

Merlot Marketing, Inc.

Brenda Forman, 916-285-9835

info@merlotmarketing.com

Source: Merlot Marketing, Inc.
Buy Photo Police in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan, arrested a sailor from Naval Air Facility Atsugi on suspicion of negligent driving following a fatal collision with a motorcycle driver on Nov. 12, 2021. (Stars and Stripes)

Japanese police are asking for a more severe charge against a U.S. sailor involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle Friday morning, officials said Monday.

Police recommended prosecutors charge Petty Officer 1st Class Cosme Reyes Romo, 33, with negligent driving resulting in death, a spokesman for the Kanagawa prefectural police told Stars and Stripes by phone Monday. Romo was initially held on suspicion of negligent driving causing injury.

Government authorities in Japan typically speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

The spokesman said police arrested Romo at the scene where the car he was driving collided with a motorcycle driven by a high school student, age 17, around 8 a.m. Friday at an Ayase city intersection. The teenager was pronounced dead around 10 a.m. at a local hospital.

A witness reported the collision, according to the spokesman. The cause of the crash, including whether Romo ran a stop sign as reported by Japanese news media, remains under investigation, according to the spokesman. He said investigators did not find Romo had been drinking.

Romo was released to the U.S. military, and his case was referred to the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office, the spokesman said. Under Japans criminal justice system, prosecutors, not police, are tasked with charging suspects with crimes following a police investigation.

Romo is assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Detachment at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, about 30 miles southwest of Tokyo, base spokesman Sam Samuelson told Stars and Stripes in a Monday email.

He said both the Navy and Romo are cooperating with the investigation.

Hana Kusumoto Alex Wilson
The decommissioned 1943 destroyer USS The Sullivans was built with a thin hull for speed and maneuverability but was never meant to float for so long. In recent years, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park has repaired small holes in the hull every spring. But harsh winter weather and the pandemic-related shutdown apparently hastened the damage this year, and water seeped into the leaky hull, causing the ship to list to port. (Facebook)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Tribune News Service)  Perhaps it says something about the spirit of Western New York that amid one of the most difficult years in modern history, those who learned of Buffalos old and leaking warship managed to raise more than $1 million in eight months.

Maybe its the story of what the USS The Sullivans represents that touches so many  a floating tribute to a working class family that lost all five of its sons aboard the USS Juneau almost exactly 79 years ago, when it was struck by a Japanese torpedo in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of 687 men.

Or maybe its the momentum generated by several high-profile donors, ranging from a 4-year-old boy who made two separate donations totaling less than $3, to the Save Americas Treasures foundation that contributed $499,000 after the community raised the other half.

We were just overwhelmed, said Paul Marzello, president of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, which received contributions from donors in 26 states and seven countries. We had a plan in place. We just didnt think it was going to be mobilized in such a short period of time.

In the end, thanks to foundations, local contributors and naval contacts from around the country, the naval park not only reached the $1 million fundraising goal to repair the breached hull of the USS The Sullivans, but raised enough money to start an endowment that will continue protecting the ships legacy in the future.

Kelly Sullivan, a third-grade teacher and granddaughter of the only Sullivan brother who married, expressed deep gratitude Sunday to the people from around the world who stepped forward to protect the ship and her familys legacy. She still gets teary eyed around the anniversary of the USS Juneaus sinking when she reflects on the generations of aunts, uncles and cousins she never got to meet because of the tragedy that beset the Sullivan family.

Weve been through some tough times these last few years, and to see people be so generous, it makes you emotional, she said in a telephone interview. It really does.

From the moment word got out that the Canalside destroyer was listing and taking on water, offers to help began pouring in from as far away as Australia and Japan.

Marzello heard from welders and plumbers, from companies wanting to donate pumps to get water out of the hull. He received offers of assistance from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia and from a Massachusetts naval park that was ready to send a crew down to help. The Coast Guard did an exterior and interior inspection of the ship.

Within days, the naval park had enough money to cover emergency repairs.

The 1943 destroyer was built with a thin hull for speed and maneuverability but was never meant to float for so long. In recent years, the naval park has repaired small holes in the hull every spring. But harsh winter weather and the pandemic-related shutdown apparently hastened the damage this year, and water seeped into the leaky hull, causing the ship to list to port.

Fundraising efforts were strong enough for the naval park to hire Buffalo Industrial Diving Company in early September. The local marine and engineering outfit begin making more extensive repairs, which includes applying an epoxy coating to the entire exterior hull to create a watertight barrier that will strengthen and protect the destroyers thin outer steel.

They were forced to halt work last week because the drop in water temperature affects the ability of the epoxy to bond to the ship. About a quarter of the repair work was completed. It is expected to resume around April.

Kelly Sullivan, who lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, not far from where the original Sullivan brothers were raised, was in town for the fundraising kickoff in March and was pleased to return to not only celebrate the fundraising accomplishment, but to also attend a Buffalo Bills watch party Sunday with Marzello.

One of her former third-grade students, Ike Boettger, is an offensive guard for the Bills. Sullivan also pointed out that she first flew on a plane at age 5 to be present for the dedication of the naval park and the USS The Sullivans final home.

 Buffalo has been like a second home to me, said Sullivan, now 50.

Two businessmen made major contributions toward the fundraising goal. West Herr Automotive Group quickly stepped up to donate $50,000 for the emergency repairs. And developer Douglas Jemal came forward with an initial $10,000 and held a fundraiser in March that raised about $85,000 as part of the Save The Sullivans campaign.

Jemal said Sunday that the future of the USS The Sullivans is about more than just a saving a National Historic Landmark. Its about honoring the sacrifices of the Sullivan family and the 400,000 other American soldiers who died for our freedoms in World War II.

After such a rough year, its good to bring the community back together for something positive, he said by phone.

It just goes to show you, when a community unites, what it can get done, he said, rather than divide.

Jemal was also one of the people impressed with the generosity Arrow Swartwout, 4, who brought a little sandwich bag of change to give to Manzello out of concern for the boat. Swartwout has been getting the royal treatment from the staff and volunteers at the naval park ever since.

Arrow, who received a seasons pass to the naval park, will be present at todays news conference to formally announce that the fundraising goal was attained.

He walks the ship as though he owns it, Marzello said. I love it. I mean, thats how the story has just gone  absolutely crazy with the kinds of goodwill gestures that grow from it.

(c)2021 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.)

Visit The Buffalo News at www.buffalonews.com
The F-4 Phantom is displayed in front of a large flag as more than 250 people attend the Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 13, 2021, at the MAPS Air Museum. (Mike Cardew, Akron Beacon Journal/TNS)

Hundreds of military members were reported missing in action during the Vietnam War  of them, over 70 were Ohioans  but the fighter plane housed within the MAPS Air Museum in Green, Ohio, has a special connection to one MIA Canton Township native: Jack Schoeppner.

Two of Schoeppners dreams were to attend college and become a naval pilot, so he joined the Navy and achieved both goals.

On March 7, 1970, Lt. Jack Schoeppner and Lt. Rex Lewis Parcels, his radar intercept officer, were assigned a photo reconnaissance escort mission in their F-4 Phantom. After taking off from an aircraft carrier, they disappeared over the Gulf of Tonkin in North Vietnam. The pair were later reported missing in action.

After 51 years, the thought of finding any physical connection to Schoeppner seemed nearly impossible to his family. But that all changed two years ago.

In 2019, MAPS officials informed the naval pilots siblings, Barb Aman and Rich Schoeppner, that it would dedicate a different F-4 Phantom  the one housed in the museum  in memory of Jack Schoeppner and Parcels.

It wasnt until six months later that museum volunteers realized Schoeppner had piloted that very plane only three days before his disappearance.

Thats when it got really sentimental to us, Aman said. Out of all the thousands of planes that [the military] manufactured, that this one happened to make its way back to Canton and that Jack actually flew it.

The connection was discovered in his flight book, given to the museum by Aman, where Schoeppner had recorded the takeoff and landing of each flight he made in addition to the serial number of the aircraft he piloted.

Documents showed that same MAPS jet went up to search for Schoeppner and Parcels when they disappeared on that fateful day in Vietnam, according to Beacon Journal partner News 5 Cleveland.

The 56,000-pound F-4 Phantom was loaned to MAPS from the Navy in 2003 and has since been restored. Now, the jet plane has Lt. Chops Schoeppner (Chops was Schoeppners call sign, or nickname) printed on its canopy and the word Freelancers near its rear, a tribute to his squadron group.

All these additions were on display during the museums Veterans Day celebration Saturday evening. Three of its 260 attendees were Aman, Rich Schoeppner and Lt. Col. Judith Mathewson, Parcels cousin. The highlight of the event was when Aman and Mathewson spoke fondly about what it was like to grow up with the two men.

Aman began with her first memory of Schoeppner, recounting how he saved their brothers life after Rich had ridden his bike into a family members in-ground pool. Shenanigans involving darts, a record player and drag racing were also shared with the audience.

The main goal of MAPS, which stands for Military Aviation Preservation Society, is to preserve and share the history of military aviation while honoring those who died in the line of duty. Hence, after the dedication, attendees were given additional time to explore the museum before it closed for the night.

As they explored, some eventgoers discovered that the museums lobby houses a dedication to another Canton Township native who died in the Vietnam War. Sharon Lane was a graduate of Canton South High School who, while serving as a nurse in the army, became the only female combat casualty that the U.S. suffered in Vietnam.

Another odd coincidence at the museum has to do with Lane.

Around seven years ago, a section of The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall  a 300-foot reproduction of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.  broke off and was donated to MAPS. When the organization received panel 23W, volunteers were stunned to see Lanes name listed near its bottom. The wall piece is now on display next to Lanes exhibit.

Veterans and civilians, including children on field trips from local schools, will be able to learn and appreciate Schoeppners and Parcels stories for years to come  much to the delight of their families.

After Rich, our cousins and I have passed, there is no one else that we could give all of Jacks memorabilia to, Aman said. So, for [MAPS] to do this means that Jacks story will continue on after we are gone. I think that to me is the most important thing, that he wont be forgotten.

2021 Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio.

Visit beaconjournal.com .
Tigrayan refugees gather in front of their shelters at Hamdeyat Transition Center near the Sudan-Ethiopia border, eastern Sudan, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The war in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. (Nariman El-Mofty/AP)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden  The man who counts the dead sees them everywhere.

They're in the handwritten lists of names smuggled out of a region cut off from the world by war. They're in the images of people shot and tossed off a cliff, tortured and pushed into a river, left unburied for days. They're announced by grieving families in social media posts.

They are the first thing he sees in the morning when he checks his messages. They are the last thing he sees at night, when they enter his dreams.

He has been living with the dead for a year, since war erupted last November in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Tigrayans, a minority of some 6 million, were encircled as a falling-out with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, turned deadly. It became an ethnic clash when Amhara fighters from a neighboring region allied with Ethiopia's government poured in.

Many Tigrayans joined the fight. But the man who counts the dead is in Sweden and could not.

So he quickly decided what he could do to help. In his small, neat apartment at the end of a metro line in Stockholm, Desta Haileselassie is applying his computer science background and research skills to compiling a list of Tigrayan victims, name by name.

It is slow, difficult work. Almost all communication with Tigray has been cut off, and foreign media is banned. Many in the diaspora have waited for months to know whether loved ones are alive, terrified to receive messages from home even as they yearn for news.

In the confused first days and weeks, Desta issued pleas on social media for help. He told anguished families that a list of the dead would be a memorial of a war Ethiopia's government seemed determined to hide. He made dozens of phone calls, then hundreds more.

The work took over his life. He stopped hiking, swimming or going to the gym, and he sleeps poorly. The guitar and keyboard he once played sit in his Stockholm apartment, untouched.

He has collected handwritten testimonies and photographs that make him feel sick or bring him to tears. He tries to calm weeping family members from afar, never meeting them in person. Months of exhaustion have collected under his eyes.

"There are days when I end up crying the whole evening," Desta says softly. "A very, very hard job to do, but I have to do it .This is the least I can do to help my people."

Now, a year on, he has confirmed 3,080 names of the dead. The Associated Press has verified 30 of them chosen randomly, speaking with families and friends.

Victim Number 2,171 was Gebretsadkan Teklu Gebreyesus, shot dead by soldiers in the presence of his two young sons, the AP confirmed. Victim 1,599, Zeray Asfaw, was a bridegroom pulled from his wedding party and killed along with his best man, his friends and the father of the bride while the women screamed. Victim Number 2,915 was Amdekiros Aregawi Gebru, an ambulance driver gunned down while driving a woman in labor to a clinic, making it there before bleeding to death.

Desta has another 1,000 names he's still trying to verify.

"It's very, very disturbing, I'm very sorry," he says as he shows photos of corpses on the ground.

His list does not include ethnic Amhara, who are some of the war's latest victims after Tigray forces started moving toward Ethiopia's capital.

The Amhara Association of America has its own list of the dead, starting with the killing of hundreds of Amhara in the Tigray community of Mai Kadra in the earliest days of the war. The list has reached 1,994.

The two ethnicities are separate even in death. The United Nations says that while war crimes may have been committed on all sides, the most atrocities have been reported against Tigrayans by Ethiopian soldiers and their Eritrean allies.

One thing all agree on, including experts: The lists represent just a fraction of the dead.

Desta is certain that every Tigrayan has lost someone, whether to fighting or to house-to-house massacres or to starvation under an Ethiopian government blockade. To emphasize the shattered connections, he often mentions when a victim is a parent, or is killed alongside one. The word "mother" appears 43 times.

"His mother alone had to cry over her son's body all day long," one entry says.

Desta too has lost loved ones, 19 of them. The self-contained 36-year-old gently deflects questions, saying every victim on his list is like family.

But the thought of adding one name especially close to him is too much to bear. It brings him to tears when her name is mentioned. The single photo on display in the room where he works shows him embracing her as she smiles.

He calls her Amlishaway.

She is his mother.

___

Victim Number 51: Haben Sahle

Desta's list includes 102 children. The news of the death of a 15-year-old boy was among the first to reach him.

Haben Sahle was a top student in the border town of Zalambessa and an only son. When the war engulfed Tigray, connection with him was lost.

In faraway California, the boy's uncle, Angesom, received the first word in a phone call weeks later, in December. It was a well-intended lie.

Relatives in neighboring Eritrea told Angesom that family members in Zalambessa were fine. But Angesom knew that in their culture, the death of a loved one usually wouldn't be shared over the phone.

A trio of Ethiopian Orthodox priests broke the terrible news in a surprise visit the following Sunday.

"When priests come to your house without warning, something's wrong," Angesom says.

The priests hadn't known the boy. They didn't know how he died. It took five more months for Angesom to reach his sister by phone for details.

She told him Ethiopian soldiers, and allied ones from Eritrea, were seeking out and killing men and teenage boys. Decades of rivalries and resentments over Tigray leaders' long, often repressive hold on power had turned into slaughter.

As the soldiers approached their home, Haben Sahle's mother said no one was there but her. But the soldiers fired at random and shot her son hidden inside.

As she recounted the killing, Angesom could finally begin to grieve.

"For six horrible months, I didn't eat normal, sleep normal, work normal," he says.

The distance was made worse by fears that Ethiopian authorities were monitoring phone calls. You could only ask loved ones vaguely if they were OK and had food and water, Angesom says.

Now silence has descended again, and he hasn't reached his family in Tigray for the past four months. If he could speak with them again, he would tell them this: He will be their voice forever.

"If this is not genocide," he says, "there will be nothing that will be labeled as genocide."

With Angesom's confirmation of the teenager's death, Desta added him to his list. More than 90% of the names there are of men and boys, reflecting survivors' accounts that they were often singled out for killing.

His work had barely begun.

___

Victim Number 70: Sibhat Berhe Desta. "Killed with other civilians by the Eritrean soldiers near Goda Bottle and Glass Share Company."

On Dec. 23, a phone connected.

It was Desta's brother in the Tigray capital, and he was in tears. Nineteen of their family members had been killed.

They were cousins and uncles from their mother's birthplace. Desta knew some of them well. He had grown up with them, played with them as a child during visits to the village.

"I have a strong attachment to that place," he says. He recalls Sibhat Berhe Desta as "a very protective and generous uncle. That's what I vividly remember about him."

His brother told him that on Dec. 2, Eritrean soldiers had forced their relatives to do manual labor while they stripped down a glass factory and carted the pieces away, part of widespread looting. Then the soldiers killed them.

Family members were forbidden to bury the bodies for 20 days, a grotesque practice widely reported in the war and meant as further insult to the dead.

"I was shocked, but over time I got so emotional," Desta says. His voice wavers, then steadies.

He has not yet grieved. First, the fighting must end, he says.

Until then, as he counts the dead, he worries about his mother.

"She's a very brave woman, and she's my best friend," Desta says. He covers his face and cries. "She's always been there."

In December, he was excited yet terrified to see a social media message from a friend about his mother. It said that with no other way to communicate inside Tigray, she had walked more than 130 kilometers, or 80 miles, from her home to the regional capital, Mekele, to see whether relatives were still alive.

In her late 50s, she hiked through mountainous terrain, sometimes sleeping in caves, taking part in a perilous migration by many Tigrayans searching for loved ones in the chaos. Walking along roads patrolled by hostile forces meant almost certain death.

She could have been killed any second, Desta thought.

On Jan. 4, or 62 days after the war began, he finally reached his mother by phone. She confirmed that she had gone to Mekele on foot twice and kept both journeys a secret from him. She didn't want him to worry.

He was angry at her risk-taking, then relieved.

As they chatted, he decided not to mention his work counting the dead. She didn't need any more stress.

But as they slipped back into daily conversations, he hit "record" each time, and saved the digital files.

He feared each call might be their last.

___

Victim Numbers 333 and 334: Meaza Goshu and Kalayou Berhe. "Killed a few days after their wedding."

Victim Number 933: Mariamawit Alemayo, 6 years old. "Killed from heavy artillery shelling in Shire by the Eritrean soldiers. She was the only child to her mom."

Victim Number 1,577: Aba Gebreselassie. "He was an Orthodox Christian monk."

The death toll is one of the biggest unknowns of Ethiopia's war.

Among the world's most successful projects in counting the dead is The Kosovo Memory Book. It is a near-comprehensive, well-funded list of people killed in a war in a small geographic area that lasted for less than two years in the 1990s. But the Kosovo Memory Book is still updated even now.

Determining Ethiopia's death toll will be considerably more difficult, says Michael Spagat, chair of the nonprofit Every Casualty Counts, which focuses on how to count the dead in conflict.

The group discovered Desta's efforts as well as a parallel project by researchers centered at Ghent University in Belgium. Their lists are similar, Spagat says, but they capture "a relatively small fraction of it all."

The Belgian researchers fear that, too.

"If they're killing 10 people per village, then it's easily in the tens of thousands," says Tim Vanden Bempt, whose wife is Tigrayan. For months, he was tweeting a name from the list of dead every hour. That ended when a renewed government blockade on Tigray cut off the flow of information.

Spagat, an economics professor, calls the work ahead in Ethiopia "challenging in the extreme." With communications links severed, it's impossible to conduct even a standard sample survey of households to estimate the dead.

It's likely that Ethiopian authorities will never help, a stance he describes as common among governments in similar situations around the world.

"In many cases, they have done the killing," he says. "They'd rather it stay as buried as possible."

The warring sides have claimed tens of thousands of deaths among fighters alone.

Spagat's hopes are with the network of Ethiopian Orthodox priests in communities who traditionally are informed when residents die. But Tigrayan leaders in the church say scores of priests and other clergy members have been killed, too.

Despite the painstaking work to bring Ethiopia's dead out of the shadows, Spagat puts the chances of reaching a final toll at "possibly never."

The war has not just taken lives. In a nation that takes vast pride in its 3,000-year history, it has also ruptured Ethiopia's culture of honoring the dead.

It is usually the responsibility of the elderly to announce the death of a loved one. Now many families are scattered, with members missing or unreachable. With Tigray cut off from the world, people often don't know whether to mourn.

"When we're mourning, we're not even together," says a Tigrayan woman in the diaspora, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear for loved ones still in Ethiopia. "You can't even cry loudly because of what's going on."

___

Victim on the Amhara side: Mekonen Girma, a farmer

The victims on the Amhara list are arranged by community rather than by number. While Tigray forces say they are fighting to pressure Ethiopia's government to end the blockade of their homeland, some Amhara have described house-to-house killings and other atrocities against civilians as revenge in communities like Chenna Teklehaymanot.

Once again, no one knows how many people have been killed. Tewodrose Tirfe, the chairman of the Amhara Association of America, is trying to find out.

"The numbers are probably much higher. We just don't have the bandwidth to investigate every atrocity," he says. But knowing he's drawing attention to victims means he "at least can feel at peace."

His team seeks out Amhara survivors like Zewditu Tikuye, who says her husband, farmer Mekonen Girma, was killed in the town of Kobo in July as Tigray forces swept in.

Zewditu fled her home as her husband stayed behind with their cattle. She heard about his death from people who buried him.

"Someone told me he was killed in a very cruel way," she says. "I wish I died with him."

She is bewildered because she says her husband had no interest in politics. Now she raises seven children alone.

"I have no idea why this war is going on," she says. "I don't even know if my relatives are still alive."

Amhara and Tigrayans had lived peacefully for many years and even intermarried, she says. But she is not sure they can coexist in the future.

The war has also split Ethiopia's diaspora, estimated at more than 2 million people. Horrified Tigrayans distance themselves from Amhara friends who cheer advances by Ethiopian forces, and vice versa. Once-favorite Ethiopian restaurants, a taste of home, are now avoided.

Tewodrose had not known of Desta's efforts to count the dead. He believes as many people as possible should document the horrors of the war.

But his group only counts Amhara. And Desta only counts Tigrayans.

"I have to prioritize my people," Desta says.

A red-and-yellow Tigray flag is displayed on his computer rather than the Ethiopian one. He says he no longer feels Ethiopian and is ready to throw away his passport at any time.

___

Victim Number 3,081: Yet to come

It's impossible not to fear the worst.

Starvation is sweeping Tigray, and even basic medicines are running out under the blockade. The government has again bombarded the region with airstrikes. Residents say they kill civilians, including children.

Tigray forces, which one of Desta's brothers has joined, are approaching the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia's government calls this an "existential war."

Desta hasn't spoken with his mother since June 26. The phone no longer rings through in a new blackout. Every day's attempt meets silence.

Their last conversation was a normal one, much like the chats many Tigrayans had until a year ago. Sometimes, to escape the dead, Desta tries to feel that sense of normalcy again.

Alone in his apartment, he turns to his dozens of recorded calls with his mother in Tigray.

He presses "play."

Anna reported from Nairobi, Kenya.
Narushige Michishita of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo speaks at a seminar presented by the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, on Nov. 11, 2021. (Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies)

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan  The U.S. and Japanese response to Soviet strategy in the Pacific during the Cold War has lessons today for the allies, who face similar challenges from a more aggressive China, a visiting professor told sailors recently.

Professor Narushige Michishita, vice-president of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, spoke at the naval base Thursday on behalf of the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies. His 1 -hour talk, the first by the council at Sasebo Naval Base on Kyushu Island, drew 30 attendees, mostly Japanese with a few American military members and civilians.

There are a lot of similarities to what America and Japan were doing back in the 1980s and what we are doing today. China is more or less doing what the Soviet Union was doing during the Cold War and we are taking a similar response to the Chinese activity, Michishita told Stars and Stripes on Thursday. So, we can learn lessons from that activity.

For example, the anti-access, area-denial capabilities that China is developing to halt U.S. strike forces approaching Taiwan are similar to the strategy employed by the Soviet Union, he said. The Soviets deployed long-range bombers, surface ships and submarines to prevent the U.S. from entering the Sea of Okhotsk, Michishita said.

Now the attendees know what we did, and they learned what we are doing today, and that its not necessarily new, he said. For those who are planning strategy, having this big picture in their head when they are operating at sea will help them make good decisions.

Michishita, a specialist in Japanese security and foreign policy as well as security issues on the Korean Peninsula, previously served as senior research fellow at the National Institute for Defense Studies. He is a prior deputy director of the Office of Strategic Studies at the Japanese Ministry of Defense and served as assistant counsellor at the Cabinet Secretariat for Security and Crisis Management.

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by John Bradford, an Asian security analyst and former Navy officer. The council promotes the study of strategic, diplomatic and legal issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, according to its website. Its other goals are to build networks between individuals, promote dialogue, provide world-class educational opportunities and enable professional mentorship.

This event is the soft-power of the U.S. and Japan alliance, these cultural exchanges and candid dialog is really important and helps both the U.S. and Japanese see their roles together, and building that relationship, Matthew Daniels, council vice president, told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

Among the attendees was Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Clifford, a plans and tactics officer aboard the dock landing ship USS Ashland at Sasebo who coordinates all the ships major exercises, inspections and operations to ensure combat readiness and tactical advantage. He holds a masters degree in national security affairs.

I try to stay current on national security topics, he told Stars and Stripes on Thursday. This kind of information, if you dont continually learn about it, you wont retain the information.
This story has been corrected

In this photo provided by the Richardson Center, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Bill Richardson, right, poses with journalist Danny Fenster in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Fenster, sentenced only days ago to 11 years of hard labor in military-ruled Myanmar, was freed and on his way home Monday, a former U.S. diplomat who helped negotiate the release said. (The Richardson Center via AP)

BANGKOK  American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar and was sentenced last week to 11 years of hard labor, was freed Monday and began his journey home.

Fenster was handed over to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate the release, and the two landed in Doha, Qatar.

"I'm feeling all right physically," a bearded Fenster, in baggy drawstring pants and a knit hat, told journalists on the tarmac. "It's just the same privations and things that come with any form of incarceration. You just go a little stir-crazy. The longer it drags on, the more worried you are that it's just never going to end. So that was the biggest concern, just staying sane through that."

While still jailed, Fenster told his lawyer that he believed he had COVID-19, though prison authorities denied that.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. Days before his conviction, he learned he had been charged with additional violations of terrorism and treason statutes that put him at risk of an even longer sentence of life in prison.

He is one of more than 100 journalists, media officials or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February, and his was the harshest sentence yet.

"This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work," Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement emailed by his office. "We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds."

Fenster has been in detention since he was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area to see his family.

"We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms," his family said in a statement. "We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months."

The exact allegations against Fenster were never clear, but much of the prosecution's case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the military's seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

Fenster, a native of the Detroit area, has a master's degree in creative writing from Wayne State University, and had worked for a newspaper in Louisiana before moving to Southeast Asia, according to Deadline Detroit, a news website to which he was an occasional contributor.

His brother, Bryan Fenster, has said he had "passion for writing about folks who struggle and fight for social justice" and was particularly interested in the plight of people from the Muslim Rohingya minority, hundreds of thousands of whom fled Myanmar during a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by the army in 2017.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean said Fenster was "one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup."

According to the U.N., at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

In a statement broadcast on state TV, the military said that Fenster had been released at the request of Richardson and the chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association. Japan, unlike the United States and the European Union, does not take a publicly confrontational stance with the military-installed government, and would like to see improved relations between Myanmar and the West.

The generals in Myanmar "were convinced that it wasn't worth it to hang on to Danny," U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan, who represents the Fenster family in Congress, told Detroit radio station WWJ. "He was innocent, and he was just an annoyance for them. If they kept him and anything really happened to him, we would never forget it. We would never forgive them."

Richardson said he discussed Fenster's release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ruler.

Richardson is known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994, when as a member of Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster "never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place."

"Myanmar's military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges," Crispin added.

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
Migrants gather in front of a barbed wire fence and Polish servicemen at the checkpoint Kuznitsa at the Belarus-Poland border near Grodno, Belarus, on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. European Union foreign ministers Monday expanded sanctions against Belarus to include airlines. (Oksana Manchuk/BelTA pool photo via AP)

BRUSSELS  French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin talked on the phone Monday about the need for de-escalating the tensions around the growing migrant pressure on the European Union's borders with Belarus, Marcon's office said.

In the almost two-hour talk, they also agreed upon the "need for a humanitarian effort for the migrants" but did not announce any concrete steps, according to the Elysee statement.

The EU says Moscow has a role in building the migration pressure and could actively help in easing it.

The Kremlin's account of the conversation said Putin informed Macron about his contacts with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and "emphasized the necessity of discussing the problems that had arisen directly between the leaderships of the EU countries and Belarus."

Putin also noted "the extremely harsh treatment of refugees by Polish border guards," according to the Kremlin. Polish forces are blocking people from entering Poland and are pushing back to Belarus those migrants who cross the border.

Also Monday, Lukashenko spoke on the phone with Germany's outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel for 50 minutes about "the situation with refugees on the Belarusian-Polish, Belarusian-Lithuanian and Belarusian-Latvian borders," according to Belarusian state news agency Belta.

They discussed "ways and prospects of resolving" the crisis and preventing its escalation, as well as humanitarian aid to the migrants, Belta said.

The calls took place as the EU ratcheted up pressure on Belarus by agreeing to slap sanctions on airlines accused of helping Lukashenko wage a "hybrid attack" against the entire bloc using migrants.

The EU is also calling for humanitarian aid as up to 4,000 migrants are stuck in makeshift camps in freezing weather in Belarus while Poland has reinforced its border with 15,000 soldiers, in addition to border guards and police. The EU has expressed solidarity with Poland's guarding the bloc's external border. At least 11 migrants have died in recent weeks.

Polish authorities said Monday that Belarusian services had led a large group of migrants to a border crossing with Poland and made them believe they would be transported by bus to Germany. Polish police broadcast messages across the border telling the migrants that "they have been deceived."

"The Belarusian side is deliberately escalating the situation," said Marcin Przydacz, a deputy foreign minister. "The situation is unprecedented and unpredictable."

Belarus' borders with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are also the eastern borders of both the EU and NATO. The EU says Lukashenko's authoritarian regime has for months invited migrants to the Belarusian capital of Minsk, many of them Iraqis, Afghanis and Syrians, with the promise of helping them across the border.

Meanwhile, Lithuanian officials said they were seeing a rising number of attempts by migrants to cross its border from Belarus.

The 27-country EU has already imposed four sets of sanctions on Belarus authorities and senior officials over the disputed election last year that returned Lukashenko to office and his government's brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. Opposition leaders and Western nations have described the vote as a sham.

The EU is preparing a fifth lot of sanctions on Belarus. On Monday the bloc's foreign ministers extended the scope of those measures to add airlines, travel agents and others accused of helping to bring migrants to Minsk.

"Today's decision reflects the determination by the European Union to stand up to the instrumentalization of migrants for political purposes. We are pushing back on this inhuman and illegal practice," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

EU headquarters said the bloc will now be able to target individuals and entities organizing or contributing to activities by the Lukashenko regime that "facilitate illegal crossing" of the EU's external borders.

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the administration of President Joe Biden was also "preparing follow-up sanctions in close coordination with the EU and other partners and allies that will continue to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for its ongoing attacks on democracy, on human rights on international norms."

The EU believes Lukashenko began luring migrants to Belarus as a retaliatory measure to destabilize the bloc, which has been deeply divided over how to manage migration since well over 1 million people entered the bloc in 2015.

Germany allowed in hundreds of thousands of people that year, but doesn't want to encourage more now.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was asked in Brussels if he would support Germany taking in people now on the Belarusian side of the border if the flow of migrants to Belarus is stopped.

He replied: "No. I would argue for the people who are there, who were brought there under false pretenses by the Lukashenko regime, being taken back to their countries of origin, and for the countries of origin to take their share of the responsibility."

German federal police said Monday that they registered 1,708 unauthorized entries to the country "with a connection to Belarus" in the first 14 days of November, bringing the total this year so far to 9,549.

Also Monday, the United Arab Emirates banned travelers from several Middle Eastern countries from boarding flights to Belarus, cutting off one of the last major air routes for would-be migrants. Most airlines with flights to Minsk now say that won't allow Iraqis, Syrians or Afghans to travel there.

Lukashenko, meanwhile, brushed aside the threat of fresh sanctions.

"We will defend ourselves. That's it, there's nowhere to retreat further," he was quoted as saying by the state news agency Belta.

Lukashenko once again denied that his government organized the migrant influx, saying that "it isn't worth the effort," and he insisted the migrants are resisting Belarusian efforts to encourage them to return home.

Belarus flag carrier Belavia is among the airlines likely to be hit, and Maas warned other companies to follow the example of Turkish Airlines by restricting flights to the Belarus capital.

He warned of a possibility of denial of overflight rights and landing permission in Europe.

Associated Press writers Monika Scislowska and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw; Liudas Dapkus in Vilnius, Lithuania; Daria Litvinova in Moscow; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Sylvie Corbet in Paris; and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson bumps arms with Arzou Miah as he visits Woodgrange GP Surgery vaccination center, in East London, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. (Jeremy Selwyn)

LONDON  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Monday of a "blizzard" of new coronavirus infections coming into the U.K. from continental Europe, as his government extended the vaccine booster program to younger people in an effort to keep a lid on the pandemic during the winter months.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, the independent body of scientists that makes vaccine recommendations to the British government, said people aged 40 to 49 will also be eligible for a vaccine booster shot six months after their initial shot. Up until now, people aged 50 and over, as well as those deemed to be vulnerable in younger age groups, had been eligible for Pfizer or Moderna vaccine boosters.

The committee said that second doses have also been approved for 16 and 17-year-olds 12 weeks after their first.

It said the the broadening of the booster campaign and the offer of a second jab to older teens will "help extend our protection into 2022."

Johnson urged people to get their booster to get the extra level of protection amid growing concerns of the virus outlook in Europe following fresh lockdowns in Austria and the Netherlands.

"What we have certainly got to recognize is there is a storm of infection out there in parts of Europe, you can see those numbers ticking up very sharply in some of our continental friends," he said. "And we've just got to recognize that there is always a risk that a blizzard could come from the east again, as the months get colder."

Over the past few months, the U.K. has recorded relatively high levels of coronavirus infections following the lifting of most restrictions.

Though cases have steadily fallen in recent weeks, there have been signs over the past few days that they are ticking up again, particularly among students. Over the past week, there have been more than 260,000 confirmed infections, up 6% on the previous week.

The government has so far resisted reimposing restrictions such as mask-wearing in indoor places or introducing vaccine passports.

Johnson said there was nothing currently in the data which suggested a need to increase restrictions in England, under its contingency Plan B. The number of people in hospital with the virus is around 8,500, which though high is far down on the near 40,000 in January. Virus-related deaths are at around 150 a day.

"What's happening is if you can get your booster then your immunity goes right back up to 95%," he said. "So far we've got 75% of everybody over 70 getting a booster, there's a huge number of people, but it's that further 25% that will make all the difference to winter, to Christmas, to our plans going forward, because it's that extra level of protection that we really need."

The expansion of the booster program comes as a new study from the U.K. Health Security showed adults over 50 had at least 93% reduced risk of getting a symptomatic case of COVID-19 two weeks after their booster.

"The booster dose markedly strengthens existing protection and will extend the duration of that protection against serious disease," said Professor Wei Shen Lim, chair of the JCVI's COVID-19 immunization program.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines foreign minister, listens to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the alliances headquarters in Brussels on Nov. 15, 2021. Kuleba called on NATO to deliver more support to his country as it faces a Russian military buildup near its eastern border and a migrant crisis on its border with Belarus. (NATO)

Ukraines top diplomat urged NATO on Monday to deliver more support to his country as it grapples with a Russian military buildup near its eastern border and a migrant crisis on its northern frontier with Belarus.

I wish we could consider our northern flank a safe place, but this is not the case, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said following a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Kuleba said his country is reinforcing its border with Belarus amid an escalating migrant crisis that allies say is being weaponized by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as retribution for Western sanctions.

Kuleba said the migrant crisis and the Russian troop buildup are part of an overarching effort by Moscow to destabilize the region.

Russia has become the Lukashenko regimes staunch ally as the Belarusian dictator turned to Putin for support following mass uprisings against his rule.

The Kremlin has denied that it is involved with the migrant crisis, which has prompted Poland to move thousands of troops to its border to block people from pushing into the country.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Western countries for the crisis.

A Ukrainian paratrooper establishes sector security on a drop zone during an exercise with U.S. troops at a training center near Yavoriv, Ukraine, in September 2021. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Nov. 15, 2021, condemned Russias troop buildup near Ukraines border. (John Yountz/U.S. Army)

They were the ones who created conditions where ... hundreds of thousands of people left their homes, Putin said on the state-owned television channel Rossiya-1. And now they are looking for someone to blame in order to avoid responsibility for what is happening.

Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are reviewing whether to call for an emergency NATO meeting on the matter, citing the alliances Article 4 provision for crisis talks when a member considers its territory under threat.

Meanwhile, Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, says it is hoping for closer coordination with the alliance over concerns that the Russian troop buildup near its eastern border may be a prelude to a new Kremlin offensive.

Russia forcibly annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and backs separatists waging war in Ukraines east.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday condemned Russias buildup, saying allies have witnessed large and unusual concentrations of Russian forces.

Any further provocation or aggressive actions by Russia would be of serious concern, Stoltenberg said. We call on Russia to be transparent about its military activities.

Russias buildup comes after a similar escalation in April, when Moscow also deployed thousands of troops to Ukraines eastern border. Many of them never left the area.

Kuleba said he delivered a 10-point proposal in April on ways NATO could boost support to Ukraine.

Progress has been made on that, Kuleba said, adding that he seeks to have his plan fast-tracked in light of current security conditions.

While he didnt elaborate on what the plans called for, Kuleba said he would like to see more cooperation with NATO allies in the Black Sea region.

This is something that would be extremely timely and helpful, he said.

The U.S. Army maintains troops in western Ukraine who are focused on training, while the U.S. Navy and Air Force carry out routine patrols in the Black Sea region.
The U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney makes its way from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea after concluding maritime operations and exercises alongside NATO allies and partners, Nov. 15, 2021. (U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  A U.S. Navy command ship that drew Kremlin accusations of saber-rattling amid rising tensions along the Russian-Ukrainian border is leaving the Black Sea after completing operations with NATO members and allies.

USS Mount Whitney, which entered the Black Sea on Nov. 4, began its transit to the Mediterranean Sea on Monday, U.S. 6th Fleet announced on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Evidence of a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine and a migrant crisis along the Polish-Belarusian border are causing concern in the U.S. and Europe. Russia has denied the troop buildup and involvement in the migrant crisis.

Analysts said the U.S. naval presence, along with that of other NATO members and partners, sends an important message to Moscow.

Youre not there to instigate a fight; youre there to deter, said retired Adm. James Foggo III, who led U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples and now is the dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy in Arlington, Va.

Others have argued that U.S. and NATO activity in the Black Sea region is having the opposite effect, particularly as it draws Ukraine closer to NATO.

The U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney, left, sails with other American, NATO and partner ships in the Black Sea, Nov. 12, 2021. Mount Whitney is now headed back to the Mediterranean Sea. (U.S. Navy)

U.S. 6th Fleet announced on social media Tuesday that the destroyer USS Porter also was leaving the Black Sea. Porter had been in the Black Sea since Oct. 30, 6th Fleet said. The posts did not mention the status of oiler USNS John Lenthall, which was in the sea as well.

The U.S. naval presence stoked sharp criticism from Moscow, which has complained almost daily since the beginning of the month, calling it an aggression.

Mount Whitney caught the attention of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who used its presence as justification to bolster Russias air defense system during a Nov. 1 meeting with military leaders in Sochi.

But the Navy said Mount Whitney was in the Black Sea for routine NATO operations. It made port calls in Turkey, Georgia and Romania and participated in military maneuvers with NATO members and other allies, including Ukraine and Bulgaria.

The importance of the maritime presence in the Black Sea now is that it increases the risk calculus for President Putin and the Russian forces, Foggo said.

Alison Bath
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pictured March 25, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Jonathan Ernst/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is seeking to break a logjam on a $250 billion bill aimed at making the U.S. more competitive with China and easing a global shortage in microchips by attaching it to a must-pass Pentagon policy measure that could clear the chamber this week.

The China bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support in June but has languished in the House, would boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing with $52 billion in assistance and authorize another $190 billion for research and development at universities and other institutions and other priorities.

The semiconductor money, deemed emergency spending, has new urgency as a global shortage of chips has idled U.S. automotive plants and disrupted the production of consumer electronics.

I have had a number of conversations with senators on both sides of the aisle and there seems to be fairly broad support for doing so, Schumer wrote in a letter to all Senate Democrats on Sunday. The move, he added, could allow both bills to pass Congress before the end of the year.

The massive defense policy measure has been enacted annually for more than 60 years and typically receives strong support in both parties, making it an attractive vehicle for the China bill. A spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about Schumers likely plan to combine both bills.

Time is running out this year, with both chambers tied up in a drive to pass President Joe Bidens nearly $2 trillion economic agenda and clear legislation that would fund government agencies through the end of this fiscal year.

Democrats hope to clear Bidens plan in the House this week.

Were confident that this bill is going to come up in the House this week, that well get a vote, it will pass and it will move on to the Senate, Brian Deese, director of the White House National Economic Council, said Sunday on ABCs This Week.

In the Senate, Schumer said work is continuing with the parliamentarian to determine whether any provisions of the massive tax and spending bill fall outside the constraints of the reconciliation process that allow it to move through the chamber without threat of a GOP filibuster.

Timing for Senate consideration is linked to completion of that process and also receipt of a score of the legislations costs by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Schumer said.

Schumer also said the Senate may need to act to raise the nations debt ceiling, although he noted the date the current limit runs out isnt clear. He didnt say when or how the Senate might act. The Senate is likely to agree on another stop-gap measure that would forestall a government shutdown past the current Dec. 3 deadline, a move to enable more time to complete agency funding legislation, Schumer said.

I am disappointed that we have not yet been able to reach a topline agreement on funding levels for FY2022 with our Republican colleagues, Schumer wrote. But I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement soon so that the Committees can finalize their bills and we can consider a FY2022 Omnibus bill later this year.

The defense authorization bill, one of the few measures that Congress passes year after year, is considered must-pass because it authorizes pay increases for troops as well as hazard pay. It also includes policies to compete against strategic challengers such as China and Russia.

Schumer said in his letter that as part of the debate on the defense measure, the chamber will vote on an amendment that would repeal the 2002 authorization for the invasion of Iraq. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee in August approved legislation that would do so on a bipartisan 14-8 vote.

I made a commitment to having a vote on this proposal in 2021 and the NDAA is a logical place to have that vote, Schumer wrote.

The massive defense measure authorizes an additional Navy DDG-51 Arleigh-Burke destroyer left out of the Pentagons request, and 91 Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, six planes more than requested. It would prohibit retirements of older aircraft, such as the A-10 close air support planes, and add five extra Boeing Co. F-15 E/X fighter jets. The bill also includes sweeping legislation championed by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, to make major changes to the military justice system by transferring decisions to prosecute sexual assault and other crimes from commanders to special prosecutors.

The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the defense policy measure in July. The full House passed its version of the bill in September. Both bills defy President Joe Bidens $715 billion request for the Pentagon, and boost spending authorization by $25 billion to $740 billion.

___

2021 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Rey Acosta holds an image of iOur Lady of Charity (Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre) during a gathering by Cuban exiles at the Museum Park after a car caravan organized by the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance through the streets of Miami from the Cuban Memorial in Tamiami Park to the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami. (Pedro Portal/TNS)

MIAMI (Tribune News Service)  The Cuban government and the opposition are on a clashing path this weekend.

Authorities are conducting widespread police interrogations, detentions and so called acts of repudiation in anticipation of an opposition march planned for Monday that the government has said it will not allow because it claims it is part of a U.S. interventionist plan.

Cubans in several cities worldwide have organized demonstrations in solidarity with the Cuban people and the young artists and activists of Archiepielago, the group that called the march. The authorities have already threatened to imprison Yunior Garcia Aguilera, one of the Archipielago leaders, who announced his intentions to walk alone Sunday.

Civility is what will lead us to have that country that Marti dreamed of, to end this dictatorship and transform the country into a democracy, Garcia said in a telephone interview from Havana, referring to Cuban independence war hero and poet Jose Marti. A country where there would be no exclusions, with no ideological apartheid, where no Cuban would feel excluded from participating.

Garcia said that state security agents surrounded his house but that he was going to try to go out for a walk alone carrying with a white rose.

They can knock down my door at any moment, Garcia said. There are many cars, security agents in civilian clothes. I am looking from my window, and they are all over the street, in a school that is in front of my house, on the ground floor of my building, they are in front of my door, they are everywhere.

Garcia said that the agents were planning an act of repudiation and expelled journalists who came close to his home. Later in the afternoon, a state media anchor showed images of a group of government supporters near Garcias home, dancing and chanting, I am Fidel to the rhythm of conga drums.

Foreign journalists who tried to get close to Garcias house said the government had closed off access. He was not able to leave his house at 3 p.m. as planned. Instead, he showed a poster through his window with the sign My house is blocked. Earlier, government supporters had tried to block his window with a giant Cuban flag unrolled from a top floor, but they missed it by a few inches. They made a few other attempts until they completely covered it.

Meanwhile, in Miami, hundreds of cars carrying Cuban flags and signs with the slogans Patria y Vida and SOS Cuba set off in a caravan in the morning from Tamiami Park in a gesture of support for the Cubans of the island and the November 15 march.

It is our duty to be here, as a show of support for those Cubans who are going to march tomorrow to demand their freedom, said Carolina Lopez, a Cuban exile who was participating in the caravan

The homeland is calling; this is what we must do, said Ileana Bauza, another participant. Since we cannot be there, what better way to support our people than by echoing what is happening on our island.

The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a coalition of exile opposition groups organizing the initiative, said it estimates that more than a thousand cars participated in the caravan that ended at the Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard.

In a rally near the Tower, Cuban activist Rosa Maria Paya announced that she will attempt to travel to Cuba on Monday, along with two members of the European Parliament representing right-leaning parties from Spain and Italy, and Cuban social media influencer Alexander Otaola.

The Cuban regime is the Berlin wall of our hemisphere, Paya told the crowd. What is happening in our country, what is going to happen tomorrow, is another step in the direction of tearing down that wall.

It is unlikely that they would be allowed to enter the country. In the past, the islands authorities have denied entrance to former presidents, politicians and activists critical of the government.

Cuban exiles also held a vigil at La Ermita de la Caridad, the Shine to Our Lady of Charity, in Miami on Sunday afternoon, organized by the groups Roots of Hope and Miami Freedom Project.

God is with the Cuban people, and he is a witness to all the suffering that the dictatorship has put us through. This is the moment and we must pray for it, said Dairyn Arango, one of the attendees.

Cuban officials said that Monday, the day of the planned protest, the country will celebrate the return to a new normality, as it was opening its borders to international travelers after several months of pandemic-related restrictions.

Minimizing the confrontation with the opposition, Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said on television Friday that he was not losing any sleep over the demonstration, adding that the country was ready to defend the revolution.

But Cuban authorities are notably nervous.

Since Friday, several independent news outlets and social media users have reported extensive police and special units presence throughout the country. Military troops are mobilized under the pretext of announced exercises. And the government also announced several fairs and activities with children throughout the week and until Monday in an attempt to claim public spaces.

One of Archipielagos coordinators, Daniela Rojo, was arrested Friday and her whereabouts are unknown, the group said. Cuban opposition leader Guillermo Farinas, a European Parliament Sakharov Prize winner, was arrested on Friday and taken to a hospital awaiting prosecution, his relatives said.

Several members of Archipielago, supporters of the march with a social media presence, and independent journalists, including Washington Post columnist Abraham Jimenez Enoa, have denounced that they are under house arrest or have been warned not to leave their homes or they will be detained.

Following the publication of an interview with Garcia on Saturday, the government revoked the credentials of staffers from the Spanish news agency EFE, sparking a diplomatic spat with the Spanish government and the European Union, which protested the measure. On Sunday, only two members of the EFE team received authorization to continue reporting from the island.

Security agents prevented Victor Ruiz from leaving his house this Sunday, according to a video of the exchange shared with the Herald. Ruiz had signed a letter notifying authorities in Santa Clara of the intention to march Monday. A security agent is heard in the video insisting that Ruiz open the door. Below the building, a man dressed in a white T-shirt and speaking on a cell phone yells gusano  worm  at him, a term coined by the late Fidel Castro to try to denigrate dissidents. A group of people are also heard chanting slogans in favor of the Cuban regime.

Another video shared with the Herald shows a small group of government supporters staging another repudiation act against Santa Clara activist Andy Garcia Lorenzo in the afternoon.

Leinier Cruz Salfran, a march planner in Guantanamo, who reported he had been briefly kidnapped by state security agents, was detained again this week. Shortly after, he posted a video on social media disavowing Archipielago. He then deleted all his social media accounts.

This time may be different. The regime is reacting out of fear, not confidence, said Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas in Washington. For the first time in memory, the repressive measures they took after July 11 have not worked, and they have doubled down on threats and pre-emptive actions. The protests are broad based, and if they cannot be contained, they may well gather momentum, challenging the regime to the core.

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on the Cuban government to allow the march and avoid responding with violence. Hundreds of Cubans are still under detention, and some face long sentences in jail for taking to the streets on July 11. That day Diaz-Canel sent police, special military units and government supporters to put down the islandwide protests.

On November 15, Cubans will again call on their government to hear their aspirations for a better future. The Cuban government has already made clear that it does not want to listen; the regime has denied permission for the protests, dismissed opposition supporters from their jobs, and threatened dissenters with imprisonment. We strongly condemn these intimidation tactics, Blinken said.

The secretary also urged the islands authorities to avoid the internet shutdowns seen in July and called on the international community to speak with one voice.



El Nuevo Herald staff writer Carlos Martinez contributed to this report.



2021 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Infowars host Alex Jones arrives at the Texas State Capitol on April 18, 2020, in Austin, Texas. A Connecticut judge has ruled Jones is responsible for all damages in the defamation lawsuits brought against him by the families of those killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting after his repeated claims that the Newtown massacre was a hoax. (Sergio Flores, Getty Images/TNS)

HARTFORD, Conn. (Tribune News Service)  A Connecticut judge has ruled conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is responsible for all damages in the defamation lawsuits brought against him by the families of those killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting after his repeated claims that the Newtown massacre was a hoax.

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis issued a default in the lawsuits Monday morning after years of what she found to be inappropriate conduct by Jones attorneys regarding depositions and the callous disregard of their obligation to turn over financial and web analytics data as ordered by the court.

The default is the most severe sanction Bellis could issue, ruling in favor of the Sandy Hook families and sending the case directly to a jury to award damages without the much-anticipated civil trial.

Mr. Jones is very used to saying whatever he wants to say from the comfort of his own studio, but what I think this case has shown is that when he is forced to defend his conduct in a court of law and comply with court orders, that its a very different ballgame, said attorney Chris Mattei, a lawyer representing the Sandy Hook families. The fact that the court was left with no choice but to default him shows just how unwilling Mr. Jones was to have his conduct exposed to the light of day in front of a jury.

The ruling in the Connecticut lawsuits essentially mirrors a Texas judges decision in late September to default Jones in three similar defamation lawsuits filed by victims families there amid similar accusations that Jones repeatedly ignored orders to turn over records to the families lawyers. Now the lawsuits in both states will be turned over to juries, likely sometime next year, to hear the extent to which Jones conspiracy theories harmed the families.

The defaults are the latest turn in the highly contentious legal battle against Jones by parents of several children killed in the horrific 2012 shooting that left 20 first graders and six educators dead. The families sued Jones for defamation after he repeatedly portrayed the Newtown massacre as a hoax on his online Infowars show, ostensibly designed to prompt new gun control measures.

Jones had claimed his inflammatory monologues were protected by the First Amendment, even though he now admits he was wrong and has since conceded in court that the shooting did occur.

The families attorneys have argued Jones deliberately capitalized on the conspiracy theories about the shooting order to grow his online Infowars audience, growing the reach for the products he sold online and in turn his companies profits. They sought detailed financial ledgers and web analytics data in an attempt to prove a correlation between the companys growing audience on the back of Jones inflammatory rhetoric and his profits but argued Jones defense attorneys have instead lied and obscured their way through several iterations of providing that information for more than two years.

This wasnt easy to get to this point, Mattei said. We requested this information back in 2019, weve had to fight for it weve had to over come deceit; false statements to us and the court. It was only through our clients determination that we were ultimately able to prove to the court that this information was withheld.

Bellis agreed Monday, concluding in her ruling for default that Jones attorneys provided only sanitized, inaccurate financial records and showed callous disregard for her repeated rulings to provide complete analytics data. The attorneys also inappropriately included information from a confidential deposition this summer in a motion seeking to question former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, suggesting Clinton had arranged the families lawsuit as a vendetta against Jones after her 2016 loss to former President Donald Trump, she found.

She found Jones attorneys actions were not just careful but constituted a pattern of obstructive conduct requiring the most severe sanction of default, what she called a last resort.

Neither the court nor the parties can expect perfection when it comes to the discovery process, Bellis read to the attorneys from her written ruling. What is required, however, and what all parties are entitled to, is fundamental fairness that the other side produces information which is within their knowledge, possession and power and that the other side meet its continuing duty to disclose additional and new material.

Here the Jones defendants were not just careless, she continued. Their failure to produce critical documents, (and) their disregard for the discovery process and procedure and court orders, is a pattern of obstructive conduct that interferes with the ability of the plaintiff to conduct meaningful discovery.

Bellis has lambasted Jones lead defense attorney Jay Wolman over several hourslong hearings in recent weeks for his conduct over the past several months and repeatedly signaled she was preparing Mondays ruling should Wolmans conduct continue.

She referred back to her previous sanction against Jones in 2019 for not turning over documents and his 20-minute, profanity-laced tirade about the case on his show, during which he referred to Mattei and a $1 million bounty to put your head on a pike. The Connecticut Supreme Court upheld Bellis sanction, which barred Jones from filing a motion to dismiss the case, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Jones appeal of the decision this spring.

Wolman has called Matteis accusations about the withholding of records and information ridiculous and that the families essentially were trying to engineer a conspiracy of their own that Jones was profiting from his supposed coverage of the tragedy.

This is not a sanctions issue, this is a way to try to circumvent the merits, your honor, and the plaintiffs cannot circumvent the merits, Wolman said. Theyre trying to find a needle in a haystack where there is no needle. This is a classic fishing expedition.

Wolman himself may be subject to more sanctions over what Bellis has called abusive questioning during a deposition this fall and is scheduled to appear before Bellis with his own attorney regarding possible discipline next month. He could not immediately be reached after the hearing Monday.

Mattei praised the Sandy Hook families determination over the past several years to persevere when Jones defense has thrown roadblocks at them constantly, he said.

Erica Lafferty, who had been a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, tweeted just one word shortly after the ruling: justice. Her late mother, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, was the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary who died during the shooting, and Lafferty has become an outspoken critic of Jones and advocate for gun safety in the years since.

The families will have an opportunity to present to a jury the extent to which Jones rhetoric harmed them and Mattei said the families attorneys will continue to take depositions and seek records from Jones companies ahead of those hearings.

Jones himself is scheduled to be deposed Dec. 14  the ninth anniversary of the shooting.

Our clients have fought long and hard for their day in court and they are going to get that, Mattei said.

2021 Hartford (Conn.) Courant.

Visit at courant.com .

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Emal Salarzai stands outside his his e-commerce business in Sacramento as he works to find a way out of Afghanistan for his parents who are on the run from the Taliban on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 in Sacramento, Calif. (Jason Armond, Los Angeles Times/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Emal Salarzai woke up in the middle of the night a few weeks ago feeling like his skull was burning, a heat so real he went to the mirror and began shaving off his hair.

I was thinking about my mom and my dad, he said, I am the only son, the only child.

Kabul had fallen two months earlier, and his parents were trapped in Afghanistan. They still are. The Taliban is searching for his father and two uncles, he said, all of whom helped the American regime  as did he, working with the U.S. military to train Afghan troops in English and computing. His mother, Masoma, 56, incapacitated by heart disease and diabetes, could not understand why others have been able to land coveted seats on outbound flights when they have not.

When Salarzai, 34, speaks with her sporadically on WhatsApp and Signal from Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento that is his home, she asks him why he hasnt been able to help.

Every time, these are her words, said Salarzai. When will we get out?

He has no answers.

The United States evacuated more than 120,000 people before the withdrawal of U.S. troops in August and the staggeringly quick takeover by the Taliban, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Thousands of Afghan refugees included in those airlifts remain in lily pad third countries, where they are waiting in transit to final destinations. More than 70,000 have arrived in the United States, many still living on military bases.

But thousands of at-risk Afghans remain inside the country, increasingly desperate to leave as options for doing so dwindle, say family members and aid organizations. A handful are U.S. citizens or visa holders. Many more, such as Salarzais parents, lack official status or documentation but are at risk either because of their own activities in the country, or because their relatives helped the United States.

A U.S. Department of State spokesperson said it has continued charter flights to facilitate departures for U.S. citizens and residents, and remains committed to the monumental task of helping vulnerable Afghans who want to leave. It has evacuated about 600 people since its official withdrawal at the end of August, the spokesperson said. The majority of flights out, though, are now handled through American allies such as Qatar, and nonprofit and aid agencies that charter their own planes, create their own manifests, and work to gather the necessary governmental clearances both through the U.S. and the new regime in Afghanistan. It is a slow and disjointed process.

The State Department said it is working to accelerate the pace of charter flights and has created a cross-agency group to streamline its effort. But the removal of the U.S. government and the scramble to fill the void by myriad smaller players have left confusion and frustration for Afghans. With no central command and no clear information on who is involved and how charter flights are being filled, those seeking ways out are left depending on tips from friends, internet information and luck, said Salarzai and others.

Its not as simple as it used to be  when there were Army planes and people were hopping on and they were taking off, said Ismail Khan, a volunteer with nonprofit No One Left Behind, which helps special immigrant visa holders  those granted entry into the United States for helping troops as interpreters or other critical roles. There are a lot of folks that you need to get their approval to get someone on a flight.

Khan said that even with his connections through the nonprofit work, he is unable to get answers about his own family, who are also trapped in Afghanistan.

There is not a follow-up, he said. You cant get an answer from anyone that will tell you, Hey, its going to happen in a month or two months or a year, or, Its not going to happen.

Recently, his 15-year-old brother was kidnapped and beaten by the Taliban, he said, freed after the family paid a ransom. Now, his family has split into four groups and is in hiding. But Khan fears that his high-profile work advocating for others will continue to make them targets. Like Salarzais family, they want to know why he cant do more.

The hardest part for me is I have been talking to senators and congressmen and news reporters and trying to do everything for others and my family as well, Khan said. My family, they call me every day and say, Look, people are getting out and you are helping people get out and you are not helping us. Whats going on?

The pressure on those living in the United States to help family abroad is traumatizing Afghan communities  especially special immigrant visa recipients such as Salarzai and Khan who fear their families will die or be imprisoned if they fail to find a way out.

I can guarantee you that everyone here already had PTSD and they are going through a mental issue right now, Khan said. I struggle at work. I cant really focus. ... Its been a nightmare.

Kerry Ham, executive director of World Relief Sacramento, a resettlement agency that works with Afghan refugees, said that mental health crisis is likely to grow. He receives multiple emails every day asking for help with evacuations, many from people who are refugees themselves and are just getting up day by day, trying to figure out what they can do, he said.

Thursday, Salarzai sat in the rented warehouse where he stores clothes to resell on Amazon. His dark eyes looked weary, his hair grown back to a short buzz. There were few lights on in the cluttered space, with boxes of shirts and shoes stacked to the ceiling. The room grew dim as the sun set on Veterans Day.

He was waiting for a call from his father but had no good news to give. He still had heard nothing back, except from a single source that was working to get his parents on a charter flight. The source said they needed to get passports first  theirs are expired.

But passports are hard to come by in Kabul, Salarzai said. Hundreds line up every day at the official office, now run by the Taliban. He is hesitant for his father to show up there, anyway.

Salarzais father worked as an intelligence liaison for the ousted regime and is known to his neighborhood as Dagarwah  the colonel  even though he is retired from military service. The family fled to Pakistan with nothing when the first Taliban regime took over. Salarzai was 4 and they lived in camps until his father could get established.

When the Taliban was toppled, they returned to a demolished Kabul. Salarzai was 14 and remembers coming through the Khyber Pass and seeing a soldier with a gun wearing traditional leather sandals instead of boots. It made him feel as though he was home.

He grew up in a Kabul that was rebuilding around him. One television station became dozens. There was music, and girls doing things. His female cousins went to school  one becoming a teacher and another a doctor. His uncles worked dangerous jobs in support of the government while his family rebuilt too. He helped the colonel build an eight-bedroom villa where their extended family lived together, the colonel taking his grandkids to school every day.

Salarzai rose through the ranks to become a trainer at the Morehead English Language Training Center, an elite school that prepped Afghan troops to travel to the U.S. and other countries for courses with special forces such as Army Rangers, he said.

On his phone, he keeps a photo of Canadian Lt. Col. Jean-Guy Levesque giving him the Book of Operating Procedures when Salarzai became site lead and supervisor of the school, the first Afghan to take control of the facility, in 2012. He loved the job, loved helping Afghanistan become a new country, he said.

But he began receiving threats, and worried about his kids. In 2015, he came to the United States on a special immigrant visa.

He tried to return to Afghanistan after only a few months in the U.S., missing his parents too much. His mother told him, People are dying to just get out of this country, and you have a green card in your hand and you are saying you dont want to leave ... Just go, and if [Allah] helps, we will be with you.

Not long ago, members of the Taliban came to the door of the house where Salarzais grandfather and 8-year-old cousin were staying. They slapped the boy, he said, and demanded to know where the colonel was. Neighbors called the family to warn them.

Just tell the colonel to not come home, they said.

Salarzai and Khan both said they fear the Taliban will grow more bold as time passes and international interest wanes. They worry they will not be able to get their families out while there is still a slim window of opportunity.

People are forgetting about them, said Salarzai.

There is this much hope, he says, squeezing two fingers nearly to touching, that is giving me strength.

2021 Los Angeles Times.

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Congregation Beth Israel leaders say an arson attack caused 50,000 in damage to the synagogue. Local and federal authorities have charged an 18-year-old Texas State Guard member and Texas State University student with the crime. (Austin Fire Department)

(Tribune News Service)  On the day that federal agents say he set fire to the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue, 18-year-old Franklin Barrett Sechriest logged an alarming entry in his handwritten journal: Scout out a target, he wrote, according to newly unsealed court documents.

Security video later showed his Jeep SUV in the parking lot about 9 p.m. Oct. 31, a federal charge document states, just before footage revealed the orange glow of a fire that investigators say was arson.

Within a couple of days, the court documents say, Sechriest scribbled again in his journal: I set a synagogue on fire. ... Get worried when it mentions they are hopeful a suspect will be caught.

The entries fell in a to-do list that also included surfing the dating app Tinder, doing laundry and meditating.

Sechriest, a member of the 6th Brigade of the Texas State Guard and a Texas State University student, now faces a federal arson charge related to the fire  he already was facing an arson charge in state court  and an affidavit made public Monday described the case against him in more detail.

It included photographs of racist and antisemitic entries from his journal and other evidence officials say link him to the fire.

The fire was among several alarming incidents in Austin in recent weeks that raised fears about an ongoing attack on the Jewish community. The affidavit in Sechriests case makes no mention of any larger, coordinated effort in which he is suspected of being involved, but officials say investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

On Sunday, hundreds of people attended a rally at the Capitol for kindness to counter the hate-driven incidents, which also have included antisemitic graffiti at Anderson High School and a group that twice hung offensive banners from a MoPac Boulevard ( Loop 1) overpass.

According to the affidavit, Sechriest also wrote, return to base, under his entry about finding a target, but it is unclear whether he was in Austin that day or was referring to his Guard duties.

The Texas State Guard, part of the Texas Military Department, provides in-state service for emergency and disaster response and border security, among other things. The Guard said in a statement that it is cooperating with the investigation and will not tolerate misconduct.

Investigators with the FBI and Austin Fire Department wrote that they first linked Sechriest to the fire using security video that showed his license plate. Then they searched his home and SUV.

On Sept. 6, he bought a green 5-gallon racing fuel utility jug at Cabelas in Buda, according to a receipt in his car, and agents wrote that they also found three 32-ounce bottles of lighter fluid and matches in his car. The affidavit said the fuel container is similar to the one the suspect was seen on security video using.

Based on my training and experience, and that of other agents knowledgeable about explosive devices, these items are consistent with materials that can be used and combined to produce destructive devices known as Molotov cocktails, FBI agent Thomas P. Joy Jr. wrote.

They also found stickers in Sechriests car, including one that said: They hate your ancestors. ... They hate your culture. ... They hate your nation. ... They hate your religion. ... It is okay to hate them back. Another said: No invader is innocent.

In a search of his home, officials wrote that they found Sechriests journal and a 2021 planning calendar. Using a racial slur, he wrote on Aug. 19 that he had to take a n----- appreciation class the day after Texas State orientation, a picture of his calendar entry showed.

Fire Department investigators determined that the blaze caused at least $25,000 in damage  synagogue officials said Monday it is closer to $150,000  and could have destroyed the building on Shoal Creek Boulevard.

Sechriest remained in federal custody Monday; a bail hearing on the federal arson charge had not yet been set. He was transferred to federal custody from Travis County jail Monday after being held in lieu of $100,000 bail on a local arson charge.

Under Texas law, Sechriest faces up to life in prison if convicted of the first-degree felony. He faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted of the federal charge. Prosecutors might enhance his punishment by charging him with a hate crime.

Congregation Beth Israel Senior Rabbi Steve Folberg, who spoke at Sundays rally at the Capitol, said in a statement: We denounce all acts of bigotry and violence, especially those motivated by blind hatred of any of the proud and distinctive communities that enrich our civic life. We will remain strong and vigilant in the ongoing work of justice, safety and peace for ourselves and all our neighbors.

2021 www.statesman.com.

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A Day of Remembrance program was held Sunday at the Vernon Hill Post 435 in Worcester, Massachusetts. (Christine Peterson/Telegram & Gazette)

WORCESTER, Massachusetts (Tribune News Service)  More than 100 veterans, Gold Star family members and people involved in the construction of a hospital in the central highlands of Vietnam 50 years ago gathered Sunday at Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 in commemoration and remembrance.

The ceremony aimed to mark the 50th anniversary of the building of the Living Memorial Hospital in Lien Hiep, Vietnam, but it also served as a tribute to the Gold Star families of the 147 men from Worcester County, Massachusetts, who died or went missing in action during the Vietnam War.

In the late 1960s, Frank Carroll and his fellow veterans at the Vernon Hill American Legion Post met with local Gold Star mothers  those whose sons had been killed or were missing in action during the Vietnam War, which was still raging  to find a way to honor the memory of the loved ones they lost.

The group partnered with a humanitarian organization called Project Concern, led by Dr. Jim Turpin, to honor their sons' memories by building a hospital in a village that had virtually no access to medical aid.

The ground raised $100,000 locally and broke ground in Lien Hiep in 1968. Two years later, Carroll and the Gold Star mothers flew to Vietnam for the dedication of the Living Memorial Hospital.

But after the U.S. pulled out in 1975 and the North Vietnamese regained control of the country, communication fell silent and the status of the hospital was unknown for more than a decade. Eventually, lawmakers were able to arrange a meeting with the Vietnamese ambassador to the U.N. Carroll, Turpin and others were told the hospital was still going but needed critical equipment and supplies.

The news prompted a new $1.5 million fundraising push in the early 1990s to get the hospital the supplies it needed.

"I couldn't have built Lien Hiep myself," Turpin said during his keynote remarks Sunday.

Turpin talked about early experiences that instilled in him a desire to help others. He talked about driving from his comfortable neighborhood in the San Diego, California, area in the 1950s across the border to poor communities in Mexico where he provided medical care. He talked about saving two young children, but said they, in fact, saved his life and set him on a path that led to his role in the construction of the hospital in Vietnam.

Gold Star families

Gold Star families filled the audience at the remembrance Sunday afternoon. Lynne Dynice was just a small child when her father, Marine Corps Capt. Paul McNally of Fitchburg, died in a mid-air collision between two helicopters over the South China Sea June 6, 1965.

She said he was just 28 years old when he was killed and had three children under the age of five. Dynice's grandmother, Mary McNally, was an original member of the Gold Star Mothers Committee that led the local push for the hospital in Lien Hiep. She said she was glad to be able to attend Sunday's event.

Dennis F. Shine III, son of Corporal Dennis F. Shine Jr., a Worcester native killed in Vietnam in 1969, said he grew up in the area but moved to Washington, D.C. after college. He said he was glad to come back for the remembrance, but was also glad to be able to catch up with family. The state swimming pool on Vernon Hill is named for his father.

Shine said it took some time but he eventually found connection with other Gold Star families through Sons and Daughters in Touch, a nonprofit organization that locates, unites and supports the now-grown children of American servicemen who died during the Vietnam War. He said it has been a life-changing association and he now sits on the organization's board of directors.

Carroll, who organized Sunday's remembrance, stood near the podium Sunday helping to direct traffic as various speakers and dignitaries spoke or were recognized. U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern recited "In Flanders Fields," and the event featured a nine-song set by Irish tenor John McDermott.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty thanked Carroll and everyone else who played a part in organizing the event. He said 50 years later, the city continues to honor the Vietnam veterans' sacrifices. He said the construction of the hospital in Lien Hiep, which is still in operation, embodied the grace and hope of a grateful city.

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The city of Detroit gave Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson (center) a big present on his 100th birthday Monday, Nov. 15, 2021: a key to the city and a field rededicated in his honor. (City of Detroit Government/Facebook)

DETROIT (Tribune News Service)  The city of Detroit gave a Tuskegee Airman a big present on his 100th birthday: a key to the city and a field rededicated in his honor.

Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson of the 332nd Fighter Group was honored Monday in the same field where, as a child, he used to fly toy airplanes. Jefferson Field at Rouge Park will have a plaza added and a bust of Jefferson. The field is currently used and maintained by the Detroit Aero Modelers to fly model airplanes.

Deputy Mayor Conrad Mallett; U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D- Lansing; U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D- Detroit; Detroit historian Jamon Jordan, and other community leaders were present to reflect on Jeffersons service and contributions to the country.

As the deputy mayor presented Jefferson with a key to the city, he said, This is an important moment, this is the essence of the city. We have proved leadership to this nation time and time again by African Americans.

After his service in WWII, Jefferson was a science teacher in Detroit Public Schools and retired as an assistant principal.

The city is so proud to honor one of our own, a hero who helped win World War II, then returned home to change lives by becoming a beloved teacher and assistant principal, all while ensuring that people continue to learn about the service of the Tuskegee Airmen, said Rochelle Riley, director of the citys Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship.

As an airman, Jefferson was shot down and spent nine months as a prisoner of war. Captured by German troops, he spent the first five months in Stalag Luft III, 80 miles east of Berlin.

Jefferson was born in Detroit on Nov. 15, 1921. He graduated from Chadsey High School and earned a bachelor of science degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia: did graduate work in chemistry at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and earned a masters degree in education at Wayne State University, Detroit.

In January 1944, he graduated from pilot training course at Tuskegee Army Airfield followed by three months of combat training at Selfridge Field, Michigan. He served as a P- 51 fighter pilot with the Red Tail, 332nd Fighter Group, 301st Fighter Squadron in Ramitelli, Italy.

In the course of providing protection from enemy aircraft, he flew 18 long range escort missions.

Jefferson also will be honored at an event Saturday that is being hosted by the Tuskegee Airmen Detroit Chapter and his family at the Coleman A. Young City Airport.

(c)2021 The Detroit News

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Taryn Wilson, of North Baltimores Mount Vernon, is waiting for the Department of Veterans Affairs to finalize its procedures for vets seeking gender confirmation surgery. (Ulysses Munoz, The Baltimore Sun/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Retired Navy mechanic Taryn Wilson of Baltimore says she experienced depression over the years because the sex she was assigned at birth did not match the one she sees herself as.

Wilson, 44, who retired in 2018 after 23 years of service, wants to have gender conformation surgery and was elated when the Department of Veterans Affairs announced June 19 that it will cover such procedures for former service members.

For Wilson, who is a transgender lesbian, not having the body she needs hurts her mental well being, she says, including intimacy with her wife.

I really would like ... to make my body the way its supposed to be and make my life more comfortable, she said.

However, the VA has yet to release details about when the surgeries will be offered and whether VA surgeons will perform them or if it will refer patients elsewhere. While no timeline has been established, the agency indicated it could take two years.

Wilson said that she needs the VA to cover her surgery because she cant afford to pay out of pocket for it. Gender confirmation surgery, and accompanying procedures, such as facial feminization or hormones, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Paula Neira, clinical program director for Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health who is a Navy veteran, said she paid $30,000 in 1995 for gender confirmation surgery.

The VA told The Baltimore Sun in an email this month that it was still assessing the number of veterans eligible for and interested in gender confirmation surgery.

Since the announcement, the VA has initiated the rule-making process, including drafting the proposed rule and Regulatory Impact Analysis, which will be published as part of the rule making, a spokesperson wrote. VA is also putting together teams that will develop the framework to provide a full continuum of care consistent with VAs rigorous standards for quality health care.

When asked about a time frame, the VA noted rule-making generally takes two years. The Veterans Health Administration, part of the VA, will be the organization reaching out to veteran groups as the rule-making process proceeds.

The Modern Military Association of America, a nonprofit organization based in Washington that works with the LGBTQ military and veteran community, has been at the forefront of distributing information provided by the VA, said Jennifer Dane, executive director.

We are keenly aware that there is no timeline established, and we are fearful that without implementation guidance, a new administration could derail care that is needed, she said.

An estimated 1.4 million Americans, including slightly more than 22,000 people in Maryland, identify as transgender, according to the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute, a research center focused on sexual orientation.

Wilson, who enlisted in the Navy in 1995, saw service that included her ships participation in logistics operations in 2004 for oil platforms off Iraq for eight months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She now lives in Mount Vernon in North Baltimore.

Wilson says shes known she was different since middle school, but didnt know how to express it.

She said she heard people use gay slurs during her time in the military. For example, she once heard sailors say if they learned there were gay people on their ship, theyd push them down the steep stairs.

I heard things like that on a daily basis. I was deep in the closet, she said.

She was terrified of losing friends and family after coming out in 2015, but says she felt supported.

It was a very fulfilling feeling to be able to see myself for who I am and live my life authentically, she said, adding coming out made her better at her job because she was less stressed than when she was in the closet.

Veteran Alice Ashton, 42, of Columbia described some of the feelings shes had as a lesbian who was assigned the male gender at birth. Not having the right body, she said, makes sex difficult.

Its a source of almost depression. You dont feel whole, Ashton said. She, too, is concerned about when VA will finalize the details and a timeline.

Neira called gender confirmation surgery lifesaving because of the mental health challenges many trans people face.

Its not elective. Its being able to feel whole and being able to live your authentic selves in a society thats prejudicial and discriminatory, Neira said. Anything were able to help people live the healthiest life is something that we should be doing.

Ashton served in the Air Force as a Korean linguist from 1997 to 2003 and in the Navy as an Arabic linguist from 2006 to 2020 and lives in the village of Oakland Mills. She says almost all the people at her rank were supportive when she came out, as opposed to those above her.

It was difficult. Anytime theres social change, I expect a pushback, she said.

2021 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com.

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Gus Allbritton's Purple Heart medal. (Carl Vinson VA Medical Center)

RALEIGH, N.C.  When Army veteran John Spencer Jr. returned home from the Vietnam War at 21 years old, he was immediately stripped of his dog tags, uniform and dignity.

It was almost like being a criminal, Spencer said.

Instead of being recognized as a war hero, Spencer was given an other-than-honorable discharge. For more than 50 years, he was denied the veteran status, military honors and education, job and health benefits he deserved.

Knowing that I had a discharge like that, I couldnt really ask for help, Spencer said. I held it within.

But all that changed Thursday, when Spencer, 73, was pinned with a Purple Heart, a combat infantryman badge and a Vietnam Gallantry Cross outside the law school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

All I really wanted was when they laid me to rest they just drape that flag across my coffin, said Spencer.

He never gave up the fight for that recognition and sought help from the UNC School of Laws Military and Veterans Law Clinic. The clinic provides pro bono legal support for low-income former service members looking to upgrade or correct their military discharge status.

The shame is gone, Spencer said in his newly decorated blue sport coat. The dignity is back.

More than 100 people, including law students, ROTC cadets, university trustees and state political leaders gathered to witness Spencers long-awaited honors. Spencers daughter and brother, who both served in the military for decades, sat proudly in the audience as the awards were pinned to his chest.

The Purple Heart ceremony would never have happened without Carolina law students who worked with Spencer for three years to restore his federal veteran status.

For this team to carry this through to make sure my dad got this while hes still alive is very emotional and a very proud moment, Spencers daughter, Sonya Dewberry, said.

Since 2018, the clinic has helped dozens of veterans with an other-than-honorable discharge get access to benefits and health care that they deserved but never received. In 2020, UNC-CHs clinic formed a partnership with N.C. Central Universitys law school to serve former service members whove been prohibited from receiving proper health care and disability benefits because of their discharge status.

About 10% of North Carolinians are active-duty military service members or veterans, Law School Dean Martin Brinkley said in his remarks at the ceremony. North Carolina is also home to eight military bases, four of which are some of the largest and most strategically important in the U.S., Brinkley said.

Spencer grew up in Mount Airy and was drafted as a teenager in 1969. He trained at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Knox in Kentucky. Spencer served as an Army armored reconnaissance specialist in the infantry in South Vietnam, where he was hit in the neck with shrapnel. As a Black soldier, Spencer said he also faced discrimination and violent racism.

When Spencer came back, his younger brother Byron was about 6 years old. He ran up the stairs, greeted his older brother at the door and then went off to play. Byron had no understanding of his brothers military service or sacrifice, then or in the years to follow.

Spencer never really talked about his experience in the military, colleagues hed lost or the nature of his discharge, Byron Spencer said, even though he was also in the Army.

It wasnt until recently that I understood what he went through, Byron Spencer said. It feels so good that he is able to get this recognition and, most importantly, that hes still here.

BACK INTO THE MILITARY FAMILY

In Spencers case, Carolina law students used military and health records to appeal his discharge on the grounds of discrimination and protocol violations. They also learned that Spencer was wounded during the war, earning him a Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart is the oldest active military award in the U.S. and originated during the Revolutionary War.

Our clinics train the next generation of public servants and leaders by providing them an opportunity to help bring people back into the military family, said distinguished Army veteran and clinical associate law professor John Brooker.

Lieutenant colonel Brooker is a Carolina law graduate and the director of the Military and Veterans Law Clinic.

Brooker said tens of thousands of North Carolinians, like Spencer, have been improperly or unfairly ejected from the military family because of their discharge type or characterization. That often happens because of the misunderstanding of mental health and its impact on behavior, discrimination and the changing of societal norms, Brooker said.

Brookers students help veterans qualify for the full range of Veterans Affairs benefits, including healthcare for the rest of their life.

That not only matters for pride and honor, Brooker said. It matters for real life-saving reasons.

The clinic is a valuable experiential learning opportunity for Carolina law students that helps prepare them for the professional world.

As a first-generation lawyer and future judge advocate ... I know I am exactly where I need to be in order to make the biggest difference to the community, Isabelle Stevens said at the ceremony.

Stevens said working in the clinic and on Spencers case has done more than shape her view of advocacy and public service. She said it introduced her to a man whose story, challenges, grace and perseverance made a lasting imprint on my life.
Tauranga-based legal tech start-up LawVu has won the coveted Business of the Year Award at the Tauranga Business Awards 2021.

The Tauranga Business Awards are held annually by Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, with a view to recognise and celebrate local businesses of all sizes and stages.

This year the awards night was held as a hybrid digital-physical event, which saw entrants celebrating in their bubbles and a VIP gathering of 100 guests congregate at Farmer Autovillage.

It was here that LawVu was announced as the winner by VIP guest Hon Jan Tinetti, while one of the judges delivered the award to the LawVu team in an Audi R8, donated by Farmer Autovillage for the occasion.

LawVu received the top honour for spearheading digital innovative through their unique, Cloud-based online platform. They also won the Digital, Business and Technology Innovation category.

The judges noted that LawVu has huge potential for further growth, and credited them for choosing to base their global operations out of Tauranga and create new opportunities to attract a highly skilled workforce.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Cowley says the Chamber is delighted to see a high calibre of entrants, who all rose to the occasion and took the opportunity to enter their businesses  despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

This year, we had a high number of entrants, all with very high standards, which made the selection process a very robust and challenging discussion for the judges, says Matt.

Every year, through the awards process, we continue to see local businesses change the way they do business, seeking new ways of working, overcoming new challenges and responding with a can-do attitude that makes them thrive.

For the Chamber, this is the reason why we felt strongly that the awards needed to continue this year. Its important celebrate the resilience and adaption to change that we see in our community.

Head facilitator Jamie Lunam, speaking on behalf of the judges, says, The calibre of entrants was not only diverse, but incredibly humbling. We have some epic Covid-19 pivots, brave businesses facing up to significant structural challenges, hair-brained ideas that turned into businesses, incredible tech start-ups and everything in between.

They entered the awards for validation and feedback, but the reality is that these entrants could teach the Tauranga business ecosystem a thing or two. We wish all applicants and finalists a successful 2021.

Another top honour of note was the award for Corporate Leadership, which this year went to Trevelyans. The Corporate Leadership award is selected by Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and recognises a large-scale business that is making a significant and positive impact to the regions economy.

Event organiser Anne Pankhurst says Trevelyans is leading the charge with their response to Covid-19 and how they are managing to keep their people safe in a challenging environment.

As well as being a hugely successful packhouse, Trevelyans has a considerable focus on community support across all facets of their business, says Anne.

This is particularly evident with their people and the importance of creating an environment that is safe and welcoming for their diverse workforce.

This year also saw every Tauranga Business Awards entrant put forward for the only publicly voted award, the NZME Peoples Choice Award. More than 3500 people voted through the Tauranga Chamber of Commerces website and emerging business Girls Get Off was crowned the category winner.
The gender pay gap in the Public Service is the lowest it has ever been, at 8.6 per cent, the Minister for Women, Jan Tinetti has announced today.

The gender pay gap is the lowest its ever been which is a great result. This is a direct result of concerted effort this Government has made, says Tinetti.

We made a commitment to closing the gender pay gap in 2018 and weve delivered the largest three-year drop since measurement began in 2000.

"Weve shown what can be achieved when the Government, the Public Service and unions work together," she says.

This is a 30 per cent decrease since the Public Service Gender Pay Gap Action Plan was launched in 2018, when the gap was 12.2 per cent. By comparison, the national gender pay gap has remained flat in the same period.

The gender pay gap in the Public Service continued to fall in the last year, down from 9.6 per cent in 2020 to 8.6 percent, at 30 June 2021. When measurement began in 2000 the gap was 18.6 per cent.

Maori, Pacific and Asian pay gaps have also dropped. The Maori pay gap has fallen in the last year from 9.3 per cent to 8.3 per cent. The Pacific pay gap has fallen from 19.5 per cent to 17.9 per cent and the Asian pay gap has come down from 12.8 per cent to 11.6 per cent.

More work is needed. We need to make a bigger difference, for more people, by closing ethnic pay gaps as well.

Tinetti today launches Kia Toipoto, a three-year Action Plan to tackle gender and ethnic pay gaps and, Te Orowaru, a new pay equity work assessment tool that helps recognise the value of cultural skills in work, including te reo Maori.

These two initiatives will support the Public Service to continue to close the gender pay gap and to accelerate gains for Maori, Pacific and ethnic communities.
"A disaster waiting to happen."

That's how Rotorua MP Todd McClay describes Lakes DHB's ability to cope with a Delta outbreak after it was revealed there are only four fully staffed intensive care beds in Rotorua.

McClay is calling on the Government to urgently increase intensive care capacity in the area, where seven cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed since Saturday.

Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi said the Waiariki region could face a "huge catastrophe" in an outbreak and wanted to see more support for people self-isolating.

Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi. Photo. File. Dan Campbell.

Lakes District Health Board chief executive Nick Saville-Wood said the biggest challenge was staff resourcing and vaccination rates need to increase.

A Ministry of Health spokesman says all DHBs had done "significant planning and preparation work" to manage an outbreak, and Health Minister Andrew Little said he was confident DHBs could care for people ill with Covid.

Lakes DHB confirmed it had six intensive care unit beds, of which four were resourced, which refers to staffing. There are also six coronary care unit beds, four of them resourced.

The DHB had 16 ventilators and 14 were resourced.

According to the Ministry of Health, there are 116,370 people in the DHB's region, which covers Rotorua and the wider Taupo and Turangi area. Rotorua and Taupo have hospitals.

Toi Te Ora Public Health indicative modelling reported on November 6 by the Rotorua Daily Post found at a 90 per cent eligible vaccination rate, 190 Covid cases a week were estimated for the Lakes DHB area in 2022, with 12 hospitalisations and 1 death.

As of Thursday, 71 per cent of the Lakes DHB eligible population was fully vaccinated and 83 per cent had received at least one dose, with 24,046 people to go to reach the 90 per cent fully vaccinated target. For Maori, 70 per cent had one dose and 53 per cent had both.

McClay said in his view the Government hadn't shown the necessary urgency over the last 18 months to prepare for outbreaks and he was worried the Lakes hospitals would struggle.

He said it had a knock-on effect to people who needed intensive care and or ventilators for reasons other than Covid and he was concerned it could cost lives.

"It also puts extreme pressure on our doctors and nurses."

McClay said other countries had increased intensive care capacity as a response to Covid-19 but he believed the New Zealand Government had not in any significant way.

"They have spent money on cameras on fishing boats and the arts.

"If you're going to borrow money for Covid [response], spend it on Covid."

The approach was in his view "deeply disappointing and extremely worrying" as the Lakes DHB area was "vulnerable with very low vaccination rates".

"It feels like a disaster waiting to happen. The people of Lakes should not be forgotten or left out.

"It needs to be fixed and questions need to be asked why we're in this situation."

Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi said he broadly agreed with McClay's view that there should have been more Government investment in health sector preparedness for a community outbreak.

He said he did not believe the DHB had the ability, at this stage, to deal with a Delta outbreak.

Waititi said capacity needed to be ramped up but early detection was crucial, as was giving Maori and iwi-led organisations such as Whanau Ora the resources and data to reach people and support them.

"We need to ensure our people have the right support. If not, we could have a huge catastrophe in Waiariki."

He believed the whole health system was "broken from the start" and district health boards had been "failing Maori for a long time".

He said the solution was to let Maori-led organisations such as Whanau Ora do the work and "tidy up the mess".

He said testing needed to be ramped up across the region and it needed to be accessible.

DHB chief executive Nick Saville-Wood said the biggest issue was staff resourcing.

"Like all DHBs ... we have a huge amount of ongoing vacancies and our nurses have been under the pump for two years."

He said based on current projections and Auckland's experience, Lakes DHB did have capacity but staffing was still a challenge. Today, 90 people were in hospital in Auckland and seven were in ICU or high dependency care units.

"The breaking point won't necessarily occur within intensive care, it may occur in other services such as the emergency department, inpatient, how sick they are, if they are requiring a short and sharp stay or long and projected," Saville-Wood said.

"The easiest way to deter overloading our health system is to be vaccinated."

He said the situation was "very concerning" as at current vaccination levels there was a "strong likelihood" demand for hospital services would increase if Covid spread.

"The lower the vaccination rate means that the level of care for the unvaccinated remains high."

At a DHB meeting on Friday morning, before cases were confirmed in the area, board members expressed concern for the wellbeing its Maori population should there be an outbreak.

A Ministry of Health spokesman said all DHBs, including Lakes, had done "significant planning and preparation work" towards ensuring its hospital and community health services were best able to manage Covid-19.

"The DHB has had significant Covid-19 experience, having had three MIQ facilities operating in its region. The Ministry led preparedness programme is also providing additional support and advice as necessary."

He said Lakes DHB had four resourced intensive care beds with two more "available if necessary".

"Importantly they are well supported by the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care College and can operate a comprehensive ICU service."

The spokesman said the DHB was in regular discussion with primary care ensuring it could care for people in the community while enabling access to hospital services if necessary.

He said all Covid-19 planning and preparedness had been done on the basis intensive care and ventilators would also be required for other needs.

"If necessary non-essential planned care can be deferred to allow more intensive care unit capacity to be available to support people with Covid-19."

Minister of Health Andrew Little said the Government had been preparing for an outbreak since August last year.

He said additional ICU capacity was available where needed, and the ministry had a store of 250 ventilators in addition to the 430 deployed around New Zealand.

The vaccination campaign meant fewer people with Covid would require hospital care and would instead be able to recover at home with involvement from primary and community care, including Maori-led organisations.

"That is what is being put together at the moment and I'm confident that with every DHB now having appointed a lead person for care in the community, as well as groups of DHBs coming together and regions also coordinating regionally, means that we will be providing the support and care that people need if they become ill with Covid."
A Tauranga hearing clinic is aiming to help more people hear well.

Audikas Cherrywood clinic team recently welcomed the community, clients and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges at an open day event, to share the work they do and the services they provide to support those with hearing loss.

Guests were given a tour of the world-class facilities that assist Audikas clinicians to deliver client-centred hearing care to their community.

The Cherrywood clinic has been a vital part of our community and during the first Covid-19 Lockdown last year was the only clinic in New Zealand able to service and repair devices for Audikas clients across the country, says Audikas regional sales & operations manager Michael Severn.

Hearing loss affects many. It is often referred to as a silent disability and it affects the daily lives of many, from those simple conversations with a loved one to daily interactions many people take for granted.

In New Zealand, hearing loss affects around 880,000 people which is nearly 20 per cent of the population, with less than half of those who experience hearing loss having accessed hearing care or use hearing devices.

Audikas mission is to help more people hear better and we are committed to delivering personalised client-centred hearing care to New Zealanders across our 30 clinics around the country. These include five clinics in the Bay, including at Cherrywood, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke. If you need any advice or assistance regarding your hearing health, our clinic teams would love to see you.

You can visit the Audika Cherrywood Clinic at 344 Otumoetai Road Tauranga or phone on

(07) 570 0254.

You can also get in touch via email at cherrywood@audika.co.nz .

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When the Malaga Philharmonic Society was founded a century and a half ago, women were not permitted to be members. Their presence was only ever contemplated if they were "the wife of" somebody. Now, 80 per cent of members are women and in most cases it is the men who are accompanying them. The city's oldest musical institution, the most conservative because of its long history, has noted that times are changing and has reflected this in its programming. This season female performers and composers are taking centre stage in an agenda traditionally dominated by men, a clue that something is changing in society and, therefore, in classical music.

This is corroborated by the eight women who have gathered together on the stage of the Cervantes Theatre for this interview, eight professionals in conducting and composing in Malaga, the fields in which gender equality is most resistant. They belong to different generations - there are nearly 20 years between some of them - but they all radiate a sense of optimism.

Maria del Mar Munoz was chosen a few weeks ago to conduct the Malaga Opera Choir in one of the most ambitious opera seasons since the break during the pandemic; the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra is including a work by Diana Perez Custodio in its subscription programme at the Cervantes Theatre; Reyes Oteo will premiere a piece with the Philharmonic Society at the Unicaja Maria Cristina concert room this season, and Silvia Olivero has coordinated a book dedicated exclusively to contemporary female composers from Andalucia.

A book features 16 female composers from Andalucia and one woman, Maria del Mar Munoz, is to conduct the Opera Choir

Olivero, Perez Custodio and Oteo feature in this book, which is published by Monte Victoria, together with Isabel Royan, Ana Blanco, Cristina Gallego and Inmaculada Godoy all of whom live in Malaga and another five women composers from the region. Each accompanies her curriculum vitae with a piano score to reflect "the state of musical creation in Andalucia".

"We are close to being able to abandon compensatory mechanisms now," says Reyes Oteo (Seville, 1982), a composer and electronic luthier with the ability to create music with her body through sensors on the skin. Their challenge these days is to make their presence normal, and not have to pressure anyone to include them in their programming. The aim is to reach a situation in which "nobody comments on the names," says composer Inmaculada Godoy (Malaga, 1972). "Because now, sadly, people think of us on International Women's Day, but we conduct orchestras 365 days of the year," says Silvia Olivero (Malaga, 1975), a pioneer in her field in the province.

Reflection of society

Diana Perez Custodio (Algeciras, 1970) can justifiably claim to be a veteran composer, with 200 pieces to her name. She says women have always played an important role, but now they are starting to become more visible. "Women working in music is nothing more than a reflection of society. As things change to make life more livable, we are able to consider choosing this type of profession, which has always been particularly complicated for us," she says.

Teaching is something they have in common. "We all know what culture is like in Spain. You have to do something else in order to make a living and do this in your spare time. If you add motherhood into the equation... the less help you have, he more difficult it is," says Perez Custodio.

"But when you are a mother you organise yourself just as a conductor who is a father does. We have to get away from those stereotypes where they decide for you what you are able to do," insists Olivero.

When these women speak, they often repeat one word: confidence. "There is a lack of confidence in our work," says Isabel Royan (Malaga, 1983), who specialises in composing for cinema, videogames and multimedia. "They still demand more portfolio, more experience from us, and at times it seems that male composers don't need so much background behind them," she says.

"They question you. Let's say a male conductor comes along and they take it for granted that he knows how to do his job, and when you get up on stage they say 'let's see what you can do', or 'let's see how you do it' or even 'let's see if you can do it'," says Olivero. This is a problem of social eductation: "The position of conductor implies an authority and society still supposes that authority is masculine," she says.

This is why it is still very difficult for women to access professional orchestras. The vast majority of female conductors work with semi-professional groups or ensembles.

"We have to demonstrate much more that we are prepared," says Ana Blanco (Granada, 1987), composer and the conductor of the Municipal Band of Alora. This situation, as Cristina Gallego (Granada, 1989) explains, becomes even more difficult if a woman is young. "A young woman isn't trusted as much as a young man, even when doing the same job," she says.

Advances

Yet despite the obstacles they still have to overcome, they all realise that the reality today is very different to that of just a few years ago, thanks to the many women who have fought this battle before them.

"I have never felt excluded, nor have I received disparaging comments or insinuations," admits Maria del Mar Munoz (Malaga, 1985), who is starting along a new path in opera by conducting the Malaga Opera Choir.

"And this year two women won the Goya for best original music," exclaims Royan.

The new generations also have a decisive ally: social media. As Blanco says, online tools enable them to handle their own publicity and promotion and make themselves visible. And Gallego says there are now more women as role models for those studying at music conservatories.

But at this point a barrier appears and it deserves to be analysed: there are many female students, even a majority sometimes at the professional level of music education, but the numbers decline when they enter the Higher Conservatory.

"When it is time to push ahead with a career, they fall by the wayside," says Godoy, who teaches at the Martin Tenllado. Of the 347 students in last year's course at the Higher Conservatory in Malaga, there were 144 women and 203 men. And more than half of the women were studying just three specialities: piano, violin or singing, where they are double or even triple the number of men.

However, their presence is practically negligible in the Conducting and Composing department: 47 men compared with seven women (four studying composition and three conducting). The difference fluctuates slightly each year, but there are no signs of the gap closing in the near future. "The question is why these inequalities occur in these subjects, where it all comes down to the students' personal choice," says Reyes Oteo, who teaches Composition at the Higher Conservatory and is the equality coordinator.

Perhaps the answer lies in the slow and gradual integration of women into positions of responsibility, on stage, in the content of music studies and in the teaching centres themselves. They are more visible nowadays, yes, but still not enough. In this same department of Composition and Conducting, there are only three female teachers compared with ten men.

"It will take a bit of time. But the first women conductors and composers are inspiring and showing the way for girls, who are encouraged by it and see that it is possible to do this, that we're not weirdos because we're doing something that isn't traditional for women. We are lucky because we are experiencing this change for ourselves. I feel important to be here, making progress together with my colleagues," says Munoz. And they all applaud.

female students enrolled last year to study Conducting and Composition at the Higher Conservatory in Malaga, compared with 47 male students, a difference that has remained practically unchanged in recent years and shows that there is still a long way to go.
From a mystery scholarship to VIP commissions Alan Wilkinson has been able to get back to painting since retiring to Spain after a 40-year career in the property sector in London

Dublin-born artist Alan Wilkinson has lived just outside Castell de Ferro, near the coast in Granada province, for over 20 years. He lives with his wife of 36 years, Carol, and their three Spanish mastiffs as well as an assortment of cats.

The couple have a relationship with Spain that goes back further, having owned an apartment on the Costa del Sol where they came regularly on holiday before deciding to make the move when Alan retired.

Alan spends his time painting and has had a number of exhibitions locally in the years that he's lived here. In fact, he has painted the portraits of two different mayors in the village and has just completed the most recent  of the incumbent Toni Antequera.

Alan explains that Antequera had been to visit an exhibition that he had on at the town hall and someone from the mayoral office contacted him afterwards to ask if he would paint her portrait.

"It was a complete surprise for her. She had no idea I'd been asked to do the painting," Alan explains. He took photographs of her under the premise that the shoot was for something else and then surprised her with the portrait. "She was very happy with it and I'm told it's now hanging up in her office," Alan says.

In 2014, Alan was commissioned to do a portrait for the then mayor Eloy Martin Cabrera. The artist says that when Martin Cabrera left the post, he took the painting with him.

Art scholarship

Alan, who is 81, has always been a talented artist. In fact he tells the story of his parents receiving, completely out of the blue, a letter with the details of a full scholarship to attend what is now known as the National College of Art in Dublin.

To this day he says he has "absolutely no idea" who recommended him. "This was 1950s Ireland. Life was tough and a career as an artist wasn't encouraged," he points out.

Although he was born in Dublin, during the war he recalls that he was sent to live on the country's west coast in a cottage with "no running water, where I had a three-mile walk to get to school. I went bare foot".

His early years are in stark contrast to life at the college in Dublin, which Alan explains is on Kildaire Street in the capital and forms part of the government buildings housed in "beautiful baroque architecture".

Alan accepted the scholarship and says that he "thrived" at art college, no less because he likes being different and has "been different" all his life.

While at college Alan discovered another talent  as a drummer  and even lays claim to starting the first Trad Jazz band in Ireland while he was still a student.

Playing the drums was something that Alan continued to do, performing with rock bands in 1960s London, having moved there in '61.

The art was left on the back burner during a hugely successful 40-year career working in advertising and marketing in the property sector in Kensington, London. He frequently rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, including a number of royals.

A return to art

It was when Alan retired and came in Spain in 1998 that he was able to go back to his painting. He paints in a variety of media, including oils, pastels and watercolour and does portraits and landscapes. "I really wanted to get stuck in to the painting," he admits.

Alan's landscapes are, of course, of local places in Spain but he also frequently returns to Ireland (or at least did pre-pandemic) where he loves to paint views of his beloved west coast.

His portraits include a diverse mix to celebrities, from Amy Winehouse to John Wayne, and then people closer to him like his wife and in-laws. The dogs even feature in some of Alan's work.

Alan has a studio in an outbuilding of the cortijo where he and Carol live and he is planning to open it up as a gallery for members of the public to visit soon.

When he's not painting, Alan says he is kept busy with the property as well as their various animals.
Benalmadena to host Iberian ham cutting competition Six specialist ham cutters from all over Spain will demonstrate the fine art of slicing Iberian ham at the event in Benalmadena on Sunday 21 November

Benalmadena town hall, together with local entrepreneur, David Romero and the Hermandad de Redencion, will host the first edition of the Concurso Nacional de Cortadores de Jamon de Benalmadena, a competition that will present master Iberian ham slicers from all over Spain.

The event will be held at the headquarters of the Brotherhood of Redemption in Arroyo de la Miel on Sunday 21 November from midday, where the six specialist cutters will demonstrate the fine art of slicing Iberian ham. The specialists will also produce a range of creative dishes using the celebrated hams from Salamanca, an area considered to produce some of the most popular hams in the world.

The art of cutting cured ham requires knowledge and a particular skill set, and the six contestants will be judged by a panel of experts who will base their results not only on the way the ham is sliced, but also on the quality of the dishes that are created with it.

The event has been organised to raise funds for the religious brotherhood, which maintains the town's revered images of the Holy Christ of Redemption and Holy Mary of Sorrows.

"It is a charity event to support the Brotherhood of Redemption, which has suffered due to the effects of the pandemic. The day will offer visitors the chance to enjoy the art of the highly professional ham cutters and the diversity of the dishes that they create," businessman and co-organiser David Romero said.
British man confesses to stabbing his Spanish wife to death, but says he doesn't remember anything The Public Prosecutor is demanding a 14-year prison sentence, but the defence team for Geoffrey Elton has asked that he be admitted to a psychiatric centre for treatment and then deported to Britain

The accused, in the centre of the photograph, during his trial in Malaga this Monday (15 November). / MIGUE FERNANDEZ

The British man, Geoffrey Elton, who is standing trial in Malaga for the murder of his Spanish wife, Gloria Tornay, in their home in Estepona in 2019, has pleaded guilty in court.

However, according to the defendant, he does not recollect how it happened. He said that all he remembered about that night was that he was angry with her and that he had received WhatsApp messages that could have incited him to kill her.

Elton said that he did not recall that he had hit Gloria in the face, or tried to strangle her, as the Public Prosecutor's office maintains. Nor that he had stabbed her up to eleven times using a 14.5cm long kitchen knife, ending the victim's life.

Prosecutors are demanding a 14-year prison sentence for the crime of murder, with mitigating circumstances.

Murder

In court, the defence team said that Elton suffers from a mental disorder that prevented him from being aware of the consequences caused by Gloria's murder and has requested the prison sentence be substituted with admission to a psychiatric centre where he can receive treatment and, later on, be deported to Great Britain.

On Tuesday the trial for Gloria's murder will continue with the testimony of her son, who at the time of the events was a minor, and who Elton had thrown out of the house before the murder.
British man stands trial accused of murdering his Spanish wife in Estepona Gloria Tornay, 58, died after being stabbed up to eleven times at her home on the Costa del Sol

A British man is facing a 14-year prison sentence, accused at trial of murdering his Spanish wife, Gloria Tornay (58) at her Estepona home.

Geoffrey Elton, allegedly stabbed Gloria, originally from Montejaque in the Serrania de Ronda, up to 11 times according to the Public Prosecutor's office.

The incident happened on 9 March, 2019 between 1030 pm and 11.45 pm in the evening, after the alleged murderer kicked Glorias son, who was then 16 years, out of the house, throwing phones out onto the street, cutting the power and locking himself inside.

The accused began to hit Gloria, allegedly, "covering her mouth to suffocate her and then trying to strangle her," according to the prosecutor. Later he picked up a 14.5cm-long kitchen knife, with which he started to stab her. One of them was from behind and it was that one that reached the victim's heart, ending her life.

Screams

It was a neighbour who notified the emergency services, alerted by the screams and noise. The police were forced to break down the door to access the house, but nothing could be done to save Gloria's life. Her son had also tried to enter the home through one of the windows and a door, but without success.

Officers found Gloria dead on the bed. In the same room they found Elton, who apparently had tried to take his own life.

Separate

There were no complaints of ill-treatment in the relationship. Gloria had severed her relationship with her husband about three years before the gender crime, but ended up returning to his side. Before her death, she had told family members of her intention to separate again. But she had waited to do so by mutual agreement and protect her children, who were then 16 and 29 years old.

Disorder

In court evidence the Prosecutor's Office acknowledged that the defendant suffers from a disorder that gives rise to "cognitive distortions in the appreciation of reality" and requests a 14 year-prison sentence for the alleged crime of murder, allowing for the mitigating circumstance of his condition.
Remembering the fallen at the English Cemetery in Malaga The annual Remembrance Sunday service took place at St George's Anglican Church, followed by wreath-laying at the English Cemetery on 14 November

The English Cemetery in Malaga was the scene on Sunday for the annual Remembrance ceremony to honour the fallen.

The ceremony followed a Remembrance service that took place at St George's Church, led by Chaplain Father Louis Darrant. The Sung Eucharist service included prayers, hymns and the giving and receiving of communion to pay respects to all those who sacrificed their lives in conflict.

The congregation then followed the clergy out of the church for the Act of Remembrance at the war graves.

Among the congregation was British expat Charles Betty, 98, who wore a string of medals won by himself and his father, eight in total. He said, "My father's medals are more than 100 years old and are from the First World War."

Wreaths were laid on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal British Legion Torremolinos branch and the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Costa del Sol. The act of wreath-laying was followed by a two-minute silence.

The four graves commemorated were those of Commander Wallace Douglas Stranack, Flying Officer John MacGregor Maughan Patterson, Sergeant Francis William Calladine and Sergeant Albert Arthur Ross.

President of the RAFA Costa del Sol, Graham Would, said, "This service epitomises the fact that remembrance is continuous, it doesn't stop."

Father Louis expressed his delight that the event was back to normal following last year's service which happened at a much reduced capacity due to Covid. He said, "It feels very good to have everyone back to remember how we want to - together."

These sentiments were echoed by the British Consul Charmaine Arbouin, who pointed out that this was her eighth year attending the service and laying a wreath as consul. She said that despite the "lovely service which happened on a beautiful, warm November day in Malaga", she regretted that more elderly people hadn't attended the service due to Covid.

The next event taking place at St George's Church will be the Christmas Fayre on 28 November from 12.30 - 14.30pm, which will include a cake sale, book stall, tombola and activities for children.
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mobike008 Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 10,995 Thanked: 10,010 Times

View My Garage





Washington, USA 2021 Photo Blog #1 - Mt.Baker, Snoqualmie Falls, Fall Season



I love being nature (this feeling has increased more so ever since moving to US) as it gives a sense of calm, peace to the stressed lives we all lead these days. As some of you may know, I used to live in Detroit, Michigan and have recently moved to the beautiful Pacific North-West (PNW), Seattle, WA to be precise lest you may also think of Portland, OR



My years spent in Detroit was bliss and loved every minute there as the focus was more towards automotive (Work & Personal Interests) as everything out there is something to do with automotive and feel lucky to be so close to the gorgeous great lakes (Visited and spent time on each of those gigantic oceans (err..lakes) which are a marvel as they form 21% of freshwater of this world- That is something to think about).



Back in my career, I used to work for a Navigation company (they are now acquired by Garmin) and we used to make fishing maps for these lakes. I never anticipated that one day, I will get to spend so much time personally on the Great Lakes. I am truly blessed !!!



Coming to PNW, the landscape is completely different. Michigan is definitely scenic (especially the Upper Peninsula which accordingly to me is outdoor lovers paradise) but, is mostly flat land, not many trees and infamous for patchy road infrastructure.



PNW is completely opposite. Its lush green, tall trees lined up everywhere (be it suburbs or remote), hilly and roads are continuously curving which makes driving for an automotive enthusiast even more fun (downside is the horrendous traffic due to every Indian worth his IT salt is working in this region ). I think of PNW as a combination of Simla + Manali + Munnar + Ooty.. Haha!



With the background and introduction out of the way. I thought of sharing some photoblogs to capture the beauty of the Pacific North-West. These pictures are taken over several weekends over a period of 2 months (September & October 2021) and hope to keep creating more photoblogs as I explore more of PNW.



Enough of the commentary and now it's time to share pictures (unfortunately, all are cellphone pictures) but, hopefully paints a decent picture of the gorgeous PNW.



All these trips are done in my newly acquired "Ultimate Driving Machine" which makes these trips even more pleasurable. If you are interested to read more about it, you can head over to my ownership thread at :



https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post4990969 (2021 BMW X3 M40i - My "Blau Rakete" flying low in Motor City!)



A beautiful hill enroute to Snoqualmie Falls, WA







Beautiful fall scene enroute to Leavenworth, WA







Somewhere in Mt.Baker, WA







Note : Please click each of these iPhone images if you'd wish to see them in full glory As much as this forum is known for its awesome automotive content, its also a revered place for folks who love to travel or generally like to be outdoors. Im one such person who not only love auto but, keep hunting for reasons/excuse to be in the outdoors.I love being nature (this feeling has increased more so ever since moving to US) as it gives a sense of calm, peace to the stressed lives we all lead these days. As some of you may know, I used to live in Detroit, Michigan and have recently moved to the beautiful Pacific North-West (PNW), Seattle, WA to be precise lest you may also think of Portland, ORMy years spent in Detroit was bliss and loved every minute there as the focus was more towards automotive (Work & Personal Interests) as everything out there is something to do with automotive and feel lucky to be so close to the gorgeous great lakes (Visited and spent time on each of those gigantic oceans (err..lakes) which are a marvel as they form 21% of freshwater of this world- That is something to think about).Back in my career, I used to work for a Navigation company (they are now acquired by Garmin) and we used to make fishing maps for these lakes. I never anticipated that one day, I will get to spend so much time personally on the Great Lakes. I am truly blessed !!!Coming to PNW, the landscape is completely different. Michigan is definitely scenic (especially the Upper Peninsula which accordingly to me is outdoor lovers paradise) but, is mostly flat land, not many trees and infamous for patchy road infrastructure.PNW is completely opposite. Its lush green, tall trees lined up everywhere (be it suburbs or remote), hilly and roads are continuously curving which makes driving for an automotive enthusiast even more fun (downside is the horrendous traffic due to every Indian worth his IT salt is working in this region). I think of PNW as a combination of Simla + Manali + Munnar + Ooty.. Haha!With the background and introduction out of the way. I thought of sharing some photoblogs to capture the beauty of the Pacific North-West. These pictures are taken over several weekends over a period of 2 months (September & October 2021) and hope to keep creating more photoblogs as I explore more of PNW.Enough of the commentary and now it's time to share pictures (unfortunately, all are cellphone pictures) but, hopefully paints a decent picture of the gorgeous PNW.All these trips are done in my newly acquired "Ultimate Driving Machine" which makes these trips even more pleasurable. If you are interested to read more about it, you can head over to my ownership thread at :Please click each of these iPhone images if you'd wish to see them in full glory Last edited by mobike008 : 15th November 2021 at 06:00 .
In brief: The Biden Administration doesnt seem to want to undo Trumps Huawei ban, so the Chinese company is now planning to license its phone designs to other companies in an effort to circumvent the restrictions on purchasing American-made hardware and software.

By now its no secret that Huaweis business has suffered a number of setbacks as a result of US sanctions. More than two years have passed since Donald Trumps administration blacklisted the Chinese tech giant, and now it is no longer one of the top phone manufacturers in the world. On top of that, Huawei is no longer one of the top five phone vendors in its home country.

The company has taken difficult steps in an attempt to weather the storm, including developing technology solutions for more efficient pig farming and spinning off its Honor sub brand into a separate entity that is now owned and operated by a state-owned company.

According to a Bloomberg report, Huaweis next step will be to license its smartphone designs to other companies, which could allow it to circumvent the Entity List and gain access to American-made technology.

Huawei is planning to start licensing its designs to a unit of state-owned China Postal and Telecommunications Appliances Co. called Xnova, and the latter will attempt to buy essential hardware and software the former is no longer allowed to acquire. This would mark a continuation of an existing arrangement where Xnova was selling Huawei-branded Nova phones on its online store, with the only difference being that Xnova will now be able to use its own branding.

Another company that will soon sell self-branded phones based on Huawei designs is telecom equipment manufacturer TD Tech Ltd., but the partnership is still being negotiated. In the meantime, Huawei engineers are adapting phone designs to use Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets instead of those made by Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon.

With no sign that the Biden Administration will remove Huawei from the Entity List, this move may be the only way for the Chinese tech giant to remain relevant on the mobile market. Time will tell if this strategy will produce any positive results, but Huawei hopes it will lead to an increase in sales next year, possibly as much as 30 million units on top of current projections.
In brief: Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Pro have received plenty of glowing reviews from critics and buyers alike, but it seems they may have issues not related to the quality of their sound. According to several reports, the earbuds are causing ear infections for some users.

Android Central's Chris Wedel writes that he experienced an ear infection after wearing the Galaxy Buds Pro. The infection caused a lot of unpleasantness, including swelling, discharge, pain, and a temperature over 102 degrees. It was around a week before Wedel's ear returned to normal, though he still has periodic flare-ups.

It appears that Wedel isn't alone. There are several reports of Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 users experiencing the same health issues, many of which start off as post-wear irritation before developing into an infection. There are also cases of Samsung not only refunding the users, but also paying for their medical bills, suggesting the company accepts that the earbuds are the causethough it hasn't admitted so publicly.

As for why people are getting infections, it's speculated that the different materials in the newer buds are the culpritsthere are no similar reports among those using older versions of Samsung's devices. The Galaxy Buds Pro use nickel in the charging contacts, which is known to cause skin irritation in some people. Samsung also switched to acrylate in the new models, whereas the older buds used acrylic.

A Samsung spokesperson said the company was "unsure of when there will be information released on the issues with the earbuds," but that information may be provided on the website at a later time "due to it being a common issue." It's noted that the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 user guides warn to remove the earbuds and stop using them if you experience discomfort.

Not too surprisingly, a class-action lawsuit is being proposed against Samsung over the Galaxy Buds Pro. It alleges that a defect results in allergic reactions such as "itching, burning, redness, blistering, flaking, scabbing and/or fluid leaking from the ear."
Facepalm: A 2017 statement made by Apple CEO Tim Cook has come back to haunt him to the tune of $30 million. At the time, the chief said that the iPhone had become so "integrated and integral" in people's lives that they could not leave home without them. The comment came right in the middle of a plaintiff-appealed lawsuit where Apple's legal team argued that the company should not be required to pay off-the-clock employees during routine searches because they could have left their iPhones at home.

Last Friday, Apple offered plaintiffs $29.9 million to settle a class-action lawsuit originally filed in 2013. The suit was over Apple forcing employees to submit to searches of their bags and iPhones while off the clock. According to the California Supreme Court, this practice goes against the state's labor laws.

In 2015, the Ninth Circuit dismissed the case noting that the US Supreme Court had struck down a similar suit against Amazon by warehouse workers. Had the decision gone the other way, it was estimated that Apple would have been on the hook for around $60 million. This figure covered more than 12,000 past and present employees for lost time between 2009 and 2013.

Plaintiffs appealed the lower court's decision to the California Supreme Court. In February 2020, the high court found that since employees were still under their employer's control while being searched, California labor laws required Apple to pay them.

"[Apple workers] are clearly under Apple's control while awaiting, and during, the exit searches," wrote Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. "The exit searches burden Apple's employees by preventing them from leaving the premises with their personal belongings until they undergo an exit searcha process that can take five to 20 minutes to completeand by compelling them to take specific movements and actions during the search."

Apple's primary defense was that the security policies were in place to prevent the theft of company property and trade secrets. It further argued that the workers could have left their belongings at home. The plaintiffs were aware of Apple's security policies and made a conscious choice to bring their bags and iPhones to work with them, knowing they would be searched whenever they left the premises.

The unanimous court decision stated that Apple's stance on bringing belongings to work, particularly iPhones, was not consistent with its publically stated view of the iPhone.

"The irony and inconsistency of Apple's argument must be noted," the ruling reads. "Its characterization of the iPhone as unnecessary for its own employees is directly at odds with its description of the iPhone as an 'integrated and integral' part of the lives of everyone else."

This last part is a jab at something Tim Cook said in a 2017 interview with CNBC.

"I think the iPhone is the best consumer product ever. That's what I feel about it. And it's become so integrated and integral to our lives, you wouldn't think about leaving home without it," Apple's CEO said, apparently oblivious to his legal team's primary argument in ongoing litigation.

The $30 million settlement still has to be approved by the plaintiffs. If they agree, it works out to a maximum payment of about $1,300 for some claimants. Payouts are based on time worked between 2009 and 2013, and the average allotment is expected to be around $800.

"This is a significant, non-reversionary settlement reached after nearly eight years of hard-fought litigation," stated plaintiff attorney Lee Shalov in the proposed settlement.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs strongly recommend agreeing to the settlement.

Image credit: Mikhail (Vokabre) Shcherbakov (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Editor's take: Google tossed its name into the foldables hat early on, researching the technology alongside all the other major smartphone makers. But as Samsung, Motorola and others have come to market with early offerings, Google's has yet to materialize. A strategic move, perhaps, or just a case of bad timing?

Google publicly said as far back as May 2019 that it was experimenting with foldable display technology, and had been doing so for a while. At the time, however, Googles head of Pixel development said they hadnt really identified a clear use case.

Now more than two years later, in the wake of multiple foldable launches from rival Samsung and a challenging supply chain environment, Google may be no closer to launching a foldable than it was in 2019.

Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), claims sources in the supply chain have told him that Google has decided not to bring a foldable Pixel phone to market  at least, not in 2021 and not in the first half of 2022.

Sources said Google doesnt believe the device would be as competitive as it needs to be. Whats more, Young pointed to previous rumors suggesting the device was destined to ship with non-state-of-the-art camera sensors.

All things considered, its probably in Googles best interest to put the Pixel Fold on ice for a bit. Foldables are still a very niche category, and in that price range, buyers expect cutting-edge hardware, not outdated cameras. Itll also give Googles own Tensor processor some time to mature, give the Pixel 6 family more time on the market as Google's flagship handset and perhaps buy some time for global supply chains to get back on their feet.

Image credit Triyansh Gill, Mika Baumeister
The Namibian government has issued a notice of award stating its intention to appoint HYPHEN Hydrogen Energy as the preferred bidder to develop the country's first large-scale vertically integrated green hydrogen project in the Tsau Khaeb national park. The project, worth an estimated US$9.4 billion, will ultimately produce 300,000 tons of green hydrogen per year for regional and global markets, either as pure green hydrogen or in derivative form (green ammonia).

READ ALSO: OnePlus Merging Oxygen OS And Hydrogen OS To Deliver Faster Updates

Marco Raffinetti

The announcement followed a competitive tender process, and following the conclusion of mandatory legislative processes and the entering into of the relevant contractual agreement will afford HYPHEN the right to construct and operate the project for a 40-year period following the conclusion of the feasibility study and sign-off from the Government.

"The first phase, which is expected to enter production in 2026, will see the creation of 2 gigawatts of renewable electricity generation capacity to produce green hydrogen for conversion into green ammonia, at an estimated capital cost of US$4.4 billion. Further expansion phases in the late 2020s will expand combined renewable generation capacity to 5 gigawatts and 3 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity, increasing the combined total investment to US$9.4 billion", said HYPHEN CEO Marco Raffinetti.

Once fully developed, the project will provide a major boost to Namibia in terms of foreign direct investment and job creation. The US$9.4 billion investment amounts to the same order of magnitude of the country's current GDP, and will see nearly 15,000 direct jobs created during the four-year construction of both phases, with a further 3,000 jobs created permanently during the operational phase. More than 90% of all these jobs created are expected to be filled by Namibians. In addition to taxes, HYPHEN will pay concession fees, royalties, a sovereign wealth fund contribution and an environmental levy to the Government.

"The Tsau //Khaeb national park is among the top 5 locations in the world for low-cost hydrogen production, benefiting from a combination of co-located onshore wind and solar resources near the sea and land export routes to market," said Raffinetti.

"Namibia's world class natural resources, combined with a progressive, pro-investment and visionary Government under the leadership of President Hage Geingob, has enabled the country to move with incredible speed to position itself at the leading edge of Africa's ambitions to enter the green hydrogen production space."

HYPHEN director Dr Tobias Bischof-Niemz said the consortium comprised shareholders and technical partners that were world leaders in their respective fields. "This collective deep technical expertise across the entire green hydrogen value chain, combined with our financial strength and experience in developing, fundraising and implementing infrastructure projects in Africa, will be crucial in successfully delivering a project of this magnitude and complexity," he said.

"This is exactly the type of investment the board aims to attract as it is directly aligned to our mandate of unlocking investment opportunities that drive the economy forward, and most importantly, improve the quality of life for all Namibians. This is a milestone project that will enable the country to create on average 15,000 direct jobs over the four years of combined construction and 3,000 permanent direct jobs over the 40 year operational period, while contributing to other efforts to stimulate economic recovery. We look forward to welcoming HYPEHN as an investor in Namibia and reiterate the Board's commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment, provide the necessary support to all investors and ensure continued ease of doing business in Namibia", said Nangula Uaandja, CEO of the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board.

"We're humbled by the enormity of the responsibility that comes with this award, but are confident that we can not only live up to, but exceed the expectations placed on us. We look forward to working with the Government of Namibia and all other stakeholders in delivering Southern Africa's first gigawatt scale green hydrogen project," said Raffinetti.

RELATED ARTICLE: Study Shows Photosensitive Nanostructured Electrodes Increase Effectivity of Green Hydrogen- the Energy of the Future

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(Photo : Unsplash/ Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk) Gmail messages

Google wants to create a feature that will let you glance at your message without opening it.

Notification badges, or dots, have been a feature of Android home screens ever since. This allows you to easily see which apps have new features for you to use.

Most operating systems of devices have their own version of this feature. Sometimes, the feature includes the count of unread messages, like the ones in iOS.

A new test found as part of Google Messages shows that the Mountain View company is looking to add the same unread dot inside the app to highlight chats that need your attention.

Google Messages' New Feature

Nick Cipriani, a known tipster for Google features, has told Android Police that he had encountered these new dots in two different versions of Google Messages. The first one appeared a lot bolder, especially when in dark mode, as it has a more saturated blue color.

Also Read: Google Messages Can Protect Your Text Messages and SMS, Here's How to Enable Its New Feature

In the most recent beta version of Google Messages, the dot has been adjusted with a different shade of blue, but it is still in the same place, which can be seen on the right side with the date and timestamp of every unread message in the inbox.

It seems to be a server-side change rolling out to a limited number of users since there are some that stated that they couldn't get the feature to show up on any of their devices. If you wish to check it out yourself, you can download the latest beta from APK Mirror.

Until now, the search giant has showed the users all of their unread messages with bold text. This is also what happens when you have unopened emails in your Gmail account.

Badges or dots are common in numerous other messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Apple Mail, and tons of different email clients, so it is not an original feature that Google is trying out.

Whether or not users will see this feature roll out more widely will depend on Google since the company tests different types of features with different rates of success.

Google Messages also added a feature earlier this year that allows you to pin the top three conversations in the chat.

In 2020, Google Messages added end-to-end encryption for the protection and privacy of the users.

Material For You Design

After Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Keep, the latest feature to get a Material You revamp is Google Messages.

The latest Messages beta update, the v9.7, added the Material For You Design, though there are still some changes to be made.

The search bar at the top of the screen gets a pill-shaped redesign compared to its previous rectangular shape. The floating action button for initiating a new chat at the bottom of the screen now has a more rounded rectangular look.

Unlike the other redesigned Google apps, both of these elements do not support Dynamic Color theming for users yet, meaning that they can't pick up the color and hue of the wallpaper you are using.

However, 9to5Google activated some of the Material You elements in the app after quitting it, including Dynamic Color.

For the publication, the background across the app also picks up a light color tin based on the wallpaper. The chat bubbles in the conversation view are still unchanged.

Related Article: Google Messages New Feature | How to Zoom In

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new Gmail security threat is currently targeting email users. Experts claimed that the new malicious campaign also affects other popular email services, such as Outlook.

Related Article: BREAKING: iPhone Thieves Discover New Way to Steal Apple ID | Beware of This New Text Message With Malicious Link

This is why they are urging consumers to avoid clicking messages from unknown contacts or verify the source before accessing the links provided in the message.

Currently, hackers and other cybercriminals are targeting email services and applications. Gmail has already fallen to online attackers for the past few months.

Now, Gmail and Outlook users are facing another security threat, which specifically tricks users into telling them to purchase high-value products. Tickets are included in these sold items.

New Gmail Security Threat

According to Express UK's latest report, the new malicious email message claims that if users want to purchase the expensive items being offered, they need to call the customer service number stated in the message.

Also Read: Costco Data Breach: Card Skimmer Exposes Customers' Payment Details, Stealing Thousands of Dollars in Fraud Charges

However, the number would direct you to one of the involved cybercriminals. This online attacker would then ask for your personal details to steal your money.

On the other hand, they would also force their victims to install malicious apps and other files into their PC or smartphones. Right now, this is just one of the security issues that Gmail and other online services are suffering from.

Recently, we reported that 4th Gen Intel CPUs have a new vulnerability, which is claimed to be caused by the DirectX 12. On the other hand, a new PS5 hack was also discovered, exploiting the console's kernel and root keys.

Protecting Your Gmail Account

Security experts explained that the best thing you can do to avoid the new malicious email is to avoid clicking any link or calling any number provided by an unknown message.

But, the Google Account Help website also provided some tips so that you can protect your Gmail account. Here are some of them:

Always customize your Gmail settings.

Don't forget to update your email application.

Choose a strong password, which can't be easily identified by your friends and relatives as well.

If you are receiving spams, phishing messages, and scams, always report it to Gmail's customer service.

For more news updates about Gmail and other similar topics, 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.
DIY or do-it-yourself diabetes treatment hacks are now trending on social media under the trend #WeAreNotWaiting. In response, a group of doctors, along with other experts in the field, approved of the new rage online.

However, the experts and doctors still issued a couple of notes and warning regarding the DIY treatment method.

It is to note that some of the health trends that flood social media apps like TikTok have become a bigger risk than help, such as the Dry Scooping challenge.

On top of that, some of the trending health claims on social media went on to spread critical misinformation talking about the COVID-19 vaccines.

What's more, some of the DIY treatments going rounds on social media and elsewhere online typically get an eyebrow-raising reaction from some folks.

Read Also: Saliva Blood Sugar Test: No More Pricking Fingers to Know Levels of Diabetes Patients Thanks to Researchers

DIY Diabetes Treatment Hacks Trend

But this time around, it turned out that the latest trend on social media regarding a DIY treatment for diabetes patients got the nod of doctors and experts, vouching for its effectiveness, as per the news story by Mashable.

It is worth noting that the standard treatment of diabetes that medical professionals follow still involves a two-step process, including the initial step of glucose level monitoring, followed by insulin injections to treat the issue.

That said, the news outlet further noted in the same report that the traditional method of diabetes treatment is still a tedious process.

Not to mention that the struggle gets worse when diabetes patients have to maintain their blood sugar levels late at night with the two-step process of much-needed treatment.

As such, the latest trend online, suggesting an easier DIY version of the treatment process, grew in popularity to some diabetes patients.

Folks experiencing diabetes who know how to think about some tech stuff decided to follow the DIY method, which unites that two-step process into a single one.

Thus, the DIY treatment method allows its users to check their blood glucose and automatically inject the required amount of insulin at the same time, making the process less of a hassle.

With the said process making the lives of diabetes patients much easier, the said DIY tech has been published as an open-source program, which allows patients to use it on their own as well.

Although the said single-step system is already available commercially, it is still relatively pricey to purchase. So some are choosing the do-it-yourself route.

DIY Diabetes Treatment Gets Doctor Approval

That said, a statement of 40 doctors, along with health and legal experts published a consensus approving the DIY tech, which was published in The Lancet.

"Although we do not suggest that open-source AID systems be universally recommended over commercial options, strong ethical reasons support the use of open-source AID systems, with safety and effectiveness data derived from real-world evidence," says the joint consensus statement.

Related Article: McDonald's, Burger King, and MORE US Fast Food Companies' Top Menu Items Test Positive for Harmful Chemical

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Written by Teejay Boris

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
STONEWALL [ndash] Funeral services for Maple Hamilton, 78, of Stonewall, OK will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at the Stonewall First Baptist Church with the Apostle Gary Bruner officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Stonewall, OK. Mrs. Hamilton passed away in a Deni
BANGKOK  American journalist Danny Fenster, who was recently sentenced to 11 years of hard labor after spending nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar, was freed and on his way home Monday, a former U.S. diplomat who helped negotiate the release said.

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. His sentence was the harshest yet among the seven journalists known to have been convicted since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Bill Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the U.N., said in a statement emailed by his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Fenster, 37, is from Detroit and worked in south Louisiana from 2017 to 2018, when he wrote for the Daily Iberian and The Current.

+14 American journalist who reported in Louisiana remains jailed in Myanmar Danny Fenster has given a voice to the voiceless through his work as a journalist. Now, his loved ones are doing the same for him.

He was handed over to Richardson in Myanmar and will return to the U.S. via Qatar over the next day and a half, according to the statement. He has been in detention since he was taken into custody at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area in the United States to see his family.

We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, his family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

It was never exactly clear what Fenster was alleged to have done, but much the prosecution's case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the military's seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

According to the United Nations, at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

Of the seven journalists known to have been convicted, six are Myanmar nationals and four were released in a mass amnesty on Oct. 21.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean welcomed the news of Fensters release, while calling for the countrys military rulers to release all journalists still behind bars.

Danny is one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup, he said.

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Richardson said he discussed Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ruler.

Richardson is best known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans. Recently he has been involved in seeking freedom for U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994 when as a member of U.S. Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

In an interview with The Associated Press after his most recent visit to Myanmar, Richardson said his talks there had focused on facilitating humanitarian assistance to the country, particularly the provision of COVID-19 vaccines. That mission also resulted in the release from jail of Aye Moe, a young woman who used to work for Richardson's center on womens empowerment issues.

At the time, Richardson said his staff had been in touch with Fensters family, and when asked if there was hope for Danny Fensters release, he replied: Theres always hope. Dont ask any more.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place."

Myanmars military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges," Crispin added.

During Fenster's trial, prosecution witnesses testified that they were informed by a letter from the Information Ministry that its records showed that Fenster continued to be employed this year by the online news site Myanmar Now  one of dozens of outlets ordered shut in a press crackdown.

Both his former and current employers issued public statements that Fenster had left Myanmar Now last year, and his lawyer said defense testimony, as well as income tax receipts, established that he works for Frontier Myanmar. But without a government official's testimony to that effect, the judge only took into account the letter from the Information Ministry.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
It's unlikely a criminal investigation into whether the city of Zachary illegally paid two vendors nearly $4 million for work without having contracts in place will take place in the near future, if at all.

The office of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor said Monday it found no indication anything illegal occurred over how Zachary paid its vendors for maintenance and utility services between 2019 and 2021. Because of that, District Attorney Hillar Moore III said Monday he doesn't anticipate his office getting involved in any follow-up investigation into the matter either.

"It's basically the city having a trusting relationship with one or two vendors," said Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack. "In the world we live in, as auditors or watchdogs, we really don't have a problem with a trusting relationship. Just trust and verify; make sure you have a real contract in place that covers the city  from a contractual standpoint."

Moore said it would take the state auditor's office suggesting in its report that there was some criminal violation to prompt an investigation by his office.

"I haven't seen the report; I would like to review it," Moore said. "Auditors will normally put in their reports whether there were any criminal violations. I haven't heard of any."

Audit calls out Zachary for paying $4 million without contracts; city council members outraged After an audit found the City of Zachary paid two vendors nearly $4 million for work without having a contract in place, some on city council 

The audit findings, which were publicly released last week, noted the city paid two vendors $4.1 million for maintenance and utility services between 2019 and 2021. The auditors said the city paid $3.5 million to the vendors for water meter reading, utility maintenance and equipment repair, and lift station and water well maintenance and repairs without a contract.

Invoices for utility location services were paid without the city requiring the vendor to submit time sheets or activity reports to confirm that the hours billed to the city were actually correct.

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Mayor David Amrhein asserted vendors and the city used price sheets upfront, in lieu of initial contracts, to iron out costs for the outsourced services. Mayor Pro Tem Lael Montgomery argued for a full investigation, calling the mayor's action "criminal."

Last week, the feud between the public officials escalated on social media with Montgomery waving a handgun seemingly in response to heated exchanges he got in with Amrhein's son on Facebook.

In regards to that, Moore said it would take a law enforcement agency investigating a criminal complaint filed against Montgomery before his office stepped in there either.

No one has of yet.

As for the audit report, Waguespack said it would take something like the city paying a third-party contractor for services that weren't rendered for things to raise to the level of criminal activity for his office.

"There was nothing brought to our attention of work not being done," he said. "We gave them recommendations basically trying to strengthen their internal controls."
The East Baton Rouge Parish budget is set to grow by more than $50 million, or 5.2%, in 2022, with new efforts to improve permitting and maintenance work through outsourcing and a new program to diversify who gets city contracts, among other increases.

That's according to Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's proposed budget, which the Metro Council will vote on next month.

The biggest new spending in the General Fund, which pays for most operations, is a $2.3 million increase for the Police Department. That includes $120,000 for the City Constable's Office to provide security as City Hall and $1.9 million to reduce unfunded liabilities in the police pension fund.

The Maintenance Department is also getting an additional $1.3 million because of efforts to outsource some services.

"Contracts they pulled in-house a few years ago are going back out to third parties to provide better service," said Angie Savoy, the city-parish's assistant finance director.

A breakdown of the increases within Maintenance includes: earmarks to hire 75 seasonal employees; $130,000 for downtown holiday celebrations; another $76,640 to implement a standardized uniform program; a $70,140 increase for operating supplies; and an additional $853,540 in contracts to third parties to handle increased landscaping, tree maintenance, litter, trash pick-up and spraying services.

+2 Why Sharon Weston Broome's proposed 2022 budget is $50 million more than last year's The pandemic won't deal the devastating blow to the city-parish's coffers some expected thanks to an anticipated sales tax growth and a windfa

The biggest percentage increase is in the Purchasing Department, where spending is set to grow by about $400,000, or 30%. That's because the city-parish is creating a new Supplier Diversity Division, which will work to increase the amount of government contracts that go to businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans. It would include two new positions, at a cost of $260,000, and $160,000 for a professional services contract.

The new division was recommended by a diversity study released in April, which found disproportionately few contracts were going to minority-owned businesses.

The city-parish's risk management spending is set to grow by almost 19% because of the $4.5 million settlement the Metro Council reached with Alton Sterling's children.

Sterling was fatally shot by Baton Rouge police responding to a complaint of a man with a gun outside a convenience store on North Foster Drive in 2016, an incident that rose to national media coverage and stirred widespread protests.

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After the initial payment of $1 million, the settlement will be doled out in annual appropriations of $875,000 until 2025.

How the Baton Rouge council says it arrived at a $4.5M offer to Alton Sterling's family After they and their predecessors debated and rejected the idea of settling a lawsuit filed on behalf of Alton Sterling's five children, some 

The Department of Development, the division responsible for permitting, inspections and code enforcement, is set to grow by $600,000 because the city-parish is outsourcing some operations to try and improve service, the Mayor's Office said.

The city-parish is set to enter into two professional services contracts with the South Central Planning and Development Commission totaling $2.2 million. It's an expansion on previous contracts the city-parish had with the Commission.

"Currently, the department is faced with pending retirements, personnel vacancies, and loss of employees with plan review certifications," Mark Armstrong, the mayor's spokesman, said in an email. "The new contract retains Permit & Inspection Division Management while adding Neighborhood Revitalization Division Management, (and) 100% residential and commercial plan review."

"This will allow the department to fill several vacant positions with experienced city-parish employees. This new contract also guarantees timely plan reviews which is critical to support our development community," Armstrong said.

The Metro Council's budget is set to grow 5.24% because of a restructuring within the Parish Attorney's Office that involved freezing several positions and adding two higher-level positions at a total cost of $160,000. Personnel costs are also increasing at various community centers under the council's oversight. as are retirement contributions within the Parish Attorney and Council Budget offices.

"They weren't paying retirement before and now they are," Savoy said.

The budget growth is largely due to a windfall from the federal American Rescue Plan. The city-parish's revenue also didn't take as big a hit from COVID as previously feared.

"We were coming out of a stay-at-home order when we were preparing the 2021 budget, so we were extremely conservative with our estimations," Savoy said. "Our 2021 budget might have been at $1 billion too if we didn't have a pandemic to factor in."

The increase to the general fund, which makes up 31% of the city-parish's total budget, equates to approximately $18.6 million. The one-time surge in federal stimulus money makes up nearly $8 million of that, and projected sales tax revenue next year is set at nearly $7 million, with increases across the board also anticipated in gaming taxes, business tax collections, property taxes and other revenue.

The Metro Council will hold a special meeting Dec. 7 to vote up or down on Broome's proposed budget. The council will hold a series of budget hearings in the coming days where various aspects of the spending plan will get discussed between council members and the administration.
Since July, about a third of the attorneys in the East Baton Rouge Office of the Public Defender have quit, documents show, leaving some concerned about whether the parish can provide adequate legal representation to its poorest defendants.

At least 25 employees, including 16 attorneys, have departed the office since a new leader, Lisa Parker, arrived last summer. Records show she has made several new hires, but many positions remain vacant.

That means even fewer attorneys for an office already struggling with caseloads well above the national average  even as gun violence spikes and the parishwide murder rate rises to unprecedented heights.

Parker replaced the long-serving Mike Mitchell, who headed the office for 27 years. She said in a written statement that her overarching mission is "to effectively provide legal representation to the indigent citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish."

Meet East Baton Rouge's first new chief public defender in 27 years: Here are her priorities East Baton Rouge has a new chief public defender for the first time in almost three decades, bringing new leadership to an office that serves 

Remy Voisin Starns, the State Public Defender, voiced his support of her appointment despite the subsequent turnover.

"I'm very happy with the direction of the public defender's office in East Baton Rouge," he said. "I don't attribute any of those numbers to anything other than normal attrition when there's leadership change."

In recent internal emails, Parker used a metaphor to describe the transition, comparing herself to a bus driver steering the office in new directions.

"These are growing pains, which I warned would come," Parker wrote in an Aug. 10 office-wide email after several employees had quit. "Remember this mode of transportation is not for everyone, but we will get through this. We will be better and stronger in the long run."

But the deepening staffing shortage is dire, former employees say, because the office was understaffed even before Parker took office.

In 2017, Mitchell filed a motion for his office to withdraw from some cases and decline future appointments, citing impossible caseloads and saying his attorneys were "at significant risk of providing ineffective assistance of counsel." That was after he lost funding for six attorneys, an investigator and an administrator in 2015.

Public defenders can't lighten their own caseloads, Louisiana Supreme Court rules. Here's why. The Louisiana Supreme Court said Friday that woefully underfunded public defenders cannot take it upon themselves to lighten their own caseloa

Mitchell referenced a study commissioned by the Louisiana Public Defender Board that found the full-time public defenders in his office had the capacity to handle only about 34% of their annual workloads if they limited themselves to 40-hour weeks.

Chronic funding shortages coupled with a stalled court system during the early months of the pandemic had made matters even worse than usual, according to a 2020 annual report describing issues in the office.

"We have seen our case numbers balloon with little progress this year and it has had a serious impact on the well being of our clients and their attorneys," officials wrote in the report. "We continue to struggle to retain experienced attorneys who are offered positions with other agencies in town with lower caseloads and higher salaries."

The 2020 report cited "numerous unfilled full-time attorney and contract attorney positions" even before the recent departures.

During chaos of pandemic year, EBR public defenders face client restrictions, financial woes The past year of pandemic precautions and cutbacks has radically altered the way the East Baton Rouge Public Defenders Office works to repres

According to records provided by Parker, her office has lost about a third of its attorneys in the past four months  16 out of 47  and gained 10 replacements, leaving them at least six short compared to when she arrived.

In interviews with The Advocate, half a dozen former employees said they worry the turmoil could impact the quality of representation for poor people accused of crimes in East Baton Rouge. They spoke on the condition of anonymity, citing concerns about the impact on their new jobs.

Parker provided staffing data in response to a public records request from The Advocate but declined multiple interview requests.

Instead, she offered an emailed statement, saying she manages the losses "as any law firm would."

"As people resign they are replaced with new hires," she wrote.

+2 Future of public defense threatened with fiscal collapse as coronavirus closes courts across state The Louisiana Public Defender Board has long claimed their offices are dangerously underfunded, but now the financial blow dealt by the corona

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Parker was appointed chief public defender in East Baton Rouge after serving for several years as a public defender in St. John the Baptist Parish. She was promoted to deputy district defender in December of last year  an administrative position she held for a handful of months before she was chosen to run the Baton Rouge office.

The Louisiana Public Defender Board chose Parker after Lindsay Blouin, who was second in command under Mitchell and had worked in the East Baton Rouge office for over a decade, failed to garner enough votes for the appointment. Board members avoided public discussion of the candidates before voting.

Blouin left the office not long after Parker arrived. She now works at a Baton Rouge law firm and her position will not be filled, a spokesperson for Parker said.

Flozell Daniels, the juvenile justice advocate on the public defender board, voted for both Blouin and Parker.

"I have not, myself, spoken with Ms. Parker," Daniels said. "But I did have an expectation that her appointment would signal stability and a path forward to continue the progress that office was making in its defense outcomes. Anything that suggests otherwise is a real concern to me as a board member. I'm concerned that I haven't heard about it from the public defender board office itself."

Several of the departing attorneys landed at other public defender offices across the state.

In addition to the attorneys, Daniels noted the departures of other support staff, which he said are equally concerning.

"Those investigators, those advocates  they are critical members of the legal defense team," he said. "What this tells me is that the clients are potentially getting a compromised defense."

State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, a Baton Rouge Democrat who sits on the Louisiana Public Defender Board Optimal Funding Group, said the number of people leaving the office is alarming. While she believes the chronic underfunding of public defense is part of the problem, she chalked up many of the losses to the anticipated shakeups during a leadership transition.

"I do know that when there is a new person that comes in and is changing things, people are reluctant to change," Marcelle said. "I think that's what we're seeing. At the end of the day, the defendants are suffering."

In response to questions about why they left the office, a half-dozen former employees described a mix of what they called an uncompromising leadership style, policies they felt shifted the mission of the office and questions about job security.

Others said they think Parker has an "old school" view of public defense, limiting the role of public defenders to the courtroom, rather than working with social services providers and other community organizations  such as Gideon's Promise, a national nonprofit that sends young lawyers to poor and historically underserved districts with high caseloads and overworked attorneys.

In her emailed remarks, Parker declined to respond to the criticism.

"As to the concerns of former employees, if they are no longer with the office their concerns are not a priority to me," she said. "If current employees have concerns, I have an open-door policy and that would be addressed in-house and not through the media."

In a later email, she added: "I'm positive that I will not be responding to concerns from former employees."

Though she has offered few public comments about her approach to the job, Parker spoke during a candidate forum in June prior to being appointed chief public defender. She offered a progressive vision of public defense.

"I think the problem with the entire criminal justice system is we look more toward incarcerating instead of correcting," she said. "If we looked more toward mental health, job training, more collaboration and activities for youth, then we would have less incarceration."

But Rev. Alexis Anderson, a local activist and organizer with Court Watch, said she fears Parker got a rough start that could threaten the effectiveness of her office. A robust public defense system is especially important in Louisiana, where state laws allow defendants to languish behind bars for months after being arrested while prosecutors decide whether to file formal charges, Anderson said.

East Baton Rouge judges rollback new faster arraignment process they said was 'crushing the system' Three months have passed since East Baton Rouge judges agreed to implement a new rule aimed at getting defendants through the local criminal j

The 19th Judicial District implemented an expedited arraignment process in 2019, which narrowed that window to just 72 hours in most cases. With this measure in place, most defendants no longer languished in the parish jail for weeks without meeting an attorney or being formally charged. But that program was scaled back after complaints from judges.

With a shortage of public defenders, Anderson said she worries the system is failing some of the most vulnerable people involved.

"Are clients getting the services they need?" she said. "If people are getting a lawyer on paper and nothing else, that's a real concern."
A person who returned fire in a confrontation at a Glen Oaks-area home will likely not be arrested because they were doing what they could to protect themselves, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office said Monday.

The person, identified as a relative of a resident at the house in the 6000 block of Avocado Drive, grabbed a gun and began firing back at a mother, son and daughter who had driven there Friday afternoon to start a fight, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks said.

"It's considered self-defense at this time," Hicks said.

16-year-old girl killed, mom and brother wounded in crossfire by Glen Oaks High, EBRSO says A shooting that left a teenage girl dead and her mother and brother injured Friday took place after the three went to a home in Baton Rouge's 

The shooting occurred about two blocks away from Glen Oaks High School.

A 16-year-old girl, Tremiyah Lindsey, died at the scene in the crossfire that started after her brother, Tremayne Lindsey, 20, allegedly got out of the family's car with an assault rifle and began shooting at the house.

Counselors with the East Baton Rouge school system's I Care program, which provides health and intervention services, were at Glen Oaks High all day Monday, said Alex Stubbs, a spokeswoman for the East Baton Rouge Parish School District.

"They will continue their presence there as long as necessary," said Stubbs, who added that increased staffing of school social workers and guidance counselors will also be in place as long as needed.

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Glen Oaks High dismissed at its usual time at 2:20 p.m. Friday and "our kids were on their buses home when this happened," she said.

Stubbs said she could not comment on whether Tremiyah Lindsey was a student of the high school.

"This being so close to the school community, it has had an impact," she said.

Tremayne Lindsey, who was critically injured and remained in the hospital Monday, will be arrested on five counts of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated criminal damage to property, once he's release from the hospital, Hicks said.

The mother was also taken to a hospital for treatment but is expected to recover.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed, Hicks said.

According to Louisiana law, homicide is justifiable when it's committed by someone who reasonably believes that he is in imminent danger of losing his life or receiving great bodily harm and that the killing was necessary to save himself.
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The Ensemble Theatre has unveiled a packed season of eight plays for 2022 featuring a record six new Australian works.

Artistic director Mark Kilmurry, who took over the reins of the Kirribilli venue in 2015, said he was thrilled to be presenting so many new Australian voices.

Artistic director Mark Kilmurry with writer Brittanie Shipway, whose work A Letter For Molly will be presented at the theatre next year. Credit:Wolter Peeters

We want to encourage the new writers, the new emerging talent, he said. And I think people absolutely want to see Australian stories.

When I first started out here in the theatre, I was told Australian plays dont go down so well. But that has changed hugely over the past 10 or 15 years. Australian stories do go down well if they are done well.
More than 96 per cent of Victorias residential aged care workers employed at federally run facilities have been immunised against coronavirus following the introduction of a vaccine mandate.

Monday was the vaccine deadline for residential aged care workers, who must now either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be able to show proof of their vaccination appointment, to be able to keep working in the industry.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the street in a day-long and at times violent march through the city on September 21. Credit:Eddie Jim

The latest figures obtained from the federal government on Monday show double dose vaccination rates among Victorian aged care workers employed in federally run facilities was sitting at 96.1 per cent, slightly behind NSW, which was hovering at 98.4 per cent.

The high vaccine uptake among the aged care sector in Victoria has been welcomed by the states health unions, aged care providers, lobby groups and advocates, who had feared a potential mass exodus of workers following the implementation of the mandate.
A man has been charged after an incident where another man was shot in a car parked in an inner-city Brisbane car park early on Monday.

Emergency services were called about 2.10am to Joan Jacobi Lane in Spring Hill, where a shooting had happened in the car park behind a 7-Eleven convenience store on Leichhardt Street.

Police believed the victim had driven to the car park of the convenience store and parked his car, before getting into a second vehicle - a green Holden sedan - in the car park with two other people.

While inside the sedan, one of the other people in the car pulled a gun and shot the victim in the abdomen.
Complaining, even making a suggestion to the ABC, has long been an exercise in futility. This very real problem is another example of just how poorly the ABC has transitioned from the pre-internet age into the online, data-driven revolution were living in now. Even a veneer of concern for the views of the audience would be better than the complete disregard currently on show by the national broadcaster.

John Simpson, Melbourne The complaints process hasnt worked for me

Ita Buttrose may well dispute the need for a Senate inquiry into the organisations complaints mechanisms. However, in my experience these mechanisms have not worked. After registering a complaint about blatant political bias expressed by a radio presenter last year, I had the complaint acknowledged and registered. Nevertheless, even after two attempts to follow up, I have not had any response. Maybe, when the complaint appears valid, dear Aunty thinks it best just to lie low.

Barrie Dempster, Balwyn It does a pretty good job most of the time

The ABCs role is to present the news in as equitable a way as possible. This isnt always easy. From time to time it has to hold the federal and state governments to account. This is its obligation to the public and whether the governments are Liberal or Labor is irrelevant. The ABC mustnt and shouldnt show bias and I think it does a pretty good job most of the time, but it seems Andrew Bragg doesnt think so and he has the organisation in his sights.

Sadly, I think the day will come when a Coalition government in Canberra will sell off the ABC and then we will have another outlet controlled by a powerful newspaper magnate. I hope I will have reached my use-by date before that happens.

John Cummings, Anglesea THE FORUM No respect for the process

As someone who grew up in a country where democracy was eroded under authoritarian governments, I am with the 60 senior barristers and the Law Institute of Victoria, which represents about 20,000 legal practitioners, who have highlighted the oppressive potential of the state governments pandemic bill and urged that its passage should be slowed down so due consideration can be given to amendments that need to be made to ensure democratic checks and balances. Some protesters seem to have taken matters too far (Protesters target MPs home as government moves to alter bill, The Sunday Age, 14/11), but I do not believe the opposition can be legitimately described as giving fringe groups mainstream legitimacy and fanning the flames of division, as Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick claimed.

In rushing this bill through the lower house, without time for due scrutiny, after behind-the-scenes negotiations with three key independents in the drafting stage, a process from which the opposition was excluded, the Andrews government has shown a lack of respect for the conventions of democratic process.

Sidra de Zoysa, Glen Iris We are part of that world

Much has been said and written about the outcomes of the COP26 meeting. Perhaps most penetrating are the words of the Indian Environment and Climate Minister (COP-out at the last chance saloon, The Age, 15/11): The world needs to awaken to this reality. Fossil fuels and their use have enabled parts of the world to attain high levels of wealth and wellbeing. Australia is part of that world of high levels of wealth and wellbeing, yet we have a government intent on further destruction of the earth by its minimalist proposals, no clear plan, no leadership, unable to manage the complexity of what is required to fulfil our responsibilities and endeavours to make Australia a leading entity on the world stage, instead of being recalcitrant.

Judith Morrison, Nunawading Sad and sobering

The sentiments expressed by Stuart Rollo in his recent column (Lest we forget, China hawks, Comment, 11/11) and applauded by your correspondent (A refreshing read, Letters, 14/11) cannot be faulted in terms of the need for all of us and our elected leaders to recognise the horrors of war. However, it is both very sad and sobering to reflect on pre-World War II history and appreciate that Dr Rollos article could have been written in 1937 by people of like mind. With some minor changes and by replacing China with Japan (or Germany) it would make perfect sense to those many readers in Australia and the UK who decried the warmongering of, for example, Winston Churchill.

Bruce Stillman, Fitzroy North

Selective outrage

Were the protesters in Melbourne over the weekend simply objecting to the planned pandemic laws?

If so, where have they been in recent years when the federal government has implemented more than 40 laws relating to counter-terrorism. Laws that allow a person to be detained without charge for many days and allow secret evidence for such detention to be kept from the detainee and from his/her lawyer. Many of these laws contravene basic human rights, which one would hope would be enshrined in a human rights act, if we were fortunate enough to have one. I would have thought that these draconian laws would warrant more protest than the current pandemic bill, which gives power to a premier and a health minister but ensures that the evidence on which their decisions are made is tabled in Parliament with two weeks of such powers being used  so not secret.

Judy Kevill, Ringwood Hiding under the doona

In PM digs in on fixed 2030 goal (The Age, 15/11) you say Australias 2030 emissions reduction target will be a live issue in next years federal election, as the government has no plan for such a goal. Presumably it is the Greens and some independents who will make the issue live, as Labor is still hiding under the doona.

When will the ALP admit it lost a very tight election in 2019 not because it had a raft of policies, but because a significant number of voters could not accept Bill Shorten? Labor does best when it campaigns with banners flying and trumpets sounding. At present, the ALP is an embarrassment.

Mike Puleston, Brunswick Classic conflation

When Scott Morrison says Australians are over being told what to do by government he is presumably referring (by inference) to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by state governments over the past two years. His government showed an obvious disinclination to get involved in such measures, preferring to play the role of financial and (belatedly) vaccine saviour. Significantly he made the comment in the context of a climate change strategy (electric cars), where he obviously plans to attack Labor as being the party of socialist prescription versus his undefined capitalist, innovation, enterprise, market-led, freedom approach. This is classic electioneering conflation of one issue, population weariness from pandemic-induced (state) government controls, with another, government action on climate change. Is it possible Morrison could benefit electorally from his neglect in both areas? Such blatant and cynical exploitation of two worldwide catastrophes, one already here and bad enough, but the other worse and growing, is wedge politics at its most reprehensible.

Bill King, Camberwell

Vote with our wallets

With all the concern about Chinas human rights abuses, territorial claims, banning of Australias exports and extensive use of coal there is one simple thing we can do to make our feelings known loud and clear and that is stop buying products labelled Made in China. Once the Chinese international markets start to subside, China might realise the importance of being a responsible world citizen.

James Gordon, Glen Huntly This is encouraging

Much as I miss Michael Leunigs offerings on Mondays, I wholeheartedly support The Ages initiative in providing opportunities for new cartoonists. Its particularly encouraging to see so many women featured: in itself, this is an interesting comment on the way our world is going. More power to their pens.

Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale Not a good look

Jon Faine (The Andrews Achilles heel, Opinion, 14/11) mentions shadow treasurer David Davis addressing a group of protesters on the steps of Parliament House last week. This was a rag-tag group of anti-vaxxers, conspiracy theorists and professional malcontents, some of whom threatened violence and whose demonstration on the day was, as Faine suggests, unhelpful and provided no constructive input into the narrative.

A prominent parliamentarian such as Mr Davis appearing before this group of fringe dwellers and seeking their support  and appearing to give them his, really is cheap politics. This stunt does not put him in good light and only serves to give quasi legitimacy to the protesters agenda(s). He should know better.

George Greenberg, Malvern I am not impressed

I am a 75-year-old woman experiencing COVID symptoms. I am currently without a car. Today I dragged myself two kilometres to the nearest testing facility only to be told, at 2.30pm no more walk-ins today. There was a queue of about 30 cars, all of whom would presumably be tested.

Am I a second-class citizen if I dont have a car? Should I risk infecting a taxi driver? I am not impressed.

Mary Rogers, Fairfield Labors path to credibility

Future economic prosperity and health outcomes will certainly be determined by the current course adopted by our government, on our behalf, in tackling climate change. The Australian public know this all too well and expect that our nation takes a leadership role. This will be, and indeed should be, the defining issue for the next election, not those associated with ideologies or political point scoring.

The Coalition has clearly demonstrated that it has lost its grip and in so doing jeopardises our futures and the respect of other nations. Federal election success is now with the party that firmly and without delay grabs hold of progressive and effective policies and action on climate change. If Labor steps up to the task it will cement its credibility to govern in the eyes of the voting public and enhance its present and future election prospects. On the other hand should it let the opportunity slip through its own fingers then it will find itself in the wilderness, at least what is left of it, for many years to come, and deservedly so.

Edward Combes, Wheelers Hill Tread carefully here

While the opinion article on COVID jabs in children is welcome (As kids await their jab, protections still matter, Comment, 15/11) it raises an interesting point in regard to the reasons for vaccinating children. If, as the authors say, part of the reason for vaccinating children is they can amplify risk to the community and their households, then we need to be clear as to whose COVID risk we are addressing.

If in the end we are vaccinating children primarily to protect ourselves as adults, then vaccinating children, who have no agency or autonomy of their own, raises some interesting ethical and moral questions that will require careful consideration.

Joanna Wriedt, Eaglemont This is the real problem

Its not the lie that is the problem. Its not the liar that is the problem. Its when a liar can stand up in public and lie about lying knowing that they can get away with it that is the problem.

We are much closer to Donald Trumps America than we think.

Tony Newport, Hillwood Faithful to itself

Neither phase out nor phase down interest the planet we call Earth, since, unfortunately for us all, Earth neither reads nor speaks. It does, however, remain rigorously faithful to its own inexorable additive, soon to become exponential, equations.

Malcolm Morgan, Brunswick AND ANOTHER THING

Climate change

The governments climate action plan is just an acronym for Probably Late and Nothing.

Ian Sandiford, Foster Credit: Its can-do capitalism that is devouring this planet and its clearly the main contributor to climate change.

David Eames-Mayer, Balwyn The Prime Ministers inaction on climate change is the antithesis of God helps those who help themselves.

James Young, Mount Eliza New pandemic laws

The new pandemic laws do not give Daniel Andrews more power, they give a premier and the Parliament power to act. The Victorian government has got this right.

John Harris, Williamstown

Its very rare that I dont support a protest but I am definitely against these one against the proposed pandemic laws in Victoria.

Susan Munday, Bentleigh East Relations with China

I suspect that the current tension between China and Australia would be better served by greater input from diplomats and less from sabre-rattling politicians.

Susan Nisbet, Caulfield North Politics

Would Senator Andrew Bragg support holding a run-of- the-mill Senate inquiry into how the Department of Finance handles investigations referred to it by the government?

Brendan OFarrell, Brunswick Furthermore

Nooses, death threats and abusing an MPs family at their own home. Is it any wonder its hard to attract good people into politics? Shame on the lot of you.

Mark Freeman, Macleod Finally

It would be much more worthwhile, if protesters against the proposed pandemic legislation, showed the same zeal and protested against the actual human rights abuses inflicted on the men incarcerated in the Park Hotel in Melbourne.

Virginia Schneiders, Mount Dandenong
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says COVID-19 rules are set to ease further this week as protesters continue to rally against proposed pandemic laws on the steps of State Parliament and Victoria records another 797 new coronavirus cases and eight deaths.

Mr Andrews said the health rules would be relaxed again when the state hits its 90 per cent vaccination target.

It might be Thursday, it might be Friday, he said. That means we go down to masks in very sensitive settings only: public transport, hospitals, aged care, things of that nature.

And also density quotients and other caps go, other than for the 10 very biggest venues in the state.
Victorians are still reaping the benefits of Chinas decision to halt imports of Australian rock lobster, with prices tipped to drop to a six-year low this month.

The rock lobster season will open in Victoria on Tuesday, and Seafood Industry Victoria said prices could fall to $70 a kilogram in November  the lowest price for the delicacy since 2015. Two years ago, Victorian rock lobsters were selling for about $140 a kilogram.

Rock lobster prices could hit a six-year low this month. Credit:Wayne Taylor

Seafood Industry Victoria said the low prices were because of the continuing Chinese ban on Australian rock lobster imports.

Before the 2020 import ban, Australia exported over half a billion dollars worth of lobster, or 93 per cent of its annual catch. Exporters have since been largely unable to find other markets, with air freight curtailed because of COVID-19s effect on international travel.
Experts warn a generation of children who have missed out on vital early learning because of coronavirus lockdowns risk being left behind unless governments explicitly consider how to catch them up and ensure childcare stays open.

They will tell a Senate committee on Tuesday the nation urgently needs a plan for how young children will recover from the pandemic.

Childcare centre director Cassandra Duff says shes found children have adapted well to the changes imposed by the pandemic but shes worried about longer-term impacts. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Victoria announced on Monday it would extend its rapid antigen testing process for schools to childcare centres and kindergartens. NSW started trialling rapid antigen testing in schools in Albury last week and wants to see how well that works before deciding whether to roll it out further.

Under the Victorian plan, children identified as primary close contacts can return to care after seven days of quarantine, instead of 14, as long as they return a negative PCR test on day six. They would then have to have negative rapid antigen tests on the days theyre in care during the second week after the exposure.
A long-promised religious discrimination bill is back on the agenda but government MPs are uncertain whether it will get through their party room, let alone Parliament.

However, those who want a stronger bill as well as those worried about its effects note it was a key promise to parts of the electorate in 2019 and they dont want to be seen as breaking a pledge.

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has been consulting Coalition MPs about the planned religious discrimination bill. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Labor supports the concept of protection against discrimination on religious grounds and has repeatedly offered to work with the government but is yet to see the draft legislation.

The Australian Christian Lobby boasted last month the legislation would include a so-called Israel Folau clause to give some legal protection to people who make statements of belief. It was first proposed following Rugby Australias decision to terminate Folaus contract in 2019 over a social media post claiming homosexuals, adulterers, atheists and other sinners would go to hell.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has backed a Senate inquiry into the ABC and SBSs complaints handling processes, rejecting ABC chairwoman Ita Buttroses accusation that it amounted to an attack on the public broadcasters independence.

Ms Buttrose has blasted the inquiry and its instigator, Liberal senator Andrew Bragg, chairman of the Senate standing committee on environment and communications, saying it was an act of political interference. She has called on the Senate to suspend or terminate the inquiry until a separate independent review, commissioned by the ABC board, is completed.

ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose and Scott Morrison. Mr Morrison said on Monday no government agency, including the ABC, was above Senate scrutiny. Credit:Jessica Hromas

Asked about the brewing stoush, Mr Morrison said no government agency, including the ABC, was above Senate scrutiny, adding the inquiry was businesses as usual for the Senate.

That is a matter for the Senate, Mr Morrison said. There is nobody above the scrutiny of the Senate. I dont understand why that would be an extraordinary initiative to take.
A Labor government would commission the federal Treasury to model the cost of climate change to the national economy as new details of the governments own net zero emissions plan show it needs massive new gas fields requiring billions of dollars of investment.

In a break from the Coalition, which sidelined Treasury from modelling its net zero by 2050 plan, Labor plans to direct the department to not only cost the impact of climate change to the economy but also the federal budget.

Labors Jim Chalmers says he would direct Treasury to model the impact of climate change on the economy and budget. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Last month, Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy confirmed it had been years since the department had been asked to provide climate change modelling. Prior to 2013, Treasury was heavily involved in the modelling of climate changes impact on the Australian economy, but that work has not been done for the past eight years.

The governments modelling supporting its current plan was carried out by the Industry Department and consultancy group McKinsey. Treasurys contribution was on the so-called interest rate premium risk if Australia did not commit to net zero by 2050.
Carltons Liam Jones did his own research into the COVID-19 vaccine before making the surprising decision to retire from AFL football rather than accept the vaccine.

Separately, The Age has learned that ex-Carlton forward and expected Gold Coast recruit Levi Casboult is awaiting the arrival of the Novavax vaccine in Australia from the United States before having the jab.

There is a now question mark over whether Casboult will be drafted by the Suns, given he either has to get vaccinated by the rookie draft, or show intent to do so after the rookie draft.

Sources familiar with the Jones situation said the key defender had been given significant information on vaccination by the Blues and was offered the opportunity to go on the inactive list, rather than retire outright.
London: The clue was in the last-minute nature of the cancellation of the Queens attendance at Sundays service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph.

The decision went to the wire precisely because the 95-year-old monarch had clearly been so keen to attend what has always been a sacrosanct date in the royal diary.

For the truth is, no one will be more frustrated by her recent spell of ill health than the Queen herself.

Britains Queen Elizabeth II attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in London in 2018. Credit:AP

News that she has now sprained her back - after she was spotted using a walking stick for the first time in 20 years last month - lends more weight to the theory that Her Majestys issues are largely mobility-related.
Some shows have been marooned by the pandemic. A becalmed production that drifts into a squall can easily capsize (The Visitor is this season's most spectacular shipwreck). But other shows are made of sturdier stuff and have sailed into our post-pandemic, post-George Floyd, post-Trump world even stronger than they would have been in the spring of 2020. The Classic Stage Company revival of Assassins, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's musical about the killers and attempted killers of American presidents, is that kind of show.

In fact, Assassins has only appreciated in value since its 1990 debut, when it was largely drowned out by the crash of the Berlin Wall and the roar of F-15s over the Persian Gulf. The victors of the Cold War, living as they were at the end of history, didn't care to hear the musicalized perspectives of the freaks and losers who had so thoroughly failed in America that they felt their only recourse was to shoot the president. "Assassins'' was better received in its 2004 Broadway debut, but even that production had to be postponed several years in sensitivity to the events of 9/11 (it was originally slated for November 2001). This off-Broadway revival, which I have been eagerly anticipating since the fall of 2019, was also postponed, but that has worked in its favor: In 2021, the show's proximity to trauma (specifically the attempted assassination of multiple members of Congress on January 6) makes it feel all the more urgent and vital.

The show takes place in an ethereal shooting gallery in which the proprietor (Eddie Cooper) sells firearms to the assassins and urges them to shoot the president. Starting with John Wilkes Booth (Steven Pasquale), they tell their stories, often competing against a boyish balladeer (Ethan Slater) in a vain effort to control their own legacy: Booth wants us to know that he killed Lincoln to avenge his lost country, but isn't it a better story that he did it because he was a frustrated actor coming off a string of bad reviews? Certainly, the balladeer's song is catchier.

Ethan Slater (foreground) plays the balladeer in Assassins.

( Julieta Cervantes)

Sondheim (who penned music and lyrics) brilliantly employs pastiche to tell the story of individuals drowned in the riptide of American culture. For instance, Calabrian immigrant Giuseppe Zangara (Wesley Taylor) sings a tarantella to tell us about the crippling stomach pains that provoked him to shoot at Franklin Roosevelt, but we struggle to hear him over five witnesses singing their brassy recollections to a jaunty Sousa march ("How I Saved Roosevelt").

Those bystanders are played by an excellent group of actor-musicians, a hallmark of director John Doyle. They include Whit K. Lee, Rob Morrison, Brad Giovanine, Katrina Yaukey, and Bianca Horn (who twirls a mean baton). Collectively, they represent the normal, happy Americans  the kind who don't want to kill the president and are generally sad when someone else does.

An all-star cast portrays the principal murderous misfits: Brandon Uranowitz is severe as Leon Czolgosz. He seems to have an entire movie about the assassination of William McKinley projecting through his haunting gaze. Tavi Gevinson plays Squeaky Fromme with the confidence of a true believer. Judy Kuhn is hilarious as the clumsy Sara Jane Moore. Will Swenson endows the delusional Charles Guiteau with twitchy mania, connecting with nearly every audience member like he's Hillary Clinton at a fundraiser  but with just his eyes. Andy Grotelueschen plays Samuel Byck, reciting the would-be Nixon assassin's two monologues like a stand-up comedian accustomed to delivering racy material. He's so convincingly straightforward, that I found myself wondering, Is the lunatic in the Santa suit actually making sense?

Andy Grotelueschen plays Samuel Byck in Assassins.

( Julieta Cervantes)

The most convincing of them all is Booth, played by Pasquale with icy refinement. He's not only the founding member of America's assassins club, but also its most successful recruiter, goading his disciples on with his satanic powers of persuasion.

The production is not without flaws: The theater suffers from serious sound balance issues, with the music occasionally drowning out the lyrics (a grave matter in any musical, but especially in wordy Sondheim). Doyle's staging also exudes a frustrating inertia that shouldn't exist in a musical so tightly written. Some of that derives from spatial awkwardness, as the actors move from one boxy formation to another, like trainees in a marching band. This may be meant to convey the stifling, militaristic conformity of American society, but it only convinced me that Doyle needs to meet a good choreographer (none is credited here).

Doyle is more successful in his command of design: An American flag is painted onto the thrust stage (designed by Doyle), and the space instantly transforms under Jane Cox and Tess James's dramatic lighting. The sound of realistic gunshots repeatedly caused the people around me to flinch (sound design by Matt Stine and Sam Kusnetz). Steve Channon's projection design helps tie the assassins to their victims by projecting their pictures on a presidential-seal-turned-bullseye hanging above the stage. Ann Hould-Ward costumes the actor-musicians (that is to say, the happy Americans) in red, white, and blue jumpsuits, as if they are all part of the same cult. And maybe, in the view of someone like Czolgosz or Booth, they are  we all are. Or, at least, anyone fortunate enough to be sitting in the audience of an off-Broadway show.

Bianca Horn and Brandon Uranowitz star in the off-Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's Assassins, directed by John Doyle, at Classic Stage Company.

( Julieta Cervantes)

Assassins raises big questions about the American dream and its discontents. In his review of the original production, Frank Rich wrote about Sondheim's conviction that political violence will occur as long as the have-nots are ignored by the "prosperous majority." But what happens in this country when the majority can no longer be said to be prosperous?

The violent dissident strain exemplified by the characters in Assassins has not yet triumphed over American civil society, but it has never been more powerful or popular. According to a recent survey by the American Enterprise Institute, three in 10 Americans are now open to using violence to achieve their political goals. So as the assassins sullenly don their American flag masks in the closing moments of this revival  a reminder of the unhappy status quo in our increasingly dysfunctional union -- we know that it's only a matter of time before they appear again. That makes this year, and I sadly suspect much of the foreseeable future, a perfect time for this dangerously prescient musical.
Mazda Reveals All-New CX-50

Beautifully Crafted Crossover Expands Mazdas Trademark Driving Dynamics to the Outdoors

IRVINE, Calif. (November 15, 2021)  Mazda North American Operations today hosted the virtual world premiere of the first-ever Mazda CX-50. A completely new model, CX-50 is the first Mazda vehicle to be built at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) plant in Huntsville, Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022.

This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region, Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said. The CX-50 encourages people to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on the premium design and outstanding on-road performance Mazda is known for.

As a new addition to the Mazda lineup, CX-50 maintains key attributes expected of all Mazda vehicles, including superior driving dynamics and beautiful design. In addition, Mazda has extended this vehicles capability to enable drivers to venture further into the outdoors and various terrains.

The first-ever CX-50 emphasizes Mazdas trademark natural driving experience to help create greater confidence on and off-road. Enhancing this experience, it will be equipped as standard with the latest i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology and new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive. The new drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive switch and will help the crossover SUV drive naturally in a wide variety of conditions, such as in exciting off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities. At launch, CX-50 will be available with Mazdas efficient powertrains, Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine and paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model. More information about our electrified models will be shared at a later date.

The CX-50 creates a new styling expression in the Mazda lineup that blends the brands striking Kodo design with an outdoor capable presence that respectfully interacts with the surroundings. The sleek, long silhouette and wide stance help give the vehicle dynamic proportions that balances design elements that are geared toward outdoor ruggedness. As expected with any current Mazda, the interior of CX-50 is well-crafted and features a layout focused on the driver. Blended seating materials and details inspired by technical, modern outdoor gear all help create a welcoming atmosphere fitting for both adventurists and those just starting their journey into an active lifestyle. A new panoramic moonroof, a first for Mazda, helps the occupants feel more connected to nature. The CX-50 will also debut new color options, such as Zircon Sand exterior paint and an available terracotta interior color.

To further support CX-50s presence in the outdoor space, its designs are more than just beautiful, they are also functional. While the interior provides comfort to all passengers, the cargo space is thoughtfully designed to help support and enable outdoor activities. The vehicles height and length are ideal for easily loading and securing common outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof of CX-50. This all-new vehicle will help encourage our customers to explore the outdoors without having to compromise on distinct designs or dynamic driving.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
In this Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, photograph, a sign notifies customers that COVID-19 vaccinations are available at a pharmacy in a grocery store in Monument, Colo.
In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo a Microsoft computer is among items displayed at a Microsoft store in suburban Boston.
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Falun Gong practitioners take part in a candlelight vigil remembering victims of the 22-year-long persecution in China at the Washington Monument, on July 16, 2021. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times).

101 Falun Gong Practitioners Persecuted to Death in Past 10 Months in China

In the past 10 months, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has persecuted to death 101 Falun Gong practitioners, according to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that documents the nationwide campaign.

The death cases involved 54 cities in 24 provinces. The majority of cases were concentrated in northeastern Chinas Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin provinces. Some of the reported deaths occurred in police stations, detention centers, and prisons, according to Minghui.

Additionally, at least 75 of the total had experienced torture, forced labor, and unidentified drug injection prior to their demise.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that features three core tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, along with five slow-moving exercises. After it was made public in 1992, its following in China surged to between 70 million and 100 million by 1999. Then, the Chinese regime, deeming the practices popularity a threat, launched a nationwide persecution campaign to eradicate it.

Persecution Victims

On Dec. 22, 2020, police officers from northwestern Lanzhou city, Gansu Province, sawed down the front door of a Falun Gong practitioners apartment. Police confiscated property from Ren Canru, an elderly, paralyzed woman, including her computer and printer. They also arrested the nurse taking care of Ren.

Both Rens mental and physical health began rapidly deteriorating after the raid, according to Minghui.

The elderly woman went into a coma after taking a fall on July 27, 2021. One week later, she died at age 85 in the ICU of Lanzhou General Hospital.

Rens husband and son, also followers of Falun Gong, passed away 10 and 20 years prior respectively.

Another practitioner passed away after being held in a womens prison for less than two months. Fu Guihua, 55, died on July 25, after she was transferred to the No. 1 Hospital Affiliated to Jilin University.

After emergency care failed to save Fu, her family requested a chance to look at her one last time. The request was not honored until days later, and on the condition that no photos would be taken.

Several of Fus relatives are still imprisoned for their faith.

Another practitioner was arrested from his farmland in Dongrulai village of Shandong Province on June 18. The next day, officials informed the family of Sun Pijin that he had died in custody, according to Minghui.

Officials from the local 610 office, a branch of the government tasked with religious suppression, told Suns family he had leapt from a roof to his death. However, the family was not initially permitted to see Suns body.

When they finally saw him, he looked disfigured. One of his eyes was missing, and both his chest and half of his skull were caved in.

Officials and police later threatened the family against contacting other Falun Gong practitioners, filing lawsuits, or sharing the news with others. One week later, on June 26, authorities coerced the family into cremating the body and closing the case.
Clinical staff label drawn up AstraZeneca COVID-19 syringes at the Claremont Showgrounds COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Perth, Australia on May 3, 2021. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

2nd Australian Senator Pledges to Withhold Vote Over Mandatory Vaccine Policy

A second senator from the Coalition has pledged to withhold support for any government-backed legislation until Australians refusing to receive the vaccine are given protection from discrimination.

South Australian Senator Alex Antics move follows fellow Coalition member and Queensland Senator Gerard Rennick, who has also pledged to withhold his vote over vaccine mandates and concerns around vaccine safety.

Australians deserve the freedom to choose their own medical treatment and way of life, Antic wrote on his Facebook page on Nov. 12.

It is not reasonable for Australians to be discriminated against based on their decision to submit (or otherwise) to a medical procedure, he added.

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)

Meanwhile, Rennick wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Oct. 29 saying he would withdraw his vote, calling for a halt to vaccine mandates and an indemnity scheme for those suffering injuries from the vaccine.

The indemnity scheme needs to be available immediately rather than start next year. Furthermore, it should kick in from the first dollar and be open to anyone who has incurred an injury, not just those who spent a night in hospital, he wrote on a Facebook post.

This is important because people are being turned away from hospitals.

One Nations Pauline Hanson has also promised to disrupt any government attempts to pass legislation.

Im going to cause so much mayhem in that parliament, as Scott Morrison is doing to the Australian people, she said last week in comments obtained by The Courier Mail.

The government currently holds 36 out of 76 seats in the Australian Senate.

Outside of bills with broad bipartisan support, the government generally relies on support from the crossbench to pass new laws.

Parliament is due for its final sitting this year from Nov. 22.

In a race to increase herd immunity, state and territory governments have issued vaccine mandate decrees and public health restrictions on unvaccinated individuals to push Australians to receive the jab.

Australians, in turn, have, with increasing regularity, held public protests and discontent with government-mandated decrees.

Tens of thousands of individuals in Melbourne marched on the weekend in one of the largest rallies, protesting vaccine mandates and the Victorian governments sweeping Pandemic Management Bill.
A vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is seen in a file photograph. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

2nd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended for UKs 16- to 17-Year-Olds

The UKs 16- to 17-year-olds can expect to be offered a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine soon, with the governments independent vaccines advisory committee making the recommendation on Monday.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) also recommended mRNA booster doses for all adults aged 40 to 49 years in a televised briefing.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus vaccine that is authorised for use on children over 12 years old. The JCVI advised giving one dose of the vaccine to 16- to 17-year-olds on Aug. 4.

The committee on Monday said the older adolescent group should receive a second dose at least 12 weeks after their first shots, or at least 12 weeks after positive tests if they are later than the first shot.

The JCVI suggested in a statement that the longer interval between the two shots in Canada and the UK correlates with a lower risk of myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, following the second dose than that in countries where people received their second shots sooner.

The latest available data indicate that myocarditis following vaccination usually resolves within a short time, most cases respond well to treatment, and where information is available, no major complications have been identified in the medium term (months), it added.

The UKs medicines regulator welcomed the JCVIs recommendations and sought to reassure people of the short- to medium-term safety of the vaccines for under-18s.

Weve closely monitored the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals under 18. Our review of reports of suspected side effects does not raise any additional safety issues specific to this age group, Dr. June Raine, chief executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said in the same televised briefing on Monday.

Long-term safety data of the vaccines are yet to accrue. Raine urged people to continue reporting suspected adverse reactions to CCP virus vaccines via the MHRAs Yellow Card Scheme.

Asked about the lower vaccine take-up rate among children in the UK, Raine and JCVIs professor Wei Shen Lim said theyre now more reassured that the vaccine looks much safer than was feared initially.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Jonathan Van-Tam said he agreed with Raine and Lim, adding that parents and children must decide for themselves.

We should allow them the time and the space and give them the highest quality information so they can make those decisions in their own time, Van-Tam said.

The JCVI also expanded its recommendation of mRNA booster vaccines to all adults aged over 40, as the effect of the initial two doses wanes.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are recommended as boosters given six months after their second doses, irrespective of the vaccines given for the first and second doses.

Lim said it is normal practice to halve the dosage in follow-up vaccinations, as is being done with the Moderna booster shots, adding that the half dose of the booster dose is also expected to be associated with fewer adverse events in the UK.
An emperor scorpion at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on July 1, 2014. (Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)

3 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Southern Egypt After Heavy Rains Bring Scorpion Swarm

Three people have died and hundreds more have been injured after heavy storms brought scorpions into the streets and homes of a city in southern Egypt, according to Egyptian state-run media.

Heavy rainfall, thunder, dust storms, and snowfall in the southern city of Aswan, Egypt, caused both scorpions and snakes to converge on the city last week, Al-Ahram, a government-run Egyptian newspaper, reported.

As of Nov. 13, at least 450 people were injured due to scorpion stings in the city, a health ministry official told Al-Ahram.

The victims have since been hospitalized, and anti-venom to disable and neutralize the venom has been made available at hospitals and medical units across the city. Extra amounts of the anti-venom have been sent to rural villages near the mountains.

Al-Ahram reported the deaths, citing Ehab Hanafy, the Health Ministrys undersecretary in Aswan, but didnt elaborate on the cause.

On Nov. 14, Gov. Ashraf Attia said that at least 503 people were hospitalized with injuries from scorpion stings, but had since been discharged after receiving anti-venom doses, The Washington Post reported.

Acting Health Minister Khalid Abdel-Ghafar said in a statement that no deaths were reported from scorpion stings, according to The Washington Post.

Health officials have also called in doctors who were on vacation to help treat the influx of patients. In the meantime, residents are being asked to stay inside their homes.

Attia ordered the suspension of vessel traffic in the River Nile from Aswan to Edfu, Egypt, as well as Lake Nasser, for a short period between Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. The governor also temporarily closed highways due to hazardous driving conditions caused by a lack of vision from the thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Egypt is home to fat-tailed scorpions, one of the most deadly scorpions in the world. Its venom can be potentially lethal to humans because its neurotoxic components act quickly in the body of victims to attack the central nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory failure.

Ahmed Rizk, a professor at the Agricultural Research Center, told Al Watan newspaper that heavy rains had washed snakes and scorpions out of their hiding places, pushing them into peoples houses, especially those in higher areas.

Rizk urged people to stay away from mountainous areas where rain showers fall, noting that scorpions and snakes are active during times of high temperatures. The professor said anyone stung by a scorpion should tie a piece of cloth firmly near the bite to inhibit the venom from reaching the heart and go to the hospital immediately.
This photo provided by Taylor Blount shows Ezra Blount, 9, posing outside the Astroworld music festival in Houston on Nov. 5, 2021. Ezra has become the youngest person to die from injuries sustained during a crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival. Ezra, of Dallas, died Sunday, Nov. 14 at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, family attorney Ben Crump said. (Courtesy of Taylor Blount via AP)

9-Year-Old Texas Boy Ezra Blount Dies After Astroworld Festival Crush: Lawyer

The lawyer for the family of a 9-year-old boy who was trampled at a Travis Scott concert in Houston said the child died from his injuries on Nov. 14.

Ezra Blount became the 10th person to die from injuries suffered in a stampede during the Astroworld Festival. The boy had been in a medically induced coma for about a week after being injured during the incident, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his father, Treston Blount.

The Blount family tonight is grieving the incomprehensible loss of their precious young son, family attorney Ben Crump told news outlets, confirming the childs death. This should not have been the outcome of taking their son to a concert.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also offered his condolences and posted news about the boys death on Twitter.

I am saddened to learn of Ezras death this evening. Our city tonight prays for his mom, dad, grandparents, other family members and classmates at this time. They will need all of our support in the months and years to come. May God give them strength. RIP Ezra, he wrote.

Ezras death is absolutely heartbreaking. We are committed to seeking answers and justice for the Blount family. But tonight we stand in solidarity with the family, in grief, and in prayer.

The Astroworld concert promoter also issued a statement on the boys death.

We are heartbroken by this news and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends, Live Nation, which is facing a lawsuit on behalf of Treston Blount, said in a statement on Nov. 14.

Treston Blount wrote on the GoFundMe that he and his son attended Astroworld and, with his son on his shoulders, he began to be crushed until I couldnt breathe, and the elder Blount passed out.

When he woke up, he said, My son was gone and due to his severe injuries which are swelling in the back of brain damage and trauma to nearly all organs  we are certain that he was trampled.

Grandfather Bernon Blount said that when the boy was taken to the hospital, he was listed as John Doe.

They did not know anything about him, his name or anything, because he got separated from my son, Bernon Blount told CNN, adding that the boy had cardiac arrest, which damaged his heart.

Scott, who is facing a lawsuit over the incident, asked families of individuals who died or were injured to contact him.

Over the last week, Travis Scott and his team have been actively exploring routes of connection with each and every family affected by the tragedy through the appropriate liaisons, his representatives said in a statement last week.

He is distraught by the situation and desperately wishes to share his condolences and provide aid to them as soon as possible but wants to remain respectful of each familys wishes on how theyd best like to be connected.
James O'Keefe, founder and president of the non-profit Project Veritas, in Mamaroneck, New York, on Oct. 31, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)

ACLU Condemns FBI Raid on Project Veritas Founder

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has publicly criticized the FBIs raid on Project Veritas founder James OKeefe in a statement that also denounces the media outlet for allegedly deceptive journalism.

The ACLU stated on Nov. 15 that the FBIs Nov. 6 raid on OKeefes home could have serious consequences for press freedom. While the government has been tight-lipped publicly about its actions against Project Veritas, media reports, as well as court documents seen by The Epoch Times, indicate that the FBI is investigating the alleged theft of a diary of Ashley Biden, the daughter of President Joe Biden.

Unless the government had good reason to believe that Project Veritas employees were directly involved in the criminal theft of the diary, it should not have subjected them to invasive searches and seizures, said Brian Hauss, senior staff attorney with the ACLUs speech, privacy, and technology project.

We urge the court to appoint a special master to ensure that law enforcement officers review only those materials that were lawfully seized and that are directly relevant to a legitimate criminal investigation, he said.

While criticizing the FBIs actions, the ACLU also accused Project Veritas of having engaged in disgraceful deceptions.

Reasonable observers might not consider their activities to be journalism at all, said Hauss.

The ACLU didnt cite specific instances of deception by Project Veritas. Other media organizations have been highly critical of Project Veritas, although the organization prides itself on never losing a lawsuit or having to retract a story.

Given the apparent ideological divergences between the two organizations, observers have taken the ACLUs defense of Project Veritas as a sign that the FBIs actions were particularly egregious.

Eight days after the armed, pre-dawn raid of our client James OKeefes home and seizure of his confidential source, legal, & donor info, ACLU says its SO bad, even they are moved to condemn it, said Project Veritas attorney Harmeet Dhillon, a former ACLU board member.

The ACLU has to say how disgusting they find Project Veritas so that their liberal donors dont get angry, but at least they issued a statement recognizing how dangerous DOJ/FBIs actions against them could be for press freedom and demanded disclosures, journalist and political commentator Glenn Greenwald said.

The ACLU statement follows a Nov. 11 federal court order for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop extracting and reviewing data from OKeefes phones, which were seized during the raid. OKeefe had made a motion last week for the appointment of a special master to supervise the review of the information on his phones, telling Judge Analisa Torres that the devices contained sensitive information related to Project Veritas investigations and legal matters.

In addition to attorney-client privileged materials, both phones also contain newsgathering materials which are critical to the exercise of a free press and protected by the First Amendment, according to OKeefes motion, a copy of which was seen by The Epoch Times.

These include materials related to news investigations (present and past), communications with whistleblowers and other confidential sources, communications with donors (crucial information protected by the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of association), and internal discussion of investigative and editorial policies and practices.

The Department of Justice has until Nov. 16 to respond to OKeefes motion for a special master.

OKeefe initially confirmed the raid on his home in Westchester County, New York, in a Nov. 8 appearance on Fox News.

Banging on my door, I went to my door to answer the door and there were 10 FBI agents with a battering ram, white blinding lights. They turned me around, handcuffed me, and threw me against the hallway, OKeefe told host Sean Hannity. I was partially clothed in front of my neighbors. They confiscated my phone. They raided my apartment.

In an earlier statement, OKeefe said that the DOJspecifically the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New Yorkappeared to be investigating the alleged theft of a diary of Ashley Biden.

We dont know if it was, but it begs the question: In what world is the alleged theft of a diary investigated by the Presidents FBI and his Department of Justice? A diary! This federal investigation smacks of politics. Project Veritas never threatened or engaged in any illegal conduct, he said.
After Glasgow, 1.5 Is DeadGet Over It

Commentary

The Glasgow climate conference represents a strategic defeat for the West, and for Britain in particular. Boris Johnson unleashed everything he could muster. The royal family hosted receptions for multibillionaires. The Foreign Office sent climate envoys around the world.

Glasgow would show the world that Britain could outdo Frances performance six years ago at the Paris climate conference.

Wrong. Whereas the French knew what they were doing in Paris, the British were at sea in Glasgow. The result was a display of the rank amateurishness of the British state.

If Boris Johnson and his ministers had done their homework, they would have known they were on a road to nowhere. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol failed because it exempted the developing world from cutting its emissions. The West attempted to remedy this at the Copenhagen climate conference in 2009 with a climate treaty that would bring the major emerging economies under a multilateral regime of emission targets and timetables. The attempt was sunk by China, India, South Africa, and Brazil acting in concert.

The West accounts for a declining share of global emissions. This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal, Barack Obama had boasted in 2008. Obama and the West were desperate for a climate agreement to justify increasingly punitive domestic climate policies. The Paris agreement is the climate equivalent of Mikhail Gorbachevs Sinatra Doctrine, under which the captive nations of eastern Europe could do it their way. It signalled that the Soviet Union had lost the Cold War. In similar fashion, the Paris agreement signalled that the West had accepted its defeat and had given up its attempt to create a multilateral regime of emission cuts. Instead, the Paris agreement is based on nationally determined contributions. Each party to the agreement would do it its way.

After Copenhagen, small island states lobbied intensely to tighten the temperature target from 2 degrees above industrial levels to 1.5 degrees. Their islands, they claimed, were in danger of sinking beneath the waves. The West swallowed the sinking island sob story, which is how 1.5 degrees came to be included in the Paris agreement as a subsidiary ambition to the 2-degree target. It was fake science, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) later confirmed. Observations, models and other evidence indicate that unconstrained Pacific atolls have kept pace with [sea level rise], with little reduction in size or net gain in land, the IPCC said in its net zero report.

Because Paris included 1.5 in its text, the IPCC brought forward the indicative timetable for net zero from the second half of the current century to 2050. In the waning days of her premiership in 2019, Theresa May decided to make net zero her legacy. It was incorporated as a binding target under the 2008 Climate Change Act after a ninety-minute debate in the House of Commons, even though MPs had no idea how much it would cost or whether it was remotely feasible. But one thing is clear: whatever net zero costs Britain, it is pointless for Britain to decarbonize if the rest of the world doesnt follow suit. The regulatory-impact assessment accompanying the Climate Change Act signed by Ed Miliband as climate and energy secretary could not have been clearer: The UK continuing to act while the rest of the world does not, would result in a large net cost for the UK. The benefits of UK climate action would be distributed around the world, but the UK would bear all the costs.

The Climate Change Act was passed in the runup to the Copenhagen climate conference, which was supposed to produce a binding climate treaty. Showing leadership through the Climate Change Act, the UK will help to drive a global deal, Miliband asserted, showing that climate hubris is embraced by all Britains political parties. Now, for a second time, a U.N. climate conference has produced a dud. The fantasy that Britain would lead and the rest of the world would follow has been exposed. The question mark over net zero has been answered. After Glasgow, we now know that net zero is all pain for no gain. With Britains political class committed to the disastrous, dead-end path of net zero, bring on the referendum.

From RealClearWire

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A woman walks past an Alibaba sign outside the company's office in Beijing on April 13, 2021. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Alibaba, Xpeng Dip in Hong Kong: JD, Tencent, and Baidu Strike Gains as China Data Beats Estimates

Shares of Alibaba Group Holding Limited and Xpeng Motors fell in Hong Kong on Monday, while JD.Com Inc., Tencent Holdings Inc., and Baidu Inc. traded higher. Li Auto Inc. traded flat.

Whats Moving

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibabas shares traded 0.9 percent lower at about $20.7 in Hong Kong, while e-commerce company JD.Coms shares gained 1.6 percent to about $43 and technology company Baidus shares also rose 1.6 percent to about $21.50.

Tech conglomerate Tencents shares are up 1.7 percent to about $63.40.

Electric vehicle maker Xpengs shares lost 2.1 percent to about $24.50, while peer Li Autos shares traded flat at about $15.50.

Hong Kongs benchmark Hang Seng Index slipped into negative territory after opening higher on Monday and was down almost 0.4 percent at the time of writing. The index closed 0.3 percent higher on Friday, extending gains to a fourth straight session.

Why Is It Moving?

The Hang Seng Index drifted lower despite the release of Chinese economic data that came in better than expected. Property stocks fell on liquidity concerns.

Investors also remained cautious as they looked ahead to the virtual meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later in the day. The meeting is the first between the two leaders since Biden assumed office.

Data released Monday showed that China retail sales in October rose 4.9 percent year-over-year, while industrial output for the month grew 3.5 percent from a year ago despite the impact of widespread COVID-19 outbreaks and supply shortages.

Meanwhile, new home prices in China fell for the second straight month in October, edging down 0.25 percent from the previous month, MarketWatch reported.

Property developer Sunac China Holdings Limited raised about $953 million through the sale of new shares and the sale of a stake in its property management unit, Bloomberg reported. The fundraising raised concerns about potential debt defaults by Chinas largest property firms.

Shares of Chinese companies closed mostly higher in U.S. trading on Friday after the major averages in the United States closed in positive territory.

Alibabas shares closed almost 0.6 percent lower, while Nios shares ended higher by 1.1 percent.

By Madhukumar Warrier

 2021 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
A general view of Liverpool Hospital as seen in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 10, 2020. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

All Elective Surgery Returns to Greater Sydney While National Diabetes Strategy Released

Elective surgery has returned to full capacity for public and private hospital patients in Greater Sydney as of Monday, according to NSW Health.

This comes after a 75 percent cap on overnight non-urgent elective surgery had been in place in response to the outbreak of the delta variant of the CCP virus.

NSW Health said the cap has been removed as a result of high vaccination rates and stable levels of community transmission.

NSW AMA president Danielle McMullen told 2GB Radio on Monday that the hospitals in the Greater Sydney area can now deal with the backlog of patients brought about by months of restrictions.

The easing of these caps means hospitals and other health services can arrange their catch up work and their usual non-COVID work  and be able to participate in as much elective surgery as they can, she said.

In regional and rural NSW, non-urgent elective surgery had basically continued as normal, except for areas where local outbreaks occurred. In these cases, temporary restrictions were put in place.

The NSW Government is also allocating $30 million to support private hospitals to carry out additional elective surgery, allowing patients whose surgery was delayed to be scheduled as soon as possible.

National Plan to Tackle Diabetes

Meanwhile, the Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt on Sunday released a new national plan for addressing Australias diabetes crisis, with Nov. 14 marking World Diabetes Day and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.

According to the Australian Department of Health, the Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2030 aims to prioritise Australias response to diabetes and identify approaches to reducing the impact of diabetes in the community, including consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which a person is either unable to produce enough insulin or their cells dont respond adequately to the insulin being produced. This results in high blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

In a press release on Sunday, Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said that As a nation, weve been very pre-occupied with the impact and risks of COVID  meanwhile, the serious impacts of the growing diabetes epidemic have continued.

He pointed out that 120,000 Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes in the past year, with over 17,000 deaths resulting from the disease in the same period. In addition, there are currently over 1.4 million Australians living with known, diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 with silent, undiagnosed type-2 diabetes.

Johnson highlighted the fact that diabetes impacted the vast majority of Australian families in some way and welcomed the new strategy.

In particular, we are pleased the new Strategy highlights key issues that require special attention including diabetes in aged care, prevention of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes in First Nations communities, he said.
A Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate prototype warplane is displayed at the Dubai Airshow, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 14, 2021. (Imad Creidi/Reuters)

As UAE Waits for US F-35s, Russia Pitches New Warplane in Dubai

DUBAIRussia showed off a prototype of its new fifth-generation warplane at the Dubai Airshow on Sunday as the United Arab Emirates deal to buy American F-35 fighter jets makes slow progress.

It was the first time the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, unveiled in July, had been shown outside Russia, and according to the Russian state news agency it was visited by an Emirati delegation.

A glitzy English-language computer simulation video showed the light tactical warplane, capable of simultaneously carrying five air-to-air missiles, destroying multiple targets at once.

The Russian presentation pitched the Checkmate, which was inspected by Vladimir Putin during its July unveiling, as a cost-efficient fighter jet that can fly at speeds of Mach 1.8 and a range of around 1,740-1,800 miles.

Yuri Slusar, head of United Aircraft Corporation, talks to media in front of a Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate prototype warplane during the Dubai Airshow, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 14, 2021. (Imad Creidi/Reuters)

The Checkmate, due to take its maiden test flight in 2023 and to start production by 2026, has yet to seal an order. The Lockheed Martin F-35 entered into service in 2015 with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Yury Slusar, head of United Aircraft Corp, part of Russias state aerospace and defense conglomerate, Rostec, said there had been intensive contacts with the Russian air force.

Western diplomats doubt U.S.-allied Gulf states would buy sophisticated equipment like the Checkmate, though sales of Russian hardware to the Gulf have increased in recent years.

The UAE in 2017 signed a preliminary deal to buy Sukhoi Su-35 warplanes and jointly work with Russia on a next-generation fighter but so far it appears not to have made progress.

The UAE likes the idea of cultivating ties with the Russian defence industry but its mainly a way to send a message to the U.S., said Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow with the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Washingtons sale of 50 F-35 Lightning II warplanes to the UAE has slowed amid concerns about the UAEs relationship with China, including the prevalence of Huawei 5G technology in the country.

The United States agreed to sell the plane after the UAE last year established ties with Israel.

By Alexander Cornwell
Baltimore Police Officer Shoots Suspect in 3 Shootings

BALTIMOREAn off-duty police officer who was getting a haircut shot and killed a man who burst into a Baltimore barber shop and fatally shot a barber, police said.

Police said they believe the same man was responsible for two earlier shootings, one of them fatal.

The Baltimore Sun reports that police are trying to determine a motive linking all three shootings.

Police said one victim was in critical condition after a shooting that occurred at about 2 p.m. Saturday following an argument. Another victim died from a shooting near the Greektown section of Baltimore.

The third and final shooting happened at about 3:15 p.m. at The Bladi Style barber shop in Baltimores Medford neighborhood. Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said the suspect entered the barber shop, produced a handgun, fired it at one of the barbers who was working in the barber shop, striking that barber.

Harrison said the off-duty Baltimore police sergeant was getting a haircut from another barber. The officer, who was armed and in plain clothes, responded quickly and fatally shot the man, Harrison said. The officer, who was not identified, was not injured.

Harrison said detectives have linked the shooting to the two earlier ones, but he declined to elaborate.

Police declined to identify the names of the victims pending notification of family members.
A health worker takes a swab for COVID-19 at a testing station in Beijing, China, on Oct. 25, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijing City Tightens COVID-19 Guidance for Travel From Chinese Areas With Overland Ports

Beijing city has announced that individuals who have recently visited overland ports of entry at Chinas borders should avoid the nations capital, with national authorities concerned about COVID-19 transmission from abroad as they battle a month-long outbreak while making preparations for the Winter Olympics.

People who have traveled in the previous two weeks to county-level administrative divisions with international overland ports of entry are advised not to enter the capital for non-essential purposes, Beijing Daily reported on Nov.13, citing a meeting chaired by the citys Communist Party chief Cai Qi.

Meanwhile, people who have visited county-level administrative divisions with confirmed cases, including a single infection, in the given 14-day period are banned from entering the city, the report read. Beijing residents traveling outside the city are also subjected to this requirement.

Those intending to enter the city should show proof of a negative COVID test result from the previous 48 hours and a green health code, Beijing Daily said.

The color code on a state-mandated smartphone app decides whether residents movement can be restricted. People who lose a green code are barred from taking public transport, entering shops, and even leaving their homes.

A man living in the Haidian district of Beijing told The Epoch Times that the health code is checked at the gate of his residential compound.

[They] measure temperature  check the health code, nucleic acid test result, and [require residents to] fill out a form, said the man who gave his surname Chen. He added that Haidian district has closed schools and almost half of the shops.

On Nov.1, the Commerce Ministry asked people and residents to keep daily necessities in stock in case of emergencies, which the state media interpreted as an effort to prepare for potential lockdowns.

Beijing citys latest restrictions on peoples movement come amid the widest outbreak the country has experienced since the first appearance of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in Wuhan city in late 2019.

The current wave of infections has expanded to 21 of 31 provinces on the mainland, including Beijing, the national health authorities said on Saturday.

Once an infection was detected, local officials in a city with less than 5 million residents should test all within two days, said Guo Yanhong, an official of the National Health Commission, at Saturdays briefing.

China continues to use mass testing, lockdowns, and other stringent measures against local clusters along international borders and other areas at higher risk for transmission.

Among one of the worst-hit areas in nationwide COVID outbreaks, Ruili, Chinas border gate with Burma (also known as Myanmar), has endured a seven-month lockdown, leaving residents despairingly receiving regular swab tests.

Luo Ya and Reuters contributed to this report.
Beto O'Rourke speaks at the We Are the Moral Resurrection! Georgetown-to-Austin March for Democracy rally to support voting rights at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on July 31, 2021. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)

Beto ORourke Enters Race for Texas Governor

Beto ORourke announced his run for Texas governor on Nov. 15, targeting the incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott who is seeking a third term.

Im running to serve the people of Texas, and I want to make sure that we have a governor that serves everyone, helps to bring this state together to do the really big things before us and get past the small, divisive politics and policies of Greg Abbott, ORourke, a Democrat, said in an interview with The Texas Tribune. It is time for change.

Once a congressman, ORourke caught national attention when he almost unseated Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in 2018, losing by only a 3 percent margin. ORourke entered the 2020 presidential race, but he withdrew the bid before the primaries began.

In a video released Nov. 15 on his campaign website, ORourke criticized Abbotts extremist policies around abortion, or permitless carry, or even in our schools, claiming those policies only divide Texans and prevent Texans from working together on the truly big things.

Those in positions of public trust have stopped listening to, serving, and paying attention to and trusting the people of Texas, ORourke said in the video, blaming the Abbott government for millions of Texans losing power during the snowstorm in February. And so theyre not focused on the things that we really want them to do, like making sure that we have a functioning electricity grid, or that were creating the best jobs in America right here in Texas, or that we have world-class schools, or that we make progress on the things that most of us actually agree on, like expanding Medicaid, or legalizing marijuana.

Abbott responded on his Twitter account that ORourke wants to impose socialism. Abbott said ORourke would defund the police, kill good-paying oil and gas jobs, allow open border policies, support President Joe Bidens policies, and take your guns.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 27, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

From Beto ORourkes reckless calls to defund the police to his dangerous support of the Biden Administrations pro-open border policies, which have resulted in thousands of fentanyl deaths, Beto ORourke has demonstrated he has more in common with President Biden than he does with Texans, Abbott campaign spokesperson Mark Miner said in a statement. The last thing Texans need is President Bidens radical liberal agenda coming to Texas under the guise of Beto ORourke.

Abbotts campaign had released video ads against ORourke well before his announcement.

In one ad, ORourke was seen saying, Hell yes, were going to take your AR-15, your AK-47.

On Nov. 14, Abbotts campaign released a new ad titled Beto Biden Border Crisis, during which ORourke told crowds, We do not need any walls to solve a problem that we do not have. ORourke also was seen telling a reporter along the border, Yes, Id take the wall down.

With his fund-raising and campaigning ability, ORourke has been viewed by Democrats as a candidate to take on Abbott.

Beto ORourke enters the race for Governor with the highest name recognition and fundraising ability of any Democratic challenger in a generation, Ed Espinoza, president of Progress Texas, said in a statement, The Hill reported.

In a recent poll conducted by the University of Texas and Texas Tribune Polls, Abbott led ORourke by nine points, with 50 percent of registered voters having an unfavorable opinion of ORourke.

The poll also showed that Abbott has no meaningful competitors within Republicans.

With Bidens approval rating falling, ORourkes gubernatorial bid could be a hard fight. Former President Donald Trump won Texas by more than 5 percent, and he has already endorsed Abbott.

Abbott has endorsements by Cruz and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as well.

Texas voters have already rejected Beto ORourke for statewide office, and theyll do so again now that they know just how radical he really is, Republican Governors Association spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement.

Beto 2.0 vowed to confiscate the firearms of law-abiding citizens, pledged to tear down physical barriers along the border, and supported regulations that would kill over a million jobs across the state, and raise taxes and the cost of living on families and small businesses. Theres no telling how far Beto 3.0 will go in his vain attempt to stay relevant after running out of promotions to chase in Washington.
Chinese and U.S. national flags flutter at the entrance of a company office building in Beijing, China, on Jan. 19, 2020. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Administration Reveals a Hardening Stance Against China That Is Too Little, Too Late

Time to speed up and take action

Commentary

The Biden administration is trying to build alliances in Asia to deter Beijing from attacking Taiwan, but their measures are too weak. At this late stage, America can only lead through bold action.

On Nov. 7, reports emerged of China mocking up multiple targets on its missile range in the Xinjiang region to appear as U.S. Navy ships, including two mock Ford-class U.S. aircraft carriers, at least two mock Arleigh Burke-class U.S. destroyers, and a 246-foot moveable ship mounted on two 20-mile long rails, set 20 feet apart, to serve as a moving blue naval target.

For U.S. and Chinese war planners alike, the blue forces are the United States, and the red forces are typically Russian, Chinese, or terrorist forces. The ship on rails is 67 feet longer than a Cyclone-class U.S. patrol ship.

The Chinese militarys aggressive training in the Xinjiang desert is just the latest in Beijings war preparations and territorial aggression, including the taking of territory in the South China Sea, India, and Bhutan, and the military pulsing of Taiwanese and Japanese islands.

Despite Xi Jinpings reported war threats (and no denials) against Taiwan, Australia, the United States, and the Philippines, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader had the audacity on Nov. 11 to complain in a quasi-veiled manner about the United States and allies drawing ideological lines and forming small circles on geopolitical grounds.

Xi said these efforts were bound to failand he could be right if Washington fails to get tougher, and fast.

The Asia-Pacific region cannot and should not relapse into the confrontation and division of the cold war era, Xi said, without a bit of irony at his own hypocrisy.

He made the statement to a virtual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the leaders of which largely held their tongues due to trillions of dollars in investment and trade with China.

But Xis complaints show the direction that U.S. policy is starting to, and should be, taking: stronger and more rigorous alliances in Asia that explicitly require the taking of sides against Beijingwhich the Biden administration rejected as recently as August.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, on Aug. 23, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

On Nov. 11, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan signaled that the United States is now working on a framework for U.S. economic engagement in the region, as part of the competition with China.

Whether its in the realm of supply chains, or the intersection of climate and trade, or digital, or investment screening and export controls. Across a number of areas that have not traditionally been part of trade agreements, we believe that there is the possibility of putting together a comprehensive vision and getting a whole bunch of countries aligned around that, said Sullivan, as reported in the Financial Times.

This is clearly too vague for any superpower alliance worth its salt.

But when Sullivan replied to a question about why the United States joined the AUKUS alliance with Australia and the United Kingdom, he revealed an incipient hardening of the U.S. position toward a much-needed quid pro quo for real allies that demonstrate their commitment in recent and tangible ways, not just an indiscriminate U.S. security guarantee doled out to any country with paper treaties from the 1950s.

Sullivan said: The president wanted to say not just to Australia, but to the world, that if you are a strong friend and ally and partner, and you bet with us, we will bet with you .  Its about a statement of putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to the rhetoric around alliances.

There are evidently circles of trust, with AUKUS countries at the center, Five Eyes, which includes Canada and New Zealand, and of course NATO countries, which adds most of continental Europe and Turkey. Japan and South Korea can be added as Americas most important allies in Asia, and India is in the process of joining as a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad).

The Philippines, a treaty ally of the United States since 1951, is unfortunately heading away from the circle of trust because of its rejection of permanent U.S. military bases in the early 1990s; and since 2016, President Rodrigo Dutertes crude and public rejection of Washington and human rights in favor of Beijing and vigilante tactics against criminals.

As each ally demonstrates different levels of commitment to the United States and the freedoms for which it stands, through differing diplomatic, economic, and military policies on China and human rights, each ally should be treated accordingly to incentivize all to close ranks and unify in their resolve to stop the CCPs aggression.

If one-size-fits-all, then U.S. allies have no incentive to stop playing, and benefiting from, both sides.

Countries that explicitly identify the genocide in China, reject Huawei, and welcome U.S. military bases to deter Beijing should be rewarded with a better bet by the Biden administration, in Sullivans words. Those countries that fail to show such support will likely lose preferential American policies, such as those enjoyed by Australia when it was promised highly-classified nuclear submarine propulsion technology by the United States and its closest ally, Britain. Nobody in the administration will say it out loud, but all analysts in foreign policy know that Duterte better not hold his breath in hopes of similar privileges.

Despite Sullivans oblique wording, this transactional approach is unfortunately the correct one, and the only one that can counter Beijing, given the CCPs similar approach to international politics. Realpolitik is unfortunately replacing the liberal internationalism of the 1948 U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, because Beijing is forcing the world in that direction.

Gone is the naive idealism of former President Barack Obama, who, in 2016, asked Duterte to side with the United States and follow human rights just because it was the right thing to do.

At the time, China was promising tens of billions in infrastructure investment, and according to my sources, Dutertes inner circle was receiving lucrative consulting contracts from Beijing. So Duterte had personal reasons to side with the CCP and publicly call a sitting U.S. president a son of a whore. At that, Beijing must have been popping champagne.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping (right) and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wave to members of the media, after inspecting the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Nov. 20, 2018. (Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images)

We could have done more to reverse that shocking deterioration in Americas Asian alliances. Without stronger economic repercussions, Duterte was apparently only financially compensated by following Beijing. That was a failure in American strategy that lost the Philippines, perhaps permanently, as a true American ally.

Since Beijing and many heads of state globally have stooped to that level, the United States is being forced to engage in its own forms of economic and technological competition with some of the same monetary and transfer tools that Beijing uses. This is unfortunate, but it is the reality of navigating the peaks of human greed to be found among the worlds statesmen and their closest associates.

Still, the Biden administrations approach to alliance-building is too little and too late, to deter Beijing from continuing its short-term preparations for an attack on Taiwan and long-term plans for global hegemony.

As Representative Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) said on Nov. 9, Xi and the CCP see weakness, they smell weakness in this White House, and they will continue to push, and that is incredibly dangerous for the United States, but also for the world.

Waltz, a former Green Beret who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, hit the nail on the head when he said: The Chinese Communist Party is preparing to be the dominant world superpower in the next decade, and [the] irony of it all, the sad thing of it all, is that theyre doing it with our money with U.S. taxpayer dollars. Were flowing billions right into Beijings stock market, their economy, and fueling their military buildup that our future soldiers and sailors and airmen may have to fight against.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A BMW logo is seen during the IAA Mobility 2021 auto show in Munich, Germany, on Sept. 8, 2021. (Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters)

BMW Says It Is Not Interested in McLaren Automotive, Audi Says Open to Cooperation

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, better known as BMW, has denied reports by Automobilwoche saying it was interested in buying McLaren Automotive.

On the other hand, Volkswagens Audi has said that it is open to exploring the opportunity.

Earlier, Automobilwoche reported that both BMW and Audi are eyeing the companys supercar business, with Audi also interested in the manufacturers Formula 1 racing team.

According to Reuters, Audi has said that it regularly considers different cooperation opportunities, but it did not comment on the specific case of McLaren.

McLaren has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, which caused the company to suspend production for a period of time.

Last month, McLaren Automotives Mike Flewitt announced that he would step down as chief executive officer after more than eight years at the helm.

In July, the company raised $755 million from its existing investors. It also raised $620 million from a bond issue.

By Bibhu Pattnaik

 2021 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the media regarding the United Kingdom's COVID-19 infection rate and vaccination campaign at Downing Street Briefing Room in London, on Nov. 15, 2021. (Leon Neal - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Brits Will Need 3 Jabs to Be Considered Fully Vaccinated: UK Prime Minister Johnson

People will need to have COVID-19 booster shots on top of the original two doses to be considered fully vaccinated in the UK, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

At a Downing Street press briefing, Johnson said the concept of what constitutes full vaccination will need to be adjusted.

On boosters, its very clear that getting three jabsgetting your boosterwill become an important fact and it will make life easier for you in all sorts of ways, and we will have to adjust our concept of what constitutes a full vaccination to take account of that, he said.

As we can see from whats happening, the two jabs sadly do start to wane, so weve got to be responsible and weve got to reflect that fact in the way we measure what constitutes full vaccination.

Johnson said the government will be making plans to add the booster to the digital COVID-19 passport issued by the National Health Service.

The prime minister urged people to get the booster jab as soon as they are eligible. It would be an utter tragedy if, after everything we have been through, people who had done the right thing by getting double vaccinated ended up becoming seriously ill or even losing their lives because they allowed their immunity to wane, he said.

Earlier on Monday, the UK government accepted the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to extend the booster vaccine programme to include people aged 40 to 49.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: We know immunity to COVID-19 begins to wane after six months and new data published today shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90 percentthis highlights just how important it is that everyone eligible gets their top-up jabs as soon as possible.

Johnson told the Downing Street press conference there were storm clouds gathering over parts of Europe with a new wave of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus sweeping through central Europe and now affecting Western Europe.

We dont yet know the extent to which this new wave will sweep up on our shores but history shows that we cannot afford to be complacent, he said.

But Johnson said there was nothing in the data to suggest the country needed to move to the so-called Plan B, a backup strategy that involves measures such as vaccine passports and mandatory face coverings in public places.

PA contributed to this report.
California Forward Summit Leading California Backward

Commentary

The California Economic Summit provides a good snapshot of where the states political and economic leaders are taking the state. Its sponsored by California Forward, a major state think tank especially connected to such powerful politicians such as state Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles).

Its 10th Summit took place this year in beautiful Monterey. The first day featured Gov. Gavin Newsom, who explained he skipped his scheduled appearance at the Glasgow Climate Summit to spend more time with his family.

Ive been on this  treadmill, weve gone from crisis to crisis, he said. The kids, literally, they kind of had an intervention. They said they couldnt believe that I was going to miss Halloween. That seems reasonable. Although rumors persist the normally publicity-avid governor had an adverse reaction to his COVID vaccine shot.

California has no peers  continues to have no peers, he said, perpetuating the common trope state politicians use to flatter themselves, of California as a separate country, instead of a subsection of the USA. We are world-beating in terms of our economic growth. In the last five years, no other western democracy has outperformed the state of California.  The United States has not  Germany, Japan, the UK  no other Western democracy has outperformed this state in your economic output of 21 percent GDP over the last five years. 

No state in America has created more jobs since January than the state of California  812,000 jobs.  Were the tent pole of the American economic recovery  44 percent of Americas jobs in August came out in the state of California. No state is creating more factory jobs than the state of California.

The problem with such numbers is some of them are not proportional. Because California still is by far the largest state, at nearly 40 million residents compared to 29 million for No. 2 Texas, its going to lead in most fields no matter what. The state also is recovering from Newsoms COVID lockdown in 2020 that was more severe than in most states. It currently is rising faster because it has more ground to make up.

A bigger problem is the states jobs and business growth disproportionally occurs in the Bay Area because of Silicon Valley, which still propels worldwide tech growth. But what about the rest of the state, which continues to flounder? Not everybody is a 160-IQ computer programmer.

The unemployment rate in giant Los Angeles in September was 9.8 percent, below double digits for the first time since COVID hit. Houstons rate, 4.5 percent, was less than half.

What defines this conference is this bottom-up notion to regionalization framework, Newsom added. He boasted of his $600 million Community Economic Resilience Fund, which is supposed to advance regional planning.

The Summits commentary on him called that statement one of its own priorities.

Surreal Analysis

But the Summits general themes are surreal, as if they were dealing with the issues and problems of the 1960s, not the 2020s.

It its discussion of Home Ownership and Wealth Creation on Nov. 10, the Summit discussed, Home ownership has traditionally been the way families create intergenerational wealth, but barriers such as redlining and restrictive covenants have kept many families of color from accessing that wealth.

Redlining is where realtors and banks draw red lines around certain districts according to race, in particular keeping blacks and Latinos out of certain neighborhoods. After the Legislature banned it in 1963, in 1964 Proposition 14 brought it back. Then the California Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court both banned it.

Restrictive covenants are written into home ownership contracts and limit specific races from purchasing a house. The U.S. Supreme Court banned them in Shelley v. Kraemer in 1948.

Its surreal to think either redlining or restrictive covenants have anything to do with the unaffordability of housing in California for poor people or minorities. Anyone who puts a house up for sale immediately is showered with offers, commonly well above the purchasing price and often with cash on the barrel. Nobody cares about the race or ethnicity of the purchaser. Chinese investors seeking to shield some of their wealth from control or confiscation by the Chinese Communist Party also are frequent buyers.

The median price of a California home soared above $800,000 in September, and is expected to go even higher. Just 24 percent of Californians can afford a home in the third quarter of 2021, down from 28 percent a year prior.

Thats the real problem. And as I have pointed out in some of my earlier Epoch Times articles, its not going to get better. Although building more houses certainly would help, theres only one thing that can make housing more affordable: higher wages for workers. But Californias stultifying high regulations and taxes are preventing that from happeningexcepting, again, the case of Silicon Valley.

A December 2019 analysis by the liberal California Budget & Policy Center found, Its hard work to be able to afford to live, raise a family, and eventually retire in California, especially for workers with low or moderate incomes.  [R]esearch shows that wages and benefits have significantly eroded for many Californians in recent decades. Many workers are being paid little more today than workers were in 1979 even as worker productivity has risen.

Of course, middle-class and poor Californians have found one way to get affordable living conditionsleave for another state, such as Tennessee. Several of my friends recently sold their houses and are headed to the Volunteer State.

But at the Summit in Monterey, Tara Lynn Gray, director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, said we need to invest in communities and neighborhoods where there has been traditional and historical disinvestment. Whether were talking about the wealth gap, the earnings gap, the education gap, to even the healthcare gap, we have to intentionally and systematically create policies and programs and, mostly importantly, partnerships that work to close those gaps.

That reminds me of the mineshaft gap line from the movie Dr. Strangelove. Is she kidding? Shes just talking about even more bureaucracy and partnerships with favored contractors.

This is ideology, not solutions.

In addition to higher wages from cutting taxes and regulationsand getting rid of useless bureaucracywhats really needed is to build, build, build.

Equity Instead of Equality

The Summit also featured the new buzzword equity.

We truly need to apply an equity lens in the work that we do, especially in the work that directly effects the lives of the people we are trying to help, said Director of the California Office of Planning and Research Samuel Assefa.

Equity is the replacement for the equality we all have been working toward since the 1960s, following Dr. Martin Luther Kings 1963 I Have a Dream speech, where he urged, I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Equality means equality of opportunity. Roadblocks to achievement, such as redlining and restrictive covenants, are removed. Efforts are made to improve education, and so on. But its still up to you to develop the content of your character so you can achieve.

Equity, on the other hand, is socialismwhere the government forces everyone into the same mold, as determined by bureaucrats.

This can be seen in a comparison. Take two college students, age 22. Student 1 decides to get a decent job, working eight hours a day to have time to start and raise a family. Student 2 decides to strive for a top executive job, working 12-hour days, starting a family later, if ever.

Equality says both had the same equal opportunity, but took different paths. Student 1, while making a fraction of Student 2, chose a different path to pursue happiness. In any case, each made a free choice on a level playing field. Thats what America is supposed to be about.

Equity says Student 2 unfairly makes more money than Student 1, and ought to have his or her unearned surplus taken away and given to Student 2. Thats socialism. And it makes everyone more miserable and impoverishes them.

For better solutions, I suggest reading my three-part ET series reviewing the new book Saving California: Solutions to the states biggest policy problems. For each of the 10 chapters I provide bullet-point summaries of the solutions offered.

Can California Be Saved? Part 1

Can California Be Saved? Part 2

Can California Be Saved? Part 3

California needs to push aside the Summits dreamy La La Land illusions and get down to basics for real reforms.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
China Seeks Its Way Back to Interpol

Interpol is about to elect another Chinese police officer to its key body

Commentary

China seeks to have a member of its Ministry of Public Security (MPS) installed on Interpols powerful Executive Committee at elections later this month.

On Nov. 15, a long list of members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a global alliance of members of parliaments from over 20 countries, and Safeguard Defenders, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that I founded, revealed that China has successfully put forth Hu Binchen for election to Interpols powerful 13-member Executive Committee.

It was not long ago that the disgraced former chairman of Interpol, Meng Hongwei, a vice-minister at the MPS and a Chinese Communist Party member, had his chairmanship cut short as he disappeared during a trip back to China from France in late 2018. Meng disappeared for about half a yearinto Chinas liuzhi system for enforced disappearances outside the legal system itselfand Beijing initially refused to inform Interpol of the incident. Meng was detained in a secret location until he appeared in court and was sentenced to prison over corruption chargeslikely another casualty of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings purge of political opponents. But Mengs situation has not stopped China from trying to regain a foothold in Interpol.

Unlike the chairmanship, which is largely ceremonial and a matter of prestige, the Executive Committee plays a key role in the actual running of the organization.

Hu is especially unsuitable for an oversight position at Interpol, even for a police officer with Chinas MPS. Hu serves as the deputy director general at the ministrys International Cooperation Department, and could also be involved in Chinas Fox Hunt campaign.

Fox Hunt is run by the MPS, and seeks to have alleged fugitives returned to China, not all of whom are actual criminals, but rather political opponents and dissidents. Reports, media stories, government statements, and court documents show a campaign that not only targets victims families back in China via threats, intimidation, and even arrest (unless the target returns to China voluntarily), but which also sends covert agents to other countries to intimidate and harass Beijings targetsin clear violation of other countries sovereignty.

Now members of IPAC, as well as nearly 40 exiled lawmakers, NGO leaders, and dissidents from China, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang, are calling on democracies to coordinate their actions at the upcoming 89th General Assembly of Interpol, which will be held from Nov. 23 to Nov. 25 in Istanbul, Turkey.

It is imperative that steps are taken to protect Interpol from falling into the hands of authoritarian and totalitarian states. Many of the activists, who are calling on member states to ensure China does not regain a foothold in Interpol, are themselves at significant risk of being extradited back to China due to the misuse of the organizations red notices (or alert system).

It is hard to gauge the extent to which the Chinese regime has used Interpol for its own benefit and to carry out abuses. To remedy that, Safeguard Defenders has just released a study, which sheds some clarity on this underreported issue. The report presents information about the dramatic change in how China has used Interpol before and after Xi came to power.

It remains to be seen if China will arrive at the General Assembly with a large sack of gold to buy its way into Interpol, as critics claimed it did in 2016 with the election of Meng Hongwei, or if democratic nations will work together to protect Interpol from being overrun by authoritarians.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Smoke billows from stacks as a Chinese woman wearing a mask walks in a neighborhood next to a coal fired power plant in Shanxi, China, on November 26, 2015. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

China Signs Climate Agreement With US to Stall for Time: Experts

At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the United States and China issued a joint statement on Nov. 10 promising to strengthen actions against climate change in the next ten years. Experts believe that the Chinese communist regime is not a sincere partner on climate change issues and theres another motive behind it.

In the deal signed in Glasgow, the two countries agreed to cooperate on a range of issues, including methane emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and decarbonization. However, China and the United States have barely set specific targets for action. Both countries have not joined the pledges regarding coal power or electric vehicles, and China has not agreed to end overseas fossil fuel financing, reduce methane emissions, or implement a more sustainable plan for agriculture. Neither did it agree to commitments regarding clean electricity, green steel, or road transportation.

International experts believe there are hidden reasons for Chinas signing of the climate agreement with the United States and question its sincerity.

Li Cheng-hsiu, an associate researcher at the National Policy Research Foundation of the Taiwanese consortium, told The Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times: Now there is a grand topic that can be used to repair Sino-U.S. relations. The so-called global warming requires the cooperation of the Chinese communist regime.

He believes that the two countries have interdependence in terms of energy supplies.

In an interview with the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times, Anders Corr, head of Corr Analytics, a political consulting firm in New York, said that the Chinese regime is not a sincere partner on climate change. They see the issue as a way to get ahead of the West economically, which will power their military ascendancy, he said.

Corr, a contributor to The Epoch Times, suggested that other countries should at least jointly impose carbon taxes on Chinas exports. These carbon taxes can be used to fund global climate finance, not only is China the worlds largest emitter, but it is a militarily-aggressive dictatorship that ignores the worlds reasonable requests to engage as a good-faith counterpart in the climate negotiation process.

China economic analyst Antonio Graceffo told the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times on Nov. 12 that signing a non-binding agreement would buy time for the Chinese communist regime.

At the end of Chinas grace period, they should begin reducing pollution, but just like with WTO or with SEC disclosure requirements, they will be given a warning, then a grace period, then another warning  China can milk this thing for the next 20 years, increasing production and pollution while the rest of the world cuts back and becomes even more dependent on China. Graceffo is a contributor to The Epoch Times.

Graceffo emphasized that China is not a reliable partner: China is one of the most inward-looking nations and now, under Xi is turning even more isolationist. China does not care about globalization. But China is clever enough to see that by pushing globalization and climate change, they can cripple the West, particularly, the United States, while making more money and skirting or just disregarding the rules.
Chinese Embassy Lodges Complaint Against Australian Parliaments Chair of Intelligence and Security

The Chinese embassy in Canberra has lodged an official complaint with the Australian government in regards to a speech made by Liberal Senator James Paterson addressed to the European Parliament in regards to foreign interference.

The embassy said Paterson, who is also the chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, displayed bias and hostility against China, which would impede exchanges between Canberra and Beijing.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Nov. 10, Paterson highlighted the importance of nations working together with like-minded democratic governments to counter foreign interference from other countries.

Australias current strategy model to counter foreign interference was established due to an assessment made in 2017 by the nations intelligence and security agencies, which found foreign interference was higher than it ever had been in history, surpassing even the Cold War.

Paterson noted that although the strategies against foreign interference in Australia apply equally to all nations and that there are many sources of foreign interference, China is easily the largest source of threat.

The Australian Chinese Embassy said the speech spreads false information about so-called security threat of Chinas influence in Australia and argued that it misled the European parliamentarians and the public.

They also said Patterson had displayed a bias and hostility towards the Chinese government and that they opposed any Australian parliamentarian trying to impede the Chinese regimes relationship with Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Bottom Right), European Council President Charles Michel (Top Right), German Chancellor Angela Merkel(Bottom Left), French President Emmanuel Macron (Centre), and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Top Left) are seen on a screen during a video conference, in Brussels, on Dec. 30, 2020. (Johanna Geron/Pool/Reuters)

The European Parliament is considering following Australias lead in legislating stronger measures against foreign interference and covert forms of influence. It has named Australias Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme as a possible model to look to.

In the speech delivered virtually to the European Parliament, Paterson said foreign interference comes from many different sources and it so critically important that as democracies we recognise the threats and that we do everything we can to combat these threats.

He listed the banning of Huawei and high-risk vendors from providing 5G network connection in Australia as one step which the government had taken to maintain the integrity of infrastructure, as well as the banning political donations to Australian political parties after a series of scandals linked to Chinese national donors.

Paterson also mentioned the recently passed bill of Foreign Relations Act where states, territories, local governments, and universities need to notify the federal government of any written agreements with foreign entities, empowering the department of home affairs to terminate arrangements that contradict the nations interests and sovereignty.

This is aimed at counteracting a strategy by authoritarian states, most notably China with its Belt and Road deal, to seek to divide us internally between different levels of government, he said.

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison has thrown his support behind Paterson on Monday.

The prime minister said that the model for how Australia is run is one that gives people their freedoms and one of those most important freedoms is their freedom of speech.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends virtually during the first ASEAN-Australia Summit at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Oct. 27, 2021. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

As a country that believes in free speech, it is even more so for elected members of Parliaments to be able to speak very plainly to secure Australias defence interests, he said.

James Paterson does a tremendous job on that, and I will always stand up for Australias liberal democracy.

This is one of the issues that has been highlighted by the Chinese embassy here in Australia about of their issues with Australia; one of the reasons why they have expressed disappointment in Australia about the relationship [between China and Australia].

But Morrison noted that he was not going to sell out Australias right to freedom of speech.

Its never going to happen. Australia is a free country where you can speak your mind, and under our government, you can be sure that will be retained and always stood up for in whatever form is necessary.
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 13: Former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort where he resides after leaving the White House on February 13, 2021 in Palm Beach, Florida. The Senate on Saturday acquitted Donald Trump of inciting the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th in Washington, DC. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Chinese Woman Convicted of Trespassing at Trumps Mar-a-Lago Deported to China

A Chinese national convicted of trespassing at President Donald Trumps private club in Palm Beach, Florida, was deported over the weekend, more than two years after serving her sentence.

Then-33-year-old Zhang Yujing was arrested while wearing a gray evening dress and later found guilty of bluffing her way into Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in March 2019. She lied time and time again to Secret Service agents about her reason for being there. She carried multiple electronic devices at the resort yet claimed to be attending a gala that she knew had been canceled even before she departed from China.

The Shanghai businesswoman had already served 7 1/2 months in pre-trial detention when District Court Judge Roy Altman handed her an eight-month jail sentence in November 2019.

Later that year, Zhang was turned over to immigration officials to await deportation. Her removal to China was delayed several times, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration authorities told the Miami Herald. After being held at the Glades County Detention Center three times, Zhang arrived in China on Nov. 14.

At the time of her sentencing, Zhang said she was to meet the president and family and just make friends. When an incredulous judge questioned her about whether she thought she could really meet the Trumps, Zhang laughed loudly and said she hoped to meet other people, too.

Zhang then told the judge that the president told reporters that he had invited Zhang to Mar-a-Lago. But Altman said that was another lie.

Its unclear what Zhangs motives were, although the judge said it was clearly about more than getting a photo opportunity. Trump was staying at Mar-a-Lago that weekend but was away when Zhang arrived at the resort.

While at the immigration facility, Zhang grew desperate to expedite her return to China. The Miami Herald reported that she filed a petition in December 2020 to speed up the process, but wasnt successful.

Zhang wrote that she was held at the Glades County Detention Center with no money to call her family in China and needed an attorney to gain her freedom, according to court documents.

Lu Jing, 56, the second Chinese national to be arrested for illicitly entering the resort in 2019, was sentenced to six months in jail in February 2020 on the charge of resisting arrest.

Trump bought Mar-a-Lago in 1985 and turned it into a private club in 1993. He changed his permanent residence to Florida from New York in 2019.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren addresses members of the media during a press conference related to the ongoing protest in the city in Rochester, New York, on Sept. 6, 2020. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Rochester, NY, Declares State of Emergency Amid Unprecedented Rise in Violence

Rochester, the fourth-largest city in New York state, has declared a state of emergency because of a drastic increase in the number of homicides and other violent crimes, making 2021 one of the deadliest years in recorded history.

Today, Mayor Warren is declaring a local state of emergency to ensure additional resources are brought to bear with one clear goal: removing violent offenders from our neighborhoods, reads a joint statement from Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren and City Council Vice President Willie J. Lightfoot on Nov. 12.

These individuals have already committed crimes, are wanted for additional crimes and are most likely to be perpetrating the violence were seeing today. This action ensures we are doing all we can to remove these violent criminals from our streets.

There have been 247 local violent offenders arrested since the beginning of the year, including 134 arrests were for firearms-related offenses. There were 71 reported homicides in 65 incidents, according to the citys interim police chief, David M. Smith.

Warren has reached out to Gov. Kathy Hochul for assistance in the fight against local violence. Resources at the Rochester Police Department (RPD) and the Person in Crisis team have been reportedly stretched thin, with gun violence showing an increase of 95 percent from a year ago.

The median age of victims is 28, with the youngest victim less than 1 year old, and the oldest at 89, according to 13WHAM.

Assistance to police also is being requested elsewhere. In the Dewey Avenue area, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) will continue to aid RPD patrols. MCSO, along with New York State Police, are adding resources to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to arrest known violent offenders. More than 30 individuals are believed to be the main cause of the recent escalation in violence, Smith said.

We need everyones help to make this city a safer place. We say this time and time again: if you see something, you have to say something, Smith said, imploring the community to identify offenders and share information with police, according to 13WHAM. We need to send a message that enough is enough, that were not going to tolerate this in our community anymore.

On Nov. 9, five teens were shot in the city, all in drive-by shootings that occurred within 45 minutes, according to RPD Capt. Frank Umbrino. There is an alarming trend of youth violence developing in the city, he said in a Nov. 10 press conference.

It mirrors the larger problem were having here in the city, Umbrino said. He added that criminal justice reform is ineffective, with violent offenders being let out of jail on appearance tickets and then going back on the streets to commit more crimes.

These kids dont have any consequences. Were arresting the same people over and over and over again, Umbrino said. Thats a problem.

It starts with stealing a candy bar. It escalates to stealing cars. These kids are not stealing cars to joyride  these kids are stealing cars  and theyre robbing and theyre shooting people.

In May, the RPD budget was cut by $4.5 million while retaining all 726 officers.

I want a police department that is truly focused on keeping our city safe, Warren said at the time, according to Spectrum Local News. Not one whose mission is divided by doing work better done by others. Thats why this budget invests our resources differently to RPD so RPD can be focused on reducing crime and violence.
A crowd gathers to protest vaccine mandates near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 11, 2021. (Cynthia Cai/The Epoch Times)

Concerned California Citizens Form Group to Oppose K-12 COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Concerned citizens in the state of California joined together in launching a union against a new COVID-19 vaccination program in the state that targets children under the age of 18.

The Unity Project, a coalition of concerned parents, business leaders, teachers, and other professionals across the state, started the union in opposition to Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to enforce the COVID-19 vaccination mandate on K12 trainees in the state, the coalition said in a Nov. 12 statement.

The forced vaccination mandate flies in the face of the broad scientific evidence base surrounding the risk/benefit of this vaccine for healthy children 18 years and under, Laura Sextro, the unions chief executive officer, said.

It also defies common sense and fundamental parental rights, she said in dispute to the governors program. Opposition to this egregious overreach by Governor Newsom is widespread throughout California and The Unity Project is harnessing the broad outrage and enormous parental engagement this policy has evoked statewide to stop it.

California became the first state in the nation to announce COVID-19 vaccine requirements for K12 schools in October, when the pediatric vaccines were still pending a recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

8-year-old Ava Onaissi receives a pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a vaccination clinic at Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 3, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Newsom also announced a new vaccination program earlier this month that targets children aged 5 to 11. The governors plan was announced one day after the CDC approved Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group.

Federal drug regulators have already approved the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older, meaning all upper-class high school students will need to be fully vaccinated to attend both public and private schools.

The Unity Project says they stand in opposition to the government in California forcing healthy children to take COVID-19 vaccines despite them being at low risk from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Forcing children as young as five-years-old to effectively become human shields, assuming vaccine-injury-risk despite having statistically zero risk of COVID-19 to those who are healthy, just so adults with comorbidities can feel saferwhat kind of a society does that? At no time in history have we put children in harms way to protect adults, the union argued.

Newsoms plan to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for schoolchildren has received mixed feedback, with thousands of people recently gathering across the state in disagreement with the mandates.

Last week, hundreds of people gathered at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to protest the mandates. The Nov. 11 protest was one of many that are being held throughout the month of November as part of the Nationwide Walkout.

Protesters gather during an anti-vaccine mandate rally at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 11, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

During that same week, the governing board of the Calaveras Unified School District (CUSD) decided in a 50 vote during a Nov. 9 meeting it will not be enforcing the states COVID-19 vaccine mandate for K12 schools. CUSD serves about 5,300 students and includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and Calaveras Countys only two public high schools.

Others, including the University of California Health, applauded the CDCs recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years old.

The expansion of vaccination against COVID-19 to approximately 28 million children aged 5-11 years across the nation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a significant step forward in the fight against the pandemic, it said in a press release.

Cynthia Cai and GQ Pan contributed to this report.

From NTD News
A hallway with social distance decal reminders are seen at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles on April 27, 2021. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

COVID Vaccination Deadline Arrives for LAUSD Employees

LOS ANGELESToday, Nov. 15, is the deadline for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with those who fail to meet the requirement facing possible termination.

It was not immediately known how many LAUSD employees have not yet complied with the mandate. An LAUSD representative said data was still being compiled.

In October, however, the district reported that 99 percent of district administrators and 99 percent of classroom teachers had loaded their vaccination status into the districts Daily Pass reporting system, along with 97 percent of classified supervisors, such as administrative assistants, plant managers, and cafeteria managers, and 97 percent of all district employees.

According to the districts website, employees who fail to meet the vaccination requirement may face disciplinary action, including but not limited to placement on unpaid leave and/or separation from service.

The districts mandate does allow for employees to seek medical or religious exemptions.

LAUSD required employees to have at least one dose of vaccine by Oct. 15, and receive both by Nov. 15.

School board member Jackie Goldberg told KNX Newsradio Monday that workers who miss the Monday deadline and are terminated will still be able to get vaccinated and possibly get their jobs back.

Even if theyve been dismissed, if they get vaccinated and they apply to be rehired within a certain period of time, if theres a vacancy in their field, which there very well may be, they will be rehired, she said.

The district issued a statement last month saying, Our charge remains clear: Los Angeles Unified is committed to providing your child with the best possible education in the safest possible environment. We know children learn and thrive best with in-person instruction where they can

interact with their teachers and classmates, participate in extracurricular activities and access the academic and social-emotional supports they deserve.

LAUSD students age 12 and older who take part in in-person extracurricular programs were required to receive their first dose by Oct. 3 and their second no later than Oct. 31. All other students aged 12 and up must receive their first dose by Nov. 21, and their second by Dec. 19.

Younger students will have to receive their first dose no later than 30 days after their 12th birthday, and their second dose no later than eight weeks after turning 12. The district is recommending, but not mandating COVID-19 shots for students aged 511.

The mandate applies to all district students, along with charter school students on co-located district school facilities. Students with qualified and approved exemptions under LAUSDs existing immunization policies will be exempt.
(LR) Disability Inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough, Justice Minister David Lametti, and Health Minister Patty Hajdu make an announcement about medical assistance in dying legislation at a press conference in Ottawa on Feb. 24, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Death Is Becoming an Industry: Euthanasia Opponents Bemoan Rise in Medically Assisted Deaths in Canada

Recently released statistics and anecdotal accounts have caused anti-euthanasia activists increased concern, as they believe medically assisted death is not only permitted, but encouraged.

Medically assisted deaths in Quebec rose to 2,426 in the year ending March 31, an increase of 37 percent over the year before, and represented 3.3 percent of all deaths. The statistics were made public by the provinces commission on end-of-life care, which submitted its report to the Quebec parliament on Oct. 20.

Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said the increase is only slightly higher than rates in the rest of Canada. Since medical assistance in dying (MAiD) became legal in 2016, the number of Canadians who opted for the procedure rose from just over 1,000 in 2016 to 7,595 in 2020, according to Health Canada.

Schadenberg said MAiD has gained momentum since the Liberal government introduced and passed legislation to expand the scope as to who can receive the procedure.

In the discussion leading up to Bill C-7, all of the cultural taboos about killing people with disabilities or extending this to people with mental health issues and things like that, it was breaking down the negativity or the concept of maybe its not a good idea to do this to anyone for any reason, he told The Epoch Times.

The more we talk about it, the more it will happen. The more people will promote it, the more people will think its fine and the more people will die this way.  In a sense, death is becoming an industry. The fact is that all these things have moved our social mores.

Schadenberg has been a vocal opponent of euthanasia since the initial bill for its legalization was debated in 2016. In recent months, he helped steer a former pro-life leader from following through with MAiD after he received a phone call from the mans wife.



Shes calling me up all upset, saying, My husband would have never supported this, never. Whats happening? And we had a long discussion. She found out that the one nurse in palliative care had spoken to him for two hours in the middle of the night, convincing him that it was the right thing to do, he said.

They say this is all about freedom and choice and autonomy, and yet youre getting calls like this.

Angelina Ireland, president of the Delta Hospice Society, is fundraising for a new private facility after the societys former facilities, Irene Thomas Hospice and the adjacent Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care, were seized by the B.C. government due to their refusal to offer MAiD on-site. The facilities it built were on land owned by the health authority.

Its like one big killing free-for-all, Ireland said, regarding societal trends on assisted death.

They can kill you at your home, the hospital, long-term care facility, hospice, and now the funeral home. But if one actually wants to livethats a lot more difficult. With the firing of thousands of health-care workers across Canada, we cannot so easily access even routine surgeries and tests for our own well-being. Where are the priorities?

More Disposable, Less Valuable  Lives

Amy Hasbrouck, a Quebec resident and executive director of Toujours Vivant  Not Dead Yet, a project of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, said the disabled have actively opposed euthanasia for over 35 years.

Consciousness was made during the landmark case when Robert Latimer killed his 12-year-old daughter, [Tracy]. And while the court engaged appropriately by convicting and sentencing him to the usual sentence, the amount of public support he received for his desire to have a more lenient sentence was really shocking to those with disabilities, Hasbrouck said in an interview.

Were accustomed to being considered more disposable and less valuable, but we were fairly surprised that people were so overt in their declarations that Tracys life was not worth living.

The Truchon decision in Quebec in September 2019 legalized euthanasia for the disabled across Canada, a decision Hasbrouck believes did more to devalue people with disabling health conditions than empower them.

The judge, basically, instead of saying, Youre right. Thats the problem of our public policies and the way we treat disabled people. We need to do things differently, she said, Oh, yes. Youre right. You should have the right to be killed by the state because, of course, you wouldnt want to go into a nursing home, Hasbrouck said.

So the judges solution was, they would be better off dead.

In 2020, Jonathan Marchand, a Quebec City man with muscular dystrophy, camped out in a makeshift cage in front of the Quebec National Assembly for five days to protest his confinement in a nursing home due to the lack of independent living options for people with disabilities.

Quebec resisted and dragged their feet. And ultimately, they allowed Jonathan to create a program for himself, but they refused to extend the pilot project to other people.  [Yet] it costs less for somebody to live in the community than for the person that lives in an institution, Hasbrouck said.

It became much more apparent during the COVID pandemic that society in general considered disabled people [and the elderly in nursing homes] as a disposable population. Those are trends that we have seen most recently that are very worrisome.
Recording artist Chris Daughtry attends FOX's "American Idol" Finale For The Farewell Season at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., on April 7, 2016. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Death of Chris Daughtrys Stepdaughter Still a Mystery, but Mom Said 25-Year-Old Suffered Injuries

By Kate Feldman

From New York Daily News

The death of rocker Chris Daughtrys stepdaughter, Hannah Price, continues to spur more questions and few answers.

The 25-year-old Price, whose mother is married to Daughtry, was found dead Friday at home in Nashville in what his band called an unexpected death.

No cause of death has been publicly revealed and a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department did not answer a call from the Daily News.

The family has been told that Prices death is being investigated as a homicide, according to TMZ.

On Saturday, Prices mother, Deanna Daughtry, hinted at a traumatic death, saying she was waiting on an autopsy to determine how Hannah sustained the injuries that caused her death.

I love you endlessly Hannah, she wrote on Instagram.

Prices boyfriend, Bobby Jolly, was arrested Friday, according to TMZ, but its unclear if that was related to Prices death.

The district attorney general did not immediately return The News request for comment.

Daughtry, the 41-year-old American Idol alum, said Friday that he was absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Prices death.

I just recently lost my mother to cancer but I was blessed with the chance to say goodbye and I was processing it privately. We never got to say goodbye to our precious Hannah and its another huge hit to our family, he wrote on Instagram.

Hannah, I love you. I miss you. I wish I could hold you. This hurts so deeply.

He has since postponed his scheduled tour.

Price, whose biological father died by suicide in March 2018, was shot in the face about six months later when she claims she was trying to save a 15-year-old boy from Crip gang members in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Price said she was blind for two weeks and had her apartment burglarized while she was undergoing surgery.

Its been crazy but honestly Ive had a very positive perspective about it all, she wrote on Facebook at the time. I do need help which makes me very vulnerable to have to ask.

In April, she and Jolly were arrested in a road rage incident during which another driver reported being shot at on Interstate 40.

A .22-caliber rifle was found in their car, but both denied it had been fired, according to WBIR.

2021 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Democratic Lawmakers Push Biden to Require Domestic Passengers to Be Fully Vaccinated

Congressional Democrats are urging the White House to mandate that airlines require passengers to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test before flying domestically.

More than 30 Democratic lawmakers asserted in a letter dated Nov. 11 (pdf) to President Joe Biden that new requirements on passengers are a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the chances of yet another devastating winter surge.

Requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for domestic flights will help alleviate these concerns for traveling. Further, this type of COVID19 vaccine and testing requirement has been endorsed by prominent voices in the public health community, the letter says.

Several senior Democrats signed the letter, including Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) website, without making mention of natural immunity, says it believes people should avoid taking domestic flights unless theyre fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Earlier this month, the United States imposed new requirements for nearly all foreign nationals flying to the United States to show proof of vaccination, as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The Biden administration also lifted travel restrictions that barred most foreign nationals from the United States who had recently been in China, Brazil, South Africa, Iran, and much of Europe.

Last week, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked a question about a mandate for vaccinations on domestic flights, said that everything is on the table. We just dont have any announcement to preview right now on this.

About 60 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. White House officials earlier this month said they believe that 70 percent of American adults are fully vaccinated.

The Biden administration recently announced it wouldnt enforce a deadline for federal contractors including major U.S. airlines to ensure their employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 until Jan. 4, 2022. At the same time, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a rule targeting private businesses with 100 or more workers, mandating that they either submit to weekly testing or get the COVID-19 vaccine starting Jan. 4.

Both the mandate for private businesses and contractors, however, have triggered numerous lawsuits in recent days. On Nov. 12, the U.S. 5th Court of Appeals issued a scathing ruling and reaffirmed its previous decision to temporarily block the private business mandate.

Rather than a delicately handled scalpel, the Mandate is a one-size-fits-all sledgehammer that makes hardly any attempt to account for differences in workplaces (and workers) that have more than a little bearing on workers varying degrees of susceptibility to the supposedly grave danger the Mandate purports to address, a panel of judges on the appeals court wrote.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk uses his mobile device as he sits in the car arriving to the construction site for the new plant, the so-called "Giga Factory", of U.S. electric carmaker Tesla in Gruenheide near Berlin, northeastern Germany, on May 17, 2021. (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk Spars With Bernie Sanders, Offers to Sell More Tesla Stock

Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Elon Musk got into a spat with social democrat Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Sunday after the U.S. senator demanded the extremely wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.

We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share. Period.  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 13, 2021

We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share. Period, Sanders wrote on Twitter. Taking a jibe at the Make Billionaires Pay senator, Musk responded by saying I keep forgetting that youre still alive.

The billionaire CEO who had already offloaded a combined $6.9 billion worth of shares in the electric car company as of Nov. 12, further wrote, Want me to sell more stock, Bernie? Just say the word.

Want me to sell more stock, Bernie? Just say the word   Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 14, 2021

Sanders tweet comes amid the backdrop of the progressive lefts efforts to hike taxes for the super-wealthy.

U.S. Senate Democrats have unveiled a proposal to tax billionaires stocks and other tradeable assets to help finance President Joe Bidens social spending agenda and close a loophole that has allowed them to defer capital gains taxes indefinitely.

A week ago, Musk tweeted that he would sell 10 percent of his shares if users of the social media platform endorsed the move.

Note, I do not take a cash salary or bonus from anywhere. I only have stock, thus the only way for me to pay taxes personally is to sell stock.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2021

Much is made lately of unrealized gains being a means of tax avoidance, so I propose selling 10% of my Tesla stock. Do you support this? I will abide by the results of this poll, whichever way it goes, the poll read.

About 57.9 percent of people voted for the stock sale, which saw Musk go ahead with the sale.

By Aishwarya Nair
EpochTV Review: As California Goes, So Goes the Nation

Commentary

In an increasingly polarized United States, it can often be tempting to let states you feel have made poor decisions, depending on what side of the political spectrum you fall, to live with the mess theyve created. This is especially true of California, a state that many outsidersand residentswould describe as a hot mess.

For years people have been fleeing the state, with California posting its first net loss in 2020 as 182,000 more residents left for greener pastures than arrived, much to the chagrin of states like Texas and Arizona. Unhappily for them, many Californians leave the state but take their policy ideas to their new home cities, turning places like Austin into an embarrassment for many native Texans, or tightening the Democratic stranglehold in cities like Seattle.

Its easy to dismiss the pickle California finds itself in when residents refuse to help themselves by voting for anyone who doesnt have a D next to their name, and thats why its so important to watch and share the Nov. 3 episode of California Insider.

Host Siyamak Khorrami speaks with former Los Angeles prosecutor Kathleen Cady about the alarming new policies the current district attorney, George Gascon, has implemented in his county since he was sworn into office last year. Watching Cady detail the policies Gascon put in place might leave the viewer thinking that L.A. Countys new D.A. looked at the disastrous cash bail reform New York put into place in 2020 and thought, I can top that.

How Californias Criminal Justice Reform Leads to a Crime Fever presents a frightening look at how Gascon has tied prosecutors hands at the expense of victims rights. Its not something that can be dismissed as just Californias problem when Californians are so happy to remind everyone else in the country that if it werent for that pesky little Electoral College, theyd be running the show.

The interview is straightforward, with Khorrami allowing Cady plenty of time to explain to the audience the horrific developments in L.A. County for anyone fortunate enough not to live there. Its an excellent decision given Cadys knowledge and involvement with the topic and her ability to provide specific, detailed examples in response to every one of Khorramis questions. Cady was a prosecutor for 30 years and now in retirement works with a victims rights group in California, trying to ensure crime victims and their families receive some measure of justice. Thats become much more difficult since Gascon came into office and decided to, as Cady puts it, dismantle the criminal justice system.

The steps Gascon has taken to accomplish this dismantling are shocking. While our criminal justice system could definitely use some reforms (even President Trump recognized this), the policies Cady outlines dont seem designed to do anything beyond coddling criminals and re-victimizing the people upon which criminals prey. Gascons 61 pages of policies, which he released on his first day in office, are also contrary to the laws on the books, from not prosecuting misdemeanor crimes to barring prosecutors from trying minors who commit particularly heinous crimes from being charged as adults. These policies dont impact the elites in their gated communities who are often proponents of these kinds of radical reforms, but they are having a devastating impact on residents and businesses in lower-income and minority communitiesthe same people that suffer the most when police departments are defunded.

The first item Cady dives into is bail reform, something that had already proven disastrous in New York before Gascon was elected into office. Gascon has essentially gotten rid of bail completely unless the charge is serious or violent, and on top of that has barred prosecutors from including enhancements in a charge that might increase the bail or keep someone who is a genuine threat in prison. Cady uses the example of a domestic violence incident that may or may not be considered serious on its own, but could be beefed up by including enhancements in the charge if, for instance, a gun or other weapon was used during the incident. Gascon has removed prosecutors ability to include these additional charges, allowing someone who brandished a weapon at a spouse or significant other to walk free without having to post bail. Another example she gives is of someone walking into a liquor store and stealing the merchandise. This could previously be charged as a robbery if the thief used any kind of force, but thanks to Gascon the enhancement of use of force is barred, creating a revolving door for low-level offenses that allow businesses and residents to be victimized again and again.

Misdemeanors are also no longer being prosecuted for the most part, like trespassing or shoplifting. Police are arresting the same people over and over again, while store owners report having the same thieves come in to steal the merchandise. Cady explains the anecdotes shes heard indicating that criminals, and gangs especially, are well aware of these policies and are taking advantage of them. In fact, it may even be pulling criminals into L.A. County from other areas of the state where they know theyll have to post bail and misdemeanors will be prosecuted. Overall these policies are creating a dangerous environment for residents and businesses, not that Gascon seems to care.

How Californias Criminal Justice Reform Leads to a Crime Fever: Kathleen Cady | California Insider [Full Episode]

Watch the full episode here.

Cady cares, though, so much that she now works directly with victims who have specific protections under Californias constitution. Gascons policies are having a direct, negative impact on these victims, and it could potentially be argued that they violate the victims constitutional rights. Cady advocates for victims who feel Gascons mandates are denying them justice, whether its lessening the sentence for the criminals who victimized them, not including enhancements on certain crimes that would require bail, or any of the other reforms. She even tells the harrowing story of a client named Peggy who was being stalked by a man with whom she was briefly involved. Though the man was convicted and sent to prison prior to Gascon arriving in office, when he was released he began stalking Peggy again, to the point of issuing death threats and forcing Peggy to move. Because of Gascons reforms, Peggys stalker wasnt set to be charged with any of the prior convictions, which would have greatly reduced any sentence he got, presuming he got any time at all. When Peggy reached out to Gascon, he suggested she get a restraining ordersomething she already had. The story has a happy ending thanks to Cadys work and a judge who ignored the prosecutors recommendations, but Peggy is just one of the many victims being retraumatized because of Gascon.

According to Cady, many prosecutors dont agree with these policies, but theyre mandated so prosecutors either have to enforce them or face potentially losing their jobs. Further complicating matters is the fact that Gascon brought many former public defenders with him and placed them in the highest levels of the D.A.s office, and now public defenders have been instructed to tattle on any prosecutor who tries to buck the mandates. Theres even a form the public defenders can fill out to report a prosecutor hoping to keep a serial stalker behind bars. This forces prosecutors to comply with the policies, even if the policies go against state law by denying them avenues to pursue appropriate charges against criminals, and the basis for these policies is based on data that Cady feels is flawed. Shes represented upwards of 80 murder victims families since the beginning of 2021, so she has a pretty good idea of what they want when it comes to the criminal justice system, despite Gascons dismissive attitude that the D.A.s office cant just listen to the victims. While thats true to an extent, what also seems to be true is that Gascon isnt listening to the victims at all.

That inability to listen tends to be par for the course for the left these days, though Cady doesnt think the criticism of Gascon is politically motivated at all. Shes a Democrat herself, but she works with both Democrat and Republican lawyers as well as working for both Democrat and Republican victims. They all agree that the issue is not with Gascons politics, but with his policies, which are endangering the residents of L.A. County. Public safety should never be a partisan issue, and as far as Cady is concerned politics has no bearing here. To support her assertion, she mentions that 31 city councils have expressed a vote of No Confidence, and while not everyone is against his reforms, Cady believes thats because they dont really understand what hes done. Once its explained what his policies actually do when put into practice, Cady feels supporters will realize that this wasnt what they were looking for when they voted for reform.

Another example of the kinds of reforms residents probably didnt know they were voting for is the inability of prosecutors to transfer juvenile offenders to adult courts, no matter how heinous their crimes. As Cady explains, previously prosecutors had the ability to transfer juvenile defendants to adult courts for murder, for instance, but under Gascon there are to be no transfers to adult court for any reason, ever. This has led not only to juveniles serving insultingly brief sentences for premeditated murder, it has also emboldened gangs, who now know that a juvenile defendant cant be kept in jail after they turn 25. As a result, gangs now send out teenagers to commit the worst acts, safe in the certainty that theyll be out long before they turn 30.

Cady provides Gascon with some recommendations of what he could do to make his policies better, starting with listening to what the public wants, but if recent trends on the left are anything to go by its not likely that hell take her up on that. Its even less likely Gascon will listen when Cady explains that blanket policies dont work, because people are different, as is each individual case, and he should let his prosecutors do their job rather than letting public defenders run the D.A.s office. She finishes the interview with a plea to unhappy Los Angelinos to get out and vote for someone who will do what they want, emphasizing that reform isnt necessarily a bad thing, but it matters greatly how reform is implemented.

Cady is a wonderful guest, and Khorami does a fantastic job setting her up with the right questions and then letting her go. Its hard after listening to her not to feel for the residents of Los Angeles, no matter how messy the bed they now lie in happens to be, as she gives the viewer a sense that they got where they are through naivete more than stupidity or political brainwashing. Hopefully, those still living in L.A. County have an awakening like the ones seen recently in New Jersey, Virginia, and even Seattle and New York, and find a candidate to vote for who truly cares about public safety. Watching, liking, and sharing this video may even help some of them go from woke to awake.

California Insider premiers every Sunday at 6 p.m.exclusive on EpochTV.



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Facebook Censors Dissenting Opinion, Blames Advertising Policy

Commentary

A recent episode prompts me to ponder the fact that Facebook is becoming a force for censorship that might leave even some Communist Party of China members shamefaced.

Last week, I passed along a prospective editorial opinion column to The Epoch Times on behalf of two colleagues who are partners at a boutique law firm in Ottawa. Epoch Times editors liked the content and after giving it their professional scrutiny and suggesting some clarification, posted it on the outlets website.

The folks at the law firm were delighted and wanted their work to get even wider attention so they sought to pay to have it boosted on Facebook. Heres the answer they got back:

Your ad was rejected because it doesnt comply with our advertising policies.

To learn more, view your ad in Account Quality. You can request a review if you think your ad was incorrectly rejected.

The failure to comply rejection, bear in mind, came from the very same social media company whose policies of profiting from gross violations of user privacy led to it being fined almost US$5 billion in 2019. That would be the Facebook whose advertising policies let it inundate you with friend requests from individuals having such unlikely names as Lotsa Hotsa Buttishaken, not to mention newsfeed scams from all manner of fly-by-night shysters.

And what, you might well ask, was so egregious about the opinions expressed in the law firm partners column that they violated Facebooks pristine standards? Did they advocate legalized free delivery of your stupefacient of choice with every order from Skip the Dishes? Was it a slightly more outre call for, oh I dont know, say, decriminalizing slavery? Did it seek to convince the world in general that Holocaust deniers really arent, you know, such horrendous idiots once you get to know them? No, no, and nothing even remotely close.

The column made three straightforward points. 1. The boutique law firm in question has been swamped with calls from panicking Canadian workers and students terrified of losing their jobs or their academic years if they fail to comply with COVID vaccine mandates. 2. The problem the callers face isnt one that can be solved at a legal level yet, but it can be redressed at the political level, and indeed is a function of the political response to the pandemic. 3. The people pleading with the law firm to help are, to a person, responsible, thoughtful citizens of Canada, not the conspiracy theorist wingnuts said to be the sole opposition to vaccine mandates.

They are nurses, they are doctors, they are clergy, they are university students, they are public servants.

Given their roles and responsibilities, if they are all wingnuts, we have an even bigger problem in Canada than COVID presents, the lawyers wrote.

Think about this. Here you have two legal beagles, both of whom have made representations in the Supreme Court of Canada and recently won a major freedom-of-conscience case against the federal government, arguing that somethings amiss with the vaccine mandate scheme that requires serious and immediate attention. They submit that contention by writing to the editing standards of a professional publication that is committed, on its front page, to Truth.

They dont denigrate vaccines. They dont counsel reckless lawbreaking. They do counsel people to stand for their rights and engage the democratic political process to do so. Yet Facebook, with its impeccable track record of meeting sterling standards of integrity and beyond-reproach content management, wont permit the widest possible distribution of that opinion.

Now, theres a fair argument from a libertarian perspective that Facebook is free to accept or reject whatever content it likes, and equally free to refuse any emolument to overcome its resistance to publication. That would actually be an argument if Facebook itself didnt insist that it is not a publisher but rather just a platform where like-minded or contrary-minded contributors can freely engage.

Given that, its rejection constitutes nothing less than raw suppression of an opinion that it dislikes and does not want to see in the public domain, never mind the opinion being based on verifiable facts drawn from the experience of the writers, and from their knowledge of both law and politics.

The issue, of course, is that the full problem isnt Facebook. It is whats happening as dissenting arguments across North American society are stifled by a myriad of means. Facebook, admittedly, is one tool in that toolbox. But, like the Communist Party of China, it is a very large, very powerful, and extremely ubiquitous hammer.

Within the CPC, the sheer magnitude of its membership numbers opens the possibility of minor disagreement, at least within the Partys hard red line. Now Facebook, despite its high-minded invocation of quality and policy, is busily drawing red lines of its own around the opinions dissenting citizens of democratic countries can, and cannot, promote.

Even if that causes no shamed faces in China, it should leave North Americans outraged.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Famed Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach Cancels Conservative David Horowitzs Group

The David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC) has become the latest conservative victim of cancel culture after The Breakers, the world-famous resort hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, informed the organization it will no longer host its events because its too controversial.

After a 20-year relationship with The Breakers resort, the Freedom Center was informed that we would no longer be allowed to have our annual Restoration Weekend event at the resort due to the Center being too controversial, DHFC President Michael Finch told The Epoch Times.

This is yet another egregious example of cancel culture and the shutting down of free speech.

Cancel culture refers to the phenomenon or practice of publicly rejecting, boycotting, or ending support for specific individuals or organizations based on their views or actions.

Islam expert and Middle East Forum President Daniel Pipes expressed outrage on Twitter, saying conservatives must boycott The Breakers until it apologizes.

The Breakers was the site of DHFCs latest Restoration Weekend, which concluded Nov. 14.

Among the speakers were Project Veritas founder James OKeefe, Manhattan Institute scholars Heather Mac Donald and Christopher Rufo, Fox News host Pete Hegseth, journalist Andy Ngo, Center of the American Experiment President John Hinderaker, and authors Victor Davis Hanson and Dinesh DSouza.

DHFC, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, was founded in 1988 by former 1960s radical-turned-conservative David Horowitz and his longtime collaborator, the late Peter Collier.

The center describes itself as unique among conservative think tanks whose emphasis is on public policy and institutional reform in that it sees its role as that of a battle tank, geared to fight a war that many still dont recognize.

It says that for years, the Center has been warning that the political left has declared war on America and its constitutional system, and is willing to collaborate with Americas enemies abroad and criminals at home to bring America down.

Horowitz, 83, didnt attend this years Restoration Weekend because hes recovering from surgery.

In a statement, he blamed cancel culture for the hotels actions.

David Horowitz speaks at CPAC in Washington on Feb. 12, 2011. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

DHFC events at The Breakers have featured five members of presidential cabinets, including three U.S. attorneys general and half a dozen military heroes, including two Medal of Honor recipients, Horowitz said.

We are a very American, patriotic organization whose efforts on behalf of this country have been recognized, appreciated, and supported by its elected leaders. Yet this year we have been informed by the Breakers management that we are too controversial and will not be welcomed back again.

When the corporate power structure joins an anti-democratic ruling party to perform its dirty work in shutting down free speech and demonizing its political opponents, you have the classic definition of a fascist regime.

Like many other Americans, we will not be silenced or intimidated by these tactics. And we will conduct our fight by calling our would-be silencers by their right names.

Approached by The Epoch Times, The Breakers confirmed it had severed its business relationship with DHFC, but denied that politics had anything to do with it.

For over a century, our resort has proudly hosted organizations of all ideologies and agendas, regardless of their special interests, Sara A. Flight, the hotels communications director, said in an emailed statement.

We have always bestowed the highest level of hospitality with unquestionable inclusivity. Politics has never factored into our companys business decisions.

Over the past few years, our management team has reviewed the heightening logistical and operational requirements of the David Horowitz Freedom Centers annual program, and on that basis, the decision has been made not to extend a contract moving forward. In the interest of our clients privacy, we do not share information regarding conferences and their specifications.

The Breakers, a palatial oceanfront hotel with intricate paintings on its high ceilings, was modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome. It was founded in 1896 by gilded age industrialist Henry Morris Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil Co. who led the development of Florida as a vacation center.

The Breakers is located in Palm Beach, less than 3 miles north of Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trumps private club.

Palm Beach has taken on a special significance to the GOP because Republican donors and operatives now regularly congregate in the coastal town to meet with the former president and strategize.

Palm Beach is the new political power center, and President Trump is the Republican Partys best messenger, senior Trump adviser Jason Miller told CNN in April.

(Disclosure: The author of this article has spoken at DHFC events at The Breakers and contributes to that organizations publications.)
FCC Commissioner Says US Should Help Prevent Cuban Regime Internet Shutdowns Ahead of Protests

Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, on Sunday said the United States should help prevent a Cuban regime Internet shutdown ahead of planned protests in the country on Monday.

Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets across the country this week as part of the Civic March for Change to demand greater political freedom and the release of jailed political activists.

Cuba has also seen growing frustrations amid ongoing food shortages and high food prices in the midst of worsening economic conditions in the country, further exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mondays protests follow unprecedented uprisings in July, which were the largest on the island since Fidel Castros 1959 revolution, Reuters reported. The summer protests against a lack of freedom and worsening economic conditions saw the country plunged into an Internet blackout.

President Joe Bidens administration imposed targeted sanctions on Cuban officials and security forces following Julys protests.

Tomorrow, November 15, the brave people of Cuban [sic] will once again take to the streets to demand their freedom from the brutal and oppressive regime, Carr wrote on Twitter on Sunday. It is more important than ever that the U.S. support this movement by helping to circumvent the regimes Internet shutdowns.

Carr also re-tweeted a Nov. 5 statement in which he praised Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) for introducing a new bill that would ensure America has the strategic capability to bypass Internet shutdowns from oppressive regimes like those seen in Cuba and Venezuela.

Specifically, the Protecting Against Tyrants by Restoring Internet Access and Yielding Vital Interconnectivity in Designated Areas (PATRIA Y VIDA) Act would build a strategy to protect Internet freedom worldwide and strengthen support for technologies that allow users to evade foreign government-backed censorship and restrictions.

Mondays pro-democracy protests, organized by Archipelago, an opposition group headed by Cuban playwright Yunior Garcia Aguilera, 39, have been banned by Cubas ruling Communist Party and its President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

The regime has accused the protests of being part of a destabilization campaign by the United States, which maintains a Cold War-era embargo on Cuba. U.S. officials have denied the allegations.

Dozens of activists have been harassed and detained ahead of Mondays planned demonstrations, and Garcia Aguilera told The Washington Post that his own phone lines and Internet connection were cut.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday also condemned what he called intimidation tactics utilized by the Cuban regime ahead of Mondays planned protests, which also coincide with the reopening of the country after 20 months of pandemic-related lockdowns.

Blinken said that Washington will pursue measures that support the Cuban people and seek accountability for the communist regimes crackdown on opposition protesters.

The secretary of state also urged the Cuban regime to respect Cubans rights and keep Internet and telecommunication lines open.

In July, the people of Cuba bravely and spontaneously took to the streets to demand change from their government: respect for human rights, greater freedom of expression, and an end to economic mismanagement by an authoritarian regime that has failed to meet their most basic needs, Blinken said in a statement.

The Cuban regime responded with violence, censorship, arrests, and summary trials, denying their citizens their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Blinken said the communist regime has made it clear that it does not want to listen to protesters on Monday when they will again call on their government to hear their aspirations for a better future, and the ruling party has instead used intimidation tactics such as firing opposition supporters from their jobs and threatening them with imprisonment.

We strongly condemn these intimidation tactics. We call on the Cuban government to respect Cubans rights, by allowing them to peacefully assemble and use their voices without fear of government reprisal or violence, and by keeping Internet and telecommunication lines open for the free exchange of information. We urge the Cuban government to reject violence, and instead, embrace this historic opportunity to listen to the voices of their people, Blinken said.
Thousands protest against the Victorian government's proposed pandemic bill and vaccine mandates in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 13, 2021. (Armstrong Lazenby)

Federal Treasurer Condemns Dan Andrews Controversial Pandemic Bill: Its Overreach

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is among a growing number of federal MPs who are voicing their concerns over Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews proposed pandemic legislation that will grant the states premier and health minister unprecedented powers to rule by decree.

I dont agree with Daniel Andrews Pandemic Bill. Its overreach & has rightly been condemned, Frydenberg said in a tweet.

Frydenberg also called out protestors for depicting the Victorian Premier as a Nazi, saying: Placards depicting the Premier in a Nazi uniform is offensive & wrong.

I dont agree with Daniel Andrews Pandemic Bill. Its overreach & has rightly been condemned. But placards depicting the Premier in Nazi uniform is offensive & wrong. It shows a lack of understanding of history. It fuels hatred. Its dangerous & has no place in public debate. pic.twitter.com/9QN5rj5hym  Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) November 14, 2021

This follows a protest on Nov. 13 that saw thousands of Australians march peacefully through the streets of Melbourne CBD towards the state Parliament House where chants of Kill the Bill and Sack Dan Andrews could be heard, and signs criticising Daniel Andrews and pandemic legislation were seen.

Former federal Liberal Party member and now United Australia Party leader Craig Kelly addressed the crowd on the steps of parliament, calling on Victorians to oppose the legislation.

We are in the face of tyranny and corruption, Kelly told the protestors. I have decided to take a stand like many of you have here todayI hear you.

We are no longer governed for the people or by the people. Were being governed by insane medical bureaucrats, he said, adding that mandatory vaccinations are an abuse of human rights.

Kellys comments come as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews seeks to push the Bill through the upper house this week.

Big crowd marching Swanson street, central Melbourne in protest against the Victorian governments proposed #pandemicbill. People can be heard chanting sack Dan Andrews. More to come. pic.twitter.com/QT107Eroom  The Epoch Times Australia  (@AuEpochTimes) November 13, 2021

Under the proposed Public Health and Wellbeing (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021 (pdf), the premier can declare a pandemic and extend a declared state of emergency for three months indefinitely.

Authorised officers can also enter a premise without a warrant and arrest a person deemed to be a serious risk to public health.

It would also give the state government the powers to restrict movement, ban public gatherings, close businesses or order quarantine requirements.

The Minister will also be able to issue a pandemic order to a specific classification of person or group depending on their location, participation at an event or activity, or a particular characteristic such as age, vaccination status, residence, occupation or living arrangements, according to a government media statement.

Antithetical to Democracy

Research published by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) on Nov. 15 has revealed how the proposed bill is fundamentally antithetical to parliamentary democracy.

The report (pdf) identified six ways in which the bill violates democratic principles, including granting powers for the Victorian health minister to use draconian powers against people based on their religion, political beliefs, or ethnic background, powers for the authorised officers to detain people without trial indefinitely which abrogates the ancient right of habeas corpus, and it prevents the powers exercised by the health minister and authorised officers from being challenged in the courts.

All these powers would be exercised without the control or scrutiny of the Parliament or the Courts, the report states.

This unprecedented grab for dictatorial powers by the Andrews government has no place in a free country like Australia, said Morgan Begg, Director of the Legal Rights Program at the Institute of Public Affairs.

However, the Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley has defended the bill telling ABC RN Breakfast on Nov. 15 that among all of the best models the state government has seen, the pandemic legislation makes the public health advice the heart of the decision.

But what it also does is brings the Victorian pandemic response into line with just about everywhere else and makes the elected members of parliament accountable for those decisions.

When asked if politicians can ignore the advice of Chief Health Officer, Foley has yes, but that will be highly unlikely.

What this legislation does is ratchet up the levels of accountability, transparency, and the role of parliament like no other jurisdiction around the country. The Chief Health Officers advice will be required to be tabled in parliament, its implications for the Charter of Human Rights will be required to be tabled in parliament, and if there is any movement away from that by the health minister of the day, the health minister has to justify those reasons.

But of course, what the final decisions rest with is the elected accountable members of parliament, the ministers of the day to the parliament and to the people of Victoria, Foley said.

Under the proposed bill, Victorias Chief Health Officer would no longer have the power to make special orders, with that power instead transferred to the health minister.

Meanwhile, four changes could be made to the proposed bill, including making it easier to appeal detention orders and boosting parliamentary oversight, reported Sky News.

Opposition Liberal Leader Matthew Guy said on Nov. 14 that the pandemic bill would be the first thing we rip up if elected next year.

The bill will now require the support of three key crossbenchersthe Greens Samantha Ratnam, Animal Justice Partys Andy Meddick, and Reason Party leader Fiona Patten. All three have indicated their support of the bill subject to some amendments.
Florida Sheriff Deters Crime with Cutting Edge Technology

If you want to commit a crime it is best to stay out of Lee County, Florida, because chances are you will be caught by the ever-vigilant Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC), warns Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Marceno told The Epoch Times the center allows his Lee County Sheriffs Department to be always watching.

The center is a complex network of surveillance equipment that interacts in real-time and is monitored by a diverse team of officers from areas such as traffic, homicide, major crimes, and cyber-crime.

Marceno demonstrated that he can see (on the screen) where airplanes are while they are in the air their speed and altitude much like you could find on plane tracking apps on phones, but it helps Marceno when he has to deploy a drone or helicopter.

He can also click on any school icon on the interactive map and see what it is going on there.

Schools are an important focus for the sheriff as he spends a lot of his time interacting with children on and off school grounds. He says he believes if children do not feel safe, they cannot learn.

There are approximately 100,000 kids that are in Lee County schools, Marceno said. There are around 6,000 bus stops; we can monitor that bus stops to help keep kids safe.

Marceno can also find any of his deputies with the tip of his finger.

I have the ability to press an icon on the screen and see where our police and sheriff vehicles are at, he said. This helps if we ever need to respond in mass to a certain active situation.

In addition to showing officers real-time activity, the center can go back in time as well, Marceno said.

In the case of a missing person, the officers can form a timeline by going back and watching the movements of the individual and track forward.

Lt. Josh Quaintance helps coordinate the command center. He said there are approximately 150 Department of Transportation cameras mounted on traffic poles throughout the county and the department owns seven mobile units that are used for events or an area of interest they are watching that does not have cameras.

The software and technology are constantly evolving, Quaintance said as he demonstrated the capabilities of how to pinpoint an area of interest on the screen. This technology has helped solve a lot of crimes.

The center was the brainchild of Marceno as he envisioned how technology could help his officers apprehend criminals and deter crime sometimes before it happens.

Case in point, the sheriff said. There was a homicide committed last week; with the use of RTIC within 41 minutes  we had the suspect in custody.

The Legislative office of Economic and Demographic Research reported that in 2019 Lee County had a total 1,478 crimes reported. In 2020 the crime rate at dropped eight percent to 1,361 cases. Marceno it is a direct result in the technology that is in place. The statistics for 2021 are not yet available.

RTIC data and technology is also shared with other agencies, the sheriff said.

Most recently in the Brian Laundrie case, the sheriff deployed his officers and other equipment to lend a helping hand in the densely wooded Carlton Reserve in Sarasota County.

Marceno described the terrain at the Carlton Reserve as treacherous requiring law enforcement officers to wade through chest-high water and dodge predatory wildlife such as alligators and poisonous snakes. Marceno deployed the units Dragonfish Drone that can fly as far as 16 miles from the operator at a height of almost four miles.

The search for Laundrie, 23, began after he walked away in September from his parents home in North Port, Florida. Two weeks prior, Laundrie had returned to his parents driving a van that he and his fiance Gabby Petito, 22, had been using on a cross-country trip, but she was not with him.

She was reported missing by her parents and her remains were later found in a Wyoming desert.

Laundries remains were discovered in late October submerged in a swampy area of the reserve where the Lee County sheriffs and other law agencies had been searching.

When you have the FBI calling you for assistance, you know you really have something, Marceno said proudly. We work with other sheriffs offices, the DEA, FBI, ATF, and our local agencies to assist them in their efforts to resolve cases.

Marceno said he used bad money and turned it into something good through the forfeiture of property that was used in the commission of a crime. In April 2020 the center became fully operational.

We use money that we confiscate in drug deals to fund this, he said. This costs the taxpayers of Lee County nothing.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to a question as Chinese business magnate Jack Ma listens, during an event at the Chinese Entrepreneur Club in Beijing, China, on Aug. 30, 2016. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

For Ottawa to Implement a Successful China Policy, Canada-China Business Lobbys Clout Must End

Commentary

The Trudeau government is apparently in the process of rethinking its China policy to make it more adaptable to current challenges. The Globe and Mail reports that the government is designing its first strategy that encompasses the entire Indo-Pacific region and will ostensibly focus on the increasing threat from the Chinese regime.

Heading the special secretariat at Global Affairs responsible for devising the strategy is former diplomat Jonathan Fried, who once served as ambassador to Japan and the World Trade Organization, and in 2015 was co-chair of the G20s Trade and Investment Working Group with China.

This new strategy will seek to diversify trade and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, with the aim of establishing a reliable coalition of countries.

Skeptics who have long been disappointed by the governments talk of a new China policy only for things to remain the same may dismiss this new development, and understandably so. But broadly speaking, the move is definitely intriguing.

However, it may not please the powerful people who have hitherto enjoyed a monopoly on our same-old way of dealing with China. Because for any such strategy to succeed, these people must see their clout in the China debate decrease significantly. Im referring in particular to the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), whose members include multinational corporations from both Canada and China such as Power Corp., Barrick Gold, Bombardier, and Huawei Technologies. Claws of the Panda author Jonathan Manthorpe has said that since its establishment in 1978, the CCBC has been the Chinese Communist Partys principal channel for influence in Canada.

Evidence of that influence can be seen in the case of former CCBC president Peter Harder, now a leading senator who had a key role in Justin Trudeaus transition to office in 2015. Harder made headlines in June of this year when he opposed a motion in the Senate to define the Chinese regimes persecution of Uyghur Muslims as genocide. And Canadas Ambassador to China Dominic Barton is a CCBC enthusiast and regular attendee who reiterates all the organizations talking points in regard to Ottawas China policy.

As Manthorpe summarizes in Claws of the Panda, his masterful study of Chinese influence in Canada, a pivotal figure in the forming of the CCBC was an academic named Paul Lin, who served as the first director of McGill Universitys Centre for East Asian Studies from 1965 to 1982. He played an instrumental role in facilitating the initial diplomatic talks between Ottawa and Beijing.

In 1977, Lin was approached by Paul Desmarais, head of Montreal-based Power Corp., about organizing a business trip to a Chinese trade fair in Guangzhou Province. This catalyzed a process that would lead to the establishment of the CCBC (initially the Canada-China Trade Council) at the behest of figures like Desmarais and Maurice Strong, who was the chief executive officer of Petro-Canada at the time. Founding companies included staples such as Manulife Financial Corp., BMO Financial Group, Power Corp., and the now infamous SNC-Lavalin.

This network of companies, especially Power Corp., entrenched itself as the prime adviser for Canada-China relations, successfully making trade the main focus and omitting everything else. In Canada, Power Corp. was the premier gatekeeper of this countrys formal relations with China, Manthorpe writes.

Indeed, these organizations still assume the role of gatekeeper in their attempt to avoid at all costs any real questions of values or geopolitics, and to stifle those who emphasize those issues in discussions on China. It is regularly lamented by those with financial interests in China that geopolitical issues have become more of a focus at the expense of Canadas financial interests. Human rights violations are treated as immaterial and mere disagreements rather than crucial moral questions about the Wests duty to hold repressive regimes to account. Its all for the sake of a myopic obsession with a single market for which it is not that difficult for Canada to find more productive and trustworthy substitutes.

Inevitably, a successful Indo-Pacific strategy that moves on from prior dogmas must involve some sort of decoupling from an increasingly belligerent Beijing. With that in mind, the power and prestige the CCBC has enjoyed for the better part of the last 43 years presents a significant obstacle.

The time has come for that to change. Beijings ruthlessness in abducting two Canadians and holding them hostage over the Meng Wanzhou affair, which led to the current frosty state of Canada-China relations, is ample reason members of this organization should rein in their push for ever-greater ties with the communist regime.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Garcetti Travels To DC Sunday, Returns To LA Monday After COVID Bout

LOS ANGELESMayor Eric Garcetti, who had been isolating in Glasgow, Scotland, after testing positive for COVID-19, is traveling to Washington today before returning to Los Angeles Tuesday.

No reason was given for Garcettis D.C. trip after he previously announced plans to return to Los Angeles Sunday. But on Monday, President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign the $1 trillion infrastructure bill approved by Congress this month and is expected to be joined by several governors, mayors, and labor and business leaders.

Following the bills approval, Garcetti hailed it as providing a golden opportunity for major improvements in Los Angeles.

Investments in public transportation, bridges, clean energy and water systems, and broadband are the building blocks of a prosperous future for Los Angeles, he said. Were already investing billions of dollars in infrastructure locally, and these funds are a chance to double down on that work to protect public health, fortify the foundation of our City, and open new doors of opportunity across our region.

It has not been confirmed whether Garcetti will be among those attending Mondays signing, and a White House spokesman told the Los Angeles Times the invite list had not been finalized as of Friday.

In July, Biden nominated Garcetti to be the U.S. ambassador to India, but the Senate still has not scheduled confirmation hearings on the nomination.

Garcetti, who is fully vaccinated, received a positive result from a COVID-19 PCR test on Nov. 3 while he was in Scotland for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. He developed mild symptoms the following day.

In an email to his staff, Garcetti said he developed a fever and had symptoms of a head cold, the Times reported.

As some of you who have gotten COVID know, this is a beast of a virus, but I am feeling pretty goodjust some fever and head cold symptoms for now, probably a reflection of the strength of the vaccine I got earlier this year, the mayor wrote.

In accordance with the UNs guidelines for the conference, Garcetti conducted self-administered nasal swab tests frequently throughout the trip, which began on Nov. 1, and tested negative, including receiving negative results twice on Nov. 3.

On Nov. 2, the mayor and his staff took PCR tests as they prepared to return to the United States, and Garcettis positive test result was received on Nov. 3.

The city charter assigns the City Council president, currently Nury Martinez, to serve as acting mayor when Garcetti is out of California.
Hospital System That Operates in 19 States Blocked From Firing Workers Over Vaccine: Oklahoma AG

Oklahoma was granted a temporary restraining order that blocks Ascension Healthcare from terminating employees who were denied religious exemptions from the firms COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor had filed for a restraining order against the companys requirement. On the night of Nov. 12, a Tulsa district judge granted the request, according to the OConnors office.

This evening, the Tulsa District Court granted the States Application for Temporary Restraining Order in our case to keep Ascension Healthcare from carrying out its plan to fire employees who were unfairly denied religious exemptions from their nationwide COVID-19 vaccination mandate, the Republican attorney general said in a statement. This is a win for religious freedom and our office will continue to fight against unlawful religious discrimination.

Some Ascension employees who worked during the pandemic, he said, sought a religious exemption to the vaccine but were unfairly denied.

Healthcare heroes who sought a religious exemption on this and other sincerely held religious belief grounds have been flatly rejected by Ascension, OConnor remarked. In so doing, Ascension committed religious discrimination against Oklahoma healthcare heroes who oppose abortion.

Ascension Healthcare operates in 19 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including across Oklahoma. The company has not responded to a request for comment. The company is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

The firm, however, issued a statement to media outlets over the weekend that it mandated the vaccine because we want patients to be assured and comforted with the knowledge that our doctors and nurses, other clinicians and associates, working in one of our hospitals or other sites of care, will either be vaccinated against both COVID-19 and influenza.

Ascension Healthcare in July announced it would require its employees to receive the vaccine by Nov. 12 or face termination.

Last week, Ascension workers in Tulsa demonstrated outside Ascension St. Johns against the firms vaccine requirement.

I applied for a religious exemption, I was denied, nurse Lisa Johnson told KTUL. I appealed the religious exemption denial and was denied a second time. We were pretty much told that if we were not compliant by the end of our work shift today we would be suspended.

Nurse Tricia Smith, whose religious exemption was also denied, said that its hard to justify going against my convictions for a job.

It would make me so happy for Ascension to have to reinstate us all and say were sorry because we didnt do the right thing, she added.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., on Sept. 3, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Iranian Helicopter Flies Very Close to US Warship in Gulf of Oman

An Iranian navy helicopter flew very close to a United States warship in the Gulf of Oman in an incident that eventually ended without escalation, a Pentagon official said Nov. 15.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters the helicopter circled the U.S. Navys multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Essex three times, coming within 25 yards of the ships port side and, at one point, only about 10 feet off the ocean.

Kirby said the crew of the Essex took the appropriate force protection measures they felt they needed to in accordance with international law.

Kirby called the helicopters actions unsafe and unprofessional.

When you have another armed force, in this case the Iranian navy, that flies like this you definitely run the risk of some sort of escalation, Kirby said. This one ended peacefully, but it doesnt mean it was safe and professional. It absolutely wasnt.

Tehran needs to be pressed on why they felt like this was a prudent use of their pilots and their aircraft to fly so dangerously close to a U.S. warship and behave in that way, Kirby added.

He did not specify when the incident took place.

Were going to fly, sail and operate where international law permits, and were going to continue to look after our national security interests in the region.

The event comes after the U.S., the European Union and Iran announced this month that indirect talks to resuscitate the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers would resume Nov. 29 in Vienna.

President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the deal in 2018 and Iran has since violated the deals limits on the countrys nuclear development.
Israel Announces 5 to 11-Year-Olds Now Eligible for Pfizer Vaccine, Following US Emergency Approval

Israeli authorities said on Sunday that minors aged 5 to 11 will now be eligible for the weaker dosing of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after a majority of experts on its advisory committee voted in favor of the vaccines safety profile.

The decision, announced by Israels Health Ministry, cited Pfizers clinical trial data, which the company says indicates a 90.7 percent efficacy in preventing illness in the age group.

The decision comes on the heels of an emergency approval for the pediatric vaccine in the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric shot for broad use in children aged 5-11, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization.

When Pfizers data was reviewed by the FDAs Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, 17 of 18 panelists voted to recommend it for the age group.

One panelist, National Institutes of Health official Dr. Michael Kurilla, abstained from voting over what he said was limited safety and efficacy data, but said that he would be in full support of the FDA approving the vaccine for a tailored subgroup of children, which he said would be a safer approach.

Pfizers data has not yet been publicly released beyond the regulatory authorities, with the company saying that it plans to submit it for peer-reviewed publication soon. There was no control group of non-vaccinated children in the clinical trial, and it wasnt clear how many COVID-19 cases occurred among the participants.

Kurilla also drew attention to the pediatric vaccines limited durability due to its lower dosage, as well as CDC data that indicated some 40 percent of children in the age group had already recovered from COVID-19, giving them some level of immunity against re-infectionanother reason why he supported a more directed vaccination roll-out for a subset of at-risk children to lessen the risks.

There are high-risk groups within the 511 age group that would benefit from the vaccine, he previously told The Epoch Times.

Despite voting in favor of the vaccine, several of the FDA panelists joined Kurilla in voicing concerns about the risks of vaccination, saying they were against any vaccine mandates by schools given cases of heart inflammationboth myocarditis (heart inflammation) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart)already seen in youth post-vaccination.

However, after eight hours of discussion, the FDA panel overwhelmingly decided that, based on statistical modeling, the benefits of the shot outweighed the risks, even after expressing serious reservations regarding the decision.

Panel members attributed their decision to the very small percentage of children who have experienced severe disease and required intensive care.

According to the modeling, for males 5 to 11, vaccination was estimated to prevent 203 hospitalizations per million while leading to 156 excess hospitalizations per million due to heart inflammation, and prevent 67 intensive care unit stays versus leading to 57 excess stays due to heart inflammation. However, for females, the gap between the predicted benefit and primary risk is much wider, leading to an overall clear benefit, Hong Yang, a senior FDA adviser, told panel members.

During the meeting, members also heard there have been over 1.9 million infections in children aged 5 to 11 in the United States since the start of the pandemic, but that just 0.4 percent, or 8,400 of those cases, have required hospital care, with 94 of them dying.

An estimated 20 percent of the hospitalized children were admitted for a reason besides COVID-19, and nearly 70 percent of the children had serious pre-existing health conditions like heart disease, illustrating the natural resilience healthy children have shown in the face of COVID-19.

Pfizers clinical trial did not focus on measuring vaccine efficacy against the virus. Instead, it compared the amount of neutralizing antibodies children produced after receiving the vaccine compared to data from the adult trial.

The FDA noted no new or unexpected side effects. Other than heart inflammation, side effects linked to the Pfizer vaccine include headache, fatigue, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, nausea, and a sore arm.

Side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity and occurred within two days after vaccination, and most went away within one to two days, the agency added in a press release.

Pfizer and BioNTech also are studying the effects of the vaccine in children as young as 6 months of age.

The update comes as all three vaccines authorized or approved for use in adults in the United States continue to wane in effectiveness, particularly against infection by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19.

The Biden administration had said on Oct. 20 before the FDAs approval that it had procured enough vaccine to support vaccination for the countrys 28 million children ages 5-11 years old. On Oct. 28, Pfizer announced that it had sold 50 million doses of its pediatric vaccine.

Moderna for Children

Moderna said in October that its COVID-19 vaccine was effective and safe for children aged 6 to 11, citing a new study.

However, the FDA at the end of the month announced that is was delaying its decision on whether to approve the vaccine for children as it was still investigating the risk of myocarditis.

Modernas vaccine regime proposes a 50-microgram dose for children aged 6 to 11, while Pfizers shot uses 10 microgramsa third of the dose given to adults.

Meanwhile, Australian drug regulators have said that they will not approve Pfizers pediatric vaccine just yet, and will wait to assess real world data from the U.S. rollout.

Their regulators have told health officials that the U.S. decision was based on a very small clinical trial by vaccine clinical trial standards, only a few thousand children, and that they do not want to cut corners on the study and data for children.

The FDA has said that the study wasnt large enough to detect the known rare side effects, including myocarditis.

If regulators are convinced that the vaccine is safe and effective for children, the roll-out can begin, Australians were told over the weekend. A decision is expected in the first part of January.

Overshooting Boosters

Recently, the CDC, in an unusual move, overrode advice from its advisory panel on limiting boosters to those aged 65 and older, and to those with underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDCs head, overruled the CDCs advisory panel after the majority of members voted against the wider approval of boosters to those aged 18 and above with certain jobs or living situations.

The vote came after two top FDA scientists resigned in protest of the pre-emptive announcement by federal health officials. Those officials, Marion Gruber and Phil Krause, later wrote an article in a medical journal asserting that theres no evidence the general population should get boosters, with the FDA separately signaling that boosters may not be needed.

Christopher Burroughs and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
A worker adjusts the U.S. flag before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addresses media following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in Manhattan, N.Y., on Nov. 17, 2016. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

Japan, US Agree to Start Talks on Additional Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

TOKYOJapan and the United States have agreed to start discussions aimed at tackling additional U.S. tariffs on Japanese steel and aluminum imports during a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, Japans industry ministry said on Monday.

The meeting was held between Japans Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, but a ministry official said no concrete measures were discussed and no date was set for the talks.

It comes after the United States said on Friday it would open talks that could lead to an easing of those tariffs, a long-standing irritant in trade relations between the two.

Japan earlier this month asked the United States to abolish the Section 232 tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trumps administration in 2018.

Japan asked again the United States for a complete resolution of the issue of additional tariffs in a way that is consistent with WTO rules as Japan has been asking since 2018, said Hiroyuki Hatada, a director at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).

The United States and European Union have recently agreed to end a festering dispute over U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs imposed in 2018, removing a burden on transatlantic relations and averting a spike in EU retaliatory tariffs.

The agreement maintains Section 232 tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent aluminum, while allowing limited volumes of EUproduced metals into the United States duty-free.

Asked about how Japan would react if the United States proposed a similar measure, Hatada said:

As far as we can imagine, when we talk about a complete resolution in a manner consistent with the WTO, we are talking about elimination of the extra tariffs.

The two countries have also agreed to establish JapanU.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership (JUCIP) to collaborate in reinforcing industry competitiveness and supply chains among others, the industry ministry said.

By Yuka Obayashi
Judge Bruce Schroeder speaks to issues on jury instruction during Kyle Rittenhouse's trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Nov. 15, 2021. (Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP, Pool)

Judge Dismisses Weapons Charge in Kyle Rittenhouse Trial

Judge Bruce Schroeder on Nov. 15 dismissed a misdemeanor weapons charge against Kyle Rittenhouse before closing arguments were slated to begin in his homicide trial.

Rittenhouse had faced a charge of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a nine-month jail term. The teen still faces five felony counts and, if hes convicted on the most serious charge, could face life in prison.

His attorneys argued that Wisconsins statute has an exception, involving the barrel length of the rifle or shotgun, that could be read to clear Rittenhouse of the weapons charge.

Prosecutors conceded during the Nov. 15 court proceeding that Rittenhouses rifle wasnt short-barrelled. Schroeder then dismissed the charge.

Earlier, the judge had dismissed the defenses effort to toss the charge. But on Nov. 15, Schroeder argued that the statute was poorly written.

I have big problems with this statute, Ive made no bones about that from the beginning, the judge said in the courtroom.

The defendant, who was seen on video carrying a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 firearm before the shooting, claimed he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed two people and injured a third during riots, protests, and arson attacks in Kenosha following the police-involved shooting of Jacob Blake in August 2020.

Rittenhouse, who said he is a former firefighter EMT, last week testified that he shot Anthony Huber, Gaige Grosskreutz, and Joseph Rosenbaum in self-defense as they and several others attacked him. On the night of the shooting, he argued that he sought to provide first aid to individuals and defend businesses from arsonists and vandals.

I didnt intend to kill them. I intended to stop the people who were attacking me, Rittenhouse said when questioned by prosecutors.

Bystander video footage shows Rosenbaum chasing Rittenhouse through a parking lot and throwing an object at him. The teen is then seen moving behind a car as Rosenbaum pursues him.

Richie McGinniss, a reporter who was following Rittenhouse and Rosenbaum, testified a week ago that Rosenbaum attempted to grab Rittenhouses gun. Another reporter, Drew Hernandez, testified he saw Rittenhouse repeatedly attempting to diffuse and deescalate the situation before the shooting occurred.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger told jurors that evidence shows Rittenhouse didnt act reasonably and said that no one but Rittenhouse shot anyone that night despite chaotic riots and mass unrest.

The defendant fled the scene of the dead body of Joseph Rosenbaum without stopping to offer any aid whatsoever, Binger said at the trial.

Prosecutors previously asked Schroeder to allow the jury also consider a lesser charge, second-degree reckless homicide, which doesnt require them to find that Rittenhouse acted with utter disregard for human life. The charge is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

After Rittenhouses attorneys objected, Schroeder said he didnt plan to give that instruction. He said he expected that a guilty verdict on that count would be overturned because the defense objected to adding it.

Wendy Rittenhouse told CBS News that she believes her son is telling the truth. Previously, she told news outlets that legacy media outlets reporting of the trial and her sons case was untruthful.

If he had to do it all over again, he probably would not go down to Kenosha. Kyles nature is to help people, Wendy Rittenhouse said in the interview.

During a separate interview with NBC, Wendy Rittenhouse argued that if her son hadnt been armed that night, he would have been killed.

He brung that gun for protection, and to this day if he didnt have that gun, my son wouldve been dead, she said, adding that a lot of people shouldnt have been in Kenosha.

Ahead of the verdict, about 500 Wisconsin National Guard members were activated by Gov. Tony Evers to deal with any potential unrest.

The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing, Evers said in a Nov. 12 statement. I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judicial Watch Says It Has First-Hand Evidence From DC Police That Shooting Death of Ashli Babbitt Was Unjustified

Judicial Watch has received first-hand evidence from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department that the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt was unjustified, the conservative activist group announced on Nov.10.

The organization said in a statement that it has received new audio, video footage and photo records pertaining to the shooting death of Babbitt, including a cellphone video of the shooting itself, as well as a short police interview of the shooter, U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officer, Lt. Michael Byrd.

Babbitt, 35, was among the crowd that breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, interrupting a joint session of Congress convened to certify the presidential elections electoral votes. As she attempted to climb through a broken window into the Speakers Lobby, adjacent to the House chamber, she was shot by Byrd.

Babbitt, who was unarmed, was soon declared dead.

Judicial Watch obtained the material through a May 2021 Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

Records include a new cellphone video, which has been edited by the D.C. Police and shows officers reacting to the shooting. The footage, which is 1.27 minutes long, depicts a chaotic scene as dozens of officers walk up a stairwell and approach a group of protesters inside the building before attempting to pull some of them away. The faces of those in the video have been blurred out however their voices can be heard.

The documents also include photos of the area where Babbitt died, which show broken glass and chairs piled up in the speakers lobby. There are also D.C. Police photographs of Byrd, his hands, and his gun, as well as pictures of a folding knife, which was allegedly found in Babbitts pocket.

There is also a 16 minute 40 second audio recording of police interviewing Byrd on the day of the incident. The voices in that interview and others have been digitally altered to try to hide the identities of those involved.

Byrd had defended shooting Babbitt and claimed that he issued verbal warnings before opening fire but admitted that he did not know Babbitt was unarmed.

She was posing a threat to the United States House of Representatives, Byrd said on NBC in August.

I could not fully see her hands or what was in the backpack or what the intentions are, Byrd said. But they had shown violence leading up to that point, he added.

Terrell Roberts, who is representing the Babbitt family, has told The Epoch Times that the killing was a pretty clear case of shooting an unarmed person without any legal justification.

Last month, Judicial Watch released records from the D.C. Police showing that multiple police officers claimed they did not see a weapon in Babbitts hand before Byrd shot her. One officer attested that he didnt hear any verbal commands before Byrd fired at Babbitt.

Byrd was cleared in April this year by both the Department of Justice and the agency he works for following a thorough investigation.

Officials examined video footage posted on social media, statements from the officer involved and other officers and witnesses to the events, physical evidence from the scene of the shooting, and the results of an autopsy, the DOJ said in a statement.

Based on that investigation, officials determined that there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

Two police officers and four protesters died during and following the Jan. 6 Capitol breach.

These recordings and photos provide dramatic, first-hand evidence that the shooting death of Ashli Babbitt was unjustified, said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. It is disturbing that neither the Pelosi Congress nor the Biden/Garland DOJ took no action over this needless death.
A person receives a bandage after their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in Los Angeles on Aug. 7, 2021. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

LA County: Sheriffs Employees to Receive Notices to Comply With Vaccine Mandate

Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department employees who have not registered as fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or who have exemptions, are included among those who are expected to receive noncompliance notices, the county has confirmed.

Sheriffs Department employees are considered County employees, Los Angeles County spokesman Michael Wilson told The Epoch Times by email.

Los Angeles County has issued notices in batches to all employees who have not yet registered their vaccine status with the county.

The deadline, set by executive order from the Board of Supervisors, was Oct. 1.

We do not have specific information regarding the Sheriffs Department notices, said Wilson.

Employees who receive a notice are told they must register and begin COVID-19 testing within five days or face discipline that includes suspension, Wilson said.

Employees who havent complied with the vaccine policy within 45 days of receiving the notice will get a five-day suspension. They will have 30 days after they return from the suspension to come into compliance.

The sheriffs information bureau wasnt aware of whether any employees had received a notice by Nov. 12.

At this time, we are unaware of employees who have received notices, the sheriffs department information bureau told The Epoch Times in an email on Nov. 12. Due to pending litigation by employee labor unions, we are unable to further comment at this time.

In one pending lawsuit, five county employees, including two from the sheriffs department, sued the county in Los Angeles Superior Court in early October, claiming the countys vaccine mandate was unconstitutional.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, an outspoken critic of the vaccine mandate, has said he could lose up to one-third of his sworn staff to the mandate.

On Nov. 2, the sheriffs department reported that 52 percent of its staff was fully vaccinated. At that time, Villanueva said that 4,185 sworn and professional employees could be terminated because of the vaccine mandate.

However, he told constituents on Nov. 3, during a Facebook Live session that the county lacked the authority to terminate his employees.

A viewer asked Villanueva whether the Board of Supervisors had the authority to fire his deputies over the vaccine mandate.

No, they cannot. They cannot legally do that, Villanueva told the viewer. Thats my responsibility. I mean, theyre going to try to do some cute stuff, trust me. However, the point is, this is all political posturing, and its not based on anything that is going to benefit the public.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger told The Epoch Times in an email on Nov. 12 that supervisors were encouraged that more than 80 percent of Los Angeles Countys employees have provided proof of full or partial vaccinations.

My hope is that all County department leaders, including the Sheriff, encourage their employees to get vaccinated to both protect workers and the public we serve, Barger said.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore has cooperated with the vaccine mandate rollout and has required his department to be fully vaccinated.

The Los Angeles Times reported that more than 2,600 LAPD officers so far have claimed to be exempt for medical or religious reasons. Some officers have filed lawsuits challenging the mandate.

A state Superior Court judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order on Nov. 10 filed by the Los Angeles police union to block the citys vaccine mandate.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis issued an executive order on Aug. 4 requiring the countys 110,000 employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 1, with exemptions for medical and religious reasons.
Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz testifies in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington on Dec. 11, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Leak of Project Veritas Files to New York Times Should Trigger Probe: Former Prosecutor

The Department of Justices inspector general should investigate how The New York Times came into possession of files from Project Veritas shortly after the FBI raided the journalist outfit, a former federal prosecutor says.

FBI agents recently raided homes linked to Project Veritas, including the home of its founder, James OKeefe. The NY Times messaged Project Veritas about the pre-dawn raids as they were wrapping up, lawyers for the nonprofit said in a court filing.

The search warrants were signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave, an appointee of fellow judges. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, an Obama nominee, halted them on Nov. 11.

Former prosecutor Andrew McCarthy says that decision may stem from the apparent leak to the NY Times. He said the judge should be infuriated by the apparent leaks and should immediately take action.

The judge should order the SDNYs Biden-appointed U.S. attorney, Damian Williams, to provide the court, immediately, with affidavits detailing communications with the media from every prosecutor, FBI agent, and support staffer who is either involved in the investigation or has had access to the items seized from the current or former PV officials, the National Review writer wrote in a column, referring to Project Veritas and the Southern District of New York.

He also called for Attorney General Merrick Garland to refer the matter to Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz for a thorough investigation.

Garland and Horowitz should announce that the Justice Department will conduct the investigation requested by the court, and Horowitz should be given the affidavits so his office can hit the ground running. Judge Torres should ask for periodic updates to stress to the Justice Department and FBI that the court is troubled by the governments apparently pretextual exploitation of coercive judicial processes in order to fuel media coverage. That coverage has imperiled the constitutional rights of PV members to freedom of the press, due process, privacy, and assistance of counsel, he added.

Project Veritas lawyers said in court filings that the government leaked details of its investigation to the NY Times, noting how queries were sent to OKeefe shortly after the predawn raids, which took part on two different days.

Additionally, NY Times stories about the searches included information that could have only come from the government, one filing stated.

Its clear that The New York Times was leaked the information from the federal government about the raids, Harmeet Dhillon, one of the lawyers, told The Epoch Times.

The NY Times also published an article based on what it described as internal Project Veritas documents, including a series of memorandums written by a lawyer for the group about how to conduct legal journalism.

That publication was met with shock by some, who noted that Project Veritas is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the NY Times.

Project Veritas sued the paper last year, asserting several of its articles were defamatory. A motion to dismiss the case was rejected by a judge in March, who found that NY Times writers deceptively interjected their opinions into the articles.

While its not certain the privileged documents were leaked by prosecutors or the FBI, the publication came shortly after the government began drawing from seized electronic devices.

The leaks are a major reason a special master should be appointed to sift through the records and separate out privileged ones, Project Veritas asserts.

In filings Monday, the lawyers demanded the government respond to whether officials leaked the information.

The FBI, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the SDNY, the Department of Justices inspector general, and an NY Times spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment. The NY Times reporters who wrote the stories either couldnt be reached or did not return messages.

The NY Times does not say in its story how it got the privileged documents. The story about the raids sourced witnesses and people briefed on the matter and included a quote from an FBI spokesman.

The FBI confirmed the raids to The Epoch Times in an earlier email but declined to say why they were carried out, and against whom.

The raids were said to be part of a government search for a diary belonging to Ashley Biden, President Joe Bidens daughter. Project Veritas says it was given the diary by two people but decided against publishing it because it could not confirm its legitimacy. The diary was ultimately passed onto local law enforcement in Florida, the group says. The National File website previously published what it says is the diary.

Will Chamberlain, a lawyer who co-publishes Human Events, called the apparent collaboration between the FBI and the NY Times a scandal and said Adam Goldman should be subpoenaed tomorrow and forced to reveal his criminal source.

I didnt even think about the fact that PV is currently in litigation with the New York Times. Makes it all the more appalling that the NYT would be publishing Veritas privileged communications, he wrote on Twitter.
Broad Run High School is seen in Ashburn, Va., in a file image. (The Epoch Times via Google Maps)

Loudoun County Teenager Pleads No Contest to Second Assault, to Face Sentencing in December

A teenager in one of Virginias most populous counties on Monday pleaded no contest to assaulting a girl in a school bathroom last month.

The same teen in October was found guilty of sexually assaulting a different girl at a different high school in Loudoun County in May.

The no contest plea means the boy did not challenge the charges, which were felony abduction and misdemeanor sexual battery. The 15-year-old admitted to abducting a girl from a hallway inside Broad Run High School in Ashburn and forcing her into an empty classroom, where he touched her chest area, authorities said.

The Epoch Times was told the hearing was closed to the press.

The boy, who has not been named publicly, was reportedly in ankle chains at the court hearing and will stay locked up until next month.

He was previously convicted of forcible sodomy and forcible fellatio, both felonies.

Pamela Brooks, the chief judge of the countys Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, has combined the cases.

She will sentence the boy on Dec. 13.

The maximum sentence would see the boy land in prison until his 21st birthday, Loudoun County Commonwealths Attorney Buta Biberaj, a Democrat, told reporters Monday in a press briefing after the hearing.

Is it appropriate? We have to wait for the information to make that determination, she said.

Juvenile code gives the court a very wide latitude as far as the sentencing, according to Biberaj.

Prosecutors and the court will take into account the results of a social history, which will examine the boys background and the offenses he committed.

The main goals of the juvenile court system are safety and rehabilitation, the prosecutor said.

The first assault in May at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn set off a series of events.

The father of the girl that was assaulted, Scott Smith, later went to a school hearing to speak out about what happened. Smith was arrested there for disorderly conduct. He was convicted but has argued the arrest was unwarranted and that he was told by a local activist that his daughter was lying about what happened.

During the hearing, Loudoun County Superintendent Scott Ziegler falsely said school officials had no records of assaults occurring in bathrooms. He later said he misunderstood the question and has refused to step down.

Parents have also pushed for the resignation of school board members, who were informed before the hearing of the May alleged assault but did not counter Zieglers false statement.

Virginias recently-elected attorney general, Jason Miyares, has vowed to investigate sexual assaults in the school system and Loudoun County hired an outside law firm to independently review how the assaults were handled.

Its unclear why the boy was allowed to transfer to another school, where he abducted and assaulted the second girl. Biberajs office has not responded to requests for comment and asked for more time to fulfill a records request filed by The Epoch Times.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) arrives to speak at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 19, 2021. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

Speaker Pelosi Extends Remote Voting in House Until Dec. 30

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) says House members can continue to vote remotely until Dec. 30 because of COVID-19 concerns.

Pelosis Nov. 12 announcement was shared in a message to House members and was posted to her website.

To All Members on Extension of Remote Voting Covered Period. In light of the attached notification by the Sergeant-at-Arms, in consultation with the Office of Attending Physician, that a public health emergency is in effect due to a novel coronavirus, I am hereby extending the covered period designated on January 4, 2021, pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, until December 30, 2021, the note reads.

William Walker, sergeant-at-arms, had previously notified Pelosi in a letter (pdf) that in consultation with the Office of Attending Physician, I write to provide further notification that the public health emergency due to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 remains in effect.

The House has allowed remote voting throughout the pandemic as a method for members to fulfill their duties. Remote voting, which was first implemented in 2020, was initially intended to cover 45 days.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called for an end to the practice of remote or proxy voting in September, calling it apatently unconstitutional practice.

In the early days of the pandemic in May 2020, the House approved a resolution allowing members to cast votes on the House floor by proxy, on the theory that it was advisable to limit attendance in Congress to combat the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said at the time the new absentee voting protocol was needed because the virus posed a mortal danger, and Democratic leadership said when the policy began that it would be a temporary fix.

This unprecedented proxy voting resolution permits a single member to vote on behalf of up to 10 absent members, according to McCarthys petition for certiorari, or review.

Today, we are asking the Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution by overturning Speaker [Nancy] Pelosis perpetual proxy voting power grab. Although the Constitution allows Congress to write its own rules, those rules cannot violate the Constitution itself, including the requirement to actually assemble in person, McCarthy said in a statement.

Since its adoption 14 months ago, proxy voting has shattered 231 years of legislative precedent and shielded the majority from substantive policy debates and questions, effectively silencing the voices of millions of Americans, he said. It was a raw abuse of power  [and its] continuation is an insult to hard-working taxpayers who are back at work safely while members of Congress get a pass to skip work but still get paid.

The Founders wisely rejected proxy voting because they knew Congress cannot adequately do the business of our chambers without deliberating, and we cannot adequately deliberate without assembling in person. The Senate has managed through the whole pandemic without proxy voting because they know, as we do, that it is unconstitutional.

Matthew Vadum contributed to this report.
People walk up the stairs before a propaganda poster showing Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers at a museum in Sinchon, south of Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 29, 2017. North Korea said on July 30 its latest ICBM test was a "warning" targeting the United States for its efforts to slap new sanctions on Pyongyang and threatened a counter-strike if provoked militarily by Washington. (Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images)

North Koreas Moral Challenge to President Biden

Commentary

China and Russia are demanding that the United States agree to lift U.N. economic sanctions against North Korea, which were put in place in 2006 to stop its nuclear weapons programs.

Just last month, Pyongyang fired a newly developed ballistic missile from a submarine in its fifth round of recent weapons tests, violating the sanctions anew. Kim Jong-uns two trading partners dont address these serious threats to American interests, but argue that North Koreas 25.6 million people will face certain famine this winter.

North Korean starvation is real. Not only sanctions, but the failure of the countrys collective farming methods contribute to chronic food shortages. This years drought and COVID-19 may turn out to be the last straws. The Kim dynasty juche principle of self reliance is as fraudulent as the communist economic theories and personality cult that form the basis of its governing philosophy.

Washington has so far held firm on the sanctions, stressing that it remains ready to meet with Pyongyang without preconditions to negotiate peace. But, as desperate North Koreans begin streaming across that countrys borders with wrenching reports, as happened during the 1990s famine, the Biden administration will likely find this stance untenable.

The administration should keep the sanctions and devise a plan to ensure that food aid reaches the needy civilians. Transparency and monitoring any aid program in North Korea will be a challenge, given Kims pathological secrecy and singular priority of regime survival. What we can be sure of is that North Korea is one of the worlds most closed societies, with rights and freedoms repressed across the board.

The State Departments own human rights report asserts that capital punishment is the penalty for providing information regarding economic, social, and political developments routinely published elsewhere, which North Korea calls an anti-state crime. Independent media is banned, and the internet is available to only a select few in Pyongyang. All print and broadcast media, publishing, and online media is controlled through the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Korea Workers Party.

The Washington-based Committee on Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) found that all citizens are required to participate in monitored political meetings and regular self-criticism sessions to demonstrate their loyalty to the Kim family, and that failure to participate enthusiastically may be punished, including through forced labor, internal exile, detention, or denial of food and medical attention. Furthermore, the government installed monitoring programs on every smartphone and tablet that log every webpage visited and randomly take undeletable screenshots.

A new submarine-launched ballistic missile is seen during a test in this undated photo, released by North Koreas Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Oct. 19, 2021. (KCNA via Reuters)

How, then, can the U.S. government know whether there is a famine and whether its aid is helping civilians, and not the military? As author Melanie Kirkpatrick shows in Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asias Underground Railroad, government defectors and civilians who manage the harrowing escape across Chinas border, and then out of China, are a critical source of information for the outside world. If caught trying to cross the border, they risk being summarily killed or criminally executed, and those caught in China risk deportation to certain detention and punishment. To give one example from the States report, defectors said that North Korea carried out infanticide, or made mothers commit infanticide, if they were forcibly repatriated from China.

Nevertheless, some North Korean defectors do succeed and a revealing new report by the UK group Korea Future is based on their interviews. The report focuses on two remaining religious groups, Christians and Shamans who practice magic healing and fortune telling. These communities, though mostly confined within small family groupings, are highly significant. They represent the only organizations known to exist independent of the North Korean government. Their persecution not only attests to the regimes militant atheism, but to its totalitarianism.

Though Christianitys vibrancy before the communist takeover in 1948 earned Pyongyang the name, Jerusalem of the East, most of the Christians there now are reported to have been recently converted while temporarily in China. A few house churches are known to exist, including one of 16 members all of whom, including its leader, were baptized in China.

Severe punishment awaits those accused of praying in community or possessing religious objects. One 50-year-old woman is reported by an eyewitness to have been beaten for having a Bible. Life sentences in a prison camp is the fate of three generations of another Christian family, including a two-year-old child, revealed Korea Future.

Collective farms in North Hwanghae Province, close to Pyongyang, as seen from the road between Pyongyang and Kaesong, North Korea, on April 25, 2007. After being ravaged by famine in the 1990s, North Korea again faces serious food shortages. Only 17 percent of the land in North Korea is arable, one of the lowest ratios in the world, according to the U.N.s World Food Program (WFP). (AFP/Getty Images)

Due process and evidence are not needed to convict believers. Korea Future reported that Christians and Shamans are tortured with low tech methods, deliberate food poisoning, forced squat jumps, position torture, rape, beatings with logs and fists, and sleep deprivation. A former detainee observed Christians who huddled for prayer in the corner of their cell to avoid surveillance cameras. One time they were caught and beaten every morning thereafter for 20 days.

Satellite imagery, key in identifying Chinas mass detention of Uyghurs, shows prison camps in North Korea. A HRNK report this month provides high resolution satellite photos of a camp near escape routes into China, revealing rows of prisoners who work as slaves in military supply factories. HRNK director Greg Scarlatoiu told the UK Daily Mail that these prisoners are subjected to a relentless vicious cycle of forced labour and induced malnutrition. He noted that political crimes are punished more severely, with one known prisoner weighing 66 pounds before he died, two years after sentencing.

These reports give a window into Kims extremely despotic and secretive regime. Aid distribution must never be left to it or any North Korean subject to its control. According to HRNK, food supplies are known to be withheld from those that need it most and provided to those who are categorized as loyal or useful to the regime. Nor can the United Nations be counted on to ensure international aid wont be diverted. U.N. agencies routinely sub-contract locals, who, in the Middle East, have been shown to discriminate against disfavored minorities. There is simply no civic society group within North Korea able to take on this effort.

The Biden administration should prepare for the worst case scenario in North Korea this winter by insisting that private American and Western aid groups, including religious ones, be allowed free passage to distribute clearly marked American packages of U.S. aid. Safeguards must be put in place to closely monitor this process. Anything less would only strengthen Kims military first policies.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Oklahoma Bill Would Allow Employees to Sue for $1 Million Over Mandated Vaccines

A recently introduced Oklahoma Senate bill may allow employees of government and private entities to file lawsuits against their employers for as much as $1 million over health problems associated with vaccines or other forms of medical treatment.

State Sen. Rob Standridge, a Republican, said in a statement that Oklahoma employees would be able to sue their employers over medical issues connected to operations or treatment as a condition for employment.

If an employee is required to receive the vaccine or some other medical treatment as a condition of employment and it causes that person harm, our citizens need to know theyll have some recourse that will provide them with meaningful relief, he said. Thats what my legislation will do.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1106, allows a worker to also bring a claim if the employer knowingly required the vaccination or treatment without confirming its safety based on publicly available medical testing and documentation, the statement continued.

The bill would also encompass employers mandatory vaccines for COVID-19, the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, Standridges statement said.

Upon a finding of liability after a claim, his office added, the employer will automatically be subject to $1 million in punitive damages.

The measure, which will be considered during the start of the 2022 legislative session, would impact all private and public sector employees and employers.

Federal health officials have repeatedly said that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, arguing that some studies have suggested the shots benefits outweigh possible side effects.

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with health regulators in several European nations, said that both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are associated with two forms of heart inflammation: myocarditis and pericarditis. Meanwhile, federal health officials and European authorities paused the usage of Johnson & Johnsons vaccine in the spring due to reports of blood clots.

The state lawmakers bill proposal comes after the Biden administration earlier this month unveiled a sweeping labor rule that mandates federal employees, businesses with federal contracts, and healthcare workers who are employed at Medicare- or Medicaid-funded facilities to get the vaccine.

The rule also requires that employees at companies with 100 or more workers either be vaccinated or submit to regular COVID-19 testing.

Already, both provisions of the rule have faced numerous lawsuits, namely from Republican-led states. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the regulation for private businesses last weekand later reaffirmed it on Nov. 12 in a scathing order.

The mandate is staggeringly overbroad, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans wrote in its order before adding that the rule raises serious constitutional concerns and likely exceeds the federal governments authority.
Record Number of Ontarians Move out of the Province, While BC Sees Biggest Inflow in 30 Years

Between April and June of this year, the number of Ontario residents who chose to move to other regions was higher than at any time in the past four decades, Statistics Canada says.

According to the federal agency, over 37,000 Ontarians left the province in the second quarter of 2021, the most since the early 1980s. Even with roughly 25,000 people moving into the province, Ontario had a net loss of roughly 12,000 residents.

In the same period, Alberta had the second-highest net outflow of over 5,000 people. Over 29,000 residents left the province while nearly 24,000 moved in.

Although Statistics Canada did not include data on the destination of those who left the province in its quarterly report, annual data in a separate report showed that of the 85,000 people who left Ontario between 2020 and 2021, British Columbia absorbed the majority, with roughly 21,000 relocating to the west coast.

B.C. has seen the largest population inflow in nearly 30 years, adding close to 32,000 new residents, a scale the province has not seen since the third quarter of 1992.

A significant number of Ontario residents moved to Alberta and Quebec, each attracting over 16,000 newcomers.

The Maritime provinces were also popular destinations for those leaving Ontario in the past year, with roughly 10,000 moving to Nova Scotia, 6,100 to New Brunswick, and 2,300 to Prince Edward Island.

Housing Affordability

Leading real estate organization Re/Max cites housing affordability as a key reason for Ontarios population outflow, aggravated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It notes, however, that even before the pandemic, housing affordability was a concern in major urban centres across Canada.

It appears that much of the country is experiencing an affordability crisis, including small towns, rural communities, and cottage countries. This has left many young Canadians and first-time homebuyers sitting on the sidelines, unable to acquire a residential property, even in remote markets far from urban hubs, Re/Max said in a recent article on its website.

The global health crisis also served as an opportunity for urban dwellers, flush with enormous equity, to leave behind these metropolises for suburban life.

However, this has pushed up home prices in suburban areas.

Out-of-province and out-of-town buyers are elevating the price of these once-affordable homes by outbidding others by remarkable levels, the article said, adding that while growth in economically prosperous provinces such as B.C. is to be expected, the growth in Atlantic Canada has been noteworthy.

The Maritimes enjoyed the biggest population boom in decades, it said.

The eastern seaboard has not witnessed this type of population growth since 1961, and the regional economyincluding the housing sectoris beginning to respond to these trends.

Re/Max warns about the potential impacts on Canadas already low housing inventory in light of the 1.2 million immigrants that the federal government has promised to bring into the country over the next three years.

With this inflow, there will be fresh demand for already-low housing inventories. Where will these immigrants be concentrated? Likely destinations will be Ontario and British Columbia, but with the incredible economic revitalization transpiring in Atlantic Canada, cities such as Halifax and Fredericton could be new potential hot-spots for planting roots and accessing economic opportunities, the organization said.
Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger presents opening statements to the jury during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Nov. 2, 2021. (Sean Krajacic/Pool via Reuters)

Prosecutor: Kyle Rittenhouse Provoked Entire Incident of Fatal Shootings

Closing arguments ongoing in Rittenhouse case

A prosecutor in the murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse on Monday accused the teen of provoking the entire incident that led to the shooting of three people during riots and unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last year.

Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger during closing arguments said the jury should ignore Rittenhouses defense claim that he was attacked and fired his weapon, injuring one and killing two. Binger said that Rittenhouse initiated the encounter by brandishing his gun.

The AR-15-style rifle is what provokes this entire incident, Binger said. If you are the one who is threatening others you lose the right to self-defense, the prosecutor added.

Rittenhouses lawyers, in response, highlighted considerable video evidence presented at trial supporting Rittenhouses argument that he was attacked. The defendant, who took the stand last week, pleaded not guilty.

Attorney Mark Richards accused Binger of lying and misrepresenting the evidence when he said Rittenhouse provoked the incident. Rittenhouse, he added, was taking off when shooting victim Joseph Rosenbaum and others started chasing him.

Richards said Rosenbaum was leaping and lunging at the defendant and his hand was on the gun.

He continued to say that we dont play fast and loose with the facts before asserting that Rosenbaum was a bad man. He was a rioter. And my client had to deal with him alone.

Rittenhouse, 18, is charged with killing Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, 28, on Aug. 25, 2020. The shootings took place in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests that descended into rioting, arson attacks, and looting.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger holds Kyle Rittenhouses gun as he gives the states closing argument in Kyle Rittenhouses trial on November 15, 2021 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. ( Sean Krajacic-Pool/Getty Images)

I didnt intend to kill them. I intended to stop the people who were attacking me, Rittenhouse said during his cross-examination last week.

But on Monday, Binger argued that Rittenhouse had gone out of his way to travel to Kenosha from Antioch, Illinois, during the unrest, although Rittenhouse testified that his father lives in Kenosha. Other family members also live in the Wisconsin city, located more than an hour north of Chicago.

This isnt a situation where he was protecting his home or his family, Binger argued.

Earlier in the day, Judge Bruce Schroeder morning dismissed a misdemeanor weapons charge against the teen, noting that he had issues with the way in which the Wisconsin statute was written. His attorneys argued that Wisconsins statute had an exception, involving the barrel length of the rifle or shotgun, that could be read to clear Rittenhouse of the weapons charge.

Prosecutors had also conceded during Mondays court proceeding that Rittenhouses rifle wasnt short-barrelled. Schroeder then dismissed the charge.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Rep. Carter: COVID-19 Vaccines Work but Mandates Unconstitutional

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) said over the weekend that while the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, vaccine mandates violate rights laid out in the U.S. Constitution.

The mandates are unconstitutional. And we are going to be taking that to the courts if we need to, if they dont stop them, Carter said on NTDs Capitol Report.

President Joe Biden and top administration officials have imposed a slew of mandates in recent months, including a mandate for health care workers at any facility that accepts money from Medicare or Medicaid.

The mandates have drawn court challenges; some have been paused, but none have been permanently struck down.

Carter and Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), who are both pharmacists, last month introduced a bill that would block the federal government from forcing workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine. With Republicans in the minority, though, its unlikely to pass, as Democrats largely support the mandates.

Carter told NTD that he believes the vaccines are safe and effective, and that hes already received a booster shot.

However, whether you get the vaccine or not should be a decision that is made between you and your physician, you and your pharmacist, you and your family member, not between you and the government, he said. The government should not be mandating that you get a vaccine.

The congressman noted that Biden late last year promised vaccination wouldnt become mandatory during his administration, only to impose mandates on over 100 million federal and private employees.

Now all of a sudden, they decided they are going to mandate it. Its inconsistent, its unconstitutional, and its un-American, Carter said.

Biden and officials in his administration have said the mandates fall within the power of the federal government, saying the one imposed on private employers, which is blocked for now by a federal court, is allowed under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Were confident in our authority to protect American workers, Karine Jean-Pierre, a White House spokeswoman, told reporters earlier this month.

Carter said the question being asked is whether people are vaccinated, when it should be whether they are immune, which would take into account persons who havent received a shot but have natural immunity. He also decried how some jurisdictions are already moving toward mandates for children.

Im hearing from parents; when theyre calling the office, Im talking to them. And theyre telling me, Look, first of all, this is not a childhood disease. It doesnt impact children,' he said.

I will tell you that this is going to  this is really going to cause a lot of problems if they do mandate it in children, and it appears to be that they are headed down that road right now.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington in a file photograph. (Susan Walsh/AP Photo)

Rep. Fred Upton Not Sure If Hell Run Again

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), one of a minority of Republicans in the House of Representatives who voted last year to impeach then-President Donald Trump, said Sunday hes not sure if hell run for another term.

We dont know what our districts look like yet, Upton said on CNNs State of the Union.

Were in the midst of looking at maps. Michigan loses a seat. We will evaluate everything probably before the end of the year in terms of making our own decision. We have never made a decision more than a year out, he added.

Michigans redistricting commission last week finalized a draft map that would shift congressional districts. The commission, which includes four Democrats, five Republicans, and five nonaffiliated members, plans to hold public hearings on the proposed redistricting plan.

Upton, 68, has represented Michigans 6th Congressional District since 1993 and has been in office since 1987.

Two Republicans who voted to impeach Trump have already announced they will leave office at the end of the current Congress.

Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio) said that the decision stemmed from family matters but also said the current state of our politics, especially many of the toxic dynamics inside our own party, played a factor. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) cited what he described as political parties that have moved towards appealing to the most motivated and the most extreme elements within them.

Trump weighed in over the weekend against Upton and other GOP members who joined with Democrats to impeach him, urging patriots to launch primary campaigns against them.

You will have my backing! he wrote.

Some already face intra-party challengers, including Upton, Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), and Rep. Jaime Herrerra Beutler (R-Wash.).

Uptons challengers include state Rep. Steve Carra, insurance agent Gina Johnsen, and military veteran Jon Rocha.

Carra, 32, told a group during his campaign launch that Upton has been in politics longer than Ive been alive.

The time has come, he said, adding, I think weve had more than enough of politics as usual.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, defended his impeachment vote on the same CNN show Sunday, saying he was deeply sad to come to the conclusion that I did and to feel like I could no longer trust the president of the United States, even for a few days, to be the commander in chief of our military.

Trump was ultimately acquitted by the Senate, though seven Republicans in the upper chamber voted to convict him.

Trump has toyed with launching a 2024 presidential bid but has said he will not formally announce his decision until after the 2022 midterm elections.

Republicans hope to flip both chambers in the upcoming elections. The party is down eight seats in the lower chamber. In the Senate, theres a 50-50 split, but Democrats control it through the tiebreaking vote Vice President Kamala Harris can cast as president of the body.
The Nauka (Science) Multipurpose Laboratory Module is seen docked at the International Space Station (ISS) next to Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft on July 29, 2021. (Oleg Novitskiy/Roscosmos/Handout via Reuters)

Russian Anti-Satellite Weapons Test Generated Thousands of Pieces of Space Junk, US Says

Russia had recklessly conducted an anti-satellite missile test against a Russian satellite, producing thousands of pieces of debris that could potentially damage the International Space Station (ISS) and other spacecrafts on low-Earth orbit, the U.S. Department of State said Monday.

During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that the Russian missile test produced over 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris, as well as hundreds of thousands of pieces of smaller orbital debris that now threaten the interests of all nations.

In addition, this test will significantly increase the risk to astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station as well as to other human spaceflight activities, said Price, noting that Washington had repeatedly warned Moscow about the dangers of testing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.

Russias dangerous and irresponsible behavior jeopardizes the long term sustainability of our outer space and clearly demonstrates that Russias claims of opposing the weaponization of space are disingenuous and hypocritical. The United States will work with our allies and partners to respond to Russias irresponsible act, Price said. He didnt specify what action Washington or its partners have taken in response to this particular incident.

The announcement comes after the U.S. Space Command confirmed a debris-generating event in outer space, but didnt say whether it was linked to a Russian ASAT test.

We are actively working to characterize the debris field and will continue to ensure all space-faring nations have the information necessary to maneuver satellites if impacted, the defense agency said in a statement, adding that it will provide an update in the near future.

It appears that the Russian military has destroyed Cosmos 1408, a Soviet spy satellite that was launched in 1982 and had stopped functioning two years later, according to LeoLabs, a California-based company specialized in tracking space junk. The company said on Twitter that its radar has detected multiple objects near expected location of Cosmos 1408.

Our initial data shows at least 30 unique objects detected near expected location of Cosmos 1408. The objects currently span a distance range of ~40km as viewed from our radar sites, LeoLabs said.

Only four nations in the world, namely the United States, Russia, China, and India, currently possess ASAT devices. China demonstrated its ASAT ability by shooting down a retired weather satellite in 2007, followed by India in 2019. Both tests drew international criticism because of the large amount of debris they generated, with the Chinese test resulting in more than 3,000 pieces of debris and about 32,000 smaller pieces within the largest debris cloud ever created by a single event in orbit.
A public high school in Richmond, Va. The district announced it would close on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3, 2021, to support "employees' mental health." (Google Maps)

Schools Increasingly Close for Mental Health Days, Analysis Finds

Thousands of American schools have taken days off for various reasons related to mental health in what appears to be a new trend, according to an analysis by a data-crunching company Burbio.

The analysis has identified more than 2,500 schools that have canceled school in recent weeks, citing needs for wellness, reflection, and mental health as well as countering stress and burnout.

We started seeing mental health closures around November 1st, explained Dennis Roche, Burbios co-founder, in a Nov. 14 email newsletter.

These are distinct from disruptions caused by Covid-19 cases in school buildings, and from staffing issues that occur on very short notice generally as a result of Covid-19 cases.

The mental health breaks are usually one or two days long, often around a holiday, the newsletter noted.

The company has so far identified 65 mental-health closure events affecting 2,535 schools, Roche said, noting the frequency has increased in the past week from the prior week.

Closures related to cases of Covid-19 tend to be for individual schools within a district while mental-health closures are often for entire districts which drives the number of schools closed considerably higher, he said.

The closures seem to be concentrated in several states. More than half of those identified by Burbio are in North Carolina, where over 1,400 schools took such a break. In Virginia, 262 schools did so; in Colorado, 263 schools; in Ohio, 189 schools; in Oregon, 106 schools; and in Missouri, 75 schools.

In Forsyth County, North Carolina, the district announced a Day of Kindness, Community, and Connection for Nov. 12, connecting with Veterans Day for an extended weekend. Students and staff at its 81 schools were to take the day off to focus on the mental health of students and staff by showing kindness, community, and connection, according to a release by the education board.

The assignment for staff and students for that day was to take care of themselves, said the districts Superintendent Tricia McManus, according to the release.

It will be a day to focus on the mental health of students and staff by showing kindness, community, and connection, it said.

Schools in Wake County, North Carolina, gave students the Friday off too, but required staff to work remotely and use the time to reflect and prepare for the remainder of the semester, the district said in a release.

Affton School District in Missouri announced it will be forgiving three (3) days during the 2021-22 school year to better support the mental wellbeing of our employees and students.

Ritenour school District in Missouri announced last month it would close on Nov. 1 for a staff self-care day.

We will not need to make up this day later this year, its Superintendent Chris Kilbride said in a release.

Public schools in Richmond, Virginia, were to close on Nov. 1 and Nov. 3,

I made this decision because I think its essential for our employees mental health, the districts Superintendent Jason Kamras said in a last months newsletter.

Pubic schools in Alexandria, Virginia, will close for the entire Thanksgiving week.

This decision was made upon careful consideration of the high levels of stress that our students, families and staff have expressed during the first few months of this school year, Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. said in a release.
A pumpjack sits on the outskirts of town at dawn in the Permian Basin oil field on January 21, 2016 in the oil town of Midland, Texas. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Schumer Encourages Biden to Tap Petroleum Reserves to Control Surging Fuel Prices

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the Biden administration on Sunday to make use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to curb increasing gasoline prices as Americans enter the holiday season.

COVIDs wreaked havoc on our supply chains. No industry is spared but fuel, gasoline is the worst of all. When fuel is in a crunch, everything dominoes. But we can put our finger on the scale with something called the SPR, Schumer said at a news conference in New York, referring to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Were here today because we need immediate relief at the gas pump and the place to look is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Its temporary but it has reduced prices significantly in the past, and it also says to the monopoly that controls oil, Dont mess around because were going to counter what you do.

Last week, a group of 11 Senate Democrats, including Vermonts Patrick Leahy and Connecticuts Richard Blumenthal, signed a memo asking Biden to explore options like tapping the SPR and halting exports of crude oil to get a handle on the fuel prices. They said that the high costs place an undue burden on families still recovering the effects of the pandemic.

We agree with your recent comments at the United National Climate Change Conference (COP26) that as the United States works to boost the development of clean and renewable energy over the long-term, we must ensure that Americans are able to afford to fill up their cars at the pump in the meantime, the letter reads.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told CNN that Biden is certainly looking at that but has not made a final decision yet. Meanwhile, as oil hit $80 a barrel, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) allies turned down a U.S. appeal to release more crude into the market and stabilize the price.

The national average for a gallon of gasoline was $3.41, and Granhol said to CNN that she hoped it would not reach $4, noting that OPEC was controlling the agenda. Last year, vehicle owners were paying $2.12 a gallon on average.

We are very committed to do everything that we can to make sure that American consumers dont bear the brunt of high gas prices and value tile energy prices, National Economic Council director Brian Deese told CNNs State of the Union program on Sunday.

The U.S. SPR is a stockpile of crude stored in four sites with deep underground storage caverns created in salt domes along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coasts.

Anytime a global disruption of crude oil takes place, the SPR provides a backup supply for the entire country. The storage capacity comes to around 714 million barrels, with almost 606 million barrels stored currently, as of Nov. 12. The SPR is the largest of its kind in the world, and accounts for about half of total global strategic reserves.

However, analysts have warned that an SPR release would only produce a short-term effect in the market, unless overall U.S. production capacity improves, which means the price will go back up.
Sen. Leahy, Longest-Serving Senator, Not Running for Another Term

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the current president pro tempore of the Senate and a prominent Democratic leader, has announced that hell retire in 2022, joining a growing list of Democratic retirees in the narrowly controlled House and Senate.

Leahy is currently the Senates most senior member, having first been elected in 1974 as a so-called Watergate Baby following the revelations surrounding the Watergate scandal under President Richard Nixon. The revelations set off a chain of Republican losses in the 1974 midterms, allowing Leahy to begin his 48 years in office.

Announcing his retirement in a speech on the floor of the Vermont State House, Leahy reflected on his original reason for joining the Senate.

What propelled me was a belief that I understood the needs and values of Vermont and thought it was time for a new generation to address them, he said.

He also noted that Edmund Burke, a Dublin-born Whig party member who served in the English Parliament through much of the 18th century, acted as a North Star for him during his time in Congress.

[Burke] said, Your representative owes you not his industry only, but his judgment,' Leahy said. Burke also said that a representative ought not sacrifice to you his conscience.'

Since the beginning of his career, Leahy has sometimes broken with the wishes of his constituents, following Burkes advice. One such incident related by the senator involved the Vietnam War.

In Vermont  support for the war was strong, he said. I had always opposed it.

After Leahy took office, Congress was faced with a measure to reauthorize the Vietnam War. This measure, with his no vote, was defeated by a single vote.

I was proud to be that vote, he said.

Later, Leahy would join the Senate Agriculture Committee and would eventually become the committees chairman. At some point during his career, he used his influence to change the committees name and focus to the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.

Leahy said that one of his major victories on the committee was the establishment of national standards for labeling a food product as organic. He applauded that legislation for helping to launch an organic farm sector that now is a $55 billion a year industry and an important new avenue for Vermonts farmers.

Summarizing his time on the committee, Leahy said: Open land. Cleaner water. New markets for our farmers. Providing nutritious food for those in need. That will be a legacy to our state for generations.

He would also eventually join the Senate Judiciary Committee, serving as the committees chair or ranking minority member for 20 years.

My oath was to protect the Constitution, and I fiercely defended our civil liberties, the First Amendment, our right to privacy, and the free flow of information from the government to the people it represents, Leahy said of his long work on that committee.

Serving on the Judiciary Committee also meant being there at times of crisis, such as the attacks on 9/11. We not only had to protect our nation from outside threats, but from a zealous administration that advocated some of the most serious rollbacks of basic civil liberties.

However, Leahy didnt vote against the so-called Patriot Act in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. The measure would become controversial to many Americans who alleged that it violated the basic liberties in the Bill of Rights.

Concluding his speech to Vermont lawmakers by announcing his retirement.

I will tell my fellow senators that I will not be on the ballot next year. I will not run for reelection, Leahy said.

He said he decided to announce his retirement in the Vermont State House first because it was home.

It is important to me to announce that here at home, just a few yards from where I grew up as a child in Montpelier, he said.

With his announcement, Leahy joins a growing list of Democrats that have announced their plans to retire ahead of a tough midterm election season.

In the House, Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) has also announced his plan to retire in 2022. Reps. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and David Price (D-N.C.) plan to retire at the end of their terms in 2022 as well. Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Filemon Vela (D-Texas), Ron Kind (D-Wis.), and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) have also announced the same intention.
Fred Tobman and his wife attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston, Mass. on Nov. 14, 2021. (Yawen Hung/The Epoch Times)

BOSTON, Mass.Shen Yun Performing Arts popularity is reaffirmed each year by the number of theatergoers amazed by its authentic portrayal of Chinas traditional culture. In ancient times China was known as Shen Zhou, or the Divine Land.

One of those people was Fred Tobman who was attending the performance at the Boch Center Wang Theatre in Boston with his wife and in-laws.

Im thrilled to be here, said Mr. Tobman, a retired owner of an insurance agency.

I thought it was marvelous! Absolutely outstanding! [Shen Yun] gives you a lot of history, he said.

Shen Yuns mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture that was nearly destroyed under decades of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule. Its repertoire features classical Chinese dance, folk and ethnic dance that narrate stories from Chinas 5,000 years of civilization.

I dont have one favorite at all because [the dances] were all so very well done, he said.

Mr. Tobman said he was touched by everything he saw.

Even when I can see a horse in the background and his tail is wagging, all of these little things [Shen Yun] thought of. Somebodys brilliant about this. And when they have to take off and theyre going back up to Heaven, its like theyre really going. You have to see this to believe it.

Shen Yuns production is meticulous in its realistic portrayal of life in China throughout diverse dynasties. Costumes, colors, and movements are authentic in every detail from the aesthetics to the styles of ancient China. The audience becomes part of the scene through Shen Yuns use of digital projection which creates a seamless interaction between the backdrops and the performers on stage.

The music is excellent. Everything [was superb], Mr. Tobman said.

It was very inspiring. It was motivational.  Ryan Navas

Ryan Navas runs a small sales company in Boston and says he has seen Shen Yun several times.

It was very inspiring. It was motivational, Mr. Navas said referring to one of the performances themes in the value of returning to tradition.

In regards to traditional culture, he thought much of it has been lost to modern thought and he found it refreshing that Shen Yun was addressing that.

Shen Yun sent out a message that one should always return to goodness, with compassion, Mr. Navas said.

We have to be better  I think that compassion is something thats very necessary and I think its the moral fabric which ties humanity which is very good, he said.

I think when you have compassion  we will return to a lot of good things and well come out of the current situation that we are in, in a better condition.

He applauded Shen Yuns mission to revive Chinas traditional culture.

I think its very good, because [traditional Chinese culture] has been destroyed in China  with the communist regime. So, I think its very, very important to return back to goodness. Its super important, and to  eliminate that atheistic frame of mind, he said.

Jim and Kali Reynolds were also amazed by what they saw at Shen Yun.

We are with my 99-year-old father. It was his idea, but the performance itself is magical. The synchronicity of the movement and the colors combined with the backdrop of the screen is really beautiful, said Mr. Reynolds, who works with the elderly.

Shen Yun performs in all parts of the world but has not been allowed by the CCP to be performed in China.

Jim and Kali Reynolds at a Shen Yun performance at the Boch Center Wang Theater on Nov. 14, 2021. (Ivan Pentchoukov/The Epoch Times)

I feel like it is such a privilege for us and such a loss for those living under the rule of communism. I feel that were blessed to be able to witness this talent and I think that the [fact that the] artistic director has the ability to bring to life this beautiful form of art is really wonderful. Wonderful blessing for us and a shame for those that live behind the wall, Mr. Reynolds said.

Overall, I just feel like  all of us in the Wang Theatre here are being treated to a treasure. It is almost like a hidden treasure he said.

Mr. Reynolds 99-year-old father, Stephen Parson, brought the family to the performance. Mr. Parson, who used to own a leather tanning company, said Shen Yun was fascinating.

The athleticism is marvelous, Mr. Parson said, adding that he was impressed by the seamless interaction between the digital backdrop and the dancers on the stage. I bet everybody loves it.

Stephen Parson (right) and his daughter at the Shen Yun performance at the Boch Center Wang Theater on Nov. 14, 2021. (Ivan Pentchoukov/The Epoch Times)

Ms. Reynolds, Mr. Reynolds wife, thought Shen Yun was extraordinary.

I had no idea that [there were] so many dances specific to cultures and parts of China and different ethnicities. There were so many different nuances that I was unaware of, she said.

As a teacher, Ms. Reynolds was fascinated by Shen Yuns presentation of ancient spiritual beliefs.

[Its] not unlike the Christian beliefs in terms of life after death, eternal life  The whole idea of people becoming gods and gods becoming people is very interesting to me because it goes back to the first part of civilization, she said.

So, a lot of different religious beliefs that overlap is something that I hadnt been aware of in terms of the Chinese history and how it is all related to Christianity as well as way back in the very beginning of times to the beginning of writing.

Ms. Reynolds also voiced her concerns over what is occurring in China under communist rule, linking it to the performance.

I think it is really sad that the communists dont allow the people to express themselves with music and dance. It strikes me that it is really an oppressive way to live  not only because you are not experiencing music and dance but because that self-expression leads to more self-awareness, Ms. Reynolds said.

So, it is really like shutting down the whole person.

I think that the colors strike me as being a message of hope.  Kali Reynolds

She spoke of the use of color in the Plum Blossom dance in the performance.

I think that the colors strike me as being a message of hope, she said. It was so beautiful. They are all beautiful, the colors are extraordinary and the dancing is amazing. I actually had that feeling of hope after I saw that Plum Blossom dance.

Reporting by Yawen Hung, Ivan Pentchoukov, and Diane Cordemans.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
SoftBank Becomes the Biggest Victim Amid Chinas Clampdown on Internet Giants

SoftBank Group Corp., a Japanese venture capital firm, announced its performance for the second quarter (April  September) on Nov. 8. Its Vision Fund lost $7.96 billion, resulting in a $3.58 billion loss in investment income, down $21.98 billion from the same period last year. Chinese media have called it the biggest victim of the collapse of Chinas internet giants.

In SoftBanks second quarter performance network conference on Nov. 8, founder and Chairman Masayoshi Son briefly reviewed the Groups impressive results for the last few quarters before announcing the investment loss.

After that, he showed a video of a relentless winter blizzardsymbolizing SoftBanks plummeting second quarter results.

SoftBanks Net Asset Value fell from $244 billion on June 30 to $187 billion on Sept. 30. Among them, Alibaba Groups share of net asset value fell to 28 percent in one year from 59 percent on Sept. 30, 2020, due to the decline in its share price. SoftBank Vision Fund now accounts for the largest share of net asset value, up from 16 percent a year ago to 44 percent.

As for SoftBanks assets in China, in addition to the sharp drop in Alibaba Groups share price, Son also pointed to the collapse in the market value of Didi Chuxing Technology Co. in the past three months, which reduced the ratio of assets in China to net asset value to 36 percent as of Sept. 30. SoftBanks investment in Korean e-commerce company Coupang (NYSE: CPNG), whose stock plunged, also contributed to the huge loss.

For Vision Fund, the value of its assets in China fell to $1.20 billion over the past three months from $13.43 billion. The Fund now has 19 percent of its investments in China, 35 percent in the United States, and 46 percent in the rest of the world.

Both Alibaba and Didi have seen their market values plummet as Beijing authorities clamped down on internet tech giants. Moreover, the downturn in Chinas education sector and property market is directly related to Beijings policy shift. During the Q&A session, however, Son said he would continue to invest in China.

Although SoftBank has suffered huge losses in the Chinese market in the past three months, the risks are still manageable, Son said. Regional and industry factors will be considered in investment to reduce risks as much as possible. Japanese companies are usually small and it is difficult to find suitable unicorn (companies) to invest in. SoftBank has already invested in one and will continue to look for others.

The Vision Fund has invested in 368 companies. According to the its website, other than DIDI Chuxing (NYSE:DIDI) and DIDI Autonomous, Sons chosen Chinese unicorn companies include ByteDance, Manbang Group (NYSE:YMM), Xueshubang, Zhangmen Education (NYSE:ZME), Ding Dong Maicai, KE Holdings (NYSE:BEKE), ZhongAn Insurance (06060.HK), and Jingdong Logistics (02618.HK).

KE Holdings newly released financial report shows a net loss of approximately $274 million from July to September, according to Sina Finance. Due to the tightening of financing conditions in the real estate sector in China, some real estate developers are experiencing liquidity constraints. The property market in China is gradually cooling down, and naturally KE Holdings has been hit.

The report also showed that the net income of second-hand housing transaction services between July and September was about $900 million, compared with about $1.4 billion in the same period last year.

At the earnings conference, Son also announced plans to buy back $8.8 billion of the companys shares from Nov. 9, 2021 to Nov. 8, 2022. SoftBanks shares are now worth less than their actual net asset value, and Son plans to boost shareholder returns through buybacks.

Chinas internet giants have been hit hard, but the biggest victim has turned out to be Japans SoftBank Group, Chinese media reported. However, SoftBanks investment of more than $20 million in Alibaba in 2008 reportedly rose to $55 billion by the time Alibaba went public in 2014. Between 2016 and 2020, the Group has cashed out more than $28 billion by reducing several holding-shares.

With huge losses now, Son still insists on investing in the Chinese market. He may be looking for the second Alibaba. On Nov. 10, Chinas Gaussian Robotics announced the completion of a $1.2 billion third round of financing, with Vision Fund as one of the leading investors.
A Southwest Airlines jet sits at a gate at Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 11, 2021. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

Southwest Airlines Staff Member Taken to Hospital Following Reported Passenger Assault

A Southwest Airlines staff member was taken to a hospital after an alleged assault at Dallas Love Field.

In contrast with some early media reports, the airline stated that the employee wasnt a flight attendant, but an operations agent, The Hill reported.

The alleged attack took place during the boarding process for a New York flight. Dallas police said that the passenger boarded the flight at 12:40 p.m. local time on Nov. 13 and was asked to leave the flight after a verbal altercation with the operations agent.

As the passenger was exiting, the argument continued, with the passenger punching the agent in the head. The agent was taken to the hospital and was released that evening.

The passenger was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, police said.

Our entire Southwest Family is wishing her a speedy and full recovery as we send our thoughts, prayers, and love to her, Southwest said in a statement regarding the agent. Southwest Airlines maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully supports our Employee as we cooperate with local authorities regarding this unacceptable incident.

The incident comes as a growing number of concerning behaviors has been exhibited by passengers toward flight attendants and other airline employees. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Nov. 10 that more than $225,000 in fines have been handed out for 10 airline passengers accused of assault since the start of 2020.

The FAA stated that it has received more than 100 reports of passenger disturbances involving physical assault since the start of 2021. Its zero-tolerance policy seeks to stop incidents with passengers.

The new effort has helped the number of incidents drop significantly, according to the FAA.

In its largest fine of 2021, a $32,000 fine was levied against a passenger over an incident during a May 18 Horizon Air flight to San Francisco from Austin, Texas. The FAA alleged that the passenger didnt follow crew instructions to fasten her seat belt.

She punched and screamed at her husband and son, repeatedly, diverting flight attendants from their duties. She threw trash at a flight attendant, and snatched cookies from a nearby passenger, an FAA report on the incident reads.

Four of the other largest fines were triggered over noncompliance regarding the mask mandate.

In July, Conde Nast Traveler reported that 85 percent of flight attendants said theyve dealt with an unruly passenger within the past year, according to a survey from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

As of Nov. 9, the FAA has filed 5,114 unruly passenger reports in 2021, with 3,710 of the incidents being mask-related.
A Southwest Airlines plane taxis on the runway at airline's hub at Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas, on March 12, 2008. (Rick Gershon/Getty Images)

Southwest Airlines Worker Hospitalized After Passenger Punches Her in Head, Texas Authorities Say

By Simone Jasper

From The Charlotte Observer

A Southwest Airlines worker was hospitalized after a passenger punched her, Texas officials said.

Arielle Jean Jackson, 32, had boarded a plane at Dallas Love Field when police said she got into an argument with an operations agent on Saturday, Nov. 13.

After Jackson was told to get off the plane, she started arguing with another worker and hit her with a closed fist (on) the head, according to the Dallas Police Department. The worker was also an operations agent, someone who helps manage the planes weight and oversees the boarding process, according to the airlines website.

Police in a news release didnt list an attorney for Jackson, who is accused of assaulting the worker before the flight took off for LaGuardia Airport in New York. She was arrested on an aggravated assault charge and taken to the Dallas County Jail, records show.

Southwest Airlines said a worker went to the hospital with multiple injuries and was in stable condition after a Nov. 13 incident.

Southwest Airlines maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully support our employee as we cooperate with local authorities regarding this unacceptable incident, the airline said in an emailed statement.

As of Nov. 9, the Federal Aviation Administration said it has received more than 5,100 reports of unruly travelers this year. The agency has reported a disturbing increase in incidents where airline passengers have disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior.

Though federal officials have announced a Zero Tolerance campaign for those behaviors, officials in September said the rate was still high, McClatchy News reported.

2021 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Suspect Charged in Death of University of Chicago Student

CHICAGOAn 18-year-old man was charged with murder in the shooting death of a Chinese student near the University of Chicagos campus after he was found carrying the gun used in the slaying, police announced Friday.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said at a news conference that Alton Spann of Chicago was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

It wasnt immediately known Friday if Spann has an attorney.

Deputy Chief of Detectives Rahman Muhammad said that Shaoxiong Dennis Zheng, 24, was standing on a sidewalk in a residential area Tuesday afternoon in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the citys South Side when Spann approached Zheng and robbed him at gunpoint of some of his belongings, including electronics, before shooting him in the torso and running off.

Muhammad said surveillance cameras in the area recorded Spann running toward a Black Ford Mustang that then sped away.

Using video from the citys surveillance camera system, private residences, and the schools cameras, the police were able to track the vehicle, which they later determined had been stolen from the nearby suburb of Markham on Nov. 3.

Students and friends of Shaoxiong Dennis Zheng stop by a memorial in Chicago on Nov. 10, 2021. (Madeline Kenney/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

On the day after the shooting, Spann was spotted on the citys North Side, carrying two guns and a key FOB from the Ford Mustang that was on the video, according to Muhammad. The firearms was tested by the CPD lab and (one of them) was confirmed to be the gun used to kill Mr. Zheng, he said.

Police also recovered a video of Spann selling some of Zhengs belongings at a cellphone store, Muhammed said.

After the shooting, the University of Chicagos president urged city officials and police to treat Chicagos rising violence as a public health crisis.

In a statement, university President Paul Alivisatos, said, The violence afflicting Chicago is on the same scale as a public health crisis and demands a commensurate response, and that the university has been in contact with the mayors office, Chicago police, local aldermen and others.

There have been five slayings in Hyde Park so far this year, compared with none at the same time in 2020, as violence across Chicago has risen for two straight years, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

And according to WBBM-TV, Zheng, who graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 2019 and earned his masters degree in statistics from the University of Chicago last summer, was the third University of Chicago student killed this year.
Then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping toast during a state luncheon for China in Washington on Sept. 25, 2015. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden Set to Tell Xi That China Needs to Play by Rules, Official Says

President Joe Biden is set to tell Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a virtual meeting on the evening of Nov. 15 that China needs to play by established international rules and norms.

This is an opportunity for President Biden to tell President Xi directly that he expects him to play by the rules of the road, which is what other responsible nations do on everything from technology to trade to international institutions and international waterways, a senior administration official said during a background call with reporters on Nov. 14.

According to the official, Biden is expected to raise concerns about Chinas unfair economic trade practices, human rights violations, threats to the rules-based international order, and the regimes coercive and provocative behavior with respect to Taiwan, among other things.

He will continue to make clear to President Xi his concerns about Chinas human rights abuses, the official said.

In terms of bilateral trade, the official said, I do not expect tariffs to be something that will be on the agenda.

As China and the United States engage in stiff competition, the official said, theres a need for high-level engagement to make sure the competition does not lead to conflict.

Biden is expected to tell Xi about the importance of bounding the competition with commonsense guardrails, keeping communication lines open, and ensuring our conversations are substantive and not symbolic, according to the official.

This meeting is about our ongoing efforts to responsibly manage the competition, not about agreeing to a specific deliverable or outcome, the official said.

The meeting comes less than a week after Xi further cemented his authority within the Chinese Communist Party, after the regimes powerful Central Committee on Nov. 11 adopted a historical resolution, the third of its kind in the Partys century-long history.

The resolutionwhich puts Xi on a pedestal similar to his two powerful predecessors Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaopingeffectively allows Xi a mandate to secure another five-year term next year, extending his rule until at least 2027. Xi became the regimes paramount leader in 2012.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit via video, from Beijing on Nov. 11, 2021. (Li Xueren/Xinhua via AP)

The two leaders have spoken on the phone twice this year, but have yet to meet in person since Biden took office in January.

Xi is expected to put Taiwan high on the agenda, given that Chinas state-run media outlets Global Times and China Daily have published editorials commenting on the importance of discussing the island at the meeting.

Global Times wrote that the United States must take a step back from the Taiwan question and show its restraint, since the Taiwan question is the ultimate red line of China. It added that China has been stepping up its preparations for a military conflict across the Taiwan Strait in recent years.

China Daily stated that it hoped Biden could come out of the meeting realizing that Beijing is resolved to realize national reunification in the foreseeable future no matter the cost with regards to Taiwan.

The Chinese regime sees Taiwana de facto independent country with its own government and militaryas part of its territory that needs to be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. In October, Taiwans defense minister warned that the Chinese regime would be capable of mounting a full-scale invasion of the self-ruled island by 2025.

The senior Biden administration official also said the meeting would be about making clear to Beijing, not to mischaracterize our own position, which weve seen happen a few times. The official didnt elaborate further.

The official rejected the idea that issues such as climate change and health security should come between bilateral ties. In recent months, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin have hinted that SinoU.S. cooperation on climate change would be conditional on Washington changing some of its China policies.

China taking bold action on an existential crisis like climate change is in its interest and that is what responsible nations do; this is not a favor to us, the official said, adding that working together on issues like climate change would not alter the nature of the bilateral relationship.

We very much reject the linkage between cooperation on transnational issues and bilateral relations.

The summit is expected to take several hours, according to the official.

The Biden administration is not trying to change China through bilateral engagement. We dont think thats realistic. Rather, were trying to shape the international environment in a way that is favorable to us and our allies and partners, the official said.
Taliban Holds Military Parade in Kabul With Weapons Left Behind in US Withdrawal

KABUL, AfghanistanTaliban forces held a military parade in Kabul on Sunday using captured American armoured vehicles and Russian helicopters as they continue to seek international recognition of their leadership.

The Taliban operated as insurgent fighters for two decades, but have used the large stock of weapons and equipment left behind when the former Western-backed government collapsed in August to overhaul their forces.

The parade was linked to the graduation of 250 freshly trained soldiers, the Talibans defence spokesman Enayatullah Khwarazmi said.

The exercise involved dozens of U.S.-made M117 armoured security vehicles driving slowly up and down a major Kabul road with MI-17 helicopters patrolling overhead. Many soldiers carried American made-M4 assault rifles.

Most of the weapons and equipment the Taliban forces are now using are those supplied by Washington to the American-backed government in Kabul in a bid to construct an Afghan national force capable of fighting the Taliban.

Those forces melted away with the fleeing of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani from Afghanistanleaving the Taliban to take over major military assets.

Taliban officials have said that pilots, mechanics, and other specialists from the former Afghan National Army would be integrated into their miltary force, which has also started wearing conventional military uniforms in place of the traditional Afghan clothing normally worn by their fighters.

According to a report late last year by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the U.S. government transferred to the Afghan government more than $28 billion worth of defence articles and services, including weapons, ammunition, vehicles, night-vision devices, aircraft, and surveillance systems, from 2002 to 2017.

Some of the aircraft were flown into neighbouring Central Asian Countries by fleeing Afghan forces, but the Taliban have inherited other aircraft. It remains unclear how many are operational.

As the U.S. troops departed, they destroyed more than 70 aircraft, dozens of armoured vehicles, and disabled air defences before flying out of Kabuls Hamid Karzai International Airport following a chaotic evacuation operation.

By Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam. The Epoch Times contributed to this report.
The logo of car manufacturer Tesla is seen at a dealership in London, Britain on May 14, 2021. (Matthew Childs/Reuters)

Tesla Shares Slip After Heavy Week of Losses

Tesla Inc.s shares slipped in premarket trading on Monday, adding to a heavy week of losses after CEO Elon Musk offloaded a combined $6.9 billion worth of shares in the electric-car maker.

Shares in the company, which lost some $187 billion in market value over the past week, were down 2.7 percent at $1,005.42 in early New York trading.

Musk got into a spat with Bernie Sanders on Sunday after the U.S. senator demanded the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.

Meanwhile, The Big Short investor Michael Burry took aim at Musk again, saying on Twitter, @elonmusk borrowed against 88.3 million shares, sold all his mansions, moved to Texas, and is asking @BernieSanders whether he should sell more stock. He doesnt need cash. He just wants to sell $TSLA.

Tesla January and February 2022 calls at a strike price of $900 were among the top three heavily traded options contracts, according to Refinitiv data on Friday, suggesting some traders were assuming more short-term weakness in the stock.

Musk sold 6.36 million Tesla shares last week and now needs to offload about 10 million more shares to fulfill his pledge to sell 10 percent of his holdings in the electric-vehicle maker.
The Texas State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 20, 2021. (Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images)

Texas Lawmaker Leaves Democratic Party, Joins GOP

Texas Rep. Ryan Guillen, a Democrat, announced Monday hes joining the Republican Party.

Guillen said he grew up among Democrats and has always been a Democrat lawmaker, but he felt it was time to change parties.

Many of us are waking up to the fact that the values of those in Washington, D.C. are not our values, are not the values of most Texans, certainly not the values of South Texans. The ideology of defunding the police, of destroying the oil and gas industry, and the chaos at our border is disastrous for those of us who live here in south Texas, he told a press conference in Floresville, near San Antonio.

Guillen said hes voted for years to protect the Second Amendment and unborn babies, and has long been against tax increases. He also wants the U.S.Mexico border secured.

I now look forward to not having to break with my party to accomplish those things, he said.

Guillens choice wont affect control of the states lower chamber. Republicans hold both chambers; the majority in the House was 8366 before the change.

No Texas lawmaker had switched parties since Rep. J.M. Lozano switched from the Democratic Party to the GOP in 2012.

Texas Rep. Ryan Guillen is seen in an undated image. (Texas House of Representatives)

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Republican, called Guillen a true genuine servant to the State of Texas and to his district and one of the most effective members of the House.

Hes a bill-passing machine. He passed more bills in one session that Ive filed my entire tenure, he said, adding that he and the new Republican have shared a commitment for years to pro-family, pro-business, and pro-liberty values.

Gov. Greg Abbott said Guillen has always fought for private property rights, fewer regulations, and job growth.

The party-switch signals that a big political change is taking place in South Texas, a change ushered in in part by the far-leftist socialistic moves that are being made by Democrats, he added. The Democrats no longer represent either the values of the people or the values of the Hispanic community in South Texas. It is time for a Republican to represent the real values of the people of South Texas.

Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee, also welcomed Guillen.

With trailblazers like Representative Guillen, we will continue to make gains in South Texas and grow the party in our way to victories up and down the ballot in 2022, she said in a statement.

Texas Republican Party Chairman Matt Rinaldi, a former state representative, called Guillen a longtime friend and said the situation is yet another example of how the increasing extremism of the Democratic Party has alienated Texans who care about smaller government, strong families, safe communities, and the protection of the unborn.

The Texas Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Neither have issued public statements on Guillens party switch.

But state Rep. Chris Turner, the head of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement that the change was because of the redrawn districts.

Republicans cynically gutted Rep. Guillens district in the redistricting process, showing complete disrespect for both him and his constituents, Turner said. Usually, people in Ryans position would choose to fight. Instead, he has chosen to join them.
A general view of a Australian flag is seen during a welcome ceremony for Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on April 9, 2013. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)

The Politics of Retribution: The China-Australia Trade Disputes

Commentary

Former Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating, generated a wave of criticism when, in an address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, he argued that China does not represent a contiguous threat to Australia and that Australia should not be involved in any dispute over Taiwan.

While a spokesperson of Chinas Foreign Ministry lauded Keatings comments in Australia, his address was criticised, even ridiculed, on the ground that he was dabbling in 1970s politics.

Specifically, commentators accused him of being patently wrong and ignorant of Chinas demonstrable human rights abuses, geopolitical interests in South-East Asia, exemplified by the extinguishment of democracy and civil rights in Hong Kong, the occupation of the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and its continuing intimidation of Taiwan.

Additionally, Beijing vociferously criticises the AUKUS Security Pact for the Indo-Pacific region. This trilateral pact, concluded with the United States and the United Kingdom, allows for the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines by Australia.

Beijing regards the existence of this pact as further proof of the belligerent attitude of Australia.

However, there is one demonstrable approach by the Beijing government that Keatings critics may have overlooked.

Indeed, most journalists who commentated on Keatings address could also have referred to Chinas embrace of the politics of retribution, most recently exemplified by its imposition of steep import duties on Australian wine and barley and its discontinuation of the importation of other Australian commodities.

Former prime minister Paul Keating waits for Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten at the Labor campaign launch at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre as part of the 2016 election campaign in Sydney, Australia, on June 19, 2016. (Mick Tsikas-Pool/Getty Images)

The politics of retributionfor example, the imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing dutieshas little to do with alleged violations of the relevant regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), but instead involve the use of WTO laws as a sword to attack Chinas traditional trading partners.

The relevant WTO laws include Article VI of the GATT 1994one of the constituent agreements of the WTOaccording to which dumping, by which products of one country are introduced into the commerce of another country at less than the normal value of the products, is to be condemned if it causes or threatens material injury to an established industry in the territory of another WTO member.

Article XVI of the GATT 1994 imposes a notification obligation on the contracting parties that grant or maintain any subsidy.

In March 2021, the Chinese regime decided to impose duties of between 116.2 percent and 218 percent on wines sold in containers of 2 litres (67.6 oz) or less for five years. As a result, wine exports to China fell by 77 percent to $274 million (US$201 million).

The regime also imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties on the importation of Australian barley.

Beijing alleged that the dumping of Australian wine destroyed the local wine-producing industry.

In accordance with the WTOs Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), China and Australia entered consultations on Aug. 9, 2021. These consultations failed to resolve the dispute under the DSU.

Unable to resolve the dispute, Australia requested the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), created by Article 2 of the DSU, to establish a Review Panel. However, China torpedoed this request, made on Sept. 16, 2021.

However, Australias second attempt was successful when the WTO announced on Oct. 24, 2021, the formation of a Review Panel and revealed that 15 countries had requested to be involved in the proceedings as third parties.

Commentators may well regard the imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties as retribution for Australias support for the establishment of an international fact-finding mission to investigate the origins of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

Protesters against Chinas Belt and Road Initiative gather in front of the Parliament House of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia, on June 7, 2020. (Grace Yu/the Chinese-language Epoch Times)

Initially, China forcefully rejected such a mission as an interference with its territorial sovereignty, but eventually, it allowed a committee of experts to visit China for that purpose.

As is well-known, the mission could not agree on the origins of the virus but speculated that it probably involved a transfer from animals to humans.

However, reports that the virus may have originated in the Wuhan Virology Laboratory when conducting gain-of-function research have continued to circulate in the international press.

This type of research involves the super-imposition of new abilities on pathogens for study purposes, creating a modern-day version of the chimaera, a fire-breathing mismatched monster in Greek mythology.

China is now resisting another attempt by the international community to convene a fact-finding group to investigate the origins of the virus.

The relationship between China and Australia is thus parlous. Decades of close collaboration between the two nations has been severely tested.

The CCPs actions, involving its dubious reliance on WTO laws, are not much more than examples of the politics of retribution.

The use of trade regulations for the purposes of achieving objectives, which are not related to trade, is a disturbing development.

This is because it involves the use of trade laws to attack, or at least to bully, a contracting partyin this case, Australiaand to use these laws as a sword rather than as a shield.

Bottles of Australian wine are seen at a store selling imported wine in Beijing, China, on Nov. 27, 2020. (Florence Lo/Reuters)

However, it is not the intention of the international trading community to use these regulations as a sword but as bona fide instruments to achieve trade liberalisation.

Beijing even admitted that its approach, involving the disruption of Australian exports, was retaliation for groundlessly accusing and smearing China. Nevertheless, the WTO does not allow this approach.

The promotion of trade dispersion could potentially stave off the collapse in Australias export performance.

In finding other export markets for Australian products, new export markets might fill the gap left by the CCPs politics of retribution.

The politics of retribution is a new frontier in the war against democracy and liberal values. But the defence of the liberal world trading order is an appropriate response to the politics of retribution.

It is the only way to ensure the realisation of Keatings optimistic view of China.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The World Is Gradually Shifting Toward Taiwan

News Analysis

In the past, countries allowed Beijing to dictate their relationship with Taiwan, under threat of economic sanctions. Gradually, free democracies are increasing their engagement with the island nation, in spite of the Chinese regimes bullying.

Over the past few years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has become more and more belligerent, while attempting to dictate the foreign policy of other countries. An increasing number of nations, however, have been defying Chinas demands, and voting their conscience, in spite of threats or reprisals from Beijing.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with the Dalai Lama in 2008, which angered the Chinese regime. Beijing hurled threats when democracy activist Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. And the threats are not just rhetoric. China engaged in hostage diplomacy when it held two Canadians in isolation for 1,000 days, until Canada released Huaweis chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou.

Increasing relations with Taiwan has become a symbol of a country turning away from China, sending a message to the CCP that it does not get to dictate the behavior of sovereign nations.

The United States has always been Taiwans supporter and has increasingly been the worlds counterbalance to the Chinese regimes aggression. The United States began increasing its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, under the Trump administration. Now, the Biden administration has strengthened the relationship, stating publicly that the United States is committed to defending Taiwan.

Meanwhile, other democracies, such as Australia, India, the Czech Republic, and the European Union, are increasingly standing up to the CCP. Even NATO has shifted its mandate to now include countering the China threat.

Sandra Oudkirk, the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto embassy, speaks during her first public news conference held in Taipei, Taiwan, on Oct. 29, 2021. (American Institute in Taiwan via AP)

The logic of the past had been that no one wanted to anger China, for fear of losing investment and trade. It seems that countries are deciding that it is more important to preserve their integrity, oppose communist Chinas aggression, and prevent Chinas extraterritorial expansion.

A Lowy Institute poll found that Australias attitude toward Taiwan was turning progressively more positive. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Taipei, which enraged Beijing. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stood up to China, blocking several high-level purchases. He prevented China from acquiring one of Australias largest beef ranches, and overruled the sale of an Australian power-grid to a Chinese state-backed firm. Most recently, Morrison irked the CCP by calling for an investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

In retaliation, the CCP banned the import of Australian beef and coal, while China faces both an energy and food shortage crises. Taiwans response was to ask Australia to support its bid to join the CPTPP trade agreement, which Beijing vehemently opposes. Taiwan, however, has told Australian officials that it could help Australia increase its high technology and minerals trade.

The EU had generally regarded China in economic terms, steering clear of U.S. policies of containment. This past spring, however, when Beijing rebuked the EUs condemnation of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, several European leaders put financial deals with China on hold.

Taiwan sent a delegation of more than 60 officials and businesspeople to Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic to sign new agreements. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu went to Europe for a diplomatic visit and held meetings in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The tour was related to COVID-19 vaccine donations that came from four EU countries: the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia. Taiwan signed seven Memorandums of Understanding with Slovakia.

Several EU parliamentarians also met with Wu in Brussels, including Swedens Charlie Weimers and Els Van Hoof, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. Additionally, Wu participated in a meeting of IPAC, a coalition of European parliamentarians critical of China, which he attended virtually. The meeting was considered particularly provocative to the CCP, because it included a former Hong Kong lawmaker, a Uyghur activist, as well as the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

In November, EU parliamentarian Raphael Glucksmann led an EU delegation to Taipei. Glucksmann told the press that supporting Taiwan was one action that countries should take in order to contain Chinas growing hegemonic ambitions.

The Upper House speaker of the Czech Republic, Milos Vystrcil, and the mayor of Prague, Zdenek Hrib, are among the high-ranking EU officials who have visited Taipei in recent years.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen presents a medal to Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil at Taiwans Presidential Office in Taipei on Sept. 3, 2020. (Taiwans Presidential Office)

When the EU legislators voted in favor of trade talks with Taiwan, Beijing reacted negatively. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin called the decision vile. He then threatened Europe, saying, Do not underestimate the Chinese peoples determination, will, and capacity to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and vice-president of the European Commission, told the EU that Chinas threats toward Taiwan posed a security risk for the EU, at least in part because of the EUs dependence on Taiwanese chips, which are essential to Europes digital development.

The CCP keeps telling the United States and Western nations to forget their differences and work together with Beijing. This is an overly simplistic and completely unrealistic attitude, as the grievances are not something that a handshake will solve. For example, Beijing is unlikely to change its policies in Tibet or Xinjiang, which many democratic countries have condemned.

The CCPs agenda is to impose its will on other countries and international organizations. It also wants to to restrict freedoms in the media and academic institutions of other nations. The CCP infiltrates and influences other countries through propaganda, and takes offense when it is told to stop. In the World Trade Organization and other world bodies, Beijing demands its own set of rules, disregarding international norms, and cries foul when other members retaliate.

It seems that global opinion is finally turning against the CCP, as countries realize they may have less to lose and more to gain by standing up to the bullying. Taiwan is a key battleground for those who will not cave to Beijing. Countries are shifting their diplomatic efforts toward Taiwan, realizing that if they allow the CCP to dictate their relationship with Taiwan, then the CCP may also dictate their relationship with the United States, India, or any other sovereign nation.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon arrives to turn himself in at the FBI Washington Field Office on Nov. 15, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Trump Adviser Steve Bannon Surrenders to FBI, Later Released on Own Recognizance

Former President Donald Trump adviser Steven Bannon surrendered to federal agents on charges of contempt of Congress on Nov. 15.

The arraignment for Bannon on contempt to Congress charges was postponed until Nov. 18. He was released on his own recognizance ahead of the next hearing.

For the time being, Bannon will have to live at his stated address, surrender his U.S. passport, not travel outside the District of Columbia without notifying the court, and submit to other court-ordered requirements.

Bannon was mobbed by members of the media as he surrendered to federal officials at an FBI field office in Washington, D.C.

Were taking down the Biden regime, he told reporters on the scene. I want you guys to stay focused, stay on message. Remember signal, not noise.

I dont want anybody to take your eye off the ball of what we do every day.

Bannons surrender comes three days after he was indicted on two charges of contempt of Congress after he refused to appear in front of a congressional deposition and wouldnt provide documents in response to the panels subpoena. Both countswhich are misdemeanorscarry a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 1 year in jail, as well as fines between $100 and $1,000, according to a Justice Department statement last week.

In October, when the Jan. 6 Capitol breach panel issued a subpoena to Bannon, his attorney said he wouldnt be cooperating with the probe because he hadnt been directed to by Trump. The attorney, Robert Costello, wrote that the executive privileges belong to President Trump, while Bannons invocation of the legal doctrine should be honored.

According to the indictment, however, Bannon is a private citizen who refused to appear to give testimony as required by a subpoena.

Ex-White House adviser Steve Bannon arrives to turn himself in at the FBI Washington Field Office in Washington on Nov. 15, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Officials in Democratic and Republican presidential administrations have been held in contempt of Congress in the past, although criminal indictments are considered rare. The last time it occurred was in 1983, when former Environmental Protection Agency official Rita M. Lavelle was acquitted of contempt of Congress when she didnt testify about a hazardous waste site.

Bannons attorneys, David I. Schoen and Matthew Evan Corcoran, didnt return requests for comment by press time.

Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law, said Attorney General Merrick Garland after the Department of Justice indicted Bannon, who served as Trumps 2016 campaign manager and later, as his presidential adviser during the nascent phase of the Trump administration.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows may also be in the Jan. 6 committees crosshairs after he defied a subpoena to testify about Jan. 6. Meadows lawyer also cited executive privilege last week for his refusal to speak with the committee. Most Republican lawmakers have decried the committee as partisan and biased.

In an opinion article released by The Washington Post over the past weekend, Meadows attorney George J. Terwilliger III wrote that he was surprised and disappointed that the DOJ rejected the claims of executive privilege.

Under Supreme Court precedent, President Donald Trump also has a voice to be heard on claims of executive privilege arising from his tenure, and he has instructed Meadows to maintain the privilege. My client thus finds himself caught between two rocks (Congress and the Biden administration) and a hard place (instructions from the president he served), Terwilliger wrote.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report
An official motorcade speeds down Pennsylvania Avenue past the International Trump Hotel in Washington, on Jan. 24, 2019. (Eva Hambach/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump to Sell DC Hotel Lease for $375 Million

The Trump Organization has reportedly reached an agreement to sell the lease for its Washington, D.C. hotel for $375 million, multiple sources reported.

CGI Merchant Group, a Miami-based investment firm, reached an agreement with former President Donald Trumps family hotel company to purchase the lease for the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. CGI also reached a deal with Hilton World Wide Holdings to rebrand the hotel as part of Hiltons Waldorf Astoria group.

The federal government owns the building, but with extensions, the lease runs for almost 100 years, according to the WSJ.

Trumps firm acquired the lease in 2013 with a base rent of $250,000 per month, the Washington Business Journal reported at the time. The company reportedly invested an additional $200 million to turn the property into a luxury hotel.

The Trump Organization, CGI Merchant Group, and Hilton World Wide Holdings did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundations requests for comment.

The hotel lease sale comes as House Democrat-controlled committees launched an investigation and held hearings surrounding potential conflicts of interest and emoluments issues involving the former president and the D.C. property, the WSJ reported.

The House Committee on Oversight and Reform has been investigating the lease terms signed between the Trump Organization and the General Services Administration for the use of the property. The original deal took place before Trump ran for office, but investigations into conflicts of interest began after he took office.

The House committee will continue to investigate conflicts of interest and potential constitutional violations raised by Donald Trumps lease of this hotel from the federal government while he was president, said a spokeswoman for the committee, adding that the investigations wont be fully resolved by selling off this hotel, according to the WSJ.

By Harry Wilmerding

From The Daily Caller News Foundation
A police officer works inside a cordoned-off area on Rutland Avenue, the place where police have confirmed the passenger of the taxi that later exploded outside the Women's Hospital in Liverpool was picked up, on Nov. 15, 2021. (Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)

UK Police Declare Liverpool Hospital Blast Terrorist Attack

British police have said the car explosion in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday was a terrorist attack, but the motive remains unclear.

A taxi exploded outside Liverpool Womens Hospital at 10:59 a.m. on Sunday, around a mile away from the citys cathedral where a large Remembrance service was taking place. The male passenger of the car was declared dead at the scene, and the taxi driver was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, from Counter-Terrorism Policing for the North West, said, Although the motivation for this incident is yet to be understood, given all the circumstances it has been declared a terrorist incident and counter-terrorism policing are continuing with the investigation.

So far four men have been arrested under terrorism laws in the Kensington area of Liverpoolthree aged 21, 26, and 29 who were held on Sunday, and a man aged 20 who was detained on Monday.

According to Jackson, the man who died in the blast brought a homemade bomb with him into a taxi and asked to be taken to Liverpool Womens Hospital. As the car reached the passenger drop-off point, it exploded.

Our inquiries indicate that an improvised explosive device has been manufactured and our assumption so far is that this was built by the passenger in the taxi, he said, adding, The reason why he then took it to the womens hospital is unknown, as is the reason for its sudden explosion.

Jackson said the police are aware that there were Remembrance events just a short distance away and the blast took place shortly before 11 a.m., when the two-minute silence was set to be observed at the Remembrance ceremony. He said police cannot at this time draw any connection with this, but it is a line of inquiry being pursued.

He said police know the identity of the attacker but will not confirm it at this stage. Officers are searching two addresses in the city, where significant items have been found, he said.

The driver of the cab, named locally as David Perry, was treated in hospital after fleeing the car just before it burst into flames, and has now been discharged.

A friend of his claimed on Facebook that Perry got out of his cab and locked the man in the vehicle after apparently noticing an explosive device.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday praised him for behaving with incredible presence of mind and bravery.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said, The taxi driver, in his heroic efforts, has managed to divert what could have been an absolutely awful disaster at the hospital.

PA contributed to this report.
Illegal immigrants gather on the BelarusianPolish border near the Polish Kuznica border crossing on Nov. 15, 2021. (Leonid Shcheglov/BELTA/AFP via Getty Images)

UK Vows Solidarity With EU Allies Over Belarus Illegal Immigrant Crisis

The UK said on Nov. 15 that it stands in solidarity with its European allies over the illegal immigrant crisis on the Belarusian border and said the regime of Alexander Lukashenko must be held responsible.

Thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly from Iraq and Afghanistan, have gathered on the PolandBelarus border in hopes of crossing into the European Union. The EU has accused Minsk of orchestrating the crisis to put pressure on the bloc in an act of revenge for sanctions over a clampdown on Belarusian protests in 2020 against the contested reelection of Lukashenko as president.

A group of illegal immigrants moves along the BelarusianPolish border toward a camp to join those gathered at the spot and aiming to enter EU member Poland in the Grodno region on Nov. 12, 2021. (Leonid Shcheglov/Belta/AFP via Getty Images)

With reference to Poland, what we are seeing are the latest in a series of abhorrent attempts by the Lukashenko regime to engineer a migrant crisis to undermine Poland and others in the region, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnsons official spokesman said.

We stand in solidarity with our European partners and our commitment is to ensuring the Lukashenko regime is held accountable for its actions.

On Nov. 15, EU foreign ministers agreed unanimously to step up sanctions against Belarus. Josep Borrell, the top EU diplomat, said the new package of sanctions would target airlines and travel agencies involved in this illegal push of migrants.

Also on Nov. 15, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia stated that Lukashenkos regime must be held accountable for human trafficking.

Britains Ministry of Defence announced on Nov. 12 that it was sending a small contingent of UK armed forces personnel to Poland to provide engineering support at the border.

In an article published in The Sunday Telegraph, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene to halt what she called the shameful manufactured migrant crisis.

Truss said Russia has a clear responsibility to press Belarusian authorities to end the crisis and enter into dialogue.

The United Kingdom will not look away. We will stand with our allies in the region, who are on the frontier of freedom, she wrote.

Talking to the BBC on Nov. 15, Britain Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Sir Nick Carter expressed concern that the situation could quickly escalate into something more serious.

I think this is a classic case of the sort of hybrid playbook where you link disinformation to destabilization and the idea of pushing migrants on to the European Unions borders is a classic example of that sort of thing, he said.

Reuters and PA contributed to this report.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a emergency debate relating to standards in the House of Commons in London on Oct. 8, 2021 (House of Commons/PA)

UKs Labour to Force Commons Vote on Banning MPs Paid Consultancy Work

Labour is to stage a Commons vote on banning MPs from taking paid consultancies or directorships, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said.

Starmer said the party will be proposing a motion for Wednesdays opposition day debate.

It is understood Labour is seeking to draft the motion in such a way that the result will be binding on the House if it is passed.

Starmer said it offered a way to clean up politics following the debacle of the case of former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson.

We are putting that down. It is for every MP to decide how they want to vote on that. That will perhaps be a measure of where people are on how we actually move this forward, Starmer said during an LBC radio phone-in.

How do we clean this up? We clean this up by drawing a very stark lineno paid consultancies, no directorships, he said.

The move comes as MPs are expected to back a motion reversing plans to review the MPs standards investigation process and delay Patersons suspension for breaking lobbying rules.

Many Tory MPs are still furious after being ordered to support the review only for the government to drop the plan after the opposition parties refused to back it.

Paterson, meanwhile, has resigned as the MP for North Shropshire.

Undated photo of British Conservative MP Owen Paterson. (Stefan Roussea/PA)

The House, however, is still expected to endorse the finding that he broke Commons rules by repeatedly lobbying ministers and officials on behalf of two firms for which he worked as a paid consultant.

In a second motion, Labour will call for the publication of the papers relating to his advocacy for the diagnostics company, Randox, and all the government contracts it received.

At a Downing Street news conference on Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged he could have handled the situation better.

Of course, I think things could certainly have been handled better, let me put it that way, by me, he said.

During a round of broadcast interviews on Monday, Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden acknowledged it had been a mistake for ministers to conflate Patersons case with attempts to reform the standards procedures.

The prime minister has acceptedand we acceptthat there were mistakes made during that period, he told BBC Breakfast.

If you listen to what the prime minister said, he said that weve made mistakes and we regret that. Weve accepted that. Were moving on, he said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the media regarding the UK COVID-19 infection rate and vaccination campaign in Downing Street, London on Nov. 15, 2021. (Leon Neal/PA)

Johnson refused to be drawn on the issue during a visit on Monday to a medical centre in Forest Gate in east London.

Speaking during a pooled broadcast clip, the prime minister said, I just want to salute you and the media for keeping going on this.

Im here to talk about boosters and urge people to come forward and get their boosters.

Asked about reports that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps set up a group to lobby against housebuilding on airfields, Johnson said, If there are things to be investigated, then, of course, that should take place.

Labours decision to force a vote will put pressure on Tory MPs who face the prospect of further stoking public anger by seeking to vote it down or losing their lucrative consultancy work.

An analysis published by Labour last week showed Conservative MPs received more than 1.7 million in consultancy fees since the start of the year.

It found 50 Tory backbenchers and former ministers had been paid by management or consultancy firms.

Starmer said: It should be a point of consensus that paid directorships and commercial consultancies are not jobs for MPs.

It was the prime ministers decisions which have led to this scandal. He has repeatedly failed in his leadership over this issue, he added.

Boris Johnson now has a choice: support Labours plan to fix this or whip his MPs to vote against a ban on dodgy second jobs for MPs and a cover-up on the Owen Paterson scandal.
Understanding the Constitution: The 14th Amendment: Part II

Commentary

Last weeks installment covered the first three parts of Section 1 of the 14th Amendmentthe Citizenship Clause, Privileges or Immunities Clause, and Due Process Clause. This weeks installment addresses the remainder of Section 1 as well as Sections 2 through 5.

Section 1 (concluded): nor shall any State  deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Comments: This is the Equal Protection Clause. It applies against state governments a principle of trust law underlying the original Constitution: that government has a duty to treat people fairly and impartially (pdf). Like the rest of Section 1, it generally doesnt apply to private, non-governmental, conduct.

Although living constitutionalism usually isnt a good way to construe the Constitution, the Equal Protection Clause is one provision that authorizes something like living constitutionalism. This is because a court must consider how facts have evolved over time when determining whether a group is being treated fairly.

For example, in 1896, the Supreme Court ruled that governments could enforce racial segregation in public accommodations as long as the races were treated equally (pdf). This was known as the rule of separate but equal. But by 1954, experience had proved that separate was never equal: In reality, segregation always presented African Americans and other politically disadvantaged people with the short end of the stick. This is one reason the court was correct to reverse itself that year (pdf).

As flexible as the Equal Protection Clause is, the Supreme Court has managed to exceed its scope. Notable illustrations are the courts reapportionment cases, which ruled that the Equal Protection Clause requires states to apportion both houses of their legislatures entirely on population. The reason these decisions are erroneous is that the clause doesnt apply to suffrage. As the word protection suggests, the Equal Protection Clause regulates how government impacts personswhat the post-Civil War generation referred to as civil rights. It doesnt affect political rightspeoples impact on government. Voting is in the latter category.

Moreover, if the Equal Protection Clause had covered suffrage, the apportionment rule of Section 2 (discussed below) would have been unnecessary: Congress could have merely passed laws enforcing the Equal Protection Clause, using its power under Section 5 (also discussed below). For the same reason, the 15th Amendment, protecting minorities right to vote, would have been unnecessary.

But Section 2 and the 15th Amendment were deemed necessary, precisely because the Equal Protection Clause was not relevant to voting.

Section 2 is as follows:

Section 2: Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.

Comments: Section 2 abolished the three-fifths rule, which reduced a states representation if it permitted slavery. With the end of slavery, the three-fifths rule was no longer relevant.

Section 2 also allowed states to deny suffrage to criminals and for participation in rebellionspecifically the former Confederates. However, it sought to guarantee minority voting rights by providing that if a state infringed the access of newly freed slaves or other minorities to the ballot, then that state lost Representatives in Congress. This term proved unworkable.

Section 3: No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.

Comments: Section 3 prevented any Confederate from serving in state or federal office without a two-thirds vote of each chamber of Congress. When the 14th Amendment was being considered, this was one of the most controversial provisions, because it denied Southern states the official services of some of their most experienced and able people. Many cited it as evidence that the amendment was overly partisan.

After the Capitol riot of Jan. 6, 2021, enemies of former President Donald Trump spoke of applying Section 3 to himof disqualifying him permanently from office because he had engaged in insurrection. This talk faded, however, as it became clear that there was little, if any, evidence that Trump had incited the Capitol incursion. On the contrary, Trump specifically had exhorted his followers to proceed peacefully. Moreover, the Capitol riot, as bad as it was, was not an insurrection or rebellion under any accepted use of those words.

Section 4: The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slaves; but all such debts, obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void.

Comment: Section 4 mandates payment of the debt of the United States and prohibits payment of Confederate debt or compensation for lost slaves. During the debates over the 14th Amendment, opponents also cited Section 4 to support their argument that the amendment was overly partisan.

In modern times, when politicians seek an increase in the federal debt limit, they often refer to this section. They claim that if the debt limit is not increased, the government will default, in violation of the 14th Amendment. The mass media sometimes repeat this claim uncritically.

However, its not true. If spending remains at existing levels, theres always more than enough to pay the debt under the existing debt limit. The only reason to raise the limit is to authorize more debt and thereby permit additional deficit spending.

Section 5: The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Comments: This has been called a little necessary and proper clause. Just as the original Constitution enables Congress to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, Section 5 allows Congress to make laws to enforce the foregoing parts of the 14th Amendment. For example, Congress may enforce the Equal Protection Clause by banning state discrimination based on race or gender. (Congress addresses private discrimination under other constitutional provisions.)

In the early 1940s, the Supreme Court stretched the Necessary and Proper Clause out of all recognition, enabling Congress to regulate the entire economy under the pretense of regulating commerce (pdf) (pdf). More recently, the justices have endeavored to prevent the same thing from happening to Section 5. The court therefore maintains that any legislation under Section 5 must be congruent and proportional to 14th Amendment goals (pdf). It would be wild overreach, for example, for Congress to abolish state capital punishment on the pretense that this was appropriate legislation to guarantee due process of law.

Robert G. Natelson is a retired constitutional law professor, senior fellow in constitutional jurisprudence at Colorados Independence Institute, and the author of The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant (3rd ed., 2015).

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
US Journalist Danny Fenster Released From Burma Jail

U.S. journalist Danny Fenster, who was facing a jail sentence of 11 years of hard labor in military-ruled Burma, was freed on Nov. 15 after being detained for nearly six months.

Fensters release came after negotiations between the countrys ruling military junta and former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who was on a humanitarian visit to the Southeast Asian country, which is also known as Myanmar.

Dannys release was secured following a private humanitarian visit by Governor Richardson to Myanmar and face-to-face negotiations with General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmars Commander in Chief, the Richardson Center, a nonprofit organization supporting the former New Mexico governor, said in a Twitter statement.

Fenster and Richardsons team will be flying back to the United States via Qatar over the next day and a half, it wrote. The organization also posted a picture on Twitter showing the two together about to board a plane.

Governor Bill Richardson and the Richardson Center are thrilled to announce the release of American journalist Danny Fenster from prison in Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/kBGvlY8e1G  Richardson Center (@RichardsonCNTR) November 15, 2021

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson said. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Fenster, the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted on Nov. 12 of spreading allegedly false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations, and violating visa regulations. Hes one of more than 100 journalists, media officials, or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February; his was the harshest sentence yet.

He was previously denied bail and has been in detention since his arrest at Yangon International Airport in Mingaladon in late May, while he was trying to leave the country to visit his family in the United States.

Danny Fenster (R) and family members Buddy and Rose Fenster in Huntington Woods, Mich., in 2014. (Family courtesy photo via AP)

While it was never exactly clear what Fenster was alleged to have done, much of the prosecutions case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the militarys seizure of power. Fenster formerly worked for the site but left that job last year.

Fensters release was lauded in a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said the journalist had been wrongfully detained for almost six months.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a closing press conference with the secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at the 60th OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Ian Langston/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson gives an interview in Yangon, Burma, on Jan. 24, 2018. (Thet Htoo/AP Photo)

I commend Ambassador Tom Vajda and his team at U.S. Embassy Rangoon, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, the expertise of Consular Affairs and the dedicated partners, including Governor Bill Richardson, who helped facilitate Dannys release, Blinken said. We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma.

According to the United Nations, at least 126 journalists, media officials, or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover. While 47 remain in custody, not all of them have been charged.

Of seven journalists known to have been convicted, six are Burmese nationals and four were released in a mass amnesty in October.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
The sun sets on St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, ahead of the new Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, being officially installed to replace the retiring Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, at a mass, in East Melbourne, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett)

Vic Govts Proposed Religious Exceptions Bill a Serious Intrusion Into Expression of Faith: Archbishop

Proposed changes to Victorias Equal Opportunity Act will restrict religious organisations and schools from employing staff with the same religious beliefs.

Instead, religious schools may be required to hire staff who openly disagree with the schools faith and values.

As a point of principle, this is a serious over-reach of the Government into the rightful freedoms of faith-based organisations in Victoria, Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli wrote in a letter (pdf) addressed to the Victorian Parliament. The proposed legislation diminishes the ability of faith organisations to confidently manage employment matters according to their faith and conscience.

Under the Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill 2021 (pdf), which is to be debated in the Victorian Parliaments lower house this week, religious organisations and schools will only be able to make employment decisions based on an employees religious beliefs where these are inherent to the job. These could include positions of senior leaders such as principals or religious education teachers.

The proposed amendment will narrow current exceptions so that discrimination based on sexuality, marital status, gender identity will not be permitted.

For the very first time, intersex Victorians are now also explicitly protected against discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, with sex characteristics now included as a protected attribute under the Act, according to a government statement.

Adding sex characteristicsdefined as a persons physical features relating to sex such as chromosomes, hormones and anatomyalongside race, disability, religious belief or activity and other protected attributes makes it clearer than ever that discrimination on this basis is unlawful and will not be tolerated.

But Comensoli argues that the state government has failed to understand the holistic dimensions of faith, saying that it affects the way people view and conduct themselves in the world.

Faith is part of the very make-up and fabric of each school. It is entirely reasonable and fair that religious bodies should be able to preference those who share their beliefs and values in their own private employment matters, Comensoli said.

I do not believe it is in anyones interest in the long term for a secular power to make such a determination for religious organisations.

However, Victorias Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said extensive consultation was done to ensure the proposed bill recognises the important needs of faith communities and protect Victorians from discrimination based on who they are.

Under the Equal Opportunity Act, religious bodies can discriminate against a person because of personal characteristics. For example, a religious school may be able to fire an administrative assistant who comes out as gay or gets divorced, according to an Equal Opportunity Act fact sheet.

The state governments proposed Religious Exceptions Bill follows the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020, which passed the Victorian Parliament in February and will come into effect from February 2022.

Under the Conversion Therapy Bill, prayer will be a criminal offence if its purpose is to change or suppress a persons sexual orientation or gender identity.

Comensoli has previously spoken against the Bill, saying that while most mainstream Christian churches reject coercive practices or activities that do harm to LGBT people, the bill goes well and truly beyond that.

Who I pray to, how I pray, what I pray for and most particularly, who I pray with, is not of concern to any government, he told The Age in December 2020.

However, Andrews had criticised religious leaders who did not support the Bill, saying that Victoria is a secular state and that the Bill will save lives.

Mentone Baptist Church Pastor Murray Campbell said that it took 300 years for Christianity to be no longer deemed dangerous and criminal.

In the space of 5 years, basic Christian ideas have been maligned and even made illegal in my State of Victoria, he said in a post on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Federal government is working towards introducing a Religious Discrimination Bill by the end of 2021, federal Attorney-General Michaelia Cash told The Age in October.

She said the federal governments proposed Religious Discrimination Bill will ensure that individuals cannot be discriminated against on the basis of their religious belief or activity.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton at the daily press conference in Melbourne, Australia on October 22, 2021. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Victorian Chief Health Officer Criticised National Roadmap For Missing Recovery Phase

Victorias Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton published a co-authored opinion piece in the Australian Medical Journal, criticising Australias national plan for missing an explicit recovery phase to address long-term health and economic impacts of the pandemic on Nov. 15.

The commissioned article was co-authored with professor Stephen Duckett from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, RMIT.

The recovery phase often comes as the last phase of a disaster and serves as the period to restore aspects of the disasters impact and return the local economy to normalcy.It is usually implemented once the impacted region has achieved a degree of physical, environmental, economic, and social stability. Whilst theres no explicit recovery phase within the timeline, the graded loosening of restrictions is aimed at recovering stability; socially and economically.

Sutton and Duckett in the article said that the recovery phase is needed to address economic effects and manage mental health impacts.

COVID-19 became a disease of low-income workers, the two said. It affected Australia very unevenly, with poorer outcomes for those at the greatest disadvantage.

The two called for a recovery phase to rebuild resilience within the community and the governance system as well as to plan for workforce responses for staff to recover. They also urged governments, hospitals, and care services to learn and reflect during this phase for improvements.

In 2022, public health practitioners and organisations must seek to better understand these social drivers of health in the COVID-19 era, and receive the resources to redress disparities exacerbated by the crisis, the article read.

While the authors agreed the country had weathered the COVID-19 storm well they said it was time for some belt-tightening to safeguard the public health system.

Our death rate was among the lowest in the world, and the impact on the economy was also relatively mild, they said.

This success they argued was due to the countrys mass vaccination hubs, increased telehealth options for outpatients and flexibility demonstrated by hospitals.

But Sutton and Ducket warned that Australia could not become complacent as that will encumber how the country moves into living with COVID-19 in the future.

We must ensure that our health system has the capacity to respond to the shadow pandemic of mental health problems caused by the viral pandemic and its management and that we are well placed to face the challenges of both long COVID and future pandemics.

This comes as Australia registers that 69.4 percent of the population is now fully vaccinated.
A section of border wall is constructed on the U.S. side of the border in Tijuana, Mexico, on Jan. 28, 2019. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Watchdog Says $400 Million Border Wall Contract Awarded Without Trump, Cramer Influence

A controversial $400 million border wall contract that prompted bitter charges by a top House Democrat of political interference by President Donald Trump and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) wasnt awarded improperly, according to an investigation by the Department of Defense (DoD) inspector general (IG).

The IG said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contracting officials solicited and awarded the Yuma 3 Project contract to design and build border infrastructure in accordance with federal procurement laws and regulations.

We reviewed [contract-winning] Fisher Sand and Gravels proposal, compared it to the solicitation, and agreed with USACEs assessment that it was the LPTA [Lowest Price Technically Available] and properly awarded the contract.

Additionally, USACE officials testified that there was no undue influence, and none of the information and documents reviewed by the DoD OIG provided evidence that there was undue influence from the White House or Members of Congress.

The investigation was prompted by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chairman of the House Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol, who in December 2019 claimed Trump and Cramer pushed DoD to award the contract to Fisher Sand & Gravel, a North Dakota firm headed by Tommy Fisher, a well-known Republican donor.

Thompson charged in a Dec. 4, 2019, letter to the IG that Trump, White House adviser Jared Kushner, and Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf inappropriately influenced the awarding of the contract.

Thompson told CBS News 60 Minutes program that the president made no bones about his support for Fisher. And, guess what? Fisher got the contract. It speaks for itself.

Sources also told us that Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota had been aggressively trying to steer contracts to Fisher Sand and Gravel, the CBS show said.

A spokesman for Thompson, who was then and remains chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security in addition to his duties on the Jan. 6 panel, didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment on the IGs conclusions.

Thompsons claims were part of a four-year barrage of corruption charges, a special counsel investigation, and two impeachment proceedings staged by congressional Democrats concerning Trumps election in 2016 and his conduct in the Oval Office during his tenure there. To date, none of the major accusations have been verified, the special counsel recommended no charges, and Trump was acquitted by the Senate in both impeachments.

Fisher Sand & Gravel was already in the national spotlight even before Thompson demanded the IG investigation, because of the firms involvement with We Build the Wall, a private group that claimed it could build Trumps promised wall on the U.S. border with Mexico for much less, and far quicker, than the federal government.

Fisher contributed to Trumps presidential campaigns and to Cramers congressional campaigns. Fisher also was Cramers guest at Trumps State of the Union speech a few months ago. Cramer and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner are reportedly among the companys allies, MSNBC reported in 2019.

I have always been guided by the principle of following the rule of law. This situation is no different as proven and dismissed by the inspector general numerous times throughout the report, Cramer told The Epoch Times.

This complete and total exoneration is a long time coming from this worthless, partisan fishing expedition. House Democrats wasted taxpayer time and money while the Biden administration is actively ignoring a crisis of their own doing at the southern border.

Cramer is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, both of which have oversight authority over USACE.

The IG said DoD and White House counsel attorneys prevented six of the USACE employees involved in the contract awarding from answering some questions due to national security or commercial privilege considerations.

Even so, the IG said that while those questions werent answered by the six concerning White House communications regarding the contract, we were able to review the e-mails of all 13 key USACE employees. We did not find any evidence in these e-mails of undue influence on the USACE employees that awarded the Yuma 3 Project contract in these key officials e-mails.

We Build The Wall remains in litigation with the Department of Justice as a result of actions filed by federal attorneys at the Southern District of New York (SDNY). On its website, the group claims, We were in the process of selecting the site for our third section of border wall when the SDNY unlawfully froze those assets and stopped our construction efforts. The SDNY has also charged the founder of We Build the Wall, Brian Kolfage, with fraud. Brian has pled not guilty and is contesting the charges.

Kolfage is a triple-amputee U.S. military veteran.
Then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and then Chinese Vice Chair Xi Jinping talk during an expanded bilateral meeting with other U.S. and Chinese officials in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington on Feb. 14, 2012. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

When America Talks, China Doesnt Listen

Commentary

President Joe Biden will speak over the phone with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Nov. 15.

The Chinese dictator might be on the other end of the line, but he probably wont be listening.

About a decade ago, Singapore was criticizing the U.S. government for some failing or other. This writer had occasion to ask an official at the U.S. Embassy why the Singaporeans werent also chastising the Peoples Republic of China (PRC)since the Chinese were doing the same thing as the Americans.

He said he had asked, and the Singaporeans told him: They [the Chinese] wont listen to us.

The Americans should have figured this out long ago. China rarely listens to the United States.

But its hard for zealous Americans to overcome their uniquely American conceit that if they can just talk with China about anythingfor example, climate challengesthat will eventually establish a rapport that will then open the door for discussing other issues, which will lead to a negotiated agreement.

No. Its not going to happen. China will not listen to us. There is a reason a state of war still exists on the Korean peninsula (a 68-year old armistice to cease combat operations). China will not listen to usunless it has to.

When Does China Listen to the US?

One American observer with four decades of front-line experience in China puts it this way:

When the United States is stronger than China in the categories of wealth and power.

When the United States has something China wants.

When the United States can reduce the value of a key asset (or assets) China holds.

If the United States is not on course to any one of the three above (all three would be great), then Beijing will not listen to Washington.

What Is China Doing When It Listens?

Even when China listens, it is not the way Americans think of listening.

China waits patiently for the United States to finally arrive at its own self-discovery that the Chinese side is correct thinking.

Notice Xis remarks last week about working with the United States to re-establish mutual relations? In Beijing-speak, working with means we will help you to accept what we want.

And sometimes China listens when it wants to know what words we want to hear from it, in order for us to give it what it wants. What are those words? Win-win, mutual respect, mutual benefit, new great power relationship, good for American farmers/consumers/etc., to name a few.

In other words, when Beijing listens, its just to be better equipped to get the jump on us. So, its not just useless, it can be harmful.

What About All Those Painstakingly Negotiated Agreements?

Even if the United States has the upper hand and the Chinese do talk and negotiate, and agree to do something, there is scant evidence they keep their promises.

To name a few examples:

Xi promised President Barack Obama at the White House in 2015 that China would not militarize its artificial islands in the South China Sea.

Xis promise to do something about fentanyl flows into the United States that are killing tens of thousands of Americans every year.

The Genocide Conventiona treaty that the PRC has signed.

The PRCs commitments to obey World Trade Organization rules.

The PRCs commitments to abide by the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Climate change agreements. Just look at the recent U.S.-China agreement on climateBeijings vague promises to do nothing in particular, and are made by people who wont be alive when the commitments come due and who know they wont be held accountable, including by climate activists (who know China wont listen to them).

The list of commitments that Beijing has kept is much shorter. Maybe the only international agreement the Chinese communists have kept is the China-North Korea treaty. Theyve kept the North Korean regime afloat for nearly 70 years. Yet, the Americans still havent given up trying to get Beijing to listen to them about North Korea.

Back to Talking the Talk

Despite the hard lessons of decades of experienceand the Trump administrations successful, if short lived, attempts to turn the tables on China and not waste time talking when the communists arent listeningthe Americans of all stripes are once again hell-bent on talking with the Chinese.

U.S. military commanders are hot to re-establish communications with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), as if they can talk their counterparts into good (by U.S. standards) behavior. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, seems keenest of all, including to tipping off Beijing if the president is planning something he doesnt approve of.

The U.S. business community is insisting the Biden administration to start talking, and do whatever is necessary to give the Chinese what they want so they can get back to business as usual with China. And Team Biden probably will. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo are both eager to recouple with China and to chart a middle way. Presumably they mean win-win?

Apparently, John Kerry, the Climate Czar, has never stopped talking and giving the Chinese (and other American enemies) what they want.

Will we ever learn that the Chinese regime wont listen? And that when it does, it isnt listening for the reasons we think it is. And when Beijing is negotiating, its just wearing us down and setting us up.

Probably not.

Some Americans just cant help themselves.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Why Chinese Dance Is Thriving Outside China

Its no secret that many of Shen Yun Performing Arts earliest dancers were alumni of Chinas Beijing Dance Academy. Yet a decade after New York-based Shen Yuns inception, its performances started to look worlds apart from that of any Chinese dance company.

Think about it, Beijing [Dance Academy] has its pick of the best dancers from not hundreds but thousands across the country. When we [Shen Yun] began, it certainly wasnt like that, said Gu Yun, one such alumnus who is a longtime dance teacher and choreographer with Shen Yun. When Shen Yuns dance academy was newly formed, it received applicants who were more eager than trained.

In September, Gu gave an interview in New York state in between judging an international classical Chinese dance competition, to which dancers from around the world had applied. He said that those who werent from Shen Yun had applied hoping to learn more about Shen Yuns dance method, which, since its introduction to the public, has become the high bar that classical Chinese dancers aspire to reach.

The Difference Is Plain to See

In a recent video profile on the website Shen Yun Creations, company principal dancer Steven Wang described what his dance experience in China was like compared to his experience with Shen Yun in New York.

When I was 12 years old, I was accepted into a professional dance academy, and Ive been dancing ever since. Its been around 20 years, he said.

The style of dance I studied in China, when you do movements, you would put in a lot of your own little quirks. But if you are to do Shen Yuns style of classical Chinese dance, you would need to do it with a grand bearing. For example, when the men dance, they have to be very masculine, valiant, and majestic.

Every preparatory move, every pose, every expression, gives the dance a feeling of grandeur. And when you complete a technique, you finish off with a dignified pose.

For example, if you were doing the Han Tang style of dance inside China, dancers finish off their movements by contracting into a ball, as if [theyre] crawling on the ground.

So just this alone draws a very stark contrast, he said.

Shen Yuns dancers often describe the aesthetic the company pursues as grand. The artists strive to present a dignified view of humanity in their dances, in line with the values of traditional Chinese culture, which has respect for the divine as one of its core beliefs. It also holds the view that man was created in the image of gods, by a supreme Creator.

It is not for a lack of trying that mainland Chinese dance schools and companies, all with ties to the Chinese communist regime, have failed to capture international audiences.

When Shen Yun, with its mission of reviving divinely inspired traditional Chinese culture through the arts, first gained world renown, the Chinese Communist Partys reaction was to try to steal its thunder and take control of the narrative. It created some 60 Chinese dance companies and sent them across the world, sure that its own well-trained dancers would define Chinese dance internationally.

Now, have you heard of any of these [companies]? Shen Yun emcee Jared Madsen asked in an interview with NTD. No, because they werent very good. Why? Because no one wants to see communist propaganda.

When they do talk about traditional Chinese culture, they use it to try to promote communism. I mean, here, we see right through it, [saying,] This is propaganda, and nobody wants to watch this.

That said, the term classical Chinese dance was indeed coined by Beijing Dance Academy. When the school opened in the 1950s, the first of its kind, it was tasked with organizing Chinese dance in a way that could be taught and passed down for generations. Up until then, dance was passed down from an experienced dancer in a theater troupe or imperial court to apprentices.

When the academy invited these experienced dancers to teach so as to document that precious knowledge, it eventually landed on the name classical Chinese dance to describe this form that had been tempered and developed over thousands of years. Then came the Cultural Revolution, a campaign in the 1960s and 1970s in which the Chinese Communist Party set out to destroy traditional Chinese culture and replace it with communist culture through bloodshed and book-burning. After that, the reasoning behind the art form was lost and was no longer passed on to any new students.

But in an academy in upstate New York, Shen Yun artists have tirelessly researched the past, hoping to revive the best of traditional Chinese culture. In doing so, theyve resurrected not only historical figures and beloved stories onstage, but the values stemming from Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism inherent in those stories. In addition to bringing classical Chinese dance to the world stage, theyve selected and further developed the dance methods left to them by antiquity, refining their art until theyve created something that can truly be called classical.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Note to Guilbeault: Not All Indigenous People Are of One Mind Regarding Resource Development

Commentary

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault has returned from the COP26 summit full of enthusiasm and big plans. As a former Greenpeace activist, Guilbeault surely enjoyed his week in Glasgow rubbing shoulders with the worlds top environmental virtue signallers. Feeling invigorated, he is doubtless eager to act soon in cracking down on the petrochemical industry that he has so long abhorred.

Guilbeault stated on Twitter on Nov. 12: Indigenous peoples have been stewards of this planet since time immemorial. The fight against climate change is not possible without their knowledge and leadership. Any agreement on a path forward must protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. Full stop.

A bold proclamation indeed, but does he really mean it?

What if Guilbeaults plans to phase out Canadas oil and gas sector clash with the rights of indigenous peoples? Do Canadas indigenous citizens have the right to pursue prosperity for themselves through the development of natural resources on their traditional lands?

The petrochemical sector is one of the top employers of indigenous people. While indigenous people make up 3.3 percent of Canadas workforce overall, they take a 7.4 percent share of the countrys oil and gas workers. Will Guilbeault take those tens of thousands of jobs into consideration as he pursues policies with the intent of shutting down the oil and gas sector?

Canadas petrochemical industry has forged some solid and mutually beneficial relationships with many First Nations. In 2019, the oilsands industry spent $2.4 billion in procurement from indigenous businesses. These partnerships and business relationships have been bringing numerous indigenous communities closer to financial independence in the last decade than a century of government programs have. Will the rights of the owners of those indigenous businesses be protected from Guilbeaults climate crusade?

Indigenous people hold a close relationship with their environment and consider themselves to be stewards of their land. This doesnt mean that all indigenous people are in opposition to natural resource development. Resources can be developed responsibly, and the energy sector has partnered with indigenous populations in order to ensure that. Will Guilbeault respect the knowledge and leadership of indigenous people who support responsible oil and gas development?

Canadas indigenous people have long been taken advantage of by environmental activists. Indigenous rights are often used as a rationale when protesting against development, but urban environmentalists rarely actually dedicate time to consulting the indigenous people they claim to speak for.

There is no monolithic view held by indigenous people for or against petrochemical development. It is insulting to assume that diversity of thought and opinion doesnt exist among the indigenous population. Many environmental activists maintain a wrongheaded notion that indigenous people oppose all modern development and want to live in some sort of subsistence-based lifestyle on isolated reserves. But, like anyone else, indigenous people have ambition and want to enjoy the comforts and opportunities that modern resource development provides. One will never find universal consensus among a community on an issue such as local resource development. The will of the majority in the region needs to be determined and respected.

It has been repugnant watching environmental activists using a small minority of indigenous opponents as a means to block progress on the Coastal GasLink pipeline in B.C. Energy companies spent years negotiating agreements and partnerships with every single First Nations band impacted by the development. Thousands of indigenous citizens have been benefiting from the construction of the gas line as well as the LNG terminal in Kitimat that it will be feeding. Indigenous communities have been divided as environmental activists try to use traditional hereditary chiefs as a tool to overrule the will of the majority of indigenous citizens in the area. Activists pay lip service to the concept of consultation with indigenous people while only recognizing the views of the minority of their preference.

Indigenous views vary regionally as well. Mohawks from Ontario should have no more say in the development of B.C. resources than Haida members in B.C. should have on the lobster fishery in Nova Scotia. Seeking the wisdom and leadership of indigenous people when modelling policies is a good principle, but it is no simple task.

Steven Guilbeault has made no secret of his intent to shut down Canadas oil and gas sector. In 2001, he illegally scaled Torontos CN Tower and hung a banner to make that point. While he claims that the protection of the rights of Canadas indigenous peoples must be considered paramount when setting his path to fighting climate change, it is hard to believe. Clearly, Guilbaults intent to shut down the petrochemical sector is going to clash with the rights of thousands of indigenous people who are invested in and dependent on the industry.

When the inevitable conflict comes between Guilbeaults environmental ideology and the rights of indigenous people, which side will he take? I suspect that his proclaimed concerns for indigenous rights will suddenly be forgotten.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping raises his glass after a speech by Premier Li Keqiang at a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 30, 2021. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

With Historical Resolution, Xi Angles for a Third Term as Communist Party Chief

News Analysis

Following a three-day plenary session, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership on Nov. 11 announced the passage of a historical resolution touting the political achievements of General Secretary Xi Jinping, in addition to the major achievements and historical experience of the CCP over its 100-year history.

The Partys 19th Central Committee began its Sixth Plenum on Nov. 8, with state news agency Xinhua releasing a communique from the plenum announcing the major points of the meeting on the day of its conclusion.

Titled Resolution on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century, the resolution is only the third such document to be issued since the Communist Party was founded in 1921. The text of the historical resolution has yet to be released.

According to the communique, Xi led the regime to make new and significant achievements in various undertakings despite communist Chinas relations with the rest of the world having worsened considerably under the combined impact of worldwide changes of a scale unseen in a century and the global coronavirus pandemic.

Promoting Xi

The Sixth Plenum meeting stressed the crucial role of Xis interpretation of Marxism-Leninism, called Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Also, the communique highlighted the importance of upholding Comrade Xi Jinpings core position in Party Central and in the Party as a whole.

Party Central refers to the leadership of the CCP, based in Beijing. The Party counts more than 90 million members in various positions controlling Chinese government and society.

The historical resolution is widely regarded as a means of strengthening Xis authority as he prepares to take a third term as CCP leader. Many China watchers have compared the document with those released by previous communist leadersMao Zedong in 1945 and Deng Xiaoping in 1981.

Going by current political norms, the head of the Party is limited to two five-year terms. However, the Xi leadership has shown no indication of appointing a successor.

Various editorials published in Chinese state mouthpieces before and during the Sixth Plenum have lionized Xi as a driving force behind the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Tony Saich, a China-focused academic at Harvard University, told the Washington Post that the latest historical resolution is geared to say that the Party desperately wants Xi to stay on, will plead with him to stay on, because he is the leader to take China forward.

Alex Dukalskis, a Dublin-based professor of politics and international relations, told the Independent that the documents passage sends an extremely powerful signal of Xis primacy within the Communist Party. The historical resolution, he said, shows that the Chinese leader is unopposed in his desire to rule indefinitely.

A Softer Tone

Not all are convinced that the adoption of a new historical resolution is a clear demonstration of Xis power, or that the 68-year-old enjoys unimpeded authority over the CCP.

In October, after Beijings announcement that the CCP Central Committee would discuss the historical resolution at the plenary session, commentator Wang Xiangwei of the South China Morning Post wrote that Xis document would likely be forward looking about the continuation of Xis rule, rather than focusing on major mistakes and lessons of previous leaders.

According to the Sixth Plenum communique, the historical resolution stresses the role previous leaders played by each promulgating their own interpretations of Marxism to strengthen the CCP and ensure its survival.

This contrasts with the resolutions issued by Mao and Deng, which sharply criticized past rivals. The 1945 resolution repudiated the faction of the CCP that called for closer cooperation with the Soviet Union and upheld the Maoist doctrine of a Chinese communist movement run independently of Moscow. The 1981 resolution under Deng, meanwhile, condemned Maos infamous Cultural Revolution and affirmed the policy of economic reform.

In a Nov. 12 analysis, Will Wo-Lap Lam, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, cited China researcher and dissident Chen Pokong, who argues that Xi has incurred strong resentment from rivals in the Chinese regime over his efforts to build a cult of personality.

According to Lam, this muted opposition could explain the presence of a long paragraph in the communique devoted to the policies of ex-presidents Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, who are well-known as Xis political rivals.

Despite this rivalry, the communique says that Jiangs Three Represents theory united and led the whole Party and the entire nation in upholding the Partys basic theory and line, and helped launch socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Jiang, now 95, and his allies in the CCP are widely understood as having retained political dominance far beyond 2002, when the leader officially handed the reins to successor Hu Jintao.

However, since coming to office in 2012, Xi has run a nonstop anti-corruption campaign, purging hundreds of senior Chinese officials linked to Jiangs faction.

According to analysts at SinoInsider, a New York-based risk consultancy specializing in Chinese elite politics, Beijings issuance of a relatively soft historical resolution indicates that despite his nine years in office, Xi is unable to root out the influence of the Jiang faction or regime elites who are dissatisfied with the direction of the CCP under Xis rule.

In recent years, attitudes among the international community toward Beijing have darkened considerably, especially amid revelations of mass incarceration of ethnic Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, the suppression of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement, and other signs that the Communist Party remains unreformed in its aim for totalitarian dominance.

And at home, the CCP faces growing economic and social crises, such as a collapsing property market, persistent power shortages, severe demographic decline, and growing resurgences of COVID-19.

The Sixth Plenum can be considered to be an effort by Xi Jinping to openly mobilize and recruit supporters amid the ongoing factional struggle in the CCP elite and in view of the perfect storm of challenges facing Xi and the regime, SinoInsider wrote in a Nov. 11 newsletter.

However, the analysis argues, authority derived from propaganda and not genuine political accomplishments is fleeting and insubstantial.
A sign advertising for new employees with an updated starting salary of $16.75 per hour is seen in the window of a Target store in Hollywood, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2021. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Worker Shortages Drive Companies to Boost Benefits Amid Holiday Hiring

Companies are struggling to hire seasonal workers as they head into the busy holiday season during one of the tightest labor markets in U.S. history.

The number of part-time jobs has increased by 31.4 percent over the past four weeks, according to data from global job search engine Adzuna. The rise coincides with the National Retail Federations estimate that retailers will hire 500,000 to 665,000 seasonal workers, compared to 486,000 last year.

In mid-October, Amazon announced plans for 150,000 seasonal jobs this year. Other retailers are taking on tens of thousands of workers to help stock shelves, serve customers, and carry out holiday deliveries.

Even as the number of jobs spikes, potential workers arent necessarily jumping at the chance to apply.

Retailers have been struggling to fill positions this holiday season, Tina Hawk, senior vice president of Human Resources at GoodHire, told The Epoch Times.

The underlying reasons stem from overarching trends rippling through the economy.

Theres an extremely tight labor shortage that continues to stifle retail in particular, Hawk said. At the same time, were seeing businesses expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of consumerism.

The National Retail Federation forecasts that holiday sales during November and December 2021 will surpass 2020 sales by 8.5 percent to 10.5 percent, for a total ranging from $843.4 billion to $859 billion.

A further obstacle for retailers comes from the sheer number of jobs available. Rather than spending months searching for an opening, potential employees have numerous options to compare.

Workers are feeling more confident about the number of opportunities available and their ability to find another job, meaning if theyre unhappy, theyre now more likely to hand in their two weeks notice, Andrew Hunter, co-founder of Adzuna, told The Epoch Times.

The pandemics toll on the number of workers available has also played a role in the currently limited labor market. Some retired early during COVID-19, due to a decision to live off their savings, or a desire to stay safe and healthy by remaining at home. Still others who lost a job simply chose not to look for a different one.

Another group where weve seen high quit rates is women with young children who have been the hardest hit by pandemic-related school closures, Hunter said.

Even as places reopen, households may not be resuming a life that mirrors their pre-pandemic ways.

The cost of child care remains a blocker for many workers, Hunter added.

Bonuses and Incentives

In their quest to have enough laborers to cover the expected holiday sales surge, companies are getting increasingly creative.

Large retailers are using every idea and incentive they can create to address the current and holiday labor shortages, Rick Haughey, a managing director at Riveron, a national business advisory firm, told The Epoch Times.

Some companies are offering sign-on bonuses, or referral bonuses. Macys announced plans in September to hire approximately 76,000 full- and part-time employees for its Macys, Bloomingdales, and Bluemercury stores, call centers, and distribution and fulfillment centers. Macys also stated that current employees could be eligible to earn a bonus of up to $500 for each family member or friend they refer to join the retailers team.

Meanwhile, Amazon is offering sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000 for seasonal workers. Kohls, which is hiring about 90,000 seasonal employees, stated that new hires are eligible for up to a $400 bonus for working through the holiday season.

Besides offering a monetary amount for signing on, retailers are extending other benefits to encourage workers to stay. These perks go beyond traditional features that were accepted in the past.

Employee discounts are no longer cutting it, Hawk said. While the biggest bonuses and incentives are offered for permanent staff, temporary staff are still benefiting from increased salary options in the current market.

Amazons starting pay for seasonal workers is $18 an hour, with an additional $3 per hour based on shifts in certain locations.

The benefits available at some retailers are tailored to fit the lifestyle many employees seek.

These days, employees are going after much more than financial incentives alone, showing its not only about cash for the modern worker, Hunter said. Instead, people want workplaces that fit better around the rest of their lives, by offering a flexible working culture, a good work-life balance, or benefits such as child care support or enhanced annual leave.

Retailers who tune in to the priorities that have emerged through the pandemic may have an easier time keeping workers.

After dealing with the added stress from the pandemic and work-life boundaries blurring, many Americans have realized the importance of their mental and emotional well-being, Hunter said.

Looking past the holidays, retailers that offer benefits to support this mindset could have an easier time hiring and retaining a workforce.

In the long term, many now value this more than monetary incentives like signing and holiday bonuses, Hunter said.

Giving employees the opportunity to develop new skills and grow in their careers may trend in the coming year.

Some retailers are offering employee benefits packages including tuition reimbursement and the opportunity to transition from seasonal to permanent jobs, Haughey said.

The option to start a job during the holiday season, stay on with new-and-improved benefits, and move up the career ladder may be the recipe that leads to filled positions at retailers around the country.


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NEW CANAAN  Police say they are investigating another home burglary that follows the same pattern of four others that have occurred in the past six weeks.

The latest burglary was reported around 12:30 p.m. Sunday at a Hemlock Hill Road home.

New Canaan police said like the other recent burglaries, a rear glass patio door was broken to gain entry into the home where jewelry and handbags were reported stolen. The incident is also believed to have occurred on Friday, but was not immediately discovered.

The string of burglaries are believed to all have occurred on Fridays and when no one was home, according to police. The burglars targeted jewelry, along with cash, passports and handbags, police said.

The first incident was reported Oct. 1 around 9 p.m., police said, when a Butler Lane home was reported burglarized. Police said a glass door at the rear of the home was smashed to allow entry. The home did not have an alarm system, and jewelry was reported stolen, police said.

The following Friday, two more homes were burglarized, according to police.

The first was reported around 7:30 p.m., when an alarm at a residence on Hoyt Farm Road was activated. Police found a broken rear glass door that was used to gain entry. Police said jewelry and handbags were taken from the home.

Around an hour later, a second home was reported burglarized on Juniper Road. Police said a rear glass door was also broken to gain entry. Police said the home did not have an alarm system, and jewelry, cash and a passport were taken.

The next incident was reported on Oct. 29 around 7 p.m. on Middle Ridge Road. Police said an alarm went off, causing authorities to be alerted to the burglary. A rear patio door was also broken, but nothing of value was taken, according to police.

New Canaan police offered the following tips for homeowners to avoid break-ins:

Be wary of unknown visitors: Unsolicited offers to perform work like driveway or chimney repairs may be a ruse to allow someone to commit a crime. Police recommend confirming the persons employment before allowing them inside.

Know your neighbors: Police advise watching out for neighbors and report anything suspicious to police.

Be discreet about going away: Cancel newspaper deliveries, have someone pick up your mail, and dont leave a message on your answering machine telling people youre away, police warn. Police say to also avoid posting on social media that youre away from home. They said crooks will monitor those to see when people are away.

Dont let landscaping give burglars a place to hide: Hedges, bushes and other plants should be trimmed away from the front of the home to keep from giving criminals a place to work behind, police said.

Dont leave a hidden key: Burglars know where to look for them, police cautioned.

Lights: Set up lights for the perimeter of your home with low-energy lighting and automatic switches, police recommended.

Lock up: Lock your doors and windows before leaving home, police advised.

Mark your valuables: Police suggested using permanent marker or an ultra-violet pen to mark your items with a unique numbers.

Neighborhood watch: Police said to work with neighbors to reduce the risk of burglary.

Security survey: An officer can come to your home or business and look for any ways to improve security.

Cameras: Police said to consider installing a home security camera that covers the outside of your home.

Alarms: Police advised activating alarm systems - even if youre at home - and whenever you leave. Police noted many successful burglaries involved homes that have alarm systems, but werent activated when the theft occurred.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

FAIRFIELD  After a recent scam involving contact tracing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, local health officials are reminding residents about the tracing process in the event of a possible exposure.

Fairfield Health Department officials said Monday they received 12 calls from Connecticut residents who were told to contact their agency about a COVID-19 exposure from Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. The Fairfield officials said they notified the state Department of Public Health about the calls.
NEW DELHI (AP)  India began on Monday allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists to enter the country on regular commercial flights, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions as infections fall and vaccinations rise.

Tourists entering India must be fully vaccinated, follow all COVID-19 protocols and test negative for the virus within 72 hours of their flight, according to the health ministry. Many will also need to undergo a post-arrival COVID-19 test at the airport.

However, travelers from countries which have agreements with India for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates, such as the U.S., U.K. and many European nations, can leave the airport without undergoing a COVID-19 test.

This is the first time India has allowed foreign tourists on commercial flights to enter the country since March 2020, when it imposed one of the toughest lockdowns in the world in an attempt to contain the pandemic. Fully vaccinated tourists on chartered flights were allowed to enter starting last month.

It comes as coronavirus infections have fallen significantly, with daily new cases hovering at just above 10,000 for over a month.

To encourage travelers to visit India, the government plans to issue 500,000 free visas through next March. The moves are expected to boost the tourism and hospitality sector which was battered by the pandemic.

The pandemic devastated the industry but things will return to normal once foreign tourists start to arrive, said Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India.

Mayal said coastal states like Kerala and Goa in the country's south and Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayan north are already witnessing a surge in domestic tourists. All four states are heavily dependent on earnings from tourism, and Mayal said foreign travelers scheduling their visits there would also help lift the local economy.

Tourism is a very resilient industry and the upcoming season looks very promising. We are hopeful of generating more jobs than we lost during the pandemic, she said.

With more than 35 million reported coronavirus infections, India is the second-worst-hit country after the U.S. Active coronavirus cases stand at 134,096, the lowest in 17 months, according to the health ministry.

Nearly 79% of Indias adult population has received at least one vaccine dose while 38% is fully vaccinated. The federal government has asked state administrations to conduct door-to-door campaigns to accelerate the vaccine campaign.

Fewer than 3 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a drop of more than 75% from 2019, when tourism brought nearly $30 billion in earnings.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  Louisiana made $2.9 million in unemployment payments during the coronavirus pandemic that didn't appear to follow state and federal regulations governing the program, according to an audit released Monday.

Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack's office reviewed unemployment benefits handed out from February 2020 through April 2021. The auditors said they identified improper payments the state labor department, known as the Louisiana Workforce Commission, hadn't yet attempted to recollect through August.
STOCKHOLM (AP)  The man who counts the dead sees them everywhere.

Theyre in the handwritten lists of names smuggled out of a region cut off from the world by war. Theyre in the images of people shot and tossed off a cliff, tortured and pushed into a river, left unburied for days.

He has been living with the dead for a year, since war erupted in Ethiopias Tigray region. Tigrayans, a minority of some 6 million, were encircled as a falling-out with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, turned deadly. It became an ethnic clash when Amhara fighters from a neighboring region allied with Ethiopias government poured in.

Many Tigrayans joined the fight. But in his Stockholm apartment, Desta Haileselassie decided to compile a list of Tigrayan victims, name by name.

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This story was funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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It is slow, difficult work. Almost all communication with Tigray has been cut off, and foreign media is banned.

Desta issued pleas on social media for help. He made dozens of phone calls, then hundreds more.

There are days when I end up crying the whole evening, Desta says softly. This is the least I can do to help my people.

Now, a year on, he has confirmed 3,080 names of the dead. The Associated Press has verified 30 of them, speaking with families and friends.

Victim Number 2,171 was Gebretsadkan Teklu Gebreyesus, shot dead by soldiers in the presence of his two young sons. Victim 1,599, Zeray Asfaw, was a bridegroom pulled from his wedding party and killed. Victim Number 2,915 was Amdekiros Aregawi Gebru, an ambulance driver gunned down while driving a woman in labor to a clinic.

Destas list does not include ethnic Amhara, some of the wars latest victims after Tigray forces started moving toward Ethiopias capital.

A team of investigators with the Amhara Association of America has its own list of Amhara killed, which has reached 1,994.

Experts say the lists represent just a fraction of the dead.

Desta is certain that every Tigrayan has lost someone. But the thought of adding one name especially close to him is too much to bear. It brings him to tears every time she is mentioned.

He calls her Amlishaway.

She is his mother.

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Victim Number 51: Haben Sahle

Destas list includes 102 children.

Haben Sahle, 15 years old, was a top student in the border town of Zalambessa. Weeks after the war began, a trio of Ethiopian Orthodox priests broke the news of his death to his relatives in California.

But it took five more months for his uncle Angesom to reach his sister by phone for details. She told him Ethiopian soldiers, and allied ones from Eritrea, were killing men and teenage boys.

She tried to hide Haben Sahle, but the soldiers fired into their home and killed the boy.

If this is not genocide, Angesom says, there will be nothing that will be labeled as genocide.

More than 90% of the names on Destas list are of men and boys, reflecting accounts that they were often singled out for killing.

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Victim Number 70: Sibhat Berhe Desta. Killed with other civilians by the Eritrean soldiers near Goda Bottle and Glass Share Company.

On Dec. 23, a phone connected. It was Destas brother in the Tigray capital, and he was in tears.

Eritrean soldiers had forced their uncle Sibhat Berhe Desta and 18 other relatives to do manual labor, then killed them. Family members were forbidden to bury the bodies for 20 days, a grotesque practice meant as further insult to the dead.

Desta has not yet grieved. First, the fighting must end, he says.

Until then, he worries about his mother.

Shes a very brave woman, and shes my best friend, Desta says.

In December he was shocked to hear that with no other way to communicate inside Tigray, his mother had walked more than 130 kilometers, or 80 miles, to the regional capital, Mekele, to see whether relatives were still alive.

In her late 50s, she hiked through mountainous terrain, sometimes sleeping in caves, taking part in a perilous migration by many Tigrayans searching for loved ones in the chaos.

She could have been killed any second, Desta thought.

On Jan. 4, or 62 days after the war began, he finally reached his mother by phone.

As they slipped back into daily conversations, he hit record each time.

He feared each call might be their last.

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Victim Numbers 333 and 334: Meaza Goshu and Kalayou Berhe. Killed a few days after their wedding.

Victim Number 1,577: Aba Gebreselassie. He was an Orthodox Christian monk.

The death toll is one of the biggest unknowns of Ethiopias war.

Among the worlds most successful projects in counting the dead is The Kosovo Memory Book. It is a near-comprehensive, well-funded list of people killed in a war that lasted for less than two years. But it is updated even now.

Determining Ethiopias death toll will be considerably more difficult, says Michael Spagat, chair of the nonprofit Every Casualty Counts. With communications links severed, its impossible to conduct even a standard sample survey of households. The warring sides have claimed tens of thousands of deaths among fighters alone.

Spagat puts the chances of reaching a final toll at possibly never.

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Victim on the Amhara side: Mekonen Girma, a farmer

Much of the war now occurs in the Amhara region. Tewodrose Tirfe, the chairman of the Amhara Association of America, is trying to learn how many people are being killed.

We just dont have the bandwidth to investigate every atrocity, he says.

His team seeks out survivors like Zewditu Tikuye, who says her husband, Mekonen Girma, was killed in July as Tigray forces swept in. He had stayed behind with their cattle.

I wish I died with him, she says. Now she raises seven children alone.

Amhara and Tigrayans had lived peacefully for many years, she says. She is not sure they can coexist in the future.

Tewodrose believes as many people as possible should document the horrors of the war.

But his group only counts Amhara. And Desta only counts Tigrayans.

I have to prioritize my people, Desta says.

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Victim Number 3,081: Yet to come

Its impossible not to fear the worst.

Starvation is sweeping Tigray under the blockade. Tigray forces have approached the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopias government calls it an existential war.

Desta hasnt spoken with his mother since June 26, when the phone no longer rang through.

Alone in his apartment, he turns to his recorded calls from his mother in Tigray.

He presses play.

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Anna reported from Nairobi, Kenya.

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Ethiopia coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/ethiopia-erasing-ethnicity
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  A groom at his wedding, a construction worker and father of four, an ambulance driver: All three are among the thousands who have died in Ethiopias brutal year-long war that began in Tigray.

The death toll is one of the biggest unknowns of the war. But a man in the diaspora has confirmed the deaths of more than 3,000 ethnic Tigrayans, the victims of much of the violence as Ethiopian and allied forces fight Tigray ones.

On the other side, a diaspora group has confirmed close to 2,000 deaths of ethnic Amhara as Tigray forces push toward Ethiopia's capital. Experts call both tallies a small fraction of the true toll.

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This story was funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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Here are some of their stories:

Victim Number 940: Mulugeta Girmay

The soldiers came to Mulugeta Girmays home in Tigray while he was watching television with his wife and child. They took him away, beat him and left his body outside the police station.

Girmay Tesfay, his brother in Germany, wishes he knew more. But phone access to Tigray is often cut off and the government is accused of listening in on calls.

My cousins say, We are afraid of telling you everything by phone, he says.

Girmay says his brother raised sheep and knew little of Ethiopias political tensions.

Girmay was delighted when Abiy Ahmed became Ethiopias prime minister in 2018 and introduced political reforms that led in part to his Nobel prize the following year. But the war, and Ethiopias harsh treatment of ordinary Tigrayans, has changed Girmays thinking.

Its life and death, he says. Nobody can win.

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Victim Number 1,599: Zeray Asfaw

Life, and love, have continued despite the war. In late January, Zeray Asfaw was celebrating his wedding in a village outside the holy city of Axum.

But Eritrean soldiers allied with the Ethiopian government came to the house where the wedding party had gathered, a friend recalls. They locked the women inside, then killed all the men, according to the friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. The soldiers forbade the survivors to bury the bodies for three days.

The best man, construction worker Ezgineamin Legesse, was among those killed.

He had nothing to do with politics, the friend says. He had two kids. Hardworking. I was angry. I still hurt.

He has lost at least 10 of his own friends and five of his family to the war.

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Amhara victim: Alemu Kassaw

Alemu Kassaw was a road construction worker and the father of four children. His wife says Tigray fighters found him on the street and killed him when he was trying to flee their community of Kobo in July.

I was told over the phone by my mothers cousin, the wife, Shewaye Taye, says.

She had fled ahead of her husband to the city of Dessie. She thought he had escaped, but the news of his death abruptly ended her desperate hunt for him among the displaced. Now, like hundreds of thousands in the Amhara region uprooted by the Tigray forces recent advance, she feels lost and alone.

I think this war is endless, she says.

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Victim Number 348: Berhe Akelom

Lawyer Berhe Akelom and judge Teklit Gebrehiwet were friends and leaders in the legal community of Humera, one of the first places to see fighting.

When colleagues hadnt heard from Berhe, they went to his home. His neighbors said Ethiopian soldiers had come to Berhes door, pounded on it and asked him to come out, then shot him.

He was not a member of any political party, Teklit says. I think the reason he was killed was military forces in Ethiopia want to eradicate all educated people in Tigray.

When his friend died, Teklit fled to Sudan. He has since learned that his property was ransacked, and he no longer has a home. He knows at least 30 people killed in the war, including his father and brother-in-law.

We are not lucky, Teklit says.

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Victim Number 190: Mulu Gebremedhin

Mulu Gebremedhin, who worked at a butcher shop in Axum, was one of several hundred people killed by Eritrean soldiers in the deadliest known massacre of the war.

His younger brother, Zelalem, heard about his brothers death nearly a month later, on Christmas Day. They killed him in front of his house, before his 8-year-old son.

The family, including Mulus son, young daughter and pregnant wife, had been at church when gunshots sent the congregation fleeing. They reached home, but the Eritrean soldiers found Mulu in their house-to-house searches.

He was a good guy, a very decent guy, Zelalem says, beginning to weep. He never fought all his life.

By the time he reached Mulus wife by phone weeks later, she had given birth to a baby boy. She had also moved from their home to flee the memories.

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Victim Number 2,915: Amdekiros Aregawi Gebru

On Nov. 22, Amdekiros, or Andom, an ambulance driver with the local Red Cross society, was taking a woman in labor to the hospital in the town of Adwa when Eritrean soldiers stopped him.

He tried to explain the situation, but they are very cruel, his brother says, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. They shot him.

Andom managed to bandage his wound and take the pregnant woman to the hospital, but he bled to death. His brother, who lives in the regional capital, Mekele, didnt learn about his death for another month or so because of poor phone connections and no public transport.

Its painful, you know? the brother says. Its hard for every Tigrayan.

Andom left behind two children, a boy and a girl.
EDWARDSVILLE -- The Edwardsville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in Memory of Harry E. Windland.

This $2,500 award will go to a graduating senior at Edwardsville High School who will attend a technical or vocational school.

ECF is proud to remember Mr. Harry E. Windland, who was known in Champaign, Illinois, as the man who could fix anything.

Harry E. Windland (1913-1998) was born in Mounds, Illinois. During the Great Depression, he worked a variety of construction and mechanical jobs until the economy improved.

Except for his time as an Electricians Mate in the US Navy during WWII, Mr. Windland was self-employed for 25 years while becoming a master in all of the building trades. He went on to own Mounds Supply Company, a supplier of plumbing, heating and electrical materials.

He ended his career in the maintenance department of Champaign public schools, where he became the chief mechanic. The sponsors for this scholarship are Harry K. and Carol A. Windland, Harry E. Windland's son and daughter-in-law.

There is a pervasive idea in America that everyone must have a degree from a four-year college to have a successful career. Nothing could be further from the truth. A career in the skilled trades offers immense satisfaction at seeing ones effort materialize in making something or restoring something to its original condition, Harry K. Windland said.

ECF looks forward to administering this award for the benefit of EHS seniors who will pursue a vocational or technical education, Pam Farrar, ECF Executive Director, said.

We know that trades such as plumbing, carpentry or HV/AC are in demand and this award supports individuals to pursue these fields, Farrar added.

Criteria for the award include a genuine interest in the building trades, a brief essay, a letter of recommendation and competent communication skills. Applications for this award are available at the EHS Guidance office and are due January 31, 2022.

Donations to the Harry K. & Carol A. Windland Building Trades Scholarship in memory of Harry E. Windland can be made online at: https://edwardsvillecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1462 or mail to ECF-Windland Building Trades Scholarship, PO Box 102, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

Edwardsville Community Foundation, established in 1997, is a charitable trust that receives, manages, and distributes tax-deductible charitable contributions for the benefit of the residents in District 7 communities.

For more information, call 855-464-3224 or visit www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  As pandemic-related supply shortages drive gas prices to record highs across the country, a Democrat seeking to become South Carolina's next governor is suggesting a temporary halt of the state's gas tax as a way to alleviate cost burdens at the pump.

Joe Cunningham previewed his proposal in an interview with The Associated Press, saying he'd utilize federal relief aid and the state's budget surplus to keep tax-funded infrastructure projects on track.

A suspension would also require approval from a Republican-controlled Legislature that's technically out of session until January  and which overwhelmingly passed the tax in the first place, more than four years ago, with bipartisan support. Cunningham argued that lawmakers' adjournment allows them to return to Columbia to debate any measure related to the pandemic.

"Weve got to get creative on how we lessen the burden on South Carolina families," Cunningham told the AP. This is a no brainer.

South Carolina currently has a gas tax of just more than a quarter per gallon, part of a multiyear phase-in of a law passed by formidable majorities in 2017. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster fulfilled his pledge to veto any increase, but lawmakers in both chambers combined to overturn that move by more than 80%.

Cunningham said his suspension could save South Carolina drivers about $5 for each fill-up of a 20-gallon (75-liter) tank. The former one-term congressman, who planned to roll out his proposal later Monday, said his plan would last through the fiscal year, which ends June 30, about two weeks after the state's primary elections.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline decreased by a penny last week to $3.41, according to the AAA, but the agency warned that consumer prices would likely stay high as long as oil prices remain higher than $80 per barrel.

South Carolina's per-gallon gas price had one of the largest over-the-week decreases, dropping two cents, to $3.14 for a gallon of regular. According to AAA, that's still 10 cents higher than a month ago, and up from $1.90 at this time last year.

The gas tax had been debated for decades before finally becoming law as a way to fund billions in infrastructure projects.

To pay for the tax shortfall while keeping those efforts on track, Cunningham said he'd propose using federal pandemic relief money, as well as some state funding.

South Carolina's Board of Economic Advisers said last week that state lawmakers would have nearly $1 billion more to spend this budget year than expected, thanks to a quick recovery from the economic shock of the pandemic, and people spending money much faster than experts predicted.

The windfall boosts the money controlled by the General Assembly to nearly $11 billion, not counting the roughly $3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money coming to South Carolina.

House and Senate leaders have not officially called lawmakers back to either chamber before January's session convenes. The window on such a move is tightening, although it's still possible.

Cunningham, who will face other fellow Democrats in next June's primary, has been focusing his campaign thus far on McMaster, who is seeking his second full term in office. Like Nikki Haley before him, McMaster was vehement in his opposition to efforts to raise the gas tax.

South Carolina is a great place  and you deserve better than this, he said, in an online video explaining his veto.

On Monday, McMaster's campaign manager laid blame for climbing gas prices at the foot of Democratic President Joe Biden, whom Cunningham supported.

The governor vetoed the increase on gas taxes, so hes clearly not in favor of them  but lets be clear here: since Joe Biden took office the average price of gasoline in this country has increased by more than a full dollar, Mark Knoop told AP. Joe Cunninghams friends have created this problem, and hes certainly not capable of fixing it.

Asked if he felt McMaster and other Republicans would support his proposal, Cunningham said the tax cut should transcend partisanship.

The question in my mind isnt why would we do it; its why should we not do it, Cunningham said. McMaster's administration has been bankrupt on solutions.

___

Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
GLEN CARBON - As part of the village's response to the boil order that residents have been under for nearly a week, the village's utility department began flushing fire hydrants Monday.

Low chlorine levels in the water system triggered the boil order last Tuesday afternoon and despite daily testing since then, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has not allowed the village to lift the restrictions.
Lee Brozgol Essex Delancey Street Subway Installation, BW Lee Brozgol 1991

This story was written by Lee Brozgols son, author (and TLD contributor) Royal Young.

Legendary Lower East Side local artist Lee Brozgol passed away last month on October 3, 2021.

Brozgol was a pioneer of Lower East Side arts. His pencil drawings of the Lower East Side in the early 1980s, as well as his deep involvement with local activist causes and communities made him a neighborhood figure with an integral perspective on the changing cityscape.

Brozgols mural in the J/M/Z/F Delancey and Essex Street Subway station debuted in 1991. Called The House I Live In, this public work celebrated the diverse Latinx, Black, Jewish and Asian communities that made his neighborhood a vibrant and thriving place. These colorfully painted panels are on permanent display in the lobby of University Settlement on Eldridge Street, down the block from where Brozgol lived and worked.

The Rebels of The Greenwich Village Mural, 1994

Brozgols iconic mosaic murals in the Christopher Street 1/9 subway, which went up in 1994, have inspired New Yorkers for over 25 years. Made with kids from PS 41, they show the exciting alternative history of Greenwich Village, including the Stonewall uprising, activists like Emma Goldman, and Washington Square Parks troubled past as a slave burial ground.

In addition to his art practice, Brozgol was a social worker. He worked at FROSTED on Allen and Houston, immersing himself in helping those in his community who were HIV positive and struggling with addiction.

Through the 90s, Brozgol joined coalitions to revitalize Sara D. Roosevelt Park, spending weekends with his young sons cleaning up hypodermic needles and broken glass and planting flowers. He advocated for the unhoused, for the mentally troubled, for public arts, for freedom of expression for all.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire memorial, Lee Brozgol 1995

In 1995, Brozgol envisioned a surreal public monument to the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. In a photograph taken on Delancey Street, Brozgol showed his proposal: an Eiffel Tower-like structure, covered in flowering trumpet vine.

He proposed this 984 foot-tall memorial, which would also widen Sarah D. Roosevelt Park, plant trees from Forsyth Street all the way to the Williamsburg Bridge and create a green, thriving space that could serve the community while honoring its history.

A perpetual outsider, a Jewish man who was drawn to the immigrant experience, Brozgol represents the Lower East Side he loved in beauty and sometimes devastatingly dark detail.

Woman on Fireescape, Lee Brozgol LES 1980

His astute interest in people and the human psyche was a key element in both of his professions. Brozgol analyzed the human condition through art that is raw and edgy. His intricate, expressive drawings of downtown Manhattan combine whimsy with the harsh realities of capitalism.

Tenement Stairs, Lee Brozgol LES 1980

An artist, activist and visionary who saw the beauty in imperfection, Brozgols work is a portrait of the Lower East Side through shifting decades and demographics.

Stuffed Bear, Lee Brozgol LES 1980

Brozgol paints a diverse and rich world, presenting one iconoclastic artists lens of his loved ones, friends, neighbors and home.

For more of Brozgols art and Lower East Side history follow his Instagram @elbrozzie
Darasamuth School closed over infections

PHUKET: Darasamuth Phuket School has closed for seven days after a cluster of seven students and one home room teacher were found to be infected with COVID-19.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By The Phuket News

Monday 15 November 2021, 10:25AM

Image: Darasamuth Phuket School

The school announced the closure late yesterday afternoon (Nov 14).

This last week we have seen 8 new cases of positive for Covid-19 infections. One student from Kindergarten class 3/5 received a positive test result. The student in question has been off school since November 2nd, and therefore did not put the rest of the students in KG 3/5 at risk, the school said in its announcement.

Another student in IEP 5/8 Group A. Five students in EP 4/9, who were considered HRC and became positive while in home quarantine, as well as one homeroom teacher who also tested positive while doing home quarantine.

The students as well as their teacher have been in home quarantine since Tuesday November 9th, the announcement added.

Public health personnel from the Laem Chan Health Center in Wichit on Saturday assisted administering ATK tests to teaching staff, kitchen staff and school bus drivers. All had negative test results, the announcement said.

A mass cleaning and sterilisation of all classrooms, offices and common areas in every building around the school was carried out on Saturday, supervised by Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor), the school confirmed.

The school will now remain closed through Sunday, Nov 21 for further deep cleaning of all classrooms, offices and common areas and air conditioning units and to allow the air to clear and the remaining virus to die down, the school said.

Onsite learning will be postponed and distance online learning will commence from today via Zoom.

All students will follow normal Mon-Fri schedule for this week during Zoom sessions. Students will not be split into Group A and B for studying, the school administrators explained.

High risk contact students as well as teachers will undergo another round of testing and report the results to the school.

Low risk contact students and teachers are to monitor their symptoms daily and report any findings to the school as soon as possible.

On November 20th and 21st 2021 the school will provide another round of ATK tests for students and will cover the costs for these tests. Any students who are absent on the above dates will need to provide a negative Covid-19 test certificate to their homeroom teachers before returning to school, the school confirmed.

We at Darasamuth Phuket School are concerned for the health and safety of all students and staff, as well as any person who has contact with our school, hence, we are following strict guidelines to comply with The Department of Health policies, the school administrators assured.

We want to remind parents and students to keep yourself and those around you safe, by taking extra precautions when going out in public, avoid crowded areas, wear masks and wash your hands often, and report to us any symptoms that could be a cause for concern.

Of note, no government officials have reported any clusters of infections at any schools in Phuket. The notice by Darasamuth School was shared by the Phuket Info Center, operated by the Phuket office of the Ministry of Interior, only after the school made the announcement.

The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) has yet to publicly recognise the cluster, and the PPAO has yet to report any action being taken at the school.

The Phuket News was informed by a concerned parent over the weekend of 13 young students at Baan Sapam School in Koh Kaew being taken to hospitel quarantine after confirmation of infections there.

The concerned parent provided photos of the students being accompanied by adults onto songtaew buses provided by Koh Kaew Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBotTor) as they were being taken to quarantine.

No officials in Phuket have publicly recognised any infections at the school.
Deputy Interior Minister assures enough water for coming tourists, dry season

PHUKET: Deputy Minister of Interior Songsak Thongsri has assured that Phuket has enough fresh water reserves to cope with any increase in demand from tourists and see island residents through the coming dry season without any emergency measures.

Water-Supplytourismweather

By The Phuket News

Monday 15 November 2021, 02:50PM

Mr Songsak was on the island to lead a delegation to inspect the main reservoirs at Bang Wad in Kathu and the and the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong yesterday (Nov 14).

He also led an inspection of the Phuket branch of the Provincial Waterworks Authority main office, also located near the Bang Wad reservoir, to be updated on the current status of the water supply system feeding homes and businesses on the island.

Mr Songsak noted that the country reopening to receiving tourists under the new schemes launched on Nov 1 will have an impact on Phukets water reserves.

However, he told the press yesterday, The total volume of water from all three sources [including the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn] is approximately 22 million cubic metres.

Its an exciting number, because although the overall picture of Phuket uses about 36 million cubic meters of water per year, the amount of water in the three reservoirs is now considered to be sufficient to meet the demand for water in the four months of the dry season, from February to May, he said.

And now that the country has opened [to tourists], it is believed that Phuket will be a tourist destination with a large number of tourists, and the service of the water supply will certainly not be a problem, Mr Songsak assured.

And please believe that during the coming drought, Phuket will definitely not suffer from water shortages, he added.

Mr Songsak reminded the press of the project to supplement Phukets water supply with the construction of a pipeline from a reservoir in Phang Nga that has been dedicated to supporting Phukets water needs, ensuring that the government has given priority to water management, and trust in the supervision and budget allocation to drive growth in all sectors, especially the tourism sector.

Mr Songsaks assurances comes as work on the pipeline from Phang Nga continues, though a detailed update has not been presented to the public for over a year. At last report work on the pipeline from the reservoir had stalled.

In May last year Phuket PWA Chief Graisorn Mahamad confirmed that rains had helped replenish the islands main reservoirs. Recently, there has been more rain in Phuket, but there is still not much water in the reservoirs, he said.

However, he added, The water situation has been gradually improving, but the situation is still considered critical.

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew in July last year attended a meeting with a Cabinet committee to help gain momentum in resolving Phukets crippling water-supply situation.

By November last year, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan at a meeting in Phuket ordered the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) to investigate and expedite projects to resolve Phukets recurring water shortage crisis, including to instigate progress in the much-delayed mains supply pipeline from Phang Nga.

However, by that time the weather itself brought a reprieve. Heavy rains helped to replenish the islands three main reservoirs to healthy levels, meaning island residents were spared water shortages for the rest of the year.

The lack of tourists and heavy rains this year have ensured island residents were not left without running water this year.

At the height of Phukets water crisis, the Royal Thai Army dispatched trucks from other provinces throughout Southern Thailand to deliver water to hard-struck communities across Phuket.

Large water tanks were installed and repeatedly refilled in affected communities, where residents in areas such as along Soi Kingkaew in Rassada were forced to carry water back to their homes by hand for months.
Greeting billboards vandalised ahead of PMs arrival in Krabi

KRABI: Several billboards with greetings for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha were slashed and torn ahead of his arrival in this southern province today (Nov 15) for a mobile cabinet meeting tomorrow.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Monday 15 November 2021, 03:26PM

The destroyed poster welcoming Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to Krabi at the Andaman Cultural Learning Centre in Muang district, Krabi, today (Nov 15). Photo: Thai PBS.

At 1:58am, the 191 emergency centre received a call informing police that a billboard in front of the Andaman Cultural Learning Centre had been destroyed, reports the Bangkok Post. A police team was rushed to the spot.

Investigators said two young men had arrived in two cars, a bronze Toyota and a green Honda cars, both without registration plates. Witnesses said they attacked the billboard then drove off past the Riverside Hotel and disappeared.

A few other greetings billboards were also reported to have been damaged and torn overnight, apparently by people who dislike the prime minister.

Gen Prayut, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda and Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin left at 8am this morning on a flight from Wing 6 at Don Muang military airport in Bangkok, heading for Krabi international airport in Nua Khlong district.

They were greeted on arrival by governor Puthapong Sirimat, local officials and 12 southern Palang Pracharath MPs.

At the airport, the prime minister was briefed on the progress of improvments to the passenger terminal.

In addition to the mobile the cabinet meeting tomorrow, Prayut and his cabinet are scheduled to visit projects in Krabi and Trang provinces on Nov 15-16.
National health deputy inspects Bangla

PHUKET: Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Dr Kajonsak Kaewjarat has visited Phuket in person to inspect the COVID prevention measures in effect along Bangla Rd, Patong.

COVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismalcoholpatong

By The Phuket News

Monday 15 November 2021, 01:18PM

The popular street, famed for its nightlife venues, has seen a mild resurgence in the number of visitors since the Nov 1 reopening of the country that launched the Test & Go entry scheme.

Although promoted as a no quarantine policy, the Test & Go allows vaccinated travellers to enter Thailand with one night in hotel quarantine while waiting for their COVID tests results.

Dr Kajornsak, who has previously served as Chief of the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO), arrived in Phuket to review COVID prevention measures last Thursday, the PPHO announced in a report posted on Saturday night (Nov 13).

Joined by current PPHO Chief Dr Kusak Kiattaikoon and PPHO Deputy Chief Dr Anon Kaewbamrung, Dr Kajornsak led officials from the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and from the Phuket office of the Department of Disease Control in conducting the inspections along Bangla Rd, the PPHO report said.

The inspection team also visited establishments, shops and restaurants in Phuket Town, the report added.

The purpose of the inspections were to carry out the PPHO campaign to inform patrons and operators of venues of the regulations under the Alcohol Control Act B.E. 2551 and related laws.

The inspection teams also aimed to raise awareness, recognise and motivate for business owners and the public as well as give advice on various practices to comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, the report added.

The PPHO report marked no infections at any of the venues inspected, and reported no breaches of any laws or regulations of any kind.

However, The Phuket News over the weekend was informed of a cluster of eight infections at one restaurant on Bangla Rd, where the infected have been asked to stay at home.

The inspections come as the number of tourists arriving on the island has risen since Nov 1.

According to the Phuket Reopening Daily Report issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), from Nov 1-14 a total of 10,130 people have arrived in Phuket under the Test & Go scheme, compared with 5,769 people who have arrived under the Sandbox scheme.

A further 56 arrivals entered Alternative Quarantine while five arrivals were in transit only.

Yesterday alone (Nov 14) saw 1,776 Test & Go arrivals, along with 364 Sandbox arrivals and five Alternative Quarantine arrivals, all arriving on 13 international flights, marked the report.

In total, 76,576 people have entered the country under the Test & Go scheme since Nov 1, the report noted.
Protester shot in chest at Bangkok rally

BANGKOK: A man was shot in the chest during a rally yesterday (Nov 14) against a Constitutional Court ruling after key protest leaders were accused of trying to bring down the constitutional monarchy.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Monday 15 November 2021, 08:41AM

Demonstrators gather at Pathumwan intersection before moving on to the German embassy on Sathon Road with a statement opposing the court ruling that they claimed will bring about the return of absolute monarchy. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul

The man was shot in front of the Forensic Medicine Institute of Police General Hospital in Bangkok at 5:12pm and was rushed out of the area for treatment, following several gunshot sounds, reports the Bangkok Post.

The protest was staged at Democracy Monument at 3pm and led by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, the Thalu Fah Group, the Democracy Restoration Group, the Ratsadon movement, and the Coalition of Salaya for Democracy, Supporter Thailand, We Volunteer and Campaigning for a Peoples Constitution groups.

Afterwards, the rally moved on to Pathumwan intersection. Marchers had also intended to visit the German embassy in Sathon district to submit a petition to reform the highest institution.

However, police had already blocked the lanes in and out of Pathumwan intersection.

Protesters then blocked more traffic while giving speeches.

The group also held aloft nine straw effigies dressed in black to represent the judicial officials who ruled that Arnon Nampa, Panupong Mike Jadnok and Panusaya Rung Sithijirawattanakul aimed to bring down the constitutional monarchy.

The court had ordered them to cease all actions deemed threatening to the democratic system with the King as head of state. They burned the effigies at the intersection.

The protesters claimed that the Constitutional Courts ruling is bringing the country back to an absolute monarchy and they were opposing it.

At 6:20pm, protesters reached the German embassy to submit a statement opposing the court ruling.

Three representatives were allowed into the embassy premises to hand in the statement.

It was the second rally outside the embassy, following a demonstration on Oct 26 last year that led to the indictment of 13 leaders on lese majeste and other charges.
Thailand takes up Apec baton

BANGKOK: Thailand is ready to take over the baton of hosting the 2022 Apec chairmanship from New Zealand, as the prime minister declared the 2022 Apec theme "Open. Connect. Balance".

politics

By Bangkok Post

Monday 15 November 2021, 12:45PM

Paddle me a river: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, holds a waka paddle given by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, above, as he takes over the Apec chairmanship in a virtual meeting last Friday (Nov 12). Photo: via Bangkok Post

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha attended the remote handover of the Apec chairmanship from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday evening (Nov 12).

Ms Ardern said the 2021 theme of Apec, which is Join, Work, Grow. Together, was inspired by the native Maori population, reports the Bangkok Post.

Traditionally, building a waka [canoe] involved the entire Maori community working in harmony toward a common goal. These waka enabled Maori to traverse vast expanses of ocean, Ms Ardern said.

Likewise, building Apec prosperity requires a collaborative effort from all Apec economies to reach a common goal. New Zealand is thankful for being able to support Apec through hosting the 2021 Apec.

She added that with the handover of the Apec chairmanship in 2022 to Thailand, New Zealand was confident that Thailand would paddle the Apec canoe forward with enthusiasm, creativity, and ingenuity.

Meanwhile, PM Prayut thanked New Zealand for handing over the waka paddler for Thailand to propel forward the Apec canoe. He said the country is honoured to be hosting Apec in 2022, and would work with Apec economies to ensure mutual benefit.

He also invited the Apec leaders to synergise their strength in creating an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Apec community.

He explained the 2022 theme of Open. Connect. Balance, as Apec being open to all opportunities, connected in every dimension, and balanced in all aspects.
Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Cloudy and damp with rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. High 56F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 4C. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low -5C. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  The Swedish Academy that chooses the Nobel Laureates in Literature said Monday it was following the case against Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, who is under investigation for allegedly insulting modern Turkeys founder in his latest novel.

In a brief statement, the Swedish Academy said it expects Turkey to respect its international commitments and that it was monitoring the treatment that Pamuk  who won the literature prize in 2006  was receiving in the country.

Turkish authorities launched an investigation into Pamuk earlier this year after a lawyer based in Izmir, western Turkey, claimed that the author insulted Turkeys founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in his latest novel, Nights of Plague. The lawyer claimed that passages in the novel were in violation of laws that protect Ataturks memory.

The investigation initially resulted in a decision not to prosecute, but the lawyer appealed the decision and the probe has been reopened.

Pamuk and his publishing company, Yapi Kredi Yayincilik, have denied claims that the novel insults Ataturk.

In the Nights of Plague, which I worked on for 5 years, there is no disrespect for the heroic founders of the nation states," Bianet news website quoted Pamuk as saying. On the contrary, the novel was written with respect and admiration for these libertarian and heroic leaders.

Turks still revere Ataturk, who carved out modern Turkey from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire in the wake of World War I.

Before winning the Nobel prize, Pamuk stood trial in Turkey on charges of insulting Turkishness after telling a Swiss newspaper that 1 million Armenians were killed on Turkish territory in the early 20th century.

Historians estimate that, in the last days of the Ottoman Empire, up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks in what is widely regarded as the first genocide of the 20th century.

While Turkey concedes that many died in that era, the country has rejected the term genocide, saying the death toll is inflated and the deaths resulted from civil unrest during the Ottoman Empires collapse.

The trial against Pamuk was later dismissed over a technicality.
EDWARDSVILLE  An Alton man has been charged with several weapons- and drug-related charges.

Michael D. Mosley, 39, of Alton, was charged Nov. 12 with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, both Class 3 felonies; and reckless discharge of a firearm, a Class 4 felony.

The case was presented by the Alton Police Department.

According to court documents, on Nov. 11 Mosley allegedly was found to have a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun and more tha 30 grams of cannabis. He also allegedly had fired at people in the 300 block of Jefferson.

He has a prior conviction for aggravated unlawful use of weapon out of St. Clair County in 2016, making him ineligible to possess firearms.

Bail was set at $80,000.

Other felony charges filed Nov. 12 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Jason D. Donohoo, 45, of East Alton, was charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Nov. 11 Donohoo allegedly entered a detached garage in the 6100 bloc of N. Illinois 159, Edwardsville, to commit theft. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Kurt T. Rippee, 36, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Nov. 10 Rippee allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Tina M. Weik, 45, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. On July 18 Weik allegedly was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $30,000.

 Elizabeth H. Young, 42, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. On Sept. 26 Young allegedly was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of fentanyl. Bail was set at $20,000.

 Devon J. Sinclair, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with unlawful use of an account number with intent to defraud, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. On April 23 Sinclair allegedly obtained gift cards valued in excess of $150 from Massage Envy by using an account without the consent of the owner. Bail was set at $75,000.

 Vianna R. Scott, 40, of Spanish Lake, Missouri, was charged with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Nov. 10 Scott took miscellaneous merchandise valued at more than $300 from the Granite City Walgreens. Bail was set at $15,000.
Health care costs rise every year, but the nations biggest employers still see insurance coverage as an important benefit to provide.

They just struggle getting the health care system to deliver what their workers need, according to Elizabeth Mitchell, CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health.

Big companies also are adjusting to how those needs have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitchells nonprofit coalition is helping to sort all this out by working with some of the countrys largest employers  think Walmart and Boeing  on the benefits they provide.

Mitchell spoke recently with The Associated Press. The conversation has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Telemedicine grew tremendously during the pandemic. How do you expect it to evolve for employers?

A: Telemedicine is a great example of something we have been hoping to expand for a very long time. People want both. You cant do everything over the phone or over email or by Zoom. You need some in-person care. We need to get that balance right, which I think we can.

The other thing we need to look for is are the telemedicine companies going to further fragment care? Are they going to just be another redundant service that isnt coordinated?

Q: Youve done a lot of research on ways to cut health care costs and improve quality. What absolutely does not work?

A: Most of what health plans are doing now. Health plan-based care coordination, doctors dont want it and employees dont want it. They want coordination to happen within their primary care practice. Those health plans should pay for a nurse at the primary care setting as an example. That would be a much more effective approach.

Q: What do you expect big employers to do more of going forward for mental health care?

A: The big challenge is access to the right care. One approach is having (it) embedded within primary care. Evidence shows that when primary care providers screen for mental health and connect people with mental health professionals, that is one of the most effective ways to make sure they get care they need.

Q: Whats the most radical change employees might see to their benefits in the next few years?

A: More innovative arrangements that go beyond health care. If employees have surgery, (employers) want to make sure they get food delivery and Uber or Lyft, transportation support. How can they do those wraparound services people really need? Thats going to be a growing area.

Q: Health care is expensive. Why do employers continue to offer coverage?

A: My members are the largest employers in the world. They are actively trying to recruit and retain top talent. Benefits can play a big role. They are increasingly expanding those benefits  fertility services, mental health services, financial services  because they want employees to be happy and healthy.
PARIS (AP)  At least 1,500 migrants are living in tents on a muddy lot in northern France as growing numbers of people fleeing Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries seek to traverse the English Channel and reach the U.K., according to aid workers.

In Grande-Synthe, a town east of the port city of Calais, the migrants - including some families with young children - have converged on the site of a former industrial complex. Local authorities have warned of dire sanitary conditions and overcrowding in the area, risks associated with the fast approaching winter and deepening tensions between migrants and traffickers that often turn violent.

France's interior minister and Britain's home secretary were scheduled to speak Monday about the situation.

With its ports and tunnel to cross the English Channel, northern France has always been a magnet for people seeking to cross to Britain, fueled by traffickers' promises of a better life there. The crossings are a source of friction between the U.K. and France, with British officials saying France should to more to stop boats leaving. France, meanwhile, says Britain should do more to help French authorities manage the migrants and stop traffickers.

The families and young men, meanwhile, keep coming. Those clustered in Grande Synthe are primarily Iraqi Kurds propelled via trafficking networks, according to Yann Manzi, founder of aid group Utopia 56. Most are trying to cross in small inflatable boats, because police have made it harder to sneak onto trucks and ferries.

They are packed in at the camp in Grande Synthe, and more and more desperate as the weather worsens, making boat crossings riskier, he said.

More than 23,000 people have reached the U.K. in small boats across the English Channel this year, including 1,185 on Thursday, a record for a single day. In addition, thousands more were rescued at sea by French maritime authorities.

We have a problem which is that they are coming from France and in the end, if the French authorities will not or cannot control those departures it is very difficult for us to turn them back at sea, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday.

Frances Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin rebuffed Johnsons criticism on Monday, telling BFM-TV that we dont need lectures from our British friends who are our allies, but I would like to remind them that we are neither their collaborators nor their auxiliaries.

Local authorities in northern France have been warning for months that migrants keep coming to Calais and to the forest in Grande-Synthe, east of Dunkirk.

Many of the migrants in the port area want to cross the channel to seek refugee status, look for economic opportunity or because of family and community ties. French authorities say another big draw is lax British rules toward migrants without residency papers.

Its the states responsibility, said the mayor of the town of Grande-Synthe, Martial Beyaert, of the dire conditions in which the migrants have lived for weeks. He told BFM-TV that he repeatedly ask the government to help and set up reception clusters along the coast and cap the number of inhabitants in each shelter at 100 or 150.

With that and with the help of humanitarian associations, we could somewhat improve conditions, Beyaert said.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, frozen turkey inventories are 24% below their three-year average volumes and stocks are lower partly because production of turkeys is down compared to the average year. This news comes before Thanksgiving, when an estimated 46 million turkeys are eaten and nearly nine in 10 Americans eat turkey on the holiday.

The inventory is low thanks to the national supply chain problems and labor shortages plaguing multiple industries, including agriculture. It will be harder to find a turkey this year and likely more expensive once found. That's especially the case for smaller birds, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

US Department of Agriculture

"I dont like the word 'shortage' in this scenario. Its not like we forgot to start raising turkeys," Trey Malone, an agricultural economist at Michigan State University, told Vox. "Whats really happening is that you have these disruptions along the supply chain. Its not because theres no turkeys, its that the turkeys are in the wrong places at the wrong time."

The USDA said seasonal build-up was less pronounced than usual and stock volumes appear to have peaked before starting an earlier-than-normal decline. At the end of August, 428.1 million pounds of turkey meat were in cold storage, the USDA estimated, a 19% decrease from the same month in 2020 and a decline of about 7 million pounds from the end of July.

At 474.2 million pounds, August 2021 was mostly unchanged from the same time in 2020 but below the 3-year average in part because of elevated feed costs. Additionally, August placement of turkey chicks, down about 4% from the 3-year average, have dampened expectations for both turkey production and stocks, the USDA reported. August marks the latest date by which a turkey chick can mature in order to be harvested by Thanksgiving.

With people gathering in smaller groups last year, people wanted smaller turkeys which made smaller turkeys harder to come by. This year, farmers had to guess what consumer demand would look like during the spread of the delta variant in July, and the market remains uncertain, Vox reported.

Turkey processors are now facing labor shortages that is holding processing up, and any and all disruptions could cause risks in getting turkeys from the farm to the table on time.

According to the USDA's Turkey Report, whole frozen turkeys already cost about 26 cents a pound more in 2021 from 2020 and wholesale prices for frozen whole-hen turkeys was the highest monthly average in September since the report began in 2006. Prices have fallen in October, but they're still high.

Even more turkey meat was lost in October when Butterball, one of the main turkey producers in the country, recalled more than 14,000 pounds of ground turkey product that may have been exposed to extraneous materials, specifically blue plastic.

Additionally, the Consumer Price Index shows the cost of food was up 5.3% over the past year in October and the index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs  which would include turkey  was up 11.9% and fruits and vegetables were up 3%. Everything on the Thanksgiving table is likely to be more expensive this year.
SAM MONTALTO, Stonington, Boys Soccer, Senior; Montalto scored three goals including the 100th of his career in the Bears 4-0 victory over Plainville in the Class M state tournament. Montalto, who missed the first three games of the season, has 32 goals and nine assists this season.

GIRLS & BOYS Soccer Team, Chariho; It wouldnt be fair to single out a player from either team, both of which captured Division II titles over the weekend of Nov. 12. The girls tied their game with Prout with 1:02 left in regulation and prevailed in penalty kicks. The boys scored the winning goal in the final two minutes of the second overtime to beat North Smithfield.

ZACK TUCK, Westerly, Football; Tuck rushed for 150 yards on 29 carries in a loss to unbeaten St. Raphael in the Division II semifinals. Tuck has rushed for 1,533 yards and scored 19 touchdowns this season for the 7-3 Bulldogs.

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Britain's police forces have launched a national targeted crackdown on uninsured drivers in a week-long offensive on law breakers.

All 45 forces are taking part in 'Operation Drive Insured' from 15 to 21 November, a campaign developed by the Motor Insurers' Bureau and NPCC's National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence and Investigations, to clamp down on the high volume of uninsured motorists.

MIB data revealed that, so far this year, more than 100,000 uninsured drivers have had their vehicle seized, as records show that someone is injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver every 20 minutes in the UK.

In addition to causing more collisions, records show uninsured drivers often commit wider road crimes, the bureau says.

UK police forces are executing Op Drive Insured this week to crackdown on uninsured drivers

Uninsured driving is a problem that exists across all corners of the UK, with the worst-affected areas found in Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester and Greater London.

MIB said it requires around 400million each year to compensate victims and help them rebuild their lives.

Using government figures on the average value of prevention, it also estimates that collisions caused by uninsured and hit-and-run drivers could cost the economy nearly 2billion a year in emergency services, medical care, loss of productivity and property damage.

In response, the week-long campaign will see an increase in road policing to detect and seize vehicles that are not covered.

During the week of action, police officers will access MIB's Motor Insurance Database  a central record of live UK motor insurance policies  to see if motorists' licence plates show their vehicle as insured.

If the validity of insurance is disputed by the driver, MIB will liaise in real-time with the insurer in question to confirm if the vehicle has valid insurance.

Uninsured drivers will likely have their vehicle seized, and potentially crushed, receive a 300 fixed penalty notice and six licence points.

They could also face court and receive an unlimited fine and/or a driving ban. A criminal record can also affect job prospects.

Ben Fletcher, Chief Customer Officer at MIB, said: 'Put simply, uninsured motorists are very dangerous. They cause a worryingly high level of collisions and are frequently involved in wider crime.

'By using MIB's Motor Insurance Database police can easily see if a vehicle appears to have no insurance and will take swift action to remove the threat. Op Drive Insured serves as an important reminder that no one is above the law and illegal motorists will be caught.'

Police officers will access database to see if motorists' licence plates show their car as insured

Jo Shiner, Chief Constable at Sussex Police, added: 'Police officers take action against the users of uninsured vehicles every day, this national week of action really highlights how we work with all of our partners to take these vehicles off the road and prosecute offenders.

'We know those who are unwilling to insure their vehicles present more risk to other road users than those who do insure their vehicles. We have sophisticated systems to help identify offenders and we will use all of our powers to take appropriate action against offenders and make our roads safer.'

Crackdown comes during Road Safety Week 2021

The sting on uninsured motorists is taking place during Road Safety Week 2021, which also kicked off today.

The event, created by road safety charity Brake, aims to raise awareness about road safety, encouraging everyone to take action to prevent casualties and make roads safer.

This week's event comes as MPs prepare to debate about tougher sentences for hit and run drivers who cause death, which is taking place in the Houses of Parliament today.

Currently, the maximum penalty for causing death by careless or dangerous driving is a custodial sentence of 5 to 14 years but this falls to 5 to 10 points and a six-month sentence for drivers failing to stop after a fatal collision.

A petition has called for a wider definition of 'death by dangerous driving' and says it should include failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.

Mary Williams OBE, Brake's chief executive, said: 'On the first day of National Road Safety Week, it is no coincidence this important debate is happening in Parliament, and no surprise the petition that preceded it has had so many signatures.

'There are an estimated 100 or more cases of hit and runs every day across the UK and those that result in deaths or serious injuries cause untold heartache to families, and also to the emergency services who can't get there in time to provide vital emergency care and save lives.

'Penalties for such appalling behaviour should be tough, making it clear to all drivers involved in crashes that it is vital to stay, call the emergency services, and help as much as possible.'

It will be debated in Parliament if there should be tougher sentences for hit & run drivers

Insurance do's and do not's for drivers

 Do check that your vehicle is appearing as insured on the Motor Insurance Database for free.

 Do not withhold key information when buying insurance to save money. This is fraud  the consequences are serious, and it will invalidate the insurance policy.

 Do only use your vehicle for the agreed purposes of its insurance cover. If unsure what your policy covers, speak to your insurer.

 Do not buy car insurance on social media, or through an unfamiliar source. It's probably a fake car insurance scam called Ghost Broking.

 Do find out when your policy expires and if it auto-renews, so you can ensure it doesn't run out without your knowledge.

 Do not use a personal E-scooter on public roads and spaces. Only local authority-operated trial E-scooters are covered for third party use.
BBC newsman Rory Cellan-Jones caused a social media storm last week when he tweeted that his pet collie, Cabbage, and a number of other dogs had been taken when a dog walker's van was stolen in London on Friday morning.

All six dogs were found later that evening, and it was a clever Ford smartphone application that helped to identify their whereabouts.

The brand's Ford Pass app was used to track the location of the black Transit after it was pinched while parked in the London suburb of East Acton.

App to the rescue: Ford's smartphone app that links to its latest vans was key to tracking down a stolen van with dogs - including Rory Cellan-Jones' Collie, Cabbage - on Friday

The vehicle theft hit headlines at the end of last week, after a series of frantic tweets sent by Mr Cellan-Jones about his and other owners' dogs being in the stolen van went viral, with the former tech reporter appealed for the public's help to find the missing animals.

Mr Cellan-Jones told how the black Ford Transit used by the professional dog walking businesses had been taken at 10.20am.

Fortunately, the owner of the van, Brett Holte-Smith, had linked his vehicle to the free Ford Pass app when he bought it new last year, which any of its commercial vehicle customers can use.

The urgent plea for help that Mr Cellan-Jones sent out on Friday morning included a description of the black transit van and number plate for the stolen vehicle

A relieved Mr Cellan-Jones tweeted later the same day to reveal his beloved pooch had been found safe

Cabbage took a nap in a blanket after the day-long ordeal on Friday, with Ford since confirming it had played a big part in finding the pinched pooches

The application can be used by all Ford customers to manage ownership - such as checking service intervals - and offers functions on the move, such as live traffic updates and nearest charging points, if you have a Mustang Mach-E EV or a plug-in hybrid model.

And it also has a selection of remote features, including locking and unlocking the doors and live tracking.

The app is also available to commercial vehicle customers to protect their van from thieves who often target them for the expensive contents inside, such as tools and building equipment.

The company made the majority of its commercial vehicles connected with in-built modems as standard last year, enabling their location to be pinpointed remotely, following the same free car upgrade in 2018.

By having the system setup, the whereabouts of Mr Holte-Smith's Transit could be investigated on Friday.

The van was stolen on East Acton Lane in Ealing as the dog-walker was collecting another dog

The app triggered locations where thieves had taken the stolen van, with one of the stop-off points being where they released the six dogs from the back of the Transit

Once Ford Pass had been activated, the Transits first location following its theft near Ealing on the morning of 12 November showed as Park Royal.

By the time the search team reached the location, the vehicle had gone but five of the six dogs were later found roaming Park Royal and recovered.

The thieves next move in the Transit again showed up on Ford Pass, tracing the van to another part of Park Royal where police seized the van the same evening.

The sixth dog was later found also and police inquiries continue to identify the perpetrators.

Commenting on the applications part played in locating the dogs and the vehicle, Mark Harvey, Ford enterprise connectivity director, said: 'Connectivity is the cornerstone of our mission to deliver smart vehicles.

'What brings that plan to life, and makes it all the more rewarding, is real-life stories such as this, with Fords technologically advanced vehicles bringing about a better outcome for customers in need.'

The vehicle maker offers the Ford Pass smartphone app to van customers free of charge. It links to a modem inside the vehicle so owners can track its whereabouts

The app even features something called Guard Mode, which alerts the owner if a thief is trying to break into their van

The Ford Pass app for van owners also comes with a 'Guard Mode' feature - a heightened-security mode that monitors a commercial vehicle in real time, alerting owners of any potential breaches in their security, including break ins.

FordPass Connect modems are factory-fitted as standard to all Ford Transit, Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom, Transit Connect, Tourneo Connect, Fiesta Van and Ranger vehicles.

Ford says it has also offered to provide Mr Holte-Smith with an alternative vehicle pending his Transit being back up and running.
The UK stock market has long been a source of strong and reliable income from major companies paying dividends.

But, as the world emerges from the pandemic and investors increasingly focus on the importance of companies ESG credentials, it may be time to start looking elsewhere in the world for income in your portfolio.

Research from Henderson International Income Trust (HIIT) shows global companies are in the strongest position to defend their dividends for nearly a decade, as profits bounce back after the pandemic.

Global equity fund managers are looking to Asia for dividends

But despite a bounce back in dividends this year, UK firms, which slashed payouts by 41 per cent versus an average global reduction of 12 per cent in 2020, are still among the most vulnerable to shocks

Dividend cover  the capacity for next years profit forecasts to cover a company's most recent total annual dividend  fell most harshly during 2020 in the UK and will recover more slowly, according to HIIT.

It forecasts an average of 1 x dividend cover for UK firms in 2021 versus a global average of 2.1 times.

In contrast to those figures, investment director and UK equity income manager at GAM Adrian Gosden still believes the outlook for the UK remains strong, with dividends returning in size and at velocity, and tailwinds in the shape of unprecedented corporate activity.

But investors are beginning to lose faith in UK equity income funds, with Investment Association figures showing that money was withdrawn from the vehicles in every month in the year to September, with a total of 4.3billion withdrawn.

All five UK-listed Asian income trusts are currently trading at a discount to NAV

Ben Peters, fund manager on the Evenlode Global Income Fund, said: The UK did have a very tough experience last year [in terms of dividends] and it has rebounded quite strongly.

But, while it has historically been looked upon as a source of income market, with slightly higher yields in the UK than elsewhere in the world, that perception is changing.

He explained that many UK companies which may have previously opted for bumper dividends are now either choosing to reinvest in themselves or return money to investors via share buybacks.

COP26 also serves as a reminder of investors priorities in the years ahead and the need to limit exposure to more environmentally destructive companies.

This leaves the UK at a potential disadvantage given the outsized proportion of the FTSE 100 attributed to the likes of oil, mining and industrial stocks, which all traditionally represent the indexs biggest dividend payers.

But, after the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, UK investors are in need of income.

Some 87 per cent of income investors lost out from dividend cuts due to the pandemic, according to research from the Association of Investment Companies, with 28 per cent reporting a 'considerable' or 'big' impact to their portfolios, and 29 per cent making changes to their portfolio to address this loss of income.

Portfolio manager of the RWC Global Equity Income Strategy Nick Clay explained that, post-pandemic, the worlds becoming far more balanced with regards to where you can find income.

People are trying to look elsewhere and globally to because of concentration risks in certain high yielding markets, the UK being one of them.

And, obviously, the concentration around energy stocks and tobacco stocks, [for example] is forcing people to think more widely about how and where they raise their income from.

Income cuts: Measures people have taken to bolster investments (Source: Association of Investment Companies)

While investors have not flooded into global equity income funds, they have fared far better than their UK peers, with British investors pulling just 101million from the vehicles in the year to September.

An increasingly popular area within global markets for income investors has been Asia Pacific ex-Japan, where there are signs of improvement.

HIIT data shows Asia Pacific ex-Japan is the only global region where dividend cover flatlined rather than collapsed during 2020, with companies cash buffers beating North American, UK and European peers, and closing in on emerging markets competitors.

With a one-year historic yield of 2.2 per cent, the MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex-Japan index still lags the FTSE All Shares 3.6 per cent payout, Bloomberg data shows. However, it is significantly above the S&P 500s offering of 1.3 per cent.

The index has also delivered growth of 25.8 per cent over three years, outpacing the FTSE All Shares return of 9.5 per cent over the same period.

Fund manager of the Somerset Asia Income Fund Mark Williams said: Nowhere in the world offers such a compelling combination of growth and income as Asia.

Yield comparison (31 October) Index One-year historic yield MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan 2.2% FTSE All Share 3.6% S&P 500 1.3%

In the UK there is a strong dividend culture but growth is quite limited, whereas in the US there are some strong pockets of growth but there is less emphasis on dividends. In Asia there is a sweet spot of growth, yield and importantly these dividends are growing.

Williams added that the outlook for Asian dividends remains strong going forward, with the regions technology sector a particularly strong source of future income.

He said: Asias growth story is well-established but more recently the dividend story has emerged. We find numerous opportunities around the region where companies have sustainable, long-term earnings growth, with low leverage and equally low pay-out ratios.

Effectively companies not only pay out dividends to reward shareholders, but also retain enough earnings to invest for future growth. This, combined with improving corporate governance and dividend cultures, supports a strong case for dividends to grow, which in turn should also lead to capital appreciation.

British investors wishing to target Asian dividends have plethora options via active funds, investment trusts and cheap exchange-traded funds.

All five UK-listed Asia equity income trusts currently offer an attractive entry point via a discount to net asset value, at an average of 5.3 per cent. The best performing of these are Invesco Asia, with a 10-year return of 227.5 per cent, and JPMorgan Asia Growth & Income with a five-year return of 115.4 per cent.

Dividend cover trends: UK lags behind other regions as homegrown companies tend to pay out their profits in dividends

For daily dealing funds, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services Darius McDermott recommends Schroder Asian Income.

He explained: The manager's experience, combined with the strength and depth of Schroders' analyst team, make this fund stand out.

They look for companies that offer attractive yields and  importantly - growing dividend payments.

They invest all over the Asia Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand the flexible mandate has helped maintain a well-diversified portfolio and income in excess of 4 per cent.

For investors looking for a broader source of income via a global approach, McDermott tips the very experienced team behind Clays RWC Global Equity Income.

He explained: Their process is well-proven - they buy the controversy and sell the consensus - and it has one of the higher yields in the sector of 2.3 per cent, with the team actively looking for income that is materially higher than the market produces.
Ministers are preparing to intervene in Nvidia's 30billion swoop on Arm in a move that could scupper the controversial deal.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries will this week order an in-depth investigation into the deal on national security and competition grounds.

The Competition and Markets Authority will carry out the probe. The move will be a huge blow to US chipmaker Nvidia, which agreed the takeover last September.

Probe: Nadine Dorries will order an in-depth investigation into the deal on national security and competition grounds

It comes as a global microchip shortage is sending shockwaves throughout the manufacturing sector and slowing down production lines.

And it is the latest in a string of Government interventions in deals that target strategically important companies with cutting-edge technology.

Cambridge-based Arm has been owned by Japan's Softbank, which is seen as politically neutral, since 2016.

Arm's customers include Apple, which has used Arm chips in its iPhones. Its technology is used in devices such as laptops, smart TVs and cars connected to the internet.

EU and Chinese officials have also raised concerns about the potential damage the Nvidia tie-up could do to rival companies.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) called for a full investigation into the deal in August over concerns it could stifle innovation, lead to less competition and drive up prices.

The CMA has said Nvidia would have the 'ability and incentive' to harm rivals by throttling their access to Arm's technology if the takeover is given the green light.

Nvidia has offered a concession that it would not cut off access for licensees to its chip designs  though many are still sceptical that this would go far enough.

Dorries will have to accept the CMA's decision on whether the deal could harm rivals  though she will have the final say on national security.

The intervention, which was reported by the Sunday Times, comes weeks before the new National Security and Investment Act is due to come into force, which will give ministers a much wider remit to wade into potentially harmful deals.
Royal Dutch Shell shareholders are set to vote on scrapping the oil giant's dual share structure as part of the board's efforts to accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions.

The proposal would 'eliminate the complexity' of the existing structure by establishing a single line of shares, Shell's board said, while strengthening the firm's competitiveness and its capacity to hand cash back to shareholders via buybacks.

It will also align the Shell's tax residence with its country of incorporation in the UK, where it will hold board and executive committee meetings, and locate its chief executive and chief financial officer.

The company, which has set targets to gradually shift from hydrocarbons, expects to drop 'Royal Dutch' from its name and be called Shell

Shell has been incorporated in the UK with Dutch tax residence and a dual share structure since the 2005 unification of Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij and The Shell Transport and Trading Company under a single parent company.

The board told investors on Monday that it 'was not envisaged at the time of unification' that the current share structure would be permanent.

Dutch economic minister Stef Blok told reporters this morning the country's government was 'unpleasantly surprised' by Shell's decision to move its HQ to Britain.

Shell shares will continue to be listed in Amsterdam, London and New York, with FTSE UK index inclusion.

The company, which has set targets to gradually shift from hydrocarbons, expects to drop 'Royal Dutch' from its name and be called Shell.

The moves come weeks after hedge fund Third Point disclosed a large stake in Shell, calling on the oil and gas major to split into multiple companies to increase its performance and market value. Shell hit back, with top executives saying its businesses operated better together than apart.

Shell, along with other European oil majors, has set targets to move away from oil production while investing in non-fossil energy sources like solar and wind power.

The firm said a simpler share structure will enable it to 'speed up the delivery' of its 'Powering Progress' strategy, which aims to accelerate the transition of the business to net-zero emissions, in step with society.

Shell shares rose 2.4 per cent higher to 1,671p in early trading.

Shell's chair, Sir Andrew Mackenzie, said: 'At a time of unprecedented change for the industry, it's even more important that we have an increased ability to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon global energy system.

'The simplification will normalise our share structure under the tax and legal jurisdictions of a single country and make us more competitive.

'As a result, Shell will be better positioned to seize opportunities and play a leading role in the energy transition. Shell's Board unanimously recommends shareholders vote in favour of the proposed resolution.'
Tillamook, OR (97141)

Today

Showers this morning, becoming a steady rain during the afternoon hours. High 52F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 46F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 26F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
William "Billy" Wolfe, 49, died Nov. 8. Survived by father, William Wolfe; sisters, Judy Grams, Sally Wolfe, and half sister, Mary Prince. Billy worked on family farm. We are sure he is in heaven. Please pray for him.
How Does Your Newspaper Get to You?
NATO must take concrete steps to resolve the migrant crisis on the Belarus border, the Polish prime minister was quoted as saying on Sunday, adding that Poland, Lithuania and Latvia may ask for consultations under the alliances treaty.

Thousands of migrants have travelled to Belarus in the hope of crossing into the European Union (EU), only to find themselves trapped on the border in freezing conditions.

The EU accuses Minsk of orchestrating the crisis to put pressure on the bloc over sanctions, but Belarus has repeatedly denied this. Some countries in the region have warned the stand-off could escalate into a military conflict.

It is not enough just for us to publicly express our concern  now we need concrete steps and the commitment of the entire alliance, Mateusz Morawiecki told Polish state-run news agency PAP.

Under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, any ally can request consultations whenever, in the opinion of any of them, their territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, a key backer of Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, said that Russia was ready to help resolve the crisis, RIA news agency reported on Sunday, citing an interview on a state TV channel.

Morawiecki told PAP that EU leaders would discuss further sanctions against Belarus, including completely closing the border.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was quoted as saying that the bloc will widen sanctions on Belarus on Monday to include airlines and travel agencies thought to be involved in transporting migrants.

Morawiecki said that the EU should jointly finance a border wall.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau on Saturday and said Belarus actions threaten regional security and distract from Russian military activities on the Ukraine border, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

Secretary Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support for Poland in the face of the Lukashenka regimes cynical exploitation of vulnerable migrants, Price said in a statement on Sunday.

BORDER TENSION

Meanwhile, Polish forces described an increasingly tense situation on the frontier, with the Border Guard saying migrants were receiving instructions and equipment from Belarusian guards and it expected another big attempt to break through.

Huge logs of wood are being brought in, probably to lower the fence, Border Guard spokeswoman Katarzyna Zdanowicz told private broadcaster TVN24.

Belarusian blogging service NEXTA shared a video of what it said was a large column of migrants walking towards the frontier.

Footage posted on Twitter by the Polish Interior Ministry showed what appeared to be a water cannon deployed at the border, as a recorded message warned migrants that force could be used against them if they did not follow orders.

NGO Grupa Granica said in a statement it had received information about attempts by Belarus to force migrants to use violence against Polish officers.

Due to the risk of escalation of violence we want to remind all parties that migrants are not aggressors but hostages of Lukashenkos regime, it wrote.

The Belarusian State Border Guard Committee spokesperson Anton Bychkovsky said the accusations were disinformation. It does not correspond with the reality, he said

On Saturday, a group of about 50 migrants broke through defences on the border and entered Poland near the village of Starzyna, police said on Sunday. The Border Guard told PAP they were all caught.

SOURCE: REUTERS
BETHLEHEM  Fuel cell maker Plug Power wants to build a 350,000-square-foot building that would include a fuel cell assembly plant, a warehouse and offices at the Vista Technology Campus in Slingerlands that would employ nearly 700 people.

Columbia Development, the Albany real estate development firm that created the tech park more than a decade ago and still owns 214 acres, has submitted an application to the town planning board to build the large manufacturing complex on 26 acres.

Although Columbia's application did not name the company behind the project, Plug Power confirmed Monday afternoon that it had chosen Vista for a new manufacturing facility that would make the company's GenDrive fuel cells that are currently used in forklift trucks and other vehicles.

Plug Power is in the process of receiving approvals for a new building construction on the Vista (tech park) in Slingerlands," the Latham company said in a statement provided to the Times Union. "The building will support an expansion of Plugs GenDrive manufacturing."

The building would be completed next year, the company said. Plug Power's headquarters would remain on Albany Shaker Road in Latham where it currently assembles fuel cells.

The project is scheduled to be presented to the Bethlehem planning board Tuesday night.

It appears that Plug Power may have already lined up potential government subsidies for the constriction project. Its application with the town says that Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm, may extend financial incentives, and NYSERDA, the state's renewable energy agency, is also involved.

The Bethlehem Industrial Development Agency could also be approached for tax breaks.

Plug Power makes fuel cells that run on hydrogen, which emit only water vapor and warm air when they operate. With billions of dollars in cash, the company has been extremely aggressive acquiring firms and building new facilities in order to grab market share as hydrogen becomes an increasingly important fuel source as the world looks to move away from fossil fuels like oil and gas.

Plug Power, which is already the largest consumer of hydrogen in North America, has also been building so-called green hydrogen manufacturing plants that will make hydrogen out of water using only electricity made from renewable sources. Today, most hydrogen is made from methane.

The Plug Power project would also bring the first-ever technology tenant to the tech park. A local solar installation firm, Monolith Solar, was supposed to be the first tech tenant at the park before its plans for a $5 million headquarters at Vista fell through in 2019 after financial woes.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

A steel frame of the unfinished Monolith building still stands at Vista behind the ShopRite supermarket, one of the many Vista tenants along with several banks, restaurants and medical offices, that were intended to serve the tech companies expected to locate there.

The new project would be built in the back of the tech park where the roundabout is located, just past the old Monolith site.
ALBANY  Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham Law professor, rolled out a series of upstate New York endorsements ahead of her formal announcement of her campaign for attorney general scheduled for Monday in Brooklyn.

Teachout's support in the Capital Region comes after a strong showing in 2018 when she previously ran for attorney general. In the Democratic primary, which Letitia James would go onto win, Teachout handily won the region.

James is now running for governor, clearing a path for Teachout and other candidates. James would need to run for reelection in 2022 if she wanted to hold onto the seat. The primary is in June.

Teachout, generally viewed as a reformer, had won 46 percent of the primary vote in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. James won 14 percent of the vote and another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, received 35 percent of the vote. (James, of Brooklyn, performed especially strong in voter-rich New York City.)

"We need an attorney general who is willing to use all the tools, be very aggressive, and just cant be bought by special interests  and thats Zephyr Teachout," Assemblyman Phil Steck, D-Colonie, said in a statement issued by Teachout's campaign. "With her hard-won expertise in constitutional and business law, shell fight for New Yorkers against the corporations and politicians abusing their power."

Teachout positions herself as a "constitutional law expert, anti-corruption activist and leading voice against corporate monopolies that threaten our future," and a "leading expert on corruption, voting rights advocate and (who) has literally written the book on breaking up big tech and ending monopolies."

She also received support from several Hudson Valley mayors: Kamal Johnson of Hudson; Steve Noble of Kingston; and Tim Rogers of New Paltz.

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan endorsed Teachout. In a statement, he called her a "leader willing to challenge powerful interests and corrupt Albany politicians."

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

In the 2018 Democratic primary, Teachout's support in the region was convincing: Columbia County, 64 percent; Ulster County, 61 percent; Delaware County, 57 percent; Greene County, 56 percent; Schoharie County, 53 percent; and Washington County, 51 percent.

Teachout's intention to run for attorney general was first reported in the Times Union on Oct. 2.

On Oct. 28, Teachout created a campaign committee with the New York State Board of Elections. The campaign is registered out of an East Harlem address. Teachout's prior campaign account had about $14,000 remaining in it in July 2019.
Will it snow this week?

Reid Kisselback has the answer to the oft-asked inquiry as part of the meteorology team at NewsChannel13.

Kisselback is a local guy through and through. He grew up in Cohoes, attended UAlbany and still lives in the spindle city. He even interned in the area while in college  at WTEN under the mentorship of former News10ABC meteorologist Greg Pollak.

At work, Kisselback manages the First Warning Experience webpage with Christina Talamo (a previous 20 things you dont know about me) and the duo recently won a New York State Broadcaster's Award for the videos they created.

Viewers can see the meteorologist, who has a love of photography and often shows his snaps on-air, on the 6, 9 and 11 p.m. newscasts Saturday and Sunday. During the week, he is behind the scenes making graphics used on air.

You can follow Kisselback, who is todays 20 things, on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, and YoutTube.
ALBANY Investigators for state Attorney General Letitia James are probing alleged civil rights violations by Saratoga Springs police for their arrests of Black Lives Matter activists and are interviewing potential witnesses.

Morgan Rubin, a spokesperson for the attorney general, confirmed that the agency is investigating the matter, which involved the arrest of BLM activists following the arrest of local group leader, Lexis Figuereo.

"I can confirm thats the scope of our investigation," Rubin said on Monday.

Figuereo was arrested in Malta by Saratoga County sheriff's deputies on an Aug. 31 warrant for disorderly conduct, a violation, in relation to a July protest in Saratoga Springs.

A leading Black Lives Matter activist in Saratoga Springs, Figuereo says three activists and their lawyers have met with the state Attorney Generals Office in connection with a series of altercations between police and activists that the latter claim are civil rights violations and an abuse of police power.

Were been having conversations with the AGs office, Lexis Figuereo said on Monday. Were continuing to meet with the AGs office and giving them more and more information.

The Saratoga Springs officials said on Tuesday that it received notification from the Civil Rights Bureau of the state AG's office "concerning possible violations of state and federal law as it relates to recent protests that occurred in our city."

"The OAG has commenced this investigation to assess whether the protestors were targeted with excessive force and retaliatory arrests," a statement from the city read. "The city takes these allegations seriously and we will endeavor to work with the OAG to address these allegations and demonstrate the appropriateness of the actions taken by the members of the police department in response to the recent protests."

The city will work with its outside attorney John Aspland on this matter.

The state Attorney Generals Office confirmed in September that it was scrutinizing upstate cities where Black Lives Matter protesters have been arrested. Public radio station WAMC  90.3AM confirmed the investigation on Sunday.

Figuereo said discussions with AG investigators were focused on multiple altercations between activists and the Saratoga Springs Police Department over the summer, including a July 14 demonstration during which activists blocked a prominent downtown intersection. That action led to some activists being forcibly detained that evening.

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"They were very interested in the case, for sure, Figuereo said. Why wouldn't they be?

More than a dozen people were arrested in connection with the July 14 event, most of them on minor charges. Many of those arrests occurred six weeks after the protest, timing activists view as suspicious as it came the day after the Saratoga Race Course closed for the season.

Many of those arrested were detained for hours, one overnight, and arraigned in shackles.

Demonstrators were later denied entry to their colleagues arraignments at the Saratoga Springs police station in September, a move the state court system strongly denounced and for which police apologized, calling it improper and resulted from a misunderstanding in communication between on-duty members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department.

"We're really happy that this is going through and they're going to be held accountable for what they've been doing to us for the past 18 months, Figuereo said.

Note: This story was updated on Tuesday afternoon with the statement from the City of Saratoga Springs.
COLONIE  Catholic Central High School in Troy will merge with St. Ambrose School to form the first of its kind regional school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in Latham, the Albany Roman Catholic Diocesan School Board announced Monday.

The new Catholic Central will open at the St. Ambrose campus on Old Loudon Road in September for the start of the 2022-23 school year while the current high school will close and the property will be sold.

Catholic education is central to our mission and to our identity as a diocese, Albany Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger said in a written statement announcing the consolidation.

Catholic Central School is a shining example of what we can do when we think outside the box and create a vision for something new, something necessary, something that offers incredible possibilities for local Catholic students and their families. The fact that this new regional school will be linked physically and spiritually to the parish further solidifies the critical role of faith in this endeavor, the bishop continued.

The merger marks the creation of the first regional school that will serve a multi-county area, attracting students from more than 20 public school districts. Placing the school at St. Ambrose will expand the area that can rely on the districts to provide free bus transportation for students attending the school.

"We're looking more globally," Diocesan School Superintendent Giovanni Virgiglio said about expanding the area served and using its central location near Northway Exit 6 and Routes 7 and 9.

Catholic Central was traditionally fed by the parochial schools in the city of Troy serving as a regional high school on a very localized basis. As Catholics have moved into the suburbs over the decades from the Capital Region's core cities, the diocese has closed parishes and schools.

The diocese has seen a 4 percent growth in enrollment to about 5,000 students since the coronavirus pandemic struck. Virgiglio said the diocese has found that parents embrace the values and education provided in the Catholic schools. By concentrating the two schools in the central location, it should help attract more students.

"All of the students will be served with future growth," Virgiglio said.

St. Ambrose School currently has 150 students for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, while Catholic Central High School has 220 students enrolled in sixth through 12th grades.

The combined schools will be located on the 19-acre campus that currently is the location of the St. Ambrose Parish and School. The combined schools will initially be situated in the existing 20,500-square-foot building. Catholic Central has about 71,000 square feet.

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The combined school will be divided into three groups  pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, grades 1-5, and grades 6-12. The groups will be taught in separate parts of the school.

Architectural plans are being drafted to expand and renovate St. Ambrose, which includes 18 classrooms, a laboratory and gymnasium.

The landscape of our diocese has changed and so should Catholic education. This regional concept is an educational model we have studied, imagined, and hoped to pursue when the time and place was right. This is our moment to put our students at the leading edge of Catholic education, said Virgiglio.

We are going to be able to deliver a state-of-the-art education with even more extracurricular activities and offerings. The school will also actively expand upon higher educational partnerships, he continued.

The consolidation comes as Central Catholic High School celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023.

A Futures Committee drawn from representatives of the two schools, the diocese and the parish will oversee the new schools creation. The committee will help to determine when a capital campaign should be launched to pay for expansion, Virgiglio said.
SCHENECTADY  The Photo-Lab's door dinged at a steady clip last week, welcoming film aficionados, people using self-processing machines and customers picking through shelves stuffed with vintage cameras, unused flashbulbs and 1950s-era display signs.

The burst of activity will be among the last at the century-old business.

The Photo-Lab is closing after 107 years, the final casualty of the problems plaguing the Wedgeway, one of downtown Schenectadys most prominent buildings.

The end came when owner John Eoff sparred with his landlord over a leaking roof, the latest in a thicket of issues and litigation swirling around the crumbling complex located at the corner of State Street and Erie Boulevard.

I was forced into this and originally wanted to do this for a few more years, Eoff said.

An Eoff family member has run the operation since 1914, when Eoffs great-grandfather, Beverly Eoff, launched the first incarnation from his Regent Street home in the citys GE Realty Plot.

The associate editor for GE Review began to dabble in photography before company brass told the shutterbug to work full-time or take a hike  so he walked.

At the time, Kodak was gaining momentum and technology was increasingly allowing for sharply-defined imagery.

The Photo-Labs first storefront was on Wall Street, the now-lost thoroughfare that once ran to the original Schenectady Train Station. There were others on Jay Street, as well as pop-up satellite stores during the holidays.

Beverly Eoff died in 1940, and his wife, Harriet, ran the operation while her son served in the South Pacific during World War II. When he returned, Beverly Jr. took over, moving the Photo-Lab to its current location at 273 State St. in 1949, starting with selling cameras and equipment before moving into stationary and greeting cards.

John Eoff grew up sweeping floors, emptying trash and performing other menial tasks. But he wasn't interested in carrying the torch.

Not that I hated it, Eoff said, but I had no interest at all in the business.

Eoff moved to Rochester to pursue a career as an artist. Years later, Dad called with a proposition:

Come home and work at the shop. Save money and pay off your bills.

Eoff loved it.

That was in the Summer of 77, when GE still hosted a sizable workforce.

I remember a steady stream of people coming up the sidewalks on both sides at lunchtime, Eoff said.

Buses were packed, and in the pre-shopping mall era, downtown was crammed with department stores. Thursdays generated so much foot traffic, city police boosted food patrols.

Eoff, 69, saw himself primarily in the people business, and he knew everyone from the teams of representatives from Eastman Kodak and equipment suppliers, to the other sales reps who regularly came into his shop.

Legendary Schenectady Gazette photographers like Sid Brown, Ed Schultz and Jim Cassin were also fixtures.

Eoff used to wheel cases of darkroom chemicals to the newspaper, which hosted both its headquarters and printing press nearby at the time.

When downtown dimmed in the 1990s, Eoff stuck it out, never once rattled by the general emptiness and seedy element that kept others away.

"I never once felt unsafe here," he said.

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Eoff is fascinated by the technological changes in the industry, from boxy folding pocket Kodaks with names like the "Folding Brownie" to the advent of iPhones a century later.

Technology, he said, can be beautiful in its simplicity.

But what dried up during the shift to digital was the disintegration of interpersonal relationships.

You knew all these people and they became your friends, Eoff said. All of that disappeared, and all that we are now is just a number and a telephone call and a sales volume.

Despite the obstacles, Photo-Lab retained a niche as interest in traditional photography picked up in recent years by hobbyists who again view the craft trendy and retro.

Photo-Lab was also one of the few places in the area where photographers could simply come in and talk shop.

Eoff was apologetic last week when he turned down a customer seeking to develop a role of film

The Photo-Lab will close on Nov. 30, nearly two years to the day that the buildings issues began to spill out into the public, in part, sparked by a lack of heat to Eoffs shop.

Fencing continues to surround the Erie Boulevard side of the hulking structure to protect passersby from falling bricks.

The Photo-Lab is the final commercial tenant to vacate the Wedgeway/Kresge complex, joining the Wedgeway Barbershop, the Grog Shoppe, State Street Tattoo Co. and Downtown Convenience. Residential tenants, too, have left, an exodus cemented when National Grid cut power to that part of the building.

What now?

My wife has a list of projects as long as her arm, Eoff said.
BANGKOK (AP)  American journalist Danny Fenster, who spent nearly six months in jail in military-ruled Myanmar and was sentenced last week to 11 years of hard labor, was freed Monday and began his journey home.

Fenster was handed over to former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson, who helped negotiate the release, and the two landed in Doha, Qatar.

I'm feeling all right physically, a bearded Fenster, in baggy drawstring pants and a knit hat, told journalists on the tarmac. "Its just the same privations and things that come with any form of incarceration. You just go a little stir-crazy. The longer it drags on, the more worried you are that its just never going to end. So that was the biggest concern, just staying sane through that.

While still jailed, Fenster told his lawyer that he believed he had COVID-19, though prison authorities denied that.

Fenster, the managing editor of online magazine Frontier Myanmar, was convicted Friday of spreading false or inflammatory information, contacting illegal organizations and violating visa regulations. Days before his conviction, he learned he had been charged with additional violations of terrorism and treason statutes that put him at risk of an even longer sentence of life in prison.

He is one of more than 100 journalists, media officials or publishers who have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in February, and his was the harshest sentence yet.

This is the day that you hope will come when you do this work, Richardson, a former governor of New Mexico and past ambassador to the United Nations, said in a statement emailed by his office. We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds.

Fenster has been in detention since he was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he was headed to the Detroit area to see his family.

We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home  we cannot wait to hold him in our arms, his family said in a statement. We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months.

The exact allegations against Fenster were never clear, but much of the prosecution's case appeared to hinge on proving that he was employed by another online news site that was ordered closed this year during a crackdown on the media following the military's seizure of power. Fenster used to work for the site but left that job last year.

Fenster, a native of the Detroit area, has a masters degree in creative writing from Wayne State University, and had worked for a newspaper in Louisiana before moving to Southeast Asia, according to Deadline Detroit, a news website to which he was an occasional contributor.

His brother, Bryan Fenster, has said he had passion for writing about folks who struggle and fight for social justice and was particularly interested in the plight of people from the Muslim Rohingya minority, hundreds of thousands of whom fled Myanmar during a brutal counterinsurgency campaign by the army in 2017.

Frontier Myanmar Editor-in-Chief Thomas Kean said Fenster was "one of many journalists in Myanmar who have been unjustly arrested simply for doing their job since the February coup.

According to the U.N., at least 126 journalists, media officials or publishers have been detained by the military since the takeover and 47 remain in custody, though not all of them have been charged.

In a statement broadcast on state TV, the military said that Fenster had been released at the request of Richardson and the chairman of the Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association. Japan, unlike the United States and the European Union, does not take a publicly confrontational stance with the military-installed government, and would like to see improved relations between Myanmar and the West.

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The generals in Myanmar were convinced that it wasnt worth it to hang on to Danny, U.S. Rep. Andy Levin of Michigan, who represents the Fenster family in Congress, told Detroit radio station WWJ. He was innocent, and he was just an annoyance for them. If they kept him and anything really happened to him, we would never forget it. We would never forgive them.

Richardson said he discussed Fensters release during a recent visit to Myanmar when he held face-to-face negotiations with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the country's ruler.

Richardson is known for traveling to nations with which Washington has poor, if any, relations  such as North Korea  to obtain the freedom of detained Americans.

He also has a long history of involvement with Myanmar, starting in 1994, when as a member of Congress he met Suu Kyi at her home, where she had been under house arrest ordered by a previous military government.

Shawn Crispin, Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said Fenster never should have been jailed or sentenced on bogus charges in the first place."

Myanmars military regime must stop using journalists as pawns in their cynical games and release all the other reporters still languishing behind bars on spurious charges," Crispin added.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that the mass amnesty did not take place on Oct. 21. It was carried out on Oct. 19-20.

___

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
BAGHDAD (AP)  When Gaylan Delir Ismael heard that other Iraqis were making their way to Europe via an easily obtained tourist visa from the country of Belarus, the 25-year-old from the Kurdistan region jumped at the chance. He packed a bag last month in the hope of reaching Germany for a new life and treatment for his chronic illnesses.

He never made it.

Gaylan's body, in a black coffin wrapped in plastic, was returned to Irbil's airport in northern Iraq on Sunday after he died in a dark and soggy forest near the Belarus-Poland border.

He is one of at least 11 people known to have died in the border crisis that European Union officials blame on the authoritarian regime of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, accusing him of using the migrants as pawns to retaliate for Western sanctions. Belarus denies this, blaming Europe for denying them safe passage.

Thousands of people, most of them from the Middle East, have attempted the journey since Lukashenko announced in May that he was loosening border controls against Western-bound migrants. That move followed EU sanctions for his harsh crackdown on internal dissent.

That has led in recent days to tense standoffs on the Poland-Belarus frontier. Polish police, troops and border guards are refusing entry to the migrants, leaving thousands of them huddling in forests on the Belarusian side amid freezing temperatures.

The circumstances of the confrontation at the border that led to Gaylan's death are unclear, but his father, Delir Ismael Mahmoud, blamed Poland, even though the large buildup of security forces there did not begin until days after his death.

Unfortunately, the Polish police  instead of helping them  they started to deport them and put them on the other side of Polands border, said Delir, a broken figure as he waited at the airport to pick up his sons body.

Women dressed in black, including Gaylans mother, wept and murmured God is great! as his coffin was carried away, along with that of another Iraqi on the same flight, Kurdo Khalid, whose family says died Oct. 31 of a brain hemorrhage at the border.

It is really a sad tragedy. I urge the youths here not to migrate from Kurdistan, said Bilal Khalid who received his brothers body at the airport.

Another victim was buried in Poland on Monday, with all costs paid by members of the Muslim community in Bohoniki, where ethnic Tatars have lived for centuries. The funeral of Ahmad al-Hasan, a 19-year-old Syrian who drowned in the Bug River separating Poland from Belarus on Oct. 19, was streamed on Facebook by a Syrian doctor so the young man's relatives in Germany and a refugee camp in Jordan could watch.

The deaths underscored the despair felt by many young people in Iraq and Syria  both conflict ridden countries plagued by corruption and mismanagement  and the immense risks they are willing to take to reach Western Europe. Many of them, like Gaylan, have been from northern Iraqs relatively stable, oil-rich Kurdish region, but where graft, unemployment and pessimism run high.

Uncertainty, bleak economic prospects and perpetual instability have led many to spend their entire savings on the journey to Europe, hoping for a better life there.

Gaylan had suffered health problems for most of his short life, diagnosed with diabetes at 9 and a meningococcal infection when he was 20. His father took him to Iran and Turkey for treatment, but his health did not improve. Gaylan was in his second year at university studying business management but had to quit due to illness.

The family applied for visas to Germany and Netherlands for medical treatment but were rejected. He desperately wanted to go to Germany to get treatment and continue his studies there.

When the Belarus option emerged, he began plotting with his siblings how they would do it. Their father, who works in real estate, covered the costs for all of them, amounting to $35,000.

Gaylan and two of his brothers along with his sister, her husband and their 5-year-old son boarded a flight from Irbil to Dubai on Oct. 14, arriving in the Belarusian capital of Minsk two days later. From there, they headed to the Polish border, where they got stuck, and Gaylan grew weaker from the exhaustion and the cold, his family said.

It's not clear what happened on the night of Oct. 28, amid a confrontation between Polish police and migrants trying to cross. Gaylans sister ended up in a Polish hospital after she broke her leg and reportedly lost consciousness, while Gaylan and his two brothers were deported to the Belarus side of the forest, despite his deteriorating condition.

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Gaylan was separated from his nephew and brother-in-law, who was carrying his insulin in his backpack. He and his brothers spent another two days at the border, pleading repeatedly for help and for insulin injections, to no avail.

Gaylan died in the arms of his brother in the cold forest, while the other brother watched in shock.

The last time I talked to him was in the morning of the day he passed away. ... I asked him how he feels. He said, I am fine but a little bit tired." said Delir, who buried his son Monday in Irbil.

"I cant believe that, even if they were not humans, you would help them, he added, speaking of the Polish troops. Now, as Gaylans body is coming back, I want Poland, Germany, and international aid organizations to take care of the rest of the family and let them in.

Officials in Warsaw have voiced their own concern about the suffering at the border but insist that Poland is the target in a new form of hybrid war waged by Belarus and that they must seal their frontier. The authorities say that if they begin to let some through, it will make the situation worse by encouraging others.

Delir understands the despair that led to his son's death.

If you ask me as a father, I dont like or want my children to be outside, but the bad economic situation here, the lack of job opportunities and unemployment forces me to say yes for them to migrate, he added.

___

Karam reported from Beirut. Adam Pemble in Bohoniki, Poland, contributed.
A seasoned Capital Region litigator with an Ivy League pedigree is on track to be the next federal judge in Albany.

Law Beat has learned that U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer will recommend Colonie attorney Anne Nardacci, a commercial litigator who once worked for Rep. Michael McNulty, to fill a long-awaited vacancy following the ascension to senior status of Senior U.S. District Judge Gary Sharpe.

Sharpe attained senior status on Jan. 1, 2016, which means the vacancy has covered nearly six years over three presidential administrations.

On Monday, Schumer will recommend President Joseph Biden nominate the 44-year-old Nardacci, a partner at the firm of Boies Schiller Flexner where the attorney has worked since 2005. Nardacci litigates complex commercial and antitrust cases.

An East Greenbush native and Columbia High School product, Nardacci graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Georgetown University in 1998 and then graduated in 2002 from Cornell Law School, where she was editor of the school's law review. Nardacci, a staff member for McNulty before law school, started her law career in 2002 as an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in New York City, where she remained until 2005.

Nardacci is the third consecutive woman to be recommended by Schumer for a federal judgeship in a district. He recommended now District Judge Mae D'Agostino for her Albany-based judgeship in 2021 and in 2014 recommended now-District Judge Brenda K. Sannes for a judgeship in Syracuse.

If confirmed by the Senate, Nardacci will become the second woman after D'Agostino to sit on the Northern District bench in Albany. Nardacci is married to economy entrepreneur Tom Nardacci, founder of Gramercy Communications, which was acquired this year by the The Martin Group. They have two children.

Nardacci has represented consumers in cases alleging inaccurate and misleading credit reporting by banks, and handled cases against price-fixing cartels and other alleged anti-competitive behavior by large companies and foreign conglomerates. She belongs to the New York State Bar Association's Antitrust Section's Executive Committee.

"Anne Nardacci, a legal leader and Capital Region native, has spent nearly 20 years of her career fighting for transparency, the rights of consumers, and taking on big corporations for wrongdoing, making her perspective invaluable in ensuring the federal judiciary fulfills its obligation to ensure equal justice for all," Schumer said in a statement.

"Ms. Nardacci is an accomplished attorney, with profound integrity, a sharp legal mind, and a passion for the rule of law that would bring dignity and honor to her post on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, Schumer added. "I am proud to recommend Albanys own, Anne Nardacci, to serve on the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

The nomination is coming as Albany seems to be in the midst of a major changing of the robes. In Albany City Court, associate court attorney Ricja Rice was just elected to replace retired City Court Judge Helena Heath. Albany defense attorney William Little was elected to replace retired County Court Judge William Carter.

And Justice Stanley Pritzker, a Washington County-based judge on the Appellate Division of state Supreme Courts Third Department, was just named one of seven finalists under consideration by Gov. Kathy Hochul to replace Associate Judge Eugene Fahey on the Court of Appeals.

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But at the federal level it has been a far different story. Unlike other U.S. courts around the county -- and even other federal courts in New York -- the wait remained for a judge to be nominated to replace Sharpe, whose senior status required the nominating of a replacement.

In 2018, then-President Donald Trump nominated Cohoes City Court Judge Thomas Marcelle for the judgeship. Marcelle, a Conservative from Slingerlands, appeared to be set for the job before being blocked by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a fellow Capital Region attorney, over his opposition to abortion. Marcelle quietly removed himself from consideration after Gillibrand, a Democrat, did not file a blue slip allowing his nomination to proceed.

In 2020, Trump nominated Albany attorney Ryan McAllister, identified in public records as a Republican, for the judgeship, but it was sent back to the president in January.

On Nov. 3, Biden announced his ninth round of judicial nominations, none for the vacancy in Albany. Since taking office, Biden has nominated 62 candidates for federal judgeships all over the country. They have included nominees in district courts in states surrounding New York (Connecticut and New Jersey, for instance, have seen multiple appointments). On Sept. 30, when Biden nominated 14 would-be judges, it included one to sit on the bench in the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. Biden also has nominated judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan.

But the wait remained for a new judge in the Northern District of New York, which encompasses 32 upstate counties, including the entire Capital Region to the Canadian border to Syracuse, Binghamton and mid-Hudson Valley. That wait appears to be over.
ALBANY  The state Department of Health is attempting to rein in a program that has grown popular with people with long-term physical and mental disabilities that enables them to choose their own caregivers.

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program benefits 139,000 participants statewide. Under the initiative, participants use financial intermediaries to handle administrative tasks, including paying their caregivers on time. Caregivers are paid through the program.

New Department of Health provisions would curtail the number of financial intermediaries that cater to patients by shutting their services down entirely.

If the move is implemented, its estimated that 80 percent of patients would need to find new financial intermediaries to help them complete tasks essential to their care, which can seem near to impossible in certain parts of the state where access to those organizations would be close to nil.

In Onondaga County, not one financial intermediary license was awarded due to the new guidelines.

When asked about the decision at a budget hearing in February, Donna Frescatore, who ran the states Medicaid program and health insurance exchange, said that the pending standards would result in one lead organization that would perform administrative services with collaborating partners on the ground locally.

Still, the decision has been criticized by lawmakers because of the likelihood that it would disrupt a patients care.

Thats why this month two letters were sent to Gov. Kathy Hochuls desk: One from Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried, D-Manhattan, and chair of the Assemblys Health Committee that was signed by 32 other members advocating for the department to delay or abandon the curtailment.

The other letter was from state Sen. Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Democrat, for whom the Department of Healths decision is personal. The senators mother doesnt participate in the program, but is older than 100, frail and very sick, he said. Any change in her care could become a crisis.

Instead of having a program that works, were going to wind up with at least some percentage of people who are not going to do it and were going to have to find people, Felder said. The issue could be further complicated by the states potential inability to find care workers willing to do the job if the proposed steps are taken, he added.

An Albany resident, Gordon Fernandez, 59, knows what its like to benefit from such care. He was shot at age 18 and the injury left bullet fragments in his spine that remain there. After the shooting, he was confined to a wheelchair and relied on friends and family to help him complete daily tasks. It took five years for him to regain the strength to walk on his own again.

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In 2018, Fernandez suffered a stroke that left him debilitated. He also suffers from multiple other health issues. His friend, Loralynn Greene, 25, was with him at the time the stroke occurred. She decided she couldnt leave Fernandez alone and became his caregiver.

The two later enrolled in CDPAP so Greene could be compensated for the time she spent caring for Fernandez. She helps him prepare meals and assists him in the bathroom, in addition to other basic needs. The experience has brought the two closer together, Greene said.

Having this care and being able to help Gordon is a huge relief, she expressed. Not only for Gordon but for me as well."

Before I was his caregiver, I was his friend. I know what kind of care he needs and what kind of attention he needs. But if I would have had to stand by and watch someone else do that, I would have felt horrible.

The program gives Fernandez the freedom to focus on what he loves, like working as a disc jockey. In his spare time, he likes to keep active when he can, living life to the best of his abilities.
STILLWATER  About a decade ago, Stillwater and Mechanicville officials, working together, got rid of reeking trash trains that were sitting behind Mechanicville's West Street.

The fact that the trains are back is deeply frustrating to Stillwater Supervisor Ed Kinowski, who played a key role in the previous solution as the trains' engineers also access property that is in the town of Stillwater.

Train company Pan Am, which has a rail yard just outside the city, has a contract to pick up residential and commercial trash from Capital Region companies five days a week. The trash is shipped to South Carolina, where it is dumped in huge landfills.

But Pan Am does not own all of the tracks between the Capital Region and South Carolina. So its contract includes a series of other train companies that bring the trash the rest of the way. The second company in line, Norfolk Southern, is having delays in taking the trash to its final destination.

Kinowski has now complained to the state and federal Department of Transportation in an effort to get the problem fixed again. But he said he has not gotten much help, and he thinks the only solution will be to get Pan Am to choose to be a better neighbor. Thats what happened last time.

So this time, he has met with Pan Am and proposed numerous solutions. If they ignore all of them, he said he has one negotiating card: Police involvement.

Engineers walk across private property, into Stillwater, after leaving their trains on the tracks behind West Street.

Were going to be posting no trespassing signs, he said. We can apply pressure too  if you cross, well arrest you.

He thinks that would only take a couple days to have an effect.

The trains pull up every day. I could post one shift or two shifts of 24 hours, pay some extra money, arrest them, he said. But Id rather be a good partner with the railroad.

About ten years ago, he was able to broker a solution.

The arrangement we had - and it took a meeting with Pan Am officials and U.S. DOT officials - we met in Mechanicville and we concurred they should stop just as they come over the bridge at the bend. Theres no houses, Kinowski said. There is a line of tracks that comes over the Hudson River and does a big bend and turns and then it rolls behind a number of houses.

Engineers preferred to stop behind the West Street homes, where they could walk down to the street to catch a taxi, he said.

But they agreed at that meeting to stop near the bridge.

We would provide a plowed access for the winter for the crews to catch their (taxi) cabs, he said.

Its not clear why the engineers stopped using that location during the pandemic. Pan Am officials said they have to park the trains behind West Street when they run out of room at the rail yard, and blamed Norfolk Southern for not being ready to pick up the trains on time. Norfolk Southern said they dont have enough staff to always get the trains when they arrive.

Kinowski said he doesnt particularly care about their staffing needs.

Thats their problem, not ours, he said. That shouldnt lead to (deciding that) its okay to smog out the neighborhood and fill it with odors that are sickening and unhealthy. Pan Am needs to do something to help us out.

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He called the smell of the trash trains horrific and met with Pan Am last week to propose solutions.

Among them: they can back up the trains to get them out of the neighborhood until Norfolk Southern arrives.

I know thats more time, and time is money, but thats a resolution, he said. Or maybe put the trash trains at the end. They can hook up the cars any way they want.

Another solution he proposed was for Pan Am to improve its roadway so that taxis could drive up to the trains at the bend. Lately, the entrance has been under water, so taxis can't get in to drive along the tracks to the bend. That left employees to slog through water to get to their taxis if they stopped at the bend.

Their own entrance, off Mulberry Street, was never cared for. It was filled with water. It was easier (for engineers leaving the train) to trespass, he said. So theyve been trespassing basically at the end of West Street, across private property.

On Friday, city and town officials learned the state Department of Environmental Conservation cant help them. Staff had looked into whether they could do anything about the smell after they checked the trains for leaks on Oct. 19. (The trains were not leaking, just reeking.)

DEC officials said Friday they had determined that the smell  and all other facets of railway waste travel - is under federal jurisdiction through the Federal Railway Act. They notified federal railroad authorities about the problem.

Kinowski was disheartened by that news.

And the feds will write the letter to Pan Am and it wont get anywhere, he said.
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The U.N. Security Council on Monday condemned attempts to discredit Iraqs election and deplored the use of violence to settle election-related grievances.

The U.N.s most powerful body congratulated the Iraqi government and the Independent High Electoral Commission for conducting a technically well-managed and generally peaceful election on Oct. 10. It welcomed the findings of the commission and the U.N. political mission in Iraq that partial manual recounts of votes in polling stations matched the reported electronic results.

In the press statement approved by all 15 members, the Security Council reiterated its condemnation of the Nov. 7 assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and the persistent threats of violence against the U.N. mission, the electoral commission and others.

Al-Kadhimi was lightly injured and seven of his security guards were wounded in the attack on his Baghdad home using at least two armed drones.

There was no claim of responsibility, but suspicion immediately fell on Iran-backed militias that were the biggest losers in last months parliamentary elections. Supporters of the militias have protested to demand a vote recount, and at least one was killed in clashes with security forces. Many of the faction leaders blame the prime minister for the violence.

Some analysts said the attack aimed to cut off the path to a second term for al-Kadhimi. Iranian militias had been blamed for previous attacks on the Green Zone where the prime minister lives and which also houses foreign embassies.

The Security Council reiterated U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres call to all political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to exercise patience and address any outstanding concerns through established legal channels, and to create a post-electoral environment that fosters mutual understanding and national unity through peaceful and constructive dialogue.

Council members called for a peaceful and independent judicial review of electoral appeals, saying U.N. personnel will continue to monitor any unlawful attempts to undermine the election process.

Members said they look forward to the peaceful formation of an inclusive government which would deliver meaningful reforms to address the needs and aspiration of all Iraqis, including women, youth and marginalized communities.

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In the election, Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr who set himself apart from the Iran-backed militias by taking a more nationalistic approach, picked up to 20 additional seats, consolidating its status as the single largest bloc in the 329-member parliament. A Sunni faction headed by Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi came in second  a spot the Iranian-backed militias gained in 2018.

Months of negotiations are expected before a coalition representing at least 165 members of parliament can be formed and elect a prime minister.

The elections were held a year early, in line with a promise by al-Kadhimi when he assumed office in 2020 following anti-government protests by tens of thousands of Iraqi youths who rose up in October 2019 in Baghdad and Iraqs south to decry rampant corruption, poor services and unemployment.

Hundreds died as security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds. The protests dwindled following restrictive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
More Capital Region schools are partnering with local health organizations to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics for students ages 5 through 11.

While the Pfizer shot is recommended by state and federal entities for that age group, scheduling is difficult as many pharmacies, private medical practices lack supply or are focused exclusively on vaccinating people ages 12 and up.

In-school clinics offer free and convenient access to parents who have difficulty traveling to take advantage of an open vaccination slot for their children.

On Monday, Nov. 11, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., a Pfizer vaccine clinic for 5-11-year-olds who reside or attend any school in Saratoga County took place at the Saratoga County Public Safety Building in Ballston Spa.

Shenendehowa Central School District is offering the Pfizer vaccine to students at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Shatekon Elementary School in Clifton Park, through a partnership with Adirondack Health and Wellness.

The Mechanicville City School District has also partnered with Adirondack Health and Wellness and will offer the vaccine to students in its high school cafeteria on Friday, Nov. 19, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Guilderland Central schools are working with the Albany County Department of Health to host a vaccination clinic at Guilderland Elementary School, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, with follow-up appointments on Dec. 13. The doses will be available for 5 to 11-year-old children as well as for those 12 and above, including booster shots.

Last week, Menands, Watervliet and South Glens Falls schools were able to organize vaccination clinics for their students.

Over the weekend, New York leaders announced 10 mass vaccination sites will have shots for children ages 5-11, including a location in the former Lord & Taylor in Crossgates Mall.

A spokesman for the state Department of Health said the state currently has enough doses to vaccinate half of New York's 5- to 11-year-olds.

About two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

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In a news release Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office said the state's Clinical Advisory Task Force also endorsed usage of the vaccine in children, and since then more than 50,000 children in that age group have received their first dose of the two-dose regimen.

"Parents have been waiting for the ability to protect their young children from COVID-19, and we are doing everything we can to make that possible," Hochul said in the release.

The website to schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination site is https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.
In a new study, Sunil Sharma, a researcher in the WVU School of Medicine, found that rural COVID patients who end up in an intensive care unit face a greater risk of death than their urban counterparts do. He also discovered that rural patients with COVID-linked acute respiratory distress syndrome are more likely to die than patients with ARDS thats due to another cause.
The Herald decided to add some bathroom humor to the polls this week

You voted:
Pictured is the Athens Township Municipal Building. Athens Township, located 12 miles from Titusville, has always been a place dominated by the wilderness. The area, first settled in the 1820s, has been influenced by agriculture ever since.
November 15, 2021





Many construction sites lose valuable tools and materials to theft every year. There are simple steps that can be taken to prevent such thefts from occurring and mitigate damages should a theft occur.

According to Salvador Chavarria, construction site theft is a serious problem that costs the industry significant amounts of money yearly. It has been estimated that construction site theft costs approximately $1 billion annually in the United States alone. This cost includes material and equipment losses as well as labor expenses to replace them. The total amount lost each year from construction site theft is difficult to estimate due to many factors, such as unreported thefts. Still, there are some estimates available for those who want more information on this issue.







Here are a few tips to help you prevent construction site theft.

Have Proper Lighting Placed Around the Site

Make sure to place lights around your construction site so that thieves cannot easily access those items stored in dark areas. Suppose you have smaller machines and tools that can be brought into a home or office. In that case, you should also keep these locked up at all times, but proper lighting around the clock will discourage thieves from even trying to find these things inside of your storage sheds and other locked locations.

Install Rapid Deployment Security Cameras

Installing high-definition rapid deployment camera surveillance can give you and your crew peace of mind at the end of your shift. The systems are ideal for remote site security needs. Rapid deployment cameras are perfect to use in off-grid locations as well. Another benefit of the rapid deployment CCTV cameras is that users can access high-quality video from any location and any mobile device such as tablets, laptops, pcs and cell phones.

Put Equipment Away

When heavy equipment is not in use or once the workday finishes, you should put all your tools away. This, according to Salvador Chavarria, prevents thieves from easily knowing which items they will need to pick up and which ones are free to take. If they cannot tell at a glance whether an item is even worth stealing, most thieves will move on toward the next site with more portable items that thieves can easily load into their truck or another vehicle.

Keep Tools Locked Up

Tools like drills and saws should always be locked up when not in use. Other tools such as ladders may also pose a risk if not properly secured. All tools should either remain locked up while not in use or remain attached to a belt unless there is a reason to bring them indoors for use.

Remove Unused Items

Unused items, according to Salvador Chavarria, are an open invitation to potential thieves that you are not there or that there are opportunities to take free items off of the job site. If possible, remove all unused materials from your construction site before leaving it for the evening or at any other time when no one is expected to be on-site. This includes tools, lumber, and other bulky items, as well as vehicles left parked outside. Clearly label items with your company name via signage so that they cannot be easily taken by mistake during a weak moment.

Secure All Materials

If you have a construction site where thieves cannot see what's happening within the fence line, ensure that all materials above the fence line are properly secured. This includes items such as tools and other equipment that a thief can easily carry away during a quick snag and grab type of moment. Even though it will not prevent all thefts from taking place, the vast majority of thieves will take off if they cannot tell whether there is something valuable inside of your site to take or not.

Keep Records of Purchases

When you purchase any equipment for your construction site, make sure to keep records of them. According to Salvador Chavarria, this documentation can be helpful when filing insurance claims following thefts or other damages at the site where figures are needed to file a claim properly. If you have total-loss coverage on all items, this could provide enough information about what was taken so that you do not need to worry about having receipts in hand.

Turn off Equipment Circuit Breakers

When you are away for an extended period, ensure that every piece of equipment plugged into the site's power source is turned off. This includes saws and other large items as well as smaller tools used throughout the day. If all circuit breakers are turned off, it will not allow thieves to access your power supply so they can steal these types of items without having first to shut down your entire system. It would help if you kept any exterior lighting facing downward so no one can see inside your storage sheds or other construction sites where you store all of your construction materials.

Cut Fuel Supplies

If you have fuel sources accessible to thieves, it is important to cut the flow off before leaving for the day. This means closing valves on any large fuel tanks so that they cannot be accessed by anyone who does not know where they are located or how to work them. It would help if you also took note of all adjoining roads and other entryways to easily identify these locations when looking over your site map at the end of every day.

Protect Fences

Make sure to protect your construction fence line so that no one can climb over into your site. If there are areas where fencing is damaged or missing altogether, use temporary protection such as boards with nails facing outward until repairs can be made in due time.

Chain Up What You Can

If you do not have a fenced-in area or your actual fences cannot be properly protected, it is important to chain up as much of your equipment and materials as possible. This includes ladders and other bulky items that might look like something valuable for thieves to take. Keep in mind that there are limitations when chaining items such as appliances together, especially those weighing over 100 pounds. Some modifications may need to be made so that all chains can support the weight of what needs to remain locked down at all times.

Final Thoughts

Construction site thefts can be prevented by making sure you follow all of the guidelines we have listed above. These measures do not guarantee that someone will never break into your storage shed or try to steal something from your equipment, but they will make it much more difficult for thieves to successfully carry out their crimes over and over again.
[November 15, 2021] Abdul Latif Jameel Health and Butterfly Network enter strategic distribution partnership to bring Butterfly iQ+ ultrasound device to a potential 2 billion1 people across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey & India

Abdul Latif Jameel Health, part of international diversified family business Abdul Latif Jameel, and Butterfly Network, Inc. (NYSE: BFLY), an innovative digital health company working to democratize medical imaging and contribute to the aspiration of global health equity, today announced a strategic distribution partnership to broaden the availability of Butterfly iQ+ - the world's only single probe, whole-body handheld ultrasound solution. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005285/en/ From underserved communities in the United States, to remote areas of Africa, more than 4.7 billion people around the world lack access to medical imaging2. Abdul Latif Jameel Health will introduce the innovative ultrasound product, powered by Butterfly's Ultrasound-on-ChipTM technology to markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and India. Fusing semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cloud technology, Butterfly has the potential to usher in a new era of healthcare with a device that is expected to cost less than US$ 2,400. The product is designed to dramatically expand the capabilities of practitioners working within and outside of hospitals in developed, underdeveloped and remote areas. Healthcare providers can collect advanced imaging, perform rapid assessments, and guide critical procedures no matter where they are, and share those images seamlessly with doctors across the globe to help with reading and interpreting scans. Dr. Akram Bouchenaki, Chief Executive Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel Health, said: "The mission that is so clearly driving the development of Butterfly Network and the innovation on display is entirely aligned with our vision at Abdul Latif Jameel Health, of how to improve access to healthcare for those who need it most and drive inclusive health care through innovation. "The capabilities of this innovative, portable and versatile handheld ultrasound solution know no bounds and we are committed to delivering this technology to serve more than 2 billion people. It is our mission to collaborate with sector disruptors, those who question how healthcare services have always been delivered, and how the billions of people in underserved communities can be better served." Butterfly recently announced that its iQ+ device is even being delivered beyond Earth, providing medical imaging on the International Space Station, as part of the 22nd SpaceX (News - Alert) Dragon cargo resupply payload in June 2021.2 Once delivered, astronauts will provide feedback on the ease of using the device, the quality of the produced ultrasound images, and the efficiency of image acquisition. "Our partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Health is about more than democratizing medical imaging and making it more accessible; it is about empowering all healthcare practitioners with an invaluable, advanced assessment tool," said Dr. Todd Fruchterman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Butterfly Network. "The power of the Butterfly solution transcends the limits of traditional ultrasound by delivering valuable information to improve clinical decision-making and the care that is delivered. We are excited to work with an aligned partner, like Abdul Latif Jameel Health, to not only get Butterfly in the hands of more clinicians worldwide to improve global health equity, but to level the playing field for all by empowering practitioners to be better clinicians, wherever they may be." To learn more about this partnership please watch this video: https://youtu.be/UKrPzDSGq-s. To learn about the impact of Butterfly technology and to view a demo of Butterfly iQ+, please visit: https://www.butterflynetwork.com. As part of this collaboration, Butterfly IQ+ will be brought to new markets as detailed above, beginning in the first quarter of 2022. About Abdul Latif Jameel Health Backed by Abdul Latif Jameel, one of the most respected diversified family businesses and investors with a 75-year heritage, deep roots, and established networks alongside a multi-sector presence in 30 countries across six continents, Abdul Latif Jameel Health is uniquely positioned as a trusted partner in realizing major innovations and opportunities in the healthcare world. Abdul Latif Jameel Health reflects the Jameel family's long-established commitment to innovating for a better future through Community Jameel, an international organization supporting science and technology-led solutions to global challenges. Community Jameel and MIT co-founded the Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health (Jameel Clinic) in September 2018 - which has rapidly become the very epicenter of AI and healthcare at MIT - and the Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics (Jameel Institute) co-founded with Imperial College London, in October 2019, using novel data analytics to reduce global risk of preventable disease most recently including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthening health systems in the most fragile settings. Abdul Latif Jameel Health takes this commitment into the commercial environment addressing tangible real-world needs today, for a better tomorrow. It is focused on health care inclusion in the global south, accelerating access to modern medical care for those who need it most by opening up/growing new markets for distribution of existing solutions and investing in the future of MedTech. Abdul Latif Jameel actively invests in innovative, early-stage and breakthrough ventures and technology, aiming to positively shape the future of core industries driving the global economy through its' investments that span medical and healthcare industries, from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to cutting-edge medical technology, along with emergent technologies across FinTech, InsurTech, electric vehicles and future mobility solutions. For further information, visit: https://aljhealth.com and our brand video here. About Butterfly Network Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in 2011 and recently listed on the New York Stock Exchange through a business combination with Longview Acquisition Corp., Butterfly Network created the world's only handheld, single-probe whole-body ultrasound system using semiconductor technology, the Butterfly iQ. Its mission is to democratize medical imaging and contribute to the aspiration of global health equity by making high-quality ultrasound affordable, easy-to-use, globally accessible, and intelligently connected-including for the 4.7 billion people around the world lacking access to ultrasound. Through its proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip technology, Butterfly is paving the way for earlier detection and remote management of health conditions around the world. The Butterfly iQ+ can be purchased online today by healthcare practitioners in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Butterfly iQ is a prescription device intended for trained and qualified healthcare professionals only. For more information, visit www.butterflynetwork.com . Butterfly Network Forward Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company's expectations with respect to future performance and development of products and services. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; the Company's ability to grow and manage growth profitably; the success, cost and timing of the Company's product and service development activities; the potential attributes and benefits of the Company's products and services; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for its products, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved product; the Company's ability to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology; the Company's ability to maintain its existing license, manufacture, supply and distribution agreements; the Company's ability to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services that the Company is currently marketing or developing; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size and growth potential of the markets for the Company's products and services, and its ability to serve those markets, either alone or in partnership with others; the pricing of the Company's products and services and reimbursement for medical procedures conducted using its products and services; the Company's estimates regarding expenses, revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; the Company's financial performance; the Company's ability to raise financing in the future; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertake to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based Abdul Latif Jameel Copyright Notice and Disclaimer  Meddist Company Ltd. (Abdul Latif Jameel Health). All rights fully reserved. The Abdul Latif Jameel name, and the Abdul Latif Jameel logotype and pentagon-shaped graphic are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. The term "Abdul Latif Jameel" refers broadly to several distinct, separate and independent legal entities. Abdul Latif Jameel is not itself a corporate entity, association or conglomerate run by an overarching parent company but merely refers to a group of distinct and wholly separate legal entities that are collectively referred to as Abdul Latif Jameel. Abdul Latif Jameel is not a corporate group as defined in section 1161(5) of the Companies Act 2006. This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements regarding matters other than historical fact, such as future results, events, activities, developments or circumstances or the beliefs, plans or expectations of Abdul Latif Jameel Health or Abdul Latif Jameel entities or their respective managements. Forward-looking statements often can be identified by the use of words such as 'expect', 'project', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'estimate', 'believe', 'predict', 'intend', 'potential', 'possible', 'probable', 'likely', 'forecast', 'guidance', 'outlook', 'goal', 'target', 'may', 'will', 'should' or 'could' or other similar terms or phrases. However, the absence of such words does not mean that a particular statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions at the time of such statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of Abdul Latif Jameel Health or Abdul Latif Jameel entities. Should any of such expectations or assumptions prove incorrect, or should any of such risks or uncertainties materialize, actual future results, events, activities, developments or circumstances may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and neither Abdul Latif Jameel Health nor Abdul Latif Jameel assumes, and hereby disclaims, any obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements made by Abdul Latif Jameel Health, Abdul Latif Jameel, or by any person on behalf of any of them, whether communicated in writing, electronically or orally, are qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and 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 Securities Act, or an exemption therefrom. __________________________







1 Cumulative population figures from World Bank/United Nations data for markets subject to the distribution agreement. 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5704652/#R3 3 https://ir.butterflynetwork.com/news/news-details/2021/The-Butterfly-iQ-Catches-a-Ride-on-the-SpaceX-Dragon-to-Space/default.aspx https://finance.yahoo.com/news/butterfly-iq-catches-ride-spacex-120000013.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005285/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Advantech and BBT.live Announce New Partnership for SD-WAN-based SASE Solution

TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BBT.live, which developed a cutting-edge SD-WAN-based SASE solution, today announced that it has formed a new partnership with Advantech, a long-standing global leader in the Industrial IoT sector. The partnership deal has come to fruition after BBT.live qualified Advantech's advanced edge appliances for its state-of-the-art solution for cloud-based secured connectivity. BBT.live's software disaggregation technology allows network operators to mix and match diverse hardware under a single operating system, reducing the time and effort required to plan, deploy and operate the SD-WAN-based SASE cloud infrastructure. Creating a flexible consumption model for xSPs and network operators, operational efficiency is thus streamlined across the entire infrastructure on any hardware (cloud and edge units) ensuring an open and reliable experience for faster innovation in the cloud. BBT.live's market-leading solution is created for service providers, enabling them to gain new revenue streams by offering their SMB and SME clients an enterprise-grade SD-WAN-based SASE (secure access service edge) solution that significantly reduces complexities and costs. Instead of SMEs needing to contract with multiple suppliers to acquire networking and security services, they can rely on their primary network provider for a cost-competitive, easy-to-deploy holistic solution. BBT.live software disaggregation business model enables service provider partners to purchase edge units directly from equipment vendors. This deliberate model helps service providers avoid vendor lock-in while giving them the flexibility to select edge units that best match the needs of each of their customers. Advantech whit-box network appliances scale from entry-level devices based on Intel Atom processor to high-end platforms based on Intel Xeon Scalable processors. They provide ample connectivity choices including physical copper and fiber Ethernet interfaces and wireless 5G, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 options. Service provider and enterprise customers can leverage their optimized performance and superior reliability on a white-box device that is widely compatible with leading software solutions in the market. In addition, Advantech white-box platforms for SD-WAN, SASE and uCPE are supported by a global logistics and service network.



"We are thrilled to partner with Advantech, a company which is known for its forward-thinking approach to technology. Advantech has an impeccable reputation, and its edge units are reliable and trustworthy devices that are well-suited to our solution," said Moshe Levinson, BBT.live Founder & CEO. "As an innovative company, BBT.live is addressing the growing market of SMB/SME clients", said James Yang, Vice President, Advantech Cloud IoT Group. "As a trusted supplier to service providers and enterprise, we view this new partnership with BBT.live as a win-win for the entire ecosystem, bringing to market a flexible, open and reliable white-box solution that streamlines SD-WAN transformation towards SASE to empower the cloud-native enterprise."

About Advantech Advantech has the corporate vision to "Enable an Intelligent Planet". The company is a global leader in the fields of IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms. To embrace the trends of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with the industrial IoT platform - WISE-PaaS core to assist business partners and clients in connecting their industrial chains. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence. www.advantech.com Contact: Charo Sanchez

Global Alliances Manager, Advantech Cloud-IoT Group

[email protected] About BBT.live BBT.live, founded in 2020, provides a cloud-native SD-WAN-based SASE solution that combines enterprise-grade networking with network security and visibility into a single solution. BBT.live's offering is specifically designed for service providers, allowing them to provide their SME clients with a cost-effective holistic solution that is easily deployed and managed. For more information, visit www.bbt.live. www.bbt.live Contact: Ehud Bejerano

Email: [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/advantech-and-bbtlive-announce-new-partnership-for-sd-wan-based-sase-solution-301423867.html SOURCE BBT.live; Advantech

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[November 15, 2021] AYR Logistics Partners With Elroy Air to Deploy Autonomous Aerial Delivery Service for Humanitarian Aid

Elroy Air, the Aerospace and Logistics company developing the world's first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial cargo systems, has partnered with AYR Logistics, an aircraft owner and operator with over 20 years of hands-on experience providing logistics support to the humanitarian community, including the United Nations, World Food Programme (WFP), Governments and NGOs. At the Dubai Air Show, Elroy Air and AYR Logistics announced plans to develop an autonomous aerial cargo delivery service for humanitarian use. In an agreement signed in October, AYR committed to purchase up to 100 of Elroy Air's Chaparral aircraft to augment and expand its humanitarian logistics business. Speaking from the company's headquarters in London, Serge Sergeef, CEO of AYR Logistics, said, "We are very excited to be working with Elroy Air as their Humanitarian Partners. Our aircraft need to operate in incredibly challenging and austere conditions, frequently without basic airport infrastructure, so we are very particular about the equipment we use. We need highly-efficient and cost-effective aircraft with excellent dispatch reliability that provide 24-hour, all-weather operations and perform vertical takeoff and landing with pinpoint accuracy. We believe Elroy Air will provide us with that capability. For us, these Cargo-UAVs are heralding a new era in logistics and will undoubtedly become the new workhorse for humanitarian agencies." "The humanitarian deliveries that AYR Logistics performs represent some of the most important, and challenging logistics work in the world. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with the AYR team and to provide them with a new modality of safe, reliable aerial delivery for any environment. It's an ideal deployment for our Chaparral systems with a world-class partner," said Elroy Air Co-founder and CEO David Merrill. Chaparral is Elroy Air's VTOL aerial cargo platform. It is a transitioning "lift + cruise" VTOL aircraft with separate vertical and cruise flight lift fans and a hybrid-electric powertrain for long-range mission capabilities. The Chaparral can carry 300-500lbs of cargo over 300 miles. Sephen Lyons, Chief Development Officer at AYR Logistics, added, "The Elroy Air Chaparral ticks all the boxes for us in terms of costs, safety and environmental footprint. This aircraft will provide a very efficient platform for our humanitarian operations and capacity building projects and is ideally suited to operating in remote locations without infrastructure or ground support. We see the Chaparral as an essential part of our future operations, delivering critical food, shelter, medical supplies, vaccines and equipment directly to those affected communities."



Elroy Air has developed lightweight, aerodynamic modular cargo pods that can be pre-loaded by ground personnel and picked up by the aircraft before takeoff. At the delivery location, the cargo pod is lowered to the ground and released after the system has landed. The Chaparral system can retrieve another pre-packed pod and transport the pod to its next destination, creating a bi-directional conveyor belt through the sky. "Our team at Elroy Air is proud to support the important humanitarian work that AYR Logistics provides to communities that are difficult to reach due to unreliable roadways, limited airport infrastructure, and hostile environments," said Elroy Air's VP of Business Development and Strategy Kofi Asante. "We've designed and built the Chaparral aircraft to safely take off and land without any infrastructure and to operate autonomously to deliver medical supplies, food, water and vaccines more frequently to the people who need it most."

About Elroy Air Elroy Air is developing industry-first autonomous aircraft systems and software to expand the reach of express shipping to 1Bn+ people worldwide. Building on the powertrain and perception technology enabling the hybrid-electric/autonomous vehicle revolution, its vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aerial logistics systems can operate outside of airport infrastructure and evolve the possible in commercial air cargo. The company's solutions will expand delivery locations and reduce timeframes, provide immediate aid and relief in disaster and fire fighting situations, as well as rapid autonomous resupply for troops in the field. The company's headquarters is in South San Francisco, California and it is financed by world-class venture capital firms including Catapult Ventures and Marlinspike Capital, strategic investors including Lockheed Martin (News - Alert) Ventures, and pioneering angel investors. For more information, visit http://elroyair.com. About AYR Logistics Limited AYR Logistics Limited (AYR) is a humanitarian logistics and transportation company founded in 2001 and headquartered in London with subsidiaries and representative offices in the UK, USA, Ukraine, Cyprus and Uganda. AYR is an aircraft owner and operator with over 20 years of hands-on experience providing logistics support to the humanitarian community, including the United Nations, World Food Programme (WFP), Governments and NGOs, in more than 45 countries. The company has an excellent reliability and safety record with more than 400,000 flight hours accumulated to date. AYR is currently an incumbent provider of logistics and aviation services to United Nations agencies and the US Department of State (DOS). For more information, visit http://ayrlogistics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006201/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Benzie County Needs Resident Survey Participation to Assist in Broadband Internet Expansion Efforts

BENZIE COUNTY, Mich., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Benzie County has been discussing the need for broadband expansion since it was incorporated as a key objective in its strategic planning several years ago. This was then followed up by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) incorporating broadband expansion into their own strategic plan as well. Once incorporated into both strategic plans, the EDC was tasked with this objective. The first step was the establishment of the EDC Broadband Subcommittee (EDC BS). Next, the EDC BS developed a Request For Proposal (RFP) to establish a public/private partnership to work toward this goal. Eclipse Communication was selected through the RFP process and the EDC BS entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eclipse to formally establish this relationship. As the EDC BS and Eclipse started to work together to expand broadband throughout the county, it became clear that two objectives needed to be resolved in order for this to become a reality: Conduct a statistically valid broadband data collection survey that would refute the inaccurate FCC data regarding the availability of high-speed Internet in the county. Based upon the survey data, conduct an infrastructure engineering report that would develop a map of Benzie County based upon key data points - topography, existing broadband infrastructure, etc. The engineering report would map out where new broadband infrastructure would need to be developed to serve residents. Data demonstrating the need for connectivity are necessary in order to satisfy requests to the federalgovernment for funding. To obtain that data, Benzie County contracted with Merit Network, Inc., and is seeking county-wide input from the residents, in the form of a survey.



The survey was developed by Merit Network and will provide accurate data regarding which properties do and do not currently have Internet access in Benzie County. Information gathered will only be used to support broadband Internet expansion efforts and will aid in seeking grant funding to increase broadband availability in Benzie County. "The EDC Broadband Subcommittee has been working to solve the problem of slow, unreliable and expensive Internet in Benzie County. The answer is broadband, made available to every household. But reliable, honest coverage information does not exist, and this survey is a necessary first step in getting to the bottom of who does not have access," said Paula Figura, Chair of Benzie County EDC Broadband Subcommittee.

The survey is being conducted through a partnership with the Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide in Michigan. With the participation of Benzie County residents, these organizations will collect the necessary data to develop a realistic representation of current broadband coverage and speeds. Accurate, unbiased data will assist in drawing necessary state and federal funds to the community. Residents are being asked to visit MichiganMoonshot.org/BenzieCo to complete the brief survey, whether they pay for Internet access at their property or not. The survey results will provide granular information about residents' broadband speeds and availability to aid Benzie County in gathering the necessary information for possible broadband expansion. ABOUT THE MICHIGAN MOONSHOT: The Michigan Moonshot is a collective call to action which aims to bridge the digital divide in Michigan. Stakeholders include Merit Network, the nation's longest-running research and education network, the Quello Center at Michigan State University and M-Lab, the largest open Internet measurement platform in the world. Learn more about the Michigan Moonshot at Merit.edu/Moonshot. MEDIA CONTACT: Paula Figura, Chair of the Broadband Committee

[email protected]

For more information:

MichiganMoonshot.org/BenzieCo View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/benzie-county-needs-resident-survey-participation-to-assist-in-broadband-internet-expansion-efforts-301424074.html SOURCE Merit Network

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[November 15, 2021] BitGo Announces Over $64 Billion in Assets Under Custody and Appoints Cassandra Lentchner as President of BitGo Trust Companies.

BitGo, the leader in digital asset financial services, has exceeded $64 billion in digital assets under custody (AUC). As institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow and volumes on crypto platforms surge, top investors and crypto native firms are seeking institutional-grade custody and self custody solutions alongside financial infrastructure to safely and securely transact, store and lend their digital assets. "Institutional custody is not the same as retail custody," said Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo. "BitGo Trust Company was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of institutional investors, and it is the only independent qualified custodian focused on building the right market structure and facilities to enable institutions to enter the digital asset space with confidence." BitGo has also appointed Cassandra "Cassie" Lentchner as President of BitGo Trust Companies ("BitGo Trust"). Cassie joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in May 2021 with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. Cassie has built an exceptional reputation as both a regulator and as counsel for industry participants. She oversaw compliance and regulatory standards for New York's groundbreaking BitLicense and cybersecurity policy, when serving as Deputy Superintendent of Compliance for New York Department of Finance Services (NYDFS). BitGo Trust launched in 2018 as the first qualified custodian for storing digital assets, leveraging its technology to become the industry's first platform to receive SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. BitGo Trust has qualified custodial entities in New York, Switzerland and Germany and acts as the custodian for WBTC, which has grown to more than $15 billion in custody and circulation. "BitGo's capabilities and track record as the most trusted digital assets partner are critical for large institutions and their clients to feel secure investing in cryptocurrencies and developing a vibrant digital economy," said Casse Lentchner, President of BitGo Trust.



BitGo's commitment to serving institutional investors' digital asset requirements started in 2013 with the launch of BitGo's multi-signature wallets, and since then has expanded into a comprehensive suite of institutional-grade tools to securely store, lend, manage and trade digital assets. Today, BitGo is trusted by over 500 clients spanning 50 countries, including many of the world's top exchanges and platforms such as Bitstamp, Nexo, and Pantera. BitGo remains the only service provider in the industry providing both qualified custody and self custody technology solutions to institutional investors, fintech firms and crypto native platforms. BitGo is also the largest processor of on-chain Bitcoin transactions, currently accounting for approximately 20% of all on-chain Bitcoin transactions by value. For more information, please visit www.bitgo.com.

About BitGo BitGo is the leader in digital asset financial services, providing institutional investors with liquidity, custody, and security solutions with over $60B in assets under custody. Founded in 2013, BitGo pioneered the multi-signature wallet and is the first digital asset company to focus exclusively on serving institutional clients. Active in both centralized and decentralized finance, BitGo offers market leading trading, lending, and borrowing services through its prime brokerage services and acts as the custodian for WBTC, with more than $15 billion in custody and circulation. In 2020, BitGo launched BitGo Portfolio and Tax, providing clients with a full-stack solution for digital assets. In 2018, it launched BitGo Trust Company, the first qualified custodian purpose-built for storing digital assets. BitGo processes approximately 20% of all global Bitcoin transactions, and supports over 400 coins and tokens. BitGo provides the security and operational backbone for more than 500 institutional clients in 50 countries, including many regulated entities and the world's top cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms. BitGo is backed by Goldman Sachs, Craft Ventures, Digital Currency Group, DRW, Redpoint Ventures, and Valor Equity Partners. For more information, please visit https://bitgo.com Disclaimer

The information in this press release is not an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment or for the provision of any investment management or advisory services. Custody services are offered through BitGo Trust Company, a South Dakota chartered trust company. BitGo is not registered with the SEC (News - Alert) as an investment advisor or custodian, and does not offer legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Please consult your legal/tax/investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances. BitGo Trust Company, BitGo Inc., and BitGo Prime LLC are separately operated, wholly-owned subsidiaries of BitGo Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in Palo Alto (News - Alert), CA. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005834/en/

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[November 15, 2021] CarNow Collaborates with F&I Leader J.D. Power

ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CarNow, www.carnow.com the leading automotive digital retailing company, and J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics and consumer intelligence and a leading provider of automotive finance & insurance (F&I) software used by automotive dealerships nationwide, today announced a strategic alliance which integrates the J.D. Power market-leading F&I presentation solution with CarNow's Real Time Retail platform. The direct integration of J.D. Power with CarNow's platform provides car shoppers online access to the J.D. Power F&I product presentation menu. CarNow's industry-first, Real-Time Retail platform unifies the shopper's online activity with the in-store experience. CarNow allows dealers to view and serve shoppers in "real-time" as they engage with a dealer's virtual or physical showroom. Improving the customer buying process with no disruption to the dealers existing process. "This alliance is a significant step forward in the evolution of the dealer-customer interaction, and a win for our dealers and consumer shoppers who are asking for a user friendly and accurate F&I shopping experience. J.D. Power enables CarNow to deliver on that promise. Today's automotive retail buying experience frustrates consumers because there are too many points where communication with the dealership or the accuracy of the transaction breaks down and restarts. These break downs lengthen the process, disrupt te flow of information, and weaken the transition between the online and in-store experience. Our platform solves that," said Andy Park, CEO and founder of CarNow.



"Consumers want an easy-to-use F&I experience when moving from the web to the dealership, so this integration will provide a seamless transition into the dealership and into our flagship menu application," said Phillip Battista, president of dealership technologies at J.D. Power. "When the capabilities of two companies are shared for the benefit of both dealers and vehicle shoppers, it's a notable achievement. Dealers will see the advantages right away and the customer experience will be better than ever." "The partnership between CarNow and JD Power moves US one step closer to the seamless, streamlined process so many consumers wish to experience when buying a car. While most digital retail platforms are nothing more than glorified lead generation tools. CarNow continues to innovate, getting dealers that much closer to delivering the 'start to signature' omni-channel experience." Said Andy Wright, Managing Partner at Vinart Dealerships.

The partnership will be launched in the first quarter of 2022. About CarNow CarNow is market leader in digital retailing solutions for the automotive industry. CarNow creates frictionless, real-time enterprise software solutions to facilitate the transaction between dealers and consumers. Through our solutions, shoppers receive enhanced virtual showroom services, live support at anytime, anywhere, delivered to them on any device. With 5,000 dealership customers and over twenty manufacturer certifications, CarNow is one of the fastest growing companies in automotive. CarNow is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at https://carnow.com About J.D. Power J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, J.D. Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world's leading businesses across major industries rely on J.D. Power to guide their customer-facing strategies. J.D. Power has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business or https://darwinautomotive.com/. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carnow-collaborates-with-fi-leader-jd-power-301423687.html SOURCE CarNow

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[November 15, 2021] CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. Reminds Stockholders to Vote in Favor of Business Combination with Altus Power, Inc.

CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CBAH) ("CBAH"), a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company, reminds its stockholders to vote in favor of the previously announced business combination (the "Business Combination") with Altus Power, Inc. ("Altus Power"), a market-leading clean electrification company. Stockholders who owned common stock of CBAH as of the close of business on October 27, 2021 (the "Record Date"), may vote their shares. Stockholders as of the Record Date continue to have the right to vote their shares, regardless of whether such stockholders subsequently sold their shares and do not own such shares as of the date they cast their vote. The special meeting of the CBAH stockholders to approve the pending Business Combination (the "Special Meeting") is scheduled to be held on December 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Special Meeting will be conducted completely virtually, and can be accessed via live webcast at https://www.cstproxy.com/cbreacquisitionholdings/2021. Additional information on how stockholders of record may vote their shares can be found at CBAH's How to Vote webpage, which is now live at the following address: https://cbreacquisitionholdings.com/vote/ Every stockholder's vote is important, regardless of the number of shares held. Accordingly, all CBAH stockholders who held shares as of the Record Date who have not yet voted are encouraged to do so as soon as possible so that it is received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 5, 2021 (internet votes) or 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on December 6, 2021 (mail votes). For the avoidance of doubt, CBAH stockholders who owned shares as of the Record Date and subsequently sold all or a portion of their shares are STILL entitled to vote, and are encouraged to do so. CBAH's board of directors recommends you vote "FOR" the Business Combination with Altus Power and "FOR" all of the related proposals described in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by CBAH with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC (News - Alert)"), a definitive copy of which has been filed with the SEC and mailed to all CBAH stockholders who owned shares as of the Record Date. These are the two easiest and fastest ways to vote - and they are both free: Vote Online (Highly Recommended): Follow the instructions provided on the proxy card that was mailed to you, if you are a record holder, or provided on a Voting Instruction Form by the broker, bank or other nominee through which you hold shares, if you hold your shares "in street name". To vote online, you will need your voting control number, which you can find on your proxy card or the Voting Instruction Form provided by your broker, bank or nominee. Internet votes must be received by CBAH by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 5, 2021. However, if you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, they may have an earlier deadline to receive your vote. Vote at the Meeting: If you are a record holder and plan to attend the online Special Meeting, you will need your 12-digit voting control number to vote electronically at the Special Meeting. You can find your control number and the address for the Special Meeting on your proxy card. If your shares are held in "street name" please follow the procedures on the Voting Instruction Form provided by your broker, bank or nominee. Additionally, you can also vote by mail: Vote by Mail : Follow the instructions provided on the proxy card that was mailed to you, if you are a record holder, or provided by your broker, bank or other nominee on a Voting Instruction Form mailed to you. To send in your vote via mail, please use the envelope provided with your proxy material. Mail votes must be received by CBAH prior to the Special Meeting on December 6, 2021. If Voting by Mail, to ensure your vote is handled properly, be sure to: (1) mark, sign and date your proxy card or Voting Instruction Form; (2) return your proxy card or Voting Instruction Form in the envelope provided or through any other means described in your Voting Instruction Form; and (3) mail as soon as possible so that your vote arrives before December 6, 2021. YOUR CONTROL NUMBER IS FOUND ON (News - Alert) YOUR PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM. If you hold your shares directly with CBAH (i.e., are a "holder of record") and did not receive or misplaced your prxy card, contact Morrow Sodali, CBAH's proxy solicitor, for a form replacement or to obtain your control number. If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and did not receive or have misplaced your Voting Instruction Form, contact your broker, bank or nominee through which you hold your shares for a form replacement or to obtain your control number. You will need this in order to vote or attend the Special Meeting.



If any individual CBAH stockholder who held shares as of the October 27, 2021 record date for voting does not receive the proxy statement/prospectus, such stockholder should (i) confirm his or her proxy statement/prospectus's status with his or her broker, bank or other nominee, (ii) contact Morrow Sodali LLC, CBAH's proxy solicitor, for assistance via e-mail at [email protected] or toll-free call at (800) 662-5200 and brokers, banks and other nominees can place a collect call to Morrow Sodali at (203) 658-9400, or (iii) contact CBAH by mail at CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1250, Dallas, TX 75201. Important Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find It

CBAH has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement"), which includes a proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the proposed business combination between Altus Power and CBAH (the "business combination") and the other transactions contemplated by the business combination agreement entered into by Altus Power and CBAH. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on November 5, 2021 and CBAH also filed the definitive proxy statement/prospectus with respect to the business combination on that date. CBAH's stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read the Registration Statement and definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with CBAH's solicitation of proxies for its stockholders' Special Meeting to be held to approve the business combination because the proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about CBAH, Altus Power and the business combination. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents have been mailed to stockholders of CBAH as of October 27, 2021, the record date for the Special Meeting. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of the Registration Statement and the proxy statement/prospectus, without charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1250, Dallas, TX 75201. Participants in the Solicitation CBAH, Altus Power and certain of their respective directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of CBAH's stockholders with respect to the approval of the business combination. CBAH and Altus Power urge investors, stockholders and other interested persons to read the Registration Statement and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, and exhibits thereto, as well as other documents filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination, as these materials contain important information about Altus Power, CBAH and the business combination. Information regarding CBAH's directors and officers and a description of their interests in CBAH is contained in the Registration Statement and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "may", "plan", "outlook", "future" and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and may also relate to CBAH's and Altus Power's future prospects, developments and business strategies. In particular, such forward-looking statements include statements concerning the timing of the business combination, the business plans, objectives, expectations and intentions of CBAH once the business combination and the other transactions contemplated thereby (the "Transactions") and change of name are complete ("New Altus"), and New Altus's estimated and future results of operations, business strategies, competitive position, industry environment and potential growth opportunities. These statements are based on CBAH's or Altus Power's management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside CBAH's or Altus Power's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; (2) the inability to complete the Transactions due to the failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of CBAH or Altus Power or other conditions to closing in the Business Combination Agreement; (3) the ability of New Altus to meet NYSE's listing standards (or the standards of any other securities exchange on which securities of the public entity are listed) following the business combination; (4) the inability to complete the private placement of common stock of CBAH to certain institutional accredited investors; (5) the risk that the announcement and consummation of the Transactions disrupts Altus Power's current plans and operations; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Transactions, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of New Altus to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers, business partners, suppliers and agents and retain its management and key employees; (7) costs related to the Transactions; (8) changes in applicable laws or regulations and delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the Transactions; (9) the possibility that Altus Power and New Altus may be adversely affected by other economic, business, regulatory and/or competitive factors; (10) the impact of COVID-19 on Altus Power's and New Altus's business and/or the ability of the parties to complete the Transactions; (11) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against CBAH, Altus Power, New Altus or any of their respective directors or officers, following the announcement of the Transactions; and (12) the failure to realize anticipated pro forma results and underlying assumptions, including with respect to estimated stockholder redemptions and purchase price and other adjustments. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements can be found in CBAH's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which are available, free of charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and are provided in the Registration Statement and CBAH's definitive proxy statement/prospectus. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and CBAH and Altus Power undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in expectations, future events or otherwise. This communication is not intended to be all-inclusive or to contain all the information that a person may desire in considering an investment in CBAH and is not intended to form the basis of an investment decision in CBAH. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning CBAH and Altus Power, the Transactions or other matters and attributable to CBAH and Altus Power or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. About CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. CBRE Acquisition Holdings, Inc. ("CBAH") is a blank-check company formed solely for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. CBAH is sponsored by CBRE Acquisition Sponsor, LLC, which is a subsidiary of CBRE Group, Inc. About Altus Power Altus Power, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is creating a clean electrification ecosystem, serving its commercial, public sector and community solar customers with locally-sited solar generation, energy storage, and EV-charging stations across the U.S. Since its founding in 2009, Altus Power has developed or acquired over 350 megawatts from Vermont to Hawaii. Visit altuspower.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005286/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Chris Peerless Appointed Vice President- Canada at MOBIA

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - MOBIA is excited to announce that Chris Peerless, formerly VP of Western Canada, has been appointed Vice President - Canada. In this new role, Peerless will focus on supporting MOBIA's National growth by managing and overseeing Sales and Operations for the company. Peerless brings 20 years of technology experience, has personally accounted for over $1B of sales and has a passion for building highly successful and collaborative teams. He believes there is a gap in the Canadian Market for a National Systems Integrator focused on process, people, culture, and technology. "I'm excited to move into this role and look forward to further supporting MOBIA's growth" said Peerless. "No other company I have seen has the focus on people, process and business outcomes like MOBIA. All with the experience and knowledge our team offers to expedite and help organizations in their Continuous Transformation journey. I am excited to play a role in driving MOBIA's continued growth and expansion in Canada and shortly thereafter into the United States and beyond." As VP of Western Canada, Peerless was instrumental in launching MOBIA's business and go to market plan in early 2020. In a short 2 years,MOBIA has seen tremendous success, hiring over 20 employees in BC and Alberta, acquiring over 100 customers, and onboarding numerous new technology partnerships. By collaborating with MOBIAs National technical team of subject matter experts, he has helped customers implement innovative technology solutions and complete digital transformations. "Since joining the MOBIA team in early 2020, I've had the great privilege of growing our footprint in Western Canada," said Peerless. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue this work on a larger scale as we expand our services and scope for our customers. I am confident that we'll empower many more businesses to reach new levels of success through successful digital transformations and technology implementations. MOBIAs great differentiation is being boutique National firm, with our focus on technology excellency and business transformations. We are able to hire, train and nurture talent, regardless of location, while providing solutions for our customers coast to coast."



"We are excited to have Chris move into this exciting new role at MOBIA," said Michael Reeves, President. "Chris has been a wonderful addition to our team and has helped tremendously with our continued evolution to become a leader in helping customers achieve their goals aligned to our four pillars approach. With a proven track record in IT sales both at MOBIA and throughout his 20-year career, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. More importantly, he is an inspiring sales leader with a strong vision, committed to our company's growth." ABOUT MOBIA

MOBIA is a leading expert in digital transformation and innovative enterprise technology systems. With hundreds of customers across North America, we partner with organizations of all sizes, across all verticals to transform the way they work. With a focus on people, processes, technology, and culture, we help businesses reach their full potential. MOBIA is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies and Canada's Top Growing Companies.

To learn more visit Mobia.io

SOURCE MOBIA Technology Innovations Inc.

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[November 15, 2021] Church Mutual Moves up the Ranks of Most Successful Private Company on Deloitte's 2021 Wisconsin 75

Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer) 1 announced today that it ranked No. 27 on Deloitte's (News - Alert) Wisconsin 75, a ranking of the 75 largest private companies in Wisconsin, based on sales revenue. "I am so proud to lead all of the wonderful people in this organization," said Rich Poirier, president and CEO. "Without the support and hard work of our employees, we would not be honored in this way. Our employees are powered by purpose on a daily basis to help our customers avoid risks so they can continue doing their important work without disruption." "For the 19th year, Deloitte is proud to recognize the economic and community impact of the largest 75 private companies in Wisconsin -the Wisconsin 75. This year we will not only celebrate the individual successes of each of these organizations, but also the collective impact of private companies in powering Wisconsin's economy and community," said PJ DiStefano, Wisconsin managing partner of Deloitte LLP. Church Mutual previously ranked 29 on the Wisconsin 75 list and has been featured on the list seven times. Additionally, Church Mutual achieed a distinguished performer award in the innovation category in the 2019 Wisconsin 75 awards.



About Deloitte's 2021 Wisconsin 75 Deloitte's annual Wisconsin 75 list salutes the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies. These companies play a key role in the state's economy. Wisconsin 75 award winners are selected based on annual sales revenue.

To be eligible for Deloitte's Wisconsin 75 recognition, companies must have a majority ownership by an individual(s), family, employee stock ownership plan, or private equity firm. Public companies are eligible when greater than 50 percent of the value or vote of the shares are owned by individuals, family, an employee stock ownership plan, or private equity. Additionally, companies must have annual sales revenue of at least USD 50,000. The Wisconsin 75 excludes cooperatives and accounting, tax, legal, and consulting service companies. About Church Mutual Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., founded in 1897, offers specialized insurance for religious organizations of all denominations, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, senior living facilities, secular and non-secular camps and conference centers, and nonprofit and human services organizations throughout the United States. Church Mutual markets most lines of commercial property and liability insurance, including multi-peril, workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance. In addition to insurance, Church Mutual provides a spectrum of value-added solutions that benefit its customers. Church Mutual holds the following honors: A.M. Best Company "A" (excellent) rating

Wisconsin 75 Top Private Company by Deloitte US, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020

Wisconsin 75 Distinguished Performer: Innovation by Deloitte US 2019

2021 Gallup Culture Transformation Award recipient

2020 Women and Diversity Award recipient from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association

Futuremakers Partner by Wisconsin Technical College System

Celent Model Insurer for innovation and emerging technologies

Award in Innovation for entrepreneurialism and innovation by National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

2018-2019 Employer of the Year by Northcentral Technical College 1Church Mutual is a stock insurer whose policyholders are members of the parent mutual holding company formed on 1/1/20. S.I. = a stock insurer. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005878/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Computershare and Proxymity Launch Digital Proxy Voting in New Zealand

LONDON and WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Proxymity, the leading digital investor communication platform, and Computershare (ASX: CPU), a global market leader in financial and governance services, today announced that they have launched the first direct digital "issuer to investor" connection in New Zealand, with Citi and J.P. Morgan being the first custodians to adopt the new connection. The Computershare and Proxymity collaboration represents a key milestone in transforming a market used to operating by paper-based proxy voting, with meeting announcements, agendas, and votes traditionally sent by post or fax. As the industry moves towards real-time online investor communications, Computershare clients can now use Proxymity's digital-native platform to deliver electronic meeting announcements, agendas, and documents instantly and accurately. Investors and intermediaries receive these as "golden source" directly from the issuer, which removes human error and provides transmission as originally intended. The enhanced speed of communication adds an additional 6 days on average for investors to research their vote and enables voting right up to the meeting deadline. This leaves ample time for issuers and investors to communicate productively in advance of the meeting itself, supporting better outcomes through timely engagement. The digital connection also provides real-time status updates and transparency, including post-meeting vote confirmation, representing another first for the market. "With Computershare's connection to Proxymity live and ready for the 2022 season, we are excited to be offering the benefits of digital-first voting to our New Zealand clients," said Stuart Jury, Managing Director of Computershare New Zealand. "We expect the speed, accuracy and flexibility provided by this platform to be game-changing forissuers and their shareholders in the months and years to come."



The connection between Computershare and Proxymity also provides unprecedented transparency, aligned with global regulatory trends and the growing focus on ESG, as it allows issuers to see voting information in real-time, and provides auditable confirmation for shareholders that their votes were received at the meeting. The launch will be supported by Proxymity's new customer APAC hub in Melbourne, also known for being Computershare's original home. Working in collaboration with local and global partners, including the region's top custodians, Proxymity's commitment to APAC ensures both a local presence and excellent service and support for our in-region customers.

Jonathan Smalley, Co-Founder and COO of Proxymity said: "Over the past few years Proxymity and Computershare have partnered across the globe, and we're delighted to be able to collaborate in New Zealand, one of their core markets. This launch highlights the positive transformations that digital connections are bringing to the industry, and we look forward to showing the immediate and direct benefits for issuers and investors throughout this upcoming season." About Computershare Limited (CPU) Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, mortgage servicing, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialize in corporate trust, bankruptcy, class action and utility administration, and a range of other diversified financial and governance services. Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in high integrity data management, high volume transaction processing and reconciliations, payments, and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world's leading organizations use us to streamline and maximize the value of relationships with their investors, employees, creditors, and customers. Computershare is represented in all major financial markets and has over 14,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.computershare.com About Proxymity Proxymity's pioneering investor communications platform connects issuers, intermediaries, and investors in real-time via its unique digital pathway, bringing efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to every participant in the global custody chain. Our solutions give public companies confidence that their AGM/EGM agendas are transmitted as "golden source" and provide institutional investors with the time they need to research and vote on corporate decisions, as well as actual digital confirmation that their votes have been received. Proxymity promotes enhanced environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) by improving communication between issuers and investors and making it easier for intermediaries to be efficient, timely and compliant when servicing their clients. The company is backed by a global consortium of the industry's most influential financial institutions (BNY Mellon, Citi, Clearstream, Computershare, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, State Street). For more information, visit www.proxymity.io Contact: Kobi Omenka

[email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688327/Proxymity_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1688329/Computershare_Logo.jpg

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[November 15, 2021]

Copperleaf to Present at 2021 RBC Capital Markets Global Technology, Internet, Media and Telecom Virtual Conference

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Copperleaf Technologies Inc. (TSX: CPLF) ("Copperleaf" or the "Company"), a provider of enterprise decision analytics software solutions, today announced that Judi Hess, CEO will participate in the 2021 RBC Capital Markets Global Technology, Internet, Media, and Telecommunications Virtual Conference on November 17, 2021.

Ms. Hess will attend a fireside chat on November 17, 2021 at 2:40 PM ET hosted by Cad Sievewright, Director of Global Investment Banking at RBC Capital Markets.







A live webcast of the event will be available in the Events and Presentations section of Copperleaf's Investor Relations website. To register and attend, please contact your RBC Institutional Salesperson.

About Copperleaf:

Copperleaf provides enterprise decision analytics software solutions to companies managing critical infrastructure. We leverage operational and financial data to empower our clients to make investment decisions that deliver the highest business value. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing extraordinary experiences, shaped by people who care deeply, products that deliver exceptional value, and partnerships that stand the test of time. Copperleaf is a patron of The Institute of Asset Management and actively participates in shaping the future of asset management standards, including ISO 55000. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, our solutions are distributed and supported by regional staff and partners worldwide. Together, we are transforming how the world sees value.

For more details, visit https://www.copperleaf.com/

SOURCE CopperLeaf Technologies Inc.
[November 15, 2021] CUB Unlocks Personalized Shopper Experiences with CitrusAd

CUB, the market leader in the Twin (News - Alert) Cities grocery industry, announced today its integration with CitrusAd's retail media technology. CUB is embracing what's next with retail media and e-commerce by integrating CitrusAd's technology to deliver cutting edge advertising features for CPG companies and make the experience better for all. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005238/en/ CUB Joins Growing List of Retailers that Turn on the Power of Retail Media with CitrusAd (Photo: Business Wire) CUB, which operates 79 grocery stores and 28 Wine & Spirits and Liquor locations in Minnesota and a grocery store in Illinois, will leverage CitrusAd's platform to provide more personalized online shopping experiences based on shopper preferences and purchase history. CUB suppliers will also benefit from the technology integration as CUB's first party, real-time data from their website and loyalty program combines with CitrusAd's algorithms to identify shopper preferences and serve relevant sponsored product ads to optimize campaigns and reduce ad waste. "Our work with CitrusAd provides our supplier community with a fully-transparent, self-serve platform for ecommerce marketing automation and personalization with clear ROI analytics. Marketers have always looked for closed loop analytics. We are thrilled to provide CitrusAd's direct measurement tool that clearly demonstrates clicks from each ad campaign to cart sales" said Chad Bersie, director of e-commerce for CUB.



Many retailers have banded together on CitrusAd's growing ecommerce ad network, making it convenient for brands to launch and measure targeted campaigns from one scalable, self-serve ad platform. The need for retail media intensified as e-commerce sales surged over the past year, exceeding industry expectations. Moreover, growing evidence suggests that online retail media can positively grow both onsite and in-store sales. Supplier partners can utilize campaigns including display banners, sponsored product ads and brand pages to reach shoppers right at the digital point of purchase when they are making relevant category selections. "Strong data leveraged in a powerful and seamless manner can always improve results. By CUB tying their first party data to our technology, brands can connect with shoppers without compromising consumer privacy or security in real time. So much can be accomplished with this level of personalization especially as marketers move away from third-party cookies," said Brian DeCoveny, SVP Retail Media Partnerships for CitrusAd.

CitrusAd was recently named a leader by Forrester (News - Alert), a leading global research and advisory firm, in The Forrester Wave: Sell-Side Retail Media Solutions, Q3 2021. As cited in the report, "CitrusAd offers superior onsite search, display media, and measurement capabilities in an easy-to-use platform." CitrusAd also ranked highest in the performance, and measurement and reporting criteria, and received the highest scores possible in 9 other criteria, including partner ecosystem. For more information on building retail media campaigns to attract CUB shoppers, email [email protected]. About CitrusAd CitrusAd is the world-leading, white-label, self-serve, ecommerce advertising platform that enables retailers to monetize their digital shelf-space while enabling suppliers to increase sales by launching targeted and cost-effective digital campaigns right at the point of purchase. Since it was launched in 2017, CitrusAd powers the fastest growing ecommerce ad network in the USA and has become the global, retail industry's preferred sponsored product, banner ad platform, service and retail media sales organization. Successful retailers, across all verticals from 25 different countries are leveraging the CitrusAd platform and real-time relevancy engine to create a more personalized shopping experience and deliver greater ROI for suppliers. For more information, visit CitrusAd.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005238/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Expanding "Taiwan Experience" to Southeast Asia, TPIsoftware Collaborates with IG Tech Group to Embrace FinTech in Cambodia

TAIPEI, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TPIsoftware and IG Tech Group, the leading system integrator in Cambodia, have signed a strategic partnership agreement with Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs as witness, aiming to combine IG Tech Group's local network and connections in Cambodia's financial and government sectors with TPIsoftware's robust "Taiwan Experience" in FinTech to gear toward digital upgrade of financial industry in Cambodia. With the business matchmaking from the World System Integrator Conference (WISC) sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the two parties exchanged views on potential markets and customers in Cambodia and their mutual interests, and further completed the signing of product distribution of TPIsoftware API management platform, digiRunner. Moreover, TPIsoftware and IG Tech have committed to providing an international digital user experience for users in Cambodia. TPIsoftware looks forward to succeeding the business expansion in the blooming Southeast Asian market. TPIsoftware has established branches in Vietnam and Singapore since 2019, striving to bring the successful digital transformation experience to the new southbound market. Despite the business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two years, TPIsoftware have obtained a number of overseas customers, including a major electric car manufacturer in the United States, Vietnam's biggest pharmacy retail chain and property insurance corporation. As the Cambodian government is devoted to supporting local companies with its 15-year digital economy plan to drive FinTech innovation, this collaborative partnership with Idealink Consulting, the core of IG Tech Group, hopes to accelerate digitization in finance in Cambodia and gives TPIsoftware an opportunity to expand it overseas footprint.



"We are honored to have this opportunity to participate in the SIPA led by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and partner with Idealink Consulting, the system integrator pioneer in Cambodia," said Ben Yao, CEO of TPIsoftware, "As we both have years of dedication to the FinTech domain area, we believe this strong alliance will bring Cambodian market more convenient and high-quality digital services, and further unlocks business opportunities of smart finance and smart government." "We have seen a rising consumption ability and an emerging digital transformation market as a result of the rapid economic growth in the Southeast Asian countries with government's supports, which is a golden opportunity for us to expand our reach. Compared to those iconic international companies, our geographical advantages, 16 years of FinTech commitment, similar consumer culture, exceptional customer service, product localization and flexibility all give us a competitive edge and make us stand out. We hope to make a splash and drive Taiwan's export of technology and software services," Ben Yao said.

Sokieng Sieng, Managing Director of IG Tech Group added, "We have been investing efforts to assist local financial customers integrating innovative technology, programs and solutions. We are always looking into creating an ecosystem with win-win business partnerships and positive impact to the society. We are expanding our offerings from professional services to cutting-edge technology products in collaboration with key technology players around the world. This partnership engagement is our great honor and big stepping-stone for us to have a chance bringing the right solution and expertise from TPIsoftware to expand our offerings to our privileged customers. Seeing the new trend of Financial Service Industry has changed toward digitalization, the solution offering by TPIsoftware would be the great help and fulfillment to this journey. We are delighted to announce this official partnership with TPIsoftware to work together towards the goals." About IG Tech Group Having presence across the Greater Mekong Subregion, IG Tech is Cambodia's technology solutions integration, implementation and development group. With IG Tech's history substantiated since year 2012 by the establishment of its first group member company, Idealink Consulting Ltd. Core expertise of IG Tech has always been in Fintech and Banking Solutions Integration, Implementation and Development, and has since expanded to areas of IoT and SMART cities, Smart Card toolkits, digital identity, blockchain based content and social media platforms, as well as informal economy digitizing bridging platforms. About TPIsoftware Founded in 2005, TPIsoftware is a software provider based in Taiwan delivering one-stop solutions and system implementation services to enterprises in various industries. TPIsoftware specializes in AI chatbots, FinTech, digital banking, mobile insurance, telecom application, big data and other system solutions. In addition to its own product lines, TPIsoftware provides customized finance, life insurance, communications, and technology solutions domestically and overseas. Media Contact: TPIsoftware

Peggy Tsai

+886-2-2658-0508 #1606

[email protected] SOURCE TPIsoftware

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[November 15, 2021] Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Awards $18.5M for Affordable Housing

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is pleased to announce that, in partnership with its member financial institutions, it has awarded $18.5 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidies to 26 projects, primarily within its five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. The subsidies will result in the creation or rehabilitation of 2,113 housing units. "FHLB Dallas member institutions play an important role in financing affordable housing initiatives in their communities," said FHLB Dallas President and CEO Sanjay Bhasin. "The AHP allows our members to provide millions of dollars across our District to improve living conditions for those who need it most." FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP subsidies to the communities served by its member institutions. AHP funding is utilized for a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly and special-needs residents; down payment and closing-cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. Between 1990 and 2020, FHLB Dallas awarded more than $323 million through AHP and Homeownership Set-Aside Programs, such as a down payment assistance program, a home repair and modification program geared toward seniors and others with disabilities and a disaster recovery program to help more than 57,000 households. Beatrice Kelly, Comerica Bank senior vice president & director of Community Development Lending, said the bank has benefited from the program for several years. "Comerica Bank is honored to be part of the Affordable Housing Program as we work to raise expectations and make impactful investments in the communities we serve through strategic partnerships," Ms. Kelly said. "As a longtime member of FHLB Dallas, we have helped create economic opportunity in areas that need our support. We are grateful for the program and its ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion." Below is a state-by-state listing of the 2021 AHP subsidies. For more information about the 2021 AHP subsidies and other FHLB Dallas community investment products and programs, please visit fhlb.com/ahp. Arkansas: $1,500,000 for 102 units Houston





Member: BancorpSouth Bank

Sponsor: Renewal Ranch

Subsidy: $750,000 for 42 rental units Searcy

Member: Centennial Bank

Sponsor: Searcy Housing Solutions Inc.

Subsidy: $750,000 for 60 rental units

Louisiana: $3,000,000 for 323 units Franklin

Member: Home Bank, N.A.

Sponsor: New Orleans Restoration Properties

Subsidy: $750,000 for 60 rental units New Orleans

Member: Home Bank, N.A.

Sponsor: Building Blocks

Subsidy: $750,000 for 62 rental units Member: Fifth District Savings Bank

Sponsor: Ozanam Inn

Subsidy: $750,000 for 157 rental units Opelousas

Member: St. Landry Homestead F.S.B.

Sponsor: The Refinery Mission

Subsidy: $750,000 for 44 rental units Mississippi: $2,450,000 for 234 units Canton

Member: The First, a National Banking Association

Sponsor: Central Mississippi Housing and Development Corp.

Subsidy: $750,000 for 64 rental units Hattiesburg

Member: The First, a National Banking Association

Sponsor: Hattiesburg Housing Authority

Subsidy: $750,000 for 108 rental units Jackson

Member: Hope Federal Credit Union

Sponsor: Jackson Resource Center

Subsidy: $450,000 for 30 rental units Natchez

Member: Tensas State Bank

Sponsor: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Subsidy: $500,000 for 32 rental units New Mexico: $1,050,000 for 96 units Ohkay Owingeh

Member: Century Bank

Sponsor: Ohkay Owingeh Housing Authority

Subsidy: $300,000 for 30 owner units Rio Rancho

Member: Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Bank South Central

Sponsor: CC Housing, Inc.

Subsidy: $750,000 for 66 rental units Texas: $7,500,000 for 986 units Austin

Member: Frost Bank

Sponsor: Mobile Loaves & Fishes

Subsidy: $750,000 for 50 rental units Member: Frost Bank

Sponsor: Austin Housing Finance Corp.

Subsidy: $750,000 for 171 rental units Member: Prosperity Bank

Sponsor: Project Transitions

Subsidy: $750,000 for 61 rental units Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Foundation Communities

Subsidy: $750,000 for 88 rental units Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Foundation Communities

Subsidy: $750,000 for 135 rental units Corpus Christi

Member: Frost Bank

Sponsor: The Salvation Army

Subsidy: $750,000 for 132 rental units Houston

Member: Comerica Bank

Sponsor: Mountain Top Development

Subsidy: $750,000 for 205 rental units Member: Texas Capital Bank, N.A.

Sponsor: Covenant House Texas

Subsidy: $750,000 for 52 rental units Kingsville

Member: Frost Bank

Sponsor: Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas

Subsidy: $750,000 for 42 rental units Welasco

Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Prospera Housing Community Services

Subsidy: $750,000 for 50 rental units Out of District: $3,000,000 for 372 units California Long Beach

Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Century Villages at Cabrillo

Subsidy: $750,000 for 90 rental units Colorado Denver

Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Subsidy: $750,000 for 101 rental units Florida Opa-Locka

Member: Wells Fargo Bank South Central

Sponsor: Wellspring Community Resources

Subsidy: $750,000 for 110 rental units North Carolina Lexington

Member: Bank OZK

Sponsor: The Mid-Atlantic Foundation

Subsidy: $750,000 for 71 rental units About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $60.2 billion as of September 30, 2021, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006320/en/

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[November 15, 2021] FNB Receives Bank On Certification for eStyle Checking Account

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB) announced that its eStyle no-overdraft checking account has received national Bank On certification from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) for its affordability, high functionality and focus on consumer safety. With this certification, FNB joins a nationwide effort to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services. FNB's eStyle Account is one of over 150 accounts that meet or exceed Bank On's rigorous national standards, which identify features that address challenges preventing unbanked or underbanked consumers from opening an account. The more than 25 required features for 2021-2022 include no overdraft fees, low costs and the ability to pay bills and make purchases. "FNB is continually focused on breaking down the barriers to forming a banking relationship so that we can connect more consumers with products that meet their needs," said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. "We are proud to receive Bank On certification for our eStyle Account as we deliver an experience that inspires confidence and puts more families in our communities in a position to thrive." FNB launched its eStyle Account to provide a low-cost account that enables customers to avoid overdrafts completely while providing full access to FNB's proven banking services. Additional account features include: a low or no minimum deposit requirement to open; no monthly service charge when certain basic requirements are met; free eStatements; access to FNB's comprehensive network of more than 850 ATMs; and robust online and mobile banking solutions, including customizable alerts, budgeting and credit score management tools. The eStyle Account is available in all of FNB's more than 330 branches, online or via mobile device through the eStore. "The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund is delighted to award FNB with national Bank On account certification for its eStyle no-overdraft checking account," said Jonathan Mintz, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. "eStyle offers residents throughout FNB's multi-state footprint who are looking to improve their finances a safe, affordable and truly useful mainstream banking product  this is especially important during COVID-19, as consumers need to access and manage their money both affordably and safely. FNB's offering of this terrific account brings them into the forefront of national banking access efforts, and we thank them." The Bank On certification builds on FNB's significant commitment to strengthening vulnerable communities throughout its multi-state footprint. In addition to millions of dollars in financial support, the Company has long deployed robust financial education programming, which was designed with input from community development organizations representing a range of minority and low- to moderate-income groups to best address knowledge gaps and add value for participants. FNB's program is founded on interconnected componets, including:



Interactive modules on a range of vital topics such as "Managing your checking account," "Building and maintaining good credit" and "Buying your first home," as well as "Preventing overdraft fees."

Financial Insights, a program that connects key financial concepts to real-world scenarios and is available digitally in the eStore, in FNB branches or through classes with various community organizations.

The Knowledge Center on FNB's website, which houses content to help consumers and business owners learn about financial topics. FNB reinforces its educational programming with transparent information about products and services so that consumers can make informed decisions, which is evident in the Company's unique, retail-oriented website. On JUST Capital's 2021 list of America's Most Just Companies, FNB tied for first out of nearly 930 companies for "Transparent Communication," or transparency in communications about its products and services beyond what is required by law. As part of its community commitment, FNB also has undertaken multiple initiatives to grow its reach and increase access to financial services and resources. Recent actions include expanding its ATM network in urban and fast-growing markets, including Cleveland, OH, Baltimore, MD, and Raleigh, NC, and adding specialized solutions to support homeownership and financial independence.

For more information about Bank On, visit their website. To learn more about eStyle, explore the product on FNB's eStore. About F.N.B. Corporation

F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia. FNB's market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and the Piedmont Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point) in North Carolina. The Company has total assets of more than $39 billion and more than 330 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB's wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance. The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FNB" and is included in Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks Sub-Industry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com . About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund)

The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting edge experience with large scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 100 cities and counties, and has disbursed over $55 million to local governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Twitter at @CFEFund. About Bank On

Bank On coalitions are locally-led partnerships between local public officials; city, state, and federal government agencies; financial institutions; and community organizations that work together to help improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked individuals and families in their communities. The Bank On national initiative builds on a grassroots movement of over 90 coalitions in cities across the country, offering national account standards, capacity grant support, pilot funding, and a learning community. In addition to connecting unbanked individuals to accounts, Bank On programs raise public awareness, target outreach to the unbanked, and expand access to financial education. Visit www.cfefund.org/bankon for more information, or follow the conversation on Twitter @CFEFund #BankOn. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fnb-receives-bank-on-certification-for-estyle-checking-account-301424087.html SOURCE F.N.B. Corporation

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[November 15, 2021] Harris Williams Advises Owen Equipment Company on its Sale to Wynnchurch Capital, Ltd.

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it advised Owen Equipment Company (Owen), a portfolio company of CenterGate Capital (CenterGate), on its sale to Wynnchurch Capital, Ltd. (Wynnchurch). Owen is a leading specialty equipment platform providing critical infrastructure solutions to municipal, utility and commercial customers throughout the Western United States. The transaction was led by Luke Semple, Neha Shah, Trevor Casey and Phil Hart of the Harris Williams Energy, Power & Infrastructure (EPI) Group. "With its comprehensive portfolio of highly specialized equipment, Owen is a vital partner with its customers to help safely and reliably operate, maintain and repair critical water, wastewater, utility and other infrastructure," said Luke Semple, a managing director at Harris Williams. "During its partnership with CenterGate, Owen achieved remarkable growth, expanding into new equipment offerings and geographies." "As a market leading platform, Owen is well-positioned to capitalize on long-term tailwinds across the markets it serves," added Neha Shah, a director at Harris Williams. "It was a pleasure working wth Owen's management team and CenterGate, and we look forward to following Owen's continued success with their new partner."



Based in Vancouver, Washington, Owen is a leading specialty equipment platform providing critical infrastructure solutions to municipal, utility, and commercial customers throughout the United States. Owen serves as a dealer of new and pre-owned equipment, provides related parts and maintenance services, and maintains a large fleet of rental equipment used for sewer maintenance, hydro/vacuum excavation, street cleaning, specialty drilling, and vegetation management applications. CenterGate is an Austin, Texas-based private equity firm focused on partnering with lower-middle market companies with the potential to achieve transformational growth through operational and strategic development. CenterGate brings a balance of financial and operational experience and strategic insight to assist management in driving long-term sustainable growth.

Wynnchurch, headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, with offices in California, New York, and an affiliate in Canada, was founded in 1999 and is a leading middle market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch's strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch manages a number of private equity funds with $4.2 billion of committed capital under management and specializes in recapitalizations, growth capital, management buyouts, corporate carve-outs and restructurings. 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 EPI Group has significant experience advising market leading providers of technology, services and products across a broad range of sectors. These sectors include energy management; infrastructure services; utility services; testing, inspection, and certification services; environmental services; engineering and construction; power products and technology; and energy technology. For more information on the Group's experience, please visit the EPI 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: [email protected]). 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/20211115006021/en/

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise Builds New Supercomputer for France's GENCI-CINES to Advance Nation's Open Science and R&D

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) today announced that it is building one of Europe's most powerful supercomputers to be installed and operated at CINES (National Computing Center for Higher Education), which is one of the three high performance computing (HPC) centers in France. The new supercomputer was procured by GENCI, a national French agency which invests and provides HPC resources to support France's academic and industrial research communities.

The new supercomputer, which GENCI and CINES have named "Adastra," will be built using the HPE Cray EX system, a purposely engineered platform to support next-generation supercomputing and AI needs such as with exascale-class systems that will deliver up to 10X more performance than today's most powerful supercomputers. As part of Adastra's design, HPE will also feature powerful compute with 3rd Gen AMD EPYC processors and accelerated compute with newly launched AMD Instinct MI200 accelerators to tackle and process data and image-intensive workloads.

By combining significantly advanced capabilities in modeling, simulation, AI, machine learning and analytics, Adastra will help scientists and researchers harness insights faster, with more accuracy, to advance research targeting key focus areas, including:

Developing renewable energy to improve France's energy security, reducing the need to import fuels and overall, conserving the nation's natural resources

Discovering new, highly effective materials that can be used to create next-generation batteries

Advancing a range of medical research to aid drug design and treatment

"We are honored to have been selected by GENCI, which empowers some of the world's leading research centers, to deliver advanced high performance computing (HPC) and AI solutions using exascale-era technologies in support of propelling France's R&D efforts," said Justin Hotard, senior vice president and general manager, HPC and AI, at HPE. "The design of the Adastra supercomputer is a result of a close colaboration between GENCI, CINES, HPE and AMD (News - Alert) to deliver a specialized, high-performing system to harness larger data sets, including optimizing AI and machine learning needs, to accelerate discovery and innovation at a faster rate."







With the latest HPC and AI technologies, Adastra will deliver more than 20X faster performance than CINES' existing supercomputer at more than 70 petaflops of performance to process complex scientific data, at larger scale.

"Adastra will allow French research teams to position themselves even more strongly on the path to exascale, and to prepare for the change associated with extremely large-scale resources and new technologies/services," said Philippe Lavocat, chairman and CEO of GENCI. "The realization of this major step came from the dialogue and the expertise of CINES, GENCI and HPE teams."

"This new Adastra supercomputer is double challenging for CINES: massively switch users to boosting GPU while overcoming the electrical consumption. The 21x jump in computing power is dizzying compared to the current machine, while power consumption only grows by 1.5x for green HPC," said Boris Dintrans, director of CINES. "The GPU support provided by AMD, using the HPE Cray EX system, allowing Adastra to ramp up, is the key element that will ensure the success takeoff of researchers to the stars!"

"AMD EPYC Processors and AMD Instinct Accelerators continue to demonstrate exceptional innovation and growing adoption in the HPC industry when performance, scale and capabilities are needed for the demanding HPC workloads," said Forrest Norrod, senior vice president and general manager, Data Center and Embedded Solutions Business Group, AMD. "We are proud to be working with CINES, GENCI and HPE on the Adastra supercomputer to that aim to solve some of the world's biggest challenges."

Adastra Strengthens France's HPC and AI Resources for New Generation of Insights

By using the HPE Cray EX system, which delivers end-to-end exascale era technologies, spanning compute, software, storage and networking, GENCI' and CINES' scientists, researchers and engineers will achieve the following benefits:

Adastra will be based in CINES, in Montpellier, France. The system will be installed and put into use in 2022.

About Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) is the global edge-to-cloud company that helps organizations accelerate outcomes by unlocking value from all of their data, everywhere. Built on decades of reimagining the future and innovating to advance the way people live and work, HPE delivers unique, open and intelligent technology solutions as a service. With offerings spanning Cloud Services, Compute, High Performance Computing & AI, Intelligent Edge, Software, and Storage, HPE provides a consistent experience across all clouds and edges, helping customers develop new business models, engage in new ways, and increase operational performance. For more information, visit: www.hpe.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005274/en/
[November 15, 2021] Honda Tests Prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle at Solar Construction Site with Black & Veatch

TORRANCE, Calif. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Honda and Black & Veatch have successfully tested the prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at a Black & Veatch construction site in New Mexico. During the month-long field test, the second-generation prototype of the fully-electric Honda AWV performed a range of functions at a large-scale solar energy construction project, including towing activities and transporting construction materials, water, and other supplies to pre-set destinations within the work site. Watch a video of the Honda AWV at https://honda.us/AWV. Companies interested in testing the Honda AWV can contact Honda at: [email protected] While Honda previously performed testing with an earlier generation of the Honda AWV, this field test was the first to deploy multiple units working collaboratively to support construction use cases. First introduced as a concept at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, the Honda AWV combines the company's rugged and durable off-road side-by-side platform with emerging advanced autonomous technology. The result is a new category of capable work vehicle that can be deployed in a variety of dynamic work environments. The Honda AWV employs a suite of sensors to operate autonomously, using GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and stereoscopic (3D) cameras for remote monitoring. The vehicle also can be operated by remote control. Black & Veatch, a global engineering, procurement and construction company focused on construction optimization and technology innovation collaborated with Honda to provide a real-world testing ground to validate the Honda AWV technology at an active construction site. The company's personnel were trained by Honda's engineers on the operation and safety protocols of the vehicles to effectively use the technology in the field. Black & Veatch provided detailed feedback for product and business requirements that will help enhance the Honda AWV's capabilities and services. "Black & Veatch's pursuit of construction innovation and safety on job sites has led us to this relationship with Honda," said Mario Azar, president of Black & Veatch's global power business. "With our leading market position in solar power, the testing of this new autonomous work vehicle aligns with our focus on advancing the industry through new and innovative ways to work at project sites." "With our test partner, Black & Veatch, Honda was able to demonstrate the performance of our rugged all-electric Autonomous Work Vehicle prototype in a large-scale construction environment," said Kenton Williams, U.S. project lead for the Honda AWV. "We believe the Honda AWV has the potential to bring greater efficiencies, higher levels of safety and better environmental performance to the construction industry, and to other industries seeking an autonomous off-road solution." Field Test Performance In order to validate the capabilities of the Honda AWV, the company selected a solar energy construction site where support structures for solar panels are laid out in a grid pattern at regular intervals. The site was an ideal environment to test the ability of the Honda AWV to stop at precise points along a pre-set route. Honda produced a high-definition map of the 1,000-acre site that allowed Black & Veatch operators to precisely set start and stop points for multiple Honda AWVs using a cloud-based app interface that runs on tablets and PCs. The vehicles successfully delivered materials and supplies along a calculated route and proved capable of stopping within centimeters of the pre-set points. The field test also demonstrated the viability of the Honda AWV battery system to support energy intensive sensors and provide vehicle propulsion, while operating up to eight hours in a high-temperature environment. The vehicle carried payloads of nearly 900 pounds, and in a separate use case towed a trailer carrying over 1,600 pounds. Solutions and Services for a Variety of Industries Based on the capabilities verified in this field test, Honda believes the Honda AWV will be capable of providing a wide range of services to a variety of industries that need a rugged off-road autonomous solution, especially where workforce constraints and safety concerns make other solutions impractical. The ability to operate autonomously  or via remote control  and carry large payloads, along with the potential to add attachments and tools, makes the Honda AWV a suitable platform for many work environments. Honda has not announced commercialization plans for the Honda AWV, but continues to advance the platform through field testing. Companies interested in testing the Honda AWV to assess applicability to their work environment can contact Honda at: [email protected]. Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle Gen 2 Prototype Specifications Honda anticipates further improvements to performance and design specifications as development of the Honda AWV prototype continues to advance.







Vehicle dimensions 9' 6"L x 4' 8"H x 4' 11"W Unladen vehicle weight 721kg (1590lbs) Maximum loading capacity 399kg (880lbs) Towing weight limit 750kg (1653lbs) (including the weight of a trailer) Minimum turning radius 3.9m (12ft. 9.5in.) Range at maximum loading capacity Up to 45km (27.9 miles) depending on the use case Charge time Up to 6 hours (120V)

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media. About Honda Honda started U.S. operations with the establishment of America Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959. Today, Honda employs 30,000 associates in America engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales and service support of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment, Honda powersports products, and the HondaJet advanced light jet. Honda operates 19 research and development facilities in America that fully design, develop and engineer many of the products the company manufactures in America. Based on its longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda also operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, working with more than 620 U.S. suppliers to produce the diverse range of Honda products using domestic and globally sourced parts. In 2020, more than two-thirds of the Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/honda-tests-prototype-autonomous-work-vehicle-at-solar-construction-site-with-black--veatch-301423487.html SOURCE Honda

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[November 15, 2021] IAR Systems enables next generation automotive applications with NXP's S32K3 MCU family

UPPSALA, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IAR Systems, the world leader in software tools and services for embedded development, today presented the latest addition to its extensive list of microcontrollers (MCUs) supported by IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm. Now available is support for NXP's S32K3 MCU family. S32K3 MCUs are designed for evolving body electronics, battery management, and zone and domain controllers. This extended MCU support will help developers maximize application performance, maintain a high level of code quality and achieve functional safety compliance in their automotive designs. As vehicles today are more feature-rich than ever before, automotive embedded systems continue to grow in complexity. This requires development tools that help companies maximize the capabilities of the chosen MCU without compromising on workflow efficiency. IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm delivers powerful optimizations, comprehensive debugging features and integrated code analysis tools. In addition, the toolchain is available in a functional safety edition certified by TUV SUD in accordance with ten standards, such as the international umbrella standard for functional safety, IEC 61508, and the automotive standard ISO 26262. S32K3 MCUs are based on single, dual and lockstep-configured Arm Cortex-M7 cores supporting ASIL B/D safety applications. Features include a hardware security engine with NXP firmware, support for firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates and ISO 26262 compliant Real-Time Drivers software for AUTOSAR and non-AUTOSAR with IAR Embedded Workbench support. "S32K3 builds on the success of our existing S32K1 family bringing new layers of safety, security and software at this critical juncture for automotive architectural design," said Manuel Alves, general manager GPIS product line, Automotive Processing at NXP. "IAR Systems' tool capabilities, automotive know-how and functional safety certification makes them a natural partner for NXP and its customers developing next generation ECUs." "IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm has a proven track record in the automotive industry and is widely used by many large automotive part suppliers," said Kiyofumi Uemura, Global Automotive Director at IAR Systems. "Thanks to our collaboration with NXP, we have been supporting the S32K1 family since its launch in 2017. By adding support for the new S32K3 family, we are further extending our solutions for companies working in the automotive industry." More information about IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm is available at www.iar.com/ewarm. For more information about IAR Systems solutions for automotive, visit www.iar.com/automotive. Editor's Note: IAR Systems, IAR Embedded Workbench, Embedded Trust, C-Trust, C-SPY, C-RUN, C-STAT, IAR Visual State, IAR KickStart Kit, I-jet, I-jet Trace, I-scope, IAR Academy, IAR, and the logotype of IAR Systems are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by IAR Systems AB. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. CONTACT: IAR Systems Contacts AnnaMaria Tahlen, Media Relations & Content Manager, IAR Systems Tel: +46 18 16 78 00 Email: [email protected] Tora Fridholm, CMO, IAR Systems Tel: +46 18 16 78 00 Email: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/iar-systems/r/iar-systems-enables-next-generation-automotive-applications-with-nxp-s-s32k3-mcu-family,c3453851 The following files are available for download:







https://mb.cision.com/Main/386/3453851/1496401.pdf IAR Systems enables next generation automotive applications with NXPas S32K3 MCU family https://news.cision.com/iar-systems/i/press-image-iarsystems-supporting-automotive-s32k3,c2979756 Press image IARSystems supporting automotive S32K3

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iar-systems-enables-next-generation-automotive-applications-with-nxps-s32k3-mcu-family-301424002.html SOURCE IAR Systems

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[November 15, 2021] Immersive Wisdom briefs Secretary of the Army at Project Convergence '21 on future of Army operations centers

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Immersive Wisdom, Inc., provider of a game-changing 3D Virtual Operations Center software platform, announced that it, in partnership with the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office (RCCTO), had briefed the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Christine Wormuth, on the success of Immersive Wisdom's software platform during the US Army's Project Convergence '21 exercise in Yuma, AZ. Immersive Wisdom briefs Secretary of the Army at Project Convergence '21 on future of Army operations centers "Secretary Wormuth took the time to dig in and ask the insightful questions of why this capability matters to the future force," said Brian Behling, VP Government. "Our amazing RCCTO partners were able to brief the Secretary on how Immersive Wisdom can have an immediate and broad impact on Army distributed operations. We cannot afford to build big physical os centers everywhere we want to have a presence, and Immersive Wisdom answers that call."



Immersive Wisdom's software platform transforms physical operations centers into virtual 3D ops centers, allowing users to plan and command missions together in low-bandwidth environments, without having to be geographically together or requiring large structural footprints. The Company has active contracts with the Army, Air Force, and other elements of DoD, enabling the entire military to leverage the same standard platform. Immersive Wisdom has been awarded five new contracts for its software product in the past two months. "At Project Convergence 21, we proved our ability to run on the Army's secure networks, connecting to their data, and allowing separate groups on different networks to connect to the same Immersive Wisdom Ops Center." said Denver Coulson, Immersive Wisdom's CTO. "Immersive Wisdom gives the Army critical advantage by being able to bridge the gap between distributed users, missions, and battle networks, worldwide and in real time."

About Immersive Wisdom Immersive Wisdom Inc., based in Boca Raton, Florida, founded in 2016, is the creator of a leading 3D remote virtual ops center software platform for distributed operations that allows geographically dispersed personnel to effectively collaborate and act without having to physically be together, across web browsers, desktops, touch tablets, and Virtual/Mixed Reality. Immersive Wisdom's software is available for diverse industries, including Government, Energy (incl. Oil & Gas), Transportation/Logistics, and Telecommunications. Additional information on Immersive Wisdom's other successes, including our work with the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, can be found under the News section at www.immersivewisdom.com . Immersive Wisdom is an In-Q-Tel portfolio company. The Immersive Wisdom trademark is the exclusive property of Immersive Wisdom, Inc. and is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other Immersive Wisdom trademarks, service marks, and logos may be common law marks or are registered or pending registration. All other trademarks mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only and are trademarks of (and may be registered trademarks of) their respective companies.  2021 Immersive Wisdom, Inc. MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brian Behling

VP, Government

Immersive Wisdom Inc.

202.355.4425

[email protected]

http://www.immersivewisdom.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/immersive-wisdom-briefs-secretary-of-the-army-at-project-convergence-21-on-future-of-army-operations-centers-301423723.html SOURCE Immersive Wisdom Inc.

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[November 15, 2021] Intelligo Receives $22 Million Investment from Felicitas Global Partners

TEL AVIV, Israel and LOS ANGELES, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligo, provider of a leading, AI-powered background risk intelligence platform for investment due diligence, today announced it has secured a $22 million growth investment from Felicitas Global Partners, LLC ("FGP"), an asset management firm focused on alternative investments. FGP, who is a client of Intelligo, initiated the investment independent of Intelligo, which only in November 2020 closed on a $15 million Series B financing round. Terms of the private transaction were not disclosed. "We have been an Intelligo client for two years and have seen, firsthand, the transformative effect its platform has on enhancing pre-investment due diligence for private capital firms evaluating a higher volume of deals than ever before," said Bonar Chhay, Managing Partner of Felicitas Global Partners. "We have not come across many tech-enabled companies that offer pre-investment and pre-hiring intelligence and live monitoring in one, easy-to-use solution that delivers information critical to real-time decision-making. Knowing the market opportunity and the quality of Intelligo's technology, we made the proactive decision to invest now as Intelligo continues to gain significant customer adoption." Intelligo's AI-powered Clarity platform allows investors, financial institutions, and corporations to make fast, accurate, intelligence-driven decisions, by providing a 360 view of executives' reputational, legal and financial backgrounds. Clarity is used by hundreds of leading private equity firms, funds of funds, VCs, hedge funds, investment banks, and institutional investors to enhance their pre-investment due diligence. "We are tremendously excited to receive this investment from Felicitas Global Partners," said Shlomo Mirvis, CEO and co-Founder of Intelligo. "The new funding is a huge vote of confidence from an existingcustomer, right as we are experiencing our highest period of growth since launching and it will help further cement our position as the leading provider of an AI-powered intelligence platform for pre-investment due diligence."



Intelligo, which recorded 200 percent annual revenue growth over the past three years, significantly accelerated that pace throughout the pandemic and is on track for 300 percent growth this year. "Due to COVID-19, in-person meetings were practically nonexistent and without the ability to make a one-on-one connection with management teams, investment firms have become even more reliant on thorough background checks to make investment decisions," added Mirvis. "For the same reasons, they need a more advanced and accessible solution that enables collaboration and remote work for their diligence.

Intelligo estimates the US market for pre-investment due diligence alone is $500 million and growing steadily, while the overall market for background checks amounts to approximately $17 billion. "We're excited to have Felicitas join us in backing Intelligo as we embark upon this next phase of growth," added Mike Trapanese, Investment Principal and Partner at current Intelligo investor Behrens Investment Group. About Intelligo

Intelligo is a leading Risk Intelligence company fusing AI and Big Data to digitalize the background check industry, enabling organizations to make secure and informed business decisions. Intelligo's AI-powered cloud platform Clarity, allows stakeholders including investors, financial institutions, and corporations to make fast, accurate intelligence-driven decisions, providing a 360 view of a person's or a company's reputational, legal and financial backgrounds, and its broader impact on trust and business risk. For more information, please visit Intelligo.ai . About Felicitas Global Partners

Felicitas Global Partners, LLC (FGP) is an asset management firm focused on alternative investments such as niche private credit, equity, and secondaries. FGP specializes in investing in under-followed areas of private markets, favoring structures that mitigate downside risk and provide potential to earn above-market returns. It leverages its strong industry relationships to find attractive opportunities and its investment team applies a rigorous due diligence process to vetting investments and actively monitoring all positions post-investment. To learn more about FGP, please visit www.FelicitasGP.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/intelligo-receives-22-million-investment-from-felicitas-global-partners-301423828.html SOURCE Intelligo

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[November 15, 2021] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Redwire Corporation (RDW) on Behalf of Investors

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Redwire Corporation ("Redwire" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDW) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On November 10, 2021, Redwire announced that it would postpone the release of its third quarter earnings results. The Company "was notified by an employee of potential accounting issues at a business subunit," and the Audit Committee was investigating the allegations. On this news, Redwire's stock price fell $1.92, or 16%, to close at $9.99 per share on November 10, 2021, thereby injuring investors. Then, on November 15, 2021, Redwire stated that it ould not timely file its quarterly report for the period ended September 30, 2021. Due to the pending investigation into the accounting issues at a business subunit, "the Company has not been able to finalize its financial statements or its assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and any impact" on the report.



On this news, Redwire's stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on November 15, 2021, thereby injuring investors further. If you purchased Redwire securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006174/en/

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[November 15, 2021] 'Korean Digital New Deal' Innovates National Defense

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Born2Global Centre released an article that highlights the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT)'s Korean Digital New Deal. As part of the Korean government MSIT, Born2Global Centre has played a crucial role by connecting Korean startups with various opportunities worldwide. The Korean government strives to bring the benefits of the Korean Digital New Deal, a national strategy to revitalize the economy in times of COVID-19, into the defense sector. The aim is to implement "smart defense" and a "digitally empowered military." To this end, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of National Defense are joining forces to conduct a variety of Digital New Deal projects that aim to promote digital transformation across the defense field. First, the ministries plan to establish the National Defense ICT Support Group that will perform systematic research and development (R&D) on defense-related information and communications technology (ICT), with the aim of innovating military operations and strength. Being launched within the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planing & Evaluation (IITP), a national defense-related R&D firm, the ICT Support Group consists of experts in strategies, planning, and evaluation. They will devise R&D strategies and technology roadmaps, identify and plan business opportunities, and manage and support upcoming projects.



Cutting-edge technologies, including data, network, and artificial intelligence (AI), will be applied to the entire defense area. The ministries will focus on identifying and developing high demand technologies in both the military and the public sector and manage the entire circle of the R&D process. The existing military-broadband convergence network (M-BcN) will be enhanced, while commercial 5G networks will be used in the defense system. In addition, the ministries will strengthen the existing integrated defense data center by putting high performance computing and machine learning technology in place to perform systematic collection and management of military-related data.

Customized Online Technology Training Starting in 2022, the ministries will foster technological talents across the military by providing soldiers with online courses on AI and software (SW). The aim is to produce 50,000 professionals eligible for future industries and more than 1,000 AI experts by 2026. During their military service period, soldiers will be given 15-month online training courses on AI and SW. Using an online platform, they will learn coding and have one-on-one sessions with experts who will give them feedback on their work. The military servicemen and women will also have a chance to participate in AI-specialized courses run by professionals from industries, academics, and research institutions. In particular, the participants are allowed to select courses tailored to their individual level of knowledge. Those who complete a course and pass an evaluation test will receive a certificate. To help the soldiers pursue a post-military career, the ministries will continue to provide those discharged from military duty with intensive training courses designed to help them start a business or look for a relevant job. Soldiers Leading the Digital Era The educational project, set to kick off next year, already garners interest from military personnel. According to a survey, many soldiers consider the educational courses as a great perk that will help their future careers by enhancing their technological skills and knowledge. More than 60 percent of the respondents said that they are willing to take the programs when they become available next year. On October 26, the ministries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and launched a training operation division to expedite the implementation of the project. The division of more than 20 members -- academic professionals, military personnel, and their families -- will perform various tasks to maximize the benefits of the project for the military. For example, they will set up yearly action plans and strategies on how to implement the courses, monitor the status of the programs, and collect opinions from experts from various sectors. The government hopes that the project will help military servicemen and women strengthen skills required in future industries, enhance national readiness with the Intelligent AI Forces armed with high technology prowess, and make Korea an AI leader on par with the world's tech powers. "The military can serve as a test bed for cutting-edge technologies developed in the private sector. The military can also contribute greatly to the success of the Korean Digital New Deal as it is where we can identify early-stage markets and foster young talents," said the science ministry. "We believe that next year's AI and SW education project will play a crucial role in helping young men and women better prepare for the future in the digital transformation era that we live in," it added. For more detailed information on Digital New Deal, contact [email protected]. Media contact

Born2Global Centre: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/korean-digital-new-deal-innovates-national-defense-301423757.html SOURCE Born2Global Centre

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[November 15, 2021] Kuwait - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Kuwait-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

As in several other oil-dependent countries in the region, the government is looking to wean the economy away from oil and gas and to focus on ICT and knowledge-based services.

Achieving this is part of the reasoning behind the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035 program, which has numerous parts affecting many sectors of society and the economy. Among them is the development of smart cities in the north of the country, the construction of which will carry on through to the end of the decade. New construction contracts generally specify a range of installations to create smart networks, while fibre networks currently being deployed are closely tied to efforts to widen the scope of smart city developments, and so ensure that new projects are provided with infrastructure capable of supporting smart concepts and applications. 5G plays an important part of the basic infrastructure required for these plans.





https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Kuwait-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665



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[November 15, 2021] Larson Design Group Announces Addition of LWPB as New Subsidiary to Expand Firm's Architecture and Federal Expertise

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Larson Design Group (LDG), a national architecture, engineering and professional consulting firm, is pleased to announce that Oklahoma-based LWPB Inc., a leading architecture and interior design firm, will join its team as a subsidiary, effective January 2022. The expanded LDG team will bring complementary offerings through 15 offices in seven states, further positioning both organizations for sustainable national growth. Larson Design Group Announces Addition of LWPB as New Subsidiary to Expand Firm's Architecture and Federal Expertise LWPB is highly regarded for its work in Federal and Education markets, which includes architecture and interior design for military, federal and health care facilities, as well as major universities and public schools. This expertise complements LDG's professional breadth in a range of markets, and LWPB's offices in Oklahoma will extend LDG's presence into the South-Central United States. "We have a long history of working with LWPB, and we are very excited for them to join our team as we expand our national growth strategy in Federal and Educations markets," said David Martin, LDG's president and CEO. "Combiing LWPB's experience and expertise in these markets with our national reach positions LDG to better serve current and future clients. As we move forward together, we eagerly anticipate the mutual benefits for each organization, along with fostering a shared corporate culture that focuses on excellence for our clients and their projects, as well as our employees."



Headquartered in Williamsport, Pa., LDG is a 370-plus person firm that has expanded from its original footprint in Pennsylvania to offices in New York, West Virginia, Florida, Ohio and Arizona. LDG has been continuously recognized for its expertise and growth, most recently by the company's inclusion in the 2021 Zweig Group Hot 100 Firms List and Building Design + Construction's 2021 Top 95 Nationwide Architecture and Engineering Firms. LDG has more than doubled its revenue over the past 10 years. In addition to being recognized for its growth and commitment to clients, LDG is 100-percent employee owned. As such, LDG will extend the employee stock ownership plan to the LWPB team.

"The LWPB team is proud to bring its nearly 60-year history of success to LDG, and we are equally excited to participate as employee owners, in addition to benefiting from corporate services that allow us to laser-focus on our architecture and design work," said Dan Pruitt, president of LWPB. "Our philosophy of providing personalized services for our clients mirrors that of LDG's, and we look forward to being part of a national integrated team on future projects." A veteran of more than 2,000 projects in the Oklahoma region, LWPB currently has a practice that extends to 22 states and three foreign countries, complementing LDG's national reach. LWPB will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of LDG and maintain its current offices in Oklahoma City and Norman, Okla. About Larson Design Group

Larson Design Group is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and professional consulting firm with 13 offices in five states. The company serves public and private clients across a diverse range of industries with its full-service offerings and national reach. Since 1986, LDG has been dedicated to elevating client relationships, developing the careers and lives of employee owners, and enhancing communities. For more information, visit www.larsondesigngroup.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/larson-design-group-announces-addition-of-lwpb-as-new-subsidiary-to-expand-firms-architecture-and-federal-expertise-301424257.html SOURCE Larson Design Group

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[November 15, 2021] Leading Veterinary Academic, Dr. Jane Sykes, Joins LexaGene Board of Directors

BEVERLY, Mass., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LexaGene Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG) (LexaGene or the Company), a molecular diagnostics company that has commercialized an instrument for automated multiplex PCR testing, today announced Dr. Jane Sykes, BVSc(Hons), PhD, MBA, DipACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine) has joined the LexaGene Board of Directors.

Dr. Sykes is the Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) and Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases). For more than 20 years, Dr. Sykes has held numerous positions at UC Davis including Chief Veterinary Medical Officer/Associate Dean of Veterinary Medical Center Operations, Director of Small Animal Clinical Services, and Infection Control Officer for the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. She has also served as the Associate Editor for the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is currently volunteering her time as the incoming President for the American College of Veterinary Medicine (ACVIM). Dr. Sykes received her veterinary degree and PhD at the University of Melbourne and her MBA from the University of Georgia. She founded the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) in 2006. Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGenes CEO and Founder stated, Dr. Sykes an entrepreneurial leader, whose education and focus on animal care, including infectious diseases, will be a tremendous asset to our company, our science, and our future. Her deep experience, academic acumen, and veterinary perspective make her the perfect LexaGene champion. She will be an excellent resource and partner to our company as we continue to scale our business and make headway bringing in-clinic diagnostic PCR testing to veterinary practices across the country. Dr. Jane Sykes commented, Im excited to join LexaGenes Board of Directors. I share Dr. Regans convictions and passion for point-of-care PCR testing and the passion for improving copanion animal care as we roll out the MiQLab to the veterinary market. Im thrilled to serve on LexaGenes board of directors and work alongside the other board members as we improve shareholder value.



Dr. Sykes board term began on November 8, 2021. Dr. Sykes replaces Dr. Manohar Furtado, who has taken on a new role for a Company that requires 100 percent of his time. Dr. Regan commented, Im extremely grateful for Manohars mentorship and his contributions to our board and to LexaGene. Manohar has been an excellent board member and I wish him the greatest success in his new endeavor. On November 10th, pursuant to the Companys omnibus stock option plan, the Company announced that the board of directors granted Dr. Sykes 100,000 non-statutory stock options (NSOs) to acquire common shares of the Company with a strike price of CAD $0.66/NSO. Ten percent of these stock options vested on the grant date, with 15 percent vesting every six months thereafter. The expiry of the NSOs is on November 11th, 2031. In addition, the Company announced that the board of directors granted Dr. Sykes 100,000 restricted share units (RSUs). Ten percent of these RSUs will vest on May 11, 2023 with 10 percent vesting each month thereafter, expiring on February 11, 2024.

To learn more about LexaGene and the MiQLab System or subscribe to company updates, visit www.lexagene.com, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Dr. Jack Regan

Chief Executive Officer & Chairman About LexaGene Holdings Inc.

LexaGene is a molecular diagnostics company that develops molecular diagnostic systems for pathogen detection and genetic testing for other molecular markers for on-site rapid testing in veterinary diagnostics, food safety and for use in open-access markets such as clinical research, agricultural testing, and biodefense. End-users simply need to collect a sample, load it onto the instrument with a sample preparation cartridge, enter sample ID and press go. The MiQLab system delivers excellent sensitivity, specificity, and breadth of detection and can return results in approximately two hours. The unique open-access feature is designed for custom testing so that end-users can load their own real-time PCR assays onto the instrument to target any genetic target of interest. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the success of technology development efforts, the cost to procure critical parts, performance of the instrument, market acceptance of the technology, regulatory acceptance, and licensing issues -- that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations as disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Corporate & Media Contact: Gail Winslow Director of Marketing [email protected] 978.482.6237 Investors: [email protected] 800.215.1824

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[November 15, 2021] OneStream Named a Winner of the Michigan Top Workplaces 2021 Award by Detroit Free Press

OneStream, a leader in corporate performance management (CPM) solutions for the world's leading enterprises, has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. "OneStream's recognition as a Michigan Top Workplace is a testament to our talented, innovative, and skilled employees and their dedication to fulfilling OneStream's mission of delivering 100% customer success. Our employees bring the culture and spirit of OneStream to life, and this award honors their collective hard work and determination to making OneStream a top place to work and a recognized industry leader," said Martha Angle, Vice President, Global Culture, Diversity & People at OneStream. OneStream's Intelligent Finance platform continues to replace multiple legacy applications, such as Oracle (News - Alert) yperion, SAP BPC and IBM Cognos, as well as spreadsheets and cloud-based point solutions to unify financial processes including financial close, consolidation, planning, reporting and analysis.



"During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance," said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. "When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business." "Our roots are in Michigan and the Detroit Metro area serves as an epicenter of talent and innovation for tech companies," said Tom Shea, CEO at OneStream. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a Michigan Top Workplace for the third consecutive year and remain committed to attracting a new generation of entrepreneurs to join Detroit's thriving business economy."

Read the full editorial here. For more information on OneStream, visit www.onestream.com. About OneStream OneStream provides a market-leading intelligent finance platform that reduces the complexity of financial operations. OneStream unleashes the power of finance by unifying corporate performance management (CPM) processes such as planning, financial close and consolidation, reporting and analytics through a single, extensible solution. We empower the enterprise with financial and operational insights to support faster and more informed decision-making. All in a cloud platform designed to continually evolve and scale with your organization. OneStream is an independent software company with over 800 customers, 200 implementation partners and 900 employees, our primary mission is to deliver 100% customer success. To learn more visit www.onestream.com. About Energage Making the world a better place to work together.TM Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 14 years of culture research and the results from 23 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005941/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Oracle Academy Launches Global Career Center to Prepare Future Workforce

Offers educators and their students free experiential learning resources, technical certification opportunities AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today announced the launch of the Oracle Academy Career Center, a virtual hub where students and educators gain free access to professional training, technical certifications, academic curriculum, and experiential learning resources for the classroom and beyond. Tailored for higher education, the Oracle Academy Career Center offers learning pathways across a range of professions, including engineering and development, human resources, finance, and sales. "The need for computing skills spans diverse industries, and as research shows, professionals with those in-demand skills enjoy higher paying jobs," said Elizabeth Snyder, Oracle's Vice President of Human Resources and Philanthropy. "The Oracle Academy Career Center provides job-focused learning resources plus free cloud-centered courses built on a foundation of academic, industry-relevant knowledge for a global audience. Today's announcement aims to empower the emerging generation of innovators and leaders who will define the future of business and technology." The new Oracle Academy Career Center is a collaborative effort with Oracle University, Oracle Learning Library, and Oracle developer teams to tailor professional training and cloud-centered courses, normally available only to professionals working in the field, to studnts whose higher education institutions are members of Oracle Academy. The offering helps learners worldwide make connections between Oracle Academy's core academic curriculum and career opportunities by providing professional training and a chance to explore Oracle professional certifications.



"There is a universal need for qualified cloud professionals," said Dr. Wen Pei, Dean of College of Management, Chung Hua University, Taiwan. "The Oracle Academy Career Center enables our graduates to meet that need and be prepared for well-paying jobs. We calibrate our teaching to real-world requirements, and through Oracle Academy resources, our teachers and students gain free Oracle Cloud access to learn and develop industry-leading skills." Aligned with Oracle's focus on cloud, Oracle Academy also released new curriculum, "Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations." The curriculum introduces students to basic Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) concepts and terminology. The course offers lesson slides, corresponding videos and demonstrations, hands-on labs, and midterm and final exams. Through the Oracle Academy Cloud Program, learners in member institutions also may gain free access to Oracle Cloud.

"In the United States, digital literacy continues to be a challenge," said Denise Hobbs, Senior Director, Oracle Academy North America. "Colleges in low-income and rural communities often lack the resources to offer computing courses. Our ready-to-use cloud curriculum, teaching materials, and career center make it easy for educators to offers students the foundational technology knowledge and skills that are universally in high demand across jobs." Today's new offerings follow a period of significant growth and reach for Oracle Academy. During the past fiscal year, Oracle Academy worked with more than 16,000 institutions across more than 130 countries to advance computing education, impacting millions of students. Supporting Resources Join Oracle Academy

Discover: Oracle Academy Cloud Curriculum

Follow @OracleAcademy on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook About Oracle Academy As Oracle's global, philanthropic educational program, Oracle Academy advances computing education around the world to increase knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields. The program engages with more than 16,000 educational institutions and educators in more than 130 countries, helping millions of students become college and career ready. About Oracle Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. SOURCE Oracle

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[November 15, 2021] ORYZON Publishes Paper in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science Supporting Best-in-Class Performance of Iadademstat in Oncology

Iadademstat consistently stronger in viability reduction in AML & SCLC cells



Superior target engagement at low concentration in AML & SCLC cells

Superior disruption of the Snag-domain protein-protein interactions

MADRID, Spain and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, announces the publication of a scientific paper in the peer-reviewed international scientific journal, ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science. The article reports a comprehensive comparison of iadademstat, the first LSD1 inhibitor to be developed in the clinic, with most of the LSD1 inhibitors in development. The manuscript, entitled "Comprehensive in Vitro Characterization of the LSD1 Small Molecule Inhibitor Class in Oncology, compares iadademstat with four LSD1 inhibitors in clinical development in oncology and with five commonly used compounds used in the academia as tool LSD1 inhibitors. Results show that iadademstat is consistently the most active compound across diverse cancer cell lines, that its capability to bind the target is superior, specially at low concentrations, and that the disruption of the transcriptional complexes implicated in the oncogenic programs is more efficacious in the case of iadademstat. Dr. Jordi Xaus, Oryzons CSO, commented: This set of head-to-head controlled comparisons have shown that iadademstat is clearly the most potent and selective LSD1 inhibitor among all tested clinical molecules. This correlates with the need for lower doses in the clinic, which greatly reduces the potential for idiosyncratic toxicity. A relevant result in this study is that at lower concentrations iadademstat is, by far, the most efficacious in binding LSD1. This may have clinical relevance in solid, dense and poorly vascularized tumors, where the access of drugs to tumoral cells is often an issue. The paper has been published in the journal ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science as part of the special issue Epigenetics 2022 and is already accessible on-line. The paper can be accessed here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsptsci.1c00223 About Oryzon

Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European champion in Epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field. Oryzons LSD1 program has rendered two compounds, vafidemstat and iadademstat, in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, Oryzon has ongoing programs for developing inhibitors against other epigenetic targets. Oryzon has a strong technological platform for biomarker identification and performs biomarker and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. Oryzon has offices in Spain and the United States. Oryzon is one of the most liquid biotech stocks in Europe with +90 M shares negotiated in 2020 (ORY:SM / ORY.MC / ORYZF US OTC mkt). For more information, visit www.oryzon.com About Iadademstat

Iadademstat (ORY-1001) is a small oral molecule, which acts as a highly selective inhibitor of the epigenetic enzyme LSD1 and has a powerful differentiating effect in hematologic cancers (See Maes et al., Cancer Cell 2018 Mar 12; 33 (3): 495-511.e12.doi: 10.1016 / j.ccell.2018.02.002.). A first Phase I/IIa clinical trial with iadademstat in refractory and relapsed acute leukemia patients demonstrated the safety and good tolerability of the drug and preliminary signs of antileukemic activity, including a CRi. Beyond hematological cancers, the inhibition of LSD1 has been proposed as a valid therapeutic approach in some solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), neuroendocrine tumors, medulloblastoma and others. Iadademstat has been tested in four clinical trials (two in monotherapy in SCLC and AML, and two in combination, in SCLC and AML) in more than 100 patients. In the combination studies, ALICE (ongoing), a Phase IIa trial in combination with azacitidine in elderly or unfit AML patients, and CLEPSIDRA (finalized), a Phase IIa trial in combination with platinum/etoposide in second line ED-SCLC patients, preliminary efficacy results have been reported. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estiates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements.



IR, US IR & Media, Europe Spain Oryzon Ashley R. Robinson Sandya von der Weid Patricia Cobo Emili Torrell LifeSci Advisors, LLC LifeSci Advisors, LLC / Carlos C. Ungria BD Director +1 617 430 7577 +41 78 680 05 38 +34 91 564 07 25 +34 93 515 13 13 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]





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[November 15, 2021] OTC Markets Group Welcomes SSC Security Services Corp. to OTCQX

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for over 11,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced SSC Security Services Corp (TSX-V: SECU; OTCQX: SECUF), a leading provider of physical and cyber security services, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. SSC Security Services Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink market. SSC Security Services Corp. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "SECUF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities lws.



"We are pleased to now be trading on the OTCQX," said SSC Security Services Corp. Chairman, President & CEO Doug Emsley. "Trading on the OTCQX will improve access to our shares for investors from the U.S., the largest and most liquid capital market in the world. We anticipate improved liquidity and valuation for all our shareholders, and look forward to increasing our investor relations outreach in the U.S. as a result of this change." B. Riley Securities, Inc. acted as the company's OTCQX sponsor.

About SSC Security Services Corp.

SSC Security Services Corp. is a leading provider of physical and cyber security services to corporate and public sector clients across Canada. For more information about SSC, visit www.securityservicescorp.ca. About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for over 11,000 U.S. and global securities. Through our regulated OTC Link Alternative Trading Systems, the Company connects a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for their investors. OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/otc-markets-group-welcomes-ssc-security-services-corp-to-otcqx-301423802.html SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

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[November 15, 2021] Podium Raises $201M in Series D Funding to Accelerate the Digital Evolution for Local Businesses

LEHI, Utah, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Podium, a communication and payments platform for local businesses, announced today it has raised $201 million in Series D funding, led by YC Continuity with participation from Durable Capital Partners, Arpex Capital, Accel, Album VC, IVP, Sapphire Ventures, Summit Partners, and Sorenson Capital. This latest round brings the company's valuation to over $3 billion. "We see this as a watershed moment for local businesses all over the world, especially as the world opens up again and local businesses are tasked with meeting the changing preferences of consumers who have welcomed digital-first interactions through the pandemic," said Eric Rea, co-founder and CEO of Podium. "Our goal is to help communities get back on their feet and to help local businesses participate in a meaningful way in the digital evolution happening at the local level." Podium is helping thousands of local businesses facilitate millions of interactions with consumers today, from text messaging, website chat, marketing campaigns, to payment transactions. Podium's mission is to help all local businesses thrive, and will continue to play an integral role in transitioning their analog operations to a digital one so that they can get back to what they do best -- serve their customers.



"Podium brings world-class marketing and payments tools to the small and medium businesses that power our economy and employ the lion's share of workers. These businesses have traditionally been overlooked by technology companies," says Ali Rowghani, Managing Director of YC Continuity. "Podium's products level the playing field for SMBs and help them compete in a changing world." Additional funding will support Podium's expansion to reach more local businesses all over the world as well as deeper investments to build out their payments, communications and marketing technology. This includes supporting everything a local business may need to collect payments, manage all their communications with consumers, and create more personalized and effective marketing campaigns that drive conversations and revenue.

About Podium

Podium exists to help local businesses thrive, so they can focus on what matters most: their customers. Today, more than 100,000 local businesses are powered by Podium, helping to facilitate millions of customer interactions and payment transactions. From customer-generated reviews, to more seamless communication offerings and contactless payment tools, Podium is modernizing the way local businesses operate and grow their businesses. Podium is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, and was founded in 2014. To learn more, visit www.podium.com . About YC Continuity

YC Continuity is a growth fund that invests early in Y Combinator's most elite companies. In addition to Podium, their portfolio includes Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash, Instacart, Checkr, Brex, Zapier, Fivetran, Faire, GitLab, Gusto, Segment, and others. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/podium-raises-201m-in-series-d-funding-to-accelerate-the-digital-evolution-for-local-businesses-301424024.html SOURCE Podium

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[November 15, 2021] Profit & Purpose Launches a Technology Advisory and Procurement Service to Help Companies Increase Profitability, Purpose and Growth

BEND, Ore., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profit & Purpose, a Purpose-Driven Technology Advisory and Procurement Services startup based in Bend, Oregon, today launched its P&P Services, which enable companies and non-profits to turn portions of their current technology and business expenses into recurring donations for their favorite charities with zero increased spending. Profit & Purpose also optimizes technology services to reduce client costs, while enhancing culture to boost growth via better recruiting, retention and productivity.

Companies worldwide are already spending trillions of dollars on unavoidable technology and business service expenditures, said Cristina Morales, CEO and Co-founder of Profit & Purpose. We advise our clients how to consciously procure these services through our purpose-powered brokerage to redirect a portion of those fixed costs back to their community partners. P&P services enable companies to have a single-source, mission-aligned procurement partner for cloud services, software, hardware, payment processing, telecommunications, energy, and security from more than 1,000 providers and save an average of 10%-50%, which in turn increases net profits. In addition to increasing net profits, Profit & Purpose makes guaranteed recurring donations for each product or service procured to the companys favorite causes, while companies remain in control of which vendors and services they use. There are no service fees or hidden costs  Profit & Purpose is compensated by the technology services providers. The P&P Services include: P&P Profit: Profit & Purpose advisors gather technology and business requirements, research the best solutions, and vet all providers, which are approved by clients. All technology services are optimized for efficiency and cost. P&P Purpose: The Profit & Purpose team helps negotiate contracts with the providers to create new recurring donation streams to the clients non-profit impact partners. P&P Growth: Profit & Purpose collaborates with the clients business leadership team to develop strategies and content assets to effectively communicate the companys increased purpose-driven commitment, which positively impacts recruiting, retention and productivity. We make it simple for companies to make more of a difference by purpose-powering their infrastructure, so that giving becomes part of the heartbeat of their company, said Jamie Bianchini, COO of Profit & Purpose. Our approach delivers more consistent donations for their community partners, a deeper purpose-driven culture at the company, and more proits for stakeholders.



Why Purpose-driven Companies Thrive Research shows that purpose-driven brands have higher customer loyalty and more motivated employees. A Purpose Study conducted by Cone found that 79% of consumers said theyre more loyal to purpose-driven brands. In that same study, 74% of LinkedIn members surveyed said they place a high value on finding work that delivers purpose. As companies vie for top talent in todays competitive job market, RealWealth Network, a real estate investing group that helps its members acquire cash flowing income properties, is using their engagement with Profit & Purpose to foster an optimal culture for recruiting, retention, productivity and growth.

Increasing bottom line profits while creating a recurring donation stream to our community partners seemed too good to be true, but Profit & Purpose delivered on their promise, said Kathy Fettke, Co-CEO of RealWealth Network, a Profit & Purpose client. RealWealth has been a purpose-driven company since inception, donating 10% of net profits to charities like Habitat for Humanity and Operation Smile. But profits fluctuate in all businesses, so we were attracted to the consistency of donations tied to fixed costs. To know that we will be able to give consistently regardless of what our profits are is amazing! Profit & Purpose started by saving RealWealth 48% a year on technology services, while also creating a $500 recurring donation stream to their non-profit partner Operation Smile. Research by Bain & Company concluded that the productivity level of an employee that is truly inspired by the purpose of their company is a whopping 225%. Profit & Purpose services also enhance company culture. Once RealWealths purpose-powered service was live, Profit & Purpose worked with RealWealths leadership team to create visual assets to communicate a purpose-driven commitment to their team. We presented the launch of our first purpose-powered business service at our quarterly meeting, said Rich Fettke, Co-CEO of RealWealth Network. We launched the new service with the message, Every Phone Call Supports Our Mission. Our team was excited and our company moral has visibly increased. Everyone is thrilled to continue rolling out more key purpose-powered business services like video conferencing, eSignature, email and more. The Inspiration for Profit & Purpose Profit & Purpose was born out of Co-founder Jamie Bianchinis Peace Pedalers project, which included an 8-year, 81-country bicycle tour and resulted in helping to start 11 charity projects within transportation, health and education. During the tour, Jamie needed a long-term funding plan in order to invite strangers to join him on the back seat of his tandem bicycle. He landed 40 corporate sponsors who donated bikes, outdoor gear, insurance and more. But one company, a Silicon Valley startup Aceva Technologies, procured their technology services from Peace Pedalers, which redirected a portion of their monthly spend to help fund the Peace Pedalers project for many years. Jamie Bianchini and Cristina Morales met on the Peace Pedalers tour in Argentina in 2009 and married in 2011 when the tour was over. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cristina saw that companies needed innovative ways to continue to support in-need communities and founded Profit & Purpose using the same recurring funding model and expanding it so that any company can redirect a portion of their technology services spend to help solve the most challenging social and environmental issues we face globally. About Profit & Purpose Profit & Purpose is a specialty technology advisory and procurement company focused on the unique needs of purpose-driven companies. Clients benefit from reducing their recurring technology expenses by 10-50% and redirecting a portion the current spend to client-chosen charities with no additional cost. Located in Bend, Oregon, Profit & Purposes vision is to positively impact the world using existing business services spend while helping purpose-driven clients increase profits, purpose, and growth. For more information or to book a 15-minute discovery call with a consultant, visit www.ProfitPurpose.org. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are the properties of their respective owners. Media Contact:

Cristina Morales, CEO and Co-founder

Profit & Purpose, LLC

[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/58563527-ad65-4716-9887-bb74d2778bcb.





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[November 15, 2021] Robotic Assistance Devices Receives First Order of Previously Received Letter of Intent for ROAMEO Mobile Security Robot

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (News - Alert), Inc., (OTCPK:AITX), today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices Inc. (RAD) has received an order from one of its authorized dealers for RAD's ROAMEO 2.0 (Rugged Observation Assistance Mobile Electronic Officer). This dealer had committed to up to 20 ROAMEO units in a prior Letter of Intent (LOI). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005337/en/ RAD's ROAMEO 2.0 patrolling the corridor of the recent NCS4 Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona (Photo: Business Wire) This first of several expected ROAMEO units will be deployed within a major Hollywood studio whose name cannot be disclosed due to existing non-disclosure agreements. "ROAMEO, being the first mobile device that is part of the RAD system of devices, is on track for many amazing deployments," said Steve Reinharz, CEO of AITX and RAD. "Receiving this order during the first week of ROAMEO 2.0's public tour was great. We expect to regularly announce more ROAMEO orders as we convert LOIs to firm orders and inevitably close more deals with other prestigious clients." ROAMEO 2.0 was unveiled to the public at last week's NCS4 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona to an audience of spectator sport security executives. Due to the overwhelming reception of ROAMEO at NCS4, another conference at the same resort, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers requested an appearance of ROAMEO at their keynote address. Later this week, ROAMEO will be on exhibit at the IAAPA Expo, beginning November 16th in Orlando, Florida. The company confirmed that the nation's continuing labor shortage is forcing security services dealers and forwar-thinking end users to seek alternatives to manned security guard positions. These alternatives include the use of autonomous, AI-driven robotic solutions. ROAMEO is a mobile security robot that is nearly 7 ft. tall and weighs over 700 lbs. According to the company, ROAMEO is built to autonomously patrol a property or periphery and survey its surroundings, conducting routine patrols, recording, and reporting back to the central command center.



Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) is a high-tech start-up that delivers robotics and artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex security challenges, and fuel new business ideas at reduced costs. RAD developed its advanced security robot technology from the ground up including circuit board design, and base code development. This allows RAD to have complete control over all design elements, performance, quality, and the user's experience of all security robots whether SCOT, ROSA, Wally, Wally HSO, AVA, or ROAMEO. Read about how RAD is reinventing the security services industry by downloading the Autonomous Remote Services Industry Manifesto. Follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter (News - Alert) @SteveReinharz for future RAD and AITX updates.

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions to provide for its obligations, to provide working capital needs from operating revenues, to obtain additional financing needed for any future acquisitions, to meet competitive challenges and technological changes, to meet business and financial goals including projections and forecasts, and other risks. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement(s) and/or to confirm the statement(s) to actual results or changes in Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions expectations. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX) AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staffs and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.roboticassistancedevices.com and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on Twitter @SteveReinharz. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005337/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Service Industry Career Platform, QuickHire, Raises $1.41M to Tackle 'Great Resignation'

CHICAGO and WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- QuickHire , a career discovery platform working with service workers to find job and advancement opportunities, announces an oversubscribed $1.41 million financing round, led by MATH Venture Partners. The funding will go towards technology investments and team expansion of this female, African American-run company, led by co-founders Deborah Gladney (34) and Angela Muhwezi-Hall (31). "Nearly 110 million people in the U.S. work in the service industry, yet, employment technology innovations primarily cater to white-collar jobs," says Gladney. Muhwezi-Hall adds, "Given the service worker shortages across the county, we are helping workers and companies connect not just for a job, but for a career." QuickHire is growing fast, accelerated by a prolonged tight labor market, especially in the service industry. Gladney and Muhwezi-Hall officially launched QuickHire in April 2021. Today, they have more than 60 paying clients (mid-to large-size service industry companies including Fuzzy's Taco Shop and Homewood Suites by Hilton) as well as more than 11,000 job seekers. Currently, QuickHire targets workers and businesses in the metro areas of Wichita and Kansas City. The company plans to expand across the Midwest and add skiled-labor verticals in 2022.



"We see the QuickHire team approaching the market differently - putting skilled trade and service workers first in geographies that have been traditionally overlooked," says Dana Wright, managing partner at MATH Venture Partners. "The timing is right for this approach. We are excited to be part of this funding round, providing fuel for product innovation and market expansion," adds Wright. This round also includes participation from Sandalphon Capital (Chicago), KCRise Fund (Kansas City), October Minority Impact Fund (Kansas City), Tenzing Capital Ventures (Wichita), Accelerate Venture Partners (Wichita), Sixty8 Capital (Indianapolis), Ruthless for Good (New Orleans), Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund (D.C.) and [email protected] (Boston). Gladney adds, "We spoke to a variety of investors during this oversubscribed round. This incredible syndicate represents who we are and where we want to go. From minority-focused funds to future of work expertise, this group truly aligns with our vision and strategies."

This $1.41M in funding makes Gladney and Muhwezi-Hall only two of roughly 100 black women to raise more than $1M in venture funding as of December 2020 (according to ProjectDiane ). "We are underserved founders serving underserved workers. The more barriers we can remove, the more opportunity we can unleash for deserving, hard-working people," adds Muhwezi-Hall. QuickHire, getquickhire.com, is free for job seekers. Business plans start at $199 a month. All tiered payment options include job postings, candidate screenings, scheduling features, candidate matching, talent management tools, and more. QuickHire is based in Wichita, Kansas. Media Contact:

Orly Telisman

312-375-1230

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/service-industry-career-platform-quickhire-raises-1-41m-to-tackle-great-resignation-301423706.html SOURCE QuickHire

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[November 15, 2021] SogoTrade Offers Cash-back To Financial Portfolios With EvoShare

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SogoTrade, a digital brokerage subsidiary of Sogo Financial Group, Inc. ("Sogo"), has partnered with EvoShare, a microsavings-oriented FinTech startup based in Berkeley, CA, to bring cash-back savings opportunities to its customers. "Cash-back offers are popular and incentivize people who spend money at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and more," said Jonathan Yao, CEO of SogoTrade. "SogoTrade is excited to partner with EvoShare, bringing a robust cash-back savings infrastructure to everyday people, enabling them to earn on everyday spending and invest in their future." EvoShare's proprietary system turns a percentage of every dollar spent at over 10,000 partnered local and online stores into contributions into the participant's SogoTrade brokerage account. "When customers checkout at participating online retailers, they can earn up to 30% cash-back that can build up their financial safety net," Yao said. "This cash-back can be automatically deposited directly into your SogoTrade account." "We're confident the partnership between EvoShare and SogoTrade will make saving for the future easier for all SogoTrade customers," said CEO o EvoShare Eugeny Prudchyenko.



The cash-back earned through EvoShare is in addition to any other credit card incentives; it doesn't replace them. Participants shop and dine as usual at participating merchants. New and existing customers get free access to EvoShare. "With your SogoTrade account, the EvoShare monthly fee is waived. You'll get free access to an EvoShare membership," said Yao. "This is just another advantage of having an account at SogoTrade."

SogoTrade is an online industry leader in providing new ways to fund your brokerage account, including through this new EvoShare partnership and through their "Get Paid to Trade" program. "In addition to $0 commission on qualifying limit orders, customers enrolled in our 'Get Paid to Trade' program can get paid on qualifying limit orders," said Yao. There is no minimum requirement to open a SogoTrade account. For more information, view SogoTrade's commissions and fees at https://content.sogotrade.com/pdf/en-us/commissionsfeesen.pdf. Since 1986, SogoTrade has offered an array of products, maintained a high level of customer service, developed powerful platforms for customers to monitor their investments and trade online, and has a renewed commitment to both foreign and domestic customers with revenue sharing opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.sogotrade.com/m/landevoshare.aspx?subid=922 ABOUT EVOSHARE EvoShare has a robust cash-back savings infrastructure that enables users to earn on everyday spending, and in turn automatically apply that cash-back towards an existing IRA, Emergency Savings Account, HSA, 529 College Savings plan, or to help pay off student loan debt. EvoShare has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post. It won the 2019 DC Genie Award from 401(k) TV for "Best Financial Technology." ABOUT SOGOTRADE Sogo Financial Group, Inc. is the Delaware holding company of the following subsidiaries: (1) SogoTrade, Inc.  Member FINRA and SIPC; (2) SogoTrade Asset Management (MarketRiders, Inc.)  a robo-advisor and SEC registered investment advisor; and (3) Sogo Crypto, LLC  a cryptocurrency trading technology company. Contact: Linda Gaal

Telephone: 314-737-7700

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sogotrade.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sogotrade-offers-cash-back-to-financial-portfolios-with-evoshare-301423349.html SOURCE SogoTrade

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[November 15, 2021] Telecommunications Industry Contributed up to $70.7 Billion to the Canadian Economy and Supported Almost 600,000 Jobs in 2020, According to New Report

Study also shows that notwithstanding the economic downturn in 2020, the telecommunications industry invested more than $11 billion in infrastructure innovation and expansion and introduced measures to help Canadians stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 15, 2021 /CNW/ - Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada's telecommunications industry performed in line with the overall economy and maintained its share of overall Canadian GDP output estimated last year. In a report commissioned by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), Accenture estimates that, despite a 5.4% contraction in the Canadian economy in 2020, the telecommunications industry contributed up to $70.7 billion to GDP while supporting almost 600,000 jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of connectivity for Canadian society, business, and the economy. With sustained, accelerated growth in digital traffic, Canada's facilities-based operators continued to invest in building additional capacity and further upgrading and expanding critical telecommunications infrastructure and services, setting the stage for a resilient and sustainable economic recovery post-pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, four key trends emerged which further highlighted the importance of telecommunication services: Pivot towards the digital economy,

a decline in city-centric living,

the advent of unconventional ways to socialize,

and the rise of remote working. In addition to its macro-economic contributions and the increasing importance of cnnectivity to Canadians, the telecommunications industry introduced a multitude of measures to help Canadians stay connected following the outbreak of COVID-19 and made direct contributions to charities, not-for-profits, and disadvantaged communities.



"The telecommunications industry has played a key role in keeping Canadians connected since the outbreak of COVID-19 and it is clear that Canada's high quality digital infrastructure has been crucial in sustaining economic and social activity across the country," said Robert Ghiz, president and CEO of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. "Despite the economic headwinds of 2020, Canada's telecom operators continued to invest billions of dollars to expand and upgrade Canada's telecommunications infrastructure, and provided additional support to Canadians dealing with the hardships of COVID-19." Key findings of the report:

GDP contribution and jobs supported by the telecommunications industry and increased connectivity across other industries were estimated to be up to $70.7 billion and up to 596,000 jobs, respectively, in 2020

and up to 596,000 jobs, respectively, in 2020 More broadly, the industry influenced up to 3.14% of overall Canadian GDP in 2020

The rise in new connections for telecommunications services generated increases in sales across other industries in Canada valued at $47.9 billion in GDP contributions (including, for instance, $6.4 billion in incremental output in health care)

valued at in GDP contributions (including, for instance, in incremental output in health care) This economic contribution was driven by the telecommunications industry's sustained and significant capital investment in 2020, with more than $11 billion invested in wireless and wireline connectivity

invested in wireless and wireline connectivity In 2020, service providers invested approximately $12B in employee salaries and benefits, providing over 120,000 high quality jobs to individual Canadians who in-turn contribute to the Canadian economy by exercising their purchasing power and through payment of taxes

in employee salaries and benefits, providing over 120,000 high quality jobs to individual Canadians who in-turn contribute to the Canadian economy by exercising their purchasing power and through payment of taxes Service providers supported Canada through an estimated $6.8 billion in taxes, which help fund government services such as social assistance, healthcare, infrastructure and public safety

through an estimated in taxes, which help fund government services such as social assistance, healthcare, infrastructure and public safety Service providers contributed over $245 million to charities and not-for-profits "From health care professionals delivering virtual care to patients, to parents across the nation safely supporting their children with virtual learning while balancing working from home, telecommunications allowed Canadians to stay connected as well as economically and socially empowered during COVID-19," said Tejas Rao, a managing director in Accenture Cloud First's wireless services practice. "The pandemic highlighted how critical connectivity was for Canadians, business, and the economy." These trends all contributed to ensuring that the telecommunications industry maintained its annual contribution to the Canadian economy despite an overall economic downturn. According to the report, as the world reopens and the Canadian economy returns to growth, the telecommunications industry will further enhance its economic contributions, contribute to reducing Canada's carbon footprint, and help fuel Canada's digital evolution. A copy of the report, entitled, "Connecting Canadians during COVID-19: The impact of the wireless and wireline industry in 2020 and beyond," can be found here. About CWTA:

CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents companies that provide services and products across the wireless sector. CWTA also administers a number of initiatives on behalf of its members, including corporate social responsibility programs and the national common short codes program. SOURCE Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association

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[November 15, 2021] TSG Consumer Partners to Acquire Super Star Car Wash

TSG Consumer Partners ("TSG"), a leading private equity firm, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Super Star Car Wash (the "Company"), a leading, family-owned car wash operator. Following the transaction, Founder and President Reza Amirrezvani and the management team will remain significant investors and continue to lead the company. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1993 and based in Phoenix, AZ, Super Star Car Wash is a family-owned business with 35 locations spanning the Southwest and West Coast in Arizona and California, with expansion to Colorado planned for early 2022. The Company is dedicated to making its customers' lives easier by providing friendly, fast and exceptional automotive care services. Super Star has a robust pipeline of more than 40 new locations and anticipates significant growth in 2022 and beyond. "TSG has invested in and helped build countless iconic consumer brands, and we are excited for their support as we continue to grow our business," said Reza Amirrezvani, Founder and President of Super Star Car Wash. "Importantly, the firm is a strong cultural fit - they understand and value the significance of our decades-long dedication toward our employees, customers and local communities. Their meaningful marketing expertise, consumer understanding, and significant experience with membership models makes them the perfect partner as we enter new markets and continue to innovate for our customers." "We are thrilled to partner with Reza and the first-class team at Super Star Car Wash. They have built a leading car wash operatio that has provided immense value to customers and local communities with consistent, convenient and quality automotive care services," said Colin Welch, Managing Director & Head of the New York and London offices of TSG. "We are excited to further the company's unique emphasis on its people, customers and local communities, which, along with its innovative membership model, has helped it develop a deep and loyal customer base."



Michael Layman, Managing Director at TSG added, "We look forward to leveraging our experience scaling other multi-unit businesses to support Super Star Car Wash. With additional access to capital, Reza and his team will have the resources and flexibility to execute their long-term growth ambitions through innovation at existing locations and capitalize on both organic growth and acquisition opportunities ahead." "We believe the car wash industry is poised for continued growth, and Super Star Car Wash - with its talented personnel and innovative business model - has the ability to anticipate and meet evolving customer needs," added Erik Johnson, Managing Director at TSG.

Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisor to TSG. Snell & Wilmer acted as legal advisor and Ardent Advisory Group acted as financial advisor to Super Star Car Wash. The transaction is expected to close by year-end. About Super Star Car Wash Super Star Car Wash is a family-owned business headquartered in Phoenix, with locations spanning across the Southwest and West Coast in Arizona and California. The Company's services offered include single washes and unlimited monthly plans for express washes, while full-service locations offer fluid changes and quick lube services, full-service washes and detailing along with 24-hour gas stations. For more information, visit superstarcarwashaz.com. About TSG Consumer Partners TSG Consumer Partners, LP is a leading private equity firm that partners with founders and management teams to build and accelerate growth for best-in-class consumer-facing businesses. Since its founding in 1987, TSG has been an active investor in the consumer industry. Representative past and present partner companies include Backcountry, Canyon Bicycles, Duckhorn, Dutch Bros, e.l.f. Cosmetics, IT Cosmetics, Joe Hudson's Collision Centers, Mavis Tires, Planet Fitness, popchips, Power Stop, REVOLVE, Revolut, Robinhood, Smashbox, Stumptown, and vitaminwater. For more information, including a complete list of TSG's current partner companies, visit tsgconsumer.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005735/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Virtual Reality Startup HIKKY Raises 6.5 Billion Yen in Series A Funding Round

Virtual reality (VR) startup and organizers of the world's largest VR event, HIKKY Co., Ltd. announced today that they have raised 6.5 billion yen ($57 million) in an initial stage of their Series A funding round. They are considering additional funding in this round and plan to maintain autonomy following it. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005320/en/ HIKKY and NTT (News - Alert) DOCOMO aim to change the world with VR experiences that connect the real and virtual. (Graphic: Business Wire) Capital raised will help expand HIKKYs virtual reality services both domestically and abroad, as well as strengthen their organizational foundation. HIKKY's services include the Vket series of VR events, the browser-based VR engine called Vket Cloud that runs on smartphones and computers, and open metaverse development with Vket Cloud.



HIKKY advocates for an open metaverse where users can: Interact with each other beyond platform boundaries

Communicate and explore in an open world format

Deploy original content on their own domains

Access VR easily from any device, no app needed "Here at HIKKY, we will accelerate our metaverse business with the help of communication infrastructure and global networks of NTT DOCOMO, INC. and NTT Group," said Yasushi Funakoshi, HIKKY's CEO. "We will continue to provide NTT DOCOMO with XR services, technologies, and content as per our strengths. We are extremely grateful to all the creators who have supported us, and to the visitors and companies who have taken part in Vket events."

HIKKY develops its own proprietary VR engine called Vket Cloud, which is used to create metaverse content that users can access by clicking a URL and doesn't require a dedicated computer or mobile application. It also supports multiplayer mode, where users can enjoy communicating in the same space using voice or text chat. The startup also runs the VR largest event series, called Vket. Thousands of artists, many international corporate sponsors, and over a million users attend these events. Vket has become a major player in the VR event space and has received several awards: the VR Awards' Marketing Grand Prize in 2020, Japan's XR Creative Awards' Overall Grand Prize in 2020, and two Guinness World Records in 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005320/en/

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[November 14, 2021] Chunghwa Telecom and Vietnam Viettel-CHT Just Go Hand in Hand to Provide Public Cloud Services and Innovative Cloud-Based Applications Aiming for Digital Transformation of the Vietnamese Enterprises

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (News - Alert) (TAIEX: 2412, NYSE: CHT) ("Chunghwa" or "the Company") announces Viettel-CHT Co.,Ltd the currently largest DC and Cloud computing service provider in Vietnam, has signed a contract with Chunghwa Telecom as its public cloud service partner to facilitate the public cloud services and cloud based applications in Vietnam. Both parties had agreed upon a tighter partnership, working together on assisting local businesses implementing digital solutions like IoT, AI, Big Data, Cyber Security, Cloud-Network Convergence (News - Alert) as well as other advanced technologies in an attempt to pick up the pace of the already occurred digital transformation on Vietnam market, that the collaborations in smart manufacturing, smart healthcare and FinTech have been specifically laid out to move forward. Chunghwa Telecom is expected to be of the best assisting partner for Viettel-CHT Co.,Ltd in the coming years. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005315/en/ Viettel Group's overseas presence (Photo: Business Wire) Viettel-CHT is a joint venture company (A limited liability company) established between Chunghwa Telecom and Viettel Group thirteen years ago. It has been evolved into the largest data center and cloud service provider to date in Vietnam. Over the years Chunghwa Telecom has been beefed up the cloud skill sets and earned certifications with competencies in MSP, IoT, DevOps, Well-Architected, which bnk up with 500+ cloud experts in our talents pool in return. By taking the advantages of technology capabilities, best practices in industries and already well-established public cloud ecosystem of Chunghwa Telecom, it can be expected to diversify Viettel-CHT service ecosystem and in turn becomes the leading infrastructure provider for digital transformation in Vietnam.



"Public cloud market and business opportunity in Vietnam is growing rapidly. Through this cooperation between two parties, Viettel-CHT is welcoming Chunghwa Telecom's experiences in public cloud operation and technical resources and capabilities, by which will help to meet the diverse needs of Vietnamese customers in the cloud better, contribute to accelerating the speed and efficiency of digital transformation for organizations and businesses, so hopefully in short time Viettel- CHT will become the leading Multi -Cloud Service Provider in Vietnam market and expand our services internationally.", said Ngoc Hoang, Chief Executive Officer Viettel-CHT. "Viettel-CHT has been dedicated telecommunications markets in Vietnam and dozens of countries, understanding the markets as well as recognizing the recent trends, so we are glad to see it has become the number 1 when comes to IDC (News - Alert) and cloud services for the local market in just a few years. We are optimistic and have a deep faith that this very cooperation can not only benefit Viettel-CHT from welcoming the best-in-class technologies of Chunghwa Telecom but to grow consistently as a company, leading over the public cloud market in Vietnam, and being the ambassador to advocate the idea of digital transformation.", said Hsueh-Lan Wu, President of International Business Group of Chunghwa Telecom.

About Viettel -CHT Viettel-CHT is a leading cloud computing and data center service provider in Vietnam. With the 5 international standard data centers, we build and provide the most diverse ecosystem of Cloud computing and Data center services in the market, which is a reliable address for tens of thousands of large corporate and institutional customers in Vietnam as well as foreign businesses. For more information, please visit our website at: https://viettelidc.com.vn/ About Chunghwa Telecom Chunghwa Telecom (TAIEX 2412, NYSE: CHT) ("Chunghwa" or "the Company") is Taiwan's largest integrated telecommunications services company that provides fixed-line, mobile, broadband, and internet services. The Company also provides information and communication technology services to corporate customers and is expanding its cloud computing services. In recent years, Chunghwa has been actively involved in corporate social responsibility and has won domestic and international awards and recognition. For more information, please visit our website at www.cht.com.tw. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211114005315/en/

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[November 14, 2021] Smart Rental - Smart Devices Subscription Provider Receives 1.1 Million USD in Equity Crowdfunding

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HAAS ASIA SDN BHD with brand name Smart Rental, a smart subscription business has successfully raised RM 4.6 million (1.1 million USD) from 177 investors in just one month, vastly exceeding its minimum target amount by more than three times. This project was facilitated by Malaysia's leading equity crowdfunding (ECF) platform, MyStartr, which was approved by the Securities Commission (SC) for the Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MYCIF), which is a fund that co-invests in ECF and peer-to-peer campaigns with a ratio of 1:4. MyStartr aims to raise funds for 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by 2030. A previous crowdfunding at MyStartr platform from February to April of 2020, Linear Channel Sdn Bhd a subsidiary of Haas Asia Sdn Bhd has successfully raised RM1.33 million which far exceeded their original target of RM500,000. Commenting on the fundingachievement, chief executive officer of Haas Asia Sdn Bhd, Joshua Chin Tong Lim said, "our campaign with MyStartr reflects the successful business model recognized by the market. It is an important step in the company's growth, and we are very grateful to have investors who believed in our growth and potential."



Smart Rental was first introduced to the market based on a Haas (Hardware-as-a-Service) service provision model (integrated Credit, Services, Exchange into monthly subscription service). This business model has been validated by multiple panels of business experts at the 2019 [email protected] Cloud Startup Contest, where it won recognition as one of the Top 10 best business models; Pitch Selangor 2019, where it achieved the same result; and 2020 Golden Bull Awards, as an Emerging SMEs Award and last but not least, The Lang Titanium Award for The Best Use of Technology. Smart Rental offers 12 or 24-months PC subscription packages at different price points, encompassing the following services: the right to use the PC, regular maintenance visits and software upgrades, repairs and exchanges, and free PC model upgrades upon contract renewal. On average, Smart Rental customers save 87% on the PC purchase cash outlay and 55% on maintenance and services. Offer a solution to overcome the computer needs

The smart subscription model accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. "Many work-from-home (WFH) and Smart Rental caters to all consumers and SMEs that prefer to get electronic products with worry-free maintenance service for free," Joshua Chin explained. Within a year, over 1100 subscription contracts have been issued, with a total value of RM 5.2 million. Smart Rental will soon launch its CSR computer crowdsourcing initiative under the brand name Sambong Future, an initiative to connect B40 students to a sponsor thru its contractual giving/gifting. Smart Rental is also developing a digital engineer platform which will accelerate the maintenance service nationwide and upcoming are Smart Centres across the country with its first outlet opening its doors in Mid Valley. By 2040, it is expected to have more than 50,000 subscribers. About Smart Rental Smart Rental is run by Linear Channel Sdn. Bhd, a company that started by refurbishing and reselling second-hand PCs under the brand name BuyNow. The Company diversified into the short-term PC rental market around 2010 and HaaS solutions for PCs in 2019. The Haas model is in high demand as consumers are currently more reliable on devices for learning and getting work done. With this, consumers enjoy similar solutions only previously offered by companies to serve large companies and government agencies. Smart Rental is well-positioned to capitalise on the demand. For more project details: MyStartr Smart Rental SOURCE HAAS ASIA SDN BHD

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[November 14, 2021] World Bank and Asian Development Bank launches 'WePOWER India Partnership Forum' to increase workforce participation of women in energy sector

NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The WePOWER India Partnership Forum, held through a virtual platform on November 9, 2021, launched the efforts to scale up the South Asia Women in Power Sector Professional Network (WePOWER) in India. This important initiative was attended by 168 key energy sector stakeholders. The event was organized by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in association with the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF). India is significantly investing in clean energy, grid modernization, and digitalisation of its utilities. Consequently, job profiles in the Indian energy sector are evolving with more emphasis on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and renewable energy solutions. There is a growing demand for skilled human resources to fill these new green jobs. Women can help to fill this skills gap required for the energy transition. However, the participation of women in the energy sector remains very low. To address this, the energy sector must attract, develop and retain talented women professionals. The World Bank is committed to promoting gender equality in the Indian electricity sector. Towards this goal, the World Bank, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, launched the WePOWER in February 2019. WePOWER is a network of 28 energy sector utilities and organizations committed to implementing systematic and incremental gender activities to support workforce participation of women in energy projects and utilities, and promote normative change for women and girls in Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Te launch ceremony was preceded over by the honourable Mr. Vishal Kapoor, Joint Secretary - Distribution, Ministry of Power, Govt of India; Mr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank; and Mr. Reji Kumar Pillai, President, India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF); Among other dignitaries were Mr. Guangzhe Chen, Regional Director for Infrastructure, South Asia, World Bank; Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director, ADB; and Ms. Reena Suri, Executive Director, ISGF.



Mr. Vishal Kapoor, Joint Secretary - Distribution, Ministry of Power, Govt of India mentioned that the Ministry of Power recognises that "Women will be needed to fill the increasing talent demand in the power sector, and their participation in technical and professional roles can contribute greatly to the sector's effectiveness" and "Indian power sector has made progresses in terms of diversifying the work place and increasing women's participations, including in leadership positions." He added that, "In a survey of 28 Indian DISCOMs it was found that 4/5th of them have at least one female at top positions. This represents the growth of women's participation in power sector" A panel discussion on Expanding Job Opportunities in India's Clean Energy Transition' was moderated by Simon J. Stolp, Practice Manager, South Asia Energy, World Bank, with eminent panelists from the Indian power sector such as Dr. Tripta Thakur, Director General, National Power Training Institute; Mr. Sanjay Banga, President, The Tata Power Company Limited; Dr. Praveen Saxena, Chief Executive Officer, Skill Council for Green Jobs; Ms. Gargi Chatterjea, Executive Director, CESC Limited; and Dr. Rashi Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Vision Mechatronics Pvt. Ltd; The panel of eminent speakers shared their views on how a diverse talent pool can be mobilized to accelerate India's clean energy transition. Mr. Pradeep Perera, Officer-in-Charge, Energy Division, South Asia Regional Department provided the key takeaways and concluding remarks.

Tripta Thakur, Director General, NPTI said that the government and NPTI recognises the need to bring more skilled women into the power sector, and NPTI is working with various stakeholders on developing training modules best suited to achieve this goal. Rashi Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Vision Mechatronics Pvt. Ltd mentioned that "Not only Electricity but Human Energy needs to capitalised for women empowerment and transformation". Overall, the stakeholders agreed that initiatives like WePOWER are important to attracting and retaining more women in the energy sector. The initiative received a lot of appreciation, positive feedback, and interest from the participating energy sector professionals. In the coming months, WePOWER will host in-depth meetings with prominent stakeholders from the sector to take forward the agenda of increasing women's participation in the power sector.

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[November 14, 2021] "Tribute Fruit" in the Ancient Times Enjoyed by the Commons

GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 11th, the online shopping festival in China, Deqing Tribute Mandarine, a fruit from China, was shown on the landmark screen of Times Square in New York City, bringing a fruit feast to people around the world, according to Xinhua Screen Media Co., Ltd., who tenants the screen. Daniel, who has studied in China for nearly two years, is a great lover of Deqing Tribute Mandarines. "It is difficult to resist the charm of this golden, tender and juicy fruit. Every year when Deqing Tribute Mandarines come on the market, I will go to the supermarket to buy some to eat. They look like oranges, and eat like tangerines. It's so amazing." The best Tribute Mandarines in he world grow in Guangdong, and the best Tribute Mandarines in Guangdong grow in Deqing. The hometown of Deqing Tribute Mandarine is in Deqing County, Guangdong Province, China, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Tribute Mandarines". Deqing Tribute Mandarines have both the beauty of oranges and the advantages of tenderness and easy peeling of tangerines. The peel is golden and thin. As soon as it goes into the mouth, the mouth will be filled with sweet aroma. It is praised to be a perfect integration of "external beauty" and "strong strength". It is said that in the Song Dynasty a thousand years ago, Emperor Gaozong was very fond of this fruit from Deqing. So he asked to offer this fruit as a tribute every year, and the name of "Tribute Mandarine" comes from this.



Deqing Tribute Mandarine is regarded as a "treasure" fruit. The pulp contains a variety of vitamins, organic acids, minerals, etc., which can effectively supplement a large amount of water and nutrients required by the human body. Daniel said, "The weather is always very dry in autumn and winter. If I eat one or two Tribute Mandarines, I will feel hydrated all day long." This year, after an excellent harvest, Deqing Tribute Mandarines will enter Southeast Asia, Europe, America and be enjoyed on tables worldwide. This tribute, which was originally dedicated to the royal family of ancient China, now comes into the lives of common people. Sincerely invite you to have a try.

Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=407428

Caption: Poster themed "Deqing Tribute Mandarines" circulates on a screen at the Times Square. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tribute-fruit-in-the-ancient-times-enjoyed-by-the-commons-301423731.html SOURCE Xinhua Screen Media Co., Ltd.

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[November 15, 2021] Growing Student Privacy Risks Prompt Parents, Teachers, and Students to Want to Take Active Role in School Technology Decisions

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) released a new report based on survey research conducted in Summer 2021 on parent, teacher, and student opinions about education technology (edtech) and student data. As recent research and news stories regarding invasive student activity monitoring software come to light, the report shows that an increasing number of parents (69%, up 9 percentage points since February) are concerned about student privacy. Additionally, 82% of students say they should have input on how their data and information is used by schools, even though just 26% of students report their school has asked for their views about this. The full report can be viewed here . "Since the growth of online learning in response to the pandemic, our research consistently shows that edtech ishere to stay. In fact, 85% of teachers reported that these tools will play a bigger role in the current school year than before the pandemic," said CDT's CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens. "However, our research also shows persistent and growing student privacy concerns, underscoring the need to safeguard student privacy and support the responsible use of education data and technology."



The new report , titled "Navigating the New Normal: Ensuring Equitable and Trustworthy EdTech for the Future," also showcases new ways edtech is being used in schools which raise concerns about equity. For example, the data reveal that schools are considering using online learning in disciplinary contexts. 70% of teachers agree that online learning can enable students to keep up with peers while they are temporarily out of school due to school closures or disciplinary actions like suspension. And 61% of parents expressed that they were very or somewhat concerned about sharing student data with law enforcement. This number increases to 69% when Black parents are asked, reflecting important equity considerations that schools must reconcile. "Given the increase in parents' concerns and their absence in student privacy discussions, this is an important moment for school systems to not only fulfill their legal obligations but orient their student privacy efforts toward keeping students safe and protecting their well-being, which means going beyond the bare minimum," said Elizabeth Laird, the Director of Equity in Civic Technology at CDT. "To do this, we must ensure that all students are able to receive the benefits of data and technology and that the risks do not disproportionately fall on any particular group of students."

The report also detailed bright spots, especially regarding teacher training. 66 percent of teachers reported that they had received substantive training on student privacy, compared to 56 percent in 2020 , and those teachers who received training were more likely to play an active role in engaging parents and students on these topics. Additionally, more than 8 out of 10 teachers report that students with disabilities and multilingual learners benefitted the same or more from the use of technology in education than the larger student body. The Center for Democracy & Technology is a 25-year old 501(c)(3) working to promote civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. Based in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, Belgium, CDT works inclusively across sectors to find tangible solutions to today's most pressing technology policy challenges. Our team of experts includes lawyers, technologists, academics, and analysts, bringing diverse perspectives to all of our efforts. To learn more about student privacy, including more in-depth data and additional COVID-19 implications, visit cdt.org/civictech. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/growing-student-privacy-risks-prompt-parents-teachers-and-students-to-want-to-take-active-role-in-school-technology-decisions-301423720.html SOURCE The Center for Democracy & Technology

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[November 15, 2021] OXURION NV - First Patient Dosed in Part B of Phase 2 KALAHARI Study Evaluating Multiple Administrations of THR-149 versus aflibercept for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of DME in the roughly 50% of the patient population suboptimally responding to anti-VEGF therapy

Leuven, BE, Boston, MA, US  15 November 2021  07.00 AM CET  Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR), a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, with a clinical stage portfolio in vascular retinal disorders, announces the first patient has been dosed in Part B of its two-part, Phase 2 study (KALAHARI) evaluating multiple injections of THR-149 for the treatment of DME. THR-149 is being developed to potentially become the treatment of choice for the 40-50% of DME patients who respond suboptimally to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 acts through inhibition of the plasma kallikrein-kinin (PKaI-Kinin) system, a validated VEGF-independent target for DME treatment. The primary objective of part B of the study is to assess the difference in treatment effect between the selected dose from part A of THR-149 (0.13mg) and aflibercept from Baseline to Month 3, in terms of increase in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the primary endpoint. Tom Graney, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Oxurion, comments, After the success of Part A, we are very happy to begin Part B of the Phase 2 KALAHARI study evaluating THR-149 for the treatment of DME against the current standard of care. Positive results from this Phase 2 trial would confirm THR-149s potential to provide a much-needed treatment option for DME patients who fail to respond or respond suboptimally to existing anti-VEGF treatment. The success of this study would pave the way to a pivotal trial, that if successful, could position THR-149 to capture an important share of and expand the $4.5 billion DME market, which at the moment is almost entirely served by anti-VEGF therapies. Part B is the second part of the Phase 2 KALAHARI study, a two-part, randomized, prospective, multi-center study assessing multiple (3) injections of THR-149 in DME patients. This part of the study will enroll just over one hundred patients, who have previously shown suboptimal response to anti-VEGF. In Part B of the study, which is double-masked and actively controlled, the high dose of THR-149 selected from Part A of the trial will be evaluated against aflibercept as the active comparator. Final topline results from Part B of the study are expected mid 2023. Positive Results of Part A of the Study Clinical results from Part A of the KALAHARI study, which recruited patients who had responded suboptimally to anti-VEGF therapy, demostrated that all dose levels of THR-149 had a positive safety profile. The side-effects observed in patients were mild to moderate in intensity and there were no cases of severe ocular inflammation.



In terms of efficacy, a rapid onset of action was observed with the highest dose of THR-149 (0.13mg) delivering the greatest improvement in mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6.1 letters at Month 3. Within this group, 63% of patients showed at least a 5-letter gain, 38% achieved at least a 10-letter gain, and 13% achieved at least a 15-letter gain at Month 3. Oxurion intends to present a more complete data set from Part A of the KALAHARI study at an upcoming leading ophthalmology conference.

END For further information please contact: Oxurion NV

Tom Graney

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +32 16 75 13 10

[email protected]



Michael Dillen

Chief business Officer

Tel: +32 479 783583

[email protected]



EU

MEDiSTRAVA

David Dible/ Sylvie Berrebi/Frazer Hall

Tel: +44 20 7638 9571

[email protected]







US



Westwicke, an ICR Company

Christopher Brinzey

Tel: +1 617 835 9304

[email protected] About Oxurion Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, which are designed to better preserve vision in patients with retinal vascular disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients worldwide as well as other conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Oxurion is aiming to build the leading global franchise in the treatment of retinal vascular disorders based on the successful development of its two novel therapeutics: THR-687 is a highly selective pan-RGD integrin antagonist that is initially being developed as a potential first line therapy for DME patients. Positive topline results in a Phase 1 clinical study assessing THR-687 as a treatment for DME were announced in 2020. Oxurion is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial (INTEGRAL) evaluating THR-687 in patients with DME. THR-687 also has the potential to deliver improved treatment outcomes for patients with wet AMD and RVO.

THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor being developed as a potential new standard of care for the 40-50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. THR-149 has shown positive topline Phase 1 results for the treatment of DME. The Company is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial (KALAHARI) evaluating multiple injections of THR-149 in DME patients previously showing a suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. Following positive data from Part A of this Phase 2 study (dose selection), the Company is enrolling subjects in Part B of the study. Oxurion is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and is listed on the Euronext Brussels exchange under the symbol OXUR. More information is available at www.oxurion.com .

Important information about forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Companys Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws.



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[November 15, 2021] BAE Systems NetReveal to Enhance Compliance at Nova KBM Slovenia

BAE Systems (News - Alert) Applied Intelligence, a leading global provider of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-fraud solutions, has announced an agreement with Nova KBM Slovenia to supply its NetReveal Compliance Suite in a five-year deal to drive significant improvements at the bank. Trusted by more than 200 financial institutions, NetReveal is BAE Systems' leading financial crime, fraud, and anomaly detection platform and will drive improvements in operational efficiency, reduce false positives and better meet the bank's compliance obligations. NetReveal's intelligent post-processing reduces false positive alerts by at least 30 percent and its centralised 360-degree customer view consolidates alerts, evidence, and metrics, resulting in up to 40 percent faster profiling and detection reduction. "At Nova KBM, we are committed to ensuring compliance with the highest standards in the area of prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as in the identification of fraud and managing illicit practices. The implementation of BAE Systems' NetReveal tool will help us manage all aspects of AML detection, investigation, and reporting," said Jon Locke, Deputy CEO and Chief Risk Officer of Nova KBM Slovenia. "We aim to reduce the number of false-positive hits and achieve faster customer profiling and detection. At the same time, we plan to simplify our internal processes and mitigate all relevant risks in this area. We believe that selecting a vendor trusted by many top global banks will provide us with both the solutions and experience to support us in our effort to further improve our operational efficiency and continue the digital transformation of our bank whie defending Nova KBM against financial crime," Locke concluded.



Nova KBM Slovenia will benefit from the following NetReveal capabilities-delivered via a single interface and with unified case management and reporting: AML Transaction Monitoring - Enhanced Edition + AAP

WLM Transaction Screening - Enhanced Edition

WLM S&P Screening - Enhanced Edition "We are pleased to partner with Nova KBM as it looks to enhance its critical compliance capabilities and drive major operational and cost improvements. With more than half of money laundering remaining undetected over the last year, we know how essential it is to have the right tools and systems in place to defend customers and institutions against this crime. We welcome the steps Nova KBM is taking and look forward to helping them detect more and fight crime together," said Enda Shirley, Head of Compliance at BAE Systems Applied Intelligence.

NetReveal is designed to be adaptable to the evolving nature of the financial services sector; to deliver power and flexibility in analytics, investigation, integration, security. Its advanced data analytics engine provides effective detection of anomalous behaviour and is some of the most effective at positive/negative detection and false-positive reduction on the market. Notes to Editors About BAE Systems Applied Intelligence At BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, we help nations, governments and businesses around the world defend themselves against cybercrime, reduce their risk in the connected world, comply with regulation, and transform their operations. For further information about BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, please visit www.baesystems.com/financialservices About NetReveal NetReveal is a single, integrated platform for anti-money laundering compliance and fraud prevention enabling Financial Institutions to benefit from lower total cost of ownership across their compliance and fraud teams with a single solution. A comprehensive range of compliance and counter-fraud solutions can be deployed individually or collectively. ref no. 139/2021 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005487/en/

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ACI Worldwide Launches Network Intelligence Technology to Combat Real-Time Payments Fraud

ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of real-time payments and digital payment software solutions, today launched its proprietary Network Intelligence Technology as an integral part of ACI Fraud Management.

The new technology enables banks, processors, acquirers, and networks to augment fraud prevention strategies by allowing them to securely share industry-wide fraud signals by feeding their machine learning models and leveraging their machine learning technology more effectively. It offers industry players a new, hybrid approach towards fraud prevention, combining the strength of custom, proprietary signals and complementing them with signals exchanged within the consortium of industry participants.

The launch comes against the backdrop of rising global levels of new fraud attacks and increased calls for more collaboration among industry players. The rise of digital and real-time payments due to the Covid-19 pandemic has seen fraudsters and scammers increasingly focus on real-time payments channels, targeting unsuspecting customers through Phishing and social engineering scams. APP fraud increased 71% during the first half of 202 in the UK, overtaking card fraud rates for the first time. The levels of fraud in the UK now pose a national security threat, industry body UK Finance has warned.







"ACI's unique Network Intelligence Technology adds another layer to one of the most sophisticated fraud prevention and management solutions on the market today," commented Cleber Martins, Head of Payments Intelligence and Risk Solutions, ACI Worldwide (News - Alert). "New ways of industry collaboration are crucial for improving fraud prevention. ACI's unique network intelligence approach will help financial institutions and payment providers to develop macro insights and beat fraudsters with valid models that are weighted appropriately across all parties."

ACI's Network Intelligence Technology allows industry players to:

Consume, distribute, and exchange secure fraud signals without exposing raw data

Adopt a new, hybrid approach towards fraud prevention, combining the strength of custom, proprietary signals and complementing them with signals exchanged within the consortium

Incorporate signals from third-party fraud intelligence sources

Choose which insights to adopt into models and which to contribute to community findings

Leverage transparent, individual signals rather than a single opaque model dominated by the largest contributor

Create informative and contextually meaningful data features, focused on individual requirements

Understand localized threats before they become endemic

ACI Fraud Management delivers enterprise fraud prevention capabilities that are crucial to successfully protecting customers in a real-time fraud environment. The solution offers advanced machine learning as well as behavioural biometrics capabilities, predictive analytics, and expertly defined rules-helping banks identify and prevent real-time fraud. It includes the ACI Model Generator, which enables business users to create and maintain their own predictive machine learning models within minutes which can be specific to real time instant payments. ACI's unique network intelligence approach delivers an industry, regional, and market-wide view of emerging threats.

About ACI Worldwide

ACI Worldwide is a global software company that provides mission-critical real-time payment solutions to corporations. Customers use our proven, scalable and secure solutions to process and manage digital payments, enable omni-commerce payments, present and process bill payments, and manage fraud and risk. We combine our global footprint with local presence to drive the real-time digital transformation of payments and commerce.

 Copyright ACI Worldwide, Inc. 2021

ACI, ACI Worldwide, ACI Payments, Inc., ACI Pay, Speedpay and all ACI product/solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACI Worldwide, Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States, other countries or both. Other parties' trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005104/en/
[November 15, 2021] Ghana - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ghana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Bharti Airtel and MIC, the parent companies of AirtelTigo, have both reconsidered their involvement in the region. MIC has progressively exited from its African markets in recent years, choosing instead to focus on its business units in Latin America.The dominance of MTN continues to be of concern to the regulator, which has introduced new types of unified licenses and has imposed several measures relating to interconnection and the price of voice and data services, so as to prevent the company from undercutting its competitors.



Key developments:







State takes ownership of AirtelTigo;



Government issues the first of 350,000 laptops as part of the One Teacher One Laptop program aimed at improving teachers ICT skills;



Delayed SIM card registration program to be completed by March 2022;



Regulator allocates additional spectrum to Vodafone Ghana and MTN Ghana to address increases in data traffic;



Vodacom South Africa assumes management of Vodafone Ghana;



Eastern Corridor project is completed;



MTN Ghana lists on the Ghanaian stock exchange;



Report update includes the regulators market data to April 2021, statistical bulletin for Q1 2021, telcos operating data to Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.













Companies mentioned in this report:

Vodafone Ghana (Ghana Telecom, OneTouch), Capital Telecom, Globacom, MainOne, VoltaCom, Phase3 Telecom, Suburban Telecom, AirtelTigo (Tigo Ghana, Airtel Ghana), MTN Ghana, Expresso Telecom (Sudatel, Kasapa), Globacom (Glo Mobile), Thuraya, Network Computer Systems (NCS), InternetGhana, Africa Online, Busy Internet, Linkserve, IDN, Infinite Stream Ghana, Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG), Cactel Communications, O3b Networks, Internet Solutions.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ghana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Kenya - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Kenya-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





This supports the updated national broadband strategy, which is focussed on providing a broadband services of at least 3Mb/s to 90% of the population by 2023. In addition, a 10Mb/s service should be available to all schools, healthcare centres, and government facilities by the end of 2022. Further goals for 2030 include providing a 10Mb/s service nationally and a 100Mb/s to 80% of the population.The government commissioned a study (the ICT Access Gaps study) in 2016, which found that 166 of 7,149 locations in the country had no telecom coverage, while an additional 418 had less than 50% population coverage and 5,655 locations were fully covered. The 166 localities accounted for about 2.66 million people.Phase 1 of the project (funded by teh USF) was launched in late 2018, with Safaricom and Telkom Kenya contracted to carry out the work. This work ws incomplete, and in February 2021 the regulator identified 101 localities to be covered with telecom services. It committed KES1.57 billion, which formed Phase 2 of the USF. Contracts were awarded to Safaricom, Airtel Kenya, and others, and the work by these companies must be completed within two years.







Key developments:





Telkom Kenya and Airtel Kenya cancel merger plans;



Phase 2 of the USF gets underway, with work to be completed by late-2023;



Alphabet cancels Project Loon, though Kenya is chosen to take part in Project Taara to deliver affordable broadband to rural areas lacking connectivity;



Jambo Pay is awarded an MVNO licence, focussed on the IoT sector;



Government commits to connecting all schools to the internet by 2030;



Telkom Kenya selected to manage the PEACE cable landing station;



Universal Service Fund extends mobile coverage to underserved northern regions;



Safaricom launches M-Pesa Global payment service, begins limited 5G trials;



Report update includes the regulators market data to June 2021, operator data to Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.











Companies mentioned in this report:

Telkom Kenya, Jamii Telecom, Access Kenya (Dimension Data), Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC), Wananchi, Safaricom, Bharti Airtel, MTN, Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid Telecom), Essar Telkom Kenya, Mobile Pay (Tangaza Pesa), Zioncell Kenya, Finserve Africa (Equitel), Kenya Data Networks (KDN), Jamii Telecom, SimbaNet, Africa Online, Access Kenya (Dimension Data), Wananchi Online, Swift Global, Internet Solutions Kenya (InterConnect), Gilat Satellite Networks, Afsat Communications, Inmarsat, Indigo Telecom (Thuraya), Nation TV (NTV)

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Kenya-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Lesotho - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Lesotho-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

After the regulator tried to revoke Vodafone Lesothos licence in late 2020, the company fought back and secured a reprieve from the courts. Having considered that one of the difficulties in its relationship with the telco stemmed from its reliance of Vodacom reporting on itself, the regulator in early 2021 secured a system to monitor traffic and billing systems, aimed at protecting consumer rights and safeguarding quality of service.However, the regulator has also assumed the right to approve appointments to managerial positions made by Vodacom Lesotho or Econet Telecom Lesotho, which has beencontested by the operators.The dispute also encouraged the regulator to make changes to the market more widely. Although technically the telecom sector is open to competition, in effect it has remained a duopoly, with new entrants only having been able to become players on invitation from the regulator. This changed from October 2020, when amendments made to certain rules came into effect, which removed this restriction and allowed any prospective market entrants to apply for a licence. Licensees must provide services within two years.







Key developments:





Vodacom Lesotho transfers its M-Pesa division to a new independent company, VCL Financial Services;



Telecom regulator assumes the right to approve telcos senior management appointees;



ETL expands FttP network;



Safaricom and Vodacom Group acquire the M-Pesa brand;



Improved internet connectivity following landing of international cables;



Universal Service Agency expanding base tower infrastructure in remote areas;



Report update includes ITU statistics, regulators ICT market report, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, operator data to Q2 2021, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.











Companies mentioned in this report:

Telecom Lesotho, Econet a, Vodacom Lesotho, Eskom, Comnet.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Lesotho-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Middle East - Fixed Broadband Market

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Middle-East-Fixed-Broadband-Market/?utm_source=GNW

Many countries have financial resources from oil and gas to fund upgrades and expansions to networks, providing the region with one of the more sophisticated telecom sectors globally. Lacking such resources, Israel has instead relied on its technological prowess. Other countries, notably Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have been deeply affected by war and civil unrest, which have destroyed equipment and eroded the ability of telcos to offer reliable services. These conditions have also dissuaded investors from committing funds to these markets.



The various measures imposed during the pandemic to restrict travel, and to limit social mingling in environments such as workplaces and schools, have resulted in a dramatic growth in voice and data traffic. While telecom networks have largely coped with the additional traffic demands placed on them, these demands have also encouraged telcos and governments alike to step up their investment in fibre-based broadband, and in 5G.



State support is notable in long-term national broadband plans which have been put in place acros the region, and which in general terms aim to create an overall knowledge-based transformation of economies, in turn benefitting societies and business processes.



Notable examples of such schemes include those in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain (all with Vision 2030 programs), which are promoting e-goernment, e-health, e-commerce, and e-banking systems. Oman is building fibre-based networks as part of a strategy to 2040, hoping to connect all premises to a gigabit network. It is matched by Qatar, which has one of the most mature fixed broadband markets in the Middle East, due to its extensive fixed broadband network (the QNBN) based on GigaNet fibre which already covers more than 90% of premises.







Supporting all of these developments are the numerous existing and planned submarine and terrestrial cables which criss-cross the region. The Middle East is particularly well placed to tap into cable systems running between the Far East and Europe, with numerous landing points in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.



Key developments

Countries in the Middle East are investing in fixed networks to provide the infrastructure underpinning digital transformation, and the long-term development of knowledge-based economies.

Investment in fibre has propelled the UAE as the top ranking country in the region (16th globally) for fixed broadband data rates, at 189Mb/s as of September 2021.

Qatars substantial fixed broadband network based on GigaNet fibre has held it in good stead during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia climbs in the Digital Infrastructure Index league table, and continues to implement strategies as part of its the Vision 2030.

In Israel, the Universal Service Obligations on Bezeq and HOT Telecom have helped extend broadband availability to 99% of premises.

Bahrain is pursuing its long-term Economic Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at developing digital services across numerous sectors, including e-government, e-health, e-commerce, and e-banking.

Companies mentioned in this report

Mobile Telecommunications Co (MTC) / Zain, Ooredoo Kuwait (previously National Mobile Telecommunication Co (NMT) / Wataniya Telecom), Kuwait Telecom Company (KTC) / Viva, Batelco, Zain Bahrain, Viva Bahrain, Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI), Mobile Communications Iran (MCI), MTN Irancell, Tamin Telecom (Rightel), Mobile Telecommunications Company of Isfahan (MTCE), Telecommunication Kish Company (TKC), Iraqi Telephone and Postal Company (ITPC), Asiacell, Zain Iraq, Korek Telecom, Regional Telecom, Cellcom, Orange (Partner), Pelephone (Bezeq), HOT Mobile, Golan Telecom, Rami Levy, Jordan Telecom Group/Orange, Zain Jordan, Batelco/Umniah, Saudi Telecom Company (STC)/Bravo, Integrated Telecom Company (ITC)/Bayn Consortium, GO Telecom/Etihad Atheeb, Mobily/Etihad Etisalat/Bayanat Al-Oula, Zain KSA, Lebara KSA/Etihad Jawraa, Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa (Virgin Mobile MEA), Axiom Telecom, VIVA, Etisalat, du, Jordan Telecom Group/Orange, Zain Jordan, Batelco/Umniah, MTC Touch, Alfa Telecom, Ooredoo Qatar, Vodafone Qatar, OmanTel, Ooredoo Oman, FRiENDi, Majan Telecom (Renna), Samatel, Syrian Telecommunication Establishment (STE), MTN Syria, Syriatel, Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, Avea

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Middle-East-Fixed-Broadband-Market/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Sri Lanka - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Sri-Lanka-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





At home, Airtel Lanka completed the upgrade of its 3G mobile network, becoming entirely based on LTE. Dialog Axiata opened another Level 3 data centre, this time near Colombo, while Hutch Lanka completed 5G trials in partnership with ZTE, reaching speeds up to 1.8Gb/s.





Sri Lanka also took a number of steps to solidify its position as a regional telecommunications hub, with a second Maldives-Sri Lanka submarine able coming on line, and Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) committing to be a partner in the proposed SEA-ME-WE 6 cable system which will connect South East Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.









Key developments:



Sri Lankas fixed-line telephone market grows significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.





Regulator approves the introduction of MNP, expecting it to be implemented by May 2022.



Hutchison completes 5G trials with ZTE as its partner, achieving speeds of 1.8Gb/s.



Airtel Lanka completes 3G network upgrade to LTE, using spectrum in the 850MHz band.



SLT rebrands itself and its subsidiary under a single unified moniker, SLT-Mobitel.



SLT commits to investing in the proposed SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable system.



The Maldives Sri Lanka Cable (MSC), a second submarine cable linking the two countries, is ready for service.



Dialog Axiata opens a Tier 3 data centre in Piliyandala.





Companies mentioned in this report:



SLT (Sri Lanka Telecom), Mobitel, Dialog Axiata, DBN (Dialog Axiata group), Etisalat Lanka, Hutchison Lanka (Hutch), Airtel Lanka.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Sri-Lanka-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Zambia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Zambia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





Huawei is upgrading the state-owned network managed by Zamtel with 5G-enabled equipment.



The MNOs are considered to have sufficient capacity with their LTE networks that they are not too pressed to invest in 5G, and can afford to wait until such time as a range of cheaper devices becomes available, and the additional capacity provided by new cable networks connecting to Zimbabwe and the DRC have their effect on reducing internet access pricing.



In July 2021 the regulator launched a public consultation on its proposal for auctioning spectrum n the 700MHz, 2.6GHz, 26GHz, and 3.5GHz bands for 5G use. The mix of bands, covering a wide range to encompass urban and rural scenarios, was considered suitable to meet MNOs requirements for capacity and coverage.









Key developments





Regulator awards a mobile licence to the locally-owned telco Beeline Telecoms, considers revising the licensing regime;

Regulator consults on spectrum bands to be auctioned for 5G;

Government establishes a Ministry of Technology and Science to promote the use of ICT;

Paratus Group opens a carrier-neutral data centre in Lusaka;

Huawei contracted to upgrade state-owned mobile tower network for 5G;

MTN Zambia announces FttP rollout plans via its Connected Home initiative, launches micro lending service Kongola;

National Data Centre opens as part of the governments Smart Zambia project;

Report update includes the regulators market updates to June 2021, operator data to Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report





Zambia Telecommunications (Zamtel, LAP Green); MTN Zambia; Bharti Airtel; Cell Z (Zamtel); ZamNet; Coppernet Solutions; UUNet Zambia; Microlink Technologies; AfriConnect; Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO); Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC); Comium.





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Zambia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Eritrea - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Eritrea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Penetrations rates in all sectors are low or barely on the scale. The mobile penetration rate is the lowest on the continent by a large margin.



Telecom infrastructure is basic, with internet access being restricted to 3G in areas where this is available. The countrys ecision to become embroiled in Ethiopias conflict in Tigray province has spilled over into its own southern districts, resulting in the disruption of what few services are available. The much needed foreign investment in telecom infrastructure looks unlikely to materialise in the short term, particularly given that Eritreas association with Ethiopias war against the people of Tigray has placed it under international scrutiny.







Key developments:



Government continues with infrastructure developments;



EriTel extends mobile coverage;





Re-opening of border with Ethiopia threatened by renewed regional conflict;



Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.



Companies mentioned in this report:



Eritrean Telecommunication Services Corporation (EriTel)

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Eritrea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] EternityX announces the opening of its first global office in London

LONDON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EternityX, China's leading AI omnichannel marketing platform which offers one-stop customised solutions for brands to precisely connect with consumers through a performance-driven AI algorithm, is set to open a new office in London that will connect brands with consumers through cross-border, cross-culture e-commerce and service offering initiatives between China and the United Kingdom. The opening of EternityX's first office in London is the company's first step in expanding outside of the APAC region into Europe. Marking the company's ninth office and the first headquartered in Europe, the London office will enable EternityX to help brands tap into Chinese consumers outside China's boundaries. Charlene Ree, Founder & CEO of EternityX, said, "The opening of our first London office is a testament to EternityX's commitment to prepare for its journey in Europe, and supporting brands in the UK and the EU as they build their business eminence. It is also th right time for brands to be building connections and relationships with Chinese consumers, whether in China or locally -- brands are picking up on how valuable the local Chinese population is for the UK and Europe economies. The Chinese population in the UK has grown substantially in recent years. Chinese consumers tend to engage more in e-commerce channels, therefore we aim to tailor future campaigns toward creative production and end-to-end e-commerce solutions."



To this end, EternityX has launched a campaign for AVEVA, a Britain-based multinational information technology consulting company. AVEVA was looking to enhance brand awareness in the China B2B market and through EternityX's comprehensive media strategy, they managed to increase traffic by over 125% in just three months. Enabled by smart data applications, EternityX helped identify the best-fit audience focusing on high-performing industrial regions in China. Leading the London operation is Benny Cheuk, who has served as Head of Business Development in the EMEA region since April 2020. Cheuk boasts rich experience in sales and account servicing and cross-border marketing.

"I am beyond excited for the debut of EternityX's London office," said Cheuk. "The international hub of the UK and beyond, London will serve as a unique domain for EternityX to increase its growth in European markets, where the demand for digital AI solutions is certainly on the rise. The UK is also home to a large Chinese population, with 33% of the country's ethnic Chinese population residing in London. Our latest office will fortify EternityX's role as a cross-cultural connector between regional brands and Chinese communities." The new London office will focus on connecting brands and consumers through all-around services in media, technology, content, and transactions between China and London. For more: https://eternityx.com/ SOURCE EternityX

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[November 15, 2021] Casino Guru Launches New ZOOMin Section with Interactive Educational Content

LONDON, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Casino Guru, an online gambling information website and a global authority on online casinos, has recently launched ZOOMin  a new section of their website with interactive and engaging educational content about areas related to gambling, allowing readers to gain valuable insights into new topics. Educating visitors about how gambling works, what are its dangers, and how to stay as safe as possible has been a crucial part of Casino Guru's mission right from the start. Their existing educational content has been helping people understand gambling and make smarter decisions for years, but the new section with expert articles, statistics, and interactive content seeks to make learning about these topics more enjoyable. ZOOMin's flagship piece is an interactive map of gambling, alcohol, and drug laws around the world, created by Casno Guru's team of experts and researchers. Besides getting to know these regulations in general, visitors can click through an interactive globe and read about specific laws valid in individual countries, as well as curious laws in some of them.



Maros Gasparik, Casino Guru's Head of Content, commented on the release: "After months of working on the new section and making sure its content is 100% accurate and optimized, we are excited to finally share ZOOMin with our visitors and the entire online community. We think it is a great addition to our website, and we look forward to seeing our visitors enjoy the new content." He continued by explaining why Casino Guru chose to expand in this direction: "Educating our visitors and expanding their understanding of gambling is one of our priorities, and we think that ZOOMin can help us do it better. Most of Casino Guru's usual educational content focuses on gambling specifically, whereas ZOOMin's scope is broader and puts information related to gambling into a broader context. I see that as a big benefit, as it helps us spread important information in a more enjoyable way."

Besides the flagship interactive map, ZOOMin's initial content also covers topics like the impact of genetics on the likelihood of developing problematic gambling habits, or common cognitive biases that cause us to view gambling or casino games incorrectly and may result in serios issues. The Casino Guru team finds it important for people to be aware of these issues, and the interactive and compelling nature of the new section makes it an ideal way to educate a broader audience. And there is more to look forward to. Casino Guru plans to regularly add new projects into the section, so there will always be new areas to explore. Stay tuned! About Casino Guru Casino Guru is a global website about online casinos specializing in objective, data-driven casino reviews and helping players make smart gambling-related decisions. Besides that, they also help players mistreated or scammed by casinos to get justice, run a multilingual forum, and create projects and initiatives that aim to better the entire gambling industry and increase player safety. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1495263/CasinoGuru.jpg Contact:

Daniela Kianicova

[email protected]

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[November 15, 2021] Serkan Batir joins Qontigo as Managing Director, DAX

ESCHBORN, Germany, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Qontigo, a leading provider of innovative risk, analytics and index solutions, today named Serkan Batir as Managing Director, DAX. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for strategic initiatives related to Germany's flagship index. Previously with BlackRock for thirteen years, where he held senior positions in index portfolio and product management, Batir reports to Axel Lomholt, recently appointed Chief Product Officer, Indices and Benchmarks. "Serkan brings tremendous indexing experience and market knowledge to Qontigo," said Lomholt. "In this key new role, he will help to shape Qontigo's indexing strategy in the German market, expand the range of DAX's ESG offerings overall, and lead the management and strategic development of the DAX business on a day-to-day basis." t BlackRock, Batir most recently served as both Head of Portfolio Management for EEGA (Eastern Europe, Germany and Austria) and Switzerland, and as Head of Product Management, Germany. He joined the company in 2008 as a Senior Portfolio Manager. His responsibilities included overall trading and management responsibility for German and Swiss domiciled index funds in various asset classes, including equities, fixed income and physical and synthetic commodities.



Batir was previously with UniCredit Bank AG  London for three years, as an equity derivatives trader in the firm's proprietary quantitative trading hedge fund. He began his career at HypoVereinsbank, a member of UniCredit, as a Junior Trader in 2001. Batir holds a degree in International Relations from Eastern Mediterranean University, a graduate degree in Strategy and Innovation from the University of Oxford-Said Business School, and a certificate in Algorithmic Trading from the University of Oxford Executive Programme.

About Qontigo

Qontigo is a leading global provider of innovative index, analytics and risk solutions that optimize investment impact. As the shift toward sustainable investing accelerates, Qontigo enables its clientsfinancial-products issuers, asset owners and asset managersto deliver sophisticated and targeted solutions at scale to meet the increasingly demanding and unique sustainability goals of investors worldwide. Qontigo's solutions are enhanced by both our collaborative, customer-centric culture, which allows us to create tailored solutions for our clients, and our open architecture and modern technology that efficiently integrate with our clients' processes. Part of the Deutsche Borse Group, Qontigo was created in 2019 through the combination of Axioma, DAX and STOXX. Headquartered in Eschborn, Germany, Qontigo's global presence includes offices in New York, London, Zug and Hong Kong. www.qontigo.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/serkan-batir-joins-qontigo-as-managing-director-dax-301423825.html SOURCE Qontigo

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[November 15, 2021] Libya - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Libya-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The company has developed a working relationship with US companies for the first time in many years. Its subsidiary Hatif Libya in mid-2021 contracted the US-firm Infinera to provide an optical transport network to unserved areas of the country, and to improve service quality to existing customers.



In itself, this shows a positive response to calls from LPTIC for governments and the private sector to invest in the countrys telecom infrastructure.





LPTIC and government ministers have also solicited financial, technical, and regulator assistance from a range of countries, including the US, the UK, Italy, Algeria and Egypt. Other services and cooperation have been offered in relation to developing digital infrastructure and skills, digital transformation, and the development of a legal framework for the ICT and telecom sectors.











Key developments:





Hatif Libya contracts Infinera to provide an optical transport network to unserved areas of the country;



Silphium submarine cable linking Derna with Greece is again brought on stream;



LPTIC contracts Ericsson to maintain and develop the countrys telecom networks and infrastructure;



Government orders 50% reduction in internet subscription fees;



Al-Madar extends LTE service to Benghazi and Misurata;



LTT launches LTE-based fixed broadband network;



LPTIC signs $80 million contract with Arabsat to provide satellite broadband services;



Italy-Libya cable upgraded to support 100Gb/s technology;



Report update includes Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.





Companies mentioned in this report:



Al-Madar, Libyana, LibyaPhone, Libya Post and Telecommunication Information Technology (LPTIC), General Posts and Telecommunications Company (GPTC), Hatif Libya, Libya International Telecom Company (LITC), Libya Telecom & Technology (LTT), Lap Green Networks, Gateway, Thuraya, Phoenicia Group, Hermes Communications, Wiseband, Bentley Walker, Virtual Dimensions, Ericsson, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei, ZTE, Trans-Sahara

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Libya-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Ethiopia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ethiopia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





This is part of a wider government strategy to open the telecom market and other economic sectors to competition, and so develop socio-economic growth through diversity while focussing on making better use of digital services and technologies.



Competition in the telecom sector has recently been enabled by licensing the GPE consortium, though services are not expected to be launched until 2022. In coming years, the mobile market in particular will be transformed through additional investment, supported by the know-how and scale of the consortiums participants, which include Safaricom and Vodacom, aswell as Vodafone Group as the chief shareholder in those companies.



The consortium will also provide an entry point for Western vendors to enter Ethiopias telecom market, loosening the stranglehold long held by ZTE and Huawei. With mobile penetration at only about 44%, the potential for growth is considerable. Further growth is expected to be concentrated on mobile services, though there is also room for greater wholesale access for ISPs.









Key developments:



Government awards Safaricom-led consortium a telecom licence;

Ethiopia launches its second observation satellite, secures $200 million from the World Bank to support digital transition;

Ethio Telecom launches its TeleBirr m-wallet solution;

Government promotes Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy in collaboration with the Internet Society;

Tendering process to sell a 40% stake in Ethio Telecom begins;

Government launches mobile apps as part of the e-Government Directorate, announces plan for $3 billion technology city;

Report update includes Telecom Maturity Indexes charts and analyses, Ethio Telecom data to June 2021, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.



Companies mentioned in this report:



Ethio Telecom (formerly Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation, ETC), Safaricom, Vodafone, Vodacom, Kandu Global Telecommunications, Electromecha International EthioNet, Ethio Mobile, Orange Group, Tecno Telecom, Smadl, Tana Communication, Thuraya

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ethiopia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021]

Vanuatu - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Vanuatu-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW







In mid-2021 the Australian government pressed Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The $1.6 billion deal was agreed in the folowing October, with Telstra to contribute $270 million and the Australia government making a $1.33 billion contribution via Export Finance Australia (EFA).









Launch of the Kacific-1 satellite to improve broadband capacity and access;

ICN2 cable expected to be ready for service later in 2021;

Gondwana-2 international submarine cable due for completion in early 2022;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, regulators market data for 2018, recent market developments.



Companies covered in this report include:





Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Vodafone Vanuatu (formerly Telecom Vanuatu), Digicel Vanuatu



Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Vanuatu-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665
[November 15, 2021] Tanzania - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Tanzania-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





In common with many other markets in the region, the poor delivery of conventional bank services has spurred the use of the mobile banking platform.



This has also improved revenue growth for the MNOs. Recently, Airtel Tanzania partnered with I&M Bank to provide a mobile wallet overdraft service, enabling subscribers to make payments even if they have insufficient funds in their digital wallets. The lack of funds had previously been a major brake on the use of m-payment services.



Tigo Pesa some years ago received the coveted GSMA Mobile Money Certification, a testimony to the resilience of the companys systems.





For its part, Halotel Tanzania has launched it HaloPesa m-banking service. The company aims to sign up an additional three million subscribers by 2023, bringing its subscriber base to at least ten million. The companys focus will remain in rural areas, where a large proportion of the population lives but where coverage by its competitors is poor, and also where conventional banking services are weakest.









Key developments





Tigo completes merger with Zantel, sells its Tanzanian business to Axian;

Airtel Tanzania partners with I&M Bank to provide a mobile wallet overdraft service, sells its portfolio of 1,400 towers;

New MTR is agreed to 2022;

Halotel aiming for more than ten million mobile subscribers by 2023;

Tanzania joins the One Network Area initiative;

World Bank approves $150 million loan to develop the Digital Tanzania Project;

Tigo Pesa receives the GSMA Mobile Money Certification;

Halotel Tanzania launches HaloPesa m-banking service;

TTC extends LTE-A service, launches investment program for its FttP project;

Government allocates TZS17.5 billion to improve rural telecom infrastructure;

Report update includes regulators market data to June 2021, operator data to Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report





Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTC); Zanzibar Telecommunications Corporation (Zantel); Vodacom Tanzania; Bharti Airtel (Zain); Millicom (Tigo); Benson Informatics Limited (BOL); Sasatel (Dovetel); Africa Online; Raha.com; Tele2; Alink; SatCom Networks; SimbaNet; Afsat; Cats-Net





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Tanzania-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Papua New Guinea - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

This has had some results thus far, with the government in 2017 having largely financed the Coral Sea Cable linking Australia with PNG and the Solomon Islands. Vocus secured the contract to build the system, neatly addressing the security concerns over the initial choice of Huawei being involved in the cable project.



In mid-2021 the Australia government pressed Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The $1.6 billion deal was agreed in the following October, with Telstra to contribute $270 million and the Australia government making a $1.33 billion contribution via Export Finance Australia (EFA).







Key developments:



PIPE Pacific Cable is upgraded from 8Tb/s to 12Tb/s;

Kumul Submarine Cable Network System 1 is lit;

Digitec builds out a greenfield LTE network;

PNG rolls out Get Connected training with the ITU to boost digital transformation;

Australian government provides funds to acquire Digicels Pacific operations;

Kacific-1 satellite services are made available;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report include:





Kumul Telikom, Telikom PNG, PNG DataCo, Bmobile (Vodafone), Digicel, Kacific Broadband Satellites

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Fiji - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Fiji-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





In mid-2021 the Australian government pressed Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The $1.6 billion deal was agreed in the following October, with Telstra to contribute $270 million and the Australia government making a $1.33 billion contribution via Export Finance Australia (EFA).



Key developments:



Australian government contributes $1.33 billion of the $1.6 billion cost for Telstra to acquire Digicel Pacific;

Fijis health and economy devastated by the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Fiji government announces a 30-year tax holiday and duty concessions for any company wishing to invest more than FJD$40 million in submarine networks and associated infrastructure development.

TFL announces a five-year plan to expand fibre infrastructure to more parts of the country.

The Gondwana-2 international submarine cable to Fiji is due for completion in early-2022.

Digicel launches an Internet Payment Gateway (IPG) service in partnership with BSP.

This quarterly update includes the regulators market data to December 2020, telcos financial and operating data to H1 2021, and recent market developments.





Companies covered in this report include:



Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Telecom Fiji (TFL), Fiji International Telecommunications (FINTEL), Kacific Broadband Satellites, Southern Cross Cable Network (SCCN), Vodafone Fiji (VFL), Digicel Fiji, Inkk Mobile, Unwired Fiji, Fintel Internet Services (Kidanet).



Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Fiji-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Angola - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Angola-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





Progress has also been made with terrestrial links. Angola Telecom in May 2021 completed an 800km cross-border cable linking Luanda to Cabinda province, bordering the DRC. The cable has onward connectivity across the DRC. Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Facebook have also partnered to build a 2,000km netwrk in the DRC which will serve as a hub for connecting to other cables linking to Atlantic Ocean to East Africa. This creates a digital corridor connecting the DRC with Angola and other countries in the region, with work expected to be completed by late 2023.



A separate 600km link connecting Angola and the DRC was completed by Internet Technologies Angola (ITA) in September 2021, providing an additional 200Gb/s of capacity which is expected to result in reduced access prices for end-users. Investment in the cable by Paratus Group was stimulated by the strong growth in broadband traffic and connectivity needs resulting from measures adopted by the government during the pandemic. In line with these developments, the government has launched a tender for an operator to manage Angola Telecoms national backbone and metropolitan networks. The new operator of the companys network infrastructure is expected to improve the quality of services nationally by extending metro fibre networks.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Angola-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] Caribbean - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Caribbean-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





By April 2020, the Digicel Group owed more than $7.4 billion, which is roughly equivalent to the amount it has invested in developing its telecom infrastructure over the years (albeit mostly through debt capital). The group filed for bankruptcy protection in the US, but a proposed restructure of the companys organisaion, as well as a debt-to-equity exchange, saw lenders rally to save it from going down that path  at least for the time being. By June 2020, Digicel had managed to reduce its debt load by $1.7 billion, and the resulting cut in interest payments has meant that its earnings are once again exceeding its outgoings. Nevertheless, the company has considered off-loading its business units in the Pacific in a bid to further reduce its debt pile.









While Digicel has been able to continue to provide uninterrupted services in all of its Caribbean operations, the battle is far from over. The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic (which continues to keep the lucrative tourist market away from the region), and stagnant growth in its domestic subscriber base has meant that Digicels earnings have dropped quarter by quarter. Any further declines in ARPU and revenue, coupled with currency depreciation, could tip the balance the other way. A quick-fire sale of assets may then become the next course of action.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Caribbean-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021]

Turkey - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Turkey-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW











This will also be supported by 5G, though a tender for suitable spectrum is not expected to be held until 2022 and commercial services are thus unlikely before 2023.







In the meantime, the MNOs including Vodafone Turkey and Turkcell press on with 5G trials, including those involving participating factories.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Turkey-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665
[November 15, 2021] Ukraine - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ukraine-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Economic forecasts project that it will take up to two more years before the countrys GDP returns to the levels seen in 2013, before the start of hostilities.



/p>









The fixed broadband market showed slight growth, however with a limited network infrastructure to build upon Ukraine will likely remain near the bottom of the list when it comes to telecom sector maturity in Europe.







Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ukraine-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021]

X Financial to Report Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results on November 23, 2021

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company"), a leading online personal finance company in China, today announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021, before the open of U.S. markets on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

X Financial's management team will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 (8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong Time on the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:









United States: 1-888-346-8982 Hong Kong: 852-301-84992 China: 4001-201203 International: 1-412-902-4272 Passcode: X Financial



Please dial in ten minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until November 30, 2021:

United States: 1-877-344-7529 International: 1-412-317-0088 Passcode: 10162112

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

About X Financial

X Financial (NYSE: XYF) (the "Company") is a leading online personal finance company in China. The Company is committed to connecting borrowers on its platform with its institutional funding partners. With its proprietary big data-driven technology, the Company has established strategic partnerships with financial institutions across multiple areas of its business operations, enabling it to facilitate loans to prime borrowers under a robust risk assessment and control system.

For more information, please visit: https://ir.xiaoyinggroup.com.

For more information, please contact:

X Financial

Mr. Frank Fuya Zheng

E-mail: [email protected]

Christensen

In China

Mr. Eric Yuan

Phone: +86-10-5900-1548

E-mail: [email protected]

In US

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Phone: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/x-financial-to-report-third-quarter-2021-financial-results-on-november-23-2021-301423728.html

SOURCE X Financial
[November 15, 2021] Argentina - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Argentina-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

4-3.8GHz range in 2022. Spectrum in the higher bands (24GHz and 28GHz) will not become available for auction until at least 2023



However, the regulator hs enabled mobile operators to test their 5G capabilities under a range of trial licenses. Movistar and Ericsson performed the first trial using 28GHz mmWave spectrum in 2017, while Telecom Personal worked with Nokia in 2018 to trial 5G using 400MHz of spectrum in the same band. The company then switched to Huawei for trials in Cordoba in 2019, providing data rates of up to 1.8Gb/s.







Telecom Personal ultimately became the first MNO to activate 5G services in Argentina, in February 2021, initially in areas of Buenos Aires and Rosaria. Instead of waiting for the 5G spectrum auctions to be completed, Telecom Personal has launch 5G services using re-farmed LTE spectrum.









Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Argentina-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: [email protected] Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[November 15, 2021] US Dividends Climb 10% in Q3 According to Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index

US dividends, which proved more resilient than those in many parts of the world during the onset of the pandemic last year, climbed 10% during the third quarter, according to the latest edition of the Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index. Notably, 97% of US companies raised their dividends or held them steady during the quarter, with companies in the financials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare equipment and services sectors accounting for one-third of the increase. Within the US financials sector, Morgan Stanley paid out an additional $750 million in dividends during the third quarter, doubling its dividend per share. Blackstone and Goldman Sachs also made significant increases to their payouts. Growth was strong in the US healthcare sector, where every company raised its dividend, and in the US mining sector, which doubled dividends year over year. The only US sector that did not grow or maintain its dividend payments during the third quarter was the utility sector, as the 2020 cut from Dominion Energy continued to impact the data. Globally, dividends are rapidly recovering from the pandemic, due to rising profits and strong balance sheets. In the third quarter of 2021, payouts rose at a record pace of 22% year-over-year on an underlying basis to deliver an all-time high for the quarter of $403.5 billion. Janus Henderson's index of dividends is now just 2% below its pre-pandemic peak in the first quarter of 2020. Upgraded global forecast The exceptional strength of Q3 payout figures, along with improved prospects for Q4, have led Janus Henderson to upgrade its global forecast for the full year. Janus Henderson now expects global growth of 15.6% on a headline basis, taking 2021 payouts to a new record of $1.46 trillion. Underlying growth is expected to be 13.6% for 2021. Countries that suffered the steepest cuts in 2020 showing the biggest rebound Geographies that had seen the steepest cuts in 2020 and those most exposed to the mining boom or to the restoration of banking dividends saw a rapid recovery. Australia and the UK were the biggest beneficiaries of these trends. Europe, parts of Asia and emerging markets also saw large increases on an underlying basis. Matt Peron, Director of Research at Janus Henderson said: "While the largest gains in dividends are likely behind us as we move farther from the distributions that were suspended during last year's lockdowns, given the strong earnings outlok, we expect dividends will continue to rise globally. In the US, high levels of cash on balance sheets have many companies looking to return money to shareholders in the form of both dividend increases and share buybacks."



Unless otherwise stated all data is sourced by Janus Henderson Investors as of 30 September 2021. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. International investing involves certain risks and increased volatility not associated with investing solely in the UK. These risks included currency fluctuations, economic or financial instability, lack of timely or reliable financial information or unfavourable political or legal developments.

Notes to editors Janus Henderson Group (JHG) is a leading global active asset manager dedicated to helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, quantitative equities, multi-asset and alternative asset class strategies. At 30 September 2021, Janus Henderson had approximately US$419 billion in assets under management, more than 2,000 employees, and offices in 25 cities worldwide. Headquartered in London, the company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Methodology Each year Janus Henderson analyse dividends paid by the 1,200 largest firms by market capitalisation (as at 31/12 before the start of each year). Dividends are included in the model on the date they are paid. Dividends are calculated gross, using the share count prevailing on the pay date (this is an approximation because companies in practice fix the exchange rate a little before the pay date), and converted to US$ using the prevailing exchange rate. Where a scrip dividend is offered, investors are assumed to opt 100% for cash. This will slightly overstate the cash paid out, but we believe this is the most proactive approach to treat scrip dividends. In most markets it makes no material difference, though in some, particularly European markets, the effect is greater. Spain is a particular case in point. The model takes no account of free floats since it is aiming to capture the dividend paying capacity of the world's largest listed companies, without regard for their shareholder base. We have estimated dividends for stocks outside the top 1,200 using the average value of these payments compared to the large cap dividends over the five-year period (sourced from quoted yield data). This means they are estimated at a fixed proportion of 12.7% of total global dividends from the top 1,200, and therefore in our model grow at the same rate. This means we do not need to make unsubstantiated assumptions about the rate of growth of these smaller company dividends. All raw data was provided by Exchange Data International with analysis conducted by Janus Henderson Investors. This press release is solely for the use of members of the media and should not be relied upon by personal investors, financial advisers or institutional investors. We may record telephone calls for our mutual protection, to improve customer service and for regulatory record keeping purposes. Issued by Janus Henderson Investors. Janus Henderson Investors is the name under which investment products and services are provided by Janus Capital International Limited (reg no. 3594615), Henderson Global Investors Limited (reg. no. 906355), Henderson Investment Funds Limited (reg. no. 2678531), Henderson Equity Partners Limited (reg. no.2606646), (each registered in England and Wales at 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) and Henderson Management S.A. (reg no. B22848 at 2 Rue de Bitbourg, L-1273, Luxembourg and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier). Henderson Secretarial Services Limited (incorporated and registered in England and Wales, registered no. 1471624, registered office 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AE) is the name under which company secretarial services are provided. All these companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Janus Henderson Group plc. (incorporated and registered in Jersey, registered no. 101484, with registered office at 13 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1ES). [Janus Henderson, Janus, Henderson, Intech, VelocityShares, Knowledge Shared, Knowledge. Shared and Knowledge Labs] are trademarks of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries.  Janus Henderson Group plc. D10035 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005038/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Huawei Builds an iSuperSite Showcase in Collaboration with China Mobile Zhejiang and the China Mobile Design Institute

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei's iSuperSite showcase, a joint venture with China Mobile Zhejiang and the China Mobile Design Institute in Hangzhou, has recently been accepted. The site has been upgraded with the Huawei iSuperSite solution since August of this year. The original six cabinets were replaced by just one, minimizing grid power consumption. The site was then selected as a green and energy-saving demo site by China Mobile Zhejiang as part of its carbon emission reduction campaign. The upgraded site not only halves electricity fees and cuts O&M costs by 75%, it also reduces carbon emissions by eight tons per year. 50%+ Savings Before reconstruction, the site had six cabinets and six separate cooling systems with individual installation space and power supply systems. However, this resulted in a large footprint, low power system efficiency, and significant power consumption. Following implementation of the Huawei iSuperSite solution, the power supplies, devices, and batteries from the existing six cabinets have been integrated into just one. 80% of floor space is reclaimed in this manner, allowing for the installation of a Huawei iPV power generation system to supply solar energy. Compared with traditional PV power generation system, Huawei's iPV boasts 20% more energy yield and electricity cost savings of US$2,000 per year, equivalent to a carbon emissions reduction of 8 tons. Prior to the upgrade, the site's annual electricity fee was approximately US$3,500.



The upgraded site echoes the carbon peak and carbon neutrality campaign launched by China Mobile on July 15 of this year in terms of energy saving, consumption reduction, and carbon emissions reduction. Regarding the campaign, China Mobile summed up its future development goals as energy saving, clean energy, and enablement, and determined the following six paths: build a green network, promote green energy, build a green supply chain, advocate green offices, enhance green enablement, and create a green culture.

One Lithium Battery, Two Roles To ensure that network transmission is not interrupted in the case of incidents such as lightning strikes and power outages, a communication base station requires backup battery strings of different sizes. Huawei iSuperSite replaces lead-acid batteries with CloudLi smart lithium batteries, doubling the power density and upgrading the traditional backup power unit to an intelligent energy storage system. More importantly, the AI intelligent self-staggering feature can store power during off-peak periods and discharge power during peak hours. The electricity cost savings over the course of one year may exceed US$1.5 billion if all communication sites in Hangzhou use this feature (calculated based on the residential electricity price with the smallest difference between peak and off-peak periods). In addition, Huawei innovatively achieves intelligent power management through four functions: intelligent metering, backup power slicing, software-defined, and power audit to improve management efficiency, accelerate the realization of carbon emission reduction goals, and reduce maintenance costs. The intelligent power system also supports remote and intelligent O&M, reducing O&M costs by 75%, deploying 5G without increasing OPEX, and helping carriers embark on a sustainable development path involving energy saving, consumption reduction, and carbon reduction. The convergence of 5G, cloud computing, edge computing, and AI technologies in the context of "new infrastructure" has presented a diverse range of possibilities for digital transformation. Energy, as the cornerstone of a digital society, will inject momentum into the development of the digital economy. In the context of China's national goals, which involve reaching a carbon peak by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, various industries are about to undergo a broad and profound systematic transformation. Energy conservation, consumption reduction, and carbon emission reduction are essential to ensuring sustainable development of the communications industry. The Huawei iSuperSite solution integrates digital, power electronics, and ICT technologies, helping carriers to upgrade and reconstruct existing sites while saving power and space. This solution not only meets the requirements for the rapid coverage of communications networks in the 5G era, but also minimizes energy consumption, enabling carriers to achieve their carbon emission goals and build a green future together. SOURCE Huawei

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[November 15, 2021] Cloudflare Makes it Easy for Developers to Build Any Application on Its Industry-Leading Serverless Platform

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET (News - Alert)), the security, performance, and reliability company helping to build a better Internet, today announced new tools and integrations to make developing applications simple, flexible, and fast. Now developers will be able to connect to their existing databases such as MySQL, MongoDB, Prisma, or Postgres alongside Cloudflare's own tools like Durable Objects to easily and intelligently store and access data at the edge. This solves a major problem for developers-managing data-and makes it easier than ever to build any type of application, no matter the complexity, compliance requirements, or performance needs. The promise of serverless computing is to allow developers to focus on writing code and solving challenges for their customers, without having to worry about configuring and managing infrastructure. However, while a serverless environment is meant to make development easier, solutions that exist today still create challenges for developers when it comes to working with data. Connecting or migrating databases to serverless solutions is a complex challenge that developers have to solve, taking time and energy away from building applications. Today, Cloudflare is making it easy for developers to connect their existing databases to Cloudflare Workers and also allowing developers to use new and innovative data technologies to utilize data. "The promise of serverless computing is its simplicity, and that promise draws hundreds of developers to sign up for Cloudflare Workers every day to power their businesses, websites, and applications," said Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare. "We are constantly investing in making the platform the fastest, most flexible, and easy to use serverless platform on the market. That's why these new tools and partnerships are grounded in our belief that any developer in the world should be able to connect their data to build any type of application on Cloudflare, period." Cloudflare's developer platform, including Cloudflare Workers, helps developers deploy code instantly across Cloudflare's global network spanning more than 250 cities in over 100 countries for exceptional performance, reliability, and scale. Since 2017, more than 350,000 developers have built on Cloudflare's developer platform and more than two million applications have been launched using Cloudflare Workers. The platform was also recently named as a Leader in The Forrester New Wave: Edge Development Platforms, Q4 2021 report. "Cloudflare Workers has been a game changer for LendingTree," said John Turner, Application Security (News - Alert) Lead, LendingTree. "We can run JavaScript asynchronously within or alongside a client session, manipulate data, and make decisions, without impacting performance or availability. No other solution offers this functionality." "Our customers and employees require a fast and reliable experience. Cloudflare Workers creates a seamless experience for our developers without impacting performance for our end users," said Hamidreza Khamjani, Application Services, NOV Inc. (National Oilwell Varco). "Cloudflare Workers enables innovation by providing tomorrow's technology to yesterday's legacy code." As developers continue to build increasingly complex applications, they require more ways to store and access their data from Cloudflare's edge. Today Cloudflare is announcing three new ways for developers to utilize data in Cloudflare Workes:



Durable Objects: Now anyone can run complex applications entirely at the edge First, Cloudflare is making Durable Objects generally available to all. The biggest challenge with working on distributed systems is not just handling data - it's scaling access to that data. With Durable Objects, Cloudflare has created an innovative access pattern for data that offers extreme scale and effortless data sovereignty compliance without added complexity for developers. Durable Objects lets developers implement previously complex applications, like collaborative whiteboarding, game servers, or global queues, in just a few lines of code.

Database Partnerships: Connect your databases directly to Cloudflare's edge Second, Cloudflare announced new partnerships with MongoDB and Prisma to help developers expand their access to data from Cloudflare's edge. With access to MongoDB Atlas-the leading hosted document database in the cloud-developers can build complete applications that require a rich query language. The addition of the Prisma Data Platform gives developers an easy-to-use, modern data layer that lets developers connect to MySQL, Postgres and SQL Server while abstracting away the difficulties of working across database platforms. Database Connectors: Seamlessly integrate Cloudflare Workers with relational databases Finally, Cloudflare announced Database Connectors allowing developers to connect directly to classic relational databases, including MySQL and PostgreSQL. This allows developers to use their existing tools while benefiting from the scalability and developer experience of Cloudflare Workers. To learn more, sign up to join the waitlist. To learn more about Cloudflare Workers, please check out the resources below: Full Stack Week Landing Page

Durable Objects Blog

Database Partnerships Blog

Relational Database Connectors Blog

Forrester Landing Page About Cloudflare Cloudflare, Inc. (www.cloudflare.com / @cloudflare) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare's suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. Cloudflare was named to Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Company Cultures 2018 list and ranked among the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company in 2019. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA (News - Alert), Cloudflare has offices in Austin, TX, Champaign, IL, New York, NY, San Jose, CA, Seattle, WA, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Lisbon, London, Munich, Paris, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains 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, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare's development platform (including Cloudflare Workers and Durable Objects), the benefits to our customers from using Cloudflare's development platform (including Cloudflare Workers and Durable Objects) and our other products and technology and connecting or integrating our products and technology with those of other parties, the expected functionality and performance of Cloudflare's development platform (including Cloudflare Workers and Durable Objects) and our other products and technology (including through their connection or integration with those of other parties), the timing of when the connection or integration of Cloudflare's development platform (including Cloudflare Workers and Durable Objects) and our other products and technology to those of other parties will be generally available to all current and potential Cloudflare customers, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (News - Alert)), including Cloudflare's Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2021, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements.  2021 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005183/en/

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[November 15, 2021] REPLY: The Board of Directors Approves the Quarterly Financial Report as of 30 September 2021

Today, the Board of Directors of Reply [MTA, STAR (News - Alert): REY] approved the results as at 30 September 2021. The Group's consolidated turnover in the first nine months of the year reached 1,073.4 million, an increase of 18.2% compared to 908.3 million recorded on 30 September 2020. All indicators are positive for the period. Consolidated EBITDA was 183.2 million, an increase of 29.8% compared to the 141.1 million recorded in September 2020. EBIT, from January to September, was 147.5 million, which is an increase of 29.0% compared to 114.4 million at September 2020. Pre-tax profit, from January to September 2021, was 150.0 million (+31.9% compared to 113.8 million in 2020). For the third quarter of the year, the Group's performance is equally positive, with consolidated turnover for the period of 360.6 million, an increase of 23.0% compared to 2020. EBITDA, from July to September 2021, was equal to 63.7 million, with an EBIT of 51.5 million and pre-tax profit of 51.3 million. As at 30 September 2021, the Group's net financial position was positive at 244.4 million. The net financial position as at 30 June 2021 was positive for 165.4 million. "The first nine months of 2021 have been very positive in terms of both revenue and margins", explains Mario Rizzante, Chairman of Reply. "In the last quarter, we additionally increased our investments in technology by companies in two principal fields of innovation: cloud and artifiial intelligence."



Mario Rizzante continues: "Our position in these areas means that Reply is increasingly involved in transforming entire sectors and supply chains. In the automotive sector, for example, we are engaged in projects related to self-driving vehicles and the definition of new electric grids; in the banking and insurance sector, we are working with the main players on redefining solutions to support the digitalization and automation of the main processes on cloud architectures; while in the telco sector, we are developing platforms and services able to exploit the full potential of 5G networks." "Today, Reply combines great financial solidity with a variety of skills that are unique on the market, combined with an execution and delivery capacity of the highest quality" Mario Rizzante concludes. "This mix enables us to face the coming months with determination, with the aim of establishing ourselves in those innovation niches that will increasingly be decisive in the daily lives of people and companies, such as green tech and all the as yet largely unexplored areas created by the fusion of the digital world with the physical world through the combined use of technologies such as digital twin, artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented reality."

The manager responsible for preparing the company's financial reports, Dr Giuseppe Veneziano, states in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 154-bis of the Consolidated Finance Act, that the accounting information contained in this press release corresponds to the company's records, ledgers and accounting entries. REPLY

Reply [MTA, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. Reply is a network of highly specialised companies supporting key European industrial groups operating in the telecom and media, industry and services, banking, insurance and public administration sectors in the definition and development of business models enabled for the new paradigms of AI, cloud computing, digital media and the Internet of Things. Reply services include: Consulting, System Integration and Digital Services. www.reply.com This press release is a translation, the Italian version will prevail. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005840/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Sysorex Reports Eight-Fold Increase in Revenue for Q3 2021

Ends Q3 with more than $4.3 million in Cash Current Market Value of Mined Ethereum Exceeds $6.1 million HERNDON, Va., Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysorex (OTCQB: SYSX), the preeminent, U.S.-based, publicly traded Ethereum mining and technologies company, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. Wayne Wasserberg, CEO of Sysorex, commented, We continue to make solid progress following the merger between Sysorex and TTM Digital Assets & Technologies in April of this year. Notably, our Q3 revenue increased more than eight-fold to $4.9 million, compared to $0.6 million for the same period last year. We continue to implement our strategy of mining Ethereum and holding the Ethereum we mine in our Ethereum treasury wallets at Coinbase and Gemini, and the current value of the Companys Ethereum holdings exceeds $6.1 million. By strategically holding our Ethereum, we believe the Company will expand its opportunities for revenue generation above the expected appreciation in the value of Ethereum but we may adjust this strategy depending on a number of market factors. Earlier this month, we purchased the remaining interests in our primary data center located in upstate New York. With 100% ownership of our data center, and the data center and all GPUs owned free and clear by Sysorex, we have since increased our Ethereum mining capacity by approximately 10%, and we expect to achieve cost savings as we centralize our mining operations. We are also in the process of implementing an advanced management system to further maximize the efficiencies of our GPUs. Additionally, our Sysorex Government Services (SGS) business was awarded multiple government contracts in Q3 totaling more than $16 million in value, which amount should be realized in the coming months as SGS executes on these agreements, and the work is underway. We continue to pursue opportunities to utilize smart contracts on the Ethereum Blockchain, by leveraging SGSs government presence and contract portfolio. The Company maintains a solid balance sheet with over $4.3 million of cash at the end of the quarter. Our net income for the first nine months of 2021 was negatively impacted by one-time expenses related to the acquisition of TTM and transaction costs. However, we still generated over $3 million of adjusted EBITDA (see reconciliation below), year-to-date. Overall, we have built a highly scalable business model, and, given our strong revenue growth, we look forward to driving significant value for shareholders in 2022. Additionally, we remain focused on up-listing to a national exchange, which we believe will help drive increased awareness within the investment community. The Company is extremely encouraged by the outlook for the business and looks forward to providing further updates in the weeks and months ahead, as we execute on a number of key upcoming milestones. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 were $4.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Gain (losses) from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 were $(2.5) million and $0.2 million, respectively. Net gains (losses) for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 were $(3.5) million, or ($0.02) per share, and $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share, respectively. The complete financials will be available in the Companys Form 10-Q, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EBITDA Reconciliation The Company presents adjusted EBITDA because it believes it conveys useful information to investors regarding the operating results as an additional way for investors to view operations, when considered with both GAAP results and the reconciliation to net income (loss). By including this information, the Company believes it can provide investors with a more complete understanding of the business. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful tool for investors to assess the operating performance of the business without the effect of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and other non-cash items including stock based compensation, amortization of intangibles, change in the fair value of shares to be issued, impairment of goodwill and one time charges, including gain/loss on the settlement of obligations, severance costs, provision for doubtful accounts, acquisition costs and the costs associated with public offerings. The Company believes that it is useful to provide to investors a standard operating metric used by management to evaluate our operating performance. Even though the Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful for investors, it does have limitations as an analytical tool. Thus, the Company urges investors not to consider this metric in isolation or as a substitute for net income (loss) and the other combined carve-out statement of operations data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to invest in the growth of the business or as a measure of performance in compliance with GAAP. The Company compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and providing Adjusted EBITDA only as supplemental information. Three Months Ended

September 30, Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net gain (loss) $ (3,462 ) $ 241 $ (27,994 ) $ 160 Interest expense 897 - 926 - Income taxes - - - - Depreciation and amortization 1,422 213 3,088 619 EBITDA (1,143 ) 454 (23,980 ) 779 Adjustments: Non-recurring one-time charges: Merger charges - - 22,004 - Debt Restructuring fee - - 2,000 - Acquisition related costs  Accounting acquirer - - 2,884 - Acquisition related costs  Accounting acquiree - - 209 - Adjusted EBITDA $ (1,143 ) $ 454





$ 3,117 $ 779 ABOUT SYSOREX, INC. Sysorex, Inc. (Company) is a data center owner and operator and is the preeminent U.S.-based, publicly traded Ethereum mining and Ethereum Blockchain technologies company. Following the Companys merger with TTM Digital Assets & Technologies, Inc. (TTM), the Company shifted its primary business focus to the mining of Ethereum (Ether or ETH) and opportunities related to the Ethereum Blockchain. The Company currently owns and operates approximately 11,000 NVIDIA GPUs generating more than 550 Gigahash of computing power, which GPUs include thousands of Cryptocurrency Mining Processors (CMPs). These GPUs are currently online and securing the Ethereum Blockchain and generating ETH around the clock with industry leading efficiency. In addition to the mining of ETH, the Company continues to operate its wholly owned subsidiary, Sysorex Government Services, Inc. (SGS), a business that provides information technology products, solutions and services to federal, state, and local government, including system integrators. The Company is also advancing strategies to leverage decentralized finance (De-Fi) and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) opportunities powered by the Ethereum Blockchain.

Safe Harbor Statement All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. While management has based any forward-looking statements included in this release on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the control of Sysorex, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not limited to, the fluctuation of economic conditions, the impact of COVID-19 on Sysorex's results of operations, Sysorexs ability to integrate the products and business from recent acquisitions into its existing business, the performance of management and employees, the regulatory landscape as it relates to privacy regulations and their applicability to Sysorexs technology. Other factors that are detailed in Sysorex's periodic and current reports available for review at sec.gov. Furthermore, Sysorex operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment where new and unanticipated risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Sysorex disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise forward-looking statements. Investor Relations

Crescendo Communications, LLC

David Waldman/Natalya Rudman

Tel: (212) 671-1020

Email: [email protected]



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[November 15, 2021] Entravision Promotes Deborah Flores to Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions for the Rio Grande Valley, TX

Entravision Communications Corporation (NYSE: EVC), a leading global media and marketing technology company, announced today the promotion of Deborah Flores to Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions, effective immediately. Ms. Flores is based in McAllen, Texas and reports to Eddie Melendez, President of Local Media for Entravision. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005198/en/ Debbie Flores, Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions. (Photo: Business Wire) "We are thrilled to announce Debbie Flores as the new Senior Vice President of Entravision's South Texas media cluster. Debbie has the experience, relationships and leadership qualities needed to take our team to the next level," said Eddie Melendez, President of Local Media for Entravision. "Born and raised in South Texas, Debbie brings more than 35 years of media sales experience (both General Market and Spanish) to lead revenue growth in McAllen," he added. Over the past three decades, Ms. Flores has developed a strong track record in sales. Her career has spanned both broadcast and print, beginning as an account executive for Freedom Newspaper, followed by a sales executive position at CableTime TV and ultimately as the General Sales Manager for Communications Coporation of America, KVEO NBC 23 before originally joining Entravision in the Rio Grande Valley in 2009 to lead sales and operations for five television and four radio properties in English and Spanish. Following her time at Entravision, Ms. Flores was the local sales manager at KRGV-TV in Weslaco and McAllen, Texas and helped launch the newest bilingual television station in the Rio Grande Valley called Somos El Valle. In March 2020, Ms. Flores returned to Entravision as Vice President of Integrated Marketing Solutions overseeing local and national sales.



"I am honored to be promoted to Senior Vice President and for the opportunity to lead this remarkable team of professionals to continued success in South Texas," said Deborah Flores. "I first joined the Entravision family more than 12 years ago, and having left and returned, I can truly say that this is where I see my career continuing to thrive. I am very thankful for this opportunity." About Entravision Communications Corporation

Entravision is a diversified global media, marketing and technology company serving clients throughout the United States and in fast growing population centers in more than 30 countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Our dynamic portfolio of services includes digital, television and radio offerings. Digital, our largest revenue segment, is comprised of five core businesses: Entravision Digital, Smadex, Entravision-Cisneros Interactive, MediaDonuts, and 365 Digital. Entravision Digital provides branding and performance digital solutions to clients and small- and mid-size businesses throughout the world, including the U.S., Latin America and Europe. Smadex provides cutting-edge mobile programmatic solutions and demand-side platforms which enable advertisers to effectively execute performance campaigns using machine-learned bidding algorithms. Entravision-Cisneros Interactive provides unique digital marketing solutions representing major global publishers and ad-tech platforms in Latin America, while also managing the leading digital audio network and solutions player Audio.Ad. MediaDonuts provides digital marketing performance and branding services in the Southeast Asia region and maintains unique commercial partnerships with some of the world's leading digital publishers and social media platforms. 365 Digital is a digital advertising solutions provider that offers exclusive sales representations with major global platforms in South Africa. Beyond digital, Entravision has 53 television stations and is the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMas television networks. Entravision also manages 46 primarily Spanish-language radio stations that feature nationally recognized, Emmy award-winning talent. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about all of our innovative media, marketing and technology offerings at entravision.com or connect with us on social on LinkedIn and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005198/en/

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[November 15, 2021] StandPoint Finance is Negotiating the Opening of Its Own Bitcoin Mining Farm...

Kingstown, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) Standpoint Finance (STF) announces its resolve to establish its Bitcoin mining farm, hinting that negotiation is ongoing. The farm will house high-powered computers that would solve complex computational math problems. According to Investopedia, a leading source of financial content on the internet, Bitcoin mining is the process of creating new bitcoin by solving those computational maths puzzles. Tom Wood, Standpoint Finances VP business development, stated in a statement on Friday that the company decided to join other companies that already own or are planning to own their Bitcoin mining farm. The decision comes after the company deliberated on a report submitted by the companys team of crypto market analysts. The companys analyst team had earlier been charged with a responsibility to investigate the prospect in the Bitcoin mining business. After carefully examining the crypto ecosystem in general and specifically the bitcon market, we can see long-term constant growth in the daily trading volumes as more and more general services, online e-commerce as well as a traditional offline business willing to accept crypto as a legal tender. We believe that this constant rise in demand will inevitably lead to a rise in price which we believe will send bitcoin beyond the 100,000 USD marks in 2-3 years Tom Wood said.







From the report submitted, Bitcoin price is projected to continue to rise, as available market statistics show a long-term upward trajectory. STF market analyst team projects that Bitcoin price will surpass the 100,000 USD mark in the next three years. Owing to that projection, the group of analysts believes that Bitcoin mining would become a top-flying investment opportunity. STF intends to harness the opportunity by owning a Bitcoin mining farm. As part of the ongoing negotiation, the company is considering the possibility of a joint venture or independent initiative.



Although it is unclear how STF will eventually proceed, the company has opened its doors to investors and other companies that would be interested in partnering to own a Bitcoin mining farm. One clear thing is that the company intends to replicate the success it has recorded so far in its brokerage business in this new venture. Tom Wood further stressed that the company would be employing the best hands to ensure the Bitcoin mining farm do not only come to fruition but be successful.

---- StandPoint Finance is a leading broker with a revolutionary customer-centred trading platform that allows newbie and established traders to trade smartly. Apart from having years of experience in the industry, the firm has hired the best hands for the job. Their well-trained analyst, account managers, and customer service professionals make trading seamless for users. Website: https://www.standpointfinance.com



StandPoint Finance support-at-standpointfinance.com https://www.standpointfinance.com

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[November 15, 2021] PLTW and Roblox Announce Partnership Bringing Unlimited Creativity to High School Students Across the U.S.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announced today a major partnership with Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), a global platform bringing millions of people together through shared experiences, to deliver a high-quality educational experience available to students and educators across the U.S. Roblox's grant will fund the development and delivery of learning experiences on Roblox to be released in the spring of 2022 for those in and outside of PLTW's network of students. Roblox is a global platform where people can come together to connect, share experiences, and deepen friendships in user-generated 3D environments. Every day, tens of millions of people from around the world come to Roblox to play, learn, work, and socialize in immersive digital experiences created by the community. "Roblox's impact on students all around the world is inspiring and impressive. PLTW is excited to partner with Roblox to provide PLTW High School students across the country with engaging, real-world learning experiences," said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO. "This is an incredibly impactful investment, and by bringing PLTW learning experiences to everyone on Roblox, we are creating even more opportunities for students to be creative, imaginative, and inspired problem solvers who want to pursue critical and enduring career paths." In an evolving world, students with in-demand transportable skills - including problem solving, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and ethical reasoning - are most likely to thrive throughout their education and careers. This investment in PLTW by Roblox will help equip students with the real-world knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. "Every day on Roblox, students learn through immersion, exploring, and iterating with peers to better understand scientific phenomena, practice prblem solving skills, and challenge themselves to imagine and create," said Roblox Head of Education Rebecca Kantar. "We want to provide students, parents, and teachers with access to those opportunities, and PLTW stands out as an exceptional, practical, and powerful partner in making sure students have the opportunity to experience science, technology, and engineering in compelling and realistic contexts. PLTW's track record of empowering educators to deliver engaging, hands-on learning makes PLTW well suited to take full advantage of Roblox's platform. We look forward to seeing PLTW captivate the Roblox metaverse as PLTW educators and students join our Roblox community in teaching and learning."



This news comes on the heels of the release of Roblox Community Fund, Roblox's philanthropic fund initially geared toward funding high-fidelity educational experiences on the platform, announced today. As part of this initiative, Roblox Education will be dedicated to supporting teaching and learning in the metaverse, both through integration of Roblox Studio in STEM curricula and through the nurturing of a wide range of high-quality educational experiences that bring learning to life in ways no other platform can. PLTW and Roblox look forward to announcing additional opportunities to continue delivering real-world learning experiences for students in the years to come.

About PLTW

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 12,200 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org. About Roblox

Roblox's mission is to build a human co-experience platform that enables shared experiences among billions of users. Every day, tens of millions of people around the world have fun with friends as they explore millions of immersive digital experiences. All of these experiences are built by the Roblox community, made up of over eight million creators. We believe in building a safe, civil, and diverse community-one that inspires and fosters creativity and positive relationships between people around the world. For more information, please visit corp.roblox.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006042/en/

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[November 15, 2021] NowSecure Integrates with GitHub Actions for Developer-First Mobile App Security

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NowSecure, the leading standards-based mobile app security and privacy software company, today announced a new NowSecure GitHub Action to integrate mobile app security testing into mobile app developer workflows directly inside GitHub repos. Now developers can ensure the security and privacy of mobile apps as they build them to deliver high-quality, secure mobile app releases faster. NowSecure Delivers World's First Dynamic Mobile AppSec Testing GitHub Action, Enabling Developer First Security Join NowSecure and GitHub live at NowSecure Connect 2021 tomorrow (November 16-17, 2021) to learn more and see the new integrated NowSecure GitHub Action (register here ). With more than 76 million developers, GitHub is the leading software development platform for millions of mobile app developers. As a recognized leader in mobile app security, NowSecure has delivered the first automated dynamic mobile app security testing solution integrated into GitHub Advanced Security's code scanning interface. The NowSecure Action for GitHub is now available in the GitHub Marketplace. "Developers want to deliver innovative, high-quality mobile applications fast," said NowSecure CEO Alan Snyder. "This means they need a developer-first, easy-to-use and accurate mobile app security solution that integrates directly into their dev workflows. We are excited to partner with GitHub to ensure developers have a friction-free path to coding their mobile apps with security built-in." The NowSecure Platform enables fast, automated security testing of mobile apps inside the developer workflow in both on-demand and continuous testing configuration options. Developers can request a mobile app security and privacy analysis at any time through the NowSecure GitHub Action and then receive detailed and accurate security issues directly into the GitHub Security tab as code scanning alerts. To speed developer remediation, all issues include rich develoer detail including severity, priority, evidence, remediation instructions, code examples and links to Apple iOS and Google Android developer documentation. NowSecure Action for GitHub can test any Apple iOS or Google Android mobile app developed in any language or framework including Kotlin, Java, Swift, Objective-C, Apache Cordova, Flutter, Ionic, Java, jQueryMobile, Python, React Native, Xamarin and more. Click here to watch the new NowSecure Action for GitHub video.



The NowSecure GitHub Action is part of the world's most comprehensive suite for mobile app security including NowSecure Platform for continuous security testing in the development pipeline for DevSecOps, NowSecure Workstation kit for pen tester productivity, NowSecure Supply Chain Risk Management , NowSecure Pen Testing Services , and NowSecure Academy training courseware for dev and security teams. Built on a foundation of standards and automation, NowSecure empowers organizations to drive their success by delivering secure mobile apps faster and by continuously monitoring their mobile app supply chains for risk. Top mobile developers, mobile innovators, global businesses and agencies trust NowSecure to secure their mobile apps including AT&T, Caribou Coffee, iRobot, Uber, U.S. Dept of Justice and Zoom. The NowSecure GitHub Action for mobile security testing is now available in the GitHub Marketplace . Register for NowSecure Connect 2021 to view the launch from NowSecure and GitHub on Tuesday November 16, 2021. See the video in action and learn more on the blog here .

About NowSecure

NowSecure is the standards-based mobile app security and privacy software company trusted by the world's most demanding organizations, most innovative mobile developers and most advanced security teams. NowSecure protects millions of mobile app users across banking, insurance, high tech, IoT, retail, hospitality, energy and government sectors. Only NowSecure delivers fully automated mobile app security and privacy testing software, mobile supply chain risk monitoring, expert mobile pen testing services, mobile security training courseware with the depth, speed, accuracy, and efficiency to meet modern business demands. NowSecure provides standards-based compliance testing for OWASP, NIAP, GDPR, CCPA, FINRA, FISMA, ioXt and numerous industry regulatory standards. With more than a dozen years of mobile-first, mobile-only experience, NowSecure identifies the broadest array of security threats, compliance gaps, and privacy risks across the entire mobile app portfolio. As a trusted mobile security expert, NowSecure was positioned as the worldwide leader in two 2019 IDC MarketScapes for Mobile Application Security Testing, Mobile DevSecOps Trailblazer by Gartner in 2020, Deloitte Fast500 Winner in 2020, and TAG Cyber Distinguished Vendor in 2021. www.nowsecure.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nowsecure-integrates-with-github-actions-for-developer-first-mobile-app-security-301424242.html SOURCE NowSecure

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[November 15, 2021] National Bank On Initiative Convenes Stakeholders to Take Stock of Growth of Movement; Celebrates 160+ Certified Safe Banking Products and 90 Local Banking Access Coalitions

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) today hosted the virtual 2021 Bank On National Conference. The largest conference in the banking access field brought together key stakeholders from multiple sectors across the country: local Bank On coalition program leads and their community partners, Mayors, city administrators, tribal governments, financial institutions large and small, federal banking regulators, national nonprofit organizations, philanthropic partners, consumer advocates, and more. The conference included a keynote address from Jelena McWilliams, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and conversations with sector leaders from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the US House of Representatives, the American Bankers Association, and the Brookings Institution on the growing movement momentum. On the first of the two-day virtual conference, federal regulator partners and CFE Fund leaders discussed the growth of the Bank On movement. There are now over 160 Bank On nationally certified accounts, offered by banks and credit unions representing 52% of the domestic deposit market; almost half of all US bank branches offer a Bank On certified account; and federal agencies ranging from the FDIC to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are pointing consumers to Bank On accounts to receive federal payments. There are over 90 local and state Bank On coalitions working to advance this national movement. The CFE Fund also announced a new partnership with consumer reporting agency ChexSystems, Inc. to facilitate easier access to no-risk, safe and affordable Bank On certified accounts. In her keynote address, Chairman McWilliams highlighted the FDIC's efforts to connect consumers to safe accounts through its #GetBanked initiative, which was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the Bank On movement has been a critical partner to the FDIC's work. Additionally, sector leaders including Michael J. Hsu, Acting Comptroller of the Currency, OCC; U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07); Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association; and Aaron Klein, Senior Fellows, Economic Studies, Brooking Institutions were in conversation with CFE Fund CEO Jonathan Mintz around the importance of Bank On efforts during the pandemic, as well as next steps for this vibrant national movement. "Today's Conference marks a new chapter in the Bank On movement," said Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO, Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. "Our joint efforts, from financial institutions to local coalitions to government leaders to advocates, have ensured that safe banking access is here to meet the nation's moment of need. From the explosive growth in Bank On certified accounts, to the coalitions working every day to connect their communities to safe banking, to the national and large-scale opportunities to couple government payments and safe accounts  our work together has proven that Bank On offers large scale solutions to the millions of our neighbors who are disconnected from the mainstream." During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFE Fund and its Bank On coalition partners have been highlighting the availability of certified accounts that can be opened onine to receive stimulus, Child Tax Credit, and other large scale payments; federal agencies from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) guided consumers to Bank On certified accounts to receive their payments, and the CFE Fund's first-ever consumer facing ad campaign has been seen by 8 million consumers. At the Conference, the CFE Fund highlighted the growth of large-scale banking access initiative, detailing coalition experiences with promoting Bank On account access to receive federal payments, as well as in connecting Bank On accounts to unemployment insurance payments in the State of Maryland.



Additionally, a recent study from Bank Policy Institute found that Bank On certified accounts are making banking access more inclusive: Bank On accounts are opened at the highest rates in areas with high concentrations of lower-income and minority households. In 2017, almost 60 percent of Bank On certified accounts were opened by customers in areas with over 50 percent minority population, while only 30 percent of reporting bank branches were in these areas. At the Conference, representatives from First Independence Bank, the FDIC, JPMorgan Chase and Bank On coalition leaders from the City of Atlanta and from Miami explored how banking access can further racial equity efforts. Other discussion topics included discussions on communicating the value of Bank On accounts directly to consumers; perspectives from small and large financial institutions on how offering a certified account creates multiple opportunities for success; and strategies for banking access connectivity and integrating banking access into community programs.

"Sound financial health is the foundation for strong households and communities, but is out of reach for too many people," said Courtney Hodapp, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase. "JPMorgan Chase is proud to work with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and support the Bank On National Conference to improve access to banking, especially for Black, Hispanic and Latino communities." JPMorgan Chase is the seed funder of the Bank On movement. "Bank of America is pleased our SafeBalance Banking account has been Bank On certified by CFE Fund once again. We believe affordable financial solutions should be available to everyone," said Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer & Small Business Products at Bank of America. "We're committed to helping clients budget, save, borrow and spend with confidence through transparent solutions and personalized guidance. SafeBalance is one of our fastest growing accounts and has provided access to safe, affordable banking with no overdraft fees since 2014." "As an early adopter of the Bank On Standards, Citi is proud to play a role in helping consumers enter the banking mainstream with an affordable and safe account to manage their finances," said Craig Vallorano, Head of U.S. Retail Banking at Citi. "We continue to seek ways to innovate by offering the accounts in partnership with National Urban League and other nonprofits in the community." "At Truist our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities," said Heidi Schoonover, director of Community Reinvestment Act strategic programs & initiatives at Truist. "We're committed to providing affordable and transparent banking solutions to our communities, empowering them with resources to achieve financial stability. Truist is proud to be part of the Bank On national movement, helping more people have access to financial mainstream. "U.S. Bank is intensely focused on financial inclusion through transparent access to a broad range of financial products, services and credit options in underserved communities," said Erica Opstad, senior vice president of community affairs at U.S. Bank. "Bank On is a barrier breaking leader when it comes to providing a clear and equitable structure for safe and affordable products for consumers. We are proud to stand with Bank On, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and other certified lending institutions to continually evolve financial products and services that meet the changing needs of our communities." Bank On works to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable financial products and services. The Bank On National Account Standards identify critical product features for appropriate bank or credit union accounts, making it easier for local coalitions across the country to connect consumers to accounts that meet their needs. Core account features include low costs, no-overdraft fees, robust transaction capabilities such as a debit or prepaid card, and online bill pay. The CFE Fund leads the national Bank On movement, supporting local coalitions working to connect individuals and families to the financial mainstream through partnerships between local governments, financial institutions, and community organizations. To learn more about Bank On and the National Account Standards click here , or follow the conversation on Twitter @CFEfund #BankOn. About the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) The CFE Fund supports municipal efforts to improve the financial stability of households by leveraging opportunities unique to local government. By translating cutting edge experience with large scale programs, research, and policy in cities of all sizes, the CFE Fund assists mayors and other local leaders to identify, develop, fund, implement, and research pilots and programs that help families build assets and make the most of their financial resources. The CFE Fund is currently working in over 100 cities, and has disbursed over $55 million to city governments and their partners to support these efforts. For more information, please visit www.cfefund.org or follow us on Twitter at @CFEFund. About Bank On Bank On coalitions are locally-led partnerships between local public officials; city, state, and federal government agencies; financial institutions; and community organizations that work together to help improve the financial stability of unbanked and underbanked individuals and families in their communities. The Bank On national initiative builds on a grassroots movement of over 90 coalitions in cities across the country, offering national account standards, capacity grant support, pilot funding, and a learning community. In addition to connecting unbanked individuals to accounts, Bank On programs raise public awareness, target outreach to the unbanked, and expand access to financial education. Visit www.cfefund.org/bankon for more information, or follow the conversation on Twitter @CFEFund #BankOn. Media Contact:

Max Leitenberger

[email protected]

914-434-5725 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-bank-on-initiative-convenes-stakeholders-to-take-stock-of-growth-of-movement-celebrates-160-certified-safe-banking-products-and-90-local-banking-access-coalitions-301424286.html SOURCE Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund

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[November 15, 2021]

Revasum to participate in 10th Annual December CEO Summit

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global semiconductor technology and equipment firm Revasum, Inc. (ASX: RVS, 'Revasum' or 'the Company') announces its participation in the 10th Annual December CEO Summit on 8 December 2021 in San Francisco, CA.

Revasum President and Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Shooter-Dodd, will represent the Company at the CEO Summit, being held at the St Regis Hotel.

Ms. Shooter-Dodd and Revasum's VP of Worldwide Sales & Marketing, Chris Sloan, will also be attending the SEMICON West conference being held concurrently from 7 - 9 December.

Revasum's CEO Summit presentation materials will be made available on the website's Investor Centre https://investors.revasum.com/Investor-Centre/.

About The 10th Annual December CEO Summit

The December CEO Summit is an in-person event hosted by executive management teams from 11 participating companies and features a 'round-robin' format consisting of small group meetings.

The management teams confirmed to host the CEO Summit include: ACM Research (ACMR), Aehr Test (AEHR), Alpha & Omega Semiconductor (AOSL), Axcelis (ACLS), Cohu (COHU), Ichor Systems (ICHR), inTEST Corporation (INTT), Kulicke & Soffa (KLIC), Onto Innovation (ONTO), and Revasum (RVS.AX) and Pivotal Systems (PVS.AX).

The CEO Summit is by invitation only and is open to accredited investors and publishing research analysts.

Contacts for 10th Annual December CEO Summit









Laura J. Guerrant-Oiye

Claire E. McAdams CEO Summit Co-Chair

Headgate Partners LLC Phone: (508) 826-4573

Phone: (530) 265-9899 Email [email protected]

Email: [email protected]



THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS AUTHORIZED FOR RELEASE BY THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Company Contact

Media Contact Rebecca Shooter-Dodd

Jane Munday President and Chief Executive Officer

FTI Consulting [email protected]

[email protected] +1 (805) 541-6424

+61 488 400 248

About Revasum

Revasum (ARBN: 629 268 533) specializes in the design and manufacturing of equipment used for the global semiconductor industry. Revasum's equipment helps drive advanced manufacturing technology for critical growth markets, including automotive, IoT, and 5G. Our product portfolio includes state of the art equipment for the grinding, polishing, and chemical mechanical planarization processes used to manufacture devices for those key end markets. All of Revasum's equipment is designed and developed in close collaboration with our customers. Learn how we create the equipment that generates the technology of today and tomorrow, visit www.revasum.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/revasum-to-participate-in-10th-annual-december-ceo-summit-301424281.html

SOURCE Revasum, Inc.
[November 15, 2021] Rapyd and nate Announce Partnership to Expand eCommerce Reach and Offerings Globally

Rapyd, a global Fintech as a Service company, today announced a new partnership with consumer shopping app nate, a consumer payments company with social distribution, powered by intelligent automation. Rapyd will provide the payment stack and global infrastructure supported by their Collect, Disburse and Wallet platforms, enabling nate to develop additional services, deploy their BNPL capabilities and expand internationally. Rapyd seeks to serve customers with the best consumer experiences and is thrilled to partner with one of the faster growing consumer shopping apps to support its global expansion. "Since nate started working with Rapyd, we quickly realized how aligned we are on our views of the global payments landscape we all want to live in and help build. Consumers deserve a consistent, seamless, and private experience when making purchases. And merchants deserve to focus on what they do best, rather than worry about an increasingly complex and expensive stack. Deepening our partnership was a no-brainer, and a win for the entire industry," says nate CEO, Albert Saniger. Digital commerce accounted for nearly 24% of all retail sales in the first half of 2021 with consumers continuing to embrace online shopping according to industry research from DiitalCommerce3601. nate removes the friction from the online buying process by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to support an invisible checkout experience. A consumer simply sends a product they wish to purchase, and the app fills out payment and shipping information while the customer stays in the shopping flow. By partnering with Rapyd, nate can grow globally aggressively with consumers in more than 100 countries and will be able to eventually checkout with up to 900 different local payment methods including local debit cards, ewallets, bank transfers and even cash.



"We know that today's consumers make purchasing decisions based on the convenience of the transaction, so we're pleased to help nate enhance their ability to serve customers and expand their reach across global markets with digital and social commerce," says Eric Rosenthal, Rapyd's VP Americas. "It's an extraordinary opportunity for consumers to receive product and retailer recommendations and complete their purchase of items from any website with a few clicks." About Rapyd

Rapyd is the fastest way to power local payments anywhere in the world, enabling companies across the globe to access markets quicker than ever before. By utilizing Rapyd's unparalleled payments network and fintech as a service platform, businesses and consumers can engage in local and cross-border transactions in any market. The Rapyd platform is unifying fragmented payment systems worldwide by bringing together 900-plus payment methods in over 100 countries. Rapyd's investors include Stripe, General Catalyst, Oak HC/FT, Coatue, Tiger Global, Durable Capital, Target (News - Alert) Global, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Altimeter Capital, BlackRock Funds and Tal Capital. About nate nate is a venture-backed artificial intelligence startup headquartered in New York, introducing the first mobile app that allows users to purchase any item at any online retailer on behalf of a customer. With AI technology that navigates the web the way humans would, nate is the only universal accelerator for mobile checkout. Committed to preserving the human experience of discovery and the path to inspiration, nate is exclusively designed to facilitate purchases once its user has chosen the product they want to buy - humans decide, machines execute. nate's investors include Coatue, Canaan Partners, Renegade Partners and Forerunner Ventures. 1 https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/quarterly-online-sales/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006004/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Quorum Software Showcases Cloud-First Software to Modernize the Business of Energy at ADIPEC 2021

Quorum Software (Quorum), the global software leader dedicated to the energy industry, will be attending the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum and Exhibition Conference (ADIPEC) 2021. ADIPEC is one of the world's largest oil and gas events, where international leaders convene in the Middle East to engage and identify opportunities in an evolving energy landscape. Quorum will exhibit its cloud-first software that connects people and information with business workflows across the global energy ecosystem in the Digitalization Zone at booth #13593. "This year brought unprecedented growth for Quorum globally," said Kaare Lunde, Executive Vice President at Quorum Software and leader of the international oil and gas business unit Quorum recently acquired from TietoEVRY. "Quorum remins committed to driving value for energy companies in the Middle East and throughout the world," continued Lunde. "We look forward to connecting with policymakers, industry leaders and professionals at ADIPEC 2021 to address the most pressing issues facing the energy sector."



Earlier this year, Quorum merged with Aucerna, a global provider of integrated planning, execution, and reserves software for the energy industry. Operating as Quorum Software, the combined company recently acquired TietoEVRY's Oil and Gas software business, including flagship solutions Energy Components and DaWinci. Together, the company now serves more than 1,800 energy customers across 55 countries. ADIPEC 2021 is the inaugural event that introduces Quorum's combined capabilities to the global energy market. Solution experts from Quorum will provide software demonstrations in the Digitalization Zone and meet with ADIPEC participants to solve their digital transformation challenges.

To learn more about Quorum, visit quorumsoftware.com. About Quorum Software Quorum Software connects people and information across the energy value chain. Twenty years ago, we built the first software for gas plant accountants. Pipeline operators came next, followed by land administrators, pumpers, and planners. Since 1998, Quorum has helped thousands of energy workers with business workflows that optimize profitability and growth. Our vision for the future connects the global energy ecosystem through cloud-first software, data standards, and integration. The trusted source of decision-ready data for 1,800+ companies, Quorum Software makes the essential connections that let us work better together in the connected energy workplace. For more information, visit quorumsoftware.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006089/en/

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[November 15, 2021] U+ Releases List of Top AgTech Innovators to Watch

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U+ , a leading global digital innovation company, announces the release of its inaugural list of Top AgTech Innovators to Watch . The list recognizes companies across the globe successfully seeking ways to increase and improve sustainable agricultural productivity practices, including best practices in robotics and automation, indoor vertical farming and livestock wearable sensors.

These innovative companies are reshaping the future of food and agricultural technology by establishing more efficient ways to strengthen the food supply chain, said U+ Chief Executive Officer and Founder Jan Beranek. With venture capitalists investing billions of dollars to solve challenges like rising supplier costs, labor shortage and major changes in consumer preferences for more transparency and sustainability, these startup companies are incorporating great technological innovations as solutions to industry needs. While there are many applications of AgTech, the main aim is growing more food using less space and fewer inputs. Innovations are also saving farmers time and money by focusing on areas like urban farming, robotics and automation of processes, livestock tech, modernized greenhouses, precision agriculture and artificial intelligence training. According to Crunchbase data 1 , in 2018 and 2019 venture capitalists invested more than $4 billion into the AgTech space, with recent funding not showing any signs of decline.







AgTech innovators to watch include:



Iron Ox , U.S.  An autonomous greenhouse development company focused on sustainable, scalable food production for a changing climate and an ever growing population. Their hydroponic growing system uses 90% less water than traditional farming, while growing 30 times the amount of crops per acre of land.





Carbon Book , formerly known as Motorleaf, Canada  A greenhouse automation technology company providing farmers with accurate automated harvest yield forecasts, enabling farmers to better plan labor, operations and marketing. Carbon Books solution also calculates each users current carbon footprint and advises them on how to improve it, making their farms more sustainable. To see U+s complete list of Top AgTech Innovators to Watch, please visit https://innovate.u.plus/agtech-outreach The U+ 2021 Top AgTech Innovators to Watch were selected after extensive market research, leveraging databases including CB Insights and Crunchbase. Factors including number of customers and amount and date of funds raised were also considered. About U+

U+ is a leading global digital innovation company, specializing in corporate research and development, building and launching corporate and startup innovations, and the transformation of Fortune 1000 companies digital ideas into real products. During the past 12 years, U+ has successfully turned more than 90 ideas into reality with total valuation exceeding $1B in Fintech, Energy, Telco, Automotive and E-health. For more information, please visit https://u.plus/ . MEDIA CONTACT

Leah R. H. Robinson

LeadCoverage

[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9ebd67e1-7f9e-426a-9fe0-3a94c8905eb5



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[November 15, 2021] Prime Health Partners with ProjectLine and SAP Business One to Boost Operational Efficiency

ProjectLine Solutions Inc. (www.projectline.ca), a leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation and support partner for small and mid-size businesses, announces Prime Health Ltd. (www.primehealth.ca) as its newest customer. With customers across Canada, ProjectLine will be delivering the SAP (News - Alert) Business One implementation with a team of expert ERP consultants, bringing decades of experience to the project. Prime Health is a fast-growing Canadian manufacturer and distributor of nutritional supplements. Since its founding in 1998, Prime Health has built a network of loyal clients across North America, Asia, Latin America and other emerging markets that appreciate their uncompromising commitment to customer service and quality control. The company saw the need for an ERP system to streamline inventory management and increase traceability across their production processes. "SAP Business One provides us a total solution for sales, purchases, batch manufacturing, warehouse management, accounting, budgeting and more," says Ying Li Accountant at Prime Health. Centralizing business data in a single system allows the company to track ingredients and maintain compliance with industry requirements more easily.



In their ERP search, Prime Health selected ProjectLine as their SAP Business One partner. "All team members at ProjectLine are customer-oriented, eager to learn and listen to our needs, with great patience and professionalism. It has been a very pleasant and excellent experience," says Li. "We're excited to welcome Prime Health to the ProjectLine family," says Darrell McClarty, President at ProjectLine. "Like ProjectLine, they're a company that's focused on the customer. We look forward to supporting the Prime Health team as they continue to grow."

About ProjectLine Solutions ProjectLine sells, implements and supports best-in-class ERP software for small and mid-size businesses. We believe putting people first is the best way to make technology work for them. It's a conviction that sets us apart. The shift to a new ERP system can be daunting and disruptive. But it doesn't have to be. As an SAP gold partner since 2004, we know the system inside out. We ease the inevitable uncertainty that comes with an ERP project, helping our customers transition with the highest level of empathy, consideration and fit. Experience the human side of ERP. Visit www.projectline.ca to learn more. About SAP Business One SAP Business One is an ERP system designed specifically for small and mid-size businesses. It offers an easy-to-use, yet powerful, integrated system to support growth, providing transparency and instant visibility into operations. The solution helps companies manage their entire business across financials, sales, customer service and operations, while eliminating redundancy and improving efficiency. Customers have flexibility to extend the solution for industry-specific needs, with more than 500 pre-integrated solutions from local SAP partners. SAP Business One is the registered trademark of SAP AG in Germany and several other countries. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006126/en/

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[November 15, 2021] OST receives DEI Champion of the Year designation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OST, a digital IT consultancy, was the recipient of the DEI Champion Organization of the Year at the annual EPIC Awards Gala hosted by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. More than 400 attendees were in attendance at the JW Marriott on Monday, October 25, 2021 to celebrate the return of the EPIC Awards Gala, the premier business award celebration that recognizes both the businesses and the individuals pursuing Entrepreneurial, Progressive, Innovative, and Collaborative excellence in our region. Each award category recognizes those who are leading in growth and innovation, strengthening the business community, enabling collaboration and connections, and accomplishig incredible endeavors with a focus on the future.





"These are the businesses and organizations that are making Grand Rapids a destination  a great place to live, work and thrive," said Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business Services for the Grand Rapids Chamber. "New to EPIC this year, we also celebrated three diversity-focused recognitions, honoring those who help make our community more welcoming, inclusive and affirming. It speaks volumes to the evolving business community in Grand Rapids."

OST's DEI committee was formed in October 2019. Since then, the organization has hosted numerous conversations and workshops, invited community members in as guest speakers and offered OST employees continued opportunities to learn and grow. OST has also tracked its results, shared findings and invited anyone interested to join the effort along the way. "This work should matter to everyone. It should matter to everyone in every room across the city and across the community because it matters," said Kiran Sood Patel, OST DEI committee co-chair at the awards celebration. "It's about conversation and connection and engaging and challenging your own assumptions." Meredith Bronk, CEO and President of OST added, "We are honored to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for our efforts in the DEI space, and realize that in many ways, we've only just begun. Creating an equitable and inclusive workplace  where we walk the talk  is foundational. Helping create meaningful change in our industry is a long game that we are committed to." OST's statement to diversity is published on its website and can be read here: You matter! Your experiences matter, your journey with OST matters, and your success matters. People drive all our achievements, and we know that taking care of each other takes care of everything else. This is why we strive to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within our company, the work we do and our communities. We'll surely face challenges along the way. And we'll all continually learn from them to build a caring culture true to our guiding principles: honor, delight, serve, embrace and learn. Learn more at ostusa.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ost-receives-dei-champion-of-the-year-designation-301424418.html SOURCE OST

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[November 15, 2021] Kedalion Therapeutics Secures Series B Funding and Announces Signing of Option to Acquire Agreement

Kedalion Therapeutics is pleased to announce the completion of its Series B financing led by Novartis and involving a combination of new and existing investors. The Novartis investment includes an Exclusive Option to Acquire the company and its AcuStream technology. This agreement follows a Feasibility Study agreement with the AcuStream technology signed earlier this year. The subsequent feasibility study has been completed with successful results. Collaboration between the two parties is ongoing. The financial and other terms of this transaction are not disclosed. Kedalion's AcuStream platform is a highly innovative, digitally connected, electromechanical topical ocular delivery device that aims to address a potential unmet need for a convenient, user-friendly device that reliably, accurately, and comfortably delivers topical ocular therapy with improved efficiency and patient comfort, and reduced reliance on patient skill and instillation technique when administered by a physician.1 The multi-dose, preservative-free platform strives to enable intended aim, potential for a comfortable patient experience, micro-dosing capability, and in phase 1 proof of concept studies, has shown a potential for a reduction in delivery dose of an intended therapy.1-4 Kedalion will continue to move forward with the development of the AcuStream platform across multiple disease categories, drug classes and compositions, including the treatment of presbyopia. The AcuStream technology has a potential to enhance the patient experience and optimize treatment outcomes of the company's highly advanced portfolio of tpical ocular drug products in development.



The company looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Novartis Innovative Medicines as a valued investor and partner in developing our technology platform and therapeutic targets. "At Novartis, we are committed to reimagining medicine and investigating innovative approaches that have the potential to address unmet patient needs," said Jill Hopkins, Global Development Unit Head, Ophthalmology, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "The AcuStream technology is a novel platform with broad applicability in ophthalmics and we envision that it could help us deliver transformative solutions to the patients who rely on our therapeutics to treat a range of eye conditions."

Dr. Mark Blumenkranz, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Kedalion Therapeutics, commented that "this transaction and associated further studies will help us accomplish our goal of revolutionizing the way drugs are delivered to the eye. The AcuStream technology, which strives to enable easier aiming, micro-dosing capability, and a potential for a reduction in delivery dose of an intended therapy, has the potential for a comfortable patient experience for patients worldwide.1 The platform could potentially provide convenience and enable micro-dosing capability for various ocular diseases.1 We see our capabilities coupled with the scientific and market leadership of Novartis in ophthalmics to be a winning formula for both organizations." About Kedalion Therapeutics Kedalion Therapeutics is a venture-backed, clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to bring to market transformative topical ophthalmic therapies for new and existing indications. Kedalion's proprietary AcuStream platform technology delivers topical drugs to the eye in a precise and accurate manner that enables comparable effect with up to an 80% reduction in dose compared to standard eye drops. Kedalion is based in Menlo Park, CA (News - Alert). For more information, visit www.kedalionthera.com. Quiroz-Mercado (News - Alert) H, Ivri E, Gonzalez-Salinas R, et al. Clinical evaluation of a novel electromechanical topical ocular drug delivery system: two phase 1 proof of concept studies. Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:139-147. Data on File. Kedalion Therapeutics. Kedalion Report September 2021. Data on File. Kedalion Therapeutics. Device Focus Group 2019. Data on File. Kedalion Therapeutics. Patient Comfort Testing Results 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006170/en/

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[November 15, 2021] iBio Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

- Adds First New Anti-cancer Target for Development in Partnership with RubrYc Therapeutics -

- Initiates Research Collaboration with UT Southwestern to Study Anti-fibrotics in Oncology - - Establishes Partnership for Development of Painless Intradermal Vaccine Delivery - BRYAN, Texas, Nov. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iBio, Inc. (NYSEA:IBIO) (iBio or the Company), a developer of next-generation biopharmaceuticals and pioneer of the sustainable FastPharming Manufacturing System, today announces its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021 and provides a corporate update. We are continuing to accelerate the execution of our growth strategy as we start our fiscal year 2022, said Tom Isett, Chairman & CEO of iBio. Having only just launched our oncology initiative six months ago, we have already created six active programs, including the two new ones announced today. In addition, we have advanced our novel COVID-19 vaccine candidate to pre-IND, while concurrently building out our vaccine platform with new drug delivery technology partnerships. We have also acquired our cGMP manufacturing facility and taken sole ownership of our CDMO subsidiary, along with the attendant rights to manufacture biologics using our FastPharming System in the United States. We are confident that our investments over the past year in talent, technology, and infrastructure will return value to patients and shareholders as we go forward. Fiscal First Quarter and Recent Business Developments: BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Therapeutics In August 2021, iBio added to its pipeline by in-licensing an IL-2 sparing anti-CD25 antibody (IBIO-101) from RubrYc Therapeutics. Pre-clinical data shows that the molecule can deplete regulatory T cells from the tumor microenvironment and restore anti-tumor immunity, potentially representing an important new tool in the fight against cancer.

The Company continues to advance its endostatin E4 molecule for fibrotic diseases (IBIO-100) toward the clinic. Meanwhile, leveraging its investment in endostatin E4, iBio announced earlier today that it will separately explore the molecules usefulness in the treatment of solid tumors as part of a research collaboration with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Pursuant to its new partnership with RubrYc Therapeutics wherein artificial intelligence (AI)-based antibody discovery technologies are deployed, iBio announces today that the first new target is now being optimized using the platform. This result follows just two months after the joint discovery collaboration was initiated.

Vaccines The Company recently conducted a preclinical dose ranging study of IBIO-202, its nucleocapsid (N) antigen-based, intramuscularly (IM)-delivered COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The results confirmed generation of a robust, antigen-specific, memory T-cell response and provided data that further informed iBios product formulation strategy.

The Company submitted a pre-IND package for IBIO-202 to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2021 and is anticipating a response in the coming months.

Today, iBio announces that is has entered a collaboration with a leading innovator of microarray patch systems, which are a painless alternative to IM injections. The first objective of the collaboration is to evaluate feasibility of intradermal delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine antigen. If successful, the partnership has the potential to drive improved access to vaccines by avoiding cold chain issues and possibly enabling self-administration. The collaboration is not expected to impact the current development timeline of IBIO-202.

The Company continues to advance its Classical Swine Fever (CSF) vaccine candidate, IBIO-400, through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Centers for Veterinary Biologics regulatory process. Additionally, iBio announces today that studies are now underway at Texas A&M University System to evaluate alternatives to IM injection of its CSF vaccine candidate, including an oral dose option. BIOPROCESS In November 2021, iBio purchased the Bryan, Texas, manufacturing facility it previously operated under a lease from two affiliates of Eastern Capital Limited (the Eastern Affiliates). The Company also acquired the equity interest in iBio CDMO, LLC, that was formerly held by the Eastern Affiliates. As a result, the subsidiary and its intellectual property are now wholly-owned by iBio.

Fiscal First Quarter and Recent Corporate Developments: iBio made progress in government relations during the quarter by engaging with senior-level U.S. policymakers to build awareness of the FastPharming System and to underscore the benefits of rapid, sustainable, domestic bioproduction.

System and to underscore the benefits of rapid, sustainable, domestic bioproduction. iBio is encouraging shareholders who held common stock at the close of business on October 15, 2021 to vote FOR all proposals put forth in the proxy statement prior to its December 9, 2021, Annual Meeting of Stockholders to help the Company continue to grow its pipeline, services, and value. Over the course of the next year, we are focused on delivering shareholder value across multiple fronts, including announcing new oncology targets and two possible IND filings, said Mr. Isett. We are also excited about the partnership opportunities that we see ahead for our bioprocess business as industry awareness of the need to implement sustainable, ESG-based practices continues to grow. With sole ownership of our FastPharming Facility and CDMO subsidiary now secured, we have additional strategic and operational flexibility to deploy our rapid, scalable biologics development system for our own pipeline, as well as for clients, so that we may enable more potentially life-saving therapeutics to enter the clinic. Financial Results: Revenues for the first fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021, were approximately $211,000, a decrease of 49% from approximately $410,000 in the same period of 2020. As noted previously, significant quarter-to-quarter revenue variability is commonplace for early-stage pharma services companies given the timing of revenue recognition. Consistent with these business dynamics, iBio continues to expect a sequential decline in revenue during the first half of fiscal 2022 compared to the second half of fiscal 2021, followed by higher growth in the second half of fiscal 2022. R&D and G&A expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 increased 35% and 24%, respectively, over the comparable period in fiscal 2020. This reflects the Companys growing investments in its pipeline, platform technologies, employees, and related infrastructure. iBio anticipates this trend continuing, however, the rate of growth is expected to moderate over time. iBio's consolidated net loss for the first quarter ended September 30, 2021, was approximately $8.9 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a net loss of approximately $7.5 million, or $0.05 per share, in the same period of 2020. iBio had $82.3 million dollars in cash and cash equivalents and investments in debt securities as of September 30, 2021. The Company used $9.3 million in cash during the quarter for operating activities and $5.1M for investing activities which included elements of the RubrYc transaction and for capital expenditures. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2021, iBio used approximately $6.0 million in cash to help fund the purchase of its manufacturing facility in Bryan, Texas, and to secure full control of iBio CDMO, LLC, which holds the exclusive rights to manufacture using the FastPharming System in the United States. Taking into account potential long-term financing options, combined with the approximate 67% savings in facility-related cash requirements expected to be achieved through this transaction, the Company continues to believe that its current cash position is sufficient to fund its operations through Q3-FY23. If the Company cannot take advantage of the additional financial flexibility, and based on the Companys working capital on September 30, 2021, management has concluded that there is sufficient liquidity to fund normal operations through at least Q2-FY23. Webcast and Conference Call iBio management will host a webcast and conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, November 15, 2021, to discuss these results and provide a corporate update. The live and archived webcast may be accessed on the Companys website at www.ibioinc.com under News and Events in the Investors section. The live call can be accessed by dialing (833) 672-0651 (domestic) or (929) 517-0227 (international) and referencing conference code: 7779281. About iBio, Inc. iBio is a developer of next-generation biopharmaceuticals and a pioneer in sustainable, plant-based biologics manufacturing. Its FastPharming System combines vertical farming, automated hydroponics, and novel glycosylation technologies to rapidly deliver high-quality monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, bioinks and other proteins. iBio is developing proprietary biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancers, as well as fibrotic and infectious diseases. The Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, iBio CDMO LLC, provides FastPharming Contract Development and Manufacturing Services along with Glycaneering Development Services for advanced recombinant protein design. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding continuing to accelerate the execution of iBios growth strategy as it starts its fiscal year 2022, iBios investments over the past year in talent, technology, and infrastructure returning value to patients and shareholders, continuing to advance iBios endostatin E4 molecule for fibrotic diseases (IBIO-100) towards the clinic, iBios endostatin E4 molecules usefulness in the treatment for solid tumors, the anticipated response in the coming months from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the pre-IND package for IBIO-202, the collaboration with a leading innovator of microarray patch systems resulting in the potential to drive improved patient access to vaccines and possibly enable patient self-administration without impacting the current development timelines of IBIO-202, the continued advancement of iBios Classical Swine Fever vaccine candidate, IBIO-400, through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Centers for Veterinary Biologics regulatory process, partnership opportunities for iBios bioprocess business as industry awareness of the need to implement sustainable ESG-based practices continues to grow, enabling more potentially life-saving therapeutics to enter the clinic, continuing iBios trend of growing investments in its pipeline, platform technologies, employees, and related infrastructure trend with a rate of growth being more moderate over time, , the approximate 67% savings in facility-related cash requirements expected to be achieved through the purchase of the manufacturing facility, the current cash position being sufficient to fund operations through the third quarter of fiscal 2023, taking into account potential long-term financing options combined with the anticipated savings in facility-related cash requirements, and the cash position being sufficient to fund normal operations through at least Q2 2023 if iBio cannot take advantage of the additional financial flexibility. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Companys ability to successfully implement its development plans and continue to accelerate the execution of its growth strategy, including the ability to initiate IND-enabling studies for iBios endostatin E4 molecule for fibrotic diseases (IBIO-100) as planned and the ability to utilize the molecule in solid tumors, the ability to advance IBIO-400, through the regulatory process, its ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of its product candidates, or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, regulatory limitations relating to its ability to promote or commercialize its product candidates for specific indications, acceptance of its product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of products, its ability to maintain its license agreements, the continued maintenance and growth of its patent estate, its ability to establish and maintain collaborations and attract and increase partnership opportunities for iBios bioprocess business, its ability to achieve the savings anticipated with the purchase of the manufacturing facility and obtain or maintain the capital or grants necessary to fund its research and development activities and whether the Company will incur unforeseen expenses or liabilities or other market factors, successful compliance with governmental regulations applicable to its manufacturing facility, competition, its ability to retain its key employees or maintain its NYSE American listing, its ability to increase its authorized shares, and the other factors discussed in the Companys filings with the SEC including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2021 and the Companys subsequent filings with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact: Stephen Kilmer

iBio, Inc.

Investor Relations

(646) 274-3580

[email protected] iBio, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In Thousands, except share and per share amounts) September 30, June 30, 2021 2021 (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,820 $ 77,404 Accounts receivable - trade 207 426 Settlement receivable - current portion 5,100 5,100 Investments in debt securities 19,453 19,570 Inventory 587 27 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,650 2,070 Total Current Assets 89,817 104,597 Convertible promissory note receivable and accrued interest 1,575 1,556 Settlement receivable - noncurrent portion 5,100 td style="vertical-align: bottom ; "> 5,100 Finance lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization 25,695 26,111 Operating lease right-of-use asset 3,487  Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 9,821 8,628 Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 5,164 952 Investment in equity security - at cost 1,760  Prepaid expenses - noncurrent 1,296  Security deposits 24 24 Total Assets $ 143,739 $ 146,968 Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,292 $ 2,254 Accrued expenses (related party of $840 and $701 as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively) 2,691 3,001 Acquisition Payable 2,500  Finance lease obligations - current portion 374 367 Operating lease obligation - current portion 147  Note payable - PPP loan - current portion  600 Contract liabilities 94 423 Total Current Liabilities 8,098 6,645 Finance lease obligations - net of current portion 31,660 31,755 Operating lease obligation - net of current portion 3,456  Total Liabilities 43,214 38,400 Commitments and Contingencies Equity iBio, Inc. Stockholders Equity: Common stock - $0.001 par value; 275,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021; 217,957,594 and 217,873,094 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively 217 217 Additional paid-in capital 282,956 282,058 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (64 ) (63 ) Accumulated deficit (182,566 ) (173,627 ) Total iBio, Inc. Stockholders Equity 100,543 108,585 Noncontrolling interest (18 ) (17 ) Total Equity 100,525 108,568 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 143,739 $ 146,968





iBio, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited; in Thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021

2020 Revenues $ 211 $ 410 Cost of goods sold 40 107 Gross profit 171 303 Operating expenses: Research and development 2,511 1,862 General and administrative (related party of $189 and $393) 6,634 5,365 Total operating expenses 9,145 7,227 Operating loss (8,974 ) (6,924 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense (related party of $608 and $614) (609 ) (614 ) Interest income 36 4 Forgiveness of note payable and accrued interest - SBA loan 607  Total other income (expense) 34 (610 ) Consolidated net loss (8,940 ) (7,534 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 1 1 Net loss attributable to iBio, Inc. (8,939 ) (7,533 ) Preferred stock dividends (66 ) (66 ) Net loss attributable to iBio, Inc. stockholders $ (9,005 ) $ (7,599 ) Comprehensive loss: Consolidated net loss $ (8,940 ) $ (7,534 ) Other comprehensive loss - unrealized loss on debt securities (1 ) (7 ) Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments   Comprehensive loss $ (8,941 ) $ (7,541 ) Loss per common share attributable to iBio, Inc. stockholders - basic and diluted $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted 217,876 162,442



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[November 15, 2021] KORE Reports Strong Third Quarter and Nine Month 2021 Results

ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE, KORE WS) ("KORE" or the "Company"), a global leader in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and worldwide IoT Connectivity-as-a-Service ("CaaS"), today reported financial and operational results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2021. "Following the successful closing of our business combination with Cerberus Telecom Acquisition Corp. ("CTAC"), and our subsequent NYSE listing, we are delighted to report a strong set of third quarter financial results. Based on our results over the first nine months of 2021, we confidently expect to exceed our previous 2021 revenue projection of $219 million, and we now expect to reach at least $240 million for the full year 2021. We also expect to exceed our combined previous revenue projections for the 2021-2022 two-year period," said KORE President and CEO Romil Bahl. Business Highlights for Third Quarter 2021 KORE closed its business combination with Cerberus Telecom Acquisition Corp.

Third Quarter 2021 revenue increased 22.8% versus Third Quarter 2020

Total Customer Connections as of September 30, 2021 increased to 13.6 million, compared to 11 million connections as of September 30, 2020

increased to 13.6 million, compared to 11 million connections as of KORE recognized for Connected Impact, including presenting to the King of Spain during Mobile World Congress '21 for a drone-based customer solution; key wins include a UK-based Electric Vehicle customer

during Mobile World Congress '21 for a drone-based customer solution; key wins include a UK-based Electric Vehicle customer Continued expansion of our leading global independent connectivity value proposition including new cellular relationships and a new partnership in the unlicensed cellular (LoRa) space Financial Performance for Third Quarter 2021 versus Third Quarter of 2020: Total revenue increased 22.8% to $67.9 million compared to $55.3 million

compared to IoT Connectivity revenue increased 4.9% to $41.5 million , compared to $39.6 million

, compared to IoT Solutions revenue increased 68.2% to $26.3 million , compared to $15.7 million

, compared to Revenue generated in KORE's Connected Health industry vertical increased 54.7% to $31.1 million , compared to $20.1 million . This was driven by the LTE transition project at KORE's top customer, a project which was accelerated from a timing perspective into 2021 from 2022

, compared to . This was driven by the LTE transition project at KORE's top customer, a project which was accelerated from a timing perspective into 2021 from 2022 Net loss totaled $4.5 million compared to $5.6 million

compared to Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric*, was $15.9 million compared to $15.4 million Financial Performance for Nine Months ending Sept. 2021 versus same time period of 2020: Total revenue increased 17.7% to $183.9 million compared to $156.3 million

compared to IoT Connectivity revenue increased 9.0% to $125.6 million , compared to $115.2 million

, compared to IoT Solutions revenue increased 41.9% to $58.3 million , compared to $41.1 million

, compared to Revenue generated in KORE's Connected Health industry vertical increased 34.1% to $74.4 million , compared to $55.5 million driven by the LTE transition revenue from KORE's top customer

, compared to driven by the LTE transition revenue from KORE's top customer Net loss totaled $12.5 million compared to net loss of $19.5 million

compared to net loss of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric*, increased to $47.0 million compared to $44.5 million The table below summarizes our revenue and certain key metrics: (amounts in thousands USD, except for connections counts)









Three Months Ended

September 30,



Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2021



2020



2021



2020 IoT Connectivity $ 41,542

61%



$ 39,604

72%



$ 125,590

68%



$ 115,180

74% IoT Solutions

26,336

39%





15,653

28%





58,329

32%





41,117

26% Total Revenue $ 67,878

100%



$ 55,257

100%



$ 183,919

100%



$ 156,297

100%













































Period End Connections Count

13.6 million





11.0 million





13.6 million





11.0 million Average Connections Count for the Period

13.5 million





10.8 million





13.1 million





10.2 million Top Customer Revenue

18,979





9,865





38,487





25,104

Third Quarter 2021 Key Metrics and Successes Total Customer Connections*** increased to 13.6 million as of September 30, 2021 , up from 11.0 million as of September 30, 2020

, up from 11.0 million as of Dollar-Based Net Expansion Rate (DBNER)*** was 114% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021 , compared to 103% for the twelve months ended September 30, 2020

, compared to 103% for the twelve months ended On September 30, 2021 , the Company had $72.7 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand. This was an increase of $64.4 million from the prior quarter, primarily driven from the net proceeds derived from the business combination. As part of the business combination, the Company drew $93.4 million net of financing costs from the previously announced Backstop Agreement with an affiliate of Fortress Credit Corp. in exchange for senior unsecured exchangeable notes due 2028. Subsequent to September 30, 2021 , the Company borrowed another approximately $25 million in exchange for additional notes pursuant to a separate purchase agreement with an affiliate of Fortress

, the Company had of cash and cash equivalents on hand. This was an increase of from the prior quarter, primarily driven from the net proceeds derived from the business combination. As part of the business combination, the Company drew net of financing costs from the previously announced Backstop Agreement with an affiliate of Fortress Credit Corp. in exchange for senior unsecured exchangeable notes due 2028. Subsequent to , the Company borrowed another approximately in exchange for additional notes pursuant to a separate purchase agreement with an affiliate of Fortress KORE continued execution on an engagement to help its largest customer transition 2G/3G devices to LTE. The majority of revenue from this engagement was expected to be realized in 2022 but has been accelerated, so that the majority of it is now expected to be realized in 2021. Revenue from this engagement, which is reported in IoT Solutions, is expected to be realized through First Quarter 2022

Completed business combination with CTAC, providing company with the financial flexibility and resources to drive organic and inorganic growth

Chosen by leading UK-EV charging company to provide IoT services to charging stations

Selected by agriculture technology innovator BinSentry to revolutionize monitoring of on-farm inventory

Expanded partnership with Everynet into the U.S. at a time when the need to capture and transport small packets of data is growing and IoT use cases are accelerating * See KORE Financial Statements for reconciliation

***See Key Metrics for definitions Management Commentary

"As we execute our transformation to becoming the world's leading pure play IoT company, we will continue to enhance our ability to drive exciting growth," said KORE President and CEO Romil Bahl. "While we are announcing our very first quarter as a public company," continued Bahl, "I have never been more confident about how well a company I have led as CEO is positioned for growth over the next 10-15 years. Rare in my experience has there been a better combination of a stellar growth market, a differentiated strategy and intellectual property, and a committed team  and this sets up a wonderful opportunity over the Decade of IoT beginning this year." Conference Call Details

KORE management will hold a conference call today (November 15, 2021) at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss its financial results, business highlights and outlook. President and CEO Romil Bahl and CFO Puneet Pamnani will host the call, followed by a question-and-answer session. Webcast: Link

U.S. dial-in: (877) 407-3039

International dial-in: (215) 268-9922

Conference ID: 13724528 The conference call and a supplemental slide presentation to accompany management's prepared remarks will be available via the webcast link and for download via the investor relations section of the Company's website. For the conference call, please dial-in 5-10 minutes prior to the start time and an operator will register your name and organization, or you can register here. If you have any difficulty with the conference call, please contact Gateway at (949) 574-3860. The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay via the investor relations section of the Company's website at ir.korewireless.com. About KORE

KORE is a pioneer, leader, and trusted advisor delivering mission critical IoT solutions and services. We empower organizations of all sizes to improve operational and business results by simplifying the complexity of IoT. Our deep IoT knowledge and experience, global reach, purpose-built solutions, and deployment agility accelerate and materially impact our customers' business outcomes. For more information, visit www.korewireless.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe the following non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operational performance. We use the following non-GAAP financial information to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that non-GAAP financial information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors in assessing our operating performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA "EBITDA" is defined as net income (loss) before other non-operating expense or income, income tax expense or benefit, and depreciation and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA adjusted for unusual and other significant items that management views as distorting the operating results from period to period. Such adjustments may include stock-based compensation, integration and acquisition-related charges, tangible and intangible asset impairment charges, certain contingent liability reversals, transformation, and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are intended as supplemental measures of our performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that the use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing the Company's financial measures with those of comparable companies, which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. However, you should be aware that when evaluating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA we may incur future expenses similar to those excluded when calculating these measures. In addition, our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same fashion. Because of these limitations, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA on a supplemental basis. You should review the reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA below and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. Key Metrics

KORE reviews a number of metrics to measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, prepare financial projections, and make strategic decisions. The calculation of the key metrics and other measures discussed below may differ from other similarly titled metrics used by other companies, securities analysts, or investors. Number of Customer Connections Total Customer Connections or "Total Connections" constitutes the total of all KORE Connectivity services connections, including both CaaS and CEaaS connections, but excluding certain connections where mobile carriers license KORE's subscription management platform from KORE. Total Connections include the contribution of eSIMs and is the principal measure used by management to assess the performance of the business on a periodic basis. DBNER DBNER (Dollar Based Net Expansion Rate) tracks the combined effect of cross-sales of IoT Solutions to KORE's existing customers, its customer retention and the growth of its existing business. KORE calculates DBNER by dividing the revenue for a given period ("given period") from existing go-forward customers by the revenue from the same customers for the same period measured one year prior ("base period"). The revenue included in the current period excludes revenue from (i) customers that are non go-forward customers, meaning customers that have either communicated to KORE before the last day of the current period their intention not to provide future business to KORE or customers that KORE has determined are transitioning away from KORE based on a sustained multi-year time period of declines in revenue and (ii) new customers that started generating revenue after the end of the base period. For example, to calculate our DBNER for the trailing 12 months ended September 31, 2021, we divide (i) revenue, for the trailing 12 months ended September 31, 2021, from go-forward customers that started generating revenue on or before September 31, 2020 by (ii) revenue, for the trailing 12 months ended September 31, 2020, from the same cohort of customers. For the purposes of calculating DBNER, if KORE acquires a company during the given period or the base period, then the revenue of a customer before the acquisition but during either the given period or the base period is included in the calculation. Further, it is often difficult to ascertain which customers should be deemed not to be go-forward customers for purposes of calculating DBNER. Customers are not required to give notice of their intention to transition off of the KORE platform, and a customer's exit from the KORE platform can take months or longer, and total connections of any particular customer can at any time increase or decrease for any number of reasons, including pricing, customer satisfaction or product fit  accordingly, a decrease in total connections may not indicate that a customer is intending to exit the KORE platform, particularly if that decrease is not sustained over a period of several quarters. DBNER would be lower if it were calculated using revenue from non go-forward customers. As of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, DBNER excludes connections from non go-forward customers, the vast majority of which are connections from Non-Core Customers. KORE defines "Non-Core Customers" to be customers that management has judged to be lost as a result of the integration of Raco, Wyless and other acquisitions completed during in the 2014-2017 period, but which continue to have some connections (and account for some revenue) each year with KORE. Non-Core Customers are a subset of non go-forward customers. DBNER is used by management as a measure of growth at KORE's existing customers (i.e., "same store" growth). It is not intended to capture the effect of either new customer wins or the declines from non go-forward customers on KORE's total revenue growth. This is because DBNER excludes new customers which started generating revenue after the base period, and also excludes any customers which are non go-forward customers on the last day of the current period. Revenue increases from new customer wins, and a decline in revenue from non go-forward customers are also important factors in assessing KORE's revenue growth, but these factors are independent of DBNER. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and 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, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, future capital availability, projections regarding recent customer engagements and projections of market opportunity and related expectations. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. 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 or other person 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 KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE'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. KORE Financial Statements KORE Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (In thousands USD, except share and per share amounts)



Three Months ended

September 30, Nine Months ended

September 30,



2021

2020

2021

2020 Revenue















Services $ 48,428 $ 43,436 $ 139,866 $ 127,113 Products

19,450

11,821

44,053

29,184 Total Revenue

67,878

55,257

183,919

156,297 Cost of revenue















Cost of services

17,379

15,675

51,417

47,594 Cost of products

17,585

9,853

37,258

22,921 Total cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

34,964

25,528

88,675

70,515 Gross profit

32,914

29,729

95,244

85,782 Operating expenses















Selling, general and administrative

26,001

17,792

66,525

49,907 Depreciation and amortization

12,440

13,176

37,947

38,884 Total operating expenses

38,441

30,968

104,472

88,791 Operating profit (loss)

(5,527)

(1,239)

(9,228)

(3,009) Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs

5,589

5,276

16,155

18,359 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities

(2,898)

651

(5,281)

3,482 Profit / Loss before income taxes

(8,218)

(7,166)

(20,102)

(24,850) Income tax expense (benefit)















Current

179

201

569

711 Deferred

(3,889)

(1,719)

(8,197)

(6,087) Total income tax benefit

(3,710)

(1,518)

(7,628)

(5,376) Net Income (loss) $ (4,508) $ (5,648) $ (12,474) $ (19,474) Loss per share:















Basic $ (0.27) $ (0.42) $ (1.03) $ (1.32) Diluted $ (0.27) $ (0.42) $ (1.03) $ (1.32) Weighted average shares outstanding (in Number):















Basic

30,732,921

30,281,520

30,433,641

30,285,684 Diluted

30,732,921

30,281,520

30,433,641

30,285,684 KORE Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands USD, except share and per share amounts)



September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Assets







Current Assets







Cash and cash equivalents $ 72,689 $ 10,321 Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $1,601 and $2,804, respectively

52,638

40,661 Inventories

12,147

5,842 Prepaid expenses and other receivables

14,540

5,429









Total current assets

152,014

62,253 Non-current Assets







Restricted cash

367

372 Property and equipment, net

12,630

13,709 Intangible's assets, net

212,633

240,203 Goodwill

382,190

382,749 Deferred tax assets

114

122 Other long-term assets

458

611 Total Assets $ 760,406 $ 700,019 Liabilities and stockholder's equity







Current Liabilities







Bank indebtedness $ - $ - Accounts payable

20,522

22,978 Accrued liabilities

26,362

17,209 Income taxes payable

288

244 Current portion of capital lease obligations

528

856 Deferred revenue

6,797

7,772 Current portion of long-term debt

3,153

3,161 Total current liabilities

57,650

52,220 Long-Term Liabilities







Deferred tax liabilities

34,580

42,840 Due to related parties

1,122

1,615 Warrant liability

273

15,944 Long-term portion of capital lease obligations

304

508 Long-term debt

378,356

298,404 Long-term portion of income taxes payable

-

- Other long-term liabilities

4,154

4,377 Total Liabilities $ 476,439 $ 415,908 Commitments and contingencies (note 9)





























September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Temporary equity







Series A Preferred Stock; par value $1,000 per share; 7,765,229 shares authorized; 7,756,158 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 $ - $ 77,562 Series A-1 Preferred Stock; par value $1,000 per share; 10,480,538 shares authorized; 7,862,107 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 respectively

-

78,621 Series B Preferred Stock; par value $1,000 per share; 9,090,975 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 respectively

-

90,910 Series C Convertible Preferred Stock; par value $1,000 per share; 6,872,894 shares authorized; 2,566,186 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 respectively

-

16,802 Total temporary equity $ - $ 263,895 Stockholder's Equity







Common stock, voting; par value $0.1 per share; 315,000,000 shares authorized, 71,810,419 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021; par value $0.01 per share, 55,659,643 shares authorized, 30,281,520 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 $ 7 $ 3 Additional paid-in capital

413,316

135,616 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(3,156)

(1,677) Accumulated deficit

(126,200

(113,726) Total stockholders' equity

283,967

20,216 Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders' equity $ 760,406 $ 700,019 KORE Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands USD, except share and per share amounts)

Nine Months Ended September 30,









For the years ended

2021

2020 Cash flows from (lost in) operating activities







Net income (loss) $ (12,474) $ (19,474) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities







Depreciation and amortization

37,947

38,884 Intangible asset impairment loss

-

- Amortization of deferred financing costs

1,569

1,584 Deferred income taxes

(8,197)

(6,087) Non-cash foreign currency loss (gain)

(163)

(1,356) Share-based compensation

4,564

846 Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts

117

888 Change in fair value of warrant liability

(5,281)

3,482 Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of operating assets and liabilities acquired:







Accounts receivable

(12,792)

(3,572) Inventories

(6,461)

(2,668) Prepaid expenses and other receivables

(5,054)

(2,485) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(2,366)

8,119 Deferred revenue

(911)

307 Income taxes payable

63

225 Change in minimum carrier commitment liability

-

- Cash provided by operating activities $ (9,439) $ 18,693 Cash flows from investing activities







Additions to intangible assets

(6,626)

(8,224) Additions to property, plant and equipment

(3,156)

(1,450) Acquisition of Integron LLC, net of cash acquired





366 Other

-

- Net cash used for investing activities $ (9,782) $ (9,308) Cash flows from financing activities







Proceeds from revolving credit facility

25,000

21,700 Repayment on revolving credit facility

(25,000)

(25,000) Repayment of long-term debt

(2,373)

(2,436) Proceeds from long-term debt

82,351

- Proceeds from equity portion of convertible debt, net of issuance costs

12,510

- Payments for deferred financing fees

(1,449)

- Payment of related party note

(1,538)

- Repurchase of common stock

-

(200) Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs

223,001

- Settlements of preferred shares

(229,915)

- Repayment of capital lease obligations

(815)

(137) Payment of deferred financing costs

-

- Cash provided by/(used in) financing activities $ 81,772 $ (6,073) Effect of Exchange Rate Change on Cash and Cash Equivalents

(188)

(88) Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

62,363

3,224 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, beginning of period

10,693

8,692 Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, end of period $ 73,056 $ 11,916 Non-cash investing and financing activities:







Equity financing fees accrued $ 3,025 $ - Equity financing fees settled in common shares

1,863

- Capital leases entered

346

263 Common shares issued to preferred shareholders

56,502

- Common shares issued to warrant holders

10,663



Supplemental cash flow information:







Interest Paid $ 14,762 $ 16,879 Taxes paid (net of benefits)

-

- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO EBITDA TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (In thousands USD, except share and per share amounts)



For the three months

ended

For the nine months

ended

September 30,

September 30,

2021 2020

2021

2020 Net loss $ (4,508) (5,648)

$ (12,474)

$ (19,474) Income tax expense (benefit) (3,710) (1,518)

(7,628)

(5,376) Interest expense 5,589 5,276

16,155

18,359 Depreciation and amortization 12,440 13,176

37,947

38,884 EBITDA 9,811 11,286

34,000

32,393 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (non-cash) (2,898) 651

(5,281)

3,482 Transformation expense 2,424 1,608

6,174

5,448

Acquisition and integration-related restructuring











costs 2,772 1,002

7,290

3,399 Stock-based compensation (non-cash) 3,933 315

4,564

846 Foreign currency loss (gain) (non-cash) (240) 328

(163)

(1,356) Other 94 179

390

289 Adjusted EBITDA $15,896 $15,369

$46,974

$44,501 Contacts



KORE

Media and Investors:

Vik Vijayvergiya

Vice President, Investor Relations

[email protected]



or



Investors:

Matt Glover, Alex Thompson

Gateway Group, Inc.

[email protected]

+1-949-574-3860 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-reports-strong-third-quarter-and-nine-month-2021-results-301424525.html SOURCE KORE Wireless

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[November 15, 2021] Postal Realty Trust Launches Public Offering of Class A Common Stock

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: PSTL) (the "Company"), an internally managed real estate investment trust that owns and manages over 1,300 properties leased primarily to the United States Postal Service (the "USPS (News - Alert)"), ranging from last mile post offices to larger industrial facilities, today announced the launch of a public offering of 4,250,000 shares of its Class A common stock. In addition, the Company expects to grant to the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 637,500 shares of Class A common stock. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition of additional properties, payment of dividends, capital expenditures related to the properties in its portfolio, working capital and the repayment of indebtedness under its credit facilities. J.P. Morgan and Stifel are acting as bookrunning managers for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-3 relating to these securities has been filed with and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2020. This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, or any solicitation of an offer to buy, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering ay be obtained from the following: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at [email protected]; and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, One South Street, 15th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, Attention: Syndicate Department, by fax at (443) 224-1273, or by email at [email protected].



About Postal Realty Trust, Inc. Postal Realty Trust, Inc. is an internally managed real estate investment trust that owns and manages over 1,300 properties leased primarily to the USPS.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the proposed public offering and other statements identified by words such as "could," "may," "might," "will," "likely," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "continues," "projects" and similar references to future periods, or by the inclusion of forecasts or projections. Forward-looking statements, including, among others, statements regarding the size, timing, and expected proceeds of the offering, are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions regarding capital market conditions, its acquisition pipeline, the Company's business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company's actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the USPS's terminations or non-renewals of leases, changes in demand for postal services delivered by the USPS, the solvency and financial health of the USPS and the Company's other tenants, competitive, financial market and regulatory conditions, disruption in market, economic and financial conditions as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, general real estate market conditions, the Company's competitive environment and other factors set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's registration statement on Form S-3, the preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering and the accompany prospectus, as well as in the Company's most recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006240/en/

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[November 15, 2021] Broadmark Realty Capital Declares Monthly Dividend for November 2021

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc. (NYSE: BRMK) (the "Company"), an internally managed secured real estate finance company, today announced that its board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock for November 2021. The dividend will be payable on December 15, 2021 to stockholders of record as of November 30, 2021. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "may", "should", "would", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "seem","seek", "continue", "future", "will", "expect", "outlook" or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These statements are based on the current expectations and are not predictions of actual performance. In addition, actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to the Company's overall business, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance, and speak only as of the date made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by law.



About Broadmark Realty Capital

Broadmark Realty Capital Inc. (NYSE: BRMK) is an internally managed commercial real estate finance company that offers short-term, first deed of trust loans secured by real estate to fund the acquisition, renovation, rehabilitation or development of residential or commercial properties. Broadmark Realty Capital manages and services its loan portfolio across a variety of market conditions and economic cycles.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115006156/en/

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Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : INDIA OUTBOUND TOURISM MARKET WORTH $40 BILLION BY 2026 ATTAIN A WHOPPING CAGR OF 44% Industry: Travel PR

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India Outbound Travelers Market Size to Oman Forecast Data, 2021  2026 For More Information@ https://dpiresearch.com/india-outbound-tourism-market-on-the-rise/ The report is readily available and can be dispatched immediately after payment confirmation. Would like to place an order or any question, please feel free to contact at sales@dpiresearch.com Customization of the Report: DPI Research provides customization of the report as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities. Contact Us:

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Johnstown, PA (15901)

Today

Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Veda Yowell, 90, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at IU West Hospital in Avon, surrounded by her loving family. Veda was born in Parke County on August 30, 1931, to Harry and Angeline Ladiha Crossley. She married her husband, Fred, on July 22, 1949, and together, they
When University of Connecticut student Natalie Plebanek was 16 years old, she suffered heavy menstrual periods and subsequent fainting spells.

But when she asked her pediatrician about a prescription for birth control pills, proven to reduce menstrual bleeding significantly, the doctor balked, citing a common myth.

She thought I would become extremely sexually active, Plebanek said.

Now 21, Plebanek is considering a more convenient method of birth control. Seeking advice from a gynecologist about her options, she was handed a brochure. I felt that I wasnt really informed about my options, Plebanek said.

Plebanek is not alone in being proactive about her birth control options. The majority of women in their childbearing years65 percent of the nations females ages 15 to 49use some form of contraception, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In recent years, theres been a significant rise in the use of some contraceptive methods and a decline in others. Female sterilization remains the most popular form of contraception, but its use has steadily declined since the 1970s. The pill remains the second most common contraceptive method, but long-acting reversible contraceptives, or LARCs are gaining traction as a close third.

Despite personal investment in their health and the birth control they choose, women dont always receive the information they need to make smart, informed decisions.

A 2020 Kaiser Family Foundation womens health survey reported that only four in 10 women (44 percent) age 18 to 49 rate their contraceptive care provider as excellent in four areas of contraceptive counseling. The study says only 36 percent of Black women and 38 percent of Hispanic women received excellent counseling, compared with 49 percent of white women. And, low-income and uninsured women were less likely to say that they received excellent care.

The contraceptive counseling areas included: respecting them as a person, letting them say what mattered, taking their preferences about birth control seriously, and giving them enough information to make an informed decision.

Dr. Aileen Gariepy, associate professor of OB/GYN & Reproductive Services at Yale School of Medicine, is seeing patients grow more interested in whats going into their bodies.

Over the last five years, there does seem to be increased interest in non-hormonal contraception on the part of patients, she said.

Kikelomo Otuyelu-Garritano, the sole obstetrician and gynecologist at HER Wellness Health Center in Wilton, agrees but says this desire to be proactive doesnt always translate to being better informed.

Connecticut Health I-Team

They hear about a friend who went on the pill and gained 30 pounds. They dont necessarily dig any deeper, she said. They hear: If youre going on birth control, youre going to gain weight.

New birth control products that capitalize on a trending interest in hormone-free options include FDA-approved Phexxi. The first non-hormonal prescription contraceptive vaginal gel works as a barrier and alters the pH of the vagina, immobilizing sperm.

Advertisements for Phexxi emphasize that it is hormone-free. The hormone estrogen, found in certain birth control pills, is known to increase the chance of stroke among users with pre-existing risk factors that include elevated blood pressure, previous thrombotic events, smoking, a history of migraines with aura, and advanced age.

I think Phexxi is a game-changer because it works with the vaginal pH, works with sperm, and is non-hormonal, Gariepy said. But she acknowledges that there are tradeoffs. For example, a multisite study found Phexxi to be 86 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used regularly, compared with the pills about 93 percent effectiveness when used correctly. Also, Phexxi doesnt allow women to be spontaneous, as it must be applied with an applicator up to an hour before intercourse.

Connecticut Health I-Team (c-hit.org)

Direct-to-consumer advertising of birth control options such as Phexxi doesnt replace accurate and unbiased information from a health care provider.

Risk Factors, Patient Counseling

Mark Alberts, physician-in-chief of the Hartford HealthCare Neuroscience Institute and chief of neurology at Hartford Hospital, sees plenty of stroke patients. And, he says, many patients are surprised to find after suffering a stroke that they were at increased risk. Oftentimes, the comment is: I had no idea, or nobody told me about risk factors, Alberts said.

Fortunately, Alberts says, the amount of estrogen used in birth control pills has steadily declined over the years.

As the doses of these compounds have decreased, the risk of stroke has also decreased, he said. Nevertheless, women whose health behaviors or medical history raise their risk for stroke would be well-advised to avoid estrogen-containing birth control pills.

But research indicates that medical practitioners dont always offer this advice. In a recent study of oral contraceptive use among women, only 15 percent of users with one or more stroke risk factors recalled being advised not to start oral contraceptives; 36 percent recalled a health care provider recommending that they stop.

Its our job to make sure that patient counseling is really comprehensive. Historically, we think of birth control as the pill. But that doesnt mean its the best option, said Amina Carter, a physician assistant and health center manager at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. Sometimes, its just a matter of education.

Planned Parenthood of New England Photo

As birth control options become more accessible, thanks largely to the birth control mandate signed into law by President Obama as part of the Affordable Care Act, patient education becomes increasingly critical. The act allows more women to choose convenience-oriented options like IUDs, a long-acting reversible contraception, or LARC, that provides years-long protection with little investment in time, thought or money.

Its set it and forget it, Carter said. It doesnt require any thought after the initial appointment.

But becoming fully informed and prepared to decide to use a LARC or another form of birth control does require thought, and it is most helpful when health care practitioners provide guidance. The ACA even included a provision specifically for counseling and services related to birth control. The health care system, however, doesnt always allow or encourage sufficient time for such guidance.

Otuyelu-Garritano knows this all too well. She quit medicine three times before finally opening her own practice, which allows her the time she feels is necessary to provide her patients with thorough exams and health information. Otuyelu-Garritano says patients are most likely to find the birth control thats right for them when they have a health care provider willing to consider the options from various perspectives.

You have to look at things from all angles, she said. The only way thats going to happen is if theres time [during the medical visit] to talk.

This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team ( c-hit.org ), a nonprofit news organization dedicated to health reporting.
Tucson, AZ (85741)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High near 80F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low around 60F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said, it was only while the Government was making hard decisions on expenditure at WASA, that it discovered certain payments had been made to PSA President Watson Duke.
Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov is convinced that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will eventually regain territories up to the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine in Crimea, as well as in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Thats according to the defense ministrys press service, Ukrinform reports.

The statement came as Reznikov, together with Army Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, visited the Marine Command, the 198th Naval Training Center, the Spec-Ops Forces Maritime Center, and the Namyv Naval Base in Mykolayiv region.

It is noted that the two top defense officials discussed with Marines Commander Yuriy Sodol the prospects of infrastructure development as regards the units and formations of this type of troops.

Read also: Reznikov sure Ukraine will join NATO sooner or later

At the 198th Naval Training Center, Reznikov and Zaluzhnyi were shown a survival training ground.

Reznikov referred to the Ukrainian Marines as motivated professionals. According to the newly-appointed minister, Ukraines Armed Forces is comprised of professionals who ensure the countrys defense. "Together we will do everything to make Ukraine free and independent. We will get to our internationally-recognized borders, in both Crimea and Donbas," the defense minister stressed.

The members of the working group were also briefed on the training routine of speedboat crews at the 73rd Maritime Center of the Special Operations Forces on the Island of Maisky. Spec-ops servicemen and Ukrainian Seals are trained there, developing capabilities of the SOFs naval component.

As noted, the defense chief and the Army commander-in-chief also studied a perspective plan of development of the Namyv Main Naval Base in Ochakiv district (Mykolayiv region).

im
Ukraine has received the fourth batch of defense aid from the United States, which included nearly 80 tonnes of munitions.

Thats according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports referring to a Facebook post by the embassys press service on Sunday, November 14.

Ukraine received today the delivery of approximately 80,000 kilos of ammunition from the United States. It was the fourth shipment made by the United States as part of $60 million in additional security assistance directed to Ukraine by President Biden in August, the statement said.

The embassy added that this demonstrates U.S. commitment to the success of a stable, democratic, and free Ukraine.

Read also: Why Russia is pushing for a new round of aggression against Ukraine

The diplomats also recalled that since 2014, the United States had provided more than $2.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since 2014.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, a third, consignment of security assistance from the United States government arrived in Ukraine on October 22.

The two previous consignments were delivered on October 10 and 18. In addition to the previously agreed $250 million, Ukraine receives from American partners $60 million in medical supplies, ammunition, high-precision weapons, and radar surveillance.

Photo: facebook.com/usdos.ukraine
According to preliminary estimates, at least UAH 1.9 billion will be invested in the oil and gas industry under two production sharing agreements within Hrunivska and Okhtyrska fields.

"Increase in domestic gas production. At the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers this week, the terms of two production sharing agreements within Hrunivska and Okhtyrska hydrocarbon fields were approved. According to preliminary estimates, at least UAH 1.9 billion will be invested in the oil and gas industry. In total, eight production sharing agreements have been signed over the past year, allowing to significantly increase gas production from next year," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on Facebook, summing up the economic events of the previous week.

As reported, the Ministry of Energy expects more than 10 billion UAH in investment to be attracted for the first five years of implementation of production sharing agreements in the extractive sector.

At the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, production sharing agreements were signed for eight fields in Ukraine with five companies (for the first time over the past nine years). In particular, four fields were handed over to JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian have discussed the Russian military activity in and near Ukraine.

U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said this, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

According to the spokesperson, the parties also discussed their continued ironclad commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Le Drian and I discussed our concern over Russias aggression against Ukraine. We also discussed joint efforts to address Irans nuclear program, Blinken, in turn, wrote on Twitter.

As Ukrinform reported, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier stated that the United States was monitoring unusual Russian military activity near the Ukrainian border and the possibility of provocations from Moscow.

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The actions of the Alexander Lukashenko regime, which caused a migration crisis at the border with Poland, are aimed at shifting general attention away from Russia's activities near Ukraine.

Thats according to U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken who spoke with Polands Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, Ukrinform reports with reference to the U.S. State Department press service.

"Secretary Blinken reaffirmed U.S. support for Poland in the face of the Lukashenka regimes cynical exploitation of vulnerable migrants," the statement said.

The actions by the Lukashenka regime threaten security, sow division, and aim to distract from Russias activities on the border with Ukraine, said Blinken.

It is noted that Blinken and Rau strongly condemned the instumentalization of vulnerable migrants and called on Lukashenko to eliminate the root causes of sanctions imposed by the West - the denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms for the Belarusian people.

The State Department added that Blinken had also expressed deep gratitude to Polands vocal support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The United States, Poland, and other Allies and partners are united in imposing significant costs on Moscow for its military aggression and malign activities in the region, the report concluded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the United States will continue to provide military support to Ukraine, including lethal aid, in the face of Russian aggression. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the relevant statement after the signing of the Ukraine-U.S. Strategic Partnership Charter Ukraine.

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In the regions of Ukraine bordering Belarus, a state of emergency may be declared in case the risk of migration crisis escalates.

Thats according to Interior Minister Denis Monastyrskyi who spoke at a briefing on November 14, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Various scenarios have been worked out, up to declaring a state of emergency in the border regions," the minister said.

According to Monastyrskyi, the government's priority for the next two years is to strengthen the state border with Belarus. He added that the 2022 budget will provide the appropriate funds to this end.

The minister noted that temporary fortifications would also be built at the border in locations where migrants could amass.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on November 14, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, on the instruction of President Volodymyr Zelensky, chaired a meeting on additional measures to ensure national interests in the field of state border protection.

The migration crisis on the Belarus border with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia has been going on since August. The said three countries have accused Belarus of manufacturing migratory pressure as part of hostile hybrid actions targeting them as EU member states.

This week, large groups of migrants attempted to penetrate the border from Belarus and into Poland, while some were returned to the borderline by Polish border guards.

Nearly 20,000 Polish military, border guards, and police forces have been deployed to the border with Belarus. On Sunday, November 14, Polands border guards spotted preparations by the Belarusian side to assist the illegal migrants in breaking through the border. Migrants have set up a tent camp in the immediate vicinity of the borderline, receiving from the Belarusian security forces instructions, equipment, and pepper spray.

Poland plans to build by the middle of next year a 5-meter fence m on the border with Belarus.

Ukraine is also strengthening its borderline with Belarus, deploying an additional 8,500 troops in the border areas.

According to the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, nearly 15,000 potential illegal migrants have arrived in Belarus.

According to various international media reports, migrants have been arriving in the country in an organized manner, on passenger flights from the Middle East, having been provided short-term visas, before being helped by Belarusian government to get to the areas bordering the EU.

According to a Polish analyst and expert on foreign relations Dariusz Materniak, its Russias secret services that are managing the migration crisis at the European Union's borders, using a strategy similar to the one they applied in Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014, while the Lukashenko regime is simply executing the task on the ground.

He stated that Moscow has maintained it is not involved in the migration crisis in Belarus. "But we have received information from Belarus-based journalists and people who work in NGOs that are in opposition to Lukashenko, who say that Russian security operatives, in particular those with the FSB, have been deployed in the areas bordering with Poland and Lithuania, and that they have been handling the said processes. Today, Belarus is not the country that is able to lead own foreign or domestic policy on its own," the analyst said.

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Ukraine strengthens its border with Belarus and coordinates actions with Poland and Lithuania in view of the migrant crisis artificially created by the Lukashenko regime.

"Last Sunday, the leaders of Ukraine's security and defense agencies met in the city of Lutsk, not far from the border with Belarus, and invited ambassadors of Poland and Lithuania to join, because we need a collective response to the situation in Belarus. Today we have focused on the artificially created migrant crisis, but we cannot know what will happen tomorrow. Our three countries have to deal with the migrant crisis today, remembering that this is not the end of the story  Russia will do something new tomorrow. Our three countries must be ready for any scenarios," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said in Brussels following a working breakfast with the foreign ministers of the EU Member States, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Ukraine is currently strengthening its border with Belarus, the minister noted.

"So far we have not seen an influx of migrants to our country, which proves once again that this migrant crisis is artificial, it is deliberately directed against Poland and Lithuania to provoke you, put pressure, and sow discord in your societies around the ways to resolve this crisis," Kuleba said.

According to him, neither Poland nor Ukraine is a "destination" for migrants as they see both countries as a transit route to get to the EU, in particular, to Germany.

As reported, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba makes a working visit to Brussels.

The migrant crisis on the border between Belarus and the EU has been ongoing since the end of June. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia accuse Belarus of deliberate migrant pressure on their countries and the EU as a whole, calling this a "hybrid attack."

The situation worsened on November 8, when a large group of migrants tried to force through the border with Poland.

The EU will impose the fifth package of sanctions on Belarus over the situation on the border.

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Ukrinform sat down with Vineta Kleine, acting head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine, Director of the NATO Information and Documentation Center in Ukraine, to discuss prospects of Ukraines Euro-Atlantic aspirations, progress in reforms, Russias efforts to hinder the countrys efforts toward joining the Alliance, and the latest malign disinformation campaigns on the part of the Kremlin.

MAP: UKRAINES REFORMS AND (NOT OR) NATOS POLITICAL WILL

Q: Ms Kleine, in the issue rather sensitive for our country regarding the prospects of receiving a Membership Action Plan to eventually join NATO, the Allies emphasize the priority of implementing reforms. At the same time, Ukraines senior officials, while reaffirming the need for such reforms, note that the issue is in fact largely political, pointing out that there are Allies that simply dont want to see our country a member of the Alliance. In your opinion, what is really decisive in this sense  the implementation of reforms or NATO's political will to grant our country the long-sought MAP?

A: Lets first of all start with the Membership Action Plan to explain what it is. Its a document that is tailored and granted to those aspirant countries who have expressed their wish to join the Alliance. Its a comprehensive document, or mechanism, or tool that implies various aspects  security, defense, economic, political, resource, and legal ones. Its tailored for each state and its a document that helps a country to move these reforms forward and get prepared for possible and eventual membership.

On the other hand, Id like to underline that the MAP doesnt necessarily mean eventual membership. It is a practical tool and a document that implies advice, assistance, and practical support for aspiring countries. For example, when the Baltic countries wanted to join the Alliance, they also had their Membership Action Plans. If you look at the two countries that recently joined the Alliance  Montenegro and North Macedonia  the latter was granted the MAP in 1999 and joined NATO last year. So, its a process. On the one hand, first the MAP is granted and then the country goes through the reform process, and on the other hand all NATO Allies, 30 countries, assess and look at the reform implementation process, and its then its a decision by 30 countries.

When we speak about Ukraine, it was underlined in June, during the NATO summit in Brussels, how valuable the country is for the Euro-Atlantic security. The NATO Representation in Ukraine helps Ukraine a lot in implementing the whole reform package the country has committed to. Our advisers consult the Ukrainian authorities on a daily basis, so its a joint effort both in terms of Ukraines aspirations and NATOs support that we provide for Ukraine.

Q: So, NATOs political will is out there, you say, and we need to do more?

A: Its both sides. Its Ukraines reform process and then Allies decide, on a consensus basis, whether Ukraine is ready to join.

ENVIRONMENT, GOVERNANCE, ECONOMY: ASPECTS COMPRISING COUNTRYS IMAGE

Q: What steps do you see as a communications expert that Ukraine needs to take to improve its image in the eyes of the international community, NATO Allies, and partners as a country whose Euro-Atlantic aspirations are irreversible?

A: We just spoke about reforms. The countrys image is usually perceived from various aspects. The three main aspects are as follows: environment, governance, and economy. When we speak about a countrys environment, we imply peoples hospitality, nature, food, and all the cultural aspects. When we speak about governance, its about how reliable the country is when it comes to its contribution to the international community. We also count in how efficient is the judiciary reform, how fair is the court system, and its all about reforms. So, the image is definitely based on the political structure, on how economy operates, how freedom of speech is ensured  all these aspects are very important when it comes to a countrys image.

In Ukraines case, like in any other countrys case, it is about showing with practical examples that rule of law is ensured, that (in Ukraines case) anti-corruption institutions operate effectively, that reforms Ukraine has committed to are being implemented. These things raise the countrys image. Another thing is about economy  whether the countrys workforce is educated and skilled, and how, say, a foreign company can operate, whether the conditions are favorable. I think very important is to show such examples and the steps forward.

Ukraine has a Public Diplomacy Strategy, which is about building narratives. But these narratives should be built on deeds and practical steps.

ANP: UKRAINE HAS MADE BIG STEPS, MAKING IT MORE RESULT-ORIENTED

Q: How do you think Ukraine could enhance its work on developing and then implementing its Annual National Programs under the auspices of the Ukraine-NATO Commission?

A: When we look at Ukraines Annual National Program, Id like to commend Ukraine on big progress, big steps, indeed, done over the last years. The ANP has become more substantial, more result-oriented, and more measurable. For example, just two weeks ago, the NATO ANP Assessment Team visited the country and we had several meetings with members of the Verkhovna Rada and civil society representatives. We received Ukraines feedback, self-assessment on the ANP implementation. I think it is an important instrument at Ukraines disposal to see and to measure how the whole reform process is being conducted. Its not only about the security and defense sector, it is also about economy, political aspects, the judiciary, the security sector, and so on.

We have noted progress and weve been helping and supporting Ukraine with implementing the ANP for 12 years already, and it goes ahead quite well. Theres very good progress.

Q: Do you think self-assessment was fair this year?

A: Yes, sure. Its done by several actors, including the government, and we had some really frank discussions. We also got feedback from civil society organizations. During these discussions, we were really able to see where Ukraine shows progress, which things should be brought forward, and what is yet to be done.

RUSSIAN PROPAGANDA: EVERYONES EXPOSED

Q: Now, lets talk about Russian propaganda. A huge topic Russian propaganda masterminds are becoming increasingly aggressive, including in achieving their goal of preventing our country from joining the Alliance. How significant overall do you think the influence is of the Russia factor on Ukraines path toward NATO?

A: If we speak about disinformation, malign information attacks, and propaganda, its a phenomenon all countries are exposed to. That is why one of the things each society should follow is that the whole society must be aware of the fact that every day each of us is exposed to disinformation, misinformation, and fake news. It is very important that each segment of society plays its role  be it academia, civil society, government, media, everyone. It is also important that we all use critical approach to the news we receive and that we use reliable information sources and check our information channels.

It is not only Ukraine's case. The Alliance has also been exposed to disinformation attacks since NATOs very creation. In Ukraine's case, I can name at least up to 10 respectable fact-checking institutions and organizations. Ukraines experience is something that you can share with Allies and other partners because you are exposed to this on everyday basis. It's very important to remain critical. And that is why within the NATO-Ukraine Countering Hybrid Warfare Platform we help with media literacy courses for civil servants and media representatives. Its one of the platforms on which we work closely with Ukraine.

Also, in NATO's case, it is important to share information we receive, so we work closely with the European Union, the G7, and the United Nations because everyone is exposed. It's a common threat and we need to unite our efforts.

Q: Well, in the follow-up to this question, what do you think is key to further strengthening Ukrainians resilience to those disinformation, manipulation campaigns by Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing pandemic, those anti-vaccinations rallies in Kyiv and Chisinau where we saw common features?.. Perhaps theres some advice you could give us in this regard?

A: Yes, the Covid pandemic has brought to the spotlight the phenomenon of disinformation and malign information attacks because each country sees the flow of unverified, fake reports jump up amid the pandemic.

In NATO, we dont respond to disinformation with disinformation. We use facts, we use information, which is reliable and fact-based, and we put on the table arguments and facts. This is also the advice I could give to Ukraine today.

It's critical that we offer information that is fact-based. And it's also important that we monitor information environment and, engage, based on that.

NATO communications are also based on the assessment of the information environment. And those insights we also embed in our communications efforts.

NATOS RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA ARE AT THEIR LOWEST SINCE THE END OF THE COLD WAR

Q: Let's recall that, after NATO expelled eight Russian officials from its Brussels headquarters, saying they are believed to have been in fact Russian intelligence officers under cover, Russia went for an asymmetrical response, suspending the work of its representation and ordering the closure of NATOs office in Moscow. Does NATO see the demarche as part of a growing threat to the global security situation and that in the European region in particular? What help can we count on from Allies and partners if Russian aggression against Ukraine intensifies? Thats especially relevant amid recent reports of a buildup of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine and the ongoing migration crisis on the border between Belarus and Poland

A: Relationship between the Alliance and Russia at the moment is at the lowest point since the end of the Cold War. We are also aware of the fact that Russia suspended its mission to NATO, that Russia suspended the NATO Military Liaison Office in Moscow, and closed the NATO Information Office in Moscow. Nevertheless, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has repeated during his meetings with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that dialogue must be maintained, especially in times of high tensions. Also, NATO several times invited Russia to hold meetings within the NATO-Russia Council.

Its very important that NATO keeps this dual-track approach. Its deterrence on one side and open doors for dialogue on the other side because dialogue must be maintained. Russia is our neighbor and constructive dialogue is always one of the ways of how we can solve disputes and decide on the way to go ahead.

On the other hand, when we witnessed the buildup of Russia's troops in and around Ukraine, a couple of months ago, NATO Allies were explicit, having immediately reacted and responded. This June during a NATO summit in Brussels it was clearly stated that NATO stands by Ukraine and that we have stepped up our both political and practical support. And we also have stepped up our port visits and joint exercises.

So, NATO stands by Ukraine and we support Ukraines territorial integrity. NATO Allies will never recognize the illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea.

Ievgen Matiushenko, Kyiv
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed support for Ukraine in the field of security and invited Minister Kuleba to participate in the NATO foreign ministerial meeting in Riga in December.

NATOs support to Ukraine is not a threat to Russia. NATO and Allied exercises in the Black Sea region are defensive and transparent. Minister Kuleba, we will remain in close touch on this situation [build-up of Russian troops on Ukraines borders]. And I look forward to welcoming you to Riga to participate in the NATO foreign ministerial meeting there next month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference in Brussels today, following the talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

In turn, Kuleba thanked for the invitation and expressed confidence in the continuation of Ukraine's fruitful partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance.

As reported, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba makes a working visit to Brussels. One of the main topics in the negotiations with the EU and NATO partners is the security situation around Ukraine after Russia's latest steps to ramp up its military presence on Ukraine's borders and in its temporarily occupied territories in Crimea and Donbas.

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

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The Government of Ukraine is doing everything possible to bolster defenses on the northern flank, given the unfriendly attitude of the Belarusian leader towards the country.

"I would like the Belarusian leaders to be more friendly to Ukraine so that we can see the northern flank as a safe place but, unfortunately, this is not the case," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at a joint press briefing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He noted that, from a military point of view, the wider range of threats arises, the more dangerous the situation is.

"But I want to assure you that the Ukrainian Government is doing everything possible, taking all measures, cooperating with the closest partners to bolster our defenses on the northern flank, to make sure that our country is protected from all sides," he said.

As reported, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba makes a working visit to Brussels.

The migrant crisis on the border between Belarus and the EU has been ongoing since the end of June. Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia accuse Belarus of deliberate migrant pressure on their countries and the EU as a whole, calling this a "hybrid attack."

The situation worsened on November 8, when a large group of migrants tried to force through the border with Poland.

The EU will impose the fifth package of sanctions on Belarus over the situation on the border.

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The number of new COVID-19 cases in Ukraine decreased by 6% and the number of hospitalizations dropped by 13% over the past week.

Health Minister Viktor Liashko said this at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

According to the health minister, some European countries also record a gradual decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases and stabilization of the situation, including Estonia, Romania, Latvia and Sweden.

"In Ukraine, there has been a 6% decrease in the number of coronavirus cases last week compared to the previous one. Over the past week, the number of hospitalizations to Covid hospitals has also decreased by 13%. For the first time in the last three months, the average daily number of discharges from Covid hospitals has exceeded the number of hospitalizations. On average, 7% fewer patients are hospitalized than discharged, Liashko said.

At the same time, according to him, the number of active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations is still quite high. Therefore, the issue of vaccination remains relevant.

According to data provided by the Health Ministry, 600,000 people have been vaccinated last week. A total of 39.4% of Ukrainians have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 28% of Ukrainians have received two doses. The leaders in the number of those vaccinated with at least one dose is Kyiv city (61%), Kyiv region (almost 50%) and Poltava region (46%).

As Ukrinform reported, 3,228,441 people in Ukraine have contracted coronavirus, 2,642,459 have recovered, and 77,147 have died since the pandemic began.

On November 14, Ukraine recorded 10,802 new COVID-19 cases.

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| By Vanessa McMains

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM)s Institute of Human Virology (IHV), a Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence, have received $6.5 million from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to streamline big data collection in Nigeria and South Africa in addressing public health needs of the COVID-19 and HIV pandemics.

The U54 grant, named INFORM Africa, was awarded in September 2021. As one of seven research hubs in Africa, INFORM Africa will serve as an NIH Data Science and Innovation Research Hub (DS-I Africa) to support data science and innovation training programs in Africa, promote research on the ethical, legal, and social implications central to health research and innovation in Africa, and establish an open data science platform and coordinating center. The funds also establish a Data Management and Analysis Core to collect and evaluate both existing and new data assembled for the Research Hub. Researchers of the INFORM Africa grant will work with public and private sectors led by Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), in collecting information to better understand the many variables impacting the COVID-19 pandemic.

By utilizing large datasets on HIV and SARS-CoV-2 from two of Africas largest and most affected countries, INFORM Africa will be able to provide new and unique insights on the relationships about both viruses mobility, as well as their impact on each other, so that governments across Africa can better respond to these current epidemics and future threats, said grant co-awardee Alashle Abimiku, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence, IHVN. We look forward to addressing the longstanding challenge in Africa in lacking the capacity to secure, curate, and analyze high-quality, large datasets.

INFORM Africa will focus on three research projects. One project will study the impact of how SARS-CoV-2 spreads by studying human movements. The second project will focus on where the virus is distributed and how it may mutate to form new strains that may change its behavior. The last project will look at the interplay between factors such as location, spread, and population demographics, as to how it effects the twin pandemics (SARS-CoV-2 and HIV).

Faced with a new highly infectious agent, and poor health infrastructure, IHV and UMSOM have engaged colleagues from the Maryland Transportation Institute and University of Marylands Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory at College Park, led by Dr. Xiong, to facilitate the proposed data-driven research, said the grants other co-awardee Man Charurat, PhD, MHS, Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Research and Global Director of Ciheb, at University of Maryland School of Medicines Institute of Human Virology. This partnership will ensure optimal management of data streams and development of appropriate tools and workflows for innovative data analytics that will transform biomedical and behavioral research and improved health across Africa.

Dr. Abimiku and Dr. Charurat will work alongside Kristen Stafford, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health and Deputy Director of Ciheb, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Mohammad Sajadi, MD, Professor of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Patrick Dakum, MBBS, MPH, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Meagan Fitzpatrick, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine and member of at University of Maryland School of Medicines Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health; investigators from the Maryland Transportation Institute; CAPRISA and Stellenbosch University in South Africa; and Akros in Zambia.

As a result of this teams extensive experience setting up the HIV-care infrastructure in several Sub-Saharan African countries, they are poised to take the next step forward in developing a more integrated infectious diseases monitoring network, said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs at University of Maryland Baltimore, and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Rather than responding reactively, the team will be able to see patterns as they emerge, which will enable public health officials to intervene earlier and keep citizens safer.

Robert C. Gallo, MD, the Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine, Co-Founder and Director, Institute of Human Virology (IHV), University of Maryland School of Medicine, and GVN Co-Founder and International Scientific Director, said: Drs. Abimiku and Charurat have been integral in the Institutes seventeen years of work in countries funded through the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and more specifically and significantly, in Nigeria. I am pleased to see this team build upon their vast experience and grow their international portfolio with NIH to implement INFORM Africa and identify current public health needs and prepare for future outbreaks.

The NIH Common Fund encourages collaboration for high impact innovative research, such as the African-led Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa). NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD, established the DS-I Africa initiative through the Common Fund to support the vision of harnessing data science in Africa for rapid advances to improve health.

About the Institute of Human Virology

Formed in 1996 as a partnership between the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the University System of Maryland, and the University of Maryland Medical System, the IHV is an institute of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is home to some of the most globally-recognized and world-renowned experts in all of virology. The IHV combines the disciplines of basic research, epidemiology, and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders - most notably, HIV the virus that causes AIDS. For more information, visit www.ihv.org and follow us on Twitter @IHVmaryland.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.2 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has nearly $600 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The combined School of Medicine and Medical System (University of Maryland Medicine) has an annual budget of over $6 billion and an economic impact of nearly $20 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2021, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #9 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 15 percent (#27) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu
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DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Nov, 2021) Expo 2020 Dubai has announced its latest visitor numbers, with an incredible 3,578,653 individual visits achieved by Novembers half-way point, only six weeks into Expos six-month run.

Virtual visitation also rose to 15.7 million since 1st October.

The announcement comes after a packed weekend at the site, with stellar music, sport and cultural performances taking place.

And more is on the way. Expos fourth Theme Week, with debates and panel discussions centred around Tolerance and Inclusivity, got under way on Sunday, and will feature talent and performances from a range of cultures and backgrounds.

The highlight is Expos all-female Firdaus Orchestra, which will perform music from world cinema and tv on International Day for Tolerance on 16th November, and take to the stage again on World Childrens Day on 20th November in a show that will encourage children to explore, thrive and connect with musical pieces they know and love, such as classics from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.

Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31st March 2022, inviting the world to join a celebration of unity, opportunity, creativity and sustainability that will help to shape a better, brighter future for everyone.
Buenos Aires, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :Argentine President Alberto Fernandez's coalition lost its majority in the Senate following mid-term parliamentary elections on Sunday, a government source said, leaving the center-left leader with a congressional minority.

"If the numbers are confirmed, effectively we've lost the quorum in the Senate," the official source told AFP.

Having already held a minority in the lower house Chamber of Deputies, Fernandez's Frente de Todos (Everyone's Front) party looked set to drop from 41 to 35 seats in the 72-member Senate, based on projections with more than 90 percent of votes counted.
(@FahadShabbir)

Tanjung Rambutan, Malaysia, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :The sister of a Malaysian man facing imminent execution despite concerns he is mentally disabled has pleaded with Singapore to give him a "second chance".

Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, sentenced to death in 2010 for trafficking a small amount of heroin into Singapore, was originally set to be hanged last week after losing a series of appeals.

The execution in the city-state, which has some of the world's toughest drugs laws, was postponed after the 33-year-old contracted the coronavirus, but campaigners fear the delay will be short.

His family are not giving up, however, with his sister Sarmila Dharmalingam urging the city-state to "give him a second chance".

"We hope the Singapore government will spare his life," the 35-year-old told AFP in an interview Sunday from the family home in Tanjung Rambutan, in the northern Malaysian state of Perak.

"He is suffering from an intellectual disability." Nagaenthran's case has sparked a storm of criticism, with the European Union and United Nations rights experts speaking out against it, and a clemency petition getting around 85,000 signatures.

A last-ditch court challenge is being mounted and while chances of success look slim, Sarmila and her family are holding out hope.

"All our family members are holding prayers for his life to be spared," said the housewife, who is ethnic Indian and a member of the Hindu minority in mostly Muslim Malaysia.

"I believe in miracles... With God's grace, a miracle will happen."
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday hailed a global accord to speed up action against climate change as "truly historic" and "the beginning of the end for coal power".

But he said his "delight at this progress" at the UN COP26 summit in Glasgow was "tinged with disappointment" because of a failure to secure the agreement of all countries to phase out hydrocarbons.

Nearly 200 nations on Saturday signed a global deal to try to halt runaway global warming after two weeks of painful negotiations but fell short of what scientists say is needed to contain dangerous rises.

"Those for whom climate change is already a matter of life and death, who can only stand by as their islands are submerged, their farmland turned to desert, their homes battered by storms, they demanded a high level of ambition from this summit," said Johnson.

"While many of us were willing to go there, that wasn't true of everybody," he added, without naming India and China.

"Sadly that's the nature of diplomacy.

"We can lobby, we can cajole, we can encourage, but we cannot force sovereign nations to do what they do not wish to do.

"It's ultimately their decision to make and they must stand by it." An upbeat Johnson elsewhere told a news conference the agreement had managed to "turn the dial down" to warming of "around two degrees" Celsius -- still failing to meet a 2015 Paris Agreement pledge to limit warming to 1.5-2.0C.

"But for all our disagreement, the world is undeniably heading in the right direction," he said, insisting the goal of 1.5C was "still alive".

Work was now needed to hold countries to account on their pledges, he added.

"COP26 has shown that we can do this, we can end our reliance on coal and fossil fuels. We can put the brakes on runaway climate change, and we can preserve our unique planet for generations to come," he said.
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian about "concerning" Russian military activity taking place "in and near Ukraine," a US official said late Sunday.

The two top diplomats spoke Saturday, addressing "reports of concerning Russian military activity in and near Ukraine and their continued ironclad commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," State Department spokesman Ned price said in a statement.

Western allies have voiced mounting alarm over recent Russian troop movements near the country's border with Ukraine, where a conflict has simmered with Kremlin-backed separatists that erupted after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014.
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :The family of US journalist Danny Fenster, who was released after being detained by Myanmar's junta since May, said on Monday they were 'overjoyed' at the news he was free.

"We are overjoyed that Danny has been released and is on his way home - we cannot wait to hold him in our arms.

We are tremendously grateful to all the people who have helped secure his release, especially Ambassador Richardson, as well as our friends and the public who have expressed their support and stood by our sides as we endured these long and difficult months," the family said in a statement.
President Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) Major General (r) Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani on Monday said the number of diabetes cases in Pakistan was gradually increasing where the recent International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Report revealed that 33 million people in Pakistan were suffering from diabetes

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :President Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) Major General (r) Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani on Monday said the number of diabetes cases in Pakistan was gradually increasing where the recent International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Report revealed that 33 million people in Pakistan were suffering from diabetes.

He was addressing the participants of the special walk organized by PANAH and Heart International Hospital on the occasion of "World Diabetes Day".

Speaking on the occasion, Major General (r) Kayani said Pakistan currently ranked third in the world in the number of diabetic patients.

"It is noteworthy that more than 26.9% of the people living in Pakistan who are suffering from diabetes are not diagnosed," he added.

On the occasion, Major General (r) Ashraf Khan said that according to the statistics of the International Diabetes Federation, if the situation continued, the chances of 400,000 deaths due to diabetes in Pakistan would increase this year.

He said that the PANAH has been providing awareness to the people for the last 37 years about health related issues and their solutions.

Chairman Kidney Association General (r) Dr Zaheer said that one of the major causes of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity was excessive consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages ,which should be prevented.

PANAH General Secretary and Director Operations SanaUllah Ghumman said that IDF figures show that an additional 11 million people in Pakistan suffer from poor glucose tolerance.

With their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the rapidly rising level of diabetes in Pakistan, like the rest of the world, has become a major health challenge, he added.

"There are currently 537 million people worldwide with diabetes. In Pakistan we have to impose emergency against diabetes. One of the major causes of diabetes is excessive consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverges, the government will have to take serious steps to prevent them," he underscored.

The participants of walk said that the government should formulate a comprehensive strategy to control diabetes. One of the major causes of diabetes was the consumption of sugary drinks where taxation would be an effective way to reduce its consumption.

Led by President (PANAH) Major General (R) Masud Rehman Kayani and Major General (R) Ashraf Khan, besides Chairman Kidney Association General (R) Dr Zaheer ,General Secretary and Director Operations Sana Ullah Gumhman, Dr. Wajid, along with a large number of doctors, paramedical staff and civil society were present on the occasion.

The walk was held on the highway from Peshawar road Saddar Rawalpindi to Heart International Hospital. Participants of the walk carried banners and placards bearing information on the risks and remedies for other deadly diseases including diabetes.
Space debris is threatening the International Space Station, and crew has been ordered to hide in a spacecraft, Russian state space corporation Roscosmos told Sputnik on Monday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) Space debris is threatening the International Space Station, and crew has been ordered to hide in a spacecraft, Russian state space corporation Roscosmos told Sputnik on Monday.

"According to the information of the flight control center in Houston, in the near future, the station will enter the corridor of a possible rapprochement with a space debris object.

According to onboard instructions, in the event of a rapprochement of the ISS with a potentially dangerous object, the crew must be in the spacecraft," Roscosmos said.

Earlier in the day, the Moscow Region flight control center told Russian cosmonauts to move to the Soyuz spacecraft.

"According to the updated data, our next rapprochement time is at 7.06 GMT. Therefore, we suggest that you go to Soyuz at 7.00, we will wait for your report when you are in Soyuz," the center said, according to a NASA broadcast.
(@FahadShabbir)

Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes reaffirmed on Monday to her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, Brussels's support for Kiev in the wake of what she described as "recent Russian military activity."

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes reaffirmed on Monday to her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, Brussels's support for Kiev in the wake of what she described as "recent Russian military activity."

The top diplomats held discussions on the sidelines of the Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Brussels.

"Pre-FAC (Foreign Affairs Council) meeting with EU27 and Ukrainian MFA @DmytroKuleba. Belgium reaffirmed its support for the territorial sovereignty & integrity of Ukraine, especially in light of the recent Russian military activity. Also discussed the migration crisis at the EU-border," Wilmes tweeted.

Earlier this month, the United States and the European Union expressed concerns over a Russian military buildup along the border with Ukraine allegedly ongoing since last month. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the claims, insisting that reports about Moscow's amassing of forces near the border, as well as its intention to invade Ukraine, were "alarmist."

The conflict in Ukraine's eastern breakaway region of Donbas erupted in 2014 when the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence after what they saw as a coup in Kiev. In response, the new Ukrainian leadership launched an offensive against the region.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The first regiment of Russia's anti-aircraft missile system air defense (PRO) S-400 will be delivered to India by the end of 2021, the director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, said on Monday

DUBAI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) The first regiment of Russia's anti-aircraft missile system air defense (PRO) S-400 will be delivered to India by the end of 2021, the director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, said on Monday.

"All the property of the first regimental set of S-400s will be delivered to India at the end of 2021," Mikheev told reporters, adding that the deliveries started ahead of the schedule.

Indian experts already completed training in Russia and returned home, the Rosoboronexport head added.

"Immediately after the New Year, our specialists will arrive in India to hand over the equipment at its locations," Mikheev added.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) Four soldiers were killed and over a dozen were wounded in a terrorist attack in south-western Mali, the country's military says.

A group of armed terrorists attacked a security post in the Koulikoro Region on Sunday afternoon, a statement from the Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) says.

According to preliminary data, four FAMA members were killed and 14 others were injured. Six of the attackers were killed.

FAMA specified that three of the injured soldiers were evacuated from the area on a helicopter.
The Iraqi government said it was organising a repatriation flight this Thursday for its citizens stuck on the Poland-Belarus border on a "voluntary" basis

Baghdad, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :The Iraqi government said it was organising a repatriation flight this Thursday for its citizens stuck on the Poland-Belarus border on a "voluntary" basis.

"Iraq will carry out a first flight for those who wish to return voluntarily on the 18th" from Belarus, Iraqi foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf told Iraqi television overnight Sunday to Monday.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

United States Climate Envoy John Kerry said on Monday that the COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow had opened a new phase of "accountability" in the world's battle against climate change

Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :United States Climate Envoy John Kerry said on Monday that the COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow had opened a new phase of "accountability" in the world's battle against climate change.

Nearly 200 nations on Saturday signed a deal to try to halt runaway global warming after two weeks of painful negotiations but fell short of what scientists say is needed to contain dangerous rises.

Speaking at an environmental conference in Paris, Kerry said he was "a little bit shocked" at negative media reports about the Glasgow meeting's outcome, calling them "cataclysmic" and showing a lack of understanding of the COP process.

"Nobody expected that in Glasgow the issue was going to be gone. Nobody thought Glasgow was going to wipe it away," he said.

But the conference had opened a "new era of accountability" that would now be carried over into the next COP meeting in Egypt next year, he said.
The leaders of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia called for bringing the authorities of Belarus to responsibility against the background of the migration crisis

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) The leaders of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia called for bringing the authorities of Belarus to responsibility against the background of the migration crisis.

"(We) are concerned for the human rights and safety of the migrants currently in Belarus, who are being forced to breach the European Union border, and urge to hold the Lukashenko regime accountable for human trafficking," the joint statement says.

The three presidents called for concrete actions by the UN structures responsible for human rights, refugees and migrants.

"The ongoing serious situation was addressed and assessed by the UN Security Council, and we call for concrete actions by UNHRC, UNHCR and IOM," they said.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia fully support Poland's actions to protect the borders and condemn the Belarusian government's actions, the three countries said.

The presidents of the three countries also expressed support for European countries, institutions and institutions in connection with the current crisis and called on the leaders of the EU and NATO countries to step up diplomatic efforts in the countries of origin of illegal migration.
More than 45,000 boys and girls were released from detention during the coronavirus pandemic, proving that child-friendly justice solutions "are more than possible", according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :More than 45,000 boys and girls were released from detention during the coronavirus pandemic, proving that child-friendly justice solutions "are more than possible", according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

'Detention of children in the time of COVID' report reveals that authorities in at least 84 countries have safely returned scores of detained youngsters to their families since April 2020, which is when UNICEF sounded the alarm over how confinement increases children's risk of contracting the disease.

The report is one of two studies released ahead of the World Congress on Justice with Children, taking place online this week.

Henrietta Fore, the UNICEF Executive Director, commended those countries that heeded the agency's call.

"We have long known that justice systems are ill-equipped to handle the specific needs of children a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

"By protecting children from conditions that could have exposed them to grave illness, these countries were able to overcome public resistance and spur innovative, age-appropriate justice solutions. This has proved something we already knew child friendly justice solutions are more than possible." Across the world, children have been detained, including in pre- and post-trial custody, or in immigration detention.

They have also been held in relation to armed conflict or national security, or they live with parents who are in confinement.

Detention facilities are often overcrowded, and children there lack adequate access to nutrition, healthcare and hygiene services, it was pointed out.

They are also vulnerable to neglect, physical and psychological abuse, as well as gender-based violence, UNICEF said. Furthermore, many are denied access to lawyers and family care.

UNICEF said the pandemic has profoundly affected justice for children. COVID-19 forced courts to shut down, and restricted access to essential social and justice services.

Evidence shows that many children, including children living on the streets, were detained for violating pandemic curfew orders and movement restrictions.

Approximately 261,000 children globally are held in detention, according to the second UNICEF report.

Estimating the number of children deprived of their liberty in the administration of justice is the first such analysis in more than a decade, and warns that incomplete record-keeping and undeveloped administrative data systems in many countries mean the number is likely to be much higher.

UNICEF called for governments and civil society to reimagine justice to safely end the detention of all children.

"Any child detained is evidence of failed systems, but that failure is then compounded further. Justice systems meant to protect and support children often add to their suffering," Ms. Fore said.

"As policymakers, legal practitioners, academics, civil society, and children and young people convene at the World Congress this week, we must work together to end the detention of children." Recommendations include investing in legal rights awareness for children in the justice and welfare systems, expanding free legal aid and representation, and prioritizing prevention and early intervention.

To end child detention, governments are encouraged to implement legal reforms to raise the age of criminal responsibility, and to ensure justice for boys and girls who have survived sexual violence, abuse or exploitation.

Action should also include investing in child and gender-sensitive justice processes, and establishing specialized child-friendly courts, as well as virtual and mobile courts.
Cuban police deployed in large numbers on the streets of Havana Monday ahead of a rally the opposition has vowed to hold despite it being banned by the one-party state

Havana, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :Cuban police deployed in large numbers on the streets of Havana Monday ahead of a rally the opposition has vowed to hold despite it being banned by the one-party state.

Along the city's seaside esplanade, armed police in uniform gathered on nearly every corner, while others in civilian dress patrolled the city's squares and parks.

Cuba's opposition has said the "15N" (November 15) gathering would go ahead in the face of the official ban, and the risk of criminal prosecution with hundreds still in jail after earlier protests that were put down by the armed forces.

The government claims protest organizers are seeking regime change with the backing of the United States, which maintains sanctions against the communist island.

Calls to join the demonstration in Havana and six provinces were disseminated on social media as organizers seek to highlight the detention of hundreds of people jailed after demonstrations in July in a country where displays of public discontent are rare, and risky.

The spontaneous July rallies, fueled by growing anger at economic hardship and growing demands for "freedom," left one person dead, dozens of injured and 1,270 arrested as the authorities clamped down.

More than 650 are still in jail, according to rights group Cubalex.

Under the banner of a group named Archipelago, protesters have been called to take to the streets at 3:00 pm local time (2000 GMT) Monday, dressed in white, to press home demands for improved human rights and democracy.

The group, founded by Yunior Garcia, claims to have some 30,000 members inside and outside Cuba.

Garcia saw his plans to protest in Havana solo on Sunday blocked by the authorities, and was on Monday still being prevented from leaving his house by state security agents, an AFP journalist witnessed.

Several other opposition figures and independent journalists have claimed they were being restricted to their homes.

- 'Defend the revolution' - The showdown came as children returned to school Monday after months of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak, and coincided with the arrival of the first tourists -- a mainstay of Cuba's economy -- after the reopening of borders.

"This is how Cuba dawns on November 15, with more than 700,000 pioneers in the classrooms; receiving friends, family and tourists; relaunching productive activity; decreasing COVID cases," President Miguel Diaz-Canel tweeted on Monday, without mentioning the protest.

On Friday, Diaz-Canel had warned that his supporters were "ready to defend the revolution" in the face of "an imperial strategy (of the United States) to try to destroy the revolution." Cuban officials, who deny holding political prisoners, consider the opposition to be illegitimate and allege it is financed by Washington.

On Sunday, the United States urged Cuban authorities to lift the protest ban.

"We call on the Cuban government to respect Cubans' rights, by allowing them to peacefully assemble and use their voices without fear of government reprisal or violence, and by keeping internet and telecommunication lines open for the free exchange of information," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

France added its voice to the protest, urging Cuba to "respect the right of its citizens to protest" and expressing concern at the unfolding situation.

In an open letter published Sunday, dozens of Cuban and foreign NGOs denounced "the wave of repression that has intensified against the organizers of the protest and citizens who identify with the movement." According to independent Cuban media, prosecutors have been requesting sentences of up to 30 years for some of the protestors arrested in July.

Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis since 1993, aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic and sanctions tightened under former US president Donald Trump.

Incumbent Joe Biden had promised during his election campaign to reverse certain of his predecessor's punitive actions against Cuba, in return for human rights reforms.

But after the government clampdown on protests, the United States announced further sanctions for alleged rights abuses.

Cuban authorities have been accused by rights watchdogs of regular abuses, including arbitrary detention of dissidents, unfair trials and infringements of freedom of speech and assembly.
Turkey favors reviving the trilateral format of meetings on Syria with Iran and Russia at the level of foreign ministers and presidents, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday

ANKARA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) Turkey favors reviving the trilateral format of meetings on Syria with Iran and Russia at the level of foreign ministers and presidents, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday.

"We need to work together on Syria, Iraq, on stability in the region. In the coming period, we want to hold meetings at the level of foreign ministers and leaders of countries within the Astana format framework. We want the problems in Syria to be resolved politically, by creating a government that would meet the aspirations of all levels of society," Cavusoglu said at a televised press conference during his visit to Tehran.

The war in Syria has been going on since 2011, with President Bashar Assad's forces fighting various armed insurgent groups.

The Russia-Iran-Turkey mediation group was launched in 2017 in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana. In January 2018, the Russian city of Sochi hosted a congress of the Syrian national dialogue, the first such attempt since the beginning of the conflict to gather an inclusive pool of Syrian political forces. The main result of the Congress was the decision to create a Constitutional Committee, which operates in Geneva and whose main task is to prepare constitutional reform in Syria.
LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2021) Three people have been arrested during the investigation into the car explosion in Liverpool, the UK police said on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the Merseyside police said that a car exploded near the Women's Hospital in Liverpool, leaving one man dead and another one injured.

An investigation is underway, with counter-terrorism detectives being involved.

"Officers in Merseyside have arrested three men - aged 29, 26 & 21 - in the #Kensington area of #Liverpool under the Terrorism Act," the Greater Manchester police tweeted.

The investigation is said to be continuing apace with the counter-terrorism police working closely with their Merseyside colleagues.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

A US journalist detained by Myanmar's junta since May has been released and will be deported soon, a Myanmar government source told AFP on Monday

Yangon, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Nov, 2021 ) :A US journalist detained by Myanmar's junta since May has been released and will be deported soon, a Myanmar government source told AFP on Monday.

Danny Fenster "is being taken" to the capital Naypyidaw from Yangon where he was jailed and will be deported, the source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Tampa Bay is one of the nations fastest growing regions and much of that success is associated with the talent pipeline created by the University of South Florida.

Over the past five years, the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council reports it has recruited nearly 60 new companies that have either relocated or expanded operations to Tampa and Hillsborough County for the first time  creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating more than $876 million in capital investment. Among those newly recruited companies are fast-growing tech companies such as Drift, WebstaurantStore, OPSWAT and Fast.

Technology has long been a target industry of the Tampa Bay EDC, but over the past few years weve seen a steady increase in interest from tech CEOs, particularly in the sectors of cybersecurity, fintech and health tech, who are discovering that Tampa is an ideal place to grow their companies, said Craig Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. Access to a highly skilled pool of talent, fueled by USFs strong pipeline of diverse technical talent, is the leading factor attracting tech CEOs and companies to our area.

Boston-based cybersecurity analytics firm Rapid7 announced itll open a new office in Tampa, bringing with it 100 jobs. Chairman and CEO Corey Thomas credits USFs cybersecurity programs and its relationship with MacDill Air Force Base, as many Rapid7 employees are veterans. The company will initially move into Industrious at Sparkman Wharf followed by a permanent location next year.

The university ecosystem, both locally in Tampa and in the broader region, was hugely attractive to us as we began the search for our next office location, Thomas said. At Rapid7, were committed to investing in our people early in their careers to help them achieve success in tech. Weve been deeply impressed by the leadership at USF, and its robust pool of talented young professionals is a tremendous asset to the community. We look forward to partnering with the university to continue building momentum for Tampa as the next big technology hub.

TheIncLab, which relocated to Ybor City from Washington, D.C., last year, is expanding its footprint in the region with 40 new hires on the horizon. The artificial intelligence and data visualization company is expected to work closely with the USF Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI + X), an interdisciplinary research and education center focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and areas such as health care, finance, manufacturing and cybersecurity. The institute is also conducting research with a number of other AI corporations.

USF plays a critical role in Tampas emergence as a magnet for entrepreneurs and innovative business startups and expansions, said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. The USF talent pipeline and cutting-edge expertise in bio/life sciences, technology, cyber security and so much more are central parts of Tampa Bays appeal to business leaders across the globe.

The USF Muma College of Business just forged a multi-year partnership with Tampa Bay Wave to launch the FinTech|X Accelerator. The program is designed to assist startups in the financial technology industry, which includes areas such as online banking systems, crypto exchanges and crowdfunding platforms.

This program embodies St. Petersburgs Grow Smarter strategy by focusing on the intersection of financial services and technology, said J.P. DuBuque, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corp. Were seeing that nearly all financial service companies in our market are either significantly leveraging technology or are truly fintech companies. FinTech|X will allow us to showcase our thought leadership in the space and attract innovative entrepreneurs and growing companies to our region.
One of Americas Most Wanted Fugitives Identified After 52 Years Mystery solved of Ted Conrad, who pulled off one of the biggest bank robberies in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, OH  On Friday July 11, 1969, Theodore John Conrad walked into his job at the Society National Bank at 127 Public Square in Cleveland as an ordinary bank teller. He walked out at the end of the day with $215,000 (equivalent to over $1.7 million in 2021) in a paper bag and vanished. Conrad, age twenty, pulled off one of the biggest bank robberies in Cleveland, Ohio history. It was not until the following Monday morning when Conrad failed to report to work, that the bank checked their vault only to find the missing money along with their missing employee. From there Conrad, and the money he stole, had a two-day head start on law enforcement. A year before the Cleveland bank robbery, Conrad became obsessed with the 1968 Steve McQueen film The Thomas Crown Affair. The movie was based on the bank robbery for sport by a millionaire businessman, and Conrad saw it more than a half dozen times. From there he bragged to his friends about how easy it would be to take money from the bank and even told them he planned to do so. The fugitive investigation into Theodore Ted Conrad has perplexed many investigators over the past 50 years. Conrad has been featured on Americas Most Wanted and Unsolved Mysteries. Investigators chased leads across the country, including Washington D.C., Inglewood, California, western Texas, Oregon, and Honolulu, Hawaii. The case remained cold until this past week when United States Marshals from Cleveland, Ohio travelled to Boston, Massachusetts and positively identified Thomas Randele of Lynnfield, Massachusetts as the fictitious name of Theodore J. Conrad. He had been living an unassuming life in the Boston suburb since 1970. Ironically, he moved to Boston near the location where the original Thomas Crown Affair movie was filmed. United States Marshals investigators from Cleveland were able match documents that Conrad completed in the 1960s with documents Randele completed, including documents from when Randele filed for Bankruptcy in Boston Federal Court in 2014. Additional investigative information led Marshals to positively identifying Thomas Randele as Theodore J. Conrad. Thomas Randele died of lung cancer in May of 2021 in Lynnfield, Massachusetts using a date of birth as July 10, 1947. His real date of birth was July 10, 1949, and Conrad would have been 71 at the time of his death. Peter J. Elliott, United States Marshal for Northern Ohio, stated This is a case I know all too well. My father, John K. Elliott, was a dedicated career Deputy United States Marshal in Cleveland from 1969 until his retirement in 1990. My father took an interest in this case early because Conrad lived and worked near us in the late 1960s. My father never stopped searching for Conrad and always wanted closure up until his death in 2020. We were able to match some of the documents that my father uncovered from Conrads college days in the 1960s with documents from Randele that led to his identification. I hope my father is resting a little easier today knowing his investigation and his United States Marshals Service brought closure to this decades-long mystery. Everything in real life doesnt always end like in the movies. Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov. ####



Americas First Federal Law Enforcement Agency


In this episode of the Checkerboard Chat, Josh Lane, Ethan Stone, Riley Thomas and Andrew Peters talk Georgia, South Alabama and a potential bowl game, men's and women's basketball, Tennessee soccer and more!
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon's editorial staff.
UTEP and EPCC Sign Partnership to Promote Student Success

Last Updated on November 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM

Originally published November 15, 2021

By MC Staff

UTEP Marketing and Communications

University Allocates $500,000 for Transfer Scholarships; Agreement Smooths Pathways to Degrees

El Paso Community College President William Serrata, left, and UTEP President Heather Wilson, right, signed an agreement Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, to further eliminate barriers for students transferring between or simultaneously enrolled in UTEP and EPCC classes. They are joined by two UTEP students who transferred from EPCC: Elias Adair, a senior nursing student, and Laura Tovar, a junior industrial and systems engineering major. Photo: Laura Trejo / UTEP Marketing and Communications

EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 15, 2021)  Community college students in the Paso del Norte region will have an even more direct and convenient pathway to a bachelors degree, thanks to a renewed agreement between The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College.

UTEP President Heather Wilson and EPCC President William Serrata signed today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will further eliminate barriers for students transferring between or simultaneously enrolled in UTEP and EPCC classes. In the past decade, more than 70% of students who obtained an undergraduate degree from UTEP had earned transfer credit from EPCC.

Earning a bachelors degree opens opportunities that are life changing, Wilson said. The partnership between UTEP and EPCC has been a model for the country. This updated agreement further improves our ability to provide access to exceptional higher education.

The agreement creates the framework to build on previous work to improve the transfer, admissions and financial aid processes for students transferring from EPCC to UTEP.

Together, EPCC and UTEP are committed to ensuring that students participate in higher education and that they are able to have a seamless transfer and find fulfilling jobs as they enter the workforce, Serrata said. By working jointly, we ensure that individuals realize that college is within reach, that higher education is the pathway to economic mobility and that now is the best time to pursue a higher education in order to launch a successful career.

Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago, co-founders of Excelencia in Education, a national organization with the mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, also attended todays signing ceremony.

The partnership between UTEP and EPCC is a long-standing, and nationally recognized model for how community colleges and universities can effectively align and connect to promote Hispanic student success, said Brown, president of Excelencia in Education. Many Latino students who begin their pursuit of a college education at community colleges aspire to earn a bachelors degree and beyond. Its in all our interests, and certainly our responsibility as educators, to support students as they strive to achieve their highest aspirations.

The newly signed MOU will create processes to better align course offerings so that EPCC students can focus on classes that will be applicable toward a UTEP degree.

The new MOU also builds on past efforts to improve transfer pathways. Previously, UTEPs College of Liberal Arts facilitated curriculum changes that will improve the applicability of transfer credits from EPCC for a Bachelor of Arts. The University will now look to optimize course applicability for degrees in business, engineering, education and health sciences. UTEP has already created a team focused on helping develop these academic pathways. Additionally, the University has allocated $500,000 toward scholarships for students who transfer from EPCC and will look to increase that funding.

The transfer enhancements that we are making to academic pathways between UTEP and EPCC will ultimately reduce the cost and time for students to earn a bachelors degree, said Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., vice provost for student success and strategic initiatives at UTEP. This will greatly improve the higher education outcomes in our region.

About El Paso Community College

EPCC serves nearly 25,000 students and offers 145 degree and certificate programs. Since 1969, the college has remained focused on engaging students, growing community partnerships and fostering excellence. By creating a college-going culture and implementing innovative student success initiatives, EPCC is transforming the pathway to higher education and building a stronger workforce for our region.

About The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso is Americas leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 94% of our more than 24,000 students are minorities, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 169 bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top tier research university in America.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Victor H. Arreola

Assistant Director of Media Relations

915-747-6437

news@utep.edu



Victor R. Martinez

Media Relations Specialist

915-747-7503

news@utep.edu
Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily Times

Victoria Grindle, Lori Johnson and Shenea Lancaster  all of the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County  bring canines Rachel, Savannah and Kermit to a pre-adoption event held Saturday at Big Nick's on Baytree. The trio is part of the Hamilton Hounds prison dog program.
Croatian president Zoran Milanovic meets with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Monday.

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis on Monday morning received in audience at the Vatican Apostolic Palace the president of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic.

The Croatian president subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the parties expressed their appreciation for the good existing bilateral relations, and the intention to further develop collaboration.

They also discussed several international and regional issues, including the situation of the Croatian people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the course of the encounter, the Holy Father presented the Croatian president with the gift of a mosaic depicting the harvesting of grapes.
Burkinabe government authorities denounce an attack in the Soum province that killed 19 gendarmes and 1 civilian.

By Vatican News staff writer

Gunmen have killed at least 19 gendarmes and a civilian in an attack early Sunday in northern Burkina Faso, authorities have said.

The pre-dawn attack took place in Inata town, Soum province, near Burkina Fasos border with Mali, where the country has been battling armed groups for years.

In a broadcast on national television on Sunday, Burkina Faso Security Minister Maxime Kone said the attack targeted a detachment of the Inata gendarmerie. He noted that the forces kept their position during the fighting and 22 survivors had been found, while a search was underway for others.

Kone also added that the death toll was provisional, amid fears that the number may rise. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Insecurity in the Sahel

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the Sahels volatile tri-border region, which straddles the frontiers of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. For years, the vast arid area has been over-run by jihadi groups with links to al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State.

The conflict in the region has left thousands of people dead and forced millions to flee for their lives, despite the presence of thousands of United Nations, regional and western troops, supported by the efforts of governments seeking to restore peace to the area.

Sundays attack came two days after another assault in which unidentified assailants killed seven police officers and wounded five more in northern Burkina Faso. The officers were attacked while on a security mission near Alkoma, between the towns of Dori and Essakane in the far-north Sahel region.

In early November, another attack by suspected jihadists on Adab-Dab - a village in Niger close to the border between Burkina Faso and Mali - left at least 69 people killed and many others injured.

The presence of the extremist jihadist fighters in the area feeds on long-standing tensions in the local ethnic communities, some of which have formed armed self-defense groups. Civilians caught in the middle are often forced to flee to other areas for safety.
JORDAN MEAD is News Editor for The Vidette. Contact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow Mead on Twitter at @meadjordan19

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ELIZABETH URBAN is News Editor for The Vidette. Urban can be contacted at emurba1@ilstu.edu. Follow Urban on Twitter at @eliizabethurban.

IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of digital media, please contribute to this most important cause. Thank you.
Vietnam recently approved the fourth protocol amending the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.

The ASEAN Comprehensive Agreement is a negotiation between ASEAN member states, focusing on enhancing protection, promotion, facilitation, and liberalization for regional investment.

The fourth amendment aims to promote further investment and integration in the region, moving closer towards the objective of establishing a fair and transparent investment environment.

Vietnam on February 20, 2021, approved the fourth protocol amending the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA); the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 20/NQ-CP to this effect.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is assigned prime responsibility and will coordinate with associated ministries and agencies to implement the above protocol. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will execute foreign affair procedures according to the appropriate regulations.

What is the fourth protocol amendment? 2 guiding explanations

Firstly, the fourth protocol to amend the ACIA mentioned a prohibition of performance requirements and fundamentals in the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) that were agreed by all members of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This means that no member state is allowed to enforce regulations that discriminate against foreign goods from other member states or implement any measure that might provoke obstructions for other member states to invest or conduct trade in the region. More specifically, member states are prohibited to:

Apply quantitative restrictions on the number of goods exported or imported for investors of other member states;

Impose regulations to discriminate against imported goods in favor of domestic goods;

Purchase, use, or grant unfair privileges for domestic goods;

Enforce local content requirements on other member states investors, requiring them to achieve a certain amount or percentage of domestic goods or services;

Restrict sales of other member states products in their country;

Distribute their domestic products exclusively to specific markets; or

Require investors of other member states to distribute products exclusively to certain markets.

Secondly, the amendment also includes an alteration in the current reservation list. A reservation list is a list of exceptions that do not conform to the other relevant chapters and commitments on liberalization.

There are two types of approaches to a reservation list: a positive-list approach and a negative-list approach. In this case, through the amendment, the current reservation list is switched from a single annex to a two-annex negative-list approach.

To elaborate, the first annex explicitly lists certain measures under National Treatment (no discrimination against foreign products), Prohibition on Performance Requirements, and Senior Management and Board of Directors, which is non-applicable.

The second annex dictates the sectors or sub-sectors, industries, products, or activities that are eligible for the exceptions mentioned in the first annex. In other words, these sectors are not obliged to a full commitment, and do not conform to certain measures of the regulations on liberalization.

This is because the listed measures are considered to act in opposition to the general liberalization principles, or also because a fully liberalized agreement among all member states cannot be reached.

How will Vietnam and ASEAN benefit from the fourth protocol?

Through the fourth protocol amendment, the ACIA takes a strong stance in establishing a more stable and fair investment environment for regional trade and integration. The amendment fortifies prohibitions on discrimination against foreign goods, enhancing equality between investors and domestic enterprises, and thus will encourage more investors to do business in the region.

Moreover, the prohibition on quantitative restrictions in the amendment is expected to improve exports and imports in ASEAN. Besides, the regulation of prohibiting exclusive delivery to certain markets eliminates the most-favored-nation treatment, offering the same service and products to all member states, and therefore improving trade activities in the region as a whole.

Further, the amendment on the reservation list offers a more transparent and predictable climate for trade and investment in ASEAN. Also, not every country will agree to a full commitment to liberalization. Thus, this amendment offers a compromise that is fair, transparent, and reasonable. With this in effect, every country in ASEAN will be satisfied with the terms and agreement, and as a result, will likely engage in further trade activities.

Being one of ASEANs member states, Vietnam sees a significant opportunity to benefit from enhanced trade activities in the region. Without restrictions or discrimination, other member states will be more willing to participate in trade in Vietnam, and vice versa.

In addition, the ACIA focuses on five major sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, forestry, mining, and quarrying, all of which are potential developing sectors in Vietnam. Thus, Vietnams trade and investment activities are expected to benefit as a result of the ACIA and the fourth amendment.

Signing of protocols underlines importance of free and fair trade in ASEAN

Since 2012 ASEAN member nations have signed a total of four protocols to amend the ACIA. Specifically, the first protocol in 2014 was signed to establish the process of amending the agreement and its reservations lists, aiming at further liberalization and facilitation of the investment environment.

The second protocol, signed in 2017, modified the definition of an investor as a natural person in the ACIA.

The third protocol to amend the ACIA, also signed in 2017, discarded paragraph 8 in the guidance on the application of the ACIAs reservation list, providing fair treatment for all investors of ASEAN member nations.

The most recently approved fourth protocol aims to amend the agreement to further bolster regional integration and attract more foreign investors.

Positive signal for foreign investors

Overall, the fourth protocol amending the ACIA proves to bring considerable positive effects on promoting trade in Vietnam as well as the wider ASEAN area, to attract more foreign investors.

Moreover, the common ground and effective negotiation demonstrated in this revised agreement indicates a political will among all ASEAN members, presenting a positive indication for the future of trade and investment in Vietnam and ASEAN.

In the near term, the ACIA is expected to enhance liberalization provisions and equality, moving closer towards the objective of presenting the ASEAN region as a single market, and an attractive destination for foreign trade and investment.

The ACIA

The ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) is an ASEAN major economic tool, established as an approach to a liberate and transparent investment regime. The ACIA deliberately outlines the obligations of ASEAN countries to protect ASEAN investors and their investment activities in both absolute and relative terms.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the agreements pillar goals are focused on liberalization, protection, facilitation, and promotion in regional trade and integration.

With that in mind, the ACIA aims to carry out one of ASEAN Economic Communitys most significant objectives: to become a single investment destination and production base, focusing on five core fundamentals: the free flow of goods, capital, services, investment, and labor.

The agreement is expected to create a more conducive business environment, attract investors outside of ASEAN to establish a business in the region, encourage confidence among current investors to sustain and expand their investments, and enhance intra-ASEAN investment.

The ACIA came into effect on March 29, 2012, and has efficiently boosted ASEAN trade and investment ever since. This was done by building a free, open, and integrated investment system for both domestic and international investors throughout the ASEAN member nations.
A couple of weeks back, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the rebranding of the platform into Metaverse. In a video, Zuckerberg explained the 3D virtual reality of Metaverse by having himself inserted into computer-generated imagery. Iceland has parodied Zuckerbergs presentation by creating a similar ad for its tourism industry. The ad features a copy of the Metaverse set as well as a Zuckerberg lookalike who welcomes viewers to a very natural set.

Today I want to talk about a revolutionary approach in how to connect our world without being super weird. Some said its not possible, some said its out of reach, to them we say its already here seriously look, its already here, the lookalike says in the advert while pointing to the snowy Icelandic landscape outside his window. He calls the new chapter in human connectivity as the Icelandverse.

The lookalike then appears in front of a hot spring, wearing copious amounts of sunscreen on his face, mocking the look Zuckerberg sported last year during his vacation. Its completely immersive with water thats wet, the lookalike says while splashing water from the spring.

The ad was uploaded to Icelands Twitter account on Nov. 11 and has received over 34,000 likes and 10,000 retweets. Absolutely nailed Zuckerbergs uncanny valley vibes lol, one user said.

The countrys officials also chipped in with the mockery. During the videos press release, Sigridur Dogg Gudmundsdottir, head of Visit Iceland, said that Icelandverse has been built with experts in government, industry, nature, and academia, plus a few volcanoes.

Press materials continued on with the parody, claiming that the Icelandverse has been created after millions of years in development and that users can explore different layers of reality just by visiting.

Icelands ad is one of the many parodies the Metaverse advert has triggered. Meta PC, a company that shares names with Facebooks Meta recently released a video featuring its founder Zack Shutt proclaiming  To reflect who we are and what we hope to build Im proud to announce that we are now Facebook. In another post, Meta PC photoshopped Zuckerberg holding one of their products.

MetaPC is also in a tussle with Facebook over trademarking the word Meta. The Arizona-based computer supplier submitted for registering their trademark in August and thus has an edge over the social media platform. If Facebook attempts to get the name from them, the founders expect a payment of no less than $20 million, according to The Guardian.

Weve bootstrapped this company with our own personal funds. When we learned Facebook chose the same name, it was obviously a concern that we would lose whatever organic reach we had worked hard to build, Shutt said.
Asian countries with some of the worlds largest yearly tropical forest losses have either not joined a new global pact to halt forest loss by the end of the decade or sparked doubts about their commitment after signing up.

More than 120 countries joined the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use on November 2 at the United Nations COP26 climate conference in Scotland.

The non-binding agreement commits them to working collectively to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation  a major cause of global warming  by 2030, with some $19 billion in public and private financing in the works to help developing countries follow through.

Collectively, Southeast Asia hosts nearly 15% of the worlds tropical forests, prized by climate activists for the volumes of world-warming carbon they can lock up. But most countries in the region have yet to join the COP26 pact, including Laos and Malaysia; both ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for primary tropical forest loss last year, according to the World Resources Institute, a U.S. research group. Cambodia, 11th on WRIs list, has also not signed up.

Malaysia signals

After drawing rebuke from local opposition parties and rights groups for its absence from the pledge, Malaysia announced Friday it will be joining the deal, but did not say when.

After the declaration was announced without Malaysia on November 3, a local lawmaker, Charles Santiago, called the countrys absence a tragedy in a Twitter post. Speaking with VOA, he said it was crucial that the government now make good on its promise to sign up, blaming the countrys mounting forest losses for amplifying the damage from recent floods and robbing endangered wildlife of their habitat.

Malaysia and neighboring Indonesia are the worlds two largest producers of palm oil, a cash crop that takes up vast tracts of land, often over cleared forest and peatland, another rich carbon sink. WRI data show they lost a combined 343,000 hectares in 2020, an area more than twice the size of greater London.

Santiago said Malaysias powerful business interests were all but sure to block the country from meeting the declarations 2030 target, assuming it does join. But he argued that Malaysia should sign up regardless to give the country something to aim for and to tap into the international financing that could unlock.

As a country, we have to make a decision  whether we should continue with the way we are doing it or [whether] we need to really put some control over deforestation, especially in dealing with oil palm [and] construction, he said.

Indonesia wavers

Environmental groups fear business interests may end up undermining the declaration in Indonesia as well.

The sprawling archipelago also features on WRIs top-10 list and cleared more primary tropical forest in 2020 than Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia combined.

President Joko Widodo signed the country up to the COP26 pact in Glasgow on November 2. A day later, though, Indonesias environment minister, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, called a commitment to zero deforestation by 2030 inappropriate and unfair, casting doubt on the nations intentions to abide by the deal.

Forcing Indonesia to zero deforestation in 2030 is clearly inappropriate and unfair, she said in a Facebook post.

The massive development of President Jokowis era must not stop in the name of carbon emissions or in the name of deforestation, she added, referring to the president by his common nickname.

In a statement the next day, conservation group Greenpeace called the ministers remarks profoundly disappointing.

For Indonesia to have a minister for environment who supports large-scale developments with clear potential for environmental destruction is deplorable. Rather than ensuring we protect the planet for future generations, this is doing the opposite, the head of the groups Indonesian forest campaign, Kiki Taufik, said.

On Friday, though, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told The Guardian newspaper that Indonesias stated goal of net zero forest loss by 2030  replacing yearly deforestation with just as much or more new forest  was actually consistent with the COP26 pact.

Mahendra Siregar, Indonesias deputy foreign minister, explained the countrys net zero forest loss goal in statement Thursday.

Mixed messages

Arief Wijaya, a senior manager for WRI Indonesia, told VOA that all the back and forth was creating some confusion about what the declaration actually commits countries to.

He said the Long-Term Climate Strategy that Indonesia submitted to the United Nations in July commits the country not to net zero forest loss, but to net zero emission from forest and land use by 2030. That will let it clear more forest and peatland than it replaces or restores by the end of the decade, so long as what it replaces and restores captures at least as much carbon as what it gives off.

Arief said that will require Indonesia to make sharp cuts to its forest loss rates over the coming years and at least points the country in the direction of the COP26 pledge and puts it on a trajectory toward zero deforestation.

Indonesia and Malaysia have been bringing their annual forest losses down for the past few years. Thats not the case for all of Southeast Asia. Cambodias losses stayed roughly steady in 2020 after rising the year before. Losses in Laos have been rising for the past two years and were at their highest yet in 2020 since WRI started keeping track in 2001.

With research suggesting that Southeast Asias tropical forests on the whole are a major carbon source, Arief added, every country had a role to play.

If we believe that the continental Southeast Asia  is actually a tropical forest belt, and its important for the global climate, temperature and so forth, then any country should actually commit and contribute to reduce deforestation and to manage their forests sustainably, he said.

Laos Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cambodias Ministry of Environment did not reply to VOAs requests for comment.
Cambodia on Friday angrily condemned a U.S. decision to sanction two senior military officials over a contentious naval base, accusing Washington of showing "utter contempt" for its sovereignty.

The U.S. Treasury Department this week announced it was freezing any U.S. assets and criminalizing transactions with senior defense ministry official Chau Phirun and naval commander Tea Vinh over alleged corruption linked to the Ream Naval Base.

Washington accused the pair, along with other Cambodian officials, of conspiring to inflate costs at the base to pocket the proceeds.

"Cambodia strongly deplores the long-arm jurisdiction of the United States over Cambodian officials on the basis of groundless allegations driven by geopolitical motives," the Cambodian foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The smear campaign and unilateral sanction of the United States against public figures of a sovereign state... [displays] an utter contempt for the independence of another country as well as acts as a serious interference in its domestic affairs," the statement said.

The Cambodian foreign ministry also warned that the move was "another step in the wrong direction" for ties between the two countries.

The base on the Gulf of Thailand has been a running sore in U.S.-Cambodia relations in recent years, with Washington suspecting it is being converted for use by China.

Cambodia has been dismantling facilities at the base that were built partly with American money and played host to U.S. exercises.

Satellite imagery taken in August showed the construction of two new buildings, likely indicating that China is pushing ahead on a new agreement, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Hun Sen has repeatedly denied his country would host the Chinese military at the base.

Senior U.S. officials have warned Cambodia that hosting a Chinese base would damage relations with Washington.

China has been increasingly assertive over its extensive territorial claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, raising tensions with numerous Asian nations, but Cambodia has increasingly appeared as an ally.
A Cambodian court on Friday released 18 activists, including a prominent labor leader who has been a longtime critic of the government.

The Phnom Penh Court of Appeals said it ordered the release of Rong Chhun and four others, but gave no immediate details about its decision. Am Sam Ath of the human rights group Licadho, which monitors prisons, said 13 additional people were freed later in the day.

Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, had been in custody since July 2020 after the government said he spread false information.

He was convicted in August and sentenced to two years in prison on charges of inciting social unrest.

His attorney, Sam Sokong, said the appeals court cut that sentence to 15 months and 11 days, including time served.

Rong Chhun told cheering supporters outside the prison that he would continue his activities and urged all Cambodians to fight for freedom and human rights.

He said he was convicted unjustly and that the court should drop all charges against him and restore his rights in addition to releasing him early.

Also ordered released were two co-defendants, Ton Nimol and Sar Kanika, who were found guilty of incitement to commit a felony. They were arrested in August 2020 while demonstrating for the release of Rong Chhun, and each was sentenced to 20 months in prison in the same trial.

Two other activists in an unrelated case were also ordered to be released.

Labor leaders such as Rong Chhun hold significant political influence in Cambodia because they represent the vast number of workers in the textile industry, which is a major export earner. The major unions have historically aligned themselves with the political opposition to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Rong Chhun served on the national election committee of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party before it was dissolved by court order in 2017, ahead of the 2018 general election.

The party's dissolution was generally seen as intended to ensure victory for Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party. Hun Sen has been in power for 36 years and has often been accused of heading an authoritarian regime.

In a separate case, rights groups called for the immediate release of two other opposition CNRP activists who were deported back to Cambodia from Thailand earlier in the week.

Voeun Veasna and Voeung Samnang were both wanted in Cambodia for charges related to online postings critical of the government.

The regional advocacy group ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights called for their immediate release and criticized Thailand, saying it was unacceptable to return a refugee to a country where they are likely to face persecution.

Human Rights Watch said Thailand's return of the two men shows a blatant disregard for fundamental refugee protection principles.

The Thai governments actions make it complicit in the Cambodian governments persecution of its political opponents, which appears to extend beyond Cambodias borders," said Bill Frelick, the organization's refugee and migrants director.

Thai immigration authorities could not immediately be reached for comment.
Seven Cambodian laborers have died after drinking alcohol they were given as a disinfectant in quarantine and mixed it with water and soft drinks, the Health Ministry said Saturday.

The laborers had returned from Thailand and were placed in a coronavirus quarantine camp in northwestern Banteay Meanchey province.

The Health Ministry said 12 others were hospitalized after drinking the mix on Tuesday and Wednesday. They complained of headaches, dizziness and difficulty in breathing.

Experts collected the samples and took them to a laboratory in Phnom Penh for analysis.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken starts his first official visit to Africa today to discuss security issues and other topics. Blinkens trip to several nations aims to boost an African Union-led initiative to end the fighting between the Ethiopian government and ethnic Tigrayans.
More than 40,000 residents in South Sudans Jonglei State capital Bor are now able to get clean water after a water station in the area reopened. The station was closed by flooding two months ago; Civil society and womens rights activists in Sudan are condemning Saturday's attacks on protesters in Khartoum by security forces. At least six people died and more than 29 were injured
Editors note: This report reveals information about illness and death in federal Indian boarding schools that some readers could find triggering or upsetting. Discretion to sensitive groups is advised.

On June 16, 1913, Pauline Peazzoni, a 13-year-old Maidu girl from the Sierra Nevada of Northern California, lost her battle with the white plague, tuberculosis.

She had spent seven months at the Mont Alto Sanatorium in Pennsylvania. A former U.S. Forestry Service camp, it was now a cluster of cottages, bathhouses and an infirmary in the middle of a mountaintop forest  a place where Pennsylvania sent indigent TB patients to be cured or die.

Industrialization and the resulting rise in immigrant populations during the late 19th century led to waves of pandemics  cholera, typhoid, diphtheria  but none terrified Americans more than tuberculosis (TB), which could attack the lungs, lymph glands or abdomen. Sometimes called phthisis or consumption, it was a leading cause of death in the U.S. until the development of antibiotics in the 1940s.

Science had long known that infectious disease thrived under dark, damp, dusty and airless conditions. In 1865, the New York City Council of Hygiene and Public Health surveyed housing conditions and concluded that improving sanitation could reduce mortality by 30%.

By the early 1900s, the Red Cross and newly formed American Lung Association launched aggressive public health campaigns about cleanliness and hygiene; by 1910, at least 65 open-air schools were in operation across the U.S.

Famishing wretches

On May 7, 1880, Montanas Benton Weekly Record reported that Blackfeet, Blood and Piegan tribes were dying of starvation amid horrifying living conditions at Fort Assinniboine.

The swill barrels around the soldiers and officers quarters are besieged day and night with crowds of famishing wretches, the correspondent wrote, and the putrid carcasses of animals that have died from disease are stripped of every particle of flesh to relieve the keen pangs of hunger.

In their annual reports to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, most bureau agents and physicians downplayed substandard conditions on reservations. But some were more truthful.

Newly appointed agent to the Blackfeet Agency in Montana, R.A. Allen, reported in 1884 that little children  were so emaciated that it did not seem possible for them to live long, and many of them have since passed away.

Infectious diseases flourished on reservations. By 1898, Blackfeet physician Z.T. Daniel reported that nearly all Indian children were infected with TB.

Many blamed the Indians themselves, citing lifestyles, cultural traditions, degree of Indian blood or genetic weakness.

Civilized people in any good climate do not die at such rate, wrote Yankton Agency (S. Dakota) R.J. Taylor.

But Washington Matthews, a U.S. Army surgeon who had spent decades working with tribes, scoffed at the assertion. In his 1886 report for Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, Consumption Among the Indians, he used statistics to demonstrate that TB deaths were higher among Indians who had been civilized, that is, forced to accustom themselves to the food and the habits of an alien  race.

Into the dormitory

In 1891, Congress authorized the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to create regulations making it mandatory for Indian children to attend boarding schools and authorizing reservation agents to withhold rations and other benefits to any parents refusing to comply.

No pupils must be transferred who are not in sound and vigorous health, read the Indian Bureaus new Rules for Indian Schools.

Students would have to be examined by reservation doctors, who would certify them to be physically sound, said Dartmouth College historian Preston McBride, who has documented at least 1,000 deaths in four boarding schools from 1879 to 1934 and spoke with VOA in June. And then once again, by school physicians, upon arrival.

But these exams were rarely comprehensive and often lasted only a minute or two, long enough to record a students height, weight and pulse, McBride said.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs rules admitted that frail, unhealthy and positively diseased students had slipped into schools through the cracks.

School officials didnt always separate them from other students, McBride said. Theres evidence that in some cases, tubercular students would have to share beds with healthy students.

Shanties and shake-houses

The 1886 report to the Commissioner contains several grim reports about boarding school conditions.

No arrangements for sewerage have ever been made, superintendent of the Fort Stevenson Industrial School in North Dakota, George W. Scott, wrote. The slops from the kitchen found a receptacle in a hole a couple of rods (about 3 meters) from the kitchen.

Both students and teachers, he added, were getting sick from drinking contaminated water.

Meanwhile, Horace Chase, superintendent at Nebraskas Genoa Industrial School, had similar complaints: All water for whatever purposes is brought into the building by bucket or tub, and in the same manner, must it be carried out. Sufficient means are not and cannot  be provided for bathing purposes.

And the Forest Grove Indian Training School  the second federal off-reservation boarding school  was transitioning from its original location in Forest Grove, Oregon, to the nearby town of Chemawa, where residents were crowded together in temporary crude shanties and shake-houses, which they had built themselves.

Student health, according to the new school superintendent, was as good as could be expected.

There were 510 cases treated by the physician, but of this number only 6 died in the school and 2 after returning home, he wrote, reflecting a practice found in many schools of sending sick children home to die.

As David H. DeJong noted in a 2007 article for the American Indian Quarterly, Unless They Are Kept Alive, Indian Affairs Commissioner William Jones ordered a survey of Indian health in 1903 and called for schools to step up efforts to screen students and improve building conditions.

But agencies were slow to implement change. Records at the Carlisle School state that Pauline Peazzoni had already lost her mother and sister to TB and suggest she may have been infected on arrival at school. In 1907, the frail and delicate girl was placed on an outing with a white family in Bucks County, 200 kilometers away from the school.

When she returned to Carlisle in June 1912, her disease had advanced. She was hospitalized at Carlisle for four months, then transferred to Mont Alto to live out her final days.

As VOA reported in June, surveys of boarding schools in 1922 and 1928 showed that conditions in boarding schools had, in some cases, only worsened.

The task ahead

In May, the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia announced that using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), they had found the remains of more than 200 students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School  news that stunned the public but was not a surprise to First Nations, Native Americans and Alaska Native peoples who, for decades, have talked about student disappearances and deaths in boarding schools.

This prompted Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to launch a national investigation into the fates of boarding school students in the U.S. The findings are to be released in April 2022.

But will we have a full accounting?

Frank Vitale, a historian who consults with Dickinson Colleges Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center, told VOA prospects may be slim.

Boarding schools in the United States were run by a number of different groups, including the federal government and various religious organizations, he said. And they were run in different ways in different locations and different periods of history, right up to the 1960s.

Record-keeping was spotty, so accounting for individuals will be challenging and will involve looking not just at student information files but financial records, annual reports from schools and administrative correspondence.

For example, we looked at daily attendance ledgers at Carlisle and noticed a student dropped off for an unknown reason that wasnt recorded, Vitale said. So, we went digging and finally found a financial record that showed that a coffin was purchased around the same time.

Vitale believes that while tracking these students is important work, focusing too closely on assigning blame misses the greater questions:

What do the statistics tell us about the experience of Native Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries? he asked. And how does their suffering and death from tuberculosis link to the larger system of American imperialism?

NOTE: In part four of this series, VOA will examine the impact of boarding schools on the students, their families, their tribal communities and descendants.
Burkina Faso's government says at least 32 military police were killed Sunday in the latest attack on security forces. Analysts say security in the West African country has worsened this year and the opposition has threatened to hold protests if the situation doesn't improve.

The dawn raid took place at a military outpost in war-torn Soum province on Sunday morning. While initial reports said 19 security force personnel and one civilian were killed, the government announced Monday night that the death toll had jumped to 32.

The attack is the latest in a long series against security forces and civilians in recent months and represents the deadliest single attack on Burkinabe personnel this year.

Burkina Faso has been battling armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida, as well as local bandits, since 2015. While 2020 saw a decline in violence, this year it has spiked again.

Mahamadou Sawadogo, a Burkinabe security analyst, said this attack is proof that the terrorists are able to bring the fight to the army and are able to lead complex attacks. He said it's also a sign that the peace which was beginning to emerge in that area is disappearing and there will be more and more attacks there.

Late last year, negotiations took place between security forces and terror groups in the nearby town of Djibo. The sides reached a detente, but it now appears to have fallen apart.

Analysts say the Inata base, where Sunday's attack took place, is one of the last bases in Soum province which is still operational, which points to a severely overstretched military.

While Burkinabe security forces struggle, analysts say the government is reluctant to accept international military support, unlike other countries involved in the Sahel conflict, such as Mali and Niger, which have accepted French military personnel.

On November 9, Eddie Komboigo, Burkina Faso's opposition leader, called publicly for "urgent measures" by the ruling party to stem the violence and threatened to organize widespread protests next month if nothing is done.

Andrew Lebovich, an analyst with the European Council on Foreign Relations, said, "Politically, this is a very complicated time for Burkina Faso's president, in part because he made the security situation and the fight against terrorism a really important part of his campaign for reelection and so there's been quite a bit of anger among communities, among opposition parties."

Speaking to VOA, Lassane Sawadogo, executive secretary for the ruling MPP party, called for patience.

He said these are painful events for the whole nation and the war against terrorism is a long one, but that the government, with President Roch Kabore, is determined to do as much as it can to overcome terrorism.

Kabore is the first president in Burkina Faso's history without a military background.


A popular Australian national park is to be renamed because of its association with the slave trade in the mid-1800s.

The Ben Boyd National Park, 520 kilometers south of Sydney, is named after a 19th century Scottish colonialist.

Benjamin Boyd is considered Australias first blackbirder. This was the term given to business operators who transported Pacific Islanders to Australia, where they were paid minimal wages to evade anti-slavery laws.

The workers were often kidnapped or coerced into sailing to Australia.

Ben Boyd National Park covers about 50 kilometers of rocky coastline and sheltered inlets near the whale watching town of Eden. It is being renamed after the findings of an independent report showing Boyds links to the slave trade. The report found he shipped 192 men and women to eastern Australia to work on his estates and ships in 1847. The study also stated that a second voyage to the South Pacific ordered by the businessman ended in violence and the deaths of numerous villagers.

The decision to rename the park follows a long campaign by Pacific Island communities and Aboriginal groups.

New South Wales state environment minister Matt Kean says Boyd does not deserve to be honored.

Ben Boyd was a scoundrel. He was involved in forcibly removing people from their homes and forcing them to work on his properties, Kean said.

Consultations will soon begin with First Nations community leaders to find a new name for the park.

The practice of blackbirding became common in the Australian state of Queensland. It is estimated that about 62,000 men were brought to work on plantations in northern New South Wales and Queensland between 1863 and 1904.

Aboriginal leaders also want to have colonial place names and monuments removed across Australia, including more than 20 statues of European explorers in Sydney.

Australia was colonized by the British and became a penal colony in 1788.

Boyd was killed by islanders in the Solomon Islands in 1851.
President Joe Biden on Monday signed a trillion-dollar package for infrastructure improvements across the United States that will repair deteriorating roads and bridges, improve rail service, expand public transportation and widen broadband internet service.

Congressional lawmakers, state governors and city mayors  both Democrats and Republicans  watched Biden's signing ceremony just outside the White House on a cool, sunny fall afternoon.

Biden's signature on one of his key legislative proposals marked a rarity in politically fractious Washington: passage of a major initiative on a bipartisan basis. Nineteen Republicans joined all 50 Democrats to approve the measure in the Senate, while 13 Republicans voted for it in the House of Representatives even as six Democrats opposed it.

"Democrats and Republicans can come together and produce real results," Biden said ahead of signing the legislation. "Today, we're getting it done. America is on the move again."

Even so, passage of the bill was politically perilous for Republican lawmakers, with some Republican congressional leaders opposed to handing the Democratic president a legislative win when his approval ratings have tumbled in the face of a three-decade-high increase in consumer prices.

Former President Donald Trump assailed Republican lawmakers who voted for the infrastructure spending even though he also favored new public construction in the country when he was in the White House but was unable to get it through Congress. He said Republicans who voted for Biden's bill "should be ashamed of themselves."

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a vocal Biden opponent, characterized Republicans who favored the legislation as traitors and tweeted out their phone numbers.

Some opponents of the legislation called in death threats to Republican lawmakers who favored it.

Biden is also in the midst of a protracted debate over his nearly $2 trillion "human infrastructure" legislation that would be the government's biggest expansion of the social safety net for Americans in five decades. The House is expected to vote on the measure later this week, and, if it is approved, send it to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

No Republican congressional lawmakers support the social safety legislation, meaning Democrats will have to approve it on their own.

The infrastructure bill includes $110 billion in funding for roads, bridges and other major construction projects, along with $39 billion to modernize public transit and make it more accessible to the disabled and elderly.

The measure includes $50 billion to improve infrastructure against the ravages of climate change and cyberattacks. Another $55 billion will replace old lead pipes still used in some U.S. drinking water systems and $65 billion will develop broadband infrastructure.

The legislation calls for $21 billion to remove pollution from soil and groundwater, job creation in energy communities, and a focus on economic and environmental justice. The legislation includes $73 billion to update and expand the power grid.


The British government Monday announced Monday an expansion of the nations COVID-19 booster shot program to people ages 40 and up, to fight off a potential winter surge of the deadly disease.

Until now, only British residents ages 50 and up, those clinically vulnerable because of underlying conditions, and frontline health workers were eligible for booster shots. But at a news briefing in London, the chairman of Britains Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, Wei Shen Lin, announced the extension to those ages 40 and up who have been fully vaccinated for at least six months.

He said, as with the original booster program, either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines can be used as the booster dose, regardless of the type of vaccine originally received.



The committee also recommended a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for young people between the ages of 16 and 18. In August, the committee had advised only one dose of the vaccine for people of that age group, but would review the data, and were anticipating that a second dose may well be advised. Monday, the committee chairman said that was indeed the case.

The chief executive of Britains drug regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Dr. June Raine, said they had closely monitored the use of the vaccines in people under 18, and their use raised no additional safety issues specific to this age group.

Speaking via video conference, British Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the data so far showed that adults over age 60 who have received the booster were achieving over 90% protection against symptomatic illness and he expected protection against hospitalization and death to be even higher.

He said if the booster program is successful and participation numbers are high, it would massively reduce the worry about hospitalization and death due to COVID at Christmas and for the rest of this winter, for literally millions of people.
Chinas output of coal increased to its highest level since at least March 2015 after authorities gave permission for mine expansions to boost supply and ease record prices. Chinese coal imports from Russia surged in September, but one of its traditional suppliers  Australia  remains frozen out of the lucrative trade because of diplomatic tensions.

China  the worlds leading consumer of coal  has an energy shortage triggered by strong demand from its manufacturers, industry and households.



The government in Beijing is determined to avoid more power cuts.



Since July, China has approved expansions at more than 150 coal mines, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Figures from Chinas National Bureau of Statistics showed domestic coal production exceeded 357 million tons in October, up from 334 million tons the previous month.

Official customs data has also shown that China imported about 3.7 million tons of thermal coal from Russia  the main fuel for electricity generation  in September, up more than a quarter from August.

However, one of the worlds main coal producers  Australia  is noticeably absent from the list of nations shipping coal to China.



It was a prolific exporter of coal to China before an unofficial ban was imposed in late 2020 after Canberra supported calls for an international inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, the disease first detected in China. Beijing interpreted the move as criticism of its handling of the virus, and a range of trade restrictions were brought in.



China does have long term plans to slash its use of coal and fossil fuels.

Sam Geall from China Dialogue, an environmental policy group, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that Chinas consumption of coal will oscillate to reflect domestic political necessities.

There is room for hedging over the next five years that can allow kind of increased coal build up that would then need to be kind of ramped down again after 2025, and that speaks to this issue of the kind of push and pull that we see in the Chinese power sector with the recent black-outs and so on. It is difficult to just immediately, you know, turn the juggernaut around and there is a push and pull between different forces and different imperatives, including, you know, social stability, employment (and) keeping the lights on, said Geall.

The increase in Chinas coal production comes as India, supported by Beijing and other coal-dependent developing nations, brokered a last-minute amendment at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland.

They managed to alter the final wording of the accord to phase down rather than phase out the use of coal.
Ryan Wang was among hundreds of thousands of Chinese students at U.S. colleges or universities who struggled over whether to return home to China or remain in the United States when the COVID-19 pandemic surged in the spring of 2020.

When the pandemic started in China [months earlier], I felt lucky I was already back to the U.S. for the new semester, Wang, a Chinese undergraduate studying economics at Columbia University in New York City, told VOA.

Unlike Wang, many international students had not returned to the United States from winter break in January 2020 and fretted that they would lose credits and tuition fees if they could not get back to school.

For Wang, the concerns centered around whether he could return home to China.

I had to live through the fear of infection, paying over $10,000 dollars for a one-way ticket, and being scammed by fake ticket dealers before I could go home again, he said.

Fake dealers were selling bogus tickets to international students desperate to go home after Beijing limited international carriers to one flight a week into China in April 2020. To the delight of his parents, he said, three months after U.S. colleges and universities shut down their campuses and moved all learning online, he finally made it home to Jiangsu.

It was such a relief. Not only because I [could stop worrying] about securing tickets home, but also that I didnt have to sanitize everything and worry about COVID-19, he said. In Jiangsu, a province of over 80 million people in East China that includes Shanghai, there was less reported community spread from March 2020 to June 2021.

Just how many Chinese students sat out the 2020-2021 academic year in the U.S. was revealed this week by the Institute of International Education in its yearly report about international student mobility. The report said almost 3,000 U.S. colleges and universities showed a 15% decrease in overall international student attendance, and a 45.6% decrease in new student enrollment.

Among Chinese students -- the largest percentage of total 914,095 international students in the U.S. -- there was a 14.8% decline from the previous year to 317,299, or 34.7% of all international students. The second largest group from India, comprising 18.3% of all international students, showed a decline of 13.2%.

Engaging students far away

U.S. universities struggled to keep students on track. Like many schools, Columbia University extended its pass-fail policies, which reduced the academic stress of online learning. Wang said the university also provided office and study space in China where lockdowns were lifting, so students could stay engaged.

Others took classes at local universities through exchange programs arranged by their U.S. universities. Xinle Hou took two classes at Beijing Normal University (BNU) through a program called go-local through Barnard College, which is the womens undergraduate institution affiliated with Columbia. Other universities, including New York University (NYU) and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, arranged for their students to attend classes in China as the pandemic abated there, while infections rose in the U.S.

Online learning fail

But not everyone was so lucky. Many students were required to take classes online remotely. [[ https://www.voanews.com/a/student-union_if-its-330-am-it-must-be-time-online-class/6199331.html ]]

Hou, who had attended Barnard in New York City, described feeling burned out, and then dystopian from sleep deprivation, trying to attend classes at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., and then at 8:30 in the morning.

As I had an online class at night, I did not have much energy to actually go out during the day, which made me feel very detached from the place I was physically living in, she said.

Florence Chen, an undergraduate student at Columbia University, told VOA that most of her classes were synchronous, meaning students worldwide attended class at the same time, regardless of their time zone. [[ https://www.voanews.com/a/student-union_why-students-go-dark-zoom-classes/6202872.html ]]

It was truly a suffering to take classes late at night, she lamented, adding that 3 a.m. was just too late for her.[[ https://www.voanews.com/a/student-union_students-give-online-learning-low-marks/6186962.html ]]

Irene Zhang, who attended Colby College in the northeastern U.S. state of Maine, returned to China during COVID-19. She ended up taking a semester off.

My college experience was definitely disrupted, Irene wrote in a text. I think COVID disconnected a lot of international students to their U.S. institutions.

While American campuses remained in lockdown, China was opening up, students said. Some studied online and interned in person.

Chen worked a full-time internship while taking online classes in the evenings. Wang interned on weekdays and watched lecture videos intensively on weekends. Most of his online classes, he said, were offered asynchronously, or at his convenience.

It was arguably the most productive period in my college years, he said.

Mass return

After more than a year of closures, most American universities have called all their students back to campus. But not everyone feels secure about the pandemic.

I still dont feel entirely safe, but I really needed to come back and graduate, as my college does not offer remote options anymore starting this semester, said Zhang.

Although many COVID restrictions have been lifted and people wander around, I personally still follow the protocols, which include masking all the time indoors and outdoors, distancing wherever appropriate, eating in my own room, and sanitizing everything, said Chen. Its been kind of sad that I cannot hang out with friends or explore the city since COVID-19 hit. However, I do believe that safety and well-being is my top concern and priority studying in a foreign country.

US, or else?

After graduating from University of Maryland, Rhine Liu has started law school in Hong Kong. Although she said she thinks U.S. law schools are unparalleled in excellence, her parents want her closer to home.

Overall, I am very glad for the opportunity to be able to spend my college life in such a culturally diverse environment, May Ding wrote VOA. The experience shaped me to become a global citizen with a global vision."

For her part, Hou said she plans to stay in the U.S. and pursue a masters of fine arts in creative writing. The U.S. has the best resources and opportunities for creative writers, she noted.

Zhang, who is looking at graduate programs in education, also plans to stay in the country as there are some great programs that fit her passion.

If money is not a problem, I believe that all parents may aspire to send their kids for the best education, Chen noted. Studying in the U.S. indeed brings a world of opportunities.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misspelled Xinle Hou.
Cuban police cracked down on protest organizers Monday and took to the streets in large numbers to prevent a banned demonstration from taking place.

The Cuban government had prohibited the "Civic March for Change" and warned the opposition that it would not tolerate what it called "counterrevolutionary" and "terrorist" acts. The government said it believed the protest was part of a U.S. interventionist plan, a charge U.S. officials denied.

Ahead of the planned march Monday, swarms of police in plain clothes encircled the homes of activists and independent journalists to prevent them from leaving.

Journalists said the government was trying to stop the protest by preventing demonstration leaders and members of the press from going outside.

Agence France-Presse reported that police arrested key dissidents hours before the planned rally, including opposition figure Manuel Cuesta Morua; Berta Soler, the leader of the Ladies in White rights movement; and Soler's husband, Angel Moya.

AFP also reported that armed police in uniform gathered on nearly every corner while plainclothes police patrolled the city's parks and squares.

On Sunday, Cuban officials surrounded the home of Yunior Garcia Aguilera, a leader of Archipielago, the group that planned Monday's march.

Garcia was set to do a solo walk Sunday afternoon, and he planned on carrying a single white rose in support of people unable to participate Monday. But he could not execute his plan because his residence was surrounded by government agents.

Supporters of Cuba's opposition staged protests Sunday and Monday around the world, including in Miami, Florida, home to a large Cuban population.

During a news conference in Miami on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said, "We should all, as free people, want to see the day when we have a free Cuba."

Other protests took place in Colombia, Chile, Canada and Spain.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez had labeled Monday's planned protest as a "destabilizing operation designed in Washington."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday in a statement, "We call on the Cuban government to respect Cubans' rights, by allowing them to peacefully assemble and use their voices without fear of government reprisal or violence, and by keeping Internet and telecommunication lines open for the free exchange of information."

In July, Cuban police and military units were dispatched to crack down on a peaceful opposition demonstration. Thousands were arrested. Many are still facing charges.

Monday's planned march came on the same day that Cuban officials marked the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the return of in-person classes at primary schools.

Some information in this report came from the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
Cuban Americans in Miami held rallies and led prayers on Sunday to support dissidents on the Communist-run Caribbean island who plan to hold protests this week to push for greater political freedoms and demand the release of jailed activists.

Dissidents in Cuba have for several weeks been preparing a "Civic March for Change" following nationwide protests in July, the largest on the island since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. Rights groups say more than 1,000 people were detained following those rallies and hundreds remain in jail.

The government of President Miguel Diaz-Canel has prohibited Monday's march in Havana as well as protests planned for other Cuban cities, saying they are part of a destabilization campaign by the United States, which maintains a Cold War-era embargo on Cuba. U.S. officials have denied the allegations.

Demonstrators clad in white to show support for Cuban dissidents gathered in a park on Sunday in eastern Miami, and a collective prayer for the civil rights of Cubans was held later in the afternoon at Miami's Our Lady of Charity National Shrine, which honors the Roman Catholic patron of Cuba.

Today's activity is more than anything else moral support for our people ... to show them that they are not alone," said Niurka Prestamo, a 45-year-old realtor who attended the demonstration.

The rally in Miami took place around the same time as Yunior Garcia, a playwright and dissident leader, was expected to leave his house in Havana to march alone, with a white rose in hand, to underscore the non-violent nature of his movement.

Garcia had said he would depart his home at 1 p.m. But nearly two hours later, it appeared he was still inside.

Government supporters surrounded his house early in the afternoon, and had draped the building in Cuban flags, obscuring the view of Garcia's window from the street.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday condemned "intimidation tactics" by the Cuban government ahead of Monday's planned march in Cuba and vowed the United States would pursue measures seeking "accountability" for the crackdown.

A Facebook group called Archipielago, led by Garcia, is at the front of Monday's planned protests, which coincide with Cuba's reopening of its borders to tourism following restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Archipielago says it has 31,500 members, more than half of whom are inside Cuba. The group in September sought official permission for the march, which was quickly denied.

Miami has the United States' largest Cuban American population, which grew in the years after the 1959 revolution.

About a quarter of Archipielago's members live in the United States, the group says, including 1,200 in Miami.

The city was a hotbed of anti-Castro conspiracy efforts during the Cold War, and its Cuban-American residents as a group remain staunchly opposed to the Havana government, although some in the younger generation have sought to re-establish connections in recent years with the island.

"We are here to give a cry of freedom. We want to tell the people that they are not alone," said Miami demonstrator and journalist Serafin Moran, 43. "Today we send a greeting, a message to the people of Cuba: If you are in the streets, so are we."

Small rallies in support of the Cuban dissidents took place in other cities across the globe on Sunday, from Canada to Spain.
An eviction drive in Indias northeastern state of Assam of residents living on government-owned land has heightened insecurities among the states Muslim population according to rights activists.

The evictions being carried out in the remote state came into national spotlight after two people were killed in September during one of the drives to evict 800 mostly Muslim families from Dhalpur in Assams Darrang district.

The violence caused outrage after a video that went viral on social media showed a policeman shooting a young man who was running toward him with a stick  he was among residents protesting the evictions and demanding rehabilitation. Seconds later, the video shows him lying motionless on the ground and a government-appointed photographer kicking the victims body. The young man, Moninul Haque, and a 12-year-old boy who got caught in the violence were killed.

Many of those displaced told local media that they had been farming the land for decades since moving to the area after losing their own land to river erosion.

The eviction drive resumed this month as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party that rules the state vowed to press on with its campaign to clear people settled on government land.

More than 500 families, who had been growing crops like ginger and turmeric, were evicted last week, from Lumding. Officials said the drive, for which hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers were deployed, was peaceful.

Critics and activists charge that the campaigns to clear government land are being carried out in areas populated predominantly by Muslims.

The government denies this and says the drive is not targeted at any community but at people who are squatting on forest and government land. It says the land will be used for farming projects that will create jobs for indigenous people.

Suhas Chakma, Director of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group told VOA the evictions aim to satisfy the sentiment of Assamese-speaking people in the state.

It is very clear the action is selective. Otherwise, the state government should carry out a survey of such encroachments throughout the state, and not just conduct evictions in areas where mostly Muslims have settled, points out Chakma. If that is done, they would find thousands of people from all communities who have been cultivating government land for decades.

Assams population of 33 million includes Hindus, Muslims and several indigenous tribes. Among the residents are Bengali-speaking people, who came over the decades from Bangladesh with which the state shares a border.

A spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam state, Rupam Goswami told VOA that majority of those evicted are Bengali-speaking Muslims because they account for most people settled on government land.

The drive is not targeting any one section but only encroachers, a majority of whom happen to be Muslims. Some Hindu people settled on forest land were also evicted, says Goswami. People cannot be allowed to destroy forests and settle on it. The eviction was an ongoing process since 2016. It is nothing new.

However, analysts point out that the eviction campaign has been fast tracked by the BJP since it won a second term in control in Assam earlier this year. In the runup to the polls, it had promised to free government land from encroachers and distribute it among indigenous people who are landless.

Critics say the BJP is tapping into the states history of tensions between ethnic Assamese who have long complained of losing lands and jobs to Bengali-speaking people.

A divide has existed for many decades between the local Assamese and anyone who come from outside, irrespective of their religion. But with eviction drives like this, the BJP is deepening a wedge more specifically between the Bengali Muslims and the indigenous population, says Niranjan Sahoo, a political analyst at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi. Now, it is boiling down to religion.

The evictions have revived worries among the Muslims in Assam, especially those who were among about 1.9 million people left off a controversial citizenship register drawn up in the state in 2019 when people were asked to show documentary evidence that they or their ancestors had resided in India before 1971. The exercise aimed to identify illegal immigrants in Assam.

Those not in the register are believed to include both Hindus and Muslims. But Muslims in Assam are more fearful because a controversial citizenship law passed in December 2019 will allow citizenship for migrants from nearby countries who are either Hindu or from one of five other religions, but not for Muslims.

Analysts like Sahoo say the Assam evictions are another example of the fracturing of inter-community relations witnessed in India since the BJP came to power. If you connect the dots, it is part of the BJPs agenda to rally the Hindu base and create a divide between the majority community and the Muslims not just in Assam but other places also.

For the time being, the people evicted in Assam are living in cramped shanties without basic facilities. A body that represents minority communities, the All Assam Minorities Students Union, said the displaced are facing shortages of food, drinking water and medicine and demanded proper rehabilitation for them.

The state government has said it will provide compensation and resettlement for families if they are citizens. The government will give land to those who are landless, said BJPS spokesman Goswami.

Activist Chakma counters by saying that You cannot say I have evicted you and now you come and prove your citizenship. Many of them have proper identity papers. How many times will they have to prove that they are citizens?
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken departs for Kenya on Monday, the first stop on a three-nation tour of Africa. Blinken will meet with Kenya's president, who just returned from Ethiopia, to discuss that countrys internal war. Some experts fear Ethiopia's political leadership will not agree to end the yearlong conflict.

This week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicks off his visit to Africa by stopping in Kenya before heading to Nigeria and Senegal.

Blinken will meet Kenyas President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss East Africa's regional political and security situation.

Professor Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha, a specialist in diplomacy and international relations at the University of Nairobi, says Blinkens visit shows the urgency needed for stability in the region.

"To show that there is peace and tranquility in the Horn of Africa, America recognizes the role that Kenya will have to continue to play to support the international community initiatives which are being undertaken by IGAD, the East African Community and by the African Union Commission and the world at large," said Chacha.



The escalating war in Ethiopia has raised fears of a coup and instability in East Africas most populous nation.

The rebel Tigray Peoples Liberation Front and other armed groups have threatened to march to Addis Ababa to overthrow Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Abiys government.

Kenya has been pushing for a ceasefire in the yearlong war, and on Sunday, Kenyatta met Abiy and Ethiopian President Sehle-Work Zewde to discuss security issues ahead of Secretary Blinken's visit to Kenya.

Murithi Mutiga is the Horn of Africa project director at the International Crisis Group. He says international efforts are being made to help Ethiopia.

"We understand that there is a very significant quiet mediation going on in the background including the Kenyans, the former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and we hope that this will continue and potentially a resolution will be found," said Mutiga. "But you know the lesson of history has been that the Ethiopians usually try to settle their dispute internally by force. So, unfortunately, we have to be a little realistic about what is possible.

U.S. Horn of Africa envoy Jeffrey Feltman came to the region early this month, but the security situation has remained the same.

Mutiga says the Ethiopian government and its opponents need to find a quick solution to the crisis.

"We now see that the war has entered its second year with no end in sight," said Mutiga. "It's more critical than ever given Ethiopias contribution to peace within the region. It's more urgent than ever that they find a resolution, because continued instability in Ethiopia will definitely have a very significant spillover effect, not to mention the horrible cost internally in terms of lives lost but also an economy that is also in critical care.

Last week, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the Eritrean military, officials and businesses to show its opposition to the war. Eritrean troops have fought alongside Ethiopian troops in the north of the country.

The warring sides continue to dig into the crisis, as Tigray leadership push for the ouster of Prime Minister Abiy while the government is demanding recognition before any negotiation can take place.
Naquetta Ricks was 13 years old when three soldiers came to her familys home in Monrovia, Liberia, searching for her mothers fiance, a government official.

Elected in America VOA is profiling several emerging U.S. politicians with family ties to Africa who are helping to change the face of American politics. They include: Esther Agbaje , Minnesota House of Representatives

, Minnesota House of Representatives Samba Baldeh , Wisconsin State Assembly

, Wisconsin State Assembly Omar Fateh , Minnesota State Senate

, Minnesota State Senate Adeoye Owolewa , D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives

, D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives Naquetta Ricks, Colorado General Assembly



"They held my mother at gunpoint for over two hours while my sister and I watched," Ricks said, cringing at the memory. The soldiers found the official, Cyril A. Bright, hiding in the house and, after interrogating the couple in the driveway, tossed him into the back of a pickup truck.

"By the grace of God, really, they left my mom and they took off," Ricks said.

Mother and daughters hurriedly packed a suitcase and fled to a relatives home. Bright and 12 other deposed ministers were later tied to poles on a Monrovia beach and shot by a firing squad  casualties of the 1980 military coup.

Within two months of the interrogation, the family escaped to the United States and joined relatives in the western state of Colorado.

Ricks, 54, is now a lawmaker in the Colorado General Assembly, elected in November 2020. A Democrat, she represents the 40th District just east of Denver, including Aurora, the city where she grew up.

Hers is one of the most diverse districts in a state where almost one in 10 residents is foreign-born  mostly from Latin America, with Asians and Africans following  and another one in 10 has an immigrant parent.

Ricks is the first Black immigrant elected to Colorados Statehouse. A mortgage broker and co-founding president of the African Chamber of Commerce of Colorado, Ricks said her decision to seek public office was influenced by the struggles of "coming here as an immigrant."

"When we came, my mom applied for political asylum, and we were not able to prove our case" that Liberias political turmoil posed personal risk if they were to return, Ricks said. "But, you know, we're not lawyers. We were not able to defend ourselves in court."

Route to citizenship

Ricks family found a pathway to citizenship in 1986, when then-President Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act. The law not only tightened enforcement but also made unauthorized immigrants who had arrived before 1982 eligible for amnesty. Ricks became a U.S. citizen in her early 20s.

In June 2021, she stood by Governor Jared Polis as he signed legislation that she helped sponsor making Colorado the first U.S. state to establish a legal defense fund for low-income immigrants facing deportation.

"It will help immigrants like my family who came here, who did not have a lawyer," Ricks said, recalling her late mother, Mariam Eudora Ash.

This session, Ricks also successfully championed several other pieces of legislation aimed at accelerating the growth of small businesses, diversifying the ranks of Colorados teachers, and establishing a pilot project for renters to build credit history and improve access to loans. The measures passage was smoothed by Democrats control of both legislative chambers and the governorship.

"What I see from Representative Ricks is a ton of work to represent her constituents, and especially those who are often forgotten in the political process," said Michal Rosenoer, the former head of Emerge Colorado, part of a national organization that has trained Ricks and other Democratic women to run for elective office.

"It speaks to the importance of having people who can understand the problems of their community in positions of power to change those circumstances," Rosenoer said.

Political heritage?

Ricks said she never set out to become a politician, but politics "does run in my blood" and extended family.

Her paternal grandfather, John Henry Ricks, had been a state representative in Liberia "before I was born," she said. Her maternal step-grandfather, General Glakron Gblodell Jackson, was superintendent of Bomi County and was killed after ousted politician Charles Taylor launched a rebellion in late 1989 that brought years of civil war and a quarter-million deaths.

"When Naquetta said she was going to run, I smiled because I said she was going to take Papas place" in politics, said Adriana Henderson, Jacksons daughter and Ricks maternal aunt.

Henderson lives in Aurora outside of her nieces district, so she couldnt cast a vote of support. But she is a fan.

"When I went to her swearing-in (ceremony), I was so elated," Henderson said. "I am very proud of her.  Coming from our little African community, we try to uplift each other."

Ricks describes herself as "a person of faith," baptized at 13 as an evangelical Christian in Liberia.

"I keep praying. I fall down, I get up," she said.

Ricks faith sustained her through two unsuccessful bids for public office  the University of Colorado Board of Regents in 2014, and the Aurora City Council in 2017  and when she ran for the Assembly seat. She was the underdog, challenging a Democrat who had party leaders support. But Ricks enlisted friends and associates to assist with campaign outreach. In the general election, she claimed 59% of the votes.

A handful of Ricks' backers, mostly immigrants from Africa, gathered one June morning at Endless Grind, an Ethiopian-owned coffee shop in Ricks district. Among them were a Cameroon-born health worker who organized a COVID-19 vaccination clinic; a local businessman who promotes African culture; a Nigerian pastor; a Kenya-born policy analyst interning at Ricks office; and the U.S.-born executive director of the African Chamber of Commerce.

Kabongo Serge-Patrick, a Congolese-born chef, said he was "the first to jump in the line" to gather signatures endorsing Ricks. With her election to the Assembly, "Now we have a voice to see how we can prosper here in America," he said of African immigrants.

'Globally engaged'

On a driving tour of her district, Ricks strolled outside Aurora Central High School, where she arrived as a shy freshman. Then, she was one of few students of color. Now the schools 2,200-some students are a widely diverse mix, predominantly Latino. The public school system reports its students speak in more than 160 languages.

A banner near the entrance declares the high schools ambition "to graduate leaders who are self-aware, locally active and globally engaged."

Ricks embraces those ideals. Aside from her work in the Assembly, she continues advocating for entrepreneurs and small businesses through the African Chamber. She has brought investors to Liberia, hoping to create opportunities for them, as well as "to incentivize people to create businesses" and jobs in the West African country, she said.

She has looked out for her home country in other ways. When the deadly Ebola virus swept into Liberia in 2014, Ricks "was on almost all the radio stations soliciting materials," said Daniel Moore, a past president of the Liberian Community of Colorado. "We were able to ship a containerload of medical supplies and food items."

Two years later, Ricks created a nonprofit foundation to support socioeconomic empowerment of Liberian youth and women. "Im passionate about helping young people reach their full potential," she said.

Earning recognition

In Colorado, Ricks legislative efforts are getting recognition. In October, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce honored her as Government Official of the Year for advocating "inclusion and diversity within the larger business community." The states Independent Bankers Association and nonprofit housing group Habitat for Humanity both awarded her for championing the legislation for the pilot program to help renters improve credit scores.

In the next legislative session, Ricks anticipates more work on consumer protection, education and immigration issues. She emphasized that she works on behalf of all her constituents.

"I do talk a lot about underserved communities and underrepresented communities," she said, "but I care about all of my community.  We do have the same needs, whether its education, health care, you know, financial opportunities, jobs, small business. We all want a place that's functioning, where we can all thrive and grow."

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Naquetta Ricks' opponent in the Democratic primary for the Assembly seat. He was neither the incumbent nor African American.
Former President Donald Trump's family hotel company has reached a deal to sell the rights to its Washington, D.C., hotel for $375 million, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Miami-based investment firm CGI Merchant Group is in contract to acquire the lease, the newspaper said.

The Trump International Hotel is in a historic building a few blocks from the White House that the Trump Organization leases from the U.S. government. The hotel has been a popular gathering spot for Trump supporters and foreign dignitaries.

The newspaper said CGI intends to remove the Trump name and has reached an agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings to have the property managed and branded by Hilton's Waldorf Astoria group.

The Trump organization, CGI Merchant and Hilton did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment on Sunday.

Last month, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform said newly obtained government documents raised "troubling" questions about the hotel.

According to the Democratic-controlled committee, Trump reported that the hotel earned him more than $150 million during his time in office but actually lost more than $70 million.

The committee found that the hotel received more than $3.7 million in payments from foreign governments -- equal to more than 7,400 nights at the hotel, raising a potential conflict of interest.

In response, the Trump Organization called the committees allegations irresponsible and unequivocally false.

The hotel is in the city's second-tallest structure, after the Washington Monument. The building previously housed the U.S. Post Office Department Headquarters.
Belarus appeared to be moving Monday to de-escalate a long-running standoff with Poland and the European Union. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said he is preparing to start repatriating around 4,000 asylum-seekers camped out in freezing temperatures at the border with Poland.

Active work is underway in this area, to convince people please, return home, Lukashenko was quoted as saying by state news agency Belta. But he added the caveat: Nobody wants to go back.

Poland  as well as Lithuania and Latvia  have been militarizing their borders with Belarus to try to stop record numbers of migrants, mainly from Iraq, Yemen, and Syria, attempting to cross their borders. They accuse Lukashenko of weaponizing human desperation by using asylum-seekers as pawns in reprisal for the EUs imposing sanctions on Belarus for last years disputed elections. The election was widely seen as rigged.

Lukashenkos remarks came as European Union leaders advanced a raft of new sanctions against Belarus targeting officials, businesses and airlines involved in the organized ferrying of migrants from the Middle East and the Gulf to the borders of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia.

The sanctions package contains two parts targeting migration facilitators and also those accused of human rights abuses inside Belarus, where Lukashenko has overseen a harsh crackdown on protesters challenging the legitimacy of his rule.

Belavia, the Belarusian state-owned airline, is high on the target list and the company's existing and future aircraft leasing contracts would be impacted. But ahead of the imposition of new EU sanctions, the airline announced it would stop flying travelers from Dubai who have come from several other Middle Eastern countries. Iraq also announced it is planning a repatriation flight Thursday for Iraqis stranded on the Belarusian-Polish border.

Before a meeting in Brussels of EU foreign ministers to discuss fresh sanctions, the blocs foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, Today we are going to approve a new package of sanctions against Belarusian people responsible for what's happening ... and we are going to launch a framework in order to implement other sanctions to other people, airlines, travel agencies and everybody involved on this illegal push of migrants in our borders.

Migrant crisis

Borrell told reporters he spoke with the Belarusian foreign minister telling him The situation on the border was completely unacceptable and that humanitarian help was needed.

Meanwhile, Poland is calling on NATO to intervene in the migrant crisis on the border with Belarus. It is not enough just for us to publicly express our concern. Now we need concrete steps and the commitment of the entire alliance, Polands prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said Sunday. He said Poland, Lithuania and Latvia may request a meeting under Article 4 of the alliances treaty which requires member states to consult when the territorial integrity of another is being compromised.

Lukashenko has half-heartedly denied he has been seeking to needle or blackmail Europe by trying to fuel a migrant crisis, but said he was reacting to foreign pressure. We are not blackmailing anyone with illegal immigration, he told journalists in Minsks Independence Palace in August. Were not threatening anyone. But you have put us in such circumstances that we are forced to react. And were reacting, he said.

In October alone, Poland recorded 15,000 attempted illegal border crossings. Last week, the countrys defense minister tweeted that his government had boosted the number of Polish troops sent to the border to 12,000, up from the 10,000 deployed earlier.

Katarzyna Zdanowicz, a spokesperson for the Polish Border Guard, said Monday that the situation at the border in the Kuznica area was very tense and very dangerous. She said migrants had been throwing stones at Polish border guards and weapons were being pointed towards our servicemen with a flare fired at them. Polish officials say Belarusian guards have been encouraging migrants to trample down obstacles and cut wire fences, handing them bolt-cutters.

In the last few days, several airlines and governments have scrambled to avoid being impacted by EU sanctions. Syrias Cham Wings Airlines suspended flights between Damascus and Minsk Saturday. Turkey said it will ban Syrian, Yemeni, and Iraqi citizens from boarding flights from Istanbul to Minsk. The Iraqi government suspended direct flights between Iraq and Belarus last week.

But NATO officials and EU diplomats appear less than convinced that Lukashenko is sincere about ending the high-stakes standoff, which they see as part of a broader pattern of provocations ultimately authored and stoked by Moscow.

They point to the Belarusian leaders comment that the migrants do not want to be repatriated. And they say Belarusian authorities Monday encouraged thousands of migrants sheltering in a migrant camp in the village of Bruzgi to join the throng already on the border by circulating a rumor in the camp that the Polish government was about to open the border.

Polish authorities sent out SMS messages saying the information was a total lie, and in the text messages: Poland won't let migrants pass to Germany. It will protect its border. Don't get fooled, don't try to take any action."

Poland has accused the Kremlin of pulling Belarusian strings and Britains foreign secretary, Liz Truss, has called on Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, to intervene, saying he could bring an end to the migrant crisis with a phone call to his ally Lukashenko, who has also raised the prospects of shutting down a pipeline running through Belarus carrying natural gas to Western Europe from Russia.

Russia

In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin rejected accusations that Russia is stoking the migrant crisis, saying Western powers had a desire to place their own problems at somebody elses door. Its their own fault.

But Ukraines foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said the migrant crisis is part of a Kremlin strategy of hybrid warfare. He linked it with a Russian military build-up on the border of Ukraine, which is also prompting alarm in Washington, Kyiv, and European capitals.

When we see migrants used as a weapon, when we see disinformation used as a weapon, when we see gas used as a weapon, and soldiers and their guns, these are not separate elements, Ukraine's top diplomat said in an interview with the Politico.eu website.

After meeting with Kuleba, NATOs secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg warned Monday that the Russian military build-up near the Ukrainian border has reduced the time the West will have to prepare for any incursion into Ukraine. He said the Western alliance needs to be realistic following warnings last week by US intelligence officials that Moscow could be planning a repeat of its 2014 annexation of Crimea.

We see an unusual concentration of troops, and we know that Russia has been willing to use these types of military capability before to conduct aggressive actions against Ukraine, Stoltenberg said. Russia has dismissed talk of an invasion as alarmist and accuses Western powers of provoking tensions in the region, saying there has been an uptick in military activity by the West, mirroring the European and American claims against it.

Russia's defense ministry said last week it had scrambled a Sukhoi SU-30 warplane to intercept a British spy plane, a British Boeing RC-135, when it neared Crimea.

Russia assembled around 100,000 troops near the Ukraine border earlier this year, saying they were there for training. Moscow later announced their withdrawal, but Ukraine claims most of the force remained in the region. Western and Ukrainian officials say more Russian units, including elite ones, have been deployed near the border, with some troop movements happening covertly overnight.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last week that Washington did not immediately know what to make of the massing of tens of thousands of Russian troops along the Ukraine border. Weve seen this before.  What does this mean? We dont know yet, too early to tell, he said.

Everyone is wondering, whats Putin going to do? I think he loves it when we ask those questions, said David Kramer, who was assistant secretary of state in the administration of George W. Bush. He said the Kremlin thrives on discomfiting the West by being unpredictable.
Adeoye "Oye" Owolewa has a full-time job as a pharmacist, providing medications and health advice to clients in Washington, D.C. He also works on what he sees as a vital prescription for the overall well-being of the District of Columbia  making it the 51st U.S. state.

Elected in America VOA is profiling several emerging U.S. politicians with family ties to Africa who are helping to change the face of American politics. They include: Esther Agbaje , Minnesota House of Representatives

, Minnesota House of Representatives Samba Baldeh , Wisconsin State Assembly

, Wisconsin State Assembly Omar Fateh , Minnesota State Senate

, Minnesota State Senate Adeoye Owolewa , D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives

, D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives Naquetta Ricks, Colorado General Assembly



"Right now, we pay taxes. We pay our fair share as American citizens," said Owolewa, the U.S.-born son of Nigerian immigrants. "We don't get back what everybody else does.  A lot of people outside of D.C. don't understand the inequity, inequalities, of what's going on here in the nation's capital. They don't understand that there are 700,000 Americans who lack voting representation in Congress."

In November 2020, nearly a quarter-million Washington voters elected Owolewa to a two-year term as their "shadow" U.S. representative, joining two longtime "shadow" senators. (Owolewa prefers the term "unseated.") Though the district acknowledges them as elected officials, Congress does not. They can't serve on congressional committees or speak on a chamber's floor, unlike Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district's nonvoting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, who serves on several committees and subcommittees.



Their main mission is to advance statehood. Success would give the District autonomy over its budget and local laws, currently subject to approval by Congress. Statehood also would give D.C. two seats in the Senate and one in the House. But because voters in the minority-majority district overwhelmingly support Democrats, the quest for statehood faces strong Republican opposition  especially given a Senate now divided at 50 seats for each major party.

"In the short term, the prospects of (statehood) are fairly bleak right now for passage," said Stella M. Rouse, a University of Maryland professor of government and politics who directs its Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement.

Influenced by parents

Meanwhile, with his elected position unpaid, Owolewa continues "my daily practice as a health care professional. And what that has done is inspire me to also focus on health care just as much as D.C. statehood," he said.

Both roles involve a commitment to education and public service that was nurtured by his parents, Owolewa said.

They had come separately from Nigeria  his father from Kwara state and his mother from Oyo state  to study in Boston, Massachusetts. They met at Northeastern University, earning degrees in medical technology and civil engineering, respectively. They married and had five children; 31-year-old Adeoye, nicknamed Oye, is their fourth.

"We were raised with the love of science, the sense of community, the duty to give back," Owolewa said at an October online youth summit sponsored by the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) Foundation, a nonprofit organization. "So, that led me to becoming a pharmacist."

At Northeastern's School of Pharmacy, Owolewa was the only Black male in a graduating class of 150. He'd seen other minority students "falling out" of the program, lacking sufficient support, he told VOA. So, in his final year, with his younger brother entering the school, he created a mentoring program and matched at least a dozen beginning pharmacy students with more advanced ones.

"All of those students, they all graduated on time," he said.

He graduated in 2014, moving to Washington to work. He settled in the city's southeast, in predominantly Black and poor Ward 8. He started volunteering at health clinics, as well as in public schools, he said, "just to inspire kids that look like me" to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

In late 2018, Owolewa was elected as a D.C. advisory neighborhood commissioner, encouraged by a pharmacy customer who previously had served as a commissioner.

"He was really interested in helping others," said Brianne Nadeau, now a D.C. Council member representing Ward 1. She also cheered Owolewa's quest to become the District's shadow representative.

"I think that one of his strengths is that he cares a lot about the people he serves. He's very genuine, very accessible and very dedicated."

Millenials could deliver statehood

In the past year, Owolewa has knocked on doors, encouraging Washingtonians to get vaccinated against COVID-19. He has organized workshops for small business owners on applying for assistance during the pandemic. He has pitched in at health screenings and, this fall, started a fundraiser to provide food for immigrants arriving from Afghanistan. It had raised nearly $5,000 as of early November.

All the while, Owolewa is trying to raise public awareness about statehood for D.C.  the only federal capital worldwide that does not allow citizens' elected representatives to cast votes on their behalf in the national legislative body  and to urge more participation in electoral politics.

He said he, his family and friends view his election as a Nigerian American "not only as a win for me, but also an opportunity for the younger generation to get more inspired in the political process  not even just Nigerian Americans but people from all over the diaspora."

Today's young people eventually might help deliver the D.C. statehood that Owolewa and others pursue, said Rouse, author of The Politics of Millenials.

"Millennials are, in general, a much more progressive generation than the older generation. And this has held true even as they have aged," Rouse said. With D.C.'s diversity, including a large African American population, she speculated that "as millennials get older and actually take over positions of leadership, I think  D.C. statehood probably has a much better chance."

For now, Owolewa said, he's glad for "an opportunity to really be involved in the solutions of what's going on in our community and just (to) make life just a little more comfortable, a little bit easier for the next person. And that's an opportunity that I take it very, very seriously."

VOA Africa Division's Betty Ayoub contributed to this report.
The Iran Atrocities Tribunal adjourned Sunday in London after hearing five days of testimony from more than 30 witnesses who alleged that Iranian authorities killed, tortured and abused thousands of their countrymen three years ago during protests against Tehrans sudden increase in the price of gasoline.

The six-lawyer panel, formed by civil society groups but with no official international legal standing, said it had examined more than 100 written statements, videos and pictures of the mostly peaceful protests that turned violent. More submissions are yet to be reviewed, with the panel saying other witnesses have expressed interest in testifying before a final report is issued in early 2022.

Eyewitnesses to the violence blamed Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and special anti-riot forces for the attacks.

Hamid Sabi, one of the lawyers presenting the case against the Iranian authorities, said, We hope with what we have presented so far, that world governments will consider Magnitsky sanctions against the 133 people we have alleged to be perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

His reference to Magnitsky sanctions refers to a 2016 U.S. law that allows Washington to blacklist foreign government officials implicated in human rights abuses throughout the world.

Regina Paulose, a co-counsel to the tribunal, said the victims and survivors of the attacks must have access to justice under United Nations conventions.

Shadi Sadr, executive director of Justice for Iran and a co-organizer of the tribunal, said after the testimony ended, By holding the truth to the utmost importance, the honorable panel members have devised a safe space for relatives of the victims and protesters who are accused as rioters and terrorists by their own state, to stand tall and with pride to voice the truth to the world.

In a concluding statement, the tribunal said, The killing of protesters was deliberately concealed from the world through an information blackout.

The tribunal statement contended that on November 16, 2019, the Iranian government implemented a near-total shutdown of the internet, which lasted for a few weeks in some parts of the country.

It alleged that the resulting information blackout may have allowed the police, security, and military forces to commit murder while the international communitys access to Iran was almost completely cut off.

The hearings were staged by three non-governmental organizations, including Justice for Iran, Iran Human Rights and Ensemble Contre la Peine de Mort (Together Against the Death Penalty).

Iran has not commented publicly on the hearings.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Senate in next years elections, avoiding a race for vice-president that would have pitted him against his daughter.



Bong Go, a Philippine senator and a close aide of the president, told reporters Duterte formally filed his campaign papers with the election commission Monday.



The elder Dutertes decision comes days after his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, announced she was seeking the Pacific archipelagos number two job.



Mayor Duterte-Carpio had been widely expected to run to succeed her father as president, and has been leading in several voter opinion surveys.



Duterte is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president.



The International Criminal Court has launched an investigation into a brutal anti-drug campaign launched by Duterte shortly after he took office in 2016 that has left more than 8,600 people dead, according to a report released earlier this year by the United Nations human rights office.



The president and vice president are elected separately in the Philippines. Among the contenders to run in the 2022 elections are Senator Bong Go, who is backed by Duterte, and Ferdinand Marcos, Junior, the son of the late autocratic president.



Some information for this report came from the Associated Press and Reuters.
Omar Fateh prides himself on outreach, on trying to make connections and improve conditions for those living in the northern U.S. state of Minnesota  especially those in the Minneapolis district who elected him to the state Senate a year ago.

Elected in America VOA is profiling several emerging U.S. politicians with family ties to Africa who are helping to change the face of American politics. They include: Esther Agbaje , Minnesota House of Representatives

, Minnesota House of Representatives Samba Baldeh , Wisconsin State Assembly

, Wisconsin State Assembly Omar Fateh , Minnesota State Senate

, Minnesota State Senate Adeoye Owolewa , D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives

, D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives Naquetta Ricks, Colorado General Assembly



"Growing up in an immigrant household but within the American culture" has equipped him "to bridge the gap between the new immigrants as well as the folks that have been here," the U.S.-born Somali American said.

Fateh represents Senate District 62 in south Minneapolis. Its 82,000-plus residents are racially and ethnically diverse, many of northern European and African American descent, as well as of Native American and Hispanic heritage. Newcomers from Mexico, Asia, East Africa and elsewhere have made this area their home in recent decades.

In seeking office, Fateh said he relied on the counsel and support of the districts "indigenous folks, Latino folks, East Africans, workers, renters, elderly folks  folks that care about a whole list of issues, from affordable housing to climate change."

They helped propel Fateh into office. In January, he became the first Somali American and first Muslim to serve in Minnesotas Senate.

Jolene Johnson praised Fateh for regularly visiting Little Earth  a multiblock affordable housing complex that gives preference to Native Americans  and offering advice on resources for the communitys many struggling households.

"He doesnt blow smoke at us. I believe he does care about us," said Johnson, a longtime resident and member of the Ojibwa tribe. "And thats a nice feeling to have about somebody you voted for."

Political interests

Fateh, whos in his early 30s, has been interested in politics for well over a decade.

He was born in Washington, D.C., to parents who had emigrated from Somalia. The family moved to a nearby Virginia suburb where he was raised. As a college undergraduate, Fateh interned for a Democratic U.S. congressman and, after earning a masters degree in public administration from George Mason University, ran for an at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board in northern Virginia.

Fateh lost that 2015 race but, as the news site MinnPost reported, he gained the insight that Minnesota, where he had relatives in the large Somali American community, might hold more promise for political work. He was encouraged to apply for a job with Minneapolis' city government doing nonpartisan voter outreach and education. He got the job and moved late that same year.

Working in the Minneapolis elections office and in other government jobs, "I got to meet a lot of great folks throughout the city," Fateh told VOA. One was Kaltum Mohamed, who grew up in south Minneapolis. That is where they settled when they married. "We love it here," said Fateh, now a University of Minnesota information technology business analyst.

In 2018, as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party  Minnesotas version of the Democratic Party  Fateh made an unsuccessful bid for the states House of Representatives. Less than two years later, he defeated a three-term incumbent in a primary race for the state Senate  and went on to win 89% of the vote in that Novembers general election.

As a self-described Democratic socialist who promotes affordable housing and health care regardless of ability to pay, Fateh said he is "a minority within the minority party" in Minnesotas Senate. Republicans control that chamber by a slight margin; Democrats have an edge in the House. With a divided legislature, "it was pretty difficult to come to agreement" over the states budget, Fateh said.

Tough vote

The new lawmakers district includes the site where George Floyd, a Black man, died when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes in May 2020. The death sparked months of protests in communities across the nation, along with demands for racial justice and police reform.

Fateh had backed a proposal  rejected by Minneapolis voters in early November  to fold the citys police department into a broader new Department of Public Safety. It would have combined police with other professionals specially trained to respond to situations involving mental illness, addiction and housing insecurity.

"We failed to convey our positive message," Fateh wrote in a follow-up email to VOA. Instead, "we were overcome by a massive, monied effort" to recast the plan as "defund the police."

"The people of Minneapolis are understandably apprehensive about public safety considering what we have experienced in the past two years, and I think they voted defensively," Fateh said, calling for holding to account officials who nonetheless have promised reforms.

On a late September Saturday, Fateh visited what is known as George Floyd Square, a memorial site near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street. Floyds image looms from a mural surrounded with flowers and signs such as "Justice. Accountability."

"Folks are coming from all over to pay their respects, look at the memorial," Fateh said, "but also coming to these Black businesses that are over here: the coffee shops, restaurants, the tea bars."

Uneven recovery

Fatehs district suffered during the civil unrest, with many businesses  especially along the Lake Street commercial corridor  damaged by looting, arson and other violence. Some parts are rebounding, judging from the crowded aisles at the Mercado Central and from construction booming around Karmel, a Somali market crammed with stalls offering fashion, food, hair care and other services.

But struggles persist in the district where, according to census data, the median household income is about $45,000 and many live on much less.

"It has been very stressful. It has been a mental health roller coaster," said Ikram Mohamed, who runs a childcare center across from a boarded-up, fire-blackened building on Lake Street. She cited troubles with inconsistent enrollment, staffing and income because of the pandemic  as well as the presence of drug users, vagrants and prostitutes drawn to vacant structures nearby.

Mohamed was among a handful of care facility operators meeting with Fateh to discuss what they described as sometimes burdensome government regulations that disadvantage their clients and businesses.

"One of the things I try to do is bridge the gap between the immigrant community but also the government, the commissioners," said Fateh, who serves on two Senate committees involving health and human services.

Working with constituents is the part of elective office that Fateh said he finds most satisfying.

The legislative process has been less so, Fateh said. He cited two main factors: "being in a minority" and, because of the pandemic, mostly engaging with other lawmakers onscreen instead of in person.

"Debating someone in a committee hearing virtually rather than seeing them right next to you is very different, because once you log off, it's done," he observed. "But when you're in person, you connect with them on a deeper level rather than just arguing and logging off. You can have a personal conversation right afterward. And I think that's really important so that you build that level of trust and respect among each other on both sides."

This story has been updated to clarify that Omar Fateh moved to Minnesota in 2015 for work involving politics and elections, not to seek political office.
Taiwan is expected to top the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet virtually late Monday in Washington to discuss how both countries can responsibly manage their ongoing competition, experts say.

White House officials announced the meeting Friday following a surprise agreement on climate change made between China and the U.S. on the sidelines of the U.N. Summit on Climate Change, known as COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland.

After finding common ground at COP26, the presidents call is expected to touch on some sensitive topics, such as Chinas nuclear buildup and a potential trade agreement that could end a long-standing dispute that began under former U.S. President Donald Trump. It could also touch on Taiwan. And while experts do not expect much change in dialogue on the topic, the island could find itself higher on the agenda than years past.

Xi Jinping will be trying to suss out the Biden administrations overarching approach to China, which remains unclear, and may seek out a clearer picture of what, if anything, the administration has planned for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, said Michael Mazza, a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington-based think tank. The leaders are likely to reaffirm the recent joint climate declaration, discuss North Koreas nuclear weapons program, and address energy security concerns.

I wouldnt expect to see new language on Taiwan in the readout or joint statement, if there is one. I think what will be notable is that, in whatever release follows the meeting, the Taiwan concerns will be front and center, rather than a lesser included issue, as has been the case in the past, Mazza added.

Biden and Xi last spoke in early September, but shortly afterwards China escalated air sorties into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ) to record levels in October, around the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party, prompting warnings from top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The virtual meeting is the result of a six-hour dialogue between Chinese diplomat and Politburo member Yang Jiechi and U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held in Switzerland in October.

Thursday, Blinken said the U.S. would take action" if Taiwan were attacked, one of the strongest commitments yet from the Biden administration toward the self-ruled democracy. The U.S. formally maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan, but under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act it has pledged to make available weapons and services to allow Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.

Unification with Taiwan, whose formal name is the Republic of China, is a long-term goal of Chinas Communist Party. Earlier this month, the Pentagon released a report about Chinas defense capability and said the Peoples Liberation Army may be capable of more credible military operations toward Taiwan by 2027.

The report also disclosed that Chinas nuclear arsenal is growing faster than the Department of Defense had predicted it would in 2020. China is expected to have acquired up to 700 nuclear warheads by 2027 and 1,000 by 2030.

Austin Wang, an assistant professor in political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said despite the build-up of tension in the Taiwan Strait, he does not expect much substantive change in U.S.-China dialogue from previous calls.

I expect that Xi will say something like not to intervene in China's domestic affairs and both should obey the One China principle, while Biden would likely to address the concern about human rights, which includes the Taiwan issue, Wang said.

Wang said he expects Chinese state media will use the call to show the U.S. abides by the One China principle  the Communist Partys official view that there is single sovereign state of China that includes Taiwan.

In Taiwan, he said, response will likely follow political lines. Opposition members supporting Taiwans Nationalist Party may take Chinese reporting as a sign the U.S. is not serious about its promises of support to Taiwan. Supporters of the ruling Democratic Peoples Party and Taiwan independence, meanwhile, would watch for whether discussion of the island is framed as a domestic human rights issue or as part of Chinas foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

Lev Nachman, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University, said expectations for the call should be in line with the fact that it is a largely symbolic discussion between two leaders with many disagreements.

Issues like climate change and trade are topics both sides can hopefully find grounds for cooperation on. The challenge will be how to navigate more contentious topics like the Olympics or Taiwan in a way that still allows for some substantive progress to be made without leading to a stalemate, Nachman said. Ultimately, this is about finding starting points for dialogue and won't ease tensions all at once, but hopefully it leads to some sort of cooperative understanding.
The number of foreign students studying at U.S. colleges and universities sharply declined for the school year that started in September 2020. Experts attribute the decline to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A survey of almost 3,000 institutions of higher education in the U.S. showed a 15% decrease in the number of international students attending the 2020-2021 school year.

The number of new student enrollments was slashed by 45.6%.

This brings the total of enrolled international students to 914,095, the first time since the 2015-2016 academic year the number fell below the 1 million mark after a decade of swift increases.

International students comprise 4.6% of the nearly 20 million students enrolled in U.S. higher education.

The number of students from China and India continue to dominate enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities. Combined, they continue to make up more than half of all the international students in the U.S.

Students from China declined by 14.8% from the previous year to 317,299, or 34.7% of all international students.

Students from India declined by 13.2% from the previous year to 167,583, or 18.3% of all international students.

The pandemic emanated from China in December 2019. International students left the U.S. to return to their home countries for winter break, with many returning to U.S. campuses in January 2020. U.S. campuses locked down in March 2020 around spring break, and all students were sent home, went home or remained in the U.S. as colleges and universities moved classes to online learning.

The research was conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), headquartered in New York, and released November 15. IIE, founded in 1919, is a nonprofit organization funded by the U.S. State Department, and it focuses on international student exchange and aid, foreign affairs, and international peace and security, according to its website. Its mission is to "build more peaceful and equitable societies by advancing scholarship, building economies and promoting access to opportunity."

New York University remained the top destination school for international students among all U.S. colleges and universities. New York state hosted the second-largest amount  106,894 of the 914,095 total  after first-place California, which hosted 132,758 students. The University of Southern California moved from the third to the fourth slot  overtaken by New York Citys Columbia University  but the University of California campuses in San Diego, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Irvine and Davis were included in the top 18.

Northeastern University in Boston was the second most-popular school for international students: 15,880 of the 66,273 who attend school in Massachusetts. Another 10,646 international students attended Boston University, located nearby, among at least 10 other colleges and universities in an area known locally as the Miracle Mile.

IIE also released a more optimistic Fall snapshot that surveyed more than 860 institutions about enrollment for the school year that started in August and September 2021.

The findings of the 2021 Fall International Student Enrollment Snapshot reflect the resilience of U.S. higher education institutions and student mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic, IIE stated. Higher education institutions report a 68% increase in the number of new international students enrolling for the first time at a U.S. institution in the U.S. or online from abroad, a surge from the 46% decline reported in Open Doors 2021.

Of those 860 institutions, 70% reported an increase in new student enrollment, while 10% said enrollment was maintained and 20% reported a decrease.

As of fall 2021, 99% of colleges and universities that participated in the survey reported holding classes in person or a hybrid of in person and online. At least 65% reported having international students on campus.

Seventy-seven percent reported spending as much, if not more, on student recruitment compared to previous years.
The U.S. Department of the Interior and 16 other federal agencies committed Monday to honoring Native American tribal rights throughout government policy-making and regulatory actions.

President Joe Biden made the announcement at a White House Tribal Nations Summit. The initiative will require agencies with diverse portfolios to coordinate their efforts to protect agreements reached while the country was being explored in the 1800s, and more recent pacts.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said, Tribal Nations entered into treaties, in part, to protect their way of life and inherent rights to natural resources of cultural, economic, and subsistence importance.

It is our obligation to honor these treaty rights and incorporate tribal interests into our decision-making, so that tribal rights regarding everything from hunting and fishing to health care and education are protected, she added.

The memorandum of understanding among the 17 agencies calls for the creation of a searchable database of all treaties between the U.S. government and tribal nations, to help the government comply with treaty obligations.

The agreement also calls for improving consideration of treaty rights in government decision-making and identifying tribal rights that might be adversely affected by government regulations.

The Interior Department said that many of the tribal treaties in the U.S. protect access to natural resources, such as fisheries, but also protect the resource itself from being degraded.
After 176 days in a Myanmar prison, American journalist Danny Fenster is finally on his way home.

Fenster, 37, was freed on Monday, days after a Yangon court sentenced him to 11 years in prison on charges filed by the junta.

After widespread reports of a possible release, Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun confirmed to VOA Burmese that Fenster was allowed to go home.

The release comes after negotiations between the Myanmar military government and top U.S. officials, including former congressman and ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson.

Photographs showed Fenster with Richardson next to an aircraft, thought to be his flight to the U.S. via Qatar.

"We are so grateful that Danny will finally be able to reconnect with his loved ones, who have been advocating for him all this time, against immense odds," a statement from Richardson said.

Fenster's release was secured after Richardson had face-to-face talks with junta chief General Min Aung Hlaing in Myanmar, according to a statement from The Richardson Center, a non-profit corporation that provides logistical support to Richardson.

But local reports say that the military chief had promised to release the American journalist through a request made by Yohei Sasakawa, the Japanese Special Envoy for reconciliation in Myanmar. Sasakawa is currently visiting Myanmar's Rakhine State.

A Myanmar military press release seen by VOA Burmese confirmed that Fenster was pardoned and deported on humanitarian grounds, at the request of American and Japanese officials.

Fenster's brother Bryan welcomed the news on Twitter, saying the family was "overjoyed". "We cannot wait to hold him in our arms," Bryan Fenster tweeted.

An emailed statement from the Fenster family to VOA said that the family "appreciates all the support around the world" but has requested privacy.

Danny Fenster was arrested at Yangon International Airport on May 24 as he boarded a flight to the U.S. to see his family in his hometown of Detroit.

At the time, he was working as the managing editor for Yangon-based news site Frontier Myanmar.

The American was held at Insein prison and charged with incitement, unlawful association and visa breaches. Additional charges of sedition and terrorism were later added.

Fenster's lawyer Than Zaw Aung told VOA the junta believed incorrectly that Fenster was still working for the news outlet Myanmar Now.

The news outlet is one of several banned by the military after it seized power in a February 1 coup.

Fenster had sufficient evidence that he had left the company last year, months before the coup, and Myanmar Now confirmed that he no longer worked for the outlet.

But still a court on November 12 sentenced Fenster to 11 years in jail.

Than Zaw Aung said Fenster's appearance had changed throughout his stint in prison, where he had lost weight and his hair had grown longer.

Fenster had recently recovered from COVID-19 but was "mentally down" and had depression. "He told me he wants to go to the United States for Thanksgiving time," the lawyer told VOA last week.

The English-language news site Frontier Myanmar where Fenster works released a statement welcoming his release.

"We are relieved that Danny is finally out of prison  somewhere he never should have been in the first place," said Frontier's editor-in-chief Thomas Kean.

U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken also welcomed Fenster's release from prison, "where he was wrongfully detained for almost six months."

"We are glad that Danny will soon be reunited with his family as we continue to call for the release of others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Burma," Blinken said.

Fenster is the second American journalist to be released from Myanmar since the coup. Nathan Maung was detained for 98 days after police raided the offices of Kamayut Media where he was working, in March.

Speaking to VOA Monday, Maung said, "The junta will release more political detainees if the international community is united to pressure."

In an earlier interview with VOA, shortly after his release, Maung, who is of Burmese descent, said he was beaten denied food and water, and confined to a chair during his interrogation.

At first, Maung said, he resisted telling his interrogators that he was an American, fearing that he would be separated from his colleagues.

"They stopped torturing me once they found out I'm a U.S. citizen," he told VOA. But he said dozens of local journalists faced worse conditions.

A Polish photojournalist Robert Bociaga was also detained for 13 days before his release in March. And Japanese journalist Yuki Kitazumi spent a month inside jail from April to May before being released.

John Quinley, a senior human rights specialist at the nonprofit Fortify Rights, said that Fenster and others are being wrongly targeted.

"Danny Fenster should never have been detained in the first place. The junta is still jailing journalists, protest leaders and anyone who speaks up for democracy and human rights," he told VOA.

Dozens of journalists still remain inside Myanmar prisons according to Reporting ASEAN. Since February's coup, over 100 journalists have been arrested and at least 31 remain detained.

Rights groups including the New York based Committee to Protect Journalists are pushing for their release.

In a statement on Fenster's release, the CPJ Asia program head Steven Butler said, "Myanmar authorities should follow this gesture with the immediate release of the dozens of other journalists held in prison merely for doing their job of reporting the news."

Aye Chan Naing, the editor of Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), previously told VOA that the junta has a "wish list" of targets that includes reporters.

"If they find out they're working as a journalist, they're already taking a pretty high risk and could easily get arrested."

VOA's Burmese Service contributed to this report.
In the wake of the recent election in Nicaragua in which President Daniel Ortega was elected for a fourth consecutive time, the Biden administration on Monday announced sanctions on several Nicaraguan officials, calling the elections a sham.

The U.S. cited the Public Ministry of Nicaragua, which is the countrys prosecutors office, saying that in the runup to the November 7 elections it "unjustly arrested and investigated presidential candidates and prevented them from running for office, thereby undermining democracy in Nicaragua," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The moves all but guaranteed an election win by Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who is also vice president.

U.S. President Joe Biden called the elections pantomime'' and said he would "use all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to support the people of Nicaragua and hold accountable the Ortega-Murillo government and those that facilitate its abuses."

Also sanctioned were nine government officials, including Salvador Mansell Castrillo, minister of energy and mines; Jose Adrian Chavarria Montenegro, vice minister of finance and public credit; Mohamed Farrara Lashtar, who serves as ambassador to Middle Eastern countries.

"The Ortega regime is using laws and institutions to detain members of the political opposition and deprive Nicaraguans from the right to vote," Office of Foreign Assets Control Director Andrea Gacki said in the Treasury statement. "The United States is sending an unequivocal message to President Ortega, Vice President Murillo, and their inner circle that we stand with the Nicaraguan people in their calls for reform and a return to democracy."

The U.S. had already sanctioned Ortega, Murillo and some of their inner circle and promised more sanctions should Ortega win.

Citing previous sanctions that seemed not to deter Ortega, analysts doubt the new round of sanctions will have any effect, Reuters reported.

The U.S. was not alone in condemning the elections.

The Organization of American States on Friday adopted a resolution saying the elections "lack democratic legitimacy."

Those sanctioned will have any assets in the U.S. frozen, and they will be barred from accessing the U.S. financial system.
On a warm August evening, assembly member Samba Baldeh mingled among the picnickers outside his home here, sharing laughs and making sure they'd had enough grilled chicken, meat pies and the West African pudding called thiakry.

Elected in America VOA is profiling several emerging U.S. politicians with family ties to Africa who are helping to change the face of American politics. They include: Esther Agbaje , Minnesota House of Representatives

, Minnesota House of Representatives Samba Baldeh , Wisconsin State Assembly

, Wisconsin State Assembly Omar Fateh , Minnesota State Senate

, Minnesota State Senate Adeoye Owolewa , D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives

, D.C. 'shadow' member for U.S. House of Representatives Naquetta Ricks, Colorado General Assembly



"It's hard work, and usually it's hard to satisfy everybody," said Gaelle Kane, a home care coordinator, dressed in festive Senegalese attire. She was commenting less on Baldeh's hosting techniques than on his political skills.

"Samba is a very good man," she said. "Anything that happens, he informs us."

Baldeh organized the picnic as belated thanks for supporters who helped elect him to the Wisconsin State Assembly  far from his birthplace in Gambia. In January, he became the first native African and first Muslim to serve in that legislature.

At age 50, Baldeh has a voice in shaping legislation for the Upper Midwestern state and its 6 million residents. It's a limited voice, given that he's a first-term Democrat in a legislature dominated by Republicans.

But he enjoys hearty support  80% of the vote  in his heavily Democratic district, which includes part of the capital city of Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin. District 48 is majority white  68%, according to the latest Census data  and a hub for recent immigrants from Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere.

Baldeh holds himself responsible for promoting the interests of all his constituents. Yet he remains mindful of the country and continent from which he came.

"I know I'm elected here in the United States," he told VOA, "but I see it as part of my responsibility that Africa, as a whole, is my constituency."

Linda Vakunta, Madison's deputy mayor for housing, expanded on her mentor's philosophy.

"Samba really is a shining light for us," she said in brief remarks to the picnickers, many of them from the continent, like her. "He always says that we have two homes: back in Africa and here. We should be just as involved here as we would be if we were back home."

Rural roots

Gambia is Africa's smallest country, with 2.2 million residents on a sliver of land embedded in Senegal. Baldeh, one of nine children in a family of ethnic Fulani herders, grew up in the rural village of Choya.

"My parents were farmers. They mainly raised cattle and goats and sheep," which he helped tend as a boy, he said.

He persuaded his family to sell off some livestock to cover costs of his high school education in another town. "I personally forced my way into school," he said.

Afterward, Baldeh helped organize the Kanifing East Youth Development Society, which got some U.S. government funding for a youth center offering training in sewing, carpentry and other skills.

Baldeh's growing experience in youth leadership later brought international travel opportunities, including to a conference in Washington, D.C., in early 1999 where he met a participant from the Madison Area Technical College. By year's end, Baldeh had moved to Wisconsin to study at MATC, training that would launch his career as a software engineer and information technology project manager.

At first, Baldeh was shocked by Wisconsin's winter cold  temperatures can drop to minus 28 degrees Celsius  but he grew to appreciate it. The former country boy said he quickly warmed to a different aspect of the state: "That it is called (America's) Dairyland," based on its reputation as a leader in U.S. dairy production.

A legacy of service

At MATC, Baldeh founded the African Students Association for students grappling with immigration issues, financing and cultural differences. Later, he volunteered with youth development programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and with civil rights groups such as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). He witnessed struggles.

"Housing for communities of color particularly was very bad," Baldeh said. He also saw shortcomings in race relations and government services.

"Inequalities (were) really what triggered me to consider running for office," he said.

Baldeh sought and won a seat on the Madison Common Council, serving from 2015 to early 2021, including a term as its president. He ran for the Assembly in 2020.

Representative Sheila Stubbs, an Assembly colleague and chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, on which Baldeh serves as secretary, "worked closely on justice issues" with him, she said.

"He stands up for the rights of people [who] are marginalized," she said. "He makes sure that immigrant voices are heard and responded to."

In the Assembly, Baldeh has co-sponsored a bill to reduce the use of polyfluoroalkyl substances  long-lasting chemicals that can contaminate drinking water, food and air. He hopes to advance legislation to make affordable housing more accessible. He wants to reduce the high price of prison phone calls, which experts say deters inmates from maintaining important family ties. He has pressed the governor's office for more assistance to immigrants.

Early in his council tenure, Baldeh got assigned to a committee on Sister Cities International, a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network. He helped Madison add its first African city  Kanifing, Gambia  to its roster of partners.

Kanifing faces a challenge that resonates with Baldeh and his legislative concerns about environmental hazards in Wisconsin.

The Gambian city harbors the sprawling Bakoteh dumpsite in a congested residential area. Kanifing sent a Gambian delegation to Madison to tour waste-management facilities and meet with engineers and others for ideas. Madison, working with private investors, has supplied Kanifing with some household garbage bins and garbage trucks. Experts at the University of Wisconsin also are working on solutions.

As a developing country, Gambia benefits from the exchange, Baldeh said, stressing that his adopted city and state do, too.

"Madison can also learn from them how diversity works within (Gambian) tribes," he said.

Visit to Gambia

In August, Baldeh traveled to his home country with Jerreh Kujabi, another Gambia native, who leads the Madison-Kanifing Sister Cities pairing. Kujabi is Baldeh's close friend, business partner and former campaign adviser. The two met with Gambian

officials, local leaders and the public to strengthen the sister-city bond, and to encourage education, trade and employment on both sides of the Atlantic.

Baldeh, who serves on a committee of the U.S. State Department's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), wants to see more opportunity in Gambia and elsewhere in Africa  in part so fewer people feel compelled to leave.

One of his nephews died in 2018 while trying to make his way to Europe to find work. Baldeh said his family's tragic loss is far too common in Gambia, where nearly 60% of its population is under age 25. "Basically, there are no job opportunities," he said.

For Baldeh, the Gambia trip's highlights included visits with his mother and other relatives, as well as a lunch meeting with President Adama Barrow.

"To me, that is very special and humbling, and something that I would remember for a very long time," he said of Barrow, who seeks a second term in the country's December 4 elections.

Baldeh returned to Wisconsin carrying ideas about expanded markets, technology consultation, and investment "that goes beyond just Europe or the Americas or Asia." He'd like to see a Wisconsin trade mission to Africa that includes Gambia.

Nearing the end of his first year as a state legislator, Baldeh said he's grateful for "the opportunity to introduce legislation that has serious consequences on people's lives.  I really enjoy going out there and meeting with constituents and talking about things that they care about."

He chafes at "the political part" of his job. "This country is so polarized, even at the local level, at the state level," he complains.

Yet Baldeh has joined in the fray. In an opinion column for the Wisconsin State Journal, he called a Republican tax cut proposal "a sleight-of-hand trick," one that "includes a bombshell that will detonate in two years."

Asked whether he would consider a lengthier return to Gambia, Baldeh paused.

"Honestly, I hold myself accountable to making this world a better place," he said. "And so, if the impact from Africa will be much bigger than what I'm able to do in the United States, it's a big possibility."

Gaelle Kane, one of the Madison picnickers, imagines an utterly different path for Baldeh.

"I think he should run for the U.S. Senate," she said.

VOA Africa Division's Betty Ayoub contributed to this report.
Nearly 200 countries signed the Glasgow Climate Pact at the end of the COP26 summit Saturday, pledging to speed up action on tackling climate change. However, last minute pressure from China and India saw key pledges on phasing out fossil fuels watered down. Henry Ridgwell reports
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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Andy Dick Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock/Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutte

Andy Dick was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on Monday and is now facing domestic violence charges. TMZ reports that the 55-year-old comedian allegedly hit his boyfriend in the head with a liquor bottle amid an argument that became physical at his Los Angeles home. Inmate records obtained by People from the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department show Dick was released on $50,000 bail a few hours after being booked on a felony charge. Dick is due back in court on March 7.

On June 26, Dick was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He was released three days later, also on $50,000 bail, and was due back in court on October 25. Dicks ex-fiancee Elisa Jordana discussed the circumstances leading up to the arrest on her YouTube show Kermit and Friends. Per People, Jordana said that Dick got into a fight involving a metal chair at a restaurant. The person was hospitalized after the fight, and Jordana claims that Dick could have killed him. Jordana and Dick broke up after the arrest in June.

Over the last decade, Dick has built up a considerable rap sheet. In January 2010, Dick was arrested for sexual abuse in West Virginia. In November 2014, he was arrested for stealing some guys necklace. In 2017, he was fired from not one but two films for sexual harassment. And a year later, a video of Dick groping Ivanka Trump resurfaced after another arrest for sexual battery. Representatives for Andy Dick did not immediately return Vultures request for comment.
Two men face an assault charge each for their alleged role in an attack in Florence, police said.

Florence Police Sgt. Cliff Billingsley said officers were called Friday to Indiana Avenue for a report of gunfire. When they arrived, they found a male victim bleeding from the head.

After further investigation, it was determined that he was hit several times in the head with a firearm, Billingsley said. During the beating, the firearm discharged. No one was struck with the bullet.

The victim told police that two males had jumped him. The suspects, 24-year-old Brandon K. Allison and 22-year-old Jordan D. Nelson, both of Tuscumbia, were stopped in Sheffield and taken back to Florence, where they were booked on one count of second-degree assault each, Billingsley said.

Both men were released on $2,500 bond.
AURORA, Colo. (AP) - Police say six teenagers were shot in a drive-by shooting in a park near a high school in suburban Denver, but all are expected to survive.

The victims in Monday's shooting range in age from 14 to 18.

Police Chief Vanessa Wilson says are all students at Aurora Central High School.

She says multiple rounds of different calibers were found at the scene and some may have also been fired by someone on foot.

The suspects in the shooting were at large.
New artificial intelligence earbuds are the latest learning tool in the Morgan County Schools system. They are used to translate lessons for students in real time from English to a variety of languages.

Savannah Chenault teaches seventh-grade English and reading at Danville Middle School.



Timekettle WT2 Plus translating earbuds used in Danville Middle School. Timekettle WT2 Plus translating earbuds used in Danville Middle School.

"When you see a need, you want to try and fill the gaps," Chenault said.

Helping students is all Chenault does. She's been teaching at Danville Middle for nearly a decade. That means hundreds  if not thousands  of Morgan County students have been in her classroom. But this year, a new problem arose, something Chenault had not had to deal with at length before.

"We have a couple in eighth grade and sixth grade who speak no English," Chenault said. "So, I thought it would help the teachers at the beginning of the year who were frustrated and shocked like, 'What do we do? We can't communicate with these students.'"

The school has always had English-language learners enrolled, but that number is rising. Chenault said these students deserve the same education an English-speaking student would get.

"It's our job as educators to be able to provide students with equal access and a design for education that everyone has the same opportunities," Chenault said.

The teachers wears one earbud while the student wears the other. In real time, as the teacher gives a lesson, what they're saying is translated in the student's ear.

Chenault said Danville Middle uses them primarily to translate English to Spanish, but the technology isn't limited to that. There are 40 languages to choose from and 93 accents available, ensuring no child is left behind.

"It documents and transcribes as well, so it's not only for auditory learners but for visual learners as well," Chenault said.

These devices didn't cost Danville Middle a dime. Chenault was awarded a $2,600 grant from a local company to get the translators. The school now has 14 pairs ready to help students learn.

Morgan County Schools has translators on staff. However, Chenault said, these earbuds ensure students will never be without the assistance they need.
Limestone County Coroner Mike West confirms an employee was killed Monday morning at Sunbelt Forest Products Corporation after being run over by a forklift.

West said the victim is 45-year-old Cassandra Hill from Athens. He said the call came in about 7:40 a.m.
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing on Monday celebrated the launch of its new Mazda CX-50.

The new SUV will be built on the Discovery Production Line of the companys new plant in Huntsville-annexed Limestone County.

Mazda CX-50 (Image courtesy of Mazda) Mazda CX-50 (Image courtesy of Mazda)

Toyotas Corolla Cross is built on that same facilitys Apollo Production Line.

This new Mazda vehicle has been developed for North America, particularly to support the active and outdoor lifestyles of customers in this region, Jeff Guyton, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations said in a news release. The CX-50 encourages people to immerse themselves in nature without compromising on the premium design and outstanding on-road performance Mazda is known for.

Also from the news release:

"The wait is over for us, as Mazdas global reveal introduced the world to the CX-50," said Mark Brazeal, Vice President of Administration. "It is an exciting time to be a part of the MTM team and building two brand new SUVs right here in North Alabama.

MTM will hire up to 1,400 additional team members to join its existing workforce (FIND A JOB HERE), eventually reaching up to 4,000 once production is in full operation.

The plant has the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles a year, evenly split between the two nameplates.

Our team members are truly building a new company and a new culture," said Janette Hostettler, Vice President of Production.

"The reveal of our second SUV, the Mazda CX-50, is a huge milestone for us, and we cant wait to add more talented people to our team."

MTM will continue its ramp up to full production into 2022, when both the Apollo and the Discovery Production Lines will be producing vehicles to be sold across North America.

More on the CX-50

The first-ever CX-50 emphasizes Mazdas trademark natural driving experience to help create greater confidence on and off-road. Enhancing this experience, it will be equipped as standard with the latest i-Activ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology and new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive. The new drive modes can be selected with the Mi-Drive switch and will help the crossover SUV drive naturally in a wide variety of conditions, such as in exciting off-road terrain or providing reliable towing capabilities. At launch, CX-50 will be available with Mazdas efficient powertrains, Skyactiv-G 2.5 naturally aspirated engine or Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine and paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. In the coming years, the CX-50 will also be offered with electrified powertrains, including a traditional hybrid model. More information about our electrified models will be shared at a later date.

The CX-50 creates a new styling expression in the Mazda lineup that blends the brands striking Kodo design with an outdoor capable presence that respectfully interacts with the surroundings. The sleek, long silhouette and wide stance help give the vehicle dynamic proportions that balances design elements that are geared toward outdoor ruggedness. As expected with any current Mazda, the interior of CX-50 is well-crafted and features a layout focused on the driver. Blended seating materials and details inspired by technical, modern outdoor gear all help create a welcoming atmosphere fitting for both adventurists and those just starting their journey into an active lifestyle. A new panoramic moonroof, a first for Mazda, helps the occupants feel more connected to nature. The CX-50 will also debut new color options, such as Zircon Sand exterior paint and an available terracotta interior color.

To further support CX-50s presence in the outdoor space, its designs are more than just beautiful, they are also functional. While the interior provides comfort to all passengers, the cargo space is thoughtfully designed to help support and enable outdoor activities. The vehicles height and length are ideal for easily loading and securing common outdoor equipment. Additionally, the high strength roof rails and reinforced b-pillars and door jambs add to the usability of securing equipment on the roof of CX-50. This all-new vehicle will help encourage our customers to explore the outdoors without having to compromise on distinct designs or dynamic driving.
InRome Cooking is seeking an experienced native Italian chef to join our team in Rome. Founded in 2015, InRome Cooking operates three cooking schools in Romes historic centre and Castel Gandolfo. Candidates must have extensive experience in a professional kitchen and be fluent in English and, ideally, one other language. Salary to be discussed during the interview. Contract to start in the New Year.
An African American Vietnam War veteran has had his discharge status changed following work by students of the University of North Carolina  Chapel Hill. John Spencer Jr. was given an other-than-honorable discharge following his return from Vietnam.

Spencer was drafted into the US Army in 1969, when he was still a teenager. After training at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Knox in Kentucky, he was sent to South Vietnam, where he served as an armored reconnaissance specialist in the infantry. While overseas, he was hit in the neck with shrapnel, and says he faced discrimination and racism due to his race.

According to Spencer, he was given his other-than-honorable discharge after a sergeant called him lazy. The world was different, he said. People were different. There was a lot of discrimination, a lot of racist stuff going on.

Upon arriving back on American soil, he was stripped of his uniform and dog tags. As a result of his discharge, he was not entitled to the benefits afforded to those who are honorably discharged from the Army following their service.

Spencer was ashamed at what happened, but never gave up his efforts to receive the recognition he deserved. In 2018, he sought the help of the University of North Carolina School of Laws Military and Veterans Law Clinic. It provides pro bono legal support for low-income former service members looking to correct or upgrade their discharge status.

The clinic worked for three years to restore Spencers federal veteran status. They appealed his discharge after reviewing his military and health records, on the grounds of discrimination and protocol violations. No mention of serious misconduct was found, and they couldnt see a valid reason for him to have been discharged.

They also discovered hed been injured during the war, meaning he was eligible for the Purple Heart.

Five decades ago, John Spencer received an other than honorable discharge with a promise that it could be fixed. See how @unc_law students helped the North Carolina veteran restore all the honors he was owed  including his Purple Heart: https://t.co/Zgt3ios1qn #UNC pic.twitter.com/9nZPFGjGjC  UNC-Chapel Hill (@UNC) November 11, 2021

On November 11, 2021, at a ceremony held outside the law school, Spencer was awarded his Purple Heart, a combat infantry badge and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. More than 100 people attended, including his daughter and brother, both of whom have served in the military.

For this team to carry this through to make my dad get this while hes still alive is very emotional and a very proud moment, said his daughter, Sonya Dewberry.

All I really wanted was when they laid me to rest they just drape that flag across my coffin, said Spencer of his decades-long fight for justice and recognition.

The shame is gone, he added. The dignity is back.
The simplification is more evolutionary than Unilever Plcs last year, given the then former Anglo-Dutch consumer goods group was previously still two separate companies. And many in the Netherlands may be glad to no longer house the HQ of a mammoth fossil-fuel business. Shell says the move has no impact on the Hague legal ruling in May forcing it to accelerate emissions reduction. All the same, the negative Dutch feeling towards the company is hard to ignore.
Replacing fallible technology with fallible humans isnt the answer. But putting them together might be. Humans often babysit algorithms when the stakes are high. For instance, Meta Platforms Inc. (the new corporate name of Facebook) employs thousands of people to check its softwares ability to spot misinformation and hate-speech  and it should hire many more. Policing is as high-stakes as you can get, with the potential to ruin lives with every mistake. That means it needs to invest in more skilled people to oversee any new artificial intelligence tech it implements.
Goldberg also said that the attorneys general should demand straight answers from Unilever on its relationship with the independent board that oversees Ben & Jerrys. They have pledged that Ben & Jerrys has said they will find a way to still work in Israel, even though its independent board chair has said it wont, he told me in an interview. It opens up a lot of questions as to the truthfulness about their statements to the market.
Employees at the plant have said Smithfield did not do enough last year to prevent infections in the plant, where workers labored elbow-to-elbow as they processed nearly 5% of the countrys pork. The union at the plant has said that it had been attempting to negotiate for more coronavirus protections leading up to the outbreak. After cases kept accumulating, Smithfield shuttered its plant for nearly three weeks.
The first was what Knight dubbed risk: events that one could not know would happen  much less precisely when they would happen  but to which a certain probability could be assigned. As an example, he cited another economist who had described the making of champagne, which invariably resulted in a certain number of bottles bursting from an excess of carbonation. But the loss rate was consistent and predictable. As a consequence, wrote Knight, the loss becomes a fixed cost in the industry and is passed on to the consumer.
Sam Fazeli: The first thing to note is that these side effects are very rare and that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh these rare risks. The safety issue that is being reviewed is that of inflammation of the heart muscles (myocarditis) or the membrane around the heart (pericarditis), which can be associated with pain and discomfort and also shortness of breath and a reduced ability to conduct normal daily functions. In its most serious forms, it could lead to death, but the vast majority of the side effects seen after vaccination with mRNA vaccines has been mild.
The markers of a nation dangerously divided against itself crop up time and again in these productions. Caroline, or Change, with book and lyrics by Tony Kushner and music by Jeanine Tesori, opens in the Lake Charles, La., of Kushners youth  with the central image of a Confederate statue on Fly Daviss eye-filling set. I had to check back to see whether this wildly timely element was previously part of this 18-year-old musical, and gosh darn it if Kushner and Tesori had not prefigured the issue of removing symbols of the Civil War as a headline of the 2020s.
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The Alliance Defending Freedom  which has a history of taking on lawsuits that call into question the rights of transgender people  also amended the suit to seek the total repeal of the transgender policy. The group requested a temporary injunction to prevent enforcement of the policy while the suit continues. Plowman declined to rule on that request Monday, signaling he might issue a decision between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
One of the first things that happened when I started volunteering at Friendship Place is they gave me the keys to the office, said Alan, 63. You come into this feeling worthless  eating out of the trash, rats walking on you, people looking at you like youre nothing  and to go somewhere and they say you have worth and heres the keys. Your life is  whew  you have worth.
Most of the roughly 1,500 inmates at the jail, including Tarrio, have local criminal cases in D.C. Superior Court. But several hundred others have federal cases in U.S. District Court. The findings of the inspection prompted the Justice Department to announce that 400 federal prisoners would be transferred from the jail to the U.S. penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pa., a process that authorities said began last week.
Kyle Rittenhouse was one of those people who came into our city and violated us. He wasnt part of Kenosha. He was part of the problem. Just like the antifa that came and burned down our buildings, she said as she surveyed the lingering wreckage in her Uptown neighborhood.
The Greater Manchester Police said the men  ages 29, 26 and 21  were arrested in Kensington, an area of Liverpool with a high poverty rate. Authorities did not provide any further details about the evidence against them or what might have caused the explosion.
The ceremony, while it had the look of an old-fashioned White House event, took place at a turbulent moment. Even as Biden launches a tour to sell the benefits of the infrastructure package, Trump and his supporters are directing their rage at the Republicans who voted for it, in large part because they gave Biden a political win.
As I said before, it seems to be our responsibility  as leaders of China and the United States  to ensure that the competition between our countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended, Biden told Xi in brief remarks in front of reporters at the White House before the summit began. Just simple, straightforward competition. It seems to me we need to establish a common-sense guardrail, to be clear and honest where we disagree and work together where our interests intersect, especially on vital global issues like climate change.
The close race between Yoon and Lee will likely deepen South Koreas already serious conservative-liberal divide. Yoon recently attacked Lee over a massive property development scandal that his supporters say involves Lee. This week, Lee used his apology for past drunken driving to take issue with Yoons lack of experience in party politics, saying, I think a beginning driver is more dangerous than a driver with a drunken driving record.
The U.S. military court-martialed him in the summer of 1943. The military claimed that he was not being punished for his critiques of the militarys discriminatory policies towards African American soldiers, but for making negative statements about his commanding officer and engaging in conduct unbecoming an officer. He was assigned to hard labor, stripped of his rank and had his pay decreased. During his trial, the military prosecutors highlighted his Jewish identity and labor activism, and questioned his loyalty to the American government.
An example of a priest supporting the struggling LGBTQ community during the AIDS pandemic is Father William Hart McNichols, who, through his ministry and artwork, helped lessen the stigma associated with AIDS, OLoughlin said. Sr. Carol Baltosiewich became an advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ community in Belleville, Illinois, and moved to New York in 1986 to help those affected by HIV and AIDS. Through her ministry, Baltosiewich deepened her own understanding of faith, and it actually made her a better Christian, OLoughlin said.
Critics said Richardsons trip risked precisely providing this validity to the junta, which has been slapped with Western sanctions after the coup, including from the U.S. government. In an interview with the Associated Press after the trip, Richardson acknowledged the blowback but said he was deeply invested in Myanmar and that its military government had invited him.
Art from the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests in Hong Kong, as well as the 2019 protests, which has been featured in exhibitions around the world, is also absent. But some political art has survived, including a clip from Ten Years, a film presenting a dystopian reality of Hong Kong that now mirrors its political climate. Several of the films directors have also left Hong Kong, fearing persecution, and pro-Beijing lawmakers have criticized the film and used its past widespread screening to justify a new film censorship law.
Many of those who have managed to cross have recounted how Belarusian border guards actively helped them by cutting through the fence or driving them up and down the border in vans to find easier crossing points. Some say Belarusian guards beat them if they were caught and turned around by Polish forces, pushing them over the border again and causing them to be ping-ponged between the borders for weeks with little food or water.
Alanoud Alhashmi, chief executive of the Futurist Company in the UAE, said the region can no longer afford to expend resources on wars. We need to put the same money, the same commitment that we used for war toward an ecosystem for peace and prosperity in the region, said Alhashmi, whose government-supported project-management firm has been working with Israeli companies and organizations since the normalization deals were signed. Its a matter of human existence.
MARY RUTH WAGLER  The funeral for Mary Ruth Wagler was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at First Mennonite Church, with Chris Raber, Gaylon Sommers and David Lee Stoll officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.
Illegal fishing activity off the north-west coast of Australia has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, as a joint federal operation seized 16 vessels and burnt three at sea during a three-day blitz last month.

National figures have revealed the scope of the increase in illegal vessels since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with more boats intercepted over three months this year than an entire seven-year span preceding the pandemic.

The influx could precede more serious national security concerns such as drug importation, piracy, people smuggling and terrorism operations.



Just five boats were intercepted in 2018-19 and only four the next year, but that figure surged to 85 vessels in 2020-21 and a whopping 103 from July to September this year, as the pandemic continued.
From dockside escapades in Fremantle and dancing on the sand at City Beach, to oceanic orchestral concerts, heart-pumping theatre and a magical lighthouse set to captivate the young-at-heart, Perth Festival promises to be spectacular.

Stars Kate Walsh and Caroline Brazier will bring to life one of historys great rivalries  Elizabeth Is battle royale with Mary, Queen of Scots  when the 2022 Perth Festival comes alive in the new year.

The festival program, which was revealed today, has the pair starring in Mary Stuart, with WA-based playwright Kate Mulvany adapting the tale into a resplendent costume drama filled with plot twists and political intrigue.

Mary Stuart will run from February 10, but the festival will start in full swing from the 11th with the main opening event, titled Escape, set to kick off the month-long festivities.
A Crown spokeswoman said while the company believed the employees had made all necessary disclosures, it had still requested an independent external review, with the findings to be reported to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. In managing potential conflicts of interest, Crown recognises how issues are perceived is of critical importance, she said. In a formal response to 6PR and WAtoday, Mr Ord acknowledged the social contact but denied the staff involved were part of Crowns executive or senior level of management or occupied a decision making position. Mr Connolly does not refute socialising with employees of Crown Perth, including taking them fishing on his trailer boat, Mr Ord said. The nature of the relationship is one of being friends for an extended period. This friendship, and any potential or perceived conflict has been declared formally and has been discussed and declared to myself and the former director general Barry Sargeant, as well as the Gaming and Wagering Commission, who have noted the declaration of interest in the minutes of meetings.

In consideration that there should be no perception of a conflict of interest, Mr Connolly is stepping aside from his role as chief casino officer effective immediately. Mark Beecroft has now assumed the role to assist the Commission with its response to the inquiry report. Leading gambling researcher Dr Charles Livingstone from Monashs school of public health said it was noteworthy that Mr Connolly was stood aside only after the nature of his relationship to Crown staff became known to 6PR and WAtoday. The advice that this was not previously perceived as a conflict of interest is staggering, he said. Casinos are magnets for criminal infiltration and money laundering. They require careful and professional regulation, with a significant level of detachment and distance between the casino and those who regulate it.

In my opinion, Mr Connolly has demonstrated little understanding of that principle. The idea that a senior regulator would see nothing wrong with a) hanging out with the casinos staff, and b) take them fishing in his boat is quite remarkable, regardless of whether they are senior management, or the people with whom he liaises when undertaking audits and compliance checks. Either way, the possibility that his judgment and insight would be compromised by such friendly relationships is clear. The perception, and perhaps the reality of serious conflict of interest is obvious, yet apparently that has only now been realised. It is not the first time the spotlight has turned on the closeness between the monopoly casino and its regulator. In 2014, Mr Sargeant, the former director general and chairman of the Gaming and Wagering Commission, accepted a $6475, three-day trip to Macau, paid for by Crown, which was criticised by the then-Labor opposition.

Barnett Government Gaming Minister Terry Waldron said the trip was appropriate so Mr Sargeant could learn about Crowns VIP business. In 2015, the Commission removed full-time casino inspectors from the Crown Perth gaming floor. Mr Ord said that decision was made by Mr Sargeant and endorsed by the Commission, but was not made by Mr Connolly, who did not have that power. WA Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia said he was meeting with Mr Ord on Monday and would be discussing the stepping aside of Mr Connolly. He said stepping aside was the right thing to do, to avoid any perception, real or implied, of a conflict of interest.

The Gaming and Wagering Commission would meet on Tuesday after receiving advice from the State Solicitors Office regarding the Bergin inquiry report. Loading The Bergin inquiry report lifted the lid on Crowns so-called junket operations for Asian whale gamblers and also detailed how there were red flags money was being laundered through Crowns Perth and Melbourne casinos as far back as 2014. Melbournes gaming regulator announced it would write to Crown to ask why CEO Ken Barton and director Andrew Demetriou could be considered fit and proper associates of the casino. Both men stood down under pressure late last week. Mr Ord hinted that the Gaming and Wagering Commission and the Department did not have the powers or responsibility for preventing money laundering through Crown Perth.
West Australian Police have investigated 23 sexual assaults on mine sites since the start of 2020, an inquiry into harassment in the states mining industry revealed.

The figures are higher than the statistics recorded by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety which has received 17 reported cases of sexual assault over the past two years from companies or complainants.

WA Police acting Commissioner Col Blanch and state crime Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce. Credit:Peter de Kruijff

The inquiry committees deputy chairman Mark Folkard said there appeared to be a gap between the statistics provided by police and mining companies, with the latter seeming to be triaging cases.

The inquiry also heard on Monday from oil and gas giant Woodside, the first energy-focused company to front the committee, which had dealt with five substantiated incidents of sexual harassment in the past five years in its WA operations and 16 across the organisation globally in the same time period.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Help, my partner is here! the 17-year-old boy pleaded with nurses after ringing the emergency intercom at Newman Hospital in the early hours of May 6, 2020. Ive taken it too far, Ive hit her. Lying face down in an empty ambulance bay was the battered body of 18-year-old *Nyaparu, tipped out of a green wheelie bin, her arms stretched out across the pavement. Her head had been so brutally bashed with a rock and her face so swollen and bloodied that one of the emergency nurses at the hospital who knew the young woman did not recognise her. At 4.30am, Nyaparu was pronounced dead in the hospitals parking lot, just weeks after giving birth to her second son. The crime sent ripples through Newman, a small mining town of 7200  more than 1000 of whom are Aboriginal  which serves as the epicentre of the remote Pilbara regions lucrative iron ore industry. But after making a few headlines in Perth the tragedy was mostly forgotten. There was no outcry or tribute for Nyaparu, who friends and family described as a beautiful girl full of life and a devoted mother. Just days after her body was pulled out of that bin, Nyaparus story, just like the complex issues that surrounded it, faded into oblivion. It is a story about violence, destitution and neglect in one of the nations richest regions, and a system so flawed it enabled an invisible boy to fall through the cracks until he brutally killed his girlfriend in a relationship banned under traditional law.

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Born to an alcoholic teenage mother and an absent father, the 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, grew up surrounded by drug use and violence in the Pilbara. Raised between Newman and the remote community of Jigalong, his childhood was one of extreme neglect. He was left alone for extended periods of time with no food, and because nobody ever spoke to him, he didnt learn how to talk until he was six. He started sniffing paint at the age of five, moving to solvents and cannabis shortly after. Family friends describe the boy as very traumatised and having spent most of his early years being passed from one relatives care to the next. He suffered constant ear and respiratory infections, skin conditions, and head injuries as his great-grandparents struggled to bring him up with several of his cousins. Some of the details of the boys upbringing are so horrific they have been suppressed by the courts. Later tests confirmed he suffered from a raft of cognitive impairments, including post-traumatic stress disorder, most likely the result of the extreme neglect and drug abuse. He also has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition affecting many children growing up in WAs remote communities. Data is limited on the prevalence of the condition in Australia  the global rate among children and youth is about 7.7 per 1000 births  but estimates by the Australian Medical Association suggest it could be as high as 12 per cent in high-risk Indigenous communities. Trapped between two worlds

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When the boy met Nyaparu he felt noticed for the first time. Hed lived a life where he seemed invisible. But their relationship quickly ran into trouble after elders from both families ruled they were in a wrong skin marriage which was inappropriate under traditional Aboriginal law. Martu society is divided into skin groups assigned at birth according to each persons maternal lineage. These groups determine who a person can marry, their roles and obligations and seek to prevent incest. As a Milangka woman, Nyaparu could only marry a Purungu man, but the boy was a Karimarra, which meant their union was poison and brought shame to both families. Family friends later told of how the couple had been harassed and bullied by fellow Martu people for two years as payback for their relationship, and their relatives punished for failing to intervene. Boarded up homes outnumber occupied properties in some areas of Newman, where BHP owns many of the houses. Credit:Marta Pascual Juanola In the months leading up to Nyaparus death, the relationship turned volatile and dysfunctional, marred by heavy drinking, drug abuse and jealousy. Her partner - who had gone through traditional lore to become a man which involves several days of learning about culture and ends in a circumcision ritual just weeks before the murder - had been under growing pressure from elders of both families to break up the union when the pair started arguing at a house party on the night of May 5, 2020.

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Witnesses saw the boy punch Nyaparu and drag her by the hair before the couple disappeared into bushland at the end of the cul-de-sac, where they talked for more than an hour. But as the conversation heated up and she threatened not to allow the teen to see his sons if they separated, he became enraged. He grabbed a rock from the ground and struck Nyaparu repeatedly in the face and head until she lay motionless on the ground. Something made me hit her more, the boy later told his lawyer, Cillian Stockdale. He then scooped up Nyaparus battered body, slung her over his shoulder and walked almost two kilometres to his great-grandparents house in the centre of town, where his great-grandmother told him to go to the hospital. In a panic, he put Nyaparu in a wheelie bin and took her to the ambulance bay outside Newman Hospital, a few hundred metres away. The beautiful girl full of life spent her final hours inside a rubbish bin. Nyaparu was laid to rest next to her grandmother at the cemetery in Wiluna, a hamlet on the fringes of the Western Desert. Her father says he took her two babies, aged 22 months and 10 months, to visit her grave often but it would be years before he could tell the boys what happened to their mother.

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She was our first baby, our beautiful girl, he says. We are all dealing with it in our own way. It builds on itself and makes it hard. Some of my family have turned to drinking. The invisible child Despite being able to read only two-letter words at 17, the boy was only diagnosed with borderline intellectual functioning and FASD after he was arrested. Tests carried out in detention concluded he was so impaired he had the mental ability of an eight-year-old at the time of the murder and could not understand the consequences of his actions or control his impulses. He was sentenced to eight years and four months behind bars, which he will serve at Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre in Canning Vale, 30 kilometres south-east of Perth and 1200 kilometres from his home in Newman. The youth correctional facility, where nobody speaks his language, has the highest number of inmates with FASD and cognitive impairment in the world. It is literally as if he were put on an aeroplane and flown to another country where he knows nobody and does not speak the language, Judge Hylton Quail said during the sentencing on February 12. The findings raised questions among family and friends about whether the crime could have been prevented had the teenager received appropriate help.

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I was struck, last week, by a column in The New York Times about the benefits of paternity leave. Fathers who took leave were likely to be closer to their child later, and to stay married. The mental health of mothers was also likely to be better. And there were fascinating suggestions, from recent studies, that mens brains changed after they became fathers, responding more to images of young children. This response was stronger if they worked fewer hours.

Scott Morrison on the campaign trail in Melbourne on November 9. Credit:Wayne Taylor

This is important and interesting in itself. But it is also an important reminder of something it is easy to forget in this period in which so many governments around the world seem stuck: the enormous power that governments have to change lives for the better. This is not just at some broad, statistical level, where we learn of incremental improvements to GDP (which can have important impacts too): change this policy and you bring parents and children closer together.

Remember the beginning of the pandemic? It was a strange, bleak time  but it was also oddly hopeful. The government began, almost immediately, to talk about a snap back, but there were many who hoped that the virus, awful as it was, might also provide an opportunity to question assumptions about the way our society had come to work.

As the virus spread, times became bleaker, but this hope increased, because of the brutal way the virus pointed to problems: the uncertain lives of insecure workers; cuts to public health; the dramatic inequities of class, race, geography  and that most basic of facts  the flats or houses we all live in.
Wilmington, DE (19810)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 29F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.
Two turkeys received a presidential pardon for Thanksgiving in 2020. Their names were corn and cob. Nov. 2020.
Man accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of jewelry from Kentucky stores
Indiana State Police are searching for Kavian OKelly-Rodgers, left. Police believe he may be in the company of Travis Dashun Rodger, right. (Courtesy of Indiana State Police)
Local

Fitzgerald: Democrats in disarray with infrastructure bill

Ed Zagorski / Ed Zagorski Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, Republican from Juneau, left, spoke Friday to State Sen. John Jagler, R-Watertown. Fitzgerald was holding a listening session Friday at Watertown City Hall.

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald, Republican from Juneau, didnt waste time during his listening session at Watertown City Hall Friday against President Joe Bidens handling of the southern border, especially after visiting McAllen, Texas.

I had a chance to speak with border agents there who manage the operations, and one thing I heard over and over was that the flow of people at the southern border has dramatically increased since President Biden took office, Fitzgerald said, and there are no signs of this trend slowing.

Fitzgerald said he learned from a border agent the large amounts of fentanyl coming into the U.S. through these illegal border crossings.

The evening border tour was truly eye-opening, he said. At different points along our tour, groups of up to 50 migrants would appear out of the woods in search of the southern border checkpoint.

He said these migrants know, with the Remain in Mexico policy no longer in place, they can claim asylum and travel to almost anywhere in the U.S.

What I saw in McAllen, Texas confirmed whats happening down at our southern border is absolutely a crisis, Fitzgerald said. Those law enforcement officials and border agents I spoke to all expressed the same concern, which is the flow of drugs and migrants across the border is rapidly increasing and we need more border agents to help.

He said the border patrol agents are becoming frustrated.

I was told they have seen immigrants from 72 countries, he said. Some from Cuba. Others from South America and even Eastern Europe. Globally, the word is if you want to get into the United States you need to come through Mexico.

He said the border should not be a partisan issue.

Something needs to be done, he said. Border patrol and law enforcement dont have enough help when 100, 200 or even an influx of 500 people are coming into our country illegally.

He also spoke out against the Democrats vote to take the first step in passing their multi-trillion-dollar budget reconciliation and passed their partisan infrastructure bill, which spends only a fraction of funds fixing roads and bridges.

He said the Democratic Party shows it is in disarray with this bill.

I am truly disappointed it didnt include what Americans consider infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and highways, he said. It was an opportunity missed. It was erroneously missed. I didnt support it because it had nothing to do with infrastructure as we know it, he said. The infrastructure bill included such items as free community college, universal pre-K, mandatory paid leave, and tax increases on businesses that will lead to higher prices on things Wisconsin residents purchase every day. The left will stop at nothing to pass their agenda, even if it means withholding money to fix Wisconsins roads and bridges.

However, the bill would provide $110 billion to repair the nations aging highways, bridges and roads.

According to the White House, 173,000 total miles of Americas highways and major roads and 45,000 bridges are in poor condition. And the nearly $40 billion for bridges is the single largest dedicated investment since the construction of the national highway system, according to the Biden administration.

Fitzgerald said the infrastructure bill is a Democratic scheme, which is not a new one.

Just mere months ago, Democrats passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, with plenty of money left to fund liberal pet projects, Fitzgerald said. This infrastructure package is no different.

When Fitzgerald was asked about the Jan. 6 insurrection he called the investigation into it a sham created by the left.

Its not a fair investigation, he said. Not at all. Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi allowed only members of the minority party on the committee. That, in itself, is a mockery of what a committee stands for.

Fitzgerald said Republicans Jim Jordan and Jim Banks were rejected from being on the committee, yet, Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney are on the committee.

The two Republicans were the only two who supported the formation of the special committee.

How can it truly be a fair committee investigating what happened? He said. Its a farce.
BEIJING (AP)  Asian stock markets rose Tuesday as President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping held a summit meeting by video link.

Market benchmarks in Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong advanced. Sydney fell.

Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 index lost less than 0.1% as makers of household goods rose and health care stocks fell.

Biden told Xi their goal should be to ensure competition does not veer into conflict. The two leaders met amid tension over trade, technology, human rights, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Xi said he was ready to build consensus" and said the two sides need to improve communication.

The meeting will dominate the session ahead, though White House officials have tempered expectations for any meaningful progress in relations, Anderson Alves of ActivTrades said in a report.

The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.3% to 3,544.47 and Tokyo's Nikkei 225 added 0.5% to 29,931.87. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong was 0.7% higher at 25,575.40.

The Kospi in Seoul gained less than 0.1% to 3,001.62 while Sydney's S&P-ASX 200 lost 0.5% to 7,434.50. New Zealand and Jakarta declined while Singapore and Bangkok advanced.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 declined to 4,682.80. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell less than 0.1% to 36,087.45. The Nasdaq lost less than 0.1% to 15,853.85.

Investors are shifting focus from the latest corporate profits to economic issues that will determine growth into 2022. That includes supply chain problems and rising inflation.

Investors will be watching for any signs inflation is crimping business operations or consumer spending. Businesses have raised prices to pass along higher costs of materials. Consumers have taken that in stride, but analysts worry they might start to pull back on spending.

Investors also are waiting to see whether Biden decides to nominate Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell for a new term to lead the U.S. central bank.

Also Tuesday, the Commerce Department was due to report U.S. retail sales.

Chinese data reported Monday showed October retail sales growth weakened compared with the previous month, weakened by anti-coronavirus restrictions and consumer unease over a wave of outbreaks.

In energy markets, benchmark U.S. crude rose 53 cents per barrel to $81.41 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract advanced 9 cents Monday to $80.88. Brent crude, used as the price basis for international oils, added 64 cents to $82.69 per barrel in London. It sank 12 cents the previous session to $82.05 per barrel.

The dollar rose to 114.21 yen from Monday's 114.09 yen. The euro was unchanged at $1.1386.
RIDGEFIELD  The towns seniors were treated to an early helping of turkey Monday during Lounsbury Houses drive-thru holiday luncheon. The historic community center is known for dishing out free meals drive-thru style, as it previously hosted a pizza party and lobster bake earlier this year.

From noon to 1:30 p.m., registered residents received a special holiday meal courtesy of Two Steps Downtown Grille and Ciao Catering & Events. The to-go orders included roasted turkey served with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a homemade apple crisp for dessert. The meals were delivered to registrants via contactless delivery upon check in.
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U.S. and Japanese officials have agreed to launch talks aimed at settling a dispute over American tariffs on imports of Japanese steel and aluminum. The agreement came in a meeting between visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Japan's industry minister, Koichi Hagiuda. Japan hopes to convince Washington to lift tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump's administration. The U.S. recently resolved a similar dispute with the European Union. The two sides also issued a statement saying they will set up the Japan-U.S. Commercial and Industrial Partnership." The Commerce Department and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said they are committed to working through JUCIP to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency, and security of both economies."
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Clouds giving way to some sun and windy with slowly falling temperatures in the afternoon; there might be some leftover rain early to the south and east..

Tonight

Mostly clear, blustery, and colder.
ELLINGTON, CT (WFSB) - Students and their parents in Ellington were told to expect school bus delays on Monday morning.

Ellington Public Schools messaged them to warn them that the district had a number of bus routes that did not have drivers.

"First Student is working on splitting routes onto other buses," said Brian Greenleaf, director of finance operations. "Please expect widespread delays for the morning routes."

Greenleaf said First Student was working to ensure full coverage of all of the routes in town.

Some parents said they decided to directly drop their children off at school instead of wait for the bus.

"Obviously the town was doing the best they could, but I just made the determination to drive them to school [Monday] morning so they wouldnt be outside waiting," said Carolina Braga of Ellington.

Braga said she had to do drop offs at Crystal Lake Elementary School.

"It was easy enough," she said. "Thank God I have a flexible schedule and and I just figured it was easier, but I know Im sure that there were parents that were impacted a lot more severely if they were trying to rush somewhere."

"We apologize for any inconvenience," Greenleaf said.

School bus companies are in need of drivers All across the state, and country, bus companies are looking for drivers to get children to and from school.

First Group blamed it on a nationwide problem.

"Depending on daily staffing levels, we are having to adjust some bus routes for Ellington Public Schools, which is what happened [Monday]," said Jen Biddinger, corporate communications manager, First Group. "While this can cause delays, it enables us to provide transportation to as many students as possible. The core of the issue remains a nationwide need for school bus drivers. Local and national media have widely reported on it. We are no different than so many other job sectors that are working to fill openings, including retail, restaurants and hotels."

"We know that for a while in town theres been shortages," Braga said. "I think all over the place people are feeling the impacts, whether its restaurants or substitute teachers for the schools."

Channel 3 reached out to Ellington Public Schools to see if afternoon drop-offs would also be impacted, but have not yet heard back.
WATERBURY, CT (WFSB)  President Joe Biden is set to sign a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law on Monday after months of back and forth among lawmakers.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont was invited to attend the bill signing ceremony at the White House.

Stream it now on the CH 3 app:

Connecticut will get about $6 billion from the new infrastructure bill.

Some of that money will go towards improving Metro-Norths Waterbury line.

The money not just be improving rails, but also roads and bridges in Connecticut and across the country.

The legislation marked the biggest individual infrastructure investment in U.S. history.

Thirteen House Republicans crossed party lines in voting to back the bill with a majority of Democrats.

Of the roughly $1.2 billion, Connecticut will be receiving about $6 billion.

Money will go towards repairing Metro-North. Parts of the system are 100 years old. A trip from New Haven to New York City will be about 30 minutes shorter.

There will also be upgrades to roads and bridges across the state. Funds will overhaul the Gold Star Bridge in New London. The north side needs extensive repairs.

The infrastructure bill is also expected to help create thousands of jobs.

The Waterbury lines six stations will be improved with the help of $1.2 million in state funding matched by federal dollars.

Two-way service to the Waterbury line is expected to be in place by next summer.

As for the infrastructure bill signing ceremony, that is set for 3 p.m. on Monday.
The four original London Matildas reunited at the Cambridge Theatre to discuss their time in the multi-award-winning musical, created by the RSC and adapted by Roald Dahl's bestselling novel. It tells the story of a young girl imbued with supernatural powers.

Directed by Matthew Warchus, the show is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve. The casting director is Will Burton, with Jessica Ronane as children's casting director.

A variety of stars also appeared at the show's tenth anniversary performance on Friday night, joined by creators Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly.

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Georgia's citizen's arrest and self-defense laws are key to the defense strategy in the trial of the three white men charged in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery
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COVID-19 live updates: FDA may issue guidance on boosters for adults as soon as this week
Winchester, VA (22601)

Today

Generally cloudy. Morning high of 49F with temps falling to near 35. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 27F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
AGASSIZ, B.C. - Melanie Forsythe's drive home from Vancouver to Hope, B.C., had her making at least five detours as torrential rain washed out a bridge, closed roads and trapped her overnight between two mudslides before a helicopter landed on a highway and whisked her to safety.

British Columbia's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Friday July 3, 2020. Heavy rain across B.C. has led to several closures on major highways connecting the Lower Mainland and the Interior region of the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

AGASSIZ, B.C. - Melanie Forsythe's drive home from Vancouver to Hope, B.C., had her making at least five detours as torrential rain washed out a bridge, closed roads and trapped her overnight between two mudslides before a helicopter landed on a highway and whisked her to safety.

Forsythe, who was with her boyfriend Shawn Ramsay and a friend, finally made it to a reception centre in Agassiz on Monday, about 18 hours after they were forced to stop on Highway 7 near Agassiz with nearly 300 other travellers.

"All three of us were kind of hyping each other up, saying it's going to be good, we're going to get out of here. But then we all had moments like, 'Is this it? Is this the last time we're going to see our kids?' We were talking to our parents and our families, but it was just a scary situation."

Forsythe, 47, said her children are in their early 20s, but she was worried about a nurse alone in her vehicle without her toddler, who was at home in Hope.

Watching people stuck on the highway overnight helping each other out by offering diapers or sharing any food they happened to have nearly brought her to tears, Forsythe said.

She and everyone in her vehicle were with about two dozen people, including the toddler's mother, who were airlifted together to a reception centre where nearly 80 others from the highway had already arrived.

Twelve people had been rescued from Highway 7 by the local fire department on Sunday evening before the Vancouver Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team was called in on Monday.

Jonathan Gormick, information officer with the rescue team, said about 275 people were stuck between the two slides, including 50 children and 20 dogs. All were rescued and taken to the evacuation centre before 6 p.m.

On Tuesday, crew members are tasked with searching for people who may have been trapped in debris from the slides. There were no reports of any fatalities on Monday.

Jashanpreet Singh and his wife, Harleen Kaur, were also caught between the two slides Sunday and came upon a vehicle that had been partially crushed by a slide.

A nine-year-old boy had been injured and had blood coming out of his nose and ears, Kaur said.

Firefighters who were first to the scene on Sunday were able to take the boy to care, she said.

Both were helicoptered out on Monday. Singh said they learned a valuable lesson because they had no food or water with them.

The mudslides rolled over the highway during an "atmospheric river" that brought a deluge of rain and flooding to the southwest and central parts of the province and forced an evacuation order in the Interior town of Merritt on Monday.

Merritt issued an evacuation order for its population of about 7,000, saying residents could not use water from faucets or flush toilets.

The floodwaters have now inundated two bridges across the Coldwater River, and floodwaters prevent access to the third," the city said in a release.

"Continued habitation of the community without sanitary services presents risk of mass sewage backup and personal health risk."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement posted on Twitter that the federal government is ready to help British Columbians affected by flooding and extreme weather.

"To the people of Merritt, and to all British Columbians affected by the flooding: please stay safe," he said.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said multiple areas were hit by pounding rain causing flooding and landslides.

"A slide near Lillooet led to nearly 50 vehicles being stuck," he said. "Ministry crews and the Pemberton search and rescue team have rescued those on-site and they are being housed in Pemberton. Over 20 emergency centres have been activated," he said of help being offered in the affected areas.

"People in Merritt, Princeton and areas along Highway 7 and 99 and the Coquihalla (Highway) are seeing the worst of it," he said.

Multiple roadways have been closed because of flooding or landslides, including sections of Highway 1A, Highway 3, Highway 11, Highway 12, and Highway 91.

Paula Cousins, the Ministry of Transportation's representative for the Interior region, said the Highway 5 corridor between Hope and Merritt was closed Monday due to slides and falling rocks after 230 millimetres of rain fell since Saturday evening.

Heavy rain gave way later Monday to wind storms that could uproot trees and cause more power outages in some areas after 16,000 customers lost electricity on Sunday.

Armel Castellan, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said Monday wind gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour were expected for Victoria and much of the south coast and into the Interior.

"Definitely the atmospheric river will end today as it moves south, deeper into Washington state. That said, as that clearing happens, it's going to be coming with a big shot of wind," he said.

Historic conditions meant some areas saw an average amount of rain for November in under 48 hours, Castellan said, adding rain will shift to snow for places like the Coquihalla summit and 20 centimetres could fall.

A local state of emergency has been declared in part of British Columbia's eastern Fraser Valley where unrelenting rainfall caused flooding, mud and rock slides and the closure of highways to and from the southern Interior.

James Reinheller's family home in Abbotsford is scheduled to be featured in House and Home magazine's Christmas issue, but it was one of the first to be hit by a strong wave of water on Sunday as creeks overflowed in the neighbourhood.

Damage to some homes across the street was so severe they looked like they'd been hit by a vehicle, not water, he said.

Flood warnings and watches were issued on rivers and streams for areas from Merritt south to the United States border, the lower Fraser region and sections of southern Vancouver Island.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2021.
WASHINGTON - As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Thursday with U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, observers say Canada has a lot to complain about. Here are some of the issues that have been chafing north of the border:

WASHINGTON - As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Thursday with U.S. President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, observers say Canada has a lot to complain about. Here are some of the issues that have been chafing north of the border:

Pipelines: In addition to Keystone XL, the Biden administration has shown little enthusiasm for Line 3 and Line 5, two key cross-border upgrade projects spearheaded by Calgary-based Enbridge Inc. that have been the targets of widespread protests and legal action in the U.S.

Afghanistan: Canada received little advance warning of the American military's abrupt and chaotic pullout, despite the prominent, costly and bloody role it played over a decade-long deployment as part of the U.S.-led NATO mission in the war-racked country.

Buy American: The president frequently uses strong protectionist language to assure working-class voters that infrastructure projects will rely heavily on U.S. contractors and suppliers, with stringent conditions for any foreign involvement.

Electric vehicles: Canada's auto industry is up in arms over a proposed U.S. tax credit worth up to $12,500 to would-be EV buyers that critics, including foreign automakers, say is unfairly geared toward American-made vehicles built with union labour.

Hydro-Quebec: A planned transmission line between Quebec and New England, billed as a clean-energy conduit that would have had a dramatic impact on carbon emissions, was rejected by voters in Maine in a referendum earlier this month.

The Canada-U.S. border: The White House didn't open its land borders to fully vaccinated Canadian visitors until early November, three months after fully vaccinated U.S. citizens were allowed to drive into Canada.

USMCA: In addition to the EV tax credit, which auto industry officials in Canada consider a violation of the terms of the new trilateral trade deal, Canada and the U.S. are girding for a protracted battle over access to the Canadian dairy market.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2021.
WASHINGTON - The federal Liberal government was lulled into a false sense of security by the results of last year's U.S. election, say business leaders who want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take a harder line with President Joe Biden when he visits the White House this week.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, sits beside U.S. President Joe Biden at an event about the Global Methane Pledge at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Business leaders in Canada are urging Trudeau to show some tough love when he visits the White House this week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

WASHINGTON - The federal Liberal government was lulled into a false sense of security by the results of last year's U.S. election, say business leaders who want Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take a harder line with President Joe Biden when he visits the White House this week.

Canadians might have expected a smoother ride following Donald Trump's defeat, but experts say the events of the last 10 months  beginning with Biden's Day 1 cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project  suggest the Canada-U.S. relationship has drifted off the road.

"We had, collectively, somewhat of a cruise-control approach to this relationship," said Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.

"We all succumbed to a sense of, 'Life's going to be perfect again, it's going to be good again, they love us, we love them and it's going to be a really happy relationship.' The facts suggest that it's quite the contrary."

Those facts comprise a long list of sore spots for Canada that only seems to be getting longer.

In addition to Keystone XL, the Biden administration has shown little enthusiasm for Line 3 and Line 5, two key cross-border upgrade projects spearheaded by Calgary-based Enbridge Inc. that have been the targets of widespread protests and legal action in the U.S.

And the president frequently uses protectionist "Buy American" rhetoric to assure working-class voters that his government's infrastructure overhaul will rely primarily on U.S. contractors and suppliers, with stringent conditions for any foreign involvement.

That language showed up again Monday as Biden signed into law his $1.2-trillion infrastructure bill, which included a separate set of executive marching orders calling on the government to "buy American and increase the competitiveness of the U.S. economy, including through implementing the act's made-in-America requirements and bolstering domestic manufacturing and manufacturing supply chains."

Heading off U.S. protectionism will be a top priority, Trudeau suggested Monday.

Buy American "poses a particular challenge not only for companies and workers here in Canada, but also in the United States, because of the integration of our supply chains and our economies in general," he said in French.

"It really is counterproductive for Americans to put in place even more barriers and limitations on trade between our two countries."

Canada's auto industry is also up in arms over a proposed U.S. tax credit for electric vehicles, worth up to $12,500 to would-be buyers, that critics  including foreign automakers  say is unfairly geared toward American-made vehicles built with union labour.

Hyder also cited a lack of advance notice on the chaotic U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, a deal with Australia to provide nuclear-powered submarines that appeared to cut Canada out of the loop and the three-month disconnect on the reopening of the Canada-U.S. land border.

None of that points to a healthy bilateral relationship, Hyder said.

"I'm far more interested in the state of the relationship coming out of an event like this then I am whether we made progress on this piece of legislative action or that piece of legislative action," he said.

"Friends are supposed to be able to have straight talk, honest talk. I'm not measuring the relationship based on is it buddy-buddy, chum-chum, are they high-fiving. I want outcomes for the Canadian people and our Canadian interests. That's what I'm looking for."

Democrats are facing political headwinds at home that won't help matters.

Inflation in the U.S. now exceeds six per cent and gasoline prices across the country are spiking, thanks in part to a lingering COVID-19 hangover and related supply-chain issues that are hitting Americans just as the holiday shopping season shifts into high gear.

Biden's approval ratings are dismal, and strong Republican performances in recent gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey make it clear they will face an uphill battle next year in maintaining control of Capitol Hill, to say nothing of the White House in 2024.

Given that, it might be wise for Canadians and Mexicans alike to temper their expectations of Thursday's meeting, said Duncan Wood, a Wilson Center vice-president and senior adviser to the centre's Mexico Institute.

All three countries are still in the process of repairing the damage that was done during the Trump era  and progress on that front might be the single most important goal, Wood said.

"There's value in just having a conversation," he said. "It's just that what that conversation will produce in the short term  I think there's not a lot that can be expected there."

It's long been the nature of the relationship that Canada must voice its priorities in order to get U.S. attention  and align those priorities with American goals in order to get action, said Maryscott Greenwood, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council.

"In Washington, when the dialogue is dominated by internal politics, Canada and Mexico are left on the sidelines. The truth of the matter is, Canada and Mexico can help solve some of the internal U.S. political challenges, like infrastructure, like energy co-operation," Greenwood said.

"It may be remarkable to Canadians that you've got to keep reminding, but we've got to keep reminding. We've got to have that conversation."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2021.
TORONTO - George Weston Ltd. says it has signed a deal to sell its Weston Foods ambient bakery business for $370 million.

A George Weston Ltd. image is shown at the company's annual general meeting in Toronto on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO - George Weston Ltd. says it has signed a deal to sell its Weston Foods ambient bakery business for $370 million.

Weston's ambient business provides retail and food service customers in Canada and the U.S. with cookies, crackers, cones and wafers. The Toronto-based company says it will sell the business to Illinois-based Hearthside Food Solutions, a contract manufacturer and producer of baked foods, snacks, nutrition bars, and more.

George Weston announced in March its intention to sell its bakery segment and to focus on its retail and real estate businesses.

In October, the company reached a deal to sell its fresh and frozen bakery businesses to affiliated entities of FGF Brands Inc. for aggregate cash consideration of $1.2 billion.

Together with the sale of the fresh and frozen business, the sale of the ambient business represents the disposition of George Weston's entire bakery business, for an aggregate value of $1.57 billion.

The ambient business sale is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2022. The company says it expects to return the net proceeds from both transactions to shareholders through share repurchases over time.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:WN)
A proposed village of 20 tiny homes for Winnipegs homeless veteran population cleared a not-so-tiny hurdle last week, when the citys property committee passed a motion to sell an acre of city land in Transcona to the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is building a tiny home village for veterans in Kingston, Ont., seen in this rendering. A proposal to build a tiny home village in Transcona cleared a hurdle at city hall last week. (Supplied)

A proposed village of 20 tiny homes for Winnipegs homeless veteran population cleared a not-so-tiny hurdle last week, when the citys property committee passed a motion to sell an acre of city land in Transcona to the Homes for Heroes Foundation.

The land is just north of Transcona Boulevard, west of the Transcona Library. City council and executive policy committee will determine whether the sale is approved later this month. In October, the committee ordered a report on declaring the land surplus to free it for the $400,000 sale, paving the way for Wednesdays decision.

The national non-profit had been working with the city for about three years to get to this point, says CEO and founder David Howard, who pointed out that at least 200 veterans are living unsheltered in Winnipeg.

A city spokesperson said the public service was first aware of Howards foundations request to purchase city-owned land in July, when a motion was moved by the Assiniboia Community Committee. After that motion, the property committee directed the public service in September to work with the foundation to find city-owned properties within the city of Winnipeg for their specific program, which led to Wednesdays passed motion at the property committee.

"It is also worth noting that the proponent appeared in delegation and proposed to pay market value (between $1.1 million and $1.4 million) for the site," the spokesperson said. "The suggested price is reflective of the lands approximate market value, discounted due to the requirement of servicing and site remediation costs."

Howard said he felt "cautiously optimistic" about the latest movement, but was concerned that more hurdles were yet to come. Though he hadnt received the passed motion as of Friday morning, Howard said that under the proposed measures, his organization could be responsible to cover costs related to subdivision, servicing and remediation, in addition to the investment for the purchase of the land.

"Were happy with the committee, that they went forward with this, and were happy we are getting the land, but theres still a lot of work to do," Howard said. And while the project has found champions in city councillor Kevin Klein and the public, Howard said, "The city has to come to the table."

In other jurisdictions, Howard said negotiations have been smoother and quicker. A similar project in Calgary is up and running, and one in Edmonton is set to open in December. In the span of one year, the organization has worked with the municipal government in Kingston, Ont., plus the provincial government, to secure land and funding for a 0.6-acre tiny village.

On Nov. 10, the Kingston Whig-Standard reported the Ontario provincial government approved nearly $2 million toward the project. "The village is to be built during the next year," the Whig-Standard reported.

"It took a year there to get land in our hands," said Howard. "In three years, were still not to the point we got to in Kingston in just 12 months."

Howard expressed this on the day after Remembrance Day, and as Winnipeg experienced its first major snowfall of the year, signalling another brutal winter seasons arrival for the citys unhoused people.

According to Howard, the issue of veterans experiencing homelessness is rampant in the city, with over 200 veterans represented in the homeless population, many of whom are Indigenous. The 2021 interim street census, conducted by End Homelessness Winnipeg in a 24-hour window in April 2021, found 1,127 people experiencing homelessness, 66 per cent of whom (about 740) were Indigenous and 2 per cent (about 23) were veterans. Because its a moment-in-time survey, its highly likely the numbers are significantly higher.

Meanwhile, the wait list for Manitoba Housing was 6,021 province-wide as of Nov. 1, with 1,546 vacancies in Manitoba Housing units. Of those vacant units, only 130 are available for rent, with the remainder "in various stages of repair," a provincial spokesperson said.

Putting more thought toward secure housing is something the city is currently pondering, not just for those experiencing homelessness, but those experiencing poverty: council is currently eyeing its first "poverty reduction strategy," with some goals  identifying city-owned land for affordable housing projects  that seem to align directly with the tiny village proposal.

While the proposed strategy was viewed by many as a long-belated initiative by the city, some housing advocates said its desired outcomes can only be achieved through greater funding from all levels of government. "We cant end poverty within existing (funding)," Dana Connolly of Ka Ni Kanichihk told the Free Press this week. "Its so important for us now to put our money where our mouth is."

Mayor Brian Bowman told the Free Presss Joyanne Pursaga that the strategy was designed to fit within the citys existing budget. "Were trying to do what we can within the resources and jurisdiction of a municipal government."

With the tiny village project, though Howard is pleased with recent progress, costs are also a matter of concern: his organization has been willing to pay for the land at market value, but unknown additional costs could be the source of financial hang-ups and further delays.

Putting costs in a different perspective, Howard said addressing homelessness is in the short and long term a cost-saving initiative, as well as a life-saving one: shelter costs, emergency services, health care and other costs related to homelessness can be significantly reduced if people get stable housing.

"It is in their best interest to partner with (groups like us)," he said.

City council and the executive policy committee will determine the next steps of that partnership later this month.

 with files from Joyanne Pursaga

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca
NEW YORK (AP)  After disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide behind bars, a judge invited his accusers to court to vent their anger at a man they called a coward for taking his own life to escape accountability for sexually abusing them.

FILE - This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry, shows Jeffrey Epstein on March 28, 2017. Despite his suicide, the disgraced financier will still be put on trial in a sense in the coming weeks by a proxy: his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell. The 59-year-old Maxwell is to go before a federal jury in Manhattan later this month on charges she groomed underage victims to have unwanted sex with Epstein. (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  After disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide behind bars, a judge invited his accusers to court to vent their anger at a man they called a coward for taking his own life to escape accountability for sexually abusing them.

The coming weeks will still see, in a way, Epstein prosecuted by proxy: his former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, will stand trial in Manhattan federal court. Some of his accusers, identified in court by pseudonyms or first names, will get a chance to play a key role as government witnesses.

Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges she groomed underage victims to have unwanted sex with Epstein. She has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

I have not committed any crime, the jailed Maxwell blurted out at a recent pretrial conference. She was made to wear shackles coming and going from the courtroom, accentuating the severity of the allegations  although the restraints were gone at a hearing last week.

The questioning of jurors by Judge Alison J. Nathan begins Tuesday as a pool of over 600 potential jurors is whittled down to 12  and six alternates  just before opening statements start Nov. 29 in Maxwell's highly anticipated trial.

Epstein, who died at 66, was arrested on multiple sex trafficking charges in New York in 2019. His lawyers contended the charges violated a 2008 non-prosecution deal with federal prosecutors in Miami that secretly ended a federal sex abuse probe involving at least 40 teenage girls. After pleading guilty to state charges in Florida instead, he spent 13 months in jail and paid settlements to victims.

The New York case took a shocking turn when Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial two years ago.

After his death, prosecutors turned their sights on Maxwell. The wealthy, Oxford-educated British socialite was the daughter of British publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, who died in 1991 after falling off his yacht  named the Lady Ghislaine  near the Canary Islands while facing allegations he'd illegally looted his businesses' pension funds.

Behind the scenes of a lavish lifestyle, prosecutors say, Maxwell seized the role of satisfying Epstein's proclivity for luring young victims into sexualized massages." They plan to show jurors a picture of Maxwell and Epstein swimming nude together to illustrate their close relationship.

The trials drama will revolve around testimony from four women who say they and others were victimized as teens from 1994 to 2004 at Epsteins estate in Palm Beach, Florida, his posh Manhattan townhouse and at other residences in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and London.

Prosecutors say theres evidence Maxwell knew that the victims, including a 14-year-old, were below the age of consent and arranged travel for some between Epsteins homes. Defense lawyers are still trying to reduce or eliminate the testimony of one of the four because she was 17 at the time in a jurisdiction where that wasnt legally underage.

And prosecutors this past weekend asked the judge to let them reveal to the jury statements Epstein made to an employee about Maxwell's involvement with procuring underage girls.

The indictment said Maxwell would try to normalize sexual abuse for a minor victim by, among other things, discussing sexual topics, undressing in front of the victim, being present when a minor victim was undressed, and/or being present for sex acts involving the minor victim and Epstein.

The Epstein and Maxwell cases have fueled a cottage industry of podcasts and documentaries, like Netflix's Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich," as well as conspiracy theories and conjecture.

Reports that investigators seized Maxwells address books have sparked speculation that the trial could explore Epsteins connections to Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton and former O.J. Simpson lawyer Alan Dershowitz. But the judge has made clear there will be no name-dropping at trial, saying only certain pages of an address book  showing a section naming the alleged victims under the heading massage  will come into evidence.

And she blocked prosecutors' attempt to introduce emails they said would show Maxwell tried select women for other men, saying she was using her access to women as a form of social currency with other influential men with whom she sought to ingratiate herself.

Epsteins name, however, is expected to come up frequently, and Maxwell's lawyers have complained that Maxwell has already suffered from the negative publicity surrounding him. A questionnaire used to screen potential jurors inquired whether they had ever posted anything or an opinion about Maxwell or Epstein on social media.

The defense has signaled it wants to portray Maxwell as a victim of sorts.

Jeffrey Epstein was a brilliant man who was flawed by enduring personality traits familiar to psychiatrists, her lawyers said in a recent court filing. Like many people who achieve great power and wealth, Jeffery Epstein exploited the Halo effect to surround himself with people who would serve his needs.

Nathan has four times rejected Maxwell's bail requests, noting the ease with which the holder of U.S., French and British citizenships could use wealth and global connections to flee.

The judge also questioned Maxwell's integrity, saying that she told authorities after her July 2020 arrest that she possessed around $3.5 million in assets, when she later admitted controlling $22.5 million with her husband.

In a letter to Nathan last week, defense lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said her client is eager for her day in court.

Maxwell "looks forward to her trial and to walking out of the courthouse uncuffed and unshackled following her acquittal, wrote the lawyer who has repeatedly complained about Maxwell's jail conditions, contending Maxwell's been punished for Epstein's suicide by guards who shine a light into her cell every 15 minutes and treat her harshly.

At a hearing last year where Maxwell was denied bail, some Epstein accusers made clear they believe she was equally culpable.

One called Maxwell a sexual predator who groomed and abused me and countless other children and young women. In a statement read aloud by a prosecutor, another said, Without Ghislaine, Jeffrey could not have done what he did.
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador's government is unveiling a plan to tug at the heartstrings of residents who have moved away.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey fields a question at the Confederation Building in St. John's, N.L. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador's government is unveiling a plan to tug at the heartstrings of residents who have moved away.

Premier Andrew Furey said today that 2022 in Newfoundland and Labrador would be Come Home Year, a yearlong invitation for residents who have gone away to return home and reconnect after a global pandemic.

Heidi Bonnell and comedian Rick Mercer will co-host Come Home Year, and a roster of provincial luminaries such as Alan Doyle and Petrina Bromley will comprise the host committee.

Furey is also unveiling a slick advertising campaign and video in which the mournful songs of whales echo over sweeping shots of the province's rocky shorelines.

The premier says Come Home Year 2022 will bring much-needed money into the province's tourism and arts sectors.

Newfoundland and Labrador has hosted at least two Come Home Years in the past, but the province's towns and communities often host their own Come Home Year events.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2021.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

FILE - Patricia Espinosa, UNFCCC Executive-Secretary speaks during the Procedural Opening of the COP26 U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. U.N. climate chief Patricia Espinosa was not happy with a last-minute fight over coal that ended in a compromise at the Glasgow climate talks. Still, she's satisfied, calling the final Glasgow Climate Pact a good compromise, said in an interview with The Associated Press Sunday Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, Pool, File)

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)  While world leaders and negotiators are hailing the Glasgow climate pact as a good compromise that keeps a key temperature limit alive, many scientists are wondering what planet these leaders are looking at.

Crunching the numbers they see a quite different and warmer Earth.

In the bigger picture I think, yes, we have a good plan to keep the 1.5-degree goal within our possibilities, United Nations climate chief Patricia Espinosa told The Associated Press, referring to the overarching global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the conference host, agreed, calling the deal a clear road map limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees.

But many scientists are far more skeptical. Forget 1.5 degrees, they say. Earth is still on a path to exceed 2 degrees (3.6 Fahrenheit).

The 1.5C goal was already on life support before Glasgow and now its about time to declare it dead, Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheim told The Associated Press in an email Sunday.

A few of the 13 scientists the AP interviewed about the Glasgow pact said they see just enough progress to keep alive the 1.5-degree Celsius limit  and with it, some hope. But barely.

The optimists point to many agreements that came out of Glasgow, including a United States-China deal to work harder together to cut emissions this decade, as well as separate multi-nation agreements that target methane emissions and coal-fired power. After six years of failure, a market-based mechanism would kick-start trading credits that reduce carbon in the air.

The 1.5-degree mark is the more stringent of two targets from the historic 2015 Paris climate accord. United Nations officials and scientists consider it key because a 2018 scientific report found dramatically worse effects on the world after 1.5 degrees.

The world has already warmed 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial time, so this is really about a few tenths of a degree more. The United Nations calculated that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, countries need to cut their emissions in half by 2030. Emissions are now going up, not down, by about 14% since 2010, Espinosa said.

German researcher Hans-Otto Portner said the Glasgow conference got work done, but did not make enough progress."

"Warming will by far exceed 2 degrees Celsius. This development threatens nature, human life, livelihoods, habitats and also prosperity, said Portner, who co-chairs one of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scientific reports the United Nations relies on.

Instead of big changes in bending the temperature curve as the United Nations had hoped for from Glasgow, they got only tiny tweaks, according to scientists who run computer simulations.

Heading out of Glasgow we have shaved maybe 0.1C off of warming ... for a best-estimate of 2.3C warming," Breakthrough Institute climate scientist and director Zeke Hausfather said in an email. Hausfather has done climate modeling with colleagues for Carbon Brief.

MIT professor Jon Sterman said his Climate Interactive team crunched some preliminary numbers after the Glasgow deal came out and it didnt match leaders optimism.

There is no plausible way to limit warming to 1.5 or even 2 (degrees) if coal is not phased out ... and as rapidly as possible, along with oil and gas, he said.

On Saturday, India got a last-minute change to the pact: Instead of the phase out of coal and fossil fuel subsidies, the subsidies are to be phased down. Several of the scientists said that regardless of what the deal says, coal needs to end, not just decrease, to lessen future warming.

Lessening will do less to slow the harmful effects of climate change than eliminating, former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati, who runs environmental research at the University of Colorado, said in an email.

Before the pact was finished, Climate Action Tracker, which also analyzes pledges to see how much warming they would lead to, said emission cut pledges would lead to 2.4 degrees of warming.

The 1.5 figure is balanced on a knife edge, said tracker scientist Bill Hare of Australia.

One paragraph in the pact  which calls on countries whose emission-cutting goals arent in line with 1.5- or 2- degree limits to come back with new stronger goals by the end of next year  gives hope, Hare said.

But U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said Saturday night that paragraph probably doesnt apply to the United States, the second-largest coal emitter and the largest historically, because the U.S. goal is so strong.

Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist who is dean of the University of Michigans environment school said the pact provided watered down hope... We got an incomplete plan for slower action.

I went into the (conference) thinking 1.5C was still alive, and it appears the worlds leaders just didnt have the backbone for that, Overpeck said in an email.

Some progress was made, said University of Illinois climate scientist Donald Wuebbles, one of the key authors of the U.S. national climate assessment. But the probability of getting to 1.5 degrees is much reduced, even to the point of almost being impossible. Even being able to get to 2 degrees is less likely.

But some scientists held out hope.

For the first time, I can really see a potential path forward to limiting warming to 1.5C, Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann said in an email. But it will require both (a) countries making good on their current pledges and (b) further ratcheting up their current commitments.

Johan Rockstrom of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact and Research in Germany highlighted the optimistic scenario he and a few others see if all the countries that have promised net-zero emissions by mid-century actually achieve the goal  something most havent started concrete action on.

In that case, warming could be limited to 1.8 degrees or 1.9 degrees, Rockstrom said.

That is a significant progress, but far from sufficient, he said.

___

Follow APs climate coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate

___

Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears

___

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.
Two faith-based organizations headquartered in Winnipeg are among the top impact charities in Canada.

Two faith-based organizations headquartered in Winnipeg are among the top impact charities in Canada.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank was listed in the top 10 of all charitable organizations in the country, while Mennonite Central Committee Canada was in the top 10 for international groups in recent rankings awarded by Charity Intelligence.

According to Charity Intelligence, an organization that seeks to provide Canadian donors with information to help them make "intelligent giving decisions to have the greatest impact," the rankings show how the Foodgrains Bank and MCC Canada are using donations to create high-level positive change.

"Some charities create a lot of change with the donations given to them. Others have almost nothing to show for the money coming from donors," said Greg Thomson, director of research at Charity Intelligence.

Foodgrains Bank and MCC Canada are among those that "have the highest measurable demonstrated impact," he added.

Musu Taylor-Lewis directs resources and public engagement at the Foodgrains Bank, a partnership of 15 member churches and church agencies working together to end hunger. For her, the ranking is "a celebration of the whole network across Canada, the members, supporters and staff."

It is also a validation of how "our work is having an impact" in helping people who are hungry in the developing world get food to eat.

Last year, the organization, which also receives an annual matching grant of $25 million from the federal government, used donations from individuals and growing projects  where farmers come together to grow and sell a crop, donating the proceeds to the Foodgrains Bank  to provide food for 989,000 people in 33 countries.

Some $4.1 million in donations for the Foodgrains Bank came from Manitoba, including $1.9 million from growing projects.

The Foodgrains Bank was also included in the list of top 10 international aid groups by Charity Intelligence.

Rick Cober Bauman, executive director of MCC Canada, said the ranking causes him to "feel grateful for the whole collective that makes up MCC Canada  the donors, volunteers, staff and partners in the developing world."

It shows, he said, MCC Canada "is having an impact" through its programs around the world that last year provided assistance for more than 968,000 people in 47 countries. $7.6 million of donations for MCCs work came from Manitoba.

According to Charity Intelligence, over $17 billion was given to charities by Canadians last year.

faith@freepress.mb.ca
The letters have been arriving for 70 years.

It took nowhere near that long in their correspondence for Margaret Hunt and Marion Sheppard to feel like sisters. From the beginning, they called themselves pen pal twins: Born on the same day in the same year on farms more than 500 kilometres apart, they connected via an ad in a 1951 edition of this newspaper.

They were eight years old then, and theyve been writing to each other ever since.

Neither can remember who placed the ad or what drew them to it. Each seems to recall the other was the initiator. But what is certain is their commitment to putting pen to paper, slowly building a connection that draws them closer even now, as 78-year-olds, in physically distant times not so dissimilar to the long-distance friendship of their youth. The lessons theyve learned about connection are still serving them well.

"It was really special because growing up, I guess being an only child, I didnt have anybody, so once I got in touch with her, then I did," says Hunt, who was then Margaret McGregor.

With plans to see each other postponed till after the pandemic, they reflected on their milestone in typical handwritten fashion. It was Hunt who noted the anniversary.

"I think on her letter she said, You know, weve been writing each other for 70 years. Holy smokes! The years have gone by so fast, and you dont really think of it as that long. Its just a blur," says Sheppard, nee Marion Robertson.

At her daughters urging, Sheppard wrote to Hunt this fall to ask for her phone number, so that a Free Press reporter could give them both a call. Both women live in Ontario and credit the newspaper for bringing them together. Theyre not the only ones. Scanning this paper for mention of another kid looking for a pen pal was how several Canadian children found early friendships in the 1950s.

Through childhood, a year in boarding school together, marriages, first jobs, the births of their children, then grandchildren, then great-grandchildren, they never lost touch. The letters have tapered off, now that sitting down to write takes longer than it once did, both women admit. But not a birthday or holiday passes without a few heartfelt words sent through the mail.

"I never really thought of not being in touch, you know, its just something weve always done. Its not as often now as it used to be, but thats cause were older, I guess," Hunt says.

"I just always felt as though wed always keep it up, as long as we were able to. I would never think of not sending her a Christmas card and letter," Sheppard says.

"To this day, I love writing letters," she continues. "At Christmastime, I get all these Christmas cards, no letters. Or, if theres a letter there, its typewritten on the computer. Other than from Marg, thats the only one I think that we get where theyre handwritten," she adds proudly. "I write. I think if theyre worthwhile sending a Christmas card to, theyre worthwhile getting a letter."

When they started writing to each other, Sheppards correspondence with various pen pals was making a noticeable dent in her fathers supply of two-cent stamps.

"Hed say, My goodness, my stamps are disappearing fast!" she says, giggling at the memory.

"So I had to cut down on how many I wrote to, and I chose Margaret because our birthdays are the same day."

Both from Scottish farming families in rural Ontario, they soon realized they shared more than a birthday.

"We had a lot in common, actually," Hunt says.

After years of trading long letters  sometimes four full pages, front and back, no wasted paper  the 11-year-olds plotted an adventure. They mailed each other their school portraits and agreed to meet for the first time at the landmark fountain on the fairground of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

"Oh yeah, that was really gonna be something!" Sheppard recalls. "As soon as I saw her, I knew it was her."

"And my parents, of course they would say, Well you know, you probably wont even recognize her because therell be lots of other people around the same age as you guys, but I recognized her!"

"It was really something, sitting on the side of a fountain like two sisters," Hunt remembers.

For Grade 9, they convinced their parents to let them go to a Christian boarding school together, and that year they celebrated their 15th birthday with a trip to Niagara Falls. They each recalled those memories fondly, as some of their best times.

"It was special for her. She still remembers it. She just mentioned it on the last letter that she wrote," Hunt says of her friends first trip to the Falls.

Their bond was an easy one  they could always find things to talk or write about.

"Just comes natural. Time flies and you pay no attention," Sheppard says.

As they grew up, they found ways to stay close. Hunt sang at Sheppards wedding. They sent each other an albums worth of photos of their children. Neither of them saved any of their letters, knowing another would come soon enough.

"I guess I probably take it for granted too much. She probably does too," Hunt says with a laugh.

  

When Victoria Ryczak was growing up in a Ukrainian family on a farm north of Yorkton, Sask., she never imagined the pen pal she wrote to regularly would still be one of her closest confidantes 70 years later. But thats exactly what happened, in circumstances remarkably similar to Hunt and Sheppards.

Ryczak, now 83, was 12 when she answered an ad in this newspaper and started corresponding with a pen pal in Alberta, who put her in touch with a girl in Quebec named Kathleen Wallace.

"At that time, there were no telephones, there was nothing except the newspapers. And this is what we relied on, the Winnipeg Free Press. When my dad went on horseback to a little town to pick up our mail, my brother and I, we could hardly wait for him to bring the mail back so we can read all the articles and everything else."

Ryczak and Wallace also shared a birthday, thought of themselves as twins, and arranged their first meeting at the 1967 Montreal Expo.

"The connection, it was just wonderful. When Kathleen died, I think something died with me. Thats the way it was with us," Ryczak says from her home in Canora, Sask.

After Wallaces death earlier this year, Ryczak was interviewed by the CBC about their enduring friendship. The story struck a chord with other women all over the country, and Ryczak now has multiple new pen pals.

"I think maybe we just took it for granted that things would continue, but look, things happen in life and what can you do? Right now, I really feel that because of her passing, Im kind of lost, but because of these ladies writing to me, they really have helped me tremendously."

She knows she was lucky to have 70 years with a great friend, Ryczak says, and shes urging others to stay connected. Its especially important now that many people are isolated during the pandemic, she says.

"A lot of people think they have nothing to do; they always complain. But sit down and write to somebody! Write a letter, or just a few words," Ryczak says.

"Its so satisfying. You dont have to think about anything  just be yourself, just write people, just tell them exactly how you feel... its so easy. Well, for me it is."

  

Its not difficult for Sheppard to transport herself back to being eight, remembering what it was like to read her friends "lovely" penmanship, pages full of details about pets and school. In an instant, shes remembering how shed walk down a little hill to get to the mailbox at the end of the driveway, filled with anticipation.

"Oh, I was thrilled. It was fun to get her letters, and shed write long letters, just like I wrote back to her," she says.

"Shes sort of like a sister to me."

She was always the shy pen pal, but Hunt says she still gets a good feeling when she opens up mail from Sheppard  the connection is there.

"Its sharing, I guess," she says. "You know, whats happening with our kids, and we still do that. Now its just all about the grandkids."

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Two weeks into a faculty strike that has halted learning at the University of Manitoba, students stood on the snowy steps outside the office of the schools president Monday to form a symbolic blockade.

Two weeks into a faculty strike that has halted learning at the University of Manitoba, students stood on the snowy steps outside the office of the schools president Monday to form a symbolic blockade.

"If we cant be in the classroom, then the administration is not going to be in their office today," said Jaron Rykiss, a third-year philosophy and political studies student, who arrived on campus at about 6 a.m. to take part in the protest.

Students Supporting UMFA, a collective that has been vocal in its backing of the faculty association that represents professors, instructors and librarians at Manitobas largest post-secondary institute, organized a blockade outside the administration building on Chancellors Circle.

Approximately two dozen people, including protesters with signs bearing the phrases "Listen up Benarroch" (addressing president Michael Benarroch) and "Get back to bargaining," barred employees from entering their offices until 9:30 a.m.

"My life path is decided because one librarian gave me the right book and one professor met with me after office hours. Its ridiculous to me that we dont all see that we should be paying them better and its ridiculous that the university seems to think were worth second-last place in the U15," said Rykiss, who has been an organizer with the group throughout the strike, which officially began Nov. 2.

Of the top 15 research universities in Canada, U of M salaries are among the very bottom  a key point the union, which represents upwards of 1,200 staff, has raised throughout contentious bargaining talks.

The faculty association has repeatedly cited concerns low wages are affecting recruitment and retention. It has also pointed the finger at the Manitoba premier, saying a provincial mandate imposed on the U of M is interfering in talks and prolonging job action.

The province claims overarching mandates are not abnormal, given its role as a steward of public funds and key funder of post-secondary education. Meantime, the university continues to provide updates on bargaining and reiterate its stance it is negotiating in good faith to conclude a deal that is both sustainable and addresses concerns about staffing.

A university spokesperson indicated Monday a small group of U of M bargaining team members met with union representatives to clarify both sides latest offers over the weekend.

There has been repeated confusion and disagreement about how the figures outlined in both proposals should be reported.

The parties met at the bargaining table Monday to continue mediation as they work towards a new collective agreement.

MacGregor Goodman showed up to campus Monday to express frustration about the job actions impact on courses.

One of the psychology students instructors, who initially went on strike, has since returned to teaching, citing the toll the strike has taken on students.

"I just find it absolutely heartbreaking that he would stop striking and fighting for a fair wage for himself and faculty because he sees how its badly affecting the students," said Goodman. "He shouldnt have had to make that choice in the first place."

Advanced Education Minister Wayne Ewasko fielded questions about the ongoing strike during an unrelated news conference Monday.

"I strongly encourage the U of M and UMFA to continue their bargaining. We respect that process and again, I look forward to the end of this strike and for students who have been impacted to get back to classes," said Ewasko.

The minister said he will happily meet with any members of the union or faculty association after the strike because neither he nor his colleagues want to be seen as meddling in the labour dispute.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
A fourth COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Manitoba and will be available soon, according to the provinces health minister.

A fourth COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Manitoba and will be available soon, according to the provinces health minister.

The Janssen vaccine, created by Johnson & Johnson, will reach some pharmacies and medical clinics this week, Minister Audrey Gordon said on Twitter Saturday.

Last week, the province announced an incoming 2,250 dose shipment of the single-shot formula. The Janssen is a viral vector vaccine  the second to be approved in Canada, after AstraZeneca  and is available to people 18 years and older.

"While a second dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended, Manitobans are considered fully immunized 14 days after a single dose of the Janssen vaccine," Gordon tweeted Nov. 10.

Canada currently approves two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. Health Canada green lit the Janssen shots last March.

Between now and then, Ottawa was "doing some detailed work with the provinces and territories" to determine whether theyd use Janssen vaccines, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canadas chief public health officer, told reporters in June.

As of Friday, 2,114,754 COVID-19 shots had been administered in Manitoba. Eighty-seven per cent of eligible Manitobans had at least one dose, while 84.2 per cent had both.

More than 1.5 million jabs contained Pfizer, according to a provincial bulletin posted Wednesday. Another 808,902 were Moderna, while 91,960 came from AstraZeneca.

Manitobas online vaccination finder map will be updated once the Janssen vaccine is available, Gordon said.

Clinical trials found a 66 per cent effectiveness rate in protecting against COVID-19, with people whod received a Janssen dose two weeks earlier, according to the Canadian governments website.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization for the Janssen vaccine last February. On Oct. 20, it authorized single booster doses for those whod gotten the viral vector shot. Americans can mix vaccines if the first dose is Janssen.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
I was moved by the number of people who showed up to walk with residential school survivors on the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Manitoba. Supporters came by the hundreds to walk from The Forks to St. Johns Park on Sept. 30.

I was moved by the number of people who showed up to walk with residential school survivors on the first official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Manitoba. Supporters came by the hundreds to walk from The Forks to St. Johns Park on Sept. 30.

The day after, I was still feeling those emotions of positivity and hoping this strong momentum would be carried out through the year. I knew from being involved with previous residential school events that once the publicity dies down, the message of healing and reconciliation dies with it. The public loses interest.

I wanted to start an initiative to try to carry that message forward, even if just in a small way, and I came up with Postcards for Reconciliation. I would have people send postcards to me at my post-office box (P.O. Box 16015, Centennial PO, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 0B1), including messages that explain how they plan to carry the torch of reconciliation throughout the year or how that Sept. 30 day affected them.

I posted the idea on my Facebook page and did a radio interview on CBC about my project. People enjoyed the idea and it began to get shares on my social media page.

The other reason I wanted to receive postcards is because I am a residential school survivor myself. In residential school at Christmas time, the children were usually sent back home to spend the holidays with their families. However, one Christmas my sisters and I were not picked up by our parents. Instead, we were shipped off to Winnipeg to spend the holiday with church families.

An older church lady had taken me in for the holidays. It was rather fun spending Christmas with her. I even got to spend time with my sisters. There was lots of good food. I felt safe.

Then my sisters and I returned back to the Cecilia Jeffery residential school in Kenora, Ont. A few weeks later the housemother called my name out, telling me there was a package for me.

I was surprised to hear my name being called and even more surprised that there was a package for me. The package contained little red hearts of candy from that church lady in Winnipeg. No letters, because I couldnt read very well yet.

To have my name called out and to have a personal package made me very special. It was one of my very few good memories of residential school.

I got my first postcard a week-and-a-half after I put the call out  a postcard from Winnipeg. I was so excited to see it in my post-office box. I could see it sitting inside, but I hesitated to pull it out to look at it. Words of reconciliation sent to me personally. Thoughts of the church ladys package when I was at residential school came to mind. I felt special.

I pulled out the letter and read it as I walked about the store. It was a homemade postcard  even more special. The words "I will listen, and I will confront racism. I will do my best to work towards reconciliation" were written on the back, words that were encouraging to read from the writer. It was a good start to my Postcards for Reconciliation project.

Over the next couple of weeks, I received more postcards, and even a long letter. I loved looking at the pictures of where they were from. I even received one from as far away as California. Each card had a positive message about how the sender would carry the message of reconciliation. Each writer shared with me on a personal level their commitment and how theyd been persuaded to walk this path.

Each postcard sent to me was like a seed being planted, seeds of reconciliation to a residential school survivor, seeds that will grow into actions that will continue, for myself and others.

Today and all the tomorrows.

Vivian Ketchum is a member of Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation. She is an award-winning freelance writer, digital story teller and photographer. Vivian was born in Kenora and is from the Treaty 3 area. She is the youngest of six children, all of whom attended residential school. Her parents also attended residential school. Vivian began writing as a way to empower herself and to raise awareness of social issues. Over the past 30 years her voice has only gotten stronger and clearer.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba wants the Court of Queen's Bench to hear Shelly Glover's case alleging irregularities in the Oct. 30 leadership election of Heather Stefanson so the matter can be addressed once and for all.

The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba wants the Court of Queen's Bench to hear Shelly Glover's case alleging irregularities in the Oct. 30 leadership election of Heather Stefanson so the matter can be addressed once and for all.

Stefanson, meanwhile, has filed a formal motion with the Court of Queen's Bench asking to be an intervener in the case, which would make her the first Manitoba premier in recent memory to go before the court.

"Stefanson has a clear and direct interest in the subject matter of these proceedings and has the ability to provide a unique contribution to the proceedings not offered by Glover or the PC Party," the motion filed on her behalf Monday stated, arguing the premier's participation is necessary "to ensure the just, efficient, and complete determination of the matters at issue herein."

The PC party is asking the court to deal with the matter by Dec. 20, and noted that all the parties involved "have recognized the importance of an expeditious resolution." The party is not challenging whether or not the court has jurisdiction to hear the case as it did initially  it wants the matter heard and settled.

"This is because in this unique situation, no matter the result of an internal appeals process, there remains the potential for either candidate to later complain (perhaps in another court process), that the result of the internal appeal process was not the product of an independent, fair and unbiased process," the brief stated.

On the same day that Stefanson, the declared winner of the party's leadership election, was sworn in as premier on Nov. 2, Glover filed a court application asking that the results be deemed invalid and for a new vote to be held. In a sworn affidavit, Glover said her campaign was presented with a spreadsheet at 12:27 a.m. on the day of the vote that showed the total number of ballots to be counted was 16,045.

Later that day, the party announced Stefanson was the winner and premier-designate after receiving 8,405 votes, compared to 8,042 for Glover. The total number of ballots cast, it said, was 16,456  501 more than allegedly reported on the spreadsheet, and at the heart of her allegation of irregularities. The PC party in its 100-page court filing Monday said that it wants to put any questions to rest.

"While the PC Party has confidence that no such grounds would exist, unfounded allegations and drawn-out proceeding would be detrimental for the PC Party to carry out its role and to the long-term reputation of the PC Party."

The party is also asking that George Orle, the chairman of the party's leadership election committee, be named as a respondent in the case rather than just the PC Party of Manitoba.

A schedule for filing documents with the court has been determined, said Glover's lawyer Dave Hill. The matter goes before Justice Jim Edmond on Friday, who will decide whether or not the Court of Queen's Bench has jurisdiction to hear the case.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Manitoba children could qualify for COVID-19 vaccines within weeks, but evangelical parents might not let their kids roll up their sleeves.

Manitoba children could qualify for COVID-19 vaccines within weeks, but evangelical parents might not let their kids roll up their sleeves.

In a recent Probe Research survey shared with the Free Press, two-thirds of evangelical Manitobans said they "worry about the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccinations in children," compared with 41 per cent of overall respondents.

In addition, 49 per cent of those identifying as evangelical said COVID-19 as an issue was "overblown," compared with 28 per cent of the overall population.

"A lack of trust and polarization have come home to roost," said Rick Hiemstra, research director for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

Probe Research polled 1,189 Manitobans for their thoughts on various aspects of COVID-19 and policy responses. The firm often asks about demographics, and sorts answers between Winnipeg and the rest of Manitoba.

But this time, Probe decided to also sort respondents by region, and ask them to indicate their religious views.

The polling suggests that while a majority of evangelicals are vaccinated, there are stark differences in how that faith community perceives COVID-19, beyond overlapping demographic and identity factors.

For example, some 22 per cent of evangelical respondents said they had no plan to get vaccinated, a sentiment held by just 10 per cent of rural Manitobans, 14 per cent of those living in the rural south, and just five per cent of the general population.

Evangelical scholar Nicholas Greco said numerous factors cause that gap, from a desire to rely on God for healing, to science clashing with creationism, to general skepticism of media and government.

"Evangelicals often are reflective of a social and political conservatism, which calls for smaller governments (and) personal autonomy, but also tends to lead to a mistrust of government," said Greco, who is provost of Providence University College in Otterburne.

Greco, a longtime communications professor, said theres a perception the government wants to control everyone, and that the media is overhyping the virus as part of some sort of conspiracy.

"The rhetoric I hear from many of my colleagues is that we dont want the government to have further control, because if they do, we will lose our freedoms," he said.

"For too long evangelicals have been isolationist."

Thats fuelled misinformation, originally with a disproven claim that COVID-19 vaccines contain tissues from aborted fetuses. At a recent panel, one congregant said everyone who got the vaccine is going to die within a few years, and that theyll all go to hell.

"That doesnt seem to fit, either scientifically or theologically," Greco said.

He added the lack of a central evangelical authority, unlike other Christian movements, makes it harder to encourage vaccination.

Christian Scientists, for example, emphasize healing through prayer, but their central leadership in Boston spoke in favour of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Hiemstra, whose Ottawa group advocates for hundreds of evangelical churches, said officials need to try healing a rift caused by increasing polarization in Canadian society.

"It is a matter of trust and how that trust has been cultivated and stewarded, over decades but especially since the beginning of the pandemic, and its a question of equitable impacts," he said.

Hiemstra noted that evangelicals used to vote Liberal roughly as much as other Canadians up until the past two decades, when mainstream politicians increasingly supported marriage equality and assisted suicide.

In that same period, surveys using whats called the Bebbington quadrilateral show little change in the religious views held by evangelicals in Canada.

"Evangelicals as group have largely held to the beliefs you would have seen in 1996, but the rest of the population has moved in a direction that is (the) polar opposite," he said.

Hiemstra argues authorities botched public-health communication when they referred to restrictions on "non-essential" gatherings and services, instead of using less value-loaded terminology, such as by describing events as posing a higher risk of coronavirus spread.

For example, there is a harm-reduction argument for allowing alcohol and cannabis sales even during a pandemic, as people might seek out those substances in more dangerous ways if authorities close shops, which can be operated at lower capacity.

Yet its jarring to many evangelicals to see buying booze deemed more essential than their worship services.

"The way that public-health restrictions were explained did not appear to be equitable, and they did not land evenly on different parts of the population," said Hiemstra, noting evangelicals tend to have larger families, and thus might feel the impact of school closures more acutely than others.

To get higher vaccine uptake, Hiemstra suggested officials show some humility about how theyve handled the pandemic, and work with faith leaders to acknowledge the fears people hold, even when those fears arent founded.

"The zero tolerance policies, I think, are counterproductive and they cement people in their fears," he argued.

"Once they see that they are reasonably accommodated, then they may be open to a conversation, that might get them to a place where they would consider getting vaccinated."

Evangelical groups unsuccessfully challenged public-health restrictions in court, where Manitoba officials argued they are trying to follow the evidence on how to prevent transmission. They had the same message Friday.

"Weve always been in this together, and so weve never tried to target people; were trying to target where the virus is being transmitted," said chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Do you love to shovel? Well, youre in luck, because its going to snow some more today.

Top COVID-19 news

Workers put up a Christmas tree at city hall late last month. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files) New rule at city hall: Starting today, anyone entering city hall, including visitors, will be required to provide proof of immunization and identification. Read More Pandemic poll: A Probe Research poll found two-thirds of evangelical Christians in Manitoba say they "worry about the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccinations in children," compared with 41 per cent of overall respondents. Nearly half the evangelical respondents  49 per cent  said COVID-19 is an overblown issue, compared with 28 per cent of the overall population. Dylan Robertson reports. Read More Doing our best to stay connected: Gabrielle Piche reports on how churches in the Southern Health area are adjusting to new pandemic restrictions that took effect Saturday. Read More Fourth vaccine soon available: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will reach some pharmacies and medical clinics this week, provincial Health Minister Audrey Gordon tweeted on the weekend. Gabrielle Piche reports. Read More Unparalleled opportunity: Morden Mayor Brandon Burley has been a vocal advocate for vaccination in a region of the province where the support for inoculation is low. Malak Abas reports. Read More Whats happening today

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon (Thibault Camus / The Associated Press files) Bannon expected to surrender: Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former U.S. president Donald Trump, was expected to surrender to authorities today after being indicted on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress. He is set to appear in court this afternoon, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press last week. Read More Closing arguments in case: Lawyers will make their final arguments at Kyle Rittenhouse's trial for shooting three men  two fatally  during protests that erupted after a Black man was shot by police in Kenosha, Wis. The Associated Press reports. Read More Belarus sanctions expanded: The European Union has expanded sanctions on Belarus authorities and senior officials over a disputed election last year while accusing President Alexander Lukashenkos regime and others of waging a hybrid attack against the bloc using migrants. The Associated Press reports. Read More Bridge reopens: Access to Kenaston Boulevard from the St. James Bridge was set to resume this morning. The southbound lanes were closed for maintenance last week. Read More Weather

Your forecast: Cloudy with periods of light snow beginning later this morning, risk of freezing drizzle this afternoon, a high of -2 C, wind chill as low as -11 and wind from the southeast at 15 km/h. In case you missed it

Pen pals Margaret Hunt (left) and Marion Sheppard in 1960. They have been writing each other since 1951. (Supplied) Pen and paper: Two pen pals who connected through a Free Press ad decades ago are still writing to each other, 70 years later. Katie May reports. Read More Rejoicing shows revival: Shelley Cooks weekly column is on the upcoming Sex and the City revival. Read More Another Astroworld death: Ezra Blount, 9, has died from his injuries in a crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival. Blount is the youngest of the 10 people killed at the Houston event, which was cancelled during its first night on Nov. 5. Read More Honouring her life: Events marking the 50th anniversary of the murder of Helen Betty Osborne were held in The Pas this weekend. Read More On this date

On Nov. 15, 1926: The Manitoba Free Press reported a father and three children were killed at a crossing in Cobden, Ont., when a freight train struck their vehicle; cars behind theirs had been making so much noise the driver did not hear the train whistle. A seven-year-old girl was the only survivor from the struck auto. A visit to Chicago by Queen Marie of Romania was marred by a protest of hundreds of communists outside her hotel; King Ferdinand requested she cut short her U.S. tour and return to Bucharest. Today's front page

Get the full story: Read today's e-edition of the Winnipeg Free Press Read More
Former PC leadership contender Shelly Glover will be back in court on Nov. 19 to challenge the results of that race. Despite Glovers allegations and her contention that she was in fact the premier, Heather Stefanson was sworn in as premier. Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon did her job by appointing a premier that was most likely to enjoy the confidence of a majority of MLAs. That was Stefanson.

Opinion

Former PC leadership contender Shelly Glover will be back in court on Nov. 19 to challenge the results of that race. Despite Glovers allegations and her contention that she was in fact the premier, Heather Stefanson was sworn in as premier. Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon did her job by appointing a premier that was most likely to enjoy the confidence of a majority of MLAs. That was Stefanson.

What might result from Glovers day in court? The court might find that it has no jurisdiction to rule on an internal party race. Or it might hear the case and agree with Glovers argument that a recount or even a new vote is needed.

But imagine the following scenario: the court calls for a recount or a re-vote and Glover ekes out a victory over Stefanson. What then? Would Stefanson resign as premier, paving the way for Glover to be sworn in? Or  and hear me out  would Stefanson simply remain as premier despite the vote because she enjoys the support of the majority of Tory MLAs in the legislature?

The reason Im asking is because what matters when a premier is selected is who can command the confidence of the legislature, or the support of the most MLAs. What party members want matters only to the extent that MLAs are willing to go along with the result of party leadership contests. This is why Glovers call for the lieutenant governor to delay Stefansons swearing-in was wrong-headed: Stefanson clearly had the confidence necessary to become premier and it would have been a dereliction of Filmons duty not to have appointed her.

But MLAs may soon have a decision to make if my scenario plays out: ignore the results of an increasingly contested leadership race and allow Stefanson, whom most of them personally support, to stay on as premier, or respect the results of the recount and boot Stefanson out in favour of Glover.

To be honest, I dont think there is a high likelihood that this will happen. Political scientists could not be so lucky to see such constitutional drama play out right before our eyes. But it does illustrate some of the contradictions in the modern methods Canadian parties use to select their leaders. Notably, party members are told they have the power to select the premier; indeed, we heard this countless times in media coverage of the PC race. In fact, its MLAs, not party members, who hold that power, and those two groups do not always agree with each other.

In the past, this wasnt an issue, because Canadian parties allowed the caucus to choose their leaders. This had the benefit of producing experienced leaders who, by definition, enjoyed the confidence of the caucus. But these "races" werent very exciting or democratic.

That started to change in 1919 when the Liberal party held the countrys first leadership convention, selecting William Lyon Mackenzie King as leader. Conventions are exciting and dramatic, so other parties soon started to follow suit. But conventions were not particularly democratic since they were generally dominated by party insiders. So the parties then turned to even more democratic leadership selection methods: the one-member, one-vote method employed by, for example, the Manitoba PC party in its recent race. One-member, one-vote races are very democratic and make it easy to entice people to join a party to have a say in the leadership race.

Theres one problem in particular with these leadership selection methods: you can end up with a party leader that has virtually no support in the party caucus. This can be, to put it mildly, problematic.

In 2000, for example, Alberta treasurer Stockwell Day was selected as leader of the Canadian Alliance, the predecessor party to the current Conservative party, by the party membership. The problem for Day was that the vast majority of the party caucus had supported former Reform party leader Preston Manning in the race. Day never received the enthusiastic support of Alliance MPs and a leadership crisis ensued with MPs speaking out against Days leadership and even defecting and forming a new party caucus. Day had secured the support of party members but not of the party caucus, and eventually this would be his undoing.

This is what could have come about if Glover had won the recent PC leadership race, given that virtually the entire PC caucus had pledged support for Stefanson.

If anything, the ongoing problems of the PC leadership race illuminate some of the contradictions in these OMOV leadership races. The question of who should become premier should not be left to hastily and questionably organized party races. Id rather that MLAs made the choice themselves, especially since they are the ones with the final say anyway.

Royce Koop is a professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba and academic director of the Centre for Social Science Research and Policy.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon appeared before a judge on Monday to face criminal contempt charges for defying a subpoena from Congress' Jan. 6 committee, then declared combatively outside court that he was taking on the Biden regime in fighting the charges.

FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2018, photo, Steve Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist, talks about the approaching midterm election during an interview with The Associated Press, in Washington. The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection has issued almost three dozen subpoenas as it aggressively seeks information about the origins of the attack and what former President Donald Trump did  or didnt do  to stop it. The panel is exploring several paths simultaneously.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon appeared before a judge on Monday to face criminal contempt charges for defying a subpoena from Congress' Jan. 6 committee, then declared combatively outside court that he was "taking on the Biden regime" in fighting the charges.

Bannon did not enter a plea and is due back in court on Thursday for the next phase of what could be the first high-level trial in connection with Januarys insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Combative outside court, he said he was "going on the offense" against the attorney general, the speaker of the House and President Biden. He declared, "This is going to be a misdemeanor from hell for Merrick Garland, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden."

FILE - Former White House strategist Steve Bannon poses prior to an interview with The Associated Press, in Paris, May 27, 2019. Bannon, a longtime ally to former President Donald Trump, was indicted Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, on two counts of contempt of Congress after he defied a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

The 67-year-old Bannon surrendered earlier in the day to FBI agents. He was indicted on Friday on two federal counts of criminal contempt - one for refusing to appear for a congressional deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committees subpoena.

Federal Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather released him without bail but required him to check in weekly with court officials and ordered him to surrender his passport. If convicted, Bannon faces a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year behind bars on each count, prosecutors said.

Outside the courthouse, a large inflatable rat made to look like Republican former President Donald Trump was on the sidewalk as a crowd waited for Bannon to leave. Some in the crowd shouted expletives at him and called him a traitor, and one man paraded around with a sign that read: "Clowns are not above the law."

The indictment came as a second expected witness, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, defied a separate subpoena from the committee on Friday and as Trump has escalated his legal battles to withhold documents and testimony about the insurrection. Bannon and Meadows are key witnesses for the committee because they both were in close touch with Trump around the time of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon arrives at the FBI Washington Field Office, Monday, Nov., 15, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

If the House votes to hold Meadows in contempt, that recommendation would also be sent to the Justice Department for a possible indictment.

Meadows was Trumps top aide at the end of his presidency and was one of several people who pressured state officials to try and overturn the results of the 2020 election won by Democrat Biden. Bannon promoted the Jan. 6 protests on his podcast after predicting the day before that "all hell is going to break loose."

The committee said that Bannon urged Trump to focus on the congressional certification and was present at an event at the Willard Hotel on Jan. 5 in which Trump allies tried to persuade members of Congress to vote against the results.

Bannons lawyer, David Schoen said his client didnt appear before Congress because he was told by another lawyer not to come after Trump claimed executive privilege would apply.

"Mr. Bannon is a lay person. When the privilege has been invoked by the purported holder of privilege, he has no choice but to withhold the documents. You cant put the genie back in the bottle," he said. "Mr. Bannon acted as his lawyer counseled him to do by not appearing and by not turning over documents in this case. He didnt refuse to comply."

Schoen also decried the Justice Departments decision to prosecute Bannon, claiming it runs counter to Attorney General Garlands statement of commitment to equal justice under the law.

Officials in both Democratic and Republican administrations have been held in contempt by Congress, but criminal indictments for contempt are exceedingly rare.

The indictment against Bannon comes after a slew of Trump administration officials  including Bannon  defied requests and demands from Congress over the past five years with little consequence, including during an impeachment inquiry. President Barack Obamas administration also declined to charge two of its officials who defied congressional demands.

The indictment says Bannon didnt communicate with the committee in any way from the time he received the subpoena on Sept. 24 until Oct. 7 when his lawyer sent a letter, seven hours after the documents were due.

Bannon, who worked at the White House at the beginning of the Trump administration and currently serves as host of the conspiracy-minded "War Room" podcast, is a private citizen who "refused to appear to give testimony as required by a subpoena," the indictment says.
The Beaver Dam Fire Department responded to a report of an apartment fire at 121 Knaup Drive Sunday night.

According to a press release, a call came in at 10:18 p.m. of a third floor fire. Captain Corey Braunschweig said residents were evacuating and no smoke or fire was visible upon arrival. Crews found dark black smoke coming from apartment 302 and quickly knocked down and extinguished the fire, keeping it contained to the one apartment.

The fire department remained on the scene for just under three hours to make sure the fire was out and to ventilate the building. No one was injured during the incident.

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The presence of a sprinkler system within the apartment prevented further spread. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

All residents on the third floor were displaced due to smoke or water damage. The Red Cross is assisting with temporary housing.

Beaver Dam Police were called to the area of Knaup Drive at about 12:30 a.m. Monday to search for a missing 3-year-old who was believed to have left an apartment after being attracted to the lights and sirens from the fire scene.
The Elections Commission has said the sheriffs claims are misplaced and no crimes were committed. The commission waived the requirement in 2020 after it became clear the poll workers would not be allowed in many of the facilities to help voters cast their ballots due to the pandemic. The first vote was 6-0 and two subsequent votes were 5-1.

Despite the sheriffs allegations that as many as eight residents at Mount Pleasants Ridgewood Care Center cast ballots in the 2020 election even though their families believed they did not have the capacity to vote, state law does not bar those with cognitive delays or disabilities from voting unless they have been deemed incompetent by a court and had their voting rights removed. An official with the investigation said last week one of those eight Ridgewood residents had been determined to be incompetent to vote.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, in a Sunday interview with WKOW-TVs Capital City Sunday said state elections commissioners and Ridgewood staff should probably be criminally charged. Elections Commission spokesperson Riley Vetterkind said Monday the agency does not comment on pending litigation.
A Southwest Airlines employee was taken to a Dallas hospital Saturday after being assaulted by a passenger at Love Field Airport, according to the airline and the Dallas Police Department.

The female passenger "verbally and physically" assaulted the female operations agent shortly after being asked to get off the flight she had just boarded from Dallas to La Guardia Airport in New York City, Southwest told CNN in an email.

The incident is one among many verbal and physical attacks on flight staff reported during the Covid-19 pandemic. Flight crews have reported 5,114 unruly passenger incidents since the start of 2021, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. FAA data shows more than 70% of incidents were over masks.

The incidents have ranged from shouting to spitting and physical altercations with airline staff.

In May this year a Southwest Airlines passenger who allegedly punched a flight attendant was fined more than $26,000, the FAA said.

The agency announced earlier this month it had fined 10 violent airline passengers a total of nearly $250,000.

In Saturday's incident, Dallas Police said in a statement that shortly after boarding, 32-year-old Arielle Jean Jackson had a verbal altercation with an operations agent in the back of the plane, then was asked to exit the aircraft.

As she was exiting, Jackson got into another verbal altercation with a second agent and struck her with a "closed fist on the head," the statement said.

Jackson was charged with aggravated assault, Dallas Police say. Jail records show she is being held on a $10,000 bond. CNN has not been able to identify an attorney for Jackson at this time.

The employee was transported to a local hospital and released on Saturday evening, according to Southwest's email. She is at home resting, the airline said.

"Southwest Airlines maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any type of harassment or assault and fully support our employee as we cooperate with local authorities regarding this unacceptable incident," the email said.

The-CNN-Wire

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Indianapolis-based IntelinAir Inc. sees a big business opportunity in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to help farmers keep tabs on their fields.

The company, which was founded in 2015 in the Los Angeles area, moved its headquarters to the north side of Indianapolis in August.

Its technology platform, called AGMRI, can analyze high-resolution aerial, satellite and drone imagery, temperature and other data to provide a range of information, including ground and crop temperatures, crop health, drainage problems, weed cover, expected yields and more.

Remote sensing of agricultural operations is nothing new. Farmers have for years hired pilots to take aerial photos of their fields, and more recently satellites and drones have provided other options for visual surveys.

But what sets IntelinAir apart, the company says, is that it uses technology to help farmers make sense of what theyre seeing.

The company was recently named to Data Magazines list of Americas 101 most innovative analytics companies. Data Magazine is owned by the London-based media company Fupping LTD.

And in a signal that investors see value in what IntelinAir is doing, the company landed $20 million in outside funding in September.

Theres really nothing that can replicate what IntelinAir is doing, said board member and investor Doug Hirsh of Glencoe, Illinois, about 20 miles north of Chicago. To date, Hirsh and his family have made three separate investments in the company, including participating in last months round of funding.

As a board member, Im extremely bullish on the future of the company, he said.

Hirsh and his family own more than 10,000 acres of farmland in central Illinois that they lease to farmers. The family has also made investments in more than 30 companies over the years, mostly concentrated in ag tech and multifamily housing.

IntelinAirs goal is to give farmers accurate and timely information that can help them quickly identify and address emerging problems, helping to increase crop yields and profitability.

Using IntelinAir data, for instance, a farmer might see that weeds are emerging in a certain part of a field. The farmer can then apply weed killer to those problem areas rather than spraying the entire field. Or, if an image shows areas of standing water, the farmer might decide to improve the drainage in that section.

Such information can be hard to get without aerial imaging  if a patch of weeds pops up in the middle of a huge field, for instance, the farmer might not notice it until the weeds have spread, creating a much bigger problem.

That ability to pinpoint where the issues are  across thousands of acres, is critical, said IntelinAir co-founder and CEO Al Eisaian. Eisaian, a serial entrepreneur, founded the company along with Naira Hovakimyan, an engineering professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

IntelinAir is currently focused on corn and soybean crops in Indiana and Illinois, and this past growing season, the companys technology was used to monitor nearly 5 million acres of farmland. Next year, the company expects to double that.

To put that into perspective, Indiana farmers planted 11.2 million acres of corn and soybeans in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service. Illinois farmers planted 21.6 million acres of those crops.

Most of IntelinAirs customers are agricultural retailers who then offer the IntelinAir service to their own customers. The company also sells services directly to farmers.

Among those customers is Tom McKinney, a seventh-generation farmer who lives in Kempton, a town in western Tipton County. A part of his familys farmland, which operates as McKinney Farms, is in Hamilton County.

He doesnt use the service on his entire acreage but does use it for the more high-risk areas that need closer management.

As familiar as McKinney is with his acreage, he said IntelinAir has helped him learn additional things about my operation that I really didnt even have any idea on.

For example, IntelinAir data revealed that McKinneys ground temperatures varied by as much as 15 degrees in certain spots because of variations in the composition of the soil. That information helped him decide the optimal time to plant corn on different parts of the farm, or whether to sow a more cold-hardy variety of seed in some areas.

The technology also helped him discover an underground drainage pipe he hadnt known existed.

Its just an eye in the sky that sees anything and everything, McKinney said.

Before signing on with IntelinAir, McKinney sometimes used droneswhich fly at a lower altitude. That approach, though, is time-consuming because it takes a drone a lot of passes to capture images for an entire field. Its kind of fun, but it does take you away from other things on the farm.

And hiring a plane is expensive, especially for repeat trips to capture a series of images over time.

During the growing season, IntelinAir sends planes up 13 times to photograph fields. The planes fly every eight days during planting season in May and June, every 15 days in July and August, and one final time in September.

IntelinAir then analyzes the images and pushes the information out to its customers within 24 to 48 hours, giving farmers quick notification about potential problems. Customers can receive the information on desktop computers, iPads or iPhones, and they can compare images of the same field over time to monitor changes.

You can start seeing issues in fields even before you could walk out and see whats going on, said Kevin Krieg, IntelinAirs director of product marketing.

The company started when Eisaian visited the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and met Hovakimyan, who had developed a patented technology for aerial imagery analytics. That technology became the inspiration for IntelinAirs AGMRI platform.

Eisaian had never worked in agriculture before, but he does have experience with big-data startups, all of which were launched in California.

In 2000, he was hired as an executive at LowerMyBills.com, an early-stage startup that helped families lower their monthly expenses by alerting them to local deals on things like cell phone service. He left the company a year later, and in 2005, Dublin-based credit monitoring giant Experian plc acquired LowerMyBills.com for $330 million.

Eisaian next cofounded Integrien Corp., a predictive analytics company that helped businesses manage their information technology systems. In 2010, Silicon Valley-based VMware acquired Integrien for an undisclosed amount.

He then co-founded a mobile apps and analytics company, IconApps Inc., in 2012. That company was acquired by Los Angeles-based venture studio Science Inc. in 2014.

Finding needles in a haystack has been common across all the companies that Ive started, Eisaian said. I just like complex problems.

To develop IntelinAirs technology, the company started by using humans who analyzed a lot of images.

The trained experts looked at aerial photos and identified different features: weed hot spots, variations in crop emergence, areas of poor drainage and the like.

Then, after the experts had created about 1,000 annotated photos, the company sent out scouts to visit the properties and verify that the annotations were correct.

Once the humans work had been verified, it was used to train the technology how to identify the features. Using artificial intelligence, the system then learned to identify the features on new images without human guidance.

Youre trying to teach the AI to discern, to tease out those issues, Eisaian said.

Though the heavy annotation work has already been done, he said, the company still has some reviewers and annotators on staff to deal with possible new problemsthe emergence of new types of weeds, for instance.

Our work will never be done, Eisaian said. A cornfield is not a cornfield is not a cornfield. There is a lot of nuance and particular issues that you need to address.

After two years of development work and some pilot testing, IntelinAir officially launched its technology in 2017.

In 2020, the company ranked 714th on the Inc. 5000 list of Americas fastest-growing private companies, reporting year-over-year revenue growth of 660%.

The company is privately held and doesnt release revenue numbers or customer counts, but it says customers can sign up for a years subscription to IntelinAir for less than $5 per acre. Prices vary depending on whether the farmer is a direct IntelinAir customer or accesses the service through an agricultural retailer.

Eisaian declined to answer directly whether the company has turned a profit, but his response to the questionthat the company is still in the expansion stage and were still spending moneysuggests that it hasnt yet.

One of IntelinAirs challenges, Eisaian said, is that many potential customers dont yet know about the technology or the company. In part, thats because the technology that enables the company to exist is still so new.

Over the past five to seven years, he said, three advancements have coalesced to make companies like IntelinAir possible. The quality of imaging equipment has improved while costs have dropped sharply, cloud computing and data storage costs have come down, and artificial intelligence technology has improved.

We could not do this seven years ago. We could not do this 10 years ago, Eisaian said.

Indeed, a recent survey shows that interest in this type of technology is on the rise.

The 2021 Precision Agriculture Dealership Survey, released in July by the trade publication CropLife and Purdue University, indicates that a growing number of agricultural dealers are offering imagery technology to their customers.

A full 69% of the dealers who responded to the survey said they offer satellite or aerial imagery services, up from 59% in 2017. The figure is predicted to climb to 78% in 2024.

The survey also showed that 44% of dealers offered drone or unmanned aerial vehicle imagery services, up from 32% in 2017. That figure is predicted to climb to 65% in 2024.

People have always been curious to get that birds-eye view, but I think theres more interest now because its easier to get, said John Scott, digital agriculture extension coordinator for the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service.

As the technology improves, Scott said, the platforms are becoming more user-friendly, which makes it more likely farmers will give them a try. The farmers are not computer scientists. They want to find out the information so they can make a decision to benefit their business.

Scott said he is familiar with IntelinAirs technology platform, which he calls fairly unique and competitively priced. Theres a lot of interest in it from the producers Ive engaged with.

One challenge Scott sees in general is that the ag-tech company must convince potential customers that the service is worth the cost.

Folks are willing to pay for somethingif it generates value for their organization, he said.

IntelinAir moved to Indianapolis this summer from California for a couple of reasons, Eisaian said. The company wanted to be closer to its core customer base, and it wanted to tap into the areas pool of talent in both tech and agriculture, especially as the company grows.

If youre in ag tech, there are only about five places you can be, and Indianapolis is at the top of the list, said Eisaian, who moved to Carmel in July.

He sees a lot of potential for growth, both for IntelinAir and for Indianapolis as an ag-tech hub.

I think Indianapolis can truly become the epicenter of AI in ag, Eisaian said. Its not nowbut it can be.
GOSHEN, Ind. (AP)  The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a northern Indiana man's conviction in the fatal stabbing of a college professor and the wounding of professor's wife during a 2011 home invasion.

The appeals court on Wednesday affirmed Winston Corbett's conviction and his 115-year sentence, finding that his rights were not violated in the 2018 investigation into the case, which had gone unsolved for years, The Elkhart Truth reported.

Corbett was 16 in October 2011 when prosecutors said he fatally stabbed James Miller. The 58-year-old Goshen College biology professor had gone to the aid of his wife, Linda, who was stabbed 23 times but survived the late-night attack at their home in Goshen.

Corbett was formally charged in November 2018 based on DNA found at the scene. An Elkhart County jury convicted him of murder and attempted murder last year and he was sentenced to 115 years in prison.

Corbett argued in part in his appeal that officers' evidence collection at his home was unconstitutional and that other evidence in a police affidavit for his arrest was unsupported hearsay.

But the appeals court found that his constitutional rights were not violated by investigators actions and that the search warrant was supported by probable cause.

Corbett also argued in his appeal that his 115-year sentence was too harsh and should be reduced based in part on his young age in 2011 and his lack of criminal history.

The appeals court found that his sentence was supported by the crime's brutal nature.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - A local church teamed up with Purdue students and alumni for a good cause on Saturday.

First United Methodist Church hosted Purdue's annual "Winterization" event, which helps the older and handicapped residents of our community with yard work. The Wesley Foundation at Purdue, a United-Methodist-sponsored, on-campus ministry group, organized the event. From recruiting helpers, to maintaining a list of residences in need, this group was successfully able to make the Greater Lafayette Area a little more prepared for the winter ahead.

Elizabeth Nelson, the Senior Coordinator of the event said, "It's just a really cool thing to see this huge generational gap and yet still be able to help each other and have this nice relationship with each other."

The group told News 18 that an estimated *thirteen hundred* students showed up to help over three hundred local residents.
A group of students with their parents from Beijing take part in a summer vocational activity featuring desertification control to enhance environmental awareness at the Shapotou desert-themed scenic spot in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, August 23, 2019. [Xinhua/Feng Kaihua]

BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua)  What are the best ways to educate children about environmental protection? For Gunter Pauli, the answer is through fables.

An economist and ecological activist known for his book "The Blue Economy," Pauli has written more than 200 fables inspired by what is happening in nature for Chinese children.

At a launching ceremony of a national competition for young Chinese students on environmental protection innovations, Pauli was invited as an online speaker to share his pedagogy of learning with the arts.

"The best way of expressing something for a child would be through the arts, be it a dance, drawing, or a song, but we need to have this unique capability to express ourselves through art," said Pauli.

The competition, co-organized by the Center for Environmental Education and Communications (CEEC) of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and the Beijing Huanding Environmental Big Data Institute, encourages Chinese youngsters to express their ideas on environmental protection via drawings, poems, videos, and inventions.

"Schools play an important role in raising the society's environmental awareness, equipping people with the knowledge and skills to better participate in environmental protection deeds," said Jia Feng, director of the CEEC.

China has been carrying out nationwide campaigns to raise environmental awareness among its citizens as part of broader efforts to advance green development and meet its grand goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

In an action plan released in February by the MEE and other five government departments, China clarified the role of different entities in the society to realize a "beautiful China."

Enterprises should fulfill their environmental and social responsibilities while exploring innovative and sustainable business models, the plan said, adding that the country will step up support for non-profits conducive to the country's environmental governance.

As a non-profit, the Beijing Huanding Environmental Big Data Institute applies advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, for environmental purposes and guides the younger generation to participate in environmental actions.

The competition the institute initiated has seen many outstanding works by elementary school students across the country, including drawings and poems addressing the heated topics of climate change and biodiversity losses.

Hu Qing, a professor with the Southern University of Science and Technology and head of the institute, said that the competition is also open to international students, as exchanges among the youngsters are crucial for the future of global environmental governance.

"By 2030, these Chinese youngsters will grow into the pillars of society. Their actions will guide their schools, community, and the whole society to contribute to the low-carbon goals," Hu said.

(Source: Xinhua)
94 year old Woodward, OK resident passed November 17, 2021. Services Saturday November 27, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Vici Church of the Nazarene and burial following at Sunnyside Cemetery, Vici. Shaw Funeral Home of Vici
The Mali Empire was a large empire in West Africa. It rose from the ashes of the Ghana Empire (not to be confused with the modern country of Ghana), and lasted for around 300 years, from the 13th century to the 16th century. At its height, it controlled a large swathe of West Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to around the modern-day border between the countries of Mali and Niger. The empire grew rich from the vast amounts of gold within its territory, and from the extensive trade network that it had built. But after a long period of prosperity, the empire began to collapse as it overspent and overstretched itself. By the mid-16th century, it ceased to be an important political entity in West Africa.

Birth Of The Mali Empire

The Mali Empire came into being in the early 13th century, at a time when the Ghana Empire, which was founded in the 8th century, had collapsed. What was left of the empire were several independent fiefdoms. The leaders of these fiefdoms all competed to fill the power vacuum left by the Ghana Empire. One of these leaders was named Soumaoro (also called Sumanguru) Kante, the ruler of the Susu Kingdom. Soumaoro managed to seize the former capital of the Ghana Empire, Kumbi Saleh, now located in present-day Mauritania. From there, he expanded his territory, enveloping kingdoms belonging to the Malinke people. According to historical sources, Soumaoro was a very cruel ruler, and the Malinke suffered under his control.

Chaffing at the oppressive rule of Soumaoro, a group of 12 small Malinke Kingdoms began a rebellion in 1234. The rebellion was led by Sondiata, the ruler of a neighboring kingdom, who was a Malinke himself, and was born on Malinke territory. He managed to cobble together a coalition of the small Malinke kingdoms to fight Soumaoro. In 1235, this coalition, supported by Sondiatas own forces, defeated Soumaoro and took control of Kumbi Saleh. After the success of the rebellion, Sondiata was crowned the Mansa (emperor) of a new federation of the Malinke kingdoms. Thus, the Mali Empire was born.

The Mali Empire Expands

Map of the Mali Empire at its peak.

The Mali Empire owed its success largely to the abundant gold deposits within its territory and the taxes that the realm collected from its citizens and traders. At one point, the empire produced two thirds of the worlds supply of gold. Its economy was entirely sustained by demand for gold from the Islamic states and Christian Europe. Sondiata used this wealth to build a mighty army to guard the important trade routes. He selected his hometown of Niani to be the empires capital. It was a better location than the aforementioned Kumbi Saleh because it was further south, thus safer from Moroccan raiders. It was also better for agriculture.

Sundiata would rule the Mali Empire for about 25 years, dying in 1255. He would be succeeded by one of his adopted sons, Mansa Wali, who further expanded the borders of the empire. In addition, Sundiatas successor also introduced Islam to the empire. He was the first ruler of the Mali Empire to make the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Islams holiest city. This journey allowed him to strengthen ties with rulers in North Africa. When Mansa Wali died, a violent battle for succession took place, which would turn into a full-blown civil war. The empire, however, would survive. In fact, with the exception of the civil war, the Mali Empire owed its endurance largely due to its stable government structure, which was highly decentralized. This decentralization meant that the empire could function well even with bad Mansas and squabbles within the ruling family.

The Mali Empire At Its Height

View of Sankore Mosque built in Timbuktu, Mali in the 14th century that has been recently restored after being placed in UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger in 2012. Editorial credit: DemarK / Shutterstock.com

Arguably, the Mali Empire reached the peak of its power during the reign of Mansa Musa, who is credited by historical sources as the empires most successful ruler. Mansa Musa ruled from 1302 to sometime in the 1330s. He managed to further expand the Mali Empires borders to include the trade cities of Timbuktu and Gao, now located in the north-central part of present-day Mali. Mansa Musa was also incredibly rich. So rich, in fact, that his wealth is inconceivable even by todays standards. According to Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, who visited the Mali Empire in the mid-14th century, Mansa Musa was so rich that he could give handfuls of gold to passers-by without so much as an afterthought.

Koran manuscripts in Timbuktu mosque, Timbuktu, Mali. Editorial credit: Teo Tarras / Shutterstock.com

Under Mansa Musas rule, the Mali Empire reached its greatest expanse, at over 800,000 sq. km. It also became an important center of knowledge. Mansa Musa commissioned the construction of many of the most spectacular buildings in Timbuktu, which would become a center of Islamic scholarship. Towards the end of his rule, Mansa Musa built and funded the famous Sankara Madrassa, which would become both one of the greatest centers of learning in the Islamic world, and the greatest library in Africa. At one point, the library of the Sankara Madrassa held between 250,000 and 700,000 manuscripts.

In 1324, Mansa Musa embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca. But it was not just an ordinary pilgrimage. It was journey in which Mansa Musa hoped to raise the prestige of the Mali Empire, and put it on equal footing with other Islamic kingdoms. Thus, Mansa Musa undertook the most extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca in history. He took with him a caravan that may have included over 60,000 people, along with a massive amount of gold and other riches. According to some accounts, it took a full day for Mansa Musas caravan to pass by. This journey, however, was a costly one. Along the way, Mansa Musa would give handfuls of gold to poor beggars and passers-by. It is even alleged that on his journey, he had a new mosque built every Friday. Mansa Musa also spent immensely at local bazaars, buying merchandise at incredibly inflated prices. During his pilgrimage, the emperor of the Mali Empire flooded the market with so much gold that the price of the valuable metal crashed. He ultimately had to borrow money to finance his trip home.

Decline And Fall Of The Mali Empire

Tuareg people in traditional clothes sitting on camels. Editorial credit: Katja Tsvetkova / Shutterstock.com

After Mansa Musas death, the Mali Empire began a slow decline. Mansa Musas son, Mansa Maghan, ascended the throne after the death of his father. Like his father, he spent a lot. So much so, in fact that he nearly bankrupted the empire. After only four years, however, he died, and was succeeded by his brother, Mansa Suleiman, who managed to clean up the mess made by Maghan. But following the end of Suleimans reign, the Mali Empire had a series of bad rulers. In 1388, the last ruler directly descended from Mansa Musa was killed, ending his line of succession. By the beginning of the 15th century, the Mali Empire began to lose much of its territory. The city of Gao rebelled against the empire around the year 1400. In 1431, a Berber ethnic group known as the Tuareg seized control of Walata and Timbuktu. The tributary kingdoms of the Mali Empire also began rebelling, eventually freeing themselves from imperial rule. By the mid-15th century, most of the empires territory had been conquered by a new empire, the Songhai Empire. From this point on, the Mali Empire ceased to exist. What remained were just the core homelands of the Malinke people, which would be divided into separate chiefdoms by the early 17th century.
Police gather at the campus of Columbia University in response to a bomb threat on Nov. 7, 2021.
Wrexham secondary school closed due to no water or electricity in the building

A Wrexham secondary school has closed this morning due to no water or electricity in the building.

St Josephs high school has said that work is ongoing between school staff and Wrexham Council to resolve the issue.

A statement posted on the schools website this morning, said: Due to unforeseen circumstances the school has had to close today due to no power and water.

Those on school buses and taxis will be on their way home.

Please check the website and social media pages this afternoon for an update.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: St Josephs High School in Wrexham is closed today due to no water or electricity in the building.

Parents have been informed by text message and the school and council are working hard to resolve the issue.

Parents will be kept updated.
Wrexham community groups urged to bid for a share of a 60k pot of money seized from criminals

Community groups in Wrexham are being urged to bid for a share of a 60,000 pot of money seized from criminals.

According to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, the Your Community Your Choice fund will be used to recycle the ill-gotten gains of criminals for the benefit of communities across the region.

The initiative is a partnership between Mr Dunbobbin, the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) and North Wales Police.

Half the money is being contributed by the commissioner with the rest coming cash confiscated from criminals via the Proceeds of Crime Act.

As a result, three community groups in each county in North Wales will receive up to 2,500 each whilst there will be three 5,000 grants available for organisations working across three or more counties.

After opening on November 15, the window for groups to submit applications runs until December 10, with the winners being chosen by a public poll.

A shortlist of applicants will be chosen by a special panel and voting opens on January 10 and runs until February 4.

All bids need to support the commissioners Police and Crime Plan in which delivering safer neighbourhoods and supporting communities are key priorities.

Mr Dunbobbin said: This is social justice in action because the Your Community Your Choice scheme is about turning bad money into good money to support our communities from the Flintshire Bridge to Menai Bridge and right across the rest of the region.

The successful projects will be ones that support the strategic priorities in my Police and Crime Plan

I want to flip that on its head so that we have a series of community-led initiatives, providing positive outcomes for the people living in those areas.

As well as having applications from our larger towns, I would like to encourage groups from rural areas coming forward because I am proud to represent all the communities in North Wales and be as inclusive as possible.

PACT chair Ashley Rogers said: What I particularly like is the democratic nature of the Your Community Your Choice scheme.

Its about community groups applying for grants and then its the communities themselves who decide who gets the funding. Thats magical.

One thing that all applicants will need to do is to discuss their proposal with their local neighbourhood policing team and to be endorsed by their district inspector before submitting their application.

Theres a certain Robin Hood element to it that I think people love and has made it such a successful scheme, underlined by the fact that it attracted more than 30,000 votes last year.

Im very proud that PACT is able to deliver this on behalf of the PCC and North Wales Police and Id encourage voluntary groups and charities to submit their applications.

Superintendent Helen Corcoran added: The Your Community Your Choice fund hits at the very heart of what were trying to achieve.

There are so many worthy community groups out there, and this initiative is about the police and the community working together to actually make things safer for the public of North Wales, with the added benefit of course is that a lot of the money comes from criminals.

We want to support communities so they are able to take responsibility for their own areas.

Community groups can do a great deal to make their local areas safer, reduce crime and reduce re-offending, It also sends a good message to the communities because it shows we are listening to them.

Completed applications must be returned by e-mail to yourcommunityyourchoice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by 5pm on the closing date of December 10. For more information go to the commissioners website www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or the PACT website www.pactnorthwales.co.uk
Chick-fil-A will be closed on Christmas Day, which falls on a Saturday, in addition to the Sunday after.
Arrive Logistics honored as a Top Workplace 2021 by The Austin American-Statesman and The Chicago Tribune
The following interviews are with two health care workersone in New South Wales (NSW) and the other in Victoriawho explain the worsening conditions facing disability care patients and residents under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rally calling for National Disability Insurance Scheme in Brisbane in 2012 [Source: Wikipedia]

Recent research indicates that people with intellectual disabilities are among the most COVID-19 vulnerable sections of the population. Studies from the US, for example, showed that people with developmental disabilities were more than three times as likely to die following a diagnosis of COVID-19 than the general population. The figure was 2.75 times more likely for those with intellectual disabilities.

An investigation in New York State also found that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities had a general mortality rate almost eight times higher than average.

Lisa, who works in a residential facility in NSW, told the World Socialist Web Site that governments should be pursuing a policy aimed at eradicating COVID-19.

Lisa: Millions and millions of lives wouldnt have been lost unnecessarily if thered been an eradication policy. Governments are clearly putting profit ahead of everything else by reopening schools and businesses. Although they never had proper lockdowns in the first place, we were lucky and got infections down to zero, but now you have a complete abandonment of all that and people are being placed at risk again.

Im really concerned about where it goes next because its only a matter of time before there is a new and worse variant of the virus. Much of the world has not even had one vaccination and so there is still plenty of opportunity for it to mutate. Its a very scary situation and the governments are completely culpable.

A lot of our residents are over 50 and many have underlying health issues, such as heart problems, obesity, chronic lung disease and neurological disorders. Although all are vaccinated, if the virus gets into one of our residential homes the residents are at a higher risk of serious breakthrough infections than the general population.

Hospitalisation can be especially difficult for our clients. Some lack the ability to communicate pain verbally, which is a big issue. The hospital system isnt adequately taking into account or meeting the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

WSWS : What happens when a resident is hospitalised?

Lisa: In normal times, a staff member would go every day and speak to doctors and spend time with the client. They wouldnt be there 24 hours a day but would be there every day for significant parts of the day. But that cant happen in a COVID ward.

Our residents are double-vaxxed but not all residents in group homes are. As of about mid-October it was only about 73 percent who had had their second dose and only 65 percent of workers had had their second dose. Our residents are vulnerable but there are lots of people in residential care who are even more vulnerable.

At the beginning of the vaccine rollout disability care workers and residents were prioritised in phase 1A and anybody with a disability was in 1B. During March we kept thinking Any day now, any week now. but nothing happened during March and all of April. Nothing definite about the vaccine was communicated to disability services. It was really deprioritised and theyre still not there.

Our manager gave up waiting for the federal government vaccine rollout process and so he made an independent arrangement with the local district health service, which vaccinated our workers.

WSWS: Whats the situation with staffing?

Lisa: Our shifts are always filled and although there are agency staff an effort is made to get the same people, so they get to know the house, the routines and the clients. Many of our clients are not happy though when the agency staff come in. I have one young woman who just locks herself in her room for the entire time. Occasionally, if someone is sick or on holidays, there might be a morning shift and an afternoon shift covered by agency staff. That means that the young woman might spend the entire day in her roomfrom seven in the morning until six at nightuntil the last agency staff leave.

The clients dont fully understand. Mine are fairly high-functioning and you can explain to some extent why there are restrictions. Others are not so high functioning and Im not sure what they make of it all.

WSWS: The pandemic is obviously very stressful.

Lisa: Yes. I worry every day that I could be carrying the virus unwittingly into the facility and infecting a lot of people, and worry about taking it home as well.

While everybody is affected by lockdowns its especially tough on some of our residents. Routine and access to already limited social networks are crucial to their wellbeing but many are unable to use social media to keep in touch with family and friends. Some have very limited interests and its difficult to find ways to keep them positively occupied all that time. Like those in residential aged care, our disability residents have been in lockdown longer than the general community.

Overall though its been amazing the way theyve coped. The agency and residential staff have done a fantastic job at keeping people safe and happy, but its been scary, and its been hard.

I worked longer hours during lockdown because residents couldnt go out on day programs and the rosters were changed because we had to stay in one house rather than work over two or three. Theres a lot more cleaning and sanitising required. It also concerns me that people living with disability have had extra costs during COVIDfor masks, grocery delivery charges, higher electricity costs due to being housebound, etcbut those on the disability pension were not given the COVID payment supplement. Theyre already some of the poorest people in the country. It was very unfair.

WSWS: What needs to be done to protect your residents?

Lisa: Were taking great care with infection control procedures, restricting unnecessary or unvaccinated visitors to the houses, avoiding high risk settings in the community and monitoring temperature, pulse, and oxygen saturation. Coordinators who move between houses are using rapid antigen tests. There are comprehensive plans in place to protect residents and staff should someone contract the virus. Airflow in the houses hasnt been discussed though, and it ought to be.

WSWS: What do you think of the governments role?

Lisa: The government was slammed in the Disability Royal Commission for its appalling roll out of the vaccine and was urged to delay opening up until everybody with a disability had the opportunity to be vaccinated. This was ignored and now our residents are back out in the community. Many are not great with wearing or managing masks, hand hygiene or social distancing. The disability community, like the aged, unvaccinated children, and those with underlying health conditions, are at risk.

All people with a disability should have been vaccinated as a priority long ago. There needs to be a clear timeframe, and the plan and progress needs to be transparent. There should be a dedicated vaccine booking system for people with disabilities. Family members of people with disabilities should also have been prioritised. Greater restrictions should have remained until everyone with increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus was fully vaccinated.

WSWS: How have the unions reacted to the situation?

Lisa: I dont really know what the unions were saying, offering or doing, but whatever it was it didnt impact on any of us in any way.

WSWS: Whats your response to the learn to live with the virus slogan?

Lisa: Were being lied to that this is inevitable. We dont have to accept daily deaths and the risk of long COVID with implications we dont even understand yet. We shouldnt be giving the virus an ongoing opportunity to mutate into a vaccine resistant strain. Effective, coordinated, global health measures with full economic and social support for individuals and small businesses during and after a full and genuine lockdown could eliminate the virus. Its criminal that in the interests of profit, elimination strategies are taken off the table.

Michael works in a disability facility in Victoria, where the state Labor government is removing basic health precautions and lifting border controls, despite there being more than 1,000 COVID infections a day.

WSWS: What would happen if the coronavirus infected any of your residents?

Michael: I think some could die. Theyve all been vaccinated, but I think a few would definitely be in serious danger. Some have specialist needs which would be especially challenging in a hospital environment. The hospitals are already under great pressure and already having a difficult time without having people with intellectual disabilities or people with very high needs.

I dont think the hospital teams would be able to cope. There was an ABC program about Intensive Care Units which reported theyve had to triple the resources for each patient, including someone who is a COVID navigator, and someone else having to follow who is cleaning up, so its a 300 percent increase. If youre dealing with someone with really difficult and challenging behaviours then youd probably need four people, so it would be a 400 percent increase.

We have a very good rapport with residents, which is built up over time. But for nurses who are exhausted, traumatised, also having to deal with residents with very challenging behaviour is very difficult, no matter how professional these people are. Theyll have all the written plans and theyll have experience in lessening the triggers which activate bad behaviour, but at the end of the day there is only so much people can do.

WSWS: What measures have to be put in place to protect your residents from COVID-19, given the high risk of your residents catching the virus.

Michael: Each house has a working problem of a limited number of casuals. I know all the staff very well and they have my back and I have theirs. The manager is probably the best manager in the field so Im very lucky to be in a house where theyve managed to build a good rapport with everybody. Everybody is on board, but we cant be there all the time. Were short staffed.

WSWS: How would you sum up your experiences of the last 20 months?

Michael: Im very worried about the public health system because staff are going to be so burnt out and traumatised. [Victorian Labor premier] Daniel Andrews is the one to blame for putting all these different departments together to make a super DHHS [Department of Health and Human Services] which is cumbersome and very hard to manage.

Now they are fast tracking nurses with no experience. Corners will be cut and mistakes will be made, thats just the natural part of being human, especially when stressed and inexperienced. This is what Daniel Andrews is willing to sacrifice.

What [prime minister] Scott Morrison did was very cynical. A friend of mine who works in quarantine told me that he knew when people arrived from overseas it would no longer be a federal quarantine responsibility, but a state health responsibility. Morrison allocated zero money to build quarantine facilities and let the states deal with it as a health issue. He really screwed the states.

The problem is the overall vaccine rate. So far only four percent of the African population is vaccinated. Lets say that all the rich countries are vaccinated but the poorer countries arent, so when new variants come out, maybe even worse than Delta, we will not be able to counter them. Well be back to square one or even worse than that because well have accumulated all this massive public debt. The numbers are going to go up anyway when we open up, which means our systems will be exhausted. Meanwhile, all this attention has diverted us from two of the biggest threats to humanity and that is the exponential spread of nuclear weapons and climate change.

WSWS: What lessons would you draw from the conditions youve been describing at your workplace and whats required?

Michael: Firstly, the service has been privatised, deregulated, so at the end of the day the residents we care for are cash cows. Their safety is of primary concern to the organisation and the safety of the staff secondary.

Ive worked ridiculously long and illegal hours because of staff shortages. I think where were headed, if the virus really rips through the disability sector, the government will have to step in and nationalise, which wont be such a bad thing.
An Amazon worker at the companys TPA1s fulfillment center location in Ruskin, Florida, spoke to the International Amazon Workers Voice recently about her experience working at the facility. What was revealed was a brutal and abusive workplace environment, including systematic efforts by the company to victimize injured workers and force them back into work to maintain the companys arduous production quotas.

A worker inside an Amazon fulfillment center (aboutamazon.com)

In an interview with the WSWS, the worker, who chose to go by the pseudonym Lauren to protect herself from retaliation, testified to a horrific bureaucratic regime thats found in virtually every Amazon facility in the country, with workers being injured, forced back to work, and eventually terminated once theyve no longer served any use to a company known for its super-exploitation of its workforce. Injuries at TPA1 are rampant, where its common for five or six workers to get hurt on a typical day. Management routinely intimidates workers who raise health grievances and demand treatment, with most coerced into returning to work or facing termination.

Lauren reported suffering from her injuries with the company for nearly a year, being consistently denied medical attention and forced to work at the same position. Now, she faces imminent termination after months of battling with Amazons byzantine workers compensation systems.

After you get injured, Lauren explained, they dont send you to a doctor or fill out paperwork even if you tell them youre hurt. If you ask them to see a doctor, they say its not that bad, get back to work. If you ask for paperwork and see a doctor, they coerce you by threatening not to pay you, keep you from the warehouse or just fire you.

Injuries begin soon after starting work

Laurens injuries first began piling up in early March shortly after getting hired at the warehouse as a picker. Pickers are responsible for gathering products and preparing the shipment, including labeling various types of merchandise and maintaining sufficient stock capacities.

Thats the area with the most injuries, she said. Pickers are tasked with lifting, unloading, and stacking a wide array of products, such as Coca-Cola packages, diapers, Gatorade and frying pans, most of them ranging from mildly heavy to excruciatingly bulky sizes. In addition to having to stand and walk for hours without rest, pickers must lift products into the holes of machines or robots to process their products. Pickers have to open the hole in the robot with one hand and put the entire item in with that hand, no matter how heavy it is.

Countless workers have complained of being tired and muscle-strained after doing such strenuous work repetitively for hours. I always suggest to the managers that workers be allowed to rotate their positions so they dont get hurt as much. People are always injured and in pain because of this material they have to handle. Workers are not offered supplies by management and are forced to buy their own equipment for their knees, elbows, and back to prevent injuries.

Despite injuring her arm in the early months of 2020, Lauren wasnt able to consult with an orthopedic physician for treatment until the summer. The long delay was due to the caseworker taking incredibly long to authorize medical treatment, she said.

At first, she was directed to the companys on-site emergency clinic, Amcare, for an initial observation. When you get injured, they send you to a regular doctor through Amcare, she said. But Amcare doesnt have any legitimate doctors; the people working there dont have any medical title. Some of them are security people, etc. They dont have nurses or any physicians.

Although she constantly demanded to be seen by a doctor, the Amcare officials overseeing her case repeatedly declined to fill out the required paperwork for a doctors visit. They just say to go home, stay home for a week, and if you are fine then come back. If you insist on filling it out, they suggest working somewhere else until you feel better. If you insist again, they get angry and give you an attitude.

So I was forced to go back to work but my hand injury worsened and I started feeling a lot of pain in my hands and wrists. Over time the job became impossible because of her injured hand.

I had to open up a robot that we use to put Amazons products in with one hand and lift the item with the other hand. With one hand I open up a hole inside the robot, pull an elastic band back, and with the other hand put the item inside that hole. I did that all day for 10 to 12 hours each day, which caused so much discomfort. I only have three seconds to put smaller items in, 10 seconds for medium sized ones, and 15 seconds to put large, heavier items in. In all, Im supposed to put 30 different items inside that one hole.

Even though she was in awful pain, she felt pressured to speed up her activity to meet Amazons rigid rate system and avoid punishments from management for not meeting quotas. If you dont satisfy their quota, you get reprimanded each time you mess up. First time is a talking-to, second is a verbal warning, third is a written warning, and your fourth time is termination.

While Amcare forced her to work even with the hand injuries, she had to readjust how she worked to compensate for this trouble, which eventually led to her neck injury. After I got the neck injury, I knew it was serious and needed to see someone. I kept on complaining to my managers and they finally gave in and sent me to an Amazon specialist in June, after three months.

A bureaucratic nightmare with Sedgwick

A laborious process then ensued with Amazons workers compensation department, ran by the insurance company Sedgwick. Other Amazon injured workers have previously spoken to the WSWS about their horror stories dealing with Sedgwick, which has gone so far as to hire private investigators to surveil workers.

Upon seeing a specialist, they performed an MRI on her neck, which had gotten seriously strained from overwork. The next day, however, Sedgwick closed her case and said that the injury didnt happen at work. I was so shocked and confused, she said. The Amcare person said sorry, we already closed the case, go back to your area and keep working. They basically told me I had to go see a personal doctor because workers comp said they wont cover that [her injury] because they closed the case. But they gave no reason or explanation. I kept on telling them no this happened at work, but once again they reiterated that workers comp closed the case.

After being informed that her case was closed, she was placed on unpaid time off and sought a more thorough medical diagnosis on her own. Ever since then, Ive made several appointments with another doctor outside of Amazon and theyve found all sorts of issues with my neck. The most recent doctor that I saw was from late last September, and they confirmed that my injuries happened at work. I went to a specialist for the neck and they recommended seeing another one for my hands. They told me I had a herniated disk on my neck and all types of problems on my hand because I was lifting things too heavy for them.

A few weeks ago, Lauren was called in to work for the first time since the middle of summer and was given light work to perform. I was not in my regular area and was just doing temperature checks for people coming into the building, to check for symptoms of COVID-19. But I still needed to get reimbursed for the time I spent away from work. They agreed to put me on UPT, but didnt pay me anything, and I had proof now that I actually got injured at work.

However, Sedgwick and Amazons injury caseworkers repeatedly stonewalled her attempts at reimbursement throughout the months she was placed on personal leave. I sent three letters to Sedgwick saying it happened at work and didnt get a reply. I called Amazons workers comp directly and I was forced to send several more letters. Anywhere from July until this past Friday, I was waiting for Sedgwick to get a second opinion from their approved doctors. I have medical paperwork with evidence that they were workplace injuries.

Recently, the claims department for Amazon informed her that she must provide a medical notice documenting proof of her injuries through an authorized company doctor or face imminent termination. Theyre threatening to fire me unless I give them proof that me using my vacation time was actually from a workplace injury. But they dont want to accept any medical documents from a specialist outside Amcare. Before, when I was requesting reimbursement I kept hearing its your personal doctor and has nothing to do with us so just take personal leave. Now they were considering firing me for the same reason.

Following a couple days of doing other minor tasks, her managers forced her to return back to the same injury-prone position as a picker despite still being injured. My medical restrictions were violated. When I got hurt again, I was sent back to work with no restrictions. I got hurt again and went to Amcare and they did not want to send me to a doctor. My limitation was not to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, and this wasnt followed at all.

I complained again of being hurt and they sent me to a company doctor and this one gave me restrictions for five pounds. A third doctor told me I shouldnt be using my hands whatsoever. I also ended up hurting another part of my body. It came to a point where they couldnt do anything but have me doing light work because of my complaints. I dont know how long thatll last.

They treat people like theyre animals in cages

When I first walked into the building and saw all the fancy technology and cameras, I thought they were there to protect the employees, Lauren said, but now I know the only reason they have this stuff is to watch us and control us like were robots; just like the machines they use to make everything.

In the marketing and advertising used to attract employees, they make it seem like youll be treated like family and be happy working here. But its all a fantasy. In reality, they treat people like theyre animals in cages and its completely different than what I thought.

From the company owners all the way down to the managers, they present themselves as superior; their ranks make them better than regular workers even though we as workers produce everything and do all the heavy lifting. They treat workers like theyre nothing and worthless. They promote competition among the employees. They would like to have people from different countries and backgrounds and languages who cant relate or communicate with each other so that everyone is separate. If management notices you are communicating with someone youre familiar with, they take you out of that group and isolate you so you cant speak to anyone. If you get hurt on the job, Amcare, human resources, and so on treat you like youre just a bother.

In the end, they dont see you as a person, its all marketing, she said. They dont have respect for human dignity, youre treated no different than animals. Once you get hurt and stop producing their profits, they dont want you there. Being there is like being in jail, and to be honest, its worse than being a slave.

The International Amazon Workers Voice (IAWV) is assisting Amazon workers in forming a network of rank-and-file committees to fight for safe working conditions, higher wages, and other worker needs. We urge Amazon workers to contact the IAWV about forming a rank-and-file committee or to share your own story.
On Friday, the United Auto Workers union announced that Deere had presented its supposed last, best and final offer, which contained only modest modifications to the contract proposal workers had already voted down on November 2.

The UAW is essentially seeking to force a revote on the deal workers rejected, trampling on any semblance of a democratic process, as it did at Volvo Trucks in July.

The so-called modest modifications consist of changes to what Deere calls its Continuous Improvement Pay Plan, or CIPP. CIPP is an incentive pay scheme which resembles in many respects the hated piecework system which prevailed earlier in the 20th century. In return for teams meeting or exceeding company-defined production goals, workers are paid an additional amount, with both the maximum incentive pay and performance goals raised by five percentage points under the new contract terms.

But in practice, the benchmarks under CIPP are already often unattainable, and since the company controls the data on output, the numbers can be skewed, workers say.

Since only part of Deeres workforce is eligible for CIPP, the contract for those working in non-CIPP departments is identical to the one they already rejected, with no changes whatsoever.

However, even for those who do work under CIPP, the modifications are, at best, a double-edged sword. The entire CIPP system is designed to speed up operations, crank out more machines and parts and thus boost Deeres profits. Pressuring workers to serve as their own taskmasters, CIPP means that a relentless pace is set and workers bodies are broken and used up.

The CIPP program is widely hated by Deere workers, who have called for the system to be abolished and to instead receive major raises to base wages to ensure no loss of pay.

Before they were pushing plans to make 115 percent [a performance ratio], and approximately 25 percent were falling below that target, a Deere worker at the companys plant in Ottumwa, Iowa, explained, pointing to the difficulty in meeting the companys benchmarks. Now theyre pushing a 120 percent target.

A worker at the companys Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, said, Some are good with it and some think its still garbage. I finally got out of CIPP departments. The company manipulates the plan and you cant win. A lot of people are switching to hourly [i.e., non-CIPP] departments at Harvester.

CIPP is ultimately a tool the company uses to manipulate our pay, a worker in Waterloo, Iowa, said. We feel like we have no control over it. We either run under 115 and get nothing from it, or just over 115 and get barely anything. You break it down and you get next to nothing.

Ive been with Deere for over a decade, and Ive never been satisfied with it. Ive never gotten a payout Ive been amazed with. Especially for machining departments, the machines cant run any faster. Nobody ever seems to come ahead on it. Ive been wanting to see CIPP go away and just get a bump in pay. But the company doesnt want to allow that because they are able to manipulate it currently.

Contract establishes new UAW-Deere joint committee

The UAW, on the other hand, has backed and even benefits from this modern-day sweatshop regime.

One of the other modifications to the latest contract is the establishment of a new corporatist UAW-Deere joint committee, the Factory Joint CIPP Steering Committee, to include the UAW shop chair and a committeeperson.

Such joint labor-management committees have mushroomed throughout the auto and other industries since the 1980s, integrating the union bureaucracies ever deeper into the structures of management and giving union officials a direct hand, and frequently a financial stake, in determining the conditions of workers exploitation.

At Deere, the new UAW-management committee will be responsible for overseeing a CIPP Performance Corrective Action Process for teams that have declines in performance.

According to the contract language, the committee will discuss issues relevant to long-term success of CIPP and its role in driving competitiveness, productivity improvement, investment, and earnings opportunity for employees. Items for discussion may include future plans for Smart Industrial transformation, ideas for CIPP pilot teams, performance and status of current CIPP teams, status of Focus Improvement Plans, health of the CI process in supporting CIPP, etc.

The reference to Smart Industrial transformation, Deeres most recent restructuring plan, is particularly ominous, given that it has entailed successive rounds of layoffs and buyouts of salaried workers, and increased demands upon those employees who remain.

100 years backward: Piecework and incentive pay schemes

In 2011, then-UAW President Bob King and other union executives pushed to extend pay-for-performance systems throughout the auto industry in lieu of regular wage increases. The attempt came just two years after the UAW had collaborated with the Obama administration and Big Three auto corporations in carrying out an historic assault on the jobs, wages and working conditions of autoworkers. Most notoriously, pay for all new hires was cut in half in a vast expansion of the wage and benefit tier system.

At the time, the WSWS drew the comparison between such incentive pay schemes and the piecework system which prevailed earlier in the 20th century.

In an account which reveals striking similarities to the CIPP regime at Deere today, Joyce Shaw Peterson wrote of piecework and incentive pay systems in the book American Automobile Workers 19001933: For American industrialists, piecework was a device to extract as high a production rate as possible from the workers without undue cost to the company. It also made workers pay for downtime caused by machinery breakdown, since they could not produce during those times.

Summarizing Petersons description of how piecework gave way to incentive pay systems, the WSWS wrote:

This system produced several advantages for the company. Incentive plans offered the benefit of being too complex and difficult for workers to interpret. Rates could be set in such a way that each increment of production produced a smaller and smaller increment in pay, in effect cutting the rate without having to announce it as such. Most importantly, Peterson writes, group piecework made the men take over the foremans call to hurry up, exerting pressure on the slower men to keep up so as not to lessen the groups wages. One pieceworker, Tracy Doll from Hudson Motors, recalled: If one man slowed down, he was slowing down the livelihood of all the people. So the other guys went over and jumped onto him and said hurry up, get moving. This was the idea. Now they got the men stretched out to where they could not stretch any longer and we have got the fast men carrying the slow men and all of them getting wages based on a percentage of their day rates.

In the 1930s, militant and left-wing workers organized industrial unions such as the UAW in order to combat the hated piecework systems and fight against managements dictatorship in the plants. However, the UAW and other unions abandoned the fight for better wages and working conditions decades ago and threw their lot in with the companies.

Instead, the well-paid (and often bribed) union executives peddle the reactionary ideology of corporatism, the myth that workers and the companies have identical interests, which in reality means that the profit interests take absolute precedence over workers needs.

Our local president was asked about getting rid of CIPP, the worker in Ottumwa said. His answer was what would be the incentive to work then? Everyone would supposedly lay down and production numbers would go way down.

I thought at the time, this wouldnt be said better by management.

The fight against the UAW sellout

The latest move by the UAW to ram through Deeres terms is in line with the UAWs treacherous conduct throughout the contract negotiations.

Both agreements which the UAW has brought back have been rejected by workers for failing to meet their demands for major wage increases to compensate for years of cuts and freezes, as well as the restoration of retiree health benefits and other improvements to working conditions.

Following the rejection of its second deal, the UAW maintained an information blackout for a week and a half, saying only that it was meeting to discuss next stepswith the company, not Deere workers.

Meanwhile, the UAW gave Deere a free hand to carry out a blatant propaganda campaign, exaggerating the benefits of the contract and threatening workers with the use of scabs and increased international production to break the strike should they again refuse it. A factory manager at the companys Waterloo Works plant went so far as to email area businesses and community organizations in an effort to undermine support for the strikers, provoking outrage among workers.

But with the company making record profits and the strike causing significant delays in parts shipmentsand support growing for the strike among autoworkers in the US and Deere workers internationallyDeere workers have voiced their determination to press ahead to a real victory.

The Deere Workers Rank-and-File Committee has emerged as the organizing center of the struggle against the attempts of Deere and the UAW to engineer a sellout. The rank-and-file committee issued a statement Saturday night denouncing the UAWs latest sellout and calling for a massive no vote on Wednesday, as well as rank-and-file delegations of workers to monitor the vote count to prevent any UAW ballot stuffing.

Summing up the significance of Deere workers fight, the statement said, Everything will be determined by what we do in this struggle. These are our lives, the lives of our brothers and sisters, and the rest of the working class. What we do today will have an impact for the rest of the working class for generations to come. Workers are watching us closely; lets show them we will not be intimidated and we will stand as one to win our demands.

To learn more about joining the John Deere Workers Rank-and-File Committee, email deerewrfc@gmail.com or text (484) 5149797.
Germanys COVID-19 infection rate has hit a new record every day for the past week, with the seven-day incidence Sunday reaching 289 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germanys federal infectious disease agency, reported Friday 48,600 new infections and 191 deaths for the previous 24 hours.

Incidence rates as of Friday are particularly high in the states of Saxony (569 infections per 100,000 residents over the past seven days), Thuringia (491) and Bavaria (455). Schleswig-Holstein (94) is the only state with a seven-day incidence below the 100 mark. Four counties already have an incidence of over 1,000, which means one in every 100 residents got infected within the past week.

A nose swab is taken from a man for a SARS CoV-2 rapid test at the Corona Antigen Rapid test center at the 'KitKat-Club' in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (Photo/Markus Schreiber)

As infections surge, so do hospitalizations and deaths. The hospitalization incidence rate for COVID-19 is now 4.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, and 26 hospitalized cases per 100,000 inhabitants for those over 80 years of age. On Sunday, the number of COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care rose above 3,000.

The situation is becoming increasingly disastrous. The latest weekly RKI report expects there will be a further increase in serious illnesses and deaths and that the available intensive care treatment capacities will be exceeded.

RKI head Lothar Wieler warned at a press conference on Friday of the dangerous effects of the current wave of the pandemic. Of 50,000 newly infected people every day, around 3,000 will end up in hospital, 350 will require intensive care and 200 will die, he calculated. Its five past twelve on the clock, he added.

As with the previous pandemic waves, outbreaks are increasing in elderly care and nursing homes, as well as in hospitals. Last week there were 119 new outbreaks in medical treatment facilities and 161 in elderly care and nursing homes. It is not uncommon for these outbreaks to be fatal. Last week, four residents died in a nursing home in Uberlingen (Baden-Wurttemberg) and 16 in a retirement home in Brandenburg.

The number of cases and outbreaks is also increasing among children and adolescents. The age group of 5 to 14 year olds is still the age group with the highest incidence rate, with 545 infections per 100,000 people, followed by 15 to 34 year olds with an incidence of 302. There are an average of 70 outbreaks recorded per week at day care centers. There were 693 outbreaks in schools in the last four weeks, although the last two weeks have not yet been fully accounted for due to reporting delays.

Despite the ongoing catastrophe, the ruling class is doing nothing to prevent the virus from spreading. On the contrary, the Social Democrats, Greens, and Free Democrats, the traffic light coalition that is set to comprise the next federal government, continues to insist that the epidemic situation of national scope will be allowed to expire on November 25. This decision will remove the legal basis for urgently necessary protective measuresabove all the closure of schools and non-essential businesses.

On Thursday, Germanys federal parliament debated a joint draft law by the SPD, FDP and Greens to replace the previous pandemic provisions. The measures described in itsuch as social distancing rules, mask requirements and restricting access to public life for unvaccinated individualsdo not even come close to what is necessary to curb the virus, which is spreading completely out of control. The traffic light coalitionists are aware of this.

With a cynical undertone, the designated Federal Chancellor and incumbent Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) declared in his speech to parliament, We know what the consequence will be: Very, very many of those who are not vaccinated will become infected, and many of those who will become infected will get sick, and of those who get sick, some will struggle for their lives in the intensive care units of our hospitals.

In fact, hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake. The chief virologist of Berlins Charite hospital, Christian Drosten, recently described 100,000 more COVID-19 deaths in Germany alone as a conservative estimate. The director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe, Hans Kluge, warned that 500,000 people in Europe could die from COVID-19 in the next three months.

The traffic light coalition is pursuing such a right-wing course that even conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politicians like CDU parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus criticize their pandemic policy as inadequate and demand a continuation of the epidemic situation.

This criticism is dishonest in several respects. First, the plan to end the epidemic situation was developed by the health minister of the grand coalition, Jens Spahn (CDU). Second, the CDU-led grand coalition has been just as aggressive and responsible for almost 100,000 COVID-19 deaths in Germany alone. And thirdly, the nationwide restriction of access to restaurants, bars, and public events to people who are fully vaccinated or recovered from an infection (the 2G rule) called for by representatives of the CDU and Left Party is completely inadequate.

The profit before lives policy of all bourgeois parties is meeting with increasing opposition from the population. The SPD, Greens, and FDP in particular have been discredited and are hated even before they form a new federal government. According to a survey by the opinion research institute Kantar for FOCUS, 59 percent of Germans are dissatisfied with Scholzs role in fighting the pandemic.

The ZDF Politbarometer showed in a survey published on Friday that only 13 percent consider the SPD competent in the field of pandemic policy. The Greens and FDP do even worse with values of 6 percent and 5 percent respectively. Nearly half of all respondents support stricter protective measures, while 32 percent describe the existing measures as just right and only 16 percent find them exaggerated. Two-thirds of those surveyed support a nationwide 2G rule and 71 percent support a vaccine mandate in the health care system.

The crucial task is to provide the growing opposition with a clear perspective and strategy. Only an independent movement of the international working class can and will implement the scientifically necessary measures to eliminate COVID-19. This includes the comprehensive shutdown of schools, universities and non-essential businesses with full compensation for those affected in connection with an aggressive vaccination campaign, mass tests, and the isolation of all infected people and contacts.
The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) continues to campaign against anti-democratic electoral laws rushed through the Australian parliament on August 26. Behind the back of the population, the Coalition government and Labor passed laws that force all political parties which do not have members of parliament, to submit a list of 1,500 members by December 2 or face deregistration.

This legislation effects the SEP and 35 other political parties. If deregistered it would mean that candidates of the SEP could not run under the partys name on the ballot paper during elections. The laws are designed to silence dissent, above all left-wing political opposition, to the major capitalist parties.

The electoral members of the SEP continue to voice their support for the campaign. They link the laws to the homicidal reopening agenda, in which children are being forced back to school despite continued high infection numbers. They call on workers and young people to study the history of the party and to join the fight to defeat these laws.

To join the SEPs campaign against the legislation, sign up as an electoral member today.

****

Richard, 60, is a long-time electoral member of the SEP and is currently on a disability pension. These electoral laws didnt fall from the sky, he said, they are coming from a very weak position. The establishment parties are trying to strengthen themselves. The last election was a failure for the major parties, it only led to the growth of minority parties. They are worried they could have a Marxist party getting in.

Weve reached a new historic, social period he continued. Capitalism has passed its lifespan. People need to understand there is no way back to the past. Take the buying of these nuclear submarines, this is a major shift in military policy. These are offensive weapons.

Capitalism is one big engine. It needs money for fuel. Historically, whenever it has been in a crisis, capital has never put profit interests aside for the people. We currently have the pandemic to deal with, climate change, social inequality; they have no answers. They can only resolve these great problems through war and keeping profits up.

The working class is now coming to realise that capitalism must be overthrown. Workers and young people need to study the history of the Russian Revolution with an open mind. I recommend the book Ten Days that Shook the World. In it, John Reed is reporting on what is happening on the street during the revolution. This is the story of the working class and capital has tried to bury it.

When asked what he thought of the pandemic reopening policy Richard said, Overseas it has been disastrous, and we can only expect a similar result. All they say is wear a mask and keep your distance. The ones that are hit hardest are the poor and minorities.

He also said of those opposing public health measures and lockdowns, We have so many measures in society that keep us safe, seatbelts, proper footwear, helmets. Just because I wear a helmet when I ride my bike, doesnt mean Im a slave with my liberty being taken away! This is all part of the establishment trying to get rid of restrictions and force workers back to producing profits. They want people to catch the virus. This virus is real and deadly, and you need to get vaccinated.

Stacey, an electoral member of the party since 2007, wrote, I am an artist who lives in Northern NSW with my partner. For us and our community the drought and fires of 2018 and 19 were a real wake up call.

Stacey

I feel the current capitalist profit system offers little hope and fails consistently to provide any concerted focused effort or solutions for solving the global environmental crises. I fear COP26 wont have any real effect either because if capitalism could have solved this problem it would have done so by now.

The SEP is the only party that offers what the world desperately needs, which is a global system which doesnt depend on profits and exploitation of the Earths resources and inhabitants, one which can offer hope by encouraging creative thinking, problem solving, research and development of alternative energy innovation, medicine, science and farming methods. A framework to support our collective needs by building communities that would promote wellbeing and secure the future of our youth.

John, 78, joined as an electoral member in 2009. He met the party around 30 years ago during a campaign in Brunswick, Melbourne. A number of party people were selling papers there. It drew my attention and I started to read the articles.

I hadnt been aware of the SEP. I was under the false impression that all of the left, or lets say fake-left, political parties were inclined to admire and trust [then Soviet Stalinist leader Mikhail] Gorbachev, without exception. It was a period of time when you could identity the politics of a lot of members of the pseudo-left parties based on their attitude to him.

Gorbachev was preparing the final betrayal of the Stalinist bureaucracy, the liquidation of the Soviet Union and restoration of capitalism. Pseudo-left groups, such as the predecessor of Socialist Alliance, hailed him as a reformer who was supposedly reviving socialism.

It used to irritate me that anybody could even trust him, John said. There was nothing secret about what he was doing. If you look at his journals and publications he was plainly and obviously opposed to everything that socialists stand for. And yet everyone was singing his praises. And nobody told me, Look, there is this party that takes a different view, and doesnt think that perestroika and glasnost [Gorbachevs policies] are the solution to the problems experienced by working men and women in their lives.

So, I was quite intrigued by the Socialist Equality Party, simply for the reason that it wasnt singing the praises of this Stalinist politician.

John called the electoral laws a perverse and undemocratic aspect of the Australian electoral system and said they are an attempt to exclude parties that dont have rich funding and influential supporters.

He joined as an electoral member to ensure the SEP has electoral status and because I think this party has got it right as far as the social and economic state of things as they are now.
Last month, Bostons acting Mayor Kim Janey began clearing an encampment of homeless people near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, commonly known as Mass. and Cass. Around 300 people stayed in tents in the area at its peak, with many accessing nearby addiction treatment services.

Janeys office has claimed that it is committed to maintaining a public health approach in confronting this complex challenge  focused on connecting individuals to shelter, providing substance use disorder and mental health services, expanding low-threshold housing, providing safe road and sidewalk access, and enforcing laws against those who prey on the vulnerable, or present a danger to themselves or others. However, news reports, statements by public health experts and a lawsuit from the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reveal that the constitutional rights of Mass. and Cass residents are being infringed upon while their access to life-saving treatment is being interrupted.

The tents of a homeless camp line the sidewalk in area commonly known as Mass and Cass, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

The Massachusetts ACLUs filing notes that after the mayors executive order declaring that tents would no longer be allowed on city sidewalks, the City and its agents began dispersing people encamped at Mass & Cass under threat of arrest, and destroying many of their possessions, contrary to basic constitutional guarantees.

While some homeless people have been referred to shelters, the ACLU notes that many shelters are not equipped for people with certain medical conditions or family situations. Moreover, during a pandemic, throwing more people into congregate settings risks deadlier outbreaks.

Pine Street Inn, to which people have been referred, said it would be offering beds if available. Once those are filled, we will provide mats in our lobbies and chairs in our dining room.

For those who are not enticed by the prospect of sleeping in a chair in a homeless shelters dining room, the city has a protocol in place to allow for arresting people for the crime of disorderly conduct, that is, refusing to leave Mass. and Cass.

The threat of criminal prosecution, either for failing to leave ones belongings with a city worker in the hope that they are returned upon exiting a shelter or for outstanding warrants, some for petty crimes like drug possession, hangs over peoples heads and can make them reluctant to seek out needed services.

The city has convened a special court, nominally to direct people with warrants into treatment. However, public defenders and the prosecutor, Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins, both say that this court has sent more people to jail than to treatment.

The Boston Globe noted: Of the nine people in the courts first three days, only two went to treatment, according to court officials. Four others were jailed and sent to jurisdictions that had outstanding warrants on them. They included a 33-year-old Gardner man sent to a Worcester jail experiencing a COVID-19 outbreakover the objections of the prosecutor as well his public defender.

Dr. Benjamin Linas, who teaches medicine at Boston University and is an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center, and Dr. Joshua Barocas, who teaches medicine at the University of Colorado, wrote an opinion column in the Globe revealing that their statistical models, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, indicate that the clearing of Mass. and Cass, far from helping those who currently live there, will be a public health disaster.

While some in the short term will receive treatment, either voluntarily or because it is court-ordered, it will represent a disruption for everyone who has been living at Mass. and Cass. Such disruptions decrease access to necessary services, including harm reduction programs and addiction treatment.

Some who are currently receiving medication for opioid use disorder will have their treatment interrupted, leaving them vulnerable to an overdose. Others who receive mandated care often cease receiving care when they are no longer required to, likewise leaving them vulnerable to an overdose, particularly because their tolerance has been lowered.

Linas and Barocas project an immediate 2040 percent overdose increase due to the clearing, a 12 percent increase in overdose mortality in the year following and fewer people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. Hospitalizations are projected to increase by double digits for endocarditis and for overdoses, a staggering 46 percent in the latter case.

Other public health experts have also criticized the clearing of Mass. and Cass. The Public Health & Human Rights for Mass and Cass Coalition, which includes the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine, Boston Medical Centers Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine and the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, among others, issued a statement declaring, Public health crises require public health solutions.

Thoughtfully pointing to the stakes involved, the statement continued, We support a plan that treats people with dignity, that meets peoples stated needs in the short and long term, and that relies on evidence-based practices of low threshold housing, voluntary treatment, and harm reduction, not involuntary commitment and criminalization which risk even more death.

Dr. Sarah E. Wakeman, who is the medical director for substance use disorders at Mass General Brigham hospital, told a news conference near Mass. and Cass, It is my medical opinion that displacing people, offering them ultimatums that include only congregate shelters, medically supervised withdrawal or being funneled into a correctional setting, will worsen the public health crisis that we are seeing, leading to more overdoses and HIV infections.

Cassie Hurd, executive director of Material Aid and Advocacy Program, which advocates for homeless people, told the same news conference about the limitations of shelters and their warehouse and jail-like environment. She also noted, according to the Globe, that earlier in the pandemic the city and state rented hotel rooms for quarantining purposes, and that the same could be done in this public health crisis.

Hotel rooms would give residents of Mass. and Cass some autonomy and dignity while they can access services if desired, although property owners near hotels have objected, leaving the proposal stillborn. New York City, which had a similar program, has canceled it and moved thousands from hotel rooms into crowded shelters and the streets.

The situation at Mass. and Cass is a microcosm of the social crisis across the US and internationally. Even as a few hundred vulnerable people are forced off the streets in a crackdown and shuttled off to jails or crowded shelters, the Boston area has seen a bonanza in wealth in the pharmaceutical and technological industries during the pandemic. The rising stock price of Cambridge-based Moderna, which is jealously guarding intellectual property rights to its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, has minted many millionaires, while restaurant payment processor Toasts initial public offering turned two of its cofounders into billionaires.
The government of French President Emmanuel Macron has launched an unprecedented security operation for New Caledonias third and final independence referendum on December 12.

The first 250 police reinforcements arrived in the Pacific territory last month. Frances overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu said a total of 2,000 security personnel will be sent, doubling that used during previous referendums in 2018 and 2020. Lecornu declared: In a great democracy there can be no feeling of insecurity.

A person picks up cards of "Yes" and "No" before casting one of them at a referendum in Noumea, New Caledonia, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, whether voters choose independence from France. (AP Photo/Mathurin Derel)

Police and armed forces will be joined by a special police tactical response unit supported by 160 vehicles, 30 armoured personnel carriers, two helicopters and a transport aircraft. A group of 60 investigators is being flown in for as long as needed. A special cyber unit will supposedly respond to hate speech on social media. General Christophe Marietti, who is overseeing the operation, said the deployment will be reassuring, dissuasive and reactive.

Frances forces are being sent into a highly charged political situation to suppress simmering popular unrest. After the 2018 plebiscite, in which a majority voted against independence, protests outside the capital, Noumea, closed the main road for two days. Last November, widespread riots erupted over the sale of the Brazilian-owned Goro Nickel plant, which threatened the jobs of 3,000 workers. Riot squads were deployed and people injured in clashes with police.

After Paris refused to delay the referendum until next year, the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste, FLNKS) called for a boycott because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 10,000 people have caught COVID-19 since the start of the latest outbreak in early September and more than 270 people, mainly indigenous Kanaks have died.

The FLNKS complained that its campaign is hampered because COVID-19 measures restrict meetings. It also argues that the Kanak people are in mourning. The postponement call is supported by the Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes the states of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

According to the 1998 Noumea Accord, the final plebiscite must be held within two years of the previous vote. The anti-independence parties have consistently opposed a deferment, saying New Caledonia needs clarity. Lecornu bluntly asserted that in democracies votes are held on time and only an out-of-control pandemic could make a date change possible.

Under the Matignon Accord (1988) and Noumea Accord, three referenda on independence were provided for. In 2020, just over 53 percent voted to remain as part of France, down from 56 percent in the first referendum, indicating growing support for independence. The turnout was 85 percent of the 180,000 enrolled, exceeding the 81 percent return in 2018.

Full independence has always been strenuously resisted by the French ruling elite. New Caledonia has been on the United Nations so-called decolonisation list since 1986, when a near civil war saw French elite troops used to put down a Kanak insurrection.

Miners, processing workers, truck drivers, airport workers and others have engaged over recent years in militant struggles to defend jobs and conditions. This is bringing them into conflict with the entire ruling elite, including a relatively privileged layer of Kanaks, represented by the FLNKS, seeking a larger slice of the economic pie and a greater political say.

The workers struggles have been sold out by the trade unions. Noumea remains a polarised capital, where many low-paid workers live in slum conditions. Kanaks, who make up 44 percent of the territorys 270,000 population, are socially disenfranchised, with many still living in primitive, subsistence circumstances in rural villages.

Under conditions of intensifying social and class conflicts, both pro-and anti-independence factions of the ruling elite are seeking to exploit the referendum to channel class anger into different forms of nationalism.

Political tensions have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislative Congress is composed of 26 pro-independence members, 25 anti-independents and three from the Pacific Awakening Party, representing settlers of Wallisian and Futunian descent. The fragile multi-party government faces an unprecedented budget crunch due to the impact of border closures on tourism.

As elsewhere internationally, COVID restrictions are being eased to boost the economy. Strict lockdowns have been retained only for weekends as the pandemic has eased slightly. There are 20 COVID-19 patients still in intensive care but much of public life has been reopened, and school children returned to class. Just 70 percent of those over the age of 12 have been vaccinated.

In February the previous coalition government, which included the FLNKS, collapsed amid deepening economic problems and social unrest over the sale of the nickel assets. For months there was no properly constituted government because none of the presidential candidates could secure a majority of votes among the 11-member cabinet.

The first pro-independence Kanak president, Louis Mapou was installed in July. This was promoted as boosting independence aspirations following the re-election of the pro-independence Roch Wamytan as president, or speaker, of Congress. However, the Kanak people are in a minority after generations of colonial settlement and migration.

Just over 180,000 people are eligible to vote, leaving tens of thousands of residents off the roll, a subject of prolonged controversy. The restricted electoral roll for the referenda is made up of Kanaks and non-Kanaks who have lived in New Caledonia continuously since 1994. Even taking this into consideration, a yes vote requires at least some from the settler and migrant communities to support independence.

Paris is formally neutral, but in reality opposes any move which diminishes its geo-strategic position as a Pacific power. New Caledonia is home to a major French military base and holds nearly a quarter of the worlds reserves of nickel, a strategic mineral.

A vote in favour of independence would initiate a transition period to transfer the remaining sovereign powers, relating to justice, defence, policing, monetary policy and foreign affairs. France would cease to be financially responsible for key state functions. The financial sums involved are in the range of $US2 billion a year. Automatic French and EU citizenship would end while mass emigration and capital flight are distinct possibilities.

A French government document outlining what the referendum result will mean vaguely promises that another No vote will not entrench the status quo but usher in a new chapter in French/New Caledonian relations. While the UN resolution on decolonisation is not affected, any future moves towards independence are effectively nullified. A unilateral declaration of independence would not be recognised.

In a visit to the region in 2018, Macron called for a new Indo-Pacific axis against China, signalling moves alongside other European imperialist powers to assert their interests under conditions of rising Chinese influence and Washingtons aggressive moves against China. France also views China as a competitor in its former colonies in Africa, where it maintains a political and military presence.

Pressures in the Pacific arena have sharply escalated following the signing in September of the AUKUS pact by the US, UK and Australia. AUKUS includes the repudiation of a 56 billion French submarine contract in favour of an agreement to equip Australia with US nuclear-powered submarines.

Declared without prior discussion with the NATO states, the far-reaching strategic realignment is explicitly directed against China. AUKUS has sidelined the European powers and will vastly increase US, UK and Australian military cooperation as they expand their build-up throughout the region, threatening to do so at Frances expense.
Albuquerque, New Mexicos Presbyterian Health Services and University of New Mexico (UNM) Health announced on November 11 that they were activating crisis standards of care (CSC). In addition to their main hospitals, the announcement affects other Presbyterian and UNM facilities in the Albuquerque metro area.

Another large hospital system in Albuquerque, Lovelace Health System, released a statement saying, We will continue to collaborate with the state and the hospitals across New Mexico to fight this pandemic and care for our patients, especially those most vulnerable. At this time, we have not implemented crisis standards of care. 88% of patients hospitalized in our facilities are receiving care for non-COVID related conditions.

The Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital is shown on May 8, 2020, in Gallup, New Mexico. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee,)

As reported by the World Socialist Web Site on November 1 in relation to the crisis in neighboring Colorado, CSC can involve redirecting less experienced nurses to help in intensive care units, activating the National Guard to take over clerical and nonmedical tasks, and even mobilizing volunteers and family members to assist patients with hygiene in a last-gasp effort to free up medical personnel for more intensive tasks.

Another possible aspect of the standards is the imposition of rationing of medical care by utilizing a triage, based on a points system, that would relegate patients to standard medical beds even though they might be in dire need of intensive care unit treatment.

Despite the states relatively high, and highly touted, rate of vaccinations (63 percent) as well as its continuingthough poorly enforcedindoor mask mandate, Delta-driven COVID-19 cases have been surging in New Mexico faster than in any other state. Since the last week in October, there has been a 48 percent increase in new daily cases, with the seven-day average case count reaching 1,334 on November 13, with 512 hospitalizations and an average of 8 deaths per day.

Since the pandemic began, there have been more than 292,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections in the state and at least 5,171 have died from the disease. Cases have been rising since they hit a recent low of 40 per day in early July.

Two aspects of the recent spike are especially notable. First, the percentage of breakthrough cases, i.e., infections of the fully vaccinated, represented 28 percent of new cases and 23 percent of hospitalizations. This statistic points to the waning of the effectiveness of vaccines after several months.

Second, the number of infected children is on the rise. The average daily case rate for 5- to 11-year-olds reached 60 per 100,000 so far this month, with Santa Fe Public Schools, to cite one example, counting 40 new cases between November 8 and 10, the greatest number in such a short timeframe for the academic year.

These figures belie two claims constantly made by bourgeois politicians and the media: that vaccines alone are the most effective means of combatting the virus, and that children are less susceptible to infection. These assertions have been used by both parties of the ruling class and the Democrats allies in the trade unions to push for the reopening of workplaces and schools.

Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reactivated CSC guidelines on October 18 as COVID-19 cases were exploding. San Juan County, in the northwest Four Corners region, which shares its border with Arizona, Utah and Colorado and contains Navajo, Hopi, Ute and Zuni nations and reserves, was the first to put them into practice on November 4. San Juan Regional Medical Center, in Farmington, treated 289 patients with coronavirus in October, and 17 died. On November 10, San Juan County reported 188 new cases.

Two other counties have reported a surge in new cases: southern Dona Ana County, which borders Mexico and Texass Big Bend Country, with 212 cases, and Bernalillo County in the states center, home to the states largest city, Albuquerque, with 385.

Dona Ana Countys Mountainview Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexicos second largest city, has not announced if it will enact a CSC.

A statement from Lujan Grisham said that the announcements underscores the critical situation facing New Mexicans needing hospital care and health care workers across the state and urged that every eligible New Mexican get vaccinatedincluding children aged 5-17and that all eligible vaccinated New Mexicans get their boosters. All of us must continue to use the other tools we have available, including wearing masks indoors and frequently washing hands. It concluded that we will continue to be a model for others states in distributing vaccines and boosters and other protective measures, particularly as we look toward entering the winter months.

Other state officials painted a less optimistic picture. State Epidemiologist Christine Ross lamented, Were swimming in a sea of red, referring to the color code for a dangerous rate of spread. With colder weather coming, in an environment of ICU bed shortages, overwork and mass resignations of nurses and other caregivers and auxiliary personnel, as well as shortages of teachers, bus drivers and other staff in school systems, the possibility, or rather probability, of a health disaster is very high under the current state of affairs.

Acting Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said at a recent online news conference, Some grim news todaythings continue to get worse, and noted that, with the CSC in effect, If you have a heart attack today, there might not be a bed for you.

Dr. Scrase, though he said that a return to business restrictions was not completely out of consideration, only said that health officials should be open to considering all possible measures, depending on how bad the outbreak becomes, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. At the same time, he placed great emphasis on masks and vaccinations, echoing the governors constant refrain.

The mitigation strategy of Democratic governors like Lujan Grisham, Colorados Jared Polis and Californias Gavin Newsom, like the herd immunity campaigns of Republicans like Texass Greg Abbott and Floridas Ron DeSantis prioritizes keeping the economy, that is, profitmaking, going to the detriment of working people and their families who are told that there is no alternative, and they must live with, and die with, the pandemic.

There is an alternative: an elimination strategy which shuts down schools and non-essential workplaces with full compensation for those affected in order to halt the spread of COVID-19. This must be combined with a mass vaccination program in coordination with mass testing, quarantining and contact tracing to stamp out the deadly virus.

Above all, this requires the building of independent rank-and-file committees run by working people and outside of the Republican and Democratic parties and the trade unions, which are guided by the science and fighting to meet the needs of the population with no regard for private profit.
Nearly three years ago, as US-led coalition forces trapped a remnant of the Islamic State (IS) in a small enclave near the Syrian town of Baghuz, the US military committed a horrific atrocity. As Air Force officers watched the scene via drone cameras in real time, US warplanes murdered at least 80 unarmed women and children with 500- and 2,000-pound bombs. The officers who saw the attack urged that a war crimes investigation begin immediately.

This act of mass murder is a war crime, the kind of offense for which Nazi officers were tried and convicted at Nuremberg. For three years, however, it was covered up by the US and its NATO allies until a devastating, 4,600-word article appeared on Saturday, based on US officers testimony, in the New York Times.

Smoke rises from a strike on Baghouz, Syria, March 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The atrocity in Syria inescapably recalls the Collateral Murder  video, revealed by whistleblower Chelsea Manning and WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, of US Apache helicopters slaughtering over a dozen unarmed Iraqi civilians in Baghdad in 2007. It also recalls the massacre of patients and hospital workers in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in October 2015 and the bombing of wedding parties that killed hundreds.

These murderous acts are not isolated events, however. They are the product of the criminal operations of American imperialism as it has sought to subjugate and conquer the Middle East and Central Asia in three decades of unending war.

The revelations of the act of mass murder in Syria come from Air Force officers at Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, who were monitoring a high-resolution surveillance drone flying over Baghuz.

That day, the Times writes, the US military drone circled high overhead, hunting for military targets. But it saw only a large crowd of women and children huddled against a river bank. Without warning, an American F-15E attack jet streaked across the drones high-definition field of vision and dropped a 500-pound bomb on the crowd, swallowing it in a shuddering blast. As the smoke cleared, a few people stumbled away in search of cover. Then a jet tracking them dropped one 2,000-pound bomb, then another, killing most of the survivors.

We just dropped on 50 women and children, said one officer monitoring the drone, though the US Central Command told the Times that 80 were killed, and the Times wrote that Air Force officers later saw a shockingly high death toll in another classified report.

The strike had been called in by a US Special Forces unit, Task Force 9. This unit, which bypasses the chain of command and was not coordinating with Air Force officers in Qatar, was advising the majority-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia attacking Baghuz.

It is not credible to attribute this atrocity to error. Lightly armed IS fighters or civilians at Baghuz were defenseless before drones and fighters that could film and bomb them at will. The Times admits: Coalition drones had scoured the camp 24 hours a day for weeks and knew nearly every inch, officers said, including the daily movements of groups of women and children who gathered to eat, pray and sleep near a steep river bank that provided cover.

US wars in the Middle East and Central Asia have been sold to the population as a war on terror. However, the murder in Baghuz is itself an act of terrorism, aimed at demonstrating that American imperialism will stop at nothing to subjugate the population.

A military lawyer, Lt. Colonel Dean Korsak, ordered drone operators and fighter aircrews to conserve footage of the atrocity for investigations. He then reported the strike to his chain of command, saying it was a possible violation of the law of armed conflicta war crimeand regulations required a thorough, independent investigation, the Times reports. Korsaks concerns were bolstered by reports from CIA officials alarmed about Task Force 9s operations in Syria.

What they encountered, however, was a cover-up orchestrated at top levels of the state, under both the Republican Trump and the Democratic Biden administrations.

Coalition forces in Baghuz oversaw the hiding of the bodies. Satellite images from four days later show the sheltered bank and area around it, which were in the control of the coalition, appeared to have been bulldozed, the Times writes. It cites a former US Army Special Forces soldier, David Eubank, who arrived a week after the attack: The place had been pulverized by airstrikes  There was a lot of freshly bulldozed earth and the stink of bodies underneath, a lot of bodies.

The US Air Forces Office of Special Investigations contemptuously ignored Korsaks material. One of its officials bluntly wrote to Korsak that it would likely ignore his report, as it investigates civilian casualties only if there is potential for high media attention, concern with outcry from local community/government, concern sensitive images may get out.

Korsak then contacted the US Defense Departments Independent Inspector Generals office. Gene Tate, a former Navy officer working as an evaluator at the Inspector Generals office, pressed for Korsaks materials to be investigated. A team at Tates office even ruled that war crimes allegations were extremely credible. Ultimately, however, Tate was fired and thrown out of his office by security in October 2020.

After Korsak sent the US Senate Armed Services Committee his material, several months ago, the New York Times began investigating.

Im putting myself at great risk of military retaliation for sending this.  Senior ranking US military officials intentionally and systematically circumvented the deliberate strike process, Korsak wrote in an email to the committee.

The bipartisan cover-up of the crimes of US imperialism in Syria is continuing, however. The Senate committee has not responded to either Korsak or Tate. The office of Senator Jack Reed, the committees Democratic chairman, refused to discuss the Baghuz atrocity with the Times.

As for the Times itself, after initially posting the article on the top of its site late Saturday evening, it had already begun to bury it by Sunday afternoon. The rest of the media has barely covered the revelations.

It is not hard to imagine what would happen if the US media could pin blame for this atrocity on the governments of Syria, Iran, Russia, China or another country in the Pentagons gunsights. There would be morally outraged calls for UN Security Council meetings, sanctions, war threats or US missile strikes in Damascus. When responsibility indisputably lies with the Pentagon, however, it is simply covered up by the US and Western European governments.

The atrocity in Syria again exposes the interests behind the jailing of Assangewho is detained in Britain and facing extradition and death in the United Statesand of Manning. Over the 30 years since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union gave them a military opening to wage war across the Middle East, Washington and its allies have laid waste to Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and beyond. Millions died in events that were covered up by the mass media but were witnessed by many people who can expose officials who carried out or are complicit in mass murder and war crimes.

The Baghuz atrocity points to a broad official falsification of death tolls in Syria. From 2014 to 2019, as the US, Britain, France and other countries destroyed the IS enclave in Syria and Iraq, they called down 35,000 airstrikes. Nearly 1,000 strikes hit targets in Syria and Iraq in 2019, using 4,729 bombs and missiles, the Times notes. However, The official military tally of civilian dead for that entire year is only 22, and the strikes from March 18 are nowhere on the list.

While Washington claimed it was killing only a handful of people in Syria, it was hiding reports on masses of people it had killed. The Pentagon was, the Times writes, overwhelmed by the volume of civilian casualty claims reported by locals, humanitarian groups and the news media, and a backlog of civilian casualty assessment reports sat unexamined for months.

The vindictive prosecution of Assange and Manningand threats one can presume are now being made against Korsak and Tateaim to ensure that war crimes committed as the product of the criminal wars supported by Democratic and Republican administrations alike will go unpunished.

The international working class must demand an end to the horrific persecution of Assange, who faces extradition to the US for revealing crimes such as those exposed by the Times article. Those responsible for the mass murder in Baghuz and its cover-up, along with the unending string of atrocities throughout the region, must be prosecuted.
The Netherlands is at the centre of a resurgence of COVID-19 that is now tearing across western and central Europe, infecting more people than ever before during the pandemic.

COVID-19 infections are out of control. Daily new cases reached record highs of 50,377 in Germany on Thursday and 13,152 in Austria and 16,364 in the Netherlands on Friday. This has brought seven-day incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants to over 309 in Germany, 807 in Austria, and 556 in the Netherlands. There are growing warnings that in certain regions, such as Limburg in the Netherlands, hospitals ICUs will soon fill up and be forced to deny care to seriously ill patients.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte talks to journalists as he arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, Oct. 21, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool Photo via AP)

A week ago, after much deliberation, the Dutch caretaker cabinet reintroduced rudimentary public health measures, such as the mandatory use of the face mask in public spaces and the use of QR-coded vaccination passes.

On Friday, however, as infections continued to soar, Prime Minister Mark Rutte felt obliged to announce a three-week partial lockdown, something he had previously excluded. Tonight, we are bringing a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and far-reaching measures, Rutte said in a televised address. The virus is everywhere and needs to be combatted everywhere.

Bars, restaurants and many businesses must close at 7 p.m., people can only receive four visitors at home, and sport events must take place without a public audience.

This came as, in Austria, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced a lockdown for non-vaccinated individuals, who are required to stay at home except to buy groceries, go shopping, or seek medical care. Austria is also authorizing vaccination for children starting at age 5.

In the Netherlands as in Austria, however, these partial lockdown measures will not eliminate transmission of the virus but will, on the contrary, allow it to circulate. Schools will continue to remain open, as well as nonessential essential workplaces, as they did last autumn. This will ensure that workers continue to go to work to produce profits for the banks and major corporations, and that the virus will continue to kill thousands every day in Europe.

Of particular concern are reports that considerable numbers of vaccinated people are falling seriously ill in the Netherlands. Fully 45 percent of Dutch hospital admissions for COVID-19 and 31 percent of ICU admissions are of vaccinated individuals, according to AFP.

Workers can place no confidence in the reactionary Dutch political setup to resolve the crisis caused by the pandemic. Nearly 8 months after the general election on March 17, four parties of big business led by caretaker prime minister Mark Ruttes Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) are mired in protracted talks on negotiating a new governmenta fourth Rutte cabinet.

Two weeks ago, on again-off again government talks passed the 225-day mark, the previous record in Dutch history. They are set to bring back the deeply unpopular government that ruled since 2017.

Ruttes right-liberal VVD, the left-liberal D66, the Christian Democrats and the conservative Christian Union have formed the Dutch government since 2017. They were forced to resign over a child benefits scandal back in January and have since ruled as a caretaker government. An I&O Research poll found that satisfaction in the outgoing cabinet has declined sharply. Only four in ten voters are satisfied with the current cabinet.

Nevertheless, the four parties have decided to form another government, which they plan to complete before Christmas. Earlier, D66 unsuccessfully attempted to form a five-party-coalition with the Social Democrats and the Greens.

D66 leader Sigrid Kaag, who resigned as foreign minister three weeks before her decision to enter coalition talks, told AP she expected the new coalition to be more progressive, more generous and more humane. Similarly, Rutte promised that it will be a new start, a new culture, with a new program.

The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Dutch and European ruling classes thoroughly exposes this empty rhetoric. While policies of eliminating circulation of the virus were employed in a number of Asia-Pacific countries, including China, the Dutch government was especially aggressive in its implementation of the European bourgeoisies policy of living with the virus. As a result, while under 5,000 people died in China, a country of 1.4 billion, in the Netherlands, a country of only 17 million, nearly 19,000 people have died.

The wholly inadequate policies adopted by Rutte are not an attempt to reverse this horrific record but are above all driven by growing fear of the response in the working class. Indeed, the re-eruption of struggles of the Dutch workers has once again come to the fore as part of a growing global upsurge of the international working class, particularly in the United States.

By the end of September and October, 80,000 workers from all professional levels at eight university hospitals in Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, Groningen, Rotterdam, and Maastricht went on a one-day strike demanding fairer working conditions and decent wages. A third one-day strike is planned by the end of November.

Alongside the hospital staff strikes, the Dutch railway workers (NS International) also entered a one-day strike in September demanding higher salaries, which brought a day of train services between Amsterdam and Brussels to a halt.

In early July and again in September, 4000 childcare workers from 660 childcare locations went on a national strike for the first time in 20 years, demanding better working conditions. They opposed a back-door collective labour agreement reached by the CNV trade union confederation with the BK and BMK employers organizations.

The FNV, the largest trade union federation in the Netherlands, and affiliated parties, prominently the ex-Maoist Socialist Party and its political satellites, have once again played a key role against these strikes. They isolated and limited them to one-day token protests, betraying strikes one after the other, blocking a united struggle of the working class against Ruttes mass infection policy.

The Dutch unions, based on the Wassenaar Agreement concluded nearly 40 years ago, were pioneers in mainland Europe to embrace the role as executives or labour contractors imposing austerity and growing inequality in workplaces. However, they are being buffeted by an increasingly powerful movement from below.

Since July, hardly a month has passed without protests exposing the social and political powder keg created by the ruling classes response to the pandemic. In September, 15,000 people took part in a demonstration in Amsterdam calling for an end to the housing crisis and to homelessness, which is conservatively estimated at 40,000 and has increased by 74 percent in the last six years alone. According to one study, the rate of homelessness in the population in the Netherlands (0.23 percent) is higher even than in the United States (0.18 percent).

The FNV, just like its German counterparts, made sure that the strikes remained nationally isolated. They blocked any effort to coordinate and unify strikes of the Dutch railway, health care and childcare workers with the protests of workers and youth in Amsterdam against the mounting housing crises and with workers and youth striking simultaneously across the border in Germany. This again underscores their allegiance to the national bourgeoisie and its policy of enriching a few and protecting their wealth.

The decisive question is the collective mobilization and unification of the struggles of the working class, across Europe and internationally, to impose a scientifically guided policy to eliminate the transmission of the virus and stop the COVID-19 pandemic.
In order to win the lawsuit against the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the federal government, and to defend democratic rights, we need your support. The SGP has established a legal fund of 20,000 euros. Donate as much as possible today and discuss the importance of the SGPs lawsuit with friends, family and colleagues. Send us more support photos and statements which we will post on the World Socialist Web Site. (Download and print the poster used in the photos below.)

With the lawsuit filed by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) against the Federal Republic of Germany set to be heard in court in the coming days, thousands of workers and young people have expressed their support for the SGPs case and its fight to defend democratic rights. An online petition demanding an immediate end to intelligence surveillance and the defamation of the SGP and all other socialist groups has now been signed by more than 5,300 people.

The petition, addressed to the Administrative Court in Berlin where the case is being heard, condemns the criminalization of the SGP on the basis of its socialist program and concludes:

Such prosecution of beliefs or opinions (Gesinnungsjustiz) constitutes a fundamental attack on basic democratic rights. It can easily be used to crack down on anyone fighting social inequality, environmental destruction, state repression, militarism, or other ills of capitalist society.

In addition to 4,950 signatures from German-speaking countries, the party has received significant messages from dozens of countries worldwide. Many supporters express horror that in the midst of the worldwide wave of mass deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, the only party that has opposed the murderous herd immunity policies of the federal and state governments from the beginning is to be declared unconstitutional.

I signed the SGP petition, explains Silke Aretz, a founding member of the Households at Risk Initiative, in a post on Twitter. Just because a party is against capitalism, it is not left-wing extremist. Socialism must be a democratically electable option! Silke has played an important role in organizing parents resistance and in fighting for safe education since the beginning of the pandemic. Messaging the World Socialist Web Site, she adds, I hope the trial is successful!

Claudia, who lives with her children in Passau, Germany, is a member of the Safe Education Action Committee Network and is also fighting for an immediate end to the policy of deliberate mass infection. Under the catchphrase #schattenfamilien (#shadowfamilies), she is calling for an end to the criminalization of particularly vulnerable families for whom in-person school attendance during the pandemic poses a daily and immediate threat. She also speaks for hundreds of thousands who have lost loved ones in their circle of friends and relatives to COVID-19:

It is absolutely inconceivable that a party which is committed to the safety and protection of our children from infection is being controlled by the secret service. What other party has the protection of families with pre-existing conditions or disabilities in mind? Other political parties generally neglect these families, which means discrimination and stigmatization for those affected! The SGP is the only party that has stood together with parents, children and teachers and has fought with #schattenfamilien so they dont get lost in the pandemic! Democracy is also about putting these families first and protecting them!

Laura

Its scary that just criticizing militarism is justification enough to be surveilled by the Verfassungsschutz, [Office for the Protection of the Constitution, as the secret service is called] says Laura, a supporter of the party who attends a vocational school in Saxony-Anhalt:

The surveillance is being justified by accusing us of holding anti-democratic viewswithout any concrete grounds. However, while saying that our opinions, which yes, include strong criticism of the social system and the government, are not forbidden. But this criticism aloneespecially of capitalismmakes the SGP a left-wing extremist organization, according to the Verfassungsschutz. In its eyes, you are already considered unconstitutional if you feel attracted to socialism. This attempt to restrict the democratic rights of left-wing groups and organizations or to ban these groups must not happen. It is an unfounded attack on our human rights.

The state is the instrument of the ruling class to secure its power, Daniel, who studies in Hesse, wrote on Instagram:

As an instrument of the bourgeoisie, it fights everything that challenges the rule of the capitalist class, including your party. Im not a Trotskyist, but as victims of state repression, you have my full solidarity.

Marco, who works in Bavaria as a care worker, has previously told the World Socialist Web Site about the murderous consequences of COVID-19 in homes for the disabled, wrote to us:

A democracy must uphold the freedom of dissenters as long as they are democratic and respect human dignity. I condemn surveilling a party that advocates an egalitarian society: a society in which money cannot be used to gain influence in politicsas it seems to be at the moment due to the enormous power of lobby groupsbut in which the voice of each individual weighs equally. In my opinion, this is a good interpretation of democracy, which certainly should not contradict the constitution of the Federal Republic. Given the politics of mass contagion, I find it questionable that the Supreme Court does not intervene while the highest fundamental rightthe right to physical inviolabilityis not defended.

Andi

Under these conditions, the ruling class fears that the SGPs socialist perspective is rapidly gaining influence, explains Andi, a young automotive technician who lives in Munich and is fighting to build independent rank-and-file committees in the industry:

It speaks volumes when a party is included in the secret service annual report that speaks out against social inequality, poverty, unemployment, war, fascism and global warmingall mass social problems caused by capitalism. It is happening at a time when murderous profits before lives policies are being enforced in the coronavirus pandemic and social conflicts are intensifying and expanding internationally. This is particularly evident in the global strikes in the auto industry. Massive job cuts are planned there in order to secure and expand profits on the backs of the workforce. To combat the growing social tensions, the government is banning and monitoring every independent voice and party that expresses and channels this sentiment. Because the political struggle must be independent of all establishment parties and unions!

Daniel

Daniel from Dresden wrote with regard to the persecution of socialists and war opponents under the Nazi dictatorship:

I support the SGPs lawsuit against the Verfassungsschutz because I want to defend basic democratic rights. The accusations against the SGP prepare a very dangerous basis on which any socialist and anti-capitalist sentiment can become punishable. I dont want to see any Gesinnungsjustiz in the future, as it happened in the Third Reich.

The overwhelming opposition to arbitrary powers, dictatorship and fascism that exists among workers and young people, especially in Germany, is expressed by many other messages received by the World Socialist Web Site.

Joshua

Joshua, who is a member of International Youth and Students for Social Equality in Germany, said:

The surveillance of the SGP by the Verfassungsschutz due to its tireless struggle against militarism, war and fascism is a clear expression of the rightward shift of the ruling elite. Ten years after it came out that the Verfassungsschutz had closely collaborated with the [neo-Nazi] NSU, all forces resisting it are to be criminalized. The SGP is only the beginning. It will soon be followed by artists who speak out against Nazis, or publishers who print works by Marx and Engels. The SGP is the only force that has been fighting continuously for two years against the murderous coronavirus policy of the ruling class and opposing it with a scientific-socialist perspective! The assault on the SGP is the beginning of a general attack on all democratic rights. Everyone who defends these must also defend the SGP and should sign this petition!

Harvey Lichtman, from New York declared:

As a retired teacher in New York City, I oppose the attack on the SGP as an attack on the entire working class. For the awareness that we must and can oppose capitalism with a socialist alternative is the key to ending our exploitation, the pandemic, social inequality, war, climate change, and in this case especially, the pursuit of fascist dictatorship.

Miriam

Miriam, from Bavaria, explained:

I learned about the SGP lawsuit through my son. I find it completely illegitimate that the SGP is classified as left-wing extremist and monitored by the Verfassungsschutz. The party is neither violent nor does it call on others to commit violence. I am not a member of the SGP, but I find their criticism of capitalism and their politics, especially in the pandemic, more than comprehensible. With these anti-democratic methods, reminiscent of the darkest chapters of German history, the Verfassungsschutz itself is abandoning the constitution it claims to protect. As an upstanding democrat, I defend the SGP!

Chase Lawrence, from Texas, wrote:

Spread the message: Hands off the SGP! As a member of the SEP, the SGPs sister party in the US, I oppose the attacks by the BfV to criminalize the SGP. This must be opposed by workers and youth internationally; the criminalization of socialist politics in Germany takes place just as German imperialism is reviving militarism and fascism, and as it and world imperialism barrel towards a nuclear world war which poses an existential threat to humanity. Socialist ideas must be heard by the working class, by the youth, these are the weapons against fascism and war, and against capitalism, their root cause. This is why the ruling class seeks to silence it, it fears above all a working class armed with socialism, which is precisely what we need!
In October, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Texas Department of State Health Services published a report, titled Texas Coronavirus Antibody Response Survey (Texas CARES), which found that over one-third (36.5 percent) of children in the state have been infected with COVID-19. Additionally, the results indicate that roughly one-quarter of educational professionals have been infected with the virus.

The report measured infections within the 275-500 days preceding October 3, the maximum range within which infection-generated antibodies remain detectable via test. Since its publication, the percentage among children has increased somewhat to 36.96, indicating further infections.

Arihana Macias, 7, gets a compress after reviving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 12 years at a Dallas County Health and Human vaccination site in Mesquite, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The results expose the massive fraud of the states portrayal of the pandemic, as well as the lie propagated by governments around the world that COVID-19 rarely affects children. The Texas government, in line with the entire political establishment and corporate media, has covered up the scope of child infections and deaths.

Texas COVID-19 dashboard only reports the age distribution for 3 percent of infections, which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report on November 4 noted, resulted in an undercount of child cases in the state. The current dashboard makes it appear that ages 0-19 years account for only 7.7 percent of infections as of November 5.

Researchers who produced the Texas CARES report measured the levels of COVID-19 antibodies among Texas residents. Participants were given two tests, an N-test, which does not detect antibodies developed from vaccinations, and an S-test, which detects antibodies developed both from previous infections and from vaccinations. The survey did not measure active COVID-19 infections. Participants were given three antibody tests over a period of six to eight months.

The tests were used to estimate the percentage of people in Texas who have antibodies to COVID-19, known as seroprevalence. The survey suggests that as of October 2021, about 75 percent of people in Texas had antibodies from either an infection or vaccination. Those with vaccine derived antibodies had higher antibody counts than infection-derived antibodies, exposing once again the myth that herd immunity can be achieved through infection. The report also found that of the children who had antibodies from an infection, 50.8 percent reported never having any symptoms.

The project is ongoing, with a dashboard that is updated weekly. Children have the highest seroprevalence levels among any group. As of this writing, the dashboard shows an infection-derived seropositivity (using only the N-test) of nearly 36 percent in children under 10 years old and nearly 38 percent in those between 10 and 19 years old, meaning those respective percentages of children had a previous COVID-19 infection.

After children, young adults age 20-29 had the next highest seroprevalence at 30 percent. This is compared to the average infection-derived seropositivity among all participants, which stood at 24 percent, itself a damning figure.

The implications of the study are astounding. In Russia, 13.5 percent of all children who were infected with COVID have suffered Long COVID symptoms, which can include severe neurological difficulties and a cognitive impact comparable to stroke or lead poisoning.

The Texas CARES study also looked at several specific groups, including school-aged children (ages 5-19), educational professionals, university members, business employees, unemployed people and participants at community health clinics. Again, school-aged children had the highest seropositivity as a group at 36.5 percent positive using the N-test.

Educational professionals, consisting of all school staff, had a 26.7 percent seroprevalence, exposing the vast spread of the virus in schools that have reopened with few to no protective measures in place.

Underscoring the pandemics impact on primarily low-income and working class populations, the second highest seroprevalence by group was among community health clinic patients and staff. These are clinics which receive federal funding to provide health care to underserved populations, including Medicaid recipients and uninsured patients.

In regard to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on children, the AAP report also listed eight child deaths in Texas between October 28 and November 4, nearly half of the 17 pediatric COVID-19 deaths nationwide in that period. In total, 109 child deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded in Texas since the start of the pandemic, 17 percent of all recorded child deaths in the US, currently at 614.

The media is equally involved in a concerted campaign to cover up childhood infections and deaths. No news reports have been published by the corporate or local media on any of the child deaths recorded in the latest AAP report. This is true not just of the children in Texas, but also those in California, Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Guam, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

A culture of secrecy now pervades schools, with educators and parents reporting to the WSWS and on social media that they are not informed when their children are exposed to infected students.

If the studys findings are representative of the states population, it would indicate that millions more Texans have been infected than officially reported. If the seroprevalence among child participants in the study (ages 5-19), at 36.5 percent, is indicative of the entire population of the same age in Texas, then 2,000,280 children older than 5 have potentially been infected.

This figure is over five times the cumulative student case count reported in Texas schools by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) for all of the pandemic, which stands at 363,996 as of this writing. The seroprevalence averaged for all participants, at 24 percent, would indicate that 7 million people have been infected in Texas, over 2 million more than the official count.

The survey itself hints at some of the causes of the undercount of infections. Only 18.97 percent of participants had previously self-reported a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, versus the 24.1 percent who tested positive for infection-derived antibodies using the N-test. That is, a significant number of participants were unaware that they had been previously infected. The abysmal state of testing in the US accounts for many millions of infections going undetected.

There are some limitations to the survey as well. Participation was voluntary and was focused in heavily urban areas, with the highest participation in the Austin area, followed by a slightly lower participation in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio. There was significantly lower participation elsewhere in the state, meaning that many rural areas may be underrepresented. Although two-thirds of the participants were female, seroprevalence was nearly identical for males and females, making this largely irrelevant.

Overall, the report is a damning indictment of the social crime being perpetrated by both the Republican state government and the Democratic Party, which controls many of the highly populated urban counties in Texas. The crime includes not only the entirely preventable spread of COVID-19, but also the extensive cover-up of it. It also exposes the rotten nature of the trade unions, particularly the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), which have forced their members to accept the full reopening of schools, despite millions of children being infected and thousands of educators dying as a result.

These policies serve the interests of the ruling elites, who sit on an increasingly unstable stock market and an astronomical amount of debt. They insist that the economy must be fully reopened, seeking to stave off the collapse of their moribund system, while continuing to accumulate obscene amounts of wealth. The full reopening of schools is an essential part of this scheme. The ruling elites and the capitalist politicians, who tell the population to learn to live with the virus, cannot be pressured to change their course.

To put an end to the mass infection of the population, and children in particular, workers must take matters into their own hands. This requires building independent rank-and-file committees, separate from the capitalist political parties and trade unions, to link together across state lines and all industries. These committees must be organized into a conscious movement of the working class internationally, fighting for a global strategy to eliminate COVID-19, as elaborated clearly in the recent webinar hosted by the WSWS and the International Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC).

We encourage readers to reach out to the WSWS today, to expose conditions in your schools and workplaces, and to build a committee in your area.
25 years ago: Mass protests across former Yugoslavia

President Clinton, right, with Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic in Paris, December 14, 1995

On November 21, 1996, 100,000 people protested in Zagreb, the capital of the former Yugoslav republic of Croatia, after the right-wing nationalist regime of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman ordered the shutdown of an opposition radio station. The massive protest in Croatia followed weeks of huge demonstrations in Belgrade, Serbia, the capital of what remained of Yugoslavia.

The demonstrations revealed the extent of the social crisis across the former Yugoslavia and underscored the fragility and reactionary character of the Dayton Accords peace agreement, which the United States and NATO had attempted to implement among Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia just one year prior. The Dayton agreement provided no solution to the lack of jobs and housing, nor the inability of refugees to be able to return to their homes. It did nothing to change the underlying economic, social, and political conditions which gave rise to the civil wars that had destroyed Yugoslavia in the preceding years.

All the rival nationalist parties in power in the various components of the former Yugoslavia faced widespread popular opposition.

The protests in Yugoslavia were initially sparked by the Milosevic regimes annulment of local elections which the ruling party lost in Belgrade and most other major cities. In Croatia, Tudjman blocked new opposition-led parties from even forming after losing municipal elections. His ruling Croatian Democratic Union, or HDZ, had kept control of parliament only by seating representatives from Herzegovina, which the Croatian regime ostensibly recognized as part of Bosnia. The region was a stronghold of Croat militias and the semi-fascist wing of the HDZ.

And in Bosnia the regime of President Alija Izetbegovic, which based itself on religion-based appeals to the Muslims who made up the largest single group in that republic, responded to the so-called peace settlement by driving 60,000 Serbs out of the suburbs of Sarajevo and mobilizing goons to terrorize parties who called for interethnic unity.

50 years ago: Thai military dictator stages self-coup

Thanom Kittikachorn

On November 17, 1971, Thanom Kittikachorn, who had ruled the country as effective dictator for nearly a decade, launched a military coup against his own government. While remaining as prime minister under the longtime king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (who reigned from 1946 to 2016), Thanom assumed full control over the military, disbanded parliament and declared martial law throughout the country.

The coup was carried out explicitly for anti-communist purposes. In a statement announcing the military takeover, Thanoms junta justified their actions, citing Communist insurrection in northern Thailand, student demonstrations, obstruction by members of Parliament, strikes, terrorism and subversion.

In the 1970s Thailand was in the midst of great social and political crises. Left-wing protests against inequality and strikes had swept through the country and were particularly strong in northern Thailand, where the Communist Party had its major base of support. These movements threatened the power of the nominal parliamentary regime, which had ruled since 1963, when Field Marshal Thanom became Prime Minister Thanom in a shift sanctioned by the monarchy.

Even though parliament was dominated by right-wing political parties, the Thai ruling class and its US backers feared it would not be stable enough to suppress the growing danger of social revolution among the Thai workers and peasants. The Nixon administration gave full backing to the coup and immediately recognized the new government as legitimate. Thanoms very first action after the self-coup was to go directly to the US embassy to meet with Ambassador Leonard Unger and await his marching orders from Washington.

Shortly after the meeting with the ambassador, Thanom issued a statement declaring his continued commitment to supporting US interests and allowing the continued presence of US airbases in Thailand which were used to support the monstrous bombing campaign against Vietnam.

The reorganized military regime under Thanom carried out a reign of political terror, targeting all left-wing and socialist political groups. Student protests at the universities were heavily repressed, and key leaders of opposition groups were arrested.

A few months after the coup in January 1972 the military government would launch a major terror operation sending 12,000 troops to the northern provinces attempting to crush the Thai Communist Party. As a result, those areas were thrown into a state of guerrilla war. At least 200 Communist Party members were killed over the course of the six-week operation.

Thanom would stay in power until October 1973, when he would be ousted from power by a popular uprising.

75 years ago: Netherlands seeks to head off Indonesian independence

Linggadjati participants, from left: Sukarno, Wim Schermerhorn, Lord Killearn, and Mohammad Hatta

On November 15, 1946, representatives of the Netherlands government and leaders of the Indonesian independence movement signed the Linggadjati Agreement, providing for the creation of a federation in the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago.

After months of brutal attempts to repress a mass popular movement, including an assault on Surabaya that killed thousands of civilians in late 1945, the Dutch were attempting to delay and undermine Indonesian home rule after it had become clear that the reimposition of the old colonial authority would not be possible.

Indonesia, a Dutch colony for several centuries, had been occupied by Japan in World War II. With Tokyos defeat, nationalist leaders Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta had proclaimed independence in August 1945. The Netherlands, backed by Britain and the other imperialist powers, sought to put down the anti-colonial movement, launching a major military assault.

As it became clear that this would be a costly and protracted operation, the Dutch shifted tack and agreed to negotiations.

At the Linggadjati talks, they nominally recognized the control of the Republic proclaimed by Sukarno and Hatta over the islands of Java, Madura and Sumatra. But this was to become one of three states, in a national federation. The others would be the State of Borneo, where Dutch influence was greater, and the Great East, comprising Sulawesi, Maluku, the Lesser Sunda Islands and Western New Guinea, under the direct control of the Netherlands. The Dutch monarch would be the head of state of the federation.

While the conservative independence leaders agreed to this arrangement, which was not to come into effect until 1949, it was opposed by more radical leaders of the anti-colonial movement as a maneuver aimed at providing more time for the crisis-ridden Dutch authorities. As a result of internal conflicts, the deal was not ratified by the Republics Central National Committee of Indonesia until February 1947, after Sukarno and Hatta threatened to resign if it were rejected.

Negotiations for the implementation of the agreement would rapidly break down, as the Netherlands demanded further concessions, including a police force jointly controlled by the Dutch, including in Republican areas, with equal weight in the federation for its two puppet entities, which would thereby have greater control than the Republic, and have exclusive control over Indonesian foreign policy. In July 1947, the Dutch abrogated the Linggadjati Agreement and launched a military offensive to overthrow the Republic.

100 years ago: British suffocate Indian prisoners in train car

Malabar Rebellion prisoners captured after a battle with British colonial forces, March 7, 1922

On November 20, 1921, 67 Muslim rebels, who had been arrested by the British, suffocated in an overcrowded train car in the south Indian state of Kerala. These were among 100 prisoners that were being sent from Tirur, a town in the Malappuram district of Kerala, to a prison in Podanur in Tamil Nadu. The prison was full, so the rebels were sent back to Tirur.

Also known as the Wagon Tragedy, the deaths occurred on the trip back because the train car had no ventilation, and, in the words of one historian, because in spite of the continuous clamor for air and water, the door was not opened ... When the British held an inquiry, no one was punished for the murders.

The rebels were insurgents from the Malabar Rebellion which had begun in August, an uprising of predominantly Muslim peasants against the British, as well as the Hindu landlords they supported. The scale of the rebellion was unprecedented, and although the Indian national movement officially disavowed its use of violence, it was a part of the rising of the Indian masses against British imperialism in the aftermath of World War I.

Rebels captured and destroyed colonial offices and telegraph and railway stations. It is estimated that the rebellion covered over 2,000 square miles (5,200 km) and that over 10,000 people died. The British imprisoned 50,000 people and deported about 20,000.
Roughly 600 nurses are still on strike in Worcester, Massachusetts, as they fight to defend their working conditions and the safety of their patients at Saint Vincent Hospital. A full year into the pandemic, on March 8, 2021, they forced the hand of their union, the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), to call an open-ended strike. It is now the longest nurses strike in Massachusetts history. Despite nurses commitment and sacrifice, their struggle is in danger of collapse due to the role of the unions and their subservience to Democratic Party politicians.

Nurses on the picket line at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts (Credit: MNA Facebook)

Nurses central demand when they walked out was for strict, enforceable ratios on all medical-surgical floors of four nurses to every patient. After several months and negotiating sessions between bureaucrats and corporate executives under the auspices of the state, the union agreed to a concessions deal. However, when hospital owner Tenet Healthcare Corporation of Dallas, Texas, refused to reinstate all striking nurses to their previous positions now occupied by scabs, the union was forced to scuttle the agreement.

Tenet has stopped at nothing to break the determination of nurses, who have been isolated from the beginning from the dozens of MNA bargaining units across Massachusetts, and starved of strike pay, which per union bylaws does not exist.

In August, Tenet shut down more than 100 beds due to nurse shortages, despite efforts to find permanent replacements. This created ICU shortages across the city of Worcester as its health care system battled case spikes of the Delta coronavirus variant. Cuts in service have recently taken the form of patient dumping, with picketing nurses documenting multiple cases of compromised patients being ejected from the hospital onto the streets.

These cuts are consistent not only with the uncompromising position of Tenet during the strike, but also with the corporations broader outlook. Were the strike to end tomorrow, some services could be gone for good. Recently, speaking with MedPage Today, Saint Vincent CEO Carolyn Jackson said that Tenet will need to determine post-strike how many beds would be reopened.

On November 8, Tenet announced a deal worth $1.2 billion for the acquisition of SurgCenter Development and the companys stake in 92 ambulatory care settings, a more profitable venture than inpatient procedures at hospitals like Saint Vincent. This comes after a previous deal worth $1.1 billion in December 2020, in what Tenet executives called a transformational move to acquire 45 outpatient surgery centers across 21 states.

With the fiduciary duty to maximize returns of its private stakeholders, executives expect this move to render double-digit returns within three years, as Tenet seeks to derive more profit from less capital intensive, lower cost-of-care settings. Offsetting these purchases is Tenets divestiture from inpatient care. In June 2021, four months into the nurses strike, it announced the $1.1 billion sale of five hospitals in Florida to Steward Healthcare.

According to a December 2020 article in the Dallas Morning News, while then CEO Ron Rittenmeyer claimed that CARES Act money was not used in Tenets December purchase, the $2.5 billion Tenet received protected investors from pandemic losses, as did deep spending cuts and furloughs of 10 percent of Tenets workforce.

With Tenet making fundamental changes to its business model and Saint Vincent management weighing the possibility of making service cuts permanent, even the MNAs Marlena Pellegrino cannot maintain the same hollow confidence that once inspired the insipid slogan one day longer, one day stronger pathetically echoed by union bureaucrats and Democratic politicians at a June rally marking the strikes 100th day.

In response to CEO Jacksons calls for a poll of striking nurses to determine their willingness to return to work, Pellegrino refused, saying, They just need to offer us our jobs back, and then they will see whos coming back. I think they will see that many Saint Vincent nurses are coming back.

In reply to a Reddit post by a nursing student concerned about conditions in their hospital and the prospect of a union-led strike, one worker responded:

Google St. Vincents nurses strike, Worcester Massachusetts. Those nurses have been striking for over 8 months. They have had nothing good come out of it. They are all taking travel contracts to work at local hospitals in the area, while the hospital is offering well below par care with the newly hired travelers ... 

A recent headline on wgbh.org of Boston, quoting Pelligrino, read: There actually is no shame in this corporation says St. Vincents nurse on strike. When the Democratic congressional delegation from Massachusetts recently penned a letter to Tenets CEO Saum Sutaria, decrying its violation of the long accepted standards of doing business between capitalists and the labor bureaucracy, Sutaria was able to respond in similar style, replying that bringing in permanent replacement nurses, while certainly not our first choice, was a necessary step to ensure continuity of care and to preserve access to the most critical services for our community.

In the Saint Vincent strike, there is no end to empty rhetoric because it is in the interest of the Democratic Party and the MNA apparatus to conceal the objective dimensions of the class struggle and derail the mass opposition of nurses. They are rewarded with salaries that secure them membership in the upper middle class.

Stifled by the MNA, and isolated from other health care workers struggles, the Saint Vincent nurses strike is headed for what one academic commentator called a natural death, with enough nurses being forced to cross or abandon the picket for jobs elsewhere.

The agreement reached between the MNA and Tenet in August, which was scuttled due to Tenets refusal to give nurses their jobs back, included concessions on nurses central demand: a staffing ratio of four nurses to every patient on medical-surgical floors. That agreement was reached five months into the strike. Since then, Tenet has continued to hire permanent replacements, offering thousands of dollars in bonuses. Meanwhile, the striking nurses have run out of unemployment insurance and receive nothing from the coffers of their union.

Under siege and abandoned, save for fake shows of solidarity, charity, appeals to the capitalist state in the form of pending Unfair Labor Practices complaints, and the odd scolding letter from labor bureaucrats and politicians to Tenet, the nurses of Saint Vincent Hospital have been left with nowhere to turn, except to their allies in the working class, both national and international.

The first step to building this movement is for nurses and health care workersalong with teachers, autoworkers, meatpackers, Amazon workers and othersto form rank-and-file committees to take direct control of their struggles and to join the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A Black man who said a group of white men assaulted him and threatened to get a noose at a southern Indiana lake is facing criminal charges more than a year after the confrontation that earlier led to charges against two of the alleged attackers.

Vauhxx Booker, a local civil rights activist and member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, was charged with misdemeanor trespass and felony battery for his involvement in last years Fourth of July incident at Lake Monroe, according to court documents filed Friday by a special prosecutor in the case.

Booker condemned the decision, calling it an outrageous act of punitive retaliation and prosecutorial vindictiveness. The Monroe County Branch of the NAACP demanded that the charges against Booker be dropped immediately and called for the special prosecutor, Sonia Leerkamp, to resign.

This incident has been a continual case of a victim being re-victimized by the system, Bookers legal team said in statement Monday. It is the victim in this assault  Vauhxx Booker  who is being made to pay for having stood his ground against malicious racist name-calling, physical assault, and threats against his life.

The alleged assault gained national attention last summer when Booker said he called 911 after five men assaulted him and pinned him to a tree at the lake just south of Bloomington. He said the men accused him of trespassing on private property and, after he tried to apologize, the situation got physical.

Booker said the men threatened to break his arms and said, get a noose, while telling his friends to leave the area. He said one of the men wore a hat decorated with a Confederate flag and that the men made statements about white power.

Witnesses who were with Booker that day said they heard racial slurs being shouted and that someone said get a noose and leave the boy here, we will take care of him. Cellphone video posted on Facebook that showed part of the altercation was viewed millions of times online.

The FBI said it was investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, although no further updates have been provided about the investigation.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which responded to the reported assault, recommended charges against everyone involved.

Monroe County prosecutors only charged two white men, however. Sean Purdy faces charges of felony criminal confinement, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and intimidation. Jerry Cox II was charged with felony criminal confinement and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, as well as two misdemeanors.

Cox and Purdy claimed Booker was trespassing and denied the allegations regarding a noose. Both maintain that Booker threatened them first, and their lawyers have said the two men are victims of a smear campaign. The case against Cox and Purdy is still pending, awaiting a trial date.

Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant recused herself from the case in response to public concern about whether she was impartial.

The charges against Booker, filed in Monroe Circuit Court, are the same recommended by IDNR investigators last summer. An initial hearing is set for Sept. 14.

___

Casey Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - On Monday, the Indiana Gaming Commission hosted the first of two meetings planned for this week.

On Monday's agenda - a settlement with Lucy Luck Gaming, the company is appealing the gaming commission's decision not to renew their gaming license for a Terre Haute casino.

The commission met virtually and rejected a settlement offer from Lucy Luck.

This is after the gaming commission denied Lucy Luck's request to renew its gaming license on June 24. That prompted Lucy Luck to file an appeal.

Here are some of the details of the settlement offer the Indiana Gaming Commission rejected.

Lucy Luck asked to have the Terre Haute gaming license granted to them. In exchange, Lucy Luck asked for 90 days to meet the commission's concerns that caused them to not renew the license in the first place.

Greg Gibson offered to sell off most of his ownership in the company, allowing a more seasoned gaming company - like Hard Rock, to take over a majority.

The executive director of the commission said they had little to no communication from Lucy Luck. He also said Lucy Luck is in worse shape today than it was on June 24.

Commission member Mark Fine offered rough guidelines for a counteroffer to Lucy Luck. It includes paying back all fees made by the company.

The next appeal hearing is set for Tuesday.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A judge has rescinded the appointment of a public defender for a Black activist who alleges he was assaulted by a group of white men who threatened to lynch him.

Johnson Superior Court Judge Lance Hamner initially granted Vauhxx Bookers request for a public defender earlier this month, but reversed it days later when he got notice of money that Booker raised through a GoFundMe account, according to The Herald-Times.

In 2020, Booker, a member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, posted cellphone video on Facebook that showed part of the altercation. He said he called 911 after the men assaulted him and pinned him to a tree at Lake Monroe, south of Bookers hometown of Bloomington. He wrote that the men threatened to break his arms and said, get a noose.

Two white men were charged with numerous felonies including intimidation, criminal confinement and battery. Booker was charged earlier this year with battery and criminal trespass after withdrawing from a mediation process to resolve the case.

Booker has called it a hate crime. The FBI has said it is investigating.

A friend of Bookers established a GoFundMe campaign to raise money medical costs, attorney fees, counseling and lost work time. The fund had approximately $36,000 in it as of Sunday.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - The Indiana Gaming Commission has selected Churchill Downs to operate a casino in Vigo County.

This is a breaking update. See the original story below.

The Indiana Gaming Commission had four different proposals to select from. Those four were Full House Resorts, Hard Rock, Premier Gaming and Churchill Downs.

In the first round of voting, the commission eliminated Hard Rock and Premier Gaming.

Full House and Churchill Downs each received six votes.

In the first round of voting, the commission eliminated Hard Rock and Premier Gaming.

See the Churchill Downs proposal here.

Full House and Churchill Downs each received six votes.

Now, the members of the committee have moved into an executive session. They said they expect to be back just before 6 P.M.

With Hard Rock's exit, that means local businessman Greg Gibson is out. City and county leaders threw their support behind the Hard Rock proposal.

How does voting work?

The gaming commission chairman asked each commissioner to name their top two operators. The applicant with four or more votes will go into a final voting round.

The commission says this process may take several rounds until an operator is selected.

You can watch the meeting live here.

THREAD: The Indiana Gaming Commission meeting weve been waiting for is finally about to begin. Follow this thread for updates. We are still awaiting commission members to make their entrance.  Jon Swaner (@jonswaner) November 17, 2021

Lucy Luck and the settlement

On Monday's agenda - a settlement with Lucy Luck Gaming, the company is appealing the gaming commission's decision not to renew their gaming license for a Terre Haute casino.

The commission met virtually and rejected a settlement offer from Lucy Luck.

This is after the gaming commission denied Lucy Luck's request to renew its gaming license on June 24. That prompted Lucy Luck to file an appeal.

During Wednesday's meeting, Hard Rock's CEO commented on the Lucy Luck settlement. Read more about that here.

How did we get here?

In June, News 10 reported the Indiana Gaming Commission denied Lucy Luck's request to renew its gaming license for Vigo County. In doing that, the application process reopened.

The commission, at the time, said Lucy Luck did not have an executive team in place to run the casino. The commission also said casino operations were not fully funded.

Terre Haute businessman Greg Gibson is the chairman of Lucy Luck. Both Gibson and a lawyer for Lucy Luck refuted those claims.

Public Comments

The Indiana Gaming Commission had been asking for public comments ahead of their decision. They amassed those comments and placed them at this link.

You can see what people in the Wabash Valley think about the casino, including people both for and against building one.

The four applicants - Where do they plan to build?

Full House Resorts - Full House says it will build its permanent facility at 5995 Margaret Avenue in eastern Vigo County. Full House is the only company that proposed a temporary location while its main building is under construction. If selected, they plan to open in the Haute City Center Mall temporarily. Click here for their full proposal.

Churchill Downs - The documents didn't provide an exact location for the Churchill Downs proposal, but this would go on Terre Haute's southside, unlike the other three. They would build on what they say is an undeveloped plot of land on Honey Creek Drive west of Haute City Center. Click here for their full proposal.

Premier Gaming - The information on Premier didn't identify an exact location either. The company says it would build near the I-70 and State Road 46 interchange in eastern Vigo County. Click here for their full proposal.

Hard Rock - We've previously reported on the Hard Rock's proposed location. They would build at 2555 S. Joe Fox Street on the city's east side. This is just south of the eastside Walmart. Click here for their full proposal.
LDC graduation refers to the point when an LDC meets certain United Nations development criteria and is no longer defined an LDC. LDCs are accorded special treatment in the WTO, in particular with regard to enhanced market access opportunities and policy flexibilities. While graduating from the LDC category is a major development achievement, this process comes with challenges, the discussants noted.

DG Okonjo-Iweala noted that the WTO's upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) will be an occasion for the WTO membership to address the opportunities and challenges of LDC graduation.

MC12 is around the corner, she said. We have an excellent opportunity to deliver an outcome for LDCs, an outcome that can serve as a springboard for LDCs' greater integration into the multilateral trading system.

The two-day event brought together LDC trade and development partners, representatives from several international organizations and trade experts to review possible trade impacts of LDC graduation on market access opportunities, the implementation of WTO rules, and development cooperation.

Several experts highlighted the importance of LDCs actively engaging in different discussions in the WTO to help accelerate their economic development and contribute to the multilateral trading system that better reflects their interests.

Chad's WTO Ambassador and coordinator of the WTO's LDC Group of members, Mr Ahmad Makaila, said: With one third of the LDCs on the path of graduation, LDC graduation has become an important priority for the LDCs which was reiterated in the latest LDC Trade Ministers' Declaration. We need to ensure a smooth and sustainable graduation that enables our greater integration into global economy.

Ambassador Makalia also expressed appreciation for the efforts by the international community to assist LDCs in becoming more active players in global trade and thanked the WTO Secretariat for helping LDCs better understand the potential trade implications of LDC graduation.

Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang underscored the importance of the WTO's technical assistance and training programmes to help LDCs boost their participation in the multilateral trading system. He called on LDCs to actively engage in the WTO's work and to continue pursuing their trade-related interests.

The event is an integral part of the joint initiative by the WTO and the Enhanced Integrated Framework to help LDCs better understand the potential consequences of their graduation on their trade opportunities. The WTO and the EIF also examined the health and trade impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduating LDCs.

A 2020 WTO report provides an overview of possible trade-related implications of LDC graduation in terms of LDCs' participation in the multilateral trading system, market access opportunities and development assistance.

Currently, 16 LDCs are on the path of graduating from the LDC status. Ten are WTO members: Angola, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Djibouti, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Senegal, Solomon Islands and Zambia. Four are in the process of WTO accession: Comoros, Bhutan, Sao Tome and Principe and Timor-Leste. Other two LDCs are Kiribati and Tuvalu.

More information on the event can be found here.
Dogs can find common household noises stressful. (Getty Images)

Your dog may have just survived the stress of bonfire night, but new research has revealed that common household noises could be impacting pets almost as much.

While it is well known that sudden loud noises - such as fireworks or thunderstorms - can trigger anxiety in dogs, researchers say that pets can also become stressed when exposed to everyday noises, like the ping of the microwave or switching on the hoover.

Researchers at the University of California (UC) found that certain common household noises could be stressing or even hurting pet dogs.

When it comes to the kind of noises that impact dogs more, the study found that high-frequency, intermittent noises - such as the battery warning of a smoke detector - are more likely to cause dog anxiety than low-frequency continuous noise.

Commenting on the findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, study lead author Dr Emma Grigg, a research associate and lecturer at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, said: We know that there are a lot of dogs that have noise sensitivities, but we underestimate their fearfulness to noise we consider normal because many dog owners cant read body language."

Read more: Ca-nine to Five: How to prepare your pooch for the daily commute

Noises like the microwave pinging can be stressful for some dogs. (Getty Images)

Read more: The most common dog dilemmas faced by new owners (and how to sort them)

In order to find out the impact noise had on dogs, the research team conducted a survey of 386 dog owners about their pets responses to household sounds.

The scientists then examined recorded dog behaviours and their owners reactions from 62 videos that were made available online.

The study found that owners not only underestimated their dogs fearfulness, but the majority of owners in the videos responded to their dogs with amusement rather than concern for their welfare.

Dr Grigg explained: There is a mismatch between owners perceptions of the fearfulness and the amount of fearful behaviour actually present.

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Some react with amusement rather than concern.

We hope this study gets people to think about the sources of sound that might be causing their dog stress, so they can take steps to minimise their dogs exposure to it.

Watch: 'Awkward' pup struggles to make friends at dog park

According to Dr Grigg, the common signs that a dog is experiencing anxiety include cringing, trembling or retreating.

The animal behavioural expert went on to explain that for some dogs, it may be harder to tell if they have been triggered and owners should make sure they know the lesser-known symptoms of anxiety.

For example, some dogs may uncontrollably pant, lick their lips, turn their head away or even stiffen their body.

In other instances their ears will turn back, and their head will lower below their shoulders.

Dr Grigg added that because dogs have a wider range of hearing, some noises could also be potentially painful to hear, such as very loud or high-frequency sounds.

She says that minimising the exposure to these noises may be simple as changing batteries in smoke detectors more frequently or removing a dog from a room where the loud noises might occur.

Dogs use body language much more than vocalising and we need to be aware of that," Dr Griggs adds.

We feed them, house them, love them and we have a caretaker obligation to respond better to their anxiety.

Read more: Brave kitten travels 55 miles hidden in van engine - and he's not the only feline stowaway

New research has revealed owners can't always spot if their pets are stressed out by common household noises. (Getty Images)

How to spot if your dog is stressed

As well as certain sounds, there are some other factors that could be influencing how stressed our pets are feeling right now, with the pandemic having a particular impact.

"Now that life is slowly returning to normal, we are seeing topsy turvy behaviour from both our dogs and cats," explains Dr Rory Cowlam, vet and author of The Secret Life Of A Vet.

Dr Cowlam says many pets are suffering from separation anxiety as owners struggle to get them used to being left alone at home.

"Not only have our pets developed their own issues from constant company and lack of socialisation with their own species but they have also been feeding off our own anxieties, worries and concerns," he adds.

"We know that dogs and cats are hugely tuned into our emotions and we even have evidence to suggest that when we are stressed, out pets get stressed too!"

While Dr Cowlam says 'mental health' is not something we can really recognise in dogs and cats, it is possible for owners to look out for behavioural changes and anxiety driven behaviours, which can be exhibited in a number of ways.

"Inappetence, not wanting to get out of bed, over-grooming to the point of pulling their own hair out, cystitis (urinary issues), colitis (diarrhoea), aggression and nervous behaviour are just some of the things we can see in pets with anxiety," he explains.

If you do spot your pet is appearing to be stressed, Dr Cowlam says the best thing to do is to try and keep a routine, make sure your pet feels safe at home and speak to your vet or a veterinary behaviourist to try and help alleviate the issues your pet could be facing.

Additional reporting SWNS.

Watch: London bar serves up 'puptails' for dogs
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet virtually Monday evening to seek improved U.S.-China ties and potentially unveil a handful of initiatives to symbolize that resolve.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have been fraught since before Biden became president, with rising tensions over Taiwan, political angst over Covid origins and a host of tariffs that have frustrated economic ties.

As the two leaders prepare for their first substantial meeting of the Biden presidency, bilateral messaging downplaying the events ambitions as well as a mutual decision to keep its agenda under wraps reflect efforts to lower public expectations of a significant rapprochement or big deliverables.

But beyond performative goodwill gestures, people familiar with the upcoming meeting say, both leaders will likely seek agreement on a handful of short- and medium-term initiatives developed by bilateral working groups to reduce frictions, while signaling alignment on wider geopolitical concerns including North Korea and Iran.

Both sides recognize they have real differences, that they are going to compete, but it is essential to keep it peaceful, within bounds and dont want to stumble into war, said Winston Lord, former assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs under President Bill Clinton.

That approach echoes a statement Friday by a senior administration official who emphasized the meeting is not about seeking deliverables, or outcomes  [but about] setting the terms of an effective competition.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki released a statement Friday confirming the meetings date, but limiting comment on its focus to ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying issued her own detail-free confirmation Saturday of the meeting in a one sentence statement that the two leaders would exchange views on China-US relations and issues of mutual interest. And Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his hope to Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a Saturday phone call that the meeting will bring bilateral relations back onto the track of sound and steady development, but likewise shared no details.

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Those statements reflect a joint strategy to moderate expectations about possible results by referring to the event as a virtual meeting rather than as a summit.

Biden is basing his engagement with Xi on a recognition that previous U.S. efforts to steer changes to the ruling Chinese Communist Partys autocratic domestic policies and expansionist foreign policy have failed. Unlike previous approaches, with respect to China, the Biden administration is not trying to change China through bilateral engagement [because] we don't think that's realistic, a senior administration official told reporters Sunday. Rather, we're trying to shape the international environment in a way that is favorable to us and our allies and partners.

The one-on-one is particularly important following Xi's continued centralization of power at last weeks Sixth Plenum meeting, the official said. But the timing of the leaders meeting, hours after Biden signs into law a $1 trillion infrastructure package, means Biden is coming into the meeting with a strong hand as well, said the official.

There is reason to hope the meeting will green-light initiatives brainstormed in recent weeks by bilateral working groups that target more easily addressed issues. There is the real possibility of the meeting producing sweeteners, that address particular aspects of the trade relationship, said a D.C.-based diplomat familiar with the focus of those working groups. However, the diplomat cautioned the two sides may choose to announce those initiatives in time-delayed fashion post-summit, rather than as immediate deliverables.

Thats music to the ears of a U.S. business community for whom the status quo on U.S.-China trade relations is increasingly unacceptable. We want stability [and] we are concerned that the tariffs may become perpetual and cause considerable long-term damage to both economies, while distorting the overall bilateral relationship, said Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, a D.C.-based lobby group, in a written statement to POLITICO.

Biden has maintained key aspects of former President Donald Trumps trade policy, including tariffs that China considers unfair, and is pressuring Beijing to fulfill its commitments under the Phase One U.S.-China trade deal implemented in January 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai last month announced that the Biden administrations ultimate goal was to establish a bilateral durable co-existence defined by dialogue. The Biden-Xi meeting gives the two leaders an opportunity to make gestures toward a better trade relationship necessary to that goal.

The potential low-hanging fruit would be Chinese commitments with respect to certain intellectual property issues  and theres room for potential movement in particular areas of tension including [Chinese] steel, aluminum and solar panels, said Gregory Shaffer, director of the UC Irvine Center on Globalization, Law, and Society. The U.S. could negotiate something similar to what it recently did with Europe in the form of cutbacks on certain tariffs, while creating protection for American industries for a shock of massive Chinese imports.

The senior administration official, however, downplayed expectations of any deliverables and disqualified the possibility of an announcement of new bilateral thematic dialogues or even discussion of U.S. tariffs.

The meeting also gives Biden and Xi an opportunity to demonstrate symbolic goodwill by announcing their willingness to work together on a host of thorny regional and global geopolitical security issues. U.S. progress on key issues  including curbing North Koreas ballistic missile development program and prodding Iran back into compliance with an international accord on its nuclear program  hinge on China applying its diplomatic and economic leverage.

The mere affirmation of the fact that both countries can be on the same page and at least be willing to negotiate on North Korea, Iran and even to some extent Afghanistan makes an important, clear-cut statement that alongside the extreme competition between both countries, there are still areas where they can work together, said Willy Wo-Lap Lam of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The senior administration official said that Biden will also raise transnational alignment between the two countries, including on health security and action to address the climate crisis. But Biden will reject any attempt by Xi to link Chinas cooperation on climate to progress on specific bilateral issues. Taking bold action on an existential crisis like climate change is in [Chinas] interest and  is not a favor to us, the official said.

Absent from the agenda will be any meaningful discussion on hot-button issues that could derail the meeting, such as human rights and Chinas tightening chokehold on Hong Kong. With regard to U.S. concerns over Chinese government abuses against Xinjiang Uyghurs, dont look for Biden to trot out the word genocide, but instead use a less-inflammatory reference similar to what he did in a February CNN town hall.

Taiwan, a perennially fraught bilateral issue, will be even more so on Monday given the recent uptick in tensions over the self-governing island. The U.S. and regional allies including Japan have been dismayed by an intensifying Chinese campaign of military intimidation towards Taiwan.

Likewise, the Chinese government has expressed concern over recent U.S. moves and statements that Beijing has interpreted as encouragement for Taiwanese pro-independence advocates. China sees that as a violation of long-standing bilateral agreements on Taiwans relationship to the U.S., as enshrined in the Three Communiques issued jointly by the two countries from 1972-1982. (U.S. lawmakers have further clarified the U.S. relationship with Taiwan via the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and the Reagan administrations Six Assurances.)

Chinese concerns about the U.S. relationship with Taiwan have been heightened by Biden's declaration at a CNN town hall last month that the U.S. will defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion: Yes, we have a commitment to do that, Biden told host Anderson Cooper. Psaki was forced to refute speculation that Biden had ended the longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity regarding a U.S. response to a Chinese attack on the self-governing island. Wang implicitly referenced Bidens statement in his Saturday call with Blinken by criticizing recent wrong words and deeds on the Taiwan question.

The U.S. president will be candid and direct regarding issues of divergence including human rights and Taiwan as well as U.S. perceptions of Chinese economic coercion and strategic risk such as Chinese cyberspace activities, the official said.

Bidens concerns about possible miscalculations that could lead to unintended U.S.-China military conflict will put the issue of guardrails, hinged to improved bilateral communications, on the agenda. That will include Biden pressing Xi to not mischaracterize the U.S. position on Taiwan, the senior administration official said.

On contentious issues, particularly the geopolitical issues in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea, Beijing's overall very aggressive power projection, I don't think there will be a meeting of the minds, said Lam. And on human rights, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, both sides will just agree to disagree because theres no real room for maneuver for both sides on these issues.

But experts note that any absence of explicit mention in the post-summit briefing of potential bilateral moves to deescalate tensions over Taiwan wont necessarily mean that such initiatives werent discussed. The sensitivity of the Taiwan issue  and intense domestic pressure to ensure no hint of concessions in established positions  will likely relegate any initiative to reduce tensions in the Taiwan Strait to the status of unofficial and unremarked.

Instead of transiting the Taiwan Strait with naval vessels once a month, [the U.S. ] can do it every other month while the Chinese can begin to reduce the frequency of their presence within Taiwan's air defense zone, said Robert Ross, political science professor at Boston College. Both sides can walk it back through implicit policy adjustments, and thats not hard to do.

The most important potential long-term impact of the virtual meeting will be a mutual recognition that the breakdown in bilateral communications that began under Trump is harmful and counterproductive.

I think after the Biden-Xi meeting, the trend will be set for at least more frequent ministerial-level or cabinet-level meetings between senior officials of both sides similar to what we saw under President [Barack] Obama  that would be big progress, Lam said.
New coronavirus cases leaped in Kentucky in the week ending Sunday, rising 14.3% as 8,950 cases were reported. The previous week had 7,829 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Kentucky ranked 25th among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States increased 11.5% from the week before, with 574,373 cases reported. With 1.34% of the country's population, Kentucky had 1.56% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, 30 states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before.

Henderson County reported 72 cases and six deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 57 cases and two deaths. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 8,109 cases and 107 deaths.

Union County reported 13 cases and two deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported nine cases and two deaths. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 2,516 cases and 36 deaths.

Webster County reported four cases and one death in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 20 cases and one death. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 2,492 cases and 38 deaths.

Within Kentucky, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Breckinridge County with 601 cases per 100,000 per week; Powell County with 599; and Taylor County with 598. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week.

Adding the most new cases overall were Jefferson County, with 1,240 cases; Fayette County, with 444 cases; and Boone County, with 342. Weekly case counts rose in 72 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Pulaski, Warren and Taylor counties.

>> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases

Kentucky ranked 37th among states in share of people receiving at least one shot, with 58.7% of its residents at least partially vaccinated. The national rate is 68.3%, a USA TODAY analysis of CDC data shows. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are the most used in the United States, require two doses administered a few weeks apart.

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Logan Hute, 9, shows off his sticker after receiving his COVID-19 vaccine at Native Health Central clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, on Nov. 5.

In the week ending Sunday, Kentucky reported administering another 142,000 vaccine doses, including 34,239 first doses. In the previous week, the state administered 159,645 vaccine doses, including 27,649 first doses. In all, Kentucky reported it has administered 5,172,576 total doses.

Across Kentucky, cases fell in 45 counties, with the best declines in Rowan County, with 61 cases from 110 a week earlier; in Trigg County, with 33 cases from 80; and in Caldwell County, with 22 cases from 63.

In Kentucky, 275 people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 173 people were reported dead.

A total of 759,935 people in Kentucky have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 10,214 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States 47,074,080 people have tested positive and 763,092 people have died.

>> Track coronavirus cases across the United States

Kentucky's COVID-19 hospital admissions rising

USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, Nov. 14.

Likely COVID patients admitted in the state:

Last week: 1,324

The week before that: 1,286

Four weeks ago: 1,706

Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation:

Last week: 72,105

The week before that: 68,115

Four weeks ago: 78,817

Hospitals in 28 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 25 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds. Hospitals in 34 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows.

The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Henderson Gleaner: Henderson County COVID cases increased by 72 this week
InfoWars host Alex Jones was found guilty by default in all of the Sandy Hook shooting-related defamation suits against him on Monday.

A superior court in Connecticut ruled that because Jones has not turned over documents ordered by the courts, including financial records, he is guilty by default, according to the New York Times. All together, Mondays ruling combined with three prior rulings in Texas grants the families of 10 Sandy Hook victims victories across four defamation suits.

A lawyer for Jones did not immediately return a request for comment from TheWrap.

Jones already had to pay $100,000 in legal fees to one family at the end of 2019.

A Texas judge ruled in September that Jones was legally responsible for the damages caused by his false assertions about the Sandy Hook massacre. In documents released at the time, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued default judgments against Jones, a conspiracy theorist who contended the December 2012 shooting, which left 26 dead, was a giant hoax. Of the 26 who died, 20 were young children. According to Judge Gamble, Jones and InfoWars did not comply with court orders to give information for the lawsuits brought against him by the parents of two of the young victims.

Juries in Connecticut and Texas will decide how much Jones must pay the families in damages, as well as his court costs. The trials are slated for next year.
When parents-to-be, Hunter and Kelly Welborn, began their process to adopt a baby boy, little did they know that their literal journey would be just as memorable.

Over three years ago, the Welborns got the news that they were a match to become mom and dad to baby boy, Beau, born in South Korea. However, the happy news came in April 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted all travel. After watching their son over video for over a year, the couple was finally allowed to meet Beau for the first time in South Korea, but a snag in legal logistics prevented them from bringing him home for another month.

"We got our official legal 'You are the parent!' on Sept. 17, and as soon as we got that we booked our flights and said, 'Let's go! Let's go get him!'" Kelly told Delta Airlines in a blog post.

However, upon their arrival to Tallahassee International Airport, another hurdle arrived due to an issue with their Korean Electronic Travel Authorization, causing the two to miss their flight.

That's where Delta Service Agent Keisha Kitt-Martell stepped in.

Once the agent found a flight for the couple to go pick up Beau, she immediately got to work arranging a warm welcome home for the family's new addition.

A basket for a family provided by Delta Airlines

Courtesy Delta Air Lines

Looping in a colleague, Delta customer service agent Marya Denmark, the two got to work preparing for their arrival.

"I really did almost cry when the mom came in because I said 'I'm adopted too'", Denmark said.

A family stands in front of a Delta Air Lines board that reads "welcome home Beau"

Courtesy Delta Air Lines

The Welborns, now a family of three, were welcomed back to the states with a gift basket complete with balloons, blankets, and a personalized note from Denmark herself. Not to mention, at midnight on the day of his arrival was Beau's second birthday.

Through years of preparation, a global pandemic, and a final 14-hour flight the Welborn family made their way home. As for what's next, the Delta team is already looking forward to seeing Beau back on his family's next adventure.
When Fox News reports that coronavirus cases are going up, ears from both sides of the aisle get pricked. The network did just that Sunday morning. "COVID cases are up 11% over the last two weeks, and you can see this spike across the country," said Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace. "The virus is on the rise in 26 states from California to Mainein some states increases of more than 50%. And the CDC says 68%, two thirds of us counties now have 'high community transmission' as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors. What are the chances that we're going to see another winter surge?" There to answer the question was Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Read on for his 5 life-saving pieces of adviceand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

1 Surgeon General Warned There May be an "Uptick" of Cases so Get Vaccinated/Boosted if Eligible

Patient in ambulance with paramedics, wearing face masks

"The good news is that we are certainly well down from the peaks that we had during the Delta wave earlier this year in the late summer," said Dr. Murthy. "But as winter does approach, people do go indoors and the virus has also better able to transmit in cold dry air. So we know that increases the possibility that there will be spread. A couple of things that are critical though, for people to keep in mind," he said. "Number one is if you are vaccinated, your chances of both getting sick and transmitting the virus to someone else are much, much lower. So this makes it all the more important as winter approaches to get vaccinated. And second, if you are eligible to get a booster shot, it's especially helpful. If you go ahead and do that now as winter approaches again, and as people get prepared for the holidays. So we should be prepared for the fact that there may be an uptick in cases that we see in various parts of the country with cold weather. But what has held true for the last year is still true, which is that vaccines still give you a high degree of protection, especially against the worst outcomes of COVID like hospitalization and death."

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2 Surgeon General Said Vaccine Mandates Work

Woman is presenting COVID vaccination card.

Dr. Murthy fears that the stalling o0ut of vaccine mandates for companies with 100 or more employeeswhich is currently being challenged in court"would be a setback for public health. What we know very clearly is that when people get vaccinated and the more people who get vaccinated the quicker, we're able to bring this pandemic to an end, the more lives we can ultimately save. And that's my primary concern as a doctor and as a public health expert is how do we end this pandemic as quickly as possible and save lives in the process? Of course, what's really important that people understand about these are requirements in the workplace are a few things. Number one, they are not new. We've had a requirements and various settings in our countries since the founding of the United States of America, including in schools since the 18 hundreds workplaces like hospitals, uh, I've had requirements for vaccines for years. The military has had such requirements, but we also know Chris that they work remarkably well, even with COVID-19, we've seen a 20% bump on average in vaccination rates with organizations that put requirements in place and many already have, keep in mind, many businesses are not waiting for the federal mandate. In fact, a third of fortune, 100 companies have already put requirements in place and millions of people have gotten vaccinated it as a result. What's, what's really at the heart of this rule. Vaccine requirements strategy is to create safer workplaces for workers, for customers, and to increase vaccination over rates overall, because that's ultimately how we're going to end this pandemic. And that's our collective shared goal as a country."

RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said "Be Careful" of Doing This

3 Surgeon General Said the Danger is the Virus, More Than Fallout From Mandates

sad young female doctor or nurse wearing face protective mask for protection

Some police officers are quitting over mandates, and the Oklahoma National Guard is against mandates. "Everyone's point of view matters," said Murthy. "And for those who are concerned about the vaccine requirements, I think it's important for them to have their questions answered their concerns heard, but if we're concerned about the safety of the workforce, the single biggest threat to our workforce in hospitals, our police force and other workforces has been COVID itself. The number of bee workers who've gotten sick, we've been quarantined and off the job as a result, we've lost their lives. It's extraordinary and really heartbreaking during this pandemic. So we want to protect our workers. These vaccine requirements will ultimately help us to advance that cause to the greatest extent that we know we need to."

RELATED: Surefire Ways to Lose Visceral Fat, Say Experts

4 Surgeon General Said Your Personal Freedom is Important But You Don't Live in This Country Alone

Infected patient in quarantine lying in bed in hospital, coronavirus concept.

"I think that principle of freedom when it comes to health is a very important one. Freedom is an important value that brought my family to this country as immigrants years ago. And it was brought so many immigrant families to this nation. It's extraordinarily important, but keep in mind, we are a community of 300 million people. We are not solo individuals entirely on our own and in any community, sometimes our decisions do affect other people. It's why we have speed limits on highways because we know our decision about how fast we drive affects the safety of others. When it comes to getting vaccinated, we know that people who are unvaccinated are at higher risk of getting sick and spreading it to others, which is why in many settings courts, we have made the decision as a community to require vaccines in schools, for example, all across our country and in certain workplace settings. That's why these are so important here, too. So while freedom is absolutely important, we also have a collective responsibility to one another when our decisions impact the health and wellbeing of others."

RELATED: Ways You're Catching Covid Without Knowing It

5 Surgeon General Said Get Boosted

California, Colorado, and New Mexico have said that everyone over 18 can get their booster. The formal recommendation from the CDC is that only certain groups get theirs now. "I certainly understand why these states are doing that," said Murthy. "They're looking at what's happening in their own states that they're seeing cases go up and they want to have broad protection for the entire state. And I get that. What people should know though, is that the FDA has already made millions of people eligible for booster shots, people who are above 65 who have other illnesses that put them at higher risk and who are at higher risk for exposure based on where they live or work, millions of people are eligible who have not yet gotten their booster shot. And we want to focus on that, but people should also know though, is that the FDA is considering broadening that eligible eligibility after a request from Pfizer to do so. But what they're going to do is take a close look at their data. They want to make a, you know, out, especially shore that the booster shots are both safe and effective for the populations that are not currently eligible. And once they determined that, then they will make a recommendation there. But the bottom line is millions of people can get boosted right now. We want them to get boosted because that will both extend and enhance the protection that they've already been getting from the vaccines." So get boosted/vaccinated, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
MOSCOW (AP)  For most of his 27 years as Belarus authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenkos repressions and truculent statements frequently offended the West. This year, that belligerence is directly affecting Europe.

His government forcefully diverted an airliner flying between Greece and Lithuania that was carrying a political opponent. As the European Union imposed sanctions for that action, Belarus responded by easing its border controls for migrants from the Middle East and Africa, allowing them to head for the EU frontier.

That has forced Poland, Latvia and Lithuania to declare a state of emergency in their border zones to halt illegal crossings. Warsaw has sent thousands of riot police and troops to bolster security, leading to tense confrontations.

Lukashenko has since raised the stakes by threatening to cut off natural gas shipments from Russia that transit Belarus  a potentially severe blow to Europe as winter settles in.

The moves are a dramatic escalation for Lukashenko, who became president in 1994 when Belarus was an obscure country that had existed less than three years.

His disdain for democratic norms and the countrys dismal human rights record has made Belarus a pariah in the West, bringing him the sobriquet of Europes last dictator.

The 67-year-old Lukashenko prefers to be styled as Batka  Father or Dad  a stern but wise patriarch.

Although he has made occasional moves toward rapprochement with the West, Lukashenko abandoned conciliation after massive demonstrations rose up against him in 2020 following an election to a sixth term as president. The opposition, and many in the West, rejected the outcome as rigged.

Tens of thousands of protesters were arrested, many of them beaten by police; main opposition figures either fled the country or were jailed; foreign journalists were driven out; and ordinary citizens reportedly were arrested for unauthorized mass gatherings, that included even birthday parties.

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By suppressing opposition through such harsh actions, along with keeping much of the economy under state control, Belarus has become a neo-Soviet outlier, wary of its thriving NATO and EU neighbors. He alternately quarreled with and cozied up to Russia.

Hes noted for mercurial actions and provocative statements, which a leaked U.S. diplomatic cable assessed as outright bizarre.

In 2006, he threatened protesters by saying he would wring their necks like a duck. He also attracted uneasy notice this year in a Christmas season TV interview when he let his fluffy little dog walk on the table among the festive dishes.

His draconian dramatics spiked in May, when he ordered a Lithuania-bound Ryanair jetliner diverted to Minsk and arrested self-exiled opposition journalist Raman Pratasevich, who was aboard. Belarusian authorities said the action was taken after a bomb threat was made against the plane, but Western officials dismissed that as a preposterous attempt to disguise what they called an act of piracy.

The strapping Lukashenko presents a tough-guy image by frequently playing ice hockey, including a spring 2020 outing where he dismissed the coronavirus by asking a TV reporter if she saw any viruses flying around in the arena. He also advised Belarusians to kill the virus with vodka, go to saunas and work in the fields to avoid infection, saying Tractors will cure everybody!

Once well-regarded by his countrymen as an anti-corruption leader, Lukashenko lost their trust through decades of jailing opponents, stifling independent media and holding elections that gave him term after term in power.

Protests had broken out after some of the balloting, but not sizable or sustained enough to long withstand club-swinging police and mass detentions. Only after the 2020 vote did his opponents seem to harness the discontent: The economic deterioration and Lukashenkos cavalier refusal to act against COVID-19 added to their long-term dismay.

The protests lasted for months, petering out only when winter set in. But authorities didnt let up, reportedly arresting people for no obvious cause or on pretenses such as wearing clothing in the red-and-white colors of the opposition.

Lukashenko was born in a Belarusian village and followed a conventional path for an ambitious provincial Soviet. After graduating from an agricultural academy, he became a political instructor in the border guard service and eventually rose to director of a collective farm. In 1990, he became a member of the Belarusian Supreme Soviet, the republics parliament.

He was its only member in 1991 to vote against the dissolution of the Soviet Union. When he won the new countrys first presidential election three years later, he appeared in many ways to be stuck in time, keeping Belarus as an eerie and dysfunctional Soviet vestige.

While neighboring ex-Soviet republics adapted to capitalism, Lukashenko kept much of the Belarusian economy under state control. That initially won him support because Belarusians did not suffer the pain of shock therapy economic restructuring.

But ossified state control of industries couldn't keep up with the market's energy and flexibility; the Belarusian ruble was forced into repeated devaluations, and as of 2020, the average monthly wage was a paltry $480.

The countrys main security agency retained its symbolically baleful acronym of KGB. He also pushed a referendum that made the new national flag nearly identical to the one Belarus used as a Soviet republic.

Belarus still has capital punishment, unlike every other country in Europe, even echoing Soviet show-trial executions that take about two minutes in all: The prisoner is reportedly brought to a room, told all appeals have been rejected, forced to kneel and then shot in the back of the head.

When Lukashenko became president, Belarus had little experience of being an independent country; as a Soviet republic, it had been a piece of other empires with only a brief attempt at sovereignty after World War I. Sandwiched between Russia to the east and reformist, Western-looking Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, Belarus was in a strategic position.

Lukashenko leaned strongly east. In 1997, he signed an agreement with Russia on forming a union state of close economic, military and political ties, but stopped short of a full merger.

The agreement bolstered the economy in Belarus, which depends heavily on Russian oil at below-market prices. But Lukashenko harbored beliefs that Russia aimed to eventually take over Belarus entirely, and he was increasingly vocal about them.

As protests roiled the country in 2020 and Western pressure increased, Lukashenko had nowhere to turn for help but Moscow. Putin said he would be willing to send police to Belarus if demonstrations turned violent, but he never made that move.

This year, Lukashenko and Putin announced a broad range of agreements to solidify the union state, including a joint military doctrine. Although the agreements substantially increase Russias influence in Belarus, Lukashenko also gains assurance of support.
School children chase after autonomous robot Xavier, as it patrols a neighbourhood mall to detect "undesirable social behaviours", such as the flouting of COVID-19 safety measures during a three-week trial in Singapore on 6 September, 2021. (PHOTO: Reuters)

SINGAPORE  Singapore has signed a new supply agreement with Pfizer for its COVID-19 vaccines, including doses for children, and the US pharmaceutical company would deliver them "as soon as possible", said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Monday (15 November).

His comments come a week after the COVID-19 multi-ministry taskforce co-chair said that Singapore's expert committee on the vaccines is expected to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech shot for children aged 5 to 11 in the second half of this month.

The city-state is considering a plan to give children one-third of the adult dosage, similar to the general practice in the US.

During Monday's virtual press conference, Ong also said that Singapore's children vaccination trial  overseen by the KK Women's and Children's Hospital  is "making progress" but did not elaborate.

"The purpose of this trial is to smoothen operations when we have to do it at scale because young children are involved," he noted.

The hospital plans to start recruiting the first batch of participants, Ong said. Parents of children aged 5 to 11 can find out more about the hospital's study and registration details on its social media and website, which would be available by the end of this week.

Last week, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that about 8,000 of Singapore's COVID-19 cases were children below the age of 12.

The MOH director of medical services Kenneth Mak on Monday said that 1,765 cases involving children younger than 12 were recorded in the week of 8 to 14 November, about 10 per cent of the total number of cases over the same time period.

"This is a slight increase in numbers compared to the week before, which was 1,667," he noted.

Children with MIS-C due to COVID-19

Associate Prof Mak also gave an update on the cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children in Singapore arising from COVID-19. Another such case has been recorded, bringing the total number to six, with their ages ranging from two months to 11, he said.

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Of the six, three have made a good recovery and have been discharged home. They would get follow-up care from specialists in hospitals, said Prof Mak.

Of the remaining three, one had initially been admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and had responded well to treatment. The child was later transferred to a general ward and may be discharged soon if his recovery continues, said Prof Mak.

Another child is being monitored in a high-dependency ward in a hospital and is also being treated for other infections, while the remaining child is stable in a general ward.

"Our best wishes are with the children. And we are hopeful that all of these cases will have a good outcome," said Prof Mak.

MIS-C is similar to Kawasaki disease, which has been linked to various viral or bacterial infections. The disease occurs in 150 to 200 children a year in Singapore.

MIS-C symptoms include having a persistent fever above 38.5C for three days or more, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, swollen hands and feet, and abdominal pain.

In May last year, an international review from 26 countries reported a MIS-C incidence of 0.14 per cent  14 in 10,000  among all children with COVID-19.

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Reese Olson refreshed his Twitter page.

He saw the Milwaukee Brewers traded for Detroit Tigers left-handed reliever Daniel Norris, who was set to become a free agent after the season. He then learned a pitching prospect was involved in the trade deadline move on July 30.

Here's where it gets funny: Olson decided to play a trick on his roommate, reliever Brady Schanuel, that ultimately backfired on him.

"I told him that he got traded," Olson said Wednesday. "I just laughed for a minute. And then I went back and sat down in the living room. I refreshed my Twitter and saw my name. That's how I found out I was traded."

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For two months of Norris, who didn't make the Brewers' playoff roster after struggling post-trade, the Tigers gained their new No. 11 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. This should already be considered a good trade by general manager Al Avila. For long-term success, the Tigers need to continue funneling arms into their organization, and Olson is equipped with the potential to reach the big leagues.

Detroit Tigers prospect Reese Olson pitching for the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.

Olson, 22, debuted in the Tigers' farm system with High-A West Michigan.

The right-hander pitched 11 scoreless innings with two walks and 14 strikeouts in two starts, so the Tigers had no choice but to push him to Double-A Erie. When the Tigers acquired Olson, Avila said he would quickly make a one-level leap.

"Strikeouts have become one of the biggest things," Olson said. "'Strikeout or home run' is what a lot of people say. I say there's more to it than that, but for me, my strikeouts did jump up a lot from 2019. I think that's from sharpening my off-speed stuff. Instead of being fastball, curveball in 2019, I added a slider and threw a lot more change-ups. That was big for me this past year."

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In five starts for Erie, Olson posted a 4.74 ERA, 14 walks and 21 strikeouts across 24 innings. He remained a strikeout pitcher, benefiting from an above-average amount of swings and misses, but his walk rate skyrocketed.

"That was one of my biggest things going into 2021, trying to get more strikeouts," Olson said. "Being able to do that throughout last year was big for me, mentally knowing that I have the stuff to strike guys out at this level."

SEIDEL: Five Tigers under-the-radar prospects who could contribute next season

After Olson was drafted in the 13th round in 2018, the next year he pitched nearly 95 innings in Low-A, with 47 walks and 84 strikeouts. The minor leagues were nixed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so when 2021 came round, Olson started the year in High-A. His command problems continued, as he walked 35 and struck out 79 in 69 innings for the Brewers.

That's when Milwaukee traded him to the Tigers.

"I've enjoyed my time with the Tigers," Olson said. "It's a little bit different from the Brewers in a few ways, a little bit the same. All the guys that I met with the Tigers are great. I know a lot of new guys have been hired, so I've met a few of them, talked to a few of them and am excited to meet the rest of the them."

Adding a new pitch

Olson throws four pitches: fastball, change-up, curveball and slider. His fastball sits in the 93-95 mph range and can reach 97 mph.

He believes his best pitch is the change-up.

Before the 2020 season got shut down, the Brewers called Olson to a training camp and told him to focus entirely on adding a slider. Members of Milwaukee's player development staff thought Olson had a solid curveball, but they figured the slider would be easier to throw for strikes.

"At the beginning of (this) year, it was probably my best pitch," Olson said. "There was a point in the middle of the year where I lost a little bit of feel with it. My last two starts in Erie, I tweaked it and started throwing it a bit harder. Instead of being around 80-82 (mph), it jumped up to 84-85 (mph). When I did that, it became a better pitch for me."

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Reese Olson on the mound here prior to being traded to Detroit. Love this slider. pic.twitter.com/ZytwIxcoPb  Trevor Hooth (@HoothTrevor) November 2, 2021

Lots of strikeouts, lots of walks

Strikeouts have never been a problem, but Olson has struggled with his command as a pro. Spanning three seasons in the minors, he has a career average of 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings and 4.4 walks per nine.

For comparison, here's what Tigers rookies Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Matt Manning accomplished in the majors last season: Mize had 7.1 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9; Skubal finished with 9.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9; Manning logged 6.0 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9.

The MLB averages in 2021 were 8.9 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9.

"This has been my thing since I've been in pro ball," Olson said. "All my pitching coaches told me I'm trying to be too nasty with my stuff. I have good stuff. Just not trying to make it nastier than it needs to be. I'm trying to paint the corners too much. I have to let my stuff do its work instead of trying to be too perfect."

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Detroit Tigers prospect Reese Olson pitching for the Double-A Erie SeaWolves.

But Olson finished 2021 on a high note, pitching six innings of one-run ball with zero walks and eight strikeouts. The only hit he allowed was a solo home run with one out in the sixth. Of his 59 pitches, he tossed 44 for strikes.

"Getting ahead in the count makes the biggest difference in the world as a pitcher," Olson said. "That's what I've heard with the three or four pitching coaches I've had (in the minor leagues). Just don't make your stuff nastier than it needs to be. Trying to make it too nasty is never good for you throughout your start."

Now Olson is back in his hometown of Cleveland, Georgia, about 80 miles northeast of Atlanta. He has attended Line Drive Academy, a baseball facility just 10 minutes from his house, ever since the Brewers drafted him out of high school.

Line Drive Academy is operated by Jared Oliver and McClane Ramey. Oliver, 28, pitched for three seasons in the minors for the Boston Red Sox, reaching Double-A Portland in 2018 before his playing career ended.

"I'm trying to clean up a little bit on my fastball," Olson said. "I'm trying to clean up the spin it has to make it more efficient. Other than that, like I've been talking about the whole time, just sharpening it all up and trying to command everything better."

Olson isn't sure where he will end up when the season begins. He assumes the Tigers might want to see his refinements in Erie before giving him a promotion to Triple-A Toledo, but that could change depending on how much better his command is during spring training.

Regardless of the timeline, the Tigers expect Olson to pitch for the Mud Hens in 2022.

And that could set him up for his MLB debut in 2023.

"The biggest thing for me next year is going to be trying to limit the walks and commanding my pitches a little bit better and not falling behind in counts," Olson said. "Those are the biggest things I'm going to work on this offseason headed into next spring training."

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @EvanPetzold. Read more on the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers prospect Reese Olson evaluates performance
NEW YORK  Oh, s---. Shes here, shes here.

In the small dressing room backstage at the 92nd Street Y, Huma Abedin looks up from a makeup bag on the counter, meeting her own eyes in the mirror. Her back is to the door, but by some familiar instinct, she can feel her boss enter the space behind her.

Hi, everybody! Hillary Clinton says to a small collection of staffers, hanging up her coat and scarf. The two women dont greet each other right away, but instead settle into a comfortable silence, the conversation continuing around them. Clinton lays her purse on the counter, fishes out a powder case, and side by side, the two women prepare to take the stage, hovering around each other. Abedin addresses Clinton as Madam Secretary. Clinton addresses her back: Yes, dear?

Over the last 25 years, in rooms just like this, Abedin has become the most famous and least understood right-hand woman in politics: adviser, surrogate daughter, friend, all-around gatekeeper. When Hillary Clinton meets the world, she says, she is the bridge.

On this occasion, Clinton is support staff for Abedin, here to promote her aides new memoir, Both/And: A Life in Many Worlds. The panel discussion  Huma Abedin and Hillary Clinton in Conversation  is the first time they will share a stage. The book is a raw and detailed account of Abedins childhood in Saudi Arabia, the way her late father shaped her view of the world, the career she built in Hillaryland and the slow disintegration of her marriage to Anthony Weiner, saturating her life with personal and professional shame. Throughout, Abedin examines the underside of a one-note public scandal  the complicated mix of gratitude, confusion and pain that she felt along the way. A nod, she says, to the title: Two things can be true at once.

More than that, its the most Abedin, 45, has ever talked about herself in public.

In one week, shepherded by a black SUV and a publicist from Scribner, she does CBS Sunday Morning, the Today Show, Morning Joe, Tamron Hall, Joy Reid, Stephen Colbert, The View. She talks to the Associated Press, USA Today, New York magazine, NPR, WAMU, BBC. She does live hits from her East Village apartment. She attends two book parties, one surrounded by celebrity friends at Anna Wintours townhouse. For the first time, on the sets of live tapings, she sees footage from the press conference where she stood by her husband in 2013, after his second scandal. Im doing the thing that scares me the most, she says at one event, which is this.

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In the book, there is constant attention paid to Abedins silence. When I did speak out, she writes, it was more with a whisper than a megaphone. She describes serving Clinton, that brightest flame, as like living in a glass jar, circling a person whose life took precedence over her own, she says. In one scene, before the 2013 press conference, her colleague Philippe Reines asks if shes sure she wants to make a statement on camera: When he tells her, This will be the first time most Americans will hear your voice, he means it literally. During the waves of scandal, when Weiners political career collapsed after having sexual conversations with women he met online, including a 15-year-old girl, she saw a widening chasm between her own experience and the version she saw reflected in the eyes of reporters and photographers. I defiantly stared right back, she writes, but publicly, she said almost nothing. Backstage on her book tour, she is nervous and relieved, almost giddy to be talking. Ive never seen her this happy, a former Clinton aide says in passing. The word Abedin uses is unburdened.

Theres pent-up demand to hear something from Clintons closest aide, but its not to ask about her childhood, or her travels at the State Department. As she presents herself to the public, almost every interview begins with the same question: Why did you feel the need to write this book? Abedin is being pressed for an explanation, though the ask is never made explicit. Why bring it all up again, they seem to say. The laptop, the emails, the betrayal, James Comey. Why write the book at all? Did people want an apology? A defense? A justification? And then comes the second question, the same one her boss got in 1998: Why did you stay with your husband?

The memoir offers 500 pages of answers  on every page, she tells us what she was feeling, when and why. Theres been a lot of speculation over the last 15 years, Abedin says. What is wrong with her? What is she thinking? I tell you exactly what I am thinking in this book. She details therapy sessions with her husband. She pulls from journal entries and letters. She accounts for the different stages of despair and self-doubt that haunted her marriage. The index entries for Weiner take up almost three pages. But she doesnt sell outright scandal (her portrait of Weiner, a partner who was as much a source of happiness and financial stability as trauma and anger, doesnt begin until youre more than 200 pages in). She doesnt give up scoops on Hillary and Bill Clinton (her publisher had to ask for a section on the impeachment). She details the unwanted advances of a male senator in the mid-aughts, but when pressed to name him, she refuses. She writes at length about her own silence, but the way in which that reflex to retreat might have been shaped by the Clintons own bunker mentality  always digging in rather than out in the face of scandal  is a parallel she examines without criticism or question. Abedin is finally talking, but as she explains her side of the story  I realized that other people were writing my history, she says  theres a nagging sense that some find the answers unsatisfactory.

She discovered this early on, before the manuscript was done. For a while, the books working title was Clarity. The idea was scrapped, because, to people on my editorial team, it wasnt clear. Im not joking, she tells me. People who havent gone through what I have gone through, as it relates to my marriage and betrayal  they find so much of it confusing. Like, But I dont understand! Why did you stay?! Why didnt you leave?! I don't get it! Its not clear.

Its the way the senator story was covered, too, she says. The memory of the incident, when an unnamed male senator tried to kiss her, only came back to her after the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. This is more about having a discussion, knowing that its my truth, knowing that it was a trauma that was buried for 20 years! she says. Like, guess what? Its not about him.

At the 92nd Street Y, Abedin is talking about the interview she just finished taping with Jake Tapper and Christiane Amanpour on CNN. I kept saying, My boss, My boss  She still serves as Clintons chief of staff. Both Christiane Amanpour and Jake Tapper were like  she shifts into an anchor impression  to be clear, when she says her boss, she means Hillary Clinton.

I think they wanted me to say: Secretary Clinton.

Clinton takes out a tube of lipstick and laughs, shaking her head.

Oh, for goodness sakes. Oh, for goodness sakes.

Lifting a bottle of hairspray in the air, Clinton aims and fires, accidentally hitting Nick Merrill, her former press secretary, in the eyes with aerosol. Oh, my god, Im so sorry! she yells. Merrill turns away. Jesus! Clinton digs through her cosmetics. Oh, wait! Wait! Wait! She takes out another bottle, a small can of the Evian facial spray she used to use on the campaign trail  a walk down memory lane  and starts spraying people in the room. Abedin barely notices.

Another former staffer, on loan to volunteer for the event, comes over to brief Clinton on the sequence of events  quick photo line, introductions, take the stage  but there is no real prep for the panel. Abedin doesnt ask Clinton how she wants it to go, and neither does she.

Outside the room, friends and former colleagues are lining up to take pictures.

Clinton turns to her aide and tells her get in the middle.

You are the person in power, she says.

One of the prerequisites to being enigmatic is some measure of silence.

The publics perception of a figure like Abedin solidifies imperceptibly and gradually. Almost always, its the one that we project, filling the void with paparazzi stakeouts, speculation, snippets of reported insight. Often, it says more about us than the person at its center. Senora Danger, one New York Post cover asked in 2013. WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?

In Abedins case, she has been cast as either (1) private, (2) glamorous or (3) mysterious. In the final act (4), she is the cautionary figure and punchline of a three-step Greek drama we all know well: Clinton stays with her husband after a public betrayal, Clinton supports her closest aide as she does the same, Clinton finds that the aides husband  due to his laptop, the scene of the betrayal  is the cause of a new FBI inquiry, 10 days before the election thats supposed to make her president.

Fifteen minutes into the 92nd Street Y event, the moderator asks about the most difficult moment theyve shared  the question maybe everyone wants. Abedin says Sept. 11, 2001. Clinton goes there.

I will say, because she writes about it  I wouldnt talk about it if she hadn't written about it  toward the end of the 2016 campaign, there was a decision made by the then-FBI director to reopen the closed investigation into emails, based on a computer that Anthony Wiener had used. I think that was, in many ways, one of the worst days for her. Of course, it was terrible for me, too, Clinton adds. It obviously impacted the outcome of the election.

When the news broke that day, they were on the campaign plane, headed for Iowa.

The public, and the press, never saw a reaction from Abedin. What I remember from the back of the plane was the way events carried on, surreally, as if nothing had happened. All day, Clinton held her smile. She did her two rallies in Iowa. She sat for her scheduled photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz. On the press bus, aides passed out Halloween candy. There was no mention of the news until 7 p.m., after the last event of the day, at a 10-minute press conference in a high school choir room in Des Moines, Iowa. Abedin, always present, always just off to the side, wasnt there.

Five years later, the book describes what we couldnt see.

On the plane, Abedin started sobbing. The moment she made eye contact with me, I just broke down. Clinton came over to give her a hug. That night, Abedin says in the book, she wrote down one line in her notebook: I do not know how I am going to survive this. Help me God.

The experience of reading Both/And is, in part, to finally understand why Abedin is the way she is: You see the reticence and discipline shaped by her Muslim faith, her life as an American in Saudi Arabia, her two parents, an Indian father and a Pakistani mother, both Fulbright scholars who came to the U.S. Her father, Zain, wrote poetry and received his masters degree in English literature. Cosmopolitan and intellectual, he could be a mystery to his own children, shielding them from his fatal diagnosis of renal failure. Abedin was 16 when he died. When you open her book, the first thing you see, opposite the title page, is a handwritten note from Zain: If you cant stand the heat, then as Truman said, get out of the kitchen. But your exit should be graceful, decent and above board. Really, the book is written as a kind of letter back to him. Its me having this conversation with him, she tells me, saying, Look! Look what Im doing! I want you to be proud. Im so good at this job! I work at the White House! I wrote this book! I am a good writer!

Abedins preoccupation with stories, the ones we write ourselves and the ones that are written for us, begins as part of that dialogue with her father. As a child, she read novels in order according to his instruction, each one numbered by level of difficulty. When she was 9 or 10, he gave her Silas Marner, one of George Eliots most challenging novels, labeled L1, entry-level. As an adult, Abedin became an astute observer of the public glare, adopting her bosss instinct to battle in the face of scandal. She remembers the way reporters and photographers moved around the Clintons in unison as a single amoeba. Watching the first lady navigate her husbands impeachment, she began to view the public gaze as a stalking presence  like suffocating layers on a hot day. Fifteen years later, when she finds the same hungry eyes set on her, she loses track of the story. We were all so far down into the minute details of my personal life, she writes, I no longer knew what belonged to me and what did not.

After Clintons loss in 2016, Abedin found refuge outside of politics, starting with Anna Wintour, who offered to take her to dinner and a movie. She wrote most of the book in 2018 and 2019 at the editors vacation house in Mastic, N.Y. The fridge was always stocked for her arrival. At the book party Wintour hosted at her home in Manhattan, Abedin was at ease with celebrities and designers: Sienna Miller, Karlie Kloss, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Adrien Brody, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung. Toward the end of the night, on a low chaise in the middle of the room, Clinton sat half-reclined, flanked by Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller.

The public fascination with Abedin grew in part from her own encouragement. Early on, she went along with it. In 2007, she agreed to a New York Observer profile, so long as she didnt have to directly participate. The piece ran under the headline, Hillarys Mystery Woman. Ten days later, Wintour sent a fax to Clintons Senate office, asking her to sit for a Vogue interview. It was true that she believed staffers were meant to be rarely seen, and certainly never heard, that the attention was uncomfortable. It was also true that she loved fashion as much as politics and saw the offer from a beloved magazine as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Abedin said yes. When Vogue called during the 2016 campaign, she said yes again.

Did I like wearing nice clothes and getting dressed up and getting my hair done? Abedin tells me. Yeah, absolutely. Id be lying if I didnt. To get to go to the Met? I mean, thats like a pinch-me moment every year.

But apart from the red flags she says she saw on the eve of their wedding, when she discovered his inbox full of fans, women, whom he seemed eager to engage, the hesitation she felt about Weiner revolved around her fear of a more public role. He was a sitting congressman, loud and attention-seeking. She liked her life on the periphery, knowing exactly where to stand to monitor her boss but remain just outside the cameras frame.

So much of it was, did I want to step from here to there? she says. But its a little bit more nuanced. I also never wanted to be wrong about anything. Its one of the reasons I was always so silent. I think it was a both/and.

I never wanted to screw up for my boss. And then we had Comey, she says, like its hitting her again. Jesus!

The morning after the 92nd Street Y event, Abedin is in her living room, considering where to stage a remote hit for BBC News. In the span of five days, shes done three radio interviews, three print interviews and nine television appearances, and she is visibly more comfortable.

I think its weird if you can see the kitchen. Four elaborate bouquets, gifts for the book launch, sit on the counter. And I have my funeral flowers, she jokes. At her apartment, a large unit in the same East Village building as her husband, where the two co-parent their son, Jordan Zain, there are books everywhere: novels, nonfiction, self-help (The Alpha Females Guide to Men and Marriage). Bill and Hillary Clintons memoirs, multiple copies of each, line the shelves.

She is happy about the night before. Shes so cute, right? Abedin says of her boss. Normally, Im like, Heres what theyre gonna ask you. We didnt even really talk about it.

I mean, look, her doing the Comey thing was, you know, hard. But Ive been doing it. It was kind of nice to have somebody else do it.

The relationship between the two women is difficult to define. Others have tried: co-dependent, mother-and-daughter, confidants. Reines, the friend and former Clinton aide, described them at her Washington book party as the same, an extension of each other. In the book, the most telling glimpse at their relationship comes early on. Abedin is still in her early 20s. The impeachment scandal is raging. At an event one night in the White House, the young aide dithers on whether to fix her boss a plate of food. Clinton becomes frustrated. This is not working, she says. Abedin takes it as a death sentence until later that night, when her boss pulls her aside to apologize. Rather than scrutinize the moment on the page, Abedin is searingly earnest about her admiration. I would walk to the ends of the earth if you asked, she remembers thinking. Depending on your view, the relationship is as uncomplicated, or complicated, as just that.

Its one of the topics Abedin has been asked to explain. Maybe this is my naivete, she says, but I thought there would be much more: What is the book about? And there hasnt been any of that. Its been, I know exactly what this book is about. In Abedins eyes, the message of her story, in part, is its OK to not be OK.

Whether people want something more from her  what that thing is, and to what end  is a question she considers carefully. She is aware that people will come to her story with ideas about when she should have left, or what she should have done  that the same instincts to weather the scandal meant it just sat there, waiting to implode again, which it did in spectacular fashion. She is a bit judgey about women who ask her the same question people asked her boss more than 20 years ago. On the one hand, the Comey intervention, and Clintons loss, is something she has to carry to her grave. And I will, she says. Thats just something I have to live with. On the other, the marriage was hers to figure out, more complicated than anyone knew. Both things can be true.

You asked me about whether people want an apology. I dont feel like I owe an apology, she says, sitting in her living room. I think society should maybe start thinking about how we talk about addiction and mental health in a really open, honest way. Which is why I am very open and honest about it. People often say, Well, you cant defend Anthonys behavior. Im not defending his behavior. He doesnt defend his behavior. But I needed to try to understand it.

Behind Abedin, an old Clinton hand, Mike Taylor, quietly lets himself into the apartment, carrying equipment for the TV hit.

Oh, thank God. Mike brought a ring light!

Abedin realizes her interview is in less than 10 minutes, and the two rush to figure out the setup. It is live, right? OK. Hold on, hold on, hold on. Whats happening? Were trying to build the thing. Should I put my table of flowers here, or is that cheesy? They decide on a spot in the corner of the living room, dragging a bar stool from the kitchen to prop up a laptop. Do we have a copy of the book to put in the shot? All they can find is a paperback publishers edition. They use a tall stack of books on the floor as a pedestal. This looks horrible, Abedin says.

The soundcheck is starting. OK, I can hear you perfectly. Excellent.

Just move about an inch to your left.

And Abedin is on air.

First question: Youve written a searingly honest account here, the anchor, a woman, says. Why did you feel the need to write this book?

Second question: People might say, Well, you know, men behave in all sorts of ways, but they didn't necessarily feel the need to bear all, and yet you seem to feel that need  is that because you wanted to do that, personally? Is it for your son? Is it because of your future career?

Abedin gives her responses.

Somebody else has always been telling my story, she says.

This was me reclaiming my story, telling my truth, she says.

I dont feel a need to justify my story, she says.

After 10 minutes, the interview is done.

She pauses, perfectly still and silent as she waits for the live feed to end. When shes sure shes off camera, she looks up from the computer screen and says, Did you hear what they asked?
Highlights:

Oneview successfully raises A$20 million via a well-supported Placement to new and existing institutional investors

Approximately A$2.5 million of the Placement is subject to security holder approval

Security Purchase Plan to open on 24 November 2021, to eligible existing Oneview securityholders to raise up to a further approximately A$3 million 1 , subject to security holder approval

Proceeds from the Placement and Security Purchase Plan are intended to be primarily used to fund further development of the Companys Cloud Enterprise product, accelerate its growth strategy and strengthen its balance sheet

SYDNEY, November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthcare technology company Oneview Healthcare PLC (ASX : ONE) is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed an institutional placement to raise A$20 million (in two tranches, approximately A$17.5m to be issued on 19 November 2021 and approximately A$2.5 million to be issued subject to security holder approval)(Placement).

Oneview CEO, James Fitter, commented: "The Company is delighted with the support from its existing loyal securityholders, and is very pleased to welcome new Australian and Asian institutional securityholders to the register. This funding round comes at a time of great opportunity in healthcare, given the acceleration of digitalisation as a result of the pandemic. As nurse and other hospital staffing pressures and shortages worsen, we are pleased that our solution can relieve some of their burden by providing digital tools to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of care for both patients and providers." James Fitter added: "In addition to the Placement, the Company will be undertaking a Security Purchase Plan to provide an opportunity for retail investors to participate in the capital raise."

Proceeds from the Placement and Security Purchase Plan (SPP) are intended to be used for:

Sales and Product Development Funding to extend Oneviews first-mover advantage as a best-in-class cloud-based healthcare solution through expansion of sales and marketing capabilities and delivery of new product enhancements

Scaling Cloud Funds allocated to DevOps investment to deliver operational efficiency and expand scalability of Cloud Enterprise Working capital primarily allocated to proven OEM hardware for fulfilling new contract requirements and for entry to new markets.

Balance Sheet strengthening Oneview acknowledges that as it pursues larger contracts with leading healthcare providers in Australia, Asia, EU and the US, additional focus is placed on the Companys capitalisation and ability to fund long term contracts. Major health systems seeking to integrating Oneview systems are likely to be more receptive to partnering with a well-capitalised Oneview.



Placement

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The Placement received very strong support from existing institutional and sophisticated securityholders, as well as new Australian and Asian institutional investors.

Under the Placement, Oneview will issue 74,074,074 new CHESS depository interests (CDIs) over new fully paid ordinary shares in the Company (on a 1:1 basis) in two tranches. The Placement was priced at A$0.27 per new CDI which represented a 18.2% discount to the closing price of Oneviews CDIs on the ASX on 10 November 2021 (being the last trading day before the Company announced it was undertaking a capital raise) and a 20.8% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price of Oneviews CDIs ended 10 November 2021.

Tranche 1 of the Placement, being 65,019,787 CDIs will be issued on 19 November 2021 and the issue of Tranche 2 of the Placement, being 9,054,287 CDIs is subject to security holder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), expected to be held on Friday, 17 December 2021. All new CDIs issued under the Placement will rank pari passu with existing CDIs on issue.

Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited acted as Lead Manager and Bookrunner to the Placement. Bell Potter Securities Limited acted as Co-Lead Manager to the Placement.

Security Purchase Plan

In conjunction with the Placement, the Company intends to offer existing eligible securityholders the opportunity to participate in a SPP to raise up to approximately A$3m subject to security holder approval at the EGM.

The SPP will be offered to eligible securityholders in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Under the SPP, holders of existing securities in Oneview on the register as at 7.00pm (Sydney time) on Friday, 12 November 2021 and who are eligible securityholders in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland will be invited to subscribe for up to A$30,000 of new CDIs in Oneview.

The issue price under the SPP will be A$0.27 per new CDI, being the same issue price as under the Placement. Oneview reserves the right to increase the size of the SPP or scale-back applications under the SPP at its discretion.

Participation in the SPP is optional. Further information in relation to the SPP, including the SPP terms and conditions, will be outlined in a separate SPP Booklet which is expected to be dispatched to eligible securityholders on Wednesday, 24 November 2021.

It is expected that the new CDIs under the SPP will be issued on 21 December 2021 and will rank pari passu with existing CDIs on issue.

Indicative key dates for the SPP are set out below:

Event Time (AEST) / Date SPP record date 7pm Friday, 12 November 2021 SPP offer opens and SPP booklet dispatched Wednesday, 24 November 2021 SPP closing date Tuesday, 14 December 2021 EGM expected to be Friday, 17 December 2021 SPP issue date Tuesday, 21 December 2021 Normal trading of New Securities issued under the SPP Wednesday, 22 December 2021

All dates specified in this announcement (Including In the above table) are indicative only and subject to change without notice

Extraordinary General Meeting

Oneview expects to hold an extraordinary general meeting on Friday, 17 December 2021 to seek security holder approval to the issue of the CDIs under tranche 2 of the Placement and the SPP. Oneview will circulate details for the EGM in due course.

This announcement has been approved for release by the board of Oneview Healthcare plc.

About Oneview Healthcare plc

For healthcare systems who lead on exemplary care, Oneview Healthcare plc provides digital tools for patients, families and caregivers to improve the care experience. Unifying a facilitys systems, content and services into one digital Care Experience Platform at the point of care, Oneview helps providers to measure and improve experience, optimize patient flow, deliver virtual care and enable patients and families with dedicated touch and TV devices. Oneview has partnered with leading healthcare systems in the US, Australia, the Middle East and Asia to unify the care experience, in 63 hospitals.

______________________

1 Oneview reserves the right to increase the size of the SPP or scale-back applications under the SPP at its discretion.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005912/en/

Contacts

James Fitter, CEO

Helena DArcy, Interim CFO & Company Secretary

Website : www.oneviewhealthcare.com
Rhode Hog BBQ from Cumberland, Rhode Island, was named grand champion after placing in four categories.

Noel Kay never gets tired of cooking barbecue. Everything from the aroma hitting his nose to the memories he has built feeding the community motivates him to fire up his smoker one Saturday after another.

What has been missing in his life however, is the Hog Happenin, a barbecue contest that took place in Cleveland County for 25 years. Kay attended the event for a decade and was disappointed to see it come to an end. With no way for barbecue fanatics to come together and showcase their talent, Kay put together the inaugural Shelby BBQ Extravaganza. The event was held on the fairgrounds Oct. 29-31, reuniting food festival-goers with one of the Souths most popular southern comforts.

I did a contest in Hickory for several years, said Kay. I really enjoyed doing it, and I thought why not get it and running again.

This year, Kay said it felt great to resurrect the old barbecue competition in his own way. More than $11,000 in prize money was awarded throughout the weekend at the event that saw at least 100 people. The food was critiqued by certified judges from the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Awards were given daily to the top five competitors in each category. More than 30 participants tested their luck against each other with Rhode Hog BBQ from Cumberland, Rhode Island, scoring in all four categories (chicken, brisket, pork and pork ribs).

Kay was pleased with the turnout and said he hopes it will become a popular attraction for barbecue lovers in the future.

It was great, said Kay. I think it put Shelby on the map for barbecue contests.

This years competition was held on a smaller scale. Next year, Kay hopes to take things up a notch.

We want to include food trucks, music and more, said Kay. All that stuff is up in the air. We dont have any definitive plans, but we would like to have a bigger and better event.

Kay said the event was more than just a taste testing session for those who attended. Barbecue cookoffs are a time of bonding with loved ones and giving back to those who serve.

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Its a good time to see your friends compete in something, said Kay. Its good for the community too. We were able to feed several first responders, and there is always that following from your barbeque family. Shelby is a great place to have it.

Kay, who has been cooking barbecue competitively for 12 years, said he comes back for more because he cannot escape the smell of barbecue in the morning. Although he has tallied a few first-place finishes, Kay said he is not counting them, saying it is all about building connections and sharing a dish that has become a fan favorite for many southerners.

Its a good feeling, and Ive always enjoyed it, said Kay. I dont know that Im good at it, but I enjoy being around like-minded people.

Latrice Williams can be reached at 704-669-3339 and lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Competitive barbecue cook Noel Kay hosts inaugural Shelby BBQ Contest
(AFP via Getty Images)

The US has condemned what it called the intimidation tactics of the Cuban government ahead of planned protests on Monday calling for greater political freedoms.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a lengthy statement on Sunday saying the US stands with the people of Cuba and calling on the Cuban government to listen to the voices of their people.

Protesters will take to the streets across the country for the Civic March for Change on Monday to demonstrate against the nations Communist government regime, to demand the release of political activists and to call for freedom and democracy.

This comes after thousands first took to the streets in July in what marked the largest protests Cuba had seen in more than two decades.

The anti-government protests were triggered by shortages of food, medicine and other basic goods, repeated power cuts and the governments response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cuban government responded with violence and hundreds of demonstrators are still being held behind bars four months on.

The country was also plunged into an internet blackout to prevent the flow of information about the protests and the government response.

Now, protesters are also calling for the release of these political prisoners.

Mr Blinken slammed the Cuban government over its treatment of its citizens during the summer protests in his statement on Sunday.

In July, the people of Cuba bravely and spontaneously took to the streets to demand change from their government: respect for human rights, greater freedom of expression, and an end to economic mismanagement by an authoritarian regime that has failed to meet their most basic needs, he said.

The Cuban regime responded with violence, censorship, arrests, and summary trials, denying their citizens their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Mr Blinken warned that the Cuban government is expected to respond in a similar way to Mondays demonstrations.

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The Cuban government has already made clear that it does not want to listen; the regime has denied permission for the protests, dismissed opposition supporters from their jobs, and threatened dissenters with imprisonment, he said.

We strongly condemn these intimidation tactics.

We call on the Cuban government to respect Cubans rights, by allowing them to peacefully assemble and use their voices without fear of government reprisal or violence, and by keeping Internet and telecommunication lines open for the free exchange of information.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Cuba to listen to the voices of their people and warned that the US will pursue accountability (REUTERS)

He added: We urge the Cuban government to reject violence, and instead, embrace this historic opportunity to listen to the voices of their people.

Mr Blinken called on other democratic partners worldwide to join the US in its support of Cuban citizens and in calling on the Cuban government to respect those exercising their rights in peaceful protest on November 15, and to release all those unjustly detained.

In a warning to the Cuban government, Mr Blinken said the United States stands with the people of Cuba and will seek accountability.

The United States will continue to pursue measures that both support the Cuban people and promote accountability for the Cuban regimes repression and human rights violations, he said.

Cubas communist government, headed by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, has banned the protest and accused the US of trying to organize and promote a destabilizing provocation.

Following the summer protests, tensions have escalated further between the US and Cuba.

President Joe Biden imposed sanctions on Cuban officials and security forces involved in human rights abuses during the government crackdown.

The president had vowed to reverse many of the Donald Trump-era restrictions on the country around travel and trade if he took the White House.

Mr Trump had backtracked on the landmark policies reached between the US and Cuba under Barack Obama.

But President Biden has held off on re-engaging with Cuba amid the ongoing turmoil in the country and is expected to be eyeing the governments response to the protests this time around.

More than 100 cities across the globe will join with the people of Cuba to stage protests on 15 November including in Miami, where there is a large Cuban community.

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SWEDESBORO, N.J., November 15, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wedgewood Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy in the U.S. devoted to animal health, has created a Veterinary Advisory Board comprising 11 veterinarians. The goal of the Board is to support the companys mission of improving the lives of animals and those who love them.

For more than 40 years, Wedgewood Pharmacy has focused on understanding the needs of veterinary customers and meeting those needs. The companys regular cadence of listening to customers includes customer satisfaction, loyalty, and targeted special-interest surveys, listening to its sales and customer-care organizations, and third-party marketing research including focus groups. Creating this Board supports key pillars of the companys strategy of being obsessed with helping veterinary professionals thrive, helping pet owners to elevate the care of their pets, and creating a stable regulatory environment for the critical role of compounding pharmacy in animal health.

Marcy A. Bliss, CEO, said, "The members of the advisory board, all accomplished veterinarians, have insight directly into the challenges, opportunities, and changing marketplace for professional animal-healthcare. The better we understand their unique perspectives and challenges, the better we can take quick, decisive steps and shape our company to support them. Wedgewood Pharmacys success can be attributed to being attuned and responsive to the needs of its customers and that focus is deeply embedded in our pharmacys culture. Working with the Board will help us to focus even more sharply on the priorities that matter to our prescribers, pet parents, and patients, which will result in new product development, more efficient work processes, happier veterinary professionals, and better patient health outcomes."

Todd Marcum, DVM, co-founder and president of PetVet365, who will chair the Board, noted: "Wedgewood Pharmacy has been known for years in the veterinary profession as a veterinarian-friendly company. It has a very strong, open culture in which it is safe to give and receive feedback. I see the company as a very agile problem solver. It is no surprise that it has enthusiastically embraced taking the advice of this powerful, diverse group of veterinarians who are leaders in the veterinary business and profession, all early adopters, highly creative, and forward-looking. So, looking to the future, I see a broader role for Wedgewood Pharmacys participation with key issues that are of great import to the profession such as mental health and new ways of thinking about veterinary practice."

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The members of the Board include:

About Wedgewood Pharmacy

Wedgewood Pharmacy is the largest compounding pharmacy devoted to animal-health in the U.S. Compounding is the long-established tradition in pharmacy practice that enables practitioners to prescribe and patients to take medicines that are specially prepared by pharmacists to meet patients' individual needs. A growing number of patients have unique health needs that off-the-shelf prescription medicines cannot meet. For them, customized, compounded medications prescribed or ordered by licensed physicians or veterinarians and mixed safely by trained, licensed compounding pharmacists are the only way to better health.

Compounded medications are created and prepared by specially trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in state-regulated pharmacies when mass-manufactured drugs are not, according to a prescriber, available or are not appropriate for a patient. The companys 503B Outsourcing Facility, Wedgewood Connect, compounds medications under FDAs modified cGMP standards.

Todays Wedgewood Pharmacy grew from a local community pharmacy to become one of the largest compounding pharmacies in the United States. It is the leading pharmacy brand in animal health, recognized by 99% of veterinarians, and used by 8 in 10 veterinarians within the past year. It also prepares compounded medications for the human-health medical specialties of Addiction Medicine Urology, and Ophthalmology. The company serves more than 50,000 prescribers and hundreds of thousands of patients throughout the U.S. every year.

George (late) and Lucy Malmberg, both pharmacists, purchased Wedgewood Pharmacy in 1981; the year after the pharmacy opened. In June 2016, New Harbor Capital became the majority shareholder of the company. In 2018, the company acquired Diamondback Drugs. In 2020, the company purchased and began production at Wedgewood Connect, an FDA-registered 503B Outsourcing Facility, in San Jose, California. In the same year, the company acquired Wildlife Pharmaceuticals and ZooPharm, in Colorado and Wyoming, respectively. In early 2021, Partners Group, on behalf of its clients, acquired a majority interest in the company from New Harbor Capital.

Wedgewood Pharmacy is accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB) for compliance with PCAB and other nationally recognized compounding standards. PCAB was formed by eight of the nations leading pharmacy associations and is a service of Accreditation Commission for Health Care. As a third-party accreditation organization, PCAB has developed the highest national standards against which providers are measured to demonstrate their ability to effectively and efficiently deliver quality compounded medications to consumers.

Wedgewood Pharmacy employs more than 800 people.

About Partners Group

Partners Group is a leading global private-markets firm. Since 1996, the firm has invested over USD 150 billion in private equity, private real estate, private debt, and private infrastructure on behalf of its clients globally. Partners Group seeks to generate superior returns through capitalizing on thematic growth trends and transforming attractive businesses and assets into market leaders. The firm is a committed, responsible investor and aims to create sustainable returns with lasting, positive impact for all its stakeholders. With over USD 119 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020, Partners Group provides an innovative range of bespoke client solutions to institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and private individuals globally. The firm employs more than 1,500 diverse professionals across 20 offices worldwide and has regional headquarters in Baar-Zug, Switzerland; Denver, USA; and Singapore. It has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 2006 (symbol: PGHN). For more information, please visit www.partnersgroup.com or follow the company on LinkedIn or Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211115005229/en/

Contacts

Wedgewood Pharmacy

Marcy A. Bliss

Chief Executive Officer

MBliss@wedgewoodpharmacy.com

856-832-1303

PR Firm

David Kirk

DavidKirk@thePRguy.com

480-270-9631

Partners Group

Henry Weston

henry.weston@partnersgroup.com

44-207-575-2593
Do you recognize Parker Doe?

Those who may recognize Parker Doe or have information about what happened to her are asked to contact the Yakima County Coroners Office at 509-574-1610 or the Yakima County Sheriffs Office at 509-574-2500.
Greensboro, NC (27407)

Today

Light rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 56F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Greensboro, NC (27407)

Today

Cloudy with light rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. High 57F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Widespread frost likely. Low 29F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.
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Kyle Rittenhouse has been acquitted on all charges in the fatal shooting of two men and wounding of a third during a night of protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August 2020
"I feel like I have a lot of weight that maybe I'm putting on myself to teach these lessons and to be this representative that I did not have as a kid," Kim said. But fellow puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph  who performs Abby Cadabby  reminded her, "It's not about us ... It's about this message."

Ji-Young's existence is the culmination of a lot of discussions after the events of 2020  George Floyd's death and anti-Asian hate incidents. Like a lot of companies, "Sesame Street" reflected on how it could "meet the moment," said Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vice-president of Creative and Production for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind "Sesame Street."

Sesame Workshop established two task forces  one to look at its content and another to look at its own diversity. What developed was Coming Together, a multi-year initiative addressing how to talk to children about race, ethnicity and culture.

One result was 8-year-old Tamir. While not the show's first Black muppet, he was one of the first used to talk about subjects like racism.

"When we knew we were going to be doing this work that was going to focus on the Asian and Pacific Islanders experience, we of course knew we needed to create an Asian muppet as well," Stallings said.
Each year on November 11th, our nation comes together to celebrate the men and women who defend our freedoms. The 11th of November was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I which occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1954, Congress expanded this day to recognize not only those who fought during World War I, but to commemorate all United States veterans.

This year, I was fortunate to attend two Veterans Day celebrations in the Third District. I was privileged to partake in the dedication of the Central Nebraska Veterans Memorial in Kearney, and I joined the Broken Bow community for their annual Veterans Memorial soup supper. Whenever I have an opportunity to visit with Nebraskans who have served our country so bravely and honorably, it is a true honor.

Nebraska is home to more than 150,000 veterans, and our state takes great pride in such service to our nation. It is a privilege to represent the men and women in uniform from the Third District and be able to ensure they have the tools they need to fulfill their missions, to ensure their families are supported here at home, and ensure they receive the care and services they deserve.
New Delhi: E-commerce major Amazon India on Monday said it is currently investigating an issue, wherein its platform was allegedly used to source marijuana.

On Saturday, an online marijuana sale racket was busted by Bhind police in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the arrest of two persons and seizure of 20 kilograms of the contraband, according to an official.

The accused were operating the racket through a leading e-commerce firm, which received two-thirds of the profits generated, as per the official.

Evidence is being collected to see if it could be prosecuted for providing a platform for such drug transactions, the official added.

An Amazon India spokesperson on Monday said the company operates a marketplace in India (amazon.In), which enables third-party sellers to display, list and offer for sale, products to end customers directly.

"Amazon has a high bar on compliance and contractually our sellers are required to comply with all applicable laws for selling their products on amazon.In. We do not allow the listing and sale of products, which are prohibited under law to be sold in India," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said in case sellers list such products, as an intermediary, it takes strict action as may be required under the law when the same is highlighted to the company.

"The issue was notified to us and we are currently investigating whether there is any non-compliance on part of the seller. We assure full co-operation and support required to Investigating Authorities and Law Enforcement agencies with ongoing investigations and ensure full compliance to applicable laws,? the spokesperson said.

Bhind Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Singh said on a tip-off, Kallu Pawaiya (30) and Dhaba owner Brijendra Tomar (35) were arrested from Bhind Gwalior Road on Saturday and recovered 20 kilograms of marijuana.

"Kallu used to source the marijuana from Vishakhapatnam through a reputed international e-commerce firm to Gwalior, Bhopal, Kota, Agra and other areas of the country. Brijendra helped him in the business," he had said.

Kallu has so far sold one tonne of the contraband and transacted business worth Rs 1.1 crore, the SP had said.

"Kallu ran his company under a fake name with PAN and GST number etc. The e-commerce firm got 66.66 per cent of profit from the illicit business. We are collecting evidence to prosecute the e-commerce company under section 29 (part of criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act," Singh had stated.

Traders' body CAIT on Monday said the marijuana racket incident is a serious offence and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) should also take up the serious issue besides the Madhya Pradesh police.

CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) has also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan to ensure that the issue should not go into the air.

It is a serious threat to the security of the country in view of the fact that likewise even illegal arms or other illegal activities can also be conducted, it added.

CAIT National President BC Bhartia said police authorities of Madhya Pradesh should take the strictest action against Amazon under the NDPS Act and IPC, and immediately arrest the persons responsible for the operation and management of Amazon.In in India.

He added that by selling marijuana worth more than Rs 1 crore and earning a commission of 66 per cent (i.E. Over Rs 66 Lakhs) through its e-commerce website, Amazon has contravened Section 20(b) of NDPS Act that says ?produces, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State, exports inter-State or uses cannabis, shall be punishable?.

In the present case, Amazon has not only allowed the use of its platform for the sale of commercial quantities of banned drugs but has actively participated in the sale and earned huge profit to the tune of 66 per cent of the sale value, CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said.

They demanded that in addition to the people already arrested by Madhya Pradesh police, they must arrest the senior management of Amazon, who has facilitated the use of its platform for the sale of marijuana and hence, acted as a drug peddler.

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New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday inaugurated the Delhi Pavilion at the 40th India International Trade Fair being held at Pragati Maidan. Delhi's Pavilion this year is based on Chandni Chowk, which was recently revamped by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

At the inaugural event, Sisodia said "Delhi is writing a new chapter in the progress of the country" through its work in the fields of education, health, public transport, industry and environment.

Sisodia further said, "Delhi is witnessing new experiments in these fields and developing prototypes in the fields of technology, education, health, transport etc which will be followed by others in the future. Please visit Delhi Pavilion at the trade fair to see a glimpse of future India."

This year, the Delhi Pavilion is decorated with stalls of several departments like Industries, Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Directorate of Education, Directorate of Health, Directorate of Environment, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Department of Tourism.

The statement said that this year the Health Department has arranged for an onsite test check-up at the Delhi Pavilion for the visitors in order to create awareness about the functioning of Mohalla Clinics and overall health indicators of Delhi.

The DJB stall showcased projects of development work being done by it, including that to provide round-the-clock water supply in Delhi, Yamuna cleaning and rejuvenation of water bodies.

Similarly, the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) displayed the "Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra" scheme launched by the Kejriwal government for senior citizens this year.

Under this scheme, free pilgrimage is made available to the residents of Delhi. The arrangements are made for facilitating pilgrimage to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, Rameshwaram, Dwarkapuri, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura, Vrindavan for which the AAP government bears all the expenses.

The statement said that DTC has displayed schemes like the introduction of e-buses in Delhi and free travel for women in DTC buses by the Kejriwal government in its stall this time.

The statement said the Directorate of Education displayed the "world-class infrastructure" built by the Delhi government by revamping government schools in its pavilion.

"Along with this, programmes like Happiness Curriculum, Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum, Business Blasters, 'Desh Ke Mentor' Program and others designed to provide quality education to the children studying in government schools of Delhi have also been displayed in the stall of the Education Department," the statement said.

40th IITF reflects pandemic-hit economy has recovered: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the 40th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IIFT) reflects that the Indian economy has recovered strongly, and this time IIFT is three times bigger than the trade fair organised in 2019.

Lauding the historically high level of exports of goods and services, he said the world is taking India as a trusted global partner in maintaining global supply chains, adding that despite the lockdown India did not default on any service support to the global community.

"India has been witnessing a historic high of Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs). India received the highest ever FDI in the first 4 months. It is 62 per cent higher than the same period last year. IITF will show India is back in business," Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Piyush Goyal said while inaugurating the 40th edition IIFT here in Delhi today.

Listing five pillars of the Indian economy, Goyal said, "Five major Sutras of Bharat i.e. Economy, Exports, Infrastructure, Demand & Diversity. While better infrastructure, demand and diversity in growth and development will become the aspiration for a Better and New India."

He praised the quality of unprecedented Infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh and complimented the state government for its emphasis on Export development, adding that IITF will push the mission of "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan" and shall encourage the idea of vocal for global.

Goyal said the IITF has returned after a gap of 1 year in its 40th edition with double josh and powered by the double engine of `Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan` & `Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav`. He commended ITPO for mounting the Trade Fair in a short time and with the largest participation of over 3,000 exhibitors, demonstrating that the world is looking at India as a `Trusted Partner`.

He said more than 750 women Self Help Group exhibitors demonstrate the potential of Nari Shakti of India. Entire participation has crossed 3000 small and big businesses. The good part is women MSME entrepreneurs have been given stalls at 100 percent subsidy-free of charge at the Ministry of MSME.

'Investment-friendly environment created by UP govt'

Uttar Pradesh ranks first in the country in terms of establishment of MSME units, said Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair-2021 at the Pragati Maidan here on Sunday.

According to the UP Chief Secretary, an investment-friendly environment has been created by the state government, adding that the state ranks first in the country in terms of the establishment of MSME units.

A total of 89.99 lakh units are registered in the state, which is 14.20 per cent of the total registered units of the country.

The chief secretary said under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, online loan fairs were organized continuously through banks to ensure maximum flow of credit in the MSME sector.

Employment opportunities were provided to more than 1.50 crore people by providing loans to about 80 lakh micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) units in the last four years in Uttar Pradesh, said an official statement.

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A row erupted at a Rajasthan college after a student offered namaz on the campus last week and ABVP activists chanted the Hanuman Chalisa in "protest" on Monday. On November 12, a teacher in the Rajasthan University-affiliated college in Jaipur took objection to a student who offered namaz on the campus.

After paying obeisance to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary in the campus on Monday, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists read out verses of Hanuman Chalisa as a mark of protest.

Members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) demanded the teacher be suspended for raising such objections in the name of religion.

READ | Namaz at public places to be banned across Uttar Pradesh, says DGP OP Singh

"The teacher who took objection is affiliated to the RSS. The student was offering namaz in an open ground. Harassing someone in the name of religion is wrong," NSUI district president Rajesh Chaudhary said.

ABVP state secretary Hoshiyar Meena said they would not let the corridors of education get "tarnished". He claimed it was not only a college student but others who were also offering namaz on the campus, which cannot be "tolerated".

Gandhi Nagar police have asked the vice-chancellor of the university to issue directions to its affiliated colleges to ensure such things do not occur on educational premises.

"We have asked the Vice-Chancellor to issue directions to affiliated colleges that such activities do not occur on educational premises," Gandhi Nagar SHO Nemi Chand said.

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New Delhi: A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from the state of Punjab and Delhi met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (November 15) in New Delhi to discuss the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, reported news agency ANI.

This comes a day after a delegation of Punjab BJP leaders, including state president Ashwani Sharma, national general secretary Tarun Chugh, veteran leader Harjeet Garewal, Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, state in charge of BJP's Kisan Morcha among others, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and requested reopening of the Kartarpur corridor.

The leaders are also scheduled to meet BJP national president J P Nadda pertaining to the Kartarpur Corridor reopening development.

The demand for reopening the Kartarpur corridor comes days before one of the grandest Punjabi festivals Guruparb, which is on November 19.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the resting place of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district, provides a visa-free border crossing for pilgrims from India visiting the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan.

The pilgrimage to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara was suspended in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The move is being seen as a technique by the BJP to capture attention in the state that will to polls next year by the political experts.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Punjab assembly election in 2022, Shiromani Akali Dal (Democratic), which was previously a BJP ally, on Monday announced an alliance with the Punjab Lokhit Party.

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New Delhi: The national capital on Monday (November 15, 2021) morning saw a slight improvement in the air quality but continued to gasp for breath as the air quality index (AQI) remained in the 'very poor' category. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), Delhi's overall air quality index (AQI) at 6:20 AM was at 318.

While the AQI in Delhi University's North Campus area was at 333, the Mathura road reported an AQI of 329. Pusa road recorded an AQI of 313 and IIT Delhi of 302.

This is to be noted that an AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".

Delhi recorded a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 330 on Sunday as against 437 the previous day as emissions from farm fires in Haryana and Punjab dropped significantly.

ALSO READ | Delhi air pollution: Hospital sees 10% rise in respiratory problem patients post Diwali

Over 3,400 farm fires accounted for 12 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution on Sunday, down from 31 per cent on Saturday. The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution ranged from 25 per cent to 48 per cent from November 4 to November 13.

Meanwhile, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has said that his government will submit a lockdown proposal to the Supreme Court on Monday to reduce pollution further. The apex court on Saturday had termed the rise in pollution levels an "emergency situation" and had suggested clamping a lockdown in the national capital.

Subsequently, the Delhi government had announced the closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, except those where exams are being conducted, for a week from Monday.

ALSO READ | Killer air: After Delhi, Haryana closes schools till November 17, urges govt, private offices to adopt WFH

All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been directed to ask employees to work from home. No construction and demolition activity is allowed in the capital till November 17.

The air quality, however, is expected to deteriorate from Tuesday due to calm wind conditions.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: As many as 26 Naxalites including their leader Milind Teltumbade were killed on Saturday after a fierce encounter broke out in the Mardintola forest in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Monday (November 15) discussed the Gadchiroli encounter in which the security forces dismantled the Urban Naxal gang.

According to police, about 100 Naxals fired indiscriminately at C-60 commandos and jawans of the Special Action Team (SAT) of Maharashtra Police from their sophisticated weapons disregarding the appeal to surrender.

The first incident of firing took place at 6 am and the Naxalites continued to open fire till 3 pm. That is, the firing continued in the forest for about 9 hours. Naxalites do not usually do this in most of the encounters as they keep changing their hideout in the forest. They usually do not have such heavy ammunition and are often dependent on the support of locals.

The continuous firing made the security officials suspicious of the presence of some big leaders of the outfit. After this, about 300 commandos of C-60 started the operation to surround them from all sides in the forest and killed 26 Naxalites.

Of these, there were 14 Naxalites who carried a reward of Rs 2 lakh or more. Seven carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh, one carried Rs 6 lakh, two carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh and one carried a reward of Rs 20 lakh.

Among the slain Naxalites was Milind Teltumbde, who carried a reward of Rs 50 lakh. He had established the Naxal-affected areas of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra as guerrilla zones, of which he himself was the head.

Apart from this, he was also the head of the Urban Naxal gang. It had formed a wing of Urban Naxals, which used to spread Naxalite ideology in urban areas and mislead the youth of backward society in cities and recruit them into their group. Milind Teltumbde was doing this work for the last 30 years.

Apart from this, he was a member of the Central Committee of the dreaded Naxalite CPI Maoist, which was banned by the Government of India in the year 2009. The police had made him an accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case as well. And later, he was declared a fugitive.

Notably, after the Bhima Koregaon violence of 2018, some journalists and opposition leaders of our own country supported these Urban Naxals and raised questions on the security force of the country. They said there was nothing like Urban Naxals in the country and that the central government is suppressing the voice of innocent social workers. But the bitter truth is that these Naxalites are reaching the urban areas from the jungle and want to destabilise the country. The Gadchiroli encounter was proof of that.

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New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday (November 15) chaired a meeting of chief ministers/finance ministers of states, via video conferencing on the subject of economic recovery post-COVID pandemic.

Briefing about the meeting, TV Somnathan, Finance Secretary had earlier said, "Growth had slowed down in the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, after the first quarter of the current fiscal, the economy has picked up again with green shoots of recovery clearly visible. Several economic indicators are now at pre-pandemic levels.

Projections of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank peg India`s GDP growth at about 9.5 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively, as one of the fastest-growing economies.

"While the investor sentiment is good, there is a need to capitalise on the momentum already created. The first four months of FY 2021 have already witnessed inflows of USD 64 billion foreign direct investment (FDI).

The Government of India (GoI) in its Union Budget 2021-22 has given further impetus to the inflow of foreign investment capital through streamlining procedures, removing roadblocks and providing necessary incentives," he added.

Somnathan further said the objective of the meeting is economic recovery."India is becoming a thriving destination for foreign investors. These positive sentiments should be capitalized and the opportunity is to be utilised. To push India`s growth story towards the higher path, the states` role is important and is an essential component.

In this regard, Finance Minister is holding meetings with chief ministers on state-level issues. Challenges faced by the states will be discussed. Efforts will be made to resolve those issues that will help the country," he added.

Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) had also said that the finance minister seeks to embark on a collaborative growth vision for the nation and encourage an open exchange of ideas centred on enhancing the investment climate of the country.

"The envisaged interaction will attempt to create a policy discourse and a facilitative environment for inward investment-led growth.

This will be enabled by a pro-active approach to investment promotion, efficiencies brought about by Ease of Doing Business reforms, and an emphasis on accelerating approvals and clearances up to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) levels," he said

The DEA Secretary further said through the interaction, the States may share their ideas and vision for enhancing the investment climate, leading to a broad consensus regarding the trajectory to be undertaken for India to become the fastest-growing economy.

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New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid is facing a lot of flak for comparing Hindutva with ISIS in his new book 'Sunrise Over Ayodhya.

The former union minister appeared on Zee News to defend his remark but was left red-faced when grilled on the national television.

As Zee News anchor Aditi Tyagi shot several questions, Khurshid walked out of the show. I feel sad for you, he said as he removed the microphone and ended the discussion abruptly.

Watch the video here:

Congress leader #SalmanKhurshid, who is in controversy for comparing #Hindutva with terrorist organizations like ISIS, quits his interview with Zee News midway.#SunriseOverAyodhya pic.twitter.com/uoLgpBcFcc  Zee News English (@ZeeNewsEnglish) November 15, 2021

Earlier today, the Congress leaders Nainital residence was vandalised and torched.

An accused named Rakesh Kapil has been booked along with 20 others and strict actions have been assured by DGI Neelesh Anand against the perpetrators.

As the row erupted over his remark, Khurshid clarified that he did not say the two are same but just called them similar.

I didn't say that they are same (ISIS and Hindutva). I've said they are similar. I've also said that ISIS and Boko Haram misuse the religion of Islam but no Islamic followers opposed it. Nobody said that I am maligning the image of their religion, said Khurshid.

Khurshid`s book on the Ayodhya verdict was released last week. It explored the Apex Court`s landmark judgement on the Ayodhya dispute. He has compared Hindutva to radical terrorist groups like "ISIS and Boko Haram".

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Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said the crime rate in Bihar has come down after the liquor ban and he stands against liquor.

Speaking to media persons here, Kumar said, "Some people have turned against me because I ordered a liquor ban and I am serious about it. Those who are against it, feel bad. It is a different matter. They might have their own opinion. But we listened to the people - both men and women. I stand against liquor."

"The crime figures have not increased. If something happens, action is taken. Administration and Police are active and action is being taken wherever something is happening," he said.

"At some places, other incidents have occurred, an incident of Naxals have been reported from one location. It is being probed. It is a different matter but the incidents of general crime have come down. I did also like to add that the crime rate has come down after the liquor ban," the Bihar CM added.

Earlier this month, 32 people died in the state after consuming spurious liquor in Muzaffarpur.

Nitish Kumar has called a high-level meeting over the liquor ban on November 16.

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New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Sunday landed fighter aircraft on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur as part of its rehearsal for an airshow on November 16 on the occasion of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

More rehearsals will be carried out by the IAF at the airstrip before November 16, official sources said.

Watch:

#WATCH | IAF fighter aircrafts conduct trial run on airstrip ahead of Purvanchal Expressway inauguration, in Sultanpur Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the expressway on Nov 16. pic.twitter.com/x2rY7wk4LG  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 14, 2021

They said 30 fighter planes will showcase their might at the newly constructed expressway after PM Modi dedicates the 340-km long Purvanchal Expressway to the nation on Tuesday.

According to officials, the prime minister and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will land at this same airstrip in an IAF C-130 Hercules plane on Tuesday.

Three fighter planes had made rounds of the airstrip when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had arrived in Sultanpur to take stock of preparation for the Tuesday event.

Adityanath had on Friday said the expressway will prove to be the backbone of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

"Its inauguration will be in a grand way, accompanied by an air show as a three-and-a-half-km long stretch near Sultanpur has been developed as an airstrip for emergency landing of aircraft," he had said.
New Delhi: After being marooned by alliance partner Shiromani Akali Dal SAD(B), known as a panthic party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab is in a bid to portray its pro-Sikh image with an eye on Sikh vote bank especially after BJP had announced to go solo in Punjab and contest all the 117 seats.

The meeting of Punjab BJP leadership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a single point agenda of reopening of Kartapur Corridor that too ahead of birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak being celebrated on November 19 is believed to be the part of a well-conceived political strategy to fill the political vacuum left after SAD(B) broke ties with BJP, expressed the political experts.

Punjab BJP leaders including state president Ashwani Sharma, national general secretary Tarun Chugh, veteran leader Harjeet Garewal, Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, state in-charge of BJP's Kisan Morcha etc who met PM Modi on Sunday are also scheduled to meet BJP national president J P Nadda and home minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue.

The meeting of BJP leaders with Prime Minister and other national leaders of BJP was nothing but preplanned political attention, opine Dr Jagroop Singh Saikhon, former head of the Political Science department of Guru Nanak Dev University.

ALSO READ | Pakistan issues around 3000 visas to Indian Sikh Yatrees to celebrate Guru Nanak Birth anniversary

Dr Jagroop Singh Saikhon added, The script of the meeting appears to have been written well in advance, the Punjab BJP leaders were summoned at Delhi darbar with assurance to look into their demands so that they could later take credit of the same and widely publicize among people during the election campaign for political gains".

After SAD(B) pulled out of National Democratic Alliance in September, almost a week after the resignation of Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, wife of SAD(B) president Sukhbir Singh Badal in protest against three controversial farm laws, the saffron party had been looking for issues especially the Sikh issues to counter the influence of the panic party- the former alliance partner of BJP- on the Sikh voters.

In the recent past, the party had launched 'Nava Punjab Bhajpa De Naal' campaign to make its inroads in the Punjabi voters especially the Sikh voters, and the meeting of BJPs state leadership with Modi and other national BJP leaders on the issue of reopening of Kartarpur Corridor is seen in the same context.

ALSO READ | Declare Batala a district before 552nd birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev: Congress MP urges Punjab CM

Kartarpur Corridor is an emotional issue and close to the hearts of Punjabis, and the issue will likely pop up in the forthcoming Punjab elections.

Why the state leadership didnt take up others issues with PM Modi and instead focus its attention on the religious issue questioned state general secretary of Kisan Sangarash Committee Sarwan Singh Pandher while talking to Zee News on Monday.

Dr Saikhon also added that, "Earlier this responsibility was on the Akali Dal to talk about Sikh issues but after the breakup, someone else has to take up the Panthik issues".

He quipped that had the SAD leadership gone to BJP leadership in Delhi to take up the issue of Kartarpur Corridor, then people seem to have perceived perception of incredibility because the political dispensation has lost the credibility.

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Srinagar: In a joint operation security forces claimed that they have killed two unidentified terrorists in the outskirts of the Srinagar hyderpora area on the Srinagar Baramullah highway.

On a specific input a cordon and searches operation was launched in the area and during searches exchange of fire happened said a police officer.

Kashmir zone police tweeted, "one more unidentified #terrorist killed (Total 2). #Operation going on. Further details shall follow."

Earlier police in a tweet said, "01 unidentified #terrorist killed. #Operation going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice"

Encounter has started at Hyderpora Srinagar. Police & Security Forces are on the job. Further details shall follow, police had said in a first tweet.



#SrinagarEncounterUpdate: 01 more unidentified #terrorist killed (Total 2). #Operation going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice https://t.co/3rjcfBy7wI

 Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) November 15, 2021

The area Is still under cordon and search operation is still on. Traffic on the Srinagar Baramullah National highway is suspended.



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New Delhi: The iconic annual Jaipur Literature Festival will be back at its cherished home - Jaipur - in a hybrid avatar with both its on-ground magnificence as well as its nifty virtual presence. The hybrid version will enable a larger audience to access the Festival offerings, reaching out to book-lovers across continents. It will be a powerful feast of literature, discourse and camaraderie.

Teamwork Arts, the Festival producer, announced the dates for its landmark 15th edition, setting them between 28th January - 6th February 2022. The virtual sessions will go live from 28th January to 6th February with an extended online experience.

2022 heralds new beginnings when the Festival will combine the cautious optimism of a post-pandemic world along with the sheer joy that books can bring - both online and on-ground. The Festival will represent all Indian national languages and multiple foreign languages too with over 300 hours of programming with and over 250 speakers.

For over a decade, Jaipur has played host to the annual Jaipur Literature Festival, dubbed the `greatest literary show on Earth`, a haven for literature-lovers and festival-goers alike.

After a much successful virtual edition of the Festival last year, with over 10 million views worldwide, the 2022 edition will introduce the audience to the brand new and `super` hybrid version at a spanking new venue with an enhanced experience and facilities.

The Festival will be organised at Hotel Clarks Amber, Jaipur with added facilities to accommodate footfalls and will follow COVID-19 safety protocols as per government guidelines.

This first-ever truly hybrid literary extravaganza will showcase a plethora of themes and writers curated specially for audiences across the world, offering an immersive experience of literature, discourse, musical performances, art installations, merchandise, local cuisine and more. In its milestone hybrid edition, the Festival aims to be even wider in its reach and longer in duration, covering 10 days.

The first list of 15 speakers released today includes Indian poet and author of the latest Women Who Wear Only Themselves Arundhathi Subramaniam; Delhi-based vascular and endovascular surgeon, writer and Director of the Vascular Cath Lab at Sir Ganga Ram hospital Dr. Ambarish Satwik; eminent art critic, art historian B.N. Goswamy; senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, former Portuguese politician and author Bruno Macaes; bio archaeologist and field archaeologist specialising in the Viking Age, Viking women and Rapa Nui Dr. Cat Jarman; 2021 Booker Prize winner for his novel The Promise Damon Galgut; Australian author and 2003 Booker Prize winner for his debut novel Vernon God Little DBC Pierre; Indian-born British writer, playwright and screenwriter Farrukh Dhondy.

The list continues with National Book Award-winning author and 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction finalist Jonathan Franzen; author of several critically acclaimed novels, including The Miniaturist and Kalkatta and a collection of stories titled The Japanese Wife Kunal Basu; academic and author of Cultivating Democracy: Politics and Citizenship in Agrarian India Mukulika Banerjee; member of parliament and author Dr. Shashi Tharoor; debutant novelist of the latest Equations Shivani Sibal; historian and author of three acclaimed books, Sixteen Stormy Days, Imperial Sovereignty and Local Politics and the latest Nehru: The Debates that Defined India Tripurdaman Singh; historian and the author of four acclaimed books, with his latest being Savarkar: A Contested Legacy, 1924-1966 Vikram Sampath.

Namita Gokhale, writer, publisher, and Co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, "January 2022 will see the much awaited return of our physical festival, as well as a stellar virtual version. We look forward to the joys of welcoming book lovers and friends from the literary community. The intense pleasures of shared energies and real time conversations will be further enhanced by the infinite possibilities of digital connectivity across continents and time zones."

"We are delighted to welcome writers from far and near, including Bruno Macaes, Arundhathi Subramaniam, Mukulika Banerjee, Shashi Tharoor, Tripurdaman Singh, and Vikram Sampath. Our programming will as ever present a spectrum of literary delights while remaining rooted in the rich diversity of Indian writing and culture. Watch out for the Maha-Kumbh of literature, where the world visits Jaipur and Jaipur visits the world," she added.

William Dalrymple, writer, historian and Co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, said: "I am completely thrilled that our beloved literature festival is returning to Jaipur after a spell online due to the pandemic. We are coming back with a truly spectacular line-up of literary superstars from across the world. In fiction, we have this year`s Booker winner, the great Damon Galgut, his predecessor DBC Pierre, Pulitzer finalist Jonathan Franzen. It`s going to be utterly magnificent and we look forward to seeing you in Jaipur from the 28th January."

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, who produce the Jaipur Literature Festival, said, "There has never been a more powerful feast of literature, discourse and camaraderie than the annual Jaipur Literature Festival. This year`s hybrid version will enable a much larger audience to access the Festival offerings, reaching out to people across continents. Teamwork Arts invites book-lovers to be a part of this milestone Festival in its newest avatar."

Jaipur Literature Festival 2022: Highlights

- Festival Dates: The on-ground Festival will run from 28th January to 1st February 2022. The virtual edition of Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 is scheduled from 28th January to 6th February 2022.

- First List of Speakers Announced: Arundhathi Subramaniam, Ambarish Satwik, B.N. Goswamy, Bruno Macaes, Cat Jarman, Damon Galgut, DBC Pierre, Farrukh Dhondy, Jonathan Franzen, Kunal Basu, Mukulika Banerjee, Shashi Tharoor, Shivani Sibal, Tripurdaman Singh and Vikram Sampath.

- Volunteer Programme: The Jaipur Literature Festival runs a successful Volunteer programme that forms the backbone of its operations while offering young enthusiasts an unmatched enriching experience, enabling them to see first-hand what goes into making and managing a festival of this scale. A 250-strong `army` of dedicated volunteers work across the Festival`s 25 departments. Volunteer registrations are open till December 5, 2021.

- Registration and Delegate Packages: Online registration for the Festival is mandatory and attendees can register via the Festival website. Visitors can also buy Delegate Packages to experience the Festival`s magic, while mingling with authors, interacting with industry players, relaxing in the Delegate Lounge, and enjoying the Jaipur Music Stage and Heritage Evening.
New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday agreed to the Supreme Court suggestion that a former judge of its choice may be appointed to supervise the state SIT's probe on day-to-day basis into the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people including four farmers were killed on October 3.

The top court, while taking note of the state's consent, red flagged the issue of involvement of mostly low-ranking police officers in the ongoing SIT probe in the case and sought names of IPS officers, who are of UP cadre but not the native of the state, for being included in the investigation team.

The other concern is about the task force (SIT). The police officers of this task force have to be little higher grade officers and not from Lakhimpur area...Most of the members are SI (sub-inspector), said the court.

Why don't you give some names of some IPS officers. We mean directly recruited IPS officers who are in UP cadre, but do not belong to the state of Uttar Pradesh. Give the names by tomorrow evening, said the bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana.

At the outset, senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the state government, made a statement to the suggestion made by the bench earlier saying, I have taken instructions and your Lordship can make the order on appointing a former judge to oversee the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

The bench said it would need a day to decide the name of former judge and that he may be a Supreme Court or a High Court judge and take his consent.

We need one more day's time because we need to talk to the judge concerned... We will list it again on Wednesday and find out the judge who is willing to take up the job, the bench said.

While consenting, Salve said the state has no issues with the apex court appointing a former judge of its choice to monitor the probe, but the point that he should not be a native of Uttar Pradesh should not bear in mind as the person concerned is a relevant factor.

Whoever, your lordships may consider appropriate, be appointed...Not inside or outside the state. It is not that the judge from the state cannot be appointed. Somebody, who the Lordships feel appropriate can be appointed. It is the person which is important and not the state, Salve said.

Earlier, the apex court had granted time till November 15 to the Uttar Pradesh government for apprising its stand on the suggestion that a former judge of a different high court should monitor the state SIT probe.

Prior to this, the bench had expressed dissatisfaction over the probe and suggested that to infuse "independence, impartiality and fairness in the ongoing investigation, a former judge of a different high court should monitor it on a day-to-day basis.

The bench had also said that it has no confidence and does not want the one-member judicial commission appointed by the state to continue the probe into the case.

Retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava was named by the state government to enquire into the eruption of violence on Tikonia-Banbirpur road in Lakhimpur Kheri district.

We, somehow or the other, are not confident and we do want any judicial commission appointed by your state government to continue, the bench had said.

We propose to appoint a person like say from Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Ranjit Singh, who has an expertise in criminal law and army background... Let an independent judge like Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain, again from the same HC, monitor everything, it had said.

The police have so far arrested 13 accused, including Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra, in connection with the case.

The apex court was hearing a matter about the October 3 violence in Lakhimpur Kheri in which eight persons including four farmers were killed during a farmers' protest.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of noted historian-writer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Babasaheb Purandare who died aged 99 on Monday (November 15, 2021) morning. PM Modi expressed that he is 'pained beyond words' and that Babasaheb will live on due to his extensive works.

Taking to his official Twitter account, the Prime Minister said, "I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered."

I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered. pic.twitter.com/Ehu4NapPSL  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2021

PM Modi also said that Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare was 'witty, wise and had rich knowledge' of Indian history.

"I had the honour of interacting with him very closely over the years. A few months back, had addressed his centenary year programme," the Prime Minister said in another tweet.

Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare was witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history. I had the honour of interacting with him very closely over the years. A few months back, had addressed his centenary year programme. https://t.co/EC01NsO1jc  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2021

Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare will live on due to his extensive works. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2021

Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, popularly known as Babasaheb, passed away at a private hospital in Pune (Maharashtra) on Monday morning around 5 AM. He was admitted to the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital a couple of days back due to age-related ailments.

He, notably, was conferred with Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2019 and the Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2015. He had also penned various books on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and had dedicated his life to history and research.

Babasaheb had also written and directed the play "Jaanta Raja" which reportedly has been performed by over 200 artists and translated and enacted in as many as five languages.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also expressed his condolences and has announced a state funeral for Babasaheb Purandare.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a museum in Jharkhand capital Ranchi dedicated to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, via video-conferencing, and announced that his birth anniversary will be celebrated as the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates a museum in Ranchi, Jharkhand in the memory of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, via video-conferencing. pic.twitter.com/hYCptplgHf  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

The Prime Minister also recalled his contribution in giving a sharp edge to the freedom movement and fighting to protect the interests of the tribal society.

Nation decided that during 'amrit kaal' of independence, tribal traditions and its tales of gallantry will be given even more grand identity. The historic decision has been taken that November 15 - the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda - will be celebrated as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' the PM said in his inaugural speech.

Nation decided that during 'amrit kaal' of independence, tribal traditions & its tales of gallantry will be given even more grand identity. Historic decision has been taken that Nov 15 - birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda - will be celebrated as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas': PM pic.twitter.com/BXQp2v5ttb  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

The Prime Minister said that he has spent a large part of his life with tribal brothers and sisters and children and has been a witness to their joys & sorrows, daily lives and the necessities of their lives. So, today is also an emotional day for me personally, PM Modi said on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.

Delhi: PM Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and other leaders pay tribute to tribal freedom fighter #BirsaMunda, at the Parliament premises on his birth anniversary today. pic.twitter.com/JaONXm5xLK  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

On the occasion of Jharkhand`s foundation day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the firm willpower of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee led to the existence of the state.

The PM added that due to the firm willpower of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jharkhand came into existence. It was he who had formed a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs & connected tribal interests to policies of the nation. On Jharkhand foundation day today, I also pay tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The PM earlier paid tributes to revered tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. On the occasion, PM Modi also greeted the residents of Jharkhand, which was formed on Munda's birth anniversary in 2000. Noting that the state enjoys a historical identity and has a distinct culture, the prime minister wished that the land of Lord Birsa Munda advances in the development journey.

PM Modi said Munda always struggled to protect the rights of tribes and to give impetus to the fight for independence. His contribution to the country will always be memorable, he said in a tweet.

The government has announced that Munda's birth anniversary will be celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. Born in the tribal belt of the undivided Bihar in 1875, he rallied tribals against the British colonial rule and conversion activities and died in 1900 in Ranchi jail.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi PM Modi will officially hand over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-manufactured Light Combat Helicopter to the Indian Air Force chief on November 19 in Jhansi, reported ANI quoting Indias Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar on Monday. (November 15)

The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone for the first project for propulsion for anti-tank guided missiles by Bharat Dynamics Limited. A whopping Rs 400 crore will be invested in this project, reported ANI.

Apart from this, PM Modi will also hand over the DRDO-developed advanced electronic warfare suite to the Indian Navy, which will be put on its modern warships including the INS Vikrant, informed Secretary Ajay Kumar.

Earlier today, the defence secretary announced that PM Modi will launch the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Alumni Association in Uttar Pradesh`s Jhansi on November 19 and is also going to be the first member of the body, said Indias Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar on Monday. (November 15)

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association. This will help the former cadets of the organisation to keep in touch with it. PM Narendra Modi would be the first member of the NCC alumni association to be launched on November 19 in Jhansi," the Defence Secretary said

The Defence Secretary also informed that under this programme, PM will also dedicate eight fresh projects to the nation, including 100 new Sainik Schools, which will be inaugurated in the next two years.

Kumar also informed that 1,283 schools in border and coastal districts will have the NCC.

"896 schools in border areas, 255 in coastal areas and 132 in stations where Indian Air Force is present," ANI quoted Kumar as saying.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway Station on Monday (November 15), according to an official communique on Sunday. During his visit to Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation multiple initiatives of the railways in the state, said the railway ministry statement.

Named after brave and fearless Queen Kamalapati of the Gond kingdom, the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway station is the first world-class railway station in Madhya Pradesh. The station was formerly known as Habibganj railway station.

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal during his visit to Madhya Pradesh tomorrow: PMO pic.twitter.com/aNuCMVhsWQ  ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2021

Among the world-class facilities include the gauge converted and electrified Ujjain-Fatehabad Chandrawatiganj Broad Gauge section, the third line in Bhopal-Barkhera section, gauge converted and electrified Mathela-Nimar Kheri Broad Gauge section and electrified Guna-Gwalior section, said the statement.

Redeveloped in public-private partnership (PPP) mode, the station has been designed as a green building with modern world-class amenities which has also taken into account ease of mobility for 'divyangjans' (physically challenged).

The Prime Minister will also flag off two new MEMU trains between Ujjain-Indore and Indore-Ujjain, it said, adding that the station is also developed as a hub for integrated multi-modal transport.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association in Uttar Pradeshs Jhansi on Friday (November 19, 2021). Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar on Monday informed that PM Modi will also be the first member of the association.

The Defence Secretary said that PM Modi will also dedicate eight programmes and projects to the nation, which would include 100 Sainik Schools which would be started in the next two years.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association. This will help the former cadets of the organisation to keep in touch with it. PM Narendra Modi would be the first member of the NCC alumni association to be launched on November 19 in Jhansi," the Defence Secretary said.

ALSO READ | Tribal society's contribution being honoured for the first time since Independence: PM Narendra Modi

1283 schools in border and coastal districts to have NCC -- 896 schools in border areas, 255 in coastal areas, and 132 schools in stations where Indian Air Force is present: Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

Kumar also informed that 1,283 schools in border and coastal districts will have the NCC.

"896 schools in border areas, 255 in coastal areas and 132 in stations where Indian Air Force is present," he added.

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (November 15, 2021) resumed hearing a plea filed over the worsening air quality in Delhi and directed the Centre to call an emergency meeting on Tuesday to take important measures.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, directed the concerned secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab and Delhi to attend the meeting to make their submissions before the committee formed by it.

The top court also came to the conclusion that the major culprits of pollution are construction activity, industry, transport, power and vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some parts.

"So far, as stubble burning is concerned, broadly affidavits state that their contribution is not so much except for two months. However, at present a good amount of stubble burning is taking place in Haryana and Punjab," the bench also comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant said.

The top court also asked the state governments of Punjab and Haryana to pursue the farmers for two weeks not to do stubble burning and emphasized that action is required to be taken on vehicular pollution, industrial pollution and dust control measures.

"We direct the government of India, NCR states to examine introducing work from home for employees," the bench added.

Earlier in the day, the AAP government had told the Supreme Court that it was ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control air pollution. The Delhi government had told the top court that such a step, however, would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states.

"GNCTD (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi) is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control the local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across the NCR areas in neighbouring states. Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have a limited impact on the air quality regime.

"This issue would need to be addressed at the level of airshed involving NCR areas. In view of the above, we are ready to consider this step if the same is mandated for the entire NCR areas by the government of India or by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas," an affidavit filed by the Delhi government said.

Earlier on November 13, the Supreme Court had called the situation "very serious" and had said that the government should consider a two-day lockdown to protect citizens and inform the court on Monday about emergency steps to improve air quality.

"We have been forced to wear masks at home also, the situation is very serious," Chief Justice of India NV Ramana had said while hearing a plea filed by a student over the worsening air quality.

Subsequently, the Delhi government had announced the closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, except those where exams are being conducted, for a week from Monday.

This is noteworthy that the air quality in Delhi, often ranked the world's most polluted capital, has declined due to crop stubble burning, emissions from transport, coal-fired plants outside the city and other industry, as well as open garbage burning and dust.

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for the second consecutive day on Monday, with the AQI being recorded at 342. The air quality index of Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Noida stood at 328, 340, 326 and 328 respectively at 9.05 am.

The national capital recorded a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 330 on Sunday as against 473 the previous day as emissions from farm fires in Haryana and Punjab dropped significantly.

This is noteworthy that an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

(With agency inputs)

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Hyderabad: In a matter of serious concern, the police of two Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been frequently raiding and recovering banned narcotic substance marijuana (ganja) which is being supplied towards Maharashtra. In the latest incident, the Rachakonda police commissionerate in Telangana on Monday (November 15, 2021) morning seized 1,240 kg of marijuana which was being transported to Mumbai.

The Special Operations Team (SOT) of the commissionerate intercepted vehicles in which the marijuana was being transported under the Medipally police limits on the outskirts of Hyderabad city.

The seized ganja is said to be worth over Rs 2 crores and three people have been arrested in this connection.

"Based on specific intelligence input, our SOT teams intercepted these vehicles and seized the banned substance. The culprits confessed that the banned substance was being procured from Sileru near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and being transported to Mumbai via Telangana. The packing was being done in an abandoned garage on the outskirts of Hyderabad," disclosed Mahesh M Bhagwat, Commissioner, Rachakonda police.

"We have arrested three people in this connection and we are looking for three more accused in this case who are presently absconding," he added.

Those arrested have been charged under section 20 (b) (c) of the NDPS act.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (November 15, 2021) addressed a gathering at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan in Bhopal, after paying floral tribute to legendary freedom fighter from the tribal community Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary.

At the event, PM Modi said it was for the first time, since Independence, that the culture of the tribal society and its contribution towards freedom struggle and nation-building was being proudly honoured and remembered.

Today India is celebrating its 1st 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'. For the 1st time after independence, art, culture of tribal society & their contribution towards freedom struggle and nation-building is being proudly remembered & honoured, said PM Modi at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan in Bhopal.

Today India is celebrating its 1st 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'. For the 1st time after independence, art, culture of tribal society & their contribution towards freedom struggle&nation-building is being proudly remembered & honoured: PM at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan, Bhopal pic.twitter.com/jx7ecCItEk  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

Like Ambedkar Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti and other similar days, the jayanti (birth anniversary) of Bhagwan Birsa Munda will be celebrated every year on November 15, PM Modi said.

I'd also like to remember notable historian & Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare. I came to know this morning that he passed away. His contribution in taking history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to common people is priceless, PM Modi added.

I'd also like to remember notable historian & Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare. I came to know this morning that he passed away. His contribution in taking history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to common people is priceless: PM at Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Mahasammelan, Bhopal pic.twitter.com/8TELBjws4L  ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2021

PM Modi also stated that the development is now taking place in 100 aspirational districts which remained backward during the earlier (Congress) regimes.

At the event, the prime minister also launched multiple initiatives for the welfare of the janjatiya community, including the Ration Aapke Gram' scheme in Madhya Pradesh. The scheme is aimed at delivering the monthly quota of PDS Ration to beneficiaries from janjatiya community in their own villages every month so that they don't have to travel to the Fair Price Shop to collect their ration.

Modi also handed over genetic counselling cards to beneficiaries, marking the launch of the Madhya Pradesh Sickle Cell (Hemoglobinopathy) Mission, which has been developed to screen and manage patients suffering from sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies and to increase public awareness about these diseases, whose impact is seen to be more profound on the janjatiya community of Madhya Pradesh.

Additionally, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across various states and UTs including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tripura and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: India in the last 24 hours recorded 10,229 new COVID-19 infections and the active caseload has now dropped to its lowest in 17 months, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday (November 15, 2021) morning.

As per the health ministry, the country's active caseload now stands at 1,34,096 and is the lowest in 523 days. Active cases now account for less than 1% of the total infections reported across the country.

"Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the States/UTs continue the trend of less than 50,000 Daily New Cases that is being reported for 141 consecutive days now," the health ministry said in a statement.

#Unite2FightCorona  India's Active Caseload (1,34,096) constitute 0.39% of Total Cases. pic.twitter.com/uAAxkUa8QD  Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) November 15, 2021

There were also 125 coronavirus-related deaths and 11,926 recoveries in the last 24 hours.

The last 24 hours also saw a total of 9,15,198 tests being conducted across India and the country has so far conducted over 62.46 crore cumulative tests. While the weekly positivity rate is now at 0.99% and remains less than 2% for the last 52 days, the daily positivity rate is reported to be at 1.12% and has been below 2% for the last 42 days now.

Meanwhile, 30,20,119 vaccine doses were administered on Sunday and Indias COVID-19 vaccination coverage has now crossed 112.34 crores, as per provisional reports till 7 am on Monday.

The health ministry informed that more than 20.20 crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered.

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Thiruvananthapuram/Pathanamthitta: Kerala's popular Sabarimala Temple will reopen for the Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti) festival from Monday, state's Health Minister Veena George has informed.

She added that the department has made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims in order to combat the possible spread of COVID-19. The hill shrine of Sabarimala will be opened for Mandala-Makaravilakku, which last for two months, on Monday evening and the public will be allowed for obeisance from Tuesday.

The temple will remain open till December 26 for Mandalapooja. The temple will again be opened on December 30 and darshan will be allowed till January 20th for Makaravilakku festival.

Health Minister said that all health services has been put in place by preparing an action plan in October."At the state level, special meetings were convened in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts to coordinate the activities.

Spot booking at Sabarimala Temple cancelled

However, spot booking at Sabarimala Temple has been cancelled for three days in the wake of heavy rainfall warning issued for various districts in the state, including Pathanamthitta.

"When the Sabarimala temple reopens, it will be difficult to allow more pilgrims to enter. The Pamba river is turbulent due to heavy rains. The availability of drinking water and bathing water is also a cause of concern. So the meeting decided to limit the number of people to Sabarimala in the next three to four days. Pampa bathing is not allowed as the water level is dangerous. Spot booking will be temporarily stopped. The government is considering changing the date for those booked via a virtual queue to control the number of people," said CM Vijayan after a high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the health department officials are being deployed at treatment centers from Pamba to Sannidhanam. The services of expert doctors from medical colleges are ensured in Pamba and Sannidhanam. These centers will be operational from Monday," she said.

Veena George said that the emergency medical centres and oxygen parlours are being set up at five places along the journey from Pamba to Sannidhanam.

"If pilgrims have any health problems such as excessive heartbeat, shortness of breath or chest pain during the journey to the temple, one should seek treatment at the nearest centre immediately. Trained staff nurses and other medical facilities are available at these centres 24 hours a day," she added.

The Health Minister said that specialized dispensaries have been set up at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, Charalmedu (Ayyappan Road) and Erumeli.

"Medicines and safety equipment were provided. There will also be an emergency operation theatre at Sannidhanam. Ventilators were installed at Pampa and Sannidhanam. Apart from this, facilities have been provided at major government hospitals in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The mobile medical team was also set up. Free ambulance service is also available for patients in need of specialist medical care," she added.

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Mumbai/Nagpur: As many as 100 Naxals fired indiscriminately at C-60 commandos and jawans of the Special Action Team (SAT) from their sophisticated weapons in the Mardintola forest in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra disregarding the appeal to surrender on Saturday morning.

According to police, the fierce encounter ended around 3:30 PM on Saturday after almost 10 hours, resulting in the killing of the most wanted Naxalite, Milind Teltumbade and 25 other rebels. Police said the ultras had gathered in large numbers in the forest to plan "subversive" activities against security personnel ahead of the Naxal week.

According to the police, the killing of Milind Teltumbde, carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakh, has delivered a huge blow to the banned movement in the Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone, DIG, Gadchiroli Range, Sandip Patil said.

Milind Teltumbde was one of the wanted accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. He was the brother of activist and scholar Anand Teltumbde arrested earlier in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case and is currently lodged at the Taloja prison in neighbouring Navi Mumbai.

Milind Teltumbde was the key person who in the last 20 years gave momentum to the Naxal movement and built it in Maharashtra, the DIG said. "He was the only future of that movement and there was no other leader in Maharashtra," the officer added. "Considering his contribution to the Naxal movement and his influence among some parts of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and urban areas, he was a very important and key cadre and we were searching for him for a very long time," he said.

According to the senior police official of the Gadchiroli range, the MMC was a very important zone and project of Maoists.

How Gadchiroli operation was conducted?

Giving details about the encounter, Gadchiroli SP Ankit Goyal said the police had received intelligence inputs two days before the Saturday operation about the presence of a Naxal camp in the forest in the Mardintola forest in the Gyarapatti area of the Korchi tehsil.

"A team of 300 police personnel, including C-60 commandos and SAT, along with additional SP Soumya Munde launched the anti-Naxal operation. They started conducting a search operation on Thursday night in the forest. Around 6 AM on Saturday, over 100 ultras opened a heavy firing with their sophisticated weapons and ammunition on C-60 commandos and Special Action Team (SAT) personnel," he said.

Goyal said 16 bodies have been identified so far with the help of the ultras who have surrendered.

He said many of the slain Naxals carried huge rewards on their heads. "Killing of Milind Teltumbde will affect the Naxal movement very badly not only in Maharashtra but across India," Goyal added.

An official said Milind Teltumbde, the MMC zone's secretary and the only member from Maharashtra in the Maoists' central committee, was tasked to divert the central government's attention from hilly areas to the MMC zone. "It (Milind Teltumbde's killing) is a big setback for them in the MMC zone because he was its chief in-charge," he said.

Teltumbde' ran 'urban network' of the rebels

To a query on Milind Teltumbde's deep link with the 'urban Naxal' movement, the official said he was one cadre who had strong connections in both the urban and jungle-based movements. Milind Teltumbde along with his wife Angela Sontakke used to run an "urban network" (of the rebels) in Maharashtra, he said.

As per a charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Elgar Parishad case, Milind Teltumbde was named as the 'dreaded Maoist', a top operative of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), and declared as absconding.

Speaking about the anti-Naxal operation, Goyal said the police had inputs that Naxals from company no 4, Tipagad LOS, Korchi LOS, Vistar Platoon, CCM Milind Teltumbde's Guard and other dalams were present in large numbers in the Mardintola forest.

"As per the information, the ultras had gathered in the forest to plan various strategies against the security forces in the backdrop of the upcoming 'Naxal week' and also to carry out other subversive activities," he said.

The SP said when C-60 commandos came under fire on Saturday morning, they appealed to the Naxals to stop gunfire and surrender.

"But, disregarding this appeal, Naxals intensified the gunfire. The ensuing gun battle between the police and the ultras continued close to ten hours and ended at 3.30 pm when sensing mounting police pressure, the Naxals fled from the place of the incident taking cover under the thick forest. "During the search, the commandos recovered 26 bodies which included 20 men and 6 women," he added.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered which includes five AK-47 rifles, one AKM-UBGL, nine SLRs, three .303 rifles, nine 2.2 single bore, one Insas rifle, one pistol and explosives.

Among the slain Naxals, Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) Lokesh Madkam was carrying a reward of Rs 20 lakh on his head and Mahesh Gota of Rs 16 lakh. "Commanders" Kishan Jaiman and Sannu Kowachi each carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh on their heads, the SP said.

Among the female Naxals killed in the encounter, Vimla alias Manso Boga, who was the bodyguard of Milind Teltumbde, was carrying a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh reward on her head, the official said.

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New Delhi: Days after celebrating the festival of Diwali with the Bachchan family, Bollywood IT couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan jetted off to the Maldives along with their daughter Aaradhya and are vacationing there. The parents will be celebrating her 10th birthday on November 16 on the tropical island.

Both Aishwarya and Abhishek have been regularly dropping pictures of their exotic vacation. As per Bollywood Life, the couple has been staying at Amilla resort. The report adds that the villa approximately ranges Rs 10 lakh per night. The most expensive estate is described as a hip, luxurious light-filled space which costs approximately around Rs 14 lakh.

In one of the photos, Aishwarya is seen enjoying the pool alongside her daughter Aaradhya. Abhishek shared a Boomerang video of himself on his Instagram at the shore while the waves touches his feet.

Sharing pictures of the view from their villa, Abhishek wrote, "Not a bad view to wake-up to."

Aishwarya too shared a view of the resort that featured two swimming pools located adjacent to each other with several palm trees and the beach in the background. Summing up what she feels about the location, Aishwarya Rai wrote, "Sun breeze and paradise."

Aishwarya and Abhishek have starred together in several projects, including 'Dhai Akshar Prem Ke', 'Bunty Aur Babli', 'Kuch Naa Kaho', 'Sarkar Raj', 'Dhoom', 'Umrao Jaan', 'Guru' and 'Raavan'. After dating for a few years, the duo tied the knot in 2007. Four years later, the couple welcomed their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan in 2011.

Last seen in Amazon's web-series 'Breathe 2', Abhishek is all set to feature on the third installment of the series. He also has 'Bob Biswas', 'Dasvi' and 'SSS7' in his kitty. Asihwarya, who was last seen in 'Fanney Khan', has Tamil film 'Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2'.
Mumbai: Trishala Dutt, daughter of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, recently opened up about her wedding plans and revealed that she is looking for a proper gentleman. Trishala, an ardent social media user, recently held a 'Ask me Anything' session with her fans and followers on Instagram where she spoke on a range of topics.

A user asked her about her plans of getting married, to which the 33-year-old confessed that dating at this age and day is 'a disaster'. "Ohhhhh It's so hard lol. It's so hard. For those of you who are single in 2021, you know what I'm talking about. And for those who have been married for 5+ years, you have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about."

"Dating in this age is a disaster. An utmost disaster. There`s always someone thinking they can do better lol. I`ll get married whenever I find a proper gentleman that treats me with respect, love, and appreciation that I deserve. And of course, vice-versa. Happy wife - happy life," she replied.

Trishala also passed the idea of entering the world of Hindi cinema as she said that she is 'busy building' her own legacy.

"Do you have plans to enter into the film industry to carry on Sanjay Sir's legacy," a user asked. She replied, "No. I`m busy building on leaving my own legacy behind."

Trishala's verified profile has over 573K followers on the photo-sharing website. She is Sanjay Dutt`s eldest child, from the late Richa Sharma.
New Delhi: A discussion with industry organisations and specialists on cryptocurrency was convened today by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, led by BJP MP and former federal minister Jayant Sinha. According to news agency ANI, which cited anonymous sources, there was consensus during the discussion that digital currency cannot be banned but must be regulated.

Members of the Parliamentary panel are also claimed to have expressed a desire for government officials to appear before the panel and answer their concerns.

The meeting comes only days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level review discussion on cryptocurrency's future.

This is the first meeting of the Parliamentary panel on the subject, which has sparked a lot of curiosity as well as worries from various sectors about investment possibilities and risks.

There was agreement that bitcoin should be regulated by a regulatory structure. Sources informed ANI that industry organisations and stakeholders were unsure who should be the regulator.

Members of Parliament (MPs) highlighted worries about the security of investors' funds during the meeting.

Full-page crypto adverts in major dailies attracted the ire of one MP. Experts have stated that cryptocurrencies are a form of investor democracy, according to the people.

PM Modi chaired a review meeting on digital currency on Saturday, and it was resolved that the government would continue to engage with experts and other stakeholders on the rapidly expanding technology.

Attempts to deceive the country's younger population through over-promising and non-transparent ads should be halted, according to the PM's meeting. They also agreed that unregulated crypto markets should not be permitted to become conduits for money laundering and terror financing.

In recent years, India has had a tumultuous relationship with digital currencies. It effectively prohibited crypto transactions in 2018 after a run of frauds followed Modi's abrupt move to abolish 80% of the country's currency, but the restriction was overturned by the Supreme Court in March 2020.

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#mute
With smartphones penetrating every nook and corner of the Indian society, several tech features that come along with these phones have also found its valid takers.

Considering that most of these smartphones have the latest gaming tech embedded in them at an affordable price, the online gaming industry is the latest entrant industry to watch out for.

Anish Kapoor, CEO, Infinix Mobile in a candid interview with Reema Sharma of Zee Media shared his views on the booming aspect of gaming industry post the penetration of smartphones in the country.

Gaming happens to be the next big thing for smartphone makers, after cameras. How does the brand look at this emerging trend?

Gone are the days when cameras were the most preferred feature for smartphone buyers, who were looking to get pictures at par with DSLR cameras. Today, smartphones have overtaken PCs and consoles in the gaming category. They are being opted by millennials and even professional gamers to play games like Battleground Mobile India, Freefire, Call of Duty, and more.

Between mobile phone gaming and traditional gaming, what is being widely chosen by the people in India?

Interestingly, recent reports indicate that 90 percent of gamers now prefer mobile phones to play games, unlike traditional gaming methods. In fact, according to Sensor Tower data, India is the worlds largest mobile gaming market in app downloads, constituting 12% of the total downloads worldwide. As more people have started investing their time in mobile gaming, smartphone manufacturers are embracing this community of gamers and introducing the latest and most innovative technologies to amplify the experience for end-consumers. Affordable gaming-centric phones backed by superior embedded gaming technology are being introduced that can optimally sustain phone operations along with heavy-duty gaming applications.

Why do users prefer mobiles now over other devices?

Well, the present generation of gaming phones provides a host of advantages for gamers:

Compactness and Mobility- The foremost factor users bank on while choosing phones to play online games. They need not stay bound by the huge PC, Desktop, Laptop, or any Console to play online games now. There is a flexibility of playing games anywhere, anytime.

Affordability- Pleasantly, for gaming enthusiasts, smartphones are now available well within their targeted budget and much affordable than the earlier generation gaming phones.

Technologically Upgraded- The gaming industry gaped up multiple technological loopholes in previous generation smartphones. The issues like screen tearing or staggering, poor screen colors, substandard touch panels for instant game responsiveness, phone heating, and health issues due to prolonged screen exposure are now resolved and upgraded to better standards.

What according to you is the future of gaming-centric smartphones?

Considering that the country is expected to add 40 million online gamers by 2022 and emerge as a $2.8-billion-dollar online gaming industry, smartphone manufacturers are evolving their devices with an array of powerful features and equally capable software like the Dar Link gaming technology that addresses all the pain points, bringing the gaming interaction and display experience to a new level. This technology increases the frame rate of games from 60Hz-90Hz so that they match the displays frame rate to avoid any screen tearing.

The mobile gaming world has transformed miraculously in the past decade and it is expected to grow and evolve in unimaginable ways. However, those who have been investing in buying consoles like PlayStations and Xbox, are now simply buying a smartphone to casually play graphic-intensive games. Smartphone makers are not only making online gaming accessible but even more portable. This means we can see more casual gamers joining the community in this era of gaming phones and Minecrafting their future in the Leagues of Legends.

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#mute
New Delhi: We saw plenty of drama and heartbreak during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode as Salman Khan made an announcement related to Raqesh Bapats exit from the show due to medical reason.

Now, ShaRa fans are disappointed and left in shock as Raqesh would not return to the BIGG BOSS house. The aftershocks continued to be felt, with Shamita feeling broken without her beau by her side. Despite having sympathy for her, Vishal feels satisfied with Raqesh's absence to benefit his game.

The housemates are now divided into VIPs and non-VIPs and it has created a lot of mess in the house!

As they rightly say, with great power comes great responsibility. The VIP members of the Bigg Boss house were bestowed with the power to run the house at their will! The drama unfolded when the VIPs dominated their housemates by conspiring to palm off their tasks on the non-VIP housemates, leading to frustration and annoyance! An uprising is in the works as the non-VIP members are ready to overturn them!

Karan triumphantly says, Hamara khaana bhi wohi banaayenge, hamari cleaning bhi woh karenge, hamare bathroom bhi wohi saaf karenge! Infuriated by their behaviour, Jay lashes out at them, "Insaano ki fitrat pata chalti hai jab power haath mein aati hai!" Pratik bluntly declares that he is a slave to no one and will not dance to their tunes.

Tejasswi hits back that they have no choice but to listen to the commands of VIPs. Jay tells Karan how he doesn't like their tone, but the latter threatens they have more than one way to make them (housemates) obey their commands. How will the non-VIPs manage? Only time will tell!

Watch the drama unfold as the house is divided into VIP and non-VIP zone and keep watching this space for more updates.
New Delhi: In a heart-warming gesture, a senior police officer in Srinagar came to the help of an old local vendor in the city after his life's savings, which he had kept for his funeral, was looted by burglars.

Abdul Rehman, 90, a roadside 'channa' seller in the Bohri Kadal area of the city here was robbed of his personal savings by the burglars on Saturday. He had saved the money for his last rites, sources said.

The robbers thrashed Rehman, who lives alone, and took away Rs 1 lakh which he had kept with him for the fear of misplacing it, they said.

Moved by his ordeal, Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Chaudhary chipped in to help the elderly man, the sources said.

The police officer gave Rehman Rs 1 lakh from his own pocket which brought a smile to the vendor's face, they added.

Meanwhile, the gesture earned praise for the city police chief on social media.

"The gesture of a police officer paying a robbed, old man from pocket is a unique and a noble gesture. Great work. @Sandeep_IPS_JKP," Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone said.

"Appreciative decision by Srinagar police & @Sandeep_IPS_JKP towards the old aged Channa seller to assist him with the money of one lakh that was looted from his home. Abdul Rehman had saved the laborious money for his last rites; he sells snacks and lives all alone! Salute sir," Deputy Mayor, SMC, Parvaiz Ahmad Qadri said.

Appreciative decision by Srinagar police & @Sandeep_IPS_JKP towards the old aged Channa seller to assist him with the money of one lakh that was looted from his home. Abdul Rehman had saved the laborious money for his last rites; he sells snacks and lives all alone! Salute sir pic.twitter.com/FL0tXvoUWB  Parvaiz Ahmad Qadri (@Parvaiz_Qadri) November 14, 2021

Police have registered a case and investigations are underway. The sources said top police officers, including the SSP, were tracking the investigations.

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Jerusalem: Israeli government has approved giving the COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 5 and 11. The Health Ministry decision follows approval by US Health authorities earlier this month to OK the vaccine for the same age group.

Israel was one of the first countries in the world to carry out a broad vaccination campaign in its adult and adolescent population early this year, and it became the first country to carry out a widespread booster campaign over the summer.

Experts say Israel's aggressive vaccination efforts have helped curb the spread of the coronavirus and bring a recent wave of the delta variant under control. But it has seen the coronavirus continue to spread among unvaccinated populations, including children.

In a statement, the Health Ministry said its director general, Dr. Nachman Ash, accepted a recommendation from expert advisers to inoculate children with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

It said a majority of advisers believed the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks. The ministry said it would announce a date for beginning the campaign in the coming days. Israeli media said the vaccinations of a child-sized dose of the vaccine were expected to start next week.

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LONDON: Counter-terrorism officers arrested three men after a vehicle exploded outside a hospital in the northern English city of Liverpool on Sunday, killing one person and wounding another, police said.

A male passenger in the car was declared dead at the scene, while the male driver was injured and was in hospital in a stable condition, police said.

Counter-terrorism officers said they were investigating the case with local police and that they were keeping an open mind as to what had happened.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said his thoughts were with those people affected and interior minister Priti Patel said she was being kept regularly updated.

My thoughts are with all those affected by the awful incident in Liverpool today. I want to thank the emergency services for their quick response and professionalism, and the police for their ongoing work on the investigation.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 14, 2021

Three men - aged 29, 26, and 21 - were detained in the Kensington area of the city and arrested under the Terrorism Act, police said in a statement.

#UPDATE | A large cordon is in place on Rutland Avenue in #Liverpool and a small number of addresses have been evacuated as a precaution. This is part of our ongoing enquiries into the car explosion outside the citys Womens hospital on Sunday morning.  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) November 15, 2021

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said police were called to reports of a car explosion just before 1100 GMT outside Liverpool Women`s Hospital, just as a Remembrance Day Service was commemorating war dead at the nearby Liverpool Cathedral.

Police said they understood that the car involved was a taxi that pulled up at the hospital shortly before the explosion occurred.

"Work is still ongoing to establish what has happened," Kennedy told reporters.

LATEST | A message to the people of Merseyside from Chief Constable Serena Kennedy following the events of this morning, Sunday 14th November, at the Liverpool Womens Hospital. Read Here:https://t.co/DapFu1NGC7 pic.twitter.com/3C8WW9dzSw  Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) November 14, 2021

"We are keeping an open mind as to what caused the explosion but given how it has happened, out of caution, counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation supported by Merseyside Police," Kenny added.

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